Upper Limb Movement Execution Classification using Electroencephalography for Brain Computer Interface.

An accurate classification of upper limb movements using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals is gaining significant importance in recent years due to the prevalence of brain-computer interfaces. The upper limbs in the human body are crucial since different skeletal segments combine to make a range of motions that helps us in our trivial daily tasks. Decoding EEG-based upper limb movements can be of great help to people with spinal cord injury (SCI) or other neuro-muscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis, and periodic paralysis. This can manifest in a loss of sensory and motor function, which could make a person reliant on others to provide care in day-to-day activities. We can detect and classify upper limb movement activities, whether they be executed or imagined using an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI). Toward this goal, we focus our attention on decoding movement execution (ME) of the upper limb in this study. For this purpose, we utilize a publicly available EEG dataset that contains EEG signal recordings from fifteen subjects acquired using a 61-channel EEG device. We propose a method to classify four ME classes for different subjects using spectrograms of the EEG data through pre-trained deep learning (DL) models. Our proposed method of using EEG spectrograms for the classification of ME has shown significant results, where the highest average classification accuracy (for four ME classes) obtained is 87.36%, with one subject achieving the best classification accuracy of 97.03%.Clinical relevance- This research shows that movement execution of upper limbs is classified with significant accuracy by employing a spectrogram of the EEG signals and a pre-trained deep learning model which is fine-tuned for the downstream task.

Frequency of Acquired Renal Cystic Disease in Patients on Long-Term Hemodialysis and Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background Acquired cystic renal disease is one of the complications of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis. We aimed to define the prevalence of acquired cystic renal disease in a dialysis center in a tertiary care setup in Pakistan. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 246 patients with ESRD from October 1, 2017, to March 30, 2018. We collected patient demographic data, comorbidities, duration (years), frequency (sessions/week), length of each dialysis session (hours), ultrasound findings, cystic renal disease occurrence, and associated complications for analysis. Results Our patient population consisted of 115 women (46.7%) and 131 men (53.3%) and had a mean age of 55.9 ± 15.1 years. Thirty-seven patients were on dialysis for one year, 78 (31.7%) for two years, and 131 (53.3%) for three or more years, as its more common with increasing duration. The mean dialysis duration was 2.3 ± 0.7 years. Of 246 patients, 49 (19.9%) had acquired cystic renal disease. Conclusions Given improved health care facilities, an increasing number of patients have a good survival on dialysis and develop long-term complications associated with end-stage renal disease, such as acquired cystic renal disease. Because the acquired renal cystic disease is associated with renal cell carcinoma, physicians should evaluate dialysis patients for renal cell carcinoma, especially after three to five years of dialysis.

Analysis of clinical risk models vs. clinician's assessment for prediction of coronary artery disease among predominantly female population.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple risk models are used to predict the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chest pain. We aimed to compare the performance of these models to an experienced cardiologist's assessment utilizing coronary angiography (CA) as a reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients without known CAD referred for elective CA. We assessed pretest probability of CAD using the following risk models: Diamond-Forrester (original and updated), Duke Clinical score, ACC/AHA, CAD consortium (basic and clinical) and PROMISE minimal risk tool. All patients completed self-administrative Rose angina questionnaire. Independently, an experienced cardiologist assessed the patients to provide a binary prediction of obstructive CAD prior to CA. Obstructive CAD was defined as >80% stenosis in epicardial coronary arteries by visual assessment, or fractional flow reserve <0.80 in intermediate lesions (30-80%). RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were recruited (100 women, 50 men). Mean age was 58 (32-78) years. Obstructive CAD was found in 31 patients (21%). The area under the curve (AUC) for all the clinical risk prediction models (except the Duke Clinical Score, AUC 0.73, P = 0.07) was significantly lower compared with the clinician's assessment (AUC 0.51-0.65 vs. 0.81, respectively, P < 0.01). The clinician's assessment had sensitivity comparable to the Duke Clinical score, which was higher than all other clinical models. There was no difference in prediction performance on the basis of sex in this predominantly female population. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: In stable patients with chest pain and suspected CAD, current clinical risk models which are universally based upon the characteristics of the chest pain, show suboptimal performance in predicting obstructive CAD. These findings have important clinical implications, as current appropriateness criteria for recommending CA are on the basis of these risk models.

OUTpatient intravenous LASix Trial in reducing hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (OUTLAST).

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains a major source of morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of outpatient furosemide intravenous (IV) infusion following hospitalization for ADHF. METHODS: In a single center, prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 100 patients were randomized to receive standard of care (Group 1), IV placebo infusion (Group 2), or IV furosemide infusion (Group 3) over 3h, biweekly for a one-month period following ADHF hospitalization. Patients in Groups 2/3 also received a comprehensive HF-care protocol including bi-weekly clinic visits for dose-adjusted IV-diuretics, medication adjustment and education. Echocardiography, quality of life and depression questionnaires were performed at baseline and 30-day follow-up. The primary outcome was 30-day re-hospitalization for ADHF. RESULTS: Overall, a total of 94 patients were included in the study (mean age 64 years, 56% males, 69% African American). There were a total of 14 (15%) hospitalizations for ADHF at 30 days, 6 (17.1%) in Group 1, 7 (22.6%) in Group 2, and 1 (3.7%) in Group 3 (overall p = 0.11; p = 0.037 comparing Groups 2 and 3). Patients receiving IV furosemide infusion experienced significantly greater urine output and weight loss compared to those receiving placebo without any significant increase creatinine and no significant between group differences in echocardiography parameters, KCCQ or depression scores. CONCLUSION: The use of a standardized protocol of outpatient IV furosemide infusion for a one-month period following hospitalization for ADHF was found to be safe and efficacious in reducing 30-day re-hospitalization.

Cardio-Protective Effects of Multiport Antegrade Cold Blood Cardioplegia Versus Antegrade Cold Blood Cardioplegia in Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Undergoing Conventional Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare the in-hospital outcomes of multiport antegrade cold blood cardioplegia through vein grafts versus conventional antegrade cold blood cardioplegia in patients with left ventricle systolic dysfunction who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods This prospective, randomized clinical study was comprised of patients undergoing on-pump CABG at the Ch. Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology in Multan, Pakistan from November 18, 2018 to December 17, 2019. Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction < 50%) were included. In Group A (N = 73), multiport antegrade cold blood vein graft cardioplegia was given after every distal anastomosis completed for myocardial preservation. In Group B (N = 73), conventional antegrade cold blood cardioplegia was given for myocardial preservation. Results Spontaneous rhythm (without defibrillation applied) after cross-clamp removal was higher in Group A than in Group B (93.3% vs. 85.2%, p < 0.05). Duration of support, ventilation time, and hospital stay were also significantly lower in Group A than in Group B with p = 0.00001, p = 0.03, and p = 0.002, respectively. Intra-aortic balloon pump insertion (4.1% vs. 23.0%, p = 0.02) and operative mortality (0.5% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.35) were also lower in Group A than in Group B. Postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased more in Group A than in Group B, and the postoperative LVEF mean value was 44.68% in Group A versus 41.26% in Group B (p = 0.02). Conclusion Multiport vein graft blood cardioplegia provides superior myocardial protection in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction who underwent CABG. It is also easy to administer, so this technique can be adopted as a routine method for myocardial protection in patients with left ventricular dysfunction planned for on-pump CABG.

Ticagrelor vs Clopidogrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From a Single Institution Registry.

Dual-antiplatelet therapy is recommended for all patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), regardless of performance of revascularization. Ticagrelor (T) was shown to be superior to clopidogrel (C) in a large, randomized clinical trial, but data from real-world practice are lacking. We identified ACS patients from our institutional registry who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and received one of the two drugs at hospital discharge based on physician preference. Among 1439 patients, there were 774 patients (53.8%) in the C group and 665 patients (46.2%) in the T group. T and C patients were similar except for a higher incidence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and lower frequency of prior MI in the T group (P<.05 for both). The primary endpoint - 1-year all-cause death - occurred in 58 C patients and 48 T patients (6.9% vs 7.9%, respectively; P=.42). Sixty percent of these deaths (n = 62; 31 C and 31 T) were considered cardiovascular in nature based on chart review. By multivariable logistic regression model, only dialysis (hazard ratio [HR], 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-4.64; P=.01), age (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.49-2.24 per 10 years; P<.001), and prior heart failure (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.12-2.82; P=.02) were independent predictors of 1-year death. Treatment with T was not a predictor of death (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.81-1.82; P=.35) or cardiovascular death (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.72-1.94; P=.52). Landmark analysis from day 10 showed similar results (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.71-1.84; P=.59). Thus, we conclude that C and T have similar rates of 1-year all-cause mortality, which is predominantly affected by age, end-stage renal disease, and pre-existing heart failure.

Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Left Ventricular Noncompaction in Patients Referred for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Presence of prominent left ventricular trabeculation satisfying criteria for left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) on routine cardiac magnetic resonance examination is frequently encountered; however, the clinical and prognostic significance of these findings remain elusive. This registry aimed to assess LVNC prevalence by 4 current criteria and to prospectively evaluate an association between diagnosis of LVNC by these criteria and adverse events. METHODS AND RESULTS: There were 700 patients referred for cardiac magnetic resonance: 42% were women, median age was 70 years (range, 45-71 years), mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 51% (±17%), and 32% had late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance. The cohort underwent diagnostic assessment for LVNC by 4 separate imaging criteria-referenced by their authors as Petersen, Stacey, Jacquier, and Captur, with LVNC prevalence of 39%, 23%, 25% and 3%, respectively. Primary clinical outcome was combined end point of time to death, ischemic stroke, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, and heart failure hospitalization. Secondary clinical outcomes were (1) all-cause mortality and (2) time to the first occurrence of any of the following events: cardiac death, ischemic stroke, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, or heart failure hospitalization. During a median follow-up of 7 years, there were no statistically significant differences in assessed outcomes noted between patients with and without LVNC irrespective of the applied criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Current criteria for the diagnosis of LVNC leads to highly variable disease prevalence in patients referred for cardiac magnetic resonance. The diagnosis of LVNC, by any current criteria, was not associated with adverse clinical events on nearly 7 years of follow-up. Limited conclusions can be made for Captur criteria due to low observed prevalence.

Right atrial volume by cardiovascular magnetic resonance predicts mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Right Atrial Volume Index (RAVI) measured by echocardiography is an independent predictor of morbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of RAVI assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for all-cause mortality in patients with HFrEF and to assess its additive contribution to the validated Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic heart failure (MAGGIC) score. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified 243 patients (mean age 60 ± 15; 33% women) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% measured by CMR. Right atrial volume was calculated based on area in two- and four -chamber views using validated equation, followed by indexing to body surface area. MAGGIC score was calculated using online calculator. During mean period of 2.4 years 33 patients (14%) died. The mean RAVI was 53 ± 26 ml/m2; significantly larger in patients with than without an event (78.7±29 ml/m2 vs. 48±22 ml/m2, p<0.001). RAVI (per ml/m2) was an independent predictor of mortality [HR = 1.03 (1.01-1.04), p = 0.001]. RAVI has a greater discriminatory ability than LVEF, left atrial volume index and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) (C-statistic 0.8±0.08 vs 0.55±0.1, 0.62±0.11, 0.68±0.11, respectively, all p<0.02). The addition of RAVI to the MAGGIC score significantly improves risk stratification (integrated discrimination improvement 13%, and category-free net reclassification improvement 73%, both p<0.001). CONCLUSION: RAVI by CMR is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with HFrEF. The addition of RAVI to MAGGIC score improves mortality risk stratification.

Review and Analysis of Publication Trends over Three Decades in Three High Impact Medicine Journals.

CONTEXT: Over the past three decades, industry sponsored research expanded in the United States. Financial incentives can lead to potential conflicts of interest (COI) resulting in underreporting of negative study results. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that over the three decades, there would be an increase in: a) reporting of conflict of interest and source of funding; b) percentage of randomized control trials c) number of patients per study and d) industry funding. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: Original articles published in three calendar years (1988, 1998, and 2008) in The Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of American Medical Association were collected. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies were reviewed and investigational design categorized as prospective and retrospective clinical trials. Prospective trials were categorized into randomized or non-randomized and single-center or multi-center trials. Retrospective trials were categorized as registries, meta-analyses and other studies, mostly comprising of case reports or series. Study outcomes were categorized as positive or negative depending on whether the pre-specified hypothesis was met. Financial disclosures were researched for financial relationships and profit status, and accordingly categorized as government, non-profit or industry sponsored. Studies were assessed for reporting COI. RESULTS: 1,671 original articles were included in this analysis. Total number of published studies decreased by 17% from 1988 to 2008. Over 20 year period, the proportion of prospective randomized trials increased from 22 to 46% (p < 0.0001); whereas the proportion of prospective non-randomized trials decreased from 59% to 27% (p < 0.001). There was an increase in the percentage of prospective randomized multi-center trials from 11% to 41% (p < 0.001). Conversely, there was a reduction in non-randomized single-center trials from 47% to 10% (p < 0.001). Proportion of government funded studies remained constant, whereas industry funded studies more than doubled (17% to 40%; p < 0.0001). The number of studies with negative results more than doubled (10% to 22%; p<0.0001). While lack of funding disclosure decreased from 35% to 7%, COI reporting increased from 2% to 84% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Improved reporting of COI, clarity in financial sponsorship, increased publication of negative results in the setting of larger and better designed clinical trials represents a positive step forward in the scientific publications, despite the higher percentage of industry funded studies.

"Second" Primary Cardiac Sarcoma in a Patient With Ewing Sarcoma. Always Expect The Unexpected.

A high suspicion for relapsed metastatic disease must arise when an intracardiac mass is detected in a patient with a recent history of Ewing sarcoma. Nevertheless, the scenario may eventually turn out to be much more complex than expected, and the possibility that the intracardiac tumor may instead be a "second" primary sarcoma, although extremely rare, should also be considered. We describe the first case of concomitant diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma and low-grade myxoid spindle cell sarcoma in the same young patient.

Right Ventricular Dysfunction Impairs Effort Tolerance Independent of Left Ventricular Function Among Patients Undergoing Exercise Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function are closely linked due to a variety of factors, including common coronary blood supply. Altered LV perfusion holds the potential to affect the RV, but links between LV ischemia and RV performance, and independent impact of RV dysfunction on effort tolerance, are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: The population comprised 2051 patients who underwent exercise stress myocardial perfusion imaging and echo (5.5±7.9 days), among whom 6% had echo-evidenced RV dysfunction. Global summed stress scores were ≈3-fold higher among patients with RV dysfunction, attributable to increments in inducible and fixed LV perfusion defects (all P≤0.001). Regional inferior and lateral wall ischemia was greater among patients with RV dysfunction (both P<0.01), without difference in corresponding anterior defects (P=0.13). In multivariable analysis, inducible inferior and lateral wall perfusion defects increased the likelihood of RV dysfunction (both P<0.05) independent of LV function, fixed perfusion defects, and pulmonary artery pressure. Patients with RV dysfunction demonstrated lesser effort tolerance whether measured by exercise duration (6.7±2.8 versus 7.9±2.9 minutes; P<0.001) or peak treadmill stage (2.6±0.9 versus 3.1±1.0; P<0.001), paralleling results among patients with LV dysfunction (7.0±2.9 versus 8.0±2.9; P<0.001|2.7±1.0 versus 3.1±1.0; P<0.001 respectively). Exercise time decreased stepwise in relation to both RV and LV dysfunction (P<0.001) and was associated with each parameter independent of age or medication regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease, regional LV ischemia involving the inferior and lateral walls confers increased likelihood of RV dysfunction. RV dysfunction impairs exercise tolerance independent of LV dysfunction.

Efficacy of newly formulated ointment containing 20% active antimicrobial honey in treatment of burn wound infections.

BACKGROUND: Honey has been familiar to possess antimicrobial potential to clear infection against burn wound infecting bacteria since ancient times. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the newly formulated honey ointment during the treatment of burn wound infections. The Experimental (Non comparative) study was conducted at outpatient department of Dermatology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from November 2009 to October 2010. METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of different Pakistani floral sources (Acacia nilotica species indica, Zizyphus, Helianthus annuus and Carisa opaca) honey samples were investigated by disc diffusion method against freshly isolated burn wounds infecting bacteria. Ointment containing 20% active antimicrobial honey was formulated as a sovereign remedy. A total number of twenty patients with second degree of burn wounds on different parts of the body were studied. A thin layer of honey ointment on gauze was applied to the wounds two to three times a day up to the complete healing. RESULTS: During microbiological study, Pakistani honey samples were discovered to exhibit a very promising antimicrobial activity against all the wound infecting microorganisms tested. Clinical trials demonstrated that the topical application of honey ointment have significant control of infections arising form pathogenic bacteria and up to 100% healing results were observed in all burn wound cases within mean healing time for the duration of 8.15 (3-18) days time period. CONCLUSION: Newly formulated ointment containing 20% active antimicrobial honey is more effective and low-cost alternative preparation for the treatment of burn wound infections.

Impact of clinical skill lab on students' learning in preclinical years.

BACKGROUND: As 1st year students have no prior training in handling and facing patients, Clinical Skill Lab (CSL) is the most suitable place to avoid direct doctor/patient interaction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of recently established CSL and its impact on student learning in basic science subjects. METHODOLOGY: This study was carried out at the Departments of Physiology and Medical Education, Foundation University Medical College Islamabad, from January to October 2012. In this observational study, 150 of 1st year students were divided into 5 batches. Each batch attended clinical skill lab once a week. Each batch was subdivided into 6 batches of 5 students each to be facilitated by one postgraduate trainee from clinical subjects. Overall supervision was done by a consultant of status of Assistant Professor qualified to teach Medicine, Surgery and/or Physiology. Sessions were conducted for 2 hours daily (6 days a week) in which after an initial briefing, students were taught the communication skills, clinical skills and art of history taking and physical examination. Clinical integration of various modules taught in 1st year, i.e., skin, muscle and skeletal system (SMS), upper limb and breast, immunity and haematology, respiratory and cardiovascular modules was done from January to October 2012. Methods of teaching involved large group interactive sessions, small group interactive sessions, self-directed learning, tutorials, revision on computer and recordings of sessions given to students on flashes. Multiple choice questions and observed structured clinical examination were the main assessment tools. Combined assessment of 2 consecutive modules was done at the end of 2nd module making a total of 3 assessments for 1st year. Absentees were included in failures in view of impact of end of modules examinations on overall final assessment. RESULTS: More than 73% students passed examination of clinical skills securing more than 50% marks in each module. Overall impact of CSL was also seen in the subjects of Anatomy and Physiology. Result of purely anatomy SMS and breast modules increased from 64% (year 2011 class) to 79% (year 2012 class). Result of purely Physiology modules (Immunity and Haematology) increased from 77% (year 2011 class) to 94% (year 2012 class). Similarly Respiratory and Cardiovascular modules result improved from 68% to 90.5%. CONCLUSION: The performance of CSL in imparting clinical skills, communication skills, history taking and physical examination was satisfactory. The experience of integrating clinical teaching with basic sciences not only improved students' clinical experience reflected by evaluation, but was also rewarding in improving the results of various modules related to anatomy and physiology.

'Honey ointment': a natural remedy of skin wound infections.

BACKGROUND: Honey is a gift of nature, principally identified and valued to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity and has been used as a natural remedy of wounds since ancient times. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of honey against micro-organisms, to formulate a honey ointment and to evaluate the efficacy of such ointment by conducting clinical trials on skin wound infection. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted at Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi and Out-patient Department of Dermatology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from November 2009 to October 2010. The antimicrobial activity of Pakistani floral sources (Trachysperm copticum, Acacia nilotica species indica, Zizyphus) honey samples was investigated by disc diffusion method against freshly isolated wound infecting bacteria (Staphylococci aureus, Staphylococci epidermidis, Streptococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Candida albicans), and Staphylococci aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9022, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Candida albican ATCC 15146. An ointment containing 20% active antimicrobial honey was formulated. The efficacy of such ointment was evaluated by passing thought clinical trials. A total number of 27 patients (23 skin wound infection, and 4 diabetic foot ulcer) were involved in the study. Thin layer of newly formulated honey ointment on gauze were applied two to three times per day till complete healing. RESULTS: In microbiological assay the honey samples were found to exhibit a very promising antimicrobial activity against all the micro-organisms tested. In clinical trial very significant results (99.15%) healing was observed in skin wound infections cases with mean healing time of 5.86 (2-20) days, and 95% diabetic foot ulcers healed with the mean healing time of 20 (8-40) days. CONCLUSION: Newly formulated ointment containing 20% active antimicrobial honey is very effective and alternative low-cost product for the treatment of wound infections.

Penile fracture: presentation and management.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical presentation, therapeutic options and outcome of the treatment of penile fracture. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Department of Urology and Transplantation, Civil Hospital Quetta, between March 1995 and March 2009. METHODOLOGY: One hundered and thirty seven patients of penile fracture were admitted. Detailed history was taken. Physical examination was done in order to get the extent of penile hematoma, sign of blood at the meatus and side of curvature. Patients with rupture of the superficial and deep dorsal vein of the penis were excluded from the study. The operative plan consisted of immediate exploration, debridement and primary repair of the tear in tunica albuginea and urethra via a degloving inscision. Data analysis was performed to obtain descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The mean age was 25 years (ranging from 14-50 years). Causes of fractures were manipulation in 56 (40.87%) cases, sexual maneuver in 39 (28.46%) cases, rolling or fall on bed in 18 (13.13%) and direct blow on erect penis in 11 (8.02%) patients. Injury involved unilateral corpora cavernosa in 126 (89.78%) and bilateral corpora cavernosa plus urethra in 11 (8.02%) respectively. The interval from time of injury to presentation was 4 hours to 45 days. All the patients presented with the typical clinical picture of a characteristic sound at the time of injury, pain, detumescence, and hematoma. In all the patients the tunical and urethral injuries were promptly repaired. Complication occurred in 7 (5.10%) patients.The mean hospital stay was 2 days. Eighty nine (64.96%) patients available for follow-up reported achieving adequate erection for intercourse without erectile or voiding dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Common clinical presentation were snapping or popping sound, sudden penile pain, detumescence and penile deviation. The aim of surgical repair was to avoid complications and preserve both sexual and voiding functions which was satisfactorily achieved in the majority.

Retrospective study of 213 cases of female urogenital fistulae at the Department of Urology & Transplantation Civil Hospital Quetta, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience in causes, diagnosis and basic principles of surgical treatment of urogenital fistulae. METHODS: A retrospective study of 213 patients with different types of urogenital fistulae were reviewed between October 1995 to October 2008. They were analyzed with regard to age, parity, causal factor, mode of treatment and outcome. Patients were also evaluated at two or three weeks initially, three monthly and later depending upon symptoms. RESULTS: We reviewed our series of female urogenital fistulae treated over a 13 years period. Out of these 213 cases, 133 (62.44%) were Vesico vaginal fistulae, 54 (25.35%) Urethro vaginal fistulae and 26 (12.2%) were Uretero vaginal. Majority of the patients were young in child bearing age between 16 and 30 years of age, although age range was wide i.e., 11 to 50 years. The most common cause of urogenital fistulae were Obstetrical trauma due to obstructed labour in 50 (37.59%) and Gynaecological (hysterectomy 25 (18.79%) and caesarian section in 9 (6.77%). Patients of Uretero vaginal fistulae were mainly due to unrecognized ureteral injuries during Gynaecological procedures (hysterectomy in 17 cases and caesarian section in 5 cases). For repair of vesico vaginal fistulae, Transvaginal route for repair was used in 53 (39.84%) patients, while Trans abdominal route for repair was used in 70 (52.63%) patients. There were 16 (12.03%) failures in Vesico vaginal fistulae with a success rate of 88%. Mean Hospital stay was 15 +/- 3.5 days (range 4-30 days) and a mean follow-up of 8 +/- 3.2 months (range 4 months to 2 years). CONCLUSIONS: In this series, most of the female urogenital fistulae were vesico-vaginal with majority of the women being in the child bearing age. The most common cause was obstetrical trauma.

Effects of combined interferon alpha and ribavirin therapy on thyroid functions in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of thyroid dysfunction in patients of chronic hepatitis C during treatment with interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin therapy. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Army Medical College and Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from February 2006 to January 2007. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and sixty seven non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C patients were grouped into treatment group (n=107) and control group (n=60) awaiting treatment. Baseline serum(s.) Alanine Transferase (ALT) and S. Aspartate Transferase (AST) were measured by IFCC method. Serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (S. TSH), serum free thyroxine (S. Free T4) and serum total triiodothyronine (S.T3) level were determined by chemiluminescence. Study group patients underwent 24 weeks IFN and ribavirin therapy and were followed-up for thyroid dysfunction at weeks 0, 12 and 24. Control group patients underwent the same tests at weeks 0, 12 and 24. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS 15. RESULTS: Out of 107 patients of treatment group, 20 patients (18.69%) developed thyroid dysfunction. Females were at higher risk with Relative Risk (RR) of 11.25 and Attributable Risk (AR) of 91%. Hypothyroidism was more common than hyperthyroidism. CONCLUSION: Interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy induces thyroid dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients. Hypothyroidism was more common. Females are at a higher risk of developing thyroid dysfunction.

Association of response to combined interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin therapy in patients of chronic hepatitis c with serum alanine aminotransferase levels and severity of the disease on liver biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Raised serum alanine aminotransferase (serum ALT) levels indicate active liver disease while liver biopsy has been considered the 'gold standard' for assessing the severity of disease in patients of chronic Hepatitis C. The response of these patients to standard treatment regimen of interferon (INF)-alpha-2b and ribavirin for 24 weeks have been studied. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of response to combined INF alpha-2b and ribavirin therapy in patients of chronic hepatitis C with serum ALT levels and severity of the disease on liver biopsy. METHODS: This quasi experimental study-was conducted in Department of Physiology at Army Medical College and Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2006 to February 2007. One hundred and seven diagnosed non cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C patients were studied. Prior to the commencement of treatment, qualitative assay of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) was done by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Knodell Histopathological Index (HPI) was determined on liver biopsy. The standard treatment of INF-alpha-2b, 3 million units 3 times a week subcutaneous, and Ribavirin 800-1200 mg per day was given for 24 weeks. Serum ALT levels were determined before the start of treatment and later at weeks 12 and 24. Qualitative assay of HCV RNA was done by PCR at the end of treatment to determine the response to treatment. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS 15. RESULTS: Out of 107 patients of chronic hepatitis C, 92 (69 males, 23 females) patients (84%) responded to INF-alpha-2b and ribavirin therapy and revealed negative qualitative assay of HCV RNA by PCR at the end of 24 weeks of treatment while serum ALT levels were normal in 88% of patients at 12 weeks and in 97% at the end of 24 weeks of treatment. Knodell HPI revealed mild, moderate and severe disease in 47.7%, 39.9% and 13.1% of patients respectively. No association was established between response to treatment and severity of the disease on liver biopsy (p < 0.11) and serum ALT levels (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Response to Interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin therapy in patients of chronic hepatitis C is not associated with the levels of serum ALT and the severity of the illness graded on liver biopsy.

Evaluation of restoration of sensitivities of resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates by using cefuroxime and clavulanic acid in combination.

BACKGROUND: The present study was planned to observe the activity of cefuroxime, a second generation cephalosporin after combining it with a beta-lactamase inhibitor calvulanic acid. The study was conducted to evaluate the restoration or increase in sensitivity of beta-lactamase producing isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: Staphylococcus aureus were identified by standard procedures. For beta-lactamase detection chromogenic Nitrocefin impregnated sticks were used. The sensitivity of the bacteria to the antibiotic disks was measured by disk diffusion method using standard zone diameter criteria given by National Committee of Clinical Laboratory Standards. RESULTS: The disks of cefuroxime with clavulanic acid had developed larger zones of inhibition. The activity of cefuroxime against Staphylococcus areus was significantly increased by clavulanic acid. CONCLUSION: Clavulanic acid if used in combination with cefuroxime, can improve the antimicrobial activity of cefuroxime against beta-lactamase producing Staphylococcus aureus.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis due to calculi: report of 63 cases and review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between clinical history and results of renal investigations in patients with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 63 cases presenting with histopathological diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis between 1995 to 2002, at the department of Urology, Bolan Medical College and Sandeman Provincial Teaching Hospital Quetta. RESULTS: There were 26 males and 37 females having an average follow up of two years. Positive findings on examination and investigations at presentation were fever and flank pain in 59 (93.6%) patients and pyuria in 34 (53.9%) patients. All the patients had renal and ureteric calculi with no or severe reduction in the function of the affected kidney on DTPA scan. Hypertrophy of the contra lateral kidney was seen in 56 (88.8%) patients. CONCLUSION: Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a common entity in this part of the world. Late referral leads to loss of the kidney. Pre-operative diagnosis of the condition is desirable and if surgery is mandatory then all infected tissues have to be removed.