Porphyrin nanotubes based on a hydrogen-bonded organic framework.

Tubular structures offer a wide variety of applications; therefore, designing such materials with distinct dimensions is highly desirable yet challenging. In the current report, we have demonstrated the synthesis of a one-dimensional (1D) tubular assembly comprising porphyrin nanoring subunits. The porphyrin nanoring (PNR) 2 bearing ester groups was synthesized via Pt-mediated cyclization and then hydrolyzed to obtain PNR 3 with carboxylic groups. Under optimized conditions, porphyrin nanotubes (PNTs) were formed through hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic groups of 3. The morphology investigated by both SEM and TEM displayed well-defined arrays of nanotube bundles up to several micrometers long. Small crystals of PNTs were obtained by heating a solution of 3 in DMSO. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) accompanied by selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) exhibited a line of diffractions with d-spacing values of 6.17, 3.08, 2.07, and 1.57 Å. The miller indices of these diffractions could be assigned as 300, 600, 900, and 1200, respectively, suggesting that an ordered structure of 1D PNTs has been formed.

Awareness, screening, practices and attitudes of cervical cancer among doctors and nursing staff working at a tertiary care centre.

Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of medical and paramedical staff about cervical cancer as well as its screening and prevention. METHODS: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Jinnah Post-graduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from March 1 to August 30, 2019, and comprised women medical and paramedical staff randomly selected from different specialties. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 347 participants 144(41.5%) were nurses and 203(58.5%) were doctors. The overall mean age was 26.22±6.38 years. Of the total, 108(30%) respondents were married and 239(68%) were single. Overall, 239(68.8%) were well aware of Pap smear being the screening test; 85(24.5%) were aware of the true guidelines to repeat the test; 152(43.8%) had an idea of the exact use of visual Inspection with acetic acid; 61(17.6%) had got a Pap smear done; and 156(45%) thought they were at risk of developing carcinoma cervix. The common risk factors identified were multiple sexual partners 254(73.2%), age at first sexual intercourse 160(46%), smoking 131(37.8%), foul-smelling discharge 221(63.7%), and post-coital bleeding 231(66.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical cancer prevalence is rising due to inadequate knowledge and awareness among healthcare personals. Improvement can be brought by regular use of Pap smear.

An efficient and straightforward approach for accessing thionoesters via palladium-catalyzed C-N cleavage of thioamides.

We report for the first time the coupling of activated thioamides with alcohols to efficiently form thionoesters via a palladium-catalyzed C-N cleavage strategy. The new approach employs thioamides as a thioacylating reagent to give thionoesters in moderate to good yields. Notably, this methodology demonstrates a broad substrate scope, as alkyl/aryl alcohols are well tolerated, and this process might facilitate the synthesis of sulfur-containing compounds under simple and mild conditions.

NaOTs-promoted transition metal-free C-N bond cleavage to form C-X (X = N, O, S) bonds.

Multifunctional transformation of amide C-N bond cleavage is reported. The protocol applies to benzamide, thioamide, alcohols, and mercaptan under similar reaction conditions catalyzed by NaOTs. It is noteworthy that NaOTs can not only be recycled and reused for up to three cycles without significant loss in catalytic activity, but also catalyze gram-grade reactions. This study provides a novel solution with mild conditions and a simple procedure for transformation of multiple amides.

Advancements in electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine by using 2D nanoarchitectures of layered double hydroxides or metal dichalcogenides. A review.

This review (with 105 references) describes the progress that has been made in the past few years in the use of 2D nanoarchitectures in electrochemical sensors for the clinically highly significant parameters hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine. Following an introduction into the field, we summarize the improvements in electrochemical sensors that can be accomplished by using such nanomaterials, with a specific focus on sensors for in-vitro diagnostics. A further large section covers sensors based on the use of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), with subsections on sensors for hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine. Dichalcogenides based electrochemical sensors are treated in next section, again with subsections on hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine. We also summarize key sensor parameters including limits of detection, linear ranges and real time applications in pharmaceutical, environmental and clinical fields. The next section summarizes the work related to sensing of hydrogen peroxide released from different live cells as signalling molecule indicating cellular stress. The review concludes with a discussion of current challenges and future perspectives. Graphical abstract Schematic illustration of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and dichalcogenides based electrochemical sensors for sensitive determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), glucose and dopamine (DA) from biological fluids as biomarkers for early diagnosis.

A review on blending of corn starch with natural and synthetic polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles with mathematical modeling.

Maize or corn is considered as very distinctive plant. Corn having better capability of utilizing sun light, is a noble way of getting a natural polymer known as starch. Amylopectin and amylase composition in the starch firmly affects the properties of the polysaccharide. Despite of application of CS as food for living being including the human and animals it has many other applications in industry. No doubt it has many flaws which can be controlled by adopting different modifications. Nowadays bio-degradable polymers are useful which are produced by corn starch. Starch based plastics and composites are not cheap but produce less waste which ultimately reduces the plastic pollution. Different types of natural and synthetic polymers and nano clay can be blended with starch. Some of these polymers are tailor made for some special purposes. Natural polymers like chitosan, cellulose, gelatin, collagen, zein, alginate, Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed, various amino acids, and synthetic polymers like polybutylene, polyacrylic acid, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polycaprolactone, and acrylic acid are utilized to modify starch to yield starch base completely bio-decomposable polymers. These biopolymers have the capability to substitute the petroleum based polymers, and can be used for different environmental, industrial and medical applications.

Outcome of 980 nm diode laser vaporization for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A prospective study.

Purpose: To evaluate the initial experience and outcome of photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Pakistan with the use of a 980 nm diode laser. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was performed from November 2016 to December 2017. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with bladder outlet obstruction secondary to BPH who planned for PVP were enrolled in the study. PVP was carried out with a diode laser at 980 nm (Biolitec Diode 180W laser) in a continuous wave with a 600 nm (twister) fiber. Baseline characteristics and perioperative data were compared. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), post void residual (PVR) and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results: The mean age was 65.82±10.42, mean prostate size was 67.35±16.42, operative time was 55.85±18.01 and total energy was 198.68±49.12 kJ. At 3 months and 6 months, significant improvements were noted (p<0.001) in IPSS 7.04±1.69 (-18.92), Qmax 19.22±4.75 mL/s (+13.09) and and PVR 18.89±5.39 mL (-112.80). Most frequent problems were burning micturition (35%) and terminal dysuria (29%). No significant difference in postoperative hemoglobin was seen in patients who were on anti-platelet drugs. Conclusions: PVP with a diode laser is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of BPH and is also safe in patients who are on anti-platelet agents.

Predictive Factors for Intraoperative Blood Loss during Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors that may increase bleeding during Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and correlate them with outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Kidney Centre postgraduate Training Institute, Karachi, Pakistan, from July to December 2016. METHODOLOGY: Consecutive patients who underwent PCNL from July to December 2016 were prospectively enrolled. Drop in hemoglobin was divided into three groups: mild <1 gm/dl, moderate 1-2 gm/dl and major >2 gm/dl. Factors such as age, gender, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), operative time, creatinine levels, renal cortical thickness, stone size, its characteristics and location, puncture type and site, and need for blood transfusion were assessed by Chi-square/ Fisher exact test and Kruskal Wallis test. Predictive factors were assessed by multinomial logistic-regression analyses. RESULTS: Total 305 patients were enrolled in the study. Median age was 37 (27.5-49.1) years with predominantly males (n=217, 71.8%). Median BMI was 27.3 (24.6-31.4) Kg/m2 and mean stone size was 2.7 (2.1-3.4) cm. Two hundred and ninety-seven (97.7%) stones were radio-opaque. Operative time was 95 (60-127) minutes. There were 50.8% patients who had moderate drop in hemoglobin (1-2 gm/dl). Stone size, BMI and operative time were strongly associated with significant drop in hemoglobin. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 256 (84%) patients. Thirty (9.8%) patients needed blood transfusion. None of the patients required angioembolisation. CONCLUSION: BMI, stone size, and operative time were strongly associated with intraoperative blood loss during PCNL.

High Prevalence of Liver Fibrosis Among European Adults With Unknown Liver Disease: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Liver fibrosis is the main determinant of long-term outcome in chronic liver diseases. Little is known about the prevalence of liver fibrosis in the general population. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of liver fibrosis in the general adult population with unknown liver disease. METHODS: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study performed in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Subjects aged 18 to 75 years old were identified randomly from citizens included in the primary health care registry. Of 4866 subjects invited, 3076 participated (63.2%). Liver fibrosis was estimated by measuring liver stiffness (LS) with transient elastography (TE). Liver histology was assessed in 92 subjects with increased LS. RESULTS: Prevalence estimates of increased LS (≥6.8, ≥8.0, and ≥9.0 kPa) were 9.0%, 5.8%, and 3.6%, respectively. The etiology of liver disease was mainly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), followed by alcohol risk consumption (consumption of ≥21 standard drinking units/wk in men and ≥14 standard drinking units/wk in women). Factors independently associated with increased LS were male sex, abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, serum glucose, high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels. Subjects without risk factors for NAFLD or without alcohol risk consumption had a very low prevalence of increased LS. The best cut-off value of LS for significant liver fibrosis (F2-F4) was 9.2 kPa, with high sensitivity and specificity. TE was more accurate than alanine aminotransferase, NAFLD fibrosis score, or Fibrosis 4. An algorithm for screening for liver fibrosis using TE in the community setting is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show a high prevalence of silent liver disease with advanced fibrosis mainly related to NAFLD in adult European subjects without known liver disease. An LS value less than 9.2 kPa predicts the absence of significant liver fibrosis with high accuracy and could be used for screening purposes.

Double trouble: preseptal cellulitis due to two species with multidrug resistance.

A 2 Year old boy presented with painful ballooning of both eyes with the 2 days history of trauma to the head while playing. His vaccination was complete. On examination he was afebrile. The Eyes were ballooned with blackish crust over both lids. On local examination, eye swelling was tense with severe tenderness. The diagnosis of Preseptal cellulitis was made .We did an Emergency drainage and pus was sent for culture that came out to be positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis with multiple drug resistance. The coverage was given by Imipenem+cilastatin and child had wonderful recovery.

Effect of polymer ligand structures on fluorescence of gold clusters prepared by photoreduction.

Blue emission fluorescent Au(5) clusters with maximum quantum yield of 20.1% were synthesized by a simple photoreduction method using three specially designed tridentate polymer ligands. The evolution of fluorescent Au nanoclusters (Au NCs) under UV irradiation was studied by fluorescence, UV-Vis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic techniques, suggesting that the fluorescence of Au NCs is size-dependent and is associated with the presence of Au(i) ions in the Au NCs. The effect of polymer structure on the fluorescent Au NCs has also been discussed. These highly fluorescent Au NCs have potential applications in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices and light emitting materials.

Brucella melitensis presenting as erythema nodosum-like lesions.

Brucellosis is a chronic granulomatous zoonosis with protean manifestations. Cutaneous involvement in Brucellosis is a relatively rare phenomenon. We describe a case of Brucella melitensis infection presenting with erythema nodosum like skin lesions involving palms and soles in a 70 years old lady.

Predictors of positive thallium 201 single photon emission computed tomography in patients of end stage renal disease.

OBJECTIVES: To study coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors predicting positive thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) indicating underlying CAD among patients of end stage renal disease. PLACE AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional (analytical) study was done at Department of Cardiology, Punjab Institute of Cardiology, from April 2004 to Dec 2007. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients with ESRD undergoing thallium SPECT as a routine screening test before renal transplant were studied. Dipyridamole thallium SPECT was performed in patients who were unable to exercise. RESULTS: Thallium SPECT was positive in 47 (47%) cases. There were significant differences in age, underlying diabetic nephropathy and total cholesterol levels among patients positive and negative on thallium SPECT. Among the risk factors age and underlying diabetic nephropathy were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with a positive thallium SPECT in patients with ESRD. CONCLUSION: Positive thallium SPECT indicating underlying CAD was observed in a significant number of patients with ESRD awaiting renal transplant. Presence of advanced age and underlying diabetic nephropathy predict a positive thallium SPECT in this population.

Chicken pox associated thrombocytopenia in adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and magnitude of thrombocytopenia associated with chicken pox in adults. DESIGN: Observational descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Combined Military Hospital, Attock, from July 2003 to June 2004. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients of age 15 years and above with history of fever, followed by appearance of the typical vesicular chicken pox rash, were inducted after informed consent. Two milliliters of whole blood was collected on day 1 of admission, and blood counts were performed. Patients were admitted and given 800 mg oral acyclovir, 5 times/day, for 7 days, in addition to symptomatic treatment. Patients were followed till 8 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 410 patients of chicken pox were received, out of which 270 were included. Age of patients ranged between 15 and 40 years with median age of 21 years. Platelet count on the day of admission ranged between 29 x 10(9)/L to 513 x 10(9)/L, mean platelet count 178 x 10(9)/L. Platelet count < 150 x 10(9)/L was detected in 80/270 (30%) patients. Platelet count in thrombocytopenia patients was from 29 x 10(9)/L to 149 x 10(9)/L with mean 121 x 10(9)/L. Thrombocytopenia recovered within 02 weeks in 78/80 (97%) patients. In 2 patients, thrombocytopenia recovered in 3 weeks. None of the patients developed purpuric spots, ecchymosis or bleeding manifestations. CONCLUSION: Thrombocytopenia in chicken pox is a common entity. Platelet count remains above 25 x 10(9) /L, which is usually not associated with bleeding manifestations. None of the patients in this series developed purpura. No specific pattern of total leukocyte counts was predictive of the progression or regression in platelet count.