Abasyn Journal of Life Sciences
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Morphometric analysis of soldier cast of Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) and Microtermes obesi (Holmgren) (Blattodea: Termitidae; Macrotermitinae) from three localities of Potohar region, Pakistan
Get PDFA great diversity of termite species is found all over the world, among these 53 species are identified from Pakistan. The knowledge about morphological features in soldier cast of termites is proved to be a technical tool for taxonomy and identification. In the present studies, the morphometric variations of external morphology in soldier caste of Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) and Microtermes obesi (Holmgren) from three different areas i.e. Gujar Khan (A), Rawalpindi (B) and Islamabad (C) were studied. About 36 characters like body, thorax, abdomen, from head to mandible tip, head, pronotum, postmentum, mandible, antenna (scape, pedicle, flagellum), and legs parts were used for morphometric measurements. The data were statistically analyzed for significant differences in their mean, standard deviation, standard error, 95% confidence interval, coefficient of variability and analysis of variance. “Student t-test” was used for the comparison of mean values using Minitab version 16. The results of the present study revealed no significant differences among the population samples collected from various localities. However little variations were observed in a few characters like antennal segments (pedicle, scape) and legs (trochanter, tibia) among the soldier cast which are adaptive in nature to survive in the environment
Epidemiology of Hemonchus contortus in goat and sheep population of district Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
No full textHemonchus contortus is a blood sucking parasite infesting sheep and goats throughout the world, thus significantly deteriorate the health and production of the animals, rendering huge economic losses to the livestock enterprise. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was designed for the estimation of epidemiological incidence of Hemonchus contortus in goat and sheep population in District Tank of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan and to analyze the associated risk factors. For this purpose, a sum of 400 fecal samples were randomly collected from sheep and goat populations in District Tank, during the year 2021-22 for the determination of prevalence of the Haemonchus contortus. The results revealed that overall prevalence of Haemonchus contortus in sheep and goats in Tank was 15.50 and 13.00%, respectively. The significant difference (P<0.05) was seen in the prevalence percentage of this parasite in both species of small ruminants. The males in sheep showed a prevalence of 12.85%, while the females showed a prevalence of 16.92%, revealing a non-significant (P≥0.05) difference. The prevalence percentage in bucks was 12.72%, while the female goats showed a prevalence of 13.10%, hence, that were statistically non-significant (P≥0.05). It was concluded from the study that there was significant incidence of Haemonchus contortus in small ruminants in District Tank, and it declines the production of the animals and badly affect their health, production and growth. Therefore, strategic control measures should be adapted and devised to control the infestation of Haemonchus contortus in the animals
In silico Analysis of Renilla Muelleri, Photinus Pyralis and Metridia Longa Luciferase
No full textLuciferase derived from different organism is widely used for various biological process in the cells or tissues. Current in silico study was done to investigate the protein-substrate interactions of Renilla muelleri, Metridia longa and Photinus pyralis luciferase with their respective substrates coelenterazine, Luciferin, and ATP. RaptorX which is an online tool was used for luciferase modeling. PyRx v9.0 was used for protein-substrate binding. Online server Cluspro was used for protein-protein docking. CASTp was used for protein active site pocket prediction. Photinus pyralis luciferase was bonded with ATP molecules through Glu83, Asp153, Asp44, Ser85, Gln87 and His171, while Photinus Pyralis luciferase was bonded with luciferin molecules through five different residues i.e. His171, Arg62, Met90, Leu63 and Val168. Photinus pyralis residues that were docked with ATP and luciferin molecules were present in N terminal domain of Photinus pyralis luciferase. In case of Renilla muelleri, catalytic residues, His285 was present in its all the docking complex. Renilla muelleri and Metridia longa luciferase were also docked with different substrate and found that efficiency of Renilla muelleri and Metridia longa luciferase was lower towards Photinus pyralis substrates as compared to their own substrate coelentereazine. According to the findings, it has been concluded that luciferase of every light emitting organism required specific (its own) substrate for proper light reaction
Interactive impact of potassium and sulphur to enhance the growth and yield characteristics of lentil (Lens culinaris) genotypes
No full textPotassium and sulphur are macronutrient and important for improving the growth, yield as well as quality of legume species but unfortunately are being fully ignored in the farmer’s field for lentil cultivation. Due to their deficiency, yield of lentil crop has decreased up to marked levels. The performance of five lentil genotypes namely GS-6, GS-10, P-14216, P-14223 and NVUT-E3 was evaluated against different potassium and sulphur levels i.e. K-S = 00-00, K-S = 30-15, K-S = 60-30 kg ha-1 at the experimental fields of Pulse Research Sub-Station, Tandojam. The results indicated a significant (P≤0.05) impact of potassium and sulphur on lentil genotypes for all measured traits. The growth and yield traits of all genotypes were enhanced as the potassium and sulphur levels were increased. Highest growth and yield traits were recorded when the plants were treated with K-S = 60-30 kg ha-1. The control plots showed lower performance. Among the genotypes, GS-10 responded well as compared to other genotypes. While the performance of genotype NVUT-E3 was observed lower. It was concluded that potassium and sulphur at the rate of 60-30 kg ha-1 proved best for producing higher yields, while genotype GS-10 exhibited maximum results in all growth and yield traits
Histomorphological changes in gonads of Clupisoma naziri during spring and summer season
Get PDFPresent study was conducted to analyse the effect of breeding and non-breeding seasons on histomorphological changes in gonads of Clupisoma naziri. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab, Pakistan, 43 mature fish of both sexes were gathered from the Indus River and its tributaries. In the non-breeding season (spring), both testis and ovaries went through a preparatory phase, with thick tunica albuginea and fast spermatogenesis in testes and the formation of cortical alveoli or yolk vesicles in the cortex of the cytoplasm in ovaries. The testicular lobules were loaded with spermatozoa and some spermatogenic cells during breeding season (summer), while the ovaries were filled with mature ovarian follicles. The breeding season is marked by spermatozoa leaking freely from testes and ovaries brimming with completely mature eggs. The gonadosomatic (GSI) results are consistent with the histomorphological results of gonads, as their values peak during breeding season and drop during non-breeding season. C. naziri breeds once a year during the summer season, according to the current study, and this information will aid aqua breeders in the culturing of this commercially significant catfish in Pakistan
The Prevalence of Scabies in District Abbottabad of Pakistan
No full textScabies is a skin infection which is caused by pathogen Sarcoptes scabiei. It is a contagious disease which is transmitted from one to another person through direct contact but can also be transmitted due to sharing of things like towels, clothing etc. It was estimated that almost 300 million cases of scabies occur worldwide. It is characterized by itching, rash, sores and thick crusts on different body parts such as fingers, axilla, wrist, and genitalia etc. The burrow ink and handheld tests are mostly used to screen a large number of patients. The current study was conducted to analyze the 3 years trend of scabies epidemiology on Tehsil level in different health care units of District Abbottabad during January 2017 December 2019. During the study period total 44,569 cases were reported in District Abbottabad. Results have shown that Primary health care facilities have highest proportion of scabies (67.38%) and prevalence was highest during 2018 (37.90%). The Highest frequency (32%) of scabies occurred during summer with peak in July. Tehsil Abbottabad (67.21%) showed high prevalence as compared to Havelian (32.79%). Risk factors for scabies prevalence were might be higher humidity, physical overcrowding, illiteracy and low socioeconomic status. There is a positive association between number of cases of scabies, temperature and humidity because these factors provide suitable conditions for parasite growth and their survival in human body. The current findings may help the government in making infrastructure for the health-care system development in future
In vitro bioassays of some plant extracts against Banana anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum musae
No full textAnthracnose of banana caused by Colletotrichum musae is an invasive disease, which is difficult to control in the export process. Plant extracts used to control plant diseases are gradually becoming substitutes for traditional fungicides because they are safe for the human body and environmentally friendly. The study was conducted to record the prevalence of banana anthracnose in two locations and to determine the best medium for the growth of C. musae and botanical extracts for managing the fungus under in-vitro conditions. Six media viz., Ripen banana peels media (RBPM), Unripen banana peels media (URBPM), Ripen banana flash fruit media (RBFFM), Unripen banana flash fruit media (URBFFM), Banana leaf media (BLM) and Potato dextrose agar media (PDA), four botanical extracts including Garlic (GC), Mint (MT), Eucalyptus (EC) and Neem seed (NS) at 2, 4 and 6% concentrations were tested against the fungus and the control (CL) remain untreated. Potato dextrose agar media (PDA) was used as a standard semi-synthetic growth media. The prevailing frequency of the disease was high in the investigation area. The maximum linear mycelial growth of the C. musae was recorded on PDA (85 mm) followed by URBFFM (40 mm), RBFFM (26 mm) whereas the lowest mycelial growth was recorded on BLM (20 mm) and URBPM (8 mm). In-vitro experiments showed that PDA was the best medium for the mycelial growth of C. musae. Moreover, tested botanical extracts showed high variation in reducing the colony growth of the fungus. EC was found most effective in reducing the colony growth of the fungus followed by NS, GC and MT. These results suggest that all the botanical extracts may be potentially useful for controlling anthracnose of bananas, EC extract can be effectively used for the field experiment
Acute Respiratory Infections in Northern Pakistan: An Epidemiological Approach
No full textAcute respiratory infections (ARIs) are mostly infections of the upper respiratory tract which consists up of airways. They are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and cause 1.9 million deaths of children annually. In Pakistan, estimated 20-30% of the total childhood deaths >5 are caused by ARIs. Common AURIs are common cold, acute inflammation of URT i.e. larynx, pharynx, mucus membranes, sinuses and middle ear. Most common bacteria are Streptococcus spp., Haemophillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. etc. While, Parainfluenza virus, Rhinovirus, Coxsackievirus, Coronavirus, Respiratory Syncytial irus, Adenovirus and Influenza virus are the common ARIs causing viruses. This study analyzed the epidemiology of ARIs in different facility types between Jan 2017- Dec 2019 of District Abbottabad. During the 3 years study period, 4,66,048 cases were reported. Results have shown that Primary health facilities have highest proportion of ARIs and prevalence was highest during 2018 (84.46%). Highest (35%) frequency of ARIs occurred during winter with peak in December (12%). While, Tehsil Abbottabad showed high prevalence (68%) as compared to Havelian (32%). This fluctuation may be due to Risk factors that might be low humidity, indoor crowding, illiteracy and low-socioeconomic status. The current findings may help the government in making infrastructure for the health-care system development in future
Effects of environmental factors on the physiology and development of honey bees
Get PDFEnvironmental aspects have a substantial impact on the physiological and morphological attributes of social bees. Living organisms including plants, animals, and human are much influenced by the environment. Environmental factors including temperature, nutrition, light, beehive conditions and social interactions are compelling agents in alteration of morphology, development, and health of honeybees. Beekeeping may also be at risk due to climate change effect on agriculture, which appears to be a major concern for the sector. Temperature variations impair the honeybee colony's internal functions, including food storage, brood rearing, and social stability. Colony collapse has been caused by nutritional stress brought on by habitat loss, infestation by various pests and diseases, and chemical exposure. The honeybees decline, queens are replaced, and eventually the colony breaks down and dies by the viruses and parasites. Foraging behaviour is influenced by temperature as activity levels drop as the temperature rises. The foraging activity peaked at 20° C and peaked at 43° C. Like humans, nutrition affects the gut microbiome of bees, makes them more susceptible to disease, shortens their life span, and is the primary factor in the collapse of honeybee colonies. Comprehensive investigation on the influence of environmental changes on honeybee condition and protection against hazardous environmental circumstances. It has been shown that since the start of industrialization, a variety of causes threatened honeybees’ lives. The protection of bees and biodiversity is an urgent matter of concern and demands serious efforts from different stake holders to play their legitimate role
In silico Analysis of PRODH Mutations and their biological significance in disease etiology
No full textIn the present study, we performed in silico analysis on all reported mutations of PRODH in order to investigate their biological significance. 3D models of wildtype and mutant PRODH were predicted using I-TASSER. Protein-protein docking was done with Cluspro, while protein-substrate docking was done with Auto Dock tools. Alignment of 3D models (various mutant with wildtype) revealed that Arg185Gln (73.83%) and Gln19Term (6.25%) had the highest and lowest similarity indices, respectively. Enzyme pocket prediction identified the second largest active site pocket containing substrate proline binding residues Leu527, Tyr548, and Arg563. Moreover, docking of mutant and wildtype PRODH with its close interactor ALDH4A1 showed differences with respect to position and nature of interacting amino acids residues. We observed that the nature of amino acid substitution and the number of bonds affect the binding of proline molecule with enzyme, and therefore, affect its biological activity