bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An unexpected return to the nest. Young Polish people in tertiary education residing with their parents due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Peret-Drążewska Paulina , Myszka-Strychalska Lucyna
Published: January 2024

Cel. Pandemia COVID-19 wywołała różne zmiany w życiu młodzieży akademickiej. Zamknięcie szkół wyższych, przejście na edukację zdalną, ograniczone interakcje społeczne oraz trudności na rynku pracy skutkowały nierzadko decyzjami o powrocie do domu rodzinnego oraz ponownym zamieszkaniu z rodzicami. Niniejsza zmiana generowała kolejne, liczne przeobrażenia w różnorodnych obszarach funkcjonowania studentek. Rozważania podjęte w niniejszym artykule zostały poświęcone analizie specyfiki funkcjonowania młodzieży akademickiej ponownie zamieszkującej z rodzicami w okresie pandemii COVID-19 w oparciu o uzyskane wyniki własnych badań zespołowych, jak i również przegląd innych eksploracji badawczych przeprowadzonych w tym okresie z udziałem studentów. Metody i materiały. Badanie przeprowadzone zostało za pomocą internetowego kwestionariusza ankiety na próbie 1215 studentek i studentów polskich uczelni wyższych w terminie od lutego do listopada 2020. Wyniki badań ujawniły, że u badanej młodzieży akademickiej, która powróciła do domu rodzinnego na czas pandemii nastąpił spadek w zaangażowanie obywatelskie, życie duchowe, aktywności związane z rozwijaniem kariery
zawodowej oraz pogorszenie jej relacji interpersonalnych. Wyniki i wnioski. Rozważania podjęte w artykule wydają się być zasadne, ponieważ mogą być pomocne przy określeniu kondycji psychofizycznej, relacji z rodzicami oraz warunków ekonomicznych i edukacyjno-zawodowych studentek oraz studentów w warunkach pandemii COVID-19. Umożliwi to wdrożenie odpowiednich działań oraz programów
profilaktycznych wspierających niniejszą grupę społeczną w adaptacji do funkcjonowania w nowej rzeczywistości pandemicznej (jak również postpandemicznej) oraz przeciwdziałających trudnościom, lękom, obawom związanym ze zmianami życiowymi przewidywanymi w przyszłości.
‘CIMAP SIL-9’: A Dwarf and High Silymarin Yielding Variety of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Authors:   Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CSIR–CIMAP, Lucknow, India., GUPTA ANIL KUMAR , GUPTA MADAN MOHAN , JHANG TRIPTA , SAINI LATE RAVINDRA , SAIKIA DHARMENDRA DHARMENDRA , LAL RAJ KISHORI , MISHRA LATE HARI OM , DHAWAN OM PRAKASH , KALRA ALOK , PANDEY RAKESH , CHAUHAN HARMESH SINGH , SHASANY AJIT KUMAR , VERMA RAM KISHORE , BANERJEE NISHA , RASTOGI SHUBHRA , TANDON SUDEEP , SRIVASTAVA ASHOK KUMAR , YADAV SANJAY , ZAIM MOHAMMAD , BANSAL RAVI PRAKASH , TOMAR VIRENDRA KUMAR SINGH , SINGH HEMENDRA PRATAP , KRISHNA ALOK
Published: January 2024

Silybum marianum commonly known as milk thistle is a herb belonging to the family Asteraceae. The ripe seeds of the plant contain silymarin which is used as medicine for treating diseases like liver cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis and liver poisoning. Other major medicinal properties of Silybum are anticancer, antidepressant, antioxidant, cardio protective, demulcent, digestive tonic, hepatoprotective, hepatoregenerative, immunostimulatory and neuroprotective. A new variety of Silymarin named as “CIMAP SIL 9” has been developed by CSIR-CIMAP through directed breeding efforts. The developed variety has silymarin content of 8% and has an appropriate height of 80-90 cm, making its harvesting very easy. Whereas, the check (CIM Liv) is very tall which makes its handling very difficult. The variety therefore has a dual advantage of dwarfness combined with very high content of silymarin.
In Vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of Bidens biternata(Lour.) Merr. & Sheriff – a Wild Medicinal Plant of Waynadu District of Kerala
Authors:   Department of Botany, University College, Thiruvananthapuram-34, Kerala., PRADEESH S , SWAPNA TS
Published: January 2024

Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sheriff, of the family Asteraceae, is an erect annual herb, commonly found in cultivated areas in Western Ghats regions of Kerala state. It is used as a leafy vegetable by Paniya, Chetti, Kani and Kattunaayika tribes of Waynadu Districts in Kerala and also to cure hepatitis, inflammation, cold, cough, dysentery, asthma etc. In the present study, crude methanol extract and isolated bioactive compound of B. biternata leaves was analyzed for its in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitory assays. In COX-2 inhibitory assay of crude methanolic leaf extract, the percentage of inhibition was found to be 36.71%, 63.92% and 87.35% for sample concentration 100 μgml-1, 500 μgml-1 and 1000 μgml-1 respectively. In the 5-LOX percentage of inhibition was found to be 35.64%, 61.76% and 85.95%.Column chromatography and Thin Layer Chromatography were used for separation of compounds followed by UV, IR, mass and NMR spectroscopic analysis for the characterization of phytochemical from methanolic leaf extract of B.biternata. The compound isolated from methanolic leaf extract of B. biternata, which is identified as, quercetin showed higher inhibitory effects in both COX (40.36%,72.61% and 90.73%) and LOX (39.25%, 70.14% and 89.68%) than crude extract. COX-2 inhibition assay of isolated compound quercetin showed high activity than 5-LOX assay. The results revealed that the isolated compound quercetin (3, 3’, 4’, 5, 7-pentahydroxy flavones) of B. biternata possessed high anti-inflammatory activity, so could be used as an effective therapeutic agent against inflammatory disorders.
Human Cystic Echinococcosis: A Neglected Zoonotic Public Health Problem in Pakistan.
Authors: Ambreen Chaudhry  , Tamkeen Ghafoor  , Zeeshan Iqbal
Published: January 2024

This review represents an updated scenario on the epidemiology, transmission cycle, diagnosis and treatment surveillance and one health approach of a cestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) infection causing cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans. It is life-threatening neglected zoonotic disease that occurs in both developed and developing countries including Pakistan and is recognized as a major public health problem. It spread through infected feces of canids and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In Pakistan, rural lifestyle supports spread of the disease and it often presents with complications posing a high treatment cost. The life cycle of E. granulosus involves a definitive host (dogs and other canids) for the adult E. granulosus that resides in the intestine and an intermediate host (sheep and other herbivores) for the tissue-invading metacestode (larval) stage. Humans are only incidentally infected; since the completion of the life cycle of E. granulosus depends on carnivores feeding on herbivores bearing hydatid cysts with viable protoscoleces, humans represent usually the dead end for the parasite. Community awareness, mandatory reporting and responsible pet ownership are recommended for elimination of the disease.

Key words: Human Cystic Echinococcosis, diagnosis and treatment.
Fracture of hyoid bone in association with gender, fusion, symmetry and various modes of strangulation.
Authors: Pardeep Kumar  , Danish Kumar  , Pushpa Goswami  , Farhana Rajpar  , Muhammad Imran Rathore
Published: January 2024

Introduction: U-shaped hyoid bone present in the ventral aspect of pharynx is un-likely to be fractured; therefore fracture of hyoid bone when found is a very im-portant finding in unnatural deaths.Objective: To determine association of the fracture of hyoid bone with different modes of strangulation.Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy and Department of Forensic Medicine; Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan from March 2016 to March 2019. During study period total of 63 hyoid bones were grouped according to age, gender, modalities of strangulation. The bones were examined for symmetry, fusion and fracture.Results: Out of 63 bones, 55.6 % found fused and 44.5% were unfused. Among fused hyoid (n=35), 20 found in male and 15 were from female. On the other hand unfused hyoid bone is uncommon in male as compared to female (9 vs 19). The chi-square statistic is 3.9135. The p-value is .047899. Significant at p < .05. Fracture of hyoid bone identified in 30; among these 23 were fused and 7 were unfused.Conclusion: When cause of death is strangulation, fused hyoid fractured more com-monly as compared to unfused hyoid bone.

Keywords: Forensic Age, Fracture Hyoid, Strangulation. Fusion, of Hyoid.
Prevalence of Neural tube defects at PUMHS Hospital.
Authors: Naila Yousuf  , Prof. Farida Farooq Wagan  , Khalid Yousuf  , Shabana Ramzan  , Farkhana Yasmeen  , Prof. Aijaz A Memon
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Spina bifida, anencephaly, and encephalocele are neural tube defects (NTD) and result from failure of closure of the neural tube between 21and 28 days following conception. Encephaloceles are possibly post-closure defects. NTDs are an important cause of mortality and morbidity globally. NTD encompasses about one-tenth of the burden of all congenital conditions and make up the third largest congenital burden after congenital heart disease and Down’s syndrome. In low income countries, NTDs may account for 29% of neonatal deaths in observable birth defects

Objective: To know the prevalence of neural tube defects at PUMHS Benazirabad..

Methodology: All pregnant ladies when diagnosed to have fetus with neural tube defect through ultrasound examination were counselled for termination of pregnancy. Data collected through proforma with details of demography, gynecological history, and type of neural tube defect evaluated by senior gynecologist and neonatologist. NTDs were defined as cases of anencephaly, spina bifida, encephalocele and meningocele among infants of any gestational age.

Results: A total of 7152 deliveries took place in the obstetrics department of PUMHS Hospital from January 2018 to September 2019. 38 (thirty-eight) pregnancies were terminated at different gestational ages, diagnosed as cases of neural tube defects, making a prevalence of 5.313 per 1000 births. Among the NT defects, 22/38 (57.89%) were anencephaly and 12/38 (31.57%) were spina bifida with hydrocephalus.

Conclusion: The most common neural tube defect is anencephaly followed by spina bifida with hydrocephalus. Overall prevalence of NTD is comparable published literature from South East Asia.

 

Keywords: Neural tube defects, Anencephaly, Spina bifida, Hydrocephalus.
COVID – 19: Lessons to Learn.
Authors: Dr. Syed Qamar Abbas
Published: January 2024

We witness a dramatic change, in all aspect of Life, throughout the world after Covid-19. It started in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China where few cases of atypical pneumonia presented in late November and early December 2019.  Clinical picture mimicking viral pneumonia1. According to an unpublicized report from the Chinese government, the first case can be traced back to 17 November 2019; the person was a 55-year-old citizen in the Hubei province. There were four men and five women reported to be infected in November.  The number of coronavirus cases in Hubei gradually increased, reaching 60 by 20 December and at least 266 by 31 December2. A coronavirus was soon identified as the cause of the outbreak and tentatively named as the 2019-nCoV by the World Health Organization. On 11 Feb 2020, the World Health Organization officially named it SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) and the SARS-CoV-2 infection was named COVID-19.1

One can easily understand the impact upon routine life just by seeing these numbers; As on 30 Nov 2020, there were 63, 360234 confirmed cases and 1, 475825 confirmed deaths.3
Students’ perspective for online teaching program “Survive” during period of Covid-19.
Authors: Huriza Saleem  , Ayesha Shakeel
Published: January 2024

Introduction: During panacea of Covid-19; educational institutes started online teaching program. This was first experience for almost all faculty members and the students. As we all are familiar with face-to-face learning; it is imperative to get feedback from the students regarding their experience of online academic activities.

Objective: To document the students’ perspective regarding online teaching program of Muhammad Medical College Mirpurkhas named as “SURVIVE”

Methodology: After approval from Research and Ethical Committee of Muhammad Medical College this questionnaire-based study conducted during month of July 2020. This self-constructed questionnaire has 6 components: Organization and Structure, Teaching and learning, Teaching staff and other students, Assessment, Attribute development and Unit performance as a whole. Each component had 3-4 questions and students had to rate their satisfaction level on Likert scale.

Results: Each component of the questionnaire was examined. Among participants; female students (n=103) outnumber male students (n=22). The highest number of students were from 4th year MBBS (n= 47; 37.6%) followed by 1st year BDS (n=26;20.8%) and final year MBBS (n=25; 20%). Overall, 106 (86%) students rated Survive as satisfactory.

Conclusion: Being first experience, yet survive was found nearly in all aspect as satisfactory way of leaning during pandemic of Covid-19.
The frequency of vibrio cholera 01 EL TOR (Inaba And Ogawa) and its Resistance Pattern in Karachi.
Authors: Arsalan Hasaan  , Bhawani Shanker  , Afsheen Qazi  , Aliya Zaman  , Aneel Kapoor  , Narindar Kumar
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Cholera is an acute infectious disease of small intestine, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. More than 200 serogroups of V. cholerae have been identified. In Iran, Inaba strains were 75% resistant against trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in 2011, while during 2012-13 it was 100%. Ogawa strains showed 96% resistance against trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in 2011, whereas 100% resistant in 2012, while no resistance was seen in 2013 against the same antibiotic.  

Objective: To determine the frequency of vibrio cholera 01 EL TOR (Inaba And Ogawa) and its resistance pattern in Karachi.

Methodology: Samples were collected from patients with acute diarrhea with rice-water stool from Medical Unit, JPMC and NICH, Karachi between October 2015 to August 2016. These samples were then transported to Microbiology Department, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, JPMC, Karachi and processed according to standard protocol.

Results: No growth was noticed in 147 (66.81%) samples while a total of 28 (12.7%) were V. cholerae species, and 45 (20.45%) were other organisms. The distribution of V. cholerae serotypes, out of 28 V. cholerae species, 13 (46.4%) were of Inaba serotypes, 09 (32.1%) were of Ogawa serotypes while 06 (21.4%) were of Non-01 serotypes.

Conclusion: The susceptibility results of tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are not very favorable. Involvement of multidrug resistant V. cholerae O1 serotypes in the community is a very serious public health concern. Such patients were observed to be very difficult to treat in the community.
Cold Abscess mimicking Goiter.
Authors: Prof. Abdul Mannan Khan Rao  , Mairaj Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Soon after Tuberculosis is worldwide health problem, especially in south Asia and Africa. It commonly affects lung, but extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) is also common. Most common extra-pulmonary tuberculosis present as cervical lymphadenopathy (enlarge cervical lymph nodes, mostly matted, various consistency, induration and cold abscess and sinuses). The present case is a very rare presentation of primary tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy, the young patient present with tuberculous (TB) cold abscess in burns space only, no other lymph nodes enlarge and no other signs and symptoms of TB.
Correlation of serum sodium with severity of hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis patients presenting at Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi.
Authors: Darshan Kumar  , S. Muhammad Kashif  , Gul Anum  , Saima  , Madiha Mehmmood  , Rashid Qadeer
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Cirrhotic patients suddenly or insidiously develop hepatic en-cephalopathy. Approximately three-fourth of the patients usually die within 3 years of onset of their first episode of hepatic encephalopathy. Hypo-natremia, a multifactorial phenomenon in cirrhotic patients may lead to cer-ebral edema and astrocytes swelling.Objective: To determine the correlation of serum sodium with severity of hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis patients presenting at tertiary care hospital, Karachi.Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study conducted at Depart-ment of Medicine, Civil Hospital, Karachi between October 31, 2019 till April 4,2020. Data collected from 138 patients after taking written consent; pre-sented as was as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages. Effect modifiers were controlled through stratification to see the effect of these on the outcome variable taking p-value of ≤0.05 as significant.Results: Among 138 patients 92 (66.7%) were male and 46 (33.3%) were female. Mean age, duration of symptoms, height, weight and serum sodium in our study was 51.14±4.49 years, 12±7.21 hours, 161±6.78 cm, 85.2±8.54 kg and 132.7±6.32 mEq/L. Out of 136 patients, 28 (20.3%), 35 (25.4%), 54 (39.1%) and 21 (15.2%) patients belonged to sodium quartile 1, 2, 3 and 4; while 21 (15.2%), 41 (29.7%), 28 (20.3%) and 48 (34.8%) belonged to hepatic encephalopathy severity grade 1, 2, 3 and 4. Hepatic encephalopathy severi-ty showed correlation with rising sodium levels.Conclusion: Hyponatremia was found with increased frequency in patients with cirrhosis of liver having a correlation with frequency and severity of hepatic encephalopathy.Key words: Encephalopathy, Liver Cirrhosis, Hyponatremia.
Macrovascular Complications and their risk factors in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Hyderabad, Pakistan.
Authors: Munazza Shaikh  , Sadiq Ali Khowaja  , Allah Bachayo Rajar  , Ghulam Hussain Baloch  , Partab Puri  , Tariq Feroz Memon
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM), is the universally occurring non-communicable disease as well as exemplary health problem affecting peo-ple worldwide.1 The number of cases of DM are rising at an enormous pace irrespective of any age, gender, economic status or ethnicity around the globe.Objective: To evaluate the macro-vascular complications and its correlation with different risk factors among type-2 diabetic patients.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Red Crescent General Hospital Latifabad Hyderabad from October 2018 to October 2020. Type 2 diabetics of either gender, between age 20 and 70 years, on diabetic medication visited during the study duration were included in the study. Data related to socio-demographic details and clinical features was collect-ed from the participants using a written questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS ver. 22.Results: Significant association (p<0.05) was demonstrated between Coro-nary artery diseases and the risk factors like; age of patient, the duration of diabetes mellitus, diastolic as well as systolic blood pressures, body mass index and serum triglycerides levels. While the statistically significant asso-ciation (p<0.05) of peripheral vascular diseases with the duration of diabe-tes mellitus, systolic blood pressure and serum triglyceride levels. Whereas, cerebrovascular disease was associated (p<0.05) with age, systolic and diastolic BP.Conclusion: The coronary artery disease seems to be most frequent macro-vascular complication among the type 2 diabetic patients. Whereas the risk factors including; advancing age, duration of diabetes mellitus, hyperten-sion, BMI as well as serum triglycerides levels are the most significant fac-tors for these complications.Key Words: Coronary artery disease, Cerebrovascular Disease, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Peripheral vascular disease
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Pantoprazole is the safe drug as compared to Omeprazole drug during treatment of Dyslipidemia.
Authors: Fazeela Rizwan Memon  , Nasreen Kazi  , Ali Raza Memon  , Muhammad Jamil Laghari  , Rizwan Ahmed Memon5  , Jamshaid ul Qadir Memon
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to manage ret-rosternal burning to peptic ulcer disease. Dyslipidemia is also very common in Asian population.Objective: To evaluate the effects of different groups of PPIs like omeprazole, Pan-toprazole, esomeprazole on lipid profile.Methodology: This animal study conducted at the Department of Pharmacology with collaboration of Diagnostic & Research laboratory of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro from 16 Nov to 30 Nov 2020. 24 male rabbit were divided in 3 equal groups. The sample for lipid profile were taken twice; first sample was collected before start of PPPIs, while another sample was taken after six weeks of the treatment with different groups of PPPIs. The lipid profile was ana-lyzed by Cobass Auto analyzer (C-311) of Hitachi at Diagnostic & Research Labora-tory LUMHS. The Statistical analysis was performed by student ‘t’ test and chi square test by using SPSS version 21.Result: The results found were statistically significant (p=<0.05) for omeprazole and esomeprazole while it was insignificant (p=0.247) for pantoprazole. TG’s was signifi-cantly more in group A and B animals as compare to group C animals. Low density Lipoprotein found raised among all groups but the rise was statistically insignifi-cant.Conclusion: Omeprazole exerts significant effects over all observed parameters of lipid profile, esomeprazole showed effects over few parameters, while pantopra-zole showed insignificant effects over lipid profile.Key words: Proton Pump Inhibitors, Low density Lipoprotein, Cholesterol.
Evaluating Factors Influencing Memorization in Undergraduate Medical Students.
Authors: Shayan Muhammad Aslam  , Tehniat Faraz Ahmed  , Fauzia Imtiaz
Published: January 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the techniques used by medical students for better memo-rization and identify factors that directly or indirectly influence the process of memorization.Method: This cross-sectional study included undergraduate medical students from four public/private medical schools of Karachi. Through stratified random sampling, 400 medical students were administered a questionnaire that had been developed through focused group discussions and pre-tested on a smaller population. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 by applying Pearson’s chi square test for cate-gorical variables and Mann Whitney U test for scale variables.Results: Passion for the medical field was the key motivating factor for most the students (n=133; 33.3%). The source of motivation to study in students was related to the phase of their training at medical school, with preclinical and clinical years showing a slightly significant difference (P=0.049). Silent reading (n=203; 50.8%), intermittent power naps (n=125; 31.2%) and making notes and flowcharts (n=169; 42.2%) were the preferred memorization techniques. 46.9% (n=188) students re-quired < 4 hours of study daily and no significant difference in the number of study hours required per week was observed between the two genders and the students of preclinical and clinical years. Majority of the students considered lack of sleep (n=232; 58%) and social media (n=146;36.5%) their biggest sources of distraction.Conclusion: Desire to help humanity is the main driving force for medical students. The extensive syllabus requires dedicated number of study hours and use of memo-rization techniques suited for oneself.Keywords: Learning preference, Memorization technique, Motivation factor, Memory aid, Academic performance.
Study on Unnatural Death Pattern in Mardan, Pakistan.
Authors: Murad Zafar Marri  , Sadia Abdul Qayyum  , Shahid Iqbal  , Saima Zainab  , Farzana Azam khan  , Komal Yousuf
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Medico-legal autopsy is a scientific examination of a dead body which is performed to determine the cause, mode, time since death, manner of death and in some cases the identification of the deceased where unknown; thus helping the law enforcement agencies and the society in providing justice to everybody even after death.Objective: To determine the spectrum of unnatural deaths during a study period of one year in Mardan, so that information may subsequently be used to develop pub-lic health and law enforcement work and statistics.Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted Mardan Medical Complex Hospital, an affiliated teaching hospital of Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan from 1st January, 2017 to 31st December, 2017. Data of unnatural deaths (n=119) obtained from mortuary. The demographic variables age and gender, manner of death, weapon used and urban-rural variation in medico-legal deaths were noted. Data presented as numbers and percentages.Results: A total of 119 medico-legal autopsies were conducted during one year study period. Males were 97 (81.51%) and females 22 (18.48%). Accidental deaths significantly predominated 58 (48.73%) over homicidal 36 (30.25%) and suicidal 22 (18.48%) manners of death. Most of the deaths resulted from road traffic acci-dental deaths followed by firearms, blunt and sharp weapons. Most of the cases were urban inhabitants 72(60.50%) followed by those belonging to rural areas 47(39.49%).Conclusion: Majority of victims of unnatural deaths died from road traffic accidents followed by firearm deaths, and definitely deaths reported from urban areas was more compared to the rural areas.Keywords: Medico-legal autopsy, Unnatural death, Homicide, Suicide, Accident
A rare case of congenital acute myeloid leukemia in a new-born misdiagnosed as neonatal sepsis: Why Peripheral film review is an essential element in diagnosis.
Authors: Ayesha Majeed Memon  , Faizan Qaisar
Published: January 2024

When leukemia develops while baby is still in utero, it is known as Congenital leu-kemia (CL). CL is an extremely rare form of acute leukemia. CL are mostly Myeloid in origin in contrast to the pediatric leukemias that are usually of Lymphoid type. Congenital leukemias have a poor prognosis as compared to transient abnormal myelopoiesis that usually affect 10% of newborns associated with down syndrome and may also go into spontaneous remission. CL poses a diagnostic dilemma as clin-ical features are quite similar to sepsis.This case report also highlights the im-portance of reviewing peripheral blood films of all newborns that can easily differ-entiate between reactive white blood cells ad abnormal cell like blast cells.

Keywords: Congenital acute myeloid leukemia, congenital leukemia, peripheral blood film..
Etiological factors and clinical presentation of chronic kidney disease among pediatric patients in Hyderabad, Sindh.
Authors: Amjad Saeed  , Prem Kumar  , Kishwer Kumar  , Ghulam Hussain Baloch  , Aqsa Fatima  , Zoheb Rafique Memon
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), though a relatively uncommon in children yet a devastating disease with serious conditions that may leads to several complications like end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and even premature mortality.

Objective: To evaluate the etiological factors linked with chronic kidney disease among pediatric patients in Isra University hospital, Hyderabad, Sindh.

Methodology: Cross-sectional study was conducted at Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad from July 2019 to August 2020. Pediatric patients between the ages 6 months and 14 years, belongs to either gender, admitted during the study duration and diagnosed as having chronic kidney disease were included. Patient’s information related to etiological factors of disease and its symptoms was collected using written questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS ver. 23.

Results: Out of total 62 pediatric patients, majority 53.2% were males and 46.7% were females. Mean age was 8.68±4.2 years (range from 6 months to 14 years). Majority, 29.0% patients were suffering from CKD stage III while 22.6% patients were suffering from stage II and IV. Renal hypoplasia or dysplasia (congenital small sized kidneys) was the most common (22.6%) underlying etiological factor followed by neurogenic bladder (19.3%) and unknown etiology (17.7%). Polyuria and bedwetting were more prominent complaint among males compared with female patients. Whereas, stunted growth was more prominent among female patients. There was a statistically significant (p<0.05) difference between polyuria, stunted growth, bed wetting among male and female patients.

Conclusion: Renal hypoplasia (congenital small sized kidneys) and neurogenic bladder are the major etiological factors of CKD among pediatric patients. While amongst the presenting complaints polyuria, nocturnal enuresis and stunted growth along with pallor are the chief presenting complaints.

Key words: Chronic kidney disease, neurogenic bladder, nocturnal enuresis .
Relationship of family related factors with dental caries prevalence in 5 years old children of different schools of Hyderabad.
Authors: Maham Shah  , Nida Talpur  , Farwa Shah  , Atia Gul Bhurt  , Bibi Ume- Habiba Shah  , Amna Shah Syed
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The habits children have included in life; continues to make the choices they make as adults. According to social learning theory these habits are derived through supervision, learning and modelling. For a child, most significant are primarily father and mother and their immediate family members. All these factors have the collective ability to influence the child's oral health outcomes.

Objective: To examine the dental caries rate in 5 year’s old school children and influence of their family related habits and socio demographic factors on child’s dental caries experience and their oral health behavior.

Methodology: This study conducted upon sample of 600 school children selected through random sampling from primary private and Government primary schools of Qasimabad Hyderabad Sindh during period of October 2015 to December 2015. 

Results: shows that out of 600 children 330 (55%) were boys and 270 (45%) were girls. Boys 245 (40%) were affected from caries and 85 (14%) were free from caries. In relation to parental education; 44 (7.3%) child boys whom parents were highly educated were found affected by caries 44(7.3%), while 3 (0.5%) boys were free from caries. Girls whose parents were highly educated affected by caries were 44(7.3%), caries free were 12(2%) Boys whose parents have incomplete secondary education/ vocational school were affected by caries 162(27%) and caries free were 82(13.6%). Girls whose parents have incomplete secondary / vocational school were affected by caries 145 (24.1%). Boys whose parents were having low level of education affected by caries were 39(6.5%) while caries free were 0 (0%). Girls whose parents have low level of education were affected by caries were 69 (11.5%) while caries free were 0 (0%) .

Conclusion: Life style choices are the habits that are formed in childhood and dictated as in adult hood. Thus, assessing family related risk factor regarding oral health is essential when conducting preventive treatment programs for children because education on oral hygiene maintenance and regular preventive dental health checkups are very important in order to prevent oral diseases.

Key words: Dental Caries, primary dentition.
To evaluate the outcome of maternal factors affecting placental birth weight ratio.
Authors: Uzma Aslam  , Raishem  , Asma Aslam  , Naila Yousuf  , Farkhana Yasmeen  , Aneela Aijaz
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Placental birth weight ratio (PBWR) is of significance to determine fetal growth, nutrition, prenatal outcome and maternal morbidity and mortality. PBWR differs in accordance with gestation as increasing gestational age decreases placental weight and outcomes of pregnancy are adverse. Higher PBWR enhances the peri-natal mortality and lower ratio causes intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).

Objectives: To find out the effect of maternal diseases on the placenta and birth weight ratio.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2018 to June 2019 at department of Gyn/Obs PMCH Nawabshah. Detailed history was taken including the maternal comorbidities. Age of patients, history of hypertension, smoking and Parity was also asked.  Anemia was examined specifically. Relevant examination was done. The effects of maternal factors on placental and birth weight were noted to draw conclusion.

Results: Total 89 patients were included in this study. Of them, 60(67%) were multi parous and 29(33%) were primipara. Age range of study population was 31 to 40 years. Overall, 77.52% patients were up to the age of 30 years. Increased placental to birth ratio of 13.4% was seen due to increased maternal age, 16.8% for multiparity, 19.1% for HTN, smoking 7.8% and maternal anemia 24.7%.

Conclusion: PBWR is  higher due to HTN, smoking, increased maternal age, diabetes, and anemia sequentially.

Keywords: Fetal growth, Maternal Morbidity, Placental birth weight ratio.
Relationship of mental stress and anxiety with periodontitis
Authors: Farwa Shah Syeda  , Munir Ahmed Banglani  , Nida Talpur  , Maham Shah4  , Mahwish Memon  , Abdul Ghani Shaikh
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Periodontitis is an ailment with multiple factors where bacterial dental plaque is marked as the main causative agent for the beginning of this inflammatory phenomena, but also the host defense and environmental components takes part in the progress of disease. Among the environmental factors stress is a considerable factor that regulates the host defense mechanism through hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis and can play role in the development of periodontitis.

Objectives: To determine the relationship between mental stress and anxiety with Periodontitis. (Chronic localized Periodontitis)

Methodology: A total of 118 respondents were included in this correlational cross-sectional study. The subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria underwent periodontal examination by means of probing depth for presence of chronic localized periodontitis and were asked to fill the 42-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaire to check association between mental stress, anxiety and its related symptoms with periodontitis.

Results: Some participants showed normal range in DASS Scale and some showed mild and moderate levels of depression, stress and anxiety. However, we found that higher the value of depression, anxiety and stress, higher was the value of probing depth.

Conclusion: There was positive correlation between mental stress and anxiety with periodontitis. However, Depression was found to have a slightly more association with Periodontitis. Moreover, further studies can be done to determine link between mental stress and its related symptoms with periodontitis.

Keywords: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Periodontitis, Probing depth, DASS.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Mallampati Score in Patients under General Anesthesia Effect: A Cross Sectional Study.
Authors: Pavan Kumar  , Riaz Ahmed Bhutto  , Tahir Ali  , M. Aneeque Alam Khan  , Razi Ullah Riaz  , Tehreem Siddiqui
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Difficult airway management has been linked to significant morbidityand death, and it is a fundamental and important problem for anesthesiologists.Traditional clinical predictors are used to examine the airway prior to surgery.Objectives: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of Mallampati score at both positions (supine and upright) with phonation to predict difficult laryngoscopy and intubation in patients after anesthesia administration.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Anesthesia, Dow University of Health Sciences/Civil Hospital Karachi from July 2019 to January 2020. Patients on list for elective surgeries (like ENT surgery, general surgery,ophthalmologic, neurosurgery, obstetric surgery, bypass surgery and orthopedicsurgery) under general anesthesia were selected. Mallampati score was estimatedwith certain conditions like full extension of head, wide open mouth and extrudedtongue with phonation at two positions i.e., supine position and upright position.Easy or difficult laryngoscopy and intubation was noted at both positions using Mallampati test.Results: Enrolled patients are of age between 20-80 years and of both genders i.e.,male and female. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predicted value, positive predictedvalue, and overall diagnostic accuracy of the Mallampati score at upright positionwas found to be 79%, 100%, 94%, 98% and 98% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity,negative predicted value, positive predicted value, and overall diagnostic accuracyof the Mallampati score at supine position was found to be 22%, 97%, 36%, 95%and 92% respectively.Conclusion: Patients with difficult laryngoscopy and intubation for general anesthesia have higher diagnostic accuracy of Mallampati score in upright position as compared to supine position with phonation.

Keywords: Mallampati score, supine versus upright position with phonation, laryngoscopy, intubation.
Barbers’ awareness about Hepatitis B in Sindh Pakistan.
Authors: Allah Bachayo Rajar  , Memon Tariq Feroz , Madiha Shah
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Hepatitis B is the serious public health problem and a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. HBV alone is responsible for 0.5-1 million annual deaths globally due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Methodology: This Cross-Sectional study was carried out in 8 different union council of Khairpur Taluka/ tehsils in district KhairpurMirs district from December 2014 to April 2015. Selection of barbers was done through two staged cluster sampling. In first stage 8 different Union Councils (UCs) of Khairpur Taluka of KhairpurMirs district were randomly selected. In Second stage 25 Barbers from each selected UC practicing was included in the study after random selection.Objectives: Main purpose of the study was to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Hepatitis B among barbers working in different union councils of Khairpur tehsil/ taluka of district KhairpurMirs.Results: Majority (19%) of our study participants belong to UC Shah Latif while large proportion (30%) of participants belongs to age group 26-30 years. When questions related to knowledge of Hepatitis B were asked from our participant, majority (84%) of them knew that hepatitis B is a disease, while only 9% of them said that using of already used razors or blades by barbers is the main mode of spread of hepatitis B and 27% of them said that using contaminated water the reason for spread of hepatitis B. Majority (46.6%) of participants replied that there is no any vaccine available for hepatitis B prevention. Surprisingly almost 65% of them don’t have any information about Government free hepatitis vaccination program. Half of the participants believe that changing of blades every time with every new client can also prevent spread of HBV. 76% of participants use to clean their instruments with disinfectants between the clients and 46% of them use new blades on every new client. Majority of the participants were not vaccinated for Hepatitis B.Conclusion: Findings of our study demonstrate that despite the many mass media health educational campaigns related to the awareness of Hepatitis B in Sindh, barbers in KhairpurMirs district had no detailed understanding of diseases.Keywords: knowledge, attitude, practice, Hepatitis B, Barber
Incidentally detected asymptomatic HBV positive subjects with slightly raised liver alanine amino transferase (alt).
Authors: Memon Ghulam Rasool , Siyal Abdul Rahim , Muhammad Syeda Momina
Published: January 2024

Introduction: One third of world population (Two billion people) has been infected with hepatitis B virus. It is one of the most common infectious diseases among the world’s leading cause of death. HBV induced chronic liver disease is also an important precursor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma even in absence of cirrhosis. Many subjects are un aware of viruses that are the cause of hepatitis except when they have been fully involved by the disease and it has become apparent with significant signs and symptoms.

Objective: To discuss raised liver Alanine amino transferase (ALT) activity in asymptomatic HBV positive subjects.

Methodology: This study was carried out at pathology laboratory Muhammad Medical College Mirpurkhas from January 2015 to July 2016. Total125 hepatitis B positive asymptomatic subjects were selected and screened out as routine laboratory investigations.

Results:  Selected asymptomatic subjects showed normal Reference levels for TB, ALK and GGT. While ALT was raised above reference range.Conclusion: To give awareness regarding the appropriate measures to reduce the risk in subjects which are asymptomatic and unaware of liver viruses with slightly raised enzyme activity.

 Key Words: HBV, ALT, Hepatitis
Knowledge Attitude and Practices of adolescent youth regarding Hepatitis B & C in district Hyderabad
Authors: Muhammad Asif  , Zulfikar Ali Gorar  , Muhammad Nadeem Shah
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Globally Hepatitis B and C is a major public health problem & potential cause of substantial morbidity and mortality. Pakistan has been rated among countries which are endemic for hepatitis B and C where disease burden is high.

Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted from June- August 2006 in government colleges of district Hyderabad. 243 students were interviewed by using a pre-tested, closed ended questionnaire. The variables assessed were regarding knowledge, attitude and practice towards hepatitis B & C

Results: 243 students were approached for interviewed. 10% (n=25) knew that hepatitis is caused by virus. 84% (n=205) agreed that it is transmitted from one person to another person. Among these 29% (n=71) agreed on reuse of syringes, 19% (n=47) attributed unscreened blood transfusion, 18% (n=44) consider reuse of blade and sexual intercourse as a mode of transmission. 45% (n=110) mentioned it as preventable disease, in this group 17% (n=42) advocated safe sex practices, 15% (n=37) stated vaccination, 12% (n=30) recommended use of new disposable syringe, 10% (n=25) advocated use of new blade and 8% (n=20) stressed screening of blood before transfusion. 71% (n=173) & 68% (n=166) respondents used new syringe & new blade respectively. 29% (n=71) were vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Television was the leading source of information.

Conclusion: Students’ knowledge regarding Hepatitis is low, but their preventive practices are good. Majority of students were unvaccinated against Hepatitis B. Messages about Hepatitis may be incorporated in media to increase the level of awareness.

 

Key Words: KAP, Youth, Hepatitis
Seasonal variation and Seroprevalence of Dengue fever in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Smbreen Zameer  , Samreen Soomro  , Samina Baig  , Rukhsana Rubeen  , Shaheen Sharafat
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Dengue fever is a rapidly emerging arthropod born viral disease becoming an international public health problem. Approximately 500,000 people suffer from dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome with 20,000 deaths annually.

Objective: To identify seasonal variation and seroprevalence of dengue fever for primary and secondary dengue infections.

Methodology: The study was conducted on 4900 plus subjects with mean age of 30 years, admitted to Dow University Hospital, Karachi. Reported cases were diagnosed by immuno-chromatography kit, used to measure the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against dengue virus.

Results:  Seasonal variation of seropositive dengue patient from 2010 to 2013 showed most prominent dengue fever disease onset found in the month of October whereas least seen in the months from Jan to April. Age wise younger subjects were more prone to the infection with mean age of 21 to 30 years. 64% of the total febrile seropositive cases were male as compare to female patients noted 36%.

Conclusion: Dengue disease is a threat to Pakistani population, being a developing country there should be more focus in eradicating this debilitating disease, to reduce the economic burden. Through adapting vaccination strategies, proper sanitation and awareness programs. Special campaign for sprays and dengue control measures prior to month of October and fall season should be adopted essentially on regular basis.

Keywords:  Dengue fever, haemorrhagic fever, dengue virus, dengue Prevalence, IgG
Hemogram indices of healthy lactovegetarian population from Tharparkar village.
Authors: Suresh Kumar  , Binish Arif Sultan  , Umedani Loung  , Noorunnisa
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The evidence of micro nutrients deficiencies related mortalities are emerging all over the globe. Lake of the knowledge of dietary source of vitamin D complex and iron affects the haemogram indices. Aim of this study was to assess the haemogram values of healthy lactovegetarian population of Tharparkar village and to correlate these with WHO parameters.Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016-17 on 100 apparently healthy subjects of both genders with age 14 to 55 years. Peripheral smears were prepared using Leishman stain at the research field during sampling. Coagulated whole blood samples were collected and transported to the Dow university lab at Karachi under proper temperature.Result: The mean age of the subjects in this study was 30.5 (±8.3) and the male to female ratio was 2.1:1 the mean hemoglobin level was 13.5 (±1.6). Mean NCV level was83.6 (±9.9) mean MCH was found as 63.9 (±3.1).and mean Hematocrit was found as 40.4. (±5.7)Conclusion: The blood indices of lactovegetarian population of Tharparkar village fall within the specified range as set by WHO Parameters accept MCV which was found higher than normal. This may be attributed to the deficiency of vitamin B12 or Folate.Key word: Lacto-vegetarian, Hemogram indices, vitamin B12/Folate deficiency, Anemia.
Post-operative surgical site infection in Inguinal Hernia.
Authors: Bhurgri Muhammad Rahim , Syed Razi Muhammad , Bhurgri Mehtab Rahim
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Surgical site infection is defined as microbial contamination of surgical wound within 30 days of operation; most common complication occurs after surgery and increase the mortality and morbidity rate.

Objective: To find prevalence of post-operative surgical site infection and it’s causing organism.

Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted between Feb 2014 to July 2017, 100 cases operated in Bhurgri Hospital Matli, were included after taking informed consent. The surgical site when found infected, swab sensitivity was sent.

Result: The age range was from one month to 70 years. A Total number of 100 patients with primary and recurrent inguinal hernia were subjected to hernia repair with proven mesh and anatomically repair.

Conclusion: Escherichia Coli is the most common pathogens involved in post-surgical infection.

Keywords:  Inguinal hernia, mesh repair, wound infection, microorganism infection rate.
Nocebo: Three cases
Authors: Memon Ghulam Rasool , Major Amir Iqbal Ali
Published: January 2024

Nocebo effect is due to negative expectations of the treatment. It is belief which strongly influences the outcome of disease. Three cases presented here, have an irrational response to scientific medical procedures due to lack of trust. Agnosis leads to faith in superstitions.