Pak J Med Sci
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Lower respiratory tract infection is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality. However establishing a microbial diagnosis for patients with lower respiratory tract infection is still challenging and is often achieved in only half of cases by conventional methods. This study was designed to compare the fast responsive PCR method with the culture method in lower respiratory tract infections and to evaluate the reliability of multiplex PCR method. ⋯ Conventional methods, such as culture and serology are not always adequate to detect the pathogens in lower respiratory tract. Real-time PCR assays proved highly sensitive and rapid. The prevalence of bacteria and multiple agent detected by real-time PCR compared with culture was substantially higher. Widespread use of PCR methods, by providing the immediate and appropriate ''agent specific antibiotic treatment'' of LRTI, will help reduce failure and contributes to a reduction in antibiotic resistance.
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We aimed to evaluate ductus venosus Doppler waveforms before and after amniocentesis in order to investigate any effect of amniocentesis on fetal myocardial hemodynamics. We also evaluated the umbilical artery, uterine artery and fetal mid-cerebral artery Doppler waveforms in order to investigate any relationship with ductus venosus Doppler changes. ⋯ Amniocentesis-whether transplacental or not- does not cause any significant effect on fetal myocardial hemodynamics.
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To assess the efficacy of Methotrexate in patients with plaque type psoriasis. ⋯ Treatment with methotrexate for chronic plaque psoriasis brings satisfactory disease control and improved quality of life.
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To determine clinical features, etiology and risk factors in term and near term newborns with severe hyperbilirubinemia. ⋯ Pathological weight loss, vaginal delivery and supplementary feeding were determined as risk factors for development of severe hyperbilirubinemia. The newborns with severe hyperbilirubinemia had late recognition of jaundice and admission to hospital by their families.
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In the surgery of calcaneal fracture, whether the sustentaculum tali screw should always be placed is widely controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the necessity and function of the sustentaculum tali screw placement for the treatment of Sanders type II calcaneal fracture. ⋯ The placement of sustentaculum tali screw is essential for fixation of type II calcaneal fracture to achieve the biomechanical stability.