Pak J Med Sci
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To determine knowledge and attitude of Saudi mothers towards their preschool children's oral health. ⋯ The mothers need to be educated in several important areas related to feeding, diet and first dental check-up visit of their children.
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To compare the platysma flap with submental flap in terms of tumor and flap characteristics, operative properties and the functional outcomes. ⋯ This study demonstrates that both platysma and submental flap techniques can be used for the reconstruction of complex facial defects with the acceptable functional outcome. The platysma flap can be harvested to medium size defects up to 70cm(2) with good mouth opening. The submental flap is simpler, faster with a wider range of application and more acceptable functional outcomes.
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There are conflicting data on the effects of fasting in Ramadan in Muslim countries on Lipid profile. We aimed to evaluate the effect of fasting on lipid profiles and some ratios which are strong for predicting cardiovascular disease. ⋯ Fasting in Ramadan is effective to ameliorate High density lipoprotein, and LDL/HDL and TG/HDL ratios. Omitting one meal may be considered to control High density lipoprotein level.
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Imposition by WHO of mandatory vaccination for international travelers from Pakistan has caused confusion and panic amongst travelers besides the adverse effect on the country's image from the widely reported statement. It is felt that the announced measure is not primarily supported by science but is rather a response to disillusionment in the donors about the repeatedly missed eradication targets set by WHO. In the past few years, exportation of poliovirus from Pakistan has caused outbreaks in China, Iraq and Syria besides the ongoing two way transmission with Afghanistan, but the carriers in these spreads are mainly land route travelers. ⋯ The unrelenting focus on polio eradication may have negative impact on fragile health systems besides arousing suspicions of religious elements opposed to vaccination. Routine vaccination and polio campaigns as part of community development measures such as provision of clean drinking water and elimination of surface sewage drainage would be more accepted. The government would be well advised to assume control of the polio eradication program and make it a national development issue.
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Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) tends to be resistant to multiple antibiotics. Methicillin resistance is conferred by the acquisition of the mecA gene, which is carried by a mobile genetic element called the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). There are five major types of SCCmec elements (I-V). The majority of hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) strains carry SCCmec types I, II, or III, whereas community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains carry SCCmec types IV or V. In addition, Panton-Valentine Leucocidin (PVL) is a gene encoding a powerful cytotoxin that is strongly associated with CA-MRSA strains. The present study was aimed to identify the types of SCCmec and PVL genes among clinical MRSA isolates. ⋯ The virulence of MRSA strains is increasing in both hospital and community settings in Makkah, highlighting the importance of their rapid identification in order to appropriately control infection.