Comparison of the infra-red absorption peaks of untreated and silane treated glass fibers through fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy

Fiber reinforced composites [FRCs] have a wide range of applicability in almost all fields of science. Recently, glass fibers have gained popularity in the field of dentistry owing to their excellent capability of bonding with PMMA denture base after silane treatment, biocompatibility, and esthetics. However, dental grade glass fibers are not only expensive, but they are also not readily available everywhere. This study was aimed at evaluating the quality of coating of saline coupling agent that formed on industrial glass fibers, after they were treated with Trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate silane, and to assess the feasibility of using silane treated industrial glass fibers for dental usage, due to their low cost and abundant availability. This was done by comparing the infra-red [IR] absorption peaks of both types of woven E-glass fibers commercial [StickNET, Stick Tech, Finland and Industrial [Iqbal Sons, Karachi], by using Fourier Transform Infra-red [FTIR] spectroscopy. The results indicated the presence of a polymerized layer of the silane coupling agent on both the commercial and industrial GFs. The absorption peaks on both types of glass fibers were identical, demonstrating that industrial glass fibers could be effectively used in replacement of commercial glass fibers, for the reinforcement of PMMA dentures

Lobectomy for congenital lobar emphysema, experience of two centers in Pakistan

Objective: To assess outcome of lobectomy in congenital lobar emphysema in pediatrics group of patients

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Department of Thoracic Surgery Nishtar Hospital Multan and Services Hospital Lahore from October 2003 to December 2015.All the patients of pediatric group who underwent lobectomy for congenital lobar emphysema were included in study. Demographic data, operative findings outcome of the procedure in terms of post operative complications and 30 days morbidity and mortality were recorded .All the patients presented with respiratory distress. Standard lobectomy was performed and bronchial stump was buttressed with surrounding lymph nodes, pericardial or pleural flap

Results: Of these 41 study cases, 30 [73.2%] were boys while 11 [26.8%] were girls and male to female ratio was 2.72: 1. Mean age of our study cases was 3.32 +/- 1.59 months [with age range; 15 days to 7 months]. Mean age of the boys was noted to be 3.38 +/- 1.52 months while that of girls was 3.18 +/- 1.84 months [p = 0.405]. Of these 41 study cases, left upper lobectomy was performed in 27 [65.9%] patients, right middle lobectomy in 11 [26.8%] patients, left lower lobectomy in 2 [4.9 %] patients and right upper lobectomy in 1 [2.4%] patients. Out of 41 patients 8 [19.5%] were preoperatively on ventilator. Out of 8 ventilated patients one had left sided chest intubation which was malpositioned and was in the lung parenchyma. Morbidity was superficial wound infection in 2 [4.9%] patients and post lobectomy empyema in 2 [4.9%] patients who required prolonged tube thoracostomy, antibiotics and chest physiotherapy. Mortality was recorded in 1 [2.4%] patient who was preoperatively on ventilator and had misplaced chest tube. That patient died on the 3rd post-operative day due to respiratory failure secondary tolung parenchymal injury

Conclusion: Our study results support surgical management of congenital lobar emphysema as Lobectomy was found to be safe, reliable and effective in these children presenting with respiratory distress due to lobar emphysema. There were no significant morbidities in these patients and clinical outcomes were satisfactory and surgical management is reported to be treatment of choice in pediatric patients with CLE

Association between socio-demographic features, oral hygiene practices and oral health utilization services among patients seen at afid

Although oral health is an integral part of general health but is ignored both individually and at community level. This study was aimed to find out the association between socio demographic features and oral hygiene practices, and oral health utilization services among individuals seen at a tertiary care hospital of military set up

Descriptive cross sectional study although revealed relatively positive outcome yet 23.3% never visited for dental checkup. People usually visit dentist when they have some kind of symptoms like pain. Individuals living in urban areas significantly tend to avail more oral health utilization services than people living in rural areas because of more facilities available in urban areas than in rural areas. Older age group significantly visited dentists than young individuals. This may explain the reason that older individuals tend to have more dental problems. Education do have impact on the use of modern tools. A very good proportion of individuals [95.6%] know that health of teeth is vital for health of body and it is mainly due to awareness imparted from military based community set up. A wide national coverage is required to make this data more valid on the oral health service utilization and usual oral health practices among Pakistani population as well as socio demographic factors which had a major influence

Drug delivery through denture-base resins - a systematic review

The purpose of this article was to review current literature on the usage of denture bases as potential drug-release devices DRDs] for the treatment of oral conditions such as Candida associated denture stomatitis [CAD] and recurrent ulcers. Relevant publications from the year 1983 to 2014 were included by searching 'denture bases' and 'drug delivery' using [MeSH terminology]. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were set. Most studies were done in vitro. It was concluded during the review that various therapeutic agents such as Fluconazole, Chlorhexidine gluconate and Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate have been successfully incorporated in denture base resins. Drugs leach out steadily from poly methyl methacrylate [PMMA] specimens for a period of 28 days. In case of rechargeable denture bases, the elution continues for longer periods. A lot of ongoing research is being done on the incorporation of silver nanoparticles and monitoring its antimicrobial activity

Comparison of in-vitro conditioning of two types of mandibular bone plates in modified simulated body fluid characterization with scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy

Objectives: In this study the conditioning of two mandibular mini plates was done in modified simulated body fluid at 37°C

Study Design:An experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at in the laboratory of National University of Science and Technology from March to Mach 2013

Materials and Methods: The two brands of mini bone plates were selected, one imported from Germany while other was manufactured in local industry. The modified simulated body fluid [m-SBF] was prepared by dissolving reagent in deionised water. The conditioning was done at 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The surface changes produced after conditioning were analyzed under scanning electron microscope [SEM]. The energy dispersive X-ray [EDX] analysis was also used to identify compositional variations of the MPP and MPGsurfaces

Results: The SEM revealed almost similar changes in body fluid environment in both plates however the surface of MPG was anodized while no anodization was done on MPPs while in EDX analysis the main elements found were Ti[Titanium] and O [Oxygen] in MPP and MPG. O was more initially then gradually decreases with passage oftime in case of MPG while in MPP the O was in low concentration in early conditioning time and then it decreased

Conclusions: The surface of MPG was anodized while no anodization was done onMPPs

Synthesis, Spectral investigation [[1]H, [13]C] and Anti-microbial Screening of benzophenone imines

New series of benzophenone imines with general formula Ph[2]-C=NR; R = Benzyl, 4-Fluorobenzyl, Naphthyl, Phenyl, 4-Nitrophenyl were synthesized by condensation of dichlorodiphenylmethane and different aromatic primary amines [1:1] Those imines were characterized by different physiochemical and spectroscopic techniques like melting point, elemental analysis, FT-IR, multinuclear NMR [[1]H, [13]C]. After characterization, imines were subjected to antimicrobial activities. All compounds showed promising activity against different bacterial strains like Escherichia coli, Bacillussubtilis, Pasturellam ultocida and Staphylococcus aureus as well as fungal strains like Alternata alternaria, Ganoderma lucidium, Penicillium notatum and Trichoderma harzianum using Amoxicillin and Flucanazole as a standard drugs respectively

Bridging the gap. quality of communication between prosthodontists and lab technicians

This descriptive study was carried out at dental out-patient department of Liaquat medical University Hospital Hyderabad from January 2013 to December 2013. Thirty-five patients wearing auto polymerized [self-cured] fixed partial dentures provided by unqualified and qualified dental practitioners were assessed. Condition of oral health was evaluated on the basis of proper history and clinical examination. Prosthesis condition was also assessed. Oral health of underlying soft and hard tissues was carefully evaluated after removing the prosthesis with the help of slow speed hand piece without jeopardizing oral tissues. It was evident in this study that fixed partial dentures made from auto polymerized [self cure] acrylic resins had adversely affected the oral tissues compelling the patients to visit the qualified dentist for proper treatment of their problems

Bioglass, a new trend towards clinical bone tissue engineering

[It is submitted that the list of the published articles available on the Pubmed database were extracted using the key words [Osteogenesis and Bioglass] on 3rd April, 2015 followed by extraction of the full text articles from different sources and then thorough review of all the articles was done in 4 months' time period [from April to July 2015] to reproduce this manuscript. Authros]. Bioglass also called a bioactive glass has an inherent osteogenic potential, thus, provide new strategies to regenerate diseased or lost bone with minimum exposure to multiple materials. This article covers the systematic review of all the research done on bioglass and osteogenesis since 2007 till present on PubMed based on the eligibility criteria. The main objectives of the study were to evaluate the latest trend of bioglass research, to determine its osteogenic potential and to comprehend its possible clinical applications. Increasing trend is observed towards the in vivo research of bioglass for its osteogenic potential and effective clinical applications. In the field of dentistry, the use of bioglass is identified in quick healing and regeneration of intrabony defects especially the periodointium with a potential application in periodontology and maxillofacial surgery. Bioglass is a more potent and cheap alternative to bone implantation and transplantation with minimum side effects and efficient replacement with body's own new regenerated tissue

Comparison of local and imported osteosynthetic mandibular bone plates in terms of micro hardness in modified simulated body fluid at periodic intervals

To determine the micro hardness of novel Pakistani manufactured osteosynthetic titanium bone mini plates [MPP] and imported osteosynthetic titanium bone mini plates [MPG] in body like conditions. Descriptive study. This study was carried out at School of Chemical and Material Engineering, NUST from March to May 2013. Microvicker hardness tester was used for assessment of micro hardness of two types of plates. The hardness was checked before conditioning and after conditioning at [six different places] on interval of 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 40 days in modified simulated body fluid with ph 7.4 and temperature 37[degree]C. Result showed that hardness of MPG was higher than MPP and after conditioning in simulated body fluid at all time periods, hardness of both types of plates was increased. It can be concluded from this study that micro hardness of imported plates is more than local plates so recommendations should be sent to manufacturers of local industry of Pakistan to improve the hardness of local plates so that they can meet international standards

Analysis of primary intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid cysts a rare clinical entity

To evaluate the anatomic location of cysts, operative characteristics of intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid cyst and to determine the outcome of aggressive surgical interventions.Case series. Thoracic Surgery Unit Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from 1[st] July 2008 to 30[th] June 2011. All patients admitted to Thoracic unit from July 2008 to June 2011 with intra thoracic hydatid cysts were evaluated prospectively as to age, sex, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, anatomic location of cysts, surgical procedures, complications, and outcomes. Chest radiography, computed tomography, and thoracic and abdominal ultrasonography had been performed preoperatively in all of them. Bronchoscopy and spirometry was also performed in all patients for assessment and operability.Echocardiography had been used in 2 patients to determine the contiguity of the cyst to the pericardium. Cystectomy and wide resection were the chief operative procedures. Most of the patients were having cysts in the pulmonary parenchyma only 10 patients had intrathoracic cysts in extrapulmonary locations. This group of patients was included in the study. We excluded patients who had a parenchymal cyst that had perforated to the pleura, myocardial hydatid and patients who had Total of 149 patients were operated for hydatid cystectomy, out of these 139 patients had pulmonary hydatid and 10 patients had intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid cysts. These 10 patients constitute our study group; out of these 7 were men and 3 women whose mean age was 39.14 +/- 16.8 years range, [16-69 years]. Eight [80%] of these were symptomatic, most commonly with chest pain, two patients were asymptomatic. There were 2 [20%] mediastinal hydatid, 2 [20%] diaphragmatic, 2 [20%] pericardial, 2 [20%] oblique fissure, and 1 [10%] each in chest wall and pleural hydatid in our study. Albendazole [10 mg/kg] was prescribed to all patients for as long as 3 months postoperatively. No complication, recurrence, or death occurred during the follow up period of 13 +/- 15.4 months [range, 2-36 months].The extrapulmonary location of Hydatid cysts within the thorax is very rare. This rarity may cause difficulties in diagnosis. To avoid recurrence, it is necessary to resect the affected tissues completely and an anthelmintic medical regimen post operatively

Acoustical behavior of some amino acids in aqueous disodium citrate solutions over temperature range [298.15-313.15] K

Sound velocity, U, and density,Rho, of some amino acids viz. glycine, methionine, phenylalanine and tryptophan were determined in 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mol kg[-1]aqueous disodium citrate solutions as a function of concentration at 298-313.15K using DSA 5000M. The experimental data were further used to compute various acoustical parameters such as adiabatic compressibility, beta, apparent molar compressibility, phi[k], partial molar compressibility, phi°[k], transfer adiabatic compressibility, phi[ktr] constant, S[k], and the hydration number, n[h]- The transfer adiabatic compressibility shows the supremacy of hydrophilic-ionic interactions under hydrophobic-ionic interactions. The above-mentioned parameters are relevant for the efficiency of mediation in pharmacology and can be interpreted in terms of structure-making or structure-breaking ability of these amino acids in the solution

comparative analysis of bleached and sound enamel structure through scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy

To analyze the effects of bleaching agent on enamel structure and to characterize the morphological and chemical changes in enamel due to bleaching. Experimental study. School of Chemical and Material Engineering [SCME], NUST Islamabad from Feb to May 2013. Ten recently extracted pre molars between the 12-22years age group were randomly assigned into two groups. Group one was a non-bleached control group with sound enamel. Group two was bleachedwith Everbrite In office tooth whitening system after specimen preparation, surface morphology was observed under SEM [scanned electron microscope] and AFM [Atomic force microscope]. Thedetrimental effects of hydrogen per-oxide on enamel were evident in bleached specimens under SEM, and AFM analysis. There were significant surface alterations found in the bleached specimens as compared to control group. However salivary buffering potentials could overcome the demineralizing effect of bleaching gel

Cotton Aphid Aphis Gossypii L. (Homoptera; Aphididae); a Challenging Pest; Biology and Control Strategies: A Review.

Cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) is a key pest of cotton crop. The indiscriminate use of insecticides and pesticides during 1930’s and latter to control insects pests, developed resistance in cotton aphid against these chemicals resulting in outbreak of this pest. Cotton aphid has a major impact on quality and yield of cotton which emphasizes the need to manage this notorious pest. The main goal of this review is to highlight various strategies viz., biological, chemical and cultural control for cotton aphid management. The selection of suitable control strategy is made on by viewing the severity of cotton aphid outbreak. Furthermore, the role of transgenic crops in lowering cotton aphid population is also described. However, the preservation of the cotton aphid's natural enemies could be an ecologically sustainable method of maintaining the aphid population below threshold level.

Isolation and Characterization of Halophilic Bacterial Strains from Saline Waters of Khewra Salt Mines on the Basis of 16S rRNA Gene Sequence.

Halophiles are salt loving microbes optimally growing at high concentrations of salt. Khewra salt mines of Pakistan provide extreme saline conditions where enormous halophilic microbial biota thrives. The present study aimed at isolation and molecular identification of bacterial strains from saline waters of Khewra salt mines. Using halophilic media, nine halophilic bacterial strains from saline water bodies were cultured and studied under optimized growth conditions (NaCl, pH and temperature). Bacterial growth at different NaCl concentrations was measured at 600nm wavelength, showing optimal growth at 1.5M NaCl. 769bp size 16S rRNA gene was amplified for molecular identification of bacterial strains. The amplified genes of the strains FA2.2 and FA3.3 were sequenced and their homology with other bacterial strains was analyzed. The results showed FA2.2 shared maximum homology with Bacillus anthracis strain while FA3.3 showed close resemblance with Staphylococcus saprophyticus subsp. bovis. Isolated halophilic bacterial strains possess potential for various biotechnological applications. They could be manipulated for synthesizing transgenic crops tolerating high salinity boosting the agricultural yield. Moreover extremozymes of these bacteria holds great industrial importance.

Local dexamethasone infiltration after dental implant placement - a comparative study

Objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the co-administered dexamethasone and diclofinac potassium in controlling pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. The study was done in the PN Dental Centre [PNDC], PNS Shifa hospital Karachi from Aug 2009 to Dec 2010. It was a cross sectional comparative study. One hundred patients were selected in this study and divided into two equal groups, A and B of 50 patients each. In group A only Diclofinac potassium was given and in group B patients intraoral infusion of Dexamethasone was given along with Diclofinac potassium. In Group B patients reported good control over pain and swelling in first 24hours as compared to the group A

Oral health status and malocclusion in flood affected and internally displaced children in Pakistan

The objective of the present study was to assess the Oral Health status and evaluate DMFT [Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth] scores and Malocclusion in children of flood affected internally displaced persons [IDPs] in Pakistan and to provide them information about dental health. It was a Cross sectional study and was conducted at Camp Schools of Northern Bypass Gattap Town and IDPs Labour Square Camp Gulshan-e-Maymar Karachi. Sample consisted of 424 children, ages ranging from 12-16 years. Participants were interviewed about their dental health behavior and brushing habits. Clinical examination was performed for DMFT scores, gingival inflammation bleeding and malocclusion. Oral hygiene status was evaluated visually by assessing the presence of plaque and calculus. Associations were assessed using chi-square test and a p-value of<0.001 was considered significant. Mean DMFT was 1.29 and tooth brush users had least DMFT. Gingival bleeding was found in 52.6%, 33.3% had gingival inflammation, and 65.8% showed plaque and calculus and 56.8% had halitosis. 46% used tooth brush for cleaning and only 27% brushed daily. 73.6% of the total sample had malocclusion and most common type was Angle's Class I [48.6%], 23.6% had Class II and 1.4% showed Class III. No clear gender differences were noted, except for Plaque and Calculus [most frequent in boys, P<.018]. It was concluded that the study subjects needed oral hygiene instructions to reduce the incidence of oral diseases and malocclusions

Outcome of open reduction and intramedullary kirschner-wires fixation for fracture shaft radius ulna in children

Background: There has been a trend toward operative management of pediatric Diaphyseal Forearm Fractures [DFFx]. We studied our experience with surgical management of these injuries to assess outcome and complications

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess outcome and complications associated with open reduction and intramedullaryKirschner-wire fixation for fracture shaft radius ulna in children

Design: Prospective study

Setting: Orthopedic surgery departments of Independent Medical College, Punjab Medical College and University Medical College Faisalabad

Study Period: Between March 2009 and February 2011

Method: The study group included 32 boys and 12 girls aged 6-15 years with unstable displaced fractures shaft radius, ulna or both. Relevant history and x-rays of the forearm were taken. We followed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the cases were treated with open reduction and retrograde Kirchner wire fixation. The cases were followed for at least 6 months. Patients were assessed functionally and radiologically and results were graded according to the system described by Price et al as excellent, good, fair and poor

Results: This prospective study was completed on 44 patients 32 were male and 12 were female. All fractures were united in acceptable alignment. At final assessment there were 30 [68.18%] excellent, 8 [18.18%] good, 3 [06.82%] fair and 3 [06.82%] poor results. The fair or poor clinical outcome was higher in children above 10 years of age. Delayed union after IM intramedullary fixation occurred in 3 children over 10 years of age

Conclusion: This technique can provide precise fracture reduction, maintains stabilization for fracture healing, results in minimal cosmetic deformity, cost effective and facilitates easy removal of implants after treatment

Outcome of augmented external fixation of unstable distal radius fractures

Background: Well-reduced unstable distal radius fractures have the potential to undergo late displacement and/or collapse due to musculotendinous forces. To over come this there is controversy as to which is the preferred treatment - minimally invasive like external fixation or invasive like open reduction and plating

Objective: To determine the outcome of augmented external fixation of unstable distal radius fractures

Design: Prospective study

Setting: Orthopedic surgery department of Independent Medical College, Punjab Medical College and University Medical College Faisalabad

Period: Between January 2009 and December 2010

Methods: In this case series study 46 patients with unstable distal radius fractures were followed for 1 year after operation using the technique of application of common 3.5mm AO external fixator using principle of ligamentotaxis for reduction and restoring length with addition of k-wires plus bone graft if needed. All patients were evaluated according to the sum of demerit points system [Saito, 1983]

Results: There were 20 male [43.48%] and 26 females [56.52%] with mean age 48.54+16.36. According to the sum of demerit points [Saito, 1983], the latest follow-up functional end results were 'Excellent' in 45.66%, Good in 34.78%, Fair in 10.87% and Poor in 08.69%. As for the anatomical results at follow-up, the radial shortening <2mm in 37 [70.44%], from 2- 4mm in 5 patients [10.87%] and >4mm in 4[08.69%]. The average radial tilt was 22°and palmar tilt was 6°

Conclusions: The application of common 3.5mm AO external fixator with addition of k-wires is simple, cost effective, quick, minimally invasive and prevents redisplacement of fracture fragments adequately. The risk of infection is small and there is little damage to the surrounding tissues

Open reduction and k-wire fixation of displaced unstable lateral condyle fractures of the humerus in children

Lateral condyle fractures in children are the second most common fracture about the elbow. The problem arises in those cases which are difficult to treat by pop cast or by close reduction with percutaneous pin fixation. Late presentation is another challenge. We selected surgical treatment for such cases up to 12 weeks to evaluate our results. To study the usefulness of open reduction and K-wire fixation of displaced, unstable with or without rotation of fractures lateral condyle of the humerus in children presenting up to 12 weeks post injury Prospective. Three teaching orthopaedic units Independent Medical College / Punjab Medical College, and University Medical College Faisalabad. From January 2008 to December 2010. In this prospective study a series of 22 patients were treated using technique of open reduction and internal fixation with k-wires. The results were assessed by criteria of Agarwal et al with little modification after follow-up for 1 year. Excellent to good results were observed in all the12 patients presenting at 1-4 weeks post injury. In 5 patients presenting at 5-8 weeks, the results were excellent in one, good in 2, fair in1 and poor in one patient. In 5 patients presenting at 9-12 weeks good in 1 fair in 2 and poor in 2 patients. Open reduction and internal fixation is an effective treatment in all cases of displaced fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus presenting up to 12 weeks post injury on the basis of low surgical complications and high union rate

Association between cigaratte smoking and periodontitis in Pakistani population

The study was done to identify the association between cigarette smoking and periodontitis in patients reporting to tertiary care dental centre. It is a comparative cross sectional study which was conducted in the Department of Operative Dentistry at Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi. The study was completed in 6 months from Mar 2007 to Sep 2007. 200 patients including 100 smokers and 100 non smokers were selected. Patients were clinically evaluated by measuring the probing depth, clinical attachment level [CAL], tooth mobility and furcation involvement between the two groups. There was a significant association between cigarette smoking and periodontitis. Mean probing depth in smokers was 3.56 and 3.09 in non smokers, mean CAL in smokers was 2.53 and 1.96 in non smokers, mean furcation involvement in smokers was 0.36 and 0.14 in non smokers and mean tooth mobility in smokers was 0.32 and 0.17 in non smokers. There was a marked association between cigarette smoking and periodontitis. The results of this study suggest that cigarette smoking significantly worsen periodontal health and greater probing depth, clinical attachment level, tooth mobility and furcation defects have been found in smokers than in non smokers