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Background: Ovine and caprine theileriosis is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease, caused by Theileria spp., responsible for heavy economic losses in terms of high mortality and morbidity rates. Diagnosis of ovine theileriosis is primarily based on clinical symptoms, microscopic screening of stained blood smears, and lymph node biopsy smears, but the limitations of these detection methods against Theileria spp. infection limits their specificity. Aim: To overcome these limitations, the current study reports the differential diagnosis of theileriosis through a blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in small ruminants from Pakistan. Methods: The study was conducted on 1,200 apparently healthy small ruminants (737 sheep and 463 goats). First, blood smears were screened for the presence of Theileria piroplasms in red blood cells. Second, PCR amplification based on 18S rRNA gene was performed by using primers specific to Theileria spp. Results: Out of the 1,200 samples of examined blood smears, 100 animals (8.33%) were found positive for Theileria species, which showed intra-erythrocytic bodies in the form of dot and comma shapes. Amplification of the isolated DNA from randomly collected blood samples of 737 sheep and 463 goats showed that an amplicon size of 1,098 bp was positive for Theileria spp. In total, 315 out of the 1,200 small ruminants examined in this study were found positive for Theileria spp. DNA through PCR amplification. Notably, out of the 885 blood samples negative by PCR amplification, only 15 blood samples were found positive by the blood smear test. Conversely, 230 blood samples that tested negative in the smear technique produced a specific band through PCR amplification. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity rates were 26.98% and 98.31% for the blood smear method and 73.01% and 100% for the PCR assay, respectively. Conclusion: Our finding suggests that PCR is the gold standard method compared to the conventional method of smear examination for the diagnosis of ovine and caprine theileriosis in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cotton growing areas, short duration sunflower hybrids are desired. The sunflower hybrid ORISUN-675 was developed as short duration sunflower hybrid with better yield in 2016. ORISUN-675 was the outcome of hybridization between CMS line ORI-01 and a restorer line RL-72. The initial cross was attempted during 2016 at farm area of Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad. Later on, this hybrid was tested at various levels like on station trial and multilocation trails for yield and stability evaluation and proved its worth against Hysun-33, NKS-278 and AGSUN-5264. The Station Yield Trial was conducted during 2017 at Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad and Micro Yield Trial during 2018 at various locations in Punjab. National Uniform Sunflower Yield Trials were conducted during 2019 and 2020 at different ecological zones of Pakistan under the supervision of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. All yield trials showed outstanding results of ORISUN-675 in terms of yield and quality against check hybrids. Mean yield of sunflower hybrids showed that ORISUN-675 had the highest average seed yield of 2636 kg/ha under various locations with the highest seed yield of 3367 kg/ha at Rajanpur district followed by the district D.I. Khan with the seed yield of 3248 kg/ha. It also showed good results against disease infestation and attack of insect pests. It has a very good oil quality with excellent ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Stability studies at various locations of Pakistan also showed the worth of this hybrid. Moreover, this hybrid showed very good results at southern Punjab (Cotton zone) which makes it suitable for cotton sunflower cotton cropping scheme. On the basis of yield and stability evaluation, ORISUN-675 was recommended by the Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) during 2020 for general cultivation in whole Pakistan whereas it is approved by Punjab Seed Council (PSC) for general cultivation in Punjab during 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit fly (Bactrocera zonata) is a destructive pest of citrus fruits. Use of synthetic insecticides against fruit fly infestations has created different ecological problems such as the development of insecticide resistance, eradication of beneficial fauna and human health hazards. This situation necessitates looking for alternate biorational fruit fly management tools such as botanical insecticides. This laboratory study was aimed at determining the toxicity of some selected plant extracts (i.e. Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Nigella sativa L. and Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad) alone and as binary combinations against B. zonata adults. The study was conducted in the at Department of Entomology, University of Sargodha, Pakistan in July to September, 2019. Bioassay results showed that aqueous extract of A. indica was most toxic to B. zonata adults with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 383.3 μl/g of artificial diet, followed by C. colocynthis and N. sativa with LC50 values of 656.3 and 734.2 μl/g of artificial diet, respectively. Bioassays with binary combinations revealed that A. indica with C. colocynthis (ratio 1:1) showed a synergistic effect exhibiting a LC50 value of 293.1 μl/g of artificial diet. However, all other treatment combinations showed an antagonistic effect. It is suggested that the mixture of botanical extracts should be used carefully as they may sometimes reduce the efficacy of each other upon mixing. These results can thus be used in the development of potential botanical formulations against insect pests such as fruit flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan developed the ever first variety of barley as Jau-17 in Pakistan. Barley variety performed best in a series of irrigated and rainfed yield trials conducted at Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad and outstation yield trials throughout the Punjab province during 2008-2019. In the yield trials for three consecutive years from Preliminary to Regular and Advanced Yield Trials, it had out-yielded the check variety Haider-93 by an average of 23.34% while in outstation yield trials throughout the Punjab province, it produced 11.40% higher grain yield than commercial check variety Haider-93. Jau-17 had medium to tall stature of about 99 to 110 cm length, growth habit was semi erect and had medium-length-awned ear which had yellowish white color. It took 90 to 100 days to complete heading and matured in 140 to 145 days with tillering capacity (154-160 per m²). The seed is amber in color with 1000-grain weight of upto 42 gram. For quality trait evaluation it had good quantity for protein (12 to 13.7%) and test weight (52.7 to 58 kg/hl) along with opaque seed surface. Its malt making quality was excellent for industrial uses. In 2019 Jau-17 was approved by Punjab Seed Council for general cultivation due to its superior performance over the years for better grain yield, resistance against rusts and nutrition quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babesia infections in sheep can cause a wide range of clinical and laboratory presentations. Changes in blood parameters are a meaningful manifestation of physiological and pathological changes in an organism. Aim: Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze and compare hematological and biochemical parameters between blood profiles of Lohi sheep naturally infected and uninfected with Babesia ovis, the main causative agent of ovine babesiosis. Methods: Initially, blood and serum samples from 67 Lohi sheep were collected, DNA was extracted and babesial infection was detected through polymerase chain reaction. The overall infection rate of B. ovis was 37% (25/67). Sixteen infected (experiment group) and 16 uninfected (control group) sheep that were apparently healthy with no history of previous treatment for babesiosis, were selected for hemato-biochemical analysis. Blood samples were analyzed through an automatic CBC analyzer, while serum collected from gel vacutainers was analyzed for blood urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and total bilirubin. Each parameter was compared between infected and uninfected animals using a paired t-test in Minitab Express™ software for statistical analyses. Results: Erythron comparison showed a highly significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in RBC, hemoglobin, and Hct. A nonsignificant increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), and RDW- standard deviation (RDW-SD), while a nonsignificant decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration (MCHC) values was recorded in infected sheep. Leukon comparison showed a significantly low level of total leukocyte (p < 0.001) in infected sheep. Platelet (Plt) along with platelet crit (Pct) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were nonsignificantly higher, whereas a nonsignificant decrease in mean Plt volume was recorded in infected sheep as compared to uninfected animals. Among biochemical parameters, blood urea, BUN, and total bilirubin showed significant differences (p < 0.05), while creatinine showed a nonsignificant difference. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on hemato-biochemical changes associated with babesiosis in the Lohi breed. Consistent with hemolytic anemia, these data would justify physical examination and, together with the medical history, would provide an excellent basis for the diagnosis of babesiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of traditional medicines has tremendously increased over the past few decades. Approximately 80% of the world's population relies on traditional medicines for their primary healthcare needs because of their cost effectiveness and efficiency with no or minimal side effects. Zootherapy refers to the use of medicines that are prepared or derived from animals or from their products. The current study documented the folk knowledge related to the practice of various animal‐derived products and ethnozoological based drugs used as medicines by the residents of the Cholistan desert of Bahawalpur (Pakistan). In this regard 46 knowledgeable and reliable elderly people, hakims and spiritual healers ranging from 35–60 years of age having knowledge related to zootherapy were included in the current study. A field survey from February 2006 to November 2007 was conducted by interviewing the selected respondents through a structured questionnaire. They provided knowledge regarding the use of animals and their derived products in traditional medicine. The zootherapeutic knowledge was based on both domestic animals as well as wild animals. A total of 20 animal species were included in the study, among which nine animals were domestic while 11 were wild animals. Among selected animals, nine were mammals, four birds, four reptiles and three insects. It was reported that camel was the most commonly used (n = 32 respondents) among mammals while Pigeon (n = 39 respondents), Spiny‐tailed lizard (n = 41 respondents) and Indian honey bee (n = 27 respondents) among birds, reptiles and insects, respectively, have significant use for the treatment of different diseases. Based on this communication we could recommend that this type of abandoned knowledge should be considered for the management and conservation of faunistic resources. However, the advantageous role of animals and their products was reported but more extensive research is required to explore the bioactive constituents in the raw material of these animals responsible for their beneficial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LC50 values for malathion-resistant (PAK) and organo-phosphate-susceptible (FSS-II) strains of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adult beetles were determined through filter paper impregnated method against azadirachtin (Nimbokil 60 EC) and polychlorinated petroleum hydrocarbon (Tenekil 100 EC). The LC50 values of these insecticides were worked out as 12830 and 9331 ppm for azadirachtin and 5148 and 4047 ppm for Tenekil 100 EC against PAK and FSS-II strains, respectively. The results revealed that polychlorinated petroleum hydrocarbon was more toxic than the azadirachtin. Furthermore, both the insecticides were equally toxic to the adult beetles of T. castaneum as the difference was non-significant because of overlapping 95% FLs to LC50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sub lethal effects of abamectin (Sure 1.8 EC) were studied on malathion-resistant (PAK) and organophosphate susceptible (FSS-II) strains of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae in the laboratory. The objective was to examine changes in production or activities of carboxylesterase (CE), total esterases (TE), alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, alkaline phosphatase (AkP), acidic phosphatase (AcP), total protein, soluble protein and free amino acids (FAA). The sixth instar larvae of T. castaneum were released and exposed for 48h without food on abamectin treated glass petri dishes. The surviving ones were then homogenized in saline and centrifuged prior to biochemical analyses. Results showed differences in the activities of enzymes and quantities of total protein, soluble protein and FAA between strains and among concentrations. Abamectin, at LC10 and LC20, changed the activities /levels of TE, CE, AcP, total protein and FAA in the larvae of both the strains. The activities of alpha-amylase, glucoamylase and AkP remained non-significant at both doses in the two strains. In PAK strain larvae, the TE activity was inhibited with depletion of total protein contents and elevation of FAA contents. In FSS-II larvae, the effect of abamectin on levels of α-amylase, glucoamylase, AkP, total protein and soluble protein remained non-significant. The activities of TE and AcP were reduced at both doses, while activities/levels of CE reduced at LC10 and FAA increased at LC20. It is concluded that abamectin affected the overall body functioning of PAK strain more as compared to FSS-II strain considering disturbances caused in the levels/activities of biochemical components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spices are an essential part of our food preparations and are considered a potential source of health-protective components. However, spices may also contain some toxic substances primarily aflatoxins and heavy metals. This study aimed to quantify the level of total aflatoxins and three most toxic heavy metals i.e. lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in commercially available non-branded and branded spices. Furthermore, risk assessment through aflatoxins and heavy metals was performed by computing the values of Margin of Exposure (MOE) and Total Hazard Quotient (THQ), respectively. The concentration of aflatoxins was recorded higher in non-branded spices while heavy metals especially Pb was recorded higher in branded spices. MOE values for aflatoxins through spices consumption indicated that all age group of people were consuming aflatoxins above the threshold level. The THQ values for heavy metals toxicity assessment were found within the acceptable ranges. Females, especially above 24 years of age, were found at more risk as compared to male, due to their higher intake rate of spices. • Aflatoxins and heavy metals were quantified in branded and non-branded spices. • Branded spices were found less contaminated as compared to non-branded. • Margin of Exposure values indicated the chances of toxicity in all age groups. • Total Hazard Quotient values for heavy metals were found within safe ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out at Cotton Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad Pakistan during the year 2013 to determine the cause and effect of some morphological traits viz. number of leaves per plant, number of sympodial branches per plant, number of bolls per plant and plant height on seed yield per plant in upland cotton. Seventy two cotton genotypes at F5 generation were sown in a RCBD with three replications. The results indicated that number of leaves (0.2334), sympodial branches (0.4859) and number of bolls per plant (0.3722) had exerted positive and significant to highly significant correlation at genotypic level with seed cotton yield per plant. The data also revealed that number of leaves showed positive and highly significant correlation with sympodial branches (0.3427"") plant height (0.6924"") and bolls per plant (0.4238""). Number of leaves, bolls per plant and sympodial branches showed positive direct effect on seed-cotton yield per plant. Direct effect of sympodial branches on cotton yield was very high and positive. However, number of leaves showed positive indirect effect via sympodial branches, bolls per plant and plant height. Similarly sympodial branches had shown positive indirect effect on seed yield per plant via number of leaves and bolls per plant. Direct effect of number of leaves on seed-cotton yield per plant was low while indirect effect via number of bolls per plant was positive. The number of bolls per plant also showed positive indirect effect via number of leaves, sympodial branches and plant height but effect of plant height on cotton yield was negative via number of bolls and sympodial branches. The results conclude that sympodial branches per plant influenced the cotton yield per plant to greater extent. Hence selection based on this trait may lead to development of genotypes having high seed cotton yield potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first 2-rowed barley variety Sultan-2017 was developed at Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2019 and released for marginal as well as irrigated areas of Punjab, Pakistan to replace existing older and rust susceptible barley varieties. The elite genotype was screened-out from International Barley Crossing Block (IBCB) and received from International Center for Agriculture Research and Dry-land Areas (ICARDA) Egypt, during 2008-09 having genetic parentage HML-02/ARABIABIAD//ER/APM/3/ BELFORTBARLEY/CARBEN//MS2375 and pedigree ICB89-0014-5LAP-1AP-0TR-0AP-5AP-0AP-4AP. Further, it was evaluated with a variety code of B-09006 for yield performance in preliminary, regular and provincial uniform barley yield trials during 2010 to 17. It performed better than commercial check variety of Haider-93 by producing 22.12, 38.20, 4.0, 14.8 and 24.82% high grain yield in provincial yield trial during 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17, respectively. Its rust resistance was excellent against yellow rust and leaf rust. The stature of this genotype was medium to tall (95 to 105 cm), semi erect in growth habit and medium-length-awned ear with yellowish white in color. Its auricle was not hairy and showed weak anthocyanin pigmentation. It takes 90 to 98 days to complete heading and matures in 140 to 145 days and bears good tillering capacity (157 per meter squar). The seed was amber coloured with good 1000-grain weight i.e. 36.81 g. Its protein content ranged (11.4%) and test weight (58.4 kg/hl) along with opaque seed surface. It produced higher grain yield for consecutive five years (2012 to 2017). The elite genotype (Sultan-17) was approved in 2019 by Punjab Seed Council (PSC) for marginal and irrigated areas of Punjab for general cultivation due to promising stable performance over the years for better grain yield, nutritional quality and resistance against rusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Eocene succession of the Salt Range from base to top comprises the Nammal Formation, Sakesar Limestone and Chor Gali Formation. The Nammal Formation of Ypresian age is well exposed throughout the Salt Range. Detailed sedimentological and palaeontological analyses of the Nammal Formation were carried out, based on six stratigraphically important measured sections in the Salt Range. Lithologically, the formation is predominantly composed of interbedded nodular limestone, marl and shale. Wackestone, packstone, wackestone to packstone, dolomitic limestone and grainstone facies dominate the Nammal Formation in a fine-grained bioclastic matrix with abundant grains of larger benthic foraminifera. The diagnostic larger benthic foraminifera are recorded, which includes Nummulites mamillatus, Assilina spinosa, Assilina subspinosa, Assilina granulosa, Assilina laminosa, Discocyclina dispansa, Alveolina dolioliformis, Alveolina pasticillata, Alveolina globula, Lockhartia tipperi, and Lockhartia conditi. Stable carbon and oxygen isotopic signatures of the Nammal Formation designate shallow marine depositional environment. During Eocene a carbonate sequence developed in the Salt Range, lower boundary of which is marked as SB-II at the base of the Nammal Formation overlying the Palaeocene Patala Formation. The Nammal Formation presents the retrogradational facies suggesting the transgressive system tracts. The Sakesar Limestone shows agradational to progradational pattern of facies, which developed in highstand system tracts. The Chor Gali Formation possesses shallowing-upward trend by forming progradational shift of facies, and represents the falling stage system tracts. Early Eocene carbonate sequence is terminated by a regional sub-aerial unconformity SB-I marked between marine carbonate sequence of the Chor Gali Formation and the overlying non-marine clastic Miocene Kamlial Formation. Overall, the Nammal Formation presents shallow water neritic carbonate deposits containing larger benthic foraminifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broccoli production for more than just food has created needs to expend its cultivation spectrum in Pakistan. Present studies conducted during 2016-17 and were designed to understand socio-economic and agronomic constraints associated with adoption of broccoli in Pakistan. Growers and other stakeholders were contacted by personal visits, telephone calls and distribution of the structured questionnaire. Information was collected from Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK) provinces, Kashmir and Islamabad. A total of 167 farmers and amateurs growers, engaged in the cultivation of high value or medicinal crops were contacted. Out of these, 68 found as broccoli growers and most probably due to shyness only 37 contributed in data collection process. In the perspectives of health-promoting properties of broccoli 62% were unaware of health benefits and 7% aware of beneficial properties against heart diseases. In case of selection of varieties 37% were unaware of the name of variety and 22% cultivate "Marathon" while a small group was cultivating other improved varieties. In case of agronomic input 96% farmers were applying fertilizers and observing other recommendations for cauliflower. In case of postharvest handling 49 % were not specific for packing material whereas broccoli leaves were being used for wrapping of florets by 30% while 21.6% farmers were using paper for wrapping. The present studies concluded that broccoli has great potential for adoption especially for smallholding growers. But it needs government and media assistance for creating awareness for its health benefits and crop production technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broccoli production for more than just food has created needs to expend its cultivation spectrum in Pakistan. Present studies conducted during 2016-17 and were designed to understand socio-economic and agronomic constraints associated with adoption of broccoli in Pakistan. Growers and other stakeholders were contacted by personal visits, telephone calls and distribution of the structured questionnaire. Information was collected from Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK) provinces, Kashmir and Islamabad. A total of 167 farmers and amateurs growers, engaged in the cultivation of high value or medicinal crops were contacted. Out of these, 68 found as broccoli growers and most probably due to shyness only 37 contributed in data collection process. In the perspectives of health-promoting properties of broccoli 62% were unaware of health benefits and 7% aware of beneficial properties against heart diseases. In case of selection of varieties 37% were unaware of the name of variety and 22% cultivate “Marathon” while a small group was cultivating other improved varieties. In case of agronomic input 96% farmers were applying fertilizers and observing other recommendations for cauliflower. In case of postharvest handling 49 % were not specific for packing material whereas broccoli leaves were being used for wrapping of florets by 30% while 21.6% farmers were using paper for wrapping. The present studies concluded that broccoli has great potential for adoption especially for smallholding growers. But it needs government and media assistance for creating awareness for its health benefits and crop production technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific progress in space research indicates earthquake-related processes of surface temperature growth, gas/aerosol exhalation and electromagnetic disturbances in the ionosphere prior to seismic activity. Among them surface temperature growth calculated using the satellite thermal infrared images carries valuable earthquake precursory information for near/distant earthquakes. Previous studies have concluded that such information can appear few days before the occurrence of an earthquake. The objective of this study is to use MODIS thermal imagery data for precursory analysis of Kashmir (Oct 8, 2005; M w 7.6; 26 km), Ziarat (Oct 28, 2008; M w 6.4; 13 km) and Dalbandin (Jan 18, 2011; M w 7.2; 69 km) earthquakes. Our results suggest that there exists an evident correlation of Land Surface Temperature (thermal; LST) anomalies with seismic activity. In particular, a rise of 3–10 °C in LST is observed 6, 4 and 14 days prior to Kashmir, Ziarat and Dalbandin earthquakes. In order to further elaborate our findings, we have presented a comparative and percentile analysis of daily and five years averaged LST for a selected time window with respect to the month of earthquake occurrence. Our comparative analyses of daily and five years averaged LST show a significant change of 6.5–7.9 °C for Kashmir, 8.0–8.1 °C for Ziarat and 2.7–5.4 °C for Dalbandin earthquakes. This significant change has high percentile values for the selected events i.e. 70–100% for Kashmir, 87–100% for Ziarat and 84–100% for Dalbandin earthquakes. We expect that such consistent results may help in devising an optimal earthquake forecasting strategy and to mitigate the effect of associated seismic hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review aims to highlight the magnitude of iron status of Pakistani population and possible remedies to address iron deficiency among vulnerable groups. A computer-based search was carried out on "PubMed", "Google Search" and "Sciencedirect.com" to retrieve relevant scientific literature published in the last two decades. The search yielded 193 articles, of which 64 were culled and further screening was performed based on the type of vulnerable population groups, age, sex and pregnancy. A thorough review of current literature reveals that iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) widely persist in Pakistan and necessitate immediate remedial actions. Females of reproductive age and children under 5 years have been shown to be the most IDA affected population segment. Fortification of wheat flour has been suggested as the most viable approach aptly matching Pakistan's needs for combating IDA. The present review further stresses the need for global involvement to scale up efforts for mitigating ID and IDA to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDG that are fundamentally based upon improving nutritional wellbeing of populations in developing economies by 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a cross-sectional study in buffaloes of district Toba Tek Singh from April, 2009 to March, 2010 which aimed to identify prevalent species of Eimeria (E) and risk factors associated with subclinical coccidiosis. Overall prevalence of Eimeria in buffaloes was 49.6%. Six species of Eimeria were identified in total infected buffaloes. E. bovis was the commonest one among the species identified during survey followed in order by E. zuernii, E. canadensis, E. ellipsoidalis, E. alabamensis and E. cylindrica. Peak prevalence was observed in August. Wet season was found favorable for Eimeria. Odds of finding oocysts were higher in young stock and females (P<0.05) as compared to those of adults and males respectively. Among management and husbandry practices, five variables were found significantly associated with status. These included housing system, feeding system, watering system, floor type and herd size. Open housing system, trough feeding, tap watering, partially cemented floor type and smaller herds showed protective effect against coccidiosis with Odds of detection being higher in closed housing system, ground feeding, pond watering, non-cemented floor type and larger herd size, respectively. Body condition and breed of buffaloes were not found associated with prevalence of Eimeria. Value of feeding in troughs, provision of clean tap water, cementing floor of farms in reducing the extent of infection should be communicated to farmers. Appropriate monitoring and control of the disease is advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]