Microbiological Spectrum and Antibiotics Sensitivity Pattern of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) Patients: A prospective study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar.

Background & Objective: Chronic suppurative otitis media is a fatal condition owing to its propensity for intracranial extension. The inadvertent use of antibiotics has led to resistance among causative organisms. The objectives of this study were to determine causative bacteria, their antibiotic resistance and susceptibility patterns, and their response to antibiotics after a one-month follow-up.

Xylooligosaccharides: A comprehensive review of production, purification, characterization, and quantification.

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS), short-chain polymers with prebiotic properties, have gained significant commercial attention over the past few decades due to their potential as nutraceutical components. Derived from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), XOS serve as health promoting compounds with applications across multiple sectors, including food pharmaceutical and cosmetic. This comprehensive review provides an overview of XOS production, purification, characterization, and quantification, highlighting their derivation from various sources such as agricultural waste, agro-economical forest residues, and nutrient-dense energy crops.

A rare case of acrodysostosis type 2 with PDE4D mutation in a young female: a case report.

Acrodysostosis (ADO) is a rare form of peripheral dysostosis characterized by skeletal malformations, growth delays, short stature, and distinctive facial features caused by in part by underdeveloped (hypoplasia) of facial bones. Skeletal dysplasia is specific and includes disproportional short stature with short extremities and brachydactyly, multiple cone-shaped epiphyses, scoliosis or kyphosis with spinal stenosis, and advanced bone maturation. Herein, we are highlighting a case that presented with clinical features such as brachydactyly, delayed milestone, growth delay, muscle weakness and nasal hypoplasia.

Retraction: Doripenem, Ertapenem, and Meropenem Sensitivity in Salmonella Typhi: A Cross-Sectional Study From Pakistan.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.72872.

The Incidence of Early Postoperative Complications Following Modified Radical Mastectomy in Breast Cancer Patients.

Introduction Breast cancer is considered the most common malignant tumor in women, and incidence rates have risen progressively over the last decades. Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is an effective treatment option. This research sought to establish the frequency, causes, and distribution of postoperative complications that are associated with MRM in the Pakistani population suffering from breast cancer.

Emerging Trends in Secondary Metabolite Research in Caryophyllales: Betalains and Their Roles in Plant Adaptation and Defense Mechanisms.

Betalains, a distinctive group of nitrogen-containing pigments exclusive to the Caryophyllales order, possess diverse biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making them highly valuable for applications in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. This Review provides a comprehensive analysis of betalain biosynthesis, structural diversity, and ecological significance, highlighting their roles in enhancing stress resilience, adaptation mechanisms, and plant evolutionary strategies. The evolutionary development of betalains is explored, revealing their emergence through gene duplication events and providing insights into their mutual exclusivity with anthocyanins.

Coexistence of altermagnetism and robust ferroelectricity in a bulk MnO wurtzite structure.

Altermagnetism is a new class of material with zero net magnetization, but having a nonrelativistic spin-split band structure. Here, we investigate the multifunctional properties of the hexagonal wurtzite MnO (-MnO). -MnO has a direct band gap of 0.

Genetic Analyses of Flower, Fruit, and Stem Traits of Intergeneric Hybrids Between 'Honghuagqinglong' and 'Heilong' Pitayas.

Pitaya is renowned for its delicious taste, high nutritional value, and economic as well as ornamental appeal. Breeding new pitaya varieties can boost economic returns by appealing to consumers with diverse morphological traits. However, the genetic basis underlying key traits in intergeneric hybrids of pitaya has yet to be fully understood.

Omics Biology in Diagnosis of Diseases: Towards Empowering Genomic Medicine from an Evolutionary Perspective.

In this section, we reintroduce the original aims and scope of the Special Issue entitled "Omics Biology in Diagnosis of Diseases: Advances in Bioinformatics and Data Analyses", enabling readers to find an appropriate framing for the remainder of the present closing editorial [...

Etiologies and Outcomes Following Duodenal Perforation in Acute Peritonitis: A Systematic Review.

Duodenal perforation often presents as an acute onset of abdominal pain and potential complications such as systemic infection, multiple organ system failure, and even death. It can result from various causes, including peptic ulcer disease (PUD), trauma, malignancies, and infections. Prompt diagnosis and timely intervention are critical for better outcomes, though mortality can be high, particularly in delayed cases.

Comparative analysis of bulk ceramics and thick film coatings for optimized energy storage technologies.

The present investigation provides an easy and affordable strategy for fabrication of functional ceramics BiNaTiO-SrFeO (BNT-SrF5) thick films on a flexible, inexpensive and electrically integrated substrate using electrophoretic deposition process (EPD). EPD is a widely accepted, environmentally friendly method for applying coatings from a colloidal suspension to conductive substrates. Lead-free ferroelectric BNT-SrF5 powder was synthesized by solid state method to fabricate bulk samples and thick films (30-160 μm) by EPD process.

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Probiotics for Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress Markers in Diabetic Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss of kidney function that can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring renal replacement therapy. Patients on chronic hemodialysis are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 12-week probiotic supplementation on insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and lipid profiles in diabetic patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis.

Therapeutic Utility of Mulligan Traction Straight Leg Raise Stretch and Proprioceptive Exercises in Osteoarthritis Treatment.

Background Given the increasing incidence and severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA), it is crucial to investigate and refine therapeutic approaches. Aim The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and potential synergistic effects of proprioceptive exercises combined with Mulligan traction straight leg raise (MT-SLR) in treating OA. This includes improving symptoms such as functional mobility, pain reduction, and relevant serological markers, highlighting the potential of this approach to enhance overall patient outcomes.

Optimization of Binding Buffer Composition (Polyethylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride and pH) for Extraction of DNA from Biological Fluids Using Polyethyleneimine Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Based Method.

Introduction: Efficient extraction of DNA from biological fluids is crucial for applications in molecular biology, forensic science, and clinical diagnostics. However, traditional DNA extraction methods often require costly reagents and lengthy procedures. This study aims to optimize the binding buffer composition for DNA extraction using polyethyleneimine-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (PEI-IONPs), which offer the dual benefits of magnetic separation and high DNA-binding efficiency.

Frequency of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Admitted With Acute Stroke at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.

Background Patients hospitalized with acute stroke are at risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI), and when both conditions occur together, patient outcomes are often worse. The relationship between stroke type, patient characteristics, and the development of AKI is not fully understood, particularly in tertiary care settings in Pakistan, where healthcare resources and patient characteristics may differ from Western populations. Objective To determine the frequency of AKI and identify associated risk factors, including stroke type, severity, and comorbidities, in patients presenting with acute stroke at a tertiary care center in Pakistan, the Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.

Molecular Functional and Transcriptome Analysis of Overexpression from Zicaitai ( var. ).

B-box transcription factors (TFs) in plants are essential for circadian rhythm regulation, abiotic stress responses, hormonal signaling pathways, secondary metabolism, photomorphogenesis, and anthocyanin formation. Here, by blasting the gene sequence, we identified a total of 18 genes from five distinct species (, , , , and ). The gene is most closely linked to the gene based on phylogeny and protein sequence similarities.

Genipin-enriched chitosan-Zein nanoparticles for improved curcumin encapsulation.

Polysaccharide-protein nanocomplexes are considered one of the desired systems to encapsulate bioactive compounds. The study prepared chitosan (CS)/genipin (GP)/zein nanoparticles with chemical cross-linkage for encapsulating and releasing curcumin. Fourier transform infrared spectra demonstrated that cross-linkage between molecules was attributed to electrostatic interactions and the formation of amido bonds and hydrogen bonding.

Impaired myofibroblast proliferation is a central feature of pathologic post-natal alveolar simplification.

Premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have impaired alveolar gas exchange due to alveolar simplification and dysmorphic pulmonary vasculature. Advances in clinical care have improved survival for infants with BPD, but the overall incidence of BPD remains unchanged because we lack specific therapies to prevent this disease. Recent work has suggested a role for increased transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling and myofibroblast populations in BPD pathogenesis, but the functional significance of each remains unclear.

Cesarean Section Trends and Associated Factors at a Tertiary Care Center in India: A Retrospective Study.

Background Cesarean section (CS) is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on women globally, and its prevalence has been rising significantly over the past few decades. CS rates have been increasing globally, raising public health concerns due to the associated financial burden and increased health risks compared to vaginal delivery. Methodology This study involves a retrospective analysis of delivery records from a tertiary care hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India, over 10 years, from January 2011 to December 2021.

Screening of musculoskeletal disorders and levels of depression in transgender people of Multan.

Objective: To perceive transgender health issues by evaluating their susceptibility to musculoskeletal problems and depression.

Methods: The cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted from January to April 2023at the Government Girls Comprehensive Higher Secondary School, Multan, Pakistan, a school for transgenders, and comprised subjects aged 18-40 years. Body mass index was calculated for each subject, and further data was collected using the Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory and Numeric Pain Rating Scale.

Effect of sorghum flour-containing pasta on postprandial glycemia, appetite and energy intake in healthy individuals.

Background/objectives: In vitro studies suggest that incorporating sorghum flour into staple foods including pasta reduces their starch digestibility and hence may suppress postprandial blood glucose levels, appetite and energy intake; however, these effects in humans have yet to be reported. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of red and white sorghum-containing pasta on blood glucose response, appetite and energy intake in humans.

Subjects/methods: In a randomised crossover design, healthy individuals (n = 20) consumed the following three iso-caloric test meals (each providing 50 g available carbohydrates) as breakfast: control pasta (CP) made from100% durum wheat; 30% red sorghum pasta (RSP) and; 30% white sorghum pasta (WSP).

Doripenem, Ertapenem, and Meropenem Sensitivity in Salmonella Typhi: A Cross-Sectional Study From Pakistan.

Background Typhi ( Typhi) is increasingly resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a challenge in treatment, particularly in multidrug-resistant (MDR) cases. Carbapenems, including doripenem, ertapenem, and meropenem, have been considered last-resort options. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these carbapenems against Typhi isolates in a clinical setting in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Doped magnetic nanoparticles: From synthesis to applied technological frontiers.

Doped magnetic nanoparticles (DMNPs) have become a fascinating class of nanomaterials with important implications in science and technology. The comprehensive review focuses on the synthetic methods, types of doping elements, distinctive properties, and extensive applications of DMNPs. The synthesis section highlights different methods, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks, such as chemical precipitation, co-precipitation, thermal breakdown, sol-gel, and other processes.