Search

Beyond the concerns associated with marginalised groups' underrepresentation, we posited that socio-demographic aspects and associated stigma provoke gendered social exclusion among older adults. Although these linkages have been frequently acknowledged, concrete evidence remains complicated. In a sample of 384 older adults from various administrative zones of the Lahore metropolitan, we examined that gendered social exclusion is typically connected with socio-demographic stereotypes. Statistics revealed that 72.3% of older adults reported social exclusion. Homemakers and non-workers were more prone to experience social exclusion than employed respondents. Findings further discovered that the social exclusion rates were more significant among older women (93.1%) than older men (47.5%). Among older women, those involved in some employment, having a personal income, living in higher-income households and joint families with their children or peers, and having access to a private car were less possibly socially excluded. The substantial gender aspect of social exclusion appears to be provoked by a gender-based socio-cultural context, limiting older women's participation in daily socio-economic pursuits. Finally, possible consequences of increased social exclusion among older women and strategies to cater to this emerging issue are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ground validation of satellite-based precipitation products (SPPs) is very important for their hydroclimatic application. This study evaluated the performance assessment of four soil moisture-based SPPs (SM2Rain, SM2Rain- ASCAT, SM2Rain-CCI, and GPM-SM2Rain). All data of SPPs were compared with 64 weather stations in Pakistan from January 2005 to December 2020. All SPPs estimations were evaluated on daily, monthly, seasonal, and yearly scales, over the whole spatial domain, and at point-to-pixel scale. Widely used evaluation indices (root mean square error (RMSE), correlation coefficient (CC), bias, and relative bias (rBias)) along with categorical indices (false alarm ratio (FAR), probability of detection (POD), success ratio (SR), and critical success index (CSI) were evaluated for performance analysis. The results of our study signposted that: (1) On a monthly scale, all SPPs estimations were in better agreement with gauge estimations as compared to daily scales. Moreover, SM2Rain and GPM-SM2Rain products accurately traced the spatio-temporal variability with CC >0.7 and rBIAS within the acceptable range (±10) of the whole country. (2) On a seasonal scale (spring, summer, winter, and autumn), GPM-SM2Rain performed more satisfactorily as compared to all other SPPs. (3) All SPPs performed better at capturing light precipitation events, as indicated by the Probability Density Function (PDF); however, in the summer season, all SPPs displayed considerable over/underestimates with respect to PDF (%). Moreover, GPM-SM2RAIN beat all other SPPs in terms of probability of detection. Consequently, we suggest the daily and monthly use of GPM-SM2Rain and SM2Rain for hydro climate applications in a semi-arid climate zone (Pakistan). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted at Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to monitor the impact assessment of tillage systems on soil health indicators by integrating organic and inorganic resources to sustain wheat production in arid and semi-arid conditions i.e. high temperature and low rainfall. The field experiment was conducted in 2019-20 and carried out in alkaline soil (pH 8.2) with low organic matter (0.45%) to grow wheat after rice and treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design. Farmyard manure (FYM 20.5 Mg/ha), rice crop residues application (CRA 100%) and chemical fertilizers (CF) N-P-K 100-80-60 kg/ha, respectively were used under conventional and conservation tillage systems. During this research different growth and yield parameters were noted and evaluated the level of N, P, K and organic matter contents from soil and plant at the harvest. The results indicated that the combined application of FYM and CRA with CF improved the chlorophyll contents (20% in conventional tillage and 39% in conservation tillage) which helped in nutrient translocation (N, P, K) and increased growth, biological and grain yield by improving soil organic carbon (SOC) and organic matter contents in soil. Growth parameter i.e. germination percentage upto 64%, plant height 27% and spike length upto 35% were increased by T7. The conservation tillage method was the best where we used T7 i.e. CF + 25% FYM + 50% CRA, and CF + 50% FYM + 25% CRA by conserving moisture and built OM (0.90%), soil organic carbon (0.49%) and mineral nutrition in soil as well as in wheat leaves. It is concluded that the integrated use of organic and inorganic resources are helpful for sustainable wheat production by enhancing fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) to improve soil health especially in arid to semi-arid climate conditions in alkaline soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The validity of two reanalysis (ERA5 and MEERA2) and seven satellite-based (CHIRPS, IMERG, PERSIANN-CCS, PERSIANN-CDR, PERSIANN-PDIR, PERSIANN, and TRMM) precipitation products was assessed in relation to the observations of in situ weather stations installed in different topographical and climatic regions of Pakistan. From 2010 to 2018, all precipitation products were evaluated on daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual bases at a point-to-pixel scale and over the entire spatial domain. The accuracy of the products was evaluated using commonly used evaluation and categorical indices, including Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Correlation Coefficient (CC), Bias, Relative Bias (rBias), Critical Success Index (CSI), Success Ratio (SR) Probability of Detection (POD), and False Alarm Ratio (FAR). The results show that: (1) Over the entire country, the spatio-temporal distribution of observed precipitation could be represented by IMERG and TRMM products. (2) All products (reanalysis and SPPs) demonstrated good agreement with the reference data at the monthly scale compared to the daily data (CC > 0.7 at monthly scale). (3) All other products were outperformed by IMERG and TRMM in terms of their capacity to detect precipitation events throughout the year, regardless of the season (i.e., winter, spring, summer, and autumn). Furthermore, both products (IMERG and TRMM) consistently depicted the incidence of precipitation events across Pakistan's various topography and climatic regimes. (4) Generally, CHIRPS and ERA5 products showed moderate performances in the plan areas. PERSIANN, PERSIANN-CCS, PDIR, PERSIANN-CDR, and MEERA2 products were uncertain to detect the occurrence and precipitation over the higher intensities and altitudes. Considering the finding of this assessment, we recommend the use of daily and monthly estimates of the IMERG product for hydro climatic studies in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eastern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to a vast range of medicinal and edible waterbird species due to its diverse geographical environment. Waterbird species have been used for various ailments and cultural practices since ancient times, while ethno-pharmacological applications and cultural uses of waterbird species in this area have seldom been documented. This study is the first ethnomedicinal and cultural assessment of waterbird species, and the first compilation and listing of all known data on these species in Eastern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from native respondents (N = 100). To analyze the data, principal component analysis (PCA), relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL%), relative popularity level (RPL), rank order priority, and similarity index were used. Results: In total, 64 waterbird species were utilized in cultural practices, of which 40 species are used to cure different infectious and chronic diseases such as cold, cough, flu, fever, respiratory disorders, asthma, TB, gastric ulcers, kidney stones, male impotency, obesity, paralysis, piles, cancer, arthritis, body pain, and weakness. PCA showed significant differences in the use of waterbird species among the local inhabitants of the study area, separated along the axis-2 (p < 0.05). The FL% of waterbird species varied from 12 to 100%. 100% FL was analyzed for four waterbird species, i.e., Charadrius mongolus (cold), Gallicrex cinerea (asthma), Anas platyrhynchos (cancer), and Esacus recurvirostris (body weakness). In this study, Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) was the most popular species used in the healthcare system of Eastern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with high RFC (4.06), FL% (100), and RPL (1.0) values. Conclusion: We concluded that waterbird species are more used for medicine and food purposes in the study area. However, in vitro/in vivo assessment of biochemical activities of waterbird species with a maximum FL% might be significant to produce novel drugs. Recent research shows important ethno-ornithological information about native people and their links with waterbird species, which might be helpful for the sustainable use of waterbird diversity in the research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on antioxidant potential of cheddar cheese utilizing milk from cow and buffalo sources during ripening was conducted in 2019-20 at Institute of Food science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Pakistan. The cheese samples were placed at the controlled atmosphere (4°C) for ripening and were ripened for 3, 6 and 9 months. This research was conducted to evaluate antioxidant ability of cheddar cheese during ripening. Freeze dried water (WSE) and ethanol soluble fractions (ESE) of cheddar (cow and buffalo) were prepared and monitored for their antioxidant activities during ripening. Total antioxidant activity (TAA) of soluble fractions (WSE and ESE) was determined. Higher TAA was found in WSE (59.900 ± 1.59 μg/g trolox equivalent) and higher reducing power was observed in ESE (27.734 ± 5.76 μg/g) of buffalo milk cheddar cheese after 9 months of ripening. Increased values were found for total phenolic content (TPC) in freeze dried WSE (69.572 ± 5.88 μg/g gallic acid equivalent) and for DPPH in freeze-dried ESE (1436.1 ± 4.95 μmol/ml trolox equivalent) of cow milk cheddar cheese after 9 months of ripening. In short, it (cheddar cheese) can be utilized in manufacturing of functional foods due to its increased antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is 5th most populous country in the world and striving to achieve population equilibrium. Unfortunately, one in five women in Pakistan has not been using contraceptives and thus bearing unwanted pregnancies. Female's participation in their own matters and benefits from social, economic, and political spheres has remained very low. Gender inequality is often cited as a barrier to improving women's sexual and reproductive health outcomes, including contraceptive use. Pakistan is ranked at 148th place out of the 149 countries in Global Gender Gap Report 2018, which indicates very high gender inequality. Keeping in view this fact, we investigated the impact of women's decision-making autonomy on contraceptive use among married women age 15–49 years in Pakistan. Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2018 data has been used for analysis by using descriptive statistics, association tests, and multiple logistic regression. Women's participation in making four household decisions: access to health care; large household purchases; what to do with the husband earning and freedom to visit family and relatives have been used as women's decision-making autonomy. The results indicated that women's decision-making autonomy has been positively associated with contraceptive use. Women's age, province of residence, education level, household wealth status, number of children, time since last sex, and awareness about family planning services have also been found statistically significantly associated with contraceptive use. The current study suggests integrating the interventions for women's decision-making autonomy into family planning programs. For this purpose, the development of community-based awareness programs for women's decision-making autonomy and contraceptive use could be useful interventions to achieve population equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early age marriage is associated with a range of poor social, economic, physical, and health outcomes for adolescent girls and their descendants. Early age marriage is a crime and violation of human rights. Female early age marriage is a serious issue in Pakistan. The objective of the current study has been to find the key determinants of early age marriages of females in Pakistan. The respondents of the study have been married females in the age group of 15–49 years. The nationally representative household survey data "Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18" has been used for the analysis. The analysis has been done using descriptive statistics, association tests, and logistic regression. The results indicate that the variables included in the analysis are statistically significant. As compared to poorest, the odds ratios associated with poorer, middle, richer, richest have been 0.795, 0.722, 0.579, and 0.532 respectively. As compared to illiterate, the odds ratios associated with a primary, secondary, and a higher level of education have been: 0.954, 0.531, and 0.141 respectively. As compared to working females the odds ratio associated with not working has been 1.169. The odds ratios associated with Balochi, Saraiki, Pushto, Sindhi, Punjabi, and other ethnic groups have been 1.694, 1.499, 1.447, 1.195, 0.906, and 1.31 respectively. Being an urban resident has an odds ratio of 0.897 against the rural resident. It is concluded that higher education level of female, better household wealth status, working female job status and media exposure reduces the likelihood of girls' early age marriages in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the nutritional qualities of fruits, apricot-date bars were developed at the Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan during the year 2009-10. For this purpose date paste, dried apricot paste, skim milk powder, roasted gram flour, peanuts and sodium chloride were used in different four propotions. The results indicated that water activity, colour and texture of bars were affected significantly with the addition of dried apricots. Moisture was also significantly affected which ranged from 17.14 to 19.21 percent and 71.49 to 72.81 percent whereas crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract and ash were not significantly affected with the addition of apricot paste. The quantities of sodium, calcium, iron, manganese and zinc remained unchanged, whereas potassium increased significantly in these treatments. In-vitro protein and starch digestibilities ranged from 85.90 to 86.88 percent and 0.238 to 0.244 mg/g, respectively. There was no change observed in the quantities of free fatty acids. The total phenolic contents ranged from 225.20 to 263.84mg/100g. Microbiological analysis revealed that these bars were in the safe limits in bacterial and mold loads and might be stored for longer time. The studies further revealed that potential exists to produce economical fruit bars with commercial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out in the Post Graduate Laboratory, National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during the year 2010. Twenty one date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties were investigated at tamr stage for their physical characteristics, textural profile analysis and total phenolic content. Significant differences were recorded in the physical characteristics, textural profile and total phenolic content among varieties. Maximum fruit weight (13.89g), flesh weight (12.89g), fruit length (4.56cm) and volume (11.94cm³) were recorded in Dhakki. Edible/non-edible ratio of different date varieties ranged from 1.94 (Desi simple) to 14.50 (Aseel Sindh). Maximum water activity was found in Desi basray (0.482) and minimum in Karblain (0.323). The highest peak force of puncture test as an index of hardness during textural profile analysis was recorded in Dora (59.64g) and maximum value of fruit colour was observed in Desi red small (149.10CTn). Phenolic content ranged from 296.67 to 140.67mg (GAE) /100g fresh fruit weight. The results conclude that Dhakki, Aseel Sindh and Hillavi are suitable for table purpose while other varieties are suitable for processing and converting into date products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three cereals viz. oats (Avena sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) were evaluated in pure stands as well as in mixtures of 50: 50 ratios with common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) under rainfed conditions of Pothowar to address the problem of nutritious green fodder for livestock. The experiment was sown during second week of October, 2007 in a randomized complete block design at Koont Research Farm, Pir Mehr Ali Shah-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The results revealed that oatsvetch mixture performed better at all growth stages under rainfed conditions of Pothowar in terms of green and dry matter yields. By this mixture, 35.06 tons per hectare green fodder and 9.29 ton per hectare dry matter yield was obtained which was 17 and 19 percent higher than oats pure stand, respectively. Similarly, it was calculated that overall oats-vetch mixture yielded 63 and 78 percent higher dry matter than barley-vetch and wheat-vetch, respectively. So oats-vetch mixture can be recommended for higher biomass under rainfed conditions of Pothowar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventeen maize entries comprising advanced breeding lines and commercial varieties alongwith a check "Soan-3" were evaluated at Agricultural Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan during 2008. Analysis of variance revealed that maize varieties differed significantly for days to 50 percent silking, plant height and grain yield per hectare. Varieties Sahiwal-2002 and AZC-3 took maximum days (56) to 50 percent silking whereas variety EV-1097 took minimum days (44). The highest plant height (222 cm) was attained by Margala and Sahiwal-2002 against the lowest (155 cm) by Agaiti-2002. Maize variety EV- 5098 produced higher grain yield (5.804 t/ha) whereas variety AZC-3 produced the lowest (3.332 t/ha). Islamabad Gold and Sahiwal-2002 produced significantly at par grain yield with the check. The maize varieties showed wide genetic back ground and hence yield ranged from 3.332 to 5.804 tons per hectare. Varieties EV-5098, Sahiwal-2002 and Islamabad Gold were found as the most promising. These varieties possess the potential to increase average maize grain yield in D.I.Khan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in Soil Chemistry Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The objective was to assess the micronutrients status (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and B) of soils under mango orchards of Multan and Lodhran districts. For this purpose 540 soil samples were collected from all tehsils of two districts. After completing the analysis, soils were classified into low, marginal and adequate levels of these nutrients. The results indicated that in case of Zn at upper surface (0-15 cm) 74, 90, 86, 100 percent soil samples were low (< 1.0 mg/kg) in Multan, Shujabad, Lodhran and Kehror Pakka tehsils and 95 and 62 percent samples in Jalalpur Pirwala and Dunyapur tehsils, respectively. At lower depth (15-30 cm) 95-100 percent samples were found low. In case of B at upper surface, 8, 17, 61, 25, 25 and 39 percent soil samples were low (<0.45 mg/kg) in Multan, Shujabad, Jalalpur Pirwala, Lodhran, Kehror Pakka and Dunyapur tehsils, respectively whereas 92, 83, 63, 69, 69 and 43 percent soil samples were at marginal level (0.45-1.0 mg/kg) in these tebsils. At lower depth more than 50 percent soil samples were found at marginal level (Multan80, Shujabad59, Jalalpur Pirwala54, Lodhran50, Kehror Pakka57 and Dunyapur49 %) while 20, 10, 27, 48, 30 and 23 percent were found adequate in above mentioned tehsils, respectively. Remaining soil samples had low level. B of Cu and Mn concentration was adequate in soil whereas Fe concentratin was at marginal level (2.0-4.0 mg/kg) in 3, 6, 3 and 3 percent samples in tehsils Jalalpur Pirwala, Lodhran, Kehror Pakka and Dunyapur. Other soil samples had adequate level of Fe (>4.0 mg/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the study was to determine the suitable selection method for genetic improvement in chickpea. The current investigation was conducted at the research area of the Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Twelve chickpea genotypes were sown in RCBD following three replicates. Data regarding primary & secondary per plant, days for maturity, plant height as well as potential yield were recorded. The measured data were analyzed to principal component analysis (PCA), correlation, and path coefficient analysis. Analysis of variants revealed good variation among the accessions for the data recorded traits. Principal coefficient analysis differentiates all the traits into six PCs. Two components expressed more than one Eigenvalue which collectively contributed 80.12% towards the genetic variation. High positive loadings were expressed by the secondary branches per plant and pods per plant in all components. Path analysis revealed that secondary branches/plants expressed the highest direct positive effect (0.872) grain yield followed by the pods per plant (0.623). Analysis of correlation coefficient also confirmed the highest significant contribution of secondary branches per plant (91.57%) followed by pods (78.12%) and each plant's primary branches (64%). It was proved from the current experiment that Plants with secondary branches as well as pods may be focused on while assessing meaningful selection criteria for genetic improvement in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the study was to determine the suitable selection method for genetic improvement in chickpea. The current investigation was conducted at the research area of the Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Twelve chickpea genotypes were sown in RCBD following three replicates. Data regarding primary & secondary per plant, days for maturity, plant height as well as potential yield were recorded. The measured data were analyzed to principal component analysis (PCA), correlation, and path coefficient analysis. Analysis of variants revealed good variation among the accessions for the data recorded traits. Principal coefficient analysis differentiates all the traits into six PCs. Two components expressed more than one Eigenvalue which collectively contributed 80.12% towards the genetic variation. High positive loadings were expressed by the secondary branches per plant and pods per plant in all components. Path analysis revealed that secondary branches/plants expressed the highest direct positive effect (0.872) grain yield followed by the pods per plant (0.623). Analysis of correlation coefficient also confirmed the highest significant contribution of secondary branches per plant (91.57%) followed by pods (78.12%) and each plant's primary branches (64%). It was proved from the current experiment that Plants with secondary branches as well as pods may be focused on while assessing meaningful selection criteria for genetic improvement in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population is increasing rapidly globally, and urban expansion of the cities has become an extensive trend in developing nations. Urban expansion patterns, such as transportation structure and road networks, affect transportation planning. This research was conducted on a mega project in Lahore city of Pakistan, i.e., the Lahore Ring Road (LRR) project. Limited research focused on the beneficiary assessment of the road project, and this research was carried out to fill this research gap. This research aims to evaluate the beneficiary assessment of DHA Phase 8 and Halloki Settlement along the Lahore Ring Road. The simple Random Sampling technique was used to conduct the household survey in the study area. This study concluded that most of the residents did not modify their houses nor increase the built-up area and height after the introduction of the project. This study inferred that the rental potential was high at some locations and low at old existing settlements. This research further concluded that community participation was ignored, and public facilities were not improved in the study area. But a project of LRR was very much beneficial and alive for the residents of Lahore city. Community participation should be enhanced in such types of megaprojects, and allied facilities in the nearby community should be upgraded. This research will be helpful for policymakers, urban planners, transportation planners, development authorities, and other stakeholders in planning future road projects in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian bush rat, Golunda ellioti, is indigenous to the Indo-Pak subcontinent. Food habits of this bush rat were investigated using its stomach and fecal contents. Trapping was conducted every month from November 2013 to February 2016. This over 28 months generated a total of 2520 trapping nights. Sample slides from 82 stomach and 10 fecal samples were compared with the reference slides. Field observations along with feeding the Indian bush rat in captivity revealed that it preferably fed on 27 species of grasses with Digitaria sanguinalis [frequency of occurrence (FO) = 13.5%] being the most abundant one followed by Pennisetum orientale (FO = 8.5%). However, the Berger-Parker index revealed that D. sanguinalis (d = 0.148) was followed by Triticum aestivum (d = 0.145). Along with that, they also consumed tillers and seeds of wheat, gram seeds and young leaves of mustard. Considering the climatic changes, its success in adapting to the arid regions and dependence on grasses for food and cover may favor this species in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance of monoculture and mixed cropping of non-traditional legumes with oats cereal was evaluated at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan under rainfed conditions of Pothowar. Three nontraditional winter legumes i.e. common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), medics (Medicago polymorpha L.) and senji (Melilotus indica L.) were sown during first week of November, 2007 at recommended seed rates in pure stands and ratio of 50:50 of each in mixed cropping with oats (Avena sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications and plot size was 6 x 3 m2. Nitrogen fertilizer @ 80 kg and phosphorus @ 57 kg per hectare were incorporated in soil at the time of seedbed preparation. The results revealed that oats - vetch mixture produced 16 and 18 percent higher green fodder yield compared with oats - medics and oats - senji mixtures, respectively. In pure stands maximum green fodder yield was obtained from oats crop which was 51, 66 and 80 percent higher than vetch, medics and senji legumes, respectively. This increase in green fodder yield of oats cereal is the result of more efficient utilization of natural resources by Poaceae family plants than the Fabaceae family producing more tillers, number of leaves and plant height. The analysis of soil after final harvest showed more organic matter in vetch plots followed by oats - vetch mixture and lowest in pure oats crop. This showed opposite response of plants belonging to Poaceae and Fabaceae families indicating the need of mixed cropping of these plants to harvest the higher biomass and maintain soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trachoma is a sight-threatening process triggered by infection of the conjunctiva with Chlamydiae. When this infection becomes chronic and is associated with poverty it triggers trachoma, the prime cause of infectious blindness in the world. Since the 1958 report indicating that the highest incidence of trachoma in Pakistan was found in the province of Punjab, no new trials have been published. In the present study, we assessed the prevalence of trachoma in 3968 children living in 11 rural villages in the district of Attock, Punjab, Pakistan. The children with trachoma were sampled to detect C. trachomatis by PCR. Methods: Children in rural villages in the district of Attock were examined for trachoma in February 2004. Samples were obtained by scraping, and DNA was extracted (MagnaPure-LC Robot) and amplified to detect C. trachomatis (Amplicor-Roche). The quality of sampling was assessed by quantifying the number of cells by real-time PCR. Results: The prevalence of trachoma was 3.7% (0 to 6.2%). PCR was positive in 20% of samples from trachomatous children and the number of cells was always >100/sample. The income levels, illiteracy, use of latrines, water supply, and the presence of animals close to dwellings were similar in all the villages. In Sujjenda, the prevalence was doubled in the warmest season. Conclusions: Trachoma was diagnosed in 3.7% of the children aged <10 years. The low rates for positive PCR may be due to loss of the plasmid, the involvement of other Chlamydiae, or their absence in chronic infections. The results obtained here underestimate the prevalence of trachoma because most of the mothers (and babies) were not tested in the district of Attock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to analyze the phytochemical profile of Euphorbia prostrata Aiton through GC-MS and identification of possible antifungal, antibacterial and other pesticidal compounds through literature survey. Whole plant material of the weed was collected from Lahore, Pakistan and shade dried followed by two-week extraction in ethyl acetate. The filtrates were analyzed by GC-MS that showed the presence of 19 compounds. The major compound in the extract was 9,19-cyclolanost-24-en-3-ol, (3β)- (24.62%) followed by 9,19-cyclolanostan-3-ol, 24-methylene-, (3β)- (19.51%) and γ-sitosterol (12.51%). Other compounds were phytol (8.11%), n-hexadecanoic acid (6.15%), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, (Z,Z,Z)- (4.90%), neophytadiene (4.88%), cyclohexane, 1,3,5-triphenyl- (3.71%), hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (3.04%), phenol, 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl- (2.42%), octadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (2.24%), octacosane (2.11%), 1-heptacosanol (1.71%), stigmasta-5,24(28)-dien-3-ol, (3β,24Z)- (1.71%), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)- (1.29%), oxirane, hexadecyl- (1.21), 9,12- octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (1.05%), Z-8-methyl-9-tetradecenoic acid (1.01%), and 9-octadecyne (0.76%). Literature survey revealed that eight compounds possess antibacterial, antifungal, nematicidal and/or insecticidal properties. Most of the pesticidal compounds were antibacterial in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased edible oil demand due to increasing world population diverts the attention to explore the new agro-ecology zones for soybean cultivation where traditional oilseed crops have low yield potential. Present study was conducted to determine the optimal agronomic yield environment for soybean cultivars in semi-arid irrigated conditions. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with split-plot arrangement with four replications. Three soybean varieties viz., NARC-2, RAWAL-1 and AJMERI were sown on 11th August, 26th August and 10th September 2018-19 at Agronomic Research Area, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan by keeping varieties in sub-plots and sowing dates in main plots. Data was statistically analyzed by using Fisher's analysis of variance technique and treatment means were compared at 5% probability level. Maximum and statistically similar germination count was recorded in plots where crop was sown on 11th August and 10th September as compared to 26th August planting. Flower initiation, 50% flowering, complete flowering and pod formation took place earlier in cultivar AJMERI when it was sown on 10th September. Maximum number of branches per plant (10.66) and number of pods per plant (40.96) was produced in cultivar RAWAL-1 when it was sown on 10th September. The maximum number of seeds per pod (2.63) was recorded in all tested cultivars sown at 10th September. Cultivar RAWAL-1 produced maximum biological yield (3175.9 kg/ha) and final seed yield (785.03 kg/ha) that was sown on 10th September. It was concluded that before recommending a soybean cultivar in new agro-ecological region its compatibility must be verified for active and sustained adaptation by growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Resistant strains of bacteria are rapidly emerging with increasing inappropriate use of antibiotics rendering them less efficacious. Self-purchasing of antibiotics particularly for viral infections is a key driver of inappropriate use, especially in lower- and middle-income countries. There is a particular issue in countries such as Pakistan. Consequently, there is a need to assess current rates of self-purchasing especially for reserve antibiotics to guide future policies. Aims: Assess the extent of current antibiotic sales without a prescription in urban areas of Pakistan. Methodology: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in different areas of Punjab, Pakistan using Simulated Client technique. The investigators demanded different predefined antibiotics from WHO AWaRe groups without prescription. Three levels of demand were used to convince the pharmacy staff in order to dispense the antibiotic without a prescription. A data collection form was completed by simulated clients within 15 min of each visit. Results: Overall 353 pharmacies and medical stores were visited out of which 96.9% pharmacies and medical stores dispensed antibiotics without demanding a prescription (82.7% at demand level 1 and 14.2% at demand level 2), with only 3.1% of pharmacies refusing to dispense antibiotics. The most frequently dispensed antibiotic was ciprofloxacin (22.1%). Surprisingly, even the reserve group antibiotics were also dispensed without a prescription. In only 25.2% visits, pharmacy staff guided patients about the use of antibiotics, and in only 11.0% pharmacists enquired about other medication history. Conclusion: Currently, antibiotics are easily acquired without a legitimate prescription in Pakistan. There is a need for strict adherence to regulations combined with a multi-dimensional approach to enhance appropriate dispensing of antibiotics and limit any dispensing of WHO restricted antibiotics without a prescription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change, water shortage, and costlier inputs are main issues in sugarcane productivity across sugarcane growing areas of the country. Sugarcane is a valuable cash crop and rewarding sector of agriculture. Varietal development process depends upon selection of successive clonal generations; among these preliminary yield trial (Nursery-III) is fourth selection stage. Thirty four (34) clones were tested in three sets using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication during 2017-18 at research farm of Sugarcane Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The clones were evaluated using five basic biometric parameters keeping in view the farmer's and miller's demand. The genetic variability and performance of all clones was checked by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Among all 34 clones, 16 clones were promoted into next selection stage while taking HSF-240 and SPF-245 as check varieties. The clones S2015-SL-10, S2015-SL-89, S2015-SL-101 and S2015-SL-624 produced sugar yield more than 13 tons per hectare. These clones may give future hope for current varietal development program subject to showing good performance in next selection stages because further selection stages will decide the fate of suchclones. The promising clones among these may be selected as candidate variety for approval after evaluating their performance in farmer's field trials and under national trials in different sugarcane growing areas of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variety identification assists the imperative goals such as alleviating legal claims and indorsing intellectual property rights and maintenance of genetic purity. The study was undertaken to appraise sugarcane clones for morphological physical characteristics for their use in breeding program, selection, identification and seed production. Experiment consisting of nine clones was sown at experimental area, Sugarcane Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad during 2017 and 2018. The trial was replicated thrice. Data were documented on morphological features at ten months’ age of crop. There were important differences among the clones for stalk height, cane diameter, leaf blade width and leaf length. The growth habit of S-2008-FD-25 was erect and others were semi erect. Maximum height of 455 cm was seen in S-2009-SA-8. Maximum number of leaves per plant was observed in S-2008-AUS-133. Leaf colour of all clones was green and semi erect attitude. Spines were present on sheath of S-2008-AUS-134 only. The shape of dewlap of all clones were deltoid. Splits were present in S-2005-US-54, S-2011-FD-18 and M-2238-89. Bud grooves on internodes were present on S-2011-SL-62 and PSR-97-41. The internodes were of cylindrical shape. Flowering was absent in all the clones. The morphological descriptors presented for identification of the nine sugarcane clones are twenty-eight, that are distinctive and can be used for proof of identity, variety selection breeding and commercial seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vultures are crucial components of ecosystems as they perform important ecological and aesthetic functions. They provide sanitation services by feeding on carcasses, which would otherwise decay and possibly become a source of disease affecting the health of other animals. In the last few decades, populations have declined drastically, mainly due to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac used in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. In the current study, we investigated the abundance of vultures inhabiting Pir Lasura National Park in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, from September 2015 to August 2016. We recorded three vulture species, including near-threatened Himalayan Griffons (Gyps himalayensis), endangered Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus) and critically endangered White-rumped Vultures (Gyps bengalensis), distributed across elevations ranging from 560–1530 masl. The Himalayan Griffons were the most common in the surveyed region (n = 128 individuals), followed by White-rumped Vultures (n = 48 individuals), and Egyptian Vultures (n = 41 individuals). Mean numbers of birds at roosts ranged from 7–20 for Himalayan Griffons, 14–26 for Egyptian Vultures, and 15–23 for White-rumped Vultures. We also identified a previously unknown roost of White-rumped Vultures that could be a potentially important area of conservation focus given the decline of this species in Pakistan. Due to declining populations in other parts of the world, the vulture populations we studied should be regularly monitored as a partial assessment of their conservation needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plasmodium vivax is the most prevalent malaria species in Pakistan, with a distribution that coincides with Plasmodium falciparum in many parts of the country. Both species are likely exposed to drug pressure from a number of anti-malarials including chloroquine, sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), and artemisinin combination therapy, yet little is known regarding the effects of drug pressure on parasite genes associated with drug resistance. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of polymorphisms in the SP resistance-associated genes pvdhfr, pvdhps and chloroquine resistance-associated gene pvmdr1 in P. vivax isolates collected from across the country. Methods: In 2011, 801 microscopically confirmed malaria-parasite positive filter paper blood samples were collected at 14 sites representing four provinces and the capital city of Islamabad. Species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify human Plasmodium species infection. PCR-positive P. vivax isolates were subjected to sequencing of pvdhfr, pvdhps and pvmdr1 and to real-time PCR analysis to assess pvmdr1 copy number variation. Results: Of the 801 samples, 536 were determined to be P. vivax, 128 were P. falciparum, 43 were mixed vivax/ falciparum infections and 94 were PCR-negative for Plasmodium infection. Of PCR-positive P. vivax samples, 372 were selected for sequence analysis. Seventy-six of the isolates (23%) were double mutant at positions S58R and S117N in pvdhfr. Additionally, two mutations at positions N50I and S93H were observed in 55 (15%) and 24 (7%) of samples, respectively. Three 18 base pair insertion-deletions (indels) were observed in pvdhfr, with two insertions at different nucleotide positions in 36 isolates and deletions in 10. Ninety-two percent of samples contained the pvdhps (S382/A383G/K512/A553/V585) SAKAV wild type haplotype. For pvmdr1, all isolates were wild type at position Y976F and 335 (98%) carried the mutation at codon F1076L. All isolates harboured single copies of the pvmdr1 gene. Conclusions: The prevalence of mutations associated with SP resistance in P. vivax is low in Pakistan. The high prevalence of P. vivax mutant pvmdr1 codon F1076L indicates that efficacy of chloroquine plus primaquine could be in danger of being compromised, but further studies are required to assess the clinical relevance of this observation. These findings will serve as a baseline for further monitoring of drug-resistant P. vivax malaria in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have been conducted in Pakistan to determine the efficacy of chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), which remain in use as treatment for Plasmodium vivax and in combination with artesunate to treat Plasmodium falciparum, respectively. In this study, samples from several sites across Pakistan were characterized to determine prevalence of molecular resistance markers in the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt), multidrug resistance (pfmdr1), dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (pfdhps) genes and the origin of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum parasites. Methods: Microscopy-confirmed malaria parasite-positive blood samples from 801 patients across the country were collected in 2011. Of these, 171 infections were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as P. falciparum and analysed by pyrosequencing for mutations conferring chloroquine resistance (pfcrt codons 72-76), multidrug resistance (pfmdr1 N86Y, Y184F, S1034C, N1042D and D1246Y), pyrimethamine resistance (pfdhfr, C50R, N51I, C59R, S108N and I164L) and sulphadoxine resistance (pfdhps, S436A, A437G, K540E, A581G and A613T/S). pfmdr1 gene copy number variation was determined by real-time PCR, and microsatellites flanking the pfcrt locus were typed to determine the origin of the chloroquine-resistant haplotype. Results: The pfcrt K76T mutation was found in all samples as part of the S72/V73/M74/N75/T76 (SVMNT) haplotype. Microsatellites flanking pfcrt showed high similarity to the signature found in India and Papua New Guinea. pfmdr1 N86Y was found in 20% of samples and all samples harboured a single copy of the pfmdr1 gene. The pfdhfr double mutation C59R + S108N was present in 87% of samples while the pfdhfr triple mutant (N51I + C59R + S108N) was not detected. Pfdhps A437G was found in 60% of samples. Pure pfdhps K540E was rare, at 4%, but mixed genotype 540 K/E was found in 77% of samples. Similarly, pure pfdhps A581G was found in 4% of the isolates while mixed 581A/G was found in 39% of samples. Conclusions: These results suggest an emerging problem with multidrug resistant P. falciparum in Pakistan. The chloroquine resistance genotype has reached complete fixation in the population, with a microsatellite pattern indicative of a selective sweep. Moreover, the prevalence of mutations in both pfdhfr and pfdhps, albeit without the presence of the pfdhfr triple mutant, indicates that continued monitoring is warranted to assess whether SP remains efficacious as a partner drug for artesunate for the treatment of P. falciparum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of the study is to measure the efficacy of ionic-iodine polymer complex [1] for clinical and radiological improvement in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.Trial Design: The trial will be closed label, randomized and placebo-controlled with a 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio and superiority framework.Participants: All PCR confirmed COVID-19 adult patients including non-pregnant females, with mild to moderate disease, will be enrolled from Shaikh Zayed Post-Graduate Medical Complex, Ali Clinic and Doctors Lounge in Lahore (Pakistan). Patients with any pre-existing chronic illness will be excluded from the study.Intervention and Comparator: In this multi-armed study ionic-iodine polymer complex with 200 mg of elemental iodine will be given using three formulations to evaluate efficacy. Patients will be receiving either encapsulated iodine complex of 200 mg (arm A), iodine complex syrup form 40 ml (arm B), iodine complex throat spray of 2 puffs (arm C) or empty capsule (arm D) as placebo; all three times a day. All the 4 arms will be receiving standard care as per version 3.0 of the clinical management guidelines for COVID-19 established by the Ministry of National Health Services of Pakistan.Main Outcomes: Primary outcomes will be viral clearance with radiological and clinical improvement. SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and HRCT chest scans will be done on the admission day and then after every fourth day for 12 days or till the symptoms are resolved. RT-PCR will only be shown as positive or negative while HRCT chest scoring will be done depending on the area and severity of lung involvement [2]. Time taken for the alleviation of symptoms will be calculated by the number of days the patient remained symptomatic. 30-day mortality will be considered as a secondary outcome.Randomisation: Stratification for initial COVID-19 status (or days from initial symptoms as a proxy), age groups, gender, baseline severity of symptoms and co-morbidities will be used to ensure that the study arms remain balanced in size for the 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. Randomization will be done using the lottery method. As patients are being admitted at different times, they will be recruited after obtaining their voluntary written informed consent following all standard protocols of the infection, control and disinfection.Blinding (masking): This is a quadruple (participants, care providers, investigators and outcomes assessors) blinded study where only the study's Primary Investigator will have information about the arms and their interventions.Numbers To Be Randomised (sample Size): 200 patients will be randomized into four groups with three experimental and one placebo arm.Trial Status: Protocol Version Number is 2.3 and it is approved from IRB Shaikh Zayed Hospital with ID SZMC/IRB/Internal0056/2020 on July 14th, 2020. The recruitment is in progress. It was started on July 30, 2020, and the estimated end date for the trial is August 15, 2021.Trial Registration: Clinical Trial has been retrospectively registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov with registration ID NCT04473261 dated July 16, 2020.Full Protocol: The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). With the intention of expediting dissemination of this trial, the conventional formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol. The study protocol has been reported in accordance with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Clinical Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]