Control of tobacco paan and naswaar addiction by hypnosis

Introduction: Different types of hypnotherapy are being used, these days, to treat various clinical conditions. Hypnotherapy works by causing interaction of a subject with his subconscious, thus resulting in strengthening of will power, which drives each aspect of health and disease

Case Presentation: We discuss a case of a 30-year-old man, a tobacco paan and naswaar addict, counselled to quit this health devastating habit, and offered an incentive too, but in vain. He was then treated with hypnotherapy

Conclusion: Hypnotherapy can prove to be a useful tool for many conditions involving behavioral disturbances, particularly addiction. Further, hypnotherapy can be combined with medical treatment to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness

Functional adaptation of thyroid gland in postmenopausal women with and without diabetes

Background: Prevalence of thyroid disorders in general population and in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus is inconsistent in different populations. The combined effect of thyroid dysfunction and diabetes in postmenopausal age may have its specific adaptations from the normal set up. The thyroid profile can provide a link between thyroid and diabetic postmenopausal women of variable ages. The study was designed to compare Thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], Total thyroxine [TT4], Total triiodothyronine [TT3], Free thyroxine [FT4] and Free triiodothyronine [FT3] in non-diabetic postmenopausal, diabetic postmenopausal and premenopausal non-diabetic females

Methods: A total of 78 females from Lahore, Pakistan were recruited for the study and were divided into three groups: diabetic postmenopausal [n=32], non-diabetic postmenopausal [n=33] and premenopausal non-diabetic [n=13]. Participant’s serum sample was collected after written informed consent and analyzed for the above mentioned thyroid parameters by using ELISA

Results: TT4 was significantly greater in diabetic post-menopausal as compared to premenopausal. In diabetic subjects TT3 and FT3 were significantly lower as compared to non-diabetic postmenopausal. Compared to diabetic postmenopausal subjects FT3 level was significantly greater in premenopausal subjects

Conclusion: Thyroid gland appears to adapt its function in postmenopausal diabetic and non-diabetics. However, studies on larger population are required for a clear picture

Building a culture of research: focus group discussion

Background: Medical curriculum should be enabled to train students in research but focus in this regard is much lacking. This study was designed to explore the perception of final year medical students regarding pre-requisites of a research culture at the level of institute, faculty and leadership

Methods: A focus group discussion with two mini groups [male and female group], each consisting of 6 members and supervised by an experienced moderator was conducted. The study comprised of discussion lasting for 90 minutes. Firstly, opinions of students were gathered and coded, then it was followed by conversion of their statements into themes and interpretation of results

Results: Discussion on institutional factors, role of faculty and importance of leadership was carried out and numerous themes were identified. Among institutional factors, themes of curriculum and funding were revealed. Regarding the role of faculty, themes of motivation, skill learning and mentor-mentee ratio were highlighted and while discussing the fundamental role of leadership, need of a role model, who must be a flexible leader was emphasized

Conclusion: Institutes should support a curriculum with early exposure to research, along with hiring of supportive, research oriented faculty who can prove to be the role model and flexible research leader

Effect of seasonal variation on organ weight [fat, liver and gonads] in a male poikilotherm vertebrate, uromastyx hardwickii

Objective: uromastyx hardwickii, a local lacertilian species, is widely distributed in the lndo-Pakistan subcontinent and inhabits mostly the arid regions of the country. This study has been carried out to assess the seasonal variations on fat, liver and gonads in a poikilotherm vertebrate species and to develop an experimental model for the study of lipid metabolism in higher vertebrates including mammals

Material and Methods: this cross-sectional study was carried out on male Uromastyx hardwickii [n=60]. On sacrificing the animals, abdominal fat pads, liver and gonads were quickly removed, cleaned and weighed

Results: maximal increase in fat pad weight was observed in autumn. Liver weight was significantly maximal in autumn and less in summer while testicular weights showed marked seasonality in weight and maximum increase in spring and decrease in summer

Conclusion: lipid metabolism in Uromastyx hardwickii undergoes significant alteration in relation to season. There is significant [P < 0.05] increase in liver weight, fat pad and testicular weight during different parts of the year

Impact of movie-based simulation training, with or without conventional verbal demonstration on observed OSPE scores in medical undergraduates: a double control study

Movie-based simulation training may be useful in delivering the preclinical observed OSPE curriculum, minimising the need of subjects/patients; however, a double-control trial needs to be performed and optimal timing and duration of training is yet to be defined. Likewise, genderbased response and students' feedback has to be assessed. The objective of this study was to compare the movie-based and traditional verbal demonstration teaching methodologies. Secondyear medical undergraduates [n=90] of Avicenna Medical College were randomised to movie-based simulation training [group B, n=30], traditional verbal training alone [group C, n=30], and a combination [group A, n=30]. The scores were marked by observers using a standardised key and were compared for performance at 2 observed OSPE stations. Group B and A performed significantly better than group C on station 1 and 2. Gender factor did not seem to influence the score. A total of 99% students reported that combination of the 2 teaching modes is the best option. They believed it offers more clear understanding with interest [61%], long term memory [21%], use of both senses; seeing and hearing [10%] and better focus of attention [3%]. Even half an hour of movie-based simulation training with traditional instructor-based training may improve student performance significantly, and the students prefer a combination of the both

Carbonated drink consumption and BMI in Pakistani adolescents

Objective: to evaluate the relationship between intake of carbonated drinks and weight gain among adolescent Pakistanis

Material and Methods: this comparative study was carried out in urban district of Lahore and total of 270 adolescents 13-15 years of age were studied. Weight and height was measured with Height and Weight Measuring Scale [SMIC]. Obesity was assessed by BMI [wt [kg]/Ht [m2]. Carbonated drinks consumed per week were measured using a self-administered Food Frequency Questionnaire [FFQ]

Results: there was no significant difference between the intakes of carbonated drinks in normal, overweight and obese adolescents

Conclusions: carbonated drink consumption cannot be held responsible for increase in BMI unless combined with other factors