Iqra Azam

Bio: Iqra Azam is an academic researcher from University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore. The author has contributed to research in topics: Halophile & Integrated pest management. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 10 publications receiving 127 citations. Previous affiliations of Iqra Azam include University of Gujrat.

Evaluating Insects as Bioindicators of Heavy Metal Contamination and Accumulation near Industrial Area of Gujrat, Pakistan

Abstract: To study the accumulation and contamination of heavy metals (i.e., Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in soil, air, and water, few insect species were assayed as ecological indicators. Study area comes under industrial zone of district Gujrat of Punjab, Pakistan. Insects used as bioindicators included a libellulid dragonfly (Crocothemis servilia), an acridid grasshopper (Oxya hyla hyla), and a nymphalid butterfly (Danaus chrysippus) near industrial zone of Gujrat. Accumulation of Cd was highest in insect species followed by Cu, Cr, Zn, and Ni at p < 0.05. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HACA) was carried out to study metal accumulation level in all insects. Correlation and regression analysis confirmed HACA observations and declared concentration of heavy metals above permissible limits. Metal concentrations in insects were significantly higher near industries and nallahs in Gujrat and relatively higher concentrations of metals were found in Orthoptera than Odonata and Lepidoptera. The total metal concentrations in insects were pointed significantly higher at sites S3 (Mid of HalsiNala), S9 (End of HalsiNala), and S1 (Start of HalsiNala), whereas lowest value was detected at site S6 (Kalra Khasa) located far from industrial area. HACA indicates that these insect groups are potential indicators of metal contamination and can be used in biomonitoring.

Role of housefly (Musca domestica, Diptera; Muscidae) as a disease vector; a review

Abstract: Housefly, Musca domestica, has a long history of association with animals, which still are suffering from its harmful impacts. It occupies human and livestock premises and acts as a source of nuisance and annoyance to them. The present bibliographical study explains role of House fly as a disease vector of humans and livestock. This article highlights various aspects of the life of the said pest that includes its general description-morphology, biology, life cycle, its pest status and major control strategies. The pest is cosmopolitan in nature and shows holometabolous metamorphosis as it passes through all stages of development like egg, larva, pupa and adult which takes 10 to 14 days for its completion. Its life span is between 15 to 30 days. With respect to control strategies of the said pest, it was reviewed that chemical control is the most common and efficient technique but dependence on insecticide for fly control isrndecreasing due to increased insecticide resistance and environmental constraints. Biological control with natural enemies also provides reasonable results for outdoor control. Indoors control is mainly dependent on light and odor baited traps. Therefore combinations of several methods for the control of House fly population like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is recommended for the effective and efficient results.

Cotton aphid aphis gossypii l. (homoptera; aphididae); a challenging pest; biology and control strategies: a review

Abstract: Cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) is a key pest of cotton crop. The indiscriminate use of insecticides and pesticides during 1930's and latter to control insects pests, developed resistance in cotton aphid against these chemicals resulting in outbreak of this pest. Cotton aphid has a major impact on quality and yield of cotton which emphasizes the need to manage this notorious pest. The main goal of this review is to highlight various strategies viz., biological, chemical and cultural control for cotton aphid management. The selection of suitable control strategy is made on by viewing the severity of cotton aphid outbreak. Furthermore, the role of transgenic crops in lowering cotton aphid population is also described. However, the preservation of the cotton aphid's natural enemies could be an ecologically sustainable method of maintaining the aphid population below threshold level. Keywords: Sustainability; Integrated pest management; Predator-prey population; Host feeding

Biology and Applications of Halophilic Bacteria and Archaea: A Review

Abstract: Extremophiles include a diverse group with ability to survive in highly saline conditions, the halophiles. Halophiles are characterized in major life domains including Archaea as well as Bacteria. Archaea represents halophiles with heterotrophic, chemotrophic aerobes and anaerobes. A large number of members from these domains are found growing in diverse habitats including both thalassohaline and athalassohaline environment. Well-developed strategies of adaptation allow halophiles to sustain their survival in saline extremes. Certain important biotechnological and ecological features are grabbing the attention of scientists to study halophilic biology more deeply. This review presents overview of the halophilic biology with special focus on taxonomy, diversity, habitat, osmoadaptation and biotechnological applications of Bacteria and Archaea.

Studies on population density and diversity of termites of district Gujranwala, Pakistan

Abstract: A survey was conducted in District Gujranwala, Pakistan, for the evaluation of the population diversity of termite fauna of in garden trees of this region from January to June, 2012. Six species of termites i.e., Coptotermes heimi, Microcerotermes championi, Odontotermes obesus, Microtermes obesi, Microtermes mycophagus and Odontotermes guptai were recorded from houses and garden trees. Termites were found variably inhabiting different portions of garden trees. Maximum diversity of termites was 78% on Simpson’s Index and 70% on Shannon scale from garden trees.

Physiological Plant Ecology Ecophysiology And Stress Physiology Of Functional Groups

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Trophic transfer, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of non-essential hazardous heavy metals and metalloids in food chains/webs—Concepts and implications for wildlife and human health

Abstract: Heavy metals are transferred from the abiotic environment to living organisms, accumulated in biota at different trophic levels, and thus contaminate the food chains/webs. Trophic transfer, bioaccu...

A systematic review of human pathogens carried by the housefly ( Musca domestica L.)

Abstract: The synanthropic house fly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), is a mechanical vector of pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites), some of which cause serious diseases in humans and domestic animals. In the present study, a systematic review was done on the types and prevalence of human pathogens carried by the house fly. Major health-related electronic databases including PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were searched (Last update 31/11/2017) for relevant literature on pathogens that have been isolated from the house fly. Of the 1718 titles produced by bibliographic search, 99 were included in the review. Among the titles included, 69, 15, 3, 4, 1 and 7 described bacterial, fungi, bacteria+fungi, parasites, parasite+bacteria, and viral pathogens, respectively. Most of the house flies were captured in/around human habitation and animal farms. Pathogens were frequently isolated from body surfaces of the flies. Over 130 pathogens, predominantly bacteria (including some serious and life-threatening species) were identified from the house flies. Numerous publications also reported antimicrobial resistant bacteria and fungi isolated from house flies. This review showed that house flies carry a large number of pathogens which can cause serious infections in humans and animals. More studies are needed to identify new pathogens carried by the house fly.

A Novel Approach to Biology

Abstract: Partovi et al. [9] performed a study on comparing changes of Glu-Alx promoter sequences in Iranian diploid and hexaploid wheat. Sarwar et al. [10] studied the distribution and current status of amphibian fauna of pakistan: A review. Umarani [11] showed the enhancement of coronary artery blood vessels using digital subtraction angiographic technique. Punduk published his experimental work on aged garlic supplementation improves muscle performance properties in untrained male [12]. Vahdatpour et al. [13] presentation on systematic review of proteins digestion and new strategies for delivery of small peptides.

Effects of Neonicotinoid Insecticides on Physiology and Reproductive Characteristics of Captive Female and Fawn White-tailed Deer.

Abstract: Over the past decade, abnormalities have been documented in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in west-central Montana. Hypotheses proposed to explain these anomalies included contact with endocrine disrupting pesticides, such as imidacloprid. We evaluated the effects of imidacloprid experimentally at the South Dakota State University Wildlife and Fisheries Captive Facility where adult white-tailed deer females and their fawns were administered aqueous imidacloprid (an untreated control, 1,500 ng/L, 3,000 ng/L, and 15,000 ng/L). Water consumption, thyroid hormone function, behavioral responses, and skull and jawbone measurements were compared among treatments. Additionally, liver, spleen, genital, and brain imidacloprid concentrations were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results indicated that 1) control deer consumed more water than treatment groups, 2) imidacloprid was present in the organs of our control group, indicating environmental contamination, 3) as imidacloprid increased in the spleen, fawn survival, thyroxine levels, jawbone lengths, body weight, and organ weights decreased, 4) adult female imidacloprid levels in the genitals were negatively correlated with genital organ weight and, 5) behavioral observations indicated that imidacloprid levels in spleens were negatively correlated with activity levels in adult females and fawns. Results demonstrate that imidacloprid has direct effects on white-tailed deer when administered at field–relevant doses.