Purification and Characterization of a recombinant beta-Xylosidase from Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 14580 into E. coli B121

Present research work is aimed to purify and characterize a recombinant beta-xylosidase enzyme which was previously cloned from Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 14580 in to Escherichia coli BL21. Purification of recombinant enzyme was carried out by using ammonium sulphate precipitation method followed by single step immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. Specific activity of purified recombinant beta-xylosidase enzyme was 20.78 Umg-1 with 2.58 purification fold and 33.75% recovery. SDS-PAGE was used to determine the molecular weight of recombinant purified beta-xylosidase and it was recorded as 52 kDa. Purified enzyme showed stability up to 90degree C within a pH range of 3-8 with and optimal temperature and pH, 55degree C and 7.0, respectively. The enzyme activity was not considerably affected in the presence of EDTA. An increase in the enzyme activity was found in the manifestation of Mg+2. Enzyme activity was also increased by 6%, 18% and 22% in the presence of 1% Tween 80, beta-mercaptoethanol and DTT, respectively. Higher concentrations [10 - 40%] of organic solvents did not show any effect upon activity of enzyme. All these characteristics of the recombinant enzyme endorsed it as a potential candidate for biofuel industry

Paediatric-appropriate facilities in emergency departments of community hospitals in Ontario:A cross-sectional study / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: We assessed whether the paediatric-appropriate facilities were available at Emergency Departments (ED) in community hospitals in a Canadian province. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of EDs in community hospitals in Ontario, Canada that had inpatient paediatric facilities and a neonatal intensive care unit. Key informants were ED chiefs, clinical educators, or managers. The survey included questions about paediatric facilities related to environment, triage, training, and staff in EDs. RESULTS: Of 52 hospitals, 69% (n=36) responded to our survey. Of them, 14% EDs (n=5) had some separated spaces available for paediatric patients. About 53% (n=19) of EDs lacked children activities, e.g., toys. Only 11% (n=4) EDs were using paediatric triage scales and 42% (n=15) had a designated paediatric resuscitation bay. Only half of the ED (n=18) required from their staff to update paediatric life support training. Only 31% (n=11) had a designated liaison paediatrician for the ED. Paediatric social worker was present in only 8% (n=3) of EDs in community hospitals. CONCLUSION: Most of the Ontario community hospital EDs included in this survey had inadequate facilities for paediatric patients such as specific waiting and treatment areas.

Risk factors of neonatal mortality in Faisalabad, Pakistan

The objective of study was to find out major correlates of neonatal mortality. The main focus was in determining the impact of different demographic and health related characteristics of neonates and their mothers. A planned questionnaire was prepared in order to collect the information from mothers of newborns. The data were collected from different public and private hospitals of Faisalabad district. Discharge condition of neonate [dead or alive] was taken as response. Binary logistic regression was applied in order to unveil the impact of different contributory factors on the chances of neonatal mortality. Marriage age of mother, age of mother at baby birth, number of pregnancies, time since last birth, antenatal care, delivery mode, gender of baby, baby weight, baby disease and its nature, domestic violence, baby nutrition and residence were found to be significant factors affecting neonatal mortality. Odds ratio was used as a measure of association. From the results, it can be summed up that marriages at optimal ages, lesser frequency of pregnancies, early initiation of mother feeding, increased care during pregnancy to avoid low birth weight and birth time diseases, and increased facilities of antenatal care in rural areas can effectively reduce the neonatal mortality rates

Association of [hypovitaminosis v] with persistent non-specific musculoskeletal pains

Objective: The study was conducted in Pakistani population to find association of vitamin D deficiency with persistent non-specific musculoskeletal pains by comparing with pain free controls

Study Design: Case control study

Material and Methods: Patients aged 12 years or more presenting to Medical OPD with persistent nonspecific musculoskeletal pains for more than 3 months were selected as cases, while healthy individuals served as controls

Results: A total of 60 cases [patients with persistent non-specific pains] presenting to medical outpatients department at Military Hospital Rawalpindi and 60 controls were studied. Mean age of cases was 43.9 +/- 14.0 years and amongst controls were 33.2 +/- 17.8 years. Mean serum vitamin D level of 32.8 nmol/L was reported in cases whereas mean serum vitamin D level amongst controls was 26.7 +/- 17.8 nmol/L. Hypovitaminosis D amongst cases and controls was 86.6% and 95% respectively. The proportion of vitamin D deficiency did not differ significantly as compared to controls. There was non-significant difference in proportion of deficiency amongst cases and controls

Conclusion: Overall there was no association between persistent non-specific musculoskeletal pains and vitamin D deficiency

"Impact of team characteristics on team performance" [hospitals of Lahore Pakistan]

Objective: The main objective of the study to find out the relationship between team behaviors characteristics and team performance. This article is helpful to explore the relationship between team behavior, characteristics and performance of the in terms of role clarity, openness to change, goal motivation and cohesion

Study Design: Observational / descriptive / cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Global Institute [CFE Campus] Lahore from January 2015 to July 2015

Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from the medical directors of public and private hospitals of Lahore. Questionnaire was conducted in the form of closed ended question. Survey was conducted from June. During the survey, overall 35 questionnaires were distributed. Participant responded the questionnaire on scale of 1 to 5

Results: The overall adjusted R-square is [0.739] its mean that the team performance is 73.9% depends upon these factor in this research we also analysis the factor individually. Cohesion is only variable that contributes only [0.100] 10%, Role Clarity [0.421] 42.1%, Goal Motivation [0.403] 40.3% and openness to change is [0.264]26.4% respectively. All the variables are highly significant other than cohesion

Conclusion: Medical Directors of Public and Private Hospitals are agreed with the statement regarding team performance, role clarity, goal motivation, openness to change

Analysis of consequences of birth asphyxia in infants: a regional study in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Objective: To evaluate the biochemical consequences and platelet counts of birth asphyxia in neonates

Study Design: Cohort study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Child Health, Nishter Medical College and Hospital, Multan, from September to November 2015

Methodology: The data of 50 [50%] asphyxiated neonates and 50 [50%] non-asphyxiated neonates, with age range less than 1 month, was collected from Children Ward of Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan. Data on platelet count in blood, kidney function tests [creatinine, urea], liver function tests [bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST]] and cardiac enzyme test [lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]] were analysed by paired sample t-test by SPSS software. Sociodemographic data of those neonate's mothers was also collected

Results: In asphyxiated neonates LDH, ALT, AST, creatinine, bilirubin, urea levels were higher than healthy infants, while the platelet count was smaller in asphyxiated neonates than healthy infants

Conclusion: There was a higher rate of alteration in platelet count, levels of LDH, AST, ALT, urea creatinine and bilirubin in asphyxiated infants. These alterations may be correlated with damage of vital organ of asphyxiated neonates

Frequency of type-2 diabetes mellitus in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 3a

Objective: to evaluate the frequency of type-2 diabetes mellitus in patients having hepatitis C virus genotype 3[ a] infection, which is the most common type of genotype in our population

Material and Methods: a total number of 200 were enrolled from outpatient department of services hospital Lahore which is a tertiary care hospital. This was a descriptive, cross sectional survey. Both male and female patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. The patients having chronic hepatitis C infection with genotype 3[a] were screened for diabetes mellitus according to the operational definition

Results: a total number of 200 patients including 114 males and 86 females were enrolled for study. There ages ranged from 25 to 60 years. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was found in 54.42 %[ n=80] male patients and 45.58 %[ n=67] female patients. Out of 200 patients having HCV genotype 3[a] infection, 147[73.5%] had diabetes mellitus

Conclusion: we concluded that frequency of type-2 diabetes mellitus is high among patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 3[a]. So it is recommended that every patient who present with hepatitis C virus genotype 3[a] infection should be screened for type-2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, it is also recommended that every setup should have closed surveillance of their patients in order to know the frequency of the problem

Comparison of the efficacy of subtenon with peribulbar local anesthesia without hyaluronidase in patients undergoing cataract surgery

To compare the efficacy of subtenon with peribulbar local anesthesia without hyaluronidase in patients undergoing cataract surgery. A randomized controlled trial. Eye [B] Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from October 2009 to October 2010. Patients undergoing cataract surgery were divided into two groups. Group A received subtenon anesthesia and group B received peribulbar anesthesia. Pain score, akinesia and intraocular pressure were compared in the two groups. Statistical Package for Social Sciences-14.0 was used for data analysis. There were 304 patients, 152 patients in each group. At the time of injection, there was less pain in group A as compared to group B [p < 0.001]. At the time of surgery and till 90 minutes after administration of anesthesia, there was no significant difference in pain between the 2 groups [p = 0.999 and 0.59 respectively]. Group A had better akinesia as compared to group B [p = 0.04]. There was a greater rise in mean intraocular pressure just after injection in group B as compared to group A [p < 0.001]; in both groups, the intraocular pressure declined to its base level 10 minutes after the injection [p = 0.52]. Subtenon anesthesia is less painful at the time of its administration, provides better akinesia and leads to smaller rise in intraocular pressure just after the injection than peribulbar anesthesia

Gender discrimination among medical students in Pakistan: a cross sectional survey

Objective: To examine the prevalence and magnitude of gender discrimination experienced by undergraduate medical students, and its repercussions on their academic performance and emotional health

Methodology: A cross sectional study of 500 medical and dental students studying at a private medical college in Lahore, Pakistan

Results: Majority [78%] of students reported being victims of gender discrimination. Females were the main perpetrators [70.8%]. Most common forms were denied opportunities [63%], followed by neglecting students' needs [44.3%], and unethical talk [43.6%]. Most common places of gender discrimination were teachers' offices [43.7%] and lecture halls [37.2%]. Most of the perpetrators were clerical staff [48%] and professors [43%]. Gender discrimination did not affect the academic performance of most victims [62.6%]. The most common emotional responses were anger [57.6%], frustration [46.7%] and helplessness [40.3%]. 52.4% of students said that gender discrimination still continues and the majority [83.3%] did not report the problem to college authorities

Conclusions: Results demonstrate that gender discrimination is widely prevalent in undergraduate medical education. Females are both the main victims as well as the main perpetrators. In most cases gender discrimination does not affect academic performance but does cause emotional distress

touch of madness: manto as a psychiatric case study

Saadat Hasan 'Manto' is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest short story writers in the world. He died at the age of forty three from complications of alcoholism. All of his life, he suffered from symptoms of anxiety and depression and his alcohol abuse was intimately linked both to his mental distress as well as his creative genius. This paper examines the life of Manto from a psychiatric perspective and the link between creativity and mental illness. We show how Manto's particular family circumstances led to the development of restlessness and later anxiety in his life; how his substance abuse, especially alcohol abuse exacerbated this mental distress and how it eventually led to his death and how all of these factors were intimately linked to his creative genius and were the source of so many of his literary masterpieces

Methods: We reviewed seventy five short stories considered to be his best. Writings about Manto's life including his own were reviewed to construct a picture of his life as well as find clues to his mental distress and alcohol abuse. A literature search for articles related to creativity and mental illness was conducted using Google Scholar containing the search terms 'creativity and madness' and 'creativity and mental illness' in the titles of the articles. References most relevant to our case study were identified

Conclusion: Manto suffered from symptoms of anxiety and depression which today would meet the diagnostic criteria for Alcohol Dependence and, in later life, Alcohol-induced Psychosis. Appropriate treatment may have prolonged his life although that may have come at the expense of his creativity

Study of alteration of adrenergic receptor response by chronic use of lisinopril: an ACE inhibitor

Unpredictable outcomes of life saving drugs have been seen in patients who receive different cardioselective drugs for longer periods. Many studies have been conducted to explore these responses. This study shows the down regulation of adrenergic receptors due to chronic use of Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor as a cause of poor response of adrenaline. Langendroff's technique was used. The data obtained from ten rabbits shows that effective dose of Lisinopril [10mg/kg daily orally] reduces the inotropic and chronotropic effects of adrenaline significantly [p<0.05].Therefore it is suggested to use higher doses of adrenaline in cardiac units in patients who have used therapeutic doses of Lisinopril for longer periods provided it is supported by clinical studies

Accuracy of reagent strips in rapid diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of reagent strips for diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] in cirrhotic patients with ascites, taking polymorphonuclear cell count in ascetic fluid as standard criterion. One hundred and fifty patients having cirrhosis of liver and suspicion of SBP admitted in the medical ward of Services Hospital, Lahore were included in the study. Ascetic fluid of the patients was tested in the hospital laboratory for polymorph nuclear cell count and at the same time leukocyte esterase activity of the fluid was assessed by reagent strips. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of reagent strips were calculated. Frequency of SBP in cirrhotic patients with ascites was 28.67%. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of reagent strips for diagnosis of SBP in cirrhotic patients with ascites, taking PMN cell count in ascetic fluid as standard criterion was calculated as 93.02%, 94.39%,86.97%,97.12% and 94% respectively. In view of the results of the current study reagent strip method can be recommended as a rapid and accurate method for diagnosis of SBP in cirrhotic patients

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV: knowledge among general public of peripheral areas of Multan

To assess the level of knowledge regarding hepatitis B hepatitis C and HIV among general public of peripheral areas of Multan. Cross-sectional study. Peripheral areas of Multan, village Budhla Sunnat, kusba Ayazabad Marrhal and PMRC Research Centre Nishtar Medical College Multan. From 01.05.2007 to 30.04.2008. Medical camps were established in peripheral areas of Multan, village Budhla Sunnat and kusba Ayazabad Marrhal. It was a cross-sectional study which was carried out using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Subjects of both sexes and adult age attending these medical camps were included in the study. Informed consent was taken and confidentiality of the personal information was ensured. Specially designed Proforma was filled in by the Research Officers and data entered in SPSS-11 and analyzed. Three hundred and eight subjects were interviewed. The age of subjects varied from 15-70 years. The mean age was 37.06 years +/- 15.59 years. Two hundred and twenty three [72.4%] were familiar with hepatitis B, 196 [63.6%] with hepatitis C and 146 [47.4%] with HIV and 133 [43.2%] were familiar with all three viruses while 81 [26.5%] were unfamiliar with these viruses. Most of the subjects 93 [30.2%] knew about the transmission through injection by un-sterilized syringes, 90 [29.2%] were knowing that infected blood is important source of spread while 87 [28.2%] of the subjects were knowing that these are spread through infected razors, 84 [27.2%] were knowing unsafe sex as a mode of transmission. Sharing objects can be the source of spread was known to very less number of people, 9 [2.9%] were aware that these can spread through sharing infected tooth brushes, 7 [2.3%] with sharing infected [Miswaks] and only 3 [1%] were aware that these can spread through infected combs. Electronic media was the major source of knowledge 82 [26.6%], interpersonal communication 69 [22.4%] and newspapers in only 1 [0.3%]. knowledge about hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV is low in our study population. The results of the study have shown that many people still think that HIV is the only virus which is transmitted through sexual contacts and hepatitis 8 and C through contaminated blood. The knowledge about the modes of transmission is lower in the rural and un-educated community. General public has very little knowledge that infected combs, infected toothbrushes and infected [Miswaks] can also lead to transmission of hepatitis B and C. Electronic media particularly television and radio and newspapers are the main source of knowledge and awareness for the urban population while in rural population it is not the case. Effective health awareness campaigns are needed to be started among rural population

Stroke; electocardiographic changes

[1] To finding the frequency of various electrocardiographic abnormalities in sufferers of acute stroke [2] Comparing the ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in this perspective. Observational. Emergency department of Nishtar Hospital, Multan from April 2003 to August 2005. Two hundred patients of acute stroke who presented within 48 hours of the onset of neurological symptoms, were included in the study, irrespective of the comorbid conditions like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy. Majority of the patients had ischemic stroke. ECG changes due to variation in heart rate, rhythm ischemia, QTc prolongation and left ventricular hypertrophy were frequent findings in sufferes of acute stroke. Except atrial fibrillation and left ventricular hypertrophy these changes were more or less similar in two types of stroke. A variety of electrocardiographic abnormalities can be found in sufferers of acute stroke. Except atrial fibrillation and left ventricular hypertrophy, there frequency is more or less similar whatever the type of stroke may be

Electrocardiographic predictors of mortality in acute stroke

The study was done to see if ECG changes in acute stroke could be used as predictor of in-hospital mortality. Cross-Sectional study done at the Department of Emergency and Medicine Nishtar Hospital Multan, from April 2003 to August 2005. Two hundred patients with acute stroke who presented within 48-hours of the onset of neurological symptoms, were enrolled in the study, irrespective of the co morbid conditions like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy. A non-contrast computerized tomographic scan [CT Scan] of the brain and a 12-lead ECG were recorded at the time of admission to define the stroke type and to determine the ECG variables. Follow-up of the patients was done during their stay in the Medical ward to calculate in hospital mortality. The ECG variables were categorized as, disturbances of heart rate and rhythm, ischemic changes and heart rate corrected QT interval [QTc interval].They were correlated with the death during the hospital stay, by analyzing the data using SPSS-10 version for statistical analysis. Majority of the patients had ischemic stroke, but mortality was higher with hemorrhagic stroke. ECG changes due to variations in heart rate and rhythm were frequent but less helpful than ischemic changes and QTc alterations, in predicting in hospital deaths due to stroke. Hospital mortality in stroke patients is mostly of cardiac origin. ECG changes resulting from QTc prolongation, ischemic changes, and rhythm disturbances were most helpful in predicting the prognosis

Effect of patient advocacy on pharmaceutical development and market1ng

Patient Advocacy has been proved to be a strong force which can produce profound effects on pharmaceutical development and marketing. This paper presents the impact of this force on these two important areas. Although it has been utilized as a positive force for the benefits in human society but it's negative uses can not be ignored

clinicoepidemiological study of snakebite in Multan

Objective: To know the epidemiological characteristics of snakebite in and around Multan and to highlight various patterns of toxicity in sufferers of snake`s envenomation

Design: Descriptive, observational study

Place and duration of study: This study was conducted at Medical Unit-IV, Nishtar Hospital, Multan during the year 2002-2003

Patients and Methods: One hundred victims of snakebite from seven various districts around Multan, who were brought to Nishtar Hospital, Multan, irrespective of age, sex and previous medical therapy were included in this study. All victims of snakebite were examined and investigated to know the various patterns of toxicity

Results: Most of the victims [78%] were found to be sufferers of toxic bite, affected mostly on lower limbs [62%] and during night time [52%] of summer season. Hemotoxic snakes were the most common type of snakes [52%] causing envenomations. 90% patients recovered completely and a death rate of 6% and disability rate of 4% was observed

Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality from snakebite can be reduced by proper health education of the farmers, regarding importance of footwear and potential hazards of snakebite

Evaluation of effectiveness of randomized clinical trials in alternative medicine

This paper is an attempt to evaluate effectiveness of randomized clinical trials in alternative medicine. People are living longer than ever before but several chronic diseases such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, malignancies and HIV / AIDS are increasing. Modern Medicine does not provide satisfactory solution of these diseases and is expensive. Therefore, non-traditional treatment is being encouraged which includes herbal medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The support to this concept comes out from the published figures which show that more herbs are being imported in advanced countries like USA, UK and Canada. We concluded after meta analysis that randomized clinical trials are ineffective in alternative medicine to evaluate the response of different remedies

Hepatitis-B carriers; prevalence of HBsAg among volunteer blood donors in Bahawalpur division

OBJECTIVE: To find out the prevalence of HBsAg among volunteer blood donors in Bahawalpur Division. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Blood banks of district and tehsil headquarters hospitals of Bahawalpur Division. PERIOD: January to December 1996. SUBJECT AND METHODS: All volunteer blood donors of either sex in whom HBsAg could be done. Test done by rapid latex agglutination method. Out of 15243 blood donors tested, 169 [1.11%] were positive for HBsAg with the highest prevalence in blood donors from Bahawalpur District. CONCLUSIONS: It is not enough to use old methods for screening of Hepatitis B markers because with newer sensitive methods, even negative cases for HBsAg may be detected as positive. In future, there is need for the availability of tests for hepatitis C and G in blood banks of Pakistan