[Mammary tumor associated Hspb1 mutation and screening of eight cat populations of the world]

Current research highlights the Hspb1 based screening of eight cat populations of the world to investigate the association of newly found locus within cat mammary tumors. Total 180 cats were screened on the basis of Hspb1 4 bp deletion locus [1514-1517del4] which was observed in six mammary tumor cases in Siamese cat breed. Case-control association study revealed the non-significance with P=0.201 and an overall mutant allele frequency of 0.30 ranging from 0.20-0.40 was observed in other cat populations. Similarly, HWE was also obeyed in combined population samples with P=0.860 and found non-significant with range of 0.429-0.708 in other non-Pakistani cat populations as well. These results might be helpful to understand the association of this novel locus in a better way with large sample size of cases and may also serve as a potential marker for mammary tumor diagnosis, particularly in cats and generally in all other animal populations in comparative genetics and genomics context

Total, beam and diffuse solar radiation studies for Rohri, Sindh

Global Solar Radiation [H], extraterrestrial [H[o]], diffuse [H[d]] and beam radiation values [H[b]] for Rohri, Sindh [Latitude 27.67[degree]N and Longitude 68.9[degree]E] have been calculated on horizontal surfaces using sunshine hour data [n] of the areas, following a number of methods. The calculated global solar radiation is then compared with the global solar radiation presented by the NASA SSE [22-year] model. The mean bias error [MBE], root mean square error [RMSE], and mean percentage error [MPE] for global solar radiation are also considered. Diffuse radiation is calculated using methods proposed by Page and Liu and Jordan [L-J] and compared with the H[d] obtained from NASA. Diffuse Radiation from the Page method is found to be higher than in the L-J method. Moreover, the monthly clearness index [K[T]] is compared with the measured clearness index. The ratio K[T] signifies a clear sky almost all year round except for the months of June to August. This may be due to the monsoon season where the cloud cover is expected to be thicker compared to the rest of the year. From the estimated results, it appears that solar radiation can be utilized very efficiently throughout the year for photovoltaic and thermal applications.

Total global and diffuse solar radiation for upper Sindh, Pakistan

Global and diffuse solar radiation studies have been carried out for upper Sindh [Jacobabad] to assess the applicability of solar energy utilization for these areas. The global and diffuse solar radiation was carried out using sunshine hour data. The result obtained shows the variation of direct and diffuse component of solar radiation in summer winter months. In Jacobabad areas the diffuse radiations is maximum during the month of July and August and minimum during the months of November, December and January. The cloudiness index K[T] values indicate the clear sky in the month of January to June and September to December for Jacobabad. From the studies it has been found that with the exception of monsoon months July and August solar energy can be utilized throughout the year for Jacobabad

Factors predicting the recurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis

To evaluate the frequency of recurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] in patients with end stage liver disease and the factors responsible for it. Descriptive study. The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from November 2008 till November 2009. Patients with cirrhosis who were admitted at AKUH with diagnosis of SBP during the study period were included. Any episode of SBP after resolution of the first index case of SBP within one year was considered as recurrence. Out of 238 cirrhotic patients, 157 [66%] had single, while 81 [34%] had recurrent episodes of SBP. History of using proton pump inhibitors [PPI] and diuretics was found in 113 [47.5%] and 139 [58.4%] patients respectively. Only 58 [24.4%] patients were on prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Univariate analysis revealed that the female gender [52%], and presence of porto-systemic encephalopathy [PSE, 31%] were statistically significant [p=0.03] among those who had recurrent SBP. On multivariate analysis bilirubin level of > 1.0 mg [OR=7.03; 95%CI=1.55-32], protective factor of hepatitis B [OR 0.31; 95%CI=0.13-0.70] and presence of urinary tract infection [UTl] [OR=2.24; 95%CI=0.99-5.09] were significant in patients with recurrent SBP. Recurrent SBP was noticed in 34% patients. Serum bilirubin level of > 1.0 mg, protective factor of HBV and presence of UTl were significant factors present in patients with recurrent SBP

Wind characteristics and wind power potential for southern coasts of Sindh, Pakistan

In this present work, the wind characteristics and wind power potential for southern coasts [Hawks bay, Ketibander, Shah bander] of Sindh province, Pakistan, are presented. These were analyzed using hourly and mean monthly wind speed data at a height of 10, 30 and 50 m above the ground. Weibull distribution parameters have been studied to observe the season-wise wind speed pattern distribution for the locations. The analysis shows that seasonal and diurnal pattern of wind speed matches the electricity load pattern of the area. Higher wind speed of 4 to 6 m/sec and more were observed during months of April to September in a year and the peak hours of wind speed are from 5 P.M. to 3 A.M. [Pakistan time]. The wind duration availability is discussed on the basis of wind speed intervals. Two Nordex wind turbine of rated power 150KW and 250 KW [N-27, 29] having hub height 50m were selected for study. A seventeen acre wind farm has been suggested for these locations from which 200MW of electricity can be generated for utilization during summer months [April to September]

Role of routine use of thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing major surgery

Routine use of thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing major General Surgical, Pelvic and Hip Surgery is not an established norm in Pakistan, as Venous Thromboembolism is generally considered almost non-existent in this part of the world. As very little research data regarding prevalence/incidence of DVT and PE are available so far in this country, the need for more research cannot be over emphasized. This would help to evaluate the true risk of VTE and suggest the best mode of prophylaxis. Eighty-four surgical patients were randomly selected for this trial. All of them underwent bilateral Doppler sonographical examination of the lower extremities between 7th to 10th post-operative days and later followed up to 30th post-operative days for any clinical evidence of DVT or PE. They were also randomized into three equal sub-groups; A, B and C. Those in group-A [control group] received no prophylaxis, those in group-B was provided with only physical therapy and those in group-C were given both Physical as well as Pharmacological prophylaxis. The results of scanning and clinical outcomes were properly documented for accurate evaluation. Deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed in three out of eighty four [3.57%] patients. As all Doppler positive patients belonged to the control group [A] only, the relative percentage of DVT among those who did not receive any form of prophylaxis was thus 10.71%. None of the patients belonging to either Group-B or C showed any clinical or sonological evidence of DVT when followed up to one month post-operatively. One Doppler positive patient suffered an acute attack of PE [diagnosed clinically] and expired by the end of third post-operative month. Deep vein thrombosis is not a rarity in Pakistan, as is generally believed. Routine use of thromboprophylaxis is strongly recommended in all high risk surgical patients; in particular, those aged over forty years undergoing major surgical procedures