Geospatial interpolation and hydro-geochemical characterization of alluvial aquifers in the Thal Desert, Punjab, Pakistan.

This study seeks to assess the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in the southern part of Thal Desert of Pakistan. The primary focus lies in identifying potential sources of contamination and evaluating their impact on groundwater and the ecosystem. Groundwater samples were collected from diverse sources including shallow hand pumps, tubewells, and dug wells, with depths ranging from 11 to 28 m. A comprehensive analysis was performed to scrutinize the physical, chemical, and microbial attributes of the samples. Utilizing visual aids like the Piper, Durov, and Gibbs diagrams, as well as Pearson correlation, scatter plots, Schoeller diagrams, and pie charts, the study evaluated the groundwater quality and its suitability for consumption. Results indicate that mineral infiltration from rainfall, domestic waste, and industrial effluents significantly affects groundwater quality, leading to widespread salinity. Weathering processes and ion exchange were identified as key factors contributing to elevate levels of bicarbonates, sodium, magnesium, and chloride ions. Employing the Water Quality Index (WQI) on 40 groundwater samples, findings reveal that 52.5% of samples demonstrated poor to not suitable quality, with 27.5% categorized as poor, 2.5% as very poor, and 22.5% not suitable consumption. Conversely, 47.5% of samples showcased good to excellent quality, with 25% rated as good and 22.5% as excellent. These findings provide valuable insights for hydrogeologists to develop appropriate strategies for water treatment and address any concerns related to groundwater quality.

Integrated study of quaternary aquifer for hydrostratigraphy and groundwater quality assessment in central Thal Doab, Punjab, Pakistan.

The groundwater resources in different areas of Pakistan are heading towards depletion along with the deterioration of quality due to over-abstraction and urbanization. The main focus of this study is to map the current hydrostratigraphical and hydraulic conditions of the late Quaternary aquifers in the central part of Thal Doab of Punjab Plains. To achieve the target, a comprehensive approach was employed combining geophysical investigations using electrical resistivity surveys (ERS) and physiochemical analysis of groundwater specimens collected from the study area. Careful calibration of resistivity models was performed by comparing them with lithologs to ensure their accuracy. The current groundwater conditions were assessed through thirty vertical electrical soundings (VES) using the Schlumberger electrode configuration up to 300m of AB/2. The interpreted results revealed the presence of four to six geo-electric sublayers comprising the intermixing layers of clay, silt, sand, gravel, and kankar inclusions. These layers exhibited very low (<20 Ω-m) to very high (>230 Ω-m) resistivity zones at various depth intervals. The developed 2D/3D models of aquifer systems identify the promising areas of good/fresh quality groundwater in the regions characterized by medium to very high resistivity mainly within the sand with gravel layers. However, lower resistivity values indicate the presence of marginally suitable/fair and saline/brackish groundwater showing the existence of fine sediments such as clays/silts. Additionally, twenty groundwater samples were collected to assess various parameters including pH, TDS, arsenic, fluoride, iron, nitrate, and nitrite. The spatial distribution of these parameters was visualized using 2D maps. The suitability of the groundwater for drinking consumption was evaluated in accordance with WHO guidelines.

Bilateral Subpectoral Interfascial Plane Catheters for Analgesia for Sternal Fractures: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVES: Sternal fractures occur after deceleration injuries such as falls and road traffic accidents. Recovery from isolated fractures is excellent, but mortality increases dramatically with concurrent chest injuries such as rib fractures and soft tissue injuries. Short-term complications include chest pain, which prevents patients from taking deep breaths and coughing, thereby predisposing them to chest infections. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 73-year-old woman with sternal fracture in whom enteral analgesia was inadequate and who was intolerant to intravenous opiates. CONCLUSIONS: The patient was successfully treated with a continuous infusion of local anesthetic into the subpectoral interfascial plane. We also discuss the use and potential benefits of the subpectoral interfascial plane block in the treatment of pain from sternal fractures.

Aneurysm neck diameter after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To determine aneurysm neck diameter change after endovascular repair (EVR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and its relationship to stent-graft diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cases of 73 patients with AAAs who underwent EVR were reviewed retrospectively: 68 had preoperative imaging available. Neck diameter was reviewed by a single observer (M.F.B.) on preoperative, immediate postoperative, annual, and most recent contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scans. Baseline and follow-up neck diameters were compared with the manufacturers' values for unconstrained stent-graft diameters. RESULTS: Intraobserver error was 2 mm. Aneurysm neck diameter increased from 21.8 mm (range, 17-28 mm) at baseline to 22.8 mm (range, 19-30 mm) postoperatively and 25.8 mm (range, 19-31 mm; P <.001) at a mean follow-up of 25.5 months (range, 6.2-60.8 mo). Neck diameter increase was more than 2 mm in 24 patients (33%). Mean change in the first, second, third, and fourth years was +1.63 mm, +0.52 mm, +0.25 mm, and +0.33 mm, respectively. Baseline mean stent-graft oversizing was 2.9 mm (13.7%; range, -1 to +8 mm), which decreased to 0.7 mm (range, -4 to +6 mm) at latest follow-up. Neck diameter exceeded stent-graft diameter (mean, 1.8 mm; range, 1-4 mm) in 21 cases (28%) and by more than 2 mm in five cases (6.8%). When neck diameter change was correlated with change in sac diameter, it was found to be insignificant (P =.24); however, it was significantly correlated with baseline oversizing (P =.01). CONCLUSIONS: After EVR, the aneurysm neck dilates, mostly in the first 2 years, by greater than 2 mm in one third of patients. This is possibly related to the presence of the endograft. The associated reduction of stent-graft oversizing warrants continued vigilance for proximal endoleak.