Naseer Ullah

Tartrazine (E‐102) and Sunset Yellow (E‐110) are widely used synthetic azo food dyes, yet concerns remain regarding their hematological and genotoxic effects, particularly following repeated and combined exposure. This study evaluated the hematological toxicity and genotoxic potential of Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow, administered individually and in combination, using complementary in vitro and in vivo endpoints. In the in vitro design, lymphocytes from healthy donors were exposed to 250, 500, and 750 μg/mL of Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow, individually and in combination, for 3 h. In the in vivo study, Wistar rats were orally exposed to Tartrazine (3.75 and 15 mg/kg), Sunset Yellow (1.75 and 7 mg/kg), or their combinations for 7 and 21 days. Hematological parameters, including hemoglobin (Hb), RBCs count, hematocrit (Hct), and leukocyte profiles, were measured. Genotoxicity was assessed using the comet assay to detect DNA strand breaks and the micronucleus assay to assess fixed chromosomal damage. In vitro, both dyes induced significant DNA damage following individual and combined exposure. Similarly, in vivo, both dyes produced significant dose‐ and time‐dependent hematological alterations, with Sunset Yellow producing more pronounced effects than Tartrazine. Combined exposure resulted in the greatest hematological disturbances. The comet assay revealed significant increases in DNA strand breaks, particularly following combined treatment, whereas micronucleus frequency was not significantly altered compared with controls. These findings indicate that short‐term exposure to Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow disrupts hematological homeostasis and induces transient DNA damage, highlighting the need for further studies to evaluate the health implications of combined exposure to synthetic food dyes.

Background: The kappa casein ( κ‐CN ) gene exhibits notable structural variations compared with other caseins and plays a vital role in both the quality and quantity of milk. Aim(s): This study was conducted to investigate the different genotypes of κ‐CN and their association with milk composition, quality and protein structural stability in the Achai cow. Methods: To investigate the different genotypes of the κ‐CN gene, PCR‐RFLP and Sanger sequencing were used. The protein structural stability of mutant and wild‐type proteins was explored using online bioinformatics tools and molecular dynamics simulations. Major Findings: Three genotypes (AA, CC and AC) were investigated in the Achai cow. The genotypic frequencies of κ‐CN were AC>AA>CC (60%, 27% and 13%), while the allelic frequencies were 0.57 for A and 0.43 for C. It was indicated that χ ² > P (5.81 > 3.841); therefore, there was no Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium among the genotypes. The association of genotypes with milk performance revealed that the levels of total SNF, lactose, protein, density and yield were highest in the CC genotype. Furthermore, a D169A mutation has been identified in the protein of the CC genotype. The mutation has been validated as a stable substitution through Ramachandran plot analysis (65.2% of residues were in the favoured region), Z ‐score (−8.63) and RMSD (2.062 Å). It is concluded that the significant molecular marker (CC genotype) can be used to improve milk quality and quantity. Scientific and Industrial Implications: Different genotypes can influence milk performance in cattle; therefore, a marker‐assisted selection method has been used to select the best trait. The results of this study indicate that the genotype CC and the D169A mutant have good milk performance and can be used as markers for marker‐assisted selection in the Achai cow.

For the proper growth of fish, it is necessary to feed the fish with a proper and balanced diet. A study was conducted to find out the effect of different protein-based diets on fingerlings of Tor putitora (mahseer). A feed with dietary protein levels of 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% were prepared. The effect of different protein-based feed on weight gain, standard growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), percent weight gain, food conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was studied. An increase was observed in the growth rate with an increase in protein concentration up to 45%. The fingerlings fed a 45% protein diet shown the highest growth, followed by 50%, 40%, and 35%. The SGR value was greatest for 45% protein diet (8.56) followed by 50% and 40%, while the least values were observed for 35% protein feed (1.57). The same trend was observed for FCE. The highest PER values was observed in fishes fed 45% protein-based feed (0.65) followed by 50% (0.56), 40% (0.38) and35% (0.17). The food conversion ratio was lowest for 45% protein diet (3.41), while the greatest for 35% protein feed (16.85). It was concluded that a 45% protein-based diet was the best feed formulation for higher production of Tor putitora. However, research on the same percentage of protein diet is recommended for yearlings.

The present study was aimed at comparing the brain size of mahseer (Tor putitora) in relation to their body weight and standard length, to investigate the potential impact of rearing environment on brain development in fish. The weight of the brain and three of its subdivisions cerebellum (CB), optic tectum (OT), and telencephalon (TC) were measured for both wild and hatchery-reared fish. The data was analysed using multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and discriminate function analysis (DFA). We found the fish reared under hatchery conditions exhibit smaller brain size related to body weight, when compared to the wild ones. A significant (p<0.5) difference was observed in the length of CB and OT concerning the standard body length while no significant difference was found in TC of the fish from both the origins. The results of the current study highlight a logical assumption that neural deficiency affects the behaviour of fish, that’s why the captive-reared fish show maladaptive response and face fitness decline when released to the natural environment for wild stock enhancement. The current study concluded that hatchery-reared fish exhibit variations in gross brain morphology as compared to their wild counterpart.

Snow trout (Schizothorax plagiostomus) is an economically important freshwater fish, mostly found in northern areas of water reservoirs of Pakistan. The current study was conducted in River Swat to analyze the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, and Zn) in tissues of Schizothorax plagiostomus. Tissues were extracted and dissolved in perchloric acid (HClO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) along with hotplate. The heavy metals, zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and Nickel (Ni) were determined using Perkin Elmer 2380 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results shows great variation in the content of the metal related to tissue type and sampling sites. A high concentration of bioaccumulation was reported at Charbagh, whereas lowest at Odigram: Charbagh>Landakai>Odigram. In the same way, Cr was the most accumulated heavy metal followed by lead, nickel, and Zinc: