bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seeing COVID-19 through a Health care professional’s eye
Authors: Yaqoob Eesha , Javed Saad , Rehman Adeela , Fayaz Mudassar , Babar Maryam Salma , Nasir Ayesha 
Published: October 2022

Background: The world is in a state of war. The health care professionals are the front line soldiers who are fighting this war against COVID-19. The modification in human behavior to a specific stimulus (say the Corona epidemic) is the single most important determinant of the fate of that stimulus. On 26th February 2020, Pakistan reported its first corona positive cases. Till Mid-March, the number raised to a significantly critical level. As the outbreak was unexpected in Pakistan, the situation created chaos and panic among the public as well as among health care workers. The current study analyzed COVID-19 thorough a healthcare professional's eye. There has been no previous study according to the PubMed database. Using the keywords, "Coronavirus, Health care professionals, Pakistan, COVID-19", for any sort of previous cases reported or literature reported relating to coronavirus, our team could not find any article, case report or publication of any sort. So this study is the first from Pakistan
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a self-administrated online questionnaire was circulated through emails and social media to the whole country. The questionnaire comprised of assessing knowledge about the cause and symptoms of COVID-19. A total of 146 responses were scrutinized to include in the survey, in the time period of 1 week (March 23-30, 2020). The participants belonged to private and government institutions from all provinces of Pakistan. Results: The mean values of all items depicted that all health care professionals were well aware of the knowledge, symptoms and transmissibility of COVID-19.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the healthcare professionals were fully aware of the transmission of COVID-19 and its symptoms. However, it is recommended that the government should provide full support to health care professionals, who are at the front line.

Key words: COVID-19, Health care professionals, Transmissibility, Pakistan
Hypomagnesaemia in Acute Exacerbation Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease; Association with Anthonisen’s Levels of Exacerbation
Authors: Aziz Javaira , Amir Muhammad , Akbar Abrar , Aziz Sadia , Shams Nadia , Meraj Lubna 
Published: October 2022

Background: COPD is major public health issue causing morbidity and mortality. Lower serum magnesium levels are seen in patients with acute exacerbations compared to stable COPD patients. This study aims at identifying hypomagnesemia as predictor of COPD exacerbations that may help reduce the burden of readmissions and mortality.
Material and Methods: The Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi from 16 July 2016 to 15 Jan 2017 after the ethical approval and informed consent. The indoor adult (> 18 years) diagnosed cases of COPD exacerbation were included by consecutive sampling. Patients with malignancy, pregnancy and receiving magnesium supplements were excluded. Demographic details documented and after complete clinical evaluation, serum Magnesium levels of were assessed. Serum Magnesium < 1.80 mg/dl labeled hypomagnesaemia. Data was analyzed by SPSS with significant p< 0.05.
Results: Amongst 176 patients; there were 93(52.8%) males and 83(47.2%) females. Mean age was 56+7 years. Mean duration of COPD was 6.56 + 5.24 years (2-10 years). Mean height in the study was 181 +12 cm and mean weight was 56.06 + 7.08 kg. The mean serum magnesium level was 1.5 + .49mg/dl. Low serum magnesium (<1.8 mg/dl) observed in 103(58.5%), gender wasn’t associated with hypomagnesaemia (p=0.294). Hypomagnesaemia in accordance to types of Anthonisen’s criteria was observed in 19(44.2%) with Type I, 37(57.8%) with Type II and 47(68.1%) with Type III COPD exacerbation. Hypomagnesaemia had significant association with Anthinosen’s levels of exacerbation (p=0.043). The mean age in patients with hypomagnesaemia was 56.61+6.78 Vs. 55.30+7.47 in patients without hypomagnesaemia (p=0.228).
Conclusion: The study concludes mean serum magnesium levels are significantly lower in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (58.5%), particularly in type II and III. Magnesium levels should be performed in all COPD exacerbations irrespective of gender and age. Replacement of magnesium may be helpful in alleviating symptoms and reducing frequency of exacerbations.
H. Pylori Fecal Antigen Detection taking endoscopic biopsy as gold standard in Dyspeptic Patients
Authors: Farooq Shafaq , Aslam Muhammad , Arif Muhammad , Farooq Umar , Akhtar Nasim , Meraj Lubna 
Published: October 2022

Introduction: There are several invasive and non-invasive techniques used to diagnose H. pylori infection, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Invasive methods require biopsy samples from stomach and duodenum and can be tested by various methods such as histology, Rapid urease test (RUT), microbiological culture and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) whereas non-invasive tests include stool antigen test, serology and Urea breath test
Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of H. Pylori Fecal Antigen Detection taking endoscopic biopsy as gold standard in dyspeptic Patients (18-65 years).
Materials & Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducting during 30th April 2019 to 30th October 2019 in Gastroenterology Unit, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. A total of 85 patients irrespective of gender having age 18-65 years having symptoms of dyspepsia were included. Patients having gall stones, celiac disease, pancreatic disease, Diabetes Mellitus, thyroid disease and any other patients on PPI or H2 receptors. Patients with history of alcoholism, diagnosed cases of H. Pylori infection or treatment history of H Pylori. Patients diagnosed for pancreatitis, cholecystitis, Hepatitis B or C Virus positive cases of Chronic Liver Diseases, HIV, malignancy or Ischemic Heart Disease or being pregnant were excluded. H. Pylori on Fecal Antigen Detection and endoscopic biopsy were noted.
Results: Fecal Antigen Detection found that 42 were True Positive and 04 were False Positive. Among 39, Fecal Antigen negative patients, 04 (False Negative) had H. Pylori on endoscopic biopsy whereas 35 (True Negative) had no H. Pylori involvement on endoscopic biopsy (p=0.0001). Overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of H. Pylori Fecal Antigen Detection taking endoscopic biopsy as gold standard in dyspeptic Patients was 91.30%, 89.74%, 91.30%, 89.74% and 90.59% respectively.
Conclusion: This study concluded that diagnostic accuracy of H. Pylori Fecal Antigen Detection in dyspeptic Patients is quite high.
Keywords: helicobacter pylori, Fecal Antigen Detection, endoscopic biopsy.
Is GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay reliable for the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis?
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad Mudassir , Nadeem Muhammad , Zaidi Gul Afshan , Arshad Naveed , Khan Muzammil , Niazi Zainab 
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Tuberculosis is the most common cause of infectious diseases related mortality globally. Tuberculous pleural effusion is a common presentation of extra pulmonary tuberculosis and a diagnostic challenge most of the time. The rapid diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion is essential for early treatment. GeneXpert is a new tool for rapid diagnosis but the ability to correctly diagnose of GeneXpert is a vital concern in the diagnosis of extra pulmonary tuberculosis.
Objective: To determine the accurate ability of diagnosing the pleural fluid GeneXpert MTB/RIF assessment in the suspected pleural tuberculosis patients considering as gold standard to the pleural biopsy.
Methods: This study was a validational cross sectional survey and it was conducted in pulmonology department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from 1st July to 31st December 2018 after approval of IRB. Participants with suspected pathology ≥ 18 year with exudative pleural effusion were included in the study. By implementing the process of standard technique, closed needle pleural biopsy was executed by means of ABRAM’S needle. The collected samples of patients were sent to the pathology department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for histopathology. Pleural fluid was referred to National Institute of Health Islamabad for GeneXpert MTB/RIF assessment on the alike day and reports were assembled. All findings were entered in a structured Proforma. Data was entered in SPSS version 20 and analyzed.
Results: Total 180 patients were included; 65.6% patients were male. When the sensitivity of pleural fluid GeneXpert MTB/RIF examination was calculated it was 10.4% whereas, the calculated specificity was 72.8%. While +ve predictive value of GeneXpert was 22.2% and -ve predictive value was 52.1%. Likelihood ratio was 8.25 and ROC curve also showed similar values.
Conclusion: The sensitivity of pleural fluid GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay is very low and specificity is moderate for diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis when compared with pleural biopsy.
Translation and Psychometric properties of Children Behavior Questionnaire-Very short form: Gender differences on Temperament
Authors: Syeda Shamama, Aqsa Shakeel Syeda Shamama, Aqsa Shakeel 
Published: October 2022

Objective: 1- To translate Children’s Behavior Questionnaire-very short (CBQ) form in Urdu language and to establish its psychometric properties. 2- To study gender differences on subscales of CBQ.
Material and Methods: The study was conducted with 279 mothers (working and non-working) and their children (3-7 years) in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. CBQ-very short form was translated into Urdu language as per standard procedure1. Translated scale was given to mothers and available fathers to rate their children on temperament. To establish cross language validation 13 mothers were given both original English CBQ-very short form and translated version with the gap of two months. To study gender differences on three dimensions of temperament between boys and girls (boys = 138, girls = 141) one way ANOVA was run.
Results: Results indicated high Cronbach’s alpha reliability α = .80 (total) and .61to .81 for its subscales, high to satisfactory cross language validation (test retest reliability) r =.64* to .86** (p < .05 & .01), and high inter-rater reliability between fathers and mothers r = .38* to .82** (p < .05 & .01). The item total correlations of subscales were also satisfactory. Finding showed that Urdu version of CBQ is highly reliable and valid to be used with Pakistani Children (3-8 years). In addition we found significant gender differences on effortful control, girls being high on effortful control as compared to boys.
Conclusion: The study revealed CBQ-very short form- Urdu version as reliable and consistent measure of children’s temperament (3-7years) in Pakistani culture. Findings also support earlier evidence that girls show higher score on effortful control as compared to their counterparts.
Key Words: CBQ, Temperament, gender differences, Urdu version.
Differential Leukocyte and Platelet Counts as Early Diagnostic Indicators in Acute Dengue Infection
Authors: Alishba Naeem, Maryam Zahra, Sehar Khaliq Alishba Naeem, Maryam Zahra, Sehar Khaliq 
Published: October 2022

Background: Dengue is an epidemic in Pakistan. Proper monitoring of dengue cases is necessary for its early diagnosis and prevention especially in developing countries with limited resources. Our study aims to use some hematological parameters as Early Diagnostic Indicators in Acute Dengue Infection which can help in reducing mortality and morbidity.
Methods: Dengue NS1 Antigen test was used to identify 119 Dengue Patients over the months of August-October, 2019. Hematological data from such patients was collected and analysed.
Results: In our study thrombocytopenia was prominent with sensitivity based on gender distribution being 86% for males and 76% for females. According to age, distribution thrombocytopenia had a sensitivity of up to 81% in the younger age group and 80% in the older age group.
The other prominent findings in younger age groups were lymphopenia, neutropenia, and monocytopenia with a sensitivity of 55%, 43%, and 24% respectively. Lymphopenia and neutropenia had similar sensitivity across the two genders, whereas monocytopenia had higher sensitivity among females of 27% as opposed to males of 12%.
Eosinopenia did not differ as much among the two age groups i.e. 18% in young and 19% in older patients and across the two genders i.e. 56% in males and 60% in females.
The sensitivity of lymphocytosis in older patients is 21% which was also significant.
Conclusions: The Differential Leukocyte Count and Platelets Count can help as an early indicators of acute dengue infection in resource limited areas. This can help in early diagnosis and prompt treatment thus reducing complications.

Keywords: Acute dengue, differential leukocyte count, platelets count, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia
Frequency of JAK2 and MPL Mutation in BCR/ABL Negative Myelofibrosis in KPK
Authors: Ayesha Gul, Sheeba Ishtiaq, Hina Umair, Memoona Rasheed Ayesha Gul, Sheeba Ishtiaq, Hina Umair, Memoona Rasheed 
Published: October 2022

Introduction: BCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative disorders are a sub-group of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) that consist of polycythemia Vera (PV), Essential thrombocythemia (ET) and Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF). Over the past decade, the morphological and clinical division of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) has changed to a classification that describes the molecular heterogeneity and is unique to this subgroup of haematological malignancies. This includes alterations in Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and MPL genes.
Objective: To determine the frequency of JAK2 (p.V617F) and MPL (p.W515L) mutation in primary myelofibrosis in KPK province of Pakistan.
Methodology: Fifty patients with PMF were enrolled in the study. JAK2 mutation status was determined using allele specific primers and MPL mutation was detected by direct Sanger sequencing technique. The data was analyzed using BioEdit by aligning the sequence data with reference genome hg19 assembly.
Results: Among 50 patients, 41 patients were diagnosed with PMF, while 9 patients had secondary myelofibrosis i.e. Post PV-MF and Post ET-MF. Out of the 41 PMF patient 2 patients had MPL gene variation, while one of the Post ET –MF had a MPL gene variation. Forty eight (96%) were positive for JAK2 mutation. Five patients who had MPL mutation also showed JAK 2 mutation. Two of the MPL positive patients were also positive for JAK2 mutation.
Conclusion: We reported rate of recurrence of JAK2 mutation in 96% of the cases and MPL exon 10 mutations in 6% of the cases.
Keywords: JAK2, MPL, Myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Fear of getting Covid-19: A challenge to elective surgical practice and ways to overcome
Authors: Hafiz Muhammad Ijaz ul Haq Hafiz Muhammad Ijaz ul Haq , Fawad Aamir Mirza Fawad Aamir Mirza , Rizwan Aziz, Rizwan Aziz, , Ahmad Raza, Ahmad Raza, , Muhammad Hanif Muhammad Hanif , Sohaib Haider Sohaib Haider 
Published: October 2022

Background: Covid-19, a global pandemic has a huge impact on surgical practice. There is transmission risk of Covid-19 during the elective surgery and nowadays it is a part of informed consent process. This has an impact on patient decision making as it creates anxiety and fear.
Objective: To evaluate patient experience (fear of getting Covid-19) from elective surgery and challenges of elective surgical practice and ways to overcome during this pandemic era.
Methods: This study was an observational cross-sectional survey and it has been conducted in General Surgery Department of Dr Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Islamabad, from May to August 2021 after approval of Institutional Review Board (IRB). Participants for elective surgery and their negative report of Covid-19 infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were included in the study. Fear of Covid-19 infection was measured through “fear of Covid-19 scale” by Ahorsu et al and analyzed. All findings were entered in a structured Proforma. Data was entered in SPSS version 26 and analyzed. Effect modifier chi square was used to find out the patient’s dropout due to getting Covid-19 infection from surgery.
Results: Total 200 patients were included; 62% patients were male and 38% were females. The mean age of the patients was 38.64±12.08 years. The statistical analysis showed that there was a very significant association between FCV-19 scale and getting Covid-19 infection from elective surgeries (p ≤ 0.05). When stratified FCV-19 scale with education status of all patients there was a very significant association between them (p=0.001). The patient’s observations regarding FCV-19 questionnaire, most of the patients were disagreed (46.3%) to getting Covid-19 infection from their elective surgeries or any fear of Covid-19 infection. The actual dropout of patients from elective surgery due to fear of getting Covid-19 infection during surgery or staying in hospital was 7.5%.
Conclusion: Fear of getting Covid-19 is still present in some of the patients who visit hospitals for elective surgeries. Discussing the various steps taken by the institute to improve patient safety and minimize risk of Covid-19, greatly enhanced their confidence in elective surgery and improved satisfaction level.
Key words: Covid-19; Fear; Fear of Covid-19 Scale; Elective Surgical Procedures.
Breastfeeding perception among Medical students of Islamic International Medical College (IIMC) in relation to COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Afzal Saba , Ayub Ammara , Subhani Faheem Ahmed , Ahmed Bilal , Rehman Ahtasham , Afzal Huma 
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Breastfeeding is crucial for the development & growth of the infant in the early years of life. Unfortunately, the incidence of breastfeeding is very low in our part of the world. Doctors play a critical role in the public awareness of the benefits & importance of breastfeeding. This study is done to find out the perception, knowledge and attitude of medical students about breastfeeding and its implications during COVID 19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College (IIMC) from 10 November 2021 to 30 November 2021. An online questionnaire was sent to the students of MBBS from first to final year via email. Results were analyzed on SPSS version 21.
Results: A total of 316 students participated. The majority of students were aware of the initiation, duration and advantages of breastfeeding. 88% of students answered that breast milk is an ideal food for a baby. 77.2% had the perception that breastfeeding increases mother-infant bonding. 71.51% of students answered that breastfed babies have fewer health-related issues compared to formula-fed babies. 40 % of students were of the idea that there is a risk of transmission of COVID 19 from mother to baby if breastfed fed while 42% believed that breastfeeding protects against COVID 19.
Conclusion: The majority of the students of IIMC were aware of the benefits of breastfeeding but most of them lacked knowledge of breastfeeding by mothers suffering from COVID 19. The medical curriculum should have more emphasis on nutrition counselling for both mothers and children and information regarding breastfeeding particularly during situations like COVID 19 pandemic.
Outcome of Hepatitis-E Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Tayyaba Wasim Tayyaba Wasim , Javeria Mushtaq Javeria Mushtaq , Waseem Mustafa 
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE: To study the effect of post-operative Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drops on macular thickness in patients without diabetic retinopathy measured by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
STUDY DESIGN: Quasi experimental study
PLACE & DURATION OF STUDY: removed for blind review
METHODOLOGY: Diabetic patients without retinopathy who required cataract surgery for visual rehabilitation were included in study. They were than divided into two groups. Group A included patients who received routine steroid+antibiotic post-operative drops while Group B comprised of patients who received nepafenac (0.1%) eye drops eight hourly in addition to routine post-operative eye drops. All patients underwent standard phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation followed by use of NSAID eye drops for a month. OCT measurements were done pre-operatively, 7 and 28 days post operatively.
RESULTS: Comparison of central macular thickness between groups was significant at (Pre & 7 day post op) and insignificant at (7th day & 28th day post op) and (Pre & 28th day post op) i.e. 0.043, 0.834 and 0.084 respectively. However, difference of mean central macular thickness was significant at all follow-up periods i.e.0.003, 0.006, and 0.000
CONCLUSION: Post-operative NSAID in diabetic patients without retinopathy leads to a significant decrease in macular thickness as compared to controls after cataract surgery.
KEY WORDS:
Phacoemulsification, Optical Coherence Tomography, Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Refinement of the Parameters of the Negative Polarization Branch of Asteroid 419 Aurelia in the R Filter
Authors: Petrov D. V. , Zhuzhulina E. A. , Savushkin A. A. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Asteroid 419 Aurelia is of particular interest due to its unusual optical properties. But the lack of observational data, especially in the R filter, did not allow one to accurately determine the parameters of the negative polarization branch of this asteroid. We carried out the precise measurements of the Aurelia's degree of linear polarization at different phase angles. The data obtained made it possible to accurately approximate a complete branch of the negative polarization. Thanks to this, it was possible to obtain refined values of the parameters of the negative polarization branch.
Serum NT-ProBNP potential marker of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Risteska Maya , Vladimirova-Kitova Ludmila , Andonov Vladimir 
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Based on many previous studies, liver cirrhosis is traditionally associated with cardiac dysfunction. The main clinical features of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy include attenuated systolic contractility in response to physiologic or pharmacologic strain, diastolic dysfunction, electrical conductance abnormalities, and chronotropic incompetence. Previous studies have found that the levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its precursor the N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are elevated in cirrhosis with systolic as well as diastolic dysfunction.
Aim: The aim of this study was to establish the association between early changes in cardiac function in patients with liver cirrhosis and NT- proBNP plasma levels.
Materials and methods: Forty-two consecutive hospitalized patients with viral-related cirrhosis were studied. We also evaluated a control group of 20 age and sex-matched patients with arterial hypertension. All underwent abdominal ultrasound, upper GI endoscopy, ECG, and echocardiography, and their plasma levels of NT-proBNP were determined.
Results: We observed higher NT-proBNP plasma levels in cirrhotic patients than in controls. We also found that atrial volumes, ejection fraction and partially left ventricular mass and PAPs (systolic pulmonary arterial pressure) were significantly altered in comparison with the hypertensive controls. Supporting previous studies, we also found that the mean QTc interval was prolonged in 65% of women and 96% of men.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study shows that plasma NT-proBNP levels, LAD (left atrium diameter), the E/A ratio, EDT (end diastolic time) and E/e’ ratio may be reliable indicators of the extent of cardiac abnormalities in cirrhotic patients.