Association of post-traumatic stress disorder and work performance: A survey from an emergency medical service, Karachi, Pakistan

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to explore the association between posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) and work performance of emergency medical services personnel in Karachi, Pakistan.METHODS: Emergency medical service personnel were screened for potential PTSD using Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R). Work performance was assessed on the basis of fi ve variables: number of late arrivals to work, number of days absent, number of days sick, adherence to protocol, and patient satisfaction over a period of 3 months. In order to model outcomes like the number of late arrivals to work, days absent and days late, negative binomial regression was applied, whereas logistic regression was applied for adherence to protocol and linear for patient satisfaction scores.RESULTS: Mean scores of PTSD were 24.0±12.2. No association was found between PTSD and work performance measures: number of late arrivals to work(RRadj 0.99; 0.98–1.00), days absent(RRadj 0.98; 0.96–0.99), days sick(RRadj 0.99; 0.98–1.00), adherence to protocol(ORadj 1.01; 0.99–1.04) and patient satisfaction(β 0.001%–0.03%) after adjusting for years of formal schooling, living status, coping mechanism, social support, working hours, years of experience and anxiety or depression.CONCLUSION: No statistically significant association was found between PTSD and work performance amongst EMS personnel in Karachi, Pakistan.

Statistical and Geospatial Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Megacity of Karachi

Inserting Groundwater quality variability and sources potentially contributing to aquifer recharge was evaluated in metropolitan Karachi. Selected sampling sites were characterized by large waste dumping sites, industrial zones, and the presence of open streams receiving heavy loads of industrial and domestic wastes. Levels of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), fluoride (F-), chloride (Cl-), bromide (Br-), nitrate-N (NO-3-N), sulfate (SO2-4), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and ammonium (NH+4) were determined and compared with the WHO permissible limits. Concentrations of the measured ions were in the order of Cl- > Na+ > SO2-4 > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > NO-3-N > K+ > F- > Br-. EC values were above the WHO guidelines, representing the presence of high ionic concentration in the groundwater. The health risk index (HRI) for indicated that inhabitants of Karachi are at risk of high exposure. Ingestion of high concentrations of NO-3-N in water can cause methemoglobinemia and birth defects. Results of multivariate statistical analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA), and geographic information system (GIS) map analysis revealed that human activities are leading to adverse effects on the existing groundwater quality in Karachi.

Temporal variations of mesozooplankton abundance and biomass in the mangrove creek area along the Karachi coast, Pakistan

The temporal variations of mesozooplankton abundance and biomass （1-Volumetric method by settling volume and displacement volume and 2- Gravimetric method through wet weight, dry weight and ash-free dry weight） with relation to environmental parameters were studied in the mangrove creek area of Karachi coast, Pakistan. The data of mesozooplankton samples along with environmental parameters （temperature, salinity, pH, etc.） were collected during January 1998 to December 1998 from two creek stations. The abun-dance of mesozooplankton also exhibited seasonal trends at both stations. At Sta. S2, the highest and low-est abundance values were observed during post-monsoon and southwest monsoon respectively whereas, at Sta. S1, a clear trend of high abundance in pre-monsoon to low abundance in southwest monsoon was observed. Mesozooplankton abundance was also positively correlated with settling volume, displacement volume, wet weight and dry weight. The highest biomass value was observed in the northeast monsoon and pre-monsoon periods. The results of the canonical analysis of the output from the discriminate function was tested. Out of fifteen variables, only one was significantly different in single character ratios dry weight/ash free-dry weight （F3,23=4.78,P＆lt;0.005）. The mesozooplankton community was collectively composed of 28 taxa. Among these groups, copepoda （66.3%）, gastropod larvae （9.94%）, evadne （4.60%）, zoea （3.60%）, cypris nauplii （2.56%）, lemellibranch larvae （1.87%）, chaetognaths （1.81%）, ostracods （1.73%）, lucifer （1.15%） and barnacles nauplii （1.35%） contributed the most to the similarities within Sta. S1, while copepoda （74.68%）, cypris nauplii （5.29%）, gastropods （4.87%）, barnacles nauplii （4.81%）, evadne （1.72%）, zoea （1.53%） and ca-ridean larvae （1.18%） at Sta. S2. The remaining mesozooplanktonic group were accounted for less than 5% and 6% at Sta. S1 and Sta. S2 respectively, of the total organisms. Similarity percentage （SIMPER） analysis revealed that copepoda, gastropod larvae and cyprus nauplii contributed most of the similarities within Sta. S2 along Sta. S1.

Monitoring of Environmental Mercury Exposure Using Hair as Bioindicator and the Study of Potential Factors Affecting on It in Karachi

The World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have recommended the use of hair for worldwide environmental monitoring. Mercury exposure to the inhabitants of Karachi was assessed by using hair as bioindicator. Hair samples of 200 residents of Karachi were collected and analyzed through cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAA) technique for mercury concentration. The effects of age, gender, working status, location, food and smoking habit were investigated. Control region showed a positive correlation between HHg and age of donor while no such correlation was observed for polluted regions. Mercury exposure through cosmetic usage in female was only pronounced in control region. These results indicate that environmental pollution dominates other potential factors. Age and smoking habit were not found to be the influencing factors while an elevated mean level of mercury was noticed for regular fish consumers than rarely fish consumers. 95.33% of the samples contained HHg greater than the permissible level of 2 μg?g?1 set by WHO. An apparently healthy male donor had HHg concentration (28.24 μg?g?1) closer to the high risk concentration of 30 μg?g?1 based on WHO criteria. Whereas, two female donors of the age group of 41-50 years had HHg concentrations (10.82 and 11.84 μg?g?1) higher than the NOAEL (no observed adverse affects level) value (10 μg?g?1) for females which is associated with fetus neurotoxicity. However, no symptoms of mercury toxicity were visible. The results indicate the alarming condition of pollution in the city which should be taken into further consideration.

Study of Physicochemical Parameters of Rainwater: A Case Study of Karachi, Pakistan

The urban centers of developing countries like Karachi city in Pakistan are facing the menace of air pollution and atmospheric wet deposition can be used as a tool for monitoring the quality of air. In this study, rainwater samples from eighteen different towns of Karachi were collected during monsoon season (July to September, 2013) in triplicate and analyzed. Their pH (range 6.2 - 7.9), electrical conductivity (range 0.02 - 0.21 m·S/cm), total dissolved solids (range 32 - 159 mg/l), dissolved oxygen (range 6.3 - 8.2 mg/l) and hardness (23 - 89 mg/l) were immediately monitored within next twenty four hours of sample collections. The samples were then acidified and analyzed for the presence of major cations ammonium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and flame emission spectroscopy. The anions fluoride, chloride, nitrate, carbonate and sulphate were analyzed by ion chromatography. The results of the analysis were compared with the values provided by WHO guidelines in order to access the quality of water. Most of the rainwater samples were completely free from considerable pollution and meet the WHO standard values. However, in Lyari, Gulshan, Shah Faisal, Landhi, Malir and Gadap town the concentration of Mg2+ and in North Nazimabad, Korangi, Gulshan, Saddar, Lyari, SITE and Keamari town the concentration of?N3- is above the WHO standards, indicating their presence from air pollution.

Frequency of Musculoskeletal Pain among Surgeons in Karachi

To determine the dynamic physical strain exerted on an individual during work, an evaluation of all physical performances is necessary. For surgeons, sustaining healthy ergonomics is essential, particularly for cases requiring long standing hours. Indeed, the absence of proper ergonomics may lead to multiple musculoskeletal issues. Failure to check these problems may lead to future degenerative changes and eventually career-ending damages. Pain among surgeons is expected since they spend many hours caring for patients that they ignore their health, standing for prolonged hours. Lack of attention to work ergonomics often leads to work-related muscle pain and increased risk of problems.

巴基斯坦Karachi市医院的临床经验:患儿母亲在康复病房护理极低出生体重儿可缩短住院时间

研究背景:在发展中国家,极低出生体重婴儿(体重【1500g)的临床护理工作比较繁重,且住院时间多延长。1987年,巴基斯坦Karachi市AgaKhan大学医学中心成立新生儿重症监护室。直到1993-1994年,该中心出生的极低出生体重儿住院时间仍保持在18-21d。故1994年9月。

LIQUID PRODUCTS MARINE TERMINAL OP-V OF KARACHI PORT,PAKISTAN WAS COMMISSIONED

The Karachi Port of Pakistan is a deep natural sea port with a history of 150 years. The Port has an 11 km long approach channel decaracted with buoys for proriding safe navigation of 75,000 DWT tankers,modern container vessels,bulk Karachi Port is the premier port of Pakistan and handles over 85 percent of the whole dry gen-

Geochemistry and Sedimentology of Jhill Limestone of Gaj Formation, in CapeMonze and Adjoining Area, Karachi

Among several lithostratigraphic subdivisions of the Ga Formation of Miocene age,the Jhill limestone is entirely different with respect to its colour, texture and structures. This limestone unit has been evaluated to elaborate its geochemical and sedimentological characteristics. The distribution of various elements in the acid-soluble fraction has been studied in order to determine their mineralogy, sedimentary environment, facies and diagenesis. Mineralogy,recrystallization and other diagenetic changes are the main factors affecting the distribution of trace elements and their mutual relationships in the limestones. Samples of the Jhill limestone show depletion in large-sized ions (Sr, Pb & K) and also in the ions that are not compatible with calcite space group. Elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu & Co) having distribution eoefficient (D) above unity for natural calcites, are more enriched. Microscopic and X-ray studies revealed nearly complete conversion of aragonite into stable low-Mg calcite.An attempt has also been made to verify the reefal conditions for these limestones on the basis of geochemical studies. The plots of Sr and other facies-indicator elements show that the majority of the beds belong to forereef flank facies with some algal banks. Low Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios suggest that a phreatic diagenetic environment prevailed after the deposilion. High concentrations of Cr, Ni, and Co in the Jhill limestone show a positive correlation with a higher amount of insoluble residue, which reflects a relatively high rate of influx of terrigenous material.

Diet and feeding ecology of black-barred halfbeak Hemiramphus far(Forsskal, 1775) (Hemiramphidae) from Karachi coast of Pakistan

Objective:To describe the diet and feeding ecology ofHemiramphus far (H. far) through investigating the stomach contents. <br> Methods: Sampling of total 430 individuals ofH. far was carried out from commercial catches landed at West Wharf fish harbor of Karachi coast, Pakistan during January–December 2010. The total length and weight of each individual were recorded. Samples were parted into Group 1 (15–20 cm,n = 240) and Group 2 (21–26 cm,n = 190), to estimate changes in diet with fish size. To remove alimentary canal, fishes were dissected and kept into 10% formalin. Then gut contents were examined under a light microscope for each intestine. Stomach fullness as well as dietary composition was ascertained from gut contents. Examination and analyses were conducted using frequency of occurrence and numerical method. <br> Results:The examination confirmed 47.67% stomach as empty. Furthermore, our study revealed that the diet ofH. far consists of fishes, isopods, ostracods,Daphnia, shells, algae, unidentified plants and animal materials. This study proved thatH. far is an omnivorous fish feeding on fishes, isopods, shells, algae and plant and animal originated different food items. According to the Schoener overlap index, there was no significant difference in feeding of the two length groups ofH. far (C = 0.833). In addition, the Shannon-Wiener index presented that in Group 1, the prey diversity of the halfbeak was lower (H = 0.90) than that of Group 2 (H = 1.02). <br> Conclusions: The findings of the present study would be very effective for sustainable management of black-barred halfbeak fishery in the Karachi coast of Pakistan and the surrounding ecosystems.

Arsenic enrichment in mangroves,and sediments along Karachi coast,Pakistan

Objective:To assess the arsenic(As)concentration in different parts of mangroves Avicenniamarina and sediments in Karachi coastal area i.e.Korangi Creek,Manora,Kakapir and Sandspit.Methods:Sites are identified for sampling owing to their vicinity to industrial activities.Sandspit is targeted for its being devoid of industries.The hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry(HG-AAS)were used to analyse the concentration of arsenic in mangrove and sediment.Results:The high concentration of As was found in roots and middle aerial part as compared to the upper part of mangroves.The concentrations of As was found higher in sediments as compared to the mangroves.There is a seasonal variation of As enrichment in mangrove and sediments as dry seasons showed higher concentration while in rainy season dilution factors may be attributed to the low level of As.The concentration variation of As in sampling sites of mangroves and sediments following the trend i.e.Korangi Creek>Manora>Kakapir>Sandspit.The statistical analysis(Two way ANOVA)of data exhibited no significant difference(P>0.05)for trace metals concentrations in mangrove as well as in sediments.Conclusions:It is obvious to conclude that As should be continuously monitored in different environmental segments.The data must correlate with geographical distribution of As,quantification in different species,their solubility and bioavailability to understand the possible factors responsible for environmental pollution.The present study will be helpful to improve water management resources.

Hepatoprotective potential of three sargassum species from Karachi coast against carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen intoxication

Objective:To assess the hepatoprotective effect of ethanol extracts of Sargassum variegatum(S.variegatum),Sargassum tenerrimum(S.tenerrimum)and Sargassum binderi occurring at Karachi coast against carbon tetrachloride(CCl_(4))and acetaminophen intoxication in rats.Methods:Sargassum species were collected at low tide from Buleji beach at Karachi coast.Effect of ethanol extracts of Sargassum spp.,on lipid parameter,serum glucose and kidney function was examined.Liver damage in rats was induced by CCl_(4) or acetaminophen.Rats were administered with ethanol extracts of S.tenerrimum,S.variegatum and Sargassum binderi at 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 14 days separately.Hepatotoxicity was determined in terms of cardiac and liver enzymes and other biochemical parameters.Results:S.variegatum showed highest activity by reducing the elevated level of hepatic enzymes,bilirubin,serum glucose,triglyceride with restoration of cholesterol.Urea and creatinine concentrations were also significantly(P<0.05)reduced as compared to acetaminophen intoxicated rats.S.tenerrimum and S.variegatum showed moderate activity against CCl_(4) hepatic toxicity.Conclusions:The protective role of S.variegatum against acetaminophen liver damage and its positive impact on disturbed lipid,glucose metabolism,kidney dysfunction and S.tenerrimum against CCl_(4) liver toxicity suggest that Sargassum species offer a non-chemical means for the treatment of toxicity mediated liver damage.

世界男子跆拳道技战术的发展趋势和中国跆拳道男队的差距分析——2006年“伊朗公开赛”和“卡拉奇城市金杯赛”综述

通过对中国男子跆拳道队参加2006年伊朗公开赛、卡拉奇城市金杯赛的观察和收集到的部分材料,对世界男子跆拳道技战术的最新发展趋势进行了归纳;在与跆拳道运动项目世界强队的比较中,对中国跆拳道男队存在差距的主要表现进行了归纳,对差距产生的原因进行了简要分析。

巴基斯坦卡拉奇港综合交通解决方案

卡拉奇港是巴基斯坦最大的海港,位于卡拉奇市西南侧,为中巴经济走廊东端出海口,目前港口发展面临港城矛盾突出、集疏运通道繁忙等问题,在分析卡拉奇港集疏运通道现状的基础上,对穿越卡拉奇城区的集疏运量进行预测,提出建设疏港道路、沿海铁路、沿海公路、ML-1铁路及港区铁路改造多种通道方案,并结合卡拉奇港和卡拉奇市发展需要提出疏港道路+ML-1铁路及港区铁路改造、疏港道路+沿海公路、沿海公路+ML-1铁路及港区铁路改造、沿海铁路、沿海铁路+沿海公路的不同组合解决方案,在对各组合方案进行比选后提出综合解决方案,可为类似项目提供参考。

Establishment of Geomagnetic Observatories in Pakistan and Repeat Station Results from Northern Part of Pakistan

A geomagnetic observatory was established at Karachi （geog coord： 24.95°N, 167.14° E）, Pakistan in 1983 which comprised of AMOS-Ⅲ （Automatic Magnetic Observatory System）. In 2006 SUPARCO （Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission） planned to upgrade the old observatory of Karachi in order to qualify it as an IMO （Intermagnet Magnetic Observatory）. Dr. Jean Rasson agreed to give support and assist us in the upgradation. BGS （British Geological Survey） provided a complete observatory instrument setup. Due to perturbations traceable to the increased urbanization, the observatory has been shifted to a site ＂Sonmiani＂, 80 km north-west of Karachi, where long term protection from cultural noise is offered. This site in a sparsely built research complex was selected after a magnetic survey. A new observatory has also been established at Islamabad （geog cord： 33.75° N, 72.87° E） which is mountainous region. SUPARCO purchased new equipment for the establishment of new observatories. Plan of upgradation of observatory at Quetta is also under consideration in order to improve the monitoring of geomagnetic field on the western part of Pakistan. Repeat station work has been done for the northern part of Pakistan with the collaboration of IRM, Belgium. The obtained results also compared with the global geomagnetic model （IGRF）.

Bilateral Retractile Testis: A Possible Risk Factor for Male Infertility

Healthy youth is an asset and strength for economic and social growth of any society. Developmental changes during puberty of youngsters need proper guidance to avoid future physical, physiological and psychological ailments. Bilateral Retractile Testis (BRT) is a health problem if remains unnoticed till adolescence can lead to tribulations. BRT may affect testicular parenchyma and spermatogenesis. Cremasteric muscles (muscles attached with testes) pull the testes up into groin so it randomly moves up and down and do not reside in its natural pouch always. It has been a controversial issue in male infertility as retraction may affect infertility. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of male infertility among patients with Bilateral Retractile Testis. Methodology: A total of 200 male patients were enrolled after the power calculation, with different reproductive health problems between the age of 18 - 40 years during the year 2016 at Reproductive health clinic Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi. 25 male patients were reported with infertility and BRT. The data was collected using self-developed questionnaire including outdoor patients’ physical check-up, manual testicular examination as size and shape were done. Patient height, weight, blood pressure, their lifestyle, and dressing regarding wearing tight jeans habits were asked. Semen analysis was carried out showing abnormality in sperm count, motility or morphology and entered and analysed in the SPSS version 10. Means and percentages were calculated. Result: Out of 200 male infertile patients, a total of 25 (12.5%) patients with a diagnosis of BRT were found in the sample with the mean age of 29 years. Moreover, it was identified that those having BRT also have low motility of the sperms. Based on the results it was concluded that BRT is a possible cause of male infertility in Pakistani population. Conclusion: BRT is a possible risk factor to affect sperm motility and low sperm motility can lead to male infertility. The study estimates the prevalence of 12.5% among our sampled men.

Sex and age classes of prey items (rats/mice) in the diet of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) in Sindh,Pakistan

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) pellets were collected from nine locations and two districts of Sindh,Pakistan and 937 prey items were recovered from 619 pellets.Rats/mice (59.6%) were the most dominant food items consumed by the Barn Owl.Shrews (22.3%),bats (1.3%),birds (12.0%),insects (1.3%),frogs (2.2%) and plant materials (1.3%) were found in their diet as well.Study of the pelvic girdle bones of rats/mice,used only for sexing,proved to be a useful device in population dynamics.In the pelvic bone,pelvic symphysis is found only in female rats/mice developed as a result of sex hormones that occur during gestation.Among the diet of rats/mice,males were found to be significantly dominant.Tooth wear patterns on the occlusal surfaces of molariform teeth of the rats/mice were found to provide an effective criterion for establishing age classes of rats/mice.In the present study,adult rats/mice were found to be dominant over sub-adults and old adults.ANOVA showed significant differences in the number of rats/mice and shrews (prey items) and the other prey items/plant materials in the diet of Barn Owls in the district Thatta and district Karachi.Chi-square test disclosed non-significant differences in age and sex categories.

巴基斯坦工程项目物流方案的探讨

工程物流在国际工程项目中占有决定性的作用,文中通过H公司巴基斯坦卡拉奇的N项目工程物流方案的研究策划,介绍如何具体策划和实施巴基斯坦卡拉奇的国际工程项目,以期降低工程物流的成本和时间。

基于危险源辨识管理的卡拉奇核电项目热态性能试验安全管理浅研

本文介绍了巴基斯坦卡拉奇“华龙一号”海外首堆在对热态性能试验中涉及的危险源的辨识、危险性的评价、危险源的控制、危险源的应急等,充分分析了试验过程中危险源的产生的原因及特性。采取合理措施,把试验过程中危险降低到可接受的程度,努力把事故发生的概率降低。卡拉奇核电热态性能试验的安全管理,充分吸取了国内类似核电经验,并结合现场实际特点,为卡拉奇核电另一机组及在巴基斯坦国内其他后续核电建设项目中安全管理提供良好实践经验。

改进的通信状态字在巴基斯坦卡拉奇项目中的应用

讲述了通信状态字在DCS一二层通信中的重要性,考虑到福清3/4项目中通信状态字的定义种类繁多,而且每种类型内部的状态耦合严重,对种类进行了简化,并且对每种类型内部的状态进行分组以解除耦合情况,使用改进的通信状态字,可以简化一二层的接口设计,提高图符的复用率,提高工作效率,而且改进的通信状态字在巴基斯坦卡拉奇核电项目(K2K3)中应用良好。