Prospects of microalgal biodiesel production in Pakistan – a review

Biodiesel is an alternative, renewable, biodegradable and environmentally friendly fuel for transportation, with properties like petroleum-derived diesel, and can be used directly in a compression ignition engine without any modifications. The world's fossil fuel and crude oil reserves are going to dry up in the next few decades, but, contrariwise, an attractive, high quality, readily available and economically extractable oil from microalgae is a substitute feedstock to produce alternative biodiesel fuel for the transportation sector in the future. Microalgae have a higher biomass productivity (tons/hectare/year) and lipid yield (kg/kg of algal biomass) as compared to vegetable oil crops. To overcome the problem of energy deficiency in developing countries, like Pakistan, and boost their economic growth, alternative fuels are proving very important for environment-friendly and sustainable development, especially in the last few decades. Different research studies on microalgae cultivation, characterization of microalgae oil (lipids), and evaluations of its socio-economic feasibility to produce renewable biodiesel have been conducted in the past in Pakistan for its future prospects. This review paper includes the overall summary and compilation of the microalgae research conducted in Pakistan on biodiesel production and includes the algal biodiesel production cost analysis. The studies showed promising results for harnessing microalgae and using its lipids to produce biodiesel with favourable properties that were comparable to the conventional diesel in Pakistan. The information related to the microalgae research will help stakeholders and governmental organisations working in the renewable energy sector to consider its cultivation on a large scale, using waste water as a feedstock to produce biodiesel to meet the target set by the Government of Pakistan of using 10% blended biodiesel by the year 2025 in Pakistan

La actitud de los estudiantes hacia la biología en las escuelas secundarias de Islamabad, Pakistán

In this age of science and technology, the world is facing geographical challenges, whereasthe future nation builders are losing their interest even in science subjects, especially, inbiology. There are numerous factors that contributed towards students’ success in a particularsubject but the most important one is their attitude towards that subject. The focus of thepresent study was to investigate the attitude of students towards Biology in SecondarySchools in Islamabad. The population of this study comprised all 10th grade Biology studentsin different institutions in Islamabad. Owing to the shortage of time, the researcher selected506 students (from six public and four private schools) as a convenience sample for this study.These students were administered through a valid and reliable instrument known as “BiologyAttitude Scale” (BAS) developed by the researcher. The study used a 5-point Likert type scaleto measure students’ attitude towards Biology on seven dimensions: “Interest in Biology”,“Career in Biology”, “Importance of Biology”, “Biology Teacher”, “Difficulty in Biology”,“Equipment use in Biology” and “Methodology of Biology”. Students’ attitude toward Biologywas analyzed by using the mean score of an individual statement. The findings of the studyrevealed that overall students showed a positive attitude towards Biology. Female studentsexhibited a positive attitude as compared to male students. Similarly, students in publicschools showed a positive attitude toward students of private schools.En esta era de la ciencia y la tecnología, el mundo enfrenta desafíos geográficos, mientras que los futuros constructores de naciones están perdiendo su interés incluso en temas de ciencias, especialmente en biología. Existen numerosos factores que contribuyeron al éxito de los estudiantes en un tema en particular, pero el más importante es su actitud hacia ese tema. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la actitud de los estudiantes hacia la biología en las escuelas secundarias de Islamabad. La población de este estudio comprendió a todos los estudiantes de biología de 10º grado en diferentes instituciones en Islamabad. Debido a la escasez de tiempo, el investigador seleccionó a 506 estudiantes (de seis escuelas públicas y cuatro privadas) como muestra de conveniencia para este estudio. Estos estudiantes fueron administrados a través de un instrumento válido y confiable conocido como "Biology Attitude Scale" (BAS) desarrollado por el investigador. El estudio utilizó una escala tipo Likert de 5 puntos para medir la actitud de los estudiantes hacia la biología en siete dimensiones: "Interés en biología", "Carrera en biología", "Importancia de la biología", "Profesor de biología", "Dificultad en biología", "Uso de equipos en biología" y "Metodología de la biología". La actitud de los estudiantes hacia la biología se analizó utilizando el puntaje promedio de una declaración individual. Los resultados del estudio revelaron que los estudiantes en general mostraron una actitud positiva hacia la biología. Las estudiantes exhibieron una actitud positiva en comparación con los estudiantes varones. Del mismo modo, los estudiantes en las escuelas públicas mostraron una actitud positiva hacia los estudiantes de las escuelas privadas

A cytogenic monitoring approach of hospital workers occuptionally exposed to ionizing radiations using micronucleus assay

Background: The objective of this study was to determine chromosomal damage in occupational workers of the radiation department from three different hospitals, Faisalabad, Pakistan exposed for a long term to ionizing radiations using micronucles (MN) assay. A comparison between exposed and non-exposed subjects (controlled) of same age exhibited a significant an increase in the number of micronuclei in occupational workers. MN frequency increases with an increase in age and duration of exposure in both sexes but higher in females.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the District Head Quarter Hospital (DHQ), Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine (PINUM) and Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The total 145 subjects were selected from these hospitals. The subjects were divided into two groups. The control group (N= 40) (20 males and 20 females) of healthy subjects (no exposure) and the second group of subjects (N=105) (68 males and 37 females) subjects of occupational workers who were indirectly exposed to radiation. Blood samples (2ml) were collected in sodium heparinised vaccutainer tubes through venipuncture from both the groups. Disposable syringes were used for this purpose. For the evaluation of MN yield, slides were prepared by following the method of Jorge et al. (2004).Results: A significant difference in micro nuclear induction was observed between the occupational subjects and the control subjects and as well as in females and in males (P < 0.01). Females are more vulnerable to ionizing radiation than males. In females, MN yield was two times higher than males. MN frequency was increased with an increase in age and duration of exposure in both sexes, but higher in females and may be due to an increase in chromosomal loss in hospital workers. There is an individual response to the physical noxa, depending on sex, age and exposure. Smoking and drinking habits do not have a significant effect in increasing the number of MN in occupationally exposed workers.Conclusion: It was concluded that females are more vulnerable to ionizing radiations than males. MN test can be used as a biomarker with a predictive value for the estimation in occupationally exposed subjects.Key Words: Radiations; Hospital workers; Sex; Micronucleus assay; Chromosomal damag

Economics of shifting land from field crops to hog plum (Spondias mombin L.) cultivation in southern Bangladesh

The study was carried out to analyse the economics of shifting land from field crops to hog plum cultivation in southern Bangladesh during July to September 2018. A total of 120 farmers were selected by using multistage stratified random sampling technique to collect primary data. Result of the study shows that the per hectare average total cost of hog plum cultivation was Tk. 94,126. The average yield of hog plum was 7.97 t ha-1. Net return from hog plum cultivation was Tk. 126,921 per hectare. By cultivating hog plum, farmers obtained 56 to 93% higher net return than the other existing cropping patterns. Since the BCR (2.94), NPV (Tk. 2215,000) and IRR (59%) were very high, the land shifting decision towards hog plum cultivation was sensible. However, BCR was very low in the initial stages of hog plum plantation. Initial investment support from public or private sector could facilitate the growth of this cultivation practice. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(2): 155-163, December 202

Effect of estradiol valerate on endometrial thickness in polycystic ovary syndrome having ovulation induction with letrozole

Background: PCOS is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Letrozole is an orally active aromatase inhibitor and as effective as chlomiphene citrate for induction of ovulation. Estrogen is important in the regeneration and growth of the endometrium prior to ovulation prepare the tissue to respond to progesterone post ovulation in PCOS patients. Aim of the study was to assess the effects of estradiol valerate on endometrial thickness in PCOS having ovulation induction with letrozole. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted in the department of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, BSMMU, Dhaka, with 1 year duration. A total 80 diagnosed cases of PCOS patients with subfertility were included in this study. Among them 40 patients received letrozole and estradiol valerate and 40 patients received letrozole and placebo. Results: On day 8, mean endometrial thickness was not statistically significant between two groups (p=0.436). On day of triggering, mean endometrial thickness was significantly higher in intervention group 9.2±1.4 mm than control group 8.2±1.4 mm (p=0.004). Mean changes of endometrial thickness on day of triggering compared with on day 8 was significantly higher in intervention group 3.2±1.5 mm than control group 2.5±1.6 mm (p=0.043). Pregnancy rate was higher in intervention group 13 (38.2%) than control group 8 (22.2%) with relative risk 1.72, 95% CI (0.82-3.63%), that was not statistically significant between two groups (p=0.144). Conclusions: Mean changes of endometrial thickness on day of triggering were significantly higher in intervention group than control group. The pregnancy rate achieved with letrozole+estradiol valerate combination was higher than that achieved with letrozole and placebo group

Effect of D-chiro-inositol on hormonal parameters and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance. D-chiro-inositol, a naturally occurring inositol isomer, has been suggested as a potential treatment option for PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of D-chiro-inositol supplementation on hormonal parameters, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted among 60 women of PCOS with insulin resistance, who were assigned to either Group A (D-chiro-inositol) or Group B (placebo) for 12 weeks. S. FSH, LH, S. total testosterone, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23.0 for Windows. Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, significant reductions in serum luteinizing hormone, serum total testosterone, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were observed in the D-chiro-inositol group compared to the placebo group. However, no significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose levels. D-chiro-inositol was well-tolerated, with no significant differences in side effects between the two groups. Conclusions: D-chiro-inositol supplementation for 12 weeks significantly improved hormonal parameters, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. The treatment was well-tolerated, suggesting that D-chiro-inositol can be an effective therapeutic option for patients with PCOS

Comparison of ultrasonographically measured fetal interventricular septal thickness between diabetic and healthy mother

Background: During pregnancy, metabolic changes occur in response to increased nutrient needs of the fetus and mother, including progressive insulin resistance that can lead to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM can result in fetal complications. This study aimed to compare fetal interventricular septal thickness, measured by ultrasound, between diabetic and healthy mothers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of radiology and imaging, BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 334 subjects were enrolled in this study as per inclusion criteria. The study duration was 2 years; from July 2012 to June 2014. All study subjects were divided into 3 groups named group A, group B, and group C. 167 non-diabetic, 84 controlled diabetics, and 83 uncontrolled diabetic mothers were considered as group A, group B, and group C respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS computed program. Results: In this study, 47.9% of subjects in group A were ≤25 years old, while 52.4% of group B and 53.0% of group C were in the 26-30 age range. The mean age was 25.9±3 years in group A, 25.5±2.9 years in group B, and 25.2+3.3 years in group C, with no statistically significant difference between the three groups (p>0.05). The mean gestational age was similar across the three groups, with no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). However, the mean fetal interventricular septal thickness was significantly different between the groups, with group A and B having similar thicknesses, while group C had a significantly larger thickness (p<0.05). The difference in fetal interventricular septal thickness was also statistically significant between the three groups at 32 weeks of gestational age (p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study, the fetal interventricular septal thickness was significantly higher in uncontrolled diabetic mothers followed by controlled diabetic and non-diabetic and almost alike between non-diabetic and controlled diabetic mothers. The study also revealed that M-mode ultra-sonogram measurement of interventricular septal thickness can be included in routine scanning during the third trimester

Global Prevalence of Zika and Chikungunya Coinfection:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zika virus (ZIKV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are arthropod-borne viruses with significant pathogenicity, posing a substantial health and economic burden on a global scale. Moreover, ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection imposes additional therapeutic challenges as there is no specific treatment for ZIKV or CHIKV infection. While a growing number of studies have documented the ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection, there is currently a lack of conclusive reports on this coinfection. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the true statistics of ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection in the global human population. Relevant studies were searched for in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar without limitation in terms of language or publication date. A total of 33 studies containing 41,460 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42020176409. The pooled prevalence and confidence intervals of ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection were computed using a random-effects model. The study estimated a combined global prevalence rate of 1.0% [95% CI: 0.7–1.2] for the occurrence of ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection. The region of North America (Mexico, Haiti, and Nicaragua) and the country of Haiti demonstrated maximum prevalence rates of 2.8% [95% CI: 1.5–4.1] and 3.5% [95% CI: 0.2–6.8], respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of coinfection was found to be higher in the paediatric group (2.1% [95% CI: 0.0–4.2]) in comparison with the adult group (0.7% [95% CI: 0.2–1.1]). These findings suggest that the occurrence of ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection varies geographically and by age group. The results of this meta-analysis will guide future investigations seeking to understand the underlying reasons for these variations and the causes of coinfection and to develop targeted prevention and control strategies

Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Root Extract on Architecture of Liver Tissue against Gentamicin induced hepatotoxic rats.

Prolonged use and higher doses of drugs, and some toxins produce hepatotoxicity. Ashwagandha (Withaniasomnifera) have free radical scavenging activity. It can be used as a hepatoprotective agent. This study was carried to observe the effect of Ashwagandha root extract on histology of liver against gentamicin induced hepatotoxic Wistar albino rats. Thirty-five rats were divided into control and experimental group. Control group was again subdivided into baseline control and gentamicin treated control group.Each of this group received standardized pellet for 22 consecutive days.In addition, gentamicin treated control and experimental group received gentamicin subcutaneously (100mg /kg body weight/day) for the last eight consecutive days. Experimental group also received Ashwagandha root extract (500mg/kg body weight/day; orally) for 22 consecutive days. All the animals were sacrificed on the 23rd day. Histology of liver revealed normal histological findings in 84.62% of experimental group. In conclusion, it was found that Ashwagandha may have protective effect against gentamicin induced hepatotoxicity

High heterotrophic counts in potable water and antimicrobial resistance among indicator organisms in two peri-urban communities of Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: Fecal contamination of potable water leads to unsafe water supply. Although many urban areas of large metropolitan cities receive safe water, peri-urban areas are often not monitored by public health authorities and water supply and quality remain unknown. We assessed microbiological quality and rates of antimicrobial resistance in viable indicator bacteria in two peri-urban communities of Karachi, Pakistan. Water samples were collected over 5 months (October 2015 to February 2016) from these peri-urban communities and samples were processed for microbiological quality as per Standing Committee of Analysts, United Kingdom and World Health Organization guidelines and criteria for drinking water.Result: Both communities received unimproved water. Potable water samples collected from 100 households showed that 96% of samples were unsafe for consumption. Extended spectrum beta lactamases production was found in 29.2% of fecal indicator organisms (coliforms). Use of unimproved water sources and unsafe potable water quality in peri-urban Karachi deserve immediate attention and upgrade. The study is instrumental in attracting the attention of authorities to the state of water resources in peri-urban communities in Karachi with a view to influence improvement of services and effects on human health