Abstract Parasitic diseases, notably babesiosis, exert a substantial impact on the global cattle industry, posing challenges to commerce, economies, and human health. This study, conducted in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, aimed to assess the prevalence of Babesia spp. across various livestock species using microscopic and PCR methods. A total of 180 blood samples (60 from each district) were systematically collected from apparently healthy animals, with 36 samples obtained from each domestic animal species, including camel, cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep, noting that 12 samples were collected from each district for each animal species. Overall prevalence was determined to be 32.8% (59/180), with varying rates among species: 25.0% in cattle, 41.66% in buffalo, 30.55% in goats, 33.3% in sheep, and 33.3% in camels. Microscopic examination revealed slightly varied infection rates among large and small domestic animals (22.2%), while PCR results indicated a 32.8% overall infection rate in both large and small domestic animals, with no statistical significance. District-wise analysis showed regional variations, with Muzaffargarh recording a prevalence rate of 23.33% through microscopic examination, while Lodhran and Bahawalpur recorded 21.67%. PCR results revealed higher rates (38.33%, 26.67%, and 33.33%, respectively), underlining the importance of employing PCR for accurate detection. Examining ruminant types, large ruminants exhibited a 32.4% infection rate, while small domestic animals showed 33.3%, with no significant difference (p=0.897). District-wise prevalence showcased significant variation, with Muzaffargarh demonstrating a 25% prevalence, Lodhran 22%, and Bahawalpur 22%, through microscopic examination. PCR results displayed 38.33%, 27%, and 33.3%, respectively, with no statistical significance. Detailed analysis of individual districts highlighted variations in infection rates among camels, cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep. The binomial test indicated significant differences through microscopic analysis (P=0.011) but non-significant variations through PCR (P=0.065), emphasizing the precision of PCR. Regional variations in prevalence, notably with Punjab exhibiting the highest frequency (33.87%) and KPK the lowest (13.24%), suggest potential influences from varying veterinary practices and environmental factors. This study underscores the pivotal role of PCR alongside microscopy for accurate babesiosis diagnosis. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of babesiosis prevalence, emphasizing the necessity of advanced molecular techniques for informed control measures. diseases industry commerce economies health Pakistan spp methods 18 60 (6 3 camel buffalo goat sheep 1 328 32 8 32.8 59/180, 59180 59/180 , 59 (59/180) 250 25 0 25.0 4166 41 66 41.66 3055 30 55 30.55 goats 333 33 33.3 camels 22.2%, 222 22.2% 22 2 (22.2%) significance Districtwise District wise 2333 23 23.33 2167 21 67 21.67% 3833 38 (38.33% 2667 26 26.67% 3333 33.33% respectively respectively) detection types 324 4 32.4 p=0.897. p0897 p p=0.897 . 897 (p=0.897) variation 22% 38.33% 27 27% P=0.011 P0011 P 011 (P=0.011 nonsignificant non P=0.065, P0065 P=0.065 065 (P=0.065) 33.87% 3387 87 (33.87% 13.24%, 1324 13.24% 13 24 (13.24%) factors diagnosis measures 6 ( 32. 5918 59/18 5 (59/180 25. 416 41.6 305 30.5 33. 22.2 (22.2% 233 23.3 216 21.67 383 (38.33 266 26.67 33.33 p089 p=0.89 89 (p=0.897 38.33 P=0.01 P001 01 (P=0.01 P006 P=0.06 06 (P=0.065 33.87 338 (33.87 132 13.24 (13.24% 591 59/1 (59/18 41. 30. 22. (22.2 23. 21.6 (38.3 26.6 p08 p=0.8 (p=0.89 38.3 P=0.0 P00 (P=0.0 (P=0.06 33.8 (33.8 13.2 (13.24 59/ (59/1 (22. 21. (38. 26. p0 p=0. (p=0.8 38. P=0. P0 (P=0. (33. 13. (13.2 (59/ (22 (38 p=0 (p=0. P=0 (P=0 (33 (13. (59 (2 (3 p= (p=0 P= (P= (13 (5 (p= (P (1 (p

Resumo Doenças parasitárias, especialmente a babesiose, exercem um impacto substancial na indústria global de bovinos, apresentando desafios ao comércio, às economias e à saúde humana. Este estudo, realizado no Sul do Punjab, Paquistão, teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de Babesia spp. em várias espécies de animais domésticos, utilizando métodos microscópicos e de PCR. Um total de 180 amostras de sangue (60 de cada distrito) foi coletado sistematicamente de animais aparentemente saudáveis, com 36 amostras obtidas de cada espécie de animal doméstico, incluindo camelo, gado, búfalo, cabra e ovelha, observando que 12 amostras foram coletadas de cada distrito para cada espécie de animal. A prevalência global foi determinada em 32,8% (59/180), com taxas variáveis entre as espécies: 25,0% em bovinos, 41,66% em búfalos, 30,55% em cabras, 33,3% em ovelhas e 33,3% em camelos. A análise microscópica revelou taxas de infecção ligeiramente variadas entre animais domésticos grandes e pequenos (22,2%), enquanto os resultados da PCR indicaram uma taxa global de infecção de 32,8% em ambos os grupos, sem significância estatística. A análise por distrito mostrou variações regionais, com Muzaffargarh registrando uma taxa de prevalência de 23,33% através de exame microscópico, enquanto Lodhran e Bahawalpur registraram 21,67%. Resultados da PCR revelaram taxas mais altas (38,33%, 26,67% e 33,33%, respectivamente), destacando a importância da PCR para detecção precisa. Ao examinar tipos de ruminantes, ruminantes grandes apresentaram uma taxa de infecção de 32,4%, enquanto animais domésticos pequenos mostraram 33,3%, sem diferença significativa (p=0,897). A prevalência por distrito mostrou variação significativa, com Muzaffargarh demonstrando uma prevalência de 25%, Lodhran 22% e Bahawalpur 22%, através de exame microscópico. Resultados da PCR exibiram 38,33%, 27% e 33,3%, respectivamente, sem significância estatística. Análise detalhada dos distritos individuais destacou variações nas taxas de infecção entre camelos, bovinos, búfalos, cabras e ovelhas. O teste binomial indicou diferenças significativas através da análise microscópica (P=0,011), mas variações não significativas através da PCR (P=0,065), enfatizando a precisão da PCR. Variações regionais na prevalência, notadamente com Punjab exibindo a maior frequência (33,87%) e KPK a menor (13,24%), sugerem influências potenciais de práticas veterinárias variadas e fatores ambientais. Este estudo destaca o papel fundamental da PCR juntamente com a microscopia para um diagnóstico preciso da babesiose. Essas descobertas contribuem para uma compreensão mais ampla da prevalência da babesiose, enfatizando a necessidade de técnicas moleculares avançadas para medidas de controle informadas. parasitárias babesiose bovinos comércio humana Paquistão spp 18 60 (6 saudáveis 3 doméstico camelo gado búfalo ovelha 1 328 32 8 32,8 59/180, 59180 59/180 , 59 (59/180) 250 25 0 25,0 4166 41 66 41,66 búfalos 3055 30 55 30,55 333 33 33,3 camelos 22,2%, 222 22,2% 22 2 (22,2%) grupos estatística 2333 23 23,33 microscópico 2167 21 67 21,67% 3833 38 (38,33% 2667 26 26,67 3333 33,33% respectivamente respectivamente) precisa 324 4 32,4% p=0,897. p0897 p p=0,897 . 897 (p=0,897) 25% 38,33% 27 P=0,011, P0011 P P=0,011 011 (P=0,011) P=0,065, P0065 P=0,065 065 (P=0,065) 33,87% 3387 87 (33,87% 13,24%, 1324 13,24% 13 24 (13,24%) ambientais informadas 6 ( 32, 5918 59/18 5 (59/180 25, 416 41,6 305 30,5 33, 22,2 (22,2% 233 23,3 216 21,67 383 (38,33 266 26,6 33,33 32,4 p089 p=0,89 89 (p=0,897 38,33 P001 P=0,01 01 (P=0,011 P006 P=0,06 06 (P=0,065 33,87 338 (33,87 132 13,24 (13,24% 591 59/1 (59/18 41, 30, 22, (22,2 23, 21,6 (38,3 26, p08 p=0,8 (p=0,89 38,3 P00 P=0,0 (P=0,01 (P=0,06 33,8 (33,8 13,2 (13,24 59/ (59/1 (22, 21, (38, p0 p=0, (p=0,8 38, P0 P=0, (P=0,0 (33, 13, (13,2 (59/ (22 (38 p=0 (p=0, P=0 (P=0, (33 (13, (59 (2 (3 p= (p=0 P= (P=0 (13 (5 (p= (P= (1 (p (P

The presence of heavy metals in various farm inputs, including feed, fertilizer, water and environment leads to excretion of the residues in animals' milk. Because consumption of milk contaminated with heavy metals poses serious threats to consumers' health, a study was conducted in 2012 - 2013 in Pakistan to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals in unprocessed raw milk procured in different seasons from Jhang city, Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 400 milk samples was collected from milk shops and dairy farms, and the contents of heavy metals, i.e. copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) were analysed via atomic absorption spectrometry. Results indicated that the average concentrations of Cu, Pb and Cd were significantly higher than International Dairy Federation Standards. Within a season, heavy metal levels differed significantly among samples. For each type of milk source, there was a significant difference in mean concentration of heavy metals between summer and winter. Based on these findings, there is a critical need to set legal limits and surveillance for heavy metals in an animal's milk.

Sargodha district is one of the least studied regions of Pakistan regarding its ethnobotanical values. This paper is the frst report related to the documentation and conservation status of the tree species in the Sargodha district, and their folk ethnobotanical uses. An interview base survey was conducted in the study area in 2010-2013. The ethnobotanical data revealed the use of 100 tree species (6 gymnosperms, 94 angiosperms) belonging to 77 genera (6 gymnosperms, 71 angiosperms) and 39 families (4 gymnosperms, 35 angiosperms), with the Fabaceae ranking first with 19 tree species, followed by the Moraceae (12 species). Tree species like Aegle marmelos, Butea monosperma, Diospyrus malabarica, Gmelina arborea, Kigelia africana, Manilkara hexandra, Manilkara zapota, Mimusops elengi, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Putranjiva roxburghii, Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia bellerica are not only unique in their medicinal value but also interesting because of their unusual occurrence here. Tevetia peruviana, Cassia fistula, Celtis australis, Delonix regia, Diospyrus malabarica, Grevillea robusta, Haplophragma adenophylum, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Plumeria rubra, Pterospermum acerifolium, Roystonea regia, Taxodium distichum and Tectona grandis are included among the worth looking ornamental tree species. Capparis decidua, Dalbergia sissoo, Tamarix aphylla, Tamarix dioica, Prosopis cineraria and Ziziphus mauritiana are the most commonly used timber species. Other common ethnobotanical utilization of these trees includes either sheltering or fuel or agricultural uses. Lack of awareness about the potential uses of these species, and particularly ignorance of the concerned authorities, have led to a decline in the population of this precious tree flora. Documentation of this tree flora, and associated indigenous knowledge, can be used as a basis for developing management plans for conservation and sustainable use of this flora in the study area. A well-organized management is critical to restore and conserve this endangered natural resource in the District Sargodha, Pakistan. The immense medicinal and timber value of these tree species make it necessary to promote their conservation to simultaneously alleviate the poverty and improve the socio-economic status of the study area.

El distrito de Sargodha es uno de los menos estudiados de Pakistán en lo que se refiere a sus valores etnobotánicos. Este paper es el primer informe con respecto a la documentación y estado de conservación de las especies arbóreas en el Distrito de Sargodha, y sus usos etnológicos vulgares. En el área de estudio se condujo un estudio de entrevistas durante 2010-2013. Los datos etnobotánicos revelevaron el uso de 100 especies de árboles (6 gimnospermas, 94 angiospermas) pertenecientes a 77 géneros (6 gimnospermas, 71 angiospermas) y 39 familias (4 gimnospermas, 35 angiospermas). Las Fabaceae fueron primeras con 19 especies de árboles, seguidas por las Moraceae con 12 especies. Especies arbóreas como Aegle marmelos, Butea monosperma, Diospyrus malabárica, Gmelina arbórea, Kigelia africana, Manilkara hexandra, Manilkara zapota, Mimusops elengi, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Putranjiva roxburghii, Terminalia arjuna y Terminalia bellerica no son solo únicas en su valor medicinal sino también interesantes debido a su ocurrencia inusual en el Distrito. Thevetia peruviana, Cassia fistula, Celtis australis, Delonix regia, Diospyrus malabárica, Grevillea robusta, Haplophragma adenophylum, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Plumeria rubra, Pteeospermum acerifolium, Roystonea regia, Taxodium distichum y Tectona grandis están incluidas dentro de las especies leñosas ornamentales que vale la pena tener. Otros usos etnobotánicos comunes de estos árboles incluyen su utilidad como cobertura, combustible o usos agrícolas. La falta de conocimiento acerca de los usos potenciales de estas especies, y especialmente la ignorancia de las autoridades involucradas, han conducido a una reducción en las poblaciones de esta valiosa flora arbórea. La documentación de esta flora arbórea, y conocimiento indígeno asociado, se puede usar como una base para el desarrollo de planes de manejo para la conservación y uso sustentable de esta flora en la región de estudio. Un manejo bien organizado es crítico para restaurar y conservar este recurso natural en peligro en el Distrito de Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistán. El inmenso valor que estosárboles tienen desde el punto de vista medicinal y como madera hace necesario promover su conservación, para simultáneamente aliviar la pobreza y mejorar el nivel socio-económico del área en estudio.

The dynamics of microbial growth and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] production in growth/ non-growth phases of Azhohydromonas lata MTCC 2311 were studied using a maintenance-energy-dependent mathematical model. The values of calculated model kinetic parameters were: m s1 = 0.0005 h-1, k = 0.0965, µmax = 0.25 h-1 for glucose; m s1 = 0.003 h-1, k = 0.1229, µmax = 0.27 h-1 for fructose; and m s1 = 0.0076 h-1, k = 0.0694, µmax = 0.25 h-1 for sucrose. The experimental data of biomass growth, substrate consumption, and P(3HB) production on different carbon substrates were mathematically fitted using non-linear least square optimization technique and similar trends, but different levels were observed at varying initial carbon substrate concentration. Further, on the basis of substrate assimilation potential, cane molasses was used as an inexpensive and renewable carbon source for P(3HB) production. Besides, the physico-chemical, thermal, and material properties of synthesized P(3HB) were determined which reveal its suitability in various applications.

Naphthalene biodegradation was studied using the bacterial strain Pseudomonas putida S2. Three medium variables out of seven medium components were selected under Plakett-Burman (PB) design as having significant response on naphthalene biodegradation. These variables were citric acid (additional carbon sources), ammonium sulfate and sodium chloride. The levels of these three variables were optimized by the application of genetic algorithm (GA) based response surface methodology (RSM) in terms of maximum biodegradation efficiency. The maximum biodegradation efficiency of 55.51% was observed at concentrations of 1.0 g L-1, 1.0 g L-1, and 0.7g L-1 for citric acid, ammonium sulfate and sodium chloride, respectively. In addition, the interactive effects of significant medium variables were analyzed using three dimensional surface plots simulated by network output in terms of maximum fitness function.