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Agaricus is an important saprotrophic mushroom genus in Agaricaceae. There are more than 500 known species in the genus, including the most cultivated mushroom in the world, the button mushroom, A. bisporus. In species identification and differentiation of similar species in Agaricus, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA is a powerful tool. During this study, a total of 31 collections of Agaricus were made from a humid subtropical region of District Malakand, located in the north of Pakistan. Using ITS phylogeny and macrochemical tests on basidiomata, these 31 collections belong to Agaricus section Minores. Employing ITS and multigene phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences, including ITS, D1/D2 domains of large subunit of nuclear ribosomal DNA (28S), a segment of translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (TEF-1α), and morphological examination of basidiomata, four new species namely, Agaricus baykaensis, A. flavodiscus, A. qaldaraensis, and A. tenuistipitatus are reported. For the new species, full description of basidiomata, macrochemical tests, illustration of anatomical features, colored photographs of basidiomata, ITS and multigene phylogenetic trees are provided. Morphological comparison with closely related species are discussed. Furthermore, the specimens also represent four already reported species from Pakistan i.e. Agaricus badiosquamulosus, A. glabriusculus, A. latiumbonatus and A. violaceopunctatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenagaricus is a genus of small, veiled agaric mushrooms in family Agaricaceae. Species of the genus are distributed in paleotropical region. The members of this genus are characterized by a squamulose pileus, squamules consisted of hymeniform or pseudoparenchymatous tissue, and the absence of both pleurocystidia and clamp connections. In the present study, a robust phylogeny of Agaricaceae is provided, where Hymenagaricus formed an independent lineage with strong phylogenetic support. Molecular clock analyses using BEAST, based on internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and D1/D2 domains of large subunit of nuclear ribosomal DNA (28S), and TEF1α sequence data of Agaricaceae, suggested that the maximum crown age of Hymenagaricus is approximately 51.83 million years (Myr). Furthermore, we also reported three new species in the genus, namely Hymenagaricus floccosus, Hy. pelliculosus, and Hy. striatus from lowland in northern Pakistan. These species are described based on morphological features of basidiomata and molecular phylogeny of above three DNA regions. Morphologically, Hymenagaricus floccosus has densely, whitish floccose fibrils which covering pileus and stipe surfaces and brownish cap center without prominent pellicle. Hymenagaricus pelliculosus is characterized by a pelliculose pileus, where pellicle forms a crown-like structure on cap center, a unique feature in the genus. Hymenagaricus striatus is characterized by a reddish-brown pellicle at center, pileus surface striate towards margin, and margins are appendiculate. With this study, the number of known species in the genus increased to 24. It is concluded that the low altitude mountains of Malakand region are rich in the diversity of Agaricaceae and further taxonomic studies are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agaricus is a genus with more than 500 species. Most of the new species reported since 2000 are tropical or subtropical. The study area, the Malakand region, located in the north of Pakistan, has a subtropical climate. In this study, nine species, including three new species, of Agaricus subgenus Pseudochitonia, are reported from this region. Description of the new species are based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses using three DNA regions: nuc ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS), fragments of the large subunit of nuc ribosomal DNA (28S), and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (TEF1). One new species, Agaricus lanosus, with wooly squamules on its cap, forms a lineage within Agaricus sect. Bivelares and cannot be classified with certainty in one of the two subsections (Cupressorum and Hortenses) of this section. Agaricus rhizoideus with rhizoid-like structure at the base of the stipe forms a basal clade in Agaricus sect. Hondenses. Specimens of the third new species, Agaricus malakandensis, form a species-level clade within Agaricus sect. Catenulati and exhibits the morphological characteristics of this section. Due to their similar ITS sequences, two previously unnamed specimens from Thailand (A. sp. LD2012162 and CA799) are considered conspecific with A. malakandensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and disease symptoms in Malakand, Pakistan. Materials & method: 623 samples with suspected SARS-CoV-2 were collected from different regions of Malakand and analyzed to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using ELISA. Results: 306 (49.1%) 0 f 623 patients were anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG reactive, with a higher prevalence in males (75%) than females (25%). In this study, we enrolled two groups, subjects working in a non-medical setting and subjects working in a medical setting. Clinical symptoms were statistically linked with SARS-CoV-2. Four weeks of follow-up analysis of IgG titers in health care workers showed an increase in IgG antibodies titer. Conclusion: This study gives insights into the community-based spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, associated immunity, and herd immunity in the studied population. This study can provide insights to the government about early vaccination of this population as most of the population is not yet vaccinated.

Reproduction is the main function of organisms to produce offspring. Pheasants are birds that breed from March to June every year. Most pheasants lay a clutch of 8 to 15 eggs, sometimes up to 18, but usually 10 to 12 eggs, and the eggs are olive in color. The incubation period for these eggs is approximately twenty-two to twenty-eight days, after which the eggs will hatch and the female will take care of the offspring. In this study, the breeding biology and population status of protected pheasants in Malakand Wildlife Park were examined. The pheasants are carefully cared and well-managed in this studied wildlife park. Information is collected each week from different field visits and questions from existing staff and experts. Data on clutch size and hatching success of different pheasant species were analyzed. The average number of broods for ring-necked pheasants is 15 and for white pheasants is 16. The average of green birds is 9. Likewise, the average of white birds is 7, the average of Indian peacocks is 7, and the average of black pheasants is 4. The growth rate of ring-necked pheasants is 26.6%, the rate of white pheasants is 7.89%, and the rate of black-shouldered pheasants is 16%. The proportion of green pheasants is 37.14%, and that of white pheasants and peacocks is 37.14%. This study aims to understand the brood size and hatching success of different pheasant species protected in Malakand Wildlife Safari Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human beings have used wild edible plants (WEPs) for food since ancient times. The poor and underprivileged people of the district of Malakand, Pakistan, also depend on wild edible plants (WEPs) to fulfill their food and nutrition needs. Wild edible plants (WEPs) are a potential solution for overcoming food shortages for families living in rural areas. The current study evaluated the ethnobotanical, nutritional, and elemental potential of some wild edible plants (WEPs) commonly used by local people in the district of Malakand, Pakistan. Ethnobotanical information was collected from local people through a semi-structured questionnaire. The ethnobotanical information collected about wild edible plants revealed that two wild edible species belong to the family Fabaceae, two plant species belong to the family Polygonaceae, and one plant species belongs to each family Amaranthaceae, Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Malvaceae, Oxalidaceae, and Portulaceae. The plants collected were all herbs, and the parts used as edible parts were mostly leaves and young shoots. All the collected plants were predominantly used as vegetables by local people. The proximate nutritional analysis was carried out according to the official methods of AOAC (from 2016). The proximate nutritional analysis revealed that the selected WEPs are a good source of important nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, fats, and caloric energy. The proximate nutritional analysis of selected WEPs revealed that the highest (%) moisture content was calculated in Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton (90.45 ± 0.3); the highest dry matter (%) was present in Oxalis corniculata L. (21.60 ± 0.2); the highest ash (%) in Chenopodium album L. (17.80 ± 0.3); the highest crude fibers (%) in Meliolotus indicus (L.) All (16.45 ± 0.5); the highest crude protein (%) in Meliolotus indicus (L.) All (14.40 ± 0.1%); the highest crude fats (%) in Rumex hastatus Don. (3.80 ± 0.04); the highest percentage of carbohydrates in Portulaca oleracea L. (65.38 ± 0.6); and the maximum energy value was calculated for Portulaca oleracea L. (321.38 ± 0.4 Kcal/100 g). The elemental analysis of wild edible plants (WEPs) was carried out through energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The EDX analysis showed that these WEPs consist of crucial and imperative elements such as C, O, N, P, Mg, K, S, Ca, Al, Si, Cl, Fe, Cu, Na, and Zn, which are integral parts of the human diet. Following the results of the EDX elemental analysis, Portulaca oleracea accounted for the highest concentration (%) of carbon, Oxalis corniculata accounted for the highest concentration (%) of oxygen, and Nasturtium officinale accounted for the maximum concentration of nitrogen (9.70%). The current study revealed that the research area is rich in diversity of wild edible plants (WEPs), a cheap and economical food source for locals. The study also showed that these wild edible plants (WEPs) possess all the crucial nutrients and elements imperative for human food and health. These wild edible plants (WEPs) will play a key role in a sustainable food system in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and disease symptoms in Malakand, Pakistan. 623 samples with suspected SARS-CoV-2 were collected from different regions of Malakand and analyzed to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using ELISA. 306 (49.1%) 0 f 623 patients were anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG reactive, with a higher prevalence in males (75%) than females (25%). In this study, we enrolled two groups, subjects working in a non-medical setting and subjects working in a medical setting. Clinical symptoms were statistically linked with SARS-CoV-2. Four weeks of follow-up analysis of IgG titers in health care workers showed an increase in IgG antibodies titer. This study gives insights into the community-based spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, associated immunity, and herd immunity in the studied population. This study can provide insights to the government about early vaccination of this population as most of the population is not yet vaccinated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malakand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan has been going through phenomenal transformations in the socioeconomic, political, and ecological spheres since 1969. To understand these transformations, this article employs the theories of 'panarchy', 'resilience', and 'adaptive cycles', borrowed from the literature on socio-ecological systems and sustainability transformation. These studies see disruptive transformation as a systemic change in the economy and society in relation to ecology. The evidence for the article is derived from fieldwork conducted by the first author during his doctoral study in 2007–2008 and later visits in September to October 2012. The scales chosen for the analysis are local (Batkhela, Malakand) and regional (North West of Pakistan). The article argues that theoretical constructs such as panarchy, and adaptive cycles have explanatory value to delineate the socioeconomic, political, and ecological transformation, in the Malakand region, over a period. The article finds out that in Malakand, smaller actors at smaller scales enacted change at bigger scales of adaptive cycles. The change at a smaller scale due to the emergence of Batkhela Bazaar brought changes at bigger scales in the region. However, due to the interaction between multiple cycles at different scales, the system demonstrated some resilience to change, consequently forging a sustainable change in the region. Despite these explicit findings, we understand that interpreting theoretical constructs such as panarchies and adaptive cycles requires more rigorous research, particularly to develop a more precise connection between ecological change and socio-economic transformation in Malakand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses and analyses the Barger archaeological expedition of 1938 to the princely state of Swat. It argues that archaeology in princely, as well as in British, India did not originate and develop in a unilinear manner. This understanding is in line with the recent realization of variations in the historiography of native India. Given this, an attempt has been made to situate the Swat state in relation to British paramountcy. Miangul Abdul Wadud, the first British-recognized ruler of the state, was aware of colonial power relations and had a friendly attitude towards the British. He dealt with Swat's archaeology with political and dynastic expediencies in mind. Since there was no proper legal and institutional dispensation in place in the area, the Frontier government officials and the political administration at Malakand treated the Barger expedition as a local matter, beyond the legal jurisdiction and disciplinary apparatuses of the colonial state. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the related laws were, thus, kept out of the entire enterprise. All this ensured a smooth transfer of antiquities to England at a time when strong legal-institutional and ethical dimensions to archaeology were in place within British India and in some princely states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was carried to determine the sand fly species composition, breeding sites ecology, seasonal abundance, and spatial distribution in district Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In addition, risk factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) were also evaluated. Survey of indoor and outdoor habitats was carried out using sticky traps in 31 villages of Dargai and Batkhela tehsils of Malakand. Soil from habitats of adult and immature sand flies was analysed. Questionnaire‐based household survey was also performed in these villages to assess risk factors associated with CL. Soil samples from selected CL positive households were analysed for its contents. Additionally, clinicoepidemiological data from local health centres was examined for the year 2019. Total of 3,140 sand flies belonging to 18 species were collected. Phlebotomus sergenti was the most abundant species (38.16%). Its abundance had a strong positive correlation with mean monthly relative humidity and negative correlation with average temperature. Phlebotomus sergenti and Phlebotomus papatasi were abundant at an elevation ranging from 320 to 1,120 m above sea level and in agricultural lands near human settlements. Flight height preference apparatus collected maximum sand flies at 30 cm (1ft) above the ground and all species associated negatively with height. Soil analysis from habitats of adult and immature flies showed that highest mean number of adults and immatures were recorded from silt loam which carried highest concentrations of K2O, Mg, Ca, and Zn. Number of immature sand flies correlated moderately (r =.7, p <.05) with K2O soil concentrations. There was significant similarity between organic matter contents in soil samples from positive breeding sites and CL households (Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, p =.1976). In multivariate analysis model for CL risk factors, age (26–35 and >35 years), knowledge of leishmaniasis, living in a middle and upper class, preachers visit to villages, and assumption that Afghan refugees are more prone to CL were significant. CL patient's archived data from health centres showed that majority of patients had lesions on face and hands. Patient's influx was highest in February and March. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study evaluates plant species composition, distribution pattern, formation of different plant associations and their respective indicators in relation to various environmental factors in the district Malakand, Hindu Kush Mountain. Quadrat quantitative ecological techniques were used for sampling vegetation. All the collected plant species and environmental data were analyzed using PC-ORD and CANOCO software. The present study explored 382 plant species belonging to 91 different families. Based on the number of species, Poaceae (sp., 48), therophytes (169 sp., 44.2%), and microphylls (185 sp., 48.4%) were the dominant family, life form and leaf form class, respectively. Cluster analysis and Two-way cluster analysis identified five plant associations i.e. (1) Acacia-Ziziphus-Asphodelous association (2) Morus-Saccharum-Phalaris association (3) Salix-Debregeasia-Agrostis association (4) Monotheca-Rhazya-Aerva association and (5) Phoenix-Myrsine-Viola association. CCA results showed that topographic and edaphic variables (altitude, aspect, landscape, soil texture, electrical conductivity, pH, total soluble solutes, calcium carbonates, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) significantly influenced species distribution and vegetation structure. The present study can be utilized in ecology as a baseline for further research for analyzing vegetation structure and identifying its associated indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite low spatial resolutions, thermal infrared bands (TIRs) are generally more suitable for mineral mapping due to fundamental tones and high penetration in vegetated areas compared to shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands. However, the weak overtone combinations of SWIR bands for minerals can be compensated by fusing SWIR-bearing data (Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8) with other multispectral data containing fundamental tones from TIR bands. In this paper, marble in a granitic complex in Mardan District (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) in Pakistan is discriminated by fusing feature-oriented principal component selection (FPCS) obtained from the ASTER, Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) and Sentinel-2 MSI data. Cloud computing from Google Earth Engine (GEE) was used to apply FPCS before and after the decorrelation stretching of Landsat-8, ASTER, and Sentinel-2 MSI data containing five (5) bands in the Landsat-8 OLI and TIRS and six (6) bands each in the ASTER and Sentinel-2 MSI datasets, resulting in 34 components (i.e., 2 × 17 components). A weighted linear combination of selected three components was used to map granite and marble. The samples collected during field visits and petrographic analysis confirmed the remote sensing results by revealing the region's precise contact and extent of marble and granite rock types. The experimental results reflected the theoretical advantages of the proposed approach compared with the conventional stacking of band data for PCA-based fusion. The proposed methodology was also applied to delineate granite deposits in Karoonjhar Mountains, Nagarparker (Sindh province) and the Kotah Dome, Malakand (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province) in Pakistan. The paper presents a cost-effective methodology by the fusion of FPCS components for granite/marble mapping during mineral resource estimation. The importance of SWIR-bearing components in fusion represents minor minerals present in granite that could be used to model the engineering properties of the rock mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was aimed to investigate the epidemiological status cutaneous leishmaniasis, in endemic regions of district Malakand KP province of Pakistan. The prospective study was conducted during July 2020 to December 2020 in different villages of district Malak and KP province. A total of 278 CL active lesions samples were collected by applying cotton on the lesion site with 100% of ethanol and then punctured via disposable blood lancet. The blood or tinged fluid was then poured on the slide. Microscopy on Giesma stained slides were done of all collected lesion samples. The data were analyzed by using Chi square tests, SPSS version 23.0. A major portion (54%; n=151) of age group 1-15 years were more effected with CL. The highest prevalence 54% was found in males followed by females 46%. The statistical analysis revealed a significant association (p value = 0.02) between the various age groups and gender with 5% significance level. No association between the lesion and gender was observed. The mean age was found to be 18.63±15.91 years. It is concluded that CL infection is health threatening issue for local population of District Malakand. Current study could be helpful for health authorities to take instant action against this negligible disease. Additionally, the healthcare department should arrange sessions and awareness campaigns for locals. The current study was aimed to investigate the epidemiological status cutaneous leishmaniasis, in endemic regions of district Malakand KP province of Pakistan. The prospective study was conducted during July 2020 to December 2020 in different villages of district Malak and KP province. A total of 278 CL active lesions samples were collected by applying cotton on the lesion site with 100% of ethanol and then punctured via disposable blood lancet. The blood or tinged fluid was then poured on the slide. Microscopy on Giesma stained slides were done of all collected lesion samples. The data were analyzed by using Chi square tests, SPSS version 23.0. A major portion (54%; n=151) of age group 1-15 years were more effected with CL. The highest prevalence 54% was found in males followed by females 46%. The statistical analysis revealed a significant association (p value = 0.02) between the various age groups and gender with 5% significance level. No association between the lesion and gender was observed. The mean age was found to be 18.63±15.91 years. It is concluded that CL infection is health threatening issue for local population of District Malakand. Current study could be helpful for health authorities to take instant action against this negligible disease. Additionally, the healthcare department should arrange sessions and awareness campaigns for locals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coprinopsis hispida is described and illustrated as a new species from lowland northern Pakistan. Morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 = ITS) were used to clarify the taxonomic identity of the species. Coprinopsis hispida belongs to C. section Alopeciae and is distinguishable from related species by having a medium‐sized basidioma, convex to plane pileus which is covered with silvery‐white fibrils, ellipsoid to amygdaliform basidiospores measuring 8.5–10.5 × 5.5–7.0 µm, smooth, dark brown, with a central germ‐pore that is 1.0–1.5 µm wide. Morphological characters are discussed and compared with other species of the section. With this report, the number of species of Coprinopsis known from Pakistan is raised to six. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present study was conducted for the taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan. The study area was divided into three sites along the water course namely Dargai Stream, Sakhakot Stream and Shergarh Stream. Fish samples were collected randomly during January to August 2017 with the help of fish gears. A taxonomic key was designed for the collected fish specimens. Ten fish species were identified belonging to 3 orders and 4 families. Family Cyprinidae was the dominant family with seven representative species while families Siluridae, Nemacheilidae and Mastacembelidae were represented by one species each. Lower mean total length and standard length was recorded in Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) as 9.2 ± 0.6 cm and 7.3 ± 0.6 cm respectively, while highest mean total length and standard length was recorded in Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede, 1800) as 28.1 ± 1.7 cm and 15.9 ± 2.4 cm respectively. Mean pH of the water ranged from 6.1 at Shergarh Stream in August to 8.7 at Sakhakot Stream in January. Average temperature range was recorded from 10.9 °C in January at Dargai Stream to 18.7 °C in August at Shergarh Stream. No statistically significant difference was found for temperature (p = 0.96) and pH (p = 0.14) in the three water streams. The present study will provide a baseline for the rearing and enhancement of wild stock of the commercially important ichthyofauna in the field of aquaculture and fisheries.

Copyright of Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper adds to the history of Indian archaeology a new chapter. It discusses and analyzes Simone Corbiau's archaeological expedition to North-West Frontier Province and the Malakand Political Agency in 1938. Corbiau was a Belgian archaeologist having interest in pre-/protohistoric terracottas. In the first place, we give a scholarly background to her research so as to understand the importance of the work. In the early 1930s, D.H. Gordon published some terracotta objects from the then NWFP and Corbiau's disagreement with him about dating the materials brought her into India in 1936. She did fieldwork and its results were immediately published. Corbiau visited India for the second time in 1938 but her expedition this time could not meet success. She made an unsuccessful attempt to work at Malakand and Swat, in addition to Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi, and it is this obscured story in the history of the area's archaeology that this paper entirely deals with. We argue that despite the desperate support provided by the Archaeological Survey of India to the party, colonial geostrategic politics coupled with some inherent operational shortcomings in the project doomed it to failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally believed that Malakand Division has witnessed unprecedented socio-economic and political losses because of militancy and terrorism. This article aims to analyze the impact of militancy with special emphasize on the Fazlullah led Shariah movement on the northerly Malakand Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The paper discusses about the background, emergence, tactics and the role of Fazlullah brigade in the rise of militancy and to document the social, economic and political costs of the Shariah movement led by Fazlullah. A descriptive method was used in which secondary sources in the form of journals, books and reports were consulted and reviewed while carrying out this research. The article highlights that Fazlullah, the militant leader of Tahrik-i- Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was intended to accomplish the mission of Sufi Muhammad to implement Shariah law through an unlawful and violent armed struggle in Malakand Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In this regard, the FM radio channel was brought into use to mobilize masses to challenge the writ of the state by establishing parallel court in the region. In the process, many civilians, government servants, and large numbers of notables were being killed and abducted for ransom. Besides, heavy losses were also reported in the form of severe damages to educational institutions, agriculture, livestock, poultry forms, small scale industries, and tourism. It is concluded from the study that militancy had a paramount negative impact on the lives of inhabitants of Malakand Division. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agaricus section Minores, which belongs to A. subgenus Minores, is the most speciose section in genus Agaricus. Collections from lowland northern Pakistan presumably belonging to this section were included in phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear rDNA sequences of internal transcribed spacer and 28S regions. The analyses revealed that these collections belong to two novel species of A. sect. Minores. Agaricus glabriusculus and Agaricus latiumbonatus are subsequently described in detail and compared to closely related or resembling taxa. This is the first report of A. sect. Minores from Pakistan; with this study, the number of known species of Agaricus in the country increases to 26. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that affect rural household food security in northern area of Pakistan. The random sampling technique was applied to collected data from 294 rural households through a face to face interview. A binary logistic regression technique was used to determine the factors that influence household food insecurity. The results of our study revealed that age, gender, education, remittances, unemployment, inflation, assets, and disease are important factors determining household food insecurity. Moreover, gender played a dominant role in food insecurity as female headed household were food insecure while male headed household were food secure. The policies should be set to promote education, more focus on female headed household and encourage the inflow of remittances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of internal displacement in Pakistan is about more than a decade old. It is rooted in the conflict in Afghanistan. Since Pakistan is a frontline ally in the war against terrorism, to stop the influx of extremists into Afghanistan from Pakistan, it started military operations against militants in its hostile Federally Administered Tribal Areas and some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The counter militancy measures, particularly military operations, displaced millions of people from FATA and Malakand division. The country has been dealing with internal displacements for over a decade now. However, no uniform policy exists at the state level to deal with the issue of displacement effectively. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement are comprehensive on the issue of internal displacement. However, these principles are not binding and, therefore, countries follow them when it suits their interests and ignore them where it does not, or if they perceive them to be challenging to follow. This paper examines the situations of conflict-induced internal displacement in Pakistan from 2009 to 2015 against the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. The qualitative method of research has been adopted to explore the topic under discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to explore the floristic composition and ecological characteristics of the plant resources of Hazar Nao hills. In this study, 242 species belonging to 88 families were explored. Based on the number of species, Poaceae (32 species) followed by Asteraceae (22 species), Lamiaceae (16 species), Papilionaceae (11 species), Euphorbiaceae and Solanaceae (6 species each), Amaranthaceae, Brassicaceae, Moraceae and Scrophulariaceae (5 species each), Apiaceae, Boraginaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Plantaginaceae (4 species each) were the leading families. There were 157 (64.88%) species of herbs, 49 (20.25%) species of shrubs and 33 (13.64) species of trees, while climbers shared 3 (1.24%) species. Life form spectrum was dominated by therophytes (99 species, 40.91%), while among the leaf size spectrum nanophyll (83 species, 34.30%) was the dominant class. Cuscuta reflexa, Periploca aphylla and Equisetum arvense were the aphyllous species represented in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large genus Leucoagaricus (Basidiomycota) is poorly studied in Pakistan, where the northern parts of the country are considered hot spots for biodiversity. Based on morphological and molecular data, five new species are described: Leucoagaricus badius, L. lahorensiformis, L. pakistaniensis, L. sultanii, and L. umbonatus. Descriptions and illustrations are given for the new taxa. A phylogeny based on morphology and four DNA regions, including the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and D1-D2 domains of the 28S gene of the nuc rDNA, the gene for RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1-α), shows that the new taxa are clustered in a clade representing Leucoagaricus section Rubrotincti subgenus Sericeomyces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthagaricus pakistanicus is described as a new species from lowland northern Pakistan, based on morphological and molecular data. It is characterized by a yellowish pileus, covered with dark brown squamules, a stipe with yellowish fibrils, globose basidiospores, and pileal squamules made up of pseudoparenchymatous epithelium with encrusted walls. Molecular phylogenetic trees were inferred based on nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) region and 28S nuclear ribosomal DNA. In phylogenetic analyses the genus Hymenagaricus sensu lato (s. l.) was inferred as a nonmonophyletic group and recovered in two monophyletic clades, consisting of species of the genera Xanthagaricus and Hymenagaricus sensu stricto (s. str.). On account of the pileal squamule structure (pseudoparenchymatous epithelium) and yellowish basidiospores, and the phylogenetic position in the Xanthagaricus clade the new species X. pakistanicus belongs to the genus Xanthagaricus. Morphoanatomical comparison with the known species of Xanthagaricus is provided. We also made six new combinations in Xanthagaricus: X. calicutensis, X. epipastus, X. ochraceoluteus, X. rufomarginatus, X. subaeruginosus, and X. taiwanensis. With this study the number of known species in the genus Xanthagaricus increases to 19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and frequently progresses towards liver cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV genotypes and their association with possible transmission risks in the general population of Malakand Division. Methodology: Sum of 570 serum samples were collected during March 2011 to January 2012 from suspected patients visited to different hospitals of Malakand. The suspected sera were tested using qualitative PCR and were then subjected to molecular genotype specific assay. Quantitative PCR was also performed for determination of pre-treatment viral load in confirmed positive patients. Results: Out of 570 serum samples 316 sera were seen positive while 254 sera were found negative using qualitative PCR. The positive samples were then subjected to genotyping assay out of 316, type-specific PCR fragments were seen in 271 sera while 45 samples were found untypable genotypes. Genotype 3a was seen as a predominant genotype (63.3%) with a standard error of ±2.7%. Cramer's V statistic and Liklihood-Ratio statistical procedures are used to measure the strength and to test the association, respectively, between the dependent variable, genotype and explanatory variables (e.g. gender, risk, age and area/districts). The dependent variable, genotype, is observed statistically significant association with variable risk factors. This implies that the genotype is highly dependent on how the patient was infected. In contrast, the other covariates, for example, gender, age and district (area) no statistical significant association are observed. The association between gender-age indicates that the mean age of female was older by 10.5 ± 2.3 years with 95% confidence level using t-statistic. Conclusion: It was concluded from the present study that the predominant genotype was 3a in the infected population of Malakand. This study also highlights the high prevalence rate of untypable genotypes which an important issue of health care setup in Malakand and create complications in therapy of infected patients. Major mode of HCV transmission is multiple uses and re-uses of needles/injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specimens of Rhinilophus ferrumequinum (n = 2) and R. lepidus (n =3) were captured from Malakand district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during a three years survey extending from June 2010 through May 2013. Mean body mass of the captured R. ferrumequinum specimens was 18.45 ± 0.35 g, head and body length was 60.11 ± 1.42 mm and forearm length was 60.01 ± 1.41 mm. Similarly, average greatest length of skull was 23.35 ± 0.20 mm while the total length of baculum of a single specimen was recorded 4.13 mm. The mean body mass, head and body length and forearm length of the R. lepidus specimens captured from the study area was 3.93 ± 0.21 g, 38.49 ± 0.54 mm and 38.02 ± 0.63 mm, respectively. Average greatest length of skull of two specimens was 15.94 ± 0.15 mm while their baculum was 2.33 ± 0.14 mm long. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological differences aid in limiting intra-species variations. Present investigation was carried out to understand morphological differences in two closely related congeners, the greater mouse-tailed bat Rhinopomamicrophyllum (Brünnich, 1782) and the lesser mouse tailed bat Rhinopomahardwickii (Gray, 1831). Variations in external body, cranial and bacularfeatures were recorded and compared. During present survey, specimens of R. microphyllum(n=58) and R. hardwickii (n=25) were roosting at two different caves (N34º 26.783′ E71º 49.070′ and N34º 26.818′ E71º 48.973′) in Malakand division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). Out of these, 3 specimens of R. microphyllumand 5 specimens of R. hardwickii were captured. R. hardwickiifrom KPK was recorded only from Amb prior to the present investigation indicating range extension of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with teeth discoloration in Malakand District, Pakistan. A total of 200 subjects, 50 from each of 4 villages, aged 6–60 yr, were interviewed for data collection using a questionnaire. Twenty water samples were collected from the drinking sources in each village and the fluoride levels measured using a T60 V spectrophotometer. More teeth discoloration was found in those with a middle range of family monthly income (12,000–25,000 Pakistan rupees, p<0.05). Teeth discoloration was significantly related to the mean drinking water fluoride level. The overall prevalence of teeth discoloration was 48.5% with the prevalence being highest in Barh (72%, drinking water fluoride 1.8 mg F/L) and lowest in Selaipaty (16%, drinking water fluoride 0.5 mg F/L). Among subjects with teeth discoloration, 88% had yellow teeth color, 82% had internal teeth defect, and 82% had dental fluorosis. Both the subjects with normal teeth color and discolored teeth had poor oral hygiene practices. Cigarette smoking was significantly associated with discolored teeth (p<0.05). It was recommended that the government should provide safe drinking water supply schemes, with proper maintenance, in all the high-fluoride drinking water areas to prevent the occurrence of dental and other forms of fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tulostoma ahmadii, a new species found in the subtropical pine forest of Malakand, Pakistan, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by parallel to squamulose deep reddish brown scales on stipe with bulbous base, warty exoperidium, and tubular and relatively large-sized basidiospores. Macro- and microscopic features along with sequence data demonstrated that Tulostoma ahmadii is a distinct species from other members of Tulostoma. T. squamosum, which is represented here as a new record for the country, has also been characterized on a molecular basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the socio-economic and political struggle of an indigenous movement called Awami Khel ('Awaml-khel). This historical movement drew its primary recruitment and support from the immigrant business community in the town of Batkhela, Malakand. Recent literature has primarily focused on the religious militant struggle in the region and has ignored the non-violent struggle of immigrant businessmen in the North West of Pakistan. These immigrants believed that their political and economic rights were denied within a context that was shaped by social stratification and closure. In such context the AwamT-khel movement struggled for constructing a narrative that emphasized on equality, emancipation and honour. They employed means to proliferate their message and gathered support to pressurize the government for reforming the political system functioning in Malakand. The paper uses primary data in the form of interviews conducted in Batkhela and the original literature produced by the AwamT-khel movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greater false vampire bat Megaderma lyra is an Indomalayan bat species. Although this species has been reported from Punjab, Sind and Baluchistan, no specimen has been captured from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).We report its occurrence further northwest of Pakistan in Malakand district where 40 greater false vampire bats were recorded roosting in a chromite mine at Heroshah of tehsil Dargai. We used a hand net to capture the bats. Upon examination it was found that all were females. The captured bats were identified on the basis of their unique facial appearance, an erect and elongated nose-leaf and large oval ears that joined on the forehead. This paper documents craniomorphometeric characteristics of the greater false vampire bats inhabiting northwestern part of the country and compares with previous available records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ethno-botanical survey was carried out to collect information on traditional uses of plant resources of Hazar Nao forest, Malakand, Pakistan. About 90 vascular plant species, belonging to 56 families were utilized by the local people for various indigenous uses. Out of these 90 plants, 72 were used as medicinal, 50 as fuel wood species, 32 as fodder plants species, 22 as edible fruit, 29 species for attraction of honey bees, 10 species utilized in agricultural tools, 11 species for fencing, eight species as timber, eight species reported as ornamental, eight species used for thatching and sheltering, seven species as vegetable and pot herb, six species were reported poisonous, four species important for veterinary medicines and 20 plant species had miscellaneous uses such as making of ropes, wooden spoons, kites, fans and brooms. Plant remedies are mainly prepared through infusion, decoction and concoction and administered through oral route or applied to skin. Data analyses indicated that the remedies were used to treat gastro-intestinal disorders, respiratory diseases, skeleto-muscular problems, cutaneous complaints, blood circulatory diseases and many others. Field observations showed that deforestation, over grazing, agricultural expansion and unscientific collection, processing and preservation of natural vegetation are the major threats in the investigated area. Measures for the conservation of plant resources of Hazar Nao forest are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medicinal plants in the studied area are represented by 62 plants. Questionnaires were developed to collect data on the traditional medicinal uses from the local people. Most of the plants species are used for different diseases and have significant role in the primary health care of the area. Attempts were made to document the indigenous knowledge of the people about the medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western Himalaya of Pakistan forms a classic fold and thrust belt with a foreland defined by the Salt Range thrust, Main Boundary thrust, and Panjal-Khairabad thrust, and a hinterland that stretches northward from the Panjal-Khairabad thrust across the Peshawar Basin, through the mountains of Swat and Hazara, to the Main Mantle thrust (MMT), which is the westward extension of the Indus suture zone. The MMT separates the Indian plate from the Kohistan island arc complex, which forms the southern margin of the amalgamated Asian tectonic plate. Rocks in the hinterland underwent deformation and regional metamorphism in early Cenozoic as a result of the collision between India and Kohistan along the MMT. The purpose of this contribution is to review the stratigraphy, structure, and thermal evolution of the western Himalayan hinterland region in order to clarify our present knowledge and to address inconsistencies regarding geologic history. The goal is to create a comprehensive understanding and working model of the hinterland region. We do this by synthesizing and evaluating all published isotopic age data from the region, and by placing each age into the stratigraphic and structural framework of a geologic map created during more than 1.5 years of traverse and reconnaissance field mapping over a 12-year period. We add 17 new isotopic ages that have bearing on the stratigraphic, intrusive, and metamorphic history. Stratigraphy is described as pre-. syn -, and post-rift, dependent on its age relative to a strong Carboniferous-Triassic rifting event that featured plutonism, normal faulting, deposition, the erosional removal of Paleozoic rocks from northern areas of the hinterland, and potentially multiple periods of Panjal Trap volcanism extending to the Late Triassic. We show that stratigraphy can be traced continuously across the hinterland region without disruption across Cenozoic faults except in the MMT zone where there are four separate areas of Indus mélange and three adjacent thrust slices of Indian plate rock, one of which is newly recognized. We provide evidence that all of the mélange and Indian plate thrust slices were emplaced at about the same time prior to peak Cenozoic metamorphism in underlying hinterland rocks, and prior to 50 Ma. We find no evidence for thrusting since that time. Geologic and isotopic evidence suggests that the Kohistan arc and underlying thrust slices were emplaced in a southwestward direction and that the arc was in place against hinterland rocks prior to ca. 48.1 Ma. Hinterland rocks had reached peak metamorphism and were cooling by ca. 50 Ma except in the Loe Sar and Kotah domes where cooling was delayed until ca. 39 Ma. The Kohistan arc underwent eastward translation post-45.8 Ma during folding and erosional exhumation of hinterland rocks. The Indus syntaxis is a long-lived anticlinal structure that it is currently active. Pre-Cenozoic history includes plutonism in the Paleoproterozoic, Neoproterozoic, Early and Middle Ordovician, and Permian, and possible tectonism in Late Cretaceous-Early Paleocene. There are indications of pre-Cenozoic regional metamorphism within metasedimentary rock, but they are masked by Cenozoic metamorphism such that their extent, if any, is unknown. • Thrusting prior to 50 Ma in the western Himalaya • Panjal Trap volcanic rocks deposited in the Late Triassic • A new thrust slice, the Ghalanai slice • Indian plate rock within the Indus suture (MMT) zone • The Indus syntaxis is a long-lived, active anticlinal structure [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]