GSK3 regulation Wnt/ß-catenin signaling affects adipogenesis in bovine skeletal muscle fibro/adipogenic progenitors.

Clarifying the cellular origin and regulatory mechanisms of intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition is crucial for improving beef quality. Here, we used single-nucleus RNA sequencing to analyze the structure and heterogeneity of skeletal muscle cell populations in different developmental stages of Yanbian cattle and identified eight cell types in two developmental stages of calves and adults. Among them, fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) expressing CD29 (ITGA7)pos and CD56 (NCAM1)neg surface markers were committed to IMF deposition in beef cattle and expressed major Wnt ligands and receptors. LY2090314/XAV-939 was used to activate/inhibit Wnt/ß-catenin signal. The results showed that the blockade of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK3) by LY2090314 promoted the stabilization of ß-catenin and reduced the expression of genes related adipogenic differentiation (e.g., PPARγ and C/EBPα) in bovine FAPs, confirming the anti-adipogenic effect of GSK3. XAV-939 inhibition of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway promoted the lipid accumulation capacity of FAPs. Furthermore, we found that blocking GSK3 enhanced the paracrine effects of FAPs-MuSCs and increased myotube formation in muscle satellite cells (MuSCs). Overall, our results outline a single-cell atlas of skeletal muscle development in Yanbian cattle, revealed the role of Wnt/GSK3/ß-catenin signaling in FAPs adipogenesis, and provide a theoretical basis for further regulation of bovine IMF deposition.

Health-Seeking Behaviour and Its Determinants Following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the change in behaviour of individuals towards any health issues they faced after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to compare the health-seeking behaviour of people who were infected by the virus and those who were not infected. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 participants visiting Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan. Data was collected through a pilot-tested questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). RESULTS: In 286 participants (71.6%), health-seeking behaviours were significantly altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, this research showed that COVID-19 was linked to poor health-seeking behaviour. CONCLUSION: Most of the participants' health-seeking behaviours were significantly altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant change in how people behaved towards any health problem was reported. As a result, public awareness campaigns should focus on delivering more information about COVID-19 to promote their health-seeking behaviour.

In Vitro Biofilm-Mediated Biodegradation of Pesticides and Dye-Contaminated Effluents Using Bacterial Biofilms.

Overuse of pesticides in agricultural soil and dye-polluted effluents severely contaminates the environment and is toxic to animals and humans making their removal from the environment essential. The present study aimed to assess the biodegradation of pesticides (cypermethrin (CYP) and imidacloprid (IMI)), and dyes (malachite green (MG) and Congo red (CR)) using biofilms of bacteria isolated from pesticide-contaminated soil and dye effluents. Biofilms of indigenous bacteria, i.e., Bacillus thuringiensis 2A (OP554568), Enterobacter hormaechei 4A (OP723332), Bacillus sp. 5A (OP586601), and Bacillus cereus 6B (OP586602) individually and in mixed culture were tested against CYP and IMI. Biofilms of indigenous bacteria i.e., Lysinibacillus sphaericus AF1 (OP589134), Bacillus sp. CF3 (OP589135) and Bacillus sp. DF4 (OP589136) individually and in mixed culture were tested for their ability to degrade dyes. The biofilm of a mixed culture of B. thuringiensis + Bacillus sp. (P7) showed 46.2% degradation of CYP compared to the biofilm of a mixed culture of B. thuringiensis + E. hormaechei + Bacillus sp. + B. cereus (P11), which showed significantly high degradation (70.0%) of IMI. Regarding dye biodegradation, a mixed culture biofilm of Bacillus sp. + Bacillus sp. (D6) showed 86.76% degradation of MG, which was significantly high compared to a mixed culture biofilm of L. sphaericus + Bacillus sp. (D4) that degraded only 30.78% of CR. UV-VIS spectroscopy revealed major peaks at 224 nm, 263 nm, 581 nm and 436 nm for CYP, IMI, MG and CR, respectively, which completely disappeared after treatment with bacterial biofilms. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showed the appearance of new peaks in degraded metabolites and disappearance of a peak in the control spectrum after biofilm treatment. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis also confirmed the degradation of CYP, IMI, MG and CR into several metabolites compared to the control. The present study demonstrates the biodegradation potential of biofilm-forming bacteria isolated from pesticide-polluted soil and dye effluents against pesticides and dyes. This is the first report demonstrating biofilm-mediated bio-degradation of CYP, IMI, MG and CR utilizing soil and effluent bacterial flora from Multan and Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan.

Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Effects of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field of research that studies materials having dimensions of less than 100 nanometers. It is applicable in many areas of life sciences and medicine including skin care and personal hygiene, as these materials are the essential components of various cosmetics and sunscreens. The aim of the present study was to synthesize Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) by using Calotropis procera (C. procera) leaf extract. Green synthesized NPs were characterized by UV spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to investigate their structure, size, and physical properties. The antibacterial and synergistic effects of ZnO and TiO2 NPs along with antibiotics were also observed against bacterial isolates. The antioxidant activity of synthesized NPs was analyzed by their α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. In vivo toxic effects of the synthesized NPs were evaluated in albino mice at different doses (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight) of ZnO and TiO2 NPs administered orally for 7, 14, and 21 days. The antibacterial results showed that the zone of inhibition (ZOI) was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest ZOI, i.e., 17 and 14 mm against ZnO and TiO2 NPs, respectively, while Escherichia coli showed the lowest ZOI, i.e., 12 and 10 mm, respectively. Therefore, ZnO NPs are potent antibacterial agents compared to TiO2 NPs. Both NPs showed synergistic effects with antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and imipenem). Moreover, the DPPH activity showed that ZnO and TiO2 NPs have significantly (p > 0.05) higher antioxidant activity, i.e., 53% and 58.7%, respectively, which indicated that TiO2 has good antioxidant potential compared to ZnO NPs. However, the histological changes after exposure to different doses of ZnO and TiO2 NPs showed toxicity-related changes in the structure of the kidney compared to the control group. The current study provided valuable information about the antibacterial, antioxidant, and toxicity impacts of green synthesized ZnO and TiO2 NPs, which can be influential in the further study of their eco-toxicological effects.

Screening the Carbon Source Type in Solid-State Fermentation with Phanerochaete chrysosporium to Improve the Forage Value of Corn Straw and Rice Straw.

Poor quality straw can be made more digestible and palatable through delignification using white rot fungi as a biological treatment in SSF. The decomposition of organic matter by white rot fungi is improved when a carbon source is added. Reducing the fermentation cycle can also help retain more nutrients in straw feed. To increase rumen digestibility and nutrient utilization, corn straw and rice straw were subjected to SSF with white rot fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium) for 21 days. The type of carbon source (glucose, sucrose, molasses, or soluble starch) was optimized, and the nutrient composition and in vitro fermentation parameters of the fermented straw were assessed. In the fermented corn straw and rice straw supplemented with different carbon sources, the results showed a decrease in lignin content, dry matter, cellulose, and hemicellulose loss, and an increase in crude protein content after 21 days. Total volatile fatty acid and ammonium nitrogen concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.01) during in vitro fermentation. Overall, the most enhanced nutritional values for corn straw and rice straw were observed after 14 days of SSF in the groups using molasses or glucose as a carbon source.

Knowledge and perception of medical students towards the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and perception of medical students regarding the utility and applications of artificial intelligence in medicine. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan, from February to August 2021, and comprised medical students regardless of gender or year of studies. Data was collected using a pretested questionnaire. Differences in perceptions were explored relative to gender and the year of studies. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 390 participants, 168(43.1%) were males and 222(56.9%) were females. The overall mean age was 20±1.65 years. There were 121(31%) students from the first year of studies, 122(31.3%) second year, 30(7.7%) from third year, 73(18.7%) from fourth year, and 44(11.3%) from the fifth year. Most participants 221(56.7%) had a good familiarity with artificial intelligence, and 226(57.9%) agreed that the biggest advantage of using artificial intelligence in healthcare was its ability to speed up the processes. In terms of gender of year of studies, there were no significant differences on both counts (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Medical students, regardless of age and year of studies, were found to have a good understanding of the usage and application of artificial intelligence in medicine.

Exploring Coping Strategies For Stress Management Among Undergraduate Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: College is the time where most mental health disorders are triggered. Due to an extremely strenuous curriculum, medical students are prone to develop high levels of stress. Teaching students stress management skills can be crucial for their mental and physical well being. Objectives of the study were to measure perceived stress level among undergraduate medical students of Year 5 using PSS Scale, and to explore if students find stress management activities helpful in reducing stress. METHODS: It was a quasi experimental study.5th year medical students were asked to take part in a full day workshop regarding stress management. During the day they were introduced to different stress management activities. Stress levels were measured using PSS before the workshop and 1 month after the workshop. RESULTS: On the PSS 1, 17.9% participants scored in the low stress category, 61.1% participants scored in the moderate stress category and 21.1% scored in the high stress category. On the PSS 2, 11.6% participants scored in the low Stress category, 76.8% participants scored in the moderate stress category and 11.6% scored in the high stress category. Pre and post intervention PSS stress results were statistically significant, p< 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the final year students had moderate stress. Training undergraduate medical students in integrated stress relieving activities can help lower their perceived stress.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Biogenic Cobalt and Copper Nanoparticles against Pathogenic Isolates.

Biogenic synthesis of cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) was performed using the bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Prepared NPs were confirmed by a color change to maroon for CoNPs and green for CuNPs. The NPs characterization using FTIR showed the presence of functional groups, i.e., phenols, acids, protein, and aromatics present in the Co and CuNPs. UV-vis spectroscopy of E. coli and B. subtilis CuNPs showed peaks at 550 and 625 nm, respectively. For E. coli and B. subtilis CoNPs, peaks were observed at 300 nm and 350 nm, respectively. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of B. subtilis and E. coli Co and CuNPs was determined at 100 mg/mL concentration against two bacterial strains at 5, 2.5, and 1.5 mg/mL against fungal two strains F. oxysporum and T. viridi, respectively. B. subtilis CuNPs showed significantly higher inhibition zones (ZOI=25.7-29.7 mm) against E. coli and B. subtilis compared to other biogenic NPs. Likewise, B. Subtilis CuNPs showed lower MIC (4.3 ± 6.3) and MBC (5.3 mg/mL) values against both tested isolates. Antifungal activity of B. subtilis and E. coli CuNPs and CoNPs showed a concentration-dependent decrease in ZOI. Among all biogenic NPs, B. subtilis CoNPs showed the highest ZOI (25-30 mm) against F. oxysporum followed by E. coli CuNPs with maximum ZOI (20-27 mm) against T. viridi. Again, B. subtilis CoNPs and E. coli CuNPs showed lowest MIC and MFC values against both fungal isolates. In conclusion, the current study showed that biogenically synthesized B. subtilis Cu or CoNPs can be used as effective antimicrobial agents due to their potential antibacterial and antifungal potential.

An indirect evaluation of medical residents' research writing skills by research synopsis review.

OBJECTIVE: To scrutinise the research proposals of medical residents fo inadequacies in writing dissertation synopsis. METHODS: The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the regional centre of the College of Physicians and Surgeon Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised synopsis from January t June 2020 of postgraduate residents attached wit different hospitals in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. For evaluation purposes, an institutional checklist was used that had domains: general, epidemiological, statistical, and bibliographical review. These were assessed by a single epidemiologist Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 400 research proposals, 224(56%) were submitted by male and 176(44%) by female residents. Also, 208(52% proposals were submitted by residents at public-sector hospitals, a 114(28.5%) by those at private-sector hospitals, while 78(19.5%) were from military hospitals. Significant association of errors was found with training institutions, speciality an duration of training (p<0.05). No gender difference was seen (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the research proposals lacke correcunderstanding of all the concepts related to research. Difference in research writing skills across specialties and trainin institutions may be related to the lack of availability o research assistance and good mentorship.

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Biogenically Synthesized Nickel and Zinc Nanoparticles against Selected Pathogenic Bacterial Strains.

Bacterial resistance to already present antibiotics demands for new approaches in field of medicine. Scientists prefer nanoparticles (NPs) due to their promising potential in many applications. Two bacterial strains, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were used for biogenic synthesis of NPs. Characterization of prepared NPs was accomplished using UV-vis spectroscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The prepared NPs were confirmed by the color change from pale yellow to having white deposition for Zn NPs while from dark green to light green for Ni NPs. UV-vis spectroscopy of E. coli and B. subtilis based ZnNPs showed highest peak at 354nm and 362nm, respectively. Likewise, E. coli and B. subtilis NiNPs showed peaks at 246 nm and 238 nm, respectively. Antibacterial activity of B. subtilis based ZnNPs showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) zone of inhibition (ZOI; 27.3±0.6) against B. subtilis and 26.66±0.67 against E. coli at 100 mg/mL. Antibacterial activity of E. coli based ZnNPs showed 8.3±0.3 ZOI against B. subtilis and 6.6±0.3 ZOI against E. coli while NiNPs showed (25.0±0.0 mm) (ZOI) against B. subtilis and (25.0 ± 0.3 mm) against E. coli. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of E. coli ZnNPs showed values of 6.7±0.3 µg/mL for E. coli and 4.7±0.3 µg/mL for B. subtilis. MIC of B. subtilis ZnNPs showed 5.3±0.3 µg/mL for E. coli and 6.6±0.3 µg/mL for B. subtilis while NiNPs showed 33.0±1.0 µg/mL against E. coli and 24.0±1.0 µg/mL against B. subtilis as effective inhibitory concentrations. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of E. coli ZnNPs showed 7.3±0.3 µg/mL for E. coli and 8.3±0.3 µg/mL for B. subtilis. MBC of B. subtilis ZnNPs showed 7.6±0.3 µg/mL for E. coli and 8.6±0.3 µg/mL for B. subtilis while NiNPs showed 45.7±1.3 µg/mL against E. coli and 33.0±1.0 µg/mL against B. subtilis as effective inhibitory concentrations. It was concluded from the current study that biogenically synthesized ZnNPs and NiNPs are effective as promising antibacterial agents and have potential applications in biomedical fields.

Diversity and Abundance of Delineated Earthworm (Annelida: Clitellata) in Pakistan: A Review.

Earthworm, a ubiquitous (but neglected) macro-invertebrate, is found in terrestrial vicinity of Pakistan. Moreover, the occurrence of earthworms is often diverse with fluctuating quantity depending upon abiotic factors and land usage patterns. The aim of this study was to summarize all the reported information related to earthworm diversity in different areas of Pakistan. Almost all the data published from year 2001 to 2021 were collected. Following data organization, total 42 earthworm's species including five families (Acanthodrilidae, Lumbricidae, Moniligastridae, Octochaetidae and Megascolecidae) were reported from various researchers. Among five families, family Acanthodrilidae was found to have only one specie (Ramiella bishambari), Lumbricidae consist of 10 species (Apporactodea rosea, Allolobophora trapezoids, Allolobophora chloroticaa, Aporrectodea longa, A. caliginosa, Bimastus parvus, Eisenia fetida, Helodrilus foetidus, Lumbricus terrestris and L. rubillus), Moniligastridae has two species (Drawida nepalensis and D. pellucida) while Octochaetidae possess only one specie (Eutyphoeus incommodus). The most abundant and diverse family Megascolecidae consist of 28 earthworm species in all habitats of different regions of Pakistan. Among geographical areas, Faisalabad was found as the richest territory with most reported earthworm species (i.e. 28). The current study suggests further in depth research to explore the unidentified and/ missing species of earthworms in Pakistan.

Purification and Characterization of Keratinase from Bacillus licheniformis dcs1 for Poultry Waste Processing.

Feather wastes-byproduct of commercial poultry processing plant is produced in large amounts. Keratinolytic enzymes produced by feather degrading bacteria can easily degrade these waste products releasing pure keratin as a residue. The aim of present study was to isolate, and characterize feather degrading bacteria as well as assess the keratinolytic potential of purified enzyme. Three feather degrading bacteria (dps3, wps1 and dcs1) were isolated from feathers of domestic chickens. Preliminary characterization of isolated bacteria revealed these isolates belonging to genus Bacillus. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the isolates as B. subtilis dps3 (MW255302), B. cereus wps1 (MW255303) and B. licheniformis dcs1 (MW255304). Cell free supernatant of B. licheniformis dcs1 degraded feathers completely in 14 days indicating its keratinolytic ability. Purification of keratinase enzyme from B. licheniformis dcs1 was performed using column chromatography. SDS-PAGE indicated its molecular weight as 32 KDa. Kerotinolytice activity was maximum at optimum pH of 7 and 45℃ temperature. Enzyme showed the potential to degrade keratin material such as hairs and nails of humans. Findings of current study suggested that purified enzyme possess potential to upgrade nutritional quality of poultry waste containing keratin and might play as important biotechnological tool for keratin hydrolysis.

Honey Potential as Antibiofilm, Antiquorum Sensing and Dispersal Agent against Multispecies Bacterial Biofilm.

This study is first to test Pakistani honey bees, Apis dorsata and A. cerana honey samples as anti biofilm, anti quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm dispersal agents honey against multispecies biofilm of bacteria (obtained from obese patients). Briefly, five previously identified isolates Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Morganella morganii and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MT448672-MT448676) were selected. Antibiogram study of all five isolates was tested against three antibiotics viz., erythromycin (20 µg/mL), lincomycin (100 µg/mL) and rifampicin (100 µg/mL). In order to form multispecies biofilm, identified bacteria were grown in batch culture by mixing equal volumes (OD590nm = 0.1) of 2, 3 and 5 bacterial isolates. In total 11 groups (g1-g11) were made. Crystal violet (CV) staining method was used to evaluate the antibiofilm potential and biofilm dispersal potential of both honey samples. QS inhibition in P. aeruginosa was measured following culture supernatant method. Antibiogram study showed significant (p < 0.05) resistance by P. aeruginosa against tested antibiotics. E. coli, M. morganii and K. pneumoniae were significantly susceptible to erythromycin and S. aureus to lincomycin. Both honey samples at 2% and 5% concentrations showed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition potential of multispecies biofilm by all test groups (g1-g11). Though A. dorsata honey significantly inhibited biofilm formation at 2 and 5% against all groups but 2% concentration was highly significant against g2-g4 groups. Regarding A. cerana honey, 2% concentration was significantly effective against g1, g4-g7 and g9-g11 groups. Both honey samples significantly inhibited QS at 2 and 5%. The 5% concentration of A. dorsata honey significantly dispersed biofilm by all groups compared to 2% which showed dispersal potential only by g2 and g3 groups. Accordingly, honey samples showed significant antibiofilm, anti-QS and biofilm dispersal potentials thus can be considered as good alternative to antibiotics.

Biogenic Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles against Human Pathogens.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is more eco-friendly and cost-effective approach as compared to the conventional chemical synthesis. Biologically synthesized AgNPs have been proved as therapeutically effective and valuable compounds. In this study, the four bacterial strains Escherichia coli (MT448673), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MN900691), Bacillus subtilis (MN900684) and Bacillus licheniformis (MN900686) were used for the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs. Agar well diffusion assay revealed to determine the antibacterial activity of all biogenically synthesized AGNPs showed that P. aeruginosa AgNPs possessed significantly high (p < 0.05) antibacterial potential against all tested isolates. The one-way ANOVA test showed that that P. aeruginosa AgNPs showed significantly (p < 0.05) larger zones of inhibition (ZOI: 19 to 22 mm) compared to the positive control (rifampicin: 50 µg/mL) while no ZOI was observed against negative control (Dimethyl sulfoxide: DMSO). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) concentration against four test strains also showed that among all biogenically synthesized NPs, P. aeruginosa AgNPs showed effective MIC (3.3-3.6 µg/mL) and MBC (4.3-4.6 µg/mL). Hence, P. aeruginosa AGNPs were characterized using visual UV vis-spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formation of peak around 430 nm indicated the formation of AgNPs while the FTIR confirmed the involvement of biological molecules in the formation of nanoparticles (NPs). SEM revealed that the NPs were of approximately 40 nm. Overall, this study suggested that the biogenically synthesized nanoparticles could be utilized as effective antimicrobial agents for effective disease control.

Conventional to virtual poster presentation in scholars' day during coronavirus disease-19 lock down: Medical students' performance and perspective.

OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to assess the performance regarding presentation and communication skills of the undergraduate medical students and to explore the perceptions and challenges while adopting to virtual mode of presentation held during the 1st wave of coronavirus disease pandemic lock down in the first ever online scholars' day. METHODS: A mixed method research was designed, enrolling all presenters of scholars' day, data collection was done in 2 weeks in the month of May 2020. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS version 23.0. An interview guide was prepared to explore participants experience in the online e-poster competition, which took 20 min each conducted by the team of investigators, who were trained before interviews. Thematic analysis was done. RESULTS: The mean score for students' performance was 8.9 ± 2.1. Three main themes were generated following transcription of data. These include engaging in the tedium of lockdown era, assortment of imperative material in research, Pros and Cons. CONCLUSION: E-poster presentation is an innovative method of presenting the research work of undergraduate students. It helps students to communicate at a different forum with diversity using multitude of skills, thus enhances learning. Moreover, comments by the audience and judges can provide a platform to brainstorm on research projects before these get published.

Impact of Interplay between Obese Gut Microbiota and Diet in Developing Obesity in Synthetic Community Mice.

This study aims at investigating the effects of cultured gut microbiota (GM) of obese human coupled high fat diet (HFD) or chow diet (CD) in development of obesity in mice. 20 stool samples were collected from obese patients and isolated bacteria were identified morphologically and biochemically. Identified isolates were mixed in equal proportions to synthesize obese GM. In vivo study was performed using obese GM combined with HFD/CD using mouse model for three months. Albino mice were treated with ampicillin from one week prior to birth until weaning of the pups at seven weeks of age and then inoculated with obese GM. Sixteen mice were divided into four groups: i.e. group 1 (G1) mice fed with CD, group 2 (G2) mice with HFD, group 3 (G3) mice with GM + HFD and group 4 (G4) mice with GM + CD. Mice from groups 3-4 were considered synthetic community (SC) mice due to transfer of synthesize human GM. 16S rRNA sequencing identified five abundant bacteria as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, and Klebsiella oxytoca (accession numbers: MZ150742-MZ150746). In vivo study indicated that GM combination with either HFD/CD caused significantly increased body weight in SC mice (BMI; Kg/m2) compared to HFD or CD fed mice groups. One way ANOVA revealed highly significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) in levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in GM coupled diet groups (G3-G4; SC mice) compared to significant increase in HFD group (G2) versus CD group (G1). Our study is first of its kind to report significant effects of using purified strains as obese GM plus diet (HFD/CD) in inducing obesity in SC mice and elevated serum liver parameters as metabolic indicators, hence providing strong evidence about significance of modified GM combination with HFD in developing obesity in SC mice.

Maternal depression and its correlates: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the burden of antenatal and postpartum depression, and to explore possible predictors of perinatal depression. METHODS: The longitudinal study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shifa International Hospital and its Community Healthcare centre in Islamabad, Pakistan, from October 2018 to May 2019, and comprised women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Socioeconomic and obstetrical history was recorded on a proforma, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used for screening of depression. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: Of the 200 women, 71(35.5%) were primigravida and 129(64.5%) were multigravida. The overall mean age was 27.1±5.08 years. Further, 64(32%) women belonged to the low-income group, 99(49.5%) middle-income and 37(18.5%) to upper-income group. Women in postnatal period had higher depression scores than women in antenatal period (p<0.05). Antenatal depression increased the risk of postpartum depression (p<0.05). In women having unplanned pregnancies, or being multigravida, or belonging to middle and lower socioeconomic classes, the chances of perinatal depression were higher (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal depression was strongly associated with postpartum depression, indicating that the former was a significant predictor of the latter. Social class and parity were also found to be directly linked with perinatal depression.

Effect of Pesticides on Biological Control Potential of Neoscona theisi (Araneae: Araneidae).

The present study was designed to record the effect of λ-cyhalothrin, Bifenthrin, and Glyphosate on the mortality, avoidance behavior, foraging activity, and activity of Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and Carboxylesterase (CarE) in Neoscona theisi (Walckenaer, 1841). Highest mortality (70%) in N. theisi was recorded against λ-cyhalothrin. However, Glyphosate was found to be least toxic. Spider spent less time on insecticides/herbicide-treated surfaces. Insecticides/herbicide-treated N. theisi consumed less prey than untreated control spiders. Similarly, when N. theisi were offered insecticide/herbicide-treated prey, they consumed significantly less. Increased AChE and CarE activities were recorded in insecticides/herbicide-treated spiders as compared to control group. Total protein contents were less in insecticides/herbicide-treated spiders than control group. The results revealed that λ-cyhalothrin is more harmful to spiders as compared to Bifenthrin and Glyphosate. It is suggested that the effect of all pesticides used in agro-ecosystem on beneficial insects should be evaluated before using them in the fields.

DNA barcoding of spiders from agricultural fields.

In the present study, DNA barcoding was used to assess the percentage accuracy of morphological base identification of spiders from the agriculture fields of district Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 872 spiders were captured from June to August of 2017. All the collected spiders were brought to molecular laboratory at GC University Lahore, preserved in 95% ethanol and stored at -20 °C until the DNA extraction. Spiders were evaluated morphologically on the basis of different identification Keys and Catalogs. Morphological identification revealed the presence of 12 families, 29 genra and 49 species. To evaluate the authenticity of morphological identification, tissue samples of 96 specimens were sent to Canadian Center for Biodiversity and Genomics, University of Guelph, Canada. A 658-base pair sequence of COI (Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I) of 90 specimens was retrieved successfully, which confirmed the presence of 11 families, 25 genra and 47 species. On the basis of molecular results, all the misidentified specimens were then allotted the correct taxon. Overall accuracy of morphological based identification was 88%. It is concluded from the present study that morphological investigations to identify a spider, are satisfactory but to enhance the accuracy, pace and credibility of results, molecular technique like DNA barcoding is considerable. Furthermore, to magnify authenticity of evaluation of spiders, integrated barcoding- combination of molecular methods and conventional taxonomy- is compulsory.

Satisfaction of Female Patients with Health Care Services at the Peri-urban Community Health Centre in Islamabad.

Objective To evaluate the satisfaction levels of female patients with the availability and quality of health care services provided at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Nurpur Shahan, a deprived peri-urban locality in Islamabad. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among 346 randomly selected female patients who attended the CHC in Nurpur Shahan from January to March, 2018. Data was collected by face to face interviews using a pre-tested self-designed questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Female patients were largely satisfied with the behaviour (96%) and competence (97.1%) of doctors, the attitude of the paramedical staff (93.6%), quality of medicines (93.6%) and basic facilities at the CHC including drinking water, bathrooms, and cleanliness. Patients had mixed satisfaction levels with various aspects of antenatal services, post-natal care, immunization services as well as the location of CHC (58.7%), availability of prescribed medicines (67.1%) and affordability of laboratory tests at the centre (63.3%). Major areas of discontent were health education regarding breastfeeding and immunization, the average waiting time to see a doctor, the waiting area, and family planning services. Conclusion Although patient satisfaction levels with certain health care services were good, there is considerable room for improvement in other aspects of provided services at the CHC.