DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOUR THERAPY FOR CSA-RELATED PTSD AMONG YOUNG ADOLESCENTS: A SINGLE CASE STUDY.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive and traumatic experience that can lead to long-lasting and profound psychological costs, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among young adolescents. This single case study explores the application of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) as ground-breaking therapeutic approach for the treatment of child sexual abuse related PTSD in this vulnerable population. DBT found to be effective in treating CSA related PTSD, according to a growing body of research. This case study presents the course of treatment of 13 years old girl with CSA-related PTSD who received Dialectical Behaviour Therapy as treatment. In this instance, the client reacted to the therapy and displayed positive changes. Following the treatment, the client's PTSD criteria were no longer met, evidenced by substantial drops on the scale used for evaluation. The article discusses the treatment implications of DBT and how well it treats children with PTSD related to CSA.

Decompressive Craniectomy for the Treatment of Severe Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading public health problems across the world. TBI is associated with high economic costs to the healthcare system specially in developing countries. Decompressive craniectomy is a procedure in which an area of the skull is removed to increase the volume of intracranial compartment. There are various techniques of decompressive craniectomy used that include subtemporal and circular decompression, and unilateral or bilateral frontotemporoparietal decompression. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of decompressive craniectomy for the management of severe TBI versus conservative management alone at the Department of Neurosurgery, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Methods The study (randomized controlled trial) was conducted from February 1, 2014, till June 30, 2017. Results A total of 136 patients were included after following the inclusion criteria. They were randomly assigned to two groups, making it 68 patients in each study group. There were 89 males and 47 females. All the patients received standard care recommended by the Brain Trauma Foundation. The mortality rate observed at 6 months in decompressive craniectomy was 22.05%, while among conservative management group, it was 45.58%. Difference in mortality of both groups at 6 months was significant. Total 61.76% (42) of patients from decompressive craniectomy group had a favorable outcome (Glasgow outcome scale: 4-5) at 6 months. While among conservative management group, total 35.29% (24) had a favorable outcome (Glasgow outcome scale: 4-5). Difference in Glasgow outcome scale at 6 months of both groups was significant. Conclusion In conclusion, decompressive craniectomy is simple, safe, and better than conservative management alone.

Real Time-PCR coupled with melt curve analysis for detecting the authenticity of camel milk.

The study evaluated the use of Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT- PCR) to detect the adulteration of camel milk with goat, cow milk. DNA was isolated from camel milk, camel milk powder, camel milk soap, cow milk, and goat milk using DNA extraction kit. RT- PCR amplified a single piece of DNA into millions of copies. The camel specific primers were designed using the primer- 3 online software and quantification of the isolated DNA was carried out by RT- PCR system through DNA standard curves and cycle threshold (Ct) values. The detection limit of DNA template was in the range of 0.001-0.002%. The reaction mixture (20µL) contained 10 µL SYBR Green master mix, 0.3 µL of 10 µM of each primer and 5 µL DNA. Thermal cycling consisted of an initial denaturation at 95 °C for 1 min, followed by 40 cycles for 15 s at 95 °C and 60 °C for 30 s. The primer pairs used were confirmed for their PCR efficiency, and specific products were evaluated by melt curve analysis. Results indicated positive amplification for the camel milk, camel milk powder, and camel milk soap but negative amplification for cow and goat milk. In conclusion, the RT- PCR based identification is a low cost and appropriate method for camel milk and its products. Although, the yield of DNA from camel milk soap after isolation is low but the isolated DNA segment was easily identified.

Optimization of Finger Millet and Carrot Pomace based fiber enriched biscuits using response surface methodology.

Carrot pomace and finger millet flour were used to enrich the nutritional potential of biscuits with fiber. Their combined effect on physiochemical properties was optimized by response surface methodology. Experiments were conducted to standardize the formulation for development of fiber enriched biscuits using carrot pomace powder and finger millet flour at different baking times. Box-Behnken design was selected for modeling of the three independent variables: carrot pomace powder (10 g, 15 g, 20 g), finger millet flour (2.5 g, 5 g, 7.5 g), and baking time (21 min, 23 min, 25 min). Various experimental runs were used to evaluate the effect of above independent variables on spread ratio, change in colour, moisture content, ash content, fat content, fiber content, hardness and general acceptability. The optimum values predicted 15.522 g of carrot pomace powder, 5.178 g of finger millet flour and 21 min of baking time for development of enriched biscuits with 7.51 spread ratio, 17.02 change in colour, 2.85 g/100g moisture (wet basis), 14.84 g/100g fat, 2.56 g/100g ash, and 2.28 g/100g fiber, 61.967 N hardness, 8.424 general acceptability.

Extraction optimization of mucilage from Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seeds using response surface methodology.

Aqueous extraction of basil seed mucilage was optimized using response surface methodology. A Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) for modeling of three independent variables: temperature (40-91 °C); extraction time (1.6-3.3 h) and water/seed ratio (18:1-77:1) was used to study the response for yield. Experimental values for extraction yield ranged from 7.86 to 20.5 g/100 g. Extraction yield was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by all the variables. Temperature and water/seed ratio were found to have pronounced effect while the extraction time was found to have minor possible effects. Graphical optimization determined the optimal conditions for the extraction of mucilage. The optimal condition predicted an extraction yield of 20.49 g/100 g at 56.7 °C, 1.6 h, and a water/seed ratio of 66.84:1. Optimal conditions were determined to obtain highest extraction yield. Results indicated that water/seed ratio was the most significant parameter, followed by temperature and time.