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Honeybees are important insects, both economically and as pollinators. While foraging, bees can come in contact with environmental pollutants such as pesticides, possibly in combination with other xenobiotic compounds that may compromise bee health. Our current study investigated the acute exposure to nanosized titanium dioxide, a common additive in food, cosmetics, paints and agricultural products, along with deltamethrin (DLT), a well‐known pyrethroid pesticide. The effects of binary exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2‐NPs) nanoparticles at concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 μg/mL with DLT were noted on Apis mellifera brain histology along with their possible synergism. In DLT‐ and combined TiO2‐NP‐DLT treated bees, survival rates were lowered and several histological alterations were observed including an increased number of cells with pyknotic nuclei, along with cytoplasmic vacuolization, chromatin compaction and degeneration indicating autophagic activity and a decrease in the cross‐sectional area of nanoparticle‐treated mushroom body calyces. A synergistic relationship between TiO2‐NPs and DLT was revealed, while LD50 for combined TiO2‐NP‐DLT treatment was 0.101, 0.09 and 0.02 μg/bee at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. In summary, results demonstrate that TiO2‐NP and DLT co‐exposure can induce damage in bee brain structures at higher concentrations, which indicates an additional risk factor for bee health in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, innovative developments have been made in the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. However, toxicity due to long-term exposure to various types of metal-based nanoparticles, especially metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, is gradually increasing. The kidney is prone to toxin-induced impairment because it is one of the main organs for eliminating multiple potentially dangerous substances, including nanoparticles (NPs), from mammals. However, the mechanisms underlying cytotoxicity triggered by various NPs have not yet been reported. This review summarizes the various mechanisms involved in metal-based nanoparticle-induced nephrotoxicity, focusing on Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, which leads to oxidative stress and apoptosis. The mechanisms by which metal-based NPs cause serious side effects in the renal system and the specific toxicity of different types of metal NPs are also summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous difficulties in arthropod taxonomy (such as limitations in conventional morphological approaches, the possibility of cryptic species and a shortage of knowledgeable taxonomists) has been overcome by the powerful tool of DNA barcoding. This study presents a thorough analysis of DNA barcoding in regards to Pakistani arthropods, which were collected from Lahore's Jinnah Garden. The 88 % (9,451) of the 10,792 specimens that were examined were able to generate DNA barcodes and 83% (8,974) of specimens were assigned 1,361 barcode index numbers (BINs). However, the success rate differed significantly between the orders of arthropods, from 77% for Thysanoptera to an astounding 93% for Diptera. Through morphological exams, DNA barcoding, and cross-referencing with the Barcode of Life Data system (BOLD), the Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) were assigned with a high degree of accuracy, both at the order (100%) and family (98%) levels. Though, identifications at the genus (37%) and species (15%) levels showed room for improvement. This underscores the ongoing need for enhancing and expanding the DNA barcode reference library. This study identified 324 genera and 191 species, underscoring the advantages of DNA barcoding over traditional morphological identification methods. Among the 17 arthropod orders identified, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera from the class Insecta dominated, collectively constituting 94% of BINs. Expected malaise trap Arthropod fauna in Jinnah Garden could contain approximately 2,785 BINs according to Preston log-normal species distribution, yet the Chao-1 Index predicts 2,389.74 BINs. The Simpson Index of Diversity (1-D) is 0.989, signaling high species diversity, while the Shannon Index is 5.77, indicating significant species richness and evenness. These results demonstrated that in Pakistani arthropods, DNA barcoding and BOLD are an invaluable tool for improving taxonomic understanding and biodiversity assessment, opening the door for further eDNA and metabarcoding research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is linked to a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The development and outcome of atherosclerosis are both influenced by vascular inflammation. The main purpose of this study is to find the impact of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and thrombomodulin on vascular damage in the patients having impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and to identify the relationship of IL-6 with insulin resistance. The patients visiting Amin Hayat Memorial Diabetic Center, Lahore from (January 2017 to October 2017) the subjects following WHO criteria of IGT and Diabetes were included. Demographic parameters as age, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure, and socioeconomic status were recorded. Proatherogenic parameters like plasma glucose level, serum levels of insulin, thrombomodulin and IL-6 were measured by ELISA. The serum level of thrombomodulin was assessed as a measure of vascular damage. This study showed significantly elevated serum concentration of IL-6 and altered lipid profile in diabetes individual when compared with the control subjects. IL-6 and thrombomodulin was progressively higher in diabetic group. IL-6 correlated positively with thrombomodulin in the control group but an inverse association was seen in the IGT group and revealed that imbalance of the vascular damage initiated and that lead to damage of vascular endothelium in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles are defined as structures of size ranges from 1-100 nm in diameter in at least one direction. Metallic nanoparticles are considered the most potent agents in the modern world because they are used in every field of life, including the biotechnology, medical, textile, and food industries. Owing to their increased application, humans are constantly exposed to these nanoparticles. Their physiochemical characteristics, as their large surface to volume ratio might enhance their toxicity, increased surface area of NPs exhibit increased biological activity i.e reactive oxygen species generation when compared to large particles of the same mass. Consequently, their biosafety is a matter of major concern. The liver is the primary organ for detoxification and the major organ exposed to nanoparticles. After penetrating the body, nanoparticles enter the bloodstream and are internalized by hepatocytes. After penetration, they cause genotoxicity, oxidative stress and histopathology in hepatic tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use type changes the carrying capacity of habitats to support species diversity and maintain viable population. Avian studies provide substantial information about these changes as birds are predictor of ecological disturbances. The current research explored the avian diversity, richness, abundance and their feeding habit in selected habitats of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB). Data were collected from May 2017 to October 2017 using point count technique. Thirty points were selected from each habitat. A total of 175 species and 24,933 individuals belonging to 16 orders and 55 families were recorded. Human settlements had the highest species richness (106) while Dry Temperate habitat had the highest value of species diversity (H'=3.71). The most abundant species were Common Myna Acridotheres tristis (RA=8.599), Carrion Crow Corvus corone (7.486), Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos (6.240). Two threatened bird species Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis and Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus were observed. Habitat suitability index (HSI) of former species was maximum in rangelands (0.82) even though it was also observed in six habitats. Furthermore, Western Tragopan was found only in moist temperate habitat with HSI 0.70. The current study revealed that suitable habitat of these species is shrinking mainly due to habitat loss, its fragmentation and hunting pressure. Species prefer habitat with specific characteristics and this paper provides recommendations for the conservation and management of Steppe Eagle and Western Tragopan. Primary and secondary data based further studies are needed to manage the population of threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Asian countries, the agriculture sector is an important domain. Honey bees (Apis mellifera, L.) play an important role in the agricultural sector by pollinating the vast range of edible fruits and grain crops. The value of A. mellifera as the most valuable pollinating insect has long been recognized throughout the temperate and tropical zones of Asia. The worldwide value of pollinators is €153 billion (217 billion US dollars). Pollinators enhanced seed production, fruit setting, and yield. The main challenge faced throughout the world due to honey bee losses is starvation. It leads to a food security crisis. Both biotic and abiotic factors float bee survival challenges. Pesticides inevitably harm vital pollinators and cause lethal and sublethal toxicity. In Asia, excessive usage of pesticides is a great threat to pollinators. It disrupts molecular and physiological functions, behavior, and cognitive activities. Dealing with all constraints in an integrated way will be a profoundly vital necessity. Altering excessive chemical-intensive agriculture systems into an ecological farming system is a current requirement for food security. People should have awareness of sustainable pollination services through managing beekeeping practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]