Evaluation of discolouration of some composite restorative materials

This in-vitro study was conducted to investigate the stain resistance of direct composite resin restorative materials with different polishing systems [diamond finishing and polishing burs, aluminium oxide disks and abrasive impregnated disks] in comparison to the material cured against a mylar strip. The composite resin materials investigated included Clearfil AP-X [hybrid], Filtek Z-250 [hybrid], Definite [Ormocer], and Silux Plus [microfill]. Forty disk specimens [10mm x 2mm] of each composite resin were prepared. Ten mylar cured specimens were assigned for each polishing system and ten were used as controls with no further treatment after curing. A spectrophotometer [Spectraflash 500] was used to determine the initial colour and the colour change after one week immersion. All specimens were stored in tea separately for one week at 39[degree sign] C. Post immersion colour measurements were undertaken to assess colour change [delta E]. One way ANOVA showed that there was statistically significant difference between the different composites and the polish groups for discoloration at p<0.05. All the composites tested showed significant discoloration when polished with Diamond burs. The least discoloration was found when specimens were polished with soflex except with Z-250 which discoloured less under mylar than soflex but the difference was not significant. Among the materials tested AP-X showed the least discoloration

Maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight in Karachi: a case-control study

To evaluate maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight [LBW] among women aged 15-35 years, we carried out a hospital-based, case-control study on 262 cases [mothers of neonates weighing 2.5 kg]. Odds of delivering a low-birth-weight baby decreased with increase in maternal haemoglobin [odds ratio [OR]: 0.701; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62-0.79]. Odds were greater among mothers not using iron supplements during pregnancy [OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.83-4.54]. Mothers of LBW babies had lower haemoglobin levels before delivery

Incidence of salivary gland tumors: a morphological study at pathology department of king edward medical university / Mayo hospital, Lahore

This study was conducted to see the incidence of the lesions of Salivary Gland. All the cases of salivary tissues submitted to the Pathology Department of King Edward Medical University were taken at the end of year [Jan 2005-Dec2005] and reanalyzed. There were 42 cases of salivary glands, out of which 19[45%] were males and 23[55%] were females. Age range was 12-72 years. Major number of cases [17] were from parotid, whereas 15 were from submandibular, 04 and 06 were from sublingual and minor salivary glands like palate respectively. There were 25[59.52%] pleomorphic adenoma, 01[2.3%], 01[2.3%], 04[9.5%], 07[16.6%] were monomorphic adenoma, lymphoepithelioma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma respectively. Only 04[9.5%] cases showed chronic sialadenitis

Morphological evaluation of non neoplastic lesions of the thyroid gland

This study was conducted to see the frequency of non neoplastic lesions of thyroid glands in patients who underwent thyroid surgery at Mayo hospital, Lahore. It was a descriptive cross sectional study. It was a retrospective and prospective study commencing from Ist July 1999 to 30th June 2002 and was conducted at Pathology Department King Edward Medical University, Lahore. All thyroid samples submitted and reported at the Department of Pathology, King Edward Medical University, Lahore during a three year period commencing from Ist July 1999 to 30th June 2002 were included in this study. Out of the total number of 1136 thyroid surgical specimens, 855 specimens [75.26%] were shown to comprise of non-neoplastic lesions and were more common in females [77.2%] as compared to males [22.8%] giving a male to female ratio of 1:3.4. Regarding non neoplastic lesions maximum comprised of diffuse[74%] and multi nodular goiters [16%]. Others consisted of inflammatory conditions [5%], hyperplastic nodules[4%] and simple colloid filled cysts 1%. Inflammatory conditions included Hashimotos' thyroiditis [67.3%] deQuervain's thyroiditis [granulomatous thyroiditis] [16.3%], Lymphocytic thyroiditis [11.7%], and Riedel's thyroiditis[4.7%]. Non neoplastic thyroid lesions are more common than neoplastic lesions, especially in females. The frequency of diffuse colloid goiter was very high, while among inflammatory lesions Hashimotos' thyroiditis was the commonest lesion. Most of the cases of hypothyroidism were associated with iodine deficiency

Evaluation of nucleolar organizer region in normal brain tissues and astrocytic gliomas

This study was performed to evaluate the importance of Ag NORs in different grades of Astrocytic Gliomas. It was a descriptive study and was performed at Lahore General Hospital and Sheikh Zayad Hospital, Lahore. A total of 50 cases were collected within one year, and AgNOR staining was performed on 50 brain tumors and specimens were selected randomly. AgNOR was low, high, higher and highest in Astrocytic Gliomas, grade I [Pilocytic], II, III, and IV respectively as compared to normal brain tissue. AgNOR staining technique is a simple, quick and a cheap method to assess proliferative index in astrocytic Proliferative activity is a good parameter to assess the disease outcome in astrocytic glioma

Intra-cranial space occupying lesions a morphological analysis

The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary data on morphological patterns of intracranial space occupying lesions [ICSOL] in central Punjab province. This is a cross-sectional prospective study on 100 consecutive cases of intra-cranial space occupying lesions admitted to both the neurosurgery units of Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. The biopsy materials were examined histologically using paraffin sections. Eighty nine [89] patients had neoplasms, while eleven [11] had non-neoplastic lesions. Neuroepithelial tumours comprised 41% of all the neoplasms, followed by meningiomas being 23%, schwannomas 11% and metastatic tumours 6%. Males were affected slightly more than females [1.17:1]. Tuberculomas constituted 3% of the lesions. It was concluded that age and sex distribution were generally comparable to the other published literature. Similarly neuroepithehal tumours formed majority of the lesions. However meningiomas had a higher frequency as compared to the western literature; moreover tuberculomas should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of such lesions in this part of the world

Salivary gland tumors - a three years experience at King Edward medical college, Lahore

Salivary gland tumours make an important part of oral and maxillofacial pathology. Only few studies have been done in Pakistani population. The aim of this study was to describe morphological types of salivary gland tumours diagnosed at King Edward Medical College/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore during the years 1999-2001 and to compare their demographic data with those previously published. Material and This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at King Edward Medical College/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore. It reports 117 cases of salivary gland tumours diagnosed at Pathology Department during 1999-2001. Of the 128 specimens of salivary glands, 117[91.4%] were confirmed as salivary neoplasms. Out of them, 62.7% were benign and 37.6% malignant and a slight female predominance [58.1%] was found. The most common location was the parotid gland [65.8%] followed by minor salivary glands [19.6%]. Majority oft he t tumours was diagnosed during 3rd to 5 decades of life. Median age for benign tumours was 33 years [range 1-78] and a female predominance [58.9%] was seen again. Median age for malignant neoplasms was 45 years [range 9-70] with a female predilection [56.8%]. However, 4 out o f 5 patients with Warthin's tumour were men. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent tumour [51.3%], followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma [25.6%], adenoid cystic carcinoma [7.7]], Warthin's tumour [4.3%] and monomorphic adenoma [2.6%]. Two cases each of oncytoma and adenocarcinoma were recorded. Rare categories [single case each] of salivary tumours included lipoma, acinic cell carcinoma, basal cell adenoma, capillary haemangioma, metastatic carcinoma and non Hodgkin's lymphoma. The principal site of salivary tumours was the parotid gland and females were most affected. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent finding. The results of this study are comparable with other studies

Prevalence and fators associated with anxiety and depression among family practitioners in Karachi, Pakistan

We aimed to assess anxiety and depression and to identify the factors associated with these conditions among family practitioners in Karachi, Pakistan. A self-reported postal survey was conducted among 540 family practitioners in Karachi during the months of July -August 2003. Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale [AKUADS] was used to assess anxiety and depression. Additional questions were also inquired to get information about socio- demographic, professional and lifestyle characters. Using AKUADS, 155 [39%] family practitioners had anxiety and depression. Mutlivariate analysis disclosed five factors to be significantly associated with anxiety and depression; these were female sex [AOR = 6.4,95% CI 3.2-12.6]; age group of < 35 years [AOR = 23.3,95% CI 9.0-60.3]; lack of regular exercise [AOR = 4.9,95% CI2.4-10.2] and working for more than 48 hours per week [AOR = 12.7, 95% CI6.2-26.2]. This study reveals that prevalence of anxiety and depression among family practitioners in Karachi is high and higher than general population in Karachi. Further research and intervention studies are required to identify preventive measures in this regard and also to assess the impact of these interventions

Risk factors and behaviors for coronary artery disease [CAD] among ambulatory Pakistanis

To determine the frequency and distribution of various risk factors and behaviours for coronary artery disease [CAD] among ambulatory Pakistanis. It is a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out at the Aga Khan University Hospital, a teaching hospital in Karachi. All the subjects were adults [18-60 years] presenting at the general checkup clinic with no history or evidence of CAD by convenient sampling method. Demographic variables included risk factors and behaviors including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of heart disease, obesity, smoking and sedentary lifestyle. Among 370 ambulatory Pakistanis, the proportions of major risk factors for CAD were: sedentary life style 72%, family history 42%, dyslipidemia 31%, obesity 24%, hypertension 19% and diabetes mellitus 15%. Diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia were poorly controlled in the study population. Proportions of the three major risk factors [smoking, hypertension and dyslipidemia] occurring singly, doubly and all three together in the study population were found to be 39%, 11% and 1%, respectively. Data were also analyzed for risk factors by comparing those with and without family history of CAD to eliminate any bias. The results were not statistically significant except for the sedentary life style [P=0.016]. There is a high prevalence of CAD risk factors in this study population. Modifiable risk factors like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol need better control. Preventive screening programs and healthy lifestyle behaviours need to be emphasized upon in the community

laboratory study of susceptibility of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]

To study the mode of infection, incidence of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] and their susceptibility against glycopeptides and Fucidic acid, so that awareness may be created for consultants against such notorious rapidly spreading bacteria and recommendation can be made for their prevention and control. Design: 350 S.aureus Strains were isolated from 1800 random clinical specimens. 135 MRSA out of these cultures were selected for determining susceptibility to Vancomycin, Teicoplanin 13 Fucidic acid. Place and Duration: The samples were processed in the Department of Pathology, King Edward Medical College, Lahore, during June 2000 to December 2000. The specimens from various infections suspected on clinical ground were processed by Standard methods and antibiotic susceptibility testing of all the 350 S.aureus and 135 MRSA isolates was done by using modified Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion technique. Result: Of 350 positive S.aureus cultures, 135 were found to be Methicillin resistant [38.5%] which showed susceptibility 96%, 94% and 86% to Vancomycin, Teicoplanin and Fucidic acid respectively. This study showed a high incidence of MRSA at Mayo Hospital Lahore. Glycopeptides and Fucidic acid were found to be valuable antibiotics against MRSA

Report on oral cancers patients at atomic energy medical center, Jamshoro during the year 2002. A pilot study

The purpose of this study was to report a pilot study in relation to the most common presentation and habits related to oral cancer. MATERIALS and METHOD: Records of oral cancer patients with a habit of chewing betel leaves / tobacco were seen in 2003 at Atomic Energy Medical Center [AEMC], Jamshoro were reviewed. Forty three patients were diagnosed with oral cancers. Males being 24 and females 19, mostly of age 40 and above. Insides of the cheek was the most common site of the lesion. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the prognosis and prevention is the best approach

Knowledge about hepatitis B and C among patients attending family medicine clinics in Karachi

Knowledge about hepatitis B and C was assessed in a cross-sectional study of 300 adults aged 18 or older attending family medicine clinics at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Most knew that hepatitis B and C are viral diseases that primarily affect the liver, but knowledge about risk factors for disease transmission was poor. Approximately 70% knew that hepatitis B is vaccine preventable; 60% had the misconception that hepatitis C is also vaccine preventable. The majority incorrectly believed that people with hepatitis B or C should follow the diet 'parhaiz'. Generally women knew more than men about the diseases. This study suggests that health education about these infections should be provided to the public. Family physicians can play an important role in educating people about the prevention of these diseases

Efficacy of prophylactic ciprofloxacin in the prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

To assess the efficacy of giving prophylactic ciprofloxacin for the prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] in cirrhotics. A prospective study of eighty [80] patients suffering from liver cirrhosis with ascites. Medical Unit-III, Services Hospital, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan. Main Outcome Measures: Whether or not spontaneous bacterial peritonitis develops during a follow-up of one year. From the ciprofloxacin group, seven patients [17%] developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis while in the control group, sixteen patients [40%] developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis during follow-up of one year [p = 0.048]. At one year follow-up, the probability of recurrence was 28% in the ciprofloxacin group and 78% in the control group. These results indicate thatlong-term selective intestinal decontamination with ciprofloxacin is effective and safe in preventing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis recurrence

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a comparison of clinical diagnosis with endoscopic findings

To compare the clinical diagnosis of patients suffering from dyspepsia with the findings at oesophagogastroduodenoscopy [OGD]. Prospective study of 300 patients suffering from dyspepsia. Medical Unit 3, Services Hospital, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan. Three hundred consecutive cases of dyspepsia between 20 to 75 years of age [mean age 42 years]. Clinical diagnosis and OGD of dyspeptic patients. Two hundred and forty three [81%] of these patients had abnormal findings at endoscopy, whereas in 57 [19%] the OGD was normal and were also negative for Helicobacter pylori. In 210 patients [70%] the clinical diagnosis tallied with the endoscopic findings, where as in 90 patients [30%] the clinical diagnosis was different from the OGD findings. In a significant number of patients the clinical diagnosis does not tally with the findings at OGD hence early endoscopy should be undertaken in dyspeptic patients for an accurate diagnosis to be made, resulting in earlier alleviation of the patients suffering and cost effectiveness

Community acquired and post-transfusion hepatitis C is there a difference?

We analyzed 77 consecutive hepatitis C antibody positive patients to compare the history, laboratory data and histological features of community acquired [CA] and post-transfusion [PT] hepatitis C. Forty-six patients had "CA" and 31 "PT" hepatitis C. Mean age in both groups was same [45.67 vs 46 years]. Male to female ratio was 2:1 in the CA group and 1:2.4 in the PT group. Mean duration between jaundice and first presentation was 8.9 years in the CA group and the mean duration between transfusion and first presentation was 9.8 years in PT group. No significant difference was found between two groups in the laboratory data. Liver biopsy was done in 32 patients [19 CA and 13 PT group]. Mean histological score for disease activity was 9.3 in both groups, although more [68%] patients in the CA group had cirrhosis with chronic active hepatitis, [CAH] as compared to the PT [54%] group. Hepatitis C is an important cause of CA hepatitis. PT hepatitis C is more common in females because of increased likelihood of receiving transfusion for obstetric and gynaecological reasons. There is no significant difference in the laboratory and histological features between CA and PT hepatitis C