The current study conducted to collect and identify the ectoparasite infesting domestic mammal’s i.e cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep in district Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan during the months of March, May and July 2023. In the present research work, total 542 mammals were screened, out of them 251 were infested with ectoparasites. During present study, two genera of lice and four gnera of ticks were identified. The four genera of ticks were Hyaloma, Rhipicephalus, Ixode, and Heamaphysalus while the two genera of lice were Linognathus and Damalinia. The specimen were collected with the help of mouth blanded forcep and preserved in the formalin (10%). The collected specimens were identified on basis of morphlogical characteristics with the help of identification key as mention by Wall and Shearer (2001) and walker et al; (2003). There were total 655 ectoparasites collected from selected localities, out of these 364 were ticks and 291 lice. The ticks infestations were observed in all the selected mammalian species, while the lice infestation were observed in goats and sheep. Ticks infestations observed high in the cows (31.31%) than buffaloes (27.47%), sheep (19.78%) and goats (21.42%). While the lice infestation high in the in goats (51.20%) than sheep (19.78%). According to the current study we concluded that ectoparasites infest domestic mammals such they are not only the cause of diseases in them but also adverse effect on their growth and productivity.

ABSTRACT Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health challenge in rural regions, where water scarcity, inadequate sanitation, and dependence on multiple water sources increase the risk of waterborne and zoonotic parasitic infections. Tehsil Daraban Kalan, District Dera Ismail Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan), represents a vulnerable rural setting where drinking water quality and sanitation conditions may contribute significantly to disease transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of zoonotic parasites in different drinking water sources and to evaluate household water accessibility and sanitation practices in the study area. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six rural union councils comprising 24 villages and 600 households, and a total of 450 water samples were collected from ponds, tube wells, and drainage sources. Samples were processed using filtration and centrifugation techniques. Parasitic organisms were identified through modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining for acid-fast parasites (Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii) and Lugol’s iodine wet mount for non–acid-fast parasites (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Balantidium coli, and Fasciola hepatica). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and differences in prevalence were analyzed using the Chi-square test at a significance level of p < 0.05. Tube wells were identified as the predominant source of drinking water, while flush toilets were the most commonly reported sanitation facility. Drainage water exhibited the highest prevalence of parasitic contamination, particularly Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia (p < 0.01), followed by pond water. In contrast, tube well water showed comparatively lower levels of contamination, although some samples tested positive for Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica. Household water accessibility varied significantly, with most families spending approximately 15 minutes to collect drinking water. Surface and drainage water sources pose substantial zoonotic and public health risks in the study area. Immediate interventions including improved water treatment systems, enhanced sanitation infrastructure, and community-based hygiene education are essential to reduce waterborne parasitic infections and improve public health outcomes in rural communities.

The current research is Study of external morphometry and length and weight relationship of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella) from polyculture system Multan, Pakistan. Morphometric studies include the systematics, structure, growth, variation, and development of an organism's population. The morphometric measurements (Total length, Standard length, forked length, head length, Snout length, Eye diameter, dorsal length, pectoral length, pelvic length, anal length and Body girth) and body weight were recorded. The overall 140 specimens were collected and examined in order to examine the external morphometry of the species under study for the first time as well as their length and weight relationship for the examination of morphological traits. The fish samples' wet weight varied from 15 to 198g, with an average of 80.19 ± 48.82g, according to the data. Their average length was 17.06 ± 3.76cm, with a range of 10 to 25 cm. The regression coefficient (b) was less than 3.0 but very close to be considered isometric with total length and other morphometric that indicate the isometric growth of these parameters compared to total length whereas in weight with total length (WT-TL) it was shows isometric growth (2.97) in C. Idella. The goal was to provide the greatest proteinaceous diet for maximum growth and supply the quality food for C. idella using locally accessible products. The findings of current study have potential to provide the valuable understandings for the researchers in upcoming time to work with C. Idella that surely enhancing the fish growth. The results of the present study will contribute to the proper management of this species in the farming system and can be used to fill a gap in the current knowledge in this area. Furthermore, it will offer the promising response for boosting the development, growth, metabolism and immunological functions of farmed fish and overall health in aquaculture sector.

Using the MTT 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the ability to increase the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cells, the protective effects of ethanolic extract of tamarillo were assessed in the current study. The cells were pre-treated with tamarillo ethanolic extract at 10 g/mL for 4 h before being exposed to 0.6 mM H2O2 for 3 h showed the greatest protection, with a significant increase (P 0.05) in cell viability of 79% compared to the control (57%). The results support a role that cyto-protective effect of tamarillo and doxorubicin which low in toxicity opens a new possible approach for possible future use in conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation therapy.

Background: There has been an increase in interest in studies for the extraction of biologically active compounds from natural sources during the past decade. The Oleaeuropaea L. tree, occasionally referred to as the olive, is one of the members of the Oleaceae family and is very significant historically and economically, particularly in Mediterranean countries. Olive leaves have a lofty phenolic compound, which offer them antioxidant properties and a decreased risk of illness. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the bioactive compounds (polyphenol, flavonoids) and antioxidant activities of the different olive leaves extracts. Methods: The percentage yield of various extract of olive leaves was measured and the polyphenols was determined by Folin Ciocalteu reagent while the bioactive compounds flavonoids was estimated by using aluminum chloride method. The antioxidant activities of various extract of olive leaves were measured by DPPH and reducing power assay. Results: In this study the olive leaves extracts' maximum recovery yield (32.70%) of was found in methanol extracts and the total phenol concentrations varied from 3.64±0.11–135.70±8.2 (mg GAE/g) and flavonoids 1.20±0.07 26.35±1.20 (mg QE/g). Our results revealed that methanolic extract shown outstanding % Inhibition (DPPH) and reducing power activity. The capacity to lower the DPPH was in this order: methanol > water: methanol>water>chloroform > hexane extract at the same concentration. Similarly, methanolic extract, showed higher reducing power activity with absorbance which increases from 0.5701 to 1.0204 at concentration 0.1-0.5 mg/mL. Conclusions: This concluded that the olive leaves were a potent source of bioactive compounds and its ability to scavenge free radicals and its reducing power is largely attributed to their phenolic compounds. However, more in-depth research is needed to identify the active compounds in these extracts that are responsible for these effects.

As the global demand for aquaculture products continues to rise, sustainable and efficient feed sources are crucial for the industry's growth. Insects have emerged as a promising alternative due to their high nutritional content, low environmental impact, and potential to alleviate overreliance on conventional feed ingredients. This abstract delves into the role of insects as sustainable feed in aquaculture, elucidating their benefits and challenges. Insects offer a rich source of fats, minerals, proteins, and vitamins that meet the dietary requirements of various aquatic species. Their rapid growth rates and ability to thrive on organic waste contribute to their eco-friendly nature, reducing the environmental burden associated with aqua-feed production. Notably, insects can be reared on various organic substrates, minimizing competition for arable land and reducing the demands on wild fish hoards utilized for fishmeal construction. However, integrating insects into aqua-feed presents certain hurdles. Standardized production methods, quality control, and regulatory frameworks need to be established to ensure consistent and safe insect-derived feed. Additionally, understanding the potential impacts of insect-based diets on fish health, growth, and product quality is vital. It is conclusion that the insects hold immense potential as a sustainable feed source for aquaculture, addressing nutritional demands while minimizing environmental impacts and addressing the challenges through collaborative researcher research, and eco-friendly aquaculture sector.

Background: The occurrence of infestation by ticks on livestock is a significant challenge in several semi-tropical and tropical countries including Pakistan. Polluted environment and adapted tolerance by ticks against acaricide are the limiting factors that restrict the management of ticks globally.Methods: In this study, we evaluated the infestation by ticks on cattle from numerous livestock farms present in different districts and agroecological areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province in Pakistan. Furthermore, we compared the anti-tick efficacy of different botanicals using ethanolic and aqueous extracts to control Hyalomma detritum.Results: The prevalence rate was 1.78, 35.37, 36.23, 8.15, 15.50, 0.29 and 2.67 percent for Amblyoma varigatum (A. varigatum), Hyalomma anatolicum (H. anatolicum), H. detritum, Hylomma rufipes (H. rufipes), Hyalomma truncatem (H. truncatum), Rhipicephalus microplus (R. microplus), and Hyalomma kashmirensis (H. kashmirensis), respectively. In terms of high mortality rate of ticks, extracts derived from Calotropis procera flower (93.33%), Citrullus colocynthis fruit (95.0%) and Calotropis procera flower (89.4%) showed significantly high efficancy (P < 0.05) than the extracts derived from other plants. In terms of their efficacy in causing mortality of H. detritum tick, Calotropis procera flower, Citrullus colocynthis fruit and Calotropis procera leaves extracts displayed non-significant variation.Conclusion: This work revealed that the cattle tick H. detritum can be successfully controlled by employing both ethanolic and aqueous plant extracts. The intensive use of insecticides and chemical drugs are costly and may affect human health negatively due to residual effects in milk and animal meat.(c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Haematophagous arthropods can harbor various pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and nematodes. Insects possess an innate immune system comprising of both cellular and humoral components to fight against various infections. Haemocytes, the cellular components of haemolymph, are central to the insect immune system as their primary functions include phagocytosis, encapsulation, coagulation, detoxification, and storage and distribution of nutritive materials. Plasmatocytes and granulocytes are also involved in cellular defense responses. Blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes and ticks, can harbour a variety of viral pathogens that can cause infectious diseases in both human and animal hosts. Therefore, it is imperative to study the virus-vector-host relationships since arthropod vectors are important constituents of the ecosystem. Regardless of the complex immune response of these arthropod vectors, the viruses usually manage to survive and are transmitted to the eventual host. A multidisciplinary approach utilizing novel and strategic interventions is required to control ectoparasite infestations and block vector-borne transmission of viral pathogens to humans and animals. In this review, we discuss the arthropod immune response to viral infections with a primary focus on the innate immune responses of ticks and mosquitoes. We aim to summarize critically the vector immune system and their infection transmission strategies to mammalian hosts to foster debate that could help in developing new therapeutic strategies to protect human and animal hosts against arthropod-borne viral infections.

P RESENT study was conducted in order to estimate the breeding potential and mortality of African lion (Panthera leo leo, Linnaeus 1758) in captivity.Recorded data by the experts of zoo management for the period 2003 to 2011 and by research worker for the period 2012 through 2015 was included in the study.During study period, a total of 29 cubs were produced including 12 males and 17 females.During this period, 12 animals died including 7 males and 5 females.Among these, 2 were adults and 10 were young ones.The number of breeding animals (pairs) varied during this period.Estrus cycle in lioness ranged from 4-7 days and gestation period lasted for 110 days.Old age with related ailments was the cause of death in adults.Premature and underweight births, avoidance of females to adapt offspring, infanticide, and bacterial infections were the causes of infant mortality.As the observations during study period showed a good breeding outcome of African lion in the form of 29 cubs with a maxima of 6 cubs per annum and the mortality rate is less than that, therefore, it is rational to conclude that big cats like Panthera leo leo can breed successfully in captivity.It is concluded from this study that African lion in captivity has optimal breeding potential and the conservation status of this highly threatened species could be improved.

Since May 2009 the first National Health Accounts (NHA) for Pakistan have been finalised and published by Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS) in cooperation with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ). This paper goes one step ahead the report and analyses in more detail the regional differences in health expenditure structures in Pakistan. The further analyses can be divided into four parts: health expenditures in provinces (Provincial Health Accounts, PHA),2 Punjab provincial and district governments health expenditures and its comparison with ADB figures, all districts of Pakistan and comparison between total district government and provincial government expenditure for each province; the latter calculation is applied as indication for the degree of fiscal autonomy of the districts in each province. Consequently we first analyse the provincial health expenditures by Financial Agents and compare them between the provinces which leads to very heterogeneous results (Section 2); the per capita health expenditures differ from 16 to 23 USD. Secondly, we compare NHA results on Punjab district government with available ADB results and present differences in methods as possible reasons for different results (Section 3). Third, we analyse district data of all district governments in all four Pakistani provinces on the level of detailed function codes in Section 4; the aim is to discover regional differences between districts of the same as well as of different provinces. Fourth, we analyse in Section 5 the degree of fiscal autonomy on health of the districts in each province; therefore we review the ordinance description and compare total district government with total provincial government expenditures per province. Finally we give recommendations for future rounds of NHA in Pakistan regarding formats and necessities of detailed health expenditure data collection to ensure evidence based decision-making not only on federal, but also on provincial and district level. JEL classification: H51, I1, O18, R1 Keywords: National Health Accounts, Health Expenditures, Regional Comparison, Regional Accounts, Fiscal Autonomy, Pakistan

In Pakistan, ostrich farming is becoming more popular as a means of obtaining inexpensive meat that is also devoid of cholesterol and other diseases when compared to chicken. In the wild, ostriches dwell in flocks of five to fifty and perform well in captivity. Ostrich chicks' early development rate is critical in preparing the bird for later growth up till the slaughter mass. The original egg mass from which the bird emerges determines the hatching weight. Ostrich chicks lose up to 20% of their weight in the first five to seven days after hatching.The typical carcass weight of an ostrich might be 57-58 percent of the live body weight.On a monthly basis, weight and height were determined, and given feed was calculated on a daily basis. The variation in growth rates between the two farms is due to the fact that the Balouch ostrich farm has far better conditions for birds and provides more food, whilst the Hamayoon ostrich farm has a lower growth rate due to restricted food availability. Furthermore, the death rate is linked to a lack of food.

To delineate the spatial distribution of high saturation gas hydrate reservoirs in the low-angle subduction areas of the Makran Accretionary Prism, we conducted seismic data interpretation and impedance inversion of gas hydrates in the Makran Accretionary Prism and comprehensively analyzed the characteristics of the high saturation gas hydrate reservoirs in the Nankai Trough in Japan and the Shenhu Area in the South China Sea. The results show that the Makran Accretionary Prism features thick sediments, developed transport systems of “two-way gas supply” (i.e., thrust fault and normal fault, thrust fault and high permeable strata), and clear and continuous bottom simulating reflector (BSR). Meanwhile, strong-amplitude reflectors and strong-impedance anomalies coexist in the anticline wing above the BSR. Combined with the proven characteristics of high saturation gas hydrate reservoir, the high saturation gas hydrate reservoirs in the Makran Accretionary Prism are probably mainly distributed in the anticline wings immediately above the BSR. These results provide useful information for the exploration and development of gas hydrate in the low-angle subduction area of the Makran Accretionary Prism.

The specimens of Apis mellifera, A. dorsata and A. florea were collected during field surveys during July, 2018 to August, 2020 from selected sites of Punjab, Pakistan. These sites included Bhawalpur, Khaniwal, Kasur, Lahore, Chakwal and Rawalpindi. The captured specimens were identified first on the basis of morphology and then identified using mitochondria) DNA genes. A. mellifera workers, queens and drones were black in color. Apis dorsata workers were yellow, however, queens and drones were brown. Apis florea queens and workers were yellow banded and the drones were black. The phenol chloroform technique was used to extract whole genomic DNA from preserved honey bee tissues. The quality of the DNA was determined using gel electrophoresis, and the quantity was determined using a thermal scientific Nano-drop. COI primers were used for PCR amplification. All of the acquired specimens' DNA sequences revealed reliable and obvious species identification. GenBank was contacted when appropriate amplified DNA samples were uploaded, and accession numbers were acquired (MZ433243.1, MZ433277.1 and MZ433289.1). After removing problematic bases, the Apis mellifera, Apis dorsata, and Apis florea COI gene fragments were 670, 680, and 675, respectively. Closely comparable Apis sequences were collected from NCBI in blast queries and used in phylogenetic studies. Neighbor-Joining tree, Maximum Likelihood tree and Minimum Evolution tree of the genus Apis was constructed based on p-distance using MEGA X. The overall, genetic divergence of genus Apis was 0.098 +/- 0.022. It can be concluded that the morphological characteristics provide information as an indicator for estimating genetic variations between honey bee populations. Further work is needed to explore more areas of Pakistan and molecular identification is required to report any new or subspecies from country.

Fish is thought to be the most appropriate for indication of toxicity in water. So, purpose of present study was to determine the concentrations of few metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cd, Pb and Zn) in relation to the body size and condition factor in Scomberoides commersonnianus. A total of 73 samples of marine fish, S. commersonnianus with various sizes that ranged from 93.4-1180 g of body weight and total length 20.5-56.9cm were randomly collected from the Arabian Sea of Karachi Pakistan, for examination of elemental composition. The concentration of Calcium found maximum while Cadmium found minimum in S. commersonnianus. Concentrations of Zn showed highly significant (P<0.001) negative, while Na and Ca exhibited strong positive correlation with the fish size. Correlations of Pb, K and Mg were found least significant (P<0.05) with the wet weight and total length of S. commersonnianus. Whereas, Fe and Cd were remained insignificantly correlated (P>0.05) with the fish size. Condition factor showed highly significant correlation (P<0.001) with all studied metals except cadmium and lead which were found insignificantly correlated (P>0.05) with condition factor of S. commersonnianus.

Now-a-days, different bioproducts are being used extensively for the welfare of mankind. However, for proper utility of any bioproduct, the exact biotechnological potential of that product should be explored. Honey is produced in almost every country on the planet. It has long been used as a medicinal agent in addition to its broader use as a popular food throughout the human history. It can be used to treat various diseases without causing any negative side effects. In the present study, the antibacterial potential of honey produced by A. dorsata was investigated at its variable concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 %) against four pathogenic bacterial species. The highest antimicrobial action was seen against E. coli at 100 % concentration of the honey while showing zone of inhibition of 37.5 ± 3.5 mm. However, the lowest antibacterial action was observed against E. faecalis. The overall order of growth inhibition by the honey at its 100 % concentration for the implicated bacterial species appeared as: E. coli ˃ P. aeruginosa ˃ S. aureus ˃ E. faecalis. The honey couldn’t show antibacterial action at its 25 % concentration. Our findings of the present study will be helpful for utility of the honey as an alternative medicine for curing different complications caused by microbial pathogens.

Hepatitis is a worldwide problem. Until now, six types of viruses related to hepatitis has been discovered and among them hepatitis B and C virus are most prominent. Both of these viruses can be spread easily and can cause significant health damage. Blood transfusion, unprotected sex and reuse of used syringes and razors are the main reasons for transferring the virus. ICT kits are easily available in market which were used to detect the presence of hepatitis B and C. These kits are easy to use but their efficiency is not 100%. This study was conducted to observe the ratio of hepatitis in Bahawalpur region and it was observed that overall incidence of HCV is more as compared to HBV. The percentage prevalence in male population (37%) was higher than female population (35%) and the percentage of HCV is higher in poor families (41%) than middle class families (33%). Furthermore, virus was more prevalent in middle aged male then younger and older persons. As hepatitis is frequently propagating among the people of Pakistan, which causing great lose of man power and economy every year. However, Public awareness through health education program and seminars should be held in regular interval, and vaccination programs to decrease the burden of HBV and HCV from the population of Bahawalpur Punjab province of Pakistan. There is an urgent need to undertake such studies in other populations so that populations with higher prevalence can be identified and ways can be devised for the prevention and cure of these viral infections.

Objective: Study objective is to find out the prevalance and risk factors of ischemic heart disease in Southern Punjab. Methodology: Data was collected on data fact sheet through direct observations and parameters were noticed as per hospital record. Binary Logistic Regression was applied for statistical analysis of the data. The impact of demographic variables, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and Renal Parameters on Ischemic Heart Disease with the use of logistic regression. Gender, Age, BMI and Smoker were taken as response or dependent variable and Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and Renal Parameters were taken as independent variable to determine the Impact of above mentioned demographic variables on "Ischemic Heart Disease". Results: This study contains patients of various age, gender, smoker, BMI and blood groups. The variable of DM, HTN, Urea and cereal have significant impact on Age. Gender show significant impact with DM. Smoker, BMI and blood group shows significant impacts on all variables. Conclusion: A strong relation between active and passive smokers, increased in the risk of heart attack was observed. Middle age is associated with lower risk of heart failure. Increased body weight, hypertension, increasing age, diabetes mellitus and smoking are major factors contributing to ischemic heart diseases. While blood group and gender are independent factors ischemic diseases.

To investigate the role of cow dung in soil reclamation and bio assimilation along with bio accumulation of heavy metals in earthworm (P. posthuma) (N=900) earthworms were used and treatment groups of CD-soil mixture of different proportion of cow dung were designed. Nonlethal doses of lead acetate and cadmium chloride were added in treatment groups. Mature P. posthuma were released in each experimental pot maintaining the favorable conditions. The pH, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal level of each mixture was evaluated. The results indicated that bio-assimilation of Pb and Cd by P. posthuma were significantly (P ˂ 0.01) higher in different soil-CD treatments compared to control. Highest bio-assimilation of both metals was observed in T1 of both groups (Pb = 563.8 mg/kg and Cd = 42.95 mg/kg). The contents of both metals were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) lowered in casting. The nutrient concentration in the final castings of all soil-CD treatments were also equally transformed from less or insoluble to more soluble and available for plants, except for carbon level which increased with CD proportion. It is concluded that cow dung as organic matter has a positive effect on soil reclamation and bio-assimilation of metals by P. posthuma.

In this review an-overview is presented to study the effects of condensation, skimming and physio-chemical quality of buffalo milk. Skimming process had significant influences on chemical and sensory qualities of milk. Previous researchers discussed the remarkable changes in the physical and physio- chemical characteristics of condensed milk i.e. moisture, ash content and acidity, specific gravity of skimmed milk as compared to the whole milk. It has been also concluded from the different studies that the physical properties like, exterior, colour, flavour and body texture of milk were comparatively reduced by condensation and skimming and the density of skimmed milk appeared thinner and products achieved the variable score in different above mentioned physio-chemical properties. This review will discuss the effects of condensation and skimming on whole milk and their byproducts and their physical and physio- chemical properties in comparative aspects skimming and condensation whole milk.

The present study aimed at developing Montanide oil based inactivated vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila and assessing immunogenic potential of two Indian major carps (Rohu: Labeo rohita and Mori: Cirrhinus mrigala), and a Chinese carp (Grass carp: Ctenopharyngodon idella) commercially cultured in Pakistan. Fishes were randomly distributed in three vaccinated groups with three vaccine concentrations at 108, 109 and 1010 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL and an unvaccinated control group. Fixed dose of 0.1 mL was intraperitoneally injected to each fish on 1st day and a booster dose at 15 days post-vaccination (DPV). Blood samples were collected at 14, 28, 35, 48 and 60 DPV to determine antibody titers in blood serum using complement fixation test (CFT). Growth parameters were also measured on fortnightly basis. The immune response showed highest antibody Geometric Mean Titers (GMT) on 35 DPV in all vaccinated groups which remained significantly higher than control group till 60 DPV. Fishes were challenged at 60 DPV with infectious A. hydrophila with 108 CFU/mL through immersion bath. The relative percentage survival (RPS) was 89% for fishes vaccinated with 109 and 1010 CFU/mL potencies while 78% for 108 CFU/mL potency. Vaccination did not cause adverse effect on growth performance of fishes. Minor degenerations, with non-significant histopathological changes were observed in few vaccinated fishes as compared to control group in which majority of the fishes presented deteriorative changes in tissues histology.