bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Profile and Intraocular Pressure Control of Medically Treated Glaucoma Patients Seen in a Tertiary Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors:   Ophthalmology Department, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, C. Eze Gloria , Anajekwu Cosmas C. ,   Ophthalmology Department, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
Published: December 2022

Background: Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is a chronic optic neuropathy with characteristic optic disc changes and corresponding visual field defect. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical profile and intraocular pressure control of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) patients on medical treatment at the glaucoma clinic of Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital Parklane (ESUTTHP), Enugu with a view for better patient management. Methods: The study was a hospital based cross sectional study on POAG patients on medical treatment attending the eye clinic of ESUTTHP, Enugu. Patients were selected by simple random sampling. Their eyes were examined which included visual acuity assessment, follow-up clinic intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy, anterior and posterior segments examination. Water Drinking Test (WDT) and modified phasing were carried out on them. WDT was done over 2 hours after intake of 1 liter of water with intraocular pressure measured every 15 minutes. Modified phasing was done over 8 hours with intraocular pressure measured at 2 hourly intervals. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20 (U.S.A). The mean follow-up clinic intraocular pressure (IOP), IOP peak and fluctuation during WDT and phasing were determined and compared using T-test. Results: A total of 130 primary angle glaucoma patients on medical treatment were examined comprising of 43.1% males and 56.9% females with mean age of 62.25±9.002. Few of the patients were blind (3.8%) while 66.2% had normal vision. Their mean vertical cup disc ratio was 0.78±0.13. Majority of the patients had thin central cornea and uncontrolled intraocular pressure. The mean follow-up clinic IOP, mean IOP peaks during WDT and phasing were 16.2±4.3, 22.9±5.7, 18.0±4.4mmHg, respectively. There was a significant correlation between central corneal thickness and IOP peaks in WDT and modified phasing as well as follow-up clinic IOP but there was no significant correlation between central corneal thickness and IOP fluctuations in WDT and modified phasing. There was a significant correlation between vertical cup disc ratio and IOP peaks in WDT as well as vertical cup disc ratio and follow-up clinic IOP (p< 0.01). Conclusion: Few patients are blind from glaucoma but greater percentage still have uncontrolled IOP despite being on medical treatment. Therefore, other treatment options should be explored to bring their IOP under control to avoid further glaucomatous progression and consequent blindness.
The Effect of Strategic Leadership, Organizational Identification, Perceived Organizational Support, Communication on Readiness of Changes and the Impact on Commitment to Change
Authors:   Department of Economics, Han Havid , Umar Daihani Dadan ,   Department of Economics, Arafah Willy ,   Department of Economics
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze how the influence of leadership, organizational identification, perceived organizational support and communication adequacy on readiness for change and commitment to change and also examine how the influence of readiness for change on commitment to change. This research uses a quantitative approach. The sample of this study are employees of commercial banks who have digitized their services. The sample of this study consisted of 345 respondents. The data itself is collected online and offline directly to the respondents in this study. Data analysis was carried out using SEM with the Lisrel . program the results show that leadership, perceived organizational support and communication adequacy are factors that can affect readiness for change, while organizational identification cannot affect readiness for change. The results also show that readiness for change, leadership and communication adequacy are factors that can affect commitment to change, while organizational identification and perceived organizational support have no effect on commitment to change.
Inoculation methods of native strains of Trichoderma sp. and their effect on the growth and yield of quinoa
Authors: Leon Ttacca Betsabe , Ortiz Calcina Nora , Pauro Flores Luis , Borja Loza Rodrigo , Mendoza-Coari Paul , Palao Iturregui Luis
Published: December 2022

The use of endophytic fungi is an effective alternative to control pathogens, improve plant metabolism and yield in crops. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of five different strains of Trichoderma sp. on the growth and yield of quinoa plants (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) by using two methods of inoculation: a) pelleted seed, and b) drenching with the endophytic fungi. A completely randomized design with a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement, plus a control with five repetitions was used. The 11 treatments were evaluated with five repetitions. Yield, and aerial and root growth variables were determined. There were no interactions between strains and inoculation methods for aerial plant growth, but there were for root growth and yield. The seed pelleting method produced a higher aerial growth compared to the drench method. In root length, the greatest values were found with the TE-7 and TE-126 strains combined with the pelleted seed method. Likewise, the TE-126 strain induced the greatest dry biomass of roots using the same method. The yield varied between 4147.6 and 3222.7 kg.ha-1 in most of the strain-method combinations, without significant differences between them. Statistically, the control always ranked last, indicating the importance of the seed inoculation. Trichoderma sp. produced increases in vegetative growth and quinoa yield, with TE-7 and TE-126 being the best strains. Furthermore, seed pelleting promoted vegetative growth of the plants, while grain yield was not affected by the inoculation method.
Antioxidant Property of Total Saponins and Tannins of Dialium guineense Stem Bark in Rats Hearts Exposed to CCl4
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, OD Abu , HE Iyare ,   Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Shaka Polytechnic, Benin City, Nigeria
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant property of total saponins and tannins of Dialium guineense stem bark in rats hearts exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ). A total of twenty-five (25) adult male Wistar rats, which weighed between 170 and 190 g (mean weight = 180 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (5 rats per group): normal control, CCl4 control, silymarin, total saponins and total tannins groups. With the exception of normal control group, the rats were exposed to CCl4 (single oral dose of 1.0 mL/kg body weight, bwt). Rats in the silymarin group were administered 100 mg silymarin/kg bwt (standard cardioprotective drug), while those in the two treatment groups received 150 mg/kg bwt of total saponins or tannins orally for a period of 28 days. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) were evaluated in heart homogenate. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the concentrations of cardiac total protein (TP) among the groups (p > 0.05). The activities of the antioxidant enzymes and level of reduced glutathione (GSH) were significantly lower in CCl4 control group than in normal control group, but they were increased by total saponins/tannins treatment (p < 0.05). However, the level of cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA) elevated by CCl4 intoxication was markedly reduced after treatment (p < 0.05). These results indicate that total saponins and tannins of D. guineense stem bark may enhance antioxidant defense in rats hearts exposed to CCl4.
“COVID-19 – POST-COVID SYNDROME” Pandemic: Complex Treatment with Medical Leeches, Including Detoxification. Confirmation of the Validity of The THEORY “HOMOTOXICOLOGY” OF H. - H. RECKEVEG
Authors:   Hirudotherapy Academy, St. - Petersburg, Russian, AI Krashenyuk
Published: December 2022

Treatment of the disease “COVID-19 - POST-COVID SYNDROME” requires the mandatory inclusion of detoxification methods in the technology of treatment and rehabilitation. The paper reflects the experience of using medical leeches in the context of the author’s “System Method of Leeching” in cases where intoxication was dominant in the “Clinical Image of the Disease”. The mechanism of action of medical leeches, which were successfully used in case of intoxication of patients with different pathologies, including “COVID-19 - POSTCOVID SYNDROME”, is considered.
The Use of Robotics in Healthcare
Authors:   Specialist, Santa Ursula University in Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil, Bogossian Tricia
Published: December 2022

The present work aims, along the presented contents, to emphasize the use of robots within health, promoting assistance and assistance to health professionals, and highlighting which processes can be consolidated with the use of technology. The general objective of the research is to highlight the main aspects of the use of robotics in the health area, regarding the specific objectives, they are: to highlight the positive and negative aspects of the use of robotics in health; assess how health professionals use robots in their routines; present the researchers’ view on robotic procedures in health. In the methodological field, a literature review was carried out, highlighting some of the main concepts and addressing the vision of renowned authors on the process of inclusion of technology within health organizations. It can be concluded that technology promotes the understanding of relevant points so that treatments, processes and diagnoses are performed more effectively by health professionals.
A Qualitative Study of Secondary Physical Education Teachers’ Job Satisfaction in Japan, South Korea, and the United States
Authors: Oh Yoonsin , Braun Saori , Stringer Joshua , Kapusta Zoe , Stockhaus Daniel
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the themes and factors surrounding secondary PE teachers’ job satisfaction and to find similarities and differences in the factors that influence job satisfaction among secondary school physical education (PE) teachers in Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Using a purposive sampling, nine secondary school PE teachers, three in each country, were recruited. A total of five investigators visited each participant’s school for an entire day and collected field notes while observing PE sessions. At the end of each class period, each participant reported their job satisfaction on an 11-point visual analog scale, and a semi-structured interview was conducted in their native language. Four primary themes surrounding job satisfaction emerged: 1) student behavior, attitude, & motivations, 2) teacher’s workload including their compensation and work-life balance, 3) their relations with coworkers, and 4) administration, funding, & professional development support, among which workload and student behaviors were consistently reported in all three countries. Future research should quantitatively examine, with a larger sample size, the interrelationships of these identified themes impacting overall job satisfaction in secondary PE teachers.
College Student Physical Activity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Biber Duke , Stoepker Peter , Davis Ashlee , Ha Taemin
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this review was to systematically review the published research on the effect of physical activity (PA) interventions on PA behavior among university students. A PA intervention was defined as participants engaging in PA and measuring changes in PA from pre- to post-intervention. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were (1) published in peer-reviewed English-language journals, (2) included undergraduate university students, (3) implemented a PA intervention, and 4) assessed PA via self-report or direct measures. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this review. PA interventions were more effective than other techniques or control settings in improving PA behavior in university student participants. The review discusses sample characteristics, study design, PA behavior measurement, PA intervention implementation, and the theoretical frameworks of the studies, along with limitations of the research and suggestions for future researchers.
Trabalho Miocárdio: uma Revisão Sistemática do Novo Método de Ecocardiografia e Aplicações Clínicas
Authors:   RS Pusat Pertamina, Departamento de Cardiologia e Medicina Vascular, Laksono Sidhi ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof Dr Hamka Faculdade de Medicina, Kusharsamita Hillary ,   Faculdade de Medicina, Universitas Diponegoro, Yanni Mefri ,   Universidade de Andalas, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Cardiologia e Medicina Vascular, Astuti Astri ,   5Universitas Padjadjaran, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Departamento de Cardiologia e Medicina Vascular
Published: December 2022

Fundamento: O trabalho miocárdico (MW) é uma nova modalidade de imagem que surgiu como uma forma potencial de avaliação da função ventricular esquerda (VE) em vários cenários clínicos. Ele calcula curvas de tensão de ecocardiografia de rastreamento de manchas (STE) com uma curva de pressão LV estimada utilizando curvas padrão de pressão arterial braquial de forma não invasiva. Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi fornecer um resumo do conhecimento atual da MW não invasiva e suas aplicações clínicas, incluindo insuficiência cardíaca (IC), doença arterial coronariana (DAC), cardiomiopatia (CMP) e hipertensão (HTN). Além disso, são discutidas as limitações e recomendações da MW na prática clínica. Métodos: Pesquisamos no banco de dados online PubMed para nossa coleta de dados. Usamos as seguintes palavras-chave; (trabalho construtivo do miocárdio) OU (trabalho septal desperdiçado)) OU (trabalho miocárdico global)) OU (trabalho miocárdico)) OU (trabalho construtivo do miocárdio) OU (ecocardiografia nova). Revisamos ainda doze estudos com leitura de texto completo e incluídos nesta revisão sistemática. Resultados: Embora os índices de MW, particularmente GWI e GCW, tenham mostrado uma boa correlação com FE e parâmetros de deformação, a oportunidade de oferecer informações incrementais que não são afetadas pelas condições de carga tornou a aplicação de MW particularmente útil em uma variedade de configurações clínicas. Conclusão: Comparado ao FE e GLS, o MW é um teste promissor com maior sensibilidade e acurácia na identificação de indivíduos com doença cardiovascular. Os médicos também devem depender dos sintomas e dos achados do ECG até que uma extensa pesquisa multicêntrica validando essa estratégia seja feita para estabelecer o valor incremental da MW na avaliação ecocardiográfica diária.
Effects of thermal treatments on the characterisation of microencapsulated chlorophyll extract of Caulerpa racemosa
Authors: Dewi Eko Nurcahya , Purnamayati Lukita , Jaswir Irwandi
Published: December 2022

Caulerpa racemosa is a macroalga that has a green pigment, that is, chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is highly sensitive to damage during heat processing. In the present work, C. racemosa chlorophyll extract was microencapsulated with fish gelatine and Arabic gum coatings, using a freeze-drying technique, to protect against heat damage. The microcapsules were subjected to high temperatures (120, 140, and 160°C) for 5 h. The protective effect of microcapsules on chlorophyll stability was assessed by measuring chlorophylls a and b degradation, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, functional group analysis, colour, particle size, and morphology via scanning electron microscopy. Chlorophyll b significantly decreased by 87.78% in comparison with chlorophyll a (61.49%) during heating; the characteristic green colour of chlorophyll changed to brownish-green following heat exposure. However, chlorophyll was still present in the microcapsules as detected by the presence of the functional group C=O bond at 1600 nm wavelength. The heat treatment did not affect microcapsule particle size and morphology. Particle size distribution ranged from 91.58 to 112.51 µm, and the microcapsule was flake-shaped. The activation energy of chlorophyll a was 19336.96 kJ/mol·K; this was higher than that of chlorophyll b, which was 1780.53 kJ/mol·K. Based on the results, microcapsules produced using fish gelatine and Arabic gum as coating materials were able to protect chlorophyll in C. racemosa extract from heat damage.
The use of neuropeptides (memoprove™) in geriatric pharmacology
Authors: Kuznetsova Svitlana , Kuznetsov Victor
Published: December 2022

The article presents our own data on the effect of the MemoProve™ course of treatment (1 tablet for 30 days) in 20 elderly researchers (mean age 68.2+3.2 years) on mnestic processes (short-term, long-term memory), emotional background (anxiety level); besides, the article presents a structural characteristic of the reorganisation of the brain bioelectrical activity and changes in cerebral haemodynamics. Three types of EEG response to MemoProve™ have been identified. Common to these types is an increase in the total power of brain electrogenesis (by 15-25%) and an increase in the frequency of the rhythm, the main, basic EEG rhythm. The type of influence of MemoProve™ on the power of slow rhythms (delta, theta) depends on the EEG type.
In elderly patients, MemoProve™ caused an increase in the Linear Systolic Blood Flow (LSBF) rate in the two middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), vertebral arteries (VAs) and basilar artery (BA). The results of a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the MemoProve™ course of treatment testify to its positive effect on the brain functional state (according to emotional-mnestic parameters, brain bioelectrical activity, cerebral haemodynamics) in the elderly and give reason to recommend MemoProve™ for use in the geriatric pharmacological correction of emotional-mnestic activity.

Keywords: MemoProve™; elderly; emotional-mnestic parameters; brain bioelectrical activity; cerebral haemodynamics
Active, Passive and Cyber-Physical Adaptive Façade Strategies
Authors: Böke Jens , Denz Paul-Rouven , Suwannapruk Natchai , Vongsingha Puttakhun
Published: December 2022

In view of the required energy savings in the building sector, there is an urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions to increase the performance of building envelopes. Adaptive façades can make an important contribution, whereby passive low-tech strategies and active high-tech solutions are apparently incompatible. In current digitalization, new technologies and methods for the implementation of adaptive façades emerge in the framework of Cyber-Physical Systems. The investigation follows the research question: How can active and passive approaches of adaptive façades be mediated and what potential do Cyber-Physical Systems have for the implementation of hybrid solution approaches in the future? The article presents a comparative case study of the two research projects ADAPTEX and PRÄKLIMA as examples of passive and active adaptation strategies in the façade industry. In this context, the potential for further research of Cyber-Physical Systems in the application domain of adaptive façades as a catalyst for high-performance and multifunctional solutions, and as a mediator between both strategies, is highlighted. The main findings are the potential application of cyber-physical system technologies to the design and monitoring of passive adaptive façade solutions, as well as the possible integration of passively conceptualized components into active overall systems.
Suntex
Authors: Van Dongen Pauline , Britton Ellen , Wetzel Anna , Houtman Rogier , Ahmed Ahmed Mohamed , Ramos Stephanie
Published: December 2022

The key objective of this research project is to “create a new architectural textile, Suntex, by interweaving thin film solar cells and electrically conductive yarn into a structural technical textile, so it can generate energy while it is providing shade, structure or an aesthetic update to a building.”

Textile has strong potential as a sustainable building material because it can be lightweight, material efficiency and low carbon. Moreover, its flexibility provides great design freedom and its transparency makes it very suitable for façade applications, maintaining views to the outside while providing solar shading. Suntex is a solar textile, currently in development, intended for textile architecture applications like textile façades. By combining three qualities, namely providing the building with energy generation, solar shading and a unique aesthetic appearance, which also promotes the acceptance of solar technology, it offers a positive climate impact.

Suntex can be considered as a new type of membrane material for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). With this innovative, constructive fabric, enormous surfaces that are still unused can be outfitted with energy-generating potential.

This paper presents a design case to analyse the potential impact of Suntex as a textile façade. Based on insights into the development process and experiment results so far, it evaluates the feasibility and impact from a technical and design perspective.
Approaches towards Education Upliftment of Religious Minority: An Analysis of Central Government Schemes
Authors: Nushruth  , Panakaje Niyaz
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Education is the important device for overall growth of any nation. India is multilingual and multi religious country, people of different communities and religions are living together. It is the duty of Indian Government to provide and safeguard the educational rights of the minorities. Minorities in India are not equal with others. The end result of education in some religion and communities are not same. Government came up with various educational schemes to support education of religious minorities. The main motto of this study is to analyze the central government schemes which supports education upliftment of minorities.
Methodology: This study was made out of secondary resources and required data was gathered from various Sachar, Post Sachar, Ministry of Minority Affairs report, Google Scholar, Web of sciences publications, journals, books, websites and financial report of state and central Government of India.
Findings/Results: The Government of India initiated with various educational schemes to minority education. The budget allocated for various educational schemes showed upward trend and number of beneficiaries of various educational schemes are in high.
Practical Implication: This paper will help students learn about the many government-sponsored educational programs in India that support the education of students from religious minorities. It will also help government officials learn more about the amount of funding allotted by the government and the total number of people who would benefit from the numerous programmes that improve minorities' educational standing.
Paper Type: Case study.
Military Leadership by Intellectual Officers: A Case Study of the IDF
Authors: Yogev Haim , Cohen Ronen , Lewin Eyal
Published: December 2022

Morris Janowitz believed that for an army to be victorious it needs to be led by as many intellectual forces as possible, just as any organization needs organizational intellectualism to prosper. It is agreed in scholarly literature that the intellectual must author various articles and manifestos to express their viewpoints, mindset, and philosophy in the public sphere. Based on Janowitz’s belief and using the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as a case study, this research offers a model for a generic research methodology that can be practiced elsewhere. The mission was to find the extent to which the higher echelons of the Israeli military engage in writing academic articles concerning matters of strategy and army professionalism. Among other conclusions, the authors point out that, with certain reservations considered, the number of articles authored by the IDF’s senior officers proved to be low. If publication indeed reflects intellectualism, the few articles produced over seven decades by the IDF’s leading echelon ought to sound a warning for Israel’s military decision-makers.
COMPARISON OF “JUST SEAL” VS “STETHOSCOPE GUIDED” CUFF INFLATION METHOD OF ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE CUFF FOR REDUCTION OF POST OPERATIVE SORE THROAT
Authors: Ali Shah Syed Ali Raza
Published: December 2022

Objective: To compare the efficacy of “Just seal” method of endotracheal tube cuff inflation versus “stethoscope guided”method for reduction of frequency of post operative sore throat.

Study Design: Prospective observation study.

Place and Duration of study: This study was conducted in Main operation theatre, CMH Kohat from 1st September 2018 to 30th November 2018.

Patients and methods: 44 patients divided in two groups of 22 each were made, Group JS and Group SG. Inj Propofol and atracurium was used for induction of general anaesthesia, and Inj Nalbuphine was used as analgesic. Endotracheal intubation with 7.5 internal diameter ETT, was done after 3 minutes of injecting atracurium. In group JS, ETT cuff was inflated gradually till no leakage was heard. In group SG, ETT cuff was inflated slowly and stethoscope bell was placed over thyroid lamina till harsh sounds stopped. Age, volume used to inflate cuff, cuff pressure generated and complain of sore throat 02 hours after extubation were noted.

Results: Mean age was 30.22 ±4.7 years and 30.13± 4.2 years for Group JS and SG respectively (p=0.946). Mean volume used was 6.81±0.41 ml and 4.95±0.29 ml for Group JS and SG respectively (p=0.000). Mean pressure generated was 34.90±4.48 cmH2O and 28.91±2.37 cmH2O (p=0.000). Frequency of Post operative sore throat was 54.55% (12/22) in JS group and 18.18 % (4/22) in SG group (p= 0.012).

Conclusion: Stethoscope guided technique for inflation of ETT cuff is more effective in reducing frequency of post operative sore throat.
Association of Esophageal Varices with Portal Vein Diameter More Than 13 mm in Chronic Liver Disease Patients
Authors: Muhammad Ali , Khan Andaleeb , Butt Kamil Rehman , Khan Jawad , Akbar Fazal , Zubair Usama Bin
Published: December 2022

Objective: To determine the frequency and association of esophageal varices with diameter of portal vein more than 13 mm in patients of chronic liver disease (CLD).

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gastroenterology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb to Aug 2018.

Methodology: The study included one hundred and sixty-one patients of chronic liver disease with portal vein diameter more than 13 mm. Patients with the history of variceal bleeding, prior variceal treatment and liver transplantation were excluded. A consultant radiologist performed the hepatobiliary ultrasound in all the patients to measure the portal vein diameter. The presence of esophageal varices was confirmed on upper GI endoscopy performed by the consultant gastroenterologist.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 47.16 ± 9.36 years. Most of the patients included in our study 102 (63.35%) were between 46-65 years of age. Out of the 161 patients, 95 (59.01%) were males and 66 (40.99%) were females. Esophageal varices were found in 128 patients (79.50%) with chronic liver disease with portal vein diameter >13 mm. Age, gender, duration of illness and BMI had no relation with the presence of esophageal varices in our target population.

Conclusion: Patients of CLD with portal diameter greater than 13 mm had more chance for the presence of esophageal varices in our study.
Impact of Sleep Deprivation and Coping Abilities on The Psychological Adjustment of Caregivers of The Elderly
Authors: Naz Iram , Ghumman Mishal Rauf , Shabbir Aliya
Published: December 2022

Objective: To examine the impact of sleep deprivation and coping abilities on the psychological adjustment of caregivers of elderly.

Study Design: Cross sectional analytical study.

Place and Duration: Department of Psychology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat Pakistan, from Jan to Jul 2018.

Methodology: The caregivers of the elderly were recruited in the study with the caregiving experience of 6 months to 2 years. The respondents with any physical or psychological problems were excluded from the study. The sleep deprivation, coping and psychological adjustment were measured using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, coping styles scale, scale of adjustment for adults respectively.

Results: The data of 200 caregivers of the elderly was analyzed using structure equation modeling. The model fit was established with the p-value of <0.001. It was found that caregivers' sleep deprivation and coping abilities affected their psychological adjustments. The overall model confirmed that sleep deprivation and coping ability affected the psychological adjustment. The individual relationship between sleep deprivation predicted psychological adjustment with the value of regression estimate as 5.808 (p-value <0.001). Furthermore, the role of coping abilities on psychological adjustment had a regression value of 0.151 (p-value 0.7013).

Conclusion: The sleep deprivation affected the psychological adjustment of caregivers of the elderly, whereas the coping abilities did not affect the psychological adjustment.
Short and long-term follow-up results of soleus muscle rotation flap for coverage of soft tissue defects of proximal and middle leg
Authors: Ali Ghazanfar , Ayaz Saeed Bin , Almas Danish , Adeel Imran , Majid Abdul , Khan Yasser Saeed
Published: December 2022

Objective:

To observe the short and long-term outcomes of the soleus muscle rotation flap for coverage of soft tissue defects of proximal and middle leg.

Study Design:

Case series

Place and duration of study

Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur, Combined Military Hospital Bahawalpur, and Combined Military Hospital Quetta from December 2014 to February 2020..

Materials and methods

In total, 36 patients were enrolled for the study through consecutive sampling. Data was processed using SPSS-17. All patients were reviewed at first and second week (early morbidity), and then at six months (late morbidity) from operation. During early follow up, they were examined for hematoma at donor site, wound infection, sural nerve injury, graft loss, and flap necrosis. In late follow-up, patients were examined for reduced knee mobility, muscle weakness, sensory abnormalities, hypertrophic scarring, hyperkeratosis, and soleus muscle contractures.

Results

The studied patients consisted of 30 (90.9%) men and 3 (0.9%) women. The mean age was 35 years (range: 16 to 64) years. Hematoma was the commonest complication. It occurred in 6.1%. Wound infection, partial loss of flap, partial loss of skin graft and wound infection occurred in 3.03% patients. Late follow up revealed reduced knee mobility in 9.09% patients (n=3) and bothersome contraction of soleus muscle in same number of patients.

Conclusion

The soleus flap is reliable, versatile, and very useful for provision of supple soft tissue coverage for defects in upper and middle leg.
Association of Body Composition With Serum Cholesterol and Body Mass Index in Healthy Pakistani Adults
Authors: Ali Ujala , Riaz Bushra , Nadeem Muhammad Sohaib , Alam Amir , Khan Muhammad Alamgir
Published: December 2022

Objective: To determine the association of serum cholesterol and body mass index with body composition in the healthy Pakistani adults.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Physiology Department, Army Medical College Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), in collaboration with Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM) Rawalpindi and Clinical Pathology Laboratory (CPL), Pak-Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. (Duration to be asked form the authors).

Methodology: The total study sample of 100 participants was taken, that comprised of two groups. Group-1 included male participants (n=50) while group-2 included female participants (n=50). The participants were healthy adults of ages 18-60 years having same physical activity background. Body composition of the participants was evaluated by bioelectric impedance analysis machine. Measurement of serum cholesterol was carried out by the Bosh Diagnostic Kit. Body Mass Index (BMI) was determined by the formula.

Results: Serum cholesterol was found to be significantly correlated with body fat mass and percent body fat in males (r-value = 0.90 and 0.82, p-value <0.001 and 0.002 respectively) and in females there was significantly positive correlation with the body fat mass (r-value=0.51, p-value 0.007), skeletal muscle mass (r-value = 0.59, p-value 0.005), total body water (r-value=0.67, pvalue 0.006) and fat free mass (r-value=0.47, p-value 0.008).

Conclusion: Serum cholesterol and BMI were associated with the body composition in females but with only fat parameters in the males. .
Effect of Injection Botox in Masseter Muscle on Morphometric Measurements of The Mandible in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Iram Maria , Kiani Muhammad Rizwan Bashir , Qamar Khadija , Saleem Saima , Atta Muhammad Fahad , Zakria Iram
Published: December 2022

Objective: To study the effects of injection botox in masseter muscle on the morphometric measurement of underlying mandible and total body weight change in Sprague Dawley rats.Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Anatomy Department, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, with collaboration with Military Hospital, Rawalpindi and National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, from Jun to Aug 2020.

Methodology: Female sprague dawley rats, 10 weeks of age, weighing 200-250 gm were selected. They were housed in separate cages in animal house of NIH under standard laboratory conditions and received regular diet and water ad libitum. Animals were divided into three groups. Group-A served as control while group B and C were experimental groups. Group-B was sham injected whilst group-C was injected by injection botox in left masseter muscle. Initial and final weights of the rats were recorded. All the rats were sacrificed after completion of experimental period. Weight of left mandibles was recorded. All the specimens of mandibles were cleaned and the mandibular length, condylar head length and width were measured by Vernier caliper.

Result: Total 30 sprague dawley rats were included in the study. Injection botox decreased the morphometric measurements of the mandible in experimental group-C when compared with control group-A and sham group-B with the statistically significant result (p<0.001).
Psychosocial Correlates of Young Females Suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Rafique Saher , Ilyas Uzma
Published: December 2022

Objective: To explore the psychosocial correlates of women under treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Different Clinics and Hospitals of Lahore and Gujranwala, from Aug 2019 to Nov 2020.

Methodology: Single women seeking treatment for PCOS were included in the study. Derriford appearance scale and social interaction anxiety scale were used in this study.

Results: A total of 180 women were included in the study. The result indicated significant positive correlation between appearance distress and social anxiety (r=0.41, p<0.001). Majority of women were visiting beauty parlors to evade facial hair and buying products to conceal their acne.

Conclusion: Women diagnosed with PCOS reported to experience the appearance distress and anxiety specifically in social gatherings.
Spectrum, Etiology and Clinical Features of Intracranial Hypertension Presenting in NeuroOphthalmology Clinic At AFIO Rawalpindi
Authors: Ijaz Umar , Saeed Kamran , Sarwar Imran , Nazir Noman , Rathore Hassan Sajjad , Shahid Muhammad
Published: December 2022

Objective: To assess the clinical spectrum and various etiological factors of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Pakistani patients.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration: Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic, Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan 2017 to Jul 2018.

Methodology: A total of 64 individuals with intracranial hypertension (IH) were screened. On the basis of inclusion criteria 32 patients were selected for the study. The demographics, clinical features and etiologies were recorded for each patient.

Results: High frequency was noted among females, affecting 26 (84.37%) as compared to males who were 6 (18.75%) in number. Half of the patients had body weight lying in range of overweight, 16 (50%), however, only 5 (15.6%) patients fell into the category of obesity. Among clinical features, headache was the most prominent symptom seen in 17 (53.12%) patients and severe disc swelling seen in 19 (59.3%) was the most common sign. Most prevalent systematic association was anemia, 11 (34.3%), and the most prominent etiology was idiopathic intracranial hypertension, being 26 (81.25%).

Conclusion: There was high frequency of intracranial hypertension in the females with obesity, pregnancy and in the age group of 20-30 years.
Comparison Between The Effects of Betamethasone Gel And Lidocaine Jelly To Reduce PostOperative Tracheal Tube Related Airway Symptoms
Authors: Alam Syed Sajjad , Abbas Nighat , Asghar Ali , Rafique Muhammad , Abid Khadijah
Published: December 2022

Objective: To determine the role of betamethasone gel and lidocaine jelly on reducing the post-operative airway complications related to tracheal tube.

Study Design: Comparative prospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anesthesia, Liaquat National Hospital, from Jul 2019 to Jan 2020.

Methodology: A total of 150 patients were randomly assigned into three different groups; group-B (0.05% betamethasone gel), group-L (tube lubricated with 2% lidocaine jelly) and group-C (intubated with un-lubricated tubes). Patients were assigned by using lottery method, which was carried out by a research assistant who was not involved in the study. There were 50 patients in each group.

Results: Post-operative sore throat and post-extubation cough at 24-hours were statistically insignificant (p>0.05) between groups while hoarseness of voice at 24-hours postoperatively was significant (p<0.05) in all the groups. The overall difference for severity of postoperative sore throat, hoarseness of voice and post-extubation cough at24 hours in the groups B, L, and C were statistically significant (<0.05).

Conclusion: The application of betamethasone gel on endotracheal tube before intubation reduces the post-extubation cough, severity of post-operative sore throat, hoarseness of voice and post-extubation cough in comparison with the application of lidocaine jelly and un-lubricated ETT.
Impact of Educational Intervention on The Knowledge of Epidemiology, Prevention and Control of Rabies Among Paramedical Students, Taxilla
Authors: Shan Hina , Maqbool Saadia , Jaffry Tamkeen Nishat , Hassan Uzma , Shan Maryam , Gilani Rehama
Published: December 2022

Objective: To assess the knowledge of epidemiology, transmission, prevention and control of rabies and to find the effect of an educational intervention in paramedical students of HITEC-IMS, Taxilla.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: HITEC-IMS, Taxilla, from Mar to Sep 2019.

Methodology: Study was carried out among paramedical students enrolled in 2 years diploma course in HITEC-IMS, Taxilla. Students were included by non-probability consecutive sampling.

Results: Out of the total of 89 participants, the fatality of rabies was identified by 63 (70.8%) respondents in pre-test and by 84 (94.4%) respondents in post-test (p<0.001). Less than half of the participants knew about bats as a reservoir of rabies (22, 24.7%) in pre-test that raised to 59 participants (66.3%) in post-test (p<0.001). The proper sequence of protocol for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in un-vaccinated persons was identified by 42 (47.2%) respondents with an improvement of 27% in post-test (p<0.001). Proper order of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine schedule in humans were identified by 16 (18.0%) respondents with an improvement of 6% in post-test (p=0.031).

Conclusion: Knowledge of reservoir, mode of transmission, prevention and control of rabies after educational intervention showed a significant increase in the students.
Quality of Life of Melasma Patients in Pakistan
Authors: Rahman Atiya , Basit Anam , Mohsin Sadia , Ahmed Najia , Tahir Moizza , Ishfaq Asim
Published: December 2022

Objective: To assess the quality of life in Pakistani melasma patients.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital Lahore, from Oct 2020 to May 2021.

Methodology: The study was conducted on 126 adult patients of both genders by non-probability, consecutive sampling technique. Melasma severity was assessed by 'melasma area severity index (MASI) and quality of life impairment by 'dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

Results: A total of 126 patients participated in the study, out of which 85.7% were females, and 14.3% were males. Mean MASI score was 12.21 ± 6.87, and mean DLQI score was 8.22 ± 7.46. Male patients had higher MASI scores and statistically signifycant DLQI than female patients (p=0.016). Employed people and those from the higher socio-economic group showed a more significant impairment of their quality of life.

Conclusion: There was moderate impairment of quality of life in melasma patients. Healthcare givers need to recognize the effect of melasma on mental health while counselling patients and devising management strategies.
A Case of Nocardiosis with an Unusual Presentation
Authors: Hassan Khan Wahaj Ul , Farid Ummarah Zafar , Ikram Mariam , Naseer Umer , Ali Kamran
Published: December 2022

Nocardiosis is a neglected, unusual disease caused by aerobic, gram positive, actinomycete in the genus Nocardia. Nocardial infection most often occurs in immunocompromised patients. It has varied geographical distribution and a range of clinical presentations. Lungs are the primary sites of nocardial infection in more than two-third of cases. We report a case from a tertiary care setup in Karachi where nocardiosis occurred in an immunocompetent patient with an isolated CNS involvement.
Correlation Between Degree of Mandibular Incisors Crowding, Lower Incisor Position and Vertical Craniofacial Configuration in Different Malocclusions
Authors: Amin Erum , Zaheer Rumeesha , Waqar Tayyaba , Farooq Amal , Khan Maheen , Nadeem Fareya
Published: December 2022

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between the degree of mandibular incisor crowding, lower incisor position and vertical craniofacial configuration in different malocclusions.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.

Place and Duration of Study: Orthodontics department, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan to Dec 2018.

Methodology: This study was conducted on 100 pre-treatment study casts and lateral cephalographs of orthodontic, aged 10 to 26 years. Patients who presented with complaints of lower incisors crowding were included in the study. The cephalogram tracings, calculations and lower incisor crowding measurements were taken. All the fifteen parameters of vertical craniofacial configuration, lower incisors position and sagittal skeletal base relationship were measured.

Result: Out of 100 patients, 45 were males and 55 were females with a mean age of 16.11 ± 3.53 years. According to this study, there was no statistically significant correlation between the degree of lower incisor crowding and vertical facial proportions and incisor position in studied malocclusions.

Conclusion: The lower incisor crowding was a local and independent discrepancy. It was a frequently encountered problem, successful therapy depends upon several contributing factors that must be identified for successful management.
Hypomagnesemia in Pre-Renal Acute Kidney Injury Patients with Non-Recovery of the Renal Functions
Authors: Hafeez Zahid , Hafeez Rana Shahid , Ahmad Fawad , Anwar Wasif , Matee Sumeera
Published: December 2022

Objective: To determine the hypomagnesaemia frequency in pre-renal acute kidney injury (AKI) patients with non-recovery of renal functions.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Al-Noor Specialist Hospital Holy Makah, Saudi Arabia, from Jul 2014 to Jan 2015.

Methodology: A total of 150 acute kidney injury patients qualifying the inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Serum magnesium (Mg) levels were measured for all the patients. Serum magnesium level <0.70 mmol/L (<1.7 mg/dL) was labeled as hypomagnesaemia.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 51.64 ± 13.61 years, with 31% males and 69% females. Hypertension was present in 58 (38.7%) patients, 38 (25.3%) patients were obese, and hypomagnesaemia was present in 25% patients. A statistically insignificant difference was found between age of patients (p=0.086) and gender (p=0.970).

Conclusion: Our study showed that in patients with acute kidney injury with non-recovery of renal functions, the rate of hypomagnesaemia is quite high. Therefore patients with non-recovery should be screened for magnesium levels in future acute kidney injury.
Teacher Centered Versus Student Centered Strategies for Undergraduate Students
Authors: Fatima Sadaf
Published: December 2022

Objective: To compare the student-centred learning strategies with teacher-centred strategies in developing adult learning principles for medical students.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Ziauddin Medical College and Jinnah Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Nov 2017 to Oct 2018.

Methodology: The study participants included first and second-year medical students. They were divided into two groups. One group of students was recruited from a medical college having a hybrid curriculum through problem based learning and lectures. The other students were recruited from a college following a traditional curriculum through only teacher-centred strategies and lectures. The comparison between the two groups of students was based on adult learning principles. A questionnaire including 17 items from the principles of adult learning scale (PALS) was given to medical students. Out of 17 items from the principles of adult learning scale, 13 were related to student learning, and four were regarding teacher instruction. The students were asked to determine the teaching practices promoting the development of adult learning principles on a Likert scale from 0-5.

Results: In the learning section, the medical students having student-centred learning strategies had 28.16 ± 10.98 scores compared to students with teacher-centred strategies with a score of 33.73 ± 12.66 on the principles of adult learning scale. In the teacher instruction section, the score was 13.81 ± 3.76 in students with learner-centered strategies and 14.76 ± 3.79 in students with teacher-centred strategies.

Conclusion: The teacher-centred learning strategies promote the development of adult learning principles better than the student-centred strategies in medical students.