The practice of fasting, abstaining from some or all food and drink for a set period, has gained significant traction in recent years, fueled by claims of various health benefits. Beyond weight management, proponents suggest that fasting can enhance longevity, protect against neurodegenerative diseases, and even play a role in cancer prevention. At the heart of these potential benefits lies a fundamental cellular process known as autophagy, the body's intricate system for self-cleaning and recycling 1. This report delves into the fascinating connection between fasting and autophagy, exploring the molecular mechanisms that initiate this cellular renewal, the specific processes involved, and the compelling research linking it to various aspects of health and disease 1. The Spark of Self-Eating: How Fasting Initiates Autophagy at the Molecular Level The initiation of autophagy during fasting is a direct consequence of the cell's response to a reduction in available nutrients 2. W...
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Managing Nurses’ Duty Roster Version 3 (January 2019) Developed By: Khalil Ahmed Head Nurse, CCU, IH, PIMS, Islamabad Description: The purpose of developing these SOPs was to create uniformity and clarity in the policies regarding nurses’ duty roster. This document has brought the already practised rule into written form. The first version of the SOPs was introduced in Emergency and Accident Center, PIMS in 2014. Further improvements have been brought in the subsequent versions. Constructive feedback would be appreciated. A sample duty roster which incorporates some of these rules is attached. SOPs Rationales 1. Days off available in a month: 1.1. Weekly off: A nurse will be eligible to avail weekly days off equal to the number of Sundays in a month. Because every Sunday is an official day off, therefore, all nurses are eli...