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ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to identify the elements of the Theory of Planned Behaviour along with health consciousness and determine the role of knowledge as a moderating variable in Pakistan and Malaysia. Three hundred and forty-one observations from Pakistan and 280 observations from Malaysia were acquired through questionnaire; while, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling was applied for the analysis. The magnitude of the results varied across both countries; however, attitude, subjective norms and health consciousness, as well as their interaction terms, were significant predictors, whereas, perceived behavioural control and its knowledge interaction terms had insignificant impacts on the purchase intentions of consumers for both countries. This research will help to further understand about consumer perception in the purchase of organic food items, which will assist retailers, advertisers and manufacturers in developing strategies for such products.
RESUMO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar os elementos da teoria do comportamento planejado juntamente com a consciência em saúde, e determinar o papel do conhecimento como uma variável moderadora no Paquistão e na Malásia. 341 observações do Paquistão e 280 observações da Malásia foram adquiridas através de questionário; enquanto que análise fatorial confirmatória e modelagem de equações estruturais foram aplicadas para a análise. A magnitude dos resultados variou entre os dois países. No entanto, atitudes, normas subjetivas e consciência da saúde, bem como seus termos de interação, foram preditores significativos, enquanto que controle comportamental percebido e seus termos de interação do conhecimento tiveram impactos insignificantes nas intenções de compra dos consumidores para os dois países. Esta pesquisa ajudará a entender melhor a percepção do consumidor na compra de alimentos orgânicos, o que ajudará varejistas, anunciantes e fabricantes no desenvolvimento de estratégias para esses produtos.
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Empowerment of wheat genotypes by application of growth regulators, compatible solutes and plant extracts under water restriction is an important strategy for getting sustainable yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of drought stress on the growth and yield of wheat genotypes and also monitor and compare the role of ABA, SA as well as moringa and mulbery leaf water extracts in improving drought tolerance of wheat genotypes. The work was performed at the research area of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan. Three wheat cultivars Aas-2011, Faisalabad- 2008 and Triple dwarf-1 were subjected to drought stress (skipping the irrigation at grain filling stage). The wheat genotypes were subjected to treatments viz., T1 i.e. All normal irrigation without application of abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), moringa (MLE) and mulberry leaf water extract (MBLE), T2 i.e. skipping the irrigation at grain filling stage and application of 2µM ABA, T3 i.e. skipping the irrigation at grain filling stage and application of 10 m mol SA, T4 i.e. skipping the irrigation at grain filling stage and application of 15% MLE and T5 i.e. skipping the irrigation at grain filling stage and application of 10% MBLE. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with factorial arrangement and repeated three times. From this study it is concluded that Aas-2011 shown best result under drought condition by applying growth regulators and plant water extracts.
O fortalecimento de genótipos de trigo pela aplicação de reguladores de crescimento, solutos compatíveis e extratos vegetais sob restrição hídrica é uma importante estratégia para obtenção de produção sustentável. Trilha de campo foi realizada na área de pesquisa da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade de Ghazi, Dera Ghazi Khan, Paquistão. Três cultivares de trigo Aas-2011, Faisalabad-2008 e Triple anão-1 foram submetidas a estresse hídrico (pulando a irrigação no estágio de enchimento de grãos). Os genótipos de trigo foram submetidos a tratamentos, T1, ou seja, irrigação normal sem aplicação de ácido abscísico (ABA), ácido salicílico (SA), moringa (MLE) e extrato de água de amoreira (MBLE), T2¬, pular a irrigação em estágio de enchimento de grãos e aplicação de ABA 2µM, T3 ou seja, ignorando a irrigação no estágio de enchimento de grãos e aplicação de 10 m mol SA, T4 ou seja, ignorando a irrigação no estágio de enchimento de grãos e aplicação de 15% MLE e T5 ou seja, ignorando a irrigação no enchimento de grãos estágio e aplicação de 10% MBLE. O experimento foi exposto no delineamento de blocos completos casualizados com arranjo fatorial e repetido três vezes. A partir deste estudo conclui-se que Aas-2011 apresentou melhor resultado sob condição de seca, aplicando reguladores de crescimento e extratos de água de plantas.
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Plant Growth Regulators , Triticum , Moringa , Dehydration , MorusABSTRACT
Abstract The aim of the present research was to develop a silymarin-laden PVP-nanocontainer providing ameliorated aqueous solubility and dissolution of the drug. Several silymarin-laden formulations were formed with varying quantities of PVP and SDS via the solvent evaporation method using the electrospraying technique. The influence of the hydrophilic carriers on solubility and dissolution was explored. The solid-state characterization was carried out by particle-size analysis, PXRD, DSC, FTIR and SEM. All of the formulations demonstrated better solubility and dissolution than did silymarin plain powder. Both the SDS and PVP had positive effects on solubility and dissolution of silymarin in the aqueous media. An increased solubility was attained as the drug/PVP ratio was 1/4; however, further increase in PVP did not provide significant improvement. In particular, a nanocontainer formulation prepared with silymarin, PVP and SDS (1/4/0.5, w/w/w) exhibited the best solubility (26432.76 ± 1749.00 μg/mL) and an excellent dissolution (~92 % in 20 min) than did silymarin plain powder. Also, it demonstrated similar dissolution profiles compared to a commercial product; therefore, might be bioequivalent to the commercial product (f 1 = 3 and f 2 = 69). Moreover, cumulative undersize distribution values as represented by X10, X50 and X90 were 201 ± 21.01 nm, 488 ± 36.05 nm and 392 ± 48.10 nm, respectively. The drug existed in the amorphous state in the PVP-nanocontainers with no strong chemical bonding with other excipients. Thus, this formulation might be used for more effective administration of silymarin via the oral route.
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Silymarin/administration & dosage , Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization , Dissolution , NanoparticlesABSTRACT
Micronutrients play a vital role in the growth and productivity of cotton crop. A study was carried out to access the exogenous application of micronutrients on growth and yield of cotton crop. The experiment was comprised of nine treatments as T0 (control), T1 (Fe chelated), T2 (B), T3 (Mo), T4 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4), T5 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Fe chelated), T6 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + B), T7 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Mo) and T8 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Fe chelated + B). Data on different growth attributes showed that there was significant positive increase with the application of micronutrients. Leaf area was increased after applying micronutrients at 99 days after sowing (DAS) and then a decreasing trend was observed. Chlorophyll contents were increased at 81 DAS and then decreased towards the final harvest. Similarly, different yield components showed that seed cotton yield were significantly increased with the application of Fe, B, Mo, Zn, Cu and Mn compared to control treatment. Earliness index, mean maturity date and production rate index were increased significantly after combined use of foliar spray of Zn, Cu, Mn and Mo.
Os micronutrientes desempenham um papel vital no crescimento e produtividade da cultura do algodão. Um estudo foi realizado para acessar a aplicação exógena de micronutrientes no crescimento e produção de cultura de algodão. O experimento foi composto de nove tratamentos como T0 (controle), T1 (Fe quelatado), T2 (B), T3 (Mo), T4 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4), T5 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Fe quelatado) T6 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + B), T7 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Mo) e T8 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Fe quelados + B). Dados sobre diferentes atributos de crescimento mostraram aumento significativo positivo com a aplicação de micronutrientes. A área foliar foi aumentada após aplicação de micronutrientes aos 99 dias após a semeadura (DAS), observando - se, então, uma tendência decrescente. Os teores de clorofila foram aumentados em 81 DAS e depois diminuíram para a colheita final. De forma semelhante, diferentes componentes de rendimento mostraram que o rendimento de algodão de sementes aumentou significativamente com a aplicação de Fe, B, Mo, Zn, Cu e Mn em comparação com o tratamento de controlo. O índice de precocidade, a data média de maturidade eo índice de taxa de produção aumentaram significativamente após o uso combinado de pulverização foliar de Zn, Cu, Mn e Mo.
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Plant Growth Regulators , Crop Production , Micronutrients , Gossypium/growth & developmentABSTRACT
Breast cancer remains a worldwide public health dilemma and is currently the most common tumour in the globe. Awareness of breast cancer, public attentiveness, and advancement in breast imaging has made a positive impact on recognition and screening of breast cancer. Breast cancer is life-threatening disease in females and the leading cause of mortality among women population. For the previous two decades, studies related to the breast cancer has guided to astonishing advancement in our understanding of the breast cancer, resulting in further proficient treatments. Amongst all the malignant diseases, breast cancer is considered as one of the leading cause of death in post menopausal women accounting for 23% of all cancer deaths. It is a global issue now, but still it is diagnosed in their advanced stages due to the negligence of women regarding the self inspection and clinical examination of the breast. This review addresses anatomy of the breast, risk factors, epidemiology of breast cancer, pathogenesis of breast cancer, stages of breast cancer, diagnostic investigations and treatment including chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapies, hormone replacement therapy, radiation therapy, complementary therapies, gene therapy and stem-cell therapy etc for breast cancer.
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Humans , Female , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Breast Neoplasms/therapy , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Breast/anatomy & histology , Breast Neoplasms/classification , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Abstract: Introduction: The drug resistant Acinetobacter strains are important causes of nosocomial infections that are difficult to control and treat. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Acinetobacter strains isolated from different clinical specimens obtained from patients belonging to different age groups. METHODS: In total, 716 non-duplicate Acinetobacter isolates were collected from the infected patients admitted to tertiary-care hospitals at Lahore, Pakistan, over a period of 28 months. The Acinetobacter isolates were identified using API 20E, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed and interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. RESULTS: The isolation rate of Acinetobacter was high from the respiratory specimens, followed by wound samples. Antibiotic susceptibility analyses of the isolates revealed that the resistance to cefotaxime and ceftazidime was the most common, in 710 (99.2%) specimens each, followed by the resistance to gentamicin in 670 (93.6%) isolates, and to imipenem in 651 (90.9%) isolates. However, almost all isolates were susceptible to tigecycline, colistin, and polymyxin B. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed the alarming trends of resistance of Acinetobacter strains isolated from clinical specimens to the various classes of antimicrobials. The improvement of microbiological techniques for earlier and more accurate identification of bacteria is necessary for the selection of appropriate treatments.
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Humans , Acinetobacter/drug effects , Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology , Cross Infection/microbiology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Acinetobacter/classification , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Age DistributionABSTRACT
Objective:To determine antibiotic resistance patterns and virulence potential ofCampylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) isolates from clinical human diarrheal infections, cattle and healthy broilers. Methods:Antibiotic sensitivity patterns ofC. jejuni isolates were determined by Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion assay. These isolates were then subjected to virulence profiling for the detection ofmapA (membrane-associated protein),cadF (fibronectin binding protein),wlaN (beta-1,3-galactosyltransferase) andneuAB (sialic acid biosynthesis gene). FurtherC. jejuni isolates were grouped by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiling.Results: A total of 436 samples from poultry (n=88), cattle (n=216) and humans (n=132) from different locations were collected. Results revealed percentage ofC. jejuni isolates were 35.2% (31/88), 25.0% (54/216) and 11.3% (15/132) among poultry, cattle and clinical human samples respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility results showed that similar resistance patterns to cephalothin was ie. 87.0%, 87.1% and 89%among humans, poultry and cattle respectively, followed by sulfamethoxazole+trimethoprim 40.0%, 38.7% and 31.0% in humans, poultry and cattle and Ampicillin 40%, 32% and 20% in humans, poultry and cattle respectively. Beta-lactamase activity was detected in 40.00% humans, 20.37% cattle and 32.25% in poultryC. jejuni isolates. CadF andmapA were present in all poultry, cattle and humanC. jejuni isolates,wlaN was not detected in any isolate andneuAB was found in 9/31 (36%) poultry isolates. RAPD profiling results suggested high diversity ofC. jejuni isolates.Conclusions:Detection of multidrug resistantC. jejuni strains from poultry and cattle is alarming as they can be potential hazard to humans. Moreover, predominant association of virulence factors,cadF andmapA (100 % each) inC. jejuni isolates from all sources andneuAB (36%) with poultry isolates suggest the potential source of transmission of diverse types ofC. jejuni to humans.
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The purpose of the current work was to formulate Verapamil Hydrochloride (VH) sustained release matrix tablets by using natural polymers and comparison with leading national brand Calan SR of Searle Pharmaceuticals. Tragacanth and pectin were used in various concentrations. Pre compression studies i.e. angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s compressibility index and Hausner’s ratio were also performed and found within the Pharmacopoeial limits. Eight formulations (F1-F8) of (VH) were prepared by direct compression method. Post compression studies i.e. Thickness, Hardness, Diameter, Friability and Dissolution studies were conducted. Different kinetic models i.e. zero order, first order, Highuchi model and Korsmeyer Peppas were applied to study release patterns and similarity index was calculated. Dissolution studies were carried out in phosphate buffer of pH 6.8 showed that formulations (F4 and F8) formulated with higher polymers concentration showed comparatively better drug retardation. F5 was the most comparable with the reference product. Verapamil hydrochloride released was observed non-fickian as diffusion following Higuchi model.
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The purpose of the current work was to formulate Verapamil Hydrochloride (VH) sustained release matrix tablets by using natural polymers and comparison with leading national brand Calan SR of Searle Pharmaceuticals. Tragacanth and pectin were used in various concentrations. Pre compression studies i.e. angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s compressibility index and Hausner’s ratio were also performed and found within the Pharmacopoeial limits. Eight formulations (F1-F8) of (VH) were prepared by direct compression method. Post compression studies i.e. Thickness, Hardness, Diameter, Friability and Dissolution studies were conducted. Different kinetic models i.e. zero order, first order, Highuchi model and Korsmeyer Peppas were applied to study release patterns and similarity index was calculated. Dissolution studies were carried out in phosphate buffer of pH 6.8 showed that formulations (F4 and F8) formulated with higher polymers concentration showed comparatively better drug retardation. F5 was the most comparable with the reference product. Verapamil hydrochloride released was observed non-fickian as diffusion following Higuchi model.
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Multiple transfusions in patients of thalassemia who are conventionally treated by a regular transfusion regimen. Though regular blood transfusion improves the overall survival of patients with thalassemia, it carries a definite risk of infection with blood-borne viruses. The present study was carried out to estimate the real frequency of hepatitis C virus [HCV] among Pakistani thalassemic patients, and determine the infection-associated riskfactors in these patients. To determine the frequency of anti-HCV in children with multiple transfusions. Shalimar Hospital, Lahore. The samples were collected from Children Hospital, Mayo Hospital and Fatimid Foundation; Lahore. Period: June 2012 to Nov 2012. One hundred blood samples were collected from the children with multiple transfusions. Two to three ml of blood was taken from each multiply transfused child who had received more than two blood transfusions. Serum was separated from each sample by centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes. After serum separation, all the samples were stored at -80°C. The HCV antibody can be detected by anti-HCV Rapid Test but third or fourth generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] is considered a better indicator of the seropositivity of this antibody. The ages ranged from 6 months to > 12 years. The mean age of children in the study was 6.17 +/- 4.13 years. There were 70 were males and 30 were females. Male to female ratio is 2.3:1. There are 58 thalassemic children, 27 different types of leukemia and 11 are aplastic anemia. Two children are with neuroblastoma while one each with thrombobasthenia and CDA-1. We concluded that a very high HCV prevalence which calls for adoption of stricter donor selection criteria, rigid implementation of quality control measures and use of more sensitive and specific techniques for HCV testing
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Rational drug use study is important for the patient care, and also act as a measure of the quality of care which is provided to patients, this study was conductedin the outdoor departments of 20 selected health facilities out of total 36 facilities of province Punjab, Pakistan by applying the core indicators of WHO.Average number of drug prescribed was 3.2 per prescription, percentage of generic drugs was 29.7%, percentage of antibiotic prescribed, injection prescribed, and percentage of drugs from NEDL were 64%, 0%, 96.5% respectively while ciprofloxacin was the most commonly used antibiotic. Average consultation time was 2.58 minutes; average dispensing time 88.5 seconds, percentage of drug actually dispensed was 82.9%, percentage of drug adequately labeled 96.9%, percentage knowledge of correct dosage 24%. Availability of NEDL or formulary was 90%,percentage of availability of key drugs in stock was 64.3%.Overall condition of rational use of medicines was not satisfactory in hospitals; this study will promote the rational use of medicines and good clinical pharmacy practice in hospitals of province Punjab, Pakistan by identifying the problems in rational use of drugs.
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Objectives:-The breast cancer has great impact on physiological and psychological health of patients. This study was designed to investigate the psychological and physical effects of breast cancer. Patients and methods:-One hundred (100) patients were included in the study sample. All the patients were evaluated with the help of a questionnaire which developed with the help of psychologists. Results:-The results showed that the patient had high distress level at the time of diagnosis and during treatment.80% of patients reported that they do not get enough support by their husbands. Results also showed that treatment of breast cancer severely affects the fertility and no pregnancy was recorded during the treatment of breast cancer. Conclusions:-The results of the present study showed that the patients involved in CA breast undergo several psychological & physiological changes. During the treatment patient’s psychological treatment is must to boost the self esteem & to courage the patient to fight against the disease.
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To determine the etiological factors responsible for Vesico-Vaginal Fistulae [VVF] and review our experience of their management.: Retrospective descriptional study conducted over a period of six years. Department of Urology, Allied Hospital and Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad.All patients who presented with Vesicovaginal Fistula.The record of 120 patients who presented with VVF over the past six years were reviewed and analyzed. Intra-venous urography [IVU], cystourethroscopy and vaginoscopy were performed to evaluate each pcitient. VVF were repaired by vaginal and abdominal approaches, using flaps where required. The outcome of the procedures and their post-operative complications were observed and recorded.Out of the 120 patients who presented with VVF, prolonged / obstructed labour was found to be the cause in 82 [68.33%] patients, and pelvic surgery in 36 [30%] patients. VVF was repaired by the vaginal approach in 42 [39.25%] patients with a success rate of 85.71%, whereas the abdominal approach was used in 67 [62.61%] patients with a success rate of 94%.Obstructed / prolonged labour is the major cause of VVF in the third world countries like Pakistan. Low literacy rate, poverty and deficient obstetrical facilities are mainly responsible for them. However, with improved surgical techniques and skills, they are now better managed in our country. Steps should be taken by the government and NGOs to provide proper obstetrical facilities to the women of rural areas