Health Sciences Jamshoro Research Articles

Knowledge of Dentist of Hyderabad regarding Dental treatment of pregnant patients.

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of dentists of Hyderabad about treatment protocols of pregnant patient.Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from November 2023 to December 2023 in Hyderabad in collaboration with faculty of community dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro. 200 dentists were contacted to participate in the study.Results: According to our study dentists revealed that antibiotic amoxicillin was used in pregnant patients were 56% penicillin 9.4% and clindamycin 23.3%. According to dentists’ knowledge safest trimester for dental treatment is 2nd trimester. Regarding restoration most of the dentist revealed that glass ionomer cement is the best for pregnant patients.Conclusion: We conclude that there is general lack of knowledge in dentist of Hyderabad regarding dental treatment of pregnant patients. Seminars, educational programs regarding dental treatment of pregnant patients should be arranged so that our dentist must update their knowledge. There is great need of adding guidelines in dental curriculum in order to reduce the risk of any mishap. Key words: KAP, Dentist problem, Pregnant ladies. Hyderabad.

Electric Pulp Test Threshold Responses in Healthy Mature Permanent Teeth

Electric pulp testers assess only the neural component of pulp sensibility in dental practice, while vascular status is evaluated with laser Doppler flowmeters and pulp oximeters, which are more reliable for determining vitality in traumatic teeth. Objective: To determine the accuracy of the electric pulp test in healthy mature permanent teeth. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro by consecutive sampling on 220 participants aged 18-35, who had healthy, mature permanent central incisors, canines, first premolars, and first molars, with no history of cardiac pacemakers and metallic restorations. Teeth were isolated, dried, and tested with a COXO C-Pulse electric pulp tester using toothpaste as a conducting medium. Threshold responses were recorded at increasing currents, with each tooth tested twice to determine the mean value. Accuracy was assessed using additional metrics post-therapy. Chi-square tests were employed to compare accuracy across gender and age groups, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the patients was 25.55 ± 5.41 years. 132 (60%) subjects were female, 88 (40%) subjects were male in this study. Accuracy of the electric pulp test in healthy mature permanent teeth was detected in 181 (82.3%) subjects in this study. Conclusion: It was concluded that the electric pulp tester method seems to be a reliable way to evaluate how sensitive the live nerve tissue inside a tooth is for healthy permanent teeth that have fully formed.

Sex Determination through Pelvic Bone Using Anteroposterior Radiographs

Background: Forensic anthropology uses digital radiography to identify victims' gender, despite the population-specific nature of determining gender from bones, offering a cost-effective and straightforward method. The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the digital radiography technology for sex recognition of the selected participant group in Hyderabad, Sindh Time and location: Cross-sectional study conducted by department of Forensic medicine Liaquat University of medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro and Isra University Hyderabad at the outpatient of Liaquat University hospital, Hyderabad from February to May 2023. Methods: The study included male and female patients aged 18-50 years and was authorized by the Research and Ethics Committee LUMHS. Study participants were divided into two groups; male and female. Differences in pelvis bone fragments parameters like iliac height, inter-acetabular distance, pelvic inlet (breadth), acetabulum diameter, pubic length, Ischial length and ischio-pubic index on digital x-ray radiographs of both groups were examined and compared. Results: A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in bony prominence parameters including inter-acetabular distance, acetabular diameter, breadth of the pelvic inlet, pubic length, ischial length and ischio-pubic index was observed between group A and group B. The study revealed that the accuracy in recognizing male individuals through ileum height (68.8%), inter-acetabular distance (64.7%), and the pelvic inlet breadth (61.0 %) Conclusion: The iliac height, inter-acetabular distance, pelvic inlet (breadth), inter-acetabular diameter, pubic length, Ischial length and ischio-pubic index on radiographs (x-rays) of pelvic bones are a reliable bone fragments parameters in sex determination with high precision.

Morphological and Clinical Analysis of Colorectal Cancer: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with increasing incidence in developing countries like Pakistan. This study aims to evaluate the distribution patterns of colorectal cancer morphologies among patients treated at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro. Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted over two years (January 2022 to December 2023) at the Department of Gastroenterology, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Pathology, LUMHS Jamshoro. A total of 150 patients diagnosed with CRC and who underwent surgical resection were included in the study. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, histopathological types, tumor grading, and staging. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with Fisher’s exact test applied to assess associations between variables. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.7 years (± 11.2), with the majority being male (60%). Most tumors were classified as non-mucinous adenocarcinomas (56%), followed by mucinous adenocarcinomas (28%) and signet-ring cell carcinomas (16%). A strong positive correlation was found between tumor size and Dukes' staging (ρ = 0.42, p < 0.001), as well as between Dukes' staging and tumor grading (ρ=0.46, p<0.001). Rectal bleeding was significantly associated with advanced Dukes’ stages (ρ=0.44, p <0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the aggressive nature of colorectal cancer in the studied population, with significant associations between age, tumor size, staging, and grading. The findings underscore the need for early detection strategies and tailored treatment approaches to address CRC in this region. Keywords: Colorectal Cancer, Dukes’ Staging, Histopathology, Tumor Grading.

Training Workshop on Teaching/Learning in Health Professions Education for Medical Teachers: Feedback of the Participants

Background: For enhancing teaching skills of faculty members, 3-day Training Workshop on Teaching/Learning in Health Profession Education was organized at Bilwal Medical College Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan. Main objective of the study was to assess feedback of the participants at New World Kirkpatrick’s Model level 1 and 2. Methods: This was cross-sectional study conducted using self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had 5-parts; 1) Demographics; 2) Rating of participants on attributes of training workshop at scale 1-10 (1=poor, 10=excellent); 3) Confidence level of the participants on skills learned in specific session at Likert scale 1-4 (1=Not-confident, 4=Extremely-Confident) on retro-pre-questionnaire; 4) Open-ended questions on strengths of workshop and 5) areas for improvement. The data was analyzed for central tendency. The data of retro-pre-questionnaire was normally distributed, so, t-test used for comparison of means. Data of open-ended questions was sorted manually. Results: The rating on attributes of training workshop i.e. usefulness (8.59±1.18), content (8.53±1.12), relevance (8.59±1.23) and facilitation (9.18±0.95) was notable and overall (8.82±0.95) too. The perceived confidence level of participants was significantly (< 0.001) enhanced on five Skills Learned in Specific Sessions of Training Workshop: developing learning objectives (before 2.24±0.44, after 3.29±0.47 ); developing effective PowerPoint presentation (before 2.59±0.51, after 3.06±0.56), conducting large group teaching (before 2.53±0.72, after 3.12±0.60), developing lesson plan for teaching (before 2.12±0.60, after 3.18±0.64), and conducting small group teaching (before 2.76±0.75, after 3.41±0.51) Conclusion: Overall reaction of the participants was constructive and their confidence level was significantly enhanced on specific skills related to teaching/learning.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Tramadol versus Paroxetine in the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation

Objective: To conduct a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of tramadol versus paroxetine in managing premature ejaculation (PE). Methodology: This study employs a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design conducted at the Urology department of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Pakistan. Participants are adult males aged 18–65 years who report persistent PE were included in the study. Premature ejaculation occurs in men when semen leave the body (ejaculate) sooner or just before penetration. Participants meeting the diagnostic criteria for PE are assigned randomly to either the tramadol group or the paroxetine group. Participants in the tramadol group receive oral tramadol hydrochloride at a dose of 50 mg, taken 1–2 hours before anticipated sexual activity. Participants in the paroxetine group receive oral paroxetine hydrochloride (20mg daily), taken continuously for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the change or delay in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT). Results: The mean baseline IELT and after treatment IELT in tramadol group was statistically significant (p<0.001), 47.83±5.68 seconds and 141.54±4.04 seconds, respectively. Similarly, the mean baseline IELT and after treatment IELT in the paroxetine group was statistically significant (p<0.001), 47.03±5.48 seconds and 98.67±4.68 seconds, respectively. Conclusion: Tramadol is an effective alternative to paroxetine in treating premature ejaculation, with studies showing it significantly delays ejaculation similar to paroxetine, providing patients more options for managing lifelong PE.

Pattern of Occurrence and Severity of Oral Submucous Fibrosis Among Habitual Gutkha, Areca Nut and Pan Chewers

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a complex, insidious and precancerous disease of the oral cavity. The high use of addictive substances in our local setting merits to be worked on finding out the resultant prevalence of OSF. Objective: To determine the frequency of occurrence and severity of OSF among habitual gutkha, areca nut and pan chewers. Methods: A total of 183 patients with presenting complaints of burning in mouth, difficulty in chewing and cheek biting and who are habitual chewer of areca nut, gutkha or pan for over 6 months with minimum frequency of 1 pack per day were recruited in this study at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, Pakistan. Severity of OSF was assessed as per clinical staging and findings was reported. Results: The average age of the patients was 34.57±9.98 years. Frequency of occurrence of OSF among habitual gutkha, areca nut and pan chewers was 100%. Regarding severity of OSF among habitual gutkha, areca nut and pan chewers was observed and found 31.15% stage 1, 51.91% stage 2 and 16.94% stage 3. Severity of stages were not statistically significant in all type of addiction. Conclusions: It was concluded that dose-dependent association between the frequency and length of daily use of commercially accessible areca nut and tobacco products and the increased risk of disease.

Comparison of recurrence rate of primary pterygium using conjunctival autograft with sutures versus suture-free approach.

Objective: To compare the recurrence rate of primary pterygium treated with conjunctival autograft (CAG) using sutures versus a suture-free approach. Methodology: From July 2022 to December 2022, a quasi-experimental study was carried out at the Institute of Ophthalmology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro. A total of 110 patients with primary pterygium underwent treatment with conjunctival autograft using sutures or a suture-less/glue-free approach, under local anaesthesia. The patients were monitored for 12 months after surgery to assess recurrence and complications, and all procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Data was collected and analyzed on SPSS version 22. Result: The study included 110 patients with pterygium, mostly males (71.81%) and from rural areas, with the nasal location being the most common. Group A had 3 recurrences at 3 and 6 months, while Group B had 4 recurrences at similar intervals. Group A had fewer complications, including graft oedema, retraction, granuloma, and giant papillary conjunctivitis, while Group B had three cases of retraction. The recurrence rate was found to be 5.08% and 7.70% with and without sutures (P value ≥ 0.53) respectively. Conclusion: The excision of primary pterygium using conjunctival autograft with sutures or suture-free/glue-free methods are safe and uncomplicated procedure that results in lower levels of induced astigmatism, improved cosmetic appearance, no tissue loss, reduced recurrence of pterygium, and decreased risk of, scleral thinning, granuloma formation. Suture-free conjunctival autograft results in less postoperative manifestation like discomfort foreign body sensation, shorter surgery time, and high levels of patient satisfaction compared to conjunctival autograft with sutures. Key words: Primary pterygium, autograft and pterygium. recurrence rate of pterygium, suture with pterygium.

Clinical outcome of direct pulp capping by using mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide in the mature permanent teeth during the carious tissue removal.

Objective: To compare the clinical outcome in between the mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium hydroxide (CaOH) during the direct pulp capping in mature permanent teeth. Study Design: Comparative Cross Sectional. Setting: Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro / Hyderabad. Period: January 2022 to December 2022. Material & Methods: We included all patients who had vital pulp, reversible pulpitis, mature teeth with closed apex, and were between the ages of 18 and 35, regardless of gender. Two groups of patients with equal numbers were formed. Those in groups A and B. Patients in Group A received MTA treatment, whereas those in Group B received CaOH treatment. Patients in both groups were encouraged to follow up to check on the discomfort and sensitivity of the tooth after 24 hours, a week, three months and six months. Data were gathered using a research proforma. Results: The mean age of the patients was 27.13+4.59 years in CaOH group and 27.43+4.40 years in MTA group. Pre- operatively the most of the patients had moderate to severe pain in both groups as 40.0% and 46.7% in CaOH group and 20.0% and 80.0% in MTA group respectively. Severity of the post-operative pain was less in MTA group while findings were statistically insignificant (p-0.143). On the pain assessment after 3 months, only 13.3% cases had mild pain in CaOH group, while no any case found with pain in MTA group (p-0.038). Post operative pain on 7th month was almost decreased complete in both groups. Test validity was positive in all of the cases till 6th months follow-up, which indicted that no nay cases had developed narcosis after treatment in both groups. Furthermore, in this study, there was no any cases found with radiological abnormalities during follow- up of 24 hours to 6 month post-operatively in both groups. Conclusion: After direct pulp capping in adult permanent teeth, both mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide were demonstrated to be effective. However, MTA seems to be more effective than calcium hydroxide in preserving long-term pulp vitality.

PREVENTIVE EFFECTS OF FIGS POWDER & GARLIC POWDER IN MALE ALBINO RATS WITH INDUCED DYSLIPIDEMIA

Dyslipidemia is one of the predisposing factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases due to the formation of atherosclerosis. Statin drugs are commonly used for the management of dyslipidemia but due to different side effects, drug resistance and affordability issues now, researchers working on the different preventive and curative effects of different natural herbs, fruits, etc. this study aimed to evaluate & compare the preventive effects of Ficus Carica & Allium Sativum on serum lipid profile levels in albino rats on induction of dyslipidemia. This experimental study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro, Pakistan. Total of 24 male albino rats weighing of 170-190 grams were purchased from the Ojha campus of DUMHS Karachi Pakistan and caged at the Animal House of Agriculture University Tando Jam Pakistan. Twenty-four male albino rats were divided into four groups; each group contained 6 rats, group A as control group received a normal diet; group B rats received high fatty diet; group C rats received high fatty diet along with figs powder; group D rats received a high fatty diet with garlic powder with the calculated and proper dose for six weeks. After six weeks, orbital capillary blood samples were drawn to estimate lipid profile parameters. Lipid profile performed on Cobas chemical analyzer of Roche Hitachi at Diagnostic & Research Laboratory LUMHS. The Statistical data was analyzed by SPSS version 21 by applying ANOVA test for significance. The serum cholesterol level was highly observed in group B rats, and serum cholesterol level was significantly (P < .001) low in the group C & D rats in comparison to group B male albino rats. The serum T.G. level is highly observed in group B rats, T.G.’s level is significantly (P < .001) low in the group C & D rats compared to group B male albino rats. The serum LDL level is highly observed in group B rats, with a significant serum LDL level (P = 0.05) low in the group C & D rats compared to group B male albino rats. The serum HDL level more decline in group B rats serum HDL level was significantly (P = 0.05) high in the group C & D rats with the comparison to group B male albino rats. Figs and garlic powder had a significant role in normal levels of different lipid profile parameters. This study concluded that figs powder and garlic powder could perform a preventive role in the development of dyslipidemia.

Practice of Modified Safety Measures for Covid-19 Adopted by Dental Health Care Providers and Barriers Faced by Them

The COVID-19 infection has influenced almost everyone belonging to every walk of life especially dental practitioners are introduced to a higher bet of getting infected because of close contact with such patients. The COVID-19 has put an enormous hassle on clinical benefits system across the globe. The dental practice is to highly needed change in accordance with the new scourge circumstance in order to reduce the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection transmission. Objective: To investigate practice of modified safety measures by the dentists regarding COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dentists working at Institute of dentistry Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, Dental outpatient department of Hyderabad, and private dental practitioners of Hyderabad city, Pakistan by convenience sampling technique. The analysis of data were conducted using SPSS version 23.0 after adjusting the potential confounders and to analyze association between dentist response and age, gender, and other characteristics by applying Chi-Square test. Results: Most of the dental professionals are scared of developing COVID-19 from a patient or co-worker (83.17%) and are well known about its transmission (93.36%) and use PPE (74.17%). Conclusions: Although having a high valuable level of knowledge and practice, dental practitioners around the world are in a state of anxiety and dread while working in their respective fields due to the COVID-19 pandemic impact on mankind.

Assessment of Vitamin D Deficiency and its Possible Risk with Breast Cancer in Pakistan

Aim: To assess the vitamin D deficiency as a possible risk factor in breast cancer. Study design: Cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: Surgical Unit-II, Ward 5, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro from 1stJanuary 2022 to 31st December 2022. Methodology: One hundred and twenty-seven patients with the complaints of lump/mass in the breast or nipple discharge ≥6-week duration and diagnosed as breast cancer regardless of stage/grade presented were enrolled. Results: 59.8% while the illiterate, primary, middle, secondary and higher were 36.2%, 14.2%, 17.3%, 20.5% and 11.8%. The statistical significance was observed for vitamin D deficiency in accordance with residence (p=0.03), duration of disease (p=0.05), educational status (p=0.05), hypertension (p=0.01), smoking (p=0.00), obesity (p=0.02), diabetes mellitus (p=0.04), raised CRP (p=0.00), hypocalcemia (p=0.00), ER/PR positive (p=0.01) and family history of breast cancer (p=0.04). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in patients with breast cancer with rural population predominance. Keywords: Breast cancer, breast carcinoma, and vitamin D deficiency.

Frequency of Transfusion Transmitted Infections in Healthy Blood Donors in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To determine transfusion transmitted infectious disease (TTI) pattern in potential healthy replacement donors. Study Design: Cross sectional study Place and Duration: Diagnostic and Research Laboratory Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, Hyderabad. Jan-2022-Dec 2022 Methods: Total 14,355 replacement donors of age 18-55 years were selected in this study as per inclusion criteria, which comprised of 25 questionnaire, evaluating donors for history of Injections, medicines, time since last donation, tattoos, not feeling well, dental work, sexual relationships, history of malaria / T.B, surgery, jaundice vaccination positive viral markers in the past followed by physical examination. SPSS 24.0 was used to analyze all data. Results: There were 9635 (67.1%) males and 4720 (32.95) females in this study. Among all, 42.8% cases had age 18-25 years, 26.8% cases had 26-30 years, 16.6% cases had 31-35 years and 13.7% patients were from age group 36-55 years. Majority of the donors 32.3% had blood group B positive, followed by O positive in 29.9%, 22% donors had A positive and AB positive blood group found in 8.7% cases. According to screening results, most common infection was Hepatitis B Core Antibody found in 10% cases, anti-HCV found in 2.17% cases, HBsAg in 0.3% cases, ICT malaria in 0.05% cases, RPR 0.41% and HIV 1&2 in 0.1% cases. Conclusion: HB core total antibody showed highest positivity in replacement donors despite stringent donor selection criteria, followed by Anti HCV. Syphilis, HBsAg, HIV and malaria showed lowest prevalences. Keywords: Blood Donors, HCV, HBV, ICT Malaria

Prevalence of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in End Stage Renal Disease Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Among the hemodialysis population, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is becoming a major cause of cardiovascular death, mainly due to myocardial infarction, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Objective: To determine the frequency of left ventricular hypertrophy in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: The Descriptive Cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Nephrology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro. All patients above 18 years of age and below 65 years of age of both gender having end stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis with 3 months or more of maintenance hemodialysis were consecutively enrolled. On dialysis free day patients meeting inclusion criteria was sent for Trans Thoracic Echocardiography. Measurements was taken as inter-ventricular septal thickness, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular posterior wall thickness through parasternal long axis or short axis just distal to the tip of mitral valve leaflet. Results: The mean age of the patients was 53.54 ± 11.63 years. There were 72 (61.5%) males and 45 (38.5%) females. The mean duration of hemodialysis was 5.61 ± 0.97 months. The mean duration of ESRD was 7.23 ± 0.78 months. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was found in 73 (62.4%) and hypertension in 71 (60.7%) patients. The frequency of left ventricular hypertrophy was found in 53 (45.3%) patients. Conclusions: The frequency of left ventricular hypertrophy was found to be 45.3% in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Impact of Universal Donor History Questionnaire in Pre-Donation Deferrals a Tertiary Care Hospital Experience

Objective: The purpose of this research was to better understand the factors that lead to pre-donation deferral at a tertiary care hospital's Blood bank. Understanding the factors that lead donors to decline can inform more effective selection criteria. Study Design: Cross-sectional/Descriptive study Place and Duration: Diagnostic and research laboratory Liaquat university of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro Hyderabad. January 2022-December 2022 Methods: This study comprised of 2200 donors at blood bank of LUMHS. The UDHQ included 25 questions to assess donors' backgrounds in regards to things like injections, medicines, time since last donation, tattoos, general health, dental work, sexual relationships, malaria/T.B., surgery, jaundice, vaccination, positive viral markers, etc. Haemoglobin (Hemacue 50/Diaspect Hb with daily quality control), Heart rate/rhythm, Blood pressure, Body temperature, Weight/Height, and Jaundice were all part of the physical exam. Results: There were majority 1578 (71.7%) males and 622 (28.3%) female donors among all cases. Donors mean age was 26.12±9.88 years and mean weight was 61.3±8.49 kg. 1435 (65.2%) cases were from urban areas. Among all, 1650 (75%) donors were accepted and 550 (25%) donors were deferral. Most common cause of deferral was low hemoglobin followed by anemia, HCV, HBV, inappropriate pulse rate, low BP, jaundice, active infection, malaria, syphilis, allergy, aspirin intake, drugs, last donation, skin/eye colour and sexual relationship. There were 1870 (85%) cases of replacement donors among all cases. Conclusion: The selection of healthy blood and the reduction of donor injury will be made possible by a thorough pre-donation screening interview and physical examination. Our setup has a somewhat higher blood donor deferral rate because to stringent donor sector requirements and extra attention paid to donor selection processes. The increased replacement donor deferral rate is a result of refusals for past injection history and poor hemoglobin levels. Keywords: Donors, Deferrals, Hemoglobin, Infection, HCV

Perception of smile esthetics by patients reporting for orthodontic treatment

Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate smile esthetics in terms of midline diastema, smile arc and gingival display during smile by patients reporting for orthodontic treatment. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Out Patient Door, Orthodontic Department Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro Sindh. Duration: The study was conducted within 06 months after the approval of synopsis i-e from Dec 2020, to May 2021. Sample size: Out measures were 1) midline diastema, 2) Gingival Display during smile, 3) smile arc. Sample size calculation was done by using “Openepi” software with 5% margin of error and 95 % confident value, Mean 0.95, Sample size was n= 126. Sample technique: Non-Probability consecutive sampling technique. Data collection method: After approval of this study from Ethical Review Committee of LUMHS study was conducted at Orthodontic Department, Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro. There were total of 126 participants in this study, Data was collected showing three different front smiling photographs with various degrees of; Gingival Show During Smile i-e A= 0mm B =0.5mm C=1.5mm D=2mm E=2.5mm Smile Arc i-e A. Convex/Curved B. Plan/Straight C. Inverted/Reverse.

Prevalence of HCV Infection in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in haemodialysis patients. Patients on haemodialysis are at high risk for HCV, with frequency of infection several times higher than that in non-hemodialysis patients. Objective: To determine the frequency of HCV infection in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: The Descriptive Cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Nephrology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro. All patients above 18 years of age and below 60 years of age of both gender having end stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis with 3 months or more of maintenance hemodialysis were consecutively enrolled. Post hemodialysis patient’s serum was checked for anti HCV antibody by enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). Presence of anti HCV antibodies in serum detected by ELISA was labeled as HCV positive. Results: Of 90 patients, the mean age of the patients was 46.85 ±8.21 years. There were 54 (60%) males and 36 (40%) females. The mean duration of hemodialysis was 10.39 ±3.31 months. The frequency of HCV was found to be 21 (23.3%). A significant association of HCV was found with gender (p-value 0.006) whereas age (p-value 0.597) and duration of hemodialysis (p-value 0.715) was found to be insignificant. Conclusion: The frequency of HCV infection was found to be 23% in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Early recognition and treatment of which improves the patient outcome.

Clinical Evaluation of Eugenia Jambolana Hypoglycemic Effects in Patients Diagnosed with Type II Non-Insulin Independent Diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a progressive hyperglycemic ailment in which blood glucose level increases than the normal values. Eugenia jambolana has anti-hyperglycemic properties. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of Eugenia jambolana in patients, suffering from type II diabetes. Study design: A control-experimental study was performed at the Department of Pharmacology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro for the duration of six months from February 2022 to July 2022. Material and Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, having fasting glucose level greater than 140mg/dl and patients having uncontrolled diabetes, despite being on the anti-diabetic drugs, were included in the study as study subjects. The control group was comprised of individuals with blood glucose levels in normal ranges and had no previous family history of diabetes mellitus. The extracts of Eungenia jambolana were administered to the study subjects as per the approved plan and after which the blood glucose levels were determined. Results: Blood glucose levels were reduced in the group of patients, who were not on any antidiabetic medication. Urinary glucose levels were also investigated and glycosuria was found to be reduced. Reduction in blood glucose was also observed in the group, which was on oral hypoglycemics and the glucose levels were dramatically reduced with high dose. Conclusion: The extract of Eungenia jambolana exhibited lowering of blood glucose levels in diabetes patients and treated diabetes mellitus. It may be used alone or in combination with other hypoglycemic drugs for the effective blood glucose reduction and treatment of the disease. Keywords: Eungenia jambolana, type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Clinical outcomes comparison in diabetic and non-diabetic COVID-19 patients

Aim: To compare the clinical outcomes of a severe attack of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes and patients with no diabetes. Study design: A case-control study. Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro Pakistan from October 2020 to October 2021. Methodology: Out of 62 patients who visited the emergency department during the study period with shortness of breath, 55 participants tested positive for COVID-19. Those 55 were included in the present study. All the patients were admitted to ICU. A detailed demographic and clinical history was taken. All the patients were categorized as diabetic and non-diabetic based on their blood sugar levels. The clinical outcomes were assessed by monitoring blood pressure, rate of shock, renal function tests, and level of troponin. Result: Out of a total of 55 patients, 33 (60%) patients were detected with diabetes and the remaining 22 (40%) did not have diabetes. A total of 21 (63.64%) of the diabetic patients needed invasive ventilation and 9 (27.27%) needed non-invasive ventilation. A total of 20 (60.6%) diabetic patients had acute kidney injury and 29 (87.88%) had elevated levels of troponin.

Vitamin D and diabetic retinopathy in above 40 years old patients; Study of Tertiary Eye Care Hospital Jamshoro.

Objective: To estimate the relationship between serum level 25-hydroxyvitamin (25 (OH) D) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in type 2 diabetic elders. Study Design: Prospective, Observational study. Setting: Institute of Ophthalmology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro. Period: July 2020 to September 2021. Material & Methods: After completing the clinical examination, all participants were sent to the laboratory to investigate the blood level of Vitamin D (Vita D), glycated hemoglobin, glucose fasting/random; and urea and creatinine. For statistical analysis, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used. The serum level of 25 (OH) D was assessed with logistic regression analysis to evaluate the relationship with diabetic retinopathy. Results: Collected blood variables indicated that the mean level of Vita D was lower in subjects with proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) and Non-PDR (NPDR) as compared to No DR (NDR) (14.10 ± 1.20, 21.10 ± 1.91, 23.29 ± 2.10