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Citrus aurantium L. is grown in developed and developing countries as its fruit is edible, and it is rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. During the present study, a total of 18 genotypes of sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) were selected from different locations of Dir Lower, KPK Pakistan for the estimation of genetic diversity through morphological and phytochemical characterization using GC-MS. For morphological characterization, a total of 19 parameters (12 qualitative and 07 quantitative) were recorded. A significant variation was found for most of the qualitative and quantitative traits. A significant level of coefficient of variance was observed for leaf lamina length and fruit volume (20%), leaf lamina width (16%), and the number of segments (14%), while a low level of coefficient of variance was recorded in fruit diameter (6.5%), fruit length (6.8%). Based on correlation analysis, a significant amount of correlation was found for leaf lamina width with leaf lamina length (0.598**), fruit length with fruit diameter (0.942**), fruit weight with fruit diameter (0.958**), and fruit length (0.883**), similarly fruit volume was found to have correlated with fruit diameter (0.998**), fruit length (0.945**) and fruit weight (0.960**). Principal component analysis with an Eigenvalue of (0.760) was found to account for 98.469% of the overall variation reported among the 18 Citrus aurantium L. genotypes. Through GC-MS analysis a total of 105 phytochemical compounds were identified, in the essential oil (Eos) of four Citrus genotypes, these genotypes were selected based on contrasting morphological traits, and the maximum number of compounds (28) were found in the EOs of sample 5 and sample 6. While the minimum (23) was found in sample 7. For antioxidant activities, the highest scavenging potential (43.63%) was observed in sample 8 and the lowest was recorded in sample 6 (21.48%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the rapid expansion of private schooling in the Northern Areas of Pakistan during the period 1993-2003. Our observations are mainly based on a survey of about 40% of the total number of private schools in the Northern Areas in which we attested trends that are characteristic of many private schools elsewhere, both nationally and internationally. For instance, most of the parents are by no means wealthy, most think that private schools provide better quality than government schools, English-medium instruction is a key requirement, and all have pragmatic expectations of the benefits for their children both from private schooling and from English-medium education.

DNA fingerprinting is a tool for plant breeder rights protection, and variety registration in Plant Breeder Rights Repository. In the present study, we developed a DNA fingerprinting profile of 12 potato cultivars grown in Punjab Pakistan using 214 informative Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 1720 alleles were amplified by 214 SSR with an average of 8.04 alleles per marker. Approximately 72% of amplified alleles (1329 alleles) were polymorphic with 6.88 polymorphic alleles per SSR marker. The number of alleles ranged from 1 to 31. Similarly, polymorphic alleles per marker ranged from 0 to 24. A maximum number of alleles and polymorphic alleles were reported by IBR13 marker. The Polymorphic information content (PIC) value ranged from 0 to 0.96. The average PIC value for 214 amplified markers was 0.73. Collectively, 72 SSR markers amplified unique allelic patterns for DNA fingerprinting. Potato varieties Rubby and Sadaf were identified by 15 SSR markers whereas Faisalabad Red and SH-5 were identified by 12 SSR markers. Cluster and structure analysis classify the potato genotypes into two distinct groups. This information will be useful for the variety registration process and will provide a platform for future DNA fingerprinting and genetic diversity studies for the choice of SSR markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted in the coastal pond ecosystems of Pakistan to evaluate the optimum salinity level for the best growth performance of a commercial shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Total of 6 lac seed was randomly distributed in three ponds with an average initial body weight of 0.1±0.01 g. The shrimps were cultivated in three different ponds demarcated as pond 1, pond 2 and pond 3 with salinity levels of 8 ppt, 22 ppt and 42 ppt, respectively for 105 days. The pacific white shrimp were fed with 35.0% crude protein diet with feeding frequency of 4 and initially feeding rate of 10% biomass per day. The feeding rate adjusted according to shrimp biomass on a weekly basis. Final weight, specific growth rate, average daily weight gain, viscerosomatic index, hepatosomatic index and survival rates were found optimum at salinity level of 22 ppt compared with salinity levels of 8 ppt and 42 ppt (p <0.05). FCR was better at 22 ppt salinity compared with two other tested salinity levels (p <0.05). The 22 ppt salinity level resulted in optimum growth of L. vannamei which might be due to improved osmoregulation. Feeding frequency of 4, protein 35% and salinity of 22 ppt were found suitable factors for the growth performance of L. vannamei reared in aquaculture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance is increasingly reported worldwide, however, there is scarcity of data from Pakistan. Particularly, data from food-producing animals and their products is totally lacking. Here, we report on the ESBL-genotypes, integron types, insertion sequence, plasmid replicon typing and susceptibility to commonly usedantimicrobials of E. coli recovered from poultry-meat in live bird market of District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Random E. coli isolates were picked up for screening of ESBL-production and-genotype, antimicrobial resistance profile through disc diffusion method and integron and plasmid replicon typing. Of the 33 E. coli multidrug resistant isolates (resistant to tetracycline, ampicillin, cefotaxime and novobiocine), 28 (phylogroup B2=11, A=9 and D=8) were ESBL producers harboring blaCTX-M (blaCTXM-9=25 and blaCTXM-1=3, blaCTXM-15=3), while, none of them were carrying blaSHV or blaTEM. Majority of these ESBL producers were carrying class-1 integron (n=21), although 11 isolates were carrying ISCR1, which found to be linked with blaCTX-M among 5 isolates (45.5%). PCR based plasmid replicon typing revealed that FrepB replicon was found most dominantly and carried by 27 isolates followed by B/O replicon. This suggests that poultry raw meat may contribute to spread of ESBL-producing E. coli or ESBL-genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Year-long measurements of indoor radon concentrations were taken in six districts of the Punjab province, Pakistan, using CR-39-based NRPB radon dosimeters. From the measured indoor radon concentrations, excess lung cancer risk was calculated using the risk model reported in the Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation (BEIR VI) report for the 35-54 and 55-64 year age groups. Using a local occupancy factor, average excess lung cancer risk for the 35-54 y age group residents was found to be 0.66, 0.52 and 0.37 for Gujranwala, Gujrat and Hafizabad districts, respectively. For the Sialkot, Mandibahauddin and Narowal districts it was 0.49, 0.57 and 0.59, respectively. Similarly, for the residents in the 55-64 year age group it was 0.5, 0.40, 0.47, 0.39, 0.46 and 0.46 for Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Mandibahauddin and Narowal districts, respectively. The overall average excess lung cancer risk for the area studied was 0.53. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the finding of a study undertaken to determine the naturally occurring radionuclides present in commonly used building materials for dwellings and workplaces in four districts of the Punjab Province, Pakistan. The concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were measured by using gamma-ray spectroscopy. A total of 80 samples of building materials were collected from various manufacturers and suppliers of the studied area. The specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were measured in building samples, and results ranged from minimum values of 9±1, 9±2 and 27±8 Bq kg−1 to maximum values of 106±5, 133±5 and 914±21 Bq kg−1 with mean values of 42±3, 48±3 and 376±16 Bq kg−1, respectively. From the measured activity concentrations, equivalent radium (Raeq), terrestrial absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose as well as external and internal hazard indices were calculated and found to range from 52±7 to 274±15 Bq kg−1, 23±3 to 130 6 nGy h−1, 0.15±0.02 to 0.80±0.03 mSv, 0.14±0.02 to 0.75±0.04 and 0.2±0.02 to 0.98±0.05, respectively. These results were comparable to the results of similar studies undertaken locally and in other countries. The samples considered were safe for use in construction of dwellings in the study area and do not pose any significant source of radiation hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Geophagy of multani mitti (MM) clay is very common in central Pakistan especially amongst women. It was therefore mandatory to establish baseline levels of toxic elements in this clay for its safe dietary consumption by consumers of different genders, age groups and physical states. Instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry techniques were used to determine the nutritional safety of MM clay for oral intake. All quantified toxic elements were detected at trace levels with composition in the descending order; Pb > Br > As > Sb > Hg > Cd. Comparison of these elements in MM clay with other clays shows that As, Cd, and Pb, are lowest in MM clay while its Br and Hg contents are high. Highest weekly dietary intakes of As, Br, Cd, Hg, and Sb were found to be 18, 0.05, 1.6, 9.2 and 1.1 % of the respective recommended provisional tolerable weekly intakes. The findings of this study show that As, Br, Cd, Hg and Sb in MM clay are well below the tolerance levels. However its Pb concentration is very high and may pose health concerns. The data presented in this study can be used as national base level guideline for geophagy of MM clay by men, women (normal, pregnant and lactating) and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air quality has acquired considerable importance in recent years. Tighter buildings with poorer ventilation systems have led towards higher levels of indoor air pollution. Radon is considered to be most significant perilous gas among the various air contaminants found in the residential environment. To determine the risk posed by residential radon exposure, a survey was carried out in the Hattian district of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. In this context, 160 houses were carefully selected for the installation of CR-39-based National Radiological Protection Board-type detectors installation. After exposing the CR-39 detectors for a period of 90 d, they were etched in 6 M chemical solution of sodium hydroxide at a temperature of 80°C for a period of 16 h. The detectors were read under an optical microscope and observed track densities were converted into the indoor radon concentration using a calibration factor of 2.7 tracks cm−2 h−1 per kBqm−3. For the current study, observed radon concentrations ranged from 35 to 175 Bqm−3, whereas the mean annual effective radon doses received by the inhabitants of the area ranged from 0.88±0.12 to 4.41±0.20 mSv with an average value of 2.62±0.12 mSv. These reported values are less than the limits (standards) recommended by the different world organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of indoor radon concentrations in 200 dwellings of four districts of Azad Kashmir have been carried out using CR-39-based radon dosimeters. Indoor radon levels were calculated for four seasons (i.e. spring, summer, autumn and winter) in Muzaffarabad, Hattian, Neelum and Poonch districts. Maximum value of radon concentration (398 ± 2 Bq·m-3) has been found in Muzaffarabad district (in bedrooms) and minimum value (23 ± 9 Bq·m -3) is reported for Hattian district (in living rooms). Elevated values of radon levels have been found in winter, whilst lower values are observed in summer season. Seasonal correction factors calculated for spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons were found to be 1.02 ± 0.91, 0.86 ± 0.77, 0.98 ± 0.92 and 1.14 ± 1.04, respectively. Measured values for winter/spring, winter/summer and winter/autumn radon ratios were found as 1.11 ± 1.28, 1.33 ± 1.21 and 1.15 ± 1.17. Radon doses have been calculated and yearly mean effective dose has been found 2.52 ± 1.22 mSv, which is less than the lower limit of the recommended action level 3—10 mSv. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation doses from indoor radon exposure, before and after the 2005 earthquake, have been assessed from measurements taken in the city of Muzaffarabad and Jhelum valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Indoor radon concentration was measured in dwellings in Muzaffarabad city and the Jhelum valley after the devastating 2005 earthquake using CR-39 based radon box type detectors which were exposed to indoor radon for 60 days. After processing, the observed track densities were related to the indoor radon concentrations using a calibration factor of 0.0092 tracks cm-2 · hr-1 = 1 Bq m-3 of 222 Rn and compared with already published data obtained before the earthquake. The post-earthquake weighted average indoor radon concentration ranged from 65 Bq m-3 to 398 Bq m-3 for the dwellings of state capital city of Azad Kashmir where pre-earthquake values were in the range of 89 Bq m-3 to 167 Bq m-3. In the Jhelum valley, post-earthquake indoor radon concentrations varied from 81 to 509 Bq m-3 and 64 to 456 Bq m-3 in the bedrooms and kitchens, respectively while pre-earthquake radon concentration for Jhelum valley ranges from 86 to 236 Bq m-3 and 62 to 208 Bq m-3 in the bedrooms and kitchens, respectively. The post earthquake indoor radon concentration levels and hence radiation doses have been found higher than those of pre-earthquake values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil samples were collected from different localities of districts Jhelum, Chakwal, Rawalpindi and Attock, Punjab Province, Pakistan with an aim to measure naturally occurring radionuclides, namely Ra, Th, K and fallout Cs radionuclide using a P-type coaxial high purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometer. Measured specific activities of Ra, Th and K in these soil samples ranged from 26.02 ± 7.11 to 93.54 ± 8.13 Bq kg, 29.34 ± 2.58 to 114.41 ± 2.80 Bq kg and 348.15 ± 3.20 to 752.98 ± 4.20 Bq kg, respectively. Activity due to Cs was observed in some locations which ranged from 0.4 ± 0.2 to 7.8 ± 0.3 Bq kg. From the measured activity concentrations, radium equivalent activity concentrations were determined followed by calculations of mean absorbed dose rate and mean annual effective dose for the inhabitants of the studied area. The mean radium equivalent activity, internal and external hazard indices values came out to be 179.26 ± 11.93 Bq kg, 0.64 ± 0.05 and 0.48 ± 0.03, respectively. Indoors and outdoor average annual effective dose values were found to be 0.42 ± 0.03 and 0.10 ± 0.01 mSv, respectively. Present data have been compared with the published data for other parts of the world and found to be safe for public and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several epidemiological studies conducted on thousands of underground miners suggest that long- term exposure to high radon concentration can increase the risk of lung cancer. Keeping in view the importance of the subject, numerous studies throughout the world have been carried out to measure indoor radon concentration and its resulting doses at occupational and non-occupational sites. The purpose of the current study was to measure indoor radon concentration and its resulting doses received by the students of Azad Kashmir government schools. For this purpose, CR-39 radon detectors were installed in 80 carefully selected schools. The detectors were placed at a height of 3–5 ft. (depending upon average height of students in particular class) from the ground. After exposure of 90 d detectors were etched for 9 h in 6 M NaOH at 70°C and the observed track densities were related to radon concentrations. The measured indoor radon concentration ranged from 22 ± 9 to 228 ± 3 Bq m−3 with a mean value of 78 ± 5 Bq m−3. Based on the measured indoor radon data, the annual effective doses were found to vary from 0.55 ± 0.04 to 0.71 ± 0.03 mSv y−1. The overall mean effective dose for the studied area was found to be 0.63 ± 0.04 mSv y−1. Reported values for radon concentrations and corresponding doses are lower than ICRP recommended limits for workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An indoor radon survey has been carried in 120 schools situated in four districts of the Punjab province, namely Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi. In each season, a total of 360 CR-39-based radon detectors were installed in the selected schools. After exposure the detectors were etched in 6M NaOH at 808C solution for 16 h and tracks densities, which are related to the radon concentration, were measured. Indoor radon concentration varied from 18±7 to 168±5Bq·m-3 with an average value of 52±9Bq·m-3. High indoor radon concentration values were found in the summer season, whereas lower values were recorded in autumn season. The mean annual radon effective dose equivalent was estimated to be 0.49mSv per year. Present indoor radon concentration values are higher than that of the world average value of 40 Bq·m-3, but lower than the action level recommended by the ICRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with measurement of indoor radon concentrations in dwellings of the district Poonch of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. In this context, CR-39-based box-type radon detectors were installed in drawing rooms and bedrooms of 80 selected houses and were exposed to indoor radon for 3 months. After exposure, the CR-39 detectors were etched for 9 h in 6 mol NaOH at 70°C and the observed track densities were related to radon concentrations. Measured indoor radon concentrations in the studied area ranged from 27 ± 6 to 169 ± 4, 29 ± 6 to 196 ± 4 and 31 ± 5 to 142 ± 2 Bq m−3 in the drawing rooms and 74 ± 5 to 172 ± 3, 32 ± 6 to 191 ± 4 and 27 ± 5 to 155 ± 2 Bq m−3 in bedrooms of the Abbaspur, Hajira and Rawalakot regions of the district Poonch, respectively; whereas weighted average radon concentration ranged from 93 ± 6 to 159 ± 4, 33 ± 5 to 118 ± 3 and 31 ± 6 to 155 ± 5 Bq m−3 in the dwellings of Abbaspur, Hajira and Rawalakot, respectively. Estimated doses due to the indoor radon ranged from 2.35 ± 0.15 to 4.00 ± 0.10, 0.83 ± 0.08 to 2.98 ± 0.08 and 0.78 ± 0.15 to 3.91 ± 0.13 mSv y−1 for Abbaspur, Rawalakot and Hajira, respectively. Comparing the current indoor radon results with those of the Health Protection Agency UK and US EPA (i.e. 200 and 148 Bq m−3) limits, majority of the houses surveyed in the present study are within the safe limits. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) have been used to determine As, Br, Hg, Sb and Se in combination with atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) as a complementary technique for the quantification of Cd and Pb in jaggery, brown sugar, white sugar and molasses. All sugar cane products were collected from the local sugar cane industry of Pakistan. The highest concentration of these potentially toxic elements was quantified in molasses; however, molasses together with jaggery, brown sugar and white sugar contains trace amounts of all of these elements. Due to very low concentration of Cd it could only be detected in molasses. To evaluate the percentage contribution of these elements in the sugar cane products to the weekly recommended values, intakes on weekly consumption of 100 g of each item have also been calculated which follow the pattern Br>Se>Pb>Hg>As>Sb. The elevated Br contents may be attributed to the use of Br-containing chemicals for fumigation; however, these contents are well within the tolerance levels. The estimated weekly intake of all toxic elements is very low indicating that sugar cane products can be safely ingested as part of the diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

226Ra, 232Th and 40K were measured in soil samples, these were collected from different localities of the North West Frontier Province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan. In order to measure the specific activities in these samples P-type coaxial high purity germanium based gamma-ray spectrometer was used. Average values of the measured activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 26±11, 39±17 and 485±177 Bq kg-1, respectively. Average radium equivalent activity was found to be 122±42 Bq kg-1. External and internal hazard indices were also calculated and found to be 0.33±0.12 and 0.40±0.14, respectively. Average effective dose received due to gamma rays was 0.34±0.12 mSv y-1. Measured natural radioactivity, hazard indices and effective doses received by the population were found within the recommended limits. The aim of this work was to make a baseline data of natural radioactive elements for the soil of the area and to assess it radiological significance if used as a building material for the construction of houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Indoor radon level measurement survey has been performed in several districts of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and federally administered tribal areas (FATA), Pakistan. These include Swabi, Mardan and Charsadda Districts of NWFP and Mohmand and Bajuar Agencies of FATA. CR-39-based National Radiological Protection Board, UK-type radon dosimeters were used in this study. The dosimeters were installed in bedrooms and drawing rooms of a total of 200 carefully selected houses and were exposed to radon and its daughters for three months. In bedrooms, maximum radon concentration of was found in District Charsadda and minimum value of was found in the District Swabi. Like bedrooms, maximum radon concentration level in drawing rooms ( was also found in District Charsadda. Minimum level of indoor radon concentration of was found in a drawing room of District Mardan. According to the weighted average minimum indoor radon of was measured in Mardan and maximum of was measured in Charsadda District. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Significant progress has been made in reducing the risk from exposure to radon and its progeny all over the world as a result of efforts made by different organisations which are working together to educate public about the harmful effects of radon. During the past several surveys, it was found that uneducated people were totally ignorant of radon in Pakistan. Even a large number of science graduates knew very little about radon and its hazards. Therefore, a nationwide survey was conducted to measure general awareness and factual knowledge about radon and its health hazards. In this regard, a questionnaire was prepared and distributed among different classes of the society including students, government employees and general public throughout the country. A total of 7000 people with different educational backgrounds participated in this survey, which includes uneducated people (1000), science and humanities graduates (2000 each) and under graduate (2000). Statistical analysis, excluding uneducated people, revealed that 30.4% of the total respondents were aware of radon and 69.6% had even not heard of radon. Only ~8.4% of the total respondents were knowledgeably aware of radon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among specialists--that is, dermatologists, gynaecologists and urologists, and general practitioners (GPs) in Karachi, Pakistan.Methods: Interviewers administered structured questionnaires to doctors conducting outpatient clinics at tertiary hospitals and/or private clinics in Karachi. All private clinics within a 10 km radius of the Aga Khan University, and all tertiary hospitals having more than 100 inpatient beds were included in the study.Results: 100 doctors (54 specialists and 46 GPs) responded. 80 doctors reported seeing at least one STI patient/month. The most commonly diagnosed STI the doctors reported was urethritis/cervicitis syndrome. 50% of the doctors knew the recommended antibiotics for gonorrhoea though only 46% of these knew the correct dosage. Specialists were three times more likely to recognise the clinical presentation of herpes and twice as likely to treat chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes with appropriate antimicrobials than GPs. 85% of the doctors advised their STI patients regarding condom usage; 36% thought that STI patients had loose sexual morals; 43% believed STI patients were drug addicts. Over 90% of the physicians were willing to attend educational sessions and follow a national STI treatment protocol.Conclusion: Doctors in Karachi, especially GPs, are deficient in appropriately managing and counselling STI patients. Among the specialists, urologists and dermatologists were more likely to manage STIs correctly than gynaecologists. Karachi doctors should be educated in the correct management and counselling of STIs to prevent further spread of STIs including AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 615 samples including poultry eggs (240), poultry meat (85), poultry droppings (100), bakery products (65) and stool from human diarrhea cases (125) were collected from different areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan. The samples enriched in Tetrathionate broth showed turbidity in 206 (33.5%) samples, and typical Salmonella colonies were found on differential agar media by using traditional methods in all these cases. Polyvalent antisera were used to identify Salmonella serovars. Results revealed that overall serovar entertidis prevalence rate in 206 Salmonella positive samples was 75.24% (155). Out of 58 isolates of Salmonella recovered from human stool samples, 44 (75.86%) were S. enteritidis. Isolation frequency of S. enteritidis from total isolates (148/206) in poultry sources was 111/148 (75.00%) which indicated the zoonotic potential of S. enteritidis. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by using disk diffusion and concentration methods. S. enteritidis isolates showed 100% resistance against bacitracin, erythromycin and novobiocin. These results indicated possible role of infected poultry and poultry products as a source of human infection with multiple drug resistant S. enteritidis strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals have been recognized as a prominent hazard in today's world, causing pollution in the air environment. Woody tree species can play a significant role in the extraction and remediation of metal pollutants from the air, therefore promoting the air quality index. This study investigated the potential of four species of the Ficus genus (F. benjamina, F. microcarpa, F. religiosa, and F. virens) to remediate varying levels of heavy metal contamination in industrial, residential, and highway areas of Faisalabad City, Pakistan. For this purpose, six heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, zinc, and manganese) were assessed in young leaves (YL) as well as old leaves (OL) of subjected tree species at selected study sites. Eight fully expanded leaves were selected from each tree species: two from each cardinal direction from the shoot of the current year (young leaves, YL), as well as from the shoot of the previous year (old leaves, OL). The results showed that the same genus has different capabilities to accumulate different heavy metals, and the overall trend was in the following order: F. virens > F. religiosa > F. benjamina > F. microcarpa at all study sites. The heavy metal contents in both YL and OL of selected tree species decreased in the order of Manganese (Mn)> Zinc (Zn)> Copper (Cu) > Chromium (Cr) > Lead (Pb) > Cadmium (Cd) at all study sites. The metal accumulation index (MAI) values ranged between 2.14-5.42 for F. benjamina, 2.09-3.89 for F. microcarpa, 3.61-7.01 for F. religiosa and 4.77-6.48 for F. virens across all study sites. Among the studied  tree species, it has been determined that F. virens and F. religiosa are well-suited for urban areas with significant heavy metal contamination and can be strategically planted in barrier areas to effectively combat atmospheric pollution.

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a significant cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The classification and treatment of hypertension in pregnancy remain debated. We aim to compare the effectiveness of the revised 2017 ACC/AHA blood pressure threshold in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes., Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the Alliance for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement (AMANHI) biorepository study, including 10,001 pregnant women from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Tanzania. Blood pressure was measured using validated devices at different antenatal care visits. The blood pressure readings were categorized as: normal blood pressure (systolic blood pressure (sBP) < 120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure (dBP) < 80 mm Hg), elevated blood pressure (sBP 120-129 and dBP < 80), stage 1 hypertension (sBP 130-139 or dBP 80-89, or both), and stage 2 hypertension (sBP ≥ 140 or dBP ≥ 90, or both). We estimated risk ratios for stillbirths and preterm births, as well as diagnostic test properties of both the pre-existing JNC7 (≥ 140/90) and revised ACC/AHA (≥ 130/80) thresholds using normal blood pressure as reference group., Results: From May 2014 to June 2018, blood pressure readings were available for 9,448 women (2,894 in Bangladesh, 2,303 in Pakistan, and 4,251 in Tanzania). We observed normal blood pressure in 70%, elevated blood pressure in 12.4%, stage 1 hypertension in 15.2%, and stage 2 hypertension in 2.5% of the pregnant women respectively. Out of these, 310 stillbirths and 9,109 live births were recorded, with 887 preterm births. Using the ACC/AHA criteria, the stage 1 hypertension cut-off revealed 15.3% additional hypertension diagnoses as compared to JNC7 criteria. ACC/AHA defined hypertension was significantly associated with stillbirths (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4, 2.3). The JNC 7 hypertension cut-off of ≥ 140/90 was significantly associated with a higher risk of preterm births (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2, 2.2) and stillbirths (RR 3.6, 95% CI 2.5, 5.3). Both criteria demonstrated low sensitivities (8.4 for JNC-7 and 28.1 for ACC/AHA) and positive predictive values (11.0 for JNC7 and 5.2 for ACC/AHA) in predicting adverse outcomes., Conclusion: The ACC/AHA criteria (≥ 130/80) identified additional cases of hypertension but had limited predictive accuracy for stillbirths and preterm births, highlighting the ongoing need for improved criteria in managing pregnancy-related hypertension., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Hyperglycemia during pregnancy leads to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Thus, strict monitoring of blood glucose levels is warranted. This study aims to determine the association of early to mid-pregnancy HbA1c levels with the development of pregnancy complications in women from three countries in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa., Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the AMANHI (Alliance for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement) cohort, which enrolled 10,001 pregnant women between May 2014 and June 2018 across Sylhet-Bangladesh, Karachi-Pakistan, and Pemba Island-Tanzania. HbA1c assays were performed at enrollment (8 to < 20 gestational weeks), and epidemiological data were collected during 2-3 monthly household visits. The women were followed-up till the postpartum period to determine the pregnancy outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the association between elevated HbA1c levels and adverse events while controlling for potential confounders., Results: A total of 9,510 pregnant women were included in the analysis. The mean HbA1c level at enrollment was found to be the highest in Bangladesh (5.31 ± 0.37), followed by Tanzania (5.22 ± 0.49) and then Pakistan (5.07 ± 0.58). We report 339 stillbirths and 9,039 live births. Among the live births were 892 preterm births, 892 deliveries via cesarean section, and 532 LGA babies. In the multivariate pooled analysis, maternal HbA1c levels of ≥ 6.5 were associated with increased risks of stillbirths (aRR = 6.3, 95% CI = 3.4,11.6); preterm births (aRR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.8-6.7); and Large for Gestational Age (aRR = 5.5, 95% CI = 2.9-10.6)., Conclusion: Maternal HbA1c level is an independent risk factor for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth, preterm birth, and LGA among women in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. These groups may benefit from early interventional strategies., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Mycoplasma bovis is a highly contagious pathogen that causes clinical or subclinical mastitis. The present study was aimed for the isolation, molecular characterization and antibiogram determination of M. bovis from raw milk samples. Milk samples were collected randomly from lactating cows and buffaloes from different tehsils of district Faisalabad, Pakistan. Samples were inoculated on modified Hayflick medium and biochemical tests were performed for further confirmation of isolated M. bovis. Out of total 400 milk samples, 184 (46%) samples were found positive for culture method. The 16S-rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction was performed for molecular characterization of isolated M. bovis strains. Out of total 400 milk samples, 240 (60%) positive for M. bovis through PCR method were examined. The 16S-rRNA gene PCR positive isolated M. bovis strains were sequenced and results were compared using Maximum-likelihood method and sequenced strains of M. bovis were aligned and analyzed by Clustal W software. Antibiogram of isolated M. bovis strains was analyzed by disc diffusion assay against eight commonly used antibiotics. Tylosin (30μg) and Tilmicosin (15ug) showed inhibition zones of 32.34 ± 1.10 mm and 17.12 ± 0.93 mm respectively against isolated M. bovis which were found sensitive. Isolated M. bovis was found resistant to other commonly used antibiotics. Statistical analysis revealed that p-value was < 0.05 and the odds ratio was >1.0 at 95% CI. This study complemented the lack of epidemiological knowledge of molecular characterization, comparative effectiveness and resistance trends of isolated M. bovis strains against commonly used antibiotics., (Copyright© by the Polish Academy of Sciences.)

This study used a dataset of 30 years (1990-2020) of daily observations from 24 meteorological stations in the northern highlands of Pakistan to assess trends in extreme precipitation indices. The RClimDex model was used to analyze the indices, and the Modified Mann-Kendal test and the Theil-Sen slope estimator were applied to determine trends and slopes, respectively. The results showed a significant decrease in total annual precipitation amount (PRCPTOT) with varying rates of negative trend from -4.44 mm/year to -19.63 mm/year. The total winter and monsoon precipitation amounts were also decreased during the past three decades. The intensity-based precipitation indices (RX1Day, RX5Day, R95p, R99p, and SDII) showed a significant decrease in extreme intensity events over time, while the count of consecutive dry days (CDD) and consecutive wet days (CWD) indicated a significant decrease in duration at multiple stations. The annual counts of days with precipitation more than or equal to 10 mm (R10), 20 mm (R20), and 25 mm (R25) exhibited a significant decrease in frequency of extreme precipitation events, with the decrease more pronounced in the northern parts of the study domain. The findings of this study indicate a significant decline in the intensity, frequency, and extent of precipitation extremes across the northern highlands of Pakistan over the past 30 years., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Ghanim et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Bats remains as reservoirs for highly contagious and pathogenic viral families including the Coronaviridae, Filoviridae, Paramyxoviruses, and Rhabdoviridae. Spill over of viral species (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV & SARS-CoV2) from bats (as a possible potential reservoirs) have recently caused worst outbreaks. Early detection of viral species of pandemic potential in bats is of great importance. We detected beta coronaviruses in the studied bats population (positive samples from Rousettus leschenaultia) and performed the evolutionary analysis, amino acid sequence alignment, and analysed the 3-Dimentional protein structure. We detected the coronaviruses for the first time in bats from Pakistan. Our analysis based on RdRp partial gene sequencing suggest that the studied viral strains are closely related to MERS-CoV-like viruses as they exhibit close structure similarities (with few substitutions) and also observed a substitution in highly conserved SDD in the palm subdomain of motif C to ADD, when compared with earlier reported viral strains. It could be concluded from our study that coronaviruses are circulating among the bat's population in Pakistan. Based on the current findings, we suggest large scale screening procedures of bat virome across the country to detect potential pathogenic viral species., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Knowledge of gestational age is critical for guiding preterm neonatal care. In the last decade, metabolic gestational dating approaches emerged in response to a global health need; because in most of the developing world, accurate antenatal gestational age estimates are not feasible. These methods initially developed in North America have now been externally validated in two studies in developing countries, however, require shipment of samples at sub-zero temperature., Methods: A subset of 330 pairs of heel prick dried blood spot samples were shipped on dry ice and in ambient temperature from field sites in Tanzania, Bangladesh and Pakistan to laboratory in Iowa (USA). We evaluated impact on recovery of analytes of shipment temperature, developed and evaluated models for predicting gestational age using a limited set of metabolic screening analytes after excluding 17 analytes that were impacted by shipment conditions of a total of 44 analytes., Results: With the machine learning model using all the analytes, samples shipped in dry ice yielded a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.19 weeks compared to 1.58 weeks for samples shipped in ambient temperature. Out of the 44 screening analytes, recovery of 17 analytes was significantly different between the two shipment methods and these were excluded from further machine learning model development. The final model, restricted to stable analytes provided a RMSE of 1.24 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10-1.37) weeks for samples shipped on dry ice and RMSE of 1.28 (95% CI = 1.15-1.39) for samples shipped at ambient temperature. Analysis for discriminating preterm births (gestational age <37 weeks), yielded an area under curve (AUC) of 0.76 (95% CI = 0.71-0.81) for samples shipped on dry ice and AUC of 0.73 (95% CI = 0.67-0.78) for samples shipped in ambient temperature., Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrate that machine learning algorithms developed using a sub-set of newborn screening analytes which are not sensitive to shipment at ambient temperature, can accurately provide estimates of gestational age comparable to those from published regression models from North America using all analytes. If validated in larger samples especially with more newborns <34 weeks, this technology could substantially facilitate implementation in LMICs., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors completed the ICMJE Unified Competing Interest Form (available upon request from the corresponding author) and declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 by the Journal of Global Health. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Women experience high rates of depression, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum periods. Using population-based data from Bangladesh and Pakistan, we estimated the burden of antenatal depression, its risk factors, and its effect on preterm birth., Methods: The study uses the following data: maternal depression measured between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation using the 9-question Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); data on pregnancy including an ultrasound before 19 weeks of gestation; data on pregnancy outcomes; and data on woman's age, education, parity, weight, height, history of previous illness, prior miscarriage, stillbirth, husband's education, and household socioeconomic data collected during early pregnancy. Using PHQ-9 cutoff score of ≥12, women were categorized into none to mild depression or moderate to moderately severe depression. Using ultrasound data, preterm birth was defined as babies born <37 weeks of gestation. To identify risk ratios (RR) for antenatal depression, unadjusted and adjusted RR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using log- binomial model. Log-binomial models were also used for determining the effect of antenatal depression on preterm birth adjusting for potential confounders. Data were analyzed using Stata version 16 (StataCorp LP)., Results: About 6% of the women reported moderate to moderately severe depressive symptoms during the antenatal period. A parity of ≥2 and the highest household wealth status were associated with an increased risk of depression. The overall incidence of preterm birth was 13.4%. Maternal antenatal depression was significantly associated with the risk of preterm birth (ARR, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.02-1.74)., Conclusion: The increased risk of preterm birth in women with antenatal depression in conjunction with other significant risk factors suggests that depression likely occurs within a constellation of other risk factors. Thus, to effectively address the burden of preterm birth, programs require developing and providing integrated care addressing multiple risk factors., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disrupted immunization programs around the globe, potentially increasing life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries, which are still struggling to eradicate wild poliovirus. All vaccination campaigns in Pakistan were suspended in April due to the COVID-19 outbreak, leading 40 million children to miss out on polio vaccination. Like the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic could be regarded as a child-rights crisis because it could have life-threatening impact over children, who need immunization, now and in the long-term. Delays in polio vaccination programs might not have immediate impact but, in the long-term, the increase in polio cases in Pakistan could result in the global export of infections. Therefore, healthcare authorities must intensify their efforts to track and vaccinate unvaccinated children in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Polio vaccination campaigns need to resume immediately, so we suggest applying social distancing measures along with standard operating procedure to flatten the transmission curve of COVID-19. Furthermore, the concurrent emergence of cVDPV2 means that tOPV should temporarily be used for primary immunization. In the current review, we have discussed delays in polio vaccination, surveillance of polio viruses, reported cases in Pakistan along with recommendations to overcome interrupted immunization., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

A widely distributed urban bird, the house crow (Corvus splendens), was used to assess bioavailable heavy metals in urban and rural environments across Pakistan. Bioaccumulation of arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) was investigated in wing feathers of 96 crows collected from eight locations and categorized into four groups pertaining to their geographical and environmental similarities. Results revealed that the concentrations of Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Cr were positively correlated and varied significantly among the four groups. Zn, Fe, Cr, and Cu regarded as industrial outputs, were observed in birds both in industrialized cities and in adjoining rural agricultural areas irrigated through the Indus Basin Irrigation System. Birds in both urban regions accrued Pb more than the metal toxicity thresholds for birds. The house crow was ranked in the middle on the metal accumulation levels in feathers between highly accumulating raptor and piscivore and less contaminated insectivore and granivore species in the studied areas,. This study suggests that the house crow is an efficient bioindicator and supports the feasibility of using feathers to discriminate the local pollution differences among terrestrial environments having different levels and kinds of anthropogenic activities.

The convergence of high virulence and multidrug resistance (MDR) in Gram-negative pathogens circulating at the human-animal interface is a critical public health issue. We hereby report the genomic characteristics and virulent behavior of a colistin-resistant Escherichia coli, serotype ONT:H26, belonging to ST6395, isolated from a healthy broiler in Pakistan. This strain harbored multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, including mcr-1.1 and blaCARB-2, besides cma (colicin M) and astA [heat-stable enterotoxin 1 (EAST1) toxin] virulence genes. In vivo experiments carried out with the Galleria mellonella infection model revealed that MCR-1-positive E. coli ST6395 killed 96.4% of the larvae at 18 hour post-infection. Interplay between resistance and virulence in clinically important pathogens could be a potential threat, representing a serious challenge to global public health., (© FEMS 2019.)

Due to overlapping and diverse morphological characters, Berberis is among the most taxonomically complex genera. Palynology is one of the taxonomic tools for delimitation and identification of complex species. In this study, pollens of 10 Berberis species were analyzed through light and scanning electron microscopy. Qualitative as well as quantitative features (pollen shape, size, presence or absence of colpi, colpi length and width, exine thickness, ornamentation, pollen class, aperture, and polar-equatorial ratio) were measured. Five species were observed to have colpate (pantocolpate) with elongated ends, radially symmetrical, isopolar, monads, and psilate-regulate pollens. In polar view, six pollen were spheroidal, two were ovoid, one spherical, and one oblate. Similarly, variation in pollen length was prominent and the largest pollen on polar view was recorded for B. psodoumbellata 60-65 μm (62.4 ± 0.9), while the smallest one was observed for B. lycium 29-35 μm (32.2 ± 1). The observed variation in both quantitative and qualitative features were important in taxonomic identification. This shows that palynological characters are helpful in identification of Berberis genus at the species level., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Prevalence of zoonotic Mycobacterium bovis (bTB) disease in human population is underreported from the North of Pakistan. Here, we report on the proportion of human bTB disease among the overall TB patients, drug resistance pattern of bTB isolates, and knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP)-based analysis of bTB disease. For this purpose, sputum samples from a total of 300 clinically diagnosed TB patients and 100 randomly selected school children suspected of pulmonary TB were processed by culture as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for isolation, identification, and confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mTB) and bTB species. Isolates of bTB were processed for drug susceptibility tests. Data on KAP regarding TB were obtained on a pretested questionnaire. Sputum-based PCR results indicated that 288/300 (96%) were confirmed as mTB, while 12/300 (4%) were found as bTB diseases. Interestingly, none of the school child was declared positive for either mTB or bTB. Notably, 274/300 (91.3%) positively cultured samples were identified as mTB, 13/300 (4.3%) as bTB, while 5/300 (1.7%) as mixed containing both. Importantly, except one, all of the bTB isolates were found resistant to pyrazinamide. Surprisingly, most of the bTB isolates (~70%) were found resistant to a broad range of first- and second-line anti-TB drugs. SplitsTree and recombination analysis indicated no evidence of intergenic recombination. Finally, residence, occupation, presence of animals at home, and sleeping alongside animals were found significantly associated with occurrence of bTB disease. To the best of our knowledge, we report for the first time on the high (4%) burden of bTB disease in human TB patients in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory and hyper proliferative condition of the skin and a serious chronic systemic autoimmune disease. We undertook an association study to investigate the genetic etiology of psoriasis in a Pakistani population by genotyping single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously reported to be associated in genome-wide association (GWAS) or in candidate gene studies of psoriasis. Fifty seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 42 loci were genotyped in 533 psoriasis patients and 373 controls. Our results showed genome wide significant association of the MHC region (rs1265181 being the most significant from five SNPs used with overall OR=3.38; p=2.97E-18), as well as nominally significant associations at ten other loci (p<0.05) in the Pakistani population (LCE3B, REL, IL13/IL4, TNIP1, IL12B, TRAF3IP2, ZC3H12C, NOS2 and RNF114 from GWAS and PRR9 from a previous candidate gene study). Overall, only nine SNPs out of the 42 GWAS loci, displayed an odds ratio in the opposite allelic direction and only three did not reach similar odds ratio within 95% confidence interval as previously reported (SLC45A1/TNFRSF9, ELMO1 and IL28RA). This indicates similar genetic risk factors and molecular mechanisms behind disease in Pakistani psoriasis patients as in other populations. In addition, we show that the MHC and TNIP1 regions are significantly different in patients with psoriasis onset before the age of 40 (type I) compared to after 40 years of age (type II). MHC being associated mainly with type I while TNIP1 with type II patients., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The study analyzed the demographic and socio-economic determinants of neonatal mortality. The variables included one fetal variable (gender), three maternal variables (level of education, occupation, age), three paternal variables (level of education, occupation, age), and seven household (family) variables (nationality, consanguinity, family income, house ownership, type of housing, family type, domestic help). One calendar year data (January to December 2011) was extracted from Qatar's National Perinatal Registry and analyzed using a univariate regression model. Qatar had a total of 20,583 live births and 102 neonatal deaths during 2011 (NMR 4.95/1000). Less than secondary school maternal education level, as compared to secondary school or above maternal education level, was the only variable significantly associated with neonatal mortality (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.23 - 3.53, p=0.009). The association between the remaining thirteen variables and neonatal mortality was non-significant. Priority investment to raise female literacy above secondary school level may significantly improve neonatal survival.

Concentrations and source apportionment of PM(2.5) monitored at an urban residential site in Karachi Metropolitan, Pakistan have been reported in this paper. PM(2.5) aerosol samples were collected on alternative days (three times per week) for 24-hrs duration on Zefluor(TM) filter papers using Thermo-Electron Corporation Reference Ambient Air Sampler (RAAS). A total of 402 samples were collected from January 2006 to January 2008. According to results high PM(2.5) loads were observed in post monsoon months that is about 2 times than those observed in the summer and monsoon seasons in the yearlong measurements. The collected samples were analyzed using ICP-MS for trace metal concentration. Source apportionment was performed on PM samples using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model. The results derived from PMF model indicated five (05) major contributors to PM(2.5) in Karachi which were: soil/road dust, industrial emissions, vehicular emissions, sea salt originated from Arabian Sea and secondary aerosols., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The modification of speech properties in patients may indicate a more profound pathology. Ample research has been undertaken in relation to different demographic and genetic factors on arthritis but significant research on speech in arthritis had not been conducted globally. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of arthritis on the duration of speech in patients., Method: It was a randomised control trial conducted at Rehman Medical Institute (RMI), Peshawar, Pakistan between the months of July and August 2010. Two groups of patients were randomised prospectively; 50 arthritic and 50 non-arthritic, seen in an Orthopaedic OPD. Six standard history questions were asked from each patient and the duration of speech was recorded with the help of a stopwatch. A standard Performa was filled for each participant recording his/her personal information, duration of symptoms, time taken to answer the history questions and a brief past history. The Student's t-test was used to compare the mean durations of speech between arthritic and non-arthritic patients whilst the ANOVA test was applied to compare the mean durations of speech amongst the different forms of arthritis. Pearson's correlation test and odds ratio were also used to check the association of different quantitative and qualitative variables., Results: A statistically significant correlation was deduced in that arthritic patients talked more than non-arthritic ones (p < 0.001). The other factors of age, sex, duration of symptoms and multiplicity of the pain had no influence on the time taken to talk., Conclusion: Arthritic patients speak for a significantly prolonged duration than non-arthritic ones.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. If left untreated, it can progress to serious visual disability. Coexistence of hypertension with diabetes has been described as another risk factor adding to the problem. We designed this study to assess the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy in hypertensive diabetic patients of this region and to compare it with normotensive diabetic patients., Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 previously diagnosed diabetic patients. Apart from routine examination and investigations, retinopathy and blood pressure assessment of each patient was done using standard techniques. Hypertensive diabetic subjects (Group-I, n = 107) were compared with non-hypertensive diabetics (Group-II, n = 93) for the presence of retinopathy., Results: Retinopathy and hypertension were observed in 51% and 53.5% of the total diabetic patients respectively. Hypertensive diabetic patients had significantly higher percentage of retinopathy compared to non-hypertensive diabetic patients (58 vs 43%; p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Retinopathy and hypertension are highly prevalent in our diabetic patients. The proportion of retinopathy is significantly more in hypertensive as compared to normotensive diabetics.

Background: There is considerable variation in the percentage of isolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). There are several mechanisms for methicillin resistance. The most important is low affinity of penicillin binding proteins for beta-lactam antibiotics. The objectives of this study were to establish the pattern of MRSA incidence in Peshawar in recent years, and to identify high risk groups for acquiring infection amongst the city population., Method: All positive MRSA cases reported at city laboratory were employed in the study. These were recorded over the time period elapsing from 2009 to 2011. For each patient, records were looked at for age, sex, specimen tested positive, hospital/community acquired and if hospital acquired then which particular hospital within the city was infection contracted at. Also patient records were addressed for any immune system abnormalities, any operation conducted, presence or absence of diabetes and any history of intravenous drug use., Results: There were a total of 929 MRSA cases in our study, of which 538 were males and 391 were females. MRSA frequency for the year 2009 was 207, for 2010 it was 284 and for 2011 it was 438. The frequency of MRSA increased by 54% from the year 2009 to 2011., Conclusion: A potentially alarming increase in MRSA incidence within the city has been observed in recent years threatening to rise further judging the current trend. Those at a high risk of contracting infection include males aged between 20-29 years, hospitalised, diabetics, immune system compromised, and individuals with a history of IV drug use.

Seasonal indoor radon measurement studies have been carried out in four districts, namely, Jhelum, Chakwal, Rawalpindi and Attock of the Punjab Province. In this regard, CR-39 based detectors were installed in bedrooms, drawing rooms and kitchens of 40 randomly selected houses in each district. After exposing to radon in each season, CR-39 detectors were etched in 6M NaOH at 80 degrees C and counted under an optical microscope. Indoor radon activity concentrations in the houses surveyed ranged from 15 +/- 4 to 176 +/- 7 Bq m(-3) with an overall average value of 55 +/- 31 Bq m(-3). The observed annual average values are greater than the world average of 40 Bq m(-3). Maximum indoor radon concentration levels were observed in winter season whereas minimum levels were observed in summer season. None of the measured radon concentration value exceeded the action level of 200-400 Bq m(-3). The season/annual ratios for different type of dwellings varied from 0.87 +/- 0.93 to 1.14 +/- 1.10. The mean annual estimated effective dose received by the residents of the studied area was found to be 1.39 +/- 0.78 mSv. The annual estimated effective dose is less than the recommended action level (3-10 mSv).

Background: Old World Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (OWCL) is a preventable skin infection that leads to morbidity and social isolation. It is spreading rapidly. The sore of OWCL may be a non-ulcerative red papule, nodule or a large mutilating ulcer. The ulcer is typically painless and can leave a disfiguring scar., Methods: This was a descriptive study. The diagnosis of OWCL was established by finding LD bodies in skin smear preparation., Results: This study identified 1680 cutaneous leishmaniasis in 1767 skin ulcers. Children (n = 924) were infected more than other age groups (n = 756). There were typical skin sore of OWCL in 1512 cases while 168 patients had atypical presentation. The ulcers were painless in 1603 patients. History of insect bite was present in 1366 cases, thorn prick in 156 patients, religious visit to endemic areas in 256 patients, and 4 patients had post surgical non healing wound. Lesions with 4 to 6 months of age had a maximum yield of LD bodies. There were 498 patients from different areas of Peshawar; 688 cases from leishmania endemic belt of FATA while 89 patients came from other urban and rural areas of NWFP., Conclusions: There is a tremendous increase in cases of OWCL and the disease became endemic in many regions of Pakistan. The bordering areas along Afghanistan have constituted an endemic belt that had invaded the neighboring urban and rural areas. Several chronic non healing ulcers had been diagnosed as OWCL. Many cases have been detected in Peshawar. People need education about the nature of the diseases and the efficacy of personal protective measures. Spray with suitable insecticides is required in all residential areas.

Studies concerning measurements of indoor radon levels were carried out in 60 schools in the Rawalpindi region of Pakistan. In each school, six CR-39 based NRPB type radon detectors were installed and exposed to the indoor radon in two cycles (each of six months' duration). After exposure, the detectors were removed, etched in 6 M NaOH for 16 h at 80 degrees C, and the tracks were counted under an optical microscope. The measured track densities were then related to radon concentrations, from which the radiation doses were calculated. The observed radon concentrations varied from 15 to 140 Bq m(-3), with an average activity concentration of 42.75 +/- 9.28 Bq m(-3). The mean annual radon effective dose equivalent was found to be 0.40 +/- 0.09 mSv using an occupancy factor of 8 h day(-1). Our results show that the indoor radon concentrations in the schools surveyed are within the permissible limits.

Humans have always been exposed throughout their period of existence to naturally occurring ionising radiation. Specifically, naturally occurring radionuclides are present in variable amounts in our environment. To assess radiological health hazards, naturally occurring radionuclides are being measured in soil, sand, marble, bricks etc throughout the world. In this regard, extensive data have been reported for Pakistan, which have been compiled and reviewed in this article. The majority of the reported articles are about monitoring of the radiological health hazards of naturally occurring radionuclides. In a few articles, use of the radionuclides has been reported for the exploration of uranium and thorium deposits. Most of the reported data have been obtained using a high purity germanium detector or a sodium iodide detector.

Radon is being extensively measured all over the world due to its hazardous health effects as well as for different geological applications. In this regard, considerable studies have been conducted by different research groups in Pakistan. However, these studies are scattered and need to be combined/listed somewhere for future studies of radon in Pakistan. In this article, all the studies concerning radon measurements have been reviewed. The main emphasis is on different methods used in the measurement of radon. A minimum value of 5 Bq m(-3) has been reported for a centrally air conditioned room and a maximum value of 782 +/- 125 Bq m(-3) has been observed in coal mines of Khushab, Punjab.

Brick, sand, marble and cement are mainly used for the construction of dwellings in Pakistan. Therefore, knowledge of the presence of natural radioactivity in these materials is of great importance in order to assess the radiological hazards associated with them. In this context, specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were measured in brick, sand, marble and cement samples collected from different localities of the North West Frontier province and federally administered tribal areas, Pakistan, using a P-type coaxial high-purity germanium spectrometer. In brick samples, the average measured activities for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 30 +/- 15, 41 +/- 21 and 523 +/- 182 Bq kg(-1), whereas in sand samples, these values were 19 +/- 9, 30 +/- 15 and 769 +/- 461 Bq kg(-1), respectively. In marble samples, the average specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to be 18 +/- 19, 18 +/- 21 and 299 +/- 328 Bq kg(-1), whilst in cement samples they were 24 +/- 6, 18 +/- 4 and 244 +/- 29 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Radium equivalent activities were also calculated and were found to be 129 +/- 54, 121 +/- 57, 67 +/- 60 and 68 +/- 9 Bq kg(-1) for brick, sand, marble and cement samples, respectively. The annual average effective doses from these samples were 0.37 +/- 0.15, 0.33 +/- 0.15, 0.20 +/- 0.17 and 0.20 +/- 0.03 mSv, respectively. External and internal hazard indices were less than one for all the samples studied.

Prevalence rate of Down's syndrome in one thousand women of Karachi were evaluated. The preliminary screening showed that 80 out of 1000 women fall in this category based on MSAFP. Further tests were augmented such as hCG, ME along with MSAFP confirmed that 0.2% patients delivered babies with Down's syndrome.