RESUMO: As mudanças climáticas caracterizadas pelo aquecimento global e frequente ocorrência de períodos prolongados de seca têm demandado o cultivo de culturas multiúsos, que são resistentes à temperatura e à seca. Neste artigo é avaliado o potencial de produção de pera de cacto [Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.] como uma cultura de forragem alternativa e de baixo custo, juntamente com os recentes avanços em seu cultivo e utilização como cultura de alimentos para complementação da segurança alimentar de uma população em rápido crescimento. As características botânicas, ecológicas e fisiológicas que permitem que a pera de cactos sobreviva sob condições agroclimáticas adversas, têm sido objetivamente elaboradas. Uma variedade de impedimentos que dificultam o cultivo em larga escala e as futuras necessidades de melhoramento da produção de biomassa e da qualidade nutricional também foram identificadas. O potencial da pera de cacto para reduzir a desertificação, juntamente com a sustentabilidade para a agricultura moderna, comercial e rentável em terras secas torna uma planta excepcional. Seu rendimento de biomassa anual (caules chamados cladódios) de 40-50 t ha-1 com manejo agronômico adequado pode sustentar 5-6 vacas adultas alimentando uma família de 12-16 pessoas. Entretanto, o crescimento lento, o menor rendimento da fruta, a qualidade nutritiva pobre da forragem e o medo de a pera do cacto tornar-se uma planta daninha nociva restringem seu cultivo popularizado, exigindo assim um melhoramento genético abrangente e um pacote de tecnologia agronômica.

ABSTRACT: Climate change characterized by global warming and frequent occurrence of prolonged drought spells has necessitated the cultivation of multi-purpose crops which are temperature and drought hardy. This paper evaluates the production potential of cactus pear [Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.] as an alternate and low-cost forage crop along with the recent advancements in its cultivation and utilization as food crop for supplementing the food security of rapidly increasing populace. The botanical, ecological and physiological traits enabling cactus pear to survive under harsh agro-climatic conditions have been objectively elaborated. A variety of impediments hampering its wide-scale cultivation and future breeding needs for improving the biomass production and nutritional quality have also been identified. The potential of cactus pear to reduce desertification along with imparting sustainability to modern, commercial and profitable agriculture in dry-lands makes it an exceptional plant. Its annual biomass (stems called cladodes) yield of 40-50 t ha-1 with an appropriate agronomic management may sustain 5-6 adult cows supporting a family of 12-16 people. However, its slow growth, less fruit yield, poor nutritional quality of forage and the fear of cactus pear becoming a noxious weed restricts its popularized cultivation and thus demands a comprehensive genetic improvement and agronomic technology package.

ABSTRACT The current study was conducted on eight poultry farms in Lahore and Sheikhupura to monitor environmental conditions, determine workers’ health status and assess the implementation of standard management practices. Environmental monitoring, a health questionnaire survey and a respiratory function test were carried out. Seventy-one respondents were selected for the health assessment survey and lung function test. The results showed that the evaluated air-quality parameters, except for temperature and humidity, were well below the permissible occupational limits. Maximum temperature recorded was 32.75 ºC, while the highest humidity level was 85.5%. Farms were shown to be compliant with standard guidelines and management practices. The workers’ health survey indicated lower prevalence of work-related symptoms as compared to previous studies. However, most workers were not subjected to overall physical hazards, 21.1% of workers suffered from heat-induced dermatosis, and 38% suffered from heat exhaustion. Eye problems (watery, redness and itchiness) were experienced by 16.9% to 31%. Reported respiratory symptoms included wheezing during colds (18.3%), wheezing other than during colds (1.4%), chest tightness (16.9%), shortness of breath along with chest tightness (9.9%), regular breathing difficulties (14.1%), and coughing (15.5%). Observed lung function pattern, as measured by FEV1/FVC ratio, was 87 ± 17.7, with 65% workers having ‘restrictive’ disorder and 21% normal lung function pattern, while 21% presented ‘obstructive’ lung function. The study concludes an overall better health and safety management in the selected poultry farms.

The analysis of the genetic variability related to susceptibility to Schistosoma mansoni infection in the vector of the genus Biomphalaria is important in terms of a better understanding of the epidemiology of schistosomiasis itself, the possible pathological implications of this interaction in vertebrate hosts, and the formulation of new strategies and approaches for disease control. In the present study, the genetic variability of B. glabrata strains found to be resistant or susceptible to S. mansoni infection was investigated using DNA amplification by random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). The amplification products were analyzed on 8% polyacrylamide gel and stained with silver. We selected 10 primers, since they have previously been useful to detect polymorphism among B. glabrata and/or B. tenagophila. The results showed polymorphisms with 5 primers. Polymorphic bands observed only in the susceptible strain. The RAPD-PCR methodology represents an adequate approach for the analysis of genetic polymorphisms. The understanding of the genetic polymorphisms associated to resistance may contribute to the future identification of genomic sequences related to the resistance/susceptibility of Biomphalaria to the larval forms of S. mansoni and to the development of new strategies for the control of schistosomiasis.