Genetic variations among the isolates of Bipolaris Maydis based on phenotypic and molecular markers

Abstract Maydis leaf blight, caused by Bipolaris maydis, is an important disease of maize crop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. Fifteen isolates of the pathogen, collected across KP, were studied for variability based on phenotypic and molecular markers. Significant variability among the isolates was observed when assessed using phenotypic traits such as radial growth, spore concentration, fungicide sensitivity and virulence. The isolates were classified into six culture groups based on colour, texture and margins of the colony. Conidial morphology was also variable. These were either straight or slightly curved and light to dark brown in colour. Fungicide test showed significant variation in the degree of sensitivity against Carbendazim. Isolate Bm8 exhibited maximum radial growth on carbendazim spiked plates. Conversely, isolate Bm15 showed the lowest radial growth. Variations in virulence pattern of the isolates were evident when a susceptible maize variety Azam was inoculated with spores of B. maydis. Genetic variability amongst the isolates was also estimated by RAPD as well as sequencing of ITS region. The RAPD dendrogram grouped all the isolates into two major clusters. Average genetic distance ranged from 0.6% to 100%, indicating a diverse genetic gap among the isolates. Maximum genetic distance was found between isolates Bm9 and Bm10 as well as Bm2 and Bm8. Conversely, isolates Bm13 and Bm15 were at minimum genetic distance. Phylogenetic dendrogram based on sequencing of ITS region grouped all the isolates into a single major cluster. The clusters in both the dendrogram neither correlate to the geographical distribution nor to the morphological characteristics.

Resumo A ferrugem das folhas de maydis, causada por Bipolaris maydis, é uma doença importante da cultura do milho em Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. Quinze isolados do patógeno, coletados em KP, foram estudados quanto à variabilidade com base em marcadores fenotípicos e moleculares. Variabilidade significativa entre os isolados foi observada quando avaliada por meio de características fenotípicas, como crescimento radial, concentração de esporos, sensibilidade a fungicida e virulência. Os isolados foram classificados em seis grupos de cultura com base na cor, textura e margens da colônia. A morfologia dos conídios também foi variável. Estes eram retos ou ligeiramente curvos e de cor marrom-claro a escuro. O teste de fungicida mostrou variação significativa no grau de sensibilidade ao carbendazim. O isolado Bm8 exibiu crescimento radial máximo em placas com adição de carbendazim. Por outro lado, o isolado Bm15 apresentou o menor crescimento radial. As variações no padrão de virulência dos isolados foram evidentes quando uma variedade de milho suscetível Azam foi inoculada com esporos de B. maydis. A variabilidade genética entre os isolados também foi estimada por RAPD, bem como sequenciamento da região ITS. O dendrograma RAPD agrupou todos os isolados em dois grupos principais. A distância genética média variou de 0,6% a 100%, indicando uma lacuna genética diversa entre os isolados. A distância genética máxima foi encontrada entre os isolados Bm9 e Bm10 e também entre Bm2 e Bm8. Por outro lado, os isolados Bm13 e Bm15 estavam a uma distância genética mínima. O dendrograma filogenético baseado no sequenciamento da região ITS agrupou todos os isolados em um único aglomerado principal. Os agrupamentos em ambos os dendrogramas não se correlacionam com a distribuição geográfica nem com as características morfológicas.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Malay Version of the Impact of Weight on Quality Of Life-Lite (IWQOL-LITE) Questionnaire

Background: The availability of obesity specific quality of life measurement tool is limited. The Malay version of Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite is an obesity specific quality of life questionnaire which has been translated for use in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of this tool to measure quality of life among different body mass index (BMI) groups.Methods: One hundred and twenty subjects with different BMI categories attending an outpatient government clinic participated in this study. The translated Malay version of IWQOL-Lite was used for assessment. The validity of this questionnaire was examined using content validity, criterion validity and construct validity. Reliability analyses used in this study were internal consistencies and test-retest reliability. Results: The Malay version of IWQOL-Lite showed good psychometric properties whereby the content validity was sufficient as measured by expert panels. The mean score of all IWQOL-Lite domains were able to discriminate between different BMI groups. Good internal consistency was demonstrated by Cronbach alpha of 0.936. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.828 to 0.932. The physical function score (IWQOL-Lite) correlated positively with Physical Component Summary of Short Form-36 questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis found that the questions loaded on five domains. Conclusion: The results suggest that the Malay version of IWQOL-Lite is a valid and reliable tool to measure quality of life among obese and overweight subjects in Malaysia.

Experiencing Health Care and Culture in Niigata, Japan

In July 2010 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Niigata University (NU) signed a memorandum of agreement to continue collaboration in joint planning and implementation of education, research and practice services in the field of medicine. Since then several undergraduate and postgraduate students including academic staffs have been visiting NU and UKM as part of their learning experience. This collaboration is also a good opportunity for Doctor of Public Health (DRPH) postgraduate candidates to gain experience on the practice of public health in handling public health issues, planning the healthcare facilities, delivering a quality public health services, enforcing public health policies/regulations and finally learn about the health systems in general at other countries especially from developed country like Japan. The learning experience will help student to evaluate the difference of practice of public health in different countries based on their culture, availability of resources, disease trend and other factors influence the practice of public health.

Knowledge of depression among community members and health care providers in two selected areas of district Rawalpindi

To determine the level of knowledge about depression in two selected areas of district Rawalpindi. Cross-sectional survey report. Union council Rehmatabad and mohalla Sultanpura, Rawalpindi, from June to December 2007. Strata of community were interviewed regarding the knowledge about depression using an indigenously developed questionnaire. To determine any association between difference of level of knowledge and different strata of community Chi-square [X][2] tests was applied at 5% level of significance and p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Most of the respondents [63%] thought that diabetes was the major health problem in our country. Most of participants thought that drug abuse and addiction [74.3%], adolescent emotional and behavioral problems [66.8%] followed by alcohol abuse [50.3%] and personality disorders [49.2%] were the common mental illnesses. Chi-square [X][2] statistics showed a highly significant association between difference of level of knowledge and the two strata of community i.e. health care providers and community members [p < 0.001]. People in the selected areas of district Rawalpindi had a poor knowledge about depression

The Implementation of Hospital Information System (HIS) in Tertiary Hospitals in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

Hospital Information System (HIS) is a comprehensive, integrated information system designed to manage the administrative, financial and clinical aspects of a hospital. This study is to describe those aspects of the implementation of hospital information system in three tertiary hospitals in Klang Valley; Serdang Hospital, Selayang Hospital and University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). A qualitative study was conducted to obtain views on information system development and implementation in the hospitals mentioned above. In-depth interviews with personnel representing both the system providers and the end-users were done guided by a questionnaire. The results of the interviews were categorized into few themes namely the system development, human resource, scope of implementation, support system, user-friendly, training, hardware and security. There were differences in hospital information system development and implementation in the three hospitals. Each system has its own strengths and weaknesses that make it unique. In developing HIS, it’s important to ensure the system can work effectively and efficiently. Quality human resource, good support system, user-friendly and adequate training of the end-user will determine the success of implementation of HIS. Upgrading of hardware and software as needed is the basis to keep up with the pace of technology advancement and increasing number of patients. It is hoped that HIS will be implemented in all other hospitals with effective integration and networking.

Occupational stress and job satisfaction among nurses at a tertiary care hospital

This study was conducted to find the different sources of occupational stress and the level of job satisfaction among nurses working at a tertiary care hospital. Cross sectional study. The study was conducted at Rawalpindi General Hospital from March 2005 to June 2005. The sample comprised of 50 female staff nurses working in different departments in Rawalpindi General Hospital. The sampling technique was stratified random sampling to include nurses working in various departments of hospital. Occupational stress and job satisfaction was assessed by Pressure Management Indicator in terms of Job Satisfaction, Organization, Mental well-being, Physical well-being, a 120 item self-report measure, encompassing many areas of stress evident in the workplace. Majority of the sample [74%] was working on full time whereas 26% were working on contract basis. The mean working hours in a week were 51.16 hrs + 8.98 hrs. On the scale of mental well being, which is comprised of various subscales, the mean score for resilience was 18.78 + 4.32 and for confidence level it was 10.40 + 4.19. These scores were more than the standard score which were 17.66 and 10.37 respectively. Majority of participants [70%] felt secure in their organization. Similarly 74% of participants scored more than the standard on sub scale of job satisfaction [Mean = 24.5 + 3.68]. On the scale for sources of pressure, the mean score on workload was 19.28 + 5.77, on personal responsibility the mean score was 14.04 + 2.99 and on the home/work balance the score was 19.92 + 4.36. The mean scores of participants on all these items were more than the standard scores. It appears that the nurses at a tertiary care hospital have a high index of occupational stress and majority of it generates from the administrative disorganization of the firm and less from the personal or the monitory factors

Tele-Psychiatry: answer to psychiatric rehabilitation of earthquake affected population in Pakistan

Telemedicine utilizes information and telecommunications technology to transfer medical information for diagnosis, therapy and education through images, live video and audio. Past experiences as well as research have provided us significant evidence that the psychological distress and trauma induced by a disaster is the predisposing factor not only for increase in the incidence of these psychiatric ailments but it also triggers the exacerbation and relapse of previously existing conditions. Considering the prevailing consequences of the earthquake disaster in Pakistan, psychiatric rehabilitation in AJK and Northern areas through specialized health services, can be conducted using Tele-psychiatry. It is a practical and feasible way of facilitating delivery of psychiatric consultation, especially to affected areas where psychiatric facilities are virtually non-existent. A project of tele-psychiatry is proposed in this article

Relationship between anxiety, depression, psychological well- being and quality of life in diabetic patients having Haemodialysis

To assess the relationship between anxiety, depression, psychological well-being and their association with quality of life in diabetics having haemodilysis due to renal failure and those without haemodilysis.Cross-sectional comparative study. The study was conducted at the inpatient department of Nephrology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from March 2005 to June 2005.The sample consisted of 60 diabetic patients selected through non-probability convenient sampling technique, whereby 30 patients had haemodilysis and 30 patients were without haemodilysis. Anxiety, depression, quality of life and psychological well being were assessed with General Health Questionnaire 12 [GHQ 12], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] and WHO Quality of Life Brief [00L BREF] respectively.The mean scores of HADS of diabetic patients with or without haemodilysis on depression dimension were 12.43 [S.D + 3.55] and 8.93 [S.D. + 4.47] respectively where the difference was statistically significant. Mean scores of patients with and without haemodilysis for anxiety were 14.00 [S.D.+ 3.454] and 7.23 [S.D + 2.763] respectively which were again statistically significant. A significant positive correlation existed between anxiety and depression as well as quality of life and psychological well-being whereas depression was inversely correlated to both psychological well-being and quality of life. The diabetic patients with haemodilysis have anxiety, depression and poor quality of life when compared to those without haemodilysis

Psycho-social stressors in patients with somatoform disorders

To identify and compare the various psychosocial stressors in patients presenting with somatoform disorders during the last one year A retrospective [ex post facto] study. The study was conducted in the Inpatient and out patient departments of the Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi General Hospital, from January 2004 to April 2004. The sample consisted of 80 patients [40 male and 40 female] with somatoform disorders. Life Events Scale [LES] and Axis-IV of DSM were used as instruments to study the various psychosocial stressors. The findings suggested that female patients [M = 356.15, SD = 138.01] experience more life events as compared to male patients [M = 317.6, SD = 103.48]. There were non-significant differences between males and females in terms of problems with the primary support group, social environment and economic difficulties. However mean scores indicated that female patients [M=1.43, SD=. 87] experience more problems with primary support group as compared to males [M =2.35, SD =1.09] whereas male patients [M= 1.50, SD=. 87] have more problems with the social environment as compared to females [M=1.43, SD=. 87]. Both male [M=. 87, SD=. 88] and female [M =.75, SD=. 59] patients showed preponderance with economic problems. Majority of the patients presenting with somatization belonged to the younger age groups. Somatoform disorders were more common among housewives and in males who were unemployed. There was a significant variation within the educational status of the patients. Psychosocial stressors are important causal factors for Somatoform disorders. People having problems with the primary support group and social environment are twice likely to present with somatoform disorders

Depression and anxiety in the caregivers of mentally ill patients

This study aimed at assessing the level of depression and anxiety among the caregivers of male and female patients with different psychiatric diagnosis. It was a Retrospective study. The data was taken from both In and Out patient departments Institute of Psychiatry Rawalpindi General Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2004 to April 2004. The sample consisted of primary caregivers of 50 patients' of both genders, 25 male and 25 female patients. One primary caregivers of each patient was taken. Hamilton Rating Scale for depression [HAM-D] and HAM-A were used to assess depression and Anxiety. Sample was taken from the out patient department of Rawalpindi general Hospital. The result of study revealed that caregivers of the patients with psychiatric illnesses have significant high level of depression and anxiety and significant gender differences were also observed. Results showed that caregivers of young male patients have high level of depression as compare to older male patients and young female patient. No significant differences were observed between care givers of young male and female patients. The caregivers of patients carrying the diagnosis of schizophrenia have higher level of depression as compared to caregivers of depression and substance abuse. The duration of illness is also important dimension as care givers of the patients who were ill more that 18 months their family reported about being depressed and anxious. From the present study it can be suggested that the care givers of young patients have higher levels of depression and anxiety as compared to older patients and duration of illness and gender are important parameters to this

Locus of control and personality traits of male substance abusers and nonabusers

The present study aimed to assess and compare personality traits and locus of control of substance abusers and male non-Abusers. Retrospective study. The male substance abusers were taken from two drug treatment centers of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Nijiat Markaz and sunny trust Bahara Kahu, and 50 male non- abusers were taken from general community January 2004 to April 2004. The sample consisted of 100 males, 50 male Abusers and 50 males' non-abusers. The abusers and non abusers were selected through non-probability, purposive sampling technique. Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale [1966] [Urdu Translation], 16 Personality Factor Test [16PF, 1949] [Urdu Translation] were used in study along with demographic sheet. The age range of male substance abusers and non-abusers was from 18 to 50 years, educated up to intermediate level. The age range of alcohol, opium and cannabis abusers was between 26 to 36 years, where as the heroin and poly drug-abuser ages were ranging between 37 to 50 years. Most of the substance abusers were using heroin and poly drugs. The results indicated that male substance abusers scored lower than non abusers on personality traits of Openness to change[t = 7.360,P<0.01], Self reliance[t = 12.21,df = 49,P<0.01],Perfectionism[t = 11.79,df = 49,P<0.01]and Tension [t = 16.4,df = 49,P<0.01]. Substance abusers significantly scored higher on external locus of control [t=7.50, DF=49, P=.000]. Substance abusers had accentuated specific personality traits which makes them different from non abusers. Moreover, substance abusers seem to be more influenced by environmental cues. Locus of control orientation is an important parameter which has effect on thought, behavior and actions

Management of non-penetrating traumatic hyphema in ophthalmology department of HMC. Review of 83 cases

To review the management strategy of non-penetrating traumatic hyphema in ophthalmology department of HMC [Hamad Medical Corporation] and compare it with other international approaches. This is a retrospective study for evaluating the management of non-penetrating traumatic hyphema in the Ophthalmology Department of Hamad Medical Corporation. Records of 83 patients over the period between January 1999 and May 2003 were studied for various criteria including: demographic factors; causes; severity and type of hyphema; visual and intraocular pressure outcome; and application and outcome of medical and surgical treatment. Patients' criteria and treatment policy was compared with other studies.Visual acuity as defined according to the WHO system. Total of 83 patients; 76% males and 24% females, their average age was 24.4 years. The majority had hyphema due to work trauma 45.8%, 76% recovered 6/12 or better vision within one month, 14% developed glaucoma, 2.4% complicated by corneal blood staining. Mydriatics were used in 65%, 5% had rebleeding. All the patients were treated as inpatients, only one case required surgical intervention for uncontrolled IOP and early corneal staining. Dependent on the findings of our study and other studies, we rationalized alterations to be concerned according to Qatar locality, however, the general outcome of traumatic hyphema in our department was not bad

Attitudes of medical students towards psychiatry in Pakistan

The attitudes of 575 Medical Students of Rawalpindi Medical College towards psychiatry were studied using the 30-item 'Attitudes towards Psychiatry' questionnaire. The responses of all the five years and gender differences towards psychiatry are presented

Validation of general health questionnaire in a primary care setting of Pakistan

A study was conducted in a primary care setting to validate the General Health Questionnaire [GHQ 12]. The study had a two-stage design. During stage 1, all patients attending primary care facilities were given GHQ 12. All those scoring above two, and one in ten of those scoring below two, were given the second stage diagnostic instrument psychiatric assessment schedule [PAS], GHQ 12 had a sensitivity of 93% and specificity 88%

Detection of depression medical in patients using depression scale

This study was designed assess the validity of depression scale in a sample of 115 general medical inpatients of a teaching hospital. The initial interview was conducted by medical students using the depression scale; this was followed by second stage semi-structured diagnostic interview by a psychiatrist. Standard validity coefficients of the scales detection of DSM-III-R major depressive episode were measured. The depression scale had a sensitivity of 83% with a specificity of 72%. Depression scale raised the physicians, level of detection of depressive episode from 44% to 100%. It is concluded that use of the scale substantially improved detection of depression in patients admitted in a general medical ward. The scale was also useful in facilitating teaching of medical students