Assessing arthropod biodiversity with DNA barcoding in Jinnah Garden, Lahore, Pakistan.

Previous difficulties in arthropod taxonomy (such as limitations in conventional morphological approaches, the possibility of cryptic species and a shortage of knowledgeable taxonomists) has been overcome by the powerful tool of DNA barcoding. This study presents a thorough analysis of DNA barcoding in regards to Pakistani arthropods, which were collected from Lahore's Jinnah Garden. The 88 % (9,451) of the 10,792 specimens that were examined were able to generate DNA barcodes and 83% (8,974) of specimens were assigned 1,361 barcode index numbers (BINs).

Development of data-driven machine learning models and their potential role in predicting dengue outbreak.

Dengue fever is one of the most widespread vector-borne viral infections in the world, resulting in increased socio-economic burden. WHO has reported that 2.5 billion people are infected with dengue fever across the world, resulting in high mortalities in tropical and subtropical regions.

Association of adiponectin gene expression with atrial fibrillation in a Pakistani populace.

Adiponectin, an adipocytokine produced and secreted by adipose tissue, has anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This case-control study was aimed to assess the expression and serum levels of adiponectin in subject suffereing from atrial fibrillation (AF). The study's subjects (n = 690) were enrolled from the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore and were grouped into control, AF without Metabolic syndrome (MetS), and AF with MetS groups.

Heavy metal toxicity arising from the industrial effluents repercussions on oxidative stress, liver enzymes and antioxidant activity in brain homogenates of Oreochromis niloticus.

Industrial effluents reaching to the aquatic ecosystem is one of the major causes of environmental pollution and exposure to industrial effluents containing harmful substances may be a serious threat to human health. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the sub-lethal (1/5th of predetermined LC) impact of industrial effluents from Sundar Industrial Estate on Oreochromis niloticus with proper negative control. The physicochemical analysis of industrial effluents showed enormous loads of inorganic pollutants and exhibited high mean levels of heavy metals, Mn, Fe, Pb, Ni, Cr, Hg, As, Zn and Fe with statistically significant differences at p < 0.

Evaluation of cyto-genotoxicity biomarkers, changes in histology and antioxidant defense system of Oreochromis niloticus induced by the industrial effluents.

Aquatic pollution mainly by industrial effluents has been a major concern since a few decades. The current study evaluated cyto-genotoxicity of industrial effluents on Oreochromis niloticus exposed to sublethal levels by hematotoxicity, blood biochemistry analysis, micronucleus assay, antioxidants and cerebral toxicity. The significant elevation in differential leukocytes of exposed fish was indicative of infections and compromised immune system.

Correction: Mutational analysis in sodium-borate cotransporter SLC4A11 in consanguineous families from Punjab, Pakistan.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Current status of insecticide resistance and its underlying mechanisms in (L.) in Punjab, Pakistan.

Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) plays an important role as a vector of different deadly diseases particularly dengue fever. Insecticides are used as a primary tool to control Ae. aegypti.

Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 & IL-18) exacerbate the risk of diabetic nephropathy in the Pakistani population.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a micro-chronic diabetic consequence induced by metabolic and hemodynamic abnormalities. Free radicals react with other critical cellular components, causing progression of aberrant renal function.

Objective: This case control study was aimed to determine the role of IL-6 and IL-18 in diabetic nephropathy in Pakistani population.

Mutational analysis in sodium-borate cotransporter SLC4A11 in consanguineous families from Punjab, Pakistan.

Aim: To identify the molecular basis of Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy CHED caused by mutations in SLC4A11, in the consanguineous Pakistani families.

Methods: A total of 7 consanguineous families affected with Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy were diagnosed and registered with the help of ophthalmologists. Blood samples were collected from affected and unaffected members of the enrolled families.

A DNA barcode survey of insect biodiversity in Pakistan.

Although Pakistan has rich biodiversity, many groups are poorly known, particularly insects. To address this gap, we employed DNA barcoding to survey its insect diversity. Specimens obtained through diverse collecting methods at 1,858 sites across Pakistan from 2010-2019 were examined for sequence variation in the 658 bp barcode region of the cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) gene.

Recovery of From Liver and Spleen of Broiler Birds and the Effects of Induced High Ammonia Level on Haematobiochemical Parameters and Its Amelioration by Different Modifiers.

The poultry sector is one of the most vibrant segments of the agriculture industry of Pakistan. In addition to different infections, ammonia (NH) production from litter material of broiler is the most harmful pollutant and causes serious threats for the environment. To overcome this problem, different methods are proposed assuring poultry bird's health and production.

Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome: Role in Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology Of Atrial Fibrillation.

The relationship between Metabolic syndrome and Atrial Fibrillation is confirmed by many studies. The components of Metabolic syndrome cause remodeling of the atrial. Metabolic syndrome and metabolic derangements of the syndrome could be the cause of the pathogenesis of AF.

Analysis of the growth performance, stress, profile of fatty acids and amino acids and cortisol in Tilapia (), cultured at high stocking density using in-pond raceway system.

In-pond raceway system technology (IPRS) was introduced in Pakistan in 2019 as solution for sustainable aquaculture approach by effectively increasing production, reducing pollution and facilitating feed and pond management. Fingerlings of GIFT Tilapia () (n = 16,500 in each raceway, initial weight = 32.00 ± 1.

Assessment of abnormalities in lipid profiles of patients with chronic kidney disease from different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan: A case control study.

The current study aimed to evaluate lipid profile parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This case-control study was conducted at the Zoology Department of Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan, from September 2016 to June 2017 and analysed lipid profiles of patients with CKD attending different hospitals of Lahore. Of the randomly collected 100 blood samples, 50 were healthy, while the remaining 50 were patients with CKD.

Biosynthesis, characterization and anti-dengue vector activity of silver nanoparticles prepared from and .

We report here biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of (i) leaves and (ii) fruit and their larvicidal activity against The UV-Vis spectroscopy absorption peaks occurred in the range of 412-416 nm for AgNPs and 416-431 nm for AgNPs indicating the silver nature of prepared colloidal samples. The scanning electron microscopy examination revealed the spherical morphology of both types of NPs with average size of 17 ± 4 nm ( AgNPs) and 26 ± 5 nm ( AgNPs). The X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the face-centred cubic (FCC) structure with crystallite size of 11 ± 1 nm ( AgNPs) and 15 ± 1 nm ( AgNPs) while characteristic peaks appearing in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated the attachment of different biomolecules on AgNPs.

Association of Interleukin 10 (IL-10) Gene with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of Its Promotor Region G/A 1082.

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine with lower circulating levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Cytokines such as IL-10 downregulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which impair proper function of insulin. So any mutation in the IL-10 gene results in increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, which in turn affect insulin action and cause T2DM.

Expression of Gstt1 in Type 2 Diabetic Retinopathy Patients.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common metabolic and multifactorial disease in which both genetic and environmental factors are involved. In diabetes, the defects in the cellular metabolism result in higher levels of free radicals. These radicals react with other vital cellular molecules, which are responsible in diabetes side effects and known as diabetic retinopathy (DR), a disease of the retina that results in impairment or loss of vision.

A Comparative Assessment of Nanotoxicity Induced by Metal (Silver, Nickel) and Metal Oxide (Cobalt, Chromium) Nanoparticles in .

In the present in vivo study, we provide a comparison of toxicological consequences induced by four different types of spherical nanoparticles (NPs)-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, 40 ± 6 nm), nickel (NiNPs, 43 ± 6 nm), cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄NPs, 60 ± 6 nm), and chromium oxide (Cr₃O₄NPs, 50 ± 5 nm)-on freshwater fish . Fish were exposed to NPs (25 mg/L) for 21 days. We observed a NPs type-dependent toxicity in fish.

Nanoformulations and their mode of action in insects: a review of biological interactions.

While nanoparticles (NPs) can be used as insecticides by themselves, they can also be carriers for insecticidal chemicals. Existing literature suggests that the smaller the NP size, the greater the toxicity and penetration into the insect's body. Nonetheless, there is a lack of literature pertaining to the mode of action within insects.

Evaluation of Fish Health Status and Histopathology in Gills and Liver Due to Metal Contaminated Sediments Exposure.

Health status of freshwater fish, Cirrhina mrigala was studied by qualitative and quantitative histopathological analysis, alterations in frequency/prevalence percentages (%) and histological alteration indices (HAI) in response to metal contaminated sediments of the River Ravi aquatic ecosystem. Histo-structures of gill and liver samples of fish were analyzed and comparison between the degree of damage of the alterations in fish organs was performed after exposure to metal contaminated sediments for 7, 14 and 28 days under semi-static water renewal bioassays. Histopathological studies revealed marked histological alterations in the gills and liver of exposed fish as compared to normal tissue structure observed in control fish.

Species Diversity and Distributional Pattern of Cockroaches in Lahore, Pakistan.

Background: Cockroaches are found as the most common urban pests of tropical countries, prompting economic and serious health risk problem for humans by carrying microbes and allergens, acting as vector for various pathogens of diseases. The present study was conducted from April 2013 to March 2014 in various human dwelling localities of urban area of district Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods: Cockroaches were collected randomly by hand, food baited and sticky traps throughout the year.

Molecular detection of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis and hematological and biochemical analyses in agricultural sprayers exposed to pesticides: A cross-sectional study in Punjab, Pakistan during 2014-2016.

We determined the correlation between a pesticide exposure, physical health and susceptibility toward tuberculosis along with hematological indices and liver enzymes' alterations in sprayers exposed to pesticides. Molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis was detected by targeting histone-like protein (hupB) gene. The WBC (white blood cells) and RBC (red blood cells) levels of male sprayers and non-sprayers were significantly different (P<0.

Evaluation of Chlorfluazuron Against Subterranean Termites Heterotermes indicola (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Pakistan.

Baiting systems have been introduced using slow-acting bait toxicants to provide environment-friendly and target-specific termite management. In the present study, the Exterra termite bait system (USA) with chlorfluazuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, as the active ingredient was tested against termite colonies. Ten residential areas of Lahore, infested with subterranean termites were selected for the study.

Assessment of infection control practices in teaching hospitals of Quetta.

Objective: To identify the gaps in infection control and prevention practices in teaching hospitals.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Bolan Medical Complex and Sandeman Medical College Hospital, Quetta, from August 2012 to January 2013.The study comprised members (n=7) of infection control committee who were interviewed through a self-developed, closed-ended questionnaire and their perception regarding infection control and prevention was recorded.