Fabrication and Characterisation of MWCNT/Polyvinyl (PVC) Polymer Inclusion Membrane for Zinc (II) Ion Removal from Aqueous Solution.

Heavy metal pollution has prompted researchers to establish the most effective method to tackle the impacts of heavy metals on living things and the environment, which include by applying nanoparticles. An example is the employment of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an additive in an intermediate membrane or polymer inclusion membrane (PIM). The MWCNTs were added to enhance the properties and reinforce the transport performance of zinc (II) ion (Zn2+) removal from the source phase to the receiver phase by the PIMs. The present study constructed a membrane with a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)-based polymer, dioctyl phthalate (DOP) plasticiser, and bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (B2EHP) carrier incorporated with different concentrations of MWCNTs. The contact angle (CA), water uptake, ion exchange capacity (IEC), and porosity of the fabricated membranes were evaluated. The membrane was also characterised by employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Subsequently, the fabricated PIM (W1) and mixed matrix (MM)-PIM (W2−W5) samples were assessed under different parameters to acquire the ideal membrane composition and effectiveness. Kinetic modelling of Zn2+ removal by the fabricated PIMs under similar conditions was performed to reveal the mechanisms involved. The average removal efficiency of the membranes was >99% at different parameter conditions. Nevertheless, the W3 membrane with 1.0 wt% MWCNT immersed in a 5 mg/L initial Zn2+ concentration and 1.0 M receiver solution for seven hours at pH 2 demonstrated the highest percentage of Zn2+ removal. The experimental data were best fitted to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model (PFO) in kinetic modelling, and the permeability and flux of the W3 at optimum conditions were 0.053 m s−1 and 0.0532 mol m−2 s−1, respectively. In conclusion, the transport mechanism of Zn2+ was enhanced with the addition of the MWCNTs.

Trends and outcomes of admissions in the Paediatrics ward at a tertiary care hospital of urban Karachi.

In order to improve the health care system in Pakistan, the first step is to assess which diseases are the most prevalent and to what extent among children and lead to hospital admissions. This would help to improve the facilities and management and thus reduce the duration of hospital stay. This study aimed to determine the spectrum of disease presentation and the outcome and duration of hospital stay of patients presenting to the paediatric ward of a tertiary care hospital. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in the paediatric ward of a semi-private hospital PNS SHIFA in Karachi. The duration of the study was six months (March 2019 to August 2019) and the sample size was 431. Non probability convenience sampling was done and p-value =/< 0.05 was taken as significant. Data was analysed through SPSS version 22. The study showed that gastroenterological diseases were the most common (138 [32%]), and all patients with these problems were discharged after treatment. Out of the 96 (22%) patients presenting with pulmonary diseases all were discharged except 2/96 patients (2%) who died as they had some co-morbidity (congenital heart disease and measles, respectively). One was referred (congenital heart disease). Seventy-five (17.5%) had infectious diseases with good outcome, 2 out of 19 (4.9%) had cardiac related illnesses. One neurological patient died, while the rest of 41 were discharged. The study concluded that the most common cause of admission in children is gastroenterological, pulmonary and infectious diseases; almost all except a few with co-morbidities were discharged after a short hospital stay.

Association amid the comorbidity of Diabetes Mellitus in patients of Active Tuberculosis in Pakistan: A matched case control study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to test the association between diabetes and tuberculosis. METHODS: It is a matched case control study conducted in tertiary care hospitals in 2019-2020. Cases and controls were 144 each, selected on the basis of an odds ratio of 2 at 95% confidence interval with a significance level of 5%. Cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were selected through consecutive sampling technique, either visiting OPD or admitted in hospital. Controls were taken from the general population and frequency matching was done based on age, gender and socioeconomic status. Data was collected through structured questionnaire after taking written consent. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 23. Binary Logistic regression model was applied for finding association between the risk factors and the disease. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of all cases and controls, 45% and 20% were diabetics respectively. The association between the risk factors and tuberculosis was estimated by univariate analysis, positive association was found between diabetes and tuberculosis (OR= 3.32), a high frequency of diabetes in cases as compared to controls were observed with a highly significant p- value (<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for a strong positive association between tuberculosis and diabetes.

First aid facilities in the school settings: Are schools able to manage adequately?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Children spend most of their time in schools and are vulnerable to injuries and mild ailments, hence requiring first-aid care. School teacher can provide immediate first-aid care in the absence of any health professional. This study assesses first-aid facilities within school premises and assessment of teachers on first aid training. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from July-December 2017, participants were full time school teachers of both public and private sectors at both primary and secondary levels, having a minimum of one year experience. Questionnaire was filled on one to one basis by taking oral interview. RESULTS: Out of 209 teachers, 72.7% were from private sector. Stomachache was the most common medical incident (82.29%) requiring first-aid care in schools. First aid box was available in all schools but its contents were not satisfactory. Sick bay was not found in any school. 68.42% of teachers were not trained in first-aid management because of lack of opportunity, however 56% were willing to enroll in any first aid training and majority (91.38%) considered it essential for their professional life. CONCLUSION: First aid facilities at various schools of Karachi and availability of trained teachers who can provide first aid care is unsatisfactory.

ETHNOBOTANICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne.: A REVIEW.

BACKGROUND: Leptadenia pyrotechnica is traditionally used for treating various diseases. This species holds variety of bioactive constituents that trigger healing properties. The present review was aimed to analyze nutritional, phytochemical and pharmacological activities of L. pyrotechnica. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present review regarding Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne. Is the compilation of data from the previous research works conducted by various scientists across the world. Various published papers, medicinal plant databases, etc were utilized to compile the information. RESULTS: L. pyrotechnica is a wonderful desert plant belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae This plant possesses antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, wound healing, anthelmintic, antiatheroscloretic, hypolipidemic, antdiabetic and hepatoprotective activities coupled with other multifarious uses. Almost all plant parts are used in the traditional medicinal system to treat various disorders. CONCLUSION: This review includes the substance of different ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and exclusive capability of this plant in the field of anti-microbial and human disease activities.