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ABSTRACTIntroductionCefpodoxime, a third-generation cephalosporin, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic widely used to treat acute upper respiratory tract infections (RTI). This systematic review aims to present a comprehensive view of all the available pharmacokinetics (PK) data associated with the pharmacodynamics (PD) parameters of cefpodoxime in humans.Areas CoveredThe PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct, were systematically searched to identify studies on the PK of cefpodoxime. Out of 746 papers, 26 articles meeting the eligibility criteria were included that have reported the PK data. The drug exposure for the patients undergoing hemodialysis was 50% lower than healthy participants. The renal clearance was almost 27% less in pediatric patients than in adults. The plasma concentrations of cefpodoxime exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 90% of skin pathogens, including Streptococcus speciesand Staphylococcus species(i.e.) < 1 μg/mL and 2–4 μg/mL respectively.Expert OpinionThe current study includes detailed information on clinical PK of cefpodoxime in healthy, diseased, pediatric populations as well as drug-drug interactions and drug-food interactions. Moreover, this systematic review also explicated PK/PD properties of drug with a specific impact on MIC of drug. The present review will also assist clinicians in the development of PK models for cefpodoxime.

To ensure food security for ~ 10 billion human population in 2050 a sustainable increase in food production is indispensable. Wheat is the third most consumed cereal crop worldwide after rice and maize. It is estimated that the current wheat yield will be insufficient to cope with future needs. In the past hybrid seed production has revolutionized rice and maize production; however, wheat is still lagging behind other crops, such as rice, corn, soybeans, and canola in terms of variety/hybrid development and trait development. The potential of hybrid wheat is undeniable but these challenges need to be overcome if we want to commercialize it. Despite a century of efforts we still do not have a reliable hybrid breeding system to attempt large-scale production due to certain issues like self-pollination, polyploid nature, low variability in germplasm (less than 1% cross-pollination), and higher seed rates. Moreover, a limited number of GMS genes and their regulatory pathways has narrowed our selection; further research is required to identify and understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms involved. There are few successful examples of hybrid wheat, only 1% of its total wheat growing area is hybrid wheat. There is no simple way to produce a stable wheat hybrid, until this point no one knows how to commercialize wheat on a larger scale. The use of comparative functional genomics and biotechnological tools combined with conventional breeding is likely the possible key to guarantee a stable hybrid wheat breeding and to help overcome global food security issues. This paper would provide an overview of techniques to induce male sterility in wheat and their use in commercialized hybrid seed production systems.

Telecom operators in India have frequently raised grievances on telecom and allied policies. This paper analyses if this is due to gaps in policy formulation, implementation or are an ex-post rent seeking. The effectiveness of stakeholder participation in foreign direct investment (FDI) and goods and services tax (GST) policy formulation was analysed using the conceptual framework from Leme and Harris-Wai (2015). The causal map of regulation from Coglianese (2012) was used to evaluate gaps in policy implementation. FDI policy formulation has limited stakeholder's participation, whereas GST adopted detailed stakeholder participation. No gap in policy implementation was found. However, contrary to literature FDI policy faced lesser ex-post issues compared to GST policy. Policy with discretionary provisions (FDI) experienced lesser ex-post grievances compared to policy with mandatory provisions (GST). Also, such an outcome was due to policymakers not addressing issues raised during the policy formulation and telecom operators adopting rent seeking behaviour.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of relationship between ethical leadership and employee voice behavior. Study of employee voice behavior is important, because leaders in organizations make numerous decisions based on employees’ work-related inputs which do influence the decision quality and team performance. Design/methodology/approach: Survey data were collected through structured questionnaire from Indian organizations. Data were analysed through statistical techniques such as confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings: The findings showed that ethical leadership did impact the employee voice in a positive and significant but moderate manner. The study also found no significant differences in ethical leadership and voice behavior across demographic variables such as gender, age, educational qualification and job level in the Indian context. Research limitations/implications: The study is conducted using single cross-sectional research design, and for better causal inferences of the relationship between various variables, future research studies may be conducted with longitudinal research design, multiple data sources and variety of industries with large sample size. Practical implications: With erosion of ethical values and corporate scandals, managers need to develop and display ethical leadership as employees emulate their leaders’ ethical behavior because ethical leadership, or its perception, relates positively and significantly to employee voice behavior. Originality/value: There is less study to understand ethical leadership and its influence on voice behavior in developing countries, especially in India. Ethical leadership behavior encourages employees to voice their work-related constructive opinions and concerns for improved decision-making and reduced unethical practices. Also, there is scarcity of research that explores the impact of demographic variables and this study is an effort to understand this gap.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a major complication for patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The Lerner system is the most widely used histologic grading score for gastrointestinal GVHD but its clinic utility is debated. The aim of our study was to develop a novel histologic grading system for gastrointestinal GVHD that incorporates independent evaluation of both apoptotic counts and crypt destruction. Colonic biopsies taken to assess for GVHD were retrospectively assessed for: Crypt damage (No crypt dropout or ulceration–0; crypt dropout without ulceration–1; ulceration–2) and crypt apoptotic counts (No apoptosis–0; 1–6 apoptotic bodies per 10 contiguous crypts–1; >6apoptotic bodies per 10 contiguous crypts–2). The two scores were added together to get an overall grade (0–4). Alternative apoptotic cutoff points were examined. An apoptotic cutoff of >9 apoptotic bodies per 10 contiguous crypts marginally improved the area under the curve (AUC), but the AUCs from the resulting novel grade calculations were not significantly different (p= 0.10). Lerner grading was also applied. The study group consisted of an initial analysis cohort (n= 191) and a second validation cohort from a separate institution (n= 97). In the initial analysis cohort, our histologic grading system provided prognostic stratification for GVHD-related death within 6 months (p= 0.0004, AUC = 0.705). The Lerner system performed similarly in terms of providing prognostic stratification for GVHD-related death (p= 0.0001, AUC = 0.707). In the external validation cohort, our histologic grading system was not associated with GVHD-related death (p= 0.14, AUC = 0.621), but the Lerner system was associated with GVHD-related death (p= 0.048, AUC = 0.663). While our grading system may have some advantages compared to the Lerner system, due to lack of reproducibility we do not currently recommend widespread adoption of this system. Nonetheless, we present a standardized tool for assessing both apoptosis and crypt damage. Future studies assessing alternative histologic grading systems with external validation and further examination the lower apoptotic threshold for GVHD diagnosis are warranted.

Byline: Shakeel Ahmad Anjum, Ayesha Farooq, Usman Nazir and Imran Khan Climate is an important force in driving the agricultural productivity of a particular area either directly (by influencing the [...]

Byline: Usman Nazir, Ehsanullah, Shakeel Ahmad Anjum and Ayesha Farooq Allelopathy is basically defined as the influence or the impact of a plant on the growth of the other plant [...]

Introduction: Cleft palate repair is considered to be a safe procedure, yet still carries a 5% to 30% risk of complications. This study sought to assess the outcomes of this procedure in a high-burden Asian country that partners with the Smile Train to perform cleft surgeries.Methods: The Aga Khan University medical records database was queried for pediatric patients undergoing cleft surgery between 2014 and 2017. Data were abstracted from the patient medical records, and details of the clinical, demographic factors, and postoperative outcomes were assessed.Results: Among 142 patients with orofacial clefts, 102 (72%) underwent primary cleft palate repair, one-third (n = 36, 35%) of whom were operated as part of the Smile Train. The median preoperative hemoglobin was 11.4 g/dL (interquartile range: 10.7-12.0 g/dL), whereas the median weight was 8.3 kg (7.7-11.4 kg). Nearly two-thirds (n = 64, 63%) of the cohort underwent preoperative cardiology screening, with only a minority undergoing orthodontic treatment (n = 6, 6%). Approximately 15% (n = 15) of patients experienced a postoperative complication, most often a fistula (n = 11, 73%). On multivariable analysis, with each unit increase in hemoglobin levels, there was a 50% reduction in the odds of experiencing a complication (odds ratio: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.28-0.87). There were no in-patient deaths among the cohort.Conclusion: The results of the current study provide useful information to key stakeholders including patients, plastic surgeons, and policy makers on the outcomes of cleft palate repair in a developing country.

AbstractTamil Nadu leather industry has a strong bearing on the overall leather production of the country. So much so, that fluctuations in Tamil Nadu largely affect the overall performance of the Indian leather industry. Although, the southern region is performing far much better than Northern and Eastern region, there are still some pressing issues which need to be explored, analyzed and solved on a priority basis. Ample research is conducted in analyzing the overall performance of Indian leather industry including the Tamil Nadu cluster, yet the challenges faced by the business especially the small ones have yet not received considerable attention. This paper aims to explore issues prevailing in Tamil Nadu leather industry and understanding their underlying causes. The data has been gathered by conducting indepth interviews with experts in leather industry and crystallized the interview transcript by performing content analysis. Five main themes have been identified including decline in demand for leather products, difficulty in cost reduction, sensitive industrial situation, changing customer orientation and inadequate government support. These themes are then further divided into subthemes which are then analyzed through Analytical Hierarchy Method. Findings reveal that difficulty in cost reduction is the most pressing issue for the industry especially the production and compliance costs. The model proposed by the study highlights the major areas of concern in Tamil Nadu leather industry which need to work out on priority basis. Issues have been assigned respective weights which will make easier for the industrialists, academicians, and government to focus on the critical ones.

AbstractLeather industry in India, especially in Kanpur region has been dealt with sever allegations of non-compliance to industrial standards and other sustainable issues. This has led to the closure of large number of units resulting in a sharp decline in industrial performance. The majority of the population in Jajmau region in Kanpur deals with leather business and is presently unemployed. On the contrary, the industry in Tamil Nadu has been flourishing and the performance has increased during 2018 and 2019. Although ample work has been conducted in understanding the issues and remedial strategies of this industry, understanding the challenges from the viewpoint of business owners and providing weights to the remedial strategies still remains unexplored. This paper focuses on exploring the strategic intent of Tamil Nadu leather industry and how they have successfully implemented growth strategies. The data has been collected in the form of in-depth interviews from industry experts and respective theme has been identified using content analysis. The themes are then further provided weights by using Analytical Hierarchy Process technique. The results show that compliance with compliance to standards and norms which include production compliance, environmental compliance, establishing associations, social media networking, and individual reporting has been the top priority for the industry. The model developed in this study clearly shows the importance of respective strategies that have been successful in Tamil Nadu. This model can serve as a benchmark for the ever-declining Kanpur cluster and help them identify strategies that would be more efficient in the industry.

Chronic wounds impose a significant healthcare burden, demanding effective and biocompatible therapies. Chitosan, a natural biopolymer, holds immense potential for wound healing due to its inherent biocompatibility, hemostatic, and antimicrobial properties. However, incorporating bioactive plant extracts can further enhance its efficacy. Plant extract and natural bioactive compounds have shown the higher capability for tissue regeneration in wound healing applications due to their antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and hemostasis. The use of plant extract could be more economical as compared to synthetic drugs as well as non-toxic which can reduce the complication in tissue regeneration in chronic wound healing. However, plant extracts and extracted natural bioactive compounds have shown lower stability, bioavailability and solubility in numerous studies. To overcome these challenges in tissue regeneration applications, numerous forms of carrier are being used such as polymeric nanoparticles, hydrogels, membranes, films, sponges and nanofibers. This review comprehensively explores the anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and wound healing potential of chitosan-based biomaterials containing plant extracts.

ABSTRACTObjective: To observe inpatient satisfaction at different public sector hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out during 2010–2012 in four major public sector hospitals of Karachi. A total of 710 patients completed the study. Responses were gathered in a self-structured questionnaire that comprised of four dimensions of satisfaction with doctor, staff, administration and treatment. Average Score of each dimension was taken and compared using one way analysis of variance.Result: Satisfaction with doctors, staff and administration of provincial and federal hospitals were comparatively similar (P > 0.05). However, satisfaction with treatment significantly differed in all four hospitals (P < 0.0001). Highest satisfaction with treatment was observed among inpatients of hospital running by medical institute (P < 0.0001). Comparison with respect to different departments revealed significant difference for treatment satisfaction of medicine and surgery units. Patients who were admitted from emergency mode acquired lowest satisfaction in all aspects.Conclusion: Response of inpatients from public sector hospitals showed satisfaction with healthcare personnel and related administration. However, treatment dimension needs to be improved to get more satisfaction.

Opportunistic fungal pneumonia in neutropenic patients due to hematologic malignancy or bone marrow transplant continues to rise, and the diagnosis remains challenging. We sought to compare the clinical and early radiological patterns of 3 fungi (Aspergillus, Fusarium, and zygomycosis) in this population to facilitate early diagnosis and improve choice of early empiric therapy before culture results are available.

This paper explores the important question 'how the learning entities – individual, group or organisation – are affecting organisational performance'. The answer is important for promoting learning and improving performance. This empirical study in the leading power utility in India found that there is a positive relation between individual- and organisational-level learning and organisational performance. However, a direct relation between group-level learning and organisational performance is not strong. It is the organisational-level learning that is critically important to performance. Hence, there is a need for special emphasis by organisations on formal (forms, rules, procedures, policies, technologies, physical structure of the workplace or work processes) and informal (culture, beliefs and paradigms) mechanisms to enhance organisational-level learning, hence performance.

The article focuses on peacekeeping mission of Pakistan Army soldiers by negotiations development with tribes of Labado, East Darfur. Topics include description of chaos among Zaghawa tribe, observation of terror among the Internally Displaced People (IDP) by anticipation of repercussions, assemblage of Quick Reaction Force (QRF) by the army by establishment of guard posts and illustration of negotiations by the army in association with the United Nations - Africa Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

‘Development’ is the most fascinating word ever since humanity thought about the transformation of human collectivities. Development is defined as a natural process of social evolution effecting changes in all fields of social life. Development projects are basic instruments of intervention to bring about some form of change and means by which external assistance is brought to influence the development of a particular area or region. Development projects are widely seen as a vehicle for achieving development in various sectors in the coming era.While analyzing the success or failure of any development endeavor, it can be seen as predominantly the result of a set of factors operating collectively. Commitment to organization is considered a key element in the successful attainment of project goals.This study has tried to find out the existence of any relationship between organizational commitment and authority decentralization of two types of development projects, viz., authority centralized organizations and authority decentralized organizations.

The article discusses the author's views on the significance of the rekindled National Day Parade of the Pakistani Army on March 23, 2015. She admires the decision of Pakistani Army young lady officer, Sana Nasri, who chose to manage leading her troops in the traditional parade and her own wedding on the same day. The author thinks that Nasri's enthusiasm and patriotism has proven that priorities can be set right while maintaining the tradition without creating frenzy.

The article presents the author's views on dictation for annulment of the parade on the national day of Pakistan on March 23, 2015. He comments that on account of security concerns the country watched as the Pakistan Day Parade got called off for an indefinite period in the year 2008. He opines that the military of Pakistan has taken a resolve to secure the sanctity of each sacrifice and to stand against all enemies of Pakistan.

The article focuses on Hana Vntmerova, a member of an international non-governmental organization, People in Need (PIN) based in Democratic Republic of Congo who was saved from the grip of rebels between armed bandits of Rayai Mutamboki (RM), Sisawa Group, and Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). It mentions that Vntmerova and her colleagues was saved by the audacious response of the Pakistan Army. It notes that the humanitarian service of Pakistan Army was initiated in 1960.

The article celebrates the life and contributions of Muhammad Mahmood Alam, former Flight Lieutenant of the Pakistani Air Force (PAF).

The article celebrates the life and work of Minhaj-ul-Hassan, the flying officer who was shot in the stomach as outraged men try to raid and throw a grenade to the Parade Lane mosque in Pakistan.

Introduction. Eosinophilic polymyositis (EPM) is a rare cause of rhabdomyolysis characterized by eosinophilic infiltrates in the muscle. We describe the case of a young patient with eosinophilic polymyositis causing isolated severe rhabdomyolysis without systemic involvement. Case Presentation. A 22-year-old Haitian female with no past medical history presented with progressive generalized muscle aches without precipitating factors. Examination of the extremities revealed diffuse muscle tenderness. Laboratory findings demonstrated peripheral eosinophilia and high creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and transaminase levels. Workup for the common causes of rhabdomyolysis were negative. Her CPK continued to rise to greater than 100,000 units/L so a muscle biopsy was performed which showed widespread eosinophilic infiltrate consistent with eosinophilic polymyositis. She was started on high dose systemic corticosteroids with improvement of her symptoms, eosinophilia, and CPK level. Discussion. This case illustrates a systematic workup of rhabdomyolysis in the presence of peripheral eosinophilia. Many differential diagnoses must be considered before establishing a diagnosis of idiopathic eosinophilic polymyositis. To our knowledge, our case of eosinophilic polymyositis is unique as it presented with severe rhabdomyolysis without another organ involvement. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for this physically debilitating disease to aid in prompt diagnosis.