Massive microfilaremia in a dog subclinically infected with Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides

Canine filarioids are worldwide distributed nematodes transmitted by arthropods with variable virulence depending on the species. Dirofilaria immitis is the most virulent and serological antigen tests are commonly employed to detect it. This study reports on the heaviest cavity filariasis recorded so far in a dog, which showed no apparent clinical signs of infection. The 6-year-old male was positive to a D. immitis antigen test. Blood samples collected and analyzed with the modified Knott's test for microfilariae revealed 264,367 microfilariae/ml. In a post-mortem examination 791 adult filarial nematodes were found in the dog's thoracic and peritoneal cavities. Morphological and molecular analysis identified the nematode as Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and no other species were present. This is evidence that massive A. dracunculoides infections in dogs may not be clinically evident, they may cause serologic cross-reaction with D. immitis infection and become a life-threatening condition if dogs are treated with a microfilaricidal treatment without previously performing an adequate diagnosis.     

Lepiota vellingana sp. nov. (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) a new species from Lahore, Pakistan

A new species of Lepiota, L. vellingana, is described and illustrated from Lahore, Pakistan. It is characterized by a campanulate to plano-convex, slightly umbonate, white pileus covered with pinkish brown scales, crowded lamellae, guttulate basidiospores, long trichodermial stipe elements, and long trichodermial pileal elements.     

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dairy buffaloes in Lahore District, Pakistan

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dairy buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis ) was assessed in the Lahore District of Punjab Province, Pakistan. The study revealed an overall prevalence of 54.7% for N. caninum antibodies determined through a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay performed on randomly collected serum samples. The highest prevalence was observed in buffaloes >3-5 yr of age (64.1%), followed by 57.9% for 5 to 6 yr olds, and 55.8% in 1-yr-old neonates, with high probability of infection under intensive dairy farming conditions. The pattern of prevalence was closely associated with the season as reflected by the highest prevalence (70.5%) in summer (May-August) and lowest (39.6%) in winter (November-January). Aborting buffaloes illustrated significantly higher (78.9%) exposure compared with non-aborting dams (59.8%). Prevalence in animals with canine contact was significantly higher (60.3%) than without contact (48.1%). This is the first reported prevalence of N. caninum in Pakistan.     

The changing pattern of contraception in Lahore, Pakistan: 1963-80

This paper attempts to test the dictum that social change begins in better educated, economically well-off and relatively less tradition-bound strata of the urban society and that it then spreads to the lower social strata and eventually affects the rural populations also. It analyzes temporal changes in the prevalence of contraception as reported by female respondents in 2 sample surveys conducted in the city of Lahore during 1963 and 1980. Altogether 1960 ever-married females aged over 15 were interviewed in the 1963 survey and 993 in the 1980 survey. Compared to 1980 respondents, those in the 1963 survey were older, educated and belonged to a medium or high socioeconomic status category. In 1963, 18% of the respondents were not aware of any method of contraception; by 1980 this proportion was reduced to 11%. The most spectacular change was observed in the prortion of respondents who were practising family planning. In 1963, only 7% of the respondents had ever used any method of contraception; this proportion increased to 48% in 1980. Moreover, substantial differences were noted with regard to the methods of contraception used. The use of condoms seems to have declined while that of the IUD the pill, sterilization and withdrawal seems to have increased. It is interesting that abstinence remained an important method of contraception. Use of contraception is found to vary with age, education and socioeconomic status of respondents. The degree of association between these 3 characteristics and contraceptive usage increased substantially from 1963 to 1980. 1980 survey results indicate that current as well as ever use of contraception show an inverted V-shaped pattern with age and parity. The prevalence of contraception increases with age, reaching a maximum of 41% for current users and 63% for ever users in the age group 35-39. A similar pattern is observed in relation to the parity of respondents with a maximum amongst women who had borne 6 children. Education shows a positive association with both the current and ever use of contraception. The pattern of current methods used is very similar to that noted for methods ever used. The only major differences relate to the condom and abstinence which show higher prevalence as current methods. In the 1963 survey religion was the main reason given by those expressing an unfavorable attitude toward family planning. In the 1980 survey questions were asked about the specific reasons of the respondents for never using any method of contraception. The desire for more children was the most commonly given reason and recent marriage was the 2nd most common. The strength of religious opposition to contraception seems to have declined substantially in the 1980 survey.     

Human health risk assessment of arsenic in groundwater aquifers of Lahore,Pakistan

The present study was conducted to estimate As concentration in groundwater and resulting human health risk in terms of chronic daily intake, hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) both for oral and dermal exposure to As. Groundwater samples (n = 100) were collected from ten different towns of Lahore District (Pakistan). Arsenic concentration ranged from 2 to 111 µg L^?1 in groundwater samples of the study area, which was significantly greater than the safe limit of As (10 µg L^?1) in drinking water set by the World Health Organization. Health risk assessment of As showed that HQ (0.1–11) for oral exposure and HI (0.1–11) values also exceeded the typical toxic risk index value of 1. 9.75 × E-05–4.59 × E-03 and 5.89 × E-07–2.77 × E-05 for oral and dermal As exposure, respectively. Both CR and cancer index (CIs) values were higher than United States Environmental Protection Agency limit (10^?6), suggesting that people are at high risk of As-induced carcinogenicity from oral and dermal exposure to As in drinking water. It was concluded that As contamination of groundwater causes carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health effects to the people; therefore, urgent management and remedial actions are required to protect people from As poisoning.     

Complete Genome Sequencing of a Velogenic Viscerotropic Avian Paramyxovirus 1 Isolated from Pheasants (Pucrasia macrolopha) in Lahore,Pakistan

We report the complete genome sequence of avian paramyxovirus 1 (APMV-1) isolated from an acute and highly contagious outbreak in pheasants (Pucrasia macrolopha) in Lahore, Pakistan. Biological and serological characterization showed a velogenic strain of APMV-1, which was further confirmed by the sequence analysis of the cleavage site in the fusion protein. Complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis indicated that this isolate belonged to genotype VII, specifically to subgenotype VIIa, and clustered closely with isolates characterized from Indonesia. Notably, the isolate showed significant differences from previously characterized APMV-1 from Pakistani commercial and rural chicken.     

Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity of Rotavirus Strains in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in Lahore,Pakistan

Pakistan harbors high disease burden of gastro-enteric infections with majority of these caused by rotavirus. Unfortunately, lack of proper surveillance programs and laboratory facilities have resulted in scarcity of available data on rotavirus associated disease burden and epidemiological information in the country. We investigated 1306 stool samples collected over two years (2008–2009) from hospitalized children under 5 years of age for the presence of rotavirus strains and its genotypic diversity in Lahore. The prevalence rate during 2008 and 2009 was found to be 34% (n = 447 out of 1306). No significant difference was found between different age groups positive for rotavirus (p>0.05). A subset of EIA positive samples was further screened for rotavirus RNA through RT-PCR and 44 (49.43%) samples, out of total 89 EIA positive samples, were found positive. G and P type prevalence was found as follows: G1P [4] = 3(6.81%); G1P [6] = 9(20.45%); G1P [8] = 1(2.27%); G2P [4] = 21(47.72%); G2P [8] = 1(2.27%); G9P [4] = 1(2.27%); G9P [6] = 1(2.27%) and G9P [8] = 7(15.90%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the VP7 and VP4 sequences clustered closely with the previously detected strains in the country as well as Belgian rotaviruses. Antigenic characterization was performed by analyzing major epitopes in the immunodominant VP7 and VP4 gene segments. Although the neutralization conferring motifs were found variable between the Pakistani strains and the two recommended vaccines strains (Rotarix™ and RotaTeq™), we validate the use of rotavirus vaccine in Pakistan based on the proven and recognized vaccine efficacy across the globe. Our findings constitute the first report on rotavirus’ genotype diversity, their phylogenetic relatedness and epidemiology during the pre-vaccination era in Lahore, Pakistan and support the immediate introduction of rotavirus vaccine in the routine immunization program of the country.     

Serum Magnesium and Atherogenic Lipid Fractions in Type II Diabetic Patients of Lahore, Pakistan

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hypomagnesemia and its effect on the lipid profile of local type II diabetic patients. For this purpose, 219 diabetic patients and 100 age-matched control subjects were enrolled. Blood samples of the subjects were analyzed for fasting glucose, Mg, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol. Results showed that mean serum values of these parameters were differing in diabetic patients as compared to control subjects. The reference range of serum magnesium in healthy controls was 1.2-4.4 mg/dl. Mean serum magnesium in diabetic patients was significantly lower as compared to healthy subjects (1.6 ± 0.23 mg/dl vs. 2.8 ± 0.8 mg/dl). Among diabetic patients, 143 (65.3%) had serum magnesium level below 1.7 mg/dl (hypomagnesemia). The corresponding figure for control subjects was 11 (11%). The difference was significant (p < 0.01). Diabetes mellitus patients with current hyperglycemic status had significantly lower serum Mg as compared to euglycemic patients (p = 0.05). Serum Mg in diabetic patients was correlated with all lipid parameters. Among them, HDL-cholesterol was significantly (p < 0.05) positively correlated (r = 0.34), while total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol was negatively correlated, albeit non-significantly, with serum Mg. These results demonstrate that hypomagnesemia is accompanied by atherogenic alterations in the lipid profiles of type II diabetic patients of Lahore, Pakistan.     

Prevalence of active hepatitis C virus infections among general public of Lahore,Pakistan

Background

To find out the prevalence of active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among general public in Lahore city, since data concerning the prevalence of active HCV in this city is currently unavailable.

Methods

Blood samples were collected randomly from individuals visiting different clinical laboratories in Lahore. Serum was separated and processed by nested PCR qualitative assay for the detection of HCV RNA. The samples were categorized into different age groups on the basis of pre-test questionnaires in order to record the age-wise differences regarding the prevalence of active HCV. Data were analyzed statistically using Chi-Square test.

Results

Out of the 4246 blood samples analyzed in this study, 210 were confirmed to be positive for active HCV infection. Gender-wise active HCV prevalence revealed no significant difference [OR =?1.10 CI =?(0.83-1.46), p >?0.05]. However, among the age groups the highest prevalence was observed in the age groups 20–29 (7.7%) and 30–39 years (6.4%) with odds of prevalence of 14.8% (OR =?2.48, CI =?(1.40-4.38), p <?0.05) and 10.3% (OR =?2.03, CI =?(1.10-3.71), respectively. In age groups above 40 years (40–49, 50–59 and >59 years), a decrease in levels of active HCV prevalence was observed.

Conclusions

Among tested samples, 4.9% of the subjects were confirmed to harbour active HCV infections and the “middle aged” population in Lahore was found to be at a higher risk of the HCV ailments compared to both their younger and older peers.

     

Acanthocheilonema sabanicolae n. sp. (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae) from the savanna armadillo (Dasypus sabanicola) in Venezuela, with comments on the genus Acanthocheilonema

A new species of Acanthocheilonema, Acanthocheilonema sabanicolae n. sp., is described from the subcutaneous tissues of the savanna armadillo (Dasypus sabanicola) in Venezuela. The adults (females 25-30.6 mm long by 61-78 micron wide; males 10.9-15.3 mm long by 42-44 micron wide) and the microfilariae (112-131 micron long by 3-5 micron wide) are the smallest within the genus. The microfilaria, a skin dweller, assumes a characteristic C-shaped curve, when fixed in 2% formalin, which serves to distinguish A. sabanicolae from others in the genus. Moreover, the spicules are notably smaller than any others in the Acanthocheilonema. Acanthocheilonema sabanicolae is the first species in this genus to be described from edentates, and, along with A. reconditum of dogs and A. pricei of opossums, is the third species of Acanthocheilonema to be reported from South America. Morphological features, vectors, and vertebrate hosts of the genus Acanthocheilonema are reviewed.     

Projection of climate variables by general circulation and deep learning model for Lahore,Pakistan

Climate change significantly impacts the hydrological cycle and environment. The key parameters driving climate change for densely populated city of Lahore in Pakistan were studied. The projections of these parameters were evaluated using General Circulation Model (GCM) named Community Climate System Model (CCSM4) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) scenarios. The outputs of CCSM4 model were bias corrected using quantile mapping using historical data. Additionally, a deep learning model named long short-term memory (LSTM) was developed applying machine learning applications to forecast the climate parameters for the future. LSTM model with two LSTM layers including one fully connected layer was modeled for the projection of climate variables in the region. Total number of parameters were 9888, and the input and forecasted output length was kept as 24 sequential months without overlapping. The conventional projection methods of GCM were compared with LSTM outputs for bridging the gap. The LSTM model was found to be more effective and dependable in forecasting the climate with significant improvement in the statistical parameters for the region. The LSTM model can be applied for projections of climate in comparison to GCM with sufficient precision.     

Role of TMPRSS6 rs855791 (T > C) polymorphism in reproductive age women with iron deficiency anemia from Lahore,Pakistan

BackgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the highest nutritional deficiency worldwide. It is a multifactorial disease, with a higher morbidity rate. TMPRSS6 polymorphisms importantly rs855791 is found to play an essential role in iron homeostasis in the human body. The rs855791 (T > C) polymorphism is highly associated with iron levels, and multiple blood parameters, leading to IDA. The role of TMPRSS6 rs855791 polymorphism and the significance of complete blood count (CBC) parameters in the pathogenesis of IDA is not yet studied in the Pakistani population.MethodsWe enrolled 113 cases and 136 controls to conduct a case control study. Complete blood count (CBC) and iron parameters were analyzed for association studies. PCR-RFLP based genotyping was performed.ResultsThe TMPRSS6 rs855791 (T > C) polymorphism is significantly associated with IDA pathogenesis as observed in the codominant model and recessive models (P < 0.05, OR: 1.5 and 95% CI: 0.9, 2.6, P < 0.05, OR: 0.5 and 95% CI: 0.2, 0.9 respectively). Elderly women among cases (30–49 years) were found to be more susceptible to IDA (P < 0.05, AOR: 2.1 and 95% CI: 1.0, 4.2). The most significant parameters associated with IDA were red blood cell count (RBC) and hematocrit (Hct%) (P < 0.05, AOR: 16.5, 95% CI: 7.6, 35.9 and P < 0.05, AOR: 10.1, 95% CI: 2.5, 41.6, respectively).ConclusionTMPRSS6 polymorphism at rs855791 (T > C) is significantly associated with IDA susceptibility in reproductive age women in Pakistan. Age, RBC count and Hct% are found to play an important role in IDA pathogenesis in our study population.     

Reducing cooling load and lifecycle cost for residential buildings: a case of Lahore,Pakistan

Purpose

Buildings consume a large amount of energy for space cooling during the summer season, creating an overall sustainability concern. The upfront cost associated with sustainability repels the decision-makers to often end up adopting solutions that have huge operations and maintenance costs. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the lifecycle cost (LCC) implications of optimum configurations of active and passive strategies for reducing the cooling load in buildings.

Methods

Several green building active and passive strategies and technologies were assimilated and their thermal performance in a hot semi-arid climate of Lahore in Pakistan using DesignBuilder V6.1 was simulated to obtain the most optimum cooling load configuration. Furthermore, LCC is estimated, and overall efficiency is evaluated to identify the most effective space cooling configuration.

Results and discussion

The results suggest that a configuration of EPS for external wall insulation, vertical louvers for external shading, 6 mm blue HRG (low-E soft coated)?+?12 mm air space?+?6 mm clear glass for windows, polystyrene as roof insulation, cross ventilation through windows, and LED lighting system has the best performance. This is the first-of-its-kind study in the hot semi-arid climate of South Asia with the city of Lahore in Pakistan as the test case and can be generalized for places with similar conditions. The findings will help the decision-makers in selecting the most load-efficient and cost-effective green building technologies to help improve overall sustainability.

Conclusion

The implementation of the proposed strategies not only aids in providing user-friendly and effective decision-making but also promotes the adoption of sustainability in buildings by leveraging the existing green building technologies to enhance the environmental and economic aspects. This is a promising approach to facilitate the spread of green building construction in developing countries. It is recommended to utilize the strategies grouped in Scenario 8 to achieve a reduced cooling load and LCC of a residential building throughout its lifecycle.

     

Distribution of gymnosperms in West Pakistan

Summary In West Pakistan 17 species of Gymnosperms are found wild. Out of these 13 species belong to the conifers and 4 species are of Ephedra. In the Plains only Ephedra foliata Borss. is found. In the outer ranges of Kashmir, Murree Hills, Hazara, Swat and Dir which are under the dominant influence of summer monsoon rains only Conifers consisting of Pinus roxburgii Sarg. Pinus wallichiana A.B.Jacks., Picea smithiana Boiss., Taxus baccata L., Abies pindrow Spach., Abies spectabis Royle are found and are indigenous to the Western Himalayas with the exception of Taxus baccata L. These species show relationship with those found in the Mediterranean and temperate Central European regions. There is not much resemblance between these and the Conifers of adjoining Eastern Himalayas. The Conifers and the Ephedra species found in Quetta, Waziristan, Kurram, Chitral, Gilgit, Indus Kohistan and Upper parts of Dir, Swat, Kaghan and Kishan Ganga which are under the dominant influence of winter rains are inhibited by elements of Pak-Turanio floristic region. The species belonging to this category are Cedrus deodara Loud., Pinus gerardiana Wall., Juniperus macropoda Boiss., Juniperus communis L., Ephedra gerardiana Wall. and Ephedra intermedia Sabr. et C.A.May. Plants of this region show clear affinities with the flora of the Mediterranean region. In the northern parts like Chitral and Gilgit central Asian elements are represented by Ephedra przewalskii Stapf and Juniperus turkestanica Kom.

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Zusammenfassung In West Pakistan gibt es 17 Arten von Gymnospermen, von denen 13 Coniferen und 4 Ephedra sind. Im Flachland gibt es nur Ephedra foliata Boiss. Am äusseren Rande von Kashmir, Murree Hills, Hazara, Swat und Dir, wo der Einfluss der Sommermonsun Regen gross ist findet man Pinus roxburgii Sarg, Pinus wallichiana A.B.Jacks., Picea smithiana Boiss., Taxus baccata L. Abies pindrow Spach. und Abies spectabis Royle. Dies sind einheimische Arten aus West Himalaya mit Ausnahme von Taxus baccata L. Sie haben Verwandtschaft mit den Arten aus der Mediterran und gemässigten Zone Mitteleuropas, aber überhaupt keine mit dem benachbarten östlichen Himalaya Gebiet. Die Coniferen und Ephedra-Arten aus Quetta, Waziristan, Kurram, Chitral, Gilgit, Indus Kohistan, und dem oberen Teil aus Dir, Swat, Kaghan und Kishan Ganga stehen unter dem Einfluss der Winterregen, und bilden das Pak-Turanio floristische Gebiet. Es sind die Arten Cedrus deodara Loud., Pinus gerardiana Wall., Juniperus macropoda Boiss., Juniperus communis L., Ephedra gerardiana Wall., Ephedra intermedia Sabr. et C.A.May. Die Vegetation dieses Gebietes zeigt eindeutige Verwandtschaft mit der Vegetation des Mediterran-Gebietes. In dem nördlichen Teil, wie Chitral und Gilgit sind Ephedra przewalskii Stapf. und Juniperus turkestanica Kom. zentral-asiatische Elemente.

     

Proposed division of the genus Heterophyes Cobbold, 1865 (Trematoda: Heterophyidae)

A new genus, Alloheterophyes, is erected for Heterophyes chini Pearson & Pearson, 1983 and for H. superspinata Leonov & Belogurov, 1965, with which H. bitorquata Pearson & Pearson, 1983 is synonymised. New host and locality records are given. Alloheterophyes differs from Heterophyes in having: (i) a seminal vesicle of two tandem chambers, the distal with a thicker wall; (ii) a uterine seminal receptacle; (iii) an unspined genital atrium; (iv) an inflated, almost triangular excretory bladder; (v) a ventral sucker not close to the gut fork; (vi) the final loop of the uterus dextral to the gonotyl; and (vii) a clavate shape.