Shafaat Yar Khan

Effect of wheat cultivars on aphids and their predator populations

th week of February was found to be very favourable for aphids in wheat fields in the study area. The highest and lowest populations of coccinellid predators (all species) were recorded on TW0135 and 99T007 cultivars, respectively. The highest population of coccinellid predators was recorded during the 3 rd week of February. We observed a significant synchronization between aphids and coccinellids populations. It is concluded from the study that as INQLAB-91 is resistant to the attack of aphid’s population, this cultivar should be promoted in the areas of high aphid infestation. The populations of coccinellids follow the aphid’s population and coccinellids can be important biological control agents of aphids and can be imported tool for IPM programme in the study area.

Study of hematological indices in tannery workers exposed to chromium in Sheikhupura (Pakistan).

Chromium (Cr), being an excellent tanning agent, is widely used in the leather industry and tannery workers (TW) are exposed to it either in the form of inorganic Cr(III) compounds or Cr bound to proteins (leather dust) in the process of leather production. During the present study, the effect of Cr on the hematological indices in TW was evaluated. In this study, hematological indices of 92 male TW aged 20—60 years were compared with 79 control males who hardly had a chance of exposure to chromium. Both groups were subdivided into four age groups with an interval of 10: group A, 20—29 years; group B, 30—39 years; group C, 40—49 years; group D, 50—60 years. Total erythrocyte count (TEC) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in TW of age group A, B and C than control subjects. Packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in TW of age group B while mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in TW of age group D. Within the TW, MCH was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the age group D as compared to age group A and B. No significant changes were observed in the values of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration between TW and control individuals. The low values of TEC, PCV and MCH might be a result of chromium exposure in the tannery workers and may act as indicators of chromium toxicity.

Genetic diversity in cytochrome c oxidase I gene of Anopheles mosquitoes

Abstract Genetic diversity in cytochrome c oxidase I (coxI) among 7 species of Anopheles mosquitoes from Pakistan, and 37 species from different geographical regions of the world, was recorded. Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) analysis revealed a clear gap between intraspecific and interspecific distances of 7 species from Pakistan. However, genetic distances of 37 Anopheles species failed to adequately differentiate species in a global context. Intraspecific and interspecific divergences for 7 Anopheles species of Pakistan varied from 0.0% to 2.5% (mean = 0.49%) and 8% to 22.3% (mean = 12.77%), respectively. Similarly, intraspecific distances for 37 species from different parts of world ranged from 0.0% to 11.2% (mean = 0.65%) while values of interspecific divergences ranged from 3.4% to 35% (mean = 11.75%). Although phylogenetic tree revealed separate clades for 7 Anopheles species of Pakistan, it failed to produce separate clades for 37 species of the world. It is concluded that although standard barcode region is helpful for identifying Anopheles mosquitoes, combination of multi-locus approaches and morphology may be required to accurately identify species in this genus.

Irrational use of antimalarial drugs in rural areas of eastern Pakistan: a random field study

BackgroundPrescription of antimalarial drugs in the absence of malarial disease is a common practice in countries where malaria is endemic. However, unwarranted use of such drugs can cause side effects in some people and is a financial drain on local economies. In this study, we surveyed the prevalence of malaria parasites in humans, and the prevalence of the malaria transmitting mosquito vectors in the study area. We also investigated the use of antimalarial drugs in the local people. We focused on randomly selected rural areas of eastern Pakistan where no malaria cases had been reported since May 2004.MethodsMass blood surveys, active case detection, passive case detection, and vector density surveys were carried out in selected areas of Sargodha district from September 2008 to August 2009. Data pertaining to the quantities and types of antimalarial drugs used in these areas were collected from health centers, pharmacies, and the district CDC program of the Health Department of the Government of the Punjab.ResultsSeven hundred and forty four blood samples were examined, resulting in a Blood Examination Rate (BER) of 3.18; microscopic analysis of blood smears showed that none of the samples were positive for malaria parasites. Investigation of the mosquito vector density in 43 living rooms (bedrooms or rooms used for sleeping), 23 stores, and 32 animal sheds, revealed no vectors capable of transmitting malaria in these locations. In contrast, the density of Culex mosquitoes was high. Substantial consumption of a variety of antimalarial tablets, syrups, capsules and injections costing around 1000 US

A probable role of blood lead levels on some haematological parameters in traffic police, Lahore, Pakistan

, was documented for the region.ConclusionUse of antimalarial drugs in the absence of malarial infection or the vectors that transmit the disease was common in the study area. Continuous use of such drugs, not only in Pakistan, but in other parts of the world, may lead to drug-induced side effects amongst users. Better training of health care professionals is needed to ensure accurate diagnoses of malaria and appropriate prescription of antimalarial drugs delivered to communities.

Insecticide Resistance in Bactocera zonata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in District, Sargodha, Pakistan

The impact of elevated blood lead level on some haematological parameters was studied in the field force of Lahore traffic police, in Pakistan. The blood samples were tested for total leucocytes count (TLC) and differential leucocytes count in the persons with high and low blood lead levels. The TLC and percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils were observed as being significantly elevated in the policemen. No significant change was observed in the percentage of lymphocytes, while the percentage of monocytes was observed as being significantly less in the field force of traffic police.

Fetal neurohistopathology of chloropyrifos in mice

Present study was designed to investigate the role of non-specific esterases, glutathione-S-transferesaes and monooxygenases in insecticide resistance in Bactocera zonat. Flies were collected from Gauva orchids of Ajnala, Sargodha. For biochemical estimation of detoxifying enzymes, flies were exposed to the selected insecticides (i.e. Trichlorofon, Malathion and λ-cyhalothrin) for one hour, and then shifted to clean jars. The activity of insecticide detoxifying enzymes in the survivors and control were compared. The activity of insecticide detoxifying enzymes was higher in survivors compared to the susceptible flies (control). The activity of beta esterases, glutathione S-transfereases and monooxygenases of Trichlorofon and Malathion treated flies did not differ. However, both groups have higher activities of detoxifying enzymes compared to the control. Higher activities of insecticide detoxifying enzymes in survivors compared to the control groups indicate the involvement of these enzymes in insecticide resistance.

Lethal effects of λ-cyhalothrin and Emamectin benzoate in Plexippus paykulli (Araneae: Salticidae)

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) was tested for feto-neuro-histopathological manifestations on fetal central nervous system (CNS) in mice at 3 maternally sub-toxic oral doses - 0, 9 and 18 mg/kg. Each dose group was further categorized as: single (gestation day (GD) 6) and triple exposures (9, and 12 respectively). Fetuses were exteriorized on GD18. No obvious signs of toxicity were seen in the dams at these exposures. Mean fetal weight showed a dose (9 and 18 mg/kg) and exposure (single and triple) dependent decrease compared to that of the 0 mg/kg group while the litter size remained unaffected. The neurohistopathological abnormalities include vacuolations of the medullary region along with cortical lesions in CNS in 9 and 18 mg/kg groups on triple exposure only. These neurohistopathological manifestations were considered as the indicatives of neuroglial cells necrosis apoptosis. Our findings suggest that gestational exposure of CPF at motherly safe dose levels in mice induce neuroglial cells apoptosis in fetal CNS.

P31: Sero‐prevalance of HBV among university students in Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract In the present study, effects of λ-cyhalothrin and emamectin benzoate on survival, locomotion, avoidance behaviour and growth of Plexippus paykulli Savigny Et Audouin, 1827 were studied. P. paykulli was found highly susceptible against the recommended field rate concentration of λ-cyhalothrin. The pesticide affected survival, locomotion and growth of the spiders. On the other hand, emamectin benzoate showed a negligible effect on spiders survival. However, emamectin benzoate significantly affected the locomotion and growth of P. paykulli. It is concluded that although emamectin benzoate is less toxic than λ-cyhalothrin for P. paykulli, it cannot be recommended for IPM programme.

Histological and micrometric effects of diazinon exposure on adrenal medulla and cortex in mice

response. Characterization of T cell profiles is relevant to the improved understanding of chronic HBV infection and the design of antiviral therapy. The aim of the present study is to determine the absolute CD4 counts in different phases of CHB infection. METHODS: 106 hepatitis B patients were included in the study. All CHB patients fulfilled the following criteria: positive HBsAg for at least 6 months, no other concomitant causes of liver disease (hepatitis A, E and C, HIV infection and alcohol consumption of more than 60 g/day, autoimmune hepatitis and metabolic liver disease). None of the patients were drug user or exposed to hepatotoxins. Liver function tests, blood urea and creatinine, Haemoglobin%, total leucocyte and lymphocyte counts, platelet count and INR were measured for all patients. CD4 counts were determined by flow cytometry. HIV antibody and HBV markers (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb, and anti-HBcAb IgM) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum HBV DNA load was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Absolute CD4 count and CD4% were normal in acute hepatitis B and ‘immune tolerant’ CHB. But CD4 declines from ‘immune reactive’ to ‘HBeAg-negative’ CHB. Average CD4 counts were below 500/lL in these two phases – 351.12 + 33.23 and 237.0 + 118.27 respectively. CD4 counts were below 350/lL in 72.72% and below 200/lL in 27.27% in these two phases. Such low levels of CD4 count are not proportionate to the total lymphocyte counts in these two phases. Absolute CD4 count rises to moderate level in ‘inactive HBV carrier state’ (754.4 + 174.87) and ‘treatment-experienced’ patients (734.5 + 204.57). Similarly CD4% were low in ‘immune reactive’ to ‘HBeAg-negative’ (<25%) in contrast to ‘immune tolerant’ and ‘inactive HBV carrier state’ (>35%) CHB. CONCLUSIONS: CD4 count gradually declines with progressive liver damage in ‘immune reactive’ and ‘HBeAg-negative’ CHB and it may be implicated in the design of the antiviral therapy. Interferon may be unsuitable for CHB with very low CD4 counts (<250/lL). Sequential therapy comprising oral anti viral followed by Peg-Interferon might be theoretically appropriate approach in this group of patients. On the other hand, those with higher CD4 are appropriate for Peg-Interferon first followed by oral anti viral.