A comparative assessment of air pollutants of smog in wagah border and other sites in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract Smog has become the fifth season of Pakistan especially in Lahore city. Increased level of air pollutants (primary and secondary) are thought to be responsible for the formation of smog in Lahore. Therefore, the current study was carried out for the evaluation of air pollutants (primary and secondary) of smog in Wagah border particularly and other sites (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. For this purpose, baseline data on winter smog from March to December on primary and secondary air pollutants and meteorological parameters was collected from Environmental Protection Department and Pakistan Meteorological Department respectively. Devices being used in both departments for analysis of parameters were also studied. Collected data was further statistically analyzed to determine the correlation of parameters with meteorological conditions and was subjected to air quality index. According to results, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were found very high above the NEQS. NOx concentrations were also high above the permissible limits whereas SO2 and O3 were found below the NEQS thus have no roles in smog formation. Air Quality Index (AQI) of pollutants was PM 2.5(86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) and SO2 (10-95). AQI of PM 2.5 remained between moderate to very unhealthy levels. AQI of PM 10 remained between good to hazardous levels. AQI of NOx remained between good to unhealthy for sensitive groups levels. AQI of O3 and SO2 remained between good to moderate levels. Pearson correlation showed that every pollutant has a different relation with different or same parameters in different areas. It is concluded from the present study that particulate matter was much more responsible for smog formation. Although NOx also played role in smog formation. So there is need to reduce sources of particulate matter and NOx specifically in order to reduce smog formation in Lahore.

Resumo Smog tornou-se a quinta estação do Paquistão, especialmente na cidade de Lahore. Acredita-se que o aumento do nível de poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) seja responsável pela formação de poluição atmosférica em Lahore. Portanto, o presente estudo foi realizado para a avaliação dos poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) do smog na fronteira de Wagah em particular e em outros locais (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. Para este propósito, os dados de referência sobre a poluição atmosférica de inverno de março a dezembro sobre poluentes atmosféricos primários e secundários e parâmetros meteorológicos foram coletados do Departamento de Proteção Ambiental e do Departamento Meteorológico do Paquistão, respectivamente. Dispositivos sendo usados em ambos os departamentos para análise de parâmetros também foram estudados. Os dados coletados foram posteriormente analisados estatisticamente para determinar a correlação dos parâmetros com as condições meteorológicas e foram submetidos ao índice de qualidade do ar. De acordo com os resultados, PM 10 e PM 2,5 foram encontrados muito acima do NEQS. As concentrações de NOx também estavam muito acima dos limites permitidos, enquanto SO2 e O3 foram encontrados abaixo do NEQS, portanto, não têm papéis na formação de smog. O índice de qualidade do ar (AQI) de poluentes foi PM 2,5 (86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) e SO2 (10-95). O AQI de PM 2,5 permaneceu entre níveis moderados a muito prejudiciais à saúde. O AQI de PM 10 permaneceu entre níveis bons e perigosos. AQI de NOx permaneceu entre bom e não saudável para os níveis de grupos sensíveis. O AQI de O3 e SO2 permaneceu entre níveis bons a moderados. A correlação de Pearson mostrou que cada poluente tem uma relação diferente com parâmetros diferentes ou iguais em áreas diferentes. Conclui-se do presente estudo que o material particulado foi muito mais responsável pela formação de smog. Embora o NOx também tenha desempenhado um papel na formação do smog. Portanto, é necessário reduzir as fontes de partículas e NOx, especificamente para reduzir a formação de smog em Lahore.

A comparative assessment of air pollutants of smog in wagah border and other sites in Lahore, Pakistan / Uma avaliação comparativa de poluentes do ar do smog na fronteira de wagah e outros sites em Lahore, Paquistão

Abstract Smog has become the fifth season of Pakistan especially in Lahore city. Increased level of air pollutants (primary and secondary) are thought to be responsible for the formation of smog in Lahore. Therefore, the current study was carried out for the evaluation of air pollutants (primary and secondary) of smog in Wagah border particularly and other sites (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. For this purpose, baseline data on winter smog from March to December on primary and secondary air pollutants and meteorological parameters was collected from Environmental Protection Department and Pakistan Meteorological Department respectively. Devices being used in both departments for analysis of parameters were also studied. Collected data was further statistically analyzed to determine the correlation of parameters with meteorological conditions and was subjected to air quality index. According to results, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were found very high above the NEQS. NOx concentrations were also high above the permissible limits whereas SO2 and O3 were found below the NEQS thus have no roles in smog formation. Air Quality Index (AQI) of pollutants was PM 2.5(86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) and SO2 (10-95). AQI of PM 2.5 remained between moderate to very unhealthy levels. AQI of PM 10 remained between good to hazardous levels. AQI of NOx remained between good to unhealthy for sensitive groups' levels. AQI of O3 and SO2 remained between good to moderate levels. Pearson correlation showed that every pollutant has a different relation with different or same parameters in different areas. It is concluded from the present study that particulate matter was much more responsible for smog formation. Although NOx also played role in smog formation. So there is need to reduce sources of particulate matter and NOx specifically in order to reduce smog formation in Lahore.

Resumo Smog tornou-se a quinta estação do Paquistão, especialmente na cidade de Lahore. Acredita-se que o aumento do nível de poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) seja responsável pela formação de poluição atmosférica em Lahore. Portanto, o presente estudo foi realizado para a avaliação dos poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) do smog na fronteira de Wagah em particular e em outros locais (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. Para este propósito, os dados de referência sobre a poluição atmosférica de inverno de março a dezembro sobre poluentes atmosféricos primários e secundários e parâmetros meteorológicos foram coletados do Departamento de Proteção Ambiental e do Departamento Meteorológico do Paquistão, respectivamente. Dispositivos sendo usados ​​em ambos os departamentos para análise de parâmetros também foram estudados. Os dados coletados foram posteriormente analisados ​​estatisticamente para determinar a correlação dos parâmetros com as condições meteorológicas e foram submetidos ao índice de qualidade do ar. De acordo com os resultados, PM 10 e PM 2,5 foram encontrados muito acima do NEQS. As concentrações de NOx também estavam muito acima dos limites permitidos, enquanto SO2 e O3 foram encontrados abaixo do NEQS, portanto, não têm papéis na formação de smog. O índice de qualidade do ar (AQI) de poluentes foi PM 2,5 (86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) e SO2 (10-95). O AQI de PM 2,5 permaneceu entre níveis moderados a muito prejudiciais à saúde. O AQI de PM 10 permaneceu entre níveis bons e perigosos. AQI de NOx permaneceu entre bom e não saudável para os níveis de grupos sensíveis. O AQI de O3 e SO2 permaneceu entre níveis bons a moderados. A correlação de Pearson mostrou que cada poluente tem uma relação diferente com parâmetros diferentes ou iguais em áreas diferentes. Conclui-se do presente estudo que o material particulado foi muito mais responsável pela formação de smog. Embora o NOx também tenha desempenhado um papel na formação do smog. Portanto, é necessário reduzir as fontes de partículas e NOx, especificamente para reduzir a formação de smog em Lahore.

Comparative study of continuous infusions of Ropivacaine v/s Ropivacaine + Fentanyl for post thoracotomy analgesia in 50 patients

Background: Epidural opioids have been widely used for post thoracotomy pain relief. One such drug is Fentanyl, a short acting lipophilic opioid analgesic, structurally related to Pethidine for its opioid activity. Adding Fentanyl, as an adjuvant to Ropivacaine, also reduces total consumption of Ropivacaine and incremental doses of rescue analgesics. Materials and methods: 50 patients of either sex aged 18-60 year belonging to ASA class II-III scheduled for elective thoracotomy were included in this study and divided into two groups: Group R receiving 0.1 ml/kg/hr of 0.2% Ropivacaine continuous epidural infusion for 24 hour and Group RF receiving 0.1 ml/kg/hr of 0.2% Ropivacaine + 4 µg/ml Fentanyl continuous epidural infusion for 24 hour. Results: There was no significant difference between two groups regarding to Age, sex, height, weight and ASA grade and preoperative vitals as well as VAS score at rest. There was highly significant difference between groups at 30 minute and 6 hour regarding to this variable with P <0.001. Patients in group RF were more comfortable during PEFR measurement than group R. Patel V,Chaudhary H, Patel HJ, Agrawal R. Comparative study of continuous infusions of Ropivacaine v/s Ropivacaine + Fentanyl for post thoracotomy analgesia in 50 patients. IAIM, 2016; 3(9): 66-73. Page 67 Conclusion: A continuous thoracic epidural infusion of 0.1 ml/kg/hr of 0.2% Ropivacaine + Fentanyl 4 µg/ml provided better pain relief than 0.2% Ropivacaine alone after thoracotomy; both at rest and during spirometry. The use of 0.2% Ropivacaine alone was associated with worse pain control during spirometry, larger consumption of IV Diclofenac Sodium and worse performance during spirometry. Addition of Fentanyl to Ropivacaine for continuous epidural analgesia in post thoracotomy patients provides better pain relief and improves spirometry performance.

A Remarkable rare case of fractured endodontic instrument in periradicular region compressing inferior alveolar nerve.

This study aims to present the management of a rare case of a separated endodontic instrument in the periradicular area. The broken instrument had penetrated within and along the mandibular canal from the periapical zone of mandibular second molar after endodontic treatment, leading to acute neurological symptoms. These subsided completely following surgical removal of the separated instrument. Because of the close anatomic relation between the second molars and the inferior alveolar nerve, careful clinical and radiographic examinations should always be performed before endodontic treatment of these teeth, so as to prevent iatrogenic injuries of the type described here. Dentists should also be aware of the anatomic characteristics of the mandibular canal (i.e., cribriform rather than solid), as well as the consequences of overinstrumentation.

Clinical profile and outcome of stroke in relation to glycaemic status of patients.

The present study was undertaken in 50 patients of acute stroke to assess the role of glycaemic status on clinical profile and outcome of stroke. Subjects were divided into two groups: Group 1--Comprising of 25 patients of acute ischaemic stroke; Group 2--Comprising of 25 patients of acute haemorrhagic stroke. Each group was subdivided into euglycaemics, stress hyperglycaemics, newly diagnosed diabetics and known diabetics subgroups (stress hyperglycaemics, newly diagnosed diabetics and known diabetics together were called hyperglycaemics). Hyperglycaemics of both the groups had larger sized stroke. Neurological assessment done at day 1 and day 10 by Gillory's scoring system showed statistically significant improvement (P < 0.01) in all neurological functions in the euglycaemic subgroup in both the groups while in the hyperglycaemic subgroup improvement in higher mental function and motor function was insignificant (P > 0.05). There was statistically significant mortality (P < 0.05) (up to 10th day) with the hyperglycaemic subgroup in both the groups as compared to the euglycaemic subgroup.

Correlation of radiological and clinical features of metanephric neoplasms in adults.

The main objective was to determine the clinical and radiological features of metanephric neoplasms. The tumors were diagnosed on histopathological examination. The clinical data and imaging features were retrospectively analyzed. Between 1998 and 2003, 3 patients underwent radical nephrectomy for renal masses turning out as metanephric neoplasms on histopathology. Two of these tumors were metanephric adenoma (MA) and one was metanephric adenofibroma (MAF). Clinical and radiological features were reviewed. All patients were adult females who presented with flank pain. Tumor was detected on screening ultrasound as a hyperechoic lesion. In all cases CT showed a hyper-attenuating exophytic lesion with cystic areas that enhanced with IV contrast. Based on combination of clinical and imaging features it may be possible to prospectively identify metanephric neoplasms and thus avoid unnecessary radical nephrectomy in favor of conservative surgery.

Stones associated renal pelvic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: The clinico-pathological characteristics of renal pelvic malignancies associated with stones were retrospectively analyzed. AIMS: The main objective was to define the biological behavior and prognostic factors for these malignancies. SETTINGS & DESIGN: The tumors were classified according to the pathological types. The clinical data, imaging features and pathological features were analyzed with relation to prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen cases of malignancies associated with stone disease were retrospectively studied. The institute review board permitted the study. RESULTS: High incidence (15/18) of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was noted. The prognosis in this group of patients was uniformly poor. The median survival time was 3.6 months in the SCC group, 7.5 months in the Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) group and 24 months in the Adenocarcinoma (AC) group. Infectious and systemic symptoms were noted in the majority of the patients. Preoperative Imaging techniques revealed tumor in only 2 cases. Both underwent radical extirpation and the median survival is 18 months till date. In the other 16 patients, where the initial diagnosis was made only on histological analysis of incomplete nephrectomy specimens, the survival was 3.56 months. All patients had prolonged history of staghorn stone disease with associated non-functioning kidney. We found that the main prognostic factor was the stage of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Malignancies associated with stone disease have insidious onset of clinical symptoms and need a high degree of suspicion to identify them pre-operatively. The grave prognosis associated with incomplete excision makes it imperative to diagnose them earlier.

Study of intestinal transit time in patient with anxiety and depression.

Intestinal transit time (ITT) was measured in 10 normal healthy individuals (Group-I) and 15 cases each of predominant anxiety (Group-IIA) and depression (Group IIB). Dietary habits were similar in all subjects. The ITT was significantly faster in group IIA (24.4 +/- 4.2 hrs. P less than 0.001) and significantly slower in Group IIB (47.5 +/- 3.9 hrs. P less than 0.001) as compared to that of Group I (36.5 +/- 0.97 hrs); but there was no correlation between the ITT and the levels of anxiety and depression. Also, physical complaints related to various systems, in the test group, could not be substantiated on physical examination and investigations. Psychological factors play an important role in GIT motility disorders and therapeutic interventions directed at psychological problem appear to be an important part of management.