Graded 2D/3D Perovskite Hetero-Structured Films with Suppressed Interfacial Recombination for Efficient and Stable Solar Cells via DABr Treatment.

Several strategies and approaches have been reported for improving the resilience and optoelectronic properties of perovskite films. However, fabricating a desirable and stable perovskite absorber layer is still a great challenge due to the optoelectronic and fabrication limitations of the materials. Here, we introduce diethylammonium bromide (DABr) as a post-treatment material for the pre-deposited methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) film to fabricate a high-quality two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) stacked hetero-structure perovskite film. The post-treatment method of DABr not only induces the small crystals of MAPbI3 perovskite secondary growth into a large crystal, but also forms a 2D capping layer on the surface of the 3D MAPbI3 film. Meanwhile, the grains and crystallization of 3D film with DABr post-treatment are significantly improved, and the surface defect density is remarkably reduced, which in turn effectively suppressed the charge recombination in the interface between the perovskite layer and the charge transport layer. The perovskite solar cell based on the DABr-treatment exhibited a significantly enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.10% with a notable improvement in the open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.06 V and good stability, advocating the potential of this perovskite post-treatment approach.

Antiglycation potential of plant based TiO2 nanoparticle in D-ribose glycated BSA in vitro.

Biosynthetic procedure is one of the best alternatives, inexpensive and ecologically sound for the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) nanoparticles using a methanolic extract of medicinal plant. The main prospect of this study was to investigate the antiglycation activity of the TiO2 nanoparticles (TNP) prepared by ethanolic leaf extract of the Coleus scutellarioides. In this study, biosynthesized TNP characterized with UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. These TNP were further investigated with respect to their antiglycation property and it was checked in the mixture of d-ribose glycated bovine serum albumin (BSA) by measuring ketoamine, carbonyl content, Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and aggregation of protein instigated by glycation process. The inhibitory effect of TNP to restore the structure of BSA in presence of d-ribose were also characterize by biophysical techniques mentioned above. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest repurposing of TNP for its antiglycation property that could be helpful in prevention of glycation instigated AGEs formation and structural loss of proteins.

Hearing improvement among children with cholesteatoma who underwent canal wall up and canal wall down surgical management.

Objectives: The most frequently used surgical methods for treating cholesteatoma include canal wall up and canal wall down procedures. The objective of the study was to compare the hearing improvement among children with cholesteatoma who underwent canal wall up and canal wall down surgical management. Methods: The cross-sectional analytical study design was used. The study was conducted at the ENT Department of Nishtar Medical University & Hospital Multan from 15th June to 15th Nov 2020.. Forty six patients with cholesteatoma were enrolled in the study after taking informed consent. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed. The participants were categorized into two groups. Group-A was treated with canal wall-up surgery while Group-B was treated with canal wall down Mastoidectomy. A 12-month post-operative follow-up and the audiometry assessment were compared with pre-surgical values. Additionally, a COMOT-15 survey was administered to analyze self-perceived hearing functions. The Chi-square test was used for comparative analysis of the surgical outcome and hearing improvement among the two groups. P-value (p value<0.05) was considered statistically significant. Results: Forty six patients were included in the study with 23 participants in each group. Among 46, 26 were male and 20 were female. The pre and post-operative mean Pure-tone average values were significantly different in (Group-A) who underwent canal wall up Mastoidectomy (p<0.05) than in Group-B, who underwent canal wall down Mastoidectomy. Similarly, hearing sub-section responses of the COMOT-15 survey favored the Canal wall technique. However, the survey showed no significant differences in the mental health status of the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our data collected after a one-year follow-up of patients suggests canal wall up as a preferred technique for hearing improvement than canal wall down technique.

Lipids as biomarkers of brain disorders.

Brain is a central and pivotal organ of human body containing the highest lipids content next to adipose tissue. It works as a monitor for the whole body and needs an adequate supply of energy to maintain its physiological activities. This high demand of energy in the brain is chiefly maintained by the lipids along with its reservoirs. Thus, the lipid metabolism is also an important for the proper development and function of the brain. Being a prominent part of the brain, lipids play a vast number of physiological activities within the brain starting from the structural development, impulse conduction, insulation, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelin sheath formation and finally to act as the signaling molecules. Interestingly, lipids bilayer also maintains the structural integrity for the physiological functions of protein. Thus, in light to all of these activities, lipids and its metabolism can be attributed pivotal for brain health and its activities. Decisively, the impaired/altered metabolism of lipids and its intermediates puts forward a key step in the progression of different brain ailments including neurodegenerative, neurological and neuropsychiatry disorders. Depending on their associated underlying pathways, they serve as the potential biomarkers of these disorders and are considered as necessary diagnostic tools. The present review discusses the role and level of altered lipids metabolism in brain diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, neurological diseases, and neuropsychiatric diseases. Moreover, the possible mechanisms of altered level of lipids and their metabolites have also been discussed in detail.

Protocol of early lumen apposing metal stent removal for pseudocysts and walled off necrosis avoids bleeding complications.

Background: EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs; pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC) or walled-off necrosis (WON)) using lumen apposing metal stents (LAMSs) is now standard of care. We adopted a protocol of early LAMS removal and prospectively followed patients to determine if this protocol avoids bleeding complications.Methods: Prospective, consecutive case series of all patients with PPC and WON who underwent drainage with LAMS at a tertiary care referral center from July 2016 to November 2018. LAMS was removed within 4 weeks for PPC and within 6 weeks for WON. Patients with residual necrosis after 6 weeks underwent removal of initial LAMS and replacement with new LAMS every 6 weeks until resolution. Patients were followed within protocol while monitoring for bleeding complications and clinical success. We also performed a literature review to determine rates of LAMS related bleeding at various timepoints.Results: Forty patients (PPC n = 19, WON n = 21) underwent drainage with LAMS. Median time for LAMS removal was 21.0 days for PPC and 33.5 days for WON. Technical success and clinical success were achieved in 40/40 patients with zero cases of delayed bleeding. A literature review of 21 studies and 1378 patients showed 52/1378 (3.8%) bleeding events with 24/52 (46.2%) events occurring within 1 week of LAMS placement.Conclusions: An early removal LAMS protocol for PFC is highly efficacious and prevents delayed bleeding. Based on analysis of published cases, half of LAMS related bleeding occurs within the first week suggesting procedural factors rather than stent dwell time impact risk of bleeding.

Comparison of Multiplex Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel and Conventional Stool Testing for Evaluation of Diarrhea in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastrointestinal pathogen panels (GPPs) are increasingly being used for evaluation of diarrhea. The impact of these tests on patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is unknown. We performed a time-interrupted cohort study comparing GPPs and conventional stool evaluation in patients with IBD with diarrhea. METHODS: We included 268 consecutive patients with IBD who underwent GPP (BioFire Diagnostics®) (n = 134) or conventional stool culture and Clostridium difficile polymerase chain reaction testing (n = 134) during suspected IBD flare between 2012 and 2016. Primary outcome was composite of 30-day IBD-related hospitalization, surgery, or emergency department visit; secondary outcome was IBD treatment modification. RESULTS: Overall, 41/134 (30.6%) patients tested positive on GPP (18 C. difficile, 17 other bacterial infections, and 6 viral pathogens) versus 14/134 patients (10.4%, all C. difficile) testing positive on conventional testing. Rate of IBD treatment modification in response to stool testing was lower in GPP group as compared conventional stool testing group (35.1 vs. 64.2%, p < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, diagnostic evaluation with GPP was associated with three times higher odds of IBD-related hospitalization/surgery/ED visit (95% CI, 1.27-7.14), as compared to conventional stool testing. This negative impact was partly mediated by differences in ordering provider specialty, with non-gastroenterologists more likely to order GPP as compared to gastroenterologists. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with suspected flare of IBD, GPPs have higher pathogen detection rate and lead to lower rate of IBD treatment modification. A diagnostic testing strategy based on GPPs is associated with higher hospital-related healthcare utilization as compared to conventional stool testing, particularly when utilized by non-gastroenterologists.

Role of cholesterol and sphingolipids in brain development and neurological diseases.

Brain is a vital organ of the human body which performs very important functions such as analysis, processing, coordination, and execution of electrical signals. For this purpose, it depends on a complex network of nerves which are ensheathed in lipids tailored myelin; an abundant source of lipids in the body. The nervous system is enriched with important classes of lipids; sphingolipids and cholesterol which compose the major portion of the brain particularly in the form of myelin. Both cholesterol and sphingolipids are embedded in the microdomains of membrane rafts and are functional units of the neuronal cell membrane. These molecules serve as the signaling molecules; hold important roles in the neuronal differentiation, synaptogenesis, and many others. Thus, their adequate provision and active metabolism are of crucial importance in the maintenance of physiological functions of brain and body of an individual. In the present review, we have highlighted the physiological roles of cholesterol and sphingolipids in the development of the nervous system as well as the association of their altered metabolism to neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Deleterious Variants in WNT10A, EDAR, and EDA Causing Isolated and Syndromic Tooth Agenesis: A Structural Perspective from Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

The dental abnormalities are the typical features of many ectodermal dysplasias along with congenital malformations of nails, skin, hair, and sweat glands. However, several reports of non-syndromic/isolated tooth agenesis have also been found in the literature. The characteristic features of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) comprise of hypodontia/oligodontia, along with hypohidrosis/anhidrosis, and hypotrichosis. Pathogenic variants in EDA, EDAR, EDARADD, and TRAF6, cause the phenotypic expression of HED. Genetic alterations in EDA and WNT10A cause particularly non-syndromic/isolated oligodontia. In the current project, we recruited 57 patients of 17 genetic pedigrees (A-Q) from different geographic regions of the world, including Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The molecular investigation of different syndromic and non-syndromic dental conditions, including hypodontia, oligodontia, generalized odontodysplasia, and dental crowding was carried out by using exome and Sanger sequencing. We have identified a novel missense variant (c.311G>A; p.Arg104His) in WNT10A in three oligodontia patients of family A, two novel sequence variants (c.207delinsTT, p.Gly70Trpfs*25 and c.1300T>G; p.Try434Gly) in EDAR in three patients of family B and four patients of family C, respectively. To better understand the structural and functional consequences of missense variants in WNT10A and EDAR on the stability of the proteins, we have performed extensive molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. We have also identified three previously reported pathogenic variants (c.1076T>C; p.Met359Thr), (c.1133C>T; p.Thr378Met) and (c.594_595insC; Gly201Argfs*39) in EDA in family D (four patients), E (two patients) and F (one patient), correspondingly. Presently, our data explain the genetic cause of 18 syndromic and non-syndromic tooth agenesis patients in six autosomal recessive and X-linked pedigrees (A-F), which expand the mutational spectrum of these unique clinical manifestations.

Optimization of activated palm oil sludge biochar preparation for sulphur dioxide adsorption.

Palm oil sludge (POS) is an organic waste generated from the palm oil industry. POS causes environmental pollution if it is improperly disposed. In this study, the potential of activated POS biochar, as an adsorbent for the removal of SO2 gas was tested. POS biochar was physically activated using CO2 gas. The effects of activation preparation variables i.e. activation temperature (300-700 °C), activation time (30-150 min) and CO2 flow rate (100-500 ml/min) were investigated using design expert version 8.0.7.1 software. Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to develop a quadratic model to correlate the operating variables with the activated biochar adsorption capacity. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to identify the significant factors on the experimental design response. The optimum preparation conditions of activated POS biochar were found to be at activation temperature of 442 °C, activation time of 63 min and CO2 flow rate of 397 ml/min. The maximum adsorption capacity at the optimum conditions was recorded as 16.65 mg/g. The adsorption capacity increased significantly after the activation process. Characteristics of the activated POS biochar proposed that SO2 was physically adsorbed. Furthermore, it was found that the adsorption capacity can be further enhanced by increasing the reaction temperature to 100 °C or with 15% of relative humidity in the inlet gas. The prepared adsorbents can be regenerated by thermal treatment.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cefotaxime Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles and Their Use to Target Drug-Resistant CTX-M-Producing Bacterial Pathogens.

Multidrug-resistance due to "ß lactamases having the expanded spectrum" (ESBLs) in members of Enterobacteriaceae is a matter of continued clinical concern. CTX-M is among the most common ESBLs in Enterobacteriaceae family. In the present study, a nanoformulation of cefotaxime was prepared using gold nanoparticles to combat drug-resistance in ESBL producing strains. Here, two CTX-M-15 positive cefotaxime resistant bacterial strains (i.e., one Escherichia coli and one Klebsiella pneumoniae strain) were used for testing the efficacy of "cefotaxime loaded gold-nanoparticles." Bromelain was used for both reduction and capping in the process of synthesis of gold-nanoparticles. Thereafter, cefotaxime was conjugated onto it with the help of activator 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide. For characterization of both unconjugated and cefotaxime conjugated gold nanoparticles; UV-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning, and Transmission type Electron Microscopy methods accompanied with Dynamic Light Scattering were used. We used agar diffusion method plus microbroth-dilution method for the estimation of the antibacterial-activity and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration or MIC values, respectively. MIC values of cefotaxime loaded gold nanoparticles against E. coli and K. pneumoniae were obtained as 1.009 and 2.018 mg/L, respectively. These bacterial strains were completely resistant to cefotaxime alone. These results reinforce the utility of conjugating an old unresponsive antibiotic with gold nanoparticles to restore its efficacy against otherwise resistant bacterial pathogens. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2802-2808, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Genotoxicity and immunotoxic effects of 1,2-dichloroethane in Wistar rats.

Dichloroethane is widely used as a solvent, degreasing agent and in a variety of commercial products, and is known for being a ubiquitous contaminant in the environment. Important sources principally include the emissions from industrial processes, improper consumption, storage, and disposal methods. In view of the fact that the mechanism of its genotoxicity has not been satisfactorily elucidated, the acute in vivo toxicological impact is assessed in Rattus norvegicus. A systematic investigation has been made involving the use of conventional methods along with molecular and flow cytometric approaches. The micronucleus and chromosomal aberration frequencies were significantly elevated in bone marrow cells exposed to three concentrations at multiple treatment durations indicating positive time- and dose-response relationships. The mitotic index significantly decreased in similar concentrations in contrast to normal control. Separate studies were performed on blood cells for comet assay. It revealed dichloroethane-induced DNA damage in all exposures readily explainable in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Recent molecular techniques were further employed using leukocytes for the cell apoptosis/cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential employing propidium iodide staining and rhodamine-123, respectively. The effect on mitochondrial membrane permeability, cell cycle phases, and the DNA damage was analyzed through flow cytometry. These indicators revealed dichloroethane treatment decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, affected the cell cycle, and confirmed the DNA damage, leading to apoptosis of the cells of the immune system responsible for immunotoxic effects of dichloroethane on rat leukocytes.

Infantile encephalitic beriberi: magnetic resonance imaging findings.

BACKGROUND: Thiamine deficiency in infants is still encountered in developing countries. It may present with acute neurological manifestations of infantile encephalitic beriberi. OBJECTIVE: To review brain MRI findings in infantile encephalitic beriberi from a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of MRI scans in 22 infants with acute-onset beriberi encephalopathy was carried out. RESULTS: Hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted images were seen symmetrically in the putamen in all patients, in the caudate nuclei in 16/22 (73%), the thalami in 7/22 (32%) and the globi pallidi in 3/22 (14%) of the infants. Altered signal intensity lesions in the cerebral cortex were seen in 7/22 (32%). The mammillary bodies were seen in one infant and the periaqueductal gray matter in two. There was restricted diffusion in 14/22 (64%), and 6/8 children with no evidence of restriction had been imaged ≥10 days after presentation. MR spectroscopy showed increased lactate peak in 6/8 infants (75%). CONCLUSION: Recognition of symmetrical T2-W hyperintense lesions in the basal ganglia with restricted diffusion and prominent lactate peak may allow early diagnosis of encephalitic beriberi in at-risk infants.

Combined in silico and in vivo studies shed insights into the acute acetylcholinesterase response in rat and human brain.

Combined in vivo and in silico studies were undertaken to gain insights into the change in mammalian brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity under acute toxicity conditions in response to two representatives of organophosphates (OPs)--dichlorvos (DCV) and dimethoate (DM). In vivo experiments elucidated that DCV, at multiple sublethal doses for acute time periods, markedly reduced (10-25%) AChE activity, whereas with DM intoxication, a decrease in enzyme activity appeared to be lower, that is, (2-15%), in contrast to respective normal control (100%). Furthermore, a significant inhibition (P < 0.01) in the brain esterase activity was recorded for positive control animals treated with an alkylating agent-cyclophosphamide, with spontaneous reactivation at later time periods. In vivo results were further substantiated with in silico molecular docking analysis using "Autodock 4.2." The lowest binding energy obtained through the computational study strongly augment that DCV binds to brain AChE with greater affinity compared with DM with reference to ∆G and Ki values. Thus, the animal biochemical assay and computational assessment suggest that DM is better to be used over DCV. The precautionary antidote for exposed humans can be developed prior to dealing with OPs. The study will aid in efficacious and safe clinical use of the above-mentioned compounds.

FREEQUNCY OF ESCHERICHIA COLI IN PATIENTS WITH COMMUNITY ACQUIRED URINARY TRACT INFECTION AND THEIR RESISTANCE PATTERN AGAINST SOME COMMONLY USED ANTI BACTERIALS.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common health problem and Escherichia coli (E coli) are the most common organisms associated with community acquired UTI. Unfortunately these bacteria have developed extensive resistance against most of the commonly used antibacterials. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and resistance pattern of E. Coli in patients of community acquired UTI in an area in northern part of Pakistan. METHODS: Urine specimens were collected from patients who were clinically diagnosed as community acquired UTI. Urine routine examination (Urine RE) was done and samples positive for UTI (Pus cells >10/High Power Field) were included in the study. These samples were inoculated on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar plates and incubated at 37 degrees C for 36 hours. Suspected colonies were then inoculated further on EMB plates for pure cultures of E. Coli characterized by certain morphological characteristics. IMViC was applied for the confirmation of E coli. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility tests of E. Coli were performed with standardized commercial susceptibility discs (OXOID). RESULTS: Out of 50 specimens, positive for UTI by urine RE, 20 showed pure growth of E. Coli on culture (40%). The majority of the isolates (28%; n=14) were from women while only 12% (n=6) were from men. Escherichia coli showed a high rate of resistance towards Ampicillin (90%), Tetracycline (70%), Erythromycin (70%) and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (55%). Sparfloxacin showed better results (45%) than ciprofloxacin (50%). Out of 20 E. Coli isolates, two (10%) were resistant to all the antibacterials except chloramphenicol, eight isolates (40%) showed resistance to six or more than six while 14 (70%) were resistant to four or more than four drugs. CONCLUSION: Rate of resistance of E. Coli against commonly used antibacterials was quite high and majority of the strains showed multidrug resistance.

Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of antiviral drug didanosine mediated by rose bengal and TiO2 nanoparticles.

There is a great concern among the researcher to remove the problem of the persistent organic pollutants in wastewater. Pharmaceutical agrochemical and personal care products are generally considered Persistent organic pollutants. Therefore, it is a matter of concern to develop new techniques how to remove these pollutants safely at low cost. This study mainly focuses on the commonly used antiviral drug didanosine and one most commonly used dye rose bengal. In this study, an organic dye rose bengal and TiO2 nanoparticles have been used in combination with UV light to achieve the photodegradation of selected pharmaceutical products and the dye was also degraded by using TiO2 Nanoparticles. The formation of three oxidation products was detected by using a very popular separation technique thin layer and column chromatography. The isolated photoproduct was characterized by using advanced characterization techniques like FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), UV Spectroscopy, and Proton and 13C NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy). The role of singlet oxygen as an active species in this reaction was confirmed by using D2O as a reaction medium. The role of singlet oxygen in this photochemical reaction was also established by the addition of sodium azide. The TiO2 nanophotocatalyst efficiently degrade the didanosine and rose bengal in the presence of the UV light. In the TiO2-induced photocatalytic degradation of didanosine and dyes, the hydroxyl and superoxide radical anion play a prominent role. The finding of this manuscript is very useful to develop an efficient low-cost method for the treatment of wastewater contaminated by antiviral drugs, similar pharmaceutical products and dyes. This study was also very helpful to establish a plausible mechanism behind the phototoxicity of the didanosine.

Process Standardization of Functionally Enriched Millet-Based Nutri-Cereal Mix Using D-Optimal Design Approach for Enhancing Food and Nutritional Security.

Millets are currently employed in a variety of ways, including direct consumption and usage in the manufacture of certain cuisines or snacks. The present investigation was aimed at optimizing functionally enriched millet-based nutri-cereal mix comprising chicken and vegetable for a nutrition-deficient population. A total of 16 experiments were carried out by using optimal (custom) design model of mixture design with 60% major ingredients, including malted sorghum flour (20-30%), malted green gram flour (15-25%), and boiled chicken powder (5-15%). To make 100% of the total nutri-cereal mixture, other ingredients such as malted pearl millet (10%), finger millet flour (10%), beetroot powder (2.5%), pumpkin powder (7.5%), skimmed milk powder (9.5%), and stevia powder (0.5%) were added. Numerical optimization was done using Design Expert software, version 13. The optimized ratio was 30% malted sorghum flour, 15% malted green gram flour, and 15% chicken powder. The predicted values of responses 5.101%, 3.616%, 1.963%, 11.165%, 28.005%, 50.149%, 330.282 kcal, and 0.373 were in accordance with experimental values 6.426%, 3.455%, 1.714%, 11.432%, 29.12%, 47.853%, 323.318 kcal, and 0.385 for moisture, ash, fat, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, energy, and water activity, respectively, with a small error percentage. The results of mineral content, phenolic content, and amino acid profiling revealed that the optimized Nutri-cereal mix have higher amounts of these components. The results also suggested that the optimized Nutri-cereal mix of these malted millet flours can potentially enhance the nutritional deficiency as well as improve food and nutritional security.

Snuffbox Versus Wrist Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistulas: 10 Years Experience.

Background The wrist radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) is the initial suggested procedure for establishing hemodialysis vascular access (HVA) in the most distal site of the upper limb. The anatomical snuffbox arteriovenous fistula (SBAVF) is barely utilised, despite its remote location. In this study, we aimed to analyse and compare the results of SBAVF and RCAVF in terms of their maturity, patency, and failure rates. Methodology This descriptive, retrospective study compared outcomes between SBAVF and RCAVF in terms of maturation, patency, and failure. All patients with chronic kidney disease who attended and underwent either procedure at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board between 2013 and 2023 were studied. Results In a period of 10 years, 179 patients were included. Overall, 102 (57%) were male and 77 (43%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. Wrist radiocephalic fistula was the dominant type of surgery done in 76% (n = 136), while the snuffbox radiocephalic fistula was done in fewer than 24% (n = 43) of patients. Most patients underwent a successful arteriovenous (AV) fistula (n = 105, 58.7%), in contrast to 67 patients whose fistulas failed. There was a significant relationship between fistula failure and complications (p = 0.000). There was no significant effect of the fistula site, hypertension, diabetes, cardiac diseases, smoking, peripheral vascular disease, or central vein stenosis on the failure of the AV fistula (p = 0.127, 0.534, 0.510, 0.397, 0.017, 0.68, and 0.371, respectively). Conclusions The snuffbox AV fistula is a suitable and feasible first choice for patients on hemodynamic therapy.

Prevalence of tuberculosis in Kotli, Azad Kashmir.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is highly prevalent in Pakistan. It is a contagious disease and causes a lot of morbidity and mortality. Its treatment is costly especially for poor countries like Pakistan. But fortunately it is a preventable disease. Objective of this study was to analyse various epidemiological features of tuberculosis in District Kotli, a remote area of Northern Pakistan. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted in District Kotli, Azad Kashmir from January to December 2009. Data was collected from eight national TB centres of District Kotli. It included all the diagnosed cases of tuberculosis, registered there during the study period. Various epidemiological aspects of these patients were analysed. RESULTS: Total number patients registered during the study period were 752. Of these 579 (76.99%) were pulmonary and 173 (23%) were extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPT). Total prevalence of tuberculosis was found to be 100.27 per 100,000. Prevalence of pulmonary TB was 77.2 while that of EPT was 23.07 per 100,000. There were 405 males (53.85%) and 347 females (46.14%). Most patients were 61-75 years of age (220, 29.25%). Overall 417 (55.44%) were 46-75 years. Housewives were affected most frequently (324, 43.08%). Labourers were also commonly involved (40.82%). All cause mortality was 29 (3.85%). Mortality due to tuberculosi as was 11 (1.04%). Among pulmonary tuberculosis, 259 (44.78%) were sputum smear positive and 320) (55.26%) were sputum smear negative. In EPT, most frequent was pleural effusion (74, 42%) and least frequent was skin involvement (3, 1.73%). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of tuberculosis in Kotli was lower than the overall prevalence in Pakistan. Male to female ratio was lower than that generally observed in Southeast Asia. It was more common in middle to old age population. Frequency was higher in housewives and labourers. Very significant proportion of pulmonary TB was sputum smear positive. Among EPT, pleural effusion was the most common mode of presentation.

Algal organic matter induced photodegradation of tinidazole.

Antibiotic pollution has become one of the most emerging problems of the modern era. Tinidazole (TDZ) is one the most important nitroimidazole derivative drugs whose use has tremendously increased in the last few years. The proposed research work provides a good alternative cost-effective method for wastewater treatment. In the present investigation, algae were used as a photosensitizer in the treatment of the wastewater that was contaminated with antibiotic residue. The proposed research also provides the probable mechanism involved in the photodegradation of tinidazole. The different factors like concentration and pH of the test solution which play a key role in the photodegradation of drug molecules are also discussed in the present investigation. The result of this study established that the maximum degradation of drug molecules was observed at the algal concentration of 1.6 × 108 Cell/L and approximately 58% of drug molecules were degraded. This study also established that in an acidic medium ie at pH 5 the degradation occurs more efficiently. Results of the current study indicated that the use of algae-induced photodegradation of drug residue became one of the most promising routes for wastewater treatment. The results of the present study provide a new way to treat wastewater contaminated with antibiotics residue.