Assessment of land use cover changes, carbon sequestration and carbon stock in dry temperate forests of Chilas watershed, Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract Land use and land cover change are affecting the global environment and ecosystems of the different biospheres. Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of these changes is of utmost importance as they often results in several global environmental consequences such as land degradation, mass erosion, habitat deterioration as well as micro and macro climate of the regions. The advance technologies like remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) are helpful in determining/ identifying these changes. In the current study area, changes in carbon stocks, notably in forest areas, are resulting in considerable dynamics of carbon stocks as a result of climate change and carbon sequestration. This study was carried out in the Diamer district of the Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Pakistan to investigate the change in cover change/land use change (particularly Forest Land use) as well as carbon sequestration potential of the forests in the district during almost last 25years. The land cover, temporal Landsat data (level 1, LIT) were downloaded from the USGS EROS (2016), for 1979-1989, 1990-2000 and 2001-2012. Change in land uses, particularly forest cover was investigated using GIS techniques. Forest inventory was carried out using random sampling techniques. A standard plot of size 0.1 ha (n=80) was laid out to determine the tree density, volume, biomass and C stocks. Simulation of C stocks was accomplished by application of the CO2FIX model with the data input from inventory. Results showed a decrease in both forest and snow cover in the region from 1979-2012. Similarly decrease was seen in tree volume, tree Biomass, dynamics of C Stocks and decrease was in occur tree density respectively. It is recommended we need further more like project such as BTAP (Billion Tree Afforestation Project) and green Pakistan project to increase the forest cover, to control on land use change, protect forest ecosystem and to protect snow cover.

Resumo O uso e as mudanças na cobertura da terra estão afetando o meio ambiente global e os ecossistemas das diferentes biosferas. O monitoramento, relatório e verificação (MRV) dessas mudanças são de extrema importância, pois muitas vezes resultam em várias consequências ambientais globais, como degradação da terra, erosão em massa, deterioração do hábitat, bem como micro e macroclima das regiões. As tecnologias avançadas, como sensoriamento remoto (RS) e sistema de informações geográficas (SIG), são úteis para determinar / identificar essas mudanças. Na área de estudo atual, as mudanças nos estoques de carbono, principalmente em áreas florestais, estão resultando em uma dinâmica considerável dos estoques de carbono como resultado das mudanças climáticas e do sequestro de carbono. Este estudo foi realizado no distrito de Diamer de Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Paquistão, para investigar a mudança na mudança de cobertura / mudança de uso da terra (particularmente uso de terras florestais), bem como o potencial de sequestro de carbono das florestas no distrito durante quase os últimos 25 anos. A cobertura da terra, os dados temporais do Landsat (nível 1, LIT), foram baixados do USGS EROS (2016), para 1979-1989, 1990-2000 e 2001-2012. Mudanças nos usos da terra, particularmente na cobertura florestal, foram investigadas usando técnicas de SIG. O inventário florestal foi realizado por meio de técnicas de amostragem aleatória. Um lote padrão de 0,1 ha (n = 80) foi estabelecido para determinar a densidade das árvores, volume, biomassa e estoques de C. A simulação dos estoques de C foi realizada pela aplicação do modelo CO2FIX com a entrada de dados do inventário. Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição na cobertura florestal e de neve na região de 1979 a 2012. Da mesma forma, diminuição foi observada no volume da árvore, biomassa das árvores, dinâmica dos estoques de C e diminuição na densidade das árvores, respectivamente. É recomendado que precisemos de mais projetos como o BTAP (Billion Tree Afforestation Project) e o projeto Green Pakistan para aumentar a cobertura florestal, controlar as mudanças no uso da terra, proteger o ecossistema florestal e proteger a cobertura de neve.

Global epidemiology of Equine Influenza viruses: "A possible emerging zoonotic threat in future" an extensive systematic review with evidence / Epidemiologia global dos vírus da Gripe Equina: "Uma possível ameaça zoonótica emergente no futuro" uma extensa revisão sistemática com evidências

There are different opinions around the World regarding the zoonotic capability of H3N8 equine influenza viruses. In this report, we have tried to summarize the findings of different research and review articles from Chinese, English, and Mongolian Scientific Literature reporting the evidence for equine influenza virus infections in human beings. Different search engines i.e. CNKI, PubMed, ProQuest, Chongqing Database, Mongol Med, and Web of Knowledge yielded 926 articles, of which 32 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Analyzing the epidemiological and Phylogenetic data from these articles, we found a considerable experimental and observational evidence of H3N8 equine influenza viruses infecting human being in different parts of the World in the past. Recently published articles from Pakistan and China have highlighted the emerging threat and capability of equine influenza viruses for an epidemic in human beings in future. In this review article we have summarized the salient scientific reports published on the epidemiology of equine influenza viruses and their zoonotic aspect. Additionally, several recent developments in the start of 21st century, including the transmission and establishment of equine influenza viruses in different animal species i.e. camels and dogs, and presumed encephalopathy associated to influenza viruses in horses, have documented the unpredictable nature of equine influenza viruses. In sum up, several reports has highlighted the unpredictable nature of H3N8 EIVs highlighting the need of continuous surveillance for H3N8 in equines and humans in contact with them for novel and threatening mutations.

Existem diferentes opiniões em todo o mundo a respeito da capacidade zoonótica dos vírus da influenza equina H3N8. Neste relatório, tentamos resumir os resultados de diferentes pesquisas e artigos de revisão da literatura científica chinesa, inglesa e mongol relatando as evidências de infecções pelo vírus da influenza equina em seres humanos. Diferentes mecanismos de busca, como CNKI, PubMed, ProQuest, Chongqing Database, Mongol Med e Web of Knowledge geraram 926 artigos, dos quais 32 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão para esta revisão. Analisando os dados epidemiológicos e filogenéticos desses artigos, encontramos uma considerável evidência experimental e observacional de vírus da influenza equina H3N8 infectando seres humanos em diferentes partes do mundo no passado. Artigos publicados recentemente no Paquistão e na China destacaram a ameaça emergente e a capacidade dos vírus da influenza equina para uma epidemia em seres humanos no futuro. Neste artigo de revisão, resumimos os relatórios científicos relevantes publicados sobre a epidemiologia dos vírus da influenza equina e seu aspecto zoonótico. Além disso, vários desenvolvimentos recentes no início do século 21, incluindo a transmissão e estabelecimento de vírus da influenza equina em diferentes espécies animais, ou seja, camelos e cães, e presumida encefalopatia associada aos vírus da influenza em cavalos, documentaram a natureza imprevisível dos vírus da influenza equina. Em suma, vários relatórios destacaram a natureza imprevisível de H3N8 EIVs destacando a necessidade de vigilância contínua para H3N8 em equinos e humanos em contato com eles para novas mutações ameaçadoras.

Global epidemiology of Equine Influenza viruses; A possible emerging zoonotic threat in future an extensive systematic review with evidence

Abstract There are different opinions around the World regarding the zoonotic capability of H3N8 equine influenza viruses. In this report, we have tried to summarize the findings of different research and review articles from Chinese, English, and Mongolian Scientific Literature reporting the evidence for equine influenza virus infections in human beings. Different search engines i.e. CNKI, PubMed, ProQuest, Chongqing Database, Mongol Med, and Web of Knowledge yielded 926 articles, of which 32 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Analyzing the epidemiological and Phylogenetic data from these articles, we found a considerable experimental and observational evidence of H3N8 equine influenza viruses infecting human being in different parts of the World in the past. Recently published articles from Pakistan and China have highlighted the emerging threat and capability of equine influenza viruses for an epidemic in human beings in future. In this review article we have summarized the salient scientific reports published on the epidemiology of equine influenza viruses and their zoonotic aspect. Additionally, several recent developments in the start of 21st century, including the transmission and establishment of equine influenza viruses in different animal species i.e. camels and dogs, and presumed encephalopathy associated to influenza viruses in horses, have documented the unpredictable nature of equine influenza viruses. In sum up, several reports has highlighted the unpredictable nature of H3N8 EIVs highlighting the need of continuous surveillance for H3N8 in equines and humans in contact with them for novel and threatening mutations.

Resumo Existem diferentes opiniões em todo o mundo a respeito da capacidade zoonótica dos vírus da influenza equina H3N8. Neste relatório, tentamos resumir os resultados de diferentes pesquisas e artigos de revisão da literatura científica chinesa, inglesa e mongol relatando as evidências de infecções pelo vírus da influenza equina em seres humanos. Diferentes mecanismos de busca, como CNKI, PubMed, ProQuest, Chongqing Database, Mongol Med e Web of Knowledge geraram 926 artigos, dos quais 32 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão para esta revisão. Analisando os dados epidemiológicos e filogenéticos desses artigos, encontramos uma considerável evidência experimental e observacional de vírus da influenza equina H3N8 infectando seres humanos em diferentes partes do mundo no passado. Artigos publicados recentemente no Paquistão e na China destacaram a ameaça emergente e a capacidade dos vírus da influenza equina para uma epidemia em seres humanos no futuro. Neste artigo de revisão, resumimos os relatórios científicos relevantes publicados sobre a epidemiologia dos vírus da influenza equina e seu aspecto zoonótico. Além disso, vários desenvolvimentos recentes no início do século 21, incluindo a transmissão e estabelecimento de vírus da influenza equina em diferentes espécies animais, ou seja, camelos e cães, e presumida encefalopatia associada aos vírus da influenza em cavalos, documentaram a natureza imprevisível dos vírus da influenza equina. Em suma, vários relatórios destacaram a natureza imprevisível de H3N8 EIVs destacando a necessidade de vigilância contínua para H3N8 em equinos e humanos em contato com eles para novas mutações ameaçadoras.

Green Combustion Synthesis of CeO2 and TiO2 Nanoparticles Doped with Same Oxide Materials of ZrO2: Investigation of in vitro Assay with Antibiotic Resistant Bacterium (ARB) and Anticancer Effect

This article reports the synthesis, characteristics and biomedical applications of CeO2-ZrO2 and TiO2-ZrO2 nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are synthesized by Green combustion method. Aloe Vera, dates and pomegranate extracts are used as mediators to avoid toxicity instead of chemical reagents. Hence it is biocompatible, non-toxic and avoiding adverse effect in biomedical applications. The nanoparticles are characterized by XRD to confirm the physical structure. The FTIR, Raman and SEM with EDAX analyses the chemical composition and their morphology. The antibacterial activity of these nanoparticles is assayed by well diffusion method against the bacterial pathogens of Stephylococcusaureus, Shigillaflexneri and Bacillus sp. The anticancer effect of the nanoparticles is investigated on A549 cell line by In Vitro assay. The conceivable purpose is the hydroxyl radicals which are easily produced by oxidizing more hydroxide ions in alkaline solution. Thus the competence of the development is rationally improved at pH is 9.

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based serotype analysis of dengue virus during 2015 dengue outbreak in Pakistan

Dengue is one of the most important arthropod-borne viral diseases. It is endemic in > 125 countries including Pakistan, with a global incidence of 50-200 million. We determined the frequency of different serotypes of dengue virus to highlight its hyperendemicity in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Between May and October 2015 we analysed the serum samples of 140 patients with a suspicion of dengue, using ELISA and multiplex polymerase chain reaction. One hundred and eight were infected with serotype 2, 16 with serotype 3, 7 with serotype 4 and 3 with serotype 1. Three patients were infected with serotypes 1 and 2, and 1 each with serotypes 1 and 4 and serotypes 2 and 3. Incidence of dengue has increased many fold in the past 50 years and has expanded to areas that were previously free from the disease. Serotype 2 was predominant in our population followed by serotype 3. There is currently no specific treatment for dengue, and vector control and vaccination are the only effective methods to prevent future outbreaks

Evaluation of anti A60 IgM for the diagnosis of tuberculosis with ELISA method

Evaluation of Anti Tuberculous IgM antibodies for rapid diagnosis of both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. ELISA assay based on mycobacterial antigen A-60 [Anda Biologicals, France] was used on the sera obtained from 69 cases of Tuberculosis and 136 controls in the population of Karachi, Pakistan. Of 136 controls only 21.3% were positive for IgM antibodies and showing 78.7% specificity. A very high sensitivity 72.2% was seen in sputum positive active pulmonary tuberculosis. Relatively low 56.2% sero positivity was seen in cases of sputum negative active pulmonary tuberculosis compared to those of sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis. In cases of extra pulmonary tuberculosis 57.8% sensitivity was observed. In cases of healed tuberculosis only 18.7% were found positive for IgM. The estimation value of IgM against A-60 for tuberculosis and the controls the global sensitivity of 62.2% and specificity of 78.7% was found when IgM estimation was taken into account

Susceptibility pattern of pathogens isolated from the prostatic tissue

There is significant incidence of bacterial growth in the prostatic tissue in the patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia [BPH], whereas pre-existing urinary tract infection is not a reliable indicator by which this group can be identified pre-operatively and prostatic infection could be treated. To identify the presence of various types of bacteria and fungi in prostatic tissue and cultures from urine samples of patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostrate. Cross-sectional observational study design. This study was conducted at The Basic Medical Science Institute at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center [JPMC] Department of Microbiology Karachi from. The samples were processed by the standard protocol. Culture medium of Blood agar and MacConkeys agar were used and biochemical tests were performed by using different sugar media, triple sugar iron agar, Simon citrate agar, urease, indole, and MRVP tests. Out of 100 cases 25% showed identical type of growth, 11% cases had different type of growth in urine and prostatic tissue culture whereas 5% had no growth in urine while 32% had no growth in prostate only 32% had no growth in both urine and tissue culture. The significance of prostatic tissue culture of patients undergoing surgery facilitates prompt diagnosis and the ideal choice of antibiotic can shorten the duration of treatment

Effectiveness of beta lactam antimicrobial drugs against gram negative bacteria

To study the micro flora in wounds of the burn patients from three tertiary care medical hospitals in Karachi. In burn patient infections arise from multiple sources and infect burn wounds by a variety of micro-organisms. Gram negative bacterial infection results from translocation from colon, further more burn patients are infected by Hospital acquired bacteria by various invasive and non invasive procedures. July 2002 to December 2002. This study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Observational study. A retrospective study of fifty five patients with burn wound infection was carried out at burn units of Civil Hospital Karachi, National Institute of Child health Karachi and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi. Patients who received burn injuries with clinical signs and symptoms of infection were included in this study. In the present study 46[29%] isolates of P. aeruginosa were recovered, in which most strains were MDR and their sensitivity against Imipenem was 38 [78%]. The over all prevalence of the Oxidase negative Gram negative coli form bacteria was more than 70%, in which the most prevalent organism belongs to Proteus Spp;[27%] follows the Enterobacter Spp;.[15.5%]. Bacteria belongs with family Enterobacteriacae were more prevalent i.e. >70% while P. aeruginosa was individually more prevalent than any member of family Enterobacteriacae and was most resistant to multiple antibiotics than any other bacteria. Imipenem was the most effective drug against all gram negative bacteria follows the 4[th]. generation Cephalosporin Cefepime

Management of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with vertebral destruction due to chronic leak

We report a case of a patient with an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm due to Staphylococcus versus Brucellar spine infection complicated by aortic aneurysm with chronic contained leak. A 75-year-old patient who had a history of Brucellosis 4 years ago presented one year later with 4.5 cm infra renal abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA]. He presented with aggravated acute abdominal pain radiating to the back and right hip, loss of weight, anorexia, and malaise. The CT-scan showed an AAA of size 6.5 cm involving infra-renal abdominal aorta with erosion of the body of lumbar vertebrae L3 and L4, and stretching of psoas muscle by a chronic contained posterior leak. Investigations showed erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 30, C-reactive proteins of 89, and the Brucella titer was negative. The diagnosis was infected aneurysm and the patient underwent axillo bifemoral bypass and ligation of aorta below the renal arteries. Tissue culture postoperatively showed coagulase negative Staphylococcus

Reconstructive rhinoplasty

To assess the results of reconstructive rhinoplasty. Observational study. Department of plastic surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences [PIMS], Islamabad from January 2002 to December 2003. All the patients with acquired nasal defect due to trauma, accident, assault, infection or tumour excision were included. Patients having cleft lip nasal deformity were excluded from the study. The different surgical options used for reconstruction included skin grafts, composite grafts, median/paramedian forehead flap, nasolabial flap, scalping forehead flap and arm flap. All the operations were performed under general anaesthesia except with small defects using grafts/local flaps. The skeletal support was achieved by using a composite graft, conchal cartilage graft, or bone graft from the rib/iliac crest. The flaps were monitored closely for first 48 hours. Stitches were removed from 6-9 days. Flap division and insetting was done after 2-3 weeks. Follow up of the patients was done monthly for first 3 months and six month interval onwards. The aesthetic result was assessed objectively as well as subjectively. Twenty one patients were admitted for treatment of acquired nasal defects. Male to female ratio was 1:1.1. The mean age in males was 40.3 years, and in females 35.9 years. The most common cause was assault [47.6%] followed by accident [23.8%]. The different options used for reconstruction included skin grafts, median/paramedian forehead flaps, scalping forehead flap, arm flap. Only one flap was lost. There was no case of postoperative infection. In 2 cases, flap debulking was performed to improve the nasal contour. Reconstruction of nasal defect is a challenging task. Median or paramedian forehead flap is the most suitable option. The emphasis should be paid to the reconstructive as well as aesthetic component of the reconstruction rhinoplasty

Flexor tendon injuries of hand: experience at Pakistan institute of medical sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan

Flexor tendon injury is one of the most common hand injuries. This initial treatment is of the utmost importance because it often determines the final outcomes; inadequate primary treatment is likely to give poor long term results. Various suture techniques have been devised for tendon repair but the modified Kessler's technique is the most commonly used. This study was conducted in order to know the cause, mechanism and the effects of early controlled mobilization after flexor tendon repair and to assess the range of active motion after flexor tendon repair in hand. This study was conducted at the department of Plastic Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from 1[st] March 2002 to 31[st] August 2003. Only adult patients of either sex with an acute injury were included in whom primary or delayed primary tendon repair was undertaken. In all the patients, modified Kessler's technique was used for the repair using non-absorbable monofilament [Prolene 4-0]. The wound was closed with interrupted non-absorbable, polyfilament [Silk 4-0] suture. A dorsal splint extending beyond the finger tip to proximal forearm was used with wrist in 20-30 [degree sign] palmer flexion, metacarpophalangeal [MP] joint flexed at 60[degree sign]. Passive movements of fingers were started from the first post operative day, and for controlled, digits were studies. 94% of the patients had right dominated hand involvement. 51% had the complete flexor digitorum superficialis [FDS] and flexor digitorum profundus [FDP] injuries. Middle and ring fingers were most commonly involved. Thumb was involved in 9% of the patients. Zone III [46%] was the commonest to be involved followed by zone II [28%]. Laceration with sharp object was the most frequent cause of injury. Finger tip to distal palmer crease distance [TPD] was <2.0 cm in 71% cases [average 2.4cm] at the end of 2[nd] postoperative week. Total number of patients was 34 at the end of 6[th] week. TPD was <2.0 cm in 55% patients and <1.0 cm in 38% cases [average 1.5 cm] at the end of 6[th] week. Total 9 patients were lost to the follow up at the end of 8[th] week. TPD was <1.0 cm in 67% [average 0.9 cm] at the end of 8[th] postoperative week. No case of disruption of repair was noted during the study. Early active mobilization programme is essential after tendon repair. Majority of the patients [92%] had fair to good results at the end of 2[nd] week which increased to 97% at the end of 8[th] week to good to excellent

Management protocol of mandibular fractures at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan

Maxillofacial trauma is very frequent and associated with a high incidence of mandibular fractures. Although there is universal agreement as to the treatment goals and basic therapeutic principles of reduction and stabilization, a variety of currently accepted treatment modalities indicate a lack of consensus. The authors evaluate the incidence, etiology, management and complications of 344 mandibular fractures in 228 patients treated in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences [PIMS], Islamabad, Pakistan, during a three year period. Indications and techniques for closed and open treatment of mandibular fractures are reviewed along with any complications of these fractures or their management. A total of 344 mandibular fractures in 228 patients were included in this study. The sex, age, etiology, presentation, fracture characteristics, associated injuries, various methods of management and any pre or postoperative complications were evaluated. Although various devices and techniques have been used to treat these fractures, modern plate and screw fixation systems have proved to provide the best rigid stabilization, early mobility and associated with least complications. There was a satisfactory bone healing in all the patients and a minimal complication rate associated with open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF]. Mandibular fractures occur with high frequency in road traffic accidents and interpersonal violence. They are among the most common types of facial fractures treated by the plastic surgeons. They must be managed carefully to maintain the function of the mandible, reestablish proper occlusion, and minimize secondary complications. Open reduction and internal fixation has proven to be the most effective method for treatment of mandibular fractures

Management of phalangeal fractures of hand

Phalangeal fractures are approximately 10% of all the fractures of skeletal system. Most fractures are functionally stable. Surgical treatment is necessary when fracture is displaced and reduction is not possible. This study was conducted in order to study the aetiology, features and management of the phalangeal fractures of hand. This descriptive study was conducted in the department of Plastic Surgery, Pakistan Institute of medical Sciences, Islamabad from June 1[st] 2002 to July 31[st] 2003. Adult patients of either sex with acute injury presenting in the out-patient department and emergency department were included whereas patients below the age of 13 years and patients with amputated digits were excluded. The site and side of fracture were noted. All patients were X-rayed pre-operatively. These patients were divided into two groups. Group A comprised of those patients in whom only closed reduction was done. Group B comprised of patients in whom operative procedure was carried out. Various modalities used were percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation, open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires, screws, microplates and dental wires/ after operation, immobilization of fracture site was done for 3 - 4 weeks. Chi square test was used for statistical analysis of complications in both the groups. 51 fractures were seen in 43 men and 8 fractures in 8 females. Mean age of the patients of group A was 35.6 years as compared to 29.5 years of group B. 31% fractures were associated with soft tissue injury. Ring finger was the commonest to be involved in 36% patients. Left hand [64%] was commonly involved. Left proximal phalanx [31%] was the most frequently injured part. Intraarticular fractures were seen in 10% cases. 15 fractures were treated conservatively and some kind of operative modality was used in 44 fractures. Crush injury remained the commonest cause. In 36% patients fractures were fixed with K-wire using open reduction and internal fixation technique. In 22% patients, only percutaneous K-wire was used. In two patients, dynamic traction device was used. One case of post operative infection was noticed in group B. Whereas only one case of malunion and one case of limited joint movement and stiffness was noted in group A. Results of both the closed reduction and open reduction and internal fixation were equally good [p < 0.05]. If there is any soft tissue injury, it is advisable to use open reduction and internal fixation technique

Role of enterobactereacae in burn wound sepsis in Karachi

The over all prevalence of the Enterobacteriacae in present study was more than 50% in which the most prevalent organisms belongs to Proteus Spp. [38,3%] that followed by Enterobacter Spp. [22.4%]. The prevalence of E. coli and Kleb, Pneumoniae was 10%, Imipenem was the most effective [98%] drug against Enterobacieieacae. Ciprofloxacin was the second most effective [82%] drug. Amikacin and fourth generation Cefepirne were the third effective [>70%] drugs against these bacteria. Ciprofloxacin was the less effective [60-64%] drug against KIeb. pneumonia and E. coli than the rest of the isolates of Eiiterobactereacae. Arnikacin [49%] and Cefepime [44%] were less effective against Proteus Spp. More than 50% isolates were sensitive to Piperacillin, Gentamicin and Tobramycin. Amoxicillin and Augmentin were ineffective against these bacteria in this study

experience of burn injueies

To study the demographical data of burn patients. This study was carried out in department of Plastic Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan from January 2002 to December 2003. Only admitted patients of either sex of age more than 12 years were included. Total 77 males and 65 females fulfilled the criteria. The mean age in males was 32.2 years and 24.4 years in females. Male to female ratio was 1: 1.18 respectively. Burns were common during winter season [42.2%] In 6% patients, suicidal burns were noted. 15% patients were homicidal cases. 79% patients had the burns accidentally. Stove burst [22%] was the major mechanism in females whereas in males, 18% had the direct flame injury. Kitchen [27%] was the commonest place in females. Housewives [35%] were most frequently affected. More married males [39%] were burnt as compared to 18% of the unmarried females. Inhalational injury was present in 23% patients. Males had average burns of 27.4% TBSA and females had 39.5% TBSA involvement. 18% of the deaths were among the males and 16% in females. Prevention is always the rule to be safe from burns but once it occurs, immediate and proper care should be given with aggressive treatment to minimize the post burn problems

Multi drug resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa: a nosocomial infection threat in burn patients

Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains the leading pathogen causing burn wound infection. It is found as major colonizer of the burn wound because it thrives on moist burn wound surface and survives well in the hospital environment, once it is established, it can persist for months within a unit, and poses as multi drug resistant nosocomial infection threat for patients being treated there. The emergence of multi drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in burn wound is becoming a challenging problem in infection control programmes. A total of 44 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were recovered from burn patients. Most of them were resistant to multiple antibiotics. Their sensitivity against Imipenem was over all better than the other drugs i.e. 77.3%. Ciprofloxacin was the second most effective drug against this organism with a sensitivity of 54.5% while a 4th generation cephalosporin, Cefepime was effective against 22 [50%] isolates. About 30% Pseudomonas aeruginosa were sensitive to Amikacin. Aztreonam showed inhibitory activity against [6.8%] strains. Piperacillin activity was 18.2%. The efficacy of Cefutaxime was 4.5%. Chloramphenicol and Septran were 100% inactive against Pseudomonas infection while > 95% strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were resistant to Tobramycin

Maxillofacial trauma: Current practice in management at Pakistan institute of medical sciences

This study was carried out to determine the aetiology, pattern and management of maxillofacial injuries at PIMS, Islamabad. This descriptive study was conducted at Plastic Surgery Department, PIMS Islamabad from 1st February 1998 to 30th April 2002. All the adult patients presenting with maxillofacial injures were included where as patients less than 12 years of age and only facial lacerations were excluded. Similarly isolated nasal bone fractures were also excluded because these patients were routinely managed by ENT department. Age, sex, presentation, aetiology, associated injuries and treatment modalities undertaken in these patients were recorded. In 164 patients 254 fractures were noted. Most were male [86%], ranging in age from 13'71 years with a male to female ratio of 6:1 respectively. The most frequent [48%] cause noticed was road traffic accidents followed by assault. Mandible was the commonest to be involved in such injuries followed by maxilla. Most of the patients [32%] had associated facial injuries. Various treatment modalities were practiced. Maxillofacial fractures should be managed by open reduction and internal fixation as early as possible

Latex agglutination method, its comparison with elisa [enzyme linked immuno sorbant assay] for HBsAg detection

OBJECTIVE: To compare the methods for the detection of HBsAg, as regards their sensitivity, specificity, practicability and cost effectiveness. SETTING: Basic Medical Science Institute, JPMC, Karachi. PERIOD: 15th Feb 1995 to 30th April 1995. SUBJECTS: 32 blood samples [22 positive and 10 negative for HBsAg] were taken from blood donors and tested in different dilutions. METHODS: All the samples were tested for HBsAg by LA method, using HUMAN [Germany] Kit and by ELISA, ABBOTT [USA] Kit. Latex agglutination method was 57% sensitive and 100% specific as compared ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: ELISA was found to be more sensitive, while both the test procedures were equally specific. On the other hand, ELISA was very technical and time consuming [2-3 hours], while LA method was very simple and rapid to perform [5-10 minutes]. Moreover cost per test for ELISA was many times more as compared to LA method. Therefore, LA method appeared to be more suitable for screening the HBsAg carriers while ELISA for HBsAg detection in early diagnosis of hepatitis and its prognosis