Background: Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection is a major clinical burden globally. Pegylated IFN-α-2a (PEG-IFN-α-2a) with ribavirin (RIB) therapy induces an array of cellular antiviral responses including dsRNA kinases (PKR), chemokines and cytokines to tackle the HCV infection. However, many HCV patients develop resistance to PEG-IFN/RIB therapy rendering the theray ineffective. Objectives: Here, we assess the significance of chemokines in response to PEG-IFN-α-2a with ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RIB) therapy. Methods: Twenty patients with HCV infection and ten healthy controls were enrolled in this study and patients were categorized into two groups 1), HCV-Responder (HCV-R), and 2) HCV-non-responder (HCV-NR). We analyzed IP-10, MIG, MCP-1, EOTAXIN, RANTES, IL-8, MIP-1a, and MIP-1b by a magnetic bead-based multiplex immunoassay approach based on Luminex X-MAP multiplex technology, using a MAGPIX instrument (Luminex Corporation, USA). Results: A significant elevation of ALT and AST enzymes were observed in HCV-NR. Besides, the PEG-IFN/RIB therapy both MIG and MCP-1 in HCV-NR patients were significantly induced. PEG-IFN/RIB therapy significantly increased the levels of chemokines, such as IL-8, IP-10, EOTAXIN, MIG, RANTES, and MIP-1β, in HCV-R, indicating the chemokine response to PEG-IFN/RIB therapy. Conclusions: Hence, MCP-1 and MIG could be the potential biomarkers in HCV-NR and might be associated with the development of liver fibrosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Birds are among the best bio-indicators, which can guide us to recognize some of the main conservation concerns in ecosystems. Anthropogenic impacts such as deforestation, habitat degradation, modification of landscapes, and decreased quality of habitats are major threats to bird diversity. The present study was designed to detect anthropogenic causative agents that act on waterbird diversity in Tarbella Dam, Indus River, Pakistan. Waterbird censuses were carried out from March 2019 to February 2020 in multiple areas around the dam. A total of 2990 waterbirds representing 63 species were recorded. We detected the highest waterbird richness and diversity at Pehure whereas the highest density was recorded at Kabbal. Human activity impacts seemed to be the main factor determining the waterbird communities as waterbirds were negatively correlated with the greatest anthropogenic impacts. Waterbirds seem to respond rapidly to human disturbance.

Background and aim: Oligohydramnios is linked to different fetal and maternal conditions. Maternal hydration improves amniotic fluid content, because it promotes uteroplacental perfusion. The current work aimed to determine the results of intravenous hydration on the amniotic fluid index (AFI) and Doppler measurements of uteroplacental blood circulation during pregnancy with the third trimester oligohydramnios. Patients and methods: The current including 50 pregnant women in their third trimester with oligohydramnios. They were selected from the outpatient clinic at Al-Azhar University Hospitals. All were submitted to clinical evaluation by history and examination, followed by abdominal ultrasound and intravenous hydration therapy. Values before and after hydration were compared, delivery mode and fetal outcome were documented. Results: Maternal age was 30 ± 2.28. The majority of them were multigravida (58.0%) and higher percentage were multiparous (70.0%). The GA at delivery ranged between 32 and 37 weeks of gestation. There was a significant reduction of pulse, mean arterial pressure, temperature, hematocrit after hydration than before hydration. The birth weight ranged between 2765 and 3654 g. AF volume, AMF and uterine artery PI were significantly increased while umbilical artery PI was statistically decreased after hydration that corresponding values before hydration. The mode of delivery was normal vaginal delivery among 34% and cesarean section among 66.0% and the mean Apgar score was 7.8±1.9 and 8.9±0.87 at the first and fifth minutes, respectively. Conclusion: Intravenous maternal hydration therapy was safe and effective in terms of improvement of amniotic fluid index in pregnant females with isolated oligohydramnios in the third trimester. It enhanced the amniotic fluid volume and AFI in females with oligohydramnios.