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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a large number of diseases worldwide. There are few vaccines to constrain this disease and the value of them is high. In this sense, the antigens of the vaccine platform Soberana, the receptor binding domain from SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, both the monomeric (mRBD) and dimeric (dRBD) forms, have been developed. This study encompassed several analyses by different techniques like circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy (FS) and Gel Filtration- High Performance Liquid ChLC of mRBD and dRBD. Monomer and dimer exhibited similar far-UV CD spectral characteristics with 54% of ß-sheet content. Similar conformational features according to near-UV CD and FS studies were observed in both RBD. Stress stability studies by far-UV CD, FS, biological activity and GF-HPLC at 37 °C showed that mRBD is very stable. On the other hand, dRBD fluorescent emission showed a shift towards higher wavelengths as the incubation time increases, suggesting exposition of tryptophan residues, unlike what happens with mRBD. Biological activity outcome confirms these results. GF-HPLC profiles showed that in mRBD, the product of molecular stress are dimers and does not increase over time. However, dRBD showed dimer fragmentation as the main degradation species. This study reveals the usefulness of CD techniques for the analysis of degradation of RBD molecules as well as showed the difference in stability of both RBD molecules. Besides, our work provides useful insights into the production of a key protein used in diagnosis and therapeutics to fight COVID-19 pandemia.
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Humans , Animals , COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19/prevention & control , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , MammalsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION@#The growing years are paramount for bone growth and mineral accrual. Children with long-term neurological condition (LTNC) have multiple risk factors for poor bone health and fragility fractures. In Singapore, this has not been studied systematically. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with fragility fractures in children with LTNC.@*METHODS@#In this study, the search for fragility fractures was done by a retrospective review of patients with LTNC on follow-up in the paediatric neurology clinic and patients who presented with fracture to the paediatric orthopaedic clinic. Information on patients' demographics, medical history, intervention, biochemical bone markers and fracture history was collected.@*RESULTS@#In a tertiary clinic population of 136 patients with LTNC, 65% were dependent on mobility (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] V), 60% were underweight and 60% were fed via gastrostomy or nasogastric tube, or were on oral pureed diet. Furthermore, 60% were on anticonvulsants. The fracture rate was 3% in this population and was associated with low-impact activities such as transfer and dressing. Only 7.4% and 33% of the patients had undergone measurements of vitamin D and calcium levels, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#The local prevalence of fragility fractures in children with LTNC on follow-up at the neurology clinic was found to be 3%. Risk factors identified were limited ambulation and compromised nutritional status associated with feeding difficulty. Recommendations to optimise bone health in children with LTNC were made. These include promoting weight-bearing activities, looking out for underweight children, avoiding vitamin D deficiency and ensuring adequate calcium intake.
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Humans , Child , Bone Density , Calcium , Thinness/epidemiology , Fractures, Bone/etiology , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Lipid-lowering therapy plays a crucial role in reducing adverse cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and familial hypercholesterolemia. Lifestyle interventions along with high-intensity statin therapy are the first-line management strategy followed by ezetimibe. Only about 20–30% of patients who are on maximally tolerated statins reach recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals. Several factors contribute to the problem, including adherence issues, prescription of less than high-intensity statin therapy, and de-escalation of statin dosages, but in patients with very high baseline LDL-C levels, including those with familial hypercholesterolemia and those who are intolerant to statins, it is critical to expand our arsenal of LDL-C-lowering medications. Moreover, in the extreme risk group of patients with an LDL-C goal of ?30 mg/dL according to the Lipid Association of India (LAI) risk stratification algorithm, there is a significant residual risk requiring the addition of non-statin drugs to achieve LAI recommended targets. This makes bempedoic acid a welcome addition to the existing non-statin therapies such as ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants, and PCSK9 inhibitors. A low frequency of muscle-related side effects, minimal drug interactions, a significant reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and a lower incidence of new-onset or worsening diabetes make it a useful adjunct for LDL-C lowering. However, the CV outcomes trial results are still pending. In this LAI consensus document, we discuss the pharmacology, indications, contraindications, advantages, and evidence-based recommendations for the use of bempedoic acid in clinical practice.
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Background: Maternal Near-miss (MNM) is one of the related concepts to maternal mortality. MNM is a special category of survivors, whose stories provide unique insights and valuable information on maternal mortality. Characterizing near-miss morbidity is valuable for monitoring the quality of hospital-based obstetric care and should be calculated regularly for planning, monitoring, and evaluating provided maternal healthcare. Objectives: The study aimed to observe the factors like patterns and predictors related to maternal near-miss in our demographic.Material & Methods:This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and gynaecology, Sirajgonj Medical College and Hospital, Sirajgonj, Bangladesh. The study duration was 1 year, from June 2019 to May 2020. During the study period, a total of 1277 deliveries were conducted at the study hospital, among which, 69 cases were of MNM. Results:The rate of maternal near-miss in our study was 5.41% of the total admitted maternal pregnancy cases. The maternal near-miss mortality ratio (MNM: 1 MD) was 1:13.8. Out of the 69 near-miss cases, 82.6% of women met the MNM criteria already at admission, and another 17.4% of near-miss cases were distributed: 10.1% developed near-miss after admission within the first 12 hours of the hospital admission, whereas the occurrence of MNM after 12 hours of the hospital admission was observed in 7.3% of cases. Conclusions:MNM cases are alarmingly high. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and obstetric hemorrhage were the two main direct obstetric causes of near-misses that require strict and quick management protocols. A proper antenatal check-up to discourage early marriage and pregnancy and timely referral to well-equipped health facilities with logistic support is necessary for saving human life.
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@#Introduction: Fluorosis has been associated with an increased risk of degenerative changes in the knee. Multiple studies have found an association between arthritis and elevated fluoride levels. We aim to delineate if elevated fluoride level has any direct correlation with the degree of radiological grading and clinical symptoms in knee arthritis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 80 knee arthritis patients was conducted from February 2017 to April 2018. Serum fluoride levels were measured and patient’s pain scores, WOMAC scores and radiological grading were correlated with the elevated fluoride levels. Results: In our study, 30 out of 80 patients had increased serum fluoride level. Statistically significant differences were noted in VAS score, WOMAC score and Kellgren and Lawrence radiological grades between patients with normal serum fluoride level and those with elevated fluoride level. Conclusion: There is an increased risk of knee arthritis in patients with elevated blood fluoride levels and patients with increased fluoride levels are associated with more severe symptoms and radiographic disease.
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Background: Clinical improvements after SRP are associated with microbiological changes that include a decrease in microbial load and a mean percentage change of certain periodontal pathogens, such as Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tarnella forsythus. These species are gram negative anaerobes which possess, in vivo an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing synthetic trypsin substrate, BANA (N-Benzoyl D-L Arginine -2 Naphalamide). BANA a colorless substrate, it releases β- naphthylamide, which turns orange red when a drop of fast garnet is added to the solution. Several Bacteroides and Capnocytophaga species were occasionally BANA positive, only when in large CFU‟s. Loesche proposed the use of this BANA reaction in subgingival plaque samples to detect the presence of any of these periodontal pathogens and thus serve as a marker of disease activity. Aim and objective:The aim and objective of this study was to detect the presence of BANA microorganisms and also to determine the effect of scaling and root planning in adult periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: 30 Subjects randomly selected comprising of both the sexes, visiting outpatient department of Periodontology, Govt. Dental College and Hospital Srinagar, were considered for the present clinical study after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups:- 15 Subjects in Control Group (Group A ) and 15 Subjects in Abhima Kumar, Prabhati Gupta, Rashida. Using of BANA-Enzymatic™ test kit to detect periodontal heath of patients with generalised chronic periodontitis before and after scaling and root planing – A randomized control study. IAIM, 2019; 6(4): 100-106. Page 101 Treatment Group (Group B ) i.e. The Control group- Group A Treatment group- Group B Four test sites were selected from each patient and assessed for plaque index, bleeding index and pocket depth and attachment loss before and after scaling and root planning. BANA test was used for the detection and prevalence of the “red complex” bacteria in plaque samples. Results: The BANA tests are statistically correlated with the severity of periodontal destruction. There was a statistically significant correlation between the BANA test results and the parameters used to test the periodontal heath. Conclusion: This study encourages the use of BANA as chair-side tests for a proper diagnosis of periodontal condition. It also gives a picture of microbiological flora of the plaque.
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Objective: To determine the correlation of trainee selection scores [TSS] with subsequent performance in anesthesiology trainees at a university hospital
Study Design: Descriptive analytical study
Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from August 2016 to January 2017
Methodology: Data were collected on 44 anesthesiology trainees completing their training between 2009 and 2015. TSS consisted of entrance test, final-year medical school scores, and interviews. Assessment included written tests, viva voce, and clinical assessment. Non-parametric Spearman rank correlation coefficient was computed to assess the relationship between scores
Results: Weak correlation was found between TSS and overall assessment scores for first three years of training. Correlation of TSS with clinical component of assessment was weak throughout training, while it was moderately significant with cognitive component of assessment in third and fourth years of training. Correlation between interview scores and cognitive as well as clinical assessment was non-significant. TSS showed weak correlation with success in exit level examination
Conclusion: Correlation between overall TSS and assessment scores was weak for first three years of training, and becoming moderately positive in later years of training. Cognitive component of TSS had moderately positive correlation with cognitive assessment, but not with clinical performance. Anesthesiology training programmes need to strengthen their selection criteria; and development of structured interviews might prove useful. Future research should focus upon identifying most useful traits in selecting high performers in anesthesiology training
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Objective: To explore effect of format change in house job training and other factors, hindering or promoting junior doctors' training/learning in their transition to practical life
Study Design: Mixed Method Sequential
Place and Duration of Study: Sir Ganga Ram hospital Lahore, from Nov 2011 to Oct 2012
Material and Methods: Four hundred and ninety two doctors completed the modified PHEEM survey after completion of their house job from November 2011 till October 2012 after institutional ethical review Board's approval. Second phase comprised semi-structured FGD to triangulate findings of the survey with FGD results, to find out, in detail, about doctors' expectations from their house job training and suggestions for future after ensuring confidentiality and anonymity to study participants
Results: The mean overall score for clinical learning environment was 77.67, implying 57.0 percent satisfaction. Themean total scores for autonomy; teaching and social support was 25.6, 31.9 and 20.0 respectively. Satisfaction with regard to autonomy, teaching and social support was 25.6/48 [53.3 percent], 31.9/52 [61.3 percent] and 20.0/36 [55.5 percent] respectively. Patterns emerged from FGD were lack of standardization, nonexistence of formative assessment, opportunistic learning, poor quality feedback and inappropriate teaching by medical officers. Skill learning under supervision, confidence in patient management and part of clinical team were motivating factors while poor accommodation, sanitation, catering facilities and short duration of rotation were hindering factors for learning
Conclusion: Evidence generated has shown that internship year was very challenging. Dissatisfaction was expressed with unstructured opportunistic nature of training. Unstructured training program, role ambiguity, substandard physical environment and short duration of rotations were perceived to negatively influence learning. A valued member of clinical team, confidence in patient management, opportunity to acquire procedural skills under supervision and being supported were the factors perceived to enhance learning
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Objective: To find out the effect of grand multiparity on maternal outcome in absence of adequate antenatal care
Methodology: All un-booked grand multipara with singleton pregnancy at term admitted to Gynae A Unit, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar were included in the study. Cross sectional study was carried out from 1st June 2012 to 1st Dec 2012. Assessment was done by detailed history, general physical examination, per-abdominal and per-vaginal examination and by obstetrical ultrasound. Mothers were assessed for antenatal and obstetrical complications, mode of delivery and post-partum complications
Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. Regarding antenatal complications 6[12%] patients had anemia, 2[4%] had pregnancy induced hypertension, 4[8%] had pre-eclampsia, 2[4%] had eclampsia and 36[72%] didn't had complications. Regarding obstetrical complications 3[6%] patients had placenta previa, 3[6%] had placental abruption, 7[14%] had mal presentation, 3[6%] had obstructed labor and 34[68%] didn't had complications. Regarding post partum complications 5[10%] patients had post partum hemorrhage due to uterine atony, 4[8%] had post partum hemorrhage due to retained placenta, 2[4%] had perineal tears, 3[6%] had subtotal hysterectomy and 36[72%] didn't had complications
Conclusion: In the absence of adequate antenatal care, there was increased likelihood of perinatal complications in grand multiparous women
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Glycemic control is a very useful parameter for the prevention of the chronic metabolic diseases complications such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular and kidney disease. Glycemic control management among chronic metabolic diseases has been an area of active research from the past decades. The glycemic index specifies that how fasting blood glucose level is elevated after consuming a high carbohydrate-containing diet. The metabolic studies among the human populations showed that glycemic index is directly related with different chronic metabolic diseases. The sturdiest associations are suggested that the low caloric diet consumption can prevents metabolic complications. Primary and tight glycemic control is compulsory to prevent and reduce the development of vascular complications in individuals with chronic disorders. The aim of this review was to provide a practical guideline on the bases of the survey of the related key studies which had reflected the clinical guidelines and current perspectives related to glycemic management. The objective of this review is also to investigate the interventions, related to glycemic control in patients with diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, we can say that multidisciplinary management of glycemic control are powerful measure for the prevention of metabolic diseases complications, providing necessary support for reducing in economic burden of chronic metabolic diseases
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Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases with recent evidences about the high prevalence among preschool-age children. The pediatric formulation of Praziquantel [PZQ] has to be assessed for the efficacy as it gave controversial results in several countries
Objective[s]: The current study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of the pediatric suspension of PZQ against Schistosoma mansoni Egyptian strain in the experimental animals
Methods: 150 Swiss albino mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni were divided into three groups, the first group was treated with 600 mg/kg body weight of PZQ pediatric suspension, the second group was treated with 600 mg/kg PZQ tablets and the third one received no treatment as a control. The efficacy of the pediatric formulation was experimentally evaluated in comparison with the tablet formulation as a benchmark on the basis of the following specific parasitological parameters [worm burden, tissue egg load, and oogram pattern i.e. percentage of dead, live or immature eggs shown in the stool sample]
Results: The comparison between the mean egg count per gram stool in the two groups pediatric suspension of PZQ [Epiquantel] and adult tablets of PZQ [Distocide], and the control group by applying one way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference [p<0.05] between the mean egg count in both treated groups [Epiquantel and Distocide] and their control group. The reduction of the total worm burden caused by Epiquantel[registered] was 96.9%, while that of Distocide[registered] was 86.7%, they were found to be statistically significant[p<0.05] in comparison with the control group. Epiquantel[registered] reduced the male worms by 100% and the females were reduced by 94.1%. Distocide showed a similar effect, it reduced the worms by 88.4% and 85.1% for males and females respectively. The administration of a single oral dose of both Epiquantel[registered] and Distocide[registered] resulted in a statistically significant reduction [p<0.05] in the mean egg count per gram tissue either the liver or the wall of small intestine when compared to their infected untreated control group. Complete absence of immature egg stages, high reduction in the mature eggs, and the increase in the dead eggs were observed in both Epiquantel[registered] and Distocide[registered] groups when compared to the control group
Conclusion: The results prescribed that the pediatric suspension formula of PZQ is as efficient as the tablet formula against Schistosoma mansoni [Egyptian CD strain] in the mouse model. It could be recommended for pediatric treatment
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Praziquantel/administration & dosage , Schistosoma mansoni/drug effects , Schistosomiasis mansoni/veterinary , Models, Animal , Mice , Pediatrics , SuspensionsABSTRACT
Objective: Aga Khan University, a private medical college, had a vision of producing physicians who are not only scientifically competent, but also socially sensitive, the latter by exposure of medical students to a broad-based curriculum. The objective of this study was to identify the genesis of broad-based education and its integration into the undergraduate medical education program as the Humanities and Social Sciences [HASS] course
Methods: A qualitative methodology was used for this study. Sources of data included document review and in-depth key informant interviews. Nvivo software was utilized to extract themes
Results: The study revealed the process of operationalization of the institutional vision to produce competent and culturally sensitive physicians. The delay in the establishment of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, which was expected to take a lead role in the delivery of a broad-based education, led to the development of an innovative HASS course in the medical curriculum. The study also identified availability of faculty and resistance from students as challenges faced in the implementation and evolution of HASS
Conclusions: The description of the journey and viability of integration of HASS into the medical curriculum offers a model to medical colleges seeking ways to produce socially sensitive physicians
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Background: Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a soft tissue sarcoma with a generally aggressive behavior. Calcifying/ossifying SS is a rare variant associated with a favorable prognosis. Aim: The aim was to report clinicopathological features and molecular analysis of 5 cases of calcifying/ossifying SS. Materials and Methods: Record of 370 cases of SS reported in the section of Histopathology, of a tertiary care Hospital, between 2002 and 2011 were retrieved. Five cases exhibiting extensive calcification and ossification were identified. Immunohistochemistry was performed using Flex technique. Molecular analysis of these 5 cases was performed later at the collaborative Hospital abroad, by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results and Conclusions: The ages of the patients ranged from 13 to 44 years (mean age 27 years; female to male ratio 1.6:1). The duration of symptoms ranged from 5 months to 5 years. Histologically, 4 were monophasic, and 1 was biphasic. Three cases exhibited extensive calcification and two extensive ossification. Immunohistochemical stain (epithelial membrane antigen was positive in all 5 cases, CKAE1/AE3 (3/4), Bcl2 (4/4), S100 (4/4), CK7 (2/2), CD99 (1/3) and vimentin (2/2). Intact RNA was obtained from 3 cases, all of which were positive for the SYT/SSX fusion transcript. Follow-up was available in 4 cases and ranged from 19 months to 85 months (mean 50 months). Local recurrence was seen in 2 cases. In conclusions, we report clinicopathologic features of 5 cases of calcifying/ossifying SS. The duration of symptoms and mean age of patients is similar to the literature. A slight female predominance was seen in contrast to a male predominance described in the literature. The clinical course of our cases validates the favorable prognosis of this rare type of SS.
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Extrauterine smooth muscle tumors are rare. Labial leiomyomas arise from dartos muscle of the genitalia. A 45 years old lady presented with a right labial swelling. It was clinically diagnosed as a Bartholin cyst. The gross appearance of the tissue was that of myoma so it was managed by surgical excision. The definitive diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology as labial leiomyoma. Key Words: Labial leiomyoma. Vulvar leiomyoma. Genital leiomyoma. Extrauterine neoplasm
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To describe the clinicopathological spectrum of Lymphangioma Circumscriptum [LC]. Observational case series. Department of Pathology and Microbiology, AKUH, Karachi, from 2002 to 2012. All reported cases of LC were retrieved from medical record. Clinical and pathological features were noted. Frequency percentages were determined. There were 29 cases of LC predominantly males [62%]. The mean age was 27.17 +/- 15.5 years. The commonest sites was anal/perianal region [24%] followed by extremities [17%] and tongue, [14%]. Vulval LC was seen in 3 patients. Two cases were described on scrotum. The lesions were most commonly suspected as viral warts, mole or polyp [in anal Region]. Vesicles with erosions and bleeding and localized growth were the usual clinical presentations. Four of the patients presented with swelling since birth. All were treated with surgical excision. Microscopic examination revealed acanthotic squamous epithelium with papillomatosis. The subepithelial region had collections of lymphatic channels composed of ectatic dilated vessels with serum and inflammatory cells in their lumina. The lymphatic channels were seen in deeper layers along with lymphocytic aggregates. Lymphangioma circumscriptum is a malformation of abnormal lymphatic channels with feeding cisterns in subcutaneous tissue. It is a benign lesion usually occurring in anal/perianal region and confused with warts. Surgical excision is preferred mode of treatment
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Background: Metabolic syndrome [MS] is a cluster of metabolic risk factors including obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. MS in obese and type 2 diabetic [T2DM] subjects increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases [CVD]. The objective of the present study is to estimate the prevalence of MS in obese T2DM subjects by using International Diabetes Federation [IDF] and National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III [NCEP-ATP III] definitions
Methods: Obese T2DM [n=70] and normal healthy subjects [n=30] of both genders were selected from hospitals and diabetic centers of various localities of Karachi, Pakistan. The frequency of MS was estimated by utilizing criteria of the proposed definitions of IDF and NCEP-ATP III
Results: The prevalence of MS using IDF definition in obeseT2DM subjects was 85.7%. It is significantly higher [p
Conclusion It is concluded that, the overall prevalence of MS is increasing significantly in obese T2DM subjects by using IDF and NCEP - ATP III definitions. However, IDF is more stringent for defining MS. Therefore, it is needed to initiate the preventive measures of a healthy lifestyle and emphasis should be given to reduce weight, increase physical activity, and increase intake of healthy low-glycemic-index foods
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Endobronchial tuberculosis [EBTB] is a tuberculous infection of the tracheobronchial tree with microbiological and histopathological evidence, with or without parenchymal involvement. EBTB commonly presents as acute or insidious onset cough, wheeze, low grade fever, and constitutional symptoms. In elderly patients, other differentials like malignancy and pneumonia may lead to misdiagnosis. Hence, bronchoscopy is essential for con- firmation of EBTB. Here we report a rare presentation of EBTB in a 65 year old patient who presented with 3 months history of fever and cough and have multiple endobronchial vesicular lesions on bronchoscopy
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To compare effectiveness of clomiphene alone and in combination with metformin in terms of conception rate in patients presenting with polycystic ovary syndrome. Randomized clinical trail. Department Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit I, Nishtar Hospital Multan, 6 months from 12th September 2009 to 11th March 2010. Primary subfertile women visiting outpatient department of Nishtar Hospital Multan with significant irregular menstrual cycle, oligo menorrhea and ultrasonographic features of polycystic ovaries were enrolled in the study. Semen samples from male partners were analyzed according to the WHO criteria. Women whose partner's semen analysis was abnormal were excluded from study. Group 'A' was given clomiphene citrate alone and second group [i.e. group B] was given colmiphene citrate and metformin. All patients were followed till six cycles for regularity of menstrual cycle [determined by history] ovulation by follicular tracking on ultrasonography, if patient [conceived], conception was confirmed by urine pregnancy test and gestational sac on ultrasonography pelvis. Final outcome was measured at six month. Information was entered in specifically designed proforma. Frequency of PCOS was 14.05%. Mean age of the patients was 31.03 +/- 0.58 vs. 29.89 +/- 0.53 years in group A and B respectively. Oligomenorrhea was present in 18[50%] vs. 18 [50%] women, amenorrhea in 7[19.4%] vs. 8[22.2%] patients and weight gain in 14[38.9%] vs. 15[41.7%] cases in group A and B respectively. Conception was achieved in 26[72.2%] vs. [18[50.0%] patients in group A and B respectively. Metformin does not seem to help in achieving higher rates of pregnancy when combined with CC as compared to CC alone
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The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] and its association with body composition among students in University of Sharjah [UOS]. This cross-sectional study included a total sample size of 50 female students registering in undergraduate programs at the University of Sharjah using convenience sampling technique. A pretested interview schedule was administered to elicit information pertaining to personal background and medical history related to PCOS. A diagnostic ultrasound scan was performed for determining PCOS along with a body composition analysis using bioelectrical impedance analysis [BIA] technology. Twenty percent [10 out of 50 participants] were diagnosed with PCOS, of whom only 4 individuals were previously diagnosed with PCOS and aware of their conditions, while the reports showed 16% with oligomenorrhea, 4% with polymenorrhea, and none with amenorrhea. A positive family history was indicated as reported by 22% of the total participants. Significant difference between the body weights of participants having PCOS [66.7 kg] and those without it [58.8 kg] were noted [p=0.043, t=2.084]. On the other hand, the body composition related variables including waist-hip ratio [WHR], fat-free mass [FFM], percent body fat [PBF] and visceral fat area [VFA] were relatively higher in participants having PCOS than those without it. However, there was no statistical significance of differences. Comparatively, the participants with PCOS had lower bone mineral density [BMD] than those without it, whereas the difference was statistically non-significant. The occurrence of PCOS in the present study is consistent with the global prevalence. Comparatively, the body composition of PCOS females is different from the normal females. Further studies are required in the Middle East region on larger sample sizes and broader aspects of health including lifestyle and dietary components to understand these differences
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Humans , Female , Body Composition , Students , Universities , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
To determine the clinico-pathological and histological features of Chondroblastoma [CB]. Case series. The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from 2000 to 2013. The histological slides of all reported cases of CB were retrieved and reviewed for morphological features. Clinical features were noted from surgical pathology reports. Frequency of features was noted. Sixty one cases of CB were identified. Pain was the most common presenting symptom. The age ranged from 10 to 38 years [mean 20 +/- 1.98 years; M: F 2.5:1] with 61% patients in the second decade of life. Forty six cases occurred in long tubular bones; distal femur being most common site. Metaphysis, clavicle, temporal bone and metacarpal were also involved. Histologically, all CBs were composed of round to polygonal cells and scattered osteoclast-type multinucleated giant cells and majority had hemosiderin pigment. Chicken-wire calcifications and coarse calcifications were seen in 85% and 26% of cases respectively. A spindle cell component was seen in 54% of cases. ABC-like areas were seen in 10 cases. Mitosis ranged from 1 to 6/10 HPFs. Recurrence was seen in 2 cases. Recurrent tumor showed similar morphology when compared with the initial tumor. CB is a benign tumor but has potential for recurrence. Males are more affected, second decade is more common and distal femur is most common site. Metaphysis, clavicle, temporal bone and metacarpal were the rare sites of CB. Histological features predictive of recurrence were not separately identified