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We evaluated use of maribavir (MBV) for treatment of 15 episodes of refractory/resistant cytomegalovirus infection in 13 solid organ transplant recipients. Treatment failure due to treatment-emergent MBV resistance or early virological recurrence after MBV discontinuation occurred in 7 (47%) episodes. Sustained viral clearance was achieved in 6 (40%) episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus laniger) are natural inhabitants of deciduous forests. They live solitary in their natural habitat. Their captive behaviour was studied by taking two Asiatic black bear pairs as study subjects in Lahore Zoo, Pakistan. The study was based on the provision of environmental enrichments to the bear pairs. Each pair's pre-enrichment activity budget data was collected by scan sampling method of 70 h, documenting the cage area and behavioural ethogram. The observed behaviours were resting, eating, drinking, locomotion, aggression, urination, defecation, fighting, pacing, playing, foaming, cage exploration, and being out of view. Two different enrichments were installed for two pairs. The first pair was provided with a feeding enrichment consisting of a large wood log applied with small wooden branches on it, upon which food-filled plastic tires were hung. The second enrichment was installed in the second bear pair's cage, consisting of two wooden platforms attached to the ground with iron rods. A 20-h post-enrichment activity budget of both bear pairs was recorded and compared with their pre-enrichment activity budget. The results showed that there was a significant increase (p=0.003) in cage exploration by the installation of feeding enrichment while a significant increase was observed in cage exploration (p=0.04), drinking (p=0.04), and resting (p=0.001) behaviours by the installation of wooden platforms. All the other activities had no significant impact of both enrichments. This study revealed the significance of environmental enrichments on the activity budget of black bears in captivity and can be proved as footprints for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to examine trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) retention in silver carp fingerlings when fed with diet containing various organic acids. Five experimental diets such as D1 contains no supplemented organic acids, while D2 contain (malic acid 2%), D3 (citric acid 2%), D4 (formic acid 2%) and D5 (lactic acid 2%) were formulated. The feeding trial time was eight weeks. Throughout experiment, water quality parameters comprising of temperature, pH and DO was checked. Results showed that organic acid supplementation increase concentration of trace elements retention in silver carp fingerlings. The minimal activity retained by trace elements was observed in diets containing lactic acid. The results presented that best responses showed lactic acid in comparison of other dietary supplemented organic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding infection control measures among dental students of Allied Hospital Faisalabad. Study Design: A questionnaire based descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Dental Section of Allied Hospital Faisalabad, from Dec 2017 to Jan 2018. Material and Methods: A questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 178 (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th) dental students at Allied Hospital Faisalabad and convenience sampling technique was used. The self-administered questionnaire was comprised of 7 knowledge based, 11 attitudes based and 4 practice- based questions regarding knowledge about various infectious diseases, use of barrier techniques, vaccination status, post exposure prophylaxis, attitude towards infection control and practices related to it. First and second year students were asked about only knowledge and attitude-based questions while third and final year students were asked about all three aspects (knowledge, attitude and practice). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Variables were determined using chi square test, A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The response rate was 100% (all students were potential respondents). Results of the study revealed that 55.1%, 40.4% and 4.5% of the participants obtained poor, fair and satisfactory level of knowledge about infections and infection control in dentistry respectively. Most of the students showed positive attitude towards infection control measures. Overall, 97.8% of the students (3rd & 4th year) had been vaccinated for hepatitis B virus (nonsignificant difference, p=0.96) and only 56.2% were tested for post hepatitis B virus serology (non-significant difference p=0.94) while the vast majority 97.8% reported always wearing gloves, 71.9% wearing face mask, 58.4% wearing eye shield, 58.4% wearing head cap and 68.5% wearing gowns for all dental procedures with no significant difference between year of study. A significantly higher percentage of final year students (93.4%) showed positive attitudes towards the treatment of patients with infectious diseases as compared to only 81.3% of 3rd year, 71.7% of 2nd year and 62.7% of 1st years students (p=0.02). A great number of students reported nonsterile occupational percutaneous and mucous injuries while treating their patients. Conclusion: Our participants, had good attitude towards infection control in dentistry however they do not have satisfactory knowledge regarding infection control measures and their clinical practice also needs improvement. These findings highlight the necessity of continued infection control education among dental students of AHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH) is a common oral health issue of interlinking causes. It can affect one or more teeth and followers of any age group. It is a painful consequence of exposed dentinal tubules of a vital tooth. There is an increased cognizance that DH has become an important condition that requires investigation from the diagnostic and problem management paradigm. The objectives of this study are to estimate the frequency of dentine hypersensitivity, to investigate various factors associated with this health problem and to determine which teeth are commonly affected amongst patients visiting Allied Hospital Faisalabad (AHF). Study Design: Descriptive Cross-sectional study. Setting: Diagnostic Department of Allied hospital Faisalabad. Period: 1st December 2016 to 31th December 2016. Material and Methods: After taking permission from Head of Department and Medical Superintendent of Allied Hospital Faisalabad, two hundred patients were examined after taking verbal consent. Clinical examination form/questionnaire was used to investigate and diagnose dentine hypersensitivity. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and variables were determined using Chi-square tests (p < 0.05 considered significant). Results: Out of two hundred patients, forty-seven were found be having dentine hypersensitivity, resulting frequency of dentine hypersensitivity in this sample was 23.5% and there was significant association between dentine hypersensitivity and factors i.e. erosion, attrition and gingival recession but near significant association for gastric reflux and no association for abrasion. It was more common in females and in age group of 18-30 years. Lower incisors were commonly affected teeth and predominantly affected site was buccal surface. Cold was the most common stimulus. Gingival recession was the most common factor. Conclusion: There was association between dentine hypersensitivity and its associated risk factors like gingival recession, attrition and erosion. Patients with hypersensitivity are more likely to be younger, to be female, to have a high prevalence of gingival recession and using horizontal tooth brushing technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]