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The urban environment of every city of Pakistan has been degraded because of open dumping and burning of organic wastes along with other wastes. The focus of this study was to evaluate the fruit and vegetable wastes for methane generation through biomethanation process. After collection, various parameters such as alkalinity, volatile fatty acids, pH, lignin content, moisture content, total solids, volatile solids, fixed carbon, and elements (C, H, N, O, S) of waste samples were determined by using standard methodology. Anaerobic biodegradability of fruit and vegetable wastes was observed from 54 to 77% and from 59 to 87% along with their methane generation potential in the range of 258-367 NmL /gmVS and 274-407 NmL/gmVS, respectively. Further, the effect of feedstock to inoculum ratio was studied. The result of that showed that lower methane potential at a higher ratio and vice versa was observed. It was concluded that at a lower feedstock to inoculum ratio, fruit as well as vegetable wastes become more feasible for the biomethanation process. The study recommends that the conversion of fruit and vegetable wastes into methane gas by anaerobic digestion plays a significant role to save urban environment of the country.

In this study an effect of acidic pre-treatment on the CS (Canola Straw) and BD (Buffalo Dung) by anaerobic co-digestion was investigated. H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide) is a mainly accustomed reagent, used as a bleaching agent in the different industries such as paper and wood. In the present study, it was used as a pre-treatment chemical at varying concentrations in batch reactors. The co-digestion of CS and BD was carried out in SAMPTS (Semi-Automatic Methane Potential Test System) at mesophilic (37±1oC) conditions. The CS was pretreated in glass bottles with different concentrations of the H2O2 for seven days. The inoculum used in the present study was an effluent of the CSTR (Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor), which was treating BD at mesophilic conditions. The specific methane production from the codigestion of canola straw and BD, by the pre-treatment of H2O2 at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% were 530.8, 544.5, and 510.3 NmL CH4 g/VS, respectively. The significant reduction in the volatile solids of CS was observed at the optimum pre-treatment of 1.0% H2O2.

The SRRMs (Steel Re-Rolling Mills) are being releasing air pollutants in the environment. In order to evaluate their effect on the health of the workers, health and safety issues were analyzed by first measuring the concentrations of SO x (OIxides of Sulphur), NO x (Oxides of Nitrogen), CO (Carbon Monoxide) and O2 (Oxygen) produced in the three SRRMs located in SITE area Hyderabad. The mean concentration of SO x , NO x and CO were in the order of 0.35, 0.280, 6.333 ppm, respectively, whereas the mean concentration of O 2 was 203.53 thousand ppm. As per results, the concentration ofair pollutants, including SOx and NO x were significantly higher than to the NEQS (National Environmental Quality Standards) and NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards). The concentration ofCO was lower than to the NAAQS, but higher than to the NEQs, while the concentration of O2 was slightly lower than to the standard value. The workers who were exposed to these air pollutants are being suffering from chronic diseases related to breathing and allergies. Moreover, labour staff was lifting heavy loads manually, which causes them to muscular and joint problems. In all the SRRMs under study, the electrical and mechanical equipments were used without any safety. The MSDS were not displayed on the workstations, the housekeeping was inadequate and most of the workers were performing their jobs without personal protective equipment. In addition to these, the other serious issues related to the occupational health and safety were an unhygienic supply of water, higher noise level, placement of explosive cylinders in the open atmosphere and unavailability of the first aid facilities in the Mill premises.

The urban environment of every city of Pakistan has been degraded because of open dumping and burning of organic wastes along with other wastes. The focus of this study was to evaluate the fruit and vegetable wastes for methane generation through biomethanation process. After collection, various parameters such as alkalinity, volatile fatty acids, pH, lignin content, moisture content, total solids, volatile solids, fixed carbon, and elements (C, H, N, O, S) of waste samples were determined by using standard methodology. Anaerobic biodegradability of fruit and vegetable wastes was observed from 54 to 77% and from 59 to 87% along with their methane generation potential in the range of 258-367 NmL /gmVS and 274-407 NmL/gmVS, respectively. Further, the effect of feedstock to inoculum ratio was studied. The result of that showed that lower methane potential at a higher ratio and vice versa was observed. It was concluded that at a lower feedstock to inoculum ratio, fruit as well as vegetable wastes become more feasible for the biomethanation process. The study recommends that the conversion of fruit and vegetable wastes into methane gas by anaerobic digestion plays a significant role to save urban environment of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study an effect of acidic pretreatment on the CS (Canola Straw) and BD (Buffalo Dung) by anaerobic co-digestion was investigated. H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide) is a mainly accustomed reagent, used as a bleaching agent in the different industries such as paper and wood. In the present study, it was used as a pretreatment chemical at varying concentrations in batch reactors. The co-digestion of CS and BD was carried out in SAMPTS (Semi-Automatic Methane Potential Test System) at mesophilic (37±1oC) conditions. The CS was pretreated in glass bottles with different concentrations of the H2O2 for seven days. The inoculum used in the present study was an effluent of the CSTR (Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor), which was treating BD at mesophilic conditions. The specific methane production from the codigestion of canola straw and BD, by the pretreatment of H2O2 at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% were 530.8, 544.5, and 510.3 NmL CH4 g/VS, respectively. The significant reduction in the volatile solids of CS was observed at the optimum pretreatment of 1.0% H2O2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal pretreatment is one of the most eco-friendly and less energy consuming method. Abundant species of fungus are accountable for degrading the roots. This study examined the influence of pretreatment of isolated fungal strains for methane production through co-digestion. Three different strains (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sojae , and Aspergillus terrerus) were identified from the rice plant roots after isolation. Strains were applied on same rice straw (RS) prior to use in anaerobic digestion at 7 d, 15 d and 30 d, named as group A, B and C respectively. Pretreated and untreated RS mixed with buffalo dung (BD) in a ratio of 30:70. Results indicated that pretreatment with A. terreus was most optimal in group B as compared with A. niger and A. sojae , whereas the methane production of 204.7, 181.3 and 167.6 mL CH 4 g-1VS was observed. While, maximum biodegradability (about 16.6%) was analyzed in the group C respectively. The Gompertz model show best fitted to experimental methane and the process even under biological conditions was statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). Thus, isolated fungus appears as a good potential strategy for increasing methane generation. Image 1 • Isolate fungal strains A. niger, A. sojae and A. terreus are used to pretreat RS before its AcoD. • Fungal decrease of VS and increase methane production as a function of incubation time. • Pretreated with A. terreus at 15th day improved methane by 32.2% in anaerobic digester. • Modified Gompertz model showed the best fit among all fungal strain groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately one half of patients develop ascites within 10 years of diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis. It is a poor prognostic indicator, with only 50% surviving beyond two years. Mortality worsens significantly to 20% to 50% at one year if the ascites becomes refractory to medical therapy. Pakistan has one of the highest prevalence of viral hepatitis in the world and patients with ascites secondary to liver cirrhosis make a major percentage of both inpatient and outpatient burden. Studies indicate that over 80% of patients admitted with ascites have liver cirrhosis as the cause. This expert opinion suggests proper assessment of patients with ascites in the presence of underlying cirrhosis. This expert opinion includes appropriate diagnosis and management of uncomplicated ascites, refractory ascites and complicated ascites (including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) ascites, hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and hyponatremia. The purpose behind this expert opinion is to help consultants, postgraduate trainees, medical officers and primary care physicians optimally manage their patients with cirrhosis and ascites in a resource constrained setting as is often encountered in a developing country like Pakistan., (Copyright: © Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.)

Objective: Achalasia Cardia is treated by Pneumatic balloon dilatation, Heller's Myotomy and recently, by Peroral Esophagaeal Myotomy. This study reports the efficacy of pneumatic balloon dilatation as a non-surgical motility in achieving relief of dysphagia, clinical improvement and recurrence. Long-term complications were reported., Methods: Eight hundred ninety two adult achalasia patients of both genders were treated from January 1988 till December 2011, with pneumatic balloon (Rigiflex Microvasive ® ) dilatation, under fluoroscopy Barium swallow was obtained prior to and five minutes after dilatation to evaluate for efficacy of dilatation as well as for complications. Patients not responding to 30 mm balloon had repeat dilatation with 35 mm balloon after 8 weeks. All patients were enrolled in regular follow up at one, six months and yearly intervals up to a period of five years. Recurrence was defined as an increase in symptom score at 8 weeks greater than 50% of their baseline value. These patients were treated with 35 mm balloon or referred for surgical intervention., Results: Of 892 patients, follow up was obtained in 50% for 5 years, 9.2% for 4-years), 9.3% for 3-years, 10% for 2-years and 21.5% for 1-year of patients. One patient died after repeat dilatation. Eighty-eight patients were excluded from this analysis (20 died due to non-procedure related causes and another 68 were lost during follow up). Statistically significant improvement was noted in reduction in height and width of barium column and symptom score coupled with weight gain during follow up. Forty-eight patients were subjected to repeat dilatation with 35 mm balloon, two of these developed post-procedure perforations with one mortality. Three non-responsive patients required surgical laparoscopic myotomy. No carcinoma of esophagus was reported during follow up. One patient post dilatation, developed esophageal bezoar. A single pneumatic dilatation achieved a remission rate of 93% at four years, 90% at three years, 95% at two years and 92% at one year post dilatation., Conclusion: Achalasia of esophagus can be effectively and safely treated with balloon dilatation to achieve adequate short and long-term symptomatic relief with a low complication rate.