Economics of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Production and Its Development in District Kech, Balochistan Province of Pakistan

Economics of date palm production and its constraints in District Kech, (Balochistan) was analyzed during 2012-13 using 60 date palm producers; while a good number of market agents/middlemen were also included to analyze date palm marketing. The data indicated that Turbat and Panjgoor are the districts of excellence for their high quality and remarkable date palm production; and Begum Jangi dominates in area and production, followed by Halini, Hussaini, Goknah, Dishtri, Konzenabad, Muzwati, Pashpag, Shakri and Washakar. The total estimated costs on date palm production were Rs. 225271.31/hectare which included Rs. 50903 land inputs, Rs. 66468 initial development of orchard, Rs. 76111 operational costs and Rs. 31789.31 marketing costs. Among initial orchard development costs, purchase of date palm suckers was the item of highest cost, followed by the farmyard manure and ploughing charges. The total land inputs including land rent and land tax accumulated to Rs. 50903/hectare. Among marketing costs the transportation charges were the highest amount of costs. The overall average date palm fruit yield was estimated at 77.29 maunds per hectare. The date palm yield was higher in trees aging 10-20 years; while Washakar variety fetched highest sale price, followed by Begum Jangi, Konzenabad and Goknah, while hydrated form of dates (Chhuhara) is mostly prepared from Halini variety. The income from date palm per hectare was estimated at Rs. 286745.90 against total costs Rs. 225271.31 resulting net returns of 61474.59 per hectare, resulting cost: benefit ratio of 1:1.27. The marketing analysis indicated that total price spread was Rs. 3500.00 per maund while the product reached in the hands of ultimate consumer. The middlemen (Wholesalers and commission agents) and retailer earned marketing margins of 31.68 and 24.69%, net margin 75.23 and 85.34 %, markup 46.36 and 32.78 %. The retailer shared 42.10 paisa of the consumer’s rupee, middlemen (wholesaler and commission agents) 35.86 paisa; while the producer shared the lowest (22.04 paisa) of the consumer’s rupee. The retailer earned 5.82 rupees (CBR=1:5.82), middlemen (wholesaler and commission agents) 3.03 rupees (CBR=1:3.03) and date palm grower earned 0.27 rupee (CBR= 1:0.27) on payment of one rupee cost. Among constraints, farm to market infrastructure and high transportation costs were the problems of rank-1 faced by 100 percent of the growers. Market facility to growers, quality seed and irrigation water, lack of date processing unit and cold storage were rank-2, rank-3 and rank-4 problems, respectively. The quality pesticides and high fertilizer and FYM price and timely availability were the problems at rank-5, while training of date palm growers for production and post-harvest handling and non-existence of soil testing facilities were the problems of low ranking. Keywords: Date Palm, Production and Developmen

Electrospun PVA/CuONPs/Bitter Gourd Nanofibers with Improved Cytocompatibility and Antibacterial Properties: Application as Antibacterial Wound Dressing

Antibacterial and cyto-compatible tricomponent composite electrospun nanofibers comprised of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), copper II oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs), and Momordica charantia (bitter gourd, MC) extract were examined for their potential application as an effective wound dressing. Metallic nanoparticles have a wide range of applications in biomedical engineering because of their excellent antibacterial properties; however, metallic NPs have some toxic effects as well. The green synthesis of nanoparticles is undergoing development with the goal of avoiding toxicity. The aim of adding Momordica charantia extract was to reduce the toxic effects of copper oxide nanoparticles as well as to impart antioxidant properties to electrospun nanofibers. Weight ratios of PVA and MC extract were kept constant while the concentration of copper oxide was optimized to obtain good antibacterial properties with reduced toxicity. Samples were characterized for their morphological properties, chemical interactions, crystalline structures, elemental analyses, antibacterial activity, cell adhesion, and toxicity. All samples were found to have uniform morphology without any bead formation, while an increase in diameters was observed as the CuO concentration was increased in nanofibers. All samples exhibited antibacterial properties; however, the sample with CuO concentration of 0.6% exhibited better antibacterial activity. It was also observed that nanofibrous mats exhibited excellent cytocompatibility with fibroblast (NIH3T3) cells. The mechanical properties of nanofibers were slightly improved due to the addition of nanoparticles. By considering the excellent results of nanofibrous mats, they can therefore be recommended for wound dressing applications

Prevalence of obesity in patients suffering from migraine

Background: Migraine is one of the most common primary headaches, accounting for significant morbidity in patients suffering from it. An association between obesity and migraine has been documented in the past, despite some studies pointing to the contrary. Author’s purpose is to calculate the prevalence of obesity in migraine patients in order to contribute to the existing concepts. A positive correlation could lead to the employment of weight loss interventions in the management of obese patients with migraine.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 patients, recently diagnosed with migraine, attending the Neurology Outpatient Department at the Dr. Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi were enrolled after taking informed consent.  Migraine was diagnosed using International Classification of Headache Disorders III (ICHD III) criteria. Height (meters) and weight (kilograms) were measured and body mass index calculated. This data was kept confidential. The results were tabulated and analyzed using SPSS version 19.  Continuous quantitative data were analyzed using chi square test. A p Value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The mean age of enrolled participants was 30.69±6.96 years, 204(51%) were >30 years of age, 159(39.8%) were male and 241(60.3%) were female, mean height was 1.55±0.1 meters, mean weight was 56.26±12.98 kg, and mean duration of migraine was 5.04±2.02 weeks. The prevalence of obesity in patients with migraine was 108 (27%).Conclusions: It was concluded that the prevalence of obesity in patients with migraine was 27%

Genetic Variation of Flowering Trait in Maize (Zea mays L.) under Drought Stress at Vegetative and Reproductive Stages

A study was conducted under water stress in vegetative and reproductive growth stages at two locations (Shambat and Medani) in Sudan during the season (2003/2004). Genotypic and phenotypic variability, genetic advance and heritability in a broad sense were estimated in a split-plot layout within randomized complete block design with three replications. Fifteen genotypes of maize were used for the study.  Phenotypic correlation coefficient between grain yield and 25%, 50% and 95% of flowering trait anthesis and silking were evaluated. All flowering stages were found significant differences among the genotypes, except days to 95% anthesis. Significant differences among water treatments were observed for days to 25% silking at Medani. High heritability, genotypic coefficient of variation and genetic advance were exhibited by days to 25% silking. Grain yield was significantly and negatively associated with days to (50% and 95%) silking. Based on the results drought stress at vegetative and reproductive stages of maize results in a drastic reduction in grain yield, and flowering character would be the important selection, creation for maize improvement under drought stress. Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), Genetic variability, heritability, correlation, flowering, drought

Phenotypic Variations of Drought Tolerance Parameters in Maize (Zea mays L.) under Water Stress at Vegetative and Reproductive Stages

Two field experiments were conducted at Shambat and Medani in Sudan under water stress in vegetative and reproductive growth stages during the season (2003/2004). The objective of the study was to assess phenotypic variability and phenotypic correlation between drought tolerance parameters in maize genotypes. A split-plot layout within randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the experiment. Fifteen genotypes of maize were examined through the study. The effect due to genotypes x location was highly significant for all drought tolerance parameters studied. Highly significant and favorable correlation for Yw with SSI2, SSI3, GMP2, GMP3, STI2 and STI3, while highly significant and negative with Yd2/Yw and Yd3/Yw. Based on the result's drought stress at vegetative and reproductive stages of maize results in a drastic reduction in grain yield, and the strong positive correlation of Yw with SSI, GMP and STI, indicates that selection for high values of these parameters improves yield under stress and non-stress environments. Drought tolerance parameters can be used for improving grain yield and facilitate further efforts in maize breeding programs. Keywords: Correlation, drought, genetic variability, heritability, Maize (Zea mays L.).

Comparative Efficiency of Soil and Foliar Applied Zinc in Improving Yield and Yield Components of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Variety Kiran-95

A field study was undertaken to evaluate the comparative efficacy of zinc application through soil and foliar spray on growth and yield of wheat variety Kiran-95 at Soil Chemistry Section, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam during Rabi 2013-14. The experiment was laid out in three replicated randomized complete block design. The treatments comprised Control (No Zinc), Soil applied Zinc 5.0 kg ha-1 at tillering stage, Soil applied Zinc 10.0 kg ha-1 at tillering stage, Soil applied Zinc 5.0 kg ha-1 at tillering + 5.0 kg ha-1 at booting stage, Foliar applied Zinc 0.2% at tillering stage, Foliar applied Zinc 0.4% at tillering and Foliar applied Zinc 0.2% at tillering stage + 0.2% at booting stage. The statistical analysis of data suggested that soil and foliar applied zinc affected significantly (P<0.05) growth and yield traits of wheat variety Kiran-95. The results illustrated that Soil applied Zinc 5.0 kg ha-1 at tillering + 5.0 kg ha-1 at booting stage produced maximum plant height (99.0 cm), tillers (410.7 m-2), spike length (13.1 cm), spikelets per spike (23.0), grains per  spike (45.1), seed index (43.4 g), biological yield (9354.4 kg ha-1) and grain yield (5123.4 kg ha-1), closely followed by Foliar applied Zinc 0.2% at tillering stage + 0.2% at booting stage with 97.6 cm plant height, 408.8 tillers m-2, 13.0 cm spike length, 22.8 spikelets per spike, 45.0 grains per spike, 43.2 g seed index, 9273.4 kg ha-1 biological yield and 5080.7 kg ha-1 grain yield. The performance of wheat variety Kiran-95 ranked 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th almost in all the growth and yield parameters particularly grain yield (kg ha-1) when fertilized with Soil applied Zinc 10.0 kg ha-1 at tillering stage, Foliar applied Zinc 0.4% at tillering, Soil applied Zinc 5.0 kg ha-1 at tillering stage and Foliar applied Zinc 0.2% at tillering stage.  However, minimum growth and yield traits were registered in Control (No Zinc). Furthermore, the results concluded that although numerically maximum growth and yield values were recorded in Soil applied Zinc 5.0 kg ha-1 at tillering + 5.0 kg ha-1 at booting stage but statistically the differences between Soil applied Zinc 5.0 kg ha-1 at tillering + 5.0 kg ha-1 at booting stage and Foliar applied Zinc 0.2% at tillering stage + 0.2% at booting stage were non-significant. Hence, Foliar applied Zinc 0.2% at tillering stage + 0.2% at booting stage were found the most economical treatment for obtaining optimum yield of wheat variety Kiran-95. Keywords: Wheat, Comparative Efficiency, Soil, Foliar, Zinc, Improving Yield and Yield Component

Potential of biomass for bioenergy in Pakistan based on present case and future perspectives

Authors have no conflict of interest and would like to acknowledge the National University of Sciences&Technology (NUST), Pakistan.Peer reviewedPostprin

Third ventricular tumors: A comprehensive literature review

Third ventricle tumors are uncommon and account for 0.6 - 0.9% of all the brain tumors. Tumors of the third ventricle are classified into primary tumors, such as colloid cysts, choroid plexus papillomas, and ependymomas, or secondary tumors, such as craniopharyngiomas, optic nerve gliomas, pineal tumors, and meningiomas. Third ventricular tumors are uncommon, and their treatment involves significant morbidity and mortality. The colloid cyst has a better surgical outcome and many approaches are available to achieve a complete cure. Choroid plexus papilloma is also a common tumor documented with its treatment majorly based on surgical resection. In addition to multiple treatment options for craniopharyngiomas, surgery is the most preferred treatment option. Ependymomas also have few treatment options, with surgical resection adopted as the first line of treatment

Bomb blast injuries: an exploration of patient characteristics and outcome using Pakistan National Emergency Departments Surveillance (Pak-NEDS) data.

BACKGROUND: Bomb blast injuries result in premature deaths and burdening of healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to explore the characteristics and outcome of patients presenting to the emergency departments in Pakistan with bomb blast injuries. METHODS: Active surveillance was conducted in seven major emergency departments of Pakistan from November 2010-March 2011. All the sites are tertiary care urban centers. All the patients who presented to the hospital\u27s emergency department (ED) following a bomb blast injury as per self-report or the ambulance personnel were included in the study. Frequency of demographics, injury pattern, and outcomes were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients with bomb blast injuries presented to the selected emergency departments. The median age of patients was 30 years. Around three-fourth of the patients were males (n = 74, 74.7%). Most of the bomb blast patients were seen in Peshawar (n = 41, 39.8%) and Karachi city (n = 31, 30.1%) and the most common mode of arrival was non-ambulance transport (n = 71, 76.3%). Upper limb injuries (n = 12, 40%) were common in the under 18 age group and lower limb injuries (n = 31, 39.2%) in the 18 years and above group. There were a total of 8 (7.7%) deaths reported out of these 103 patients. CONCLUSION: Bomb blast injuries in Pakistan generally affect young males. Non-ambulance transport is the most common way to access emergency departments (ED). Overall ED mortality is high and capturing data during a disaster in an emergency department is challenging

Oxidative Stress Diminishing Perspectives of Green and Black Tea Polyphenols: A Mechanistic Approach

Polyphenols have credentials to tackle the oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the imbalance between free radicals production and antioxidant enzymes ability to tackle these radicals resulting the onset various metabolic related disorders. Polyphenols based foods have credential as a shield against these glitches mainly owing to their antioxidant potential. In this context, tea polyphenols have gained paramount attention of scientific community as therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of various oxidative stress induce maladies owing to their structural diversity, strong antioxidant ability and capacity to modulate various expression involved in the pathogenesis of these maladies. The notable polyphenols are catechins which are mainly present in green tea and further subdivided into various compounds like ECG, EGC, EGCG which has their unique therapeutic potential. The catechins undergo various structural changes and transformed into theaflavins and thearubigins in the process of black tea formation. These are high molecular weight polyphenols and promising candidates in obesity, diabetes and cancer treatment. Mechanistically, these polyphenols ameliorate oxidative stress by trapping the noxious radicals like superoxide and peroxyl, promote the activity of glutathione, suppressing the malondialdehyde (MDA) activity. The current chapter is an attempt to highlight the therapeutic potential of tea polyphenols