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Introduction. The esophagus cancer patients needs early diagnosis to achieve better prognosis. The delay barriers increase progression of diseases to higher stages. The aim of work was to identify and explore the barriers in diagnosis of esophagus cancer and chart the time duration in this process. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in Jinnah Hospital Lahore (JHL), a teaching care hospital of Allama Iqbal Medical College, during a period of one year from July 2019 to July 2020. There were 49.42 % female and 50.57 % male patients. Results. Mean age found to be 56 years. Mean Total delay (TD ) time was 206 days and median Total delay (TD ) time in days were 197 days with 25th and 75th (157, 246) percentiles respectively. Longest delays were found in 51–60 age group and age related (r=0.94) significantly to delays (p=0.0004). Initial symptom of weight loss shows maximum delay and symptoms are highly correlated (r=0.94) with delay (p=0.004). The low income group presents maximum delay. Mean patient delay (PD ) time in days were 142 days with 135 Median and (88, 195) 25th and 75th percentile respectively. Mean, Median, 25th and 75th percentiles for Physician delays (PhyD) times were (20, 18, 16, 23) respectively. Treatment delay (TD ) time (Mean, Median) in days were (18, 18.52) with 25th and 75th (14, 22) percentiles. The education significantly reduces the delays with correlation (r=0.91) and significance (p=0.02). Mean system delay (SD ) time were 25 days and median were 24 days with 25th and 75th (20, 31) percentiles. Conclusion. Illiteracy, financial problems, and unavailability of information related to the cancer and health care system, very limited number of health facilities remains the main causes of these delays.

ABSTRACT: Minimizing the utilization of antibiotics in animal production is crucial to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistances. Thus, research on alternatives is needed to maintain productivity, sustainability, and animal health. To gain a comprehensive understanding of probiotics’ modes of action on performance, intestinal microbiota, and gut health in poultry, 3 probiotic strains (Enterococcus faecalis CV1028 [EntF], Bacteroides fragilis GP1764 [BacF], and Ligilactobacillus salivarius CTC2197 [LacS]) were tested in 2 in vivo trials. Trial 1 comprised of a negative control group fed basal diet (BD) and 3 treatment groups that received BD with EntF, BacF and LacS. Trial 2 included a negative control group, a positive control group with Zinc-Bacitracin as antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), and 2 groups treated with a blend of probiotics (EntF+BacF+LacS) during 0 to 10 or 0 to 35 d, respectively. Wheat-soybean-rye based diets without exogenous enzymes were used as a challenge model to induce intestinal mild- or moderate-inflammatory process in the gut.In Trial 1, individually administered probiotics improved FCR at 8 d compared to Control, but these positive effects were lost in the following growing periods probably due to the high grade of challenging diet and a too low dose of probiotics. In Trial 2, both Probiotic treatments, administered only 10 or 35 d, significantly improved FCR to the same extent as of the Antibiotic group at the end of the trial. Although the performance between antibiotic and probiotic mixture showed similar values, microbiota analysis revealed different microbial composition at 7 d, but not at 21 d. This suggests that modes of action of the AGP and the tested probiotic blend differ on their effects on microbiome, and that the changes observed during the first days’ posthatch are relevant on performance at the end of the study. Therefore, the probiotics administration only during the first 10 d posthatch was proven sufficient to induce similar performance improvements to those observed in birds fed antibiotic growth promoters throughout the whole experimental trial.

Introduction. Neighbourhood safety is directly linked to the level of disadvantage in the area of residence. Aim. The present research aimed to examine the impact of neighbourhood safety on the academic performance of secondary school students, taking into account gender and socioeconomic background. Methodology and research methods. The current study used a quantitative cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from 448 secondary school students on a voluntary basis. Chi-square and Kendall’s Tau-c (Tc) tests were used to analyse the data and determine the relationship and strength of direction between variables. Results. The findings indicated a significant and positive association between children’s academic performance and neighbourhood crime safety (P < 0.05, Tc = 0.202), as well as feeling safe, walking in the neighbourhood during the day or night (P < 0.05, Tc = 0.127). However, bullying and harassment in the neighbourhood were found to be significantly and negatively associated with academic performance (P > 0.05, Tc = -0.053). When introducing family socioeconomic status as a control variable, the results indicated variation in academic performance in relation to neighbourhood safety. When controlling for student gender, neighbourhood safety had no different effects on academic performance. The findings showed that, in relation to neighbourhood safety, children from families with higher socioeconomic status academically outperform children from lower socioeconomic status families. Scientific novelty. The study not only focused on the connection between neighbourhood safety and academic performance but was also unique in the sense that it also dealt with differences in academic performance based on gender and family socioeconomic level. Practical significance. The study produces a number of interesting conclusions and makes valuable recommendations for significant stakeholders. The primary study recommendations aim is to create a secure, supportive, and protective neighbourhood environment by enforcing the law and encouraging community involvement in order to reduce the threat of crime, violence, and harassment.

The influence of Thermophoresis and Brownian motion on the pulsing flow of nano-fluid (blood) through a curved artery with stenosis and post-stenotic dilatation in its interior is investigated numerically. The Herschel-Bulkley model of fluid dynamics accurately represents the fluid's rheology. By applying the mild stenosis condition, the highly coupled momentum, energy, and mass concentration equations can be modelled and reduced. Explicit finite differences methods are used to discretize and solve the non-dimensionalized governing equations associated with the boundary condition. Entropy creation in blood flow due to loss and magnetohydrodynamic processes is also investigated. Graphs and discussions of the effects of changing pertinent geometric and rheological factors on key flow characteristics, such as temperature, velocity, and mass concentration, are provided. Because of the small changes in blood temperature and mass concentration caused by the artery's curvature, it is observed that the radius of the curved channel has a significant impact on blood velocity. An increase in Brownian motion also resulted in a drop in the nano-temperature, a fluid's but the thermophoresis parameter exhibited the reverse behavior.

Abstract Salt stress and heavy metal are instigating hazard to crops, menace to agricultural practices. Single and combined stresses affecting adversely to the growth and metabolism of plants. To explore salt and heavy metal resistant plant lines as phytoremediants is a need of time. Physiological responses are main adaptive responses of the plants towards stresses. This response varies with species and ecotype as well as type and level of stress. Two cucurbit weeds from two ecotypes were selected to evaluate their physiological adaptations against independent and combined stresses of various levels of salt (NaCl) and heavy metal (NiCl2). Various physiological parameters like water potential, osmotic potential, pressure potential, CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, and production of adaptive chemicals like SOD, CAT, proteins, sugars and proline were studied. Citrullus colocynthis showed more adaptive response than Cucumis melo agrestis and desert ecotype was more successful than agricultural ecotype against stresses.

Intro: Acquired hemophilia is an atypical pathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which could be variant associated. Here, we share a sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome from patient with COVID-19 acquired haemophilia. We explore its lineage, genomic and novel structural variations. Methods: The genome of SARS-CoV-2 from a rare case of COVID-19 acquired hemophilia was extracted and subjected to whole genome sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was carried out to investigate the lineage, sequence, and novel structural polymorphism in the virus. Findings: Radiological and laboratory work up positively diagnosed the patient with COVID-19 and acquired hemophilia. The patient was treated with standard protocol for the management COVID-19 and an acquired hemophilia and recovered well. The virus was identified of 21J lineage belongs to SARS-CoV-2 delta variant. The genome sequence showed presence of 43 nonsynonymous mutations/indel with a novel 9 amino acid deletion in NSP3 region flanked by nucleic acid binding domain and replicase domain. Structurally, carbon alpha back bone of NSP3 protein showed noticeable variation with the NSP3 of SARSCoV-2 Wuhan strain. Discussion: NSP3 is a 1945 amino acid-long virus protein with multiple functionally important domains. The mutation lies between the nucleic acid binding domain and coronavirus replicase domain of the protein. NSP3 is profoundly important for viral polyprotein processing as it is involved in the cleavage of several NSPs and self-cleavage by working as a papain-like protease. Moreover, NSP3 interacts with several host proteins, including IRF3, ABHD17A, ZNF410, MKRN3, and MKRN2, which have a role in modulating inflammatory pathways. Hence, it suggests a link between low-grade inflammation and hemophilia among infected individuals. Conclusion: There are few previous reports of COVID-19 related acquired hemophilia, the presence of novel NSP3 mutation in the virus warrants further genome surveillance and functional studies to explore the potential association between acquired hemophilia and SARS-CoV-2 variant specific infection.

IntroductionThe life-sustaining treatment of hemodialysis (HD) induces recurrent and cumulative systemic circulatory stress resulting in cardiovascular injury. These recurrent insults compound preexisting cardiovascular sequalae leading to the development of myocardial injury and resulting in extremely high morbidity/mortality. This is largely a consequence of challenged microcirculatory flow within the myocardium (evidenced by detailed imaging-based studies). Currently, monitoring during HD is performed at the macrovascular level. Non-invasive monitoring of organ perfusion would allow the detection and therapeutic amelioration of this pathophysiological response to HD. Non-invasive percutaneous perfusion monitoring of the skin (using photoplethysmography—PPG) has been shown to be predictive of HD-induced myocardial stunning (a consequence of segmental ischemia). In this study, we extended these observations to include a dynamic assessment of skin perfusion during HD compared with directly measured myocardial perfusion during dialysis and cardiac contractile function.MethodsWe evaluated the intradialytic microcirculatory response in 12 patients receiving conventional HD treatments using continuous percutaneous perfusion monitoring throughout HD. Cardiac echocardiography was performed prior to the initiation of HD, and again at peak-HD stress, to assess the development of regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs). Myocardial perfusion imaging was obtained at the same timepoints (pre-HD and peak-HD stress), utilizing intravenous administered contrast and a computerized tomography (CT)-based method. Intradialytic changes in pulse strength (derived from PPG) were compared with the development of HD-induced RWMAs (indicative of myocardial stunning) and changes in myocardial perfusion.ResultsWe found an association between the lowest pulse strength reduction (PPG) and the development of RWMAs (p = 0.03) and also with changes in global myocardial perfusion (CT) (p = 0.05). Ultrafiltration rate (mL/kg/hour) was a significant driver of HD-induced circulatory stress [(associated with the greatest pulse strength reduction (p = 0.01), a reduction in global myocardial perfusion (p = 0.001), and the development of RWMAs (p = 0.03)].DiscussionPercutaneous perfusion monitoring using PPG is a useful method of assessing intradialytic hemodynamic stability and HD-induced circulatory stress. The information generated at the microcirculatory level of the skin is reflective of direct measures of myocardial perfusion and the development of HD-induced myocardial stunning. This approach for the detection and management of HD-induced cardiac injury warrants additional evaluation.

A dual band microstrip antenna for WIMAX and WLAN applications is analyzed and presented in this paper. The proposed antenna has semicircular slot in patch and Defected Ground Surface (DGS) technique for the improvement of its bandwidth and gain. Computer Simulation Technology (CST) software is used to design and simulate the performance characteristics. The proposed antenna has the dimensions as 28 x 26.6 mm2. The fabricated antenna provides a good reflection coefficient of -48dB and -44.5dB at a center frequency of 3.4GHz and 5.5GHz. Gain achieved by the antenna is 2.72dB and 3.87dB for WLAN and WIMAX application. Good agreements have been found between simulated and measured results. These results confirm that the fabricated antenna is very promising for WLAN and WIMAX applications.

Adhesion properties of metal-composite bonds are crucial in defining composite capability with other metallic components, and failures could lead to severe accidents. Hence, the study is aimed at the development and characterization of metal-composite bonds using different rigid adherends and adhesive materials (thermoset and thermoplastics). Among natural fibers, jute was used, while aramid, carbon, and glass woven reinforcements were employed from synthetic fibers. A simultaneous comparison of both thermoset and thermoplastic matrices was done using epoxy, polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl butadiene (PVB) as adhesive materials. Floating roller delamination characterization proved variation in adhesion qualities governing different failure modes by varying adhesive even in a single rigid adherend. The highest fracture toughness was observed for aluminum-jute bonds made with PP and PVB that was due to toughness of matrix and intralaminar failure. Carbon being brittle in nature showed the most fluctuated performance with a 90% difference between the highest value of carbon-PVB and the lowest value of carbon-epoxy. Thermoplastic matrices owing to plasticity offered overall more fracture toughness than brittle thermoset resin. Furthermore, intralaminar was the dominant failure mechanism in the jute-based bond made with thermoplastic matrix.

A feasibility study on Usumacinta River sediment-based bricks for resilient housing adapted to both climate change and seismic risks is performed on laterally loaded reduced-scale walls. Mortar formulations with different volume ratios of lime and sand (2/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/6) are prepared while different types of sediment-based bricks are thoroughly investigated, manufactured and strength characterized. Commercial fired bricks as reference bricks completed the set of bricks tested (FRS: Fired River Sediment-based brick (at 850 °C); LRS: Lime treated River Sediment-based unfired brick (1.5% of lime addition); NRS: Natural fiber Reinforced river Sediment-based unfired brick and FR: commercial Fired Reference brick made without sediment). Walls of different sizes were built with these types of bricks and mortars. Tests under lateral in-plane loads of walls i.e. pushover tests, were conducted.The most significant results are as follows:(1) the addition of lime increases the strength of the mortar; (2) the wall size effect is observed for wall built with reference bricks (FR) and mortar ratio (1/2), where, large walls (LW), intermediate walls (IW) and small walls (SW) exhibiting maximum load of about 1200 N, 440 N and 260 N respectively. Rocking failure mode is the most observed unlike shear and sliding mode which are rarer. (3) maximum load measured during a pushover test performed on walls with sediment-based bricks provides a satisfactory average of 130 N, which exceeds the strength recommended for light buildings; The failure mode is sliding for fired bricks and rocking for unfired bricks. (4) the sediment-based bricks walls give an interesting ductility to pushover test while (2.6–40).These results show promising perspectives on the possibility of using the Usumacinta River sediment-based bricks in walls for light constructions under seismic loading.

Background: According to world health organization the low back pain is the most common disability among workers and is among the top ten diseases around the globe. The Global Burden of disease 2010 stated that LBP is amongst the top 6th at disability (DALYs) causing injuries and diseases. This is the highest ranked in terms of disability and causes an enormous economic burden on generalized industry, individual and government at large. Objective: To find out the factors that affect low back pain among different workers in Pakistan Methodology: The data was collected from different databases such as PubMed, google scholar and PEDro using a predefined search strategy with proper Boolean terms ‘AND’ or ‘OR’ or ‘NOT’. There were no search limitations. The data was collected from the available literature of past 10 years. The articles with relevant articles and titles were reviewed. Results: The most common risk factors that were seen almost among all the professions were static and prolonged posture, any work that demands prolonged standing or sitting, bending or twisting, improper lifting. Every profession is at high risk for developing low back pain but among all the professions physiotherapists, sonographers, bankers and shopkeepers were at higher verge for LBP. Conclusion: It has been found out that low back pain is increasing day by day and roaming around every profession. Timely trainings with proper ergonomically techniques can cause decrease in LBP and increase in economical productivity in Pakistan. It can be said that good ergonomics for good economics.

Abstract A socio-economic study was conducted in district Mardan of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan to get a comprehensive knowledge of the agroforestry tree species grown on the farmlands, their yield, and carbon stock. For yield and carbon stock estimation, data were collected from 59 sample plots by measuring the diameter, height, volume, and biomass of selected agroforestry tree species through D-tape and Haga altimeter. A total of 59 sample plots were inventoried using 2.5 percent sampling intensity. Each sample plot has an area of 0.5 ha, where each tree with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm was inventoried. The calculated amount of volume of each tree species was then converted to biomass by multiplying it by the density of wood and the Biomass Expansion Factor (BEF). Total yield and C stock for the selected agroforestry tree species were 11535.2 metric tons and 2102.2 metric tons, respectively. Populus euroamericana is classified as the main tree with 28% growing stock prior to Morus alba by 21%, while Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix tetrasperma, and Bombax ceiba consist of 15%, 12%, 8%, 6%,7% and 3% growing stock respectively. Among the species found in different sampling plots the yield of Populus euroamericana was found to be 4747.5 metric tons and it was followed by the species Morus alba found at 2027.3 metric tons. Similarly, the volume for Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Salix spp, Boombox ceiba, and Acacia nilotica was 1532.2 tons,1503 ton,745.7,203.5ton, 555.4ton and 220.5ton, respectively. The carbon stock for Populus euroamericana was calculated as 777.8 ton/ha, while for Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Melia azedarach, Morus alba, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix species, and Bombax ceiba it was calculated as 312.3ton/ha, 272.1ton/ha, 363ton/ha, 245.1ton/ha, 51.4ton/ha, 27.3ton/ha and 53.2ton/ha, respectively. The questionnaire survey conducted for price dynamics showed that the majority of respondents purchase timber from the market for construction. But they use farm trees with low-quality city construction. They dislike using local timber in the conventional building as timber from farm trees is liable to insect attack. Rs. 50,000-100000, (33.33%) of daily sales was concluded from 50% of the trader while (16.7%) of the traders have their sales between Rs.150,000-200,000. Therefore, it is concluded by the authors that both provincial and federal government should promote agroforestry in Pakistan through different incentives because it has the potential to cope with dilemma of deforestation of natural forests and improve the livelihood of local peoples. It is strongly recommended that special projects just like the Ten Billion Tree Afforestation Project (T-BTTP) should be launched for agroforestry plantation and promotion in the country to sustain the ecological harmony and uplift the socio-economic condition of the peoples of Pakistan.

Abstract This article describes the environmental impacts of producing a single seedling in forest nurseries of selected districts (i.e., Haripur, Abbottabad, and Mansehra) of Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. This study was based on the cradle-to-gate approach which begins with the pre-nursery stage and progresses toward the main nursery before transplanting seedlings into the plantation site. Data or life cycle inventory (LCI) of seedling production were collected through questionnaire surveys and personal meetings with forest nurseries managers and workers regarding consumption of different inputs such as electricity, diesel, fertilizers, herbicides, and polyethylene bags, organic manure, and water consumption. The SimaPro software version 8.5 and the CML2000 v2.05 environmental model was applied to perform life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) for a single seedling production in forest nurseries in the study area. In line with the objectives of the study, primary data regarding inputs and outputs of the nurseries were collected from 35 nurseries in the study area by using a random questionnaire method. In addition, secondary data were taken from online databases such as Eco-invent v.3.2 CORRIM and peer-reviewed published literature. For this study, a functional unit of a single seedling was considered. Production weighted average data were modeled in the latest environmental modeling software i.e., SimaPro v.8.5 for ten US-EPA most wanted environmental impacts, such as global warming potential (GWP), abiotic depletion (AD), eutrophication potential (EP), acidification potential (AP), freshwater aquatic eco-toxicity (FAE), marine water eco-toxicity (MWE), terrestrial eco-toxicity (TE), ozone layer depletion (OLD), photochemical oxidation (PO), and human toxicity (HT). The results showed that the highest environmental impact posed by a single seedling was marine aquatic eco-toxicity (11.31360 kg 1,4-DB eq), followed by global warming potential (0.02945 kg CO2 eq) and (0.01227 kg 1,4-DB eq) human toxicity. The primary reason for these environmental burdens was the use of synthetic fertilizers in forest nurseries and the consumption of fossil fuels in nursery mechanization and transportation activities. The total cumulative energy demand for a single seedling was (0.800 MJ) with more than 90% contribution from fossil fuel energy resources such as petrol and diesel. It is therefore highly recommended to use renewable energy resources and organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers in forest nurseries to avoid and minimize greenhouse gas emissions (GHS) and other toxic emissions in the study area.

Abstract Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is the foremost reason of progressive hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis, with an elevated risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Medicinal plants have been used for human health benefits for several years, but their therapeutic potential needs to be explored. The main objective of this study was to figure out the in vitro antiviral and anticancer characteristics of total crude protein of Iberis gibraltarica against HCV and HCC. Total crude protein of Iberis gibraltarica was isolated and quantified. The level of cytotoxicity was measured against the HepG2 cell line and it shows no significant cytotoxicity at the concentration of 504µg/ml. The anti-HCV effect was determined by absolute quantification via real time RT-PCR method and viral titer was reduced up to 66% in a dose dependent manner against the total protein of Iberis gibraltarica. The anticancer potential of Iberis gibraltarica was also examined through mRNA expression studies of AFP and GPC3 genes against the total protein of Iberis gibraltarica-treated HepG2 cells. The results show up to 90% of the down-regulation expression of AFP and GPC3. The obtained results indicate the therapeutic potential of total protein of Iberis gibraltarica against HCV and hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro.

Abstract Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant causing serious health problems. The aim of the present study was to find out concentration of PM in ambient air and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan. Twenty-three samples were taken at various educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries in Haripur city. Concentration of PM2.5 (µg/m3) and PM10 (µg/m3) was measured with Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A portable PM counter. The results revealed that values of both PM2.5 and PM10 were above the permissible limits (35 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 150 µg/m3 for PM10) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA) in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries investigated. Furthermore, significant (p

Abstract Life cycle assessment was carried out for a conventional wooden furniture set produced in Mardan division of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan during 2018-19. Primary data regarding inputs and outputs were collected through questionnaire surveys from 100 conventional wooden furniture set manufacturers, 50 in district Mardan and 50 in district Swabi. In the present study, cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment approach was applied for a functional unit of one conventional wooden furniture set. Production weighted average data were modelled in the environmental impacts modelling software i.e., SimaPro v.8.5. The results showed that textile used in sofa set, wood preservative for polishing and preventing insects attack and petrol used in generator had the highest contribution to all the environmental impact categories evaluated. Total cumulative energy demand for wooden furniture set manufactured was 30,005 MJ with most of the energy acquired from non-renewable fossil fuel resources.

Abstract The impact of antibiotics on growth, cocoon production was assessed in addition to isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut of infected larvae. Larval rearing was maintained at recommended conditions of temperature and humidity. Silkworm larvae showing abnormal symptoms were collected from the control group and dissected for gut collection. Bacteria were isolated from the gut content by spreading on agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 48 hrs. Bacterial identification and phylogenetic analysis were carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test (disc diffusion methods) by using Penicillin (10 µg/mL), Tetracycline (30 µg/mL), Amoxicillin (25 µg/mL), Ampicillin (10 µg/mL), and Erythromycin (15 µg/mL). All isolated strains showed positive results for the catalase test. We isolated and identified bacterial strains (n = 06) from the gut of healthy and diseased silkworm larvae. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, isolated bacteria showed close relation with Serratia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas spp. Notably, 83.3% of strains were resistant to Penicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Erythromycin but 16.6% showed antibiotic susceptibility to the above-mentioned commonly used antibiotics. Silkworm larvae fed on penicillin-treated leaves showed significant improvement in larval weight, larval length, and cocoon production. Significantly higher larval weight (6.88g), larval length (5.84cm), and cocoon weight (1.33g) were recorded for larvae fed on leaves treated with penicillin as compared to other antibiotics. Isolated bacterial strains showed close relation with Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.

Abstract During the present study, specimens were collected from selected sites of Cholistan desert and Kalabagh Game Reserve, Punjab province, Pakistan. Each captured specimen was tagged with voucher number and morphometric measurements were taken. The average snout to vent length was 172.559±1.40 mm and average weight was 92.1±1.30 g. The DNA of Uromastyx hardwickii was amplified and sequenced using 16S rRNA primer set. The obtained DNA sequence has shown reliable and clear species identification. After trimming ambiguous bases, the obtained 16S rRNA fragment was 520 bp while 16S rRNA fragments aligned with closely matched sequence from NCBI comprised of 510 bp. Closely matched sequences of genus Uromastyx were retrieved from NCBI in blast searches. Neighbour-joining tree of genus Uromastyx was constructed based on p-distance using MEGA X. The mean intraspecific variation was 0.095±0.01 while intraspecific variation was ranging from 0-1%. Similarly, interspecific variation of Uromastyx hardwikii with Saara asmussi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti, Uromastyx geyri, Uromastyx thomasi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti was 0-12%, 0-19%, 0-19%, 0-20%, 12-19% respectively. The newly produced DNA was submitted to NCBI and accession number was obtained (MW052563.1). Results of current study provided information about the molecular and morphological identification of Genus Uromastyx. In our recommendation, comprehensive molecular based identification of Pakistan’s reptiles is required to report any new or subspecies from country.

Abstract Blood and fecal samples of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), albino pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were analyzed to check parasitic prevalence. To record parasites these five avian species were placed kept in separate cages at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife an Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. 100 fecal and 100 blood samples for each bird species were inspected to analyze internal parasites. During present study, 17 species of endoparasites 14 from fecal samples and three from blood were examined. Two species of ectoparasites i.e. mite Dermanyssus gallinae 42% and fowl ticks Args persicus 41%were studied. Blood parasites included Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond having parasitic prevalence 40%, and Aegyptinella pullorum having parasitic prevalence of 40%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 60%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% and Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 50% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% were also documented from fecal avian samples . Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 72% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having parasitic prevalence of 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% and Histomonas meleagridis 18% were documented during corpological analysis. In our recommendation, proper sanitation, medication and vaccination of bird’s enclousres are suggested to avoid parasites.

Abstract The present trial explained the effect of alternative production systems on growth, morphometric and carcass traits of four different chicken genotypes. The second generation of two genotypes RNN (Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck) and BNN (Black Australorp × Naked Neck) obtained by two self-crosses (RNN × RNN = RR and BNN × BNN = BB) and two reciprocal crosses (RNN × BNN = RB and BNN × RNN = BR) were evaluated in three alternative production systems (conventional cages, enriched cages, and aviary). At the 6th week of age after sexing, a total of 600 birds, comprising 150 from each crossbred with a total of 300 pullets and 300 cockerels were divided into conventional cages, enriched cages, and aviary systems having 200 birds in each.Birds were organized into 3×4 factorial arrangements under Completely Randomized Design (3 production systems × 4 genotypes × 2 sexes × 25 birds = 600 birds). Regarding genotypes, RB and BR males showed higher (p < 0.01) carcass yield, drumstick weight, breast weight, and thigh weight than BB and RR genotypes. Females of BR genotype showed higher (p < 0.01) breast weight, thigh weight and drumstick weight. As far as production systems are concerned, higher (p < 0.01) liver weight, heart weight, breast weight, intestinal weight, drumstick weight, and thigh weight were observed in the males reared in enriched cages compared with conventional cages and aviary system. Females reared in enriched cages showed higher (p < 0.01) heart weight, breast weight, intestinal weight, drumstick weight, and thigh weight when compared with those reared in conventional cages and aviary. It is concluded that chickens (both sexes) of BR and RB genotypes had better morphological measurements and carcass traits than those of RR and BB genotype chickens. Among alternative production systems, chickens reared in enriched cages had better traits than those of reared in conventional cages and aviary during the growing phase.

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate data driven models for prediction of forest yield under different climate change scenarios in the Gallies forest division of district Abbottabad, Pakistan. The Random Forest (RF) and Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) models were developed and evaluated using yield data of two species (Blue pine and Silver fir) as an objective variable and climate data (temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed) as predictive variables. Prediction accuracy of both the models were assessed by means of root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), correlation coefficient (r), relative root mean squared error (RRMSE), Legates-McCabe’s (LM), Willmott’s index (WI) and Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE) metrics. Overall, the RF model outperformed the KRR model due to its higher accuracy in forecasting of forest yield. The study strongly recommends that RF model should be applied in other regions of the country for prediction of forest growth and yield, which may help in the management and future planning of forest productivity in Pakistan.

Abstract Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity levels can be used as an indicator for AChE inhibition due to pesticide poisoning in bird species. We assessed the comparative brain cholinesterase (AChE) activity level of five bird species inhabiting pesticide exposed croplands and Protected Area i.e. Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber by using a spectrophotometric method. AChE activity levels ranged from 56.3 to 85.9 µmol/min/g of brain tissue of birds representing DVNP. However, AChE activity levels ranged from 27.6 to 79.9 µmol/min/g of brain tissue of birds representing croplands. AChE activity levels observed in Jungle babbler, Common babbler, and Red-vented bulbul showed significant differences (P < 0.05) at two sites. However, White wagtail and Black drongo demonstrated non-significant differences (P > 0.05). Maximum inhibition was recorded in Jungle babbler (53%) followed by Common babbler (35%), Red-vented bulbul (18%), White wagtail (15%), and Black drongo (7%). The brain cholinesterase inhibition levels under-protected ecosystems (DVNP, Bhimber) and agricultural landscape suggest insecticidal contamination and its impact on avifauna diversity. The study also emphasizes on the importance of pesticide-free zones to protect the biodiversity of birds.

Abstract Many soil microorganisms’ i.e., bacteria and fungi produce secondary metabolites called antibiotics. These are used for the treatment of some of the bacterial, fungal and protozoal diseases of humans. There is a need for isolation of a broad spectrum of antibiotics from microorganisms due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. In the present study two antibiotic producing bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus cereus were isolated from pharmaceutical and poultry feed industry of Hattar, Haripur Pakistan. Total 10 waste samples were collected from different industries (Marble, Ghee, Soap, Mineral, Steel, Poultry Feed, Pharmaceutical, Qarshi, Cosmetic and Glass). Thirty-three bacterial strains were isolated from industrial wastes of these ten different industries. Fourteen out of thirty-three bacterial strains exhibited antimicrobial activities against at least one of the test microbes considered in this study including Escherchia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. The bacteria were isolated by standard serial dilution spread plate technique. Morphological characterization of the isolates was done by Gram staining. Nine bacterial isolates out of fourteen were initially identified as B. cereus and five as K. pneumoniae through biochemical characterization. The antibacterial activities were tested by well diffusion method. Maximum number of antibiotic producing bacteria were isolated from pharmaceutical and poultry feed industry based on the results of primary screening, the most potential isolates S9, S19, S20, S22 and S23 were selected for secondary screening. The maximum activity against E. coli and S. aureus was recorded by bacterial isolate S19 i.e zones of inhibition of 6.5mm and 9mm while S20 showed 7.5mm and 6mm zones respectively. Molecular identification was carried out on the basis of 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Finally, the isolates were identified as B. cereus accession number LC538271and K. pneumoniae accession number MT078679. Analysis of bacterial extract S20 through GC-MS indicated the presence of 8 compounds of diverse nature and structure. Present study suggests that wastes of pharmaceutical and poultry feed industry may have antibiotic producing bacteria. These bacteria could be utilized for the production of antibiotics. B. cereus and K. pneumoniae isolated from wastes of poultry feed and pharmaceutical industries have the potential to produce antibiotics and could be used to control the microbial growth.

Abstract To investigate the role of cow dung in soil reclamation and bio assimilation along with bio accumulation of heavy metals in earthworm (P. posthuma) (N=900) earthworms were used and treatment groups of CD-soil mixture of different proportion of cow dung were designed. Nonlethal doses of lead acetate and cadmium chloride were added in treatment groups. Mature P. posthuma were released in each experimental pot maintaining the favorable conditions. The pH, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal level of each mixture was evaluated. The results indicated that bio-assimilation of Pb and Cd by P. posthuma were significantly (P ˂ 0.01) higher in different soil-CD treatments compared to control. Highest bio-assimilation of both metals was observed in T1 of both groups (Pb = 563.8 mg/kg and Cd = 42.95 mg/kg). The contents of both metals were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) lowered in casting. The nutrient concentration in the final castings of all soil-CD treatments were also equally transformed from less or insoluble to more soluble and available for plants, except for carbon level which increased with CD proportion. It is concluded that cow dung as organic matter has a positive effect on soil reclamation and bio-assimilation of metals by P. posthuma.

Abstract Pheretima posthuma (Vaillant, 1868), a native earthworm of Pakistan and Southeast Asia, has wide utilization in vermicomposting and bioremediation process. In this study, P. posthuma coelomic fluid (PCF) and body paste (PBP) was evaluated as antibacterial agent against ampicillin (AMP) resistant five Gram positive and four Gram negative clinical isolates. The antibacterial effect of different doses (i.e. 25-100 µg/ml) of PCF and PBP along with AMP and azithromycin (AZM) (negative and positive controls, respectively) were observed through disc diffusion and micro-dilution methods. All nine clinical isolates were noticed as AMP resistant and AZM sensitive. Antibacterial effects of PCF and PBP were dose dependent and zone of inhibitions (ZI) against all clinical isolates were between 23.4 ± 0.92 to 0 ± 00 mm. The sensitivity profile of PCF and PBP against clinical isolates was noticed as 44.44 and 55.56%, respectively. Both PCF and PBP showed bacteriostatic (BTS) action against S. aureus, S. pyogenes, K. pneumonia, N. gonorrhoeae. Moreover, the cumulative BTS potential of PCF and PBP against all isolates was 66.67 and 55.56%, respectively. The MICs of PCF and PBP were ranged from 50-200 µg/ml against selected isolates. The bacterial growth curves indicated that PCF and PBP inhibited the growth of all isolates at their specific MIC concentrations. However, PBP has better antibacterial potential compared to PCF against selected isolates. Therefore, it is concluded that both PCF and PBP of P. posthuma possess antibacterial and BTS potential against ampicillin resistant clinical isolates. This organism might be considered as a second choice of antibacterial agents and can further be utilized in pharmaceutical industries for novel drug manufacturing by prospecting bioactive potential agents.

Abstract Economic valuation of ecosystem services is a new concept in forest management. Economic valuation provides basis for payment for ecosystem services (PES). Therefore, objective of this study was to evaluate eco-tourism and carbon stock services of the Maindam valley, District Swat, Pakistan. For the carbon stock calculation, a sample size of 155 plots of 0.1 hectare (Ha) was taken using preliminary survey at 95% confidence interval and 10% allowable error. The data for tourism services was collected from owners of all the hotels, 100 tourists and key informants of the area at 10% sampling intensity on pretested questionnaire for twenty years period (1997-2017). Results showed that Miandam valley has carbon stock worth US$ 16,306,000 while the value of eco-tourism was US$ 1,578,458 on annual basis. The results also showed that trend of tourism has drastically declined after the 9/11 incident for foreigners and locals and the situation was further deteriorated during the era of Talibanization or militancy from 2008-2011. This study recommends implementation of PES strategy at the rate of 5%, thus a total of US$ 78,922 can be earned from eco-tourism and carbon crediting in the study area annually, which could play important role in sustainable forest management.

Abstract Previous studies have suggested that arsenic crosses the placenta and affects the fetus development. The study under consideration aims to show comparative ameliorative effect of Moringa oleifera leaf and flower extracts against sodium arsenate induced fetus toxicity of mice. Pregnant mice (N=44) were kept in lab and divided into eleven group from (A to K) and were orally administered the doses 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg for sodium arsenate, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (MOLE) and 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera flower extracts (MOFE) comparing with control. The investigation revealed evident reduction in the fetuses weight, hind limb, fore limb, tail and snout length, crown rump and head circumferences well as malformations in tail, feet, arms, legs, skin and eyes in the negative control group (only administered with sodium arsenate). Co-administration of sodium arsenate with MOLE and MOFE ameliorate the reversed effect of sodium arsenate on the shape, length, body weight and DNA damage of fetus significantly at 95% confidence interval. However, Moringa oleifera leaf extract showed more significant results in comparison to Moringa oleifera flower extract. Hence concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract ameliorated the embryo toxic effects of sodium arsenate and can be used against environmental teratogens.

Abstract Unavailability of probiotics in fish digestive system fingerlings is unable to digest and absorb their food properly. The current research was conducted to investigate the influence of probiotics added Linseed meal based (LMB) diet on hematology and carcass composition of Labeo rohita juveniles. Hematological parameters are essential diagnostics used to estimate the health status of fish. The usage of probiotics for fish health improvement is becoming common due to the higher demand for environment-friendly culture system in water. Linseed meal was used as a test ingredient to prepare six experimental test diets by adding probiotics (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 g/kg) and 1% indigestible chromic oxide for seventy days. According to their live wet weight, five percent feed was given to fingerlings twice a day. Fish blood and carcass samples (Whole body) were taken for hematological and carcass analysis at the end of the experiment. The highest carcass composition (crude protein; 18.72%, crude fat; 8.80% and gross energy; 2.31 kcal/g) was observed in fish fed with test diet II supplemented with probiotics (2 g/kg). Moreover, maximum RBCs number (2.62× 106mm-3), WBCs (7.84×103mm-3), PCV (24.61), platelets (63.85) and hemoglobin (7.87) had also been reported in the fish fingerlings fed on 2 g/kg of probiotics supplemented diet. Results indicated that probiotics supplementation has a critical role in improvement of fingerlings’ body composition and hematological indices. Present findings showed that probiotics supplementation at 2 g/kg level in linseed by-product-based diet was very useful for enhancing the overall performance of L. rohita fingerlings.

Abstract Climatic factors play an essential role in the growth of tree ring width. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between climatic variables and tree-ring growth characteristics of Pinus sibirica in Altai mountains, northwestern China. This study being is first of its kind on climate growth analysis of Pinus sibirica in northwestern China. The study showed great potential to understand the species growing under the specific climatic conditions. Total of 70 tree cores collected from three sites in the sampling area, out of which 63 tree cores considered for this study. The effect of climatic variables which was studied include precipitation, temperature and PDSI. Our results showed that Tree Ring Width chronology has a significantly positive correlation with the late winter (March) temperature and significant negative correlation with the July temperatures. A significant correlation was observed with the late summer precipitation whereas no significant relation found with the Palmer Drought Severity Index. These significant correlations with temperature and precipitation suggested that this tree species had the potential for the reconstruction of the past climate in the area.

Abstract Cranes are the large and attractive Creatures of nature with long necks, legs, and life-span. Adults of both sexes are the same with similar color patterns. Demoiselle cranes spend most of their lifespan on dry grasses. They are also found around the stream, rivers, shallow lakes, natural wetlands, and depressions. To evaluate the current status of habitat use and major threats a study was conducted in tehsil Domel district Bannu. Line transect method and water quality tests (temperature, PH, contamination of E-coli bacteria) were used. To determine the major threats questionnaire method was used. The whole data was analyzed by using SPSS 21 version. Based on the distribution four study sites were selected and four water samples from each study site were taken. Most sites were moderate to highly degraded except Kashoo and kurram river mixing point which was low degraded with livestock grazing and human activities. Water quality tests showed PH ranges from 7-9, temperature 6.5-8.5, and contamination of E-coli in all samples. The social survey revealed that hunting, habitat degradation, and pollution as major threats. Effective long-term conservation and management in the study area are needed to focus on the protection of disturbance-free habitat.

A total of 198 exotic barley genotypes were collected from the Gene Bank of the Plant Genetic Resource Institute (PGRI), National Agriculture Research Center (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan, for the assessment of genetic diversity based on morphological and seed storage proteins. Qualitative and quantitative traits were noted as per IPGRI, 1994 descriptor. Among the quantitative parameters, a high level of genetic variability index was noted in seeds per spike at 79.9% of coefficient of variance followed by biomass per plant which shows 37.4% variance, while minimum variance in quantitative traits was noted in days to germination at 5.4% followed by days to maturity at 3.1% with average mean genetic variation in all quantitative traits at 97.6%. Assay of total seed protein in these exotic accessions was analogue through polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A high level of variation was noted in loci (bands) B26 (0.98%) followed by B25 (0.89%), B24 (0.78%),B23 (0.69%) and B01 (0.52%). A similarly low level of variation was detected in B03 (0.16%) followed by B06 (0.18%), B13 (0.19%), B12 (0.21%), B11 (0.23%), B05 (0.24%), B07 (0.25%), B21 (0.34%), B20 (0.35%), B17 (0.39%). The results indicate that the mean value of variation in these accessions is 97.6%. Further assessments and exploration were suggested for these genotypes in multi-climatic zones to satisfy farmers’ need, breeders’ interest and malt-industrial requirements.

Peat is a unique type of soil whose properties vary widely, making it a very poor foundation material for construction purposes. Therefore, before starting any construction on ground that overlies a peat layer, it is essential to understand the properties of the peat. The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of different peats that occur in Northeast India. Peat samples were collected from four sites located in the states of Assam, Tripura and Manipur. The names of the sites were: National Highway 39 (NH 39), Kalinagar Tea Estate (KTE), Indo-Bangladesh border (IBB) and National Institute of Technology, Manipur (NITM). The upper surfaces of the peat layers studied were 1–2 m below ground level and their average thickness was 3–9 m. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to determine degree of decomposition, together with physicochemical and engineering properties of the peat. Microstructural and thermal analyses were also carried out. We found that high organic matter content and slight peat decomposition increased water retention capacity and acidity while simultaneously reducing specific gravity and bulk density. Furthermore, high organic matter content reduced strength and increased compressibility. Microstructural and thermal analyses helped to elucidate the morphological, mineralogical and thermal decomposition characteristics of the peats, and these results largely supported the outcomes of the field and laboratory tests. Overall, the engineering properties of peat soils from IBB and NITM were inferior to those of the soils from NH39 and KTE.

ABSTRACT Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (χ2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.

Abstract One of the most important traits that plant breeders aim to improve is grain yield which is a highly quantitative trait controlled by various agro-morphological traits. Twelve morphological traits such as Germination Percentage, Days to Spike Emergence, Plant Height, Spike Length, Awn Length, Tillers/Plant, Leaf Angle, Seeds/Spike, Plant Thickness, 1000-Grain Weight, Harvest Index and Days to Maturity have been considered as independent factors. Correlation, regression, and principal component analysis (PCA) are used to identify the different durum wheat traits, which significantly contribute to the yield. The necessary assumptions required for applying regression modeling have been tested and all the assumptions are satisfied by the observed data. The outliers are detected in the observations of fixed traits and Grain Yield. Some observations are detected as outliers but the outlying observations did not show any influence on the regression fit. For selecting a parsimonious regression model for durum wheat, best subset regression, and stepwise regression techniques have been applied. The best subset regression analysis revealed that Germination Percentage, Tillers/Plant, and Seeds/Spike have a marked increasing effect whereas Plant thickness has a negative effect on durum wheat yield. While stepwise regression analysis identified that the traits, Germination Percentage, Tillers/Plant, and Seeds/Spike significantly contribute to increasing the durum wheat yield. The simple correlation coefficient specified the significant positive correlation of Grain Yield with Germination Percentage, Number of Tillers/Plant, Seeds/Spike, and Harvest Index. These results of correlation analysis directed the importance of morphological characters and their significant positive impact on Grain Yield. The results of PCA showed that most variation (70%) among data set can be explained by the first five components. It also identified that Seeds/Spike; 1000-Grain Weight and Harvest Index have a higher influence in contributing to the durum wheat yield. Based on the results it is recommended that these important parameters might be considered and focused in future durum wheat breeding programs to develop high yield varieties.

Abstract Indian crested porcupine is the largest rodent pest that damages a wide variety of crops, vegetables, and tree species which ultimately causes huge economic loss in Pakistan, which is an agricultural country. It prefers to live in hilly terrain but common in temperate and tropical forests, shrublands, and grasslands. This study focused on the identification and assessment of crops damaged along with the main precautionary measures used by the local farmers. The data was collected from twenty-four villages of two union councils i.e. Chamhad and Slahad of district Abbottabad. Two types of data (primary and secondary) were collected from the study area. Primary data was collected for identification and estimation calculation of total crop damaged through direct field observation by taking random quadrates in each village of the study area. The damage in the crop was assessed by randomly selecting a quadrate of 1x1 m2 for the wheat, pearl millet, and Sorghum fields. While 4x4 m2 quadrates were taken for maize and vegetables. At least three quadrate samples were taken from each field including one quadrate taken from the center of the field area. In union council Chamhad, damage to maize (11.31%) and wheat (0.73%) by the Indian crested porcupine while in union council Salhad, damage of maize (6.95%) and wheat (1.6%) was observed. In the entire study area, overall damage to maize crop (8.01%) and wheat (0.88%) was calculated. Based on information obtained from the farmers, the Indian porcupine inflicted damage to potato, tomato, cauliflower, chili pepper, turnip, radish, pea, and onion, etc. Secondary data obtained through a questionnaire survey to explore the human porcupine conflict and precautionary measures used by the farmers and landowners. Open and close-ended questionnaires (159) highlighted the presence of Indian crested porcupine in the study area and 96% of the respondents have seen porcupine directly. Many types of precautionary measures were used by the farmers such as fencing, night stay, night firing, and dogs to decrease the crop damage, respondents (63.91%) use guns for hunting. however, due to the largely agricultural area and nocturnal behavior of Indian crested porcupine majority of the respondents (51.57%) did not use any precautionary measure. Biological control of Indian porcupine is recommended in the study area. Farmers should be encouraged and provide incentives and killing through current should be banned while proper hunting license should be issued to overcome overhunting. Scientific studies are required to control the reproduction of porcupine specifically in the more damaged areas.

Abstract An ethnobotanical study was conducted to document indigenous medicinal plants and their usage from knowledgeable and elderly persons in Razzar and Gadoon valley of Swabi and Allai and Tanawal valley of Hazara region of Pakistan during 2016-2019. Several systematic field visits and questionnaire surveys were carried out in selected sites of the study area to gather relevant information from the local community. Rapid assessment method was adopted for data collection by interviewing the local people having enough knowledge of medicinal plants use for treatment of different ailments. UV (UV) formula was applied to calculate the relative importance of medicinal plant species in each site of the study area. In the present study, 221 medicinal plants belonging to 105 families have been reported through 580 respondents (385 males, 138 females and 57 local health healer) from the Swabi and Hazara region. The main sources of herbal medicines were leaves (21%) followed by fruits (21%), seeds (17%), whole plants (14%), roots (9%), bark (9%), flowers (7%) and gum (2%). Mentha spicata L. and Berberis lycium Royle were reported with highest UV (UV) i.e. 0.92 and 0.68 in Razzar tehsil and Gadoon valley of Swabi, whereas Mentha longifolia L and Geranium wallichianum D were reported with highest UV i.e. (0.65) and (0.88) in Allai and Tanawal valley of Hazara region, respectively. It was concluded that Swabi and Hazara region is rich in medicinal plants species and associated traditional knowledge. Moreover, ethno-medicines have played significant role in the indigenous healthcare system of the study area. However, uprooting the entire plant for ethno-medicine is a big threat to conservation of medicinal plants diversity in the study area.

In this research paper, we will compute the topological indices (degree based) such as the ordinary generalized geometric-arithmetic (OGA) index, first and second Gourava indices, first and second hyper-Gourava indices, general Randic´ index RγG,for γ=±1,±1/2, harmonic index, general version of the harmonic index, atom-bond connectivity (ABC) index, SK, SK1, and SK2 indices, sum-connectivity index, general sum-connectivity index, and first general Zagreb and forgotten topological indices for various types of chemical networks such as the subdivided polythiophene network, subdivided hexagonal network, subdivided backbone DNA network, and subdivided honeycomb network. The discussion on the aforementioned networks will give us very remarkable results by using the aforementioned topological indices.

The data presented in this article shows the microarray based transcriptome profiles of ∆lon and ∆lon rpoB12 strains of Escherichia coli. The rif mutation namely, rpoB12 was isolated spontaneously in the background of ∆lon strain (over-produces colanic acid capsular polysaccharide) as a suppressor for over-production of colanic acid capsular polysaccharide (Meenakshi and Munavar, 2015) [1]. The E. coli strains were grown in LB medium at 30 °C overnight in duplicates. Total RNA from each samples were isolated and microarray based transcriptome profiles were studied and compared. The detailed methodology and data are given in this article. The interpretation of these data are discussed in the research article, “Evidence for Up and Down Regulation of 450 genes by rpoB12 (rif) Mutation and their Implications in Complexity of Transcription Modulation in Escherichia coli” (Meenakshi and Munavar, 2018) [2]. Keywords: ∆lon, rpoB12, Capsule, Biofilm, Motility, Stress response

Candidate gene association studies implicate the detection of contributing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for the target traits and have been recommended as a promising technique to anatomize the complex characters in plants. ERECTA gene in plants controls different physiological functions. In this study, we identified SNPs in 1.1 kb partial sequences of TaER-1 and TaER-2 of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Thirty-nine SNPs were identified in the coding regions of TaER-1 gene in 33 wheat genotypes, of which 20 SNPs caused non-synonymous mutations while 19 SNPs produced synonymous mutations; while 31 SNPs were located in the coding regions of TaER-2 gene in 26 genotypes, of which 18 SNPs caused non-synonymous mutations and 13 SNPs caused synonymous mutations. In addition, 32 SNPs in TaER-1 and 9 SNPs in TaER-2 were also identified in the non-coding regions. Moreover, the significant genetic associations of SNPs of TaER-1 and TaER-2 genes with carbon isotope discrimination, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), leaf length, leaf width, stomatal density, epidermal cell density, and stomatal index were noted in wheat genotypes. This study confirms the importance of TaER-1 and TaER-2 genes which could improve iWUE of wheat by regulating leaf gas exchange and leaf structural traits. These identified SNPs may play a critical role in molecular breeding by means of marker-assisted selection.

It is well established that in Escherichia coli, the histone‐like nucleoid structuring (H‐NS) protein also functions as negative regulator of rcsA transcription. However, the exact mode of regulation of rcsA transcription by H‐NS has not been studied extensively. Here, we report the multicopy effect of dominant‐negative hns alleles on the transcription of rcsA based on expression of cps‐lac transcriptional fusion in ∆lon, ∆lon rpoB12, ∆lon rpoB77 and lon+ strains. Our results indicate that H‐NS defective in recognizing curved DNA fails to repress rcsA transcription significantly, while nonoligomeric H‐NS molecules still retain the repressor activity to an appreciable extent. Together with bioinformatics analysis, our study envisages a critical role for the putative curved DNA region present upstream of rcsA promoter in the transcriptional regulation of rcsA by H‐NS.

Objective: To determine the rate of stone clearance after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for renal stones in adult patients with renal insufficiency. Subjects and methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 117 adult patients who underwent ESWL. The indications for ESWL were determined by the stone size and serum creatinine. All adult patients including males and females (≥18 years) with renal stones ≤2 cm in size and serum creatinine between 1.5–5.0 mg/dl were included in the study. All patients underwent ureteral double J (DJ) stent placement before ESWL. The initial success of treatment was assessed on the basis of plain radiographic imaging and ultrasonography which was performed 1 month after ESWL. Final stone clearance was evaluated at 3 months after the first ESWL session. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. Results: A total of 117 patients underwent ESWL in this study. Out of these, 88 (75.2%) were males and 29 (24.8%) females with a male to female ratio of 3.0:1. The mean age was 38.2 ± 14.1 years. The mean serum creatinine and stone size were 2.4 ± 0.8 mg/dl and 1.4 ± 0.3 cm, respectively. The overall frequency of stone clearance after ESWL for renal stones was 70.9% (83/117) in patients with renal insufficiency. The rate of stone clearance was 76.4% (42/55) in cases with serum creatinine of 1.5–2 mg/dl, 69% (20/29) in patients with serum creatinine of 2.1–3 mg/dl, 70.4% (19/27) in patients with serum creatinine of 3.1–4 mg/dl and 33.3% (2/6) in those with serum creatinine of 4.1–5 mg/dl (p = 0.175). Conclusion: Our results show that ESWL may be used as the first line of management for renal stones in patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency.

In this paper, influence of boundary conditions on free vibrations of single- walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is examined. The Flügge's shell dynamical equations are utilized for governing vibrations for carbon nanotubes. The wave propagation approach (WPA) is engaged to determine vibration frequency equation in standard eigenvalue form. The axial modal dependence is measured by the complex exponential functions implicating the axial modal numbers. These numbers are associated with boundary conditions specified at edges of a carbon nanotube. Computer programming is performed to obtain solutions of vibration frequency equation. In our new investigation, the vibration frequency spectra are obtained and analyzed for various physical parameters e.g., length and thickness-to-radius ratio. A number of results are presented to influence of different boundary conditions on SWCNTs. They are shown graphically and have been compared with those available in the literature.

Spectrum of radio frequency (RF) communications is limited and expensive to install new applications. Free space optical (FSO) communication is a viable technology which offers enormous bandwidth, license free installation, inexpensive deployment and error prone links. The FSO links degrade significantly due to the varying atmospheric and weather conditions (fog, cloud, snow, haze and combination of these). We propose a hybrid FSO/RF communication system which adapts the varying nature of atmosphere and weather. For the adaption of varying atmosphere and weather scenarios, we develop a novel optimization algorithm. The proposed algorithm is based on the well-known puncturing technique. We provide an extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart for the binary and quaternary mapping scheme for the proposed communication system. We simulate the proposed algorithm for the hybrid communication system and analyze the system performance. The proposed algorithm is computationally less expensive and provide better performance gains over varying atmosphere and weather conditions. The algorithm is suitable for fast speed applications.

Aim: Immune response to a lyophilized peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) vaccine was evaluated in three different breeds of goats. Materials and Methods: Three breeds of goats consisting six number of animals in three groups, i.e., Group A (local Assam hill goat), Group B (cross-bred), and Group C (Beetal goats) were randomly selected for evaluating the immune response to a lyophilized PPRV vaccine. Results: A higher rise in the overall mean serum antibody titer was observed in Group A (40.50±3.74) than in Group B (37.58±37.58) and Group C (35.90±3.29) during the study period. Conclusion: Initially, a negative PPRV specific serum antibody titer was recorded in all the groups at 0th day of vaccination. Serum antibody titer in the vaccinated goats started rising gradually from the 14th day post vaccination. Later higher rise in the overall mean serum antibody titer in Group A (local Assam hill goat) lead to the conclusion that higher serum antibody titer in local non-descript breed might be due to their better adaptation to the environmental condition.

Objective: To determine the role of the lower pole infundibular parameters as predictors of stone clearance following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Subjects and methods: Between March 2001 and February 2004, 243 renal units in 239 patients with isolated lower calyceal stones were treated by ESWL. Stone-free status was assessed after 3 months by plain X-ray abdomen and a kidney ultrasound scan. Persistent stone fragments ≥6 months after the completion of treatment was defined as residual stone. Radiogaphic parameters were obtained from intravenous urography (IVU). SPSS version 15.0 was utilized for all statistical analysis. Results: The median age of all patients was 38 years (range: 20–70 years). The male to female ratio was 2.1:1. The mean stone size was 1.3 ± 0.7 cm. Overall, 144 renal units (60.9%) had undergone one or two sessions of ESWL, 43 (17.7%) 3, while 46 (18.9%) ≥4 sessions, with mean of 2.1 sessions. Stone-free rates differed significantly between favorable and unfavorable infundibular length (IL), and infundibular width (IW) (p value = 0.01, p = 0.0001, respectively). Infundibulopelvic (IP) angle had no statistically significant effect on stone-free rate (p = 0.1). The effect of stone size on stone-free rate in two groups revealed better overall results in favorable anatomy group than in unfavorable group in stone sizes, 0.5–1.0 cm, 1.1–1.5 cm, 1.6–2 cm and 2.1–2.5 cm (76.7%, 87.5%, 100%, and 56.2% vs. 41.1%, 55.5%, 66.6%, and 50%; p = 0.04, 0.10, 0.10, 0.80, respectively). Conclusions: This study shows that lower infundibular length and width are significant anatomical factors in determining stone clearance following ESWL treatment of lower calyceal stones and these should be assessed before planning the treatment for lower calyceal stones.

ABSTRACT: Weed infestation is among the main factors which decrease cotton yield. Allelopathy has been well-documented as a phenomenon offering natural weed control in agro-ecosystems. An experiment was conducted to figure out the herbicidal potential of a mixture of sorghum and brassica water extracts (SBWE) against weeds in cotton. Combinations of SBWE each at 16 L ha-1 were sprayed alone and in combination in a tank mixed with and ¼ doses of both pendimethalin (0.625 and 0.416 kg a.i. ha-1) and S-metolachlor (1.075 and 0.716 kg a.i. ha-1). Recommended doses of pendimethalin (1.25 kg a.i. ha-1) and S-metolachlor (2.15 kg a.i. ha-1) were also sprayed for comparison. As control, a weedy check treatment where nothing was sprayed was also included in the experiment. Lower doses () of both herbicides in combination with SBWE gave approximately the same level of weed reduction and crop improvement as given by the recommended doses of herbicides. Furthermore, economic and marginal analysis showed that maximum net benefits were obtained in using allelopathic water extracts alone and in combination with lower rates of commercial herbicides. Thus, in conclusion, allelopathy can be employed for weed management and yield maximization in modern agriculture.

ABSTRACT: Citrus is an important export commodity, mostly grown on Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey. Weeds are hidden foes impairing citrus productivity. Limited knowledge of weed distribution and factors affecting the distribution are among major hurdles in successful weed management. In this study, weed flora of citrus orchards and factors affecting its distributions in Mugla province of Turkey were determined. Sixty orchards were surveyed in spring and autumn seasons of 2010 and 2011. Data relating to frequency, coverage and density of weed species were recorded. Soil samples (0-30 cm depth) were collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties. Climatic variables, altitude and soil properties were correlated with weed flora. Sixty-eight weed species belonging to 30 families were documented. Higher number of weed species (54) was recorded in spring season compared with autumn (29 weed species). Annuals and therophytes were the most dominant growth and life forms, respectively. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) to correlate soil properties and weed vegetation data yielded three distinct groups dominated by phosphorus, sand and silt contents, which affected weed distribution. CCA to correlate vegetation data and weather attributes produced two distinct groups affected by altitude and precipitation. Generally, cosmopolitan weeds adapted to different ecosystems were observed during the survey. Keeping in view the spatial variability of soil and nature of weeds, site-specific/orchard-specific weed management practices are recommended to be opted for successful weed management.