High-dose vitamin D to improve outcomes in the convalescent phase of complicated severe acute malnutrition in Pakistan: a double-blind randomised controlled trial (ViDiSAM).

We have previously shown that high-dose vitamin D improved weight gain and neurodevelopmental indices in children receiving standard therapy for uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Here we present results of a randomised placebo-controlled trial in Lahore, Pakistan, to determine whether two oral doses of 200,000 international units (IU) vitamin D (the first administered on or before the day of hospital discharge and the second administered 14 days later) would benefit children aged 6-59 months during the convalescent phase of complicated SAM. Eligible participants were individually randomised to intervention vs.

Vibration-Based Anomaly Detection for Induction Motors Using Machine Learning.

Predictive maintenance of induction motors continues to be a significant challenge in ensuring industrial reliability and minimizing downtime. In this study, machine learning techniques are utilized to enhance fault diagnosis through the use of the Machinery Fault Database (MAFAULDA). A detailed extraction of statistical features was performed on multivariate time-series data to capture essential patterns that could indicate potential faults.

Gender disparity in living organ donation: a qualitative analysis of experiences and perceptions of female donors in Pakistan.

Objectives: This study aims to explore and analyse the interplay of sociocultural, psychological and institutional factors, gender roles and power dynamics in shaping the decision-making processes and experiences of living kidney and liver donors in Punjab, specifically focusing on women.

Design: This study employed a qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews to delve into the narratives and experiences of living kidney and liver donors in Punjab.

Setting: Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (PHOTA), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

Exploring Team Dynamics in Virtual Reality Environments.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWe examined team dynamics in virtual reality (VR) environments, using an integrative approach that combines traditional performance metrics with VR and sensor-based measures. We found that group dynamics in VR is a complex and multifaceted construct and is influenced by various team aspects. Team efficiency and effectiveness in VR were substantially related to team performance, physiological conditions, and behaviors.

Effects of intermittent fasting on body composition, clinical health markers and memory status in the adult population: a single-blind randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Despite the popularity and potential protective effects of intermittent fasting (IF) against metabolic disorders, more human trials must be conducted to highlight its effects on human health. Therefore, the present trial aimed to investigate the effect of IF on the body composition, health markers, and memory status of obese and overweight adults.

Methods: A parallel randomised controlled trial was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, with 30 participants recruited from each of the three arms (regular diet, customised diet, and IF group) with a follow-up period of 12 weeks.

Effects of prebiotics on microbial diversity and abundance in young children with acute malnutrition: study protocol for a multi-centered, double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits of prebiotics may present an affordable and cost-effective strategy for not only the prevention but also treatment of malnutrition. Therefore, the present trial has been designed with the aim to evaluate the role of prebiotics on the gut microbiome of severe acute malnourished (SAM) children.

Methods: The study is designed as a prospective, double-blinded, triple-armed, multi-centered randomized controlled trial, with 6-59 months old uncomplicated SAM children recruited to the experimental group receiving ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) plus prebiotics and the active comparator group receiving RUTF plus starch for 2 months duration (8 weeks).

Determinant factors and coping strategies for depression among pregnant women: an intervention-based qualitative study in Lahore, Pakistan.

Background: The present study is an intervention-based qualitative study that explores the factors causing depression among antenatal women and analyses coping strategies based on the modified version of the Thinking Healthy Programme (THP) intervention in the urban setting of Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods: An exploratory qualitative evaluation approach was used in the present study. The study comprises four phases, i.

Protein corona potentiates the recovery of nanoparticle-induced disrupted tight junctions in endothelial cells.

Nanoparticle interactions with biological systems are intricate processes influenced by various factors, among which the formation of protein corona plays a pivotal role. This research investigates a novel aspect of nanoprotein corona-cell interactions, focusing on the impact of the protein corona on the recovery of disrupted tight junctions in endothelial cells. We demonstrate that the protein corona formed on the surface of star-shaped nanoparticles induces the aggregates of ZO-1, which is quite important for the barriers' integrity.

Exploring the lived experiences of deep vein thrombosis patients in Lahore, Pakistan: a qualitative phenomenological study on healthcare challenges, resilience and social support.

Objective: This study aimed to explore and describe the lived psychological and emotional experiences of sufferers of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to narrate the effect of those experiences on their daily lives.

Design, Setting And Participants: For data collection, a phenomenological qualitative design was used using semistructured, in-depth interviews of patients with DVT aged 18-70 years. Data were transcribed and analysed using the interpretative inductive approach to identify emergent themes.

Aligning practitioner's perception: Empowering MAST framework for evaluating telemedicine services.

Objective: Telemedicine is a digital substitute for in-person healthcare service delivery systems that has gained popularity amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to evaluate telemedicine compatibility from the perspective of healthcare practitioners to enhance the effectiveness and spectrum of the Model for Assessment of Telemedicine.

Method: Primary and Secondary Healthcare and King Edward Medical University extended their respective telemedicine services in 2020 where 24,516 patients were benefited from the telemedicine services provided by 1273 doctors from different specializations.

Environmental and economic assessment of mixed plastic waste pelletization in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Pelletizing mixed plastic wastes (MPW) has gained interest as an upcycling technology and an alternative to conventional recycling. To investigate its potential, we conducted a cost analysis and life-cycle assessment (LCA) for a conceptual pelletization facility designed to produce 1 kg of pellets per batch of MPW (comprising polyethylene-PE and polypropylene-PP). This work has the following merits: (i) evaluating environmental impact (EI), cost analysis, and mechanical strength based on actual experimental data and its comparison with local and international manufacturers; (ii) enabling the evaluation of LCA impacts of MPW pellets; and (iii) emphasizing the significance of waste management in reducing EIs.

UK Foot and Ankle Thromboembolism (UK-FATE).

Aims: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potential complication of foot and ankle surgery. There is a lack of agreement on contributing risk factors and chemical prophylaxis requirements. The primary outcome of this study was to analyze the 90-day incidence of symptomatic VTE and VTE-related mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery and Achilles tendon (TA) rupture.

Effects of adverse childhood experiences on university students' ability to lead healthy lives: an exploratory qualitative study in Lahore, Pakistan.

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences are a significant global public health concern as these experiences have adverse effects on all the health determinants.

Methods: The interpretive phenomenological research design was used to explore the implications of adverse childhood experiences on the adult life of university students. An interpretive thematic analysis method was employed to analyze this study.

Boruta-driven analysis of telehealth amalgamation across healthcare stratifications with diffuse-dual-channel and tiered-gatekeeper systems.

This study aimed to evaluate the adaptation and effectiveness of telemedicine with the diffuse-dual-channel system (DDS) and tiered-gatekeeper system (TGS) across different tiers of the healthcare system on technical-organizational-environmental (TOE) framework. The telemedicine services were extended as Tiered-gatekeeper system (TGS) by Primary and Secondary Healthcare (PSHC) and Diffuse-dual-channel system (DDS) by King Edward Medical University (KEMU) in 2020 benefiting 2605 and 21,905 patients, respectively. This cross-sectional survey is based on a structured questionnaire conducted on 172 healthcare practitioners (HCP) from KEMU and 76 from PSHC selected by purposive sampling and analysis is conducted through descriptive analysis and the Boruta features selection method.

Stretch-Induced Spin-Cast Membranes Based on Semi-Crystalline Polymers for Efficient Microfiltration.

Microfiltration membranes derived from semi-crystalline polymers face various challenges when synthesized through the extrusion-casting technique, including the use of large quantities of polymer, long casting times, and the generation of substantial waste. This study focuses on synthesizing these membranes using spin-casting, followed by stretch-induced pore formation. Recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and virgin polyethylene powder, combined with a calcium carbonate filler, were used as the source materials for the membranes.

Prolonged Lifespan of Superhydrophobic Thin Films and Coatings Using Recycled Polyethylene.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste poses a significant environmental challenge due to its non-biodegradable nature and the vast quantities generated annually. However, conventional recycling methods are energy-intensive and often yield low-quality products. Herein, HDPE waste is upcycled into anti-aging, superhydrophobic thin films suitable for outdoor applications.

Adsorbent-Embedded Polymeric Membranes for Efficient Dye-Water Treatment.

Traditional bulk adsorbents, employed for the removal of dyes and metal ions, often face the drawback of requiring an additional filtration system to separate the filtrate from the adsorbent. In this study, we address this limitation by embedding the adsorbent into the polymer matrix through a process involving dissolution-dispersion, spin-casting, and heat-stretching. Selective dissolution and dispersion facilitate the integration of the adsorbent into the polymer matrix.

Role of the CTCF Binding Site in Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus-1 Pathogenesis.

During HTLV-1 infection, the virus integrates into the host cell genome as a provirus with a single CCCTC binding protein (CTCF) binding site (vCTCF-BS), which acts as an insulator between transcriptionally active and inactive regions. Previous studies have shown that the vCTCF-BS is important for maintenance of chromatin structure, regulation of viral expression, and DNA and histone methylation. Here, we show that the vCTCF-BS also regulates viral infection and pathogenesis in a humanized (Hu) mouse model of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.

Systematic review of clinical manifestations, management and outcome following accidental ingestion of liquid mosquito repellent vaporiser in children.

Background: Pyrethroid-based mosquito repellents are widely used to control mosquito-borne diseases. Liquid mosquito-repellent vaporisers are effective modes of pyrethroid delivery but can also pose significant health risks if ingested or used improperly.

Objective: This systematic review was performed to assess the demographic distribution, clinical presentation, management strategies and outcomes in children resulting from accidental ingestion of liquid mosquito repellent vaporiser.

The provision of a trauma bed in theatre recovery and its impact on trauma theatre efficiency: experience from a high-volume trauma unit.

Introduction: Inefficiencies in the trauma setting are well known and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic among other factors, resulting in national guidance to aid improvements in resource utilisation. This study introduced a novel surgeon-led intervention, a trauma bed in recovery, with the aim of improving trauma theatre efficiency.

Methods: This quality improvement project was conducted using a Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) methodology and comprised multiple cycles to assess theatre performance.

Transforming polypropylene waste into transparent anti-corrosion weather-resistant and anti-bacterial superhydrophobic films.

The global pollution crisis arising from the accumulation of plastic in landfills and the environment necessitates addressing plastic waste issues. Notably, polypropylene (PP) waste accounts for 20% of total plastic waste and holds promise for hydrophobic applications in the realm of recycling. Herein, the transparent and non-transparent superhydrophobic films made from waste PP are reported.