Objectives: To assess trend of consumption and withdrawal effects from caffeine containing products among medical undergraduate students of Karachi. Study design and setting: Cross-sectional study conducted via web-based questionnaire, from January 2020 to June 2021. Methodology: Undergraduate medical, MBBS students aged 18-24 years, studying in 6 different medical universities of Karachi were included in the study. An online survey was conducted. An online questionnaire was designed which consisted of 28 self-made questions that focused on collecting basic sociodemographic information, coffee consumption habits, and any adverse event associated with caffeine intake. The questionnaire was posted online and undergraduate medical students were invited to participate in the study. Results: One hundred and fifty seven students participated in the study. Out of 157 students 94% admitted to consuming some form of caffeine containing product (CCP), with 42.3% (n = 66) of the total believing that they were addicted to caffeine. A significant number also believed that CCPs helped students deal with their problems. Withdrawal symptoms include migraines, sleep disturbances, and loss of focus, leading to an inability to perform daily tasks. A positive correlation was also found between the daily intake of any CCP and incidence of withdrawal symptoms (p=0.01). Conclusion: Many students in medical universities of Karachi are moving towards caffeine dependence, due to daily consumption over a prolonged period of time. Promoting responsible consumption habits and spreading awareness over potential adverse effects of CCPs, especially amongst a younger audience could improve the health and lifestyles of students in the long-term
In this clinical research project, we will conduct a highly rigorous clinical trial where we randomize the patients between umbilical cord (UC)-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and standard of care (SOC). This study will ask the question whether the allogenic MSCs are effective in reducing death and/or progression of COVID-19 disease when administered to patients with moderate to severe symptoms. MSCs are unique group of cells with minimal immune reactivity and produce multiple beneficial effects, which include reduction of severe inflammatory reaction. There is convincing evidence from human studies that intravenous (IV) delivery of MSCs can directly impact the hyper-inflammatory responses of COVID-19 induced injury of the heart and lungs. Our study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of allogenic UC-derived MSCs administered intravenously to COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptom in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. In addition, we will determine whether : (i) UC-derived MSCs are effective in reducing 30-day all-cause mortality (primary endpoint) and (ii) UC-derived MSCs are effective in preventing progression to mechanical ventilation, and/or reducing an inflammatory response, and/or improving overall patient condition (secondary endpoints).
Background:South Asia, accounts for 60% of preterm births worldwide. To provide vital care and prevent complications that arise with preterm births, accurate determination of gestational age is important. Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study at Maternity Hospital in Sudan, to evaluate the use of anthropometric measurements (head-circumference and crown-heel-length) for Gestational age assessment. Our sample included preterm babies over a period of six months. Neonatal anthropometry measurements, and Gestational age assessment was done within 48 hours of birth. Variables were summarized using descriptive statistics and the strength of association was determined through correlation analysis. Linear regression equations were derived to estimate gestational age using head circumference and crown heel length.
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