Effects of Biochar and Straw Amendment on Soil Fertility and Microbial Communities in Paddy Soils.

Straw and biochar, two commonly used soil amendments, have been shown to enhance soil fertility and the composition of microbial communities. To compare the effects of straw and biochar on soil fertility, particularly focusing on soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) components, and the physiochemical properties of soil and microbial communities, a combination of high-throughput sequencing and three-dimensional fluorescence mapping technology was employed. In our study, we set up four treatments, i.e., without biochar and straw (B0S0); biochar only (B1S0); straw returning only (B0S1); and biochar and straw (B1S1). Our results demonstrate that soil organic matter (SOM), available nitrogen (AN), and available potassium (AK) were increased by 34.71%, 22.96%, and 61.68%, respectively, under the B1S1 treatment compared to the B0S0 treatment. In addition, microbial carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and particulate organic carbon (POC) were significantly increased with the B1S1 treatment, by 55.13%, 15.59%, and 125.46%, respectively. The results also show an enhancement in microbial diversity, the composition of microbial communities, and the degree of soil humification with the application of biochar and straw. Moreover, by comparing the differences in soil fertility, DOM components, and other indicators under different treatments, the combined treatments of biochar and straw had a more significant positive impact on paddy soil fertility compared to biochar. In conclusion, our study revealed the combination of straw incorporation and biochar application has significant impacts and is considered an effective approach to improving soil fertility.

Insights into the genetic characteristics, clustering patterns, and phylogeographic dynamics of the JC polyomavirus, 1993 to 2023.

The human JC polyomavirus (JCV) is a widespread, neurotropic, opportunistic pathogen responsible for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) as well as other diseases in immunosuppressed individuals, including granule cell neuronopathy, JCV-associated nephropathy, encephalitis, and meningitis in rare cases. JCV classification is still unclear, where the ICTV (International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses) has grouped all the strains into human polyomavirus 2, with no classification on clade and subclade levels. Therefore, JCV strains were previously classified using different genomic regions, e.g., full-length, VP1, and the V-T intergenic region etc., and the strains were grouped into several types related to various geographic locations and human ethnicities. However, neither of these classifications and nomenclature contemplates all the groups described so far. Herein, we evaluated all the available full-length coding genomes, VP1, and large T antigen nucleotide sequences of JCV reported during 1993-2023 and classified them into four major phylogenetic clades, i.e., GI-GIV, where GI is further grouped into two types GI.1 and GI.2 with five sub-clades each (GI.1/GI.2 a-e), GII into three (GII a-c), GIII as a separate clade, and GIV into seven sub-clades (GIV a-g). Similarly, the phylogeographic network analysis indicated four major clusters corresponding to GI-GIV clades, each with multiple subclusters and mutational sub-branches corresponding to the subclades. GI and GIV clusters are connected via GI.1-e reported from Europe and America, GII, GIII and GIV clusters are connected by GII-b and GII-c strains reported from Africa, while GIV cluster strains are connected to the Russia-Italy JCV haplotype. Furthermore, we identified JCV-variant-GS/B-Germany-1997 (GenBank ID: AF004350.1) as an inter-genotype recombinant having major and minor parents in the GI.1-e and GII-a clades, respectively. Additionally, the amino acid variability analysis revealed high entropy across all proteins. The large T antigen exhibited the highest variability, while the small t antigen showed the lowest variability. Our phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses provide a new approach to genotyping and sub-genotyping and present a comprehensive classification system of JCV strains based on their genetic characteristics and geographic distribution, while the genetic recombination and amino acid variability can help identify pathogenicity and develop effective preventive and control measures against JCV infections.

Computational study of effect of hybrid nanoparticles on hemodynamics and thermal transfer in ruptured arteries with pathological dilation.

The intended research aims to explore the convection phenomena of a hybrid nanofluid composed of gold and silver nanoparticles. This research is novel and significant because there is a lack of existing studies on the flow behavior of hybrid nanoparticles with important physical properties of blood base fluids, especially in the case of sidewall ruptured dilated arteries. The implementation of combined nanoparticles rather than unadulterated nanoparticles is one of the most crucial elements in boosting the thermal conduction of fluids. The research methodology encompasses the utilization of advanced bio-fluid dynamics software for simulating the flow of the nanofluid. The physical context elucidates the governing equations of momentum, mass, momentum, and energy in terms of partial differential equations. The results are displayed in both tabular and graphical forms to demonstrate the numerical and graphical solutions. The effect of physical parameters on velocity distribution is illustrated through graphs. Furthermore, the study's findings are unique and original, and these computational discoveries have not been published by any researcher before. The finding implies that utilizing hybrid nanoparticles as drug carriers holds great promise in mitigating the effects of blood flow, potentially enhancing drug delivery, and minimizing its impact on the body.

Aflatoxins in the rice production chain: A review on prevalence, detection, and decontamination strategies.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most consumed cereals that along with several important nutritional constituents typically provide more than 21% of the caloric requirements of human beings. Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic secondary metabolites of several Aspergillus species that are prevalent in cereals, including rice. This review provides a comprehensive overview on production factors, prevalence, regulations, detection methods, and decontamination strategies for AFs in the rice production chain. The prevalence of AFs in rice is more prominent in African and Asian than in European countries. Developed nations have more stringent regulations for AFs in rice than in the developing world. The contamination level of AFs in the rice varied at different stages of rice production chain and is affected by production practices, environmental conditions comprising temperature, humidity, moisture, and water activity as well as milling operations such as de-husking, parboiling, and polishing. A range of methods including chromatographic techniques, immunochemical methods, and spectrophotometric methods have been developed, and used for monitoring AFs in rice. Chromatographic methods are the most used methods of AFs detection followed by immunochemical techniques. AFs decontamination strategies adopted worldwide involve various physical, chemical, and biological strategies, and even using plant materials. In conclusion, adopting good agricultural practices, implementing efficient AFs detection methods, and developing innovative aflatoxin decontamination strategies are imperative to ensure the safety and quality of rice for consumers.

Improving self-dependency in Pakistan: Experience of a locally prepared automated PD machine.

The increasing burden of haemodialysis on healthcare systems merits efforts to make peritoneal dialysis (PD) more accessible to the population in need of kidney replacement therapy. Automated PD (APD) may be a suitable alternative to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for home dialysis especially for children, elderly and patients who lead a busy schedule in their jobs thus leaving more time for personal and family activities during the day. Recently, a local bioengineering company took the initiative to develop a locally manufactured, low-cost APD cycler in Pakistan, with an aim to improve the self-dependency and home-based kidney replacement therapy. We herein present our first experience of APD on this locally manufactured APD cycler. It was an investigator-led study on the utility of a locally manufactured APD cycler and the safety and efficacy of the standard operating procedures developed and adopted by the study authors. A total of eight patients agreed to participate in this study extending from September 2021 to August 2022. There were four male and four female patients, and the mean age was 52.5 + 19.71 years. The locally manufactured cycler provided more than 1600 h of APD sessions. The APD sessions were well tolerated with only a few instances of minor mechanical and software issues that did not require termination of therapy. There were no episodes of peritonitis; however, one of the patients had an episode of exit site and tunnel infection that did not seem to be related to the procedure. Our experience with locally manufactured APD cycler was successful and without major adverse events. We believe the locally produced APD cycler is a viable cost-effective option for patients requiring PD and may herald a new era of self-dependency for patients considering or undergoing PD in Pakistan.

Impact of dichromatic lighted incubation on hatching result and post-hatch performance of broiler chickens.

This study was planned to evaluate the impact of dichromatic lights during incubation on the hatching and post-hatch performance of broiler chickens. A total of 500 eggs of broiler breeder (Ross 308; Age 44 weeks) were evenly divided according to a completely randomized design into 4 treatments having 5 replicates and 25 eggs each. Treatments consisted of dichromatic lights Blue + Red (BR), Green + Red (GR) and Green + Blue (GB) provided at an intensity of 250 lx for 12 h a day along with a Dark (D) environment. After hatching 200 chicks (50 from each respective light group) were divided into 4 treatments with 5 replicates each having 10 chicks. Results indicated a higher embryo index (13.12%) in the GR group on the 12th day of incubation; while an ideal hatch window was observed in GR and GB (98.18% and 96.00% hatched chicks) lighting groups. In hatching traits, higher hatchability (86.15) and hatch of fertile (93.85) percentages were observed in GR lighting followed by GB, BR and Dark treatment groups; while dead-in shell embryos were lowest in the GR group. In growth performance, higher feed intake (513.20 g) and body weight (479.20 g) were observed in the GB group followed by GR, BR and dark group; and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in the GR group (1.06). In welfare parameters, improved physical asymmetry (0.90 mm) and tonic immobility (54.40 s) were measured in the GR group followed by GB, BR and the dark group. It was concluded that under experimental conditions when broiler breeder eggs are provided with GR lighting during incubation, it can help to improve hatchability, growth performance and welfare traits in chicks.

Risk Factors of Postoperative Acute Heart Failure in Elderly Patients After Hip Fracture Surgery.

Background Postoperative acute heart failure (AHF) in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery is a common complication. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the risk factor of AHF after hip fracture surgery among the older population. Methods This retrospective cohort study was performed on 88 admitted patients whose hip fractures were fixed via internal fixation surgery in a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January 2022 to March 2023. Recruitment of patients was made through established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ethical approval and informed consent were also gained before the data collection. A self-designed form was used to collect data. Data analysis was carried out in the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to compare the attributes of the patients with AHF and patients without AHF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the postoperative AHF and its potential risk factors. Results Out of 88 enrolled patients, 12 (13.64%) had developed postoperative AHF. Age ≥ 65 years (OR = 2.606, 95% CI = 1.035~4.160, p = 0.010), anemia (OR = 3.178, 95% CI = 1.847~5.990, p = 0.029), hypertension (OR = 2.019, 95% CI = 1.110~4.034, p = 0.012), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.003, 95% CI = 1.115~4.012, p = 0.015), hypoalbuminemia (OR = 2.486, 95% CI = 1.218~4.619, p = 0.030), and operation time ≥ 120 minutes (OR = 1.702, 95% CI = 1.099~2.880, p = 0.018), were the risk factors of postoperative AHF in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery. Conclusions In the study population, the incidence of postoperative heart failure was significant and age ≥ 65 years, anemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypoalbuminemia, and operation time ≥ 120 were significantly involved in the development of it. Preoperative identification and management of AHF risk factors could lead to the prevention of postoperative complications.

Physiological, molecular, and environmental insights into plant nitrogen uptake, and metabolism under abiotic stresses.

Nitrogen (N) as an inorganic macronutrient is inevitable for plant growth, development, and biomass production. Many external factors and stresses, such as acidity, alkalinity, salinity, temperature, oxygen, and rainfall, affect N uptake and metabolism in plants. The uptake of ammonium (NH4 +) and nitrate (NO3 -) in plants mainly depends on soil properties. Under the sufficient availability of NO3 - (>1 mM), low-affinity transport system is activated by gene network NRT1, and under low NO3 - availability (<1 mM), high-affinity transport system starts functioning encoded by NRT2 family of genes. Further, under limited N supply due to edaphic and climatic factors, higher expression of the AtNRT2.4 and AtNRT2.5T genes of the NRT2 family occur and are considered as N remobilizing genes. The NH4 + ion is the final form of N assimilated by cells mediated through the key enzymes glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase. The WRKY1 is a major transcription factor of the N regulation network in plants. However, the transcriptome and metabolite profiles show variations in N assimilation metabolites, including glycine, glutamine, and aspartate, under abiotic stresses. The overexpression of NO3 - transporters (OsNRT2.3a and OsNRT1.1b) can significantly improve the biomass and yield of various crops. Altering the expression levels of genes could be a valuable tool to improve N metabolism under the challenging conditions of soil and environment, such as unfavorable temperature, drought, salinity, heavy metals, and nutrient stress.

Impact of medication dosage on Helicobacter pylori eradication rates among pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: Helicobacter pylori rates of eradication to common first-line regimens continue to decline globally. Prescription of the appropriate medication dosage is an important consideration, particularly in the pediatric population due to medication weight-based dosing. Limited data is available on the impact of guideline-recommended weight-based dosing on the successful eradication of H. pylori in children. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with histologic evidence of H. pylori from two pediatric tertiary care centers in New England. We excluded patients who were not treated or those missing eradication data. We compared the eradication rates of patients prescribed recommended weight-based dosages, duration, and frequency of treatment with those who were not. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four patients were included. The overall eradication rate was 73.6% (106/144). All treatment regimens were properly prescribed for 14 days. There was a high rate of improper weight-based dosing: proton pump inhibitor (PPI) 31.2% (45/144), amoxicillin 31.7% (39/123), metronidazole (MET) 19.4% (12/62), clarithromycin (CLA) 23.9% (22/70), tetracycline 50% (6/12), bismuth 26.1% (6/23). When PPIs were properly weight-dosed, there was a 78.8% eradication rate that dropped to 62.2% with suboptimal dosing (p = 0.036, OR: 2.26, CI: 1.04-4.87). When amoxicillin was properly weight-dosed, successful eradication was achieved in 81% versus only 53.8% when improperly dosed (p = 0.002; OR: 3.64, CI: 1.58-8.37). There was no statistically significant impact on eradication rates with improper weight-based dosing of MET, CLA, tetracycline, or bismuth. CONCLUSION: Proper weight-based dosing of amoxicillin and PPI is important for the successful eradication of H. pylori among children in the New England area.

A graph-theoretic approach to ring analysis: Dominant metric dimensions in zero-divisor graphs.

This article investigates the concept of dominant metric dimensions in zero divisor graphs (ZD-graphs) associated with rings. Consider a finite commutative ring with unity, denoted as R, where nonzero elements x and y are identified as zero divisors if their product results in zero (x.y=0). The set of zero divisors in ring R is referred to as L(R). To analyze various algebraic properties of R, a graph known as the zero-divisor graph is constructed using L(R). This manuscript establishes specific general bounds for the dominant metric dimension (Ddim) concerning the ZD-graph of R. To achieve this objective, we examine the zero divisor graphs for specific rings, such as the ring of Gaussian integers modulo m, denoted as Zm[i], the ring of integers modulo n, denoted as Zn, and some quotient polynomial rings. Our research unveils new insights into the structural similarities and differences among commutative rings sharing identical metric dimensions and dominant metric dimensions. Additionally, we present a general result outlining bounds for the dominant metric dimension expressed in terms of the maximum degree, girth, clique number, and diameter of the associated ZD-graphs. Through this exploration, we aim to provide a comprehensive framework for analyzing commutative rings and their associated zero divisor graphs, thereby advancing both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in diverse domains.

Evaluation of clinical and laboratory characteristics of dengue viral infection and risk factors of dengue hemorrhagic fever: a multi-center retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dengue Viral Infection (DVI) has become endemic in Pakistan since the first major outbreak in Karachi in 1996. Despite aggressive measures taken by relevant authorities, Pakistan has been dealing with a worsening dengue crisis for the past two decades. DHF is severe form of dengue infection which is linked with significant morbidity and mortality. Early identification of severe dengue infections can reduce the morbidity and mortality. In this context we planned current study in which we find out the different factors related with DHF as well as clinical laboratory features of DHF and compare them to DF so that patients can be best evaluated for DHF and managed accordingly at admission. METHODS: Retrospective study conducted over a period of 6 years (2013-2018) in two tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan. Data were collected by using a pre-structured data collection form. Data were statistically analyzed to determine the clinical and laboratory characteristics of DVI and risk factors of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). RESULTS: A total 512 dengue cases (34.05 ± 15.08 years; Male 69.53%) were reviewed. Most common clinical manifestations of DVI were fever (99.60%), headache (89.1%), chills (86.5%), rigors (86.5%), myalgia (72.3%). Less common clinical manifestations were vomiting (52.5%), arthralgia (50.2%) and skin rashes (47.5%). Furthermore, nasal bleeding (44.1%), gum bleeding (32.6%), pleural effusion (13.9%) and hematuria (13.1%) were more profound clinical presentations among DHF patients. Mortality rate was 1.5% in this study. Logistic regression analysis indicated that delayed hospitalization (OR: 2.30) and diabetes mellitus (OR:2.71), shortness of breath (OR:2.21), association with risk groups i.e., living near stagnant water, travelling to endemic areas, living in endemic regions (OR:1.95), and presence of warning signs (OR:2.18) were identified as risk factors of DHF. Statistically we found that there is strong association of diabetes mellitus (DM) with DHF while the patient suffering from DM individually had higher odds (2.71) of developing DHF than patients without disease. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated that the clinical and laboratory profiles of DF and DHF are significantly distinct. Significant predictors of DHF were advanced age, diabetes mellitus, ascites, pleural effusion, thick gallbladder and delayed hospitalization. The identification of these factors at early stage provides opportunities for the clinicians to identify high risk patients and to reduce dengue-related morbidity and mortality.

A statistical framework for a new Kavya-Manoharan Bilal distribution using ranked set sampling and simple random sampling.

In survival and stochastic lifespan modeling, numerous families of distributions are sometimes considered unnatural, unjustifiable theoretically, and occasionally superfluous. Here, a novel parsimonious survival model is developed using the Bilal distribution (BD) and the Kavya-Manoharan (KM) parsimonious transformation family. In addition to other analytical properties, the forms of probability density function (PDF) and behavior of the distributions' hazard rates are analyzed. The insights are theoretical as well as practical. Theoretically, we offer explicit equations for the single and product moments of order statistics from Kavya-Manoharan Bilal Distribution. Practically, maximum likelihood (ML) technique, which is based on simple random sampling (SRS) and ranked set sampling (RSS) sample schemes, is employed to estimate the parameters. Numerical simulations are used as the primary methodology to compare the various sampling techniques.

Exploring the Impact of Personalized Nutritional Approaches on Metabolism and Immunity: A Systematic Review of Various Nutrients and Dietary Patterns.

The systematic review investigates the impact of different nutrients and dietary patterns on metabolism and immunity to answer the research question: "Can personalized nutritional approaches boost immunity?" The importance of diet in supporting the immune system has come to light in today's environment, where a strong immune system is crucial for protection against infectious illnesses, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. Four databases were screened for relevant data published in 2022-2023: PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were utilized, and 13 papers were finalized after screening and employing the quality appraisal tool Cochrane Bias assessment for randomized controlled trials (RCT). Personalized nutrition can strengthen immunity and enhance overall health by adjusting dietary recommendations and following a person's genetic makeup, lifestyle, and health state. An adequate supply of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids as well as an optimum caloric intake are essential for immune health, and individual requirements can vary significantly due to genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions. Personalized nutrition considers these factors, enabling tailored dietary recommendations to address specific nutrient needs and optimize nutrient intake, leading to better health outcomes. The review concludes that personalized nutrition is more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach in boosting immunity, and its potential impact on health and immune function is highly important.

De Novo Elastin Assembly Alleviates Development of Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: A series of incurable cardiovascular disorders arise due to improper formation of elastin during development. Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), resulting from a haploinsufficiency of ELN, is caused by improper stress sensing by medial vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to progressive luminal occlusion and heart failure. SVAS remains incurable, as current therapies do not address the root issue of defective elastin. METHODS: We use SVAS here as a model of vascular proliferative disease using both human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular smooth muscle cells and developmental Eln± mouse models to establish de novo elastin assembly as a new therapeutic intervention. RESULTS: We demonstrate mitigation of vascular proliferative abnormalities following de novo extracellular elastin assembly through the addition of the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate to SVAS human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular smooth muscle cells and in utero to Eln± mice. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate de novo elastin deposition normalizes SVAS human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular smooth muscle cell hyperproliferation and rescues hypertension and aortic mechanics in Eln± mice, providing critical preclinical findings for the future application of epigallocatechin gallate treatment in humans.

Effectiveness of Probiotic Use in Alleviating Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal (GI) condition, and changes in the gut microbiota's composition contribute to the development of symptoms. Although the precise mechanisms of probiotic use in the human body are not fully understood, probiotic supplements are believed to reduce symptoms, such as abdominal pain, by regulating neurotransmitters and receptors associated with pain modulation in IBS patients compared to placebo by altering the gut flora. This systematic review aimed to assess the most current randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on how probiotic supplementation affects the symptoms in people with IBS. The effects of probiotic supplements on IBS symptoms were studied in RCTs published between January 2018 and June 2023. After a search through PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords probiotics, gut microbiota, irritable bowel syndrome, and IBS; eight articles matched the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Four trials used a multistrain probiotic, whereas the remaining four trials examined the effects of a monostrain supplement. All eight trials came to the same conclusion: Probiotic treatment may significantly reduce symptoms.

Long-Term Maintenance of Viable Human Endometrial Epithelial Cells to Analyze Estrogen and Progestin Effects.

There are fewer investigations conducted on human primary endometrial epithelial cells (HPEECs) compared to human primary endometrial stromal cells (HPESCs). One of the main reasons is the scarcity of protocols enabling prolonged epithelial cell culture. Even though it is possible to culture HPEECs in 3D over a longer period of time, it is technically demanding. In this study, we successfully established a highly pure, stable, and long-term viable human conditionally reprogrammed endometrial epithelial cell line, designated as eCRC560. These cells stained positive for epithelial markers, estrogen and progesterone receptors, and epithelial cell-cell contacts but negative for stromal and endothelial cell markers. Estradiol (ES) reduced the abundance of ZO-1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner, in contrast to the dose-dependent increase with the progestin dienogest (DNG) when co-cultured with HPESCs. Moreover, ES significantly increased cell viability, cell migration, and invasion of the eCRC560 cells; all these effects were inhibited by pretreatment with DNG. DNG withdrawal led to a significantly disrupted monolayer of eCRC560 cells in co-culture with HPESCs, yet it markedly increased the adhesion of eCRC560 to the human mesothelial MeT-5A cells. The long-term viable eCRC560 cells are suitable for in vitro analysis of HPEECs to study the epithelial compartment of the human endometrium and endometrial pathologies.

Transformation of heavy metals from contaminated water to soil, fodder and animals.

A serious environmental problem that threatens soil quality, agricultural productivity, and food safety is heavy metal pollution in water sources. Heavy metal pollution is the main problem in tehsil Pasrur, Sialkot, Pakistan. Present study was arranged to notice the heavy metals in water, soil, forages and buffalo milk. There are seven sites that were used for this experiment. Highest malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (3.00 ± 0.01) were noticed in barseem roots at site 7. Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) was reached at its peak (1.93 ± 0.01) at site 7 in the fresh barseem. Maximum protein contents (0.36 ± 0.01) were observed in fresh plant samples at site 2. Site 3's buffalo milk samples had the highest Ni content (7.22 ± 0.33 ppm), while Site 3's soil samples had the lowest Cr content (8.89 ± 0.56 ppm), Site 1's plant shoots had the lowest Cr content (27.75 ± 1.98 ppm), and Site 3's water had the highest Cr content (40.07 ± 0.49 ppm). The maximum fat content (5.38 ± 2.32%) was found in the milk of the animals at site 7. The highest density (31.88 ± 6.501%), protein content (3.64 ± 0.33%), lactose content (5.54 ± 0.320%), salt content (0.66 ± 0.1673%), and freezing point (- 0.5814 ± 0.1827 °C) were also observed in the milk from animals at site 7, whereas site 5 displayed the highest water content (0.66 ± 0.1673%) and peak pH value (11.64 ± 0.09). In selected samples, the pollution load index for Ni (which ranged from 0.01 to 1.03 mg/kg) was greater than 1. Site 7 has the highest conductivity value (5.48 ± 0.48). Values for the health risk index varied from 0.000151 to 1.00010 mg/kg, suggesting that eating tainted animal feed may pose health concerns. Significant health concerns arise from metal deposition in the food chain from soil to feed, with nickel having the highest health risk index.

Molecular Epidemiology and Phylogeny of Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi in Sheep and Goats from Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Background: Theileria spp. are responsible for ovine and caprine theileriosis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in small ruminants. The present study aims to investigate Theileria spp. infections in small ruminants from Southern Punjab in Pakistan, and genetic characterize revealed Theileria spp. isolates. Methods: A total of 93 sheep and 107 goats were sampled between May and August 2022. Blood smears were examined microscopically, and PCR amplification targeting the 18S rRNA gene was performed to detect Theileria spp. Additionally, specific PCR assays targeting 18S rRNA and ms1 partial sequences were used to identify Theileria ovis and T. lestoquardi, respectively.  Results: The prevalence of Theileria spp. was significantly higher using PCR (13.5%) compared to microscopic screening (5%). Sheep showed a higher prevalence rate (19.4%) compared to goats (8.4%) (p = 0.024). Young sheep aged ≤ 1 year were more commonly infected with Theileria spp. (41%) compared to older sheep (p = 0.006). The prevalence of Theileria spp. was higher in sheep-only herds (37.3%) compared to goat-only herds (18%) or mixed-species herds (8.1%) (p = 0.015). The prevalence rates of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi were 9% and 2.5%, respectively, with four animals (2 goats and 2 sheep) showing co-infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that our T. ovis 18S rRNA sequence clustered with previously reported sequences from sheep in Turkey, China, Spain, and goats in Tanzania. The obtained T. lestoquardi ms1 partial sequence formed a distinct cluster from other T. lestoquardi isolates in Pakistan and neighboring countries.  Conclusion: Theileria spp. co-circulation in Pakistani small ruminants, particularly the presence of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi, highlights the need for attention from animal health decision-makers due to their financial and health impacts.

A comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 nonlinear mathematical model by incorporating the environment and social distancing.

This research conducts a detailed analysis of a nonlinear mathematical model representing COVID-19, incorporating both environmental factors and social distancing measures. It thoroughly analyzes the model's equilibrium points, computes the basic reproductive rate, and evaluates the stability of the model at disease-free and endemic equilibrium states, both locally and globally. Additionally, sensitivity analysis is carried out. The study develops a sophisticated stability theory, primarily focusing on the characteristics of the Volterra-Lyapunov (V-L) matrices method. To understand the dynamic behavior of COVID-19, numerical simulations are essential. For this purpose, the study employs a robust numerical technique known as the non-standard finite difference (NSFD) method, introduced by Mickens. Various results are visually presented through graphical representations across different parameter values to illustrate the impact of environmental factors and social distancing measures.

Frequency and Aberrant CD Marker Profile of Acute Leukaemias.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of different types of acute leukaemia and their subtypes along with associated aberrant CD markers. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Immunology Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from November 2021 to October 2023. METHODOLOGY: All samples received for flow cytometric immunophenotyping with suspicion of acute leukaemia were included in the study. Cells were stained with fluorochrome labelled monoclonal antibodies against lineage-specific cluster of differentiation (CD) markers through a lyse-wash procedure. Acquisition and analysis were done using multi-parameter BD FACS Canto II Flow cytometer and BD FACS Diva software, respectively. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS v 23.0. RESULTS: Over a period of 2 years, a total of 1,115 suspected patients were tested for acute leukaemia. Among them, 728 (65.3%) were males and 387 (34.7%) were females, with mean age 28 ± 21 years, ranging from 1 week to 87 years. Among a total of 875/1115 (78.5%) diagnosed cases of acute leukaemia, AML was the most common leukaemia present in 408/875 (46.6%) patients followed by B-ALL and T-ALL in 384/875 (43.8%) and 70/87 (8%) patients, respectively (p = 0.5712). Aberrant CD markers were detected in 109/875 (12.5%) leukaemias (p = 0.0628). The most common aberrant CD markers in B-ALL were CD13 and CD33 present in 30/384 (7.8%) cases separately. Among AML and T-ALL most common aberrant CD markers were CD7 and CD33 present in 25/408 (6.13%) and 7/70 (10%) cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Special consideration should be given to the presence of aberrant CD markers when assigning lineages to acute leukaemias. They may be important diagnostic, prognostic, and management tools for institution of immunotherapy. KEY WORDS: Aberrant CD markers, Acute leukaemia, CD Markers, Flow cytometry, Immunophenotyping.