car restoration

A Guide to Post-Flood Measures

August 11, 2011

Floods have become one most of the most destructive natural disasters for around two years now. It has destroyed homes and eroded precious land in several parts of the world. The destruction caused is often so enormous that it takes years to repair the damages, and the mental trauma encountered is colossal. Those who have lost their homes during these floods would appreciate a few helpful pointers that could aid them in bearing up with the consequences of such floods.

Monetary aid-

1. Firstly, something as basic as insurance can go a long way in helping you bear up with the repercussions of flood damages. Contact your insurance company and verify whether the policy you have opted for covers the damages you have suffered. Investing in flood insurance would be a sensible decision during such times because homeowner’s insurance policies do not extend their coverage to flood related losses.

2. Secondly, other voluntary service groups extend help to all those victims of flood-zones who have incurred huge losses. You can contact agencies such as local church groups, Red Cross, and civic clubs. During national declared disasters caused by floods, telephone hotlines distributing such information are made available.

Measures for safety after the flood-

The first impulse of those who have been forced to evacuate their homes during the floods is to enter their houses after the flood has subsided. However, you should venture inside only when the local officials have declared it as a safe residence. Exercise precaution and avoid entering if the water still stands inside your home.

1. Check whether the power lines inside your house are intact or not. Report to the local officials if you find any hazardous broken lines that have been lying under the water level. Turn off all such utilities before getting a thorough inspection and restoration done by professionals. Check your waterlines and sewage provisions systematically, because the water if infected can be a health hazard.

2. Next, inspect whether there has been a gas leak or not. Avoid switching on any electric appliance inside your house when you enter it because there is a risk of a fire in such cases. Use flashlights that use batteries for power generation while subjecting your house to a careful scrutiny.

3. Another feature that must be checked is the foundations of your house. Inspect the walls, staircases, and floors. Get a professional to repair such structural damages.

4. If your car batteries or other such tanks containing hazardous chemicals are leaking, make sure you take proper professional help to eliminate such risks.

Cleaning up after the flood-

Disinfecting your home after the flood should be on your priority list. You can procure a disinfectant or cleaning solution from the store or use your own homemade remedies like mixing 1/2 cup of chlorine with a gallon of water to clean the walls, floor, and every surface that had been drowned by water. Open all windows to ensure that the rooms are well ventilated. Sunlight too helps in killing germs.

Prevention is better than cure-

There is always a risk of your home being flooded once over again. Make sure you take measures like storing food for emergencies, chalking new plans for immediate evacuation, and getting flood insurance done. If the flooding was due to pipe leakages, make sure you have proper water alarms and detectors installed in such vulnerable areas of your residence.

Derek Rogers

Vintage Or Classic Car Engine Removing Inessentials Or Rebuilds

July 8, 2011

Within the arena of the vintage vehicle, condition is king, along with the better the condition, the bigger the asking price. It is a smart idea to check out nearby car or truck exhibits and contests to find out more about vintage and classic car engine strip down and rebuilds. An expert should be consulted for the best way to proceed on whether to recondition a cylinder head or to replace it with a new or re-manufactured head.

A damaged or worn-out head could be reconstructed. This usually depends upon the amount of cylinder-head distortion. Machining could bring the head surface back to normal and reconditioned. The valve seats and guides will need to be reconditioned. If your head is worn out, numerous difficulties can become obvious. The valve collets, camshaft rocker arms and guides could become noisy. Valve seals and valve covers could start leaking and valve springs could deteriorate. The valve engine will lose compression when having problems inside the valve train because the valves leak.

Classic cars all have problems with VSR (valve seat recession). This is a result of removing lead from gasoline. The lead functioned like a lubricant in addition to assisting detonation which keeps temperatures lower within the combustion chamber. The valves and seats increase in temperature due to poor combustion. The valve seat temperature increases so much that the valve begins to recess into the seat. This decreases valve tappet clearance until the vehicle won’t operate or develops a misfire. The cylinder head can easily be repaired by having new hard-end valve seats fitted.

Every part should be wiped clean by removing oil, by inserting in kerosene to eliminate filth or corrosion. For just about all carb bodies, apply phosphoric acid based aluminum cleanser. This cleanser is powerful so wash it on the carb body, work it in and clean it off inside of only a few minutes. Keep away from getting in contact with the vital inner places inside the carburettor. This technique makes the carb entirely clean in ten minutes. Anything else that needs to be completed would be to rinse it in addition to getting it dry.

The cylinder head can be repaired very easy with new hard-end valve seats installed. All vintage vehicle motors (during the entire restore procedure) and refurbished motors (available in stock) must install unleaded valve seats. With classic car engines, high pressure contact regions among the cam lobe and flat tappet substantially cuts down on capacity for the oil film to prevent metal to metal contact. This requires the oil being produced utilizing the appropriate amount of anti-wear chemical make up to prevent metal to metal contact.

Soon after rebuilding the motor, fill up the sump with natural motor oil for the initial start-up. This will assist the motor to seat its rings and enables all parts to wear in together to get a good fit. As soon as break-in is complete, switch to synthetic oil for maximum protection. Specifications also require utilizing other new emission equipment friendly additives not designed for use in veteran, vintage and classic cars.

Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) may be the prevalant camshaft/lifter/valve train anti-wear chemical additive in passenger car oils in excess of half a century. ZDDPlus would be the only excessive pressure ingredient which brings back the ZDDP amounts that classic vehicle motors have been made for, while enabling the vehicle owner to make use of the base oil of choice. For classic cars, ZDDP needs to be in the oil for higher content level compared to existing oils. Without ZDDP protection, the cam and lifters will have immediate wear and inescapable malfunction.

A crate or vehicle motor substitute is available on it’s own without any other key parts like drive train or transmission. The crate engines are made as after market components or could be reproductions which have ceased being produced. A crate engine substitute can be less costly than fixing or replacing parts.

Restoring vintage & classic car engines has never been so easy. Get the low down instantly in our overview of all you need to know about rebuilding vintage/classic car engines .

History of the legendary AC Motor Company and the Iconic AC Cobra Part 2

July 7, 2011

Did the British Government of the day, introduce the mandatory speed limit of 70 mph (112 kph) because of this car?

Bristol decided to pull out of engine production in 1961, leaving AC without an engine supplier, so they turned to the Ford Motor Company to fill this void. They eventually decided upon using the Ford Zephyr straight six powerplant, with modifications being provided by Raymond Mays (ERA & BRM Fame). These consisted of a 12 port alloy cylinder head and Weber Carburetion, the final unit producing 178 bhp and a claimed top speed of 125 mph (201 kph). This car carried the name of the AC Ace 2.6 and only 37 wherever produced.

Additionally within 1961, AC, within a cooperation together with the Ford Motor Corporation along with the American Tuner and well known Racing Driver Carroll Shelby begun discussing installing the Ford V8 4.7 & 7 litre Motors into the lightweight chassis belonging to the AC Ace, this approach, as everyone knows, delivered the Legendary AC Cobra, that we all love and crave for a great deal now a days.

There was a Fixed Head Cobra running out on test on the M1 Motorway in 1963, and it reportedly was clocked at 196 mph (315 kph). It is widely believed that this incident prompted the then, British Government, into bringing in a mandatory speed limit of 70 mph (112 kph) on all British Motorways, damn spoil sports.

The Cobra was the first British car to get across the finishing line at Le Mans in 1963 and had continued success by winning the World Sports Car Championship in 1965.

AC discontinued output of the Cobra during 1967, however , there continues to be several continuation cars manufactured since that time, and plenty of Kit Car reproductions.

This was followed by the introduction of the 140 mph (225 kph) Steel Bodied, AC Frua 428, with a body designed by Pietro Frua and powered by the 7 litre Ford V8 Engine.

At the 1973 London Earls Court Motorshow, AC exhibited their new prototype, the AC 3000ME, powered by a Ford V6 3 litre Engine and GRP Bodywork. This model finally made production in 1978 and continued until 1985, when the only cars left coming off the production line was the AC Ace and a revamped Cobra Mk4, this was a Mk3 with 5.0 litre Ford V8 Engine, and known as the Autokraft Cobra.

The Hurlock Family, after over 55 years in control, sold the AC Car Company in 1986, to a partnership of the Ford Motor Company and Autokraft Limited.

Brian Angliss, a director of Autokraft finally managed to purchase AC outright from Ford in 1992.

AC developed and manufactured a brand new AC Ace in 1993, this particular type received complete North American as well as EEC Certification.

Alan Lubinsky acquired full ownership of AC in 1997 and this brought about a model range consisting of the CRS Cobra, the AC ‘Brooklands’ Ace, The Aceca and The Superblower.

During 2001 AC’s Brooklands manufacturing facility ended up being sold so they relocated to a scaled-down operational set up at Frimley, Berkshire. This particular factory offered mostly vehicle repairs, restorations as well as producing the Mk 2, 3, 289, 427 FIA Roadster along with the Mk4, to the middle of 2004.

They moved yet again around this time to Guildford, Surrey, which was short lived and AC finally ended up leaving the British shores, to set up in Hal Far, Malta. This facility also closed down in 2008.

There as been many stories of the AC rival and at last it is finally true. The brand new AC Mk6 is based upon a Jig Welded, Triangulated Tube Spaceframe Chassis, powered by a GM Corvette V8 Engine of 6.2 litres, this reportedly produces 640 bhp in the top range model.

The Bodywork is Hand Made Alluminium and it has a Six Speed Gearbox, with Traction and Launch Control. Front and Rear Brakes are from Porsche and the car is being produced in a partnership between AC Cars and Gullwing Gmbh in Heyda, Saxony. Prices are around 75,000 – $115,000

Long Live AC Car Co & The AC Cobra

Rooster Reno as been in the British Motor Trade for the last 40 Years and he as developed a Website especially for Classic Car, Truck, Tractor and Motorcycle Enthusiasts. He adds content to this site daily, so go check it out, How To Restore Classic Cars

To Evaluate the Extent of Side Effects of Anti-tuberculous Therapy (att) on Different Body Systems in Various Age Groups:

April 27, 2011

Authors:Bhurgri Ghulam Rasool,Momina Taki Muhammad,Shamim-Ur-Rehman,ShahMurad,RajKumar Chohan,DahriGhulam Mustafa, Shaikh zulfikar,

INTRODUCTION:

TUBERCULOSIS:

Tuberculosis, one of the oldest diseases known to affect human, is caused by bacteria belonging to mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The disease usually affects the lungs, although in up to one third of cases other organs are involved. If properly treated, tuberculosis caused by drug susceptible strains is curable in virtually all cases. If untreated, the disease may be fatal within 5 years in more than half of cases. Transmission usually takes place through airborne spread of droplet nuclei produced by patients with infectious pulmonary tuberculosis (Mario C Raviglione, Richard JO Brein, 2003).

Tuberculosis is a disease of great antiquity. Today, tuberculosis gas become the most important communicable disease in the world, with over 8 millions cases of pulmonary tuberculosis occurring each year 95% which are in developing countries (A Gordon Leitch, 2000).

Tuberculosis is chronic granulomatous disease of human and other mammals caused by a group of closely related obligate pathogens, the mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and comprising M. tuberculosis. The human tubercle bacillus – M. bovis – the bovine tubercle bacillus, -agricanum – a heterogeneous type found principally in effuational Africa with properties intermediate between the former two species and M-microti-a rare cause of disease involves and other small mammals but attenuated for humans. (PDO D awis et al, 2003).

Annual risk of infection

Areas

Current

Level

Annual decline

Trend (%)

Health resource

Availability

Industrialized

0.04-0.1

>10

Excellent

Middle income Latin America

West Asia

0.5-1.5

5-10

Good

Middle income East and South

Eest Asia

1.0-2.5

<5

Good

Sub-Saharan Africa

Indian Subcontinent

1.0-2.5

0-3

Poor

(A Gordon Leitch, 2000)

In 1994 World Health Organization (WHO) declared that tuberculosis (TB) constituted a global emergency. It developed a five point strategy known as direct observe treatment strategy (DOTS) in order to combat the increasing incidence of the disease. The main aim was to detect 70% of smear positive tuberculosis (TB) cases and to treat85% of smear positive new cases successfully. This strategy has improved worldwide cure rates. Tuberculosis is an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality in refugees and displaced populations, particularly during the post acute phase of complex emergencies (Alison H Rodger et al., 2002).

EPIDEMIOLOGY:

In Pakistan, only limited data is available, however, the prevalence of tuberculosis is estimated to be as high as 250,000 cases annually. According to official estimates, the rate of open bacillary cases among adult population (15 years and above), was 17% and among children 5 to 9 years of age, 13% were infected with tuberculosis. It is thought to be the fourth major cause of all deaths in Pakistan (Shamim A Qazi et al., 1998).

PATHOLOGY OF TUBERCULOSIS:

CASE WITH INFECTOUS TUBERCULOSIS

Cough and generate droplet nuclei which are ingaled by a contact

Primary

Onset of CMI response

Bacillimia Apical Implant

Sterilization of the primary complex

Immunosuppressive event

Multiple of tubercle bacilli

Restoration of CMI

Caseation of necrosis

Infectous tuberculosis

Figure: Schematic representation of the basic events in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis.

CMI: Cell mediated immune.

(VB Balasurbramanian et al., 1994).

DRUG TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis is among the top ten cause of global mortality and affects low icome countries in particular. The treatment of smear positive tuberculosis using World Health Organizzation (WHO) directly observed treatment, short course, Direct observe treatment strategy (DOTS) has far highest impact while BC immunization recuces childhood tuberculosis mortality (Martien W Borgdorff et al.m 2002).

Drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis can be divided into two major categories. First line after combined the greatest level of efficacy with unacceptable degree of toxicity. These include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, streptomycin and pyrazinamide. Excellent results for patients with non drug resistant tuberculosis can be treated with 6 month course of treatment, for the first 2 months, isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide are given, followed by isoniazid and rifampin for remaining 4 months (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

RIFAMPIN

Rifampin is a semisynthetic broad spectrum bactericidal antibiotic derived from streptomyces mediaterani.The introduction of this antibiotic that permitted the development of the first effective short course of 9 month chemotherapy for tuberculosis.

It is an addition of antituberculosis activity, it has wide range of activity against other bacteria including staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, Coliforms, Pseudomonas, Proteus,Shigella and Legionella. Rifampin is almost completely absorbed from gastrointestinal tract after an oral dose. When it is taken is an empty stomach the plasma levels of 6-7 ug/ml are reached at 3 hours and its half-life of about 5 hours (A Gordon Leitch, 2000).

Adverse effects:

Rifampin dependent antibodies are considered responsible for most of immunological side effects in which hepatotoxicity, thrombocytopenia and allergic reactions are important (Mehta YS et al., 1996). Rifampin causes anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dizziness, bone pain, shortness of breath, urine and saliva are colored orange red (Cheema MA, 2000).

ISONIAZID

Since its introduction in 1952 isoniazid has been widely recognized as a safe and effective chemotherapeutic agent against tuberculosis. Numerous studies of isoniazid in combination with other tuberculous drugs have repeatedly demonstrated its therapeutic efficacy (Richard et al.,1972).

Isoniazid is the most widely used antituberculosis agent. It is an ideal in many aspects, being bactericidal, relatively non-toxic easily administered and inexpensive. It is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak concentration of approximately 5ug/ml occurring about 2 hour after administration. It penetrates to all tissues including cerebrospinal fluids (C.S.F.) some part of drug excreted in urine in unchanged form but proportion is acetylated by hepatic acetyl transferase to an inactive form. Drug is usually given orally with combination of rifampin and pyrazinamide are available (A Gordon Leitch, 2000). Isoniazid is still most important drug world wide for the treatment of all types of tuberculosis. The commonly usual dose is 10-50 mg/kg/day with maximum of 300 mg (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

The incidence of adverse effects of isoniazid are skin rash, fever , jaundice hypersensitivity to isoniazid may result in fever, various skin eruption occurs (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

Isoniazid preventive therapy is contraindicated in persons with chronic active hepatitis should be given caution to person who consumes alcohol daily (M Suess, 1994).

ETHAMBUTOL

Ethambutol is a synthetic, water soluble, heat stable compound. Susceptible strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria are inhibited in vitro by ethambutol. Ethambutol is an ingibitor of mycobacterial arabinosyl transferases, which are encoded by the embCAB operon. Arabinosy1 transferases are involved in the polymerization reaction of arbinoglycan, an essential component of the mycobacterial cell wall (Henry FC, 2001). It is rapidly absorbed from intestine. It is excreted in urine. It should not be given in renal disease (MA Cheema, 2000). The most important side effect is optic neuritis, resulting decrease of visual acuity and loss of ability to differentiate red from green (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

Hypersensitivity to ethambutol is rare. The most common serious adverse event is retrobulbar neuritis causing loss of visual acuity and red green color blindness. The dose related side effect is more likely to occur at a dosage of 25 mg/kg/day continued for several months. The peripheral neuropathy owing to demyelinization. Other less common adverse effects include gastrointestinal intolerance, hyperurecemia, and hypersensitivity reactions including rash, and rarely thrombocytopenia. It is safe during pregnancy with no known teratological effects (Edwards D,Chan,2003).

PYRAZINAMIDE

Pyrazinamide is bactericidal in an acid environment and as sterilizing effect on intracellular mycobacteria. It is well absorbed from gastrointestinal tract, with peak concentration of about 50ug/mloccurring 1.5-2 gour after ingestion. It penetrates well into tissues including cerebrospinal fluid (A Gordon Leitch, 2000).

Pyrazinamide is synthetic orally effective bactericidal ant tubercular agent used along with isoniazid and rifampin (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

The reasons for this increased incidence of hepatotoxicity reactions in developing countries are unclear, Perhaps poor nutrition, increased age, wide spread parasitism, chronic infections, indiscriminate use of various drugs without prescription may play a role individually or collectively (H Turktas et al.,1994).

Gastrointestinal reactions, cutaneous reactions, sidiroblastic anemia (A Harries, 2003). Moreover pyrazinamide is considered to be significantly less hepatotoxic than isoniazid and rifampin. Less common adverse reactions to pyrazinamide include rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuric renal failure, gouty arthritis, photosensitivity, maculopapular raxh, thrombocytopenia, increased serum iron, urticaria, and other hypersinsitivity reactions (Edward DE Ehan et al., 2004).

STREPTOMYCIN

Streptomycin is tuberculocidal, but less effective than isoniazid or rifampin, acts only on extracellular bacilli (because of poor penetration into cells). Thus, host defense mechanisms are needed to eradicate the disease. It penetrates tubercular cavities, but does not cross to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and has poor action in acidic medium. Resistance developed rapidly when streptomycin was used alone in tuberculosis most patients had a relapse (Tripathi, 2003). Streptomycin is bactericidal for tubercle bacillus in vitro. Concentration as low as 0.4 mg/ml may inhibit the growth. Vast majority of strains of mycobacterium tuberculosis are sensitive to 10mg/ml (William A Petri Jr, 2001)

Untoward effects include rash and fever, auditory and vestibular function of eighth cranial nerve is affected (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

BCG

Unfortunately, the protective efficacy of BCG, the most widely used vaccine against pulmonary tuberculosis varies from 0% to 80%. BCG gives good protection (75-80%) against disseminated tuberculosis includes tuberculous meningitis, in childhood, BCG is given at birth or as soon as possible, therefore after and although the duration of protection is uncertain, it may not be longer than 15 years, this limiting protection against infectious pulmonary tuberculosis, which may occur mainly in adults (Martein W Borgdorff et al., 2002).

Today over, 70 years of BCG development, it is still the only tuberculosis vaccine availed, and the achievements of tuberculosis vaccine research have been largely operational, such as expanding delivery of BCG through the expanded programe on immunization and holding field trials in different geographical locations (Ann M Ginberg,2002).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was carried out in the department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from January 2005 to June 2005.

The 100 newly diagnosed patients of pulmonary tuberculosis, enrolled is this study after taking informed and written consent.

The patients were selected as diagnosed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis from medical chest OPD and chest ward of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi. Out of these 97 patients were associated through out the study period. Out of remaining three have not come for follow up.

All patients, in this study, were selected according to following criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Diagnosed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Age between 2o to 70 years.

Sex either male or female.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Patients suffering from liver disease.

Patients suffering from cardiac disease.

Patients suffering from renal disease.

Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus.

Patients suffering from other respiratory disease.

Patients suffering from HIV infections.

Pregnant or nursing women.

Patients with previous multiple drug resistance.

The study period extended up to 24 weeks and 12 follow up visits of patients were taken. The required information such as name, age, sex, occupation, address, details of follow up visits and laboratory investigations etc, of each patients were recorded on proforma especially designed for this study.

The selected patients were divided according to untoward effects of drugs during study period.

Group1: In this group those patients were included who manifested the hepatitis in different age groups

Group2: In this group those patients were included who manifested the peripheral neuropathy inh defferent age groups

Group3: In this group those patients were included who manifested the skin rashes in different age groups

Group4: In this group those patients were included who manifested the joint pain in different age group

Group5: In this group those patients were included who manifested the optic neuritis in different age group

Group6: In this group those patients were included who manifested the thrombocytopenia in different age group

Group7: In this group those patients were included who manifested the nephrotoxicity in different age group

Group 8: In this group those patients were included who manifested the ototoxicity in different age group

MATERIALS

Isoniazid—adult 5 mg/kg -maximum 300 mg

Rifampin—-adult 10 mg/kg -maximum 450 mg

pyrazinamide 15-30 mg/kg

Ethambutol 15-25 mg/kg-maximum 300 mg

Streptomycin — 15 mg/kg – maximum 1 gm

Disposable syringes.

C.P. bottles.

Kits for the liver function test, measurement of urea, creatinine

Ninety seven patients were studied after medications with anti tuberculosis therapy and divided in eight groups after the manifestation of untoward effects of therapy.

The observations of all the treatment groups were recorded on day 0, day 30 and day 80.

Table 1 and figure 1 show hepatitis after taking the anti tuberculosis drugs. The hepatitis was manifested more in combined therapy during medication of pulmonary tuberculosis. The hepatitis found significant different with p < 0.01 among anti tuberculosis therapy. Out of 97 patients, there were 15 patients were affected by this untoward effect. The highest proportion of hepatitis in isoniazid (10.3%) followed by pyrazinamide (3.1%) and rifampin (2.1%

The hepatitis in different age groups. The decade between 20-29 of age has shown maximum number of hepatitis (5.1 & followed by the extreme age 60-69 years (P<0.05), keeping the high proportion of isoniazid as compared to pyrazinamice (1.03%) and rifampin (2.06%) in different age groups. Isoniazid manifested 4 cases of hepatitis in age group 20-29 years, pyrazinamide 1 respectively. Four patients produced hepatitis in age between 60 to 69. Pyrazinamide produced hepatitis in age between 60 to 69. Pyrazinamide produced hepatitis (2.66%). INH and rifampin affected with equal percentage (1.03%). Two patients were produced hepatitis in age between 30-39 years. The INH and rifampin affected with equal (1.03%) in this age group respectively. It was non significant statistically. One patient was affected by isoniazid in the age group of 50-59 years. It was non significant statistically

The peripheral neuropathy in 25 patients out of 97 patients. The isoniazid produced more peripheral neuropathy than other causative drugs. The isoniazid affected 11.3% patients. The pyrazinamide and ethambutol produced the peripheral neuropathy in same percentage (7.2%). It was non significant statistically.

The peripheral neuropathy in different age groups. The age between 60 and above was more affected than other age groups. Isoniazid produced 602% peripheral neuropathy in this age group. Ethambutol produced 1.03% peripheral neuropathy. The age group between 20-29 developed peripheral neuropathy by isoniazid 301%, pyrazinamide 2.01% and ethambutol 1.03% respectively. The total patients were 6 with this age group. The age between 30-39 manifested peripheral neuropathy by isoniazid 1.03% and ethambutol 1.03% respectively. The age between 40-49 was affected by peripheral neuropathy by pyrazinamide 3.1% and ethambutol 3.1%

Therapy produced, 3 patients, thrombocytopenia. The rifampin produced thrombocytopenia in 3.1% males.

Thrombocytopenia according to age groups. The combined therapy affected in age between 40-49, 1.03%, 50-59, 1.03% and 60 and above 1.03% respectively. The rifampin produced this side effects with same percentages i.e. 1.03% in age groups 40-49, 50-59 and above.

Table 10 and figure 10 show the joint pain as an adverse effect of anti tuberculosis drugs. The combined therapy affected 8 patients out of 97. pyrazinamide produced joint pain in 8.24% patients.

Table 12 and figure 12 show the joint pain according to age groups. The pyrazinamide affected 3.09% in age between 60 and above, 2.06% in age between 20-29 and 1.03% in further age groups respectively.

The optic neuritis. The combined therapy produced optic neuritis in 7 patients out of 97. ethambutol produced 7.2% optic neuritis

The optic neuritis according to age groups. The combined therapy produced the optic neuritis in 3 in 6o to69, 2 in 50-59 and one in 30-39 and 40-49 years respectively. The ethambutol produced the optic neuritis in 3.09 in age between 60-69, 2.06% in 50-59 and 1.03% in 40-49 and 30-39 tears.

Skin rashes as an adverse effect of anti tuberculosis drugs. The skin rashes found significant (P<0.01) by combined therapy. The combined therapy produced skin rashes in 6 patients out of 91 patients. The pyrazinamide produced skin rashes (4.12%) and rifampin produced 2.1% respectively.

Skin rashes in age groups. The combined therapy produced skin rashes in 2 from 20-29 years age group, 1 from 40-49 years, 1 from 60-69 respectively. The pyrazinamide produced skin rashes 2.06% in age between 20-29 years, 1.03% in 50-59 years, 1.03% in 60-69 years age group, 1.03% in 50-59 years respective

Nephrotoicity as an adverse effect. Streptocomycin was main drug to manifest the nephrotoxicity in combined therapy during treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in combined therapy during treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Out 97 patients, there were 3 reactions documented in this study. Nephrotoxicity in gender after taking the anti tuberculosis drugs. Two males and one female was affected during the study

The nephrotoxicity in different age group. In the age group 30-39 1, 40-49 1, and 50-59 1 reaction was documented in this study.

The ototoxicity after taking anti tuberculosis drugs. There were 2 reactions recorded in this study.

Adverse effect

Pyrazinamide

Isoniazid

Ethambutol

Rifampin

Streptomycin

Total

%

95% CI

Peripheral neuropathy

7 (7.2%)

11 (11.3%)

7 (7.2%)

-

25

25.8

17.80-35.1

Hepatitis

3 (3.1%)

10 (10.3%)

-

2 (2.1%)

-

15

15.5

9.2-23.7

Joint pain

8 (8.2%)

-

8

8.20

3.9-15.0

Optic neuritis

-

7 (7.2%)

-

7

7.20

3.2-13.7

Skin rashes

4 (4.2%)

-

2 (2.1%)

-

6

6.20

2.5-12.4

Table show overall side effects of ATT in this study.

FIGURES:

Overall Frequency of Adverse Effect

(n=69)

DISCUSSION:

This study observed the untoward the untoward effects of antituberculous drugs in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The selected patients were divided into two groups according to the age and sex. In this study the following reaction i.e., hepatitis, peripheral neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, joint pain, optic neuritis, ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity were recorded in the first line antituberculous drugs used in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

The adverse effects of antituberculous drugs i.e., isoniazid (INH), pyrazinamide, rifampin, ethambutol and streptomycin were observed during this study, discussed here.

Isoniazid (INH) 300 mg per day was started in selected 97 tuberculosis patients. The major side effects were recorded after two weeks of medication, which included hepatitis and peripheral neuropathy.

Hepatitis – there were 10 reactions of hepatitis were documented in this study. In a group of gender, there were 7 reactions in male and 3 reactions in female. According to age group between 20-29, the isoniazid produced 4 reactions, 3 reactions in 40-49, 1 reaction in other age groups. Isoniazid was stopped but remaining other drugs rifampin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol and streptomycin were continued in these patients.

After the stoppage of isoniazid, the liver function test was normal in 6 cases, isoniazid was reintroduced after 2-3 weeks with dose of 50 mg per day and was increased subsequently to 300 mg per day. There were 4 cases referred to the Medical Outpatient Department (OPD) for management of liver disease.

Peripheral neuropathy – isoniazid produced 11 reactions of peripheral neuropathy out of 25 reactions in this study. According to gender, 4 reactions were produced in male and 7 reactions in female. According to age group the peripheral neuropathy produced in age group 30-39 and 40-49 respectively. This showed the higher side effect of isoniazid in older age group.

Pyrazinamide (1-2 g/day) – the major side effect of this drug were produced after 3-4 weeks of medication. The hepatitis 3, peripheral neuropathy 7, joint pain 8, and skin rashes were documented in this study.

Hepatitis – the pyrazinamide produced 3 reactions of hepatitis in this study. According to gender, 1 male and 2 female reactions were recorded in this study. According to age, pyrazinamide produced 2 reactions in age group of 60-69 and 1 reaction 20-29 of age group. The 1 reaction of pyrazinamide was subsided when drug was stopped. But 2 reactions in older age group, the liver function test did improved and they were referred to the Medical Outpatient Department (OPD) for the management of liver disease.

Peripheral neuropathy – there were 7 reactions caused by pyrazinamide were documented in this study, according to gender, 2 reactions in male and 5 reactions in female according to age group, age between 50-59 3 reactions and 1 reaction in age group 20-29 and 40-49 respectively. These reactions were reversible after decreasing dose of pyrazinamide.

Skin rashes – the pyrazinamide produced 4 reactions out of 6 reactions of antituberculous drugs in this study. According to gender, in female 3 reactions and 1 reaction in male were recorded in this study. According to age group, 2 reactions were recorded in age group of 20-29 and 1 reaction in 50-59, 60-69 respectively. Skin rashes were subsided after stoppage of pyrazinamide for 3 weeks.

Joint Pain – there were 8 reactions of joint pain documented in this study. This study showed that pyrazinamide was only causative drug for joint involvement, the uric acid level was done before and after the start of drug. A remarkable increase level of uric acid was noted after the pyrazinamide treatment. Thus the drug was stopped in these 8 patients and later the level of uric acid significantly decreased and joint involvement clinically improve.

Ethambutol was administered at dose of 15-30 mg/Kg/Day. The side effects of this drug were manifested after 2-3 weeks of treatment. The peripheral neuropathy and optic neuritis were recorded as main side effects.

Peripheral neuropathy – there were 7 reactions of peripheral neuropathy recorded in this study. The ethambutol produced these reactions in 2-4 weeks after starting of treatment. According to gender, 5 in female and 2 reactions in male, were observed in this study. According to age group, 3 reactions in 50-59 and 1 reaction in each age group respectively. These reactions were reversible after stoppage of the drug.

Optic neuritis – the ethambutol produced the 7 side effects of optic neuritis in this study. According to gender, male manifested 4 and female 3 reactions of optic neuritis in this study. According to age group 3 reactions in 60-69 age group and 2 in 50-59 group and 1 reaction in 50-59, 30-39 age group respectively in this study. Drug was discontinued in these 7 cases of optic neuritis but the remaining four other drugs were continued. They were referred to Eye Outpatient Department for the management of optic neuritis. Only in two patients drug was reintroduced with low dose 15-20 mg/Kg/Day.

Rifampin (450 mg/day) – after 2-3 weeks of starting with combined therapy, the major side effects were manifested. When this drug was hold, the hepatitis 2 and skin rashes 3 were improved and reactions of thrombocytopenia were documented in this study.

Hepatitis – according to gender, 1 reaction of hepatitis in male and 1 in female produced by rifampin. According to age group, 1 reaction in 30-39 and 60-69 were produced by rifampin. One side effect of hepatitis was improved when drug was stopped after one week and other patient was referred to Medical out patient department for further management.

Skin Rashes – the rifampin developed the skin rashes in two patients; one in male and one in female in this study. According to age group, 1 adverse effect in 40-49 and 50-59 were observed respectively. These skin rashes were reversible after stoppage of drug.

Thrombocytopenia – after 5-11 weeks of treatment of tuberculosis patients, the level of platelets were decreased and clinically the patients were complaint epistaxis, bruises, and petechial rashes. Rifampin was stopped in 3 patients but the remaining other four drugs were continued.

Streptomycin (1 g per day) – it was started with other drugs. After 3-7 weeks of medication, 3 patients complaint of oliguria and 2 patients presented during follow up with hearing deficit. These reactions proved clinically and laboratory investigations.

Nephrotoxicity was recorded in these patients two in male and 1 in female. According to age group 1 in 30-39, 2 40-49 and 1 50-59 side effects were documented in this study. Drug was stopped for 3 weeks and found that blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were decreased, therefore this drug was permanently stopped and the remaining four drugs were continued.

The proximal renal tubule cells may accumulate aminoglycoside, accounting for nephrotoxicity associated with aminoglycosides. The mechanism of renal toxicity is hypothesized to by the inhibition of intracellular phospholipase in the proximal tubule. The renal insufficiency is typically characterized by the nonoligouric decrease in glomerular filtrate rate occurring after at least taking a week therapy. Baseline and periodic surveillance of analysis blood urea nitrogen levels, creatinine values is indicated (Edward et al., 2004).

Streptomycin is nephrotoxic and should used with caution in patients with renal impairment. If reaction is trouble some which is an infrequent occurrence, the dose may be reduced (NCG,2002).

Ototoxicity – there were 2 reactions recorded in this study. According to gender, 1reaction was in male and 1 in female was documented in this study. Side effects of streptomycin were recorded. One in age group 20-29 and one in 40-49. The drug was a stopped and patients were advised to consult in Ear Nose and Throat OPD. Remaining other drugs were continued.

Interestingly, the damage may be fairly isolated to either the choclear or vestibular component, or rarely both. The mechanism for the cochlear toxicity is unclear, although the target site is considered to the outer hair cells of the organ of corti.

Aminoglycoside induced cochlear dysfunction is generally considered to be irreversible. Injury to the hair cells of the ampullar cristae by aminoglycosides is the mechanism of the vestibular toxicity. Sign and symptoms of vestibular toxicity include nausea, vomiting, vertigo and nystagmus (Edward et al., 2004).

Our study matches with study of Menzies et al (2005), who observed the side effects of antituberculous therapy. They reported that at least monthly a nurse, a case manager, a treating physician saw the 430 test patients who had active tuberculosis therapy . At the time of their visit patients were questioned specifically about the occurrence of common side effects of their tuberculosis drugs. Liver enzyme levels were checked routinely in all patients after one month of treatment. Patients were encouraged to return at any time if symptoms or problems arose during therapy.

The striking observation is that pyrazinamide was association with rate of toxicity that was threefold higher than isoniazid and rifampin and 20-fold higher than ethambutol. The rate of toxicity with pyrazinamide was 1.5 per 100 person – months compared with 0.5 per 100 person – months for isoniazid. Pyrazinamide rashes attributed to pyrazinamide may have led to in appropriate drug discontinuation. It seems that pyrazinamide-related rashes usually resolve spontaneously and not considered a reason to stop therapy. While in this study the rate of toxicity of pyrazinamide was higher than isoniazid and rifampin. Therefore, causative drugs like pyrazinamide, isoniazid and rifampin was stopped, because they induced hepatitis, which increase risk of liver damage. However, ethambutol and streptomycin were continued in this study.

In case of skin rashes, pyrazinamide was responsible drug but it was discontinued from therapy, skin rashes were improved after three weeks.

There was a difference between this study and Menzies study may be due to short duration of study period, difference in number of patients studied. Moreover, his study conducted in United States of America. In this study there was a short duration of study and small selected number of patient and many environmental factors were involved. The patients selected in this study belong to poor socioeconomic class and they could not repeatedly visit Doctors for their checkup the occurrence of side effects of antituberculous drugs.

The British Thoracic Society (1998) guides that if the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transferase are two or more times normal, liver function should be monitored for two weeds, then two weekly until normal. If the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transferase under two times normal, liver function should be repeated at two weeks. If the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transferase level rises to five times normal or bilirubin level rises, rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide should be stopped. Alternative treatment will need to be considered if the patient is unwell or is smear positive and within two weeks of starting treatment.

Reactions most frequently observed with intermittent regimens of rifampin are cutaneous syndrome consisting of flushing and/or pruritus, with or without rash, involving particular face, and scalp, often with redness and watering of eye (Fried et al., 2004). Pyrazinamide produce GIT reactions, cutaneous reactions and sidero blastic anaema (Harries, 2004).

The results of this study matches with the study of Pelletier et al (2003), who observed the side effect of antituberculous drugs in 4.30 patients between 1990-99. They stated that the major adverse reaction of first line antituberculous drug, which results in discontinuation of that drug, has severely implication. They may be considerable morbidity even mortality particular may drug-induced hepatitis. Alternative agents may gave greater problems with toxicity and often less effective so that treatment must be prolonged, with attendant challenged to ensure complains as a risk of treatment failure and relapse are higher. In their results, only 37 patients had major side effects on six occasions. Severe hepatitis resulted in discontinuation of the isoniazid and pyrazinamide and neither were restarted. In three instances (two of rash and one of the severe gastrointestinal intolerance). Rifampin and pyrazinamide were stopped not rechallenged. They observed the rifampin did not commonly cause the drug-induced hepatitis. The drug mostly responsible for occurrence of hepatitis or rash during therapy of antituberculosis in tuberculosis hepatitis or rash during therapy of antituberculosis in tuberculosis patients was pyrazinamide.

In this study, pyrazinamide manifested more side effects than other antituberculous drugs were documented according to age and gender. But incidence of drug-induced hepatitis was observed more in isoniazid than other antituberculous drugs. The rifampin had shown less side effects than other antituberculous drugs.

The occurrence of side effects in the present study was noted to be much higher than the study done by Pelletier and colleagues. In this study there is a short duration of study and small selected number of patient and many environmental factors were involved. The patients selected in this study belong to poor socio-economical class and they could not repeatedly visit Doctors for their checkup the occurrence of side effects of antituberculous drugs.

Hepatotoxicity is one of the most serious adverse effects of anti tuberculosis drugs (ATD). Although many risk factors gave been associated with antituberculosis drugs induced hepatotoxicity, their influence on hepatitis severity has not been studied systematically. This study evaluated whether the presence of hepatotoxicity risk factors (advanced age, chronic liver diseases, abuse of alcohol or other drugs or malnutrition) influences the severity of ATD induced hepatotoxicity (Villar et al., 2004).

The results of present study match with the study of Fernanoted it al (2004). Their prospective cohort study of 471 active tuberculosis diseased patients treated with isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide were followed in tuberculosis clinic between January 1998 and July 2002. The incidence of antituberculous drug induced hepatitis was 18.2% patients in a risk group and 5.8% patients in non-risk group. Antituberculous drug-induced hepatitis is a significant and more severe in patients with risk factors. Our study correlates with this study because our big part of population live in a risk factor i.e., poverty, malnutrition, lack of clean water, combine family structure, high prevalence of viral hepatitis. So in our study there were more cases of hepatitis due to pyrazinamide, isonaizid and rifampin gave been responsible for drug-induced hepatitis.

Manifestations of hepatotoxicity include a symptomatic elevation in serum aminotransferase, jaundice and liver tenderness. One recommendation for monitoring for rifampin and pyrazinamide induced hepatitis is to determine the levels of aminotransferase at baseline and at 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment and to discontinue rifampin/pyrazinamide when there is (a) serum aminotransferase level that exceeds five times the upper limit of normal in an a symptomatic individual (b) any elevation of serum aminotransferase that accompanied by symptoms of hepatitis (c) any elevation in serum bilirubin (Edward et al., 2004).

The results of this study also match with the results of study carried out by Dossing et al (1996). They observed 61 patients out of 127 patients had elevated aspartate aminiotranferase after the treatment of antituberculous drug. Most of these were men with daily alcohol consumption of 60 g. Hepatitis were confirmed by challenged with pyrazinamide 7 and isoniazid 6 cases.

In the present study, we monitored that occurrence of untoward effects of antituberculous drugs. There was a difference between two studies due to short duration of study and small selected patients. In this study, the cases of hepatitis were recorded more than the study done my Dossing et al.

This study also matched with the study of Ferner (1990). He observed that ethambutol dose related toxicity. He reported sub clinically impairment of color discrimination relatively common in 54 patients received about 15 mg/Kg/Day of ethambutol as a part of antituberculous therapy. In the present study, the ethambutol produced the opticneurites in high percentage than the Ferner’s study. But similar results were observed in old age patients group who were affected more in both studies. The peripheral neuropathy has been reported in 3 tubercular patients who had receiving the athambutol by 13 to 50 mg/Kg/day.

Peripheral neuropathy was manifested by ethambutol in our study. There were 7 reactions of peripheral neuropathy produced by ethambutol but these reactions were reversible after stoppage of ethambutol.

In patients prescribed ethambutol it is recommended that after obtaining baseline visual acuity and color perception tests, these tests be repeated every 4 to 6 weeks, especially with new visual symptoms (Chan et, 2004).

Zinc is found in high concentration in choroids, retina, and ganglion cells and is used by retinal dehydrogenase for transformation of retinal. This last step is important for color vision. Most case of color toxicity are bilateral and result from a dose related retro bulbar optic neuritis that can either axial or peripheral. Axial neuritis involves the papillomacular bundle. It reduces visual acuity and causes central scotomas and color vision deficits. The peripheral visual field deficits but stable visual acuity and color vision (DorothyNahm Friedberg et al.,2004).

Ellard et al (1976) in their study observed the occurrence of joint pain on a reduction of renal elimination of urate in man caused by administration of pyrazinamide.

The urinary excretion of pyrazinamide, pyrazinoic acid, 5-hydroxypyrazinoic acid and uric were determined in healthy subjects after giving single or multiple doses of pyrazinamide or its metabolites pyrazinoic acid. The results obtained demonstrated that 5-hydroxypyrazinoic acid is major metabolite of pyrazinoic acid in man and supported previous evidence under that retention of uric acid caused by the administration of pyrazinamide is mediated by pyrazinoic acid. After giving 3 g pyrazinamide the urinary excretion of uric acid was maximally suppressed for 24 hours. Prolonged exposure to pyrazinoic acid resulted in a net reduction in the urinary excretion of uric acid. The finding suggested that the degree of uric acid retention in patients treated with pyrazinamide containing regimens could be reduced by giving pyrazinamide intermittently (Ellard et al., 1976).

This study matched with study conducted by Ellard and coworkers. Pyrazinamide was responsible for joint pain for different age group and gender in the present study. The old age group was commonly affected by pyrazinamide.

In a study of Hussain et al (2003), ocular reaction and toxic neuropathy were produced by ethambutol in patient’s age between 11 to 80 years. The defected color vision was fouced in 76% of eyes and 27% of eyes had defect in color vision inspite having visual acuity of 6/9 or 6/6. Dilated fundus examination revealed normal optic disc in 66 (67%) of eyes, disc pallor in 27 (28%) of eyes and 4 (4%) eyes had swollen by hyperemic disc.

The results of present study matched with the results of study conducted by Hussain and coworkers because the ethambutol was effected in the same pathogeneses in old age group.

Ethambutol is an effective treatment for tuberculosis. It can cause a multitude of dose and time dependent ocular side effects including color changes, visual field defects, and either unilateral or bilateral optic neuritis. Gradual decreases in central visual acuity and green red color vision problem (or less commonly blue yellow color vision defects) have been reported. These defects continue to progress for 1 to 2 months after drug is discontinued (Katherine, 2002).

This study was also correlated with the study of Mehta (1996). He observed thrombocytopenia in three patients of pulmonary tuberculosis during therapy. Rifampicin was causative drug. The immunological studies in all three patients showed the presence of antiplatelets antibodies reaction resulting in thrombocytopenia.

Moreover, binding of these antibodies to platelet membrane was more avid in presence of rifampicin. In present study, thrombocytopenia was major side effect of rifampin in different age and gender groups. These three patients were separated on the bases of blood complete picture and clinically showed bleeding from nose, petechial rashes and bruises. The pyrazinamide was stopped and it did not reintroduced in these cases.

Tuberculosis is a granulomatous disease, caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis. As world Health Organization estimates more than 300,000 new cases of tuberculosis develop in Pakistan every year. Cure of infectious cases of tuberculosis is the key to effective control of the disease. Treatment of tuberculosis patients reduces suffering and, if adequately, prevents death from tuberculosis. The first tine of drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis consists of isoniazid, pyrazinamide, rifampin, streptomycin, and ethambutol. The major side effects are those giving rise to serious health hazards, and require discontinuation of the drug and referral to chest physician. Minor side effects cause relatively little discomfort; they often respond to symptomatic or simple treatment but occasionally persist for the duration of drug treatment. Chemotherapy should be stopped or temporarily interrupted only of severe drug intolerance or toxicity occurs. In fact tuberculosis drugs are relatively toxic and mild side effects are not uncommon but most do not warrant drug withdrawal.

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Chan KL, Chan HS, Lui SF, Lai KN. Recurrent acute pancreatitis induced by isoniazid. Tubercle and Lung Disease 1994; 75:383-385.

Cheema MA. “Anti Tubercular drugs” Multi author test book of pharmacology and therapeutics” Vol. II, Lahore, National Medical Publication, 2000; pp. 368-370.

Czent. Study of the effect of concomitant food on the bioavability of rifampin. Tubercle and Lung Disease 1995; 76:109-113.

D Marsh, B Hashim, F Hassany and L Hussain. Front line management of pulmonary tuberculosis: analysis of tuberculosis and treatment practices in urban Sindh, Pakistan. Tubercle and Lung Disease 1996; 77:86-92.

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Dick Menzies. Respiratory epidemiology unit, side effects of common anti-tuberculosis drugs. Am J resp Crit Care Med 2003.

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lalaghulamrasool bhurgri

Cars In The Movies

April 15, 2011

Since movies were first screened cars has featured heavily in them.The Movie Bullitt released in 1968 starring Steve McQueen although probably not the first movie to feature a car chase was undoubtedly one of the original car movies of all time.

Audiences were stunned by the intense and dramatic footage of a Ford Mustang and Dodge Viper screaming through the streets of downtown San Francisco.

Many movies have featured dramatic car chase scenes. In 1971 The French Connection, a thriller about two NYC cops in the narcotics bureau starred Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider. The film featured a thrilling car chase through busy streets of which the film is ultimately remembered for.

You would be mistaken to think the only reason cars would ever feature in movies would be for the sole purpose of an exciting chase. You would of course be wrong as many films have not only included cars in them but the car itself has been the main star.

In 1964 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a book by Ian Fleming was first published. The book was later made into classic movie with Dick Van Dyke in the lead role but of course the real star of the movie was the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The movie was essentially for children but it is one of those films that are entertaining for the whole family.

In 1969 we saw three Mini’s weaving through the traffic jammed streets of Turin in the fabulous The Italian Job starring Michael Caine. The red white and blue Mini’s were without doubt the stars of the movie which was later remade in 2003 and starred Mark Wahlberg.

In 1983 John Carpenters Christine was released. This was a story of a possessed regenerating car hell bent on killing. Arnie Cunningham played by Keith Gordon finds a Plymouth Fury in need of restoration. As Arnie rebuilds Christine he begins to change himself transforming from shy and nerdy to over confident and arrogant.

Possibly one of the most enduring and lovable of all cars in the movies is Herbie. Sporting the number 53 Herbie a Volkswagen Beetle has made five movies dating back to 1969 with his latest outing recently in 2005 starring Lindsay Lohan. The comical exploits of Herbie have won many peoples hearts with the main plot lines being David and Goliath natured.

Today cars in movies are still big box office draws. Pixar have recently released a movie witch features only cars in the line up. The animated adventures of Lightning McQueen voiced by Owen Wilson are hilarious and not too be missed.

Whilst we still drive cars in our lives there is no doubt they will be in our movies for years to come.

Vicki Churchill
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/cars-in-the-movies-94182.html

Keep Money in Your Pocket With Auto Body Repairs

April 8, 2011

As our economy continues to get worse, we all continue to try to keep our money in our pockets. We are always trying to get the most for our buck and make it go as far as we can. As we try to keep the money in our pockets, things happen and we have to let a few go. Our vehicles tend to suck a lot of those dollars out of our pockets. However, it is very important that we keep our vehicles looking great and protect their value. If your vehicle has auto body damage you can keep money in your pocket with auto body repairs!

A lot of times car owners think that if their vehicles auto body is damaged they will have to get replacement for that part. However that is not true. There are a lot of auto body repairs that can be performed such as paint touch up, bumper repair, auto body repairs, windshield repair, wheel rim repair, headlight restoration, paintless dent removal and more. Auto body repairs usually cost only a fraction of what auto body replacement costs. Also auto body repairs can be completed in just a few hours in most cases; there is no waiting for parts to come in or anything else.

Auto body damages can lead to more damages if not repaired as soon as possible. For example if your vehicle has cracked or chipped paint it is exposing your vehicle’s metal body to all the elements and water, since the paint acts as a sealant. If you don’t repair the chipped or cracked paint you will eventually get rust forming in that area. Rust is a much more extensive repair and will cost you more money. So, if you get the minor repairs taken care of you will keep more money in your pocket.

In most cases you will not need a rental car when receiving auto body repairs since they can be completed in such a timely manner. This will also keep more dollars in your pocket and save you the hassle of renting a car and returning it after your repairs are complete.

Many auto body shops work with insurance companies on the repairs. Some of them will even handle calling and dealing with your insurance company for you. Many times the insurance will pay for the repairs or at least part of them. However, many people find that auto body repairs can be completed for such a low cost that they just pay out of their own pocket.

Paying a little out of pocket now will keep more money in your pocket in the long run. For starters it will prevent you from spending more money on damages incurred from the damages you don’t repair. Also it will preserve the value of your vehicle meaning that you will get more for your vehicle when you sell or trade in if it is in good shape and looks great!

So, keep more money in your pocket by getting auto body damages repaired promptly!

Samantha McCartney

To Evaluate the Extent of Side Effects of Anti-tuberculous Therapy (att) on Different Body Systems in Various Age Groups:

April 1, 2011

Authors:Bhurgri Ghulam Rasool,Momina Taki Muhammad,Shamim-Ur-Rehman,ShahMurad,RajKumar Chohan,DahriGhulam Mustafa, Shaikh zulfikar,

INTRODUCTION:

TUBERCULOSIS:

Tuberculosis, one of the oldest diseases known to affect human, is caused by bacteria belonging to mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The disease usually affects the lungs, although in up to one third of cases other organs are involved. If properly treated, tuberculosis caused by drug susceptible strains is curable in virtually all cases. If untreated, the disease may be fatal within 5 years in more than half of cases. Transmission usually takes place through airborne spread of droplet nuclei produced by patients with infectious pulmonary tuberculosis (Mario C Raviglione, Richard JO Brein, 2003).

Tuberculosis is a disease of great antiquity. Today, tuberculosis gas become the most important communicable disease in the world, with over 8 millions cases of pulmonary tuberculosis occurring each year 95% which are in developing countries (A Gordon Leitch, 2000).

Tuberculosis is chronic granulomatous disease of human and other mammals caused by a group of closely related obligate pathogens, the mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and comprising M. tuberculosis. The human tubercle bacillus – M. bovis – the bovine tubercle bacillus, -agricanum – a heterogeneous type found principally in effuational Africa with properties intermediate between the former two species and M-microti-a rare cause of disease involves and other small mammals but attenuated for humans. (PDO D awis et al, 2003).

Annual risk of infection

Areas

Current

Level

Annual decline

Trend (%)

Health resource

Availability

Industrialized

0.04-0.1

>10

Excellent

Middle income Latin America

West Asia

0.5-1.5

5-10

Good

Middle income East and South

Eest Asia

1.0-2.5

<5

Good

Sub-Saharan Africa

Indian Subcontinent

1.0-2.5

0-3

Poor

(A Gordon Leitch, 2000)

In 1994 World Health Organization (WHO) declared that tuberculosis (TB) constituted a global emergency. It developed a five point strategy known as direct observe treatment strategy (DOTS) in order to combat the increasing incidence of the disease. The main aim was to detect 70% of smear positive tuberculosis (TB) cases and to treat85% of smear positive new cases successfully. This strategy has improved worldwide cure rates. Tuberculosis is an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality in refugees and displaced populations, particularly during the post acute phase of complex emergencies (Alison H Rodger et al., 2002).

EPIDEMIOLOGY:

In Pakistan, only limited data is available, however, the prevalence of tuberculosis is estimated to be as high as 250,000 cases annually. According to official estimates, the rate of open bacillary cases among adult population (15 years and above), was 17% and among children 5 to 9 years of age, 13% were infected with tuberculosis. It is thought to be the fourth major cause of all deaths in Pakistan (Shamim A Qazi et al., 1998).

PATHOLOGY OF TUBERCULOSIS:

CASE WITH INFECTOUS TUBERCULOSIS

Cough and generate droplet nuclei which are ingaled by a contact

Primary

Onset of CMI response

Bacillimia Apical Implant

Sterilization of the primary complex

Immunosuppressive event

Multiple of tubercle bacilli

Restoration of CMI

Caseation of necrosis

Infectous tuberculosis

Figure: Schematic representation of the basic events in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis.

CMI: Cell mediated immune.

(VB Balasurbramanian et al., 1994).

DRUG TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis is among the top ten cause of global mortality and affects low icome countries in particular. The treatment of smear positive tuberculosis using World Health Organizzation (WHO) directly observed treatment, short course, Direct observe treatment strategy (DOTS) has far highest impact while BC immunization recuces childhood tuberculosis mortality (Martien W Borgdorff et al.m 2002).

Drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis can be divided into two major categories. First line after combined the greatest level of efficacy with unacceptable degree of toxicity. These include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, streptomycin and pyrazinamide. Excellent results for patients with non drug resistant tuberculosis can be treated with 6 month course of treatment, for the first 2 months, isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide are given, followed by isoniazid and rifampin for remaining 4 months (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

RIFAMPIN

Rifampin is a semisynthetic broad spectrum bactericidal antibiotic derived from streptomyces mediaterani.The introduction of this antibiotic that permitted the development of the first effective short course of 9 month chemotherapy for tuberculosis.

It is an addition of antituberculosis activity, it has wide range of activity against other bacteria including staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, Coliforms, Pseudomonas, Proteus,Shigella and Legionella. Rifampin is almost completely absorbed from gastrointestinal tract after an oral dose. When it is taken is an empty stomach the plasma levels of 6-7 ug/ml are reached at 3 hours and its half-life of about 5 hours (A Gordon Leitch, 2000).

Adverse effects:

Rifampin dependent antibodies are considered responsible for most of immunological side effects in which hepatotoxicity, thrombocytopenia and allergic reactions are important (Mehta YS et al., 1996). Rifampin causes anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dizziness, bone pain, shortness of breath, urine and saliva are colored orange red (Cheema MA, 2000).

ISONIAZID

Since its introduction in 1952 isoniazid has been widely recognized as a safe and effective chemotherapeutic agent against tuberculosis. Numerous studies of isoniazid in combination with other tuberculous drugs have repeatedly demonstrated its therapeutic efficacy (Richard et al.,1972).

Isoniazid is the most widely used antituberculosis agent. It is an ideal in many aspects, being bactericidal, relatively non-toxic easily administered and inexpensive. It is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak concentration of approximately 5ug/ml occurring about 2 hour after administration. It penetrates to all tissues including cerebrospinal fluids (C.S.F.) some part of drug excreted in urine in unchanged form but proportion is acetylated by hepatic acetyl transferase to an inactive form. Drug is usually given orally with combination of rifampin and pyrazinamide are available (A Gordon Leitch, 2000). Isoniazid is still most important drug world wide for the treatment of all types of tuberculosis. The commonly usual dose is 10-50 mg/kg/day with maximum of 300 mg (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

The incidence of adverse effects of isoniazid are skin rash, fever , jaundice hypersensitivity to isoniazid may result in fever, various skin eruption occurs (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

Isoniazid preventive therapy is contraindicated in persons with chronic active hepatitis should be given caution to person who consumes alcohol daily (M Suess, 1994).

ETHAMBUTOL

Ethambutol is a synthetic, water soluble, heat stable compound. Susceptible strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria are inhibited in vitro by ethambutol. Ethambutol is an ingibitor of mycobacterial arabinosyl transferases, which are encoded by the embCAB operon. Arabinosy1 transferases are involved in the polymerization reaction of arbinoglycan, an essential component of the mycobacterial cell wall (Henry FC, 2001). It is rapidly absorbed from intestine. It is excreted in urine. It should not be given in renal disease (MA Cheema, 2000). The most important side effect is optic neuritis, resulting decrease of visual acuity and loss of ability to differentiate red from green (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

Hypersensitivity to ethambutol is rare. The most common serious adverse event is retrobulbar neuritis causing loss of visual acuity and red green color blindness. The dose related side effect is more likely to occur at a dosage of 25 mg/kg/day continued for several months. The peripheral neuropathy owing to demyelinization. Other less common adverse effects include gastrointestinal intolerance, hyperurecemia, and hypersensitivity reactions including rash, and rarely thrombocytopenia. It is safe during pregnancy with no known teratological effects (Edwards D,Chan,2003).

PYRAZINAMIDE

Pyrazinamide is bactericidal in an acid environment and as sterilizing effect on intracellular mycobacteria. It is well absorbed from gastrointestinal tract, with peak concentration of about 50ug/mloccurring 1.5-2 gour after ingestion. It penetrates well into tissues including cerebrospinal fluid (A Gordon Leitch, 2000).

Pyrazinamide is synthetic orally effective bactericidal ant tubercular agent used along with isoniazid and rifampin (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

The reasons for this increased incidence of hepatotoxicity reactions in developing countries are unclear, Perhaps poor nutrition, increased age, wide spread parasitism, chronic infections, indiscriminate use of various drugs without prescription may play a role individually or collectively (H Turktas et al.,1994).

Gastrointestinal reactions, cutaneous reactions, sidiroblastic anemia (A Harries, 2003). Moreover pyrazinamide is considered to be significantly less hepatotoxic than isoniazid and rifampin. Less common adverse reactions to pyrazinamide include rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuric renal failure, gouty arthritis, photosensitivity, maculopapular raxh, thrombocytopenia, increased serum iron, urticaria, and other hypersinsitivity reactions (Edward DE Ehan et al., 2004).

STREPTOMYCIN

Streptomycin is tuberculocidal, but less effective than isoniazid or rifampin, acts only on extracellular bacilli (because of poor penetration into cells). Thus, host defense mechanisms are needed to eradicate the disease. It penetrates tubercular cavities, but does not cross to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and has poor action in acidic medium. Resistance developed rapidly when streptomycin was used alone in tuberculosis most patients had a relapse (Tripathi, 2003). Streptomycin is bactericidal for tubercle bacillus in vitro. Concentration as low as 0.4 mg/ml may inhibit the growth. Vast majority of strains of mycobacterium tuberculosis are sensitive to 10mg/ml (William A Petri Jr, 2001)

Untoward effects include rash and fever, auditory and vestibular function of eighth cranial nerve is affected (William A Petri Jr, 2001).

BCG

Unfortunately, the protective efficacy of BCG, the most widely used vaccine against pulmonary tuberculosis varies from 0% to 80%. BCG gives good protection (75-80%) against disseminated tuberculosis includes tuberculous meningitis, in childhood, BCG is given at birth or as soon as possible, therefore after and although the duration of protection is uncertain, it may not be longer than 15 years, this limiting protection against infectious pulmonary tuberculosis, which may occur mainly in adults (Martein W Borgdorff et al., 2002).

Today over, 70 years of BCG development, it is still the only tuberculosis vaccine availed, and the achievements of tuberculosis vaccine research have been largely operational, such as expanding delivery of BCG through the expanded programe on immunization and holding field trials in different geographical locations (Ann M Ginberg,2002).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was carried out in the department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from January 2005 to June 2005.

The 100 newly diagnosed patients of pulmonary tuberculosis, enrolled is this study after taking informed and written consent.

The patients were selected as diagnosed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis from medical chest OPD and chest ward of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi. Out of these 97 patients were associated through out the study period. Out of remaining three have not come for follow up.

All patients, in this study, were selected according to following criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Diagnosed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Age between 2o to 70 years.

Sex either male or female.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Patients suffering from liver disease.

Patients suffering from cardiac disease.

Patients suffering from renal disease.

Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus.

Patients suffering from other respiratory disease.

Patients suffering from HIV infections.

Pregnant or nursing women.

Patients with previous multiple drug resistance.