Pak J Med Sci
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Tetanus is a potentially fatal but preventable disease. Mortality is related to severity of the disease, cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal complications. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and lethal complication of tetanus. The objective was to determine the frequency of AKI in tetanus patients managed in a public hospital. ⋯ Development of AKI in tetanus is multifactorial. Major contributors are severity of the tetanus itself, presence of autonomic instability, ventilator dependency, and sepsis. Presence of AKI worsens the outcome of tetanus in terms of survival, length of stay, hospital cost and ventilator days.
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To determine the effects of patient education about the safety of warfarin therapy on related-knowledge levels and on International Normalized Ratio (INR) control. ⋯ One-to-one education supported by written and visual material was effective in increasing patients' warfarin knowledge levels.
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To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) and depth (extent) of cure of four resin cements (Variolink E, Calibra, NX3 and Variolink N) using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Vickers Micro hardness (MH). ⋯ Ivocerin containing Variolink-E cement showed high degree of conversion and extent of polymerization when compared to conventional light and dual cure luting cements.
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Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare primary WHO Grade II astrocytic tumor comprising of < 1% of all astrocytomas. It is generally benign and slow growing however disease progression and malignant transformation with anaplastic features have been infrequently reported. Our objective was to assess clinicopathological characteristics of this rare tumor at our center. ⋯ PXA is an infrequent tumor in our population also, with less than 50 cases identified in two decades study period. Due to its rarity and its bizarre histomorphology, it should be diagnosed correctly, as it has got better prognosis than other astrocytic tumors.
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Low back pain (LBP) is the foremost cause to hamper an individual's functional activities in Pakistan. Its impact on the quality of life and work routine makes it a major reason for therapeutic consultations. About 90% of the cases with LBP are non-specific. Various options are available for the treatment of LBP. Posterior-anterior vertebral mobilization, a manual therapy technique; and thermotherapy are used in clinical practice, however evidence to gauge their relative efficacy is yet to be synthesised. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of posterior-anterior vertebral mobilization versus thermotherapy in the management of non-specific low back pain along with general stretching exercises. ⋯ Both physiotherapeutic interventions, the PAVMs and thermotherapy, have significant effects on NSLBP in terms of relieving pain and improving functional disability. However PAVMs appeared to be more effective than thermotherapy.