Category Archives: b_original_articles

Original Articles

FREQUENCY OF HEPATITIS B & C VIRAL INFECTIONS AMONGST STUDENTS OF A MEDICAL SCHOOL OF ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN

Munazza Asad1, Humaira Zafar2*, Kiran Tauseef Bukhari3, Iram Yasir4

1Department of Physiology, 2Department of Microbiology, 3Department of Haematology,

4Department of Community Medicine, Al-Nafees Medical College, Islamabad, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The increased frequency of Hepatitis B and C viral infections is considered to be amongst the very important health issues. Therefore, the current study has been planned to assess the frequency of specific diseases in adult age group medical students. It was a Descriptive study, carried out on 151 medical students of Al-Nafees Medical College and Hospital, Islamabad. A convenient sampling technique was adopted for the proceedings of study. Informed consent followed by a questionnaire filling was the important prerequisites of study. This was to get adequate information regarding the presence of any predisposing factor and subclinical presentation. The data was finally analyzed by SPSS version 16. For qualitative variables frequency of specific infection was calculated in terms of percentages. While for specific age group, quantitative variables i.e. mean and standard deviation were calculated. The results of current study have shown 0.66% (n=1) hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) and 0% (n=0) hepatitis B viral infection (HBV). The study concluded that, the frequency of both HBV and HCV infection was found to be very less than that expected. This study suggests that the National preventative programs and strategies against both HBV and HCV are successful.

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Frequency, Medical students

GLYCATION INHIBITION BY NIGELLA SATIVA (LINN)–AN IN VITRO MODEL

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Hira Zafar1, Fatma Hussain1*, Shoaib Zafar2, Riffat Yasmin1

1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad,

Pakistan

2Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Agriculture,

Faisalabad, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

In present study, an in vitro glycation model comprising both plasma and glucose designed to assess glycation inhibitory potentials of N. sativa seed (NS) extracts. Plasma with several glucose quantities in the presence of NS were incubated for thirty-five days at 37°C. Non-enzymatic glycation (NEG) was quantified by Thiobarbituric acid technique. NEG levels were reduced by NS. Higher NS concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the NEG demonstrating dose-dependent inhibitory potential of NS. Plasma NEG levels were decreased up to 13% (P< 0.05). NEG inhibition correlated (r=0.784) with NS concentrations. Present glycation inhibitory prospective of NS demands further studies to determine the precise mechanism of action and effective dose of NS for therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: Glycation inhibition, Hyperglycemia, Human plasma, Nigella sativa

COMPARATIVE POPULATION TRENDS OF SUGARCANE BORERS ON DIFFERENT COMMERCIALLY GROWN SUGARCANE VARIETIES AT DISTRICT JHANG, PAKISTAN

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Asif Sajjad*, Farhan Ahmad, Asad Imran, Arif Hamid Makhdum

Sustainable Agriculture Programme, World Wide Fund for Nature, Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan)

ABSTRACT

Sugarcane borers are devastating pests of sugarcane crop and often cause economic damage. The study was conducted in five different locations of district Jhang during 2012 aiming to evaluate some commercially grown sugarcane varieties (CP-77-400, NSG-59, SPF-213, HSF-240 and SPF-234) towards different sugarcane borer species in terms of field infestation levels, spatial distribution and their impact on brix percentage. There was no significant difference in populations of top borer (Scirpophaga nivella) among the five sugarcane varieties. The highest abundance of stem borers (Chilo infuscatellus) was recorded in NGS-59 while it was the lowest in HSF-240 and SPF-234. Gurdaspur borer (Acigona steniella) was the highest in abundance in CP-77-400. The maximum number of root borer (Emmalocera depressella) was recorded in CP-77-400 and NGS-59 and the minimum in HSF-240. The mean borer population was also the maximum in CP-77-400 and NGS-59 while it was the minimum in HSF-240 and SPF-234. The brix percentage of CP-77-400, NGS-59 and HSF-240 was significantly reduced by borer infestation. Except top borer, the populations of all the three borer species were significantly distributed among the five locations. The variety SPF-234 proved most successful as it was least attacked by borers and its brix percentage was also least affected.

Keywords: Sugarcane borers, Brix percentage, Sugarcane varieties, Sugarcane borer infestation.

IMPROVING MAIZE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN RELATION TO SOIL APPLIED ELEMENTAL SULFUR

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Mohsin Tanveer1*, Ehsanullah1, Shakeel Ahmad Anjum1, 2, Ali Ahsan Bajwa1, Haseeb Zahid1

1Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

2College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted to ascertain the effect of varying soil applied elemental sulfur (S) levels viz; 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kg ha-1, on maize growth and development. Experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Growth and development parameters were computed; included leaf area per plant LAI, LAD, CGR, NAR and TDM and experimental results revealed that increasing S levels were pragmatic in improving maize performance. However, soil applied elemental S @ 30 kg ha-1 proved to be beneficial involved in growth and yield improvement. Maximum CGR (23.44 g m-2 d-1), NAR (6.23 g m-2 d-1) and LAI (4.85) was in plots where S was applied at 30 kg ha-1 while least LAI (4.40), LAD (193.45 days), TDM (1178.13 kg ha-1) was in control treatment. Therefore, elemental S @ 30 kg ha-1 was noted to be most suitable for sustainable maize production amongst all other treatments.

Keywords: Elemental Sulfur, Growth, Maize, NAR, TDM

A STUDY OF THERMAL CHANGES ON PHYSIOLOGY AND PADDY YIELD OF FINE RICE CULTIVARS UNDER SUBTROPICAL CONDITIONS

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Tasneem Khaliq1, Amjed Ali 1, 2, Ashfaq Ahmad1, Muhammad Ahmad3,

Azhar Mahmood4 and Muhammad Mubeen1

1Agro-climatology Lab., University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 2University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan, 3Agriculture Adaptive Research Complex, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan, 4Adaptive Research Farm, Sheikhupura, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

A thematic research was planned to find out the effects of thermal changes on crop physiology and paddy yield of fine rice under subtropical conditions. Various parameters related to crop physiology and yield were recorded in order to establish the causes underlying the variations in paddy yield associated with transplanting date and cultivar. Throughout the growth period of different rice cultivars, early transplanting (1st of July) significantly enhanced LAI over subsequent late transplanting (15th and 30th of July). LAI of different cultivars was also significant. Maximum LAI values were found at 75 DAT in all the treatments. LAD was positively correlated with paddy yield. Percent increase in NAR (g m-2 d-1) in case of 30th July was 14.3, followed by 15th July 10.97 as compared to 1st July. While in case of varieties, NAR (g m-2 d-1) was not significantly affected by different varieties. Paddy yield also decreased in the subsequent transplanting dates from 4.71 t ha-1 to 4.22 t ha-1and 4.01 t ha-1 in 1st, 15th and 30th July, respectively. Paddy yield of different cultivars was also significantly different and it was highest in case of cv. Basmati-515 as compared to other cultivars. Increase in temperature decreased paddy yield.

Keywords: Transplanted dates, Cultivars, Harvest index, Seasonal, Linearly

COLONY COLOUR AND TEXTURE OF DIFFERENT ISOLATES OF FUSARIUM SOLANI, THE CAUSE OF ROOT ROT DISEASE OF OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS L) IN PESHAWAR

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Rifat Ali1*, Hakim Khan1, Fayaz Ahmad1 and Nazir Ahmad2

1Department of Plant Pathology, 2Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics,

KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The research work was conducted at department of plant pathology, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during 2012. The objective was to determine the fungal colony texture and colour of five different isolates of Fusarium solani, causing root rot of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) plant, in Peshawar. In this study, five isolates of Fusarium solani collected from different places of (Chamkani, Budhni, Palosi, Achinipayan and Jogian) were investigated for colony colour and texture. They were flat to cottony or woolly densely and densely floccose to fluffy. The colony colour was white to off white, creamy and chocolate colour or bright or silver coloured.

Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus L, Colony texture and Colour, Fusarium solani

Enzyme analysis of endophytic new Streptomyces sp.viji10 isolated from velamen roots of orchid plant Vanda spathulata (L.) spreng

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G. Senthilmurugan @ Viji¹*, S. Sekar¹, K. Suresh²

¹Department of Botany, Thiagarajar College, Theppakulam, Madurai, Tamilnadu State, India.

²Department of Botany, Saraswathy Narayanan College, Perungudi, Madurai, Tamil Nadu State,

India.

*Corresponding author: e-mail: viji.m6@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The present study deals with enzyme analysis of endophytic new Streptomyces sp.viji10 isolated from the velamen roots of Vanda spathulata is an epiphytic orchid plant. The plant root samples were collected from Alagar kovil Hills, Madurai district, Tamilnadu state, India. An endophytic Streptomyces sp was isolated by using NA (Nutrient Agar) medium; it was then identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The endophytic actinomycete culture to produce different enzymes was analyzed. The endophytic actinomycete culture has the ability to produce cellulase enzyme (except amylase, laccase, lipase and protease). The result of the study suggested that endophytic Streptomyces sp associated with velamen roots of Vanda spathulata plant are potential source of cellulase enzyme production.

Keywords: Enzyme analysis, Streptomyces sp.viji10, Vanda spathulata, Velamen roots

Crop stand and phenology of wheat as affected by integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers

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Sajjad Khan^1*, Shad Khan Khalil¹, Amanullah¹, Zahir Shah²

¹Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan

²Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan

*Corresponding author: e-mail: agronomist_kpk@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers play a vital role in the establishment of good crop stand and phenology. In this regard a field experiment was conducted at Livestock Research and Development Station, Surezai, Peshawar, for two crops seasons 2010-11 and 2011-12. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications. Experimental treatments consisted of poultry manure (2, 4 and 6 ton ha^-1) farm yard manure (2, 4 and 6 ton ha^-1) and nitrogen (60 and 90 kg N ha^-1). Eighteen different combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied to wheat crop. Poultry manure, farm yard manure and nitrogen significantly affected, leaves tiller^-1, plant height, spike length and days to maturity.Higher leaves tiller^-1, plant height and more days to maturity was observed with application of 6 tons poultry manure, 6 tons farm yard manure ha^-1 and 60 kg N ha^-1, while poor crop stand and phonological characteristics were observed in control plots. Good crop stand and phenological characteristics were observed with integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. It is concluded that a combine dose of 6 ton poultry manure, 6 tons farm yard manure ha^-1 and 90 kg N ha^-1 is recommended for good crop stand and phenology in wheat.

Keywords: Wheat crop stand, Phenology, Poultry manure, Farm Yard Manure, Nitrogen

Effect of edible coatings of carboxy methyl cellulose and corn starch on cucumber stored at ambient temperature

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Adetunji Charles Oluwaseun¹*, Arowora Kayode A¹, Fawole Oluyemisi Bolajoko², Adetunji Juliana Bunmi³ and Olagbaju AR¹

¹Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute, Km 3 Asa Dam Road, P.M.B. 1489, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

²University of Ilorin, Department of Agronomy, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

³University of Ilorin, Department of Biochemistry, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author e-mail: charliguitar@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Edible coating has been used for preserving the quality and safety of fresh fruit and vegetables. The ability of polysaccharide-based (carboxy methyl cellulose and corn starch) coatings to extend the shelf life and quality of cucumber fruit during storage at ambient temperature of 25-28^oC and relative humidity of 83-95% was investigated . The results indicated that coated cucumber showed a significant delay in weight loss, firmness, pH, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid and total microbial counts compared to uncoated ones. Sensory evaluation results showed that coatings maintained the visual quality of the cucumber during the storage time. The results suggested using carboxy methyl cellulose and corn starch can extend the shelf life of cucumber during storage in ECS for 7 weeks.

Keywords: Carboxy methyl cellulose, Corn starch, Cucumber fruit, Edible coatings

Effect of different levels of nitrogen and plant population on growth and yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

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Muhammad Aslam¹, Ashiq Hussain Sangh², Laila Khalid^3* and Shamaun Javed⁴

¹Senior Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy), ²Senior Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection)

^3,4Assistant Research Officer, Department of Adaptive Research Farm, Rahim Yar Khan Punjab- Pakistan

*Corresponding author: e-mail: laila_kld@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of two successive years 2007 and 2008. The Effect of different levels of nitrogen and plant population on growth and yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was conducted at Adaptive Research Farm Rahim Yar Khan in RCBD with Split plot arrangement in three replications. Field trials to study the effect of nitrogen doses (28, 56 and 84 kg ha^-1) and levels of plant population (74100, 98800 and 123500 plants ha^-1) on growth and yield of cotton variety BH-160 were evaluated. The levels of nitrogen and plant population significantly affected the plant height, number of mature bolls plant^-1, seed cotton weight boll^-1, and seed cotton yield ha^-1. The interaction between nitrogen levels and plant population was non significant in plant height and number of mature boll plant^-1 while significant in boll weight and seed cotton yield ha^-1. Two years average data of yield and yield components showed that application of nitrogen @ 84kg ha^-1 gave significantly the highest seed cotton yield (2138 kg ha^-1) over Nitrogen doses of 28 and 56 kg ha^-1. Plant population of 98800 plants ha^-1 produced the highest seed cotton yield (2234 kg ha^-1). Maximum seed cotton yield (2327 kg ha^-1) was produced at the Nitrogen level of 84 kg ha^-1 and with plant population of 98800 plants ha^-1.

Keywords: Gossypium hirsutum L., Plant population and Nitrogen doses.