Abstract:Field experiments were conducted at Cereal Crops Research Institute, Pirsabak, Nowshera, Pakistan, during winter 2003~2004 and 2004~2005 to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and sulfur levels and methods of nitrogen application on canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Bulbul-98) under rainfed conditions. Four levels of S (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg/ha) and three levels of N (40, 60, and 80 kg/ha) and a control treatment with both nutrients at zero level were included in the experiments. Sulfur levels were applied at sowing while N levels were applied by three methods (100% soil application, 90% soil+10% foliar application, and 80% soil +20% foliar application). The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block (RCB) design having four replications. Oil content increased significantly up to 20 kg S/ha but further increase in S level did not enhance oil content. Glucosinolate content increased from 13.6 to 24.6 µmol/g as S rate was increased from 0 to 30 kg/ha. Protein content increased from 22.4% to 23.2% as S rate was increased from 0 to 20 kg/ha. Oil content responded negatively to the increasing N levels. The highest N level resulted in the highest values for protein (23.5%) and glucosinolate (19.9 µmol/g) contents. Methods of N application had no significant impact on any parameters under study.

Summary Echinochloa colona and Trianthema portulacastrum are weeds of maize that cause significant yield losses in the Indo‐Gangetic Plains. Field experiments were conducted in 2009 and 2010 to determine the influence of row spacing (15, 25 and 35 cm) and emergence time of E. colona and T. portulacastrum (0, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55 days after maize emergence; DAME) on weed growth and productivity of maize. A season‐long weed‐free treatment and a weedy control were also used to estimate maize yield and weed seed production. Crop row spacing as well as weed emergence time had a significant influence on plant height, shoot biomass and seed production of both weed species and grain yield of maize in both years. Delay in emergence of weeds resulted in less plant height, shoot biomass and seed production. However, increase in productivity of maize was observed by delay in weed emergence. Likewise, growth of both weed species was less in narrow row spacing (15 cm) of maize, as compared with wider rows (25 and 35 cm). Maximum seed production of both weeds was observed in weedy control plots, where there was no competition with maize crop and weeds were in rows 35 cm apart. Nevertheless, maximum plant height, shoot biomass and seed production of both weed species were observed in 35 cm rows, when weeds emerged simultaneously with maize. Both weed species produced only 3–5 seeds per plant, when they were emerged at 55 DAME in crop rows spaced at 15 cm. Infestation of both weeds at every stage of crop led to significant crop yield loss in maize. Our results suggested that narrow row spacing and delay in weed emergence led to reduced weed growth and seed production and enhanced maize grain yield and therefore could be significant constituents of integrated weed management strategies in maize.

All stroke patients across the stroke spectrum frequently experience functional deficits of varying degrees. Despite the idea of post-stroke functional advancement, there is a lack of information regarding post-acute stroke recovery. Objective: To track the progress of acute stroke patients admitted to acute stroke rehabilitation centers in terms of functional recovery. Methods: A cohort study was designed and extracted the data of ninety-five (N=95) acute stroke patients admitted to the center for the acute rehabilitation program (ARP). Ninety-five (N=95) post-stroke patients with the mRS 3-4 (Modified ranking scale) admitted to the centers were enrolled for this retrospective cohort study. All enrolled patients for the study went through functional, neurophysiological and quality of life assessment/evaluation was taken at the time of admission to the center and before the discharge from the center. The score at the discharge were the functional outcomes and were used to compare them with the score taken at the time of admission (baseline score). Results: The results of the retrospective cohort showed that the average length of stay was 56.40 days. After the intervention of the intensive ARP significant improvement were observed in all test score. The removal rate for foley catheter (p=0.003), Nasogastric tubes (p=0.00) was found for all patients at the time of discharge. Conclusions: The study's findings demonstrated that ARP can help acute stroke patients who have functional deficits improve their functional status. To find more efficient forms of intervention in the acute-stroke rehabilitation, this study advises future research

In stroke patients, spasticity level allows to predict the patient’s rehabilitation outcome. Objective: To evaluate the anti-spastic effectiveness of high intensity electromagnetic stimulation (HIES) in stroke patients. Methods: Twenty (n=20) spastic stroke patients were assigned randomly into two groups; the study participants were briefed about the aim & methodology of the study & written consent were taken. Ten therapy sessions were given to the stroke’s patient spastic muscles in the treatment group (TG) with HIES, while in the controlled group (CG) 10 electrotherapy session along with kinesiotherapy was delivered. The outcome measures of the study were MAS (Modified Ashworth scale) & Barthel index (BI) was used as, for spasticity and for the patient’s quality life evaluation, respectively. After the one-month therapeutic plan results were obtained & compared based on the pre-treatment score & post-treatment score on the afore-mentioned specified outcome measures. Results: The analysis of data shows that treatment group score improved significantly, up to 68% & similarly, spasticity decreased from 2.86±0.075 in the beginning to 0.58±0.86 points on MAS, while on the other hand, control group score up to 31% enhanced & on the MAS scale, spasticity diminished from 2.45±0.57 in the start to 1.49±0.87 points. As per Barthel index, improvement for CG & TG was 72% & 80% respectively. Conclusions: This study results shows that high intensity electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) is highly effective in the reduction of stroke-specific spasticity.