The role of thermal tolerance in determining elevational distributions of four arthropod taxa in mountain ranges of southern Asia.

Understanding the role of thermal tolerances in determining species distributions is important for assessing species responses to climate change. Two hypotheses linking physiology with species distributions have been put forward-the climatic variability hypothesis and the climatic extreme hypothesis. The climatic variability hypothesis predicts the selection of individuals with broad thermal tolerance in more variable climatic conditions and the climatic extreme hypothesis predicts the selection of individuals with extreme thermal tolerance values under extreme climatic conditions. However, no study has tested the predictions of these hypotheses simultaneously for several taxonomic groups along elevational gradients. Here, we related experimentally measured critical thermal maxima, critical thermal minima and thermal tolerance breadths for 15,187 individuals belonging to 116 species of ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders from mountain ranges in central and northern Pakistan to the limits and breadths of their geographic and temperature range. Across all species and taxonomic groups, we found strong relationships between thermal traits and elevational distributions both in terms of geography and temperature. The relationships were robust when repeating the analyses for ants, grasshoppers, and spiders but not for beetles. These results indicate a strong role of physiology in determining elevational distributions of arthropods in Southern Asia. Overall, we found strong support for the climatic variability hypothesis and the climatic extreme hypothesis. A close association between species' distributional limits and their thermal tolerances suggest that in case of a failure to adapt or acclimate to novel climatic conditions, species may be under pressure to track their preferred climatic conditions, potentially facing serious consequences under current and future climate change.

Using eDNA to understand predator-prey interactions influenced by invasive species.

Invasive predatory species may alter population dynamic processes of their prey and impact biological communities and ecosystem processes. Revealing biotic interactions, however, including the relationship between predator and prey, is a difficult task, in particular for species that are hard to monitor. Here, we present a case study that documents the utility of environmental DNA analysis (eDNA) to assess predator-prey interactions between two invasive fishes (Lepomis gibbosus, Pseudorasbora parva) and two potential amphibian prey species, (Triturus cristatus, Pelobates fuscus). We used species-specific TaqMan assays for quantitative assessment of eDNA concentrations from water samples collected from 89 sites across 31 ponds during three consecutive months from a local amphibian hotspot in Germany. We found a negative relationship between eDNA concentrations of the predators (fishes) and prey (amphibians) using Monte-Carlo tests. Our study highlights the potential of eDNA application to reveal predator-prey interactions and confirms the hypothesis that the observed local declines of amphibian species may be at least partly caused by recently introduced invasive fishes. Our findings have important consequences for local conservation management and highlight the usefulness of eDNA approaches to assess ecological interactions and guide targeted conservation action.

Combining environmental DNA and species distribution modeling to evaluate reintroduction success of a freshwater fish.

Active species reintroduction is an important conservation tool when aiming for the restoration of biological communities and ecosystems. The effective monitoring of reintroduction success is a crucial factor in this process. Here, we used a combination of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques and species distribution models (SDMs) to evaluate the success of recent reintroductions of the freshwater fish Alburnoides bipunctatus in central Germany. We built SDMs without and with eDNA presence data to locate further suitable reintroduction sites and potentially overlooked populations of the species. We successfully detected eDNA of A. bipunctatus at all reintroduction sites, as well as several adjacent sites mostly in downstream direction, which supports the success of reintroduction efforts. eDNA-based species detection considerably improved SDMs for A. bipunctatus, which allowed to identify species presence in previously unknown localities. Our results confirm the usefulness of eDNA techniques as standard tool to monitor reintroduced fish populations. We propose that combining eDNA with SDMs is a highly effective approach for long-term monitoring of reintroduction success in aquatic species.

Demand- and supply-side factors associated with the use of contraceptive methods in Pakistan: a comparative study of demographic and health surveys, 1990-2018.

BACKGROUND: A remarkable decline in fertility rates has been observed in many countries, with a primary determinant being an increase in the use of contraceptives. However, the birth rate in Pakistan is still higher compared to the other countries of the region. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effect of demand- and supply-side factors associated with the use of contraceptive measures in Pakistan. METHODS: Secondary data analysis of four data series of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS 1990-1991, 2006-2007, 2012-2013 and 2017-2018) were used. The data includes ever-married women aged 15-49 years who had given birth in the previous five years and participated in the family planning module of the PDHS. A total of 25,318 women were included in the analysis. Data were analysed by investigating the associations between independent variables (demand- and supply-side factors) and the use of contraceptive measures through unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and adjusted OR (AOR). RESULTS: The results among demand-side factors indicated that in 2012-2013, women without media exposure were less likely to use contraceptives and the trend remains almost constant for 2017-2018 (AOR = 0.664, 95% CI 0.562-0.784) in 2012-2013 and (AOR = 0.654, 95% CI 0.483-0.885) in 2017-2018. However, they still show a lower likelihood of using contraceptives without media exposure. The results among supply-side factors indicated that absence of transport (2012-2013) and limited visits by family planning workers over the previous 12 months (2006-2007, 2012-2013 and 2017-2018) remained significant factors for not using contraceptive methods. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that certain demand- and supply-side factors are associated with the use of contraceptive measures in Pakistan. It highlights the need for the provision of family planning resources and further structural factors, particularly in remote areas.

IDENTIFYING PARATHYROID HORMONE DISORDERS AND THEIR PHENOTYPES THROUGH A BONE HEALTH SCREENING PANEL: IT'S NOT SIMPLE VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY!

OBJECTIVES: To determine the utility of bone health screening panels in identifying disorders of parathyroid gland secretions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of biochemical parameters in a bone health screening panel (BHSP) was conducted. Low and high cutoffs were applied to determine hypofunctioning and hyperfunctioning conditions related to parathyroid hormone. Clinical phenotypes of parathyroid gland abnormalities were determined using a combination of levels of calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). A PTH nomogram was applied to calculate the maximum expected PTH for existing levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Medical records of patients were reviewed for clinical validation of biochemical findings. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of subjects showed abnormal PTH secretion. Primary hyper- and hypoparathyroidism were detected in 1% (n = 5) and 0.4% (n = 2) of subjects, respectively. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia with inappropriately high-normal PTH were identified in 8.5% (n = 37) and 2% (n = 10) of subjects, respectively. All subjects with primary and normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism had higher measured PTH than calculated maximum PTH using the PTH nomogram. Secondary hyperparathyroidism and functional hypoparathyroidism were present in 18% (n = 88) and 39% (n = 194) of subjects, respectively. High prevalence of bone pains, renal stones, and low bone mineral density were identified in patients with abnormal PTH secretion. CONCLUSION: Panel testing is useful in early diagnosis of metabolic bone disorders related to PTH. A BHSP helps identify normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia with inappropriately high PTH. ABBREVIATIONS: 25OHD = 25-hydroxyvitamin D AKUH = Aga Khan University Hospital BHSP = bone health screening panel iPTH = intact parathyroid hormone maxPTH = maximum parathyroid hormone MBD = metabolic bone disease NCHPT = normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism PHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism PTH = parathyroid hormone SHPT = secondary hyperparathyroidism VDD = vitamin D deficiency.

DNA barcoding and scanning electron microscopy reveals Erysiphe ahmadii sp. nov. and a new record Erysiphe populicola (Erysiphaceae, Helotiales) on salicaceous hosts from Pakistan.

A new species of powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe ahmadii and a new record, Erysiphe populicola, on Salicaceae are described from Pakistan. In addition to light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy is also done to clearly demonstrate the surface characters of chasmothecia. E. ahmadii sp. nov. is characterized by large conidia ((-26)29-35(-37) × (-16)17-21(-23) µm), long chasmothecial appendages (198-286 µm) and small conidiophores. The novelty is confirmed by analyzing the genetic variation of internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA gene, a universal fungal marker. E. populicola is characterized for the first time using molecular phylogenetic markers. Detailed descriptions along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs are provided in this paper. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Powdery mildews are obligate biotrophic pathogens of plants. Erysiphe ahmadii, a new powdery mildew fungus on willow trees, is described. First reference sequence of Erysiphe populicola is also generated. Both taxa are discussed in detail using macro- and micro-morphological and DNA barcoding techniques.

Warming underpins community turnover in temperate freshwater and terrestrial communities.

Rising temperatures are leading to increased prevalence of warm-affinity species in ecosystems, known as thermophilisation. However, factors influencing variation in thermophilisation rates among taxa and ecosystems, particularly freshwater communities with high diversity and high population decline, remain unclear. We analysed compositional change over time in 7123 freshwater and 6201 terrestrial, mostly temperate communities from multiple taxonomic groups. Overall, temperature change was positively linked to thermophilisation in both realms. Extirpated species had lower thermal affinities in terrestrial communities but higher affinities in freshwater communities compared to those persisting over time. Temperature change's impact on thermophilisation varied with community body size, thermal niche breadth, species richness and baseline temperature; these interactive effects were idiosyncratic in the direction and magnitude of their impacts on thermophilisation, both across realms and taxonomic groups. While our findings emphasise the challenges in predicting the consequences of temperature change across communities, conservation strategies should consider these variable responses when attempting to mitigate climate-induced biodiversity loss.

Lamotrigine-Loaded Poloxamer-Based Thermo-Responsive Sol-Gel: Formulation, In Vitro Assessment, Ex Vivo Permeation, and Toxicology Study.

The present study aimed to prepare, characterize, and evaluate a thermo-responsive sol-gel for intranasal delivery of lamotrigine (LTG), which was designed for sustained drug delivery to treat epilepsy. LTG sol-gel was prepared using the cold method by changing the concentrations of poloxamer 407 and poloxamer 188, which were used as thermo-reversible polymers. The optimized formulations of sol-gel were analyzed for clarity, pH, viscosity, gelation temperature, gelation time, spreadability, drug content, in vitro drug release studies, ex vivo permeation studies, and in vivo toxicological studies. FTIR, XRD, and DSC were performed to determine the thermal stability of the drug and polymers. The prepared formulations had a clear appearance in sol form; they were liquid at room temperature and became gel at temperatures between 31 °C and 36 °C. The pH was within the range of the nasal pH, between 6.2 and 6.4. The drug content was found to be between 92% and 94%. In vitro drug release studies indicated that the formulations released up to 92% of the drug within 24 h. The FTIR, DSC, and XRD analyses showed no interaction between the drug and the polymer. A short-term stability study indicated that the formulation was stable at room temperature and at 4-8 °C. There was a slight increase in viscosity at room temperature, which may be due to the evaporation of the vehicle. A histological study indicated that there were no signs of toxicity seen in vital organs, such as the brain, kidney, liver, heart, and spleen. It can be concluded from the above results that the prepared intranasal sol-gel for the delivery of LTG is safe for direct nose-to-brain delivery to overcome the first-pass effect and thus enhance bioavailability. It can be considered an effective alternative to conventional drug delivery for the treatment of epilepsy.

Potential role of Neuregulin 1 and TNF-alpha (-308) polymorphism in schizophrenia patients visiting hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and disabling disease of the brain. Schizophrenic patients have auditory hallucinations, delusions and reduced social skills. Recent studies suggest that the genetic polymorphisms are linked with development of schizophrenia. Polymorphisms of schizophrenia susceptibility and different cytokine genes act as the genetic markers. The objective of our study is to examine the association between the neuregulin 1 and tumor necrosis factor-α (-308) gene polymorphism with schizophrenia. This association was performed on the basis of molecular biology to screen the mutations of neuregulin 1 and tumor necrosis factor-α (-308) gene in schizophrenic patients by polymorphism analysis. Statistical analysis of the observed data shows that there was an association (P = 0.003) between patient's group and controls in terms of genotypes of single-nucleotide polymorphism 1 rather than single-nucleotide polymorphism 2 of neuregulin 1. So, heterozygous (adenine/guanine) allelic pattern can be a higher risk factor of schizophrenic patients. Polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-α (-308) gene indicated frequent presence of homozygous (adenine/adenine) allelic pattern in patient's group than in controls (P = 0.015). Statistical analysis indicates that the age distribution has significant difference between patient's group and controls (P = 0.022) while the gender ratio is not significantly different (P = 0.366) between the two groups. It was concluded that in Pakistani population the neuregulin 1 and tumor necrosis factor-α (-308) genes are strongly associated with schizophrenia.

Mitochondrial DNA diversity in Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus (grey francolin, Galliformes) from Pakistan.

Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus (grey francolin, Galliformes) is the only francolin present in the Suleiman Range (central Pakistan), one of the poorest and least developed areas in Pakistan. As a game bird, the francolin is an important income source for the region, but no demographic data are available. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the polymorphism pattern of the Control Region gene (mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA), in order to obtain some initial information about genetic diversity, possible structure and demographic dynamics in this population. In 29 individuals captured in four sampling areas in the western and the eastern Suleiman Range, we detected nine polymorphic sites in a 511 bp fragment of the mtDNA Control Region gene, resulting in seven haplotypes. Haplotype (h = 0.818 ± 0.032) and nucleotide diversity (π % = 0.308 ± 0.210) values suggested a large population size and a low divergence among the haplotypes. AMOVA (Φ(ST) = 0.005; P = 0.352) did not detect any significant differences among the western and eastern populations; therefore, specimens of both sampled areas could be considered as drawn from a single population. The observed distribution of pairwise mismatches was bimodal, revealing significant departure from a growing-decreasing population model (P = 0.030); these results would point to a demographic equilibrium. Tribal control of hunting might provide an explanation for this situation, but future overhunting would threaten the survival of this population.

Applying Socioecological Framework to Acid Attack Violence: An Exploration of Inhabitant Factors.

This study focused on the phenomenon of acid attack violence by using the socioecological framework. It explored the personal, relational, institutional, and cultural factors that contribute toward the act of acid violence. By using the qualitative research design, 15 in-depth interviews were conducted from acid victims. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The main themes under the framework of social ecology focused on certain inhabitant aspects such as prevailing poverty, forced marriages, conflicting relationships, lack of social support, the falsified religious interpretation of violence, lack of medical assistance, and poor response of law enforcement agencies. This lack of social support is extended at an institutional level as well as where rehabilitative help and response were absent. This study concluded the complexity and interdependence of all levels factors contribute to the act of acid violence. Moreover, it emphasized the need to develop a biopsychosocial approach to address the issue.

Effect of Albumin Polymorphism on Thyroid Hormones: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia (FDH) is the most common cause of the inherited increase of serum thyroxine in Caucasians. This disorder occurs due to a missense mutation in the human serum albumin, resulting in an increased affinity of thyroxine to the binding sites on the human serum albumin (HSA) molecule. HSA is a carrier protein of thyroid hormones and only 10% of thyroxine (T4) is bound to human serum albumin, 75% is bound to thyroxine-binding globulin, 15% to transthyretin, and 0.03% is free. The disorder is characterized by a greater elevation of serum thyroxine than triiodothyronine (T3). The high serum concentration of T4 is due to the modification of a binding site located in the N-terminal half of HSA (in subdomain IIA). Arg218 or Arg222 gets replaced with smaller amino acids, such as histidine, proline, or serine, due to missense mutation; this reduces the steric hindrances in the binding site and creates a high-affinity binding site for thyroxine. We herein report a case of FDH with a characteristically elevated total T4 and normal free T4 (measured by equilibrium dialysis).

Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Presented as Autonomous Functioning Thyroid Nodule: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) presented as an autonomous functioning thyroid nodule is a rare finding. We reported a case of 70-year-old male presented with complaints of palpitation and heat intolerance. On palpation, we found a thyroid nodule of 4 cm in the left lobe. Thyroid function tests revealed hyperthyroidism, and radioactive iodine uptake scan (RAIU) showed increased uptake in the left lobe consistent with a hot nodule. The probability of the benign nature of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule discussed but patient requested further workup to rule out any remote possibility of thyroid cancer. We performed a fine needle aspiration (FNA), and the cytological examination suggested the possibility of thyroid carcinoma. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy, and histological examination revealed follicular architecture with nuclear features of papillary carcinoma in 1 cm area of the thyroid nodule. In the review of the literature, we identified the following seven cases of FVPTC arising within a hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule.