Farzana Rashid

Probiotics have been employed to improve the growth enactment and enhance immune responses in animals. We have assessed the effectiveness of Bifidobacterium bifidum (B. bifidum) as probiotic supplementation on growth, serum hormones, body composition, respiratory burst and lysosome activity in Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) challenged Nile tilapia. For growth analysis fingerlings were divided into five groups viz. control: untreated, B1, B2, B3 and B4 (2, 4, 6 and 8 g of probiotic per kg of fish feed, respectively). Growth was monitored fortnightly and at the end of the experimental period of three months. Significant variations in growth, serum hormones (growth and thyroid) and body composition (protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and amino acids) were noted in fingerlings fed with B. bifidum. An in vivo challenge assay with A. hydrophila was performed in which the optimum concentration of the probiotic devised from the growth assay (4 g/kg feed) was delivered to the challenged fingerlings. Fingerlings were divided into four groups in the challenge assay viz. control (control negative), B. bifidum, A. hydrophila (positive control) and A. hydrophila + B. bifidum-treated. Distinct differences were recorded in hematological parameters between the challenged and B. bifidum-treated challenged groups. Respiratory burst and lysosome activity were also improved in challenged group treated with B. bifidum. Histopathological changes were observed in A. hydrophila challenged fingerlings, while the A. hydrophila + B. bifidum-treated group exhibited fewer deformations showing the affirmative effect of the probiotic supplementation. Our results manifest the benefits of incorporating B. bifidum as a feed increment to increase growth and the health status of Nile tilapia.

The rapid expansion and intensification of aquaculture to meet rising commercial demands has heightened disease outbreak risks due to intensive high-density farming practices. Medicinal plants are widely conceded as safe and effective, natural antimicrobial agents. This study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal potential of ethanolic extract of Allium sativum ( A. sativum ) against Aspergillus niger ( A. niger ) infection in Labeo rohita ( L. rohita ). Three different concentrations of A. sativum extract 4g/kg, 8g/kg and 12g/kg were employed against A. niger challenge. Fish (25±5 g) were divided into six groups; Control (unchallenged), A. niger challenged, A. niger + Voriconazole, A. niger + A. sativum (4 g/kg), A. niger + A. sativum (8 g/kg) and A. niger + A. sativum (12 g/kg). Herbal supplements were given for 14 days and sampling was performed at 7 and 14 dpi (days post infection). Significant differences in haematological, biochemical and immune responses were observed between the control and treated groups. Significant decline in immune, hematological, and biochemical parameters were observed in fish challenged with A. niger compared to the control group. Within the challenged groups, the extract-treated fish exhibited reduced pathological symptoms compared to the untreated fish infected with A. niger . This study demonstrates that A. sativum herbal supplementation may effectively combat fungal infections, enhance fish health, and serve as a natural antifungal agent in aquaculture.

Oculocutaneous albinism is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the absence or reduction of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, leading to various visual and dermatological challenges. To shed light on the molecular pathology of OCA in consanguineous Pakistani families, we conducted whole-exome sequencing on affected individuals from two families. We identified disease-causing homozygous mutations in the TYR (NM_000372) and OCA2 (NM_000275.3) genes that segregated within their respective pedigrees. In family AL01, we identified a novel mutation in the TYR gene, resulting in a missense change, c.1280T>C, leading to p.V427A. In family AL02, we detected a splice site variant, c.1045-15T>G in OCA2 gene. Protein model of the V427A mutation within the tyrosinase protein predicted that as the mutant amino acid was considerably smaller in size than the wild type, it might have created a potential gap in protein’s core structure. The V427A mutation is positioned centrally within the Lumenal melanosome repeat domain raises concerns about potential structural alterations in this domain due to disparities between the wild-type and mutant residue, potentially leading to a loss of function in this repeated region. Our study provides a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of OCA in consanguineous Pakistani families by identifying disease-causing mutations in the TYR and OCA2 genes. The novel TYR mutation, V427A, offers insights on the structural consequences of this mutation, which could have implications for understanding the pathology of OCA and potentially effecting future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for individuals affected by this rare genetic disorder.

Current study was aimed to determine the antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). Nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometry, particle size analyzer (PSA), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by standard agar dilution method. Antibacterial potential of nanoparticles was analyzed by standard disc diffusion method against bacterial strains including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Different concentrations of NPs (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 mg/mL) were incorporated to evaluate the antimicrobial activity. Antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of these NPs was analyzed by DPPH method and brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay, respectively. The MIC of TiO₂NPs against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae was 0.04, 0.08 and 0.07 mg/mL respectively while the MIC of ZnONPs against the above strains was 0.01, 0.015 and 0.01 mg/mL. The maximum zone of inhibition was observed for K. pneumoniae i.e., 20mm and 25mm against TiO₂ and ZnO NPs respectively, at 1.4 mg/mL concentration of NPs. The susceptibility of NPs against bacterial strains was evaluated in the following order: K. pneumoniae > P. aeruginosa > E. coli. The antioxidant activity of nanoparticles increased by increasing the concentration of NPs while cytotoxic analysis exhibited non-toxic effect of ZnO NPs while TiO₂ had toxic effects on 1.2 and 1.4 mg/mL concentrations. Results revealed that ZnO NPs have more antibacterial and negligible cytotoxic potential in contrast to TiO₂ NPs.

Overuse of pesticides in agricultural soil and dye-polluted effluents severely contaminates the environment and is toxic to animals and humans making their removal from the environment essential. The present study aimed to assess the biodegradation of pesticides (cypermethrin (CYP) and imidacloprid (IMI)), and dyes (malachite green (MG) and Congo red (CR)) using biofilms of bacteria isolated from pesticide-contaminated soil and dye effluents. Biofilms of indigenous bacteria, i.e., Bacillus thuringiensis 2A (OP554568), Enterobacter hormaechei 4A (OP723332), Bacillus sp. 5A (OP586601), and Bacillus cereus 6B (OP586602) individually and in mixed culture were tested against CYP and IMI. Biofilms of indigenous bacteria i.e., Lysinibacillus sphaericus AF1 (OP589134), Bacillus sp. CF3 (OP589135) and Bacillus sp. DF4 (OP589136) individually and in mixed culture were tested for their ability to degrade dyes. The biofilm of a mixed culture of B. thuringiensis + Bacillus sp. (P7) showed 46.2% degradation of CYP compared to the biofilm of a mixed culture of B. thuringiensis + E. hormaechei + Bacillus sp. + B. cereus (P11), which showed significantly high degradation (70.0%) of IMI. Regarding dye biodegradation, a mixed culture biofilm of Bacillus sp. + Bacillus sp. (D6) showed 86.76% degradation of MG, which was significantly high compared to a mixed culture biofilm of L. sphaericus + Bacillus sp. (D4) that degraded only 30.78% of CR. UV–VIS spectroscopy revealed major peaks at 224 nm, 263 nm, 581 nm and 436 nm for CYP, IMI, MG and CR, respectively, which completely disappeared after treatment with bacterial biofilms. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showed the appearance of new peaks in degraded metabolites and disappearance of a peak in the control spectrum after biofilm treatment. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis also confirmed the degradation of CYP, IMI, MG and CR into several metabolites compared to the control. The present study demonstrates the biodegradation potential of biofilm-forming bacteria isolated from pesticide-polluted soil and dye effluents against pesticides and dyes. This is the first report demonstrating biofilm-mediated bio-degradation of CYP, IMI, MG and CR utilizing soil and effluent bacterial flora from Multan and Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan.

Globalisation has demanded expert labour markets, diversified skills, and high levels of vocational education. To refine the skills and knowledge of the people is central to gaining and sustaining economic empowerment, particularly in the context of continuing globalisation. CBT is based on specific, measurable objectives related directly to instructional activities. In favourable situations and settings, The passage discusses the effectiveness of Competency-Based Training (CBT) as a training methodology, but emphasizes that it is not the only approach to designing training. It suggests that trainers and curriculum consultants should have a clear understanding of the concept and standards underlying CBT and other curriculum models to design more effective programs. This study also highlights the significance of Art & Design Education and Training in the development of a country, and how CBT can be used to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude. The success of competency training is said to depend on effective curriculum implementation. This case study explores the challenges and opportunities of Competency-Based Training in Art & Design from the perspectives of Pakistani teachers. Keywords: Globalisation, Workforce, Economic competitiveness, CBT (Competency-Based Training), Art & Design Education, Curriculum Implementation

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field of research that studies materials having dimensions of less than 100 nanometers. It is applicable in many areas of life sciences and medicine including skin care and personal hygiene, as these materials are the essential components of various cosmetics and sunscreens. The aim of the present study was to synthesize Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) by using Calotropis procera (C. procera) leaf extract. Green synthesized NPs were characterized by UV spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to investigate their structure, size, and physical properties. The antibacterial and synergistic effects of ZnO and TiO₂ NPs along with antibiotics were also observed against bacterial isolates. The antioxidant activity of synthesized NPs was analyzed by their α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. In vivo toxic effects of the synthesized NPs were evaluated in albino mice at different doses (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight) of ZnO and TiO₂ NPs administered orally for 7, 14, and 21 days. The antibacterial results showed that the zone of inhibition (ZOI) was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest ZOI, i.e., 17 and 14 mm against ZnO and TiO₂ NPs, respectively, while Escherichia coli showed the lowest ZOI, i.e., 12 and 10 mm, respectively. Therefore, ZnO NPs are potent antibacterial agents compared to TiO₂ NPs. Both NPs showed synergistic effects with antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and imipenem). Moreover, the DPPH activity showed that ZnO and TiO₂ NPs have significantly (p > 0.05) higher antioxidant activity, i.e., 53% and 58.7%, respectively, which indicated that TiO₂ has good antioxidant potential compared to ZnO NPs. However, the histological changes after exposure to different doses of ZnO and TiO₂ NPs showed toxicity-related changes in the structure of the kidney compared to the control group. The current study provided valuable information about the antibacterial, antioxidant, and toxicity impacts of green synthesized ZnO and TiO₂ NPs, which can be influential in the further study of their eco-toxicological effects.

The study was aimed to assess impact of high fat diet (HFD) and synthetic human gut microbiota (GM) combined with HFD and chow diet (CD) in inducing type-2 diabetes (T2D) using mice model. To our knowledge, this is the first study using selected human GM transplantation via culture based method coupled dietary modulation in mice for in vivo establishment of inflammation leading to T2D and gut dysbiosis. Twenty bacteria (T2D1-T2D20) from stool samples of confirmed T2D subjects were found to be morphologically different and subjected to purification on different media both aerobically and anerobically, which revealed seven bacteria more common among 20 isolates on the basis of biochemical characterization. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, these seven isolates were identified as Bacteroides stercoris (MT152636), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152637), Lactobacillus salivarius (MT152638), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152639), Klebsiella aerogenes (MT152640), Bacteroides fragilis (MT152909), Clostridium botulinum (MT152910). The seven isolates were subsequently used as synthetic gut microbiome (GM) for their role in inducing T2D in mice. Inbred strains of albino mice were divided into four groups and were fed with CD, HFD, GM+HFD and GM+CD. Mice receiving HFD and GM+modified diet (CD/HFD) showed highly significant (P<0.05) increase in weight and blood glucose concentration as well as elevated level of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1) compared to mice receiving CD only. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 11 fecal bacteria obtained from three randomly selected animals from each group revealed gut dysbiosis in animals receiving GM. Bacterial strains including Bacteroides gallinarum (MT152630), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152631), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152632), Parabacteroides gordonii (MT152633), Prevotella copri (MT152634) and Lactobacillus gasseri (MT152635) were isolated from mice treated with GM+modified diet (HFD/CD) compared to strains Akkermansia muciniphila (MT152625), Bacteriodes sp. (MT152626), Bacteroides faecis (MT152627), Bacteroides vulgatus (MT152628), Lactobacillus plantarum (MT152629) which were isolated from mice receiving CD/HFD. In conclusion, these findings suggest that constitution of GM and diet plays significant role in inflammation leading to onset or/and possibly progression of T2D. .

COVID 19 devastation affected humanity socially and economically whose impacts would remain for many decades. One sector of human life which was affected badly has been education sector. The students of educational institutions suffered a lot all around the globe. The present descriptive research analyzed those effects and suggested solutions to cope with the aftereffects being produced. Major objective of this research was to identify the educational issues acclaimed due to pandemic in the higher educational institutes and to analyze the current situation prevailing in the higher educational institutes due to COVID 19. The researchers recommended the solutions to come out of this situation by using mix method of research and took the stakeholders higher education teachers and taught on board for their contribution into research. A semi structured survey, interview and observation check list was taken as a tool for collecting data from the population. Multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from the samples. Randomization and convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from the graduates and teachers who underwent the pandemic teaching and learning process in Pakistani Universities. Overall 400 students and 20 teachers took part in the process of research. The results and findings attained from these participants showed that COVID disturbed their teaching and learning activity a lot and they faced immense problems during two years. It was found that this irreparable loss seemed to prevail in their future and it needed to be compensated through make up classes or refresher courses in their perspective fields.

Mycoprotein is a fungal-based meat alternative sold in food retail in various countries around the world. The present study builds on a multi-national sample and uses partial least square structural equation modeling. The proposed conceptual model identified key factors that are driving and inhibiting consumer willingness to try, buy, and pay a price premium for mycoprotein. The results relate to the overall sample of 4088 respondents and to two subsample comparisons based on gender and meat consumption behavior. The results show that the biggest drivers of willingness to consume mycoprotein were healthiness, followed by nutritional benefits, safe to eat, and sustainability. Affordability and taste had mixed results. Willingness to consume mycoprotein was inhibited if nutritional importance was placed on meat and, to a lesser extent, if the taste, texture, and smell of meat were deemed important. Best practice recommendations address issues facing marketing managers in the food industry.