Evaluation of irrigation, drinking, and risk indices for water quality parameters of alpine lakes

Alpine lakes are aquatic ecosystems that maintain and regulate water supply for the downstream streams, rivers, and other reservoirs. This study examined the water characteristics of various alpine lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. For this purpose, water was sampled and investigated for basic parameters, anions, and cations using the multi-parameter analyzers and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Physicochemical parameters of alpine lakes were noted under the World Health Organization water guidelines, except for fluoride (F-) and turbidity in 4.3% and 36% of samples, respectively. Water quality index (WQI) classified samples (93%) as excellent and good quality (7%). Results showed maximum chronic daily intake values (0.14 ± 0.01 mg/kg-day) for nitrate (NO3-) and hazard quotient (0.80 ± 0.24) for F- in children via water intake from Upper Kachura and Shausar Lakes, respectively. Statistical analyses of Piper and Gibbs's plots revealed that the water quality is mainly characterized by bedrock geology.

Kappa-carrageenan and sodium alginate-based pH-responsive hydrogels for controlled release of methotrexate

Despite remarkable progress in medical sciences, modern man is still fighting the battle against cancer. In 2022, only in the USA, 640 000 deaths and 2 370 000 patients were reported because of cancer. Chemotherapy is the most widely used for cancer treatments. However, chemotherapeutics have severe physicochemical side effects. Therefore, we have prepared poly(amididoamine) dendrimeric carrageenan (CG), sodium alginate (SA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels by using solution casting methodology. The constituents of hydrogels were cross-linked by mutable quantity of 3-aminopropyl(diethoxy)methyl silane (APDMS). Hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy. Hydrogels exhibited higher swelling volumes in 5-7 pH range. In vitro biodegradation in ribonuclease-A solution and cytocompatibility analysis against DF-1 fibroblasts established their biodegradable and non-toxic nature, which enables them as a suitable carrier for chemotherapeutic compounds. Hence, methotrexate (MTX) as a model drug was loaded on CAP-8 hydrogel and its release was detected by the UV-visible spectrophotometer in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. In 13.5 h, 81.25% and 77.23% of MTX were released at pH 7.4 (blood pH) and 5.3 (tumour pH) in PBS, respectively. MTX was released by super case II mechanism and best fitted to zero-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The synthesized APDMS cross-linked CG/SA/PVA dendrimeric hydrogels could be an efficient model platform for the effective delivery of MTX in cancer treatments.

Guar gum/poly ethylene glycol/graphene oxide environmentally friendly hybrid hydrogels for controlled release of boron micronutrient

The present study was aimed at synthesis of polymeric hydrogels for controlled boron (B) release, as B deficiency is a major factor that decreases crops yield. Thus, graphene oxide incorporated guar gum and poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogels were prepared using the Solution Casting method for boron release. 3-Glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GLYMOL) was used as a cross-linker. Characterizations of hydrogels were carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis and Scanning Electron scope. The FTIR outcomes confirmed the existence of functional groups, bindings and development of hydrogel frameworks from incorporated components. The quantity of GLYMOL directly increased the thermal stability and water retention but decreased the swelling %. The maximum swelling for the hydrogel formulations was observed at pH 7. The addition of GLYMOL changed the diffusion from quasi-Fickcian to non-Fickcian diffusion. The maximum swelling quantities of 3822% and 3342% were exhibited by GPP (control) and GPP-8 in distilled water, respectively. Boron release was determined in distilled water and sandy soil by azomethine-H test using UV-Visible spectrophotometer while 85.11% and 73.65% boron was released from BGPP-16, respectively. In short, water retentive, water holding capacities, swelling performances, biodegradability and swelling/deswelling features would offer an ideal platform for boron release in sustained agricultural applications.

Guar gum-based stimuli responsive hydrogels for sustained release of diclofenac sodium

In the current study, hydrogels for the controlled release of diclofenac sodium were synthesized from graphene oxide-reinforced guar gum and poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) using the Solution Casting Technique. Varying concentrations of 3-Glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GLYMO) were employed for the crosslinking of hydrogels. Further, the characterization of hydrogels was carried out using different techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscope. The FTIR investigations reveals particular functionalities and development of hydrogel interfaces. While thermal analysis prophesied that, improvement in forces among hydrogel components is directly proportional to the GLYMO concentration. In-vitro biodegradation test and cell viability assay against HEK-293 cell lines confirmed their biodegradable and biocompatible nature. GPG-32 demonstrated maximum antibacterial activity against P.aeruginosa and E.coli strains. The maximum swelling 2001 % and 1814 % in distilled water were recorded for GPG (control) and GPG-8 respectively that obeyed Fick's law. Hydrogels displayed high swelling responses at pH 6 in buffer and non-buffer solutions. In 2.5 h, 88.7 % diclofenac sodium was released which was determined by UV visible spectrophotometer. In conclusion, guar gum-based non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogels would be a model platform for targeting inflammation and pains. Furthermore, improved mechanical and viscoelastic behavior of hydrogels could also be explored for making drug loaded dressings for wound healing applications.

Evidence of novel Treponema phylotypes implicated in contagious ovine digital dermatitis and association of treponemes with major lameness causing foot pathogens

In this study 269 swabs collected from 254 ovine foot lesions and 15 apparently healthy ovine feet were screened by PCR for the presence of major lameness causing foot pathogens viz. Treponema species, D. nodosus, F. necrophorum and T. pyogenes with the presumption that ovine foot lesion positive for Treponema species alone or in association with other three pathogens were categorized as contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD). While samples positive for D. nodosus alone or its combination with F. necrophorum and T. pyogenes were considered as footrot (FR) and samples in which F. necrophorum or T. pyogenes was found either alone or in combination were considered as interdigital dermatitis (ID). The overall occurrence of Treponema sp. in ovine foot lesions was 48.0%, and ranged from 33 to 58%. In Treponema positive samples D. nodosus, F. necrophorum and T. pyogenes were present in 34 (27.4%), 66 (54.4%) and 84 (68.5%) in contrast to Treponema negative samples in which these were present in 15 (11.1%), 20 (14.12%) and 17 (12.6%) samples, respectively. The data signifies that Treponema sp. are significantly associated with these foot pathogens and their different combinations with Treponema sp. influence the severity of CODD lesion. The identification of Treponema phylotypes was done by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene fragment of ten representative samples. Out of ten sequences, four (Trep-2, Trep-4, Trep-7 and Trep-10) were identical to Treponema sp. phylotype 1 (PT1) that belongs to phylogroup T. refringens-like, one sequence (Trep-1) was genetically close (90% sequence homology) to Treponema brennaborense while five sequences (Trep-3, Trep-5, Trep-6, Trep-8 and Trep-9) matched with uncultured bacterium clones of treponemes forming separate monophyletic group in phylogenetic tree and could represent new digital dermatitis phylogroup presently containing five ovine specific phylotypes. This is the first report on the presence of Treponema phylotypes other than three digital dermatitis (DD) Treponema phylogroups viz. T. phagedenis-like, T. medium/T. vincentii-like, and T. pedis-like that are frequently detected in CODD lesions. Metagenomic analysis of two representative samples revealed the abundance of genus Treponema in CODD lesion while this genus was absent in swab collected from clinically healthy foot suggesting that it might play primary role in producing CODD. These findings may further aid in understanding the etiopathogenesis of CODD and could help to develop appropriate treatment and mitigation strategies to combat the disease.

Graphene oxide reinforced biopolymeric (chitosan) hydrogels for controlled cephradine release

In the current study, chitosan, poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrolidone) and polyamidoamine based hydrogels were prepared by Solution Casting Method using different quantity of graphene oxide (GO) for controlled cephradine (CPD) release. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy. FTIR results endorsed the presence of particular functionalities and developed interfaces in hydrogels. The thermal stability was directly proportional to the amount of GO. Antibacterial activity was investigated against gram-negative bacteria resultantly; CAD-2 exhibited maximum bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Psuedomonas aeruginosa. In addition, in-vitro biodegradation was examined in phosphate buffer saline solution and proteinase K for 21 and 07 days respectively. The maximum swelling was exhibited by CAD-133777 % in distilled water that was governed by quasi-Fickian diffusion. The swelling volumes were inversely proportional to the amount of GO. In the same way, pH sensitive CPD release was detected by UV visible spectrophotometer that followed zero order and Higuchi models. However, in 4 h, 89.4 % and 83.7 % of CPD was released in PBS and SIF solution correspondingly. Therefore, the chitosan-based biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel platforms offered substantial potential for the controlled CPD release in medico-biological applications.

Donanemab for Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and aggregated tau are two core mechanisms that contribute to the clinical deterioration of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recently, targeted-Aβ plaque reduction immunotherapies have been explored for their efficacy and safety as AD treatment. This systematic review critically reviews the latest evidence of Donanemab, a humanized antibody that targets the reduction in Aβ plaques, in AD patients. Comprehensive systematic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus. This study adhered to PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines. Adult patients with Alzheimer’s disease being intervened with Donanemab compared to placebo or standard of care in the clinical trial setting were included. A total of 396 patients across four studies received either Donanemab or a placebo (228 and 168 participants, respectively). The Aβ-plaque reduction was found to be dependent upon baseline levels, such that lower baseline levels had complete amyloid clearance (<24.1 Centiloids). There was a slowing of overall tau levels accumulation as well as relatively reduced functional and cognitive decline noted on the Integrated Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale by 32% in the Donanemab arm. The safety of Donanemab was established with key adverse events related to Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA), ranging between 26.1 and 30.5% across the trials. There is preliminary support for delayed cognitive and functional decline with Donanemab among patients with mild-to-moderate AD. It remains unclear whether Donenameb extends therapeutic benefits that can modify and improve the clinical status of AD patients. Further trials can explore the interplay between Aβ-plaque reduction and toxic tau levels to derive meaningful clinical benefits in AD patients suffering from cognitive impairment.

In-house fabrication of macro-porous biopolymeric hydrogel and its deployment for adsorptive remediation of lead and cadmium from water matrices

A novel adsorbent was prepared by blending chitosan (CS) and acrylic acid (AA) while using formaldehyde as a cross linker in the form of hydrogel beads. The adsorption properties of these hydrogel beads for the removal of toxic metal ions (Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺) from aqueous solutions were evaluated. The hydrogel beads have a 3D macro-porous structure whose -NH₂ groups were considered to be the dominant binding specie for Cd and Pb ions. The equilibrium adsorption capacity (q_e) of beads was significantly affected by the mass ratio of sorbent and sorbate. The percentage removal of Cd and Pb ions was observed to be enhanced with the increase in sorbate concentration. The hydrogel beads maintained good adsorption properties at adsorption-desorption equilibrium. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to elaborate the isotherms as well as isotherm constants. Adsorption isothermal data is well explained by the Freundlich model. The data of experimental kinetics is interrelated with the second-order kinetic model, which showed that the chemical sorption phenomenon is the rate limiting step. The results of intraparticle diffusion model described the adsorption process occurred on a porous substance that proved chitosan/Formaldehyde beads to be the favorable adsorbent.

Hydrogeochemical assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of potentially toxic elements in aquifers of the Hindukush ranges, Pakistan: insights from groundwater pollution indexing, GIS-based, and multivariate statistical approaches

Globally, potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and bacterial contamination pose health hazards, persistency, and genotoxicity in the groundwater aquifer. This study evaluates PTE concentration, carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health hazards, groundwater quality indexing (GWQI-model), source provenance, and fate distribution in the groundwater of Hindukush ranges, Pakistan. The new estimates of USEPA equations record new research dimensions for carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic hazards. The principal component analysis (PCA), mineral phases, and spatial distribution determine groundwater contamination and its impacts. The average concentrations of PTEs, viz., Cd, Cu, Co, Fe, Pb, and Zn, were 0.06, 0.27, 0.07, 0.55, 0.05, and 0.19 mg/L, and E. coli, F. coli, and P. coli were 27.5, 24.0, and 19.0 CFU/100 ml. Moreover, the average values of basic minerals, viz., anhydrite, aragonite, calcite, dolomite, gypsum, halite, and hydroxyl apatite, were 0.4, 2.4, 2.6, 5.1, 0.6, and - 4.0, 11.2, and PTE minerals like monteponite, tenorite, cuprite, cuprous ferrite, cupric ferrite, ferrihydrite, goethite, hematite, lepidocrocite, maghemite, magnetite, massicot, minium, litharge, plattnerite, and zincite were - 5.5, 2.23, 4.65, 18.56, 20.0, 4.84, 7.54, 17.46, 6.66, 9.67, 22.72, - 3.36, 22.9, 3.16, - 18.0, and 1.46. The groundwater showed carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health hazards for children and adults. The GWQI-model showed that 58.3% of samples revealed worse water quality. PCA revealed rock weathering, mineral dissolution, water-rock interaction, and industrial effluents as the dominant factors influencing groundwater chemistry. Carbonate weathering and ion exchange play vital roles in altering CaHCO3 type to NaHCO3 water. In this study, E. coli, F. coli, P. coli, EC, turbidity, TSS, PO43─, Na+, Mg+2, Ca+2, Cd, Co, Fe, and Pb have exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic impacts of PTEs and bacterial contamination declared that the groundwater is unfit for drinking and domestic purposes.

Distribution, host range and toxicity assessment of different insecticides on Bactrocera diversa Coquillett, 1904 (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The present study was conducted to investigate the array of hosts, distribution and to evaluate the toxicity of four insecticides: imidacloprid, fipronil, cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos alone and in combination against 3rd instar maggot and adult stage of fruit fly Bactrocera diversa Coquillett, 1904 (Diptera: Tephritidae) during 2021. B. diversa maggots were found vigorously feeding inside the cucurbit hosts (pumpkin, cucumber, bitter gourd, watermelon, round melon, bottle gourd) collected from different localities of Poonch division of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan, and this species is reported for the first time as new record to this region. Susceptibilities of B. diversa to insecticides were evaluated using topical method. Mortality was checked after 3, 6, 8 and 24h of exposure. Cypermethrin was most effective to kill 50% of both larval and adult stage with least LC50 [7.2(1.040±0.214), 17.4(0.748±0.193)], respectively followed by imidacloprid. Imidacloprid most effectively killed 90% of both larval and adult population with least LC90 value [73.2 (3.013±0.708) 16.9 (1.886±0.437)] respectively after 24 hours. Cypermethrin with chlorpyrifos most effectively killed 50 and 90 percent of both larval and adult stage of B. diversa with least LC50 value [11.3 (1.085±0.245), 2.5 (0.759±0.252)] and least LC90 value [171.3 (1.085±0.245), 121.9 (0.759±0.252)], respectively after 24h of exposure. Toxicity of each insecticide increased with exposure for longer time and increased dose. Cypermethrin is suggested as most effective against both larval and adult stages of B. diversa in combination with chlorpyrifos followed by imidacloprid.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Composites for the Detection and Monitoring of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Biological and Environmental Matrices

The production of synthetic drugs is considered a huge milestone in the healthcare sector, transforming the overall health, aging, and lifestyle of the general population. Due to the surge in production and consumption, pharmaceutical drugs have emerged as potential environmental pollutants that are toxic with low biodegradability. Traditional chromatographic techniques in practice are time-consuming and expensive, despite good precision. Alternatively, electroanalytical techniques are recently identified to be selective, rapid, sensitive, and easier for drug detection. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are known for their intrinsic porous nature, high surface area, and diversity in structural design that provides credible drug-sensing capacities. Long-term reusability and maintaining chemo-structural integrity are major challenges that are countered by ligand-metal combinations, optimization of synthetic conditions, functionalization, and direct MOFs growth over the electrode surface. Moreover, chemical instability and lower conductivities limited the mass commercialization of MOF-based materials in the fields of biosensing, imaging, drug release, therapeutics, and clinical diagnostics. This review is dedicated to analyzing the various combinations of MOFs used for electrochemical detection of pharmaceutical drugs, comprising antibiotics, analgesics, anticancer, antituberculosis, and veterinary drugs. Furthermore, the relationship between the composition, morphology and structural properties of MOFs with their detection capabilities for each drug species is elucidated.

Cephradine drug release using electrospun chitosan nanofibers incorporated with halloysite nanoclay

The chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/halloysite nanoclay (CS/PVA/HNC) loaded with cephradine drug electrospun nanofibers (NFs) were fabricated and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. FTIR analysis confirmed the hydrogen bonding between the polymer chain and the developed siloxane linkages. SEM analysis revealed the formation of uniform NFs having beads free and smooth surface with an average diameter in 50–200 nm range. The thermal stability of the NFs was increased by increasing the HNC concentration. The antimicrobial activity was examined against Escherichia  coli and staphylococcus strains and the NFs revealed auspicious antimicrobial potential. The drug release was studied at pH 7.4 (in PBS) at 37 °C. The drug release analysis showed that 90% of the drug was released from NFs in 2 h and 40 min. Hence, the prepared NFs could be used as a potential drug carrier and release in a control manner for biomedical application.

Bacillus subtilis Y16 and biogas slurry enhanced potassium to sodium ratio and physiology of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to mitigate salt stress

Salinity harms crop productivity; thereby, the management of salt-affected soils is a prerequisite to obtaining optimum crop yields and achieving UN-SDGs. The application of bio-organic amendments is an eco-friendly and cost-effective technique for the management of salt-affected soils. Therefore, this study examined the effect of salt-tolerant Bacillus subtilis strain Y16 and biogas slurry (BGS) on growth, physiology, and yield of sunflower under salt-affected soil conditions. Three levels of soil salinity (original electrical conductivity (EC): 3 dS m^-1; induced EC: 6 dS m^-1 and 8 dS m^-1) were evaluated against three levels of BGS (0 kg ha^-1, 600 kg ha^-1, and 800 kg ha^-1) with and without bacterial inoculation. Soil salinity (EC = 8 dS m^-1) significantly (P < 0.05) increased Na⁺ contents (86%), which significantly (P < 0.05) reduced growth (17-56%), physiology (39-53%), and yield (58%) of sunflower. However, the combined application of BGS and B. subtilis alleviated salt stress and significantly (P < 0.05) improved sunflower growth (11-179%), physiology (10-84%), and yield (106%). The correlation analysis showed the superiority of B. subtilis for inducing salt-stress tolerance in sunflower as compared to BGS through homeostasis of K⁺/Na⁺ ratio. The tolerance indices and heat map analysis revealed an increased salt-stress tolerance in sunflower by the synergistic application of BGS and B. subtilis at original (3 dS m^-1) and induced (6 dS m^-1) soil salinity. Based on the results, we conclude that the combined application of B. subtilis and BGS enhanced growth and yield of sunflower by improving physiological processes and adjustment of K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in shoot under moderate salt-stress soil conditions.

Episode of Hepatitis C viral infection in the people of Swat, Pakistan

Infectious agents cause serious diseases in humans worldwide and are responsible for the high rate of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and epidemiology of infectious disease (HCV) in the hospital visited patients referred by the physicians through the initial findings and their associated risk factors were studied in Swat. The data of 174 infected patients were collected during the period of 2015 to 2017 from two clinical laboratories of Tehsil Matta Swat. Inform consent form was taken before blood collection. After taking informed consent blood samples were collected and ICT test was performed and then ICT positive cases were conform through PCR. A total of 174 ICT positive samples [106 male and 68 females] were included in this study. Age was considered from 10 to 72 years. Of the 174 ICT strip positive, 99 [63 males, 36 females] were confirmed through PCR. The prevalence rate was recorded 56.89%. I.V/I.M injection was recorded in 100% of the individuals. Visits to the barber shop was reported in (58%) of the individuals, married individuals were (81.0), surgical operation was reported in (44.8%), sharing toothbrush was observed in (29.9%), piercing was reported in (39.7%), family history was reported in (26.4%), dental treatment was observed in (21.8%), jaundice were (13.2%) and tattooing was (1.7%). Blood transfusion, surgical operations, Jaundice, family history and dental treatment were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. It was concluded that proper implementation of precautionary measures should be needed to control the spread of HCV in far near future.

Biodiversity of orb-web spiders (family: araneidae) of buner valley, Pakistan

The present research was carried out to explore the spider fauna of Buner valley with taxonomic study from February 2018 to January 2019. For this purpose samples were collected, four times at each month from 4 tehsils: Daggar, Gagra, Mandan and Totalai. Two methods were used, hand picking and sweep net for collection of samples. During day and night, three habitats, arid area, agriculture land and building area were search for collection. A total of 534 samples of spider were collected from four sampling sites, in which 379 were belonging to family Araniedae. After confirmation, the identified species were belonging to 8 genera (Neoscona, Argiope, Cyclosa, Araneus, Cyrtophora, Larinia, Erivoxia and Poltys) and 19 species. 18 of them were identified to specie level while a single specie to its generic level. The genus Neoscona was the dominant genus 26.31% having 5 species while the genus Argiope 21.05% is the second dominant having 4 species followed by Cyclosa 15.78% having 3 species followed by Cyrtophora and Araneus 10.52% having two species both. The Poltys and Larinia 5.26% are the rarest genera represent single-single specie both. Statistical analysis show that specie richness (D) = 5.77, Simpson index (1-D) = 0.87, Shannon index (H) = 2.33. Diversity of spiders was evenly distributed and calculated Evenness value was H/InS = 0.5408. There is also few atypical species and Fisher alpha estimate high value (Fisher α) = 4.42. Chao-1 estimated we have reported 22 species.

PCR-RFLP Based genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax genotypes in district Mardan, Pakistan

Plasmodium vivax is the most common human malaria parasite in Asian countries including Pakistan. Present study was designed to explore the genetic diversity of plasmodium vivax genotypes based on Pvmsp-3α and Pvmsp-3βgenes using allelic specific nested PCR and RFLP assays markers from field isolates in district Mardan, Pakistan. Blood samples of 200 P. vivax malarial patients were collected after taking their written informed consent. Genetic diversity in nested PCR products was determined by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) utilizing Alu1 and PstI restriction enzymes for alpha and beta gene products digestion, respectively. For analysis the genetic diversity of the sub allelic variants of Pvmsp3α and Pvmsp3β genes, Chi-Square test was performed by utilizing Minitab programming software 18. The P value 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. For Pvmsp-3α genes after gel electrophoresis of digested products, four distinct genotypes were obtained from total of 50 samples; type A: 35 (70%) (1.5-2.0 kb), 12 of type B (24%) (1.5-1.7 kb), 2 of type C (4%) (0.5-1.5) and one for type D (2%) (0.5-0.65 kb) which could be characterized into 9 allelic pattern (A1-A4, B1-B3, C1, D), in which A3 remained the most predominant. For Pvmsp-3βgenes, three distinct genotypes were obtained from 50 samples; 40(80%) of type A (1.5-2.5 kb), 9 (18%) of type B (1.0-1.5kb) and 1(2%) of type C (0.65 kb) which could be characterized into 6 allelic patterns (A1-A3, B1-B2, and C1). Most dominant one in Type A was A1 alleles which were noted (46%), while in Type B, the most dominant were B1 (10%).This study is the first ever report of molecular epidemiology and genetic variation in Pvmsp-3α and Pvmsp-3β genes of P. vivax isolates by using PCR/RFLP from District Mardan and showed a remarkable level of genetic diversity in the studied genes of circulating parasites in the study area. The results of this study will contribute in future studies about the genetic structure of parasite and vaccine development against the malaria.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of Schizothorax plagiostomus at River Swat

Snow trout (Schizothorax plagiostomus) is an economically important freshwater fish, mostly found in northern areas of water reservoirs of Pakistan. The current study was conducted in River Swat to analyze the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, and Zn) in tissues of Schizothorax plagiostomus. Tissues were extracted and dissolved in perchloric acid (HClO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) along with hotplate. The heavy metals, zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and Nickel (Ni) were determined using Perkin Elmer 2380 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results shows great variation in the content of the metal related to tissue type and sampling sites. A high concentration of bioaccumulation was reported at Charbagh, whereas lowest at Odigram: Charbagh>Landakai>Odigram. In the same way, Cr was the most accumulated heavy metal followed by lead, nickel, and Zinc.

Comparative brain analysis of wild and hatchery reared Mahseer (Tor putitora) relative to their body weight and length

The present study was aimed at comparing the brain size of mahseer (Tor putitora) in relation to their body weight and standard length, to investigate the potential impact of rearing environment on brain development in fish. The weight of the brain and three of its subdivisions cerebellum (CB), optic tectum (OT), and telencephalon (TC) were measured for both wild and hatchery-reared fish. The data was analysed using multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and discriminate function analysis (DFA). We found the fish reared under hatchery conditions exhibit smaller brain size related to body weight, when compared to the wild ones. A significant (p<0.5) difference was observed in the length of CB and OT concerning the standard body length while no significant difference was found in TC of the fish from both the origins. The results of the current study highlight a logical assumption that neural deficiency affects the behaviour of fish, that's why the captive-reared fish show maladaptive response and face fitness decline when released to the natural environment for wild stock enhancement. The current study concluded that hatchery-reared fish exhibit variations in gross brain morphology as compared to their wild counterpart.

Systematic analysis of leisler's bat Nyctalus leisleri (Kuhl, 1817) captured from FATA region, Pakistan

Extensive field surveys were carried out to explore the distribution of Leisler's Bat Nyctalus leisleri (Kuhl, 1819) in selected area of FATA regions, Pakistan. Specimens of Leisler's Bat Nyctalus leisleri (Kuhl, 1819) (n5) were collected from Kurram Agency (Shublan) (N33.8229788 E70.1634414) at elevation 1427m and Khyber Agency (Landi Kotel) (N34.0909899 E71.1457517) at elevation 1091m for two years survey extending from May 2013 through August 2015. The mean head and body length, hind foot length, ear length and tail length the Nyctalus leisleri specimens captured from the study area was 65.08 ± 1.58 mm, 44.06 ± 0.52 mm, 8.38 ± 0.60 mm, 13.20 ± 0.99 mm and 39.46 ± 1.46 mm, respectively. For molecular analysis the sequences of COI gene were obtained and analyzed. The mean intraspecific divergences of Nyctalus leisleri was 0.04%. The mean interspecific divergences of Nyctalus noctula and Nyctalus leisleri was 0.2%. The mean concentration of each nucleotides was A = (26.3%), T = (32.8%), G = (15.9%) and C = (25.0%). The mean A+T contents were 59.2%and C+G were 40.9%. In the phylogenetic tree Nyctalus leisleri and Nyctalus noctula clustered with significant bootstrap support value.

Effect of different protein based feed on the growth of mahseer

For the proper growth of fish, it is necessary to feed the fish with a proper and balanced diet. A study was conducted to find out the effect of different protein-based diets on fingerlings of Tor putitora (mahseer). A feed with dietary protein levels of 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% were prepared. The effect of different protein-based feed on weight gain, standard growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), percent weight gain, food conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was studied. An increase was observed in the growth rate with an increase in protein concentration up to 45%. The fingerlings fed a 45% protein diet shown the highest growth, followed by 50%, 40%, and 35%. The SGR value was greatest for 45% protein diet (8.56) followed by 50% and 40%, while the least values were observed for 35% protein feed (1.57). The same trend was observed for FCE. The highest PER values was observed in fishes fed 45% protein-based feed (0.65) followed by 50% (0.56), 40% (0.38) and35% (0.17). The food conversion ratio was lowest for 45% protein diet (3.41), while the greatest for 35% protein feed (16.85). It was concluded that a 45% protein-based diet was the best feed formulation for higher production of Tor putitora. However, research on the same percentage of protein diet is recommended for yearlings.

Roosting ecology and morphometric analysis of Pteropus medius (Indian flying fox) in Lower Dir, district, Pakistan

The present study was conducted to explore morphometric variations of Pteropus medius (the Indian flying fox) and the roosting trees in Lower Dir, Pakistan. The bats were captured from Morus alba, Morus nigra, Brousonetia papyrifera, Pinus raxburghii, Hevea brasiliensis, Platanus orientalis, Populous nigra, Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Grevillea robusta through sling shot and mess net methods. A total of 12 bats were studied for the differential morphological features based on age and sex. Male bats were recorded higher in weight than females. The variations were found in body mass (821.1±34.65gm), circumference of body with wings (25.43±0.39cm), wingspan (112.58±1.90cm), Body length (20.73±0.68cm), Snout length (3.42±0.04cm), Eye length (1.45±0.033cm), Length of ear (3.56±0.05cm), Width of ear (2.46±0.04cm), Length b/w ear (5.51±0.11cm), Circumference of neck (12.23±0.24cm), Circumference of body without wings (18.68±0.31cm), Arm wing length (23.2±1.03cm), Length of thumb (5.43±0.1cm), Length of nail (1.89±0.05cm), Hand wing length (29.1±0.51cm), Maximum width of wing (21.03±0.68cm), Length b/w tip of wing to 5th digit (29.39±0.30cm), Length b/w 5th digit to foot (22.97±1.09cm), Length b/w feet (18.31±0.74cm) and Length of foot claw (4.23±0.05cm). This study was designed for analysis of external morphological variations for P. medius (the Indian flying fox) that may help in identification of these bats and their roosting sites.

Comprehensive review of the basic chemical behaviours, sources, processes, and endpoints of trace element contamination in paddy soil-rice systems in rice-growing countries

Rice is the leading staple food for more than half of the world's population, and approximately 160 million hectares of agricultural area worldwide are under rice cultivation. Therefore, it is essential to fulfil the global demand for rice while maintaining food safety. Rice acts as a sink for potentially toxic metals such as arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) in paddy soil-rice systems due to the natural and anthropogenic sources of these metals that have developed in the last few decades. This review summarizes the sources and basic chemical behaviours of these trace elements in the soil system and their contamination status, uptake, translocation, and accumulation mechanisms in paddy soil-rice systems in major rice-growing countries. Several human health threats are significantly associated with these toxic and potentially toxic metals not only due to their presence in the environment (i.e., the soil, water, and air) but also due to the uptake and translocation of these metals via different transporters. Elevated concentrations of these metals are toxic to plants, animals, and even humans that consume them regularly, and the uniform deposition of metals causes a severe risk of bioaccumulation. Furthermore, the contamination of rice in the global rice trade makes this a critical problem of worldwide concern. Therefore, the global consumption of contaminated rice causes severe human health effects that require rapid action. Finally, this review also summarizes the available management/remediation measures and future research directions for addressing this critical issue.

Quantification of Tl (I) and Tl (III) based on microcolumn separation through ICP-MS in river sediment pore water

Thallium (Tl) is a typical toxic element, whose biological effects and geochemical behavior are closely related with its chemical speciation in the environment. In this context, the objective of the present study was to develope an effective method for separation of Tl (I) and Tl (III) based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) using anion exchange resin AG1-X8 as a sorbent and ICP-MS measurement. In this proposed method, Tl (I) and Tl (III) could be separated by selective adsorption of Tl (III)-DTPA in the resin, while Tl (III) was eluted by the solution mixed with HCl and SO₂. The validity of this method was confirmed by assays of standard solutions of Tl (I) and Tl (III), as well as with spike of contaminated samples. The present study results revealed that higher concentration of Tl (I) (245.48 μg/l) and Tl (III) (20.92 μg/l) had been found near the acid mine drainage (AMD) sample of sediment pore water. The results revealed that Tl (I) of 61.47 μg/l and Tl (III) of 9.73 μg/l were present in the river water contaminated by acid mine drainage. This thallium speciation analysis implied that the dominant Tl (I) species in the river water studied might be due to the weathering of sulfide mineral-bearing rocks, mining, and smelting activities in the studied area.

Microbial diversity response in thallium polluted riverbank soils of the Lanmuchang

Thallium (Tl) is a toxic element, but little is known about microbial communities' response to TI mobilization and sequestration. Here, we characterize the microbial communities and their feedbacks to Tl-pollution in riverbank soils to understand the distribution of microbial metal tolerance. These soils have been affected by pollution sourced from a Tl-rich mineralized area in Lanmuchang, Guizhou, China. In all studied soil samples, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria were revealed relatively in higher abundance at the phylum level. The results indicated that a number of microbial communities including Gemmatimonadetes, and Actinobacteria were correlated with total Tl, suggesting potential roles of these microbes to Tl tolerance. The patterns of phylogenetic beta-diversity in studied samples showed a high diversity of the microbial community in soils with high Tl concentrations. Sequence analysis of microbial community indicated that most of the environmental parameters in soils were associated with the major phylogenetic groups such as Gemmobacteria, Bryobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Rhodobacteria. Some species of microbes, Nocardioides (genus), Actinomycetales (Order), Ralstonia (phyla) and Sphingomonas (genus) might are tolerant of Tl. These results provide direction to the microbial communities in the presence of elevated Tl concentration in Lanmuchang and shed light on bioremediation of Tl polluted locations.

Loading of Cefixime to pH sensitive chitosan based hydrogel and investigation of controlled release kinetics

Chitosan (biopolymer) and polyvinyl pyrolidone (PVP) with aminopropyletriethoxy silane (cross linker) based hydrogels were prepared and tested for controlled drug release. The drug release and kinetics were studied as a function of pH. Formulations were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis and TAP 32 hydrogel formulation was the most stable and hydrogel samples showed promising antibacterial activity against E. coli strain. The maximum swelling (4386%) was observed for TAP 32 formulation in distilled water, which was decreased with the concentration of ions. The diffusion exponent (n) values of all hydrogel formulations were recorded to be <0.5, which is an indication of Quasi-Fickian diffusion. The maximum swelling was observed at pH 2 and decreased at higher pH. The pH sensitivity of hydrogels found to be promising for their use in drug delivery, which was tested for cefixime drug. Drug release of 81.6% was observed for the period of 12 h in a simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The values of R² for zero order, first order, Higuchi, Hixson, Korsmeyer-Peppas and Baker-Lonsdale were 0.97, 0.9818, 0.99, 0.99, 0.88 and 0.80, respectively. The hydrogels based on chitosan and PVP revealed potential for controlled cefixime drug release in gastric pH medium.

Unraveling prevalence and public health risks of arsenic, uranium and co-occurring trace metals in groundwater along riverine ecosystem in Sindh and Punjab, Pakistan

The current study focuses on the understanding of contamination status, distribution, source apportionment and health perspectives of arsenic (As), uranium (U) and other co-occurring trace metals in the groundwater samples collected along the major rivers in Sindh and Punjab provinces, Pakistan. ICP-MS analysis revealed that the concentrations of As in the groundwater in Sindh and Punjab ranged from 0.2 to 81.1 µg/L (n = 38) and 1.1 to 501.1 µg/L (n = 110), respectively. Importantly, this study is the first evidence of U contamination in the groundwater samples in Pakistan, which revealed the concentrations of U at from 0.8 to 59.0 and 0.1 to 556.0 µg/L respectively, in Sindh and Punjab. Moreover, the concentrations of Sr and Mn exceeded the WHO limits in the current study area. Anthropogenic activities such as urbanization, direct dispose of industrial, agricultural waste into waterways and extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers might be the main sources of elevated levels of total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity, which increased the mobilization of As, U and Sr in the groundwater samples. Human health risk assessment parameters such as average daily dose, hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk indicated severe risks of As and U in the study area. The HQ values of As and U in Punjab were observed at 69.6 and 7.7, respectively, implying the severity of the health risks associated with consumption of contaminated groundwater for drinking purposes. In a nutshell, proactive control and rehabilitation measures are recommended to eradicate trace metals associated groundwater contamination in the targeted areas to avoid future worst scenarios.

Elucidating various geochemical mechanisms drive fluoride contamination in unconfined aquifers along the major rivers in Sindh and Punjab, Pakistan

The present study aims to investigate the spatial distribution and associated various geochemical mechanisms responsible for fluoride (F⁻) contamination in groundwater of unconfined aquifer system along major rivers in Sindh and Punjab, Pakistan. The concentration of F⁻ in groundwater samples ranged from 0.1 to 3.9 mg/L (mean = 1.0 mg/L) in Sindh and 0.1-10.3 mg/L (mean = 1.0 mg/L) in Punjab, respectively with 28.9% and 26.6% of samples exhibited F⁻ contamination beyond WHO permissible limit value (1.5 mg/L). The geochemical processes regulated F⁻ concentration in unconfined aquifer mainly in Sindh and Punjab were categorized as follows: 1) minerals weathering that observed as the key process to control groundwater chemistry in the study areas, 2) the strong correlation between F⁻ and alkaline pH, which provided favorable environmental conditions to promote F⁻ leaching through desperation or by ion exchange process, 3) the 72.6% of samples from Sindh and Punjab were dominated by Na⁺- Cl⁻ type of water, confirmed that the halite dissolution process was the major contributor for F⁻ enrichment in groundwater, 4) dolomite dissolution was main process frequently observed in Sindh, compared with Punjab, 5) the arid climatic conditions promote evaporation process or dissolution of evaporites or both were contributing to the formation of saline groundwater in the study area, 6) the positive correlation observed between elevated F⁻ and fluorite also suggested that the fluorite dissolution also played significant role for leaching of F⁻ in groundwater from sediments, and 7) calcite controlled Ca²⁺ level and enhanced the dissolution of F-bearing minerals and drive F⁻ concentration in groundwater. In a nut shell, this study revealed the worst scenarios of F⁻ contamination via various possible geochemical mechanisms in groundwater along major rivers in Sindh and Punjab, Pakistan, which need immediate attention of regulatory authorities to avoid future hazardous implications.

A Review on the Status of Mercury Pollution in Pakistan: Sources and Impacts

Mercury (Hg) contamination in environmental matrices and associated human exposure has been recognized as a critical long-lasting issue worldwide. However, studies are still elusive that summarized the overall status of Hg pollution and its impacts on public health in Pakistan. Hence, this review encompasses the environmental prevalence, potential sources, and human exposure tendencies to Hg contamination in Pakistan. Reviewed literature revealed jolting levels of Hg in various environmental samples, such as dust, soil, water, and air collected from the residential and industrial areas. Inhalation of Hg via dust particle was identified as the primary pathway for human exposure, while atmospheric deposition and gold mining are identified as the two primary sources of Hg contamination in the environment. Considering human exposure, the highest bioaccumulation of Hg was ranged from 5885 to 8698 µg/kg in hair samples collected from the residents of the Kashmir Valley, Pakistan. However, in the lower Himalayan regions, including Islamabad and Swabi, the concentration of Hg in hair samples was reported at 1085 µg/kg, slightly beyond WHO devised reference dose (RfD) of Hg (1000 µg/kg). This review revealed the worst scenario of Hg contamination in human biomatrices and environmental compartments in Pakistan, which needed immediate rehabilitation measures.

Fabrication of novel carrageenan based stimuli responsive injectable hydrogels for controlled release of cephradine

Kappa carrageenan was used to prepare hydrogels having novel compositions with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and a crosslinker (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). FTIR was used to confirm the structure and composition of hydrogels. The swelling behavior of hydrogels was studied under different conditions of pH and electrolytic aqueous media. The most efficient swelling result (200%) was observed by the sample containing a low fraction of crosslinker. It also showed different swelling responses in different pH solutions that made it suitable for drug delivery. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) illustrated that with the increase in crosslinker amount, the stability of hydrogel was increased. The biodegradation analysis of the hydrogels exhibited the break down by various enzymes into small chain polysaccharides that further broke down in the metabolic pathways. It was revealed that all the hydrogel samples showed strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus and a little against E. coli. Cephradine was used as a model drug and its in vitro release was studied in simulated intestinal fluids (SIF). This release account of the cephradine demonstrated that the release of the drug increased as the time and pH increased, reaching its maximum amount of 85.5% after 7.5 h.

A comprehensive review on current status, mechanism, and possible sources of arsenic contamination in groundwater: a global perspective with prominence of Pakistan scenario

Arsenic(As)-mediated contamination of groundwater resources in different parts of the world is a consequence of natural or anthropogenic sources, leading to adverse effects on the environment and human health. Millions of people from different countries are unfortunately consuming groundwater contaminated with alarming levels of As. Exposure to the high concentration of As for an extended period of time can cause devastating effects on human health such as skin lesions, cardiac disorders, discolouration and cancer. Until 2018, about 11 districts of Sindh and Punjab provinces in Pakistan had been found with As contamination in groundwater beyond the national defined permissible level, i.e. 50 µg/L. Tharparkar and Hyderabad (in Sindh province) along Indus river and Lahore and Kasur (in Punjab province) are well-known hotspots sites of natural geogenic As contamination in groundwater. Higher levels of Sulfates (SO₄^2-), Chloride (Cl^-) and Carbonate (CO₃^2-) along with the elevated values of electrical conductivity and basic pH, as well as augmented presence of "As V" species, were all an indication of oxidizing condition in groundwater, and these oxidizing conditions are identified as the primary mechanism of As contamination into aquifers of Pakistan via oxidative dissolution. The main aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the current contamination status of As in groundwater water globally with a special focus on Pakistan scenario, isotopic evidence to track sources of groundwater recharge and its effects on As contamination in groundwater with various redox conditions prevailing in Pakistan. In addition, public health consequences of As contamination and mitigation strategies for As removal from water resources have been also highlighted. In this review, the data were extracted from various cutting edge studies published in national and international journals.

Vertical mixing with return irrigation water the cause of arsenic enrichment in groundwater of district Larkana Sindh, Pakistan

Stable isotopes ratios (‰) of Hydrogen (δ²H) and Oxygen (δ¹⁸O) were used to trace the groundwater recharge mechanism and geochemistry of arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater from four selected sites (Larkana, Naudero, Ghari Khuda Buksh and Dokri) of Larkana district. The stable isotope values of δ²H and δ¹⁸O range from 70.78‰ to -56.01‰ and from -10.92‰ to -7.35‰, relative to Vienna Standard for Mean Ocean Water (VSMOW) respectively, in all groundwater samples, thus indicating the recharge source of groundwater from high-salinity older water. The concentrations of As in all groundwater samples were ranged from 2 μg/L to 318 μg/L, with 67% of samples exhibited As levels exceeding than that of World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit 10 μg/L and 42% of samples expressed the As level exceeding than that of the National Environmental Quality Standard (NEQS) 50 μg/L. The leaching and vertical mixing with return irrigation water are probably the main processes controlling the enrichment of As in groundwater of Larkana, Naudero, Ghari Khuda Buksh and Dokri. The weathering of minerals mostly controlled the overall groundwater chemistry; rock-water interactions and silicate weathering generated yielded solutions that were saturated in calcite and dolomite in two areas while halite dissolution is prominent with high As area.

Distribution and potential ecological risk assessment of trace elements in the stream water and sediments from Lanmuchang area, southwest Guizhou, China

Trace elements contamination in sediment is regarded as the global crisis with a large share in developing countries like China. Water and sediment samples were collected during (2016) from Qingshui Stream and analyzed for major physicochemical properties and trace elements by using ICP-MS. Our result of sediments showed that studied trace elements (except Pb, Cd, Co) had a concentration higher than Chinese sediment guideline as well as stream water data for studied trace elements (except Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn) had a higher concentration than the maximum permissible safe limit of WHO. Contamination factor (CF) confirmed a moderate to high contamination in the sediment samples due to As and Tl, respectively. The values of pollution load index (PLI) were found above one (> 1), describing the progressive sediment quality decline. Pearson correlation showed that there was a significant positive association between Tl and As (r = 0.725, p < 0.05) in sediment samples. Results revealed that water-rock interaction, weathering of Tl sulfide mineralization, and hydrogeological conditions were major sources of stream water and sediments contamination in the study area. This experimental study contributes to a better understanding of the geochemistry and prevention of trace element contamination in sediments from Lanmuchang area.

A modified method of separating Tl(I) and Tl(III) in aqueous samples using solid phase extraction

In spite of the development of new measurement techniques in recent years, the rapid and accurate speciation of thallium in environmental aqueous samples remains a challenge. In this context, a novel method of solid phase extraction (SPE), involving the anion exchange resin AG1-X8, is proposed to separate Tl(I) and Tl(III). In the presence of diethylene triamine pentacetate acid (DTPA), Tl(III) and Tl(I) can be separated by selective adsorption of Tl(III)-DTPA onto the resin, Tl(III) is then eluted by a solution of HCl with SO₂. The validity of this method was confirmed by assays of standard solutions of Tl(I) and Tl(III). The proposed method is shown to have an outstanding performance even in solutions with a high ratio of Tl(I)/Tl(III), and can be applied to aqueous samples with a high concentration of other electrolytes, which could interfere with the measurement. Portable equipment and reagents make it possible to use the proposed method routinely in the field.

Stimuli responsive biopolymer (chitosan) based blend hydrogels for wound healing application

Stimuli responsive chitosan (CS) and poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) have attained hydrogel properties in the presence of 74% neutralized poly acrylic acid (PAA) which can be exploited for wound healing applications. The FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of all specific functional groups and the developed interactions in the hydrogels. The thermal analysis explained that the hydrogel samples are thermally more stable than individual chitosan and PVP. The antimicrobial analysis revealed that all the samples show antibacterial activity against E. coli and the biodegradation analysis is performed to confirm the hydrogels degradation. The hydrogels showed enhanced responsive swelling behavior against different media depending upon the amount of PVP. The %age swelling in water is decreased with the increase in the amount of PVP. The most considerable swelling behavior is observed against pH, as they manifested low swelling at acidic pH and high swelling at neutral pH while at pH 8, the prominent values are obtained. This distinctive behavior of hydrogels and their biocompatibility made them pertinent to drug delivery and their release profile is examined spectrophotometrically using silver sulfadiazine (antibiotic for burnt wounds) showed 91.2% of drug release for a period of 1 h in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) in a consistent and controlled manner.

A review of global outlook on fluoride contamination in groundwater with prominence on the Pakistan current situation

Several million people are exposed to fluoride (F^-) via drinking water in the world. Current review emphasized the elevated level of fluoride concentrations in the groundwater and associated potential health risk globally with a special focus on Pakistan. Millions of people are deeply dependent on groundwater from different countries of the world encompassing with an elevated level of fluoride. The latest estimates suggest that around 200 million people, from among 25 nations the world over, are under the dreadful fate of fluorosis. India and China, the two most populous countries of the world, are the worst affected. In Pakistan, fluoride data of 29 major cities are reviewed and 34% of the cities show fluoride levels with a mean value greater than 1.5 mg/L where Lahore, Quetta and Tehsil Mailsi are having the maximum values of 23.60, 24.48, > 5.5 mg/L, respectively. In recent years, however, other countries have minimized, even eliminated its use due to health issues. High concentration of fluoride for extended time period causes adverse effects of health such as skin lesions, discoloration, cardiovascular disorders, dental fluorosis and crippling skeletal fluorosis. This review deliberates comprehensive strategy of drinking water quality in the global scenario of fluoride contamination, especially in Pakistan with prominence on major pollutants, mitigation technologies, sources of pollution and ensuing health problems. Considering these verities, health authorities urgently need to establish alternative means of water decontamination in order to prevent associated health problems.

Quality of tube well water intended for irrigation and human consumption with special emphasis on arsenic contamination at the area of Punjab, Pakistan

In the present study, the tube well water quality and the associated health risks, emphasizing on arsenic contamination, were investigated in rural and urban samples from Tehsil Mailsi located in Punjab, Pakistan. Arsenic concentrations (μg/L) were ranged from 12 to 448.5 and which exceeded the WHO recommended limit (10 μg/L) in all cases. The calculated average daily dose (3.3 × 10^-0.4 to 1.2 × 10^-0.2 mg/kg day) and hazard quotient (1.1-40) reflected the potential health risk to local population due to tube well water consumption as drinking purpose. Sodium percent (Na%), sodium absorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, Kelly's index and magnesium absorption ratio were also determined to assess the suitability of tube well water for irrigation purpose. The resulting piper plot revealed the Na-Ca-HCO₃ type water chemistry of the area and generally alkaline environment. The spatial distribution of arsenic in the tube well waters pinpoints the significant contribution of anthropogenic activities to arsenic pollution. Nevertheless, different statistical tools, including principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis and correlation matrices, revealed the contribution of both natural and anthropogenic activities and alkaline type of aquifers toward the high level of arsenic contamination.

Health assessment using aqua-quality indicators of alpine streams (Khunjerab National Park), Gilgit, Pakistan

This preliminary research was conducted to evaluate the alpine stream health by using water quality as an indicator in Khunjerab National park of the Karakoram ranges located in Pak-China boarder Pakistan having altitude of 3660 m. This study investigated the stream health in the context of the presence or absence of sensitive species, their diversity, and their taxa richness. The water and macroinvertebrate samples were collected from 17 different locations from upstream and downstream of the river by using random sampling method. Macroinvertebrate samples were obtained using kick net (500-μm mesh size) and hand-picking method (NYSDEC). A total of 710 counts including 41 families of macroinvertebrates were recorded comprising of 7 orders including: Ephemeroptera (46%) being the most dominant group, Plecoptera (33%), Trichoptera (5%), Chironomidae (Diptera) (14%), Heteroptera (1%), and Coleoptera (1%). Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Plecoptera (EPT) were found in abundance at the main source, Qarchanai, Dhee, and Tourqeen Nullah, as compared to the other locations of the stream. The most dominant macroinvertebrate was Ephemeroptera whose relative abundance is Pi = 0.49 by using the Shannon index. However, different statistical tools, including principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA), ANOVA, and linear regression model, show a strong correlation between water quality and macroinvertebrates. The overall results of the biological indicators showed better ecological health at downstream compared to upstream. This study will provide basic information and understanding about the macroinvertebrates for future researchers, and the data will be helpful for upcoming research programs on alpine streams for the discovery and occurrences of macroinvertebrates and associated fauna.

Optimizing the phosphorus use in cotton by using CSM-CROPGRO-cotton model for semi-arid climate of Vehari-Punjab, Pakistan

Crop nutrient management is an essential component of any cropping system. With increasing concerns over environmental protection, improvement in fertilizer use efficiencies has become a prime goal in global agriculture system. Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important nutrients, and strategies are required to optimize its use in important arable crops like cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) that has great significance. Sustainable P use in crop production could significantly avoid environmental hazards resulting from over-P fertilization. Crop growth modeling has emerged as an effective tool to assess and predict the optimal nutrient requirements for different crops. In present study, Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT) sub-model CSM-CROPGRO-Cotton-P was evaluated to estimate the observed and simulated P use in two cotton cultivars grown at three P application rates under the semi-arid climate of southern Punjab, Pakistan. The results revealed that both the cultivars performed best at medium rate of P application (57 kg ha^-1) in terms of days to anthesis, days to maturity, seed cotton yield, total dry matter production, and harvest index during 2013 and 2014. Cultivar FH-142 performed better than MNH-886 in terms of different yield components. There was a good agreement between observed and simulated days to anthesis (0 to 1 day), days to maturity (0 to 2 days), seed cotton yield, total dry matter, and harvest index with an error of -4.4 to 15%, 12-7.5%, and 13-9.5% in MNH-886 and for FH-142, 4-16%, 19-11%, and 16-8.3% for growing years 2013 and 2014, respectively. CROPGRO-Cotton-P would be a useful tool to forecast cotton yield under different levels of P in cotton production system of the semi-arid climate of Southern Punjab.

Co-occurrence of arsenic and fluoride in the groundwater of Punjab, Pakistan: source discrimination and health risk assessment

The present study discusses elevated groundwater arsenic (As) and fluoride (F(-)) concentrations in Mailsi, Punjab, Pakistan, and links these elevated concentrations to health risks for the local residents. The results indicate that groundwater samples of two areas of Mailsi, Punjab were severely contaminated with As (5.9-507 ppb) and F(-) (5.5-29.6 ppm), as these values exceeded the permissible limits of World Health Organization (10 ppb for As and 1.5 ppm for F(-)). The groundwater samples were categorized by redox state. The major process controlling the As levels in groundwater was the adsorption of As onto PO4 (3-) at high pH. High alkalinity and low Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) concentrations promoted the higher F(-) and As concentrations in the groundwater. A positive correlation was observed between F(-) and As concentrations (r = 0.37; n = 52) and other major ions found in the groundwater of the studied area. The mineral saturation indices calculated by PHREEQC 2.1 suggested that a majority of samples were oversaturated with calcite and fluorite, leading to the dissolution of fluoride minerals at alkaline pH. Local inhabitants exhibited arsenicosis and fluorosis after exposure to environmental concentration doses of As and F(-). Estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) highlighted the risk factors borne by local residents. Multivariate statistical analysis further revealed that both geologic origins and anthropogenic activities contributed to As and F(-) contamination in the groundwater. We propose that pollutants originate, in part, from coal combusted at brick factories, and agricultural activities. Once generated, these pollutants were mobilized by the alkaline nature of the groundwater.

Equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetic sorption studies for the removal of coomassie brilliant blue on wheat bran as a low-cost adsorbent

The sorption studies of coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) from aqueous solution have been carried out on wheat bran (WB). Coomassie brilliant blue on wheat bran was used to study the adsorption behavior under various parameters such as pH, dosage amount, and contact time. It was observed that under optimized conditions up to 95.70% dye could be removed from solution onto WB. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were used to elaborate the results. Freundlich model was found to be fitted well and favored multilayer adsorption. The Freundlich constants n and KF were determined as 0.53 and 2.5 × 10(-4). Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS studied were taking into account, showed spontaneous and favorable reaction for coomassie brilliant blue on wheat bran. The maximum adsorption capacity q(m) was found to be 6.410 mg/g. The investigations show that non treated WB is a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of dyes from textile industry effluents.

Treatment of edematous disorders with diuretics

Generalized edema results from alterations in renal sodium homeostasis that ultimately result in an expansion of extracellular fluid volume and accumulation of interstitial fluid. The common edematous disorders include congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, and renal insufficiency. The abnormalities of sodium homeostasis contributing to edema formation in each condition are discussed. Management of volume homeostasis, with an emphasis on the role of diuretic therapy, is reviewed.

Neurosarcoidosis with computerized tomographic visualization and transsphenoidal excision of a supra- and intrasellar granuloma. Case report

✓ Neurological involvement in sarcoidosis frequently causes dysfunction of the optic nerves and neurohypophysis. Sarcoid granulomas in the suprasellar region have been previously diagnosed by pneumoencephalograms. A case is reported of visualization of a sarcoid granuloma by computerized tomography, followed by transsphenoidal excision. Resection of a localized granuloma should be entertained in very selective cases.