Comprehensive Assessment of Economic, Productive, Phenotypic, and Morphometric Traits in Azikheli Buffalo Breed of Northern Pakistan

The study was conducted to illuminate the phenotypic, morphometric, and productive characteristics of the Azikheli buffalo breed. One thousand two hundred pure Azikheli buffaloes (male: female) were randomly selected from the main hub of the Azikheli buffalo breed in Swat (Azikhel). The data were analyzed for comparison and frequency distribution. Phenotypic characteristic of the female buffalo shows that more than 73 % of the body color was golden yellowish. In contrast, in males, this value was 83 %, followed by white-albino and grayish colors. The shape of horns were semi sickle and grayish in color. Morphometric parameters of the breed indicated that the average body weight of female and male buffaloes was 480 ± 20 kg and 422 ± 20 kg, body length 131.3 ± 2.5 cm vs. 121.4 ± 1.3, height at withers 127.48 ± 0.5 cm vs. 124.9 ± 0.4 cm and heart girth 185.8 ± 3 cm vs. 172.5 ± 2 cm. The male is slightly narrow, and more compact in body structure than the female. Average daily milk production was 7.80 liters with a range of 5-16 liters/day. The milk fats % was very high compared to other local buffalo breeds and ranges from 6.5 to 9.70 g/100 g and make the milk selling at a high rate in the swat local market ranges from 250-270 Pakistani rupees/liter compared to other buffalo milk (200-220 Pakistani rupees). It may be concluded that the Azikheli buffalo is an asset for the people of northern Pakistan, providing livelihood support through the sale of milk and animals. The farmer income may be further enhanced through good feeding practices

Effectiveness of Ivermectin among COVID-19 patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of Ivermectin among COVID-19 patients in terms of mortality and biochemical / hematological attributes. Materials and Methods:  A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was carried out in Department of Infectious Diseases (DID) of Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi during March 2021 through concurrent parallel study design. Apart from seeking Ethical approval for this research, DID was also licensed from Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for this trial. Total 90 PCR positive COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study via 1:1 randomization in experimental and control group without blinding. The control group received Standard of Care (SOC) starting from day 1 while experimental group was given SOC along with Ivermectin (200µg/kg) for 5 days. Study participants were assessed on day 0, 4, 7 and 10 for general symptoms through physical examination, blood oxygen saturation and diverse hematological and biochemical indicators in addition to adverse events. Data analysis was done by means of SPSS version 25.0. and Microsoft Excel 2010. Mean ± SD for age, length of hospital stay and time to PCR negativity were calculated. Independent sample t-test was applied to determine the mean difference in age, duration of hospital stay, time to PCR negativity, SpO2, oxygen supply, serum Hemoglobin, TLC, platelet count, Clinical Severity Score (CSS), urea and creatinine levels of both groups. The difference in secondary outcome (expiry / discharge) of both groups was compared by means of chi-square test. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. 95% Confidence Interval was also computed. Relative Risk (RR) was also measured to verify the effectiveness of Ivermectin in COVID patients Results: Males constituted the majority (56.7%) of our study participants. Statistically insignificant difference in mean age (P = 0.42) and mean length of hospital stay (P= 0.32) between experimental and control group subjects was observed. Mean time to PCR negativity was reported to be significantly less (P= 0.002) in experimental group. Significant improvement was seen in PCR negativity (P<0.05), mean Clinical Severity Score (CSS) (P0.02), mean hemoglobin level (P=0.03) and mean platelet count (P=0.03). Difference in health outcome of both groups was determined to be statistically insignificant (P<0.2, 95% CI (-0.20 – 0.12)). Relative Risk of 0.8 proved the protective effect of Ivermectin in COVID. Conclusion: Ivermectin was quite effective in reducing mortality and improving the health outcome in COVID-19 patients

Effectiveness of Ivermectin among COVID-19 patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of Ivermectin among COVID-19 patients in terms of mortality and biochemical / hematological attributes. Materials and Methods:  A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was carried out in Department of Infectious Diseases (DID) of Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi during March 2021 through concurrent parallel study design. Apart from seeking Ethical approval for this research, DID was also licensed from Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for this trial. Total 90 PCR positive COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study via 1:1 randomization in experimental and control group without blinding. The control group received Standard of Care (SOC) starting from day 1 while experimental group was given SOC along with Ivermectin (200µg/kg) for 5 days. Study participants were assessed on day 0, 4, 7 and 10 for general symptoms through physical examination, blood oxygen saturation and diverse hematological and biochemical indicators in addition to adverse events. Data analysis was done by means of SPSS version 25.0. and Microsoft Excel 2010. Mean ± SD for age, length of hospital stay and time to PCR negativity were calculated. Independent sample t-test was applied to determine the mean difference in age, duration of hospital stay, time to PCR negativity, SpO2, oxygen supply, serum Hemoglobin, TLC, platelet count, Clinical Severity Score (CSS), urea and creatinine levels of both groups. The difference in secondary outcome (expiry / discharge) of both groups was compared by means of chi-square test. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. 95% Confidence Interval was also computed. Relative Risk (RR) was also measured to verify the effectiveness of Ivermectin in COVID patients Results: Males constituted the majority (56.7%) of our study participants. Statistically insignificant difference in mean age (P = 0.42) and mean length of hospital stay (P= 0.32) between experimental and control group subjects was observed. Mean time to PCR negativity was reported to be significantly less (P= 0.002) in experimental group. Significant improvement was seen in PCR negativity (P<0.05), mean Clinical Severity Score (CSS) (P0.02), mean hemoglobin level (P=0.03) and mean platelet count (P=0.03). Difference in health outcome of both groups was determined to be statistically insignificant (P<0.2, 95% CI (-0.20 – 0.12)). Relative Risk of 0.8 proved the protective effect of Ivermectin in COVID. Conclusion: Ivermectin was quite effective in reducing mortality and improving the health outcome in COVID-19 patients

Sustaining open defecation free status: the vital role of validation exercise

UNICEF-Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR) and key stakeholders is implementing Community-Led Total sanitation (CLTS) to accelerate sanitation coverage in rural areas with good success. Over 8,400 communities have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF) across 21 States. Sustaining ODF status has never been so important to consolidate the initial success and moving up the sanitation ladder. 10% of randomly selected ODF certified communities are considered for the validation exercise. This exercise has reduced ODF relapse rates from 44% in 2014 to 11% in 2016. This has further improved the quality of CLTS facilitation and an increase in improved latrines. The resources spent on the validation exercise (US$6.4 per community) is much less than the funds (US$ 197) required to get the relapsed communities back to ODF

Side effects of Sinopharm Vaccine experienced by healthcare professionals of Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Objectives: To determine the gender and age based disparities in side effects among healthcare workers in response to COVID-19 (Sinopharm) vaccination Subjects & Methods: Total 216 healthcare workers were vaccinated against COVID-19 by administering Sinopharm vaccine during February and March 2021 at Infectious Diseases Department of Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi were enrolled in the study through consecutive sampling. Data for this cross-sectional descriptive study was gathered pertinent to age, gender and side effects of Sinopharm vaccination. The information regarding vaccination side effects was inquired through telephonic calls. Data was analyzed by means of SPSS version 25.0. Results: Mean age of healthcare workers in our study was 35.7 ± 9.5 years. Most (54.6%) of them were females. About 79.2% of health professionals were 21-40 years old. Side effects after first dose of Sinopharm vaccine were experienced by 46.3% males and 42.4% females. About 45.2% and 42.3% males and females respectively overlooked the second jab adversity. Greater proportion (43.6%) complained of vaccine related side effects after the second dose than 37.5% subjects who noted side effects after the first dose of vaccine. Bodyaches, injection site pain, headache and fever were established as the commonest post-vaccination side effects. Conclusion: Side effects resulting from Sinopharm vaccine among our healthcare personnel were minimal. Fortunately none of them complained of serious aftereffects. Despite the COVID vaccination, our healthcare workers should strictly adhere to COVID SOPs amidst pandemic in order to avoid catastrophe in future

Asset creation versus sustaining services: institutionalizing VLOM to deliver SDG-6.1 target in Nigeria

Despite investments in water supply infrastructure, functionality remains low owing to a variety of factors including poor Operation & Maintenance regime and low community ownership. To overcome these challenges, a robust Village Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM) approach was piloted. The approach is institutionalized within the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs) by shifting agencies’ focus from mere asset creation towards sustained service delivery. The VLOM units established in the twelve RUWASSAs work with trained local area mechanics (LAMs), parts dealers and community caretakers towards ensuring 100% functionality of schemes. The LAMs charge communities for their services against agreed rates. This is linked to the Facility Tracking System resulting in 11% increase in functionality since inception of the pilot project. Once scaled up and sustained, this approach will optimize investments needed to achieve WASH SDG-6.1 target in Nigeria

Propofol Versus Dexmedetomidine Sedation Reduces Delirium

OBJECTIVES Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious complication after cardiac surgery. Use of dexmedetomidine infusion to prevent delirium is controversial. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine sedation after cardiac surgery would reduce the incidence of POD.METHODOLOGY After the approval from institutional ethics review board and informed consent, a comparative cross sectional study was conducted in 100 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. Patients suffering from consequential psychological issues, delirium, and grievous dementia were excluded. Delirium was evaluated by confusion assessment method for ICU (CAM-ICU). Normality and homogenity of data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Sminorv and saphiro wilk. The factors related to delirum status were analyzed using Logistic Regression.RESULTSThe mean age among propofol group was 55.14+9.6 while among Dexmedetomidine was 55.96+12.1. POD was present in 24 of 50 (48%) and 4 of 50 (8.%) patients in propofol and dexmedetomidine groups, respectively. variables which had significance values <0.05 were patient age (0.000), associated disease (p<-0.003). In regards to other variables like patient gender (p value: 0.660), pre-operative medication (p value: -0.090), different type of surgery (p value: -0.239), had no correlation with POD.CONCLUSIONIn comparison with propofol, dexmedetomidine postoperative sedation minimized the occurrence and abbreviated the time span of POD in patients who had to undergo cardiac surgery