Remote Areas Of Pakistan Research Articles

Viola stocksii: A rich source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoid glycosides with converged therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2 MPro, spike trimer, and surface glycoproteins

This research presents the first comprehensive investigation into the phytochemical and nutraceutical properties of Viola stocksii. The study aimed to identify the therapeutic efficacy and bioactive constituents of this medicinal herb, traditionally used as an herbal tea for managing respiratory and abdominal issues in remote areas of Pakistan. The therapeutic efficacy of the plant was assessed as an anti-oxidant-rich health tonic coupled with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities against COVID-19 and its evolving variants. The study involved sequential extraction, bio-assay guided fractionation, isolation, characterization, and biological evaluation. Preliminary in vitro studies have demonstrated that polar fractions of the plant possess significant antioxidant and antiinflammatory potential. A diverse combination of chromatographic techniques (Diaion resin HP-20, Sephadex LH-20, ODS-C18, and RP-HPLC) facilitated the purification of active constituents of the plant. Comprehensive analysis of NMR (1H, 13C, and 2D NMR) and mass (EIMS, HR-EIMS, and FAB-HRMS) spectral data lead to characterize the isolated compounds (1–4) as flavonoid glycosides. Results from in vitro and in-silico evaluations revealed that the isolated glycosides exhibit high antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities, which synergistically show promising potential in combating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Besides MPro, therapeutic potential against two unexplored proteins i.e. the spike trimer (7WZ1) and surface glycoproteins (7QTJ) was studied for the first time. Kaempferol (KamGluαRh) and quercetin (QurGluαRh) carrying rutinoside, were identified as the most active constituents of the plant, with the highest binding affinities in the range of −10 to −13 kcal/mol. Ten distinct active regions were explored on the spike trimer, including strong binding affinity with the essential RBD region, spike head, and tail of the protein. MD simulation validated the stability of Mpro-KamGluαRh and Mpro-QurGluαRh complexes evidenced by an average RMSD of 0.2 nm led to the mechanistic understanding of Mpro inhibition. ADMET and pharmacokinetic studies authenticated the therapeutic ability and drug-likeness profiling of all extracted compounds. Results revealed the beneficial role of glycosides in boosting the medicinal effectiveness of flavonoids and the potential of Viola stocksii as an immunity booster against respiratory infections like COVID-19.

Novel Pathogenic Mutation Mapping of ASPM Gene in Consanguineous Pakistani Families with Primary Microcephaly.

Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a congenitally reduced head circumference (-3 to -5 SD) and non-progressive intellectual disability. The objective of the study was to evaluate pathogenic mutations in the ASPM gene to understand etiology and molecular mechanism of primary microcephaly. Blood samples were collected from various families across different remote areas of Pakistan from February 2017 to May 2019 who were identified to be affected with primary microcephaly. DNA extraction was performed using the salting-out method; the quality and quantity of DNA were evaluated using spectrophotometry and 1% agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively in University of the Punjab. Mutation analysis was performed by whole exome sequencing from the Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne. Sanger sequencing was done in University of the Punjab to confirm the pathogenic nature of mutation. A novel 4-bp deletion mutation c.3877_3880delGAGA was detected in exon 17 of the ASPM gene in two primary microcephaly affected families (A and B), which resulted in a frame shift mutation in the gene followed by truncated protein synthesis (p.Glu1293Lysfs*10), as well as the loss of the calmodulin-binding IQ domain and the Armadillo-like domain in the ASPM protein. Using the in-silico tools Mutation Taster, PROVEAN, and PolyPhen, the pathogenic effect of this novel mutation was tested; it was predicted to be "disease causing," with high pathogenicity scores. One previously reported mutation in exon 24 (c.9730C>T) of the ASPM gene resulting in protein truncation (p.Arg3244*) was also observed in family C. Mutations in the ASPM gene are the most common cause of MCPH in most cases. Therefore, enrolling additional affected families from remote areas of Pakistan would help in identifying or mapping novel mutations in the ASPM gene of primary microcephaly.

Tracing the Voices of the Oppressed: A Reading of Bapsi Sidhwa's Novel 'The Pakistani Bride'

The purpose of this study is to examine how Bapsi Sidhwa treats the motif of feminism in her novel The Pakistani Bride. Women are oppressed, dominated, and exploited in a predominantly male-dominated society. This study aims to investigate the gender prejudices that exist in the tribal patriarchal society in Pakistan. In order to highlight the remote lives of women in an overwhelmingly male-oriented society, FTDM (Fairclough's 3-Dimensional Model) is used as a lens for analysis of the novel's text. The findings of the study demonstrate that females are oppressed and subjugated emotionally, physically, and socially. Women's marginalization, oppression, and patriarchal hegemony are all deeply rooted in cultural practices. This debate focuses on women because power in discourse identifies the exact ways in which it can be exercised physically and practically in order to achieve desired results. The textual analysis reveals the pitiful condition and deplorable treatment of women in remote areas of Pakistan. Furthermore, the research reveals that FTDM demonstrates how ideological language is used and the role of persuasive strategies in the development of social relationships.

Outcome of Probing and Syringing in Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Children Under Local Anesthesia

Objectives: To evaluate the success rate of probing and syringing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children under local anaesthesia.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Ophthalmology Department, Niazi Medical Dental College, Sargodha Pakistan, from Jul 2018 to Dec 2019
 Methodology: Forty-five children were included in the study, of which five had bilateral epiphora. Children of 8-12 months of age were included in this study. Probing and syringing were done under topical local anaesthesia. In this study, special modified straight 25D lacrimal probe cannula was used. Post-operative steroids and antibiotics were given to all the children for two weeks.
 Results: Forty Children (45 Eyes) of 8-12 months of age (less than one year) were included in this study. Single successful probing was achieved in 40 eyes (88.88%). Probing was repeated in five cases. Repeated successful probing was achieved in 3 eyes (60%) as the remaining two eyes (40%) where success was not achieved had a bone abnormality which needed an ENT examination and further intervention like Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with close intubation.
 Conclusion: Topical local anaesthesia is a good alternative to general anaesthesia as it is not available, particularly in remote areas of Pakistan. It saves the children from the hazards of general anaesthesia and is a good choice for children who are not fit for general anaesthesia.

Incidence of Diabetes in Hepatitis C Patients in Remote Areas of Pakistan: Effect of Co-Morbidity on HCV Treatment Outcomes at Selected Secondary Care Hospitals

The management of Hepatitis C (HCV) varies greatly due to co-morbidities. Association of Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and HCV infection is momentous, however, only limited studies available from remote areas of Pakistan. This study aimed to assess the incidence of T2DM in Hepatitis C patients, and to measure the treatment outcomes of anti-HCV therapy in co-morbidity of diabetic patients in remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. A cross-sectional retrospective analysis of HCV patients (n=449) was conducted in the District Hospitals of Bannu and Lakki Marwat, Pakistan. Patients diagnosed of HCV infection and having T2DM as comorbidity were included in the study. The demographic information and laboratory parameters, such as viral load (VL), hemoglobin (Hb), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and platelet count were collected to measure treatment outcomes. T2DM was found in 33.18% of patients and significant association (p ? 0.05) was found with HCV infection as a co-morbidity. Sofosbuvir (SOF) and Ribavirin (RBV) therapy reduced the mean (SD) VL (x103) from baseline 357.1±26.23 IU /mL to 14±2.3 IU/mL and 1.3±0.3 IU/mL at 3rd and 6th months of therapy, respectively. Conventional Interferon and Ribavirin (RBV) therapy reduced VL from a baseline 234.57±13.5 IU/mL to 72±7.9 IU/mL and 62 ±3.7 IU/mL at 3rd and 6th months of therapy, respectively. PEG-Interferon+ Ribavirin (RBV) therapy reduced baseline VL from 337±16.27 IU/mL to 18±2.8 and 4±1 at 3rd and 6th month of therapy, respectively. Similarly, Hb, ALT, and platelet count showed variations in all the studied groups. T2DM was highly prevalent and significantly associated with HCV in patients of 40 years or above and SOF+RBV combination therapy showed a better response, both in the diabetic and non-diabetic HCV patients compared to earlier the therapies. To further confirm the finding, a study using a larger population of HCV patients with T2DM should be conducted.

Demographic Attributes of Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and One Health Perspective Regarding Diarrhea in Pakistan.

Background: Loose bowels is a clinical sign of gastrointestinal transport channel proteins, channels, and physical and chemical boundaries being harmed, prompting issues of water and electrolyte transport in the intestinal system. It is still considered as a major reason for emergency visits to hospitals in low-middle income countries. Zinc is a suitable treatment along with ORS for diarrhea. KAP surveys are usually conducted to collect information about general or specific topics of a particular population. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP), and one health perspective regarding diarrhea among the participants from urban and rural populations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan.Methods: Data was collected by conducting a survey among residents of twin cities over a period of 6 months (from July 2020 to December 2020). The questionnaire compromised socio-demographic features and the degree of KAP with respect to diarrhea management and control. One way ANOVA tests were applied to observe the demographic relationship and various factors influencing knowledge, attitude, practices, and one health perspective about diarrhea.Results: A total of 338 subjects participated in the study. Female subjects were in the majority with 63% while the rest were male. A majority of the participants were between 15–25 years of age and 79.6% participants were un-married. The leading ethnic group was Punjabi with 52.7%; the lowest ethnic group were of Sindhi ethnicity with 8.6%. Age has a significant association with respect to knowledge and attitude. Religion has a significant association with respect to knowledge, practices, and one health, while education/qualification has an association with knowledge. The rest of the variables found no association with each other.Conclusion: It is concluded from the recent study that most residents of the twin cities of Pakistan knew about diarrhea and had a good attitude and practices toward it. Age, religion, and education have different roles regarding different diseases in the population of Pakistan. The current study has its limitations as well. Parts of the study were conducted in the capital of Pakistan which is more developed as compared to other areas of Pakistan. It would be better to explore the remote areas of Pakistan where basic amenities of life such as education, wealth, and unemployment are not available. It is important to create more awareness among community members. They should be aware how dangerous these viruses and bacteria can be. Other parts of Pakistan should also be explored for better understanding that will help in making a nationwide health policy.

Challenges to Private School Teachers in Remote Areas of Pakistan During Pandemic: An Exploratory Study

It was because of the worldwide lockdown, the COVID-19 had quite a significant impact on corporate organizations as well as the lives of millions of people. It had an impact on the supply chain as well. The impact of the COVID-19 period on educational systems and institutions was studied in this study. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the research conducted on primary school teachers working in private schools in remote areas of Pakistan. The research is based on quantitative analysis. The population of this study was 120 students from the education department of university students. The technique was simple and convenient because due to pandemics, it was not possible to collect data from individuals; data were collected through Google form. The results of this study articulated the challenges like lack of internet access, lack of administrative assistance and cooperation in Monterey terms, Parents complete absence in their children studies. This study recommends that government should work on the private teachers in terms of incentives and professional development and take action for their professional development in remote areas.

The Role of Radio Clinic during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Swat

The current research study aimed to explore the role of radio clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic in Swat. The study was a content analysis based and radio programs were examined that how radio programs are playing role in creating awareness among the public about the coronavirus and what sort of information is disseminating to educate the people to save themselves from this hazardous disease. Data of one month from April 1, 2020, to April 30, 2020, was collected about radio programs about the public health of Radio Pakistan Swat. Furthermore, researchers made codding sheet to categorize the data. The findings of the study showed that almost all the programs emphasized keeping social distance, regular hand washing, wearing face masks, and stay home to secure themselves from being infected from coronavirus. The overall study concluded that community radio is playing a vital role in public awareness and education especially in rural and remote areas of Pakistan.

Power and Gender Issues in Sidhwa’s The Pakistani Bride: A Critical Discourse Analysis

This critical discourse study explores power and gender issues discursively constructed in Bapsi Sidhwa’s The Pakistani Bride. The study aims to examine gender issues in the tribal patriarchal social system in Pakistan. The novel understudy critically explored the abuse of power in a patriarchal society. Lazar’s concept of Feminist critical discourse analysis and Fairclough’s approach to critical discourse analysis has been chosen to examine the main issues faced by women in remote areas of Pakistan. Fairclough’s (1989) model has been adopted as a method for the analysis of the selected excerpts taken from the text of the novel. The analysis of the text has been made on the ground to explore women's marginalization, patriarchal hegemony, and power exercise in Pakistan’s remote areas.

WITHDRAWN: Novel pathogenic mutation mapping of ASPM gene in consanguineous Pakistani families with primary microcephaly

Abstract Background Primary microcephaly is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by congenital reduced 3 to 5 standard deviation of head circumference and non-progressive intellectual disability. The objective of the study was to search for pathogenic mutations, for awareness of etiology and understand the molecular mechanism of primary microcephaly. Methods Families affected with primary microcephaly are ascertained from different remote areas of Pakistan and collected their blood samples. DNA extraction was done by salting out method, quality and quantity of DNA were evaluated by spectrophotometer and 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Mutation analysis were assessed by Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Finding A novel 4-bp deletion mutation c.3877_3880delGAGA was detected in exon 17 of ASPM gene in two affected families (A and B), which result in frameshift mutation in ASPM gene followed truncate the protein synthesis (p. Glu1293Lysfs*10), loss of calmodulin-bimding IQ domain and Armadillo-like domain in Aspm protein. By using in silico tools like Mutation Taster, PROVEAN and Polyphen, Pathogenic effect of this novel mutation was tested and it was predicted as “disease causing” with high pathogenicity scores. Moreover, we also observed one previously reported mutation in exon 24 (c.9730C > T) of ASPM gene followed protein truncation (p. Arg1659*) in family C. Novelty Mutations in ASPM gene are the most common cause of MCPH in the majority of the cases. So, further affected families would be enrolled from remote areas of Pakistan that would helped out in identification or mapping of a novel mutations in ASPM gene.

Female Social Networks: Identifying Better Communication Platforms to Advertise Nonprofit Services in Rural Pakistan

ABSTRACTWomen’s access to nonprofit organizations providing financial and community services is an issue in remote areas of Pakistan. Weak communication of nonprofit services to potential female clientele is a significant barrier to women’s access to nonprofit services. This article examines how personal networks among women in remote areas may improve the information delivery about the women-focused nonprofit projects in Pakistan. The women’s networks also play a critical role in members’ motivating each other to join the services offered by the nonprofit organizations. The study used concepts of network and social capital and current network analysis techniques. Data from three remote locations in Pakistan were analyzed using a 2-mode network analysis, content analysis of nonprofit websites, and face-to-face interviews. UCINET software program identified network routines (centrality measures).The study found that friends, neighbors, and local schools are significant information sources for women. Most information about income-producing projects came from their spouses. Information about social services came from friends, neighbors, or social gatherings. Husbands have high betweenness centrality indicating high power over women’s access to services. Closeness centrality measures indicate that women are not well connected for exchanging information on nonprofit services.

Seroprevalence and epidemiological status of dengue viral infection in remote areas of Pakistan

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological status of dengue viral infection and associated risk factors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. MethodsA total of 302 clinically suspected cases of dengue were enrolled in this study. All the serum samples were subjected to ELISA for the detection of anti-dengue immunoglobulin G antibody. ResultsDengue prevalence was significantly detected in male patients (n = 149, 87.13%) as compared to female patients (n = 22, 12.87%) (P = 0.000 4). Patients in the age group of 20–39 years (n = 114, 66.67%) were more prone to dengue, but less prevalent in the age group more than 60 years. Gender, age category and area were significant factors in the dengue prevalence (P = 0.034 8). ConclusionsThe overall prevalence of anti-dengue immunoglobulin G was 56.60% (n = 171) in referred dengue-suspected patients. Stagnant water reservoirs were found responsible for the spread of the disease favoring mosquito breeding sites.

Performance Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Cells for Telecommunication Cellular Network in Remote Areas of Pakistan

In this research design and implementation of solar photo voltaic cell is done for base transceiver system (BTS) of telecom cellular networks in remote areas of Pakistan, to accomplish this task investigation is done regarding the present alternate power source of base transceiver system (BTS) that is the generator sets used as a stand-by, prime and t-prime source. This research will examine that generator sets fuel consumption and maintenance cost is considerably high and the cellular company has to pay a lot to keep a site on air and to overcome the connectivity issues.To resolve these issues this research is aimed to implement solar technology on BTS, for this purpose exploration is done regarding BTS rectifier system and suggested to use power on distribution systems 16 (PODS 16), latest technology evolution (LTE) based instead of the simple BTS rectifier, this new rectifier is intelligent and has redundant ways to overcome power issues as it has the capability to work directly on solar panel equipments and it requires DC supply. Other important factor is that solar panel recharge batteries for power backup and to keep the site on air during night time. Different cost comparison of solar and generator sets have been done by taking real data of different remote areas sites and in the end it is concluded that solar is the alternate costless, environmental friendly source of energy for BTS and can be implemented both for off-grid and on-grid systems.

Culturally Incompetent Care: Endangers Life

Antenatal care is an important aspect of the mother and child health from conception to delivery of foetus. Woman’s physical and mental preparation is one of the main purposes of this care for a successful labor and delivery process. The midwives play an important role in antenatal care especially in remote areas of Pakistan, where the people are bound to cultural norms. Culture plays an important role in the treatment and care of every individual. It is much important for the healthcare providers only provide to culturally appropriate care but also to prevent the patient from any inappropriate care, in order to prevent unwanted consequences. This is also important for healthcare providers to maintain healthy and therapeutic relationship with their patients, which definitely influence health related outcomes. It is also the sole responsibility of the organization to educate and train its staff on cultural competence and cultural sensitivity so that patient satisfaction with care could be improved and there would be less room for undesirable consequences.

Pregnant Women View Regarding Cesarean Section in Northwest Pakistan

Objective: Cesarean Section (CS) is a commonly performed procedure for women, with almost a third of women in many developed countries experiencing when they give birth. CS is still being perceived as an abnormal means of delivery by many antenatal women in remote areas of Pakistan. Aim of the study is to determine the perceptions of antenatal clients in the North West of Pakistan on CS. Materials and methods: A self-administered questionnaire based survey was designed. Subjects were enrolled from September 2009 to December 2009 in Women and Children Teaching Hospital Bannu, Pakistan. Pre-validated, self-developed questionnaire was used for study data. The data was fed to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 16®) to analyze and presented in a simple frequency table. Results: Of 450 pregnant patients, 402 responded the questionnaire. Age of the respondents ranged between 16 and 44 (27.21 ± 4.04) years. Only 7 (1.7%) viewed CS as feasible and elected to undergo CS. Seventy one (17.6%) considered CS good in case of threat to their lives, whereas 195 (48.6%) didn’t accept CS in any circumstances. Only 35 (8.7%) women viewed CS uncomfortable in context of cultural barrier and a curse for women. Conclusion: Present study affirms previous suspicion that a significant proportion of antenatal clients are averse to CS and the negative cultural perception of the people to CS reinforced present aversion.

Going Home to Pakistan: Identity and Its Discontents in Southeastern Europe

In this article I explore the claim that post-independence Macedonia is a cornerstone of European civilization (a traditional Greek claim) and analyze efforts to assert the country's position in the international arena as a “modern” and authentically Western state deserving of membership in the European Union. Such efforts involve the establishment of ties between Macedonians and the Hunzukuts, who live on the remote Hindu Kush Mountains in Pakistan and claim to be descendants of Alexander the Great. I also analyze comparable initiatives, sponsored in recent years by the Greek state, to prove ties between Greeks and the Kalasha, who also live in remote areas of Pakistan and believe that they are descended from Alexander the Great. Greece and post-independence Macedonia offer us insights into the populist underpinnings of the nationalist promotion of a European identity presented as rooted in the East.

Green Energy Solutions for Power Crisis in Pakistan

Pakistan is one the most energy-hungry countries having power generation crisis and this is affecting every sector of life. The power problems emerged mainly because of inadequate power generation capacity compared with demand and the ageing infrastructure of many existing power generation facilities. Pakistan is full of renewable energy resources specially the hydropower energy, whereas most of this energy just flows as waste in sea. Small Hydropower Plants (SHP) with multiple advantages as reliable and low-cost form of power generators are in the forefront to achieve energy self-sufficiency in Pakistan. This article deals with study of establishing small hydropower units as renewable green energy resource and its utilization at house-hold level. Utilization of Indigenous Energy Resources such as Small Hydropower Plants (SHPs) can play a major role to meet electricity demands in the rural and remote areas of Pakistan. These will in-turn reduce the massive power demand on national grid and increase the reliability and availability of power to industrial sector. SHPs can also be cost-effectively manufactured to power nearby small villages. The small water reservoirs for these Units can be used to irrigate the nearby fields. As part of this study, a practical application will be studied to establish a Small Hydropower Plant on one of many natural springs in Murree Hills mountainous areas. The power generated from this plant will be offered to a local poultry farm and nearby residents.

The Impact of Socioeconomic and Demographic Variables on Poverty: A Village Study

Poverty is a complex phenomenon based on a network of interlocking economic, social, political, and demographic factors. An understanding of the extent, nature, and determinants of rural poverty is a precondition for effective public policy to reduce poverty in rural Pakistan. The present study attempts to analyze the impact of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of households on poverty, using primary data collected in the village of Betti Nala in Tehsil Jatoi, district Muzaffargarh in southern Punjab. We have used two distinct approaches: (i) a poverty profile, and (ii) an econometric approach in our empirical analysis. The results show that household size, dependency on household, participation, landholdings, and number of livestock have a significant impact on poverty incidence. Our final conclusion is that efforts should be made to improve socioeconomic factors in general and demographic factors in particular to alleviate rural poverty in remote areas of Pakistan, while land should be allotted to landless households.

A Telemedicine Network Model for Health Applications in Pakistan: Current Status and Future Prospects

Telemedicine is the way to provide better health care facilities to the people of the underprivileged unprocurable areas. As constraints on time and resources makes face to face consultation increasingly dearly-won, and telemedicine has the potential to produce major efficiencies in the symptomatic process. Therefore the goal of current research is to truss medicine with technology, and to produce a robust system that delivers an acceptable service at an appropriate price. In this paper, we mention the reasons why Pakistan needs telemedicine. We present the past and on-going activities and the projects on telemedicine in Pakistan. After analyzing those projects we propose a telemedicine network model which improves healthcare facilities in remote areas of Pakistan. Our proposed model consists of both store & forward and real mode of telemedicine operations. This model connects the small and ill-equipped hospitals located in rural areas to the large and well equipped hospitals and telemedicine centers in urban areas.