Factors Affecting Transfer of On-The-Job Training at Workplaces in Pakistan

Purpose: This research is focused on examining the factors that influence transfer (effectiveness) of On-The-Job training at workplaces in Pakistan. The study identifies the factors that affect transfer of OJT training included independent variables such as motivation to learn, Perceived Organizational Support and Training Design and their impact on employees’ performance i.e. Transfer of Training. Methodology: The study adopted quantitative research and data was collected through well-structured questionnaire. The sample of 200 participants were selected throughout Pakistan using convenience sampling technique. Smart PLS software was used to analyse the data through descriptive statistics, structural equation modelling and Confirmatory factor analysis. Findings: The result revealed that there is a strong and significant impact of motivation to learn and training design on transfer of OJT training at workplaces in Pakistan. However, the results do not show any significant impact of Perceived Organizational Support in organizations on transfer of OJT training. Conclusions: This shows that even though, if the organization support is not present, the motivation to learn new things and to implement it to the workplace and effectively designed training programs can overcome the issues. Practical Implications: Organizations can use the result in favour of their organizational effectiveness, to consistently design effective training programs, and to consistently motivate their employees and to improve support and guidance by top management in the organizations. &nbsp

Evaluation of microleakage in single-rooted teeth obturated with thermoplasticized gutta-percha using various endodontic sealers: An in-vitro study

OBJECTIVE: To compare apical microleakage of extracted, single-rooted teeth obturated with thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha using two different endodontic sealers (calcium-hydroxide and resin based). STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Dental Clinics and Laboratory from June to September 2015. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted using extracted teeth. After access cavities were made, cleaning and shaping of root canals was done in 70 teeth. Teeth were randomly allocated into two groups and obturated with thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha (Obtura II) using two sealers (Sealapex vs. AH plus). After immersing the teeth in 2.0% methylene blue, they were split longitudinally, viewed under light microscope (magnification X4) and images were taken by a camera connected to microscope. The extent of dye penetration was assessed from apex to its coronal part and recorded in millimeters. Independent sample t-test was used to compare microleakage in the two groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for inter-examiner reliability of dye penetration measurements. A p-value of \u3c0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: Teeth obturated with Obtura II gutta-percha with AH plus sealer had a mean dye penetration of 1.20 ±0.79 mm. This was significantly better than Obtura II with Sealapex sealer (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Obtura II-AH plus sealer was a better combination for obturation as it showed a lesser degree of microleakage. Obtura II with Sealapex group showed higher microleakage, so this combination should be avoided in single-rooted teet

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in gastrointestinal cancers: A systemic review.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are one of the most common malignancies worldwide, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are major components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). MDSCs facilitate the transformation of premalignant cells and play roles in tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, in patients with GI malignancies, MDSCs can lead to the suppression of T cells and natural killer cells. Accordingly, a better understanding of the role and mechanism of action of MDSCs in the TME will aid in the development of novel immune-targeted therapies

A Case of Diclofenac Induced Rhabdomyolysis with Complications

In Rhabdomyolysis, muscle releases its contents into blood that can cause Acute Kidney Injury. We reported a very rare case of rhabdomyolysis after Diclofenac intramuscular injection with super added gluteal abscess formation, eventually led to acute kidney injury

Knowledge of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and their Adverse Effects among Medical and Non-Medical Students

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the common analgesics, antipyretics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Though, their frequent consumption cause peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and other unfavorable side effects. This study aimed to compare the knowledge and attitude of Karachi medical and non-medical students about NSAIDs and their adverse effects. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021-2022, including 344 students from four universities in Karachi, with an equal ratio of medical (n=172) and non-medical (n=172). The study participants were requested to fill out the questionnaire based on the usage of NSAIDs, over-the-counter availability, side effects, etc. The knowledge of adverse drug reactions, reasons for self-medication, and NSAID prescriptions were compared using the Chi-square/Fisher Test. Results: The results showed that about 88.4% of students had some previous knowledge of NSAIDs, of which 98.2% were from the medical sector and 78.4% were from the non-medical sector. 68.6% of students were familiar with the NSAIDs’ adverse effects, 90.1% were medical students, and 47.1% were non-medics. Only 47.7% of the total population was aware of PUD, with 80.2% attending medical universities. While most of the self-medicating students were non-medical 84.7%. Conclusion:  Medical students of Karachi possessed more knowledge about NSAID use and its adverse effects. The most known prevalent adverse was PUD, which indicates GI bleeding. It is recommended that there is a dire need for awareness concerning the usage, safety and adverse effects of NSAIDs. Keywords: NSAIDs; Peptic Ulcer Disease; Medical Students; Non-medical Students

Auto-MeDiSine: An Auto-Turnable Medical Decision Support Engine Using an Automated Class Outlier Detection MEthod and Auto AMLP

With advanced data analysis techniques, efforts for more accurate decision support systems for disease prediction are on the rise. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes-related illnesses and mortalities are on the rise. Hence, early diagnosis is particularly important. In this paper, we present a framework, Auto-MeDiSine, that comprises an automated version of enhanced class outlier detection using a distance-based algorithm (AutoECODB), combined with an ensemble of automatic multilayer perceptron (AutoMLP). AutoECODB is built upon ECODB by automating the tuning of parameters to optimize outlier detection process. AutoECODB cleanses the dataset by removing outliers. Preprocessed dataset is then used to train a prediction model using an ensemble of AutoMLPs. A set of experiments is performed on publicly available Pima Indian Diabetes Dataset as follows: (1) Auto-MeDiSine is compared with other state-of-the-art methods reported in the literature where Auto-MeDiSine realized an accuracy of 88.7%; (2) AutoMLP is compared with other learners including individual (focusing on neural network-based learners) and ensemble learners; and (3) AutoECODB is compared with other preprocessing methods. Furthermore, in order to validate the generality of the framework, Auto-MeDiSine is tested on another publicly available BioStat Diabetes Dataset where it outperforms the existing reported results, reaching an accuracy of 97.1%

The Effects of Different Antihypertensives, Steroids, and Beta Blockers on COVID-19 Outcomes in a CKD and Non-CKD Cohort in Detroit, Michigan

Initial studies during the COVID-19 pandemic reported angiotensin converting enzyme 2 inhibitors (ACE2i) could be associated with worse disease course due to potential increase in ACE2 receptors which SARS-CoV2 virus uses for cellular entry. Subsequent studies refuted such concerns, reporting that continued use of ACEis and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in hypertensive individuals is protective. However, there remains a paucity of data evaluating effects of various antihypertensive medications, steroids, and beta blockers in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations and in individuals with normal kidney function. This study was designed to evaluate the potential risks associated with antihypertensive medications and COVID-19 outcomes in a cohort of mostly Black and Caucasian patients admitted to the Detroit Medical Center for COVID-19. We collected data from 330 patients using inclusion criteria of age \u3e 18 years and a positive SARS-CoV2 PCR test. We used the mean, standard deviation/standard error of mean, and percentages when appropriate for the description of patient characteristics. Group differences (CKD vs. non-CKD) were compared using the Pearson χ2 test. P-values of \u3c0.05 were regarded as significant. On regression analyses, the odds of death during hospitalization for COVID-19 infection was not significantly associated with either biological sex, race, or CKD status in our sample population. The odds of dying in the hospital were higher in patients who were on calcium channel blockers (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.29-6.93) and steroids (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.17-15.31). The only significance for ICU admission was obtained for steroid use (OR 1.872, 95% CI 1.059-3.311)