
The article presents the results of a study on the impact of the Angren coal deposit on the chemical composition of soils in the Tashkent region of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Particular attention is given to the spatial distribution of heavy metals and other chemical elements in soils depending on the distance from the pollution source and the prevailing wind direction. Soil sampling was carried out at distances of 0.2–5.3 km from the coal mining area, as well as at a background site (6.7 km), using standard soil sampling methods. Laboratory analyses included the determination of V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Pb. The results indicated exceedances of the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) for several elements, especially in areas close to the pollution source. The most pronounced technogenic accumulation was observed for As, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Sb. Statistical data processing (M, σ, CV, CI, correlation analysis, and ANOVA) confirmed a significant relationship between contamination levels and distance from the deposit. It was established that the main factor in the distribution of pollutants is the wind-driven transport of dust particles. The obtained results emphasize the need to strengthen environmental monitoring and develop measures to reduce anthropogenic pressure on soil ecosystems in the region.
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne zoonotic pathogens responsible for Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) and Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS). Their epidemiology is strongly influenced by interactions among reservoir hosts, environmental conditions, climatic variability, and human activities. Increasing evidence indicates that climate change, urbanization, deforestation, agricultural expansion, and biodiversity alterations are reshaping hantavirus transmission dynamics worldwide. To review the global epidemiology of hantavirus infections and examine the roles of rodent reservoirs, transmission ecology, climate change, environmental drivers, and One Health approaches in disease emergence, surveillance, and prevention. A narrative review was conducted using literature retrieved from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Epidemiological studies, surveillance reports, ecological investigations, outbreak analyses, and One Health-related publications were included. Findings were synthesized according to major thematic areas, including global epidemiology, reservoir ecology, environmental determinants, surveillance strategies, and prevention approaches. Approximately 150, 000–200, 000 HFRS cases are estimated to occur annually worldwide, with China accounting for the majority of reported infections. Europe experiences recurrent outbreaks of Puumala virus-associated nephropathia epidemica, while HCPS remains a significant concern in North and South America because of case-fatality rates ranging from 30% to 40%. Climatic factors such as temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events influence rodent population dynamics and disease transmission. Environmental changes, including deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and urbanization, further increase opportunities for human exposure. Integrated surveillance systems combining ecological, environmental, and epidemiological data have improved outbreak prediction and preparedness. Hantavirus epidemiology is shaped by complex interactions among humans, rodents, and environmental systems. Climate change and environmental modification are expected to influence future disease emergence. Strengthening One Health surveillance, expanding ecological monitoring, improving diagnostic capacity, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration are essential for reducing disease burden and enhancing preparedness for future outbreaks.
This study was carried out to assess the isolation and identification of contaminated bacteria E. coli and salmonella spp in fresh fish in two markets at Khartoum state. Fishes are a sensitive food which had a rapid rate of spoilage if they were not handled properly. The action of spoilage begins immediately after rigor mortis. When fish is caught, the subsequent steps of handling play great role on keeping quality and safety of fish. Two hundred of swab samples were collected, 100 sample from Central market and 100samples from Al-Mawrda market, each 100 samples were divided into, 50 samples type 1 (Clarias Lazera), 50 samples type 2 (Tetradon Fahaka), which were taken from five critical control points, fish skin, fish flesh, hands of labors, knives and tables of cutting. Then preserved in freezer at-18Co for (0, 14, 28 days). The isolates were two types of gram negative bacteria, E. coli and salmonella spp. Bacteriological analyses were performed using accredited methods, which showed highest contamination with E. coli recorded in central market 48 (80. 0) % in hands of labors, for type (1) clarias lazera 39 (65. 0) % in (fish skin and hands of labors) and for type (2) (Tetradon fahaka) 39 (65. 0) % in (fish flesh and knives). However, the highest contamination with Salmonella reported in Al-Mawrda market, in fish skin 40 (66. 7) %. The storage period was not affected significantly on samples contamination with either E. coli or Salmonella.
A survey was conducted to evaluate seedling-originated rose apple (Syzygium jambos L.) genotypes collected from 3 districts representing the Eastern Dry and Hilly agro-climatic zones of Karnataka. Based on growth, yield and fruit quality attributes, five elite genotypes BRDKRA-1, BNYRA-9, BRACRA-1, BRHSRA-1 and CMGRA-6 were identified and selected for vegetative multiplication. These genotypes were subsequently evaluated for their propagation potential through softwood grafting and patch budding. The present investigation was carried out during 2025-26 at the College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Significant variation was observed among the genotypes for graft success, bud take, sprouting behaviour, survival and vegetative growth parameters. Among the grafted plants, BRDKRA-1 recorded the highest graft success (70.00%) at 60 days after grafting (DAG) and graft survival (62.50%) at 120 DAG. The genotype also exhibited the earliest graft sprouting (18.32 days), highest number of sprouts per graft (3.13 at 30 DAG), maximum number of leaves per sprout (14.25 at 120 DAG) and maximum graft height (19.71 cm). Under patch budding, BNYRA-9 recorded the highest bud take (52.50%) at 60 days after budding (DAB) and bud survival (37.50%) at 120 DAB. The same genotype also produced the highest number of shoots per plant (0.60), maximum sprout length (16.22 cm), maximum leaf length (13.53 cm) and highest graft girth (6.05 mm) during the later stages of growth. Softwood grafting consistently resulted in earlier sprouting, higher success and survival percentages and superior vegetative growth compared with patch budding.
Trichoderma species have emerged as powerful biocontrol agents for controlling various diseases of crops and plants. Fungi belonging to Diaporthe and Lasiodiplodia species comprise some highly destructive plant pathogens affecting important agricultural crops. In the present study, the Trichoderma isolates were assessed for their antagonistic potential against Diaporthe and Lasiodiplodia species. The two methods used were dual culture assay and inverted plate assay. In the dual culture assay, the percentage inhibition of radial growth (PIRG) of Diaporthe species ranged from 65.16% to 73.68% with the maximum PIRG shown by isolate T4, which was identified as Trichoderma erinaceum; and the PIRG of Lasiodiplodia species ranged from 57.14% to 62.04% with the maximum PIRG shown by isolate T1, which was identified as Trichoderma yunnanense. In the inverted plate assay, the percentage of inhibition of Diaporthe species ranged from 19.79% to 60.29% and the maximum inhibition was exhibited by isolate T4. The volatile compounds produced by the Trichoderma isolates showed no inhibitory effect on the growth of Lasiodiplodia species. Thus, it can be concluded that the Trichoderma isolates showed more effective antagonism against Diaporthe than against Lasiodiplodia.
Nephropathogenic Infectious Bronchitis (NIB) is an important viral disease of poultry associated with severe renal damage and economic losses. The present study investigated the haematological alterations associated with naturally occurring NIB in broiler chickens from five confirmed flocks. Gross and histopathological examination revealed visceral uricosis, renal congestion, haemorrhage, necrosis, interstitial nephritis, glomerulonephritis, tubular degeneration and necrosis, and urate crystal deposition. Haematological analysis showed significantly reduced (P<0.05) haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), and total leukocyte count (TLC), indicating anaemia and leukopenia. Differential leukocyte count revealed significant heterophilia, lymphopenia, and reduced monocyte percentage, whereas eosinophil and basophil percentages did not differ significantly. These findings indicate that NIB is associated with characteristic haematological alterations that may serve as supportive indicators of disease in naturally infected broiler flocks.
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is among the most strategically important cereal crops on earth. Supplying approximately one-fifth of total human caloric intake and serving as a primary protein source for billions of people across all continents. However, the escalating frequency and intensity of heat and drought stress events driven by anthropogenic climate change now represent one of the most severe and immediate threats to global wheat production and food security. Temperatures exceeding the optimal range for wheat growth during the critical reproductive stage trigger cascading physiological, biochemical, and molecular disruptions that culminate in yield and quality losses. This review synthesizes the current understanding of the impacts of heat and drought stress on wheat. This review is organized across four major dimensions: (1) physiological and morphological responses to heat and drought stress, including photosynthetic impairment, membrane thermostability disruption, stomatal behavior, reproductive organ damage, and altered source-sink dynamics; (2) molecular mechanisms underpinning heat tolerance, encompassing the heat shock protein (HSP) chaperone network, heat shock transcription factors (HSFs), dehydration-responsive element binding (DREB) proteins, reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, and epigenetic regulation; (3) the interactive and often synergistic impacts of combined heat and drought stress, a condition increasingly prevalent in major wheat-growing regions, including its effects on gametophyte development, endosperm formation, starch biosynthesis, and grain protein composition; and (4) breeding and management strategies for improving heat stress tolerance, encompassing conventional breeding, marker-assisted selection, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, genomic selection, transgenic approaches, CRISPR-based genome editing, and agronomic management practices. Selected research findings synthesized from field and controlled environment trials conducted across contrasting environments demonstrate that genotype, environment, and their interaction all substantially influence the expression of heat tolerance traits, underscoring the need for multi-environment evaluation frameworks. Research tables summarize findings from 30+ studies, covering yield losses, grain quality, gene expression, QTL loci, and management outcomes. The review concludes by identifying critical knowledge gaps and highlighting priority research directions, including the urgent need to develop climate-resilient wheat cultivars capable of sustaining productivity under increasingly higher temperature environments.
Transfusion medicine is a vital component of emergency and critical care management of canine patients. Whole blood transfusion has been remained as a life saving measure in both human and animal health practices. However, advances in component therapy have replaced traditional whole blood transfusion, allowing targeted treatment of specific deficiencies such as anemia, coagulopathies, and thrombocytopenia. In dogs, blood group systems are defined by specific red blood cell antigens, making blood typing and compatibility testing essential to prevent alloimmunization and adverse reactions. Understanding these aspects is essential for ensuring safe and effective transfusion practices in veterinary medicine especially in canine medicine.
During the kharif season of 2022–2023, a field experiment was carried out at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj. A variety of weeds including grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds were present in the experimental field. Treatments had a major impact on weed biomass and density, which increased with crop growth stages. Treatment with 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost + two hand weedings and 50% RDF + 50% FYM + two hand weedings had the lowest weed density and biomass, indicating successful weed control through manual weeding. There was intense competition because the application of 50% RDF + 50% FYM + weedy check had the highest weed infestation. These results were further confirmed by the Herbicide efficiency index, Crop resistance index and Weed index. Application of 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost + triafamone + ethoxysulfuron had lower WI. The treatment that included 50% RDF + 50% FYM + weedy check had the highest weed index, indicating that unchecked weed competition during the crop period caused yield loss. In contrast, the treatment that included 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost + two hand weedings had higher values for the Herbicide efficiency index and the crop resistance index. Better conversion of tillers into productive tillers was indicated by the largest number of panicles per unit area in 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost + two hand weedings. In FYM-based treatments like 50% RDF + 50% FYM + two hand weedings, the number of grains per panicle and test weight were significantly greater, indicating improved grain filling because of prolonged nutrient release.
Trichoderma, is a well-known bio-agent against many soil-borne pathogens comes under fungal kingdom. Trichoderma species are naturally found in all agricultural soils that helps the plant in basically two ways viz., by secretion of some enzyme that affect the cell wall of pathogen and by feeding on the pathogen by their haustoria. Trichoderma also helps in inducing systemic resistance in plants. Trichoderma, quoted by elders 'killing two birds with one stone' fits perfectly because along with controlling soil-borne disease causing agents, Trichoderma also develops resistance power in plants. This review enlightens previously published information of pathogen-Trichoderma & plant-Trichoderma interaction, impact of abiotic stresses on Trichoderma, physiological requirements and ability to tolerance and biodegradation of Trichoderma spp. against chemical fungicides.
The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of FinaBan 102 (Pure Calcium Propionate) supplementation in transition period in Buffaloes with respect to metabolic disorders such as milk fever, ketosis, udder development and post-calving performance under field conditions. The study was conducted at Noble Dairy Farm, Aarey colony, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. A total of 100 buffaloes were selected based on a similar physical condition and divided into control and treatment group each having 50 animals. The experiment was conducted for 3 months, i.e. Sept. 2025-Nov.2025, with an adaptation period of 15 days. In each month, during first 15 days, animals were supplemented with FinaBan 102 at 25 gms animal⁻¹ day⁻¹. During last 15 days i.e. 16-30 days, the animals were supplemented with 50 gms animal⁻¹ day⁻¹. Then, the results were compared with animals who did not receive FinaBan 102 (Pure Calcium Propionate) supplementation. The supplement was mixed uniformly with the daily ration. All other management and feeding practices remained unchanged during the study period. Supplementation with FinaBan 102 reduced the incidence of ketosis by 50%, milk fever by 100%, mastitis by 50%, and Retention of Placenta by 75%. Compared to the control group, the number of cases decreased from 2 to 1 for ketosis, 3 to 0 for milk fever, 2 to 1 for mastitis, and 4 to 1 for Retention of Placenta.
The research were conducted to evaluate various bait attractant for eco friendly trapping of giant African snail (Achatina fulica)” at Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, VNMKV, Parbhani during 2023 and 2024 under field conditions. Among all the evaluated treatments, Moringa + jaggery (200g) + water (200ml) was found the most effective bait attractant where maximum number of snails attracted were 26.34 and highest per cent of 17.56% after twelve hours of treatment. And minimum number of snails attracted to Citrus fruit waste were 6.83 and lowest per cent of 4.46% after twelve hours of treatment. The overall results of two years shown that Moringa + jaggery (200g) + water (200ml) was found to be the most effective attractant for attracting and trapping of giant Africa snail in field.
Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria represent a major challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are among the most common bacterial infections in both community and hospital settings. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urine samples collected at the Mother and Child University Hospital Center (CHU-ME), N'Djamena, Chad. A prospective descriptive study was conducted from June 2024 to February 2026, involving 7,051 urine samples. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed using conventional microbiological methods, the API 20E system, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing according to CA-SFM/EUCAST 2024 guidelines. Among the samples analyzed, 171 (2.4%) yielded positive cultures. Female patients accounted for 60% of cases, and the most affected age group was 21–40 years. High resistance rates were observed to ampicillin (70%), cefotaxime (48.2%), ceftriaxone (43.3%), and ciprofloxacin (44.2%). Resistance to carbapenems was detected in 6.4% of isolates, while multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing strains were also identified. The findings highlight the emergence of antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens and emphasize the need for continuous surveillance and effective antibiotic stewardship programs.
Abortions in small ruminants are an important cause of economic loss and public health concern due to zoonotic pathogens such as Brucella spp. A cross-sectional survey of 64 flocks comprising 11530 sheep and goats in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh state, India revealed 71.87% abortion prevalence at flock level, and animal level prevalence rates of 4.85 % in sheep and 3.07% in goats. Significant risk factors associated with abortions were large flock size (p<0.01), extensive rearing system (p<0.05), communal grazing practices (p < 0.01), improper disposal of aborted materials (p < 0.05), and the presence of reproductive disorders (p < 0.01). Abortions were predominantly recorded during winter and in late gestation among small ruminants. Serological analysis of 120 samples collected from recently aborted animals showed brucellosis seroprevalence of 36.6%, 40.83%, and 48.33% by RBPT, STAT, and i-ELISA, respectively, with higher seropositivity observed in sheep than in goats. Among the serological tests evaluated, Indirect ELISA detected a higher proportion of seropositive animals than RBPT and STAT indicating its greater utility for the detection of brucellosis in small ruminants. In conclusion, the high prevalence of brucellosis among aborted small ruminants highlights the importance of continuous serological surveillance, enhanced flock management, and strengthened biosecurity measures to mitigate reproductive losses, improve animal health, and reduce zoonotic transmission.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria evolve to survive drugs designed to kill them. It is an emerging global health crisis driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. This review examines how bacteria develop resistance, form biofilms, and coordinate virulence through quorum sensing (QS), and evaluates quorum quenching (QQ) as a strategy to combat resistant infections. Biofilms protect bacteria by surrounding them with an extracellular matrix that limits antibiotic penetration and helps them evade host immune defense. Through QS, bacteria regulate biofilm formation, virulence, and other collective behaviors by producing and responding to signaling molecules. QQ disrupts these signaling pathways by enzymatically degrading signaling molecules, inhibiting signal synthesis, and antagonizing receptors. By interfering with bacterial communication, QQ weakens biofilms, enhances antibiotic efficacy, and may reduce the development of resistance to antibiotics. Further research is needed to translate QQ-based approaches into effective and sustainable therapies for resistant bacterial infections in vivo.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates a destructive cascade of secondary pathophysiological processes, primarily post-traumatic cerebral edema, which drives intracranial hypertension and severely worsens clinical outcomes. Although invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring remains the historical gold standard, its practical utility is limited by procedural risks such as infection and hemorrhage, alongside a shortage of neurosurgical resources in resource-limited settings. Consequently, establishing reliable non-invasive diagnostic strategies has become crucial in modern neurocritical care. This review provides a comparative analysis of three key non-invasive modalities operating along the craniospinal axis: radiological imaging (CT/MRI), ultrasound-guided optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement, and ophthalmoscopy. While neuroimaging serves as the macro-structural baseline for identifying mass effect and edema volume, point-of-care ultrasound of the ONSD acts as a dynamic, real-time proxy for acute ICP fluctuations. Concurrently, ophthalmoscopy evaluates the visual endpoint of sustained intracranial hypertension through papilledema assessment. By synthesizing the diagnostic sensitivity, latency, and operational limitations of each method, this paper establishes an integrated clinical framework to optimize bedside triage and therapeutic monitoring for patients with cerebral edema.
Shifting cultivation remains a dominant traditional agricultural practice in Mizoram, where soil fertility dynamics are strongly influenced by seasonal variation and fallow duration. The present study assessed seasonal and depth wise changes in soil pH, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) under current jhum, short fallow, long fallow, and undisturbed forest systems in Nghalchawm, Mamit District, Mizoram. Results showed acidic soil conditions across all land use systems, with pH generally increasing with depth. Phosphorus was highest in current jhum sites due to ash deposition following burning, whereas undisturbed forest soils contained higher nitrogen and potassium, due to continuous litter input and nutrient recycling. Nutrient concentrations declined progressively with increasing soil depth. Long fallow systems demonstrated greater recovery of soil nutrients compared to short fallow systems, indicating improved soil restoration with extended fallow periods.
When host defense fails, opportunistic fungal pathogens can take foundation in the oral cavity, an ecologically dynamic niche. Oral candidiasis is still one of the most common opportunistic fungal infections in individuals with compromised immune systems. Objective of the current hospital cross sectional study was to find out the prevalence and species distribution of Candida in 103 immunologically susceptible patients who were identified at Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad. Oral swabs and mucosal scrapings were taken under direct microscopy, and then cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and CHROMagar Candida, and morphologically speciation was performed on corn meal agar. There was a pronounced male predominance. A majority of the isolates were non-albicans species, namely Candida tropicalis, occasionally Candida krusei and Candida glabrata was isolated. These results suggest an epidemiological movement of oral candidiasis towards non-albicans Candida species with a direct correlation to species-level identification for proper direct prudent antifungal drug and improvement in clinical responses in immunocompromised individuals.
Graywater reuse helps to address global water scarcity, but its safe application requires careful quality assessment to reduce potential health risks. An intervention work was set up to quantify and analyse the amount of graywater generated within a college campus and to provide an overview of its quality. This study quantified graywater generation and characterised its quality across two residential buildings on a college campus, analysing 120 samples collected over 02 years. Physicochemical parameters (TOC, COD, BOD, TSS, nitrate, surfactants, chlorine, and turbidity) and microbial indicators were evaluated. Microbial assessments targeted total heterotrophs, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., and pathogens including Pseudomonas spp., Salmonella spp., and Enterococcus spp. Total coliforms ranged from 1.48 ±1.60 x103 to 5.42 ±1.28 x104CFU/mL (p<0.05), and E. coli from 1.01±0.03×102 to 3.81±1.65×104 CFU/ mL (p<0.05), indicating consistent high-level bacterial contamination. The present study also highlights the occurrence of protozoan, specifically Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts, when evaluated using formalin–ether concentration and calcium carbonate flocculation techniques, both of which detected low levels in the samples. Overall, the results confirm elevated pathogenic contamination, underscoring the need for treatment prior to reuse.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli represent a growing therapeutic challenge due to their multidrug-resistant nature. The rising prevalence of ESBL-producing uropathogens, particularly in developing countries, necessitates routine detection and updated antimicrobial surveillance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli among UTI patients and evaluate their antimicrobial resistance profile at a tertiary care centre in Bareilly, India. A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, SRMS Institute of Medical Sciences, over six months (November 2023 – May 2024). One hundred urine samples (midstream, catheter, and suprapubic aspirate) from clinically suspected UTI patients were processed. Semi-quantitative culture on CLED agar, biochemical identification, and VITEK-2 automated confirmation were performed. Antibiotic susceptibility testing followed the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method per CLSI 2023 guidelines. ESBL detection was confirmed phenotypically using the Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST). Culture positivity was 72%. Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate (63.9%), of which 45.7% were confirmed ESBL producers. ESBL-positive strains showed 100% resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone), high resistance to fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin 81%, levofloxacin 76%) and cotrimoxazole (85%). Carbapenems (imipenem and meropenem) retained 100% sensitivity in both ESBL and non-ESBL groups. Female patients accounted for 62% of ESBL-positive cases. ESBL-producing E. coli constitutes a significant proportion of UTI isolates with extensive multidrug resistance. Carbapenems remain the most reliable therapeutic option. Routine ESBL screening, antimicrobial stewardship, and continuous resistance surveillance are essential to limit further spread of resistant strains.