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Syed Zeeshan Haider Naqvi, Urooj Kiran, Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali, Asif Jamal, Abdul Hameed, Safia Ahmed, Naeem Ali Microbiology Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan Abstract: Biological synthesis of nanoparticles is a growing innovative approach that is relatively cheaper and more environmentally friendly than current physicochemical processes. Among various microorganisms, fungi have been found to be comparatively more efficient in the synthesis of nanomaterials. In this research work, extracellular mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was probed by reacting the precursor salt of silver nitrate (AgNO3) with culture filtrate of Aspergillus flavus. Initially, the mycosynthesis was regularly monitored by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, which showed AgNP peaks of around 400–470 nm. X-ray diffraction spectra revealed peaks of different intensities with respect to angle of diffractions (2θ) corresponding to varying configurations of AgNPs. Transmission electron micrographs further confirmed the formation of AgNPs in size ranging from 5–30 nm. Combined and individual antibacterial activities of the five conventional antibiotics and AgNPs were investigated against eight different multidrug-resistant bacterial species using the Kirby–Bauer disk-diffusion method. The decreasing order of antibacterial activity (zone of inhibition in mm) of antibiotics, AgNPs, and their conjugates against bacterial group (average) was; ciprofloxacin + AgNPs (23) > imipenem + AgNPs (21) > gentamycin + AgNPs (19) > vancomycin + AgNPs (16) > AgNPs (15) > imipenem (14) > trimethoprim + AgNPs (14) > ciprofloxacin (13) > gentamycin (11) > vancomycin (4) > trimethoprim (0). Overall, the synergistic effect of antibiotics and nanoparticles resulted in a 0.2–7.0 (average, 2.8) fold-area increase in antibacterial activity, which clearly revealed that nanoparticles can be effectively used in combination with antibiotics in order to improve their efficacy against various pathogenic microbes. Keywords: mycosynthesis, silver nanoparticles, antibacterial agents, Aspergillus flavus

We compared Aminocaproic acid with tranexamic acid, prospectively in 120 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were assigned to one of the 3 groups. Group A (n=40) did not receive any drug and acted as the control group. Group B (n=4) received aminocaproic acid 100 mg/kg each at anaesthetic induction, on bypass and after protamine reversal of heparin. group C (n=40) received tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg each at anaesthetic induction, on bypass and after protamine reversal of heparin. Postoperative blood loss at 24 hours, blood and blood product usage, and re-exploration rates were recorded, and tests for coagulation were performed at 6 hours postoperatively. It was found that blood loss in group A at 24 hours (780+/-120 mL) was significantly greater than Group B (360+/-90 mL) and Group C (215+/-70 mL). Plasma and platelet concentrate use in Group A (215+/-30 mL and 150+/-30 mL) was greater than Group B (190+/-20 mL and 75+/-30 mL) and Group C (185+/-20 mL and 80+/-30 mL). Re- explorations in Group A, 8/40 (20%) were greater than Group B, 2/40 (5%) and Group C, 2/40 (5%). Coagulation tests revealed better preservation of fibrinogen and lower levels of fibrin degradation products, in group B and C. These two groups were however statistically indistinguishable in respect to all the parameters studied, when compared with each other. It was concluded that both the antifibrinolytic agents in the doses studied were equally effective in reducing postoperative blood loss, blood and blood products usage and re-exploration rates. Coagulation parameters were better preserved as compared to the control group.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are a group of medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal systems, which include muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, that support the body and allow movement. In the context of workers in the unorganized sector, due to the nature of their profession, MSDs are expected, which often involve repetitive motions, heavy lifting, awkward postures, and other physical demands. Loss of money, decreased productivity, and a decline in quality of life are all possible consequences for the workers. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent and manage MSD among workers in the unorganized sector such as improving working conditions, providing training on safe work practices, and promoting early detection and treatment of MSD. The study aims to identify the variables that affect informal worker's quality of life. The researcher gathered the available data and suggested a few guidelines. The condition of employees may be improved with certain adjustments to the workplace, work tools, worker health, work duties, and work management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acquired laryngotracheal stenosis is a challenging condition for the otolaryngologist. The gold standard of treatment for a long time has been open surgical procedure but not without significant morbidities. To avoid morbidities, various endoscopic approaches like balloon dilatation, stenting, CO2 laser, and cryotherapy have emerged in the last decade. Coblation-assisted tracheoplasty is one such novel approach which enables the removal of target tissue with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this case series is to evaluate the use of bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) in the treatment of acquired adult tracheal stenosis. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series in a tertiary care center. The medical records of six patients with tracheal stenosis who were treated with coblation from March 2020 to December 2020 were reviewed. Patient presentation, surgical intervention(s), post-operative course, and complications were analyzed. Result: All six patients had acquired tracheal stenosis post-tracheostomy. Coblation along with balloon dilatation and Mitomycin-C were done for these patients. All six patients could be successfully decannulated without complications, perioperative, or post-operative sequalae. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that coblation may be an effective endoscopic tool for the treatment of tracheal stenosis. Further studies with a large number of patients are required as this technique comes more in application.