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Unpredictable precipitation is a common problem for plant growth in India’s Deccan plateau, which is known for its poor soil and frequent droughts. Critical to the regulation of plant diseases and the enhancement of plant growth are root-colonizing rhizobacteria like Rhizobium. Isolating productive Rhizobium species from soil around the Eturnagram region’s cotton rhizosphere was the goal of a study carried out at Palamuru University. Rhizobium variant-5, currently known as Rhizobium sp. PKS [NCBI-OK663003, NCMR-MCC4960], was one of five different strains of Rhizobium isolated using the top layer method. It showed strong support for the growth of six different cotton cultivars. Out of the six cotton varieties tested, the Mahyco cultivar had the lowest proline levels while having higher amounts of IAA, proteins, chlorophyll, and sugars. The effectiveness of Mahyco was confirmed by experimental field testing conducted in four distinct cotton agricultural soils of Mahabubnagar District using Rhizobium sp. PKS [NCBI-OK663003, NCMR-MCC4960]. Deep black soil showed improved phytohormone synthesis and good biochemical alterations, whereas shallow black soil showed that the strains considerably enhanced plant development. Based on these results, the novel Rhizobium sp. PKS could be used as a bioinoculant in cotton fields on the Deccan plateau, which could improve agricultural yields despite the harsh conditions.

Resilience pertains to an individual’s ability to withstand, adapt, and recuperate from adversity and stress. As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the relationship between resilience and psychological well-being becomes essential. Preliminary observations suggest that those with a higher resilience tend to have better psychological well-being, indicating a possible symbiotic relationship between the two. This study was structured using a cross-sectional survey design. A convenience sampling technique was employed, including 631 respondents in South Africa. Data collection took place between June 11 and July 9, 2022, facilitated through a Google Forms questionnaire. This questionnaire encompassed various instruments, namely a biographical questionnaire, the CD-RISC 10, the WHO Well-being Index, the FACIT-Sp-12, and the PMHS. The findings from the collected data highlighted a strong correlation between resilience and overall well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. This elevation in resilience can be instrumental in augmenting psychological well-being. As such, interventions or programs aimed at enhancing individual and community well-being might benefit from incorporating elements that bolster resilience, especially during periods of global adversity.

Wet chemical method has been employed for syntheses of nickel ferrite nanoparticles by using nitrate salts of iron and nickel as starting materials. Synthesized product was characterized in terms of thermal stability (TGA), phase determination (XRD) and structure elucidation (FT-IR). Thermal stability of the product was confirmed by TGA studies. Particle size was investigated as a reference of degree and duration of annealing temperature. A linear relationship was observed for size variation of the nickel ferrite nanoparticles with degree of annealing temperature, while size of nanoparticles remains almost constant for different time interval of duration of the annealing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controversy surrounds regarding the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral precancerous and cancerous lesions in India where smokeless, tobacco consumption is rampant.Aims: The present study was carried out with an aim to investigate the presence and type of HPV infection in oropharyngeal leukoplakia and to determine the association of HPV positivity with various patient and lesion characteristics.Settings and Design: Prospective case series.Materials and Methods: A total of fifty confirmed cases of oral leukoplakia (OL), aged 18-55 years were enrolled in the study. Specimens were obtained from the site of lesion. All the specimens were subjected to histopathological analysis and HPV-16, 18 detection was done using real-time polymerase chain reaction technique.Results: Mean age of patients was 34.00 ± 8.85. Majority were males (62%), from middle social class (78%) and were educated up to graduation or above (54%). All the patients had one or more adverse habits (betel, chewing tobacco, smoking and alcohol) with mean duration of disease was 3.53 ± 3.05 years. Five patients (10%) had diabetes. Burning sensation (86%) and trismus (36%) were the reported complaints. Maximum were Stage II (50%), sized 2-4 cm2 (60%), homogenous (70%). Floor of mouth and tongue were most commonly involved sites (50%). Majority had mild dysplasia (58%). Acanthosis (66%), hyperplasia (62%), koliocytosis (40%), and keratosis (98%) were quite common. HPV (16/18) could not be detected in any specimen.Conclusions: The present study highlighted the fact that association of HPV with oral leukoplakia seems to be overestimated and needs to be reexamined with consensus Human papilloma virus (HPV) primers to detect HPV types with more valid empirical relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new tetracyclic triterpene ester (1) has been isolated from the chloroform-soluble portion of the whole plant of Nepeta suavis along with two known compounds, namely artemetin (2) and jaceidin (3). The structures of the isolated compounds were assigned on the basis of their 1H and 13C NMR spectra including two-dimensional NMR techniques such as COSY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments and comparison with the literature data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Selection of specialty in medical graduates is a challenging job. Consultants and residents are suffering from some unknown discomfort. The aim of this study was to survey the resident's selection and their wish to change it and analyze the factors responsible for this wish. Methods: Cross sectional survey was done on residents of different specialty working in different hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad (Pakistan) with the help of selfmade questionnaire from 2012 to 2014. SPSS 21 was used to analyze the result. Results: We gave a total of 1200 questionnaires out of which 946 questionnaires were completely filled. Out of 946 residents, 48.5% (459) were male residents whereas 51.5 % (487) were female residents. Majority of residents 75.4% (713) did not want to change their specialty whereas 24.6% (233) wanted to change their specialty if they would have been provided with such opportunity. Patient Contact, Interesting Diseases and Hospital based careers were the 3 main reasons for selecting a particular specialty. Night duties, Clinical Work and heavy work load were the 3 main causes for having the desire to leave their current specialty. Conclusion: Awareness should be given to medical students during their MBBS program about the challenges they would face in different specialty. Proper sessions should be arranged to help students realize their actual interest and identify field which would suit their temperament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overuse of fertilizers on agricultural lands and fish ponds may result in serious pollution problems, such as heavy metals that can enter the food chain and pose serious health problems. Due to this, the present study investigates the incidence of heavy metals in commonly used fertilizers and its association with heavy metals in vegetables, soil, fish species, and pond water. Samples were collected from different sites (fields and ponds) in district Kohat, where the application of fertilizers was common and control groups (no fertilizers used). Heavy metal analysis was carried out through a spectrophotometer. Results showed higher Cd and Cr concentrations in triple superphosphate (TSP), Cu and Pb in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), while lower concentrations were found in gypsum. In vegetables (onion, tomato, brinjal, and potato) and associated soil, most of the heavy metals concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in fertilizer-applied sites than in the control. Also, the Cd concentration in potatoes and Pb level in all vegetables obtained from sites were greater than the WHO/FAO standard limit. In the case of fish species (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Cyprinus carpio) muscles and their habitat (water), all the understudy heavy metals were notably higher (P < 0.05) in fertilizer-applied sites (ponds) than the control group. Collectively, in all vegetables and muscles of fish species, the bioaccumulation factor was higher in sites compared to the control. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) values were also higher in fertilizer-applied sites (fields and ponds) than control. The health index (HI) value was > 1 in vegetables (onion, tomato, and potato) and fish muscles collected from different sites compared to the control. Thus, there is the possibility of severe health risks. The use of fertilizers must be carefully monitored in order to ensure that humans and animals are safe from exposure to heavy metals., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Alkyl silica membranes and wires were synthesized by a sol-gel method, which has the capacity to control the size of the particles or membranes by controlling the reactions. Trimethoxyoctylsilane (C 8 TMOS) was used as a chemical surfactant; poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as an emulsifier, dissolved in butanol for emulsion; and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as a precursor and a source of silica. An assembly of silica wires was fabricated on glass and cotton substrates by the dip-coating technique. Porous membranes and silica wires were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The contact angles of all of the samples were in the range of 140-154° as measured by ImageJ software, which confirmed the hydrophobic nature of the samples. The contact angle was increased by increasing the amount of the surfactant. Phase changes of silica wires and membranes were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. Chemical bonds of the sample were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The band gap of silica nanowires was measured to be 3.8-3.4 eV using the UV-visible spectrum and decreased as compared to that of bulk silica. These silica-based porous membranes with enhanced transport properties can be used in filtration and separation techniques. This fabricated hybrid silica membrane showed ∼96% salt rejection within a permeation flux of 3.04 L/m 2 h., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2022 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Nanotechnology is capturing great interest worldwide due to their stirring applications in various fields. Among nanoparticles (NPs), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) NPs have been widely used in daily life and can be synthesized through various physical, chemical, and green methods. Green synthesis is a non-toxic, cost-effective, and eco-friendly route for the synthesis of NPs. Plenty of work has been reported on the green, chemical, physical and biological synthesis of TiO 2 NPs and these NPs can be characterized through high tech. instruments. In the present review, dense data have been presented on the comparative synthesis of TiO 2 NPs with different characteristics and their wide range of applications. Among the TiO 2 NPs synthesis techniques, the green methods have been proven to be efficient than chemical synthesis methods because of the less use of precursors, time-effectiveness, and energy-efficiency during the green synthesis procedures. Moreover, this review describes the types of plants (shrubs, herbs and trees), microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and algae), biological derivatives (proteins, peptides, and starches) employed for the synthesis of TiO 2 NPs. The TiO 2 NPs can be effectively used for the treatment of polluted water and positively affected the plant physiology especially under abiotic stresses but the response varied with types, size, shapes, doses, duration of exposure, metal species along with other factors. This review also highlights the regulating features and future standpoints for the measurable enrichment in TiO 2 NPs product and perspectives of TiO 2 NPs reliable application., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a widespread chronic liver disease. It is considered a multifactorial disorder that can progress to liver fibrosis and cause a worldwide public health concern. Coffee consumption may have a protective impact on NAFLD and liver fibrosis. However, the evidence from the previous studies is inconsistent. This meta-analysis summarizes available literature., Materials and Methods: This study comprises two meta-analyses. The first meta-analysis summarizes the effect of coffee consumption on NAFLD in those who did or did not drink coffee. The second analysis compares the risk of liver fibrosis development between NAFLD patients who did or did not drink coffee. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and confidence intervals (CI) of observational studies were estimated., Results: Of the total collected 321 articles, 11 met our eligibility criteria to be included in the analysis. The risk of NAFLD among those who drank coffee compared to those who did not was significantly lower with a pooled RR value of 0.77 (95% CI 0.60-0.98). Moreover, we also found a significantly reduced risk of liver fibrosis in those who drink coffee than those who did not drink in the NAFLD patients with the relative risk (RR) of 0.68 (95% CI 0.68-0.79)., Conclusions: Regular coffee consumption is significantly associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD. It is also significantly associated with decreased risk of liver fibrosis development in already diagnosed NAFLD patients. Although coffee consumption may be considered an essential preventive measure for NAFLD, this subject needs further epidemiological studies., (Copyright © 2020 Fundación Clínica Médica Sur, A.C. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study was conducted assess the frequency of suicide attempt among the transgender population and analyse the relationship of depression and other socio-demographic factors with the suicide attempt Cross-sectional study., Methods: The sample population comprised of one hundred and forty-eight transgender people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Suicidal attempt was assessed by the simple question that "Have you ever performed an action with the intent to take your own life in your life time?" Answer of yes or no was recorded. Hamilton rating scale for Depression (HAM-D) was used to look for the presence of depression among the target population. Relationship of the age, smoking, family income, illicit substance use and depression was studied with the presence of suicidal attempt among these transgender population of twin cities of Pakistan., Results: A total of 148 transgender people were included in the final analysis. Mean age of the study participants was 38.24±3.18. Out of these, 70.9% had no suicidal attempt in their whole life while 29.1% had one or more suicidal attempts during the course of their life. Twelve had more than one suicidal attempt while 19 had attempt in last one year. Fifty-five did not showed depression while 93 had depression on HAM-D. With binary logistic regression we found that presence of depression and low income had significant association with the presence of suicidal attempt among the target population., Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of suicidal attempts among the transgender population of twin cities of Pakistan. Routine screening for mental health problems should be performed on this high-risk group and adequate employment resources should be generated in order to enable them to earn their livelihood and prevent them from making attempts to take their own life.

Monodispersed and transparent hybrid silica wires were synthesized by the sol-gel method using the chemical surfactant trimethoxyoctylsilane (C 8 TMOS or C 11 H 26 O 3 Si) and, for the first time, by green surfactants ( Nelumbo nucifera /lotus leaf extract). The purpose was to introduce a less toxic, cost-effective, and one-step easy approach to get superhydrophobic silica films. Each of the surfactants was used at two different concentrations to investigate hydrophobicity of the films. Assembly of silica wires was obtained by dip-coating and vacuum filtration methods on glass and cellulose acetate filter paper as substrates, respectively. The water contact angle (CA) up to 154° was measured for hybrid silica films on filter paper, which revealed their superhydrophobicity as compared to hydrophobic behavior of those films coated on a glass substrate with CA up to 135°. Chemical, optical, and structural properties of prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The hybrid silica wires prepared displayed good transparency, low surface energy, and superhydrophobicity. These silica assemblies can create outstanding and multifunctional structures with superhydrophobic coatings for waterproof electronic devices, military uniforms, self-cleaning surfaces, etc., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Introduction: Approximately 10% of breast cancer patients will present with solid organ metastases, while up to 30% will develop metastatic disease during their treatment course. Liver metastases are usually treated with systemic chemotherapy. Although colorectal liver metastases are routinely resected, this is not yet the standard of care for breast cancer-related liver metastases. This review examines the evidence for resection of breast cancer-related liver metastases., Methods: A systematic review identified 25 articles for inclusion, 12 papers concerning patients with isolated liver metastases, and 13 papers concerning patients with extrahepatic metastases. Data from 1080 patients were included., Results: Two hundred eighty patients underwent hepatic resections for breast cancer-associated metastases with no extrahepatic metastases. Reported 5-year survival ranged from 24.6 to 78%. Median overall survival ranged from 29.5 to 116 months. For patients with oligometastatic disease undergoing resection, 5-year survival ranged from 21 to 57%, with median overall survival ranging from 32 to 58 months. Reported 30-day morbidity ranged from 14 to 42% for isolated and multiple metastases., Conclusion: Hepatic resection can be considered in the management of breast cancer patients with isolated liver metastases as well as those with oligometastatic disease.

Our report aims to alert physicians performing endovascular aneurysm sealing with the Nellix endoprosthesis to the risk of rupture when endobag separation is noticed on computed tomography. Endobag separation when observed with acute presentation of abdominal pain is an indicator of imminent rupture and prompt interventional treatment should be undertaken.

Rice crop is sensitive to cold stress at seedling stage. A panel of population representing 304 shortlisted germplasm lines was studied for seedling stage chilling tolerance in indica rice. Six phenotypic classes were exposed to six low temperature stress regimes under control phenotyping facility to investigate response pattern. A panel of 66 genotypes representing all phenotypic classes was used for ensuring genetic diversity, population structure and association mapping for the trait using 58 simple sequence repeat (SSR) and 2 direct trait linked markers. A moderate level of genetic diversity was detected in the panel population for the trait. Deviation of Hardy-Weinberg's expectation was detected in the studied population using Wright's F statistic. The panel showed 30% variation among population and 70% among individuals. The entire population was categorized into three sub-populations through STRUCTURE analysis. This revealed tolerance for the trait had a common primary ancestor for each sub-population with few admix individuals. The panel population showed the presence of many QTLs for cold stress tolerance in the individuals representing like genome-wide expression of the trait. Nineteen SSR markers were significantly associated at chilling stress of 8°C to 4°C for 7-21 days duration. Thus, the primers linked to the seedling stage cold tolerance QTLs namely qCTS9, qCTS-2, qCTS6.1, qSCT2, qSCT11, qSCT1a, qCTS-3.1, qCTS11.1, qCTS12.1, qCTS-1b, and CTB2 need to be pyramided for development of strongly chilling tolerant variety.

The link between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and a subset of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL) is strongly supported by epidemiological studies. Evidence demonstrating complete regression of lymphoma after antiviral treatments suggests possible chronic antigenic stimulation for the origin of B-NHL and provides evidence for a virus-mediated lymphomagenesis. B-NHL is a heterogeneous group of lymphomas with varied clinical presentation and may be indolent or aggressive. The optimal management of HCV related B-NHL is not clear. Antiviral treatment may be sufficient for low-grade lymphomas, but chemotherapy is necessary in patients with high grade lymphomas. Interferon (IFN)-based antiviral treatment regimens for HCV infection are limited by poor tolerance and suboptimal antiviral response. Recently approved novel direct acting antiviral (DAA) drugs are highly effective and safe. This has opened a new era for the treatment of HCV related B-NHL alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy. Treatment of HCV associated B-NHL should be performed in an interdisciplinary approach in close consultation with hematologist and hepatologist. In this review, we summarize data regarding clinical features and epidemiology of B-NHL and discuss novel therapeutic approaches, including DAAs, that may prove to be effective in the treatment of HCV associated lymphomas.

Background: Honey has been familiar to possess antimicrobial potential to clear infection against burn wound infecting bacteria since ancient times. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the newly formulated honey ointment during the treatment of burn wound infections. The Experimental (Non comparative) study was conducted at outpatient department of Dermatology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from November 2009 to October 2010., Methods: The antimicrobial activity of different Pakistani floral sources (Acacia nilotica species indica, Zizyphus, Helianthus annuus and Carisa opaca) honey samples were investigated by disc diffusion method against freshly isolated burn wounds infecting bacteria. Ointment containing 20% active antimicrobial honey was formulated as a sovereign remedy. A total number of twenty patients with second degree of burn wounds on different parts of the body were studied. A thin layer of honey ointment on gauze was applied to the wounds two to three times a day up to the complete healing., Results: During microbiological study, Pakistani honey samples were discovered to exhibit a very promising antimicrobial activity against all the wound infecting microorganisms tested. Clinical trials demonstrated that the topical application of honey ointment have significant control of infections arising form pathogenic bacteria and up to 100% healing results were observed in all burn wound cases within mean healing time for the duration of 8.15 (3-18) days time period., Conclusion: Newly formulated ointment containing 20% active antimicrobial honey is more effective and low-cost alternative preparation for the treatment of burn wound infections.

Objectives: To review different clinical endocrine manifestation of polycystic ovarian syndrome in adolescent girls., Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Nov 2001 to Oct 2002. Adolescent girls diagnosed with polycystic ovaries on ultrasound seen in the out patients department for menstrual problems were included in the study. Their body mass index, waist hip ratio, hirsutism scoring was done. Serum FSH and LH were estimated to see the ratio. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS v.10., Results: A total of 52 unmarried girls between 15 to 25 years of age were included. Most of the girls were having oligomenorrhea (88%). While overweight girls were 34 (65%) and mild to moderate hirsutism was seen in 46 (88%). Serum FSH:LH ratio was normal in 25 (48%) and raised in 27 (52%). Earliest manifestation was hirsutism, and as body weight increased, there was linear increase in hirsutism and menstrual disturbances., Conclusion: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is affecting the lives of young unmarried girls. The clinical manifestations are variable with obesity playing the key role.

Background: Honey is a gift of nature, principally identified and valued to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity and has been used as a natural remedy of wounds since ancient times. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of honey against micro-organisms, to formulate a honey ointment and to evaluate the efficacy of such ointment by conducting clinical trials on skin wound infection., Methods: This experimental study was conducted at Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi and Out-patient Department of Dermatology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from November 2009 to October 2010. The antimicrobial activity of Pakistani floral sources (Trachysperm copticum, Acacia nilotica species indica, Zizyphus) honey samples was investigated by disc diffusion method against freshly isolated wound infecting bacteria (Staphylococci aureus, Staphylococci epidermidis, Streptococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Candida albicans), and Staphylococci aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9022, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Candida albican ATCC 15146. An ointment containing 20% active antimicrobial honey was formulated. The efficacy of such ointment was evaluated by passing thought clinical trials. A total number of 27 patients (23 skin wound infection, and 4 diabetic foot ulcer) were involved in the study. Thin layer of newly formulated honey ointment on gauze were applied two to three times per day till complete healing., Results: In microbiological assay the honey samples were found to exhibit a very promising antimicrobial activity against all the micro-organisms tested. In clinical trial very significant results (99.15%) healing was observed in skin wound infections cases with mean healing time of 5.86 (2-20) days, and 95% diabetic foot ulcers healed with the mean healing time of 20 (8-40) days., Conclusion: Newly formulated ointment containing 20% active antimicrobial honey is very effective and alternative low-cost product for the treatment of wound infections.

A common celiomesenteric trunk (CMT) is one of the several anatomic variations in the mesenteric circulation and occurs when the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries originate from a single common trunk. Because of its rarity, few lesions of the CMT have been reported. We herein present a case of atherosclerotic stenosis of the CMT of an 81-year-old female who presented with symptoms of mesenteric angina. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of endovascular treatment of CMT stenosis.

Antibiotic resistance development is an ongoing process associated with irrational antibiotic use. WHO recommends regular surveillance programs for monitoring of antibiotic resistance. The present study is a step in this direction. A total of 124 clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from different hospitals in Karachi. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility studies were carried out by agar dilution method using newer quinolones that included Gatifloxacin and Levofloxacin. It was observed that 50% (n=30) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to gatifloxacin. Gatifloxacin was more active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=23) and showing complete susceptibility with MIC 1mg/L except for three very resistant strains that shown resistance at even higher concentrations. Escherichia coli (n=45) has shown 15.5% and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=26) 34.61% resistance to gatifloxacin. Levofloxacin was more active against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showing complete susceptibility at 0.5 mg /L concentration. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were found to be resistant to Levofloxacin showing 36.36% and 23.08% resistance respectively. The study strongly recommends the adherence to the antibiotic policy and regular susceptibility testing to overcome the problem associated with antimicrobial resistance.

Objective: To establish intrauterine diagnosis of thalassaemia major in couples with thalassaemia trait by chorionic villous sampling., Methods: A total of 60 couples with children suffering from transfusion dependent beta-thalassaemia or couples who were known carriers of beta-thalassaemia were included in this study. The standard procedure was followed for the collection of samples which was finally transferred in appropriate medium to Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi for detection of thalassaemia mutation., Results: After DNA analysis of the submitted samples, no thalassaemia mutation was detected in the foetus in 24 cases. In 8 cases foetus were heterozygote for thalassaemia having a single mutation. In 28 cases, foetus were homozygous for beta-thalassaemia., Conclusion: Appropriate and extensive screening, accurate detection and counseling of at risk couples, along with antenatal diagnosis is a promising strategy for the reduction of mortality and morbidity from thalassaemia in countries where it is prevalent. Based on these results, it can be concluded that prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassaemia for prevention can be done using chorionic villous sampling.