Assessment and bioaccumulation of heavy metal contaminants in Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora Hamilton, 1822).

Unpolluted freshwater is a crucial component for maintaining the health of humans. This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation and potential health hazards of heavy metal contaminants (Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb) in water, sediments, and tissues of the golden mahseer fish (Tor putitora) from Zhob River to assess their suitability for human consumption. Samples (soil, water, and fish) were collected from the Zhob River, and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) was employed to measure the concentration of these metals found in soil, water, and various fish body tissues (muscles, skin, gills, and liver). The overall results revealed that water quality parameters, i.e., temperature and pH were found within tolerable ranges, while electrical conductivity and turbidity exceeded the permissible limits of FAO/WHO for fish. Furthermore, this study also identified elevated concentrations of Pb in water and soil, as well as Fe and Cd in soil beyond the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). In contrast, the concentrations of other targeted metals examined in fish body tissues were found below the permissible limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating the suitability of this fish species for human consumption. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of these targeted metals in various fish body tissues was found to be within the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), suggesting no associated health risks for the local population. Furthermore, both the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values measured in this study were less than one, indicating the absence of potential non-carcinogenic health risks related to the consumption of this riverine mahseer fish, but combined metal intake may pose potential health risks. Carcinogenic risk assessment for some metals like Cd, Cr, and Pb revealed no cancer risk for consumers. Moreover, our present research observed comparatively high bioaccumulation (BAF) of each targeted metal in the fish liver from both Zhob River water and soil as compared to other body tissues. Multivariate analysis, including the correlation matrix, revealed strong and significant correlations (P < 0.05) among heavy metal pairs (Fe/Cr, Fe/Pb, Cr/Fe, Cr/Pb, Pb/Fe, Pb/Cr). Hierarchical cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were utilized to trace the origins of these metals, attributing their presence to nearby rock weathering, mining, as well as municipal and agricultural activities. These factors were recognized as potential sources of heavy metal bioaccumulation in riverine fish. Thus, our current study concluded that the Zhob River was contaminated with these heavy metals and emphasized the need to prevent domestic and industrial sewage inflow. The monitoring of these metals in the food chain was also underscored as crucial for reducing all kinds of associated health risks. This study provides the first report on heavy metal distribution in highly abundant and edible mahseer fishes of the Zhob River.

Trace metals and nutrient analysis of marine fish species from the Gwadar coast.

Trace metals are naturally occurring metals found in very small concentrations in the environment. In the context of fish flesh, metals such as copper, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, iron, and manganese are absorbed by fish and play vital roles in various physiological functions. However, if these metals exceed the recommended limits set by WHO/FAO, they are termed 'toxic metals' due to their harmful impacts on both the fish and its consumers. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze the levels of protein, lipids, and certain metals-Aluminum (Al), Sodium (Na), Zinc (Zn), Titanium (Ti), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Potassium (K), and Calcium (Ca) in three commercially important marine fishes i.e. Rastrelliger kanagurta, Sardinella abella, and Otolithes ruber. The study also aims to assess their potential impact on human health. The macro-Kjeldhal method and Soxhlet apparatus were used to estimate protein and lipid contents, while atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to estimate trace metals found in fishes. The study found that these fish species are valuable sources of protein, lipids, and certain essential minerals. The protein content (CP) in these three species ranged from 63.35 to 86.57%, while lipid content was from 21.05 to 23.86%. The overall results of the trace metal concentrations analyzed in the present study revealed that Aluminum (Al), Sodium (Na), Zinc (Zn), Titanium (Ti), Copper (Cu), Potassium (K), and Calcium (Ca) were found in low concentration or traces and also within suitable ranges as set by WHO/FAO. However, Iron (Fe) was absent in all three species. Moreover, both copper and potassium were found in all three species, while Zinc was present in Rastrelliger kanagurta and Sardinella abella, calcium in Sardinella abella, and sodium in Otolithes ruber only. Titanium was recorded for the first time in S. abella. However, the total health risk assessment associated with these fish food consumption was measured by THQ and TTHQ and found to be less than 1, which shows no potential risk related to trace metals found in these fishes on human health upon their consumption. In conclusion, these commercially important marine fish species were found valuable sources of protein, lipids, and essential trace minerals that are necessary for human health. Thus, the current study provides useful information for the local population to make informed decisions about their daily diets and highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices to maintain these valuable marine resources by periodical monitoring of their ecosystem.

Toxoplasmosis-Awareness and Knowledge of Pregnant Women in Rural Areas of Malakand Region, Pakistan.

Background: The current study was carried out between October 2017 and October 2018 to explore knowledge, attitudes, practices, and information sources regarding toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Malakand region, the northwestern part of Pakistan. The current study was carried out between October 2017 and October 2018. Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to interview the women after taking verbal informed consent. Graphpad version 5 was used to indicate the differences. Significant was considered as a P-value of less than 0.05. This study revealed poor knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis. Results: Overall, 31.2% of the respondents showed good knowledge, and 39.2% showed moderate knowledge. On the other hand, 29.5% of the participants showed poor knowledge about toxoplasmosis. The average knowledge score of pregnant women was 79 ± 12.2, which is considered to be within the scale of good knowledge. Number of children within the pregnant multipara women was significantly associated with knowledge about toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women who measured in number of childbirths within a women showed the highest mean score of 42.3 ± 13.3 with 57 (44.8%) displaying a good knowledge level. Pregnant women with more than one child had significantly higher (<0.0001) knowledge scores compared to women with one child or none child. The majority of pregnant women with one child used the social media, followed by mass media as sources of information about toxoplasmosis. Scientific sources of information were used more commonly by pregnant women with none of the child birth. Conclusion: Pregnant women knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis was poor as compared to attitudes and practices. Health workers and newspapers/magazines were the main sources of information.

The 21st century disaster: The COVID-19 epidemiology, risk factors and control.

The 21st century will be indelible in the world as ruin of the outbreak of COVID-19 was arose in Wuhan, China has now spread all over the world, up to August 2020. This study was based on the factors affecting the epidemiology of this virus in human societies of global concern. We studied the articles published in journals on various aspects of nCoVID19. The Wikipedia and WHO situation reports have also been searched out for related information. Outcomes were followed up until 2020. The COVID-19 is a virus with pandemic potential which may continue to cause regular infection in human. The pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 threatened public health across the globe in form of system as reflected in the shape of emergency. Approximately 21 million humans are infected and 759,400 have lost their lives till 2020 in all over the world. We have described epidemiological features, reservoirs, transmission, incubation period, rate of fatality, management including recent clinical chemotherapeutic approach and preventive measurements and masses which are at risk of COVID19. This virus causes viral pneumonia when it attacks on respiratory system and multiple failure which can leads to life threatening complications. It is believed to be zoonotic importance although it is not clear from which animal and how it is transmitted. Zoonotic transmission of COVID-19 has not yet known by science. The current study will help to establish a baseline for early effective control of this rapidly spreading severe viral illness. The available data on COVID-19 indicates that older males with comorbidities would have been more infected, which can result in severe respiratory complications. Implementation of preventive measurements, investigation of proper chemotherapeutics and detection of cross species transmission agents must be ensured.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the different tissues of Mackerel scad, Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833) collected from Karachi and Gwadar Coasts of Pakistan.

Introduction: Among other aquatic animals, fish can also accumulate a large number of toxic metals in their various body organs, which may enter in the human body and cause serious health issues. Therefore, the basic aim of this study was to observe the level of some heavy metals (i.e., Pb, Fe, Cu, Cd, Cr) found in the different tissues of Decapterus macarellus collected from the Karachi and Gwadar coasts of Pakistan. Methods: About 200 fish samples of five different size groups of Decapterus macarellus were collected from Gwadar and Karachi fish harbors during April to September 2020. Total 10 samples of each size group i.e., S1, S2, S3, S4 & S5 were collected from each coast. Heavy metals were analyzed in fish samples by using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: The overall results revealed that some metals like Cu, Pb, Cd & Cr contents were high in the stomach, while less in the muscles. Whereas, the concentration of Fe was found to be high in the liver, while low in skin of fish. The average values of bioaccumulation of these heavy metals (BAF) were found in decreasing order of Cu > Cd > Fe > Cr > Pb. In this study, except Cd and Cr, all metals were found within the permissible limits. Both sediment and water from the selected site areas were also analyzed to observe their pollution levels in the order of; sediment > water > fish tissues. Conclusion: Thus, it was concluded that the Karachi environment was much more polluted than the Gwadar environment because it is in an industrial unit and a busy sea site for trade. Moreover, consuming muscles from this species is safe for human health except for iron toxicity, but the use of the liver is not beneficial for all selected metals. Thus, the present work will also be helpful to monitor these toxic metals in a food chain and maintain a healthy life, and reduce all kinds of health risks associated with them.

The Predictors Of Re-Bleeding In Chronic Liver Disease Patients After Endoscopic Variceal Band Ligation.

BACKGROUND: Variceal bleeding is a key and most fatal complication observed in chronic liver disease patients with portal hypertension and is a major contributor to the high morbidity and mortality seen in these patients. Exploring the predictors of rebleeding in chronic liver disease patients is of paramount importance to alter disease course and impact on morbidity and mortality. METHODS: About 50 patients with chronic liver disease who previously had evidence of varices on upper GI endoscopy and had at least one episode of rebleeding after EVBL were included in this study. Patients were assessed for the possible contributors to rebleeding through complete history, clinical examination, coagulation profile and platelet count, ultrasound features (splenic size and portal pressure), and upper GI endoscopic findings (site and grade of varices, red sign). Sample selection was done using non-probability purposive sampling technique and sample size calculated using the standard WHO formula. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: In this study, mean age of the patients was 51.34±6.34 years with male predominance (64%). Rebleeding was significantly associated with grade of varices, presence of red sign on upper GI endoscopy, site of varices, splenic size and coagulopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Rebleeding in chronic liver disease patients following EVBL is predicted by grade, extent and site of varices, red sign on upper GI endoscopy, splenic size and coagulation disturbances.

Efficient Matching-Based Parallel Task Offloading in IoT Networks.

Fog computing is one of the major components of future 6G networks. It can provide fast computing of different application-related tasks and improve system reliability due to better decision-making. Parallel offloading, in which a task is split into several sub-tasks and transmitted to different fog nodes for parallel computation, is a promising concept in task offloading. Parallel offloading suffers from challenges such as sub-task splitting and mapping of sub-tasks to the fog nodes. In this paper, we propose a novel many-to-one matching-based algorithm for the allocation of sub-tasks to fog nodes. We develop preference profiles for IoT nodes and fog nodes to reduce the task computation delay. We also propose a technique to address the externalities problem in the matching algorithm that is caused by the dynamic preference profiles. Furthermore, a detailed evaluation of the proposed technique is presented to show the benefits of each feature of the algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed matching-based offloading technique outperforms other available techniques from the literature and improves task latency by 52% at high task loads.

Risk factors associated with intestinal pathogenic parasites in schoolchildren.

Diseases caused by intestinal parasites impose a substantial burden on population of middle income countries including Pakistan. This research was aimed to assess the risk factors for intestinal parasites in school children of Malakand, Pakistan. Two hundred and eighty eight students were enrolled between February and June 2016. Out of the total enrolled 184 were agreed to collect stool specimens. A questionnaire was also used to collect the data on socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the participants. All the students were guided to collect at least 10gof their own stool specimens. Each of the stool specimens was diagnosed for the presence of any stage of helminth or protozoal parasites. Formal ether concentration method and wet mount techniques were applied. One way ANOVA was used for calculation of P value when it was less than 0.05 which was considered significant. Eighty two percent of the participants were found infected with one species of parasite while 69.9% of the participants were infected with more than one species of intestinal parasites. The most prevalent parasite was hook worm 33.4% (n = 99/296) followed by Taenia saginata 28.7% (n = 85/296), Ascaris lumbricoides 27.7% (n = 82/296), Hymenolepis nana 6.08% (n = 18/296), Entamoeba histolytica 3.37% (n = 10/296) and least for each Enterobius vermicularis and Fasciola hepatica 0.37% (n = 1/296). Previously used drugs, level in school, ages, weight and upper arm circumference were the most significantly (P < 0.05) related factors for the occurrence of intestinal parasite infection. Present research endorsed that risk factors play a key role in the transmission of parasitic diseases. Lack of safe water supply, using raw vegetables, animal keeping, which should be considered for sustainable strategies in the control of these infections preferably in remote parts of the world.

Evaluation of in-vitro and in-vivo antimicrobial potential of Typha elephantina leaves extracts using Cyprinus carpio as a research model.

Present study investigate the in-vitro antibacterial and antifungal potential of Typha elephantina leaves aqueous extract (T. Eaq), ethanolic extract (T. Eeth) and methanolic extract (T. Emth) at different dosages against selected bacteria and fungi using dis diffusion method and Potato Dextrose Agar method. The study was also proceeded in- vivo against one strain of fungi (Aspergillus niger) using aqueous (T. Eaq) extract only. In-vitro study showed that Citrobacter freundii was highly sensitive while Salmonella typhimurium was the least among all. The antifungal activity was dose dependent and differs according to the fungal strain. Aspergillus niger was highly sensitive in order of aqueous extract (T. Eaq), ethanolic extract (T. Eeth) and methanolic extract (T.Emth), followed by Alterneria solani, Candida albicans and Aspergillus ustus. The in-vivo antifungal study was carried using Cyprinus carpio which were first infected with Aspergillus niger and then treated with (T. Eaq) at different doses. During in-vivo study various hematobiochemicl parameters and bio-accumulative stress of some heavy metals were assessed. Highly significant (P<0.05) remedial effects were observed at day 21st of treatment with extract at 100mg/ kg body weight. Differential accumulation was found i.e in skin the accumulation was highest followed by intestine gills and muscles tissues. Liver showed least accumulation.

Population diversity of sheep bot fly, Oestrus ovis (Linné, 1758) (Diptera: Oestridae: Oestrinae), using SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

The study was planned to evaluate the inter, and intra population genetic variation in general protein banding pattern in Oestrus ovis larvae, by using 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE). The larvae were collected from slaughtered goats head from five different locations (AAS, PN, LA, GM, and BC) of Karachi, Pakistan. The data obtained was subjected to POPGENE (Population Genetic Analysis) software for analysis. The polymorphic loci within populations ranged from 45.45% to 90.91%. Polymorphic loci observed in all populations were 90.91%. The expected heterozygosity observed was 0.182 ± 0.096 in all populations. The chi-square test showed 5 out of 11 loci at H-W equilibrium. The overall fixation index (FST) value was 0.108, showing that the likelihood of subpopulations being differentiated from one another is about 11 percent. The gene flow value (Nm = 2.065) was higher, showing that genes flow occurs between populations. The values of genetic identity were greater, and genetic distance were smaller among all the populations, which means that all the populations were more alike and closer to each other. It was concluded that there was no sympatric and parapatric population differentiation observed among all the population of O. ovis and the populations of the five different locations were not genetically and reproductively isolated from each other.

Growth performance, haematological assessment and chemical composition of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) fed different levels of Aloe vera extract as feed additives in a closed aquaculture system.

A 105-day experimental trial was conducted to assess different levels of dietary Aleo vera extract supplementation on water quality parameters, proximate composition, growth performance and haematological parameters of fry Oreochromis niloticus. Four different percentages of dietary leaf extract powder of Aleo vera (ALE) with a basal feed, designated as, i.e., T0 (Control group; without ALE), T1 (1% ALE), T2 (2% ALE), and T3 (3% ALE). Fish fry was reared in concrete tanks (7.0 m, 1.6 m, 1.0: L, W, H; water volume 11.2 m3/tank), with an average initial weight 4.04 ± 0.03 g/ fry, and each treatment was triplicated. Fry was randomly distributed at a stocking rate of 450 individuals/ tanks. The water quality parameters revealed that temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrates were found in a promising range as given by FAO/WHO limits. However, the record values obtained for Electric Conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS), and alkalinities were not found in all tanks' suitable range according to FAO/WHO limits. The results revealed a significant impact of different percentages of dietary ALE supplementation on fry's body composition and haematological parameters. Moreover, the final body weight, final body length, average daily weight gain (g), net weight gain (g) and specific growth rate (%) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2 compared with T0 and T3 treatments. The poorest feed conversion ratio was recorded in the T2 group compared with other treatments. Thus, the current study provides information about the nutritional quality of Nile tilapia culturing in Pakistan.

Microplastics in the Surface Water and Gastrointestinal Tract of Salmo trutta from the Mahodand Lake, Kalam Swat in Pakistan.

Microplastic pollution is becoming an increasingly severe environmental problem. As compared to the marine ecosystem, freshwater ecosystems at high-altitude, remote regions are less studied and lag far behind. Thus, the present study aims to highlight this issue and fill the gap in this regard. The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the surface water and the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of brown trout (Salmo trutta) from Lake Mahodand, Kalam Swat, Pakistan, at a high altitude of 2865 m above sea level was investigated. For microplastic extraction, samples were digested with H2O2, NaCl solution was added for density separation, and then samples were filtered with a cellulose nitrate filter (pore size 0.45 µ). After this, visual observation and polymer detection with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, microplastics were characterized by their shapes, sizes, colors, and polymer types. In the surface water sample, MP particles were found in the range of 0−5 MPs/L, where the mean concentration of MPs was 2.3 ± 1.52 MPs/L and 1.7 ± 1.05 MPs/gastrointestinal tract (GIT) isolated from the GIT of brown trout. Particles of relatively larger size (500−300 µm) were more abundant than other ranges of particles (300−150 and 150−50 µm) in the surface water and fish samples. The fiber was the most abundant shape of MP particles, followed by sheets and fragments in surface water and fish samples (fibers > sheets > fragments). Four types of polymer viz. low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (44.4%), polypropylene homopolymer (PPH) (19.4%), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (30.5%), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) (5.5%) were detected by FTIR spectroscopy. The findings of the present study showed that MPs reached into higher altitudes in remote areas due to tourism activities.

Risk factor analysis for the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites found in large ruminants in Lower Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.

The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in cattle and buffaloes of Lower Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The presence of the eggs, cysts, and oocysts of GI parasites in fecal samples were detected using direct smear methods and concentration techniques including floatation, centrifugation, and sedimentation. Identification of recovered fecal stages were determined by morphology using size and appearance of the recovered eggs, cysts, and oocysts. A total of 314 fecal samples were collected from the different Tehsils (Administrative Districts) and analyzed through microscopy. A higher prevalence was observed in the buffalo than the cow population. A total of 184 samples were positive for GI parasites of which 109/196 (55.61%) were from cattle, whereas 75/118 (63.55%) were from buffaloes. The minimum number of strongyle eggs detected in all the samples were 136.39 eggs/g (EPG). The mean EPG in cattle was 143.30 and 122.56 in buffaloes. The open-source water prevalence of GI parasites was higher than the other sources in cattle and the second highest after tap water in buffaloes. The seasonal prevalence of GI parasites ranged from 32.39% (23/71), in spring to 68.8% (86/125) in summer in cattle. In was For buffaloes the infection prevalence was 52.94% (27/51) and 71.64% (48/67) in spring and summer, respectively. Gastrointestinal parasites are a serious problem in cattle and buffaloes in the lower district of Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. In general, the burden of parasitic infection was low in most animals that received previous anti-parasitic treatment.

Effect of feeding frequency as a rearing system on biological performance, survival, body chemical composition and economic efficiency of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) reared under controlled environmental conditions.

A 70-day rearing trial was done to determine the optimal frequency of feeding on growth performance (GP), feed conversion rate (FCR), cannibalism, survival rate (SR), body chemical composition and economic efficiency of the Asian sea bass. This study tested four different treatments of feeding frequencies (FF), once (T1), twice (T2), three times (T3), and four times (T4) per day. An average initial weight of Asian sea bass fry was 0.2 g (SD = ±0.12) were stocked 10 individuals per m3 (9.14 m × 1.82 m × 1.22 m, L × W × H; water depth 0.61 m) with two replicates per treatment (4 × 2 = 8). Fry were fed a mixture of larval commercial feed and shrimp with a pellet diet containing (46% CP). Initially, the feeding rate of 8% biomass per day was further adjusted according to fish biomass on a weekly basis. Results showed that, the FF significantly affected (p < 0.05) on growth indictors and survival rate (SR). Specifically fry fed three times a day (T3) had the best FBW, FL, SGR, ADWG and FCR followed by T4 and T2 while fry fed one time a day was the lowest in these parameters. Also, VSI, HSI and CF (k) significantly differed among the treatments. The fish whole body content of protein, moisture and ash did not significantly (p < 0.05) be affected by feeding frequency, but lipid content differed and both T3, T4 were the highest. It could be concluded that, increasing FF up to three times a day had a positive effect on weight gain, survival rate and feed utilization of Lates calcarifer. The second degree polynomial regression indicates that fed three times a day is optimum for best growth performance and survival for Asian sea bass.

Energy Efficient UAV Flight Path Model for Cluster Head Selection in Next-Generation Wireless Sensor Networks.

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are one of the fundamental infrastructures for Internet of Things (IoTs) technology. Efficient energy consumption is one of the greatest challenges in WSNs because of its resource-constrained sensor nodes (SNs). Clustering techniques can significantly help resolve this issue and extend the network's lifespan. In clustering, WSN is divided into various clusters, and a cluster head (CH) is selected in each cluster. The selection of appropriate CHs highly influences the clustering technique, and poor cluster structures lead toward the early death of WSNs. In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient clustering and cluster head selection technique for next-generation wireless sensor networks (NG-WSNs). The proposed clustering approach is based on the midpoint technique, considering residual energy and distance among nodes. It distributes the sensors uniformly creating balanced clusters, and uses multihop communication for distant CHs to the base station (BS). We consider a four-layer hierarchical network composed of SNs, CHs, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and BS. The UAV brings the advantage of flexibility and mobility; it shortens the communication range of sensors, which leads to an extended lifetime. Finally, a simulated annealing algorithm is applied for the optimal trajectory of the UAV according to the ground sensor network. The experimental results show that the proposed approach outperforms with respect to energy efficiency and network lifetime when compared with state-of-the-art techniques from recent literature.

Prevalence and risk factors assessment of mange mites in livestock of Malakand Division, Pakistan.

Mange mites represent a serious problem in livestock farming due to their worse effect on animals health, reducing milk and meat production. The status of mange mites prevalence was unknown from the livestock present in Malakand Division, Pakistan. Hence, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors assessment of mange mites in livestock of Malakand Division, Pakistan. Villages and livestock herds were visited for data collection and sampling for one year from September 2017 to August 2018. The diagnosis of mange infestation was carried out from skin scrapings collected from symptomatic animals. A total of 1437 animals were screened (240 sheep, 658 cows, 340 buffalos, 199 goats) from selected localities of the Malakand Division. The overall prevalence was 2.37%, with the highest prevalence in buffalos (5.0%) and lowest (0.42%) in sheep (p < 0.05). The locality also significantly affect the prevalence of mange mites in livestock, with a higher percentage (8.14%) in the Ouch area. The prevalence was higher in winter (3.78%) than in summer (1.07%). The prevalence was high (p < 0.05) in young animals (≤1 year) (4.7%) as compared to adults (>1 year) (1.15%). Gender was also a significant risk factor for mange infestation. The infestation was higher in females (2.85%) as compared to males (0.64%) (p < 0.05). Herd size of less than ten animals had a significantly high prevalence rate (3.69%) compared to >10 animals (1.89%). Animals having an infection history >15 days infected more than animals having infection history ≤15 days. This study documented for the first-time epidemiology of mange mites in livestock of Malakand Division, Pakistan. Further studies involving molecular characterization of mange mites will increase our understanding on the spread of mange mites in Malakand Division livestock.

Occurrence of cestodes and comparative efficacy of Typha angustata and sulphadimidine against cestodes in Columba livia domestica (Domestic Pigeon).

The occurrence of intestinal parasites of Columba livia domestica has been on the increase, leading to high economic and production losses with more fatal cases. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of cestodes in pigeons and determine the efficacy of Typha angustata extract and sulphadimidine against these cestodes in the domestic pigeon. A total of 30 pigeons were examined. 18 (60%) pigeons were found infected with only one type of cestode species (Raillietina spp.). The difference in prevalence between males and females was statistically significant (χ2 = 8.167, p = 0.004). The mean EPG count in group A (treated with T. angustata extract) before treatment and after treatment was 176 ± 4.33 and 155 ± 4.24, respectively. In group B (treated with sulphadimidine), the mean EPG calculated before treatment and after treatment was 184 ± 6.74 and 35 ± 3.53, respectively. The efficacy at day 28 of T. angustata and Sulphadimidine was 11.93% and 80.97%, respectively. It was concluded on the basis of the EPG and efficacy data that T. angustata extract had low efficacy against raillietiniasis, while as sulphadimidine, which is also used before to treat different intestinal parasites, had a good efficacy against raillietiniasis. Further studies are required to know the prevalence of other gastrointestinal parasites in pigeons and efficacy of different medicinal plants against such parasites.

Albendazole and mebendazole in the treatment of ancylostomiasis in school children between the ages of 6-15 in Swat, Pakistan.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September, 2018 on the efficacies of albendazole and mebendazole against ancylostomiasis in school children of district Swat, Pakistan. Faecal samples were collected from primary school children and preserved in 10% formalin. The samples were then sent to the Laboratory of Parasitology, in the University of Malakand for microscopic analysis. On the basis of drug availability, the Ancylostoma dueodenale infected students were divided into two groups. Group A was treated with Albendazole 400-450mg while group B was orally treated with Mebendazole 350-400mg. Eggs per gram were calculated before and after the treatment. From the total sample of 296, 192 (64.8%) children were found infected with Ancylostoma duodenale. Of the total number of infected children, this study found 87.8% (n=137/156)of them with light intensity of infection, 10.8%(n=17/156) with moderate and 1.2% (n=2/156) with heavy intensity of infection. Albendazole showed a high rate 75% of efficacy than mebendazole 71% (p<0.05). The present study concluded that albendazole and mebendazole are drugs of choice for the treatment of Ancylostomiasis.

Zoonotic and non-zoonotic helminths in black rats of rain-fed and irrigated areas of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Present study was conducted to get information on helminth parasites of zoonotic importance among the black rats of district Swat, Pakistan. Two hundred and sixty nine rats were captured from agricultural ecosystem of the district using live captured traps from 2011 to 2013. Captured rats were anesthetized and surveyed for the presence of ectoparasites, then were carefully dissected for investigation of endoparsites. Helminth parasites of 8 species were identified. Presence of parasite was noticed in 23.7% of sampled rats. The infection rates of sampled rats was given in order of their infectivity as Syphacia obvelata 13(4.83%), Aspiculuris tetraptera 13(4.83%), Heterakis spumosa 12 (4.46%), Hymenolepis spp. 9(3.34%), H.diminuta 8(2.97%), Hymenolepis fusa 4(1.48%), Lutziella microacetabularae 4(1.48%) and Lutziella spp. 1 (0.37%). No significant difference (P < 0.4289) was found in prevalence of parasites among areas, crops, crop stages and sex of the host while adult rats were found more infected than sub-adults. S. obvelata and A. tetraptera were the most common species of helminths while Lutziella sp., 1 (0.37%) was found only in one host. Rattus rattus (the black rat) was regarded as the host of helminth parasites of zoonotic importance, therefore the hidden health hazards of this rodent species needed to be considered to prevent infectivity of humans. Current study was concluded that Rattus rattus harbored a wide variety of helminth parasites which shows a hidden risk to inhabitants of the region. Monitoring rats' population in settle areas and educating the local community about the risk of rat borne parasitic diseases transmission through rats appears to be absolutely essential.

Assessment of growth characteristics, the survival rate and body composition of Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) under different feeding rates in closed aquaculture system.

One of the essential factors to be addressed in the development of aquaculture is the feeding regime. This study was investigated to assess the effects of feeding rate on growth performance, feed utilization, chemical body composition survival rate, cannibalism and morphological indices of Asian Seabass, Lates calcarifer. Intended for the trial, one hundred forty sea bass individuals with an average weight 5.47 ± 0.11 g were randomly distributed in 4 concrete tanks (914 cm × 183 cm 122 cm) each; length × width × depth) and volume 18,399 L, for total 68 days. The fishes were fed with a pelleted diet containing 46% crude protein for different feeding groups designated as (T1, T2, T3 and T4). The feed was supplied with a rate of (T1) 3%, (T2) 4%, (T3) 6%, and (T4) 9% of fish biomass per day and feeding frequency were maintained three times per day to all the groups. At the end of the trial water physicochemical parameters was in acceptable range for Asian sea bass growth. The average daily weight gain (g), weight gain (g) and specific growth rate (%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in T3 and T4 as compared to T1 and T2 group. The poorest feed conversion ratio was recorded in T1 group with 3% biomass per day. The cannibalism rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in T1 (3%) compared to T3 and T4 treatment. The morphological indices, condition factors (CF), viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index (HSI) was significantly higher in T4 group as compared to other treatments. The protein, moisture and ash contents of the whole biomass of the Asian sea bass were not significantly influenced by feeding rate. The fat levels in the fish bodies increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing feeding ratio. The phenomenal regression indicates that 6.5% feeding rate per day is optimum for best growth performance, survival and minimum cannibalism rate for Asian sea bass in captivity. The outcome of the finding will help in promotion for not only the coastal aquaculture in Pakistan abut also elsewhere.