Evolutionary profile of the family Calliphoridae,with notes on the origin of myiasis

The family Calliphoridae is a group of heterogenous calyptrate flies with a worldwide distribution including species of ecological, veterinary, medical, and forensic importance. Notorious for their parasitic habits, the larvae of many blowflies are characterised – like some other dipteran larvae – by their ability to develop in animal flesh. When parasitism affects a living host, it is termed “myiasis”. This has led the Calliphoridae to be considered as a pivotal family in its relationship with a man. Nevertheless, even after more than 50 years of research, the phylogenetic relationships among calliphorid subfamilies together with the evolutionary origin of myiasis remain unclear. In order to elucidate these problems, we constructed three phylogenetic trees by using nucleotide sequence data from cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI), representing a mitochondrial conservative gene, and nuclear 28S subunit of ribosomal RNA gene (28S rRNA) in order to interpret the evolutionary profile of myiasis in the family Calliphoridae. The sequenced data represented species associated with ectoparasitic life-styles, either saprophagy or facultative and obligate parasitism. A total number of 50 accessions were collected for 28S rRNA, 56 for COI, and 38 for combined sequences phylogeny. Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) software was used to align 2197 nucleotide positions of 28S rRNA and 1500 nucleotide positions of COI with a gap opening penalties and gap extension penalties equalling 20 and 0.1 respectively. The results reveal the non-monophyly of the family Calliphoridae despite the stable monophyletic status of the Chrysomyinae, Luciliinae, and Auchmeromyiinae. Also, our findings recommend ranking the Toxotarsinae as a separate family. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the phylogenetic trees shows that the habit of obligatory myiasis originated independently more than five times. This strengthens our hypothesis that the origin of eating fresh meat is a case of convergent evolution that has taken place after speciation events millions of years ago. Finally, estimating the divergence dates between lineages from molecular sequences provides a better chance of understanding their evolutionary biology.     

Anti-biofilm activity of LC-MS based Solanum nigrum essential oils against multi drug resistant biofilm forming P. mirabilis

Urinary tract infections are second most important diseases worldwide due to the increased amount of antibiotic resistant microbes. Among the Gram negative bacteria, P. mirabilis is the dominant biofilm producer in urinary tract infections next to E. coli. Biofilm is a process that produced self-matrix of more virulence pathogens on colloidal surfaces. Based on the above fact, this study was concentrated to inhibit the P. mirabilis biofilm formation by various in-vitro experiments. In the current study, the anti-biofilm effect of essential oils was recovered from the medicinal plant of Solanum nigrum, and confirmed the available essential oils by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis. The excellent anti-microbial activity and minimum biofilm inhibition concentration of the essential oils against P. mirabilis was indicated at 200 µg/mL. The absence of viability and altered exopolysaccharide structure of treated cells were showed by biofilm metabolic assay and phenol–sulphuric acid method. The fluorescence differentiation of P. mirabilis treated cells was showed with more damages by confocal laser scanning electron microscope. Further, more morphological changes of essential oils treated cells were differentiated from normal cells by scanning electron microscope. Altogether, the results were reported that the S. nigrum essential oils have anti-biofilm ability.     

A review of the genus Rusa in the indo-malayan archipelago and conservation efforts

Genus Rusa, belonging to the deer family Cervidae is native to the Indo-Malaya Archipelago (IMA). However, detailed information on the Rusa genus in the IMA is limited. This review provides comprehensive information on the Rusa genus in the IMA including, threats and conservation efforts. There are four species of deer in Rusa genus, which is Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Javan deer (Rusa timorensis), Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi) and Philippine deer (Rusa marianna). Despite their wide distribution in the South Asian and Southeast Asian regions, they are under serious threats. Some conservation efforts that are being done to protect and conserve them among others are; (1) facilities protection, (2) habitat enrichment programme, (3) Ex-situ conservation, (4) legislations, and (5) captive breeding. Conservation through genetics is also an important step in conserving these species. Recommendations for conservation of the genus are also discussed; 1. maintenance of ecosystem. 2. more effective monitoring system on the existing protected area. 3. ex-situ conservation, and 4. habitat monitoring.     

On the macro-micro-morphology of organs of host invasion in hemiparasite Helicanthes elasticus (Desv.) Danser

Loranthaceae family includes hemiparasitic members which are seen invading a wide range of commercial crops. Helicanthes elasticus (Desv.) Danser is very common on mango trees. Though parasitic in nature, this mistletoe is also medicinally important as fetoprotective, against vesicular calculi and kidney infections. This study is an attempt to document macro-microscopical features of parasitic root, fruit and host-mistletoe tissue interaction in the haustorium of H. elasticus growing on mango stems. Collection, preservation, sectioning, staining and photomicrography of the root, fruit and host-mistletoe union were done as per standard methodologies of anatomical studies. Though there is resemblance to the normal roots in morphology as well as anatomy, the microscopic finding of large number of branched stone cells in the roots is interesting. The morpho-anatomical features recorded would help in understanding the infection biology of this mistletoe. The eradication during the earlier stages of its establishment from seed or from the root creeping over the surface of the host can help in controlling this parasite infection on commercially important host plants.     

6-Shogaol attenuated ethylene glycol and aluminium chloride induced urolithiasis and renal injuries in rodents

The 6-shogaol, is a flavanone type flavonoid that is abundant in citrus fruit and has a wide range of pharmacological effects. The present study attempted to evaluate the antiurolithic effect of 6-shogaol on ethylene glycol (EG) and ammonium chloride (AC)-induced experimental urolithiasis in rats. The efficacy of 6-shogaol 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg was studied in EG 0.75% (V/V) and AC 1% (W/V) experimentally induced urolithiasis in rats for 21 days. The weight difference, urine volume, the levels of calcium, phosphate, magnesium, oxalate and uric acid in urine was observed. The blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid in serum and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were also measured. Histopathological analyses in kidneys were also performed. The rats weights were higher in the 6-shogaol groups than the urolithiasis group. EG caused a significant increase in serum creatinine (p < 0.05), BUN (P < 0.001), and uric acid (p < 0.01) while treatment with Cystone (750 mg/kg), and 6-shogaol (50 and 100 mg/kg) showed the significant reduction in increased serum levels of creatinine (p < 0.001), uric acid (p < 0.01) and BUN (p < 0.001). Administration of EG and AC showed statistically significant (p < 0.001) elevated levels of MDA and reduction in GSH levels. Treatment of Cystone (750 mg/kg), and 6-shogaol (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) reduced MDA levels and an increase GSH levels as compared to EG and AC-treated group. The histological findings further attested antiurolithiatic properties of 6-shogaol. The present study attributed clinical shreds of evidence first time that claiming the significant antiurolithic effect of 6-shogaol and could be a cost-effective candidate for the prevention and treatment of urolithiasis.     

Impact of anti-sandfly saliva antibodies on biological aspects of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae), vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Sandflies are the main vectors of Leishmania parasites in tropical and subtropical areas. The immunization of vertebrate hosts with vector components through repeated bites may offer an alternative method for sandfly control. Aliquots of female Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) (Diptera: Psychodidae) were weekly blood fed on 12 individual hamsters throughout 18 successive weeks. Significant biological and biochemical changes resulting from antibodies developed by immunized host sera against repeated biting were observed in sandfly females. Blood feeding and fertility rates of females significantly gradually declined to the end of the study period. No appreciable difference was observed in mortality rates among flies repeatedly fed on individual hamsters throughout weeks 9 and 18, compared to flies fed on naïve hamsters. Total salivary gland proteins of female sandflies were compared to proteins in sera of sensitized hamsters. SDS-page revealed bands common to both flies and hosts, indicating the development of anti-saliva antibodies in hamster sera. The importance of anti-sandfly saliva antibodies as a potential tool for vector control leading to the interruption of leishmaniasis is discussed.     

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction of Rosuvastatin calcium with guggulipid extract in rats

Background & objectivesRosuvastatin calcium (RC) is a potent and competitive synthetic inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase used for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Guggulipid obtained from Commiphora mukul is used in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, rheumatism, and obesity. The present study evaluates the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between RC and the standardized guggulipid extract in rats.Materials and methodsThe guggulipid extract was standardized for the presence of guggulsterones. The pharmacokinetic interaction was determined after a single dose administration of RC alone or in combination with the guggulipid extract or after multiple-dose administration of RC alone or RC along with the guggulipid extract for 14 days. To determine the pharmacodynamic interaction, RC and guggulipid extract were administered to hyperlipidemic rats for 14 days. The level of significance was determined using unpaired student’s t-test, one way ANOVA, the post-ANOVA Tukey test.ResultsStandardization of guggulipid extract showed it contains 7.5%w/w of guggulsterones. Guggulipid extract increased the bioavailability of RC in both single-dose and multiple-dose studies. Guggulipid extract reduced the rate of absorption (Ka) of RC but showed an increase in maximum serum concentration (Cmax). An in-vitro study using isolated rat intestine revealed that guggulipid extract decreased the rate of absorption of RC in the intestinal lumen. The hypolipidemic activity of RC was augmented by the guggulipid extract in hyperlipidemic rats.Interpretation & conclusionTherefore it is concluded that guggulipid extract increases the bioavailability of RC by delaying its Ka and augments its hypolipidemic action. However, it is recommended that a combination of RC with guggulipid extract should be used only after an adverse effect(s) of this combination are determined.     

Assessment of risk management and control measures against coronavirus disease

This article presents the COVID-19 situation and control measures taken by the Government of Pakistan. Two waves of pandemic are faced globally and similar in the study area. We have investigated the risk management decision in two phases. Primarily, strict lockdown was observed from March 2020 to July 2020 and smart lockdown was enforced from August 2020 to December 2020. It has been studied that during strict lockdown, COVID cases reduced gradually but reopening of institutes and smart lockdown strategy resulted gradual increase in confirmed cases and death rates. During first wave of COVID-19 in Pakistan, a total confirmed number of patients of COVID-19 were 263,496 till 18th of July 2020 with total deaths of 5,568 people and 204,276 recoveries, while total number of COVID-19 patients reached 555,511 till 9th of February 2021 with total deaths of 12,026 people. Province of Sindh was affected badly with total number of 251,434 COVID-19 cases followed by Punjab Province with total number of 161,347 COVID-19 till 9th of February 2020.     

Foliar application of ascorbic acid enhances salinity stress tolerance in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) through modulation of morpho-physio-biochemical attributes,ions uptake,osmo-protectants and stress response genes expression

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a major cereal grain and is known as a halophyte (a halophyte is a salt-tolerant plant that grows in soil or waters of high salinity). We therefore conducted a pot experiment to explore plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange attributes, stomatal properties, oxidative stress and antioxidant response and their associated gene expression and absorption of ions in H. Vulgare. The soil used for this analysis was artificially spiked at different salinity concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) and different levels of ascorbic acid (AsA) were supplied to plants (0, 30 and 60 mM) shortly after germination of the seed. The results of the present study showed that plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange parameters, stomatal properties and ion uptake were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by salinity stress, whereas oxidative stress was induced in plants by generating the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant cells/tissues compared to plants grown in the control treatment. Initially, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and relative gene expression increased to a saline level of 100 mM, and then decreased significantly (P < 0.05) by increasing the saline level (150 mM) in the soil compared to plants grown at 0 mM of salinity. We also elucidated that negative impact of salt stress in H. vulgare plants can overcome by the exogenous application of AsA, which not only increased morpho-physiological traits but decreased oxidative stress in the plants by increasing activities of enzymatic antioxidants. We have also explained the negative effect of salt stress on H. vulgare can decrease by exogenous application of AsA, which not only improved morpho-physiological characteristics, ions accumulation in the roots and shoots of the plants, but decreased oxidative stress in plants by increasing antioxidant compounds (enzymatic and non-enzymatic). Taken together, recognizing AsA's role in nutrient uptake introduces new possibilities for agricultural use of this compound and provides a valuable basis for improving plant tolerance and adaptability to potential salinity stress adjustment.