Molecular characterization of mutations causing

Molecular characterization of mutations causing β -thalassemia in Faisalabad Pakistan using the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR)

Shahid M Baig, F Rabbi, U Hameed, JA Qureshi, Z Mahmood, SH Bokhari, A Kiani, H Hassan, JM Baig, A Azhar, T Zaman
Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan Correspondence Address:
Shahid M Baig
Human Molecular Genetics Labortory,Health Biotechnology Division, NIBGE, P.O. Box 577, FSD
Pakistan

BACKGROUND : Faisalabad is the third biggest city of Pakistan. Majority of the population is Punjabi while other ethnic groups are in minority. AIMS : The present study was undertaken to find the mutations causing β -thalassemia in Faisalabad Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS : A total of 285 β -globin alleles from 143 unrelated families having at least one transfusion-dependent child were analyzed by using amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR). RESULTS : FSC-8/9 (+G) and IVS-I-5 (G ®C) were the most common mutations. The allele frequency for FSC-8/9 (+G) was 38.59% while frequency for IVS-I-5 (G ®C) was 37.89%. The high frequency (76.48%) of IVS-I-5 (G ®C) and FSC-8/9 (+G) on various alleles provides a strong evidence of intermarriages. CONCLUSIONS : By using ARMS-PCR, the mutations were successfully characterized in 95.79% of subjects, while 4.21% remain to be characterized. This study will facilitate the implementations of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in the population of Faisalabad.

The Faisalabad Serena Hotel

The Faisalabad Serena Hotel is close to business district on a quiet road surrounded by beautiful gardens. Two kilometers away from the teeming bazaars (markets) of the city, the hotel is a haven of peace and serenity in a city famous for its textile. At times one has to look further than history itself for ideas for a ravishing interior; one can see an indigenous marble floor, Chinioti Sofa with vibrant floral print tapestry made of course in Faisalabad itself. Yellow Ceramic lamp with petal cutouts in one of the sitting areas. It gives the place a majestic touch and altogether an eclectic feel. A huge stunning brass lamp hangs in the lobby offsetting brick walls; floral tiles accentuate doorways around a matching floral print sofa. An elegant polished rosewood table is reflected in the ceramic tiles on the floor. The pulsating maroon, ochre and green print patterned floor is reminiscent of spacious old city homes of Faisalabad.

The courtyard is another treat for one’s senses; the brick floored courtyard is decorated with fragrant, flowering terracotta, and a central fountain fashioned after an old fashioned Persian wheel (rehat). The vibrant colors add to the overall warm and friendly ambiance of the place. The earthy lighting terracotta hanging lamps lend a starlit ambiance to the settings; the brick and marble floor design is a local artisan’s specialty. Anyone who stops by can see burst of tradition throughout the place and the experience is surly magnificent.

Hotel Facilities:

• 144 Guest Rooms and Suites
• Complimentary Airport Shuttle Service
• Rent-a-Car
• Concierge
• Laundry Shop
• The Executive Floor and Jasmine Floor offer additional facilities for our guests such as a Private Lounge Area, Business Center, Meeting Room and Butler Service.
• Lyallpur Coffee Shop - Fine-dining Restaurant serving Pakistani, Continental Cuisine and Hi Tea with live music.
• Xuelian Restaurant with Chinese, Japanese and Thai specialty Cuisines
• Jharoka, Café and Ice Cream Parlour
• The Seasonal Barbeque at the Basant Court featuring traditional provincial food with live music
• Lobby Lounge serves Tea, Coffee and Light Snacks
• Health Club
• Swimming Pool
• Pool Bar
• Tennis Court
• Squash Court
• Gymnasium
• Shopping Arcade
• Conference/Events Centre
• 24-Hour Business Centre
• WI-FI Internet access
• Flat Screen TV with International Channels
• 24-Hour Forex
• Room Service
• Valet Parking
• In House Laundry and Dry Cleaning
• 24-hour Doctor on call
• Power (240V / 3 pin square plugs / shaver sockets)
• Faisalabad Serena Hotel pays particular care and attention towards the security and well-being of hotel guests. There has been an increase in security checks, up-gradation of equipment, with a revised Crisis Management Plan in place so as to tackle any unforeseen incident.

Chenab Canal Colony

The city of Faisalabad is not more than a century old. Just hundred years back this region was the center of keeping livestock. This city was irrigated in 1892 when Jhang & Gogera branches were supplied water. The foundation of first ever-residential area was laid in 1895. Its main purpose was the construction of a market. During those days, the area across the river Chenab was called “Sandal Bar”. Before the establishment of Lyallpur City the ancient residential area was called “Pakka Marri” now known as “Pakki Marri”. The caravans used to stay at this place while traveling from Jhang to Lahore. The English travellers of those times wanted to convert this area into a city. In the beginning the small establishment was called “Chenab Canal Colony” which was later named “Lyallpur” after the name of Governor of Punjab Lt. General Sir James B Lyall. The foundation of Lyallpur was laid in 1896. Its famous clock tower was built on a well. It was completed in 1906. The construction of this clock tower was completed under the supervision of Ghulab Khan who belonged to the family who built Taj Mahal in Agra. The clock was brought from Bombay.

"Pakki Marri”

The city of Faisalabad is not more than a century old. Just hundred years back this region was the center of keeping livestock. This city was irrigated in 1892 when Jhang & Gogera branches were supplied water. The foundation of first ever-residential area was laid in 1895. Its main purpose was the construction of a market. During those days, the area across the river Chenab was called “Sandal Bar”. Before the establishment of Lyallpur City the ancient residential area was called “Pakka Marri” now known as “Pakki Marri”. The caravans used to stay at this place while traveling from Jhang to Lahore. The English travellers of those times wanted to convert this area into a city. In the beginning the small establishment was called “Chenab Canal Colony” which was later named “Lyallpur” after the name of Governor of Punjab Lt. General Sir James B Lyall. The foundation of Lyallpur was laid in 1896. Its famous clock tower was built on a well. It was completed in 1906. The construction of this clock tower was completed under the supervision of Ghulab Khan who belonged to the family who built Taj Mahal in Agra. The clock was brought from Bombay.

Faisalabad Serena Hotel

FAISALABAD:

Faisalabad is very important city of Pakistan. It is located in the province Punjab. Faisalabad is the agricultural and industrial city of Pakistan. It is considered as the Textile and industrial backbone of Pakistan. Faisalabad is a developed city. It has so many great tourists attractions. People around the Pakistan and other world visit Faisalabad due to its industrial and textile importance. Faisalabad has so many luxurious hotels for its visitors. These hotels provide the best facilities and facilitate visitors. Following hotels are serving in Faisalabad:

• Faisalabad Serena Hotel
• Rays
• Prime
• Pearl Continental
• National
• Rex
• East Inn
• Sandalbar
• Grace
  

Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI)

President, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI),

Sheikh Abdul Qayum presenting the FCCI shield to the Chairman,

National Vocational & Technical Education Commission (NAVTEC),

Mr. Adnan A Khawaja, Vice President of FCCI, Shabbir Hussain Chawla

and Mian Kashif Ashfaq from Chenab Group are also standing with him.

By Abdul Majid

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF)

The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) is a university in the city of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. The first major institution of higher agricultural education was the Punjab Agricultural College and Research Institute which was founded in 1906 in the undivided Punjab.

At independence in 1947 Pakistan was a predominantly agricultural country and in spite subsequent industrialization and development, agriculture remains central to its economy. After independence the Government of Pakistan appointed National Commissions on Food and Education with the terms of reference to review, in all its ramifications, the prevailing agrarian system and to formulate measures for developing the full potential of our agricultural resources. The Commissions made a strong plea for establishing an Agricultural university which could play a more vigorous role in promoting research and education in Agriculture was established by upgrading the former Punjab Agricultural College and Research Institute in the year 1961-62.

The University's faculty comprises more than 500 teachers of whom 224 hold Ph.D. degrees mainly from foreign universities.

The University is organised into faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Sciences, and a Division of Education and Extension all located at the main campus in Faisalabad, and College of Veterinary Sciences at Lahore. These academic units offer a variety of study programmes leading to B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering, D.V.M., B.Sc. (Hons.), M.Phil, and Ph.D. degrees in various disciplines of agriculture and allied fields.