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The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and severity of root-knot nematodes in peach orchards in the Pothwar Region of Pakistan. Thirty-seven peach orchards were surveyed in the region and root and soil samples were collected from 10 randomly selected plants in each orchard for analysis. In the region, an overall incidence rate of 19.8% and a prevalence rate of 65.7% of root-knot nematodes were observed. The district Attock exhibited the highest prevalence rate of 71.43% and incidence rate of 34.29%. Conversely, the district Islamabad displayed the lowest prevalence rate of 50.5% and incidence rate of 10%. The surveys encountered five distinct peach varieties, and Early Grand had the highest prevalence (85.71%) of root-knot nematodes while Local Aroo showed the lowest (50%). Florida Gold and Aroo-5 were not infested with root-knot nematodes. In the region, peach trees were found to be infected by two types of root-knot nematodes, namely, Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica., which was more prevalent than M. incognita, and it dominated all districts, except for Attock, where M. incognita was dominant. M. incognita was not present in Islamabad district. The occurrence of M. incognita and M. javanica as single populations were observed in 26.09 and 43.48% of orchards, respectively, while mixed populations were found in 30.43% of peach orchards. The overall galling index of the root-knot nematodes was 1.33, with the highest index in Attock and the lowest in Islamabad districts. Among the different peach cultivars, the Early Grand cultivar exhibited the maximum galling index, whereas no galling index was observed in the Florida Gold and Aroo-5 cultivars. It is recommended that stringent control strategies should be adopted to prevent the spread of nematodes to new plantations and to eradicate them from established orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant subtype of esophageal cancer in Central Asia, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Understanding population-specific patterns of ESCC is crucial for tailored treatments. This study aimed to unravel ESCC’s genetic basis in Kazakhstani patients and identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and targeted therapies. ESCC patients from Kazakhstan were studied. We analyzed histological subtypes and conducted in-depth transcriptome sequencing. Differential gene expression analysis was performed, and significantly dysregulated pathways were identified using KEGG pathway analysis (p-value < 0.05). Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed to elucidate key modules and their functions. Among Kazakhstani patients, ESCC with moderate dysplasia was the most prevalent subtype. We identified 42 significantly upregulated and two significantly downregulated KEGG pathways, highlighting molecular mechanisms driving ESCC pathogenesis. Immune-related pathways, such as viral protein interaction with cytokines, rheumatoid arthritis, and oxidative phosphorylation, were elevated, suggesting immune system involvement. Conversely, downregulated pathways were associated with extracellular matrix degradation, crucial in cancer invasion and metastasis. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed four distinct modules with specific functions, implicating pathways in esophageal cancer development. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing elucidated critical molecular pathways underlying esophageal carcinogenesis in Kazakhstani patients. Insights into dysregulated pathways offer potential for early diagnosis and precision treatment strategies for ESCC. Understanding population-specific patterns is essential for personalized approaches to ESCC management.

The relationship between real exchange rate volatility and the trade balance has been a contentious issue since the fall of Bretton woods agreement of 1973, owing to the lack of unanimity on the effect. This article provides empirical evidence of the link between the real exchange rate volatility and the trade balance in the light of financial development, confirming the assertion that the effect is significantly dependent on the country's level of financial development. Due to Nigeria's relatively undeveloped financial system, its exchange rate dampens the country's exports. Rather than studying the relationship in isolation, we examine the moderating role of financial development on the link between export and the real exchange rate volatility in this paper. The empirical estimation is based on the Nigeria's data set spanning the years 1980–2019, and it employs threshold autoregressive non-linear co-integration and non-linear ARDL estimation techniques. According to the findings, financial development magnifies the beneficial benefits of the real exchange rate on Nigeria's foreign trade. It also states that the uncertainty in foreign capital flows has a negative impact on Nigeria's international trade. The findings have broad policy implications, implying that in order to diversify and improve the economy's future growth and associated international trade, Nigeria's policymakers should promote adequate financial sector development, as financial shocks are amplified by poorly implemented credit markets.

The information regarding relationship between nematode dosage and infective juveniles (IJ) production are available for Steinernema affine. Therefore, in the present study the effect of inoculation doses of S. affine and extraction methods was investigated on the production of IJ in Galleria mellonella. There was significantly greater emergence of IJ of S. affine from the Galleria mellonella using White traps than with modified Baermann extraction trays. In Baermann extraction trays, the maximum emergence of IJ of S. affine was observed at an inoculation dose of 400 IJ followed by the dose of 50 IJ. The minimum emergence was found with an inoculation dose of 100 IJ. On the other hand, in case of White traps, the maximum emergence of IJ was recorded with doses of 100 and 50 IJ. The minimum emergence of IJ was observed with a dose of 200 IJ. The relationships between inoculation doses and emergence of IJ from the cadavers for both the methods were found to be non-significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial wilt incited by Ralstonia solanacearum is a serious threat to economically important crops throughout the world and warrants strict control strategies. Use of resistant cultivars is one of the most important strategies to dispense with the pernicious consequences of chemicals. In the present study, twenty eight chili cultivars were assessed for their relative resistance or susceptibility to a highly virulent strain of R. solanacearum biovar 3 (RsBd6). Two cultivars namely Skyline-II and Hifly appeared highly resistant. Sanam was the only cultivar found to be resistant while twelve cultivars were categorized as moderately resistant to the bacterium. On the other hand, seven cultivars were rated as moderately susceptible and three showed susceptible reaction. Two cultivars, Talhari and Maxi, behaved as highly susceptible and California Wonder was found to be extremely susceptible. In susceptible cultivars, symptoms appeared 4 days after inoculation resulting in complete wilting within 14 days while in resistant and moderately resistant cultivars, no wilting was observed even after 14 days of inoculation. Brown discoloration in vascular systems of highly susceptible plants was also observed. The resistant and moderately resistant cultivars are therefore recommended for cultivation and in developing new resistant chili cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of insect pests is mainly relied on synthetic insecticides which are inimical to humans, livestock and environment. To dispense with the pernicious consequences of chemicals, use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is among the viable alternatives. The successful management by EPNs is dependent on their establishment in soils, infectivity, persistence and pathogenicity for longer periods. In the present study, emergence of Steinernema feltiae infective juveniles (IJs) from infected Galleria mellonella cadavers was monitored under moist and dry conditions at 5 and 10°C. Greater numbers of IJs of S. feltiae recovered from G. mellonella cadavers kept at 10°C than from those kept at 5°C. Likewise, significantly greater number of infective juveniles emerged in moist conditions as compared to dry. The relationship between both the temperatures and wet and dry conditions was highly significant (P<0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are one of the promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides for the control of insect pests. For successful insect management, EPNs must be established in the soil and remain infective, persistent and pathogenic for long periods. The present study investigated on the emergence of Steinernema feltiae infective juveniles (IJ) from infected Galleria mellonella cadavers in moist and dry conditions. A significantly high number of infective juveniles of S. feltiae emerged in moist conditions as compared to dry. A positive correlation was found between the weight of the Galleria larvae at infection and the numbers of IJ recovered in the moist as compared with dry conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) is destructive pathogen with widest host range, infecting more than 100 botanical families comprising more than 500 genera and 1300 plant species. Chilli pepper is a significant cash crop of Pakistan among vegetable grown. The identification of genetic resistance to CMV in Pakistan (CMV chilli isolate) in chilli pepper is of economic importance. Thus, 40 Chilli pepper genotypes, both local and imported, were evaluated by mechanical/ manual virus inoculation and resistance to CMV chilli isolate was examined by visual observations and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). On the basis of 0-5 disease rating scale and ELISA, nine genotypes viz., C-2, CV-2, CV-5, BSS-269, PGRI, M-2001, CM-2001, M-97 and CP-328 were remained free of infection and catalogued as highly resistant. Rest of the genotypes exhibited characteristic symptoms like mosaic, mottling, leaf curling and reduced leaf size depending upon tested genotypes. Among these genotypes, five were categorized as resistant, seven as moderately resistant, eight as moderately susceptible and 11 as susceptible. These resistant and moderate resistant genotypes could be used by farmers in cultivation under integrated production systems and by breeders in developing new chilli pepper hybrid resistant genotypes to CMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the cause of death of large number of camels during an outbreak in Saudi Arabia. Material and methods: History was taken from the camel owners and breeders. Besides, clinical and post-mortem (PM) examinations were conducted. In this study, ten locations were surveyed and all camels were examined. Wheat bran was suspected as the source of the havoc. For establishing this assumption, a feeding trial was conducted with three camels, six mice, one rabbit and four of each chickens and ducklings using the incriminated wheat bran. Samples were collected from the suspicious wheat bran and the afflected animals, and were sent to international reference laboratories for diagnosis. The clinical signs elicited by the feeding trial were compared with the signs recorded in the outbreak. Results: The body temperature of the affected camels ranged from 36.4◦C to 41.9◦C. The clinical signs included hyper-excitability, muscle tremors, in-coordination of the hind quarters, sternal or lateral recumbence, inability to stand, and death. PM examination revealed no remarkable pathological changes in internal organs but the rumens were full of gases, and showed hyperemia and petechial hemorrhages. Within a period of twelve days from the onset of the crisis, 2,800 of the affected camels died. The clinical signs showed by the two camels in the feeding trial were similar to those observed in field outbreak. The tentative diagnosis of toxicosis, which was made based on the clinical signs was confirmed by the reference laboratories. Salinomycin (300 to 400 mg/Kg feed), Aluminium (230 ppm), Aspergillus clavatus and A. flavus were detected in the incriminated wheat bran. Conclusion: Salinomycin causes heavy mortalities in one-humped camels in the affected areas. Owners and breeders are adviced to avoid feeding low quality feed to their camels. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 214-221]

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The nature of association between Demodex mites and bacteria involved in bovine demodectic mange lesions and the normal flora inhabiting the skin of noninfected animals was investigated. Demodex bovis and D. ghanensis mites were isolated from the infected purulent material extracted from skin and meibomian gland lesions, respectively. The mites could not be demonstrated in skin brushings or impression smears from the eyes of noninfected cattle. Pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A)) and opportunistic organisms (Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Trueperella pyogenes) were isolated from skin lesions of demodectic mange, and Moraxella bovis and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from meibomian gland lesions. Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A) were isolated from skin brushings from noninfected cattle. The nature of association between Demodex mites and bacteria in demodectic mange lesions is synergistic and of equal significance. Pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria facilitated the establishment of Demodex mites in the lesions produced and provided an excellent microclimate for the mites to propagate and reproduce, resulting in severe and progressive disease. The “high-turnover” granulomatous reaction which characterized the histopathological changes proved that Demodex mites and associated bacteria were persistent and immunogenic.

L'épidémiologie de la dermatophilose (Dermatophilus congolensis) est discutée à la lumière des acquisitions récentes concernant tant la maladie naturelle qu'expérimentale chez les animaux domestiques et de laboratoire, ainsi que chez les volailles. Ces investigations suggèrent que les réponses des animaux d'expérience à cet organisme diffèrent de celles des animaux élevés dans les conditions naturelles. L'idée est avancée que cet organisme est un Dermatophilus congolensis qui se développe, en les sensibilisant, chez les animaux dont la peau présente le micro-climat qui lui est favorable. Les animaux qui sont exposés de façon répétée à de faibles doses de cet organisme font une maladie à évolution progressive caractérisée par une hypersensibilité différée du type tuberculinique. Des suggestions sont faites en vue de futures recherches pour préciser le mécanisme exact de la réaction des animaux lors d'infection naturelle ou expérimentale