Free cAMP Research Articles

Edible Vitalmelon Fruit Extract Promotes Lipolysis of MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 Adipocytes Through the Stimulation of Glycerol Release and β-oxidation

Background and Purpose: The anti-obesity effects of vitalmelon extracts have been well verified in only adipogenesis and lipogenesis of adipocytes and high-fat diet-induced obesity mice except lipolysis. Therefore, we were investigated the novel function of edible vitalmelon fruit water extract (VW) on lipolysis. Methods: The changes in the free glycerol release, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent signaling pathway, and expression of β-oxidation-related regulators were analyzed in 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin (MDI)-stimulated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes (MiSt-3T3 adipocytes) after a VW treatment. Results: The successful differentiation of pre-adipocytes was confirmed with increased oil-red O (ORO)-stained lipid accumulation and PPARγ gene transcription. After maturation of adipocytes, the levels of free glycerol, intracellular cAMP, and hormone-sensitive lipase phosphorylation increased in a dose-dependent manner in the MDI+VW-treated group. In addition, the protein and mRNA levels of three β-oxidation-related genes (ACADs, ACO1, and CTP) were remarkably increased in the MiSt-3T3 adipocytes after VW treatment, while ATPCL phosphorylation was decreased. The changes in the expression levels of these proteins were accompanied by alteration on the expression levels of the PPARα transcription factors. The levels of PPARα protein phosphorylation and mRNA transcription in MiSt-3T3 adipocytes increased dose-dependently after the VW treatment. Conclusion: These results show that VW can promote lipolysis by controlling the cAMP-mediated glycerol release pathway and β-oxidation in MiSt-3T3 adipocytes.

Immunization Status of Children in Urban Slums of Rawalpindi and Barriers to Immunization

Objective: To determine immunization status of children residing in urban slums of Rawalpindi and identify the barriers to immunization. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Slums of Takht Pari, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan to Mar 2020. Methodology: Children, aged 12-23 months, residing at Takht Pari were enrolled. Two sessions of a free medical camp were arranged at Takht Pari by Department of Community Medicine, Foundation University, Islamabad. Data was collected from parents visiting the medical camp with the mother labelled as the primary respondent. Immunization cards and mother’s recall were used to assess the immunization status of children. Results: Two hundred ninety-one (72.9%) children were completely immunized, partially immunized were 106(26.6%) while 2(0.5%) were unimmunized. Three hundred eighty-eight (97.2%) children were vaccinated through government centers while those who received vaccination through private clinics were 9(2.3%). Factors associated with incomplete immunization were education of parents (p<0.001), number of children (p<0.001), gender of child (p=0.001), access to TV or Radio (p<0.001), and site of immunization (government/private) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Immunization status of 73% shows that unremitting efforts are essential for attaining universal coverage of immunization with extra attention to underprivileged areas. Planning and placement of public facilities for preventive services needs to be an urgent priority improving service utilization and enhancing coverage as people tend to follow ease of accessibility for using immunization services.

The New York Section EMPIRE Collaborative: Piloting a Multi-Institutional, Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Boot Camp for Junior Urology Residents.

Since the integration of the intern year into urology residencies, programs are mandated to introduce fundamental skills to junior residents. Our goal was to assess the impact of one such program: the 2023 New York Section of the AUA (NYS-AUA) EMPIRE (Educational Multi-institutional Program for Instructing REsidents) Boot Camp. Junior urology residents from all 10 NYS-AUA institutions attended a free EMPIRE Boot Camp on June 9, 2023. The seminar covered procedural skills including urethral catheterization, cystoscopy, renal and bladder ultrasound, transrectal prostate ultrasound with biopsy, and an introduction to robotics/laparoscopy. Sessions focused on urologic emergencies and postoperative scenarios. Participants completed questionnaires before, immediately after, and 6 months post course, assessing comfort with procedures and overall program quality using a 5-point Likert scale and free text responses. t Tests compared pre and immediate/6-month post scores. Forty junior residents, along with faculty and resident instructors from all 10 NYS-AUA programs, participated. Of the 40 trainees, 35 (87.5%) completed pre- and immediate post-boot camp surveys, while 23 (57.5%) responded to the 6-month follow-up survey. Ratings showed significant improvement in comfort with basic urologic technical skills for 13 out of 14 domains (93%) immediately after the course and at the 6-month mark. Attendees reported notably higher comfort levels in managing obstructive pyelonephritis (P = .003) and postoperative complications (P = .001) following didactic sessions. A skills-based, free collaborative urology boot camp for junior residents is feasible and can be effective. Trainees reported improved comfort performing certain technical skills and managing urologic emergencies both immediately after the course and at 6 months of follow-up.

The cAMP-dependent phosphorylation footprint in response to heat stress

Key messagecAMP modulates the phosphorylation status of highly conserved phosphosites in RNA-binding proteins crucial for mRNA metabolism and reprogramming in response to heat stress.In plants, 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (3′,5′-cAMP) is a second messenger that modulates multiple cellular targets, thereby participating in plant developmental and adaptive processes. Although its role in ameliorating heat-related damage has been demonstrated, mechanisms that govern cAMP-dependent responses to heat have remained elusive. Here we analyze the role cAMP–dependent phosphorylation during prolonged heat stress (HS) with a view to gain insight into processes that govern plant responses to HS. To do so, we performed quantitative phosphoproteomic analyses in Nicotiana tabacum Bright Yellow-2 cells grown at 27 °C or 35 °C for 3 days overexpressing a molecular “sponge” that reduces free intracellular cAMP levels. Our phosphorylation data and analyses reveal that the presence of cAMP is an essential factor that governs specific protein phosphorylation events that occur during prolonged HS in BY-2 cells. Notably, cAMP modulates HS-dependent phosphorylation of proteins that functions in mRNA processing, transcriptional control, vesicular trafficking, and cell cycle regulation and this is indicative for a systemic role of the messenger. In particular, changes of cAMP levels affect the phosphorylation status of highly conserved phosphosites in 19 RNA-binding proteins that are crucial during the reprogramming of the mRNA metabolism in response to HS. Furthermore, phosphorylation site motifs and molecular docking suggest that some proteins, including kinases and phosphatases, are conceivably able to directly interact with cAMP thus further supporting a regulatory role of cAMP in plant HS responses.

Anemia Awareness Program in a Suburban Middle School: A Pilot Study Promoting Students as Public Health Advocates in Their Community.

Almost a quarter of the people on earth are anemic, and most of them reside in regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Anemia in children is linked with impaired cognitive and motor development and affects the future earning capacity. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. The Indian Government has initiated multiple programs for the eradication of anemia. The prevalence of anemia has not decreased despite the improvements in the country's economy. It increased from 58.7% in 2015-16 to 67.1% in 2019-21 in childrenand from 50.4% in 2015-16 to 52.2% in 2019-21 in pregnant women. Maternal education, socioeconomic status, and number of children in the family are some factors that influence the prevalence of anemia. As these factors cannot be improved in a short time, we aimed to increase awareness about this issue by targeting school students from rural/semi-urban backgrounds. This pilot study aimed at promoting school students as public health advocates in their community. Anemia Awareness Program was conducted ina local middle school in the suburban area, which was attended by 153 class eight students (72 female). Pre- and post-test questionnaires comprising 20 multiple-choice/true-false type questions were used. Pre- and post-test scores were obtained. The second part of the study was the identification of students with anemia. Blood hemoglobin levels of 127 students (58 female) were measured from venous blood samples. The students were also asked to inform their friends/relatives about anemia and to send people with symptoms of anemia to the free two-day Anemia Awareness Camp organized by the Medical College Hospital for check-ups. The mean post-test score (15.68/20) was much higher than the pretest score (2.99/20). Thirty-eight (25 female) out of 127 students had mild/moderate microcytic hypochromic anemia, suggesting iron deficiency. Thirty-two persons visited the free health camp to receive information from the students, of whom four had normal hemoglobin levels. This pilot study showed that physician-conducted anemia awareness programs are relatively low-cost methods to spread information amongthe general population in India.

IJCM_416A: Health Profile of Anganwadi Workers: a camp-based study conducted at a Tertiary Hospital, Mumbai, India

Background: As part of the Integrated Child Development Services program, The Anganwadi system is mainly managed by the Anganwadi worker (AWW). The fundamental tasks performed by Anganwadi workers are crucial and must be completed as effectively as possible. Hence the good health of Anganwadi workers decides how efficiently they can do their allotted work. So, this study was conducted to assess the health profile of Anganwadi workers. Objective: To assess the health profile of Anganwadi workers attending a Health checkup camp at a Tertiary Hospital. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at a free health camp in a Tertiary Hospital of Mumbai, India, by the staff and interns of the Department of Community medicine. All AWWs who attended the camp were included in the study. AWWs who attended the health checkup camp were assessed for morbidity. Data collected by semi structured questionnaire was entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version-17.0. Results: Most of AWWs were from the age group of between 41-50 years; more than half of them were matriculate and 34(69.38%) workers had an experience of more than 10 years. Around 49% of them were having abnormal BMI and 53% were anaemic. PAP smear findings were abnormal in 4% AWWs. Conclusion: AWWs are considered cornerstone in providing ICDS services, but in this study, we found that most of AWWs themselves were not at their good health. Regular health checkups of healthcare workers of each level should be done to efficiently deliver the healthcare services to people of our country.

Preparedness of diabetic patients for receiving telemedical health care: A cross-sectional study.

This study evaluates feasibility of telemedicine to deliver diabetic care among different regions of the country. Medical interns affiliated with Rotaract Club of Medicrew (RCM) organized a Free Diabetes Screening Camp called "Diab-at-ease" at multiple sites across the country. Of all beneficiaries of the camp >18 years of age, patients previously diagnosed with diabetes and undiagnosed patients with a random blood sugar level of more than 200 mg/dL were interviewed regarding their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding diabetes care and preparedness and vigilance to receiving care through telemedicine. Random blood sugar, height, weight, and waist circumference were also documented. About 51.1% (N = 223) of female patients aged 57.57 ± 13.84 years (>18 years) with body mass index (BMI) =26.11 ± 4.63 were the beneficiaries of the health camps. About 75.3% (n = 168) of them were on oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs), 15.7% (n = 35) were on insulin preparations, and 59.6% (n = 156) and 88.5% (n = 31) of which were highly compliant with treatment, respectively. About 35% (n = 78) and 43.9% (n = 98) of them were unaware of their frequency of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes, respectively. About 64.6% (n = 144) of the patients were equipped for receiving teleconsultation. Glucometer was only possessed by 51.6% (115) of which only 46.95% (n = 54) can operate it independently. Only 80 patients (35.9%) were aware of the correct value of blood glucose levels. While a majority of the population is compliant with treatment and aware about diabetes self-care, they lack adequate knowledge and resource equipment for the same leading to very limited utilization.

Every Camp Has a Story: Barrier Free Youth Camp with Teacher Narratives

This study was carried out to investigate the opinions of teachers who participated in the youth camp without disabilities organized for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The research was conducted in twelve teachers who participated in the barrier-free youth camp organized in Mersin province Silifke district and were selected through easily accessible situation sampling. Data were collected by means of personal information forms created by the researchers together with semi-structured interview questions, while the content analysis method was used for data analysis. Five main themes and ten sub-themes, dependent on the former, emerged from the findings. The expectations of the participating teachers before the camp started were determined to contribute to the socialization of the students, and their expectations regarding the camp environment were positive. Relating their experiences during the camp, the teachers stated that the activities prepared for the students were organized according to the latters’ characteristics, with enriched and well-developed content. Although the camp was suitable for students with intellectual disabilities in terms of accessibility, they reported that there was no canteen in the camp to meet their daily needs. They found the camp to be beneficial for students to integrate, socialize and act independently. After the camp had finished, the teachers expressed their satisfaction with the experience, concluding that it had been productive both for their professional development and for the students. However, they suggested increasing the duration and number of the camps and simplifying the arrival and departure procedures.

Impaired cAMP processivity by phosphodiesterase-protein kinase A complexes in acrodysostosis.

Acrodysostosis represents a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by defective skeletal development and is often accompanied by intellectual disabilities. Mutations in the 3'5'cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) type I regulatory subunit isoform α (RIα) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) PDE4D have both been implicated in impaired PKA regulation in acrodysostosis. How mutations on PDEs and RIα interfere with the regulation of cAMP-PKA signaling is not understood. cAMP-PKA signaling can be described in two phases. In the activation phase, cAMP binding to RIα dissociates the free C-subunit (Catalytic subunit). PDEs hydrolyze cAMP bound to RIα, priming the cAMP-free RIα for reassociation with the C-subunit, thereby completing one PKA activation cycle. Signal termination is thus critical for resetting PKA to its basal state and promoting adaptation to hormonal hyperstimulation. This proceeds through formation of a transient signal termination RIα: PDE complex that facilitates cAMP channeling from the cAMP-binding domain of RIα to the catalytic site of PDE. Signal termination of cAMP-PKA proceeds in three steps: Step 1) Channeling: translocation of cAMP from the CNB of RIα to the PDE catalytic site for hydrolysis. Step 2) Processivity: binding of free cAMP from the cytosol at both CNBs of RIα. Step 3) Product (5'AMP) release from the PDE hydrolysis site through competitive displacement by a new molecule of cAMP that triggers subsequent activation cycles of PKA. We have identified the molecular basis for two acrodysostosis mutants, PDE (PDE8 T690P) and RIα (T207A), that both allosterically impair cAMP-PKA signal termination. A combination of amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDXMS) and fluorescence polarization (FP) reveals that PDE8 T690P and RIα T207A both blocked processive hydrolysis of cAMP by interfering with competitive displacement of product 5'AMP release from the nucleotide channel at the end of each round of cAMP hydrolysis. While T690P blocked product 5'AMP release from the PDE, T207A greatly slowed the release of the substrate from RIα. These results highlight the role of processivity in cAMP hydrolysis by RIα: PDE termination complexes for adaptation to cAMP from GPCR hyperstimulation. Impairment of the signal termination process provides an alternate molecular basis for acrodysostosis.

Quantitative phosphoproteomics reveals novel roles of cAMP in plants.

3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is finally recognized as an essential signaling molecule in plants where cAMP-dependent processes include responses to hormones and environmental stimuli. To better understand the role of 3',5'-cAMP at the systems level, we have undertaken a phosphoproteomic analysis to elucidate the cAMP-dependent response of tobacco BY-2 cells. These cells overexpress a molecular "sponge" that buffers free intracellular cAMP level. The results show that, firstly, in vivo cAMP dampening profoundly affects the plant kinome and notably mitogen-activated protein kinases, receptor-like kinases, and calcium-dependent protein kinases, thereby modulating the cellular responses at the systems level. Secondly, buffering cAMP levels also affects mRNA processing through the modulation of the phosphorylation status of several RNA-binding proteins with roles in splicing, including many serine and arginine-rich proteins. Thirdly, cAMP-dependent phosphorylation targets appear to be conserved among plant species. Taken together, these findings are consistent with an ancient role of cAMP in mRNA processing and cellular programming and suggest that unperturbed cellular cAMP levels are essential for cellular homeostasis and signaling in plant cells.

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of structured programming and a parent intervention to mitigate accelerated summer BMI gain: a pilot study

BackgroundThis study assessed the initial feasibility and preliminary efficacy of providing children a free summer day camp and a parent intervention to improve self-regulation and mitigate accelerated summer BMI gain.MethodsThis pilot 2x2 factorial randomized control trial used a mixed-methods design to evaluate providing children a free summer day camp (SCV), a parent intervention (PI), and the combination of these two strategies (SCV+PI) to mitigate accelerated summer body mass index (BMI) gain. Progression criteria for feasibility and efficacy were assessed to determine if a full-scale trial was warranted. Feasibility criteria included recruitment capability (≥80 participants recruited) retention (≥70% participants retained), compliance (≥80% of participants attending the summer program with children attending ≥60% of program days, and ≥80% of participants completing goal setting calls with ≥60% of weeks syncing their child’s Fitbit), and treatment fidelity (≥80% of summer program days delivered for ≥9 h/day, and ≥80% of participant texts delivered). Efficacy criteria were assessed via achieving a clinically meaningful impact on zBMI (i.e., ≥0.15). Changes in BMI were estimated using intent-to-treat and post hoc dose-response analyses via multilevel mixed-effects regressions.ResultsFor recruitment, capability and retention progression criteria were met with a total of 89 families participating and 24 participants randomized to the PI group, 21 randomized to the SCV group, 23 randomized to the SCV+PI group, and 21 randomized to the control. However, fidelity and compliance progression criteria were not achieved due to COVID-19 and lack of transportation. Progression criteria for efficacy was also not achieved as intent-to-treat analyses did not show changes in BMI gain that were clinically meaningful. Post hoc dose-response analyses showed that for each day (0 to 29) of summer programming children attended they gained −0.009 (95CI= −0.018, −0.001) less in BMI z score.ConclusionsEngagement in both the SCV and PI was not ideal due to COVID-19 and lack of transportation. Providing children with structured summer programming to mitigate accelerated summer BMI gain may be an effective strategy. However, because feasibility and efficacy progression criteria were not met, a larger trial is not warranted until further pilot work is completed to ensure children attend the programming.Trial registrationThe trial reported herein was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial #: NCT04608188.

Organising free health camp: insight into the approach of public and private sectors hospitals

Background: World Health Organization in the year 2019, World Health Day has focused on Universal Health Coverage, with the theme Health for all - everyone, everywhere. It is essential to provide basic primary care to every stratum of society. This article discussed organizing a mega health camp by an institute of national importance in eastern India and the insight into the approaches. Methods: Community-based mega health camp organized at the satellite center to address the medical and surgical problems and their effective management. The organizers are interviewed based on structured questionnaires. A few Marketing personnel were interviewed, and a focused group discussion was made for the beneficiaries to understand their feedback. Results: Total number of patients who availed of the consultation is 2485. The maximum number of patients reported to the specialties like Dermatology (487), Neurology (332), General Medicine (273), Orthopaedics (270), Eye (266), Endocrinology (191), Gastroenterology (188), ENT (153). Conclusions: Meticulous planning within a brief span of time, statutory compliance, event awareness, support of opinion leaders, collaborative efforts, and community involvement are some of the crucial factors contributing to the massive success of a camp. A divergent approach towards health camps by public and private sector hospitals is essential.

Factors decreasing compliance with treatment of HCV- Logistical, financial or lack of awareness of the disease.

Objective: To identify the fears and concerns regarding HCV amongst people presenting to a free screening camp and to identify the barriers preventing patients from linkage to care (seeking medical care for HCV). Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Gajrakh District, Gujranwala. Period: 15th February to 14th March 2019. Material & Methods: Questionnaire was filled by all the participants attending free screening and treatment camp. Questionnaire explored socio-demographic features, financial status, knowledge regarding awareness of disease e.g. risk factors for transmission of disease, possible complications of disease, fears regarding diagnosis &treatment of HCV and possible concerns of female population. Results: This study included 100 participants, 58% were females and 42% were males with a mean age of 46.23±12.36. Fifty seven percent of the participants were laborer, 15 were salary based, 6 were shopkeepers and 7 were housewives. Majority of participants have a sound knowledge about transmission of HCV i.e 95% said yes to the question about spread via ear/nose piercing by unsterilized needles, however, 49% and 61% think that hugging the patient and eating and drinking with patient also caused viral spread respectively. Most important factors contributing to inability to start treatment were inability to bear cost, missing of daily wages, lack of transport, fear of side effects and fear of being outcast in 75, 66, 41, 26 and 25% respectively. Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors like costly treatment, missing of daily wages, lack of transport, fear of side effects and being outcast are real hindrance in getting HCV treatment.

Applied Analysis of U.S.-China Strategic Competition in the UN System 2017-2022

The subject of the study is the current role, approaches and activities of the U.S. and China in the UN system in the period 2017-2022. To conduct the study, authors used an applied analysis of the positions of China and the United States in the UN Specialized Agencies, the budgetary allocations of states to the organization, as well as the reactions of the United States and China and their allies to issues related to human rights and democracy in Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The main conclusions of the study, which authors come to, are that the strategic rivalry between the U.S. and China will continue to intensify during the Biden administration. The Biden administration's approach to competition and cooperation with China will also be characterized by the U.S. national interest. After the COVID-19 pandemic, new debates and conflicts over values, systems and ideologies emerged, changing the strategic competition between the United States and China from "US vs. China" to "free camp countries vs. China," which is more favorable to the US. J. Biden, a Democrat with a great career in Congress will move the debate about "values," "system," and the "ideology" of human rights and democracy to new areas of competition in the strategic competition between the U.S. and China.

Perceived social support and psychological well-being among patients with epilepsy.

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between perceived social support and psychological well-being in patients with epilepsy. The study was conducted, from January to December 2019, after ethical approval from the research ethical committee of FMU (Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad). A sample of 90 patients, attending free epilepsy camp in Mujahid Hospital Madina Town Faisalabad and psychiatry OPD of government General hospital G.M. Abad Faisalabad, was collected by using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Urdu version). Moreover, Psychological well-being was assessed by Ryff Scale. Statistical analysis was done through data Correlation and T-test SPSS version 21. A positive correlation between psychological well-being and perceived social support in epileptic patients was established (p<0.001). This study concludes that on the one hand, strong social support enhances psychological well-being, while, on the other hand, both these factors collaboratively improve the mental health of PWE, thus promoting a better outcome.

Age and Sex: The Demographic Factors Matter in Sight Care Treatment Decision in Nepal

Even though existing philosophy advocating patients should be active partakers in treatment decision-making about their care, the literature suggests that patients require be informing but not involving. Eyesight treatment-decision of the participants involving free Eye-Care-Camp in a one-day free Eye-Care-Camp organized by Krim Samaj with the technical support of Tamnagar Chasma Ghar were considered with 91 responses. Two technical officers checked up the eye conditions. On the Treatment Decision-Making, they overwhelmingly wished to be performed by the technical officers. Near and free service was a most influencing factor for the treatment decision. Age significant result regarding eyesight care treatment-decision was appeared in the study. Although the treatment decisions of patients were autonomous up to the participation in free eye care camp, few wishes to hand over the treatment decision-making control to their technical personalities. The findings suggested that choices are not free but controlled under the technical officer, and household decision. Hidden serious eye problems not exhibited in household got the chance to disclose and the patients got the idea what to do further.

Free Summer Day Camp to Address Childhood Obesity: Is There Demand?

Children from low-income households, and who are overweight or obese (OWOB), are at risk of accelerated weight gain during summer. Summer day camps (SDCs) have the potential to mitigate accelerated weight gain during summer as these settings can positively influence children's obesogenic behaviors (i.e., increase physical activity); however, barriers exist to attending, most notably cost. Little is known on whether low-income caregivers of children with OWOB would be interested in having their child attend SDC for free. Caregivers (n = 109, 82% mother respondents, >75% Medicaid and Minority Household) with a child attending pediatric endocrinology clinics completed a one-page survey to explore demand. Approximately 66% of respondents expressed interest for their child to attend SDC for free. Providing free SDC for children with OWOB and from low-income households is a possible strategy to tackle childhood obesity during summer.

Exploring Impacts of a STEM Day Camp on Adolescent Desire to Pursue STEM in College

Out-of-classroom activities can help cultivate interest and literacy in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. To determine how a week-long out-of-classroom experience might impact STEM interest in adolescents, a free summer camp was offered to students entering grades 6-8. During this time, students participated in coding courses, microbiology lessons, and earth science sessions. This study uses statistical regression methods on pre- and post-camp surveys to gauge relationships between parental support, socioeconomic factors, and student desire to major in STEM disciplines in the future. Our results indicate that respondents who felt more encouraged at home showed improvement in opinion regarding their desire to major in STEM disciplines after the intervention. Families that encouraged STEM literacy also tended to belong to well-represented ethnic groups in STEM, suggesting, among other things, the inter-generational pattern in STEM matriculation and the challenge that this poses to increasing enrollment of underrepresented groups in related disciplines.

Socio-economic and Cultural Impact of Sufi Shrines: A Case Study of Mitthan Kot

Sufi shrines are in large number in Pakistan with having a colossal impact on economic, cultural and social aspects. In the rural areas of Pakistan, mostly people are poor and less educated or uneducated with strong belief and devotion to Sajjada Nasheen. In this context, this study essentially aims to investigate the socio-economic and cultural influence of Sufi shrines in the rural areas of Mitthan Kot (upper Indus basin). This study follows the qualitative research strategy by employing in-depth interviews from different stakeholders. Thematic analysis has been used to analyze the data. The findings of the study also manifest that the local community is closely inter-connected with shrines encompassing different facets. A large chunk of rural population in the proximity of shrines is entirely dependents on shrines for their earnings and engaged in jobs like garments shops, catering services, transportation system etc. All of these employment activities boost up the local economy as well as the national economy. In the same fashion, people also enjoy cultural festivals like Urs and Mela which is a great source of spiritual happiness and entertainment. Besides all of this, various medical facilities like free eye camp and literacy conventions also play a vital role in the betterment of poor people. So there is a dire need for further development, improvement and regulation in the functioning of shrines and money generation thereof for proper incorporation in national economy.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B &amp; C in a General Population

Introduction: Hepatitis is characterized by the inflammation of the liver creating swelling and in numerous cases permanent damage to liver tissue. The foremost common types of Hepatitis are Hepatitis A, B, and C. Both Hepatitis B and C can lead to lasting liver damage and in numerous cases ‘death’. In all over the world around 300 million individuals are contaminated with hepatitis B infection, and 75% of Hepatitis C infection. The significance of hepatitis B and hepatitis C is outlined by the truth that these infections are forcing a overwhelming burden on national economy and person families due to considerable morbidity and mortality from both acute contamination and persistent sequelae including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Objective: To determine the frequency of Hepatitis B &amp; C in a general population of Rawalpindi Material and Methods Study Design: Quantitative cross sectional Duration: Three months i.e. 1st January 2022 to 30th March 2022 Data Collection procedure: There were 400 subjects were reported in two different regions of Rawalpindi in a free medical camp in which 241 were males and 159 were females. All subjects were asked about previous screening of hepatitis B &amp; C and family history regarding any previous infection. After taking informed consent and briefing collect the blood sample in a tube. Results: Among 400 subjects the overall prevalence of Hepatitis B and C was 6.4%. 2.4% males and 1.2% females were in HBV infection whereas 1.6% males and 1.2% females in HCV infection. Conclusion: This study audits predominance of HBV and HCV in two different ranges of Rawapindi Pakistan, along with awareness status, risk factors in Pakistani population. Prevalence of HBV and HCV contamination shifts with population residing totally different regions of Pakistan. Keywords: Prevalence, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Population