Pak J Med Sci
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Background and objective : During the past few years, Computer-based assessment (CBA) has gained popularkity as a testing modality. This assessment offers several advantages over paper based assessment (PBA) testing. The objective of this study was to find out residents' perception of this method of assessment. Methods : The post graduate residents of Dow University of Health Sciences in the field of Surgery, Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics experienced their first formative Computer-based assessment (CBA) in year 2013.Immediately after formative CBA, an anonymous paper based questionnaire was distributed amongst the residents and response was sought for their self-perceived computer usage competence before starting residency, perceptions regarding CBA method and to determine their preference for PBA or CBA in future assessment preferences. ⋯ Resident's perception for CBA is good and they recommend its use in future assessment as well. However, to take maximal advantage of this technology, faculty should be trained to develop questions not only with text and pictures but with audio and video support.
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Purulent pericarditis is a collection of purulent effusion in the pericardial space. It has become a rare entity with the increased availability and use of antibiotics. In contrast to pleural empyema, there are few data regarding the biochemical parameters of purulent pericardial effusion to aid diagnosis. Therefore, in this study, we have evaluated the diagnostic utility of biochemical tests in patients with purulent pericarditis. ⋯ Biochemical tests are useful guideline when assessing the pericardial effusions. However, these tests should be interpreted with the clinical and operative findings.
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Objective : To determine the relations between human papilloma viruses type 16 and type 18 infection and the expression of p53 protein in invasive ductal carcinoma. Methods : We detected the expression of HPV 16/18 DNA and p53 protein in invasive ductal carcinoma in 45 cases, breast fibroadenoma in 20 cases and normal breast tissues in 20 cases. ⋯ The expression of HPV16/18 DNA was significantly correlated with the expression of p53 protein (p<0.05). Conclusion : Both HPV16/18 infection and p53 mutation participate the occurrence and progress of invasive ductal carcinoma, and HPV 16/18 infection may be the major factor to cause p53 mutation.
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To determine the antibiogram of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in patients with diabetes. ⋯ A total of 585 pathogens were isolated from 542 specimens of patients with diabetes. One hundred twenty one (20.68%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 25(4.27%) non-aeruginosa Pseudomonas were detected from 542 samples. Among 108 (18%) samples detecting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were found in 42 (39%) samples. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed marked susceptibility to imipenem (100%) followed by piperacillin / tazobactam (90.91%). All MRSA positive specimens were susceptible to vancomycin, but highly or completely resistant to the other antimicrobial drugs. Conclusion : In the present study imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam and sulbactam-cefoperazone were found to be the most effective drugs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The majority of MRSA were resistant to one or more than one antimicrobial drugs. Vancomycin and imipenem were the most effective drugsagainstStaphylococcus aureus and MRSA. .
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To investigate the role of three genetic polymorphisms of ABC proteins in response to chemotherapy and overall survival of osteosarcoma patients. ⋯ ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism may be used as a genetic predictor of clinical outcome in osteosarcoma patients treated with chemotherapy. However, no association was found between polymorphisms in ABCG2 C421A and ABCC3 C-211T and clinical outcome of osteosarcoma.