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Objective: To assess the proportion of non urgent patients presenting to the emergency department and to compare urgency evaluation between patients and doctors. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Emergency department Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Jhelum, from November 2015 to December 2015. Material and Methods: All the patients presenting to the emergency department after working hours between 4-6 pm were documented for 16 consecutive working days. They were assessed as to the urgency of their condition by the doctor. The patients or guardians in case of children were also required to rate the level of urgency of their medical condition. The level of urgency was graded on visual analog scale from 0-10. A 5 and above score was labeled as urgent while a score of less than 5 was considered non urgent. Results: A total of 205 patients reported in 32 hours over 16 days, to the emergency department. Of these 31 (15.12%) were assessed as emergencies by doctors while 49 (24%) were thought to be emergencies by patients. The p-value for this difference was 0.021. The largest group of patients visiting the emergency department was pediatric and they comprised the largest group of non urgent visits to the hospital as well. Conclusion: Actual emergencies comprise a small proportion of visits to emergency departments while the main bulk consists of non urgent visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess growth hormone (GH) stimulation test efficacy in short stature workup for establishing GH deficiency. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Diagnostic Endocrine Section, Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Aug 2020 to Jan 2021. Methodology: The study was conducted on 129 individuals aged 2-16 years. History, axiological data and biochemical parameters were assessed to establish GH deficiency for short stature workup. Results: Out of 129 individuals, 76(59%) boys and 53(41%) girls reported GH stimulation tests. 81(62.3%) children were in <3rd percentile, 29(22.3%) in <5th percentile, 9(6.9%) in <10th percentile and 5(3.8%) in <25th percentile. Among the group with bone age difference >2 years, 34(82.9%) fell in <3rd percentile. GH Stimulation test post-Levo Dopa was performed in 102(78.46%) patients. 49(37.4%) patients responded inadequately to the GH stimulation test. The adequate response to the GH Stimulation test improved as the percentile declined from the 50th to the 3rd percentile. Conclusion: GH stimulation test results can only partially rely upon though their importance remains in combination with other short-stature workup parameters for ruling out growth hormone deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the effect of Critical Incident Stress Management on the mental health of nurses during COVID-19. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Jhelum Pakistan from Mar to Jun 2020. Methodology: Forty-six nurses were consecutively recruited and evaluated regarding Knowledge about COVID-19, thoughts regarding its origin, emotional reactions, and coping mechanisms. The evaluation was followed by the provision of Critical Incident Stress Management sessions in March. Finally, in the second phase conducted in June, the participants were evaluated again to assess the effect of intervention regarding the above parameters. Results: Results indicated a statistically significant shift in Knowledge from Social Media to Academic Resources (p<0.001). Thoughts regarding the origin of COVID-19 showed that 'Religious Causes' and belief in 'Religious and Biological Causes both" significantly reduced (p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively), while opinions regarding 'Biological Causes' increased in frequency (p< 0.001). Emotionally a significant reduction was seen in Confusion (p<0.001). A significant reduction was observed in Religious Rituals (p=0.002) for Coping Mechanisms. However, observing Safety Precautions and Distraction Strategies were insignificantly affected (p=0.668 and p=1, respectively). Conclusion: Critical Incident Stress Management helped healthcare workers sublimate their emotional reactions and helped them cope with a productive mindset for better management of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare adjusted calcium levels with ionised Calcium in chronic renal failure patients with hypoalbuminemia for the correct assessment of their Calcium status. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Mar 2020 to Jan 2021. Methodology: A total of 304 individuals aged 18 to 90 years, of either gender were included in the study. Participants were differentiated into stages of Chronic renal failure based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated through the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Serum total Calcium, urea and creatinine were analysed on ADVIA 1800R Clinical Chemistry Auto analyser. In addition, ionised Calcium was analysed on Cobas b221 blood gas and electrolyte analyser. Results: Mean age of the study participants was 56.3±16.03 years. 130(42.5%) individuals had stage-5 while 102(33.3%) had stage 4 chronic kidney disease. Based on ionised Calcium concentration, 37.3% of participants had hypocalcaemia, 57.2% had normocalcaemia, and 4.9% had hypercalcaemia. 57.5% had albumin concentration between 20-29g/L. Cohen's Kappa statistical analysis showed adjusted Calcium to be a poor predictor of the correct Calcium status of the patients with hypoalbuminemia. Conclusion: Adjusted Calcium, using the Modified Payne formula, overestimates Calcium status in patients of chronic renal failure with hypoalbuminemia when compared with total unadjusted Calcium levels hence misclassifying true hypocalcaemic patients as normocalcaemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the pattern and presentations of odontogenic jaw cysts in patients reporting at the Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry. Study Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, from Jan to Dec 2007. Material and Methods: Hundred patients including 70 males and 30 females with the age range 5-65 years were included in the study. History, clinical examination, radiographic examination and histopathologic examination of lesion were carried out for each patient. A proforma was filled for each patient for all relevant information, presentation and pattern. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 10. Results: Out of total 100 patients, 58% were diagnosed with radicular cysts, 25% with dentigerous cysts, 15% with odontogenic keratocyst, 1% patient with calcifying epithelial odontogenic cyst and 1% patient was diagnosed with eruption cyst. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that radicular cyst was the most common odontogenic cysts followed by dentigerous and odontogenic keratocysts respectively in our study sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the post-operative complications for mandibular fractures with three different treatment options i.e. miniplate fixation without maxillomandibular fixation (MMF), maxillomandibular fixation exclusively and maxillomandibular fixation with non-rigid fixation. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial (RCT). Place and Duration of Study: Oral and maxillofacial surgery department, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from February 2007 to January 2008. Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out over a period of one year on 90 patients with mandibular fractures. They were randomly divided into three equal groups for three treatment options. At different levels of their post-operative visit, these patients were evaluated for post-operative complications. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS version 10. Results: Patients treated by MMF had fewer complications, 3 (10%) as compared to patients treated by miniplate without MMF or non-rigid fixation with MMF, 16.7% (5) in each group. Statistically difference was not significant (p-value =0.138). Conclusion: The occurrence of post-operative complications in the treatment of mandibular fractures is fundamentally related to the severity of the fracture rather than the type of treatment used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the pattern of drug abuse from different clinical settings in a reference laboratory of Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess any change from the previous trend. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi Pakistan from Mar to Dec 2020. Methodology: Out of 6902 subjects tested for drug abuse, 672 subjects with positive results were included in the study. The study population was divided into three main Groups. i.e., Psychiatry, ITC/Emergency and Workplace testing. A pattern of drug abuse was compared in the pre (MarDec 2019) and postCOVID (MarDec 2020) periods. Results: Out of 672 study subjects, 338(50%) were psychiatry patients. Around 629(94%) subjects were males. Mainly young individuals (306, 46%) were affected. Cannabis was the most frequent drug of abuse detected (357, 53%), followed by Benzodiazepines (BZD) (236, 35%) individuals and Opiates (47, 7%). Compared with preCOVID data, an overall increase of 3% in the total frequency of drug abuse from 392(7%) to 672(10%) was found in 2020. About 14% decrease, from the frequency of 81(21%) to 47(7%) in Opiates usage, while 8% increase in frequency, from 106(27%) to 236(35%) in Benzodiazepines, was observed. There was significant mean difference (p<0.001) between Psychiatric and ITC patients. Conclusion: Most frequent drug abuse in our settings is Cannabis, followed by Benzodiazepines and Opiates. An overall increase in drug abuse frequency while a decrease in the frequency of Opiates users has been observed, a finding different from previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare serum Copper, Zinc, Lead, Aluminium and Iron levels in patients with Parkinson's disease with healthy subjects and the association of these trace elements. Study Design: Comparative Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Nov 2019 to Jul 2020. Methodology: Out of the total of 129 study participants, 83 were Parkinson's disease patients, and 46 were healthy subjects. Serum Iron level was measured on random access fully automated chemistry analyser advia 1800. In addition, Copper, Zinc, Lead and Aluminium were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. These levels were compared between patients with Parkinson's disease and healthy subjects using the MannWhitney U test. Results: Out of the total 129 subjects, males accounted for 51(61.4%) and females were 32(38.6%) in the diseased Group, while in healthy subjects, males accounted for 22(47.8%) and females for 24(52.2%). Levels of Copper, Zinc and Iron were significantly decreased in patients with Parkinson's disease compared to healthy subjects (p<0.001). However, serum concentrations of Aluminium and Lead showed an increasing trend in patients with Parkinson's disease compared to agematched healthy subjects (p<0.001). Conclusion: Decreased levels of serum copper, iron and Zinc were seen in patients with Parkinson's disease, while aluminium and lead levels were raised, showing the potential neurotoxic role of these elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is a staple food of Pakistan and its productivity is linked with water supply. Potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD) is an approach to save water. PSMD technique was utilized to grow early and late sowing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for optimum yield. The experiment was conducted at the agronomic research area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. The experimental design was randomized complete block design in a split plot arrangement with three replications. The main plot was sowing dates (15th November and 15th December) and the sub-plots were levels of irrigation based on PSMD (full irrigation, 45 mm, 60 mm and 75 mm). The row spacing as set 20 cm and the seed rate was 125 kg ha-1 using cv. Sahar-2006. Fertilizer was applied at 120:90 kg ha-1 of nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. Data were recorded for yield and yield components at maturity. Irrigation at 45 mm PSMD for crop sown on November 15 produced maximum grain yield. During both years, maximum plant height, number of grains per spike, thousand grain weight, productive of tillers (m-2), grain yield and WUE were recorded with full irrigation and irrigation at 45 mm PSMD respectively. Results revealed that deficit irrigation at 45 mm PSMD was water saving as compared to farmer conventional practice of full irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of adding body mass index and neck circumference to Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in sleep clinics. Study Design: Cross sectional validation study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pulmonology, Military Hospital Rawalpindi from 1st July 2013 to 01 September 2014. Material and Methods: The ESS and ESS plus body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference (NC) data was evaluated for 150 patients hospitalized in our hospital for polysomnographic evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea. Overnight polysomnography (PSG) was done for all patients and was considered the gold standard for diagnosis of OSA. ESS Scoring, BMI and NC data was done using pre-designated questionnaire. All the data was analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: Age ranged from 18-74 years with mean age of the study group 53 (±12.1 SD) years. Out of study population 87 (58%) were males and 63 (42%) females. In study population 80 (55.3%) patients had ESS >10. while 102 patients had ESS>10 with BMI > 35 kg/m2 and NC>40 cm. Using an AHI = 5 for OSA, 136 patients (90.6%) had OSA. Sensitivity of ESS > 10 for OSA was 55.15 % but increased to 72.79% when BMI > 35 kg/m2 and NC > 40 cm was added to patients with ESS > 10. Similarly specificity and predictive values of study population for diagnosing OSA also increased after adding BMI and NC to ESS. Conclusions: In this study adding body mass index (BMI) and NC to ESS score significantly increased the sensitivity and specificity and positive predictive value for diagnosis of OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the study was to synthesize a chemically cross-linked poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) hydrogel [p(HEMA-co-MAA hydrogel)] for pH-responsive, controlled drug delivery of Flurbiprofen. pH-sensitive hydrogel drug delivery system was synthesized with the help of poly hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) by using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker. The monomers (HEMA and MAA) were successfully cross linked through free radical polymerization process, initiated by benzoyl peroxide in an aqueous medium. All formulations were loaded with Flurbiprofen as a model drug and evaluated at pH 1.2 and pH 7.4 to investigate pH-responsive nature of the system. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to confirm the cross-linking of copolymer while thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed to evaluate the thermal stability of the system. Swelling studies and in-vitro release studies were carried out to evaluate pH-responsive nature of the hydrogels. FTIR confirmed that monomers were successfully cross-linked to form a copolymer. Hydrogel system showed less swelling at lower pH while at higher pH, it showed higher swelling, releasing drug in the same fashion. It was concluded that a stable hydrogel network was chemically cross-linked showing pH-responsive nature and thus, synthesized p(HEMA-co-MAA) hydrogels can be successfully employed as potential candidate for controlled drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changing climate threatens tree health by affecting the likelihood, frequency of occurrence, types and severity of forest diseases caused by diverse pests, resultantly altering the forest ecosystems. The present review covers the relationship between climate and diverse cases of forest diseases and potential shocks of climate change on pathogens and diseases. Biotic diseases, cankers, decays, declines, foliar diseases, root diseases and stem rust of pine have been reviewed with some illustrations of potential disease effects with predicted changing climate. The impact of changing climate on host, pathogen, and their interaction will have frequent and mostly unsympathetic outcomes to forest ecosystems. By employing the proactive and modern scientific management strategies like monitoring, modeling prediction, risk rating, planning, genetic diversity and facilitated migration, genetic protection and breeding for disease resistance and relating results to forest policy, planning as well as decision making, the suspicions innate to climate change effects can be minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Pesticides are the chemicals substances which are used for prevention of plant diseases, weeds and being used widely for increasing the quantity as well as quality of food products. Naturally, these pesticides interact with environment by altering the properties of host substances by producing the adverse impacts because most of the famers have no idea of using these chemicals substances. Pesticides are absorbed by soil particles which are transported to plants as well as animals through food chain and severely affect the ecosystem by causing acute or chronic disorders in the people of all ages. Similarly these pesticides cause serious threats to the aquatic ecosystem after their release by comprising different toxic substances, heavy metals and contaminants. This review paper has focused on the toxic nature of different pesticides, impacts and their possible refinement strategies from the environment as well as ways to minimize their impacts on plants and animals as adverse impacts of pesticides have also been observed on the human health, plants and other animals which need to control by reducing the use, release and synthesis on large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of anemia among pregnant women and find association of anemia with age, number of pregnancies, and the trimester of pregnancy at Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Hospital, Gwadar, Baluchistan. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Gwadar Developmental Authority Hospital, Gwadar Pakistan, from Sep 2017 to Feb 2018. Methodology: Through consecutive sampling, we included 200 women diagnosed with pregnancy reporting for routine checkup. The samples were taken through antecubital veins using aseptic technique and the hemoglobin was analyzed using Medonic M-series M32 Hematology Analyzer. We used definitions of anemia given by the World Health Organization. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: The mean age was 26.2 ± 5.6 years (range: 17-43 years). The mean hemoglobin was 10.1 ± 1.4 g/dL while the mean values for mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were 70.5 ± 10.1 f Land 24.1 ± 4.2 pg respectively. The frequency of anemia was 73% (n=146). Most (40%, n=80) women had anemia of moderate intensity. Mild anemia was most prevalent in the first trimester while moderate and severe anemia was in the third trimester. No significant interactions of woman's age, number of pregnancies, and the trimester of pregnancy were found with the presence of anemia. Conclusion: The frequency of anemia among pregnant women attending GDA hospital was 73% with maximum women having moderate anemia. Woman's age, number of pregnancies, and the trimester of pregnancy did not have any significant association with anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common impacted tooth is mandibular third molar and knowledge and assessment of its angulation pattern, position and depth in mandibular bone helps in better treatment planning and management of patients. The objective of this study was to enlist the frequency of dental caries and pericoronitis associated with different patterns of impacted mandibular third molars in different age groups and genders. A total of 250 patients with 393 impacted mandibular third molars seen in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore from October 2012 to March 2013 were included in the study. The age range of these patients was of 20 to 65 years. Patients were assessed by history, clinical and radiographic examination. Patterns of mandibular third molar impactions were assessed by using classification systems developed by Winter and Pell and Gregory on periapical radiographs. Pericoronitis was assessed by patient's history and clinical evaluation of mucosa surrounding the impacted mandibular third molars. Dental caries was assessed by clinical and radiographic evaluation. The most frequent pattern of impaction was mesioangular (37.6%), with Class II ramus relationship (53.2%) and Position A depth (62.8%). Dental caries was seen in 38.53% of patients mostly associated with mesioangular, Position A, Class I molars. Pericoronitis was seen in 29.36% of patients mostly associated with distoangular, Position A or B, Class II molars. It was concluded that the patients having third molars with the unfavourable angulations, patterns and positions could be considered as the candidates for prophylactic removal of impacted mandibular third molars to prevent dental caries or pericoronitis. Moreover, early diagnosis of percoronitis and dental caries and proper management of third molar is necessary to prevent further consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuralgia inducing cavitational osteonecrosis is a bone disease which leads to neuralgia like pain. The aims of this study were to document the frequency and pattern of presentation of neuralgia inducing cavitational osteonecrosis and differentiate it from trigeminal neuralgia. This case series was conducted from August 2011 to July 2012 at Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore. Patients having facial neuralgia like pain were assessed by history, clinical & radiographic examination. From these patients, seventy patients with signs and symptoms of neuralgia inducing cavitational osteonecrosis (i.e. oro-facial neuralgic pain with intra-oral trigger zone, previous history of surgical intervention and radiographic evidence of cavitational osteonecrosis in the jaws) were included in the study for surgical debridement and curettage of necrotic bone. Out of seventy patients, 25 were male (35.7%) and 45 were female (64.3%). Age range was of 18 to 70 years. Positive diagnosis of neuralgia inducing cavitational osteonecrosis was confirmed in 45.7% of cases. Most of the patients were from fourth and fifth decade of life. Mandibular posterior region was mostly involved (61.4%) followed by maxillary posterior region (30%). Anterior maxilla was involved (7.1%) more than anterior mandible (1.4%). NICO most often causes sharp, shooting pain and is frequently misdiagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia. Consequently, patients are prescribed unwarranted anticonvulsant drugs and/or a variety of surgical procedures without significant pain relief. Such patients should be diagnosed properly for effective management i.e. surgical debridement of involved region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Diabetes Mellitus is a prevailing medical condition worldwide (6%) and also in Pakistan. Infection in the orofacial wounds of these patients is common. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of diabetese mellitus on the healing process of alveolar sockets/bone after tooth removal. Eighteen diabetic patients with chronic jaw bone infections were examined and managed in oral and maxillofacial surgery department of de,Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore from 2009 to 2013. All patients gave history of tooth extraction about two months earlier. Orthopantomograph (OPG) were used to confirm the diagnosis. Fourteen patients (77.77%) were on oral hypoglycemic agents, four did not know their diabetic status, four patients (22.22%) were on intermediate acting insulin. All patients were managed under general anesthesia for involucrum sequestrectomy followed by primary closure. One insulin dependent patient with radiated lower jaw developed osteomyelitis after tooth extraction and was also on bisphosphonate medication followed by breast cancer surgery. This patient was operated twice to resolve the osteomyelitis of the lower jaw in follow up six months. It was concluded that diabetese effects the healing of sockets after tooth removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-two patients of ameloblastoma were operated with special emphasis on radiographic and histological appearance. The unicystic radiographico-histological (38) cases were managed conservatively with marsupialization followed by enucleation (Group A' 15 Patients) and enucleation with peripheral ostectomy (Group B' 23 Patients). The radiographico-histological multicystic (solid) variety (Group C' 14 Patients) was treated aggressively by resection. In conservative treatment regimens Carnoy's solution was applied after enucleation of the tumour whereas, the patients of aggressive surgery were operated with minimum 5mm safety marginal clearance of the tumour. The recurrence rate with average four years follow up was 0.0% for resection, 13.33% for marsupialization followed by enucleation and 8.69% for enucleation with peripheral ostectomy. The results were encouraging for unicystic ameloblastoma treated patients (Group A' & B'), in best interest of jaw bone contour preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to compare the masticatory efficiency with balanced occlusion and lingualized occlusion in complete denture wearers. The study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore. Sixty edentulous patients were included in this study; patients were randomly divided into two groups by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 10) software. Group A was provided with dentures fabricated with bilateral balanced occlusion and Group B with lingualized occlusion. The patient's masticatory efficiency was assessed after 2 months of denture insertion using the sieving method. Masticatory efficiency was statistically better in patients provided with complete dentures fabricated with lingualized occlusion than dentures with bilateral balanced occlusion. It was concluded patients provided with dentures fabricated with lingualized occlusal scheme were more comfortable with their dentures and were able to chew properly with ease and comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of newspapers in policy making. In this article, the press-policy making relationship is explored in Punjab, which is the most populous province of Pakistan, with approximately 56% of the country's total population. Development experts agree that investment in human capital is the key to eliminate poverty and education is the key to that imperative. In this context, Punjab's educational indicators are not satisfactory. Education policy document comes out as a significant starting point for setting a government's agenda for educational development, so how the press, in the present research, newspapers, contributes to policy making in education, as they provide a conduit through which politicians and government officials convey their promises and intentions, and feedback from public is the inquiry. Newspapers can set the agenda for the public good by giving coverage to a particular issue and ignoring the other. In view of this function of the press, Content of sampled two Urdu newspapers and two English newspapers was analyzed for this study every day for six months (From 1st January 2011 to 30th June 2011). Content analysis included all the articles, editorials, stories and letters to the editor/public statements related to education issues in Punjab. The hypothesis of the study is "Newspapers' coverage of education policy issues in Punjab is tilted in favor of the government as compared to the independent point of view" and sub-hypotheses are i) Newspapers are giving more emphasis to an official version than public feedback on education policy issues ii) Newspapers give priority to an official version than its own investigative/news reports on education policy issues and iii) Newspapers give priority to writers' opinion than its own suggestions on education policy issues. The findings reveal that "newspapers' coverage of education policy issues in Punjab is not tilted in favor of the government as compared to the independent point of view", "newspapers are giving more emphasis to official version than public feedback on education policy issues", "newspapers do not give priority to official version than its own investigative/news reports on education policy issues" and "newspapers give priority to writers' opinion than its own suggestions on education policy issues". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tephritid fruit flies are the major pests of horticultural crops across the globe. In Pakistan, two fruit fly species, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) and B. dorsalis (Hendel) cause severe qualitative and quantitative damages to various fruits. The present study was executed to record the population dynamics of these fruit fly species in guava and mango orchards with respect to meteorological factors using methyl eugenol-baited traps. The results revealed that population of both the species highly fluctuated round the year. B. zonata appeared to be the most abundant species both in mango and guava orchards as compared to B. dorsalis. The highest mean number of B. zonata (3690.57 flies/trap) was captured in August 2018 in guava orchard. From October, 2018 onward up to February 2019, population of B. zonata tended to decline with the lowest catches (122.5 and 152.8 flies/trap, respectively) in January and February, 2019. In mango orchard, peak population of B. zonata (4062.8 flies/trap) was recorded in May, 2019. Abundance of B. dorsalis in guava orchard reached to its peak (394.625 flies/trap) in August, 2018. However, in mango orchard, an increasing trend in population was observed from April onward with the highest catches of 521.4 flies/trap in June. The correlation matrix revealed a significantly positive relation among the incidence of B. zonata and minimum and maximum temperatures and sunshine hours whereas relative humidity (R.H.) and rainfall were found to have a negative correlation with B. zonata abundance. Correlation analysis of B. dorsalis catches with respect to meteorological data revealed a significantly positive correlation of monthly captured flies with all the climatic factors such as maximum temperature, minimum temperature, R.H. and sunshine duration except the mean monthly rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is in spotlight as a main limiting factor for crop production across the globe especially in arid to semi-arid regions. Overcome this, various management practices are used one of them is the use of a growth enhancer. In the present study drought ameliorating effects of amino acid and yeast on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), development and yield were observed. A field experiment was performed at Agronomic Research Area, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur in November 2019. Factorial arrangement in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to design the experimentation. The experiment consisted of six treatments viz, Control, a drought at flowering and grain filling stages, Amino acid @ 1.5 ml L-1 + drought at flowering and grain filling, Amino acid @ 3 ml L-1 + drought at flowering and grain filling, Yeast @ 3g L-1 + drought at flowering and grain filling and Yeast @ 6g L-1 + drought at flowering and grain filling, respectively. STATISTICS 8.1 programs were used for data analysis. Drought spell significantly reduced the growth development and wheat yield as compared to control treatment. Application of both growth enhancer amino acid and yeast significantly mitigated the adversarial effect of drought on the wheat as compared to the treatments in which drought was imposed without the application of yeast and amino acid. However, yeast more effectively moderated drought effects than amino acids. Maximum spike length (15.73 cm), spike number (18.75), grains per spike number (54.50), 1000 grain weight (44.08g) seed yield (5.445 tons), sugars, proline, total phenols, amino acids, and carbohydrates were recorded in treatment in which yeast was applied @6g L-1 + drought at flowering and grain filling. It was concluded that both amino acid and yeast can recompense the unfavorable special effects due to dearth but yeast was proved to be more effective than an amino acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to investigate the attitude of complete denture wearers and dentists towards denture adhesive. The use of denture adhesives and their role in prosthodontics deserve special emphasis because it benefits both the dental profession and patients. A total of 110 patients and 96 dentists participated in the study, which was conducted in three months and was carried out in two institutes, Lahore Medical and Dental College and Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi. The awareness and attitude among dentists and denture wearers towards denture adhesive was checked through a questionnaire. Of 110 patients, 94% never used denture adhesives. Of 96 dentists, 56% have never prescribed denture adhesives. 44% had no knowledge regarding denture adhesives. The results suggest that complete denture wearers lack awareness regarding use of denture adhesives. Majority of dentists are also unfamiliar with their beneficial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the yield of endobronchial biopsy using fiberoptic bronchoscope for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in clinically suspected patients. The study investigates all patients with clinically suspected tuberculosis and uses three consecutive negative sputum smears for acid fast bacilli. The study reveals that the fiberoptic bronchoscopy is an effective and reliable procedure with enough yield in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in clinically suspected patients.

The aim of the analysis was to compare the candidal count at the time of insertion and after one month of wearing complete dentures. It was a quasi-experimental study which was carried out at Department of Prosthodontics, Lahore Medical and Dental College. Study group consisted of forty edentulous patients with no previous denture history. They obtained new complete dentures. Samples were taken using the oral rinse technique and cultured on sabouraud agar. Candidal colonies were detected and counted as colony forming units at the time of insertion and after one month of wearing complete dentures. To confirm presence of candida gram staining and germ tube test were also carried out. Change in candidal count was significantly higher after one month of wearing complete dentures (p=0.0001). Difference in candidal count was significantly higher in females than males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate autogenous bone graft viability in surgical bony defects using scintigraphy. The Study Design was case series. This case series was conducted in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, de'Montmorency College of Dentistry / Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore from January 2016 to January 2017. Non-probability purposive sampling was done. All patients between 18 to 50 years of age with jaw bone defect from 20 mm to 50 mm were included in the study and all medically unfit patients were excluded. Ten patients received autogenous bone graft into their bone defect. Bone scintigraphy was performed at one and three month intervals and bone formation was clinically correlated radiographically at 6 months. The uptake of radionuclide at the grafted area and uptake of frontal bone was quantified in counts/pixel and recorded as improvement ratio. The results showed that the postoperative course of the study patients was uneventful. There was highly increased uptake of radionuclide, when compared with frontal bone. The mean improvement ratio was 3.6 at one month interval and 3.78 at three month interval. It can be concluded that bone scintigraphy is an effective way to assess bone graft viability and osteoblastic activity can be quantified in terms of counts/pixel but it has to be correlated clinically and radiographiccally because of low specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights from the article: Microbes, being helpful in increasing plant growth It can be concluded that these bacteria can be used as a biocontrol agent to manage other fungal diseases of Of bacteria from rice rhizosphere, which can enhance Plant growth as well as save the plants from deleterious Of plant growth promoting bacteria isolated.

The aim of the study was to analyze agreement in clinical and histopathology diagnosis of oral white lesions. A cross sectional study was undertaken at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore from November 2016 to May 2017. A total of 85 patients with oral white lesions were diagnosed clinically and further confirmed histopathologically. Clinical and histopathological diagnoses were compared. Standard deviation as well as mean were analysed for quantitative variables, whereas frequency and percentages were analysed for qualitative vari-ables. Among 85 patients 45 (52.9%) were males and 40 (47.1%) were females with an average age of 36.21±16.40 years. Buccal mucosa was involved in major part of cases (51.8%) next to lip (16.5%), tongue (15.3%), alveolus (9.4%), floor of the mouth (4.7%) and palate (2.4%). According to the agreement in diagnosis 85.5% patients have agreement and 14.1% have no agreement. The difference between clinical diagnosis with histopathological diagnosis was significant (

The aim of the study was to determine the role of preoperative antibiotics in prevention of postoper-ative infection among patients undergoing impacted mandibular third molar surgery. A randomized controlled study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, de'Montmorency College of Dentistry/ Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore from January 2018 to June 2018. A total of one hundred fifty patients, randomized into two equal groups A and B by using lottery method, having impacted mandibular third molar of similar difficulty index were operated for surgical extraction. Group A (without antibiotic cover) did not receive prophylactic antibiotic cover, whereas group B (with antibiotic cover) received preoperative antibiotics, 2 gram amoxicillin capsule one hour prior to surgical intervention. Data concerning patient's demographics, preoperative antibiotics and status of postoperative infection was obtained and analyzed. Among 150 patients, 58(38.7%) were males and 92(61.3%) were females with average age of 25.36±5.01 years. The infection rate in group A was 28.0% as compared to 6.7% in group B, and the difference was highly significant statistically with p-value 0.001. The results of this study confirmed that a preoperative antibiotic reduces the chances of postoperative infection in impacted third molar surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the risk factors of oral squamous cell carcinoma in younger and older patients. Several risk factors that causes all oral malignancies are squamous cell carcinoma determined for its pathogenesis including smoking, betel nut chewing and alcoholism, are mentioned. Also highlighted is the selection of patients who were confirmed for disease clinically and histopathologically.

The article presents a cross sectional study which shows the assessment of knowledge, attitude and infection control practices in dentists at various institutions in Punjab, India. Information about the knowledge of risk of transmission of infection and medical history from the patient, is provided. Also examined is the risk for dental healthcare professionals exposed in saliva, blood, aerosols or contaminated instruments.

Aptness of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae was evaluated to manage pulse beetle (PB), Callosobruchus chinensis by using different fungal concentrations of 1×106, 1×107 and 1×108 spores/ml in stored chickpea grains. Highest mortality (90%) of PB was observed in 72 hours through application of 1×108spores/ml of M. anisopliae compared to B. bassiana with 60% mortality. On 24 hours of exposure, minimum mortality (4%) in PB was recorded in grains treated with 1×106 spores/ml of B. bassiana. In M. anisopliae, the concentrations of 1×108 after 24 hours, 1×107 after 48 hours and 1×107 after 72 hours showed significantly similar results with mortality around 55%. Results proved M. anisopliae as more virulent against PB than B. bassiana and fungal effectiveness against this pest was directly proportional to its concentration as well as exposure time. For effective management of C. chinensis, 1×108 spores/ml of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana is recommended for safer storage of chickpea, pulses and grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are amongst the most devastating natural hazards in the world, due to significant social and economic damages than any other natural phenomenon. In 2010, Pakistan faced devastating floods in its history. Assessment of severity shortly after the occurrence of the disaster is very important. This assessment can easily be done using remote sensing techniques that provide cheap and quick way to get the general idea of the scale of disaster. The study envisage the damage caused by these floods along River Kabul, at parts of Nowshera, Charsadda and Peshawar districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa using freely available remote sensing and GIS data. The study reveals that an area of more than 250km² came under flood damaging completely or partially settlements distributed over 26 km², crop lands at 162 km², 85 km roads and 9 bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]