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| 2. |
- Mallhi, Tauqeer Hussain, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of knowledge and barriers of influenza vaccine uptake among university students in Saudi Arabia : a cross-sectional analysis
- 2022
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In: PeerJ. - : PeerJ. - 2167-8359. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Influenza vaccine hesitancy is a significant threat to global maneuvers for reducing the burden of seasonal and pandemic influenza. This study estimated the vaccine uptake, barriers, and willingness for influenza vaccines among university students in Saudi Arabia. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among health science (HS) and non-health science (NHS) university students. A 31-item questionnaire was used to ascertain the vaccination rate, barriers, and willingness for the flu vaccine. Results. This study included 790 students (mean age: 21.40 +/- 1.94 years), 246 (31.1%) from HS and 544 (68.9%) from NHS disciplines. About 70% did not take flu shots before the arrival of the winter. The mean knowledge score was 7.81 +/- 1.96, where 20.4%, 67.6%, and 12% of respondents had good, moderate, and poor knowledge regarding flu vaccines. The relative importance index (RII) analysis showed a lack of recommendation from physicians (51.5%, RI ranked: 1) was a top-ranked barrier to vaccine uptake, followed by negative perceptions and accessibility issues. Only 36.6% of the participants were willing to get vaccinated every year, 70% were willing to receive a vaccine on their doctor's recommendations, and 46% agreed to vaccinate if vaccines were freely available in the university. The knowledge, barriers, and willingness widely varied across students from two disciplines. Conclusions. Our analysis underscored low flu vaccine uptake among university students. In addition, the study participants' knowledge was unsatisfactory, and they were less inclined to receive the flu vaccine in the future. Lack of recommendation from the physicians, negative perceptions towards the flu vaccine, and difficult accessibility were found as significant barriers to the vaccine uptake. A multidimensional approach at educational institutes to cover the knowledge gap and address the barriers curtailing the vaccination rate among students is recommended.
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| 3. |
- Mallhi, Tauqeer Hussain, et al.
(author)
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Mental Health and Coping Strategies among University Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic : A Cross-Sectional Analysis from Saudi Arabia
- 2023
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 15:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study examined psychological health and coping strategies among faculty and staff at a Saudi Arabian university. A web-based self-administered survey was used to assess probable anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and coping strategies by using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and Brief-COPE scale, respectively. Of 502 participants (mean age 36.04 +/- 10.32 years, male: 66.3%), 24.1% (GAD-7 >= 10) had probable anxiety. Anxiety score was significantly higher in females (p < 0.001), those with a history of COVID-19 infection (p = 0.036), and participants with less work experience (p = 0.019). Approximately 40% of participants met the criteria of probable depression, with females (p < 0.001) and participants with less experience having more depressive symptoms. Around one-fourth (27.7%) of study participants indicated probable PTSD (score +/- 33), with higher symptoms in females (p <0.001), less experienced staff (p < 0.00 1), and academic staff (p = 0.006). Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between anxiety and depression (r = 0.844, p < 0.001), anxiety and PTSD (r = 0.650, p < 0.001), and depression and PTSD (r = 0.676, p < 0.001). Active coping, religious/spiritual coping, and acceptance were common coping strategies, while substance use was the least adopted coping method among the study participants. This study indicated a high prevalence of probable psychological ailments among university staff.
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| 4. |
- Mushtaq, Irrum, et al.
(author)
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Ferrocene-Based Terpolyamides and Their PDMS-Containing Block Copolymers: Synthesis and Physical Properties
- 2022
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In: Polymers. - : MDPI. - 2073-4360. ; 14:23
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aromatic polyamides are well-known as high-performance materials due to their outstanding properties making them useful in a wide range of applications. However, their limited solubility in common organic solvents restricts their processability and becomes a hurdle in their applicability. This study is focused on the synthesis of processable ferrocene-based terpolyamides and their polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-containing block copolymers, using low-temperature solution polycondensation methodology. All the synthesized materials were structurally characterized using FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The ferrocene-based terpolymers and block copolymers were soluble in common organic solvents, while the organic analogs were found only soluble in sulfuric acid. WXRD analysis showed the amorphous nature of the materials, while the SEM analysis exposed the modified surface of the ferrocene-based block copolymers. The structure–property relationship of the materials was further elucidated by their water absorption and thermal behavior. These materials showed low to no water absorption along with their high limiting oxygen index (LOI) values depicting their good flame-retardant behavior. DFT studies also supported the role of various monomers in the polycondensation reaction where the electron pair donation from HOMO of diamine monomer to the LUMO of acyl chloride was predicted, along with the calculation of various other parameters of the representative terpolymers and block copolymers.
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| 5. |
- Salman, Muhammad, et al.
(author)
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Trajectory of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy post-vaccination and public's intention to take booster vaccines : A cross-sectional analysis
- 2023
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In: Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2164-5515 .- 2164-554X. ; 19:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is not a new phenomenon in Pakistan and is regarded as one of the primary causes of unsatisfactory vaccination campaigns. This study determined post-vaccination COVID-19 VH, factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and public's intent to receive booster vaccinations. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult population of Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling between March and May 2022. SPSS version 22 was used for the data analysis. A total of 650 participants were included in the study (age = 28.1 & PLUSMN; 9.7 years; male-to-female ratio nearly 1: 1). The majority of participants received Sinopharm followed by Sinovac vaccine. The top three reasons of vaccine uptake were "only vaccinated individuals are allowed at the workplace, and educational institutes" (Relative importance index (RII) = 0.749), "only vaccinated people are allowed to go to markets, malls and other public places" (RII = 0.746), and "protect myself from the infection" (RII = 0.742). The mean COVID-19 VH score was 24.5 & PLUSMN; 6.2 (95% CI 23.9-24.9), with not being pro-vaccines and poor economic status were the significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among immunized individuals (p < .05). Acceptance of booster vaccines was negatively associated with younger age and a lower level of education. Furthermore, being pro-vaccine was associated with a greater likelihood of accepting booster vaccines (p = .001). The Pakistani public continues to express VH toward COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, aggressive measures must be taken to combat the community factors that contribute to it.
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| 6. |
- Khan, Amir Sada, et al.
(author)
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Efficient Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Levulinic Acid Using Acidic Ionic Liquids
- 2018
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In: Carbohydrate Polymers. - : Elsevier. - 0144-8617 .- 1879-1344. ; 181, s. 208-214
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the present research work, dicationic ionic liquids, containing 1,1-Bis(3-methylimidazolium-1-yl) butylene ([C4(Mim)2]) cation with counter anions [(2HSO4)(H2SO4)0], [(2HSO4)(H2SO4)2] and [(2HSO4)(H2SO4)4] were synthesised. ILs structures were confirmed using 1H NMR spectroscopy. Thermal stability, Hammett acidity, density and viscosity of ILs were determined. Various types of lignocellulosic biomass such as rubber wood, palm oil frond, bamboo and rice husk were converted into LA. Among the synthesized ionic liquids, [C4(Mim)2][(2HSO4)(H2SO4)4] showed higher % yield of LA up to 47.52 from bamboo biomass at 100 °C for 60 min, which is the better yield at low temperature and short time compared to previous reports. Surface morphology, surface functional groups and thermal stability of bamboo before and after conversion into LA were studied using SEM, FTIR and TGA analysis, respectively. This one-pot production of levulinic acid from agro-waste will open new opportunity for the conversion of sustainable biomass resources into valuable chemicals.
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| 7. |
- Mallhi, Tauqeer Hussain, et al.
(author)
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Atypical Complications during the Course of COVID-19 : A Comprehensive Review
- 2024
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In: Medicina. - : MDPI. - 1010-660X .- 1648-9144. ; 60:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, but numerous studies have indicated the involvement of various organ systems during the course of illness. We conducted a comprehensive review of atypical complications of COVID-19 with their incidence range (IR) and their impact on hospitalization and mortality rates. We identified 97 studies, including 55 research articles and 42 case studies. We reviewed four major body organ systems for various types of atypical complications: (i) Gastro-intestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary system, e.g., bowel ischemia/infarction (IR: 1.49-83.87%), GI bleeding/hemorrhage (IR: 0.47-10.6%), hepatic ischemia (IR: 1.0-7.4%); (ii) Neurological system, e.g., acute ischemic stroke/cerebral venous sinus thrombosis/cerebral hemorrhage (IR: 0.5-90.9%), anosmia (IR: 4.9-79.6%), dysgeusia (IR: 2.8-83.38%), encephalopathy/encephalitis with or without fever and hypoxia (IR: 0.19-35.2%); (iii) Renal system, e.g., acute kidney injury (AKI)/acute renal failure (IR: 0.5-68.8%); (iv) Cardiovascular system, e.g., acute cardiac injury/non-coronary myocardial injury (IR: 7.2-55.56%), arrhythmia/ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (IR: 5.9-16.7%), and coagulopathy/venous thromboembolism (IR: 19-34.4%). This review encourages and informs healthcare practitioners to keenly monitor COVID-19 survivors for these atypical complications in all major organ systems and not only treat the respiratory symptoms of patients. Post-COVID effects should be monitored, and follow-up of patients should be performed on a regular basis to check for long-term complications.
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| 8. |
- Mallhi, Tauqeer Hussain, et al.
(author)
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Incidence, risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury among COVID-19 patients : A systematic review of systematic reviews
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in Medicine. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2296-858X. ; 9
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The COVID-19 associated acute kidney injury (CAKI) has emerged as a potential intricacy during the management of patients. Navigating the rapidly growing body of scientific literature on CAKI is challenging, and ongoing critical appraisal of this complication is essential. This study aimed to summarize and critically appraise the systematic reviews (SRs) on CAKI to inform the healthcare providers about its prevalence, risk factors and outcomes. All the SRs were searched in major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science) from inception date to December 2021. This study followed SR of SRs methodology, all the records were screened, extracted and subjected to quality assessment by assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews (AMSTAR-2). The extracted data were qualitatively synthesized and tabulated. This review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022299444). Of 3,833 records identified; 42 SRs were included in this overview. The quality appraisal of the studies showed that 17 SRs were of low quality, while 8 moderate and 17 were of high-quality SRs. The incidence of CAKI ranged from 4.3% to 36.4% in overall COVID-19 patients, 36%-50% in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), and up to 53% in severe or critical illness. Old age, male gender, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were frequently reported risk factors of CAKI. The need of renal replacement therapy (RRT) was up to 26.4% in overall COVID-19 patients, and 39% among those having CAKI. The occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was found independent predictor of death, where mortality rate among CAKI patients ranged from 50% to 93%. This overview of SRs underscores that CAKI occurs frequently among COVID-19 patients and associated with high mortality, need of RRT and adverse outcomes. However, the confidence of these results is moderate to low which warrants the need of more SRs having established methodological standards.
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| 9. |
- Shah, Faiz Ullah, et al.
(author)
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Solid-state 13C, 15N and 29Si NMR characterization of block copolymers with CO2 capture properties
- 2016
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In: Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry. - : Wiley. - 0749-1581 .- 1097-458X. ; 54:9, s. 734-739
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Natural abundance solid-state multinuclear (13C, 15N and 29Si) cross-polarization magic-angle-spinning NMR was used to study structures of three block copolymers based on polyamide and dimethylsiloxane and two polyamides, one of which including ferrocene in its structure. Assignment of most of the resonance lines in 13C, 15N and 29Si cross-polarization magic angle-spinning NMR spectra were suggested. A comparative analysis of 13C isotropic chemical shifts of polyamides with and without ferrocene has revealed a systematic shift towards higher δ -values (de-shielding) explained as the incorporation of paramagnetic ferrocene into the polyamide backbone. In addition, the 13C NMR resonance lines for ferrocene-based polyamide were significantly broadened, because of paramagnetic effects from ferrocene incorporated in the structure of this polyamide polymer. Single resonance lines with chemical shifts ranging from 88.1 to 91.5ppm were observed for 15N sites in all of studied polyamide samples. 29Si chemical shifts were found to be around 22.4ppm in polydimethylsiloxane samples that falls in the range of chemical shifts for alkylsiloxane compounds. The CO2 capture performance of polyamide-dimethylsiloxane-based block copolymers was measured as a function of temperature and pressure. The data revealed that these polymeric materials have potential to uptake CO2 (up to 9.6 cm3 g1) at ambient pressures and in the temperature interval 30–40 °C. Copyright ©2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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| 10. |
- Shah, Shahid, et al.
(author)
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Assessment of health-related quality of life among patients with obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with multimorbidity
- 2023
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 18:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Obesity, hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are among the multifactorial disorders that occur at higher prevalence in a population. This study aims to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with obesity, HTN and T2D individually and in the form of multimorbidity. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients in 15 private clinics of Punjab, Pakistan. A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect the data from patients with obesity, HTN and T2D or their comorbidity. A total of 1350 patients responded by completing the questionnaire. The HRQoL of these patients was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (a standardized instrument for measuring generic health status). Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Multivariate linear regression model was used to model the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. In total, 15% of patients had combined obesity, HTN and T2D; 16.5% had HTN and T2D; 13.5% had obesity and HTN and 12.8% had obesity and T2D. Only 15.8% of patients had obesity, 14.3% had HTN, and 12% had T2D. Mann Whitney-U test gave the statistically significant (p = <0.001) HRQoL VAS score55.1 (±23.2) of patients with the obesity. HRQoL VAS scores of patients with obesity were found to be higher when compared to patients with both T2D 49.8 (±15.4) and HTN 48.2 (±21). Diagnosis of one, two and three diseases showed significant results in VAS with all variables including gender (p = 0.004), educational level (p = <0.001), marital status (p<0.001), residence (p = <0.001), financial situation (p = <0.001) and monthly income (p = <0.001). The most frequently observed extremely problematic dimension was anxiety/ depression (47%) and the self-care (10%) was the least affected. Patient HRQoL is decreased by T2D, HTN, and obesity. The impact of these diseases coexisting is more detrimental to HRQoL.
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