Personalised learning in higher education for health sciences: a scoping review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Personalised learning, an educational approach that tailors teaching and learning to individual needs and preferences, has gained attention in recent years, particularly in higher education. Advances in educational technology have facilitated the implementation of personalised learning in various contexts. Despite its potential benefits, the literature on personalised learning in health sciences higher education remains scattered and heterogeneous. This scoping review aims to identify and map the current literature on personalised learning in health sciences higher education and its definition, implementation strategies, benefits, and limitations. METHODS: A comprehensive search of electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Educational Research Complete, and Journal Storage (JSTOR), will be conducted to identify relevant articles. The search will be limited to articles published in the English language between 2000 and 2023. The search strategy will be designed and adapted for each database using a combination of keywords and subject headings related to personalised learning and health sciences higher education. Eligibility criteria will be applied to screen and select articles. Data extraction and quality assessment will be performed, and thematic synthesis will be used to analyse the extracted data. DISCUSSION: The results of the scoping review will present a comprehensive and coherent overview of the literature on personalised learning in health sciences higher education. Key themes and topics related to personalised learning, its definitions, models, implementation strategies, benefits, and limitations, will be identified. The geographical and temporal distribution of research on personalised learning in health sciences higher education will also be described. This scoping review will provide a structured synthesis of the available evidence on personalised learning in health sciences higher education, highlighting potential gaps and areas for future research. The findings will contribute to ongoing scholarly and policy debates on personalised learning in higher education, informing the development of best practices, guidelines, and future research agendas.

Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of pancreatic stump closure using a hand-sewn or stapler technique in distal pancreatectomy.

This study aimed to compare outcomes of hand-sewn and stapler closure techniques of pancreatic stump in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy (DP). Impact of stapler closure reinforcement using mesh on outcomes was also evaluated. Literature search was carried out using multiple data sources to identify studies that compared hand-sewn and stapler closure techniques in management of pancreatic stump following DP. Odds ratio (OR) was determined for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) via random-effects modelling. Subsequently, trial sequential analysis was performed. Thirty-two studies with a total of 4,022 patients undergoing DP with hand-sewn (n = 1,184) or stapler (n = 2,838) closure technique of pancreatic stump were analyzed. Hand-sewn closure significantly increased the risk of clinically relevant POPF compared to stapler closure (OR: 1.56, p = 0.02). When stapler closure was considered, staple line reinforcement significantly reduced formation of such POPF (OR: 0.54, p = 0.002). When only randomized controlled trials were considered, there was no significant difference in clinically relevant POPF between hand-sewn and stapler closure techniques (OR: 1.20, p = 0.64) or between reinforced and standard stapler closure techniques (OR: 0.50, p = 0.08). When observational studies were considered, hand-sewn closure was associated with a significantly higher rate of clinically relevant POPF compared to stapler closure (OR: 1.59, p = 0.03). Moreover, when stapler closure was considered, staple line reinforcement significantly reduced formation of such POPF (OR: 0.55, p = 0.02). Trial sequential analysis detected risk of type 2 error. In conclusion, reinforced stapler closure in DP may reduce risk of clinically relevant POPF compared to hand-sewn closure or stapler closure without reinforcement. Future randomized research is needed to provide stronger evidence.

Domestic wastewater treatment by Pistia stratiotes in constructed wetland.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of Pistia stratiotes for treatment of domestic wastewater in a free surface water flow constructed wetland. The objective of the study was to evaluate contaminants removal efficiency of the constructed wetland vegetated with P. stratiotes in treatment of domestic wastewater against Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 10, 20 and 30 days was investigated. This asks for newer and efficient low-cost nature-based water treatment system which along with cost takes into consideration the sustainability of the ecosystem. Five constructed wetland setups improved the wastewater quality and purify it significantly by reducing the TDS by 83%, TSS by 82%, BOD by 82%, COD by 81%, Chloride by 80%, Sulfate by 77%, NH3 by 84% and Total Oil and Grease by 74%. There was an increase in pH of about 11.9%. Color and odor of wastewater was also improved significantly and effectively. It was observed that 30 days' HRT was optimum for the treatment of domestic wastewater. The final effluent was found to be suitable as per national environmental quality standards and recycled for watering plants and crop irrigation but not for drinking purposes. The treatment in constructed wetland system was found to be economical, as the cost of construction only was involved and operational and maintenance cost very minimal. Even this research was conducted on the sole purpose of commuting the efficiency of pollutant removal in short span time.

Exploring the effectiveness of pharmacy curriculum in Saudi Arabia in developing leadership skills among pharmacy students from their perspective: A mixed-methods study.

Introduction: Leadership is an important component of pharmacy education. This study helps identify the strengths and limitations of the pharmacy curriculum in developing leadership skills among pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia and suggest how to improve the curriculum to better prepare them to become effective leaders in the healthcare profession. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods research design with a sequential exploratory design. Phase I involved semi-structured interviews with student leaders of pharmacy student clubs/societies from different universities in Saudi Arabia. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The written transcriptions were analyzed using thematic analysis. Phase II used a survey questionnaire to collect data from a larger sample of pharmacy students and interns from different universities in Saudi Arabia and the data is mainly presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Eleven eligible participants were interviewed. Thematic analysis generated 288 codes which were categorized into 17 subthemes. These subthemes were further categorized into five overarching themes: Leadership development and acquisition; Skills and characteristics of effective leaders; Challenge and support for student leaders; Personal growth and benefits of leadership; Vision, goals and responsibilities of student leaders. The findings informed the development of the survey questionnaire which was completed by 484 students/interns. Mixed opinions were received regarding whether the pharmacy curriculum/program is helping or has helped the respondents develop leadership skills as well as whether the college has provided (or is providing) adequate support, resources or opportunities for the development of leadership skills. Eighty-eight per cent of the participants requested that the pharmacy curriculum in their college should include more courses or workshops focused on leadership development. They favoured several options from the listed topics to be included in these courses or workshops of which effective communication was the most prominent. Conclusion: This study highlights that pharmacy curriculum/colleges in Saudi Arabia promote essential leadership skills through various pedagogical approaches and support mechanisms to some extent. However, the students identified that the pharmacy curriculum needs to be revised in order to better prepare them for leadership positions.

Different levels of single-strain probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) with proteolytic enzyme (serratiopeptidase) can be used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler.

In the current study, the proteolytic enzyme (serratiopeptidase) was used to enhance the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) probiotic as a growth promotor in broiler chicken. The effects of serratiopeptidase on the efficacy of different levels of B. subtilis as a growth promotor in broiler chicks were evaluated regarding growth performance traits, villus histomorphometric characterization, and intestinal microbiota count. Day-old broiler chicks (n = 120) were allocated into 4 groups having 3 replicates/group. In the control group (C), the basal diet was kept without supplementation. In treatment groups (P100, P150, and P200), the basal diet was supplemented with 100, 150, and 200 mg probiotics, respectively besides 30 mg proteolytic enzyme in the 3 treated groups for 4 wk. The performance parameters were significantly affected by the supplementation of serratiopeptidase to the B. subtilis treatment groups. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and dressing percent were significantly improved in the treatment groups as compared to the control group. Significantly, the lowest feed intake was recorded for the P200 group. The highest body weight gain and dressing percentage were recorded for the P200 group. An improved FCR was recorded in the P200 group (1.7) as compared to the control group. The different levels of B. subtilis supplemented with serratiopeptidase revealed significant improvements (P<0.05) in the morphology of the intestine by showing increases in villus height and width and crypt depth of the small intestine. The microbial count revealed that E. coli and salmonella colonies were significantly reduced in the P200 group as compared to the control and other treatment groups. In conclusion, the supplementation of B. subtilis with serratiopeptidase as a growth promoter in broiler chicks significantly improved the overall performance, and intestinal health and reduced microbial load contributing to optimizing the performance of broiler chickens. The greatest improvement was observed in the P200 group fed with B. subtilis as a probiotic and serratiopeptidase enzyme (200 mg:30 mg).

Effect of citrus peeling (Citrus sinensis) on production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization of broiler quails.

Citrus citrus peeling has a wide range of vitamins and trace minerals that have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is hypothesized that the addition of citrus peeling to broiler quail diets can improve their production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization. A trial was performed to study the impact of a methanolic extract of citrus peeling (Citrus sinensis) on production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization of broiler quails. A healthy day-old 300 quails were randomly assigned with 5 replicates each replicate had 15 birds and used CRD for the trial. Different dietary supplementations were presented to different groups. The control group was not supplemented with any supplementation in their feed. While, the 3 other groups were supplemented by 0.5 mL/kg, 1 mL/kg, and 1.5 mL/kg of methanolic extract of dried Citrus sinensis peel (DCSP) in the basal diet (DCSP0.5, DCSP1, and DCSP1.5 groups, respectively). All the birds were allowed ad libitum feeding and water. The feed intake and FCR were significantly higher in the control group, followed by DCSP0.5, and then DCSP1. The significantly lowest feed intake and FCR were observed in the DCSP1.5 group. The weight gain and dressing % were significantly improved with the increasing level of methanolic extract of Citrus sinensis. The significantly highest weights of thymus, spleen, and bursa were recorded in the DCSP1.5 group, followed by the DCSP1. The antibody titers against infectious bursal disease, New Castle disease, and infectious bronchitis disease were significantly higher in the DCSP1.5, DCSP1, and DCSP0.5 groups than in the control group. It was concluded from the study that supplementation of quails with methanolic extract of citrus at a dose rate of 0.5 to 1.5 mL/kg of feed can improve feed intake, weight gain, FCR, dressing percentage, relative weight of lymphoid organs, and digestibility coefficient. Supplementation of Citrus sinensis has also concluded positive impacts on antibody titers against various viral diseases. The best improvement in the evaluated parameters was observed at a dose of extract of citrus was 1.5 mL/kg of feed.

Development and Validation of RP-HPLC Method for the Determination of Enoxaparin Sodium in Dry Injection Formulation.

Enoxaparin sodium is an anticoagulant medication that is used as a blood thinning agent. It is mostly used for the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is also used in certain surgeries and during pregnancy. For the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and heart attacks, it may be used. Enoxaparin sodium was validated by the RP-HPLC method. A simple RP-HPLC method was developed in a single HPLC run in a dry powder injection formulation. All injections of HPLC sample were 20 µL volume. The chromatographic separation was completed in the isocratic mode. The used column was USP-L8 (250 mm × 4.6 mm) of BDS type of 10 µm meters in the same mobile phase throughout the analysis by using methanol and ultrapure water with a ratio of 7:93, respectively. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The mobile phase was filtered through 0.45 µm filter paper, and isocratic elution was performed. The refractive index (RI) detector was used to analyze this sample. The specific peak of enoxaparin sodium was observed at 5:56 min. The calculated detection limit (LOD) was 0.351 ppm, and the calculated quantitation limit was 1.063 ppm. In repeatability of precision, the average calculated assay (%) was 100.85%, and the calculated RSD (%) was 0.01. In the accuracy test, the RSD (%) was 0.50, and the mean recovery (%) was 100.35. The system's suitability was within the limit. This newly developed method is proposed according to ICH guidelines, and rules and can be applied effectively for the exact estimation of enoxaparin sodium in injection formulation. This newly developed methodology is affordable in cost as long as less time is taken and the consumption of samples is in smaller quantities for every investigation. In medicinal chemistry, the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and BP (British Pharmacopeia) are directly involved in production as well as in quality testing.

In-vitro high-throughput library screening-Kinetics and molecular docking studies of potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase.

High throughput screening of synthetic compounds against vital enzymes is the way forward for the determination of potent enzyme inhibitors. In-vitro high throughput library screening of 258 synthetic compounds (comp. 1-258), was performed against α-glucosidase. The active compounds out of this library were investigated for their mode of inhibition and binding affinities towards α-glucosidase through kinetics as well as molecular docking studies. Out of all the compounds selected for this study, 63 compounds were found active within the IC50 range of 3.2 µM to 50.0 µM. The most potent inhibitor of α-glucosidase out of this library was the derivative of an oxadiazole (comp. 25). It showed the IC50 value of 3.23 ± 0.8 µM. Other highly active compounds were the derivatives of ethyl-thio benzimidazolyl acetohydrazide with IC50 values of 6.1 ± 0.5 µM (comp. 228), 6.84 ± 1.3 µM (comp. 212), 7.34 ± 0.3 µM (comp. 230) and 8.93 ± 1.0 µM (comp. 210). For comparison, the standard (acarbose) showed IC50 = 378.2 ± 0.12 µM. Kinetic studies of oxadiazole (comp. 25) and ethylthio benzimidazolyl acetohydrazide (comp. 228) derivatives indicated that Vmax and Km, both change with changing concentrations of inhibitors which suggests an un-competitive mode of inhibition. Molecular docking studies of these derivatives with the active site of α-glucosidase (PDB ID:1XSK), revealed that these compounds mostly interact with acidic or basic amino acid residues through conventional hydrogen bonds along with other hydrophobic interactions. The binding energy values of compounds 25, 228, and 212 were -5.6, -8.7 and -5.4 kcal.mol-1 whereas RMSD values were 0.6, 2.0, and 1.7 Å, respectively. For comparison, the co-crystallized ligand showed a binding energy value of -6.6 kcal.mol-1 along with an RMSD value of 1.1 Å. Our study predicted several series of compounds as active inhibitors of α-glucosidase including some highly potent inhibitors.

Diabetes Mellitus and Its Therapy in Brunei Darussalam - A Critical Revisit.

Introduction: Diabetes is becoming an increasingly common condition across the world including Brunei Darussalam. Bruneian population, although is relatively small, represents a miniature urban community of neighbouring Southeast Asian countries as they share similar dietary and ethnicity patterns. Thus, it would be valuable to examine the findings of studies conducted among Bruneians. This study aimed to identify and review research related to the practice of patients with DM in Brunei Darussalam in order to identify associated factors influencing diabetic medication knowledge and adherence. Methods: This narrative review analyzed literature related to DM and its therapy in Brunei Darussalam. Other issues consisting of knowledge and adherence related to DM were also explored. Databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar) were used to search literature published up to May 2022. Search terms "diabetes mellitus", "Brunei" combined using Boolean operator were used. Results and Discussion: Conducting appropriate studies in Brunei Darussalam can benefit the government and policymakers to implement effective measures and programmes to combat the diabetes epidemic. Despite the government's efforts, additional relevant stakeholders must be included in order to work together and engage in these initiatives in order to increase diabetes awareness, give people the power to make healthy decisions, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of diabetes in Brunei Darussalam. Patients' medication knowledge proficiency plays a main component of ensuring appropriate and safe use of medication prescribed to them. Conclusion: Relatively poor medication knowledge and inappropriate diabetes-related practices were observed in studies conducted in Brunei Darussalam. However, no study has been done which directly measures both medication awareness and compliance among Brunei Darussalam T2DM patients. Future studies can focus on the relation between these two factors in different geographical locations of the world that are characterized by different diabetes-related practices and culture.

Glycated albumin modulates the contact system with implications for the kallikrein-kinin and intrinsic coagulation systems.

BACKGROUND: Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant plasma protein and is sensitive to glycation in vivo. The chronic hyperglycemic conditions in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) induce a nonenzymatic Maillard reaction that denatures plasma proteins and forms advanced glycation end products (AGEs). HSA-AGE is a prevalent misfolded protein in patients with DM and is associated with factor XII activation and downstream proinflammatory kallikrein-kinin system activity without any associated procoagulant activity of the intrinsic pathway. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the relevance of HSA-AGE toward diabetic pathophysiology. METHODS: The plasma obtained from patients with DM and euglycemic volunteers was probed for activation of FXII, prekallikrein (PK), and cleaved high-molecular-weight kininogen by immunoblotting. Constitutive plasma kallikrein activity was determined via chromogenic assay. Activation and kinetic modulation of FXII, PK, FXI, FIX, and FX via in vitro-generated HSA-AGE were explored using chromogenic assays, plasma-clotting assays, and an in vitro flow model using whole blood. RESULTS: Plasma obtained from patients with DM contained increased plasma AGEs, activated FXIIa, and resultant cleaved cleaved high-molecular-weight kininogen. Elevated constitutive plasma kallikrein enzymatic activity was identified, which positively correlated with glycated hemoglobin levels, representing the first evidence of this phenomenon. HSA-AGE, generated in vitro, triggered FXIIa-dependent PK activation but limited the intrinsic coagulation pathway activation by inhibiting FXIa and FIXa-dependent FX activation in plasma. CONCLUSION: These data indicate a proinflammatory role of HSA-AGEs in the pathophysiology of DM via FXII and kallikrein-kinin system activation. A procoagulant effect of FXII activation was lost through the inhibition of FXIa and FIXa-dependent FX activation by HSA-AGEs.

How anxiety attributed to COVID-19, disease knowledge, and intention to vaccinate against SARS-CoV-2 viral infection prevail in general public of Saudi Arabia?

Aim: The study aimed to document the anxiety attributed to COVID-19, disease knowledge, and intention to vaccinate against the disease in general public. Moreover, the interplay among these three outcomes was also investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 2 months in three cities of Dammam Region of Saudi Arabia. The target segment was the adult population of Saudi Arabia. Convenience sampling was used and all adults aged ≥18 were invited to participate. The questionnaire used in the study was available in both Arabic and English languages. It included a demographic section, a section dedicated to vaccination intention and, a section containing coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS). The data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 23. The study was approved by an ethics committee (IRB-2021-05-297). Results: A total of 542 responses were analyzed. Most respondents had no anxiety attributed to COVID-19 (92.1%), self-reported good knowledge of COVID-19 (79.7%) and intended to administer a vaccine (57.4%). Age groups 18-29 years and 30-45 years, and having a chronic medical condition, were found to be determinants of having COVID-19 anxiety (p < 0.05). The variables of self-rated good knowledge of disease, never contracted COVID-19, and incomes of SAR 5,000 (i.e., USD 1333), and SAR 7,500-10,000 (i.e., USD 1999.5-2666), were found to be determinants of having positive intention toward vaccination (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The anxiety due to COVID-19 was present in a few participants. Besides, self-reported knowledge about COVID-19 and intention to administer a vaccine, were positively linked to each other. However, both variables had no effect on COVID-19 anxiety. It is important to review and address the determinants of positive intention to further increase vaccine acceptance rate.

Mixed micellar solubilization for procion blue MxR entrapment and optimization of necessary parameters for micellar enhanced ultrafiltration.

In this study, micellar enhanced ultrafiltration, MEUF, being an active methodology, has been employed to remove Procion Blue MxR (PBM) from synthetic effluent. MEUF is being applied to reduce the toxicity level of aqueous system using the micellar media of cationic surfactants i.e. Cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). Subsequently, the effect of addition of nonionic surfactant, Triton X-100 (TX-100), on solubilizing power of cationic surfactants is investigated. The values of partition coefficient and free energy of partition reflect the extent of interaction of the dye with the surfactants. Initially molecules of pollutants i.e. dye form ion pairs with ionic surfactants and, later on, the same is incorporated within micelle. Maximum value of free energy of partition ΔGp has been found to be -55.49 kJmol-1 and -50.43 kJmol in the presence of CPC and CTAB, respectively. The size of pollutant, thus, increases and, consequently, can be easily filtered. The effect of various factors i.e. concentration of surfactant, concentration of electrolyte (NaCl), transmembrane pressure, revolutions per minute (RPM) and pH, have been investigated to find the optimum conditions for maximum removal of PBM from aqueous system. The efficiency of MEUF has been assessed by calculating the values of rejection percentage and permeate flux. Both the surfactants were observed as strong candidates for PBM encapsulation but overall, maximum rejection percentage (R%) of 96.90% was attained by CPC.

COVID-19 dynamics and immune response: Linking within-host and between-host dynamics.

The global impact of COVID-19 has led to the development of numerous mathematical models to understand and control the pandemic. However, these models have not fully captured how the disease's dynamics are influenced by both within-host and between-host factors. To address this, a new mathematical model is proposed that links these dynamics and incorporates immune response. The model is compartmentalized with a fractional derivative in the sense of Caputo-Fabrizio, and its properties are studied to show a unique solution. Parameter estimation is carried out by fitting real-life data, and sensitivity analysis is conducted using various methods. The model is then numerically implemented to demonstrate how the dynamics within infected hosts drive human-to-human transmission, and various intervention strategies are compared based on the percentage of averted deaths. The simulations suggest that a combination of medication to boost the immune system, prevent infected cells from producing the virus, and adherence to COVID-19 protocols is necessary to control the spread of the virus since no single intervention strategy is sufficient.

Evaluation of Current Community Pharmacist Practice in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study from Patients' Perspective (PART I).

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the current practice of community pharmacists from patients' and pharmacists' perspectives in Saudi Arabia. This paper presents the patients' perspective. Methods: A self-administered cross-sectional survey was developed to collect responses from patients in Saudi Arabia from February to April 2021. The questionnaire comprised several statements related to the best practice in community pharmacy. Patients' responses to each statement were scored using a 5-point Likert scale. Higher scores represented the greater extent to which the pharmacists perform the best practice in a community pharmacy setting and vice versa. Findings: The data of 233 participants were included in the analysis. The majority of the participants were female (67%) and Saudi nationals (96%). The minimum mean score was related to the statement: pharmacist discusses with you about herbal medications or vitamin supplements. The maximum mean score was related to the statement: Pharmacist explains to you about the dose of medications and when to take them. Participants who were <20 years old had a significantly highest mean score, whereas those above 40 years old had the least mean score, P = 0.001. Participants from the Eastern region had a significantly highest mean score, compared to South region participants who had the least mean score, P = 0.009. Conclusion: A gap in the current practice and the best practice of community pharmacists was found. The policymakers can utilize these findings to provide targeted professional development opportunities for the practicing community pharmacists to improve the overall service and care for the patients.

Extracellular product of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in growth medium is involved in the pro-inflammatory cytokine response of human oral epithelial cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial cells are the first barrier to any microbial invasion. Finding a safe and affordable substance to stimulate the innate immune response of epithelial cells is one of the main challenges immunologists and vaccine manufacturers are facing. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to show the comparative effect of sterile bacterial secretion (SBS) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial cell isolates obtained from burn wound infections on the ability of human epithelial cells (HECs) to produce interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The HEC cultures were exposed to P. aeruginosa 8 (Pa 8), Pa 2 and Pa 1 bacterial cells (isolated from burn wound infections). The other 3 groups of HECs were exposed to 50 µL of sterile, endotoxin-free SBS of Pa 8, Pa 2 and Pa 1. The time course of changes in IL-1ß mRNA, TNF-α mRNA, IL-1ß, and TNF-α was examined. RESULTS: Moderate (p < 0.05) elevations of IL-1ß mRNA in HECs and IL-1ß protein in the supernatant of the HEC culture were observed following exposure to SBS of Pa 8, Pa 2 and Pa 1 at most time points. High elevation (p < 0.05) of IL-1ß was seen in the supernatant of the HEC culture that was exposed to bacterial cells (Pa 8, Pa 2 and Pa 1). Similar results were found when TNF-α mRNA was measured in HECs and TNF-α in the supernatant of the HEC cultures after exposure to bacterial cells (Pa 8, Pa 2 and Pa 1) and the SBS of Pa 8, Pa 2 and Pa 1. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that the capacity of SBS to generate epithelial cell pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro has been shown. In other words, SBS enhanced a nonspecific immune response, which opens the door to the possibility of using SBS from P. aeruginosa as an adjuvant in the future.

The Moderating Role of Maternal Education and Employment on Child Health in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Pakistan has challenges in fulfilling its universal responsibilities of providing better health facilities to everyone. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. Despite declines in mother and child death, the total mortality ratio has marginally increased. However, neonatal death has not decreased significantly. Family planning is important for controlling population growth and improving child as well as maternal health. Pakistan's government has unceasingly tried to enhance the provision of contraceptive facilities, but still, an unmet need for family planning (UMNFP) exists in our country. Women are said to have UMNFP if they want to limit or space childbearing, but they are not using contraception methods for any reason. The study aimed to explore the effect of the UMNFP and to investigate the moderating role of a mother's education and employment status on a child's health. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 2,244 women in this study. To investigate the study objectives, we utilized the secondary dataset of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18 (publicly available on the website of the National Institute of Population Studies) and applied binary logistic regression using SPSS 24. RESULTS: Results suggest a positive effect of a woman's age (25 to 39 years), maternal education (higher), father's education (higher), family's wealth status (richest), mass media exposure, and adequate birth spacing (at least for 33 months) on a child's health. On the other hand, there is an indirect association between maternal employment, unmet need for family planning, and a child's health. The moderating role of maternal education and employment on the relationship between household wealth status and a child's health is positive. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the strong predictors of child health are UMNFP, maternal education, and employment. The link between the met need for family planning and the child's health is positive. The moderating effect of maternal education and household wealth status on a child's health is progressive. Similarly, the interaction effect of a mother's employment and household wealth status on a child's health is positive. Finally, we concluded that the link between the health of the child and household wealth status is much more diverse and positive when the mother is highly educated and currently employed.

Impact of digitalization on clean governance: An analysis of China's experience of 31 provinces from 2019 to 2021.

The goal of deepening institutional reforms was to bring transparency and accountability, address corruption, and establish a clean government (CG) in China. The first step toward this transparency is considered to be the free development and transmission of Open Data (OD). In this regard, China has set up open data centers in provincial governments. Considering that OD can have an impact on CG and bring new ideas for CG construction, ODs of 31 provincial governments have been analyzed through fsQCA3.0 to test these assumptions. To see how much it can contribute to the development of the Technology Organization Environment Framework (TOE). To this end, between 2019 and 2021, 31 provincial government data have been clustered into low, medium, and high corruption case enrollment areas to determine the impact of OD. The study mentioned that improvements in ODs in 31 provinces could strengthen cooperation with the disciplinary inspection department in the fight against corruption. The study, on the other hand, made two assumptions that environmental barriers and internal pressures could affect data's reliability.

Young South Asian women in the United Kingdom show evidence of blunted endothelium-dependent dilatation: implications for future cardiovascular disease.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher in South Asians than white Europeans. The offspring of hypertensive parents (OH) have greater risk of hypertension than offspring of normotensive parents (ON). We hypothesized that endothelium-dependent dilatation is already blunted in young South Asians, relative to young white European women, particularly in South Asian OH women. METHODS: In young white European ON, South Asian ON and OH women (18-25 years old; 10 per group) who were normotensive, we recorded cutaneous perfusion by laser Doppler fluximetry during reactive hyperaemia and iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh), before and after inhibiting NO synthesis (NOS) or/and cyclooxygenase (COX). In these and an additional 135 age-matched South Asian and white European women, physical activity and life-style factors were assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: ACh-evoked dilatation was blunted in young South Asians, relative to white European women. It was attenuated by NOS or COX inhibition in white European ON; by NOS inhibition only in South Asian ON, but not OH women. After combined NOS and COX inhibition, ACh-evoked dilatations were similar to control ACh responses. Similar findings were made for reactive hyperaemia. Questionnaire data indicated young South Asians have lower physical activity levels, fresh fruit and vegetable intake than white European women, South Asian OH being lower than white European ON, or OH women. CONCLUSION: Endothelium-dependent dilatation is blunted in young South Asians, relative to white European women, especially in South Asian OH in whom NO-dependent and prostaglandin-dependent dilatation is blunted. We suggest improved diet and greater physical activity could be particularly effective in improving endothelium-dependent dilatation and reducing future CVD risk in young South Asian OH women.

China Pakistan Economic Corridor Digital Transformation.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) vision and mission are to improve the people's living standards of Pakistan and China through bilateral investments, trade, cultural exchanges, and economic activities. To achieve this envisioned dream, Pakistan established the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (CPECA) to further its completion, but Covid-19 slowed it down. This situation compelled the digitalization of CPEC. This article reviews the best practices and success stories of various digitalization and e-governance programs and, in this light, advises the implementation of the Ajman Digital Governance (ADG) model as a theoretical framework for CPEC digitalization. This article concludes that the Pakistani government needs to transform CPEC digitalization by setting up the CPEC Digitalization and Transformation Center (DTC) at the CPECA office to attract more investors and businesses.

An EPQ Model for Delayed Deteriorating Items with Two-Phase Production Period, Exponential Demand Rate and Linear Holding Cost.

The economic production quantity (EPQ) model for delayed deteriorating items considering two-phase production periods, exponential demand rate and linearly increasing function of time holding cost is proposed to solve a production problem similar to the one caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Without shortages, the necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality of this model are characterized through a theorem and lemmas while a solution methodology based on differential calculus is adopted. This paper determines the best replenishment cycle length corresponding to the optimal total variable cost and production quantity of imperfect production industry. To illustrate this model, a numerical experiment is conducted. The results demonstrate that a higher carrying charge decreases the production quantity and a longer demanding period decreases the total variable cost of an industry with a distracted production period. Finally, managerial insights are discussed using sensitivity analysis and future research directions are exposed.