Weak purifying selection in allelic diversity of the ADSL gene in indigenous and local chicken breeds and red junglefowl in Thailand.

High levels of purine and uric acid, which are associated with health issues such as gout and cardiovascular disease, are found in the meat of fast-growing broiler chickens, which raises concerns about the quality of chicken meat and the health of the consumers who consume it. High genetic homogeneity and uniformity, particularly in genes involved in the synthesis of inosine monophosphate (IMP) and subsequent process of purine synthesis, which are associated with the meat quality, are exhibited in commercial broiler chickens owing to intensive inbreeding programs. Adenosine succinate lyase (ADSL) is a key enzyme involved in de novo purine biosynthetic pathway and its genetic polymorphisms affect IMP metabolism and purine content. In this study, we investigated the polymorphism of the ADSL gene in indigenous and local chicken breeds and red junglefowl in Thailand, using metabarcoding and genetic diversity analyses. Five alleles with 73 single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 2, including missense and silent mutations, which may act on the synthesis efficiency of IMP and purine. Their protein structures revealed changes in amino acid composition that may affect ADSL enzyme activity. Weak purifying selection in these ADSL alleles was observed in the chicken population studied, implying that the variants have minor fitness impacts and a greater probability of fixation of beneficial mutations than strong purifying selection. A potential selective sweep was observed in Mae Hong Son chickens, whose purine content was lower than that in other breeds. This suggests a potential correlation between variations of the ADSL gene and reduced purine content and an impact of ADSL expression on the quality of chicken meat. However, further studies are required to validate its potential availability as a genetic marker for selecting useful traits that are beneficial to human health and well-being.

iPP/HDPE blends compatibilized by a polyester: An unconventional concept to valuable products.

Polyolefins are the most widely used plastics accounting for a large fraction of the polymer waste stream. Although reusing polyolefins seems to be a logical choice, their recycling level remains disappointingly low. This is mainly due to the lack of large-scale availability of efficient and inexpensive compatibilizers for mixed polyolefin waste, typically consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and isotactic polypropylene (iPP) that, despite their similar chemical hydrocarbon structure, are immiscible. Here, we describe an unconventional approach of using polypentadecalactone, a straightforward and simple-to-produce aliphatic polyester, as a compatibilizer for iPP/HDPE blends, especially the brittle iPP-rich ones. The unexpectedly effective compatibilizer transforms brittle iPP/HDPE blends into unexpectedly tough materials that even outperform the reference HDPE and iPP materials. This simple approach creates opportunities for upcycling polymer waste into valuable products.

Powering the Future by Iron Sulfide Type Material (FexSy) Based Electrochemical Materials for Water Splitting and Energy Storage Applications: A Review.

Water electrolysis is among the recent alternatives for generating clean fuels (hydrogen). It is an efficient way to produce pure hydrogen at a rapid pace with no unwanted by-products. Effective and cheap water-splitting electrocatalysts with enhanced activity, specificity, and stability are currently widely studied. In this regard, noble metal-free transition metal-based catalysts are of high interest. Iron sulfide (FeS) is one of the essential electrocatalysts for water splitting because of its unique structural and electrochemical features. This article discusses the significance of FeS and its nanocomposites as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and overall water splitting. FeS and its nanocomposites have been studied also for energy storage in the form of electrode materials in supercapacitors and lithium- (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The structural and electrochemical characteristics of FeS and its nanocomposites, as well as the synthesis processes, are discussed in this work. This discussion correlates these features with the requirements for electrocatalysts in overall water splitting and its associated reactions. As a result, this study provides a road map for researchers seeking economically viable, environmentally friendly, and efficient electrochemical materials in the fields of green energy production and storage.

Recent Advances in Carbon Nanotube Utilization in Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review.

Due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties, halide perovskites have emerged as prominent materials for the light-absorbing layer in various optoelectronic devices. However, to increase device performance for wider adoption, it is essential to find innovative solutions. One promising solution is incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which have shown remarkable versatility and efficacy. In these devices, CNTs serve multiple functions, including providing conducting substrates and electrodes and improving charge extraction and transport. The next iteration of photovoltaic devices, metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs), holds immense promise. Despite significant progress, achieving optimal efficiency, stability, and affordability simultaneously remains a challenge, and overcoming these obstacles requires the development of novel materials known as CNTs, which, owing to their remarkable electrical, optical, and mechanical properties, have garnered considerable attention as potential materials for highly efficient PSCs. Incorporating CNTs into perovskite solar cells offers versatility, enabling improvements in device performance and longevity while catering to diverse applications. This article provides an in-depth exploration of recent advancements in carbon nanotube technology and its integration into perovskite solar cells, serving as transparent conductive electrodes, charge transporters, interlayers, hole-transporting materials, and back electrodes. Additionally, we highlighted key challenges and offered insights for future enhancements in perovskite solar cells leveraging CNTs.

Emerging environmentally friendly bio-based nanocomposites for the efficient removal of dyes and micropollutants from wastewater by adsorption: a comprehensive review.

Water scarcity will worsen due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change. Addressing this issue requires developing energy-efficient and cost-effective water purification technologies. One approach is to use biomass to make bio-based materials (BBMs) with valuable attributes. This aligns with the goal of environmental conservation and waste management. Furthermore, the use of biomass is advantageous because it is readily available, economical, and has minimal secondary environmental impact. Biomass materials are ideal for water purification because they are abundant and contain important functional groups like hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups. Functional groups are important for modifying and absorbing contaminants in water. Single-sourced biomass has limitations such as weak mechanical strength, limited adsorption capacity, and chemical instability. Investing in research and development is crucial for the development of efficient methods to produce BBMs and establish suitable water purification application models. This review covers BBM production, modification, functionalization, and their applications in wastewater treatment. These applications include oil-water separation, membrane filtration, micropollutant removal, and organic pollutant elimination. This review explores the production processes and properties of BBMs from biopolymers, highlighting their potential for water treatment applications. Furthermore, this review discusses the future prospects and challenges of developing BBMs for water treatment and usage. Finally, this review highlights the importance of BBMs in solving water purification challenges and encourages innovative solutions in this field.

Progress in layered double hydroxides (LDHs): Synthesis and application in adsorption, catalysis and photoreduction.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), also known as anionic clays, have attracted significant attention in energy and environmental applications due to their exceptional physicochemical properties. These materials possess a unique structure with surface hydroxyl groups, tunable properties, and high stability, making them highly desirable. In this review, the synthesis and functionalization of LDHs have been explored including co-precipitation and hydrothermal methods. Furthermore, extensive research on LDH application in toxic pollutant removal has shown that modifying or functionalizing LDHs using materials such as activated carbon, polymers, and inorganics is crucial for achieving efficient pollutant adsorption, improved cyclic performance, as well as effective catalytic oxidation of organics and photoreduction. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the progress made in the field of LDHs and LDH-based composites for water and wastewater treatment. It critically discusses and explains both direct and indirect synthesis and modification techniques, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, this review critically discusses and explains the potential of LDH-based composites as absorbents. Importantly, it focuses on the capability of LDH and LDH-based composites in heterogeneous catalysis, including the Fenton reaction, Fenton-like reactions, photocatalysis, and photoreduction, for the removal of organic dyes, organic micropollutants, and heavy metals. The mechanisms involved in pollutant removal, such as adsorption, electrostatic interaction, complexation, and degradation, are thoroughly explained. Finally, this study outlines future research directions in the field.

Molecular Epidemiology, Seasonality and Phylogenetic Investigations of Anaplasma ovis in Small Ruminants from Diverse Agro-Climatic Regions of Punjab, Pakistan.

Anaplasma (A.) ovis is the most important cause of anaplasmosis in small ruminants. The current study was planned to estimate the molecular prevalence, risk factors, and phylogenetic analysis of A. ovis infection in sheep and goats from different agro-climatic regions of Central and Southern Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 400 jugular blood samples were collected from asymptomatic goats (n = 200) and sheep (n = 200) from the Jhang and Dera Ghazi Khan districts from January 2021 to February, 2023. Two hundred blood samples were collected from each district. Ten union councils (UC) were randomly chosen from each district, and 20 samples were collected from each UC based on the multistage cluster sampling technique. The samples were analyzed with PCR targeting the major surface protein (msp4) gene of A. ovis. The overall molecular prevalence of anaplasmosis was 57.5%. The disease occurrence was higher in Dera Ghazi Khan (61.5%) than in the Jhang district (53.5%). Infection positivity was greater in goats (65.5%) than in sheep (49.5%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that host species [sheep; Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.212; p = 0.000, Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.968-5.242], age (adult; OR = 2.606; p = 0.003, CI = 1.398-4.858), and acaricide use (never; OR = 13.671; p = 0.000, CI = 6.414-26.283) were significantly higher risk for A. ovis in small ruminants (p< 0.05; OR > 1). The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of four representative isolates in the current study (Genbank numbers; Goats: OQ302202, OQ302203; Sheep: OQ319592, OQ319593) revealed novel strains of A. ovis with 97-100% similarity from different countries. The msp4-based goat isolates showed greater genetic diversity, while sheep genotypes showed homology with isolates from Italy, Spain, Hungary, Cyprus, Spain, Iran, and China. The current surveillance study will help in devising prevention and control strategies regarding anaplasmosis in small ruminants. However, there is a need for further study on the clinicopathological and vector competence aspects of these genotypes.

Cervical Mediastinoscopy as a Diagnostic Tool for Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the yield of cervical mediastinoscopy in determining causes of mediastinal lymph node enlargement. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: CMH Rawalpindi, Lahore and Multan, from January 2010 to December 2021. METHODOLOGY: Patients who underwent lymph node biopsy through cervical mediastinoscopy approach were included. Record of the patients including age, gender, clinical presentation, and findings on CT scan chest were noted along with the record of preoperative complications and duration of surgery. Histopathology report was also recorded. RESULTS: Out of 398 patients, 259 (65%) were males and 139 (35%) were females. Out of 338 patients who were operated for diagnostic purpose, 157 (46%) had tuberculosis and 34 (10.1%) had sarcoidosis. Fifty-two (15.3%) were diagnosed to have malignancy including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and metastatic carcinoma of unspecified origin. Amongst staging group (n=60), 33 (55%) patients had negative mediastinal disease. Complication rate was 3.8%, including hoarseness of voice in three patients while 2 patients had wound infection requiring intervention. CONCLUSION: Cervical mediastinoscopy is a safe and efficacious means of diagnosis in indeterminate mediastinal lymphadenopathy and staging of lung malignancy. KEY WORDS: Mediastinoscopy, Lymph nodes, Tuberculosis, Lung cancer, Staging.

Seasonality, epidemiology and phylogeny of Theileria ovis with a note on hematological and biochemical changes in asymptomatic infected goats from Pakistan.

Caprine theileriosis, caused by Theileria ovis is a serious production issue, especially in the areas that depend on goats and sheep for milk, meat, and other economic benefits. Pakistan has a large goat population, but few reports have been documented from this country regarding PCR-based detection of T. ovis. The molecular prevalence of T. ovis, on a seasonal basis, in various goat breeds enrolled from Muzaffar Garh district of Punjab in Pakistan was determined from October 2018 to September 2019. In this study, 1084 goat blood samples were screened for the detection of T. ovis DNA through PCR-based amplification of 18S rRNA gene. Out of 1084 goats, 12 (1.11%) were infected with T. ovis. The parasite prevalence varied with the sampling seasons (Chi square test, P = 0.008), and the parasite prevalence was highest in goat blood samples collected in summer (2.39%) followed by winter (1.88%). DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of T. ovis, and the amplified isolates from the 18S rRNA gene of T. ovis were found to be highly conserved during phylogenetic analysis. Young goats (Fischer exact test, P = 0.022) were found more infected with T. ovis during the winter season. Infected goats had elevated white blood cell counts (Two-sample t-test, P = 0.04), blood urea nitrogen to Creatinine ratio (Two-sample t-test, P = 0.02) and decreased serum Creatinine (Two-sample t-test, P = 0.001) as compared to T. ovis negative goats. We report a relatively low molecular prevalence of T. ovis in goats from the Muzaffar Garh district. However, it is recommended that control measures to eradicate T. ovis infection in goats in this area should be taken.

Impact of waste management among Industry 4.0 and sustainable development.

The study is aimed at investigating the impact of waste management in the context of Industry 4.0 and sustainable development. Data were collected from 257 production managers in the industrial sector using a survey questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS and PLS-SEM. The findings indicated that Industry 4.0 and waste management significantly contribute to achieving sustainable development. The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies and effective waste management practices can help organizations implement sustainable development goals. Practical implications include assisting organizations in implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and waste management strategies based on the 3Rs principle. This can lead to reduced environmental impacts and improved resource efficiency, contributing to sustainable development. Policymakers can also benefit from the study's insights to address waste management challenges and promote sustainable development. The study's originality lies in its incorporation of the cyber-physical system and niche theory to explore how Industry 4.0 can facilitate sustainable waste management. It highlights the transformative potential of Industry 4.0 in the industrial sector, particularly in developing countries. Overall, this research offers a unique contribution to understanding waste management within the context of Industry 4.0 and sustainable development.

Investigation of boron-doped graphene oxide anchored with copper sulphide flowers as visible light active photocatalyst for methylene blue degradation.

The non-biodegradable nature of waste emitted from the agriculture and industrial sector contaminates freshwater reserves. Fabrication of highly effective and low-cost heterogeneous photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present research study aims to construct a novel photocatalyst using a facile ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method. Metal sulphides and doped carbon support materials work well to fabricate hybrid sunlight active systems that efficiently harness green energy and are eco-friendly. Boron-doped graphene oxide-supported copper sulphide nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally and was assessed for sunlight-assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. BGO/CuS was characterized through various techniques such as SEM-EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, BET, PL, and UV-Vis DRS spectroscopy. The bandgap of BGO-CuS was found to be 2.51 eV as evaluated through the tauc plot method. The enhanced dye degradation was obtained at optimum conditions of pH = 8, catalyst concentration (20 mg/100 mL for BGO-CuS), oxidant dose (10 mM for BGO-CuS), and optimum time of irradiation was 60 min. The novel boron-doped nanocomposite effectively degraded methylene blue up to 95% under sunlight. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the key reactive species. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the interaction among several interacting parameters to remove dye methylene blue effectively.

Cross-Sectional Study for Detection and Risk Factor Analysis of ESBL-Producing Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Associated with Backyard Chickens in Pakistan.

The increasing incidence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia (E.) coli in backyard chicken farming in Pakistan is of serious concern. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns and risk factors associated with ESBL avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) isolated from backyard chickens in the Jhang district, Punjab, Pakistan. In total, 320 cloacal swabs were collected from four breeds of backyard chicken (Aseel, Golden, Misri and Necked Neck). ESBL E. coli were phenotypically identified using double disc synergy test (DDST) and corresponding genes were confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). Out of the 320 samples, 164 (51.3%) were confirmed as E. coli, while 74 (45.1%) were characterized as ESBL E. coli. The frequency of isolation of ESBL E. coli was highest in Aseel chickens (35.1%). Of the 164 confirmed E. coli, 95.1%, 78.6%, 76.8%, 71.3%, 70.1%, 68.9%, 60.4% and 57.3% were resistant against tylosin, doxycycline, cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, colistin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol and gentamicin, respectively. The ESBL gene types detected and their corresponding proportions were blaCTX-M (54.1 %, 40/74), blaTEM, (12.2%, 9/74) and co-existence (blaCTX-M and blaTEM) were shown in 33.8% (25/74). The blaCTX-M gene sequence showed homology to blaCTX-M-15 from clinical isolates. The mean multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) was found to be higher among ESBL E. coli (0.25) when compared to non-ESBL E. coli (0.17). Both free-range husbandry management system (p = 0.02, OR: 30.00, 95% CI = 1.47-611.79) and high antimicrobial usage in the last 6 months (p = 0.01, OR: 25.17, 95% CI = 1.81-348.71) were found significantly associated with isolation of ESBL-producing E. coli in the tested samples using binary logistic regression analysis. This study confirmed the potential of backyard chickens as a reservoir for ESBL E. coli in the Jhang district, Punjab, Pakistan.

Metal ferrites-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids for photocatalytic water treatment and electrocatalytic water splitting.

Photocatalytic degradation is one of the most promising technologies available for removing a variety of synthetic and organic pollutants from the environmental matrices because of its high catalytic activity, reduced energy consumption, and low total cost. Due to its acceptable bandgap, broad light-harvesting efficiency, significant renewability, and stability, Fe2O3 has emerged as a fascinating material for the degradation of organic contaminants as well as numerous dyes. This study thoroughly reviewed the efficiency of Fe2O3-based nanocomposite and nanomaterials for water remediation. Iron oxide structure and various synthetic methods are briefly discussed. Additionally, the electrocatalytic application of Fe2O3-based nanocomposites, including oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and overall water splitting efficiency, was also highlighted to illustrate the great promise of these composites. Finally, the ongoing issues and future prospects are directed to fully reveal the standards of Fe2O3-based catalysts. This review is intended to disseminate knowledge for further research on the possible applications of Fe2O3 as a photocatalyst and electrocatalyst.

Overcoming taxonomic challenges in DNA barcoding for improvement of identification and preservation of clariid catfish species

DNA barcoding without assessing reliability and validity causes taxonomic errors of species identification, which is responsible for disruptions of their conservation and aquaculture industry. Although DNA barcoding facilitates molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of species, its availability in clariid catfish lineage remains uncertain. In this study, DNA barcoding was developed and validated for clariid catfish. 2,970 barcode sequences from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cytb) genes and D-loop sequences were analyzed for 37 clariid catfish species. The highest intraspecific nearest neighbor distances were 85.47%, 98.03%, and 89.10% for COI, Cytb, and D-loop sequences, respectively. This suggests that the Cytb gene is the most appropriate for identifying clariid catfish and can serve as a standard region for DNA barcoding. A positive barcoding gap between interspecific and intraspecific sequence divergence was observed in the Cytb dataset but not in the COI and D-loop datasets. Intraspecific variation was typically less than 4.4%, whereas interspecific variation was generally more than 66.9%. However, a species complex was detected in walking catfish and significant intraspecific sequence divergence was observed in North African catfish. These findings suggest the need to focus on developing a DNA barcoding system for classifying clariid catfish properly and to validate its efficacy for a wider range of clariid catfish. With an enriched database of multiple sequences from a target species and its genus, species identification can be more accurate and biodiversity assessment of the species can be facilitated.

Graphene-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids for the abatement of agro-industrial pollutants in aqueous environments.

Incessant release of a large spectrum of agro-industrial pollutants into environmental matrices remains a serious concern due to their potential health risks to humans and aquatic animals. Existing remediation techniques are unable to remove these pollutants, necessitating the development of novel treatment approaches. Due to its unique structure, physicochemical properties, and broad application potential, graphene has attracted a lot of attention as a new type of two-dimensional nanostructure. Given its chemical stability, large surface area, electron mobility, superior thermal conductivity, and two-dimensional structure, tremendous research has been conducted on graphene and its derived composites for environmental remediation and pollution mitigation. Various methods for graphene functionalization have facilitated the development of different graphene derivatives such as graphene oxide (GO), functional reduced graphene oxide (frGO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with novel attributes for multiple applications. This review provides a comprehensive read on the recent progress of multifunctional graphene-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids as a promising way of removing emerging contaminants from aqueous environments. First, a succinct overview of the fundamental structure, fabrication techniques, and features of graphene-based composites is presented. Following that, graphene and GO functionalization, i.e., covalent bonding, non-covalent, and elemental doping, are discussed. Finally, the environmental potentials of a plethora of graphene-based hybrid nanocomposites for the abatement of organic and inorganic contaminants are thoroughly covered.

Potential Mechanisms of Transmission of Tick-Borne Viruses at the Virus-Tick Interface.

Ticks (Acari; Ixodidae) are the second most important vector for transmission of pathogens to humans, livestock, and wildlife. Ticks as vectors for viruses have been reported many times over the last 100 years. Tick-borne viruses (TBVs) belong to two orders (Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales) containing nine families (Bunyaviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Asfarviridae, Orthomyxovirida, Reoviridae, Flaviviridae, Phenuviridae, Nyamiviridae, and Nairoviridae). Among these TBVs, some are very pathogenic, causing huge mortality, and hence, deserve to be covered under the umbrella of one health. About 38 viral species are being transmitted by <10% of the tick species of the families Ixodidae and Argasidae. All TBVs are RNA viruses except for the African swine fever virus from the family Asfarviridae. Tick-borne viral diseases have also been classified as an emerging threat to public health and animals, especially in resource-poor communities of the developing world. Tick-host interaction plays an important role in the successful transmission of pathogens. The ticks' salivary glands are the main cellular machinery involved in the uptake, settlement, and multiplication of viruses, which are required for successful transmission into the final host. Furthermore, tick saliva also participates as an augmenting tool during the physiological process of transmission. Tick saliva is an important key element in the successful transmission of pathogens and contains different antimicrobial proteins, e.g., defensin, serine, proteases, and cement protein, which are key players in tick-virus interaction. While tick-virus interaction is a crucial factor in the propagation of tick-borne viral diseases, other factors (physiological, immunological, and gut flora) are also involved. Some immunological factors, e.g., toll-like receptors, scavenger receptors, Janus-kinase (JAK-STAT) pathway, and immunodeficiency (IMD) pathway are involved in tick-virus interaction by helping in virus assembly and acting to increase transmission. Ticks also harbor some endogenous viruses as internal microbial faunas, which also play a significant role in tick-virus interaction. Studies focusing on tick saliva and its role in pathogen transmission, tick feeding, and control of ticks using functional genomics all point toward solutions to this emerging threat. Information regarding tick-virus interaction is somewhat lacking; however, this information is necessary for a complete understanding of transmission TBVs and their persistence in nature. This review encompasses insight into the ecology and vectorial capacity of tick vectors, as well as our current understanding of the predisposing, enabling, precipitating, and reinforcing factors that influence TBV epidemics. The review explores the cellular, biochemical, and immunological tools which ensure and augment successful evading of the ticks' defense systems and transmission of the viruses to the final hosts at the virus-vector interface. The role of functional genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in profiling tick-virus interaction is also discussed. This review is an initial attempt to comprehensively elaborate on the epidemiological determinants of TBVs with a focus on intra-vector physiological processes involved in the successful execution of the docking, uptake, settlement, replication, and transmission processes of arboviruses. This adds valuable data to the existing bank of knowledge for global stakeholders, policymakers, and the scientific community working to devise appropriate strategies to control ticks and TBVs.

First report on molecular surveillance based on duplex detection of Anaplasma marginale and Theileria annulata in dairy cattle from Punjab, Pakistan.

Theileriosis and anaplasmosis are important tick-borne hemoparasites of bovines. The first surveillance study aimed to assess the suitability of duplex PCR for simultaneous detection of Theileria annulata and Anaplasma marginale field infections in Jhang and Rawalpindi districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Cattle blood samples (n = 480) were collected from selected union councils of all tehsils using a multistage sampling technique. The sampling unit consisted of asymptomatic cattle belonging to either age, sex, and breed. Epidemiological data related to host, area, management, and season were collected using a questionnaire. Based on duplex PCR, the overall prevalence of the two concurrent tick-borne pathogens was 19.79% (95/480). Chi-square analysis indicated that age, breed, tick infestation, history of tick-borne diseases, frequency of acaricidial application, and season were significantly associated with tick-borne pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis of A. marginale and T. annulata isolates based on msp1ß and cytochrome b genes, respectively, revealed that nucleotide sequences acquired from these two pathogens are novel, grouped separately from different countries. All our A. marginale isolates showed 88.2 to 80.5% similarity with isolates from Egypt, Israel, Mexico, and lesser homology with South African isolates. Similarly, the phylogenetic tree based on cytochrome b partial sequences of T. annulata revealed that our sequences are closer to those from India and Iran. Based on this first study on concomitant detection of tick-borne pathogens, it can be concluded that mixed infections are endemic in the study districts and mPCR is suitable for detecting concurrent field infections. Simultaneous infections should be considered while performing surveillance and chemotherapeutic trials for better prevention and control of tick-borne diseases.

Antinociceptive activities of a novel diarylpentanoid analogue, 2-benzoyl-6-(3-bromo-4-hydroxybenzylidene)cyclohexen-1-ol, and its possible mechanisms of action in mice.

A novel synthetic compound from the 2-benzoyl-6-benzylidenecyclohexanone analogue, namely 2-benzoyl-6-(3-bromo-4-hydroxybenzylidene)cyclohexen-1-ol (BBHC), showed pronounced nitric oxide inhibition in IFN-γ/LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Based on this previous finding, our present study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effects of BBHC via chemical and thermal stimuli in vivo. The investigation of the antinociceptive activity of BBHC (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg, i.p.) was initiated with 3 preliminary screening tests, then BBHC was subjected to investigate its possible involvement with excitatory neurotransmitters and opioid receptors. The potential acute toxicity of BBHC administration was also studied. Administration of BBHC significantly inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions, formalin-induced paw licking activity and developed notable increment in the latency time. BBHC's ability to suppress capsaicin- and glutamate-induced paw licking activities, as well as to antagonise the effect of naloxone, had indicated the possible involvement of its antinociception with TRPV1, glutamate and opioid receptors, respectively. The antinociceptive activities of BBHC was not related to any sedative action and no evidence of acute toxic effect was detected. The present study showed that BBHC possessed significant peripheral and central antinociceptive activities via chemical- and thermal-induced nociceptive murine models without any locomotor alteration and acute toxicity.

Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Control of Canine Infectious Cyclic Thrombocytopenia and Granulocytic Anaplasmosis: Emerging Diseases of Veterinary and Public Health Significance.

This review highlights the diagnostic methods used, the control strategies adopted, and the global epidemiological status of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia and granulocytic anaplasmosis at the animal-human interface. Canine anaplasmosis is an important worldwide disease, mainly caused by Anaplasma platys and A. phagocytophilum with zoonotic implications. A. platys chiefly infects platelets in canids, while A. phagocytophilum is the most common zoonotic pathogen infecting neutrophils of various vertebrate hosts. Diagnosis is based on the identification of clinical signs, the recognition of intracellular inclusions observed by microscopic observation of stained blood smear, and/or methods detecting antibodies or nucleic acids, although DNA sequencing is usually required to confirm the pathogenic strain. Serological cross-reactivity is the main problem in serodiagnosis. Prevalence varies from area to area depending on tick exposure. Tetracyclines are significant drugs for human and animal anaplasmosis. No universal vaccine is yet available that protects against diverse geographic strains. The control of canine anaplasmosis therefore relies on the detection of vectors/reservoirs, control of tick vectors, and prevention of iatrogenic/mechanical transmission. The control strategies for human anaplasmosis include reducing high-risk tick contact activities (such as gardening and hiking), careful blood transfusion, by passing immunosuppression, recognizing, and control of reservoirs/vectors.

Management of Malignant Chest Wall Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the malignant chest wall tumors in terms of histological types and confer option for resection, stabilisation and reconstruction, along with postoperative morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Thoracic Surgery, CMH Rawalpindi, Lahore and Multan from January, 2010 to October, 2018. METHODOLOGY: Patients who had histologically proven malignant tumors of chest wall and breast with bone involvement, and required resection, stabilisation, mesh reinforcement and muscle flap reconstruction, were included. Small soft tissue tumors without bony involvement which did not require reconstruction, primary tumors of spine, pancoast tumors and lung tumors involving chest wall were excluded from the study. Record of these patients including age, gender, histopathological type, reconstruction method used, postoperative complications, mortality and recurrence were noted. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The study included 86 patients with 61 (70.9%) males and 25 (29.1%) females; age ranging from 18 to 77 years with mean age of 47.84 ± 12.9 years. Palpable mass was the most common symptom occurring in 61 (70.9%) patients. Twenty-one (24.4%) had breast tumor with chest wall invasion. In the remaining cases, most common histological type was chondrosarcoma occurring in 13 (15.1%) patients, followed by Ewing sarcoma in 12 (14%) patients. The most common complication was post-thoracotomy neuralgia (PTN), occurring in 25 (29.1%) patients. CONCLUSION: Malignant tumors of the chest wall are rare entity which can be effectively treated with chest wall resection, mesh reinforcement for stabilisation and muscle flaps for reconstruction with acceptable postoperative complications, morbidity and mortality. Key Words: Primary, Malignant, Chest wall, Tumors, Chest wall reconstruction, Stability of chest wall.