Dependence and motivation to stop smoking as predictors of success of a quit attempt among smokers seeking help to quit.

INTRODUCTION: It is not known how well motivation to stop smoking predicts abstinence in a clinical sample relative to the most widely used measure of cigarette dependence. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted from a trial with 864 smokers making quit attempt. Fagerström Test of Cigarette Dependence (FTCD), Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI), and motivation to stop smoking (composite of determination to quit and importance of quitting) were measured at baseline. Continuous smoking abstinence, validated by expired-air carbon monoxide, was assessed at 4weeks, 6months and 12months post-quit date. FTCD, HSI, non-HSI items in FTCD, and motivation were assessed as predictors of abstinence. RESULTS: In multiple-logistic regressions, controlling for age, gender and medication use, lower scores for FTCD, HSI and non-HSI all significantly predicted abstinence at all follow-ups, while motivation did not predict abstinence at any time. Likelihood ratio tests showed that the FTCD contributed most to the model at 4weeks and 6months; at 12months FTCD and non-HSI equally contributed most to the model. At 4weeks and 6months, predictions were improved by combining HSI and non-HSI components, compared with using these components alone. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette dependence, measured by the FTCD, or by its HSI or non-HSI components, predicts both short-term and medium-term outcomes of attempts to stop smoking in treatment-seeking smokers involved in a clinical trial, whereas strength of motivation to stop predicts neither. Both the HSI and non-HSI components may be considered as briefer alternatives to the full FTCD

Histological findings of testicular biopsy in North Indian population

Background: Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. To interpret these testicular causes, biopsy of testis and its classification becomes an important tool for diagnoses. Biopsy is mostly done in severe oligozoospermic or azoospermic patients. Biopsies are also important in recent times due to introduction of Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) because they determine the level of spermatogenesis. In the present study the testicular biopsy has been classified into seven categories. One of the classification is that of the highly homogenous mass, which is an addition to the studies done previously. The increase in connective tissue has been demonstrated by Masson’s trichrome stain not cited in the literature. This study will help relook into the way of categorising the testicular biopsy which will benefit those seeking treatment of male infertility.Methods: The study was carried out on 30 infertile patients who were either azoospermic (nil to <2 x106 sperms/ml) or severe oligozoospermic (<5 x106 sperms/ml). Testicular biopsy of these patients was taken after obtaining ethical clearance and written consent of the patients. The biopsy was processed, stained and assessed using haematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome. They were classified into different histological types. They were also categorised by modified Johnsen scoring.Results: The biopsies were classified histologically into obstructive azoospermia in 4 cases (13.33%). Hypospermatogenesis in 5 cases (16.66%), maturation arrest in 3 cases (10%), sertoli cell only syndrome in 3 cases (10%), seminiferous tubule hyalinization in 7 cases (23.33%), mixed patterns in 6 cases (20%) and highly cellular homogenous tissue in 2 cases (6.66%). The last condition has not been classified in the literature cited.Conclusions: By the present study we can determine the level of spermatogenesis and by studying the nature of different germ cells we can use it for ART. Consideration of the biopsy being taken from a particular part of the testis must be kept in mind, and there might be the possibility of spermatogenesis occurring in some other quadrant. The patient needs to be explained this

Fracture healing following high energy tibial trauma: Ilizarov versus Taylor Spatial Frame

Introduction: The optimal treatment of high energy tibial fractures remains controversial and a challenging orthopaedic problem. The role of external fi xators for all these tibial fractures has been shown to be crucial. Methods: A fi ve-year consecutive series was reviewed retrospectively, identifying two treatment groups: Ilizarov and Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF; Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN, US). Fracture healing time was the primary outcome measure. Results: A total of 112 patients (85 Ilizarov, 37 TSF) were identifi ed for the review with a mean age of 45 years. This was higher in women (57 years) than in men (41 years). There was no signifi cant difference between frame types (p=0.83). The median healing time was 163 days in both groups. There was no signifi cant difference in healing time between smokers and non-smokers (180 vs 165 days respectively, p=0.07), open or closed fractures (p=0.13) or age and healing time (Spearman's r=0.12, p=0.18). There was no incidence of non-union or re-fracture following frame removal in either group. Conclusions: Despite the assumption of the rigid construct of the TSF, the median time to union was similar to that of the Ilizarov frame and the TSF therefore can play a signifi cant role in complex tibial fractures

Petrogenesis of plagiogranites in the Muslim Bagh Ophiolite, Pakistan: implications for the generation of Archaean continental crust

High-SiO2 rocks referred to as oceanic plagiogranites are common within the crustal sequences of ophiolites; however, their mode of petrogenesis is controversial with both late-stage fractional crystallization and partial melting models being proposed. Here, we present new whole-rock data from plagiogranitic dyke-like bodies and lenses from the lower and middle sections of the sheeted dyke complex of the Cretaceous Muslim Bagh Ophiolite, northwestern Pakistan. The plagiogranites have similar geochemical signatures that are inconsistent with them being the fractionation products of the mafic units of the Muslim Bagh Ophiolite. However, the plagiogranites all display very low TiO2 contents (<0.4 wt%), implying that they formed by partial melting of mafic rocks. Melt modelling of a crustal gabbro from the Muslim Bagh Ophiolite shows that the trace-element signature of the plagiogranites can be replicated by 5–10% melting of a crustal hornblende gabbro with amphibole as a residual phase, resulting in a concave-up middle rare Earth element pattern. Compositional similarities between the Muslim Bagh Ophiolite plagiogranites and Archaean TTG (trondhjemite–tonalite–granodiorite) has implications for the generation of juvenile Archaean continental crust. As the Muslim Bagh Ophiolite was derived in a supra-subduction zone, it is suggested that some Archaean TTG may have been derived from melting of mafic upper crust in early subduction-like settings. However, due to the small volume of Muslim Bagh Ophiolite plagiogranites, it is inferred that they can be instructive on the petrogenesis of some, but not all, Archaean TTG

The consolidation of the Central Authority in Afghanistan under Amir 'Abd al-Rahman, 1880-1896.

The subject of this thesis is the establishment and consolidation of the power of Amir 'Abd al-Rahman in Afghanistan between 1880 and 1896.;'Abd al-Rahman reappeared in Afghanistan from exile in Russian Turkistan at a critical time when the British were considering how to establish a government satisfactory to their interest, in Kabul. 'Abd al-Rahman showed skill in obtaining both the support of anti-British groups (who were committed to the former ruling family) and the British themselves. At first, he obtained only the reduced state of Kabul, the British being determined to retain control of the province of Kandahar. Later, following the defeat of their army in Kandahar, the British reversed their former policy and evacuated Kandahar which passed to 'Abd al-Rahman. Subsequently, 'Abd al-Rahman succeeded in expelling Mohammad Ayub (a brother of the former Amir) from Herat and thus establishing his rule over the whole of Afghanistan, (chapters 2 and 3).;'Abd al-Rahman then extended and consolidated his rule over the provinces at the expense of the authority of the tribal elders and dynastic governors. This led to conflict between him and the elders, who aroused the tribes against him. The several disturbances which ensued are described. They were all ultimately suppressed (chapters 4, 5 and 6). Further, the Amir brought under control the territories of the Hazarajat and Kafiristan (chapters 7 and 8). At the same time, the Government of India contained the extension of the Amir's authority into the territories beyond the frontiers which the Government of India was largely instrumental in establishing for Afghanistan during the reign of 'Abd al-Rahman

Review of Physical Activity Benefits and Potential Considerations for Individuals with Surgical Fusion of Spine for Scoliosis

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(2): 166-177, 2017 Evidence-based recommendations for physical activity following spinal fusion surgeries for idiopathic scoliosis are limited, specifically in the adolescent population. Individuals with scoliosis treated operatively or non-operatively have been reported to participate in less than 1-3 days/week of even mildly strenuous physical exercises. Over 40% of individuals with scoliosis returned to sports at a level lower than pre-operative participation levels or did not return at all post spinal fusion. It is particularly important for human movement specialists, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers and kinesiologists to assist these individuals effectively transition to and maintain engagement in physical activity. This review provides a snapshot of common considerations and potential factors influencing individuals with spinal-fusion for scoliosis to participate in safe physical activity

GEOLOGICAL AND PETROGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SORAP MASSIF GABBROS, RAS-KOH OPHIOLITE, BALOCHISTAN, WESTERN PAKISTAN

This study discussed the Sorap Massif which is the ophiolitic fragment composed of the upper mantle and lower crustal section of an ophiolitic sequence. An ophiolitic sequence in Sorap Massif consists of harzburgite, dunite, large distant units of serpentinized wehrlite intrusion and outcrop of confined layered gabbro covered by the Quaternary sand dunes. The basal part of gabbroic intrusion is in contact with mantle rocks and the upper part is juxtaposed with the Kuchakki Volcanic Group. On outcrop-level and in hand specimen, the gabbros exhibit needle-like ferromagnesian minerals including hornblende associated with plagioclase and pyroxene. Petrographically the gabbros are classified into norite, gabbro norite and gabbro. The mineral constituents of norite are plagioclase, orthopyroxene and amphibole, gabbro norite is consists of equal constituents of orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene, plagioclase and amphibole and the gabbro is composed of clinopyroxene, plagioclase and amphibole. The high constituents of minerals such as pyroxene, amphibole and low constituents of olivine in the Sorap gabbros indicates that these gabbros are formed by the immature part of the oceanic plate with dehydration of the oceanic plate subduction

The Devastating 2022 M6.2 Afghanistan Earthquake: Challenges, Processes, and Implications

On June 21st, a Mw6.2 earthquake struck the Afghan-Pakistan-border-region, situated within the India-Asia collision. Thousand thirty-nine deaths were reported, making the earthquake the deadliest of 2022. We investigate the event\u27s rupture processes by combining seismological and geodetic observations, aiming to understand what made it that fatal. Our Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar-constrained slip-model and regional moment-tensor inversion, confirmed through field observations, reveal a sinistral rupture with maximum slip of 1.8 m at 5 km depth on a N20°E striking, sub-vertical fault. We suggest that not only external factors (event-time, building stock) but fault-specific factors made the event excessively destructive. Surface rupture was favored by the rock foliation, coinciding with the fault strike. The distribution of Peak-Ground-Velocity was governed by the sub-vertical fault. Maximum slip was large compared to other events globally and might have resulted in peak-frequencies coinciding with resonance-frequencies of the local buildings and demonstrates the devastating impact of moderate-size earthquakes