bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
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.
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
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.