bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preferred Learning Styles of Medical and Physiotherapy Students
Authors: Nizami Rahila , Latif Muhammad Zahid , Wajid Gohar 
Published: August 2017

<p><strong>Background:</strong><strong> </strong>Learning styles are the ways students learn, intake and process new information. The contribution of learning styles for educational quality is evident and have important implications to develop effective curricula. Teachers can effectively plan instructional activities if they know the learning styles of students. This study was conducted to find out the preferred learning styles of medical and physiotherapy students.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods:</strong><strong> </strong>This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at Azra Naheed Medical College Lahore from January to March 2014. Honey and Muffard Learning Style Questionnaire (LSQ) was used to assess the preferred learning styles. The medical students of 3rd year and 6th semester physiotherapy class were invited for the study. The collected data was organized and analyzed by the use of statistical tools.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong><strong> </strong>120 students participated in this study, out of which 60 (50 %) were students of MBBS class whereas 60 (50 %) were of physiotherapy class. 48 (40%) were male students and 72 (60%) were female students. Both the groups have reflector as dominating learning style with a minor difference of (40%) and (42.5%) for medical and physiotherapy respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong><strong> </strong>Students have different learning styles and require versatile instructional and assessment strategies. Preferred learning style of medical and physiotherapy students found in this study is reflector, however all the learning styles are present in both groups.<strong></strong></p>
Multi Drug Resistant Nosocomial Pathogens in Intensive Care Units of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi
Authors: Ali Ishrat Irfan , Khan Irfan Ali , Munir Muhammad Kashif 
Published: August 2017

Objective: To evaluate occurrence of nosocomial infections and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens isolated from Intensive Care Units (IC-Us) in a tertiary care hospital of Karachi-Pakistan.Methods and Results: One thousand and fifty clinical isolates were identified following standard proto-cols. Their antibiograms were evaluated and a clinical correlation was made to measure their pathogenic status and method of acquisition of infection. Fifty-six percent isolates were identified as Acinetobacter baumannii, 13.2% as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 11.2% as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 8.8% as Klebsiella pneumoniae, 4.1% as Vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE), 2.7% as Escherichia coli (ESBL), 1.2% as Klebsiella spp, 1.1% as coagulase negative staphylococcus, 0.7% as Salmonella typhi and 0.2% as salmonella spp. All the isolates exhibited different resistance patterns against conventional antibiotics. Majority of them were Multi Drug Resistant (MDR).Conclusions: In this study, Acinetobacter baumannii isolates revealed a pathogenic potential of around 56% were identified by antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. In our study, majority of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vancomycin resistant Enterococci, E.coli, and Klebsiella spp were found to be multi drug resistant. High antimicrobial resistance in the ICU is an alarming situation, and calls for imperative measures leading to careful selection/use of antimicrobials while treating different infections. This study is expected to help infection control agencies to take robust steps to control nosocomial infections in developing countries.
Epidemiological Study of Anti HCV Antibodies in Rural Punjab
Authors: Gilani Syed Amir , Khan Muhammad Athar , Latif Muhammad Zahid , Malik Muhammad Azam , Arif Muhammad , Bukhari Ifrah 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground: Hepatitis C virus infection is a very serious and alarming public health concern worldwide. The virus is transmitted through blood and blood related infected products. However sexual and vertical transmission is also reported. Although the infection by Hepatitis C virus is endemic in nature but prevalence as well as incidence has escalating trend in Pakistan particularly in the rural areas. In the beginning it is an asymptomatic infection and majority of the victims remain unaware about the disease.Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C in Rural Punjab, Pakistan.Methods: A descriptive epidemiological cross sectional study was conducted from July 2013 to June 2015 in the rural Punjab of Pakistan. The province of Punjab was divided into three zones namely CentralSouthern and Northern zone. Three districts from each zone were sampled and later on three villages from each district were selected. Probability based sampling technique was used however in certain situations the total population was selected. A total sample of 2400 participants was selected with 800 from each zone of Punjab.Results: A total of 2400 subjects from three zones of Punjab participated in this study. Out of these 2400 participants 520 (21.6%) were sero positive against Anti HCV antibodies. Anti HCV positive cases were higher (24.8%) in Northern Punjab as compared to (23.1%) in Central and (17%) in Southern rural Punjab respectively.Conclusion: This study concludes that prevalence of HCV infection is highly endemic among the rural population of Punjab and accounts for 21.6% of the studied population. The prevalence is highest in rural northern Punjab followed by the central and southern Punjab. Drivers and helpers of the farmers are the maximally infected occupations. It is recommended to plan and implement a population based hepatitis awareness and screening campaign for the affected and general population.
Effect of Subclinical Hypothyroidism on Fasting Serum Low Density Lipoprotein-C and High Density Lipoprotein-C
Authors: Zubair Syed Mohammad , Ijaz Farhat , Aftab Rana Khurram 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNumerous effects on metabolism of Lipids, its absorption, amalgamation, and control is under the influence of Thyroid Hormone. The scientists at international are exploring the possibility of establishing a link between subclinical hypothyroidism and lipids. We conducted this research to test the hypothesis that TSH, and levels of LDL-C and HDL-C are significantly associated in subjects with SCH.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Physiology Department, KEMU in collaboration with Centre for Nuclear Medicine (CENUM), Mayo Hospital & KEMU, Lahore. Simple Random sampling technique was employed to collect the sample. A total of 100 cases were selected (50 with SCH and 50 with Thyroid Profile within normal range as control) Levels of TSH, LDL-C and HDL-C were measured in fasting serum samples.Results: TSH levels in subclinical hypothyroidism SCH were 8.69 mlU/L and Euthyroid showed to be1.39 mlU/L. Mean HDL levels were 39.74 mg/dL in Subclinical Hypothyroidism subjects and 43.48mg/dL in euthyroid. The LDL-C pattern was in SCH 182.82 mg/dL and Euthyroids 161.24 mg/dL.Conclusion: The Subclinical hypothyroidism has statistically significant effect in lowering HDL-C and increasing LDL-C level.AbstractNumerous effects on metabolism of Lipids, its absorption, amalgamation, and control is under the influence of Thyroid Hormone. The scientists at international are exploring the possibility of establishing a link between subclinical hypothyroidism and lipids. We conducted this research to test the hypothesis that TSH, and levels of LDL-C and HDL-C are significantly associated in subjects with SCH.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Physiology Department, KEMU in collaboration with Centre for Nuclear Medicine (CENUM), Mayo Hospital & KEMU, Lahore. Simple Random sampling technique was employed to collect the sample. A total of 100 cases were selected (50 with SCH and 50 with Thyroid Profile within normal range as control) Levels of TSH, LDL-C and HDL-C were measured in fasting serum samples.Results: TSH levels in subclinical hypothyroidism SCH were 8.69 mlU/L and Euthyroid showed to be1.39 mlU/L. Mean HDL levels were 39.74 mg/dL in Subclinical Hypothyroidism subjects and 43.48mg/dL in euthyroid. The LDL-C pattern was in SCH 182.82 mg/dL and Euthyroids 161.24 mg/dL.Conclusion: The Subclinical hypothyroidism has statistically significant effect in lowering HDL-C and increasing LDL-C levels.Key words: Subclinical hypothyroidism, TSH, HDL-C, LDL-C
Effect of Low Dietary Glycemic Index on Blood Lipids Profile among Obese Postpartum Women
Authors: Basharat Shahnai , Gilani Syed Amir , Bashir Shahid , Qamar Muhammad Mustafa 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjective: Postpartum obesity leads to long-term maternal obesity and promotes drastic health complications. Low glycemic index diet is suggested to have a beneficial impact on blood lipid levels. Therefore, we conducted a study to explore the effect of low glycemic diet on blood lipid profile in obese postpartum women.Methods: In a randomised controlled trial, 38 obese postpartum women in intervention and 36 obese post-partum women in control group were analysed. Subjects in the intervention group were assigned low glycemic index diet and to follow this protocol for 12 weeks and the control group was advised to continue their routine diet.Results: Low glycemic diet had a positive impact on low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride and highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) concentration (p < 0.05). A strong positive correlation was observed between the glycemic index and LDL (mg/dl), (r = 0.57; p = 0.02) and between glycemic index and triglyceride (mg/dl), (r = 0.51; p = 0.01) in control and intervention group. A negative correlation was identified between glycemic index and HDL (mg/dl), (r = -0.45; p = 0.01).Conclusion: Study concluded that low glycemic index diet reduced low density lipoprotein and triglyceride level and increased HDL level in blood; further more a significant association was found between glycemic index and blood lipids profile.
Testicular Morphological Changes Produced by Fluoroquinolones in Adult Male Albino Rats
Authors: Iqbal Rubina , Iqbal Saud , Atta Iram 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectives: The objective of this research work was to observe the testicular morphological changes produced by fluoroquinolones in the reproductive organs of adult male albino rats, and to see whether these changes are reversible after discontinuation of the drugs.Materials and Method: Eighty adult male albino rats weighing 200 – 300 gms were randomly selected and divided into four groups i.e. A, B, C & D, having 20 animals in each group. A, B & C, were the experimental groups & D served as control group. All the groups were further divided into sub groups 1 & 2. Three fluoroquinolones i.e. Ciprofloxacin (135 mg / kg / day), Ofloxacin (75 mg / kg / day) & Enoxacin (12.5 mg / kg/ day) were given to the groups A, B & C respectively for 42 days. Animals of group D received dis-tilled water only. Animals of sub groups A1, B1, C1 &D1 were sacrificed on 42nd day and testicular tissue was obtained for morphological study. Animals of subgroups A2, B2, C2 & D2 were sacrificed on 84th day and testicular tissue for morphological changes was taken. No of leydig cells, height of epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubules were taken as experimental parameters for morphological changes.Results: The study indicated statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease in height of epithelium, diameter of seminiferous tubules and no. of leydig cells in experimental groups as compared to the control groups.Conclusion: The changes observed in morphology could lead to decrease in sperm count and testosterone levels. This study suggests gonadotoxic potentials of fluoroquinolones and adds concern to the indiscriminate and widespread use of fluoroquinolones and recommends more rational use of these drugs.
Detection of Cytomorphological Changes in Buccal Mucosal Cells of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Using Oral Exfoliative Cytology
Authors: Sharif Sadia , Sarwar Naureen , Nisar Bushra , Masood Muhammad Khalid , Hameed Asim 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground: Diabetes mellitus is an extremely common endocrine metabolic disorder that results in chronic hyperglycemia. It has effects on various tissues of the body. Due to this increased blood glucose levels considerable cellular changes occur in oral cavity as well. This field has attracted little research. The aim of the study was to analyze the changes in morphology and cytomorphometric measurements in the buccal mucosal cells of type 2 diabetic patients.Objectives: The Objective of this study was to detect the cytological and morphological alterations of oral epithelial cells, in type 2 diabetic patients and healthy control subjects in exfoliated cytology smears, to com-pare the cytoplasmic diameter, nuclear diameter, and nucleus: cytoplasm ratio in type 2 diabetics and heal-thy control subjects and to analyze the above mentioned cellular alterations in patients with controlled and uncontrolled diabetes.Methods: Cross-sectional analysis was performed in three groups on the bases of HbA1c levels. Group 1 was uncontrolled diabetics with HbA1C ≥ 7.0%, Gro-up 2 was well controlled diabetics with HbA1c ≤ 7.0% and Group 3 was Control healthy having HbA1C ≤ 5. 6%. Smears from normal buccal mucosa were obtai-ned from each subject and stained with Papanicolaou method. An eyepiece micrometer was used to take mean values of ND, CyD, and N: C ratio. Fifty (50) clearly defined cells were measured in each case in a step wise manner, to evade quantifying cells once more. Comparison of Nuclear Diameter (ND), Cytoplasmic Diameter (CY D) and ratio of two Diameters (N: C) among three groups was performed by using ANOVA. TUKEY’S test for post –hoc analysis was used where required.Results: The variability in diameter of nucleus among all three sample groups showed significant p-value < 0.001.Whereas the measurement for cytoplasmic diameter between three groups was not significant (p-value 0.178). The ratio of nuclear diameter to cytoplasmic diameter calculated was significant (p-value < 0.001). Hence it proved from the results that considerably exaggerated ND and N: C ratios were seen as the glycemic control (HbA1C) is poorer.Conclusion: The results suggested that nuclear size of buccal mucosal cells increased in type 2 diabetic pati-ents while no change was observed in cytoplasmic dimensions.
Effect of Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents on Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Khan Ali Asad , Iqtadar Somia , Shafi Yasir , Abaidullah Sajid , Refai Aasma 
Published: August 2017

Objectives: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop anemia which is treated with erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs). However, ESAs do not reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, this is unclear whether ESAs therapy has any association with adverse cardiovascular events.Methods: After an informed consent 275 male and female patients, between ages 35 to 75 years, with CKD stage V on ESAs undergoing twice weekly hemodialysis were enrolled. The dose of ESAs was calculated according to weight as 50mg/kg with target hemoglobin being 11 – 12 g/dl. Dose adjustments were made in the patients who failed to achieve target hemoglobin. The patients were followed for a year with the primary end point being new evidence of acute myocardial infarction (MI) diagnosed through ECG or echocardiography. Safety outcomes included stroke or death.Results: The data was entered and analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18Out of 275 patients, 164 (59.6%) patients were males and 111 (40.4%) were females. Mean age of the patients was 51.52 with standard deviation of ± 5.73. According to the results, 52 (18.9%) patients reported with MI and 223 (81.1%) patients had no evidence of MI. Out of 52 patients who had MI, 37 (71.1%) were males and 15 (28.8%) patients were female.Conclusion: ESAs are associated with an increased risk of MI in CKD patients on hemodialysis. Whether there is a direct association or there are other factors involved remains to be seen.
Clinical Application of Grace Risk Score in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Firdous Samar , Malik Uzma 
Published: August 2017

Objectives: To determine clinical application of GRACE risk score in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Patients and Methods: It was an observational analytical study conducted in the Cardiology ward of Mayo hospital, Lahore from April to July 2015. Patients with Acute STEMI, NSTEMI or Unstable angina (UA) were selected on the basis of typical chest pain, ECG changes or cardiac biomarkers .For all eligible cases, at presentation GRS was calculated using online calculator. Also, GRACE risk categories and predicted in-hospital mortality were determined. Patients with previous episodes of STEMI/ NSTEMI, old Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB), stable angina pectoris, acute pericarditis, myocarditis, acute rheumatic fever or pulmonary embolism were excluded. Data was analyzed on SPSS 20 and the R project for statistical computing. Individual components of GRS were compared among discharged and expired cases using t-test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.Results: A total of 165 patients with STEMI and ACS were included. The mean GRS among males andfemales was 137.4 ± 39 and 151.5 ± 50.6. The observed in-hospital mortality was 12.12% with 60% patients of STEMI. Among expired cases, 90% patients had high GRS, predominantly from STEMI group. Important determinants of adverse outcome were advanced age, tachycardia, low systolic blood pressure and presence of cardiac failure.Conclusion: STEMI was the major acute cardiac event. The mean GRS of expired patients was significantly higher than discharged group. GRS accurately identified low risk cases with low probability of in-hospital death. GRS over estimate probability of in-hospital death among STEMI high risk cases that had higher scores and discharged uneventfully. Grace Risk Score is a reliable predictor of risk category and adverse outcomes and its use by clinicians should be strongly recommended.
Relation of Stress during Pregnancy with Congenital Malformations in Children Admitted in Various Clinical Settings in Lahore
Authors: Jawad Shahbano , Mustafa Awais , Akram Roman 
Published: August 2017

<p><strong>Objectives:</strong><strong> </strong>To study relation of stress in pregnancy and congenital malformations in newborns delivered at various hospitals of public sector in Lahore.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Materials and Methodology:</strong><strong> </strong>Descriptive cross sectional study design was used. The study was conducted at various clinical settings of Lahore for one month. Mothers of 40 malformed neonates were taken as sample. A data collection tool (a questionnaire) was developed and the mothers were interviewed regarding various type of stress such as poor socio-economic conditions, divorce and separation, death of a close relative, post dramatic stress disorders, serious illness, catastrophic events and pregnancy related stress including history of multiple miscarriages. Questionnaire was pretested before the data. SPSS computer software was used for entry, compilation and analysis of data.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results:</strong><strong> </strong>Out of 40 subjects, 14 (35%) of mothers suffered from stress while 26 (65%) did not suffer from stress during pregnancy. Out of 14, 12.5% were having facial defects (cleft lip, cleft palate), 10% had neural tube defects while those with cvs, git, and urogenital defects were 7.5%. 2.5% and 2.5% respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong><strong> </strong>This study suggests that prevalence of congenital malformations has a significant association with the events causing stress in life during pregnancy. Therefore it is one of the overlooked but important aggravating factor in the development of malfunctions. Out of 40 subjects 35% of mothers suffered from stresses like poor socioeconomic conditions, separation and deaths in the family. The number of conotruncal, or facial and neural tube defects was significantly higher in our subjects having stress.<strong></strong></p>
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Li-Ming , Zhang Jie-Huan 
Published: August 2017

Background:With an increasing understanding of the antitumor immune response, considerable progress has been made in the field of tumor immunotherapy in the last decade. Inhibition of histone deacetylases represents a new strategy in tumor therapy and histone deacetylase inhibitors have been recently developed and validated as potential antitumor drugs. In addition to the direct antitumor effects, histone deacetylase inhibitors have been found to have the ability to improve tumor recognition by immune cells that may contribute to their antitumor activity. These immunomodolutory effects are desirable, and their in-depth comprehension will facilitate the design of novel regimens with improved clinical efficacy.Objective:Our goal here is to review recent developments in the application of histone deacetylase inhibitors as immune modulators in cancer treatment.Methods:Systemic compilation of the relevant literature in this field.Results amp; Conclusion:In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of how histone deacetylase inhibitors alter immune process and discuss their effects on various cytokines. We also discuss the challenges to optimize the use of these inhibitors as immune modulators in cancer treatment. Information gained from this review will be valuable to this field and may be helpful for designing tumor immunotherapy trials involving histone deacetylase inhibitors.
The Application of the Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Activated Solutions in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Yan Dayun , Sherman Jonathan H. , Keidar Michael 
Published: August 2017

Background:
Over the past five years, the cold atmospheric plasma-activated solutions (PAS) have
shown their promissing application in cancer treatment. Similar as the common direct cold plasma treatment,
PAS shows a selective anti-cancer capacity in vitro and in vivo. However, different from the direct cold atmospheric
plasma (CAP) treatment, PAS can be stored for a long time and can be used without dependence on a
CAP device. The research on PAS is gradually becoming a hot topic in plasma medicine.

Objectives:
In this review, we gave a concise but comprehensive summary on key topics about PAS including
the development, current status, as well as the main conclusions about the anti-cancer mechanism achieved in
past years. The approaches to make strong and stable PAS are also summarized.