Loop-mediated isothermal amplification [RT-LAMP]: a new approach for the detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus and its sero-types in Pakistan

Successful disease management requires a rapid and sensitive diagnosis method that can recognize early infection even before the manifestation of its clinical signs. The only available field diagnostic tests for foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] are lateral flow devices, commonly known as chromatographic strips. Low sensitivity and inability to detect FMD virus [FMDV] at the serotype level are limitations of lateral flow devices. Therefore, a reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification [RT-LAMP] was standardized using universal and sero-type specific genes in a single tube. This test does not require sophisticated equipment and can detect FMDV at serotype level in about 60 min. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of this test is comparable to conventional reverse transcriptase PCR and real time PCR [rRT-PCR]

Computer literacy of physicians among the hospitals of Makkah region

A confidential inquiry by the Directorate General of Health Affairs, Makkah region, Saudi Arabia, found physicians in different hospitals were reluctant to enter patients' related information in electronic medical record systems. One of the major issues raised was that they didn't have the required computer literacy. Our aim, therefore, was to conduct a survey to highlight the computer literacy among the physicians of Makkah region. This cross-sectional survey was performed from May to July 2009. A structured questionnaire of four A4 size paper was distributed among the physicians of the Makkah region working in seven different hospitals. The questionnaire contained questions on background knowledge of computers, i.e., [a] basic computer vocabulary knowledge [BCVK] [10 questions], [b] basic computer skills [BCS] [22 questions], [c] basic communication and internet skills [BCIS] [12 questions]. Response rate of 368, i.e., 81.6% of sample size [n = 451] was attained. The maximum response came from King Abdul Aziz Hospital [Taif], i.e., 79%. Overall BCVK, BCS and BCIS were the highest among the physicians of Alnoor Specialist Hospital, i.e., 71.3%, 91.4%, 87.7%, respectively. All the hospitals had a satisfactory level of BCVK, but levels of BCS and BCIS were above satisfactory except King Abdul Aziz Hospital [Jeddah] that showed a satisfactory level in BCIS. Majority of the physicians had a good or an excellent level of computer background knowledge that gave a prediction toward the issues of their non-promising attitude and beliefs about electronic data entry

Road traffic injuries in Rawalpindi city, Pakistan

Data on road traffic accident [RTA] injuries and their outcome are scarce in Pakistan. This study assessed patterns of RTA injuries reported in Rawalpindi city using standard surveillance methods. All RTA injury patients presenting to emergency departments of 3 tertiary care facilities from July 2007 to June 2008 were included. RTA injuries [n=19 828] accounted for 31.7% of all injuries. Among children aged 0-14 years females suffered twice as many RTA injuries as males [21.3% versus 11.4%], whereas this trend reversed for the age group 15-24 years [41.9% versus 21.7%]. One-fifth of injuries were either fractures or concussion. Severity and outcome of injuries were worse for the age group 45 years and older. For every road traffic death in Rawalpindi city, 29 more people were hospitalized and 177 more received emergency department care. These results suggest the need for better RTA injury surveillance to identify preventive and control measures for the increasingly high road disease burden in this city

Physicians' belief about organ donation

Several studies have suggested that knowledge, attitudes and determinants concerning organ donation are influenced by many factors including gender, educational level, occupation, sociodemographic status, income level, culture and religion. To highlight the awareness of cardiopulmonary and brain death [CD and BD] among the physicians and their belief about the organ donation. In a cross-sectional study, 15% of 1700 physicians working under the auspices of Ministry of Health in Makkah region, were selected randomly from two hospitals of Makkah city, i.e., Alnoor Specialist Hospital and King Abdalaziz Hospital. A self-administered questionnaire with dichotomous answers was distributed to them. Out of 185 respondents, 174 [94.1%] identified the right definition of BD and CD and 155 [83.3%] agreed organ donation. The difference among physicians to differentiate CD from BD was not significant [p=0.2]. Physicians had enough knowledge to differentiate CD from BD; most of them are highly positive regarding the concept of organ donation

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients of Al-Noor specialist hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 12,054 samples received from the outpatient as well as inpatient departments from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2009 in Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Stool examinations were performed by direct method and concentrated Techniques for all patients. Overall, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 6.2% [740 cases]. Majority of patients were infected by Entamoeba histolytica [4.7%] followed by Giardia lamblia [1.3%], while Ankylostoma duodenal [0.02%] exhibited the minimum prevalence. Parasitic infections were more frequent in non-Saudis than Saudis patients [7.1% vs. 5.8%; p<0.05]. There was no significant difference between males and females regarding parasitic infections, with a female:male ratio of 1:1.08. There was a higher prevalence in patients under five years of age [9.1%], followed by patients aged 5-14 years [7.5%]. The notable finding from this study is the high prevalence of E. histolytica. Overall, parasitic infections were more prevalent in patients under five years of age and in non-Saudi nationals

Evaluating skeletal changes in treatment of anterior open bite with accentuated curve NiTi wires

The treatment of anterior open bite has proven to be a nightmare and one of the most challenging aspects of orthodontics. In this study we tried to treat anterior open bite patients with a combination of incisor extrusion and molar intrusion. The study group included 22 patients with a mean age of 17.6 years. After the initial leveling and alignment 0.016 "x 0.022" accentuated curve NiTi arch wires were places with anterior box elastics. Average treatment completion time was 18 months followed by retention. The purpose of the study was to evaluate skeletal changes taking place due to the effect of accentuated curve NiTi wires with anterior box elastics in anterior open bite patients

Chest wall defects and their reconstruction

Chest wall reconstruction remains one of the most challenging areas of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The purpose of this study is to report our 4 year experience with chest wall reconstruction. A review of 62 patients who had chest wall reconstruction from 2001 to 2004, is included in the paper. Indications include, defects secondary to congenital deformity correction, post neoplastic reconstructions, post burn defects and sternotomy wounds. Procedures performed included direct closure after debridement, vacuum assisted closure with and without skin grafting, pectoralis major flap, rectus abdominis flap, omental flap and free flaps including latissmus dorsi flap. The average hospital stay was 13 days. The uneventful recovery was seen in 50 patients. Minor complications were seen in 12 patients whereas major complications were not seen in any patient. Chest wall reconstruction can be performed with satisfactory outcome provided that reconstruction ladder is followed

Parafalcine subdural empyema-a rare entity

Subdural empyema [SDE] is a significant cause of neurological morbidity and mortality. It should be recognized early and treated as an emergency. Although convexity subdural empyema is not so uncommon but parafalcine subdural empyema is quite rare. A recent case of parafalcine subdural empyema managed at Prince Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Bisha [KSA] is discussed. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, bacteriology, clinical features, radiographic findings and treatment of this life-threatening entity are reviewed