Feline vocal communication

Feline vocal communication

Cat vocalizes to communicate with another and express their internal states. The vocal repertoire of the cat is wide and up to 21 different vocalizations have been described in the literatures. But it is more than probable that the repertoire contains more types of vocalizations. An ethogram was created in this paper describing the actual known vocalisations of the domestic cat based on an auditory classification. However, the audiogram allows also a visual classification which can increase the accuracy of vocalization differentiation. The classification can be risky as it is sometimes unclear if different types of vocalizations are produced in different environments or if a unique type of vocalization is used with variation in the acoustic parameters. As an example, isolation calls produced by kittens differ depending on the context. The environment has an important impact on the vocal behaviour and thus feral cats and pet cats vocalize differently. Pet cats are thus able to create an efficient communication with humans thanks to the flexibility of vocalisation behaviours. This review allowed us to create a simple model of the cat vocal repertory.

Feline vocal communication

Cat vocalizes to communicate with another and express their internal states. The vocal repertoire of the cat is wide and up to 21 different vocalizations have been described in the literatures. But it is more than probable that the repertoire contains more types of vocalizations. An ethogram was created in this paper describing the actual known vocalisations of the domestic cat based on an auditory classification. However, the audiogram allows also a visual classification which can increase the accuracy of vocalization differentiation. The classification can be risky as it is sometimes unclear if different types of vocalizations are produced in different environments or if a unique type of vocalization is used with variation in the acoustic parameters. As an example, isolation calls produced by kittens differ depending on the context. The environment has an important impact on the vocal behaviour and thus feral cats and pet cats vocalize differently. Pet cats are thus able to create an efficient communication with humans thanks to the flexibility of vocalisation behaviours. This review allowed us to create a simple model of the cat vocal repertory.

Relationship of oral tumor thickness with the rate of lymph node metastasis in neck based on CT scan

Objective: To determine the relationship of tumor thickness of oral lesions with metastasis in neck based on CT scan

Methods: A total of 58 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients having the median age of 46 [39-55] years, with either gender presented with malignant tumor of buccal mucosa and tongue were prospectively enrolled. A CT Scan with contrast was performed on all patients. Correlation of tumor thickness level with metastasis in neck was calculated using spearman's rank correlation coefficient test

Results: Median age of the patients was 46 [39-55] years with preponderance of male gender, i.e. 48 [82.8%]. Strong positive significant correlation was observed in between transverse dimension [TS] tumor size and stages of tumor [rho 0.673, p-value <0.001], Anterioposterior [AP] tumor size and stages of tumor [rho 0.675, p-value <0.001], and Craniocaudal [CC] tumor size and stages of tumor [rho 0.771, p-value <0.001]

Conclusion: CT scan of neck with contrast can be used for predicting the positive presence of lymph node in neck with primary tumors having a size of more than 4 mm

Evaluation of the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Penile Doppler Ultrasonography in Pakistan

PURPOSE: In patients with erectile dysfunction, it is important to differentiate psychogenic from organic causes. Penile Doppler ultrasonography is a relatively inexpensive and minimally invasive tool for this purpose. This study was conducted to evaluate the causes of erectile dysfunction in an adult male population, using penile Doppler ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a single center. All patients who presented with complaints of erectile dysfunction and underwent penile Doppler ultrasonography between July 2014 and June 2016 were included in this study. All examinations were performed using GE Voluson S6 and GE Logiq P5 devices. Following baseline scans, an intracavernosal injection of 20 µg of prostaglandin E1 was given. Peak systolic and end diastolic velocities were measured in each cavernosal artery. Patients with a peak systolic velocity of 5 cm/s was considered to indicate venous incompetence. RESULTS: Out of 97 patients (mean age, 37.09±11.59 years; range, 19~69 years), 50 patients (51.5%) had normal findings, 24 patients (24.7%) had arterial insufficiency, 15 patients (15.5%) had a venous leak, and 8 patients (8.2%) patients had arterial insufficiency with a venous leak. Psychogenic erectile dysfunction was significantly higher among patients aged ≤40 years, while arterial insufficiency with or without a venous leak was significantly higher among patients aged >40 years (p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of the studied individuals demonstrated no organic cause of erectile dysfunction, thus confirming a high prevalence of the psychogenic etiology, particularly in relatively young individuals.

Facture of the Pars Interarticularis with or without Spondylolisthesis in an Adult Population in a Developing Country: Evaluation by Multidetector Computed Tomography

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in a general adult population unrelated to lower back pain as evaluated by multidetector computed tomography. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: There is a significant paucity of information related to the prevalence of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis and its degenerative changes in a general adult population unrelated to lower back pain in developing countries. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scans performed between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2015 for various clinical indications. Patients with lower back pain, with a history of trauma or road traffic accident, or referred from orthopedic or neurosurgery departments were excluded to avoid any bias. CT scans were reviewed in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes using bone window settings for evaluating spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. RESULTS: Of 4,348 patients recruited, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis were identified in 266 (6.1%) and 142 (3.3%) patients, respectively. Age was significantly higher in both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis patients than in those without spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis (47.19±15.45 vs. 42.5±15.96, p60 years old, both spondylolysis (p=0.018) and spondylolisthesis (p=0.025) were significantly more prevalent in females. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pars interarticularis fracture observed higher with gradual increase in the prevalence with advancing age. In particular, preponderance was significantly higher among older females.

Prevalence of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra in Individuals with Low Back Pain: Evaluation Using Plain Radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) in patients with low back pain (LBP) and the role of iliolumbar ligament (ILL) origin from L5 in LSTV cases. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Transitional vertebrae are developmental variants of the spine. LSTV is a common congenital abnormality, and failure to recognize this anomaly may result in serious consequences during surgery. METHODS: All patients aged 11–90 years of either gender with LBP for any duration, who presented for X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine, were included. X-rays of the lumbosacral spine in anteroposterior and lateral views were acquired. In addition, T1- and T2-weighted sagittal and axial MRI was performed. Images were evaluated on a workstation. RESULTS: Of 504 patients, transitional vertebrae were observed in 75 patients (15%). Among them, 39 (52%) patients had Castellvi type III and 36 (48%) patients had Castellvi type II. However, on MRI, 42 (56%) patients had O'Driscoll type II, 18 (24%) patients had O'Driscoll type IV, and 15 patients (20%) had O'Driscoll type III. ILL origin from L5 was significantly higher (n=429, 100%) among patients with a normal lumbosacral junction than among patients with a transitional lumbosacral junction (n=22, 29.3%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LSTV occurs at a high frequency in patients with LBP. Furthermore, in the presence of LSTV, the ILL is not a reliable marker for the identification of L5.

Gallstone ileus: a complication least expected

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon cause of mechanical small bowel obstruction. A high index of suspicion is needed so as to avoid the morbidity and mortality related to this condition in geriatric population in which it occurs more frequently. A 60-year old female presented with signs and symptoms of acute small bowel obstruction. Surgery a large stone was found impacted in the terminal ileum with a fistulous tract between the gallbladder and duodenum

frequency causative organisms and their sensitivity to the commonly used antibacterial agents in cases of urinary tract infections

Frequency causative organisms and their sensitivity to the commonly used antibacterial agents in cases of urinary tract infections. Observational study This study was conducted at Medical Wards of Civil Hospital Karachi from 1st November 2010 to 30th April 2011. This study consisted of 415 patients were selected for urine culture and sensitivity from medical O.P.D. and hospitalized patients in medical wards. Detailed history was taken from all the patients with special regard to symptoms and duration of UTI. Inclusion criteria were that all patients who had symptoms of urinary tract infection like frequency of micturition by day and night, painful voiding [dysuria], suprapubic pain and tenderness, hematuria, smelly urine, urgency, loin pain or swelling and patients who had more than 6 pus cells in urine D/R examination. Urine samples from OPD patients were randomly assigned to different reputable clinical pathological laboratories including pathological laboratory of Civil Hospital, Karachi, for urine culture and sensitivity. 415 patients 265[63.8%] were females and 150[36.2%] were males. 415 urine samples who were subjected to urine culture and sensitivity examination. Only 200 [48.2%] samples were found to had infection i.e. significant growth of 105 of microorganism/ml or more, while 142 [34.2%] samples did not show growth of any organism, and 73 [17.6%] samples showed growth between 104 and 105 of microorganism/ml . E. Coli 49.5% is the commonest organism causing UTIs in outpatients as well as in hospitalized patients. The second commonest organism in OPD is Klebsiella 16%, while in hospitalized patients it is Pseudomonas. The antibiotics susceptibility of the isolated organisms during the study and shows the percentage of sensitivity of the isolated organisms. E. coli the most common organism isolated showed high resistance pattern to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and co-trimoxazole 62%, 60%, 70%, respectively. E. coli the most common organism isolated showed a high sensitivity pattern to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 85%, pipemidic acid 80%, norfloxacin 85%, ofloxacin 92%, ciprofloxacin 90%, tobramicin 98%. Generally a higher percentage of the organisms isolated were sensitive to all these antibiotics except amoxicillin/clavulanic acid which had a high resistance pattern to Pseudomonas 77%. Escherichia coli is still the commonest organism causing urinary tract infection, in outpatients as well as in hospitalized patients

Outcome with and without aspiration of the amoebic liver abscess at civil hospital, Karachi

To compare the outcome with and without aspiration of the amoebic liver abscess. Comparative study. This study was conducted at Medical Wards of Civil Hospital Karachi from August 2010 to September 2011. Study consisted of 100 patients and divided into two groups. Both the groups received medical therapy from day 1 which included Metronidazole injection 500mg i/v 8 hourly. Liver abscess was diagnosed on clinical features, ultrasound finding, aspiration with clinical study and serological tests for amoebiasis In Inclusion criteria; age greater than 12 years and less than 60 years and Evidence of liver abscess on abdominal ultrasound. In Exclusion criteria; a] Patients of less than 12 years and more than 60 years and pregnant woman. Mean age of ALA in Group A 36.98+ 3.25 years in both group with male female is ratio of 4:1. Anaemia was present in 76% cases, leukocytosis was found in 90% case. Among them 4[4.44%] cases had leukocyte count greater than 30,000/mm3 with absolute neutrophilia. 16[17.77%] patients had TLC in the range of 21,000-30,000/mm3. However, the majority of cases 70 [77.77%] had TLC in the range of 10,000-20,000/mm3 and only 10 patients had normal TLC. ESR was found in triple figure in 24% cases, whereas in 40% cases it was between 50 and 100 and in 36% patients found below 50mm/1st hour. Liver aspiration was done in 72 cases. The colour of aspirate was reddish brown in 60 cases [83.33%] and yellowish in 12 cases [16.66%]. Air bubbles were not demonstrated in any case. Trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica were demonstrated in 5 cases [10%]. Serologic test for ALA i.e. indirect haem agglutination test was proved to be very specific with 100% showing high antiamoebic antibody titre. The mean abscess size 6.5 cm in Group A and 7.3 cm in group B. The mean abscess size and the impact of aspiration in terms of normalization in fever, TLC and improvement in LFTs. Percutaneus aspiration is a safe and effective treatment of amoebic liver abscess disease

Correlation between contrast sensitivity and visual fields in patients with primary open angle glaucoma

To investigate effect of glaucoma on contrast sensitivity and to assess the relationship between contrast sensitivity and visual field loss in patients of primary open angle glaucoma. Cross-sectional case series. 24 patients from glaucoma department at the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Rawalpindi were evaluated. Subjects with diagnosis of glaucoma having visual acuity 6/12 or better were recruited. Visual acuity was measured using the standard Snellen Acuity chart at 6m. Contrast sensitivity was measured using the Pelli- Robson Chart .Visual fields of the patients were analyzed using the 30-2 full threshold program on the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer. A total of 46 eyes were studied of 24 patients. Out of which male patients were 67% and females were 37%. The Pelli- Robson contrast sensitivity score correlated more strongly with the MD of the visual fields[r=-0.615, P<0.001]. For the PSD of the visual fields, the correlation was r=-0.453, P=0.003. Reduced contrast sensitivity is significantly correlated with visual field loss in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. The study data supports the conclusion that the disease process affects contrast sensitivity

Frequency of culture positive tuberculosis in exudative pericardial effusion

To evaluate the frequency of culture positive tuberculosis and to determine the sensitivity of drugs in exudative pericardial fluid. Descriptive observational study. This study was conducted on patients admitted in cardiology and Medical wards of Civil Hospital Karachi from 1[st] November 2010 to 30[th] April 2011. In this study 50 patients of pericardial effusion diagnosed on the basis of history, physical examination, electrocardiography, chest x-ray PA view and echocardiography underwent pericardiocentesis under fluoroscopy. Pericardial fluid D/R was done and all the patients having exudative pericardial fluid [protein] 3 gm% and LDH > 200 IU were selected. All the exudative pericardial effusion were sent for AFB culture and sensitivity on L.J. medium. Inclusion criteria were all patients with the diagnosis of exudative pericardial effusion above 12 years of age of either sex. Exclusion criteria were all patients with transudative pericardial effusion and below 12 years of age. 3 [6%] patients had culture positive for mycobacterium tuberculosis on L.J medium. 5 [10%] had culture positive of other bacteria of which 2 [4%] had culture positive for resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 2 [4%] had culture positive for Streptococcus pneumonia and 1 [2%] had culture positive for Streptococcus viridans and 42 [84%] patients had culture negative for AFB and other bacteria. Out of 50 patients, 16 [32%] were in age group between 20-40 years, 22 [44%] were in age group between 41-60 years and 12 [24%] were in age group> 60 years. Out of 16 patients having age between 20-40 years, 1 [6.25%] had culture positive for AFB, 3 [18.75%] had culture positive for other bacteria and 12 [75%] had culture -ve for all organism. Out of 22 patient having age between 41-60 years, 2 [9.09%] had culture +ve for AFB, 2 [9.09%] had culture for other bacteria and 18 [81.81%] had culture negative for all organisms. Out of 12 patients having age >60 years, none [0%] had culture +ve for AFB, none [0%] had culture +ve for other bacteria and all 12 [100%] had culture negative for all organisms. All 3 patients having culture positive for AFB were found to be sensitive to all antituberculous drugs. The concluded that frequency of culture positivity is only 6% for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, so this should not be the investigation of choice to confirm tuberculous pericardial effusion. However, other parameters should also be looked for in establishing the diagnosis of pericardial effusion like clinical parameters, the prevalence of tuberculosis in relative area, ESR, MT, Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA PCR and Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture on BACTEC

Frequency of depression, anxiety and stress in patients referred for endoscopy with symptoms of dyspepsia

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to see the frequency of anxiety, depression and stress in patients with dyspeptic symptoms referred for endoscopy

DESIGN: Cross sectional study

SETTING: Department of medicine and psychiatry Baqai Medical University, Fatima hospital, Gadap, Karachi

DURATION: The study was conducted from Jan 2011 to Jun 2011

METHOD: Patients referred from department of medicine with symptoms of dyspepsia were assessed at department of psychiatry Baqai University before endoscopy

A total of 40 patients, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the study and their demographic variables were obtained using a Performa specially designed for this purpose. Urdu version of DASS [Depression Anxiety Stress Scale] was administered to the selected sample to establish the presence of three emotional states--anxiety, depression and stress. The DASS is a 42-item self report instrument designed to measure the three inter-related negative emotional states of depression, anxiety and tension/stress. The findings are mentioned in the results

RESULTS: A total of 40 patients comprising 29 females and 11 males ranging between 15-70 years of age with a mean age of 32.8 years completed the study. In the studied sample of 40 patients, 82.5% had anxiety, 60% had depression and 67.5 % had stress. Moreover 80% of sample group were found to have inflammatory changes on endoscopy and in this group anxiety was the most prominent emotional state. In the remaining 20% who had no inflammatory findings on endoscopy, depression, anxiety and stress were equally prevalent

CONCLUSION: Emotional disturbances in the form of anxiety, depression and stress were frequently seen in patients suffering from dyspepsia and anxiety was the most dominant among these three negative emotional states. Evaluation of anxiety in the management of dyspepsia is suggested

Pattern, of cancer; among the patients of the allied hospital

To detect the types of cancer. Retrospective cross sectional survey. Department of Clinical Oncology [Liaqat Ward] Allied Hospital Faisalabad. From January, 1st 2005 to December, 31st 2005. The data was obtained from the hospital record and then was tabulated with respect of age, sex, and the type of cancer. This survey includes the patients who presented in the department of oncology with one type of cancer or other. A total of 1087 patients met inclusion criteria for this survey. There were 526 [48.2419%] male and 557 [51.2419%] female patients, and 594 [54.65%] Urban and 493 [45.35%] Rural patients. Out of the total 1087 patients, 201 patients [18.4219%] presented with breast cancer, 60 patients [5.579%] presented with squamous cell carcinoma of the face and 58 patients [5.335%] were found to be suffering from brain tumor

Frequency of anxiety and depression in migraine - a study of 102 patients

Objective: The study was aimed to see the frequency of Anxiety and Depression among patients with Migraine. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department of Psychiatry, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi and Department of Psychiatry Ziauddin University Hospital, KDLB campus, Kemari Karachi Duration: 1[st] June 2007 to 30[th] November 2007

Methods: Referred patients of headache diagnosed as suffering from migraine were selected for the study. Diagnosis of migraine was based on the criteria for migraine designed by International Headache Society. Patients were enrolled irrespective of age and sex. Only those patients were included who fulfilled the selection criteria. Any routine or relevant investigations wherever required were carried out. Following selection of the cases, the patients were administered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Urdu version. All the findings were recorded on a preformed Proforma. The data were compiled, tabulated and analyzed using SPSS version 10

Results: One hundred and two patients with migraine comprising 65 females [63.8%] and 37 males [36.2%], minimum age of presentation 11 years and maximum 71 years completed the study. Majority of the patients [75%] aged between 20 and 50 years. On screening for psychiatric caseness using the validated Urdu Version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale with a cutoff score of 11-21 for both anxiety and depression 58 patients [56.8%] had psychiatric morbidity. Therefore, 44 patients [43.1%] were not positive for psychiatric caseness. Of the 58 patients with positive psychiatric caseness, there were 23 males 40%] and 35 females [60%]. These included 25 patients [43%] with anxiety, 18 patients [31%] of depression while 15 patients [26%] had both anxiety and depression. Eighty percent of the 58 patients with positive psychiatric caseness aged between 20-50 years

Conclusion: Migraine has a significant association with anxiety and depression. Frequency of this association may be influenced by sex and age

Frequency and pattern of psychiatric disorders in patients with Vitiligo

Vitiligo affects one to four percent of the population, regardless of age, race or sex. People with this disorder may experience emotional stress, particularly if vitiligo develops on visible areas of the body, such as face, hands, arms, feet, or on the genitals. Some feel embarrassed, ashamed, depressed, or worried about how others will react. Severel indices have been used from time to time to measure the extent of psychiatric disabilty caused by skin disorders. Regarding vitiligo, not much work has been done in Pakistan. This study was aimed to determine the frequency and pattern of psychiatric disorders amongst patients with vitiligo. This cross sectional study was conducted in the Departments of Psychiatry and Dermatology, Ziauddin University, KDLB campus, Karachi and Institute of Surgery and Medicine, Karachi from April 2004 to March 2006. Clinically diagnosed cases of vitiligo, belonging to both sexes, aged above 15 years, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The study was conducted in 2 stages. In the first stage, psychiatric illness was detected with the help of GHQ 12 [Urdu version], a validated tool for screening general population. In the second stage, Psychiatric Assessment Schedule, Urdu version was administrated to every patient with high scores as per GHQ 12 to differentiate between the most frequent psychiatric disorders. All the findings were recorded, compiled and tabulated. A total of 100 patients comprising 62 females and 38 males ranging between 15-60 years with a mean age of 24.6 years completed the study. Exposed parts of the body were involved in 64 patients while covered sites in 36. Of the patients studied, 54 were married and 46 unmarried. In accordance with the GHQ-12 screening, 42 patients were positive for psychiatric caseness comp rising 26 females and 16 males, 17 patients being married. Psychiatric caseness featured in patients below 30 years of age [28 patients] and those having exposed parts of the body being involved [27 patients]. On evaluation with Psychiatric Assessment Schedule [PAS], major depressive illness [15], was the most frequent psychiatric illness followed by generalized anxiety [10], mixed anxiety and depression, social phobia, agarophobia and sexual dysfunction. Psychiatric caseness has a probable association with vitiligo, the frequency being influenced by variables of disease and life. Major depression and anxiety remain the most common psychiatric disorders in these patients

Frequency and magnitude of anxiety and depression among acne patients: a study of 100 cases

To see the frequency and magnitude of anxiety and depression amongst patients with acne. A cross sectional study. Out-patients departments of Psychiatry and Dermatology, Ziauddin Medical University, KDLB Campus, Karachi - Pakistan from 1[st] June 2005 till 31[st] August 2005. A total of 100 clinically diagnosed cases of acne belonging to both sexes and different age groups, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Only those patients were studied who could complete the Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale [AKUADS]. The "psychiatric scale scores" achieved by "AKUADS", indicated the probability of anxiety and depression in these patients. All the patients scoring 19 or above were labeled as suffering from anxiety and depression. All the findings were recorded, compiled, tabulated and analyzed. Of the 100 patients studied, there were 35 males [35%] and 65 females [65%]. The minimum age of presentation was 14 years and maximum 38, with a mean of 21.4 years. Mild acne was seen in 52%, followed by moderate in 35% and severe acne was a feature in 11%, while 2% cases had acne excoriee. The duration of the disease ranged in between 1 month to 10 years, with a mean of 38 months. Forty two of the patients studied manifested anxiety and depression with a score of or above 19 [AKUADS] accounting for 21% with moderate acne followed by mild acne [12%], severe [7%] and acne excoriee [2%] [P< 0.05]. Females accounted for 29% and males 13% of these patients. Patients with acne of recent onset had a mean score of 19, while those with a disease of at least 12 months had mean score 29. The patients with severe disease scored in the range of 24-38, moderate acne 19-26, mild acne 19-23 and acne excoriee 28. Acne has a probable association with anxiety and depression. Clinical variables of the disease and sociodemographics influence the magnitude of anxiety and depression in patients with acne