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The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading across the world. Pharmacy services play a vital role in public health in preventing and containing the COVID-19 pandemic. All over the world, especially in the developed countries pharmacists have responded smartly and speedily for public health, such as establishing professional protective and service guidance for pharmacy staff and services, creating and updating drug formularies, addressing the issues of drug shortages, providing public education for prevention and management of infection, contributing in drug evaluation and clinical trials. In this commentary, we review the exclusive demands from pharmacy services in Pakistan during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and sharing the responses of our hospital pharmacy to these demands and needs with the international pharmacy community, especially of the low and middle-income countries like Pakistan.

Background Antibiotic resistance (ABX-R) is alarming in lower/middle-income countries (LMICs). Nonadherence to antibiotic guidelines and inappropriate prescribing are significant contributing factors to ABX-R. This study determined the clinical and economic impacts of antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in surgical intensive care units (SICU) of LMIC. Method We conducted this pre and post-test analysis in adult SICU of Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, and compared pre-ASP (September–December 2017) and post-ASP data (April–July 2018). January–March 2018 as an implementation/training phase, for designing standard operating procedures and training the team. We enrolled all the patients admitted to adult SICU and prescribed any antibiotic. ASP-team daily reviewed antibiotics prescription for its appropriateness. Through prospective-audit and feedback-mechanism changes were made and recorded. Outcome measures included antibiotic defined daily dose (DDDs)/1000 patient-days, prescription appropriateness, antibiotic duration, readmission, mortality, and cost-effectiveness. Result 123 and 125 patients were enrolled in pre-ASP and post-ASP periods. DDDs/1000 patient-days of all the antibiotics reduced in the post-ASP period, ceftriaxone, cefazolin, metronidazole, piperacillin/tazobactam, and vancomycin showed statistically significant ( p  < 0.01) reduction. The duration of all antibiotics use reduced significantly ( p  < 0.01). Length of SICU stays, mortality, and readmission reduced in the post-ASP period. ID-pharmacist interventions and source-control-documentation were observed in 62% and 50% cases respectively. Guidelines adherence improved significantly ( p  < 0.01). Net cost saving is 6360US$ yearly, mainly through reduced antibiotics consumption, around US$ 18,000 (PKR 2.8 million) yearly. Conclusion ASP implementation with supplemental efforts can improve the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions and the optimum duration of use. The approach is cost-effective mainly due to the reduced cost of antibiotics with rational use. Better source-control-documentation may further minimize the ABX-R in SICU.

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is a public health problem in Pakistan and is prevalent among most women of reproductive age in the country. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is suggested to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes and vitamin D deficiency in both the mother and her newborn.MethodsWe conducted a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial in Karachi, Pakistan to evaluate the effect of different doses of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on biochemical markers (serum 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase) in women and neonates, and on pregnancy and birth outcomes (gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, preterm births and stillbirths).ResultsPregnant women (N=350) in their first trimester were recruited and randomised to three treatment groups of vitamin D supplementation: 4000 IU/day (group A, n=120), 2000 IU/day (group B, n=115) or 400 IU/day (group C, n=115). Women and their newborn in group A had the lowest vitamin D deficiency at endline (endline: 75.9%; neonatal: 64.9%), followed by group B (endline: 84.9%; neonatal: 73.7%) and then the control group (endline: 90.2%; neonatal: 91.8%). Vitamin D deficiency was significantly lower in group A than in group C (p=0.006) among women at endline and lower in both groups A and B than in the control group (p=0.001) in neonates. Within groups, serum 25(OH)D was significantly higher between baseline and endline in group A and between maternal baseline and neonatal levels in groups A and B. Participant serum 25(OH)D levels at the end of the trial were positively correlated with those in intervention group A (4000 IU/day) (β=4.16, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.7, p=0.002), with food group consumption (β=0.95, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.89, p=0.047) and with baseline levels of serum 25(OH)D (β=0.43, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.58, p<0.0001).ConclusionThe evidence provided in our study indicates that vitamin D supplementation of 4000 IU/day was more effective in reducing vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women and in improving serum 25(OH)D levels in mothers and their neonates compared with 2000 IU/day and 400 IU/day. Trial registration number NCT02215213.

Infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) such as Gram-negative bacteria have high morbidity and mortality with limited treatment options. Colistin, an antibiotic active against MDRO, was rarely used due to frequent adverse effects, but its use has now been recommended among adults. In this study, we determined the efficacy of colistin for the treatment of sepsis in neonates. We conducted a retrospective record review of all neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, between June 2015 and June 2018, who had sepsis and received colistin by intravenous, inhalation and/or intrathecal routes. Predictors of colistin efficacy, for neonatal survival and microbial clearance, were assessed using multiple logistic regression. 153 neonates received colistin; 120 had culture-proven sepsis; and 93 had MDR-GNB (84 colistin-sensitive). 111 (72.5%) neonates survived and were discharged from hospital; 82.6% had microbial clearance. Neonates with colistin-sensitive bacteria (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.2, 95% CI 2.8 to 4.0), and those in which colistin therapy started early (AOR=7.2, 95% CI 3.5 to 13.6) were more likely to survive. Neonates with increased gestational age (AOR=1.9, 95% CI 1.5 to 3.0), higher weight (AOR=5.4, 95% CI 3.3 to 11.8) and later onset of sepsis (AOR=4.3, 95% CI 2.0 to 9.0) had higher survival. Adverse events included nephrotoxicity in 5.2%; 13.7% developed seizures and 18.3% had electrolyte imbalance. Colistin therapy was associated with survival among neonates suffering from MDR-GNB sepsis. The frequency of side effects was moderate.

ObjectiveNutrition societies recommend using standardised parenteral nutrition (SPN) solutions. We designed evidence-based SPN formulations for neonates admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and evaluated their outcomes.DesignThis was a quality improvement initiative. Data were collected retrospectively before and after the intervention.SettingA tertiary-care level 3 NICU at the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan.PatientsAll NICU patients who received individualised PN (IPN) from December 2016 to August 2017 and SPN from October 2017 to June 2018.InterventionsA team of neonatologists and nutrition pharmacists collaborated to design two evidence-based SPN solutions for preterm neonates admitted to the NICU.Main outcome measuresWe recorded mean weight gain velocity from days 7 to 14 of life. The other outcomes were change in weight expressed as z-scores, metabolic abnormalities, PN-associated liver disease (PNALD), length of NICU stay and episodes of sepsis during hospital stay.ResultsNeonates on SPN had greater rate of change in weight compared with IPN (β=13.40, 95% CI: 12.02 to 14.79) and a smaller decrease in z-scores (p<0.001). Neonates in the SPN group had fewer hyperglycemic episodes (IPN: 37.5%, SPN: 6.2%) (p<0.001), electrolyte abnormalities (IPN: 56.3%, SPN: 21%) (p<0.001), PNALD (IPN: 52.5%, SPN: 18.5%) (p<0.001) and sepsis (IPN: 26%, SPN: 20%) (p<0.05). The median length of stay in NICU was 14.0 (IQR 12.0–21.0) for the IPN and 8.0 (IQR 5.0–13.0) days for the SPN group.ConclusionsWe found that SPN was associated with shorter NICU stay and greater weight gain. In-house preparation of SPN can be used to address the nutritional needs in resource-limited settings where commercially prepared SPN is not available.

Resistance to carbapenems is a global threat, especially in developing countries with limited health resources. Prevalence, antibiogram, PCR detection of antibiotic resistance genes, and potency of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa were studied. Kirby-Bauer disc method and PCR were used to study antibiogram and drug resistance genes respectively in 255 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from a tertiary care hospital. Silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) precursor salts were reacted with Aspergillus flavus culture filtrate to trigger the extracellular mycosynthesis of AgNPs. Mycosynthesis was first monitored regularly by visible ultraviolet spectroscopy that recorded AgNP peaks of approximately 400–470 nm. Confirmation by Transmission electron micrographs provided confirmation of AgNPs formed within a range of 5–30 nm. Individual and combined antibacterial activity of ten antibiotics and AgNPs was analyzed. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated for phenotypic and genotypic multidrug resistance. Data were evaluated using SPSS version 20. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 61.5% were carbapenemase producers (p < 0.01). The recorded frequency of bla IMP-1 , bla SHV , bla VIM , bla OXA , and bla TEM were 13%, 32%, 15%, 21%, and 43%, respectively. The reducing order of antimicrobial activity of antibiotics and AgNPs was piperacillin/tazobactam + AgNPs (31 mm), cefoxitin + AgNPs (30 mm) > amikacin + AgNPs (25 mm) > aztreonam + AgNPs (23 mm) > meropenem + AgNPs (22 mm) > imipenem + AgNPs (20 mm) > gentamycin + AgNPs (17 mm) > ciprofloxacin + AgNPs (16 mm) > cefoperazone/sulbactam + AgNPs (14 mm) ≥ ceftazidime + AgNPs (14 mm). The conjugated effect of AgNPs plus antibiotics showed a 0.15–3.51 (average of 2.09) fold-area augmentation of antimicrobial activity. AgNPs conjugated with antibiotics effectively inhibited MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa . To the best of our understanding, this is an inaugural report from Punjab Pakistan enlisting co-expression of Metallo-β-lactamases, extended-spectrum β-lactamases, and AmpC-β-lactamase plus activity of antibiotic-AgNPs.

Climate change, energy security, and volatile energy prices have been emerging as eminent threats worldwide. To overcome these concerns, energy efficiency could play a positive role. Hence, this study probes whether energy efficiency curbs CO 2 emissions in the US, while controlling for trade, economic growth, and population. We use the Fourier-ADF and Fourier-LM tests to discern the unit-roots. Moreover, to render reliable findings, we rely on the novel Fourier ARDL model. The study divulges that energy efficiency plunges emissions in the long- and short-run. In particular, a 1% upsurge in energy efficiency impedes emissions by about 0.37% and 1.07% during the long- and short-term, respectively. Moreover, population and economic growth escalate emissions whether it is long- or short-run. Next, we document that trade upsurges emissions in the long-run. Also, we perform two types of sensitivity analysis to test whether our key results remain the same across different models/methods. Finally, we suggest escalating energy efficiency through investment and technological advancement. Moreover, import tariffs on renewables should be plunged while there should be relatively high tariffs on non-renewables.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect that COVID-19 has on the performance of the stock market in emerging economies. The findings as a whole demonstrate that the stock market does not react significantly. We believe that the outcomes of this study provide knowledge that is useful for decision makers in financial markets and policy all around the globe. Methods. Data for 140 companies are obtained from the official websites of the companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine whether there was a significant difference before and after the pandemic era. In addition, the ARDL model was chosen because of the variable integration mix (order 0 and 1). Implications. Theoretically, it added to the information that was already available about the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of stock markets in emerging economies. In a purely practical way, it will help those in charge of making policies come up with plans to deal with things that cannot be predicted. Results. The findings of the analysis demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a 52.85% reduction in the volatility of Pakistan’s net profit returns. The study shows a statistically insignificant negative association between the COVID-19 pandemic and Pakistan’s stock returns. The empirical results of ARDL models provide the first conclusion of the analysis, indicating that the number of long-term connections was greater than short-term connections. Conclusion. According to the findings of the research, the pandemic caused by COVID-19 has a bigger impact on the financial performance of enterprises (both positively and negatively). Some companies are able to maintain their place in the market even if the bulk of the firms see their performance suffer during a pandemic. Originality. We are the first to use the ARDL model to evaluate the effect of the new COVID-19 pandemic on a stock market in a developing nation.

PurposeThis research aims to explain the effect of financial indicators and economic growth on human capital in low-income countries.Design/methodology/approachWe gathered balanced panel data from 1980 to 2016 over a sample of 12 low-income countries categorized by World Development Indicators. The data stationary properties were analyzed by unit root test while the existence of a long-run relationship among the variables was confirmed by cointegration test. We performed Hausman test to differentiate between the fixed effect and random effect model. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results.FindingsOur findings indicated that broad money supply and private sector credit has a positive and significant impact on human capital. Interestingly, bank credit showed a negative and significant effect on human capital. We also found a significant positive relationship between human capital and economic growth in the study sample.Originality/valueThis is a preliminary study using financial development and human capital in low-income countries with panel econometric techniques as an analysis tool. Overall, we suggest a policy to focus on the financial sector development and economic growth to produce sustainable human capital.

Rice grain aroma is a promising quality factor that influence consumer acceptability. The principal volatile compound that contributes Basmati rice fragrance is 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP). Milled White rice samples of promising Basmati rice varieties (Super Basmati, Basmati-515, Basmati 2000, Basmati 370) were analyzed for fragrant volatile compounds by gas chromatography (GC) coupled with Solid Phase Micro Extraction unit (SPME) using Flame ionizing Detector (FID). Six volatile compounds (Nonanal, Decanal, and alcohols such as benzyl alcohol, Indole) were identified in the tested varieties, among them 2-AP is only present in aromatic rice varieties. This study confirmed the occurrence of 2-AP in all studied varieties with highest concentration in Super Basmati followed by Basmati-515, Basmati 2000 and Basmati 370.