The Unani system of medicine: does it have a scientific basis?

The Unani system of medicine is claimed to be an effective management protocol for the treatment of stroke using herbal remedies. Although effective, the method does not require invasive intervention nor has it any side effects. Researchers at the University of Westminster, London, have embarked on a project to scientifically validate this stroke remedy. However, such herbal treatments are often considered to be non-scientific and represent 'quack' medicine. So, is there evidence that Unani medicine works

Outcome of pregnancy in previous caesarean section: an observational study

Background: Presently, good obstetrics means an uncomplicated antenatal period, labour and puerperium for the mother and birth of a healthy body. Post caesarean section pregnancy has now become one of the most common high-risk cases tackled at any hospital. In this paper an attempt has been made to assess the outcomes of pregnancy in previous caesarean section.Methods: This study was conducted among patients in the department of gynecology and obstetrics at Al-Ameen Hospital from June 2016 to December 2018. For that purpose, a sample size of 100 was considered. Data were analyzed using SPSS software v. 23.0. and Microsoft office 2007.Results: The incidence of caesarean section was 10.25%. Anaemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension and diabetes mellitus found in this study is more coincidental. Placenta previa cases were also present. Cephalopelvic disproportion was the commonest indication of the previous section in this study. 20% of the cases have had their previous section due to cephalopelvic disproportion. 18% of the cases had delivered vaginally, 15 cases were delivered by forceps (72.2%) and 3 cases were delivered normally (27.8%). Maternal morbidity was found to be low and there was no maternal death.Conclusions: The patient whose primary section was done due to cephalopelvic disproportion should be assessed thoroughly in her current pregnancy before placing her to elective repeat section. As there is always the possibility of scar rupture in a case of post caesarean section pregnancy one must think twice before doing the primary section. More research is required to evaluate optimum time of management

Problems and issues in implementing innovative curriculum in the developing countries: the Pakistani experience

Background: The Government of Pakistan identified 4 medical Colleges for introduction of COME, one from each province. Curriculum was prepared by the faculty of these colleges and launched in 2001 and despite concerted efforts could not be implemented. The purpose of this research was to identify the reasons for delay in implementation of the COME curriculum and to assess the understanding of the stakeholders about COME. Methods: Mixed methods study design was used for data collection. In-depth interviews, mail-in survey questionnaire, and focus group discussions were held with the representatives of federal and provincial governments, Principals of medical colleges, faculty and students of the designated colleges. Rigor was ensured through independent coding and triangulation of data. Results: The reasons for delay in implementation differed amongst the policy makers and faculty and included thematic issues at the institutional, programmatic and curricular level. Majority (92% of the faculty) felt that COME curriculum couldn’t be implemented without adequate infrastructure. The administrators were willing to provide financial assistance, political support and better coordination and felt that COME could improve the overall health system of the country whereas the faculty did not agree to it. Conclusion: The paper discusses the reasons of delay based on findings and identifies the strategies for curriculum change in established institutions. The key issues identified in our study included frequent transfer of faculty of the designated colleges and perceived lack of: · Continuation at the policy making level · Communication between the stakeholders · Effective leadershi

Adverse effects of anti-epileptic, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic and anti-arrhythmic drugs on hematological and hepatic parameters

Multiple drug administration increases chances of drug interaction, altering the responses of drugs either increasing or decreasing pharmacological effects, or generating a new pharmacological response. Generally drug interactions should be avoided, due to the possibility of poor or unexpected outcomes. The present study was designed to explore relatively safe combination that can be used in individuals with multiple disorders such as epilepsy, hypertension, arrhythmia and diabetes. The study was conducted in normal rabbits of either sex following administration of drugs for a period of 60 days; various biochemical tests were performed to assess their hepatic and hematological profile. Results of this study suggest that animals of group receiving amiodarone-glibenclamide-captopril-oxcarbazepine combination revealed comparatively more toxic effects than two other combinations.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

The Role of Technology Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Sector of Developing Countries: A Case Study of Pakistan

In modern theories of growth and development, technological innovation has taken the focus stage and such innovations are commercialized by technology entrepreneurs. Colleges and universities are investing heavily in the development of their student’s entrepreneurial skills and have tremendous impact on innovation and entrepreneurial development. Universities today equally function as an important driving force to enhance economic value by creation of networks with innovators across a region through their incubators and scientific and technology parks. In developed countries many entrepreneurs start up their companies at their universities but in developing countries there are so many challenges yet to be faced by new starts up. Technology entrepreneurship in education basically explores how technology entrepreneurs are applying business practices or technology innovations to transform education to lead to higher performance. As higher education industry is changing radically and that transformation is worth for commercial benefits of businesses and also for innovative startups. Today the presence of colleges and universities are not only meant to be the gatekeeper of knowledge and information instead various innovators are in flowing as entrepreneurs in education industry. This study will explore that in what ways technology entrepreneurship is facilitating the educator sector of the emerging economies specifically in Pakistan. Keywords: Technology entrepreneurship, High Education Sector, Developing economies, Business Incubation Centers

Draft Genome Sequence of Xanthobacter tagetidis ATCC 700314T

Xanthobacter tagetidis is a thiophene-degrading bacterium associated with root balls of the plant genus Tagetes, which includes marigolds. It is a Gram-negative facultatively autotrophic bacterium with pleomorphic morphology exhibiting bent and branching rods. From strain TagT2CT (= ATCC 700314T), we report a genome assembly of 4,945,221 bp and a 69.5% G+C content

Metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer: A rare cause of bowel obstruction

Prostate cancer most commonly metastasizes to bone, lymph nodes, lungs, or liver, but rarely spreads to the large intestine. This case highlights a rare case of castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) that spread locally to the large intestine and rectum, significant enough to cause bowel obstruction. Metastatic prostate carcinomas are considered an infrequent cause of bowel obstruction

A rare case of synovial sarcoma of the prostate causing urinary retention

Synovial sarcomas of the prostate are exceedingly rare malignant tumors. Only a few cases have been reported so far. We discuss a case of a 52-year-old male who presented with signs and symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma of the prostate. Since this sarcoma is rare, it can easily be misdiagnosed with BPH or adenocarcinoma of the prostate

A rare case of primary midgut volvulus necessitating extensive bowel resection in an adult

A cause of acute intestinal obstruction in adults, midgut volvulus can be categorized into two types: primary type with no identifiable underlying cause, and secondary type that occurs in the presence of a predisposing condition such as, postoperative adhesions. Primary midgut volvulus can lead to bowel ischemia and necrosis, making an extensive bowel resection imminent. A potential consequence of bowel resection is short-bowel syndrome - a failure of digestion and absorption by the intestines, leading to malnutrition and other complications. As such, we report the diagnosis and management of primary midgut volvulus - a rare entity in adults - occurring in an adult patient