Comparative bio-efficacy of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) and Spinosad against American bollwormm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

ABSTRACT American bollworm (ABW), Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), is considered as a major pest of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, all over the globe. Due to its destructive feeding nature and continuous consumption of the same chemicals, it devolved resistant against many insecticides. Therefore, a combined application of bio- and synthetic-pesticide need to evaluate against this pest. The entomopathogenic viruses like nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV), a member of baculoviruses, can be the potential candidates for better control against ABW. The present study was conducted to assess the comparative efficacy of NPV and Spinosad 240SC (with the concentration of 250 mL · ha-1) against ABW in the controlled environment. The ABW was treated with different concentrations of NPV and Spinosad separately and in a combination of NPV with 0.1% Spinosad. The results revealed that highest concentrations showed highest mortality (95%) followed by 95%, 92%, 84%, 82% and 78% mortality at 1 × 109, 1 × 108, 1 × 107, 1 × 106 and 1 × 105 POBs, respectively. Spinosad when mixed in diet give 100% mortality at 0.8% followed by 50.87%, 42.10%, 29.82%, 26.31% and 22.80% mortality at 0.4%, 0.2%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 0.025% respectively. The results of this study revealed that microbial control of ABW through NPV is an effective tool. The repeated use of synthetic pesticides caused the resurgence of many insect pests, and this study results would provide useful insight to build a framework for future investigations for the management of many major insect pests.

Comparative study of efficacy of ORS with paedicare [ready to use solution] in gastroenteritis in children

To compare the efficacy of ORS with paedicare [Woodward's England, ready to use solution] as oral rehydration therapy in children up to 10 years of age. Randomized clinical trial. This study was conducted in Women Medical College affiliated teaching hospital in Abbottabad from 1 April 2014 to 1 October 2014. A sample of 100 patients suffering from dehydration was subjected to therapy. 50 of them were given ORS and 50 were given Paedicare [a ready to use oral electrolyte solution]. The patients were kept underobservation and results were noted. Out of the children treated with ORS 42 were successfully rehydrated within two days and 8 children took one week to recover while those treated with Paedicare 48 were rehydrated within two days and 2 children took one week to recover. Those children requiring more than two days recovering had associated illnesses like upper respiratory tract infection, otitis media and measles. Both ORS and Paedicare were effective in treating rehydration, Paedicare seem to be more hygienic, well constituted and had better results but ORS was less costly than Paedicare and has an edge over Paedicare especially among poor people

Smoking hashish [Chars] a partial blessing in disguise

To find out whether ingredients of hashish are helpful to treat anxiety, chronic pain, anorexia, insomnia and obesity. Cross sectional questionnaire based study. This study was conducted in Karak City, KPK from March 2013 to march 2014. A cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in the Karak city. A sample of100 hashish addicts was selected. They were asked questions about their routine use, dosage and behavior changes while using hashish. Their general behavior was observed and laboratory tests like LFT [ALT and total bilirubin] and RFT [Urea and creatinine] were done periodically. It was noted that hashish addiction was more common in middle and lower class. Its use cause euphoria followed by 6 to 8 hours of sleep. Speech was coherent although they became more talkative. LFTs and RFT's were normal. Although hashish is a substance of addiction but it also has many positive effects and further research should be done to see if some of its ingredients could be used in treating anxiety, chronic pain, anorexia, insomnia,obesity and chronic depression

Epidemiology of chronic hepatitis B in Mansehra district, Hazara division

The aim of this study was focused on the distribution, determinants and dynamics of chronic hepatitis B in a specified population of Mansehra district. The application of this study is to control the health problem. Original prospective observational study. The prospective study was carried out in Shahina Jamil teaching hospital Abbottabad. 1[st] Jaunary 2005 to 1[st] june2008. All chronic patient [disease lasting for more than three months] were screened for hepatitis B. Redox kit [made in china] was used. Total three hundred people were screened belonging to Mansehra only. It showed that chronic hepatitis B is fairly common [35%] in Mansehra with the age group of 15-70 year. More common in male and Male to female ratio is 3:1. It was also found that the disease is more common in low socioeconomic group and in labors mostly stayed away from family for a long time. Our study found that the hepatitis B is more common in Mansehra with incidence of 3.5% in NWFP. The rate is high in male. The knowledge of people about hepatitis B is inadequate. Hence a mandatory vaccination and health education is recommended

Prevalence of abnormal body mass index among students of a private sector medical college in -Pakistan

To determine the status of BMI among the students of Frontier Medical College, Abbottabad and to find out the frequency of different BMI groups. Cross-sectional questionnaire based study. This study was conducted from 01.11.2010 till 10.03.2011 in Frontier Medical College, Abbottabad. A cross- sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in Frontier Medical College Abbottabad. Body weight and height of 400 students were measured and then their body mass index [BMI] was calculated. Keeping in view the WHO cut-offs, Under weight, overweight and Obesity were defined. 9.75% of students fell in the underweight category. About 63.25% were in normal range. 21% were Overweight while no less than 6% formed the various categories of obesity. A significantly high proportion of students [36.75%] were either over weight, obese or underweight. This is an alarmingly high percentage keeping in view the fact that all of them were 18-22 years of age. The students must be advised to take more care of their health status