17 research outputs found
Configuration Complexes and Tangential and Infinitesimal versions of Polylogarithmic Complexes
No full textIn this thesis we consider the Grassmannian complex of projective configurations in weight 2 and 3, and Cathelineau's infinitesimal polylogarithmic complexes as well as a tangential complex to the famous Bloch-Suslin complex (in weight 2) and to Goncharov's ``motivic`` complex (in weight 3), respectively, as proposed by Cathelineau [5].
Our main result is a morphism of complexes between the Grassmannian complexes and the associated infinitesimal polylogarithmic complexes as well as the tangential complexes.
In order to establish this connection we introduce an -vector space , which is an intermediate structure between a \varmathbb{Z}-module (scissors congruence group for ) and Cathelineau's -vector space which is an infinitesimal version of it. The structure of is also infinitesimal but it has the advantage of satisfying similar functional equations as the group . We put this in a complex to form a variant of Cathelineau's infinitesimal complex for weight 2. Furthermore, we define for the corresponding infinitesimal complex in weight 3. One of the important ingredients of the proof of our main results is the rewriting of Goncharov's triple-ratios as the product of two projected cross-ratios. Furthermore, we extend Siegel's cross-ratio identity ([21]) for determinants over the truncated polynomial ring . We compute cross-ratios and Goncharov's triple-ratios in and and use them extensively in our computations for the tangential complexes. We also verify a ''projected five-term'' relation in the group which is crucial to prove one of our central statements Theorem 4.3.3
The effect of European Economic Community tariffs on United States wheat exports
No full textCall number: LD2668 .R4 1964 S56
Grassmannian Complex and Second Order Tangent Complex
No full textFirst order tangent complex is studied by Siddiqui in [11]. There he has introduced morphisms for the first order tangent complex and connected this complex to the famous Grassmannian complex. In this paper we will extend the discussion of tangent complex for the second order. To do this we will introduce second order tangent group, denoted by TB 2 2 (F), and form a tangent complex of order 2. Then we will write morphisms in order to connect this complex with the famous Grassmannian complex. 
Is laparoscopic pyeloplasty a comparable option to treat ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO)? A comparative study
No full textObjective: To compare laparoscopic with open pyeloplasty.Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised records of patients who underwent surgical correction of ureteropelvic junction obstruction between during January 2008 and December 2012. Patients with laparoscopic pyeloplasty were placed in group 1 and those with open pyeloplasty in group 2.The groups were compared for operative time, hospital stay, perioperative complications, blood loss, duration of surgery, outcome and follow-up. Data was analysed using SPSS 19.Results: Of the 73 patients, 29(40%) were in group 1, and 44(60%) in group 2. A crossing vessel could be identified in 25(86.2%) in group 1 and in 33(75 %) in group 2. Laparoscopic procedures were associated with a longer mean operating time (p=0.04), median estimated blood loss (p\u3c0.001) and a shorter mean hospital stay (p\u3c0.001). Follow-up mercaptoacetyltriglycinescan was done in 21(74.5%) patients in group 1 and 23(52.2%) in group 2. Only 2(7%) patients in group 1 and 2(4.5%) in group 2 had poor response on mercaptoacetyltriglycine scan. Mean follow-up was 2.71±1.2 months. Postoperative complications were 5(13%) in group 1 and 9(20%) in group 2(p=0.141).Conclusions: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty was associated with shorter hospital stay, less pain and less blood loss. The efficacy in term of success rate and perioperative complications of laparoscopic pyeloplasty was comparable to that of open pyeloplasty
Surgical ligation of scrotal varicocele for male factor infertility is a valid option of treatment
No full textObjective: To evaluate the role of surgical ligation of scrotal varicocele for treatment of male factor infertility. Methods: We studied 60 patients who presented with infertility and were also found to have scrotal varicocele. Patients with other probable causes contributing to infertility were excluded. Diagnosis was made by clinical examination and scrotal ultrasonography. All the patients underwent either laparoscopic varicocelectomy or open retroperitoneal high ligation of the testicular veins. Operative time and hospital stay was recorded. All patients were evaluated for postoperative improvement of semen parameters and development of any postoperative complication. The results were analyzed by commercially available software. Results: During the study period 5 patients were lost to follow up and were excluded. The rest of patients (n=55) were young, with age ranging from 20-35 years (Mean age 27.8 years, SD +/- 4.38). All patients had unilateral left sided varicocele; two patients (3.6%) had grade I varicocele, 21 patients (38.2%) had grade II varicocele and 32 patients (58.2%) had grade III varicocele. Statistically significant improvement in sperm density (p value \u3c 0.05), sperm activity (p value \u3c 0.05) and sperm morphology (p value \u3c 0.05) was observed after the surgical ligation. The mean operative time was 54.88 minutes (SD + 13). The mean hospital stay in laparoscopic procedure was 33.4 (SD + 15.3). Minor complications were noted in 13 patients and included superficial wound infection in 3 patients, 6 patients exhibited testicular pain and persistence of varicocele in 4 patients. Conclusion: Surgical ligation of scrotal varicocele is asafe and effective mode of treatment of male factor infertility in selected population
Integrating General Environmental Knowledge and Eco-Label Knowledge in Understanding Ecologically Conscious Consumer Behavior
No full textAbstractGlobal warming and climate change have become emerging issues for marketing to promote ecologically conscious consumer behavior. Past studies investigated the role of general environmental knowledge in attitude-behavior relationship of pro-environmental consumer behavior. Using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) as a guiding framework, this study takes a fresh look at attitude-behavior relationship that integrates both general environmental knowledge and knowledge of eco-labels in the model to investigate their role in predicting ecologically conscious consumer behavior. The study finds that both general environmental knowledge and eco-label knowledge positively influence consumer attitudes towards environment in driving ecologically conscious consumer behavior. The findings suggest that marketing strategy, specifically communication strategy, needs to focus on educating consumers about issue-specific environmental knowledge (e.g., eco-label knowledge) along with general environmental knowledge. Further research should integrate more issue-specific dimensions to investigate pro-environmental consumer behavior
Role of estrogens in the secondary hormonal manipulation of hormone refractory prostate cancer
No full textObjective: To evaluate the role of Estrogens (Honvan) in the secondary hormonal manipulation of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRCP). Methods: Twelve patients diagnosed as hormone refractory prostate cancer received intravenous estrogens for six days (Fosfestrol, a synthetic phosphorylated estrogen derivative), followed by a maintenance oral dose of 120 mg thrice daily as second line hormonal treatment. During the treatment they were given deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. Their stage at initial presentation, primary treatment, mode of androgen ablation, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, duration of remission prior of HRPC status, PSA doubling time before and after estrogen treatment were recorded. The morbidity and mortality of the treatment was also recorded. A drop in PSA of \u3e 50% was classified as major responder. The drop of \u3c 50% was defined as minor responders. Treatment failure was defined as a rise in PSA \u3e the level prior to the start of treatment. Results: The mean age at diagnosis of prostate cancer was 66.6 + 5.4 years (range 57-73). At the time of initial diagnosis only 3 patients (25%) had localized disease and 9 (75%) had metastatic prostate cancer. Six patients each opted for surgical or medical castration (LHRH analogs) as the mode of androgen ablation. The mean initial PSA at diagnosis was 340 + 728.1 ng/ml (range 4.1-2375, Median 94). After development of HRPC, six patients (50%) had major response, four (33%) had minor response to estrogen administration. Two patients (17%) did not respond to estrogens. The mean PSA before receiving Fosfestrol was 60.5 + 82 ng/ml (range 0.013-246). The PSA (nadir) after treatment was 24.3 + 33.2 ng/ml (range 0.9-81.3). One patient developed gynaecomastia and one had congestive cardiac failure. Two patients died of non cancer related deaths and one patient died of cancer related death. Conclusion: Synthetic estrogens are well tolerated, in-expensive agents and could be considered for palliative use against hormone resistant prostate cancer (JPMA 54:445;2004)
Perspectives of medical students on the implementation of sub-internship rotation in year 5 surgical clerkship: A brief report from a private medical college in Pakistan
No full textThis study aims to explore the perspectives of medical students on the newly introduced Surgical Sub-internship (SI) rotation in year 5 Surgical Clerkship. This cross-sectional study was conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from September 2022 to September 2023. A self-designed 5-point Likert scale-based evaluation form was created to explore students’ perspectives regarding their one-week Surgical SI rotation. We included students from the class of 2022 and 2023 who completed the surgical SI rotation. A total of 121 medical students from the class of 2022 (n=73,60%) and 2023 (n=48, 40%) participated in the study with a female-to-male ratio of 53 (44%):68 (56%). Students expressed positive attitudes toward the SI rotation, with 92 (76%) agreeing on the accessibility of medical staff/chief residents, 89 (74%) indicating clarity in goals, 86 (71%) understanding practical issues in clinical settings, 83 (69%) recognizing good learning opportunities for practicing essential skills, and 81 (67%) reporting good opportunities to observe and perform procedures. However, 53 (44%) found the rotation duration inadequate for achieving the desired objectives. Written feedback as narrative comments were also received. The commonly identified areas of improvement included effective communication of rotation objectives, a conducive learning environment, patient volume, standardized teaching, operating room exposure, student assignment to interns, resident involvement in teaching, and awareness of the stakeholders. Medical students provided positive perceptions regarding the surgical SI rotation. However, the identified areas of improvement should be integrated to enhance its overall effectiveness
Triggers of blood transfusion in percutaneous nephrolithotomy
No full textObjective: To determine the triggers of blood transfusion in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Study Design: Observational study.Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from 1988 to 2007. Methodology: The percutaneous surgery database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with postoperative haemorrhage and need for blood transfusion. Blood loss was estimated by the postoperative drop in haemoglobin factored by the quantity of any blood transfusion. Various patients and procedure-related factors were assessed for association with total blood loss or blood transfusion requirement using stepwise univariate, forward multivariate regression analysis.Results: A total of 326 procedures were performed in 316 patients. Two hundred and thirty two procedures were included in the study. There were 167 males and 65 females. The mean age was 41+14 years. The mean haemoglobin drop was 1.68 +1.3 gm/dL. The overall blood transfusion rate was 14.2%. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed that female gender (p = 0.003), staghorn stone (p = 0.023), stone fragmentation with ultrasound (p = 0.054) and chronic renal failure (p = 0.001) were significantly predictive of the need for blood transfusion. Conclusion: Chronic renal failure, female gender, presence of staghorn calculi and stone fragmentation using ultrasonic device were predictive of blood transfusion in this cohort of patients
