Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns and Virulence Profiles of Classical and Hypervirulent Strains Isolated from Clinical Samples in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The emergence of hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant hypermucoviscous strains presents a significant public health challenge due to their increased virulence and resistance to multiple antibiotics. This study evaluates the antibiotic susceptibility patterns and virulence profiles of classical and hypervirulent strains isolated from various clinical samples. A total of 500 clinical samples were collected from patients at the Mardan Medical Complex and Ayub Medical Complex in KPK between July 2022 and June 2024.

Molecular Characterization, Oxidative Stress-Mediated Genotoxicity, and Hemato-Biochemical Changes in Domestic Water Buffaloes Naturally Infected with Under Field Conditions.

(1) Background: Surra is a debilitating disease of wild and domestic animals caused by (), resulting in significant mortality and production losses in the affected animals. This study is the first to assess the genetic relationships of in naturally affected buffaloes from Multan district, Pakistan, using ITS-1 primers and evaluating the effects of parasitemia and oxidative stress on DNA damage and hematobiochemical changes in infected buffaloes. (2) Methods: Blood samples were collected from 167 buffaloes using a multi-stage cluster sampling strategy, and trypomastigote identification was performed through microscopy and PCR targeting RoTat 1.

Development of a Sustainable Flexible Humidity Sensor Based on Larvae Biomass-Derived Chitosan.

This study presents the fabrication of a sustainable flexible humidity sensor utilizing chitosan derived from mealworm biomass as the primary sensing material. The chitosan-based humidity sensor was fabricated by casting chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films with interdigitated copper electrodes, forming a laminate composite suitable for real-time, resistive-type humidity detection. Comprehensive characterization of the chitosan film was performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and tensile testing, which confirmed its chemical structure, wettability, and mechanical stability.

A Hybrid Approach for Sports Activity Recognition Using Key Body Descriptors and Hybrid Deep Learning Classifier.

This paper presents an approach for event recognition in sequential images using human body part features and their surrounding context. Key body points were approximated to track and monitor their presence in complex scenarios. Various feature descriptors, including MSER (Maximally Stable Extremal Regions), SURF (Speeded-Up Robust Features), distance transform, and DOF (Degrees of Freedom), were applied to skeleton points, while BRIEF (Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features), HOG (Histogram of Oriented Gradients), FAST (Features from Accelerated Segment Test), and Optical Flow were used on silhouettes or full-body points to capture both geometric and motion-based features.

Infections: Bridging Clinical Observations and Epidemiological Insights.

Purpose: is the main etiologic agent implicated in primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It is also known as the brain-eating amoeba because of the severe brain inflammation following infection, with a survival rate of about 5%. This review aims to identify infections and evaluate patients' progression.

The Gas-Sensing Properties of Ag-/Au-Modified TiCT (T=O, F, OH) Monolayers for HCHO and CH Gases.

Based on density functional theory calculations, this study analyzed the gas-sensing performance of TiCT (T=O, F, OH) monolayers modified with precious metal atoms (Ag and Au) for HCHO and CH gas molecules. Firstly, stable structures of Ag- and Au-single-atom doped TiCT (T=O, F, OH) surfaces were constructed and then HCHO and CH gas molecules were set to approach the modified structures at different initial positions. The most stable adsorption structure was selected for further analysis of the adsorption energy, adsorption distance, charge transfer, charge deformation density, total density of states, and partial density of states.

Effects of Calcium-Oxide-Modified Biochar on the Anaerobic Digestion of Vacuum Blackwater.

The increasing global population and urbanization have led to significant challenges in waste management, particularly concerning vacuum blackwater (VBW), which is the wastewater generated from vacuum toilets. Traditional treatment methods, such as landfilling and composting, often fall short in terms of efficiency and sustainability. Anaerobic digestion (AD) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering benefits such as biogas production and digestate generation.

and Interventions Reveal the Health Benefits of Levan-Type Exopolysaccharide Produced by a Fish Gut Isolate FW2.

Microorganisms synthesize diverse types of exopolysaccharides (EPSs). EPSs with varying structural and physical properties can demonstrate unique health benefits, which allow for their tailored applications as functional foods such as prebiotics. Levan, a fructose-based EPS, is gaining considerable attention as an effective prebiotic to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Role of Coagulation Factors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Literature Review.

Hepatocyte carcinoma (HCC) is a globally prevalent neoplasm with profound effects on morbidity and mortality rates. This review summarizes the complex interactions between coagulation abnormalities and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HCC. Essential coagulation biomarkers, such as P-selectin, thrombomodulin, d-dimer, prothrombin, and von Willebrand factor, are reviewed for their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic significance.

Residual Stress in Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar Aluminum Alloys: A Parametric Study.

Welding-induced residual stress has the capacity to significantly compromise the integrity of mechanical components. Its minimization therefore plays a critical role in the selection of process parameters during the welding process. Friction stir welding is a useful joining technique to weld many materials that are not amenable to the traditional welding techniques.

Comparison of Pheromone Lures and Sticky Pad Color for Capturing (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

Tomato leaf miner (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has gained the status of major pest globally. Integrated pest management (IPM) consists of different control methods. This field study was conducted to evaluate the influence of different pheromone-based traps to attract the male population and the potential of sticky pads of four different colors in capturing the adults in the absence of pheromone lures.

Assessment of Different Conventional and Biofortified Wheat Genotypes Based on Biology and Damage Pattern of and .

The lesser grain borer, (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and khapra beetle, E. (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) are primary stored-grain insect pests.

Evaluation of Yellow Fever Virus Infection in Mosquitoes from Pakistan with Distinct Knockdown Resistance Genotypes.

Background: Yellow fever (YF) is an acute hemorrhagic disease endemic to Africa and Latin America; however, no cases have been reported in Asian regions with high infestation. Factors such as environmental conditions and genetic variations in the yellow fever virus (YFV) strains and mosquito populations may explain this absence. Mosquito populations have undergone strong selective pressure owing to the excessive use of insecticides.

Temperature-Related Bioclimatic Variables Play a Greater Role in the Spatial Distribution of Bumblebee Species in Northern Pakistan.

Bumblebee species are vital wild pollinators, providing essential pollination services for various crops, fruits, and vegetables. However, their biodiversity is vulnerable to decline due to climate change, particularly in regions like northern Pakistan. Despite this, no research has yet been conducted on the distribution patterns of bumblebee species in this region.

Advances in Protein Kinase Regulation of Stress Responses in Fruits and Vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) are essential in daily life and industrial production. These perishable produces are vulnerable to various biotic and abiotic stresses during their growth, postharvest storage, and handling. As the fruit detaches from the plant, these stresses become more intense.

Gelatin Nanoemulsion-Based Co-Delivery of Terbinafine and Essential Oils for Treatment of Biofilms.

Fungal infections represent a significant global health challenge. is a particularly widespread pathogen, with both molecular and biofilm-based mechanisms making it resistant to or tolerant of available antifungal drugs. This study reports a combination therapy, active against , utilizing terbinafine and essential oils incorporated into a gelatin-based nanoemulsion system (T-GNE).

Research Progress on Gene Regulation of Plant Floral Organogenesis.

Flowers, serving as the reproductive structures of angiosperms, perform an integral role in plant biology and are fundamental to understanding plant evolution and taxonomy. The growth and organogenesis of flowers are driven by numerous factors, such as external environmental conditions and internal physiological processes, resulting in diverse traits across species or even within the same species. Among these factors, genes play a central role, governing the entire developmental process.

Prepartum Dietary Supplementation of Potassium Humate Improves Postpartum Lactation Performance, Metabolic Profile of Multiparous Cows, and Immune Response of Their Calves.

This research was carried out to determine the effects of potassium humate on the lactation performance and metabolic parameters of dairy cows during the transition period. Potassium humate was added to the concentrate feed at the following levels: (a) control (0%), (b) 0.5%, (c) 1%, (d) 1.

Effect of Ideal Amino Acid Ratio of Arginine to Lysine on Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, Growth Performance, Antibody Titers of Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bronchitis Disease, and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers.

This study aimed to assess the effects of different arginine (Arg) to lysine (Lys) ratios on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and antibody titers of Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bronchitis (IB) disease in broilers during 35 days of trial. For this purpose, a total of 816 day-old broiler birds having an average weight of 38 ± 3 g were divided into six dietary treatments in such a way that each treatment had eight replicates and each replicate had 17 birds. The treatments were 0.

Targeting Cutaneous Leishmaniasis with Thiadiazine Thione Derivatives: An In Vivo Study of Its Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Pyretic, Anti-Nociceptive, and Anti-Sedative Properties.

Thiadiazine thione (THTT) has gained significant interest owing to its pharmacological potentials, particularly its antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties. Leishmaniasis is a clinical syndrome caused by infection with species and is associated with an inflammatory response and nociception. The available treatments against leishmaniasis are inadequate, as they are associated with high cost, toxicity, and increased resistance.

The Effect of Offspring Gender Composition on Modern Contraceptive Uptake Among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Pakistan: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Pakistan is confronted with the formidable challenge of high population growth, which is compounded by cultural norms that prioritize male offspring, leading to adverse implications for family planning efforts and demographic trends. Despite efforts to promote contraception, including a national family planning program, Pakistan continues to struggle with low and stagnant contraceptive prevalence rates among married women. The influence of gender composition on modern contraceptive uptake remains underexplored, necessitating research to elucidate its impact on reproductive behavior.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Restores NAD Levels to Alleviate LPS-Induced Inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathway in Mice Granulosa Cells.

Inflammation disrupts the normal function of granulosa cells (GCs), which leads to ovarian dysfunction and fertility decline. Inflammatory conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), endometriosis, and age-related ovarian decline are often associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is an important precursor of NAD and has gained attention for its potential to modulate cellular metabolism, redox homeostasis, and mitigate inflammation.

A Cross-Sectional Multivariable Analysis of the Quality of Hemodialysis Patients' Life in Lahore City, Pakistan.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a severe health problem with dire consequences for the quality of life of millions of individuals and their families around the globe. This quantitative study analyzes the factors associated with hemodialysis patients' quality of life (QoL) in Lahore City, Pakistan. Primary data from a sample of 384 patients were collected through regular visits to the hospital.

Smokeless tobacco: knowledge, attitudes and usage in Pakistan.

Background: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) encompasses products that are not burnt but instead consumed orally or nasally. One-third of tobacco is consumed in the smokeless form in South Asia. Despite its widespread usage, there has been limited empirical research on the prevalence and factors influencing SLT consumption in Pakistan.

Dissecting the genetic basis of fruiting efficiency for genetic enhancement of harvest index, grain number, and yield in wheat.

Background: Grain number (GN) is one of the key yield contributing factors in modern wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties. Fruiting efficiency (FE) is a key trait for increasing GN by making more spike assimilates available to reproductive structures. Thousand grain weight (TGW) is also an important component of grain yield.