Khalid Javed Iqbal

Evaluation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) supplemented diets on the growth, digestibility and histology of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fingerlings

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of water hyacinth as aquafeed for grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Fish were stocked in eight glass aquaria at 20 fish per aquaria. Three iso-proteinous diets (30% crude protein (CP)) were prepared with the addition of different parts of sun-dried water hyacinth, that is, whole plant meal diet (WPM), leaf meal diet (LM) and root meal diet (RM), along with control diet. Results revealed significant (P ≤ .05) differences in weight gain and length among treatments. Higher weight gain was observed in LM and lower in RM diets. CP contents of fish fed WPM were significantly higher (P ≤ .05), followed by LM than RM and control diets. Crude fat was significantly higher in fish fed RM followed by LM, while ash contents were significantly higher in control. Nutrient digestibility in the case of CP was significantly higher (P ≤ .05) for WPM, LM and control groups than RM, while fat digestibility was significantly higher (P ≤ .05) in RM diet followed by LM than WPM and control. Histological study showed no significant variations in liver and kidney. In conclusion, LM-based diets were found to be most suitable without any adverse effects on the histopathological disorders in experimental fish.

Influence of Feeding Frequency on Growth performance and Body Indices of Goldfish (Carrassius auratus)

A total of forty goldfish (Carrassius auratus) with an average weight of 20 g per fish were stocked in individual glass aquaria having 50-L water holding capacity. There were 4 experimental feeding regimens A, B, C, and D having once twice, thrice and four times per day, respectively. All the groups received Nova Aquarium Fish Food @ 2% bodyweight which was equally spaced in treatment groups. The body weight, body and caudal lengths, and girth were recorded at the start of the experiment. The trial continued for 8 weeks. Group B yielded the maximum weight gain whereas group D yielded lowest weight (P<0.05). Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was better in Feed A and depreciated with increasing frequency (P<0.05). Caudal fin showed significant correlation with weight (+ 0.548; P<0.001) and length (- 0.792; P<0.0001). A positive correlation of dissolved oxygen (DO; P<0.001) and salinity (P<0.0001) showed with temperature. Salinity showed positive significant correlation with temperature (P<0.05). Consequently, feeding frequency twice per day is better for maximum body weight gain however better feed efficiency can be obtained at feed frequency once per day. However goldfish require genetic improvement for its rearing at commercial scale.

Effect of varying stocking density of bottom feeder fish Cirrhinus mrigala and Cyprinus carpio on growth performance and fish yield in polyculture system

The present project was planned to study gradual replacement of Cirrhinus mrigala with Cyprinus carpio and its impact on pond ecosystem. A total of 900 fishes belonging to six species viz. Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Hypophythylmichthys molitrix and Cyprinus carpio were stocked in four earthen ponds. The dimensions of each pond were 220 × 198 × 7 feet length, breadth and depth. The stocking density in pond 1 (T1) was C. catla 150, L. rohita 200, C. mrigala 200, C. idella 150, H. molitrix 150 and C. carpio 50. The stocking density of C. mrigala and C. carpio in pond 2 (T2) was 150 and 100, in pond 3 (T3), 100 and 150 and in pond 4 (T4) it was 50 and 200, respectively while the stocking density of all the other four fish species remained constant in all the four ponds. All the fish were fed with a diet of 25.16% crude protein at 2% body weight. C. idella and C. mrigala showed maximum growth in T1, C. catla and H. molitrix in T2, L. rohita and C. carpio in T3. Maximum growth was observed in T3 followed by T4, T1 and T2. Among fish species C. idella and C. carpio showed higher growth rates than the rest of fish species. Our results reveal that in polyculture system stocking density of C. mrigala and C. carpio in a ratio of 1: 1.5 gives better results. Key words: Aquaculture, freshwater, phytoplankton, zooplankton, exotic fish.

Interpretation of Gamma Index for Quality Assurance of Simultaneously Integrated Boost (SIB) IMRT Plans for Head and Neck Carcinoma

Abstract Objective: The Gamma Index is prerequisite to estimate point-by-point difference between measured and calculated dose distribution in terms of both Distance to Agreement (DTA) and Dose Difference (DD). This study aims to inquire what percentage of pixels passing a certain criteria assure a good quality plan and suggest gamma index as efficient mechanism for dose verification of Simultaneous Integrated Boost Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy plans. Method: In this study, dose was calculated for 14 head and neck patients and IMRT Quality Assurance was performed with portal dosimetry using the Eclipse treatment planning system. Eclipse software has a Gamma analysis function to compare measured and calculated dose distribution. Plans of this study were deemed acceptable when passing rate was 95% using tolerance for Distance to agreement (DTA) as 3mm and Dose Difference (DD) as 5%. Result and Conclusion: Thirteen cases pass tolerance criteria of 95% set by our institution. Confidence Limit for DD is 9.3% and for gamma criteria our local CL came out to be 2.0% (i.e., 98.0% passing). Lack of correlation was found between DD and γ passing rate with R2 of 0.0509. Our findings underline the importance of gamma analysis method to predict the quality of dose calculation. Passing rate of 95% is achieved in 93% of cases which is adequate level of accuracy for analyzed plans thus assuring the robustness of SIB IMRT treatment technique. This study can be extended to investigate gamma criteria of 5%/3mm for different tumor localities and to explore confidence limit on target volumes of small extent and simple geometry.

Effect of Selenium Incorporated in Feed on the Hematological Profile of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The present study was aimed at the assessment of potential effect of selenium, supplemented in feed, on the hematological profile of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) while maintaining certain physicochemical parameters of water. Three doses differing merely in selenium contents viz. 2, 4, and 8 mg Se/kg of fish feed were formulated bearing in mind apiece dose as an independent treatment. Four cemented rectangular tanks (triplicated) were used after proper disinfection to ensure sustainable culture environment. 15 fish per tank were stocked after appropriate health examination weights ranging 10-25 g. Variations in different hematological parameters by counting of white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin estimation, granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils), agranulocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes) as well as weight and length gains were recorded and analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The results revealed that WBC’s counts were non-significantly (P=0.05) different among treatments 1, 2, 3 as well as in the selenium-deficient treatment. However, the counts of WBC’s, neutrophils, RBC’s and hemoglobin level was enhanced (P=0.05) in treatment-1 (2 mg Se/kg). On the contrary, hemoglobin level, neutrophil and RBC’s counts were significantly dropped (P=0.05) low in treatment-3 (8 mg Se/kg). The WBC’s counts were found lower in treatment-2 (4 mg Se/kg). Lymphocytes and monocytes were significantly higher in treatment-3 (8 mg Se/kg). This study has enlightened that the supplementation of selenium (2 mg/kg) in the feed of tilapia does not alter its inclusive hematological profile but promotes better physiological performance and productivity to enhance fish growth and paves the way towards increased supply of selenium-fortified fish meat.

Evaluation of dose conformity and coverage of target volume for intensity-modulated radiotherapy of pelvic cancer treatment

BACKGROUND Better conformity may help in delivering minimum dose to organs at risk (OARs) and maximum dose to planning target volume (PTV). As per the requirements of modern radiotherapy, 95% isodose should cover the PTV, so conformity indices (CIs) are used for evaluating quality of conformation of treatment plans. AIM This study aimed to investigate degree of conformity for pelvic patients using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) technique. Three formulas of CIs described in literature were analyzed in this study. SETTINGS AND DESIGN This study was performed to evaluate degree of conformity of 18 patients treated with radiotherapy treatment plan using cumulative dose volume histogram. Effectiveness of different CIs was explored for IMRT plans using 15 MV photon beam. Doses delivered to OAR were also studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED CI suggested by the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements, radiation CI and CI prescription isodose to target volume (PITV) had mean ± standard deviation values of 1.02 ± 0.018, 0.98 ± 0.017, and 1.63 ± 0.333, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Dose distribution for all patients was highly conformal and clinically acceptable. Values of CI PITV exceeded acceptable value for 27% patients with minor deviation. No statistically significant differences were observed for three CIs reported. Target volume lies between 95% and 107% of prescribed dose which shows ideal target coverage. This simple parameter is advantageous since it is easy to interpret and helped determine quality of treatment plan. This study clearly demonstrated that favorable dose distribution in PTV and OARs is achieved using IMRT technique, and hence, the risk of damage to normal tissues is reduced.

Volumetric modulated arc therapy treatment planning assessment for low-risk prostate cancer in radiotherapy

Aims: This research study was carried out for dose verification of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan in the patients of low-risk prostate cancer using different indices in radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with low-risk prostate cancer after histopathological confirmation were included which were divided into two groups with prescribed dose of 7400 and 6000 cGy according to their disease and 3 mm sliced for each patient by computed tomography was obtained for planning. To evaluate the dose conformity and its distribution using VMAT plans such as homogeneity index (HI), radial dose HI, moderate dose HI, coverage, and uniformity index for each patient. These plans were constructed for each patient separately using Eclipse Treatment planning software. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistical software is used to calculate mean standard deviation and standard error of all these indices. Results: Obtained results and findings enabled this research work to conclude that VMAT is a better treatment technique for the patients of low-risk prostate cancer with uniform dose distribution. Conclusion: It has been suggested that VMAT with Eclipse Treatment planning system is a good treatment modality to treat the patients of low-risk prostate cancer with better results.

Nutritive evaluation of fish acid silage in Labeo rohita fingerlings feed

Viscera of various fish species was collected during local harvest at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ravi Campus, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore pond facility. Acid silage was prepared by systematic applications of formic acid. The proximate analysis of the product revealed 5.16 ± 0.65% moisture, 32.17 ± 0.12% crude protein, 9.56 ± 0.14% lipids and 6.50 ± 0.32% ash contents. Total microbial aerobic plate count was 1.69 × 104± 0.06 × 103 cfu g−1 while the coliforms were recorded as 0.97 × 104± 0.02 × 103 cfu g−1. The pure silage was free of aflatoxins B1, B2 and G1 and G2; however, microbial load and aflatoxin values vary in different feed ratios. The feeding trial showed significant change in all three feeds prepared from different ratios of silage; nevertheless, feed containing 75% acid silage showed better growth in Labeo rohita fingerling diet when compared with its counterparts. Our studies suggest that the fish silage can be a cheaper and effective alternative to fishmeal in fish feeds, if carefully handled and properly processed. This is because fish silage is prepared from fish waste body viscera, which is utilized neither in human nor in animal feeds in the raw form. On the other hand, fishmeal is a main and expensive ingredient used in livestock and fish feeds. Utilization of fishmeal is on the rise while its production is on decline, which is continuously escalating its price. Furthermore, the manufacturing of fish silage is simple and requires relatively lesser inputs as compared to fishmeal manufacturing.

Recent record of the Asiatic lesser yellow house bat (Scotophilus kuhlii) from Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract Scotophilus kuhlii Leach, 1821 has only been reported from Chaklala and Chakri in Punjab, Pakistan. We captured five specimens from Lahore in a 2-year survey from June 2009 to May 2011. This is the first report of this species from Punjab province and the first from Lahore (31°29.223 N, 074°24.632 E) since the 1920s. The external body, cranial and bacular measurements of the captured specimens were compared with the available literature. The forearm length (n=5) was 49.40±3.03 mm, the greatest length of the skull (n=4) was 18.98±0.61 mm and C-M3 (n=4) was 6.27±0.49 mm. The echolocation call parameters of 25 pulses from five calls of the species were also analyzed. The mean frequency of maximum energy was 56.9±3.6 kHz, the mean start and end call frequencies were 103.5±12.3 kHz and 50.6±1.0 kHz, respectively.