ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Citrus is one of the major exported fruits of Pakistan. Especially Kinnow cultivar is famous across the globe because of its aroma and taste. The overall production of citrus is reported as half of the potential because of the non-adoption of research-based practices and lack of agricultural extension services and training of the citrus growers. In the last few years, the department of agricultural extension has started training programs called Farmer Field Schools (FFS) for citrus growers in the major citrus growing zone of the Punjab province, i.e., Sargodha region. This research was conducted in the Sargodha district to evaluate the knowledge and skills gained by the farmers from the FFS. The interview schedule was designed for the purpose of data collection. The data was collected from 120 farmers randomly selected from 15 FFS in the study area. All the respondents were participants of the FFS. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The Results of the study showed that 40% of the farmers learned about citrus verities, one-third of respondents learned about the management of new plants/orchards, 28% of the respondents got knowledge about the cultivation of fruits, and one-fourth of respondents acquired knowledge and skills about layout and management of citrus orchards. These findings conclude that training course has a positive influence on farmers' farm management skills; hence emphasize on its persistence and further improvement by the concerned authorities.
RESUMO: Os citros são as principais frutas exportadas do Paquistão, especialmente, a cultivar Kinnow é famosa em todo o mundo por causa de seu aroma e sabor. A produção geral de citros é relatada como a metade do potencial devido a não adoção de práticas baseadas em pesquisas e a falta de serviços de extensão agrícola e treinamento dos citricultores. Nos últimos anos o departamento de extensão agrícola iniciou programas de treinamento chamados Farmer Field Schools (FFS) para citricultores na maior zona de cultivo de citros da província de Punjab, no distrito de Sargodha. Esta pesquisa é conduzida no distrito de Sargodha para avaliar o conhecimento e as habilidades adquiridas pelos agricultores da FFS. O cronograma de entrevistas foi elaborado para fins de coleta de dados. Os dados foram coletados de 120 agricultores aleatoriamente de 15 FFS na área de estudo. Todos os entrevistados eram participantes da FFS. Os dados foram analisados por meio do programa estatístico "Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS"). Os resultados do estudo mostraram que 40% dos agricultores aprenderam informações importantes sobre citros, um terço dos entrevistados aprenderam sobre o manejo de novas plantas / pomares, 28% dos entrevistados aprenderam sobre o cultivo de frutas e um quarto dos entrevistados adquiriu os conhecimentos e habilidades sobre layout e manejo de pomares de citros. Essas descobertas concluem que o curso de treinamento tem uma influência positiva nas habilidades de gestão das propriedades; portanto, suporta a necessidade de sua persistência e melhorias adicionais pelas autoridades para alavancar ainda a produtividade essa atividade no futuro.
ABSTRACT
In the present study a series of 34 synthetic ligustrazine-containing α, ß-Unsaturated carbonyl-based compounds and oximes, recognized as anticancer compounds were assessed against protozoa of the Trypanosoma and Leishmania species. Ligustrazine, chemically known as tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), was selected as the core moiety for the synthesis of α, ß-Unsaturated carbonyl-based compounds and these compounds were selected as precursors for the synthesis of new oximes. Some derivates, including 5f and 6i, showed multiple activities against all tested strains. In particular compounds 5f and 8o are the most potent and they are, therefore, potential candidates for trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis
Subject(s)
Oximes/agonists , Cyclohexanones/agonists , Trypanosoma/classification , Trypanosomiasis , Leishmaniasis , Leishmania/classificationABSTRACT
Bergenia ciliata (Family: Saxifragaceae) is a folklore remedy for the treatment of various ailments in Asian countries. Bergenin (1) has been isolated as an active constituent in many studies, however, the amount of bergenin has not been determined in all parts of the plant. A simple RP-HPLC method was developed to determine the amount of bergenin in methanol extracts of leaves, rhizomes and roots of the plant. Separation was achieved on an Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column maintained at 25 o C using isocratic solvent system (water: methanol: acetic acid; 62.5:37:0.5 v/v/v) adjusted at pH 2 0 at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. and detected at 275 nm. Correlation coefficient (0.9952) showed linearity of concentration (5-200 μg/mL) and response. The values of LOD (0.00947 μg/mL) and LOQ (0.02869 μg/mL) indicated that method was sensitive. The recovery of bergenin was 99.99-100% indicating accuracy of method. The methanol extract of rhizomes contained higher amount of bergenin (19.4%) than roots (9.2%) and leaves (6.9%). It is concluded that methanol extract of rhizomes is a better source of bergenin than other parts of the plant. The findings are useful for standardization of bergenin containing extracts and herbal preparations.
ABSTRACT
Bergenia ciliata (Family: Saxifragaceae) is a folklore remedy for the treatment of various ailments in Asian countries. Bergenin (1) has been isolated as an active constituent in many studies, however, the amount of bergenin has not been determined in all parts of the plant. A simple RP-HPLC method was developed to determine the amount of bergenin in methanol extracts of leaves, rhizomes and roots of the plant. Separation was achieved on an Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column maintained at 25 o C using isocratic solvent system (water: methanol: acetic acid; 62.5:37:0.5 v/v/v) adjusted at pH 2 0 at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. and detected at 275 nm. Correlation coefficient (0.9952) showed linearity of concentration (5-200 μg/mL) and response. The values of LOD (0.00947 μg/mL) and LOQ (0.02869 μg/mL) indicated that method was sensitive. The recovery of bergenin was 99.99-100% indicating accuracy of method. The methanol extract of rhizomes contained higher amount of bergenin (19.4%) than roots (9.2%) and leaves (6.9%). It is concluded that methanol extract of rhizomes is a better source of bergenin than other parts of the plant. The findings are useful for standardization of bergenin containing extracts and herbal preparations.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Agriculture is considered as the main driving force in Pakistan's economy employing 45% of the country's labor force and generating 20% of national GDP Agriculture sector of Pakistan is facing numerous challenges including non-adoption of agricultural technology at the farm level, due to farmers' lack of access to the latest information. In this context, the current study focusses on the use of the mobile phone in accessing agricultural information among the farmers of the of district Muzaffargarh,Punjab, Pakistan. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from the two tehsils (cities/sub-districts) of Muzaffargarh formulating a total sample of 180 farmers. SPSS computer-based Software was used for analyzing the data. Results revealed that 91.2% of the farmers indicated mobile phone ownership. It was further reported that 87.20 % of the farmers used private sectors advisory staff to obtain agriculture information. Market information was ranked as the highest accessed information among the rest of farm-related use. Easy access to updated information and connectivity with stakeholders were reported as the highest perceived benefits of mobile phone use (4.63 & 4.72 mean). Findings reported that farmers' limited aptitude of Mobile phone usage and lack of awareness of information sources as major constraints in farm-related use of the Mobile phone. On the basis of findings, the current study provided recommendations and policy implications for utilizing the true potential of these ICT-enabled solutions in agriculture.
RESUMO: A agricultura é considerada como a principal força motriz na economia do Paquistão, empregando 45% da força de trabalho do país e gerando 20% do PIB nacional. O setor agrícola dos paquistaneses enfrenta inúmeros desafios, incluindo a não-adaptação da tecnologia agrícola entre os agricultores, devido a falta de acesso dos agricultores às informações agrícolas mais recentes. Neste contexto, o estudo atual enfoca o papel do telefone celular na disseminação de informações agrícolas entre os agricultores do distrito Muzaffargarhof Punjab, Paquistão. Uma técnica de amostragem em múltiplos estágios foi usada para coletar dados dos dois tehsils (cidades / sub-distritos) de Muzaffargarh, formulando uma amostra total de 180 agricultores. O software baseado em computador SPSS foi usado para analisar os dados. Os resultados mostraram que 91,2% dos agricultores tinham propriedade de telefones celulares. Verificou-se ainda que 87,20% dos agricultores contatam o pessoal consultivo do setor privado para obter informações sobre a agricultura. As informações de mercado foram classificadas como as mais acessadas entre os demais usos relacionados à fazenda (média de 41,45). O acesso fácil a informações atualizadas e a conectividade com as partes interessadas são relatados como os maiores benefícios percebidos do uso de telefones celulares entre os agricultores com valores médios de 4,63. e 4,72, respectivamente. Os resultados relataram que a capacidade limitada dos agricultores de usar o telefone celular e a falta de conhecimento das fontes de informação como principais restrições ao uso do telefone celular relacionado à fazenda. Com base nos resultados, recomenda-se a realização de sessões de treinamento com as comunidades agrícolas para criar conscientização e educá-las sobre o uso do telefone celular.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#The present study explored the effects of the combined herbal therapy consisting of curcumin (CUR) and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) on aspects of bone regeneration.@*METHODS@#Prior to analyzing the ability of this novel combined herbal therapy to promote aspects of bone regeneration, its cytotoxicity was determined using MC3T3-E1 cells (pre-osteoblast model). Cell proliferation was evaluated using phase-contrast microscopy and cell differentiation was estimated using alkaline phosphatase activity. The effect of the combined herbal therapy (CUR + FLL) was also assessed in terms of mineralization in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cultured cells. Further, to explore the molecular mechanisms of bone formation, time-dependent expression of bone-regulating protein biomarkers was also evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Combined herbal therapy (CUR + FLL) significantly upregulated the viability, proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells compared to the monotherapy of CUR or FLL. The magnitude of ECM mineralization (calcium deposition) was also higher in MC3T3-E1 cells treated with combined therapy. The time-dependent expression of bone-forming protein biomarkers revealed that the tendency of expression of these bone-regulating proteins was remarkably higher in cells treated with combined therapy.@*CONCLUSION@#The co-administration of CUR and FLL had superior promotion of elements of bone regeneration in cultured cells, thus could be a promising alternative herbal therapy for the management of bone erosive disorders such as osteoporosis.
ABSTRACT
Glucuronoxylan hydrogel (GXH) isolated from M. pudica seeds was assessed for acute toxicology in albino mice that were alienated into four groups. Three groups, i.e., II, III and IV received GXH at a dose of 1, 2 and 5 g/kg, respectively while group I was retained untreated and provided routine diet. After administering GXH, mice were examined for vomiting, diarrhea, allergy and tremors for 8 h. All animals were carefully observed for food and water consumption at 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 day after administering GXH. At the end of studies, blood samples were drawn for investigation of hematological and biochemical parameters. All animals were sacrificed, relative body weight of vital organs was calculated and their histopathology was studied. It was concluded that there was insignificant difference in body weight, behavioral pattern, food and water intake among treated and control groups. Haematology and biochemistry of blood samples from all groups were found analogous. Histopathological evaluation of vital body organs exhibited no lesions in all groups. Ocular, cardiac and dermal safety of GXH was also established on albino rabbits.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Female , Mice , Rabbits , Mimosa pudica/toxicity , Hydrogels/analysis , Toxicity Tests, Acute/analysis , Polysaccharides/pharmacology , Mimosa pudica/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Objective: the objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of prothrombin time for the non-invasive diagnosis of esophageal varices keeping upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as Gold Standard
Methods: the study was conducted in Medical unit 4, Services Hospital Lahore over a period of 6 months. It is a cross-sectional study
Results: in our study, 43.5%[n=87] were between 12-30 years and 56.5%[n=113] were between 31-60 years, mean+/-sd was calculated as 39.90+/-12.29 years, 43.5%[n=87] were male and 56.5%[n=113] were females, frequency of esophageal varices keeping upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as gold standard was recorded in 57%[n=114] while 43%[n=86] had no findings of the morbidity, diagnostic accuracy of prothrombin time for the non-invasive diagnosis of esophageal varices keeping upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as gold standard 53%[n=106] true positive, 2%[n=4] false positive, 4%[n=8] false negative and 41 %[n=82] as true negative. Whereas specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy was calculated as 92.98%, 95.35%, 96.36%, 91.11 %, and 94% respectively
Conclusion: we concluded that the predictive value of prothrombin time for presence of oesophageeal varices is a higher and it is a useful non-invasive diagnostic modality
ABSTRACT
The effect of month of Ramadan on the mortality in hemodialysis patients, and to compare it with that in all other Islamic months. A descriptive study. Hemodialysis Unit, The Kidney Center, Karachi, from January 1989 to December 2012. All those patients who were diagnosed to have end stage kidney disease and on maintenance hemodialysis for more than 3 months, regardless of underlying cause of kidney failure were included. Patients with acute kidney injury were excluded. Status of the patients was recorded at the end of the study period. The fasting status of the patients was not mentioned. The deaths of the patients were further evaluated and frequencies of death in all twelve Islamic months were calculated. A total of 1,841 patients were registered, out of whom 897 [48.7%] died, and 269 [14.6%] survived till the end of the study. One thousand and fifty six [57.3%] were males, 651 [35.4%] were diabetic. Total number of 143 [7.76%] events occurred in Ramadan, out of which 94 patients died which make nearly 11% of the total deaths distributed in 12 Islamic months. Frequency of death was higher in Ramadan when compared with other months. Ramadan reflected a higher frequency of death. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the risk factors in a prospective study so that the dialysis patients can be better managed during this period