Population Diversity and Role in the Socioeconomic Development of Domestic Buffaloes of Rural Areas of District Haripur, KPK Pakistan

This study conducted as a type of survey in a time period duration of 6 month that starts from the end of the march to the end of September total of the 1000 houses were visited from each of the selected villages of Haripur Pakistan along with 100 dairy farms study carried out by the questionnaires and by the direct meeting with the keepers of buffalos. Four villages were selected where the highest population of buffaloes were found in Syria maira. The farm buffalos were kept mostly for the purpose of selling the milk Results showed that the most of the areas the buffalo keeping is for the purpose of selling the milk wile in other where the selling rate is not found they keep them for their own food and milk purposes. It facilitate their economic status to rise as a part time job. Government should take steps to rise there stander

PS-ARM: An End-to-End Attention-aware Relation Mixer Network for Person Search

Person search is a challenging problem with various real-world applications, that aims at joint person detection and re-identification of a query person from uncropped gallery images. Although, the previous study focuses on rich feature information learning, it is still hard to retrieve the query person due to the occurrence of appearance deformations and background distractors. In this paper, we propose a novel attention-aware relation mixer (ARM) module for person search, which exploits the global relation between different local regions within RoI of a person and make it robust against various appearance deformations and occlusion. The proposed ARM is composed of a relation mixer block and a spatio-channel attention layer. The relation mixer block introduces a spatially attended spatial mixing and a channel-wise attended channel mixing for effectively capturing discriminative relation features within an RoI. These discriminative relation features are further enriched by introducing a spatio-channel attention where the foreground and background discriminability is empowered in a joint spatio-channel space. Our ARM module is generic and it does not rely on fine-grained supervision or topological assumptions, hence being easily integrated into any Faster R-CNN based person search methods. Comprehensive experiments are performed on two challenging benchmark datasets: CUHKSYSU and PRW. Our PS-ARM achieves state-of-the-art performance on both datasets. On the challenging PRW dataset, our PS-ARM achieves an absolute gain of 5 in the mAP score over SeqNet, while operating at a comparable speed.Comment: Paper accepted in ACCV 202

Remote Sensing Change Detection With Transformers Trained from Scratch

Current transformer-based change detection (CD) approaches either employ a pre-trained model trained on large-scale image classification ImageNet dataset or rely on first pre-training on another CD dataset and then fine-tuning on the target benchmark. This current strategy is driven by the fact that transformers typically require a large amount of training data to learn inductive biases, which is insufficient in standard CD datasets due to their small size. We develop an end-to-end CD approach with transformers that is trained from scratch and yet achieves state-of-the-art performance on four public benchmarks. Instead of using conventional self-attention that struggles to capture inductive biases when trained from scratch, our architecture utilizes a shuffled sparse-attention operation that focuses on selected sparse informative regions to capture the inherent characteristics of the CD data. Moreover, we introduce a change-enhanced feature fusion (CEFF) module to fuse the features from input image pairs by performing a per-channel re-weighting. Our CEFF module aids in enhancing the relevant semantic changes while suppressing the noisy ones. Extensive experiments on four CD datasets reveal the merits of the proposed contributions, achieving gains as high as 14.27\% in intersection-over-union (IoU) score, compared to the best-published results in the literature. Code is available at \url{https://github.com/mustansarfiaz/ScratchFormer}.Comment: 5 figures and 4 table

pH-Responsive Liposomes of Dioleoyl Phosphatidylethanolamine and Cholesteryl Hemisuccinate for the Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy of Cisplatin

The current study aimed to develop pH-responsive cisplatin-loaded liposomes (CDDP@PLs) via the thin film hydration method. Formulations with varied ratios of dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) to cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHEMS) were investigated to obtain the optimal particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release profile, and stability. The particle size of the CDDP@PLs was in the range of 153.2 ± 3.08-206.4 ± 2.26 nm, zeta potential was -17.8 ± 1.26 to -24.6 ± 1.72, and PDI displayed an acceptable size distribution. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a spherical shape with ~200 nm size. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis showed the physicochemical stability of CDDP@PLs, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed the loss of the crystalline nature of cisplatin in liposomes. In vitro release study of CDDP@PLs at pH 7.4 depicted the lower release rate of cisplatin (less than 40%), and at a pH of 6.5, an almost 65% release rate was achieved compared to the release rate at pH 5.5 (more than 80%) showing the tumor-specific drug release. The cytotoxicity study showed the improved cytotoxicity of CDDP@PLs compared to cisplatin solution in MDA-MB-231 and SK-OV-3 cell lines, and fluorescence microscopy also showed enhanced cellular internalization. The acute toxicity study showed the safety and biocompatibility of the developed carrier system for the potential delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. These studies suggest that CDDP@PLs could be utilized as an efficient delivery system for the enhancement of therapeutic efficacy and to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy by releasing cisplatin at the tumor site

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF TAMARIX DIOCA (L.) LEAVES AND FLOWERS

Tamarix dioca (L.) belongs to family Tamaricaceae is traditionally a vital plant used for treatment of various diseases. Efforts were made to investigate the antimicrobial efficiency of T. dioca.There was three concentrations of crude methanolic extracts of 200µg/ml, 100µg/ml and 50 µg/ml were checked against six pathogenic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, aspergillus flavus, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium tubesulum and six bacterial strains Bacillus subtilis, Enterobactor aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Kliebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. It was noted that Percentage inhibition in the growth of fungi and bacteria was dosage dependent. Terbinafine a standard antifungal drug, 10mg/ml and Cefexime 10mg/ml (antibacterial) were used as a positive control. The results were compared with control and most of the results were found significant. Maximum inhibition was showed by T. dioca against fungal strain A. niger (74%) and bacterial strain K. pneumoniae (48%). It can be use as powerful antimicrobial agent in near fture

Indigenous knowledge of zootherapeutic use among the people of Hazara division Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

568-579The various animals and plant species, their parts, and products are being used in traditional health care and cultural practices but the use of animals, their parts and products have rarely recorded especially in Pakistan. This study investigated and documented animal species used by traditional residents for treatments in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hazara area of Pakistan. A field survey conducted in 2017-2018 in 6 districts of the Hazara region. A total of 63 animal species belonging to 47 families were reported for their ethnozoological importance including Mammals 33%, Birds 25%, Arthropods 17%, Reptiles 8%, Fishes 6%, Mollusks 3%, Annelids 3% Platyhelminthes and Amphibians 2% respectively. Out of 63 animals, 59 have medicinal importance and used to treat different human diseases. The most used animal species to treat various human ailments in Hazara region were includes Ovisaries (sheep), Portunessanguinolentus crab), Capra aegagrushircus (goat), Columba liviadomestica (pigeon), Bubalusbubalis (Buffalo) and Apiscerana (honey bee) and most used body parts include fats, meat, blood, milk, feces, urine, honey, tusk, feathers and shell. This ethnozoology study can play an important role in the biodiversity and conservation of animal species in the study area, laying the foundation for drug development

Indigenous knowledge of zootherapeutic use among the people of Hazara division Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The various animals and plant species, their parts, and products are being used in traditional health care and cultural practices but the use of animals, their parts and products have rarely recorded especially in Pakistan. This study investigated and documented animal species used by traditional residents for treatments in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hazara area of Pakistan. A field survey conducted in 2017-2018 in 6 districts of the Hazara region. A total of 63 animal species belonging to 47 families were reported for their ethnozoological importance including Mammals 33%, Birds 25%, Arthropods 17%, Reptiles 8%, Fishes 6%, Mollusks 3%, Annelids 3% Platyhelminthes and Amphibians 2% respectively. Out of 63 animals, 59 have medicinal importance and used to treat different human diseases. The most used animal species to treat various human ailments in Hazara region were includes Ovisaries (sheep), Portunessanguinolentus crab), Capra aegagrushircus (goat), Columba liviadomestica (pigeon), Bubalusbubalis (Buffalo) and Apiscerana (honey bee) and most used body parts include fats, meat, blood, milk, feces, urine, honey, tusk, feathers and shell. This ethnozoology study can play an important role in the biodiversity and conservation of animal species in the study area, laying the foundation for drug development

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound for the Evaluation of Ureteric Calculi Taking Non-enhanced Computed Tomography as a Gold Standard

Objective: To find the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for the evaluation of ureteric calculi taking non enhanced Computed Tomography as gold standard. Study Design: An analytical cross-sectional prospective study was performed. Settings: The study was performed in National Hospital and Medical Center, Lahore. Period: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 October, 2020 to 15 January, 2021. Material & Methods: In our study, all those patients with suspected ureteric calculi presenting to radiology department were included. Patients on dialysis, those with polycystic disease and ureteric stricture, as well as patients who declined to give consent and those who were uncooperative, were all excluded. Ultrasound was performed on both sides of the patient's kidney, concentrating on the ureters. Then were sent to a 64 slice CT scanner for a non-enhanced CT scan. Results: Total 121 Patients were reviewed in this research. Females were 82 (67.8%) while male was 39 (32.2%). On Ultrasound 61(50.4%) were positive for ureteric calculi while 60 (49.6%) were negative for stone in the ureter. On CT scan 110 (90.9%) patients were positive for ureteric calculi while 11 (9.1%) were negative for stone in ureter (p= 0.05). The trans-abdominal ultrasound with sensitivity 58.62%, Specificity 56.76%, Positive predictive value 51.52% and Negative predictive value of 63.64% and accuracy of 57.68%. Conclusion: The sensitivity of ultrasound is comparable to Computed Tomography findings, hence, it can be used as an option in cases where CT scans are not available or is contraindicated, such as in pregnant women. Moreover, Ultrasound modality is cheap, with no radiation dose and is readily available in our setups, making it suitable for initial diagnosis as well as for follow-up scans. Keywords: Non-enhanced Computed Tomography, Ultrasound, Ureteric Calculi, radiation, Computed Tomography. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/90-04 Publication date:June 30th 2021

The mutational analysis of mitochondrial DNA in maternal inheritance of polycystic ovarian syndrome

IntroductionPolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a globally prevalent condition that leads to infertility in women. While environmental factors contribute to PCOS, maternal genetics also play a significant role. Currently, there is no definitive test for identifying predisposition to PCOS. Hence, our objective is to discover novel maternal genetic risk factors for PCOS by investigating the genomes of patients from Pakistan.MethodsWe utilized Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to sequence the complete mitochondrial DNA of three PCOS patients. Subsequently, we employed MitoTIP (Mitochondrial tRNA Informatics Predictor) and PON-mt-tRNA tools to identify variations in the mitochondrial DNA. Our analysis focused on the genes MT-RNR1, MT-RNR2, MT-ATP6, MT-TL2, and MT-CYTB, which displayed common variations in all three genomes. Additionally, we observed individual variations. The D-loop region exhibited the highest frequency of mutations, followed by the non-coding regions of RNR1 and RNR2 genes. Moreover, we detected frameshift mutations in the mitochondrially encoded NADH Dehydrogenase 2 (MT-ND2) and mitochondrially encoded NADH Dehydrogenase 5 (ND5) genes within individual genomes.ResultsOur analysis unveiled six regions with common variations in the mitochondrial DNA of all three PCOS patients. Notably, the MT-RNR1, MT-RNR2, MT-ATP6, MT-TL2, and MT-CYTB genes exhibited these variations. Additionally, we identified individual variations in the mitochondrial DNA. The D-loop region displayed the highest mutation frequency, followed by the non-coding regions of RNR1 and RNR2 genes. Furthermore, frameshift mutations were detected in the MT-ND2 and ND5 genes within individual genomes.ConclusionThrough our study, we have identified variations in mitochondrial DNA that may be associated with the development of PCOS and have the potential to serve as predisposition tests. Our findings highlight the presence of novel mutations in the MT-RNR1, MT-RNR2, MT-ATP6, MT-TL2, and MT-CYTB genes, as well as frameshift mutations in the MT-ND2 and ND5 genes. Pathogenicity analysis indicated that most variants were likely to result in benign cysts. However, the frameshift mutations in the ND2 gene were associated with a high risk of complications and pathogenicity in PCOS. This is the first report identifying these mutations and their association with PCOS, contributing to our understanding of the genetic factors underlying the condition

Agrovoltaic and Smart Irrigation: Pakistan Perspective

The present study aims to investigate the prospects and challenges that need to be encountered for the adaptation of the novel agrovoltaic irrigation system (AVIS) in Pakistan. The agro-production scenario in Pakistan is periodically declining and leading toward the high delta crops, which develop severe pressure on the conventional energy and water resources. Groundwater might be a viable water source, but its pumping requires massive energy. In addition, excessive pumping declines the water table at a higher pace as compared to the recharge rate hence leading the country toward the exploitation of the valuable reservoir. The AVIS could be an energy-efficient and reliable irrigation solution in a manner of harvesting solar energy for driving smart irrigation systems capable to pumps the metered groundwater according to field requirements. Lack of local understanding, skilled/technical personnel, dependence on local technology, and major capital expenditures might impede technological adaption. The government should take necessary measures to replenish the groundwater reservoirs and also execute research projects that strengthen ground knowledge of AVIS