Nitrogen Management of Diverse Sunflower (<i>Helianthus annus</i>L.) Hybrids Production under Agro-Climatic Conditions of Sargodha, Pakistan

A field study was carried out with the objective to determine the effect of various levels of nitrogen on growth, development, yield and yield components of different sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids i.e. Hysun-33 and S-78 were evaluated under agro-climatic conditions of Sargodha, Pakistan during spring 2013. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having three replications, keeping cultivars in the main plots and N levels in the subplots. The net plot size was 4.2 m × 6 m. The growth parameters such are leaf area, leaf area duration and yield parameters were observed are Days to a thesis, Days to maturity, head diameter (cm), No. of achene’s per head, Achene yield (kg&#183ha-1) and total dry matter (kg). The results showed that increasing the nitrogen rate also increased the No. of achene’s per head, Achene yield (kg&#183ha-1) and total dry matter (kg) in S-78 hybrid where the nitrogen application rate was 180 kg&#183ha-1 as compared to Hysun-33 cultivar.

Outwitting dengue threat and epidemics resurgence in Asia-Pacific countries: strengthening integrated dengue surveillance, monitoring and response systems

Dengue is still a substantial vector-borne viral disease threat and burden of public health importance worldwide.This situation is complicated by dengue virus unprecedented resurgence and persistence of varied serotypes in endemic-prone areas,and man-made and natural activities consequences that promote vector emergence,transmission dynamics and spread across the Asia-Pacific region.There is an urgent need to strengthen operational and contextual surveillance-response research in improving early detection of active reservoir detection,novel drug in case management and quality evidence-based response including the deployment of dengue mass vaccination.Moreover,sustained mapping and watching of dengue risk factors or determinants,performance and outcome indicators of control or elimination programs effectiveness in defining minimum effective data towards community knowledge-based decision-making policy and effective response packages is imperative.Moreover,implementation of a robust,integrated dengue early warning surveillance,monitoring and response systems metrics is required for evidence-based,timely and cost-effective contextual mitigation strategies,and innovative interventions.

Nobel prize for the artemisinin and ivermectin discoveries: a great boost towards elimination of the global infectious diseases of poverty

The Millennium Development Goals(MDGs)made a marked transformation for neglected and vulnerable communities in the developing countries from the start,but infectious diseases of poverty(IDoPs)continue to inflict a disproportionate global public health burden with associated consequences,thereby contributing to the vicious cycle of poverty and inequity.However,the effectiveness and large-scale coverage of artemisinin combination therapy(ACT)have revolutionized malaria treatment just as the control of lymphatic filariasis(LF)and onchocerciasis have benefitted from harnessing the broad-spectrum effect of avermectin-based derivatives.The paradigm shift in therapeutic approach,effected by these two drugs and their impact on community-based interventions of parasitic diseases plaguing the endemic low-and middle-income countries(LIMCs),led to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015.However,the story would not be complete without mentioning praziquantel.The huge contribution of this drug in modernizing the control of schistosomiasis and also some intestinal helminth infections had already shifted the focus from control to potential elimination of this disease.Together,these new drugs have provided humankind with powerful new tools for the alleviation of infectious diseases that humans have lived with since time immemorial.These drugs all have broad-spectrum effects,yet they are very safe and can even be packaged together in various combinations.The strong effect on so many of the great infectious scourges in the developing countries has not only had a remarkable influence on many endemic diseases,but also contributed to improving the cost structure of healthcare.Significant benefits include improved quality of preventive and curative medicine,promotion of community-based interventions,universal health coverage and the fostering of global partnerships.The laudable progress and benefits achieved are indispensable in championing,strengthening and moving forward elimination of the IDoPs.However,there is an urgent need for further innovative,contextual and integrated approaches along with the advent of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs),replacing the MDGs in ensuring global health security,well-being and economic prosperity for all.