bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Effect of Reduced Serotonin Transporter Expression in a Maternal Immune Activation Model of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors:   , Lister Alexandra
Published: September 2021

Maternal Immune Activation (MIA) during early pregnancy is an established risk factor for the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) in offspring. Serotonin signalling is also implicated in both ASD and SCZ, in conjunction with a known and extensive influence in neural development. Using a Wistar serotonin transporter (SERT) knockout model to mimic allelic variation in the human serotonin transporter promoter (5‐HTTLPR), this research investigates the impact of full or reduced SERT function on the effect of poly I:C-induced MIA in offspring. Experimental design focuses on ultrasonic vocalisation communication in postnatal day (PND) 7 offspring, followed by genetic expression of the Rac1/Kal7/Disc1 signalosome pathway at PND21 previously implicated in SCZ pathology. Results from behavioural analysis of pups indicate a statistically significant increase in calling and call complexity in pups heterozygous for the SERT (SERT HET) compared to wildtype (WT). When separated by sex, this trend remains consistent however only reaches significance in male offspring. Male SERT HET pups also a significant treatment effect in call complexity, and a significant genotype/treatment interaction which suggests an increased susceptibility to MIA-induced behavioural effects. Additionally, poly I:C exposed pups show increased expression of Disc1, supporting evidence that this pathway may be affected in neurodevelopmental disorders. No genotype and sex effects were observed in signalosome expression; however, this study may be too underpowered to detect these effects. These results suggest that differences between sex and SERT genotype in offspring may modulate the behavioural effects of MIA in rodent models of NDD, with more study required to assess these differences in a molecular context. Furthermore, this study aims to address the overall inconsistency and misrepresentation of statistical methods in MIA models by employing MIA validation tests and linear mixed modelling to account for litter variation. In summary, the research presented in this thesis reports initial evidence suggesting SERT genotype may influence the effect of MIA, however further research is necessary to characterise the effect of genotype on MIA challenge during gestation.
Application of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) Scale in Cognitive Assessment of Elderly Patients in a General Ward
Authors: Liu Huiling , Liu Cuiqing , Hu Chuang , Li Xuling , Zhao Yahui , Wang Huan , Yang Chenghuizi
Published: September 2021

Objective: To analyze the application of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale in cognitive assessment of elderly patients in a general ward. Methods: Elderly patients who underwent nephrosurgery and thoracic surgery between July 2015 to June 2019 were eligible for the study. A total of 713 patients enrolled and data were collected for the assessment of cognitive status. We analyzed the relationship between cognitive impairment, degree of cognitive impairment, age, and gender. Result: In the 713 cases of cognitive ability assessment by the MMSE, there was cognitive impairment in 21 (4.04%) male patients, and 10 (5.18%) female patients. In addition, the analysis of the correlation between cognitive impairment and gender showed a P value of 0.51, which was not statistically significant. In the participants age research, the average age of the patients in the cognitive normal group was 72.30±6.50 years old, and the average age of the patients in the cognitive impairment group was 78.61±6.90 years old. Their p value was <0.0001, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: There is a correlation between cognitive impairment and age. Therefore, the MMSE helps detect cognitive impairment and potential safety hazards in elderly patients. It is convenient for medical staff to take corresponding measures in time to ensure the safety of the patients.
Hypertension and its determinants among primary-school children in Kuwait: an epidemiological study
Authors: Saleh E. A. , Mahfouz A. A. R. , Tayel K. Y. , Naguib M. K. , Bin Al Shaikh N. M. S.
Published: September 2021

A multistage, stratified random sample of 1312 students [aged 6-10 years] was selected from the five regions in Kuwait. Parents were interviewed and weight, height and urine analysis of the children were taken. Blood pressure was measured on at least three separate occasions. The overall prevalence of hypertension [average systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure > 95th percentile for age and sex] was 5.1%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, certain groups of Kuwaiti schoolchildren were much more likely to develop hypertension. They included children whose parents were consanguineous, children with a family history of hypertension and obese children
Effect of saponin on mortality and histopathological changes in mice
Authors: Diwan F. H. , Abdel Hassan I. A. , Mohammed S. T.
Published: September 2021

We evaluated the acute toxicity and histopathological effects of saponin [extracted from the plant Citrullus colocynthis] on mice in order to assess its safety. The median lethal dose [LD50]of the saponin was 200 mg/kg. The histological changes were confined to the small intestine, liver and kidney, whereas the stomach, large intestine and heart appeared normal. The changes in the small intestine included haemorrhage and erosion of the mucosa. In addition, hepatorenal damage resulted from necrosis of liver cells and renal tubules
Prioritized list of health services in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Larijani B. , Ameli O. , Alizadeh K. , Mirsharifi S. R.
Published: September 2021

We aimed to provide a prioritized list of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and their appropriate classification based on a cost-benefit analysis. Functional benchmarking was used to select a rationing model. Teams of qualified specialists working in community hospitals scored procedures from CPTTM according to their cost and benefit elements. The prioritized list of services model of Oregon, United States of America was selected as the functional benchmark. In contrast to its benchmark, our country’s prioritized list of services is primarily designed to help the government in policy-making with the rationing of health care resources, especially for hospitals
Assessment of response to tamoxifen among Iraqi patients with advanced breast cancer
Authors: Al Alwan N. A. S. , Al Kubaisy W. , Al Rawaq K.
Published: September 2021

Eighty-eight women presenting with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer were treated with tamoxifen alone. Estrogen and progesterone receptors [ER and PR]were immunocytochemically analysed in mammary tumour cells obtained by fine needle sampling from 73 patients. Of the breast carcinomas, 34.2% were ER+/PR+ and 43.8% were ER-/PR-. The ER+ content increased with age in postmenopausal women. After tamoxifen treatment objective remission occurred in 39.7% of the women. The overall response rate was 53.3% in the ER+/PR- group and 73.1% in the ER+/PR+ group. However, the response elicited in a case of the ER-/PR- phenotype justified the randomized use of tamoxifen among patients in Iraq where the necessary requirements for hormone receptor assessment are almost unavailable
Egyptian contribution to the concept of mental health
Authors: Okasha A.
Published: September 2021

Thispaper provides a historical look at the Egyptian contribution to mental health from Pharaonic times through to the Islamic era and up to today. The current situation as regards mental health in Egypt is described.
Social status, health status and therapy response in heroin addicts
Authors: Abalkhail B. A.
Published: September 2021

Thistudy identified the impact of heroin compared to other drugs of abuse on the social, nutritional and health status of addicts, and assessed their response to detoxification. A total of 243 heroin addicts and 66 non-heroin addicts were included in the study. Heroin and non-heroin addiction had similar impact on social and nutritional status, but heroin addicts were seven times more likely to develop hepatitis B or C infection. Non-heroin addicts were more prone to develop depressed cellular immunity. The number of relapses was twice as high for heroin addicts who experienced more unpleasant symptoms during therapy. Active interventions to prevent and control addiction are needed regardless of the type of drug abused.
Psychiatric co-morbidity in primary care and hospital referrals, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Qureshi N. A. , Al Habeeb T. A. , Al Ghamdy Y. S. , Magzoub M. E. M. A. , van der Molen H. T.
Published: September 2021

Psychiatric and physical morbidities among patients referred from primary health care [PHC] centres and general hospitals [GH] in Al-Qassim region were compared. Thus, 540 psychiatric referrals [GH = 138; PHC = 402] were selected randomly. Fifteen GH patients but no PHC patients were referred for admission. Psychiatrists made more diagnoses of dementia, affective and anxiety disorders, mixed anxiety-depression and somatoform disorders than clinicians and general practitioners [GPs]. Clinicians made significantly more diagnoses of acute psychoses and somatoform disorders than GPs. Physical morbidity was noted in 38.4% and 17.2% of GH and PHC referrals respectively.
From Hollywood
Authors: Medina Rodríguez Sandra
Published: September 2021

Resumen: En el presente artículo se analizarán las versiones cinematográficas realizadas a partir de los cómics del guionista de historietas inglés Alan Moore (Northampton, 1953). Hasta la fecha, cuatro han sido las novelas gráficas de Moore que han sido llevadas a la pantalla: From Hell, La liga de los hombres extraordinarios, V de Vendetta y Watchmen. Asimismo, el eje de atención se centrará en las modificaciones propuestas por estos filmes, que han distorsionado y alterado la esencia y el mensaje profundo que originariamente contienen las obras de Moore.

Abstract: In this article we will analyze the film versions made from the comics of the english comic writer Alan Moore (1953, Northampton). To date, four have been Moore's graphic novels brought to the screen: From Hell, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, V for Vendetta and Watchmen. In our study we will identify the modifications in these films that have distorted and altered the essence and profound message contained in Moore's works.
Fumetto è ciò che il fumetto fa:
Authors: Busi Rizzi Giorgio
Published: September 2021

Reseña de: DI PAOLA, L., L’inafferrabile medium. Una cartografia delle teorie del fumetto dagli anni Venti a oggi, Napoli, Alessandro Polidoro editore, 2019.
Characterization of Asbestos in Ambient Air During Refractory Material Production from Magnesite Ore
Authors: Küçüker Mehmet Ali
Published: September 2021

Asbestos is a general term employed for crystallized silicate minerals in fibril form. It can be commonly found in nature and from which fibre uses in the industry through processing are obtained. It is dielectric and fibrous, having an elastic feature. However, there is limited information about the air quality in terms of asbestos for the companies that produce refractory materials from magnesite ore. This deficiency in the literature can be eliminated with this study for a company with high quality and durable refractory materials. Among the most commonly used asbestos analysis are scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM). Asbestos analyses have been performed in two different institutions on the parallel samples whose preliminary processes have been completed. According to the results of the examinations conducted by SEM, 23 of the fibrils observed in a total area are bigger than five µmin lengths and less than 3 µm in width. Three of these fibrils were observed to have the characteristics of chrysotile fibres morphemically and elementally. In addition, airborne samples were analyzed using a TEM instrument. According to the results obtained, 13 of the fibrils observed in total were bigger than 5 µm in length and less than 3 µm in width and based on ED analysis and elemental composition (EDXA) results of these fibrils, and they were not observed to have the characteristics of chrysotile fibres. The majority of the fibrils observed were noted to be other inorganic minerals (lizardite) fibrils. Additionally, the obtained results show that the asbestos concentration in the air is below the limit specified by the provision (0,1 fiber/cm3).
Historiar el carnaval en Chiapas: un reto de historiografía, análisis, síntesis y (re)construcción
Authors: Newell Gillian Elisabeth , Jiménez Gordillo Nancy Karel , Pérez López Enrique
Published: September 2021

Los carnavales como fiesta originaria y del calendario católico en Chiapas son ocasiones de reunión, convivencia grupal, celebración y resiliencia semiótica. Hasta la fecha, su estudio sistematizado en el estado se encuentra apenas en estado emergente: hace falta registrar, analizar y comprender las diferencias y las similitudes intrarregionales, así como su desarrollo en términos históricos, territoriales, sociales, étnicos y glocales. Este artículo busca historiar el carnaval en Chiapas. Se presenta una sistematización bibliográfica e historiográfica, una contrastación semiótica y simbólica de los 24 carnavales detectados y una propuesta de posible línea de tiempo para el fenómeno del carnaval en el estado. Su objetivo principal es aportar al campo de estudio del carnaval, fortalecerlo, y motivar la discusión crítica de lo que como objeto de estudio puede ofrecer a la escritura de una nueva historia “otra”.
O bem viver: uma proposta para reaprender a sonhar com o mundo
Authors: Checchi Conrado Marques da Silva
Published: September 2021

ResumoApresento neste ensaio a perspectiva indígena de Bem Viver como possível anúncio para desconstrução de aspectos coloniais que persistem em moldar de modo exploratório as relações entre seres humanos e meio ambiente, haja vista que cada vez mais tem se propagado sob o horizonte do Planeta Terra um véu de devastação e destruição pelo estímulo desenvolvimentista. Recorro à ecologia dos saberes para pautar um pensamento que renuncie a lógica de apropriação e violência empregada na anulação da diversidade epistêmica dos conhecimentos de diversos povos. Como anúncio, me valho de perspectivas indígenas frente aos sonhos como possibilidade de outro entendimento sobre a vigília, em virtude de neles serem transfigurados os contatos despertos com o mundo, transformando experiências e dotando as dinâmicas sociais com profundos significados.Palavras-chave: Sonho. Bem Viver. Ecologia de Saberes.
Well-living: a proposal to relearn how to dream about the worldAbstractIn this essay I present the indigenous perspective of Well-Living as a possible advertisement for the deconstruction of colonial aspects that persist in shaping the relations between human beings and the environment in an exploratory way, given that a veil of devastation has spread under the horizon of Planet Earth and destruction by developmental stimulus. I resort to the ecology of knowledge to guide a thought that renounces the logic of appropriation and violence used in the annulment of the epistemic diversity of knowledge of different peoples. As an advertisement, I use indigenous perspectives in the face of dreams as a possibility for another understanding of wakefulness, as awakened contacts with the world are transfigured in them, transforming experiences and endowing social dynamics with deep meanings.Keywords: Dream. Well-Living. Ecology of Knowledge.
Buen vivir: una propuesta para reaprender a soñar con el mundoResumenEn este ensayo presento la perspectiva indígena de Buen Vivir como un posible anuncio de la deconstrucción de aspectos coloniales que persisten en configurar de manera exploratoria las relaciones entre el ser humano y el medio ambiente, dado que un velo se ha extendido cada vez más bajo el horizonte de Planeta Tierra de devastación y destrucción por el estímulo del desarrollo. Recurro a la ecología de saberes para orientar un pensamiento que renuncia a la lógica de apropiación y violencia empleada en la anulación de la diversidad epistémica del saber de los diferentes pueblos. A modo de publicidad utilizo las perspectivas indígenas frente a los sueños como posibilidad de otra comprensión de la vigilia, pues en ellos se transfiguran los contactos despiertos con el mundo, transformando vivencias y dotando de significados profundos a las dinámicas sociales.Palabras clave: Sueño. Buen Vivir. Ecología de Saberes.
3-D TCAD Monte Carlo Device Simulator: State-of-the-art FinFET Simulation
Authors: Firpo Furtado Gabriela , Valduga de Almeida Camargo Vinícius , Vasileska Dragica , Wirth Gilson Inácio
Published: September 2021

This work presents a comprehensive description of an in-house 3D Monte Carlo device simulator for physical mod-eling of FinFETs. The simulator was developed to consider var-iability effects properly and to be able to study deeply scaled devices operating in the ballistic and quasi-ballistic regimes. The impact of random dopants and trapped charges in the die-lectric is considered by treating electron-electron and electron-ion interactions in real-space. Metal gate granularity is in-cluded through the gate work function variation. The capability to evaluate these effects in nanometer 3D devices makes the pre-sented simulator unique, thus advancing the state-of-the-art. The phonon scattering mechanisms, used to model the transport of electrons in pure silicon material system, were validated by comparing simulated drift velocities with available experi-mental data. The proper behavior of the device simulator is dis-played in a series of studies of the electric potential in the device, the electron density, the carrier's energy and velocity, and the Id-Vg and Id-Vd curves.
A Survey on Security Mechanisms for NoC-based Many-Core SoCs
Authors: Caimi Luciano Lores , Faccenda Rafael , Moraes Fernando Gehm
Published: September 2021

The adoption of many-cores systems introduces the concern for data protection as a critical design requirement due to the resource sharing and the simultaneous executions of several applications on the platform. A secure application that processes sensitive data may have its security harmed by a malicious process. The literature contains several proposals to protect many-cores against attacks, focusing on the protection of the application execution or the access to shared memories. However, there is a gap to be fulfilled: a solution covering the entire application lifetime, including its admission, execution, and peripheral's access. This survey discusses three security-related issues: the secure admission of applications, the prevention of resource sharing during their execution, and the safe access to external devices. This survey concludes with an evaluation of the studied methods, pointing out directions and research opportunities.
Hardware Countermeasures against Power Analysis Attacks: a Survey from Past to Present
Authors: Soares Rafael , Lima Vitor , Lellis Rodrigo , Finkenauer Jr. Plínio , Camargo Vinícius
Published: September 2021

Modern cryptographic circuits are increasingly demanding security requirements. Since its invention, power analysis attacks are a threat to the security of such circuits. In order to contribute to the design of secure circuits, designers may employ countermeasures in different abstraction levels. This work presents a brief survey of countermeasures to help designers to find good solutions for the design of secure cryptographic systems. A summary is highlighted to compare the pros and cons of the approaches to help designers choose a better solution, or even provide subsidies so that new solutions can be proposed.
Survey on Near-Data Processing: Applications and Architectures
Authors: Santos Paulo Cesar , Moreira Francis Birck , Cordeiro Aline Santana , Santos Sairo Raoní , Kepe Tiago Rodrigo , Carro Luigi , Alves Marco Antonio Zanata
Published: September 2021

One of the main challenges for modern processors is the data transfer between processor and memory. Such data movement implies high latency and high energy consumption. In this context, Near-Data Processing (NDP) proposals have started to gain acceptance as an accelerator device. Such proposals alleviate the memory bottleneck by moving instructions to data whereabouts. The first proposals date back to the 1990s, but it was only in the 2010s that we could observe an increase in papers addressing NDP. It occurred together with the appearance of 3D-stacked chips with logic and memory stacked layers. This survey presents a brief history of these accelerators, focusing on the applications domains migrated to near-data and the proposed architectures. We also introduce a new taxonomy to classify such architectural proposals according to their data distance.
The First Language Interference toward Students’ English Speaking as Foreign Language
Authors: Syafutri Tania , Saputra Andri
Published: September 2021

This research aims at analyzing the first language interference toward students’ English speaking as foreign language made by sixth semester students in course design subject, such as phonological interference (pronunciation), grammatical (morphological and lexical), and lexical interference (vocabulary), and the factors that caused interference of the first language. This research is descriptive qualitative. The findings of the research explained that students made three types of interference categorized as phonological interference such as pronounce the word incorrectly (vowel, diphthong, consonan, and allophonic variation), grammatical interference such as in morphological (singular-plural agreement) and syntactical (subject-verb agreement, phrase, comparative adjective, possessive adjective, and parallel structure),  and lexical interference such as in vocabulary (combining between Indonesian and the English language). The data showed that students often make error in phonological aspect. The factors that caused first language interference are lack of knowledge, Indonesian transfer, and lack of vocabularies of foreign language that mastered by students or respondents.
Portraying Coronavirus through Metaphors in Online Mass Media Headlines
Authors: Sarjono Raden Indrajid Lukman , Bram Barli
Published: September 2021

Online mass media apply metaphors in their headlines to influence the public’s minds regarding a particular issue. Drawing on Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) Conceptual Metaphorical Theory on understanding, this paper aimed to explore the Coronavirus through metaphors in three notable online mass media headlines in Indonesia and internationally. A qualitative approach was used to analyze the data. The data, consisting of 30 headlines concerning Coronavirus, were collected from headlines of three online mass media and then classified and mapped based on the Conceptual Metaphorical Theory. The process of data analysis was adapted from Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP) to gain in-depth insights into the use of metaphorical expressions in mass online media. The findings showed that 10 types of metaphors were used in 30 headlines. The two most frequent conceptual metaphors of Coronavirus were Coronavirus as War and Coronavirus as Enemy. Accordingly, online mass media intended to strongly describe the danger of Coronavirus through metaphorical headlines. It may undoubtedly raise people’s fear and anxiety of Coronavirus. Nevertheless, metaphors in online mass media headlines could further function as a preventive rhetorical tool to educate people about Coronavirus as well as equip them with the knowledge to protect from the virus. In conclusion, the metaphors in international and Indonesian online mass media headlines were able to either provide a negative or positive viewpoint toward Coronavirus.
STROKE
Authors: ALI ASAD , DANYAL AHMAD , TURABI AFTAB
Published: September 2021

Stroke was defined according to WHO criteria as rapidly developingsymptoms and / or signs of focal and at times global loss of cerebral function with no apparent cause other than thatof vascular disease1. Stroke is grossly divided into either2 1). Thrombotic. 2). Embolic. 3).Hemorrhagic type (Whichmay be either intra cerebral bleed or subarachnoid hemorrhage). The brain, like other organs of the body, requires anadequate vascular system in order to supply it with nutrients and oxygen and to remove metabolic wastes and carbondioxide. Stabilization of medical problem with careful monitoring, and active prevention and timely management ofsecondary complications are of the utmost important for reducing stroke morality rates and avoiding further ischemicbrain injury. For the ischemic cerebral lesion itself, as yet no treatment or combination of treatment has beenestablished to be universally effective3. However, current studies allow for the following 5 potential therapeutic areasto be identified.
HEPATITIS - C
Authors: CHAUDRY NAYLA TARIQ , IHSAN IMRANA , JAMEEL WAHEED , Nasreen Sabiha
Published: September 2021

Objectives: 1) To evaluate the overall prevalence rate of viral hepatitiscarrier state among a group of voluntary blood donors. 2) To find the proportion of anti HCV in the study group. 3) Tofind the probable mode of transmission of HCV infection in the study group. Setting: Pathology lab, Jinnah Hospital,Iqra Medical Complex & Hi Tech Lab, Lahore. Period: November 2000 to April 2001. Patients & Methods: A total of890 apparently healthy blood donors (797 males, 93 females) were studied. Clinical details were recorded. The bloodsamples were collected using packed sterile disposable syringes. Sera were analysed by a qualitative enzymeimmunoassy sera diagnostic test using second generation ELISA Kits. Results: Among 890 subjects screened, carrierstate for hepatitis-C was 6.06%. The prevalence of hepatitis-C amongst total cases positive for hepatitis was 33.5%.A higher prevalence rate in males (6~8%) was observed as compared to females (2.22%). The difference wasstatistically significant (p<0.05). The most important mode of transmission was through injections; (males 32.075%,females 100%) followed by blood transfusion. Only 5.88% of the cases had an episode of jaundice in the past.Conclusion: A remarkable positive cases of hepatitis C in this study underline the dire need of comprehensive planfor multi-disciplinary approach for HCV prevention and control.
EVALUATION OF PARAOXONASE (PON) GLUTAMATE OXALOACETATE TRANSAMINASE (SGOT)
Authors: RASHID MISS ROBINA , `Falak Miss. Sadia , REHMAN KHALIL-UR- , Saleem Miss Huma
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This study was undertaken for the comparative evaluationof paraoxonase (PON) and Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT) levels in male cardiac patients andnormal subjects and the evaluation of cardiac dysfunction by assaying the enzymes PON and SGOT. Study design:Prospective Period: Six months from June 2003 to Nov 2003. Setting: DHQ Hospital Faisalabad/ Department ofChemistry Agriculture University of Faisalabad. Method & Materials: The blood of the male cardiac patients as wellas control subjects was collected and serum was separated, that was used for the determination of PON and SGOTactivity. Twenty blood samples from male cardiac patients from DHQ Faisalabad was collected. At the same time 20other male subjects which were not suffering from any active cardiac disease were selected as control. Ante-cubitalvenous blood samples without anticoagulant were centrifuged to obtain the serum. Results: Paraoxonase is presentin the blood on the HDL and it can break down the oxidized LDL to non-harmful products therefore the activity of HDLand LDL was determined along with other two parameters. It was observed that the cardiac male patients had lowactivity of PON and HDL as compared to normal. Whereas activity of SGOT and LDL was lower in normal subjects ascompared to the cardiac male patients. The activity of PON and HDL (56.86±0.94 U/ml), (14.58±0.14 mg/dl) is lowerin cardiac male patients as compared to normal (241±0.85 U/ml), (46.66±1.10 mg/dl)respectively, while SGOT (219.0±2U/ml and LDL (177.3±4.73 mg/dl) was greater as compared to the control (24.78±2.32 U/ml) and (119.2±1.08 mg/dl)respectively. Conclusion: It is concluded that there was an inverse correlation between serum PON and SGOT.
ECLAMPSIA
Authors: SHERAZ SHAHIDA , BOOTA MOHAMMAD , SHAHZAD SOHAIL
Published: September 2021

Objective: To evaluate incidence, morbidity and mortalityassociated with eclampsia. Design: A prospective study. Place and Duration: The study which was carried out at PAFHospital Rafiqui, Shorkot spanned over a period of 2½ years from Jun 2002-Dec 2004. Patients and Methods: Thestudy comprises of 55 eclamptic cases diagnosed out of 3391 consecutive deliveries, carried out in our hospital.Results: The incidence of eclampsia, in this study, was found to be 1.62%. Out of 55 cases 38(69.1%) patients wereprimigravida. Forty three (78.2%) of the patients were between the ages of 21 to 30 years. In 50(90.9%) patientsgestational age was less than 35 weeks. Thirty seven (67.3%) cases had antepartum eclampsia. Forty four (80%)patients received diazepam while the remaining 11(20%) received magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) as anticonvulsant.Commonest mode of delivery was spontaneous vaginal delivery \(31 cases, 56.4%) followed by lower caesareansection (21 cases, 38.2%). Fetal loss was seen in 12(20.7%) cases. Two patients died of eclampsia, maternal mortalityrate being 3.6%. Conclusion: Eclampsia is a life threatening complication of pregnancy. However an improvement inantenatal care, upgrading the neonatal facilities and early delivery by cesarean section can improve the perinataloutcome.
NEONATAL OUTCOME
Authors: SUKHERA SOHAIL ABBAS , AHMED SALEEM
Published: September 2021

The choice of anesthetic technique for cesarean sections, a commonproblem faced by anesthetists remains controversial. Objective: To compare the effects of epidural anesthesia withgeneral anesthesia. To evaluate which mode is better especially keeping in mind the Apgar score of the newborn. Whichwas taken as the index of immediate neonatal outcome. Design: A prospective cohort study. Setting: CombinedMilitary Hospital Peshawar. Period: Six months. Material & Methods: A total of hundred patients aged between 26-35years were selected who were under going elective cesarean section. Results: The gestational ages of the newbornwere between 36 and 40 wks. The patients were divided into two groups of fifty each receiving the two modes ofanesthesia. A random sampling of the patients was done. Apgar scores of the newborn babies were taken at 01 and05 minute intervals. Computer based SPSS 8.0 was used to analyze the results and it was found that none of the babieswas severely depressed, (Apgar score less than 4 at 01-minute interval in both the groups). 2% of the cases weremoderately depressed, (Apgar score 4-6 at 01-minute interval in the epidural group as compared to 10% of the casesborn under general anesthesia). In the epidural group 4% of the cases had 01 minute Apgar score of less than 8compared to 36% in the general anesthesia group. As regards the 05 minute Apgar score 6% of the patients had Apgarscore less than 10 in the epidural group compared to 11% in the general anesthesia group. This showed that epiduralanesthesia has an advantage over general anesthesia especially as regards 01 minute Apgar score as well as beingsafe for the mother. So this mode of anesthesia should be preferred.
BILIARY TRACT INJURY
Authors: SATTAR ABDUL , ALI SHAUKAT , RANA SHAZIA BATOOL
Published: September 2021

Objective:-To observe the rate of biliary tract injury and to prove theeffectiveness of mini-cholecystectomy in developing countries. Setting:- Department of Surgery, Nishtar Hospital,Multan. Design:- Descriptive study. Duration:- One year, starting from October 2002 to October 2003. Material andmethods: Total 50 patients were treated with mini-cholecystectomy. Follow up for complication was done for the periodof 6 months after procedure. Results: In 50 patients there was no bile duct injury. Biliary peritonitis and strictures wereseen in 2(4%) patients. Patients developed biliary leakage in which drain was not put at the time of operation and onlydrain was put and recovered. Conclusion: Mini-cholecystectomy is relatively economical method for the treatment ofgall stone disease which is associated with less patients discomfort and less incidence of postoperative complications,short hospital stay, good cosmetic results, early return to work, so it should always be preferred to conventionalcholecystectomy.
SJOGREN-LARSSON SYNDROME
Authors: MUZAFFAR FAWAD , SUHAIL MAJID
Published: September 2021

We present a case report of two brothers suffering from Sjogren-Larsson syndrome, who were bornto consanguineous parents. Sjogren-Larsson syndrome is one of the congenital icthyoses with an autosomal recessiveinheritance . It is characterized by the combination of 1 congenital ichthyosis with spastic diplegia, moderate mentalretardation and retinopathy.2,3,16. Defects in essential fatty acid metabolism have been attributed to as the cause4,8,13,15.
HYSTERECTOMY
Authors: ANWAR SAMINA
Published: September 2021

A study was conducted to evaluate the benefits of vaginal hysterectomy versus abdominalhysterectomy in patient with minimal or no prolapse, no pelvic adhesions and size of uterus not larger than 10 weeksof gestation. Design: A retrospective study. Setting: The study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics andGyanecology , Services Hospital Lahore. Subject And Method: Total of 70 cases were included out of which 40 werevaginal and 30 were abdominal hysterectomies. Results: In vaginal group the morbidity was less, no abdominal scar,shorter hospital stay and less socioeconomic burden on the patient. Conclusion: The conclusion made was vaginalprocedure is method of choice when ever applicable.
PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Authors: KHAN HUMAYUN IQBAL , KHALIQ NAILA , AFZAL MUHAMMAD FAHEEM
Published: September 2021

Intensive care is predominantly concerned with the managementof patients with acute life threatening conditions in a specialized unit. Children having acute neurological deterioration,respiratory distress, cardiovascular compromise, severe infections and accidental poisonings constitute the majoradmission to a pediatric intensive care unit. Objective: To document the number, disease pattern and outcome ofpatients admitted to Pediatric intensive care unit. Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration: The study wasconducted in the intensive care unit of department of Pediatrics, King Edward Medical University/Mayo hospital, Lahorefrom July 01, 2004 to June 30, 2005. Patients and Methods: The data of all the admitted patients was analyzed forage, sex, cause of admission and outcome. Results: A total of 1012 children were admitted during the study period.Among them 59.68% were male and 40.32% were female. Bronchopneumonia was the major cause of admission(29.05%) followed by septicemia (14.43%), acute bacterial meningitis (8.1%), acute watery diarrhea (6.92%), congenitalheart diseases (5.14%), tetanus (3.75%) ,acute myocarditis (2.67%) and others (29.94%) including acute bronchialasthma, hepatic encephalopathy, diabetic ketoacidosis, encephalitis, tuberculous meningitis, accidental poisoning andGuillain-Barre syndrome. Out of total admissions, 64.43% were shifted to different units of the department, 4.05%discharged in satisfactory condition, 9.49% left against medical advice (LAMA) and 22.03% died. The case fatality ofsepticemia (65.07%) was highest. Conclusion: Bronchopneumonia and septicemia were the major causes ofadmission while case fatality was highest for septicemia in intensive care unit.
FIBREOPTIC BRONCHOSCOPY
Authors: MAHMOOD MAZHAR , ALI JEHANZEB
Published: September 2021

One of the common indications for fibreoptic bronchoscopy in clinical practiceis patients presenting with radiological hilar and parahilar mass lesions. The study was aimed at better understandingof disease pattern on fibreoptic bronchoscopy in such patients. Objectives: To determine frequency of variousdiseases confirmed on fibreoptic bronchoscopies conducted for hilar and parahilar radiological opacities. Determine thefrequency of complications during fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study:This study was conducted at Military Hospital Rawalpindi from June 2002 to Dec 2002, which is a tertiary carehospital for armed forces. Materials & Methods: Sixty patients undergoing fibreoptic bronchoscopy for hilar andparahilar opacities were included in the study. Endobronchial biopsies, bronchial washing and brushing were performedfor histopathological and cytological analysis. Results: The most frequent finding on Bronchoscopy was anendobronchial mass lesion in 41 (68.3%) cases followed by inflammatory changes in 5(8.4%) and external compressionin 7(12%) cases. No endobronchial mass was seen in 7(12%) patients. Diagnostic yield was highest in patients in whoma mass lesion was seen on bronchoscopy, yielding a diagnosis in 97.5% of cases. Bronchogenic carcinoma was themost common diagnosis( 87.8%) in such cases with squamous cell carcinoma as the most frequent subtype 24 (58.5%).The diagnostic yield was low when either inflammatory changes, external compression or normal bronchial findings wereobserved on bronchoscopy. Overall Histopathological and cytological examination of the biopsies showed bronchogeniccarcinoma in 40(65%) cases, squamous cell in 28(70%) cases, small cell in 10 (25%) cases and adenocarcinoma in2(5%) cases, squamous metaplasia in 3(5%), non-specific inflammation in 7(10%), chronic non-caseatinggranulomatous inflammation in 2(3.3%) and caseating granuloma (tuberculosis) in 1(1.7%) case. No large cell orundifferentiated carcinoma was seen in this study. No histological diagnosis could be made in 8(14%) cases. Majorbleed occurred in one (1.6%) case who had a highly vascular tumor bleeding on biopsy. Minor bleed was seen in 3(5%)cases and marked fall in O2 saturation was noted in 2(3.3%) patients. No complications were observed in 54(90%)patients. Conclusion: Fibreoptic bronchoscopy is a high yield diagnostic procedure in hilar and parahilar lung shadowsand is completely safe and is highly recommended in all such cases as most will have malignant tumors requiringhistological diagnosis. Tuberculosis is an uncommon diagnosis in such patients. Complications of the procedure arefew and mostly minor .
SCHIZOPHRENIA AND DRUG NON-COMPLIANCE
Authors: ALI WAJID , REHMAN WAJEH UR , MAQSOOD NIAZ
Published: September 2021

Objectives: To determine the different levels of drug non-compliance inpatients with schizophrenia and to find out its relationship to relapses of the disorder and admission to the hospital.Design: A randomized, retrospective, case- controlled study. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at GovernmentMental Hospital Peshawar, from April 2001 to December 2002. Patients and Method: 50-Cases were randomly (eachfifth patient) selected from all the admissions with the DSM-IV diagnosis of Schizophrenia, 50- matched controls wererandomly (each fifth patient) selected from the outdoor patients. Both sexes were included. The basicsociodemographic characteristics and the clinical profile of all the patients were collected. The level of drug noncompliancewith previous history of admissions to hospital and total number of relapses. SPSS version 10 was usedfor statistical analysis. The applied method for group comparison was the Chi-square test. Results: The mean age ofstudy group was 33.54 ± 8.15 years as compare to 32.56 ± 9.02 years of control group, most participants were men,and a predominant proportion of participants were married. Majority of the patients were from the lower socio-economicclass. Scores on the drug non- compliance were statistically significant with a p value of (0.027). The differencebetween the two groups, regarding the previous number of relapses was statistically significant with a p value (0.002).The number of previous admission was also statistically significant and the p value was (0.017). 74.1% of the patientswith poor drug compliance relapsed, while 71% of patients with poor compliance needed admission. Conclusion: Animportant measure of out come is compliance with treatment. A substantial proportion of patients with schizophreniacontinues to relapse and are readmitted to the hospital as a result of non-compliance to treatment.
EVALUATION OF LIVER MASSES ON CT-SCAN
Authors: RIZVI SYED MEHDI RAZA , NASEEM M. AZHAR , IQBAL NASIR , Raza M. Asif
Published: September 2021

Objective: To evaluate liver masses on CT-Scan. Study design: A retrospective study. Place &duration of study: This study was carried out in the deptt. of Radiology, Allied Hospital / PMC Faisalabad from2004 to 2005. Material & Method: Retrospectively reviewed the case records of 120 patients who underwent CTScanfrom Jan. 2004 to Dec. 2005. All of the patients had one or more of the signs & symptoms of jaundice,persistent pain epigastrium, right upper quadrant pain of vague to moderate intensity, weight loss, & asthenia. Mostof them had a mass & or hepatosplenomegaly on palpation. Result: Ultrasound was used as a screening test forsuspicious hepatic tumors. CT was found to be the mainstay and the imaging modality of first choice in thediagnosis of hepatic malignancies. 61.6% had primary liver neoplasia, 16.7% had mets from stomach, colorectal,breast, bronchus, ovaries, lymphoma, 8.3% had liver abscesses, 5% had focal nodular hyperplasia, 5% had simplecysts, & 3.3% had hemangiomas. Conclusion: Computed Tomography (CT) allows more accurate detection &characterization of focal hepatic lesions.
PILONIDAL SINUS
Authors: LODHI FAISAL BILAL , SHAFIQ M. , IJAZ SAIRA , Hussain Dr. Riaz
Published: September 2021

Background: Pilonidal sinus is a common chronic disease of thesacrococcygeal region. The treatment for a pilonidal sinus varies according to the clinical presentation of the disease.Although many surgical methods have been suggested, an ideal method is still lacking because of high recurrencerates. Setting: Surgical Unit-II, Allied Hospital, PMC, Faisalabad. Material and Methods: This prospective studyincludes 30 patients who were treated with the use of a rhomboid excision and Limberg flap closure for chronic andrecurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. The follow-up period ranged from 04 to 08 months. Results: The meanhospital stay was 03 days (range, 03-08 days) and the mean time to return to work was 15 days (range, 12-26 days).Early wound complications were encountered in 03 patients. No recurrence was noted on maximum of 08 months offollow-up. Nine patients had numbness at the operation site and 10% were not pleased with cosmetic appearance ofthe scars. Conclusions: The results favor rhomboid excision and Limberg flap closure in the treatment ofsacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus, especially in recurrent cases and in patients with extensive involvement. Low recurrencerates, shorter hospital stay, and time off from work may outweigh the disadvantages related to unfavorable cosmeticappearance.
PHYTOBEZOAR
Authors: BANU ALI ASIA , MASOOD REHAN , CHAUDHARY ISHTIAQ AHMED
Published: September 2021

Objectives: We are presenting a case report of an11 year old boy brought in emergency with acute intestinal obstruction. An exploratory Laparotomy revealed two stonyhard large phytobezoars to be the cause of the acute small intestinal obstruction at terminal ileum. Enterotomy wasdone to remove the bezoars and patient had smooth recovery.
ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: ABID ABDUL REHMAN , Naveed M. Shahid , ALI LIAQAT , Tarin Siraj Munir Ahmed , MOHYUDDIN M. TAHIR , Azhar Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Women with acute myocardial infarction have higher in-hospital mortalitythan men mainly due to greater age on presentation. Objective: To evaluate the age specific sex difference in inhospitalmortality of acute myocardial infarction. Design: Descriptive study. Place and duration: Coronary Care Unitand cardiology ward of Nishtar Hospital Multan from 15 of th September 2002 till 30th of April 2003. Material & Methods:Four hundred and fifty patients of acute myocardial infarction who fulfilled our inclusion criteria were studied while theywere admitted to the hospital. Patients were divided into four groups according to age and sex i.e. Group I (male <45years), Group II (male $45 years), Group III (female <45 years) and Group IV (female $45 years). In-hospital mortalitywas compared between different age groups by Chi-square test. Results: The total in-hospital mortality was76(16.9%).In Group III none of the patients expired. In Group I in-hospital mortality was 6(7.1%) patients followed byGroup II 50(18.3%) patients and Group IV 20(23.3%) patients p<0.019. In-hospital mortality was greater in Group IVthan in any other group. Group IV patients were more frequently diabetic and hypertensive than patients in any othergroup. Group IV patients presented late to the hospital. There was no significant difference in site of myocardialinfarction in different groups. Higher Killip class was observed in Group II and IV p<0.05. Streptokinase injection wasgiven less frequently in Group IV than in any other group p <0.012. Only 34(39.5%) patients in Group IV had nocomplication during hospital stay while more patients in other groups had uneventful hospital stay p<0.001.Conclusion: Female sex is associated with higher in-hospital mortality in older age group as compared to the malepatients of same age group.
SERUM SIALIC ACID CONCENTRATION AND TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: SABZWARI MOHAMMAD JAWAID , AHMAD MUKHTAR , MAJEED MUHAMMAD TAHIR , Riaz Muhammad , Umair Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Sialic Acid (SA) is an acetylated product of neuraminic acid. In presentstudy, the relationship between sialic acid and type II diabetic patients was investigated. Ninety (90) subjects, 41 malesand 49 females, were included in the study. They were divided into two groups according to presence or absence oftype II diabetes mellitus (DM). Group A comprised of 72 patients with type II DM and group B 18 subjects withoutdiabetes mellitus as a control group. The following parameters were assessed: sialic acid, blood glucose, lipid profile(serum triglycerides and total cholesterol) and HbA1c. Type II DM Patients had higher levels (P<0.05) of sialic acid(2.259±0.252 mmol/L) as compared to the control group (2.048±0.32 mmol/L).
DIETARY EFFECTS ON HEMO-LIPID PROFILE
Authors: FAYYAZ FAIQA , Batool Miss. Saman , NAWAZ MUHAMMAD , Lodhi Asma , ARIF MISS. FATIMA
Published: September 2021

A study had been being undertaken to estimate the dietaryeffects on blood lipid profile of young male and female university students. Lipid profile is a group of teststhat are often ordered together to determine risk of coronary heart diseases by estimating blood cholesterol,low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides. For the estimation, bloodsamples of each 30 female and male volunteers had been centrifuged and plasma had been separated foranalysis. Levels of lipid profile parameters had been measured by recommended kit method and colordeveloped had been measured by spectrophotomer. The results had been presented as mean±SD. Femalevolunteers had an average±SD value for cholesterol 183.1±14.8, for triglycerides 183.2±22.5, for HDL51±6.2 and for LDL 95.5±15.7, whereas male volunteers had an average ±SD value for cholesterol190±14.9, for triglycerides 222.5±18.2, for HDL 41.4±5.8 and for LDL 104.2±17.1. It had been concludedthat values of triglycerides and cholesterol were higher than the normal values for both female and malevolunteers because the content of saturated fatty acids was higher in their diets, use of vegetables, fruitsand fruit juices was very low, in some cases the number of meals taken per day was more than 5 which isnot desirable in adult people especially when their lifestyle is sedentary and in some cases smoking alteredthe levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.