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Implantation of testis cell aggregates from various donors under the back skin of recipient mice results in de novo formation of testis tissue. We used this implantation model to study the putative in vivo effects of six different growth factors on testis cord development. Recipient mice (n = 7/group) were implanted with eight neonatal porcine testis cell aggregates that were first exposed to a designated growth factor: FGF2 at 1 µg/mL, FGF9 at 5 µg/mL, VEGF at 3.5 µg/mL, LIF at 5 µg/mL, SCF at 3.5 µg/mL, retinoic acid (RA) at 3.5 × 10−5 M, or no growth factors (control). The newly developed seminiferous cords (SC) were classified based on their morphology into regular, irregular, enlarged, or aberrant. Certain treatments enhanced implant weight (LIF), implant cross-sectional area (SCF) or the relative cross-sectional area covered by SC within implants (FGF2). RA promoted the formation of enlarged SC and FGF2 led to the highest ratio of regular SC and the lowest ratio of aberrant SC. Rete testis-like structures appeared earlier in implants treated with FGF2, FGF9, or LIF. These results show that even brief pre-implantation exposure of testis cells to these growth factors can have profound effects on morphogenesis of testis cords using this implantation model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gonocytes are germline stem cells in the neonatal testis with important potential applications in fertility restoration and transgenesis. Using stepwise experiments, we examined the effects of different media combined with fetal bovine serum (FBS) and/or knockout serum replacement (KSR) on the in vitro proliferation, colony-formation, ultrastructure, and expression of pluripotency markers of porcine gonocytes. Testis cells from 1-wk-old piglets were cultured for 28 days in 6 different culture media (DMEM, DMEM/F12, GMEM, α-MEM, StemPro, and RPMI), each supplemented with 5%, 10%, or 15% FBS and/or 5%, 10%, or 15% KSR. The media and FBS/KSR combination leading to the maximum number of gonocytes, and their colonies were selected for further analyses. KSR supplementation resulted in a reduced somatic cell propagation and increased gonocyte colony formation (P < 0.001). Culturing in DMEM+15%FBS led to the greatest number of gonocytes (P < 0.001), while the largest diameter and greatest number of colonies were formed in DMEM+5%FBS+10%KSR cultures (P < 0.001). Gonocytes and their colonies in DMEM+15%FBS expressed all the examined gonocyte and pluripotency markers. KSR alone did not support gonocyte propagation, likely due to a reduced somatic cell proliferation; however, the combination of FBS and KSR increased gonocyte colony formation and their size. • Optimized culture of germline stem cells has important potential applications for fertility restoration and transgenesis. • Tested the effects of six different media combined with various concentrations of FBS or KSR on proliferation of gonocytes, their colonies, and their pluripotency. • Gonocytes and their colonies in DMEM+15%FBS expressed all the examined gonocyte and pluripotency markers. • KSR alone did not support gonocyte propagation, but the combination of FBS and KSR increased gonocyte colony formation and their size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous researches were focused on assigned expatriates (AEs) and their cross-cultural adjustment (CCA) and their perks and incentives. Self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) employees are self-made and mostly neglected pool of talent and mostly based from individual perspective. The purpose of this paper is to test the impact of perceived organizational support (POS) on CCA of SIEs employees mediated by career satisfaction (CS) of SIEs employees. We conducted mediation analysis on 124 SIEs working in USA, and result supported our proposed model. It shows that there is positive effect of POS on CCA and CS. And POS also shows positive indirect effect on CCA through CS. Further we discussed the implication and limitation of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gonocytes in the neonatal testis have male germline stem cell properties and as such have important potential applications in fertility preservation and regenerative medicine. Such applications require further studies aimed at increasing gonocyte numbers and evaluating their pluripotency in vitro. The objective of the present study was to test the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on in vitro propagation, colony formation, and expression of pluripotency markers of neonatal porcine gonocytes. Testis cells from 1-week-old piglets were cultured in basic media (DMEM + 15% FBS), supplemented with various concentrations of bFGF, GDNF, and LIF, either individually or in combinations, in a stepwise experimental design. Gonocytes and/or their colonies were evaluated every 7 days and the gonocyte- (DBA) and pluripotency-specific markers (POU5F1, SSEA-1, E-cadherin, and NANOG) assessed on day 28. Greatest gonocyte numbers and largest colonies were found in media supplemented with 10 ng/mL bFGF and 10 ng/mL bFGF + 100 ng/mL GDNF + 1500 U/mL LIF, respectively. The resultant gonocytes and colonies expressed both germ cell- and pluripotency-specific markers. These results shed light on the growth hormone requirements of porcine gonocytes for in vitro proliferation and colony formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testis tissue xenografting and testis cell aggregate implantation from various donor species into recipient mice are novel models for the study and manipulation of testis formation and function in target species. Thus far, the analysis of such studies has been limited to surgical or post-mortem retrieval of samples. Here we used ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to monitor the development of neonatal porcine testis grafts and implants in host mice for 24 wk, and to correlate UBM and (immuno)histologic changes. This led to long-term visualization of gradual changes in volume, dimension and structure of grafts and implants; detection of a 4 wk developmental gap between grafts and implants; and revelation of differences in implant development depending on the craniocaudal site of implantation on the back of host mice. Our data support the reliability and precision of UBM for longitudinal study of transplants, which eliminates the need for frequent surgical sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subcutaneous grafting/implantation of neonatal testis tissue/cells from diverse donor species into recipient mice can be used as an in vivo model to study testis development, spermatogenesis, and steroidogenesis. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) allows obtaining high definition cross‐sectional images of tissues at microscopic resolutions. Objectives: The present study was designed to (a) validate the use of UBM for non‐invasive monitoring of grafts/implants overtime and to (b) correlate UBM findings with the morphological attributes of recovered grafts/implants. Materials and methods: Testis tissue fragments (~14 mm3, each) and cell aggregates (100 × 106 cells, each) obtained from 1‐week‐old donor piglets (n = 30) were grafted/implanted under the back skin of immunodeficient mice (n = 6) in eight analogous sites per mouse. Three‐dimensional transcutaneous Doppler UBM was performed, and a randomly selected graft and its corresponding implant were recovered at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Results: Graft/implant weight (P =.04) and physical height (P =.03) increased overtime. The dynamics of physical length and volume increases over time differed between tissue grafts and cell implants (P =.02 and 0.01 for sample type*time interactions, respectively). UBM‐estimated volume was correlated with the post‐recovery weight and volume of the grafts/implants (r = 0.98 and r = 0.99, respectively; P <.001). Pre‐ and post‐recovery length and height of the grafts/implants were positively and strongly correlated (r = 0.50, P =.01; r = 0.70, P =.001) and so were the areas covered by cordal, non‐cordal, or fluid‐filled cavities between UBM and histology (r = 0.87, P <.001). Discussion and conclusion: UBM findings correlated with physical attributes of the grafts/implants, validating its use as a non‐invasive high‐fidelity tool to quantify the developmental changes in ectopic testis tissue grafts and cell implants, potentially leading to a reduction in the number of recipient mice needed for similar experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gonocytes in the neonatal testis have male germline stem cell potential. The objective of the present study was to examine the behavior and ultrastructure of gonocytes in culture. Neonatal porcine testis cells were cultured for 4 weeks and underwent live-cell imaging to explore real-time interactions among cultured cells. This included imaging every 1 h from day 0 to day 3, every 2 h from day 4 to day 7, and every 1 h for 24 h at days 14, 21, and 28. Samples also underwent scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, morphometric evaluations, immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR. Live-cell imaging revealed an active amoeboid-like movement of gonocytes, assisted by the formation of extensive cytoplasmic projections, which, using scanning electron microscopy, were categorized into spike-like filopodia, leaf-like lamellipodia, membrane ruffles, and cytoplasmic blebs. In the first week of culture, gonocytes formed loose attachments on top of a somatic cell monolayer and, in week 2, formed grape-like clusters, which, over time, grew in cell number. Starting at week 3 of culture, some of the gonocyte clusters transformed into large multinucleated embryoid body–like colonies (EBLCs) that expressed both gonocyte- and pluripotent-specific markers. The number and diameter of individual gonocytes, the number and density of organelles within gonocytes, as well as the number and diameter of the EBLCs increased over time (P < 0.05). In conclusion, cultured porcine gonocytes displayed extensive migratory behavior facilitated by their various cytoplasmic projections, propagated, and transformed into EBLCs that increased in size and complexity over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) has important applications including fertility preservation of prepubertal cancer patients; however, thus far, IVS has only been achieved using mouse models. To study the effects of growth factors on the maintenance of testicular tissue integrity, germ cell numbers, and potential induction of IVS using a porcine model, we cultured small testicular fragments (~2 mg) from 1-wk-old piglets under six different media conditions (DMEM + 10%KSR alone or supplemented with GDNF, bFGF, SCF, EGF, or a combination of all) for 8 weeks. Overall, tissues supplemented with GDNF and bFGF had the greatest seminiferous tubule integrity and least number of apoptotic cells. GDNF-supplemented tissues had the greatest number of gonocytes per tubule, followed by bFGF-supplemented tissues. There was evidence of gradual Sertoli cell maturation in all groups. Moreover, histological examination and the expression of c-KIT (a marker of differentiating spermatogonia and spermatocytes) and STRA8 (a marker of the pre/meiotic stage germ cells) confirmed the induction of IVS in all groups. However, GDNF- and bFGF-supplemented tissue cultures had greater numbers of seminiferous tubules with spermatocytes compared to other groups. In conclusion, overall, GDNF and bFGF supplementation better maintained the tissue integrity and gonocyte numbers and induced IVS in cultured testicular tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used log-log-inverse specification of Engel curve for cereals' quantity and quality response to households' income in Pakistan. The elasticities of interest (quantity, expenditure and quality) were inelastic with reasonable difference in magnitude across urban and rural households. Overall, the quality elasticity turned out to be positive with an estimated value of 0.0061 and 0.2375 for wheat & wheat flour and rice & rice flour, respectively. The estimation of quality elasticity based upon income quintiles revealed that the magnitude of quality elasticity increases for rice & rice flour (0.2019 to 0.2639) while decreases for wheat & wheat flour (0.0160 to -0.0012) as household move from poorest to richest quintile indicating an increased responsiveness of the high-income households to rice quality compared to wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the importance of triglyceride glucose index (TyG) as an important tool to evaluate insulin resistance (IR) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Topics discussed are study done on beta-thalassemia major (βTM) patients, evaluations done on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), measuring of insulin level using human insulin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

The study estimated quantity, expenditure and quality elasticities for five vegetables namely potato, onion, tomato, cabbage & cauliflower and peas, mostly consumed in Pakistan. A comparison of quality elasticity between urban and rural households is provided using Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) data from Pakistan Social and Standards Living Measurement (PSLM) 2010-11. The elasticities of interest were obtained via log-log inverse (LLI) functional form of Engel equation. The quantity and expenditure elasticities remained less than unity with reasonable difference in magnitude across urban and rural households. Quantity and expenditure elasticities of all the vegetables were higher for rural households than urban. Quality elasticities for the products under study were calculated as the difference between the expenditure and the corresponding quantity elasticities. Overall, the quality elasticities turned out to be positive (except tomato) with an estimated value of 0.0328, 0.019, 0.0712 and 0.1115 for potato, onion, cabbage & cauliflower and peas respectively implying that households in Pakistan purchase higher quality vegetables as their income rises. To be more specific, the quality elasticities for potato, cabbage & cauliflower and peas were lower for rural households compared to urban ones, suggesting that urban households are spending relatively more on vegetables quality (except onion and tomato). Hence, from the policy point of view, evidence of positive demand for quality vegetables would facilitate devising food policy for the development of food markets in terms of market segmentation and quality improvements in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess preference values for plant species in the Kordan rangeland using multivariate analysis techniques. Measurements were taken for forage production each month for the duration of the study. A species selection index was used to assess values for species’ preference. The additive effects of data obtained from four years’ study and in three growth stages were examined with factorial analysis. Comparisons of values for species’ preference were determined by Duncan's test. Multiplicative interaction was used to examine multiplicative effects and additive main effects. The results of ANOVA for preference values for species selected for the study during four years and during the specified grazing months showed meaningful difference for main effects of species and months. Interactions between species and month and among year, species and month were also meaningful at the level of 0.01. Based on the additive main effect and the multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model or the interaction analysis of preference index,Ajuga chamaecistusGing. ex Benth was identified as the most stable species andBromus tomentellusBoiss andStipa hohenckerianaTrin. & Rupr were determined as unstable species. The AMMI model demonstrated that, in general, some species had different preference values. Some species were determined as palatable early in the season while others were palatable late in the season. In addition the species ofS. hohenckeriana,B. tomentellus, andA. chamaecistushad the highest evaluations for palatability, andA. chamaecistusalso had a good evaluation for stability of palatability during the grazing season and can therefore be introduced as desirable species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Gonocytes are progenitors of spermatogonial stem cells in the neonatal testis. We have previously shown that upon culturing, neonatal porcine gonocytes and their colonies express germ cell and pluripotency markers. The objectives of present study were to investigate in vitro trans-differentiation potential of porcine gonocytes and their colonies into cells from three germinal layers, and to assess pluripotency of cultured gonocytes/colonies in vivo. For osteogenic and tri-lineage differentiation, cells were incubated in regular culture media for 14 and 28 days, respectively. Cells were cultured for an additional 14 days for osteogenic differentiation or 7 days for differentiation into derivates of the three germinal layers. Osteogenic differentiation of cells and colonies was verified by Alizarin Red S staining and tri-lineage differentiation was confirmed using immunofluorescence and gene expression analyses. Furthermore, upon implantation into recipient mice, the cultured cells/colonies developed teratomas expressing markers of all three germinal layers. Successful osteogenic differentiation from porcine germ cells has important implications for bone regeneration and matrix formation studies. Hence, gonocytes emerge as a promising source of adult pluripotent stem cells due to the ability to differentiate into all germinal layers without typical biosafety risks associated with viral vectors or ethical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: One out of every 650 children is affected by cancer, and about half of survivors become permanently infertile due to the side effects of cancer treatments. Pre-treatment testicular biopsies can be collected and cryopreserved for future use to uphold biological fatherhood. Currently, the only safe approach to produce haploid germ cells is through in vitro spermatogenesis (IVS), which has only been fully achieved in mice. Pigs are a more suitable animal model for the study of testicular development and IVS, not only because of their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans but also their long prepubertal period. This study explored optimal conditions for the long-term culture of neonatal porcine testicular tissues as a first step in achieving IVS from pigs, as a model. In this study, we investigated the effects of testicular tissue size, tissue preparation method, and serum source in media on long-term culture of neonatal porcine testicular tissues. We showed that small intact testicular tissue fragments (~2 mg) cultured in knockout serum replacement could be effectively maintained in vitro for up to 4 weeks of culture. Moreover, the presence of viable germ cells after 4 weeks of culture indicates that this approach may be applicable for IVS in pigs. Long-term culture of testicular tissue has important applications, including the preservation of fertility potential of prepubertal boys undergoing gonadotoxic cancer treatment. This study was designed to define optimal conditions for the long-term culture of neonatal porcine testicular tissue as an animal model for preadolescent individuals. Testes from 1 wk old donor piglets were used to examine the effects of tissue fragment size (~2, 4, 6, or 8 mg), preparation method (intact, semi-digested, or physically dispersed fragments), and serum source in the media (fetal bovine serum—FBS—or knockout serum replacement—KSR). Testicular fragments were examined weekly for 4 weeks for tissue integrity, seminiferous cord density and morphology, and gonocyte counts. Testicular tissue integrity was dependent on fragment size and preparation method, where the smallest size (2 mg, p < 0.05) and intact preparation method were advantageous (p < 0.05). Seminiferous cord density decreased over the culture period (p < 0.05). Although the relative number of gonocytes decreased over time for all sizes and methods (p < 0.01), smaller intact fragments (2 and 4 mg) had greater numbers of gonocytes (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that intact or physically dispersed testicular fragments of the smallest size (2 mg) cultured in KSR-supplemented media could be effectively maintained in vitro for the duration of 4 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, research on how traditional medicine works and the relationship between medicine and classical medicine has increased. In this regard, the use of metabolomics is one of the main candidates that can reflect the state of the body's basic metabolism and may be able to explain a new way to explain the function of traditional medicine by evaluating its effect based on evidence and modernizing it under the supervision of new sciences. Materials and methods: In this review study, in an advanced search from papers published in English language from 2003 to 2020 with key words of "traditional medicine", "temperament" and "metabolomics" in the databases of PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane, Embase is used. Result: Animal and human studies conducted to relate the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and metabolomics. The results of studies showed the specific metabolic profile in subtypes of diseases based on theory of Chinese Medicine. In field of Persian Medicine (PM), limited researches have been published on the differentiation of proteomics and metabolites of individuals with different Mizaj. Conclusion: Metabolomics has a potential role to establish a new approach to understanding the main concepts of PM such as Mizaj, classifications of diseases and effectiveness of traditional formula on humans with different Mizaj. Given that most of the research work is focused on herbal medicines and diseases and the important issue of temperament in human samples has done less work, it seems that in modernizing traditional medicine using new approaches such as metabolomics, the first step should be the basics of this medicine should be removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of a testis organoid (artificial testis tissue) with sufficient resemblance to the complex form and function of the innate testis remains challenging, especially using non-rodent donor cells. Here, we report the generation of an organoid culture system with striking biomimicry of the native immature testis tissue, including vasculature. Using piglet testis cells as starting material, we optimized conditions for the formation of cell spheroids, followed by long-term culture in an air–liquid interface system. Both fresh and frozen-thawed cells were fully capable of self-reassembly into stable testis organoids consisting of tubular and interstitial compartments, with all major cell types and structural details expected in normal testis tissue. Surprisingly, our organoids also developed vascular structures; a phenomenon that has not been reported in any other culture system. In addition, germ cells do not decline over time, and Leydig cells release testosterone, hence providing a robust, tunable system for diverse basic and applied applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental, emotional and psychological health of Frontline nurses. This study examines the impact of fear of COVID-19 on nurses' turnover intention, secondary trauma, and psychological distress. Additionally, we explore the possible moderating variable, i.e., leadership support that may compensate for the negative impact of fear of COVID-19 on the nurses' turnover intention, secondary trauma, and psychological distress. Initially, 700 nurses were contacted; however, the response of 380 nurses was received. It is found that fear of COVID-19 significantly affects nurses mental health. We concluded that hospital administrations should support, encourage and motivate Frontline nurses to reduce negative emotional and mental health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to examine the characteristics of agricultural land parcels and identify important determinants of their prices in Swabi district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For this purpose, a sample of 79 land parcels, having transaction record for the year 2015-2017, was selected from 10 randomly chosen villages. Data were collected on their prices and their physical, agricultural and location characteristics. Descriptive statistical tools were used to summarize data on agricultural land characteristics. A linear Hedonic Pricing Model (HPM) was used to estimate agricultural land prices based on physical, location and agricultural characteristics. Results show that agricultural land parcels in Central Swabi district have comparatively high prices, and this is due to their high residential and commercial potential. Developmental projects for roads, hospitals, universities and gas supply infrastructure in the surroundings of Swabi city are resulting human influx from rural areas, and are increasing demand for residential and commercial units in the suburbs. This high demand is pulling land prices and causing utilization of fertile agricultural land for residential and commercial units' construction. Around 50% of the sampled agricultural lands were used for residential and commercial purposes. Results from HPM reveal that agricultural characteristics, such as land fertility and irrigation water availability, were the significant determinates and have positive effects on land prices. Location characteristics, such as road distance, city distance, distance to nearby houses and distance to agricultural market are the important determinants of land prices. These findings imply that agricultural land prices depends on agricultural and location attributes and this is consistent with the Ricardian's Land 'Rent' and Von Thunan's 'Land Location' theories. Based on these findings, the study recommends that agricultural land must be protected through laws from residential and commercial encroachments. Investment in development of agricultural infrastructure and provision of subsidized on important inputs could raise farmers' returns from agriculture and could change their perception to favor using land for agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is to assess the impact of microfinance on the socioeconomic status such as, family income, family health status, children educational status, living standard, food/diet pattern, crop production and transportation and finally the constraints faced by the borrowers to get the loans from microfinance institutions. The primary data were collected from the 300 borrowers of microfinance institutions especially from Khushhali Bank limited through a well-designed structured questionnaire. The descriptive, inferential statistics, chi square statistics and simple linear regression models were used. The results of the study highlighted that 72.2% of the farmer's incomes increases due to microcredit's facility and due to increase in income, the farmers are able to get more access to the health facilities than before. 82.2% farmer's response indicated that the microfinance have a positive and significant impact on the children's educational status and due to microfinance their children were moved from government to private schools. Moreover, the parents whose children were not getting their education from the educational institutions due to their financial crisis and issues, now the parents sent their children to the educational institutions. 85.1% farmers replied that there is significant enhancement in the family living standard due to microfinance facility in the research area. It was also discussed that constraints experienced by the borrowers in getting the loans from the Khushhali bank limited and other microfinance institutions. The borrowers enumerated different problems such as high interest rate, no information about microfinance institutions, the complicated loans procedures, not believing on microfinance, small loan amount and not availability of loan at proper time. The farmers contacted the local agricultural credit officers, with governmental and non-governmental organizations and with different friends and relatives. The overall study concluded that the socioeconomic status of the farmers had been improved due to microcredit facility from the Khushhali Bank limited and other governmental and nongovernmental micro financing institutions in D.I. Khan. Finally, the study recommended that the government should manage the interest free loans, provide loans at earliest, shortest possible and at proper time, the government should need to increase the average size of the microfinance loans and create awareness through media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) intervene in the COX (cyclooxygenase) pathways which generate two important inflammation mediators, prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotriene (LTs). Contradictory claims regarding the effect of NSAIDs in asthmatic patients continues to be an issue. The present study investigated the effects of COX inhibitors on the responsiveness of the tracheal tract and on the levels of LTC4 and PGE2 in cells of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in an allergic guinea pig model. Materials and Methods: Adult male Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs (250 − 300 g) were divided into seven groups of six animals each. Four COX inhibitors, aspirin (200 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg), indomethacin (10 mg/kg), ketoprofen (10 mg/kg), and celecoxib (25 mg/kg), were given orally on day 17 to allergy induced guinea pigs at 0, 12, and 24 h before ovalbumin challenge on day 18. PGF2 and LT4 were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as inflammatory cell count and total protein. Tracheal responsiveness to acetylcholine (Ach) and histamine (His) also was evaluated. Results: An augment in the response of the trachea to Ach and His, as well as overt allergenic signs including short breath, wheezing and sneezing, was observed. The most significant increase in tracheal hyper-responsiveness was observed in the ketoprofen-treated group with similar but less pronounced changes observed in the indomethacin-treated group. Although some variables increased with the aspirin and celecoxib treatments, overall the tracheal sensitivity was reduced. Inflammatory cells including eosinophils and neutrophils corresponded to the changes observed for each treatment group. Conclusion: Ketoprofen and indomethacin increased the tracheal sensibility to Ach and His; therefore, their administration is not recommended in patients susceptible to allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intended to estimate and examine the impact of improved farming practices on maize yield in Bajaur Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan. A sample of 166 respondents was selected through multistage stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected with the help of a pre-tested and validated well-structured interview schedule. Analysis was carried through multiple regression and independent sample t-test. Results indicated that extension visits, involvement in agriculture, adoption of recommended farming practices, irrigation and HYVs had significant effect, while disease, fertilizer and pesticide had non-significant effect on maize yield. Nevertheless, adoption of recommended technologies were low due to some constraints in the study area out of which low income of the families and lack of required technical knowledge were of major concerns. The results of t-test indicated that higher maize yield was obtained for the respondents who irrigated their fields using hybrid seed, as well as with the help from extension specialists' visits and with the adoption of recommended farming practices. It is established that improved farming practices have significant influence on yield. The study recommends transfer of technical and timely information to the farming community and organizing local trainings and learning workshops. It is recommended that farm inputs i.e. fertilizers, seed and pesticides needs to be subsidized to enable farmers apply recommended quantities of these inputs for getting the optimum yield. Extension department needs to introduce improved farming practices among farming community to achieve higher maize yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important modifiable risk factors of non-communicable diseases and data on their values in different societies and their trend of changes should be updated every couple of years. Many studies have focused on assessing the prevalence of high cholesterol. We must emphasise that most of these studies were cross-sectional and did not directly investigate the temporal trends of change for age, period and birth cohort (APC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of age, period and birth cohort on the prevalence of borderline to high cholesterol levels in Iranian adult population. Methods: The data were collected from 110,302 subjects between 25 and 69 years of age over the period of 1990–2011. Data from these subjects were collected by using five national cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1990–91, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011. The APC effect on the prevalence of borderline and high cholesterol levels was assessed using the Intrinsic Estimator model. Results: The overall prevalence of borderline cholesterol level among male subjects was found to be lower than that of females (39.8% vs. 46.3%). Similarly, the prevalence of high cholesterol level in men was reported to be 13.1%, which was lower than the 18.0% calculated in women. The prevalence of borderline and high cholesterol levels increased with age in men between the ages of 45–49. Then it stayed quite steady and eventually declined. Then it stayed quite steady and eventually declined. The prevalence in women also increased with age, with its maximum rise after the ages of menopause and a slight decline at the ages of 65–69. As for the birth cohorts, the prevalence of borderline and high cholesterol levels followed a declining trend by going from earlier birth cohorts to the later ones. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence that age, period and birth cohort affect the prevalence of borderline and high cholesterol levels. Thus, these factors should be considered when developing and implementing care plans for people with hypercholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to test the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity of major crops, including rice, wheat and maize, in specific districts of Pakistan. This is done by observing year-to-year fluctuations in rainfall and temperature in relation to agricultural productivity for the period 1981-2009. For estimation purposes, the production function technique is used to evaluate the relationship between climate and yield variability. The results show that higher amount of rainfall has a negative and significant impact on the production of all crops including wheat, rice and maize. It may be because unexpected rainfall in Pakistan during monsoon season severely damages crops. This result is consistent with our expectation that high level of rainfall would decrease agricultural productivity and contribute to food insecurity in Pakistan. However, variation in temperature displays a stable trend and has significant positive impact on crop yield. This is contrary to our expectation that high temperature results in low agricultural productivity. This analysis is useful from the stand point of policy makers and analysts as it will help them develop policies relating to improvement in agricultural sector in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to test the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity of major crops, including rice, wheat and maize, in specific districts of Pakistan. This is done by observing year-to-year fluctuations in rainfall and temperature in relation to agricultural productivity for the period 1981-2009. For estimation purposes, the production function technique is used to evaluate the relationship between climate and yield variability. The results show that higher amount of rainfall has a negative and significant impact on the production of all crops including wheat, rice and maize. It may be because unexpected rainfall in Pakistan during monsoon season severely damages crops. This result is consistent with our expectation that high level of rainfall would decrease agricultural productivity and contribute to food insecurity in Pakistan. However, variation in temperature displays a stable trend and has significant positive impact on crop yield. This is contrary to our expectation that high temperature results in low agricultural productivity. This analysis is useful from the stand point of policy makers and analysts as it will help them develop policies relating to improvement in agricultural sector in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since no comprehensive study has been conducted on blood pressure (BP) percentiles established upon nationally representative sample population of adults, the present study aimed to construct the blood pressure percentiles by age, sex and body mass index (BMI) of the subjects. Analyses were based on data collected in 2011 from 8,425 adults aged 25 to 69 years old. Data on demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and blood pressure was recorded for each subject. Linear Regression analysis was used to assess the adjusted relationship of age-sex-specific standard deviation scores of BMI, height, and weight with blood pressure. Four separate models for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of men and women were constructed for BP percentiles according to age and BMI. Blood pressure increased with the rise in BMI and weight, but showed a negative correlation with height. SBP and DBP rose steadily with increasing age, but the rise in SBP was greater than DBP. Overweight and obese population, seem to fall into the category of hypertensive. The findings of present study show that BP percentiles are steadily increased by age and BMI. In addition, most obese or overweight adults are hypertensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at investigating the technical efficiency of sugarcane production in district Dera Ismail Khan (D. I. Khan) using stochastic production function. The study used primary data collected from 100 respondents of sugarcane growers during harvesting year 2012. The tractor hours, seed rate, labor days, irrigation numbers, chemical fertilizer, farm yard manure (FYM) and herbicide were the variables for finding technical efficiency while age, experience and education of sugarcane growers were taken as the technical inefficiency factors. The results revealed that the elasticities of technical efficiency for tractor hours, seed rate, labor days, irrigation numbers, chemical fertilizer, FYM and herbicides were found 0.185, 0.102, 0.145, 0.093, 0.084, 0.073 and 0.05 respectively. All the variables of technical efficiency showed positive and significant effect on the production of sugarcane with the exception of seed in district D.I.Khan. The mean technical efficiency index was 0.77 while the minimum and maximum efficiency values were 0.57 and 0.91 respectively. The mean value suggesting that the farmer's output can be improved 23% through improved resource allocation. The factors affecting technical inefficiency showed negative relationship with inefficiency. The results further indicated that age, experience and education having positive relationship with production and play a vital role in the production of sugarcane. The study recommends that proper policies should be formulated to educate farmers through extension services that will reduce inefficiency in their operations, eventually it will lead them to get maximum returns from their scarce resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the conventional pyodine dressing with honey dressing in terms of recovery time and outcome (healed or ended up with amputation) in diabetic foot ulcers. Methodology: This quasi-experimental study was performed in surgical "C" ward, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from November 2007 to November 2008. All Wegner's grade I-IV, unilateral diabetic foot ulcer patients were admitted and their blood sugar profile, cardiac and renal status were investigated. Patients were assigned to group A and B with simple convenience method. After ample wound debridement group A and B were treated with daily conventional Pyodine dressing and Honey dressing respectively and their recovery time, outcome were recorded during the 10 weeks follow up period. Results: A total of 100 patients with 50 patients in each group A and B were enrolled in the study with mean age 56+8.0 years and male to female ratio of 1.7:1. Recovery time was significantly quicker in the Group B (Honey Dressing) as compared with the group A (conventional Pyodine dressing) with a p-valve of <0.0001. Healing rate was 69% and amputation rate was 31% as a whole. Healing rate was 66% in the Group A in comparison with 72% in the group B while amputation rates were 34% and 28% in the group A and B respectively with no statistical significance with a p-value of 0.6658. Conclusion: Honey dressing is more effective than conventional Pyodine dressing in terms of recovery time in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic repellents based on di-ethyl 3-methyl benzamide (DEET) are a popular method of obtaining protection from mosquitoes and yet clear evidence for a protective effect against malaria has hitherto never been convincingly demonstrated. A household randomized trial was undertaken among a study population of 127 families (25%) in an Afghan refugee village in Pakistan to compare the efficacy of repellent soap (Mosbar containing 20% DEET and 0.5% permethrin) vs. a placebo lotion. Cases of falciparum and vivax malaria were detected by passive case detection at the camp's clinic. At the end of the 6 month trial 3.7% (23 of 618) of individuals in the Mosbar group had presented with one or more episodes of falciparum malaria compared with 8.9% (47 of 530) of the placebo group (odds ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.25-0.76). 16.7% of the Mosbar group (103 of 618) presented with vivax malaria compared with 11.7% (62 of 530) of the placebo group, and thus no effect was shown against vivax malaria (odds ratio 1.29, 95% CI 0.86-1.94). A considerable proportion of individuals (22%) had presented with vivax malaria during the 7 months leading up to the trial and thus any intervention effect would be partially masked by relapsed infections. The distribution of mosquitoes among households was broadly similar between Mosbar and placebo groups. The repellent was popularly received and very few side-effects were reported. There is a case for giving repellents more prominence in public health as a preventive measure in regions where vectors bite in the early evening or in emergency situations such as epidemics or newly established refugee camps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]