1.The effectiveness of seated combined extension-compression and transverse load traction in increasing cervical lordosis- challenging the underlying framework
Tamara Gien Pooke ; Rozi Mahmud ; Poh Sin Yap ; Suraini binti Mohamad Saini ; Sharifah Roohi Syed Waseem Ahmad ; Harwant Singh
International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education 2016;10(3):24-33
Introduction:
The goal of this study was to assess
the effectiveness of seated combined extension-
compression and transverse load (ECTL) traction as a
new method for increasing a reduced lordosis of less than
30 degrees in a Malaysian population between the ages
of 18 and 60 years. Possible changes in disc height were
measured in accordance with the underlying theoretical
framework, that suggests the anterior cervical structures
would elongate due to creep over the fulcrum of the
traction device.
Method:
This was a single centre, randomised, blinded
controlled clinical trial with parallel groups, used to test
the superiority of the seated combined ECTL traction
together with physiotherapy exercises when compared
with the same physiotherapy exercises used as a control.
Fifty randomly allocated subjects who completed the
forty treatments over the fourteen weeks were analysed
using non-parametric tests for changes in outcomes.
Results:
There were no significant changes in outcomes
for disc height changes seen in this study. The findings of
a greater overall increase in posterior disc height changes
compared with anterior disc height changes were in
contrast with the proposed underlying theoretical
framework for this type of ECTL traction. The greater
height changes occurring in the control group were also
unexpected.
Conclusion:
The findings in this study of the contrasting
changes in disc height of greater posterior than anterior
height changes, question the underlying theoretical
framework as postulated for this type of traction.
2.Allelic variance among ABO blood group genotypes in a population from the western region of Saudi Arabia.
Abdularahman B O MOHAMED ; Salwa Ibrahim HINDAWI ; Sameer AL-HARTHI ; Qamre ALAM ; Mohammad Zubair ALAM ; Absarul HAQUE ; Waseem AHMAD ; Ghazi A DAMANHOURI
Blood Research 2016;51(4):274-278
BACKGROUND: Characterization of the ABO blood group at the phenotype and genotype levels is clinically essential for transfusion, forensics, and population studies. This study elucidated ABO phenotypes and genotypes, and performed an evaluation of their distribution in individuals from the western region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: One-hundred and seven samples underwent standard serological techniques for ABO blood group phenotype analysis. ABO alleles and genotypes were identified using multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and electrophoretic analysis was performed to evaluate the highly polymorphic ABO locus. RESULTS: A phenotype distribution of 37.4%, 30.8%, 24.3%, and 7.5% was found for blood groups O, A, B, and AB respectively in our study cohort. Genotype analysis identified 10 genotype combinations with the O01/O02 and A102/O02 genotypes being the most frequent with frequencies of 33.6% and 14.95%, respectively. Common genotypes such as A101/A101, A101/A102, A101/B101, B101/B101, and O01/O01 were not detected. Similarly, the rare genotypes, cis-AB01/O02, cis-AB01/O01, and cis-AB01/A102 were not found in our cohort. The most frequently observed allele was O02 (35.98%) followed by the A102 allele (17.76%). Furthermore, our findings are discussed in reference to ABO allele and genotype frequencies found in other ethnic groups. CONCLUSION: The study has a significant implication on the management of blood bank and transfusion services in Saudi Arabian patients.
ABO Blood-Group System
;
Alleles
;
Blood Banks
;
Blood Group Antigens
;
Cohort Studies
;
Ethnic Groups
;
Genotype*
;
Humans
;
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
;
Phenotype
;
Saudi Arabia*
3.Montelukast Reduces the Risk of Dengue Shock Syndrome in Dengue Patients
Ahmad, A. ; Waseem, T. ; Butt, N.F ; Randhawa, F.A. ; Shakoori, T.A, U
Tropical Biomedicine 2018;35(4):1115-1122
A significant percentage of dengue patients develop Dengue Shock Syndrome
(DSS) which is characterized by increased vascular permeability, circulatory failure and
often death. Montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist regulates vascular
permeability and we hypothesized that it may be effective in protecting against DSS. An open
label, parallel, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was thus carried out at Mayo Hospital,
Department of Medicine, Lahore. A total of 200 patients of dengue fever were recruited and
randomized into two groups. The group A was treated with Montelukast 10 mg once daily for
5 days along with general supportive treatment. Group B received the standard supportive
treatment and served as the control group. The frequency of DSS was compared in the two
groups by Chi square test. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the
effects of montelukast treatment on onset of DSS after adjusting for gender, age, white cell
count, platelet count, haematocrit, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate
transaminase (AST). Relative risk (RR), absolute risk reduction (ARR), relative risk reduction
(RRR) and numbers needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. Significance level was set at
p<0.05. We found that only 9% of the patients in treatment group developed DSS compared to
31% patients in group B (p<0.001). The protective effect of montelukast treatment persisted
(p>0.001, Odds ratio=5.01, 95% CI=2.17-11.60) even after adjusting for confounders.
Montelukast reduced the absolute risk (ARR=22%) and the relative risk (RRR=71%) of DSS in
dengue fever. Numbers needed to treat were 4.55. We thus conclude that treatment with oral
montelukast may protect patients of dengue fever from DSS and greatly reduce mortality.