Analysis of Physicochemical Parameters to Evaluate the Mycelia Growth of Pleurotus pulmonarius

Pleurotus pulmonarius commonly known as the grey oyster mushroom is the most widely cultivated species for its nutritional, medicinal and economical values. Two strains (China & Thailand) of P. pulmonarius were grown in potato dextrose agar (PDA) and sawdust substrate in different salinity conditions with different water collected from four resources to analyse the vegetative growth of mycelium. The water samples were labelled as W1-lab water (control), W2- Nas-Agro farm water, W3- Ganofarm water and W4- 7-star agricultural farm water. The present research evidently indicated that the two strains of P. pulmonarius showed relative similarities regarding their development and physiochemical characteristics. The mycelia of P. pulmonarius showed considerable growth for 0% and 1% NaCl in both PDA and substrate medium. The slight growth for 5% NaCl was observed only in sawdust substrate for W2 (water collected from Nas-Agro Farm) while remaining 10% NaCl plates (PDA) and test tubes (sawdust substrate) remained uncolonised. Among the NaCl concentrations tested, the best mycelia yield was recorded in the medium with low concentrations of NaCl as an essential element for the mycelial growth. Variation of mycelial growth was also observed with different water samples, growth medium and strains of the mushroom. The best results were observed in W2 with PDA media showing high vegetative growth. Moreover, the China strain showed faster and uniform results. This suggests that salinity, growth medium and water are effective for the growth of mycelium.

Development of fast dissolving tablets of flurbiprofen by sublimation method and its in vitro evaluation

Flurbiprofen belongs to Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) class II drugs which are poorly soluble in water. The objective of present research work was to prepare fast dissolving tablets of Flurbiprofen using varying concentrations of three different sublimating agents to improve the dissolution rate. Seven formulations were prepared containing different concentrations of camphor, ammonium bicarbonate and thymol as sublimating agent along with primogel as a superdisintegrant. Tablets were manufactured by direct compression method. The prepared tablets were evaluated for pre-compression and post-compression parameters result, For all formulations result was within official limits. FTIR studies revealed that there were no interactions between the drug and the excipients used. From in vitro drug release studies it was concluded that the formulations F6 and F7 containing 10% and 15% of thymol showed fast drug release of 100.00% and 100.84% respectively in 30 minutes. Formulations containing camphor (F2 & F3) and ammonium bicarbonate (F4 & F5) as sublimating agents showed a drug release of less than 80%, while the control formulation F1 having no sublimating agent showed 49.14% of drug release in 30 minutes. Thus thymol can successfully be used to formulate fast dissolving tablets of flurbiprofen by sublimation method with much better dissolution profile

case report of dengue encephalitis: an atypical neurologic manifestation of dengue fever in adults

Dengue fever is a febrile disease caused by infection from one of the four dengue virus serotypes [DENV1, DENV2, DENV3 and DENV4]. The clinical manifestations of dengue fever are broad-spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic to life threatening, shock syndrome. Usually, the dengue virus doesn't cause neurologic manifestations, but recently this has been documented in some cases. We report a case of dengue encephalitis in a 42- year-old gentlemen from Bangladesh who was presented with a history of altered level of consciousness associated with headache, subjective fever, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Blood test results of Dengue Immunoglobulin M [IgM] antibodies and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] were positive. In addition, other causes of encephalitis were ruled out by appropriate laboratory investigations. Dengue Encephalitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of fever with altered level of consciousness, especially in areas where dengue fever is endemic

Association of cholelithiasis with junk food and lipid profile in young women

Introduction: Cholelithiasis is a disease which is becoming quite prevalent in the society. Recent years have seen a dramatic change in the population afflicted by this disease along with its presentation. Changes in dietary habits with westernization of diet, sedentary life style and craving for fast food have resulted in a large number of female population belonging to younger age group [20-40 years] affected by gallstones

Objectives: To define the prevalence of gall stone disease in young female population, to highlight the importance of dietary factors and to define the role of lipid abnormalities

Study Design: Cross -sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Surgical department of Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Medical University [FMU], Faisalabad from 20-6-17 to 20-10-17

Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients and 30 controls were included in the study. Data was collected by a literature-based questionnaire regarding type of diet. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were assayed by kit method. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using a SPSS version 17

Results: Results showed mean value for age 35.01 +/- 5.437 standard deviation. Out of 50 patients, 19 females were in the range of 25-35years [38.0 %] and 31 were in 36-45 years of age [62.0 %]. Out of 50 patients 16[32%] gave history of eating fast and fried food whereas 34[68%] patients never had taken any such food. Patients consuming soft drinks were 28[56%] and non-consumer patients were 22[44%].Patients having increased cholesterol were 7[14%].Normal level was observed in 43[86%] patients. Increased triglyceride level was found in 28[56%] while normal level in 22[44%] patients

Conclusion: The results indicated that the incidence of gallstones is increasing in younger females even up to 25 years. There is strong association of the disease with increasing age and junk food. No association was found with soft drink consumption. Also, no correlation was found with increased cholesterol and triglycerides

Management of temporomandibular joint dislocation at mayo hospital Lahore

For the management of TMJ dislocation, controversies always surround to the various conservative and surgical modalities. Hence a retrospective study was planned to audit the demographics, etiology and patterns of occurrence and to enumerate the treatment modalities of TMJ dislocation at the De-partment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Mayo Hospital Lahore, fifty two cases of TMJ dislocation were retrospectively studied from 2013 to 2017. Patient records contained information about age, sex, type of dislocation, immediate event preceding the dislocation, treatment modality used and reported complications regarding dislocation. Thirty two patients [62%] were males and 20 [38%] were females. Their ages ranged from 1-80 years with a mean of 37 years. 23/52 patients were presented with acute dislocation which were managed by manual reduction and analgesics. 19/52 patients were presented with chronic recurrent dislocation in which 7 patients were injected with autologous blood, 9 patients were treated with intermaxillary fixation and three patients were given STD injection. Chronic long standing TMJ dislocation in 10 patients were managed by eminectomy in 7 patients and condylecto-my in 3 patients. This study concluded that male sex, middle age, yawning, and low socio-economic status appeared to be associated with TMJ dislocation; however, this observed relationship was not statistically significant. Different treatment modalities exist. This study highlighted the advantages and effectiveness of conservative methods of treatment

Frequency of autoimmune disorders in patients of alopecia areata

Objective: To determine the frequency of autoimmune disorders associated alopecia areata in patients presenting in a tertiary care hospital

Methods: This study was conducted at the Dermatology Department, Unit II, KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore. 120 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were entered in the study during May 2013 to January 2014. After takin informed consent and recording demographic data, complete history was taken. Examination was performed and investigations were carried out where needed, for determination of factors associated with alopecia areata

Results: Out of 120 patients studied, 30.8% of patients had positive family history of alopecia areata. Atopic dermatitis was found in 29.2% of patients. Vitiligo and hypothyroidism were seen in 4.2% each. Diabetes mellitus was seen in 1.7% of the cases and 0.8% were hyperthyroid

Conclusion: Positive family history and atopic dermatitis were seen in one third of our patients with alopecia areata. Vitiligo and hypothyroidism were other important associations observed

Association between hypolipidemias and colorectal carcinoma

Objective: To study association of hypolipidemias and primary colorectal carcinoma in population of patients of colorectal carcinoma presenting to Combined Military Hospital [CMH] Rawalpindi

Study Design: Case control study

Place and Duration of Study: Oncology department, Combined Military Hospital [CMH], Rawalpindi. Material and Methods: Forty one treatment naive patients between ages of 18-75, with histologically confirmed primary colorectal carcinoma were selected and their serum lipid profile was measured after an overnight fast, from Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [AFIP]. These levels were compared with 41 controls, selected from healthier population, using an unpaired T test. Frequency and percentages were computed for variables; sex, age and stage at presentation

Results: Colorectal carcinoma had significant association with triglycerides [p=0.007], total cholesterol [p=0.014] and LDL [p=0.013]

Conclusion: There is an inverse relationship between serum total and LDL cholesterol, and colorectal carcinoma, implying that hypolipidemias may play a role in development of colorectal carcinoma

Bacterial vaginosis; comparison of vaginal metronidazole with vaginal clindamycin in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vulvovaginal infection and represents the 35% of all the infections occurring in women in the reproductive age. Serious forms of can induce several complications such as spontaneous preterm labour and preterm birth, late miscarriage and postpartum endometritis, PID, infertility, vaginal cuff infection and postabortal sepsis. To compare the efficacy of vaginal metronidazole and vaginal clindamycin in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Interventional: Quasi experimental study. Obstetrics outpatient department, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Six months i.e. from 01-01-2009 to 30-06-2009. Mean age of patients was found to be 24.33 years. In the 100 patients enrolled, no statistically significant difference was found between Clindamycin 2% vaginal creams compared with metronidazole 0.75% vaginal gel using Amsell's criteria. Metronidazole has a failure rate of 13% while failure rate was 6% in the clindamycin group. A 3 day regimen of clindamycin 2% vaginal cream was as effective as 5 day regimen of metronidazole 0.75% vaginal gel in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis

Ollier's disease with myelodysplastic syndrome

Ollier's disease also known as enchondromatosis is a rare skeletal disorder that is usually sporadic, non-hereditary, and characterized by abnormal bone development [skeletal dysplasia]. While this disorder may be present at birth [congenital]; it may not become apparent until early childhood with more obvious symptoms, such as deformities or improper limb growth. It carries high risk of skeletal, visceral and brain malignancy seen in approximately 25% of patients. Occurrence of Ollier's disease with myelodysplastic syndrome has never been reported in the literature. The different types of myelodysplastic syndromes are diagnosed based on certain changes in the blood cells and bone marrow characterized by one or more cytopenias despite a relatively hypercellular bone marrow. We hereby report the case of a 14 years boy who presented with painless finger swelling and hepatosplenomegaly. Radiological and bone marrow findings confirmed the diagnosis of Ollier's disease with Refractory Anemia and Excess Blasts [RAEB-1]

Efficacy of combination chemotherapy; gemcitabine and docetaxel, in patients with advanced urinary bladder carcinoma

To evaluate the efficacy of combination chemotherapy; gemcitabine and docetaxel, in terms of objective response, in advanced urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder. Quasi-experimental study. Oncology Department of Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Oct 2012 to July 2013. Fifty one patients with histologically confirmed urothelialcarcionoma of the bladder were enrolled into this study. Patients were staged and their radiological features were documented before chemotherapy. Four cycles of gemcitabine and docetaxel; combination chemotherapy were administered to the patients. Response was evaluated after 4 courses. Patients with progressive disease were not given further chemotherapy. Patients who could not complete 4 courses were excluded from the study. Remaining patients were given 2 more courses of chemotherapy. Patients were followed up for a period of 1 year after being enrolled for the study to document median survival. Total 46 patients were included in the study out of which 2.2% patients had a complete response, 37% had a partial response, 28.3% patients had a stable disease while 32.6% patients had a progressive disease. The objective response rate was 39.2% while the median survival time was 42 weeks. The results of our study have shown that combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder, has a good therapeutic index and stands as a reasonable first Line option for such patients

Comparison of post operative complications in mandibular angle fractures treated by single versus two miniplates

The ojective of this study was to compare the complications [infection and non union] when fractures through the angle of the mandible are treated with a single noncompression miniplate versus 2 noncompression miniplates. 300 patients were randomly divided in two groups, 150 patients in each. Group A was treated by single non compression miniplate plate at superior borber of angle of mandible using intraoral approach. Group B was treated by two noncompression plates one at superior border as in group A, and other plate at lower border using extra oral approach. Patients were assessed for infection and non union on 21st, 45th and 60th days after the procedure. Mean age of patients in Group-A was 35.87 +/- 1.90 and in Group-B mean age of patients was 31.30 +/- 3.45 years respectively. Gender distribution showed that there were 241 [80.34%] [Group-A=124, Group-B=117] male and 59 [19.67%] female patients [Group-A=26, Group-B=33]. There were 10[6.67%] patients in Group-A and 22[14.67%] patients in Group-B who got infection at fracture site at 21st day.. At 45th day 6 [4%] patients in Group-A and 17[11.33%] patients in Group-B had infection. At 60th day infection was present in 10 [6.67%] patients and in Group-A only 2 patients had infection. This study shows that there are less chances of Infection when the patients are treated with one miniplate as compared to two miniplates for the treatment of displaced mandibular angle fractures

Prevalence and factors associated with sheesha smoking in a sample of medical students

Objective: to determine the prevalence of sheesha smokers among medical students and to examine the factors associated with sheesha smoking

Methodology: a total of 578 medical students from both public and private sector in Rawalpindi were selected by consecutive sampling technique. Preformed and pretested questionnaire was administered to them after assuring of confidentiality and taking their informed verbal consent

Results: five seventy eight medical students were administered questionnaire, 207 [36%] of them confessed that they smoke sheesha, 82[39.42%] out of them were regular sheesha smokers while 125[60.09%] said they smoke sheesha occasionally. Out of 207sheesha smokers 84[40.5%] started for fun sake, 39[19.5%] out of curiosity, 56 [27%] for style 28 [13.5%] started smoking sheesha because of peer pressure. Of smokers 123[59%] believed that sheesha smoking was less harmful than cigarette. 69 [33%] of sheesha smokers had no plans to quit sheesha smoking

Conclusion: lack of correct information and mistaken believe that sheesha smoking is less harmful than other methods of tobacco smoking is reason for its high use among youth. Moreover its easy availability at restaurants and cafés has made it a social activity that promises both pleasure and entertainment

Chronic urticaria: an approach towards etiology and diagnosis. Part I

Chronic urticaria [CU] is one of the most frustrating and challenging dermatosis for patients and physicians both. Apparently easy to diagnose, CU is still considered as a difficult to manage disease. Subtypes of CU include chronic idiopathic [spontaneous] urticaria, inducible urticaria, physical urticaria, autoimmune chronic urticaria and urticarial vasculitis. Physical urticaria may coexist with chronic idiopathic [spontaneous] urticaria. Evaluation of a patient with CU should involve consideration of various possible causes, although in most cases the cause is not identifiable. Investigation of CU should be guided by a thorough history and physical examination.

Oral malignant melanoma: a case report

Oral Malignant melanoma is a rare neoplasm representing less than 1% of all melanomas and -0.5% of all oral malignancies.[1-2] Approximately one half of melanomas occur in oral cavity [48%], and the remaining portions are located in nasal cavity [44%] and sinuses [8%].[3] As this type of tumor is rare so data collection from the case reports will be the best source of information and further research. A case report is presented here

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

Prosthetic rehabilitation of traumatic nasal defect: a case report

Trauma, tumor resection, and congenital deformities results in facial defects.1 These defects are highly unpleasing and cause a considerable psychological stress to patients. Site and size of defect, etiology of tissue loss and age of the patients are the factors which are to be considered when planning for reconstruction. Some people may not be medically fit for long reconstructive surgeries or may not wish to undergo surgery. Here is the case report of the patient who preferred prosthetic nasal rehabilitation rather plastic reconstructive surgery

Evaluation of nutritional and sub-acute toxicological study of plant based supplement of Achyranthes aspera

The present study was conducted for the nutritional, microbiological and toxicological evaluation of test compound having main ingredient Achyranthes aspera

Nutritional value assessment, microbiological analysis and toxicological studies were conducted according to the standard reported methods which exhibited that A. aspera contains moisture 4.05%, proteins 20.54%, fats 0.903%, ash 20.25%, carbohydrates 54,26% and energy 294 Kcal. Vitamin profile was found to be B1 0.27mg/100g, B[2] 0.28mg/100g, B[3] 0.58mg/100g, B[6] 0.27mg/100g and B[9] 39microg/100g. The content of sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride and phosphorus was found to be 1119.67, 5385.23, 5446.08, 1343.6, 675880.73 and 1447.5mg/kg respectively and trace metals i.e. iron, copper, zinc, manganese and aluminum were detected as 283.05, 8.062, 48.37, 16.12 and 9.853 mg/kg respectively

The microbiological result indicated that the compound qualifies the international standards of microbial limit and was found free from Salmonella species

The toxicological study was conducted to find safe use of Achyranthes aspera compound in human as a nutritive supplement in blood disorders

The toxicity studies exhibited that the test compound has a good effect on general health as an increase in body weights of animals of test group was noticed as compared to that of control group. Blood parameters before and after the study were monitored which confirms our hypothesis by showing an increase in hemoglobin from 9.133 to 10.96, RBC count from 3.11 to 3.6, WBC count from 5.68 to 5.73 and platelets from 245 to 319

comparative study on social and psychological consequences of obesity in working and non working women

Objective: To compare the social and psychological consequences of obesity and overweight on well being of working and non working women

Study Design: It was a community based descriptive study, conducted through cross-sectional approach with comparative characteristics

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Federal Government Schools and residential areas of Rawalpindi cantonment from 02nd April to 27th May, 2009

Subjects and Methods: The study population comprised 200 obese and overweight women of age group 30-45 years: 100 women working in Federal Government Schools and 100 obese non working women residing in Rawalpindi cantonment area. This study sample of 200 obese women was selected through purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through interview on structured and pretested questionnaire and anthropometric measurements [height, weight, waist and hip circumferences and forearm and wrist measurements] were taken by the researchers themselves for the purpose of working out Body Mass Index [BMI], Waist Hip Ratio [WHR] and Total Body Fat [TBF]. Chi squared test was employed to determine the association between different variables. P value

Results: The mean total family income of working women was Rs.80381 +/- 43.6' whereas that of non working women was Rs.52431 +/- 39.8. The mean number of children of working women was 2.8 +/- 1.4 and that of non working women was 4.14 6.9 +/- 1.4. The anthropometric data for BMI was 35.7 +/- 2.7 for non working women, while the same for working women was 33.4 +/- 2.8. Psychological data showed that 49% employed female never thought they have something to be proud of. 22% working women and 24% non working women were self conscious, 17% working women and 47% non working women were preoccupied with a desire to be thinner. 89% working women and 81% non working women did not go out on social occasion merely because they felt bad about their shape. 64% of working and 51% of non working women had a desire to have weight within normal limits

Conclusion: Significant differences in the prevalence of image dissatisfaction and self esteem were observed among the two groups. Employment status was found to be a protective factor for psychological wellbeing and especially body image in obese females. There is dire need for halting and reversing the upward trends of obesity

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