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The present study reports the fish fauna of Gomal Zam Dam at three different sites from October 2018 to July 2019. The total sampled fish belong to 18 species, 15 genera, 5 families, and 4 orders. Fourteen species belong to family Cyprinidae, which was the most abundant, while one species belong to each family Mastacembelidae, Channidae, Siluridae, and Sisoridae. The prominent species were Labeo dyochielus (18.6%), Barilius vagra (16.5%), and Barilius pakistanicus (13.8%), while the rare species were Tor zhobensis, Wallago attu, Hyphophthalmicthys molitrix, Ctenophyrngodon idella, and Bagarius bagarius each one forming (0.1%). Species were rich in spring with ideal temperature, followed by summer, whereas species abundance was high in summer with high temperature and minimum abundance was recorded in autumn. In conclusion, the Gomal Zam Dam is a favorable reservoir for the fish particularly for family Cyprinidae. This present study will provide useful information about the diversity of fish fauna of Gomal Zam Dam that could be used in systematic fisheries management and conservation of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans living close to carnivore habitats sometimes develop a negative attitude towards them because of the damages they cause. Such an attitude has costs, both for wild carnivores and local communities. Human costs are mostly in the form of economic loss to property and infrastructure, damage to crops, and depredation on livestock. In northern Pakistan where large carnivores like common leopard (Panthera pardus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetinus), Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus)), grey wolf (Canis lupus), and lynx (Lynx lynx) often encounter humans and contribute to significant economic losses. The present study was conducted in Kalam Valley, District Swat, Pakistan to estimate the occurrence of brown bear and conflicts with humans. Data about the presence-absence and depredation in five years (2009-2013) were collected from 86 households in the area. Total losses in Kalam Valley during the five year period were 72 animals. The brown bear predation was estimated as 29% of total predation in the area that killed 15 goats, 2 sheep, and 4 cattle. The snow leopard and wolf predation was 31% and 39%, respectively. To estimate the occurrence, 10 transects were laid out in each survey area with 100 m length and 50 m width. Each transect was laid out with minimum distance of one km from each other. Higher sign density was found in the forest compared to the other habitats. Twenty brown bear signs were recorded at four sites of the study area. According to signs, brown bear was widely distributed in Batendar area, while Jaba had the least distribution. Estimated livestock predation per household was 0.84 ± 1.13 animals. The total economic loss was PKR 20,207 or US$ 196 per household/year. The economic loss due to brown bear was PKR 5860 or US$ 58, snow leopard as PKR 6264 or US$ 63 and wolf as PKR 7880 or US$ 78 per household/year. Livestock predation and crop damages resulted in ruthless killing of large carnivores including brown bear in the area, which makes conservation efforts difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unraveling molecular mechanisms that govern adipocyte formation will lead to a greater understanding of obesity and subsequent treatment. In the current study, we assessed the effects of miR-22-3p, a non-coding RNA, on adipocyte differentiation from telomerase-transformed Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (iMSC3). The transfection of iMSC3 with miR-22-3p suppressed adipocyte differentiation as evident by reduction in lipid content and number of lipid droplets. While AKT3 is reported to be a target of miR-22-3p, our study indicated otherwise. Moreover, while miR-22-3p is known to target more than 500 genes, MAPK has not been identified as one of the more than 500 gene targets of miR-22-3p, though this pathway was upregulated in transfected iMSC3 that differentiated to adipocytes. Finally, miR-22-3p was observed to suppress adipocytes and was involved in adipocyte differentiation through non-targeted MAPK pathway upregulation rather than AKT3-related processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an important fruit crop with significant pharmaceutical potential. Little data are available on comparative pharmaceutical importance of the date pits. We designed this study to assess the antitumorigenic effects of date palm pits extracts from different Emiratis varieties. We used MDA-MB-231 cells derived from triple negative breasts cancer tissues as a model. We found that out of the 17 date pits extracts from 6 Emiratis varieties, three (Khalas extract in water + acetone (1:1), Abu-Maan extract in MeOH + Chloroform (1:1) and Mabroom extract in water + acetone (1:1)) were found effectively cytotoxic and changed morphology of cells in dose and time dependent manner. We found the maximum effect at 2.5 mg/mL concentration at 72 h. We calculated IC50 values for these varieties at 24 h. IC50 values for Khalas, Abu-Maan and Mabroom were 0.982 mg/mL, 1.149 mg/mL and 2.213 mg/mL respectively. We treated the cells with IC50 values of extracts and observed changes in protein profile using human kinase array kit. After analyzing the results, we suggest that EGFR/ERK/FAK pathway, eNOS and src family proteins are targets of these extracts. We conclude that date pits extracts can be a possible therapeutic agent against cancer and we suggest further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency. Considering the rural–urban disparities in nutritional status in Pakistan, this study aimed to assess regional influences on nutritional iodine status of pregnant women in Pakistan. Methods: Data were collected from 1246 pregnant women in all trimesters of pregnancy who visited antenatal clinics for routine checkups in five Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province districts. Information concerning iodized salt intake and knowledge of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) was obtained through an interview questionnaire. Goiter and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) levels were assessed by the palpation method and Sandell–Kolthoff reaction, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to quantify associations between residence (rural–urban), pregnancy trimester, and previous pregnancy outcomes with knowledge about IDD, iodized salt intake, presence of goiter, and UIC <150 μg/L. Results: Among study participants, 87.7% had no knowledge about IDD, and only 21.0% were consuming iodized salt. Goiter was present in 25.5% of the women. The median UIC level was 131 μg/L, and 41.3% of study participants had a UIC ≥150 μg/L. There were no significant differences between pregnant women from rural and urban settings in regions with a solid socioeconomic status with respect to knowledge about IDD, iodized salt intake, iodine deficiency, and goiter prevalence. Urban–rural differences were observed only in socioeconomically disadvantaged districts. Only pregnant women living in the Lakki Marwat district had higher odds of having knowledge of IDD and iodized salt intake than those from rural regions. Trimesters of pregnancy and previous pregnancy outcomes had no significant effect on the outcome measures. Conclusions: Relative to a national nutrition survey conducted in Pakistan in 2011, the results from this study indicate that UIC levels remained stable with mild iodine deficiency, whereas rates of goiter and iodized salt intake remained high and low, respectively, especially in rural areas. Rural–urban disparities were observed only in socioeconomically disadvantaged districts, and these disparities limit the effectiveness of the IDD prevention program in rural areas in Pakistan. Thus, implementation of mandatory salt iodization requires improvement, and program effectiveness should be continuously monitored to prevent adverse health effects of iodine deficiency during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytochrome B (Cyt B) gene and control region of mitochondrial DNA are considered important for evaluating phylogenetic association of a species. In this study, we sequenced Cyt B and control region of Schizothorax plagiostomus and constructed phylogenetic association tree of S. plagiostomus with 23 schizothoracine fishes. We found S. plagiostomus to be closely associated with S. labiatus, S. richardsonii, S. progastus, and S. esocinus, with high-bootstraps values. Several conserved sequence blocks were identified within D-loop sequences. These are highly conserved within genus Schizothorax compared to other. This study reports the phylogenetic position of the S. plagiostomus among schizothoracines fishes and organization of D-loop region in S. plagiostomus from Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review on the role of cyclophilin A in mediation of cytokine secretion, and its potential as a therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases. Cyclophilin A (CypA), a peptidylprolyl cis‐trans isomerase, is a ubiquitous and multifunctional protein. In addition to its role as a host‐cell receptor for cyclosporine A, CypA has diverse functions in inflammatory conditions and diseases. CypA secreted in response to inflammatory stimuli binds to the cell surface via its receptor CD147 and induces secretion of various inflammatory cytokines. However, silencing and inhibition of either CypA or CD147 inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression and inflammation. This report reviews the literature related to the mechanism of CypA‐dependent cytokine secretion and discusses this factor as a possible therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review on CypA‐dependent leukocytes chemotaxis as a possible therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases. Cyclophilin A (CypA), a well‐recognized receptor for anti‐inflammatory drug cyclosporine A (CsA) is a ubiquitous and multifunctional protein. Beside the diverse intracellular functions, CypA is secreted against inflammatory stimuli, where it activates and attracts leukocytes via CD147 to the stimulus site. Interestingly, it synergizes with other factors to induce leukocyte migration in different animals. However, the silencing and inhibition of CypA or CD147 inhibits leukocytes chemotaxis and inflammation. This review focuses on the advances made in understanding the mechanism of CypA‐dependent leukocytes chemotaxis and hence, recognition of this factor as a possible therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ladybird beetle is important group of beetles because they are important universal predatory and occupies important place in biological control. However, the ladybird beetle fauna of Pakistan is not extensively explored area wise. In this connection, the present study was conducted to explore the Ladybird beetle fauna of district Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study area was divided into twelve different localities namely village (Pirbaba, Kingergali, Daggar, Gokand, Barkalay, Budal, Shaheede sar, Nawagai, Nagrai, Chinglai, Totalai and Malka). Collection surveys were conducted in these areas at fifteen days interval in the active season during 2013-14. The identification of the collected specimens during the study revealed that there are thirteen species of Ladybird beetle under eleven genera and three subfamilies (Subfamily Chilocorinae, Subfamily Coccinellini and Subfamily Epilachnini) were collected. These species are Brumoidus suturalis, Coccinella septempunctata, Coccinella transversalis, Menochilus sexmaculatus, Propylea dissecta, Coelophora bissellata, Oenopia sauzeti, Aiolocaria hexaspilota, Psyllobora bisoctonotata, Harmonia dimidiata, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, Henosepilachna septima and Afidentula manderstjernae. The numerical data of these species reveals that C. septempunctata, H. dimidiata, C. sexmaculatus and H. vigintioctopunctata are highly abundant and were collected from all localities, while the rest of the species are moderately abundant except A. hexaspilota which is only collected from single locality pirbaba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish skin mucus is a dynamic barrier for invading pathogens with a variety of anti-microbial enzymes, including cyclophilin A (CypA), a multi-functional protein with peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. Beside various other immunological functions, CypA induces leucocytes migration in vitro in teleost. In the current study, we have discovered several novel immune-relevant proteins in yellow catfish skin mucus by mass spectrometry (MS). The CypA present among them was further detected by Western blot. Moreover, the CypA present in the skin mucus displayed strong chemotactic activity for yellow catfish leucocytes. Interestingly, asparagine (like arginine in mammals) at position 69 was the critical site in yellow catfish CypA involved in leucocyte attraction. These novel efforts do not only highlight the enzymatic texture of skin mucus, but signify CypA to be targeted for anti-inflammatory therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway is involved in tumorigenesis including endocrine tumors. We investigated the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway's modulation by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and somatostatin or somatotropin release-inhibiting factor (SRIF) in mouse pituitary AtT-20 corticotroph cells. The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway was activated by CRH and inhibited by SRIF. We provide evidence that cAMP/PKA signalling is involved affecting the GSK-3β phosphorylation status at phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9), thereby altering β-catenin degradation downstream. Furthermore, CRH and SRIF showed concordant effects on cell proliferation. Our data demonstrate an important role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the proliferative control of pituitary corticotroph cells and describe a mechanism for its regulation by CRH and SRIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochemical composition, secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds, flavonoids) and antimicrobial potential of different varieties of Emirati date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pits were investigated. Total phenolic acids (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of the different date pits were measured using a Folin–Ciocalteau reagent. Different organic solvents [(n-hexane; H2O: EtOH (1:1); ethyl acetate; acetone: Water (1:1); and methanol: Chloroform (1:1)] were compared to evaluate the phytotoxicity of Ajwa, Fard, Khalas, Khodari, Abu Maan, Lulu, and Mabroom date pits. The antimicrobial activity of the date pit extracts were evaluated by means of agar-well diffusion assay on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29123), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Candida albicans (ATCC 66027). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were measured following clinical laboratory standardization institute (CLSI) protocol. The biochemical analyses of date pits indicate that TPC were ranged from 7.80 mg of equivalent gallic acid⁄100 g dry weight in Ajwa to 4.65 mg in Mabroom. The TFC were ranged between 1.6–4.54 mg of equivalent catechin⁄100 g dry weight. Ajwa pit extract showed good quality traits (higher protein, lower ash content, and intermediate dietary fiber). The results indicate that the ethyl acetate extract of Khalas and Khodari inhibited S. aureus with an inhibition zone diameter of 20 mm and MIC of 10 mg/mL. Abu Mann pit extract inhibited the S. aureus and also decreased the population of E. coli. The diameter of inhibition zone was 15, 16, and 18 mm after treatment with Ajwa extracts, while the MICs were 7.5 and 5 mg/mL. The MeOH: CFM extract of Abu Mann and Ajwa was more potent against E. coli bacteria than any other extract. This work demonstrates that the Emirati date pits extract has antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal) potential and can be used as phytotoxic natural compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a major risk for diabetes. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) mediates production of heat while white adipose tissue (WAT) function in the storage of fat. Roles of BAT in the treatment of obesity and related disorders warrants more investigation. Peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is the master regulator of both BAT and WAT adipogenesis and has roles in glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Adipose tissue is the major expression site for PPAR-γ. In this study, the effects of rosiglitazone on the brown adipogenesis and the association of MAPK and PI3K pathways was investigated during the in vitro adipogenic differentiation of telomerase transformed mesenchymal stromal cells (iMSCs). Our data indicate that 2 µM rosiglitazone enhanced adipogenesis by over-expression of PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α. More specifically, brown adipogenesis was enhanced by the upregulation of EBF2 and UCP-1 and evidenced by multilocular fatty droplets morphology of the differentiated adipocytes. We also found that rosiglitazone significantly activated MAPK and PI3K pathways at the maturation stage of differentiation. Overall, the results indicate that rosiglitazone induced overexpression of PPAR-γ that in turn enhanced adipogenesis, particularly browning adipogenesis. This study reports the browning effects of rosiglitazone during the differentiation of iMSCs into adipocytes in association with the activation of MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: As the spleen plays a significant role in immunity, the aim was to investigate the associations of different body composition markers derived from various sources with spleen volume in a general population sample., Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional data of 1095 individuals (570 women; 52%) aged between 30 and 90 years were collected in the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-START-2). We measured spleen volume by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Body composition markers were derived from classic anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, including absolute fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), as well as from MRI, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and liver fat content. Sex-stratified-adjusted linear regression models were used to analyze the associations of body composition markers with spleen volumes., Results: We observed positive associations of body mass index, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-height ratio, absolute FM, absolute FFM, and VAT and SAT with spleen volume in men and women. An 8.12 kg higher absolute FFM was associated with a 38.4 mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.7-50.1) higher spleen volume in men and a 5.21 kg higher absolute FFM with a 42.6 mL (95% CI: 26.2-59.0) higher spleen volume in women., Conclusion: Our findings indicate that obesity-related body composition markers and FFM are associated with a higher spleen volume. Particularly, higher absolute FFM showed a strong association with a larger spleen volume in both men and women. Further studies are warranted to understand the clinical significance of body composition markers on large spleen volume., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Upsala Medical Society.)

Cytochrome B (Cyt B) gene and control region of mitochondrial DNA are considered important for evaluating phylogenetic association of a species. In this study, we sequenced Cyt B and control region of Schizothorax plagiostomus and constructed phylogenetic association tree of S. plagiostomus with 23 schizothoracine fishes. We found S. plagiostomus to be closely associated with S. labiatus, S. richardsonii, S. progastus , and S. esocinus, with high-bootstraps values. Several conserved sequence blocks were identified within D-loop sequences. These are highly conserved within genus Schizothorax compared to other. This study reports the phylogenetic position of the S. plagiostomus among schizothoracines fishes and organization of D-loop region in S. plagiostomus from Pakistan., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest., (© 2017 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a key member of immunophilins that has peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. Besides acting as a cellular receptor for immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA), CypA is involved in various cellular activities. CypA has an important role in viral infection which either facilitates or inhibits their replication. Inhibition of CypA via inhibitors is useful for overcoming several viral infections, indicating that CypA is an attractive target for anti-viral therapy. Collectively, these facts demonstrate the critical roles of CypA in mediating or inhibiting viral infections, suggesting that CypA can be an attractive cellular target for the development of anti-viral therapy.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in mediating multiple biological processes in eukaryotes and are being increasingly studied to evaluate their roles associated with cellular changes following viral infection. Snakehead fish Vesiculovirus (SHVV) has caused mass mortality in snakehead fish during the past few years. To identify specific miRNAs involved in SHVV infection, we performed microRNA deep sequencing on a snakehead fish cell line (SSN-1) with or without SHVV infection. A total of 205 known miRNAs were identified when they were aligned with the known zebrafish miRNAs, and nine novel miRNAs were identified using MiRDeep2 software. Eighteen and 143 of the 205 known miRNAs were differentially expressed at three and 24 h post-infection (poi), respectively. From the differentially-expressed miRNAs, five were randomly selected to validate their expression profiles using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and their expression profiles were consistent with the microRNA sequencing results. In addition, the target gene prediction of the SHVV genome was performed for the differentially-expressed host miRNAs, and a total of 10 and 58 differentially-expressed miRNAs were predicted to bind to the SHVV genome at three and 24 h poi, respectively. The effects of three selected miRNAs (miR-130-5p, miR-214 and miR-216b) on SHVV multiplication were evaluated using their mimics and inhibitors via qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that all three miRNAs were able to inhibit the multiplication of SHVV; whereas the mechanisms underlying the SHVV multiplication inhibited by the specific miRNAs need to be further characterized in the future.