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[Display omitted] • The Subathu Formation shales in the Himalayan Foreland Basin (HFB) are analyzed for the source potential and reservoir characterization. • The hydrocarbon source potential varies from poor to excellent. • Most of the generated hydrocarbons (91%–99%) have migrated. • Reservoir characterization shows high clay content (average of 54.5%) in basal part and higher silica content in the middle and top parts of the Subathu Fm. The Late Paleocene to Middle Eocene Subathu Formation shales in the prospective Himalayan Foreland Basin (HFB) were investigated to assess their source potential and reservoir characteristics. The organic-geochemical analysis of the investigated samples reveals that the total organic carbon (TOC) content ranges from 0.3 to 42.4 wt%, with an average value of 7.5 wt%. The visual kerogen assessment (VKA), the modified van Krevelen diagram and the HI versus Tmax crossplot indicate the prevalence of type III (gas-prone) kerogen. This is supported by the presence of significant amounts of vitrinite and inertinite group macerals, suggesting deposition in proximity to the source (e.g., swamp forest) in nearshore paludal (marshy) environments. The maximum pyrolysis yield temperature (Tmax) values range between 340 °C and 607 °C, suggesting immature to postmature gas generation stage. The vitrinite reflectance (Ro) values of the basal shale sequence range from 1.16 to 3.6 %, and their high maturity is attributed to their proximity to a major backthrust. The estimated hydrocarbon generation, migration, and retention data suggest a 91%–99% expulsion of hydrocarbons from the Subathu Fm shale. The bulk mineralogical data confirm the dominance of clay minerals (average 54.5%), which decreases up-section, where the younger shales have lesser clays and higher silica content. The kerogen type, richness and level of maturation along with the poor brittleness support a low fracability potential of the basal Subathu shales for tight gas production. A regional comparison is attempted with the Patala Formation in the Potwar Plateau of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recommended treatment of chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is interferon and ribavirin. Most patients develop side effects during treatment. Weight loss is one of the side effects of interferon therapy. Present study was conducted at Pakistan Medical and Research Centre (PMRC), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi from January 1998 - December 2010, to find out the frequency, extent of weight loss, its recovery after interferon therapy and the impact of weight loss on treatment response. Body weight was recorded on regular outpatient visits i.e initially, then at 1, 3 and 6 months of treatment and six months post treatment. Out of 260 patients, 176 (67.7%) observed statistically significant weight loss (p<0.05), on completion of therapy as compared to initial visit. Weight loss during interferon therapy was found to be independent of age, gender, treatment outcome, serum albumin, haemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet count. Body weight returned to baseline within six months after completion of treatment in most cases.

Objective: To study the presentation of Achalasia and compare the response of pneumatic dilatation with surgery., Methods: Retrospective analysis of patient's records (January 2000-December 2005) from outpatients department of Pakistan Medical Research Council), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi was done. All patients with Achalasia were analyzed. As a protocol endoscopy, esophageal manometry, esophageal transit time and barium swallow was done to establish the diagnosis. Surgery and endoscopic guided pneumatic dilatation were offered to these patients as treatment options. Patients undergoing surgery or pneumatic dilatation were later followed to assess the efficacy and those not responding to second dilatation were also operated and follow up of all these cases were noted., Results: Forty-six patients (24 males, 22 females) with a mean age of 39.8 +/- 15.9 years were analyzed. Dysphagia was the primary symptom in thirty eight patients (83%) followed by vomiting and epigastric pain. Pneumatic dilatation was performed in 32 out of forty-six patients. Out of these cases 22 (69%) had single, and 10 (31%) had two dilatations. Two patients (6%) had perforation, one required emergency surgery, another patient was managed conservatively and recovery was unremarkable. Six patients (19%) later required surgery. Fourteen cases opted for surgery as a primary treatment. Out of 20 patients operated, four (20%) required post operative dilatation and one (5%) developed gastro-esophageal reflux., Conclusions: Achalasia is prevalent in young age, in both sexes almost equally. Pneumatic dilatation is safe and effective, as it can be managed on outpatient basis with little morbidity and 81% success rate. Surgery is still an effective procedure with comparable 80% success rate.