Vertebral Endplate Changes Correlate with Presence of Cartilaginous Endplate in the Herniated Disc Tissue: Factor Predicting Failure of Conservative Treatment

Methods@#Fifty-one discs were obtained from patients undergoing surgery for herniated disc. Their ages ranged from 19-65 years, and 31/51 were male. Pre-surgical T1 and T2 weighted lumbar-spine MRIs were analyzed to observe Pfirrmann grade, VEP defects, herniation type, Modic changes, and high-intensity zones (HIZ) at the affected level. Five-micron thick sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Alcian blue periodic acid–Schiff stain; examined for histological degeneration scores (HDS; 0–15), inflammation (0 [absence]–3 [severe]), and presence of cartilaginous endplate (CEP). Three-micron thick sections were stained with protein-gene-product 9.5 and expression was counted/mm2. Data was analyzed, and p<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. @*Results@#VEP defects, Modic changes, and HIZ were respectively observed in 30/51, 16/51, and 6/51 of the samples. CEP was observed in 26/51 samples and in 23/51 with endplate defects. Discs with adjacent VEP defects showed increased HDS (p<0.001) and inflammation (p<0.001). Discs with adjacent Modic changes also revealed increased HDS (p=0.01). Histological sections with CEP showed increased HDS (p<0.001) and inflammation (p<0.001), and nerve density was significantly positively correlated with HDS (r=0.27, p=0.02). @*Conclusions@#VEP changes can modulate degeneration and inflammation of herniated discs. Presence of these changes is highly predictive of the occurrence of CEP in herniated discs, which leads to slow resorption and persistent clinical symptoms.

Trends in occupational injuries and diseases among Saudi and non-Saudi insured workers

Background: The ongoing industrial and infrastructural development in Saudi Arabia carries a high risk of occupational injuries/diseases.

Aims: To compare trends in occupational injuries and diseases among Saudi and non-Saudi insured workers.

Methods: We used the index values method and slope [S] calculation to analyse the occupational injuries/diseases trends from data in the annual statistical reports published by the General Organization for Social Insurance between 2004 and 2014. Data for 10 565 993 [18.5%] Saudi insured workers [SIWs] and 46 402 079 [81.5%] non-Saudi insured workers [NSIWs] and 896 627 occupational injuries/diseases were analysed.

Results: The distribution of incidences of occupational injuries/diseases among NSIWs [93.5%] was 14 times higher than that of SIWs [6.5%]. Occupational injuries/diseases were more likely to increase among NSIWs than SIWs, particularly in the construction, trade, financing and real estate economic activities, and engineering, technicians and service workers occupations. There was a general decreasing trend in occupational injuries/diseases until 2013.

Conclusions: Non-Saudi insured workers were at high risk of occupational injuries/diseases, therefore, implementation of an effective injury prevention programme is required.

Banana fruit pulp and peel involved in antianxiety and antidepressant effects while invigorate memory performance in male mice: possible role of potential antioxidants

The present study was aimed to investigate the anti-stress and memory enhancing effects of banana [Musa sapientum L.] fruit pulp and peel extract in male mice. Locally bred albino Wistar mice were divided into control and 2 test groups [n=10]. Control rats received drinking water while test groups were treated with banana fruit pulp [600 mg/kg; oral administration] and extract of banana peel [400mg/kg; oral administration]. Behavioral activities of animals were monitored 14 days post administration of banana pulp and peel extract. Depression-like symptoms were measured by forced swimming test [FST]. Anxiety like behavior was monitored using light-dark activity [LDA] test and plus maze activity [PMA] test and memory functions of rats were assessed by morris water maze [MWM] test. Following 2 weeks animals were decapitated and brain was removed for estimation of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase [CAT], super oxide dismutase [SOD] and reduced glutathione [GSH]. In the present study both banana peel and pulp increased the time spent in light box and open arm, suggesting anxiolytic effects. A significant decrease in immobility time was observed in FST in both banana pulp and peel treated animals suggesting antidepressant like effects. Moreover, learning and memory assessed by MWM showed decrease in time to reach platform in both short term and long term memory test suggested increased memory function in both banana pulp and peel treated animals as compared to control animals. The activities of all antioxidant enzymes were significantly [p<0.05] greater in banana pulp and peel treated animals than control. It is concluded that both banana pulp and peel have anti-anxiety, antidepressant effect as well as strengthen the memory possibly via its antioxidant mechanism. Therefore, it is recommended that supplementation of banana could be taken a vital role in stress [anxiety and depression] relief and increased in memory function possibly by phytoantioxidants

In vitro antimicrobial, antiprotozoal activities and heavy metals toxicity of different parts of Ballota pseudodictamnus [L.] Benth

The study was done to check the antimicrobial and antiprotozoal activity of different parts of Ballota pseudodictamnus [L.] Benth. These activities were then compared with the heavy metals toxicity of different parts, which plants accumulate in different concentrations in different parts. In in-vitro antileishmanial results ethanolic extract, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions in roots of Ballota pseudodictamnus [L.] Benth showed antileishmanial activity. The ethanol, w-butanol and ethyl acetate fraction in stem revealed inhibition of amastigote form of leishmania. The ethanolic extract, chloroform, and w-butanol fraction in leaves showed inhibition of leishmanial parasite. In heavy metals study, Chromium was above permissible value in all parts except in leaves. Nickel was above WHO limit in roots. Cadmium and lead were beyond permissible limits in entire plant parts. Results revealed that different parts of the plant have different inhibition properties. So each part of plant should be checked for antimicrobial and antiprotozoal assay separately. It is concluded that various metals accumulates with miscellaneous concentrations in different plant parts

Diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler ultrasonography in detection of malignancy in cold nodule thyroid gland

Objectives: to determine the diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler ultrasound in the detection of malignancy in cold nodules in thyroid gland at Nishtar Hospital Multan, taking histopathology as gold standard

Materials and Methods: this cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Diagnostic Imaging in Nishtar Hospital, Multan during May, 2012 to May, 2013. 81 patients with solitary thyroid nodule were included in the study. Ultrasonography including gray scale and color Doppler ultrasound was performed in each patient with high resolution probe. Findings suggestive for malignancy like microcalcifications, irregular margins, marked hypoechogenicity, shape taller than wider and intranodular vascularity on color Doppler ultrasound were noted. Nodules were labeled as malignant, if one or more positive findings were present. Sonographic findings were compared with histopathology. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated

Results: total 81 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were included. 58.02% [n=47], were male and 41.08% [n=34] were female. Mean age and SD was calculated as 35.67+/-4.78.Frequency of malignancy in thyroid nodules [on histopathology] was recorded in 22.22% [n=18] while 77.78% [n=63] were benign. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV] and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography were 83.33%, 88.89%, 68.18%, 94.92% and 87.65% respectively

Conclusion: ultrasonography is a non-invasive technique having high diagnostic accuracy in detection of malignancy in cold nodules thyroid gland

Clinical profile, conventional surgical approaches and the outcome of the surgery in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

To study the clinical profile of angiofibroma, various conventional surgical approaches and the outcome of surgery. Prospective, analytical study. This study was conducted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta from January2008 to December2012. This study included 31 patients of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma over a period of 5 years. All patients were treated by conventional surgical approaches following Fisch staging system. Twenty one [21] patients were operated by lateral rhinotomy approach, Three [3] patients by transpalatal approach, five [5] patients by Weber-Fergusson approach and two [2] by Mid-facial degloving approach. The patients were followed up for a period of three [3] years for any recurrence. All patients were male with mean age 15.61 +/- 2.64 years. The patients presented with recurrent epistaxis, nasal obstruction and nasopharyngeal mass apart from other symptoms and signs. Majority of the patients [80.64%] came with stage II and IIIA disease. Lateral rhinotomy approach was used in majority of cases [67.74%]. Recurrence was observed in 5 cases [16.12%]. Recurrence rate was less [one out of 2leases] with lateral rhinotomy approach in comparison with other approaches. In transpalatal route recurrence was observed in two [2] cases out of three [3] cases, while in Weber-Fergusson approach it was one out of five [5] and in Mid-facial degloving it was one out of two [2] cases. Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a disease of male adolescents. The patient most commonly presents with recurrent epistaxis and nasal blockage with nasopharyngeal mass. Surgery is the treatment of choice. Lateral rhinotomy approach gives an excellent exposure for most of these tumours with less chance of recurrence

Osteoarthritis; efficacy and safety of aceclofenac in the treatment: a randomized double-blind comparative clinical trial versus diclofenac"

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of aceclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Study design: Randomized double blind Phase IV trial. Place and Duration of study: This study was conducted in the department of Orthopaedics and Spine Surgery, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. The duration was eight weeks

Methodology: A total of 90 subjects, fulfilling the inclusion criteria and willing to give free informed consent were enrolled in this trial. All these subjects were randomized into two treatment groups [A and B]. Subjects either received Aceclofenac 100 mg twice daily or Diclofenac 75 mg twice daily for 08 weeks. During the screening visit, information on their demographic characteristics, medical history and previous and current medications were collected. A thorough physical examination and necessary laboratory investigations were carried out before drug administration and after the completion of treatment [end of week 8]. Clinical examination was done at baseline visit, randomization and 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Gastrointestinal [GI] safety was assessed using adverse drug reaction [ADR] reports. WOMAC questionnaire was used to see improvement in activities of daily living and pain was assessed using visual analogue scale [VAS]. All data was collected in the case report form [CRF]. Statistical evaluation was performed at the end of the trial and results were analyzed using SPSS

Results: 70 subjects completed the study while 20 were lost in follow-up. There were 28 males and 34 females in the study with mean age of 56 years. There was a significant decrease in WOMAC and VAS scores in both groups. In group A [Diclofenac group] VAS decreased from 7.107 to 2.538 [p= 0.000] and WOMAC decreased from 32.75 to 7.38 [p=0.000]. In group B [Aceclofenac group], VAS decreased from 7.912 to 6.0 [p=0.001] while WOMAC decreased from 37.29 to 21.50 [p=0.000] showing the efficacy of both drugs. There was also significant decrease in the disease severity in both groups at the end of treatment. But the safety profile of [Diclofenac] group A was not significant [p=0.767] as compared to [Aceclofenac] group B [p=0.022]

Conclusions: Aceclofenac is efficacious and safe drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis in adults as compared to Diclofenac

Male contraception; knowledge, attitude and practice among male population of Hansra Basti Bahawalpur

To determine the knowledge and practice regarding male contraceptive methods among married male population of Hansra basti Bahawalpur, Pakistan. This observational [Descriptive] cross sectional study was carried out at Hansra Basti Bahawalpur from May 2011, to June 2011. A total of 100 married males were selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected by pre-designed, pre-tested, questionnaire to collect the information from study population. An interview was conducted at respondents' house in local language. Privacy was ensured. About 82% have knowledge about any of the male contraceptive methods and out of those 18% were practicing any one of the family planning methods. Condom [Barrier] was most used method [77.7%] followed by the traditional methods i.e abstinence [27.7%] and coitus interrupts [11.11%] where as result regarding vasectomy was nil. Source of knowledge mainly was media [44%] followed by through health professional [30%], wife [25%] and friends [21%]. In present setting men have good knowledge of male contraceptive methods. However very small number is practicing the contraceptive measures

Frequency of severe carotid artery stenosis in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: Prevalence of carotid artery stenosis is high in patients with coronary artery disease in the western countries as well as in some Asian nations and this increases the risk of stroke in the coronary artery disease patients while undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of severe carotid artery stenosis in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Patients and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in Cardiology department, Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, from 15[th] December 2006 to 15[th] June 2007. One hundred consecutive diabetic patients undergoing CABG were included in the study. They were diagnosed diabetic on history [previously diagnosed and taking medicine for diabetes] and new diabetic patients diagnosed on laboratory investigations by using criteria; [fasting plasma glucose level 126 mg/dl or higher on more than one occasion]. Type of diabetes, physical examination [carotid bruit] and coronary angiogram findings were noted. Carotid Doppler scan was done in all study population and the severe carotid artery stenosis was diagnosed with the help of Doppler diagnostic criteria that was peak systolic velocity of > 2.3 ml sec of ICA or peak diastolic velocity of >0.75 m/sec of ICA or ICA/CCA systolic ratio of >3 and confirmed by two cardiologists. Data was entered on the proforma, and analyzed in SPSS version 11

Results: The mean age of study subjects was 59.5 +/- 8.4 years, total of 100 patients were included in study. Severe carotid artery stenosis i.e. > 70% stenosis in the carotid arteries was diagnosed in 7% of the study population which were at higher risk for the perioperative neurological complications. Out of these 7 patients, > 70% right carotid stenosis was seen in 2 patients while the remaining 5 patients showed > 70% stenosis of the left carotid artery. We also observed that 7 patients who were diagnosed with severe carotid artery stenosis also had significant associated LMS disease. Out of these, 4 patients [57.1 %] had severe LMS while 2 patients [28.6 %] had moderate LMS disease

Conclusion: A high incidence of severe carotid artery disease was found by using Doppler ultrasound in diabetic patients with TVD or LMCA disease. There was significant association of severe carotid artery stenosis in patients who had severe LMCA disease. Carotid doppler can be used as a screening test to rule out significant carotid artery disease

In hospital outcome of patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction requiring temporary transvenous pacing

Background: Acute myocardial infarction continues to be a major public health problem worldwide. Temporary pacing is needed in various situations of myocardial infarction

Objective: To determine in hospital outcome [electrical and mechanical complications] of acute myocardial infarction [MI] patients requiring temporary transvenous pacing

Patients and Methods: This descriptive case series was conducted at the Cardiology Department of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore from October 2007 to April 2008.One hundred patients presenting with acute chest pain consistent with acute myocardial infarction, typical ECG changes and raised serum markers of myocardial infarction and requiring temporary pacing during their hospital stay were included

Results: A total of 100 patients were included in study. The mean age of the study population was 49.9+/-7.5 years. There were 85% males and 15% females. Majority of patients 66% were smokers. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension was observed in 45% patients. Mean duration of onset of symptoms till arrival at the hospital was 8.2+/-4.6 hours. Majority of patients 65% had inferior wall myocardial infarction [IWMI], 3% patients had IWMI with right ventricular MI. Extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction [AWMI] was observed in 25%. Anteroseptal wall MI occurred in 7% of patients. Streptokinase was used for thrombolysis in 76% patients. First degree heart block was noted in 2% patients at arrival. Second degree Mobitz type 1 occurred in 1% and Mobitz type 2 in 4%. Third degree or complete heart block was noted in 31% patients. Right bundle branch block with left anterior fascicular block occurred in 3% and trifascicular block in 4%. During hospital stay, complete heart block occurred on 1[st] post MI day in 55% patients, and on 2[nd] post MI day in 3% patients. Temporary pacemaker was implanted in 40% of patients at presentation, in 57% of patients on 1[st] post MI day and in 3% on 2[nd] post MI day. In-hospital mortality occurred in 8%, ventricular tachycardia in 29%, ventricular fibrillation in 2% and asystole in 2% patients

Conclusion: Complete heart block in patients with ST-Elevation myocardial infarction requiring temporary pacing is accompanied by a worse early prognosis. A more aggressive therapeutic approach aimed to reduce early mortality seems warranted in these patients

Pharmacokinetics for dose proportion; estimation of 250 mg cefaclor tablet in male volunteers

To estimate dose proportion for male volunteers by calculating pharmacokinetics following oral administration of Cefaclor [CCL] 250mg Tablet and to check the relative susceptibility of four bacterial strains. Randomized Clinical Trial, case series. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. From Mar 2006 to Feb 2007. Blood samples were collected for the period of 12 hours in heparinized tubes. Collected samples were centrifuged at 3000xg and plasma thus separated was stored at -10°C until further analysis. The CCL plasma concentration was determined via bioassay using disc diffusion method. Pharmacokinetics parameters were calculated using American Pharmacology Organization [APO] computer software. Renal Clearance [CL], volume of distribution [VD], time of Peak [T[max]], maximum plasma concentration [C[max], mean residence time [MRT], absorption half life, elimination half life and the Area Under plasma Concentration [AUC [t0tot12h] showed that the four bacterial strains have different susceptibility against cefaclor and administration of cefaclor at rate of 250 mg as tablet orally thrice daily maintained considerable concentration [>MIC] that prove it to be very effective for the treatment of specific infections in male volunteers

Effect of fructose in acetaminophen induced liver injury in rats

Low dose fructose was used in hepatotoxic rats to assess its hepatoprotective role. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of fructose on liver function using enzyme assays and morphologic changes. Quasi-Experimental study. Departments of Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Pathology, Army Medical College and National Institute of Health from Jan 2007-Jan 2008. One hundred and twenty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected Acetaminophen [APAP] [650 mg/kg] to induce acute hepatotoxicity, fructose [1g/kg] and N-acetyl cysteine [NAC] [1200 mg/kg] intraperitoneally. Blood samples was taken after ten hours and serum was separated and centrifuged. Serum alanine aminotranferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase, albumin and total bilirubin were measured using kit method. Liver biopsy was taken to observe the necrotic changes. APAP had 200% elevation of serum ALT and AST [p<0.01]. Serum alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and albumin were insignificant as compared to controls in all the groups [p>0.05]. Fructose and APAP co-administration [group III] had insignificant effect on serum ALT [p= 0.6] and AST [p= 0.9] as compared to APAP group [p>0.05]. NAC [group IV significantly decreased serum transaminases compared to groups II and III [p<0.01]. Fructose did not reduce centrilobular necrosis produced by APAP, while NAC had significant cytoprotection in this animal model. Low dose fructose [1g/kg] has no hepatoprotective role in acute APAP hepatotoxicity in vivo and NAC hepatoprotection. Additional studies are needed to understand the combined interaction of fructose and APAP, as fructose is being extensively consumed by general population in form of commercial beverages

Effect of thiamine on lipid profile in diabetic rats

To determine the effect of high dose thiamine on dyslipidemia in diabetic rats. Experimental interventional study. The Animal House/Laboratory of the National Reference Laboratory for Poultry Diseases [NRLPD]/Biochemistry Department, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, from December 2006 to January 2007. The study was conducted on 120, 12 weeks old male albino rats of Sprague Dawley Strains randomly divided into 4 groups of 30 rats each. Group I comprised of 30 normal rats, on normal [regular] diet. Group II comprised of 30 diabetic rats, on normal [regular] diet. Group III comprised of 30 normal rats, on thiamine supplemented diet. Group IV comprised of 30 diabetic rats, on thiamine supplemented diet. Out of the 120 rats, 60 were made diabetic by injecting Alloxan. Blood glucose levels were measured by applying glucose oxidase method. Determination of total HbA1c, triglyceride, HDL [High Density Lipoproteins] and total cholesterol was performed by diagnostic kits. The significance of difference in mean values of study groups [glycemia and lipid profile] was assessed by applying ANOVA and independent Student's t-test. Significant difference was found in the levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL in the diabetic rats on supplemented diet p < 0.05, but no significant difference was noticed in the value of glycosylated Hb [HbA1c] [p > 0.05] of all the 4 groups. Thiamine corrected dyslipidemia but not hyperglycemia in diabetic rats

study to determine risk factors for abruptio placentae in pregnant women attending B.V. hospital Bahawalpur

To identify the risk factors responsible for abruptio placentae and to suggest measures for its prevention. Case Control Analytical [observational] study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit-I, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Fifty cases of abruptio placentae were selected from emergency department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur on the basis of history, clinical examination and ultrasonography. Five risk factors [age, parity, hypertension, previous history of abruption and pre mature rupture of membranes] were included in this study. Fifty controls for each risk factor were selected after matching. The condition was more prevalent among women of older age [70%], grand multipara [62%], hypertensives [52%], prior abruption [24%] and patients with pre mature rupture of membranes [06%]. It was concluded that the complications due to these risk factors are preventable if they are identified in time in order to modify behaviors pre-conceptionally or during delivery

Risk factors for preterm labour

To identify most common risk factors related with preterm labour existing in the study area and to recommend some suggestions for preventive measures in high risk patients. It was a case control [analytical-observational] study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit-I, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. From 16[th] April 2005 to 16t October 2005. Fifty eligible consecutive cases and 250 matched controls were selected by purposive sampling technique. Results revealed that preterm labour was more prevalent in patients with previous history of preterm labour or second trimester miscarriages with odds ratio 4.3. Preterm labour was associated with bacterial vagenosis and cervical incompetence with odds ratio 18.6 and 3.4 respectively. Twin pregnancies and anaemia were also significant factors for preterm labour with odds ratio 4.7 and 2.6 respectively. Previous preterm labour, second trimester miscarriages, bacterial vagenosis, twin pregnancies and anaemia proved to be risk factors for preterm labour

Placenta previa; a study to determine responsible factors

To determine the factors suspected to be associated with placenta praevia. It was a case control analytical study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit-I, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. This study was conducted from 13th August 2004 to 12th February 2005. 50 cases of placenta praevia was selected on the basis of ultrasonography from out patients, emergency and indoor patients. 250 controls were taken [50 for each variable i.e. age, parity, previous history of caesarean section, smoking and previous history of placenta previa] and were divided into 5 groups after matching. The study revealed that placenta praevia was more prevalent in elderly patients [72%], grand multiparas [68%] in patient with history of previous caesarean deliveries [52%] and in patients who smoked [30%] but this study did not identify previous history of placenta praevia [44%] as a risk factor for subsequent pregnancies. It was concluded that maternal and fetal mortality can be reduced by identifying high risk patients [in whom any of above mentioned risk factors were present] and educating them for care about next pregnancy

Incidence of myopia in school going children in Rahim Yar Khan

Myopia is becoming a major health problem all over the world. To assess the incidence of myopia among school children and to determine the association of genetics, nutrition and close work to myopia. Prospective study. In Rahim Yar Khan district. Period: From Feb 2006 to June 2006. We conducted a cross sectional survey among school children of 8-15 years age. There was 300 children in this study from two school. They were checked for visual acquity and nutritional status after taking a complete personal and family history. Any student detected to have myopia was then brought to eye outdoor for further specialized check up and evaluation. A total 57 students [19%] were found to have myopia in school going children in Rahim yar Khan between ages 10-15 years. The genetic factor was present in 91% of myopes [P<0.001]. The average amount of near work after school in myopes was considerably more than the emmetropes P<0.05 for study and P<0.005 for recreational books. Regarding nutritional status, 30% myopes were mainourished whereas similar percentage of emmetropes was malnourished. In our study heredity was closely associated with myopia. The children in both groups [the myopes and emmetropes] did almost equal amount of near work for their studies but myopes spent more time in reading for pleasure than emmetropes who took more pleasure in out door sports activities. The nutritional status of children was not associated with incidence of myopia in our study

Job satisfaction among doctors working at teaching hospital of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Doctor's profession has long been among one of the most attractive professions in Pakistani society, but doctors are increasingly getting dissatisfied with their jobs. The focus of this study is to point out the most prominent factors of job dissatisfaction among doctors working at Bahawal-Victoria Hospital/Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 60 out of 244 doctors working at Bahawal-Victoria Hospital/Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. Questions included satisfaction with respect to designation, income, service structure, career prospects etc. Overall 56% doctors were not satisfied with the level of their income. It is found that 92% of all the doctors were neither satisfied with the present service structure nor with the career prospects in Pakistan. Further, 78% of the doctors would like to serve abroad. Main factors contributing towards job satisfaction were designation and working environment whereas service structure turned out to be the source of dissatisfaction. Most of the doctors in all ranks and with different qualifications were not found satisfied with their job due to lack of proper service structure and low salaries

Plasma lipid profile in sarcoma patients

Objective of the present study was to observe plasma lipid profile [triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol] in sarcoma patients. 120 subjects were included in the project. The subjects comprised of two groups; first as Controls [60 in number] and the second as Patients of Sarcoma [also 60 in number]. Fasting blood samples were collected for estimation. Sarcoma patients showed highly significant [P<0.01] decrease, when compared with the normal control subjects