Developing Accessible Culturally-Competent Curricula With OER: A Case Study

Pandemic, sickness, and sociopolitical crises have dramatically impacted college students, interrupting their education and driving faculty to find resources to stay current with expanding knowledge and practices. Our session is designed to help attendees understand OER in a more practical and applicable way. We describe how faculty and students in a highly diverse university program used OER as both a resource and a process in developing and revising curriculum. This case study employed a SWOT procedure to examine external institutional and cultural barriers to using OER, as well as our own internal obstacles and biases. We then aligned OER strengths with curriculum needs, accreditation, and certification requirements. Our plan focused on free, current, and culturally-competent resources that increased access and equity for students and the communities they serve. Our session will also highlight the importance of utilizing OER to create a more inclusive classroom culture that aligns with the values of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial, Antifungal and Irritant Activities of Organometalic(ll) Complexes of O-Nitro N,N-Dimethylbenzylamine Derivatives

A series of Transition metal  complexes have been  synthesized by reacting with newly prepared  biological active Schiff base ligand .The ligand was prepared by reacting N-bromosuccinimide with O-nitro toluene and reflux for 8hours ,resulting mixture was filtered ,filtrate was o-nitro benzyl bromide which on reaction with dimethyl ammine produce o-nitro N,N-dimethylbenzylamine and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity ,thermal analysis ,X-ray diffraction,IR,UV-Vis spectroscopy and mass spectra. Analytical data confirms the ratio between metal and ligand that is 1:2with octahedral geometry. The IRspectra suggests that ligand behaves as basic bidenate ligand. Molar conductance values suggests non electrolytic nature of metal complexes ,thermal behavior shows more ordered activated state in complex form.Antibacterial and Anti fungal activities were performed by using new strains of bacteriaBacillussubtilis,Bacilluspumilus,Sarcinalutea,Streptococcusfaecalis,Staphlococcusaureus,Borditellabronchiseptica and fungal strains used were Trichophyton longiusus, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavis,Microsporum canis, Fusarium solani, Candida glabrata.The biological activities data showed that complexes of Copper, Chromium, Manganese and zinc exhibited more antimicrobial activities than their parent ligand. Maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited by zinc complex. Moderate antibacterial activity exhibited by copper complex and the minimum antibacterial response was reported with manganese .

Nutritional and therapeutic importance of carrot pomace: a review article

The Carrot pomace (Daucus carota) is a root vegetable known for its nutritional importance, health benefits, and a rich source of phytochemicals including carotenoids, ascorbic acid, phenolics, and polyacetylenes. These phenolic compounds exhibit different pharmacological properties. This review study aimed to evaluate the nutritional as well as medicinal importance of carrot pomace. This review is helpful for a researcher who conducts a study on carrot pomace. Electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, PMC, PubMed database, Web of science, whereas Google Scholar was used as a secondary search tool. The keywords used were carrot pomace, Chemopreventive, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological potential, and nutritional potential. More than 200 researches were searched from 2008 to 2021 related to the Carrot pomace. The results of comparing the antioxidant activity of two Algerian orange carrot varieties showed that the Touchon variety was richer in phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids and presents higher antioxidant activity in comparison with the Super-muscade variety. The nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of three varieties of carrots, Kuroda, Pamela, and Amazonia showed that the antioxidant properties were high even at low concentrations of extract. The literature review concluded that carrot is a rich source of β-carotene, fiber, and many essential micronutrients and functional ingredients having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Carrot roots are used to prevent different cancers, free radical scavengers, anti-mutagenic and boost the immunity as it contains large amount of carotenoids specifically β-carotene

Impact of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography on Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: For Common Bile Duct (CBD) stones an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is done prior to cholecystectomy. However, the ideal timing of cholecystectomy following ERCP is still a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to observe the possible impact of ERCP on subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Material and Methods: This case control study was carried out in the Department of Surgery Unit 1, Holy Family hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 2018 to March 2019. A total number of 300 patients of symptomatic gallstones presenting to outpatient department were enrolled. Two groups, A (control group) and B (case group) were made on the basis of absence or presence of CBD stones, respectively. Group A underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy within three working days of admission. In group B, ERCP was performed prior to cholecystectomy. Primary operating surgeon filled structured questionnaires for each patient immediately after surgery to compare operative differences between both groups. The baseline demographic details, clinical characteristics, laboratory investigations and peri-operative findings of both groups were recorded. Means and percentages were calculated with P value <0.05 regarded as statistically significant.Results: Majority of patients in this study were females (81%) of middle age group (42.5+15 years). Biliary colic was most common presenting complaint in both groups (33%). Dissection in triangle of Calot (P=0.00) and removal of gallbladder from liver bed (P=0.00) was significantly more difficult in group B than A. Intra-abdominal lavage was also done more often in post ERCP group (P=0.00). However procedural time did not vary between the two groups (P=0.19).Conclusions: Preoperative ERCP increases difficulty in laparoscopic cholecystectomy but does not prolong procedural time.Key words: Choledocholithiasis, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, Laparoscopic cholecystectom

Poor knowledge of university students regarding paracetamol; a wakeup call for public healthcare practitioners

Over-the-counter (OTC) use of paracetamol has drastically increased over the past few decades. Its toxicity is the foremost cause of acute liver failure in the Western world, unfortunately such cases remain undocumented in underdeveloped country like Pakistan. So far very limited studies have been reported in Pakistan, which have tackled issues related to toxicity and knowledge among public regarding OTC medicines at the national level. We assessed the prevalence of self-medication, level of awareness and knowledge regarding OTC medicines (specifically paracetamol), 352 university students through structured interview method. Awareness was scored by a ranking questionnaire. Data was coded and statistically analyzed using SPSS© 21. The survey questionnaire covered the risk perception, prevalence of self-medication and practices regarding OTC medicine use among the university students. Our results offer an indirect assessment of the knowledge among our general population as well as an estimation of misuse related harmful impact of OTC medicines. Moreover, it point out a major knowledge gap, low risk perception and significant prevalence of self-medication with paracetamol among our population, illustrating an increased potential of its adverse effects through overuse or misuse. These finding reveal a substantial need for educational intervention around OTC medicines. Serves as an eye opener for healthcare practitioners who should be proactive in commencing health awareness programs as well as superintending the irrational OTC drug use among public

Predictors of Failure After Fecal Microbiota Transplantation For Recurrent Clostridioides Difficile Infection: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a highly effective therapy for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), with ~15% 1-year recurrence rate. Small studies have identified variable risk factors associated with FMT failure. We, therefore, performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the predictors of FMT failure. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Web of Science was performed from January 2013 up to June 2020. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models and pooled adjusted odds ratios for risk factors reported in ≥2 studies were calculated. Overall, 2671 patients with recurrent CDI who underwent FMT in 12 studies were included. FMT failure occurred in 454 patients (16.9%) with median follow-up of 3 months (range 2-7.7 months). A total of 9 risk factors were identified in ≥2 studies. Meta-analysis showed that use of non- CDI antibiotics, presence of inflammatory bowel disease, poor quality of bowel preparation, CDI-related hospitalization before FMT, inpatient FMT, and severe CDI were associated with statistically significant increased risk of failure after FMT. Increasing age, female gender, and immunocompromised status were not associated with increased risk for FMT failure. Several risk factors (both modifiable and non-modifiable) are associated with FMT failure. Lower use of antibiotics in the post-FMT period and good bowel preparation at the time of FMT are associated with lower risk of failure after FMT. Additionally, patients with non-modifiable risk factors should be counseled to be particularly alert about recurrent symptoms after FMT

Efficacy of Cryotherapy as a Primary Endoscopic Ablation Modality for Dysplastic Barrett’s Esophagus and Early Esophageal Neoplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Cryotherapy is a cold-based ablative therapy used primarily as second line therapy in patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) who have persistent dysplasia after undergoing endoscopic treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Few studies have described the use of cryotherapy as a primary treatment modality for dysplastic or neoplastic BE. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy as primary treatment of dysplastic and/or neoplastic BE by conducting a systemic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Web of Science was performed from January 2000 through March 2020. Articles included were observational studies and clinical trials which included patients who had biopsy confirmed dysplastic or neoplastic BE (i.e., high grade dysplasia (HGD), low grade dysplasia (LGD) or intramucosal adenocarcinoma (ImCA)), underwent ≥1 session of cryotherapy, and had a follow-up endoscopy. Primary outcomes were pooled proportions of patients achieving complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D) and/or intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) by using a random effects model. Results: Fourteen studies making up 405 patients with follow-up ranging from 3-54 months were included. In 13 studies, a total of 321/405 patients achieved CE-D with a pooled proportion of 84.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.2-94.4), with substantial heterogeneity (I = 88.3%). In 13 studies, a total of 321/405 patients achieved CE-D with a pooled proportion of 84.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.2-94.4), with substantial heterogeneity (I = 88.3%). Subgroup analysis of only high-quality studies revealed a pooled proportion of CE-D 91.3% (95% CI, 83.0-97.4, I = 69.5%) and pooled proportion of CE-IM of 71.6% (95% CI, 59.0-82.9, I = 80.9%). Adverse events were reported in 12.2% patients. Conclusion: Cryotherapy is a safe and effective primary therapy for dysplastic/early neoplastic BE. CE-D and CE-IM rates are comparable to those for other ablation modalities, including RFA. Cryotherapy should be considered for primary therapy of dysplastic BE and early esophageal neoplasia. 2 2 2

Structural Parameter Analysis of Mg Doped ZnO Nano Rods by Fuzzy Logic Controller

ZnO nanorods have been extensively studied owing to their exceptional materials properties as well as outstanding performance in optics, electronics, and photonics. Lately, photocatalytic applications of ZnO nanorods are of greater interest in ecological defense applications. When magnesium is doped with ZnO, the properties of nanorods can be improved for several potential applications in diverse fields of science and technology. In this work, we have studied the effect of parameters like doping concentration and temperature for solution-based growth on the diameter and length of the nanorods grown on the glass substrate. Fuzzy logic controller has been used to calculate precise and accurate results as the fuzzy logic system is based on human-like reasoning. The analysis of the dependence of diameter and length of Mg doped ZnO nanorods on different input parameters is done by fuzzy simulations and the simulated results are then compared with the calculations done using Mamdani’s model. A percentage error that is almost negligible is calculated between the simulated and calculated values.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Safety and Efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii for Prevention of Clostridioides difficile Infection

Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is associated with frequent recurrences. The role of probiotics in preventing CDI remains unclear despite patients frequently using them. Methods: We performed a systematic-review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of Saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast probiotic, in preventing primary or recurrent CDI in patients on systemic antimicrobial therapy. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science up to December 2021 to identify studies (case-control, cohort, or clinical trial studies) reporting the use of systemic antimicrobials with or without S. boulardii and providing information on primary or recurrent CDI. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effects model. Results Eight studies (six randomized control trials and two cohort studies) were included. Six studies with 9,712 patients evaluated primary prevention. The rate of CDI in patients who received S. boulardii was 0.73% (44/5977) compared to 1.09% (41/3735) in the control group. Meta-analysis showed no difference in the risk of CDI among the two groups (odds ratio [OR], 0.71; 95%CI, 0.46–1.10; p ¼ 0.124) with no significant heterogeneity (I2¼ 0%). In two studies with 292 patients evaluating secondary prevention, the rate of recurrent CDI was 36.73% (54/147) on S. boulardii compared to 46.20% (67/145) in controls, with no significant difference (p ¼ 0.19). Subgroup analysis of studies using S. boulardii (250 mg twice daily) showed no difference in the CDI risk with or without S. boulardii. No serious adverse events from S. boulardii were noted. Conclusion: The use of S. boulardii appears to have no benefit for preventing either primary or recurrent CDI in patients taking systemic antimicrobials