Narcissism, perfectionism, and self-promoting behavior on social networking sites among university students in Pakistan / Narcisismo, perfeccionismo y comportamiento de autopromoción en sitios de redes sociales entre estudiantes universitarios en Pakistán

Existe un debate considerable en la literatura sobre cómo el narcisismo predice diversos comportamientos asociados con la utilidad de los sitios de redes sociales, pero los investigadores han prestado menos atención a explorar los mediadores potenciales de esta relación. Con base en la literatura existente, anticipamos que el narcisismo predice comportamientos de autopromoción en los sitios de redes sociales. El estudio actual también investigó el papel mediador del perfeccionismo multidimensional entre el narcisismo y el comportamiento de autopromoción. Se recopiló un total de 605 cuestionarios completos de estudiantes de universidades de Rawalpindi e Islamabad, Pakistán, mediante un muestreo conveniente. El estudio utilizó el Inventario de Personalidad Narcisista (Ames et al., 2006), un cuestionario de desarrollo propio sobre comportamiento de autopromoción en sitios de redes sociales y la Escala de Perfeccionismo Multidimensional (Hewitt et al., 1991). Los hallazgos indicaron que las mujeres en comparación con los hombres y las solteras en comparación con las casadas obtuvieron puntuaciones más altas en narcisismo. Los niveles educativos más altos se asociaron con tasas más altas de narcisismo. Los resultados también sugieren que el narcisismo se correlaciona con el perfeccionismo orientado a uno mismo y, más significativamente, con el narcisismo orientado a los demás. El perfeccionismo orientado a uno mismo y a los demás medió significativamente la relación entre el narcisismo y el comportamiento de autopromoción en los sitios de redes sociales.(AU)

There is considerable debate in the literature about how narcis-sism predicts various behaviors associated with the utility of social net-working sites, but researchers have paid less attention to exploring the po-tential mediators of this relationship.Based on the existing literature, we anticipated that narcissism predicts self-promoting behaviors on social networking sites. The current study also investigated the mediating role of multidimensional perfectionismbetween narcissism and self-promoting behavior. A total of 605 complete questionnaires weregathered fromstu-dents from universities from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan using convenient sampling. The study used Narcissistic Personality Inventory (Ames et al., 2006), self-developed Self-promoting Behavior on social net-working sites questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt et al., 1991). Findings indicated that females as compared to males and single as comparedto married individuals scored higher on narcissism. Higher educational levels were associated with higher rates of narcissism. The results also suggestthat narcissism correlated with self-oriented per-fectionism, and more significantlywith others-oriented narcissism. Self-oriented and others-oriented perfectionism significantly mediated the rela-tionship between narcissism and self-promoting behavior on social net-working sites.(AU)

Cultivable bacteria in the supraglacial lake formed after a glacial lake outburst flood in northern Pakistan / Bacterias cultivables en el lago supraglacial formadas después de una inundación repentina en un lago glacial en el norte de Pakistán

Recently, a supraglacial lake formed as a result of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in the Dook Pal Glacier. Lake debris and meltwater samples were collected from the supraglacial lake to determine bacterial diversity. Geochemical analyses of samples showed free amino acids (FAAs), anions, cations, and heavy metals. Comparable viable bacterial counts were observed in meltwater and debris samples. Using R2A media, a total of 52 bacterial isolates were identified: 40 from debris and 12 from meltwater. The relative abundance of Gram-positive (80.8%) bacteria was greater than Gram-negative (19.2%). Molecular identification of these isolates revealed that meltwater was dominated by Firmicutes (41.6%) and Proteobacteria (41.6%), while lake debris was dominated by Firmicutes (65.0%). The isolates belonged to 14 genera with the greatest relative abundance in Bacillus. Tolerance level of isolates to salts was high. Most of the Gram-positive bacteria were eurypsychrophiles, while most of the Gram-negative bacteria were stenopsychrophiles. Gram-negative bacteria displayed a higher minimum inhibitory concentration of selected heavy metals and antibiotics than Gram-positive. This first-ever study of culturable bacteria from a freshly formed supraglacial lake improves our understanding of the bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistance released from the glaciers as a result of GLOF.(AU)

Level of physical activity and its association with depression among chronic spinal cord injury patients at a paraplegic centre in Peshawar / Nivel de actividad física y su asociación con la depresión entre pacientes con lesión medular crónica en un centro para parapléjicos en Peshawar

Introduction: Spinal cord injury results in disability, limited participation in physical activities, and mental health problems which greatly affects the quality of life of the injured person. Engaging in physical activity is necessary for optimal recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury. Chronic spinal cord injury patients suffer from many secondary complications which become a challenge for the patient and the health care community to manage due to which recovery will be complex and difficult. The aim of this study is to find out the association of physical activity with depression among chronic spinal cord injury patients at Paraplegic Centre Peshawar.Material and methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey in which a consecutive sampling technique was used. Data was collected from n=109 spinal cord injury patients in which 85 (78.0%) were males and 24 (22.0%) were females. Physical activity was measured using the PARA-SCI scale and the CESD-R-10 questionnaire was used to assess depression.Results: The average minutes of participating in mild physical activity was 67.72 ± 17.98 minutes/week, moderate physical activity was 140.79 ± 33.47 minutes/week, heavy physical activity was 21.92 ± 9.18 minutes/week and total PA was 247.93 ± 55.76. P value= .004 for mild physical activity with depression, p value= .097 for moderate physical activity with depression, p value= .137 for heavy physical activity with depression and p value= .001 for total physical activity with depression.Conclusions: Mild and total physical activity was associated with depression. Moderate and heavy physical activity was not associated with depression. (AU)

Introducción: La lesión de la médula espinal produce discapacidad, participación limitada en actividades físicas y problemas de salud mental que afectan en gran medida la calidad de vida de la persona lesionada. La actividad física es necesaria para una recuperación óptima de las personas con lesión de la médula espinal. Los pacientes con lesiones crónicas de la médula espinal sufren muchas complicaciones secundarias que se convierten en un desafío para el paciente y la comunidad de atención médica debido a que la recuperación será compleja y difícil. El objetivo de este estudio es averiguar la asociación de la actividad física con la depresión entre los pacientes con lesiones crónicas de la médula espinal en el Centro Parapléjico de Peshawar.Material y métodos: Este estudio fue una encuesta transversal en la que se utilizó una técnica de muestreo consecutivo. Se recopilaron datos de n = 109 pacientes con lesión de la médula espinal, de los cuales 85 (78,0 %) eran hombres y 24 (22,0 %) eran mujeres. La actividad física se midió mediante la escala PARA-SCI y el cuestionario CESD-R-10 para evaluar la depresión.Resultados: El promedio de minutos de participación en actividad física leve fue 67,72 ± 17,98 minutos/semana, actividad física moderada 140,79 ± 33,47 minutos/semana, actividad física intensa 21,92 ± 9,18 minutos/semana y AF total 247,93 ± 55,76. Valor de p= .004 para actividad física leve con depresión, valor de p= .097 para actividad física moderada con depresión, valor de p= .137 para actividad física intensa con depresión y valor de p= .001 para actividad física total con depresión.Conclusiones: La actividad física leve y total se asoció con la depresión. La actividad física moderada e intensa no se asoció con la depresión. (AU)

MTHFR-c 677C>T polymorphism and male infertility: An analysis in a cohort of Pakistani men / Polimorfismo MTHFR-c 677C>T e infertilidad masculina: un análisis en una cohorte de hombres pakistaníes

Objective: To analyze existence of an association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism with male infertility. Materials and methods: A case–control study was conducted from June 2017 to August 2018 in which 88 infertile and 40 fertile were recruited. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay was carried out to study the allelic frequency of C677T polymorphism. The differences in allelic and genotypic frequencies of C677T locus between fertile and infertile groups were evaluated by the Pearson chisquare test. A logistic regression model was used to calculate Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, p value<0.05 was considered significant. The Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was tested using HWE software. Results: In infertile subjects, frequency distribution of CC allele was (60.2%), the CT allele was (30.7%) the TT allele was (9.1%) and in the fertile controls the frequency was CC allele (75%), CT allele (20%) and TT allele (5%) respectively. Analysis revealed MTHFR 677 CC genotype associated significantly with male infertility (p<.046, OR=2.385; 95% CI=1.014–5.608); Frequency of CT (30.7%) and TT (9.1) genotypes were higher in infertile men as compared to CT (20%) TT (5%) in fertile controls but statistically these were not significantly different (p=0.097; OR=0.455; CI=0.179–1.153 and p=0.431; OR=0.526; CI=0.107–2.599 respectively). Significant association of age and BMI with MTHFR genotypes and infertility was observed. Conclusion: Our results showed that MTHFR C677T polymorphism is not a risk factor for male infertility in our Pakistani population. (AU)

Objetivo: Observar el efecto del polimorfismo C677T en metilenetetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) en la infertilidad masculina. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles desde junio de 2017 hasta agosto de 2018 en el que se reclutaron 88 infértiles y 40 fértiles. Se llevó a cabo el ensayo reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) - polimorfismo de longitud de fragmento de restricción (RFLP) para estudiar la frecuencia alélica del polimorfismo C677T. La prueba de chi-cuadrado de Pearson se utilizó para estimar las diferencias en las frecuencias alélicas y genotípicas del locus C677T entre fértiles e infértiles. Los cocientes de probabilidad se obtuvieron mediante el análisis de regresión logística con intervalos de confianza del 95%, siendo significativo un valor de p<0,05. Se aplicó el equilibrio Hardy-Weinberg (HWE). Resultados: En sujetos infértiles, la distribución de frecuencia del alelo CC fue del 60,2%, la del alelo CT, del 30,7%, la del alelo TT, del 9,1%, y en los controles fértiles la frecuencia fue alelo CC fue del 75%, la del alelo CT, del 20%, y la del alelo TT, del 5%, respectivamente. El análisis reveló el genotipo CC MTHFR 677 asociado significativamente con infertilidad en los hombres (p<0,046, OR=2,385; IC95%: 1,014-5,608). La frecuencia de los genotipos CT (30,7%) y TT (9,1) fue mayor en hombres infértiles en comparación con CT (20%) y TT (5%) en controles fértiles, pero estadísticamente estos no fueron significativamente diferentes (p=0,097, OR=0,455; IC95%: 0,179-1,153, y p=0,431, OR=0,526; IC95%: 0,107-2,599, respectivamente). Se observó asociación significativa de edad e IMC con genotipos MTHFR e infertilidad. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados mostraron que el polimorfismo MTHFR C677T no está asociado con la infertilidad por factor masculino en nuestra población pakistaní. (AU)

Dyadic Coping, Dyadic Coping Based Gratitude (DC-G), and Relationship Satisfaction in Pakistani Couples

Dyadic coping-based gratitude (DC-G) refers to the reaction of appreciation and thankfulness in response to received problem-focused and emotion-focused positive dyadic coping (DC) behaviors by the partner. The actor-partner interdependent mediation model was used to test the mediating role of DC-G between DC and relationship satisfaction in a purposive sample of 300 Pakistani married couples, which were treated as indistinguishable following the use of a test for distinguishability. Mediation analysis demonstrated that DC-G partially mediated the couples’ DC and relationship satisfaction implying that the association between DC and relationship satisfaction strengthened as the DC-G intervenes in the path model. Additionally, the actor-actor or partner-partner indirect effects were stronger compared to the cross-partner effect suggesting that husbands or wives’ DC more strongly predicted corresponding relationship satisfaction via DC-G compared to husbands-wives’ DC. Implications are discussed within collectivistic cultural orientation and Islamic religious obligations regarding marital relationships in Pakistani couples. (AU)

Servant leadership and machiavellian followers: a moderated mediation model / El liderazgo de servicio y los subordinados maquiavélicos: un modelo de mediación moderada

Despite promoting positive employee outcomes, servant leaders may become the victim of manipulation by followers. The current study investigates this underexplored side of servant leadership by examining the employee-related outcomes of the interaction between servant leadership and follower Machiavellianism through mediating mechanism of exploitative manipulative behavior. It is argued that employees high in Machiavellianism engage in exploitative manipulative behavior to achieve subjective career success and social power while working with a servant leader. We used PROCESS macro to analyze our mediation and moderated mediation hypotheses, respectively. We collected data in a time-lagged design (three-time lags) from 320 dyads (self and peer) responses from service sector organizations. The results fully supported our hypotheses. Limitations and future research directions are also presented (AU)

A pesar de que fomenten resultados positivos en los empleados, los líderes servidores pueden convertirse en víctimas de la manipulación por parte de los subordinados. Este estudio investiga esta faceta poco explorada del liderazgo de servicio por medio del análisis de los resultados de los empleados relativos a la interacción entre el líder servidor y el maquiavelismo de los subordinados a través del mecanismo mediador del comportamiento manipulativo explotador. Se argumenta que los empleados con un maquiavelismo elevado se comportan de un modo manipulativo explotador, con el fin de lograr un éxito subjetivo en su carrera profesional y poder social cuando trabajan con un líder servidor. Empleamos el macro PROCESS para analizar nuestras hipótesis de mediación y mediación moderada, respectivamente. Recogimos datos en un diseño demorado en el tiempo (con tres retrasos temporales) a partir de respuestas de 320 díadas (de uno mismo y de compañeros) de empresas del sector servicios. Los resultados avalan plenamente nuestras hipótesis. Se comentan igualmente las limitaciones y perspectivas de investigación futura (AU)

Salutogenic constructs across Pakistan and Germany: A cross sectional study / Constructos de salud en Pakistán y Alemania: un estudio transversal

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Protective factors are relevant for mental health in general, however, universality of the instruments has been rarely tested. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine psychometric properties and cross-cultural measurement invariance of salutogenic constructs. METHOD: Data was collected from university students of Pakistan (n = 1,841) and Germany (n = 7,890). Single-group confirmatory analysis (CFA) and multiple-group CFA was tested to examine the proposed factor structure and measurement invariance of Positive Mental Health Scale, Resilience Scale, Perceived Social Support Questionnaire, and Life Satisfaction Scale across student samples from Pakistan and Germany respectively. RESULTS: We found strong measurement invariance for the Positive Mental Health Scale, Life Satisfaction Scale, and partial strong measurement for the Resilience Scale, and Perceived Social Support Questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that these scales could be recommended for the meaningful comparison of latent means across cultures. Understanding these differences would further advance our knowledge about the mechanism underlying positive mental health

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: Los factores de protección son relevantes para la salud mental en general. Sin embargo, la universalidad de los instrumentos ha sido raramente probada. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo examinar las propiedades psicométricas y la invariabilidad de las mediciones interculturales de constructos salutogénicos. MÉTODO: Se recogieron datos de estudiantes universitarios de Pakistán (n = 1.841) y Alemania (n = 7.890). El análisis confirmatorio de un solo grupo (CFA) y el CFA de múltiples grupos fueron probados para examinar la estructura de factores propuesta y la invariabilidad de la medición de la Escala de Salud Mental Positiva, la Escala de Resiliencia, el Cuestionario de Apoyo Social Percibido y la Escala de Satisfacción de Vida a través de muestras de estudiantes de Pakistán y Alemania, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Encontramos una fuerte invariancia en las mediciones de la Positive Mental Health Scale, la Life Satisfaction Scale, y una medición parcial fuerte en la Resilience Scale y el Perceived Social Support Questionnaire. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados indican que estas escalas podrían recomendarse para la comparación significativa de los medios latentes entre culturas. La comprensión de estas diferencias aumentaría aún más nuestro conocimiento sobre el mecanismo que subyace a la salud mental positiva

Confirmatory factor analysis of implicit beliefs measure and the role of demographics among Pakistani sample

Implicit theories (also referred to self-theories) represent a cognitive conceptualization about a matter, generally raised as a belief. It is marked as the primary aspect of cognitive processing among living beings affecting their overall behavior towards others'. In the present study, it is attempted to consider a Pakistani perspective on this phenomenon of self-theories and also to validate the implicit theories Scale. It is a measure of people's beliefs about things to be fixed or changeable. A quantitative approach of correlational methodology was employed. Participants of the study were 355 Pakistani young adults with an age range of 20-30 years (M = 23.08, SD = 1.99). There were 175 males and 180 females (as they reported their gender) from Islamabad. Confirmatory factor analysis was computed to assess the dimensionality of the scale. An adequate model fit indices were found as Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .04, Comparative Fit Index = .99, Tucker-Lewis Index = .98, Goodness of Fit Index = .97, and Incremental Fit Index = .99, confirming a bidimensional implicit theories measure. The reliability coefficients of Entity Theory and Incremental Theory subscales were assessed through internal consistency and test-retest methods which are found to be in an acceptable range. Demographic specifications are also addressed to reflect upon the indigenous importance of this concept. This will be an additive feature in the literature to consider the cultural specification enabling individuals to align their mindsets in the desired direction of growth and achievement

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A transition from the BPharm to the PharmD degree in five selected countries

This review focuses on the studies and opinions around issues of transition from the BPharm to the PharmD degree in the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Pakistan and Thailand. The transition to the clinically orientated PharmD degree in many countries was seen to be a means of developing the profession. However, some countries have both clinically-oriented and pharmaceutical sciences-oriented PharmD programme that are designed to meet the needs of their countries. Each country created a different process to handle the transition to an all-PharmD programme, but mostly had the process of school accreditation mandated by the regulatory bodies. The main barrier to the transition in most of the countries was the issue of educational quality. A set of indicators is needed to measure and monitor the impact/outcome of the PharmD degree. Each country has different needs due to the different contexts of health care systems and the scope of pharmacy practice. In order to increase their chances of benefiting from the new programme, academic leaders should critically assess their countries' needs before deciding to adopt a PharmD programme

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Isolation and characterization of culturable endophytic bacterial community of stripe rust-resistantand striperust-susceptible Pakistani wheat cultivars

In this study, endophytic bacteria isolated from root, stem, and leaf tissues of stripe rust-susceptible (Inqilab 91, Galaxy 2013, and 15BT023) and stripe rust-resistant (NARC 2011, Ujala 2015, TW1410) cultivars were identified and characterized. Abundance of endophytes was found in roots as compared with stems and leaves. Resistant and susceptible cultivars significantly differed in abundance of endophytic bacteria. Restriction analysis of 16S rRNA genes amplified from 100 bacterial isolates produced 17 unique patterns. Representatives of each of the 17 unique patterns were sequenced and identified. Among the sequenced bacteria, 8 belonged to Firmicutes, 7 were Proteobacteria, and 2 were Actinobacteria. Most of the isolates have plant growth-promoting properties and a few have the potential of producing hydrolytic enzymes. Two isolates showed significant inhibition of rust spore germination. These endophytic bacteria not only can be helpful in growth-promoting activities but also can assist in biocontrol of stripe rust disease

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Implication of highly metal-resistant microalgal-bacterial co-cultures for the treatment of simulated metal-loaded wastewaters

Microalgal-bacterial co-cultures were employed for the treatment of artificially prepared metal-rich wastewaters in this study. For the purpose, highly metal-resistant microalgal and bacterial species were isolated from a leading wastewater channel flowing through Lahore, Pakistan, and characterized at the molecular level. The microbial identities were proved after BLAST analysis. The microalgal (Chlorella vulgaris-BH1) and bacterial (Exiguobacterium profundum-BH2) species were then co-cultured in five different proportions. Five different proportions of potentially mutualistic microbial co-cultures (comprising of microalgal to bacterial cells in ratios of 1:3, 2:3, 3:3, 3:1, and 3:2) prepared thus were employed to remediate artificially prepared metal-loaded wastewaters. Three randomly selected toxic metals (Cu, Cr, and Ni) were used in this study to prepare metal-rich wastewaters. The microalgal-bacterial co-cultures were then exposed independently to the wastewaters containing 100 ppm of each of the above mentioned metals. The inoculated wastewaters were incubated maximally for a period of 15 days. The metal uptake was noted periodically after every 5 days. The results of the present study depicted that maximally about 78.7, 56.4, and 80% of Cu, Cr, and Ni were removed, respectively after an incubation period of 15 days. The microbial co-culture consisting of microalgal to bacterial cells in a ratio of 3:1 showed the highest remedial potential. The findings of the present study will be helpful in developing effective microalgal-bacterial consortia for economical, efficient, and environment-friendly rehabilitation of the polluted sites

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Biosorption of arsenic through bacteria isolated from Pakistan

The aim of this study was to isolate arsenic-resistant bacteria and to further exploit it for remediation purposes. In the present study, we have isolated arsenic-resistant strain from ground water of Pakistan AT-01. The strain was cultivated at 37°C in Luria Bertani broth supplemented with different concentrations of arsenate and arsenite. The minimum inhibitory concentration of arsenic against the bacterial isolate was 7 g/L (7000 mg/L) for arsenate and 1.4 g/L (1400 mg/L) for arsenite salt. The bacterial isolate was also characterized both on molecular and biochemical basis. The isolated strain belonged to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The high resistance against arsenic offered by the bacteria was exploited further for bioremediation purposes. The bacterial biomass generated from AT-01 strain was able to efficiently remove arsenic with 98% efficiency. Arsenic contamination of ground water is a widespread worldwide problem. The present study shows the potential of high arsenic-resistant bacteria for efficient arsenic removal

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Parasitic infections, malnutrition and anemia among preschool children living in rural areas of peshawar, Pakistan / Infecciones parasitarias, desnutrición y anemia en niños en edad preescolar que viven en áreas rurales de Peshawar, Pakistán

Introduction: it has previously been shown that parasitic infections (PI) have deleterious effects on the nutritional status of the host, particularly among young children. Objective: the objective of this study was to estimate the severity of the problem of malnutrition and anemia in association with PI in preschool children and to identify the possible risk factors that contribute to these health problems. Methods: four hundred and thirty-seven mother-child pairs were randomly selected from rural areas of Peshawar, Pakistan. Children with visible and invisible worms were identified. The nutritional status of the respondents was evaluated. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on relevant parameters. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Results: the average age of the children was 24 ± 10 months. A total of 120 (27.5%) fecal samples of children tested positive for several parasites. Of the total, 267 (61%), 205 (47%), 109 (25%) and 140 (32%) children were anemic, stunted, wasted and underweight, respectively. The majority of wasted children (59% wasted versus 41% normal) and anemic (66% anemic versus 34% non-anemic) were infected with parasites (p < 0.05). Independent factors related to child anemia included child age, family size, mothers’ awareness of overall child healthcare, and PIs. PIs were independent risk factors for malnutrition and general child wasting. Sociodemographic, parental and child-related risk factors for PIs included mothers' poor nutritional status and awareness level regarding overall child healthcare, fathers' formal education, child's pica habit, child’s age, open sewage system in the houses and family size. Conclusion: in general, malnutrition and anemia were highly prevalent in children in association with PI

Introducción: se ha demostrado previamente que las infecciones parasitarias (IP) tienen efectos nocivos sobre el estado nutricional del huésped, particularmente entre los niños pequeños. Objetivo: el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la gravedad del problema de desnutrición y anemia en asociación con IP en niños en edad preescolar e identificar los posibles factores de riesgo que contribuyen a estos problemas de salud. Métodos: se seleccionaron al azar 437 parejas madre-hijo de zonas rurales de Peshawar, Pakistán. Se identificaron niños con gusanos visibles y no visibles. Se evaluó el estado nutricional de los encuestados. Se usaron cuestionarios estructurados para recopilar datos sobre parámetros relevantes y pruebas estadísticas apropiadas para analizar los datos. Resultados: la edad promedio de los niños fue de 24 ± 10 meses. Un total de 120 (27,5%) muestras fecales de niños dieron positivo para varios parásitos. Del total, 267 (61%), 205 (47%), 109 (25%) y 140 (32%) niños eran anémicos, presentaban atrofia, desgaste y bajo peso, respectivamente. Los factores independientes relacionados con la anemia infantil incluyen la edad del niño, el tamaño de la familia, el nivel de conciencia de las madres sobre el cuidado de la salud general del niño y los IP. Los IP fueron factores de riesgo independientes para la malnutrición y el desgaste general de los niños. Los factores de riesgo independientes para los IP incluyeron un estado nutricional deficiente de las madres, bajo nivel de conciencia de las madres con respecto a la atención médica general del niño, la educación formal de los padres, el patrón pica en niños, la edad, el sistema de alcantarillado abierto en las casas y el tamaño de la familia. Conclusión: en general, la malnutrición y la anemia fueron muy prevalentes en los niños en asociación con IP

Prevalent Tendencies for Mental Disorders in Pakistan / Las tendencias prevalentes en trastornos mentales en Pakistán

Psychological problems and mental disorders are visibly prevalent all around the globe. The current survey intended to the latest situation of the prevailing variety of mental disorders in the ry by involving 3,500 participants from 5 major cities. The sample of the study was sufficiently rich to represent Pakistanis based on gender, age, education, profession, and income. Data was gathered through interviews and a self-reported questionnaire. The study revealed that 27% of Pakistanis possess tendencies for different mental disorders. Depression and sleep-related problems are the most prevalent psychological problems in the ry. Females, unmarried, people below 40 years of age, people with primary level of education, and people belonging to the upper-middle class possess significantly higher tendencies towards mental disorders as compared with their erparts. The findings will be helpful for researchers, mental health practitioners, and other stakeholders in assessing the state of mental health in the ry

Los problemas psicológicos y los trastornos mentales son visiblemente prevalentes en todo el mundo. El estudio actual pretende analizar la situación más reciente de la variedad predominante de los trastornos mentales en el país con la participación de 3,500 participantes de 5 grandes ciudades. La muestra del estudio fue suficientemente rica para representar a los paquistaníes en función del sexo, la edad, la educación, la profesión y la renta. La información se obtuvo a través de entrevistas y un cuestionario autoinformado. El estudio reveló que el 27% de los paquistaníes tienen tendencia a padecer difrentes trastornos mentales, siendo la depresión y los problemas relacionados con el sueño los problemas psicológicos más prevalentes en el país. Las mujeres, solteras, las personas menores de 40 años de edad, las personas con estudios primarios y las personas que pertenecen a la clase media-alta tienen una tendencia significativamente más elevada a sufrir trastornos mentales en comparación con sus homólogos. Los resultados serán útiles para los investigadores, los profesionales de salud mental y otras partes interesadas en la evaluación del estado de la salud mental en el país

Urdu translation and validation of short muslim practice and belief scale in Pakistan

The present study was conducted to translate and validate the Short Muslim Practice and Belief Scale (SMPBS) (AlMarri, Oei, & Al-Adawi, 2009) to have a culturally equivalent and linguistically accurate Urdu version for use in Pakistan. Forward backward translation method was used for translation followed by tryout of the scale. Urdu translated version of the scale was completed by 500 participants of different age groups (M = 36.5, SD = 10.1). Based on a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), results confirmed that a two-factor model with the factors practice and belief provided an excellent fit to the data with chi square 55.96 (df = 26, p > .05), CFI =.96, GFI = .97, and RMSEA = .04. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was .78. Cross-language validation determined on a sample of 60 participants was satisfactory. Convergent validity of the scale was established by finding its significant positive correlation with religious practice and belief scale (r = .64, p < .001) and significant negative correlation with depression (r = -.18, p < .001) revealed its divergent validity (AU)

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IL-4 Gene Polymorphisms and Their Association With Atopic Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis in Pakistani Patients

Introducción y objetivo: La IL-4 es una citocina que media las reacciones alérgicas. Diferentes polimorfismos en nucleótidos simples (SNPs) pueden influir sobre la respuesta mediada por citocinas. El motivo de este trabajo fue investigar la posible asociación de polimorfismos de la IL-4 con rinitis alérgica (RA) o asma atópica. Método: Se incluyó un total de 214 pacientes atópicos (asma n=108, RA n=106) y 120 controles sanos de Paquistán que fueron genotipados para SNPs IL-4 C-589T (rs2243250), T+2979G (rs2227284) y C-33T (rs2070874) mediante PCR. El análisis estadístico se llevó a cabo mediante el paquete StatCalc, EpiInfo v.6. Resultados: Observamos que el SNPs rs2243250 se asocia de forma significativa a asma (p 0.004; X2=11.0) y a RA (p<0.001; X2=20.2). Los genotipos más frecuentes en asma y RA fueron TT para SNP rs2243250, y GG para SNP rs2227284. Por otra parte, el SNP rs2070874 no se asocia con ninguna enfermedad respiratoria en una cohorte pakistaní. Conclusiones: rs2243250 y rs2227284 se asocian significativamente a asma y a RA. Los resultados de este estudio demuestran que además de los factores ambientales, los factores genéticos de riesgo juegan un papel importante en el desarrollo de las enfermedades atópicas respiratorias (AU)

Background and Objective: Interleukin (IL) 4 is a cytokine that mediates allergic responses. Different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can influence the immune response mediated by cytokines. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association between IL-4 polymorphisms and allergic rhinitis and atopic asthma. Methods: A total of 214 atopic patients (108 with asthma and 106 with allergic rhinitis) and 120 healthy controls from Pakistan were genotyped for IL-4 SNPs C-589T (rs2243250), T+2979G (rs2227284), and C-33T (rs2070874) using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical software package StatCalc, EpiInfo v.6. Results: The SNP rs2243250 was significantly associated with both asthma (P=.004, X2=11.0) and allergic rhinitis (P<.001, X2=20.2), as was T-2979G (P<.001, 􀆵2=22.51 for asthma and P<.001, 􀆵2=57.6 for allergic rhinitis). The most frequent genotypes in the asthma and allergic rhinitis groups were TT for SNP rs2243250, and GG for SNP rs2227284. rs2070874 was not found to be associated with either of the 2 atopic respiratory diseases analyzed in the Pakistani cohort. Conclusions: rs2243250 and rs2227284 are significantly associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis. The results of this study indicate that in addition to environmental factors, genetic risk factors also play an important role in the development of atopic respiratory diseases (AU)

Qualification, knowledge and experience of dispensers working at community pharmacies in Pakistan / Cualificación, conocimiento y experiencia de los dispensadores que trabajan en farmacias comunitarias en Pakistán

Pharmacies are managed by a variety of dispensers in terms of qualification, knowledge and experience in Pakistan. Objective: The study aimed to document the state of knowledge, experience and qualification of dispensers working at community pharmacies in Pakistan. Methods: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted at a randomly selected sample of 371 pharmacies in the three cities of Pakistan. A structured questionnaire for data collection was developed and finalized by focused group discussions and pilot testing. The data was coded, entered and analyzed by using SPSS Version 16. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p<=0.05) were performed to find out differences. Results: Out of total sample of 371 pharmacies, 31.8 % (118) were in Islamabad, 32.4 % (120) in Peshawar and 35.8 % (133) were in Lahore. Fifty percent of the respondents had correct knowledge of range of room temperature at which medicines should be stored. Only 11.1% (41) of the respondents knew about OTC (over the counter drugs) which can be sold without prescription while 5.9 % (22) of the respondents were aware of POM (prescription only medicines) which can be only sold on a valid prescription. While 87.6% (325), 88.1% (327), 58.7% (318) and 95.7 % (355) of the respondents did not know the meaning of the dispensing abbreviations such as ‘h.s’, ‘q.d’, ‘sos’ and ‘p.r.n’. The respondents did not know correctly the status of Deltacortil® (Prednisolone), Septran® (Sulfamethoxazole) and Fansidar® (Pyrimethamine and Sulfadoxine) either as OTC or POM in 26.7% (99), 64.2% (238), and 44.5 % (165) of the cases, respectively. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in knowledge of dispensers regarding storage temperature, prescription terminologies and status of medicines having different level of qualification and experience. Conclusions: The overall knowledge and training of dispensers working at community pharmacies is inadequate in Pakistan. However, pharmacists had relatively better knowledge regarding storage temperature, prescription terminologies and status of medicines as compared to pharmacy assistants, diploma holders and salesperson (AU)

En Pakistán, las farmacias están gestionadas por una variedad de dispensadores en cuanto a cualificación, conocimiento y experiencia. Objetivo: El estudio trató de documentar el estado del conocimiento, experiencia y cualificación de los dispensadores que trabajan en farmacias comunitarias en Pakistán. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio comparativo transversal en una muestra aleatoria de 371 farmacias en tres ciudades de Pakistán. Para recoger los datos, se desarrolló un cuestionario semi-estructurado y se finalizó con un grupo focal y una prueba piloto. Los datos se codificaron y analizaron utilizando un SPSS versión 16. Se realizaron tests de Kruskal-Wallis and Mann- Whitney tests (p <= 0.05) para identificar las diferencias. Resultados: De la muestra total de 371 farmacias, el 31,8% (118) estaban en Islamabad, el 32,4% (120) en Peshawar y el 35,8% (133) en Lahore. El 50% de los respondentes tenían un conocimiento correcto del rango de temperaturas a las que deben almacenarse los medicamentos. Sólo el 11,1% (41) sabía que los OTC (over-the-counter) pueden venderse sin receta, mientras que el 5,9% (22) era consciente que las POM (medicamentos con receta) que sólo pueden ser vendidos con una receta válida. El 97,6% (325), 88,1% (327), 58,7% (318) y 95,7% (355) de los respondentes no sabía el significado de las abreviaturas de dispensación tales como ‘h.s’, ‘q.d’, ‘sos’ y ‘p.r.n’. Los respondentes no sabían correctamente el estado de Deltacortil® (Prednisolona), Septran® (Sulfametoxazol) y Fansidar® (Pirimetamina y Sulfadoxina) como OTC o POM en el 26,7% (99), 64,2% (238), y 44,5% (165) de los casos, respectivamente. Hubo una diferencia significativa (p≤0.05) en el conocimiento de los dispensadores sobre la temperatura de almacenamiento, terminología de prescripción y estado de los medicamentos cuando tenían diferente nivel de cualificación y experiencia. Conclusiones: El conocimiento y formación generales de los dispensadores que trabajan en farmacias comunitarias en Pakistán es inadecuado. Sin embargo, los farmacéuticos tienen mejor conocimiento en relación a temperatura de almacenamiento, terminologías de prescripción y estado de los medicamentos comparados con los Auxiliares de farmacia, los diplomados y los vendedores (AU)

Tuberculosis en población inmigrante: casos diagnosticados en urgencias según el lugar de procedencia / Tuberculosis in an immigrant population: emergency department diagnoses, analyzed by place of origin

Objetivo: El Hospital del Mar de Barcelona cubre un área de influencia (AI) de 350.000habitantes. En 2006, el 15,7% de esta población eran inmigrantes. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la distribución por países y zonas geográficas de los pacientes diagnosticados de tuberculosis en urgencias. Adicionalmente, se muestra el país y zona geográfica de procedencia de los inmigrantes censados en nuestra AI. Método: Se incluyeron los inmigrantes diagnosticados de tuberculosis durante 2006 y2007. Los datos poblacionales se obtuvieron del padrón municipal. Para cada país y zona geográfica se evaluó el porcentaje que representaba respecto a la población inmigrante censada (PIC), y el porcentaje respecto al total de tuberculosis en inmigrantes diagnosticados en urgencias (PTU). Se calculó el índice PTU/PIC para evaluar los casos de tuberculosis ajustados según los datos poblacionales. Resultados: El número de inmigrantes censados en 2006 fue de 54.057. Las nacionalidades más frecuentes fueron la pakistaní (14,1%) y la ecuatoriana (10,1%) y las zonas geográficas fueron Latinoamérica (38,3%) y Europa Occidental (19,2%). Se diagnosticaron60 casos de tuberculosis en inmigrantes, y fueron más frecuentes los casos procedentes de Pakistán (26,7%), seguidos de Bolivia (15%), Europa del Este (11,7%) y África del Norte (8,3%). Las mayores puntuaciones PTU/PIC correspondieron a Bolivia, Pakistán, Europa del Este y Asia Central. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los nuevos casos de tuberculosis en inmigrantes visitados en urgencias corresponden a pacientes originarios de Pakistán y de Latinoamérica, pero el mayor índice PTU/PIC se observa en los procedentes de Bolivia y Europa del Este (AU)

Objectives: Hospital de Mar in Barcelona serves a population of 350 000 inhabitants. In 2006, 15.7% of this population consisted of immigrants to Spain. The aim of this study was to describe the distribution by country and geographic region of immigrant patients diagnosed with tuberculosis in the emergency department. Additionally, we show the countries and geographic regions of origin of all immigrants identified by the census as residing in the area the hospital serves. Methods: The study included immigrants diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2006 and 2007. Population data were obtained from municipal census records. By country and region of origin, we analyzed the number of immigrants with tuberculosis, calculating percentages of the overall immigrant population recorded in the census (PIPC) and of the total number of immigrants diagnosed with this disease in the emergency department (PTED). The ratio between the two percentages (PTED/PIPC) was calculated to create an index reflecting the number of tuberculosis cases adjusted for population data. Results: A total of 54 057 immigrants were identified in the 2006 census. The largest national groups were those from Pakistan (14.1%) and Ecuador (10.1%). The largest regional groups were those from Latin America (38.3%) and Western Europe (19.2%). Sixty cases of tuberculosis were diagnosed in immigrants. Most of these patients came from Pakistan(26.7%) and Bolivia (15%). Attending to geographic region, patients from Eastern Europe (11.7%) and those from North Africa (8.3%) were the most frequently diagnosed. The highest PTED/PIPC indexes corresponded to Bolivia, Pakistan, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Conclusions: Most new cases of tuberculosis in immigrants diagnosed in the emergency department were found in patients from Pakistan and Latin America, but the highest PTED/PIPC indices were those for Bolivia and Eastern Europe (AU)

L’infant i les dones pakistaneses / No disponible

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Estudio comparativo de la experiencia del SUMMA 112 entre los desastres del tsunami de Indonesia y el terremoto de Paquistán / No disponible

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