Medical students’ endeavour to make use of their mental capabilities

Objective: To identify and compare awareness of intellectual wellness in male and female medical students of Karachi. Methods: The cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey comprised randomly selected 800 medical students of both gender. It was conducted from January to December 2010 in 8 medical colleges of Karachi. Responses - never, sometimes, mostly and always (numbered 0-4) - were analysed in terms of frequency, proportion and percentages by Predictive Analysis Software version 18. Chi square test was applied for comparison of intellectual wellness in both genders. Results were considered significant at p \u3c0.05. Results: Of the 800 questionnaires distributed, 736 (92%) were received fully completed; 526 (71.5% of them from females. Intellectual wellness was significantly higher in females due to an increasing aptitude towards book reading (p Conclusion: Females were found to be better in terms of intellectual wellness compared to the males. However, males used mentorship support to acquire intellectual wellness

A Frameshift Mutation in GRXCR 2 Causes Recessively Inherited Hearing Loss

More than 360 million humans are affected with some degree of hearing loss, either early or later in life. A genetic cause for the disorder is present in a majority of the cases. We mapped a locus ( DFNB 101) for hearing loss in humans to chromosome 5q in a consanguineous P akistani family. Exome sequencing revealed an insertion mutation in GRXCR 2 as the cause of moderate‐to‐severe and likely progressive hearing loss in the affected individuals of the family. The frameshift mutation is predicted to affect a conserved, cysteine‐rich region of GRXCR 2, and to result in an abnormal extension of the C ‐terminus. Functional studies by cell transfections demonstrated that the mutant protein is unstable and mislocalized relative to wild‐type GRXCR 2, consistent with a loss‐of‐function mutation. Targeted disruption of G rxcr2 is concurrently reported to cause hearing loss in mice. The structural abnormalities in this animal model suggest a role for GRXCR 2 in the development of stereocilia bundles, specialized structures on the apical surface of sensory cells in the cochlea that are critical for sound detection. Our results indicate that GRXCR 2 should be considered in differential genetic diagnosis for individuals with early onset, moderate‐to‐severe and progressive hearing loss. We mapped a new deafness locus DFNB101 and discovered an insertion mutation in GRXCR2 as the cause of moderate‐to‐severe hearing loss in humans. The frameshift mutation was predicted to affect the conserved, cysteine‐rich domain of GRXCR2, and to result in an abnormal extension of the C‐terminus. Cell transfection experiments demonstrated that the mutant protein is unstable and mislocalized relative to the wild type GRXCR2, consistent with a loss of function mutation.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106992/1/humu22545.pd

Intellectual wellness awareness: a neglected area in medical universities of Pakistan

Abstract Objective: To compare the presence of intellectual wellness awareness in students of public and private sector medical colleges in a metropolitan city. Methods: The cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted from March to November 2011 at Bahria University Medical and Dental College, Karachi, and overall covered five private and 3 public sector medical colleges of the city. The study randomly selected 800 medical students. The responses -- never, sometimes, mostly and always (numbered 0-4) - were analysed in terms of frequency, proportion and percentages using Predictive Analysis Software version 18. Results: Of the 800 forms distributed, 736(92%) completed forms were analysed. Among the respondents, 526 (71.5%) were females. Besides, 450(61%) belonged to private medical colleges and 236(39) were from public medical colleges. The participants of private medical colleges had taken part in intellectual discussions actively compared to those from public colleges (p\u3c0.001). Habit of reading books to acquire knowledge was found in 126(44%) private college students compared to 149(33%) in public colleges (p\u3c0.004). The importance of creative mental activities (p=0.954) and current information about local and international affairs (p\u3c0.564) was deficient in both sets of students. Conclusion: Students of private medical colleges were better in terms of presence of intellectual wellness awareness, took active participation in class discussions, had good reading habits and carefully selected television programmes and movies

Comparison of foeto-maternal outcome in pregnant women with hepatitis E - A review of 12 years.

Objective: To compare adverse maternal and foetal outcome in pregnant women with hepatitis E immunoglobulin M reactive versus non-reactive.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised records of pregnant patients at any gestational age with clinical and biochemical evidence of hepatitis E from January 2002 and December 2014. . Maternal and perinatal outcome of the subjects were analysed. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis.Results: Out of the 200 subjects, 168(84 %) were hepatitis E immunoglobulin M reactive and 32(16%) were non-reactive. The overall mean age was 26.7±4.5 years. Also, 12(7%) patients in the immunoglobulin M reactive group were admitted to intensive care unit compared to no one from the non-reactive group. Similarly fulminant hepatic failure was seen in 12(7.1%) patients in the immunoglobulin M reactive group compared to no one in the other group. Post-partum haemorrhage was more frequent in the immunoglobulin M reactive group compared to the non-reactive group. There were 5(3%) maternal deaths in the reactive group compared to no death in the other group.Moreover, 34(20.2%) neonates of the immunoglobulin M reactive group needed neonatal intensive care unit admission compared to none in the non-reactive group. There were 4(2.4%) neonatal deaths in the reactive group.Conclusion: Participants in the immunoglobulin M reactive group had a higher percentage of adverse foeto-maternal outcomes compared to the non-reactive group

Students\u27 perceptions of usefulness of Anatomy demonstrations in traditional and hybrid undergraduate medical education curricula

A cross-sectional study was carried out to study students\u27 perceptions on the usefulness of Anatomy demonstrations (AD) in the undergraduate medical education by comparing the Conventional Medical College (CMC) and problem-based learning as hybrid curriculum (HMC). Purposive sampling technique was used and all students were included. The completed questionnaire responses were returned by 92 CMC and 87 HMC students. CMC cohort understood the structural relationship more than HMC (p=0.03). AD helped 50 students (54%) of CMC to get through the theory examination, however 73 (84%) students of HMC found them useful in preparation for theory examinations (p\u3c0.001). The importance of AD as a major content delivery strategy cannot be overemphasized in the anatomy curriculum and useful teaching strategies from various undergraduate medical curricula, such as the use of the plastic and plastinated models and the session handouts

Interlinkages among Terrorism, Macroeconomic Instability, Political Instability, and Economic Growth in Pakistan

This study attempts to establish the relationship between three types of instabilities and economic growth. Political instability, macroeconomic instability, terrorism, and economic growth are analyzed for the period of 1970 to 2019 in Pakistan. The study constructs the indices of the above-mentioned variables by adding some new variables. Results show that terrorism, political instability, macroeconomic instability, and GDP per capita have long-run associations. GDP per capita and political instability is positively related to terrorism. It indicates that political instable environment paves the way for terrorists to achieve their targets in Pakistan. However, the positive association of GDP per capita to terrorism is due to uneven income distribution pattern. It stimulates deprived groups to become a part of violent activities. Furthermore, results show that macroeconomic performance of a country has no significant effect on terrorist activities but persistent poor performance increases the probability of terrorism. Therefore, in the long-run, macroeconomic instability has positive influence on terrorism. Causality relationships indicate no link between political instability and macroeconomic instability. However, terrorism causes both political and macroeconomic instability in Pakistan

Relationship among Globalization, Terrorism, and Economic Growth in Pakistan

The current study investigates the interconnection of globalization, terrorism, and economic growth in Pakistan over the period of 1972 to 2019. ARDL co- integration bound test is used to establish the relationship among these variables. Limited empirical evidence is available on terrorism and globalization, particularly with reference to Pakistan. The empirical evidence confirms the long-run association among globalization, terrorism, and economic growth. Growth in per capita GDP increases terrorism because higher economic growth is not evenly distributed in Pakistan, while globalization reduces terrorist activities. Globalization, particularly political integration with rest of the world provides technical and financial assistance to overcome terrorism in Pakistan. Moreover, there is unidirectional causality from GDP growth to terrorism and bidirectional causality between globalization and terrorism. However, no evidence of causality is found between globalization and economic growth. This indicates that Pakistan is unable to get economic benefit from globalization because of its internal structural issue

One-Year Review Of Reduced Fetal Movements In Izzat Ali Shah MCH Center: A Predictor Of Poor Perinatal Outcome

Objectives: To find out common causes of reduced fetal movements. The purpose is to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality. Methodology: This Prospective, Observational study was conducted at Izzat Ali Shah Maternal and child health center, unit III Gynae, Wah medical college Wah Cantt, from January 2019 to December 2019. A total of participants 160, who presented in the antenatal outpatient or emergency department with reduced fetal movements, were included in the study. Patients in the active phase of labor were excluded from the study. Patients were followed up till delivery. All necessary information, investigations, and examination points were noted on the predesigned proforma. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Results: Out of a total of 160 patients, 144 had alive and stable babies. Regarding the age group, out of 160, six patients were teenagers (3.75%), 98 (61.25%) were between 20-30 years, and 55(34.3%) were in the age group of 30-40 years. Regarding gestational age at presentation, 27 out of 160(16.8%) were between 30-35 weeks, 133(83.12%) was at 36-40 weeks. None of the patients presented below 30 weeks. Concerning the number of pregnancy, primigravida 82(51.25%), 60(37.5%) were multigravida, and 18 (11.25%) was grand multipara. Regarding medical history, anemia was seen in 31 patients (19.37%), pregnancy-induced hypertension in 20(12.5%), and 65 %( 104) has no significant medical history. Concerning past obstetrical history, 107(66.8%) fell under low-risk pregnancies, 18(11.25%) had previously normal deliveries but 08(05%) patients had H/O still births. Regarding placental position, 71(44.37%) had anterior, 71(44.37%) had posterior, and 18 (11.25) had fundal placenta. Regarding UAD, 136(85%) had normal umbilical artery Doppler, 13(8.12%) had altered, 06(3.75%) were Absent and 05 (3.12%) has reversed end diastolic flow. During study, 78(48.7%) had normal AFI, 69(43.12%) has Oligohydramnios, 10(6.25%) anhydramnios, while only 03(1.87%) had polyhydramnios.  Regarding birth weight, 122(76.25%) had average weight, 32(20%) were low birth weight and 05(3.12%) were very low birth weight. 61(38.12%) went into NICU, while 99(61.8%) no admission required. Conclusion: Most common risk factor or cause of reduced fetal movements was reduced liquor, (79). Out of which 69 remained alive and stable after birth, while 15 had early neonatal deaths. The second cause found was abnormal umbilical artery Doppler,(24). Out of which, 14 had early neonatal deaths and intrauterine deaths. This study showed the increased obligation of care required by patients with decreased fetal movement. Although the number of live births is more as compared to demise, it results in increased neonatal unit admission rates, higher induction and cesarean section rates, higher surveillance demands, and an increased financial burden on parents. It signifies the need for more vigilance in this area of practice. But we can’t neglect the perception of a mother. Mother’s feelings are more important than any other test

Evaluating Adenomyosis with Transvaginal Sonography: Diagnostic Precision and Clinical Relevance

Background: Adenomyosis is an important benign gynecological condition among females with variable signs and symptoms. Prompt detection of suspicious cases is important for the effective management of the disease. The objective of the current study was to determine the frequency of adenomyosis on transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), its diagnostic accuracy, and the identification of associated factors in women with symptoms of adenomyosis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the radiology department of Dow University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from January 2022 to March 2023. All married females of reproductive age group presented with symptoms of adenomyosis for more than 7 days were included. Adenomyosis on TVS and histopathology were noted. Moreover, associated factors of adenomyosis were also studied. Results: Of 280 patients, adenomyosis on TVS was observed in 180 (64.3%) patients whereas on histopathology in 176 (62.9%) patients.  Diagnostic accuracy of adenomyosis on TVS showed that sensitivity was 89.20%, specificity 77.88%, positive predicted value 87.22%, negative predicted value 81.00%, and accuracy was found to be 85.00%. A significantly higher proportion of adenomyosis was observed among women who had infertility (p<0.001), symptoms of dysmenorrhea (p <0.001), dyspareunia (p<0.002), urinary symptoms (p <0.001), and GI symptoms (p<0.001). Conclusion: TVS is a valuable imaging modality for identifying adenomyosis, especially in patients with clinical symptoms. Furthermore, there is a significant association between adenomyosis and various clinical symptoms, including infertility, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, urinary symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms

The Impact of ICT on Women Empowerment: Evidence from Selected South Asian Countries

During the current epoch, information and communication technology (ICT) is considered as one of the core drivers towards women empowerment. The principal concern of the underlying study is to evaluate dynamic linkage among ICT, women empowerment, fertility rate, labour force and trade openness for selected South Asian countries from 2000 to 2016 by mean-group and pooled mean-group estimators that are robust to endogeneity and heterogeneity. The outcomes infer that ICT enhances women empowerment in South Asian countries. However, fertility rate negatively contributes to women empowerment. Sensitivity analysis using fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) method is applied to check the validation, consistency, and robustness of the study for future policy implications. The analytics surmise future strategy for women empowerment with confined ICT expansion and discouraging fertility in South Asian countries