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The current study investigates the effects of a digital growth mindset on the motivation and success of chemistry students. The approach involves the use of technological tools that encourage students to face challenges and keep trying even when things become difficult. Students can achieve milestones by following this fruitful methodology. This study utilized a mixed-method design of an ordered–explanatory type, as identified in one of the categories of mixed-method approaches. The quantitative aspects of the research project were conducted using a matching-only pre-test–post-test control-group design. This was conducted because the study was carried out on secondary school students in Lahore, Pakistan, and the population included students up to the tenth grade. Only the experimental group participated in digital growth mindset activities. The control group was taught using traditional methods. The qualitative aspect of the study involved conducting focus group discussions with students in the experimental group. The results showed a significant improvement in motivation and chemistry achievement among the students in the experimental group, as evidenced by the higher mean scores from the pre-tests and the post-tests compared to the control group. The present research findings reveal that digital growth mindset interventions, when appropriately incorporated into chemistry curricula, possess the capacity to not only improve student engagement and subsequent performance but also to provide educators with valuable insights into instructional practices that are worth implementing in the digital era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces chromone-based probes designed for selective cyanide ion detection in acetonitrile. Through various spectroscopic methods, the probes demonstrated a colour change from colourless to yellow, enabling naked-eye detection of cyanide ions. The sensors exhibited high sensitivity (6.2 µM) and selectivity for CN¯ ions over common anions. Computational analyses by FMO, NCI, QTAIM, NBO and EDD analysis confirmed the probes' suitability for cyanide detection. Overall, the synthesised compounds present a promising solution for practical applications in the field of cyanide ion sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfinance / Low-Cost Housing Scheme has been promoted to fill the national housing demand/supply gap in Pakistan in recent years. Prime Minister's Low- Cost Housing Scheme (PM-LCHS) was introduced with the aim of providing financial assistance to poor and deserving families enabling raise in their living standards. A total of Rs. 8.54 billion has been disbursed so far through Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance. The study aims to empirically test the impact of PM-LCHS loan utilization on beneficiaries' welfare in terms of socio-economic indicators. This research also proposes to assess governance and administrative efficiency and design effectiveness of the initiative The total population of 17, 344 beneficiaries is sampled using Proportionate Stratified Sampling; Group 1 (stratum 1) constitutes beneficiaries who are in utilization phase and Group 2 (stratum 2) constitutes beneficiaries who are repaying the loan post 100% loan utilization. The proposed frameworks are tested using data collected from 463 beneficiaries. Key findings show that PM-LCHS utilization improved sense of security, societal standing and psychological conditions of respondents. Moreover, the loan utilization has enhanced multiple components of sanitation conditions and housing infrastructure; yet the repayment amounts causing no negative impact on their financial wellbeing. However, PM-LCHS utilization is not found to have any effect on beneficiaries' health. Furthermore, Akhuwat has administered PM-LCHS efficiently and beneficiaries are satisfied from its governance. Thus, any other financial institution interested in offering such a HMF initiative must have appropriate human resource and skillset to reach the eligible clientele and address their financial requirements like AIM. Though, respondents are satisfied from the scheme as a whole, the study elucidates concerns about some design elements, namely financing limit, repayment period and number of disbursement instalments. These findings again have policy implications for the institutions seeking to enter the HMF market; incorporate these results to formulate the HMF/LCHS product that better suit the financing needs of low-earning people. The originality of this study is theorizing and empirically testing the effect of Housing Microfinance/ Low-Cost Housing Scheme and analyzing the linkages between PMLCHS loan utilization and beneficiaries' living standards and welfare in Pakistani context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor-α–like effector C (CIDEC), originally identified to be a lipid droplet–associated protein in adipocytes, positively associates with insulin sensitivity. Recently, we discovered that it is expressed abundantly in human endothelial cells and regulates vascular function. The current study was designed to characterize the physiological effects and molecular actions of endothelial CIDEC in the control of vascular phenotype and whole-body glucose homeostasis. To achieve this, we generated a humanized mouse model expressing endothelial-specific human CIDEC (E-CIDECtg). E-CIDECtg mice exhibited protection against high-fat diet–induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Moreover, these mice displayed improved insulin signaling and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation, enhanced endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation, and improved vascularization of adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and heart. Mechanistically, we identified a novel interplay of CIDEC–vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)–vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) that reduced VEGFA and VEGFR2 degradation, thereby increasing VEGFR2 activation. Overall, our results demonstrate a protective role of endothelial CIDEC against obesity-induced metabolic and vascular dysfunction, in part, by modulation of VEGF signaling. These data suggest that CIDEC may be investigated as a potential future therapeutic target for mitigating obesity-related cardiometabolic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To reducing the risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) events and subsequent mortality in covid-19 patients is still a matter of research. This systematic review and meta-analysis serve the purpose of comparing the mortality associated with the intensity of anticoagulation in patients admitted with covid-19. Methods: A total of 7120 patients were recruited in 11 studies comparing using prophylactic anticoagulants against therapeutic anticoagulants. Results: Our study showed that using prophylactic anticoagulants was associated with a 42% reduction in mortality compared to therapeutic anticoagulants (OR 0.58 (95% CI:0.676-0.499), p=0.000). Also, we assessed mortality in patients using no anticoagulants against using prophylactic anticoagulants. A total of 6069 patients were recruited in 4 studies in which 2 studies significantly favored prophylactic anticoagulants in terms of reducing mortality. Cumulatively, the meta-analysis showed that using prophylactic anticoagulants was associated with a 5% reduction in mortality but without any statistical significance: (OR 1.049 [95% CI 1.237 - 0.865]) (p=0.626). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis favors using prophylactic anticoagulation in covid-19 patients reduces all-cause mortality in comparison to therapeutic anticoagulation however the impact on mortality when compared with no anticoagulation was not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the patients satisfaction with circuit class training vs. individual task specific training in g post stroke cases. Study Design: Single blinded randomized controlled trial. Settings: Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rafsan Paraplegic Center Peshawar/Physiotherapy clinic of Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar. Material & Methods: Total n=64 participants randomly allocated into two groups using the simple random sampling, circuit group n=32 and individual group n=32. The both group received task specific training individually for 1.5 hour daily for 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The circuit group received task specific training in circuit while the individual group received the task specific training one by one. Total n=2 subjects left the study with mentioned domestic problems. The main outcome measure used for this study was modified patient satisfaction questionnaire. Result: The patients were considered similar on baseline on the basis of means±standard deviation which was computed for age, length of hospital stay and for 1st physiotherapy visit post stroke. The patient in both the groups, circuit and individual training program reported for equal satisfaction in majority areas of questionnaire where patients in circuit group enjoyed significantly the treatment session as compared to individual group (71% vs. 61 % respectively P<0.05 Chi Square test), The perception of getting improved was significantly high in circuit as compare to individual training group (75% vs. 55% respectively P<0.05, Chi-Square test) similarly the patients in the circuit groups were comparatively more satisfied with treatment time as compare to individual group (75% vs. 45 % respectively P<0.05 Chi-Square test). Conclusion: The circuit training programs are more satisfactory for stroke patients as compare to individual training programs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Back ground and purpose: Task specificity and its progression are the key variables in acquiring motor skills after stroke and reported consistently with significant results when carried out at individual level. Due to number of benefits associated with circuit trainings, it's getting popular for stroke rehabilitation as alternative approach to individual based trainings. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of circuit class training vs. individual task specific training on lower limb strength in post stroke. Study Design: Single blinded randomized controlled trial. Settings: Fauji Foundation Hospital//Rafsan Paraplegic Center Peshawar/physiotherapy clinic of Khyber Medical University (KMU). Interventions: Total n=64 participants randomly allocated into two groups using the simple random sampling, circuit group n=32 and individual group n=32. The both group received task specific training individually for 1.5 hour daily for 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The circuit group received task specific training in circuit while the individual group received the task specific training one by one. Total n=2 subjects left the study with mentioned domestic problems. Main measures: The isometric muscle testing of lower limb was done by hand held dynamometer, the testing of the functional parameters was done by modified Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and by Time up and Go Test (TUGT). Result: Muscle strength significantly improved in both the groups after 4 week training program( P<0.01, Paired sample t-test) except ankle strength that was not significantly improved in individual group ( P>0.01, Paired sample t-test). Among the functional measures both the groups reported significant improvement on MAS (P<0.01, Paired sample t-test) also the circuit group reported for significant improvement on 6MWT and on TUGT (P<0.01, Paired sample t-test) but the individual group didn't improved on 6MWT and on TUGT test after 4 week training (P>0.01, Paired sample t-test). The between group analysis suggested a significant improvement for circuit group over muscle strength, MAS, 6MWT and for TUGT (P<0.01, ANOVA). The gain in strength was significantly associated with all functional measures (P<0.01, Pearson correlation test). Conclusion: The circuit class training can improve lower extremity muscle strength among stoke patients better than individual task specific training and can carry this improvement into functional abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of death and long-term disability for middle to old age patients. The clinical and radiological distinction of ischemic from haemorrhagic stroke is important from management and prognosis perspective. The Siriraj score is an important development for effective differentiation between the two entities of stroke. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of Siriraj scoring system in the detection of ischemic stroke as confirmed by computed tomography. Methods: A prospective observational study conducted at the department of General Medicine, between December 2012 and June 2013 (6 months). Patients suspected of suffering from acute ischemic stroke were evaluated using the Siriraj scoring system followed by CT scan of the brain. Both of the findings were compared and accuracy of the Siriraj scoring as compared to findings of CT scan was evaluated. Results: Mean patient age was 63.65 ± 10.2 years with 61.6% males and 38.4% females. Majority were older patients of which 82% were above the age of 55 years. 80.5% (132) patients of ischemic stroke were correctly diagnosed using the Siriraj scoring system. Conclusion: Siriraj scoring system is a simple and useful tool in identifying acute ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Maitland's and Mulligan mobilizations in patients with cervical radicular pain. Introduction: There is an increasing interest in the potential benefits of joint mobilizations along with neuro-dynamic and exercise therapy for curing short term neural pain from cervical region. Different types of joint mobilizations yields better results however comparative effectiveness is uncertain. Our aim was to systemically evaluate the comparative effects of two different types of mobilizations for neural pain and function related to cervical spine. Ethical approval obtained from ethics committee of Fauji Foundation Hospital Peshawar. Material & Methods: Double blinded randomized clinical trial at Fauji Foundation Hospital was studied. Sixty subjects with sub-acute neck pain were included for 2 weeks. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups, control n=30 and experimental n=30. Subjects in the experimental group received Mulligan joint mobilizations and subjects in the control group received Maitland joint mobilizations. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and neck disability index (NDI) for function was main outcome measures. Result: There was positive effect of both types of treatments on all outcome measures. There was significant difference between group A and group B adjusted to baseline values after 2 weeks of treatment according to neural pain (p<0.00) and Oswestry neck Disability Index being (P <0.00). Conclusion: Mulligan mobilization along with neuro-dynamics is more effective as compare to Maitland mobilizations along with neuro-dynamics for short term relief in cervical radiculopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To detect the anti cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibody in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to determine its diagnostic value in Pakistani patients. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Military Hospital (MH) Rawalpindi, from January 2013 to June 2015. Material and Methods: A total of 58 patients with complications of rheumatoid arthritis were recruited in the study using convenient sampling technique after their informed consent. Age and gender of the patients were recorded. Blood was collected from the patients subjected to ELISA based detection of anti-CCP and latex agglutination test for detection of Rheumatoid Factor (RF). Data obtained were analyzed using Microsoft excel 2010. Results: Among the fifty eight RA patients, 40% were males and 60% were females. Age ranged between 12 to 80 years (mean age 49.74 ± 16.81 years) of the males RA patients and was higher as compared to females (mean age 43.2 ±16.70 years). ELISA based detection of anti-CCP antibody showed that about 91 percent of RA patients were positive for anti CCP antibody. About 72% were positive for anti CCP antibody alone, 19 percent were positive for both anti-CCP and RF and 9 percent were positive for RF. Conclusion: The results concluded that a higher percentage of the RA patients are positive for anti-CCP antibody marking its importance as a diagnostic marker. Anti-CCP has more sensitivity as compared to RF in RA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased exposure of humans to toxic metals and high-fat diet (HFD) consumption severely damages brain health. Natural plant extracts have shown huge potential to treat multiple human diseases., Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Shogaol (an active component of ginger) in neuroinflammation and behavioral paradigms in mice treated with metals and HFD., Methods: 8-11 weeks old male mice model was developed by giving a combination of metals, i.e., Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb) and Aluminum (Al), 25mg/kg each mixed in drinking water with laboratory prepared HFD (40% fat) for a total duration of 72 days. Shogaol treated groups received two doses (2mg/kg & 12mg/kg) of Shogaol along with metals and HFD. The biochemical parameters, including body weights, blood glucose, and kidney and liver functions, were assessed along with the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The expression analysis of neuroinflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-1β & GFAP) was performed using q-PCR in the hippocampus and cortex. The exploratory and anxiety-like behavior was assessed using an open field test, and depressive behavior was assessed through the forced swim test, while learning and memory were assessed using the Morris water maze test and y-maze test., Results: Shogaol (2mg/kg & 12mg/kg) treatment improved metabolic profile and reduced expression of neuroinflammatory genes in the cortex and the hippocampus. Shogaol treatment improved BBB integrity. Results of the behavioral analysis showed that Shogaol treatment (2mg/kg & 12mg/kg) rescued behavioral impairment and improved anxiety and depression., Conclusion: Shogaol treatment showed strong therapeutic potential in metals & HFD induced neuroinflammation and improved cognitive functions; thus, can be considered a potential drug candidate in the future., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)