Revamping soil quality and correlation studies for yield and yield attributes in sorghum-legumes intercropping systems / Melhoria da qualidade do solo e estudos de correlação para a produtividade e os atributos de produtividade em sistemas de plantio consorciado de sorgo e legumes

Restoration, preservation and sustainability of agricultural resources including soil demands biologically and economically viable farming practices. For boosting physico-chemical properties of soil from 2012 to 2015, three legumes including cowpea, cluster bean and soybean were intercropped with sorghum in 40-60, 75-25 and 100-100 seed blending ratios, while pure stand of sorghum was kept for comparison. Correlation studies were also conducted to determine linear or inverse relationship between physiological and agronomic attributes with green forage yield of sorghum. Results revealed that intercropping systems were not effective in significantly improving the physical properties of soil, however soybean and sorghum mixed seeded crop in 100-100 seed ratio resulted in the highest total and available nitrogen especially during last two years of the study and it was followed by mixed seeded crop of cluster bean and sorghum (100-100 seed ratio), while pure stand of sorghum appeared to be the most exhaustive farming system. Correlation analysis depicted a linear relationship between all agronomic attributes (seedling count, plant population at harvest, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area per plant, fresh and dry weights per plant) and physiological growth parameters (leaf area index and leaf area duration, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate) with forage yield of sorghum. Thus, legumes inclusion was found to be effective in restoring soil fertility, while long term legumes inclusion by following rotation may be suggested.

A restauração, a preservação e a sustentabilidade dos recursos agrícolas, incluindo o solo, exigem práticas agrícolas biologicamente e economicamente viáveis. Para aumentar as propriedades físico-químicas do solo de 2012 a 2015, três leguminosas, incluindo feijão-fradinho, guar e soja, foram consorciadas com sorgo nas proporções de mistura de 40-60, 75-25 e 100-100, enquanto que o sorgo puro foi mantido por comparação. Estudos de correlação também foram conduzidos para determinar a relação linear ou inversa entre atributos fisiológicos e agronômicos com a produtividade de forragem verde do sorgo. Os resultados revelaram que os sistemas consorciados não foram eficazes em afetar significativamente as propriedades físicas do solo, no entanto, soja e sorgo misturados na proporção de sementes 100-100 resultou no maior nitrogênio total e nitrogênio disponível, especialmente durante os últimos dois anos do estudo e foi seguido do plantio de sementes mistas de guar e sorgo (100-100 rácio de semente), enquanto a monocultura de sorgo parecia ser o sistema de agricultura mais exaustivo. A análise de regressão mostrou uma correlação linear entre todos os atributos agronômicos (contagem de plântulas, população de plantas na colheita, altura de planta, diâmetro de caule, número de folhas e área foliar por planta, peso fresco e seco por planta) e parâmetros de crescimento fisiológico (índice de área foliar e duração da área foliar, taxa de crescimento da cultura e taxa de assimilação líquida) com o rendimento de forragem do sorgo. Assim, a inclusão de leguminosas foi eficaz no aumento da fertilidade do solo, enquanto a inclusão de leguminosas a longo prazo por rotação de diferentes leguminosas é sugerida.

Psychological stress associated with aphthous ulcers and temporomandibular disorders

Objective: To assess the prevalence of stress as an etiological factor for aphthous ulcers and temporomandibular disorders

Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry Rawalpindi, from Oct 2015 to May 2016

Material and Methods: Two groups of patients were selected. Group I included 119 patients presenting with Aphthous Ulcers while group II had 64 subjects with complaints of temporomandibular disorders [TMDs]

After a thorough history, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] was used to assess stress in the patients. A HADS-A score of 7 was taken as significant anxiety while a HADS-D score of 7 depicted significant depression

Both groups were then subjected to laboratory examinations. Serum cortisol levels were assessed for both groups while Serum Folate, Ferritin and Vitamin B12 level for group I only. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 to calculate descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviations as well as frequencies and percentages

Relationship between HADS score and serum cortisol levels was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient

A p-value<0.05 was considered significant

Results: For TMDs, 53 [82.8%] patients were found positive for stress while for aphthous ulcers, 61 [51.3%] were positive for stress. The correlation between HADS score and serum cortisol levels was found significant for both groups at a p=<0.001

Conclusions: Patients showed a high prevalence of stress as an etiological factor for aphthous ulcers and temporomandibular disorders in a local setting

Prevalence of inhalant and food allergies after skin prick testing in patients with resistant allergic rhinitis in warm humid weather

To evaluate the incidence of common food and inhalant allergies. A Retrospective Study. Department of ENT, Bahrain Defense Force [BDF] Hospital. Patients' records with allergic rhinitis who were subjected to Skin Prick Testing [SPT] from January 2008 to January 2012 were reviewed. The population under study was almost equally distributed between both genders with minimal female predominance, 312 [52%]. Age distribution of positive allergens was almost equally distributed among each decade from 10 to 50 years. Two hundred fifty-eight [43%] were found to have another associated allergic comorbid condition; bronchial asthma was the most common, 186 [31%]. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most commonly encountered positive aeroallergen found in 252 [42%], while Walnut was found as the most prevalent food allergen 48 [8%]. In this study, inhalant allergens are more frequently encountered whereas food allergens are less among tested subjects. Weeds, dust mite and animal allergens are most common inhalant allergens. Morbidities associated with allergies are common in Bahrain. Allergic population in Bahrain is diverse in terms of nature of allergens

Pattern of acid base abnormalities in critically ill patients

To find out the pattern of acid base abnormalities in critically ill patients in a tertiary care health Sacility. A descriptive study. The study was carried out in the department of pathology, Combined Military Hospital Kharian from January 2013 to June 2013. Two hundred and fifty patients suffering from various diseases and presenting with exacerbation of their clinical conditions were studied. These patients were hospitalized and managed in acute care units of the hospital. Arterial blood gases were analysed to detect acid base status and their correlation with their clinical condition. Concomitant analysis of electrolytes was carried out. Tests related to concurrent illnesses e.g. renal and liver function tests, cardiac enzymes and plasma glucose were assayed by routine end point and kinetic methods. Standard reference materials were used to ensure internal quantify control of analyses. Two hundred and fifteen patients out of 250 studied suffered from acid base disorders. Gender distribution showed a higher percentage of male patients and the mean age was 70.5 +/- 17.4 years. Double acid base disorders were the commonest disorders [34%] followed by metabolic acidosis [30%]. Anion gap was calculated to further stratify metabolic acidosis and cases of diabetic ketoacidosis were the commonest in this category [47%]. Other simpie acid base disorders were relatively less frequent. Delta bicarbonate was calculated to unmask the superimposition of respiratory alkalosis or acidosis with metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis. Though triple acid base disorders were noted in a small percentage of cases [05%], but n7ere found to be the most complicated and challenging. Mixed acid base disorders were associated with high mortality. A large number of critically ill patients manifested acid base abnormalities over the full spectrum of these disorders. Mixed acid base disorders were commonest and were bad prognostic indicators, most often associated with high mortality. This warrants a high index of suspicion, a thorough clinical assessment of patient and a structured approach to analyze the relevant laboratory data in the given clinical setting. Only with prompt detection of an acid base disorder, clinician can formulate an appropriate management strategy for the patient

Bioconversion of agriculture waste to lysine with UV mutated strain of brevibacterium flavum and its biological evaluation in broiler chicks

Lysine executes imperative structural and functional roles in body and its supplementation in diet beneficial to prevent the escalating threat of protein deficiency. The physical mutagenesis offers new fascinating avenues of research for overproduction of lysine through surplus carbohydrate containing agriculture waste especially in developing countries. The current study was aimed to investigate the potential of UV mutated strain ofBrevibacterium flavum at 254 nm for lysine production. The physical and nutritional parameters were optimized and maximum lysine production was observed with molasses [4% substrate water ratio]. Moreover, supplementation of culture medium with metal cations [i.e. 0.4% CaSO[4], 0.3% NaCl, 0.3% KH[2]PO[4], 0.4% MgSO[4], and 0.2% [NH[4]][2]SO[4] w/v] together with 0.75% v/v corn steep liquor significantly inhanced the lysine production up to 26.71 +/- 0.31g/L. Though, concentrations of urea, ammonium nitrate and yeast sludge did not exhibit any profound effect on lysine production. Biological evaluation of lysine enriched biomass in terms of weight gain and feed conversion ratio reflected non-significant difference for experimental and control [+ve] groups. Conclusively, lysine produced in the form of biomass was compatible to market lysine in its effectiveness and have potential to utilize at commercial scale

Malaria: Still a Health Problem in the General Population of Bannu District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Aims: This study was aimed to know the burden of malaria infection and to re-evaluate its high prevalence in general population of Bannu District. Study Design: The current study was designed to re-evaluate the high prevalence of malaria and its demography in the human population of Bannu District. Place and Duration of the Study: This study was conducted during the months of May to September 2011 in local population of the Bannu District. Methodology: A total of 823 blood samples were randomly collected from both sexes; 513 males and 310 females of varying age groups <1 up to 50< years (mean 26.3± 9.1). Blood was drawn by pricking a left hand finger by using a sterilized lancet. Both thick and thin smears were prepared and examined through microscope for the detection of malarial parasites along with their impact on the general hematology. Results: Out of 823 blood samples, 223(27.1%) subjects were found positive for Plasmodiasis, while the distribution of species prevalence was observed as 186 (22.6%) and 25 (3.04%) for Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium falciparum, respectively along with a mixed infection of 12(1.46%). Variation with high incidence (42.65%) was found in the age group of 21-30 years. Moreover, males were found to be more malaria infected (30.64%) than females (24.95%). In addition, the prevalence of Plasmodiasis was found more frequent in rural population (33.42%) as compared to urban (21.00%) population. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the burden of malaria was high in rural areas of Bannu District and more attention is needed to overcome and control the high prevalence of malaria in this region.

Autologous serum eye drops for the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects

A series of 10 patients at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, from September 2009 to August 2010 is reported. Follow-up of patients were done till February 2012. Patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects [PED] of minimum 2 weeks duration, in whom conventional therapy had failed, were included in the study. They were prescribed 100% autologous serum eye drops on hourly basis. When PED healed within 02 weeks, it was labeled as effective and when it healed within one month, it was labeled as partially effective. Six weekly follow-up was done for 18 months for all patients to document any recurrence of PED. Eight out of 10 patients had successful outcome i.e. 80% of PED healed within one month, out of which 7 patients had 'effective' outcome. Autologous serum eye drops are safe, effective and minimally invasive modality in treating PED

Percutaneous endoscopic colostomy [pec]: an effective alternative in high risk patients with recurrent sigmoid volvulus

Treatment of recurrent sigmoid volvulus is a major challenge in frail and elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities. Early management involves endoscopic decompression with high success rate, however, its recurrence make it a real challenge as most of these patients are not suitable for major colonic resection. The aim of this study was to assess the role of percutaneous endoscopic colostomy [PEC] in the treatment of recurrent sigmoid volvulus in these patients. Twelve PEC procedures were performed in 8 patients under our care. This prevented major colonic resection in 7 patients. One patient underwent sigmoid resection and died with postoperative complications. Two patients experienced minor complications. Three patients required repeat procedures for permanent PEC tube placement. Six patients managed permanently with PEC procedure. PEC is an effective treatment for recurrent sigmoid volvulus in high-risk elderly patients.

Autoimmune complications in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a single center experience

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL] is characterized by the progressive accumulation of B cells with mature appearance and a distinctive immunophenotype in peripheral blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues. Autoimmune complications are common in CLL and by far the most common manifestation is autoimmune hemolytic anemia [AIHA], followed by immune thrombocytopenia [ITP] and pure red cell aplasia [PRCA]. The study was carried was carried out to see the spectrum of autoimmune complications in patients diagnosed with CLL. This cross sectional study was carried out to describe the clinical presentation, haematological parameters and complications of CLL in patients coming to Shaikh Zayed Hospital [SZH], Lahore over a period of 6 years from June 2002 to July 2008. CLL cases were diagnosed according to the National Cancer Institute [NCI] criteria. The collected data was entered into SPSS version 13 for analysis. Thirty one patients were diagnosed with CLL and in 6 [19.4%] patients the disease was complicated by AIHA and in 1 [3.2%] patient by ITP at presentation. Autoimmune cytopenias were observed in 22% of 31 patients. Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia was more common than ITP, no patients of PRCA were recognized

Amniotic membrane transplantation in primary pterygium compared with bare sclera technique

To compare the excision of primary pterygium by bare sclera technique and excision combined with amniotic membrane transplantation [AMT]. An experimental study. Eye Department, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, presently known as Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, from May 2007 to July 2008. A pilot study of 70 patients was conducted. Patients were divided in two groups. In group I, pterygium excision was done by bare sclera technique while in group II, AMT was done after excision. Patients were followed for 6 months. Proportion of recurrence of pterygium was noted in each group and compared with chi-square test with significance at p < 0.05. Number of patients who presented with recurrence of pterygium in group-I were 12 [37.5%] and in group-II were 4 [12.9%]. Chi-square tests showed that there was a statistically significant difference in frequency of recurrence between the two groups [p = 0.025]. AMT after excision of pterygium appeared to be safe and effective way of treating primary pterygium as compared to bare sclera technique due to lesser recurrence at 6 months

Retinopathy risk factors among diabetics in a tertiary care military hospital

To determine the frequency and risk factors for severity of retinopathy in diabetic patients referred to a tertiary military hospital. Cross-sectional study. Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi from Jun 2008 to Dec 2009. Diabetic patients aged 40 to 79, referred for suspected diabetic retinopathy [DR] on fundoscopy from medical outpatient clinic of Military Hospital Rawalpindi were randomly included in the study. Participants underwent a standardized interview and examination Retinopathy was assessed through dilated pupils, and graded into absent retinopathy, mild to moderate, or advanced. Presence of clinically significant macular edema [CSME] was also recorded. To evaluate the simultaneous effect of significant risk factors on the different stages of DR, multivariate regression analysis was carried out. Out of five hundred and ten patients, DR was confirmed in 63% cases with advanced retinopathy in 21.3%. In univariate analysis, duration of diabetes, fasting blood glucose, and presence of oedema were significantly associated with retinopathy [P<0.005] On multivariate analysis, however, only duration of diabetes [Odds Ratio 6.15 for 5 to 10 years and 38.29 for more than 10 years] and macular oedema [OR 6.617 95% CI 3.95-11.07] remained significant. CSME was present in 173 [33%] patients and its frequency increased with the severity of DR [P<0.001]. The frequency of DR among military personnel and their dependants was high with strong association to duration of diabetes. This underscores the importance of regular retinal detect DR in the early stages and timely intervention to prevent diabetes related blindness

Metabolic syndrome in acute coronary syndrome

To determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome in male patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. A descriptive study. Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases, Rawalpindi, from October 2007 to September 2008. Male patients with acute coronary syndrome [ACS] were included. Patients having angioplasty [PCI], coronary artery bypass surgery in the past and other co-morbid diseases were excluded. All patients were assessed for the presence of five components of metabolic syndrome including hypertension, HDL-Cholesterol and triglycerides, glucose intolerance and abdominal obesity. Systolic, diastolic blood pressures, waist circumference [WC] and body mass index [BMI] were measured. ECG, cardiac enzymes, fasting glucose and lipid profile were also done. A total of 135 male patients of ACS were studied with a mean age of 54.26 +/- 11 years. Metabolic syndrome [MS] was present in 55 [40.7%] patients. MS with all five components was documented in 4 [7.27%] while MS with four and three components was seen in 23 [41.81%] and 28 [50.90%] patients respectively. Only 24 [43.63%] patients with MS had diabetes mellitus, remaining 31[56.36%] were non diabetic. Frequencies of diabetes, hypertension and family history of CAD were significantly higher [p<0.05] in patients with metabolic syndrome as compared to patients with normal metabolic status. Metabolic syndrome is fairly common and important risk factor in patients of IHD. Other risk factors like smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes were also frequently found. Public awareness to control the risk factors can reduce the prevalence of CAD in our country

Frequency of ocular manifestations of chronic graft versus host disease

With the advancement of techniques for haematopoietic cell transplantation, the number of transplant survivors is increasing rapidly and so are the chances of chronic graft versus host disease [cGVHD]. The ocular manifestations of this disease have not been explored in our local population. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of ocular complications in cases of cGVHD following successful bone marrow transplantation. Twelve diagnosed cases of cGVHD were evaluated from June 2008 to March 2009 and there ocular manifestations were noted especially the ocular surface disorders, using double staining method with fluorescein and rose-bengal. Nine patients [75%] were having dry eyes, 7 [58.3%] with mebomian glands dysfunction, 4 [33%] with acute conjunctivitis, 2 [16.7%] with bilateral lacrimal canalicular occlusion, and 1 [8.3%] each of bilateral posterior subcapsular cataract, unilateral sterile corneal epithelial defect, anterior uveitis, retinal haemorrhages and disc oedema. The higher frequency of dry eyes along with other ocular manifestations in patients of cGVHD suggests the need of close ophthalmic monitoring in all such cases

Self expandable metallic stent endoscopic insertion in esophageal cancer

To determine the safety of self expandable metallic stent [SEMS] placement under endoscopic guidance without fluoroscopy. Quasi experimental study. Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Departments of Medicine, Isra University Hospital and Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences [LUMHS], Hyderabad, from April 2006 to March 2009. In 80 patients with inoperable carcinoma of esophagus, SEMS made-up of nickel titanium alloy and mesh shaped with distal release system were placed without the use of fluoroscope under endoscopic guidance. Patients with proximal location of tumour in esophagus were excluded. They were followed at one week after deployment. All the complications were recorded. Dysphagia score was assessed before and after stent placement. Mean pre- and poststenting scores were compared using t-test. Fluoroscopy was needed in only 2 patients. In 75 patients the stent was successfully placed with endoscope control only, without fluoroscope. Dysphagia score improved significantly from 4.26 +/- 1.07 before stenting to 1.02 +/- 0.57 later, [p < 0.001]. Minor complications like retrosternal pain occurred in 30 [37.5%] patients and major complications in 8 [10.0%] patients amongst which 4 [5.0%] developed upper gastrointestinal bleeding and 4 patients [5.0%] had aspiration. Insertion of self expandable metallic stent in esophageal carcinoma without fluoroscope was safe and effective in relieving dysphagia at short term follow-up

Interferon associated retinopathy

Interferon is an immunomodulating cytokine which is used to treat different diseases. Nowadays it is being commonly used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Few patients develop ocular complications secondary to the use of Interferon. We report here a case in which a young soldier with no other risk factors developed retinopathy changes after five months of interferon alpha 2b therapy which included cotton wool spots at the posterior pole and dot-blot haemorrhages in both fundi. These changes gradually started resolving after cessation of treatment and completely disappeared after six months

Intralenticular foreign body with a clear lens

Intraocular foreign bodies [IOFBs] are not uncommon in patients of penetrating ocular trauma but intralenticular foreign bodies are rarely seen. Penetrating ocular injuries are observed more commonly in young men. Intralenticular foreign bodies cause visually significant cataract in almost all cases. We report here a case of a young soldier with intralenticular foreign body of about 1.5 mm in size sparing the visual axis and only causing focal cataractous changes. The foreign body remained innocuous for about 3 months of follow-up not causing any progressive cataract, glaucoma or uveitis. The foreign body was removed, lens aspiration was done and posterior chamber intraocular lens was implanted, as patient could not be followed on long-term basis. The vision was restored to normally within 2 months

Spontaneous resolution of direct carotid cavernous fistula

Proptosis due to carotid cavernous fistula is rare sequelae of head injury. We report a case of post-traumatic, direct high flow carotid cavernous fistula that resolved spontaneously 06 weeks after carotid angiography. It however, resulted in loss of vision due to delay in early treatment. In the cases of post-traumatic proptosis, carotid cavernous fistula should be kept in mind

Bilateral lacrimal bicanalicular obstruction in chronic graft versus host disease

Bone Marrow transplantation has been increasingly used for the treatments of various blood cancers for last two decades. As a complication, a variable number of patients develop Chronic Graft Verses Host Disease [cGVHD] six to eight months later. Ocular involvement occurs in 60 to 80% of patients with cGVHD. Though dry eye sensation is the most common ocular symptom of cGVHD we report here a case of excessive watering due to bilateral lacrimal bicanalicular obstruction secondary to ocular involvement in cGVHD along with onset of dry eye features

Phthiriasis Palpebrarum

Phthiriasis palpebrarum [lice infestation of palpabrae] is a rarely reported disorder and may present as blepharo-conjuctivitis. It is usually seen in lower socioeconomic groups and spreads through either sexual contacts or directly through linen or clothing. We report a family with phthiriasis palpebrarum in which the primary source of infestation was the paternal uncle of two children. Mechanical removal proved to be quite effective in treating the disease and preventing its recurrence

Surgical experience with cardiac myxomas

Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign intracardiac tumours. We studied the clinical presentation of cardiac myxomas and the morbidity, mortality and recurrence rate following surgery at our institution over a 6 year period. This historical longitudinal study was performed at department of Cardiac Surgery, Armed forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases Rawalpindi, Pakistan between January 2002 and March 2008 a total number of 8506 cardiac operations were performed. Of these 34 patients [19 males, 15 females] underwent complete excision of primary or recurrent intracardiac myxomas. Pre-operative diagnosis was established by echocardiography. All patients underwent operation soon after the diagnosis of a myxoma was made. Complete tumour excision followed by close inspection and copious saline irrigation of the cardiac chambers was done in each case. Of the 32 patients who survived the surgery, 29 patients were followed up at regular intervals for recurrence. The mean follow-up period was 34 months. Cardiac myxomas constituted 0.40% of the total cardiac operations at our institution. They most commonly occurred in the fourth decade. The commonest location was the left atrium [LA] [79%] followed by the right atrium [RA] [14%]. Only one patient had myxoma in the right ventricle [RV]. Patients with LA myxoma simulated mitral stenosis clinically whereas patients with RA and RV myxomas presented with features of right heart failure. A smaller percentage presented with embolic and constitutional symptoms. There were two early deaths. One recurrence was noted at 27 months after surgery. No late deaths were observed in the study. Cardiac myxomas form a very small percentage of the cardiac cases. A high index of suspicion is essential for diagnosis. Echocardiography is the ideal diagnostic tool as also for follow-up. Immediate surgical treatment is indicated in all patients. Cardiac myxomas can be excised with a low rate of mortality and morbidity