Abstract To evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility patterns in URTIs reporting to tertiary hospitals of Lahore. A cross-sectional study employing 259 culture sensitivity reports obtained from tertiary care hospitals of Lahore. Using SPSS, descriptive statistics were used to estimate frequencies and percentages. In URTIs, S. aureus (5%) was the frequent gram-positive isolate followed by MRSA (1.5%) and MSSA (1.5%), while P. aeruginosa (15.8%) was the prevalent gram-negative isolate followed by Klebsiella (13.1%) and E. coli (6.9%). Against P. aeruginosa, ceftazidime (7.7%), cefuroxime/ceftriaxone (4.6%), amoxicillin (4.3%) and ciprofloxacin (4.2%), were tested resistant, while imipenem (11.2%), ciprofloxacin (9.2%), amikacin (9.2%), meropenem/ levofloxacin/gentamicin (8.1%) and piptaz (6.9%) were found sensitive. Against Klebsiella, carbepenems (7.3%), amikacin (6.5%), ciprofloxacin (5.4%) and gentamicin (5%) were tested sensitive, whereas, ceftazidime (8.5%), ceftriaxone (5.8%), cefaclor (5.5%), ampicillin (4.6%), co-amoxiclave (4.2%) and ciftazidime/ciprofloxacin (3.8%) were found resistant. Overall, imipenem (35%), meropenem (30.8%) and amikacin (31.9%) were the three most sensitive antibiotics, while ceftazidime (25.4%), ceftriaxone (19.2%) and ampicillin (18.5%) were the three most resistant antibiotics. Data suggested that P.aeruginosa and Klebsiella, were the most frequent bacterial isolates in URTIs of Lahore. These isolates were resistant to ampicillin, cefuroxime and ceftazidime, but were sensitive to carbapenem and aminoglycosides.

The study was performed to estimate the association of hypertension and dyslipidaemia with increasing body weight and obesity in Type II diabetics of Lahore, Pakistan. An observational study was conducted by enrolling 2708 obese diabetics from four diabetes care centres of Lahore, Pakistan. Data was collected for a period of 7 months. Associations were estimated using chi-square, binary and multinomial logistic regression. Data suggested that blood pressure, systolic and diastolic, exhibited continual increase with increasing body weight and obesity class in diabetes patients with 41.8% increase in the prevalence of hypertension in obesity class III subjects (OR; 1.91, p=0.02). Likewise, triglycerides and total cholesterol exhibited continual increase in their mean values with increasing obesity, i-e., an overall increase in the prevalence of dyslipidaemia of 27.2% in obesity class 3 subjects (OR; 1.94, p=0.29). Taken together, this data suggested that hypertension is potentially associated with increasing obesity in diabetics, while dyslipidaemia demonstrated plausible association only with obesity class 3.

ABSTRACT The leaves of Acacia modesta Wall. have been shown to possess diverse pharmacological properties. Therefore, we aimed at evaluating anti-diabetic, cytotoxic and proliferative effects of extracts of Acacia modesta Wall. leaves. After evaluating the primary and secondary metabolites, anti-diabetic activity of various extracts was assessed by α-amylase inhibition, glucose uptake by yeast cells and non-enzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin assay. Cytotoxicity and proliferative potential was assessed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and short term proliferation assays, respectively, using human liver carcinoma cell line, HepG2. Among other extracts, chloroform extract exhibited 34.16% inhibition of α-amylase, 90.65% inhibition of hemoglobin glycosylation and 94.75% glucose uptake employing α-amylase inhibition, non-enzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin and glucose uptake by yeast cells assays, respectively. Moreover, extracts exhibited no significant effects on HepG2 cell viability and proliferation. So, this data suggested that chloroform extract of leaves of Acacia modesta Wall., exhibited higher anti-hyperglycemic activity in comparison to extracts in other solvents, while no extract demonstrated cytotoxic and proliferation effects when tested using HepG2 cell line.

Resumo Objetivo: anemia é uma complicação comum de doenças renais crônicas (DRC) e está significativamente envolvida na morbidade cardiovascular. O objetivo de nosso estudo foi investigar a prevalência e a gravidade da anemia em pacientes adultos pré-diálise, bem como determinar fatores preditores da terapia antianêmica. Método: estudo retrospectivo observacional foi realizado em pacientes pré-diálise adultos que recebiam tratamento no Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2013. Resultados: ao todo, 615 casos elegíveis foram incluídos. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 64,1±12,0 anos. A prevalência de anemia foi de 75,8%, e a gravidade da anemia foi considerada leve em 47,7%, moderada em 32,2% e grave em 20% dos pacientes. Com base nas características morfológicas da anemia, os pacientes foram classificados em anemia normocrômica normocítica (76,9%), anemia hipocrômica microcítica (21,8%) e anemia macrocítica (1,3%). Suplementos de ferro oral foram prescritos para 38% dos pacientes e a nenhum dos pacientes foram dados eritropoietina, agentes estabilizadores (ESA) e preparações de ferro por via intravenosa. Na regressão logística, os preditores significativos de utilização da preparação antianêmica foram diminuição da hemoglobina e do hematócrito e estágios avançados da DRC. Conclusão: os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que a prevalência de anemia em pacientes pré-diálise é maior do que o atualmente aceito e está associado com a função renal; a prevalência aumenta com a diminuição da função renal. A identificação precoce e o manejo adequado da anemia não só terão um impacto positivo na qualidade de vida, mas também reduzirão internações de pacientes com DRC decorrentes de eventos cardiovasculares.

Summary Objective: Anemia, a common complication of chronic kidney diseases (CKD), is involved in significant cardiovascular morbidity. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of anemia in pre-dialysis patients, as well as to determine the predictors of anti-anemic therapy. Method: A retrospective, observational study was conducted on adult pre-dialysis patients receiving treatment at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from January 2009 to December 2013. Results: A total of 615 eligible cases were included. The mean age of patients was 64.1±12.0 years. The prevalence of anemia was 75.8%, and the severity of anemia was mild in 47.7% of the patients, moderate in 32.2%, and severe in 20%. Based on morphological classification of anemia, 76.9% of our patients had normochromic-normocytic anemia whereas 21.8 and 1.3% had hypochromic-microcytic anemia and macrocytic anemia, respectively. Oral iron supplements were prescribed to 38.0% of the patients and none of the patients was given erythropoietin stabilizing agents (ESA) or intravenous iron preparations. In logistic regression, significant predictors of anti-anemic preparation use were decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, and advanced stages of CKD. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the prevalence of anemia in pre-dialysis patients is higher than currently accepted and it is found to be correlated with renal function; prevalence increases with declined renal function. An earlier identification as well as appropriate management of anemia will not only have a positive impact on quality of life but also reduce hospitalizations of CKD patients due to cardiovascular events.

The present observation was aimed to evaluate the gross and histometric parameters of the vesicular glands of indigenous bulls. Twenty-eight bulls of three age groups were selected from the local market: the pre pubertal group A (<1 year n=4), pubertal group B (1.52.5 years, n=16) and post pubertal or adult group C (above 3 years, n=8). The weight, length (anterio-posterior), width (latero-medial) and the thickness (dorso-ventral) of the both left and right vesicular glands were recorded separately after slaughter of each animal. The left and right vesicular gland shows significantly different (p<0.01), in weight and length in every group. Left vesicular glands were slightly higher than the right in all parameters. The lobules of the gland showed folded mucosa, lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Three types of cells were identified in the epithelium containing A, B and C cell. Type A cells were tall columnar cells having distinct cell boundaries with the oval, round or elongated nucleus. Type B cells were located in the basal lamina having round or oval nucleus with indistinct cell boundaries. Type C cells were narrow columnar cells interspersed between A cells with darkly stained cytoplasm. Lamina propria consisted of loose connective tissue surrounded the alveoli, tubules and some solid end pieces. The numbers of secretory end pieces were variable. The diameters of luminated or non-luminated acini of the glandular end pieces and ducts were increased gradually and significantly (p<0.01) with the advancement of age. The epithelial height of the duct and alveoli were increased with the advancement of age, but no significantly differences among them. Tunica adventitia and muscularis grew with the advancement of age while the interstitial tissue shrunk equally. Above all parameters help to conclude that the vesicular glands of the pubertal indigenous bulls were more functional.

El presente estudio tuvo como propósito evaluar los parámetros macroscópicos e histométricos de las glándulas vesiculares de toros autóctonos. Veinticuatro toros fueron seleccionados en el mercado local y agrupados según la edad en: grupo prepuberal A (<1 año; n=4), grupo puberal B (1.52,5 años; n=16) y postpuberal o adulto C (por sobre 3 años; n=8). Se registró el peso, longitud (antero-posterior), ancho (latero-medial) y espesor (dorso-ventral) de las glándulas vesiculares izquierda y derecha por separado, después de sacrificado cada animal. Las glándulas vesiculares izquierda y derecha presentaron diferencia significativa (P<0,01) en cuanto al peso y longitud en cada grupo. Las glándulas vesiculares izquierdas fueron ligeramente mayores en relación a la derecha en todos los parámetros. Los lóbulos de la glándula mostraron una mucosa plegada, cubierta con epitelio columnar pseudoestratificado. Se identificaron tres tipos de células en el epitelio, conteniendo células de tipo A, B y C. Las células de tipo A eran células columnares altas con núcleos ovalados, redondos o alargados. Las células de tipo B se localizaron en la lámina basal, presentando un núcleo redondo o oval con límites celulares indistintos. Las células de tipo C eran células columnares estrechas intercaladas entre las células de tipo A, presentando un citoplasma oscuro. La lámina propia estaba constituida por tejido conectivo laxo, rodeada de alvéolos, túbulos y algunas piezas terminales sólidas. El número de extremos de secreción fue variable. El diámetro de los acinos con luz y sin luz de las piezas terminales y conductos glandulares aumentaron de manera gradual y significativa con el avance de la edad (P<0,01). La altura del epitelio del conducto y alvéolos aumentó con el avance de la edad, pero sin diferencias significativas entre ellos. Las túnicas adventicia y muscular aumentaron con el avance de la edad, mientras que el tejido intersticial se retrajo de manera proporcional. A partir de todos los parámetros analizados, se puede concluir que las glándulas vesiculares de los toros del grupo puberal fueron las más funcionales.

Nitrogen fxing capacity of leguminous plants can be increased by the supply of adequate amounts of nutrients, especially phosphorus and sulfur. Some nutrients have direct involvement in the process of nitrogen fixation while others afect by improving growth of host plant. Field experiments were conducted at two different locations in northern rainfed Punjab, Pakistan, to assess the amount of nitrogen fixation and nitrogen uptake by chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) during crop growing seasons 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. Treatments were: phosphorus levels (0, 40 and 80 kg P2O5 ha-1); sulfur sources (gypsum and ammonium sulfate) and levels (0, 15 and 30 kg S ha-1). The experimental design was randomized complete block with split-split plot arrangement: phosphorus levels in main plots, sulfur sources in sub-plots and sulfur levels in sub-sub-plots. Phosphorus (80 kg P2O5 ha-1) increased nitrogen fixed and uptake by 33 and 31 % over control. However, effect of phosphorus on nitrogen derived from atmosphere was not signifcant while that of sulfur was signifcant. Sulfur (30 kg S ha-1) increased nitrogen derived from atmosphere, amount of nitrogen fixed and nitrogen uptake by 6, 25 and 17 % over control. Ammonium sulfate treatments caused signifcantly higher amount of nitrogen fixed and higher nitrogen uptake as compared to gypsum treatments, although both sulfur sources were similar regarding percent nitrogen derived from atmosphere. A strong positive correlation (R= 0.98**) between amount of nitrogen fixed and nitrogen uptake at both locations was observed. There was a direct effect of sulfur on the process of nitrogen fixation, whereas phosphorus mainly afected growth of chickpea.

La capacidad de fijación del nitrógeno de las leguminosas puede aumentar suministrando cantidades adecuadas de nutrientes, especialmente fósforo y azufre. Algunos nutrientes participan directamente en el proceso de fijación del nitrógeno, mientras que otros mejoran el crecimiento de la planta huésped. Los experimentos de campo se llevaron a cabo en dos lugares diferentes en la zona norte de temporal, en Punjab, Pakistán, para evaluar la cantidad de nitrógeno fijado y la absorción de nitrógeno por el garbanzo (Cicer arietinum L.) durante las temporadas de cultivo 2006-2007 y 2007-2008. Los tratamientos fueron: fósforo (0, 40 y 80 kg de P2O5 ha-1), fuentes (yeso y sulfato de amonio) y niveles de azufre (0, 15 y 30 kg S ha-1). El diseño experimental fue de bloques completos al azar con arreglo de parcelas sub-subdivididas: niveles de fósforo en las parcelas principales, fuentes de azufre en las sub-parcelas y niveles de azufre en las sub- sub-parcelas. El fósforo (80 kg P2O5 ha-1) aumentó la absorción y fijación de nitrógeno en 33 y 31 % sobre el testigo. Sin embargo, el efecto del fósforo en el nitrógeno derivado de la atmósfera no fue signifcativo, mientras que el del azufre sí lo fue. El azufre (30 kg S ha-1) aumentó el nitrógeno derivado de la atmósfera, la cantidad de nitrógeno fijado y su absorción en 6, 25 y 17 % sobre el testigo. Los tratamientos con sulfato de amonio aumentaron signifcativamente la cantidad de nitrógeno fijado y la absorción de nitrógeno comparados con los tratamientos de yeso, aunque ambas fuentes de azufre fueron similares con respecto al porcentaje de nitrógeno proveniente de la atmósfera. Hubo una fuerte correlación positiva (R= 0.98**) entre la cantidad de nitrógeno fijado y la absorción de nitrógeno en ambas localidades. Hubo un efecto directo del azufre en el proceso de fijación de nitrógeno, mientras que el fósforo afectó principalmente el crecimiento del garbanzo.

Nitrogen fixing capability of legumes can be enhanced by the supply of adequate amounts of nutrients, especially phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S). However, combined application of P and S may have synefgistic oí antognistic effects on crop yield, depending upon initial fertility status of soil, level of nutrients applied and test crop used. Field experiments were conducted at two different locations (Barani Agriculture Research Institute, Chakwal, and farmer's field, Talagang) in northern fainfed Punjab, Pakistan, to assess nodulation, nitrogen fixation and nutrient uptake by chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in response to application of P (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1) and of S (0, 15 and 30 kg ha-1) in different combinations. Application of P and S significantly increased seed yield (27 to 41 % and 7 to 11 %) over control. Sulphur application increased N derived from ah- (% Ndfa) by 5 to 7 % over control; however, P application had no significant effect on Ndfa. Both P and S application increased N fixation (16 to 40 % and 15 to 22 %) over control. Nutrient uptake (N, P and S) increased significantly with the application of both P and S. There was a wreak correlation between P uptake and % Ndfa (R=0.28*) but a positive correlation between S uptake and % Ndfa (R=0.76**). Phosphorus (R=0.56") and sulphur (R=0.97**) uptake correlated positively with N fixation.

La capacidad de las leguminosas para asimilar el nitrógeno puede incrementarse si se suministran cantidades adecuadas de nutrientes, específicamente fósforo (P) y azufre (S). Sin embargo, la aplicación combinada de P y S puede tener efectos sinérgicos o antagónicos en el rendimiento del cultivo, dependiendo del estatus inicial de fertilidad del suelo, del nivel de nutrientes suministrados, así como del cultivo de prueba utilizado. Los experimentos de campo se realizaron en dos áreas (Barani Research Institute, Chakwal, y el campo agrícola de Talagang) de secano en el norte de Punjab, Pakistán, para evaluar nodulación, fijación de nitrógeno (N) y captación de nutrientes en el garbanzo (Cicer arietinum L.) en respuesta a la aplicación de P (0, 40 y 80 kg ha-1) y de S (0, 15 y 30 kg ha-1) en distintas combinaciones. La aplicación de P y S incrementó significativamente el rendimiento de semilla (27 % a 41 % y 7 % a 11 °/o) respecto al testigo. La aplicación de S aumentó el N derivado del aire (% Ndfa) en 5 % respecto al testigo; sin embargo la aplicación de P no tuvo un efecto significativo en Ndfa. La aplicación tanto de P como de S incrementó la fijación de N (16 % a 40 % y 15 % a 22 %) respecto al testigo. La captación de nutrientes (N, P y S) aumentó significativamente con la aplicación tanto de P como de S. Hubo una ligera correlación entre la captación de P y % Ndfa (R = 0.28*), y una correlación positiva entre la captación de S y % Ndfa (R=0.76**). La captación tanto de P (R=0.56**) como de S (R=0.97**) se correlacionó positivamente con la fijación de N.