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Abstract Background Clear-cell carcinoma, a rare malignancy of the minor salivary gland of the soft palate, is diagnostically challenging neoplasm due to its rarity and overlapping features with other neoplasms. We report a case of atypical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and long-term follow-up post-surgical resection of the tumor, which adds valuable insights to literature on this rare malignancy. Case presentation A 34-years-old Pakistani female came to the hospital with a 2 × 2 cm ulcerative lesion of soft palate. The lesion had no active bleeding and any associated discharge. However, during history taking, she reported pain and occasional bleeding from the lesion. Diagnosis and therapeutic interventions Excisional biopsy was performed, and the specimen was sent for histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry, which confirmed the diagnosis of clear-cell carcinoma. Later on, radiological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of hyalinizing variant of clear-cell carcinoma. Long-term follow-up revealed no recurrence and postoperative complications. Conclusion This case report highlights the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation and long-term follow-up in management of a rare oral malignancy. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry are crucial in differentiating clear-cell carcinoma from other malignancies with overlapping features. Surgical excision remains the primary treatment modality, with a favorable prognosis if diagnosed and managed adequately.

The generalization of strongly convex and strongly m-convex functions is presented in this paper. We began by proving the properties of a strongly modified (h,m)-convex function. The Schur inequality and the Hermite–Hadamard (H-H) inequalities are proved for the proposed class. Moreover, H-H inequalities are also proved in the context of Riemann–Liouville (R-L) integrals. Some examples and graphs are also presented in order to show the existence of this newly defined class.

Background: Despite the emergence of many novel minimally invasive techniques including percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureteroscopy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, many urologists still prefer open surgery for the management of ureteric stones. The present study compared the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) with ureteroscopy (URS) for the treatment of distal ureteral calculi. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, which was conducted between January 2018 to June 2019 at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan. All patients diagnosed with unilateral, solitary, and distal ureteral stones were randomized in two groups. The patients in Group A underwent with ESWL and group B underwent ureteroscopy. The outcome of procedures was assessed after 3 months. Data was analyzed via Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). Chi-squared test was applied to compare the clinical efficacy of both techniques. A p

Photoacoustic imaging is a good method for biological imaging, for this purpose, materials with strong near infrared (NIR) absorbance are required. In the present study, machine learning models are used to predict the light absorption behavior of polymers. Molecular descriptors are utilized to train a variety of machine learning models. Building blocks are searched from chemical databases, as well as new building blocks are designed using chemical library enumeration method. The Breaking Retrosynthetically Interesting Chemical Substructures (BRICS) method is employed for the creation of 10,000 novel polymers. These polymers are designed based on the input of searched and selected building blocks. To enhance the process, the optimal machine learning model is utilized to predict the UV/visible absorption maxima of the newly designed polymers. Concurrently, chemical similarity analysis is also performed on the selected polymers, and synthetic accessibility of selected polymers is calculated. In summary, the polymers are all easy to synthesize, increasing their potential for practical applications.

Designing of molecules for drugs is important topic from many decades. The search of new drugs is very hard, and it is expensive process. Computer assisted framework can provide the fastest way to design and screen drug-like compounds. In present work, a multidimensional approach is introduced for the designing and screening of antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants play a crucial role in ensuring that the body's oxidizing and reducing species are kept in the proper balance, minimizing oxidative stress. Machine learning models are used to predict antioxidant activity. Three hydroxycinnamates are selected as standard antioxidants. Similar compounds are searched from ChEMBL database using chemical structural similarity method. The libraries of new compounds are generated using evolutionary method. New compounds are also designed using automatic decomposition and construction building blocks. The antioxidant activity of all designed and searched compounds is predicted using machine learning models. The chemical space of searched and generated compounds is envisioned using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) method. Best compounds are shortlisted, and their synthetic accessibility is predicted to further facilitate the experimental chemists. The chemical similarity between standard and selected compounds is also studied using fingerprints and heatmap.

Abstract While several studies have addressed the interconnections between self-assessment and academic stress, much uncertainty still exists about the mediating role of coping styles in this interplay. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the mediating role of coping styles in the relationship between the core of self-assessment and academic stress. To this aim, a total of 384 English as a foreign language (EFL) learners in the training institutes in Woldia, Ethiopia, filled out three questionnaires, including self-evaluations, the coping styles, and the academic stress. The analysis of the data using structural equation modeling revealed that the core of self-assessment had significant negative effects on academic stress, emotion-based coping, and avoidance. Furthermore, self-assessment with the mediating role of other factors, namely problem-oriented coping, emotion-based coping, and avoidance coping showed to have a negative and significant effect on academic stress. Based on the findings, it is possible to receive personality traits as an individual factor, predict differences in individuals coping styles of academic stress, and, as a result, teach appropriate coping styles to EFL learners to reduce their academic stress.

This study has examined time-varying features of the developed stock market and diversification opportunities. The study has collected data from 21 developed countries ranging from 2000-2018 from the Pacific Region, Northern Europe, Western Europe, Southern Europe, and G7. The study has developed five panels, and each panel has included one home country and the remaining countries of that panel. We applied panel co-integration and VECM to test the stock market integration and diversification opportunities in the short and long run. Our results indicate few short and long-run diversification opportunities for international investors in the post-crisis period that are more relevant. Canada, Japan, and Italy have long-run opportunities for diversification in the G7, and only Japan has short-run opportunities for diversification. Hong Kong and Japan have short-and long-run opportunities for diversification in the Pacific region. At the same time, we found short-run diversification options for the UK and Norway in Northern Europe. In the Western European Region, Australia and Switzerland have long-term diversification. There were no long and short-run diversification opportunities in the Southern European Region in the post-crisis period.

Objective To compare the outcome of standard DHS technique through minimal invasive approach versus conventional technique among patient attending with intertrochanteric fracture. Methods: Quasi experimental prospective study from 1st March 2018 to 28th November 2021. The study was conducted at Lyari General Hospital, Karachi-Pakistan from 1st March 2018 to 28th November 2021 under spinal anesthesia. All patients with intertrochanteric fracture aged greater than 60 years having surgeries performed within 3 weeks of injury were included. A total of 120 patients were included which were equally divided in MIDHS by conventional group. Outcome variables like operating time, blood loss, post-operative decrease in hemoglobin, hospital stay, pain score, early mobilization, Harris Hip score at 6 and 12 weeks and complications were noted. Results: Of 120 patients, a significantly lower operating time (in mins) (p-value

Al-based fluoroperovskites compounds AlMF3 (M = Cu, Mn) are researched computationally, and their various aspects are examined using TB-MBJ potential approximations for energy generation. This is due to their increasing power conversion efficiency, which has drawn a lot of attention. These compounds are cubic and stable in terms of structure, according to the Birch Murnaghan curve and tolerance factor. Computed are the optimised lattice parameters and the optimal volume Vo of the compounds matching the ideal energies. These compounds are mechanically stable, anisotropic, and ductile, according to the IRelast algorithm's predictions of elastic properties. At (X-M) symmetry points, AlCuF3 and AlMnF3 have a small indirect band gap, with band gaps of −0.54 eV for AlCuF3 and 0.45 eV for AlMnF3, respectively. The AlCuF3 compounds' narrow indirect band gap reveals their metallic character. AlMnF3, however, is a semiconductor. The offering of various elemental states to the conduction and valence bands is calculated using the partial and total density of states (TDOS & PDOS). These compounds exhibit low refractive index, high absorption coefficient, and conductivity at high energy ranges, according to an analysis of their optical properties. These compounds have applications in conducting industries because of the indirect band gap. Here, we used these compounds for the first time and used a computational method to study them, which provides a comprehensive perspective of all the various features.

Background: Helicobacter Pylori is the important medical pathogen, reporting in more than half of the world population. Its infections lead to gastric inflammation, peptic ulcer and sometime cause gastric cancer. Various treatment regimes are in use for the eradication of H.pylori, but due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, its management is a big issue for clinicians. Methodology: In current study all suspected cases that has visited District Head Quarter Hospital Kohat, were consider for screening of H. pylori infections. Preliminary information about their age, gender; general health conditions, occupation etc were taken for consideration. After recording initial sign and symptoms, samples were considered for H. pylori detections using stool antigen test and endoscopy. A Fourteen days proton-pump inhibitor(ppi) base triple and quadruple therapies were administered to each patient comprising of Esomeprazole 40mg, Rebeprazol 20mg, Metronidazole 500mg, Levofloxacin 500mg and Bismuth subcitrate. Results: In total (n=178) positive patients, there were high numbers of positivity in patients aged below 30 years 82 (45.5%) most of which belonged to the rural areas. The MEL were given to 100patients, out of which, 88(88%) patients show successful eradication followed by the bismuth based quadruple therapy (MELB) which were given to (n=25) patients, of which 21(84%) show successful eradication. Conclusion: This study conclude that there were high number of positive patients in aged below 30 years in which many patients were from rural area and according to this study the MEL is the most effective treatment regime for the eradication of H.pylori

Objective: To assess the reliability of gingival crevicular blood as a diagnostic tool for diabetes in patients with periodontal disease with and without diabetes. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Periodontics, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan, from Jul 2017 to Jul 2018. Methodology: Forty patients with diabetes and 60 patients without diabetes with mild to moderate gingivitis or periodontitis in either the upper or lower anterior region were included. Gingival crevicular blood (GCB) was collected and was assessed by glucometer. The same patient underwent finger stick blood (FSB) and intravenous blood glucose level (IV). Plaque Index (PI), Periodontal Pocket Depth (PPD) and Gingival index were also recorded. Results: A positive correlation (r) was detected between glucose levels of Gingival crevicular blood with finger stick blood with the value of coefficient correlation ‘r’=0.849. The mean values of Gingival index in patients without diabetes is 1.53 ± 0.97mm, patients with newly diagnosed diabetes is 1.87 ± 0.920mm and without diabetes is 2.13± 0.94mm. Conclusion: Blood glucose level can be assessed with the help of Gingival crevicular blood as this technique was found easy and non-invasive to the patient and it can help in diagnosing diabetes during regular periodontal treatment.

In several countries, organic or municipal solid wastes, such as cattle and buffalo manure, have become a serious political and environmental issue owing to organic waste incineration and garbage disposal. To overcome this problem, biogas production from manure, a green treatment that both contributes to the availability of sustainable energy and assists in reducing global warming, was considered. The current study was conducted on the generation of green electricity using cattle and buffalo manure in Pakistan. In 2021, Pakistan has generated 102.742-terawatt hour (TWh) of electricity collectively; biogas share in total production accounted for only 0.98%, which is approximately 1 TWh. Unfortunately, most of the electricity was generated from nonrenewable energy sources. One large animal produces 9–10 kg of manure per day. A system for manure collection can be developed; 30% of total manure produced every day by cattle and buffalo can be collected. Such a type of system is already used for the collection of poultry manure. Pakistan has been blessed with almost 42.4 million buffaloes and 51.5 million cattle. The annual collection of manure from cattle and buffalo at the rate of 30% will be 92.53 million tons. From this manure, approximately 4.63 billion m3 of biogas can be produced and 70% can be collected, which will be 3.24 billion m3. Thus, Pakistan has the potential of generating 19.79 TWh of electricity per day from cattle and buffalo manure. Biogas has the potential to generate over 20% of Pakistan’s total electricity. At the farm level, 100 cattle ranches with 60% collected manure can create roughly 57% of their total consumed electricity. Slurry, a byproduct of anaerobic digestion, can be used as a biofertilizer in fields. It is possible to use cattle manure to make biogas, which is “made by fermentation of organic waste in the absence of oxygen.” It aids in the reduction of fossil fuel dependency, solid waste management, and air pollution control by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Biogas contributes to the three pillars of sustainable development: economic, environmental, and social development. Biogas contributes significantly to the SDGs and other aspects of sustainable development.

The present work reveals variation in the nutritional and antioxidant profiles of Moringaoleifera leaves with regard to four maturity stages (early, mid, penultimate and late). The corresponding yield of 80% methanolic extract (14.21 and 9.69%) and total phenolic contents (TPC) of the extract (95.26 and 38.22 mg GAE/g) from M. oleifera leaves were found to be maximum at early stage and minimum at the later stage. Total flavonoids, ash, protein, vitamin C and β-carotene contents were found to be minimum at the early stage and maximum at later stage (12.26 ± 0.47 to 30.07 ± 1.09 mg/g, 10.36–15.92%,50.3 ± 0.15 to 56 ± 0.77 mg/100 g, 143.14 ± 0.74 to 164.81 ± 0.44 mg/100g, and 89 ± 0.28 to 112.8 ± 1.40 mg/100 g). Amino acids including valine, alanine, leucine and phenylalanine were identified with their least contents at early stages (90.87, 53.07, 55.21, and 48.65 µg/g) and maximum at later stages (197.66, 114.3, 114.2, and 104.5 µg/g, respectively). The levels of different minerals such as Cu, Fe, Mn in M. oleifera leaves at different maturity stages varied from 0.59 to 2.08, 21.96 to 58.68, and 5.56 to 13.84 mg/100 g, respectively. RP-HPLC analysis of the nutritionally rich later-stage leave samples revealed the presence of quercetin as a major component (21.64 mg/kg), followed by benzoic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, gallic acid, and p-coumaric acid with contributions of 13.03, 8.85, 3.39, 2.88, and 1.59 mg/kg, respectively. Overall, a considerable variation in the profile of different nutrients and antioxidants was noted in M. oleifera leaves as maturity progressed. These results support the harvesting of M. oleifera leaves at an appropriate maturity stage to maximize the functional food and nutraceutical benefits of this valuable food commodity.

Objective: To stratify diffuse gliomas into subtypes including diffuse astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and glioblastomas based on recent molecular updates and assess their frequencies in our local subpopulation. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Histopathology, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, from Jun 2015 to Jul 2017 Methodology: Two hundred and fourteen (n=214) cases of adult diffuse gliomas were evaluated. Clinical and morphological features like age, gender and type of tumor were quantified. Molecular studies including IDH 1 by antibody and PCR, ATRX by antibody and 1p/19q co-deletion by FISH were tested. Gliomas were subcategorised based on WHO 2016 guidelines. Results: Mean age of presentation was 39 years. Overall n=146/214 (68.2%) of the cases were completely classifiable including Diffuse Astrocytomas, Oligodendrogliomas and Glioblastomas. Out of the glioblastomas (n=81), 67/81(n=82.7%) were IDH Wild type and 14/81 (17.3%) were IDH Mutant. Conclusion: In this study, glioblastomas are the most frequent gliomas as categorized by current WHO molecular guidelines followed by diffuse astrocytomas. Oligodendrogliomas are the least common.

ObjectivesEven though several effective vaccines are available to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, wide disparities in vaccine distribution, and vaccine acceptance rates between high- and low-income countries appear to be major threats toward achieving population immunity. Our global descriptive study aims to inform policymakers on factors affecting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers (HCWs) in 12 countries, based on income index. We also looked for possible predictors of vaccine acceptance among the study sample.MethodsA structured questionnaire prepared after consultation with experts in the field and guided by the “Report of the SAGE working group on vaccine hesitancy” was administered among 2,953 HCWs. Upon obtaining informed consent, apart from demographic information, we collected information on trust in vaccines and health authorities, and agreement to accept a COVID-19 vaccine.ResultsAlthough 69% of the participants agreed to accept a vaccine, there was high heterogeneity in agreement between HCWs in low and lower-middle income countries (L-LMICs) and upper-middle- and high-income countries (UM-HICs), with acceptance rates of 62 and 75%, respectively. Potential predictors of vaccine acceptance included being male, 50 years of age or older, resident of an UM-HIC, updating self about COVID-19 vaccines, greater disease severity perception, greater anxiety of contracting COVID-19 and concern about side effects of vaccines.ConclusionsCOVID-19 vaccine acceptance among HCWs in L-LMICs was considerably low as compared to those from UM-HICs. The lowest vaccine acceptance rates were among HCWs from the African continent. This underlines the need for the implementation of country-specific vaccine promotion strategies, with special focus on increasing vaccine supply in L-LMICs.

Understanding business trails among promising aspirants may contribute to an actual motive for diminishing ecological tracks and escort to developing devotion toward deciding intentions across various entrepreneurial types and tiers solely from the sustainability domains. Therefore, this study endeavors to comprehend and seek to employ the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to inspect the relationship between antecedents on sustainable enterprise intention and sustainable value creation. In this study, we used the convenience sampling method and the quantitative data of 1,070 respondents from Pakistan and China and applied a SmartPLS structural equation model and partial least square path modeling by mediational and multigroup analyses. Findings divulge that R2 (79.8%) value in the Pakistan sample of attitudes to sustainability, perceived entrepreneurial desirability (PED), and perceived entrepreneurial feasibility (PEF) was comparatively higher than in China. The R2 (75.6%) variance value on sustainable entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) was recorded higher in the Pakistani sample. However, the relationship of environmental values, self-efficacy, and extrinsic and intrinsic rewards show positive and significant mediational effects on both the economies of SEI. The findings disclosed an inconsistent character of extrinsic rewards, general self-efficacy, and job security depict negative significant impacts of aspirations on sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) among promising entrepreneurs on sustainability enterprises in both Pakistan and China. This study extends on existing entrepreneurship literature. Results supported the designed hypothesis and played a significant role in shedding light on an individual trait underpinning a career in a sustainable business start-up. The study looks at the issue from the viewpoint of sustainability domains. It seeks to determine the individual PED, PEF, and attitude toward sustainable entrepreneurship (ATSE) as the mediational variables. The study highlights the importance of work values in pursuing sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship programs for promising aspirants to improve their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge podium, which will encourage them to become sustainable future entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the study provides understandings for ratifying sustainable openings and debates the potential paths for sustainable business growth and opportunities among nascent entrepreneurs in both economies.

This study was carried out to design phenothiazine based dyes by incorporating electron-deficient thiadiazole derivatives as π-spacer. Density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations of the geometries, electronic structures and absorption spectra of the dyes before and after binding to titanium oxide were carried out. Effects of the electron-deficient units on the spectra and electrochemical properties have been investigated. Compared with the reference compound CS1A, Dyes 1–4 display remarkably enhanced spectral responses in the red portion of the solar spectrum. The newly designed dyes demonstrate desirable energetic and spectroscopic parameters, and may lead to efficient metal-free organic dye sensitizers for DSSCs. Keywords: Organic dyes, Dye sensitized solar cells, Phenothiazine dyes, Density functional theory

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the acceptance rate and associated factors of COVID-19 vaccines among dentists and dental students in seven countries. Material and Methods: A structured questionnaire prepared and guided by the report of the SAGE Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy was distributed among groups of dentists and dental students in seven countries across four continents. Results: A total of 1527 subjects (850 dentists and 677 dental students) participated in this survey. Although 72.5% of the respondents reported their intention to accept COVID-19 vaccines (dentists: 74.4%, dental students: 70.2%), there was a significant difference in agreement between dentists/dental students across countries; generally, respondents in upper-middle-, and high-income countries (UM-HICs) showed significantly higher acceptance rates compared to those in low- and lower-middle income countries (L-LMICs). Potential predictors of higher vaccine acceptance included being a dentist, being free of comorbidity, being well-informed about COVID-19 vaccines, having better knowledge about COVID-19 complications, having anxiety about COVID-19 infection, having no concerns about the side effects of the produced vaccines and being a resident of an UM-HIC. Conclusion: The results of our survey indicate a relatively good acceptance rate of COVID-19 among the surveyed dentists and dental students. However, dentists and dental students in L-LMICs showed significantly lower vaccine acceptance rates and trust in COVID-19 vaccines compared to their counterparts in UM-HICs. Our results provide important information to policymakers, highlighting the need for implementation of country-specific vaccine promotion strategies, with special focus on L-LMICs.

This cross-sectional study sought to identify gender differences in individual behavioral attitudes, personal traits, and entrepreneurial education based on planned behavior theory. The Smart partial least squares (PLS) structural equation model and PLS path modeling were used. A survey design was used to collect data from 309 samples using quantitative measures. The model was tested for validity and reliability and showed variance (full, R2 = 58.9% and split, R2 = 62.7% and R2 = 52.7%) in male and female model predictive power, respectively. Subjective norms (SN), personality traits (PT), and entrepreneurial education (EE) significantly impacted the male sample’s intention. Females’ intentions toward entrepreneurship was less affected by attitude toward behavior (ATB), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and entrepreneurship education (EE). Further, attitudes, social norms, and behavioral controls as mediation variables indicate a significant and positive role of male and female intentions. These findings imply that behavioral beliefs (ATB, PBC, and SN) influence entrepreneurial intention-action translation. The results significantly supported the designed hypotheses and shed light on individual personality traits (PT) and entrepreneurship education (EE) underpinning enterprise intention. The study determined that EE and PT are the strongest predictors of intention, thus highlighting the role of these motives in the entrepreneurial process. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on youth entrepreneurs, expands our understanding of entrepreneurship as a practical career choice, and offers a novel account differentiating male and female PT. The drive to evaluate the effects of entrepreneurial intention among budding disparities in Pakistan requires a more profound knowledge of the aspects that endorse entrepreneurship as a choice of profession and enhances youth incentive abilities to engage in entrepreneurial activities based on exploitation.

Introduction: Immunohistochemical expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) is seen variably in invasive ductal carcinoma. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of BCL-2 expression in different histologic grades of invasive ductal carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Pakistan, on subjects with invasive ductal carcinoma of various histologic grades. Immunohistochemistry was done using the BCL-2 antibody in all cases. The frequency of BCL-2 positive cases in different histologic grades was noted. Post-stratification, the chi-square test was applied. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: All 52 subjects were females (100%) with a mean age of 47.58 ± 1.43 years. BCL-2 expression was observed in 28 (53.85 %) subjects with breast cancer. Out of 33 participants with grade III, 13 (39.39 %) participants were positive for BCL-2 expression. Among 18 subjects with grade II, 14 (77.78 %) subjects were positive for BCL-2 expression. Reduced frequency of BCL-2 expression was observed with increasing histologic grade (i.e., more in low-grade tumors and less in grade III), but the difference was statistically not significant. Conclusion: A differential expression of BCL-2 was observed across different grades of invasive ductal carcinoma. However, the difference was not statistically significant.

Objective: To estimate and compare the prevalence of depression among college students in Karachi. The analytical approach was aimed to minimize biases produced by profession, gender, and age of samples on the prevalence rate. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Two hundred and sixty students were chosen from January 2018 to March 2019 through a purposive non-probability sampling technique from different professional colleges in Karachi. Beck Depression Inventory, a self-report questionnaire comprising 21 items was used as a study tool. After taking informed consent, each sample was inquired about the profession, age, gender, and personal and family history of psychiatric illness. Diagnosed cases of any psychiatric illness were excluded. Samples were stratified on the basis of profession, gender, and age. A minimum sample size of 70 students was extracted from the total sample through quasi randomization. Statistical software SPSS version 16 was used for data entry, sample randomization and analyses. Results: Overall prevalence rate was 26.15%. Profession based stratification of samples showed prevalence rates of 21.81% and 29.33% in business and medical college students, respectively. Substrata of medical colleges i.e. public and private medical college students showed prevalence rates of 38.66% and 20%, respectively. Gender-based stratification showed a prevalence rate of 33.33% in female and 17.24% in male students. Age-based stratification showed a prevalence rate of 15.49% in teens (17-19 years) and 21.69% in the post-teen group (20-25 years). Independent sample t-tests showed a statistically significant difference between the strata of the profession, gender, and age and substrata of public and private medical colleges. A prevalence rate of 25.71% was estimated in quasi-randomized samples. Conclusion: Randomization, stratification and large sample sizes are employed to minimize biases in prevalence studies. The present study showed the importance of sample stratification based on age, gender, and profession in estimating the prevalence of depression. Results also showed the validity of the minimum sample size is calculated appropriately.

Objective: To determine the frequency of skin diseases and its associated factors among patients visiting a dermatology clinic in Karachi. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out from December 2018 to May 2019 at Baqai Institute of Health sciences, Baqai Medical University, Karachi. Available relevant data of all patients visiting a selected dermatology clinic in Karachi for a period of two years, from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2018, were retrospectively gathered and recorded on the study questionnaire by the principal investigator. Statistical package for social sciences version 19.0 was used for analysis. Chi-square test was applied to check associations between the independent variables and the study outcome whereas the significance level was set at 0.05. The duration of the study was six months. Results: The study findings revealed that the highest frequency of skin diseases among the patients was of psoriasis (25.3%), followed by dermatitis (23.3%), scabies (14.1%), fungal infection (11.9%), acne (9.0%), folliculitis (4.4%), atopic dermatitis (4.1%), keloid (3.2%), warts (2.8%) and vitiligo (1.9%). Moreover, 51.2% of the patients came in the summer season. The study results also showed that season was found to be significantly associated with the diagnosis of the patients both among patients aged 25-49 years (p

A cross-sectional awareness survey was conducted among final year MBBS students of ISRA University, Hyderabad from May 2017 to November 2017. After checking eligibility and taking verbal informed consent, 100 participants were included in the study and interviewed using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed on Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. The study results showed that 29 (29%) of the study participants got information about family planning methods from health care providers, 27 (27%) through social circle, 24 (24%) through mediawhile 20 (20%) through conference, meetings and events. Furthermore, 42 (42%) of the participants correctly identified all permanent family planning methods, 65 (65%) correctly identified temporary family planning methods, 47 (47%) correctly identified short-term family planning methods whereas 54 (54%) correctly identified long term family planning methods. Efforts by both public and private sector to enhance awareness regarding family planning methods among medical students are recommended

A cross-sectional survey was carried out to determine the factors associated with self-reported glycemic control among outpatients with diabetes mellitus type 2 visiting a private tertiary care hospital of Karachi, from July to October, 2018. A total of 185 participants of either gender, aged 30 years, with obesity and a self-reported diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2 for at least 1 year were included in the study and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed on statistical package for social sciences version 21 whereas chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used for inferential analysis. The study results showed that regular medicine intake, regular exercise and weight change during the previous year were significantly associated with self-reported glycemic control of the patients (p

Objective: To assess the reach and effectiveness of mobile dental vans as a delivery method for providing oral healthcare access to people of low socioeconomic status. Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify mobile delivery methods of oral healthcare, the basic aim of which was to address the increasing oral health disparity concern. Forty one articles met the inclusion criteria. Out of the 41 articles, only 7 analysed the coverage and reach of the mobile dental clinics. Data was compiled from the literature in order to assess, evaluate and compare the different mobile dental care delivery methods in dentistry. Results: There is an association between transportation barrier and lack of access to oral healthcare. Thus, mobile dentistry helps deliver dental care to vulnerable populations. Conclusion: Mobile dental clinics are effective methods in improving access to oral healthcare among people of low socioeconomic status, which can be taken as an example for Pakistan in order to increase overall oral healthcare access.

This article investigates acculturation stress among Pakistani students who are studying in Chinese universities, located in five provinces where international students are concentrated, with a mix-method approach. 203 students among 260 questionnaire recipients responded the online survey. When using the ASSIS (Acculturation Stress Scale for International Students) as instrument, the Principal Component Analysis Method and SPSS 20.0, we found that Pakistani students are under acculturative stress, 68.53%, 10.97% and 9.15% of them perceived discrimination, home sickness and perceived hate, and 5.25%, 3.11% and 2.58% of them fear, culture shock and guilt respectively. The qualitative segment of the study is consisted of 20 Pakistani students studying in 4 universities located in Wuhan city of Hubei capital enquiring through semi-structured interviews. The findings illustrate that Pakistani students in China are expressing their major concerns on culture shock, homesickness, food and language barriers while disconfirm ASSIS findings like perceived discrimination, hate, fear and guilt as factors responsible for acculturative stress. The study suggested that pre-departure orientation lectures about host country’s cultural values and campus environment, and on-campus extra-curricular, cultural activities and maximum social interaction with local students can effectively acculturate students in new cultural setting, and can lower their acculturative stress.

Abstract Objective: To assess oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices and their associated factors among 3rd year BDS students in public sector dental colleges of Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out to assess oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices among 3rd year BDS students from November 2018 to April 2019. 3rd year BDS students of either gender in public sector dental colleges of Karachi were included in the study whereas those refusing to give verbal informed consent were excluded from the study. After checking eligibility, a total of 372 3rd year BDS students from five public sector dental colleges of Karachi were included in the study by using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected by the principal investigator using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were entered on Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 19. After checking normality, the inferential analysis was carried out using the Mann Whitney U test whereas the significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The study results showed that the knowledge and attitude regarding oral health of dental students were overall satisfactory, however their practices were not found to be satisfactory. Moreover, it was found that the mean rank of knowledge score was significantly different across various categories of age 'p=0.001' whereas the mean rank of practice score was significantly different across various categories of gender 'p=0.005'. Conclusion: It was concluded that knowledge score was significantly different across categories of age while practice score was significantly different across categories of the gender of the students. Serious efforts are recommended to be taken by all stakeholders in order to motivate dental students so that they can translate their adequate knowledge and positive attitude regarding oral health into appropriate practices.

Abstract Objective: To assess depression and its associated factors among patients coming to the dental OPD of a public and a private dental college of Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in public and a private dental college of Karachi from November 2018 to May 2019. The inclusion criterion of the study was being 18 years of age or above whereas those who refused to give written informed consent were excluded from the study. After checking eligibility and taking written informed consent, a total of 250 participants were included in the study using systematic random sampling. These dental outpatients were interviewed by the principal investigator with the help of a pretested structured questionnaire that contained questions about socio-demographic information, dental risk factors and questions from Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data were analyzed on the statistical package for social sciences version 21. Inferential analysis was performed using chi-square test whereas the significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The study results revealed that 70 (28.0%) participants had minimal depression, 99 (39.6%) had mild depression, 45 (18.0%) had moderate depression, 28 (11.2%) had moderately severe depression whereas 8 (3.2%) had severe depression. Moreover, among demographic characteristics, only monthly income (p=0.037) and family history of depression (p

Objective: The purpose of this research study is to assess the knowledge of housing characteristics and associated health problems in nursing students of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). Moreover, nursing students’ knowledge about housing condition and public health risks were also analyzed. Methodology: The study was conducted at Institute of Nursing, DUHS, Karachi. In 2012, 90 nursing students were asked to participate in this study with their consents. A teaching session was conducted as a part of this study that lasted for two hours. At the end of teaching session students were requested to fill out the questionnaire about their housing condition and health related problems along with a feedback of the session. Results: The study highlighted that on average, participants had been living in the same housing for the last one year, with median and inter-quartile range of 12 and 16 months respectively. Twelve participants (13%) mentioned that they had suffered from diarrhea or vomiting during last three months, and 7.6% participants reported that their housing conditions were affecting their respiratory health. A large number of participants (89.1%) and (87.2%) did not find any visible mold in their house/hostel or kitchen respectively. Almost 61% and 80% participants reported about the mechanical ventilation and window in the bathroom respectively. Conclusion: Reduction in dampness results in improvement of various health symptoms. House dust mite can be controlled through constant mechanical ventilation. The majority of the participants showed willingness towards such seminars and discussions for their future classes.

Wastewater treatment is a major environmental problem in world particularly in Pakistan, and most conventional treatment approaches either have too much high cost or do not provide acceptable solution. The use of specially selected and engineered plants for environmental clean-up is an emerging technology called phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is the most eco-friendly and cost effective technique for removal of contaminants without the need of excavating or disposing them off. The study was conducted at NUST to treat wastewater of capacity 0.1 MGD and use this treated wastewater for horticulture purposes, fish feed and poultry etc. Apart from this, sampling from 10 points i.e. inlet, sedimentation tank and 8 different ponds were done once a week and different tests like pH, Temperature, TDS, COD, Total Coliforms, Fecal Coliforms etc. were conducted and depending upon the wastewater characteristics, best suitable plants were selected for greater decontamination efficiency for pilot scale plant. Three systems were established, lab scale, pilot scale and parallel scale treatment system, Parallel scale treatment system was designed to check the individual uptake efficiency by plants and the results were the following, water lettuce showed the maximum removal of COD i.e. 90.36%, typha and duckweed almost showed the same value of removal i.e. 83% and pennywort showed the least removal efficiency of COD i.e. 78%.