Volume visualization of time-varying data using parallel, multiresolution and adaptive-resolution techniques

This paper presents a parallel rendering approach that allows high-quality visualization of large time-varying volume datasets. Multiresolution and adaptive-resolution techniques are also incorporated to improve the efficiency of the rendering. Three basic steps are needed to implement this kind of an application. First we divide the task through decomposition of data. This decomposition can be either temporal or spatial or a mix of both. After data has been divided, each of the data portions is rendered by a separate processor to create sub-images or frames. Finally these sub-images or frames are assembled together into a final image or animation. After developing this application, several experiments were performed to show that this approach indeed saves time when a reasonable number of processors are used. Also, we conclude that the optimal number of processors is dependent on the size of the dataset used

Skin Changes in Newly Diagnosed Cases of Hypothyroidism

Introduction: Thyroid disorders are frequent in our population that leads to variety of cutaneous manifestations. Aim of our study was to determine the frequencies of skin changes of hypothyroidism and their association with gender. Methodology: This observational study was conducted at RIHS Islamabad (Ist Jun to 31st Dec 2019) after ethical approval. 105 patients (>18years age) of both genders. Confirmed to have hypothyroidism on the basis of thyroid function tests were included. Secondary hypothyroidism, sick thyroid disease, pregnant women, receiving thyroxin therapy, carcinoma of thyroid, critically ill cases, post-thyroidectomy and iatrogenic thyroid cases were excluded. After informed consent, demographic details were documented. Patients were clinically evaluated and examined in detail including dermatological examination for cutaneous manifestations. Various skin findings are studies with respect to gender. Data was analysed by SPSS version 21 with Chi-square test as a test of significance, significant p<0.05. Results: Among 105 cases of hypothyroidism (62% females and 38% males, mean age was 38.04+12.61 years. Mean TSH level was found to be 32.08 + 33.96 (mean TSH was 35.31+37.31 in females Vs. 26.96 + 27.19 in males; p=0.001). Common skin findings were dry skin in 69.5%, diffuse hair loss in 58%, coarse skin in 57%, pruritis in 51.4%, madarosis 37%, seborrheic dermatitis 34%, coarse scalp hairs 27% and slow nail growth in 23%. The brittle nails, alopecia areata, chronic urticaria, acanthosis nigricans, ivory yellow skin, purpura ecchymosis, ichthyosis, herpes simplex and certain other findings were found in <20% cases. Obesity was observed in 53(50.5%) cases, Type 2 diabetes in 20(19%), hypertension in 23(21.9%), dyslipidaemia in 12(11.4%) and anaemia in 9(8.6%). Obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia had no association with gender (p>0.05). However, hypertension and anaemia were significantly frequent amongst females (p<0.05). The dry, coarse skin, diffuse hair loss and seborrheic dermatitis were associated with female gender (p>0.05). Slow nail growth, brittle nails, acne vulgaris, acrochordons, vitiligo, xanthelasma were more common in males however the difference wasn’t statistically significant. Conclusion: Skin acts as an important diagnostic window to diseases affecting internal organs including thyroid disorders. Authors recommend screening for thyroid functions, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity and anaemia in patients presenting with suggestive dermatological manifestations irrespective of age and gender. KEYWORDS:  Hypothyroidism.  Thyroid Diseases.  Skin Changes. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. Thyroid Gland

Patient Satisfaction in a Tertiary Care Government Hospital

OBJECTIVES: To determine patient satisfaction in terms of various services such as ease of getting care, in-patient admission, waiting for check-up, staff interaction, medical care, cost of care, and cleanliness in a Tertiary Care Government Hospital. METHODOLOGY: The study design was cross sectional observational. A total of 200 patients meeting our inclusion criteria were enrolled through convenient sampling techniques in this research study. A well-designed questionnaire was used for data collection of admitted patients.  RESULTS: Out of 200 patients, 96 (48%) male and 104 (47%) female patients were interviewed. 72% were satisfied with clinical care services, 14% had mixed views while 14% patients were not satisfied at all. CONCLUSION: Patients in general showed their satisfaction in some of the aspects, however, keeping in view the burden a public sector hospital absorbs on a daily basis, and it was imperative to receive unsatisfactory feedback from patients in most of the aspects. Thus, the results of my study recommend to the health care leaders to take practical steps to bring further improvement by developing a proper mechanism for the uplift of public sector hospitals

Fasciola hepatica

Fasciolosis is the burning problem of the livestock rearing community having huge morbidity, mortality, and economic losses to livestock industries in our country Pakistan. The faecal and liver biopsy samplings were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microscopy technique during the entire study. A total of 307 samples including 149 samples from Karak and 158 samples from Kohat abattoirs were examined by PCR method and overall prevalence of fasciolosis was 5.86% (18/307), amongst theses 8.05% (12/149) in liver biopsy and 3.79% (6/158) in feacal samples of cattle and Buffaloes were recorded. Similarly the microscopy based detection was 3.58% (11/307) including 4.61% (7/149) in liver biopsy and 2.5% (4/158) in faecal samples accordingly. Furthermore the areawise prevalence of fasciolosis in abattoirs by PCR method was found to be 7.59% (12/158) in Kohat and 4.02% (6/149) in Karak. A 618 pb DNA was amplified in 2% agarose gel electrophoreses. It is concluded from the study that prevalence of fasciolosis was higher in abattoir of district Kohat and PCR was a more sensitive method of diagnosis than microscopy

Predictors of Mortality of COVID-19 cases In Benazir Bhutto Hospital Rawalpindi

Background: There has been a global epidemic of COVID-19 caused by novel corona virus (SARS-2). Current research aims to study the demographic, clinical characteristics and co-morbidities in COVID-19 related deaths. Methodology: This observational (descriptive) study was conducted at BBH Rawalpindi based on data from 1st March-15th June 2020 after ethical approval. Inclusion criteria was the deceased COVID PCR positive cases (>18 years age) of both the genders. Exclusion criteria was negative PCR, doubtful diagnosis and expiry outside the hospital setting. Data was collected from hospital record and family members. Demographic details, symptoms, duration of hospital stay, co-morbidities, type of ventilatory support were documented. Data analysed by SPSS, significant p<0.05. Results: There were 54 expiries from1st March to 13th June, 42(78%) males & 12(22%) females. Mean age was 54.24+12.78 years. 76% had various comorbidities, i.e., diabetes (57%), hypertension (54%), ischemic heart disease (20%); stroke, cancer, COPD and hypothyroidism (<10% each). Most frequent cause of death was acute respiratory distress syndrome due to Covid-19. Two patients died of sepsis and multiorgan failure. 64% of patients received mechanical ventilation and 35% oxygen via non-rebreather mask. There was average 4 days on invasive mechanical ventilator. 51-60 years had longest duration of illness and hospitalization till death, while 20-30 years had the shortest.  The average mortality climbed up (25% to 57%) from April to May 2020. Conclusion: COVID-19 claims significant mortality. The risk factors for mortality being age above 50 years, male gender, co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, need for mechanical ventilation upon admission and longer duration of illness. There is need to intensify the vaccination and prevention in the community keeping in mind these high-risk groups. The high-risk cases, need to be aggressively managed to reduced mortality and improve outcome. &nbsp

In vitro antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract of Uromastyx hardwickii skin

Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract of Uromastyx hardwickii Skin (UHSEE). Methods: The in vitro effects of UHSEE at various concentrations (10 - 250 µg/mL) on the activities of ߙ-amylase, ߙ-glucosidase and glucose uptake by yeast cells were used to evaluate its antidiabetic potential. Nitric oxide (NO), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide inhibitory assay were employed to determine its antioxidant effects, while the anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay. Results: UHSEE inhibited ߙ-amylase and ߙ-glucosidase enzymes but increased glucose uptake by yeast cells in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). It also inhibited NO, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and HRBC hemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Uromastyx hardwickii skin exhibits promising good antidiabetic, antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties in vitro. However, its true potentials in this regard needs to be evaluted in vivo

Sonographic Evaluation of Endometrial Thickness in Postmenopausal Women- A Systemic Review

Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is highly suspicious of being a sign for the presence of endometrial cancer (EC) and around 5–12% of PMB results from EC. Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries. A thin endometrium (≤4 mm) has a very high negative predictive value (99%). A thickened endometrium has been regarded as an indication for an invasive evaluation. Endometrial sampling is recommended, with a cutoff value of 4 mm or 5 mm, for symptomatic postmenopausal women. However, different guidelines use different cut-off values of endometrial thickness, varying from 3 mm-5 mm, for excluding endometrial malignancy. The widespread use of sonography has also allowed the incidental finding of endometrial thickening in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. There are few data on the workup of these women, and the best cut-off value for the endometrial thickness that should warrant endometrial sampling is not known. However, it has been suggested that the 4‐ or 5‐mm limits generally used for excluding malignancy in symptomatic postmenopausal women are not transferable to asymptomatic patients. The objective of this study was to sonographic evaluation of endometrial thickness in postmenopausal women. About 9 studies were selected for this systemic review. We extracted the following information: Study design, Age of patient mean and range, Duration of menopause mean and range, Body mass index mean and range, and Endometrial thickness mean and range. From the above analysis we concluded that, the endometrial thickness with a recommended change in the cut-off to 3mm in routine ultrasound practice should be done in high risk women to detect malignancy earlier in postmenopausal women and ultrasound is proved to be a useful tool for the disgnostic purpose. Keywords: Postmenopausal bleeding, Endometrial  thickness, Endometrial Carcinoma. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/82-04 Publication date: November 30th 202

Sonographic Evaluation of Chronic Kidney Disease Correlating with Serum Creatinine Level

Background: Chronic kidney disease is defined as abnormality of urinary system, there is persistent abnormality of structure and upward renal excretory function that is sign of irreversible damage to function of nephron. It is a public health problem world widely and it is 12th most common cause of mortality and morbidity, respectively. Objective: To evaluate chronic kidney disease (CKD) sonographically in addition correlating echogenicity with the level of serum creatinine. Study Design: An analytical Cross sectional prospective study. Settings: Life Care Hospital, Radiology department Lahore. Period: 20th December 2020 till 10th April 2021. Material & Methods: In our study all those patients with age above 18, patients suffering from chronic kidney disease, patient on hemodialysis, diabetic and hypertensive were included. While patient below 18 age, patients on peritoneal dialysis were excluded in which 71 patients were enrolled in the research. All the patient’s data had been composed from indoor of hospital, outdoor of hospital, and emergency department of Life Care Hospital, Lahore. After informed consent, data was composed through ultrasound machine Toshiba Xario Prime. Results: The findings revealed that there were 71 Chronic Renal Failure patients, 45 of whom were male and 26 of whom were female, with ages ranging from 20 to 73. Since the P value is > 0.05 of the relevance indicators, there is no important relationship between the two variables. Conclusion: The ideal sonographic parameter that can be used to correlate the level of serum creatinine with kidney parameter within ultrasound is kidney cortical echogenicity. As kidney cortical echogenicity does not reverses as the disease progress even after the treatment, so it is the most accurate parameter that can be used. Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, Echogenicity grade, Serum creatinine, Ultrasound, estimated Glomerular Filtration rate. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/90-05 Publication date:June 30th 202