Effect of single-dose intravenous tranexamic acid on postoperative nasal bleed in septoplasty

ObjectivePostoperative nasal bleeding is a common complication of septoplasty and may lead to painful procedure of nasal packing to stop bleeding. Since Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been reported to reduce bleeding, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of single dose of intravenous TXA on postoperative nasal bleed associated with septoplasty.Materials and methodsThis prospective randomized, double-blinded clinical trial consisted of 176 patients aged 18–55 years who underwent septoplasty for symptomatic deviated nasal septum. These participants were randomly divided into 2 groups; 88 patients were given normal saline (Control group) and 88 patients were administered a single shot of intravenous TXA 10 mg/kg (TXA group). Operative technique applied was same in all cases. At the end of surgery nasal packs, nasal splints or trans-septal suturing were not done. Nasal bleeding was monitored after surgery and up to 2 weeks postoperatively.ResultsPatients receiving TXA showed significantly less postoperative nasal bleeding compared with controls. Extensive bleeding in terms of number of gauze pads used and duration was also higher in placebo with a statistically significant difference (all P = < 0.05). Seven patients required nasal packing in control group to stop bleeding as compared to one patient in TXA group. Adverse reactions to TXA were minimal, and these were easily managed conservatively.ConclusionSingle intravenous dose of TXA is shown to be effective and safe agent in preventing postoperative nasal bleeding after septoplasty therefore avoiding additional techniques of nasal packing, intranasal splint or trans-septal suturing during surgery.     

Insight into prognostics,diagnostics, and management strategies for SARS CoV-2

The foremost challenge in countering infectious diseases is the shortage of effective therapeutics. The emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has posed a great menace to the public health system globally, prompting unprecedented endeavors to contain the virus. Many countries have organized research programs for therapeutics and management development. However, the longstanding process has forced authorities to implement widespread infrastructures for detailed prognostic and diagnostics study of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS CoV-2). This review discussed nearly all the globally developed diagnostic methodologies reported for SARS CoV-2 detection. We have highlighted in detail the approaches for evaluating COVID-19 biomarkers along with the most employed nucleic acid- and protein-based detection methodologies and the causes of their severe downfall and rejection. As the variable variants of SARS CoV-2 came into the picture, we captured the breadth of newly integrated digital sensing prototypes comprised of plasmonic and field-effect transistor-based sensors along with commercially available food and drug administration (FDA) approved detection kits. However, more efforts are required to exploit the available resources to manufacture cheap and robust diagnostic methodologies. Likewise, the visualization and characterization tools along with the current challenges associated with waste-water surveillance, food security, contact tracing, and their role during this intense period of the pandemic have also been discussed. We expect that the integrated data will be supportive and aid in the evaluation of sensing technologies not only in current but also future pandemics.

The foremost challenge in countering infectious diseases is the shortage of effective therapeutics.     

DFT-based study of the structural,optoelectronic, mechanical and magnetic properties of Ti3AC2 (A = P,As, Cd) for coating applications

The first-principles approach has been used while employing the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof exchange-correlation functional of generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA) along with the Hubbard parameter to study the structural, optoelectronic, mechanical and magnetic properties of titanium-based MAX materials Ti₃AC₂ (A = P, As, Cd) for the first time. As there is no band gap found between the valence and conduction bands in the considered materials, these compounds belong to the conductor family of materials. A mechanical analysis carried out at pressures of 0 GPa to 20 GPa and the calculated elastic constants C_ij reveal the stability of these materials. Elastic parameters, i.e., Young''s, shear and bulk moduli, anisotropy factor and Poisson''s ratio, have been investigated in the framework of the Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximation. The calculated values of relative stiffness are found to be greater than ½ for Ti₃PC₂ and Ti₃AsC₂, which indicates that these compounds are closer to typical ceramics, which possess low damage tolerance and fracture toughness. Optical parameters, i.e., dielectric complex function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, absorption coefficient, loss function, conductivity and reflectivity, have also been investigated. These dynamically stable antiferromagnetic materials might have potential applications in advanced electronic and magnetic devices. Their high strength and significant hardness make these materials potential candidates as hard coatings.

The first-principles approach has used the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof exchange-correlation functional of generalized gradient approximation along with the Hubbard parameter to study various properties of titanium-based MAX materials Ti₃AC₂ (A = P, As, Cd).     

Effects of abrupt changes in cycle length on atrial refractory periods in man

While the electrophysiologic effects of sudden changes in cycle length on the His-Purkinje System and ventricular myocardial refractoriness are better known, the behavior of atrial myocardium in this regard is poorly understood. The effects of an abrupt long to short cycle length change (11 patients: group A) and/or short to long cycle length alteration (18 patients: group B) on the atrial effective and functional refractory period were assessed during electrophysiologic studies. The values thus obtained were compared to those observed during the scanning of both constant long and constant short cycle lengths of the same duration. In group A the effective and functional refractory periods of the right atrium measured 250 +/- 38 msec and 296 +/- 31 msec during a constant long cycle length of 709 +/- 80 msec, whereas the same parameters had values of 228 +/- 30 msec and 260 +/- 32 msec, respectively, at a constant short cycle length of 436 +/- 81 msec. With an abrupt change in cycle length from long to short (a change of 273 +/- 75 msec), the effective and functional atrial refractory periods were 225 +/- 29 and 267 +/- 29 msec in that order, and these values closely approximated those seen with a constant short cycle length. Similarly, the two atrial refractory period parameters in group B measured 218 +/- 16 msec and 262 +/- 19 msec during a constant short cycle length of 414 +/- 68 msec and were 236 +/- 17 msec and 284 +/- 21 msec, respectively, at a constant long cycle length of 689 +/- 92 msec.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Association Contributes to Cr Accumulation and Tolerance in Plants Growing on Cr Contaminated Soils

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are well known root symbionts in heavy metal polluted soils. To assess AM fungal association and their contribution to the host plants naturally growing on a highly chromium (Cr) contaminated soil, the present study has been undertaken. The soil of the study site was contaminated with 32,562 ppm Cr coming from tannery industry. The study site was dominated by Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Croton bonplandianum Baill and Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. High mycorrhizal colonization (31–83%) and low spore population (5–11 spores/g) was recorded. The diversity of AM fungi was very low because of stress caused by Cr. Only seven AM fungal isolates have been recovered. Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices, Funneliformis geosporus and Glomus sinuosum have been recovered from two hosts, while, Rhizophagus fasciculatus, Glomus aggregatum and Acaulospora scrobiculata from single host only. Cr accumulation in the roots were analyzed through AAS and correlated with various mycorrhization parameters. The results of correlation through PCA showed that, various mycorrhization parameters were under strong influence of Cr accumulation in the roots. Furthermore, all the AM fungi showed certain adaptive features like compact sporocarp, thick spore wall, sloughing outermost wall layer and formation of water stable aggregates. Low species diversity, high mycorrhizal colonization, presence of adaptive features and strong correlation of mycorrhizal parameters with the Cr accumulation in the roots clearly indicated that, these AM fungi have contributed to the Cr accumulation and tolerance to the host plants in Cr sludge deposit.

     

Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in male adults in Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with HCV infection in Islamabad-Rawalpindi. METHODS: Fifty-seven cases and 180 controls were enrolled from various departments of the nine major hospitals of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad during July-September 1998. Cases were enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) positive for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV), aged 20-70 years, and residents of Islamabad or Rawalpindi division. Controls were anti-HCV ELISA negatives of the same age range and from the same area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic variables and potential risk factors, which was analysed by logistic regression to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk factors. RESULTS: The final multivariate logistic regression model revealed that after adjusting for age, cases were more likely to have received therapeutic injections in the past 10 years (1-10 vs. 0 therapeutic injections; adjusted OR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.1-7.1; > 10 vs. 0 therapeutic injections; adjusted OR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.2-7.9) and were significantly more likely to have daily face (adjusted OR=5.1, 95% CI: 1.5-17.0) and armpit shaves (adjusted OR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.3-6.5) by a barber. CONCLUSION: HCV control and prevention programs in this region should include safe injection practices and educate men about the risk of HCV infection from contaminated instruments used by barbers.