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Excessive use of chemical fertilizers is common for higher production of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.). Chemical fertilizers are costly andhave adverse effect on soil environment. Keeping in view avoidingthe side effects of chemical fertilizers, an experiment was carried out for evaluating the different organic manures to select potential organic manure for better groundnut production during 2018-19 at Groundnut Research Station Attock. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications, fivetreatments consisted of different organic and inorganic fertilizers i.e. T1 (FYM @7.5t/ha), T2 (PM @05t/ha), T3 (NPK @30:80:30 kg/ha), T4 (Vermicompost@ 2.5t/ha) and T5 control (zero fertilizer). Nutrients use efficiency, quality and yield components were recorded. The study revealed that organic manure can enhance the production and quality of Ground nut for replacing the chemical fertilizer. Poultry manure @ 05t/ha significantly produced higher yield (4203 kg/ha), shelling% (71%), 100 seed weight (72.66 g), plant height (31.66 cm), pods/plant(58.00), oil content (42.86%), protein(28.60%) during both the years over rest of treatments. Similarly FYM and vermicompost had better results than the NPK. Therefore it is recommended that poultry manure @05t/ha can improve groundnut yield under pothohar conditions of Pakistan.

The federal and provincial governments set strict rules and regulations for procurement in public sector universities to ensure transparency and value for money to achieve sustainable development in Education Sector. The United Nations has developed a set of 17 goals called Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and Pakistan is the first country to adopt these goals through Parliament’s unanimous resolution. Ensuring transparent and effective procurement in public sector educational institutions especially in universities is actually fulfilment of the two goals of the SDGs, first one is Goal 4 Quality Education and Goal 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Because public universities are governed by the federal or provincial governments, they must adhere to Public Procurement Rules. There are three Public Sector Universities, out of which two are governed and managed by the provincial government of Sindh and one is by Federal government. Procurement is considered as best when goods or services are procured in a process which gave more value for money spent on procurement but in the case of public sector universities, there is a perception that procurement in public sector universities are not cost effective and fair. The objective of this research is to government’s efforts to ensure transparency and effective procurement in public sector universities for achieving the targets of quality education and building strong institutions. This paper has made an attempt to identify the issues and challenges being faced by the public sector universities in procurements due to rigid rules and regulations made for government sector procurement but enforced on universities also just because they are under the administrative control of the federal or provincial governments. In order to conduct an extensive research within limited allocated time, both primary as well as secondary research methods are used in this research.

The paleoecological fluctuations left their impression marks on the tooth enamel of mammals during their tooth development. These marks can be used as stress indicators because they reflect the type of duress faced by the extinct mammalian species during their lives. The enamel hypoplasia (EH) is a common stress marker to trace out the paleoenvironment of the region and the likelihood of species extinction. The material used for current EH analysis belongs to the genus Deinotherium, family Deinotheriidae, collected from Middle Miocene (15.2–11.2 Ma) Siwaliks of Pakistan. In this analysis 35 samples consisting of 52 teeth of two species, Deinotherium pentapotamiaeand D. indicum are included. The results indicate that 13/52 (25%) of the analyzed teeth have occurrences of EH giving a prediction that these Siwalik deinotheriids were facing the physiological and/or ecological stresses during the Middle Miocene epoch of Pakistan. The higher frequency of EH in molars (30.30%) compared to premolars (21.05%) express that the individuals experienced a comparatively high stress at the adult stages of their lives. This higher magnitude of EH in molars supports the idea of ecological stressors, i.e., dietary, mating, disease, and predator-prey associations, amplify the likelihood of extinction by dint of EH occurrences. Keywords: enamel hypoplasia, Siwaliks, Middle Miocene, Proboscidea, Deinotherium, root crown junction

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is always a matter of utmost concern in cases of spinal instrumentation in low-income countries. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of local intrawound application of vancomycin powder in reducing postoperative SSI following Thoracolumbar-Sacral spinal instrumentation. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was done in the Department of Neurosurgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad from 1st July 2019 to 31st December 2021. Seventy-eight patients of either gender with an age range from 15 to 65 years, who were planned for posterior spinal instrumentation surgery (transpedicular screw fixation), were included in the study. Patients were divided into two equal groups, A (Vanco group) and B (control group). In addition to standard systemic prophylaxis, 1 gm of Vancomycin powder was applied over the implant in Group A patients. Results: The mean age of the patients in Group A was 36±16.6 while the mean age of patients in the group was 33.7±15.9 years. A statistically significant reduction of surgical site infection was observed in those who received a prophylactic intra-wound application of vancomycin powder (Vanco group) (5.2%) compared to the control group (20.5%). Conclusion: Intrawound vancomycin powder administration significantly decreases SSI following spinal instrumentation surgeries. Patients at high risk of infection are highly recommended as a candidate for this technique.

Field experiments were conducted on wheat during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 under rainfed conditions. The statistical significance between treatment means was determined at 5% significance level. Data were recorded on weed density, protein, fat and ash contents of wheat grains. Weed density in shallow tillage was highest (20.67 m−2) while it was lowest (14.23 m−2) in deep tillage. In weed control factor, weed density was highest in weedy check (33.10 m−2), followed by parthenium aqueous extract (21.50 m−2), and lowest (6.79 m−2) in plots treated with Affinity (isoproturon + carfentrazone). Results showed that the highest crude protein content (10.88%) was recorded in deep tillage, while lowest (10.45%) in shallow tillage, indicating that tillage depths have an impact on wheat grains protein content. For weed control factor, the crude protein content was highest (11.98%) in Affinity treated plots, followed by herbicides, Buctril super (bromoxynil + MCPA) (11.44%) and Puma super (fenoxaprop-p-ethyl) (11.12%). Hence, the control measures also affected crude protein content of wheat grains, which is also obvious from the weedy check where wheat grains crude protein content was lowest (9.73%). The two years combined data analysis also showed the highest crude fat content (1.75%) in deep tillage treatments followed by normal tillage (1.67%) and lowest fat content (1.53%) in shallow tillage. For ash content, the highest content (3.03%) was with Affinity herbicide treatments, followed by Buctril super (2.74%) and Puma super (2.48%) herbicides. In conclusion, both the tillage and herbicides indicated positive effects on the nutritive status of wheat grains.

A greenhouse experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Shen Lasht, Chitral during 2016-17. There were five different locations in district Chitral from where the soil samples were collected which included Drosh, Shen Lasht, Garam Chashma, Ayun and BoonyLasht. A total of 300 samples were collected from all locations with 60 samples from each location. The 300 soil samples collected were placed in trays of medium sizes i.e. 27 cm x 21 cm x 4 cm = 2268 cm3. The trays were arranged in three repetitions having 100 samples in each repetition. Each repetition of 100 samples contained samples from 5 locations, in each location 4 sites (east, west, north and south each at 100 m distance from each other) and at each site samples were collected from 5 different depths, making a total of 100 samples in one repetition i.e. 5 x 4 x 5 = 100 and with repetitions making a total of 300 samples in one district. The results indicated that in the soil samples of district Chitral a total of 31 noxious weeds were recorded. Out of the 31 different weeds, 23 were broad leaves, eight were grasses and one was sedge. In another angle, 24 weeds were annuals while the rest were perennials out of the 31 weeds identified. A total of 17 different plant families were represented by the weeds recorded in the soil samples of Chitral region. Among the different locations of Chitral, the highest weed seed bank was recorded in the soil samples of ARS Shen Lasht area. Weed seed banks have always been higher in areas with mild winters, where the Shen lasht area is having milder winters as compared to the other areas in Chitral. The lowest seed bank was recorded in the soil samples of Garam Chashma, which was however statistically at par with the rest of the locations studied in Chitral. As far as the seed banks in the depths are concerned, largest weed seed bank was observed in the depth of 6 to 12 cm. The smallest seed bank was at the depth of 30 cm followed by the depth of 24 and 18 cm. Therefore, it is evident that the major weed seed bank lies in the upper 6-12 cm depth of the soil. In case of the interaction, the largest weed seed bank was recorded at ARS Sheen lasht at the depth of upper 6 cm of the soil profile whereas the weed seed bank was very low below the 12cm depth of soil upto 30 cm in the Garam Chashma area of Chitral. Out of the total 31 weeds recorded in soil samples of Chitral, the top 10 weeds in terms of the relative weed densities, relative weed frequencies and importance value indices were Convolvulus arvensis, Rumex crispus, Poa annua, Galium aparine, Avenafatua, Trianthemaportulacastrum, Silybum marianum, Sorghumhalepense, Euphorbia helioscopia, and Loliumtenulentumspecies. The IVI values for these weeds were 14.01, 13.96, 13.07, 11.83, 11.57, 11.12, 10.35, 10.09, 10.02, and 9.99, respectively. Moreover, these IVIs indicate that out of the topmost 10 problematic weeds eight weeds are broad leaved and two are grassy weeds.

Water is a precious natural resource. Unfortunately, bodies of water become polluted by waste, such as untreated wastewater and detritus, along with oil spills, with minimum or no consideration for their limited capacity to renew themselves. Among these pollutants, dyes are harmful as they are persistent and not biodegradable in nature. The present study demonstrates the removal of crystal violet (CV), a toxic cationic dye, by using three systems: Peroxymonosulfate (PMS), UV-254 nm radiation and UV/P5MS. The effects of various parameters, such as the effects of the initial dose of crystal violet, initial concentration of PMS, pH, typical inorganic ions, etc., were also investigated. The effect of pH was investigated in the range of 1.92–12.07. Similarly, the effect of various anions such as NO2•−, HCO3•−, CO3•2−, SO4•2− and CH3COO•− was investigated for the degradation of target pollutants. The order of degradation of crystal violet was UV/PMS > PMS > UV with removal efficiencies of 97%, 76% and 42%, respectively, at reaction times of 60 min. The degradation of crystal violet was enhanced significantly at a pH range of 10.52–12.07. Electrical energy per order (EE/O) values for UV/PMS, PMS and UV were calculated to be 1.68, 3.62 and 48.96 KWh/m3/order, respectively. The addition of inorganic ions inhibited the removal of CV in the order of SO4•2− > NO2•− > HCO3•− > CO3•2− > CH3COO•−. Moreover, the kinetic studies on the degradation of CV by the UV-254 nm, PMS, and UV/PMS systems, were also carried out and found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. The study revealed that oxidation processes are most efficacious for the removal of organic dyes from wastewater.

Purpose of the Study: The current research aims at exploring the need of effective English skill as a global employment skill and its various reasons, as there are various Pakistani institutes which are dedicated to The English language teaching and reinforce its relationship with employability. The importance of the study being conducted in Pakistan becomes more evident as English enjoys the status of the second language in the country. Methodology: Current study uses a mixed-method research design and employs both questionnaires and interviews as research instruments. The questionnaire was administrated on a sample of 392 university students while a sample of 13 informants from university faculty participated in an interview for data collection. Main Findings: The study concludes that the importance of English was associated with increased connectivity due to globalization. The study also concludes that the importance of English for finding jobs and making a career was well-established. To conclude, it can be said that English language proficiency is amongst the top global employment skills in the viewpoint of Pakistani academia. Application of this Study: The study implicates that the importance of English for employment across the globe and a successful career will further lead to the formulation of English Specific courses for different professional and occupational groups in Pakistan. The originality of the Study: There is a scarcity of empirical evidence in terms of the importance of English as an employment skill though English is considered very important as an elite language and a status symbol. The study proposes to fill in the gap by providing empirical evidence, therefore, the research is being conducted to assess the status of English and its importance for global employment skills.

Mastitis is highly prevalent infection in cattle causing cost-effective loss in dairy milk production. Escherichia coli is the most frequently isolated bacteria causing mastitis worldwide. The current study was performed to investigate the mastitis prevalence and effect of different antibiotics against pathogens causing it. In sum, 216 milk samples were collected randomly including 108 each from both cows and buffaloes. These samples were subjected to Surf Field Mastitis Test for prevalence of mastitis that found 18.50% and 23.14% in buffaloes and cows respectively. Mastitis was more prevalent both in buffaloes and cows at the age of 9-10 years that was reported in 35% and 32% respectively. The affected buffaloes showed 65% samples containg watery fluid having blood, pus and mucus whereas 36% samples of affected cows had mucus and watery fluid. Pus and blood content were found to be 12% and 16% respectively. Sub-clinical mastitis was prevalent as 56% and 55% in cows and buffaloes respectively while acute mastitis as 4% and 5% in similar fashion. In both groups Right-for part of udder was frequently affected than any other. Among commonly used four antibiotics, Norfloxacine was observed the most effective antibiotic to control mastitis as compared to Gentamycin, Penicillin and ciprofloxacin. The benefit of this study is to diagnose mastitis and use to isolate pathogens for further processing like antibiotic sensitivity and resistance. This study will help veterinarians in better selection of antibiotic to control mastitis.

Background and Aim: Migraine is a spiking prime headache disorder that has a significant impact on both patients and society. Migraine and other headache disorders are major causes of misery and frailty on a global scale. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of migraine in young male patients presented with severe headache. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 276 young male patients who presented with severe headache Medicine outpatient department (OPD) at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from August 2019 to July 2020. Criteria of International Classification of Headache Disorders were followed for headache diagnosis. All the patients of age range 15-40 years with severe headaches were enrolled whereas patients of previous chronic medical conditions were excluded. Ethical approval was taken from the institutional ethical committee. All the demographic details were gathered in a pre-designed proforma. SPSS version 24 was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 276 young adult patients who presented with severe headaches were investigated during the study period. The mean age was 29.38±8.65 years with an age varies from 15 years to 40 years. Most of the patients were in the age range of 31-40 years 132 (47.8%) followed by 21 to 30 years 97 (35.1%). Patients of age 15-20 years were less frequent with a prevalence of 47 (17.1%). The overall prevalence of migraine headache was in 137 (49.6%) patients out of which migraine with and without aura was 5.7% and 43.9% respectively. Tension-type headache being the second common headache was found in 23.7% followed by Cluster headache at 2.8%. Conclusion: Migraine without aura was the most prominent headache among young male outpatients with severe headache. The findings highlight the socioeconomic factors impact on headache epidemiology and show that excessive use of NSAIDs may have an effect the primary headaches distribution. More multicenter studies are needed to assess headache epidemiology across the country. Keywords: Severe Headache, Migraine, Prevalence, Tension Type Headache (TTH)

Paleoclimatic archives preserved in bioapatite provide long-term temporal records of climatic change and allow us to explore how climate may have affected faunal and floral changes through time. Am...

Objective: To investigate the role of concomitant Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) peeling during surgery for macula off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (RRD) in preventing postoperative Epiretinal Membrane (ERM) formation; and its effect on the visual acuity. Methods: This was a prospective, quasi-experimental study conducted from August 2018 to July 2019 at LRBT Tertiary Eye Care hospital, Karachi. Fifty-six patients with macula off RRD were divided into groups A (with ILM peeling) and B (without ILM peeling) via non-probability convenience sampling. All patients underwent standard 3 ports pars plana vitrectomy with silicon oil tamponade. In Group-A, ILM was stained using 0.5% ICG. Patients were evaluated clinically and by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), pre- and post-operatively. Main outcomes recorded were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and occurrence of ERM on SD-OCT. Results: There were 26 patients in Group-A and 30 patients in Group-B. At six months’ follow-up, ERM had not developed in any case in Group-A compared to five patients (16.7%) in Group-B. There was no statistical difference in mean BCVA change from baseline. Conclusion: ILM peeling during vitrectomy for RRD prevents the formation of macular ERM post-operatively. This may reduce the need of a second vitrectomy. However, visual outcomes were comparable to the non-ILM peeling vitrectomy. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3576 How to cite this:Mahmood SA, Rizvi SF, Khan BAM, Khan TH. Role of Concomitant Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Peeling During Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (RRD) Surgery in Preventing Postoperative Epiretinal Membrane (ERM) Formation. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):651-656. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3576 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a very common critical condition during pregnancy. As PE is a high-risk condition during pregnancy, occurring in 25% of all pregnancies, worldwide. In women with PE there is an increase in hypertension and albuminuria. Elevated blood pressure can be life-threatening after 20th week of pregnancy. Single nucleotide variation in gene sequence can be disease causing, among these pathogenic SNPs, a variant in TNF-α, G308A is analyzed in many studies as a causative variant to cause preeclampsia. In this case control study fifty patients and fifty healthy individuals were enrolled for analysis of TNF-α promoter region SNP G308A from Jinnah hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. The genotyping of TNF-α (G308A) rs1800629 polymorphisms was performed by PCR-RFLP method. Data analysis was performed by using SNPStats, statistical tool. The mean age of all patients and controls were calculated, 24.4 ± 6.6 and 25.1 ± 5.3 years, respectively. The frequency of G308A polymorphism was more prevalent in the case group, in association with control group (p

Gomphotheres existed in the Siwaliks from the middle Miocene (14.2Ma) to the middle Pleistocene (0.8Ma) and became extinct later on. In this paper, we tried to discuss the reasons of such extinction of gomphotheres in the lower Pleistocene time span by considering Linear Enamel Hypoplasia (LEH) among 114 isolated tooth samples to assess whether ecological changes correlate with the stress factor in gomphotheres. For this purpose, the Siwalik gomphotheres were divided into two Groups viz. early gomphotheres (middle Miocene to late Miocene) and late gomphotheres (Pliocene to middle Pleistocene). We presented the hypothesis, that as the gomphotheres are characterized by the brachydonty and relied on browsing for their feeding while inhabiting the semi forest land setting thus, expected to have higher stress in Plio-Pleistocene time span as vegetational change around ~6 Ma may have exerted stress on late gomphotheres. The results for the occurrence of frequency of LEH indicated severe ecological stress in late gomphotheres (33%). The significant differences were found (P < 0.05) among the early gomphotheres and late gomphotheres which can be correlated to the vegetational change from C3 to C4, higher aridity indices and intensified seasonality after the late Miocene vegetational shift which may have resulted in substantial faunal turnover, extinction and speciation. We assume that such palaeoecological changes forced a competition with more pronounced grazers like of family Elephantidae and Bovidae resulting in extinction of gomphotheres during the late Pleistocene in the Siwaliks of Pakistan.

Background: Deliberate self-poisoning is important cause of deaths in younger population. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution of deliberate self-poisoning by 12 socio-demographic factors, precipitating events, type of substance and mortality in population of Hazara Division, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan from October 9, 2017 to December 28, 2018. 102 deliberate self-poisoning patients were selected consecutively from population at risk. Variables were 12 socio-demographic factors, precipitating events, type of substance and mortality. All variables being categorical were described by count and percentage for sample and by confidence intervals for proportion for population at 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Deliberate self-poisoning cases (n=102) were higher in women 80.39%, in age group 18-25 years 54.90%, similar in urban 49.02% and rural 50.98%, higher in non-Pathan 74.51%, in married 57.84%, in joint family 79.41%, in up to matric education 85.29% and in housewives 52.94%, 4.90% with previous history of self-harm, 1.96% with family history of self-harm and higher in lower socioeconomic group 81.37%. The most common precipitating event was interpersonal difficulties with spouse, family members or friends 56.86%, while the most common type of substance was organophosphate 62.75%. Mortality was 3.92%. Conclusion: Deliberate self-poisoning was more prevalent in women, younger age group, married, joint family, educated up to matric, housewives and lower socioeconomic status. Family conflict was most common precipitating factor. Organophosphate was most common type of substance and mortality was high 3.92%.

Cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental contaminant that has been linked to oocyte quality reduction and early embryo mortality in various in vivo studies. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Cd-induced mitochondrial toxicity in bovine in vitro matured oocytes, primary cultured bovine cumulus cells, and in vitro developed bovine embryos. Cd significantly reduced PPARGC1A (PGC-1α) and nuclear respiratory factors, which leads to mitochondrial damage and hence reduction in oocyte maturation and embryo development. NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) is the upstream marker of PGC-1α and nuclear respiratory factors, and its activation significantly mitigated Cd-induced mitochondrial damage. For SIRT1 activation, we used Hesperetin (Hsp), a citrus flavonoid and a potent activator of SIRT1. The molecular docking approach was used to investigate the binding of hesperetin to bovine SIRT1, which revealed that hesperetin creates polar and non-polar interactions with residues that are reported essential for the activation of SIRT1. Furthermore, the SIRT1 enzymatic activity was measured in primary cultured bovine granulosa cells after hesperetin treatment. To further confirm the SIRT1-dependent effects of hesperetin we used a specific inhibitor of SIRT1 (EX527), which significantly (p 0.05) reduced the effects of hesperetin on embryo mitochondria. Next, we treated hesperetin and Cd to early bovine embryos and discovered a significant (p 0.05) increase in PGC-1, NRF1, and NFE2L2 protein expression as well as embryo development recovery. Thus, we came to the conclusion that hesperetin can activate PGC-1 and nuclear respiratory factors via SIRT1, which can greatly reduce Cd-induced mitochondrial toxicity and promote mitochondrial biogenesis in early bovine embryos.

Pakistan is the country with mega freshwater fish diversity of native and alien species. In the presence of enormous native fishes varies species of exotic fishes have been introduced into the freshwater bodies of Pakistan which are competing with native freshwater fish fauna and making them deprive of food and habitat as well. Intentional or accidental introductions of animals, plants and pathogens away from their native niche is considered as major leading problem for biodiversity of invaded habitat. Three years study (from January 2017 to December 2019) was conducted in freshwater bodies of Province Punjab, Pakistan. Study was designed to know exotic species impacts on the distribution of native species of fishes. During current survey a total of 68 (indigenous and exotic) fish species belonging to 14 families were recorded from head Qadirabad, head Baloki, Islam headworks and Rasul barrage. Statistical analysis showed that Shannon-Wiener diversity index was the highest (1.41) at both Rasul barrage and Islam headworks but, invasive species were present in very less number in these study sites i.e. Oreochromis mozambicus, O. niloticus, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Carassius auratus, Ctenophryngdon idella, Cyprinus carpio and H. molitrix. The diversity index showed that comparatively low diversity was present in both area head Qadirabad (1.30) and head Baloki (1.4) due to high pressure of invasive species. Direct observation of species and statistical analysis showed that aliens’ species produced negative impact on the local fish fauna diversity, evenness, and numbers. It is concluded that many factors are impacts on the diversity of native fishes, but alien (invasive) species also play a major role to reduction of native species, because aliens’ species produce competition for native species. So it is urgent need to analysis the aliens and native food web and roosting sites in Pakistan, in future. Resumo O Paquistão é um país com ampla diversidade de espécies nativas e exóticas de peixes de água doce. Contudo, diversas espécies de peixes exóticos estão sendo introduzidas nos corpos de água doce paquistanês, as quais estão competindo com a fauna nativa de peixes, tornando-os privados de alimento e habitat. A introdução intencional ou acidental de animais, plantas e patógenos fora de seu nicho nativo é considerada o principal problema da biodiversidade do habitat recém-invadido. Assim, foi realizado um estudo de três anos, de janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2019, em corpos de água doce na província de Punjab, Paquistão. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida para conhecer os impactos de espécies exóticas na distribuição de espécies nativas de peixes. Durante a pesquisa, foi registrado um total de 68 espécies de peixes (nativas e exóticas), pertencentes a 14 famílias, nas nascentes dos rios Qadirabad, Baloki e Islam e na barragem de Rasul. A análise estatística mostrou que o índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener foi mais alto (1,41) na barragem Rasul (RB) e na nascente do rio Islam (IH); e que a maioria das espécies introduzidas estava presente em um número muito menor, isto é, Oreochromis mossambicus, Oreochromis niloticus, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Carassius auratus, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio e Hypophthalmichthy smolitrix nessa área de estudo. Por outro lado, o índice Shannon-Wiener mostrou que a diversidade estava baixa nas nascentes dos rios Qadirabad (1,30) e Baloki (1,4) em razão da alta pressão de espécies invasoras. A observação direta das espécies e a análise estatística indicaram que as espécies invasoras produziram impacto negativo na diversidade, uniformidade e números de peixes da fauna local. Conclui-se que muitos fatores impactam na diversidade de peixes nativos, mas as espécies exóticas (invasoras) também desempenham um papel importante na redução das espécies nativas, em razão da competição existente entre elas. Portanto, é urgente uma análise futura das espécies invasoras e da teia alimentar nativa no Paquistão..

Road and transportation plays a vital role in the sustainable development and prosperity of the area. This study investigates the impact of road and transportation on the health of the host community and its sustainable destination development. Data were collected from the host community and were analyzed through factor analysis and structure equation modeling to evaluate the in-hand data of the structural relationship. It is revealed that road and transportation has a significant role in the improvement of health. Moreover, income mediates the effects of accessibility and employment on health. This study will help the authorities and policy maker to formulate policy regarding road and transportation that will improve health of the host community and its sustainable development. The study is limited to the seven districts of Hazara division and explores the societal aspect of CPEC on the host community, future researcher may investigate other regions and may select some other variables such as effect on GDP, per capita income, etc.

Age-related deterioration in the reproductive capacity of women is directly related to the poor developmental potential of ovarian follicles. Although telomerase plays a key role in female fertility, TERT-targeting therapeutic strategies for age-related female infertility have yet to be investigated. This study elucidated the effect of Telomerase activation on mice ovaries and more specifically on Klb (β-Klotho) gene expression, which is linked to ageing, female hormonal regulation, and cyclicity. The homology-based 3D model of hTERT was used to predict its binding mode of Cycloastragenol (CAG) using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Based on docking score, simulation behavior, and interaction with hTERT residues it was observed that CAG could bind with the hTERT model. CAG treatment to primary cultured mouse granulosa cells and activation of telomerase was examined via telomerase activity assay (Mouse TE (telomerase) ELISA Kit) and telomere length by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization. CAG mediated telomerase also significantly improved β-Klotho protein level in the aged granulosa cells. To demonstrate that β-Klotho is telomerase dependent, the TERT was knocked down via siRNA in granulosa cells and protein level of β-Klotho was examined. Furthermore, CAG-mediated telomerase activation significantly enhanced the level of Klb and recovered ovarian follicles in the D-galactose (D-gal)-induced ovarian ageing mouse model. Moreover, Doxorubicin-induced ovarian damage, which changes ovarian hormones, and inhibit follicular growth was successfully neutralized by CAG activated telomerase and its recovery of β-Klotho level. In conclusion, TERT dependent β-Klotho regulation in ovarian tissues is one of the mechanisms, which can overcome female infertility.

Climate effects habitat and define species physiology. Climatic regimes were different in past and adaptability of different species varied. Climate change causes certain stress on animal, recorded as Enamel Hypoplasia (EH). Proboscideans, the mega herbivores were extensively represented in the Siwaliks of Pakistan between Middle Miocene to Pleistocene (~15.2 – ~1.0Ma). The study is carried out on 15 species from 9 genera and 4 families using 319 teeth from 266 individual quarries. Our results revealed 20.06% (64/319) teeth infected by EH. Family Deinotheriidae faced higher stress during the terminal of middle Miocene (EH 25%). Dental structure indicate that this family preferred soft vegetation like C3 plants and failed to survive in grassland ecology at the onset of Late Miocene (~10-9 Ma). Gomphotheriids (EH 21.05%) and Stegodontids (EH 23.40%) survived through warm and dry climatic conditions of the Late Miocene, but could not survive the cool and dry climate of Plio-Pleistocene where grasslands were abundant with less browsing activity. Family Elephantidae (EH 8.75%) was successful in drier conditions, and utilized the exclusive C4 diet in open grasslands as efficient grazers, indicated by their tooth morphology. Elephantids were dominant of the proboscideans in open grassland and drier climate during Plio-Pleistocene in Indian subcontinent. We assume that change in the Siwalik climate was governed by microclimate as in the present day Siwaliks grasslands are widely distributed at low altitudes with lower mean annual precipitation and forestlands still persist in Myanmar and Nepal which receives more rainfall and have lower mean annual temperature.