Fungal behavior and recent developments in biopulping technology.

Biological pretreatment of wood chips by fungi is a well-known approach prior to mechanical- or chemical pulp production. For this biological approach, a limited number of white-rot fungi with an ability to colonize and selectively degrade lignin are used to pretreat wood chips allowing the remaining cellulose to be processed for further applications. Biopulping is an environmentally friendly technology that can reduce the energy consumption of traditional pulping processes.

Psychosocial factors influencing quality of life in patients with primary brain tumors in Pakistan: an analytical cross-sectional study.

Objective: Despite quality of life (QoL) being recognized as an important outcome in neuro-oncology, there is a lack of research from Pakistan where sociocultural differences may influence QoL. This study aimed to measure the QoL in patients with primary brain tumors (PBTs) and assess its association with mental health outcomes and social support.

Results: Our study included a total of 250 patients, with a median age of 42 years (range 33-54 years).

Tailoring of neurosurgical practice during COVID-19 in a developing country: Insights gained and a way forward.

Background: The coronavirus disease-19 pandemic has aggravated the already neglected neurosurgical specialty in developing countries with a mounting shortage of specialists, long queues of operative patients, and a lack of adequate critical care units.

Methods: We have reviewed the innovative strategies adopted for maintaining an optimal surgical practice while ensuring team safety at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi Pakistan.

Results: There is already a scarcity of resources in developing countries.

Factors affecting well-being in brain tumor patients: An LMIC perspective.

Introduction: Brain tumor is a devastating and often fatal diagnosis; quality of life and patient well-being are important goals of treatment. This study addresses the gap in culture-specific literature exploring the needs and coping strategies of brain tumor patients within an LMIC setting.

Methodology: A qualitative approach was undertaken using an exploratory descriptive study design.

Developmental delay in a patient with single cerebral varix.

Background: Cerebral varices are intracranial venous anomalies that are characterized as thin-walled vessels, with a single layer of endothelium lining it and a thin lamina or fibrous connective tissue surrounding it. These varices are usually associated with vascular abnormalities such as arteriovenous malformations or developmental venous anomalies, but may rarely be found as isolated lesions as well. Diagnosis of these isolated lesions on imaging is a challenge, because it is a rare entity and can mimic a space occupying lesion in the brain.

Building the ecosystem for pediatric neuro-oncology care in Pakistan: Results of a 7-year long twinning program between Canada and Pakistan.

Background: Low- and middle-income countries sustain the majority of pediatric cancer burden, with significantly poorer survival rates compared to high-income countries. Collaboration between institutions in low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries is one of the ways to improve cancer outcomes.

Methods: Patient characteristics and effects of a pediatric neuro-oncology twinning program between the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada and several hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan over 7 years are described in this article.

Current Strategies for the Production of Sustainable Biopolymer Composites.

Rapid global population growth has led to an exponential increase in the use of disposable materials with a short life span that accumulate in landfills. The use of non-biodegradable materials causes severe damage to the environment worldwide. Polymers derived from agricultural residues, wood, or other fiber crops are fully biodegradable, creating the potential to be part of a sustainable circular economy.

Translation and validation of the Urdu version of the European organization for research and treatment of cancer core quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and brain module (QLQ-BN20) in primary brain tumor patients.

Introduction: This study translated and validated the Urdu version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Brain Module (QLQ-BN20) amongst patients with primary brain tumors (PBT) in Pakistan, and assessed the correlation of QoL with resilience, depression, and anxiety.

Methods: Translation of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 was performed as per EORTC guidelines. A survey comprising of Urdu translations of EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-BN20, Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale (RS-14) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was administered to patients with PBT at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Endovascular coil embolization of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms: review of a 15 year single center experience in Pakistan.

Objective: To assess the outcome of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysm over 15 years.

Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at the at Radiology Department of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical records from April 2003 to April 2018 of patients who received endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysm. Multiple variables reviewed included demographics, clinical presentation, aneurysm morphology, technique used, technique outcome and clinical outcome.

Resilience and its associated factors in brain tumor patients in Karachi, Pakistan: An analytical cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study assessed resilience in brain tumor patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan (a lower middle-income country; LMIC) and explored its relationship with patients' sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, social support, and mental health.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst adult (≥18 years) patients with brain tumor at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan. Resilience was assessed by Wagnild and Young's Resilience Scale, and patients' psychosocial characteristics by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Enriched Social Support Instrument.

Characterizing Fungal Decay of Beech Wood: Potential for Biotechnological Applications.

The biotechnological potential of nine decay fungi collected from stored beech logs at a pulp and paper factory yard in Northern Iran was investigated. Beech blocks exposed to the fungi in a laboratory decay test were used to study changes in cell wall chemistry using both wet chemistry and spectroscopic methods. , , and caused greater lignin breakdown compared to other white-rot fungi, which led to a 28% reduction in refining energy.

Comparison of the Decay Behavior of Two White-Rot Fungi in Relation to Wood Type and Exposure Conditions.

Fungal wood decay strategies are influenced by several factors, such as wood species, moisture content, and temperature. This study aims to evaluate wood degradation characteristics of spruce, beech, and oak after exposure to the white-rot fungi and . Both fungi caused high mass losses in beech wood, while spruce and oak wood were more resistant to decay.

Anaesthetic management of patients undergoing deep brain simulation: A retrospective review of 8 cases from a tertiary care center of Pakistan.

Objectives: To review anaesthesia related outcome, perioperative complications and overall length of stay (LOS) in hospital for patients who had deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods: The study was retrospective review of patients medical records diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD) and underwent DBS at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from 2017-2019. Data was reviewed from file notes and patient chart and recorded on predesigned Performa.

Pediatric Brainstem Gliomas: An Institutional Experience.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical profiles and outcomes of pediatric brainstem gliomas treated at our institute.

Methodology: We reviewed the files of 18 pediatric age group patients diagnosed with brainstem glioma at our institution. The following variables were recorded: age, sex, duration of symptoms, date of diagnosis, main clinical symptoms, Karnofsky performance status score, magnetic resonance imaging findings, histopathology findings, details of the treatment given, disease progression, and date of mortality/last follow-up.

How nano-wollastonite can change the fundamental properties of a wood fibre and rice straw composites?

The potential of using rice straw (RS) in combination with wood fibre in the production of medium density fibreboard was investigated. Nano-wollastonite (NW) was added to some of the panels to determine if it would enhance the physical and mechanical properties. It was found that satisfactory composite boards could be made with the addition of 10% RS to the wood fibre.

Natural decomposition of hornbeam wood decayed by the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor.

The impacts of white-rot fungi on altering wood chemistry have been studied mostly in vitro. However, in vivo approaches may enable better assessment of the nature of interactions between saprotrophic fungi and host tree in nature. Hence, decayed and sound wood samples were collected from a naturally infected tree (Carpinus betulus L.

Secretory paraspinal paraganglioma of thoracolumar spine: Case report and review of literature.

Background: Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine secreting tumors of the adrenal medulla chromaffin cells, however, when present extra-adrenally they are called paragangliomas. Paragangliomas rarely produce catecholamine in excess, which is evident by clinical symptoms, urine, and blood biochemistry. Total resection of these tumors can lead to complete clinical and biochemical resolution.

Primary anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in adults. Case report and review of literature.

Background: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) classified as a low Grade (WHO II) astrocytic neoplasm. It is known for its relatively favorable prognosis. It most commonly occurs in young adults.

Confusing presentation of chaetomium brain abscess.

We put forth the case of a young immunocompetent female who presented with fever and left basal ganglia bleed secondary to vasculitis. After 2 weeks of prednisolone therapy, she continued to deteriorate. MRI scan revealed enhancement of previous hematoma, pus was aspirated surgically and fungal culture grew Chaetomium.

Use of Levetiracetam in Prophylaxis of Early Post-Traumatic Seizures.

Aim: Traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The role of prophylactic anti-epileptic drugs has been established. Phenytoin used traditionally for this purpose carries a burden of adverse reactions and cumbersome need of monitoring and maintaining levels in serum.

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: An institutional perspective from Pakistan.

Background: The management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea has evolved over the last two decades. We present here a review of our 11-year data on CSF rhinorrhea and its management at a tertiary care hospital in a developing country, with particular reference to the diagnosis, surgical management and outcome of the disease.

Methods: The medical charts of all patients with a diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhea over an 11-year period were reviewed.

The study of etiologic and demographic characteristics of intracranial brain abscess: a consecutive case series study from Pakistan.

Background: To determine the demographics, management, bacteriological spectrum, and outcome of brain abscesses of patients brought to Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, with a history of neurologic symptoms and to examine the factors associated with it.

Methods: This hospital-based descriptive study included 53 patients from both sexes who presented to the neurosurgery section at AKUH from January 1, 2000, until December 31, 2008, with neurologic symptomatology and fulfilling other inclusion criteria. Data regarding their demographic profile and other factors were collected in a well-structured proforma.

Intracerebral migration of stray bullet leading to sudden and fatal worsening.

Gunshot wounds to the cranium are one of the leading cause of death and disability in young adults. Stray bullets are also being increasingly seen in clinical setting. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy who sustained a stray bullet to the cranium during election festivities.