Asma Noreen - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Asma Noreen
Cataract is one of the commonest overt maladies connected in the impairment of vision. Cataract i... more Cataract is one of the commonest overt maladies connected in the impairment of vision. Cataract is a progressive clouding of the human lens inside the eye. The lens is a small oval like structure and consists of a thin capsule enveloping a bag of protein. The protein is crystal clear and colorless at birth but discolors and clouds with age: first yellow, then brown, and finally cloudy. When the lens becomes cloudy and interferes with vision, it is called a cataract. The lens no longer transmits or focuses light clearly.
JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2021
OBJECTIVE To explore inherent associations between psychological distress and resilience, and its... more OBJECTIVE To explore inherent associations between psychological distress and resilience, and its effect on quality of life among medical and non-medical students. METHODS The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2018 to January 2020 after approval from the Department of Psychology Ethics Committee of the International Islamic University, Islamabad, and comprised medical and non-medical students of either gender enrolled with different institutions of higher learning in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Data were obtained using Brief Resilience Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and Quality of Life Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS. RESULTS Of the 300 subjects, 150(50%) each were medical and non medical students. Within both groups, 75(50%) each were males and females. Psychological resilience was a positive predictor of quality of life ( =0.30) whereas psychological distress served as a negative predictor of quality of life ( =-0.54). Medical students were significa...
Botanical Studies, 2008
Seed priming improves vigor, but priming agents may differ greatly in their effectiveness. The pr... more Seed priming improves vigor, but priming agents may differ greatly in their effectiveness. The present study was performed to unravel the physiological basis of vigor improvement by priming sunflower achenes with pre-optimized levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), salicylic acid (SA), thiourea (TU), gibberellic acid (GA3), ascorbic acid (AA), sodium chloride (NaCl), freezing and heating. Most of the treatments induced de novo synthesis of peptides with low (37 kDa for H2O2, SA and NaCl treatments, and 57 kDa for SA and TU treatments) and high (157 kDa for H2O2, SA, TU, GA3 and AA treatments and 167 kDa for SA treatment) molecular mass, reduced solute leakage, and an enhanced soluble sugar pool in the achenes. Priming reduced days to 50% germination (T50) and mean germination time (MGT) and improved germination energy (GE) and final germination percentage (FGP). Shoot length was improved by priming with H2O2, GA3, and NaCl; root length with NaCl and H2O2; shoot and root dry weight with...
Acute gastroenteritis is a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, accounting for 15% o... more Acute gastroenteritis is a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, accounting for 15% of all childhood deaths worldwide. Evidence from developed countries suggests that intake of lactose-free milk during diarrheal episodes may reduce the duration of the illness in pediatric inpatients. In this study we compare the outcome of lactose free milk with lactose containing formula milk in terms of mean time to resolution of diarrhea in the management of acute watery diarrhea in infants. In randomized controlled trial a total of 69 children, between 1-12 months of either gender with acute diarrhea for less than 14 days were included in the study after a written informed consent. These patients were included from Department of Pediatric Medicine, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. Patients were divided into two groups randomly by lottery method, group 1 and group 2, group 1 was given lactose free milk and the group 2 was given lactose containing milk (5-8 feed/day) .The patients were a...
Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2017
Workplace screening of infectious diseases acts as the keystone in working environment in order t... more Workplace screening of infectious diseases acts as the keystone in working environment in order to combat the associated risks. Present study was carried out to pin point risk factors associated with TB burden among coal workers, who live and work in hostile conditions conducive for spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chromatographic immunoassay technique was to diagnose disease. Standard questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding working conditions, living conditions and demography. Coal mining sites were acting as hot spots for dispersion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (OR= 12.171), being migrant (OR=15.282), improper sneezing and coughing (OR=5.554), sharing of utensils (OR=5.554), single room for more than four workers (OR=6.451), inadequate ventilation (OR=3.276), prolonged working time (OR=8.290) and poor sanitary facilities (OR=8.171). Poor diet (OR=3.257), use of alcohol (OR=3.691), cigarettes (OR=8.122) and poor personal hygiene (OR=6.137) were also aggravating...
Objective: To study psychiatric problems among those attending primary care clinics in two major ... more Objective: To study psychiatric problems among those attending primary care clinics in two major cities in Punjab, Pakistan. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. The participants attending pri- mary care clinics in Lahore and Faisalabad in Punjab, Pakistan were interviewed from October 2015 to October 2016. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to generate diagnoses based on International Classi- fication of Disease (ICD 10). Analysis was carried out using SPSS v.21. Results: We were able to interview 282 participants attending the two clinics. The mean age of the study population was 41.2 ±15.1 years. Majority were females (n=191, 70.9%) and were married (n=234, 83.0%). Two hundred and twenty-two participants (78.7%) had a psychiatric problem. Fifty-four (19.1%) patients described to have a positive family history of mental health problems. Almost one-third (n=93, 33.0%) had been in touch with faith or spiritual healer previously. None of the p...
Motifs : An International Journal of English Studies
The researcher takes the 'Selected Plays' of Shahid Nadeem to probe the myths and... more The researcher takes the 'Selected Plays' of Shahid Nadeem to probe the myths and anti-hegemonic values in the plays. Shahid Nadeem is a Pakistani playwright who uses the platform of theatre to expose the myths constructed by Bourgeois class in order to maintain their exploitative system. Shahid's plays like 'Bullah, Acquittal, The Third Knock and Black is my Robe' deal with the social issues and Hegemonic value floated by oppressor class. A Granny for all seasons targets the distortion of history, The Third Knock deals with state ideology for power, Bullah addresses the religious dogmas current in the society. The bourgeois class generates ideology to control the minds of the masses. Shahid's plays show that our society is a class-based system. Nadeem's efforts to expose and challenges the system through anti-hegemonic discourse and myths are exposed by Shahid Nadeem's social plays.
Environmental science and pollution research international, Jan 6, 2018
This study uses the tropospheric ozone data derived from combined observations of Ozone Monitorin... more This study uses the tropospheric ozone data derived from combined observations of Ozone Monitoring Instrument/Microwave Limb Sounder instruments by using the tropospheric ozone residual method. The main objective was to study the spatial distribution and temporal evolution in the troposphere ozone columns over Pakistan during the time period of 2004 to 2014. Results showed an overall increase of 3.2 ± 1.1 DU in tropospheric ozone columns over Pakistan. Spatial distribution showed enhanced ozone columns in the Punjab and southern Sindh consistent to high population, urbanization, and extensive anthropogenic activities, and exhibited statistically significant temporal increase. Seasonal variations in tropospheric ozone columns are driven by various factors such as seasonality in UV-B fluxes, seasonality in ozone precursor gases such as NOand volatile organic compounds (caused by temperature dependent biogenic emission) and agricultural fire activities in Pakistan. A strong correlation...
Environmental science and pollution research international, Jan 23, 2018
Spatial and temporal distributions of tropospheric NOvertical column densities over Pakistan duri... more Spatial and temporal distributions of tropospheric NOvertical column densities over Pakistan during the period 2002-2014 are discussed. Data products from three satellite instruments SCIAMACHY, OMI, and GOME-2 are used to prepare a database of tropospheric NOcolumn densities over Pakistan and temporal evolution is also determined. Plausible NOsources in Pakistan are also discussed. The results show a large NOgrowth over all provinces and the major cities of Pakistan except the megacity of Karachi. Decline in industrial activities due to energy crises, worsening law and order situation, terrorist attacks, and political instability was explored as the main factor for lower NOVCDs over Karachi City. The overall increase can be attributed to the anthropogenic emissions over the areas with high population, traffic density, and industrial activities. Source identification revealed that use of fossil fuels by various sectors including power generation, vehicles, and residential sectors alo...
Environmental science and pollution research international, Apr 3, 2018
The present address of Rabbia Murtaza is shown in this paper. (please tag the affiliation below, ... more The present address of Rabbia Murtaza is shown in this paper. (please tag the affiliation below, this is only for Rabbia Murtaza).
International Journal of Women's Health and Reproduction Sciences
Objectives: Lack of safety measures and unawareness about the harmful effects associated with pes... more Objectives: Lack of safety measures and unawareness about the harmful effects associated with pesticide exposure among cotton picking females contribute to poor health quality in this group of workers. The activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) acts as potential biomarker of pesticide exposure among these females. Our study aimed to determine the relationship between decreasing activity of BChE level in serum with pesticide exposure in female cotton pickers that can lead towards health impairments. Materials and Methods: The BChE level in serum samples of 50 female cotton pickers were compared to that of 50 controls using the t test. A questionnaire was prepared and asked from each female worker which was related to precautionary measures, work history and personal information. Results: Serum BChE activity in exposed females was (6194.80 U/L) as compared to non-exposed females (7209.77 U/L). Our studies confirm and extend the association between educed BChE activity and pesticide exposure. BChE activity could be used as an assessment tool for pesticide poisoning among exposed workers. In regard to precautionary measures none of the females used gloves or eye glasses. Face mask was used by only 10% of the females for protection. 30% of the females did not take bath or wash their hands and face after picking, and almost all females were found to eat and drink during picking. Conclusion: Pesticide exposure along with no safety measures decreased the BChE activity among exposed female workers that could be responsible for deranging the physiological responses of their body.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2016
This study emphasizes on near surface observation of chemically active trace gases such as nitrog... more This study emphasizes on near surface observation of chemically active trace gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over Islamabad on a regular basis. Absorption spectroscopy using backscattered extraterrestrial light source technique was used to retrieve NO2 differential slant column densities (dSCDs). Mini multi-axis-differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) instrument was used to perform ground-based measurements at Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Islamabad, Pakistan. Tropospheric vertical column densities (VCDs) of NO2 were derived from measured dSCDs by using geometric air mass factor approach. A case study was conducted to identify the impact of different materials (glass, tinted glass, and acrylic sheet of various thicknesses used to cover the instrument) on the retrieval of dSCDs. Acrylic sheet of thickness 5 mm was found most viable option for casing material as it exhibited negligible impact in the visible wavelength range. Tropospheric NO2 VCD derived from ground-based mini MAX-DOAS measurements exceeded two times the Pak-NEQS levels and showed a reasonable comparison (r (2) = 0.65, r = 0.81) with satellite observations (root mean square bias of 39 %) over Islamabad, Pakistan.
The study focuses on poverty and inequality in Pakistan using Pakistan Social and Living Standard... more The study focuses on poverty and inequality in Pakistan using Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement (PSLM) survey data of 2005-06 and 2010-11. Alkire and Foster (2007) methodology is used to develop multidimensional poverty index and multidimensional Gini Index proposed by Koen and Logu (2012) methodology for inequality. The indicators used in the analysis are equivalent per adult expenditures, maximum years of schooling, enrolment, immunization against measles, post-natal care, crowding, gas, electricity, safe drinking water and sanitation facility. Multidimensional inequality encompasses equivalent per adult expenditures, maximum years of schooling and health risk index. Poverty and inequality in uni-dimensional as well as multidimensional has declined but monetary-based measures generally do not reflect the real magnitude of poverty and inequality in Pakistan. The major contributing factors in poverty are education (28 percent) and health (28 percent). The dimensional disaggregation of poverty also showed that crowding and access to safe drinking water has greater share in poverty. The study also reviews that inequality has declined more in monetary dimension than aggregate multidimensional inequality and on the other hand inequality in health is rising in Pakistan. The high growth is found regarding inequality in the distributive health and education which also affect distribution of income inequality.
Journal of Zabol University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Dec 15, 2012
Cataract is one of the commonest overt maladies connected in the impairment of vision. Cataract i... more Cataract is one of the commonest overt maladies connected in the impairment of vision. Cataract is a progressive clouding of the human lens inside the eye. The lens is a small oval like structure and consists of a thin capsule enveloping a bag of protein. The protein is crystal clear and colorless at birth but discolors and clouds with age: first yellow, then brown, and finally cloudy. When the lens becomes cloudy and interferes with vision, it is called a cataract. The lens no longer transmits or focuses light clearly.
JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2021
OBJECTIVE To explore inherent associations between psychological distress and resilience, and its... more OBJECTIVE To explore inherent associations between psychological distress and resilience, and its effect on quality of life among medical and non-medical students. METHODS The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2018 to January 2020 after approval from the Department of Psychology Ethics Committee of the International Islamic University, Islamabad, and comprised medical and non-medical students of either gender enrolled with different institutions of higher learning in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Data were obtained using Brief Resilience Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and Quality of Life Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS. RESULTS Of the 300 subjects, 150(50%) each were medical and non medical students. Within both groups, 75(50%) each were males and females. Psychological resilience was a positive predictor of quality of life ( =0.30) whereas psychological distress served as a negative predictor of quality of life ( =-0.54). Medical students were significa...
Botanical Studies, 2008
Seed priming improves vigor, but priming agents may differ greatly in their effectiveness. The pr... more Seed priming improves vigor, but priming agents may differ greatly in their effectiveness. The present study was performed to unravel the physiological basis of vigor improvement by priming sunflower achenes with pre-optimized levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), salicylic acid (SA), thiourea (TU), gibberellic acid (GA3), ascorbic acid (AA), sodium chloride (NaCl), freezing and heating. Most of the treatments induced de novo synthesis of peptides with low (37 kDa for H2O2, SA and NaCl treatments, and 57 kDa for SA and TU treatments) and high (157 kDa for H2O2, SA, TU, GA3 and AA treatments and 167 kDa for SA treatment) molecular mass, reduced solute leakage, and an enhanced soluble sugar pool in the achenes. Priming reduced days to 50% germination (T50) and mean germination time (MGT) and improved germination energy (GE) and final germination percentage (FGP). Shoot length was improved by priming with H2O2, GA3, and NaCl; root length with NaCl and H2O2; shoot and root dry weight with...
Acute gastroenteritis is a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, accounting for 15% o... more Acute gastroenteritis is a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, accounting for 15% of all childhood deaths worldwide. Evidence from developed countries suggests that intake of lactose-free milk during diarrheal episodes may reduce the duration of the illness in pediatric inpatients. In this study we compare the outcome of lactose free milk with lactose containing formula milk in terms of mean time to resolution of diarrhea in the management of acute watery diarrhea in infants. In randomized controlled trial a total of 69 children, between 1-12 months of either gender with acute diarrhea for less than 14 days were included in the study after a written informed consent. These patients were included from Department of Pediatric Medicine, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. Patients were divided into two groups randomly by lottery method, group 1 and group 2, group 1 was given lactose free milk and the group 2 was given lactose containing milk (5-8 feed/day) .The patients were a...
Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2017
Workplace screening of infectious diseases acts as the keystone in working environment in order t... more Workplace screening of infectious diseases acts as the keystone in working environment in order to combat the associated risks. Present study was carried out to pin point risk factors associated with TB burden among coal workers, who live and work in hostile conditions conducive for spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chromatographic immunoassay technique was to diagnose disease. Standard questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding working conditions, living conditions and demography. Coal mining sites were acting as hot spots for dispersion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (OR= 12.171), being migrant (OR=15.282), improper sneezing and coughing (OR=5.554), sharing of utensils (OR=5.554), single room for more than four workers (OR=6.451), inadequate ventilation (OR=3.276), prolonged working time (OR=8.290) and poor sanitary facilities (OR=8.171). Poor diet (OR=3.257), use of alcohol (OR=3.691), cigarettes (OR=8.122) and poor personal hygiene (OR=6.137) were also aggravating...
Objective: To study psychiatric problems among those attending primary care clinics in two major ... more Objective: To study psychiatric problems among those attending primary care clinics in two major cities in Punjab, Pakistan. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. The participants attending pri- mary care clinics in Lahore and Faisalabad in Punjab, Pakistan were interviewed from October 2015 to October 2016. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to generate diagnoses based on International Classi- fication of Disease (ICD 10). Analysis was carried out using SPSS v.21. Results: We were able to interview 282 participants attending the two clinics. The mean age of the study population was 41.2 ±15.1 years. Majority were females (n=191, 70.9%) and were married (n=234, 83.0%). Two hundred and twenty-two participants (78.7%) had a psychiatric problem. Fifty-four (19.1%) patients described to have a positive family history of mental health problems. Almost one-third (n=93, 33.0%) had been in touch with faith or spiritual healer previously. None of the p...
Motifs : An International Journal of English Studies
The researcher takes the 'Selected Plays' of Shahid Nadeem to probe the myths and... more The researcher takes the 'Selected Plays' of Shahid Nadeem to probe the myths and anti-hegemonic values in the plays. Shahid Nadeem is a Pakistani playwright who uses the platform of theatre to expose the myths constructed by Bourgeois class in order to maintain their exploitative system. Shahid's plays like 'Bullah, Acquittal, The Third Knock and Black is my Robe' deal with the social issues and Hegemonic value floated by oppressor class. A Granny for all seasons targets the distortion of history, The Third Knock deals with state ideology for power, Bullah addresses the religious dogmas current in the society. The bourgeois class generates ideology to control the minds of the masses. Shahid's plays show that our society is a class-based system. Nadeem's efforts to expose and challenges the system through anti-hegemonic discourse and myths are exposed by Shahid Nadeem's social plays.
Environmental science and pollution research international, Jan 6, 2018
This study uses the tropospheric ozone data derived from combined observations of Ozone Monitorin... more This study uses the tropospheric ozone data derived from combined observations of Ozone Monitoring Instrument/Microwave Limb Sounder instruments by using the tropospheric ozone residual method. The main objective was to study the spatial distribution and temporal evolution in the troposphere ozone columns over Pakistan during the time period of 2004 to 2014. Results showed an overall increase of 3.2 ± 1.1 DU in tropospheric ozone columns over Pakistan. Spatial distribution showed enhanced ozone columns in the Punjab and southern Sindh consistent to high population, urbanization, and extensive anthropogenic activities, and exhibited statistically significant temporal increase. Seasonal variations in tropospheric ozone columns are driven by various factors such as seasonality in UV-B fluxes, seasonality in ozone precursor gases such as NOand volatile organic compounds (caused by temperature dependent biogenic emission) and agricultural fire activities in Pakistan. A strong correlation...
Environmental science and pollution research international, Jan 23, 2018
Spatial and temporal distributions of tropospheric NOvertical column densities over Pakistan duri... more Spatial and temporal distributions of tropospheric NOvertical column densities over Pakistan during the period 2002-2014 are discussed. Data products from three satellite instruments SCIAMACHY, OMI, and GOME-2 are used to prepare a database of tropospheric NOcolumn densities over Pakistan and temporal evolution is also determined. Plausible NOsources in Pakistan are also discussed. The results show a large NOgrowth over all provinces and the major cities of Pakistan except the megacity of Karachi. Decline in industrial activities due to energy crises, worsening law and order situation, terrorist attacks, and political instability was explored as the main factor for lower NOVCDs over Karachi City. The overall increase can be attributed to the anthropogenic emissions over the areas with high population, traffic density, and industrial activities. Source identification revealed that use of fossil fuels by various sectors including power generation, vehicles, and residential sectors alo...
Environmental science and pollution research international, Apr 3, 2018
The present address of Rabbia Murtaza is shown in this paper. (please tag the affiliation below, ... more The present address of Rabbia Murtaza is shown in this paper. (please tag the affiliation below, this is only for Rabbia Murtaza).
International Journal of Women's Health and Reproduction Sciences
Objectives: Lack of safety measures and unawareness about the harmful effects associated with pes... more Objectives: Lack of safety measures and unawareness about the harmful effects associated with pesticide exposure among cotton picking females contribute to poor health quality in this group of workers. The activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) acts as potential biomarker of pesticide exposure among these females. Our study aimed to determine the relationship between decreasing activity of BChE level in serum with pesticide exposure in female cotton pickers that can lead towards health impairments. Materials and Methods: The BChE level in serum samples of 50 female cotton pickers were compared to that of 50 controls using the t test. A questionnaire was prepared and asked from each female worker which was related to precautionary measures, work history and personal information. Results: Serum BChE activity in exposed females was (6194.80 U/L) as compared to non-exposed females (7209.77 U/L). Our studies confirm and extend the association between educed BChE activity and pesticide exposure. BChE activity could be used as an assessment tool for pesticide poisoning among exposed workers. In regard to precautionary measures none of the females used gloves or eye glasses. Face mask was used by only 10% of the females for protection. 30% of the females did not take bath or wash their hands and face after picking, and almost all females were found to eat and drink during picking. Conclusion: Pesticide exposure along with no safety measures decreased the BChE activity among exposed female workers that could be responsible for deranging the physiological responses of their body.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2016
This study emphasizes on near surface observation of chemically active trace gases such as nitrog... more This study emphasizes on near surface observation of chemically active trace gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over Islamabad on a regular basis. Absorption spectroscopy using backscattered extraterrestrial light source technique was used to retrieve NO2 differential slant column densities (dSCDs). Mini multi-axis-differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) instrument was used to perform ground-based measurements at Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Islamabad, Pakistan. Tropospheric vertical column densities (VCDs) of NO2 were derived from measured dSCDs by using geometric air mass factor approach. A case study was conducted to identify the impact of different materials (glass, tinted glass, and acrylic sheet of various thicknesses used to cover the instrument) on the retrieval of dSCDs. Acrylic sheet of thickness 5 mm was found most viable option for casing material as it exhibited negligible impact in the visible wavelength range. Tropospheric NO2 VCD derived from ground-based mini MAX-DOAS measurements exceeded two times the Pak-NEQS levels and showed a reasonable comparison (r (2) = 0.65, r = 0.81) with satellite observations (root mean square bias of 39 %) over Islamabad, Pakistan.
The study focuses on poverty and inequality in Pakistan using Pakistan Social and Living Standard... more The study focuses on poverty and inequality in Pakistan using Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement (PSLM) survey data of 2005-06 and 2010-11. Alkire and Foster (2007) methodology is used to develop multidimensional poverty index and multidimensional Gini Index proposed by Koen and Logu (2012) methodology for inequality. The indicators used in the analysis are equivalent per adult expenditures, maximum years of schooling, enrolment, immunization against measles, post-natal care, crowding, gas, electricity, safe drinking water and sanitation facility. Multidimensional inequality encompasses equivalent per adult expenditures, maximum years of schooling and health risk index. Poverty and inequality in uni-dimensional as well as multidimensional has declined but monetary-based measures generally do not reflect the real magnitude of poverty and inequality in Pakistan. The major contributing factors in poverty are education (28 percent) and health (28 percent). The dimensional disaggregation of poverty also showed that crowding and access to safe drinking water has greater share in poverty. The study also reviews that inequality has declined more in monetary dimension than aggregate multidimensional inequality and on the other hand inequality in health is rising in Pakistan. The high growth is found regarding inequality in the distributive health and education which also affect distribution of income inequality.
Journal of Zabol University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Dec 15, 2012