Pak J Med Sci
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The study aimed to determine vitamin D status and frequency of its determinants related to diet, clothing, lifestyle and exposure to sunlight among young healthy medical students living in Karachi, Pakistan. ⋯ Deficiency of vitamin D is common among healthy young adults particularly females which emphasize need to add vitamin D supplements in their routine diet.
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Psycho-education is an intervention integrating psychotherapeutic and educational strategies. Whilst carer psycho-education is known to aid in psychiatric disorders, at present there is no known tool to assess the degree to which this is routinely provided by mental health professionals. Our objective was to develop and validate a tool, in English, which assesses psycho-education of carers of psychiatric patients in Pakistan. ⋯ The developed questionnaire can adequately assess psycho-education of primary carers in mental health settings.
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The myokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) is capable of modifying the metabolism of both skeletal and adipose tissue. This study compares the change in serum levels of IL-15 in obese and non-obese after a single session of submaximal exercise. ⋯ Interleukin-15 correlates negatively with adiposity indices, especially visceral fat. With the proven benefit of IL-15 in terms of adipose tissue stores and skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis, endurance exercises, even of short duration, may possess therapeutic potential towards producing a healthier body.
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To analyze the level and clinical significance of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) levels in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). ⋯ blood glucose level in pregnant women with GDM and SCH increased significantly, blood calcium level decreased significantly. This group of people are more likely to have VitD deficiency. Thyroid stimulating hormone and blood glucose levels in pregnant women are negatively correlated with VitD levels. Therefore, serum 25-OH-D level can be used as an important reference index for gestational diabetes mellitus with subclinical hypothyroidism, and it has great clinical significance to maintain it at a normal level.
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Total anomalous pulmonary venous return is an uncommon cyanotic congenital heart defect. Echocardiography is the initial diagnostic tool. Complimentary non-invasive modalities like cardiac computerized tomographic angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have replaced the need for cardiac catheterization in difficult cases. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of echocardiography in diagnosing total anomalous pulmonary venous return, and to determine the factors that may decrease its sensitivity. ⋯ Echocardiography can diagnose isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous return with high accuracy. Use of additional modalities may be required for a complete diagnosis in cases with mixed variety, heterotaxy and poor acoustic windows.