POS1413 INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE(ILD) PREVALENCE AND TRENDS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS(SLE), RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS(RA), SCLERODERMA(SCL), MYOSITIS AND MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES(MCTD) ALONG WITH COMPARISON OF LENGTH OF HOSPITALIZATION STAY(LOS), COST AND RACIAL PREDISPOSITION AMONG THESE PATIENTS

Background

ILD includes a category of lung disorders seen in a variety of autoimmune conditions. Prevalence of ILD in autoimmune diseases is variable and poorly studied. ILD is more commonly seen in systemic sclerosis, with 90% of patients showing some interstitial changes on High resolution CT scan. ILD is less common in SLE compared to SCL, with ILD not only a complication but also a poor prognostic factor in these patients. Prior studies have shown increased prevalence of ILD in RA patients over the years. For myositis, ILD can develop during the course of disease or can precede the diagnosis in a small subset of patients.

Objectives

Our study aims to determine the prevalence of ILD in diseases like SLE, Scleroderma, RA, MCTD, and Myositis over the years as well as identify racial predisposition, LOS, Cost of hospitalization in these patients

Methods

We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (years 2003-2018) and extracted patients with ILD using validated International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes. Data from 2015 was excluded from the study in light of the transition of the coding system from version 9 to 10. We identified cases having the diagnosis of SLE, RA, Scleroderma, MCTD or Myositis. Prevalence as well as demographics, cost of hospitalization, and length of stay (LOS) was analyzed and charted. Data was analyzed using statistical analysis system 9.4 software.

Results

We identified a total of 149,691 cases of ILD over 15 years. Patients with RA had the highest prevalence of ILD amongst the 5 studied autoimmune diseases. The prevalence rate of RA in ILD patients in 2003 was 3.3% which significantly reduced to 0.93% in 2018, with a peak of 6.42% seen in 2010 (p <0.0001). Prevalence rate of ILD with myositis decreased from 0.72% in 2003 to 0.46% in 2018 (p 0.0001). The prevalence rates of SLE, Scleroderma, and MCTD in cases with ILD significantly increased from 1.38% to 1.63%, 1.38% to 1.76%, and 0.14% to 0.54% from 2003 to 2018 respectively.

The average age of ILD cases with SLE was significantly younger compared to ILD without autoimmune disease (59.28 vs 72.32 years, p <0.0001), RA (69.72 vs 72.17 years, p <0.0001), Scleroderma (62.01 vs 72.28 years, p < 0.0001), Myositis (59.56 vs 72.19 years, p <0.0001) and MCTD (59.6 vs 72.18 years, p <0.0001). On examining the racial distribution, the African American population with ILD when compared to other races were more likely to have underlying SLE, MCTD, Myositis or Scleroderma. In ILD with RA, Native Americans were the most affected racial demographic followed by African Americans.

Average cost of hospitalization was higher in ILD with MCTD ($104,631 vs $71,264.6, p<0.0001), Myositis ($105,623 vs $71,232.9, p<0.0001) and Scleroderma ($88,736.2 vs $71,135.5, p<0.0001). Average LOS was significantly longer in RA (7.17 vs 6.66 days, p value 0.0006), MCTD (7.71 vs 6.67 days, p value 0.0008), Myositis (8.33 vs 6.66 days, p value <0.0001) and Scleroderma (7.07 vs 6.67 days, p value 0.0176). Though not significant, average LOS was longer in SLE (6.79 vs 6.67 days, p value 0.4999).

Conclusion

Our study shows that the prevalence of RA in ILD cases has significantly reduced through the years. This can be attributed to the better understanding of the disease and its risk factors as well as the availability and use of newer biologic agents to obtain better control. However, the prevalence of SLE, Scleroderma, and MCTD in ILD cases has increased over the years. This points to the need for better therapies as well as highlights the fact that the overall recognition and diagnosis of these diseases have increased over the years. Racial predilection also comes to light, suggesting the need for special attention to certain races to diagnose the autoimmune disease earlier. Average LOS and cost of hospitalization were also higher in ILD cases with autoimmune disease, reflecting the higher socioeconomic burden.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Fungal conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost

Poultry industry is amongst highly developed industries of Pakistan, fulfilling the protein demand of rapidly increasing population. On the other hand, the untreated poultry waste is causing several health and environmental problems. The current study was designed to check the potential of keratinolytic fungal species for the conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost. For the purpose, three fungal species were isolated from soil samples. These strains were pure cultured and then characterized phenotypically and genotypically. BLAST searches of 18S rDNA nucleotide sequence of the fungal isolates revealed that the two fungal isolates belonged to genus Aspergillus and one belonged to genus Chrysosporium. Optimum temperature for Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Chrysosporium queenslandicum was 29, 26 and 25 oC, respectively. A. flavus showed maximum (53%) feather degradation, A. niger degraded feather waste up to 37%, while C. queenslandicum showed 21% keratinolytic activity on chicken feathers at their respective temperature optima. The degradation potential of these fungal species showed their ability to form compost that has agro-industrial importance.

Evaluation of indigenous plants' extracts for mosquitocidal activity against different stages of Culex quinquefasciatus say (Diptera: Culicidae)

Being vector of West Nile Virus and falariasis the control of Culex quinquefasciatus is likely to be essential. Synthetic insecticide treatment is looking most effective for vectors mosquito control. However, these products are toxic to the environment and non-target organisms. Consequently, ecofriendly control of vectors mosquito is needed. In this regard botanical insecticide is looking more fruitful. Therefore, the present research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of methanolic extract and various fractions, including, n-hexane, ethyl-acetate, chloroform, and aqueous fraction, obtained from methanolic extract of Ailanthus altissima, Artemisia scoparia, and Justicia adhatoda using separating funnel against larval, pupal, and adult stages of Culex quinquefasciatus. The larvae and pupae of Culex quinquefasciatus were exposed to various concentrations (31.25-1000 ppm) of methanolic extract and its fractions for 24 hours of exposure period. For knock-down bioassay (filter paper impregnation bioassay) different concentration of the methanolic extract and its various fractions (i.e. 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1mg/mL) were applied for 1 hour exposure period. The results were statistically analysed using standard deviation, probit analysis, and linear regression. The R2 values of larvae, pupae, and adult range from 0.4 to 0.99. The values of LC50 (concentration causing 50% mortality) for late 3rd instar larvae after 24 hours exposure period range from 93-1856.7 ppm, while LC90 values range from 424 -7635.5ppm. The values of LC50for pupae range form 1326.7-6818.4ppm and and values of LC90 range from 3667.3-17427.9ppm, respectively. The KDT50 range from 0.30 to 2.8% and KDT90 values range from1.2 to 110.8%, respectively. In conclusion, Justicia adhatoda may be effective for controlling populations of vector mosquito.

Photosynthetic acclamatory response of Panicum antidotale Retz. populations to root zone desiccation stress

Growth of plants is severely reduced due to water stress by affecting photosynthesis including photosystem II (PSII) activity and electron transport. This study emphasised on comparative and priority targeted changes in PSII activity due to progressive drought in seven populations of Panicum antidotale (P. antidotale) collected from Cholistan Desert and non-Cholistan regions. Tillers of equal growth of seven populations of P. antidotale grown in plastic pots filled with soil were subjected progressive drought by withholding water irrigation for three weeks. Progressive drought reduced the soil moisture content, leaf relative water content, photosynthetic pigments and fresh and dry biomass of shoots in all seven populations. Populations from Dingarh Fort, Dingarh Grassland and Haiderwali had higher growth than those of other populations. Cholistani populations especially in Dingarh Grassland and Haiderwali had greater ability of osmotic adjustment as reflected by osmotic potential and greater accumulation of total soluble proteins. Maximum H2O2 under water stress was observed in populations from Muzaffargarh and Khanewal but these were intermediate in MDA content. Under water stress, populations from Muzaffargarh and Dingarh Fort had greater K+ accumulation in their leaves. During progressive drought, non-Cholistani populations showed complete leaf rolling after 23 days of drought, and these populations could not withstand with more water stress condition while Cholistani populations tolerated more water stress condition for 31 days. Moreover, progressive drought caused PSII damages after 19 days and it became severe after 23 days in non-Cholistani populations of P. antidotale than in Cholistani populations.

Prevalence of parasites in selected captive bird species

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.

Genetic variations and phylogenetic relationship of genus Uromastyx from Punjab Pakistan

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.

Development of chitosan based microencapsulated spray dried powder of tuna fish oil: oil load impact and oxidative stability

The impact of fish oil concentration on the oxidative stability of microcapsules through the spray drying process using chitosan and maltodextrin as wall material was studied. Emulsions were prepared with different Tuna fish oil (TFO) content (TFO-10%, TFO20%, TF030% TF0-40%) while wall material concentration was kept constant. Microencapsulated powder resulting from emulsion prepared with high fish oil load have high moisture content, wettability, total oil and low encapsulation efficiency, hygroscopicity and bulk tapped density. Oxidative stability was evaluated periodically by placing microcapsules at room temperature. Microcapsules prepared with TFO-10% presented high oxidative stability in terms of peroxide value (2.94±0.04) and anisidine value (1.54±0.02) after 30 days of storage. It was concluded that optimal amounts of fish oil for microencapsulation are 10% and 20% using chitosan and maltodextrin that extended its shelf life during study period.

Qureshi A, H. Shirazi J. Synthesis, characterization, anti-microbial and cytotoxic applications of zinc(II) complexes

ABSTRACT. In the present research, three zinc(II) complexes were synthesized using 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-methylacrylic acid (HL), 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-pyridine as ligands. The composition, structural confirmation, coordination way of ligand and assignment of geometry to the complexes were made by different analytical tools like elemental analysis, FTIR and 1H-NMR. The ligand 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-methylacrylate appeared to coordinate the metal (Zn) atom via COO- moiety in all of the complexes (1-3) while 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-pyridine co-ordinated to Zn(II) atom through N-donor sites in complexes 2 and 3, respectively. The complex 1 showed four while 2 and 3 showed six co-ordinated geometry. The synthesized complexes were evaluated for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The obtained results showed that complexes are active against microbial agents and exhibited significant cytotoxicity.                     KEY WORDS: Co-coordination, Geometry, Zinc(II) complexes, Biological activity   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 287-299. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.6

The inhibitory effect of Cannabis Sativa L. and Morus nigra L. against lipid peroxidation in goat liver and brain homogenates

The present study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and inhibitory effect ofCannabis sativa and Morus nigra against lipid peroxidation in goat brain and liver homogenates. The formation of free radicals, highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is a normal metabolic process for cellular signaling and countering the antigens. However, they may cause serious damage if they produced at amplified tolls. In addition, metabolic disorders also serve as sources of these reactive species. Although the issue can be addressed through supplements and other phytochemicals. In this study, two plant species were evaluated for their biological potential by employing a spectrum of antioxidant assays. The antioxidant activity was performed by lipid peroxidation assay. The water extract prepared from leaves of Cannabis sativa and Morus nigra showed significant (P<0.05) inhibition as compared to control i.e., 522.6±0.06 and 659.97±0.03 µg/mL against iron-induced lipid peroxidation in goat brain homogenate while the inhibitions were 273.54±0.04 and 309.18±0.05 µg/mL against nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation of the brain. The iron and nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation was also significantly inhibited by leaf extracts of Cannabis sativa and Morus nigra in liver homogenates such as 230.63±0.52 and 326.91±0.01 µg/mL (iron-induced) while 300.47±0.07 and 300.47±0.07 µg/mL (nitroprusside induced), respectively. The extracts of Cannabis sativa extract showed promising activity (96.04±0.060%) against DPPH radicals while Morus nigra showed a moderate activity (34.11±0.120%). The results suggest that different accessions ofCannabis sativa and Morus nigra are a potential source of antioxidants and have a therapeutic effect against disease induced by oxidative stress and hence can be used for novel drug discovery and development.

1085 Equestrian Related Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures – Experience from a Major Trauma Centre in England

Introduction

Equestrianism is enjoyed by three million people in the UK; however, there is a lack of literature on pelvic and acetabular (P&A) injuries incurred through the sport. We aim to describe P&A injuries sustained in equestrian accidents, discuss management, and establish their outcomes.

Method

Data was extracted from a prospectively collected database of referrals to the P&A Service of a Major Trauma Centre (MTC) from 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2020 and cross-referenced with medical records.

Results

60 of the 1,218 P&A referrals were secondary to horse-riding accidents. Mean age 45 (SD 16.59); 46 female; 33 managed non-operatively and 27 managed operatively at the MTC. There was sufficient information for 59 cases to be classified; 46 of the injuries were pelvic fractures (10 anterior-posterior compression; 29 lateral compression; 4 sacral and 3 pubic rami fractures) and 13 were acetabular (2 anterior column; 1 anterior wall; 2 associated both columns; 1 posterior column and posterior wall; 1 posterior wall; 2 T-shaped and 4 transverse fractures). The operative group were managed by examination under anaesthesia (n = 3), open reduction internal fixation (n = 22) or percutaneous fixation (n = 2). Mean hospitalisation was 9.2 days (SD 5.44). 81% were non-weight-bearing post-operatively and mean time to independent mobilisation was 12.6 weeks (SD 7.09). Return-to-riding information was available for 8 patients with a mean of 29.5 weeks (SD 11.55).

Conclusions

Equestrianism can result in significant P&A injuries. Patients should be counselled that they may have a long recovery, a protracted return-to-riding time and some may never return to the sport.

579 Emergency Surgical Admissions During The COVID-19 Pandemic; Comparative Study of Emergency Surgery Outcome Before and During The COVID-19

Introduction

There are relatively few studies on emergency surgical practice in the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is to analyse the outcomes of emergency surgery before against those during COVID-19.

Method

Retrospectively we collected the emergency admissions to the general surgery department at a district general hospital during November 2019, which is a representative of our regular activity, and April 2020, the height of the COVID-19. The primary endpoint was the number and nature of surgical admissions and procedures. The secondary endpoints were morbidities and mortalities, laparoscopic and procedure approach (laparoscopic vs open), inflammatory markers (white cell count and C-reactive protein), hospital stay, gender and age.

Results

During the two months a total of 332 patients were admitted; 177 during November 2019 and 146 patients during April 2020. The mean age was 51 years in the November group and 49 years in the April group. 146 operations were conducted in November, while 117 procedures were performed in April. Hospital stay average was 5.87 days and 5.43 days for November and April groups, respectively. In the April group, seven patients tested positive for COVID-19. Mortality was slightly higher during April (2.05%) than November (1.6%). Postoperative complications, C-reactive protein level and prevalence of acute cholecystitis were much higher during April, while abscess and diverticulitis prevalence were significantly lower.

Conclusions

Morbidity, mortality and acute cholecystitis were significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic, while abscess and diverticulitis were significantly less prevalent likely due to and tendency by patients to avoid hospitals and hence late clinical presentation.

Isolation and characterization of bacteria residing in the oral, gut, and fecal samples of different pheasant species

There is a paucity of research conducted on microbial prevalence in pheasants. The microbiota of captive birds has zoonotic significance and must be characterize. Present study is therefore planned to assess the microbiota from oral, fecal and gut content of captive avian species. It will be helpful in characterization of harmful microbes. Different samples taken from oral, gut and feces of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), green pheasants (Phasianus versicolor), golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) and silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera). Samples were collected, diluted, and inoculated onto different agar plates (MacConkey, SS agar, MSA and nutrient agar) for cultivation of bacterial species. Colonies of E.coli, Staphylococcus spp. Brachyspira spp. and Campylobacter spp were observed based on colony morphology. Colony forming unit showed E. coli as frequently found bacteria in fecal, oral and gut contents of all the above pheasants. The overall significance difference was found among bacterial species of golden pheasants, green pheasant, ring-necked pheasant, and silver pheasants. It was concluded that E.coli is predominant isolated from heathy pheasants followed by Campylobacter, Staphylococcus and Brachyspira.

Wild birds trade in Dera Ismael Khan and Bannu divisions of Khyber PakhtunKhwa (KPK) Province, Pakistan

Wildlife trade is a profitable economic activity. Birds are among the most heavily traded animals worldwide, with numerous species threatened by pet trade. The present case study was stretched for period of one year to find out the status of wild birds' trade in Bannu and Dera Ismael Khan Divisions. The study was aimed to find out the types of species, commercial prices of bird, trade routes, overall income generated from birds' trade and the status of dealers whether licensed or not. Bimonthly visits were conducted to interview 52 bird dealers/pet shops owners/venders (23 in Dera Ismael Khan and 29 in Bannu). A sum of 16 conceivable sites were visited during the study period. Out of these, 8 sites were located in Dera Ismael Khan and 8 sites in Bannu Division. The highest priced species was Demoiselle crane (Grus virgo) and the lowest priced species was house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Total number of species traded in both regions were 8 and 14 while the income generated by bird trade was amounting to PkR 1,322,200 and 7,128,950 in Dera Ismael Khan and Bannu respectively. Majority of the birds were trapped locally with the exception of few from adjacent areas. Commercial activity led by illegal bird traders was found 75% and 100% species in Dera Ismael Khan and Bannu respectively. There was no significant difference between prices of birds, number of species sold and income generated by bird trade in two divisions.

Cross-genera amplification and identification of Colpodella sp. with Cryptosporidium primers in fecal samples of zoo felids from northeast China

The protozoans include many intracellular human pathogens. Accurate detection of these pathogens is necessary to treat the diseases. In clinical epidemiology, molecular identification of protozoan is considered a more reliable and rapid method for identification than microscopy. Among these protozoans, Cryptosporidium considered being one of the important water-borne zoonotic pathogens and a major cause of a diarrheal disease named cryptosporidiosis in humans, domestic animals, and wild animals. This study was aimed to identify Cryptosporidium in zoo felids (N= 56) belonging to different zoo of China, but accidentlly Colpodella was encountered in the zoo felids sample and phylogenetic data confirmed this unexpected amplification from fecal samples using two-step nested-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the fact about the specific primers used previously by many researchers and cross-genera amplification. We came to know that genetically sequenced amplicon gives more accurate identification of species. This study suggests more investigation on Colpodella which has been neglected previously but gains the attention of researchers after identified from humans and animals and has been known to correlate with neurological symptoms in patients.

Amelioration potential of Moringa oleifera extracts against sodium arsenate induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in mouse (Mus musculus)

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.

Phylogeography of cliff racer (Platyceps rhodorachis Jan, 1865) from Punjab, Pakistan

The present study reports the existence of cliff racer, Platyceps rhodorachis from the plains of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 10 specimens were captured during the field surveys from June to September, 2018 from different sites of Punjab. Platyceps rhodorachis was identify on the basis of morphology and confirmed through COI gene sequences. The obtained DNA sequences have shown reliable and exact species identification. Newly produced DNA sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis were submitted to GenBank and accession numbers were obtained (MK936174.1, MK941839.1 and MT790210.1). N-J tree based on COI sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis clearly separated as out-group with other members of family Colubridae based on p-distance. The intra-specific genetic variation ranges from 12% to 18%. The DNA sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis kashmirensis, Platyceps rhodorachis ladacensis, Platyceps ventromaculatus, Platyceps ventromaculatus bengalensis and Platyceps ventromaculatus indusai are not available at NCBI to validate their taxonomic positions. In our recommendations, a large scale molecular based identification of Pakistan's herpetofauna is required to report more new or subspecies from country.

Studies on parasitic prevalence in pet birds from Punjab, Pakistan

During this one year study, blood and fecal samples of doves (Zenaida asiatica), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), pigeons (Columba livia), partridges (Alectoris chukar), turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and goose (Chen caerulescens) were collected to assess the parasitic prevalence in these birds. The birds were kept at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. All these avian species were kept in separate cages and their entire body was inspected on regularly basis to record external parasites. For internal parasites, 100 blood and 100 fecal samples for each species were analyzed. During present study, two species of ectoparasites i.e. fowl ticks (Args persicus) and mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) while 17 species of endoparasites; three from blood and 14 from fecal samples were identified. Prevalence of blood parasites was Plasmodium juxtanucleare 29.3%, Aegyptinella pullorum 15% and Leucoctoyzoon simond 13%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 50%, Capillaria anatis 40%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%, Ascardia galli 24% and Allodpa suctoria 2%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 12.1% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 9.1% were also recorded from fecal samples of the birds. Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 27% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having prevalence 20.1%, Histomonas meleagridis 8% and Giardia lamblia 5.3% were recorded. In our recommendation, proper medication and sanitation of the bird's houses and cages is recommended to avoid parasites.

The Siberian pine growth dynamics in Altai Mountains, China

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.