Search

The heavy metal burden on natural freshwater ecosystems is uninterruptedly increasing, which could affect their biodiversity, particularly regarding avian species. Three river barrages were selected for the sampling of water birds from autumn 2021 to spring 2022. Seven heavy metals—nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and manganese (Mn)—were estimated in the hearts and livers of Fulica atra (Common Coot), Anas strepera (Gad-wall), and Anas crecca (Eurasian Teal) (Linnaeus, 1758) by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations of metals were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) different among the sam-pling sites, species, and tissues. In the livers of F. atra and A. strepera, respectively, the highest mean concentration among the metals belonged to Zn (521 µg/g), and the lowest belonged to Cd (0.17 µg/g). The concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Co were highest in A. strepera heart samples. However, the concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd, and Mn were found to be highest in the livers of F. atra. A comparison between both tissues indicated that the concentration of Ni is significantly (p < 0.05) higher (except for F. atra from Trimmu barrage) in the livers of water birds and that the concentration of Cd is significantly higher in the hearts of water birds. The mean metal concentrations were higher than the background limits reported in various studies, suggesting that the wintering water birds of Pakistan are under a significant load of heavy metal pollution. Histopathological analysis suggested that the observed heavy metals altered the normal histologies of hearts and livers of Fulica atra (Common Coot), Anas strepera (Gadwall), and Anas crecca (Eurasian Teal) sampled from three wetlands of Punjab Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a major abiotic stress, affecting the metabolism, growth, and productivity of plants worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed/hypothesized to investigate the ameliorative effects of biochar and rhizobacteria in drought-damaged Brassica napus L. genotypes. The plants were divided into two groups based on the drought stress employment (15 days and 30 days). Both groups were then treated with PGPR, biochar, and their co-application, and the samples were taken from shoots and roots of both genotypes. Our results revealed that the drought resulted in a substantial decline in total flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) as well as nutrient uptake in shoots and roots of both the studied genotypes. Contrarily, sugar and glycine betaine (GB) contents increased in both shoots and roots under drought stress conditions. However, the plants with co-application of biochar and PGPR showed better improvement of nutrient uptake, leaf relative water content (RWC), and growth parameters compared to drought-stressed, control, and the plants with sole biochar and PGPR application. In addition, the co-application of PGPR and biochar produced higher levels of sugar, proteins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and enzymatic activities (POD, SOD, GR, and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR)) than those that were not treated with biochar and PGPR or treated solely. Relative to Westar genotype, the Punjab sarson showed higher drought tolerance. In conclusion, we suggest that the co-application of biochar and PGPR can be an effective strategy for overcoming the drought-induced damage in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rabies is a neglected and underestimated national public health issue in Pakistan. Freeroaming dogs are the principal reservoir and also potentially cause thousands of dog bite injuries in different age groups of people. Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate the burden and frequency distribution of total dog bite injuries in Punjab. The comparison of total dog bite injuries between 2019 and 2020 were made to understand whether there is significant difference in total number of dog bite injuries in 2019 and 2020. Methods: Total dog bite data from public sector hospitals of Punjab province were collected for the time period between January 2019 to December 2020 with the help of District Health Information System (DHIS) which is a comprehensively designed digital program. Descriptive measures and the graphical representation were used to describe and interpret the said data. A non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney test) was used to compare the median number of dog bite injuries in 2019 to 2020. Results: Results show that more than 0.2 million number of dog bite injuries have been recorded in 2019 and 2020. The medium number of the dog bite injuries in 2019 and 2020 were statistically significant, having pvalue <0.05 using Mann-Whitney test. Furthermore, the median number of dog bite reported in Primary and Secondary Health Care Departments (PSHCDs) and Teaching Hospitals (THs) were not statistically significant in 2019 and 2020. Conclusion: Based on the analysis of dog bite injuries in government hospitals, the number of dog bite injuries are perhaps increasing in the country due to lack of understandings regarding responsible dog ownership and interactive behavior of free-roaming dogs towards humans. Moreover, contact tracing of dog bite cases are also not performed routinely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suborder Oribatida is land-dwelling group of mites distributed across different geographic regions of the world. This study shows the assessment of diversity, richness, evenness, and abundance of families of Oribatid from uncultivated and cultivated soils collected from ten different localities of Punjab, Pakistan. Overall, 9 families of Oribatida were observed in both soil types having Oribatellidae, Oppiidae, and Scheloribatidae as dominating families. Uncultivated soil had more richness (S=07), abundance (46.01 ± 2.61) and Shannon diversity index (H'=1.77 ± 0.03) compared to cultivated soil with richness (S=5), abundance (25.35 ± 1.14) and Shannon index (H'= 1.47 ± 0.03). Maximum abundance value of oribatid mites (62 ± 11.87) was recorded from Murree for uncultivated soil while in case of cultivated soil, it was recorded from Faisalabad (29.83 ± 7.28). The maximum family richness of Oribatid mites was observed in Faisalabad and Chakwal (S=07) while minimum family richness (S=05) was observed from T.T. Singh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus holds the position of top ranked fruit crop of Pakistan in terms of area and production. 'Kinnow' (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is considered as the trademark of Pakistan's citriculture industry and occupies the share of 95% out of total citrus production in Pakistan. But there is an alarming problem of single rootstock culture. Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) has monopolized the citrus industry in Punjab province. Rough lemon is susceptible to phytophthora and waterlogging. There is an absolute need for substitute rootstock for higher yield and improved fruit quality of Kinnow. A rootstock scion interaction research trial was conducted during 2017 to 2019. Kinnow was grafted on eight rootstocks, i.e. Cox mandarin, Fraser hybrid, Troyer citrange, Cleopatra mandarin, Poncirus trifoliata, Benton, C-35 and Carrizo citrange. Experiment was laid out according to Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each rootstock was considered as single treatment and replicated thrice. Performance of six year old Kinnow trees grafted on different rootstocks was evaluated on the basis of physicochemical quality attributes of fruits. Data was taken for two consecutive years and average was calculated. Results revealed that rootstocks had a significant role in manipulating the morphological and biochemical quality attributes of Kinnow fruits. Kinnow fruits from the trees grafted on Poncirus trifoliata rootstock showed the maximum fruit diameter (84.03 mm), peel weight (28.99 g), rag weight (87.68 g) and individual fruit weight (221.85 g). Poor performance of Troyer citrange regarding morphological quality parameters was observed. Total soluble solid (TSS) (13.76 °Brix), Vitamin C (69.38 mg/100 ml) and Total antioxidants (72.32 % inhibition) in Kinnow juice were maximum on Fraser hybrid. Carbohydrate analysis of Kinnow juice by HPLC method revealed that concentration of sucrose, fructose and glucose was highest in Fraser hybrid rootstock. Poor performance of Troyer citrange and C-35 rootstocks was recorded regarding all biochemical parameters of Kinnow. It is concluded that physicochemical quality of Kinnow is manipulated by different rootstocks. Poncirus trifoliata and Fraser hybrid rootstocks can be used as alternate rootstocks for citrus industry of Pakistan to substitute the traditional rootstocks like rough lemon and sour orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of earliness in cotton plant without sacrificing yield is a prime objective of cotton breeders. Early maturing genotypes provide more efficient wheat-cotton-wheat rotation, also provide escape mechanism from biotic and abiotic stresses, reduce the input resources and extend the period for harvesting and ginning operations. To examine the genetic diversity of earliness in G. hirsutum L., 45 diverse genotypes collected from different research institutes of Punjab, were screened for their earliness related traits and seed cotton yield (SCY) in field conditions. Index scores and principal component analysis separately generated three distinct groups on the basis of their maturity viz; late maturing and high yielding group 1, early maturing group 3, and group 2 had both types of genotypes. From these groups, six high yielding early maturing genotypes (FH-682, FH-2015, MALMAL, MNH-147, PB-900, VH-300) were selected as lines, and hybridized with five late maturing selected genotypes (B-557, BH-121, FH-941, MNH-93, MS-40) as male parents in line × tester fashion. General and specific combining ability effects of parents, on earliness related traits and SCY, were studied by planting the parents and their crosses in the field under three nitrogen levels (60, 120 and 180 kg/ha). The experimental design was a split plot arrangement. The L × T analysis of combining ability resulted significant variation among genotypes (parents and crosses) for all studied traits. The gca and sca variances and their ratio exhibited pre-dominance of non-additive gene action for almost all studied traits under all of three nitrogen levels, except for SCY (under 60 kg/ha). The GCA effects revealed the line, MNH-147 as best combiner for majority of earliness related traits and FH-682 was observed best general combiner for SCY and earliness index (EI) under all the three nitrogen levels. Best hybrid combinations identified were MALMAL × MS-40 for node number for first fruiting branch (NNFFB), FH-682 × MS-40 for days to flowering (DTF) and FH-682 × MNH-93 for EI. A few combinations, like FH-682 × MNH-93, FH-2015 × B-557, MNH-147 × MS-40, PB-900 × MNH-93 and VH-300 × FH-941, having harmonious combination of some earliness related traits along with yield traits, have also been identified under the three nitrogen levels. Higher proportion of dominance variance in all the studied traits suggested delayed selection or these crosses depicted remarkable potential to be exploited through heterosis breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil Arthropods are a vitally important component of the ecosystem, as their diversity, abundance, and distribution pattern play a vital role in ecosystem sustainability. Their population is expected to vary according to geographical patterns and environmental variables such as temperature, and humidity. For this purpose, we collected soil arthropods from the two regions having different latitudinal patterns: FSD (Faisalabad) and MGRH (Muzaffargarh). The soil faunal samples were collected fortnightly from the mango orchards for two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018. During the whole research, a total of 8301 specimens of (16, 11) orders, (118, 57) species, and (5027, 3274) individuals were recorded from FSD and MGRH, respectively. Order Coleoptera found the maximum abundance in both regions among all orders. Our results showed that the FSD regions had a high abundance of arthropods compared to the MGRH region. In comparison, the different diversity factors and abundance revealed a strong correlation with the abiotic factors. They showed a high pattern of distribution and richness at the FSD region, as low temperature and high humidity were observed in the FSD region that influences the more diversity occurrence of fauna. Our results predicted that the habitat type and environmental factors such as humidity and temperature play a significant role in the distribution pattern of arthropods in any geographical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterbirds are used as a bioindicator for analyzing wetland health because they are very sensitive to changes in ecosystems at the nutrient level and through exposure to pollutants. In the present study, bioaccumulation of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Co, Cd, and Mn) was investigated in Common Coot Fulica atra, Gadwall Anas strepera, and Eurasian Teal Anas crecca at Taunsa barrage and Chashma barrage located on Indus River, Punjab, Pakistan. Samples of water, sediments, and waterbirds tissues were collected during autumn 2018 and the spring of 2019. Metal concentrations were assessed by using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific iCE 3000 Series). We found that the maximum bioaccumulation in birds was of cadmium. Order of metal accumulation was Cd > Pb > Zn > Co > Mn > Cu > Ni (Common Coot) and Cd > Pb > Zn > Co > Cu > Ni > Mn (Gadwall and Eurasian Teal) at Taunsa barrage. At Chashma barrage metal accumulation order was Cd > Zn > Pb > Co > Cu > Mn > Ni (Common Coot), Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu > Co > Ni > Mn (Gadwall) and Cd > Zn > Pb > Co > Cu > Ni > Mn (Eurasian Teal). A. crecca was the species in which the most of the trace elements (Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, and Mn) were accumulated at Taunsa barrage, while at Chashma barrage Zn, Pb, Cd, and Co accumulated in F. atra. Zn, Pb and Cd (avg. > 10) had a high bioaccumulation ratio and Co, Cu, Ni, and Mn (avg. < 10) had low bioaccumulation ratio. When tissues were compared for accumulation, the highest concentrations were observed in the intestine followed by gizzard, probably because of the feeding habits of these waterbirds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to investigate how workplace ostracism acts as a motive behind customer service sabotage. We examine the role of stress as a meditating variable along with the moderation of perceived organizational support (POS) on the said association by using conservation of resources and equity theory. A total of 217 nurses from hospitals of the southern Punjab region in Pakistan participated in the study. Data were collected through survey and structured questionnaires. SPSS and AMOS were used to analyze data with the latest techniques of bootstrapping and process macros. The results showed that stress mediated between the association of workplace ostracism and service sabotage behavior. POS was confirmed as a moderator between this relationship. POS buffered the harmful effects of ostracism and stress on customer service, as POS demonstrates to personnel that they are cherished and respected by the organization. This lessens the strength of perceived stress due to workplace ostracism. Organizational leadership should take advantage of the stress-alleviating effect of POS, which is important in producing adequate levels of work performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares the performance of four satellite-based rainfall products (SRPs) (PERSIANN-CCS, PERSIANN-CDR, SM2RAIN-ASCAT, and CHIRPS-2.0) in a semi-arid subtropical region. As a case study, Punjab Province of Pakistan was considered for this assessment. Using observations from in-situ meteorological stations, the uncertainty in daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual rainfall estimates of SRPs at pixel and regional scales during 2010–2018 were examined. Several evaluation indices (Correlation Coefficient (CC), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Bias, and relative Bias (rBias), as well as categorical indices (Probability of Detection (POD), Critical Success Index (CSI), and False Alarm Ration (FAR)) were used to assess the performance of the SRPs. The following findings were found: (1) CHIRPS-2.0 and SM2RAIN-ASCAT products were capable of tracking the spatiotemporal variability of observed rainfall, (2) all SRPs had higher overall performances in the northwestern parts of the province than the other parts, (3) all SRP estimates were in better agreement with ground-based monthly observations than daily records, and (4) on the seasonal scale, CHIRPS-2.0 and SM2RAIN-ASCAT were better than PERSIANN-CCS and PERSIANN. In all seasons, CHIRPS-2.0 and SM2RAIN-ASCAT outperformed PERSIANN-CCS and PERSIANN-CDR. Based on our findings, we recommend that hydrometeorological investigations in Pakistan's Punjab Province employ monthly estimates of CHIRPS-2.0 and SM2RAIN-ASCAT products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Active circulation of West Nile virus (WNV) was identified in blood donors in Pakistan. • All of the WNV-positive blood donors were asymptomatic carriers of the virus. • The viruses detected in Pakistan belonged to WNV lineage 1. • No mosquito pool was found positive in this study. This study was performed to determine the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquito specimens and human blood donors in Pakistan. A total of 4150 mosquito specimens were collected using CO 2 -baited traps from five selected districts of Punjab Province, Pakistan. The mosquitoes were taxonomically identified using standard morphological keys, resulting in 166 pools. In addition, 1070 serum samples were collected from human blood donors. RNA was extracted from mosquito and human samples and screened for WNV using a reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). None of the mosquito pools tested positive for WNV, whereas three samples from asymptomatic humans tested positive. To determine the WNV strains, partial sequences were compared against a global representation of 23 WNV sequences. The study strains were determined to come from WNV lineage 1. This study is novel in reporting the circulation of lineage 1 WNV in Pakistan. Given its ability to transmit from human to human via blood transfusion, this highlights the urgent need for nationwide surveillance to assess the distribution and impact of WNV in Pakistan. Determining the source of human infection will require more extensive mosquito sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]