Bacterial biofilm is a community in which the microorganisms are organized and surround themselves within self-produced matrices that are attached to surfaces, which help in protecting them against insults, and this resistance is reported to be the major cause of chronic infections and also those infections which are resistant to treatment. The presence of such a biofilm widens the gap between the results of the antibiotic tests that are performed routinely and the clinical outcomes. This conflict owned to the fact that the antibiotic resistance test performed didn't provide a complete overview about the bacterial biofilm and their resistance to antibiotics. Biofilm -related disease included several pathogenic organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli which are known to cause several chronic infections such as prosthetic joint infection, chronic wound colonization, and the progressive pulmonary deterioration that results from cystic fibrosis. The resistance evolved in these biofilms are owned to several mechanisms. which is emerged from the combination of physical barriers to the penetration of the drug, the presence of persisters "dormant bacterial subpopulations", the intracellular chemical signaling by quorum sensing pathway, and the powerful exchanging of genes among neighboring cells. This review examines each of these dimensions in turn, considers the clinical settings where biofilm infections impose the greatest burden, and evaluates both established and experimental treatment strategies. We also discuss why the diagnostic approaches currently available in most clinical laboratories are poorly suited to the challenge of biofilm infection, and what needs to change.
Pathogenic stress causes severe cellular damage and leads to plant diseases. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)-producing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) may help to manage disease and significantly improve plant growth and physiological attributes in arid and semiarid environments. This study aimed to evaluate PGPRs against pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum (the real cause of bacterial wilt disease) as biocontrol agents and their role in improving tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) yield during 2023. Twenty PGPR strains were isolated from the root rhizosphere and assessed for plant growth-promoting traits i.e. indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), phosphate, potassium and zinc solubilization, as well as HCN and siderophore production. Seven PGPR strains were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The disc sensitivity technique was used to evaluate PGPRs against R. solanacearum under laboratory conditions with three replicates. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used to evaluate the PGPRs under greenhouse conditions with 3 replicates (5 plants per replicate). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most effective strain, inhibiting pathogen growth by 56% and reducing disease incidence. PGPR-treated tomato seedlings showed improvement in plant growth through increased plant height, root, shoot length and fruit production. HCN-producing PGPR (P. aeruginosa and Bacillus megaterium) enhanced plant immunity by increasing superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase enzyme levels. Mineral nutrition improved through enhanced solubilization of potassium, phosphorus and zinc under biotic stress. HCN-producing PGPRs enhance tomato yield by improving nutrient availability and inducing plant defense mechanisms. These findings highlight their potential as biocontrol agents for sustainable tomato production in arid and semiarid regions.
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria own diverse mechanisms, like synthesis of plant growth regulators (auxin), which play a vital role in regulating plant growth. L-Tryptophan (L-TRP) is renowned precursor of auxin biosynthesis. The present study was conducted under field conditions to explore the potential of soil microbes that synthesize plant hormones (auxin) with and without substrate (L-TRP) in maize crop. Glasshouse screening of auxin-producing bacterial strains i.e. Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azospirillum baldaniorum, and Serratia proteamaculanswere was evaluated alone and in combinations in the presence and absence of L- Tryptophan. Azospirillum baldaniorum (2.18 mgL-1), and Serratia proteamaculans (2.11 mgL-1) showed maximum hormone production in the presence of substrate as compared to other strains. Maximum plant height (235 cm), fresh biomass of plants (55 g), number of grains per cob (620), 1000 grain weight (268 g) and straw yield (14.5 g) due to the combined application of Azospirillum baldaniorum + Serratia proteamaculans in presence of L-TRP was observed as compared to other alone and absence of L-TRP treatments. Nutrient uptake, net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency were also improved in Azospirillum baldaniorum + Serratia proteamaculans along with L-TRP application over un-inoculated control. The results showed that substrate induced auxin biosynthesis enhanced the hormone production of microbes that ultimately lead to increased crop physiological and yield parameters.
A cross-sectional study with 423 dairy-lactating buffaloes was carried out (n=213 clinical and n=210 from subclinical mastitis animals) to determine major bacterial pathogens involved in causing clinical and subclinical mastitis. The major bacterial species isolated from clinical mastitis were Staphylococcus aureus (33.59%) followed by Escherichia coli, (18.26%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (11.45%), Micrococcus luteus (10.83%) Streptococcus agalactiae (9.59%), Bacillus cereus (6.34%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (4.02%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus uberis (1.85%), Bacillus subtilis (1.7%) and Streptococcus pyrogenes (0.46%) respectively. A number of other harmful bacterial species were identified from clinical and subclinical mastitis cases during the study. On the other hand, Staphylococcus aureus (27.97%), Escherichia coli (17.95%), Streptococcus agalactia (13.77%), Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae (10.43%), Streptococcus uberis (9.18%), Micrococcus luteus (7.39%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.29%) showed their incidences in subclinical mastitis milk samples respectively. In both clinical and subclinical mastitis cases, these bacterial species displayed a remarkably similar distribution tendency across all three regions. A total 646 quarters were examined from clinical cases, while 479 quarters were from subclinical mastitis. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen in all quarters, and hind right quarters were more prone to infection than forequarters in both conditions. In addition, seasonal prevalence was higher in summer months. Furthermore, it is also observed that the above mentioned bacterial species remained persistent in quarters of animals during dry periods.
Nanotechnology is notorious and dynamic procedure focusing nanoparticles sizes from one nanometer to hundred nanometer in the recent and novel logical and and scientific research of nanotechnology. Nanoparticles are largely employed because of their negligible size. Several techniques like chemical technique physical process and biogenic process can be assumed for the nanoparticle’s synthesis. Among the biogenic method, chemical method and physical methods, biogenic method is good, harmless and new method for the synthesis of different metallic nanoparticles because biological method is comfortable, easy and ecofriendly process as compare to the chemical and physical method. This study practice equisetum ramosissimum, which is healing and remedial plant created in valley of Swat, in Pakistan to synthesize silver (Ag-NPs) nanoparticles. Plant extracts of equisetum ramossissimum and silver nitrate (AgNO3) salt was prepared, and these two solutions were blended for the synthesis method. Abundant approaches, such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Scanning and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), were employed for analysis the resultant Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). These results exhibited that nanoparticles were synthesized in nano dimension range. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles have shown good antimicrobial activities against bacteria like pseudomonas aeruginosa and Erwinia caratovora, Salmonella Typhi, Serratia marcescens, Morganelli morganii and pseudomonas syringae
Onion (Allium cepa L.), a member of the family Liliaceae, is widely consumed worldwide due to its flavor-enhancing qualities. It has been affected by many post-harvest diseases on large scale. Post-harvest handling of onion is the main issue throughout the world. Fungal diseases cause great loss in field as well as after harvesting. Blue mold of onion is one of the destructive diseases in storage. The Experiment was conducted in Plant Pathology laboratory at Balochistan Agriculture College, Quetta to isolate the fungal pathogen and application of six Plant extracts viz., Garlic, Pepper, Turmeric, Mustard, Ginger and Neem along were used in vitro and in vivo conditions at different concentrations of 5, 10 and 15% however control/ untreated Petri plates were kept with only media but without plant extract and onion bulbs were kept untreated in the control group. After statistical analysis results showed that garlic at all concentrations, turmeric as well mustard at 15% and ginger at 10% and 15% significantly inhibited the mycelial colony growth of Penicillium exalicum under invitro condition and Furthermore in vivo findings revealed that garlic, mustard and ginger at all applied concentration reduced the rottening % on onion bulbs. Moreover, pepper showed least significant control against pathogen both invitro and in vivo conditions, while in control mycelial growth of pathogen and rot severity % on onion was higher as compare to all plant extracts used during experimentation. Thus, this study demonstrates that botanical extracts, particularly garlic, mustard, and ginger, offer an eco-friendly strategy for the postharvest management of blue mold in onion.
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is an economically important fruit crop cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions. In Sindh Province, Pakistan, papaya production is increasingly constrained by damping-off disease, primarily caused by Fusarium oxysporum. The pathogen infects germinating seeds and seedlings, leading to poor germination, plant collapse, and heavy stand losses in nurseries. Its ability to survive in soil and crop residues as chlamydospores makes control difficult, while favorable nursery conditions such as high moisture and poor sanitation further intensify disease severity. This review highlights the prevalence of damping-off in papaya nurseries of Sindh Province and evaluates in-vitro management strategies. Fungicides such as Carbendazim, Difenoconazole, and Nativo have been reported to significantly inhibit F. oxysporum, but long-term use raises concerns about fungicide resistance, environmental hazards, and input costs. Alternatively, botanical extracts (e.g., neem, eucalyptus, clove) and biocontrol agents including Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens have shown promising antifungal activity, offering safer and sustainable management options. An integrated approach combining cultural practices, judicious fungicide use, botanical extracts, and biological control is recommended for effective management of damping-off in papaya nurseries. Strengthening research on pathogen variability, disease epidemiology, and large-scale validation of eco-friendly treatments under Sindh’s agro-ecological conditions will be vital for reducing losses and sustaining papaya production.
Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) is one of the most destructive diseases significantly constraining the growth and output of cotton. Despite cultivation of resistant genotype against CLCuD is emphasized and is easily adoptable strategy for managing the disease in cotton crop throughout the world. But due to unavailability of resistant sources and resistant breaking potential of the virus there is need to consider alternate management approaches for CLCuD management. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of various sowing times of different cotton genotypes on CLCuD intensity. In a two-year field study four cotton genotypes such as Bt. CRIS-671, Bt.CRIS-673, CRIS-585 and CRIS-613 were evaluated at different planting dated i-e, 1st April, 15th April 1st May and 15th May in split plot randomized complete block design. CLCuD incidence, severity and vector population were assessed at 30-day intervals after sowing (DAS). Disease index and Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) were computed and statistically analyzed using LSD at α = 0.05. Results indicated a significant difference among the various sowing dates during both year of the study. Infection due to CLCuD also varied significantly among genotypes. There was less disease incidence on 1st April planted cotton as compared to late sown cotton (1st & 15th May). Maximum CLCuD incidence 100% was recorded in late planting at 120 days after sowing in CRIS-613 and Bt. CRIS-713 both the year of study. Bt. CRIS-671 consistently exhibited lower disease severity and AUDPC values compared to other genotypes. The least severity was observed when Bt. CRIS-671 was sown on April 15th (S2). Significantly lower AUDPC values 360000 and 367550 were determined in Bt. CRIS-671 at 15th April (S2) during 2019 and 2020, respectively. In contrast, late sowing dates (May 15th, S4) resulted in higher disease severity and AUDPC values, especially in CRIS-613 and Bt. CRIS-673. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in disease progression across sowing dates and genotypes, highlighting the importance of optimal sowing dates for managing CLCuD. Whitefly populations were also lowest in Bt. CRIS-671 and Bt. CRIS-673 when sown early (April 1st and April 15th). From the present study it is concluded that early planting on 1st April resulted with minimum disease and is suggested for including in the disease management strategy.
Walnut (Juglans regia L.) have proven health benefits as it contain essential fatty acids (omega 3, omega 6), proteins carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds which provides many health benefits. The objectives of study were to develop walnut milk and application of preservation techniques to increase its shelf life and quality evaluation of developed product during storage. After soaking, skin removal, grinding, walnut milk was pasteurized at 65 °C for 15 minutes and then stored at refrigeration and ambient temperature according to treatment plan i.e To (Walnut milk without preservative), T2 (Walnut milk with 0.08% sodium benzoate), T4 (Walnut milk with 0.02% sodium azide), T6 (Walnut milk with 0.04% sodium benzoate with 0.01% sodium azide) were stored at room temperature while T1 (Walnut milk without any preservative), T3 (Walnut milk with 0.08% sodium benzoate), T5 (Walnut milk with 0.02% sodium azide) and T7 (Walnut milk with 0.04% sodium benzoate with 0.01% sodium azide) were stored at refrigeration temperature. The physicochemical (pH, acidity, fat, protein, ash, total solids, total phenols and antioxidant), sensory (taste, color, flavor and overall acceptability) and microbiological (TVC, TFC) were assessed after every 5 days of storage. The results of the study demonstrated that T5 walnut milk with 0.02% sodium azide at refrigeration temperature scored 7.2×103 at day 25th TVC, and scored 1.87 which was considered as the most acceptable treatment which compared to other treatments has improved shelf life up to 25 days of storage.
Chicken meat production is crucial to ensuring food security in Pakistan, with the industry having expanded significantly due to increased urbanization, changing consumer diets, and rising population needs. This research assessed and compared the meat quality and growth performance of broiler and domestic chickens. Major parameters considered were the growth rate, feed conversion ratio, body weight, and meat quality (protein, fat, ash, pH, and moisture). Broiler chicks exhibited rapid growth, increasing from an initial mean weight of 42.23 g at day one to 2,066.10 g by 42 days in controlled conditions. The highest weight gain was recorded during the fourth and fifth weeks, with feed intake of an average of 924 g during the starter phase and 3,612 g during the finisher phase. Feed conversion ratios (FCR) remained efficient, ranging from 1.19 to 1.21 in the starter phase and 1.75 to 1.76 in the finisher phase, with mortality rates consistently low. In contrast, domestic chickens demonstrated slower but steady growth, in free-range conditions, starting with a mean weight of 147.93 g at four weeks and reaching the highest weights after 40 weeks, with significant flock-wise differences observed at certain time points. Comparative meat quality analyses revealed that broiler chickens exhibited significantly higher fat (5.64%), protein (25.57%), moisture (84.36%), and ash (4.90%) contents compared to domestic chickens, which showed lower fat (3.53%), protein (21.37%), moisture (75.12%), and ash (2.36%) levels. Meat pH values, however, did not differ significantly between the two groups. This research provides a basis for evaluating production systems in terms of growth efficiency, nutritional value, and consumer preferences for chicken meat
Increasing prevalence of long-term health conditions such as obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cancer, hypertension highlights the critical need for effective therapeutic nutrition initiatives at global level. This narrative review assesses the role of plant-based diets in prevention and treatment of various illnesses. Moreover, the study also focuses on the effectiveness of nutrition rich bioactive components present in plants such as; polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids with each posing various health benefits depending upon their usage and uptake in the body. This nutritive initiative holds special attention to lower and middle class countries, targeting overburden of chronic diseases with therapeutic plant based diets. Results show hat plant based diets can reduce blood pressure, lower postprandial glucose levels, control the ratio of HDL to LDL in blood serum and reduce body weight and prevent oxidative stress. Hence, consumption of plant based antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nutrient dense phenomenon can improve overall metabolic status and lower risk of chronic diseases. The generalizability and casual inference of available evidence hindered due to observational study design, variations in dietary classifications and a lack of data from non-western culture. Despite these confounding factors, such diets not only support general health objectives but also provide affordable, effective and sustainable approach to target chronic illness. Significant health benefits can be achieved by using multidisciplinary approach to initiate natural plant based solutions via national health programs and public health interventions. Longitudinal studies and clinical trials in context to the plant based dietary approach should be the primary focus for future researches, to strengthen the pool of updated knowledge and practices.
Silica and other harmful elements such as lead (Pb2+), manganese (Mn2+), cadmium (Cd2+), aluminium (Al3+), zinc (Zn2+), iron (Fe2+) are present in stone industries which include stone reshaping for different economical purposes. These toxicants cause serious diseases in workers in the industry and affect their endocrine system by unbalancing their hormonal concentration. Objective: This randomized case-control investigation was carried out to assess the deleterious effects of toxins and stone dust released from the stone industry, on thyroid (Tri-iodothyronine; T3 and tetra-iodothyronine; T4) and its regulatory hormone (Thyroid stimulating hormone; TSH) of the workers exposed to these fine dust particles daily during their work. Method: For this purpose, a comparison was made for hormones of the thyroid gland between workers exposed to dust toxins (experimental group) and the control group (never exposed to such pollutants daily). Blood samples for the experimental and control groups were collected from Marble Market, Ichra, Lahore and Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Punjab University, Lahore, respectively for the analysis of T3, T4, and TSH by using ELISA kits. Results: For statistical analysis of the results Unpaired t-test (Cl: 95%, P < 0.05) was used. A non-significant decrease in T3 and T4 concentration and a non-significant increase in TSH concentration were observed in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Current study concluded that people who are routinely exposed to stone dust and toxins are more likely to have changes in the endocrine system due to an imbalance in the hormonal system. Workers in such industries should always adopt protective measures to avoid inhalation of toxic particles.
The emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella has raised concerns about the effectiveness of third-generation cephalosporins for empiric treatment. However, precise data on the burden of enteric fever and the prevalence of XDR Salmonella in different regions of Pakistan remain limited. This study aimed to determine the frequency of various Salmonella strains and specifically assess the prevalence of XDR Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi in Sindh. Between January and November 2023, a total of 7,900 blood and 18,000 urine cultures were processed. Positive cultures were identified using conventional biochemical tests, antisera, and, when needed, the Analytical Profile Index (API-20E). Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Out of all samples, 134 blood and 29 urine cultures yielded Salmonella growth, with most cases occurring in males (61.9%) and school-aged children (61.3%). The most common strain was Salmonella typhi (82.2%), followed by S. paratyphi A (9.8%) and S. paratyphi C (7.3%), while S. paratyphi B was isolated from only one blood sample. Resistance was observed against first-line antibiotics and fluoroquinolones (69%) as well as third-generation cephalosporins (51%). None of the S. typhi, S. paratyphi A, or S. paratyphi C isolates showed resistance to azithromycin or meropenem, and all S. paratyphi A isolates remained sensitive to co-trimoxazole and cephalosporins. Although 49% of Salmonella isolates were sensitive to all tested antibiotics, a high proportion (42.9%) were found to be XDR in both blood and urine samples. In contrast, the frequency of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella was relatively low (7.9%). These findings highlight the persistence of the XDR Salmonella outbreak across Pakistan, underscoring the urgent need for effective surveillance and updated treatment strategies.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral illness that infects cloven-hoofed animals and causes enormous economic losses across the globe. Vaccination is an important technique for reducing FMD epidemics. Recent research indicates that in addition to humoral immunity, the mucosal immunity plays a significant role in enhancing the protective effect of FMD vaccinations by avoiding viremia and reducing virus shedding. This meta-analysis aims to assess the role of mucosal immunity in combating FMD with vaccination. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, and Science Direct for studies published till May 2024. Out of 869 articles retrieved, step-wise inclusion and exclusion criteria was applied to filter out studies on the role of mucosal immunity induced by FMD vaccines. Research based on cohort, and case-control studies evaluating the effect of mucosal immunity on the effectiveness of the FMD vaccination were eligible. Accordingly, we evaluated evidence from 12 shortlisted studies involving 645 animals (mice, guinea pigs, cattle, and steers) with FMD vaccine. Statistical analysis was conducted by R (4.4.0) software and R studio using random-effects models and prediction intervals to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and proportions. A significant relationship was observed between improved mucosal immunity and lower FMD cases (FMD vaccine positive [95% CI was 0.72;0.91] with 0.82 proportion while in FMD vaccine negative [95% CI was 0.00; 0.06] with 0.03 proportion, although some heterogeneity was observed in FMD vaccine positive [I2= 92%,
This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence, utilization patterns, and resistance profiles of antibiotics among the population of Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). A systematic questionnaire was used to collect data on antibiotics and their use, and descriptive analysis was applied to analyze the results. Samples were taken from CMH and examined for antibiotic resistance in order to identify patterns of resistance. The data were statistically analyzed using mean and Standard deviation for antibiotic resistance patterns. The results showed that the majority of participants (60.7%) were between the ages of 12 and 31 and that (80.3%) of them were female. Graduates made up (43.0%) of the participants' educational background. The most frequent diagnosis was throat infection (27.0%), which was followed by chest infection (12.3%) and stomach illness (18.0%). The most commonly given antibiotics were amoxil (16.3%), ciprofloxacin (10.7%), Augmentin (10.3%), ceftriaxone (2.7%), erythromycin (1.3%) and ceftazidime (0.3%). The frequency of antibiotic combinations was (0.3 %). Seven days (28%) and five days (26.3%) were the most frequently reported antibiotic course durations. There were fewer instances of segmented regimens 7+7 days (8.7%) and shorter courses 3 days (12.3%). Infrequently, longer therapy periods such as 30 days (3 %), or longer seemed to address complex or chronic illnesses. The prescribed course was completed by (68.7%), while (31.3%) did not complete it. (55%) individuals were not aware of the term antibiotic resistance, and (27 %) were familiar with it. (85.7%) used antibiotics without prescription and (14.3%) used them with prescription. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed diverse resistance patterns. Staphylococcus aureus was completely resistant to all antibiotics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to amoxicillin clavulainic acid, ceftriaxone showed intermediate sensitivity to erythromycin and was susceptible to ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime. Escherichia coli were resistant to amoxicillin clavulainic acid, erythromycin, and ceftriaxone but susceptible only to ceftazidime. Streptococcus pneumoniae was resistant to ciprofloxacin, intermediate to ceftriaxone and susceptible to ceftazidime. This study emphasises the critical need for more stringent laws to stop antibiotic abuse, increased public knowledge of antibiotic resistance, and the significance of selecting antibiotics carefully in order to effectively manage resistance.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT), an acid-fast, gram-positive bacillus that poses a major global health threat. Despite the availability of first-line and second-line anti-TB drugs, TB remains one of the top causes of mortality from infectious diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains has significantly reduced the efficacy of existing treatment regimens, highlighting the urgent need to discover and develop novel therapeutic agents with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles. Schiff bases, known for their diverse biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties, have recently gained attention as promising pharmacophores in drug development. In this study, we evaluated a series of vanillin-derived Schiff base compounds (S1–S6) for their potential anti-tubercular activity through molecular docking studies. The selected compounds were screened against two critical enzymes essential for the survival and proliferation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: DprE1 (decaprenyl phosphoryl-β-D-ribose 2′-epimerase), involved in cell wall biosynthesis, and DNA gyrase subunit A, crucial for DNA replication. Molecular docking was performed to assess the binding affinity, binding modes, and interaction profiles of these ligands with the target proteins. The results demonstrated that all compounds (S1–S6) exhibited strong and favorable binding interactions with the active sites of both enzymes. Notably, their docking scores and interaction energies were superior to those of currently used anti-TB drugs such as isoniazid, bedaquiline, pyrazinamide, and the standard reference ethambutol (S7). These findings suggest that the vanillin-based Schiff bases have significant inhibitory potential against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and could serve as promising lead compounds for future in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at developing new anti-TB therapies
Hypertension during pregnancy is a significant concern because it can have adverse effects on both the mother and the fetus. Nonpharmacologic therapies are being investigated as preventive measures to manage and mitigate the hazards associated with gestational hypertension. This study evaluates the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions such as plasma volume expansion, low-dose aspirin therapy, and fish oil supplements in preventing gestational hypertension. In this randomized controlled trail, a total of 150 pregnant women were randomly assigned into three intervention groups (plasma volume expansion, low-dose aspirin, and fish oil) and one control group. Participants were monitored throughout pregnancy, and the incidence of gestational hypertension was evaluated through standardized clinical assessments. The results were compared using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Among the control group, 36% of women developed gestational hypertension. A 28% incidence was associated to plasma volume expansion, although this decrease was not statistically significant (odds ratio 0.67, p=0.395). The incidence was significantly reduced to 50% (odds ratio 0.20, p = 0.005) with low-dose aspirin therapy, demonstrating an 80% reduction in risk and fewer hospital admissions. Notable improvements in fetal outcomes and blood pressure were observed, with a striking incidence of 90% (odds ratio 0.16, p=0.001) following fish oil supplementation; however, the reliability of the results is called into question due to the high incidence in the control group. The most effective non-pharmacologic approaches for preventing gestational hypertension were fish oil and low dose aspirin therapy, which demonstrated a marked decrease in incidence and improved clinical results. These findings highlight low dose aspirin and fish oil supplementation as promising non pharmacological strategies for reducing gestational hypertension risk, however further research is needed to validate their efficacy
Quorum sensing (QS) is a system of conversation among microbial communities via different types of signaling molecules such as N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), oligopeptides and autoinducer-2 (AI-2). AHLs are the quorum sensing (QS) signaling molecules widely produced by large numbers of bacterial pathogens particularly Gram-negative bacterial group. The AHL based QS system is highly beneficial for disease causing bacterial species. It assists in releasing virulence factors and attack on host by favoring bacterial population to reach a high density that will lead to obstruction of the host defenses and increase their survival. The aim of this study was to detect QS signaling molecules particularly AHL signaling molecules and antibiotic resistance pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa AS006 and AS008 isolated from pus samples. Pus samples collected from hospitalized patients suspected with bacterial infections were processed for the isolation of the bacterial strains. The isolated and pure cultured bacteria were further inoculated on cetrimide agar medium, a selective medium for P. aeruginosa. The identification of the bacterial strains was done with different biochemical tests followed by molecular identification based on 16S rRNA analysis. The results of this study revealed the identification of the two isolated strains as P. aeruginosa strain AS006 and P. aeruginosa strain AS008. AHL screening results revealed the production of AHLs by both strains in presence of A136 reporter strain. Moreover, P. aeruginosa strain AS006 showed the highest resistance aginst Ofloxacin followed by Ticarcillin, Imipenem, Piperacillin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin and Ceftazidime. While P. aeruginosa strain showed the highest resistance against Ticarcillin followed by Piperacillin, Imipenem, Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin and Ceftazidime. This study will highly be helpful in proposing an alternative therapy such as quorum-quenching to disrupt the QS system that might be responsible for infections by the antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa bacterial pathogens.
The present study was conducted to know the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from stray dogs and cats in Hyderabad and Tandojam regions. A total of 100 samples (saliva, tail wound, otitis, skin wound, nasal discharge, fecal samples were collected. The samples were identified by morphological, cultural and biochemical tests. The antibiogram of the isolated species were conducted using disk diffusion method. The results demonstrated that prevalence of bacterial pathogens in saliva was 0.06% in stray cats and dogs of Tandojam and Hyderabad respectively. From tail wound prevalence of 02 (0.2%) in cats of Tandojam and Hyderabad, while in dogs 03 (0.3%) in Hyderabad and 02 (0.2%) in Tandojam was observed. From otitis 1 (0.09%) in cats of Tandojam and Hyderabad, while in dogs 02 (0.18%) in Hyderabad and 01 (0.09%) in Tandojam was observed. From skin wound 03 (0.39%) in cats of Hyderabad region and 02 (0.26%) from Tandojam region, while in dogs 02 (0.26%) in dog of Hyderabad region and 03 (0.39%) from Tandojam region was observed. From nasal discharge 01 (0.05%) cat and dog of Hyderabad and Tandojam regions were observed. From fecal sample 01 (0.07%) in cat and dogs of Hyderabad and Tandojam regions was observed. Antibiotic resistance tests revealed that erythromycin and ofloxacin exhibited high resistance against Staphylococcus aureus. Ampicillin and gentamycin were identified as highly resistance against Bacillus cereus. Pasteurella canis displayed high resistance to ampicillin, enrofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Escherichia coli exhibited high resistance to enrofloxacin and ofloxacin. Micrococcus luteus showed high resistance to ampicillin and enrofloxacin. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogens demonstrated high resistance to enrofloxacin. Based on the findings of the current study, it was concluded that the higher prevalence was observed in saliva, tail, otitis, skin, nasal discharge, and fecal samples. The isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Pasteurella canis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogens, respectively.
Candidiasis associated with adverse neonatal outcomes is common in women. Therefore, the present study sought to explore the antifungal drug resistance in Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans isolated from pregnant women of vaginal complaints in Pakistan. The high vaginal swab (HVS) and urine samples from all trimesters were collected at the obstetrics and gynecology ward and processed for the isolation. The identification at the species level was determined by morpho-microscopic and biochemical characteristics. Subsequently, the resistance pattern was determined by disk diffusion assay against antifungal agents. Samples from pregnant women inclusive of 26% high vaginal discharge swabs and 74% urine samples were collected. Only the 20% (15) urine and 58% (15) HVS were positive for the isolation of candida species. By gestation period as first, second and third trimester, the sampling frequency was 19(26%), 37(50%), 18(24%), for the urine while for the HVS 11(42%), 8(31%), and 7(27%) respectively. The 83% (15) and 17% (3) isolates were confirmed as C. albicans and Non C. albicans by cultural, morpho-microscopic, and biochemical characteristics respectively. The resistance pattern confirmed that Itraconazole and Fluconazole were still effective while the isolates were highly resistant against Amphotericin B, and Voriconazole. Thus present study concludes that the Fluconazole was the drug of choice and recommended an antenatal follow-up for screening to determine the adverse neonatal outcomes in advance.
