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Simple Summary: This cross-sectional study evaluated management factors contributing to tick infestation in 96 livestock farms in Punjab, Pakistan. Data collected via in-person interviews and statistical analysis revealed soft bedding as a significant risk factor. Other factors included lack of quarantine, improper drainage, infrequent veterinary visits and hot seasons. Strict quarantine practices, hard bedding, improved farm structure and a combination of tick control remedies were emphasized. Collaboration among farmers, veterinarians and researchers was deemed essential. Tick infestation poses an important challenge to livestock in Pakistan. Farm management practices and environmental variables can influence tick infestation prevalence in animals. To this end, a cross-sectional survey of 96 farms in four different geographical districts (24 farms from each district) was conducted in Punjab, Pakistan, between October 2021 and January 2022. An epidemiological questionnaire was designed focusing on farm management practices and their impact on tick infestations at these farms. Data were collected via in-person interviews. Regional and farm-specific variables' associations were evaluated using Pearson's chi-square test and Fischer's exact test, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify significant risk factors. This study identified that using soft bedding materials, e.g., wheat straw, leaf litter or plain soil posed a significant risk of tick infestation. Additionally, the absence of quarantine measures, open sheds and inadequate drainage were found as contributing factors in univariable analysis. Higher tick prevalence in the hotter seasons highlighted the influence of Punjab's extreme weather on tick infestation. Despite regular veterinary visits and the use of acaricidal drugs, the prevalence of tick infestation at these farms suggested potential drug resistance in the ticks. The study recommended establishing quarantine practices, improving farms' drainage systems and bedding and using a combination of chemical and traditional remedies to tackle drug resistance in ticks. Education and awareness programs on tick-borne diseases and control measures are advocated to reduce the tick infestation burden on animals. Further research on longitudinal studies to better understand tick population dynamics and develop effective acaricides is encouraged. This called for collaborative control efforts among farmers, veterinarians and research institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a serious disease that affects both animals and humans. It is caused by consuming unpasteurized dairy products that are contaminated with the Brucella bacteria. To study the pathobiology of this disease and develop preventive strategies, researchers rely on in vivo and in vitro models. A systematic literature search was conducted in January 2024, which revealed 38 studies that used these models in the previous four years. Mice were the most commonly used model for studying the disease's virulence genes, immune responses, vaccination, and treatment testing. Out of the 38 articles discussing infection models in brucellae, 6 used only in vivo models, 9 used only in vitro models, and 24 used both models. In addition, there were 32 studies with in vitro experiments, most of which utilized macrophages to study intracellular survival mechanisms and host-pathogen interactions. The studies mainly focused on B. abortus, as it had a significant impact on public and livestock health. Both in vivo and in vitro models were used to understand comprehensive intracellular mechanisms, immune responses, and treatment evaluations. However, there were several challenges in using these models, such as ethical concerns and host pathogen-specific immune responses. While both models provided important insights, the final selection choice of the model mostly depended on the research objectives, pathogen type, and availability of resources. Nevertheless, validation and understanding of these models are important to predict responses in the natural hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproduction is the main function of organisms to produce offspring. Pheasants are birds that breed from March to June every year. Most pheasants lay a clutch of 8 to 15 eggs, sometimes up to 18, but usually 10 to 12 eggs, and the eggs are olive in color. The incubation period for these eggs is approximately twenty-two to twenty-eight days, after which the eggs will hatch and the female will take care of the offspring. In this study, the breeding biology and population status of protected pheasants in Malakand Wildlife Park were examined. The pheasants are carefully cared and well-managed in this studied wildlife park. Information is collected each week from different field visits and questions from existing staff and experts. Data on clutch size and hatching success of different pheasant species were analyzed. The average number of broods for ring-necked pheasants is 15 and for white pheasants is 16. The average of green birds is 9. Likewise, the average of white birds is 7, the average of Indian peacocks is 7, and the average of black pheasants is 4. The growth rate of ring-necked pheasants is 26.6%, the rate of white pheasants is 7.89%, and the rate of black-shouldered pheasants is 16%. The proportion of green pheasants is 37.14%, and that of white pheasants and peacocks is 37.14%. This study aims to understand the brood size and hatching success of different pheasant species protected in Malakand Wildlife Safari Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AlInN last quantum barrier (LQB) has been employed instead of conventional AlGaN in ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs). The simulation results reveal that p-doped AlInN and un-doped AlInN LQB effectively suppressed electron leakage and facilitated the movement of holes to the active zone, which is greatly attributed to the higher conduction band offset and lower valence band offset of the AlInN alloy. Moreover, AlInN has reduced the lattice mismatching, leading to a decrease in the induced polarization field. Hence, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and the radiative recombination rate, with the AlInN LQB, has been increased by 54% and 260%, respectively, as compared with conventional AlGaN-based LQB LEDs. Importantly, the AlInN LQB not only increased the IQE but also alleviated the efficiency droop dramatically. Additionally, the emission spectrum at 277 nm has been remarkably enhanced as compared with conventional LEDs. Thus, based on these results, it was found that the un-doped AlInN LQB is a feasible route for achieving efficient UV LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis worldwide and a potential health risk in Pakistan due to socio-economic reasons and lack of awareness, veterinary health and modern dairy-processing facilities. The aim of this study was to determine the burden of brucellosis in hospitalized patients of selected districts of Punjab, Pakistan. To this end, a total of 280 serum samples were collected from suspected patients in districts Lahore, Okara and Khushab between 2016 and 2018. Anti-Brucella antibodies were detected in 89 (31.8%) sera by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and Brucella abortus DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 42 (15%) samples. In univariable analysis, the seroprevalence varied significantly (p < 0.05) between districts with Lahore indicating 41/101 (40.6%) Odds ratio (OR) = 53.98 (7.22–403.67; 95% CI), Okara 47/99 (47.5%) OR = 71.4 (9.55–533.65; 95% CI) and Khushab 1/80 (1.3%) as reference. Similarly, exposure to aborted materials and a history of blood transfusion did associate significantly (p < 0.05), posing OR = 2.91 (1.58–5.36; 95% CI) and OR = 4.48 (2.56–7.84; 95% CI) risk. However, consumption of raw milk and history of blood transfusion did associate significantly (p < 0.05) in multivariable analysis indicating OR = 1.91 (1.09–3.34; 95% CI) and OR = 4.92 (2.76–8.75; 95% CI), respectively. The association of history of blood transfusion as a brucellosis risk factor underscores the need to create brucellosis awareness programs both at public and institutional levels in the medical and veterinary fields, as well as facilities and capacity building to delve deeper into the epidemiology of brucellosis in the country. Particular attention should be paid to chronically infected patients. Therefore, laboratory modernization, standardization and validation of the diagnostic tests, and staff trainings are required. Finally, pasteurization of the milk is recommended before consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the mechanical behavior of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPs), which are gaining prominence as sustainable materials due to their biodegradability and eco-friendliness. In this study, we aimed to gain a profound understanding of the mechanical behavior of selected NFRPs. Static structural analysis was conducted to simulate tensile effects, while vibrational analysis was performed to predict natural frequencies. The results indicated that all fibers exhibited minimum stress at the 67.5° angle and maximum stress at the 22.5° angle during tensile testing. Additionally, minimum deformation occurred at the 0° angle, whereas maximum deformation was observed at the 67.5° angle. Interestingly, the NFRPs exhibited similar natural frequencies for the lower modes (1st and 2nd), with negligible alterations due to fiber angles. The core aim of this study is to showcase the practicality and viability of the investigated NFRPs by employing sophisticated finite element analysis to anticipate their material behavior beforehand, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of the natural frequencies, stresses, and deformations with traditional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites, thereby exploring the potential of NFRPs as feasible alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hydatid disease is an endemic disease that affects many regions of the world. Even surgeons in nonendemic regions face the condition, so they should be familiar with the best way to treat it. Aim: This study aims to determine the effectiveness new trocar-cannula system, the Palanivelu Hydatid System (PHS), a new, safe approach for laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid disease. Place and Duration: In the surgical department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar for the duration from Jan 2019 to December 2021. Methods: The Palanivelu Hydatid System was used to perform laparoscopic surgery on 40 patients of hepatic hydatid disease. The trocar-cannula system technique was utilised as well as the method of surgery was elaborated in detailed. A total of 40 patients were included in this study. Results: The maximum of patients complained of pain and the majority had one cyst only. The liver's right lobe was most frequently affected. Four patients had bilateral cysts. In 77.8% of cases, the Palanivelu Hydatid System was used to merely remove the hydatid cyst. Due to the large size of the cysts, which nearly filled the entire left liver lobe in 11.2% of cases, a left lobectomy was performed. Omentoplasty was used to treat the residual cavity. A follow-up period was 1-year on average recurrence was seen in one patient only. Conclusion: For the treatment of hepatic hydatid disease, we advise Palanivelu Hydatid System. We have discovered that it works best for avoiding spillage, completing trans-cystic fenestration, removing the contents of hydatid cysts and handling with cystbiliary communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commonly occurring haemoparasites in pigeons include Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus which cause decrease in production and performance of the birds. Due to the dearth of knowledge on prevalence of these parasites in pigeons in Pakistan, current survey-based study was planned to assess the prevalence of above-mentioned parasites in pigeons in selected rural areas of District Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. The morphological identification of parasites was done under microscope by comparing it with standard keys. Out of 384 samples, 56.51% were found positive for haemoparasites. According to town-wise distribution, Jinnah town, Iqbal town, Madina town and Lyallpur town prevalence was 61.24, 48.86, 55.56, and 59.26%, respectively. According to genus-wise distribution, 48.14, 48.21, and 64.92% prevalence of mixed infection, genera Plasmodium/Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon were observed, respectively. The prevalence was found high in female birds (65.9%) as compared to male birds (51.18%). The prevalence was higher in Cheena (69.02%) and Golden breeds (76.57%) as compared to Sialkoti (32.89%) and Dub wali (37.17%). The prevalence was found higher in squabs (74.15%) as compared to adults (49.6%) and growers (52.56%), in scavengers feeding pattern (77.31%) as compared to feeders (35.78%), and in open coop type (76.68%) as compared to closed coop type (36.12%). The values of Hb, PCV, and RBC's count were lower, while WBC's counts were higher in infected pigeons. The values of uric acid, creatinine, albumin and bilirubin were lower while gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and glucose were higher in infested birds as compared to non- infected birds. The study indicated the impact of haemoparasites on the hematological parameters of the birds and the data generated could help in formulating effective control strategies against haemoparasites particularly Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]