Frequency of Different Ligament Tears in Knee Injury On Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: MRI had been useful in the diagnosis of ligament injuries and the tears were detected by non-invasive procedure. Objective: To determine the frequency of different ligament tears in knee injury on Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional was conducted with the sample size of 206 patients of both genders by selecting the convenient sampling from Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Out of 206 patients, 157 were males while 49 were females. Data was analyzed with the help of SPSS version 24. The results were derived by mean, frequency and standard deviation. Results: Findings shows that among 206 patients, with in age limit of 12 years to 70 years. 157(76.2%) were males and 49(23.7%) were female while 96(46.6%) were presented with ACL tear, 19(9.2%) were presented with PCL tears, 51(25.7%) were presented with MCL tears, 33(16.0%) patients were presented with LCL tears and all of these 206 patients were suffering from pain. Conclusion: We concluded that males are more prevalent than females and in this population the incidence of ACL tears is more than other ligament tears. Hence, ACL is proved to be the most injured ligament. Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament, Posterior cruciate ligament, Medial collateral ligament, Lateral collateral ligament and Magnetic resonance imaging. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/71-06 Publication date: February 29th 202

Antidiabetic effect of Nigella sativa compared with metformin on blood glucose levels in streptozotocin induced diabetic albino wistar rats

Background: Antidiabetic drugs are many but all of them have adverse effects ranging from simple side effects to serious side effects like hypoglycemic coma. We need alternative drugs which will not only lower blood sugar level but have fewer side effects. One such daily use ingredient in our food is Nigella sativa (kalonji) which has many properties.Methods: This was an objective study in an experimental animal. We divided albino wistar rats into six groups each group with six rats. Diabetes was induced using drug streptozotocin. Three doses of Nigella sativa 0.5 ml, 1 ml, 1.5 ml orally per rat were used. Metformin (100 mg/kg body weight) was used as standard drug. Blood sugar was estimated using glucometer on day 0 (starting day of treatment), day 5, day 10, day 20, day 40. The effect of Nigella sativa was compared with metformin group using the Anova test. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 20.Results: Nigella sativa (NS) produced significant hypoglycemic effect. NS in the dose of 0.5 ml, 1 ml and 1.5 ml produced significant reduction in blood glucose in comparison to day 0. Metformin also (100 mg/kg body weight) produced significant reduction in blood glucose on day 20 and day 40. Comparison of hypoglycemic effect of Nigella sativa is not significantly different on day 10 (1 ml) and day 20 (1.5 ml) in comparison to Metformin (100 mg/kg body weight). Histopathological examination showed that there was partial regeneration of beta islet cells of pancreas by 1.5 ml of Nigella sativa which were damaged due to streptozotocin treatment.Conclusions: Alternative method of treatment for diabetes is very much needed and the study shows the use of the spice (Nigella sativa) daily can lower the blood sugar levels and can serve as an alternative treatment of diabetes mellitus

Solvent-free protocol for the green synthesis of benzamide analogs of dibenzoazepine

Dibenzoazepine represents an important class of heterocycles, exhibiting potent antidepressant and anticonvulsant activities. Beside, various modifications on this nucleus, amide analogs at N-5 position showed potent antidepressant activities. A previously reported method for the synthesis of benzamide analogs of dibenzoazepine use hazardous and toxic solvents. Herein, we report a new, efficient and solvent-free green method for the synthesis of dibenzoazepine benzamides (6-21)

To tackle symptoms of computer vision syndrome in era of COVID-19

With the emergence of a novel coronavirus, there has been an increase in the use of electronic gadgets such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. There has been an emphasis on social distancing and work from home. Therefore, people are switched to online mode, whether it is office work or education. Both adults and children are getting dependent on electronic devices, which has led to increased symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Here, we address the symptoms that can occur with enhanced use of digital media and how that could be tackled

Gendered effects of COVID-19 school closures: Pakistan case study

This brief summarizes a case study conducted to assess the gendered impacts of COVID-19 school closures on adolescent girls and boys in three districts in the province of Punjab in Pakistan. Data as well as discussions and interviews with adolescents, teachers, and parents shed light on difficulties in accessing and adjusting to remote learning, learning loss, deterioration of behaviors and health, and other effects. Based on these findings and further reflections by stakeholders on the successes and gaps of mitigation measures, the case study proposes recommendations for improved teacher training, digital access, alternative learning options, and a gendered focus in interventions

Impact of DWDM at 50GHz spacing in the 2µm waveban

In this paper, we show for the first time the impact of decreasing DWDM channel spacing to 50GHz in the 2mm waveband, using 6x12.5Gbit/s and 2x8Gbit/s OOK signals

Gut integrity and duodenal enteropathogen burden in undernourished children with environmental enteric dysfunction

Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a subclinical condition of intestinal inflammation, barrier dysfunction and malabsorption associated with growth faltering in children living in poverty. This study explores association of altered duodenal permeability (lactulose, rhamnose and their ratio) with higher burden of enteropathogen in the duodenal aspirate, altered histopathological findings and higher morbidity (diarrhea) that is collectively associated with linear growth faltering in children living in EED endemic setting. In a longitudinal birth cohort, 51 controls (WHZ \u3e 0, HAZ \u3e -1.0) and 63 cases (WHZ\u3c -2.0, refractory to nutritional intervention) were recruited. Anthropometry and morbidity were recorded on monthly bases up to 24 months of age. Dual sugar assay of urine collected after oral administration of lactulose and rhamnose was assessed in 96 children from both the groups. Duodenal histopathology (n = 63) and enteropathogen analysis of aspirate via Taqman array card (n = 60) was assessed in only cases. Giardia was the most frequent pathogen and was associated with raised L:R ratio (p = 0.068). Gastric microscopy was more sensitive than duodenal aspirate in H. pylori detection. Microscopically confirmed H. pylori negatively correlated with HAZ at 24 months (r = -0.313, p = 0.013). Regarding histopathological parameters, goblet cell reduction significantly correlated with decline in dual sugar excretion (p\u3c 0.05). Between cases and controls, there were no significant differences in the median (25th, 75th percentile) of urinary concentrations (μg/ml) of lactulose [27.0 (11.50, 59.50) for cases vs. 38.0 (12.0, 61.0) for controls], rhamnose [66.0 (28.0, 178.0) vs. 86.5 (29.5, 190.5)] and L:R ratio [0.47 (0.24, 0.90) vs. 0.51 (0.31, 0.71)] respectively. In multivariable regression model, 31% of variability in HAZ at 24 months of age among cases and controls was explained by final model including dual sugars. In conclusion, enteropathogen burden is associated with altered histopathological features and intestinal permeability. In cases and controls living in settings of endemic enteropathy, intestinal permeability test may predict linear growth. However, for adoption as a screening tool for EED, further validation is required due to its complex intestinal pathophysiology

PHYLOGENETIC AND DRUG- AND VACCINE-RESISTANCE PROFILES OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS AMONG CHILDREN WITH HIV CO-INFECTION IN PAKISTAN

Introduction: HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV) share common routes of transmission and therefore co-infection is common. In 2019, an HIV-1 outbreak that resulted in >1000 children being infected, predominantly through nosocomial transmission, occurred in Sindh, Pakistan. We conducted a phylogenetic and drug resistance analysis of the HBV Reverse Transcriptase (RT) gene in children with HIV-1 and HBV co-infection. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 321 children with HIV who were recruited as part of a study to investigate the HIV-1 outbreak. All samples were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) using an ELISA assay, and positive samples were used to amplify and sequence the HBV RT gene. The phylogenetic relationship between sequences was analyzed, and drug- and vaccine- resistance mutations in the RT gene were explored. Results: Of 321 samples, 23% (n = 75) were positive for HBsAg on ELISA. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences revealed that 63.5% of HBV sequences were sub-genotype D1, while the rest were sub-genotype D2. Cluster analysis revealed grouping of sub-genotype D1 sequences exclusively with Pakistani sequences, while clustering of sub-genotypes D2 predominantly with global sequences. The 236Y mutation associated with resistance to tenofovir was observed in 2.8% of HBV sequences. Additionally, seven vaccine escape mutations were observed, the most common being 128 V. Conclusion: Our study suggests ongoing transmission of HBV D1 and D2 sub-genotypes in the HIV-1 co-infected population, likely nosocomially, given common routes of HVB and HIV-1 transmission. The prevalence of major HBV drug- and vaccine-resistant mutations remains low. Surveillance for further transmissions and the possible emergence of major drug- or vaccine-resistant variants is required

Factors associated with acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among University health sciences students in Northwest Nigeria

Students of the health sciences are the future frontliners to fight pandemics. The students’ participation in COVID-19 response varies across countries and are mostly for educational purposes. Understanding the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability is necessary for a successful vaccination program. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among health sciences students in Northwest Nigeria. The study was an online self-administered cross-sectional study involving a survey among students of health sciences in some selected universities in Northwest Nigeria. The survey collected pertinent data from the students, including socio-demographic characteristics, risk perception for COVID-19, and willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. A total of 440 responses with a median (interquartile range) age of 23 (4.0) years were included in the study. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was 40.0%. Factors that independently predict acceptance of the vaccine were age of 25 years and above (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 2.72; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.44–5.16; p = 0.002), instructions from heads of institutions (aOR, 11.71; 95% CI, 5.91–23.20; p<0.001), trust in the government (aOR, 20.52; 95% CI, 8.18–51.51; p<0.001) and willingness to pay for the vaccine (aOR, 7.92; 95% CI, 2.63–23.85; p<0.001). The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among students of health sciences was low. Older age, mandate by heads of the institution, trust in the government and readiness to pay for the vaccine were associated with acceptance of the vaccine. Therefore, stakeholders should prioritize strategies that would maximize the vaccination uptake