<p><em>Evaluation denotes the monitoring of progress towards desired goals and objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate educational quality at schools using Stufflebeam’s CIPP evaluation model (1983). The population comprised the principal, heads of each wing and teachers of various branches of a Welfare School System in Rawalpindi. Data were collected through the CIPP evaluation checklist (2002), semi structured interviews, document analysis and observations. Data were analyzed via content and thematic analysis. Findings indicated that this group of welfare schools focused on quality education by using different means, such as advanced technology, effective communication, relevant courses as well as teaching and learning strategies; however, it was found that teachers focused more on theoretical work and rote learning, which put pressure on students and had a negative effect on their intellectual abilities. Moreover, there was lack of proper space, effective environment and the schools were situated in rented buildings.</em></p><p align="center"><em><br /></em></p><p align="center"> </p>
Background: The main aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of advanced respiratory support (ARS) for acute respiratory failure in do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation order (DNACPR) COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this single-center study, the impact of different types of ARS modality, PaO2/FiO2 (PF) ratio, clinical frailty score (CFS) and 4C score on mortality was evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference in age, type of ARS modality, PF ratio and 4C scores between those who died and those who survived. Overall survival rates/hospital discharge of patients still requiring ARS at 5 and 7 days post admission were 20 and 17%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed that ARS can be a useful tool in frail, elderly and high-risk COVID-19 patients irrespective of high 4C mortality score.
Objectives We studied the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of patients with chronic illnesses and their behavioural responses. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey among outpatients with chronic illnesses in Lahore, Pakistan. Results Four hundred and one participants were surveyed (84% above 50 years of age). One or two chronic illnesses were present in 130 (32%), three or four in 211 (53%) and more than four in 60 (15%). The majority correctly identified the sources of Covid-19 infection and higher risk patients. Of the respondents, 127 (32%) described feeling more vulnerable. Respondents reported a lack of trust in the community response (199; 49.6%) and hospital measures (167; 41.6%) to slow the spread of Covid-19 and 369 (92%) practiced some degree of social distancing. Respondents described negative impacts of lockdown measures on their physical and mental health (235; 58.6% and 262; 65.3%, respectively). Many reported difficulty in getting medical help during the pandemic (302; 75.2%). Half of the respondents (200; 49.8%) felt that delays in receiving care had adversely affected their health. Conclusions Respondents with chronic illnesses frequently reported negative behavioural and health impacts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a global threat to the human population, with manifestations resulting from alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD, if not treated, may progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Furthermore, inflammation leads to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Vitexin, a natural flavonoid, has been recently reported for inhibiting NAFLD. It is a lipogenesis inhibitor and activates lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. In addition, owing to its antioxidant properties, it appeared as a hepatoprotective candidate. However, it exhibits low bioavailability and low efficacy due to its hydrophobic nature. A novel rat model for liver cirrhosis was developed by CCL4/Urethane co-administration. Vitexin encapsulated liposomes were synthesized by the ‘thin-film hydration’ method. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was coated on liposomes to enhance stability and stealth effect. The diseased rats were then treated with vitexin and PEGylated vitexin liposomes, administered intravenously and orally. Results ascertained the liposomal encapsulation of vitexin and subsequent PEG coating to be a substantial strategy for treating liver cirrhosis through oral drug delivery.
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