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Aims@#Thiamethoxam (THIA) is a pesticide that has been widely used for its effectiveness in controlling and preventing insect pests. However, the use of THIA diffused in soil, surface and groundwater pose severe toxicity to the ecosystem. The hazardous pollution caused by the toxicity of THIA demands for remediation to ensure degradation of THIA into its safe constituent elements. Thus, the aim of this study is to isolate and identify potential THIA degraders for future bioremediation.@*Methodology and results@#Bacteria were isolated from soil sample collected at a corn plantation which utilizes THIA as a source of pesticide. Overall, two bacterial isolates were isolated from the soil sample. The bacterial isolates were screened and identified for their ability to degrade pesticide by culturing in minimal salt media (MSM) supplemented with 50 mg/L THIA. The growth of isolates was observed and analyzed through spectrophotometry analysis, standard plate count method and pH value of culture medium. As a result, isolate THIA 1 had been found to possess the ability to degrade pesticide as it showed a high rate in growth of bacteria compared to its controls. Meanwhile, isolate THIA 2 showed no degrading activities while under treatment as it showed similar rate of growth towards its control. Isolate THIA 1 was identified as Acinetobacter sp. UMTFA THIA 1.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The isolation and identification of the pesticide degrading bacteria will provide promising source of pesticide degrading enzyme that can be further developed for enzymatic pesticide biodegradation. This will pave the way forward in bioremediation where new effective degradation tools can be developed for pesticide residue which otherwise lead to serious ecological problem.
Subject(s)
Thiamethoxam , Bacteria , Corneal TransplantationABSTRACT
Objectives@#To assess the prevalence of noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors and the factors associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors (≥ 2 risk factors) among adolescent boys and girls in Bangladesh. @*Methods@#Data on selected NCD risk factors collected from face to face interviews of 4,907 boys and 4,865 girls in the national Nutrition Surveillance round 2018-2019, was used. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed. @*Results@#The prevalence of insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, inadequate physical activity, tobacco use, and being overweight/obese was 90.72%, 29.03%, 4.57%, and 6.04%, respectively among boys; and 94.32%, 50.33%, 0.43%, and 8.03%, respectively among girls. Multiple risk factors were present among 34.87% of boys and 51.74% of girls. Younger age (p < 0.001), non-slum urban (p < 0.001) and slum residence (p < 0.001), higher paternal education (p = 0.001), and depression (p < 0.001) were associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors in both boys and girls. Additionally, higher maternal education (p < 0.001) and richest wealth quintile (p = 0.023) were associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors in girls. @*Conclusion@#The government should integrate specific services into the existing health and non-health programs which are aimed at reducing the burden of NCD risk factors.
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Objectives@#To assess the prevalence of noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors and the factors associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors (≥ 2 risk factors) among adolescent boys and girls in Bangladesh. @*Methods@#Data on selected NCD risk factors collected from face to face interviews of 4,907 boys and 4,865 girls in the national Nutrition Surveillance round 2018-2019, was used. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed. @*Results@#The prevalence of insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, inadequate physical activity, tobacco use, and being overweight/obese was 90.72%, 29.03%, 4.57%, and 6.04%, respectively among boys; and 94.32%, 50.33%, 0.43%, and 8.03%, respectively among girls. Multiple risk factors were present among 34.87% of boys and 51.74% of girls. Younger age (p < 0.001), non-slum urban (p < 0.001) and slum residence (p < 0.001), higher paternal education (p = 0.001), and depression (p < 0.001) were associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors in both boys and girls. Additionally, higher maternal education (p < 0.001) and richest wealth quintile (p = 0.023) were associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors in girls. @*Conclusion@#The government should integrate specific services into the existing health and non-health programs which are aimed at reducing the burden of NCD risk factors.
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@#Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is globally a major public health threat. Resistance to methicillin originates from a modified protein (PBP2a) encoded by the mecA gene. The PVL gene as an important virulence factor increases the pathogenicity of MRSA. Epidemiology and characteristics of MRSA differ in different geographical regions. This study was conducted to characterize and determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of MRSA strains isolated from patients in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang, Malaysia and to detect the presence of the mecA and PVL genes in the isolates. Materials and methods: In this study a total of 36 isolates of MRSA have been collected during a period of three months (1stFebruary –30thApril 2018). The susceptibility pattern of the isolates to ten different commonly used antibiotics were determined and the target genes were addressed by real-time PCR experiment. Results: Based on the identifying criteria, 44.4% of the isolates were CA-MRSA, and 55.5% were HA-MRSA. Resistance to oxacillin, cefoxitin and penicillin was 100%, gentamicin 88.8%, erythromycin 33.3%, tetracycline 77.7%, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 61.1%, clindamycin 13.8%, chloramphenicol 11.1%, but no resistant strain of vancomycin was detected. Most of the isolates were resistant to more than three groups of antibiotics. Realtime PCR revealed that all the isolates were mecA positive and 4 isolates were PVL-positive. PVL-positive strains were CA-MRSA and susceptible to clindamycin. Conclusion: The study confirms multi-drug resistant MRSA in the study area, and shows that resistance to methicillin is mecA mediated. PVL carrier strains were present and related to CA-MRSA strains of the isolates.
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Background: celiac disease [CD] is usually missed, if the serology is negative. We aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of seronegative CD [SNCD] and its response to gluten-free diet [GFD] in adult patients
Methods: this observational study was carried out at the Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan from 2009 to 2015. All consecutive adult patients [>/=17 years] with features of marked villous atrophy [Marsh class>/=III] on duodenal biopsy, negative tissue transglutaminase IgA and IgG antibodies [anti-tTg IgA and IgG] and human leukocyte antigen [HLA] DQ2 or DQ8 serotypes were studied. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and response to GFD were analyzed by SPSS software version 20. Median and interquartile range [IQR] were used for summarizing quantitative data. Frequency [percentages] was used for qualitative data
Results: a total of 12 patients with median age of 31.5 years [IQR: 19.75-46.75 years], of whom five [41.6%] were men were studied. The presenting complaints were: weight loss in 11 [91.6%] and abdominal pain in 9 [75%] patients. Anemia was observed in 10 [83.3%] patients with median hemoglobin of 9.5 g/dL [IQR: 6.3-13.25 g/dL]. Median alanine transaminase [ALT] was 21 U/L [IQR: 13-27 U/L] and median albumin was 3 g/dL [IQR: 2.4-3.6 g/dL]. Anti-tTg IgA and IgG were negative in all patients. HLA DQ serotyping showed homozygous DQ2 and DQ8 in four and one patients, respectively; while heterozygous DQ2 and DQ8 in five and two patients, respectively. All patients were advised to receive GFD. Nine [75%] patients showed complete clinical response. Two patients were non-compliant and one with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]-related cirrhosis had partial clinical response. Out of the nine responders, two patients showed response within 6 months while the remaining showed improvement over a year period
Conclusion: the diagnosis of SNCD is rewarding as it responds favorably to GFD in most patients. HLA serology provides an important tool for diagnosis of this entity
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Background: Smokeless tobacco use is not perceived as an addiction in most South East Asian countries therefore both men and women use it frequently
Objectives: To assess the knowledge of smokeless tobacco users about its hazards in District Head quarter hospital, Thatta
Study design, settings and duration: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in District Head Quarter hospital, Thatta for 06 months duration
Subjects and Methods: The statistically calculated sample size was 325. Participants were enrolled using systematic random sampling technique. Written informed consent was taken and information related to demography and smokeless tobacco use was collected from the patients and their relatives on questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS
Results: There were a total of 325 respondents whose mean age was 34 years. Only 4% had higher school certificate or were graduates while 50% had no formal education. The mean age of initiation of Smokeless tobacco [SLT] was 19.3 years. The mean length of use of smokeless tobacco was 13.87 years. The mean number of Smokeless tobacco use was 5.0. Factors influencing SLT use were cultural acceptability, easy access, low price, peer influence and used as mouth freshener. Male respondents were 2.7 times more aware about the hazards of SLT as compared to females [p < 0.001]. Nearly, one-in-three respondents reported trying to give up SLT use in the past
Conclusion: Cultural acceptability, low price and easy access of smokeless tobacco have led to high usage in under privileged uneducated population
Policy message: Tobacco cessation advising and warning should also be placed on smokeless tobacco products and health care providers should advise the smokeless tobacco users to quit it
Subject(s)
Adult , Adolescent , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Objective: to determine the frequency of Vitamin D deficiency in children presenting with rickets
Methods: descriptive case series was conducted at the department of Paediatrics Unit III, Dow University of Health Sciences and Civil Hospital Karachi in children 6 months to 5 years of age presenting with clinical rickets. Children taking vitamin D were excluded. The subjects fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled after informed consent. Blood samples were taken from each patient and were sent to the laboratory for vitamin D [25[OH] D] level. Serum level of vitamin D less than 20ng/ml was labeled as vitamin D [25[OH] D] deficiency rickets. The data was collected on pre-designed performa by the principal researcher. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 10
Results: the age of enrolled participants was 1.5 +/- 1 year. Of 159 enrolled participants, 91 [57.2%] were male and 68 [42.8%] were female. Frequency of sun exposure of 2-3 days a week was 97 [61.01%] and using vitamin D fortified foods were 34 [21.38%]. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency was 120 [75.47%] cases
Conclusion: in this study the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in children 6 months to five years with rickets was 75%
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To study the frequency of maternal risk factors in preterm birth. Descriptive - Cross sectional study. This study was carried at Hamdard University Hospital, Karachi from January 2013 to December 2013. All preterm neonates were examined at Hamdard University Hospital. Mothers who delivered neonates before 37 weeks of gestation and their suspected maternal risk factors contributing to preterm labor were registered on a pre-designed proforma. Keeping prevalence of 14.9%[1], bound of error 5%, confidence interval 95%, the calculated sample size is 195. There was Non-probability consecutive sampling. Mothers who delivered live born babies in Hamdard hospital Karachi before 37 weeks of gestation. Babies were born after 37 weeks of gestation and still birth. During the study period, 195 mothers who delivered preterm neonates were included. Out of 195 patients, anemia was found as most common risk factor for preterm delivery in 50.8% mothers, followed by history of previous abortion and premature rupture of membrane with 23.0% and 13.8% respectively. History of previous preterm delivery, pre-eclampsia and antepartum hemorrhage were the least reported risk factors at 4.1% each in our study. Prematurity is still a major problem in Pakistan. Early detection of the most common maternal risk factors as: nutritional status of women [BMI], previous abortions, previous preterm births will reduce the prematurity rate, medical cost and suffering of the parents
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We report two cases who presented with respiratory distress after trauma that were treated for a left-sided haemopneumothrax. These were finally diagnosed as giant diaphragmatic hernias. The diagnostic difficulties and complications arising out of a wrong diagnosis are discussed.
Subject(s)
Child , Female , Hemopneumothorax/diagnosis , Humans , Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic/diagnosis , Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic/diagnostic imaging , Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic/surgery , Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic/therapyABSTRACT
Foreign body ingestion is one of the leading causes of pediatric accidents. Delayed presentations of organic foreign body are usually surprising due to their ability to stick, swell and obstruct the lumen. Obstruction of upper aerodigastric tract due to seeds after one week of aspiration resembling esophageal stricture or lobar pneumonia is
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Child , Foreign Bodies/diagnosis , Deglutition Disorders/etiology , Esophagoscopy , Inhalation , BronchoscopyABSTRACT
Background: Normal kidney function is regulated by Nitric oxide [NO] and Superoxide [O2-] in the body, and consequently controls blood pressure. Nitric Oxide promotes natriuresis and diuresis, and therefore results in reduction of blood pressure. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure, urinary protein, nitrite and nitrate in addition to blood urea, serum creatinine and creatinine clearance in uremic rabbits. Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. A total of 48 rabbits were included in the study. Twenty-four of the rabbits on surgical intervention were prepared as uremic and so became hypertensive as well. Two groups were uremic, one group was given L-arginine and the other was remained untreated. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured on week 0, week 2, week 4, and week 6, while blood and urine was collected on week 0 and week 6. Results: On supplementation with L-arginine to uremic rabbits systolic and diastolic blood pressures were decreased significantly. Nitrite/nitrate and urinary protein were corrected to some extent while blood urea and serum creatinine were unaffected. Conclusion: L-arginine has a beneficial role as blood pressure lowering agent in uremic rabbits. It corrects NO2/NO3 plasma level and proteinuria which is indicator of renal failure. Keywords: Renal failure, uremia, L-arginine, hypertention, NO2/NO3
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To determine the frequency of electrolyte disturbances in malnourished children with and without diarrhea and whether these findings have therapeutic value or not. It is a descriptive study conducted at pediatric Unit-II LUH Hyderabad, from1st August to 31st September 2004. One hundred children of protein-calorie-malnutrition between 6 months to 5 year of age of either sex who were admitted due to diarrhoea, failure to thrive, acute respiratory infection, malaria, anemia, cardiac failure and feeding problems were included in the study. On the basis of history, physical examination and anthropometrics measurement they were divided into Group A patients [n=64] who were malnourished but had diarrhoea and Group B patients [n=36] who were also malnourished and had no diarrhoea. Serum electrolytes were done in patients of both groups and the results were analyzed statistically. Analysis of serum electrolyte in both groups revealed that hypokalemia, hyponatremia and low serum bicarbonate were seen more frequently in patients of group A as compared to group B. In group A hypokalemia was seen in 40 patients[62.5%] while it was observed in 8 patients[22.22%] in group B [p<0.001], hyponatremia was seen in 17 patients [26.56%] in group A and in 5 patients [13.88%] in group B [p<0.001]. In group A 41 patients [64%] had low serum bicarbonate while in group B only 15 patients [41.66%] had low serum bicarbonate value [p<0.001] Electrolyte changes were commonly seen in grade II and III malnourished patients particularly who presented with diarrhoeal episode of variable duration. If these changes are diagnosed in time and treated appropriately the morbidity and mortality could be decreased
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To determine the role of B-scan ultrasonography [USG] in pre operative assessment of eyes with age-related mature cataract by documenting the frequency and nature of posterior segment intraocular pathologies detected by it. A hospital based descriptive observational study Two hundred nine [209] eyes with age related mature cataract of the patients presenting at the outpatient department of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi from May to August 2003 A detailed ocular and medical history was taken keeping in view the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eyes of these patients were divided into four groups on the basis of their age. All patients underwent a comprehensive ocular evaluation including visual acuity assessment, slit-lamp examination, pupil reactions and applanation tonometry. B-Scan USG of these patients was performed at both high [58-61 db] and low [42-44db] instrument sensitivity settings. By compiling data obtained by these various scanning approaches, a three dimensional concept of the lesion was developed and its topography adequately documented. SPSS software [Ver.10.0] was used for statistical analysis of results. It was observed that out of 209 eyes considered for simple mature cataract, USG revealed that 29 [13.87%] of them also had some other ultrasonically detectable posterior segment pathologies. 10 [4.78%] eyes out of 209 had vitreous haemorrhage [VH], 9 eyes [4.30%] had PVD, 3 eyes [1.43%] had asteroid hyalosis, 4 eyes [1.91%] had membranes in anterior and mid-vitreous, 2 eyes [0.96%] had chorioretinal layer thickening while one eye [0.48%] had optic disc edema. Pre operative B-Scan ultrasonography of cataract patients, when posterior segment examination is not possible by conventional methods, helps in diagnosis of additional posterior segment pathologies. Knowledge of these hidden posterior segment pathologies will then help the surgeon in explaining prognosis and expected outcome of surgery to patients. Surgeons can modify their plan of surgery and can also take measures to combat various predictable complications. In addition many legal and technical problems can also be avoided
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Objectives: The objectives of this study was, to describe the efficacy of a simple scoring system [possum] for surgical audit system
Design: This was a descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: Surgical unit-/, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi Pakistan from April, 2001 to October, 2001
Patients And Methods: A total of 500 cases were studied. The physiological score was calculated at the time of admission whereas operative severity score at the time of discharge. By using logistic regression analysis the mortality and morbidity rates were predicted and the outcome measured. The O: E ratio and sensitivity and specificity calculated. Significance assessed by Chi square analysis
Results: The scoring system studied, provided the assessments for mortality and morbidity, which did not significantly differ from observed rates [p < 0.001].
Conclusion: The POSSUM score provided a reasonably effective means of achieving comparison among the two-thirds of patients who underwent surgical procedure. All the data required was readily available from the patient's routine assessment, observations and investigations in all clinical settings. POSSUM provides a good assessment of the risk of mortality and morbidity in general surgical patients. This score can be effectively applied in all surgical setups in Pakistan. We stress that POSSUM should be used as an adjunct to surgical audit
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Objective: To compare the frequency of patients presenting with perforated duodenal ulcer during holy month of Ramadan with those presenting during the rest of the year. To assess the risk factors such as smoking, non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs usage and a history of acid peptic disease. To assess the age groups and gender of patients. Study Design: It was a descriptive study. Period: Three years from Jan 2001 to Dec 2003
Setting: Surgical units of Holy Family and Rawalpindi General Hospitals
Materials and Methods: A total of 133 patients presenting during this three years period were managed surgically after resuscitation in the emergency rooms of both the hospitals. History findings were recorded on a specially designed proforma for this study
Results: 36% of all the patients presented during the holy month of Ramadan alone as compared to 64% during the rest of the year. 46% of all the patients were smokers, whereas 64% of the patients had a previous history of acid peptic disease. 54% of the patients were in the 20 to 40 years age group and the male to female ratio was 5:1
Conclusions: This study clearly showed the increased frequency of perforated duodenal ulcers during the holy month of Ramadan and stresses on the need of precautions specially for smokers, non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs users and patients with the history of acid peptic disease during this month