Changes in particulate matter concentrations at different altitudinal levels with environmental dynamics

Ambient air quality is defined not only by the source strength but a variety of meteorological parameters as well. In the current study, ambient concentrations of PM along with temperature and relative humidity levels were monitored at seven different locations of Pakistan. A DustTrak DRX (Model 8533, TSI Inc.) was employed for twenty four hours real time monitoring of particulate matter at the selected sites. A considerable variation was observed in the 24 hour trend of particulate matter (PM) at different locations owing to variation in meteorological conditions due to different altitudes and seasons, and natural and anthropogenic sources in the vicinity. The highest average concentrations of PM2.5 (407 mu g/m(3)) were observed at highest elevation (Makra Peak, Shogran, 3089 m) while lowest averages (102 mu g/m(3)) were obtained at the seaside (Hawks Bay, Karachi, 0 m). On the other hand PMTotal fraction exhibited highest levels at site B (506 mu g/m(3)) and lowest at Site A (121 mu g/m(3)). Correlation factors were determined for PM and meteorological parameters at each location. More research needs to be conducted to have a comprehensive knowledge about the physical parameters controlling particulate dispersal at different altitudes within the country

Assessing residual status and spatial variation of current-use pesticides under the influence of environmental factors in major cash crop growing areas of Pakistan

The status of seven currently used pesticides were assessed under the influence of soil parameters in surface soils of cash crop growing areas of Pakistan. Chlorpyrifos occurred in highest mean concentration (1.18 mg kg−1). Selected pesticides exhibited higher affinity towards both organic carbon and black carbon fractions. The δ13C stable carbon isotopic fraction of inorganic carbon was also used as a tracer and disclosed high retention of total organic carbon in Swat and Swabi sites. Statistical analysis revealed that carbon storage was primarily influenced by altitude and temperature. Soil clay mineral oxides of aluminum and iron positively correlated with organic carbon and selected pesticides (chlorpyrifos and cyprodinil). Soil to plant bio-concentration ratios predicted heightened uptake of azinfos and diazinon in major cash crop bio mass. Occupational risk via soil ingestion expressed no significant threat to the farmer community

A comparative study to assess the effect of oral alprazolam as premedication on vital parameters of patients during surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate and monitor the changes in vital parameters of patients during surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Methods: This was an in vivo study conducted in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Terna Dental College. Sixty patients were randomly selected. Thirty patients were given a preoperative single dose of oral tablet alprazolam 0.5 mg as premedication (test group), whereas the other thirty were treated without any premedication (control group). Results: It was found that the mean systolic blood pressure during surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar was raised in the control group and exhibited minimal fluctuation in the test group. Conclusion: The use of tablet alprazolam as premedication before surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars resulted in stability of vital parameters, secondary to reduced patient anxiety

Antibiotic Sensitivity on Isolates from Diabetic And Non-Diabetic Population Based In Pattoki Punjab

Objectives: To isolate and characterizing microorganisms from diabetic and non-diabetic patients and assessing the antimicrobial activity of isolate extracts from Citrus sinensis and Psidium guajava.  Methodology: Experimental study of one year and six month duration from May 2016 to May 2018 conducted in Microbiology Laboratory University of Lahore, Pakistan. Convenient sampling was done by collecting the urine sample at random from 250 persons in the Pattoki community. All the urine samples from diabetic and non-diabetics were cultured separately and after biochemical confirmation of microorganisms, the disc diffusion method was used for carrying out an antimicrobial activity. Results: A total of 105 samples, were found to have positive urine cultures. Among these positive urine culture samples, 75 were diabetic and 30 were non-diabetics. The bacterial isolate most commonly found among diabetics was E.coli followed by the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris respectively. Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of different parts of plant extracts against isolated bacteria from diabetics showed that the highest sensitivity was shown against peel, leaves and seed extracts of Citrus sinensis and Psidium guajava while the least sensitivity was shown against the stem and root extracts of these plants. Moreover, antibiotic sensitivity tests of isolated microbes showed that the highest resistance is found against Augmentin and Tetracycline while the most sensitive drug for isolates was found to be Chloramphenicol. Conclusion: From the results, it is concluded that leave extract of Psidium guajava and peel extracts of Citrus sinensis showed effective results against bacterial pathogens and could serve as a good alternate source of antibacterial agent

Acidified Biochar Confers Improvement in Quality and Yield Attributes of Sufaid Chaunsa Mango in Saline Soil

Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the economic value of fruit in the national and international markets. However, deterioration of soil health due to low organic matter is a major hurdle for mango growers. Scientists suggest incorporation of organic matter. However, high temperature and low precipitation lead to oxidation of organic residues in soil. On the other hand, biochar is gaining the attention of growers due to its resistance against decomposition. It can improve soil physicochemical attributes. Limited literature is available regarding biochar effects on the quality attributes of mango. Therefore, the current study was planned to investigate the effects of acidified biochar on mango quality and yield attributes in alkaline soil. Five levels of biochar, i.e., 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 Mg/ha, were applied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results showed that 20 and 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar significantly enhanced fruit retention, sugar contents, ash contents and TSS of mango compared to control. A significant increase in mango fruit weight and yield per plant validated the efficacious role of 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar over control. Furthermore, the maximum significant decrease in fruit juice acidity signified the imperative functioning of 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar in alkaline soil. In conclusion, 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar application can improve mango quality and yield attributes in alkaline soil. More investigations on different soil types, climatic zones and mango varieties are recommended to declare 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar as the best treatment for improvement in the quality and yield of mango fruit in alkaline soils

Knowledge, attitudes and practices survey on organ donation among a selected adult population of Pakistan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding organ donation in a selected adult population in Pakistan.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Convenience sampling was used to generate a sample of 440; 408 interviews were successfully completed and used for analysis. Data collection was carried out via a face to face interview based on a pre-tested questionnaire in selected public areas of Karachi, Pakistan. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.15 and associations were tested using the Pearson's Chi square test. Multiple logistic regression was used to find independent predictors of knowledge status and motivation of organ donation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Knowledge about organ donation was significantly associated with education (p = 0.000) and socioeconomic status (p = 0.038). 70/198 (35.3%) people expressed a high motivation to donate. Allowance of organ donation in religion was significantly associated with the motivation to donate (p = 0.000). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that higher level of education and higher socioeconomic status were significant (p < 0.05) independent predictors of knowledge status of organ donation. For motivation, multiple logistic regression revealed that higher socioeconomic status, adequate knowledge score and belief that organ donation is allowed in religion were significant (p < 0.05) independent predictors. Television emerged as the major source of information. Only 3.5% had themselves donated an organ; with only one person being an actual kidney donor.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Better knowledge may ultimately translate into the act of donation. Effective measures should be taken to educate people with relevant information with the involvement of media, doctors and religious scholars.</p