Differential Response of Fresh Water Algae Ankistrodesmus acicularis and Anabaena flos-aquae to Dichlobenil Exposures

The massive use of herbicides may harm the growth of algae, which in turn might disturb the balance of the aquatic ecosystem. Herein the physiological as well as the biochemical responses of two fresh water algae namely Ankistrodesmus acicularis (Chlorophyta) and Anabaena flos-aquae (Cyanobacteria) to different concentrations of dichlobenil were assessed. Parameters including chlorophyll (a) Chl (a) content, EC50 values, carbohydrate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contents as well as the uptake of dichlobenil by both algal species were tested. The results indicated that a significant decrease in chlorophyll (a) content of both algal species to intermediate and high concentration of dichlobenil, whereas stimulative effect of low concentration of dichlobenil on Chl (a) content were recorded. Attainable results derived by probits analysis revealed that the EC50 values for both algae at 5th and 7th days approximate each other. Additionally, drastic decrease (98%) in ATP content was observed at 8.0 mg/L dichlobenil treatment in case of Ankistrodesmus acicularis. Furthermore, Anabaena flos-aquae cells activity was enhanced by the application of low and intermediate concentrations of dichlobenil (0.25-4.0 mg/L). Higher concentration level (16.0 mg/L) led to relative decrease in ATP content. Ankistrodesmus acicularis was found to be more sensitive than Anabaena flos-aquae. The uptake of dichlobenil was best ascribed to a pseudo-first order rate kinetic. The specific uptake rate constants of dichlobenil in case of Ankistrodesmus acicularis were relatively lower than the corresponding rates exhibited by Anabaena flos-aquae. In sum, the uptake of dichlobenil by algae may present environmental hazards and could affect the human health, through accumulation in the food chain.

Comparative study between hysterosalpingography, saline infusion transvaginal ultrasound and doppler studies in assessment of uterine factor of infertility

Background: One of the basic steps of an infertility workup is to evaluate the shape and regularity of the uterine cavity. Acquired uterine lesions, such as uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, intrauterine adhesions, or all of these, may cause infertility by interfering with proper embryo implantation and growth

Aim of the Work: to compare the findings of hysterosalpingography, saline infusion transvaginal sonohysterography and Doppler studies in patients with suspected uterine causes of infertility

Patients and Methods: This is a comparative observational cross sectional study, which was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Al Hussein and Sayed Galal University Hospitals, Al Azhar University in Cairo during the period from April 2017 to the end of September 2018. Sixty patients were included at the study who were recruited from the infertility outpatient clinics, with suspected uterine factors of infertility clinically, by hysterosalpingography [HSG] or by ultrasound

Results: HSG showed the highest sensitivity in the diagnosis of bicornuate uterus, septate uterus and intrauterine synechia [100%] followed by endometrial polyp [70%] then submucous myomas [62.5%]. High specificity [100%] was in the diagnosis of endometrial polyp and submucous myoma. Also it showed high false negative values as it missed the diagnosis of 7 cases

Conclusion: SIS is the gold standard of our study in assessment of uterine factor of infertility. Doppler studies showed high false negative results compared to HSG and saline infusion sonohysterography [SIS]. Some lesions were missed from HSG and diagnosed by SIS and these missed lesions may play a role in infertility, so SIS is very important modality in diagnosis and assessment of uterine factor of infertility

systematic review and meta-analysis for surgical techniques intended to alleviate post-operative adhesions following abdominal and pelvic surgery

Background: postoperative peritoneal adhesions are common and frequent complication following abdominal and Pelvic Surgery. Adhesions can lead to bowel obstructions and infertility in women [when they develop around the reproductive organs], chronic pain which consequently results in reducing the quality of life for patients, level of energy, productivity, and increase the risk, complexity and chance of complications in subsequent surgeries. Main objective of this review is to study the implication of using the?good surgical techniques' in the prevention of postoperative adhesions

Methods: the present review included randomized controlled trials [RCTs] that investigated the different surgical technique impact on adhesion-related outcomes were identified through search in Pubmed, CENTRAL and Embase. Identified endpoints were: clinical outcomes and incidence of adhesions. The primary Identification of papers and data extraction were performed by independent researchers

Results: out of 1709 studies, there were only 21 papers eligible for a systematic review and included in the meta-analysis and qualitative assessment. None of the techniques that were compared significantly reduced the incidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction. In a small low-quality trial, the pregnancy rate increased after subserous fixation of suture knots. However, the incidence of adhesions was lower after laparoscopic compared with open surgery [relative risk [RR] 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.61] and when the peritoneum was not closed [RR 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21-0.63]

Conclusion: None of the specific techniques that were compared reduced the two main adhesion-related clinical outcomes, small bowel obstruction and infertility. The meta-analysis provides some evidence for the surgical principle that using less invasive techniques, introducing less foreign bodies or causing less ischemia reduces the extent and severity of adhesions

Foot-and-mouth disease: Current scenario in Asia and Bangladesh

Foot-and-mouth disease virus is a positive stand RNA virus that causes an acute vesicular disease of bovid wild and domesticated ruminants. Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) comprises of 7 antigenically distinct serotypes (Type O, A, Asia 1, C and SAT1-3) that do not provide cross-protection against one another. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a pandemic disease, accounting for a global loss of 6.5-21 billion US$ per annum. The present investigation aimed at the comparison of FMDV in Bangladesh with that of circulatory types in Asian continent. Categorization, estimation and demography of FMD in Asia continent are analyzed. Comparative genome and phylogeography of the FMDV in Asia is discussed. Three serotypes of FMDV are circulating in Asian territory, including mainland Southeast Asia, South Asia and Middle East with predominance of type O, whereas Serotype A and Asia1 are found to be confined to certain geographical regions. Cattle are most susceptible to FMD, whereas Pig serves as mixing vessel that may boost the emergence and re-emergence episode of several lineages/genotypes. Whole Genome and phylogeography analysis revealed that the transboundary movement of FMDVs are responsible for spreading of this disease in Asian regions. In 2013-2015, Saudi Arabia experienced the emergence of Ind-2001 lineage under Middle East South Asia (ME-SA) topotype of FMDV type O and Genotype VII of FMDV type A, which is normally endemic in the Indian subcontinent. Intrusion of type SAT1-3 in Arabian Peninsula occurred due to transboundary animal movement from FMDV enzootic African countries. Transboundary movement of FMDV, inappropriate vaccination and inadequate awareness are the main reasons for FMD spread in most of the Asian Countries.

Perceptions of medical students about educational environment at services institute of medical sciences, Lahore

Objective: the objective of this study was to assess the perceptions of undergraduate medical students of Services Institute of Medical Sciences [SIMS], using DRE EM questionnaire

Material and Methods: all students from the final year MBBS class of the medical college [n=150] were included in the study. The non-parametric chi-square test and Mann Whitney U Test were used to determine the significance of differences [proportion of frequencies] for individual items

Results: the total no of final year students of medical college were 150 with 135 respondents with 43% males and 57% females. DREEM score SIMS medical college in metropolitan city was 118.6 indicating a positive perception

Conclusion: DREEM is a valid instrument for the measurement of students' perceptions worldwide. The students of SIMS have positive perception about educational environment of the institute

Cytotoxic and antibacterial activities of ethanolic extract of Leea indica leaves

Leea indica [Burm. f.] Merr. [Family: Leeaceae], a widely available evergreen shrub is traditionally used for different diseases in rural areas of Bangladesh. The ethanolic extract of leaves was investigated for its possible cytotoxic and antibacterial activities. Cytotoxic activity was tested using brine shrimp lethality bioassay and antibacterial activity was investigated by disc diffusion assay with selected bacterial strains. The extract displayed considerable cytotoxicity towards brine shrimps, the LC50 being 15.52 microg/ml. In antibacterial test, it showed substantial inhibition against the tested bacterial strains. The zones of inhibition were in the range between 8 mm and 14 mm at the doses of 400 microg/disc and 600 microg/disc. The results demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of the leaves possesses cytotoxic activity as well as antibacterial activity that justify the traditional uses of the plant

Frequency and age-specific presentation of burn patients at Sheikh Zayed hospital

Background: Burns are a major source of morbidity and mortality and their incidence is high in the Easter Mediterranean region, including Pakistan. Appropriate measures to prevent burns require adequate knowledge of the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors, which may vary among communities

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiological features of patients of burns in Rahimyarkhan, and based on these findings appropriate measures will for prevention of burns

Study design and duration: This was a descriptive study conducted from Feb to Sep, 2010

Patients and Methods: This study was conducted in the Burn Unit of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. All the burn patients were included in the study. Data regarding age, sex, causative agents, body parts involved, geographical origin, mode and nature of injury and outcome were obtained from the hospital record. Analysis was done with SPSS version 14.0

Results: Total victims were 109 [56 males, 53 females]. Age ranged from 7 months to 70 years [mean 14.30+/- 4.31 years]. Children <10 years were 53[48.6%], 11-20 years were 19 [17.43%] and 21-70 years were 37 [33.9%]. 65 were from rural areas and 44 from urban. 67 [61.41%] cases were caused by flame, 31[28%] by hot liquids, 8 [7%] by electricity, 3 [2.7%] by chemicals. 107 were accidental and 2 suicidal. 85 healed completely, 16 had complications and 8 expired

Conclusion: By using safe kitchen appliances, majority of all burn accidents can be prevented. Measures should be taken to launch a public health education campaign that will reduce the incidence of these fatal casualties

Causes of ureteric injures and outcome of different surgical procedures for the repair of ureter

Background: iatrogenic ureteric injuries have long been recognized as a potential complication of any abdominal or pelvic surgery. The present descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Urology Services Hospital, Lahore and Sheikh Zayed Medical College Rahim Yar Khan

Objectives: the specific objective of the study was to determine causes of ureteric injures and outcome of various treatment options

Patients and Methods: a total of 40 patients included in the study were presented either in the emergency ward or referred from other wards. Detailed History and thorough general and physical examination was done. Routine investigations were done in all cases while ultrasonography, intravenous urography, retrograde urography, ante grade urography and Computed Tomography [CT] scan were done in selected cases. Various procedures for ureteral repair were performed according to the site and extent of injury. Ureteral repair was done over a DJ stent

Results: in our study out of 40 patients 33 [82.5%] were female and 7 [17 .5%] males. Mean age of patients was 36 years. Maximum number of patients had lower ureteric injuries i.e 29 [72.5%] while 8 [17.5%] had upper ureteric injuries and 3 [7.5%] presented with mid ureteric injuries. 38 [95%] patients presented with iatrogenic injuries and 2 [ 5%] patients with firearm injury. Abdominal hysterectomy was the main cause in lower ureteric injuries. In case of upper and mid ureteric injures pyeloplasties and ureterouretrostomy was performed while in case of lower ureteric injuries 27 patients underwent extra vesical and intra vesical ureteroneocystostomy. Boari flap with psoas hitch was performed in two patients. Patients were followed at fourth week, three months and six months interval. Success rate in upper and mid ureteric injuries were 100% while in case of lower ureteric injuries it was [93 .1 % ]

Conclusion: ureteric injury causes a considerable morbidity for the patients. Detail understanding of anatomical relations of ureter and meticulous surgery will prevent iatrogenic injuries. The most common lower ureteric injuries can be best managed with Modified Liche [taguchi] technique

Audit of surgical trauma in a tertiary care hospital of southern Punjab

Background:-incidence of major trauma is high in this part of the country with an equally high mortality. Trauma care has improved globally after introduction of trauma audit in various centers of the world. Trauma-Injury Severity Score [TRISS] is used for determining survival probability and evaluation of trauma care based on Injury Severity Score, Revised Trauma Score and focused on trauma outcome [deaths and survivors]

Objective: present study was designed to improve and document the care of trauma patients by adopting TRISS methodology for charting and audit

Patients and Methods: this prospective study was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from 1st December 2009 to 31st May 2010. All trauma patients received in the accident and emergency department were included in this study, according to criteria of Major Trauma Outcome Study [MTOS]

Results: a total of 528 patients were included in this study, with mean age of 28.43+/- 9.2 years. Male to female ratio was 4.5:1. It was noted that 278 patients had multiple injuries involving more than one body region. Mortality rate in our series was 11.17% [which is high] and all these patients had major trauma score [>16]. Among total deaths [59], 26 patients died unexpectedly, in spite of their survival probability was greater than 0.5

Conclusion: trauma chart is a reliable tool to judge the effectiveness of medical care in a hospital and to reduce the number of missed injuries. We identified almost 44 % unexpected deaths in our series

Methods of circumcision practiced in central Pakistan and their complications

Background: circumcision is the most common surgical intervention performed in non-medical settings. It is the most common but neglected procedure in our country. Barbers, quacks and other non-qualified persons perform circumcision by their own methods without proper sterilization and without knowing the consequences

Objectives: the objectives of our study were to determine different methods of circumcision and outcome of these methods in central Pakistan

Patients and Methods: this was an observational study conducted by the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. A total of 600 cases were included in this study and information was recorded on a pre-designed Performa. Attendants/parents having the best knowledge regarding circumcision of the child were interviewed. Related clinics were contacted to determine the methods of circumcision and sterilization techniques, where found necessary

Results: out of 600 cases 157 [26.17%] were circumcised in the 1st month of life [mean age: 10+/-3.5 days], 92 [15.33%] in first year [mean age: 7+/-2.4 months] and 351[58.5%] between one to twelve years of age [mean age: 6+/-2.33 years]. Regarding the personal who performed circumcision 110 [18.33%] cases were circumcised by the barbers, 139 [23.17%] by quacks, 210 [35%] by General Practitioners [GP] and 141 [23.5%] by surgeons [General and Pediatric Surgeons]. Regarding the methods of circumcision, bone cutter method was the commonest, 307 [51.17%], whereas, only 60 [10%] cases were circumcised by plastibell technique. Complications were more with barber method and less with plastibell technique. Under circumcision [too less prepuce is removed] is the commonest complication with barber method. Out of 110, the 11 children [10%] were under circumcised. In bone cutter method, out of 307 cases, 15 [4.87%] were under circumcised. No case was under circumcised with plastibell or open method. With barber method 06 cases [5.45%] got infected. They consulted doctors and were cured with antibiotics. Three [0.977%] cases were infected with bone cutter method. Bleeding occurred in 10 patients after bone cutter method and stitching was done. There was no bleeding with plastibell or open method

Conclusion: our study showed that a big proportion [41%] of male children are still getting circumcised by unskilled [quacks and barbars] operators and commonest method of circumcision was bone cutter method. There is a dire need to educate the people regarding age, methods of circumcision and their possible complications

Case series of unusual intravesical foreign bodies and review of literature

Foreign bodies in urinary bladder are not uncommon. However, very little published series are available. Although, not being a fatal disease can lead to serious complications like acute or chronic cystitis, stone formation or fistula formation. We present 3 cases of different foreign bodies with different etiology which were removed successfully

Sutureless tension free Lichtenstein repair: a safe option for indirect inguinal hernia

Background: lichtenstein technique is a widely used surgical procedure for inguinal hernia repair

Objective: this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of suture less mesh placement in open, tension-free inguinal repair

Methods: this was a prospective and interventional study in which 90 adult male patients with indirect inguinal hernia underwent suture less mesh repair from April 2007 to April 2008

Results: out of the total 90 repairs, 83 [92.2%] were for primary hernias and 7 [7.8%] were for recurrent hernias. Postoperative complications included; scrotal hematoma 2.2%, seromas 5.5%, neuralgia 3.3% and wound infections 3.3%. There were no recurrences observed

Conclusion: suture less tension free Lichtenstein repair has proved to be quite satisfactory and provides high patient comfort in primary or recurrent indirect inguinal hernias encountered in surgical practice

Post-traumatic stress disorder in a school in Darfur, Western Sudan

To determine the prevalence and predictors of Post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] among children and adolescents in a war zone. Two hundred displaced 10-18 years old school children and adolescents randomly selected from a resettlement camp in Al Geneina City, Western Sudan, were interviewed using a war-related trauma checklist, the Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic scale [PDS] and the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire [SMFQ]. The 200 students reported 255 and 586 war-related personally experienced and witnessed events respectively. The prevalence of PTSD was 55% with no significant gender difference. Multiple traumatic events were the rule. The strongest predictor of PTSD was exposure to gunfire followed by hearing about sexual assaults. PTSD followed a chronic course in all victims, the onset being within six months after the disaster. The most common PTSD symptom cluster was increased arousal followed by re-experiencing the traumatic events; the least common symptoms were in the domain of avoidance and numbing. Physical complaints dominated the picture in 23.6% and depressive symptoms were present in 87% of the victims. Contrary to media reports traumas of sexual nature were not reported to be personally experienced or witnessed but heard of by 8.5% of the sample in this conservative Muslim society. PTSD is not culture-bound and it transcends age and cultural barriers. An intervention scheme to reduce war-related PTSD symptoms should be adopted to target at-risk groups of children and adolescents in parallel with the freely available nutritional and medical services, otherwise the future psychological wellbeing of this age-group will be bleak

Interlocking nailing versus plating of humeral shaft fractures

Forty cases with humeral shaft fractures underwent surgical stabilization, 22 patients using a dynamic compression plate [DCP] and 18 patients using humeral antegrade interlocking intermedullary nailing [IMN]. There were 9 women and 31 men. Their ages ranged between 23 and 56 years with a mean of 30.4 years. The study was performed at the Saudi German Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and King Fahad Hospital, Madina, Saudi Arabia, between October 1998 and May 2000. The range of follow up was 6 to 16 months with a mean of 9.1 months. The aim of the work was to compare the results of surgical stabilization of humeral shaft fractures using these two modalities of treatment as for the rate of fracture union, the incidence of complication and effect on shoulder and elbow function. Cases treated by DCP showed a higher rate of primary union than those treated by IMN, 90.9% and 83.3% respectively. The average duration to union was shorter in the DCP group of patient than the IMN group 18.5 weeks and 21 weeks respectively. The DCP plate group showed fewer complications, the most common being iatrogenic radial nerve palsy which resolved spontaneously in all patients. In the IMN group of patients, the most common complications were distraction of the fracture contributing to nonunion [22%] and impingement at the shoulder due to proximal nail protrusion a rotator cuff injury [16.7%]. It was concluded that dynamic compression plating of humeral shaft fractures resulted in a higher rate of union in a shorter duration of time with less complications than antegrade intramedullary interlocking nailing