Allelopathic potential of 73 weed species in Pakistan

Introduction: Use of allelochemicals as inexpensive, biodegradable and eco-friendly substitutes for the management of weeds in crops is a central topic nowadays. Objective: The current study represented the comprehensive screening of allelopathic activity of 73 weeds in Pakistan by the Sandwich method and dish pack method. To investigate the allelochemical compound in top most allelopathic weed. Methods: Allelopathic effects of selected weeds leaves leachate were determined through sandwich technique, while volatile allelopathic effects through dish pack techniques. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical techniques were applied to investigate allelochemical potential of Melilotus indicus. The statistical analysis of the data described the allelopathic effect of 73 weed plants on lettuce seedling growth in terms of radicle and hypocotyl elongation. Results: Elongation percentage of radicle and hypocotyl ranged 0-74 % to 0-148 % and 0-75 % to 0-84 % respectively at 10 mg concentration of dry plant powder in sandwich method while it was 2-234 % and 7-150 % at in Dish Pack method. Among the plants screened for phytotoxic activity, M. indicus contained the strongest allelochemicals. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of M. indicus showed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compound along with other allelochemical. Conclusions: Selected weeds may have strong allelochemical potential that can help in the development of bioactive compounds from plant species to be used as natural herbicides and pesticides for sustainable management of weeds and pest.

Introducción: El uso de aleloquímicos como sustitutos baratos y amigables con el ambiente para el manejo de hierbas en plantaciones es un tema central actualmente. Objetivo: En el presente estudio se midió la actividad alelopática de 73 hierbas en Pakistán a través de los métodos "sandwich" y "dish pack", con el fin de investigar los compuestos aleloquímicos más importantes en las hierbas analizadas. Métodos: A través del método "sandwich" se determinaron los efectos alelopáticos de los lixiviados de hojas en las hierbas analizadas, mientras que el efecto alelopático volátil a través de la técnica "dish pack". Para investigar el potencial aleloquímico de Melilotus indicus se aplicaron técnicas fitoquímicas tanto cualitativas como cuantitativas. El análisis estadístico de los datos describió el efecto alelopático de 73 especies de hierbas sobre el crecimiento radicular y del hipocótilo en plántulas de lechuga. Resultados: El porcentaje de elongación radicular y del hipocotilo varió entre 0-74 % hasta 0-148 % y 0-75 % hasta 0-84 % respectivamente, con una concentración de 10 mg de polvo de planta seca con el método "sandwich". Además, fue entre 2-234 % y 7-150 % con el método "dish pack". Entre las plantas analizadas para actividad fitotóxica, M. indicus presentó los aleloquímicos más fuertes. Los análisis cualitativos y cuantitativos de M. indicus mostraron la presencia de flavonoides y compuestos fenólicos, junto con otros aleloquímicos. Conclusiones: Las hierbas seleccionadas pueden tener un potencial aleloquímico fuerte que ayude al desarrollo de compuestos bioactivos de plantas, para usar como hierbicidas y pesticidas naturales en el manejo sostenible de plagas y malas hierbas.

Benign granulomatous polyp obstructing the bronchus

Inflammatory endobronchial polyps are rarely encountered. We report a case of a 14 years old girl with a benign granulomatous polyp originating in the bronchus. Computed tomography scan showed an intraluminal soft tissue opacity while fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed a large soft tissue mass completely occluding the left lower lobe. Rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia identified a fleshy mass in the left main stem bronchus which was excised via bronchoscopy. The histopathology showed benign polyp with non-specific inflammation. The patient's symptoms improved subsequently and no recurrence was reported till two years of follow-up

Patient communication in radiology: current status of breaking bad news among radiologists and radiology trainees in Pakistan

Breaking bad news can be an intimidating task for any physician. The aim of this study was to record the practices of breaking bad news to the patients by Pakistani radiologists and trainees. The radiologists and trainees attending the 26[th] National Radiological Conference in October 2010 in Karachi, Pakistan, were surveyed. The response rate was 76%. The respondents included residents [51%], private practicing radiologists [28%], academic radiologists [13%], and other trainees [8%]. Most of the academic radiologists communicated with their patients. The daily frequency of breaking bad news by residents was noted, which was highest in the public teaching hospitals [71%]. For severe abnormalities such as malignancy, 50% residents, 55% of the academic radiologists and 74% of the private practicing radiologists were very malignancy, 50% residents, 55% of the academic radiologists and 74% of the private practicing radiologists were very uncomfortable in disclosure of results. Differences in frequency of communication with patients were noticed with both different training levels, and different settings of practice in a developing country

Clinically significant contrast induced acute kidney injury after non-emergent cardiac catheterization - risk factors and impact on length of hospital stay

To evaluate the frequency and risk factors associated with clinically significant contrast-induced nephropathy [CIN] in patients undergoing non-emergent coronary angiography. Descriptive study. The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2005 to December 2007. Case records of patients who underwent coronary angiography with a serum creatinine of >/= 1.5 mg/dl at the time of procedure were evaluated. Clinically significant contrast induced nephropathy [CSCIN] was defined as either doubling of serum creatinine from baseline value within a week following the procedure or need for emergency hemodialysis after the procedure. One hundred and sixteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 64.0 +/- 11.5 years, 72% were males. Overall prevalence of CIN was 17% [rise of serum creatinine by >/= 0.5 mg/dl] while that of clinically significant CIN [CSCIN] was 9.5% [11 patients]. Patients with CSCIN had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction [p = 0.03, OR: 0.24; 95% CI = 0.06 - 0.91] and higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease [p < 0.001, OR: 14.66; 95% CI = 3.30 - 65.08]. Mean baseline serum creatinine was significantly higher, 3.0 +/- 1.5 vs. 2.0 +/- 1.1 mg/dl [p = 0.03, OR: 1.47; 95% CI = 1.03 - 2.11] whereas mean GFR estimated by Cockcroft-Gault formula was significantly lower at 25 +/- 7.4 vs. 41.0 +/- 14.6 ml/minute [p = 0.001, OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84 - 0.95] at the time of procedure in patients with CSCIN. Mean length of hospital stay was significantly higher in this group compared to those without CIN, 9.0 +/- 5.1 vs. 3.0 +/- 3.2 days [p = 0.001, OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.12 - 1.54]. Multivariate analysis revealed low GFR [p = 0.001, OR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.82 - 0.95] and low ejection fraction [p = 0.03, OR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.04 - 0.91] to be independent factors associated with CSCIN. No significant differences were noted between the two groups in patients with hypertension, diabetes and heart failure. CSCIN is a significant concern in high risk groups despite prophylaxis. Patients with lower EF, cerebrovascular disease and low GFR at the time of procedure are more likely to have CIN.

Impact of overweight and obesity on ventilatory function among male medical students

To correlate the respiratory function among normal weight [BMI > 18.5 - 24.9 Kg/m[2]], overweight [BMI > 25 - 29.9 Kg/m[2]] and obese [BMI > 30 Kg/m[2]] male medical students who did not have evidence of obstructive or restrictive airway disease or other underlying diseases affecting their respiratory system. The other objective was to assess the correlation of respiratory function St body mass index [BMI]. Cross sectional controlled study was conducted among 113 eligible male medical students at college of medicine, King Saud University Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during August 2009 - July 2010. Body mass index was used to assess the obesity and forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1] and forced vital capacity [FVC] were used to assess respiratory function. One way ANOVA was used to find the difference between BMI groups and bivariate correlation analysis was done to find out the strength of the relationship among BMI and respiratory function parameters. FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio were linearly and mildly inversely related with BMI in overweight [r = -0.338, -0.291, -0.311 respectively] and obese [r = -0.375, -0.349, -0.040 respectively]. In normal weight subjects, FEV1 and FVC were mildly positively correlated [r = 0.136 and 0.219 respectively] and FEV1/FVC ratio was negatively correlated [r = -0.166] with BMI. Overweight and obesity are associated with pulmonary dysfunction among young male population

Validation of datascope accutorr plus [trade mark sign] using British hypertension society [BHS] and association for the advancement of medical instrumentation [AAMI] protocol guidelines

To assure the accuracy and reliability of blood pressure measurement by non-invasive blood pressure monitor using Datascope Accutorr Plus[trade mark sign] [Paramus, NJ,USA] against mercury manometer, among adult male participants. Eighty participants from a family physician's office at a teaching hospital were recruited. One hundred and sixty measurements of blood pressure were performed according to BHS technique protocol. Descriptive analysis was done according to the AAMI and BHS protocol guidelines. The limits of agreement between the device and the standard were plotted using the method of Bland and Altman plot. The mean difference +/- SD between the Datascope Acutorr Plus[trade mark sign] and observer was 2.7 +/- 5.2 mm Hg and 1.5 +/- 3.26 mm Hg for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Datascope Acutorr Plus [trade mark sign] obtained A/A grading for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Datascope Accutorr Plus [trade mark sign] [Paramus, NJ, USA] satisfies BHS and AAMI validation protocols for both systolic and diastolic BP and may be recommended for everyday use for BP monitoring at home and in clinical use for adult population

Evaluation of breast feeding practices

The best first food for babies is breast milk. This study was conducted to assess the percentage of population having knowledge regarding benefits of breast feeding, exclusive breast feeding and ratio of mothers practicing it. This observational study was carried out from January 2008 to June 2008, in the vicinity of Isra University Hyderabad. A sample of 285 women who attended the Gynaecology antenatal clinics, living in the vicinity of Isra University, also lady doctors working there were enrolled by convenient sampling. A pre-designed questionnaire was filled by interviewing these women. The data collected was statistically analyzed and percentages recorded. Breast feeding was practiced in 278[97.54%] of the study population and only 7[2.45%] women did not practice it. 130[44.56%] of women were knowing about benefits of breast feeding and 155[54.38%] were not aware about the benefits. Among those knowing about the benefits, only 3.2% were fully aware, 67% were feeding for health of babies and 29.8% for prevention from diseases. Information regarding exclusive breast feeding was collected, 198 [68.70%] were practicing it and 87 [31.29%] were not exclusively feeding their babies. Time duration of breast feeding noticed that 28 [9.82%] of mothers feed their child for <6 months but most of women 104 [36.49%] for 2 years and some of them even feed for >2 years. Breast feeding is well practiced in this community but the ratio of exclusive breast feeding is low. Mothers have poor knowledge of benefits of breast feeding

Comparison between electronic BP apparatus [dynamap/datascope] versus standard mercury sphygmometer

To assess the accuracy of blood pressure measurement in adult population by Datascope/Dynamap versus Standard Mercury Sphygmometer, in a family physician's office. A cross sectional study was conducted in June 2008 at a university based teaching hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eighty adult male subjects were recruited from a family physician's office. Blood pressure was taken from each participant by primary investigator by two different monitors i.e. sphygmometer and Datascope/dynamap. Highly significant different observed in systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure measurement by Datascope vs. mercury sphygmometer [P value less than 0.0001]. Highly significant different was seen in systolic blood pressure measurement by Datascope. Mercury Sphygmometer and Palpatory methods [P value less than 0.0001]. Significant different also was seen in pulse rate, checked by manually versus Datascope [P value 0.0008]. There was highly significant different between time taken to check blood pressure by Datascope versus Mercury Sphygmometer [P value less than 0.0001]. This study concluded that the electronic blood pressure monitor [Datascope/Dynamap] is not as good and accurate as universally accepted Mercury Sphygmometer for measurement of blood pressure in adult male population