KP Pakistan Research Articles

Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern in Enterococcus species. Isolated from Different Clinical Samples at North West General Hospital, KP Pakistan

Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern in Enterococcus species. Isolated from Different Clinical Samples at North West General Hospital, KP Pakistan

Knowledge and Practices of Patients Regarding Diabetes Self-Management: A Mixed Method Approach

Diabetes Mellitus is a major source of death globally and has shaken middle-income and low-income countries including Pakistan. Objective: To determine diabetes knowledge, and explore the patient’s experiences of type-ii diabetes along with its self-management. Methods: A mixed-method design was used to carry out this study at a tertiary care hospital in KP Pakistan from April to September 2021. Information on patients’ demographic characteristics, diabetes knowledge, and diabetes self-practices, patients’ lived experiences of diabetes self-practices, and barriers to self-care activities were collected. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and in-depth (IDIs) interviews for measuring diabetes knowledge, and its management. Results: Out of 215 recruited participants, the majority 90% had inadequate knowledge (score=0-4). 3.2% (n=07) had average knowledge (score=5-8) of diabetes, and its self-management. 60% of the participants were from the age group 50-59 years. 70% (n=151) of participants were from poor socioeconomic classes. The results showed an association between illiteracy, poverty, diabetes knowledge, and self-management (p-Value 0.001). The qualitative results expressed that the illiterate and low socioeconomic participants had inadequate diabetes self-management practices. Conclusions: The study inferred that the participants, who had inadequate knowledge about type-II diabetes and its management, were having poor self-care practices of diabetes.

Palatability status of the Flora of Koh-e-Safaid Range Upper Kurram Valley, Khyber PakhtunKhwa North West Pakistan

Background: The current study was carried out in Upper Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan from 2015 to 2019. Grazing is the most common of the land uses by domestic and wild animals. Grazing is the most significant biotic stress in terrestrial ecosystem after the fire factor. Objectives: Objectives of the study were; to find out the Palatability status of the Flora of Koh-e-Safaid Range Upper Kurram Valley, KP Pakistan; to record the flora of grazing and browsing livestock preferences in the field. Methodology: The palatability of plant species was recorded by observing the grazing livestock in the field. Cattle were visually observed to determine their preferences. All the information’s were confirmed from local elders. Palatable species were categorized into Highly Palatable (HP), Mostly Palatable (MP), Less Palatable (LP), Rarely Palatable (RP) and Non-Palatable (NP). Results: The current study reported five palatability classes based on their utilization by animals. Highest number of plants fell under the group of highly palatable plants 261 (39.90%) which includes Cynodon dactylon, Dicanthium annulatum, Medicago sativa and Rubus fruticosus. The number of mostly palatable plants were 148 (22.62%) such as Alopecurus agrestis, Brachiaria ramosa, Gagea reticulata, Melica persica, Polypogon viridis. The number of rarely palatable plants were 73 (11.16%) such as Allium griffithianum, Achyranthes aspera, Alteranthera pungens, and Dioscorea deltoidea, while 27 (4.12%) plants were observed less palatable such as Coronopus didymus, Carthamus oxyacantha and Ranunculus afghanicus. A total of 145 (22.17%) plants were observed as non-palatable of which Abies pindrow, Agave americana, Alajja rhomboidea, Cedrus deodara and Hertia intermedia were significant among the non-palatable species. Conclusions: Various factors impact the palatability of plants in different localities of the world. These factors include morphology, phenology, minerals and secondary metabolites in a plant. Like most herbivores, it preferred smaller leaves with a smaller specific leaf area and a higher dry matter content in the leaf. Phenological changes associated with climate change are related to the seasonal availability and palatability of food plants. The presence of minerals like Ca, Mg and K, Fe, Mn, Mg and Ca in different palatable plants in Kurram indicates the reason for their palatable condition. Secondary metabolites such as glycosides, alkaloids, nitrates and others such as oxalate, lectins and tannins have an adverse effect on the taste of plants. Keywords: Palatability, grazing, species, Kurram, Pakistan

Understanding the Nexus of Creativity, Learning Capability, Flow Experience, Leadership and Organizational Performance: Evidence from the Higher Education Institution in KP Pakistan

This study investigates university performance through the lenses of creativity, organizational learning, flow experience, and leadership effectiveness. Addressing a gap in recent literature, the research emphasizes the critical role of innovation, creativity, and flow experience in shaping organizational performance, particularly in the context of universities. Employing a questionnaire‐based approach, the study encompasses 642 participants, including teachers and administrative staff from various universities in the southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Findings reveal a direct impact of staff creativity and learning capabilities on organizational performance, with an additional indirect influence through the flow experience. The effectiveness of leadership is identified as a moderator in the relationship between flow experience and organizational performance. The results underscore the intricate connections between staff creativity, flow experience, and their implications for higher education policies, curriculum design, and pedagogical practices. The study's insights extend beyond academia, providing valuable implications for cultivating skills in today's competitive and dynamic world.

Incidence and Prevalence of celiac disease in Hazara Division, KP Pakistan by anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody as diagnostic tool

Aims: To check the prevalence of CD among different age groups and across gender in population of Hazara division and to determine the distribution of CD through ELISA technique. Study design: A cross sectional study was designed at department of medical Lab Technology, University of Haripur, Haripur (KPK). Place and duration: Samples were analyzed at Hamdard laboratory from November 2016 to May 2017. Methods: we used ELISA technique in our study. According to the company instructions, the ELISA method was used to detect anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies using this approach, which is sensitive, and specific. We target anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody by this technique which is an optimistic antibody assisting in the validation of the CD diagnostic test. Results Total 8000 patients samples were collected from Gastro OPD of district head quarter (DHQ) hospital Haripur, Abbottabad and Mansehra of Hazara Division. Out of 8000 the 6880(86%) male and 1120(14%) females. About 568(7.1%) cases were highly positive while 120(1.5%) cases were weak positive and the rest of 7312 (91.4%) cases were negative. Out of 568(7.1%) highly positive cases 452(79.6%) were males and 116 (20.4 %) were females. Furthermore 120(1.5%) of weak positive cases 74 (61.7%) were males and around 46(38.3%) were female. Conclusion: For centuries, CD has indeed been kept under wraps, with little to no known about what is a comparatively common health problem. This is only recently that we have improved our knowledge of its Prevalence, pervasiveness, prognosis, and pathophysiology that has assisted in the creation of new CD treatment strategies. Key words: Celiac disease, ELISA, Anti-tissue transglutaminase, Gluten

Identification and Management of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Walnut (Juglans Regia L.) in Abbottabad

Purpose: Phytonematodes known as the hidden enemies of plants and crops are potential pest of walnut trees in Abbottabad, KP Pakistan. Methods: Soil samples from walnut trees were collected from different localities were processed by using Bearmann funnel techniques. Several nematode species were identified including Meloidogyne incognita, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Psilenchus hilarulus, Tylenchus sp. and Helicotylenchus vulgaris. Findings & Practical implication: Management of plant parasitic nematodes by using castor oil cakes (8kg/tree), cow dung (8 kg/tree) and duck manure (8kg/tree) showed that population was declined after application. Plant growth and yield was also improved. Data plotted in histogram graphs and t-test showed that p values were found significant. Conclusion: The mean and S.D values of initial population, 3 month, 6 month and 12 month for castor oil cakes are 116 ± 1.2, 84 ± 1.0, 60 ± 1.0, 42 ± 0.6, for cow dung 127 ± 5.7, 110 ± 2.4, 87 ± 2.4, 73 ± 1.3 and for duck manure 108 ± 2.4, 92 ± 1.0, 69 ± 0.5, 45 ± 1.0. Keywords: Phytonematodes, walnut, castor oil, cow dung, duck manure.

EXPLORING THE LINKAGES BETWEEN PERSONALITY BIG FIVE MODEL CHARACTERISTICS AND PROTEIN CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The current study tries to investigate relationship between personality big five attributes of faculty members and their protein career opportunities for career. Data was obtained from banking sector employees in KP Pakistan. The findings depict that highest correlation is between extraversion and OPE has significant relation with self-driven protein career attitude. Similarly, the two factor also possess positive strength with value driven approach of protein career attitude. However, boundary less mindset attitude of protein career depicts significant relation with the agreeableness, also organization mobility shows significant relation with neuroticism, OPE and Extraversion. Current study was conducted in the KP environment if it may be applied in various other provinces and other part of Pakistan. We can get clear picture of the under-pinning mechanism. The relationship between personality types and protean career can be under in better manner if we study various attributes related to individual (efficacy, commitment & involvement) organizational (cultural, cynicism, & collective efficiency) as well as environmental factor as mediator.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Socio-economically Vulnerable People of Pakistan

Presently COVID-19 and its socio-economic impacts are burning and debatable issues around the world. This research aimed at investigating the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on people with vulnerable socio-economic conditions. The research was conducted in two union councils i.e. Koper and Hero Shah of Tehsil Dargai District Malakand, KP Pakistan. The data was collected through an in-depth interview method using an interview guide from 24 respondents, 12 respondents from each union council were purposively selected through a random sampling method. The collected data has been analyzed through the qualitative method and primary data has been combined with secondary information for further explanation and unfolding of the ground realities. The research findings indicate that 70 per cent of the workforce of Pakistan is dependent on subsistence earnings and an informal economy. The research shows that the socio-economic recession created by the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionally affected the economy, health, education and livelihood of poor vulnerable people. Consequently, the miseries of the coronavirus enhanced the social and economic problems of poor vulnerable people. The research finding recommends that government should take concrete measures and should provide social and economic support to socio-economically vulnerable people in order to pull them out of the crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pharmacist Intervention and Medication Errors at DHQ Hospital Bannu KP, Pakistan

Deaths related to drug errors are common in Pakistan, but these are not accurately reported. Since medication management is the main responsibility of nurses, it is vital that they have a good understanding of high alert of medication error. Patient health care, particularly drug fortification, is the main exertion and the challenge for healthcare professionals around the world. The profession of a pharmacist is world-renowned for providing medical care to patients. Herein, we aim to assess the role of pharmacist according to medications error in Government sectors hospitals located in district Bannu Kp Pakistan.
 We collected a total number of 368 outdoor prescriptions from July 2011 to December 2011 from District Head Quarter Hospital, Bannu (DHQB). We found 71% of drug-drug interactions (DDIs), 32% of inapt dosage faults and 35% of management errors among them. Male patients with angina pectoris and myocardial infarction had a higher MEs ratio than female patients. According to the findings, clinical pharmacists in hospital wards must provide prompt counseling to primary care doctors during the prescription process, as well as management recommendations to nursing staff and other auxiliary medical employees.

Multi-Drug Resistance of Escherichia coli (E.coli) Isolated from Clinical Isolates in District Peshawar Kp Pakistan

Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli have become a main public health distress in Pakistan and many countries, causing failure in treatment with the resultingenormous health burden. The current study was aimed to find the prevalence of E. coli among clinical isolates and their antibiotics susceptibility pattern using standard procedures. The Purpose of the present study to investigate the Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of E. coli detected from clinical patients visiting Khyber teaching hospital Peshawar. In this study a total 415 sample were isolated from the patient of Khyber teaching hospital (KTH) Peshawar. The collected samples were processed for identification including Gram staining and biochemical test. Furthermore, the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of all the positive strains of E. coli was tested using selected antibiotic discs by disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines 2019.A total of 415 samples, 112 clinical isolates yielded the growth of E. coli using standard procedures. Out of 112 isolates, 52% were recovered from male patients while 60% were females. The positive samples were obtained from urine (58%), pus (14.3%), swab (8.9%), sputum (10.7%), and others 8.0% respectively. The highest sensitive drugs are FOS (99.1%), AK (98.2%), TZP (97.3%), MEM (93.8%), TGC (91.1%), CN (89.3%), SCF (78.6%), DO (65.2%), CT (60.7%), F (49.1%), ATM (27.7%) AMP (23.2%), CAZ (23.2%), CPM (22.3%) , CRO (19.6%) ,CTX (13.4%) and the lowest sensitive drug is CIP which is (7.1%) . The drugs which show high resistance are CIP (92.9%), CTX (86.6%), CRO (80.4%), CPM (77.7%), CAZ (76.8%), AMP (76.8%) , ATM (72.3%) , CT( 39.3%) , DO (34.8%), SCF (21.4%), CN(10.7%),TGC(8.9%), F(8.9%),MEM(6.3%) ,TZP(2.7%),AK (1.8%) ,and the lowest resistance drug is FOS (0.9%).Drug resistance monitoring and the epidemiological analysis of patient data are needed regularly and can be useful for the adequate management of antimicrobial resistance. Key words: Multidrug-resistant, Antimicrobial Resistance, Clinical Isolates, Bacteria, Peshawar

"Study on the Prevalence of Goiter and Associated Factors Among Hospitalized Patients of District Timergara, Dir Lower Pakistan"

Irfan Ullah1, Naqash Alam2*, Sadiq Ali2, Ihtisham Ul Haq2, Imran Khan3 and Muhammad Asif1 Author Affiliations 1Department of Surgery, Khyber Medical University Peshawar, KP Pakistan 2School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China 3Department of Microbiology, Khyber Medical University Peshawar, KP Pakistan Received: December 27, 2021 | Published: January 19, 2022 Corresponding author: Naqash Alam, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2022.41.006563

To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among reproductive age women in DHQ hospital Timergara

Background: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one the most common causes of vaginal discharges that occur in women of reproductive age. This cross sectional study was focused on the prevalence of BV in patients presenting to DHQ hospital, Lower Dir, KP.
 Objectives: To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis. Study was conducted at DHQ hospital Timergara, Dir Lower, KP Pakistan after taking approval from hospital.
 Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at DHQ hospital Timergara, Dir Lower, KP after taking approval from hospital’s ethical committee. Patients from 18 to 45 years were included (only married patients). Written consent was taken from the patients. Patients having bacterial vaginosis were enrolled in the study.
 Results: A total of 384 patients of reproductive age group with symptoms of bacterial vaginosis presented to DHQ Hospital Timergara from April 2020 till September 2020. The results showed that higher number of bacterial vaginosis was detected in age group of 21 to 30 years that is 61 (32.4%) while the lowest number was 31 (16.5%) which was detected in 18-20 years’ age group. Bacterial vaginosis was found to be statistically insignificant with age groups keeping P < 0.05).
 Conclusion: It was concluded that Bacterial Vaginosis is common cause of vaginal discharge. Proper hygiene should be maintained. Medical professional such as gynecologists should help the patients understand the dangers of BV and how to avoid it through proper counselling.
 Recommendation: The overall prevalence according to this study was 49%, the mean age of the patients was 30.76±8.75 while the highest prevalence was found in the age group of 21 to 30 years. Proper counselling by the gynecologists regarding hygiene is needed to control bacterial vaginosis.

Parental Motives behind their Children Participation in Sports Activities

The aim of the study was to investigate the Parental Motives behind their Children Participation in Sports Activities. The population of this study comprised all the parents whose children were on role in government primary schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. There were total 50,000 (Fifty Thousands)parents whose children were on role in government primary schools of district bannu (Official Gateway Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2014). Convenient sampling procedure was adopted to collect the required information from the respondents; there was 500 sample of the study. The present study was carried out in the district Bannu KP Pakistan. Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation was used for set hypotheses. It was found that that parent’s involvement in sports in terms of their attitude, perception and motives has paramount significant in motivating children towards participation in sports, it was also heighted that that most of the parents wants to allow their children to participate in sports activities but financial limitation create hindrance in the way of their children sports participation. It was recommended by the researcher that Different kinds of sports program may be undertaken to increase sports participation right from gross roots level i.e. union council, tehsil and district level.

Marshal Stability Analysis of Asphaltic Concrete: A comparative strength based investigation of KP Pakistan Principal Aggregate Quarries

Marshal Stability Analysis of Asphaltic Concrete: A comparative strength based investigation of KP Pakistan Principal Aggregate Quarries

Analysis of Teachers Instructional Planning and Developing Skills of Social Responsibility at FGP Secondary Schools Level in KP Pakistan

Purpose: The study was conducted to analyze the methods adopted by teachers towards instructional planning and to analyze the mechanism used by teachers to develop sense of social responsibility among students.
 Methodology: For this purpose data was collected from the respondents regarding Instructional Planning; majority of the respondents opinioned that Lesson plan was written occasionally with specific and clear objectives. Data was collected regarding social responsibility, majority of the respondents were always aware about Self hygiene, cleanliness through lectures and activities. Recommendations are stated that teachers must write lesson plans and it must be ensured by school administration. Community service programs must be integral part of the curriculum. Moreover, different clubs at school and seminars aid in socially grooming of students.
 Findings: Conclusion of the lesson, home assignment was included considering organizing the lesson according to learner`s needs, evaluation, time specification, flexibility of the planner considering outcome of pupils, visualizing with classroom reality, group discussion, pupil`s group work, presentations and encouraged students’ relevant questions. Moreover, the instructional planning was significant.
 Implications: Teachers must guide the pupils in Community Service and create awareness in pupils for its importance not only in their career but also in providing community services, developing sense of responsibility, morality, skills development and citizenship. Parents’ cooperation is also prerequisite in motivating the pupils towards Community services

Effect of Moderate Intensity Exercise on Lungs Functions (IRV & ERV) in Young Athletes

This research study was primarily conducted for the purpose to examine the effect of moderate intensity exercise on lungs functions (IRV & ERV) in young athletes. The participant of the study was randomly selected from the Department of Sports Sciences & Physical Education, Gomal University, KP Pakistan. A written informed consent was taken from all the subjects. A self-made, 08 weeks exercise protocols was applied on the selected subjects. Pretest and posttest data were collected by using spirometer and other helping devices. The collected data were tabulated and were analyzed by using various statistical tools. On the basis of data analysis and findings the researcher concluded there is significant effect of 08 weeks moderate intensity exercise on lungs functions (IRV & ERV).

A THEORETICAL STUDY OF ISLAMIC AND WESTERN POLITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE CAUSES OF TERRORISM AFTER 911 IN FATA AND KP PAKISTAN

The research intends to study the Islamic and Western political perspectives or philosophies to analyze the causes of terrorism in the said areas after 9/11 in Pakistan. Islamic and Western theoretical understanding reveals that terrorism in Pakistan tribal areas was caused by many factors, including weak governance, insecurity, injustice, ill government policies, and a clash between society and state. Most of them lead to the unrest situation in the region. The people still stood to establish the Islamic State and the implementation of Islamic Law (Shariah). Ideological, religious motivation mostly uses some short-term objectives and improper means by state and non-state actors. That is also a leading cause that provided a possible environment for anti-state armed actors in FATA and KP Pakistan. Qualitative research methodology has been adopted for the research to understand Islamic and western political perspective regarding terrorism. The results showed a significant correlation between government policies and the incidents of terrorism. Policies of the government have everlasting impacts on the phenomenon of terrorism in one way or the other. The most crucial cause that always played its role in motivating people of FATA and KP is an ideological narrative along with the participation of other causes like injustice, economic deprivation and other factors as mentioned above.

Response of quinoa genotypes to sowing dates and sowing methods under agroclimatic condition of Dera Ismail Khan, KP Pakistan

ABSTRACT A study was conducted at Gomal University, D.I. Khan, Pakistan, during 2018–2020 to explore the optimum sowing date, the most productive quinoa genotype, and appropriate sowing method. Sowing dates were 15 October, 30 October, 14 November and 29 November. Two sowing methods (ridge vs. flat sowing) and three farmer varieties (RBDC-I, RBDC-II and RBDC-III) and one approved quinoa line (Q7) were tested in a split split-plot design replicated thrice. Results revealed that quinoa sown on 14 November produced significantly higher panicle length (19.2 cm), 1000-grains weight (2.9 g) and grain yield (2063 kg ha−1) compared with other sowing dates. G × SM interaction revealed that RBDC-II sown on ridge produced higher main panicle length (25.4 cm), 1000-grains weight (3.3 g) and grain yield (3171 kg ha−1) compared with other G × SM interaction. Ridge sowing had a higher harvest index (44.5%) than flat-line sowing (35.4%). The results suggested that RBDC-II was the most productive quinoa genotype, which produced 69%, 36% and 77% higher yield over RBDC-I, RBDC-III and Q7, respectively. Sowing on 14 November produced 5–11% and 37.5% more yield compared with earlier and later sown quinoa, respectively. Moreover, ridge sowing was superior to flat sowing by producing 50% more yield.

Effect of Job Stressors Onjob Performance of Lecturer Physical Education; Mediating Role of Coping Mechanism (Relaxation Coping)

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of job stressors on job performance with mediating role of coping mechanism. The finite Population of the study comprised of 73 female and 97male physical education lecturers’ serving in government colleges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Three different types of self-administered cum close-ended questionnaires such as Job Stressors, Job Performance and Coping Mechanism were used for the data collection. Face and content validity was done from the export in the relevant field. To assess the feasibility of the tool; the researcher conducted a small scale preliminary study i.e. a pilot study with 25 lecturers physical education (13 male and 12 female), the subgroup of the intended population. Mean, stander deviation, multiple regressions and Pearson’s correlation coefficient used to test the hypotheses. The process v3.3 by Andrew F. Hayes was used for mediation. Results of existing study highlighted that there is a positive and significant relationship and effect among job stressors, job performance and relaxation coping (r=.662; 939 & p=.000 <.01). The mediating role of relaxation coping was found greater and partial. The researcher concluded that there is partial mediating role of relaxation coping between job stressors and job performance of the lecturer’s physical education at collage level in KP Pakistan. The researcher recommended that the lecturer physical education may ensure the contribution of the relaxation coping mechanism for the purpose to improve their job performance at college level.

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of Chitrali population of Pakistan from ancient human bones

Ancient human DNA has various applications in molecular evolution and studies the genetic relationship between the archaic human population and the modern human population. Many ancient human remains are stored in the archeological museum and can be used for DNA sequence analysis. The current study was ever first attempt in Pakistan to use old biological specimens for molecular characterization to trace the population of Chitral district in KP Pakistan. Due to the low quantity and quality of ancient DNA, it is challenging to isolate DNA profiles from ancient human samples. A protocol was optimized for the extraction of degraded DNA from the ancient human bone's specimens. Different Bioinformatics analyses like online servers, Mitomastar and James lick, Phylogenetic Tree, and Genetic Diversity were used for the molecular characterization of the Chitrali population. Our results show that the Ancient Chitrali population has admixture with Europeans and Neolithic European populations.