Comparative Study of Single- Versus Split-Dose Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte Solution Before Undergoing Colonoscopy

Objective: To compare the outcome of consumption of a single versus split-dose polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution in patients undergoing colonoscopy in the morning. Methodology: A randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, from April to July 2021. A total of 274 patients undergoing colonoscopy, who fulfilled the selection criteria were included through a "non-probability, consecutive sampling technique". The patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group A, single dose of PEG was administered. Group B was administered a split dose of PEG which was to be consumed in two parts, 1st in evening before colonoscopy and the second in the morning. Efficacy was labelled if adequate cleaning of the intestines and a BBPS score of ≥6 were achieved during colonoscopy. Results:  In the single dose group, the mean age of patients was 45.15 ± 13.37 years, 68 (49.6%) patients were male, 69 (50.4%) patients were female, efficacy of the procedure was achieved in 54 (39.4%) patients, and the mean BBPS score was 4.99 ± 0.90. In the split dose group, mean age of patients was 49.85 ± 11.38 years, 56 (40.9%) patients were male, 81 (59.1%) patients were female, efficacy of the procedure was achieved in 137 (100%) patients, and the mean BBPS score was 7.61 ± 0.49. The difference in both groups was highly significant (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusion: A split dose is thus more efficacious and acceptable than a single dose of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution given for bowel preparation

Research Output of Government College University Lahore, Pakistan: A Bibliometric Study Based on Scopus Database from 1908 to 2020

Abstract Purpose – The main purpose of the current study was to explore the research output of Government College University, Lahore Pakistan in terms of publications, citation trends, major research areas, co-authorship patterns, preferred journals, keywords used, and funding sponsored. Design/methodology/approach – Current study used bibliometric analysis methodology for achieving the objectives. Data were extracted from the Scopus database through a query. Query was executed in June 2021 at Prince Sultan University; Saudi Arabia and 6085 publications were retrieved. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also defined. The results were filtered according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Finally, 6008 records were included in the final analysis which included articles, conference papers, reviews, and book chapters from 1908 to June 13, 2021. MS Excel, VOS Viewer, and Biblioshiny software were used for data analysis. Findings – Findings showed that publications and citation trends of Government College University remained low. However, the progress of publication and citations started in 2005. The top ten research areas were consisted of science subjects. Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities had no publications in the top ten areas. The majority of collaborated work from GC University authors was observed with the University of the Punjab, Lahore, University of Sargodha, and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. GC University authors also collaborated with international authors, but this collaboration was less as compared to collaboration at the national level. The top funding sources for research was HEC Pakistan. However, international funding sources were also found. Originality/Value – Current study is unique because, with the best of research knowledge, no study has been conducted regarding the research productivity of GC University, Lahore in past. The current study has practical implications in the sense that it is helpful for authorities of the University in allocating funds for research. The current study provides a comprehensive and collective picture of the research productivity of GC University, Lahore which helps to identify weak and strong areas related to research. Keywords: Bibliometric Study, Government College University, Lahore. Research Productivity, Bibliometric Analysis

The Soybean Genome Database (SoyGD): a browser for display of duplicated, polyploid, regions and sequence tagged sites on the integrated physical and genetic maps of Glycine max

Genomes that have been highly conserved following increases in ploidy (by duplication or hybridization) like Glycine max (soybean) present challenges during genome analysis. At the Soybean Genome Database (SoyGD) genome browser has, since 2002, integrated and served the publicly available soybean physical map, bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) fingerprint database and genetic map associated genomic data. The browser shows both build 3 and build 4 contiguous sets of clones (contigs) of the soybean physical map. Build 4 consisted of 2854 contigs that encompassed 1.05 Gb and 404 high-quality DNA markers that anchored 742 contigs. Many DNA markers anchored sets of 2–8 different contigs. Each contig in the set represented a homologous region of related sequences. GBrowse was adapted to show sets of homologous contigs at all potential anchor points, spread laterally and prevented from overlapping. About 8064 minimum tiling path (MTP2) clones provided 13 473 BAC end sequences (BES) to decorate the physical map. Analyses of BES placed 2111 gene models, 40 marker anchors and 1053 new microsatellite markers on the map. Estimated sequence tag probes from 201 low-copy gene families located 613 paralogs. The genome browser portal showed each data type as a separate track. Tetraploid, octoploid, diploid and homologous regions are shown clearly in relation to an integrated genetic and physical map

New Iterative Method for the Solution of Fractional Damped Burger and Fractional Sharma-Tasso-Olver Equations

The new iterative method has been used to obtain the approximate solutions of time fractional damped Burger and time fractional Sharma-Tasso-Olver equations. Results obtained by the proposed method for different fractional-order derivatives are compared with those obtained by the fractional reduced differential transform method (FRDTM). The 2nd-order approximate solutions by the new iterative method are in good agreement with the exact solution as compared to the 5th-order solution by the FRDTM

Remote Sensing Assessment of Small Dam Sites in Swat District, Pakistan: Inferences from Water Resource Scenarios

In a world where water is indispensable, Pakistan grapples with the challenge of ensuring its availability. Freshwater demand from domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses has strained the country's reservoirs.  Financial and political barriers have hindered the construction of large dams, making it imperative to seek alternative solutions. However, small dams have the potential to address Pakistan's water security concerns. This study uses advanced technology, engineering expertise, socioeconomic factors, and environmental awareness to find multi-purpose small dam sites in Swat District, Pakistan. Water storage and community and economic development are goals. This study examines criteria using RS and GIS. Dam site selection considers rainfall patterns, slopes, land use, soil types, and drainage density. The study uses Elevation Area Capacity (EAC) curves to view potential reservoirs. The map divides areas into High, Moderate, and Low suitability. This analysis yields some sites where R4 is impressive for its suitability and storage capacity of 358,237 at 2080 m. R1 and R2 are promising with moderate suitability and large storage capacities of 121,346 and 271,964, respectively. These sites are more than numbers on a map they represent local aspirations. Their benefits include electricity, flood protection, irrigation, and drinking water. Small dams are progress catalysts with low maintenance and political support. This study concludes that socioeconomic and environmental factors should be considered when engineering small dams. This small dam can store water and provide essential services to local communities and economies. These multi-purpose small dams advance water security

Remote Sensing Assessment of Small Dam Sites in Swat District, Pakistan: Inferences from Water Resource Scenarios

In a world where water is indispensable, Pakistan grapples with the challenge of ensuring its availability. Freshwater demand from domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses has strained the country's reservoirs.  Financial and political barriers have hindered the construction of large dams, making it imperative to seek alternative solutions. However, small dams have the potential to address Pakistan's water security concerns. This study uses advanced technology, engineering expertise, socioeconomic factors, and environmental awareness to find multi-purpose small dam sites in Swat District, Pakistan. Water storage and community and economic development are goals. This study examines criteria using RS and GIS. Dam site selection considers rainfall patterns, slopes, land use, soil types, and drainage density. The study uses Elevation Area Capacity (EAC) curves to view potential reservoirs. The map divides areas into High, Moderate, and Low suitability. This analysis yields some sites where R4 is impressive for its suitability and storage capacity of 358,237 at 2080 m. R1 and R2 are promising with moderate suitability and large storage capacities of 121,346 and 271,964, respectively. These sites are more than numbers on a map they represent local aspirations. Their benefits include electricity, flood protection, irrigation, and drinking water. Small dams are progress catalysts with low maintenance and political support. This study concludes that socioeconomic and environmental factors should be considered when engineering small dams. This small dam can store water and provide essential services to local communities and economies. These multi-purpose small dams advance water security

Evaluating Future Climate Projections in Upper Indus Basin through GFDL-ESM2M Model

This study aims to examine the future climate projections in the Upper Indus Basin (UIB). The Global Climate Model (GFDL-ESM2M) data was utilized to analyze two variables, namely precipitation and temperatures. The study focused on three distinct time periods: near century (2020-2040), mid-century (2041-2070), and end of century (2071-2099). This process involved the utilization of a downscaling technique that relied on the RCP4.5 scenario. The Mann-Kendall (MK) and Sen's slope estimate test will be employed to analyze the parameters of temperature and precipitation, enabling the identification of yearly, seasonal, and monthly patterns. The application of the MK and Sen's slope estimate approaches revealed a lack of statistical significance in the observed upward trend in yearly precipitation and temperature. Over the course of nearly a century, the average Coefficient of Variation for temperature exhibited a range of -67.5% to 308.9%. During the midcentury period, there was observed variation in the mean monthly rainfall across all months. Notably, the month of March exhibited the highest average rainfall of 274.2mm, while September had the lowest average rainfall of 31.9mm. The data exhibited a positive skewness, suggesting that there was a tendency for higher levels of rainfall towards the end of each month compared to the beginning. The data indicates that there is an upward trend in precipitation throughout the mid-century period in comparison to the near century, but a downward trend is observed towards the conclusion of the century. The temperature readings exhibit a constant upward trend from the early part of the century to the middle of the century, followed by a subsequent increase from the middle of the century to the end of the century. Furthermore, the data revealed that the highest amount of precipitation is experienced during the spring season, whereas the lowest amount of rainfall is recorded during autumn throughout all temporal intervals

Evaluating Future Climate Projections in Upper Indus Basin through GFDL-ESM2M Model

This study aims to examine the future climate projections in the Upper Indus Basin (UIB). The Global Climate Model (GFDL-ESM2M) data was utilized to analyze two variables, namely precipitation and temperatures. The study focused on three distinct time periods: near century (2020-2040), mid-century (2041-2070), and end of century (2071-2099). This process involved the utilization of a downscaling technique that relied on the RCP4.5 scenario. The Mann-Kendall (MK) and Sen's slope estimate test will be employed to analyze the parameters of temperature and precipitation, enabling the identification of yearly, seasonal, and monthly patterns. The application of the MK and Sen's slope estimate approaches revealed a lack of statistical significance in the observed upward trend in yearly precipitation and temperature. Over the course of nearly a century, the average Coefficient of Variation for temperature exhibited a range of -67.5% to 308.9%. During the midcentury period, there was observed variation in the mean monthly rainfall across all months. Notably, the month of March exhibited the highest average rainfall of 274.2mm, while September had the lowest average rainfall of 31.9mm. The data exhibited a positive skewness, suggesting that there was a tendency for higher levels of rainfall towards the end of each month compared to the beginning. The data indicates that there is an upward trend in precipitation throughout the mid-century period in comparison to the near century, but a downward trend is observed towards the conclusion of the century. The temperature readings exhibit a constant upward trend from the early part of the century to the middle of the century, followed by a subsequent increase from the middle of the century to the end of the century. Furthermore, the data revealed that the highest amount of precipitation is experienced during the spring season, whereas the lowest amount of rainfall is recorded during autumn throughout all temporal intervals

A cross-sectional survey to assess biorisk management system in research and diagnostic laboratories in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Financial, cultural, and managerial hurdles have made biosafety and biosecurity measures difficult in resource-constrained countries like Pakistan. Because of increasing awareness of biorisk management, diagnostic and research laboratories have made major advances in biosafety and biosecurity in the recent decade. As a result, identifying and addressing gaps in biorisk management has never been more critical. The purpose of this study was to assess the current situation of personal protective equipment (PPE), biosafety behavior, waste management, biosafety and biosecurity measures, training and safety, and health services in diagnostic and research laboratories across Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. We adapted the WHO Laboratory Assessment tool (2012) and CWA 15793 (Biorisk management guidelines) for conducting a cross-sectional survey, which was distributed among various laboratories in KP. The survey included 30 laboratories, including 11 diagnostic and 19 research laboratories. In comparison to diagnostic laboratories, biorisk management practices in research laboratories were better in terms of PPE, biosafety behavior, waste management, biosafety measures, biosecurity measures, trainings, and safety and health services. KP laboratories' biorisk management practices have improved over time, according to our findings. However, we were able to identify inadequacies that would require considerable improvements to the current setups based on the WHO and CWA 15793 recommendations. Organizations can tailor their biosafety measures and training to address identified gaps using the presented KP snapshot