bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STUDY OF STABILITY OF AVIAN INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS VIRUS
Authors: Shevchenko N. I. , Sobko Y. A. , Nedosekov V. V. 
Published: January 2022

The sale, storage and use of vaccines sensitive to high and low temperatures is a problem that can be minimized by enhancing their stability and, as a consequence, improving the effectiveness of the preparation. Live lyophilized vaccines against avian infectious bronchitis are quite sensitive to environmental conditions. The stability of the preparation depends on a number of factors: the stability of the virus strain, the drying media (stabilizer), the mode of lyophilization and storage conditions of vaccines.
One of the key components is the drying media, which provides protection during lyophilization, the stability of the preparation throughout the shelf life and its effectiveness during use.
The aim of the study was to select the most promising drying media that ensure the stability of vaccines based on strains H-120 and VAR2/V2 during the required shelf life.
The results of studies of the effect of different drying media (stabilizers) on the stability of live vaccines against avian infectious bronchitis from strains H-120 and VAR2/V2 at a temperature of 2-8°C and 37 °C. The results show that stabilizers, which include enzymatic peptone and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) ensure the stability of live vaccines against IB from strains H-120 and VAR2/V2 for 18-24 months at a temperature of 2-8°C. The nature of lyophilisate formation, its quality and solubility were studied.
The article publishes fragments of research related to the technology of production of live vaccines POLIMUN against avian infectious bronchitis (IB). In order to protect the technology, the authors presented the maximum possible data on the composition of drying media.
ACTIVITY RANGE OF COMMERCIAL PHAGE PREPARATIONS AGAINST METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATES
Authors: Yushchenko Alla , Garkavenko Tetiana , Klestova Zinaida 
Published: January 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was first discovered in 1962, since then it has been recognized as a major causative agent of healthcare-associated infections. MRSA infections are usually divided into three groups: hospital- (HA), community- (CA) and livestock-associated (LA) MRSA. The incidence of LA-MRSA infections among livestock and companion animals is a great concern because these sources could potentially be reservoirs for zoonotic infections. In Ukraine, recent statistics indicated approximately 82 % of tested livestock were S. aureus positive with 53.8 % of resistance. In addition, the diversity of MRSA in Ukraine has not been investigated.
Antibiotic resistance during treatment in both clinical practice and veterinary medicine remains a challenge and requires alternative solutions. Bacteriophage-based treatment represents a promising biocontrol strategy with proven effectiveness against MRSA. The purpose of our research was to evaluate the activity of two commercial phage preparations against a local collection of LA-MRSA host strains and to characterize and adapt individual phages isolated from these preparations with the desired goal of enhancing their efficacy.
In our study, we tested two commercial phage preparations (Eliava BioProduction, Georgia) Staphylococcus Bacteriophage and Intesti Bacteriophage on local LA-MRSA isolates. In addition, we utilized two single phages we isolated from these preparations. Both commercial phage preparations showed variable activity against the tested isolates. Intesti Bacteriophage cocktail lysed 60 % of isolates, whereas the single phage isolated from it was found to be ineffective. Staphylococcus Bacteriophage preparation showed activity against 30 % of MRSA tested, while the isolated phage was active against 70 % of the tested isolates. For the first time in Ukraine, in this study we assessed host range of commercial phages on local circulating livestock-associated MRSA. Further host range analysis on an expanded collection of Ukrainian MRSA isolates as well as taxonomic and genomic characterization of the phages is planned.
Efficacy of Prophylactic Intraoperative Povidone-Iodine Solution Irrigation in Preventing Surgical Site Infection Following Spinal Surgery
Authors: Altaf Imran , Liaqat Ammara , Ahmad Manzoor 
Published: January 2022

Objective: Deep wound infection can worsen clinical outcome and increase costs following spinal surgery. The bactericidal activity of povidone-iodine covers a broad spectrum of pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Our study aimed at evaluating the role that intraoperative dilute povidone-iodine solution irrigation could play in preventing post-operative wound infection following spinal surgery.
Material and Methods: The clinical data of 41 patients that had undergone posterior spinal surgery in the department of neurosurgery Allama Iqbal hospital Sialkot was retrospectively analyzed. We divided the patients into two groups. In group 1patients wounds were irrigated with 0.35% povidone-iodine solution prior to closure. In group 2 patients wounds were irrigated with normal saline only. The two groups were then compared for evaluation of efficacy of peroperative povidone-iodine solution irrigation in preventing post-operative wound infection.
Results: No infection occurred in the 16 patients in group 1 in whom wounds had been irrigated with povidone-iodine solution, compared to 3 deep infections developing in the 25 patients in group 2 in whom wounds had been irrigated with normal saline only. In the 3 patients that suffered from deep infections the duration of hospital stay was also significantly increased (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Our study supports the notion that perioperative povidone-iodine irrigation is an effective adjunct measure for prevention of surgical site infection following spinal surgical interventions.
Frequency of Extradural Hematoma in Patients with Skull Fracture after Head Injury
Authors: Ul Haq Muhammad Ammad , Abbas Ghayur , Ali Anam , Hamid Mamoona , Ahmed Daniyal , Javed Saad , Yaqoob Eesha 
Published: January 2022

Objective: To assess the frequency of patients with extradural hematoma who have a skull fracture on x-ray skull presenting with a head injury.
Material & Methods: A descriptive case series was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, RMU & Allied Hospital, Rawalpindi. 322 patients fulfilling the selection criteria were enrolled in the study from Emergency Ward. Patients with head injury having skull fracture undergone a CT scan for assessment of presence or absence of extradural hematoma. CT scan was done by a single senior radiologist for all patients.
Results: Mean age of patients in this study was 41.31 ± 14.67 years. Among the patients 259 (80.4%) were male and 63 (19.6%) were females. The mean duration of injury of the patients was 6.37 ± 3.40. Extradural hematoma was diagnosed in 104 (32.3%) patients. Age and site of fracture showed a statistically significant association for extradural hematoma. Whereas gender, duration of injury, and type of fracture did not show significant association for extradural hematoma.
Conclusion: Results of this study showed a low frequency of extradural hematoma in patients who presented with a head injury. Still, any patient suspected of head injury leading to skull fractures must be examined on CT scan to avoid and timely detect the intracranial bleeding in order to avert the complications and mortality after traumatic head injury.
Surgical Outcome of Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Radiculopathy in Terms of Improvement of Pain
Authors: Tahir Hamayun , Raza Afzal , Ali Mumtaz , Hassan Naseer , Ayaz Mohammad , Arooj Hina , Shah Zulfiqar Ali 
Published: January 2022

Objective: Cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative condition leading to compression of nerve roots or spinal cord, causing radiculopathy or myelopathy. Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) techniques are commonly recognized procedures in treating axial cervical spine pain and upper extremity radicular discomfort. The study analyzed the surgical outcome of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and radiculopathy patients in terms of pain improvement.
Material and Methods: This descriptive case series analysis was performed at the Neuro Surgery department, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. A total of 146 patients between age 18 – 65 years meeting the inclusion criteria underwent anterior decompression &post-procedure improvement in pain of neck and arm/shoulder was determined using patient reported outcome (PRO) measure, namely visual analog scale (VAS) of 0-10 and a final outcome that is an improvement of pain, i.e., Mild to no pain (VAS score ?3) was considered after 12 months.
Results: The mean age was 52 years ± 8.273. As regards gender distribution, 78% of patients were male, while 22% were female. The mean baseline VAS score was 6.5 ± 2.37, mean postoperative VAS score was 3.5 ± 1.161 with a mean point improvement in pain of 3.0 points (p-value < 0.05). 80% of patients had shown improvement in reducing pain, while 20% did not have shown any improvement.
Conclusion: This study revealed that independent of symptoms duration and presentation, patients reported dramatic improvements in neck and arm pain after ACDF.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Influences on the Practice of Neurosurgeons all over Pakistan
Authors: Rana Faisal Feroz , Mahmood Mazhar , Amin Uzma , Butt Rizwan Masood 
Published: January 2022

Objective: The aim of this survey was to observe the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on neurosurgery practices during this pandemic, assess various types of adaptations taken by them, protective measures during patient examination and effects on their health, family and socioeconomic life.
Material & Methods: A Questionnaire comprising 32 questions was circulated among practicing Neurosurgeons of Pakistan by social media, e-mails for 8 weeks (January-February 2021) and their responses were analyzed.
Results: 108 participants were involved from all over Pakistan. 32% respondents stated reduction in clinical practice to a level of less than 25%. While, 10% reported complete closure of outpatient services during pandemic. There were varied responses on the use of protective measures and most used N95 mask only (31%). Pandemic also affected the research work, finances and leisure time activities.
Conclusion: Our study showed that neurosurgical practice was influenced by COVID-19 pandemic in many aspects in Pakistan. Proper method of protective measures and COVID testing of patients were lacking among them. Neurosurgeons should follow standard guidelines according to institutional directives in local neurosurgical practices so as to avoid being influenced by such crisis.c
Comparison of the Operative Time and Post-Operative Pain with Peek Cage versus Autologous Iliac Crest Bone Graft in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Faizan Syed Ahmad , Bilal Syed Ahmad 
Published: January 2022

Objective: To compare the operative time and post-operative pain with PEEK cage method versus autologous iliac crest bone graft in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in the cervical spine.
Material & Methods: This randomized control trial study (RCT). 90 patients with cervical disc disease, cervical stenosis with or without myelopathy and cervical trauma (fractures or facet jumps with disrupted disc) were included in the study from the Department of Neurosurgery, LGH, PINS, Lahore. Patients were evaluated with plain X-rays and MRI scans of the cervical spine. All patients underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion. In 45 patients (group A), cervical fusion was achieved with PEEK cage method and in other 45 patients (group B), autologous Iliac Crest Bone graft was used.
Results: Mean age in group A was 57.1 years and in group B, it was 54.7 years. In group A, 31.1% patients were of cervical disc disease, 28.8% of cervical degenerative stenosis and 40% were of cervical trauma. In group B, 15 patients 33.3% were of cervical disc disease, 24.4% of cervical degenerative stenosis and 42.2% were of cervical trauma. The mean Postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for pain was 2.8 in group A and 5.4 in group B patients.
Conclusion: The patients of group A (PEEK cage method) could be easily mobilized within bed and out of bed depending upon their neurological status. Decreased operative time and less post-operative pain makes PEEK cage method superior to autologous iliac crest bone graft in anterior cervical decompression and fusion.
Endoscopic Discectomy versus Microscopic Discectomy
Authors: Hussain Wadd Ijaz , Ijaz Sidra , Hasan Naem-ul- 
Published: January 2022

Objective: A randomized control trial was conducted to compare the outcome of an endoscopic discectomy with microdiscectomy in lumbar spine disc disease.
Material and Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS), Lahore. We included 80 patients of ages between 13 – 65 years, with low backache with radiation towards legs and prolapsed intervertebral disc at L5 – S1 and L4 – L5 levels on MRI were included in the study. Endoscopic/microscopic discectomy was done in a randomized manner under general anesthesia in a prone position with fluoro guidance. Postoperatively, all patients stayed in the recovery room for two hours for monitoring and then shifted to the ward. All patients followed-up-to one year clinically with the help of the Oswestry disability index (ODI).
Results: There were 37 female and 43 male patients in the ages between 13 – 65 years. The mean age of patients was 53.5 years. The 53 patients were having prolapsed disc at L5 S1 levels and 27 patients with disc prolapse at L4 – 5 levels. A good improvement was observed in visual analog scores after surgery in both endoscopic and microscopic discectomy groups. But endoscopic discectomy group required a lesser hospital stay, early mobilization, and lesser postoperative analgesia requirements than the microscopic group.
Conclusion: Endoscopic/microdiscectomy both are equally effective and safer techniques. They both can relief. However, the endoscopic discectomy was found better in terms of early mobilization and lesser postoperative pain.
Computerized Tomographic Based Study of Thoracic Spine Morphology in Relevance to Pedicle Screw Fixation in Pakistani Population
Authors: Noor Chughtai Waqas , Adeel Razzaque Muhammad , Ahmad Tanveer , Nighat Sumera , Tahir Rahila , Ahmad Bashir 
Published: January 2022

Objective: To study the thoracic spine anatomy for accurate placement of pedicle screws using computerized tomography.
Material and Methods: CT scans of 200 patients were included in our study. T1 to T12 vertebrae morphology was studied for each patient. Following measurements were taken, 1: Transverse pedicle width, 2 = Depth of anterior cortex along pedicle axis, 3 = Transverse pedicle angle, 4 = canal dimensions, 5 = vertebral body height anterior and posterior, 6 = mid vertebral body width.
Results: Transverse pedicle width decreased from T1 (4.06 ± 0.50 mm) to T4 (3.72 ± 0.17 mm) and then gradually increases to T12 (6.08 ± 0.60 mm). Depth of the anterior vertebral cortex remained constant from T1 to T4 and gradually increases up to T12. Transverse pedicle angle remained constant from T1 to T4 with a maximum at T4 (23.39 ± 3.15 mm) and then gradually decreased to T12 (3.99 ± 2.16 mm). Anteroposterior (AP) canal dimensions were minimum at T7 (17.03 ± 1.01 mm) and maximum at T2 (21.2 ± 1.07 mm). Interpedicular (IPD) canal dimensions were minimum at T6 (19.18 ± 1.6 mm) and maximum at T3 (23.18 ± 1.2 mm). Anterior vertebral body height was minimum at T1 (16.9 ± 1.34 mm) and maximum at T12 (27.14 ± 1.34mm). Posterior vertebral body height was minimum at T1 (18.8 ± 1.13 mm) and maximum at T12 (29.76 ± 1.43 mm).
Conclusion: A detailed anatomy of the thoracic spine is essential for surgical planning to decrease postoperative complications.
Assessment of Modes of Injury and Outcome in Patients with Traumatic Posterior Fossa Extradural Hematomas: A Study of a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Kalhoro Aurangzeb , Panezai Abdul Samad , Hassan Sher , Rehman Lal , Javed Farrukh 
Published: January 2022

Objective: The aim of study to assess the prevalence of divergent modes of injuries in traumatic posterior fossa extradural hematomas (PFEDH) along with the description of surgical and clinical management.
Material and Methods: A descriptive study was performed at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi from May 2014 to October 2020. Total 37 patients who presented with posterior hematoma of any age and gender were included. CT scan Brain plain with the bone window was performed for a basic diagnosis to assess the volume, and any associated fracture, or any injury in the posterior fossa. The outcome was calculated from the scores of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
Results: 70% were male and around 30% were female patients. The mean calculated age was 32 ± 5.33 years. A road traffic trauma was the major cause of brain injury in 25 (67.56%) cases. The majority (56.75%) of patients reported headache, nausea and vomiting. 35% of patients were conservatively managed, with an average hematoma size of 3 cm on CT scan and GCS > 12 while 64.86% patients were operated, with the average size of hematoma > 3 cm and GCS < 10 while 61% of the patient had an occipital fracture. The majority of patients (8.1%) reported complications such as brain contusions and post-traumatic hydrocephalus.
Conclusion: Post fossa EDH should be managed aggressively, especially those with low GCS (< 8), and volume > 3 cm. Patients who are to be managed conservatively also require close observation.
Outcome of patients operated for depressed skull fracture with dural tear
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Ahmad Mian Mushtaq , Filza Faiqa , Ayub Shahid , Daud Khan Sohail , Jalal Khial 
Published: January 2022

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of patients operated for depressed skull fracture with a dural tear.
Material and Methods: A descriptive case series (n = 155) was carried out in the Department of Neurosurgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar for six months.
Results: The mean arrival GCS was 10.64 ± 2.33. About 21.9% (n = 32) patients presented with a GCS of ? 8, while the remaining 78.1% (n = 123) presented with a GCS of ? 8. About 8.4% (n = 13) patients died due to the complications of the brain injury. The most common postoperative complication was found to be progressive neurologic deficit (PND) occurred in 21 (13.5%) patients. Penetrating injury to the head was also associated with unfavorable outcomes after surgery (p = 0.046), which shows that penetrating injury is associated with increased brain damage and hence consequently poor outcomes.
Conclusions: The neurologic status as denoted by the Glasgow coma scale is one of the most important factors which predicts the outcome. Surgical management of depressed skull fractures with dural tear has favorable outcomes in about two-thirds of patients. The remaining one-third patient remains in the severely disabled group. Every effort should be made to reduce the occurrence of complications as they are directly related to postoperative functional outcomes.
Success Rate of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) in Non-Communicating Hydrocephalus in Pediatric Age Group
Authors: Pathan Sanaullah , Memon Riaz Ahmed Raja , Qureshi Peer Asad Aziz , Aghani Suhail Ahmed , Memon Abdul Rauf , Hussain Mubarak 
Published: January 2022

Objective: To evaluate success rate of the endoscopic third Ventriculostomy (ETV) in non-communicating type of hydrocephalus in pediatric age group.
Material and Methods: This study was carried in the department of neurosurgery at Liaquat university hospital, Jamshoro in which an endoscopic third Ventriculostomy procedure was performed in patients (n = 55) with non-communicating hydrocephalus from October 2016 to April 2017. Post-operative follow-up was done on the 15th day post-operative to assess clinical and radiological improvement.
Results: 55 patients were included in this study, 26 (47.27%) males and 29 (52.73%) females. The mean age was 3.96 years. The most common etiology was aqueductal stenosis 28 (50.90%) patients followed by posterior fossa tumors in 18 (32.72%) patients. The operative technique was successful in 41 (74.55%) patients. Out of 41 successful patients, 34 (82.92%) patients had clinical as well as radiological improvement whereas 7 (17.07%) patients had clinical improvement only.
Conclusion: The success rate of ETV was 74.55% in the non-communicating hydrocephalus in the pediatric age group in our study. Endoscopic third Ventriculostomy is an effective treatment for non-Communicating hydrocephalus in pediatric age groups by diversion of CSF intracranially. This procedure provides shunt freedom and can be used alternative to shunts in pediatric age groups with non-communicating hydrocephalus.
Pediatric Head Injury: A Study of 120 Cases
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Rehman Waqar Aziz , Serwar Sumaira , Younas Hamza , Younas Fatima 
Published: January 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate incidence, mode, and severity of injury, treatment options and to determine the outcome in pediatric age group patients with head injury.
Patients & Methods: 120 pediatric patients with a head injury, with ages up to 15 years or less, were included. Detailed history, general and neurological examination including GCS were noted. The CT scans were conducted and the patients managed as per said protocol. Various surgical procedures were performed including craniotomies and evacuation of hematoma, the elevation of depressed fractures and repair of the dura, decompression craniotomies, and evacuation of Subdural collections and contusions.
Results: 60.1% of patients were boys and 39.16% were girls. In the majority (63%) of the children, the ‘fall’ was reported. The majority of children (68.3%) in our study had a mild head injury with GCS 13 – 15. 35.83% patients had normal CT scans, and 23.33% had isolated skull fractures. 68.75% patients were with a severe head injury and had a poor outcome. A poor outcome was noted in patients having brain edema, subdural hematoma, and brain contusions.
Conclusion: Head injury in the pediatric age group still continues to be a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. The outcome is directly being related to the severity of injury i.e., GCS. Falls and RTAs are the most common causes and preventive measures in different forms need to be addressed.
Shunt Migration into Scrotum: A Case Report
Authors: Assad Javed Muhammad , Ahmad Khan Niaz , Us-Saba Ain- , Sana Huda 
Published: January 2022

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) is a common procedure involved in the management of hydrocephalus. VP shunt has many inherent complications including obstruction, infection, breakage, and migration of the shunt. The incidence of scrotal shunt migration is around 14% VPS migration into the scrotum manifests as reducible trans-illuminant scrotal swelling, which is more like hydrocele. Mostly migration occurs into the right hemi-scrotum within the first 6 months of performing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Bilateral herniotomy with repositioning of the distal shunt catheter is the treatment of choice.