Perciforms or perch-like bony fishes belonging to the families Coiidae (tigerfishes), Dinopercidae (cavebasses), Lethrinidae (emperors), Lobotidae (tripletails), Nemipteridae (threadfin breams), and Pentacerotidae (armorheads) were reported from Pakistan. Spangled emperor, belonging to the Family Lethrinidae, Atlantic tripletail, belonging to Lobotidae, Japanese threadfin bream, and Randall’s threadfin bream, belonging to Family Nemipteridae, are considered to be of commercial importance, which are not only locally consumed but also exported. Sindh is one of the type localities of the lampfish (Dinoperca petersii), which was reported to be of common occurrence about 150 years ago and is now found to be almost extinct in Pakistan. On the contrary, Atlantic tripletail was a rare occurrence about 15 years ago; however, it is now landed in appreciable commercial quantities and exported. The Families Lethrinidae, Nemipteridae, Lobotidae, Dinopercidae, Coiidae, and Pentacerotidae are represented by 34 species in Pakistan
Heavy metals are very deleterious to an organism’s health in concentrated quantities. The damage caused by heavy metals on organs is revealed by abnormal levels of enzymes like Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT). In the present research work ALAT and ASAT of the liver and kidney of pigeons under the influence of heavy metals copper and zinc have been studied. Pigeons were divided into control and experimental groups. Experimental groups were divided into heavy (20µg/g) and light (10µg/g) doses of copper and zinc. Enzymatic assessment was done after given 9 doses with interval of 15 days in between each dose. The excessive concentration of copper and zinc resulted in significant (P<0.001) elevation in levels of ASAT and ALAT of liver and kidney in pigeons as a result of organ destruction by heavy metals.
The integration of high-throughput omics technologies with advanced bioinformatics has transformed modern biological and applied sciences. Multi-omics approaches, which combine genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and microbiomics, provide a holistic view of biological systems that cannot be achieved through single-omics analyses. Bioinformatics plays a critical role in managing, analyzing, and integrating these complex datasets, enabling systems-level insights into molecular mechanisms, disease pathways, and environmental interactions. This review highlights the applications of multi-omics and bioinformatics across biological sciences, medicine, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food industries, environmental sciences, forensics, climate change research, and other applied fields. Current advancements, challenges, and future perspectives are discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrative omics in addressing global scientific and societal challenges.
Flax is a plant that has been used as a food source for thousands of years and is high in α-linolenic acid, lignans, and soluble fiber, which have shown potential cardiovascular-protective effects. However, its systemic addition to cereals in the form of functional food, with proven in vivo results, is scarce. This work aimed to develop and evaluate flaxseed-incorporated cookies for nutritional up gradation, antioxidative potential, as well as sensory acceptability and biological efficacy against a mouse-based hyperlipidemic model. Six formulas with 5–30% flaxseed flour mixed with chickpea, oat, and rice flours were produced and analyzed according to AOAC (2006) methods. Biological activities were measured using the Folin– Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride, DPPH, and FRAP methods. For in vivo assessment, Triton WR-1339– induced hyperlipidemic mice (n = 24) were used, and their lipid profiles, hepatic markers, and histopathological changes were analyzed. The addition of flaxseed led to a significant (p < 0.001) increase in protein (16.84 ± 0.24%) and crude fiber (3.41 ± 0.18%) content, while boosting the total phenolics content (188.7 ± 4.3 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant potential (FRAP 312.4 ± 10.7 µmol Fe²⁺/g). In vivo, animals fed flaxseed cookies exhibited lower serum total cholesterol levels (−38%), triglyceride levels (−33%), and LDL levels (−42%), as well as higher HDL levels by 29% (p < 0.01). Liver enzyme levels recovered, and the hepatic architecture was restored, along with a reduction in aortic wall thickening as determined from histopathological measurements. These results suggest that flaxseed-enriched cookies may be a promising functional food with antioxidative and cardio protective efficacy and potentially could be used in the dietary treatment of dyslipidemias and risk profiles for cardiovascular diseases.
Pigments are the molecules that give color by absorbing light in the visible spectrum. Pyocyanin is a redox-active, water-soluble, blue-green, phenazine pigment produced predominantly (95%) by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a gram-negative, aerobic bacilli. This pigment is utilized in the fabric industry as a natural dye with chromogenic properties and in agriculture as a biocontrol agent. This research aimed to synthesize, purify, and elucidate the structure of pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was obtained and maintained on nutrient agar. Pyocyanin was screened and produced in different broth media. The extraction was performed using the chloroform dilution method, and purification was achieved through Thin Layer and Gel Permeation chromatography. Their structure was elucidated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and the antibacterial action of the purified pigment was assessed using the Agar Well Diffusion Technique. The results indicated that green-pigmented colonies were produced on agar plates and in broth, the pyocyanin concentration was 4.8 µg/mL with an Rf value of 0.70, and inhibited the Staphylococcus aureus with a 15 mm zone of inhibition.
This study indicates significant species diversity with variability in growth parameters and showed carbon stock potential of dominant trees species across the University of Karachi campus. The mean diameter at breast height (DBH) (93.48 ± 13.53 cm) of Tamarindus indica L. is over twice as Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh and the mean BA (Basal Area) (6996.80 ± 2138.66 cm2 ) incredibly larger than all others, suggesting trees with much greater DBHs and total volume of wood. The mean DBH of E. camaldulensis (35.92 ± 17.10 cm) and Ficus religiosa L. (36.795 ± 8.83 cm) have the next higher DBH, thus having relatively high mean BAs (1241.71 and 1118.97 cm2 correspondingly). E. camaldulensis, Melia azedarach L., Guaiacum officinale L. and T. indica consistently register relatively larger Total Biomass (TB), carbon stock and CO₂ equivalent values. While Conocarpus erectus L., F. religiosa and Mangifera indica L. have much lower values for these measures reflecting their less contribution to the overall biomass and carbon stock. It was observed the total amount of 1657.355 tons of CO2 is heavily dominated by sampled species. Species diversity analysis revealed low species richness and evenness, with a Shannon index of 1.602, Shannon equitability of 0.72 and a Simpson index of 0.7692, suggesting dominance by a few species.
This study presents a demorphometric and shell architectural analysis of Babylonia spirata collected from the coastal waters of Pakistan. A total of 146 specimens were evaluated to morphometric variations included total length, body length, width, height, spire length, apex, four whorls, and weight. Descriptive statistics revealed consistent proportions in shell size, with mean total length (30.91 ± 8.047 mm) closely aligned with body length (30.51 ± 8.05 mm). High variability in width (22.89 ± 5.490 mm) and height (19.44 ± 4.89 mm) suggests differences in shell growth, while spire mean length (19.70 ± 9.41 mm) shows significant variation in shell elongation. Regression slopes (b-values) indicated positive isometric to allometric growth across most pairwise comparisons. ANOVA confirmed significant relationships (p < 0.001) between total length and width, height, and weight. Shell morphology and architecture assessed using the Spire Index (SI = 0.64) and width-to-length ratio (WLR = 0.75) classified the shell as low-spired and broad, suggesting a globular morphology. Correlation analysis showed strong positive associations between shell weight, water content, and sediment retention. The shell morphometric variability reflects age, environmental influences, and genetic diversity that contribute to understanding species-specific growth and shell morphology in B. spirata, relevant for ecological, taxonomic, and evolutionary assessments.
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a prevalent malignancy in Pakistan, with treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy increasing the risk of oral fungal infections. This study aimed to characterize the diversity of oral yeast species in HNC patients in Pakistan using a combination of phenotypic and molecular diagnostic techniques. Saliva samples were collected from 110 HNC patients at KIRAN Hospital and 100 healthy controls. Yeasts were isolated on culture media and initially screened using two chromogenic media: Brilliance Candida Agar (BCA) and CHROMagar™ Candida Plus (CCP). Molecular identification was performed by amplifying the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with the MspI enzyme and DNA sequencing for definitive speciation. Phylogenetic analysis and statistical modeling were conducted to understand species relationships and risk factors. A total of 126 yeast isolates were recovered from HNC patients. Chromogenic media identified up to six Candida species, with CCP showing superior differentiation. Molecular methods revealed a greater diversity of 11 yeast species. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of common pathogens like Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, as well as uncommon species such as Cyberlindnera fabianii (reported for the first time in Pakistan in this context) and Candida gattii. PCR-RFLP was useful for common species but could not differentiate C. albicans from C. dubliniensis or species lacking an MspI restriction site. Statistical analysis confirmed that HNC patients had a significantly higher risk (OR: 19.94-174.48, p<0.05) and diversity of yeast colonization compared to healthy controls. This study highlights a complex oral mycobiome in Pakistani HNC patients, with species diversity underestimated by conventional methods. While chromogenic media offer a rapid screening tool, DNA sequencing of the ITS region remains the gold standard for accurate identification, crucial for guiding antifungal therapy and improving patient management.
Anemia during pregnancy is a global health issue that affects both developed and developing nations. The primary objective of the study was to ascertain the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women and associated risk factors. To identify the causes of anemia in patients, across-sectional survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews in hospitals and clinics. Data was collected using a modified questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 2021. This study found that18.7%were mildly anemic, 74.9% were moderately and 6.44% were severely anemic. The mean age of the participants ranged from 14 to 42 years, with a maximum age of 42 and a minimum age of 14. A chi-square test examines the relationship between Hb levels and various factors. Some factors showed a significant relationship with Hb levels, including the age of the respondent (p=0.000), type of pregnancy (p=0.018), no consumption of fresh fruits (p=0.003), no use of iron supplements (p=0.012), not taking healthy diet (p=0.009), no nutritional guidance (p=0.048) and menstrual flow (p=0.016) as all p-values were<0.05. The findings indicated that a considerable share of the participants suffer from anemia. There were notable correlations between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and various factors, including age, pregnancy type, no fresh fruit intake, no iron supplements, no healthy diet, no nutritional guidance, and menstrual flow.
Zoonotic infections remain to present a remarkable worldwide health burden because of their multifaceted route of spread and intimate link with humans, animals, and their surrounding environments. However, of these infections, rabies ranks among those viral infections that not only remain highly lethal but are preventable. Nevertheless, these are mostly encountered and documented in low- and middle-income nations where canine rabies predominates. In addition, through various evidences presented and discussed in this review, it is seen that rabies and other such infections have continued to persist because of poor surveillance and access to vaccines, public education, and intersectoral struggle connecting human and animal health. In the present day, the efficacy of existing therapeutic interventions such as postexposure prophylaxis, which entails wound care along with immunization and the administration of immunoglobulin, is very high if done on a prompt basis. Still, cases of delayed interventions have led to increasing mortalities. Although improvements have been made to the efficacy and protect of cell culture-vaccine platforms, availability of such vaccines varies in endemic regions. More so, there is a rise in information pertaining to the possibility of the application of natural products such as nanoparticles of plant origin, which have been recognized to have antimicrobial, antiviral, and immune modulatory activities. Although such interventions deserve a trial from a clinical point of view, just a little validation has been done of such interventions on a live scale. One Health is another topic that has been recognized to effectively address all factors pertaining to zoonotic disease such as Rabies. Despite these advances, there are still many areas to be filled in via further studies with particular emphasis on translating unique developed in the laboratory into community-applicable interventions, optimizing community-based vaccine approaches, and advancing interdisciplinary approaches to community-based disease surveillance. Also important are vaccine distribution systems, rigorous evaluation of innovative plant-based therapy approaches, and policy-driven approaches to One Health. All these areas will ensure not only control and hopefully eradication of rabies but also a lower effect of zoonotic diseases in particular and infections in general worldwide.
A dense population of lugworm (Arenicola brasiliensis) was observed on the intertidal area on the sandy shore at Gwadar (Pedi Zur) in December 2025, which is the first record of its occurrence in the Gwadar area. The species was found distributed in a stretch of about 1 km. An analysis of the abundance of the lugworm population was carried out, which revealed a maximum population of 38 lugworms (number of coiled casts)/m2 in the Mid-Tide level. No lugworm was found in the Splash Fringe Level or in the subtidal zone. A maximum of 8 egg masses/m2 in the Mid-Tide Level indicates mass scale spawning of lugworm in the area.
The contribution of inherited disorders among human beings to congenital abnormalities and childhood mortality is also a significant factor globally. These conditions are mostly untreatable but can only be prevented and treated on an asymptomatic basis. It is more deplorable in inbred populations such as the one experienced in Pakistan, with higher rates (70%) of consanguinity marriages. Consanguinity enhances the chance of an individual having a variant that is inherited in a homozygous fashion, thereby leading to a recessive illness. However, prenatal diagnosis is an effective approach to regulate the frequency of carriers of genetic disorders with an autosomal recessive mechanism of inheritance. This study examined eight families that had a history of β-thalassemia being screened against the most frequent mutations that cause the condition. Genotyping was done by Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS), an adaptation of PCR, with allele-specific primers used to detect mutation successfully in all of these families. The results showed that the most common mutation of the investigated families was IVS-I-5 and FSC 8-9. The results, thus, elucidate the value of national carrier screening programs, premarital screening, and genetic counselling, showing great potential to significantly reduce the incidence of at-risk births by β-thalassemia major. This study provides valuable genomic information and thus forms a strong foundation for the development of policy measures and a contribution to a future where β-thalassemia can successfully be prevented through early diagnosis, community awareness, and informed reproductive decision-making.
This study investigates the accumulation of heavy metals in Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus collected from Sherabad Carp Hatchery Peshawar, and the Kabul River Peshawar to assess the influence of habitat on bioaccumulation patterns. Tissue samples from the gills, muscles, and intestine were analyzed for concentrations of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb). Results revealed higher concentrations of metals in river fish compared to hatchery fish indicating environmental contamination in natural water bodies, due to anthropogenic activities. Nickel showed the highest overall accumulation in river specimens, tend to suggest localized sources of pollution. While organ type did not exhibit a significant effect, descriptive trends suggested organ-specific affinities for certain metals. A significant interaction between habitat and metal type highlighted the complex nature of bioaccumulation mechanisms. The model accounted for 83.1% of the variation in metal concentrations, underscoring the importance of environmental conditions in shaping pollutant uptake in aquatic organisms. These findings stress the need for continuous monitoring and strict pollution control in freshwater ecosystems to safeguard both ecological and human health.
Driven by rising consumer demand for nutritionally beneficial and high-quality fruit juices, the present study employed enzyme technology to improve the yield and quality of apple juice. Pectinase and Cellulase were produced from locally isolated Bacillus sp. AA-04 and Bacillus sp. SM-07 and partially purified using salt fractionation technique. Maximum activity of Pectinase was found at 5 minutes, 50 °C, and pH 7.5. Cellulase required 10 minutes, 55 °C, and pH 8.0 for its optimal activity. The Vmax and Km were 497 U/mL and 0.115 mg/mL for Pectinase, whereas, Cellulase exhibited Vmax 370.4 U/mL and Km 0.1177 mg/mL. Apple pulp pretreated with soluble Pectinase and Cellulase at 40 °C for 45 minutes resulted in 57.89 % increase in juice yield. Multi-enzyme immobilized gel blocks fabricated from 30 % gelatin (w/v) and 20% (v/v) glutaraldehyde were used for juice clarification. The reduction in the viscosity and turbidity of apple juice were observed by 35% and 55% respectively as compared to raw juice, at 50 °C after 45 minutes of treatment. The multi-enzyme gel blocks were reused for 6 operational cycles of juice clarification.
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, and currently, there is no proper cure. A large number of pharmaceutical treatments, surgeries, and supportive therapies are designed to overcome the severity of symptoms. On the other hand, several latest, well-recognized emerging therapies are under trial phases to pinpoint the root cause of the disease. This review will discuss all the possible strategies, their benefits, and limitations. It will enable clinicians to select the most appropriate and suitable treatment strategies for their patients.
In the present study the length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factors (k and kn) of Botia lohachata species had been investigated and explicated with exacting reference to the growth position and condition factor in hill stream. The specimens were collected from the Ranikot stream of Kirthar mountain region. Four (04) morphometric traits of 28 individuals were analyzed in present study. The mean total length and weight was observed 13.913±3.961 cm and 8.138±2.137g, respectively. The correlation of LWR was found significantly (p<0.05) correlated (r 2 =0.988). The overall the ‘b’ value (2.684) suggests allometirc growth in Botia lohachata. However mostly traits correlation among other traits shows strong correlation with TL (r 2 =0.9). In further, the condition (k=0.176) and relative condition factors (kn=0.379) shows the highest environmental impact on fish growth. Botia lohachata is one of the declared endangered fish species. Hence, present findings will have crucial contribution for sustainable conservation of this precious species in the stream waters. Present findings also will provide an important baseline to fisheries researchers and scientists.
Salvadora persica L., is a perennial specie of family salvadoraceae renowned for its ethnobotanical uses due to its polypharmacological properties, and it is endangered due to its over exploitation. The aim of this study is the isolation and molecular identification of Rhizobacter in symbiotic association with S. persica L. acclimatised in the Harappa region of Punjab, Pakistan. Aseptically processed Rhizopheric soil samples were used to isolate bacteria by serial dilutions for plating on Luria Bertani agar medium. After proliferation and isolation of Gram positive Bacilli, the genomic DNA was extracted and brought under the 16S rRNA PCR. The isolate was identified as Priestia megaterium after conducting sequencing and BLAST analysis of 898bp amplicon with a satisfactory result of a 100% similarity. The acquired sequence was then deposited in NCBI GenBank under the Accession No. PQ136465 confirming its Phylogenetic taxonomic placement within the Priestia genus. The industrial uses of P. megaterium are recognized for plant nutrient solubilisation and phytohormone production promoting plant growth categorising this rhizobacterium as a promising bacterial isolate for biofertilizer research. This study accentuates the ecological importance and potential of native soil biomes and bacterial communities in symbiotic associations with the plants enhancing and conserving soil fertility creating resilience against climate change.
To feed a growing global population while minimizing environmental damage, we require comprehensive and quantitative knowledge of ecological factors influencing crop production. Through their burrowing and casting activities, subterranean detritivores like earthworms can boost the availability of nutrients in the soil. Many recent researches have investigated whether plant performance may be impacted by earthworm-caused alterations. In view of importance of plant association with various organisms in an ecosystem, The index of association was found to be 100 for Cynodon dactylon, 91.6 for Digitaria sp., 86.6 for Oryza sativa, 83.3 for Triticum indicum, 37.3 for Pennisetum typhoideum, 58.3 for Arachis hypogea, 46.6 for Avena sativa, 41.6 for Zea mays, 30 for Solanum tuberosum and 20 for Hordeum vulgare, respectively. The present study shows that owing to high temperature the quantity of earthworm found less in number resulting in less growth of plants. On the other hand, moisture effects demonstrated totally opposite consequences as compare to high temperature. The above findings suggest that suitability of temperature and moisture are vital factors for the growth of earthworm as well as plants.
Although Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. (A. marina) has long been known to have therapeutic benefits, little is known about its bioactive compounds and anti-pathogenic properties. The purpose of this study is to examine the antioxidant components and antimicrobial potential of A. marina in order to evaluate its suitability for managing common human and fruit crop pathogens. In Sandspit, Karachi, Pakistan, fresh plant samples were gathered from the mangrove forests. Soxhlet extraction techniques were used in the lab to create ethanolic and methanolic extracts. Important secondary metabolites with antioxidant (DPPH) and nutritional qualities, such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, carbohydrates, and proteins, were found through phytochemical screening. The disc diffusion method was used to assess the extracts' antimicrobial activity against specific bacterial pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and fungal pathogens (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium italicum, and Rhizopus stolonifer). Efficacy was assessed by measuring the zones of inhibition. The findings showed that the tested pathogens were significantly inhibited by both ethanolic and methanolic extracts. These results imply that, despite being halophytic, A. marina has promising antimicrobial qualities that could be used to create medicinal agents for human health and as plant pest bio-control agents, potentially increasing crop yields. In order to better understand the mechanisms underlying the bioactive compounds responsible for the observed activities, future research should concentrate on quantitative phytochemical analyses, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
The physiological role of exogenously applied phenolic compound salicylic acid (0.5 and 1 mg/L) was studied on the performance of Coriander variety Dilpazir seedling under imposed drought stress at 4 leaf stage for 7 days (moisture content 7% soil dry weight). Seedling weight, leaf relative water content, photosynthetic pigments and essential oil content were significantly decreased by drought stress. In response to drought stress plants of Coriander showed the higher build-up of soluble proteins and phenolic compounds in leaves and roots. The content of phenolic compounds was higher in roots than that of leaves. The higher activity of antioxidants enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) was recorded in the leaves, due to drought stress. Foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) minimized the drought-induced reduction in seedling weight, photosynthetic pigments and essential oil content. The antioxidant enzymes activities and soluble phenolic compounds production were further augmented by SA under drought stress. Higher antioxidant enzymes activity and increased build-up of phenolic compounds under drought stress by SA application seems like a possible mechanism involved behind the SA induced drought stress tolerance of coriander.
