The Professional Development Of Employees In Banks:A Comparative Study Of Public And Private Banks In Punjab Pakistan

The primary objective of the research was to determine the influence of Professional development of employee’s knowledge, skills and experience by the Training.  A phenomenon widely quoted in HR literature as professional development. To this end, the researcher initially identified twenty elements constituting professional developments of employees of banks in Punjab Pakistan. Subsequently, the magnitude of influence of each constituent elements of professional development in different functional areas of banking operations was analyzed. Co-deductive method of research was followed. The instrument of data collection was a questionnaire comprising many items which measured perception of respondents about the level of different variables ( improvement of quality of research, orientation of new employees, solution of organization problems, preparation of staff for promotion, provision of personal growth of employees, sufficient time of training, adequate schedules of training, effective  contents of training, highly competent trainers and adequate provision of training material) available to them in the training environment. Besides, the questionnaire measured perception about degree of Training in most important areas of banking operations. Sample size of this research consisted of 100 bank officers of 7 banks with 20 branches located in Bahawalpur. Data was collected by personal contacts. All twenty variables showed significant t- results. Additionally the strength of relationship was measured by the help of Mean and standard deviation at 0.05 significance level. The study brought out a number of important findings which necessitated formulation of HR initiatives for bringing about tangible improvement in professional developments at banks that will eventually enhance levels of training. Keywords: Professional development, Trainings of the employees, Transfer of training in workplac

Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi as Biological Control agent against insect pests of Gossypium hirsutum.

Isolates of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisoplaie, Verticillium  lecanii and Paeciliomyces lilicuns from Punjab, Pakistan, were evaluated for their inhibitory and insecticidal efficacy against White fly, House fly, American bollworm, Army worm, Spotted worm, Gray weevil, Jassids, Aphids, Ant and moth. Four strains of B. bassiana, two strains of P. lilicuns and one strain of M. anisoplaie and V. lecanii were used. B.bassiana (Bb04) exhibited significant mortality percentage against moth, gray weevil, cotton seed bug white fly, American worm, spotted worm, army worm, house fly, ants, jassids and aphids. Among all the strains of entomopathogenic fungi used, B. bassiana strains Bb01 revealed least mortality percentage against the targeted insect pests. V. lecanii Vl01 strain showed the highest mortality rate against cotton seed bug while it showed least efficiency against spotted worm. M. anisopolie Ma01 showed the highest mortality percentage against moth and showed the minimum results against spotted worm. In case of tested strain of P. lilicuns strains Pl01 and Pl02 displayed the highest mortality percentage against gray weevil, cotton seed bug and showed the minimum results against spotted worm and moth. Key words: Entomopathogenic fungi, Pathogenicity, Cotton pests, White fly, American bollworm, Army worm, Gray weevi

Frequency of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Immune Thrombocytopenia

Objective: To accomplish the comparative analysis of clinical features and laboratory findings in Helicobacter Pylori positive and negative patients with Immune thrombocytopenia. Patients and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted from May 2013 to Nov 2014 at Hematology Unit, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi. During the study duration, 59 adult patients, diagnosed as chronic immune thrombocytopenia were enrolled in the study. Helicobacter Pylori infection was documented by Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSA) enzyme immunoassay method (EIA). Frequencies were calculated. Chi-square test and independent sample t test were used for comparison. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Helicobacter Pylori infection was detected in 25 out of 59 cases of chronic immune thrombocytopenia. No statistically significant differences were seen in H-Pylori positive and negative patients with respect to clinical features and laboratory findings except mean platelet count, which was lower (57.95±15.1) in Helicobacter Pylori negative as compared to positive patients (71.44±18.8). Conclusion: We found no significant difference between the clinical and laboratory attributes in H Pylori positive and negative cases. Significant finding of high platelet count in Helicobacter Pylori positive patients, may perhaps narrate the possible association.&nbsp

Mental health service provision in low and middle income countries

This paper discusses the provision of mental health services in lower- and middle-income countries (LAMIC) with a view to identifying culture-specific areas that can be improved and generalised within and across different countries and services. The paper highlights the need for prioritisation of mental health services by incorporating local population and cultural needs. This can be achieved only through political will and strengthened legislation, improved resource allocation and strategic organisation, integrated packages of care underpinned by professional communication and training, and involvement of patients, informal carers and the wider community in a therapeutic capacity

The functional outcome of direct lateral approach for fixation of proximal humeral fractures: A case series from a tertiary care hospital

Displaced proximal humeral fractures warrant surgical fixation for early rehabilitation and better functional outcome. These fractures are traditionally fixed by delto pectoral surgical approach. Direct lateral approach has recently gained interest as it involves less soft tissue dissection and is particularly helpful in certain fracture patterns. However, there have been concerns of axillary nerve damage with this approach. We report a case series of proximal humerus fractures fixed by direct lateral approach from our institution. All displaced Type 2 and 3 fractures were included in our study. Pathological and comminuted Type 4 fractures and fractures with ipsilateral clavicle or elbow fractures were excluded. Oxford Shoulder Score was done at regular intervals for assessment of functional outcome. We did not observe any axillary nerve damage in our case series and the outcomes of 70.5% of our patients were excellent while in 29.5% it was good. We recommend direct lateral approach for specific pattern of proximal humerus fractures

Wireless E-Nose Sensors to Detect Volatile Organic Gases through Multivariate Analysis

Gas sensors are critical components when adhering to health safety and environmental policies in various manufacturing industries, such as the petroleum and oil industry; scent and makeup production; food and beverage manufacturing; chemical engineering; pollution monitoring. In recent times, gas sensors have been introduced to medical diagnostics, bioprocesses, and plant disease diagnosis processes. There could be an adverse impact on human health due to the mixture of various gases (e.g., acetone (A), ethanol (E), propane (P)) that vent out from industrial areas. Therefore, it is important to accurately detect and differentiate such gases. Towards this goal, this paper presents a novel electronic nose (e-nose) detection method to classify various explosive gases. To detect explosive gases, metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors are used as reliable tools to detect such volatile gases. The data received from MOS sensors are processed through a multivariate analysis technique to classify different categories of gases. Multivariate analysis was done using three variants—differential, relative, and fractional analyses—in principal components analysis (PCA). The MOS sensors also have three different designs: loading design, notch design, and Bi design. The proposed MOS sensor-based e-nose accurately detects and classifies three different gases, which indicates the reliability and practicality of the developed system. The developed system enables discrimination of these gases from the mixture. Based on the results from the proposed system, authorities can take preventive measures to deal with these gases to avoid their potential adverse impacts on employee health

Presentation of Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma and Colorectal Carcinoma in the Context of Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency Syndrome (CMMRD): a Case Report with Literature Review

Introduction: Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease-carrying an increased risk of cancers (pediatric tumors of central nervous system, haemato-lymphoid malignancies along with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer(s), which are usually seen in the second and third decade) leading to syndromic presentation. Causal mutations are detected in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, including MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6 that are also known for their established role in Lynch syndrome. We describe a case of CMMRD with an earlier (first decade of life) presentation of mediastinal acute lymphoblastic lymphoma and colorectal malignancy. Case Presentation: A five-year-old boy presented with respiratory complaints, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, multiple café au lait macules (CALMs) on the lower back, history of parental consanguinity with the death of three sisters due to brain tumor within 6 months of diagnosis. Computerized tomographic (CT) scan chest revealed a huge mediastinal mass. The patient underwent a trucut-biopsy of the mass. The results were significant for a pre T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma. Suspicion of CMMRD was raised based on a combination of factors described above. A panel of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins was applied on the biopsy tissue that revealed loss of nuclear expression of MLH1 and PMS2 immunostaining in tumor cells with positive external controls. While on maintenance therapy for lymphoma, about a year later, the patient developed sub-acute intestinal obstruction due to a stenosing polypoidal circumferential tumor in the mid-sigmoid colon found on flexible sigmoidoscopy that was followed by endoscopic biopsies and insertion of a fully-covered self-expanding metallic adult biliary stent with a diameter of 10 mm and length of 6 cm leading to immediate relief of obstruction. Biopsies revealed adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. Metastatic tumor deposits were seen in the omentum, anterior abdominal wall, and the left peritoneal wall. Practical Implications: Earlier (first decade) presentation of gastrointestinal malignancy warrants that an earlier screening through radiological scans for any possible tumors and MMR protein expression analysis (loss in tumor plus normal non-tumor cells) are essential in patients having CALMs and family history of pediatric tumors

An Anthropometric Study of Cranio-Facial Measurements and Their Correlation with Vertical Dimension of Occlusion among Saudi Arabian Subpopulations

BACKGROUND: Determining and restoring physiological vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) is the critical step during complete mouth rehabilitation. The improper VDO compromises the aesthetics, phonetics and functional efficiency of the prosthesis.  Various methods are suggested to determine the accurate VDO, including the facial measurements in the clinical situations with no pre-extraction records. The generalisation of correlation between the facial measurements to VDO is criticised due to gender dimorphism and racial differences. Hence, it is prudent to verify the hypothesis of facial proportion and correlation of lower third of the face to remaining craniofacial measurements in different ethnic groups. The objective of the study was to evaluate the correlation of craniofacial measurements and OVD in the Saudi-Arabian ethnic group.METHODOLOGY: Total of 228 participants from Saudi-Arabian Ethnic group were randomly recruited in this cross-sectional study. Fifteen craniofacial measurements were recorded with modified digital Vernier callipers, and OVD was recorded at centric occlusion. The obtained data were analysed by using the Spearman’s correlation and linear regression analysis.RESULTS: The Mean OVD in male participants was higher (69.25 ± 5.54) in comparison to female participants (57.41 ± 5.32).  The craniofacial measurement of Exocanthion-right labial commissure and the Mesial wall of the right external auditory canal-orbitale lateral had a strong positive correlation with VDO. The strong correlation was recorded with a trichion-upper border of right eyebrow line and trichion-Nasion only in males. Meanwhile, the length of an auricle recorded the positive correlation in female participants.CONCLUSIONS: Being simple and non-invasive technique, craniofacial measurements and linear equations could be routinely utilised to determine VDO

Impact of active smoking on survival of patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma harboring an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation

Lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers demonstrates distinct genetic profiles, and cigarette smoking affects epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) function and causes secondary EGFR tyrosine kinase resistance. We evaluated the effect of active smoking in patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. A total of 132 metastatic lung adenocarcinoma patients, diagnosed between 2008 and 2013, with known EGFR mutation status, were evaluated retrospectively. Among these patients, 40 had an activating EGFR mutation. Patients who continued smoking during the treatment were defined as active smokers. Former smokers and never smokers were together defined as non-smokers. The outcomes of the treatment in relation to the EGFR mutation and smoking status were evaluated. The median follow-up time was 10.5 months. The overall response rate for the first-line therapy was significantly higher among the EGFR-mutant patients (p = 0.01), however, smoking status had no impact on the response rate (p = 0.1). The EGFR-mutant active smokers progressed earlier than the non-smokers (p < 0.01). The overall survival (OS) of the non-smokers and patients treated with erlotinib was significantly longer (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). Smoking status did not affect the OS in EGFR wild type tumors (p = 0.49) but EGFR-mutant non-smokers had a longer OS than the active smokers (p = 0.01).The active smokers treated with erlotinib had poorer survival than the non-smokers (p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis of EGFR-mutant patients showed that erlotinib treatment at any line and non-smoking were independent prognostic factors for the OS (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively). Smoking during treatment is a negative prognostic factor in metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with an EGFR mutation

Addressing TB Multimorbidity in Policy and Practice: An Exploratory Survey of TB Providers in 27 High-TB Burden Countries

In people with TB, co-existence of long-term conditions (e.g., depression, diabetes and HIV) and risk factors (e.g.,alcohol misuse, malnutrition, and smoking) are associated with increased mortality and poor treatment outcomes including delayed recovery, TB treatment failure and relapse. However, it is unclear as to what extent these comorbidities are addressed in TB policy and practice. Between August and October 2021, we conducted an online cross-sectional survey in high-TB burden countries. We recruited a purposive sample of TB health workers, managers, policy makers, advisors and advocates from these countries. The survey enquired about the extent to which various comorbid conditions are: (a) mentioned in TB policies, plans, and guidelines; (b) screened, diagnosed, treated or referred to specialist services by TB healthcare workers. We summarised using descriptive analysis. Of the 1100 potential respondents contacted in 33 countries, 543 responded but only 446 (41%) from 27 countries provided sufficient data for inclusion in the study. We found no notable differences between these providing insufficient data and those completing the survey. HIV, diabetes mellitus, depression and tobacco and alcohol use disorders were identified as the most common and concerning comorbid conditions in TB. HIV was screened for and managed by TB services in most countries. Screening for diabetes and/or tobacco and alcohol use disorders was offered by almost half of all TB services but only a few offered relevant treatments. Depression was rarely screened for, almost never treated, and only infrequently referred to specialist services. Most respondents felt confident in screening/diagnosing these comorbid conditions but not in treating these conditions. With the exception of HIV, chronic comorbid conditions are only partially screened for and rarely managed within TB services. Mental health conditions are for the most part neglected. Given their adverse impact on TB outcomes, integrating screening and management of these comorbidities within TB programmes offers a significant opportunity to meet TB targets, address non-communicable diseases and improve patient well-being