University Health Sciences Research Articles

Bioinformatics Approaches to Identify the Comorbidity Complexities of SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Crohn's Disease.

To analyse potential molecular mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic regimens and drugs to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Crohn's disease (CD) through bioinformatics and systems biology. Bioinformatics Study. Place and Duration of the Study: Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China, from May to December 2022. The commondifferentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CD and SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified using two RNA-seq datasets (GSE147507, GSE153974) extractedfrom Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Subsequently, functional enrichment, pathway analysis, and candidate drug analysis were performed using these DEGs. In total, 44 DEGs were identified as common between CD and SARS-CoV-2 infection. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, hub genes were identified, and critical modules were determined by means of bioinformatics andcombinatorial statistical approaches. Functional and pathway analyses conducted under ontological conditions showed a common association between CD and infection with SARS-CoV-2. The common DEGs were then used to identify coregulatorynetworks of interactions between transcriptional factors and genes, between proteins and medicines, and between DEGs and miRNAs. Top 10 hub genes including IL6, CXCL1, CSF2, CXCL2, CXCL5, MMP3, PTGS2, CXCL3, SELE, and LCN2 were identified, which may function as potential candidate targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, the identification of certain promising treatment drugs for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and CD was also made. SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Drug molecule, Hub gene, Protein-protein interaction (PPI), Gene ontology, Crohn's disease, Differentially expressed genes.

Analysis of Root Angulation of Maxillary Central Incisor Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Background: Variance in anatomical morphology is influenced by the axial inclination of the tooth. When looking at the axial tilt of the crown, it's common to assume that it follows the same axis as the root. This study aims to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to determine the root angulation correlation in maxillary central incisors. Methods: This cross-sectional observational research was performed at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). The CBCT scans of patients who matched the inclusion criteria were done by skilled radiography technicians and primary investigators on ROTOGRAPH EVO 3D. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA was utilized to examine the Root Angulation (RA) with different root positions. p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: This study examined n=152 CBCT images. Mean age was 27.2 + 5.9 years, with 32(42.1%) men and 44(44.1%) females. Buccal subtype I was most prevalent (59, 38.8%) in maxillary central incisors, while buccal subtype III was least common (5, 3.3%). The root angulations varied significantly between root location classifications (p=0.007). These were intermediate root location (14.9 2.6 degrees) and buccal subtype III (14.28 2.25 degrees). The palatal root type had the least angle (3.73 1.5 degrees). Conclusion: The buccal root position was shown to be the most common root location. Buccal subtype I was by far the most common. Buccal subtype III and middle root location had the maximum root angle. The palatal root position had the smallest angle.

A Tracer Study of Psychosocial Counselling Graduates Working in Different Healthcare Facilities Across Malawi.

Graduate Tracer Studies plays a key role in informing higher education institutions worldwide about the effectiveness of their programs and preparing graduates for the job market. The study aimed to trace its psychosocial counselling graduates working in different healthcare facilities across Malawi. The tracer study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design where the quantitative research method, specifically a survey was used. Data was gathered from Psychosocial counselling graduates of Saint John of God College of Health Sciences using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Out of 123 participants, 72 responded, yielding a response rate of 59%. Of these, there were 40 (55.6%) females and 32 (44.4%) males. Results indicated strong belief among participants that the program provided them with valuable skills. The majority of graduates reported successful employment outcomes, with an impressive 62 (86.1%) securing jobs, often within a short period. Many participants effectively utilized the knowledge and skills acquired during the program within their workplace settings. However, a subset of graduates faced challenges in applying their training. Recommendations for program improvement included the addition of courses such as Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation. The identified key challenges encompassed low staffing levels and limited resources. The study confirms program effectiveness based on positive outcomes reported by graduates in job relevance, skill development, and knowledge use. Addressing identified gaps and implementing recommended improvements can enhance graduates' employability, meet market demands, and improve the psychosocial counselling health sector in Malawi. The study recommends that the College should consider collaborating with industry partners, monitoring employment outcomes, and proactively adapting the curriculum is vital for program success and professional development.

How Far Is Progress? Gender Dimensions of Student Enrollment in Higher Education in Ghana: The Case of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Despite the World Declaration on Higher Education for the 21st Century that education is the ultimate support of human rights, and that access and participation remain key catalysts to accelerating equal educational opportunities for all, females continue to trail their male counterparts in educational outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa. This study focuses on the Ghanaian context and assesses the gender dimensions of student enrollment in higher education, highlighting the disparities therein. We adopt a typical case study design, and a mixed method approach, involving quantitative analysis of student enrollment data, qualitative interviews, and focus group discussions with administrators and students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. We find generally low female participation across all colleges of the university, except for the College of Health Sciences. We also find low female participation across three dimensions: qualified applicants, admissions, and enrollment. The causes of disparity in the dimensions of student enrollment are rooted in four main factors: institutional, socio-cultural, economic, and awareness of STEM policy and opportunities. The present findings have implications for the implementation of STEM and other gender policies at both the pre-tertiary and tertiary levels of education across sub-Saharan Africa.

PROBLEMS WITH ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY TRAINING IN PAKISTAN

PROBLEMS WITH ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY TRAINING IN PAKISTAN

Pediatrik Yaş Grubunda Hafif Semptomatik Büyük Ekstradural Hematomların Konservatif Tedavisi: 20 Vaka Serisi

Aim: Conservative treatment is a safe alternative to surgical treatment in patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic extradural hematoma seen in the pediatric age group. There is still a debate about patient selection criterias. This study highlights the radiological and clinical features of pediatric large EDH patients treated without surgery. 
 
 Material and Methods: In this retrospective-cohort study, we present a review of the data of 20 pediatric EDH patients treated in Health Sciences University, Bursa Yüksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital between 2015 and 2020. This study; includes patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 14+ and diagnosed EDH thickness ≥ 15mm in computed tomography (CT), treatment protocol and outcomes. 
 
 Results: Of the 206 patients diagnosed with EDH, 131 (63,5 %) had an initial GCS ≥ 14. Furthermore, 23 (11,1 %) patients had EDH thickness ≥ 15 mm. 3 patients were excluded from study because of emergent surgery. The number of patients included in the study was 20 and all patients had a GOS score of 5 on at least one -year follow-up. 
 
 Conclusion: According to our results, conservative treatment is an optimal alternative to surgical treatment in pediatric large EDH patients. However, patient selection and clinical features are very important.

Evaluation of risk factors and clinical outcomes of acute respiratory failure from post renal transplant recipients: A five-year data of a single center

Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission is a common complication following renal transplant and is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This study aimed to evaluate etiological factors and clinical outcomes of ARF following a renal transplant. This was a retrospective observational study. Data was recruited from last five –years’ records of Renal Transplant Unit of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. Patients who developed ARF after renal transplantation whether requiring hospitalization (both in ICU or in ward) were included and their severity, etiologic diagnosis, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. During past five years (June 2017 till June 2023) a total of 450 kidney allografts were done and 35 patients (7.8%) developed ARF. Out of which 15 patients were shifted to the ICU. Mortality of female patients was higher as compared to males (26.1% versus 20.4%). Hypertension was found to be the most common comorbidity whereas glomerulonephritis was the most common cause of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Acute rejection was observed in 20.89% (n = 94) of recipients. Bacterial pneumonia was the most common cause of ARF, one patient needed on mechanical ventilation whereas two patients were dialysis dependent survivors. ARF following renal transplant is associated with higher mortality and loss of graft function because of compromised immunity. Anti-bacterial prophylaxis and early intensive management appears to help in improving the outcome while integrating the graft function.

Microbiological analysis in different brands of Hepato-protective liquid herbal medicines available in the Dhaka city

Introduction: The use of herbal medicine is on the rise worldwide, and safety issues associated with herbal medicines may have an impact on the population who are using it. Herbal medicines are generally considered as safe based on their long-standing use in various cultures. However, there are concerns regarding the safety especially microbial growth of many of the liquid herbal medicines. Objective: To isolate and identify the organisms from the Herbal Preparations used by the mass people. Methods: A total of 27 different Hepato-protective herbal medicines (HPHMs) were purchased randomly from identified herbal shops and retail outlets in different parts of Dhaka city. All collected samples were analyzed by the Pour Plate method for microorganisms in the Department of Microbiology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Mirpur, Dhaka. Results: The results of the culture of the studied Hepato-protective drugs showed “No growth” of any Bacteria among 14 samples (51.9%). Growth was found in the remaining 13 samples (48.1%). There was “No growth” of any fungi in all Hepato-protective liquid herbal medicines. Conclusions: The levels of viable bacteria in the studied samples were found to be above safety limits. Pathogenic bacteria were also isolated from these herbal medicines. So, the use of homemade and commercial herbal medicines is a major risk to the health of the people who use these therapies due to the lack of microbial quality standards. Therefore, this warrants immediate need of management of herbal medicines to scale up its quality & safety issue.

The effect of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity on survival in gastric cancer

BackgroundSarcopenic obesity arises from increased muscle catabolism triggered by inflammation and inactivity. Its significance lies in its role in contributing to morbidity and mortality in gastric cancer. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and gastric cancer, as well as their effect on survival.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included 162 patients aged ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with stomach cancer. Patient age, gender, diagnostic laboratory results, and cancer characteristics were documented. Sarcopenia was assessed using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) (cm2/m2), calculated by measuring muscle mass area from a cross-sectional image at the L3 vertebra level of computed tomography (CT).ResultsAmong the 162 patients, 52.5% exhibited sarcopenia (with cut-off limits of 52.4 cm2/m2 for males and 38.5 cm2/m2 for females), and 4.9% showed sarcopenic obesity. Average skeletal muscle area (SMA) was 146.8 cm2; SMI was 50.6 cm2/m2 in men and 96.9 cm2 and 40.6 cm2/m2 in women, respectively. Sarcopenia significantly reduced mean survival (p = 0.033). There was no association between sarcopenic obesity and mortality (p > 0.05), but mortality was higher in sarcopenic obesity patients (p = 0.041). Patient weight acted as a protective factor against mortality, supporting the obesity paradox. Tumor characteristics, metabolic parameters, and concurrent comorbidities did not significantly impact sarcopenia or mortality.ConclusionSarcopenia is more prevalent in the elderly population and is linked to increased mortality in gastric cancer patients. Paradoxically, higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with improved survival. Computed tomography offers a practical and reliable method for measuring muscle mass and distinguishing these distinctions.Trial registrationThis study was approved by Istanbul Training and Research Hospital Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the University of Health Sciences (29.05.2020/2383).

Three-staged minimally invasive esophagectomy with end-to-end esophago-gastric anastomosis for thoracic esophageal cancers: An experience from a low middle-income country

BackgroundEsophageal cancer is on a steady rise and carries significant mortality and morbidity. Depending upon the clinical stage at presentation, either chemotherapy, radiotherapy with or without surgical resection is the treatments in practice. Traditionally, open esophagectomy was performed but over time, the importance of minimally invasive esophagectomy has been established. In this study, we aimed to report our data of totally minimally invasive esophagectomies performed for thoracic esophageal cancers in last four years. MethodologyA prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Upper GI Surgery, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. All diagnosed cases of esophageal carcinoma undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy, from 2019 to 2022 were included in this study. Outcomes measured were operative time, intra operative complications, conversion rate to open, postoperative complications, number of lymph nodes harvested, margin clearance, in-hospital mortality and 90-days mortality. ResultsA total of 53 cases were included in the study, the most prevalent histological type was squamous cell carcinoma 42(79.2%) as compared to adenocarcinoma 8(15.1%). Most common tumor site was lower thoracic esophagus (30–38 cm) in 20 (56.6%) cases. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy was given in all 53(100%) cases, whereas neo-adjuvant radiation therapy was offered to 49(92.5%) patients. There was a significant and favorable patient response to the neo-adjuvant treatment in 37(69.8%) cases, leading to a decrease in tumor size. Laparoscopic McKeown Esophagectomies were performed in 44 (83.0%) and 9(17.0%) were Robot-assisted Minimally Invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). Intraoperative injuries (i.e., lung parenchymal injury and bleeding) were reported in only 2(3.8%) patients. Post-operative complications were recorded in 12(22.6%) patients. Margin clearance was observed in 53 (100%) of the patients. The 90-day mortality rate was 3(5.7%), one due to bleeding and other two mortalities were due to COVID related respiratory complications. ConclusionMinimally invasive esophagectomy was found to be safe and feasible technique with encouraging results in terms of decreased intraoperative and post operative complications as well as achieving the standard oncological surgery with acceptable lymph node yield and margin clearance and in hospital and 90 days mortality.

A-263 Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolated from Retail Meat Products Imported from USA and Domestically Produced on Caribbean Islands of St. Kitts and Grenada

Abstract Background Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a commensal flora of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and livestock animals. However, pathogenic and opportunistic variants are becoming a significant cause for concern in human healthcare (CDC, 2014). The emergence of these resistant strains is attributed to the overuse of antibiotics in agricultural practices (Llor, 2014). These microbes carry antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genetic markers that cause severe complications in treating intestinal and extra-intestinal infections in humans (Crecencio, 2020). The role of global meat industrialization and trade as a potential reservoir and source of transmission for AMR bacteria is considered a priority for OneHealth Initiatives, with collaborations between researchers, physicians, veterinarians, and food industries. Methods This study aims to compare the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of E. coli isolated from pork and poultry products imported from the USA to those domestically produced on the Caribbean Islands of St. Kitts and Grenada. This study was conducted over a 6-year period at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) in St Kitts and St. George’s University (SGU) in Grenada. Meat product samples were collected from retail stores around the Caribbean Islands. These meat samples were incubated at 36°C in Buffered media for 60 min and 24 h, then spread onto MacConkey agar to select for Gram-negative bacterial isolates. Lactose fermenting colonies were isolated and subcultured onto Nutrient agar. Species identification was performed using standard biochemical assays and Biomerieux API-20E test kits. Isolates were introduced to Mueller Hinton agar, and antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion. Results 100 meat product samples (50 domestic, 50 imported) were processed for investigation on the Caribbean Islands. On the Island of St. Kitts, 64 and 60 bacterial colonies were isolated from the domestic and imported samples, respectively. The prevalence of E. coli was 16% (n = 20) for imported samples and 12% (n = 15) for domestically produced samples. As Multiple drug resistance to >3 classes of antibiotics in E. coli isolates was 50% of imported isolates and 27% domestically produced. Resistance to amoxicillin was observed in 60% and 33% of E. coli isolates from Imported and Domestic origins, respectively. Resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was 25% and 13% in imported and domestic, respectively. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was 35% and 27% for imported and domestic, respectively. Resistance to cephalosporins was 60% in isolates from imported meat products and 33% in isolates from meat products domestically produced on the island of St. Kitts. Investigations are still ongoing for bacteria colony isolates from meat product samples from Grenada. Conclusion Imported meats products exhibit a higher prevalence of resistant E. coli, particularly in the beta-lactam class of antibiotics, including amoxicillin and cephalosporins. Therefore, the risk of importing meat products is a concern for introduction of AMR genetic markers to human populations. Active surveillance must be conducted to better understand the risk of exposure to humans from contaminated retail meat products to inform antibiotic therapy and resistance control continuously.

A-251 Comparison of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Enterobacteriaceae spp. Isolates from Retail Meat Products Imported from USA and Brazil or Domestically Produced on Caribbean Islands of St. Kitts and Grenada

Abstract Background Enterobacteriaceae species, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Salmonella, are endogenous colonizers of gastrointestinal tract of livestock animals, which pose potential health threats to humans, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems (Guentzel 1996). The emergence of drug-resistant strains due to the overuse of antibiotics in agricultural practices have increased the urgency to evaluate zoonotic bacteria and to assess potential impact on human and animal health (Llor 2014). Project Aim and Methods The aim of this study is to compare the microbial prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterobacteriaceae isolates present on pork and poultry products domestically produced in the Caribbean Islands, St. Kitts and Grenada as compared to poultry imported from USA and Brazil. This study was conducted over a 4-year time period at University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) in St Kitts and at St. George’s University (SGU), Grenada. Microbial colonies were isolated on MacConkey agar after 24-hour incubation at 36°C in Buffered Peptone Water and identified using standard biochemical assays and API-20E test kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion on Mueller-Hinton plates. Results A total of 44 meat products from Caribbean Islands and 49 meat samples from Brazil and USA were processed to yield 64 and 60 bacterial isolates, respectively. Bacterial colonies isolated from imported meat products displayed higher incidence of antibiotic susceptibility to multiple classes of drugs (MDR = Multiple Drug Resistant) as compared to domestically produced meats. The prevalence of MDR bacteria was 45% MDR isolates from USA-imported chicken as compared to 13% MDR bacteria isolated from chicken domestically raised. Conclusions Imported meats exhibit a higher prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in the beta-lactam class of antibiotics, including amoxicillin and cephalosporins and fluroquinolones. The overuse of subtherapeutic antibiotics in mass scale livestock production is likely creating selective pressure for the overabundance of MDR strains in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. The findings of this study will be communicated to relevant community leaders and organizations in order to inform the development of strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and identifying appropriate treatment options for associated infections.

Development Of Curriculum Of Anatomy For BDS Students In UZ, Harare: A Survey-Based Study

Objective: To evaluate and optimize the anatomy curriculum for BDS students in UZ.
 Study design: It is a survey-based study.
 Place and duration of study: A six-month study was carried out in the Anatomy Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare (March to August 2020).
 Material and Methods: A survey-based study was conducted in UZ, College of Health Sciences. To collect the data, two separate structured questionnaires were prepared. The structured questionnaires were then administered to medical faculty, BDS students of 3rd, 4th & 5th yr and practising dentists & internees, respectively. The sample size of the study was 70.
 Results: The data collected via the two structured questionnaires was analyzed. Analysis showed that all the stakeholders thought that the core dentistry subjects should be introduced earlier to the BDS students. Moreover, it was recommended that CBL/PBL be added to the curriculum to make the overall BDS curriculum more effective.
 Conclusion: The majority of the faculty members, BDS students, dentists and internees thought that the content of Anatomy for BDS students should be concise, specific and pertinent. The respondents supported the incorporation of CBL/PBL in the existing curriculum to make it more worthwhile.

Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism And Dyslipidemia In Elderly Patients Of Calcific Aortic Stenosis

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Apo E polymorphisms on plasma lipid profile and to identify the polymorphism of the apo-E gene as genetic predictor of calcific AS in Pakistani population. Methodology: This was a case control study conducted in Dow University of Health Sciences and National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Karachi. It included total of 100 individuals, 50 echocardiographically identified calcific AS cases and 50 age and gender matched controls. Apo E allele frequencies were computed, lipid profiles were estimated and Apo E gene polymorphism was identified by the techniques of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Result: Apo E 2, 3, and 4 allele frequencies were 16%, 52%, and 32% in calcific AS cases, and 10%, 52%, 28% in controls respectively (p=0.622). Out of 50 cases, 18% presented with mild AS, 22% moderate AS and 60% lied in severe calcific AS. It was observed that levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were higher in Apo E4 allele as compared to other genes in both cases and control. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that Apo E4 allele of Apo E gene is an impotent risk factors for dyslipidemia while Apo E4 allele is not associated with calcific AS contemplates distinctive genetic backgrounds of CAD and AS.

Dizde Medial Kompartman Artrozlu Hastalarda Uygulanan Unikondiler Diz Artroplastisi Cerrahisinin Kısa-Orta Dönemde Retrospektif Sonuçları

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare of preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological findings of the patients with medial compartmental artrosis who underwent the surgery of the unicondylar knee prosthesis. Decrease or disappearance of patient's pain level, assessment of the quality of life of these patients and Knee Society Score (KSS), KSS function score and VAS score compared in both groups. 
 
 
 
 Materials and methods: Between January 2014 and December 2017 in the Orthopaedic Clinic of Health Sciences University Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, patients who underwent Unicondyler Knee Arthroplasty surgery due to medial compartmental arthrosis were included in the study. Retrospectively, demographic data, weight bearing anteroposterior-lateral knee x-ray graphics, orthoroentgenogram, KSS and VAS scores, preoperative and postoperative knee range of motions were recorded. 
 
 
 
 Results: 44 knees of the 38 patients are evaluated, the mean age of the 44 cases was 57.09 years. Of the 44 cases, the mean follow-up period was 40,08 months. According to the Knee Society Score system, the preoperative score was 55.64 and postoperative 83.32; the KSS function score was 83.75 before the operation and 93.98 postoperatively. The mean range of motion was 107.61 degrees preoperatively and 118.52 degrees postoperatively. 
 
 
 
 Conclusion: The short-mid-term results of our cases are similar as literature which compares Knee Society Score and the radiographical evaluation. Unicondylar knee arthroplasty can be performed in selected appropriated cases.

Oxidative stress may be a contributing factor in fibromyalgia patients' pain mechanisms.

The pathophysiology of fibromyalgia (FM), a continuously painful syndrome with no known origin, has been related to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Recent studies have shown that FM may be associated with an oxidative balance disorder. The objective of this study was to measure the levels of oxidative stress in FM patients and try to understand the association between FM and free radicals. This study was performed on 100 volunteers admitted to the University of Health Sciences, Sultan 2, Abdulhamid Han Health Application and Research Center Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic, including 50 healthy controls and 50 patients with FM. To analyze oxidative stress biomarkers, total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were measured. Total thiol (TT) and native thiol (NT) concentrations were measured to determine the relationship between thiol groups. Disulfide (DIS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were calculated with mathematical formulas. While TOS and OSI levels were statistically higher in FM patients, TAS levels were significantly lower compared to the healthy control group (p<0.001). In comparison to the healthy control group, FM patients had considerably decreased TT and NT levels. DIS levels were significantly higher in FM patients than in controls (p<0.001). Reactive oxygen species have several negative impacts on the human body. As a result of the measurements we analyzed, the relationship between FM and oxidative stress should be studied in terms of disease progression and may help improve the treatment process.

The Study of 2D:4D Ratio and Facial Asymmetry Using Eye-Mouth-Eye Angle among the Student of College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Federal University Dutse

Deviations of physical characteristics from bilateral symmetry, in otherwise symmetric individuals, are supposed to result from environmental perturbations during development. One cause of such perturbations may be sex steroids such as testosterone and oestrogen. The study examined the relationship between second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative negative correlate with prenatal testosterone and a positive correlate with prenatal estrogen, and asymmetry. The hand of the participants was place on a flat surface with the palm facing upward fore arm in line with the middle finger. Finger should be extended maximally and dose to each other measurement technique was followed for measuring 2D:4D digit length which can be define as a distance between the proximal flexion crease of the digit length was measured in centimeters. Table 1 shows descriptive analysis of 2D and 4D right and left distance. The minimum and maximum ages are 18 and 35 years respectively. The mean of 2D:4D right length was 0.98 ± 0.015 and the mean of 2D:4D left length 0.97 ± 0.022 this shows there is higher mean value in right 2D:4D length. Our data show that both low 2D:4D (a marker of high prenatal testosterone) and high 2D:4D (a marker of high prenatal estrogen) are associated with elevated levels of asymmetry and this relationship applies particularly to finger asymmetry. Keywords: 2D:4D ratio, facial asymmetry, eye-mouth-eye angle, students

Determination of Relationship of Birth Order Position and Intelligent Quotient among Students of College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Federal University Dutse

The present study is aimed at finding the relationship of birth order position and intelligence quotient among students of College of Medicine and Allied health sciences in Federal University Dutse, Jigawa state. A total number of 250 students which comprise 124 males and 126 females were assessed using questionnaires. Data was analyzed using “SPSS statistics version 20”. The variable measurements were presented as mean ± SD. The differences between the two groups that is males and females were compared by using “independent sample t-test”. The correlation between the variables were found using Pearson’s and Partial correlation. Values of p &lt; 0.05 were deemed as level of significant. The present study shows negative or no relationship between birth order position and intelligent quotient in the population study. Independent sample t-test for sexual dimorphism of the variables shows that no significant difference. Keywords: relationship, birth order position, intelligent quotient, students

Spectrum Of HBB Gene Variants And Major Endocrine Complications In Thalassemia Patients Of Pakistan.

To determine the molecular characterisation of beta-thalassemia major patients, pattern of major endocrine complications and its association with haemoglobin subunit beta gene variants. The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to November 2022 after approval from the ethics review committee of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan, and comprised of 88 patients with beta thalassemia major aged >8 years and having serum ferritin level >1000 μg/L. The subjects were analysed for haemoglobin subunit beta gene variants and major endocrine complications, like growth retardation, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism and diabetic abnormalities using an automatic chemistry analyser, fully automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay analyser, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 88 subjects, 40(45.4%) were girls and 48(54.5%) were boys. The overall mean age was 12±2.81 years. Of the total, 55(62.5%) had growth retardation, 41(46.6%) were cases of hypogonadism, 16(18.1%) hypothyroidism, 5(5.7%) hypoparathyroidism, 3(3.4%) diabetes mellitus and 8 (9.1%) had impaired glucose tolerance. Also, 65 (73.9%) patients confronted at least one endocrine complication. Endocrine complications were strongly associated with serum ferritin levels (p=0.000). The most common haemoglobin subunit beta gene variant identified was IVSI-5 (G>C) in 36 (40.9%), and the least identified variant was cluster of differenctiation-CD26(G>A) 1(1.1%). The association between haemoglobin subunit beta gene variants with endocrine complications was statistically non-significant (p>0.05). IVSI-5 (G>C) was found to be the most frequent haemoglobin subunit beta gene variant among beta- thalassemia major patients.

Effects Of Excessive Screen Time During Online Teaching On The Physical And Mental Health Of Medical And Dental Students.

To assess the effects of excessive screen time on the health of medical and dental students due to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted in Bahria University of Health Sciences from June 2022 to September 2022 after getting ethical approval. A total of 200 students who attended online teaching modules for at least one year through online teaching Apps, were included. A structured questionnaire was distributed using google forms. The results revealed that factors including strain on the eyes, restlessness, declined academic performance and exercise during lockdown, along with feeling connected as a group had a significant association with increased screen time. Excessive screen time has various adverse effects on the physical and mental health of medical and dental students. For improving students' physical and mental health during online teaching we need to change teaching strategies and support the introduction of flipped classroom.