Leptospirosis: An Emerging Zoonosis in Pakistan

Abstract.-Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira species. Many domestic and wild animals act as reservoirs and ultimate source of contamination to human population. Since it is an emerging infectious disease that is under reported in developing countries, this report would provide baseline study for clinicians and researchers. To study the serosurveillance of human leptospirosis, 100 human (78 males; 22 females) blood samples were collected from Lahore city and its peri-urban areas and processed by cELISA Serion ELISA classic microtiter plate. The results of this study revealed 44% prevalence of human leptospirosis. Among 78 males and 22 females, 38 males (49%) and 06 females (27%) were found positive. Age wise serosurveillance demonstrate 47% prevalence in adults and 35% in young ones. Season wise 42%, 40%, 26% and 47% were observed in Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring, respectively. It is concluded that highest prevalence was in male adults while spring and summer were more susceptible seasons having leptospirosis infection. This is the first report of serosurveillance of leptospirosis in humans in Pakistan

Application of Geospatial Techniques in Agricultural Resource Management

Although technological advancements have sparked the beginning of the fourth agricultural revolution, human beings are still facing severe problems such as shrinking croplands, dwindling water supplies, negative consequences of climate change, and so on in achieving agricultural resilience to meet the demands of the growing population over the globe. Geospatial techniques involving the integrated use of geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing (RS), and artificial intelligence (AI) provide a strong basis for sustainable management of agricultural resources aimed at increased agricultural production. In recent times, these advanced tools have been increasingly used in agricultural production at local, regional, and global levels. This chapter focuses on the widespread application of geospatial techniques for agricultural resource management by monitoring crop growth and yield forecasting, crop disease and pest infestation, land use and land cover mapping, flood monitoring, and water resource management. Moreover, we also discuss various methodologies involved in monitoring and mapping abovementioned agricultural resources. This chapter will provide deep insight into the available literature on the use of geospatial techniques in the monitoring and management of agricultural resources. Moreover, it will be helpful for scientists to develop integrated methodologies focused on exploring satellite data for sustainable management of agricultural resources

WORK LIFE BALANCE AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY: PERCEPTIONS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

The aim of this research is to find the relationship between work life balance and use of Technology: Perceptions of elementary school teachers. It was a descriptive quantitative research. Correlational research design will be followed. The population of this study was consisted of male and female teachers of government schools of Lahore at elementary level. The sample of the present study was hundred government school teachers who were teaching at elementary level. The number of male and female teachers was 400. Then twenty five schools were selected by the process of random sampling. Two five point Likert type questionnaires were constructed for collection of data from teachers. The reliability value was 0.85 and 0.91. It was measure by using Cronbach Alpha Method. Prior to data collection, formal permission from the heads of the schools was sought by showing the official permission letter of the university to which the researcher belongs and the purpose of the study was indicated to observe research ethics. The researcher administered the questionnaires in the selected schools for the collection of data. The teachers were asked to carefully read the statements and tick the relevant option of their choice of the given scale. Questionnaires were collected back on the same day. It took eight days to collect the data. SPSS method was used to interpret responses of teachers for the analysis of data. Data was analyzed in the form of mean scores and t-test. After the analysis and interpretation of data, it was presented in chapter four. Findings were made and conclusions were drawn on the basis of findings

Toxic Effects of Chloroform and Aqueous Extracts of Peganum harmala on Hematological and Growth Parameters in Rabbits

Abstract.-The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the toxic effects of Peganum harmala extracts on hematological and growth parameters using rabbit model. Thirty five rabbits (1200-1700 g) of either sex were randomly divided into 3 groups D, E and F. The rabbits in group D were given P. harmala chloroform extract, while the members in group E were administered P. harmala water extract. The animals in group F were given normal saline. The groups D and E were further divided into three sub-groups of 5 each receiving 1, 5 and 10 mg/ml of extract. Blood samples from each rabbit were collected at day 0 (pre-medication), day 9 and day 30 (post-medication). Feed efficiency and daily weight gain in group D3 and E3 on day 30, was significantly lower (P<0.05) compared to control group F. Erythrocytes count in group D3 was significantly lower (P<0.05) than control group F on day 30. A non-significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in hemoglobin concentration and leukocyte count in rabbits of all treatments groups. It was concluded that parenteral administration of chloroform extract of P. harmala at 10mg/kg had more deleterious pronounced effect on growth rate and erythrocyte count in rabbits compared to aqueous extract of the plant

Myogenesis and Analysis of Antimicrobial Potential of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Pathogenic Bacteria

The widespread and indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics leads to microbial resistance, which causes major problems in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, advances in nanotechnology have opened up new domains for the synthesis and use of nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The traditional approaches for nanoparticle synthesis are not only expensive, laborious, and hazardous but also have various limitations. Therefore, new biological approaches are being designed to synthesize economical and environmentally friendly nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial activity. The current study focuses on the isolation, identification, and screening of metallotolerant fungal strains for the production of silver nanoparticles, using antimicrobial activity analysis and the characterization of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In total, 11 fungal isolates were isolated and screened for the synthesis of AgNPs, while the Penicillium notatum (K1) strain was found to be the most potent, demonstrating biosynthetic ability. The biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC10536), Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC9144), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC10145), Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria innocua (ATCC13932). Furthermore, three major diffraction peaks in the XRD characterization, located at the 2θ values of 28.4, 34.8, 38.2, 44, 64, and 77°, confirmed the presence of AgNPs, while elemental composition analysis via EDX and spherical surface topology with a scanning electron microscope indicated that its pure crystalline nature was entirely composed of silver. Thus, the current study indicates the enhanced antibacterial capability of mycologically synthesized AgNPs, which could be used to counter multidrug-resistant pathogens

Trackable CEMB-Klean Cotton Transgenic Technology: Afforadable Climate Neutral Agri-biotech Industrialization for Developing Countries

Background: Transgenic technology reflects the incorporation of novel useful traits in crop plants like cotton for economic benefits by overcoming the problems including insects' pests and weeds in special. The present study is the success story of the continuous effort of CEMB team started back in the 1990s. Methods: This study includes characterization of a large number of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains taken from local soil and subjected to direct transformation of isolated BT genes into local cotton cultivars. Protocols for transformation into cotton plants were optimized and validated by the development of double gene codon optimized (Cry1Ac and Cry2A) transgenic cotton varieties. Results: The resulting GMOs in the form of CEMB-33, CA-12, CEMB-66 have been approved by Punjab Seed Council in 2013 and 2016 respectively. Double Bt and weedicide resistant cotton harboring CEMB-Modified and codon optimized cp4EPSPS (GTGene). These varieties can tolerate glyphosate spray @ 1900ml per acre without the appearance of necrotic spots/shedding and complete removal of all surrounding weeds in the cotton field is a significant advance to boost cotton production without spending much on insecticides and herbicides. Conclusion: In the current report, two unique sets of primers which amplify 1.1 Kb for CEMB-double Bt genes and 660 bp product for CEMB-Modified cp4EPSPS (GTGene) were tested. CEMB cotton variety CKC-01 is specially designed as low cost and easy to use by local farmer's technology has the potential to revolutionize the cotton growing culture of the country.Higher Education Commission (HEC) of PakistanOpen access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population.The aim of this study was to inform vaccination prioritization by modelling the impact of vaccination on elective inpatient surgery. The study found that patients aged at least 70 years needing elective surgery should be prioritized alongside other high-risk groups during early vaccination programmes. Once vaccines are rolled out to younger populations, prioritizing surgical patients is advantageous