Agricultural runoff remains one of the most persistent threats to water quality worldwide. Floating wetlands (FWs), when designed appropriately, offer a promising nature-based solution. Here, we show how biologically and sorptively active FWs can remove two agrochemicals-chlorpyrifos (CPF) and bispyribac-sodium (BIS), under response surface methodology (RSM)-backed optimal operation (pH 8; 35 degrees C; 10 mg L--(1) each; 1 % glucose). FWs built with Phragmites australis (common reed) were amended with a defined consortium (CB2H, 1 % v/v), plant-derived biochar (1.5 % w/v), biochar-immobilized CB2H (1.5 % w/v), and nutrients (N 25 mg L--(1), P 25 mg L--(1), K 20 mg L--(1)). CPF and BIS declined exponentially, fitting pseudo-first-order kinetics with adsorption component (high S, K-d in the immobilized system). CPF disappeared fastest in the consortium-only and biochar-immobilized treatments (k = 0.07 and 0.09 day(-)(1)), resulting in > 99 % removal (>9.9 mg L--(1)) by day 20; BIS peaked at > 84 % (8.4 mg L--(1)) with immobilized cells. FTIR shifts (similar to 2920-2840, 2800 cm(-)(1)) and new CO bands (1600-1800 cm(-)(1)) indicated hydrogen bonding in the Phragmites biochar. Approximately 40 % of the CPF loss in the controls was abiotic (sorption/photolysis/hydrolysis). Chemical oxygen demand and ancillary pollutants also declined. Enhanced performance was supported by microbial colonization within biochar pores. The study provides key design constants (k, K-d), positioning engineered FWs as a scalable nature-based technology for pesticide-laden agricultural runoff.

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are increasingly used as nature-based water infrastructure, but their performance is often limited by oxygen transfer, hydrodynamic variability, and unstable microbiomes. This review synthesizes bioaugmentation evidence from FTWs and related wetlands for nutrients, metals, hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, microplastics, and emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), noting that destructive transformation is rarely demonstrated for some compounds. Separating contaminant removal from confirmed degradation, we review mechanisms, robustness, and scale. This review compares liquid consortia with carrier-immobilized or encapsulated inoculum and extract-based practical design criteria for plant-microbial partnerships, rhizosphere engineering, and biofilm development and persistence under shear, seasonality, and pulse loading. Targeted aeration, supportive media, and electrochemical augmentation, such as wetland microbial fuel cells and electrochemical oxidation (electro-oxidation) and coagulation-based processes (e.g., conventional chemical coagulation or electrocoagulation), can boost performance and stabilize new functions. Mechanistic sections map attenuation pathways to catalytic modules, including oxygenases, reductases, and hydrolases, as well as to biosorption and biomineralization, and identify dominant failure modes that hinder translation, including washout, community reversion, inhibitory intermediates, and uncertain long-term ecological effects. Building on this evidence base, we outline a testable translational roadmap toward more programmable FTWs, emphasizing near-term decision support rather than fully automated control, and specifying validation needs for multi-omics-guided strain selection, division-of-labor consortia, safety-by-design containment, and model-informed monitoring and operation under climate variability. Finally, we propose reporting and governance metrics, including effect sizes versus controls, persistence, ecological risk monitoring, and life-cycle trade-offs, to support responsible field deployment and water reuse.

A fish may be defined as a poikilothermic, aquatic chordate whose appendages, when present, are developed as fins, whose chief respiratory organs are gills and whose body is usually covered with scales. The present study was undertaken to document the fish diversity of River Panjkora in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Samples were collected from March to August 2024 using gill nets, cast nets, hooks and automatic rods at five sites along the river, namely Talash, Shagokas, Balambat, Rani and Khall. A total of 81 specimens were captured and identified, representing six species distributed across two orders (Cypriniformes and Perciformes) and two families (Cyprinidae and Channidae). Cyprinidae was the richest family, comprising five species Schizothorax esocinus, Puntius ticto, Tor macrolepis, Carassius auratus and Crossocheilus diplocheilus whereas Channidae was represented by a single species, Channa gachua. Crossocheilus diplocheilus was the most abundant taxon (35 individuals; 43.20%), while Carassius auratus was the least abundant (3 individuals; 3.70%). Morphometric measurements and fin formulae were recorded for every species; the smallest species was Puntius ticto (total length 8.2 cm) and the largest was Tor macrolepis (total length 19.5 cm). Simpson's index of dominance was 0.255 and the reciprocal Simpson's index was 3.92, indicating a moderately diverse assemblage dominated by cyprinids. Fishes were identified using standard taxonomic keys, including Fishes of the Punjab (Mirza and Sandhu, 2007) and the Urdu key of Mirza (1990). The findings indicate that the river can potentially harbour additional species and could serve as a resource for conserving threatened taxa. Regular monitoring of the fish fauna, periodic assessment of water quality, stocking of native fish and control of illegal fishing are recommended to safeguard the ichthyofauna.

Liquiritin (LIQ), a bioactive flavonoid from Glycyrrhiza species, has shown significant potential in cancer therapy. LIQ exhibits potent inhibitory effects on various cancer cell types, including breast, lung, liver, and colon cancers, while demonstrating low toxicity towards healthy cells. Its anticancer mechanisms include inducing cell cycle arrest, promoting apoptosis, and modulating inflammation-related pathways. Additionally, LIQ impedes angiogenesis and enhances the efficacy of conventional chemotherapies through sensitization and synergistic effects with other natural compounds and targeted therapies. These multifaceted actions highlight LIQ as a promising candidate for further development as an anticancer agent. This abstract provides an overview of LIQ's chemistry, biological effects, and underlying mechanisms.

Bisphenol A (BPA) has emerged as a significant environmental pollutant, posing serious risks to ecosystems, especially in agricultural settings. It is essential to evaluate the toxic effects of BPA on rice cultivation and soil microbiome amid rising global temperature. Therefore, this study investigated the simultaneous effects of BPA (0, 1.5, 12, and 20 mg kg-1) along with two temperature regimes (29/24⁰C and 42/38⁰C) on the growth, development, and rhizospheric microbial dynamics of two contrasting rice genotypes: High-Temperature Resistant (HTR-1) and High-Temperature Sensitive (HTS-5). The results showed that elevated BPA concentrations under rising temperatures significantly inhibited chlorophyll content (by 54.70 % and 42.40 %), reduced ROS scavenging activity, modulated abscisic acid production (by 84.89 % and 53.00 %), leading to impaired physiological responses in exposed rice genotypes. Furthermore, HTR-1 exhibited higher ABA levels, a lower transpiration rate, and reduced BPA accumulation in seedlings under stress conditions, resulting in superior growth compared to HTS-5. The combined stress dramatically altered the structure and composition of bacterial and fungal communities and favoured the dominance of more resilient phyla and genera. Notably, bacterial phyla such as Proteobacteria (16.50 %) and Chloroflexi (26.60 %), as well as fungal phyla Ascomycota (24 %) and Chytridiomycota (210 %) were abundant, while, Anaerolinea and Zopfiella were notably enriched at the genus level in the rhizosphere of HTR-1 genotype. This study demonstrated that selecting temperature-tolerant rice varieties and understanding plant-microbe interactions are crucial for mitigating the combined effects of heat and BPA pollution in sustainable agriculture.

Aging and metabolic disorders share intricate molecular pathways, with the Forkhead box O (FOXO)- Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) axis emerging as a pivotal regulator of cellular stress adaptation, metabolic homeostasis, and longevity. This axis integrates nutrient signaling with oxidative stress defence, modulating glucose and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and autophagy to maintain cellular stability. FOXO transcription factors, regulated by SIRT1 deacetylation, enhance antioxidant defence mechanisms, activating genes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, thereby counteracting oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation. Recent evidence highlights the dynamic role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as secondary messengers in redox signaling, influencing FOXO-SIRT1 activity in metabolic adaptation. Additionally, key redox-sensitive regulators such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) interact with this pathway, orchestrating mitochondrial biogenesis and adaptive stress responses. Pharmacological interventions, including alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), resveratrol, curcumin and NAD+ precursors, exhibit therapeutic potential by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative burden, and restoring metabolic balance. This review synthesizes current advancements in FOXO-SIRT1 regulation, its emerging role in redox homeostasis, and its therapeutic relevance, offering insights into future strategies for combating metabolic dysfunction and aging-related diseases.

Industrial wastewater management remains a critical barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) in many developing countries, where regulatory frameworks exist but affordable and scalable treatment solutions are lacking. In Pakistan, the textile sector is a leading polluter, with untreated effluents routinely discharged into rivers and agricultural lands despite stringent National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). This study presents a pilot-scale case from Faisalabad’s Khurrianwala industrial zone, where a decentralized, nature-based bioreactor was piloted to bridge the gap between policy and practice. The system integrates four treatment stages—anaerobic digestion (AD), floating treatment wetland (FTW), constructed wetland (CW), and sand filtration (SF)—and was further intensified via nutrient amendment, aeration, and bioaugmentation with three locally isolated bacterial strains (Acinetobacter junii NT-15, Pseudomonas indoloxydans NT-38, and Rhodococcus sp. NT-39). The fully intensified configuration achieved substantial reductions in total dissolved solids (TDS) (46%), total suspended solids (TSS) (51%), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (91%), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (94%), nutrients, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) (86%), sulfate (26%), and chloride (41%). It also removed 95% iron (Fe), 87% cadmium (Cd), 57% lead (Pb), and 50% copper (Cu) from the effluent. The bacterial inoculants persist in the system and colonize the plant roots, contributing to stable bioremediation. The treated effluent met the national environmental quality standards (NEQS) discharge limits, confirming the system’s regulatory and ecological viability. This case study demonstrates how nature-based systems, when scientifically intensified, can deliver high-performance wastewater treatment in industrial zones with limited infrastructure—offering a replicable model for sustainable, SDG-aligned pollution control in the Global South.

Objective: This retrospective study's purpose was to provide insight into the distribution and trend of malaria cases in the Kohat District of KPK, Pakistan, from 2017 to 2021. The analysis of the sociodemographic traits, annual trends, species distribution, and seasonal fluctuations of malaria cases was the main goal of the study. Methodology: The DHQ Divisional Headquarter Hospital in Kohat, which is overseen by the KPK, Peshawar malaria control program, provided the laboratory logbook from which the data was taken. Every suspected case of malaria that provided blood samples for microscopy was recorded in the study's logbook. We retrieved and analyzed data on the participant's demographics, pregnant status, diagnostic month and year, and parasite species found. Results: 10,958 cases of malaria were verified out of 17,832 blood films that were analyzed during the study period. Males (53.2%) and those over the age of five (9,036 cases) accounted for the majority of cases. P. vivax accounted for 88% of the total species, with P. falciparum (10%) and mixed infections (2%), following in order. The majority of those affected were over the age of 15, and males were more likely than females to become infected. Cases of malaria were reported all year round, with summer and fall seeing the greatest transmission. Conclusion: This study offers important new information about the five-year malaria trend in the Kohat District. The results emphasize the necessity of focused measures to alleviate the greater incidence of malaria in boys older than 15 years. The report also emphasizes how crucial monitoring and surveillance systems are to directing evidence-based treatments and maintaining advancements in the fight against malaria. Subsequent investigations ought to concentrate on executing specific measures and assessing their efficacy, and looking into the effects of climate change on regional transmission of malaria as well.

Europinidin is a novel anthocyanidin found in the petals of Plumbago europea that exhibits several physiological effects. Research was conducted to assess europinidin’s cardioprotective efficacy in a diabetic and myocardial infarction (MI) experimental model. Rat was injected through the intraperitoneal administration of 45 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ), while MI was induced by subcutaneously administering 85 mg/kg of isoproterenol (ISP) at 24 and 48 h prior to the sacrifice procedure. Europinidin 10 and 20 mg/day was administered orally for 4 weeks after validation of diabetes (glucose > 250 mg/dl) on the 7th day. Experimental rats were randomly allocated to control, STZ-ISP control, STZ-ISP + europinidin-10 mg, STZ-ISP + europinidin-20 mg and europinidin 20 mg perse group. Biochemicals parameters including anti-diabetic (Glucose, HbA1c, serum insulin), cardiac markers (hs-CRP, CPK-MB), dyslipidaemia (lipid analysis), anti-inflammatory (IL6, TNF-α and IL-β), oxidative stress (MDA) and antioxidant (SOD, CAT and GSH), kidney function (creatinine), liver function (AST) and pancreatic function (lipase) along with apoptosis markers (Bcl-2, caspase-3) were evaluated. In addition, histopathological indices of heart injury were investigated. In addition, molecular docking (AUTODOCK Tools 1.5.6.) and dynamics were performed. Europinidin (10 and 20 mg/day) reduced blood glucose, HbA1c, hs-CRP, and CPK-MB. It improved serum insulin, blood lipid profile and reduced inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-β), oxidative stress and increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GSH). Europinidin also protected renal, hepatic functions and restored apoptosis markers (increased Bcl-2, decreased caspase-3 levels). Histopathological analysis demonstrated a reduced extent of myocardial necrosis and fibrosis. Europinidin binds in silico to proteins 1NME, 1I0E, 3I2Y and 4AQ3 with energies of -7.038, -6.682, -8.6 and − 8.761 kcal/mol, respectively. While molecular dynamics simulation studies supported the interactions of europinidin with important therapeutic target proteins. Europinidin demonstrates significant cardioprotective and anti-diabetic potential in a diabetic MI experimental model.

Cancer poses intricate challenges to treatment due to its complexity and diversity. Ferroptosis and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as innovative therapeutic avenues amid the evolving landscape of cancer therapy. Extensive investigations into circRNAs reveal their diverse roles, ranging from molecular regulators to pivotal influencers of ferroptosis in cancer cell lines. The results underscore the significance of circRNAs in modulating molecular pathways that impact crucial aspects of cancer development, including cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. A detailed analysis delineates these pathways, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms through which circRNAs influence ferroptosis. Building upon recent experimental findings, the study evaluates the therapeutic potential of targeting circRNAs to induce ferroptosis. By identifying specific circRNAs associated with the etiology of cancer, this analysis paves the way for the development of targeted therapeutics that exploit vulnerabilities in cancer cells. This review consolidates the existing understanding of ferroptosis and circRNAs, emphasizing their role in cancer therapy and providing impetus for ongoing research in this dynamic field. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

Background: Professional autonomy is crucial for nurses, enabling them to make independent decisions and enhance patient care quality. Its impact on patient satisfaction, particularly in ICU settings, is significant but underexplored in Balochistan, Pakistan.Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of professional autonomy among ICU nurses and its association with patient satisfaction regarding nursing care quality.Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 274 ICU nurses and 304 patients in tertiary care hospitals across Balochistan. Data were collected using the Dempster Practice Behaviors Scale and the Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing Chi-square tests and Pearson’s correlation to examine associations and correlations.Results: Most nurses (78.8%) exhibited moderate professional autonomy, with significant associations with gender (p=0.006), education (p=0.008), and experience (p=0.002). Patient satisfaction was low in 51.8% of cases, with a strong correlation between professional autonomy and patient satisfaction (r=0.823, p<0.001).Conclusion: The study highlighted the need to enhance nurse autonomy to improve patient satisfaction. Empowering nurses could lead to better patient outcomes in ICU settings.

Memory loss or dementia is a progressive disorder, and one of its common forms is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), effecting mostly middle aged and older adults. In the present study, we developed Rivastigmine (RIV) nanoparticles using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (RIV-loaded PLGA NPs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The prepared RIV-PLGA nanoparticles was evaluated for the management of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The nanoparticles were prepared by the slightly modified nano-precipitation technique. The developed formulations were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential (ZP), polydispersibility index (PDI) and surface morphology and drug content. The experimental result revealed that prepared RIV-loaded PLGA NPs (F1) was optimized having particle size (61.2 ± 4.6 nm), PDI (0.292), ZP (−11.2 ± 1.2). SEM study confirms the prepared nanoparticles depicted non-aggregated as well smooth surface particles without any fracture. This formulation (F1) was further assessed for in vivo studies on animal model. A pharmacological screening on an animal model of Alzheimer's disease revealed that RIV-loaded PLGA NPs formulations treat CNS disorders like Alzheimer's effectively. In addition to that, an in-vivo brain cholinesterase estimation study found that, animals treated with optimized formulation significantly (p < 0.01) reduced brain cholinesterase activity when compared to scopolamine-treated animals. According to the above results, it can be concluded that RIV-loaded PLGA NPs are ideal carriers for delivering the drug at a specific target site in the brain, thus may treat Alzheimer's disease efficiently and improve patient compliance.

Background/Objectives: 6-Shogaol is a comparatively innovative anti-Parkinson’s remedy with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. This investigation intended to determine the role of 6-shogaol in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) paradigm in rotenone-induced rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (10–12 weeks old; 180 ± 20 g) were divided into five groups. Animals with rotenone-induced experimental PD were subsequently treated with 6-shogaol-10 at 20 mg/kg for 28 days. After the experimental duration, behavioural investigations were performed, i.e., open field test, forced swim test, rotarod test, and catalepsy test. Biochemical assessments like AChE, GSH, CAT, SOD, MDA, nitrite, ceruloplasmin, proinflammatory markers such as IL-1β, NF-κB, TNF-α, and catecholamines markers (DA, GABA, and MAO-B) were determined. The docking procedure was conducted using the AutoDock Vina docking protocol. Furthermore, histopathology was performed. Results: Rotenone significantly increased the level of MAO-B, oxidative, nitrative, and pro-inflammatory markers. However, there was a decline in ceruloplasmin, dopamine, and endogenous antioxidants. Treatment with 6-shogaol (10 and 20 mg/kg) considerably sustained the elevation of oxidative stress and inflammatory indicators and decreased AChE activity and dopamine levels. In the histology of the brain, 6-shogaol improved the neuronal structure and reduced the degeneration of neurons. Based on the binding energy values, compound 6-shogaol demonstrates a favourable binding affinity to AChE, MAO-B, DA, and GABA with respective binding energies of −8.214, −8.133, −7.396 and −6.189 kcal/mol. Conclusions: In this study, 6-shogaol exhibited neuroprotective properties against PD, which could be employed as a prospective medication for PD.

Glioblastoma (GB) remains a formidable challenge and requires new treatment strategies. The vital part of the Ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in cellular regulation has positioned it as a potentially crucial target in GB treatment, given its dysregulation oncolines. The Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) in the UPS system were considered due to the garden role in the cellular processes associated with oncolines and their vital function in the apoptotic process, cell cycle regulation, and autophagy. The article provides a comprehensive summary of the evidence base for targeting USPs as potential factors for neoplasm treatment. The review considers the participation of the UPS system in the development, resulting in the importance of p53, Rb, and NF-κB, and evaluates specific goals for therapeutic administration using midnight proteasomal inhibitors and small molecule antagonists of E1 and E2 enzymes. Despite the slowed rate of drug creation, recent therapeutic discoveries based on USP system dynamics hold promise for specialized therapies. The review concludes with an analysis of future wanderers and the feasible effects of targeting USPs on personalized GB therapies, which can improve patient hydration in this current and unattractive therapeutic landscape. The manuscript emphasizes the possibility of USP oncogene therapy as a promising alternative treatment line for GB. It stresses the direct creation of research on the medical effectiveness of the approach.

Glioblastoma is a prevalent form of carcinoma that exhibits a greater incidence rate across diverse demographics globally. Despite extensive global efforts, GBM continues to be a highly lethal disease that is characterized by a grim prognosis. There is a wealth of evidence suggesting that the pathophysiology of GBM is associated with the dysregulation of numerous cellular and molecular processes. The etiology of GBM may involve various cellular and molecular pathways, including EGFR, PDCD4, NF-κB, MAPK, matrix metalloproteinases, STAT, and Akt. MicroRNAs, short non-coding RNA molecules, regulate gene expression and mRNA translation after transcription but before translation to exert control over a wide range of biological functions. Extensive research has consistently demonstrated the upregulation of miRNA-21 in glioma, indicating its involvement in diverse biological pathways that facilitate tumor cell survival. By explaining the intricate interplay between miR-21 and the regulation of apoptosis in GBM, this review has the potential to significantly enhance our comprehension of the illness and provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention.