Strigolactones: ecological significance and use as a target for parasitic plant control

Parasitic weeds cause severe damage to important agricultural crops. Although some promising control methods against these parasitic plants have been developed, new strategies continue to be relevant in integrated approaches. The life cycle for root parasitic weeds is intimately associated with their host and is a suitable target for such new control strategies, particularly when directed at the early stages of the host-parasite interaction. Here, the authors focus on knowledge of the germination stimulants-strigolactones-for the root parasitic plants Striga and Orobanche spp. and discuss their biosynthetic origin, ecological significance and physiological and biochemical regulation. In addition, the existing and possible new control strategies that are based on this knowledge, and that could lead to more efficient control methods against these root parasitic weeds, are reviewed.

Genetic analysis of protein, lysine, gluten and flour yield in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The study was carried out to investigate the nature of gene action determining the inheritance pattern of protein, lysine, gluten and flour yield in eight wheat varieties (Pak 81, Pothowar 93, Parwaz 94, Shahkar 95, Suleiman 96, Chakwal 97, Kohistan 97 and MH 97) selected on the basis of phenotypic diversity. In order to ascertain the gene action involved in the inheritance of these characters, the techniques like analysis of variance of Hayman model and genetic component analysis were employed. The estimates of components of genetic variation showed that additive genetic effects controlled the expression of traits like protein contents and flour yield, however, non-additive gene effects were more important for lysine contents and gluten contents. Directional dominance was observed in case of protein contents, which indicated the possibility of further improvement in this particular trait. Protein contents and flour yield being controlled by additive genetic effects with partial dominance suggested that selection could be practiced in early segregating generations for improvement in these traits.

Salt stress inhibits germination and early seedling growth in cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata L.)

Salinity induced inhibition in germination and early stages of cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata L.) [two varieties (autumn cabbage and spring cabbage)] were measured in response to increasing NaCl concentration. The salinity (NaCl) concentrations in solution were 0 (control), 4.7, 9.4 and 14.1 dS m(-1). Different concentrations of salt stress had considerable effect on germination, germination rate (1/t50, where t50 is the time to 50% of germination), root and shoot lengths, root, shoot and plant fresh weight of cabbage. Final germination in cabbage (autumn cabbage and spring cabbage) showed significant inhibition with increasing salt stress up to 14.1 dS m(-1) NaCl. The required time for germination increased with increasing concentration of salt. The seedling growth was strongly inhibited by all salt levels, particularly at 14.1 dS m(-1). Furthermore Root growth was more affected then shoots growth by salt stress. Fresh weights of root, shoot and plant were also severely affected by different salinity treatments. Linear regression revealed a significant negative relationship between salinity and final germination, germination rate, root and shoot lengths and fresh weights of roots, shoots and plants.

Penile fracture: experience at Ayub Teaching Hospital

BACKGROUND

Penile fracture is a relatively rare traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea of one or both corpora cavernosa of an erect penis. It is a real urological emergency which needs early assessment and surgical management.

METHODS

Twelve (12) cases of penile fracture were reviewed from July, 1997 to July, 2007 in the Department of Urology, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. All cases presented with classical history of penile fracture and the diagnosis was made on the basis of history and clinical examination only.

RESULTS

All the patients underwent immediate surgical repair with well preserved potency and excellent overall results.

CONCLUSION

Penile fracture has typical signs. Standard treatment consists of immediate surgical repair of penile fracture with a low incidence of late complications. Post op complications including urethral strictures and erectile dysfunction should be ruled out by regular follow-up.

Response of transgenic rice at germination and early seedling growth under salt stress

The response of germination and early seedling growth of different transgenic rice lines (T-99, T-112, T-115 and T-121) were examined in different levels of salinity (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl). Final germination, germination rate (1/t50, where t50 is the time to 50% of germination) and early seedling growth were assessed. Final germination percentage was inhibited with increasing salt concentrations. The required time for germination also increased with increasing salinity levels. The seedling growth was also reduced by salt concentrations, particularly at 150 mM. Root and shoot lengths, root/shoot ratio, fresh weights of root and shoot were also decreased with increasing salt stress. T-99 and T-112 had shown greater performance at germination and early seedling growth as compared to other transgenic lines.

An audit of primary post partum hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Its causes & risk factors are important for its prevention and management. Poor, unhealthy, high parity women delivering away from health facility are usual victims. The purpose of this study is to determine causes of PPH, risk factors, preventable factors and to assess treatment measures adopted.

METHODS

This retrospective study is carried out in Gynaecology 'B' unit of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. All patients admitted with PPH or developed PPH within hospital from 1st Jan-31st Dec 2006 are included. Exclusion criteria were patients with bleeding disorders and on anticoagulants. Records of admissions, deliveries, caesareans, major & minor procedures and history charts were thoroughly evaluated for details. Details included age, parity, socioeconomic status, transportation facility, distance from hospital, onset of labours, birth attendant skilled/unskilled, evaluation of risk factors, duration of labour and mode of delivery. Patient's general health, anaemia, shock, abdominal and pelvic examination and laboratory findings were also taken in to account. Treatment measures including medical, surgical, blood transfusions were evaluated.

RESULTS

The most important cause was uterine atony, 96 (70.5%) and traumatic lesions of genital tract, 40 (29.4%). Factors causing uterine atony were augmented labour 20 (20.9%), prolonged labour 21 (21.9%), retained placental tissues, 11 (12.5%), retained placenta, 11 (11.4%) Couvelliar uterus, 10 (10.4%), placenta preavia, 8 (8.3%), placenta increta, 7 (7.3%), chorioamnionitis 5 (5.2%), and multiple pregnancy, 2 (2.1%). Risk factors, grand multiparity 70 (51.5%), antepartum haemorrhage 12 (8.9%), instrumental delivery 10 (7.3%), previous PPH, 6 (4.5%), choreoamnionitis, 5 (3.6%), multiple pregnancy, 2 (1.5%), no risk factor, 21 (15.4%). Socioeconomic status was poor (75) & lower middle class (61). Induced labour, 33 (24.3%), augmented labour 62 (45.5%). Uterotonics used for prophylaxis in 30 (22%), for treatment of PPH, 106 (78%). Patients delivered by traditional birth attendants 70 (51.4%), lady health workers 40 (29.4%) & doctors 26 (19.2%). Uterine massage performed in 30 (22%), minor surgical procedures 33 (24.3%), manual removal of retained placenta, 11 (8%), hysterectomy, 50 (36.7%), & compression sutures were applied in 3 (2.2%). Maternal deaths due to PPH were 6 (40%).

CONCLUSIONS

PPH can be prevented by avoiding unnecessary inductions/augmentations of labour, risk factors assessment and active management of 3rd stage of labour. It needs critical judgment, early referral and early resuscitation by birth attendant. There is room for temponade and compression sutures. Hysterectomy should be the last option.

Prevalence of hepatitis 'B' and 'C' in orthopaedics patients at Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B and C is a common global health problem and is spreading rapidly in developing countries due to lack of health education, poverty and illiteracy. Both of these infections can be transmitted through blood or body fluids, tattooing, through infected instruments, unsafe shave by barbers and sexual contact. Medical personnel are most exposed to these infections. There should be proper preventive measures to prevent its spread in the community.

METHODS

This is a descriptive study carried out from July 2003 to July 2004 on 1630 patients admitted in the department of Orthopaedics Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Patients of either sex, of all ages undergoing surgery were included in the study. All patients underwent screening for Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C and confirmed by Elisa method in positive patients.

RESULTS

Out of 1630 patients 1205 (73.92%) were male and 425 (26.07%) were female. Hepatitis B and C was present in 84 (5.15%) patients. Out of 84 infected patients 51 (3.12%) were suffering from hepatitis C and 33 (2.02%) were suffering from hepatitis B. In 2 (0.12%) patients both hepatitis B and C infections were present. Out of 51 hepatitis C patients, 33 (64.71%) were male and 18 (35.29%) were female. Out of 33 hepatitis B patients, 28 (84.85%) were male and 5 (15.15%) were female patients. Among the predisposing factors previous history of surgery was positive in 18 (21.43%) patients, history of blood transfusion in 13 (15.47%) patients, dental procedure was in 7 (8.33%) patients, and abroad visit in 4 (4.76%) patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of hepatitis B and C in orthopaedic patients is quite high with the common risk factors: previous history of surgery or blood transfusion. Therefore, all patients which need surgery should be routinely screened for hepatitis B & C to prevent transmission to other patients, medical staff. There should be separate operation theatres facilities for these patients. There should be policy by the Government for protection of medical personnel who are exposed to these patients and there should be compensation for those who get infected with these infections during their service otherwise the medical personnel especially surgeons will hesitate doing surgeries on hepatitis B and C infected patients.

Gibberellic acid (GA3) enhance seed water uptake, germination and early seedling growth in sugar beet under salt stress

The study was carried out to assess whether water uptake could be improved in sugar beet seeds and salt tolerance at the germination and early seedling stage by soaking the seeds for 10 h in distilled water (control), 100, 150 and 200 mg L(-1) GA3. Electrical Conductivity (EC) values of the NaCl solution were 0.0 (control), 4.7, 9.4 and 14.1 dS n(-1) NaCl. Priming increased the final germination percentage and the germination rate (1/t 50, where t 50 is the time to 50% of germination) under saline condition. Water uptake of primed seeds also increased significantly with increasing concentration of GA3 as compared to control. Priming also alleviated the adverse effect of salt stress on sugar beet in terms of roots and shoots lengths and fresh weights of plants, roots and shoots.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis: experience with interpositional gap arthroplasty at Ayub Medical College Abbottabad

BACKGROUND

Satisfactory surgical correction of temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMA) is limited by a high recurrence rate, particularly in patients who underwent surgery without use of interpositional material. The present study describes our experience of Interpositional Gap Arthroplasty in patients presenting with primary or recurrent TMA.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 12 patients presenting at the Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgical Unit of the Ayub Medical College Abbottabad from 1999 to 2004. Interpositioning materials used included Temporalis fascia, Temporalis muscle, Silastic sheet and Cartilage (Costochondral) graft. Pre- and Postoperative assessment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mobility was done by clinical assessment of jaw movement and measurement of interincisal distance by vernier calipers; X-rays were done to document complications such as fibrosis and ankylosis.

RESULTS

Nine of the 12 patients (75%) were new cases of ankylosis, while the remaining 3 (25%) had one, three and four prior operations. Duration of ankylosis ranged from 9 months to 12 years. Ankylosis was bilateral in 8 cases (66.7%) and unilateral in 4 cases (33.3%). Operative findings were simple bony ankylosis in 13/20 jaws (65%), soft tissue fibrosis in 4/20 jaws (20%) and massive bony growth in 3/20 jaws (15%). Preoperative interincisal distances ranged from 0-15mm; immediate postoperative distances ranged from 20-40 mm; one-month and six-month postoperative distances ranged from 25-50 mm. All patients had an uncomplicated outcome till six months follow up; one patient developed reduced mouth opening to 12 mm at one year follow up due to parental noncompliance with mouth exercises; one patient developed infection and extrusion of silastic sheet at 2.5 years follow up.

CONCLUSION

Interpositional Gap Arthroplasty is a highly effective and safe surgical management option for TMA with acceptable immediate and long term outcome, particularly when temporalis fascia and muscle are used for adults and costochondral grafts with fascia interposition used for children.

Comparison of metoclopramide, prochlorperazine and placebo in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following tonsillectomy in young adults

BACKGROUND

Postoperative nausea and vomiting following anaesthesia and surgery are common and can create considerable problems regarding management of patients and outcome of the surgical procedure.

METHODS

This study evaluates and compares the efficacy and safety of the metochlopramide to that of prochlorperazine in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after tonsillectomy in young adult patients. 150 patients, of either sex, undergoing tonsillectomy under the same anaesthetic technique were studied in a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled manner. Either metoclopramide 0.1-0.2 mg kg(-1), prochlorperazine 0.1-0.2 mg kg(-1) or 5% Dextose and normal saline (5% D/N.S) (2ml) as placebo was injected intravenously 10 minutes before induction of general anaesthesia. Episodes of nausea, retching/vomiting, adverse events, vital signs, the need for rescue antiemetic drug (metoclopramide 0.1-0.2 mg kg(-1) IV) were recorded until four hours from the end of the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

The overall frequency of PONV was 18%, 16%, and 24% in group A (metoclopramide), B (prochlorperazine) and C (placebo) respectively. The need for rescue antiemetic was 2%, 8% and 12% in Prochloperazine group, metoclopramide group and control group respectively. These differences did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). During the study period 82%, 84% and 76% of patients in group A, B and C respectively were found free from postoperative nausea and vomiting, and no adverse events related to either of the test medication were noted in any patient.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the differences in the results of occurrence of PONV in the experimental group and control group are not statistically significant. However either Prochloperazine 0.1 - 0.2 mg kg(-1) or metoclopramide 0.1 - 0.2 mg kg(-1) can be safely administered as Prophylactic antiemetic till the availability of more efficacious and safe antiemetic drugs.

Anticholinergic premedication for prevention of oculocardiac reflex during squint surgery

BACKGROUND

Profound bradycardia during eye surgery is potentially serious event. In clinical practice this Oculocardiac Reflex (OCR) is most often encountered during squint surgery. The objective of this study was to assess the occurrence of OCR and prove the effect of anticholinergic premedication (atropine) to prevent OCR.

METHODS

This study comprises of sixty patients (age 2-30 years) operated for squint surgery under general anaesthesia. Cases were divided into two groups of thirty each. Group 1 was premedicated with intravenous injection of atropine and Group 2 did not receive any premedication. Patients were monitored during operation for any bradycardia or dysrhythmias.

RESULTS

The observed data showed occurrence of 70% OCR in Group 2 as compared to only 10% in Group 1. Severe bradycardia in 40% cases of Group 2 needed intervention by IV injection of atropine.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that atropine premedication in the patients of squint surgery under general anaesthesia definitely obtunds OCR and prevents any untoward effects of dysrhythmias during eye surgery.

"Discovery to treatment" window in patients with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis

Delay in commencing treatment in patients diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) may promote the spread of PTB in the community. Socio-demographic and clinical data from 169 patients (119 retrospectively and 50 prospectively collected) treated for smear-positive PTB in our hospital Chest Clinic from June 2002 to February 2003 were analysed. One hundred and fifty eight (93.5%) patients were started on treatment in less than 7 days from the time when the report first became available while 11 (6.5%) patients had their treatment started > or = 7 days. The median 'discovery to treatment' window was 1 day (range, 0 to 24 days). Of the factors studied, longevity of symptoms, absence of fever or night sweats and having sought traditional medicine were associated with delay in treatment commencement. The urgency and importance of anti-TB treatment should be emphasized especially to patients who are inclined towards treatment with traditional medicine.

Computerized stereotactic brain biopsies: an experience of 15 patients at Ayub Teaching Hospital

BACKGROUND

Deep seated lesions of the brain cannot be approached by conventional neurosurgical approach stereotactic system offers minimally invasive and accurate approach to such lesions. This study was carried out with an objective to determine the safety, efficacy and diagnostic yield of stereotactic biopsies of brain lesions using Brown-Roberts-Wells (BRW) system.

METHODS

This study was carried out in patients with intracranial lesions at Ayub teaching hospital Abbottabad from September 1999 to October 2003. Suitable patients with intra cranial lesions underwent computerized stereo tactic biopsy with BRW system. Tissue specimens were analyzed in histopathology department of the Ayub Medical College and results were obtained. Data was analyzed via computer software SPSS 8.0 version for windows.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were selected for stereotactic brain biopsy. Age ranged from 15 years to 54 years. Among them 09 (60%) were male and 06 (40%) were female patients. Out come of the procedure was highly promising in terms of safety and positive diagnostic yield in 14 patients (93.3%), and histopathalogical validity of results (93.3%). Only one patient suffered mild neurological deficit (6.7%), one patient had inconclusive tissue diagnosis and invalid result (6.7%). biopsy proven lesion was astrocytoma in 04 patients (26.7%), anaplastic astrocytoma in 04 (26.7%), gliomatosis in 02 (13.3%), tuberculomas in 03 (20.0%). metastatic adenocarcinomas in 01 (6.7%) and lymphoma in 01(6.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that computerized stereotactic brain biopsy is safe and effective procedure with a high diagnostic yield at our center.

Squamous cell carcinoma lower lip - an experience with Karapandzic technique

Carcinoma of the lip is a common cancer of head and neck area. It occurs frequently on the lower lip of middle-aged and elderly males who have a history of chronic sun exposure. Surgical excision and radiotherapy are regarded as equally effective treatment options, but preferred method is surgical excision. Karapandzic technique provides myoneurovascular pedicled advancement flap for reconstruction of the defect after surgical excision. It is a simple and safe technique, functionally and esthetically, sacrifices little tissue, heals rapidly and is effective for repair of defects covering 1/3 to 4/5 of the lower lip. We report a 62 years male who presented with a large, fungating, pus-discharging and tender mass of lower lip. Biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. Tumor was excised and defect was reconstructed using Karapandzic technique. Patient remained asymptomatic during follow-up visits.

Impact of light intensity on flowering time and plant quality of Antirrhinum majus L. cultivar Chimes White

Shades of different light intensities (29%, 43%, 54%, 60% or 68%) along with control (no shade) were studied to observe their effects on the flowering time and plant quality. A hyperbolic relationship was observed between different light intensities under shade, and time to flowering. The total number of flower buds showed a curvilinear relationship with light intensities. Growth parameters related to the plant characteristics such as plant height, leaf area and plant fresh weight were improved under shading treatments at the expense of flowering time and number of flower buds. However, both linear and polynomial models applied assumed that cultivar Chimes White was equally sensitive to light intensity throughout development.

The beta fibrinogen gene G-455-A polymorphism is a risk factor for Legg-Perthes disease

Legg-Perthes disease is a pediatric hip disorder characterized by avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The etiology of Legg-Perthes disease may involve repeated interruptions of the blood supply to the proximal femur. Thus, the role of thrombosis in Legg-Perthes disease is of interest. The focus of this analysis is an evaluation of the relationship between Legg-Perthes disease and the beta fibrinogen gene G-455-A polymorphism in 55 cases of Legg-Perthes disease and 56 age, race, and gender-matched healthy controls. Parents of subjects completed a questionnaire about their child's lifestyle and medical history. Blood was obtained for plasma and DNA analysis. Study subjects were predominantly white (93%), male (77%) and under age 16 (70%). Cases were more likely to be exposed to passive smoke than were controls (odds ratio 5.6, 95% confidence interval 2.0-12.0). Assuming a dominant genetic model, individuals who possessed either the G/A or A/A genotype were over three times more likely to have Legg-Perthes disease compared to those without the polymorphism (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.5-7.8). Separate analyzes by smoke exposure revealed that the excess risk of the G-455-A polymorphism occurred in those exposed (odds ratio 7.0) as opposed to those unexposed to passive smoke (odds ratio 1.9). Although this difference in the odds ratios is not statistically significant (P=0.2), it suggests a possible interactive effect of cigarette smoke and the b fibrinogen gene G-455-A polymorphism in the risk of developing Legg-Perthes disease.

Evaluation and follow-up of fetal hydronephrosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the antenatal course and neonatal follow-up of isolated fetal hydronephrosis.

METHODS

We reviewed our ultrasonography database from January 1989 to June 1999 for all cases of unilateral or bilateral fetal hydronephrosis that had at least 1 follow-up ultrasonographic examination. Cases were defined as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter and gestational age. Data were analyzed using the chi2 test with the Fisher exact test where appropriate. Medical records were reviewed, and telephone interviews were performed to determine which infants received follow-up after birth.

RESULTS

Of 57,966 ultrasonographic examinations in 20,049 women during the study period, 393 patients met criteria for evaluation. Of these, 347 (88%) had fetuses with mild hydronephrosis. Most of these had complete resolution during the pregnancy. Forty patients had fetuses classified as having moderate hydronephrosis, and 6 patients had fetuses with severe hydronephrosis. Of those classified as moderate hydronephrosis, 15% resolved, 25% improved, 48% remained unchanged, and 12% worsened during the pregnancy. There were no cases of in utero resolution in the severe group; however, 4 of 6 cases improved to moderate or mild, and 2 cases remained unchanged. Of the cases identified prenatally, 25 received consultation by a pediatric urologist in the newborn period, and 7 of these required surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Our population-based data suggest that most cases of mild hydronephrosis will resolve before delivery. In contrast, cases of moderate or severe hydronephrosis are less likely to have resolution in utero and are more likely to worsen or remain unchanged. Of those fetuses with persistent hydronephrosis, only a small number required some surgical intervention after birth. This information is useful in counseling the patient whose fetus is noted to have isolated hydronephrosis.

A report of children with spinal dysraphism managed conservatively

This investigation is a retrospective study of 12 patients with spinal dysraphism. There were 5 males and 7 females in the cohort. Their ages ranged from 4 to 13 years at the time of their last assessment. Initial presentation included one or more of the following--a blemish on the back in the midline (lump, hairy patch, sinus and/or angioma), abnormal neurological signs and symptoms in one or both legs, and in one case dribbling of urine. Investigations performed included plain X-rays of the spine, CT scans alone or in combination with a myelogram and MR scans. Findings included thickened filum terminale, low lying cord, lipoma, syringomyelia, diastematomyelia, spina bifida occulta and sacral agenesis. The children were followed up for between 2 and 10 years. During the period of observation, none developed new symptoms or signs, and there was no progression of existing neurological deficits. This preliminary report suggests that there is no justification for prophylactic surgery in this group of patients.

Bond strengths of dentine bonding agents to dentine

This study assessed comparatively the tensile bond strengths to dentine of four resin dentine bonding agents. Flat surfaces were produced in the occlusal dentine of human third molars, finished with 600-grit paper and prepared for bonding to Silux Plus composite with Gluma, Prisma Universal Bond 2, Scotchbond 2 and Tenure. After 24 hours in water and 250 thermal cycles, the specimens were loaded in tension to failure on an Instron machine. There were 20 specimens in each test group. An analysis of variance and Duncan's test showed that the bond strengths of Scotchbond 2 (22.8 +/- 7.2 MPa) and Prisma Universal Bond 2 (20.1 +/- 7.8 MPa) were similar but significantly higher than those of Tenure (14.3 +/- 5.3 MPa) or Gluma (12.3 +/- 6.4 MPa). A Weibull analysis confirmed the superiority of Scotchbond 2 and Prisma Universal Bond 2. Scotchbond 2 and Prisma Universal Bond 2 specimens failed either in an adhesive-cohesive mode, or cohesively through the composite or the dentine. It was concluded that Scotchbond 2 and Prisma Universal Bond 2 are effective and are the dentine bonding agents of choice.

Experience with thallium-201 imaging in head and neck cancer

TI-201 chloride was used for tumor imaging in patients with head and neck cancer. It is of value in detecting the extent of tumor involvement, the presence of residual tumor after radical courses of treatment, and the presence of local recurrence and distant metastases.