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ABSTRACT: Exporting the organic fresh fruit (FF) to Europe and America could be regarded as great opportunity for smallholders and suppliers of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Yet, the global organic farmland and the number of organic producers are continued to grow. To date, little is known about the behavior of Pakistani farmers towards organic fresh fruit production. This study examined the factors that influence the decision-making of fresh fruit smallholders concerning the conversion to organic farming (COF). This study uses Ajzen's theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict the behavior of Pakistani smallholders of fresh fruit. Path analysis examined the utility of the extended version of the TPB model to anticipate 277 small-scale farmers' behavioral intentions towards the adoption of organic farming (AOF) and their prospect of converting their farm to organic produce within the next three years. The present study reported that the smallholders' attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavior control (PBC), and farmer's group participation (FGP) were positively correlated with farmer's intention to adopt organic farming, while group participation of farmers has significant correlation with their behavior regarding production of organic fruits. The present study justifies using the model of farmers' group participation in policies that deliberately cheer up smallholders of fresh fruit to adopt organic farming, to raise farm incomes and to alleviate poverty.
RESUMO: Exportar a fruta fresca orgânica (FF) para a Europa e América pode ser considerada uma grande oportunidade para pequenos proprietários e fornecedores de Gilgit Baltistan, Paquistão. No entanto, as terras agrícolas orgânicas globais e o número de produtores orgânicos continuam a crescer. Até o momento, pouco se sabe sobre o comportamento dos agricultores paquistaneses em relação à produção de frutas frescas orgânicas. O objetivo deste estudo, portanto, foi examinar e determinar os fatores que influenciam a tomada de decisão dos pequenos produtores de frutas frescas sobre a conversão para a agricultura orgânica (COF). Este estudo usa a teoria do comportamento planejado de Ajzen (TPB) para prever o comportamento dos pequenos produtores de frutas frescas do Paquistão. A análise de caminho examinou a utilidade da versão estendida do modelo TPB para antecipar as intenções comportamentais de 277 agricultores de pequena escala em relação à adoção da agricultura orgânica (AOF) e sua perspectiva de converter sua fazenda em produtos orgânicos nos próximos três anos. O presente estudo descobriu que a atitude dos pequenos proprietários (ATT), as normas subjetivas (SN), o controle do comportamento percebido (PBC) e a participação do grupo de agricultores (FGP) foram positivamente correlacionadas com a intenção do agricultor de adotar a agricultura orgânica, enquanto a participação do grupo de agricultores correlação significativa com seu comportamento em relação à produção de frutas orgânicas. O presente estudo justifica o uso do modelo de participação de grupos de agricultores em políticas que encorajam deliberadamente os pequenos produtores de frutas frescas a adotar a agricultura orgânica, para aumentar a renda agrícola e diminuir a pobreza.
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ABSTRACT Magnetotactic bacteria are mostly microaerophilic found at the interface between oxic-anoxic zones. We report a magnetotactic bacterial strain isolated from an oil refinery sludge sample that grows aerobically in simple chemical growth medium, 9K. They open a new window of isolation of magnetic nanoparticles through an easy natural living system.
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ABSTRACT The anticancer potential of aqueous extracts of tropical plants Ficus deltoidea and Labisia pumila were tested on human prostate carcinoma (DU145) cells. The effects of these extracts on the cells were observed through several tests such as cytotoxicity MTT assay, trypan blue exclusion assay (for cell viability), fluorescence and morphological observations. Both of the plant extracts had a growth repression effect on the cells with different concentrations. The best concentration (1x10-3 μg/mL) was chosen by determining their cytotoxic effects on human prostate cancer as well as fibroblast (normal) cells. The F. deltoidea extract showed more potency and killed the cells faster than L. pumila. Morphologically both extracts affected the cells in a similar way, i.e. the cells became irregular shaped, detached themselves and kept floating in the medium.
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Medicinal plants are rich in secondary metabolites [alkaloids, glycosides, coumarins, flavonides, steroids, etc.] and considered to be more effective and a safer alternative source to manage a variety of diseases related to liver, heart and kidney disordered. This study determines in vitro antioxidant and in vivo toxicological profile including hemolytic, brine shrimp lethality and mutagenicity of aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium. DNA protection assay was performed on pUC19 plasmid vector using H2O2 as oxidative agent. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using colorimetric methods. Toxicity of the plant was evaluated by brine shrimp lethality, hemolytic and mutagenic activity. DNA protection assay of the plant showed concentration dependent protective effect and at concentration 10microL/mL revealed complete protective effect against H2O2 induced DNA damage. Highest phenolic and flavonoid content was found to be 167.3 [mg GAE 100g DW-1] and 14 [mg CE 100g DW-1] respectively. Results showed that A. absinthium is potent against standard toxicological procedures, that indicates the presence of bioactive components in the plant and possess antioxidant activity that protects DNA against H2O2 induced oxidative damage. Thus the results showed/support that A. absinthium provides significant health benefits
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Oxidative Stress , Cytotoxins , Antioxidants , In Vitro Techniques , DNA , Plant Extracts , Plants, MedicinalABSTRACT
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and associated with dysfunction and failure of various body organs. Alarming increase in prevalence rate has made this disorder a major health problem globally. The available treatment modalities are not sufficient to combat diabetes and associated complications. A number of medicinal plants have a significant antidiabetic potential against diabetes mellitus. We have listed the use of important medicinal herbs for the treatment and management of diabetes in this review
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This study involves the polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl metharylate [HEMA] [1-M], photoinitiated by safranin T [ST] / triethanolamine [TEOHA] system in the pH range 6.0â"9.0. The kinetics of the reactions during the initial stages of polymerization [tilde 5% HEMA conversion, within 150 s] has been evaluated to avoid the effects of any volume changes in the solution. The concentration of HEMA in polymerized solutions has been determined spectrometrically at 208 nm with a precision of +/- 3%. The apparent first-order rate constants [kobs] for the polymerization of HEMA by ST in the presence of 0.010 M TEOHA range from 2.57-6.08 [1 M], 2.14-5.44 [2 M] and 1.79-4.81x10[-4] s[-1] [3 M] at pH 6.0-9.0. The second-order rate constants for the interaction of TEOHA with HEMA [1-3 M] range from 1.79-6.08x10[-2] M[-1] s[-1] at pH 6.0-9.0. This indicates that the reactivity of TEOHA radicals increases with an increase in pH of the solution. The viscosity of HEMA solutions exerts an influence on the rates of polymerization and the values of kobs show a linear relation with inverse of solution viscosity. This could be due to the quenching of the ST excited triplet state with an increase in the viscosity of the solution
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To uncover the trend regarding TB knowledge and perception of its transmission as well as underlining the socio demographics aspects associated with TB cure among the reproductive venerable women. Quantitative frame work along with inferential analysis have been carried out by using the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2006-07 and 2012-13 of ever married women. Trend regarding TB awareness and its cure and treatment have been changed over time by 4.31% and 4.49% respectively in PDHS 2012 compared to PDHS 2006. Whereas an adequate knowledge of TB transmission thought air when coughing and sneezing remain constant after equating the two surveys. To understand the functional relationship of variables multinomial logistic regression analysis was carried out separately for PDHS 2006 and PDHS 2012. Two models revealed that early reproductive age group 15-19 of ever married women believed that TB cannot be curable compared to their counterparts upper age groups 45-49. Illiterate ever married women are more pronounced [OR=5.38 and OR=10.30] that TB is an incurable infectious disease compared to women having higher educational degree in PDHS 2006 and PDHS 2012 respectively. Location and geographical area of residence, wealth index, and media exposure have positive association about TB knowledge of cure and treatment. Although the awareness level improved but it still needs to launch some massive and wide-ranging awareness programme regarding an adequate knowledge of various diffusion modes of tuberculosis by utilizing all media modes predominantly television. Potential struggles are obligatory where the subordinate literacy rate and limited health care settings meticulousness in remote areas, so that the illness and death due to TB can be minimized
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Objectives: This study aimed to uncover the trend regarding knowledge about sexually transmitted infections [STIs] among Pakistani women of reproductive age 15-49 as well as evaluating the socio demographic differentials associated with STIs knowledge
Design: The secondary data sets are used of Pakistan demographic and health survey [PDHS] of ever married women with sample size 10023and 13558
Period: PDHS 2006-07 and PDHS 2012-13
Setting: The national institute of population studies done this survey with the technical support from ICF International and Pakistan bureau of statistics and the USAID supported the financially
Methods: Descriptive frame work along with bivariate analysis was performed to understand the trend regarding STIs knowledge and evaluate the significant socio demographic factors respectively
Results: The awareness regarding STIs and knowledge to use always condom during sex to reduce the risk of getting HIV/AIDS after equating the two PDHS has improved over time just by 3.85% and 6.50% respectively in PDHS-2012-13 compared to PDHS 2006-07. Early age group [15-19] women have sufficient lack of knowledge about STIs. Urban has more knowledge regarding STIs compared to rural. Education, wealth index and media awareness have positive association with STIs knowledge
Conclusions: Socio demographic differentials such as age, education, location and geographical area of residence, media access, wealth index and women occupation are found to be statistically highly significant with respect to sexually transmitted infections knowledge. These statistical outcomes will enhance the capability in disease management and control
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Fungi is somewhere in between the micro and macro organisms which is a good source of producing biologically active secondary metabolites. Fungi have been used as tool for producing different types of secondary metabolites by providing different nutrients at different laboratory conditions. The fungi have been engineered for the desired secondary metabolites by using different laboratory techniques, for example, homologous and heterologous expressions. This review reported how the fungi are used as chemical industry for the production of secondary metabolites and how they are engineered in laboratory for the production of desirable metabolites; also the biosynthetic pathways of the bio-organic-molecules were reported.
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To determine the efficacy of Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides [SNAGs] with and without Isometric Exercise Training Program [IETP] in Non-specific Neck Pain [NSNP]. This randomized control trial of one year duration was conducted at out-patient department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Khyber Teaching Hospital [KTH] Peshawar, Pakistan from July 2012 to June 2013. The sample of 102 patients of NSNP were randomly selected through simple random sampling technique, and placed into two groups. The SNAGs manual physical therapy technique with IETP was applied on 51 patients in group A and SNAGs manual physical therapy techniques was applied alone on 51 patients in group B. The duration of intervention was 6 weeks, at 4 times per week. The Neck Disability Index [NDI] and Visual Analog Scale [VAS] for neck pain were assessment tools used for all patients before and after 6 weeks of physical therapy intervention. All the patients were assessed through NDI and VAS before intervention and at the completion of 6 weeks program. The data of all 102 was analyzed by SPSS-20 and statistical test was applied at 95% level of significance determine the efficacy of both the treatments interventions and compare with each other. The patients in group A, treated with SNAGs and followed by IETP for 6 weeks, demonstrated more improvement in pain and physical activity as assessed by VAS [p=0.013] and NDI [p=0.003], as compared to the patients treated with SNAGS alone, as pain and function assessed by VAS [p=0.047] and NDI [p=0.164]. In group A the NDI score improved from 40 to 15 and VAS from 7 to 4, while in group B the NDI score improved from 42 to 30 and VAS from 7 to 4. Patients with non-specific neck pain treated with SNAGs manual physical therapy techniques and followed by IETP was more effective in reduction of pain and enhancement of function, as compared to those patients treated with SNAGs manual physical therapy techniques alone
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Objective: To evaluate the effect of the second dose of measles vaccine on measles antibody status during childhood. Setting: Immunization centre of Under-five Clinic of the Department of Community Medicine at a tertiary-hospital. Design: Randomized Controlled trial. Methods: Blood samples were collected from all subjects for baseline measles serology by heel puncture at 9-12 months of age. All subjects were given the first dose of measels vaccine. At second visit (3-5 months later), after collecting the blood sample from all, half the children were randomized to receive the second dose of measles vaccine (study group), followed by collection of the third sample six weeks later in all the subjects. Results: A total of 78 children were enrolled and 30 children in each group could be analyzed. 11(36.6%) children in the study group and 13 (43.3%) children in the control group had protective levels of measles IgG at baseline. Around 93.3 % of children in the study group had protective measles antibody titers as against 50% in the control group at the end of the trial. The Geometric Mean Titre (GMT) of measles IgG increased from 14.8 NTU/mL to 18.2 NTU/mL from baseline to six weeks following receipt of the second dose of the vaccine in the study group, as compared to a decrease from 16.8 NTU/mL to 12.8 NTU/mL in the control group. Conclusions: A second dose of measles vaccine boosts the measles antibody status in the study population as compared to those who receive only a single dose.
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Enemata are the liquid preparations that are injected into the rectum and colon through anus. They are either intended to be returned or to be retained into the colon. Enema is an excellent treatment for removing superfluous matter from the bowels. It is the treatment of choice for intestinal colic. That's why it is called as Moalijah Al Fazilah [the Superfluous Therapy]. It allays pain and inflammation of the bowels, kidney, bladder and other pelvic organs. Enemas have been in practice from ancient time and helped to cure a lot of disorders like constipation, poisoning, acute headache, flu, common cold, meningitis, measles and many more. On the other hand enemas were largely practiced for many other therapeutic and diagnostic purposes also. Classical literature of Unani medicine describes enema in a scientific manner. Our ancestors had an ensuring experience in treating various kinds of disorders by this simple way. Unani scholars have mentioned even adiposgenous [Fattening] and aphrodisiac enemata. As per the necessities in the medical field enema has many types according to their mode of actions
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Humans , Complementary Therapies , Medicine, Unani/history , History, Ancient , Enema/methods , Enema/historyABSTRACT
To compare the mean values of serum hepatic enzymes of albino rats after treatment with tamoxifen and taurine. A prospective experimental study. This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar from July 2011 to December 2011. Sixty adult female albino rats were divided into four groups [A-control, B-tamoxifen-treated, C tamoxifen plus taurine-treated, and D-taurine treated]. Each group was further divided into three subgroups [1, 2, 3] according to the period of treatment which was one, three and six weeks, respectively. Body weights were recorded at the commencement and end of the study period. At the end of the respective period of treatment the animals were sacrificed under deep ether anesthesia. By a midline incision, the anterior abdominal wall was opened. Blood samples were collected with 5cc syringes by cardiac puncture for estimation of serum hepatic enzymes [serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase-SGPT, Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [SGOT] and serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP]. The livers were removed, washed with normal saline, and their weights were recorded. Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded 4 micron thick sections were stained with H and E for histopathological examination. The mean values [I.U/L] of SGPT levels of albino rats in control groups Al, A2 and A3 were 40.83 +/- 1.62, 42.02 +/- 0.95 and 41.09 +/- 0.87 respectively, and in the tamoxifen-treated groups Bl, B2 and B3 were 155.2 +/- 12.47, 243.60 +/- 11.96 and 277.60 +/- 12.84 respectively. This data show a highly significant increase [P<0.001] in the SGPT levels in all the B-subgroups [tamoxifen - treated] albino rats, in comparison with the control subgroups. The mean values [I.U/L] of SGPT in the tamoxifen plus taurine treated groups Cl, C2 and C3 were 67.99 +/- 1.89, 107.77 +/- 2.28 and 137.93 +/- 8.29. Compared to the corresponding B subgroups, the data show highly significant decrease [P<0.001] in SGPT levels in groups Cl and C3, and moderately significant decrease [P<0.01] in SGPT levels in group C2. The mean values of serum levels [I.U/L] of SGOT in control groups Al, A2 and A3 were 38.66 +/- 0.89, 37.12 +/- 1.15 and 38.52 +/- 1.74 respectively. The mean values of SGOT in subgroups Bl, B2 and B3 were 73.60 +/- 4.98, 152.48 +/- 13.00 and 247.40 +/- 18.53 I.U/L respectively. Thus there was moderately significant increase [P<0.01] in SGOT levels in Bl, and highly significant increase [P<0.001] in B2 and B3 as compared to the control subgroups. The mean values of SGOT in subgroups Cl, C2 and C3 were 65.20 +/- 3.15, 109.20 +/- 4.83 and 124.98 +/- 5.83 respectively. The data show insignificant decrease in SGOT level in subgroup Cl [P>0.05], significant decrease in C2 [P<0.05], and moderately significant decrease [P<0.01] in C3 as compared to subgroups Bl, B2 and B3, respectively. The mean values [I.U/L] of serum ALP in the control groups Al, A2 and A3 were 146.60 +/- 17.73, 196.40 +/- 22.47 and 164 +/- 24.60 respectively, and in the tamoxifen-treated groups Bl, B2 and B3 were 436.80 +/- 30.92, 467.80 +/- 15.43 and 684.20 +/- 18.64 respectively. This shows highly significant increase in the serum levels of ALP [P<0.001] in all B subgroups. The mean values [I.U/L] of serum ALP in subgroups Cl, C2 and C3 were 394.20 +/- 20.79, 376.60 +/- 20.02 and 420.00 +/- 14.66 respectively. This data show that there was insignificant decrease [P>0.05] in serum ALP in Cl, moderately significant decrease [P<0.01] in C2 and highly significant decrease [P<0.001] in C3, when compared with Bl, B2, and B3, respectively. Concomitant taurine administration lowers the mean values of serum hepatic enzymes in albino rats treated with heavy doses of tamoxifen
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To analyze the clinical course and magnetic resonance angiographic [MRA] abnormalities in children with primary angiitis of the central nervous system [cPACNS]. Cohort study. Neurosciences and Neuroradiology Department of the Children's Hospital, Lahore, from January 2009 to December 2010. The cohort comprised consecutive patients diagnosed as having cPACNS based on clinical findings and identification of arterial stenosis on magnetic resonance angiography [MRA] in the absence of an underlying condition that could cause these findings. The treatment protocol for ischaemic infarcts consisted of induction therapy with intravenous steroids pulses and intravenous immunoglobulin followed by maintenance therapy with azathioprine and low dose aspirin. When indicated, they were treated with anticoagulants at least for 4 weeks along with induction therapy. Patients were followed at a single centre and systemically assessed for clinical presentation, classification of disease as progressive or non-progressive, adverse effects of anticoagulants, aspirin, azathioprine and their hospital course. Sixty-eight children with medium-large vessel cPACNS [62% boys, 38% girls] with mean age of 8.5 +/- 3.5 years were enrolled in this study. Motor deficit [70%]; headache [64%] and fever [20%] were the commonest symptoms; whereas hemiparesis [60%]; seizures 55% [focal 35%, generalized 20%] and decreased conscious level [30%], were the commonest neurological findings. Neuroradiological findings were ischaemic strokes in 50 [73.5%], haemorrhagic strokes in 10 [14.7%] and ischaemic haemorrhagic lesions in 8 cases [11.8%]. Angiographically 51 [51/68, 75%] of the cohort had non-progressive [obliterative] and 17 [17/68, 25%] had evidence of progressive arteriopathy at the time of admission. No secondary haemorrhagic lesions were documented among infarcts strokes, which were treated with heparin and oral anticoagulants. Outcome was survival in 56 cases [81.5%] and death in 12 cases [18.5%]. All survivors were discharged on long-term oral aspirin; 15 of them were also commenced on azathioprine. Neurological findings among the 56 survivors were; normal 20%, minor disabilities in 25%, moderate disabilities in 20% and severe disabilities in 35%. The spectrum of cPACNS includes both progressive and non-progressive forms with significant morbidity and mortality. This treatment protocol of immunosuppressive therapy may improve long-term neurological outcome in children with medium-large vessel childhood primary angiitis of the CNS
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Leeching [Irsale 'Alaq] is one of the oldest methods of treatment to cure the diseases. It has survived for more than 2000 years since the beginning of the scientific medicine. It is nothing but a unique method of removal of Mawaad-e-Fasidah [morbid matters] from the body. It draws blood from deeper tissues thus helping to treat ailments. The best leech should be used in order to get maximum benefits. To fully understand why leech therapy works in such a wide range of applications, one must realize that the therapeutic activity of leech therapy is not based on a single mechanism of action, but on a combination of multiple effects. During the process of feeding, leeches secrete a mixture of different biologically and pharmacologically active substances into the wound that deliver these main therapeutic benefits. It is used effectively in the management of non-healing ulcerative lesions like Diabetic ulcer, leprotic wound etc., as it helps to improve the local blood circulation. Besides these advantages this therapy is also useful in various skin disorders like eczema, pimples, and psoriasis etc. and used to treat abscess, cellulites, thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Leech therapy rarely ever leads to serious complications. The local pain of treatment and short-term itching are regular side effects. Leech therapy should never be performed in patients suffering from diseases that affect the blood coagulation system, patients on immunosuppressive drugs, the elderly and immune deficient persons. For centuries leeches were the common tool of physicians, who believed that many disease were the result of imbalance in the body that could be stabilized by releasing blood
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Hirudo medicinalis , Bloodletting , LeechesABSTRACT
To study the protective role of taurine in tamoxifen-induced hepatic steatosis in albino rats. Prospectve experimental study. Department of Anatomy, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, from July 2011 to November 2011. Four groups of female albino rats, each containing 8 animals, were treated for 21 days as follows: Group A served control, Group B treated with tamoxifen, Group C treated with tamoxifen plus taurine, Group D treated with taurine alone. The animals were weighed at the start and end of treatment and then sacrificed under ether anaesthesia. The livers were fixed in 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin. H and E stained 4 micro thick sections were examined microscopically. There was significant decrease in the body weights of groups B and C as compared groups A and D. Significant increase in the body weights of group C rats in comparison with group B was noted. Histologically the livers of group B animals showed generalized microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis, with no evidence of hepatocyte necrosis. In group C the fatty change was much less pronounced as compared to group B. The study data suggest that taurine supplementation can reverse / attenuate the hepatic steatosis caused by tamoxifen treatment for 21 days, in albino rats
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Background: Our study was based on the alteration in the Michaelis Mentin parameters Apparent Michaelis Constant [aKm] and Apparent Maximum Velocity [aVm], which reflects activity of actylcholinesterase [AChE]. This activity decreases in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia [ALL]. This decrease in aKm and aVm values shows bad prognosis. Similarly the anticancer drugs like Daunorubicin and Doxorubicin further decreases the aKm and aVm values which worsen the prognosis. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the extent of inhibition of Acetylecholine Esterase by Daunorubicin and Doxorubicin in ALL. Methods: Study of 100 patients including both male and female children who's age ranged from 4 to 8 years and were advised doxorubicin and daunorubicin separately were tested by Ellman's method using acetylcholine iodide as substrate and 5, 5-dithiobis 2-nitrobenzine as a colour reagent regardless of dose regimen i.e. [once in 3 week, small dose per week or a continuous infusion for 72 to 96 hours. Results: In this study the Michaelis Mentin parameters Apparent Michaelis Constant [aKm] and Apparent Maximum Velocity [aVm] of the enzyme were estimated both in normal individuals and in the patients and also during treatment with daunorubicin and doxorubicin. The value of Michaelis Mentin parameters, aKm, aVm and percentage activity of the enzyme in normal individual are 23, 70, and 100 respectively. The values of aKm, aVm and percentage activity of the enzyme were also estimated in the patients before and after treatment. The values of aKm and aVm in patients of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and percentage activity of enzyme is decreased. After the treatment with daunorubicin and doxorubicin the values and activity is further decreased. Conclusion: We conclude that the drugs under study both decrease the enzyme activity but daunorubicin inhibits the enzyme more than doxorubicin
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To study the effectiveness of the elastic rubber band ligation technique in cases of internal haemorrhoids. A prospective study. This study was conducted at Jinnah postgraduate medical center Karachi during 2007-2008. a total of 70 patients of varying degrees haemorrhoids of either sex were taken randomly. In 20 out of the 70 cases open Haemorrhoidectomy was performed by low ligation and excision [after due preparation of the patients] and in 50 cases elastic rubber band technique was performed. Tablet Bisacodyl 4-6 tablets stat were given to the patients at night before the procedure. No anesthesia was used. This procedure was performed in Left lateral position or in knee-elbow/jack-knife position. Patients with elastic rubber band ligation method were discharged at the same day [average stay was only for the procedure], with minimum complains, and post operative complications were found negligible [Pain 28, haemorrhage 6%, discomfort 14%]. In contrast average stay in the cases of Haemorrhoidectomy was 5- 26 days and complications ranged between pain and haemorrhage [95%], discharge [15%], retention of urine [10%] and faecal incontinence [15%]. No case of faecal incontinence and retention of urine was observed in cases of elastic rubber band ligation technique. Elastic rubber band ligation as an Out Patient procedure, is effective, economical easily performable, with minimum complications and is without hazards of anaesthesia
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Male , Ligation/methods , Rubber , Prospective Studies , Postoperative Complications , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The drug Arusa has been used since very long time in Unani system of medicine. According to the classical Unani medical literature Arusa is an important drug for respiratory system. Many Unani physicians have described it as an effective drug for a variety of ailments, such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma and fever. There are various vernacular names of Arusa in different languages. In Arabic Hashishatus-sual, in English Malabar nut, in Hindi Bansa, in Kannada Adusoge, in Persian Bansa and in Urdu Arusa. It has antispasmodic, expectorant, bronchodilator, antitubercular, antiseptic, parasiticidal, anti-inflammatory, antiphlcgmatic, antibilious, uterine stimulant, antidote, digestive, appetizer, emmenagogue, anthelmintic, diuretic and antihypertensive activities. The alkaloids vasicine and vasicinone are potent bronchodilators. Vasakin a non-nitrogenous principle obtained from alcoholic extract is antidiabetic. Leaves are chiefly used in chest diseases particularly as expectorant and bronchial antiseptic, also regarded as useful in tuberculosis. The leaves dried and made into cigarettes are smoked in asthma. The leaves when smoked in a pipe give relief in asthma because it produces an ammoniacal vapour which makes breathing easier. Its hypotensive, bronchodilator, expectorant, hypoglycemic, antibiotic, antitubercular and uterine activities have been proved by experimental and clinical studies
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Barbers who have occupational hazard of accidental exposure to blood are at increased risk for acquiring blood borne infections. There are many blood borne infections but hepatitis due to hepatitis B and C viruses is leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide including Pakistan. The objective of this study was to find the frequency of HBsAg in barbers and to assess their knowledge of this occupational risk. This is a cross-sectional epidemiologic survey, that was conducted at Faisalabad between Jan 2007 to March 2007. A total of 139 barbers working in Faisalabad city were included in the study. A closed structured questionnaire was filled to asses the knowledge and attitude of the barbers. HBsAg test was carried out by rapid test method for each barber. Mean age of barbers was 37.3 years and they had worked in the trade for an average of 15.9 years. Only 37 [26.62%] regarded hepatitis B as occupational hazard for barbers. HBsAg was positive in 4.63% of barbers working at hair dresser shops and 6.45% of roadside barbers. Awareness about the occupational hazard of hepatitis B among barbers is poor. All means of prevention must be used to protect the health of these workers and of the general population