Tag: pubmed

Zoo Biol. 2026 Mar 14. doi: 10.1002/zoo.70060. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ex-situ breeding programs often utilize pedigree-analysis to select breeding pairs with the goal of maximizing retention of genetic variation and establishing self-sustaining populations. These efforts are limited when selected pairs fail to reproduce successfully. Because mate-choice serves an important role in many mating systems, providing the opportunity to engage in this behavior could lead to greater pair compatibility and offspring survival. In this study, we investigated the impact of female mate-choice on reproductive success and animal welfare of two passerine species: blue-gray tanagers (Thraupis episcopus) and red-capped cardinals (Paroaria gularis). One group of females were allowed to demonstrate a preference between three potential males and were subsequently paired with their preferred mate. A second group of females were paired with their pedigree-assigned partner. We measured a variety of reproductive parameters (onset of nesting, number of eggs, and number of fledglings) and evaluated animal welfare using positive (behavioral diversity) and negative (fecal glucocorticoid metabolite) indicators of welfare. There was no statistically significant difference in reproductive success based on pairing method for either species. Females allowed to choose their mate had significantly higher behavioral diversity than those assigned a mate (p < 0.03), however there was no difference in male behavioral diversity between the two groups. These findings suggest that the opportunity for mate-choice may lead to greater welfare, but only for the individual expressing preference. Outcomes of the study highlight the many variables that can affect reproductive success and the considerable research still needed.

PMID:41830412 | DOI:10.1002/zoo.70060

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2026 Mar;67(2):e70152. doi: 10.1111/vru.70152.

ABSTRACT

The lungs are a common site of metastasis, with recognized computed tomography (CT) features of different histotypes in humans. Little information is available for dogs. This retrospective, observational study compared the CT characteristics of pulmonary metastases from different primary cancers in dogs. CT studies of two groups of dogs with primary neoplasia and pulmonary metastases were reviewed. Group 1 (n = 271) included dogs with a definitive diagnosis of either the primary neoplasia, the metastases, or both, and Group 2 (n = 126) was a subgroup with both diagnoses confirmed. Six primary tumor histotypes were analyzed: epithelial cancer, bone sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, melanoma, hemangiosarcoma (HSA), and histiocytic sarcoma. Recorded features included nodule number, distribution, shape, size, margins, attenuation, pattern of enhancement, and the presence of other abnormalities. For both groups, CT features statistically correlated with tumor histotype (p < 0.0001) included ill-defined margins and cavitary lesions in carcinomas; bronchial thickening and pleural effusion in pulmonary carcinomas; a higher number of nodules, spotty postcontrast linear to amorphous strong hyperdensity (SPLASH) sign, halo sign, and extrapulmonary metastases in HSAs; and larger nodule size (>1 cm), air bronchograms, and thoracic lymphadenomegaly in histiocytic sarcomas and incomplete nodule mineralization in bone sarcomas. CT features of lung metastases help prioritize neoplasia histotype in dogs, aiding diagnosis if the primary tumor is not obvious, if two cancers are potential origins of the metastases, or when the pulmonary nodules cannot be sampled.

PMID:41830409 | DOI:10.1111/vru.70152

J Pak Med Assoc. 2026 Feb;76(2):284-288. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.23121.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify and evaluate key barriers to medication adherence among diabetes mellitus patients.

METHODS: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan, from November 5 to December 10, 2024, and comprised diabetic inpatients aged at least 20 years. Data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire based on the Hill Bone Medication Adherence Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

RESULTS: Of the 176 patients with mean age 51±8.6 years (range: 22-73 years), 92(52.3%) were females and 84(47.7%) were males. Factors having a significant association with non-adherence to anti-diabetes medication were age >60 years, monthly salary >50,000 Pak rupee, family history of diabetes, multiple doses, duration of diabetes 5 years or more, and education level beyond high school (p<0.05). Gender and the route of administration had no significant association with nonadherence (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients with higher income, family history and education were found to have better medication adherence, while advanced age and multiple doses decreased adherence.

PMID:41830381 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.23121

J Pak Med Assoc. 2026 Feb;76(2):248-250. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.22109.

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of imposter syndrome along with its relationship with self-esteem among medical and non-medical female university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted after informed consent from the 100 participants recruited with convenient sampling method from The University of Faisalabad. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire; Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) to evaluate impostorism and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) to evaluate self-esteem were used. The collected data was entered and analysed by IBM SPSS Version 23. The prevalence of impostor syndrome in medical students and non-medical students was 25(47.17%) and 19(40.43%) respectively. Whereas, the prevalence of low self-esteem in medical and non-medical was 14(26.42%) and 17(36.17%), respectively. This study revealed that there is no significant relationship between impostor syndrome and self-esteem with x2 (3) with p=0.994.

PMID:41830365 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.22109

J Pak Med Assoc. 2026 Feb;76(2):246-247. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.30137.

ABSTRACT

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Services Hospital, Lahore, from January 15, 2023, to July 14, 2023, with the aim to evaluate the prevalence of domestic violence among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 150 pregnant women aged 18-40 years, with gestational ages of 8-37 weeks, were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. Data was collected through structured interviews and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The prevalence of domestic violence was in 40(26.67%), with a significant association with the husband’s occupation (p=0.028). No significant associations were observed with maternal age, gestational age, body mass index (BMI), education level, or socioeconomic status. Regular screening for domestic violence during antenatal visits is essential to identify and support the affected women and improving maternal and foetal health outcomes.

PMID:41830364 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.30137

J Pak Med Assoc. 2026 Feb;76(2):212-219. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.21838.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To develop functional balance training tasks for stroke rehabilitation to enhance recover y outcomes for stroke patients.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study employing a two-phase structured Delphi technique was conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, from August to December 2023, following approval from the ethics review committee of Riphah College of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Islamabad. In the first phase, a list of functional balance tasks was generated through literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts. In the second phase, iterative three-round Delphi survey was conducted with a larger panel. Descriptive statistics were used at the end of each round to finalise the list of functional tasks based on pre -set consensus criteria. Data was analysed using SPSS 25.

RESULTS: Of the 10 experts in Phase 1, there were 8(80%) females and 9(90%) had postgraduate qualification in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy, while the mean professional experience was 6.1±5.17 years. The corresponding values for the 30 experts in Phase 2 were 34(80%), 29(96%) and 5.48±5.08. In Phase 1, 100 functional balance tasks were generated. In Round 1 of Phase 2, 76 tasks met the consensus criteria of ≥60% agreement. In Round 2 of the phase, 52 tasks reached consensus criteria of ≥75% agreement, while in Round 3 of the phase, 50 tasks achieved consensus of ≥80% agreement.

CONCLUSION: An evidence-based list of functional balance tasks for stroke rehabilitation was deemed suitable by local experts for stroke patients in Pakistan.

PMID:41830359 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.21838

J Pak Med Assoc. 2026 Feb;76(2):206-211. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.22658.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the medical educational environment of an institution using integrated medical curriculum.

METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1 to November 1, 2024, at Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala, Pakistan, and comprised of medical students regardless of age, gender and academic year. Data was collected using the validated Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure questionnaire, covering five domains of the educational environment. Data was analysed using SPSS 28.

RESULTS: Of the 265 students, 88 (33.2%) were males and 177 (66.8%) were females. By year of study, 89 (33.6%) were first year, 77 (29.1%) second year, 32 (12.1%) third year, 34 (12.8%) fourth year, and [n=33 (12.5%)] final year. Regarding residence, 77 (29.1%) were day scholars and 188 (70.9%) were hostelites. The total mean DREEM score was 120.2±22.2 (60%), reflecting moderately positive perceptions. Subscale analysis revealed highest scores in Students’ Perception of Learning (28.6±6.2) and lowest in Social Self-Perception (15.9±4.4). Significant differences across academic years were observed for all subscales (p<0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated that progression through academic years was significantly associated with declining scores in SPL, SASP, SPA, and SSSP (R²=0.06-0.15). No significant differences were noted by gender or residence status. Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha=0.86; standardized=0.89).

CONCLUSIONS: The evolving educational needs of students must be acknowledged through curricular adjustments to enhance student engagement, social support and professional competence.

PMID:41830358 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.22658

J Pak Med Assoc. 2026 Feb;76(2):196-200. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.21020.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the birth characteristics and maternal risk factors associated with preterm infants.

METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at the Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, China, and comprised data related to mothers and their preterm infants delivered between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020. Information on maternal age, pregnancy complications, number of births, gestational age at delivery and neonatal outcomes was collected from hospital records to assess risk factors for preterm birth. Data was analysed using SPSS 25.

RESULTS: Among 9,953 total births, 454 (4.56%) were preterm. Of these, 57 (12.56%) were early preterm and 397 (87.44%) were late preterm. The mean gestational age was 34.97±1.60 weeks and the average birth weight was 2,596.87 ± 502.28 g. Independent risk factors included gestational hypertension 56 (12.30%), cholestasis 17 (3.74%), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) 134 (29.52%), hormone use during pregnancy 105 (23.13%), and twin pregnancies 80 (17.62%) (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: Key maternal risk factors included gestational hypertension, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, and multiple gestations.

PMID:41830356 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.21020

J Pak Med Assoc. 2026 Feb;76(2):176-180. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.22295.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between light-emitting diode device usage and premature ageing.

METHODS: The cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from October 2023 to May 2024 after approval from the ethics review committee of Pakistan Naval Ship Shifa Hospital, Karachi, and comprised individuals aged 27-40 years. Other than demographic characteristics, data was collected about light-emitting diode device usage and indicators of premature ageing based on self-reported and observed features. Data was analysed using SPSS 29.

RESULTS: Of the 450 participants with mean age 32.4±3.7 years, 225(50%) each were males and females. Commonly used devices were mobile phones 400(88.9%), television 350(77.8%) and laptops 300(66.7%). Overall, 200(44.4%) subjects reported 5-7 hours of screen time, and 300(66.7%) did not use ultraviolet protection. Devices were used at a distance of 10- 20cm by 200(44.4%) subjects. In terms of premature ageing signs, the most common was dark circles 325(72.2%), while greying of hair was the least common 200(44.4%). All ageing variables showed a highly significant association with lightemitting diode usage (p<0.01), with the exception of greying of hair which demonstrated a significant association but at a lower level (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant link between light-emitting diode device usage and premature ageing.

PMID:41830352 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.22295

J Pak Med Assoc. 2026 Feb;76(2):167-171. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.22034.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate acute pancreatitis in patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis, and to compare it with patients without end-stage renal disease.

METHODS: The retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Turkiye, and comprised data from September 2017 to December 2023 of patients presenting with acute pancreatitis with or without end-stage renal disease. Those with end-stage renal disease who were on haemodialysis were placed in group A, while patients without chronic kidney disease represented control group B. Demographic and laboratory data, the severity of pancreatitis, the aetiology of acute pancreatitis, accompanying diseases, the duration of hospitalisation and the prognosis of the patients in both groups were evaluated and compared. Data was analysed using SPSS 25.

RESULTS: Of the 178 patients, 54(30.33%) were in group A with mean age 56.0±14.5 years (range: 20-85 years) among whom 26(48.1%) were males. There were 124(69.66%) patients in group B with mean age 52.5±16.2 years (19-88 years), and there were 59(47.6%) males. Acute pancreatitis was more severe, and the number of idiopathic cases was higher in group A compared to group B (p<0.05). Significant differences were also noted for aetiological causes, comorbidities, intensive care unit admission, length of hospital stays, and mortality between the groups(p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis, acute pancreatitis was more severe in all respects compared to those without chronic kidney disease.

PMID:41830350 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.22034