Pattern of homicide in Muzaffarabad [AJK]

Homicide is the highest level of aggression found in all cultures and ages and is one of the oldest crimes in the human history. The pattern of Homicide has changed with the passage of time except for the motives which almost remain the same that is the lust of woman, money and land. The objective of this study is to determine the pattern of homicide in Muzaffarabad AJK. Prospective study. This study was conducted at combined Military Hospital [CMH] Muzaffarabd [AJK] during the period 1[st] Jan 2010 to 31[st] December 2011. Thirty cases of homicide presented for autopsy was selected on basis of police inquest and autopsy findings. These causes were examined regarding age, Sex, type of weapon used, part of body involved along with seasonal variations. The Homicide rate in Muzaffarabad during the years 2010 and 2011 is 2.748/100, 000 per year Males are the primary targets with 30% between 30-39 years of age. The most common weapons for this offence are the Blunt weapons. The Homicide rate is high with the use of Blunt weapons followed by firearms

Insulin resistance, liver enzymes and the metabolic syndrome

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that enzymes conventionally associated with liver dysfunction [alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine arninotransferase] may predict diabetes. Three hundred type-2 diabetics were selected from Diabetic clinic and one hundred and fifty non-diabetes control from population. Biochemical testing of fasting and 2 hours serum insulin, renal, liver functions and protein was measured by using standard method and instruments. Insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] method. Statistical analysis of samples and control subjects were done by using SPSS-13. At baseline all three enzymes were related to most of the features of the metabolic syndrome. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels as well as serum transaminases also showed a statistical significant difference at P<0.05. The HOMA-IR in the type-2 diabetic group was significantly greater than that of the control group [mean +/- SD 3.84 +/- 2.3 vs. 1.62 +/- 0.79 units [P<0.05]. Serum total proteins and albumin significantly reduced in type-2 diabetic subjects. Mild elevations in liver enzymes and decreased levels in serum proteins are associated with features of the metabolic syndrome

C-reactive protein levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus amongst the local population

The objective of this study was to assess the levels of C-reactive protein in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients in the local population. Serum samples of patients of sixty type-2 diabetes mellitus and thirty healthy subjects acting as control of same age and sex matched were included from the general community, ensuring similarities of their basic confounding factors. Duration of type-2 diabetes of these subjects was also recorded. Sera were stored at-80°C till analysis. Estimation of CRP was done by a microplate immunoenzymometric assay. HbAlc levels in blood were done by using a commercial kit. Baseline values for HbAlc and CRP were assayed in the diabetic as well as control samples. CRP levels in serum were significantly higher among diabetic participants compared to the control subjects [P<0.05]. Among diabetic participants, higher levels of HbAlc were associated with higher level of CRP. CRP levels during different duration of type-2 diabetes were 3.4 +/- 1.35 micro g/ml in type-2 diabetics and 1.37 +/- 1.10 micro g/ml in control subjects having duration less than one year [P<0.05] similarly, 1-5 years 6-10 years and 11-15 years of duration had levels 4.90 +/- 1.57 micro g/ml, 4.60 +/- 1.90 micro g/ml and 4.42 +/- 1.20 micro g/ml respectively in type-2 diabetics and control subjects had 1.85 +/- 1 .20 micro g/ml, 1.40 +/- 1 .70 micro g/ml and 1.22 +/- 1.10 micro g/ml respectively. Diabetes having 16-20 years duration showed a non significant behavior. Our findings show that patients having type 2 diabetes had higher CRP levels in serum compared to the control subjects. Duration of disease and HbAlc levels showed statistical significant differences

Insulin resistance and cardiovascular risks in type-2 diabetic population

To determine the presence of diabetes mellitus and other conventional coronary heart disease risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and sedentary lifestyles in patients with acute coronary events in Pakistani population. This study included 300 type-2 diabetic patients selected from diabetic clinic of PMRC Research Centre Fatima Jinnah Medical College and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore with insulin resistant type-2 diabetics, unstable angina or myocardial infarction [MI]. One hundred and fifty control subjects without diabetes, myocardial or other coronary artery disease were also included in this study. Out of all patients 41.66% were female while 58.34% males and duration of diabetes was 0-3 years in 8% cases. Frequency of cardiovascular complications in type-2 diabetics were noted in 40.66% having hypertension, angina pectoris in 12.33%, congestive cardiac failure in 2% and MI in 2% cases. Location and extension of MI and myocardial enzymes did not differ between diabetics and non-diabetic patients. Age, duration of diabetes and HbA1c levels, did not differ between diabetic patients with or without MI. Hypertension and current smoking was significantly higher in patients with MI compared to patients with unstable angina [P< 0.05]. Serum TG, HDL-C, LDL-C and total cholesterol level did not differ between patients with MI and unstable angina. In this study insulin resistant type-2 diabetic patients have at least one of conventional cardiac risk factors. Diabetes and hypertension are leading risk factors, which may directly or indirectly interfere and predict more serious complications of coronary heart disease