Importance of Screening of Patients for HBV and HCV before Elective Surgery

Objective: Objective of this study was to emphasize on the importance of screening for hepatitis B and C before undergoing elective surgery.Patients & Methods: This study was done on 110 patients who were planned for surgery. These patients were admitted in surgical ward-4 of Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur. The duration of study was fom January 2017 to August 2017. These cases were screened for HBV and HCV by ELISA technique. Tests were done in Government laboratory of the hospital which is well equipped with a trained faculty. Which patients had previous reports older than 3 months of ELISA for HBV –DNA and HCV-RNA their test was repeated by the laboratory of hospital. Results:  Out of 110 cases 60(54.5%) were males and 50(45.4%) were females. In ELISA technique 18(16.3%) were positive for anti HCV antibodies and 12(10.9%) were positive for HBsAg antigen. Out of 18 cases 10(55.5%) were males and 8(44.4%) were females. Similarly among 12 cases positive for HBV of which 5(41.6%) were males and 7(58.3%) were females. Their age was ranging from 24 to 55 years with mean age of 37.5 years.Conclusion: The screening of patients for hepatitis B and hepatitis C is very important before any sort of surgery so that necessary measures may be taken by the doctors and nurses for protection from HBV and HCV

Comparison of the depth of cure of flowable composites polymerized at variable increment thicknesses and voltages: An In vitro study

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the depth of cure of two composite materials (SDR and Filtek bulk-fill) cured at variable increment depths (2, 4, and 6 mm) and voltages (180 and 220 volts). Materials and Methods: Each sample of the composite material was packed in a mold of 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm and curing light (quartz tungsten halogen) of optimal intensity was exposed for 20 s at 2 different voltages on each specimen. After curing, the specimens were removed and the composite on the nonexposed end was scraped with a plastic instrument. The remaining composite thickness was measured using a digital Vernier caliper. The reading was divided by half to follow the ISO 4049 method. Independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression analysis were applied. Level of significance was kept at 0.01. Results: The mean DOC of SDR and Filtek were 1.93 ± 0.82 and 1.77 ± 0.65 mm. Lowering the voltage from 220 to 180 volts reduced the depth of Filtek from 1.87 ± 0.74 to 1.67 ± 0.54 mm, whereas the DOC of SDR remained unchanged at 1.93 mm at the two voltages. The adjusted R2 for the depth of cure was 0.93 when the increment thickness, voltage, and restorative material were taken together in the regression model. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference between SDR and Filtek for the depth of cure at 2 and 4 mm increments. However, at 6 mm increment, the SDR cured significantly deeper than the Filtek. Around 91% variation in the depth of cure of these composites materials is explained by increment thickness alone

Genetic diversity analysis of Bemisia tabaci populations in Pakistan using RAPD markers

Abstract Background: The Bemisia tabaci is one of the most devastating pests of agricultural crops and ornamental plants worldwide. The genetic diversity and biotype status of the Bemisia tabaci in Pakistan was assessed by using random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). A total 80 samples of B. tabaci collected from 14 districts of the Punjab province and 7 districts of the Sindh province were included. Results: All 10 primers screened in this study generated 151 scorable amplification products, of which 117 or 77% were polymorphic. Pairwise Nei and Li\u2019s similarity had ranged from 0.25 to 0.88 among all individuals analyzed. Based on Nei and Li\u2019s similarity coefficients Bemisia populations were grouped into 3 main clusters and clearly distinguished the non B biotype from the B biotype. Conclusion: The level of similarity among populations of same biotypes was high whereas between populations of non B and B biotypes appeared to be less closely related. This analysis showed that non B biotype is prevalent in both provinces however B biotype is restricted to few locations in Sindh. This monitoring of the spread of B. tabaci in Pakistan will assist in the establishment of appropriate management strategies

Sub-categorization of Pediatric Small Round Blue Cell Tumors using Immunohistochemistry

Introduction: The category of Small Round Blue Cell Tumors includes neoplasms that are undifferentiated and contain similar-looking growth of small round blue cells having bigger nuclear size as compared to the cytoplasm (high N/C). It includes Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Synovial Sarcoma, Ewings Sarcoma/ Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Hepatoblastoma, Retinoblastoma, Neuroblastoma, Neuroendocrine carcinoma, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, Dysgerminoma, and Wilm's tumor. Immunohistochemistry can be very helpful in the accurate diagnosis of this diverse group of tumors. Objective: The objective of the study is to sub-categorize pediatric malignant small round blue cell tumors using immunohistochemistry. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional studySetting: Meezan private lab, Faisalabad, PakistanDuration of study: 4 years, from January 2017 to December 2020.Sample size: 46 cases.Sampling technique: Non-probability purposive samplingMaterials and Methods: 46 cases, which fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for the study. All these cases were subjected to immunohistochemistry. The IHC technique used was based on the Peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) method. Based on site and morphological clues, initially Leukocyte common antigen (LCA), Myogenin, Cytokeratin (CK), Desmin, Chromogranin, Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), S-100, Smooth Muscle Actin (SMA), and CD99 were used. Further immune stains panels were used afterward, as and when needed like CD20, CD3, CD30, BCL2, CD117, Ki-67, Tdt, Synaptophysin, SMA, CD56, Melan A, HMB45, and WT1.Results: Among all the malignant Small Round Cell Tumors, Rhabdomyosarcoma was the highest in frequency i.e. 8 (17.4%), followed by Ewing’s sarcoma/PNET 7(15.2%). Both Diffuse Large B cell lymphoma and Neuroblastoma were 5 each in number (10.9%). Non-Hodgkins lymphoma as a whole was 13 (28.2%), including 5 cases (10.9%) of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, 4 cases (8.7%) of T lymphoblastic lymphoma, 3 cases (6.5%) of Burkitt’s lymphoma, and only 1 case (2.2%) of NK/T cell lymphoma.Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry is an essential tool for accurate sub-categorization of pediatric small round blue cell tumors

Biosynthesis of lovastatin using agro-industrial wastes as carrier substrates

Purpose: To compare fungal strains including Aspergillus flavipes GCBL-72, Aspergillus flavus GCBL-60, and Aspergillus niger GCBL-45 and determine whether solid- or liquid-state fermentation (SSF or LSF) is more appropriate for lovastatin production using various inexpensive raw materials.Methods: LSF and SSF techniques were used to produce the drug lovastatin.  High-performance liquid chromatography was performed out to quantify lovastatin production. A kinetic growth model was applied to estimate product formation at the expense of substrate utilization.Results: Aspergillus flavus GCBL-60 was a superior lovastatin-producing strain consuming wheat bran as the raw material in SSF. The optimum lovastatin production was 28.36 ± 0.76 mg/100mL at 35 °C, pH 5.5, inoculum size 2 mL, 96 h incubation time, and 60 % moisture content. Evaluation of the kinetic growth parameters for lovastatin production confirmed that product formation was improved after fermentation parameter optimization.Conclusion: Our results indicate that Aspergillus flavus GCBL-60 was best  lovastatin-producing strain and that SSF was superior to LSF for maximum  production. Careful optimization can enhance product formation.Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, Kinetics, Optimization, Lovastatin, Solid-State Fermentation, Raw material

Sub-categorization of Pediatric Small Round Blue Cell Tumors using Immunohistochemistry

Introduction: The category of Small Round Blue Cell Tumors includes neoplasms that are undifferentiated and contain similar-looking growth of small round blue cells having bigger nuclear size as compared to the cytoplasm (high N/C). It includes Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Synovial Sarcoma, Ewings Sarcoma/ Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Hepatoblastoma, Retinoblastoma, Neuroblastoma, Neuroendocrine carcinoma, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, Dysgerminoma, and Wilm's tumor. Immunohistochemistry can be very helpful in the accurate diagnosis of this diverse group of tumors. Objective: The objective of the study is to sub-categorize pediatric malignant small round blue cell tumors using immunohistochemistry. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional studySetting: Meezan private lab, Faisalabad, PakistanDuration of study: 4 years, from January 2017 to December 2020.Sample size: 46 cases.Sampling technique: Non-probability purposive samplingMaterials and Methods: 46 cases, which fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for the study. All these cases were subjected to immunohistochemistry. The IHC technique used was based on the Peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) method. Based on site and morphological clues, initially Leukocyte common antigen (LCA), Myogenin, Cytokeratin (CK), Desmin, Chromogranin, Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), S-100, Smooth Muscle Actin (SMA), and CD99 were used. Further immune stains panels were used afterward, as and when needed like CD20, CD3, CD30, BCL2, CD117, Ki-67, Tdt, Synaptophysin, SMA, CD56, Melan A, HMB45, and WT1.Results: Among all the malignant Small Round Cell Tumors, Rhabdomyosarcoma was the highest in frequency i.e. 8 (17.4%), followed by Ewing’s sarcoma/PNET 7(15.2%). Both Diffuse Large B cell lymphoma and Neuroblastoma were 5 each in number (10.9%). Non-Hodgkins lymphoma as a whole was 13 (28.2%), including 5 cases (10.9%) of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, 4 cases (8.7%) of T lymphoblastic lymphoma, 3 cases (6.5%) of Burkitt’s lymphoma, and only 1 case (2.2%) of NK/T cell lymphoma.Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry is an essential tool for accurate sub-categorization of pediatric small round blue cell tumors

Online Self-Disclosure Through Social Networking Sites Addiction: A Case Study of Pakistani University Students

Social networking sites provide a virtual platform for socialization, interaction, and entertainment. The overuse of social networking sites has become a global phenomenon, especially among young generations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the addiction elements of social networking sites and the impact of such an addiction on online self-disclosure. Additionally, the moderation effect of openness and extraversion was also analysed. Data from university students in Pakistan was gathered online using the Google survey application. In total 290 samples were gathered and examined. SPSS and AMOS software programmes were used to analyse data. Findings confirmed that young generations tend to have greater online self-disclosure due to social networking sites addiction. Both moderation results also showed a significant relationship between social networking sites addiction and online self-disclosure. The results of the current study are also used as a guideline for making policies related to social networking sites addiction

Cancer in Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib, Pakistan: 2017-2019; an Observational study

Introduction: The Punjab Cancer Registry's catchment area includes the districts of Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib. It is an observational, descriptive study that covers the three years from 2017 to 2019, evaluating the distribution of cancer in these two districts. Material and Methods: Data on incident cancer cases diagnosed between 2017 and 2019 among residents of Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, reported by the participating centers of the Registry, were reviewed retrospectively. Figures and proportions for adults, children, and adolescents were computed. Results: During 2017 and 2019, 5,678 cases were reported from Faisalabad and 390 from Nankana Sahib, with over 50% seen in females. In both districts combined, among adult females, cancers of the breast, reproductive system, and hepatobiliary system were commonly diagnosed, while cancer of the lip/oral cavity/pharynx, hepatobiliary system, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were the leading diagnoses among adult males. In children and young adults (0-19 years), acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were the most common diagnoses. Conclusion: The cancer distribution reported from Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib is of utmost importance. However, the underreporting of cancer cases cannot be ruled out. More input from the collaborators is needed to ensure the completeness of cancer surveillance in the region

SmartSIM - a virtual reality simulator for laparoscopy training using a generic physics engine

International audienceVirtual reality (VR) training simulators have started playing a vital role in enhancing surgical skills, such as hand–eye coordination in laparoscopy, and practicing surgical scenarios that cannot be easily created using physical models. We describe a new VR simulator for basic training in lapa-roscopy, i.e. SmartSIM, which has been developed using a generic open‐source physics engine called the simulation open framework architecture (SOFA). This paper describes the systems perspective of SmartSIM including design details of both hardware and software components, while highlighting the critical design decisions. Some of the distinguishing features of SmartSIM include: (i) an easy‐to‐fabricate custom‐built hardware interface; (ii) use of a generic physics engine to facilitate wider accessibility of our work and flexibility in terms of using various graph-ical modelling algorithms and their implementations; and (iii) an intelligent and smart evaluation mechanism that facilitates unsupervised and independent learning