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Abstract Nano-biochar considers a versatile and valuable sorbent to enhance plant productivity by improving soil environment and emerged as a novel solution for environmental remediation and sustainable agriculture in modern era. In this study, roles of foliar applied nanobiochar colloidal solution (NBS) on salt stressed tomato plants were investigated. For this purpose, NBS was applied (0%, 1% 3% and 5%) on two groups of plants (control 0 mM and salt stress 60 mM). Tween-20 was used as a surfactant to prolong NBS effective stay on plant leaf surface. The results showed that 3% NBS application effectively improved the plant height, plant biomass, fruit count and fruit weight under non-stressed and stressed plants. In addition, 3% NBS application further increased the plant pigments such as chlorophyll by 72% and 53%, carotenoids by 64% and 40%, leaf relative water content by 4.1 fold and 1.07 fold under both conditions, respectively. NBS application stabilized the plasma membrane via reducing electrolyte leakage by 30% as well as reduced the lipid peroxidation rates by 46% and 29% under non-stressed and stressed plants, respectively. 3% NBS application also significantly enhanced the plants primary and secondary metabolites, as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to control plants. Overall, NBS foliar application significantly improved all growth and yield indices, pigments, primary and secondary metabolites, leaf water content, antioxidant enzyme activities as well as reduced electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation rates in tomato to combat stress conditions. In future, studies on nano biochar interactions with soil microbiota, surface modifications, long-term environmental impacts, reduced methane gas emissions, and biocompatibility could provide insights into optimizing its use in sustainable agriculture.

Abstract Background We aimed to assess the plasma levels of ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) at baseline and their utility as biomarkers to monitor response to treatment in extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) patients. Methods Prospective measurements of ferritin, CRP, and ADA were done in unstimulated plasma samples of 92 EPTB (49 TB lymphadenitis and 43 TB pleuritis) patients registered for anti-TB treatment. Blood samples were taken at the start, 2, and 6 months of treatment, plasma levels of ferritin and CRP were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and ADA levels by kinetic chemistry method at each time point. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Non-parametric tests were used for paired analysis and two groups’ comparison. Spearman’s rank test was used for correlation analysis. A Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. A p-value

Abstract Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is now acknowledged as a significant public health concern, a persistent neurodevelopmental disorder. It poses challenges across various life domains, persisting into adulthood, and is often undiagnosed. From July 2023 to December 2023, this study investigated the prevalence, types, participants’ knowledge and perceptions, and demographic determinants of undiagnosed adult ADHD among undergraduate medical students in Pakistan. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 342 undergraduate medical students who fulfilled the selection criteria. The data was collected using an online self-administered survey consisting of three main parts using the WHO 18-question Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, Version 1.1 (ASRS-v1.1), to assess adult ADHD symptoms. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 26.0). Results 119 medical students, or 34.8%, had adult ADHD. Inattentive dominance was the most prevalent presentation at (86, 72.3%), followed by mixed dominance at (20, 16.8%), and hyperactive dominance at (13, 10.9%). There was a statistically significant (p

Abstract In a prospective cohort study, we evaluated plasma PCT levels in 48 TB lymphadenitis (TBLN) and 41 TB pleuritis (TBPE) patients. Measurements of PCT were done in unstimulated plasma of microbiologically and clinically confirmed TBLN and TBPE patients registered for anti-TB treatment at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Plasma levels of PCT were found to be raised in 89% of the patients at baseline with a median of 1.5 ng/ml. Levels were higher (p = 0.001) in TBLN as compared to TBPE (2.69, 0.96 ng/ml). PCT levels were not related to the bacterial burden depicted by culture positivity in these patients. PCT showed a negative correlation with the severity of constitutional symptoms (rho = − 0.238, p = 0.034), and inflammatory biomarkers; ferritin (rho = − 0.43, p

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge and Attitude of women towards abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). METHODOLOGY: This descriptive cross-sectional was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January to December 2022. The inclusion criteria were women aged 18 to 45 who attended the outpatient obstetrics and gynaecology department. All pregnant females, those who had a history of hysterectomy, were excluded from the study. Females unwilling to be part of this study were also not involved. The participants were given pre-designed questionnaires with 30 items of knowledge and 10 items on attitude domains of AUB. A dichotomous scale (yes/no) was used for the knowledge domain. The expertise and Attitude were labeled good if females answered more than 60% of questions correctly. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: In 151 women, the mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 27.4±6.2 years and 24.1±1.2 kg/m2. Lower abdominal pain was described to be the most common presenting complaint by 98 (64.9%) females, while mood swings, weakness and irritability were the other most frequently reported presenting complaints reported by 69 (45.7%), 66 (43.7%) and 61 (40.4%) females respectively. Overall, AUB knowledge was considered good in 24.3% of females. Attitude towards AUB was good in 74 (49.0%) females. CONCLUSION: Good knowledge of AUB was noted in 24.3% of females, while 49.0% reported good Attitudes towards AUB.

Study objective Stillbirth is burdensome in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Currently, there are two core outcome sets (COS) for stillbirth (prevention and bereavement care), but these were developed with limited reflection of the needs of parents in an LMIC setting. To address this gap, the objective of this study was to establish consensus on the most important outcomes for stillbirth prevention and bereavement care following stillbirth in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.Methods Previous stillbirth outcomes were reviewed for inclusion into the COS by senior research leaders and community engagement and involvement members from six sub-Saharan African and two South Asian countries. An online real-time Delphi survey was then conducted with healthcare professionals, parents who have experienced a stillbirth and researchers in the field to score the agreed list. The results of the Delphi were summarised and then discussed at a virtual consensus meeting where the final COS were agreed.Results 287 participants contributed towards the Delphi (143 midwives, 32 obstetricians, 50 mothers, 12 fathers and 50 researchers), with at least 2 parents attending the full consensus meetings. Consensus was reached on 13 core outcomes for stillbirth prevention covering 5 domains: obstetric, fetal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes and maternal complications. For bereavement care following a stillbirth, five core outcomes reached a consensus, which included outcomes related to labour and birth, a postpartum complication, care experience, mental health and emotional and social well-being.Discussion These COS will improve the consistency of outcomes for future research in an LMIC setting. Additionally, they will complement existing COS for stillbirth prevention and bereavement care developed in high-income settings. The output from this work will move us towards a global set of outcomes that can be used in stillbirth research worldwide.

Sundar Khani is native grape variety of Pakistan which has long berry length and significantly rich in taste and sweetness. There is limited literature on pretreatment and drying data for this valuable variety of Grapes. Current study was conducted to investigate the physio-chemical indices of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) and olive oil combined treatments followed by natural sun drying method. The effects of 2 % K2CO3 pretreatments alone and in combination with various amounts of pure olive oil (1 %, 2 %, and 3 %) were studied. The results showed that, physical attributes like raisin length, width, volume, weight and total replication weight increased under distilled water treatment, while, combination of 2 % K2CO3 + 3 % Olive oil significantly reduced the drying time, 2 % K2CO3 + 1 % Olive oil gave higher final yield, rehydration ratio was highest under dH2O treatment and greater decay loss was observed at 2 %K2CO3 + 2 % olive oil. Further, 2 % K2CO3 displayed higher ratios of total soluble solids, sugars and peroxidase enzyme activity as well as titratable acidity, anthocyanins, total phenols, flavonoids were maximum at 2 % K2CO3 + 2 % Olive oil pretreatment. In addition, 2 % K2CO3 + 3 % Olive oil increased the Catalase enzyme activity as well as achieved higher scores in the evaluation of sensory attributes particularly morphological form, color and overall acceptance. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical indices of Sundar Khani grapes under different pretreatment and sun-drying conditions using K2CO3 and olive oil and it could be suggested that raisin production of Sundar Khani by using above mentioned treatments along with sun drying could have future scope both in export and industrial markets due to its incredible reduction in drying and processing time.

Electromagnetic pollution, or electromagnetic interference (EMI), is a phenomenon that has arisen due to the fast spread of electronic gadgets. To overcome EMI problem, polymer-based composites have sparked considerable attention among researchers owing to their superior qualities. Hence, this work utilizes magnetite-modified graphene (MMG) filler with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer to form polymer composites in various proportions ranging from 2 to 10 wt% to study the EM properties in the X-band. It was observed that the sample composite having a MMG filler content of 10 wt% possesses a relatively higher electrical conductivity of 0.65 S/cm as compared to the other prepared composites in this research work. The same sample composite also attained a total shielding efficacy of 53.04 dB at a thickness of 3 mm. Moreover, it was observed that the filler has improved the material's thermal stability and microwave absorption capacity, making it a high-efficiency EMI shielding material appropriate for usage in the electronic and aviation industries.

Soil amendment and foliar application of nanobiochar (NBC: a unique nanomaterial) may enhance soil fertility which ensures that nutrients are available to plants, and increase crop production because it is a suitable source of macro- and micronutrients. From this study, NBC induced modification in two wheat varieties (Akbar, Zincol) yield, growth, physio-biochemical and ionic profiles have been studied. The soil application of nanobiochar was applied in four concentrations [control (0 %), S1 (1 %), S3 (3 %), and S5 (5 %)] at the sowing stage while after 30 days of germination, the foliar application of same NBC concentrations with surfactant (0.1 % Tween-20) was applied in the pots. Each treatment has three replications and experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). Results indicated that growth attributes, physio-biochemical parameters and ion contents were significantly increased in both varieties than their respective controls with Akbar variety exhibiting better improvement in Akbar. However, the application of NBC increased the plant height, shoot–root dry biomass and shoot length at the S3F3 level (NBC in soil 5 % + NBC as foliar 3 %) while root length, plant and shoot fresh weight at the S5F5 level (NBC in soil 5 % + NBC as foliar 5 %) root fresh weight and plant dry weight S3F1 level (NBC in soil 3 % + NBC as foliar 1 %), leaf area at S3F3 level (NBC in soil 3 % + NBC as foliar 3 %), number of tillers at S1F5 level (NBC in soil 1 % + NBC as foliar 5 %). On the other hand, both methods of NBC applications significantly enhanced the photosynthetic pigments in both varieties but the Zincol variety showed the highest rate of pigments. Moreover, both applications of NBC significantly affect the primary metabolites (total soluble sugar, protein, and free amino acids), secondary metabolites (phenolic and flavonoid content), antioxidants (Catalase and peroxidase) and nitrogen metabolic enzyme (Nitrite and Nitrate) of both varieties with comparatively higher rate in the Akbar variety. In conclusion, these results showed that the combined applications of NBC as soil and foliar form could be used as a suitable source of fertilizer because of its beneficial effects and high nutritional content.

The present study deals with the unsteady Walter’s-B fluid with hybrid fractional derivative namely constant proportional Caputo type with singular kernel. In this paper, we find new analytical solutions of a well-known problem of the fluid dynamics known as Stokes’ first problem. Using dimensional variables governing equations convert into dimensionless form. To solve the model analytically, one uses the Laplace transform approach. Analytical and numerical evaluations of the inverse Laplace transform have been conducted. The influence of several embedded flow properties, including the magnetic parameter, Grashof number, dimensionless time, Prandtl number, Schmidt number, and fractional parameter is analyzed graphically. More specifically, compared to the classical model, the fractional model provides a wider range of integral curves and better represents the flow behavior. The temperature and velocity of the fluid decrease with increasing fractional parameters during short intervals of time, but exhibit the reverse pattern over longer durations. Skin friction, the Sherwood number, and the Nusselt number are numerical quantities linked to engineering that are statistically computed and provided in tabular form.

Water deficit severely limits plant growth especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Sunflower is one of the economically important oil producing crops. It is usually grown in water limited environment due to its moderate biological tolerance towards water stress. Interestingly,sunflower growth was improved in water deficit conditions using a plant growth promoter i.e. melatonin. Seeds were primed for 12 hours with melatonin (0, 50, 75, 100 µM) and these plants were later exposed to water limited environment (100 and 50 %). Results showed that reduced water conditions negatively affected various parameters such as leaf area, plant height, leaf number, achene weight/plant, capitulum weight, leaf total soluble sugars, catalase activity, anthocyanin, quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid and cinnamic acid. The seed oil content also showed reduction of unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio. Specifically, almost all levels of melatonin applications improved growth (leaf area, leaf fresh and dry weight, plant height), yield (achene weight/plant, number of achenes/capitulum) and leaf metabolites (total soluble proteins, total soluble sugars, proline, total phenolics, anthocyanins, quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid, syringic acid, sinapic acid) of stressed plants. The primed sunflowers exhibited enhanced leaf catalase activity, metabolizable energy and tissue nutritive value. The following phenolic profiles were observed: caffeic acid 100, syringic acid 100, p-coumaric 100, m-coumaric 9.8 and ferulic acid 100 % increased under 100 % water irrigations. Whereas, quercetin (4.7), gallic acid (76.2), vanillic acid (34.0), benzoic acid (334.5), cinnamic (0.6), sinapic acid (22.5) exhibited proportional % reduction. The unsaturation to saturation ratio of fatty acids was also better in the melatonin (100 µM) primed plants. Unprimed plants gave 47.0, while the primed plant exhibited 58.1 unsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio. Moving forward, the application of 100 µM melatonin delivered better antioxidant protection and nutraceutical value of sunflower plants under water deficit along with enhanced yield.

This paper discusses the application of reactive multiparticle collision (RMPC) dynamics, a particle-based method, to epidemic models. First, we consider a susceptible-infectious-recovered framework to obtain data on contacts of susceptibles with infectious people in a population. It is found that the number of contacts increases and the contact duration decreases with increases in the disease transmission rate and average population speed. Next, we obtain reinfection statistics for a general infectious disease from RMPC simulations of a susceptible-infectious-recovered-susceptible model. Finally, we simulate a susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered model and gather the exposure, infection, and recovery time for the individuals in the population under consideration. It is worth mentioning that we can collect data in the form of average contact duration, average initial infection time, etc., from RMPC simulations of these models, which is not possible with population-based stochastic models, or deterministic systems. This study provides quantitative insights on the potential of RMPC to simulate epidemic models and motivates future efforts for its application in the field of mathematical epidemiology.

Abstract This study examines the manufacturing, characterization, and biological evaluation of platinum nanoparticles, which were synthesized by Enterobacter cloacae and coated with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Resveratrol (RSV). The formation of PtNPs was confirmed with the change of color from dark yellow to black, which was due to the bioreduction of platinum chloride by E. cloacae. BSA and RSV functionalization enhanced these nanoparticles' biocompatibility and therapeutic potential. TGA, SEM, XRD, and FTIR were employed for characterization, where PtNPs and drug conjugation-related functional groups were studied by FTIR. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of PtNPs and Pt-BSA-RSV NPs, while TGA and SEM showed thermal stability and post-drug coating morphological changes. Designed composite was also found to be biocompatible in nature in hemolytic testing, indicating their potential in Biomedical applications. After confirmation of PtNPs based nanocaompsite synthesis, they were examined for anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Pt-BSA-RSV NPs showed higher concentration-dependent DPPH scavenging activity, which measured antioxidant capability. Enzyme inhibition tests demonstrated considerable anti-inflammatory activity against COX-2 and 15-LOX enzymes. In in vitro anticancer studies, Pt-BSA-RSV NPs effectively killed human ovarian cancer cells. This phenomenon was demonstrated to be facilitated by the acidic environment of cancer, as the drug release assay confirmed the release of RSV from the NP formulation in the acidic environment. Finally, Molecular docking also demonstrated that RSV has strong potential as an anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agent. Overall, in silico and in vitro investigations in the current study showed good medicinal applications for designed nanocomposites, however, further in-vivo experiments must be conducted to validate our findings.

Aims First Episode Psychosis (FEP) emerges at a young age, significantly shaping the trajectory of the disorder. Literature indicates a 60% increased risk of suicide within the initial year of diagnosis in FEP, early intervention in psychosis reduces the risk of suicide. Therefore, this study aims to co-adapt an existing culturally appropriate suicide prevention intervention (CMAP) and integrate this with a culturally adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CaCBTp) for individuals with FEP experiencing suicidal ideation and to test its feasibility and acceptability in Pakistan. Methods This is a mixed-method study that involves two stages. Stage 1 was co-adaptation of the CMAP intervention for people with FEP patients. This involved one-to-one, in-depth interviews with individuals with FEP (n = 5), carers (n = 5) and a focus group discussion with 10 healthcare professionals. The second stage involves feasibility testing of the intervention. Participants are being recruited (n = 90) from outpatient psychiatric units across the cities of Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Hyderabad in Pakistan. Eligible, consented participants are being randomized into either of two trial arms; intervention arm or treatment as usual arm (TAU). All participants are being assessed at baseline and at 3-month post-randomization on assessing participants on severity of suicidal ideation, severity of symptoms, functionality and quality of life using different scales. The intervention is comprised of 12 one-to-one sessions delivered over 3 months by trained therapists. Participants (n = 15) from the intervention arm will be interviewed at the end of intervention to explore the acceptance. Results Qualitative analysis of stage 1, utilizing thematic framework analysis, highlights barriers to help-seeking such as lack of awareness, inadequate social support, and mental health stigma. To adapt CMAP intervention, participants suggested changes in the use of Urdu words to make content simple for patients to understand, increase number of family sessions, include information about possible risk and protective factors of self-harm in this population and emphasize the addition of resilience-building messages in the manual. Stage 2 is currently ongoing, and we have successfully recruited healthcare facilities across all sites and randomized 12 participants into the trial. Conclusion This study will add valuable insights for refinement of existing interventions to address the unique needs of individuals with FEP in Pakistan. Intervention with suicide preventive strategies may help in reducing the risk of suicide. The culturally grounded approach ensures relevance, contributing to the global discourse on evidence-based mental health interventions.

Aims Psychosis is one of the leading causes of disability. First Episode Psychosis (FEP) significantly impacts the long-term course of the disorder. While a majority of FEP service users show signs of ‘recovery' within 12 months of treatment, the early course involves frequent relapses, with up to 80% relapsing within five years. This elevates the risk of persistent psychotic symptoms, affecting cognitive, social, and occupational functioning. Medication, the core treatment, reduces relapse by 75%, necessitating additional psychosocial treatments. Mobile-based interventions are recognized for meeting families' needs in terms of information, guidance, and support. This paper explores stakeholder views on developing mobile interventions for those experiencing their first psychosis episode. Methods This qualitative paper was part of the TechCare app development process in which face-to-face interviews with patients (17), and 4 focus groups with health professionals were carried out. The qualitative interviews and focus groups explored the views of stakeholders on the need for mobile-based treatment, the structure of the application, the content of the application and barriers and challenges were also explored in detail. All the audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed through a framework approach. Results Qualitative analysis revealed three themes. The first theme centers on stakeholders' views about mobile-based treatment. Health professionals reported that app-based treatment enhances help-seeking behavior, reduces societal stigma, and aids in managing treatment and activities. The second theme focuses on suggestions for the Techcare application, emphasizing logical and easy-to-understand content, with a major focus on crisis management, hallucinations, and psycho-education about symptoms. Participants also highlighted the need for a section providing psycho-education for families. Carers emphasized the necessity of an activity plan in the app, including an activity log for medication management and activities. The third theme delves into barriers and challenges in app-based treatment, including difficulty levels and privacy concerns. Stakeholders stressed the importance of content in simple Urdu language for broader understanding. Conclusion In conclusion, mobile-based treatment contributes to reducing stigma, increasing awareness about the illness in its early stages, and facilitating the management of functional activities for patients. The insights gathered from stakeholders provide valuable guidance for the development of an effective and culturally sensitive mobile-based intervention for individuals experiencing FEP.

Aims To create a safe and effective induction programme for Higher Specialist Trainees (HST) at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. An effective induction improves trainees' satisfaction, they feel welcomed and valued. It improves patient safety, retention, and recruitment (GMC Report 2020). Methods Based on GMC report, published in 2020, a survey was developed locally and data for 2021 HST induction was collected using digital platform. Initial stakeholder analysis completed, and relevant parties were invited to share the results. Two key deliverables were identified after consultation, one was a dedicated induction programme for HST which was co-produced along with trainees and stakeholders. The other deliverable was updating the induction booklet. The proposed induction plan was implemented in August 2023, the survey was repeated to the new HST cohort following induction via digital platform. Results of the survey were analysed via mixed methods (qualitative & quantitative). Results The surveys conducted in 2021 and 2023 were compared and there was an increase in response rate from 50% to 64%. The domains were devised from GMC standards and assessed by if staff had received everything in the domain within a week of starting their placement and results evaluated using a t-test. Domain A is gaining access to places and system (keys, fobs, security passes, computers, ID badges, mobile phones, IT system). This significantly improved from 27% to 88% with a p-value of < 0.001. Domain B is physical orientation of the setting (staff facilities such as lockers, parking, library, and site layout). This significantly improved from 45% to 88% with a p-value of < 0.018. Domain C is gaining day to day knowledge (HR, rota, annual leave, study leave, pay-roll, mandatory training, e-expenses, and guardian of safe working). There was no significant change between 9% and 19% with a p-value of < 0.48. Domain D is an understanding of expectations (duties and responsibility during working hours, on-call, team introduction). This significantly improved from 9% to 69% with a p-value of < 0.002. HSTs were given the chance to add comments and the responses in 2023 were more positive “excellent induction compared to previous years” compared with 2021 when HSTs felt isolated and devalued “worst ever induction in whole career in NHS”. Conclusion Overall, the results of the 2023 survey showed considerable improvement in all the key areas of induction within one week of starting the placement. Domain C demonstrates a challenge still and needs further work.

Aims Suicide is a global public health issue that requires sensitive research to inform effective prevention and treatment strategies. Despite the benefits of such research, it is accompanied by significant ethical challenges such as the potential for harm to participants' wellbeing. Various studies have explored the views of researchers in suicide research. This qualitative study aimed to explore the research ethics committee (REC) members’ experiences with suicide-related study applications to ascertain whether there are differences in approaches to dealing with suicide-related study applications. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with members of RECs (n = 9) from research-intensive universities and ethics committees in Pakistan. We also conducted a discussion group (n = 13) with members of REC from Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka. The topic guide delved into the opinions of REC members regarding ethical issues that they have come across while reviewing self-harm/suicide-related research proposals, the relevance of these issues with specific study designs, recommendations to resolve these issues, their approach to balancing risk and benefit, and guidance for researchers. Results The preliminary findings from thematic analysis revealed five major themes; 1) Ethical challenges, 2) Reasons for application rejection, 3) Areas of improvement, 4) Suggestions for addressing ethical issues, and 5) Researchers' attitudes towards amendments. Challenges in self-harm and suicide research included the sensitivity and stigma surrounding the topic, lack of interest and support, and difficulties in participant recruitment. The application faced rejection from the ethics committees primarily due to methodological errors, lack of procedural clarity, and insufficient understanding of the research procedure. Identified areas for improvement were the need for enhanced methodology and research patterns, as well as a better understanding of the methodological procedure. Recommendations for developing a robust research proposal included training and supervision for intervention studies, the inclusion of comprehensive ethical elements and practical plans in the proposal, and a focus on data protection, confidentiality, risk management, and harm identification. While a significant number positively acknowledged reviewer comments, some researchers opted for in-depth discussions rather than directly addressing the issues. Conclusion The study highlights the importance of ethical considerations and emphasises the need to address the lack of robust methodological procedures in self-harm and suicide research. Addressing these challenges and adopting suggested improvements is paramount for advancing ethical and impactful research in this context.

ABSTRACT Background: Urinary Incontinence is a worldwide problem that remains a highly prevalent cross-cultural and costly condition affecting millions regardless of age and gender. Physiotherapy is among the recommended treatment options for the managementof stress incontinence. Objectives: To assess the awareness among doctors regarding the role of physiotherapy in stress incontinence “management Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among gynecologists, nephrologists and urologists selected from public and private hospitals of Karachi through non-probability convenient sampling; total sample size of the study was 100. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 17. Chi square test was used to find association for qualitative variables and p value

Objective: To estimate the frequency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 among pregnant women, the impact in terms of obstetrical and clinical outcomes and vertical transmission to the neonates. Method: The prospective, case-control study was conducted at Zainab Panjwani Memorial Hospital, Karachi, from March to December 2021, and comprised pregnant women regardless of gestational age who exhibited symptoms or had a suspicion of exposure to any confirmed coronavirus disease-2019 individual. They were screened for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection using polymerase chain reaction or serology. Those who tested negative were designated as control group A, while who had a positive serology result along with a negative polymerase chain reaction were taken as recovered case group B1, and those who tested positive for polymerase chain reaction were called the positive case group B2. Groups B1 and B2 were followed up till delivery. The clinical presentation of coronavirus disease-2019 infection in pregnancy and its obstetrical and neonatal outcomes was assessed. Products of conception were tested for the detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 genome. The viral genome from group B2 cases was sequenced to confirm vertical transmission. Data was analysed using GraphPad Prism V8. Results: Of the 139 pregnant women, 74(53.2%) were in group A with mean age 25.87±6.90 years, 49(35.3%) were in group B1 with mean age 25.53±7.02 years, and 16(11.5%) were in group B2 with mean age 27.12±5.03 years. The gestational age at which termination of pregnancy occurred was 38.3±1.26 weeks in group B1 and 38.3±1.85 weeks for group B2. There were 96 neonates across the 3 groups. Of the 11(11.45%) neonates in group B2, 1(9.09%) had postnatal transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and this mother-neonate case was taken as the Indexed case. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 genome isolated from the neonate showed similar mutations as the viral strain infecting the mother. Conclusion: The risk of vertical transmission was found to be low. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 genome was the same for both the mother and the neonate. Key Words: SARS-CoV-2, vertical transmission, pregnancy, COVID-19, Pakistan

Numerous strong and weak convergence results on variational inequality problems are known in the literature. We here study a variational inequality problem by using the viscosity approximation method in the nonlinear CAT(0) space, where some novel theorems are established for strong and Δ-convergent sequences.