Effect of seed rates on seed germination and seedling growth of Mulberry (Morus sp.)

Mulberry (Morus sp.) is a fast growing, deciduous, woody perennial plant, usually pollinated by wind (anemophily). Morus sp. produces seed which is used to raise seedlings to be used for root grafting, whereas scion of an improved variety is grafted over the rootstock got through seedling raising. Seed rate is an important parameter that decides population of plants per unit area with optimum exposure to sunlight, proper space, aeration, and nutrition. In this study, we tried to find the optimum seed rate in mulberry for raising of quality seedlings under Kashmir climatic conditions. The investigation was carried out at College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund, SKUAST- Kashmir, wherein different seed rates were tested for seedling raising in mulberry. Amongst different seed rates tested, treatment T3 wherein 28 seeds were sown per square foot was at par with treatments T1 and T2 having 20 and 24 seeds per sq. foot, respectively. The study indicated that 20-28 seeds per square foot could be successfully adopted for raising of quality seedlings.

Clinico-pathological findings of Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxaemia in goats and its hemolytic activity in different erythrocytes

The present investigation was conducted to study the effects of experimental Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxaemia in teddy goats. Clinical signs started to appear after 30 min of experimental infection like anorexia, diarrhea, dehydration, frothing and dyspnea. Gross lesions consisted of severe congestion in tissues of varying intensity with enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes while histological examination revealed edema of lungs, kidney, and lymph nodes and to some extent in brain along with hemorrhages in lungs and intestines. Clostridium perfringens type D carrying alpha and epsilon toxin genes were amplified with amplicon size about 247 bp and 665 bp, respectively. Human erythrocytes showed the highest hemolysis, 68%, followed by mice, 57%, against culture supernatants. The percentage of hemolysis was significantly higher at 37[degree]C as compared to 25[degree]C except for rabbit and dog

Socio-economic and demographic factors associated with injecting drug use among drug users in Karachi, Pakistan

To identify the socio-economic and demographic factors associated with injecting drug users [IDUs] in Karachi. We recruited 242 IDUs [taking drugs through sub-dermal routes] and 231 non-IDUs [taking drugs other than sub-dermal routes] from February through June 1996. IDUs were interviewed regarding socio-demographic factors, economic condition, and social network [marital status, living with spouse]. In addition, information regarding location of drug users within the city [districts of Karachi] and current history of sexually transmitted diseases [STDs] were gathered. Moreover, blood samples were also obtained for HIV testing. Multivariate analysis showed that the income generation via illegal modes [AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6], non-sharing of income with family [AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7] and presence of suicidal thoughts [AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.8] were associated with the use of drugs through injections. Further, drug users from districts West, East and Central were more likely to use drug through injection as compared to drug users from district South. The history of genital herpes was also found to be associated with injecting drug use. One IDU was found seropositive for HIV.The high-risk behaviors, such as illegal modes of earning and presence of suicidal thoughts, among IDUs suggest that the group needs rehabilitation programme. Moreover, non-sharing of income suggest that IDUs are isolated from social network, therefore primary prevention activities with focus on improving socio-economic conditions and social networking can reduce drug use through injections. Focused interventions on target districts would be helpful in reducing IDU

Factors affecting unsuccessful referral by the lady health workers in Karachi, Pakistan

To estimate the proportion of patient referral and to identify the factors associated with unsuccessful referral in Karachi, Pakistan. In a cross-sectional survey, a total of 347 patients referred to different health care facilities by the LHWs were interviewed. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, on demographic characteristics of patients [age, sex, income etc] and potential factors [seriousness of medical condition, distance of health facility, attitude of health center staff etc] that can affect patient referral outcome. An overall referral rate of 55% was found in this study. Out of a total of 347 patients interviewed, 265 [76.4%] were successful while 82 [23.6%] were unsuccessful referrals. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that objection to referral [Adjusted OR, 2.96; CI: 1.44-5.52], never referred before [Adjusted OR, 1.25; CI: 1.34-6.90], not visited the referral site before [Adjusted OR, 4.04; CI: 2.50-6.08] and no knowledge of who to meet at the referral site [Adjusted OR, 1.30; CI: 1.01-2.96] were the factors associated with unsuccessful referral. Other factors found significant were duration of the illness of the patient, anyone not known at the referral site and failure of LHW to follow up. Our study found that a significant proportion of patients seen by the LHWs are referred to different health facilities. Improved management skills of LHWs for simple medical problems would probably reduce the number of referrals. Efforts should also be directed to enhance the communication and counseling skills of LHWs, which may reduce a significant proportion of unsuccessful referrals

Pregnant truma patients at JPMC, Karachi

Though reporting and monitoring of trauma to pregnant patients is very low, it is a major cause of maternal death in the present active life style. Trauma during pregnancy is more likely due to an accidental fall and changes in body stability during pregnancy from records of obstetricians and anaesthetists of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre [JPMC], during the last 5 years 16 cases of trauma to pregnant women were identified including motor vehicle accidents [9], assault [3] and fall [4]. Of these 16 cases two were in the 2nd trimester and the rest in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Emergency laparotomy was done in one case and Cesarean section in five. Nine cases were discharged undelivered after 72 hours of monitoring and two cases died in emergency unit during resuscitation. There were two foetal losses one with a direct bullet injury and the other with placental abruption due to pelvic fracture

Tuberculosis of Waldeyer's ring

Out of 366 Adenoidectomies and 488 Tonsillectomies performed, routine histological examination of the tissue removed revealed three patients to have Tuberculosis of adenoid and tonsils. Tuberculosis was not suspected in any of these patients on clinical a radiological grounds. This indicates the importance of tuberculosis in our practice and routine histology of surgically removed tissues

Mandibular reconstruction using osteomyocutaneous flap

A large recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin of the chin involving right submandibular region and the mandible was repaired with Osteomyocutaneous flap consisting of one half of the outer table of sternum attached to the pectoralis major muscle and skin from anterior chest wall