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Understanding fish diversity and its distribution patterns are principal issues for scientists and managers concerned with the extinction processes of fresh water fish species. The aim of current review is to assess the relevant literature describing the diversity, ecology and current population conservation status of freshwater fish of the Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Peer reviewed papers, published during 1976 to 2017, describing freshwater fish diversity at the study site, were selected. Out of four (04) set criteria, two criteria were regarding diversity and distribution of freshwater fish, whereas the other two were related to conservation status and their ecological importance. In total, 82 freshwater fish species belonging to 17 families have been reported at the study site. It was observed that, out of these reported families, most dominant families were Cyprinidae (53.7%), Sisiridae (7.3%), and Bagridae and Channidae 4.9% each. Conservation status of the studied freshwater fish fauna of the Southern Punjab indicated 73% of the total species as least concern, 16% species were not evaluated, 6% were near threatened, 4% were found vulnerable, whereas 1% of the total observed species as data deficient. Published record showed that fresh water fish population is continuously decreasing due to overexploitation, illegal fishing activities and alteration in water flow through diversion and damming. The freshwater fish population has also been reduced intensely due to many factors including pollution, habitat degradation, and overexploitation. In conclusion, certain measures including establishment of nature reserve, simulated proliferation and releasing are needed to conserve fish diversity in the area. Habitat restoration should be given consideration for the restoration of diversity of fish in their natural environment. A complete survey to evaluate the current diversity and conservation status of different freshwater fish species is, furthermore, highly recommended at the study site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onset of 21st century witnessed the awareness among the masses regarding the diet-health linkages. The researchers attempted to explore traditional products/plants were in the domain of pharmacy and nutrition focussing on their health benefits. In the present research intervention, we investigate the role of Nigella sativa fixed oil (NSFO) and essential oil (NSEO) in improving antioxidant status and modulation of enzymes. The National Institute of Health (NIH) provided us 30 Sprague Dawley rats that were equally placed in three groups. The groups were fed on their respective diets (56 days) two experimental diets i.e. D2 (NSFO @ 4.0%) and D3 (NSEO @ 0.30%) and control. The indices pertaining to antioxidant status, antioxidant enzymes, and parameters pertaining to immunity were evaluated at 4 weeks interval. The experimental diets (NSFO@ 4.0% &NSEO@ 0.30%) modulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), positively. Indices of antioxidant status like tocopherols and glutathione were in linear relationship with that of GPx, GR and GST (P<0.01). Myeloperoxidase activities were in negative correlation with GST (P<0.01) but positive correlation with some other parameters. In the nutshell, the fixed and essential oil of Nigella sativa are effective in improving the indices pertaining to antioxidant status, however, the immune boosting potential needs further clarification. However, authors are of the view that there is need to explore the molecular targets of Nigella sativa fixed and essential oils. Findings from such studies would be useful to validate this instant study for health promoting potential against diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is one of the most contagious viral and immunosuppressive diseases in young chickens. Vaccination at proper time is the only way to control the disease. In Pakistan, however, the development of an efficacious and economical vaccine is a major issue. The objective of the study was, therefore, to develop an effectual and inexpensive vaccine. In total, 300 birds were divided into six groups (A to F), each of 50 birds and inoculated subcutaneously on 10th day of age. Three different passaged virus (8, 16 and 24), field isolate and commercial IBD vaccine were tested. The gross pathological and histopathological changes were recorded for bursa, thymus, muscles and kidney. The serum samples were collected for antibody titration against IBDV. Significant changes including swelling and hemorrhages started at 48th h to 10th day post inoculation (PI) in group receiving commercial vaccine, whereas group with inoculation schedule of 24th passage showed very low bursal lesion with regards to the control group. Greater bursa body weight ratio was observed in the group receiving commercial vaccine compared with the one units field isolate and the one units 8th passage, whereas it decreased in groups with 16th and 24th passage. The titre of virus was high in the groups with field isolates and that of 8th passage, whereas group with commercial vaccine and 24th passage had moderate titre with respect to other groups. Bursal changes were minimal in all groups except for group with 24th passage, where no changes were found at 24 h PI relative control group. There were no histopathological changes in the muscles, kidney and thymus in the 24th passage group E respect to all other groups. Greater antibody titer and highest (100%) protection against disease was observed in this group with regard to other groups. On the basis of our results, 24th passage virus can be used to protect the birds from IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plants and their functional ingredients hold potential to cure various maladies and number of plants hold therapeutic potential. The present research was designed study the health promoting potential of black cumin (Nigella sativa) fixed oil (BCFO) and essential oil (BCEO) against oxidative stress with special reference to multiple organ toxicity. For the purpose, thirty rats (Strain: Sprague Dawley) were procured and divided into three groups (10 rats/group). The groups were fed on their respective diets i.e. D1 (control), D2 (BCFO @ 4.0%) and D3 (BCEO @ 0.30%) for a period of 56 days. Mild oxidative stress was induced with the help of potassium bromate injection @ 45 mg/Kg body weight. Furthermore, the levels of cardiac and liver enzymes were assayed. The results indicated that oxidative stress increased the activities of cardiac and liver enzymes. However, supplementation of BCFO and BCEO was effective in reducing the abnormal values of enzymes. Elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), CPK and CPKMB were reduced from 456 to 231, 176 to 122 and 45 to 36mg/dL, respectively. Similarly, liver enzymes were also reduced. However, the results revealed that BCEO supplementation @ 0.30% is more effectual in ameliorating the multiple organ toxicity in oxidative stressed animal modelling. In the nutshell, it can be assumed that black cumin essential oil is more effective in reducing the extent of potassium bromate induced multiple organ toxicity (cardiac and liver enzymes imbalance) that will ultimately helpful in reducing the extent of myocardial and liver necrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]