Preventive gabapentin versus pregabalin to decrease postoperative pain after lumbar microdiscectomy: A randomized controlled trial

Study design: Randomized controlled trial.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare pregabalin and gabapentin for mean postoperative visual analog score (VAS) for pain in patients undergoing single-level lumbar microdiscectomy for intervertebral disc prolapse at a tertiary care hospital.Overview of literature: Pregabalin has a superior pharmacokinetic profile and analgesic effect at lower doses than gabapentin; however, analgesic efficacy must be established during the perioperative period after lumbar spine surgery.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was carried out at our institute from February to October 2011 on 78 patients, with 39 participants in each study group. Patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy were randomized to group A (gabapentin) or group B (pregabalin) and started on trial medicines one week before surgery. The VAS for pain was recorded at 24 hours and one week postoperatively.Results: Both groups had similar baseline variables, with mean ages of 42 and 39 years in groups A and B, respectively, and a majority of male patients in each group. The mean VAS values for pain at 24 hours for gabapentin vs. pregabalin were comparable (1.97±0.84 vs. 1.6±0.87, respectively; p=0.087) as were the results at one week after surgery (0.27±0.45 vs. 0.3±0.46, respectively; p=0.79). None of the patients required additional analgesia postoperatively. After adjusting for age and sex, the VAS value for group B patients was 0.028 points lower than for group A patients, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.817, R2=0.018).Conclusions: Pregabalin is equivalent to gabapentin for the relief of postoperative pain at a lower dose in patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy. Therefore, other factors, such as dose, frequency, cost, pharmacokinetics, and side effects of these medicines, should be taken into account whenever it is prescribed

Assessment Of Iba (Indole Butyric Acid) Levels And Planting Time For Rooting And Growth Of Alstonia Cuttings

An experiment to assess different levels of IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) and planting time on rooting and growth of Alstonia cuttings was conducted at Ornamental Horticulture Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. The experiment was carried out using RCBD design with split plot arrangement. There were five levels of IBA 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% that were prepared by mixing IBA with talc powder. Cuttings were obtained from healthy, vigorous growing trees which were 15-20 cm long and 2-3 nodes. Leaves were removed from the cuttings and were treated with IBA than planted in plastic bags filled with mixture of sand, clay and FYM with the ratio of 1:1:1 on three different planting times 15th March, 30th March and 14th April. IBA level of 10% showed best results regarding leaf area plant-1(26.032 cm2), sprout length(18.096 cm), stem diameter (14.44 mm), number of roots plant-1 (15.613), root diameter (3.412 mm) while number of  leaves plant-1 (17.27), root length (14.24 cm) and survival percentage (70%) was best recorded when treated with IBA at level of 5%. However, sprouting percentage and days to bud sprouting were not significantly affected by different levels of IBA. It is observed from the study that there was no significant effect of planting time over any parameter however good results were observed in cuttings planted at 14th April regarding leaf area plant-1, sprout length, stem diameter, number of roots plant-1, number of leaves plant-1, root length, root diameter and survival percentage while sprouting percentage and days to bud sprouting were best when planted at 15th March. IBA at 10% level and 14th April as planting time resulted in overall best performance and hence recommended for treating and planting cuttings of Alstonia. Keywords: Alstonia, Growth attribute, Planting times, IBA

Prevalence and Molecular Diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica in Sheep and Goats in Different Districts of Punjab, Pakistan

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and molecular diagnosis of fasciolosis in Lohi sheep and Beetal goats in Okara, Sahiwal and Lahore districts of Punjab province. A total of 800 samples including 200 fecal and 200 bile, each from Lohi sheep and Beetal goats were collected and processed for microscopic examination of Fasciola eggs as well as its confirmation through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the fecal samples, 3.5 and 2% samples whereas from bile samples, 6.5 and 4% bile samples from sheep and goats were found microscopically positive for Fasciola hepatica, respectively. By PCR, 4.5 and 3.5% fecal samples and 8.5 and 5% bile samples from sheep and goats, respectively were confirmed for F. hepatica. Statistically sheep and goats species were found equally likely acquiring the F. hepatica diagnosed by either source of material (fecal and bile samples) similarly fecal and bile samples were equally likely showing fasciolosis in either of sheep and goats

Determination of Underground Structure and Migration of Hot Plumes Contaminating Fresh Water Using Vertical Electrical Survey (VES) and Magnetic Survey, A Case Study of Tattapani Thermal Spring, Azad Kashmir

A geophysical survey was carried out at Tattapani thermal spring Azad Kashmir to delineate structure,thickness, depth, lithology and migration of hot plumes contaminating fresh water. The study area was investigated byVertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using schlumberger array at 21 locations arranged in ten profiles to a maximumdepth of 500 m and 200 magnetic observations. The extension and tectonic setup of thermal spring was mapped bygeoelectrical litho sections, subsurface geological sections (20m, 20-100m and 100-500m) pseudo section, apparentresistivity map, geoelectrical parameters, statistical distribution of apparent resistivity, total magnetic intensity andanomaly map. The data show that Tattapani hot spring is concentrated along the fault line delineated by geoelectricallitho sections and magnetic section with value of -120 nT to -300 nT, total field intensity of 50000-50450 nT andconfirm by macro anisotropy (1.0 to 2.7). The geoelectrical lithological section portrays that study area compriseslithological fabric of dolomite (≥400 ohm.m), sandstone (150-200 ohm.m), clay (80-150 ohm.m), Shaley clay (50-80)and shale (≤ 50). The Thermal Plumes (10-70 ohm.m) were pictured by resistivity section and pseudo section ataverage depth of 30-60 m and showing migration of hot plumes in the North-Eastern direction contaminating freshwater (100-200 ohm.m). The longitudinal conductance (0.95-15 mhos), transverse resistance (20-300 ohm.m2) are seenhaving maximum value in the North-Eastern and North-Western side of the study area. The study also shows that freshground water is mostly concentrated in sandstone (150-200 ohm.m), dolomite (≥400 ohm.m) and lies above the thermalplumes and thus highly prone to contamination due to upwelling of thermal water

Ameliorating drought effects in wheat using an exclusive or 2 co-applied rhizobacteria and ZnO nanoparticles

Simple Summary Wheat is a vital source of food, and its production is increasingly threatened by drought episodes. Moreover, its cultivation under water deficit situations along with zinc deficient soils is a major concern of declined wheat grain quantity and quality. Drought-linked changes in nutrient use efficiency, photosynthetic mechanisms, and chemical composition of wheat plants ultimately led to poorer harvest. Therefore, we aimed to understand the drought-ameliorating and grain nutritional improving effects in wheat by rhizobacteria (Azospirillum brasilense) and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) under various growth stage-based drought stress episodes. Rhizobacteria colonized the host plant rhizosphere and provided growth promotion and stress amelioration. ZnO NPs were recognized as a potential water and zinc deficiency alleviator, and general growth promoter by triggering nitrogen metabolism, chlorophyll synthesis, membrane integrity, and grain zinc biofortification activities. Physio-biochemical observations indicated significantly higher positive effects under co-application over the sole use of either microbial or nanomaterials. Based on our research, it was concluded that co-applied Azospirillum brasilense and ZnO NPs generally increase wheat productivity under drought episodes with low operational cost to growers. Further, plausible synergistic physiological enhancement by NPs and rhizobacteria interaction may contribute towards sustainable wheat crop management under abiotic stresses. Drought is a major abiotic factor and affects cereal-based staple food production and reliability in developing countries such as Pakistan. To ensure a sustainable and consistent food supply, holistic production plans involving the integration of several drought mitigation approaches are required. Using a randomized complete block design strategy, we examined the drought-ameliorating characteristics of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and nanoparticles (NPs) exclusively or as a combined application (T-4) through three stages (D-1, D-2, and D-3) of wheat growth (T-1, control). Our field research revealed that Azospirillum brasilense alone (T-2) and zinc oxide NPs (T-3) improved wheat plant water relations, chlorophyll, proline, phenolics and grain quality, yield, and their allied traits over the stressed treatments. Specifically, the best outcome was observed in the combined treatment of PGPR and ZnO NPs (T-4). Interestingly, the combined treatment delivered effective drought mitigation through enhanced levels of antioxidants (15% APX, 27% POD, 35% CAT, 38% PPO and 44% SOD) over controls at the grain-filling stage (GFS, D-3 x T-1). The 40% improvements were recorded under the combined treatment at GFS over their respective controls. Their combined usage (PGPR and ZnO NPs) was concluded as an effective strategy for building wheat resilience under drought, especially in arid and semi-arid localities

Suitability of various plant derived gelling agents as agar substitute in microbiological growth media

Eleven putative gelling agents were investigated as agar substitutes. These included arrowroot (Maranta arundinaceae), coconut powder (Cocos nucifera), corn flour (Zea mays var. amylacea), gel rite (a water-soluble polysaccharide produced by Sphingomonas elodea), glue (Cyanoacrylates), katira gum (Cochlospermum religiosum), guar gum (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus L.), isubgol husk (Plantago ovata), pectin and rice (Oryza sativa L.) powder. Among these, guar gum was found a promising alternate candidate for agar. Media solidified with 2.8% guar gum was transparent and supportive for the growth of three test fungi (Trichoderma harzianum, Alternaria alternata and Alternaria solani) as good as agar. Guar gum also excelled in terms of cost benefit ratio when compared with agar. Guar gum fortified media was found to cost $0.005/L as compared to agar supplemented media costing$ 1.17/L. Further, guar gum is easily available and can be added with ease thereby serving as a suitable and inexpensive substitute of agar and thus, can be adopted for routine microbiological testing in resource poor countries.Key words: Guar gum, media, agar, gelling agents

Investigation of 9000 hours multi-stress aging effects on High-Temperature Vulcanized Silicone Rubber with silica (nano/micro) filler hybrid composite insulator

Degradation in the polymeric insulators is caused due to the environmental stresses. The main aim of this paper is to explore the improved aging characteristics of hybrid samples by adding nano/micro silica in High Temperature Vulcanized Silicone Rubber (HTV-SiR) under long term accelerated aging conditions for 9000 hours. As HTV-SiR is unable to sustain environmental stresses for a long time, thus a long term accelerated aging behavior is an important phenomenon to be considered for field application. The aging characteristics of nano/micro filled HTV-SiR are analyzed by using techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Leakage Current (LC), Fourier Transform Infrared Microscopy (FTIR), Hydrophobicity Classification (HC), and breakdown strength for the aging time of 9000 hours. FTIR and leakage currents are measured after every cycle. All the co-filled samples revealed escalated aging characteristics as compared to the neat sample except the SN8 sample (8% nano-silica+20% micro-silica) after 9000 hours of aging. The highest loading of 6% and 8% nano-silica with 20% micro-silica do not contribute to the improved performance when compared with the neat and hybrid samples. However, from the critical experimental analysis, it is deduced that SN2 sample (2% nano-silica+20% micro-silica) is highly resistant to the long term accelerated aging conditions. SN2 has no cracks, lower loss percentages in the important FTIR absorption peaks, higher breakdown strength and superior HC after aging as compared to the unfilled and hybrid samples

Food safety and biological control; genomic insights and antimicrobial potential of Bacillus velezensis FB2 against agricultural fungal pathogens

Development of natural, broad-spectrum, and eco-friendly bio-fungicides is of high interest in the agriculture and food industries. In this context, Bacillus genus has shown great potential for producing a wide range of antimicrobial metabolites against various pathogens. A Bacillus velezensis strain FB2 was isolated from an agricultural field of National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) Faisalabad, Pakistan, exhibiting good antifungal properties. The complete genome of this strain was sequenced, and its antifungal potential was assayed by dual culture method. Moreover, structural characterization of its antifungal metabolites, produced in vitro, were studied. Genome analysis and mining revealed the secondary metabolite gene clusters, encoding non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) production (e.g., surfactin, iturin and fengycin) and polyketide (PK) synthesis (e.g., difficidin, bacillaene and macrolactin). Furthermore, the Bacillus velezensis FB2 strain was observed to possess in vitro antifungal activity; 41.64, 40.38 and 26% growth inhibition against major fungal pathogens i.e. Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani respectively. Its lipopeptide extract obtained by acid precipitation method was also found effective against the above-mentioned fungal pathogens. The ESI-MS/MS analysis indicated various homologs of surfactin and iturin-A, responsible for their antifungal activities. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of Bacillus velezensis FB2, as a promising candidate for biocontrol purposes, acting in a safe and sustainable way, to control plant pathogens.</p

Food safety and biological control; genomic insights and antimicrobial potential of Bacillus velezensis FB2 against agricultural fungal pathogens

Development of natural, broad-spectrum, and eco-friendly bio-fungicides is of high interest in the agriculture and food industries. In this context, Bacillus genus has shown great potential for producing a wide range of antimicrobial metabolites against various pathogens. A Bacillus velezensis strain FB2 was isolated from an agricultural field of National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) Faisalabad, Pakistan, exhibiting good antifungal properties. The complete genome of this strain was sequenced, and its antifungal potential was assayed by dual culture method. Moreover, structural characterization of its antifungal metabolites, produced in vitro, were studied. Genome analysis and mining revealed the secondary metabolite gene clusters, encoding non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) production (e.g., surfactin, iturin and fengycin) and polyketide (PK) synthesis (e.g., difficidin, bacillaene and macrolactin). Furthermore, the Bacillus velezensis FB2 strain was observed to possess in vitro antifungal activity; 41.64, 40.38 and 26% growth inhibition against major fungal pathogens i.e. Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani respectively. Its lipopeptide extract obtained by acid precipitation method was also found effective against the above-mentioned fungal pathogens. The ESI-MS/MS analysis indicated various homologs of surfactin and iturin-A, responsible for their antifungal activities. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of Bacillus velezensis FB2, as a promising candidate for biocontrol purposes, acting in a safe and sustainable way, to control plant pathogens.</p