Targeting N-acyl-homoserine-lactones to mitigate membrane biofouling based on quorum sensing using a biofouling reducer.

Exploring novel biological anti-quorum sensing (QS) agents to control membrane biofouling is of great worth in order to allow sustainable performance of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for wastewater treatment. In recent studies, QS inhibitors have provided evidence of alternative route to control membrane biofouling. This study investigated the role of Piper betle extract (PBE) as an anti-QS agent to mitigate membrane biofouling.

Causes and consequences of the deficiencies of the lower limbs in the Republic of Guinea.

Purpose: According to the last general census of 1996, the deficiency of lower limbs is the main cause of handicap in the Republic of Guinea. The objective of this study that took place in 2008 in Conakry is to analyze the main causes of this phenomenon, as well as to understand the reasons of their increase within the Guinean capital.

Method: Our survey covered 244 Guineans out of which 170 men and 74 women were living in Conakry, aged between 10 and 68 years old (±12,6).

Schools as potential vaccination venue for vaccines outside regular EPI schedule: results from a school census in Pakistan.

Background: Vaccines are the most effective public health intervention. Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) provides routine vaccination in developing countries. However, vaccines that cannot be given in EPI schedule such as typhoid fever vaccine need alternative venues.

A literature review on the role of chemical sphincterotomy after Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

Objective: A literature review of agents used to induce chemical sphincterotomy after hemorrhoidectomy.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched from January 1935 to August 2010.

Results: Two randomized controlled trials compared calcium channel blockers (Ca2) with placebo.

A meta-analysis of outcomes after open and laparoscopic Nissen's fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in children.

The objective of this study is to meta-analyse the published literature comparing outcomes after open (ONF) versus laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in children. Electronic databases were searched from January 1993 to October 2009. A systematic review was performed to obtain a summative outcome.

Elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease has fewer complications than conventional surgery: a meta-analysis.

Background: We performed a meta-analysis of published literature comparing the complications after open and laparoscopic elective sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched from January 1991 to March 2009. A systematic review was performed to obtain a summative outcome.

Procedure indications and outcome of percutaneous coronary interventions in a tertiary care hospital.

Objective: To determine clinical indications and one month outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) in a tertiary care centre.

Methods: We prospectively conducted a descriptive study on 259 symptomatic coronary artery disease patients, who underwent primary, rescue or elective PCI with stent deployment at the Tabba Heart Institute, from May 2005 to September 2006. The primary objective of the study was to identify--stable angina, unstable angina, Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), congestive heart failure (CHF) and cardiogenic shock) and thirty days outcome of PCI in terms of mortality, peri-procedural myocardial infarction, re-infarction and stent thrombosis.

Gastrointestinal somatization in males and females with depressive disorder.

Objective: To assess gastrointestinal symptoms among depressed patients presenting in an outpatient psychiatric clinic.

Methods: All consecutive and consenting cases of depressive disorder presenting to the clinic from Jan' 02 to Dec' 05 were inducted in the study. A descriptive study was carried out in a clinical setting at the Neuro-Spinal Medical Institute, Karachi, Pakistan.

Pakistan: the new target of terrorism. Are Karachi's emergency medical response systems adequately prepared?

Objective: To assess the efficacy and preparedness of the pre-hospital and hospital emergency medical systems and post graduate trainees in the city to deal with a massive terrorist strike.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of postgraduate trainees was conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center and Civil Hospital Karachi from 21st July 2007 to 24th July 2007, to evaluate the preparedness and self identified deficiencies of doctors involved in massive trauma casualty management. To assess the pre-hospital care in Karachi, structured telephonic interviews were conducted of administrators of two private run charity based ambulance services.

Outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a tertiary care cardiac centre.

Objective: To determine the outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a tertiary care cardiac centre.

Methods: Medical records of 104 consecutive patients presented in our hospital between January 2006 to December 2007 with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and treated with primary PCI as a mode of reperfusion were reviewed. The primary end point was in hospital mortality and secondary end points were 30 day mortality, myocardial infarction, recurrent angina and congestive cardiac failure, from discharge to one month follow up.

Intra-operative cardiac monitoring by trans-oesophageal Doppler is not risk free in surgical patients.

The advancement of medical technology and future improvements in public health will lead to surgeons operating on high risk patients. One of these advances is to use intra-operative trans-oesophageal Doppler (TOD) to optimise fluid management. TOD is known to be the most effective technique for intraoperative cardiac monitoring.

A simplified dental examination for detection of cavitated carious lesions in school setting.

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare a simplified dental examination involving the use of a wooden spatula and a toothpick (TS examination) with the conventional dental mirror and probe examination (MP examination) for detection of cavitated carious lesions in schoolchildren.

Methods: The study involved three groups of caries-positive schoolchildren aged 4-5, 9-10 and 13-14 years with 179, 188 and 202 children, respectively. All children were examined by a trained and calibrated examiner using a wooden spatula and a toothpick under natural light.

Correlation between corneal and scleral thickness in glaucoma.

Purpose: To assess the correlation between central corneal thickness (CCT) and anterior scleral thickness (ST) in patients of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), and ocular hypertension (OHT).

Patients And Methods: Consecutive patients with OHT, POAG, NTG, and normal individuals were recruited. CCT was measured by ultrasonic pachymetry, whereas ST was measured using ultrasonic biomicroscopy at the temporal quadrant, 2 mm posterior to the scleral spur.

RIDES: Robust Intrusion Detection System for IP-Based Ubiquitous Sensor Networks.

The IP-based Ubiquitous Sensor Network (IP-USN) is an effort to build the "Internet of things". By utilizing IP for low power networks, we can benefit from existing well established tools and technologies of IP networks. Along with many other unresolved issues, securing IP-USN is of great concern for researchers so that future market satisfaction and demands can be met.

Inverted Meckel's diverticulum causing intussusception in an adult.

Adult intussusception is rare, making-up only about 1% of the causes of bowel obstruction intussusception, secondary to an inverted Meckel's diverticulum, is also a rare occurrence. Chronic abdominal pain, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and recurrent obstructive symptoms may lead to an unnecessary delay in diagnosis. This case report describes a rare cause of adult intestinal intussusception due to inverted Meckel's diverticulum.

Caecal metastasis from breast cancer presenting as intestinal obstruction.

Background: Gastrointestinal metastsasis from the breast cancer are rare. We report a patient who presented with intestinal obstruction due to solitary caecal metastasis from infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast. We also review the available literature briefly.

A review of septic induced abortion cases in one year at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar.

Background: Working in a tertiary level hospital we get complicated cases as a result of termination or attempts at termination of unwanted pregnancies. Most of the patients that we get are complicated and need expensive treatments including surgery. This study was conducted to assess the out come of septic induced abortion cases in a year.

Colonic lipoma.

Lipoma of the colon is rare and may lead to intestinal obstruction. We have presented two cases of colonic lipoma. Both were elderly females, one presented with diarrhea and the other with sub-acute intestinal obstruction.