Efficacy of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract and hypertonic saline solution as intratesticular chemical sterilizing agents in dogs / Eficácia do extrato de folha de Azadirachta indica (Neem) e solução salina hipertônica como agente químico esterilizante intratesticular em cães

Castration refers to induced sterility via physical, chemical, or hormonal methods. Chemical castration is an efficient and reliable technique in contrast to other sterilization procedures as it is less painful to physical methods and cost­effective to hormonal methods. Azadirachta indica (neem), is a charismatic plant as its leaves possess anti­inflammatory, anti­microbial, and anti­androgenic chattels. To abate the escalating human population in South Asia, neem oil and neem leaf extract have been effectively used as a contraceptive agent. The key determinant of the current study was to evaluate Neem as a chemical sterilizing agent, (either necrotic or apoptotic), in dogs injected intratesticular in comparison to a hypertonic saline solution. Pre­ and post­injection testicular width size and blood samples for serum testosterone levels were collected on alternative days. Results disclosed substantial changes in testicular width size, histopathological profile, and serum testosterone level. A non­significant (P > 0.05) pre­injection testicular width readings in contrast to a significant increase (P < 0.05) three days post­injection was noted in all the competitive groups. The mean values recorded for testicular width size at the end of the trial study via neem leaf extract, 30% HSS and, control groups were 27.7362 ± 2.3315mm, 30.9594 ± 4.6861mm, and 24.5023 ± 2.5387mm, respectively. A declining trend, regarding serum testosterone level being statistically significant (P < 0.05) was recorded in treated groups (A, B) in contrast to the control group (C) as the values were 1.5357 ± 0.7819ng, 1.2669 ± 0.9095ng, and 2.4517 ± 0.1827ng in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Histopathological findings advocated the presence of apoptotic bodies in the neem treated group whereas the presence of degenerated interstitial cells, necrosed seminiferous tubules, damaged germinal epithelium, and ceased spermatogenesis was also studied in both competitive groups. Thus, the apoptotic effect and anti­inflammatory property of neem leaf extract resulted in less painful castration and verified Azadirachta indica as a better substitute for chemical castration in contrast to hypertonic saline solution.(AU)

A castração consiste na indução da esterilidade por meio físico, químico ou hormonal. A castração química é uma técnica eficiente e confiável, em contraste com outros procedimentos de esterilização, pois é menos dolorosa para os métodos físicos e econômicos para os métodos hormonais. Azadirachta indica (neem), é uma planta carismática, pois possui folhas anti­inflamatórias, antimicrobianas e antiandrogênicas. Para diminuir a crescente população humana no sul da Ásia, o óleo de nim e o extrato de folhas de nim têm sido efetivamente usados como agente contraceptivo. O principal determinante deste estudo atual foi avaliar o Neem como um agente esterilizante químico (necrótico ou apoptótico) em cães injetados intratesticularmente em comparação com uma solução salina hipertônica. O tamanho da largura testicular pré e pós­injeção e as amostras de sangue para os níveis séricos de testosterona foram colhidas em dias alternados. Os resultados obtidos revelaram alterações substanciais no tamanho da largura testicular, perfil histopatológico e nível sérico de testosterona. Observou­se uma leitura não significativa (P> 0,05) da largura testicular da pré­injeção, em contraste com um aumento significativo (P <0,05) três dias após a injeção em todos os grupos competitivos.Os valores médios registrados para o tamanho da largura testicular no final do estudo via extrato de folhas de nim,HSS a 30% e grupos controle foram 27,7362 ± 2,3315 mm, 30,9594 ± 4,6861 mm e 24,5023 ± 2,5387 mm, respectivamente.Uma tendência decrescente, com relação ao nível sérico de testosterona sendo estatisticamente significante (P <0,05), foi registrada nos grupos tratados (A, B), em contraste com o grupo controle (C), pois os valores eram 1,5357 ± 0,7819ng, 1,2669 ± 0,9095ng e 2,4517 ± 0,1827ng nos grupos A, B e C, respectivamente. Os achados histopatológicos advogaram a presença de corpos apoptóticos no grupo tratado com nim, enquanto a presença de células intersticiais degeneradas, túbulos seminíferos necrosados, epitélio germinativo danificado e espermatogênese interrompida também foi estudada nos dois grupos competitivos. Assim, o efeito apoptótico e a propriedade anti­inflamatória do extrato de folhas de nim resultaram em uma castração menos dolorosa e confirmaram que a Azadirachta indica foi um melhor substituto para a castração química do que a solução salina hipertônica.(AU)

Synthesis of new 2-{2,3-dihydro-1, 4-benzodioxin-6-yl[(4-methylphenyl) sulfonyl]amino}-N-(un/substituted-phenyl)acetamides as α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and their in silico study

The aim of the present research work was to investigate the enzyme inhibitory potential of some new sulfonamides having benzodioxane and acetamide moieties. The synthesis was started by the reaction of N-2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]-dioxin-6-amine (1) with 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (2) in the presence of 10% aqueous Na2CO3 to yield N-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]-dioxin-6-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (3), which was then reacted with 2-bromo-N-(un/substituted-phenyl)acetamides (6a-l) in DMF and lithium hydride as a base to afford various 2-{2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(un/substituted-phenyl)acetamides (7a-l). All the synthesized compounds were characterized by their IR and 1H-NMR spectral data along with CHN analysis data. The enzyme inhibitory activities of these compounds were tested against a-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Most of the compounds exhibited substantial inhibitory activity against yeast a-glucosidase and weak against AChE. The in silico molecular docking results were also consistent with in vitro enzyme inhibition data.

Enhanced production of streptokinase from Streptococcus agalactiae EBL-31 by response surface methodology

Streptokinase [SK] is a fibrinolytic protein used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. In the present study, enhanced production of SK was achieved by determining the optimum fermentation conditions for the maximum growth of Streptococcus agalactiae EBL-31 using response surface methodology [RSM]. Four process variables [pH, temperature, incubation time and inoculum size] with five levels were evaluated in 30 experimental runs. Central composite rotatable design [CCRD] was employed to predict the effect of independent variables on SK activity. The statistical evaluation by ANOVA showed that the model was fit as the effect of single factors, quadratic effects and most of the interactions among variables. The value ofR2 [0.9988] indicated the satisfactory interaction between the experimental and predicted responses. Furthermore, the model F value [902.67] and coefficient of variation [1.92] clearly showed that the model is significant [p =>0.0001]. The functional activity of SK was determined by spectrophotometric analysis and maximum SK production was obtained at pH-7.0, temperature- 37.5 degree C, an incubation time of 36 hours and 2.5 mL inoculum size. Hence it was concluded that the optimization of culture conditions through RSM increases the production of SK by 2.01-fold. Production of SK by fermentation is an economical choice to be used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Synthesis, characterization and SAR of novel bezimidazole derivatives as nematicidal agents

Six novel analogues were prepared by reacting benzimidazole molecules [BM and CMB] propiophenone andbenzoyl chlorides respectively. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were determined with the help of spectroscopic techniques. The compounds were subjected to in-vitro screening for their activity against nematodes. It was observed that the benzimidazole [BM] derivatives possessed more nematicidal activity as compared to that of cyanomethyl-benzimidazole [CMB] for Meloidogyne incognita. Among them, the propiophenone substituted benzimidazole derivative B3 was found to be the most active compound and can be further studied as lead molecule for development of anthelmintic drugs

Synthesis and in silico study of 2-furyl(4-{4-[(substituted)sulfonyl]benzyl}-1-piperazinyl)methanone derivatives as suitable therapeutic agents

Abstract In the study presented here, a new series of 2-furyl(4-{4-[(substituted)sulfonyl]benzyl}-1-piperazinyl)methanone derivatives was targeted. The synthesis was initiated by the treatment of different secondary amines (1a-h) with 4-bromomethylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (2) to obtain various 1-{[4-(bromomethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}amines (3a-h). 2-Furyl(1-piperazinyl)methanone (2-furoyl-1-piperazine; 4) was then dissolved in acetonitrile, with the addition of K2CO3, and the mixture was refluxed for activation. This activated molecule was further treated with equi-molar amounts of 3a-h to form targeted 2-furyl(4-{4-[(substituted)sulfonyl]benzyl}-1-piperazinyl)methanone derivatives (5a-h) in the same reaction set up. The structure confirmation of all the synthesized compounds was carried out by EI-MS, IR and 1H-NMR spectral analysis. The compounds showed good enzyme inhibitory activity. Compound 5h showed excellent inhibitory effect against acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase with respective IC50 values of 2.91±0.001 and 4.35±0.004 µM, compared to eserine, a reference standard with IC50 values of 0.04±0.0001 and 0.85±0.001 µM, respectively, against these enzymes. All synthesized molecules were active against almost all Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains tested. The cytotoxicity of the molecules was also checked to determine their utility as possible therapeutic agents.

Asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of major cities of Pakistan

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of Pakistani population.@*METHODS@#This study was conducted in five major cities (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar) of Pakistan. A total of 5 230 adults aged 18 years and above without a history of dengue fever at any point in their life were enrolled from participating laboratories. Those who were confirmed for dengue previously were excluded. Of the total, 62.6% (n = 3 276) were male with an average age of 34.6 years. Participants were briefed about the objectives of the study, and written consent was obtained to perform dengue IgG test using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The brief information related to age, gender and area was also taken on proforma.@*RESULTS@#Overall 32.3% (n = 1 691) was having asymptomatic dengue infection which was 67.5% (n = 756) in Karachi followed by 39.1% (n = 391) in Islamabad, 29.9% (n = 316) in Lahore and 21% (n = 228) in Peshawar and none from Multan. More males were affected with asymptomatic dengue infection than females. The asymptomatic dengue infection was significantly higher in different cities; however, there was no significant difference with respect to age groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The asymptomatic dengue infection is higher in cities i.e. Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore which are at risk of developing secondary dengue infections. There is a need of awareness among the public about secondary dengue infection.

Asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of major cities of Pakistan

Objective To determine the asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of Pakistani population. Methods This study was conducted in five major cities (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar) of Pakistan. A total of 5 230 adults aged 18 years and above without a history of dengue fever at any point in their life were enrolled from participating laboratories. Those who were confirmed for dengue previously were excluded. Of the total, 62.6% (n = 3 276) were male with an average age of 34.6 years. Participants were briefed about the objectives of the study, and written consent was obtained to perform dengue IgG test using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The brief information related to age, gender and area was also taken on proforma. Results Overall 32.3% (n = 1 691) was having asymptomatic dengue infection which was 67.5% (n = 756) in Karachi followed by 39.1% (n = 391) in Islamabad, 29.9% (n = 316) in Lahore and 21% (n = 228) in Peshawar and none from Multan. More males were affected with asymptomatic dengue infection than females. The asymptomatic dengue infection was significantly higher in different cities; however, there was no significant difference with respect to age groups. Conclusions The asymptomatic dengue infection is higher in cities i.e. Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore which are at risk of developing secondary dengue infections. There is a need of awareness among the public about secondary dengue infection.

assessment of the knowledge and attitude towards family planning among educated married men of urban Islamabad, Pakistan

Background: Pakistan is the 6th most populous country of the world and also among one of the first Asian countries to begin family planning program yet the current contraceptive prevalence rates [CPR] stand at 35%. Men are the critically missing client as focus is always on women

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude towards family planning by educated married men of Islamabad

Study design, settings and duration: Cross sectional study was conducted in twelve public and private sector organizations of Islamabad for duration of 12 months in 2014

Subjects and Methods: Total 300 educated married men age 20 to 60 years who had completed at least 12 years of formal education were enrolled after taking the informed written consent. Data was collected using a structured pre-tested questionnaire through an anonymous interview. Grading scale was used for knowledge and attitude evaluation. 10 marks were given to correct answer and agreement with positive statement. Score less than 70% is categorized as poor, 71-80% fair, 81-90% good and above 90% as very good

Results: Mean age of the study participants was 36 +/- 7 years. About 177 [59%] of the study participants were graduate. Nearly all [99%] participants had heard at least one family planning method while 141 [47%] had poor knowledge. Regarding male contraceptive methods, only 33 [11%] of the study participants know about the permanent birth control methods for men with a misconception that vasectomy decreases male's sexual desire in 267 [89%] of participants. Meanwhile only 18 [6%] study participants are aware that condoms are available both for male and female use. About 193 [64%] study participants were currently using at least one family planning method in an order of with drawl [24%], male condom [13%], and injectables [9%] while 10% don't know that their wives were currently using contraceptive methods or not. Only 3% of the males had poor attitude score. Among the positive attitude males, 99 [33%] had fair score. While 186 [62%] had good score while only 06 [2%] had very good score indicating that generally educated males have positive attitude towards family planning. Overall non response rate was very i.e. 32%

Conclusion: The study reveals positive attitude and poor knowledge of family planning methods among almost half of the study participants who are educated and are resident of urban Islamabad. High non response rate reflects that even educated men are very reluctant to talk and share information's on this topic. Increased use of traditional and temporary family planning methods highlights that positive attitude does not always lead to use to contraceptives

Biomonitoring of Toxic Effects of Pesticides in Occupationally Exposed Individuals

BACKGROUND: Workers in pesticide manufacturing industries are constantly exposed to pesticides. Genetic biomonitoring provides an early identification of potential cancer and genetic diseases in exposed populations. The objectives of this biomonitoring study were to assess DNA damage through comet assay in blood samples collected from industry workers and compare these results with those of classical analytical techniques used for complete blood count analysis. METHODS: Samples from controls (n = 20) and exposed workers (n = 38) from an industrial area in Multan, Pakistan, were subjected to various tests. Malathion residues in blood samples were measured by gas chromatography. RESULTS: The exposed workers who were employed in the pesticide manufacturing industry for a longer period (i.e., 13-25 years) had significantly higher DNA tail length (7.04 μm) than the controls (0.94 μm). Workers in the exposed group also had higher white blood cell and red blood cell counts, and lower levels of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration, and mean corpuscular volume in comparison with normal levels for these parameters. Malathion was not detected in the control group. However, in the exposed group, 72% of whole blood samples had malathion with a mean value of 0.14 mg/L (range 0.01-0.31 mg/L). CONCLUSION: We found a strong correlation (R2 = 0.91) between DNA damage in terms of tail length and malathion concentration in blood. Intensive efforts and trainings are thus required to build awareness about safety practices and to change industrial workers' attitude to prevent harmful environmental and anthropogenic effects.

Analgesic activity of alkyl piperidine derivatives

Piperidine is the most significant scaffold which reveals therapeutic potential because of its conformationally flexible nature. During the course of present investigations synthetic quaternary salts of alkyl piperidine with various phenacyl bromides were explored for their possible analgesic activity. Compounds I analogs [1a-1f] and compound II analogs [IIa-IIf] showed varying degree of analgesic activity when compared with pethidine as standard and its duration by tail immersion method

Investigation of molecular heterogeneity of beta-thalassemia disorder in district Charsadda of Pakistan

Objective: Thalassemia is blood related disease which arises from the reduced level of hemoglobin in red blood cells [RBC], a protein responsible for carrying oxygen inside the body. Considering its widespread occurrence in developing countries like Pakistan, this study aims to investigate the common molecular anomalies of the beta thalassemia disease in district Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Methods: This work was done at Abdul Wali Khan University [AWKU] Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The work was performed on the blood samples collected from the patients and their families with beta thalassemia major [n = 13 families] belonged to District Charsadda. The collected blood samples were analyzed for presence of six known mutations with the help of polymerase chain reaction technique i.e. amplification of refractory mutation system

Results: Our Study reports six known mutations [IVS-1-5, FSC 8/9, CD 41/42, IVS-1-1, CD 15 and FSC-5] accounting for about 90% of total beta thalassemia genes in this country. Among the reported mutations, IVS 1-5 was the most prevalent beta thalassemia gene in patients belonging to District Charsadda

Conclusion: The results and findings of the current study may help in accessing the frequency of these common mutations and in initiating pre-natal diagnosis programme in Pakistan

Functional outcome of anorectal malformations and associated anomalies in era of Krickenbeck classification

Objective: To describe the management and functional outcome of anorectal malformations and associated anomalies according to Krickenbeck classification. Study Design: Case series. Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2002 to December 2012

Methodology: Anorectal anomalies were classified according to Krickenbeck classification. Data was collected and proforma used regarding the primary disease associated anomalies, its management and functional outcome, according to Krickenbeck classification. Cases included were: all those children with imperforate anus managed during the study period. Qualitative variables like gender and functional outcome were reported as frequencies and percentages. Quantitative variables like age were reported as medians with interquartile ranges

Results: There were 84 children in study group. Most common associated anomaly was cardiac [38%], followed by urological anomaly [33%]. All children were treated by Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty [PSARP]. Fistula was present in 64 out of 84 [76%] cases. The most common fistula was rectourethral [33%], followed by recto vestibular [31%]. According to Krickenbeck classification, continence was achieved in 62% children; however 27% children were constipated, followed by 12% children having fecal soiling

Conclusion: Functional outcome of anorectal malformation depends upon severity of disease. A thorough evaluation of all infants with ARM should be done with particular focus on cardiovascular [38%] and genitourinary abnormalities [33%]

Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus under echocardiographic guidance

Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus [PDA] is done in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, usually under fluoroscopic and angiographic guidance. The aortogram is used for assessing PDA size and shape the pre-device implantation. Additionally, post-device aortograms are applied for the assessment of device position, profile and residual shunt. Angiograms expose patient to radiation and possible untoward effects of contrast media. Recently, transthoracic echocardiography has been utilized to guide in PDA closure to avoid radiation exposure as well as contrast material. On two occasions, we were obligated by special circumstances to close the PDA under echocardiography guidance. First case was a 6-month baby girl with mild signs of heart failure having moderate size PDA. She underwent device closure under transthoracic echocardiogram as the angiographic system had stopped working during the procedure. Second case was a 6-year girl, weighting 16-kg with chronic renal failure. She had moderate size PDA closed by device under transthoracic echocardiographic, guidance avoiding the use of contrast agent due to chronic renal failure

Unintentional injuries in children: are our homes safe?

Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death in childhood globally. Injuries lead to emotional trauma and financial burden for children, parents, and society. Here are the frequencies of unintentional injuries in children presented to the emergency and paediatric surgery clinics of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from January to December 2012. A retrospective chart review of children aged 0 day to 14 years presented with falls, burns, foreign body ingestion or inhalation, poisoning, fingers caught in doors, electrocution injuries and drowning, was conducted. A total of 165 children were included. Domestic injuries were frequently occurring injuries in our set-up which could be prevented by doing small adjustments to make the home safe for children

Adulticidal efficacy of azadirachta indica [Neem Tree], sesamum indicum [Til] and pinus sabinaena [Pine Tree] extracts against aedes aegypti under laboratory conditions

Background: Emergence of resistance to insecticides against mosquitoes and other disease vectors has prompted the need for alternate sources of mosquito control which are more target-specific, easily bio-degradable and effective against mosquitoes

Materials and Methods: The adulticidal efficacy of crude Neem oil extract, Pine oil extract and Til oil extract with five different concentrations i.e. 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% was tested against five to six days old sugar fed female Aedes aegypti using standard WHO Bioassay test kit. The percentage mortality was observed after 24 and 48 hours under laboratory condition

Results: The LC[50] [Lethal Concentration] values of Neem oil extract against adults of Aedes aegypti were 1.17 ml and 0.09 ml after 24 and 48 hours of exposure respectively, while the LC[99] were 4.27 ml and 1.17 ml after 24 and 48 hours of exposure respectively. The LC[50] values of Pine oil extract after 24 and 48 hours were 0.25 and, 0.06 ml respectively, while LC[99] values at 24 and 48 hour were and 0.89 ml and 0.64 ml respectively. The LC[50] values of Til oil extract after 24 and 48 hours of exposure were 1.17 ml and 0.05 ml respectively while LC99 values were 4.18 ml and 1.28 ml after 24 and 48 hours of exposure respectively. The LC[50] and LC[90] values were indicative that the plant extracts were highly toxic after 48 hours of exposure. Among the tested plant oil extracts the maximum adulticidal efficacy was observed in the pine oil extract. No mortality was observed in controls

Conclusion: Crude extract of Pine oil was more effective against Aedes aegypti as compared to Neem and Til oil

Synthesis, biological screening and molecular docking studies of some ethylated sulfonamides having 1,4-Benzodioxane moiety

The presented study comprises the synthesis of a new series of ethylated sulfonamides in which 1,4- benzodioxane moietyhas been incorporated. The reaction of 1,4-benzodioxane-6-amine [1] with ethane sulfonyl chloride [2] yielded N-[2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl] ethanesulfonamide [3], which further on treatment with various alkyl/aralkyl halides, 4a-r, in N,N-dimethylformamide [DMF] and in the presence of lithium hydride [LiH] acting as a weak base and catalyst;yielded derivativesofN-alkyl/aralkyl substituted N-[2,3-dihydrobenzo [1,4] dioxin-6- yl] ethanesulfonamides [5a-r]. The characterization of these derivatives was carried out by different spectroscopic techniques like infra red, proton-NMR and mass spectrometry; then screened against various enzymes i.e. acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes and five different bacterial strains. The synthesized compounds were found to be good inhibitors of lipoxygenase but moderate inhibitors of AChE, BChE and alpha-glucosidase; whereas compounds 3, 5a, 5f, 5n and 5r were found good antibacterial compounds. The interaction between inhibitors and target enzymes [cholinestrases and lipoxygenase] was computationally observed which correlated with the experimental results

Viral hepatitis c in thalassaemia: determination of antibody hcv frequency in mutitransfused thalassaemia patients

Background: Thalassemias are a group of genetic blood diseases. These patients are blood transfusion dependent because of genetic inability to produce hemoglobin according to body needs. Due to repeated transfusions, these patients are vulnerable to HCV, HBV and HIV like blood transmitted diseases. The purpose of this study is to determine post transfusion HCV frequency in these patients

Objective: To assess prevalence of antibody HCV in multi-transfused Thalassaemia patients. Study Setting: The study was conducted at Thalassaemia Center, DHQ Hospital Faisalabad located in Central Punjab, Pakistan. The record of the Thalassemia children registered in this center during 1[st] Jan 2012 to 31[st] Dec 2014 was reviewed. Study Design

Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 416 Thalassemia children registered in Thalassemia Center DHQ Hospital Faisalabad. Out of these 379 children were included while 37 excluded due to incomplete record. The demographic data, blood transfusion history and lab tests details were taken from patient files. The HCV diagnostic laboratory techniques used were Rapid manual, confirmed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELIZA]

Results: Out of 379 Thalassemia patients, HCV positive found were 123 [32.45%]. The study population age was in range of 1- 19years while age range of HCV affected group was 5-19 years. Out of total 379, male were 235 [62%] and female were 144 [38%] while in total 123 HCV affected group 82 [66.67%] were male and 41 [33.33%] female. In total of 379 Thalassemic children having multiple transfusions, 123 [32.45%] were HCV +ve. Among 353 Thalassemic children having positive blood groups, 111 [31.44%] were HCV +ve while 12 [46.15%] were HCV +ve in 26 children with negative blood groups. Among 235 male, 82 [34.89%] were HCV +ve and 41 [28.47%] HCV +ve in 144 female children. Hepatomegaly was 75% in HCV +ve while 65% in HCV -ve groups. The splenomegaly was almost 80% in all groups

Conclusion: Despite use of screened blood transfusions in this center, still there is alarming proportion of HCV affected blood receiving patients. In this study Antibody HCV prevalence was higher [46.15%] in Thalassemic children with negative blood groups than [31.44%] positive group children. In total HCV +ve patients, 2/3 [66.67%] were male and 1/3 [33.33%] female group. This study warrants attention to improve HCV diagnostic and instrument sterilization techniques to minimize the risk of HCV infection

Roads traffic accidents: an epidemiological study of road traffic accidents in tertiary care hospital

Background: Road Traffic Accident [RTA] is growing public issue and fall among four top causes of mortality and morbidity. Many people [of all age groups], die daily during playing in streets or travelling on roads. Main causes of these accidents are lack of driving skills, distracted and prolonged driving, use of intoxicants, use of mobile phone during driving, defective roads, over loading and inadequate government administrative structure. These accidents are predictable and largely preventable through multi-disciplinary coherent strategies

Objective: To study epidemiological factors, compliance with traffic rules and pattern of accidental injuries

Methods: This study is descriptive cross sectional, carried out at DHQ Hospital Faisalabad. The data was obtained from patients of RTA arriving at Accident and Emergency Department [Trauma Center], from 1[st] January 2016 to 30[th] June2016. During this period 583 patients of RTA were reported to this center. The study variables were socio demographic, human, environmental and time factors. Statistical analysis was done in percentages, linear / logarithmic trends and chi-square test to know strength of association between these variables

Results: Among total 583 RTA cases, male victims were 449 [77.02%] and female 134 [22.98%]. Majority of cases 256[43.91%] were in age group of 15-29 years. Victims of RTA from rural areas were 194 [33.28%] while 389 [66.72%] were from urban / sub-urban areas. People from low economical strata were 198 [33.96%], moderate 310 [53.17%] and victims with illiteracy level were 135 [23.16%] and having education up to school were 304 [52.14%]. Human factor, cell phone user were 29 [4.97%]. Victims observing traffic rules were 93 [15.95%] while only 17 [30.19%] practiced PPM. Human factor regarding casual attitudes was observed in 47 [8.06%] cases. Maximum accidents occurred during office/school and market opening / closing timings i.e. 08-00 to 12-00 hours, 180 [30.87%] with fatality 27 [04.63% of this time events and 24.12% of total fatality] and 12-00 to 16-00 hours 136 [23.33%] with 4.29% fatality of total events and 22.32% of total fatality]. Fatality was maximum during evening, 35 [6.00%] of evening RTA's and 31.25% of total fatality. Environmental factors, worst weather was observed in 35 RTA's [6.00%], narrow and repairable roads shared in 69 cases [11.84%] while in old repairable vehicles were 17 [2.92%]. RTA in two wheeler vehicles/one wheeler were 271+59=330 [56.60%], in auto rickshaw [three wheeler] 106 [18.18%] and in pedestrian 85 [14.58%]. Pattern of head injury was found in 72 RTA's [12.35%] while limb injuries 76 [13.04%]. Mortality occurred in 112 [19.21%] cases while mild to severe morbidity was observed in 471 [80.79%] cases

Conclusion: This study concluded that male youth shared major portion of RTA victims. Morbidity and mortality was high in riders of two wheelers and in persons having head injuries. All the contributory factors were largely preventable through multi-pronged approach

Evaluation of furazolidone, sulfadimidine and amprolium to treat coccidiosis in beetal goats under field conditions

Coccidiosis is a protozoal and occasionally fatal diarrheic disease of goats imposing heavy economic losses to farming community. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacies of Furazolidone, Sulfadimidine and Amprolium against coccidiosis in Beetal goats. Twenty-four [24] Beetal goats naturally infected with coccidiosis were randomly divided into four groups of 6 [A-D]. Goats in groups A, B and C were treated orally with Furazolidone [10mg/Kg], Sulfadimidine [100mg/Kg] and Amprolium [55mg/Kg], respectively for 7 days. Goats in-group D served as positive control. Oocysts per gram [OPG] of feces counts of individual goats in each group were performed on Days; 0 [pre-treatment] 7, 14 and 21 [post-treatment]. OPG counts amongst goats in all groups at day 0 were not significant [P>0.05]. On days 7, 14 and 21, OPG values decreased significantly [P<0.05] in groups A, B and C compared to group D. The efficacy of Furazolidone, Sulfadimidine and Amprolium was 98.6, 98.0 and 99.6 percent, respectively on Day 21 [end of trial]. Statistically, the efficacies of three drugs were not significantly different [P>0.05]. In conclusion, Furazolidone, Sulfadimidine and Amprolium are well-tolerated and any one of these may be recommended to effectively treat coccidiosis in Beetal goats