Epidemiology and management of Fusarium wilt of Eucalyptus camaldulensis through systemic acquired resistance.

Eucalyptus camaldulensis is a multifunctional tree and is globally used for the reclamation of problematic lands. Eucalyptus camaldulensis is prone to attack by a number of pathogens, but the most important threat is the Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum). Keeping in view the importance of E. camaldulensis and to manage this disease, five plant activators, i.e., salicylic acid (C7H6O3), benzoic acid (C7H6O2), citric acid (C6H8O7), dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4), monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) and nutritional mixture namely Compound (NPK) and nutriotop (Fe, Zn, Cu, B, Mn) were evaluated in the Fusarium infested field under RCBD in the Research Area, Department of Forestry and Range Management, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). Among plant activators, salicylic acid and a combination of compound + nutriotop exhibited the lowest disease incidence and enhanced fresh and dry weight of leaves compared to other treatments and control. Results of the environmental study indicated maximum disease incidence between 35-40 °C (max. T), 6-25 °C (mini. T), 70-80% relative humidity and 1.5-2.5 km/h wind speed while pan evaporation expressed weak correlation with disease development. It was concluded that Fusarium wilt of Eucalyptus camaldulensis could be managed through activation of the basal defense system of the host plant with provision of salicylic acid and balanced nutrition by considering environmental factors. Recent exploration is expected to be helpful for future research efforts on epidemiology and ecologically sound intervention of Fusarium wilt of Eucalyptus camaldulensis.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Tuberculosis Patients and the Role of Socioeconomic Factors: A Mixed-Method Study.

This study aims to assess tuberculosis (TB) patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to determine the relationship between HRQoL and the socioeconomic and health characteristics of patients. A mixed-method approach of explanatory sequential design is used in this study. Data were collected at 11 TB centers and two private clinics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Quantitative data were collected through a standardized questionnaire (SF-36) of RAND organization from 269 pulmonary TB patients. Qualitative data were collected through 20 in-depth interviews, 15 Key Informant interviews, and a focus group discussion. The maximum score of SF-36 is 100, however, different aspects of HRQoL indicated that patients scored lowest in the role limitation physical (10.3) and emotional (11.2) categories, while the highest remained in the mental health (45.3) category. Patients of higher age, being female, low household income, and comorbidity decreased the HRQoL. Qualitative findings show that TB affected the patients' social functioning, vitality, and emotions. Moreover, poverty and low income, people living in Kacha Houses, family support, and the hate from family members and community are related to low HRQoL. In summary, TB has affected the Patients' HRQoL. TB program managers should pay attention to the nonmedication aspects of TB management. Financial support should be extended TB patients. This study calls for the urgent attention of the National Tuberculosis Program and policymakers, for an increased focus on patients' welfare programs.

Assessment of Trauma Care Capacity in Karachi, Pakistan: Toward an Integrated Trauma Care System.

BACKGROUND: Pakistan is a lower-middle-income country with a high burden of injuries. Karachi, its most populated city, lacks a trauma care system due to which trauma patients do not receive the required care. We conducted an assessment of the existing facilities for trauma care in Karachi. METHODS: Twenty-two tertiary and secondary hospitals from public and private sectors across Karachi were assessed. The Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care (GETC) tool was used to collect information about the availability of skills, knowledge, and equipment at these facilities. RESULTS: Among tertiary hospitals (n = 7), private sector hospitals had a better median (IQR) score, 90.4 (81.8-93.1), as compared to the public sector hospitals, 44.1 (29.3-75.8). Among secondary hospitals (n = 15), private sector hospitals had a better median (IQR) score, 70.3 (67.8-77.7), as compared to the public sector hospitals, 39.7 (21.9-53.3). DISCUSSION: This study identifies considerable deficiencies in trauma care in Karachi and provides objective data that can guide urgently needed reforms tailored to this city's needs. On a systems level, it delineates the need for a regulatory framework to define trauma care levels and designate selected hospitals across the city accordingly. Using these data, improvement in trauma care systems can be achieved through collaboration and partnership between public and private stakeholders.