War or Peace Journalism: Comparative analysis of Pakistan’s English and Urdu media coverage of Kashmir conflict

This study examines the media coverage of Kashmir issue in the wake of assassination of Burhan Wani - a young Kashmiri freedom fighter. For this purpose, four widely circulated Pakistani newspapers of English and Urdu language (i.e. Dawn, the News, Jang and Nawa-i-Waqt) have been selected and their reportage for three continuous months has been examined. This examination is conducted within the theoretical approach of peace journalism (Galtung, 1985; 2003) and framing (Goffman, 1974). Findings indicate that media remained inclined towards war-oriented journalism and war-frames dominated the coverage as compared to peace-frames. In comparison between English and Urdu media coverage, the contents of Urdu media were carrying more war-frames as compared to English media. The study concludes that increased war-oriented coverage might be attributed to the historical background and state policy towards Kashmir issue, which seem difficult to be disregarded in reporting. Furthermore, since the “objectivity” or “detachment” is considered to be foremost prerequisite of good journalism, Pakistani media could not have avoided reporting violence and human rights violations that took place in Kashmi

Exploring parental perceptions and knowledge regarding breastfeeding practices in Rajanpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Zakar R, Zakar MZ, Zaheer L, Fischer F. Exploring parental perceptions and knowledge regarding breastfeeding practices in Rajanpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan. International Breastfeeding Journal. 2018;13(1): 24.Background Exclusive breastfeeding is significantly associated with strong infant immunity and optimal development. The importance of breastfeeding is underestimated. Parental lack of knowledge and unhealthy practices regarding breastfeeding deprive infants of their basic right to mother’s milk. In developing countries, including Pakistan, with high child mortality and malnutrition, healthy breastfeeding practices can bring positive changes in child health status. From this perspective, the present study aims to understand parents’ knowledge, attitudes and practical encounters with breastfeeding practices and the factors that prevent them from adopting such practices. Methods A qualitative study was carried out in both rural and urban settings in Rajanpur District of Punjab Province, Pakistan. We conducted 12 focus-group discussions (FGDs) that involved 38 mothers and 40 fathers with children aged under two years who were being breastfed. A thematic content analysis of data collected through FGDs was performed manually. The themes were both inductive and deductive in nature. Results The study found that a majority of participants believed that the first thing given to an infant after birth should not be breast milk but honey, rose flower, or goat’s milk from the hands of an elder in the family or a religious person. No cleanliness measures were practised in this regard. The participants had misconceptions about the benefits of colostrum, which frequently prevented it being given to newborns. Participants reported many factors, such as: insufficient milk syndrome (slow growth of infants due to insufficient daily breast milk intake), a mother’s high workload, lack of social support, the influence of culturally designated advisors, and the promotion and marketing strategies of infant formula companies, that undermined exclusive breastfeeding efforts and encouraged mothers to switch to infant formula. Conclusions Culturally acceptable and integrated public health interventions are needed to improve the breastfeeding-related health literacy and practices of parents, grandparents and communities. This will ultimately reduce the high infant mortality and malnutrition rates in Pakistan

Mechanistic insight into the mode of inhibition of dietary flavonoids; targeting macrophage migration inhibitory factor

Introduction: The Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF), a key pro-inflammatory mediator, is responsible for modulating immune responses. An array of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases has been linked to the dysregulated activity of MIF. The significance in physiological as well as pathophysiological phenomena underscores the potential of MIF as an attractive target with pharmacological relevance. Extensive research in past has uncovered a number of inhibitors, while the ISO-1, or (S, R)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazole acetic acid methyl ester being recognized as a benchmark standard so far. Recent work by Yang and coworkers identified five promising dietary flavonoids, with superior activity compared to the standard ISO-1. Nevertheless, the exact atomic-level inhibitory mechanism is still elusive.Methods: To improve the dynamic research, and rigorously characterize, and compare molecular signatures of MIF complexes with ISO-1 and flavonoids, principal component analysis (PCA) was linked with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding free energy calculations.Results: The results suggest that by blocking the tautomerase site these small molecule inhibitors could modify the MIF activity by disrupting the intrinsic dynamics in particular functional areas. The stability matrices revealed the average deviation values ranging from 0.27–0.32 nm while the residue level fluctuations indicated that binding of the selected flavonoids confer enhanced stability relative to the ISO-1. Furthermore, the gyration values extracted from the simulated trajectories were found in the range of 1.80–1.83 nm.Discussion: Although all the tested flavonoids demonstrated remarkable results, the one obtained for the potent inhibitors, particularly Morin and Amentoflavone exhibited a good correlation with biological activity. The PCA results featured relatively less variance and constricted conformational landscape than others. The stable ensembles and reduced variation in turns might be the possible reasons for their outstanding performance documented previously. The results from the present exploration provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular complexes formed by flavonoids and MIF, shedding light on their potential roles and impacts. Future studies on MIF inhibitors may benefit from the knowledge gathered from this investigation

Effects of Watching Political Talk Shows on Political Efficacy and Political Participation

Political talk shows are considered important towards influencing politicalopinions and views of public. This paper examines political talk shows telecaston news channels of Pakistan. It has been examined whether a relationshipexists between exposure to talk shows with political efficacy and politicalparticipation. For this purpose, a survey has been conducted amongstrespondents having various demographics. Results indicate that exposure totalk shows positively influences the level of individual political efficacy andparticipation. Furthermore, various demographic factors have been foundsignificant towards the relationship of talk shows consumers with politicalefficacy and political participation

Public Affinity for Political Discourse in Pakistan

Television political comedy shows have gained popularity in Pakistan. This studyexamines and pinpoints the factors that influence the people to watch such shows. For the purpose, survey method has been employed. The data has been collected from respondents (N=300) belonging to various demographic backgrounds. It has been inferred from the study that an affinity for political humor (AFPH) drives people to watch political comedy shows. In this regard, age has come across as the only significant factor, which has a meaningful positive relationship with AFPH. Moreover, the study also discovers that monthly income is a significant positive predictor of political comedy show viewership. Besides, various types of media and genres of TV program have also been found as strong predictors of the political comedy shows. The study concludes that political comedy shows should not be taken as a mere entertainment product, rather they can prove to be an important source for political communication and creation of political awareness. In a country like Pakistan where literacy rates are on the lower side, informal and humorous political communication may raise political awareness amongst people. Lastly, it has been recommended that future researchers may study the direct behavioral and political effects of political comedy shows aired on Pakistani television channels

Natural Catastrophes and Role of Pakistani Mass Media

It is largely considered that mass media has an important role in mitigating theeffects of natural catastrophes. This paper reviews the current knowledgeabout the role of media in the wake of natural calamities and hazards. It alsodiscusses the role of Pakistani mass media during catastrophic situations.Although Pakistan is prone to natural calamities and has very vibrant medialandscape, it has been observed that regrettably Pakistani media doesn’t playsubstantial role in disaster risk management. The role is particularly absent inthe pre-disaster period. It is said that in Pakistan media can be very helpful incrisis management if it functions aptly. It is suggested that Pakistani mediaorganizations, disaster management officials and policymakers shouldestablish a liaison with each other to alleviate the devastating impact ofnatural calamities. Besides, there is a dire need for some code of conduct formedia coverage of natural hazards

Clinical audit of fresh frozen plasma usage in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Islamabad, Pakistan

Introduction: The supply of blood components in Pakistan far outstrips the demand. In addition, appropriate and rationale use of blood components is not widely practiced. To optimally utilize the limited supply of blood products, it is important to identify and define the gaps in practices and system. The specific aim of the study was to document the practices of the use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in a premier tertiary care hospital of Islamabad, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 107 randomly selected patients who received FFPs in various clinical units of the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University Hospital from March to October 2014. Information was retrieved from the transfusion request forms and evaluated according to the American College of Pathologist guidelines for the use of FFP. A questionnaire was also developed for interviewing the senior doctors from each specialty to have their feedback about the transfusion services provided. Nineteen clinicians were randomly selected for this purpose. Results: Requests from 107 patients for 460 FFPs were studied (actual number of FFPs issued was 278). Nearly 68.3% (n = 73) of the patients were males and 31.7% (n = 34) were females. Majority of the units were requested from thalassemia and hemophilia center (40.6%). The patients enrolled in the study had multiple disorders, majority being with coagulation disorders at 40.1% (n = 43). Nearly 98.5% (n = 138) of the request forms were brought to blood bank by the patient attendants. Seventy-three (52%) FFP units were appropriately transfused while 67 (48%) were inappropriately transfused. The most inappropriate use of FFP was seen in Mother and Child Health Centre (MCHC), Oncology, Emergency and Casualty, and the most appropriate use was seen in thalassaemia centre, paediatric units, and medical intensive care unit. Clinician interviews indicate poor knowledge base and inappropriate practices. Conclusion: The study highlighted the inappropriate use of FFPs in a tertiary care hospital and threw light on poor transfusion practices and the lack of implementation of the principles of haemovigilance in the utilization of FFPs. Specific recommendations include, administrative intervention with regular screening of requests by blood bank doctors and senior doctors of the departments using FFP and establishment of guidelines in departments regarding the use of blood components including FFP

Social Media Addiction and Healthy Life Habits: A Comparative Study of New York City - USA and Lahore - Pakistan

Purpose: Developing comparative analysis between negative and positive health habits among young adults in wake of social media usage among youth in Lahore – Pakistan and New York, USA, is the core objective of this research. Different parameters applied on habits of young adults due to social media usage revealed excessive use of social media was resulting into negative effects on healthy habits of young adults in Pakistan, wherein social media was the least preference in USA. The purpose of the study was achieved to great extent. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed in-depth interviews qualitative method to extract detailed opinions about the phenomenon under exploration. In-depth interview technique seemed the most appropriate method for qualitative studies for data collection. Findings: A massive gulf between social media consuming habits of Pakistani and Americans owing to multiple factors was established from this study. With the support of relevant stakeholders including cellular companies, prominent figures of society and Tech icons in USA has chalked out a comprehensive social-structural mechanism for wellbeing of the society at large particularly the young adults wherein the developing nations including Pakistan has least concern about this important component of social wellbeing. Implications/Originality/Value: The US citizens love to enjoy through physical activities i.e., plan weekends and other events and even they avoid using cell phones / social media while dinning collectively at restaurants. In Lahore, however, the youngsters have developed negative social media usage habits which are highly affecting their healthy lifestyle.                                                         &nbsp

Pathologists’ Perceptions Regarding Oropharyngeal Specimens during Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic effected individuals worldwide. A significant number of specimens examined by pathologists are obtained from oropharyngeal region containing a highly viral titer along with increased preference of the virus to these tissues compared to other areas of the body requiring. The need of knowledge, attitudes such as appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) along with discarding of samples and adherence to protocols while dealing with these samples is necessary. Therefore, we aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of oral pathologists pertaining to modifications in laboratory protocols issued by various international organizations. Methods: A validated questionnaire with 22 close-ended questions was given to academic faculty, practicing pathologists and trainees of the pathology department working in a government institute (n=37). Statistics were applied and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study 16 (73.7%) of the individuals were found to be well aware of the possible modifications in protocols. In addition, 12 (50%) pathologists recommended the use of complete PPE while performing various procedures. Furthermore, 15 (68.2%) individuals were satisfied with their laboratory design and training to combat the possible risks of the disease. p value was found to be 0.50, which shows an insignificant association between pathologists and laboratory practices. Conclusion: The results of the study can be considered satisfactory as they indicate that 16(73.7%) pathologists dealing with oropharyngeal specimens are aware of the modified guidelines regarding laboratory protocols, handling of specimens, architecture and personal protective equipment provided by organizations such as Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization. Keywords: Covid-19 Pandemic; Pathologists; Laboratory

Virtual Screening, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Streptococcus mutans Mediated Biofilm Inhibitors

Dental caries, a global oral health concern, is a biofilm-mediated disease. Streptococcus mutans, the most prevalent oral microbiota, produces extracellular enzymes, including glycosyltransferases responsible for sucrose polymerization. In bacterial communities, the biofilm matrix confers resistance to host immune responses and antibiotics. Thus, in cases of chronic dental caries, inhibiting bacterial biofilm assembly should prevent demineralization of tooth enamel, thereby preventing tooth decay. A high throughput screening was performed in the present study to identify small molecule inhibitors of S. mutans glycosyltransferases. Multiple pharmacophore models were developed, validated with multiple datasets, and used for virtual screening against large chemical databases. Over 3000 drug-like hits were obtained that were analyzed to explore their binding mode. Finally, six compounds that showed good binding affinities were further analyzed for ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties. The obtained in silico hits were evaluated for in vitro biofilm formation. The compounds displayed excellent antibiofilm activities with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 15.26&ndash;250 &micro;g/mL