Mitochondrial DNA diversity and maternal origins of Pakistani donkey

Abstract Domestic donkey plays a key role as a draft animal in rural economy of Pakistan where its population is increasing every year. The complete mtDNA control region of forty randomly sampled donkeys was PCR- amplified and sequenced bi-directionally using specific primers. Distinct mtDNA haplotypes obtained in the current study (KY446001−KY446011) were subjected to haplotype (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) measures using DnaS as well as to phylogenetic, Network, and AMOVA analyses. There were a total 27 polymorphic sites present within 11 unique mtDNA haplotypes from the studied 40 animals from different regions. Neighbor-joining network and median-joining network both illustrated the splitting of all these haplotypes into two well-defined Nubian and Somali lineages, confirming African maternal origin of Pakistani domestic donkey. Diversity parameters h (0.967± 0.037) and π (0.02917± 0.00307) were found to reveal high levels of genetic diversity in Pakistani donkeys. AMOVA demonstrated only 1% of genetic differences between two mtDNA maternal lineages, pointing to lack of population substructure in Pakistani donkeys as is the case with worldwide domestic donkey population. Pakistani donkeys have African maternal origin and high levels of mtDNA diversity. High genetic diversity may be due to non-selective breeding and heteroplasmy. We herein provide the first report on mtDNA diversity of control region in Pakistani domestic donkey.

New data on family Araneidae from district Swat with updated checklist of the family from Pakistan

Abstract The aims of the present research was to find out the diversity of family Araneidae in district Swat Pakistan and to provide updated checklist of the family Araneidae from Pakistan. Also their occurrence throughout the year was given from District Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data was collected from January 2018 to December-2018 from seven different Tehsils of District Swat by using different methods like pitfall trap, ground hand collection, air hand collection and were then preserved in plastic vials and appendorf tubes by using 70% ethanol. Camera mounted on microscope was used for photography. By using literature from World Spider Catalog, 2022, spiders were identified to species level. In a ttal of 1243 specimens of family Araneidae 4 genera and 7 species were identified. Dominant species with great number of specimen collected was Cyrtophora citricolla with 229 (18.4%) samples, followed by Bojaranius mitificus (15.7%), Neoscona Scylla (15.4%), Argiope lobata (14.8), Neoscona theisi (14.6%) and Neoscona polyspinippes (13.8%) respectively. While lowest collection was done of Argiope versicolor with 90 (7.3%) samples. High occurrence of spiders was studied during July 187 samples. Fluctuation in temperature can affect the diversity of spiders observed and recorded in present study with lowest collection done in low temperature. Moreover, the humidity also play a great role in spiders’ population and occurrence.

Nanoparticles-assisted aptamer biosensing for the detection of environmental pathogens

Given the importance of public health, it is crucial to develop quick, targeted, highly sensitive, and accurate technologies to monitor pathogenic microbes in response to the growing concerns of food and environmental safety. Although conventional approaches for microbiological detection are available, they are laborious, and often skill demanding. Therefore, such approaches are incompetent in the on-site or high-throughput assessment of pathogenic microbes. Numerous efforts have been made to develop biosensors that use nucleic acid aptamer as the biorecognition element, which would avoid the abovementioned limitations. Incorporating nanomaterials (NMs) into aptamer-based biosensors (aptasensors) improves their sensitivity and specificity, opening exciting possibilities for various applications, such as bioanalysis of food and environmental samples. Over the last decade, nanomaterial-conjugated aptasensors have seen a steadily rising demand. To this end, the main goal of this study is to demonstrate the novelty in the design of nanomaterial-conjugated aptasensors and how they can be used to detect different pathogenic microbes in water and food. The intent of this paper is to evaluate the cutting-edge techniques that have appeared in nano-aptasensors throughout the past few years, such as manufacturing procedures, analytical credibility, and sensing mechanisms. Additionally, the fundamental performance parameters of aptasensing techniques (such as detection limits, and sensing ranges response) were also used to evaluate their practical applicability. Finally, it is anticipated that this study will inspire innovative ideas and techniques for the construction and use of aptasensors for monitoring pathogenic microorganisms in food, drinks, recreational water, and wastewater.

GelMA-catechol coated FeHAp nanorods functionalized nanofibrous reinforced bio-instructive and mechanically robust composite hydrogel scaffold for bone tissue engineering

Critical bone defects complicate tissue graft-based surgeries, raising healthcare expenditures and underscoring scaffold-based tissue-engineering strategies to support bone reconstruction. Our study highlighted that the phase-compatible combination of inorganic nanorods, nanofibers, and hydrogels is promising for developing biomimetic and cell-instructive scaffolds since the bone matrix is a porous organic/inorganic composite. In brief, methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) was reacted with dopamine to form catechol-modified GeLMA (GelMA-C). The GelMA-C was nanocoated onto an iron-doped hydroxyapatite (FeHAp) nanorod via metal-catechol network coordination. The modified nanorod (FeHAp@GelMA-C) was loaded onto GelMA-based nanofibers. The nanorods loaded pre-fibers were electrospun onto GelMA solution and photochemically crosslinked to fabricate a fiber-reinforced hydrogel. The structural, mechanical, physicochemical, biocompatibility, swelling properties, osteogenic potential, and bone remodelling potential (using rat femoral defect model) of modified nanorods, simple hydrogel, and nanorod-loaded fiber-reinforced hydrogel were studied. The results supported that the interface interaction between GelMA-C/nanorods, nanorods/nanofibers, nanorods/hydrogels, and nanofiber/hydrogels significantly improved the microstructural and mechanical properties of the scaffold. Compared to pristine hydrogel, the nanorod-loaded fiber-reinforced scaffold better supported cellular responses, osteogenic differentiation, matrix mineralization, and accelerated bone regeneration. The nanorod-loaded fiber-reinforced hydrogel proved more biomimetic and cell-instructive for guided bone reconstruction.

Donor-Acceptor Engineering for Tailoring Highly Efficient Photosensitizers for Image-Guided Antitumor Photodynamic Therapy

Photosensitizers (PSs) have greatly flourished as a promising tool for photodynamic therapy owing to their integration of both in situ diagnosis and treatment in a single nanoplatform. However, there is still a need to explore synthesis pathways that can result in high-performance PSs with good reproducibility, high yield, less dark toxicity, and an attractive therapeutic index. Therefore, by exploiting the precise molecular engineering guideline, this work unveils a straightforward protocol to fabricate three homologous PSs (TPA-T-RS, TPA-Ts-RS, and TPA-Ts-RCN) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. Through slight structural tuning, the PSs are capable of anchoring to the cell membrane, mitochondria, and lysosome, and effectively generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). More importantly, TPA-Ts-RCN proved an intuitively appealing imaging-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect. This work is expected to add a promising dimension to the field of architecting AIE PSs for image-guided photodynamic therapy.

Preparation and evaluation of cytotoxic potential of paclitaxel containing poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalarate (PTX/PHBV) nanoparticles

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a potent anticancer drug. In the present study, PTX was loaded in poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalarate (PHBV) to fabricate the PTX/PHBV (drug-loaded) nanoparticles via the nanoprecipitation method. Blank PHBV nanoparticles were also prepared. The drug-encapsulation efficiency of PTX/PHBV nanoparticles was 45±0.4%. The PTX/PHBV nanoparticles exhibited a pH-sensitive release profile and followed a quasi-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Cytotoxic properties of PHBV and PTX/PHBV nanoparticles were checked against the MCF-7 and Caco-2 cell lines. The PHBV nanoparticle did not inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 and Caco-2 cell lines, thus depicting their non-toxic and biocompatible nature. On the other hand, the PTX/PHBV nanoparticles demonstrated 1.03-fold higher cytotoxicity and 1.61-fold enhanced apoptosis after treatment with the PTX/PHBV nanoparticles versus free PTX. In summary, the PHBV nanoparticles could be a potential candidate for the delivery of PTX for cancer treatment.

Mussel bioinspired, silver-coated and insulin-loaded mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles reinforced hyaluronate-based fibrous hydrogel for potential diabetic wound healing

Diabetes wounds take longer to heal due to extended inflammation, decreased angiogenesis, bacterial infection, and oxidative stress. These factors underscore the need for biocompatible and multifunctional dressings with appropriate physicochemical and swelling properties to accelerate wound healing. Herein, insulin (Ins)-loaded, and silver (Ag) coated mesoporous polydopamine (mPD) nanoparticles were synthesized (Ag@Ins-mPD). The nanoparticles were dispersed into polycaprolactone/methacrylated hyaluronate aldehyde dispersion, electrospun to form nanofibers, and then photochemically crosslinked to form a fibrous hydrogel. The nanoparticle, fibrous hydrogel, and nanoparticle-reinforced fibrous hydrogel were characterized for their morphological, mechanical, physicochemical, swelling, drug-release, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytocompatibility properties. The diabetic wound reconstruction potential of nanoparticle-reinforced fibrous hydrogel was studied using BALB/c mice. The results indicated that Ins-mPD acted as a reductant to synthesize Ag nanoparticles on their surface, held antibacterial and antioxidant potential, and their mesoporous properties are crucial for insulin loading and sustained release. The nanoparticle-reinforced scaffolds were uniform in architecture, porous, mechanically stable, showed good swelling, and possessed superior antibacterial, and cell-responsive properties. Furthermore, the designed fibrous hydrogel scaffold demonstrated good angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, increased collagen deposition, and faster wound repair capabilities, therefore, it could be used as a potential candidate for diabetic wound treatment.

An osteogenic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory nanocomposite hydrogel platform to accelerate bone reconstruction

Fabricating an organic-inorganic nanocomposite hydrogel platform with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteoinductive properties that mimic bone extracellular matrix composition is decisive for guiding bone development in orthopedic practice. Despite significant progress in developing hydrogels for tissue repair, little attention has been paid to replicating the natural bone ECM microenvironments and addressing the importance of anti-inflammatory agents during osteogenesis. Herein, we developed ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone loaded strontium (Sr) and/or iron (Fe) substituted hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanomaterials precipitated in collagen (Col) to construct a multifunctional bioactive nanocomposite hydrogel platform to prevent inflammation and bacterial adhesion, leading to augmenting bone development in the defect site. The fabricated nanocomposite hydrogels (Sr:HAp-Col, Fe:HAp-Col, and Sr/Fe:HAp-Col) were physicochemically characterized and demonstrated high loading and prolonged drug release, and excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In in vitro experiments, the Sr/Fe:HAp-Col sample exhibited enhanced bioactivity against the preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cell line, with high alkaline phosphatase and bone-like inorganic calcium deposition, as well as increased gene expression of osteogenesis-related differentiation markers, including OPN, OCN, and RUNX2. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that the Sr/Fe:HAp-Col matrix degraded over time by controlling the release of ions into the body, without causing acute inflammation at the implanted site or in the blood serum, or in the internal organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidney of the Sprague-Dawley rat model. The micro-CT scan and histological examination showed high bone mineral density and more mature bone formation at the nanocomposite hydrogel implanted site associated with the ColMA hydrogel in the femur defect of the rat model. The strategy of applying collagen hydrogel supplemented with HAp to bone regeneration is promising due to its ability to mimic the natural bone ECM. Overall, the developed bioactive nanocomposite hydrogel may have great potential not only in bone regeneration but also in repairing nonunion-infected defects of other tissues.

Electrospun tannin-rich nanofibrous solid-state membrane for wastewater environmental monitoring and remediation

Heavy metal, organic dyes, and bacterial contamination in water endanger human/animals' health, and therefore, the detection, adsorption, and capturing of contaminants are essential for environmental safety. Ligand-rich membranes are promising for sensors, adsorption, and bacterial decontamination. Herein, tannin (TA)-reinforced 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) crosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL) based nanofibrous membrane (PCL-TA-APTES) was fabricated via electrospinning. PCL-TA-APTES nanofibers possess superior thermal, mechanical, structural, chemical, and aqueous stability properties than the un-crosslinked membrane. It changed its color from yellowish to black in response to Fe^2+/3+ ions due to supramolecular iron-tannin network (FeTA) interaction. Such selective sensing has been noticed after adsorption-desorption cycles. Fe³⁺ concentration, solution pH, contact time, and ligand concentration influence FeTA coordination. Under optimized conditions followed by image processing, the introduced membrane showed a colorimetric linear relationship against Fe³⁺ ions (16.58 μM-650 μM) with a limit of detection of 5.47 μM. The PCL-FeTA-APTES membrane could restrain phenolic group oxidation and result in a partial water-insoluble network. The adsorption filtration results showed that the PCL-FeTA-APTES membrane can be reused and had a higher methylene blue adsorption (32.04 mg/g) than the PCL-TA-APTES membrane (14.96 mg/g). The high capture efficiency of nanocomposite against Fe³⁺-based S. aureus suspension than Fe³⁺-free suspension demonstrated that Fe³⁺-bounded bacterium adhered to the nanocomposite through Fe³⁺/TA-dependent biointerface interactions. Overall, high surface area, rich phenolic ligand, porous microstructure, and super-wetting properties expedite FeTA coordination in the nanocomposite, crucial for Fe^2+/3+ ions sensing, methylene blue adsorption-filtration, and capturing of Fe³⁺-bounded bacterium. These multifunctional properties could promise nanocomposite membrane practicability in wastewater and environmental protection.

Heavy Metal Ions Detection Using Nanomaterials-Based Aptasensors

Heavy metals ions as metallic pollutants are a growing global issue due to their adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, and human health. Unfortunately, conventional detection methods such as atomic absorption spectrometry exhibit a relatively low limit of detection and hold numerous disadvantages, and therefore, the development of an efficient method for in-situ and real-time detection of heavy metal residues is of great importance. The aptamer-based sensors offer distinct advantages over antibodies and emerged as a robust sensing platform against various heavy metals due to their high sensitivity, ease of production, simple operations, excellent specificity, better stability, low immunogenicity, and cost-effectiveness. The nucleic acid aptamers in conjugation with nanomaterials can bind to the metal ions with good specificity/selectivity and can be used for on-site monitoring of metal ion residues. This review aimed to provide background information about nanomaterials-based aptasensor, recent advancements in aptamer conjunction on nanomaterials surface, the role of nanomaterials in improving signal transduction, recent progress of nanomaterials-based aptasening procedures (from 2010 to 2022), and future perspectives toward the practical applications of nanomaterials-based aptasensors against hazardous metal ions for food safety and environmental monitoring.

Psychotic-like Experiences during COVID-19 Outbreak: A survey from Pakistan

Introduction

Despite the fact that adolescents have been at higher risk of distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of pandemic on psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) is not well described.

Objectives

The study’s objective is to evaluate if PLEs are induced in young individuals aged 18-24 during the pandemic.

Methods

A total of 201 college students from Pakistan (ages 18-24) were recruited for a cross-sectional research. We investigated the incidence of PLEs in Pakistan during the pandemic, their links to socio-demographic factors, COVID-19-related characteristics, depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. Community Assessment of Psychic Experience’s positive symptom component (CAPE), Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and IBM SPSS 25 were used.

Results

CAPE-Frequency and CAPE-stress were positively associated with PHQ total (p<0.0010); GAD total (p<0.001); time spent indoors due to COVID-19 (p<0.001). Psychiatric disorder other than bipolar disorder or psychosis (p<0.001 for CAPE-frequency and stress), family history of psychiatric disorders (p<0.001 for CAPE-frequency and stress), chronic medical disease (p=0.021 CAPE-frequency and p=0.026 CAPE-stress), illegal drug usage (p<0.001 for CAPE-frequency and stress) were associated with CAPE-Frequency and CAPE-stress. In linear stepwise regression analysis, the best model predicted CAPE-Frequency explained 77.4% of variance with the following variables: PHQ total (B=0.552, SE= 0.08, t=6.909, p<0.001), GAD total (p<0.001), duration at home (p<0.001), and psychiatric disorder in family (p<0.001).

Conclusions

PLEs have been linked with anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Individuals with a mental condition, family history of psychiatric disorder, chronic medical illness, illicit drug use, and increased time spent at home experienced more PLEs and stress.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Multifaceted tannin crosslinked bioinspired dECM decorated nanofibers modulating cell-scaffold biointerface for tympanic membrane perforation bioengineering

Tympanic membrane (TM) perforation leads to persistent otitis media, conductive deafness, and affects life quality. Ointment medication may not be sufficient to treat TM perforation due to the lack of an underlying tissue matrix and thus requiring a scaffold-based application. The engineering of scaffold biointerface close to the matrix via tissue-specific decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is crucial in instructing cell behaviour and regulating cell-material interaction in the bioengineering domain. Herein, polycaprolactone (PCL) and TM-dECM (from SD rats) were combined in a different ratio in nanofibrous form using an electrospinning process and crosslinked via tannic acid. The histological and biochemical assays demonstrated that chemical and enzymatic decellularization steps removed cellular/immunogenic contents while retaining collagen and glycosaminoglycan. The morphological, physicochemical, thermomechanical, contact angle, and surface chemical studies demonstrated that the tannin crosslinked PCL/dECM nanofibers fine-tune biophysical and biochemical properties. The multifaceted crosslinked nanofibers hold the tunable distribution of dECM moieties, assembled into a spool-shaped membrane, and could easily insert into perforated sites. The dECM decorated fibers provide a preferable biomimetic matrix for L929 fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, matrix adsorption, and f-actin saturation, which could be crucial for bioengineering. Overall, dECM patterning, surface hydrophilicity, interconnected microporosities, and multifaceted nanofibrous biosystem modulate cell-scaffold performance and could open opportunities to reconstruct TM perforation in a biomimetic fashion.

Spectrum of Dyslipidemias in Treatment-Naïve Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients Presenting to an HIV Clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction

HIV/AIDS is a major communicable disease worldwide, especially in developing countries where disease prevalence is over 90%. The National AIDS Control Programme of Pakistan reported around 160,000 HIV cases (140,000-190,000) with a 5% prevalence among traditional risks groups. HIV infection is thought to affect lipids metabolism adversely, thus resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to find out the frequency and types of dyslipidemia in patients with HIV not taking anti-retroviral therapy, presenting to an HIV clinic at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the HIV clinic of Jinnah Hospital from January 2020 to July 2020. A total of 280 treatment-naïve patients, fulfilling the inclusion protocol, were included through non-probability consecutive sampling after informed consent. Blood samples of 5 mL were taken using aseptic measures and following standard procedure after ensuring overnight fasting by a nurse and were sent immediately to the pathology laboratory of Allama Iqbal Medical College. The results of the lipid profile were collected the next day and noted in the proforma. Dyslipidemia and type of dyslipidemia were recorded as per operational definition. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Cross-tabulation was done to assess the relationship of gender, BMI, and family history on dyslipidemia, and a chi-square test was applied to check statistical significance.

Results

Among 280 treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients, the majority of patients were females (52%). The mean duration of HIV was 9.31 + 2.13 months. About 55% of patients had a BMI of more than 25 kg m². A family history of dyslipidemia was found in 62% of the patients. Dyslipidemia was observed in 70% of patients with maximum derangement seen in total cholesterol level (62%). After applying the chi-square test, a significant relation was identified between BMI and family history with dyslipidemia in HIV-infected individuals (p-value = 0.00).

Conclusion

A considerable proportion of treatment-naïve HIV patients have underlying dyslipidemia with a significant relationship with higher BMI and a family history of dyslipidemia. The findings of this study highlight the importance of early screening for dyslipidemia in HIV patients.

Biomimetic porous scaffolds containing decellularized small intestinal submucosa and Sr2+/Fe3+co-doped hydroxyapatite accelerate angiogenesis/osteogenesis for bone regeneration

The design of bone scaffolds is predominately aimed to well reproduce the natural bony environment by imitating the architecture/composition of host bone. Such biomimetic biomaterials are gaining increasing attention and acknowledged quite promising for bone tissue engineering. Herein, novel biomimetic bone scaffolds containing decellularized small intestinal submucosa matrix (SIS-ECM) and Sr²⁺/Fe³⁺co-doped hydroxyapatite (SrFeHA) are fabricated for the first time by the sophisticated self-assembled mineralization procedure, followed by cross-linking and lyophilization post-treatments. The results indicate the constructed SIS/SrFeHA scaffolds are characterized by highly porous structures, rough microsurface and improved mechanical strength, as well as efficient releasing of bioactive Sr²⁺/Fe³⁺and ECM components. These favorable physico-chemical properties endow SIS/SrFeHA scaffolds with an architectural/componential biomimetic bony environment which appears to be highly beneficial for inducing angiogenesis/osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, the cellular functionality and bioactivity of endotheliocytes/osteoblasts are significantly enhanced by SIS/SrFeHA scaffolds, and the cranial defects model further verifies the potent ability of SIS/SrFeHA to accelerate in vivo vascularization and bone regeneration following implantation. In this view these results highlight the considerable angiogenesis/osteogenesis potential of biomimetic porous SIS/SrFeHA scaffolds for inducing bone regeneration and thus may afford a new promising alternative for bone tissue engineering.

Socio-Psychological Impacts of Terminal Illness on Patients and their Spousal Relationship

This phenomenological study was conducted to explore the im- pacts of terminal illness on patients and familial relationships of couples in Pakhtun society. 36 terminally ill patients selected purposively were interviewed separately (24 male & 12 female patients) by the way of open-ended questions. Numerous themes were extracted following verbatim transcripts. All the participants explained the impacts of terminal illness on their social lives and the positive and negative aspects of their spousal relationship. Depression, anger and desperation were apparent in the terminal patients. Similarly bitterness, guilt, persistent sadness and loss were common in the patients and alternatively in their partners as explained by the patients. This research highlights adistinct viewpoint on the damaging influences which terminal illness can have on the marital rela- tionship. However it also recommends how to deal the situation in apositive manner by making adjustments required by the concerned disease. The findings indicate that social scientists need to confess and reply to the incredible psycho-social im- pacts that serious illnesses and related medical procedures can have on the patients and their families even in this modern era of advance technology. Advance social and psychotherapeutic techniques and socio-psychological support of partners can as- sist such patients to live with apositive life style till the end.

Diversity of the Anisoptera & Zygoptera (Odonata: Insecta) of Swat, Pakistan

Odonates are important biological control agents for the control of insect pests and insect disease vectors of medical and veterinary importance. The present study was conducted to evaluate the odonate fauna of Swat, Pakistan from March to October 2019. A total of 200 specimens of odonates were collected from diverse habitats. The collected specimens of the order Odonata belonged to 5 families, three families of suborder Anisoptera namely Libellulidae, Gomphidae and Aeshnidae while two families of suborder Zygoptera (Chlorocyphidae and Coenagrionidae). The specimens were categorized into 12 genera and 22 species. Libellulidae was the dominant family (n = 138) accounting for 69% of the odonate fauna. Orthetrum was the dominant genus (n = 73) of suborder Anisoptera accounting for 36.5% of the odonate fauna. The least dominant genera were Anax, Paragomphus and Rhyothemis (n = 5 each) accounting each for 2.5% of the odonate fauna. In Zygoptera, the dominant genus was Ceriagrion (12.5%) and the least dominant genus was Ischnura (6%). Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) was the most abundant odonate species in the study area recorded from all surveyed habitats. Shannon Diversity Index (H) was 2.988 and Simpson Diversity Index (D) was 0.95 for the collected odonate fauna. The highest abundance of Odonata was recorded in August, September and May while no odonate species were recorded in January, February, November and December. Lotic water bodies were the most suitable habitats with abundant odonate fauna. Anax immaculifrons (Rambur, 1842) was the largest sized odonate species having a wingspan of 53.2±1.63 mm and body length of 56.3 ± 0.4 mm. The present study shows the status of odonate fauna of Swat, Pakistan in diverse habitats and seasonsonal variation throughout the year. Further work is recommended to bridge the gaps in the existing literature.

Honey as a bioindicator of environmental organochlorine insecticides contamination

Honey is a suitable matrix for the evaluation of environmental contaminants including organochlorine insecticides. The present study was conducted to evaluate residues of fifteen organochlorine insecticides in honey samples of unifloral and multifloral origins from Dir, Pakistan. Honey samples (5 g each) were extracted with GC grade organic solvents and then subjected to Rotary Evaporator till dryness. The extracts were then mixed with n-Hexane (5 ml) and purified through Column Chromatography. Purified extracts (1μl each) were processed through Gas Chromatograph coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) for identification and quantification of the insecticides. Of the 15 insecticides tested, 46.7% were detected while 53.3% were not detected in the honey samples. Heptachlor was the most prevalent insecticide with a mean level of 0.0018 mg/kg detected in 80% of the samples followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.0016 mg/kg detected in 71.4% of the honey samples. Honey samples from Acacia modesta Wall. were 100% positive for Heptachlor with a mean level of 0.0048 mg/kg followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.003 mg/kg and frequency of 83.3%. Minimum levels of the tested insecticides were detected in the unifloral honey from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Methoxychlor, Endosulfan, Endrin and metabolites of DDT were not detected in the studied honey samples. Some of the tested insecticides are banned in Pakistan but are still detected in honey samples indicating their use in the study area. The detected levels of all insecticides were below the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and safe for consumers. However, the levels detected can cause mortality in insect fauna. The use of banned insecticides is one of the main factors responsible for the declining populations of important insect pollinators including honeybees.

Parasitic prevalence in bat fauna captured from selected sites in northwestern Pakistan

Present study was conducted to record ecotoparasitic prevalence in bat fauna of the northwestern parts of Pakistan. A total of 204 bat specimens representing 14 species were captured during a two year survey, extending from June 2015 through May 2016. A species of soft ticks Argas vespertilionis was identified from 23 bat specimens. Similarly, members of the family Dermanyssoidae (dermanyssoid mites) were isolated from 10 bat specimens, that of Spinturnicidae (spinturnicid mites) from 3 and Streblidae (bat flies) from 2 bat specimens. These parasites were collected using entomological tweezers and were identified on morphological basis. Further studies on parasitic prevalence, molecular characterization of bat parasites and their control measures are recommended.

Diversity, distribution and relative abundance of the mosquito fauna (Diptera: Culicidae) of Malakand and Dir Lower, Pakistan

The present study was conducted to evaluate the diversity, distribution (C) and relative abundance (RA) of the mosquito fauna (Diptera: Culicidae) of Malakand and Dir Lower, Pakistan. Collection of specimens (n = 1087) was made during September 2018 to July 2019 at six different habitats including freshwater bodies, rice fields, animal sheds, indoors, drains and sewage waters. Specimens were collected through light traps, pyrethrum spray, aspirators and nets and subsequently killed, preserved and then arranged in entomological boxes for identification. Three genera were identified namely Culex, Anopheles and Aedes. A total of fourteen species were identified namely: Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), An. stephensi (Liston, 1901), Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (Giles, 1901), Ae. vittatus (Bigot, 1861), An. maculatus (Theobald, 1901), An. fluviatilis (James, 1902), Cx. vishnui (Theobald, 1901), Ae. aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) An. subpictus (Grassi, 1899), An. dthali (Patton, 1905), An. culicifascies (Giles, 1901), An. pallidus (Theobald, 1901), Ae. albopictus (Skuse, 1894) and An. annularis (van der Wulp, 1884). Cx. quinquefasciatus was found constantly distributed in the study area with RA = 16.5% and C = 100%. An. annularis was found as a satellite species, sporadically distributed in the study area having RA = 0.9% and C = 17%. Diversity indices of mosquitoes in the studied habitats were found as, Shannon-Wiener Index (2.415), Simpson Index (9.919), Fisher's Index (2.269) and Margalef's Index (1.859). A statistically significant difference was recorded in mosquito diversity in the six habitats (Kruskal-Wallis, chi-squared, H = 17.5, df = 5, P = 0.003 at α = 0.05). The present study encompasses mosquito fauna of Malakand, Pakistan with respect to diversity, relative abundance and distribution in diverse habitats and all seasons of the year. This will assist scientists working in various fields related with epidemiology, medical and veterinary entomology, ecology and allied areas of biological sciences.

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.

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.

Description of Lutziella swatensis sp.n. (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae) from Rattus rattus in Swat, Pakistan

A new species of the genus Lutziella (Rohde, 1966) Yamaguti, 1971 is described here and named Lutziella swatensis sp.nov. from the liver of rat (Rattus rattus L.). The new species is characterized by having body flat, smooth, longer than broad with maximum width at the level of the ovary, oral sucker with weak musculature, pharynx small; eosophagus long; caeca of irregular shape which bifurcate on the anterior border of the ovary in to unequal portions, acetabulum weakly muscular, post-testicular, testes lobed, cirrus pouch somewhat median, small in size containing winding seminal vesicle, prostatic complex and short ejaculatory duct. Genital pore median. Ovary post testicular, submedian; seminal receptacle overlapping ovary, laurer's canal present. Vitellaria follicular extending on each side from almost the level of testes to anterior portion of posterior half of the body. Uterus filled with eggs occupying most of the body, eggs oval rather small, numerous, brownish in colour, excretory vesicle tubular with terminal pore. Lutziella swatensis n. sp. is the second species of the genus known from Pakistan as well as the second species described from murid rodents in the world.

Food handlers: an important reservoir of protozoans and helminth parasites of public health importance

Food handlers plays a primary role in the transmission of pathogenically important protozoans and helminth parasites. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal pathogenic protozoans and helminth parasites among food handlers in and around University of Malakand, Lower Dir, Pakistan. Stool samples were collected from 642 food handlers (all of male) in a cross-sectional study from January to November, 2017. Wet Mount Techniques and concentration methods by using salt and formol-ether solutions. Three hundred and eighty four cases (59.8%) were found infected with one more parasites. Most of the individuals were found infected with helminth (47.6%) as compared to intestinal protozoans (0.93%). Seventy two cases (11.2%) of the cases presented mixed infection with both intestinal protozoan and helminth parasites. The order of prevalence for intestinal helminth was Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40.1%), followed by Taeniasa ginata (n=96, 14.9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8.40%) and Trichuris trichura (n=30, 4.60%). For intestinal protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (n = 36, 5.64%) was the only protozoan detected. Mono-parasitism was higher than poly-parasitism. Family size income and education level were the factors significantly (P<0.05) associated in the parasites prevalence. Current research showed that IPIs are primarily the foodborne pathogens still an important public health problem in Pakistan. Effective control programs on parasitic diseases transfer and their associated factors are recommended.

Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Potential of Green AgNPs against Diabetic Mice

Green nanotechnology-based approaches have been acquired as environmentally friendly and cost effective with many biomedical applications. The present study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the leaves of Emblica phyllanthus, characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, EDX, SEM, AFM, and XRD. The acute and chronic antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential of AgNPs was studied in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. A total of 11 groups (G1-G11, n = 6) of mice were treated with different concentrations (150 and 300 mM) and sizes of AgNPs and compared with those treated with standard glibenclamide. A significant decrease (P > 0.05) in the glucose level was achieved for 30, 45, and 65 nm after 15 days of treatment compared to the diabetic control. The oral administration of optimal AgNPs reduced the glucose level from 280.83 ± 4.17 to 151.17 ± 3.54 mg/dL, while the standard drug glibenclamide showed the reduction in glucose from 265.5 ± 1.43 to 192 ± 3.4 mg/dL. Histopathological studies were performed in dissected kidney and liver tissues of the treated mice, which revealed significant recovery in the liver and kidney after AgNP treatment. Acute toxicity study revealed that AgNPs were safe up to a size of 400 nm and the raw leaf extract of Emblica phyllanthus was safe up to 2500 mg/kg b.w. This study may help provide more effective and safe treatment options for diabetes compared to traditionally prescribed antidiabetic drugs.

Bioactive Sr2+/Fe3+co-substituted hydroxyapatite in cryogenically 3D printed porous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Developing multi-doped bioceramics that possess biological multifunctionality is becoming increasingly attractive and promising for bone tissue engineering. In this view innovative Sr²⁺/Fe³⁺co-substituted nano-hydroxyapatite with gradient doping concentrations fixed at 10 mol% has been deliberately designed previously. Herein, to evaluate their therapeutic potentials for bone healing, novel gradient SrFeHA/PCL scaffolds are fabricated by extrusion cryogenic 3D printing technology with subsequent lyophilization. The obtained scaffolds exhibit desired 3D interconnected porous structure and rough microsurface, along with appreciable release of bioactive Sr²⁺/Fe³⁺from SrFeHA components. These favorable physicochemical properties render printed scaffolds realizing effective biological applications bothin vitroandin vivo, particularly the moderate co-substituted Sr7.5Fe2.5HA and Sr5Fe5HA groups exhibit remarkably enhanced bioactivity that not only promotes the functions of MC3T3 osteoblasts and HUVECs directly, but also energetically manipulates favorable macrophages activation to concurrently facilitate osteogenesis/angiogenesis. Moreover,in vivosubcutaneous implantation and cranial defects repair outcomes further confirm their superior capacity to dictate immune reaction, implants vascularization andin situbone regeneration, mainly dependent on the synergetic effects of released Sr²⁺/Fe³⁺. Accordingly, for the first time, present study highlights the great potential of Sr7.5Fe2.5HA and Sr5Fe5HA for ameliorating bone regeneration process by coupling of immunomodulation with enhanced angio- and osteogenesis and hence may provide a new promising alternative for future bone tissue engineering.

Evaluation of vegetables grown in dry mountainous regions for soil transmitted helminths contamination

Infection caused by geo-helminth parasites are called geohelminthiasis are one of the global health problems. Vegetables eaten raw is the principal source of transmission of geo-helminth parasites. Pakistani people believe that eating raw vegetables are a significant source to get important vitamins and minerals. Based on the high incidence of pathogenic parasites and cultivating different vegetable types in the study areas, we conducted this study to evaluate the geo-helminth contamination of raw vegetables in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This is a descriptive study comprised, 1942 samples of 25 various types of vegetables. The samples were examined in physiological saline solution using sedimentation and centrifugation methods. The findings were analyzed by Graph-Pad version 5. P value less than 0.05 (95% CI) was considered significant. Results showed that 16.5% (n=322) of all vegetables were contaminated with one or more type of geo-helminth parasites. Garlic was the highest (35%) and cauliflower the lowest (4%) contaminated samples respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common geo-helminth found followed by hook worm species while Trichuris trichura was the least in all the vegetable samples. Leafy vegetables were highly contaminated 25.3% than vegetables with root parts 21.2% and fruity 9.09%. More than half of the contaminated vegetables were contaminated with single species of geo-helminth (P<0.05) while less than half with multiple types of geo-helminth contamination. Ninety two vegetables samples were contaminated with 2 species of parasites (P<0.05) and 45 with 3 (P>0.05) species of geo-helminth parasites. Education level of vendors and means of display were not significantly associated while types of vegetable used were significantly associated with the prevalence of parasites. The findings of this study provide evidence that consumption of raw vegetable has a high risk of acquiring geo-helminth infections. The authors believe that preventing the human to enter to the vegetable farmland for defecation, avoiding the irrigation of agricultural fields via night soil, and educating the people on proper washing and cooking of vegetables may be useful in reducing parasitic infections.

Evaluation of sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen to treat coccidiosis in wild pigeons

Coccidiosis remains one of the major problems in poultry all over the world. Very limited data on anticoccidial drugs in wild pigeons is available. The current study was aimed to understand the comparative efficacy of sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen in wild pigeons of Dir district, Pakistan suffering from coccidiosis. The faecal matter of wild pigeons were purchased from the local market for coccidian infection. Results revealed that 88.8% (16/18) were found infected with Eimeria spp. Three positive groups were treated with sulfadimidine (0.2mg/L), amprolium (25mg/L) and triquen. Sulfadimidine was most effective (45%) followed by amprolium (44.6%) while triquen (24.0%) showed less effectiveness against coccidiosis in pigeons. Number of oocysts were 79, 81 and 80 before treatment and 60, 44 and 44 after treatment with sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen respectively. This study showed that sulphadimidine, amprolium and triquen could not significantly reduce the coccidiosis in pigeons. Further studies are required to clear the mechanism of anti-coccidial drugs in wild pigeons.

Morphometrics of the indian false vampire bat (Megaderma lyra) from district Jhelum, Pakistan

During the present study thirteen Megaderma lyra bats were observed roosting in dark, domed shaped room of Rohtas Fort, district Jhelum. Out of these, six specimens were captured from the roosting site, using hand net. All captured specimens were male. These bats were identified through their unique facial features, an erect and elongated nose-leaf, large oval ears that joined above the forehead and no tail. Mean head and body length of captured specimens was 80 mm, forearm length was 67 mm while average lengths of 3rd, 4th and 5th metacarpals were 51.73 mm, 55.17 mm and 60.42 mm, respectively. Mean skull length was 29.84 mm, breadth of braincase was 12.77 mm. Average Penis length of two specimens was 6.6 mm and total bacular length was 3.08 mm respectively. This is the first record of Megaderma lyra from district Jhelum.

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.

Myths and conspiracy theories on vaccines and COVID-19: Potential effect on global vaccine refusals

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the international crises and researchers are working collaboratively to develop a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. The World Health Organization recognizes vaccine hesitancy as the world's top threat to public health safety, particularly in low middle-income countries. Vaccine hesitancy can be due to a lack of knowledge, false religious beliefs, or anti-vaccine misinformation. The current situation regarding anti-vaccine beliefs is pointing towards dreadful outcomes. It raises the concern that will people believe and accept the new COVID-19 vaccines despite all anti-vaccine movements and COVID-19-related myths and conspiracy theories. This review discusses the possible detrimental impacts of myths and conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 and vaccine on COVID-19 vaccine refusals as well as other vaccine programs.