Biosynthesis of Graphene and Investigation of Antibacterial Activity of Graphene-parthenium hysterophorous Nanocomposite

Abstract There is a great interest to use carbon-based material like graphene and graphene oxide in biomedical applications due to its flexibility to be functionalized with bio-active molecules. Herein, graphene and graphene-based nanocomposites were biosynthesized by liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite using aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorous (P-H) as a surfactant. A set of five thin film samples of graphene was prepared from graphene suspension by vacuum filtration method. Samples were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD, which revealed successful synthesis of graphene. Graphene/P-H(G/P-H) nanocomposites comprising varied ratios of graphene and P-H were prepared and their antibacterial activity was investigated by agar well diffusion method. The experimental results indicated that G/P-H nanocomposite have higher antibacterial activity than graphene alone, and bioactivity of G/P-H nanocomposite was found to be controlled by the fraction of graphene in the composite.

Outcome of radioactive iodine therapy in Toxic Nodular Goiter in Pakistan

Objective: To determine the outcome of patients receiving radioactive iodine therapy for toxic nodular goiter coming to Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi

Methods: A total of 89 patients who visited the outpatient department of Aga Khan University Hospital from January 2010 to August 2017 were recruited for the study. Toxic nodular goiter was diagnosed on the basis of having hot nodule on thyroid scan with low TSH and high FT4/T4. Other demographic and laboratory data were also recorded

Results: Eighty nine patients with toxic nodular goiter received a dose range from 10 to 30mCi RAI. Six months after RAI, 36.2 percent became hypothyroid, 38.5 percent became euthyroid while 25.3 percent remained hyperthyroid. Thyroid outcome at 3 months were correlating with 6 months results

Conclusion: Radioactive iodine therapy is a safe and effective way of treating toxic nodular goiter which usually results in cure of hyperthyroidism in majority of patients

Evaluation of maxillary central incisor width by regression analysis in different face forms

Restoration of esthetics and function are the primary objectives of prosthodontic rehabilitation. Estimating the width of central maxillary incisor mesiodistally is a tedious task in edentulous subject having no pre-extraction records. Several anthropometric measurements of face have been advocated as a guide to calculate the width of central maxillary incisors in edentulous subjects. The study was conducted in Faryal Dental College to assess relationship between the inner canthal distance with maxillary central incisor width in squarish, ovoid and tapering face forms by regression analysis and whether it is applicable in selection of maxillary anterior teeth in edentulous patients. The face forms of different patients were evaluated by subjecting the photographs to computer analysis. Regression analysis was performed to find the relationship of maxillary central incisor width to inner canthal distance both of which were measured by vernier calipers in patients having no facial or dental deformaties. The statistically significant result of this study proved that there is weak association between inner canthal distance and mesiodistal width of central incisors. The inner canthal distance cannot be taken as dependable anthropometric measurement to select central maxillary incisor width

Evaluation of DNA vaccines encoding M. Tb gene Bfrb and Mpt32 in mice model

Tuberculosis [TB] is a life threatening infectious disease which is prevalent throughout the world. Mycobacterium bovis based Bacille Calmette-Gue'rin [BCG] is the only vaccine available against TB however, this [single] vaccine is not enough to eradicate it. Furthermore, numbers of researches from different parts of the World have shown its efficacy as variable. Hence other [better] vaccines like DNA vaccines are needed in addition to BCG in order to achieve desired goal of TB eradication. The current study was aimed to develop subunit based DNA vaccines against TB and to check their efficacy. Two constructs Bfrb-pND14 and Mpt32-pND14 were made and used as DNA vaccines. Endotoxin free DNA preparations were made and used in immunization studies. Twenty Balb/c female mice of age eight weeks were used in trial. Two experimental groups each comprising eight animals were used to inoculate Mpt32-pND14 and Bfrb-pND14 vaccines respectively. A group of four animals was used as negative control. Animals were bled through tail periodically and finally through cardiac puncture before euthanization. Antibodies were confirmed through dot blot and Agar Gel Immuno Diffusion test [AGID]. All the animals immunized with both vaccines were found positive as tested through dot blot and AGID. The results of this study have indicated that both the M. tb genes have produced strong immune response in mice model through pND14 vector and proved themselves as good subunit based DNA vaccines

Total antioxidant capacity of commonly used fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices of Pakistan

The current study was aimed at investigating the total antioxidant activity [TAG] of various fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices habitat in Pakistan. The ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP] assay was used to measure the TAG of various extracts [aqueous, ethanolic and aqueous-ethanolic]. Following is the potency order for fruits [guava >strawberry >Pomegranate >apple >kinnow >melon >lemon >banana], vegetables [spinach >Cabbage [Purple] >Jalapeno >Radish >Brinjal >Bell Pepper >Lettuce >Carrot >Cabbage [White] >Onion >Potato >Tomato >Cucumber] and herbs/spices [clove >Rosemary >Thyme >Oregano >Cinnamon >Cumin >Kalonji >Paprika >Neem [Flower] >Fennel >Black Cardamom >Turmeric >Coriander >Ginger >Garlic]. In conclusion, the guava, spinach and clove provide the best natural dietary option for treatment / prevention of oxidative stress and thus could alleviate several associated ailments

Prevalence of tooth transposition among Pakistani population

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of tooth transposition among Pakistani population

Study Design: Observational / descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Department of Orthodontics Karachi Medical and College, Karachi from September 2013 to April 2014

Materials and Methods: This study was done with panaromic radiographs of 530 subjects [210 males, 320 females]. For each patient variables like age, sex, presence of tooth transposition, type, location and classification of tooth transposition

Results: Tooth transposition was found in 09 subjects [1.69%] [8 females and 1 male]. The most commonly involved transposition was found was found in Maxillary canine and lateral incisor [66.67 %]. The frequency of complete transposition was 30% [3 out of 10], it was found more on left side than right side [7/3]. All transpositions were found in maxilla

Conclusion: The tooth transposition was found in 1.69% in a sample of Pakistani population and transposition between upper canine and lateral incisor was the most commonly observed transposition

Stability indicating RP-HPLC method for simultaneous determination of piroxicam and ofloxacin in binary combination

A simple and precise RP-HPLC method was developed for simultaneous determination of piroxicam and ofloxacin in pharmaceutical formulations and human serum. Optimum separations of piroxicam, ofloxacin and stress-induced degradation products were achieved by use of Hypersil BDS C8 column [250 x 4.6mm, 5microm]. The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile: 0.012M K[2]HPO[4]: 0.008M sodium citrate [both buffers mixed and pH adjusted to 2.8] [50:25:25 v/v/v] delivered at flow rate of 1.5mL min[-1] using DAD at 254nm. Response was linear function of concentration over the ranges of 70-130mg mL[-1] for piroxicam and ofloxacin [r[2]>/=0.999]. The method efficiently separated the analytical peaks from degradation products with acceptable tailing and resolution. The developed method was successfully used for concurrent analysis of piroxicam and ofloxacin in pharmaceutical formulations, human serum and in vitro drug interaction studies

Comparison between epleys maneuvre and prochlorperazine maleate in treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

The objective is to compare the efficacy of Epley's maneuver and vestibular sedative, prochlorperazine maleate in the management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo [BPPV]. Randomized Control Trial. ENT department, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from 1[st] May 2011 to 1[st] November 2011. After consent, 60 patients of BPPV fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly allotted two groups. Group A was treated with Epley's maneuver [n=30] while group B with prochlorperazine maleate [n=30]. Outcomes were analyzed on disappearance of vertigo at follow-up examination. 24 [80%] cases managed by Epley's maneuver showed relief of symptoms while only 14 [47%] treated by prochlorperazine maleate showed recovery after 15 days. Epley's maneuver was more effective than vestibular sedatives like prochlorperazine maleate in treating patients of BPPV

Frequency of hypodontia in a tertiary care hospital of Karachi

To compare frequency of missing teeth in samples of population from Karachi. Cross-sectional study. This study was conducted in Department of Orthodontics, Karachi Medical and Dental College from October 2011 to October 2012. During the study period, 465 panoramic radiographs were evaluated and according to exclusion and inclusion criteria 309 panoramic radiographs were selected, out of which 109 [35.27%] were males and 200 [64.73%] were females. The patients were 12-25 years old. Data were collected and entered into the SPSS software [version 18; Chicago] to calculate frequencies, percentages and mean +/- SD. 02 males were found with hypodontia [1.83%] while 10 females were found with hypodontia [5%]. Few teeth like maxillary central incisors, 1[st] premolar and 1[st] molar in both arches show no congenital absence. A total of 17 teeth, [males = 3, females = 14] in 12 patients were congenitally missing. The most common congenitally missing teeth were maxillary left 2 incisor 23.52% followed by mandible left 2 pre-molar 17.64%. By early detection of missing teeth, alternative treatment modalities can be planned and minimize the complications of CMT. In this study it has been observed that among the population of Karachi threshold for agenesis of maxillary left 2nd incisors is the most commonly missing, followed by mandibular 2[nd] premolars

Efficacy and biochemical evaluation of pharmaceutical optimized valsartan 80mg [F-3] with essential hypertension

The objective of this double-blind, comparative study evaluating efficacy and biochemical effects of optimized Valsartan 80mg [F-3] as monotherapy in adult patient with essential hypertension. Double-blind, comparative study. This study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi from January 2011 to September 2011. This was multicenter randomized, double-blind, comparative study. Patients were randomized to receive once Valsartan [F-3] daily for 8 weeks and at the end of study efficacy and biochemical evaluation was done. The patients treated with optimized Valsartan 80mg [F-3] alone, blood pressure reduction was lower, although significant; reaching values of 140.9 +/- 11.3 / m88.9 +/- 5.5 mmHg [p < 0.05 versus Placebo] by the end of eight weeks of treatment. . No significant variation of blood glucose was observed and different parameters of lipid profile were also observed during the eight weeks of treatment with antihypertensive regimen used. Thus, the drug regimens used may be considered neutral as regards glucose and plasma lipid metabolism profile because drug used at low doses. We can suggest that the high antihypertensive efficacy, good tolerability and no biochemical effects of the optimized Valsartan 80mg [F-3] it is an excellent option for the treatment of hypertension in a wide range of hypertensive patients, with a high potential to reduce cardiovascular risks

Validity of pleural fluid protein in differentiating tuberculouse from malignant pleural effusion

Validity of pleural fluid protein in differentiating tuberculouse from malignant pleural effusion keeping histopathology as gold standard. Cross sectional study. This study was conducted in the Pulmonology department post graduate medical institute, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [KPK] Pakistan from March 2009 to March 2010. One hundred and seventy nine patients having clinical suspicion of pulmonary tuberculouse and malignancy and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were subjected to Abrams needle biopsy, plural tissue was examined by histopathology. Biopsy in order to know the significant difference of pleural fluid protein level between tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion, histopathology finding and protein concentration were determined their frequency and percentage. Among total number of 179 patients one hundred and fourteen [63.69%] were male and sixty five [36.32%] were female. The age limit from 15-80 years, the result shows that 60.9% were tuberculous and 39.9% were malignant pleuraleffusion, among these malignant 20 [11.2%] showed primary and 50 [27.9%] secondary malignancy. Tuberculous PE was more common in younger age group while malignant PE in older age group, 32 number of patients falling in category A, 59 in category B, and 88 in category C.A protein level in belonging to category C, there was statistically significant difference between tuberculous and malignant PE, tuberculous PE have high concentration of protein than malignant PE, The category [A] have malignant PE. Plural fluid total protein level determination and differentiating is a valuable tool in reaching to the diagnosis of suspectedtuberculouse from malignant pleural effusion provided it is used in addition to the adequate clinical scenario

High sero-prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections among prisoner blood donors from Punjab prisons

Objective: prisoners as a high risk group are never recommended for blood donations. In Pakistan, prisoners are legally allowed to donate blood and get thirty days extra remission. In Pakistan, there is not much published data on prisoner blood donors. The study aimed to estimate the sero-prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], Hepatitis B with [HBV], Hepatitis C virus [HCV] and Syphilis among physically healthy prisoner blood donors in prisons of Punjab

Material and Methods: a retrospective review of record of all prisoner donors who donated blood during camps from January 2007 to December, 2009 was carried out in January 2010. Physically fit prisoner donors were tested for HCV, HBV, HIV and Syphilis by rapid test kits before donation. Those found negative for these infections were allowed to donate blood. Donated blood was retested for anti-HIV, anti-HCV and HBsAg by ELISA and syphilis by VDRL

Results: a total of 3,074 prisoner donors were tested. 3050 [99%] donors were male. Mean age was 28 years [17-57 yr.]. Among prisoners, 235 [7.6%] were positive for HCV, 114 [3.7%] for Syphilis, 111 [3.6%] for HBV and 21 [0.7%] for HIV. Among these, 434 [14%] were positive for at least one of these infections. Three females [12.5%] were positive for syphilis and one [4.14%] for hepatitis B

Conclusion: the prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis is higher in prison donors as compared to blood donors from general population. So prison inmates constitute a very high risk group among blood donors. Stringent screening of blood donors and even testing of donated blood by highly sensitive tests is recommended. We also recommend further studies and then modify blood donation laws accordingly

Mucocutaneous manifestations in hepatitis C patients

To determine the frequency and nature of mucocutaneous manifestations in hepatitis C virus [HCV] positive patients. Two hundred and five HCV positive patients presenting at the outpatient and inpatient departments of Services Hospital, Lahore were evaluated for mucocutaneous manifestations. Relevant data regarding history, clinical examination including cutaneous system and investigations were documented and analyzed. Mean age of patients was 36.6 +/- 11.0 years. There were 84 [41%] males and 121 [59%] females. 73.7% cases were exposed to antiviral therapy. Dermatological manifestations were present in 88.3% patients with HCV infection. Pruritus was the most common finding seen in 39.5% followed by hyperpigmentation of skin 34.1%, lichen planus 18%, lingual/buccal pigmentation 13.2%, melanonychia 12.7% and urticaria 6.8%. Less frequent features were palmar erythema, photosensitivity and cutaneous vasculitis. Dermatological manifestations may appear as an earliest sign of hepatitis C infection. Therefore, vigilant detection and careful investigation can prevent the complications and further spread of this dreadful disease

role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of unsuspected pulmonary disease presenting with hemoptysis

To find out the usefulness of Bronchoscopy Tehcnique in the diagnosis of unsuspected pulmonary disease presenting with Hamoptysis. Case serious study. This study was carried out at the pulmonology Unit of Postgraduate Medical institute Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from 15-04-2011 to 15-04-2012. Two hundred and fifty male smoker patients with age limit of 40-70 years presenting with hemoptysis having clinical suspension of unsuspected pulmonary disease and fulfilling the inclusion criteria underwent bronchoscopy. The bronchoscopic finding and demographic information were determined regarding their frequencies and percentage. Frequency distribution of pulmonary Tuberculosis 94.59% in age range 40-50 years and 5.4% in 51-60 years. bronchietasis 88.3% 50-60 years and 11.6% in 61-70 years. Chronic Bronchitis with respect to age range of 27.58% in the age range 40-50 years 72.43% in age 51-60 years. Branchoscopy Techniques is a very useful for the determination of unsuspected cases of pulmonary diseases

Frequency of bronchogenic carcinoma in smoker patients with hemoptysis undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy

To know the frequency of bronchogenic carcinoma in smoker patients presenting with hemoptysis using fiberoptic bronchoscopy technique. Description case series study. This study was carried out at the pulmonology unit of Postgraduate Medical Institute Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, KPK from 18/09/2007 to 18/09/2008. Two hundred and fifty smoker patients presenting with hemoptysis, having clinical suspicion of bronchogenic carcinoma and fulfilling the inclusions criteria underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The bronchoscopic findings and other demographic information were determined regarding their frequencies and percentage. Fifty Nine point Two Percent [59.2%] patients were found to have pulmonary tuberculosis, seventeen Point Two Percent [17.2%] were diagnosed to have bronchiectasis, 11.6% chronic bronchitis, 5.2% with bronchogenic carcinoma and 6.8% remained with undertermined cause. Pulmonary tuberculosis is a major cause of hemoptysis in relatively younger smokers but the bronchogenic carcinoma is a major cause of hemoptysis in smokers of old age group

Should we routinely expose recurrent laryngeal nerve[s] during thyroid surgery?

To compare the frequency of recurrent laryngeal nerve[s] [RLNs] palsy after various thyroid procedures with and without identification of recurrent laryngeal nerve during the operation. Randomized controlled trial. Department of Surgery, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from August 2008 to April 2010. Patients undergoing indirect laryngoscopy with normal vocal cords and those with carcinoma and re-do surgery having normal vocal cord were included in the study. Patients with hoarseness of voice, abnormal vocal cord movements and with solitary nodule in the isthmus were excluded. These patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 50 each using random number tables. RLN was identified by exposing the inferior thyroid artery and traced along its entire course in group-A. Whereas, in group-B, nerves were not identified during the operations. Immediate postoperative direct laryngoscopy was performed by a surgeon with the help of an anaesthesiologist for the assessment of vocal cords. Patients with persistent hoarseness of voice were followed-up with indirect laryngoscopy at 3 and 6 months. Temporary unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies occurred in 2 [4%] patients in group-A where the voice and cord movements returned to normal in 6 months. In group-B, it occurred in 8 [16%] patients, 2 bilateral [4%] injuries requiring tracheostomy and 6 unilateral injuries [12%]. Among the 2 bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries, the tracheostomy was removed in one case after 6 months with persistent hoarseness of voice but no respiratory difficulty during routine activities. Tracheostomy was permanent in the other case. Among the 6 cases of unilateral nerve injuries, the voice improved considerably in 4 cases within 6 months but in 2 cases hoarseness persisted even after 6 months. Frequency of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies was significantly lower in group-A as compared to group-B [p = 0.046]. For safe thyroid surgery, recurrent laryngeal nerve[s] should be routinely exposed in its entire course

First cancer statistics report from Hazara division

'Cancer' is on rise globally. Cancer registry is vital for policy making, resource allocation, progress tracking and overall cancer control. In Pakistan, cancer prevention, screening and standardised clinical trials, as well as quality assurance through surveillance are badly hampered due to the lack of a National Cancer Registry. For Pakistan a well-integrated system of Cancer Registry is need of the day. This retrospective study was conducted on the hospital records at the Oncology Department of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from year 2007-12. Data were collected through a standard data capture form with a final figure of 555 patients. The malignancies were diagnosed clinically and histopathologically at different laboratories of Pakistan. Among these cases, 54.08% were male and 45.92% female. Incidence of cancer in patients below 14 years age was 8.47% and 91.53% above 14 years. Majority [31.95%] cases were from Mansehra followed by Abbottabad with 27.08% and Haripur 14.26% cases. Leukaemias were at top with 15.14% cases followed by breast carcinoma [13.69%], Lymphomas [12.07%], ovarian carcinomas [8.65%], and gastric carcinoma and skin cancers with 2.70% each. Among men, the highest incidence was of Hodgkin's lymphoma [14.9%] followed by lymphocytic leukaemia [14.3%]. Prostate cancer was seen in 8.3% male patients. Another 5.7% patients had lung cancer. In women, the highest incidence was carcinoma breast [19.7%] followed by ovarian carcinoma [13.4%], leukaemia [9.7%], and Hodgkin's lymphoma [4.3%]. A variety of cancers are prevalent in the indigent population. Record-keeping in wards is sub-optimal. Commonest cancers in the area have slight differences with rest of the country

Phytomedicinal Studies of Kurram Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan.

The present studies were aimed to identify medicinal plants, folk knowledge and to use local recipe for different diseases in the study area of kurram agency. The questionnaire method was adopted for documentation of folk indigenous knowledge. The Preliminary data were collected from the local community, experts, knowledgeable person, Herdsmen and main users of medicinal plants such as Hakims, old wise woman etc. The ethno medicinal data on 21 plants species belonging to 19 families were properly identified i.e. their vernacular names, chemical constituents, scientific names, families, part used, habitat conservative status and locality during the research work. The plants were collected, pressed dried, preserved, mounted and identified through the literature and were confirmed by the experts in plants sciences department, Kohat university of Science and Technology, Pakistan. The specimens were deposited in the herbarium at plant sciences department, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Pakistan.

Head injury in paediatric population

To study the presentation and outcome of head injury in paediatric patients managed in Children Hospital and The institute of Child Health, Multan. Retrospective Descriptive Study. This study was conducted in the Deptt. of Paed. Surgery, CHandICH, Multan, during a period of five years from Jan 2006 to Dec 2010. A total of 1150 paediatric patients with head injury were managed in this unit. Data was collected on the basis of history, clinical examination, base line investigations, radiological findings including CT scan, diagnosis and management. Patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of injury based upon Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]. Final analysis and comparison with literature was done. Seventy percent patients were male and 30% female. The age ranged from 1 week to 12 years. Commonest cause was history of fall from height found in 68% cases, followed by road traffic accident 25% and other causes 7%. 70 patients had associated injuries, 5 patients were already mentally handicapped. In 75% cases mild head injury with GCS 14 -15 was present. 35 patients required neurosurgical intervention. 15 patients required treatment for post traumatic seizures. 3 developed brain abscess. 15 patients died in the emergency ward without any surgical intervention within 2 days of admission and 2 died post operatively. Head injury remained a serious problem in paediatric age group with significant morbidity and mortality. Recognizing the pattern of head trauma in children help us to identify high risk groups and environment, which will then help us to design appropriate preventive measures

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in children

To study the presentation, results and complications of management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in children at our setup. Retrospective Descriptive Study. This study was conducted in the department of Paediatric Surgery, Children Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Multan during a period of three years from January 2008 to December 2010. A total of 25 patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia were managed. Data was collected on the basis of history, clinical examination, relevant investigations, operative results and complications. Final analysis was made at the completion of study. Study included 25 consecutive cases with ages ranging from 12 hours to 7 months. 19 [76%] were male and 6 [24%] female. 20 [80%] were neonates with predominant symptoms of respiratory distress since birth along with cyanosis and apnoeic spells. Five [20%] patients were beyond the age of one month with predominant symptoms of recurrent respiratory tract infection, vomiting and failure to thrive. Clinical signs included absence of breath sounds, presence of bowel sounds and impaired resonance on affected side of chest in all 25 [100%] patients. Flat abdomen in 18 [72%] and cachexia in 2[8%]. Left side involvement was in 22 [88%] and right side in 3 [12%]. All the patients were operated upon. Conventional mechanical ventilation [CMV] was given to 16[64%]. One [4%] patient died and rest of the 24[96%] survived. Best possible operative results can be obtained with the help of limited facilities present in our setup