ABSTRACT
In the suburbs of big cities, the vegetables are commonly irrigated with effluents due to paucity of good qualitywater. These effluents are loaded with toxic or heavy metals which may cause environmental or health hazard.The present study was performed in pot experiments to investigate the impacts of different effluents on thegrowth, yield, and heavy metals concentration of turnip (Brassica rapa). Pots were arranged in a completelyrandomized design with six treatments replicated four times. The treatments included 10% effluents ofsugar mill, sewage water, soap factory, ghee mill, slaughterhouse, and control. Data on the weight of rootplant−1 (g), root length, root diameter, yield ha−1, and heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cd) concentrationsin roots were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results revealed that higher yield and related traits wererecorded with sewage water followed by slaughterhouse wastage and sugar mill effluent. Application of sewagewater enhanced 11.2% yield while the increment with slaughterhouse wastage and sugar mill effluent was 7.8%and 2.3%, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were increased with all types of effluents. The transferfactors showed that accumulation of metals was in the order of Pb > Cd > Zn > Fe > Ni.
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Objective: To estimate the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and in healthy subjects
Methods: In this observational study, biopsy diagnosed oral squamous cell carcinoma patients [n= 38] were recruited from Mayo Hospital, Lahore during 2016 to 2017. Age and gender matched Controls [n= 38] were also included. Venous blood sample of each participant was drawn, serum separated and the levels of matrix metalloproteinases were measured by multiplex ELISA
Results: Serum levels of MMP-1, -8, -10, -12 and -13 in OSCC patients showed statistically significant increase as compared to control group [p < 0.01]. The MMP-12 predicted the presence of OSCC with highest AUC of 0.836 [95% CI [0.733 to 0.911]] for sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 78.9%, respectively for a cut-off value of 16.13 pg/ml
Conclusions: MMP-12 has been found to have significant sensitivity and specificity to qualify as a diagnostic biomarker
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Objective Statins are widely used drugs, known to cause myalgia, leading to high discontinuation rates. The objective of our study was to determine the frequency of myalgia in patients on everyday-dose (EDD) regimen with those on alternate-day dose (ADD) regimen. Methods This cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan. A sample size of 400 patients between the age of 40–70 years, taking simvastatin 40 mg for at least 6 months or more were selected. Patients with prior musculoskeletal or neuromuscular complains, and family history of muscular disorders were excluded. Subjects were evaluated for myalgia via a self-administered questionnaire, and those complaining of myalgia were then evaluated for serum vitamin D levels. Data was analyzed through SPSS 16.0 and compared using chi square test. Results The overall prevalence of myalgia was 7% (28/400). Frequency of myalgia in patients taking simvastatin everyday (n = 20, 10%) was significantly higher compared to those taking it every alternate day (n = 8, 4%) (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the time of onset, nature, severity, type, or location of myalgia between the 2 groups. The most common cited triggering factor for pain was physical exercise. Of the patients experiencing myalgia, 13 (6.5%) from the EDD group and 6 (3%) from the ADD group had low levels of vitamin D. Conclusions ADD regime was better tolerated by the patients than EDD regime. Alternate day therapy, with or without vitamin D supplementation, may be used by the physicians for troublesome muscular complains.
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This study was planned to evaluate sample wise isolation and antimicrobial resistant trends of Acinetobacter spp in different departments of a tertiary care hospital. This was a transversal descriptive study, carried out in the clinical microbiology laboratory of the Allama Iqbal Medical College/ Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, during the period of January 2015 to December 2016. Every clinical specimen was processed for bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibly testing. A total of 3590 [2015=1780, 2016=1810] clinical specimens were processed. Of the total, only 54.7% were gram-negative, among these Acinetobacter spp were isolated from 10.1% and 16.5% samples respectively in 2015-16 with an overall rate of 24.3%. The highest occurrence of Acinetobacter spp isolates was reported from Intensive care units [ICU] [54%] followed by surgical units [25%] and medical units [16%]. It is noteworthy that ICU and internal medicine showed the highest resistance rates, whereas, lower resistance rate was observed for the outdoor patients [OPD]. Although collistin showed 0% resistant while ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and tigecycline showed 90%, 68%, 66%, 66% and 62% resistance against Acinetobacter spp. respectively. An alarming increase in the resistance rate of meropenem, cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin/ tazobactam, ciprofloxacin, and imipenem was observed from the year 2015 to 2016. This startling resistance acquired by Acinetobacter spp. within a period of one year, represent very limited therapeutic options left for the infections caused by Acinetobacter spp. Unavailability of effective drugs and limited therapeutic options enforce the health care practitioners to prescribe expensive and broad range antibiotics, which may cause harm to the patient. Therefore, it is need of an hour to better understand the antimicrobial patterns and optimize antimicrobial prescription policies for the control of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp
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[number sign]Salvia moorcroftiana is an herbaceous plant commonly known as "Kallijari" in Pakistan and belongs to the family Lamiaceae. This study was carried out to evaluate its scientific base for its traditional use in pain, fever and inflammation. The powdered plant was extracted by the method of cold maceration using aqueous methanol [70:30] as solvents. Hot plate, flick tail and acetic acid induced writhing test were utilized for analgesic assessment. Antiinflammatory activity was evaluated by carageenan-induced mice paw edema. Brewer's induced pyrexia was used for the evaluation of antipyretic activity. Non-significant [p<0.01] results as compared to the standard were obtained in all experiments. It was evident from acute toxicity study that plant was non-toxic in nature. It is concluded from the study that plant had the potential to be safely used for pain, fever and inflammation
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Objective: To evaluate the coronal microleakage of packable composite using conventional incremental and posterior bulk fill flowable composite using Smart Dentine Replacement Single Step technique in the cervical margins of class II cavities in dentine using the dye penetration method
Study Design: In-vitro Interventional study
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Operative Dentistry, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences [DIKIOHS], Karachi, from November 2012 to April 2013
Methodology: One hundred and twenty extracted teeth [molars and premolars] were collected and randomly divided into two experimental groups [n=60 each] and were stored in normal saline until used. Fractured samples were excluded. Standardized class II proximal box only cavities were prepared and restored with conventional methacrylate based composite using incremental technique [Group A, n=40] and low stress methacrylate resin based composite SDR using single step technique [Group B, n=40]. Samples were sectioned horizontally below the cervical margins and specimen disks were prepared. The specimens were thermocycled and sealed with acid resistant varnish leaving a 1-mm interface around cervical margin and immersed in 2% methylene blue buffered solution for 24 hours. Leakage was scored 0 - 4 and measured in mm. It washed and sectioned to evaluate under stereomicroscope
Results: Mean penetration was 2.4280 +/-0.79 mm for Group A and 1.015 +/-0.45 mm for Group B [p < 0.001]. Maximum dye penetration score for group A was 4 and group B was 3
Conclusion: SDR technique in combination with total etch technique at the cervical margin of class II restorations improved the marginal seal, when were placed in dentine and thermocycled
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the demographic features and causes of donor deferral in blood donors
Study Design: Descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion [AFIT] for a period of 1 year from Jun 2012 to May 2013
Material and Methods: Donors with ages ranging from 18-60 years who reported to the blood bank were incorporated in this study. A comprehensive history was taken from all the potential donors through a structured proforma. A detailed general physical examination was done by the appointed doctor at the blood bank. Furthermore, laboratory testing of the blood samples of potential donors was done. On this basis, donors were accepted or deferred
Results: The commonest cause of the donor deferral was hepatitis C [HCV] [28.6%], the second leading cause was anaemia [24%] and the third leading cause was hepatitis B [HBV] [16.8%]. Syphilis was also a major cause of donor deferral causing the rejection of 10.4% donors
Conclusion: The donor deferral rate is 7.3% and the leading course of donor deferral are chronic infections like hepatitis C and B and diseases like anaemia
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to observe the antimicrobial resistance of AmpC [beta]-lactamase producing E. coli. Six hundred and seventy E. coli were isolated from 20,257 various pathological samples collected from The Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan. The isolates showed resistance to ceftazidime which were further examined for AmpC [beta]-lactamase activity by Disc Potentiation method. There were 670 isolates of E. coli out of which 85 [12.6%] were AmpC [beta]-lactamase producers. Risk factors like intravenous line [76.5%], endotracheal tube [22.4%], surgery [12.9%] and urinary catheters [7.1%] were found to be associated with infection caused by AmpC [beta]-lactamase producing E. coli. Antimicrobial resistance pattern revealed that AmpC producing E. coli were highly resistant to coamoxiclav, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, cefixime, ceftriaxone and cefoxitin [100% each]. Least resistance was observed against sulbactam-cefoperazone [14.1%], cefepime [7.1%], piperacillin-tazobactam [5.9%] and none of the isolates were resistant to imipenem and meropenem. The minimum use of invasive devices and strict antibiotic policies can reduce the spread of AmpC [beta]-lactamase producing E. coli
ABSTRACT
The emergence of ESBL producing Enterobacter cloacae in clinical isolates is posing a serious threat for treating nosocomial infections. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of extended spectrum beta-lactamase [ESBL] producing Enterobacter cloacae and to compare the phenotypic methods used for the characterization of ESBL producing strains. This cross sectional observational study was conducted during April 2011 to March 2012 at Microbiology department of The Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore. A total number of 20,257 various clinical samples were analyzed during the study period. Enterobacter cloacae were identified using API 20E system and ESBL detection was carried out using double-disk synergy test [DDST] and CLSI confirmatory test. Enterobacter cloacae were isolated from 221 samples, out of which 33 [14.93%] were ESBL producers and 188 [85.07%] were non-ESBL producers. The gender distribution of ESBL producing Enterobacter cloacae was 21 [63.6%] in males and 12 [36.4%] in females. Highest frequency [63%] of ESBL producing Enterobacter cloacae was detected in blood samples. Comparison of DDST and CLSI confirmatory test showed that 25 [75.75%] isolates were characterized by DDST and 33 [100%] using CLSI confirmatory test. The present study shows moderately high frequency of ESBL producing Enterobacter cloacae among children. DDST was found to be less efficient in ESBL detection as compared to CLSI confirmatory test
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , beta-Lactamases , Phenotype , Child , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
The production of AmpC beta-lactamases is one of the common mechanisms of beta-lactam drugs resistance. AmpC beta-lactamases produce resistance to various clinically important cephalosporins. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of AmpC beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli and its occurrence in different clinical samples. This cross sectional observational study was conducted during April 2011 to March 2012 in the Microbiology Department of The Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore. A total number of 20,257 pathological samples like blood, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF], urine, pus, endotracheal tube [ETT], pleural fluid, sputum and urinary catheters were analyzed during the study period. E. coli were identified using API 20E system and resistance to cefoxitin was used as a screening test followed by disk potentiation as confirmatory test for AmpC beta-lactamases. E. coli were isolated in 670 samples out of which 85 [12.6%] were AmpC beta-lactamase producers. The gender distribution of patients with AmpC beta-lactamase producing E. coli was 52 [61.2%] in males and 33 [38.8%] in females. The occurrence rate of AmpC beta-lactamase producing E. coli in clinical samples was highest in blood 45 [52.9%].The present study shows moderately high frequency of AmpC beta-lactamase producing E. coli which may increase morbidity and mortality among children. Earlier detection of AmpC beta-lactamases will decrease the morbidity rate of AmpC beta-lactamase producing E. coli infection.
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To determine the response of one-year interferon-alpha therapy in hepatitis delta virus [HDV] infection in children and young adults at a tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. An observational study. Sarwar Zuberi Liver Centre [SZLC], Medical Unit IV, Civil Hospital, Karachi / Dow University of Health Sciences [DUHS], from June 2009 to July 2010. Paediatric patients [< 18 years age] and young adults [18-35 years] presenting were screened for hepatitis B virus [HBV] and HDV sero-markers. HDV anti-body positive by ELISA were further screened for hepatitis D ribonucleic acid [HDV-RNA] by real time PCR. HDV RNA PCR positive patients were treated with INF- alpha [children 6 MIU/m2/day and adults 5 MIU/day] for a period of one year. Patients were assessed monthly. Haematological parameters and ALT were monitored during treatment. Clinical progress [side effects] and negative HDV RNA were used as response criteria. Overall 49 patients were HDV RNA positive [children: n=15, mean age 15 +/- 2.92 years adults: n=34, mean age 27 +/- 4 years]. Eighty percent were male. Treatment was given to 25 patients [children: n=11, adults: n=14]. HBV genotype D was the predominant in all HDV RNA positive patients [73%]. Eighty percent [20/25] were HDV-RNA negative after one year of treatment, and remaining patients are still under treatment. Side effects were tolerated well and children continued regular activity. Haematological parameters were unremarkable. Children maintained their pre-treatment centile for height and weight [growth parameters]. ALT levels were significantly decreased post-treatment. Conventional INF- was safe in children with HDV infection in terms of side effects and growth parameters. Eighty percent were HDV-RNA negative one year after treatment. Further follow-up 2 years post-treatment will give conclusive results
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Hepatitis D, Chronic/drug therapy , Child , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult , Hepatitis Delta VirusABSTRACT
Depression is a debilitating psychological condition in young people which can affect their growth, health and performance laying profound effects on their quality of life. The objective of the study is to assess the degree of depression with feature specifications and diurnal variations in medical and Pharm. D students in two private sector universities of Karachi, Pakistan. Severity of symptoms was more frequently assessed as psychological anxiety [9.3%] than somatic anxiety [1.3%]. General feeling of wellbeing was distorted in 57.2% students with varying degrees of severity. The psychogenic condition implicated the quality of sleep [19.6%] and latency of sleep [34.3%]. Appetite was affected adversely in 23.3% students with mild symptoms, whereas 5% reported severity of symptoms. Severity of symptoms was majorly assessed in late insomnia. We concluded that the symptoms of depression in young individuals were fairly common with both psychogenic and somatic feature specifications
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Objective: to assess the prevalence and patterns of mobile phone use among female college Students
Material and Methods: the colleges were selected by convenient sampling and grades were selected randomly. The study population was 332 female students. The data was collected using questionnaire. The research was carried out by the doctors of community medicine department of Fatima Jinnah Medical College Lahore
Results: three colleges having total of 332 female students were surveyed for this research purpose. A significant proportion of this study group [85.5%] was found to be using mobile phones. Monthly mobile phone expenditure of 31.3% students was 100-200 rupees. 38% students were sending less than 20 messages per day. Over 39.8% students used their mobiles for less than an hour per day. So far as features of the mobile phone and their use were concerned, text messaging was the most frequently used feature [63.6%]. 10.2% of the students were in the habit of using mobile phones during their classes whereas only 13.9% students contacted their parents through mobile more than once per day
Conclusion: the above research depicted extensive use of mobile phone among female college students. Majority of the students were not using mobile phone during the class .The students used mobile to chat with their friends through messaging and their expenditure and time spent on phone was reasonable. Few of the girls were using mobile to contact their parents
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The aim of this in-vitro study was to use dye penetration method to compare the apical microleakage of matched taper single-cone and cold lateral condensation technique in teeth prepared with ProTaper instruments. Eighty [80] human extracted single rooted teeth were used. The teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups of thirty [30] teeth each and two negative and positive control groups of ten [10] teeth each. The groups were as follows: Group I, Teeth were obturated using single cone obturation technique; Group II, Teeth were obturated using a cold lateral condensation technique. In positive control Group; teeth were instrumented and left unobturated, where as in negative control Group, teeth were instrumented and five [5] teeth were obturated with single cone obturation technique and five [5] teeth with the Lateral condensation technique. The access cavities of all teeth were obturated with Ketac Molar [3M ESPE] to ensure a coronal seal. The specimens were stored for 24 hours in 100% humidity at 37°C to allow the sealer to set. After that the surface of all roots in experimental and positive control groups were then covered with two layers of nail polish, except for the apical area [2mm]. In the negative control group all surfaces of the roots, including the apical area, were covered with two layers of nail polish. Each tooth was subsequently immersed in a freshly prepared 5% aqueous methylene blue dye solution [PH 7.0] at 37°C for seven days, and stored in incubator. Following storage, the roots were cut along their long axis and evaluated under a stereomicroscope to measure the depth of dye penetration. The negative controls showed no dye penetration while, the positive controls showed completely dye penetration. Mean and standard deviation of leakage for experimental groups were, for Single Cone Obturation, 6.42 [SD +/- 3.18], for Lateral Condensation Obturation, 6.44 [SD +/- 1.8]. There was no significant difference between the two groups [p=0.245]. Both the single cone and the lateral condensation obturation techniques proved equally effective in achieving the apical seal