ABSTRACT
Introduction: Poisoning is a significant public health problem in developing countries, more so in rural areas. Very little is known about the treatment available for poisoning cases in the context of rural health care provision in India. This study explores the perceptions of the primary health care medical officers regarding the management of poisoning cases. Material and Methods: A semistructured, self-designed survey form was used to interview the medical officers in Pune district. The interview focused on understanding rural hospital settings in terms of infrastructure, available facilities, and medical officers' perception of professional challenges in the management of poisoning cases. Results: Underreporting of poisoning cases in these primary health centers (PHCs) and transferring to higher hospitals without basic first aid provided was noted through interviews. Conclusion: Medical officers in rural PHCs lack the necessary training and knowledge required for the management of poisonings which is further worsened by lack of resources. There is a need to focus on poison management in continuous medical education. Training programs and education for medical officers are needs of the hour.
ABSTRACT
Tracking the most recent advances in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)‒related research is essential, given the disease's novelty and its impact on society. However, with the publication pace speeding up, researchers and clinicians require automatic approaches to keep up with the incoming information regarding this disease. A solution to this problem requires the development of text mining pipelines; the efficiency of which strongly depends on the availability of curated corpora. However, there is a lack of COVID-19‒related corpora, even more, if considering other languages besides English. This project's main contribution was the annotation of a multilingual parallel corpus and the generation of a recommendation dataset (EN-PT and EN-ES) regarding relevant entities, their relations, and recommendation, providing this resource to the community to improve the text mining research on COVID-19‒related literature. This work was developed during the 7th Biomedical Linked Annotation Hackathon (BLAH7).
ABSTRACT
Since only a small number of patients have a rare disease, it is difficult to identify all of the features of these diseases. This is especially true for patients presenting with the rarest diseases. It can also be difficult for the patient, their families, and even clinicians to know which one of a number of disease phenotypes the patient is exhibiting. This, again, is especially true for patients uncommonly presenting with rare diseases. To address this issue, during Biomedical Linked Annotation Hackathon 7 (BLAH7), we tried to extract Alexander disease patient data in Portable Document Format. We then visualized the phenotypic diversity of those Alexander disease patients with uncommon presentations. This led to us identifying several issues that we need to overcome in our future work.
ABSTRACT
Objectives@#Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom experienced by cancer patients and has a profound effect on their quality of life (QOL). The study aimed to determine the impact of fatigue on QOL among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to identify the risk factors associated with severe fatigue incidence. @*Methods@#This was an observational prospective study carried out at multiple centers. In total, 172 breast cancer patients were included. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Questionnaire was used to measure QOL, while the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) was used to assess the severity of fatigue. @*Results@#The total average mean and standard deviation of QOL were 84.58±18.07 and 4.65±1.14 for BFI scores, respectively. A significant association between fatigue and QOL was found in linear and multiple regression analyses. The relationships between fatigue severity and cancer stage, chemotherapy dose delay, dose reduction, chemotherapy regimen, and ethnicity were determined using binary logistic regression analysis. @*Conclusion@#The findings of this study are believed to be useful for helping oncologists effectively evaluate, monitor, and treat fatigue related to QOL changes.
ABSTRACT
Objectives@#Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom experienced by cancer patients and has a profound effect on their quality of life (QOL). The study aimed to determine the impact of fatigue on QOL among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to identify the risk factors associated with severe fatigue incidence. @*Methods@#This was an observational prospective study carried out at multiple centers. In total, 172 breast cancer patients were included. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Questionnaire was used to measure QOL, while the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) was used to assess the severity of fatigue. @*Results@#The total average mean and standard deviation of QOL were 84.58±18.07 and 4.65±1.14 for BFI scores, respectively. A significant association between fatigue and QOL was found in linear and multiple regression analyses. The relationships between fatigue severity and cancer stage, chemotherapy dose delay, dose reduction, chemotherapy regimen, and ethnicity were determined using binary logistic regression analysis. @*Conclusion@#The findings of this study are believed to be useful for helping oncologists effectively evaluate, monitor, and treat fatigue related to QOL changes.
ABSTRACT
Objectives@#This study aimed to assess medication use in pregnant women in Malaysia by measuring use, knowledge, awareness, and beliefs about medications. @*Methods@#This was an observational, cross-sectional study involving a total of 447 pregnant women who attended the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), Malaysia. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect participant data. @*Results@#Most of pregnant women had taken medication during pregnancy and more than half of them (52.8%) showed a poor level of knowledge about the medication use during pregnancy. Eighty-three percent had a poor level of awareness and 56.5% had negative beliefs. Age and education level were significantly associated with the level of knowledge regarding medication use during pregnancy.Multiparous pregnant women, and pregnant women from rural areas were observed to have a higher level of awareness compared with those who lived in urban areas. Use of medication during pregnancy was determined to be significantly associated with education level, and race. @*Conclusion@#Although there was prevalent use of medication among pregnant women, many had negative beliefs, and insufficient knowledge and awareness about the risks of taking medication during pregnancy. Several sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with the use (race and education level), level of knowledge (age and education level), awareness (parity and place of residence), and beliefs (race, education level, and occupation status) towards medication use during pregnancy.
ABSTRACT
Objectives@#This study aimed to assess medication use in pregnant women in Malaysia by measuring use, knowledge, awareness, and beliefs about medications. @*Methods@#This was an observational, cross-sectional study involving a total of 447 pregnant women who attended the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), Malaysia. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect participant data. @*Results@#Most of pregnant women had taken medication during pregnancy and more than half of them (52.8%) showed a poor level of knowledge about the medication use during pregnancy. Eighty-three percent had a poor level of awareness and 56.5% had negative beliefs. Age and education level were significantly associated with the level of knowledge regarding medication use during pregnancy.Multiparous pregnant women, and pregnant women from rural areas were observed to have a higher level of awareness compared with those who lived in urban areas. Use of medication during pregnancy was determined to be significantly associated with education level, and race. @*Conclusion@#Although there was prevalent use of medication among pregnant women, many had negative beliefs, and insufficient knowledge and awareness about the risks of taking medication during pregnancy. Several sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with the use (race and education level), level of knowledge (age and education level), awareness (parity and place of residence), and beliefs (race, education level, and occupation status) towards medication use during pregnancy.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To share our initial experience of patient undergoing anastomotic Urethroplasty and trial without catheter, without post Urethroplasty pericatheter urethrogram
Methods: Prospectively maintained records of all patients undergoing standard transecting anastomotic Urethroplasty by single surgeon [one of the authors] at The Kidney Centre PGTI Karachi, Pakistan and Lifecare Hospital Abu Dhabi UAE from September 2006 to December 2017 were reviewed. In all except two cases, supra pubic catheter was removed at second weeks and per urethral catheter by 4 to 5 weeks following which patients were assessed for TWOC without pericatheter urethrogram. Patients were further advised to follow up with Uroflowmetry [UFM] at one week, one month, three and 12 months. In our series, Qmax less than 15 ml/s on UFM were considered to have recurrence and these patients were subjected to ascending urethrogram after six weeks of procedure
Results: There were 18 patients who underwent anastomotic Urethroplasty in bulbar urethra. The mean age of study patients was 37.2+11.2 years with p-value of 0.84. The recurrence rate of urethral stricture was 16.6 percent [3/18 patient] with Qmax of 4.6 and 7.2ml/sec with mean follow-up period of 13.82+13.4 months [range 3-53 months] 02 patients developed infection. No patient developed incontinence or impotence
Conclusion: We found pericatheter urethrogram is not mandatory as a routine for all tension free anastomotic Urethroplasty before per urethral catheter removal. However, it may have a role in difficult cases with tension anastomoses or re-do procedure. This will avoid risk of infection, radiation exposure and extra cost
ABSTRACT
Background: acne vulgaris is the most common skin condition seen by the dermatologists. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous unit characterized by seborrhea, comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and in some cases scars and keloids, which persist for rest of the life
Objectives: the present work aimed at evaluating the level of awareness, Attitude and Practice toward acne vulgaris in Jeddah city
Methods: a cross sectional analytical questionnaire based study was carried out among the general population in Jeddah city. This study started in the year [2016] and composed of 461 subjects. The mean age of citizens was 28, 82. To assess citizens' demographic factors and beliefs about acne vulgaris, consenting citizens completed an anonymous online questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20
Results: The sample is consisted of 65, 8% women and 34, 2% men. Among the respondents 7, 7% reported suffering from acne vulgaris and 13, 6% confirmed having a history of acne vulgaris illness in their family. The results of the study showed that 153 [34, 8%] subjects had weak knowledge related to the disease, 260 [59, 1%] subjects had average level of knowledge while only 27 [6, 1%] subjects had good knowledge regarding acne vulgaris. There was a statistical significant association between gender, educational level and the level of awareness about acne vulgaris
Conclusion: acne vulgaris is a disease that is potentially controllable but that cannot be cured. Education still be important overall the treatment of the patients
ABSTRACT
The main objective of the article is to provide the necessary awareness on decision making in order to support better patient care. The awareness is through advisory technique with more emphasis on practical application. The article has analysis of the opinions from experts on synthesis. More so, there is provision of better ways to clinical data feasibility, open forum consultations and surveys from experts on anesthesia. The main emphasize of the article is decision making in improvement of the patient care. Although advisories are important, the aim should always be decision making and the article focuses on practice in order to improve medical knowledge. The article gives an outline on additional measures to be taken to improve the medical practice according to Anesthesiology. The article emphasizes the advisory from the anesthesiologists and all the supporting physicians. In addition, there is also provision of advisory to individuals who administer general anesthesia. Review of the article on Metal-Analysis study has identified many characteristics of patients who have been associated with the risk of little awareness. The review has explained the procedures to be followed when dealing with situations of higher risks on intraoperative awareness. The anesthetic techniques on intraoperative awareness are also included in the preoperative awareness
ABSTRACT
To compare the viscosity of silicone oils made by different manufacturers by comparing the flow rates through a standard 23G millennium vitrectomy system. Quasi experimental study. Department of Ophthalmology, Lahore General Hospital Lahore, Pakistan during 2012. Viscosities of silicone oils of l000cs and 5000cs, manufactured by multinational / national manufacturers in Pakistan, were compared. Oils of 1000cs/500cs were placed in 20 ml syringes, marked randomly and placed in water-VVbaths at 25°C, to standardize the control environment. Each syringe was then attached to 23G millennium vitrectomy system and time taken to empty 9 ml of oils at pressures of 40 mrrtHg and 70 mmHg was noted. Oils of same centistokes manufactured by different manufacturers behaved differently in terms of their flowability and rates of emptying. The emptying times for l000cs oils ranged from 112.1 seconds to 144.4 seconds at 40 mmHg and 60.2 to 70.3 seconds at 70 mmHg, whereas corresponding figures for 5000cs were between 335.7 seconds and 802.0 seconds at 40 mmHg and between 169.6 seconds and 348.7 seconds at 70 mmHg. The differences at all levels were statistically significant [p< 0.001]. Silicone oils of similar centistokes behaved differently in terms of their rates of flow through a standard 23G vitrectomy system under standard conditions indicating better standardization of the viscosity of silicone oils available in the market
ABSTRACT
To evaluate the correlation between axial myopia and diabetic retinopathy. Cross-sectional study. Eye Department of Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore General Hospital, from August 2012 to February 2013. A total of 258 participants suffering from type-2 diabetic retinopathy were included. Axial length was measured by two optometrists using contact type ultrasound biometer. Colored retinal photographs, red free retinal photographs and Fundus Fluorescein Angiography [FFA] were performed on all patients using standard fundus camera. All fundus photographs and angiograms were independently reviewed and graded by two qualified vitreoretinal fellows. Out of 258 patients, 163 were males [63.2%] and 95 [36.8%] were females. Average age of patients was 56.30 +/- 7.57 years. Average axial length of right and left eyes were 23.16 mm and 23.15 mm respectively. There was statistically significant negative correlation between axial length and severity of diabetic retinopathy in the right eye, [Spearman correlation = -0.511, p = 0.0001] as well as the left eye [Spearman correlation = -0.522, p = 0.0001]. There is a protective influence of longer axial length of globe on the stage and severity of diabetic retinopathy. This study may help in modifying the screening protocol for diabetic retinopathy amongst patients of differing axial lengths
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cross-Sectional Studies , Axial Length, EyeABSTRACT
The study is aimed to assess emotional problem of patients with Type- 2 diabetes by translating and validating PAID. Associations between PAID and blood glucose levels, and differences in prevalence of emotional problems across treatment modalities and BMI. Data was collected from various outpatients of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The sample of study comprised of 300 patients with diabetes both male = 135 [45%] and female n=165 [55%]. Formal approval was taken from authorities at respective hospitals and after taking informed consent patients were interviewed. Data collection was completed during Feb to April, 2013. Patients were asked to fill in demographic sheet along with Translated PAID scale. Latest blood glucose levels were collected from their medical records whereas BMI was calculated by measuring patients' weight and height. Results showed that emotional problems as assessed by PAID are positively correlated with blood glucose levels [r=.12 to r=.19, p<.05]. Additionally, patients with IV modality of treatment [i.e., taking insulin shots] suffered significantly high [MD=4.88, p=.01] from emotional problems and patients with normal BMI and Obese Class-II have are at higher risk of emotional problem. Finally, patients rated serious concerns on diabetes-related issues like lifelong maintenance, future complications, depression and anxiety, and satisfaction with physician. PAID is a very effective instrument in identifying emotional problems of diabetes patients related to adherence and compliance to their treatment regime and hence it shall be used by physicians and health professional in routine practice
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Patient Compliance/psychology , Blood Glucose/analysis , Emotions , Disease Management , Medication AdherenceABSTRACT
To find out the awareness and practices regarding breast self examination [BSE] among the lady health workers of Tehsil Arifwala, district Pakpatan, Punjab. This cross sectional study was conducted in July 2011. 300 LHW's fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected through consecutive sampling technique. Information was collected regarding awareness and practices of BSE through interviews on questionnaire covering all variables. The BSE practices of LHW's were determined on the basis of two criteria: 1. Number of BSE steps performed [categorized as 'average' for performing >2 steps and 'below average' for performing one or two steps]. 2. Interval of BSE [categorized as 'correct' for regular monthly interval and 'incorrect' for >1 month interval]. Data was entered and cleaned using Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed using Epi Info 3.5.1 Mean age of participants was 32.06 +/- 7.8 years. Majority were married [79%], rural dwellers [64.3%], had job experience up to 5 years [55.3%] and were educated above middle [53.7%]. Majority 280 [93.3%] were aware of breast self examination but only 80 [28.5%] were practicing it. Out of 80 who were performing BSE, 34 [12.1%] were practicing BSE at correct interval and only 46 [16.4%] were practicing average steps. Significant relationship was found between the age and awareness while higher levels of job experience had a significant relationship with BSE practice. The awareness level of LHW's regarding BSE was relatively high as compared to their practices of BSE. As a LHW has direct link with the community, there is a need to organize training courses for LHW's regarding correct BSE practices. Special emphasis should be paid to timeliness and steps of the procedure so that she can provide proper information to community for early detection of breast cancer.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Awareness , Surveys and Questionnaires , Health Education/methods , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Breast Neoplasms/prevention & control , Community Health Workers , Risk Reduction BehaviorABSTRACT
To study the frequency and severity of tremors in otherwise healthy elderly adults at Sind Government Hospital Liaqatabad, Karachi. This cross-sectional study, was conducted at the Sindh government hospital, Liaquatabad, Karachi from October, 2007-2009. Five hundred otherwise healthy adults of both genders of more than 60 years were selected. After thorough clinical examination, classification and the severity of tremors were assessed by tasks given to the patients by principal investigator which he designed himself. All variables were put in proper register. Data entry and analysis was performed by single researcher on SPSS 16 for biostatistics. The inclusion criteria were adults of more than 60 years of either gender with no history of any systematic or neurological illness and presently not on drugs. The exclusion criteria were disputed age groups and those who cannot sign or write their names because they cannot be assessed by tasks. The mean age was 68.75 years +/- 6.74 with male female ratio of 1.95:1. Out of 500 subjects 84 [16.8%] showed no tremors, 307 [64.4%] had mild tremors only evident on special movements i.e. enhanced physiological tremors [physiological senile tremors] and 109 [21.8%] had moderate to severe tremors evident on movements i.e. kinetic, essential tremors [pathological senile tremors], with family history of 50.45%. Tremors in old age are not part of life. Most of them had enhanced physiological tremors while few were of essential type with strong family history. If these are detected, they should be evaluated and classified and can be managed to make elderly population more useful to their family and the society
ABSTRACT
To study the frequency of Clostridium difficile in postantibiotic diarrhoea in patients admitted to the medical ward of a secondary care hospital. Observational study. Sindh Government Hospital, Liaquatabad, Karachi, from June 2002 to May 2009. Adults of either gender who received antibiotics after admission and subsequently had watery stools at least 2 days after admission were selected. The exclusion criteria were past history of inflammatory bowel disease or any type of malabsorption state and those who did not show WBCs in stools. All variables of these patients along with clinical findings, type of antibiotic received, and number of stool motions per day were recorded. Three samples of the stools were sent for detailed reports to analyze the number of leukocytes per high field and culture, on cycloserine - cefoxitin - fructose agar [CCFA]. All findings were entered into and analyzed by SPSS 16 for statistical analysis. Out of the 473 patients who received antibiotics for any reasons, 191 [40.38%] developed diarrhoea. The mean age was 45.6 +/- 17.73 years and male to female ratio was 1.85:1. The average number of stools passed per day was 4.84 +/- 1.24 and all patients showed leukocytes in stool samples with a mean count of 6.67 +/- 0.89/HPF. The stool culture on CCFA was positive for 57 patients [29.18%], while 134 patients [70.15%] were stool culture negative as well as negative for evidence of any parasites; these samples were labelled benign antibiotic associated diarrhoea [BAAD]. Ampicillin and amoxicillin with clavulanate were the most implicated antibiotics in this study. Clostridium difficile is the main putative agent in postantibiotic diarrhoea. In settings with limited resources, use of specific culture media such as CCFA proves to be highly cost effective, and sensitive for this diagnosis. Macrolides and quinolones are the safest agents to prescribe in this context
ABSTRACT
The increasing popularity of phacoemulsificalion in restoring good visual acuity has also led to an increase in the incidence of its complications like nucleus drop during the procedure. Proper management of such patients not only reduces intravitreal lens fragments related complications but also significantly improves the visual acuity. To evaluate the clinical features of the eye with retained Intravitreal lens fragments after the phacoemulsification surgery. We also aimed to investigate the incidence of cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment, suprachoridal hemorrhage and any other complication in patients after pars plana vitrectomy for retained intravitreal lens fragments. This study was carried out at the department of ophthalmology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. The duration of study was one year 17-05-2004 to 28-04-2005. Descriptive prospective. The reported frequency of dislocated lens material at 0.3% is quiet low. Despite LGH being a referral center for retinal diseases, dropped nuclei and nuclear fragments constitute a very small fraction of the referred cases. Therefore the study was limited to 15 cases only so that it could be completed within specified period. 15 eyes having retained lens matter after phacoemulsification surgery were included. Aphakia was present in 10[66.75%] patients. 5 [33.4%] patients were pseudophakic. Raised intraocular pressure was found in 11 [73.4%] patients, cornea edema in 7 [46.7%], uveitis in 6 [40%] patients. Two [13.4%] patients had retinal detachment at presentation. The range of visual acuity way perception and projection of light to counting fingers in 9 eyes [60%], 2/60-6/60 in 5 eyes [33.4%]. 6/24 in 1 [6.64%] eye preoperatively. After vitrectomy, range of visual acuity was 6/9 to 6/18 in 9 patients [60%] and 6/24-6/60 in 6 patients [40%]. The comparison of pre-operative visual acuity and that of last follow-up showed p<0.01 [statistically highly significant]. Intraocular pressure was raised in only 2 patients [13.3%]. No patient developed retinal detachment. Cystoid macular edema was found in only 2 patients [13.4%].No patient developed significant intraocular inflammation after vitrectomy. Patients having retained intravitreal lens fragments presented with raised intraocular pressure, reduced visual acuity, uveitis and retinal detachment. In such patients combined pars plana vitrectomy and secondary intraocular lens implantation reduced the risk of postoperative complications including secondary glaucoma, uveilis and helped in restoration of useful visual acuity
ABSTRACT
To determine the myths and misconceptions about [Tremors] among those who developed this disorder and their health seeking behavior, and also among those who never had tremors, at the psycho-neurology and medical OPD of Sindh Govt. Hospital, Liaqatabad no. 10, Karachi. A single centre based cross-sectional survey, conducted from year 2002 to 2009 at Sindh Govt. Hospital [SGH] Liaqatabad no.10, Karachi. 403 adult patients of either sex with tremors were selected from medical and psycho-neurology OPD's. For comparison 100 healthy individuals from general population, who never had tremors, of the same area were also included. Questionnaires regarding different myths and misconceptions about tremors were filled by the patients/normal healthy people after obtaining the consent. Out of 403 selected patients [61.53% males and 38.47% females] majority belonged to the urban areas. Out of hundred normal healthy people 73 [73%] were males and 27 [27%] were females. Only 8% of the patients considered tremor was a neurological illness, while 33% of the patients and 41% of the general population related it to magic or witchcraft. Overall, females were more inclined to choose alternative medicine and spiritual therapy than males. Myths and Misconceptions about tremors are present in our society because of strong belief and observations. Provision of primary education, health education and using electronic media can play a key role in abolishing these misconceptions
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Perception , Surveys and Questionnaires , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
This study was undertaken on the exponents of motivation and implementation of family planning measures in Armed Forces i.e., doctors, with emphasis on finding their contraceptive prevalence rate. Cross-sectional prospective study. Armed Forces Postgraduate Institute Rawalpindi from March 2003 to June 2004. A comprehensively structured open and closed ended questionnaire was mailed to selected married medical officers of Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy. Based on their responses the data was prepared, analysed and interpreted. Seventy seven percent of military doctors were practising some contraceptive method at the time of study. Most of the doctors were using condoms for contraception. Sixteen percentage of all respondents have never used any contraceptive in their life. More than 70% believe that the religion of Islam is not a barrier in family planning. Most of doctors were not satisfied with the performance of family planning centres functioning in the Army. There is a dire need to improve the female literacy, awareness about contraceptive methods and their accessibility among military masses of Pakistan
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Physicians , IslamABSTRACT
Excessive accumulation of CSF in brain resulting in increase ICP is called hydrocephalus. The conclusions is common in developing countries. To stream line the treatment policies we conducted this study in Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar.Fifty patients of congenital hydrocephalus were studied. 48% were male and 52% were females. Ages were from 09 days to 13 months. Cases had communicating type of hydrocephalus and 20% obstructive hydrocephalus. Eighty percent patients were diagnosed with the help of skull ultrasound and computerized tomography scan. In all cases ventriculoperitoneal shunting were performed. This study was conducted for period of two years. All cases had good outcome and no mortality. Shunt obstruction and infections were the main complications. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is the treatment of choice in hydrocephalus