Divergence Analysis for Yield and Quality Traits in Some Indigenous Basmati Rice Genotypes [Oryza sativa L.].

Genetic divergence was assessed among 23 genotypes of basmati rice representing different regions of India on the basis of yield and quality characteristics utilizing Mahalanobis D2 analysis. Based on the genetic distance (D2 values), the rice genotypes were grouped into six clusters. Of the six clusters formed cluster VI consisted of maximum eight genotypes followed by cluster V accommodating six genotypes, cluster I with four genotypes, cluster III and IV with three genotypes each and cluster II with one genotype. The results indicated that there was some degree of similarity of genotypes clustered together on the basis of their origin. However, the pattern of distribution of some genotypes from different eco-geographical regions was found random, indicating that geographical diversity and genetic diversity were not related. The maximum intra cluster distance was observed for the cluster III. The highest genetic divergence was observed between the clusters IV and I exhibiting wide diversity. The genotypes representing cluster VI are more yielding combined with excellent cooking quality. Among different traits, plant height, kernel length, elongation ratio and amylose content had maximum contribution towards total divergence may be used as selection parameters in segregating generations. Intelligent selection of genotypes from the clusters may be used as potential donors for future hybridization programmes to develop varieties and hybrids of high yield without much compromise on quality.

comparison of red-green color vision deficiency between medical and non-medical students in Pakistan

To investigate the prevalence of red-green color vision deficiency [CVD] among medical and dental students compared with non-medical students. This descriptive, cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of CVD between medical and non-medical Pakistani students. A total of 926 medical and dental students from Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan were compared with 7288 non-medical students from Nadirshaw Edulji Dinshaw University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan, and Pakistan Air Force [PAF] Public Schools [Muree and Sargodha], Pakistan. Standard Ishihara color vision charts were used, which provided an accurate assessment of CVD. More than 3 mistakes from plates 10-17 identified students as having red green CVD. The study was carried out from September 2003 to December 2008. The overall prevalence of CVD in the study population was 2.75%. They were no significant differences between male students in engineering college versus medical college [2.7% versus 4.4%, p=0.125], or between schools and universities [3.1% versus 3.1%, p=0.930]. A small proportion of the Pakistani population suffers from red-green CVD, more prominent in males. We found no differences between students in engineering college versus medical college, or between schools and universities in different geographical locations within Pakistan

Indications and complications of intestinal stomas -a tertiary care hospital experience

An intestinal stoma is an opening of intestine on the anterior abdominal wall made surgically. The commonly performed procedures include colostomy and ileostomy. The purpose of the present study was to identify indications for commonly performed intestinal stomas and to study complications related to it. An observational study was carried out in Services Hospital Lahore, over a period of two years from Feb. 2007 - 09. A total of 85 patients needing intestinal stomas, ileostomy or colostomy, were included in the study. Patients under 12 years, with enterocutaneous fistula and urinary conduits were excluded from study. Indications, immediate and late complications of stomas were recorded. Reversal of stoma usually performed after 12 weeks and complications of reversal were also recorded. Majority [73%] of patients were males. There were 36 ileostomies and 49 cases of colostomy making a total of 85 patients. Main indications of Ileostomy were intestinal tuberculosis [58%], enteric perforation [31%] and penetrating injuries [5.5%]. Colostomy was mostly required in penetrating injuries [33%], blunt trauma [23%] and intestinal obstruction [28%]. In a total 0/35 stomas local complications appeared in 54 [41.77%]. General problems included anxiety, psychological and social isolation. Skin excoriation and ulceration were the most common [25%]; they were worse in ileostomy than colostomy. In laparotomy wound infection [9.4%], stoma diarrhea [7%], stoma retraction [6%] and prolapse [6%] were other notable comp-lications. A mortality rate of 1.6% was found in cases of ileostomy. Hospital admission ranged from 10 - 62 days. 62 stomas including 25 ileostomies and 37 colostomies were closed on an average of 3 months after primary operation. There were 9 cases of wound infection, three anastamotic leakages and a single mortality [1.6%] in the stoma reversal group. Common indications for intestinal stomas were abdominal trauma, intestinal tuberculosis and enteric perforation. Main complications included local skin problems, stoma diarhoea, prolapse and retraction. Early identification and treatment of tuberculosis and enteric fever can reduce stoma formation and its associated complications

Clinical efficacy of Joshanda Mulayyan' in the treatment of constipation during pregnancy

Constipation [Qabz] is an important and common complaint met in day to day obstetrics practice. Although very potent and effective drugs are available in contemporary systems of medicine but none of them are devoid of side effects like nausea, cramps, hypokalaemia etc. In view of the prevalence of this problem and side effects of modern drugs, an alternative polyherbal preparation 'Joshanda Mulayyan' [decoction of Rosa damascena Mill, Cassia angustifolia, Viola odorata and dried Vitis vinifera in milk] was selected and clinical trial was carried out on 50 pregnant patients with constipation. The said formulation was administered orally for 45 days and observations were recorded on every 15th day On an average, it was found effective in 88 percent of cases

Does Ramadan fasting affect expiratory flow rates in healthy subjects?

To assess whether Ramadan fasting affects the expiratory flow rates in healthy subjects, and to know if these effects correlate to a change in other variables. This unmatched case-control longitudinal study includes 46 non-smoking healthy subjects who undertook lung function testing at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Expiratory flow rates and body mass were measured in 3 Islamic months, corresponding to November 2001 to January 2002. There was a significant reduction in body mass in Ramadan compared to pre and post Ramadan. No significant changes in expiratory flows were seen during Ramadan as compared to the pre Ramadan period. However, forced expiratory flow rates at 75% of vital capacity [FEF75] and between 75% and 85% of vital capacity [FEF75-85] showed a significant increase in the post Ramadan period compared to Ramadan. Changes in FEF75 were negatively correlated to changes in body mass between Ramadan and post Ramadan. This study shows that Ramadan fasting will not affect expiratory flow rates in healthy subjects. Post Ramadan values did show an increase in FEF75 and FEF75-85, possibly due to changes in body water and fat content. The reductions in body mass were most probably due to lack of nutrition and not dehydration as the fasts were performed in winter. Collection of reference values or early phase clinical trials measuring expiratory flow rates should not be affected by Ramadan fasting