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Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious viral infection which is caused by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). The disease appears in cloven-footed animals. Symptoms of the disease are abrupt manifestation of sores on the mouth, nose, feet, etc. Nowadays the control and treatment of FMDV are becoming a worldwide economic problem and challenge for the society. Currently, there is no particular treatment available for FMDV, as well as the limitations and disadvantages in the use of vaccines divert the focus of researchers toward natural sources like plant extracts which possess potential antiviral activity. Various researches documented in the literature demonstrated various plant extracts with antiviral potency against FMDV. In the current chapter, we discussed about FMDV and its possible treatment with plant extracts.

Objectives:  The study determined the radiological outcomes of short-segment vs. long-segment fixation of thoracolumbar spine fractures. Materials and Methods:  A total of 322 patients (18 – 60 years) with thoracolumbar spine fractures were included. Preoperative X-rays and CT scans were performed on all patients to determine the integrity and orientation of the pedicle. Cobb's approach was also used to estimate the kyphotic angle on x-rays. The posterior pedicle 65 screw fixation was used in all instances. Group A (N = 161) received long segment fixation at least two levels above and below the fractured vertebra, while Group B (N = 161) received short segment fixation with pedicle screws placed in the broken level as well as one level above and below the fractured level. Results:  In Group A, the mean age was 38 years, and the mean length of fracture was 45 hours; in Group B, the mean age was 43 years, and the mean duration of fracture was 46.354 hours. A good radiological outcome was observed in 115 (71.4%) patients in group A as compared to 103 (64%) patients in group B. A radiological outcome (p-value: 0.049) of a duration greater than 8 hours was observed in both groups (A: 75.5%; B: 58.1%). Conclusion:  Short segment fixation using a pedicle screw at the level of fracture provides comparable correction to long segment fixation. Keywords:  Thoracolumbar Fractures, Short Segment, Long Segment, Radiological Outcome.

Background: Fungal infections are one of the most prevailing worldwide public health issues. Despite the commercially available antifungal drugs, side effects associated with these agents and resistance may lead to the development of antifungal drugs by using advanced technology. Main body of the abstract: In the current era, nanotechnology is one of the most predominant techniques with massive advantages in the field of medicines and medical sciences. In the last two decades, various nanostructures were developed based on metals, plants, and microorganisms. The aim of the review is to discuss all original researches and to review articles of the last two decades, including earlier and recent development in different types of nanostructures as an antifungal therapy. Published papers in the English language were searched and reviewed from the online databases from January 2007 till May 2021. The search engines included were PubMed, Google, Google scholar, and Sciencedirect. In all the databases, the keywords “fungi”, “antifungal”, “nanomaterials”, “nanostructures” and “nanotechnology” were used for literature search. Short conclusion: The innovative nanostructures are vital for the treatment of different strains of fungal infections i.e. from minor nail infections to major systemic fungal infections. Additionally, nanostructures also enhance the efficacy, solubility, penetration, and drug release to the targeted site of conventional antifungal agents.

One of the risk factor of cardiovascular disease in patients of maintenance hemodialysis is abnormalities in lipid profile. Deranged levels of cholesterol are related to increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis patients. Objectives: To determine the frequency of dyslipidemia under going maintenance hemodialysis at BVH, Bahawalpur. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Dialysis unit at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Period: January to May 2019. Material & Method: A total of 220 patients who were undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at dialysis unit BVH, Bahawalpur were included in the study. Pre-dialysis blood samples were taken for assessment of Sr. Cholesterol (Total), Sr. Triglycerides & Sr. HDL and were sent to Chemical Pathology Lab of QAMC, Bahawalpur on same day for processing. Results: Out of 220 patients, most of the patients were male (66.8%), history of smoking was present in 7.3% & mean duration of dialysis was 27.12 + 25.85 months. The mean of Sr. Cholesterol (Total), Sr. Triglycerides, Sr. HDL were 155.51+37.72 mg/dl, 135.54+89.27 mg/dl & 35.22+7.77 mg/dl respectively. Dyslipidemia was present in 80% of patients with most common being low HDL (71.8%). Conclusion: Patients of maintenance hemodialysis are having significant number of dyslipidemia leading to inflammation, accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular events.