[Puncture access with a new atraumatic needle MG for mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy].

INTRODUCTION: An important aspect of the prevention of complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is to reduce the likelihood of injury to the adjacent structures and perirenal tissues. AIM: To determine the efficiency and safety of renal puncture during mini-PCNL with a new atraumatic needle MG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 67 patients who underwent mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy at the Institute of Urology and Human Reproductive Health of Sechenov University were included in the prospective study. For the purpose of homogeneity of the groups, those with staghorn nephrolithiasis, nephrostomy, a history of prior kidney surgery (including PCNL), renal and collecting system anomalies, acute pyelonephritis, and blood clotting disorders were not included. The main group consisted of 34 (50.7%) patients who underwent atraumatic kidney puncture with a new needle MG (MIT, Russia), while in the control group there were 33 (49.3%) patients, who underwent standard puncture with Chiba or Troakar needles (Coloplast A/S, Denmark). The outer diameter of all needles was 18 G. RESULTS: In patients with a standard access, a hemoglobin decrease in the early postoperative period was more pronounced (p=0.024). The incidence of complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification did not differ significantly (p=0.351), however, a JJ stent was placed in two patients from the control group due to impaired urine flow and the development of urinoma. CONCLUSION: Together with a similar stone-free rate, atraumatic needle allows to reduce a hemoglobin drop, as well as less development of severe complications.

[Calico-venous fistulae: an intrarenal complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy].

Bleeding is a serious complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). A rare cause of gross hematuria is a calico-venous fistula. A clinical case of successful intraoperative diagnosis and treatment of calico-venous fistula during PCNL is presented in the article. Description of a clinical case. A patient J., 53 years old, underwent examination and treatment at the Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, FGAOU VO I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University with a diagnosis of staghorn stone of the right kidney, a stone of the left kidney, chronic right-side pyelonephritis. On June 15, 2021, mini-PCNL was performed for the staghorn stone of the right kidney. The procedure seemed to be unremarkable, but during intraoperative antegrade pyelography, the inflow of contrast agent from the lower calyxes into the posterior segmental vein of the right kidney was detected, which was managed by creating sufficient traction of the nephrostomy drainage. Communication of the collecting and venous systems of the kidney is associated with a risk of both severe gross hematuria and urine flow into the venous bed. The urine flow into the bloodstream may result in hemodynamic disturbances, up to collapse followed by cardiac arrest. In order to prevent complications of PCNL it is necessary to analyze the kidney anatomy based on three-dimensional modeling of contrast- enhanced computed tomography. A calicovenous fistula can be a source of risk of bleeding and severe complications. To minimize intraoperative damage to parenchymal structures, an analysis of three-dimensional modeling of a kidney in patients with staghorn calculus based on computed tomography is required, which allows rational planning of surgical tactics.

Molecular Interplay of John Cunningham Virus with Interleukin 1 Beta in Colorectal Carcinomatous Tissues from a Group of Iraqi Patients.

Colorectal cancer is ranked to have high mortality among most malignancies worldwide. In the adult population, the seroprevalence rates of the John Cunningham virus (JCV) range from 70% to 90%. Recently the association for JCV in many malignant tumours have been reported worldwide, including colonic and rectum cancers. Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) can promote tumour growth where it is abundant in the tumour microenvironment, and its up-regulation is considered a poor prognostic feature in different types of solid tumours, including colon malignancies. One hundred tissue biopsies belonged to 50 patients with colorectal cancers and 30 benign colonic tumour patients, and 20 colorectal control tissues were enrolled in this study. JCV was detected via chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH), while IL-1 beta was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The recorded data showed that 21 out of 50 (42%) tissue samples with colorectal carcinoma showed positive CISH reactions for JCV DNA in this study. The benign colorectal tumours group revealed positive signals in 2 out of 30 tissues representing 6.7% of this group. Lastly, no control tissues showed positive signals for the JCV -CISH test. The positive signals of IL-1 Beta-IHC detection were found in 26 out of 50 (52 %) colorectal carcinoma tissues, while in the benign colorectal tumour was 43.3% (13 out of 30) and in AHC was 20% (4 out of 20 tissues). The high rates of JCV infection in this group of Iraqi patients with colonic adenocarcinoma in concordance with IL-1 Beta expression could play an essential role in the development and progression of these malignant tumours along with benign colonic tumours. To analyze the concordant expression of IL-1 beta gene and JCV in issues from a group of Iraqi patients with colonic adenocarcinomas.

Assessment of Interleukin-13(rs20541) Genomic Polymorphism in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Relation to COVID19 Infection.

Elevated Interleukin-13 (IL-13) may play an important role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, yet, the attenuated response did not notice across all severe cases. Susceptibility to asthma in specific populations is associated with several SNPs of multifunctional cytokines, such as IL-13, IL-31 and IL-33. This prospective case-control study is designed to investigate the extent of genetic susceptibility in subsets of Iraqi patients with COVID-19 by targeting the variants of interleukin IL-13rs20541 polymorphism in relation to disease susceptibility and severity of clinical presentation. One hundred samples were obtained from the throat, nasopharyngeal and nasal swabs enrolled in this study. Eighty samples of the throat, nasopharyngeal and nasal localization swabs were obtained from patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (both COVID-19 and non-COVID19 patients), while other 20 nasopharyngeal swabs were included as a healthy control group (AHC). Detection of IL-13rs20541 polymorphism was done by ARMS technique. The frequencies of GG- genotype in ARDS- patients with COVID-19, non-COVID19-, and AHC groups were respectively 14%, 12% and 3%, where, and as compared to the control group, showed a significant increase in COVID-19 patients. The AA- genotype in patients with COVID-19 group, non- COVID-19 group and healthy control group documented the frequency of 9%, 7%, and 14%, respectively, where the frequency decreased in the patient's groups as compared to the AHC group. Finally, and among the studied groups, an increase of AG- genotype (as rate OR=1.89) was documented compared to genotype GG and A-. Genetic polymorphisms in the IL-13rs20541 gene might influence its functions in patients with SARS-associated respiratory tract infection and thus might involve the pathogenicity of patients with COVID-19.

[Retrograde intrarenal surgery using a 1.94 m superpulsed thulium fiber laser].

INTRODUCTION: surgical treatment of urinary stone disease plays an important role in urological practice. Stone fragmentation can be performed using various lithotripters, from which Holmium fiber laser (Ho: YAG) has currently taken the main place. According to the current literature, a superpulsed thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 m and a maximum power output of 40 W showed in vitro higher efficiency compared to Ho: YAG, while having the same safety profile. The use of a thulium fiber laser with a pulse energy of 0.025-6 J and a high repetition rate (up to 1600 Hz) allows to most effectively perform stone dusting during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). AIM: to improve the performance of RIRS using the 1.94m superpulsed thulium fiber laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a total of 152 patients with renal stones who were treated during the period from February 2018 to July 2019 were included in the study. The analysis of the laser settings, their effect on retropulsion and visibility when performing RIRS using a superpulsed thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 m and a maximum power output of 40 W, a peak power of 500 W, as well as an assessment of the stone-free rate the first postoperative day and 3 months after the procedure was done. RESULTS: The most frequently used settings were as following: 0.5 J, 30 Hz, 15 W (No. 1), 0.15 J, 200 Hz, 30 W (No. 2), 0.8 J, 31.25 Hz, 25 W (No. 3), 0.8 J, 37.5 Hz, 30 W (No. 4). The statistical analysis of the influence of the settings on the quality of endoscopic imaging and retropulsion was carried out. In addition, the features of each settings were analyzed. The stone-free rate on the first postoperative day was evaluated using low-dose CT. CONCLUSION: A superpulsed thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 m and a maximum power of 500 W has shown high efficiency in clinical practice when performing RIRS, since it allows to have good endoscopic imaging, minimal retropulsion, and to perform stone dusting, which had a positive effect on the stone-free rate. Optimization of the settings of thulium fiber lithotripsy may improve the results of surgical treatment of urinary stone disease.

[3D-technologies in planning and navigation for laparoscopic interventions in patients with renal and ureteric stones].

AIM: to evaluate the possibilities and efficiency of using 3D technologies for the laparoscopic interventions in patients with renal and ureteric stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the results of surgical treatment of patients with renal and ureteric stones performed in the urology clinic of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of Minzdrav of Russia for the period from January 2012 to December 2017 was carried out. During this period a total of 4958 interventions were done. Among them, 98 laparoscopic (1.97%) surgeries were performed, including nephron-sparing interventions (n=47; 48%), pyelolithotomy (n=15; 15.3%), ureterolithotomy (n=32; 32.65%) and partial nephrectomy (n=4; 4.05 %). The average patients age was 55.76+/-10.5 (29-80) years. There were 51 men (52%) and 47 women (48%). The mean stone density was 1237.6+/-354.6 HU (from 500 to 1913 HU). In 14 (22.9%) cases, nephrostomy tube or ureteric stent had been put before surgery. In addition, 40 (40.8%) patients previously underwent one surgical intervention on the kidneys and 17 patients with urinary stone disease (17.3%) underwent surgery more or equal 2 times. 88 (89.8%) patients had severe concomitant diseases and the most common pathology in 51 (52.0%) patients with urinary stone disease was arterial hypertension. In 11 (11.2%) cases, the interventions were performed in patients with abnormal kidneys, including horseshoe kidney (n=6; 6.1%), duplicated collecting system (n=3; 3.1%) and pelvic kidney (n=2; 2%). In addition to standard preoperative diagnostic methods in 22 cases (22.4%) the 3D-planning and multivariate virtual performing of intervention based on the multidetector computer tomography scan was done using Amira 3D-modeling program. Among these patients, virtual interventions were performed prior to all pyelolithotomy and partial nephrectomy. Intraoperative data of virtual constructions were used by surgeons as navigation. The interventions were performed by seven urologists at the clinic with various experience in laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: The mean duration of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and laparoscopic nephrectomy was 183.2+/-69.6, 201.3+/-35.2 min, 97.6+/-43.7 and 165.4+/-92.3 min, respectively. The minimal blood loss was observed during laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (53.33+/-31.2 ml). During these interventions, in 8 cases (8.16%) a flexible endoscope was used for inspection and complete removal of stones. Intraoperative complications were noted in 6 patients (6.1%). There were 4 conversions to open surgery (4.1%). Postoperative surgical complications were observed in 1 (1%) patient, while non-surgical complications developed in 4 patients (4.1%). There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic access for the treatment of patients with urinary stone disease should be used for the treatment of patients with large, long-standing ureteral calculi and patients with kidney stones who have concomitant pathology of kidney or upper urinary tract (UPJ obstruction, kidney tumors) requiring surgical intervention. Laparoscopic access should be considered primarily for the planning of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with urinary stone disease. The use of 3D computer-assisted technologies is advisable for patients with urinary stone disease and abnormal kidneys if laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, partial nephrectomy or ureterolithotomy is planned.

[Vitamin D and urinary stone disease: the current state of problem].

Disturbances of vitamin D metabolism is one of the factors leading to the impairment of phosphate and calcium homeostasis which plays leading role in the development of urinary stone disease. Vitamin D is necessary for wide spectrum of physiologic processes and good health condition. Until now, in many guidelines on urolithiasis there is an advice to limit vitamin D intake due to concerns of an increase in the stone formation. In vivo studies have shown that 1,25()2D3 can both increase and decrease and not to influence on calcium excretion. The results of the studies assessing the relationship between vitamin D blood/plasma level and urinary stone disease are often inconsistent and even controversial. In patients with urinary stone disease the vitamin D deficiency is often found and currently there is still a lack of studies dedicated to problem of vitamin D deficiency in patients with urinary stone disease and the need for its correction.

Translational profiling of retinal ganglion cell optic nerve regeneration in Xenopus laevis.

Unlike adult mammals, adult frogs regrow their optic nerve following a crush injury, making Xenopus laevis a compelling model for studying the molecular mechanisms that underlie neuronal regeneration. Using Translational Ribosome Affinity Purification (TRAP), a method to isolate ribosome-associated mRNAs from a target cell population, we have generated a transcriptional profile by RNA-Seq for retinal ganglion cells (RGC) during the period of recovery following an optic nerve injury. Based on bioinformatic analysis using the Xenopus laevis 9.1 genome assembly, our results reveal a profound shift in the composition of ribosome-associated mRNAs during the early stages of RGC regeneration. As factors involved in cell signaling are rapidly down-regulated, those involved in protein biosynthesis are up-regulated alongside key initiators of axon development. Using the new genome assembly, we were also able to analyze gene expression profiles of homeologous gene pairs arising from a whole-genome duplication in the Xenopus lineage. Here we see evidence of divergence in regulatory control among a significant proportion of pairs. Our data should provide a valuable resource for identifying genes involved in the regeneration process to target for future functional studies, in both naturally regenerative and non-regenerative vertebrates.

[Choosing a method of draining the upper urinary tract following percutaneous nephrolithotripsy].

PURPOSE: to compare various methods of upper urinary tract drainage in patients with urolithiasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 60 patients were included into a prospective study which ran from March 2013 through December 2014. All patients underwent PCNL with a nephrostomy tract diameter of (28-30 Ch.) at the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University urology clinic. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 30 (patients) underwent nephrostomy after PCNL with nephrostomy tract placement, in group 2 (29 patients) internal drainage was performed. One patient withdrew from the study due to residual stone. Adequacy of urinary tract draining was assessed by operative time and blood loss. A comparative analysis was performed to outline difference in both groups by length of hospital stay, severity of flank pain in early postoperative period and 5 days after the procedure, day of drain removal. RESULTS: the average operative time in group No1 was 104 minutes (+/-17 min.), and 71 minutes (+/- 19 minutes) in group No2 . The average hemoglobin level before surgery in both groups was roughly comparable and amounted to: 141.5g / l (+/-13) in group No1, in group No 2 143.6 g / l (+/-18). At the same time, hemoglobin level in the early postoperative period varied in both groups and was as follows: 121g / l (+/-13) in group No1, and 128g / l (+/-14) in group 2. Evaluation of pain severity by VAS score showed that severity of pain in an early postoperative period was roughly comparable in both groups and amounted to 6.29 and 6.05 points, respectively, but from the second day, and since the activation of the patients, the values of the intensity of pain in both groups became differ. Group No1: - 5.33 (+/-1.5) on day 2, 3.25 (+/-1.8) on day 3, - 2.5 (+/-1.6) on day 5. A more thorough elucidation of the cause of pain showed that in 56 (88%) patients the pain was due to the nephrostomy and pain in the nephrostomy stroke while driving and only 7 (11%) patients complained of a pain in the operated kidney. Group No2: - 3.5 (+/-1.2) on day 2, - 2.9 (+/-1.4) on day 3, 1.22 (+/-0.8) on day 5. CONCLUSION: A detailed and thorough history, taking together with multislice computed tomography and multiplanar 3D modeling allows for better preoperative assessment regarding a size, a number and location of stones, vascular architecture of the kidney. This enebles an experienced endoscopic surgeon to plan an operation, and avoid the possible difficulties associated with lithotripsy and choose a more suitable method of pyelocaliceal system draining after the operation. In turn, tubeless PCNL, with proper intraoperative managamant and careful selection of patients appears to be safe and effective. Drainage of the upper urinary tract with internal drainage reduces intensity of postoperative pain, which improves the quality of life of patients in the postoperative period, and reduces the length of postoperative stay.

Vitamin D supplementation in obese type 2 diabetes subjects in Ajman, UAE: a randomized controlled double-blinded clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of Vitamin D3 supplementation on metabolic control in an obese type 2 diabetes Emirati population. METHODS: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted with 87 vitamin D-deficient obese, type 2 diabetic participants. The vitamin D-group (n=45) and the placebo group (n=42) were matched for gender, age, HbA1c and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) D) at the baseline. The study was divided into two phases of 3 months each; in phase 1, the vitamin D-group received 6000 IU vitamin D3/day followed by 3000 IU vitamin D3/day in phase 2, whereas the placebo group (n=42) received matching placebo. RESULTS: After supplementation, serum 25(OH) D peaked in the vitamin D-group in phase 1 (77.2±30.1 nmol/l, P=0.003) followed by a decrease in the phase 2 (61.4±18.8 nmol/l, P=0.006), although this was higher compared with baseline. In the placebo group, no difference was observed in the serum 25(OH) D levels throughout the intervention. Relative to baseline serum, parathyroid hormone decreased 24% (P=0.003) in the vitamin D-group in phase 2, but remained unchanged in the placebo group. No significant changes were observed in blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, C-peptide, creatinine, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, lipids, C-reactive protein or thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations compared with baseline in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Six months of vitamin D3 supplementation to vitamin D-deficient obese type 2 diabetes patients in the UAE normalized the vitamin D status and reduced the incidence of eucalcemic parathyroid hormone elevation but showed no effect on the metabolic control.

Detection and genotyping of human papillomavirus in breast cancer tissues from Iraqi patients.

Studies have suggested a possible link between breast cancer pathogenesis and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This study in Iraq used in situ hybridization to detect the frequency and genotyping of HPV in tissue specimens from 129 patients diagnosed with malignant breast cancer, 24 with benign breast tumours and 20 healthy controls. In the breast cancer group, cocktail HPV genotypes were detected in 60 (46.5%) archived tissue blocks. Of these, genotypes 16 (55.5%), 18 (58.4%), 31 (65.0%) and 33 (26.6%) were detected. Mixed HPV genotypes 16 + 18, 16 + 18 + 31, 16 + 18 + 33, 18 + 33, 16 + 31 and 18 + 31 were found in 5.0%, 25.0%, 8.3%, 7.7%, 10.0% and 13.3% of cancer cases respectively. Only 3 benign breast tumour tissues (12.5%) and none of the healthy breast tissue specimens were HPV-DNA-positive. The detection of high-oncogenic HPV genotypes in patients with breast cancer supports the hypothesis of an etiologic role for the virus in breast cancer development.

Detection and genotyping of human papillomavirus in breast cancer tissues from Iraqi patients

أشارت الدراسات إلى احتمال وجود ارتباط بين مسببات سرطان الثدي وبين العدوى بفيروس الورم الحليمي البشري. وقد استخدم الباحثون في هذه الدراسة التهجن في الموضع لكشف التكرار والنمط الجيني لفيروس الورم الحليمي البشري في عينات نسيجية أخذت من 129 مريضة شخص لديها سرطان خبيث في الثدي، إلى جانب 24 مريضة شخص لديها ورم سليم في الثدي و 20 سيدة كشواهد يتمتعن بالصحة. وكشف الباحثون لدى فريق المصابات بسرطان الثدي أنماطا مزيجة من فيروس الورم الحليمي البشري في 60 قطعة نسيجية محفوظة [46.5 %]. ومن بين هذه القطع النسيجية كشف الباحثون النمط الجيني 16 في [55.5 %]، والنمط الجيني 18 في [58.4 %]، والنمط الجيني 31 في [65.0 %]، والنمط الجيني 33 في [26.6 %]من الحالات. كما وجد بين حالات السرطان أنماط جينية مزيجة لفيروس الورم الحليمي البشري 16+18 في 5% من الحالات، و16+18+31 في 25.0% من الحالات، و16+18+33 في 8.3% من الحالات، و18+33 في 6.7% من الحالات و16+31 في 10% من الحالات و18+31 في 13.3% من الحالات المصابة بالسرطان ولم تكن سوى 3 عينات من نسيج الثدي المصابة بورم سليم إيجابية لدنا فيروس الورم الحليمي البشري [12.5 %]، ولم يكن هناك أي عينة من نسج الثدي السليمة إيجابية له.إن كشف الأنماط الجينية لفيروس الورم الحليمي البشري ذات التوليد العالي للورم لدى مريضات بسرطان الثدي يدعم نظرية أداء الفيروس لدور سببي في إحداث سرطان الثدي

ABSTRACT Studies have suggested a possible link between breast cancer pathogenesis and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This study in Iraq used in situ hybridization to detect the frequency and genotyping of HPV in tissue specimens from 129 patients diagnosed with malignant breast cancer, 24 with benign breast tumours and 20 healthy controls. In the breast cancer group, cocktail HPV genotypes were detected in 60 (46.5%) archived tissue blocks. Of these, genotypes 16 (55.5%), 18 (58.4%), 31 (65.0%) and 33 (26.6%) were detected. Mixed HPV genotypes 16 + 18, 16 + 18 + 31, 16 + 18 + 33, 18 + 33, 16 + 31 and 18 + 31 were found in 5.0%, 25.0%, 8.3%, 7.7%, 10.0% and 13.3% of cancer cases respectively. Only 3 benign breast tumour tissues (12.5%) and none of the healthy breast tissue specimens were HPV-DNA-positive. The detection of high-oncogenic HPV genotypes in patients with breast cancer supports the hypothesis of an etiologic role for the virus in breast cancer development.

RÉSUMÉ Des études ont suggéré qu'un lien était possible entre la pathogénèse du cancer du sein et l'infection à papillomavirus humain. L'étude menée en Iraq a utilisé la méthode d'hybridation in situ pour déterminer la fréquence du papillomavirus humain et pour son génotypage dans les échantillons de tissus prélevés auprès de 129 patientes ayant reçu un diagnostic de cancer du sein malin, de 24 patientes porteuses d'une tumeur du sein bénigne et de 20 femmes témoins en bonne santé. Dans le groupe des patientes atteintes d'un cancer du sein, différents génotypes de papillomavirus humain ont été détectés dans 60 échantillons de tissus conservés (46,5 %). Parmi ceux-ci, on peut citer les génotypes 16 (55,5 %), 18 (58,4 %), 31 (65,0 %) et 33 (26,6 %). Les associations de génotypes de papillomavirus humain 16 + 18,16 + 18 + 31, 16 + 18 + 33, 18 + 31, 16 + 31 et 18 + 33 ont été observées chez 5,0 %, 25,0 %, 8,3 %, 6,7 %, 10,0 % et 13,3% des cas de cancer respectivement. Seuls trois échantillons de tissu mammaire tumoral bénin (12,5 %) étaient positifs pour l'ADN de papillomavirus humain tandis qu’aucun échantillon de tissu mammaire sain ne l’était. La détection de génotypes du papillomavirus humain hautement oncogènes chez les patientes atteintes de cancer du sein vient appuyer l'hypothèse du rôle étiologique du virus dans l'apparition d'un cancer du sein.

Effect of acid hydrolysis and fungal biotreatment on agro-industrial wastes for obtainment of free sugars for bioethanol production

This study was designed to evaluate selected chemical and microbiological treatments for the conversion of certain local agro-industrial wastes (rice straw, corn stalks, sawdust, sugar beet waste and sugarcane bagasse) to ethanol. The chemical composition of these feedstocks was determined. Conversion of wastes to free sugars by acid hydrolysis varied from one treatment to another. In single-stage dilute acid hydrolysis, increasing acid concentration from 1 % (v/v) to 5 % (v/v) decreased the conversion percentage of almost all treated agro-industrial wastes. Lower conversion percentages for some treatments were obtained when increasing the residence time from 90 to 120min. The two-stage dilute acid hydrolysis by phosphoric acid (1.0 % v/v) followed by sulphuric acid (1.0 % v/v) resulted in the highest conversion percentage (41.3 % w/w) on treated sugar beet waste. This treatment when neutralized, amended with some nutrients and inoculated with baker's yeast, achieved the highest ethanol concentration (1.0 % v/v). Formation of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were functions of type of acid hydrolysis, acid concentration, residence time and feedstock type. The highest bioconversion of 5 % wastes (37.8 % w/w) was recorded on sugar beet waste by Trichoderma viride EMCC 107. This treatment when followed by baker's yeast fermentation, 0.41 % (v/v) ethanol and 8.2 % (v/w) conversion coefficient were obtained.

Effect of acid hydrolysis and fungal biotreatment on agro-industrial wastes for obtainment of free sugars for bioethanol production.

This study was designed to evaluate selected chemical and microbiological treatments for the conversion of certain local agro-industrial wastes (rice straw, corn stalks, sawdust, sugar beet waste and sugarcane bagasse) to ethanol. The chemical composition of these feedstocks was determined. Conversion of wastes to free sugars by acid hydrolysis varied from one treatment to another. In single-stage dilute acid hydrolysis, increasing acid concentration from 1 % (v/v) to 5 % (v/v) decreased the conversion percentage of almost all treated agro-industrial wastes. Lower conversion percentages for some treatments were obtained when increasing the residence time from 90 to 120 min. The two-stage dilute acid hydrolysis by phosphoric acid (1.0 % v/v) followed by sulphuric acid (1.0 % v/v) resulted in the highest conversion percentage (41.3 % w/w) on treated sugar beet waste. This treatment when neutralized, amended with some nutrients and inoculated with baker's yeast, achieved the highest ethanol concentration (1.0 % v/v). Formation of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were functions of type of acid hydrolysis, acid concentration, residence time and feedstock type. The highest bioconversion of 5 % wastes (37.8 % w/w) was recorded on sugar beet waste by Trichoderma viride EMCC 107. This treatment when followed by baker's yeast fermentation, 0.41 % (v/v) ethanol and 8.2 % (v/w) conversion coefficient were obtained.

Safe blood transfusion practices in blood banks of Karachi, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Since 1997, legislations pertaining to safe blood transfusion (SBT) have evolved considerably in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the SBT practices in the blood banks of Pakistan. METHODS: Twenty-three blood banks were randomly selected from a list of registered 40 in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan. To evaluate the SBT practices in the selected blood banks, a questionnaire and a checklist were administered during 2007-2008. RESULTS: Of the 23 blood banks surveyed, 4 (17%) were affiliated with government or a semi-government institution; 16 (70%) blood banks had a healthy donor recruitment program and 2 (9%) of the blood banks agreed that they recruited remunerated (paid) blood donors. Donors were screened for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis by all 23 blood banks, whereas malaria was screened by all blood banks but one. CONCLUSION: SBT practices in Karachi have improved since 1995; an active role by the government in policy-making has proven effective.

Human papillomavirus infection in women with and without cervical cancer in Karachi, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: No data exist on the population prevalence of, or risk factors for, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in predominantly Muslim countries in Asia. METHODS: Cervical specimens were obtained from 899 married women aged 15-59 years from the general population of Karachi, Pakistan and from 91 locally diagnosed invasive cervical cancers (ICCs). HPV was detected using a GP5+/6+ PCR-based assay. RESULTS: The prevalence of HPV in the general population was 2.8%, with no evidence of higher HPV prevalence in young women. The positivity of HPV was associated with women's lifetime number of sexual partners, but particularly with the age difference between spouses and other husbands' characteristics, such as extramarital sexual relationships and regular absence from home. The HPV16/18 accounted for 24 and 88% of HPV-positive women in the general population and ICC, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cervical cancer prevention policies should take into account the low HPV prevalence and low acceptability of gynaecological examination in this population.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting as bilateral renal enlargement in a child.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case with early presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as bilateral renal masses and renal failure. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 6-year-old boy was admitted with bilaterally enlarged kidneys and severe renal impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral renal enlargement with features suggestive of an infiltrative lesion. Accordingly, bone marrow examination was performed, and diagnosis of ALL was made. The patient developed acute renal failure after initiation of chemotherapy, so he received hemodialysis. His renal function normalized and kidney enlargement regressed. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates an unusual early renal involvement in ALL in a child. MRI is a valuable imaging modality in the evaluation of renal masses.

Asthma prevalence and severity among primary-school children in Baghdad.

To measure asthma prevalence and severity among children in Baghdad, we randomly sampled 3360 primary-school children and had their parents complete standardized questionnaires. The response rate was 86%, male to female ratio was 0.75:1 and age range was 6-12 years. Prevalence of wheezing ever was 25.0%. Wheezing during the last 12 months was 19.9% and 2.9% of the children had more than 12 attacks. Parents reported nocturnal wheezing for 16.3% of the children and severe attacks that limited speech for 10.5%. Prevalence of asthma ever was 22.3%. Asthma was detected in 81.9% of those with wheezing in the last 12 months. Males were predominant among children with wheezing ever, whereas females were predominant among children with asthma ever. Prevalence rates of asthma and of severe asthma symptoms decreased with increasing age.

Asthma prevalence and severity among primary-school children in Baghdad

To measure asthma prevalence and severity among children in Baghdad, we randomly sampled 3360 primary-school children and had their parents complete st and ardized questionnaires. The response rate was 86%, male to female ratio was 0.75:1 and age range was 6-12 years. Prevalence of wheezing ever was 25.0%. Wheezing during the last 12 months was 19.9% and 2.9% of the children had more than 12 attacks. Parents reported nocturnal wheezing for 16.3% of the children and severe attacks that limited speech for 10.5%. Prevalence of asthma ever was 22.3%. Asthma was detected in 81.9% of those with wheezing in the last 12 months. Males were predominant among children with wheezing ever, whereas females were predominant among children with asthma ever. Prevalence rates of asthma and of severe asthma symptoms decreased with increasing age

A new approach to modelling substrate inhibition.

Substrate inhibition, which is one of the most frequently observed phenomena in the biological treatment of industrial wastewaters, has been the subject of numerous studies. Yet there are still cases which cannot be adequately described by the existing models. In this paper, a review of substrate inhibition approaches was made. A new model is proposed that assumes a common mechanism for substrate and product inhibition. The model is a continuous function having a maximum growth rate at the critical substrate concentration, beyond which the growth rate decreases as the substrate concentration is increased. The model also predicts the maximum substrate concentration where the growth ceases. The model was tested using existing data in the literature to assess the model response and predictability of critical points. The literature datahave been selected from the studies conducted on pure and mixed cultures in batch and continuous reactors for phenol and several phenolics as well as from the studies which employed the Haldane model. A curve fitting method was used to determine the model parameters. The fit of the model to the data was satisfactory, particularly for the substrate concentrations exceeding maximum growth rate.