Evaluation of soil loss severity and ecological restoration approach for sustainable agriculture in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalaya region

Soil erosion has resulted in removal of the topsoils containing fine soil particles and plant nutrients, causing decrease in soil fertility in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalaya(HKH) region. The existing production of cereal crop grains has been reduced to one third of the potential crop grains production owing to land degradation and poor farming practices. It is necessary to assess risk of soil loss and identify appropriate controlling measures to address issues of low agriculture productivity and water insecurity in the region. In the present study, severity of soil loss was predicted using Revised Universal Loss Equation(RUSLE) and ecological measures were identified for sustainable mountain agriculture in the HKH region of Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan. Overall 62.6% area was found to have very low risk of soil loss, i.e., <5 t/(ha·yr), 15.8% area low risk, i.e., 5-25 t/(ha·yr) and 7.5% area moderate risk, i.e., 25-50 t/(ha·yr) in the region. The risk was high, i.e., 50-100 t/(ha·yr) and very high, i.e., >100 t/(ha·yr) in about 6.8% and 7.4% areas respectively. The mean rate of soil loss was about 41.9 t/(ha·yr) in the Hindu Kush, 31.1 t/(ha·yr) in the Himalayas, 18.8 t/(ha·yr) in the Karakoram and overall 29.7 t/(ha·yr) in the three HKH ranges. As such no considerable measures have been adopted by the communities for restoration of the degraded areas except raising fruit/farm trees and supporting limited social forestry for their livelihoods. The slopes cleared for cultivation and susceptible to erosion may be stabilized through sowing/planting of multi-purpose plant species and formation of proper bench terraces. The conservation of forest ecosystem and pastures at higher elevations would help in reducing overland water flow, risk of flash flood hazard and minimizing sediment loads in the downstream. It is essential to adopt site-specific resource conservation techniques and restore possible ecosystem health for sustainable agriculture and economic development in the region in future.

大蒜不同品种及套播期对大棚基质栽培番茄和大蒜生长的影响

【目的】了解不同品种和套播期的大蒜与基质栽培番茄套作对大蒜及番茄生长的影响,为番茄/大蒜基质栽培高效模式的建立提供技术支撑。【方法】‘迪芬尼’番茄于2011-07-31定植(秋茬),在其生长期间选用极早熟、早熟、中晚熟大蒜品种G110、G026和G064进行套播,设3个套播期,即S1(09-01)、S2(09-21)、S3(10-11),秋茬番茄收获后于2012-03-30定植春茬番茄,测定大蒜和春茬番茄的生长指标及大蒜的二次生长率、独头率。【结果】大蒜品种间株高、假茎高、假茎粗、最大绿叶长、叶宽、绿叶数均为G064>G026>G110。大蒜不同套播期对绿体株高的影响在生育前期大,后期小;G064和G026的假茎高和假茎粗在整个生育期持续增加,而G110在生育后期出现下降趋势;G026的最大绿叶长在整个生育期持续缓慢增加,G064则是先增加后降低再迅速增加,G110表现为先增加后降低;不同套播期对G064的叶宽和绿叶数影响较小;G026的二次生长率显著大于G064,而G110未出现二次生长;G110的独头率显著大于G026,而G064未出现独头蒜。与G064套作显著降低了番茄在生长后期的株高、茎粗和春茬番茄产量,与G026和G110套作对春茬番茄产量未产生显著影响。【结论】套播期对不同品种大蒜有较大影响,套播过早或过晚均不利于大蒜生长;同一品种大蒜不同套播期对春茬番茄影响不显著,但G064显著影响了春茬番茄生长,因此该套作模式不宜选用中晚熟大蒜品种。

套蒜次数对大棚基质栽培番茄生长及基质理化性质的影响

探讨大棚基质栽培番茄套蒜1次和2次后对基质理化性质的变化及对番茄生长、产量的影响，为制定合理的套作措施提供理论依据。设置3个处理，分别是连作3茬番茄的基质中番茄单作、套过1次大蒜的基质中番茄单作和番茄／大蒜在套过1次大蒜的基质中继续套作。结果表明，番茄整个生育期内基质pH为7．3～7．7，变化幅度很小；由于施肥的影响，基质电导率在结果前期最高，之后随番茄、大蒜生长对养分的吸收较多导致其持续下降。番茄结果中期以前，套蒜1和2次基质的碱解氮含量均显著低于番茄单作，这是由于套蒜对基质速效氮消耗多于单作；套蒜显著提高基质中速效磷和速效钾的含量；增加基质中细菌和放线菌数量，降低真菌比例，且套作2次大蒜基质中的放线菌数量少于套作1次的基质。不同套蒜次数对秋茬番茄生长和产量无显著影响。因此，推荐在实际生产中通过基质栽培番茄套作大蒜来提高经济效益。

Analysis of 1246 Cases of Orbital Lesions: A Study of 17 Years

Purpose: The aim of this study is to present an analysis of orbital lesions by classifying them according to the site of origin in patients of all ages presenting at a tertiary care eye hospital from 1996 till 2012. Methods: 1637 patients were initially enrolled in this descriptive case series. Clinical data of 1246 patients who completed the study during 17 years were analyzed. Orbital lesions of the patients were examined and managed medically or surgically as per requirement. The histopathological reports of these patients were used to classify the lesions. Results: Out of all cases 54.57% (n = 680) were neoplastic and 45.42% (n = 566) were nonneoplastic lesions. Amongst the neoplastic lesions 86.17% (n = 586) were malignant and 13.82% (n = 94) were benign. Primary orbital lesions were the most common orbital lesions being 963 (77.29%) followed by secondary orbital lesions being 232 (18.62%), hematopoietic reticuloendothelial being 47 (3.77%) and metastatic lesions being 04 (0.32%). Conclusion: Orbital lesions are more common in adults as compared to children. Neoplastic lesions are more common than nonneoplastic lesions, and amongst the neoplastic lesions malignant lesions are more common than benign ones. Primary orbital lesions are the most common orbital lesions followed by secondary orbital lesions, lesions of the hematopoietic reticuloendothelial system and metastatic lesions.

Incidental seminal vesicle amyloidosis observed in diagnostic prostate biopsies--are routine investigations for systemic amyloidosis warranted？

Seminal vesicle （SV） amyloidosis is a well-documented histological entity, but it is observed infrequently. Its incidence is on the rise, which is probably related to the increasing use of prostate biopsies to investigate patients with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Here, we report seven cases of incidental SV amyloidosis over a 3-year period and consider their relationship to the previously suggested aetiological factors. Based on our series, we conclude that incidental localized SV amyloidosis observed in diagnostic prostate biopsies does not warrant formal investigations for systemic amyloidosis.

Modelling synergistic interactions between HER2, Sprouty2 and PTEN in driving prostate carcinogenesis

Prostate cancer remains a major global health issue and a major cause of mor-bidity and mortality in men worldwide. Activation of androgen receptor and inac- tivation of the tumour suppressor gene phosphatase and tensin homologue （PTEN） represent two major events in prostate carcinogenesis. Using a range of clinical resources, in vitro and in vivo models, we explored potential complex interactions among receptor tyrosine kinases （such as HER2/3 and EGFR） and tumour suppressor genes, namely,

Sentiment Analysis in Social Media for Competitive Environment Using Content Analysis

Education sector has witnessed several changes in the recent past.These changes have forced private universities into fierce competition with each other to get more students enrolled.This competition has resulted in the adoption of marketing practices by private universities similar to commercial brands.To get competitive gain,universities must observe and examine the students’feedback on their own social media sites along with the social media sites of their competitors.This study presents a novel framework which integrates numerous analytical approaches including statistical analysis,sentiment analysis,and text mining to accomplish a competitive analysis of social media sites of the universities.These techniques enable local universities to utilize social media for the identification of the most-discussed topics by students as well as based on the most unfavorable comments received,major areas for improvement.A comprehensive case study was conducted utilizing the proposed framework for competitive analysis of few top ranked international universities as well as local private universities in Lahore Pakistan.Experimental results show that diversity of shared content,frequency of posts,and schedule of updates,are the key areas for improvement for the local universities.Based on the competitive intelligence gained several recommendations are included in this paper that would enable local universities generally and Riphah international university(RIU)Lahore specifically to promote their brand and increase their attractiveness for potential students using social media and launch successful marketing campaigns targeting a large number of audiences at significantly reduced cost resulting in an increased number of enrolments.

Dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover Change Using Remote Sensing and GIS: A Case Study of Debre Tabor Town, South Gondar, Ethiopia

The importance of accurate and timely information describing the nature and extent of land resources and changes over time is increasing, especially in fast-growing urban areas. We have developed a methodology to detect changes in land cover using satellite images for the years 1997, 2002, 2012 and 2017. The categories of five-class classification in the study area were built up area, plantation, waterbody, agricultural land and pastureland. The maps showed that between 1997 and 2017, the amount of urban or developed land increased from 8.12% to 52.4% of the total area, while agriculture land, plantation, waterbody and pastureland decreased from the 91.88% to 47.6% from the entire study area. The results showed that the urban (highly built-up) area increased dramatically. Inversely, pastureland, agricultural land, waterbody, and plantation decreased obviously from the period of 1997 to 2017. The remote sensing and GIS technique used in this study proved to be efficient;the time was shortened for the analysis of the city extension;and it was discovered that it was a useful tool to evaluate the effects of urbanization on the basis of the satellite image of the given years. The results quantify land use, coverage change patterns in Debre Tabor Town and demonstrate the potential of remote sensing, and GIS tools provide an accurate and cost-effective means to track land cover changes along time that can be used as management decisions and guidelines.

Association between Sex Differences and the Pharmacokinetics of Repaglinide among a Malaysian Population

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sex differences on the pharmacokinetics of repaglinide in healthy subjects. One hundred twenty one healthy volunteers (61 male and 60 female;aged 18 - 50 years) were included in the study. Subjects were administered a single 4-mg repaglinide oral dose. Blood samples were taken at 0, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min. Serum repaglinide levels were determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Subjects were also genotyped by polymerase chain reactions - restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) for CYP3A4*4, *5 and *18 alleles and by an allele-specific multiplex PCR for CYP2C8*2, *3, *4 and *5 alleles. The pharmacokinetics of repaglinide were comparable between male and female subjects. The mean clearance (CL) of repaglinide was 16.0% lower (p = 0.03), the mean area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC) was 12.8% higher (p = 0.04) and the peak serum concentration (Cmax) was 13.2% higher (p = 0.03) in females compared to male subjects. The mean rate of elimination (kel) and mean CL of repaglinide were 47.67% (p = 0.03) higher and 29.25% (p = 0.03) higher, respectively, in male subjects having CYP2C8*5 allele compared to female subjects. We also found that the mean half-life (t1/2) of repaglinide was 42.43% higher (p = 0.03), and the mean AUC was 35.83% higher (p = 0.03) in female subjects when compared to the male subjects having CYP2C8*5 allele. Sex differences significantly influence the pharmacokinetics of repaglinide.

Bioremediation strategies of palm oil mill effluent and landfill leachate using microalgae cultivation:An approach contributing towards environmental sustainability

Palm oil mill effluent(POME)is defined as the wastewater that contains high concentrations of organics,nutrients and oil and grease generated from the production process of palm oil.Therefore,proper discharge and management of POME is important to avoid deleterious impact on the environment.In fact,solid waste generation is a precursor for its disposal issues as most of the solid waste generated in developing nations is dumped into landfills.This has led to the threat posed by the generation of landfill leachate(LL).LL is a complex dark coloured liquid consisting of organic matter,inorganic substances,trace elements and xenobiotics.Hence,it is essential to effectively treat the landfill leachate before discharging it to avoid contamination of soil,surface&groundwater bodies.Conventional treatment methods comprises of physical,biological and chemical treatment,however,microalgal-based treatment could also be incorporated.Furthermore,with the benefits offered by microalgae in valorisation,the application of microalgae in POME and leachate treatment as well as biofuel production,is considerably viable.This paper provides an acumen of the microalgae-based treatment of POME and LL,integrated with biofuel production in a systematic and critical manner.The pollutants assimilation from wastewater and CO_(2)biosequestration are discussed for environmental protection.Cultivation systems for wastewater treatment with simultaneous biomass production and its valorisation,are summarised.The study aims to provide insight to industrial stakeholders on economically viable and environmentally sustainable treatment of wastewaters using microalgae,and eventually contributing to the circular bioeconomy and environmental sustainability.

适宜与大棚基质栽培番茄套作的大蒜品种及其套播期研究

筛选适宜与大棚基质栽培番茄套作的大蒜品种和套播期,旨在为番茄/大蒜基质栽培高效模式的建立提供技术支撑。‘迪芬尼’番茄于2011年7月31日定植,其生长期间选用极早熟、早熟、中晚熟大蒜品种‘正月早’、‘蔡家坡红皮’和‘改良蒜’,设3个套播期,即9月1日、9月21日、10月11日,测定大蒜和春茬番茄(2012年3月30日定植)生长量及产量。结果表明:9月1日套播的大蒜比9月21日和10月11日套播的出苗日期早,但出苗时间长;套播过早,大蒜受秋茬番茄遮阴造成的弱光胁迫时间长,导致收获株率低;中晚熟大蒜品种‘改良蒜’的横径最大值、横径最小值、纵径、周长、单头质量大于其它两个品种。套作大蒜对春茬番茄影响较大,与‘改良蒜’套作显著降低了番茄产量。9月21日套播极早熟大蒜品种‘正月早’,净收益显著高于单作番茄。因此确定在陕西关中地区,适宜与大棚基质培番茄套作的大蒜品种是‘正月早’,其适宜套播期为9月21日。

Clinical and prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging findings as predictors of general and clinically significant prostate cancer risk:A retrospective single-center study

Background:To evaluate the predictive values of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2(PI-RADS v2),prostate-specific antigen(PSA)level,PSA density(PSAD),digital rectal examination findings,and prostate volume,individually and in combination,for the detection of prostate cancer(Pca)in biopsy-naïve patients.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 630 patients who underwent transrectal systematic prostate biopsy following prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.A standard 12-core biopsy procedure was performed.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the significant predictors of clinically significant cancer but not Pca.Results:The median age,PSA level,and PSAD were 70 years,8.6 ng/mL,and 0.18 ng/mL/mL,respectively.A total of 374(59.4%)of 630 patients were biopsy-positive for Pca,and 241(64.4%)of 374 were diagnosed with clinically significant Pca(csPCa).The PI-RADS v2 score and PSAD were independent predictors of Pca and csPCa.The PI-RADS v2 score of 5 regardless of the PSAD value,or PI-RADS v2 score of 4 plus a PSAD of<0.3 ng/mL/mL,was associated with the highest csPCa detection rate(36.1%-82.1%).Instead,the PI-RADS v2 score of<3 and PSAD of<0.3 ng/mL/mL yielded the lowest risk of csPCa.Conclusion:The combination of the PI-RADS v2 score and PSAD could prove to be a helpful and reliable diagnostic tool before performing prostate biopsies.Patients with a PI-RADS v2 score of<3 and PSAD of<0.3 ng/mL/mL could potentially avoid a prostate biopsy.