Improvement of pasture biomass modelling using high-resolution satellite imagery and machine learning.

Robust quantification of vegetative biomass using satellite imagery using one or more forms of machine learning (ML) has hitherto been hindered by the extent and quality of training data. Here, we showcase how ML predictive demonstrably improves when additional training data is used. We collated field datasets of pasture biomass obtained via destructive sampling, 'C-Dax' reflective measurements and rising plate meters (RPM) from ten livestock farms across four States in Australia. Remotely sensed data from the Sentinel-2 constellation was used to retrieve aboveground biomass using a novel machine learning paradigm hereafter termed "SPECTRA-FOR" (Spectral Pasture Estimation using Combined Techniques of Random-forest Algorithm for Features Optimisation and Retrieval). Using this framework, we show that the low temporal resolution of Sentinel-2 in high latitude regions with persistent cloud cover leads to extensive gaps between cloud-free images, hindering model performance and, thus, contemporaneous ability to forecast real-time pasture biomass. By leveraging the spectral consistency between Sentinel-2 and Planet Lab SuperDove to overcome this limitation, we used ten spectral bands of Sentinel-2, four bands of Sentinel-2 as a proxy for pre-2022 SuperDove (referred to as synthetic SuperDove or SSD), and the actual SuperDove (ASD), given that SuperDove imagery has a higher resolution and more frequent passage compared with Sentinel-2. Using their respective bands as input features to SPECRA-FOR, model performance for the ten bands of Sentinel-2 were R2 = 0.87, root mean squared error (RMSE) of 439 kg DM/ha and mean absolute error (MAE) of 255 kg DM/ha, while that for SSD increased to an R2 of 0.92, RMSE of 346 kg DM/ha and MAE = 208 kg DM/ha. The study revealed the importance of robust data mining, imagery harmonisation and model validation for accurate real-time modelling of pasture biomass with ML.

Role of lidocaine and its effect on postoperative outcomes in abdominal cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of pre- and intra-operative lidocaine infusion on post-operative pain management. METHODS: The interventional, prospective study was conducted from September 2019 to June 2020 at the Pakistan Ordnance Factories Hospital, Wah Cantt, Pakistan, and comprised patients aged 18-60 years undergoing elective cholecystectomy who were randomised into intervention group A and control group B. Group A was given a bolus dose of lidocaine hydrochloride 2 mg/kg in addition to the standard anaesthesia protocol, while group B was given continuous intravenous infusion of 0.9% normal saline along with the standard protocol. Blood samples for interleukins 6 and 8 were taken at baseline, and then at 2, 6 and 8 hours Post-operatively. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, 20(50%) were in each of the two groups. There was a marked decrease in interleukins 6 and 8 levels group A compared to group B (p<0.05). Interleukin 8 level showed a marked decline compared to that of interleukin 6 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in interleukins 6 and 8 levels highlighted the anti-inflammatory role of lidocaine and resulted in a decrease in post-operative opioid consumption.

Effect of paroxetine on intestinal motility in the presence of ondansetron.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and depression are the conditions that run in parallel fashions. All these conditions cause the release of an increased amount of serotonin in the body. Serotonin acts on these 5HT3 receptors and causes nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron acts by blocking serotonin from acting on the receptors and thus is useful in decreasing episodes of nausea and vomiting but when used concomitantly with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) as cancer patient also suffered from depression. This combination tends to decrease the efficacy of ondansetron. The present study was carried out to observe the modulatory role of ondansetron on ileal smooth muscle motility in vitro. Experiments were performed in four groups (n=6) and ileal smooth muscle activity was recorded on the power lab (USA). The effects of increasing concentrations of serotonin, ondansetron and paroxetine alone were observed. In the fourth group effects of paroxetine in the presence of fixed concentration (1ml) of ondansetron (10-6M) was observed. The maximum response obtained by serotonin served as a control for our study (100%). Paroxetine response on intestinal motility was completely blocked in the presence of ondansetron. Our findings hence, reinforce the hypothesis that paroxetine decreases the antiemetic activity of serotonin antagonist ondansetron, by super sensitization of serotonergic receptors resulting in an increased incidence of nausea and vomiting in cancer patient despite adequate antiemetic prophylaxis.

Paroxetine: An update of response on intestinal motility.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the possible effects of paroxetine on gastrointestinal smooth muscles in vitro as they can cause severe nausea and vomiting at the start of therapy which later settles down. METHODS: Power lab (USA) was used for recording the contractions of ileal smooth muscle of rabbits in response to acetylcholine, serotonin and paroxetine. RESULTS: The percent responses with acetylcholine, serotonin and paroxetine were 100, 158.7 and 6.45 percent respectively indicating that acetylcholine and serotonin causes an increase in contractility of isolated ileal smooth muscle in comparison to paroxetine which has a depressant effect on motility. CONCLUSIONS: Inability of paroxetine to enhance the serotonergic transmission in vitro causes a decrease in its qualitative response.

Serotonergic activity and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response in alcohol administered and subsequently withdrawn rats.

Present study aims to depict the role of serotonergic pathways in discrete brain areas (hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus) and their interaction with hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis in alcohol dependence and subsequent withdrawal syndrome in rats. Albino Wistar rats were fed a liquid diet containing alcohol for 4 weeks. Matched control rats were fed isocaloric amounts of the alcohol-free liquid diet, in which the alcohol contribution was substituted with maltose-dextrin. Brain regional tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations were determined using high performance liquid chromatography with flourimetric detector. Serum corticosterone was determined spectrofluorimetrically. Data analysis showed that there was significant increase in tryptophan (hippocampus), 5-HT (hippocampus and amygdala) and 5-HT turnover in all the three regions examined when alcohol administered rats were compared with matched controls. In contrast withdrawal from alcohol decreased brain tryptophan, 5-HT and its turnover. It is concluded that the prolong alcohol use boost functions of serotonergic neuronal pathways, in particular, hypothalamus that regulate HPA-axis function and develop tolerance and adaptation. In addition, withdrawal from alcohol exacerbates serotonergic functions that results in failure to suppress corticosterone levels and hence induce low mood states and other signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Comparison of perinatal outcome of growth restricted fetuses with normal and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler waveforms.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth restridtion (IUGR) is a complex problem. It is notorious but a difficult diagnosis. The perinatal mortality can be reduced when the results of umbilical artery Doppler are made available to clinicians to help them intervene more timely and appropriately. This study aimed to compare perinatal outcome of growth restricted foetuses with normal and abnormal umbilical artery doppler waveforms. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the radiology department of Mother and Child Health (MCH), Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad from March 2007 to March 2008. A total of 100 pregnant women -with growth restricted foetuses were studied with umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound. Fifty women had normail umbilical artery Doppler waveform and the umbilical artery Doppler wave-form was compromised (either absent or reversed) in the 50 pregnancies. These patients were followed up and the perinatal outcomes were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Premature delivery was recorded in 14% in the normal group and 96% in the abnormal group. The number of babies with low birth weight was more in the abnormal group. The neonatal intensive care (NICU) admissions were significantly increased in the abnormal group (82%). The incidence of intra-ventricular haemorrhage was more (18%) in the abnormal umbilical artery Doppler group as compared to normal group (06%). Perinatal deaths were three times more in the abnormal umbilical artery Doppler group as compared to normal. The difference in the perinatal outcome of both group is statistically significant (p=.0001). CONCLUSION: There is a strong relationship between pregnancy outcome in IUGR babies and abnormal uterine artery doppler waveform (Absent or reversed).

St. John's Wort increases brain serotonin synthesis by inhibiting hepatic tryptophan 2, 3 dioxygenase activity and its gene expression in stressed rats.

We aimed to investigate the effects of herbal St. John's Wort (SJW) on transcriptional regulation of hepatic tryptophan 2, 3 - dioxygenase (TDO) enzyme activity and brain regional serotonin (5-HT) levels in rats exposed to forced swim test (FST). TDO mRNA expression was quantified using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain (RT-PCR) reaction and brain regional indoleamines were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detector. Behavioral analysis shows significant reduction in immobility time in SJW (500mg/kg/ml) administered rats. It was found that pretreatment of SJW to rats did not prevent stress-induced elevation in plasma corticosterone levels however it increases serotonin synthesis by virtue of inhibiting hepatic TDO enzyme activity and its gene expression, ascertaining the notion that there exists an inverse relationship between hepatic TDO enzyme activity and brain 5-HT. The drug also decreases serotonin turnover in all the brain areas (hypothalamus, hippocampus amygdala) in stressed rats endorsing its monoamine oxidase inhibition property. Inhibition of TDO enzyme activity and its gene expression by the drug provides new insights for the development of therapeutic interventions for stress related mental illnesses.

Bioactivities of morroniside: A comprehensive review of pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms.

Morroniside (MOR) is an iridoid glycoside and the main active principle of the medicinal plant, Cornus officinalis Sieb. This phytochemical is associated with numerous health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of MOR, utilizing published data obtained from literature databases. Data collection involved accessing various sources, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and SpringerLink. Our findings demonstrate that MOR can be utilized for the treatment of several diseases and disorders, as numerous studies have revealed its significant therapeutic activities. These activities encompass anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering capability, anticancer, trichogenic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, osteoprotective, renoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. MOR has also shown promising benefits against various neurological ailments, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, cerebral ischemia, and neuropathic pain. Considering these therapeutic features, MOR holds promise as a lead compound for the treatment of various ailments and disorders. However, further comprehensive preclinical and clinical trials are required to establish MOR as an effective and reliable therapeutic agent.

Functional outcome of surgery in patients with acetabular fractures.

BACKGROUND: High velocity injuries due to road traffic accidents can be managed conservatively or surgically depending whether the fracture is displaced or not. The objective of this study was to evaluate functional outcome of surgery in patients of acetabular fractures. METHODS: It was a case series study conducted in Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences from 1st october 2007 to 15th December 2008. Thirty patients were included in the study fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Patients were followed up in the OPD and were evaluated for functional outcome by using Harris Hip Scoring System. RESULTS: Total 30 patients were operated during the study period. Mean age of patients was 33.5 years. Males were 22 and females were 8. Twenty-three patients had road traffic accident as a cause of injury and 7 were due to fall. Ninety-three percent of patients were operated within 2 weeks. Most common type of fracture was both column fractures. In only one patient sciatic nerve injury was present postoperatively. Average hospital stay was 7 days. Out of 30 patients, 21 patients were classified to have good score, 4 patients were classified to have excellent score while 5 patients were having poor result. CONCLUSION: The surgical management of displaced acetabular fractures yields good results.

Environmental impact assessment of tobacco farming in northern Bangladesh.

Tobacco farming in Bangladesh has significant and far-reaching environmental impacts, affecting the land, water, and air. While the country has implemented tobacco control measures, the lack of monitoring and enforcement has resulted in environmental degradation and public health concerns. This study aims to document the environmental impact of tobacco farming in Bangladesh, adopting a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data. The study used focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a structured questionnaire survey to gather data, assessing the impact of tobacco farming on the environment, socioeconomic conditions, and human health using a five-point impact assessment scale. Results illustrated that tobacco cultivation contributes to the ecosystem and natural resource degradation, leading to a loss of habitat diversity and domestic animal death. Soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution from excessive plowing and pesticide usage have also been observed, causing skin diseases and other health issues. Despite some economic benefits, social conditions have worsened due to drug addiction and conflicts among tobacco workers. The study will help policymakers and environmentalists by highlighting the need to take action in reducing the environmental and social impacts of tobacco farming in Bangladesh. It also informs the public about the potential tobacco production and consumption risks. This study provides important insights into the adverse effects of tobacco farming in Bangladesh and emphasizes the importance of implementing appropriate measures to reduce environmental and public health impacts.

Ethnobotanical uses and phytochemical, biological, and toxicological profiles of Datura metel L.: A review.

Datura metel L., a recognized poisonous plant in the Solanaceae family, is widely distributed in the world. Traditionally, D. metel is used in many diseases, including neurological and heart diseases; fever; catarrh; pain; diarrhea; skin diseases; chronic bronchitis; asthma; digestive disorders; and so on. It possesses many important phytochemicals that can be used to treat various types of diseases. This review aims at summarizing the traditional uses, phytochemical, biological, and toxicological profiles of D. metel based on the database reports. For this, an up-to-date (till March 20, 2023) search was made in the databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and MedLine, with relevant keywords for the published evidence. Findings suggest that the plant has many traditional uses, such as a cure for madness, epilepsy, psoriasis, heart diseases, diarrhea, mad dog bites, indigestion, etc. It possesses various important phytochemicals, including withanolides, daturaolone, datumetine, daturglycosides, ophiobolin A, baimantuoluoline A, and many others. D. metel has many important biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, insecticidal, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-pyretic, neurological, contraceptive, and wound healing capacity. In conclusion, the toxic plant, D. metel, can be considered a potential source of phyto-therapeutic lead compounds.

A Machine Learning-Based Severity Prediction Tool for the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument.

Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a serious long-term complication of diabetes, which may lead to foot ulceration and amputation. Among the screening tools for DSPN, the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI) is frequently deployed, but it lacks a straightforward rating of severity. A DSPN severity grading system has been built and simulated for the MNSI, utilizing longitudinal data captured over 19 years from the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) trial. Machine learning algorithms were used to establish the MNSI factors and patient outcomes to characterise the features with the best ability to detect DSPN severity. A nomogram based on multivariable logistic regression was designed, developed and validated. The extra tree model was applied to identify the top seven ranked MNSI features that identified DSPN, namely vibration perception (R), 10-gm filament, previous diabetic neuropathy, vibration perception (L), presence of callus, deformities and fissure. The nomogram's area under the curve (AUC) was 0.9421 and 0.946 for the internal and external datasets, respectively. The probability of DSPN was predicted from the nomogram and a DSPN severity grading system for MNSI was created using the probability score. An independent dataset was used to validate the model's performance. The patients were divided into four different severity levels, i.e., absent, mild, moderate, and severe, with cut-off values of 10.50, 12.70 and 15.00 for a DSPN probability of less than 50, 75 and 100%, respectively. We provide an easy-to-use, straightforward and reproducible approach to determine prognosis in patients with DSPN.

An investigation to study the effects of Tai Chi on human gait dynamics using classical machine learning.

Tai Chi has been proven effective in preventing falls in older adults, improving the joint function of knee osteoarthritis patients, and improving the balance of stroke survivors. However, the effect of Tai Chi on human gait dynamics is still less understood. Studies conducted in this domain only relied on statistical and clinical measurements on the time-series gait data. In recent years machine learning has proven its ability in recognizing complex patterns from time-series data. In this research work, we have evaluated the performance of several machine learning algorithms in classifying the walking gait of Tai Chi masters (people expert on Tai Chi) from the normal subjects. The study is designed in a longitudinal manner where the Tai Chi naive subjects received 6 months of Tai Chi training and the data was recorded during the initial and follow-up sessions. A total of 57 subjects participated in the experiment among which 27 were Tai Chi masters. We have introduced a gender, BMI-based scaling of the features to mitigate their effects from the gait parameters. A hybrid feature ranking technique has also been proposed for selecting the best features for classification. The research reports 88.17% accuracy and 93.10% ROC AUC values from subject-wise 5-fold cross-validation for the Tai Chi masters' vs normal subjects' walking gait classification for the "Single-task" walking scenarios. We have also got fairly good accuracy for the "Dual-task" walking scenarios (82.62% accuracy and 84.11% ROC AUC values). The results indicate that Tai Chi clearly has an effect on the walking gait dynamics. The findings and methodology of this study could provide preliminary guidance for applying machine learning-based approaches to similar gait kinematics analyses.

Use Of Radiological Diagnostic Modalities In Tertiary Care Hospital - How Do The Clinicians Decide About Type Of Modality And Clinician Perception Regarding Hazards Associated With Radiological Imaging Modalities?

BACKGROUND: In the past few decades there is rapid advancement in technology and hence tremendous innovations in diagnostic imaging. This has increased our ability to diagnose illness and monitor response to treatment in a manner which was not previously possible. As compared to previous times, there is also more easy availability of these diagnostic imaging modalities in our hospitals. Therefore, easy and frequent availability harbour the risk of injudicious use of these tests as well. This study is conducted to know the views of consultants about it. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Ayub Medical Institute MTI from March 2021 to July 2021. The data was collected through a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 250 clinicians participated in the study with 54% males. Majority of them (n=140) 56% answered that consultants on round and on duty in OPD decide special radiological investigations for the patients. Most of them (90%, n=225) were aware of radiation hazards in CT, X-rays and fluoroscopy . CONCLUSION: The referring physicians working at MTI ATH Abbottabad have enough basic knowledge regarding the practice of radiological modalities but were unaware of specific health hazards and radiation doses to the patients associated with the use of these imaging modalities.

Phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and potential health benefits of Gly cyrrhiza glabra.

Nature has always been an excellent source for many therapeutic compounds providing us with many medicinal plants and microorganisms producing beneficial chemicals. Therefore, the demand for medicinal plants, cosmetics, and health products is always on the rise. One such plant from the Leguminosae family is licorice and the scientific name is Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. It is an herb-type plant with medicinal value. In the following article, we shall elaborately look at the plants' phytochemical constituents and the pharmacological impact of those substances. Several compounds such as glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizinic acid, isoliquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid have been found in this plant, which can provide pharmacological benefit to us with its anti-cancer, anti-atherogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antispasmodic activity. Alongside, these products have a different role in hepatoprotective, immunologic, memory-enhancing activity. They can stimulate hair growth, control obesity, and have anti-depressants, sedatives, and anticoagulant activity. This review examines recent studies on the phytochemical and pharmacological data and describes some side effects and toxicity of licorice and its bioactive components.

Prevalence and severity of gastro-intestinal parasites in buffalo calves at Sylhet division of Bangladesh.

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are one of the most widely recognized health problems of buffalo calves in Bangladesh. The study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of GI parasitic infestation in buffalo calves at Sylhet division of Bangladesh. Fecal samples of 200 buffalo calves under 1 year of age (76 males and 124 females) were collected from Sylhet, Maulvibazar, Habiganj, and Sunamganj districts, and from each of the four regions, 50 samples were collected. Samples were examined through simple flotation, sedimentation, and McMaster techniques. The overall prevalence of GI parasites in Sylhet division was 65.5%. Among the samples, the highest prevalence of GI parasite was found in Sylhet (78%), followed by Sunamganj (68%), Maulvibazar (66%), and Habiganj (50%) districts. Among the identified GI parasites, the highest prevalence was observed in case of Neoascaris vitulorum (26.5%). The highest prevalence of GI parasite was observed in summer (69.84%), followed by rainy (69.62%) and winter (55.17%) seasons. Males and females were almost equally susceptible to GI parasitic infestation. Older calves (9-12 months, 77.14%) were most vulnerable to GI parasites. Egg per gram (EPG) of feces was additionally counted in the current study to know the severity of infestation. The range of EPG varied from 50 to 900 among the identified parasites. Among them, the highest count was found in the case of Neoascaris vitulorum (100-900). It may be concluded that aggregated policies and actions need to be taken to control the GI parasitic infestation in buffalo calves at Sylhet Division and elsewhere in developing countries like Bangladesh.

Acute effects of serotonergic antidepressants on tryptophan metabolism and corticosterone levels in rats.

The aim of present study is to see the effects of antidepressants in relation to tryptophan metabolism and disposition and to know whether they share any common mechanism of action in this regard. These are the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (moclobemide), atypical tricyclic (tianeptine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) namely sertraline and citalopram and an herbal St John's Wort (SJW). Liver tryptophan pyrrolase activity, serum tryptophan, corticosterone and brain indoles were determined after drug administration in Albino Wistar rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg. All five antidepressants inhibited tryptophan pyrrolase activity. Serum total tryptophan concentrations were increased by 19% and 33% by tianeptine and moclobemide respectively, however 34% decrease in total tryptophan was observed after SJW administration. Free tryptophan was increased by all the drugs being maximum (65% p<0.001) by sertraline and minimum (15%, p>0.05) by tianeptine. Corticosterone levels were significantly (P<0.01) decreased by 52 and 58 percent by citalopram and St John's Wort respectively. By contrast an increase by 16% was observed by tianeptine. It was also observed that all the drugs increase brain tryptophan by 21-61 percent but increases in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were observed only by two drugs that is moclobemide and SJW, however in comparison increases were greater (68%) after SJW administration. 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) concentrations were increased by 45-64% by all other drugs except tianeptine and moclobemide. It is concluded that attenuation of peripheral tryptophan metabolism and elevation of brain tryptophan contributes to the mechanism of action of antidepressants of different classes and pharmacological profile tested.

The Outcome Of Closed Reduction And Cast Immobilization Of Colle's Fractures Using Radiological Parameters In The Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures account for most of the injuries presenting in trauma centers. Colle's fractures are defined as fractures within 2.5 cm of the wrist with dorsal angulation of the distal fragment. The cornerstone of treatment remains immobilization of the wrist in a cast. The objective of the study was to determine the outcome of closed reduction and plaster cast immobilization of Colle's fractures in adults using Radiological parameters. It was a descriptive case series study, conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan /CMH Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir from June 2018 to June 2019. METHODS: Patients with distal radius fractures fulfilling the criteria of Colle's fractures presenting in the Emergency Department were selected through non-probability consecutive sampling. They were managed as per stated protocols and followed up for 06 months. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients of either gender were included in this study. The average age of patients was 30.36±4.12. Fall on an outstretched hand is the major cause of Colle's fracture. In the older age group, most of the fractures are caused by falls while trauma was responsible for the younger age group. Normal post reduction radial inclination was seen in 72% cases; dorsal angulation was normal in 75% while post reduction height was normal in 91% cases. Post reduction radiological parameters were excellent in 49% and good results were seen in 40%. Poor post reduction anatomical results were found in 11% of cases. Overall, the Stewart Anatomical score was 84/100 (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A large majority of Colle's fractures achieved excellent Radiological results after treatment by closed reduction and cast immobilization.

Integration of radiology in the modular system at the undergraduate level.

BACKGROUND: Integration of Radiology is challenging because in the traditional system it is introduced with a clinical subject while in an integrated curriculum, vertical integration of Radiology is done with anatomy in the first year and with pathology, forensic medicine, ophthalmology, ENT, gynaecology surgery, and medicine till the final year. This study was done with the purpose to evaluate Radiology teaching in an integrated curriculum in undergraduate students of Azad Jammu Kashmir Medical College/Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zaid Hospital Muzaffarabad. METHODS: This study was done to determine student's perceptions regarding Radiology teaching at Azad Jammu Kashmir Medical College (AJKMC), starting from the foundation module of the first year till the final year. It was a descriptive cross-sectional type conducted in the Radiology department of AJKMC. The study duration was six months. Students of final year and recent graduates were included in the study. All the information was collected on pro forma. Pro forma included 11 structured, close-ended, quantitative types of questions. Five points Likert scale was given starting from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Data was analysed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In 100 students who gave feedback, the age range was from 23 to 26 year. Male students were 32 (32%) and female 68(68 %). 70% of students agreed and 14% strongly agreed for the integration of Radiology at the undergraduate level. Six percent students disagreed with the integration of radiology at the undergraduate level. CONCLUSION: Integration of Radiology in a modular system for undergraduate students at AJKMC was supported by the majority of participants.

Talking about sexuality at secondary schools of periurban area of Dhaka city.

UNLABELLED: Adolescents constitute 23 percent of population in Bangladesh yet access to information and education on reproductive health is limited for them. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of introducing an education booklet on reproductive health knowledge among the adolescents and its acceptability to them. STUDY GROUP: Students of grade IX and X in eight secondary schools (both boys and girls schools) of periurban location of Dhaka city. METHOD: A quasi-experimental pre-post test design study was conducted during October 2004 to May 2005. The intervention was distribution of an education booklet and conduction of a health education session at the respective classes. RESULTS: Total number of respondents were 1,490 (862 during pre test and 628 during post test). About 4% of parents never attended school, whereas 10.7% of fathers and 3.2% of mothers were graduates. A greater proportion of adolescents could correctly narrate the physiological changes of adolescence, duration of menstrual cycle, fertile period, leucorrhoea, masturbation, and night emission in the post test. Almost all adolescents stated that health education was necessary and should be given in secondary schools. About 95% stated that the education booklet was necessary. They appreciated that the language was easy and fluent, the illustration was meaningful, and some suggested a few modifications. CONCLUSION: Providing reproductive health information to adolescents can be sustained through inclusion in school curriculum and has the potential to produce health benefits in future.