Effects of mating sex ratios in Indian peafowl [Pavo cristatus] on production performance at Wildlife Research Institute, Faisalabad [Pakistan]

Effects of mating sex ratios on production performance in Indian peafowl were investigated at Punjab Wildlife Research Institute, Gatwala Faisalabad. Research was conducted from May through August 2007 to explore the most productive mating sex ratio. The sex ratios have a significant effect on egg production

Maximum mean eggs [1.63] were produced by the sex ratio 1:2 while maximum egg fertility [79.63%] and hatchability [61.59%] was noted in the sex ratio 1:3. Sex ratios had a significant effect on egg weight

Sex ratios have shown no effect [except number of mountings] on courtship behavior of peafowl. Statistically less feed was consumed by sex ratio 1:3 and better feed conversion was shown by sex ratio 1:1?

effect of social and token economy reinforcements on academic achievement of students with intellectual disabilities

This study investigates the effect of social and token economy reinforcements on academic achievement of 9th grade boy students with intellectual disabilities in an experimental science class in Tehran Province. The method used for this study was experimental by pre-test, post- test with a control group. The boy students with intellectual disabilities from three junior high schools participated in this study. The sample consisted of thirty, 9th grade boy students with intellectual disabilities in the selected schools; the schools were chosen by the multistage cluster method. To measure the progress of students in the science class, a teacher made test and the Wechsler intelligence test for matching the groups for IQ were used. To ensure validity, the content validity criteria depended tests calculated by the Lashe method and teachers' perspective were used. The reliability coefficient was obtained by the reliability coefficient of related tests; the percent agreement method and the obtained data were analyzed using one-way variance analysis and Shefe prosecution test. The results showed that there was a significant increase in academic achievement of students with intellectual disabilities when using token economy than using social reinforcements compared with the control group. Also, when using social reinforcements, the academic achievement of students was more than the control group. Token economy and social reinforcements increased the academic achievement of students with intellectual disabilities in the science class; and also the effect of token economy reinforcements was more than social reinforcements on the subjects

Fluoroquinolone and macrolide co-resistance in clinical isolates of Campylobacter species: a 15-year study in Karachi, Pakistan

Fluoroquinolone and macrolide antibiotics are generally considered as first-line drugs for the treatment of severe campylobacteriosis. This study was conducted to analyse the trend of erythromycin and ofloxacin resistance among Campyiobacter spp. isolated from stool specimens over a period of 15 years [1992-2007] at The Aga Khan University clinical laboratory in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 83 396 stool specimens were processed, with a 14% isolation rate for enteric pathogens. The isolation rate of Campylobacter spp. was low during 1992-93 [6%-13%], peaked in 1996 [46%], then ranged from 20% to 40%. We report a rising trend in ofloxacin resistance, re-emergence of erythromycin resistance and indications of co-resistance to both drugs in clinical isolates of Campylobocter spp.

factors associated with suicide ideation in Iranian soldiers

The study focuses on psychosocial variables related to suicide ideation in young soldiers. 1329 Soldiers were randomly selected from the Infantry Forces in different regions. All the soldiers were requested to complete the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation [BSSI] as well as General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-28]. Data were analyzed using correlation tests. The results revealed that psychological factors, negative family background, environmental and task-related problems, and sociodemographic problems were significantly associated with suicide ideation. Overall, suicide ideation could be prevented if soldiers with psychosocial problems were identified and the Army officials applied appropriate methods to solve these psychological problems

Evaluation of lipid and lipoprotein profile in patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Dyslipoproteinaemia is one of the several risk factors linked to diabetic complications. To determine the changes in lipid and lipoprotein profile in patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]. Sixty-four IDDM patients [28 males and 36 females] and 120 control subjects [35 males and 85 females] were included in this prospective study. In patients and controls, serum concentrations of glucose [fasting blood sugar [FBS]], total cholesterol [TC], high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C], low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C], triglyceride [TG], and very low density lipoprotein- cholesterol [VLDL-C] were measured. In patients with IDDM,TC [p 0.01] LDL-C TG, VLDL-C serum levels [P< 0.05] and LDL-C / HDL-C ratio [P< 0.001] were significantly higher, and serum HDL-C level [P < 0.001] was significantly lower in comparison to control subjects. In males, serum HDL-C concentration [P< 0.05] was significantly lower in IDDM patients compared to controls, whereas, no significant differences seen in TC,LDL-C, TG,VLDL-C and LDL-C /HDL-C ratio among patients and control subjects [P> 0.05]. In females, IDDM patients have significantly higher serum levels of TC,TG [P< 0.05], VLDL-C [P< 0.05], LDL-C [p 0.01] and LDL-C/ HDL-C ratio [P< 0.001], and significantly lower serum HDL-C level [P< 0.001] compared to controls. IDDM patients are at a greater risk of dyslipidemia than normal individuals, and females are more prone than males, and hence, would be more susceptible to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease [CAD]

Assessment of body mass index [BMI] in medical students [a cross sectional survey]

Obesity is nutritional imbalance and it is under the influence of environmental and genetic factors, increase in high-energy intake and a reduction in physical activity. All overweight and obese are at risk for hypertension, high blood cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, etc. Unfortunately obesity is increasing in modern world and this is reported by many researchers. This rising magnitude of the problem mandates population-level intervention. For which a quality data is needed. This study was conducted to fill this knowledge gap for designing a suitable preventive strategy. To know the etiological factors in the area, to formulate a public awareness and intervention programme for reduction in mortality and morbidity due to obesity in Pakistan. Cross-sectional survey. KEMU June to July 2006. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to interview the 4[th] yr MBBS students. Although obesity is present in some students but, surprisingly the percentage of students who were under weight was more than the over weight/obese. Obesity is significantly more in economically well students, whereas under wt. students belong to all the economical classes. Economical prosperity and sedentary life style are the most important suspected causes of obesity where as low wt. trend was either due to fashion of looking smart of due some awareness. Awareness programme are the best feasible approaches for rectification of the situation for neither being over- weight nor under wt

Common determinants of Ca breast - a case control study in Lahore

Background Ca breast is commonest malignancy in females all over the world and 2nd leading cause of death in females. In Pakistan, it is more common in young age [incidence in 30-39 years] contrary to west [over 65years]. Genetics,use of oral hormonal contraceptives, prolonged hormonal replacement therapy, environmental hazards and parity are also considered to play an important role in causation of ca. breast. This morbidity pattern of young age in Pakistan is a real concern for the health care planners and providers. To know the etiological factors in the area, to formulate a public awareness programme for reduction in mortality and morbidity due to breast cancer in Pakistan Case Control Study. Place and Mayo and INMOL hospitals. Jan-June, 2005. Pre- tested questionnaire was used to interview the cases and control groups Ca breast is significantly more in married, young age, with 3 or more children, breast feeding moth ers. Early marriages environmental hazards, genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalance are the most important suspected causes. Cancer awareness and screening programme with community participation are the best feasible approaches for rectification of the situation

Determination of cancer antigen ca 15-3, in breast carcinoma

In breast carcinoma, carbohydrate antigen 15-3 [CA 15-3], a mucin component, is the most important and commonly used tumor marker. It is a transmembrane glycoprotein containing a large extracellular domain of 69 amino acids. Several studies suggested that its evaluation could provide valuable clinical information. Assessment of CA 15-3 can also be useful during treatment of Breast cancer as well as to detect recurrence following primary treatment. CA 15-3 is a breast-cancer-associated antigen defined by reactivity with two monoclonal antibodies, DF3 [raised against a membrane-enriched fraction of human breast cancer] and 115D8 [raised against antigens of human milk fat globule membrane]. The main clinical application of CA 15-3 suggested being in monitoring the response to the treatment and gives reliable information on the recurrence of the disease. The aim of present study is to assess CA 15-3 in patients with breast carcinoma and its usefulness in monitoring and therapy. Serum samples of female patients [n = 56] suspected of or diagnosed with breast carcinoma were analyzed for CA 15-3. Significantly elevated levels were noted in most of the patients and correlated with their malignant tumor status and clinical conditions. It is concluded that CA 15-3 is currently the most widely used circulating cancer marker for breast carcinom·a. CA 15-3 can provide useful information regarding successfulness when comparing pre-operative and post-operative values. In our study, breast carcin9ma patients showed decrease in CA 15-3 levels post-operatively [although most of them still above normal reference range], depicting successfully of treatment and intervention, in addition to suggesting that CA 15-3 concentrations can also provide prognostic information. Furthermore, serial concentrations analyses have the potential both to detect recurrences pre-clinically and to monitor the treatment of metastases breast carcinoma

First feed given to the new born babies - a survey in an urban community of Lahore

Pakistan being 7[th] populous country is facing a high Neonatal Mortality Rate and it is reported that acute gastroenteritis is one of the major factor to this high Neonatal Mortality Rate. Avoiding colostrums and giving some prelacteal feed are contributory factors for gastroenteritis. Which ultimately leads to high Neonatal Mortality Rate. To study the first feed practice adopted by lactating mothers in a community in Lahore. Study design. Cross sectional community based survey. Dubhi mandi near old Anarkali Lahore from January 2002 to June 2002. 180 mothers who delivered in the previous year were listed and interviewed on structured pre tested questionnaire. 32% mothers feed colostrums, and 68% started with other items like honey 27%, ghutti 18%, Araq 8%, water and sugar 4%, cow and formula milk 12%. Out of [122] those who did not started with colostrums, 59% done it intentionally under the influence of family traditions /taboos of either avoiding colostrums being a stale food or to get the first feed by a person of good fortune, 31% missed by ignorance and 10% due to medical reasons. Out of 58 mothers who started with costume 45% were motivated by health professionals, 39% by relatives/friends and 20% by media. It is conclude that still prelacteal feed is common practice. It is also observed that people change this practice under the guidance of health professionals. So situation can be improved by increasing liaison of pregnant mothers with health professionals,who should continuously motivate the mother during pregnancy and delivery, to start with colostrums with in half hour of delivery

Spatial pattern of variation in populations of Acacia nilotica in semi-arid environment

Variability among populations was analyzed in five provenances of Acacia nilotica from spatially variable habitats. Populations of A. nilotica developed in response to their habitat conditions. The level of variability was significantly high among the populations. Phenotypic variability was extremely high for leaf and stipular spine characteristics. The nature of morphological variability for vegetative traits appeared environmentally controlled. The differentiation of leaf and stipular spine expression seems to have an adaptive significance for the species in terms of water economy. Although, seed and pod characteristics are genetically controlled showing a lower proportion of variability but these traits supported r and k-selection that may allow the species to survive under a wide array of contrasting habitats. The study suggested that populations of A. nilotica are differentiated in relation to the heterogeneity of environment. These populations became adapted to their habitat through the variability of morphological expressions. The morphologically differentiated populations of the species had allowed them to maintain themselves in a wide array of environmental situations enabling A. nilotica to occupy ample ecological ranges

Germination and seedling growth of corn [Zea mays I.] under varying levels of copper and zinc

The heavy metal tolerance in corn [Zea mays L.] var. 'Neelum' was assessed at germination and seedling growth after having subjected it to different concentrations of CuSO[4] and ZnSO[4]. Germination was not affected by any of the metal tested, whereas initial growth was strongly inhibited by increasing concentrations of ZnSO[4]. Seedlings developed toxicity symptoms in the presence of both metals but more chlorotic and necrotic regions were observed at varying levels of ZnSO[4] than CuSO[4]. The metal accumulation was concentration dependent. Z. mays seedlings accumulated more copper in roots but greater contents of zinc in their shoots. On the basis of results presented here, it can be concluded that the cultivar of the species tested has shown a marked sensitivity to the presence of small amounts of metals present in the growth medium. The data support the assumption that metal sensitivity is probably due to strong tendency of the species to accumulate them. This justifies that the corn variety 'Neelum' is not suitable for the cultivation under situations where water and soil suffer from occasional and / or transitory metal pollution

Placement and replacement of dental restorations

To determine the types of various dental restorative materials used, and the reasons for the placement and replacement of dental restorations in 10 randomly selected polyclinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Ten selected polyclinics in Riyadh metropolitan area, Saudi Arabia during a period of two weeks in January 2003. Patients and Information was collected by using a specially-designed form that was distributed to one dentist in each selected polyclinic. The dentists were asked to record specific details for all restorations placed in adult patients. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. Data were collected for 326 restorations. Amalgam [52.5%] was the most commonly used restorative material followed by resin composite [31.3%] and temporary restorations [14.4%], with a minimal use of glass ionomer cement [1.8%, p<0.001]. Most of the restorations [69.9%] were initial placements, while 30.1% were replacement restorations, [p<0.05]. Caries was the major reason for the initial placement [92.1%], and for the subsequent replacement [96.9%] of restorations. Amalgam and resin composite were the most commonly used restorative materials. Caries was the major reason for the initial restoration placements and subsequent replacements

efficacy of current scolicidal agents in surgically removed hydatid cysts

Context: The spillage of hydatid material, during surgery for hydatid cysts, may lead to secondary cyst formation due to the implantation of the protoscolices, A number of chemical scolicidal agents are injected into the hydatid cyst prior to its surgical removal as a prophylactic measures against the cyst material implantation, To measure the efficacy of four commonly used chemical scolicidal agents in rendering the contents of the hydatid cyst unviable, Design: Descriptive case-series with in-vitro measurement of viability of protoscolices in surgically removed, scolicidal injected hydatid cysts. Participants and setting: Thirty-four fresh fertile hydatid cysts from liver, lung and kidney were obtained following surgical removal in Al-Zahrawy teaching hospital between September 1995 and September 1996.The parasitological work was conducted in the Parasitology Laboratory, College of Medicine University of Mosul. Main outcome measures: The 34 cysts were categorized into four groups according to the scolicidal agent injected in the cysts before their surgical removal. The scolicidal used are 1% hibitane, 10% formalin, 30% hypertonic saline and 50% hydrogen peroxide. All 34 specimens were examined at 1 hour, as well as 12, 24, 48, 60, and 72 hours to count the cysts with viable protoscolices 1% hibitane and 10% formalin succeeded in reducing the number of viable protoscolices to about one third within one hour, 30% hypertonic saline and 50% hydrogen peroxide were less efficacious of the four scolicidals, 1% hibitane and 10% formalin used as scolicidal agents showed a minimal survival rate of the protoscolices [SR 38%], while the use of 30% hypertonic saline and 50% hydrogen peroxide. showed a maximal protoscolices survival rate [SR 67%], Thus, the use of hibitane and formalin solutions have high scolicidal effect

Assessment of nutritional beliefs and practices in pregnant and lactating mothers in an urban and rural area of Pakistan

Nutritional beliefs and practices in 100 pregnant and 100 lactating women were assessed in an urban and rural area of Lahore. A structured questionnaire was used for the purpose. Seventy seven% women and 54% of their husbands were illiterate, 50.5% belonged to a family with a per capita income of more than Rs.300.00 per month, 52.5% had 7 or more family members and 56% were living in nuclear families. The age of mothers, type of family, literacy, family income, parity and gravidity had not significantly influenced the nutritional beliefs and practices, only urban and rural differences were statistically significant. Eight-four% of mothers had knowledge that diet should be changed by increasing, adding or avoiding some special food items in the diet during pregnancy and lactation, but only 65.5% practiced them. The reasons for this deficient knowledge and practice of dietary intake are lack of nutritional knowledge and poor economy. However, this can be overcome by improving nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of population in general and vulnerable groups in particular through media and MCH services on the use of locally available low cost nutritious foods and to avoid undue food restrictions. Improvement of applied nutritional knowledge of medical professionals is also necessary

Activation of adenyl cyclase in insect midgut membrane vesicles by bacillus thuringiensis delta endotoxins and melittin

Addition of Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai ICI toxins to brush-border membrane vesicles, prepared from Pieris brassicae midgut, increased cyclic AMP which was paralleled by activation of adenylate cyclase in direct measurements. Bee venom toxin melittin, which is cytolytic, also increased cyclic AMP in these vesicles. It is proposed that activation of adenylate cyclase may be due to alteration of its lipid environment by these toxins

Interaction of the mosquitocidal crystal proteins from bacillus thuringiensis isreaelensis with phospholipid vesicles

The 125-130 KDa mosquitocidal proteins of the Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis delta-endotoxin were purified, activated in vitro and their interaction with phospholipid Iiposomes studied. The crystal proteins were found to cause a rapid increase in the light scattering of liposome suspensions, which reflects a morphological change in the lipid bilayer. When liposomes loaded with radioactive markers were incubated with activated crystal proteins a relatively rapid release of more than 60% of the trapped markers occurred. It is suggested that segments of the toxin molecules may become partitioned in the lipid bilayers to cause the formation of leakage pores