Explore the vast range of titles available.

Tick sialome is comprised of a rich cocktail of bioactive molecules that function as a tool to disarm host immunity, assist blood-feeding, and play a vibrant role in pathogen transmission. The adaptation of the tick’s blood-feeding behavior has lead to the evolution of bioactive molecules in its saliva to assist them to overwhelm hosts’ defense mechanisms. During a blood meal, a tick secretes different salivary molecules including vasodilators, platelet aggregation inhibitors, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory proteins, and inhibitors of complement activation; the salivary repertoire changes to meet various needs such as tick attachment, feeding, and modulation or impairment of the local dynamic and vigorous host responses. For instance, the tick’s salivary immunomodulatory and cement proteins facilitate the tick’s attachment to the host to enhance prolonged bloodfeeding and to modulate the host’s innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent advances implemented in the field of “omics” have substantially assisted our understanding of host immune modulation and immune inhibition against the molecular dynamics of tick salivary molecules in a crosstalk between the tick–host interface. A deep understanding of the tick salivary molecules, their substantial roles in multifactorial immunological cascades, variations in secretion, and host immune responses against these molecules is necessary to control these parasites. In this article, we reviewed updated knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying host responses to diverse elements in tick saliva throughout tick invasion, as well as host defense strategies. In conclusion, understanding the mechanisms involved in the complex interactions between the tick salivary components and host responses is essential to decipher the host defense mechanisms against the tick evasion strategies at tick-host interface which is promising in the development of effective anti-tick vaccines and drug therapeutics.

Background Studies on ticks infesting equids are lacking in various parts of the world, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of ticks infesting equids, associated risk factors and rickettsial detection in ticks from equids in KP. Methods Inspection of 404 equid hosts from November 2018 to October 2019 resulted in the collection of 550 ticks. Data on tick-associated risk factors were collected from equid owners by means of a questionnaire. After morphological identification, partial DNA sequences of the tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were used for taxonomic confirmation of species. Partial sequences of the gltA and ompA genes were used for Rickettsia detection in ticks. Results A total of 550 tick specimens were collected on 324 (80.2%) of the equids inspected, of which 161 were horses (50%), 145 (45%) were donkeys and 18 were mules (5%). The ticks were identified as belonging to the following five species: Rhipicephalus microplus (341 specimens, 62% of the total ticks), Rh. haemaphysaloides (126, 23%), Rh. turanicus (39, 7%), Rh. sanguineus ( s.l. ) (33, 6%) and Hyalomma anatolicum (11, 2%). The most prevalent tick life stage was adult females (279, 51%) followed by adult males (186, 34%) and nymphs (85, 15%). Higher tick infestations were observed on male equids (relative risk [RR] 0.7432, P  < 0.0005) and adult equids (RR 1.268, P  < 0.0020). Ticks were frequently attached to the axial region of horses (55, 21%), sternum of donkeys (44, 21%) and belly of mules (19, 23%) ( P  < 0.04). Temporal patterns of tick infestation in association with temperature and humidity were highly significant ( P  < 0.05). Risk factors, such as animal housing ( P  < 0.0003), living management ( P  < 0.006), grazing type ( P  < 0.01) and location in hilly areas ( P  < 0.02), significantly enhanced the chances for tick infestation. Tick species analyzed in this study were phylogenetically related to species from Afghanistan, China, South Africa and Taiwan. Partial sequences of the gltA and ompA genes obtained from Rh. microplus and Rh. haemaphysaloides were 100% identical to the spotted fever group pathogen Rickettsia massiliae . Conclusions Equids exposed to significant risk factors were infected by one or more of at least five tick species in KP, Pakistan, and some of the ticks harbored the human pathogen R. massiliae . Graphical abstract

Background: Tick control is mostly hampered by the rise of acaricide-resistant tick populations. Significant efforts have focused on developing alternative control methods, including cross-species protective and/or cocktail-based anti-tick vaccines, to achieve protection against various tick species. Methods: In this study, full-length open reading frames encoding subolesin (SUB) from Rhipicephalus microplus and ferritin 2 (FER2) from Hyalomma anatolicum as well as the partial 60S acidic ribosomal protein (P0) from R. microplus were cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and used as vaccine antigens against Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (R. sanguineus s.l.) infestation in rabbits. Results: In silico analyses revealed that the SUB, P0 and FER2 proteins were antigenic and displayed limited similarity to the host’s homologous proteins. The proteins shared identities of 97.5%, 100% and 89.5% with their SUB, P0 and FER2 R. sanguineus s.l. orthologous sequences, respectively. Antibodies against each recombinant protein cross-recognized the native proteins in the different tissues and developmental stages of R. sanguineus s.l. Overall efficacy of the SUB, FER2 and cocktail (SUB+FER2+P0) vaccines against R. sanguineus s.l. infestation was 86.3%, 95.9% and 90.9%, respectively. Conclusions Both mono-antigen and the cocktail anti-tick vaccines affected the biological parameters of R. sanguineus s.l. infestation in the rabbit model, which could be extrapolated to its infested host under natural conditions. These findings support the possibility of using mono-antigenic and cocktail-based vaccines for large-scale anti-tick vaccine development against multiple tick species.

Rickettsia spp. associated with ticks infesting wild animals have been mostly neglected in several countries, including Pakistan. To address this knowledge gap, ticks were collected during 2017 to 2021 from wild animals including cats (Felis chaus), Indian hedgehogs (Paraechinus micropus), and wild boars (Sus scrofa). The collected ticks were morpho-molecularly identified and screened for the detection of Rickettsia spp. Morphologically identified ticks were categorized into four species of the genus Rhipicephalus: Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rh. turanicus, Rh. sanguineus sensu lato (s.l), and Rh. microplus. Among 53 wild animals examined, 31 were infested by 531 ticks, an overall prevalence of 58.4%. Adult female ticks were predominant (242 out of 513 ticks collected, corresponding to 46%) in comparison with males (172, 32%), nymphs (80, 15%) and larvae (37, 7%). The most prevalent tick species was Rh. turanicus (266, 50%), followed by Rh. microplus (123, 23%), Rh. sanguineus (106, 20%), and Rh. haemaphysaloides (36, 7%). Among the screened wild animals, wild boars were the most highly infested, with 268 ticks being collected from these animals (50.4%), followed by cats (145, 27.3%) and hedgehogs (118, 22.3%). Tick species Rh. haemaphysaloides, Rh. turanicus, and Rh. sanguineus were found on wild boars, Rh. haemaphysaloides, and Rh. microplus on cats, and Rh. turanicus on hedgehogs. In a phylogenetic analysis, mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 1 (cox1) sequences obtained from a subsample (120) of the collected ticks clustered with sequences from Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Myanmar, and Pakistan, while 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequences clustered with sequences reported from Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Romania, Serbia, and Taiwan. Among Rickettsia infected ticks (10/120, 8.3%), Rh. turanicus (7/10, 70%), and Rh. haemaphysaloides (3/10, 30%) were found infesting wild boars in the districts Mardan and Charsadda. The obtained rickettsial gltA gene sequences showed 99% and ompA gene sequences showed 100% identity with Rickettsia massiliae, and the phylogenetic tree shows ompA clustered with the same species reported from France, Greece, Spain, and USA. This study emphasizes the need for effective surveillance and control programs in the region to prevent health risks due to tick-borne pathogens, and that healthy infested wild animals may play a role in the spread of these parasites.

Rhipicephalus microplus tick highly affects the veterinary sector throughout the world. Different tick control methods have been adopted, and the identification of tick-derived highly immunogenic sequences for the development of an anti-tick vaccine has emerged as a successful alternate. This study aimed to characterize immunogenic sequences from R. microplus ticks prevalent in Pakistan. Ticks collected in the field were morphologically identified and subjected to DNA and RNA extraction. Ticks were molecularly identified based on the partial mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit (cox) sequence and screened for piroplasms (Theileria/Babesia spp.), Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp. PCR-based pathogens-free R. microplus-derived cDNA was used for the amplification of full-length cysteine protease inhibitor (cystatin 2b), cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase (cathepsin-L), glutathione S-transferase (GST), ferritin 1, 60S acidic ribosomal protein (P0), aquaporin 2, ATAQ, and R. microplus 05 antigen (Rm05Uy) coding sequences. The cox sequence revealed 100% identity with the nucleotide sequences of Pakistan’s formerly reported R. microplus, and full-length immunogenic sequences revealed maximum identities to the most similar sequences reported from India, China, Cuba, USA, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, Israel, and Uruguay. Low nonsynonymous polymorphisms were observed in ATAQ (1.5%), cathepsin-L (0.6%), and aquaporin 2 (0.4%) sequences compared to the homologous sequences from Mexico, India, and the USA, respectively. Based on the cox sequence, R. microplus was phylogenetically assembled in clade C, which includes R. microplus from Pakistan, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India. In the phylogenetic trees, the cystatin 2b, cathepsin-L, ferritin 1, and aquaporin 2 sequences were clustered with the most similar available sequences of R. microplus, P0 with R. microplus, R. sanguineus and R. haemaphysaloides, and GST, ATAQ, and Rm05Uy with R. microplus and R. annulatus. This is the first report on the molecular characterization of clade C R. microplus-derived immunogenic sequences.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania species, which is responsible for anthroponotic and zoonotic CL in Pakistan. Due to the unavailability of reports on the molecular epidemiology and risk factors assessment of CL in Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan, this study aimed to investigate the incidence rate of CL, associated risk factors, and molecular identification of Leishmania species in this region. The clinical and demographic data of 423 suspected CL patients were collected. Their skin scrapings and blood samples were analyzed microscopically for amastigote detection and for genomic DNA extraction, respectively. A partial fragment (~ 400 bp) of ITS1 gene was amplified followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay and sequencing for species identification. Meteorological data were obtained from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Lahore. Statistical analysis was conducted using Univariate and multivariate regression models using SPSS. Microscopy confirmed 41.8% of the cases, while PCR detected Leishmania DNA in 33.8% of the samples. CL infection was more common in females (57%) and in the < 1–20 age group (54.8%). The majority of the CL lesions were dry (63.2%), single (69.4%), predominantly affecting the facial region (46.3%), occurred with a duration of less than 2 months (75.7%), and were less than 1 cm in size (62.7%). Cases were highest in January (19.3%) and lowest in June (2.6%). The average temperature (22–27 °C) and reduced rainfall (4 mm) were key factors for sand-fly breeding. The infection rate was high (44%) among the residents of Padhrar. Molecular analysis (ITS1-RFLP) confirmed the presence of L. tropica , with ITS1 sequences exhibiting 100% similarity to isolates reported from India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. This study highlights the increasing number of CL cases in non-endemic areas, underscoring the importance of public health education, improved disease control programs, and cross-sector collaboration to mitigate the impact of CL and prevent its further spread. Highlights Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by the bites of infected sandflies. The present study includes distribution pattern and burden of the disease. CL is more common in females and children, suggesting susceptibility based on gender and age. L.tropica is prevalent species in District Khushab, Pakistan. Public health education, effective disease management practices are essential preventing the spread of CL.

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Pakistan, several studies generated valuable estimations at early stages by tracing the cases with deference to time for the establishment of more operative interventions. Therefore, this study examined the changes in the infection rate for COVID-19 in Pakistan using the data (26th February to 15th May 2020) recorded by National Institute for Health. A choropleth map was generated using ArcGIS software for spatial distribution and epidemiological Susceptible, Infected, and Recovered (SIR model) was applied to estimate the epidemic trend of COVID-19. Change in the doubling time of cases and the fatality rate were estimated using the folded formula by classifying the recorded data in nine categories keeping eight days interval. Till 15th May, 2020, total confirmed cases were 37218 with highest cases in Sindh (14099), deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (284) and least cases and deaths in Azad Jammu Kashmir (105, 1) respectively. COVID-19 cases were elevated from 26th February to 29th April except 30th April to 3rd May followed by the exponential increase till 15th May. The cases and fatality rate was increased 3.7 times and 5.4 times from category 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 respectively. The least cases and fatality rate were 1.4 and 0.6 times increased from category 8 to 9. The increase in the number of infections was slow during the initial stage of the outbreak, due to the immediate lockdown in the various region of the country. If containment measures are lifted abruptly, a renaissance of cases is to be expected.

Rhipicephalus microplus tick highly affects the veterinary sector throughout the world. Different tick control methods have been adopted, and the identification of tick-derived highly immunogenic sequences for the development of an anti-tick vaccine has emerged as a successful alternate. This study aimed to characterize immunogenic sequences from R. microplus ticks prevalent in Pakistan. Ticks collected in the field were morphologically identified and subjected to DNA and RNA extraction. Ticks were molecularly identified based on the partial mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit (cox) sequence and screened for piroplasms (Theileria/Babesia spp.), Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp. PCR-based pathogens-free R. microplus-derived cDNA was used for the amplification of full-length cysteine protease inhibitor (cystatin 2b), cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase (cathepsin-L), glutathione S-transferase (GST), ferritin 1, 60S acidic ribosomal protein (P0), aquaporin 2, ATAQ, and R. microplus 05 antigen (Rm05Uy) coding sequences. The cox sequence revealed 100% identity with the nucleotide sequences of Pakistan’s formerly reported R. microplus, and full-length immunogenic sequences revealed maximum identities to the most similar sequences reported from India, China, Cuba, USA, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, Israel, and Uruguay. Low nonsynonymous polymorphisms were observed in ATAQ (1.5%), cathepsin-L (0.6%), and aquaporin 2 (0.4%) sequences compared to the homologous sequences from Mexico, India, and the USA, respectively. Based on the cox sequence, R. microplus was phylogenetically assembled in clade C, which includes R. microplus from Pakistan, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India. In the phylogenetic trees, the cystatin 2b, cathepsin-L, ferritin 1, and aquaporin 2 sequences were clustered with the most similar available sequences of R. microplus, P0 with R. microplus, R. sanguineus and R. haemaphysaloides, and GST, ATAQ, and Rm05Uy with R. microplus and R. annulatus. This is the first report on the molecular characterization of clade C R. microplus-derived immunogenic sequences.

Since ancient times, essential oils (EOs) have been known for their therapeutic potential against many health issues. Recent studies suggest that EOs may contribute to the regulation and modulation of various biomarkers and cellular pathways responsible for metabolic health as well as the development of many diseases, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bacterial infections. During metabolic dysfunction and even infections, the immune system becomes compromised and releases pro-inflammatory cytokines that lead to serious health consequences. The bioactive compounds present in EOs (especially terpenoids and phenylpropanoids) with different chemical compositions from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants confer protection against these metabolic and infectious diseases through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In this review, we have highlighted some targeted physiological and cellular actions through which EOs may exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In addition, it has been observed that EOs from specific plant sources may play a significant role in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, microbial infections, and increasing breast milk production, along with improvements in heart, liver, and brain health. The current status of the bioactive activities of EOs and their therapeutic effects are covered in this review. However, with respect to the health benefits of EOs, it is very important to regulate the dose and usage of EOs to reduce their adverse health effects. Therefore, we specified that some countries have their own regulatory bodies while others follow WHO and FAO standards and legislation for the use of EOs.

Drucker’s knowledge-worker productivity theory and knowledge-based view of the firm theory are widely employed in many disciplines but there is little application of these theories in knowledge-based innovation among academic researchers. Therefore, this study intends to evaluate the effects of the knowledge management process on knowledge-based innovation alongside with mediating role of Malaysian academic researchers’ productivity during the Pandemic of COVID-19. Using a random sampling technique, data was collected from 382 academic researchers. Questionnaires were self-administered and data was analyzed via Smart PLS-SEM. Knowledge management process and knowledge workers’ productivity have a positive and significant relationship with the knowledge-based innovation among academic researchers during the Pandemic of COVID-19. In addition, knowledge workers’ productivity mediates the relationship between the knowledge management process (knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, and knowledge utilization) and knowledge-based innovation during the Pandemic of COVID-19. Results have also directed knowledge sharing as the key factor in knowledge-based innovation and a stimulating task for management discipline around the world during the Pandemic of COVID-19. This study provides interesting insights on Malaysian academic researchers’ productivity by evaluating the effects of knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing, and application on the knowledge-based innovation among academic researchers during the Pandemic of COVID-19. These useful insights would enable policymakers to develop more influential educational strategies. By assimilating the literature of defined variables, the main contribution of this study is the evaluation of knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing, and utilization into knowledge-based innovation alongside the mediating role of knowledge workers productivity in the higher education sector of Malaysia during the Pandemic of COVID-19.