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Abstract Background Since the first reported outbreak of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Pakistan, several mini outbreaks have erupted in the region. Dengue virus serotype 3 (DEN-3) was first documented in 2005 outbreak in Karachi. Reports show that serotype 3 is prevalent in Lahore since 2008. Serotype 2 (DEN-2) is the major circulating serotype in Pakistan as it is documented since 1994. We have conducted a detailed study of three outbreaks of dengue virus infection that occurred in years 2007, 2008 and 2009 in Lahore by using molecular techniques such as PCR and nucleotide sequencing of the C-prM gene junction of Dengue virus. Results Through the analysis of 114 serum samples collected over the period of three years (2007-2009), total 20 patients were found to be infected with dengue virus. In year 2007, four were positive for serotype 2 and one sample was positive for serotype DEN-3. In 2008, five samples had concurrent infection with serotypes DEN-2 and DEN-3 while three samples were infected only with serotype DEN-2. In year 2009, one sample had concurrent infection with serotypes DEN-2 and DEN-3 while six were positive for serotype DEN-2 only. Conclusions Our study showed that serotype DEN-2 was dominant in positive samples of dengue virus infection collected during the period of three years (2007-2009). The other serotype present was serotype DEN-3. Genotypes of serotype DEN-2 and serotype DEN-3 were subtype IV and subtype III, respectively.

Abstract Hepatitis C virus is a major cause of chronic liver diseases which can lead to permanent liver damage, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. The presently available treatment with interferon plus ribavirin, has limited benefits due to adverse side effects such as anemia, depression and "flu-like" symptoms. Needless to mention, the effectiveness of interferon therapy is predominantly, if not exclusively, limited to virus type 3a and 3b whereas in Europe and North America the majority of viral type is 1a and 2a. Due to the limited efficiency of current therapy, RNA interference (RNAi) a novel regulatory and powerful silencing approach for molecular therapeutics through a sequence-specific RNA degradation process represents an alternative option. Several reports have indicated the efficiency and specificity of synthetic and vector based siRNAs inhibiting HCV replication. In the present review, we focused that combination of siRNAs against virus and host genes will be a better option to treat HCV

Simple Summary: This study investigated the effect of soybean hulls (SHs) and enzymes (β-mannanase) on the egg quality, serum biochemistry, nutrient digestibility, digesta viscosity, feces consistency, and intestinal histomorphology of golden-brown laying hens during peak production. Different diets containing different levels of SHs and enzymes were fed to the birds for four weeks, and the results showed a significantly improved gut villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area in the 3% SH and 0.03 g/kg enzyme group than in the remaining groups. This combination also enhanced the dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, and crude fat digestibility and reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels. Egg quality, digesta viscosity, and feces consistency were not affected. Overall, adding 3% of SHs and 0.03 g/kg of enzymes (β-mannanase) to the feed may help enhance laying hens' gut health and nutrient digestibility, lowering cholesterol and LDL levels without affecting the egg quality indices. This study determined the interaction between soybean hulls (SHs) and enzymes (β-mannanase) to improve the sustainability and efficacy of feeding programs for laying hens during peak production while ensuring the best health and efficiency. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 200 golden-brown hens were fed for four weeks (33 to 36 weeks) and randomly distributed into four groups, each containing four replicates of ten birds, with one group receiving a control diet (P0) and the others receiving diets that contained four combinations of SHs and enzymes (ENZs). e.g., 3% SHs and 0.02 g/kg ENZs (P1), 3% SHs and 0.03 g/kg ENZs (P2), 9% SHs and 0.02 g/kg ENZs (P3), and 9% SHs and 0.03 g/kg ENZs (P4). Although most egg quality measures remained similar, the P2 group showed enhanced (p = 0.630) egg weight, albumen weight, and height. Moreover, the P2 group improved gut (p < 0.05) shape by increasing villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area throughout intestinal sections, while the P4 group markedly improved total cholesterol and LDL (p = 0.022) levels. The P1, P2, and P4 groups exhibited a significant enhancement in dry matter (p = 0.022) and crude fiber (p = 0.046) digestibility, while the P2 group demonstrated superior crude protein digestibility (p = 0.032), and the P1 and P2 groups showed increased crude fat digestibility compared to the other groups. In conclusion, adding 3% of SHs and 30 mg/kg of ENZs (β-mannanase) to the feed may help laying hens, enhance gut health and some egg quality indices, and decrease blood cholesterol and LDL levels without compromising nutrient digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterium responsible for gonorrhoea, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 82.4 million new cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. Current treatments rely on antibiotics, but the emergence of multi drug resistance (MDR) strains poses a significant threat to public health. This research aims to use computational modeling of cyclotides as antimicrobial agents targeting the Neisseria gonorrhoeae PorB Porin protein to inhibit its pathogenicity. Methodology: The PorB Porin protein was retrieved from the Protein Data Bank (PDB ID: 4AUI), cleaned, and visualized using Discovery Visual Studio. Physicochemical properties were predicted using ProtParam. Cyclotides were obtained from the CyBase database, with 3D models generated and refined via the Swiss Model for docking studies. HDOCK was used for molecular docking. Toxicity and allergenicity predictions were performed with ToxinPred and AlgPred. A heatmap of the peptide was created using Protein-Sol. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted for 100,000 picoseconds using Desmond from Schrödinger LLC, while binding energy was analyzed using MMGBSA. Immune response simulations were done with C-ImmSim 10.1, and peptide simulation in water was performed via WebGro. Results: The protein's GRAVY value is −0.539, indicating moderate hydrophilicity, and its isoelectric point is 9.14, suggesting a fundamental nature. Globa D had the highest docking score (−270.04 kcal/mol) and was deemed non-toxic and non-allergenic. MD simulations showed stable protein-ligand interactions, and MMGBSA revealed a low binding energy of −36.737 kcal/mol. Immune simulations indicated an effective immune response and peptide simulations demonstrated Globa D's stability in water, making it a potential candidate for pharmaceutical applications. Conclusion: Globa D proved the best drug candidate against Neisseria gonorrhoeae by inhibiting PorB Porin protein chain A. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the potential of a commercial probiotic mixture on performance, gut health and nutrient utilisation of broilers-fed poultry by-product meal (PBM)-based diet. Three-hundred-and-twenty Ross-308-day-old broiler chicks were obtained from a commercial poultry hatchery. The chicks were randomly assigned to four different treatment groups, each consisting of four replicates (n = 10) in a randomised complete design. The positive control group (CON) was fed commercial poultry ration, and the negative control group (N-CON) was fed PBM partially replacing soybean meal at a 65% level. The MSP1 and MSP2 groups contained the same diet as the N-CON group but supplemented with multi-strain probiotics (MSP) at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Overall N-CON group performed poorly, but the addition of probiotics in group MSP1 and MSP2 diets significantly improved performance. Feed efficiency and bird weight gain were improved (p <.05) by multi-strain probiotics supplementation in MSP1 and MSP2 groups compared to N-CON. The highest weight gain was observed in MSP2 and lowest in the N-CON group. Increasing levels of probiotics significantly increased villi length, width and surface area in probiotics-supplemented groups compared to non-supplemented groups. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility were improved (p <.05) in probiotics-supplemented groups compared to N-CON. In conclusion, PBM at a 6.5% level was successfully used to replace soybean meal with multi-strain probiotics supplementation without compromising broiler health. HIGHLIGHTS: Multi-strain probiotics supplementation in diets of broilers improves production performance. Increasing levels of multi-strain probiotics supplementation increases villi length, width and surface area in broilers. Multi-strain probiotics supplementation in ration improves nutrient digestibility (dry matter and crude protein) in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background: Breaking bad news is one of the most difficult tasks for practicing doctors, especially for those working in health care specialties where life-threatening diseases are diagnosed and managed routinely. Our aim was to elicit the knowledge and practices of doctors and identify barriers faced by them in disclosure of bad news across the provinces of Pakistan. Methods: Cross-sectional, multi-centered study supported by an external grant in 15 Government and Private Hospitals across Pakistan. A total of 1185 doctors were surveyed. Responses were compared across provinces. Results: 80% of doctors across all specialties considered life-threatening diagnoses like cancer and stroke as equivalent to bad news, whereas less than 50% perceived conditions like malaria and typhoid as bad news. Regarding the level of difficulty encountered in giving bad news on a scale of 0 to 6, over 57% doctors rated it 4 and above. The reasons identified were lack of confidentiality, lack of privacy, lack of time, lack of training, fear of patients' and family reactions, not wanting to hurt the patient or causing more distress, concern of having failed the patient, and their own reactions among others. Conclusions: Technical proficiency, training, good patient-centered communication, and incorporating socio-cultural aspects are essential for effective disclosure of bad news. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study inspects the health consequences of greenhouse gases, energy use, institutional quality and globalization for the 23 developing economies. Utilizing panel data from 2000 to 2022, various estimation techniques, including static models (pooled, fixed and random), the two‐step systemGeneralized Methods of Moments (GMM and Panel Auto Regressive Distributive Model (PARDL), are applied to investigate the short‐ and long‐term effects of greenhouse gases, energy use, institutional quality and globalization on health. Panel causality tests, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) are employed to ensure robustness and causal linkage among variables. The results confirmed a positive association between health and its lag value. Institutional quality negatively influences health expenditure, while greenhouse gases, energy use and globalization exhibit an increasing effect on health expenditure. Life expectancy, institutional quality, energy use and globalization have favourable effects, while greenhouse gases negatively affect health outcomes. In Model 1, energy usage and health expenditures have two‐way causality, and green house gases and energy use in Model 2 have a bi‐directional causal linkage. All variables exhibit unidirectional causality, except globalization and institutional quality, as shown by the Dumitrescu and Hurlin causality test. The study complements the literature by stating that institutional quality is the key instrument for managing the negative consequences of the recent increase in globalization and energy use and their detrimental impact on health in developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study explored the effects of the different dietary combinations of soyhulls and the β-mannanase enzyme on production performance, economics, egg quality, blood biochemicals, nutrient digestibility, and gut health in laying hens during the late peak production phase. Golden brown hens were fed different diets for four weeks, and the combination of 3% soyhulls and 30 mg/kg β-mannanase showed potential benefits. It improved production performance and increased egg weight, albumen weight, and height while significantly lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels. This combination also improved gut morphology and enhanced nutrient digestibility. Overall, the inclusion of 3% soyhulls and 30 mg/kg β-mannanase in the diet may have positive effects on production performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut health and potentially lower serum cholesterol levels in laying hens while maintaining acceptable egg quality. This study investigated the effects of the β-mannanase enzyme and soyhulls on production performance, economics, egg quality, hematology and serum biochemistry, nutrient digestibility, gut morphology, digesta viscosity, and excreta consistency in laying hens during the late peak production phase (37 to 40 weeks of age). Golden brown hens (RIR × Fayoumi; n = 200) were fed a control diet (no soyhulls or enzymes) and diets containing four combinations, i.e., 3% soyhulls with 20 mg/kg β-mannanase (D1), 3% soyhulls with 30 mg/kg β-mannanase (D2), 9% soyhulls with 20 mg/kg β-mannanase (D3), and 9% soyhulls with 30 mg/kg β-mannanase (D4), for four weeks in four replicates of 10 birds each. Overall, a significantly higher (p < 0.05) feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and water intake were calculated in the D2 group as compared to the control and remaining combinations of soyhulls and β-mannanase. No mortality was recorded during the entire experiment. Economically, the D1 and D2 groups showed the best results as compared to the D3 and D4 groups. Egg quality parameters like egg weight, shell weight and shell thickness, yolk weight, albumen weight and height, and the Haugh unit remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Similarly, the D2 group showed significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels and enhanced gut morphology with greater villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area across intestinal segments. Crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), crude fat, and ash digestibility were higher (p < 0.05) in the D1 and D2 groups compared to the control. Digesta viscosity, excreta consistency, and other egg quality parameters remained unaffected. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of a combination of 3% soyhulls and 30 mg/kg β-mannanase may have potential benefits for laying hens by improving some production performance and egg quality indicators and economics, lowering blood cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels, enhancing nutrient digestibility, and improving gut morphology without affecting egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the intensifying threat to public health caused by increased CO2 emissions from energy and modern urbanization. In this connection, we focused on SAARC countries from 1990 to 2022. The study explores the dynamic association among urbanization, CO2 emissions, renewable energy, and key health indicators, namely life expectancy and infant mortality. It offers nuanced insights by highlighting the requirement for sustainable policies to meet health challenges associated with CO2 emissions and urban development in SAARC economies. To achieve the study objectives, the authors utilized panel auto regressive distributed lag for assessing short‐term and long‐run effects, and the method of moments quantile regressions to check these effects across different quantiles. The empirical results underscore the positive impact of renewable energy, urbanization, GDP, and industrialization on life expectancy. Conversely, CO2 emissions exhibit a detrimental impact on life expectancy, leading towards numerous diseases in both the short and long term. Notably, in the case of infant mortality, the study discloses that renewable energy, urbanization, GDP, and industrialization negatively affect infant mortality, while CO2 emissions positively impact infant mortality in both short and long‐run scenarios. Fully modified ordinary least squares and dynamic ordinary least squares further fortified our findings, supporting the results derived from panel auto regressive distributed lag and method of moments quantile regressions. The study's policy implications highlight the imperative for governments and policymakers to prioritize renewable energy and sustainable urbanization, mitigating the adverse health effects of CO2 emissions from non‐renewable energy sources. The study's findings further endorse a strategic shift towards renewable energy sources, positioning them as substitutes for conventional forms such as fossil fuels. Additionally, the emphasis is on planned and sustainable urbanization, facilitating improved access to health facilities and overall public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blood transfusion, a prevalent practice in Pakistan with 3.5 million donors annually, carries a 1% risk of transfusion-transmitted infections, contributing to the transmission of infectious diseases. Syphilis, specifically, demonstrates an increasing seroprevalence. Objective: To assess the seroprevalence of syphilis among healthy volunteer blood donors in Rawalpindi. Study type, settings & duration: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi from July to December 2023. Methodology: After acquiring informed consent, blood samples were collected for screening using the immunochromatographic assay (ICT) to detect specific Treponema pallidum antibodies in human serum. The Healgen Syphilis detection Kits (GCSYP-402) were employed for this purpose, offering a rapid qualitative screening for syphilis. Results: A total of 1710 blood samples were screened using the immunochromatographic assay for detecting of Treponema pallidum antibodies. The syphilis seropositivity among donors revealed 16 (0.93%) reactive samples and 1,694 (99.07%) non-reactive samples. Males comprised 1,531 (89.54%) of the participants, with 179 (10.46%) being females. Among donors, 1,209 (70.71%) were single, and 587 (34.33%) had up to matric education. The majority of donors, 1,320 (77.20%), resided in urban areas. Statistical analysis showed no significant associations between syphilis seropositivity and age (p >0.902), gender (p >0.579), educational level (p >0.725), or residence (p >0.697). These findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence and demographic factors of syphilis among blood donors in the study. Conclusion: Enhanced donor evaluation and screening for blood donation can boost recipient safety and curb syphilis transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the frequency of immuno-chromatographic false negative HBV and HCV testing among healthy blood donors in city Lahore. Methodology: This was 18 months cross sectional pilot study, conducted in private and public blood banks of city Lahore. After taking formal consent from head of selected Hospital and in charge blood bank/donors, blood bags screened as HBs Ag and Anti HCV negative by immune-chromatographic (ICT) method, 3-5 ml blood was transferred to coded tube and later transferred to ex-PHRC research Centre NHRC Lahore, where plasma was separated through centrifugation and stored at -40/-20C. Collected samples from this Centre sent to ex-PHRC Research Centre Khyber Medical College Peshawar in cold chain for ELISA testing. Results: Study found that among 385 HBs Ag and anti HCV ICT negative Labeled blood bags 0.8 % was positive for HBs Ag and 2.1% blood bags was positive for anti HCV antibody on ELISA testing. Frequency of AB -ive and A-ive blood bags availability were very rare, 1 % for both types. False negative testing rate of blood bags was comparatively high in public sectors hospitals (1 % for HBs Ag and 3.2% for anti HCV) than private sector hospitals (0.5% for HBs Ag and 1% for anti HCV. False negative ICT testing rate was observed high among blood group B +ive (0.8% for HBV and 4.1% for HCV) than all other blood groups. Conclusion: Study found that 0.8% blood bags were screened falsely negative by immuno-chromatographic method (ICT) for HBs Ag and 2.1% for anti HCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to highlight the uprising concept of digital learning platforms that is known as "MOOCs" this abbreviation branded as Massive Open Online courses. Now the Technologically developed states MOOCs are rapidly increasing and becoming a potential source of E-learning. In this paper, the attention is drawn towards MOOCs, its understanding perception and obstacles faced by universities of Islamabad Pakistan. The paper also aims to highlight the importance for building digital skills in the university students of Pakistan. The paper additionally examines the present standing of universities within the context of MOOCs program and platform. The paper relies on semi-structured interviews that were conducted to gather information concerning MOOCs from the university students of ICT. Exclusively public sector universities were selected as part of research sample to explore the standing, progress and problems concerning "MOOCs" relating to building digital skills and capability of e-learning and services within the universities of Islamabad. Globally, the expansion of MOOCs concept has been seen particularly in technological advanced countries such as United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Japan, China where technology, digital transmission & transformation are resilient. Therefore, HEC has also emphasized on the importance of MOOCs program and its adoption as an e-learning platform for the improvement of education, learning and research in Pakistan. Only the Allam Iqbal Open University has a similar platform whereas the rest of universities are working on the adaptation of technology for E-learning. The findings of semi structured interviews show that mostly students in Islamabad are unaware of the e-learning platforms and they have no idea about this perspective & mode of learning. The findings suggest that there is a need to improve the digital understanding & acceptance in the university learners regarding motivate them to use technology in a more efficient manner for learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching method is a key to gaining excellence in learning. This study aimed to identify the challenges and issues faced by teachers in fetching innovation in teaching learning process at tertiary level. Sample size of the study was 185 teachers selected through Stratified Random Sampling technique from the faculty of social science of public universities of Islamabad. A validated closed ended with five points Likert scale questionnaire was used and was administered to the respondents after pilot study. The collected data was analyzed through non-parametric test i.e. Friedman test. The study finds that significant difference was found among teachers regarding organizational challenges and issues in seeking innovation in teaching learning process. Mean differences shows that organizational monitoring system and teachers' process training are the challenges and issues faced by teachers. It was recommended that Organizational Monitoring System and 360° assessment mechanism for students as well teachers may be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The schooling of minority assumes a critical part in the financial improvement of a country. Tragically, the Kalash minority in locale Chitral face with various boundaries in the field of schooling. This examination study has attempted to explore the mindful variables influencing the schooling of Kalash minority of the area Chitral of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. For this reason, the subjective exploration technique was utilized to investigate the vital obstructions to Kalash minorities in instruction. The review was done by topical investigation in which 10 example size was chosen through purposive inspecting methods. The significant discoveries of the review portray that the main variables which are influencing the instructive exercises of Kalash minorities in this space incorporates the absence of female instructive foundations, absence of female school personnel, insufficient vehicle framework, low quality of training, ineffectual schooling approaches, and early marriage of females. Additionally, greater part of the respondents has shown uplifting outlooks towards the Kalash instructive offices and they have been requested to give these offices to work on the nature of training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement in various technological fronts, we are expecting the design goals of smart cities to be realized earlier than expected. Undoubtedly, communication networks play the crucial role of backbone to all the verticals of smart cities, which is why we are surrounded by terminologies such as the Internet of Things, the Internet of Vehicles, the Internet of Medical Things, etc. In this paper, we focus on implanting intelligence in 5G and beyond mobile networks. In this connection, we design and develop a novel data-driven predictive model which may serve as an intelligent slicing framework for different verticals of smart cities. The proposed model is trained on different machine learning algorithms to predict the optimal network slice for a requested service resultantly assisting in allocating enough resources to the slice based on the traffic prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]