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Emulsification plays an important role in the formation of many products such as milk products, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, paints, dyes, and many food items. Their application in industry such as mining, crude oil extraction, pulp and paper, textile, and polymer, is immense. Over the last two decades there has been a growing interest in making emulsions by a new technique known as membrane emulsification. This is because it requires lesser energy as compared to the other conventional turbulence based methods like homogenization and rotor-stator systems, with the added advantage of producing droplets of a given size by just selecting the average pore size of the membrane. It is the distinguished feature of membrane emulsification that the resulting droplet size is controlled primarily by the membrane type and its pore size and not by the generation of turbulent droplet breakup. This article provides a review of the currently available emulsification processes with special focus on polymer emulsification. The main characteristics of emulsification processes including membrane emulsification process and its principles, influence of process parameters, industrial applications as well as an outlook to further improvement of the processes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents a case history of intractable facial pain following the placement of a posterior mandibular implant. The pain was resistant to all medical management, but a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan showed that the implant impinged on an unusual accessory inferior alveolar nerve. The decision to remove the implant led to significant pain reduction. This clinical example underscores the need for scrupulous imaging prior to implant placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-operative throat complaints frequently arise after general anesthesia in the first 2 postoperative days, but they are of limited intensity and duration and often regard it as a relatively minor complication. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding triamcinolone acetonide to Oropharyngeal packs on decreasing the postoperative throat discomfort. Patients and Methods: After obtaining approval from the Research Ethical Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University No. FWA 000017585 at 10th of April 2019, this study was conducted in the operating theaters of Otorhinolaryngology department, Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. Prospective, interventional double – blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Study Period: From 10th of April 2019 to 10th of September 2019. Results: Post was followed up in the studied patients in 30 minutes postoperative, and at the duration of 2 to 6 hours postoperative and 24 hours postoperative and the median was calculated. The median IQR of patients who developed sore throat after use of oral packs in our study from 2 to 6 hours postoperative in control group was 4 with range (3 -5), median IQR in study group during the same period was 3 with range (4 -5) with test value 2.194 using Mann-Whitney test with P-value 0.028 with significant result. Conclusion: The use of oral packs with triamcinolone acetonide showed lower proportion of patients who developed dysphagia and hoarseness of voice in patients group compared to control group, while no one of the studied patients showed postoperative nausea and vomiting as complication of use of oral packs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the prevalence of mycotic endometritis (ME) in buffaloes and mares in district Faisalabad, Pakistan was investigated. Uterine flush samples were aseptically collected from 144 buffaloes and 75 mares and incubated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar for two weeks. The overall prevalence of ME was 3.5% in buffaloes and 2.7% in mares. Ultrasonographically, buffaloes with ME had thicker endometrium (P<0.05) than that of buffaloes without ME (9.66±0.9460 mm vs 8.97 ± 0.0816 mm). Buffaloes bred through artificial insemination showed lower (P<0.05) incidence of ME than those bred through natural mating (2.3% vs 12.5%). In mares, stocking density (1.44% for 1-5 animals/paddock vs 33.3% for >10 animals/paddock), history of abortion and retained fetal membranes were significant risk factors (P<0.05) for the prevalence of ME. Management condition, body condition score and parity were not associated with the prevalence of ME in either species. In addition, herd size and reproductive problems had no effect on the prevalence of this problem in buffaloes. Antifungal susceptibility testing for buffalo isolates showed that all three isolated genera (Penicillium, Aspergillus and Rhizopus) were susceptible to itraconazole, Penicillium being the most susceptible. Penicillium and Aspergillus were resistant to fluconazole; however, Rhizopus was susceptible to fluconazole. In mares, out of the two isolates (Penicillium and Candida), Penicillium was susceptible to itraconazole and resistant to fluconazole, while Candida was resistant to both drugs. It is concluded that the prevalence of ME is not threatening in either species. However, buffaloes bred through natural mating; mares reared under high stocking density or those with history of abortion and retained fetal membranes have high risk of developing the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) in poultry meat and to find its antimicrobial susceptibility. P. mirabilis has been frequently isolated from poultry and poses potential threat to public health. The pathogen resides in broiler's intestine, so it can be a source of contamination of chicken carcass in a slaughterhouse. A total of 50 samples of chicken carcass (from liver n=15, from intestine n=15, from thigh n=11 and from wings n=9) were taken from Faisalabad and cultured on Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar (XLD) for isolation and purification of P. mirabilis. Percent positivity of P. mirabilis in liver was found to be 60%, 46% in intestine, 36% in thigh and 33% in wings. P. mirabilis isolates showed high resistance to tetracycline (100%) and piperacillin (91.3%) while low resistance was shown to ceftazidime (8.6%). The study concluded that chicken could be the source of P. mirabilis and it can be a source of infection in human and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross sectional study was performed to determine the frequency of Escherichia coli in fresh and frozen meat samples followed by antimicrobial resistance profiling and to detect different extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) genes. A total of 100 samples of fresh and frozen meat (n=50 each) were collected from different butcher shops and supermarkets. Equal numbers of specimens were collected from chicken and mutton. Samples were processed for isolation and identification of E. coli by standard microbiological, biochemical and molecular characterization. The resistance pattern was detected by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method while presence of ESBLs was checked by double disk synergy test and PCR. The results of present study showed that among 100 meat samples, potentially pathogenic E. coli was isolated from 36 samples with greater contamination 20/50 (40%) in chicken samples in comparison to mutton 16/50 (32%). Similarly, the frequency of E. coli was more pronounced in fresh meat 30/50 (60%) rather than frozen 4/50 (8%). The highest resistance pattern (100%) was observed against ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin and tetracycline followed by cefotaxime (91.6%) and (n=27) isolates were found multi drug resistant (MDR). The double disk synergy test found 17 (47.22%) ESBL producing isolates while bla CTX-M gene was identified in 5 (29.41%) isolates followed by bla OXA-48 in 4 (23.52%) samples and bla TEM gene in 1 (5.88%). This study revealed that vigilant control procedures should be implemented all over the food chain and effective surveillance should also be performed at national level to minimize the spread of MDR and ESBL producing Escherichia coli from raw meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotic infections of reproductive tract did not receive much attention in the past. Fungi cause reproductive problems by invading or colonizing the reproductive tract, which adversely affects the reproductive efficiency in cattle. Current study was designed to find out the prevalence of fungal pathogens from uterine samples of Sahiwal cattle and to perform antifungal susceptibility testing on the isolated fungal pathogens. For this purpose, 144 uterine samples were collected and cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar at 25oC for two weeks. Fungi were identified based on the microscopic characteristics. The results showed that out of 144 samples, 4 were found positive, showing an overall prevalence of mycotic endometritis in Sahiwal cattle as 2.8% in Faisalabad. Penicillium and Aspergillus species were the isolated fungal pathogens. The prevalence of mycotic endometritis was significantly higher in cattle having the history of reproductive problems (P<0.05). However, the association between mycotic endometritis, and managemental conditions, parity, herd size, body condition score, and the breeding method was statistically nonsignificant. The mean endometrial thickness in Sahiwal cattle suffering from mycotic endometritis was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the value for nonendometritis cattle. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Itraconazole (Rolac®) was 4.12 mg/ml against Aspergillus spp. and 8.6mg/ml against Penicillium spp. However, both Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. were resistant to Fluconazole (Fungone®). It is recommended that further studies should be undertaken to investigate the role and economic impact of fungal pathogens in the etiology of reproductive disorders that fail to respond to antibiotic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are highly active vectors capable of transmitting various pathogenic and infectious diseases to humans and animals. The present study was designed to identify the major species of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne flaviviruses (Saint Louis Encephalitis, West Nile and Dengue Viruses) prevalent in three districts of Punjab representing the three agro-geoclimatic zones viz; Multan, Chakwal and Jhang. The collected mosquitoes were stereoscopically identified to confirm the species and sex of the mosquitoes. Stereoscopic identification confirmed that female mosquitoes were 4334 out of 10675 (40.6%), 2242 out of 7296 (30%) and 2040 out of 6450 (31.6%) from districts Chakwal, Jhang and Multan, respectively. It was concluded that Culex species were present in abundance (73.2%) as compared to Aedes species (26.7%) in the selected study districts. The results of multiplex RT-PCR depicted that Dengue, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis and Saint Louis encephalitis viruses were prevalent in the mosquitoes of all three selected districts. However, the prevalence of mosquito-borne viruses insignificantly varied (P>0.05) among the three districts. This study has provided a better understanding of the prevailing mosquito species and mosquito-borne viruses in the study districts that can help to devise appropriate control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996 has transformed a lethal disease to a chronic pathology with a dramatic decrease in mortality and morbidity of AIDS-related symptoms in infected patients. However, HAART has not allowed the cure of HIV infection, the main obstacle to HIV eradication being the existence of quiescent reservoirs. Several other problems have been encountered with HAART (such as side effects, adherence to medication, emergence of resistance and cost of treatment), and these motivate the search for new ways to treat these patients. Recent advances hold promise for the ultimate cure of HIV infection, which is the topic of this review. Besides these new strategies aiming to eliminate the virus, efforts must be made to improve current HAART. We believe that the cure of HIV infection will not be attained in the short term and that a strategy based on purging the reservoirs has to be associated with an aggressive HAART strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Recognition of avian viral pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) via chicken pattern recognition receptor (PRRs). • Intrinsic cellular pathways for induction of chicken type I interferons in response to avian viral PAMPs. • Activation of chicken IFN stimulated genes (chISGs) via JAK-STAT pathway. • Molecular innate immune evasion mechanisms employed by NDV, AIV, IBDV, IBV and ATMUV. Chicken type I interferons (type I IFNs) are key antiviral players of the chicken innate immune system and are considered potent antiviral agents against avian viral pathogens. Chicken type I IFNs are divided into three subtypes namely, chIFN-α, chIFN-β, and chIFN-κ. Viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) recognized by their corresponding specific PRRs (pattern recognition receptors) induce the expression of chicken type I IFNs. Interaction of chicken type I IFNs with their subsequent IFN receptors results in the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway, which in turn activates hundreds of chicken interferon-stimulated genes (chISGs). These chISGs establish an antiviral state in neighboring cells and prevent the replication and dissemination of viruses within chicken cells. Chicken type I IFNs activate different pathways that constitute major antiviral innate defense mechanisms in chickens. However, evolutionary mechanisms in viruses have made them resistant to these antiviral players by manipulating host innate immune pathways. This review focuses on the underlying molecular mechanisms employed by avian RNA viruses to counteract chicken type I IFNs and chISGs through different viral proteins. This may help to understand host-pathogen interactions and the development of novel therapeutic strategies to control viral infections in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epsilon toxin (ETX) is an exotoxin produced by Clostridium perfringens type D that induces enterotoxaemia or necrotic intestinal infection in small ruminants and bovine. Immunization is an essential element in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In recent literature, nanocarriers have exhibited the capacity to deliver protection, stability, and regulated distribution properties to protein-based antigens. Furthermore, egg albumin is a highly adaptable protein nanocarrier in vaccine delivery systems due to its biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-immune-modulating properties. In this study, we assessed the efficacy, safety, immunogenicity, and dose-effect relationships of the nanoparticle-advanced toxoid vaccine (G1) in contrast to the commercially available vaccine (ETV) (G2). Two different vaccines (1 ml) were inoculated in experimental animals (rabbits) on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The geometric mean titers (GMT) of Groups 2 and 3 were recorded on the respective day of inoculation. The findings reveal that the GMT of group 2 was significantly higher than group 3. The use of nanoparticles to detain toxins demonstrated enhanced immune protection against the harmful effects caused by the toxins. This work is anticipated to explore new opportunities in developing improved vaccinations using nanoparticles to combat the pathogenicity/ virulence factors that present potential risks to livestock., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia.)

This study holds significant importance due to its focus on Campylobacter , the leading bacterial cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, responsible for ∼96 million cases each year. By investigating the prevalence of both Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in humans, animals, and the environment, this research sheds light on the broader impact of these pathogens, which can harm both human and animal populations. Traditional microbiological methods were implemented followed by optimized multiplex polymerase chain reaction targeting 16S rDNA and virulence gene markers by using specific primers. The findings revealed that a total of 219 Campylobacter isolates were recovered from 528 collected specimens from human, animal, and environmental sources. Campylobacter species showed a prevalence of 41.5%, with C. jejuni accounting for 53% and C. coli for 47%. Antimicrobial resistance rates were high, with tetracycline at 89%, ceftriaxone at 75%, cefotaxime at 70%, erythromycin at 69%, nalidixic acid at 54%, ciprofloxacin at 39%, and gentamicin at 23%. Commonly prevalent virulence-associated genes observed in the Campylobacter were cad F at 93%, fla A at 91%, cdt B at 88%, che Y at 86%, sod B at 78%, and iam A at 32%. The study confirmed multidrug-resistant Campylobacter prevalence at the human-animal-environment interface, harboring virulence-associated genes with potential harm to humans. Data analysis showed a nonsignificant ( p  ≥ 0.05) correlation between virulence genes and antibiotic susceptibility. To effectively manage Campylobacter infections, a multifaceted strategy incorporating preventative interventions at different levels is required. This strategy should take into account practicability, effectiveness, and sustainability while strengthening surveillance systems and addressing the economics of disease prevention.

Aim: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) among patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR)., Methods: Five databases were screened until December 18, 2022. The included RCTs were assessed for risk of bias, and the endpoints were summarized as mean difference/standardized mean difference (MD/SMD) or risk ratio (RR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects model., Results: Seven RCTs with 510 patients (TXA = 261 and control/placebo = 249) were analyzed. The overall risk of bias was "low" and "unclear" in four and three RCTs, respectively. The mean operative time (n = 5 RCTs, MD = -9.64 min, 95% CI [-15.74, -3.54], p = 0.002) and mean postoperative pain score on postoperative day 1 (n = 5 RCTs, MD = -0.56, 95% CI [-1.06, -0.05], p = 0.03) were significantly reduced in the TXA group compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences between both groups regarding visual clarity, amount of irrigation solution, and estimated intraoperative blood loss., Conclusion: Among patients undergoing ARCR, preoperative TXA did not reduce intraoperative blood loss or improve visual clarity. However, TXA administration correlated with significant reductions (statistically) in operative time and postoperative day 1 pain score compared with the control group. Level of evidence: Level I; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

In the current years of heightened focus on green chemistry and sustainable materials, this study delves into the untapped potential of hyaluronic acid (HA), chitin, and chitosan-prominent polysaccharides for groundbreaking applications. The primary aim is to effectively immobilize catalase enzymes onto matrices composed of chitosan, chitin, HA/chitin, and HA/chitosan. The rigorous investigation covers a spectrum of structural enhancements encompassing pH and temperature stability, thermal resilience, half-life extension, storage durability, reusability, and comprehensive FTIR analyses of the catalase immobilization. Notably, catalase activity demonstrated remarkable resilience on HA/chitin and HA/chitosan matrices, maintaining 73.80% and 79.55% efficacy even after 25 cycles. The introduction of covalent cross-linking between catalase and HA/chitin or HA/chitosan, facilitated by a cross-linking agent, significantly amplified stability and recycling efficiency. Consequently, the immobilized catalase showcases substantial promise across a spectrum of industrial applications, spanning from food and detergent production to bioremediation and diverse commercial processes. This underscores its pivotal role as a versatile and invaluable innovation in the realm of sustainable technologies., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest I declare that I have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an extremely transmissible viral disease caused by the PPR virus that impacts domestic small ruminants, namely sheep and goats. This study aimed to employ a methodical approach to evaluate the regional occurrence of PPR in small ruminants in Pakistan and the contributing factors that influence its prevalence. A thorough search was performed in various databases to identify published research articles between January 2004 and August 2023 on PPR in small ruminants in Pakistan. Articles were chosen based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 25 articles were selected from 1275 studies gathered from different databases. The overall pooled prevalence in Pakistan was calculated to be 51% (95% CI: 42-60), with heterogeneity I 2 = 100%, τ 2 = 0.0495, and p = 0. The data were summarized based on the division into five regions: Punjab, Baluchistan, KPK, Sindh, and GB and AJK. Among these, the pooled prevalence of PPR in Sindh was 61% (95% CI: 46-75), I 2 = 100%, τ 2 = 0.0485, and p = 0, while in KPK, it was 44% (95% CI: 26-63), I 2 = 99%, τ 2 = 0.0506, and p < 0.01. However, the prevalence of PPR in Baluchistan and Punjab was almost the same. Raising awareness, proper surveillance, and application of appropriate quarantine measures interprovincially and across borders must be maintained to contain the disease.

Enterotoxaemia is a severe disease caused by Clostridium perfringens and render high mortality and huge economic losses in livestock. However, scanty information and only few cases are reported about the presence and patho-physiology of enterotoxaemia in camels. The bacterium induces per-acute death in animals due to rapid production of different lethal toxins. The necropsy of camels (per-acute = 15, acute = 3) was conducted at 18 outbreaks of enterotoxaemia in camels in the desert area of Bahawalpur region. At necropsy, the serosal surfaces of visceral organs in the abdominal, peritoneal and thoracic cavities were found to have petechiation with severe congestion. Moreover, both the cut-sections of different visceral organs and the histo-pathological analysis revealed the pathological lesions in heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen, small and large intestines. Grossly, the kidneys were severely congested, hyperemic, swollen and softer in consistency. Under the microscope, different sections of kidneys indicated that the convulated and straight tubules were studded with erythrocytes. In the intestines, there were stunting fusion of crypts and villi. Similarly, various histo-pathological ailments were also observed in the heart, lungs and spleen. At blood agar, the collected samples showed beta hemolytic colonies of C. perfringens that appeared as medium sized rods microscopically and stained positively on Gram staining. Multiplex PCR revealed C. perfringens type A (α and β 2 genes) and D (epsilon gene) and the deaths were found to be significantly higher due to C. perfringens type D compared to those by C. perfringens type A. Hence, it has been concluded that enterotoxaemia in camel affects multiple organs and becomes fatal, if occurred due to C. perfringens type D., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have involved a lot of consideration owing to their distinctive features. The ZnO NPs can be described as particularly synthesized mineral salts via nanotechnology, varying in size from 1 to 100 nm, while zinc oxide (ZnO), it is an inorganic substrate of zinc (Zn). The Zn is a critical trace element necessary for various biological and physiological processes in the body. Studies have revealed ZnO NPs' efficient immuno-modulatory, growth-promoting, and antimicrobial properties in poultry birds. They offer increased bioavailability as compared to their traditional sources, producing better results in terms of productivity and welfare and consequently reducing ecological harm in the poultry sector. However, they have also been reported for their toxicological effects, which are size, shape, concentration, and exposure route dependent. The investigations done so far have yielded inconsistent results, therefore, a lot of additional studies and research are required to clarify the harmful consequences of ZnO NPs and to bring them to a logical end. This review explores an overview of efficient possible role of ZnO NPs, while comparing them with other nutritional Zn sources, in the poultry industry, primarily as dietary supplements that effect the growth, health, and performance of the birds. In addition to the anti-bacterial mechanisms of ZnO NPs and their promising role as antifungal, and anti-colloidal agent, this paper also covers the toxicological mechanisms of ZnO NPs and their consequent toxicological hazards to vital organs and the reproductive system of poultry birds., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Accurately determining the fluid status of a patient during resuscitation in the emergency department (ED) helps guide appropriate fluid administration in the setting of undifferentiated hypotension. Our goal was to determine the diagnostic utility of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) for inferior vena cava (IVC) size and collapsibility in predicting a volume overload fluid status in spontaneously breathing hypotensive ED patients., Methods: This was a post hoc secondary analysis of the SHOC-ED data, a prospective randomized controlled trial investigating PoCUS in patients with undifferentiated hypotension. We prospectively collected data on IVC size and collapsibility for 138 patients in the PoCUS group using a standard data collection form, and independently assigned a fluid status (volume overloaded, normal, volume deplete) from a composite clinical chart review blinded to PoCUS findings. The primary outcome was the diagnostic performance of IVC characteristics on PoCUS in the detection of a volume overloaded fluid status., Results: One hundred twenty-nine patients had completed determinant IVC assessment by PoCUS, with one hundred twenty-five receiving successful final fluid status determination, of which one hundred and seven were classified as volume deplete, thirteen normal, and seven volume overloaded. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted using several IVC size and collapsibility categories. The best overall performance utilized the combined parameters of a dilated IVC (> 2.5 cm) with minimal collapsibility (less than 50%) which had a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 86.4% with an area under the curve (AOC) of 0.92 for predicting an volume overloaded fluid status., Conclusion: IVC PoCUS is feasible in spontaneously breathing hypotensive adult ED patients, and demonstrates potential value as a predictor of a volume overloaded fluid status in patients with undifferentiated hypotension. IVC size may be the preferred measure., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP)/ Association Canadienne de Médecine d'Urgence (ACMU).)

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention as a hopeful material for enzyme immobilization due to their advantageous characteristics, for instance, high surface area and easy construction conditions. Nonetheless, the confinement effect and competing coordination often lead to partial or complete inactivation of the immobilized enzymes. In this study, we present a novel strategy, the lactoferrin-boosted one-pot embedding approach, which efficiently connects enzymes with lactoferrin (LF) hybrid Graphene Oxide (GO)//Pt Nanoparticles/MOF-74 (referred to as enzyme@LF@rGO/PtNP@MOF-74). This approach demonstrates a high embedding efficiency. By employing a hybrid of LF and GO/Pt Nanoparticles as synchronous ligands for Zn-MOF-74, we provide a suitable environment for enzyme immobilization, resulting in enhanced enzymatic activity. The lipase@LF@rGO/PtNP@MOF-74 exhibits improved stability and resistance to organic solvents and significantly enhanced in thermal stability of the lipase@LF@rGO/PtNP@MOF-74 comparing to the free enzyme. The lipase@LF@rGO/PtNP@MOF-74 displayed excellent long-term storage stability, which could protect more than 80 % of the initial activity for 8 weeks. Besides, the lipase@LF@rGO/PtNP@MOF-74 had high reusability, which showed a high degree of activity (more than 75 %) after 20 cycles. As a bio-macromolecule, lactoferrin possesses bio-affinity, creating a favorable microenvironment for enzymes and minimizing the impact of external factors on their conformation and activity during bio-macromolecule utilization., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The intake of toxic metals from cooking utensils through food is of growing concern to the medical community. This intake poses serious risk to human health. In many developing countries, different types of contaminated metals scraps are used to make cooking utensils. The leaching of both nutritionally essential and toxic metals in significant quantities from cookware during the cooking process results in food contamination and poses a substantial health risk. In the present study, the leaching of some toxic and potentially toxic metals from cooking utensils into different solutions and food was investigated. A preliminary survey indicated that the majority of individuals tend to use aluminum cookware due to its affordability, overlooking the potential health risks associated with these inexpensive and lower-quality cooking utensils. XRF analysis revealed that aluminum, steel, and copper cookware had K, Ca, Pb, Cd, Ni, V, Sn Mo, Zn, Bi, and Tb as contaminants. In addition, aluminum (3.2 ± 0.25 to 4.64 ± 0.20 g/kg) and copper cookware (2.90 ± 0.12 g/kg) were highly contaminated with lead. The time and pH-dependent study revealed that leaching of metals (Al, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Cu, and Fe, etc.) into food was predominantly from anodized and non-anodized aluminum cookware. More metal leaching was observed from new aluminum cookware compared to old. Acidic food was found to cause more metals to leach during cooking. Blood metal analysis of the local population revealed the presence of high concentrations of Al, Pb, Cd, and Ni. In conclusion, leaching of toxic or potentially toxic metals from cookware into food, especially from anodized and non-anodized aluminum cookware, poses a potential public health risk. Practical applications: Cooking utensils are routinely used for the preparation of food. However, the harmful impact posed by these essential items is largely unknown. The current research briefly explains the toxic metals leaching from cookware in a pH-dependent manner and leaves a message to the public, especially in developing countries like Pakistan, regarding the type of cookware suitable for cooking purposes.

Nanoscale surface roughness has conventionally been induced by using complicated approaches; however, the homogeneity of superhydrophobic surface and hazardous pollutants continue to have existing challenges that require a solution. As a prospective solution, a novel bubbled-structured silica nanoparticle (SiO 2 ) decorated electrospun polyurethane (PU) nanofibrous membrane (SiO 2 @PU-NFs) was prepared through a synchronized electrospinning and electrospraying process. The SiO 2 @PU-NFs nanofibrous membrane exhibited a nanoscale hierarchical surface roughness, attributed to excellent superhydrophobicity. The SiO 2 @PU-NFs membrane had an optimized fiber diameter of 394 ± 105 nm and was fabricated with a 25 kV applied voltage, 18% PU concentration, 20 cm spinning distance, and 6% SiO 2 nanoparticles. The resulting membrane exhibited a water contact angle of 155.23°. Moreover, the developed membrane attributed excellent mechanical properties (14.22 MPa tensile modulus, 134.5% elongation, and 57.12 kPa hydrostatic pressure). The composite nanofibrous membrane also offered good breathability characteristics (with an air permeability of 70.63 mm/s and a water vapor permeability of 4167 g/m 2 /day). In addition, the proposed composite nanofibrous membrane showed a significant water/oil separation efficiency of 99.98, 99.97, and 99.98% against the water/xylene, water/n-hexane, and water/toluene mixers. When exposed to severe mechanical stresses and chemicals, the composite nanofibrous membrane sustained its superhydrophobic quality (WCA greater than 155.23°) up to 50 abrasion, bending, and stretching cycles. Consequently, this composite structure could be a good alternative for various functional applications.

Third molar impaction is considered a prevalent issue. The research aimed to study the pervasiveness and pattern of impaction in Karbala/Iraqi population. Orthopantomograms were studied regarding its angulation, impaction depth, and correlation with ramus. The outcomes manifested that the prevalence of 3 rd impacted molars was 34.71%, with the proportion of male to female as 0.83:1. Impacted mandibular 3 rd molars were significantly encountered. The prevalence of vertical angulation, mesioangular, horizontal, and inverted were significantly associated with the impacted mandibular 3 rd molars ( P < 0.05). However, the prevalence of distoangular and bucco/lingual was significantly associated ( P < 0.05) with the upper impacted 3 rd molars. Level C of impaction was significantly ( P < 0.05) the most typical level in the maxilla impacted the 3 rd molar, and level A and level B of impaction were significantly ( P < 0.05) the most prevalent level correlated with the mandibular 3 rd molar impaction. Class II was significantly ( P < 0.05) the frequently occurring condition subsequent to Classes III and I. In conclusion, the impaction of 3 rd molars was significantly predominant in females and lower jaw. The vertical angulation, level C of impaction associated with maxillary 3 rd molars and levels A and B of impaction related with mandibular 3 rd molars, and Class II are the most encountered conditions., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research.)

The importance of meat-borne pathogens to global disease transmission and food safety is significant for public health. These pathogens, which can cause a variety of diseases, include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The consumption of pathogen-contaminated meat or meat products causes a variety of diseases, including gastrointestinal ailments. Humans are susceptible to several diseases caused by zoonotic bacterial pathogens transmitted through meat consumption, most of which damage the digestive system. These illnesses are widespread worldwide, with the majority of the burden borne by developing countries. Various production, processing, transportation, and food preparation stages can expose meat and meat products to bacterial infections and/or toxins. Worldwide, bacterial meat-borne diseases are caused by strains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella, Campylobacter, Brucella, Mycobacterium bovis , and toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium species, and Bacillus cereus . Additionally, consuming contaminated meat or meat products with drug-resistant bacteria is a severe public health hazard. Controlling zoonotic bacterial pathogens demands intervention at the interface between humans, animals, and their environments. This review aimed to highlight the significance of meat-borne bacterial zoonotic pathogens while adhering to the One Health approach for creating efficient control measures., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Ali and Alsayeqh.)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated morbidity, mortality and drug resistance is a global health issue. The Gene Xpert is used for early diagnosis of TB and simultaneous detection of Rifampicin (RIF) resistance. We aimed to determine situation analysis of clinical TB in tertiary care hospitals of Faisalabad and to find out frequency of TB and drug resistance pattern by Gene Xpert. A total of 220 samples from suspected patients of TB were included in this study and 214 samples were detected as positive by Gene Xpert. Samples were classified on the basis of gender, age group (<30, 30-50 and >50 years), type of sample (sputum and pleural) and number of M. tuberculosis by ct value (cycle threshold). The results of present study showed high positive frequency of TB in male patients and in 30-50 years of age groups by Gene Xpert. High number of M. tuberculosis was found in low and medium category in TB patients. Out of 214 positive TB patients, rifampicin resistance was detected in 16 patients. In conclusion, our study identified that Gene Xpert is an effective approach for diagnosing TB by detection of M. tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in <2 hours for rapid diagnosis and management of TB.

Rabies virus (RABV) is a cunning neurotropic pathogen and causes top priority neglected tropical diseases in the developing world. The genome of RABV consists of nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G), and RNA polymerase L protein (L), respectively. The virus causes neuronal dysfunction instead of neuronal cell death by deregulating the polymerization of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton and subverts the associated binding and motor proteins for efficient viral progression. These binding proteins mainly maintain neuronal structure, morphology, synaptic integrity, and complex neurophysiological pathways. However, much of the exact mechanism of the viral-cytoskeleton interaction is yet unclear because several binding proteins of the actin-microtubule cytoskeleton are involved in multifaceted pathways to influence the retrograde and anterograde axonal transport of RABV. In this review, all the available scientific results regarding cytoskeleton elements and their possible interactions with RABV have been collected through systematic methodology, and thereby interpreted to explain sneaky features of RABV. The aim is to envisage the pathogenesis of RABV to understand further steps of RABV progression inside the cells. RABV interacts in a number of ways with the cell cytoskeleton to produce degenerative changes in the biochemical and neuropathological trails of neurons and other cell types. Briefly, RABV changes the gene expression of essential cytoskeleton related proteins, depolymerizes actin and microtubules, coordinates the synthesis of inclusion bodies, manipulates microtubules and associated motors proteins, and uses actin for clathrin-mediated entry in different cells. Most importantly, the P is the most intricate protein of RABV that performs complex functions. It artfully operates the dynein motor protein along the tracks of microtubules to assist the replication, transcription, and transport of RABV until its egress from the cell. New remedial insights at subcellular levels are needed to counteract the destabilization of the cytoskeleton under RABV infection to stop its life cycle., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Liu, Nawaz, Guo, Ali, Naeem, Jamil, Ahmad, Siddiq, Ahmed, Asif Idrees and Ahmad.)

Shigella infection (shigellosis) is an intestinal disease caused by a shigella isolates belongs to a family Enterobacteriacea. Watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and tenesmus are the prominent symptoms of shigella infection. The present study was designed to determine period prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Shigella species recovered from stool specimens obtained from diarrheal paediatric patients under 5 years of age. This cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of six months (Jan to June, 2016). All Shigella isolates were identified based on colony morphology, microscopic characteristics, and biochemical characteristics. After applying Kirby Baur disc diffusion method only 22 (18.96%) stool specimens were found positive for Shigella isolates among the 116 stool specimens. The isolates were also found susceptible to Levofloxacin (72.72%), Azithromycin (59.09%), and Cefotaxime (40.90%). However, the said isolates were resistant to Lincomycin (100%) and Penicillin-G (100%), followed by Amoxicillin (95.45%) and Oxacillin (95.45%). The chi-square test was used to check the close association among antimicrobial agents used and as highly significant (p-value < 2.2e-16). Based on antimicrobial susceptibility findings, Levofloxacin, Azithromycin and Cefotoxime were found effective for the control of shigellosis.

Background: Refractive error is an important preventable cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. In adult life, reduced vision can potentially affect the academic performance, choice of occupation and socio-economic status. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of refractive errors and related visual impairment among undergraduate male students in Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia., Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed in the current work. After obtaining an informed consent; each eligible student was asked to fill a self-constructed survey and have screened in the college premises for visual acuity and refractive error. Candidates detected with defective vision have been referred for further examination at well-equipped ophthalmology clinic in the University Hospital., Results: A total of 420 undergraduate students, with age ranged from 18 to 30 years, have participated in the current study. About 25.0% of the participants have used spectacles at the time of examination. Positive family history of spectacles use was found in 71.4%. Our study showed that visual acuity in the better eye was low in 34.76% of the participants. Seventy-eight students (18.6%) of the total participants reported defective vision and have fulfilled refractometric examination. Of the examined students 83.3% were found to have refractive errors. Astigmatism, 52.6%, was the most frequently encountered refractive error among the participants; followed by myopia, 26.9%; and hypermetropia 2.6%., Conclusion: The current study confirms that refractive error is an important preventable cause of visual impairment. Significant portion of the examined participants were found to have refractive errors recommending further work to improve visual status in undergraduate students., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2021 The Author(s).)

The worldwide outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has challenged the priorities of healthcare system in terms of different clinical management and infection transmission, particularly those related to hepatic-disease comorbidities. Epidemiological data evidenced that COVID-19 patients with altered liver function because of hepatitis infection and cholestasis have an adverse prognosis and experience worse health outcomes. COVID-19-associated liver injury is correlated with various liver diseases following a severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that can progress during the treatment of COVID-19 patients with or without pre-existing liver disease. SARS-CoV-2 can induce liver injury in a number of ways including direct cytopathic effect of the virus on cholangiocytes/hepatocytes, immune-mediated damage, hypoxia, and sepsis. Indeed, immediate cytopathogenic effects of SARS-CoV-2 via its potential target, the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor, which is highly expressed in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, renders the liver as an extra-respiratory organ with increased susceptibility to pathological outcomes. But, underlying COVID-19-linked liver disease pathogenesis with abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) is incompletely understood. Hence, we collated COVID-19-associated liver injuries with increased LFTs at the nexus of pre-existing liver diseases and COVID-19, and defining a plausible pathophysiological triad of COVID-19, hepatocellular damage, and liver disease. This review summarizes recent findings of the exacerbating role of COVID-19 in pre-existing liver disease and vice versa as well as international guidelines of clinical care, management, and treatment recommendations for COVID-19 patients with liver disease., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no competing and financial conflict of interests., (©The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

The growing number of bacterial strains resistant to therapeutic agents has been surpassing the various antibiotics developed by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. This problem has driven the development of research using agents with antimicrobial potential, with an emphasis on plant-derived natural products. This study evaluated the chemical compounds present in Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil (EOEc) cultivated in northeastern Brazil and its properties as an antibacterial agent and resistance modifier against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and β-lactamase-producing strains. The EOEc was obtained using the hydrodistillation method, later analyzed by GC/MS, presenting a total of twelve compounds, with citronellal (65.45%); citronellol (14.87%); isopulegol (11.80%) and citronellyl acetate (2.51%) as its main constituents. The microdilution test was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the bacterial resistance modulation of the essential oil. The EOEc did not present significant activity against the tested strains (MIC &gt; 1000 µg mL-1). However, when evaluating the capacity of the EOEc to modify the resistance of S. aureus and E. coli strains to different antimicrobials, synergistic effects were obtained with reduced MIC values for all tested antibiotics being obtained. The EOEc showed antimicrobial and β-lactam optimizing potential against resistant strains, presenting itself as a possible alternative for the use of these drugs at concentrations lower than those indicated against resistant strains.