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The aim of present study was to determine the changes of sodium, potassium, chloride, copper, and zinc in serum of Nili-Ravi buffalo during pregnancy and lactation. The study was carried out on 25 Nili-Ravi buffaloes during March 2008 to February 2009 at Buffalo Research Institute, Pattoki, District Kasur. Blood samples were taken from each buffalo during early pregnancy (Phase EP), i.e., between 1 and 3 months gestation, mid pregnancy (Phase MP), i.e., between 4 and 6 months gestation, late pregnancy (Phase LP), i.e., between 7 and 10 months gestation, and during lactation (Phase LT). Serum sodium, potassium, and chloride were determined on a clinical chemistry analyzer whereas copper and zinc were determined on an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean serum sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations varied non-significantly (P > 0.05) during pregnancy and lactation. With advancing pregnancy, copper increased and was significantly high (P < 0.05) during late pregnancy whereas during lactation copper concentrations dropped significantly (P < 0.05). The zinc concentrations increased non-significantly during early and mid pregnancy. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in zinc concentrations during lactation compared with late pregnancy. This study demonstrates that concentrations of serum sodium, potassium, and chloride remain unchanged during pregnancy and lactation whereas serum copper concentrations increased and zinc concentrations decreased with advancing pregnancy because of the demand of the fetus at different periods of pregnancy.

Abstract A 95-day feeding study was carried out to evaluate the impact of complete replacement of fish oil by plant oils in the growth performance, feed consumption fatty acid and body composition of juvenile rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus. There were four treatments i.e., A (fish oil diet), (linseed oil diet), C (soybean meal oil diet) and D (sunflower oil diet). The experimental trial was conducted in twelve 1.5-m3 fiber glass tanks (n=3). Spinefoot rabbitfish juveniles had an average initial weight of 0.948 g ± 0.124 g and they were stocked at 50 fish per tank. Fish fed diet A showed significantly better growth rate, final body weight, and total body weight than fish fed on the other diets. Moreover, the best FCR was observed for diet A followed by diet C and diets B and D had the worst FCR. Fish body composition for crude protein, dry matter, ashes and gross energy at the end of the trial had not differed between the treatments. The highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was found in fish fed diet A followed in decreasing order by diets D, B, and C. Fish oil is a better dietary lipid source for Spinefoot rabbitfish juveniles, Siganus rivulatus, than plant oils. Among plant oils, soybean oil was better than linseed oil and sunflower oil as the main dietary fat source. Resumo Um estudo de alimentação de 95 dias foi realizado para avaliar o impacto da substituição completa de óleo de peixe por óleos vegetais no desempenho de crescimento, composição corporal e consumo de ração de juvenis de coelho, Siganus rivulatus. Houve quatro tratamentos, ou seja, A (dieta de óleo de peixe), (dieta de óleo de linhaça), C (dieta de óleo de farelo de soja) e D (dieta de óleo de girassol). O ensaio experimental foi conduzido em doze tanques de fibra de vidro de 1,5 m3 (n=3). Os juvenis de peixe-coelho-de-espinho apresentaram peso inicial médio de 0,948 g ± 0,124 g e foram estocados com 50 peixes por tanque. Os peixes alimentados com a dieta A apresentaram taxa de crescimento, peso corporal final e peso corporal total significativamente melhores do que os peixes alimentados com as outras dietas. Além disso, a melhor CAA foi observada para a dieta A seguida da dieta C e as dietas B e D tiveram a pior CA. A composição corporal dos peixes para proteína bruta, matéria seca, cinzas e energia bruta ao final do experimento não diferiu entre os tratamentos. O maior teor de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (PUFA) foi encontrado nos peixes alimentados com a dieta A seguido em ordem decrescente pelas dietas D, B e C. O óleo de peixe é uma melhor fonte de lipídios dietéticos para juvenis de peixe-coelho, Siganus rivulatus, do que os óleos vegetais. Entre os óleos vegetais, o óleo de soja foi melhor que o óleo de linhaça e o óleo de girassol como principal fonte de gordura da dieta.

Background & objective Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major global burden, especially in Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of finerenone in diabetic kidney disease, comparing outcomes between Asian and non-Asian populations through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, and the Undermind AI platform from inception through March 2025. Studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and subgroup analyses that evaluated finerenone in DKD patients. Primary outcomes included a reduction in the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and a decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥40%. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular events, mortality due to kidney failure, hyperkalemia (serum potassium >5.0 mmol/L), treatment discontinuation, hospitalization, and adverse event–related mortality. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) were pooled using a random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were performed by ethnicity. Results Five eligible studies, comprising 8,763 participants, were included in this analysis. Finerenone significantly reduced UACR compared with placebo (MD = −0.38, 95% CI −0.42 to −0.35; p < 0.001), with consistent effects across Asian and non-Asian populations (subgroup p = 0.28). It also significantly reduced the risk of eGFR decline ≥40% (MD = −0.24 [−0.40, −0.09]; p = 0.002), with a greater benefit in the Asian subgroup (subgroup p = 0.03). Cardiovascular event risk was also reduced (RR = 0.85 [0.77–0.95]; p = 0.004), while mortality due to kidney failure showed a non-significant reduction (RR = 0.83 [0.64–1.07]; p = 0.15). Hyperkalemia risk was higher with finerenone (RR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.39–2.14), whereas adverse event–related mortality was lower (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.91). Conclusion Finerenone provides robust renoprotective and cardioprotective effects in DKD, with broadly consistent efficacy across Asian and non-Asian populations. A greater renal benefit was observed in Asians for eGFR decline ≥40%, though this requires cautious interpretation. Hyperkalemia risk was increased but largely manageable. These findings support integration into DKD therapy and highlight the need for ethnically inclusive, long-term, real-world trials. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Background and Objectives: Lamellar ichthyosis is a rare skin disease characterized by large, dark brown plate-like scales on the entire body surface with minimum or no erythema. This phenotype is frequently associated with a mutation in the TGM1 gene, encoding the enzyme transglutaminase 1 which plays a catalytic role in the formation of the cornified cell envelop. The present study aimed to carry out clinical and genetic characterization of the autosomal recessive lamellar ichthyosis family from Balochistan. Materials and Methods: A consanguineous family with lamellar ichthyosis was enrolled from Balochistan, Pakistan. PCR amplification of all the exons and splice site junctions of the TGM1 gene followed by Sanger sequencing was performed on the genomic DNA. The identified variant was checked by In silico prediction tools to evaluate the effect of the variant on protein. Results: Sanger sequencing identified a homozygous nonsense variant c.131G >A (p.Trp44*) in the TGM1 gene that segregated in the autosomal recessive mode of inheritance in the family. The identified variant results in premature termination of transcribed mRNA and is predicted to cause a truncated or absent translation product transglutaminase-1 (TGase-1) accompanied by loss of catalytic activity, causing a severe clinical phenotype of lamellar ichthyosis in the patients. Conclusions: Here, we report a consanguineous lamellar ichthyosis family with a homozygous nonsense variant in the TGM1 gene. The variant is predicted as pathogenic by different In silico prediction tools.

Abstract Optimum planting arrangement is an important attribute for efficient utilization of available resources and to obtain high yield of cotton. Application of plant growth promoter and retardant on cotton in improved planting density are the innovative techniques in the establishment of more productive cotton crop. Therefore, we planned a field study to assess the role of bio-stimulant and growth retardant in the resource utilization efficiency of cotton cultivars planted under variable row spacing at Agronomic Research Area Bahauddin Zakariya University and Usmania Agricultural Farm Shujabad during Kharif 2012. Experimental treatments consisted of cotton genotypes viz. CIM-573 and CIM-598, cultivated under conventional (75 cm), medium (50 cm) and ultra-narrow row spacing (25 cm) with foliar spray of bio-stimulant (moringa leaf extract) and growth retardant (mepiquate chloride), either sole or in combination, keeping distilled water as a control. Exogenously applied MLE alone and MLE + MC significantly enhanced the number of squares, flowers and green bolls per plant leading to higher cotton seed and lint yield of CIM 598 cultivar cultivated under conventional row spacing. While application of MC alone and MLE + MC produced maximum micronaire value, fiber strength and fiber uniformity ratio of CIM 573 cultivar cultivated under conventional row spacing. The results suggested that application of MLE is a possible approach to enhance the cotton productivity and the use of MC to enhance the fiber quality attributes under conventional row spacing. Resumo A configuração ideal de plantio é um atributo importante para a utilização eficiente dos recursos disponíveis e para obter alto rendimento de algodão. A aplicação de promotores de crescimento de plantas e reguladores de crescimento no algodão em uma densidade de plantio adequada são técnicas inovadoras na obtenção de safras de algodão mais produtivas. Portanto, foi planejado um estudo de campo para avaliar o papel de um bioestimulante e um regulador de crescimento na eficiência da utilização de recursos de cultivares de algodão plantadas com espaçamento variável entre linhas na Área de Pesquisa Agronômica Universidade Bahauddin Zakariya e Usmania Agricultural Farm Shujabad durante Kharif 2012. Os tratamentos experimentais consistiram em genótipos de algodão viz. CIM-573 e CIM-598, cultivadas sob espaçamento convencional (75 cm), médio (50 cm) e ultraestreito (25 cm) e pulverização foliar de bioestimulante (extrato de folha de moringa) e regulador de crescimento (cloreto de mepiquato)), sozinho ou combinado, mantendo a água destilada como controle. O MLE aplicado exogenamente sozinho e o MLE + MC aumentaram significativamente o número de quadrados, flores e cápsulas verdes por planta, levando a um maior rendimento de sementes e fibra de algodão da cultivar CIM 598 cultivada sob espaçamento convencional entre fileiras. Enquanto a aplicação de MC sozinho e MLE + MC produziu valor máximo de micronaire, resistência da fibra e razão de uniformidade da fibra da cultivar CIM 573 cultivada sob espaçamento convencional entre linhas. Os resultados sugeriram que a aplicação do MLE é uma abordagem possível para aumentar a produtividade do algodão e o uso de MC para aprimorar os atributos de qualidade da fibra no espaçamento convencional entre linhas.

We study constant and variable fluid properties together to investigate their effect on MHD Powell–Eyring nanofluid flow with thermal radiation and heat generation over a variable thickness sheet. The similarity variables assist in having ordinary differential equations acquired from partial differential equations (PDEs). A novel numerical procedure, the simplified finite difference method (SFDM), is developed to calculate the physical solution. The SFDM described here is simple, efficient, and accurate. To highlight its accuracy, results of the SFDM are compared with the literature. The results obtained from the SFDM are compared with the published results from the literature. This gives a good agreed solution with each other. The velocity, temperature, and concentration distributions, when drawn at the same time for constant and variable physical features, are observed to be affected against incremental values of the flow variables. Furthermore, the impact of contributing flow variables on the skin friction coefficient (drag on the wall) and local Nusselt (heat transfer rate on the wall) and Sherwood numbers (mass transfer on the wall) is illustrated by data distributed in tables. The nondimensional skin friction coefficient experiences higher values for constant flow regimes especially in comparison with changing flow features.

Bio-electrochemical system for power generation getting attention due to utilization of waste material. Based on that study was made to convert sugar industry waste water for bio-electricity generation using double chamber microbial fuel cell. Different organic load in form of substrate concentration and parametric effect were tested to optimize the best condition for electricity generation. From 100g/l to 300g/l with step size 100g/l, for aeration rate from 100-250ml/min with step size 50ml/min, and for as pH from 4.5 to 6.5 with step size 0.5pH. The maximum power generation were observed at pH 6, aeration rate 200ml/min and organic load 200g/l about 820mA. Regarding above results that found favourable condition on environment as well as waste reduction.

Pakistan has large resources of sugarcane crops coupled with significant amount of molasses generated annually. In this study, the effects of enzyme zymase concentration (2-5 g/l), pH (5.5-6), aeration rate (0.1-0.2 vvm/l) and agitation speed (250-300rpm) were investigated for ethanol production. Saccharomy cesservisae was used as a biocatalyst. The maximum ethanol production of 82g/l was obtained at 0.2vvm/l, pH5.5, 300rpm and 35°C at 4g/l of enzyme. This study suggests a novel method of utilizing the enzyme separately for improving ethanol production.

We studied the landscape impact of digging and clipping of vegetation by Indian crested porcupine Hystrix indica in an undulating topography in Islamabad. We recorded that the porcupine excavates and consumes subterranean organs of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus), stumps of shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) and clipping of its saplings. Porcupine fresh digs varied in size according to depth of subsurface plant organs. The mean values of dig's depth of Johnson grass were 27.71 6.99 cm with maximum and minimum values of 48.00 and 14.00 cm, respectively. The density of digs was less than one digm2, while the maximum number recorded was three (3) digsm2. In case of purple nutsedge, the mean of depth was 6.49 cm, 2.72 SD, with a maximum of 18 cm; the difference between the depth of digs was highly significant (t = 2.72, P = 0.007).The clipping of shisham saplings was caused at different heights from the ground level. The maximum height recorded was 27.5 cm, while the minimum was 2.00 cm with a mean of 7.98 cm 5.67 SD. The average depth of digs of shisham stumps was 11.152.24 cm. Digs are temporary pocket like structures that trap soil, water, organic matter, and seeds which help in the germination and growth of annual plants including porcupine forage species, e.g., groundnut Arachis hypogeal, guar Cyamopsis tetragonolaba, field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis, and puncture vine Tribulus terrestris. Loose soil dug out by porcupines instantly becomes a part of the runoff thus enhancing ecosystem flows of water, soil, and nutrients.