IntroductionFemale sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common problem, and many self‐report questionnaires are available for its evaluation. Pakistani women with sexual problems feel shy to consult with their physician. A validated self‐report questionnaire, in the local language with modest expressions is required for these women.AimThe aim of this study was to translate, cross‐culturally adapt, and perform a psychometric validation of an Urdu translation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).MethodsThe FSFI was translated in Urdu, and its precision was ascertained through reverse translation. It was pretested on 22 bilingual women and refined again to reach at a reliable Urdu version of the questionnaire FSFI‐U. One hundred sixteen bilingual women, in a stable sexual relationship over the previous 6 months were finally asked to fill out the FSFI and FSFI‐U. Their sexual function was then clinically evaluated and responses were compared with the clinical assessment as well as with each other.Main Outcome MeasuresThe responses were analyzed through descriptive statistics for reliability, face validity, agreement between the responses to the original English version and to the FSFI‐U, and also for test–retest consistency. The data were analyzed statistically using Cronbach's alpha analysis, Intraclass correlation coefficients, Pearson correlation, and Student's t‐test.Results FSFI was found to be easily understandable and capable of adequately evaluating and measuring various aspects of female sexual function. A high degree of internal consistency was demonstrated on Cronbach's alpha analysis. Cronbach's α coefficient for various domains was sufficiently high ranging from 0.84 to 0.97. The clinical assessment of the presence and severity of FSD also matched with the self‐report questionnaire. Similarly, various domains of FSFI had high degree of correlation in the Urdu version of FSFI (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe Urdu translation version of FSFI is valid and reliable for use in the literate population of Pakistan. Rehman KU, Asif Mahmood M, Sheikh SS, Sultan T, Khan MA. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): Translation, Validation, and Cross‐Cultural Adaptation of an Urdu Version “FSFI–U”. Sex Med 2015;3:244–250.

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Insecticide resistant Aedes populations have recently been reported in Pakistan, imposing a threat to their control. We aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus populations from Lahore to WHO-recommended insecticides and to investigate metabolic and target-site resistance mechanisms. For this purpose, we first carried out bioassays with the larvicides temephos and pyriproxyfen, and the adulticides malathion, permethrin, deltamethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, and etofenprox. We looked for Knockdown resistance mutations (kdr) by qPCR, High-Resolution Melt (HRM), and sequencing. In order to explore the role of detoxifying enzymes in resistance, we carried out synergist bioassay with both species and then checked the expression of CYP9M6, CYP9J10, CYP9J28, CYP6BB2, CCAe3a, and SAP2 genes in Ae. aegypti. Both species were susceptible to organophosphates and the insect growth regulator, however resistant to all pyrethroids. We are reporting the kdr haplotypes 1520Ile + 1534Cys and T1520 + 1534Cys in high frequencies in Ae. aegypti while Ae. albopictus only exhibited the alteration L882M. PBO increased the sensitivity to permethrin in Ae. aegypti, suggesting the participation of P450 genes in conferring resistance, and indeed, CYP928 was highly expressed. We presume that dengue vectors in Lahore city are resistant to pyrethroids, probably due to multiple mechanisms, such as kdr mutations and P450 overexpression.

Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) is a major vector responsible for dengue transmission. Insecticides are being used as the most effective tool to control vector populations in Lahore, Pakistan. Control of Ae. aegypti is threatened by the development of resistance against insecticides. The current status of insecticide resistance was evaluated against pyrethroids (deltamethrin, cypermethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin) in different populations of Lahore (Model Town, Mishri Shah, Sadar Cantt, Walton, and Valencia). The susceptibility of the larval and adult populations was tested following the standard WHO guidelines. Moderate to high levels of resistance were found against pyrethroids in the larval (RR50: 3.6–27.2 and RR90: 5–90) and adult populations (percentage mortality &lt; 98%). Biochemical assays revealed a statistically significant increase in the enzyme level in all field populations compared to the laboratory strain. The value of esterase was one-fold higher, monooxygenase was 3.9- to 4.7-fold higher, and glutathione S-transferases was 1.9- to 2.6-fold higher in field populations compared to the laboratory strain. These results depict the presence of resistance against deltamethrin, cypermethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin in field populations of Lahore mediated by metabolic enzymes i.e. esterases, monooxygenases, and glutathione S-transferase.

Lake Simcoe is a major source of fresh water supply and serves as a favorite hub for recreational activities in southern Ontario. The cold water aquatic life of this Lake is facing serious threats due to depleted levels of oxygen caused by excessive growth of algal plants. The major reason for this growth is the entrance of high phosphorus loads through heavy stream discharges in the months of January until April. The results of analysis of phosphorus concentration and flows conducted in this project shows a direct dependence of phosphorus load on flow. Although the relation of rainfall and phosphorus load could not be supported by strong statistical evidence, the flow variations have been shown to be the major cause of variations in phosphorus load. The control strategies should be focused on reducing the generation of phosphorus at source level and preventing the direct entry of heavy flushes in the lake though Best Management Practices (BMPs), including detention facilities.