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The lack of information regarding biodiversity status hampers designing and implementing conservation strategies and achieving future targets. Northern Pakistan consists of a unique ecoregion mosaic which supports a myriad of environmental niches for anuran diversity in comparison to the deserts and xeric shrublands throughout the rest of the country. In order to study the niche suitability, species overlap and distribution patterns in Pakistan, we collected observational data for nine anuran species across several distinct ecoregions by surveying 87 randomly selected locations from 2016 to 2018 in Rawalpindi District and Islamabad Capital Territory. Our model showed that the precipitation of the warmest and coldest quarter, distance to rivers and vegetation were the greatest drivers of anuran distribution, expectedly indicating that the presence of humid forests and proximity to waterways greatly influences the habitable range of anurans in Pakistan. Sympatric overlap between species occurred at significantly higher density in tropical and subtropical coniferous forests than in other ecoregion types. We found species such as Minervarya spp., Hoplobatrachus tigerinus and Euphlyctis spp. preferred the lowlands in proximal, central and southern parts of the study area proximal to urban settlements, with little vegetation and higher average temperatures. Duttaphrynus bengalensis and D. stomaticus had scattered distributions throughout the study area with no clear preference for elevation. Sphaerotheca pashchima was patchily distributed in the midwestern extent of the study area as well as the foothills to the north. Microhyla nilphamariensis was widely distributed throughout the study area with a preference for both lowlands and montane terrain. Endemic frogs (Nanorana vicina and Allopaa hazarensis) were observed only in locations with higher elevations, higher density of streams and lower average temperatures as compared to the other seven species sampled. It is recommended to provide legal protection to amphibians of Pakistan, especially endemic species, through revision in the existing wildlife laws. We suggest studying the effectiveness of existing amphibian tunnels and corridors or designing new ones tailored to the needs of our species to prevent their local extinction due to ongoing or proposed urban development which might affect their dispersal and colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife monitoring programs are instrumental for the assessment of species, habitat status, and for the management of factors affecting them. This is particularly important for species found in freshwater ecosystems, such as amphibians, as they have higher estimated extinction rates than terrestrial species. We developed and validated two species-specific environmental DNA (eDNA) protocols and applied them in the field to detect the Hazara Torrent Frog (Allopaa hazarensis) and Murree Hills Frog (Nanorana vicina). Additionally, we compared eDNA surveys with visual encounter surveys and estimated site occupancy. eDNA surveys resulted in higher occurrence probabilities for both A. hazarensis and N. vicina than for visual encounter surveys. Detection probability using eDNA was greater for both species, particularly for A. hazarensis. The top-ranked detection model for visual encounter surveys included effects of both year and temperature on both species, and the top-ranked occupancy model included effects of elevation and year. The top-ranked detection model for eDNA data was the null model, and the top-ranked occupancy model included effects of elevation, year, and wetland type. To our knowledge, this is the first time an eDNA survey has been used to monitor amphibian species in the Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was focused on documentation of amphibian assemblage in North Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan, by using mitochondrial gene sequences of 16S rRNA. Our study entailed 37% of the known amphibian species of the country. We provided a phylogenetic analysis based on 74 newly generated mitochondrial 16S rRNAs from nine species of genus Microlyla, Duttaphrynus, Allopaa, Nanorana, Sphaerotheca, Minervarya, Hoplobatrachus, and Euphlyctis. We employed the maximum‐likelihood inference and Bayesian analysis to assess the taxonomic status of the samples obtained from Pakistan, with respect to other congeneric species from surrounding regions. Our findings confirmed the taxonomic status of South Asian anuran species Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Microhyla nilphamariensis, Allopaa hazarensis, Nanorana vicina, Sphaerotheca maskeyi (synonym: S. pashchima), Minervarya pierrei, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, and Euphlyctis kalasgramensis in Pakistan. We have reported new country records of genus Minervarya(M. pierrei). Minervarya pierrei was previously misidentified as Fejervarya limnocharis, due to dearth of genetic information. We provided the first genetic records of our endemic species N. vicina. The results revealed the taxonomic placement of N. vicina with respect to its congeners and validated the taxonomic status of N. vicina from its type locality (Murree) for the first time. The findings of the present study also indicated the paraphyletic relationship of A.‐ hazarensis with Nanorana species. So, based on our phylogenetic inferences, morphological characters, and habitat preferences, validity of generic status of A. hazarensis is undecided. As our data were not enough to resolve this issue, we suggest sequencing of additional mitochondrial and nuclear genes in the future studies to get a better resolution. We recommend carrying out extensive surveys throughout the country for proper scientific documentation of amphibians of Pakistan. Many new species, some of them might be endemic to Pakistan, are expected to be discovered, and taxonomic status of other species would be resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on amphibians and their conservation have gained worldwide attention, as the group includes the highest number of threatened and Data Deficient species when compared to other vertebrates. However, amphibians have long been neglected in wildlife conservation, management decisions, policy making, and research agendas in Pakistan. In this paper, an annotated checklist of the 21 amphibian species of Pakistan, a key to their identification, and detailed discussions on variation in species, including the genera Minervarya and Sphaerotheca, are provided. We found a statistically significant difference in the morphometric measurements of males but non-significant difference in the females of the two forms (rusty dorsum and dotted dorsum) of S. maskeyi. Some genera, such as Microhyla, Uperodon, Minervarya, Allopaa, Chrysopaa, Euphlyctis, Nanorana, and Sphaerotheca, in Pakistan are in need of additional data for molecular and morphological comparisons with taxa in other South Asian countries. The predicaments of amphibian research in Pakistan are discussed, gaps identified, and suggestions are made. Although the occurrence of chytrid fungus in Pakistan is predicted of low likelihood, a lack of data merits studying the prevalence of the fungus, particularly in the northern regions of the country which exhibit complex and dynamic ecosystems. It is recommended that systematic and coordinated surveys are conducted throughout the country to build a database of species occurrences and distributions. Additionally, the monitoring of wild populations and threat mitigation, as well as appropriate legislation, are suggested as long-term measures. By adopting an inclusive wildlife conservation approach in Pakistan, amphibians could be integrated into wildlife conservation and management efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphibians are sensitive to agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers. Data on responses of anuran species commonly found in agricultural areas of Pakistan to chemical pollution are lacking. We studied the effects of ammonium nitrate on survival of tadpoles of common skittering frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis). Tadpoles were collected from seasonal shallow water ponds formed during rainy season in the vicinities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad cities. Tadpoles were treated with ammonium nitrate at either 62.5, 125, 250, 500 or 1000 mg nitrate / l, and compared with a control group. Individual survival was significantly affected by increased ammonium nitrate treatments (P < 0.05), with survival rates after 18 days of exposure ranging from 83% at 62.5 mg NO3- / l to complete mortality at the highest ammonium nitrate concentration. The logistic regression model with individual survival as a binomial outcome variable and fertilizer concentration as independent variable explained 87% of the variance in survivorship (Nagelkerke R2), and correctly classified 94.0% of the cases (χ2 = 259, 5 d.f., P < 0.0005). Our lab-based findings suggest that ammonium nitrate at high concentrations may affect anuran species of Pakistan in croplands with extensive nitrogen-based fertilizer use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of a study of the amphibians and reptiles in North Punjab, Pakistan, their diversity and conservation, from February 2010 to January 2011. The study are contained 35 herpetofauna species, including 30 reptiles. It recorded 388 individuals that belong to 11 recognizable taxonomic units (RTU) with 0.22 individuals per hectare population density. Areas with higher species richness and higher species diversity and evenness are identified. Some of the threatened species in the area included the Indian Soft-shell Turtle, Nilssonia gangetica and Brown River Turtle, Pangshura smithii. Also discussed are threats to the herpetofauna and conservation measures.

The larvae of some amphibian species grow and develop more slowly at lower temperature and attain larger body size at the end of metamorphosis, but this is not true for all amphibians. We have for the first time provided empirical data by using a combination of field and lab-based studies with a robust sample size (360 adults, 1000 tadpoles) for Hazara Torrent Frog (Allopaa hazarensis) and Murree Hills Frog (Nanorana vicina). In this study, we examined how tadpoles responded to different temperatures through metamorphosis, body size, developmental complications or deformities, fitness and survival. We found that the tadpoles of A. hazarensis and N. vicina showed the same response to elevated temperatures under laboratory conditions including faster metamorphosis, reduction in the body size, more frequent developmental complications or deformities such as edema and tail kinks, lower fitness and higher mortality at elevated temperatures (>26 °C). The comparison of thermal sensitivity between the two species showed that N. vicina was more sensitive to higher temperatures. Pakistan has been experiencing changes in climatic patterns, and the ecosystems in northern Pakistan are losing biodiversity due to increasing temperature, frequency of drought and intensity of floods. It is feared that these frogs may experience local extinction in future. Our findings contribute to filling the information gap regarding impacts of temperature increase on biodiversity of high altitude forested montane ecosystems and is an important contribution to future studies associating biodiversity and climate change. • The study provides empirical data by using combination of field and lab-based studies for Hazara Torrent Frog (Allopaa hazarensis) and Murree Hills Frog (Nanorana vicina). • The tadpoles of both species showed the same response to elevated temperatures under laboratory conditions. • Faster metamorphosis, reduction in the body size, lower fitness and higher mortality were observed in tadpoles at elevated temperatures (> 26 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usage of underwater immersion lights outfitted with CCTV is a technological innovation that is expected to solve the inadequacies of the acoustic work system while also improving the existing underwater immersion light work system. Underwater Fish Lamp Plus (UFLPlus) technology can attract attention and directly monitor the condition of fish in the sea from the boat. The purpose of this study was to understand how the UFLPlus was designed and constructed; to test its performance using lamplight, waterproof, and immersion tests; to learn how the light distribution pattern is formed; and to learn the state of the catch. The study was separated into two phases: the design and fabrication of UFLPlus, and numerous laboratory-scale experiments and outdoor trials with boat lift net fishing gear. The results reveal that UFLPlus performed effectively in the field after all of its physical components were tested in the laboratory, and that the values of light intensity and light distribution patterns are still in accordance with the level of adaptation to light reception on the fish retina. During the trial catch, 62 kg of anchovy (Stolephorus sp.), 27 kg of ponyfishes (Leiognathus sp.), 32.5 kg of fringe-scale sardinella (Sardinella fimbriata), and 17.5 kg of yellow-stripe scad (Selaroides leptolepis) were caught. UFLPlus was capable of functioning as an underwater immersion lamp that attracts fish attention and directly monitors the arrival of fish in the water in the fishing area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the service health experience declines healthcare that happens in almost all types of health service in Indonesia, both provided by primary and advanced healthcare facilities. This study aims to analyze factors of utilization service health in patients with hypertension in the Community Health Centers (Puskesmas) Antang. This study uses a quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach. The total sample of as many as 160 participants with the technique taking purposive sampling, whatever data analysis using chi-square and multiple logistic regression test. This study is conducted at the Puskesmas Antang, Makassar City. Research results are known there is a relationship between age (p=0.000), health insurance (p=0.000), and the perception of health-sick (p=0.001) to utilization service health in patients with hypertension. As for the type gender (p=0.298), an education level (p=0.839), occupation (p=0.249), length of suffering (p=0.686), and time wait service (p=0.703), there is no relationship to utilization service health in patients with hypertension. Based on multiple logistic regression test results, health insurance is the most influential factor to utilization service health in patients with hypertension, with a value of B=2.151 (95% CI 3.425-21.564). The expected results of the study are to become the source reference to influencing factors of healthcare utilization in patients with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug management is an arrangement of activities carried out optimally and related to aspects of planning, procurement, storage, availability, distribution and destruction of drugs so that the correct number of types of provision of care and treatment can be achieved. The existence of drug vacancies, distribution, storage and human resources causes problems in drug logistics management. This study aims to determine the logistics management system for drugs and medical consumables at the pharmacy installation at the Southwest Maluku District Health Office. This type of research is qualitative research with an observation approach, document review and in-depth interviews with people who are considered to know about the situation and problems in question. There were 6 informants in this study, namely the Head of the Pharmacy Installation, the Pharmacy Installation Pharmacist, the Head of the Community Health Center and the Drug Warehouse Manager. Data processing is done by using data reduction, presentation and drawing conclusions and the data analysis technique used is content analysis. The results showed that drug planning was carried out at the end of each year with each Community Health Center submitting an annual RKO to the Health Office, drug procurement was carried out based on LPLPO, 10 most drug uses and drug availability, drug receipt and examination were carried out by special officers where drug was received previously, storage Drugs are administered at the District Pharmacy Installation Warehouse with insufficient storage space or warehouse size. Suggestions from the Health Service to increase human resources in the pharmaceutical sector at the health centre for drug logistics management, especially in the drug planning process, drug procurement at the Pharmacy Installation of the Southwest Maluku District Health Office should be carried out by paying attention to the remaining drug stocks with consideration of the waiting time for drug delivery and if the drug is received not in accordance with the order so that there is no vacancy in drug stocks, Coordinating well between the team of reception and examination officers at the Pharmacy Installation of the Southwest Maluku District Health Office and the health centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the integrin requirements of T-helper (TH) effector subsets, we investigated the contribution of CD18 (ß2 integrin) to TH1 and TH2 function in vitro and in relevant disease models. CD18-deficient (Itgb2-/-) T cells showed largely normal in vitro function. Compared with wild-type mice, Itgb2-/- mice were better able to resolve Leishmania major infection and generated a superior TH1 immune response, as assessed from draining lymph nodes. In contrast, TH2-dependent allergic lung disease was markedly impaired in mutant mice. In both models, development of TH1 and TH2 cells in spleens was normal, but accumulation of TH2 (not TH1) cells at inflammatory sites was reduced. Thus, CD18 is selectively required for TH2, but not TH1, homing and has a minimal influence on T-effector development. These findings suggest a new integrin-based therapeutic approach in which the outcomes of diverse diseases may be favorably influenced by altering the homing of TH2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian pangolin ( Manis crassicaudata) has been recently listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as an endangered species throughout its range, but in Pakistan it is categorized as vulnerable. Very little is known about the breeding habits of this nocturnal and fossorial animal in the wild. The present paper provides information on breeding ecology of its population in Potohar Plateau in Pakistan. A total of 13 specimens were trapped to record breeding condition of the captured animals. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the study area to collect breeding data on the species. Our limited data show a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1. The local population seems to breed once a year, usually from July to October, with a litter size of one to two. The juvenile pangolins were observed during the months of January, April and December. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated metal concentrations (Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn and Fe) in the habitat and body tissues (blood, liver and kidney) of common skittering frog Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis along the Korang River, Islamabad, Pakistan. Samples were collected from three selected contaminated sites and a reference site at four different occasions from October 2010 to March 2012. All studied metals showed elevated levels in river water, as well as in blood, liver and kidneys of frogs from all contaminated sites. Specifically, Mn showed significantly higher levels in all analysed matrices from contaminated sites compared to the reference site. Histological sections of frog livers exposed to elevated metals showed abnormal hepatocytes, while their kidney sections showed discontinuous glomeruli with dead or ruptured cells exhibiting improper shapes with cytoplasmic depositions. This study indicates that frogs inhabiting Korang River are at potential risk of metal toxicity from the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree cavities are a globally important structural element of forest ecosystems that host numerous cavity-dwelling vertebrates, but they have received little research in Pakistan. We investigated cavity-bearing trees, the attributes of their cavities, and their associated vertebrate fauna in a coniferous forest of Pakistan. We recorded 1140 trees in a 2-km² sampled area. We found 211 cavities (64% decay-formed and 36% excavated cavities) in 83 trees (41% live and 59% snags). Of the cavities found, 74% were recorded in trunks and 26% were in branches. Only 28% of the cavities showed signs of recent use by any vertebrate species. We observed 19 vertebrate species using cavities: 2 mammals, 13 birds (including 5 woodpecker species as primary excavators), and 4 reptiles. Height from the ground, entrance diameter, and depth of the cavities used by mammals were greater than those measurements of the cavities occupied by birds and reptiles. Our study shows that tree cavities have a critical role in providing nesting sites to many vertebrate species of Pakistan that require tree cavities in order to breed. We recommend such research be done in other forests of the country to investigate cavity availability and requirements of cavity users. We suggest that certain minimum populations of cavity-bearing trees should be maintained during silviculture practices to support populations of tree-dwelling vertebrates in the coniferous forests of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]