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Abstract Background Forensic investigations often rely on DNA analysis from biological samples such as saliva, which provides a non-invasive and accessible source of DNA. However, efficient isolation of high-quality DNA from saliva remains challenging due to the presence of inhibitors and mucins. In this study, a DNA isolation method was evaluated for isolating DNA from saliva samples using polyethyleneimine-functionalized iron-oxide nanoparticles, utilizing their high DNA binding capacity and the magnetic properties. Saliva samples (200 µL) were obtained from 20 healthy individuals, and DNA was isolated using PEI-IONPs followed by elution in 200 µL of elution buffer. DNA yield, purity, and integrity were assessed using UV–vis spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. Results DNA isolated using PEI-IONP-based method showed an average yield of 5.8 µg per 200 µL of saliva, with an average concentration of 29.0 ng/µL. The purity ratio (OD260/OD280) of 1.82 indicated minimal contamination from proteins or RNA, and agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed the high molecular weight and integrity of the DNA. Conclusions This study establishes PEI-IONP as a reliable, safe, and efficient approach for DNA isolation from saliva samples, with potential applications in forensic science. The method also minimizes the use of hazardous chemicals, providing an environment friendly alternative to traditional isolation techniques. However, future research should evaluate the compatibility of the isolated DNA with PCR-based applications, such as STR profiling and mitochondrial DNA typing, comparing its recovery efficiency with established methods and validate its effectiveness with actual forensic casework samples, e.g., dried samples.

Abstract The study on altermagnet is receiving extensive research efforts due to its directional-dependent spin-polarized band structure. Here, we investigate the multifunctional properties of the Janus Cr2SeO monolayer system. The Cr2SeO monolayer exhibits an in-plane magnetic anisotropy energy of -0.28 meV/cell and a Neel temperature of around 280 K, which is further enhanced to 315 K under 1% uniaxial compressive strain. The Janus Cr2SeO exhibits spin band inversion with a large spin splitting of 0.38 eV at the Y and X high-symmetry points. Nonetheless, the valleys are degenerated due to the diagonal mirror symmetry. The uniaxial strain effectively breaks the diagonal mirror symmetry in the Janus Cr2SeO monolayer, and the strain-induced valley polarization of up to 90 meV is achieved. Furthermore, the uniaxial strain tunes the band gap between 0.30 eV to 0.76 eV. Moreover, Cr2SeO demonstrates ferroelectricity, with a total electric polarization of 5.34 pC/m, which increases to 5.52 pC/m under small uniaxial strain. Besides, we found a large vertical piezoelectric coefficient d31 of 1.18 pm/V. Our study suggests that the Janus Cr2SeO is a promising platform for Valleytronics and ferroelectric memory applications at room temperature.

Abstract Introduction Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) need ongoing dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant to survive. Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for patients with ESKD. Advances in surgical, immunosuppressive, and monitoring protocols have led to a significant improvement in short-term kidney allograft survival. However, in order to avoid rejection, kidney transplant patients have to be on immunosuppression which increases the risk of infections, malignancies, cardiovascular diseases, and many other complications. So a balance has to be struck to prevent under or over-immunosuppression. In this study, we present our experience and follow-up data of kidney transplantations done at our center with special emphasis on the incidence of complications and outcomes in recipients at 1 year. Aims and objectives 1. To estimate the incidence of post-transplant complications in live kidney transplant recipients at 1 year. 2. To assess the patient and graft survival at 1 year in live kidney transplant recipients. Materials and methods This observational study was done in the Department of Nephrology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, J&K. Patients who underwent transplant at our center from April 2022 to April 2023 were included and each patient was followed up for 1 year in this study. All the consenting kidney transplant recipients undergoing kidney transplantation at our center during the study period were included. Results A total of 45 kidney transplants were included in the study. The mean age of our study population was 31.2 years (SD 10.5). 77.5% of our recipient population comprised of men and 22.5% were women. The mean dialysis vintage was 15.1 months (SD 9.4). The incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection was 15% while 1 year patient and graft survival were 100% and 95%, respectively. The incidence of BK virus-associated nephropathy was 10%. The overall incidence of other infections was 37.5%. The incidence of hypertension and post-transplant diabetes was 65% and 15%, respectively. The incidence of anemia and erythrocytosis was 12.5% and 22.5%, respectively. Conclusion Kidney transplant is the treatment of choice for ESKD. However, these patients are at risk of infectious, malignant, cardiometabolic, and other complications. Heightened awareness and surveillance is of utmost importance in these patients.

The workers at construction and agricultural sites face many problems regarding load carrying (body pains), which results in less work efficiency. Therefore, the idea of designing a toolkit is put forward, with the help of which the workers could do their work easily and efficiently. This study aims to design and fabricate a low-cost toolkit that is lighter and easily accessible to all workers. The toolkit is designed to be used in different positions or modes. The most important step in this project is material selection, as it will define the toolkit's final weight, cost, and strength. Various materials, such as wood, bamboo, aluminum, steel, etc., were compared based on their physical properties, such as their strength, weight, and behavior in changing weather. The material selected is steel due to its high strength, weldability, and low cost. A design was finalized by incorporating safety and worker comfort. An ANSYS analysis was then performed on the proposed design to check it for loading capacity and deformation in various modes of operation. After performing the ANSYS analysis, the toolkit was fabricated and tested at various modes of operation. It was found that the tool performed exceptionally well at loads less than 20 Kg, whereas there were some minute deflection errors (max. error of 1.7 mm) at loads greater than 35 Kg.

Abstract The road network in the Himalayan terrain is vital for India's socio-economic development and national security, yet the complexities of topography, geological structures, diverse lithology, and neotectonics make planning and maintaining these routes a challenging task. Population growth and expanding road construction have caused slope destabilization, mass wasting, and movement across the Himalayan terrain. Field-based slope stability assessments are essential for slope mass characterization and slope stabilization, helping planners predict and select suitable construction strategies for roads and other infrastructure. This study presents a comprehensive slope stability and displacement analysis of the Kuther landslide, situated along the Jawali to Kuther road in the Dehar Watershed, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh. An integrated approach was used, combining surface displacement monitoring with the COSI-Corr technique and slope stability assessments through methods such as rock mass rating, kinematic analysis, slope mass rating, and continuous slope mass rating. Findings indicate that the slope is highly susceptible to planar failure, with some instances of wedge failure. The rock mass ranges from class III to IV, indicating conditions from partially stable to stable, while displacement analysis reveals the slope is creeping at an average rate of 4 mm/year. This study highlights the critical need for comprehensive slope stability and displacement analyses to ensure the safety of vulnerable areas and their communities.

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD), emerged as primary contributors to global morbidity and mortality. In addition to traditional factors, recent studies demonstrated that blood microbiomes may also promote the development or progression of these CMDs. Traditionally, blood was considered sterile; however, the notion of blood as a sterile environment has been challenged by findings demonstrating the presence of a microbiome in both healthy and disease states. Although there has been a tremendous expansion in human microbiome research, with hundreds of projects underway globally the blood microbiome has not received the same level of attention as its gut and oral counterparts. The circulating microbiome is an emerging trend that has drawn a high level of interest in the biomedical field, given its potential to generate predictive biomarkers and the means to screen for potential pathogens. This comprehensive review explores the latest advancements in blood microbiome research, emphasizing biomarker identification, diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, and prevention in CMDs. We also delve into existing challenges and present a future-oriented treatment strategy using advanced methods. Deciphering the blood microbiome’s role in disease could lead to the classification of patient subgroups, enabling precision microbiota-based therapies.

ABSTRACT We present a case report of a 45‐year‐old female with acute onset right‐sided facial weakness, worsening vision, and diplopia. Upon evaluation, the patient exhibited total right‐side facial palsy (House‐Brackmann grade IV) with III, IV, and VI Cranial Nerve Ophthalmoplegia. There was no perception of light associated with optic atrophy on ocular examination. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a sizeable sphenoid sinus mass compressing the right optic nerve, consistent with neoplasia or invasive fungal infection. Eventually, we removed the mass endoscopically through a transnasal approach and diagnosed it as invasive Aspergillosis on histopathological examination, even though no previous record of immunodeficiency existed. The patient received intravenous followed by oral voriconazole. Postoperatively, there was partial recovery of her facial nerve function. This case highlights the importance of considering invasive fungal infections, even in immunocompetent patients, when managing space‐occupying lesions with neuro‐ophthalmic involvement.

ABSTRACT Extra‐nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare entity, with only a few cases reported to date. It usually presents with symptoms resembling those of typical nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, but it arises from a site other than the site of origin of typical nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. A 20‐year‐old male presented with complaints of left‐sided nasal obstruction and epistaxis for 10 days. On examination, a mass was seen attached to the anterior nasal septum. Throat and ear examinations were unremarkable. Blood investigations also came out to be as expected. A deviated nasal septum was seen, which was caused by a nasal trauma to this patient 3 years ago. This mass was removed, and the specimen was sent for histologic examination. Histologic examination of the specimen proved the mass to be extra‐nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. The selection of appropriate surgical techniques and subsequent histologic examinations is extremely important to determine the exact diagnosis in such cases. The case addressed in this case report is extremely important for uncovering another rare case of extra‐nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. This case might also suggest a possible linkage between extra‐nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and a deviated nasal septum.

BackgroundMastitis is a widespread disease on a global scale, significantly impacting the dairy industry. Mastitis in dairy cattle is caused by over 150 different bacteria, with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) playing a significant role in financial losses, problems with animal welfare, and challenges with food safety. Phage treatment is thus being investigated as an effective replacement for reducing contaminants and illnesses caused by bacteria. In this study, we identified a phage UHP46, that effectively targets mastitis-causing S. aureus.MethodsS. aureus S46 was used to screen for the wastewater lytic phages. The isolated lytic phage UHP46, which formed clear plaques and spots, was further characterized.ResultsPhage UHP46, belonging to the Herelleviridae family, forms clear, circular plaques in bacterial lawn. UHP46 showed stability under various range of temperature and pH levels, with maximum activity observed at pH 7 and temperature 37°C. Genomic analysis revealed that phage UHP46 is a dsDNA virus with an approximate genome size of 139,731 bp, and it encodes 72 proteins with known functions and 136 hypothetical proteins. One-step growth curve analysis indicated latent period of approximately 20 mins and burst size of about 27 progeny/cell. In organic stability test, UHP46 showed stability in DMSO and acetone. Furthermore, it effectively inhibited S. aureus growth for up to 16 h, suggesting its suitability for therapeutic applications against S. aureus infections.ConclusionThese findings suggest that phage UHP46 could serve as a promising alternative to antibiotics for managing S. aureus- induced mastitis, contributing to dairy production and improved animal health.

ABSTRACT Rising global temperatures underscore the urgent need to understand the complex interplay between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change. This study investigates the relationships between GHG emissions and key environmental factors in China from 1990 to 2019, focusing on the role of forest ecosystems and soil management practices. Utilizing FAOSTAT and World Development Indicators data, we analyze the connections between total GHG emissions and factors such as biomass burning (BM), net stock change (NSC), fertilizer application (FERT), and manure application (MA) in soils. Employing impulse response analysis and Robust Least Squares Estimation with transformed logarithmic independent parameters, we find strong positive correlations between GHG emissions and both BM (coefficient 0.82) and FERT (coefficient 0.95). Robust Least Squares Estimation further confirms the significant influence of BM (coefficient 0.85) and FERT (coefficient 1.01) on GHG emissions. Notably, the interaction between precipitation (PPT) and NSC significantly impacts GHG emissions, with a negative coefficient (−0.58) for “PPT * NSC”. In contrast, the interaction between PPT and FERT significantly impacts GHG emissions, with a positive coefficient (0.29) for “PPT * FERT.” Furthermore, a unidirectional causality is observed from GHGs to BM (coefficient 6.31). These findings highlight the critical roles of BM, fertilizer use, and PPT patterns in driving GHG dynamics and underscore the potential of forest management strategies, particularly those focused on NSC, to mitigate climate change. This research provides valuable insights for promoting a sustainable balance between human activities and the vital role of forests in maintaining a healthy environment.

Salinity stress poses a severe risk to food security and crop productivity. Stress reduction techniques are not necessarily sustainable or environmentally friendly. With the increasing adverse impact of salinity and area, it is necessary to restore and ameliorate salinity stress using environmentally friendly approaches. In this context, beneficial rhizospheric microbes may offer a sustainable approach to managing salinity stress. We used Bacillus subtilis strain Z-12 and B. aryabhattai strain Z-48 to improve the growth of turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) plants under salinity stress conditions and elucidated the beneficial impact of these bacterial strains on different physiological and biochemical aspects of plants. The application of both strains had a significant (p < 0.05) positive influence on analyzed parameters under salt stress. Here, B. aryabhattai strain Z-48 superiorly increased shoot length (33.2-, 25.8%), root length (38.6-, 31.5%), fresh biomass (23.9-, 17.8%), and dry biomass (38.60-, 48.6%) in normal and saline stress (200 mM NaCl) conditions, respectively. Physiological studies showed that antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly increased by B. subtilis Z-12 and B. aryabhattai Z-48 under salinity stress, with a few exceptions. Moreover, the inoculation of both strains effectively increased total chlorophyll, soluble sugar, phenolic, flavonoid, and glucosinolate contents under simulated salinity stress and normal conditions. Hence, these findings support the framework that inoculating turnip plants with these strains can enhance their tolerance against salinity stress.

To compare previously recorded quality of life scores of students at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) to those after New Zealand (NZ) COVID lockdowns. Previously recorded students' SF-36 questionnaires were collected before (2019) and after (2022) the lockdowns. Student populations were independent at each time point (pre- and post-lockdown) and were compared between 2019 and 2022 using unpaired Wilcoxon tests and to similarly aged and NZ normative data. Two hundred seventy-six pre-COVID (51.1% female) and 120 post-COVID (60.8% female) data sets were returned. All pre-COVID years and scores were significantly higher or comparable with reference data (p ≤.050). Post-COVID scores dropped below pre-COVID and reference data—with the largest drops seen in emotional wellbeing, emotional role limitations, social, and fatigue domains (p <.05 - p <.001). Only post-COVID physical functioning was comparable with pre-COVID or reference data (p >.050). This study suggests that before COVID New Zealand College of Chiropractic perceived their quality of life as the same or better than the average New Zealander or similarly aged person. After COVID, most quality of life scores dropped substantially with emotional, social, and fatigue-related domains showing the greatest decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present study, we report the synthesis of surface-modified zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using chemical method (Z) as well as green method using Beta vulgaris extract (BvZ). The band gap energy of BvZ (3.14 eV) was found to be greater than that of Z (3.0 eV) owing to its smaller particle size. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal the reduction in crystallite size for BvZ when compared to Z. TEM and SEM images show the agglomeration of particles for BvZ and spherical morphology for Z. The XPS spectra of the BvZ NPs were studied to confirm the oxidation state of Zn ions. Antimicrobial activities of BvZ and Z were tested against bacterial strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus and fungal strains viz., Candida tropicalis, and Aspergillus niger. The seed germination property of BvZ for chickpea seeds was also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most common nosocomial infections causing pathogens. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii is a growing concern to the healthcare system in Bangladesh, necessitating the elucidation of the genetic characteristics of this species. Five MDR, biofilm-forming A. baumannii strains isolated from clinical samples in Dhaka, Bangladesh, underwent a comprehensive whole-genome shotgun sequencing. In silico analyses determined strain types, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes. The phylogenomic and pan-genome comparative analysis included the study samples along with an additional 15 Bangladeshi A. baumannii strains collected from the public database. The antibiotic-resistant profile showed that all the strains were resistant to meropenem. Two strains were resistant to polymyxin B up to 64 µg/ml. The average draft genome size of the strains was 3.93 Mbp, with about 39% GC content. Multilocus sequence typing characterized the strains as ST1, ST2, ST164, and ST623. All strains carried different classes of β-lactamase genes, including the carbapenem hydrolyzing enzyme coding genes blaoxa-23 and blaoxa-51. One of the five strains studied harbored blaNDM-9 and blaNDM-23 genes. The phosphotransferase group of aminoglycosides modifying enzymes was the most common. All the strains had relatively similar virulence profiles. Pan-genome analysis revealed 1944 core and 1302 unique genes. Phylogenomic analysis revealed the distribution of these strains in different clusters with other MDR strains isolated worldwide. The study results suggest the implementation of antibiotic stewardship and genomic surveillance of MDR A. baumannii to control the spread of antibiotic resistance in Bangladesh. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2025; 8(1.000): 64-78]

Abstract Background Magnesium (Mg) is essential for plant growth and development and plays critical roles in physiological and biochemical processes. Mg deficiency adversely affects growth of plants by limiting shoot and root development, disturbing the structure and membranes of the grana, reducing photosynthesis efficiency, and lowering net CO2 assimilation. The MGT (Magnesium transporter) family is responsible for the absorption and transportation of magnesium in plants. Although the MGT family has been identified in different plant species, research regarding the soybean MGT genes is limited. Results In the current study, a total of 39 MGT genes distributed on 17 different chromosomes were identified in soybean. Phylogenetic analysis classified GmMGTs into three subgroups, NIPA, MRS2/MGT, and CorA, which showed little homology with MGTs of Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa members and clustered tightly with GmMGTs. Gene structure and conserved motif analysis also confirmed similar grouping in GmMGTs. The expansion of the GmMGT members in NIPA and MRS2/MGT was predicted, while CorA was identified as the most conserved group in G. max. Segmental duplication under purifying selection pressure was identified as the major driving force in the expansion of MGTs in soybean. GmMGTs showed diverse tissue-specific and stress-response expression patterns due to the presence of stress-related cis-regulatory elements in their promoter regions. Under Mg-deficiency and surplus stress conditions, a decrease in root length, shoot length, and root and shoot fresh as well dry weight in susceptible genotypes showed the variegated expression of MGTs in soybean genotypes. Furthermore, the upregulation of GmMGT2 and GmMGT29 in tolerant genotypes in response to Mg-deficiency as well as surplus stress conditions in leaves suggested the essential role of GmMGT genes in the absorption and transportation of Mg in soybean leaves. Conclusion This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the MGT gene family in soybean, providing insights into their evolutionary relationships, gene classification, protein structures, and expression patterns under both Mg deficiency and Mg surplus conditions.

The degradation of air quality is as a prominent socio-environmental challenge. The present study investigated the impacts of extended exposure to smog on the behavioral, immunological, and histopathological profiles among in healthy male rats. Study also explores the impact of smog exposure on the microbial community and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles in rat lung tissues, employing metagenomic analysis. The research utilized an experimental design with two groups, each comprising 12 rats. Group I, identified as the control group, was further divided into subgroups (A-Islamabad & B-Lahore) and placed in a smog-free environment. Group II, the test group, was also subdivided into subgroups (A-Islamabad & B-Lahore) and exposed to a smog-laden atmosphere for a 60-day duration. Subsequently, the rats were humanely euthanized through cervical dislocation for an in-depth histopathological analysis of lung tissues. Behavioral assessments included the open field test, evaluating locomotion, anxiety, and exploratory tendencies. The Y-maze test assessed spontaneous alternation and working memory. Immunological analyses involved the collection of blood samples for the assessment of levels of CD4 and CD8, providing insights into oxidative stress. Lung tissues were meticulously separated for subsequent histopathological examination. Metagenomic analysis of smog-exposed rat lung tissues reveal antibiotic resistant gene profiles. The results of the present study suggested potential alteration in behavior, immunological, and histopathology induced by prolonged smog exposure in healthy male rats. Results reveal a diverse microbial community with concerning implications for antibiotic resistance.

This study focuses on the fabrication of a novel electrochemical sensor for ultrasensitive detection of carbofuran, a commonly used carbamate herbicide known for its neurotoxic effects at low doses. A CeO2/NiO/GO nanocomposite was developed using a hydrothermal technique, leveraging cerium's large surface area, ionic conductivity, and wide band gap, which were enhanced by doping with nickel oxide (NiO) and incorporating graphene oxide (GO). Characterization methods, including EDX, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV-visible spectroscopy, confirmed the successful production of the nanocomposite. Electrochemical studies using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that CeO2/NiO/GO-modified GCE performed efficiently. The sensor showed a significant increase in oxidation peak current, indicating effective electron transport and carbofuran oxidation. DPV analysis revealed a linear detection range of 5–150 µM, with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.82 µM and a quantification limit (LOQ) of 2.48 µM. These results indicate that CeO2/NiO/GO is an effective and environmentally friendly material for the selective and sensitive detection of carbofuran in real samples.

Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Citrus lemon leaf extract, a novel green method. The synthesized NPs were extensively characterized using FTIR, UV-VIS, XRD, and SEM techniques, confirming their synthesis and properties. These NPs demonstrated promising catalytic efficiency (% degradation = 75.16 %), antioxidant potential (IC50 = 0.7 mg/ml), anti-biofilm activity (IC50 = 0.096 ± 0.005 mg/ml for E. coli, 0.08 ± 0.007 mg/ml for S. aureus) and antibacterial effects (ZOI = 28 mm for E. coli, 23 mm for S. aureus). This green synthesis method offers scalability and cost-effectiveness as compared to the energy-intensive and wasteful traditional methods. Our study exemplifies a commitment to advancing scientific progress through sustainable practices, contributing to global sustainable development goals.

Lycopene, a plant-based carotenoid, is a potent antioxidant known for its antifungal and health-promotion benefits. The current study aims to develop an eco-friendly pesticide lycopene/propiconazole-based magnetic silica composite against Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. The encapsulation of lycopene and propiconazole within the silica composite was confirmed by FTIR spectra, which displayed characteristic peaks at 2885.07 cm⁻¹, 1683.64 cm⁻¹, and 823.36 cm⁻¹, indicating the presence of both compounds without any chemical interaction between the fungicide and the composite. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a significant increase in thermal stability for the composite, showing only a 20.48 % weight loss up to 390 °C, compared to pure propiconazole, which experienced a 90 % weight loss between 200 °C and 360 °C. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated less agglomerated particles after propiconazole entrapment in the composite, and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of elements from both lycopene and propiconazole from carbon (50.74 %), chlorine (0.19 %), and nitrogen content (0.47 %), supporting their successful encapsulation within the silica composite. In-vitro antifungal analysis of lycopene/propiconazole-based magnetic silica composite showed statistically significant P-values < 0.05 presenting a mycelial growth inhibition with 25.92 ± 1.7 mm against Aspergillus parasiticus and 25.7 ± 2.3 mm against Aspergillus flavus. The newly synthesized composite thus presented promising antifungal activity against Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus, with potential for agricultural applications based on its stability, efficiency and simple recovery/reutilization as well as sustainable nature.

Fuel cell technology offers a promising alternative to fossil fuel combustion, providing a clean, eco-friendly and a more efficient energy source. However, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the most sluggish reaction within fuel cells. A bimetallic iron ferrite material (BMIF) has been developed as a less costly alternative compared to Pt-based electrodes with high electrochemical activity. The particle size of BMIF ranges from 0.08 to 0.3 μm, and its spinel structure has been confirmed through FTIR and XRD analysis. TGA shows high thermal stability of catalyst. Spinel structure remained unchanged even after electrochemical analysis as confirmed by FTIR. With increasing electrolyte concentration, the cathodic peak current decreases in accordance with De-Bye Huckle Limiting law. Onset potential for BMIF is 0.0296 V vs. RHE, significantly lower than that of Pt, which is 0.783 V vs. RHE. Additionally, the mass activity of BMIF at −0.998 V is 253 mA mg−1, surpassing that of Pt/C (96.9 mA mg−1Chronoamperometry result shows appreciable durability of BMIF as initially for only 1 min current density was declined and then no further decline was observed till 1000s.

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The use of waste, recycled, and modified materials is increasingly popular in roadway construction for sustainability and pavement longevity. This research examines the combination of steel slag (SS) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), commonly used in plastic bags and steel manufacturing by-products, to mitigate environmental pollution. LDPE was tested as a binder modifier in two bitumen grades, 60–70 and 80–100, at concentrations of 3%, 5%, and 7% by weight. SS was used as a replacement for coarse aggregate. The physical properties of both modified and unmodified bitumen grades and SS were analyzed before creating and testing hot-mix asphalt (HMA) samples. The dynamic modulus of these samples was measured at temperatures of 4.4 °C, 21.1 °C, 37.8 °C, and 54.4 °C with frequencies of 0.1 Hz, 0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, 5 Hz, 10 Hz, and 25 Hz. Master curves were developed, and the dynamic modulus data underwent design of experiment (DOE) and computational intelligence (CI) analyses. Using KENPAVE, a mechanistic–empirical tool, the analysis assessed the design life and enhancements in damage ratio for each modifier and grade. The results showed that adding LDPE increases the softening point and penetration grade but decreases ductility due to increased bitumen stiffness, leading to premature fatigue failure at higher LDPE levels. Both 3% LDPE and 3% SS-modified LDPE improved Marshall Stability and dynamic modulus across all temperature and frequency ranges. Specifically, 3% LDPE enhanced stability by 13–16% and 3% SS-LDPE by 30–32%. The KENPAVE results for 3% LDPE showed a design life improvement of 19–25% and a damage ratio reduction of 15–18%. In comparison, 3% SS-LDPE demonstrated a design life improvement of 50–60% and a damage ratio reduction of 25–35%. Overall, this study concludes that 3% LDPE- and 3% SS-LDPE-modified HMA in both bitumen grades 60–70 and 80–100 provide optimal results for improving pavement performance.

Background & Objective: Chronic suppurative otitis media is a fatal condition owing to its propensity for intracranial extension. The inadvertent use of antibiotics has led to resistance among causative organisms. The objectives of this study were to determine causative bacteria, their antibiotic resistance and susceptibility patterns, and their response to antibiotics after a one-month follow-up., Method: It was a prospective study conducted in the ENT department of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from June 2023 to March 2024. Ear swabs were collected for microscopy and bacterial culture. Statistical analysis was done using IBM-SPSS-20, and GraphPad Prism., Results: Data was collected from 113 patients. The mean age of the patients was 22 + 2 years. Out of 113 samples, 97(85.5%) showed growth on culture whereas 16(14%) showed no growth, with 95 (98%) unimicrobial, while 2 (2%) showed polymicrobial growth. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the commonest bacteria isolated 38(38%), followed by S. aureus , Proteus species , and S. saprophyticus . Gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to Linezolid (80%), followed by Vancomycin (76%), with resistance to Ciprofloxacin (75-84%), Ampicillin (70%), and Ceftriaxone (75-80%). Gram-negative bacteria showed susceptibility to carbapenem (50-100%) and Piperacillin/Tazobactam (50% to 93%), with resistance to Ciprofloxacin (50-87%), Ceftriaxone (87%), and Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (72-90%). After one month of follow-up, 82% of patients showed improvements, with noncompliance significantly associated with the persistence of symptoms (p<0.01)., Conclusion: Moderate to high resistance against ciprofloxacin, third-generation cephalosporin, ampicillin, amoxicillin plus clavulanate, and clindamycin is an eye-opener. Our results underscore the critical need for judicious administration of empirical antibiotics., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None., (Copyright: © Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.)