Geographical Regions Of Pakistan Research Articles

Chemometric Modeling Revealed Oleic and Linoleic Acids as Varietal Biomarkers for Six Sesame Varieties-In Vitro and UHPLC Analyses.

Pakistan once considered self-sufficient for edible oil production now became the major importer with 88.6% imports and producing only the minor portion. Scientific negligence in oil seed crops led to a dramatic decrease in edible oil production depending mainly on only the imports. Sesamum indicum L., "Queen of Oil seeds" with 50-55% oil, is cultivated in various geographical regions of Pakistan, but farmers are not considering this crop because of insufficient knowledge, poor crop management practices, and low yielding varieties. This study was conducted to check the nutritional, biochemical, antioxidant, and yield potentials of six major varieties, i.e., TS-5, TH-6, Til-18, NIAB-Mil, NIAB-Pearl, and NS-16, and to compare the nutritionals, oil quality, and oil yield potential of these varieties. Field experiment was conducted, and various crop growth biomarkers were analyzed. Chlorophyll content and superoxide dismutase activity were found to be highest in NIAB-Mil followed by NIAB-Pearl and comparable to those of Til-18, while APX, Cat, and GPX activity was found to be highest in Til-18 with 25.6 and 5.9 and 6.02 mg/g, respectively. Seed antioxidant parameters showed a mixed response, but NIAB-Mil, NIAB pearl, and Til-18 were found to be highest in all antioxidant parameters. UHPLC analysis of seed oil resulted in a total of 14 triacylglycerols (TAGs), and principal component analysis and OPLS-Da analysis showed seven TAG biomarkers responsible for the separation of sesame varieties. Til-18 was found to be highest in oil content (53.3%) more abundant with oleic acid, while NIAB-Pearl, NIAB-Mil, and NS-16 were found to be abundant with linoleic acid, both considered as potential TAG biomarkers for sesame oil separation. This study concluded that, in general, Til-18 variety is more resistant with high nutritional status, high antioxidant activity, and oil yielding variety, followed by NIAB-Mil and NIAB-Pearl.

Ethnomedicinal relevance of selected monocot taxa from different geographical regions of Pakistan

Ethnomedicinal relevance of selected monocot taxa from different geographical regions of Pakistan

Pollen morphology and its taxonomic potential in some selected taxa of Caesalpiniaceae observed under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Pollen micromorphology is not only used to check the functional and structural evolution in plants but also to solve the taxonomic problem related to the classification of plants. Therefore, keeping in view the significance of pollen traits, selected taxa of the subfamily Caesalpiniaceae was collected from different geographical regions of Pakistan. The species were then analyzed under both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques to investigate the importance of micromorphological characters of pollen in the identification and classification of species. Great variation was recorded in equatorial shape, surface ornamentation, tectum, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, and exine thickness. However, little variation was observed in pollen type, polar shape, and fertility of pollen. The equatorial shape of five types was observed: prolate, prolate-spheroidal, spheroidal-subprolate, subspheroidal-prolate, and subspheroidal. Four types of surface ornamentation, psilate, granulate, clavate, and perforate, were recorded. Tectum of five types, intactate, reticulate regulate, medium reticulate, tactate, and striate, was observed. Sexine was thicker than nexine in all studied species. The largest polar diameter was observed in Caesalpinia pulcherrima 64.1 μm while the smallest in Parkinsonia aculeata 26.1 μm. The largest equatorial diameter was found in C. pulcherrima of 70.25 μm whereas the smallest in P. aculeata 27.57 μm. All the pollens analyzed were tricolporate. All studied species have a fertility ratio of more than 90%. A taxonomic key was developed to show the variation in pollen features and delimit species for the correct identification. In conclusion, the pollen traits were found useful to define species boundaries at various taxonomic ranks and will strengthen the taxonomy of this subfamily. Besides, this study also explored the palynological traits and their implication in the taxonomy of the subfamily Caesalpiniaceae.

Genotyping of Brucella strains isolated from humans and cattle of different geographical regions of Pakistan using MLVA‐15

BackgroundPrevalence of brucellosis and MLVA genotyping in animals and humans, isolated from different regions of Pakistan was performed. Animals having history of brucellosis from the field and local farms of Bannu, Mardan, Peshawar, Swat, Lahore and Islamabad were selected for blood collection. Humans that work with them were also selected for sampling in this study. Total of 600 samples were taken from cattle and humans and subjected to Rose Bengal plate Test (RBPT) for the initial screening of positive samples. Designed primers of B.abortus for cattle and B.melitensis for humans were utilised to perform PCR. Culturing and isolation was carried to further to perform MLVA genotyping assay through the selection of two panels of primer markers.ResultsRBPT showed more number of cases of brucellosis in animals and humans compared to the PCR findings. Genotyping findings based upon MLVA‐15 set of markers demonstrated that the isolated strains of B.abortus fall in the same clade with strain A1, P8 and A2 from Pakistan and also similar with BCCN#02‐45 strain from India. On the other hand, B.melitensis isolated from different districts of Pakistan shared the same clade with BwIM‐AFG 63, BwIM‐AFG 44 strains from Afghanistan and BwIM IRN 37 strain from Iran. Selected VNTR alleles were sequenced for calibration purposes.ConclusionIt is concluded that B rucella is prevalent in animals and humans in studied districts of Pakistan. Moreover, A1, P8, BwIM‐AFG 63, BwIM‐AFG 44 and A2 were found the common genotypes in Pakistan.

Systematic surveillance and meta-analysis on the prevalence of metallo-β-lactamase producers among carbapenem resistant clinical isolates in Pakistan

BackgroundEmergence of carbapenem resistance (CR) is a health concern of pertinent importance. Epidemiological surveillance of CR at global and indigenous level (Pakistan) can help to improve infection control and establish pharmacovigilance programs. This study evaluates the prevalence of clinically significant CR isolates, and its genetic variant distribution among geographical regions of Pakistan. MethodsA meta-analysis was conducted to present the current rate of CR infections and prevalence of Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs). The proposed subject was researched using electronic databases to identify the available literature. Thereafter, relevant data was extracted and statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 14. ResultsA total of 110 relevant studies were identified with 19 meeting the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis of CR, while 22 for MBLs. Pooled rate for carbapenem resistance was determined to be 0.28 (95% CI: 0.26–0.31) with overall significant heterogeneity (I2=99.61%, P<0.001) and significant estimated score ES=0 (Z=22.65, P<0.001). In Pakistan, the pooled proportion of MBL producers was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.29–0.39) with overall heterogeneity significance (I2=99.62%, P<0.001) and significant ES=0 (Z=13.17, P<0.001). ConclusionConclusively, diverse variants of carbapenemases (VIM, IMP, NDM, KPC, GIM) along with other β-lactamase variants (OXA, TEM, SHV, CTX-M) have been reported across the country. However, New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-variants were reported in predominant literature. The prevalence of CR isolates in Pakistan is alarming, associated with MBL production primarily evident from the studies. The study emphasizes the need for regular surveillance, pharmacovigilance and antibiotic stewardship programs to ensure the availability of data to the authorities for preemptive measures of infection control.

Geographical Variations in Life Histories of House Flies, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), in Punjab, Pakistan.

Musca domestica Linnaeus is an important public health pest with the ability to adapt to diverse climates. Assessment of variations in biology and life-history traits of insects along geographical gradients is important for a successful management plan in different regions. We investigated life-history traits and life table parameters of M. domestica from six different geographical regions of Punjab, Pakistan: Rahim Yar Khan (RYK), Bahawalpur (BWP), Multan (MTN), Lahore (LHR), Gujrat (GJT), and Murree (MRE). Overall, M. domestica from localities of lower latitude and elevations with higher mean temperatures completed their development faster than those from localities of higher latitude and elevations with lower mean temperatures. The immature developmental time was the longest for the MRE population that was collected from higher latitude and elevation with cooler climate, whereas the shortest for the RYK population from lower latitude with warmer climate. Pupal weights were heavier for the RYK, BWP, and MTN populations, all were from the lowest latitude and elevations with warmer climate, compared with rest of the field populations. Similarly, rate of adult eclosion, fecundity, egg hatching, longevity, and life table parameters such as intrinsic rate of population increase, mean relative growth rate, net reproductive rate, and biotic potential were significantly higher for the RYK, BWP, and MTN populations compared with the GJT, LHR, and MRE populations of M. domestica. The current results will probably be of importance when planning management of M. domestica in different geographical regions of Pakistan.

Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes Among Chronically Infected Patients in Pakistan

Background: A number of studies on the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes among the chronically HCV-infected people have reported different patterns from various geographical regions of Pakistan. A relatively large scale epidemiological study was needed in order to figure out the distribution pattern of HCV genotypes. Objectives: This research study was carried out to investigate the distribution pattern of hepatitis C virus genotypes in different geographical regions of Pakistan. Methods: In the current study, 5259 randomly selected patients with different genders, ethnicity, age groups, belonging to 24 geographical locations of Pakistan were included. Blood samples from patients with a positive history of active HCV infection were collected from various healthcare units from February 2016 to September 2018. Hepatitis C virus RNA was detected in serum samples by qualitative PCR and confirmed by real-time PCR. Hepatitis C virus genotyping analysis was performed by type specific PCR. Results: Our study revealed that out of 5259 HCV infected patients, HCV genotype 3a was the most frequent one (n = 4203, 79.9%) in all of the 24 regions of Pakistan, especially in Rawalpindi and Islamabad (Twin cities). Untypeable genotype (n = 415, 7.9%) was the second most frequent one after 3a followed by 3a3b co-infection (n = 355, 6.7%), 3b (n = 182, 3.5%), 2a (n = 92, 1.7%), 2b (n = 10, 0.2%), and 1b (n = 2, 0.03%). Interestingly, rarely detectable genotype 4 (n = 1, 0.01%) was also reported. The overall distribution pattern of HCV genotypes was the same in both the genders. Comparatively higher HCV chronic infection was reported among patientwith age group (41 - 55). Conclusions: Currently the existing distribution pattern of HCV genotypes in Pakistan is similar to slight variations in some regions. Comparative analysis of the HCV genotype distribution indicated that the dynamics of HCV genotypes has changed in different areas with the emergence of a relatively uniform pattern across the country.

Differential achievements in childhood immunization across geographical regions of Pakistan: analysis of wealth-related inequality

BackgroundChildhood immunization is one of the most cost-effective interventions for child health. Still, many children are not able to receive completed immunization status. Wealth – related inequality in immunization is considered a major reason for equitable coverage of immunization in Pakistan. Therefore, we examine wealth-related inequality in completed childhood immunization and to assess achievement indices across geographical regions in Pakistan.MethodsThe analysis was based on a nationally representative demographic and health survey (DHS) of Pakistan, conducted in 2012–13. We examined completed childhood (12–23 months) immunization in the various regions of the country and we used concentration, extended concentration and achievement indices to demonstrate inequality across geographical regions in Pakistan.ResultsInequality in completed childhood immunization was seen in Pakistan with concentration index (CI) of 0.181 (95% CI: 0.164–0.209). Regions with high average of complete immunization showed lower inequality except for Sindh. Despite having better average immunization coverage in Kyber Pakhtunkhwa, the relative change of 128% in concentration index (CI) from C2 (standard CI) to C5 (when poorer quantile received highest weights) shows this to be also the most inequitable regions. Four parameters of inequality aversion (v = 2, 3, 4 & 5) demonstrated that ‘dis – achievement’ in completed immunization is densely concentrated among the poorer regions. Balochistan, Sindh and Gilgit Baltistan exhibited broader inequality gaps (93.75%, 83.35%, and 54.93%, respectively) at higher aversion parameter.ConclusionsAs hypothesized, achievement index uncovers ‘penalized’ immunization coverage amongst the poorest population. Thus any policy that stringently focuses on improving average immunization rate without any strategy to deal with inequality will only improve immunization rate within wealthier groups. Based on these results, it is advisable to public health policy makers to use both aspect of information: average and degree of inequality in immunization coverage.

Seismic Hazard Analysis of Pakistan

The main objective of the study is to assess the seismic hazard of different areas of Pakistan in order to ensure earthquake safety of existing and new structures. Try to, describe the Seismicity of Pakistan, carry out Seismic Hazard Assessment of the region and compute Ground Motion of the geographical regions of Pakistan. I have used the PSHA approach of McGuire is adopted to compute the ground motion. Due to collision of Indian plat and Eurasian plate, active faults systems exist in Pakistan. Due to these fault systems, earthquake ground motion analyses are needed to review the Seismic Hazards of the region. For this purpose, GSHAP data is used to map Seismic Hazard of Pakistan. The Scheme of Study follows the Mapping of Seismo-tectonic from Earthquake Catalogue, Earthquake Source delineation Map, and Ground Motion Map from GSHAP data.

Geographic distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in pakistan.

Background:Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotypes may be changed over time. Epidemiological Studies on distribution patterns of HCV genotypes in Pakistani population might assist for better treatment options and preventive strategies.Objectives:This study was conducted to determine distribution patterns of HCV genotypes in different geographical regions of Pakistan.Patients and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 1818 randomly selected patients from different geographical regions of Pakistan, diagnosed with HCV infection by the third generation Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), were included between April 2011 and December 2013. HCV RNA was detected in serum samples of patients by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT- PCR) of the core region. Qualitative PCR was performed to determine viral load. HCV genotyping was performed by RT-nested PCR using type-specific primers of the core region. Frequency of different genotypes among patients was assessed according to gender, age and geographical region at the time of sampling.Results:Of 1818 HCV RNA positive samples, HCV genotypes PCR fragments were detected in 1552 (85.5%) samples. HCV genotype 3a was the predominant genotype (39.4%) followed by genotype 2a (24.93%). HCV genotype 3 was the predominant genotype in Punjab and Sindh regions, while genotype 2 was the most predominant genotype in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region and the second predominant genotype after genotype 3 in Sindh region. The incidence of genotype 2a is increasing in our country with decrease in the incidence of genotype 3a. A higher incidence of HCV various genotypes were observed among male patients and those younger than 45 years.Conclusions:This study may facilitate treatment options and preventive strategies in Pakistan.

Molecular epidemiology and viral load of HCV in different regions of Punjab, Pakistan

BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly infectious pathogen which is responsible for causing Hepatitis around 200 million individuals worldwide. In Pakistan, 4.7% of HCV prevalence has been reported and HCV genotype 3a has been found to be the major source of infection in Pakistan but still there is lack of information on distribution of HCV genotypes and viral load in various geographical regions of Pakistan. Therefore, current study was designed to determine distribution of HCV genotypes as well viral load in different areas of Punjab province of Pakistan.FindingsA total of 995 serum samples were taken from those individuals in which antibodies against HCV were detected through ELISA, from different regions of Punjab i.e. Lahore 317(31.85%), Faisalabad 70(7.03%), Gujranwala 129(12.96%), Gujrat 106(10.65%), Sialkot 94(9.44%), Sargodha 60(6.03%), Mandibaha-ud-din 135(13.56%), Jhang 86(8.64%). Qualitative PCR was performed to determine viral load and genotyping was performed using Nested PCR. Chi-square test was used to determine the age and sex-wise prevalence of HCV. Out of 995 samples, 888 samples were found positive for HCV RNA. In all regions, genotype 3a showed highest prevalence (82.81%) followed by genotype 1 (3.41%), mixed genotypes (2.41%), genotype 2 (0.50%), genotype 5 (0.1%) and unclassified genotypes (10.75%). Viral load in 29.5% patients infected with genotype 3a was less than 600,000 IU/mL, while it was between 600,000-800,000 IU/mL in 27.9% patients and 25.22% patients had more than 800,000 IU/mL viral load.ConclusionHCV genotype 3a is the most prevalent genotype in various regions of Punjab. Viral load of HCV patients in these different regions of Punjab are reported for the first time. Moreover, based upon these results the Patients having viral load below 800,000 IU/mL would be expected to show better response of anti-HCV therapy.

Investigation of equine influenza virus in two geographical regions of Pakistan

The present study was an attempt to elucidate the seroprevalence of equine influenza virus (H3N8) in two geographically distinct regions of Pakistan where vaccination is not routinely practiced. A total number of 315 animals of family Equidae were included in the survey. Blood samples and nasal swabs were collected from the same animal and analyzed through ELISA and Hemagglutination Inhibition. The seroprevalence for EIV was 10 and 8.39 in districts under study. Out of 29 ELISA positive sera, 7 (24.1 %) showed antibodies against H1 and 22 (75.9 %) showed against H3 of influenza strains. Specie-wise antibody titer against H1 was 7.5 and 9.0 for horses and donkeys, respectively, while mules were negative. Similarly, antibody titer against H3 was 7.12, 6.9, and 6.0 for horses, donkeys, and mules, respectively. No strain was isolated from the nasal swabs despite very high antibody titers of H1 and H3 in the sera of the same animals. Influenza viruses are circulating in equine species and continuous surveillance is needed to keep check on any future outbreak.

Variation in Antioxidant Attributes at Three Ripening Stages of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Fruit from Different Geographical Regions of Pakistan

The present investigation was carried out to appraise the levels of total phenols and vitamin C as well as antioxidant potential at three different ripening stages (un-ripe, semi-ripe and fully-ripe) of guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit collected from three different geographical regions of Pakistan (Islamabad, Faisalabad and Bhakkar). The antioxidant potential of guava fruit extracts was assessed by means of different in-vitro antioxidant assays, namely inhibition of peroxidation in linoleic acid system, reducing power and radical scavenging capability. Overall, fruit at the un-ripe stage (G1) exhibited the highest levels of TPC, TFC, reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity, followed by the semi-ripe (G2) and fully-ripe (G3) stages. On the other hand, vitamin C content increased as the fruit maturity progressed, with highest value seen at the fully-ripe stage (G3) followed by the semi-ripe (G2) and un-ripe stage (G1). The concentration of vitamin C in fruits varied as: Faisalabad (136.4–247.9 mg 100 g−1), Islamabad (89.7–149.7 mg 100 g−1) and Bhakkar (73.1–129.5 mg 100 g−1). The results showed that different stages of maturation and geographical locations had profound effects on the antioxidant activity and vitamin C contents of guava fruit.

POPULATION STRUCTURE AND MATING TYPE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CHICKPEA BLIGHT PATHOGEN ASCOCHYTA RABIEI FROM PAKISTAN AND THE UNITED STATES

Ascochyta blight caused by the fungus Ascochyta rabiei (AR) depresses chickpea production in Pakistan and worldwide. Thirty two AR isolates representing six geographical regions of Pakistan were compared with a US-AR population for mating type frequency and genetic variation. Mating type results showed that the Pakistani AR (PAR) population had an apparent skewed (3 Mat1-2: 1 Mat1-1) distribution, although Chi-square tests showed non-significant deviation from equal distribution due to small sample sizes. The US population showed a 1:1 distribution of the two mating types. The uneven distribution of mating types indicates that sexual reproduction among the PAR is rare due to either unavailability of both mating types or lack of conducive environment, but statistical analysis showed that panmixia is there reflecting past recombinational events. Genetic variation at six microsatellite loci was assessed and each isolate was assigned to a microsatellite haplotype. Population structure of the isolates was inferred using Bayesian analyses implemented in the structure software which differentiated isolates into three distinct clusters, two clusters of PAR and one of the US isolates. However, few isolates from the US shared the same genetic background with one cluster of the PAR isolates, providing a link of inter-continental migration of the pathogen. Additionally, the two clusters of PAR-isolates are not strictly associated with geographic locations in Pakistan, suggesting frequent gene flow of AR among different locations. Future studies should extend the sampling of representative populations to overcome the limitations of the small sample size for more accurate assessment of population structure.

Comparative Study of Fatty Acid Components in Oils of Different Olive Varieties Grown in Different Regions of Pakistan by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry

AbstractOlive oils were extracted from two consecutive crops (2008 and 2009) of three different varieties of olive cultivated at different geographical regions of Pakistan. The profiles of the fatty acid compositions were developed employing GC‐MS techniques and then compared. The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate the olive oil constituents in Olive cultivated in different regions in order to determine the quality of olive oil and to ascertain the suitability of area for best quality products.

True prevalence of twin HDV-HBV infection in Pakistan: a molecular approach

Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) infects only patients that are already infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) because this is sub satellite virus which depends on and propagate only in the presence of HBV. HDV causes co-infection or super infection with sever complication as compared to only HBV infection. No study on molecular level on HDV is available from this region; therefore, the aim of this study was to found out the molecular epidemiology of HDV (as a co-infection with HBV) in different geographical regions of Pakistan.Total 228 HBsAg positive samples were received for the study from different geographical regions of the country. Only HBV DNA PCR positive samples were further utilized for the presence of HDV RNA. For this purpose, HDV RNA and HBV DNA was extracted and amplified using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), nested PCR and real-time PCR.Out of the total 228 HBsAg positive samples, HBV DNA was detected in total 190 (83.3%) samples belonged to different patients. Of these 190 patients, HDV RNA was observed in 53 (28%) patients. Of the 53 HDV positive cases, 37 (69.8%) were males and 16 (30.2%) were female patients. The percentage of dual infection was found higher significantly (p < 0.05) in male patients as compared to female patients. Total 41 (26.8%) patients were below 40 years and 13 (31.7%) were above 40 years of age. No significant difference was seen in patients with ages above or below 40 years. In the provinces of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw and Punjab the observed prevalence of HDV was 67%, 6% and 4% respectively.In conclusion, the HDV infection is not uncommon in Pakistan and its prevalence is higher significantly in the Province of Sindh (p < 0.01) and male six (p < 0.05).

Multiresidue Analysis of Pesticides by Gas Chromatography with Electron-capture in Rice Samples from Different Geographical Regions of Pakistan

Multiresidue Analysis of Pesticides by Gas Chromatography with Electron-capture in Rice Samples from Different Geographical Regions of Pakistan

Frequency distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in different geographical regions of Pakistan and their possible routes of transmission

BackgroundInformation regarding hepatitis C virus genotypes and subtypes circulating in Pakistan and various risk factors for their transmission are not known well. The specific objective of this study was to find out the frequency of various HCV genotypes present in well-characterized Pakistani HCV isolates and their possible routes of transmission.MethodsA total of 3351 serum samples were tested by type-specific genotyping assay. Out of 3351 HCV RNA positive patients, 2039 were males and 1312 were females. As regard as genotyped samples, 2165 belonged to Punjab region, 823 belonged to N.W.F.P., 239 to Sindh and 124 patients were from Balochistan.ResultsOut of the total 3351 tested serum samples, type-specific PCR fragments were observed in 3150 (94.00%) serum samples. The distribution of genotypes of the typeable samples as determined by this assay, was as follows: 1664 (49.05%) genotype 3a; 592 (17.66%) genotype 3b; 280 (8.35%) genotype 1a; 252 (7.52%) genotype 2a; 101 (3.01%) genotype 1b; 50 (1.49%) with genotype 4; 25 (0.75%) with 3c; 27 (0.80%) genotype 2b; 6 (0.18%) with subtype 5a; 5 (0.15%) genotype 1c; 4 (0.12%) with subtype 6a; 3 (0.09%) genotype 2c; and 161 (4.80%) patients were infected with mixed infection. Two hundred and one (5.99%) serum samples were found untypeable by the present genotyping system. More than 86% and 72% patients with genotypes 3a and 3b respectively had received multiple injections in past. For genotypes 1a and 1b the route of transmission was major/minor surgery along with unknown reasons. Majority of the cases with type 2a, 2b and indeterminate genotypes were sporadic. Mixed infections were common in thalassaemic patients.ConclusionThe most common HCV genotype in Pakistan is type 3a. Regional difference in genotypes was observed only in Balochistan province of Pakistan. More than 70% of the cases were acquired in hospitals through reuse of needles/syringes and major/minor surgery that is very common in this country.