The chitin and chitosan biopolymers are extremely valuable because of their numerous industrial and pharmacological uses. Chitin and chitosan were extracted from the exoskeleton of Periplaneta americana (cockroaches) and termites using various acid and alkali techniques. The extraction process involves an initial demineralization step, during which integument dry powder was subjected to 500 mL (2.07 mol/L) of concentrated HCl at 100 degrees Celsius for 30 min, followed by meticulous rinsing with distilled water to restore the pH to its baseline. Deproteinization was conducted at 80 degrees Celsius using 500 mL (1 mol/L) of NaOH solution, which was repeated for 24 h. A total of 250 mL (0.06 mol/L) of NaOH was added at 100 degrees Celsius for 4 h to obtain chitosan, followed by extensive washing and subsequent drying. FTIR analysis was used to identify the functional groups in Periplaneta americana and termites. The crystallinity of these biopolymers, which have a face-centered cubic structure, was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. This study assessed the analgesic properties of chitin and chitosan via an acetic-acid-induced writhing test in mice, revealing a significant reduction in writhing behavior following the chitin and chitosan extract. Notably, chitin exhibits the highest degree of analgesic activity compared to chitosan. Both chitin and chitosan show anti-inflammatory effects, with chitosan absorbing proton ions at sites of inflammation, while chitin effectively inhibits ear edema and elicits an analgesic response in mice. Furthermore, the present study revealed antipyretic activity, with termite chitin demonstrating the most significant effect at a concentration of 500 µL/mL, followed by chitosan and chitin at 100 µL/mL. These findings indicate the potential of using chitin and chitosan derived from termites and Periplaneta americana as natural anti-inflammatory compounds, implying prospective uses in anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic capabilities.

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cattle ticks and molecular identification of R. microplus in different ecological regions of North-Western Pakistan. A total of 1091 ticks were collected from 430 cattle followed by morphological identification of different species and confirmation of R. microplus using polymerase chain reaction. Overall, 335 (77.9%) cattle were infested with ticks. Grazing system, lack of acaricide application, and age (with 86.0%, 55.8%, and 85.7% prevalence rates, respectively) were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) associated with higher tick infestation. Microscopic examination detected three different species of ticks including R. microplus, Hyalomma anatolicum, and Hyalomma marginatum at prevalence rates of 47.8%, 41.8% and 10.4%, respectively. Rhipicephalus microplus identification was also confirmed by sequencing the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene fragments. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS2 revealed a single clade of R. microplus and based on the COI nucleotide sequencing, R. microplus in the present study was assigned to clade C. This study showed a higher prevalence of cattle ticks in North-Western Pakistan and confirmed R. microplus as a major cattle tick species. These findings may be helpful in devising strategies for integrated control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Northwestern Pakistan.

Background and Aim: Coccidiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, is a significant concern in poultry farming, leading to substantial economic losses worldwide. In Pakistan, poultry is a major component of the agricultural sector, with both broiler and egg-laying chickens playing crucial roles in meeting the country’s protein needs. Despite the importance of the poultry industry, there is limited data on prevalence and species distribution of Eimeria in different types of chickens in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and determine the distribution of Eimeria species in broiler and egg-laying chickens in this region. Materials and Methods: Nine hundred fecal samples were collected from broiler (380) and egg-laying domestic chickens (520) in District Swabi, Pakistan. Microscopic analysis was used to identify Eimeria parasites in all samples. After microscopic examination for positive identification, Eimeria species were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Results: Microscopic examination identified Eimeria oocysts in 44.4% (400/900) of the samples. Eimeria parasite infection significantly varied based on chicken type, age, and gender (p < 0.05). The study found that broiler chickens (52.63%, 235/450), young chickens (4–6 weeks) (55.5%, 285/500), and females (52.2%, 200/380) were more infected with Eimeria spp. than egg-laying domestic chickens (38.5%, 200/520), adults (above 6 weeks) (28.8%), and males (36.7%, 165/450). PCR indicated a distribution rate of 42.5% (170/400) Eimeria tenella, 26.25% (105/400) Eimeria acervulina, 20% (80/400) Eimeria maxima, and 11.25% (45/400) Eimeria mitis. None of Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria brunetti, or Eimeria praecox was found in the study. Conclusion: This study underlines the essential requirement for targeted interventions due to the prevalence and predominance of E. tenella among identified Eimeria species. Future research should focus on refined sampling strategies and investigate the clinical significance of these parasites for effective disease management in the local poultry industry. Keywords: coccidiosis, domestic chickens, Eimeria species, microscopic and molecular identification, Pakistan, prevalence.

Limited research exists on the breeding ecology of the black francolin (Francolinus francolinus) in northern Pakistan. This study assessed egg dimensions, clutch size, hatching, fledging, and overall breeding success across different habitats and nests (n = 25) at Totali Game Reserve, Buner. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to analyze the effects of nest site characteristics and nest traits on breeding parameters. Egg dimensions were consistent across sites whereas bush nests had slightly wider eggs. The average clutch size was 5.9 ± 1.7 eggs, with an average of 4.8 ± 1.0 hatchlings per nest. A total of 111 chicks fledged, averaging 4.4 ± 1.0 per nest, yielding an overall breeding success rate of 75.5%. Nests containing six eggs had higher hatching success (76.6%). GLMs results showed a significant positive relationship between clutch size and hatchling, while nest site and traits had no significant effects. However, fledgling success was positively influenced by hatchling numbers, with nests in wetland habitats yielding significantly more fledglings (4.6 ± 0.9) than those from dryland habitats (4.0 ± 1.2). These findings suggest Black Francolins prefer nesting in wetland areas in bushes, likely due to better protection and favorable conditions.

The standard technologies and hazardous chemicals used in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) can be harmful to the environment and as well as for human health. Sustainable and eco- friendly method of synthesizing nanoparticles are required. To synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), Grewia optiva leaf extract was used in the current research as a reducing agent. The leaves were thoroughly cleaned and dried before forming in an aqueous solution using a Jeldal apparatus for 20 minutes at 100 ºC. For the purpose, the extract and the silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution were thoroughly mixed. The method of synthesizing nanoparticles was optimized through the manipulation of multiple parameters, such as pH, temperature, and salt content. It was found that the ideal temperature for the synthesis of nanoparticles was 85 °C, the ideal pH range was 6-7, and the ideal salt concentration was 2 mL. Different techniques were used for characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the crystalline structure of nanoparticles, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to identify chemical bonds and functional groups, using an Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine particle size in detail, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze morphological aspects. The biosynthesized Ag-NPs showed potent antibacterial, phytotoxic, insecticidal, antipyretic, and analgesic properties in addition to efficient radical scavenging. The results showed that Ag-NPs made from G. optiva aqueous extract are appropriate for the production of novel medical and agricultural remedies. Since this study was carried out in a lab, more investigation is required to determine whether large-scale production is feasible and to look into possible uses of these Ag-NPs in the agricultural and biomedical sectors.