Healthcare workers' knowledge and risk perception regarding the first wave of COVID-19 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: an online cross-sectional survey.

Background: Increased COVID-19 transmission among the populace may be caused by healthcare workers (HCWs) who lack knowledge, awareness, and good preventive practices. Additionally, it may cause elevated stress levels, anxiety, poor medical judgement, and situational overestimation. Objectives: The present survey aimed to assess knowledge and risk perception regarding COVID-19 among HCWs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Methodology: A web-based online, pre-tested questionnaire comprising 26 items was circulated via social media in April 2020 amongst HCWs in major tertiary care facilities in KP. Results: The study's results, revealing both the commendable knowledge levels among HCWs about COVID-19 and their heightened risk perception, highlight the critical need for targeted interventions to address the potential impact on self-protective behaviour and mental health within this vital workforce. This insight is important for designing strategies that not only enhance HCWs' well-being but also ensure the continued effectiveness of healthcare delivery during pandemics. The percentage mean score (PMS) of COVID-19 knowledge was 85.14±10.82. Male HCWs and those with an age older than or equal to 32 years demonstrated a higher knowledge score (85.62±11.08; P=0.032 and 87.59±7.33, P=0.021, respectively). About 76% of HCWs feared contracting COVID-19. Nearly 82% of respondents were mentally preoccupied with the pandemic and also terrified of it. 'Of these, 81% were nurses, 87% had a job experience of 6-8 years and 54.45% were frontline workers. Feelings of panic and concern about the pandemic were found to be more in HCWs who were physicians above the age of 32, and who had 3-5 years of work experience. HCWs' overall risk perception was found to be significantly different between males (7.04±2.26) and females (8.01±1.97), job experience of 6-10 years (8.04±177) with 3-5 years and younger than or equal to 2 years job experience (7.18±2.43,6.93±2.22), respectively, and between frontline HCWs (7.50±2.10) and non-frontline HCWs (6.84±2.40). Conclusion: HCWs demonstrated good knowledge about COVID-19. As the risk perception of COVID-19 among HCWs is high, it can raise concerns about their self-protective behaviour, and mental health. These issues need to be addressed.

Integrated Mechanism of Immune Response Modulation by Arctium Lappa L. Fructans Based on Microbiome and Metabolomics Technologies.

Arctium lappa L. is widely consumed for its various biological effects, and polysaccharides are its main functional components. The present study aimed to evaluate the immunoregulatory effects of the main polysaccharides from burdock (ALP-1) and reveal the underlying mechanisms. ALP-1 consisted of fructose and glucose (14.57:1) and had a molecular weight of 2757 Da, with typical characteristics of (1 → 2)-linked linear fructans. Oral intake of ALP-1 significantly increased the number of colonic goblet cells, serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G levels, and fecal secretory immunoglobulin A content as well as up-regulated antioxidant enzymes and increased short chain fatty acid production. In addition, ALP-1 administration regulated pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and IL-10), intestinal microbiota structure, and the spatial information on key metabolites. Some gut-microbiota-mediated metabolic processes were also significantly altered. These results indicated that ALP-1 could exert beneficial effects on immune responses and intestinal health in healthy mice.

Evaluation of diethyl 4-(5-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate: synthesis, anti-corrosion potential, and biomedical applications.

The pursuit of advanced multifunctional compounds has gained significant momentum in recent scientific endeavours. This study is dedicated to elucidating the synthesis, rigorous characterization, and multifaceted applications-encompassing anti-corrosion, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties-of Diethyl 4-(5-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate. The 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative was meticulously synthesized through a strategic reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, ammonium acetate, and 5-bromoindole-3-carboxaldehydein the ethanol medium at 60  C. Subsequent spectral validations were conducted using sophisticated techniques, namely FTIR, NMR, and Mass spectrometry, resulting in data that perfectly resonated with the hypothesized chemical structure of the compound. Its anti-corrosive potential was assessed on mild steel subjected to an aggressive acidic environment, employing comprehensive methodologies like gravimetric analysis, Tafel polarization, and EIS. Concurrently, its antimicrobial prowess was ascertained against a spectrum of bacterial and fungal pathogens viz., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Candida albicansandAspergillusniger, leveraging the disc diffusion method and using Gentamicin as a reference standard.The empirical results illustrated a substantial decrement in corrosion rates with ascending concentrations of the organic compound, achieving an apex of anti-corrosive efficacy at 81.89% for a concentration of 2 × 103 M. Furthermore, the compound outperformed Gentamicin in antimicrobial screenings, manifesting superior efficacy against all tested pathogens. The antioxidant potential, quantified using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay against ascorbic acid as a benchmark, was found to have an IC50 value of 113.964 ± 0.076 µg/ml.This comprehensive investigation accentuates the paramount potential of the synthesized dihydropyridine derivative in diverse domains-from industrial applications as a corrosion inhibitor to therapeutic avenues given its pronounced antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. The compelling results obtained pave the way for expansive research and development initiatives cantered around this multifaceted compound.

Quantifying the Individual and Combined Effects of Short-Term Heat Stress at Booting and Flowering Stages on Nonstructural Carbohydrates Remobilization in Rice.

Rice production is threatened by climate change, particularly heat stress (HS). Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) remobilization is a key physiological mechanism that allows rice plants to cope with HS. To investigate the impact of short-term HS on the remobilization of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) in rice, two cultivars (Huaidao-5 and Wuyunjing-24) were subjected to varying temperature regimes: 32/22/27 °C as the control treatment, alongside 40/30/35 °C and 44/34/39 °C, for durations of 2 and 4 days during the booting, flowering, and combined stages (booting + flowering) within phytotrons across the years 2016 and 2017. The findings revealed that the stem's NSC concentration increased, while the panicle's NSCs concentration, the efficiency of NSCs translocation from the stem, and the stem NSC contribution to grain yield exhibited a consistent decline. Additionally, sugar and starch concentrations increased in leaves and stems during late grain filling and maturity stages, while in panicles, the starch concentration decreased and sugar concentration increased. The heat-tolerant cultivar, Wuyunjing-24, exhibited higher panicle NSC accumulation under HS than the heat-sensitive cultivar, Huaidao-5, which had more stem NSC accumulation. The flowering stage was the most vulnerable to HS, followed by the combined and booting stages. Heat degree days (HDDs) were utilized to quantify the effects of HS on NSC accumulation and translocation, revealing that the flowering stage was the most affected. These findings suggest that severe HS makes the stem the primary carbohydrate storage sink, and alleviation under combined HS aids in evaluating NSC accumulation, benefiting breeders in developing heat-tolerant rice varieties.

Exogenous application of ascorbic acid improves physiological and productive traits of Nigella sativa.

For thousands of years, plants have been utilized for medicinal purposes. For its naturally existing antibacterial properties, Nigella sativa is one of the most researched herbs. A study was conducted during rabi 2020-21 at The University of Haripur in order to evaluate the potential of ascorbic acid as plant growth enhancer. Two concentrations of ascorbic acid i-e 350 µm and 400 µm were sprayed along with control and water only spray on Nigella sativa crop. The study was arranged in RCBD two factor factorial arrangement. Factor A: ascorbic acid concentrations along with control and water spray, factor B: Growth stages (Stage1 = 40 days after sowing, Stage 2 = 80 DAS, Stage 3 = 120 DAS, Stage 4 = 40 + 80 DAS, Stage 5 = 40 + 120 DAS, Stage 6 = 80 + 120 DAS, Stage 7 = 40 + 80 + 120 DAS). Crop was sown in first week of November. Results reviled that chlorophyll b content, fixed oil content, 1000 seed weight, grain yield, Photosynthetic rate (µ mole m-2s-1), Transpiration rate (mmole m-2s-1), photosynthetic water use efficiency, Internal CO2 concentration (Ci) of leaf tissue and Stomatal conductance (mmole m-2s-1) were significantly affected by ascorbic acid concentrations and stage of application. Crop growth rate increased by 19.88% and 17.29%, chlorophyll b by 12.3% and 11.2%, fixed oil by 11.7% and 9%, grain yield by 10.29% and 9.8%, harvest index by 4% and 5.7% photosynthetic rate by 33%, 20% and stomatal conductance by 24.24% and 24.25 with application of ascorbic acid @ 350 µm, over control and water spray respectively. On the basis of these results it is concluded that application of ascorbic acid at the rate of 350 µm, followed by ascorbic acid at the rate of 400 µm significantly improves black cumin (Nigella sativa) yield and production. Hence it is recommended to apply ascorbic acid at the rate of 350 µm at 40 + 80+120 days after sowing of Nigella sativa crop for obtaining maximum results.

Corrigendum: The outbreak of seasonal goat's brucellosis in the Swat ecosystem of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

No abstract available.

Recent trends and economic significance of modified/functionalized biochars for remediation of environmental pollutants.

The pollution of soil and aquatic systems by inorganic and organic chemicals has become a global concern. Economical, eco-friendly, and sustainable solutions are direly required to alleviate the deleterious effects of these chemicals to ensure human well-being and environmental sustainability. In recent decades, biochar has emerged as an efficient material encompassing huge potential to decontaminate a wide range of pollutants from soil and aquatic systems. However, the application of raw biochars for pollutant remediation is confronting a major challenge of not getting the desired decontamination results due to its specific properties. Thus, multiple functionalizing/modification techniques have been introduced to alter the physicochemical and molecular attributes of biochars to increase their efficacy in environmental remediation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in developing multiple functionalized/modified biochars via biological and other physiochemical techniques. Related mechanisms and further applications of multiple modified biochar in soil and water systems remediation have been discussed and summarized. Furthermore, existing research gaps and challenges are discussed, as well as further study needs are suggested. This work epitomizes the scientific prospects for a complete understanding of employing modified biochar as an efficient candidate for the decontamination of polluted soil and water systems for regenerative development.

Advances in Smart Photovoltaic Textiles.

Energy harvesting textiles have emerged as a promising solution to sustainably power wearable electronics. Textile-based solar cells (SCs) interconnected with on-body electronics have emerged to meet such needs. These technologies are lightweight, flexible, and easy to transport while leveraging the abundant natural sunlight in an eco-friendly way. In this Review, we comprehensively explore the working mechanisms, diverse types, and advanced fabrication strategies of photovoltaic textiles. Furthermore, we provide a detailed analysis of the recent progress made in various types of photovoltaic textiles, emphasizing their electrochemical performance. The focal point of this review centers on smart photovoltaic textiles for wearable electronic applications. Finally, we offer insights and perspectives on potential solutions to overcome the existing limitations of textile-based photovoltaics to promote their industrial commercialization.

Seed priming with selenium improves growth and yield of quinoa plants suffering drought.

Drought stress is a worldwide threat to the productivity of crops, especially in arid and semi-arid zones of the world. In the present study, the effect of selenium (Se) seed priming on the yield of quinoa under normal and drought conditions was investigated. A pot trial was executed to enhance the drought tolerance in quinoa by Se seed priming (0, 3, 6, and 9 mg Se L-1). The plants were exposed to water stress at three different growth stages of quinoa, viz. multiple leaf, flowering, and seed filling. It was noticed that drought significantly affected the yield components of quinoa, however, Se priming improved the drought tolerance potential and yield of quinoa by maintaining the plant water status. Se priming significantly increased main panicle length (20.29%), main panicle weight (26.43%), and thousand grain weight (15.41%) as well as the gas exchange parameters (transpiration rate (29.74%), stomatal conductance (35.29%), and photosynthetic rate (28.79%), total phenolics (29.36%), leaf chlorophyll contents (35.97%), water relations (leaf relative water contents (14.55%), osmotic potential (10.32%), water potential (38.35%), and turgor potential (31.37%), and economic yield (35.99%) under drought stress. Moreover, Se priming markedly improved grain quality parameters i.e., phosphorus, potassium, and protein contents by 21.28%, 18.92%, and 15.04%, respectively. The principal component analysis connected the various study scales and showed the ability of physio-biochemical factors to describe yield fluctuations in response to Se seed priming under drought conditions. In conclusion, a drought at the seed-filling stage has a far more deleterious impact among other critical growth stages and seed priming with Se (6 mg L-1) was found more effective in alleviating the detrimental effects of drought on the grain yield of quinoa.

The outbreak of migratory goat's brucellosis in the Swat ecosystem of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Brucellosis is a major threat to public health especially in developing countries including Pakistan. This study reveals the characterisation of Brucella species affecting humans and goats in the Swat region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Blood samples were collected from shepherds and goats and analysed by Rose Bengal precipitation test (RBPT), standard plate agglutination test (SPAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The findings of the study indicated 24% (36/150) and 11.3% (17/150) positivity for Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis, respectively, in human samples. In samples of goats, 26.66% (40/150) were positive for B. abortus and 16.66% (25/150) samples were positive B. melitensis by SPAT. The species-specific PCR confirmed B. abortus in 24% (36/150) of human samples and 26.66% (17/150) of goat samples by targeting the IS711 locus. The remaining seropositive samples were confirmed as B. melitensis using IS711 M species-specific primer. The sequences of the amplified fragments of the 16S rRNA gene were blasted, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Brucella species circulating in the Swat district were closely related to B. melitensis and B. abortus reported from India, China, Philippines, and the United States (US) showing the existence of the possible epidemiological linkage among the Brucella species. This study concluded that there was a higher prevalence of B. abortus (26.6%) in humans and goats compared to B. melitensis (16.6%). These results revealed that the Brucella species were circulating in both humans and goats in the study areas. The findings of the study concluded that B. abortus and B. melitensis were circulating in goats and shepherds with a higher prevalence of B. abortus than B. melitensis. Furthermore, the Brucella species identified in Swat were phylogenetically related to the Brucella species reported from India, China, Philippines and the US.Contribution: The proposed study covers the scope of the journal. The species of the genus Brucella affect both animals and shepherds. This study investigates the seroprevalence of brucellosis in shepherds and goats in different geographical areas in the Swat district. The phylogenetic analysis of the Brucella spp. identified in Swat showed close relationships to the Brucella species reported in India, China, Philippines and the US, which shows the possible epidemiological linkages between the Brucella spp.

Foliar melatonin ameliorates drought-induced alterations in enzyme activities of sugar and nitrogen metabolisms in cotton leaves.

Sugar and nitrogen metabolisms help plants maintain cellular homeostasis, stress tolerance, and sustainable growth in drought conditions. Melatonin, a potent antioxidant and signaling molecule, appears to mitigate the negative impacts of drought on plants. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of foliar-applied melatonin in ameliorating drought-induced alterations in leaf sugar and nitrogen metabolisms' enzyme activities during cotton flowering and boll formation. To date, no study has examined drought-induced sugar and nitrogen metabolisms' enzyme activity changes in cotton treated with foliar melatonin. Drought levels (FC1 = 75 ± 5%, FC2 = 60 ± 5%, and FC3 = 45 ± 5%) were maintained between 3 and 35 days after flowering (DAF), and melatonin (M) concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 µmol L-1 ) were applied at 3 and 21 DAF in a completely randomized design. M100 concentrations at low FC levels significantly enhanced leaf sugar and N-metabolic enzyme activities, such as sucrose synthase (65.56%) and glutamine synthetase (55.24%), compared to plants not treated with melatonin; peaking between 7 and 21 DAF and declining gradually with crop growth. Moreover, the M100 concentrations at all FC levels, particularly FC3, significantly increased the relative expression of GhSusB, GhSusC, SPS1, and SPS3 genes, indicating that melatonin improves leaf sugar and N-metabolism enzymatic activities under drought stress. Therefore, applying M100 concentrations to cotton foliage under FC3 conditions during reproductive stages improves leaf water status, sugar, and N-metabolism enzyme activities, demonstrating melatonin's potent anti-stress, osmoregulatory, and growth-promoting properties in overcoming drought stress in cotton crops. Future research into the molecular mechanisms of melatonin-mediated sugar and nitrogen metabolism enzyme activities in cotton leaves may lead to biotechnological methods to improve drought resilience in cotton and other crops.

Agitation role (Dissolved Oxygen) in production of laccase from newly identified Ganoderma multistipitatum sp. nov. and its effect on mycelium morphology.

BACKGROUND: Agitation speed influenced the production rate of laccase. Orbital speed not only influenced the enzyme production, but was also effective to dissolve the oxygen during growth of mycelium, spores, and chlamydospores. Shear effects of speed greatly influenced the morphology of mycelium. METHODS: Ganoderma multistipitatum was identified by ITS marker. Phylogenetic tree was constructed for species identification. Qualitatively by plate method contained guaiacol indicator, while quantitatively by submerged fermentation and Central Composite Design applied on agitation parameter for maximum laccase potential of this species. The effects of agitation speed on mycelium morphology were observed under compound and scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Statistical optimization of agitation conditions were performed by using response surface methodology to enhance the production of laccase from Ganoderma multistipitatum sp. nov. Maximum laccase yield (19.44 × 105 ± 0.28 U/L) was obtained at 150 rpm grown culture, which was higher than predicted value of laccase production (19.18 × 105 U/L) under aerobic conditions (150 rpm). The 150 rpm provided the continuous flush of oxygen. The DO (dissolved oxygen) was maximum (65%) for "27 h" incubation at 150 rpm during laccase synthesis. The statistical value of laccase production was minimum under anaerobic or nearly static condition of 50 rpm. The predicted (12.78 × 105 U/L) and obtained (12.82 × 105 U/L) yield was low at 50 rpm. Optimization of orbital shaking for aeration conditions were performed by the use of "Response Surface Methodology". The submerged shaking flasks were utilized as a nutrients growth medium to maximize the production of laccase from G. multistipitatum. The minimum incubation time highly influenced the laccase yield from 7 to 15 days via utilization of less cost-effective medium under a promising and eco-friendly method. The morphological effects of rpm on mycelium were examined under compound and scanning electron microscopy. Higher rpm (200, 230) shear the mycelium, while 150 to 200 rpm exhibited smoother and highly dense branches of mycelia. CONCLUSION: The shear forces of 200 rpm caused the damages of mycelium and cells autolysis with less laccase production. This study concluded that 150 rpm saved the life of mycelium and enhanced the production rate of enzymes.

Organic amendments improve salinity-induced osmotic and oxidative stress tolerance in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)Moench).

AIMS: Salinity adversely affects okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] plants by inducing osmotic and oxidative stresses. This study was designed to enhance salinity-induced osmotic and oxidative stress tolerance in okra plants by applying organic amendments. METHODS: The effects of different organic amendments (municipal solid waste compost, farmyard manure (FYM) and press mud) on osmotic potential, water use efficiency, activities of antioxidant enzymes, total soluble sugar, total soluble proline, total soluble protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of okra plants grown under saline conditions (50 mM sodium chloride) were evaluated in a pot experiment. The organic amendments were applied each at the rate of 5% and 10% per pot or in various combinations (compost + FYM, FYM + press mud and compost + press mud each at the rate of 2.5% and 5% per pot). RESULTS: As compared to control, high total soluble sugar (60.41), total soluble proline (33.88%) and MDA (51%) contents and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (83.54%), catalase (78.61%), peroxidase (53.57%] in salinity-stressed okra plants, were indicative of oxidative stress. Salinity significantly reduced the osmotic potential (41.78%) and water use efficiency (4.75%) of okra plants compared to control. Under saline conditions, 5% (farmyard manure + press mud) was the most effective treatment, which significantly improved osmotic potential (27.05%), total soluble sugar (4.20%), total soluble protein (73.62%) and total soluble proline (23.20%) contents and superoxide dismutase activity (32.41%), compared to saline soil. Application of 2.5% (FYM + press mud), 5% press mud, and 10% compost significantly reduced MDA content (27%) and improved activities of catalase (38.64%) and peroxidase (48.29%), respectively, compared to saline soil, thus facilitated to alleviate oxidative stress in okra plants. CONCLUSIONS: Using organic amendments (municipal solid waste compost, farmyard manure and press mud) was a cost-effective approach to improve salinity-induced osmotic and oxidative stress tolerance in okra plants.

Pattern of dyslipidemia and associated factors in coronary artery disease patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A cross-sectional secondary data analysis.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence, pattern, and associated factors of dyslipidemia in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Northwest region of Pakistan. Method: A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was performed on CAD patients visiting cardiology clinics in selected hospitals from July to December 2019. A total of 362 patients were included via consecutive sampling. Dyslipidemia was operationalized according to the "National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP ATP III) guidelines". Results: Mixed dyslipidemia was recorded in 92.26% of the patients, while isolated dyslipidemia was observed in 5.24%. A high prevalence of combined dyslipidemia with increased LDL-C, TG, and low HDL-C was noted. Contrarily, elevated LDL-C was the commonest single lipid disorder (84.25%). Hypercholesterolemia was the least common disorder. Increasing BMI was found to be independently associated with hypercholesterolemia (OR: 1.19). Similarly, age (OR: 0.97) and being a rural resident (OR: 2.61) were independent factors associated with hypertriglyceridemia. Furthermore, being an urban resident (OR: 2.25) and increasing BMI (OR: 1.77) were also significantly associated with high LDL-C. Conclusion: Mixed dyslipidemias were observed in the majority of the patients. Age, BMI, and residence were noted to be independently associated with abnormal lipids. Early screening and proper management should be encouraged to minimize this significant cardiovascular risk.

Harnessing role of sesamol and its nanoformulations against neurodegenerative diseases.

Sesamol is a lignan of sesame seeds and a natural phenolic molecule that has emerged as a useful medical agent. Sesamol is a non-toxic phytoconstituent, which exerts certain valuable effects in the management of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), etc. Sesamol is known to depict its neuroprotective role by various mechanisms, such as metabolic regulators, action on oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, etc. However, its poor oral bioavailability, rapid excretion (as conjugates), and susceptibility to gastric irritation/toxicity (particularly in rats' forestomach) may restrict its effectiveness. To overcome the associated limitations, novel drug delivery system-based formulations of sesamol are emerging and being researched extensively. These can conjugate with sesamol and enhance the bioavailability and solubility of free sesamol, along with delivery at the target site. In this review, we have summarized various research works highlighting the role of sesamol on various NDs, including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Moreover, the formulation strategies and neuroprotective role of sesamol-based nano-formulations have also been discussed.

Overcoming Mycobacterium tuberculosis Drug Resistance: Novel Medications and Repositioning Strategies.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, is a global health concern, affecting millions worldwide. This bacterium has earned a reputation as a formidable adversary due to its multidrug-resistant nature, allowing it to withstand many antibiotics. The development of this drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is attributed to innate and acquired mechanisms. In the past, rifampin was considered a potent medication for treating tuberculosis infections. However, the rapid development of resistance to this drug by the bacterium underscores the pressing need for new therapeutic agents. Fortunately, several other medications previously overlooked for tuberculosis treatment are already available in the market. Moreover, several innovative drugs are under clinical investigation, offering hope for more effective treatments. To enhance the effectiveness of these drugs, it is recommended that researchers concentrate on identifying unique target sites within the bacterium during the drug development process. This strategy could potentially circumvent the issues presented by Mycobacterium drug resistance. This review primarily focuses on the characteristics of novel drug resistance mechanisms in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It also discusses potential medications being repositioned or sourced from novel origins. The ultimate objective of this review is to discover efficacious treatments for tuberculosis that can successfully tackle the hurdles posed by Mycobacterium drug resistance.

Morphological and Molecular Characterizations of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Their Influence on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Plant Nutrition.

Pulses are considered a remarkable and stable source of nutrients, which are being presently extensively cultivated and consumed in different parts of the world. Pulses belong to the family Leguminosae and are a rich source of nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) for best growth via symbiotic relationship with bacteria and AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi). The aim of the current study was evaluating the influence of AMF diversity associated with various pulses (French bean, mung bean, kidney bean, peas, soybean, peanuts, and grams). Furthermore, AMF characterization was done using morphological features of spores and sequencing of the rDNA gene, which confirmed the existence of 10 different AMF taxa. Among the different genera, the genus Glomus was observed to be the most dominant with 30% species followed by Gigaspora (22%), Sclerocystis (12%), Acaulospora (8%), Rhizophagus and Septoglomus (7%), Diversispora (5%), and Claroideoglomus, Archaeospora, and Ambispora (3%). Furthermore, soil physicochemical analysis and percentage of AMF colonization results revealed the fact that the phosphorus content (inversely proportional to the AMF diversity) was a determining factor of AMF diversity. The highest amount of available phosphorus (62.825 mg kg-1) in the district Swabi resulted in a low rate of AMF colonization (6.66 ± 11.54%) with a comparatively higher rate of AMF colonization (50.66 ± 1.15%) found in the soil of the district Chitral having a low phosphorus content (17.3 ± 7.6 mg kg-1). Nutrient uptake by pulses including nitrogen (2.4 ± 1.3%), phosphorus (13.5 ± 7.6 mg kg -1), potassium (99.5 ± 25.8 mg kg -1), zinc (1.4 ± 0.5 mg kg -1), moisture (2.3 ± 1.3%), crude fats (5.6 ± 2.8%), ash (4 ± 1.2%), and proteins (13.6 ± 9.01%) determined the fact that AMF species diversity is positively correlated to the plant mineral nutrition. From the current study, it is concluded that AMF inoculation to the soil fields is beneficial to ensure the sustainability and productivity of pulse crops in diverse environmental conditions without polluting the soil.

Ab initio study of structural, mechanical and electronic properties of 3d transitional metal carbide in cubic rocksalt (rs), zincblende (zb), and cesium chloride (cc) structures by using LDA and GGA Approximation.

CONTEXT: This study rigorously investigates three 3d transition metal carbide (TMC) structures via LDA and GGA approximations. It examines cohesive energy (Ecoh), Vickers hardness (Hv), mechanical stability, and electronic properties. Notably, most 3d TMCs exhibit higher cohesive energy than nitrides, and rs-TiC demonstrates a Vickers hardness of 25.66 GPa, outperforming its nitride counterpart. The study employs theoretical calculations to expedite research, revealing mechanical stability in CrC and MnC (GGA) and CrC (LDA in cc structure), while all 3d TMCs in rs and seven in zb structures show stability. Charge transfer and bonding analysis reveal enhanced covalency along the series, influenced by the interplay between p orbitals of carbon and d orbitals of the metal. Most 3d TMCs exhibit metallic properties, excluding zb-TiC and zb-FeC in all phases. An inverse correlation between elastic constant C44 and electronic states near the Fermi level (EF) emerges, guiding applications and design. This study efficiently uncovers 3d TMC properties, offering insights for applications and design. METHODS: We employed the Vienna ab initio Simulation software (VASP) to perform computations based on density functional theory (DFT). Our approach incorporated both the projector augmented wave (PAW) and PW91 general gradient approximation (GGA) methods within the local density approximation (LDA).

Knowledge assessment of radiologists, radiology residents, and radiographers regarding contrast materials and management of adverse drug reactions occurring due to contrast materials: a cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of the radiology personnel regarding contrast media used in radiology and the management of associated adverse drug reactions. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 21 February to 31 March 2019 in five major hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan. A 30-item questionnaire was adopted from the existing literature containing both open and closed-ended questions and the authors conducted a pilot study among 25 participants to assess the face validity of the tool. A universal sampling technique was adopted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings of the study. Results: Less than half of the participants could correctly classify iodinated contrast media used in radiology on the basis of ionicity and osmolaity. Sixty-three percent chose severe contrast material-induced allergic reaction as type I hypersensitivity reaction while almost half of them correctly identified the features of iodinated contrast media associated with lesser side effects. Very few of them (6.7%) had read the ACR 2018 manual on contrast media. Regarding the risk factors for acute adverse reactions and signs/symptoms of anaphylaxis few could answer satisfactorily. Twenty-eight percent of participants correctly identified epinephrine as the initial medication in an anaphylactic reaction. Regarding the preferred route of administration, concentration and dose of epinephrine, the participants' correct response was quite poor (43.8%, 6.7%, and 8.6%, respectively). More than 65% of participants could name a single intravenous corticosteroid and antihistamine. Conclusion: Radiology personnel's knowledge regarding contrast material and management of severe contrast material-induced allergic reactions is unsatisfactory.