Modernism and Postmodernism

This study elaborates the difference and connection between modernism and postmodernism eras while highlighting their backgrounds. The research highlights the teachings of Islam in terms of modernism and postmodernism. The research brings to light the influence of modernism and postmodernism on Muslim societies. What are the far reaching impacts of the modernism and postmodernism eras of Muslim societies and how well a common Muslim is equipped to address the issues related to postmodernism. The study primarily focuses on the related issues in Pakistani society and explains the role and the influence of religious scholars of their understanding of the terms modernism and postmodernism. The study focuses on the awareness of the ’Ulamā in addressing these global challenges and subsequently the future of Pakistani society. The study has an element of quantitative research and it indicates towards the on ground realities on the issue with the help of a latest survey on modernism and postmodernism.

Effect of Low-Dose Ketamine Versus Fentanyl on Attenuating the Haemodynamic Response to Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation in Patients Undergoing General Anaesthesia at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi

Background: The use of drugs to attenuate the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation is the standard of care during elective surgery. Current evidence is conflicting concerning the best agent and optimal dose for this purpose. In the majority of cases, Fentanyl is widely utilized to attenuate haemodynamic responses. Ketamine, an established available drug, has been scarcely studied in this regard at low doses and against varying doses of other common agents. Objective: The primary objective was to compare the overall occurrence of hypertension and tachycardia immediately pre-intubation (post-induction) until 10 minutes post intubation between the study group receiving fentanyl at 1.0 μg/kg and the other receiving Ketamine at 0.5 mg/kg. The secondary objectives were to compare the occurrence of post-induction hypotension and the occurrence of neuropsychiatric phenomena during emergence between the two groups. Primary outcome measure: Increase of Blood Pressure (systolic, mean arterial or diastolic) and Heart Rate >20% from the baseline. Secondary outcome measures: Decrease in Blood Pressure (post induction) >20% from baseline; Occurrence of neuropsychiatric manifestations. Study Setting: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. Study Design: A prospective, double blind, superiority, randomized control trial. Sample size: A sample size of 108 participants, 54 in the Fentanyl arm and 54 in the Ketamine arm. Study population: ASA I and II patients aged 18-65 years scheduled for theatre for non-emergent surgery. Anaesthetic Procedure: 108 adult patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups corresponding to the drugs used for induction: (a) Fentanyl (1.0 μg/kg) added to Propofol (2.0 mg/kg) and Cisatracurium (0.2 mg/kg) (F, n = 54) and (b) Ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) added to Propofol (2.0 mg/kg) and Cisatracurium (0.2 mg/kg) (K, n = 54), and haemodynamic responses evaluated by determining heart rate and blood pressure immediately before laryngoscopy and at 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 minutes. This was in addition to standard of care. Data collection: Data was collected using a data collection tool (see appendix). Patients’ baseline characteristics, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate at baseline then at minute 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 were recorded. Results: 108 ASA I and II patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery were included in this study, 54 participants (50%) in the Fentanyl arm and 54 (50%) in the Ketamine arm. Baseline demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. There were more hypertensive episodes in the Ketamine arm (11%) compared to the