Management of collar rot disease in chili by farmyard manure and commercial biofertilizers

Collar rot of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is a very destructive disease caused by a soil-borne fungal pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. Generally, chemical fungicides are used to combat the menace but this practice is being discouraged because of health and environmental concerns. In the present study, an alternative environment friendly strategy was used to manage this disease by using farmyard manure (FYM) and two commercial biofertilizers namely Biopower and Feng Shou. S. rolfsii inoculated pot soil was amended with 1% and 2% FYM and the two commercial biofertilizers. Inoculation of soil with S. rolfsii only (positive control) resulted in the highest disease incidence (73%) and plant mortality (60%). Biopower and Feng Shou application reduced disease incidence to 20% and 7%, respectively and plant mortality to 0%. Likewise, 1% and 2% FYM amendment reduced disease incidence to 33% and plant mortality to 26% and 7%, respectively. Under biotic stress of S. rolfsii, FYM and biofertilizers applications, either alone or in combination, significantly enhanced root and shoot growth over positive control. S. rolfsii inoculation significantly increased peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities in chili plants which were further increased by application of either of the two biofertilizers. The present study concludes that biofertilizers Biopower and Feng Shou alone or in combination with 2% FYM can be effectively utilized to manage southern blight of chili

Oleanolic acid (pentacyclic triterpenes) as a potential candidate for α-glycosidase inhibition activity

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common health dilemma worldwide and is characterized by hyperglycemia. Inhibition in the activity of one of the digestive tract enzymes α-glucosidase is one of the therapeutic approaches to hydrolyze carbohydrates into glucose using natural agents. Many natural compounds with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity have transpired to be secondary metabolites. Monotheca buxifolia, native to Pakistan is a major medicinal tree, which has been known for its extensive pharmacological activities.Methods: α-glucosidase activity of ten isolated compounds (lupeol, lupeol acetate, betulin, β-sitosterol, β-amyrin, oleanolic acid, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, kaempferol and quercetin) from lipophilic hexane fraction of M. buxifolia (stem and leaves) was assessed against α-glucosidase enzyme using acarbose as a control.Results: All ten compounds hold α-glucosidase inhibition potential (91-99%). However, IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) values of oleanolic acid (5 µM) were 8-fold lower than that of acarbose. Moreover, inhibition potencies of lupeol (15.87 µM), β-amyrin (18.14 µM) betulin (21.49 µM), quercetin (23.47 µM), and lupeol acetate (29.45 µM) were much stronger than the inhibitory effect obtained from acarbose (38.25 µM).Conclusion: Oleanolic acid of M. buxifolia exhibited a potent inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase, therefore, oleanolic acid may be utilized in medicinal formulations against diabetic disorders.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Enzyme inhibition; Medicinal plants; Pentacyclic triterpenes

Factors Leading To Early Versus Late Presentation In Patients With Neck Masses

Abstract Objective: To compare the factors that lead to early versus late presentation in patients with neck masses Study Design: Group Comparative Study. Study Setting & Duration: Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head &Neck Surgery at Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital from 01-9-2022 to 01-03-2023. Methods: Approval of the study was obtained from the hospital's ethical committee. A total of 64 patients (32 in each group) were placed in two Groups A &  B. Group A included patients who presented early and Group B included patients who presented late. Both male and female patients were selected. In this study patients suffering from neck masses who have reported for work-up to the Department of ENT, Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, and fulfil the complete inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Patients were selected via consecutive nonprobability sampling. The data were analyzed for frequencies by SPSS 24. Results: A total of 64 patients were included in this study. The mean age of these patients was 48.67 ± 9.74 years, ranging from 25 to 70 years. The Frequency distribution of males at 65.63 % was found to be more than that of females at 34.36 %. In the majority of patients, the size of mass more than 1.5 cm (51.56%) revealed malignancy, while only a small percentage of patients (48.44%) had less than 1.5 cm neck mass. The majority of patients (93.75%) with addiction presented late, while just a small number (6.25%) had early presentation. The majority of patients (51.56%) with frequent visits to  Quacks /Hakeem per year were presented late. Regarding socioeconomic status, the majority of patients (28) from upper-class families presented early, compared to (11) patients from middle-class families who presented late, and all (21) patients from lower-class families who presented late. The education level reveals that the majority of patients (31), who were educated, attended a school for more than a year, but only up to ten (matriculate or similar) years, or advanced literacy: got a college- or university-level education, and they displayed early presentation. The 30 uneducated patients, who never attended an educational institution, or attended for less than one year, presented late. 31 patients had frequent visits to health care professionals and were presented early, 30 patients had fewer visits to health care professionals present late with advanced disease.  Conclusion: The majority of patients who were drug and alcohol addicts were presented late with advanced disease. Middle-class families, lower-class families, uneducated patients, and patients who did not see a healthcare provider four or more times per year, make up the majority of visits to Quacks and Hakeem each year and are presented late with advanced disease as compared to the group of patients who belong to upper class, were literate with no history of drug or alcohol addiction and have frequent visits to health care professionals. Both groups were considered to be significant (p=0.00) based on the probability ratio. This study helped to identify the role of various suspected risk factors for late presentation in head and neck cancers in an attempt to reinforce or negate their importance which will help to guide the formation of screening protocols thereby improving morbidity, and mortality and reducing financial costs.

ANTIFUNGAL POTENTIAL OF LEAF EXTRACTS OF LEGUMINOUS TREES AGAINST SCLEROTIUM ROLFSII

Background: Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is a destructive soil-borne plant pathogen that infects over 500 plant species and causes significant yield losses in many economically important plant species. Synthetic fungicides used to combat the menace also pollute the environment and cause health hazards. In order to search environmental friendly alternatives from natural resources, in the present study, methanolic extracts of three leguminous tree species namely Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile subsp. indica (Benth.) Brenan, Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. and Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. were evaluated for their antifungal activity against S. rolfsii. Materials and Methods: Two hundred grams dried leaf material of each of the three test plant species were extracted with methanol for two weeks. After filtration, methanol was evaporated on a rotary evaporator. Malt extract broth was used to make various concentrations of the crude methanolic extracts and their antifungal potential was determined by comparing the fungal biomass in various treatments with control. Chemical composition of methanolic leaf extract of A. nilotica subsp. indica was determined through GC-MS analysis. Results: Methanolic leaf extract of A. nilotica subsp. indica showed the highest fungicidal activity. Fungal biomass was decreased by 17-55% due to various concentrations of this extract over control. Different concentrations of P. juliflora reduced fungal biomass by 3-52%. Fourteen compounds were identified in methanolic extract of A. nilotica subsp. indica. 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester, (Z,Z,Z,)- (16.59%) was the most abundant compound followed by 1-pentanol, 2 methyl-, acetate (14.80%); hexanedioic acid, dimethyl ester (13.10%) and cyclotriaconta- 1, 7, 16, 22-tetraone (10.28%). Conclusion: This study concludes that methanolic leaf extract of A. nilotica subsp. indica can be used for management of S. rolfsii

Knowledge, attitude and misconceptions regarding tuberculosis in Pakistani patients

Objective: To assess knowledge of patients with tuberculosis; about their disease and misconceptions regarding TB. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Out-patient clinics of two teaching hospitals (private and public) in Karachi, Pakistan. A questionnaire was filled for the purpose. Results: A total of 170 patients were interviewed, 112 from private and 58 from a public sector hospital. Cough, fever, bloody sputum and chest pain were recognized as the common symptoms of TB. Eleven (7%) patients thought TB was not an infectious disease and 18 (10.6%) did not consider it a preventable disease. Contaminated food was considered the source of infection by 81 (47.6%) and 96 (57%) considered emotional trauma/stress the causative agent of TB. No counseling about preventing spread was received by 81 (50%) patients and 97 (57%) considered separating dishes as an important means of preventing spread. Thirty one (18%) patients would have discontinued their medications following relief of symptoms. Thirty nine (23%) of the respondents thought that TB could lead to infertility and 66 (38.8%) believed that there were reduced chances of getting married following infection. Conclusion: Misconceptions concerning TB are common in Pakistani patients. Lack of knowledge on Tuberculosis is alarming. (JPMA:56:211;2006

Effects of Hepatitis C on Hematological Parameters in local areas of Mirpurkhas

Introduction: Various diseases have emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HCV) confection, now that antiretroviral therapies become more effective e and has prolonged life expectancy in HIV-infected patients1. One of the most frequently identified extra-hepatic abnormalities often seen at the time of diagnosis of HIV is the hematological abnormalityObjective: To determine possible effects of Hepatitis C in local Population of MirpurkhasMethodology:140 diagnosed patients of Hepatitis C were selected from OPD/Ward MMCH and Civil Hospital Mirpurkhas, Patients of Hypertension, Heart Failure, Renal diseases and respiratory disease were excluded Their ALT, GGT, Alk Sodium was determined by kit method. Their RBC count, TLC, Platelet Count was counted and ESR was determinedResults: It was a prospective study and out of 140 hepatitis C patients 86 were male and 54 were female. The mean age was 54.77 ± 14.046 years. The mean height was 159.42 ± 11.188 cm and the mean weight was 53.69±10.604 Kgs. The mean BMI was calculated as 21.235 ± 5.0607 kgs/m2 (Table.1). The mean Hemoglobin was estimated as 10.639± 2.6924 gm% the mean RBC count was found 3.832 ± .8460 millions/cmm. The mean total leukocyte count was 9111.63 ± 4612.845 per cmm and the mean Platelet count was 160447.67 ± 93788.194 /dl. the mean ESR was 51.70 ± 26.320 (Table.2) The mean Alkaline phosphatase was 273.76± 96.818 IU, the mean GGT was 83.40 ± 102.650 IU and the mean ALT was 74.98 ± 58.614 IU. (Table.3.) The Correlation of hepatitis C was estimated by Pearson’s correlation using SPSS 15 and found that hepatitis has a significant correlation with Hemoglobin, RBC count, TLC and Platelet count (r=.167, .165, .181, 238 and p=.092̽*, .031*, 018* and .002** respectively) and it has an inverse correlation with ESR (r=-.213, p=.005**)Conclusion: Our data shows that hepatitis C has positive correlation with Hb, RBC Count, TLC and Platelet count while the hepatitis has a significant inverse correlation with ESR. More work is required to establish criteria regarding correlation between Hepatitis C and Hematological parameter

Ultrasonography Determination of Renal Stones with Flank Pain Among Children at Radiology Department of Children Hospital Lahore, Pakistan

Background : In children kidney stones are a standout amongst the majority widely recognized persistent kidney disease in kids. The most widely recognized indication of urolithiasis is stomach ache, in adult plainly particular as colicky ache, in babies and kids. Radiographic assessment of a patient through flank ache analyzes the reason for the ache. Ultrasonography (US) can recognize 90% of stones present in the kidney. Objective:  To evaluate the ultrasonography determination of renal stones with flank pain among children. Place And Duration: The duration of stud was from 01 March to 01 September 2019 at Children Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Method And Meterial : A cross sectional observational study was included 140 patient’s coming for abdominal and KUB ultrasonography to radiology department of Children Hospital, Lahore. The patients were chosen through convenient sampling technique. All the examined patients including men and women among kids of age ranging from 1 to 16 years. Results: Overall 140 patients are included in this research. Out of 140 patients men were 92(65.7%) and women were 48(34.3%) in this study population. In 140 patients, 47(33.6%) were identified with kidney stones and 93(66.4%) were recognized without kidney stones. Out of 140 individuals 76(54.3%) patients contained ache and in 48(34.3%) pain is radiating the remaining 16(11.4%) had no pain. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is extremely helpful in the evaluation of nephrolithiasis with flank ache amongst children

Awareness, use and perceptions about E-cigarettes among adult smokers in Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of awareness, current use and intention to use of e-cigarettes among adult smokers. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was carried out at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from July to August 2016, and comprised people aged above 18 years who had smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Convenience sampling method was used. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis.. RESULTS: Of the 387 participants, 359(92.8%) were male. The overall mean age was 32.4±12.6 years. Moreover, 215(55.5%) respondents belonged to the middle socio-economic class. Besides, 249(64.3%) respondents were aware of e-cigarettes while 39(10.1%) used them, and 81(20.9%) wanted to use them. Socio-economic status was the best predictor for awareness about e-cigarettes (p CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of e-cigarette usage was low despite the higher than expected awareness among the subjects

Schizophyllum commune: An unexploited source for lignocellulose degrading enzymes

Lignocellulose represents the most abundant source of carbon in the Earth. Thus, fraction technology of the biomass turns up as an emerging technology for the development of biorefineries. Saccharification and fermentation processes require the formulation of enzymatic cocktails or the development of microorganisms (naturally or genetically modified) with the appropriate toolbox to produce a cost-effective fermentation technology. Therefore, the search for microorganisms capable of developing effective cellulose hydrolysis represents one of the main challenges in this era. Schizophyllum commune is an edible agarical with a great capability to secrete a myriad of hydrolytic enzymes such as xylanases and endoglucanases that are expressed in a high range of substrates. In addition, a large number of protein-coding genes for glycoside hydrolases, oxidoreductases like laccases (Lacs; EC 1.10.3.2), as well as some sequences encoding for lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) and expansins-like proteins demonstrate the potential of this fungus to be applied in different biotechnological process. In this review, we focus on the enzymatic toolbox of S. commune at the genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic level, as well as the requirements to be employed for fermentable sugars production in biorefineries. At the end the trend of its use in patent registration is also reviewed.We are thankful to the National Council for Science and Technology (CONACyT) since OETH received a scholarship during the elaboration of this work. We also thank the financial support received from SEP-PRODEP- UAEMOR- PITC- 381. RABG received a postdoctoral fellowship from the Quebec Government

Genotyping and drug resistance patterns of M. tuberculosis strains in Pakistan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The incidence of tuberculosis in Pakistan is 181/100,000 population. However, information about transmission and geographical prevalence of <it>Mycobacterium tuberculosis </it>strains and their evolutionary genetics as well as drug resistance remains limited. Our objective was to determine the clonal composition, evolutionary genetics and drug resistance of <it>M. tuberculosis </it>isolates from different regions of the country.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p><it>M. tuberculosis </it>strains isolated (2003–2005) from specimens submitted to the laboratory through collection units nationwide were included. Drug susceptibility was performed and strains were spoligotyped.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 926 <it>M. tuberculosis </it>strains studied, 721(78%) were grouped into 59 "shared types", while 205 (22%) were identified as "Orphan" spoligotypes. Amongst the predominant genotypes 61% were Central Asian strains (CAS ; including CAS1, CAS sub-families and Orphan Pak clusters), 4% East African-Indian (EAI), 3% Beijing, 2% poorly defined TB strains (T), 2% Haarlem and LAM (0.2). Also TbD1 analysis (<it>M. tuberculosis </it>specific deletion 1) confirmed that CAS1 was of "modern" origin while EAI isolates belonged to "ancestral" strain types.</p> <p>Prevalence of CAS1 clade was significantly higher in Punjab (P < 0.01, Pearsons Chi-square test) as compared with Sindh, North West Frontier Province and Balochistan provinces. Forty six percent of isolates were sensitive to five first line antibiotics tested, 45% were Rifampicin resistant, 50% isoniazid resistant. MDR was significantly associated with Beijing strains (P = 0.01, Pearsons Chi-square test) and EAI (P = 0.001, Pearsons Chi-square test), but not with CAS family.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results show variation of prevalent <it>M. tuberculosis </it>strain with greater association of CAS1 with the Punjab province. The fact that the prevalent CAS genotype was not associated with drug resistance is encouraging. It further suggests a more effective treatment and control programme should be successful in reducing the tuberculosis burden in Pakistan.</p