A recurrent homozygous missense mutation in CCDC103 causes asthenoteratozoospermia due to disorganized dynein arms / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Asthenoteratozoospermia is one of the most severe types of qualitative sperm defects. Most cases are due to mutations in genes encoding the components of sperm flagella, which have an ultrastructure similar to that of motile cilia. Coiled-coil domain containing 103 (CCDC103) is an outer dynein arm assembly factor, and pathogenic variants of CCDC103 cause primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). However, whether CCDC103 pathogenic variants cause severe asthenoteratozoospermia has yet to be determined. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for two individuals with nonsyndromic asthenoteratozoospermia in a consanguineous family. A homozygous CCDC103 variant segregating recessively with an infertility phenotype was identified (ENST00000035776.2, c.461A>C, p.His154Pro). CCDC103 p.His154Pro was previously reported as a high prevalence mutation causing PCD, though the reproductive phenotype of these PCD individuals is unknown. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of affected individuals' spermatozoa showed that the mid-piece was severely damaged with disorganized dynein arms, similar to the abnormal ultrastructure of respiratory ciliary of PCD individuals with the same mutation. Thus, our findings expand the phenotype spectrum of CCDC103 p.His154Pro as a novel pathogenic gene for nonsyndromic asthenospermia.

Wheat growth and nutrient uptake after phosphorus and potassium applications in saline-sodic field of semi-arid region / Crescimento do trigo e absorção de nutrientes após aplicações de fósforo e potássio em campo salino-sódico do semi-árido

Nutrient deficiency is a limiting factor in saline-sodic soils resulting in low crop production. The study investigated wheat response to P and K added to soils. The K was applied at 0 (K0), 75 (K1), 150 (K2) kg K2O ha-1 as K2S04 and at (0 (P0), 60 (P1), 120 (P2) kg P2O5 ha-1 as (NH4)2HPO4 in three replications under two-factorial randomized complete block (RCB) design. Both treatments significantly enhanced wheat grain (118%) and dry matter yield (60%) at P2K2 compared to control. The P treatments significantly affected leaf P, Mg, SO4, Ca:P, SO4:P ratios and soil P, Ca:P, Cl:P and SO4:P ratios, while K on leaf K, Na, Ca, SO4 concentration, K:Na, K:Ca, SO4:P,Ca:P ratios and soil pH, Na, K, Ca, SO4 concentrations, SAR, Na:K, Ca:K and Na:Ca ratios. Leaf Na was decreased to 85.3 mmol (+) kg-1 at K2 compared to 105.3 mmol (+) kg-1at P2K0. Negative correlation (R2=0.906) of leaf K:Na was found with leaf Na concentration. The correlation of dry matter was higher (R2=0.851) with leaf K:Na ratio than grain yield (R2=0.392). It is concluded that the addition of K and P addition shows beneficial effects in improving crop nutrition and wheat yield in the saline-sodic soil environment.

A deficiência de nutrientes é um fator limitante em solos salino-sódicos, resultando em baixa produção agrícola. O estudo investigou a resposta do trigo ao P e K adicionados ao solo. O K foi aplicado em 0 (K0), 75 (K1), 150 (K2) kg K2O ha-1 como K2S04 e em (0 (P0), 60 (P1), 120 (P2) kg P2O5 ha-1 como (NH4)2HPO4 em três repetições sob delineamento de blocos completos casualizados (RCB) de dois fatores. Ambos os tratamentos aumentaram significativamente o rendimento de grãos de trigo (118%) e de matéria seca (60%) em P2K2 em comparação com o controle. Os tratamentos com P afetaram significativamente o P foliar, Mg, SO4, as razões Ca:P, SO4:P e o P do solo, e as razões Ca:P, Cl:P e SO4:P, enquanto K no K foliar, Na, Ca, concentração de SO4, razões K:Na, K:Ca, SO4:P, Ca:P e pH do solo, Na, K, Ca, concentrações de SO4, SAR, razões Na:K, Ca:K e Na:Ca. O Na da folha foi reduzido para 85,3 mmol (+) kg-1 em K2 em comparação com 105,3 mmol (+) kg-1 em P2K0. Correlação negativa (R2 = 0,906) do K:Na na folha foi encontrada com a concentração de Na na folha. A correlação da matéria seca foi maior (R2 = 0,851) com a relação K:Na da folha do que rendimento de grãos (R2 = 0,392). Conclui-se que a adição de K e P apresenta efeitos benéficos na melhoria da nutrição da cultura e na produtividade do trigo em solo salino-sódico

The use of tissue adhesive as an adjunct to wound closure in knee arthroplasty does not reduce wound ooze

Patients and methods@#Forty-three patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by a single surgeon were studied. All wounds were closed using staples with or without tissue adhesive. Post-operatively, the wounds were reviewed daily for ooze. Dressings were changed only if soaked > 50% or if there was persistent wound discharge of more than 2 × 2 cm at 72 h. @*Results@#There were 21 patients in the tissue adhesive (group 1), 22 in the non-tissue adhesive (group 2) with the average age for group 1 of 72.2 years and for group 2 of 69.3 years. The median length of stay for both groups was 4 days (range of 3–7 days for group 1 and 2–6 days for group 2) (P = 0.960). The tissue adhesive group showed a statistically significant reduction in wound ooze on day 1 (P = 0.019); however, the difference was not significant on the following days. The median for the number of dressing changes for group 1 was zero changes and for group 2, one change. This was not statistically significant (P = 0.112). No complications were observed in both groups and there were no reactions to the tissue adhesive. @*Conclusion@#The data from this case series suggest that the use of tissue adhesive may reduce wound ooze on day 1 only. The latter is most likely due to significant tensile forces to which the knee arthroplasty wound is subjected in the immediate post-operative rehabilitation. Further, the cost of tissue adhesive is not offset by reduced dressing changes or length of hospital stay.

The use of tissue adhesive as an adjunct to wound closure in knee arthroplasty does not reduce wound ooze

Patients and methods@#Forty-three patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by a single surgeon were studied. All wounds were closed using staples with or without tissue adhesive. Post-operatively, the wounds were reviewed daily for ooze. Dressings were changed only if soaked > 50% or if there was persistent wound discharge of more than 2 × 2 cm at 72 h. @*Results@#There were 21 patients in the tissue adhesive (group 1), 22 in the non-tissue adhesive (group 2) with the average age for group 1 of 72.2 years and for group 2 of 69.3 years. The median length of stay for both groups was 4 days (range of 3–7 days for group 1 and 2–6 days for group 2) (P = 0.960). The tissue adhesive group showed a statistically significant reduction in wound ooze on day 1 (P = 0.019); however, the difference was not significant on the following days. The median for the number of dressing changes for group 1 was zero changes and for group 2, one change. This was not statistically significant (P = 0.112). No complications were observed in both groups and there were no reactions to the tissue adhesive. @*Conclusion@#The data from this case series suggest that the use of tissue adhesive may reduce wound ooze on day 1 only. The latter is most likely due to significant tensile forces to which the knee arthroplasty wound is subjected in the immediate post-operative rehabilitation. Further, the cost of tissue adhesive is not offset by reduced dressing changes or length of hospital stay.

Role of dietary phytochemicals in modulation of miRNA expression: Natural swords combating breast cancer

The National Cancer Institute had projected breast cancer (BC) as one of the topmost prevalent malignancies around the globe. In many cases, BC becomes resistant to chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapies. Traditional BC therapies are associated with adverse side effects, drug resistance and recurrence. Extensive research work has shown that these dietary phytochemicals (DPs) may exert therapeutic effects by regulating the miRNA expression. A large number of DPs have been researched as miRNA regulatory agents against BC and some other DPs have not yet been tested against BC. We have discussed the effects of curcumin, diallyl disulphide, 3,3′ diindolylmethane, ellagic acid, genistein, indole-3-carbinol, quercetin, resveratrol, and sulforaphane on regulation of expression of BC miRNAs in a wide range of in vitro and in vivo models. We have also shown some of the possible DPs (Oleanolic acid, capsaicin, benzyl isothiocyanate, epigallocatechin gallate, phenethyl isothiocyanate and ursolic acid) that have shown miRNA regulatory activities and have not yet been tested against BC miRNAs. Finally, current limitations, challenges, future perspectives of DPs and BC research are also critically discussed.

Frequency of drug Induced Hyperglycemia during remission induction therapy in adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Objectives: To determine the frequency of drug induced hyperglycemia during remission induction and its associated risk factors in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] patients

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from May 2017 to Nov 2017

Material and Methods: Fifty one adult patients of newly diagnosed ALL were enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria included, eighteen years or older, treatment naïve. Patients with history of diabetes, on-going treatment or were taking drugs causing hyperglycemia were excluded from the study. Possible risk factors were recorded including age, body mass index [BMI], gender, family history of diabetes, history of hypertension and disease risk stratification for ALL. Patients were started on standard or augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster [BFM] protocol according to risk category. Fasting and random glucose levels were done twice a week during induction chemotherapy. Hyperglycemia was diagnosed when patients experienced blood glucose greater than 126 mg/dL as fasting or greater than 200mg/dL as post prandial. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23

Results: Eighteen of our fifty one enrolled patients [35.3 percent] experienced hyperglycemia during induction chemotherapy. There was also significant increase in fasting blood sugar levels from baseline readings after induction chemotherapy [p-value<0.001]. Univariate analysis demonstrated significant association between fasting high blood sugar after induction chemotherapy with age [p-value <0.001] and BMI [p-value=0.034]. While on multivariate analysis only age [p<0.001] was found to have significant association with hyperglycemia

Conclusion: Hyperglycemia was observed in less than half of our adult ALL patients during induction chemotherapy. Age was a significant risk factor associated with hyperglycemia

Gender difference in components of metabolic syndrome among patients of Type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia are the integral components that constitute metabolic syndrome. It has emerged as cause of substantial mortality with gender difference. To compare the gender characteristics of metabolic syndrome in subjects of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This observational comparative prospective study was conducted in medical ward of BVH Bahawalpur over period of 6 month from January 2014 to June 2014. Sample size of 100 diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetics [comprising equal number of males and females] were collected. As defined by WHO and IDF, variables of metabolic syndrome studied were BMI, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. The lipid values were interpreted in normal or high risk category by applying NCEP ATPIII criterion. Fasting sample were collected for sugar and lipid profile. Anthropometric, demographic and biochemical data was tabulated. Continuous and categorical variables were displayed as mean +/- standard deviation and percentage respectively. Student 't' test was use to assess the difference for the lipid profile at 5% significance level. Female patients were found to be overweight, hypertensive and had uncontrolled hyperglycemia as compared to male subjects. Their systolic blood pressure was 150 +/- 25.75 and diastolic was 90 +/- 17mm/hg. The mean blood glucose concentration was 246.64 +/- 105mg/dl. In age group 35-44 years, the mean triglycerides and cholesterol levels in females were 184.54 +/- 42.05 and 192.5 +/- 34mg/dl respectively. HDL-C was 33.2 +/- 5.19mg/dl. In females with age group of 45-54 years, the mean concentration of triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-C were 217.75 +/- 77.6mg/dl, 190.95 +/- 14.4mg/dl and 31.75 +/- 3.8mg/dl respectively, and all were in high risk category when compared to cut off values determined by NCEP/ADA. While in females of age group 55-64 years, the values of TGs, total cholesterol and HDL-C were 204 +/- 154.11mg/dl, 200.09 +/- 47.8 mg/dl and 33.4 +/- 4.6mg/dl respectively and again all these values were significantly raised. Female genders were affected in all respects. They had higher BMI, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia as compared to male counterparts

Ophthalmic injuries in orbito-zygomatic fractures

To assess the frequency and severity of ophthalmic injuries in patients with orbito-zygomatic fractures. A case series. Oral and Maxillofacial Department, KEMU/Mayo Hospital Lahore, from January 2009 to December 2011. Patients with orbito-zygomatic fractures were divided into three groups. Group-1 patients had fracture of floor/medial wall of the orbit [orbital-blow out fracture]. Group-2 had comminuted orbito-zygomatic fractures. Group-3 had simple zygomatic bone fractures. Frequency and types of ocular injuries were determined on each group. There were 296 [260 male, 36 female] patients with mean age of 31.7 years. Group-1 [n = 20] had 28 ocular findings in 12 [60%] patients including diplopia [n = 10, 36%], enophthalmos [n = 6, 14%], and hyphema, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, choroidal rupture, traumatic mydriasis, and commotio retinae in 2 cases, 7% each. In Group-2 [n = 106], 44 ocular findings were identified in 30 [28%] patients including diplopia [n = 10, 23%], enophthalmos [n = 4, 9%], commotio retinae [n = 10, 23%], reduced visual acuity [n = 6, 14%], retinal hemorrhage [n = 4, 9%] and corneal laceration, corneal abrasion, retinal detachment, traumatic mydriasis, and canthal laceration in 2 cases, 4.5%. In Group-3 [n = 170], 22 ocular findings were seen in 16 [9%] patients included diplopia [n = 10, 45%], enophthalmos [n = 4, 18%], and retinal tear, hyphema, angle recession, and traumatic mydriasis in 2 cases, [9%] each. Ophthalmic injuries are a common complication of orbitozygomatic fractures occurring in about 20% of patients in this study, most frequent in the orbital blow fractures subgroup. Ophthalmology consultation is recommended for patients presenting with midface fractures

Management of acute pancreatitis: experience of a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar

To document the frequency, age, gender, etiology, mortality and morbidity of patients suffering from acute pancreatitis [AP] and managed at a tertiary care hospital. This prospective, descriptive, institution-based study was conducted in Department of Surgery, Rehman Medical Institute [RMI], Peshawar [Pakistan], from June 2010 to June 2013. All patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to our institute were managed with a set protocol. Consecutive, non-probability sampling was done. Data were collected from all patients by a single investigator using a researcher-administered questionnaire, which included patient demographics, various risk factors, treatment options, complications and mortality. A total of 47 patients were included in the study; 28 female and 19 male patients. Out of 47 patients 35 [74%] were of Afghan origin, while 12 [26%] were Pakistani. Majority of patients [57%] were between 20-40 years of age. Gall stone pancreatitis [GSP] was the cause of AP in 13 [28%], dyslipidemia in 9 [19%], and traumatic AP in one patient, while in 24 patients [51%] it was idiopathic. Ten [21%] patients developed pseudocyst. Out of a total of 47 patients, 3 [6%] expired. Patients suffering from acute pancreatitis and presenting to our hospital had a predominance of females. Majority of patients were between ages of 20-40 years. Idiopathic pancreatitis was the most common type followed by GSP. Mortality and morbidity in this study was low in comparison to other local studies

prevalence and antenatal screening of beta thalassaemia trait in pregnancy by naked eye single tube red cell osmotic fragility test

To evaluate the prevalence of Beta Thalassaemia Trait [BTT] detected by Naked Eye Single Tube Red cell Osmotic Fragility Test [NESTROFT]. We also highlight the validity and importance of this test for antenatal screening of BTT to prevent incidence of Beta Thalassaemia major in our community as well as differentiating the BTT, BTT with coexisting iron deficiency anemia and only iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. Experimental and observational study. This study was conducted at Pathology and Gynae-Obs Out Patient departments of Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women [PUMHSW] Hospital, Shaheed Benazirabad from February 2013 to February 2014. Total 461 pregnant women with their age ranged between 18 - 42 years including multigravida and primigravida as well as first trimester to second trimester of pregnancy were selected. The family history of thalassaemia and history of cousin marriages were noted. 4ml of anti-coagulated whole blood and 2ml of clotted blood samples were collected from each pregnant women and sent to the pathology department for NESTROFT testing, and later tested for Complete Blood Count [CBC] along with peripheral blood smear stained with Leishman's stained on the 2 to 3 slides as enhanced tool for BTT case finding while estimation of serum Ferritin were done from the clotted blood sample. Screening for BTT was done on Naked Eye Single Tube Red cell Osmotic Fragility Test [NESTROFT] with 0.36% freshly prepared saline. The diagnosis of BTT was confirmed on automated Hemoglobin Electrophoresis at cellulose acetate alkaline pH from the 2ml of clotted blood in NESTROFT positive cases. Out of total 461 pregnant women with their mean age 30 +/- 12, 30 were diagnose with BTT, out of 18 [54.5%] women were married with their cousins, neither the family history of Beta thalassaemia major was present nor husband of any women was carrier of thalassaemia. NESTROFT showed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and efficiency of 84%, 98.6%, 82%, 99% and 93% respectively. The laboratory parameters such as The mean values of hemoglobin g/dl, RBC count millions/cmm, PCV%, MCV fl, MCH pg, MCHC g/dl among these subjects were 11.9 g/dl, 4.5 millions/cmm, 82 fl, 38.7%, 26.9 pg, 33.2 g/dl respectively were showed in cases of BTT and co-existent iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. Coexistent iron deficiency anemia did not preclude diagnosis of beta thalassaemia major. The prevalence of BTT in pregnant women is 6.5% and NESTROFT is a valuable, cost effective screening test for beta thalassaemia trait in pregnancy with cousin marriage ratio of 54.6%. The significant difference of hematological parameters in BTT alone, BTT coexistence iron deficiency anemia and iron deficiency anemia alone were founded in our study

Marginal mandibular nerve and its relation with lower border of mandible and facial artery

Marginal mandibular nerve is a motor branch of facial nerve which supplies the muscles of the peri oral region. Surgical and cosmetic procedures might cause injury to this nerve resulting in functional loss and cosmetic imperfection. This study on the anatomical relation of marginal mandibular nerve, with respect to the lower border of mandible and facial artery, will benefit maxillofacial and plastic surgeons in its safe identification, hence preserving the functional integrity of this significant branch of facial nerve. Careful dissection was done on one hundred [100] hemi-faces of adult cadavers in Forensic and Anatomy departments of King Edward Medical University, Lahore from September 2009 to March 2010. Cadavers with scar, disfigurement or putrefaction in face and/or neck region were excluded. In 100 hemi faces, Marginal mandibular nerve present singly above the lower border of mandible was seen in 74% of cases. Marginal mandibular nerve having two rami, both located above the lower border was seen in 14% of cases. Two rami of marginal mandibular nerve, one present above and one below the lower border of mandible was seen in 6% of cases. Three rami of marginal mandibular nerve, two rami above and one below lower border of mandible were present in 6% of cases. In our population marginal mandibular nerve normally exits from anterior border of parotid gland above the lower border of mandible. When two or more rami of nerve are present; chances of lower most rami of nerve coursing below the inferior border of mandible increases. The nerve rami are present superficial to facial artery. It is at risk of iatrogenic injury overlying and anterior to massetter muscle where the nerve lies superficially underneath a thin layer of superficial musculoaponeurotic system

Prevalence and proportion of anemia in pregnant women suffering from malaria

To find out the prevalence and proportion of anemia in pregnant women suffering from malaria. The aims and objectives of our study were to evaluate prevalence and proportion of anemia in pregnant women with malaria among the patients visiting the tertiary hospital PUMHS Hospital, Nawabshah, Shaheed Benazirabad so as to give awareness of these complications to doctors to ensure early diagnosis, prevention and prompt treatment of such cases. Descriptive observational study. This study was conducted at Outpatient Department of MMCH Hospital and Department of Pathology from April 2012 to February 2013. Study includes total 120 cases of malaria, diagnosed on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. The hematological complications like anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia were studied in these patients. Out of 120, 64 patients were anemic. We divided pregnant women into 5 groups, 40 patients were in 16 - 20 years age group and amongst them 55% patients were anemic, 34 patients were in 21 - 25 years age group and amongst them 50% were suffering from anemia, 22 patients were in age group 26-30 and amongst them 22 % anemic, 15 cases were in age group 31 - 35 and out of them 46% were anemic and in age group 36-40 years 46 percent were anemic. Overall there were 53% anemic patients in total of 120. According to the occupation status majority were daily wages laborers and farmers and other were housewives. Out of 120 patients most of them were Multigravida. Most of the patients were suffering from anemia, 76% patients had Leucocytosis with Neutrophillia, 74 percent patients had complication of Lymphocytosis, 80 percent of patients had decreased level of monocytes and 60 percent had decreased level of platelets. All the patients were suffering from fever and associated symptoms of chills, sweating, feeling of hotness and coldness, 63 percent had back pain, 45 percent had headache and 23 percent had complication of Spleenomegaly. The diagnosis of malaria was made on clinical grounds and confirmed by laboratory findings. The problems of hematological complications as anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia were detected among the patient of malaria by determining hemoglobin concentration, complete blood picture and urine examination report. P.vivax malaria is most prevalent variety. Anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia are the most common hematological complications in these patients. It is suggested to ensure i. Effective malaria control program in country, specially interior Sindh. ii. Effective measures for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of patients. iii. effective health education through electronic and print media

Number of rami of marginal mandibular nerve and its communication with other terminal motor branches of facial nerve in adult unclaimed cadavers - an anatomical study

Marginal mandibular nerve is one of the five terminal motor branches of facial nerve given in the substance of parotid gland. Injury to this nerve during surgical procedures hampers the actions of muscles of the lip and chin causing functional and aesthetic impairment. This study on number of rami and communication of marginal mandibular nerve will benefit maxillofacial, general, cosmetic /plastic surgeons to safely prevent iatrogenic injury to this important branch of facial nerve. Dissection of one hundred [100] hemi-faces of adult unclaimed cadavers of both genders was done [from September 2009 to March 2010] in Forensic and Anatomy departments of King Edward Medical University, Lahore. Cadavers with any scar or mutilated face/ neck were excluded from this study. In 100 hemi faces, number of rami of marginal mandibular nerve varies from 1-3. Single branch is most common [74%] followed by two [20%] and three rami [6%]. In 36% of cases communication was seen with buccal branch, 1% with cervical branch, with both buccal and cervical branches in 1% of cases. No communication with either buccal or cervical branch of facial nerve was seen in 62% of cases. Frequency of communication increases with number of Rami of marginal mandibular nerve. In our population single marginal mandibular nerve is most common [74%] which does not communicate with other branches of facial nerve frequently [74.3%]. Therefore transection of this nerve during surgical procedures can result in permanent paralysis

Mediastinal lymphoma eroding the right atrium

Primary cardiac tumours are an uncommon cause of intra-cardiac mass. Most common intra-cardiac mass is thrombus followed by infiltrating secondary cardiac tumours. These secondary tumours are more likely to invade the cardiac chambers when they arise from close vicinity of the heart. We report an unusual case of mediastinal lymphoma in a 55 years old lady presenting as an intra-cardiac mass in the right atrium, which was detected by a transthoracic echocardiogram and later confirmed with more specific modalities

Discectomy in single level lumbar disc disease

There is a controversy regarding the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Most of patients with lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy improve with rest and medicine. Lumbar disc surgery gives rapid relief to the patients with severe root pain in legs. This study was conducted to see the risks and benefits of surgery in single level symptomatic lumbar disc disease. This prospective study was conducted in Department of Neurosurgery, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro during 2007-2009. Patients with severe leg pain, positive straight leg raising, and confirmed disc extrusion on imaging were included and conventional open discectomy was performed. Patients were followed up for one year after the surgery. Forty-five patients were operated for lumbar root pain due to a single disc. Most common disc involved was L4-5 and discectomy was performed. Recurrence of disc occurred in 4 patients. Proper selection of patients is necessary for excellent postoperative results in back surgery. Failed back surgery continues to rise with high rate of lumbar spine surgery as many patients are selected inappropriately.

Understanding the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis and potential therapeutic approaches

Hepatic fibrosis [HF] is a progressive condition with serious clinical complications arising from abnormal proliferation and amassing of tough fibrous scar tissue. This defiance of collagen fibers becomes fatal due to ultimate failure of liver functions. Participation of various cell types, interlinked cellular events, and large number of mediator molecules make the fibrotic process enormously complex and dynamic. However, with better appreciation of underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis, the assumption that HF cannot be cured is gradually changing. Recent findings have underlined the therapeutic potential of a number of synthetic compounds as well as plant derivatives for cessation or even the reversal of the processes that transforms the liver into fibrotic tissue. It is expected that future inputs will provide a conceptual framework to develop more specific strategies that would facilitate the assessment of risk factors, shortlist early diagnosis biomarkers, and eventually guide development of effective therapeutic alternatives

prevalence and proportion of haemato-logical complications of Malaria in distric Shaheed Benazirabad

To find out the prevalence of malaria in district Shaheed Benazirabad [SBA]. To Study the proportion of haematological complications among the patients who present with malaria. This is descriptive and experimental study. This study was conducted at Medical Out Patients Department [OPD] and Pathology Department of PUMHSW Peoples Medical College and Hospital at district [SBA] from April 2008 to September 2010. A total 1200 cases of malaria diagnosed on basis of clinical and laboratory findings were recorded. The proportion of haemotological complication including anaemia, leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia among these patients were also studied. Out of 1200 patients, 700 [58.33%] were children and remaining 500 [41.77] were adults. Ages of these patients including children and adults ranged between 5 to 65 years with a mean of 35 +/- 30 years. Male to female ratio in these patients were 1.1:1. The diagnosis of malaria was made by clinical as well as by laboratory findings. The problem of haematological complications as anaemia, leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia were detected among the patient with malaria by determination of Haemoglobin Concentration and Complete Blood Count [CBC]. Malaria is more prevalent in district SBA, and many of these patient are children and women. Anaemia, leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia are common haematological complications in them

Fabrication of potential macromolecular prodrugs of aspirin and diclofenac with dextran

Aspirin and diclofenac conjugates with dextran were synthesized as potential macromolecular prodrugs under homogeneous reaction conditions by using 4-methyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride as an acylating agent in the presence of triethylamine as a base. Highly pure conjugates with good yields were synthesized by this acylation method. All of the products were found soluble in aqueous medium as well as in dimethylsulfoxide and N, N-dimethylacetamide. The UV/Vis spectrophotometry has indicated the incorporation of drugs in conjugates and extent of substitution of drug onto dextran polymer. Covalent attachment of the drug onto the drug carrier polymer [dextran] was verified by [1]H NMR and Fourier transform infrared [FTIR] spectroscopic analysis. The prodrugs were analysed by powder X-ray diffraction [XRD] measurements. Phase changes were noticed by powder XRD for all macromolecular prodrugs indicating the change of state of matter towards more crystallinity. Therefore, fabricated macromolecular prodrugs are potential candidates to show better pharmacokinetic profile. All of the products were thoroughly characterized by using different spectroscopic techniques

Association of computational ability and digit span in schizophrenia patients

Present study is an endeavor to assess the relationship between computational abilities and digit span in patients of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is characterized by various executive function disabilities; working memory is one of few very important aspects among these. The construct being very significant in understanding the cognitive deficits associated with the schizophrenia, has been reported to be well assessed by various indices. Present study is an endeavor to study the performance of patients of schizophrenia on two of them that is, an Arithmetic test and a Digit span measure. It was assumed that the two set of scores will be highly correlated in patients of schizophrenia. For the purpose 101 individuals were included as participants in the study, 57 of them were the diagnosed patients of schizophrenia while the remaining 44 were the controls selected from the community. Both of the groups were tested on Arithmetic and digit span tasks. Results reflect that scores of schizophrenia patients on both measures were found significantly correlated [r=.610, p<.001], while in controls the association found was not significant [r=. 169, p>. 05]