No abstract

FAS/FASL signaling system plays a vital role in the regulation of apoptosis, envisaged as a death process required for immune surveillance to prevent autoimmunity and tumorigenesis along with several other biological activities. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FAS/FASL system can result in aberrant apoptosis, which can cause different cancers and autoimmune diseases. Aplastic anemia (AA) is an autoimmune dysfunction characterized by peripheral blood pancytopenia associated with hypoplasia of bone marrow. The aim of this study was to screen Pakistani AA patients and controls for two Fas SNPs rs2234767 and rs1800682 and two FASLG SNPs rs763110 and rs5030772. Genotyping of 392 DNA samples was done by Tetra-ARMS polymerase chain reaction. Genotypic frequencies of Fas rs1800682 and FASLG rs5030772 showed significance difference in their distribution in both controls and patients, while Fas rs2234767 and FASLG rs763110 SNPs had no such difference. Carriers of rs1800682 AG+GG had a very odd ratio of 4.63, with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 3.01-7.11, while individuals with FASLG rs5030772 AG+GG were more common in controls than patients with OR 0.53 and 95% CI of 0.34-0.83. Cumulative effects of these SNPs were analyzed, and they showed almost similar trends; however, Fas rs2234767 and FASLG rs763110 genotypes in combination with Fas rs1800682 and FASLG rs5030772 demonstrated significant association. This study provided information that endorsed the involvement of FAS/FASL system SNPs in the pathogenesis of AA; further studies should be designed to understand the exact role of SNPs that can help in early diagnosis and treatment.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children with bacterial meningitis. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Paediatric Medicine Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Period: October 2019 to March 2020. Material & Methods: The study was conducted after permission from ethical committee. A total of 151 patients admitted with bacterial meningitis were enrolled. Apart from the presenting complaints, necessary information like the age and gender were noted. Examination of the child was done to assess the condition of child. Brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) test was performed before discharge of the patient from the hospital. The outcome variable that is SNHL in bacterial meningitis assessed by BERA test was noted in a specifically designed Performa. Results: Out of total of 151 patients, males were 83 (55%) while females 68 (45%). Overall mean age was 11.85+6.12 months. SNHL was found in 26 (17.2%) children. There was no significant effect of age or gender on the frequencies of SNHL. Conclusion: SNHL is a frequently encountered complication in our population of children with bacterial meningitis. SNHL should be carefully sought out and properly diagnosed in all the patients presenting with bacterial meningitis.

Workplace gender discrimination comes in many forms: unequal pay, the disparity in promotions, incidents of sexual harassment, and fewer opportunities, which means that an employee is treated differently or less favorably because of their gender identity. Around the world, four-in-ten working women face discrimination on the job because of their gender. This research explored the issue of discrimination against working women at the workplace and its impact on their work performance in District Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan. The quantitative data were collected through a cross-sectional survey. A multistage random sampling technique was used for the data collection. A self-designed interview schedule was administered to 200 females of lower, middle, and higher category employees of public and private institutions of District Sahiwal. In the data analysis, both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used. Research findings revealed that females were discriminated more than males in the private sector than in the public sector. The results indicated that 63% of women have adverse physical and mental effects due to discrimination at the workplace. In this regard, 60% of women believed that workplace discrimination increased stress and frustration and reduced job satisfaction, commitment, and motivation. The bivariate analysis also shows that gender discrimination decreases satisfaction and commitment and increases stress levels among working women. Therefore, this study suggested that the government should immediately strengthen legal protections against workplace discrimination based on gender.

The data for this study was collected from two universities in Pakistan and North Cyprus. The researchers selected University of Agriculture Faisalabad in Pakistan and Cyprus international university in North Cyprus (Turkey). There is no right or wrong with smoking. On a busy day, navigating a lecture hall with smoke practically pouring out in all directions could cause some psychological damage. For some people, this is sufficient justification for subpar performance; for everyone, it is a sure sign of a limited life span. Unfortunately, foreigners who up until this point had not smoked actively or passively may experience a more significant cultural shock in a place where unrestricted smoking is a part of life. The possible impacts of smoking on students' academic performance at Cyprus International University and University of Agriculture Faisalabad are clarified by this study. By advocating the establishment of smoking zones for improved outdoor air quality in the institution, findings, and recommendations are generated using data gathered for quantitative empirical research. Keywords: Academic, Education, Health, and Smoking