11 research outputs found
Sartaj Aziz. Between Dreams and Realities: Some Milestones in Pakistan’s History. Karachi: Oxford University Press. 2009. Pak. Rs 595.00.
No full textThe geo-strategic location of a country gives it advantage or
disadvantage in its relation with the comity of nations and addressing
its domestic challenges. The vision, acumen and capacity of political
leadership, however, determine the maximisation of advantages from
geo-strategic location in attaining the national interests. Interplay of
domestic political power, geo-strategic location and global power
dynamics are aptly reflected in the political history of Pakistan as
narrated in “Between Dreams and Realities”. “Between Dreams and
Realities” is both an autobiography and dispassionate account of
Pakistan’s chequered history as the author puts it “watched the
political drama as ring side observer.” The author was actively engaged
in roles, confronting formidable challenges to improve policy
coordination and implementation. A sequenced political, economic, and
foreign relations history of Pakistan is described illustrating turning
points, milestones, and debacles in her existence as a country. The
political scenario of Pakistan, marred by intermittent military
takeovers, with disregard, and mutilation of the constitution, mainly
served personal interests. The rulers, irrespective of whether elected
or otherwise, conjoined survival of their rule with that of the country.
Thereupon, usurpation of power is legitimised by engineered elections or
putting in place pliable judiciary. The indiscipline in political
parties, absence of vision, political inexperience, self-centered, and
headlong political leaders, increased the vulnerability of parliament to
complete its tenure. Weak organisation of political parties is, thus
easily maneuverable to the wheeling, dealings, and gaming of
‘establishment’. This is amply visible in all military takeovers of
elected governments, right from throwing of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s
government to dissolution of Nawaz Sharif’s government in
1999
Better Diagnostic Modality for COVID-19: CT Chest or RT - PCR? - A Systematic Review
No full textBackground and Objective: A set of new studies is offering perspective and guidance on the differences between using Real Time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and chest Computerized tomography (CT) in terms of sensitivity and specificity. This review paper addresses the comparative diagnostic potential of CT chest and RT-PCR for COVID-19. Method: An online literature search was carried out from Jan. 2020 to Apr. 2020 from Google -Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct and PubMed using the MeSH key words. Twenty-five articles were retrieved. Articles with incomplete information and covering other factors like ethnicity were excluded and only the articles with comparison between two clinical diagnostic methods were included. Avoiding the duplication of issues, 5 articles were finally selected for review. Result: This review observed 98% pooled sensitivity of CT-chest being much higher than that of RT-PCR (75%). Conclusion: Patients with suspicion of COVID-19 should be screened using CT scan chest as a more sensitive technique.</p
Crosslinking Apigenin with Neurodevelopment: In-Vivo Model Designing based Therapeutic Strategy for Autism-Associated Neuroinflammation
No full textBackground: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors. Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to ASD pathophysiology. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a vital neurotrophin involved in neuronal survival and plasticity, is often dysregulated in ASD, exacerbating neurological dysfunction. Apigenin, a natural flavonoid with known anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, has shown promise as a therapeutic agent in neurodevelopmental conditions. This study evaluated the effects of apigenin treatment on autism-like neuroinflammation by examining its impact on NGF regulation in a rodent model.
Methods: This in vivo study (July–November 2021) used 20 healthy male rats (8 weeks old). The research took place within the Animal House facility and was analyzed at SMDC Lahore and LUMHS Jamshoro, Sindh. Group I (n=4) was taken as control, while Groups II–V (n=16) received 250 mg/kg/day propionic acid (PPA) to induce autism-like neuroinflammation. Groups III–V were treated with Apigenin at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. NGF serum levels were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SPSS v 21 was used for statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. p<0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: The levels of NGF were significantly lowered using propanoic acid (PPA) (4.3 ± 0.5 pg/mL vs control 11.9 ± 0.5). Apigenin dose-dependently restored NGF, with Group V (200 mg/kg) reaching 9.8 ± 0.5 pg/mL.
Conclusion: The neuroprotective properties of apigenin are evident through its ability to restore PPA-damaged levels of NGF, thus establishing potential use as an autism treatment for neuroinflammation in neurodevelopmental disorders
Autoimmune Crossroads Revisited: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Molecular Pathogenesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
No full textBackground: According to their aetiology, RA and SLE are both autoimmune diseases that share similarities in their molecular manifestations and the immunological responses. Objective: This study aimed to review and measure the molecular evidence that connects systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: According to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review and a meta-analysis were carried out. Up until February 2025, searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Original studies that reported concurrent molecular-level data on RA and SLE were among the eligible studies. Using RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I, and modified criteria for in silico research, two reviewers independently carried out screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. A random-effects meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were used to combine the data. I2 statistics were utilised to assess heterogeneity. The GRADE framework was used to evaluate the evidence\u27s certainty. Results: Ten of the 120 identified studies were included that contained more than 58,000 participants. Common molecular characteristics included the transcriptional regulators like GATA1 and PBX1, as well as the dysregulation of the PI3K, MAPK, and interferon pathways. There was moderate heterogeneity (I2 ≈58%) and a pooled odds ratio of 3.0 (95% CI: 2.1–4.2) for the shared molecular marker association. Evidence certainty ranged from moderate to high. Conclusion: There was a great deal of molecular overlap between RA and SLE, especially in immune signalling and transcriptional regulation. Researchers can develop shared biomarkers and treatments that complement precision autoimmune medical techniques thanks to these shared characteristics
The Role of Neurotrophic Modulation in COPD and Its Influence on Airway Pathophysiology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textBackground: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic pulmonary disorder that is characterized by inflammation in the airways and their remodeling. Neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are seen to potentially contribute to this disease progression. This review synthesized evidence on the potential function of neurotrophic regulation in COPD pathophysiology.
Methods: A systematic review was undertaken by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up to March 2025 for studies that examined neurotrophic factors in COPD. Studies that assessed neurotrophin expression, signaling, or its influence on airway function in COPD patients or animal models were included in this study. Studies that focused on unrelated respiratory disorders, non-neurotrophic biomarkers, or lacked primary data were excluded. Data on the study design, sample size, neurotrophin levels, and major findings were gathered. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0.0, and risk of bias was assessed using a modified form of the Evidence Project Risk of Bias Tool.
Results: Of 10 studies included, mixed findings were seen: some reported a rise in NGF and BDNF levels linked to airway inflammation and remodeling, while some found decreased neurotrophin associated with skeletal muscle dysfunction. A pooled effect size of 0.711 [0.553, 0.869] was observed for neurotropic procurement, -0.32 [-0.58, -0.05] for airway remodeling, and 4.26 [2.21, 6.31] for airway inflammation.
Discussion: Neurotrophic factors may contribute to COPD pathophysiology because they influence airway inflammation, remodeling, and muscle dysfunction. Future research should validate the mechanisms that underlie these associations and explore therapeutic targets within neurotrophic pathways.
Gender-Based Motivational Factors For Choosing Dentistry As A Career By First Year Dental Students Of College Of Pakistan
No full textObjective: Dentistry, also known as “Dental Medicine” is opted for various reasons like prestige, socioeconomic status or personal desire. However, some join dentistry just to fulfil the wishes of their parents. Students who choose dentistry by their own choice excel better in this field. Another general impression is that mostly female students prefer it. To have a true picture of these impressions in our society, we planned this study to identify the reasons and motives of undergraduate dental surgeons for joining dentistry.
Methods: A cross-sectional study, was conducted on 278 students at Margalla College of Dentistry, from December 2020 to April 2021 after the approval of the Ethical review committee of the institute. - The probability judgmental sampling technique was used. Students who consented were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using SPSS 21.
Results: In this study, about 48.4% of students selected dentistry as their first choice but out of these only 48.9% did prior career planning. Female students 76 (49.6%) opted for dentistry as compared to male students 12 (30.7%). However, there was an insignificant difference regarding career choice between both genders (p=0.591). Prominent motivating factors were flexible work patterns (63.5%), self-employment (63%), financial security (44.8%) and parents wish (25%).
Conclusion: Students chose Dentistry not only due to their interests but also because of flexible work patterns, financial security and self-employment. Both genders have more or less the same inclination towards dentistry.
Keywords: Career; Dental students; Factors; Pakistan; Undergraduate
Frequency of Pre-Analytical Errors and Its Causes in Glucose Specimen Collection: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Pakistan
No full textBackground: The laboratory testing process comprises the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. The pre-analytical phase has the highest frequency of error among these three stages. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of pre-analytical errors and the reasons behind them in the collection of glucose specimens.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study (039-DME-QAMC) was carried out on 225 samples collected at the Pathology Department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital in Bahawalpur between July and December of 2024. The method of non-probability sequential sampling was applied. Samples from indoor departments, patients who did not give their informed consent, and any stored specimens were not included. All information on pre-analytical problems, including hemolyzed samples, quantity insufficient, improper centrifugation, delayed processing, and labeling errors, has been meticulously documented by the lead researcher in the proforma. During the data collection process, quality control procedures were in place to ensure accuracy and consistency. SPSS Ver. 25 was used to enter and analyze all of the data. The data\u27s normality was examined using the Shapiro-Wilk test.
Results: In this study, frequency of preanalytical errors in glucose specimen collection process is 20% with delayed specimens (9.3%, n=21) is the most common, while other errors like inappropriate centrifugation (3.1%, n=7), hemolyzed samples (2.7%, n=6) and sample quantity insufficient (QNS) were 1.8% (n=4).
Conclusion: This study highlighted the need for sodium fluoride tubes for the delayed processing specimens to prevent in vitro glycolysis, proper blood collection techniques, and timely specimen handling in proper ways to minimize errors
Moringa Oleifera mitigates the Fluoxetine-induced damage to the histological architecture of the seminiferous tubules in adult male rats
No full textObjective: To observe the ameliorative changes of Moringa oleifera on the gross and histological architecture of fluoxetine-treated adult rat testis.
Methodology: This experimental study was conducted in Department of Anatomy, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad and Pathology Lab Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from October 22 to April 2023.
Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10). Rats were kept at the animal house of NIH Islamabad. Group A (control), Groups B and C (experimental) were given doses dissolved in distilled water through oral gavage once daily. The experimental period was 08 weeks. Group B was administered fluoxetine in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. Group C rats were treated with two chemicals, same dose of fluoxetine as in group B and concomitantly received 50 mg/30 grams body weight of Moringa Oleifera. After dissection, testes were fixed and staining was done with Hematoxylin & Eosin for histological study. Analysis of data was done on SPSS version 22. A p-value ? 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The present study concluded that amelioration caused by Moringa Oleifera was statistically significant (p-value ?0.05) when compared to the other groups.
Conclusion: Moringa Oleifera has ameliorative effects on the testicular toxicity induced by Fluoxetine in male rats by showing improvement in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules
Evaluation of Level 2 of Kirkpatrick’s Model “Learning” Among the Masters of Health Professional Education Candidates of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad
No full textObjective: To evaluate the extent of learning achieved by the participants of ongoing Masters of Health Professionals Education (MHPE) program, corresponding to level 2 of Kirkpatrick’s model.
Methodology: A total of 18 Masters of Health Professionals Education (MHPE) candidates were recruited in the study by convenience sampling, who attended the MHPE first session of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, from 8th March, 2023 to 14th March. 2023. Those participants with at least 80% attendance and willing to participate were included, while those with attendance less than 80% were excluded from the study. A questionnaire comprising of three parts was used for data collection. The level 2 of Kirkpatrick’s model, that is “learning” was evaluated by analyzing data through SPSS.
Results: Majority of the participants 12 (66.7%) agreed that they had clear understanding of learning objectives (LOs), and that the LOs were aligned with the knowledge and skills. Also, majority of the candidates showed strong consensus that the course material provided was easy and essential to success. Regarding content relevance, the content was found to be relevant to the HPE candidates. A large portion of the samples agreed that they were enriched with learning from the facilitator’s knowledge and skills. The delivery and style of the two facilitators involved in teaching was well engaging. The candidates showed little discomfort over the pace and length of the session.
Conclusion: Overall, it was noted that the learning of MHPE candidates was improved in the first contact session of the MHPE program.
Mechanisms of action and health benefits of probiotics: a comprehensive review
No full textProbiotics, originating at birth, play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of a healthy and disease-free environment within the gut of both humans and animals. These beneficial microorganisms from fermented, processed, and non-dairy foods provide numerous health benefits, such as stress reduction, disease prevention, immune stimulation, gut microbiota control, nutritional supplementation, diarrheal disease relief, vitamin production, weight management, and anticancer activities. With more health problems on the rise and the negative side effects of conventional medication and antibiotics prevailing, natural supplements such as probiotics are a relief. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces, have been identified as safe and effective candidates for gut health applications. This review addresses the current understanding of the mechanism of action of probiotics, their functions in human health, and their therapeutic potential for various diseases. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing probiotic administration along with conventional medicinal drugs for their wide benefits and fewer side effects. Our findings aim to direct future studies on the modes of action of probiotics against emerging health challenges
