Impact of educational intervention on hypertension management by primary care physician: A randomized control trial.

Objective: The current study aimed to observe hypertension educational intervention's effect on general physicians (GPs) to improve blood pressure control and patient outcomes indirectly. Methods: This randomized control trial includes 42 GPs divided into 2 groups. GPs in group 1 receive face-to-face education with structured educational material on hypertension management strategies by a senior cardiologist. GPs in group 2 receive the print version of education material. The data was collected from six major cities in Pakistan. GPs with at least three years of experience in the broad primary care disciplines, with ages above 18 years, were included in the study. Results: A total of 42 physicians (21 from each group) completed questionnaires, while out of 420 hypertension patients, 105 newly diagnosed and already diagnosed patients enrolled under physicians of both groups. The educational material did just as well at informing clinicians as the face-to-face group intervention did and both the interventions had a significant effect on knowledge and BP control. Conclusion: After the 3-month follow-up, both interventions, including face-to-face and educational approaches, demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving knowledge and blood pressure control. Innovation: The study shows that hypertension educational intervention's effect on general physicians indirectly improves blood pressure control and patient outcomes. And emphasize for developing a hypertension educational program targeted at general physicians.

Left atrial appendage thrombus with severe mitral stenosis: Responders and non-responders to anticoagulation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Mitral stenosis (MS) is one of the most frequently observed valvular heart lesions in developing countries and is due to different etiologies. The effects of anticoagulation in different types of left atrial appendage (LAA) are unknown. The current study aimed to determine the resolution of LAA thrombus on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after three months of optimal anticoagulation in patients with different types of LAA at baseline cardiac computed tomography of patients with severe MS. METHODS: This prospective cohort study observed the frequency of LAA thrombus resolution after three months of anticoagulation therapy in patients with severe MS. The response rate in different morphologies of LAA and locations was also assessed. Thrombus resolution after three months of warfarin therapy was assessed on repeat TEE. RESULTS: A total of 88 patients were included, mean age 37.95±11.87 years. Repeat TEE showed thrombus resolution in only 27.3% of patients. The rate of thrombus resolution was 8/12 (66.7%), 4/28 (14.3%), 8/36 (22.2%), and 4/12 (33.3%) for patients with cactus, cauliflower, chicken wing, and windsock LAA type, respectively. The resolution rate was 0/12 (0%), 4/44 (9.1%), and 20/32 (62.5%) for patients with thrombus in the base, body, and tip of the LAA, respectively. CONCLUSION: The cactus type of LAA morphology and thrombus at the LAA tip responded well to three months of anticoagulation, however, patients with thrombus in the LAA base and body and cauliflower and chicken wing morphology were non-responders and could benefit from early referral for surgical management.

A biochemical and histological evaluation of in vivo exposure of bisphenol P for multi-organ toxicity and pathology in rats.

Bisphenol P (BPP) is a structural analog of bisphenol A (BPA) and is increasingly used as a substitute of BPA in commercial and household applications. In recent years, BPP has been frequently detected in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Very little epidemiological and experimental information are available on the toxicity potential of BPP in human and animal systems, which is very concerning in view of its increasing use. The current study evaluated the biochemical and histopathological effects of BPP in rats. The seven experimental groups (n = 5 rats/group) included BPA5 (5 mg), BPA50 (50 mg), BPA100 (100 mg), BPP5 (5 mg), BPP50 (50 mg), and BPP100 (100 mg) while the remaining one group served as untreated control. At the end of treatment, the organs (liver, kidney, heart, and lung) of rats were harvested for oxidative stress and histopathological analyses. A significant (p < .05) decrease was observed in the weight of the liver, lungs, and kidneys in the BPP100 group similar to the BPA100 group compared with the control group. Further, a significant (p < .05) decrease was also observed for concentrations of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) in the liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart at the highest two doses of BPP similar to the respective BPA groups compared with the control group. The two highest doses of BPP induced histopathological changes in the liver such as nuclei distortion, excessive necrosis of hepatocytes, nuclei shrinkage and pyknosis of cells with disrupted cell structure (BPP100), and cellular congestion and degeneration of hepatocytes (BPP50) similar to the two respective doses of BPA. The BPP treated groups also showed varying histopathological changes in kidney tissue, heart tissue, and lung tissue similar to BPA treated rats. In conclusion, the present study indicated that BPP has the potential to induce oxidative stress and alter the histomorphological architecture of different organs and is as deleterious as BPA.

Evaluation of phytochemicals from Thymus serpyllum as potential drug candidates to manage oxidative stress in transition dairy cows.

Dairy cows undergo immense stress and experience autoimmune reactions during the transition period, majorly due to the generation of ROS in the body. So, pharmacological approaches are needed to manage oxidative stress in the transition cows. Recently, the use of phytochemicals as feed additives in cows' nutrition has gained interest in managing various disease conditions. In the current study, we have evaluated the potential effects of phytochemicals derived from methanolic extract of Thymus serpyllum against oxidative stress and autoimmunity via inhibition of bovine nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). The free radical scavenging activity of Thymus serpyllum seed and leaf extracts was 71.8 and 75.6%, respectively at 100 µg/mL concentration. Similarly, both extracts displayed radicals reducing power and inhibition of lipid-peroxidation maximally at 100 µg/mL. A total of 52 bioactive compounds were identified when the plant extract was characterized by the GC-MS analysis, and five (Thymol, Luteolin 7-o-glucuronide, Rosmarinic acid, Apigenin 6,8-di-c-glucoside, Kaempferol) had binding free energy values of -11.6433, -10.002, -8.2615, -7.1714, -6.4870, respectively, in complexes with bovine NF-κB. Through computational analysis, the screened compounds showed good pharmacokinetic parameters, including non-toxicity, non-carcinogenic, high gastrointestinal absorption and thus can serve as potential drug candidates. MD simulation studies predicted the stability of complexes and the complex of Kaempferol was most stable based on RSMD value and MM/GBSA binding energy. The biochemical assays and computational studies indicated that Thymus serpyllum could be used as a promising feed additive in dairy cows to manage oxidative stress during the transition period.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Identification of phytochemicals as putative ligands for the targeted modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in animals.

The PPAR family of transcription factors are ligand-activated and regulate diverse functions including metabolic, neurological, and inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, fertility or reproduction in the body. Specifically, PPARα is known to play a role in reducing the levels of circulating triglycerides and regulating energy homeostasis in livestock animals. This study aimed to identify phytochemicals that could serve as ligands for modulation of the bovine nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) using molecular docking studies. Therefore, we investigated 1000 flavonoids belonging to different groups for their ability to bind to PPARα using molecular docking. Out of 1000, 6 top lead compounds with maximum binding affinity, evaluated through molecular docking, were further analysed for physicochemical properties and drug-likeness attributes. The results revealed that two flavonoids, Quercetin-3-o-rhamnoside and (-)- epicatechingallate, which are known fatty acid synthase inhibitors, demonstrated high docking scores with PPARα (-8.66 kcal/mol and -8.49 kcal/mol, respectively) and low RMSD values with PPARα (1.61 kcal/mol and 1.28 kcal/mol, respectively) as compared to PPARα agonist (synthetic), fenofibrate (-6.24 kcal/mol and 2.19 kcal/mol) and thus analyzed further for prediction of stability of docked complexes through MD simulations. MD simulation studies predicted the stability of complexes and the complex of Quercetin-3-o-rhamnoside and (-)- epicatechingallate were found to be stable at 100 ns based on RSMD value and RMSF residue index. Through computational analysis, the screened compounds showed good pharmacokinetic parameters, including non-toxicity, non-carcinogenic, high gastrointestinal absorption and thus can serve as potential drug candidates. Finally, the findings suggest that these phytochemicals have the potential to act as potent PPARα pharmacological agonists to prevent disease mechanisms and their related complications, providing insights into the role of phytochemicals as feed additives in animals for modulating PPARα functions.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Genome wide association study for growth in Pakistani dromedary camels using genotyping-by-sequencing.

OBJECTIVE: Growth performance and growth-related traits have a crucial role in livestock due to their influence on productivity. This genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Pakistani dromedary camels was conducted to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with growth at specific camel ages, and for selected SNPs, to investigate in detail how their effects change with increasing camel age. This is the first GWAS conducted on dromedary camels in this region. METHODS: Two Pakistani breeds, Marecha and Lassi, were selected for this study. A genotypingby-sequencing method was used, and a total of 65,644 SNPs were identified. For GWAS, weight records data with several body weight traits, namely, birthweight, weaning weight, and weights of camels at 1, 2, 4, and 6 years of age were analysed by using model-based growth curve analysis. Age-specific weight data were analysed with a linear mixed model that included fixed effects of SNP genotype as well as sex. RESULTS: Based on the q-value method for false discovery control, for Marecha camels, five SNPs at q<0.01 and 96 at q<0.05 were significantly associated with the weight traits considered, while three (q<0.01) and seven (q<0.05) SNP associations were identified for Lassi camels. Several candidate genes harbouring these SNP were discovered. CONCLUSION: These results will help to better understand the genetic architecture of growth including how these genes are expressed at different phases of their life. This will serve to lay the foundations for applied breeding programs of camels by allowing the genetic selection of superior animals.

Genomic analysis of arginine vasopressin gene in riverine buffalo reveals its potential association with silent estrus behavior.

BACKGROUND: Poor estrus expression behavior causes suboptimal reproductive efficiency through poor conception rate. Various signaling pathways are involved in estrus expression but arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene with oxytocin predominantly regulates estrus behavior. This study aimed to perform genomic characterization and evolutionary dynamics of AVP gene through association testing of the novel polymorphic loci and comparative genomic analysis to explore the potential effect of AVP gene on estrus behavior of Nili-Ravi buffaloes. METHODS AND RESULTS: 198 Nili-Ravi buffaloes were screened for the quest of novel polymorphism in the AVP gene. In exon-1, five polymorphic sites were detected including deletion of two (c.47delA and c.57delA) nucleotides that caused drastic variation in subsequent amino acid sequence due to frame shift including functional short peptide of nine residues. The 3-D structure revealed a loss of transmembrane loop between 16 and 31 residues in Nili-Ravi buffalo AVP protein sequence, suggesting that missing loop apparently reduced the gene functionality in Nili-Ravi buffalo by inhibiting cellular reactions and muting the animal estrus cyclicity. Three polymorphisms detected in AVP gene were significantly associated with silent estrus (P < 0.05). The comparative genomic analysis revealed that AVP gene is present on chromosome 14 having one conserved motif (Neurohypophysial) in buffalo. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested the potential use of polymorphic sites as promising genetic markers for selection of buffaloes with pronounced estrus expression.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic evaluation of bisphenol S on onion root tips by Allium cepa and comet tests.

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an analog of bisphenol A, which is used as substitute of BPA in many products like airport luggage tags, baby bottles, plastics, and epoxy resins etc. Bisphenol S can cause toxic effects in different organisms, i.e., mice, rat, zebrafish, and C.elegans, etc. Bisphenol S is also known as "endocrine disruptor" due to its ability to mimic the endocrine receptors. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of bisphenol S on meristematic cells present in onion root tips through Allium cepa (A.cepa) and comet tests. Root growth inhibition was evaluated by root growth inhibition assay. Mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) were assessed by A.cepa assay. DNA damage was evaluated by comet assay. Root growth of A.cepa was inhibited due to bisphenol S. LC50 value calculated by root growth inhibition assay for bisphenol S was (2.6±0.63, 50 µg/ml). Mitotic index was reduced, and chromosomal aberrations were observed, i.e., stickiness, polyploidy, and disturbed ana-telophase in anaphase and telophase stages of mitosis. In case of comet assay, DNA damage was increased in statistically significant manner (p ≤ 0.05). It was concluded that bisphenol S constitutes cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa root meristematic cells. Moreover, it is suggested to explore more toxicity studies of bisphenol S at molecular level.

Nutrigenomic Interventions to Address Metabolic Stress and Related Disorders in Transition Cows.

For dairy cattle, the period involving a shift from late pregnancy to early lactation termed transition or periparturient is an excruciating phase. Health-related disorders are likely to happen in this time frame. Timely postpartum and metabolic adjustments to this new physical state demands correct management strategies to fulfill the cow's needs for a successful transition to this phase. Among the management strategies, one of the most researched methods for managing transition-related stress is nutritional supplementation. Dietary components directly or indirectly affect the expression of various genes that are believed to be involved in various stress-related responses during this phase. Nutrigenomics, an interdisciplinary approach that combines nutritional science with omics technologies, opens new avenues for studying the genome's complicated interactions with food. This revolutionary technique emphasizes the importance of food-gene interactions on various physiological and metabolic mechanisms. In animal sciences, nutrigenomics aims to promote the welfare of livestock animals and enhance their commercially important qualities through nutritional interventions. To this end, an increasing volume of research shows that nutritional supplementation can be effectively used to manage the metabolic stress dairy cows undergo during the transition period. These nutritional supplements, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, dietary amino acids, and phytochemicals, have been shown to modulate energy homeostasis through different pathways, leading to addressing metabolic issues in transition cows.

Genomic and Computational Analysis of Novel SNPs in TNP1 Gene Promoter Region of Bos indicus Breeding Bulls.

Transition nuclear proteins (TNPs), the principal proteins identified in the condensing spermatids chromatin, have been found to play a key role in histone displacement and chromatin condensation during mammalian spermatogenesis. One such gene belonging to the TNP family called TNP1 gene is abundantly expressed in the regulation of spermatogenesis, and its sequence is remarkably well conserved among mammals. Genomic analysis, by sequencing and computational approach, was used to identify the novel polymorphisms and to evaluate the molecular regulation of TNP1 gene expression in Sahiwal cattle breeding bulls. DNA samples were sequenced to identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNP1 gene. Modern computational tools were used to predict putative transcription factor binding in the TNP1 promoter and CpG islands in the TNP1 promoter region. In the TNP1 gene, four SNPs, three TATA boxes, and one CAAT box were identified. One CAAT box was discovered at 89 bp upstream of start site ATG. The computational analyses indicated that the polymorphisms inside the promoter sequence results in an added HNF-1 transcription factor binding site. In contrast, the other variations may remove the naturally occurring SRF transcription factor binding site. The CpG islands in the TNP1 promoter region were predicted to be absent by the MethPrimer program before and after SNP site mutations. These findings pave the way for more research into the TNP1 gene's promoter activity and the links between these SNPs and reproductive attributes in the Sahiwal breeding bulls.

Compound Homozygous Rare Mutations in PLCE1 and HPS1 Genes Associated with Autosomal Recessive Retinitis Pigmentosa in Pakistani Families.

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) belongs to pigmentary retinopathies, a generic name for all retinal dystrophies with a major phenotypical and genotypical variation, characterized by progressive reduction of photo-receptor functionality of the rod and cone. Global prevalence of RP is ~ 1/4000 and it can be inherited as autosomal dominant (adRP), autosomal recessive (arRP) or X- linked (xlRP). We designed this study to identify causative mutations in Pakistani families affected with arRP. Methods: In 2019, we recruited two unrelated Pakistani consanguineous families affected with progressive vision loss and night blindness from Punjab region. Clinical diagnosis confirmed the; bone spicule pigmentation of the retina, and an altered electroretinogram (EGR) response. Proband and healthy individual from each family were subjected for whole-exome sequencing (WES). Various computational tools were used to analyze the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data and to predict the pathogenicity of the identified mutations. Results: WES data analysis highlighted two missense homozygous variants at position c.T1405A (p.S469T) in PLCE1 and c.T11C (p.V4A) in HPS1 genes in proband of both families. Healthy individuals of two families were tested negative for p.S469T and p.V4A mutations. The variant analysis study including molecular dynamic simulations predicted mutations as disease causing. Conclusion: Compound effect of mutations in rarely linked PLCE1 and HPS1 genes could also cause RP. This study highlights the potential application of WES for a rapid and precise molecular diagnosis for heterogeneous genetic diseases such as RP.

Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) in Energy Homeostasis of Dairy Animals: Exploiting Their Modulation through Nutrigenomic Interventions.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are the nuclear receptors that could mediate the nutrient-dependent transcriptional activation and regulate metabolic networks through energy homeostasis. However, these receptors cannot work properly under metabolic stress. PPARs and their subtypes can be modulated by nutrigenomic interventions, particularly under stress conditions to restore cellular homeostasis. Many nutrients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, dietary amino acids and phytochemicals have shown their ability for potential activation or inhibition of PPARs. Thus, through different mechanisms, all these nutrients can modulate PPARs and are ultimately helpful to prevent various metabolic disorders, particularly in transition dairy cows. This review aims to provide insights into the crucial role of PPARs in energy metabolism and their potential modulation through nutrigenomic interventions to improve energy homeostasis in dairy animals.

Assessment of utility values and QALYs after primary PCI with DP-Xience and BP-Biomatrix stents.

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the recommended treatment in ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). The determination of Quality of life (QoL) for various options of coronary revascularization is important for establishment of a comprehensive care plan. Studies of QoL in interventional cardiology are scarce. Our study has compared utility scores and quality adjusted life year (QALY) of 2nd and 3rd generation drug eluting stents (DES). METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate QoL and QALY using EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Patients undergoing PPCI between July-Dec 2019 were evaluated after completion of one year of procedure. RESULTS: Total 334 patients were evaluated, study population consisted of a greater number of males (87.13%) than females. Mean utility value was more in 3rd G Biomatrix stents; 0.829 ± 0.11 than 2nd G Xience stents; 0.794 ± 0.11 (p < 0.05). Visual analogue scale (VAS) value was also high in 3rd G DES (81.84 ± 8.29) as compared to 2nd G DES (77.81 ± 9.01); p< 0.05. A significant association was found between utility scores/VAS and age, DM, HTN, Current smoking, family history and CAD diagnosis. There was a gain of 0.035 QALY with the use of Biomatrix DES. CONCLUSION: Health related quality of life (HRQOL) is a leading support in the decision making of therapeutic interventions. Our study has found that Biodegradable polymer (BP) Biomatrix DES are superior to the Durable polymer (DP) Xience DES having better QoL and QALY.

Exploring the Potential of Interferon Gamma Gene as Major Immune Responder for Bovine Tuberculosis in River Buffalo.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a widespread zoonotic infection targeting the livestock sector, especially in developing countries, and posing a risk to humans and animal populations. Its recent prevalence in river buffaloes has been estimated as higher as 33.7%. In emergent countries like Pakistan, there is likeliness of human-livestock interfaces extensively and lacking of effective preventive measures that illustrate the risk of spreading the infection at a remarkable rate. The river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an upkeep host of Mycobacterium bovis and is responsible for disease transmission among buffaloes and other livestock species. In this study, potential molecular biomarkers in the Interferon-gamma gene (IFNg) were identified after genomic screening of river buffaloes. Unique genomic loci in river buffalo proved the novelty of the genomic structure of this phenomenal animal but also highlighted its significance in natural immunity against the Mycobacterium. A total of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the coding region of IFNg. The SNPs in the exonic region were all transitions, i.e., the conversion of purines to purines. These SNPs were analyzed for Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium, chi2 test, gene diversity, and protein structural conformation. Pathway analysis in tuberculosis revealed that IFNg inhibits the antigen-presenting cells (APC) through JAK and STAT pathways. Network analysis of IFNg proteins in both species showed strong associations among the immunity-related proteins (interleukins, tissue necrosis factors) and receptors of interferons. The identified polymorphic sites might be novel-potentiated markers for the selection of animals with superior immune response against bTB and can be exploited as promising genomic sites for breeding the resistant animal herds to combat Mycobacterium infection in a long run.

Radiographic And Clinical Assessment Of Two Canals In The Maxillary Second Premolar.

BACKGROUND: The second premolar is one of the teeth which are crucial both aesthetically as well as functionally and one of the most commonly endodontically treated tooth. Aim of the study was to assess the number of canals in maxillary second premolar by clinical and radiographic evaluation in Pakistani sub population. It was a cross sectional study conducted in Endodontic Department of Rehmat Memorial Dental Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, from January 2019 to January 2020. METHODS: One hundred and five patients were selected for the study, based on nonprobability sampling technique. All patients were examined clinically by exploration of pulp chamber followed by intra oral peri-apical radiograph to verify the clinical exploration of canals. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients (46 males (43.8%) and 59 females (56.2%)} were selected for the study. Out of total 105 patients 47 (44.8%) had one canal and 58 (55.2%) had two canals. Out of 46 males 25 (54.3%) had two canals and out of 59 females 33 (56.9%) had two canals. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (p=0.1871) of canals arrangements between genders. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be careful whenever doing root canal treatment of maxillary second premolars because of the extreme variability of the anatomy of those teeth, there is always risk of missing the second canal. Frequency of two canals was high, which is not age or gender dependant.

Genomic Identification, Evolution and Sequence Analysis of the Heat-Shock Protein Gene Family in Buffalo.

Heat-shock proteins (HSP) are conserved chaperones crucial for protein degradation, maturation, and refolding. These adenosine triphosphate dependent chaperones were classified based on their molecular mass that ranges between 10-100 kDA, including; HSP10, HSP40, HSP70, HSP90, HSPB1, HSPD, and HSPH1 family. HSPs are essential for cellular responses and imperative for protein homeostasis and survival under stress conditions. This study performed a computational analysis of the HSP protein family to better understand these proteins at the molecular level. Physiochemical properties, multiple sequence alignment, and phylogenetic analysis were performed for 64 HSP genes in the Bubalus bubalis genome. Four genes were identified as belonging to the HSP90 family, 10 to HSP70, 39 to HSP40, 8 to HSPB, one for each HSPD, HSPH1, and HSP10, respectively. The aliphatic index was higher for HSP90 and HSP70 as compared to the HSP40 family, indicating their greater thermostability. Grand Average of hydropathicity Index values indicated the hydrophilic nature of HSP90, HSP70, and HSP40. Multiple sequence alignment indicated the presence of highly conserved consensus sequences that are plausibly significant for the preservation of structural integrity of proteins. In addition, this study has expanded our current knowledge concerning the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relatedness of HSPs of buffalo with other mammalian species. The phylogenetic tree revealed that buffalo is more closely related to Capra hircus and distantly associated with Danio rerio. Our findings provide an understanding of HSPs in buffalo at the molecular level for the first time. This study highlights functionally important HSPs and indicates the need for further investigations to better understand the role and mechanism of HSPs.

Population demographic history and population structure for Pakistani Nili-Ravi breeding bulls based on SNP genotyping to identify genomic regions associated with male effects for milk yield and body weight.

The domestic Nili-Ravi water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is the best dairy animal contributing 68% to total milk production in Pakistan. In this study, we identified genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to estimate various population genetic parameters such as diversity, pairwise population differentiation, linkage disequilibrium (LD) distribution and for genome-wide association study for milk yield and body weight traits in the Nili-Ravi dairy bulls that they may pass on to their daughters who are retained for milking purposes. The genotyping by sequencing approach revealed 13,039 reference genome-anchored SNPs with minor allele frequency of 0.05 among 167 buffalos. Population structure analysis revealed that the bulls were grouped into two clusters (K = 2), which indicates the presence of two different lineages in the Pakistani Nili-Ravi water buffalo population, and we showed the extent of admixture of these two lineages in our bull collection. LD analysis revealed 4169 significant SNP associations, with an average LD decay of 90 kb for these buffalo genome. Genome-wide association study involved a multi-locus mixed linear model for milk yield and body weight to identify genome-wide male effects. Our study further illustrates the utility of the genotyping by sequencing approach for identifying genomic regions to uncover additional demographic complexity and to improve the complex dairy traits of the Pakistani Nili-Ravi water buffalo population that would provide the lot of economic benefits to dairy industry.

Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases in various Ethnicities of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) in various ethnicities of Pakistan using Astronaut Cardiovascular Health and Risk Modification (Astro-CHARM) risk calculator and the Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE). METHODS: Individuals of both gender between 40 to 65 years of age without pre-existing coronary artery disease from residents of Karachi were recruited through snowball sampling technique. Study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan during January to June 2019. Ethnicity of the participants was categorized based on their mother tongue. Ten-year risk of ASCVD event was estimated using Astro-CHARM Calculator and PCE. RESULTS: Mean age of a total of 386 individuals was 49(±7.1) years and 45.3% (175) were females. Urdu-speaking individuals were 33.4%(129) of the sample, while, 18.4%(71) Pushtoons, 14%(54) Sindhi, 13%(50) Punjabi, 2.6%(10) Balochi, and remaining 18.7%(72) were of other ethnicities. High risk (≥7.5%) individuals were 20.7% (80/386) as per PCE and 11.1% (43/386) as per Astro-CHARM. As per Astro-CHARM, Sindhis' had the least risk of ten-years ASCVD event among all the ethnicities, while, Urdu-speakings' had the highest risk with mean rank of 145.18 vs. 216.50, p-value=0.001. CONCLUSION: A significant 10-years risk of first ASCVD event was observed in our population. ASCVD risk is alarmingly high in some ethnicities, such as Urdu-speaking, owing to the increased prevalence of traditional modifiable risk factors, such as diabetes and smoking.

Single tube multiplex PCR assay for the identification of banned meat species.

Food adulteration has a direct impact on public health, religious faith, fair-trades, and wildlife. In the present study, a reliable and sensitive assay has been developed for verifying meat adulteration in food chain. The multiplex PCR system was optimised for identification of chicken, cow/buffalo, sheep/goat, horse/donkey, pork, and dog DNAs in a single reaction mixture simultaneously. The primers were designed using 12 S rRNA gene sequences with fragment size in the range of 113 bp to 800 bp, which can be easily visualised on agarose gel electrophoresis making the technique economical. After validation of accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity, commercially available meat products (n = 190) were screened, comprising both raw and cooked meat samples. The results demonstrated a high rate of adulteration (54.5%) in meat products. The technique developed here can be easily used for screening of different meat products for export and import purposes as well as for food inspection and livestock diagnostic laboratories.

Analysis of variation in growth and spline-based growth models for Marecha and Lassi dromedary camels.

Camel is an important domestic animal that is well adapted to extremely harsh environments. Due to its multi-purpose role, the camel is gaining importance, particularly as a meat producer. Body weights at different ages and growth curves have been extensively studied in several livestock species. However, the information on the camel is very limited. We investigate patterns of variation in birth weight and weaning weight of two prominent breeds of camels in Pakistan, namely Marecha and Lassi. A further objective is not only to develop growth models which will account for systematic differences due to breed and sex but also to allow for individual variation in growth, by the application of appropriate statistical models. Birth weight, weaning, and monthly weights for a period of up to 48 months were recorded for each camel. Growth records of 137 camels consisting of 108 Marecha and 29 Lassi were obtained. Differences were detected between the two breeds, Marecha and Lassi, as well as differences between sexes, but only after 2 years of age. Beyond that, female Marecha camels had slower growth than males, whereas Lassi (mostly females) had faster growth than female Marechas. In addition, there is a sizable variation between individuals within the same breed-sex combination. The results of the present study will be of use to explore the potential of the camel as a meat producer in Pakistan.