Towards sustainable electrochemistry: green synthesis and sintering aid modulations in the development of BaZr0.87Y0.1M0.03O3-δ (M = Mn, Co, and Fe) IT-SOFC electrolytes.

In this study, BaZr0.87Y0.1M0.03O3-δ perovskite electrolytes with sintering aids (M = Mn, Co, and Fe) were synthesized by a sustainable approach using spinach powder as a chelating agent and then compared with chemically synthesized BaZr0.87Y0.1M0.03O3-δ (M = Mn, Co, and Fe) electrolytes for intermediate temperature SOFCs. This is the first example of such a sustainable synthesis of perovskite materials with sintering aids. Structural analysis revealed the presence of a cubic perovskite structure in BaZr0.87Y0.1M0.03O3-δ (M = Mn, Co, and Fe) samples synthesized by both green and conventional chemical methods. No significant secondary phases were observed in the samples synthesized by a sustainable approach. The observed phenomena of plane shift were because of the disparities between ionic radii of the dopants, impurities, and host materials. The surface morphology analysis revealed a denser microstructure for the electrolytes synthesized via green routes due to metallic impurities in the organic chelating agent. The absence of significant impurities was also observed by compositional analysis, while functional groups were identified through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Conductivity measurements showed that BaZr0.87Y0.1M0.03O3-δ (M = Mn, Co, and Fe) electrolytes synthesized by oxalic acid have higher conductivities compared to BaZr0.87Y0.1M0.03O3-δ (M = Mn, Co, and Fe) electrolytes synthesized by the green approach. The button cells employing BaZr0.87Y0.1Co0.03O3-δ electrolytes synthesized by the chemical and green routes achieved peak power densities 344 and 271 mW·cm-2 respectively, suggesting that the novel green route can be applied to synthesize SOFC perovskite materials with minimal environmental impact and without significantly compromising cell performance.

The Use of Albumin-to-bilirubin Score in Predicting Variceal Bleed: A Pilot Study from Pakistan.

Variceal hemorrhage is a serious consequence of patients having chronic liver disease (CLD). Various scores exist that predict the outcome for non-variceal bleed. However, only a few scores evaluate patients with variceal bleed. We, in our study, evaluated 48 cirrhotics who presented with variceal gastrointestinal (GI) bleed over a period of 3 months. Majority of these were males and the most common etiology was hepatitis C infection. The main presenting complaints were hematemesis seen in 39.6% followed by hematemesis and melena in 31.25%. Most bleeding episodes were secured via banding in 62.5% followed by injection of histoacryl in 12.5%. Finally, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), albumin-to-bilirubin (ALBI), and the ABC score were applied and none correlated with the presence of esophageal varices. However, the ALBI score did correlate with the presence of tachycardia in our study, a pertinent sign of upper GI bleed. How to cite this article: Majid Z, Khan SA, Akbar N, et al. The Use of Albumin-to-bilirubin Score in Predicting Variceal Bleed: A Pilot Study from Pakistan. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2022;12(2):77-80.

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Inflammation, Prevalence, and Predictive Value of C-Reactive Protein in South Asian Youths.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is widely prevalent in the South Asian (SA) population. The syndrome leads to a high risk of premature atherosclerosis and diabetes. Obesity, specifically abdominal obesity, is a central pathological mechanism of disease in this population. Ethnic-specific modified measurements of waist circumference (WC) have been proposed for the diagnosis in various populations, including those of SA phenotype. We studied the prevalence of MetS and subclinical inflammation in young physically fit students in a major urban city of Pakistan. Specifically, we addressed the new lower WC measurement and its relationship with MetS and inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured as a marker for subclinical inflammation. Methods: A total of 509 respondents (mean age 19.86 years) filled out self-administered questionnaires for data collection. Measurements were made by trained nurses using standardized equipment and fasting blood samples were drawn for chemical analysis. Data were verified, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Results: MetS was identified in 6% of this cohort and 16% had subclinical information as measured by CRP. Higher CRP levels were noted with higher WC and independently identified subjects with MetS. CRP levels of ≥2.2 mg/dL predicted presence of MetS. Conclusions: MetS is widely prevalent in young, otherwise physically fit, individuals. High proportion of this young cohort had evidence of subclinical inflammation as measured by CRP. Increasing WC showed significant correlation with higher CRP levels, level of 2.2 mg/dL independently identified MetS in this cohort.

Gall Bladder Wall Thickening in Dengue Fever - Aid in Labelling Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and a Marker of Severity.

Introduction Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease spread by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue epidemics have contributed to a great economic burden, especially in South-East Asia. This study aimed to determine gall bladder wall thickness (GBWT) in patients with dengue fever, assess its sensitivity and specificity to identify dengue hemorrhagic fever, and also compare gall bladder wall thickening (GWBT) with platelets, hematocrit, and leucocyte count. Materials and methods This prospective observational study was conducted in the dengue ward of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from September 2019 to January 2020, i.e., four months. Patients admitted to the dengue ward diagnosed as seropositive and provided consent were enrolled into the study. Laboratory investigations (blood complete picture, liver function tests, renal function tests) were collected and recorded. Ultrasonography was performed on admission and subsequently during a hospital stay. Patients were divided into two groups: those with gall bladder wall thickness ≤ 3mm and Ëƒ3mm. All data were entered and analyzed on SPSS version 24 (IBM Inc., Armonk, USA). Results Out of 180 patients, 122 (67.8%) were male, and 58 (32.2%) female. The mean age was 33 ± 13 years. One hundred and six patients (58.9%) were diagnosed with dengue fever, 68 (37.8%) - dengue hemorrhagic fever, and six (3.3%) - dengue shock syndrome. The most common finding was gall bladder wall thickness ˃3mm (69/180; 38.3%) followed by ascites (38.1%). Sixty-two patients out of 69 (89.9%) with GBWT ˃3mm were managed as dengue hemorrhagic fever (p=0.000). Alanine transaminase (ALT), platelet, and total leukocyte count (TLC) were associated positively with an edematous gall bladder wall (p<0.005). The mean gall bladder wall thickness for dengue hemorrhagic fever was 6.4mm ± 2.5 mm. A GBWT value of 3.5mm was found to have 94.6% specificity and 91.2% sensitivity. Conclusion Gall bladder wall edema is strongly correlated with dengue hemorrhagic fever. Hence it should be assessed in all patients with dengue fever.

Use of sofosbuvir based regimen in patients with end-stage renal disease and chronic hepatitis C; an open label, non-randomized, single arm, single center study from Pakistan.

AIM: we aimed to determine the virological response and safety of Sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients on long-term hemodialysis (HD). BACKGROUND: With the advent of interferon-free DAAs, the treatment of CHC has been revolutionized. Pakistan is among the countries where novel sofosbuvir (SOF)-free antiviral agents are not available. METHODS: This non-randomized, single-arm, open-label study enrolled all HD patients with chronic HCV infection after informed consent. They were treated with SOF in combination with Ribavirin (RBV) with either interferon (IFN group) or daclatasvir (DAC group), with the virological response assessed according to standard guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.00. RESULTS: Out of 133 patients, the majority (72.9%) were males with the mean age of 31.92 ± 9.88 years. Most patients (50.3%) had HCV genotype (GN) 1, followed by GN 3 in 42.9%, 4 in 1.48% and 2 in 0.7%, while mix GN was documented in 6 (4.4%) patients. Among these, 60 (45.1 %) patients received standard SOF, IFN, and RBV (IFN group) and 73 (54.9 %) received SOF, DAC and RBV (DAC group). End of treatment and sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment were achieved in 133 (100%) and 129 (97 %) patients, respectively. The adverse effects were anemia in 58 (43.6 %) patients and elevated alanine transaminases in 11 (8.1%) patients. CONCLUSION: SOF in combination with either IFN or DAC is an equally efficacious and effective treatment regimen for patients on maintenance HD, especially in resource-poor countries.

Dietary Patterns, Exercise, and the Metabolic Syndrome Among Young People in Urban Pakistan (Lahore).

Background: Increasing urbanization, mechanization, and rural-to-urban migration has led to deranged sleeping patterns, surplus energy intake, and sedentary lifestyles in South Asian young people. This shift poses an insidious health risk for the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Early detection is needed because in the South Asian population, this syndrome carries an increased risk of comorbidities compared to people without the syndrome. This study was designed to elucidate the prevalence of MetS and its risk factors in young people in urban areas of Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four undergraduate institutions in Lahore, Pakistan. Five hundred and nine young people participated, and each provided their informed consent for the collection of data on their demographic, physical, and biochemical characteristics along with information on their dietary, sleep, and physical activity habits. Results: Most participants reported consuming greater-than-recommended amounts of protein and smaller-than-recommended amounts of vegetables and fruits. The International Diabetes Federation criteria for MetS were fulfilled by 6.1% of the students. Hypertension (67.7%) and hypo-HDL-emia (64.5%) were the most common risk factors. More than 50% of the respondents slept fewer hours per day than recommended, and 33% had a sedentary lifestyle. Men, participants with a family history of metabolic illness and those with low physical activity levels had higher odds of a positive result on screening for MetS. Conclusions: The early detection of MetS and early identification of probable risk factors may make beneficial contributions to both public health and clinical interventions directed at high-risk individuals. Establishing and using cutoff values for modified waist circumference and specific body mass index in Asian populations may aid in early detection.

Conflicts of interest and outcomes of clinical trials of antidepressants: An 18-year retrospective study.

Pharmaceutical sponsorship, funding sources, and investigators' conflicts of interest may be potential influencers in the conduct and results of clinical trials, as well as in the promotion of psychiatric drug therapies. We report the results of an audit of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antidepressants conducted from 2000 to 2017. We searched the Web of Science databases with a comprehensive search strategy to identify phase 2 and 3 RCTs. Out of the 1085 articles initially located, a total of 291 RCTs were identified and included in the final analyses. A higher percentage of RCTs conducted by employees of pharmaceutical companies reported favorable results than those with academic or governmental funding (76.90% vs. 60.60%); however, this association was not significant (Χ2 = 2.47, P = 0.18). The data were further analyzed using bivariate and cluster analytical approaches, and the nonsignificant association persisted in both cases. However, analyses of industry-funded placebo-controlled trials (a subgroup of the 291 RCTs) revealed a higher proportion of results that were reported as significant compared to their counterparts with other funding sources (67% vs. 33%). This association was statistically significant (Χ2 = 9.56, P = 0.002), indicating that there is evidence in support of conflicts of interest as a potential bias in the outcomes of RCTs conducted for antidepressants.

To determine the prognostic value of the albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI) in patients underwent transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: We aimed at determining the prognostic value of the albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI) in patients undergoing transarterial Chemoembolization for unresectable Hepatocellular carcinoma. BACKGROUND: Various noninvasive liver reserve markers are used to predict the severity of liver injury. The role and probability of these markers in predicting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. METHODS: Patients who underwent TACE from 2013 to 2017 were included. Patient's age, gender, cause of cirrhosis, ALBI Grade along with the site, size and number of tumors were recorded. Radiological response to TACE was assessed by CT scan at 1 and 3 months after the procedure, respectively. Survival assessment was performed and all patients were assessed for survival until the last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were included. Majority of them were male (80.3 %). The mean tumor size of 6 ± 3.9 cm. Majority of patients (54.9 %) had a single lesion and it was mostly localized to the right lobe (60.5 %). The most common cause of chronic liver disease was HCV (65.3%). Median Child class score (CTP) and MELD score were 7 and 10, respectively. Ascites was treated prior to TACE in 12 patients (16.9 %).Mean ALBI score in the study population was -1.59 ± 0.69, with the majority (49. 2 %) falling in grade 2. The mean duration of survival at the last follow up was of 12.1 ± 12.14 months (1- 49).Univariate analysis showed serum albumin (p = 0.003), serum bilirubin (p = 0.018), CTP score (p = 0.019), ALBI grade (p = 0.001) and presence of varices (p = 0.04) to be the main predictors of 6 months survival after TACE. On Cox analysis, only ALBI score (p = 0.038) showed statistical significant association. CONCLUSION: ALBI grade may serve as a surrogate marker in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients undergoing Transarterial Chemoembolization.

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease in a young male with celiac disease.

A young emaciated male, known case of celiac disease came with complaints of diarrhea along with 5kgs of weight loss in 3 months' time. He had severe electrolyte abnormalities along with low albumin, low calcium and a high phosphate with deranged liver function test. Ultrasound abdomen had shown fatty liver. Nutrition consult was sought and he was found to have a BMI of 6.8kg/m2. He was started on nutrition support along with supportive therapy, which resulted in weight gain and improvement in his condition.

Intestinal Spirocheteosis in a Patient with Celiac Disease.

A young girl presented to us with recurrent diarrhea along with a history of 5 kg weight loss in one year. On examination, she appeared pale, while her laboratory reports showed a low hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum albumin. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was slightly raised with her iron profile suggestive of iron deficiency anemia. Viral markers, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology along with thyroid profile were all unremarkable. There was no history of tuberculosis, and purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test was also negative. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen showed thickening of the terminal ileum with multiple enlarged lymph nodes. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) along with colonoscopy was done. Multiple biopsies were taken, which were suggestive of sprue along with intestinal spirochetosis. Her tissue transglutaminase (TTG) was negative while deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) was positive. She was kept on gluten-free diet and started on tablet metronidazole. This case shows that intestinal spirochetosis should be kept in mind in patients belonging to lower socio-economic status, who present with chronic diarrhea symptoms.

The use of Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) as a predictor of 3 month post discharge mortality in cirrhotic patients.

AIM: Is Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) a predictor of 3 month post discharge mortality in cirrhotic patients? BACKGROUND: Cirrhotic patients often experience an abrupt decline in their health, which often leads to frequent hospitalization and can cause morbidity and mortality. Various models are currently used to predict mortality in cirrhotics however these have their limitations. The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) being one of the oldest performance status scales, is a health care provider-administered assessment that has been validated to predict mortality across the elderly and in the chronic disease populations. METHODS: We used the KPS performance status scale to envisage short-term mortality in cirrhotic and HCC patients who survive to be discharged from hospital. RESULTS: Our study showed that KPS one week post-discharge, child pugh score, hospital stay, international normalized ratio, serum albumin, total bilirubin and serum creatinine showed statistical significance on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, KPS was found to be statistical significant predictor of 3-month mortality. CONCLUSION: Hence KPS can be utilized to identify cirrhotic patients at risk of 3-month post discharge mortality.

Dyspepsia Amongst End Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis: Views from a Large Tertiary Care Center.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) among which dyspepsia is frequently observed. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and associations of dyspepsia in ESRD patients using the Leeds questionnaire. METHODS: All ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis were consecutively enrolled in the study. Leeds questionnaire was used to interrogate the patients for the assessment of dyspepsia. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for age, body mass index (BMI), disease duration and number of hemodialysis sessions. Independent t-test and Chi square tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Total number of patients was 200, out which 118 (59.3%) were male. The mean age was of 41.4 years. According to the Leeds questionnaire, dyspepsia was present in 62 (63.9%) patients. Younger patients (age 20-40 years) more frequently had dyspeptic symptoms (61.5% patients), retrosternal pain (156 patients, 78.0%), regurgitation (127 patients, 63.5%), dysphagia (67 patients, 33.5%), and nausea (142 patients, 71.0%). Patients presented with intermittent pattern of symptoms in 179 (89.5%) cases, while continuous symptoms in 6 (3.0%). Dyspepsia was associated with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels > 25 U/L (P = 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels > 28U/L (P = 0.000) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels > 34 U/L (P = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, urea, creatinine, and presenting symptoms of dysphagia and belching showed significant statistical association with dyspepsia. CONCLUSION: Dyspepsia is a common problem affecting patients with end stage renal disease and is associated with raised serum AST, ALT and GGT in such patients.

Hepatic Sarcodosis presenting as portal hypertension in a young boy.

A 13-year-old boy, known case renal stone disease came with the complaints of abdominal pain along with low grade fever. On examination, hepatosplenomegaly was noted while his lab reports showed a low hemoglobulin with a raised ESR. His blood and urine cultures showed no growth. Viral markers, autoimmune profile, C and p ANCA were all negative apart from a raised serum IgG level. Ultrasound abdomen showed a hyperechoic liver with an enlarged spleen along with splenic varices and minimum ascites. Ultrasound hepatic doppler was normal. Serum AFP levels were normal while workup for Wilson's disease was negative. Fibroscan showed F4 fibosis. CT scan abdomen showed an enlarged left lobe of the liver along with an enlarged spleen. His EGD revealed varices. So liver biopsy was done that was suggestive of chronic granulomatous disease with ZN stain testing negative for TB.PPD, urine for AFB were both negative. Serum ACE levels were raised. He started ATT therapy but his condition did not improve. So, on the suspicion of hepatic sarcoidosis, he started on steroids and had a drastic improvement in his condition.

Correlation Between MELD and UNa/K Ratio in Predicting Renal Dysfunction in Cirrhotic Patients.

BACKGROUND: Renal dysfunction is one of the dreaded complications of cirrhosis. MELD is a validated chronic liver disease (CLD) severity scoring system. Urinary (U) Na/K ratio closely correlates with renal dysfunction in terms of low GFR in cirrhotic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients with decompensated cirrhosis between the age of 18 to 70 years, of either gender, presenting in the outpatients' department of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, from June 2015 to June 2017 were included. The MELD score was calculated and the UNa/K ratio less than 1 was taken as surrogate marker of renal dysfunction. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS (version 20.0). RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 43.79 years and majority were male (67.6%). The most common cause of liver cirrhosis was HCV, found in 42 (59.2%) patients. The mean CTP score was 10.48 ± 2.069 (range: 6-14) with majority of the patients following in class C, that is, 48 (67.6%). Mean MELD score was 21.75 ± 8.96 (range: 8-43). In 57 patients (80.3%), MELD score was > 15.The mean serum creatinine and mean serum sodium were 1.5 ± 1.1 mg/dl (range: 0.37-5.3) and 133.79 ± 6.9 mmol/L (range: 112-152), respectively. Mean urinary sodium and urinary potassium were 38.60 ± 46.64 mmol/L (range: 5-181) and 38.15 ± 23.9 mmol/L (range: 4.3-112), respectively. In majority of study population, UNa/K ratio was below 1, that is, in 52 patients (73.2%). Statistically significant correlation was documented between MELD score and UNa/K ratio (ɤ = 0.34, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The inverse correlation between MELD scores and UNa/K ratio indicates that patients with CLD and higher MELD scores might have renal dysfunction. This finding however should be corroborated by large scale studies.