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Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal that can cause harm even at extremely low concentrations and damage various organs, including those of reproduction. Medical herbs like Nigella sativa include antioxidants that have been shown to enhance spermatogenesis and male fertility. This research aimed to investigate the gonadal health benefits of Nigella sativa seed oil (NSO) as an antidote in male rats exposed to chronic Pb toxicity. Forty rats were divided into four groups: a control group, a group exposed to Pb acetate (75 mg/kg body weight), a group given NSO (1ml/kg feed), and a group exposed to Pb acetate (75 mg/kg body weight) along with NSO (1ml/kg feed). Pb was administered through water, while NSO with fed for 16 weeks. Rats were euthanized, blood was obtained, and serum was prepared to perform hormonal study. Sperm concentration and motility along with testis weight and diameter were measured. The testes were collected for histology. The findings indicated a significant drop in serum concentrations of testosterone and thyroxin (T4) in Pb-exposed rats, whereas NSO demonstrated a remarkable ability to restore these hormone levels. Moreover, Pb exposure led to a notable reduction in sperm motility, sperm concentration, testis weight, and testis diameter, accompanied by seminiferous tubule degeneration. However, the administration of NSO effectively counteracted the adverse effects induced by chronic Pb exposure in rats. Together, these findings revealed the gonadoprotective effects of NSO against lead toxicity, suggesting its preventive as well as therapeutic potential in preserving the testicular function of rats exposed to chronic Pb toxicity. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2025; 8(1.000): 44-54]

This study evaluated the phenotypic and genetic parameters of indigenous Naked Neck (NN), exotic Black Australorp (BA), and their crossbred (NNBA) chickens. A total of 270 day-old chicks (30 per group) were raised under identical conditions from day 1 to 48 weeks of age. Growth performance, including body weight, daily and total gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), was highest in BA, followed by NNBA, and lowest in NN. Carcass composition also varied significantly, with BA and NNBA having higher dressing percentages (62.98% and 62.68%, respectively) compared to NN (60.60%). BA produced the heaviest eggs (54.0 g), followed by NNBA (50.9 g) and NN (47.93 g). BA also had the best egg quality, hatchability, and FCR (3.15), with NNBA showing intermediate results. NN had the poorest performance in all traits. Age at sexual maturity was earlier in NNBA (161.23 days) compared to NN and BA. The study concluded that NNBA crossbreds outperformed NN in growth, carcass traits, and egg production, indicating their potential for enhancing rural poultry farming.

The modern business environment does definitely require the integration of green strategies into processes. Manufacturers of electronics products are among the many industries where businesses are significantly impacted by the growing significance of sustainability issues. As an essential part of these green strategies, green marketing techniques have the power to dramatically impact business success as well as environmental results. Therefore, using stakeholder-driven empirical framework, the objectives of this paper is to investigate the impact of several aspects, including ethical pricing, sustainable marketing, eco-friendly product, and eco-friendly location, upon the business performance of electronic industries in India. This study uses smart partial least square model, a potent analytical application, in order to clarify the complex connection involving green marketing techniques and electronics businesses' success. An online survey was performed inside the Indian electronics manufacturing industry executives and managers of the company. A total number of 160 questionnaires from managers, executives of electronic business sector were gathered for the study. The findings of the study suggested that factors a green marketing has major influence on the success of Indian electronics manufacturing businesses performance. In addition to the expanding body of information on green marketing, the research's results will be helpful to electronics companies looking to preserve or enhance their success in a cutthroat market while stepping up their efforts to be more sustainable.

Objectives: The research is based on the assessment of the beneficial role of vitamin E (vit-E) supplementation on the reproductive and renal functions in Cadmium (Cd)-exposed male mice. Materials and Method: Mice (n = 15 in each group) were kept untreated (Group A) or fed with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (3.5 mg/kg, Group B) per day or both CdCl2 (3.5 mg/kg) with vit-E supplementation (200 mg/kg, Group C) daily for 60 days. Mice were euthanized, blood samples were collected, and serum was prepared for biochemical and hormonal analysis. Sperm motility, sperm concentration, testis weight, and diameter were taken. Tissues from the kidneys and testicles were collected in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histotexture study. Results: Cd treatment reduced the serum thyroxine (T4) and testosterone levels, but vit-E supplementation increased both T4 and testosterone levels in the Cd-treated mice. Cd treatment decreased sperm motility and concentration, testicular weight, and diameter, and induced degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules, which significantly improved upon vit-E supplementation. Increased serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine concentrations, along with cellular infiltration in the renal tubular epithelium and glomerular hyperplasia, were found in the Cd-treated mice, which were not found in the vit-E-supplemented mice. Conclusion: The study points to the harmful consequences of Cd on reproductive performance and renal functions that could potentially be mitigated upon vit-E supplementation in the diet. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1057-1065]

Objective: The present study looked at how electrolytes, hormones, and postpartum reproductive physiology were affected in black Bengal goats (BBGs) when they were fed a phthalate mixture (PHA). Materials and Methods: Twenty clinically healthy BBGs, 1–2 months pregnant, aged 6–8 months with a body weight of 10–12 kg, were chosen and randomly allocated to two experimental groups (n = 10 each). The BBGs of the treatment group (n = 10) were administered a standard ration containing a mixture of Diethyl Phthalate, Dibutyl Phthalate, Di-isobutyl Phthalate, and Dipropyl Phthalate. The non-treated control group (n = 10) received the goat ration without any phthalates up to parturition. Blood samples were taken from experimental pregnant goats just before parturition to analyze serum hormone and electrolyte levels. Results: The levels of sodium, chloride, and calcium were reduced (p < 0.05) in PHA-exposed goats than in the non-exposed control group. No significant difference was observed in potassium and phosphorus levels between the two groups. PHA-exposed goats showed significantly decreased levels of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroxin compared to control goats (p < 0.05). Postpartum reproductive traits, such as gestation length, postpartum heat period, abortion rate, and retained placenta, were significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged in BBG that had been exposed to PHA. Conclusion: PHA plasticizer exposure during pregnancy affects the electrolytes, hormones, and postpartum reproductive physiology of BBGs. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1051-1056]

Objective: The study was primarily conducted to assess the stakeholders' knowledge regarding the contamination caused by heavy metals in poultry feedstuffs. The concentration of some heavy metals (lead, chromium, cadmium, and nickel) and macro-minerals (sodium, potassium, and calcium) was also analyzed in poultry feeds collected from selected local markets in Sherpur district, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A well-structured questionnaire survey was used to investigate different stakeholders' perspectives in relation to metal contamination in feed. Heavy metals and calcium were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The flame emission spectrophotometric technique was applied to determine sodium and potassium. Results: The majority of the stakeholders (90%) were found to have no knowledge regarding heavy metal contamination. Lead and nickel concentrations were below the detectable level in the collected samples. The average concentration of chromium in Jhenaigati upazila was four times higher than in Nalitabari upazila, at 21.806 mg kg−1 and 5.452 mg kg−1, respectively. The concentrations of cadmium in both brand and nonbrand samples exceeded the maximum allowable limit set by the European Union at 1.329 mg kg−1 and 1.328 mg kg−1, respectively. Sodium, potassium, and calcium were found in the ranges of 0.0011%–0.0035%, 0.0010%–0.0013%, and 0.0080%–0.0305%, which were extremely low in concentration compared to the minimum requirement in poultry feed. Conclusion: Regular surveillance and governance systems should be incorporated into national policy to cease the hazardous impacts of heavy metals through feed contamination. From a nutritional viewpoint, poultry feeds need to be critically formulated. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 47-54]

Objective: The experiment evaluated how Aloe vera gel (AVG) extract supplementation affected immune responses and physiological performances in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: 90-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared for 38 days without the addition of antibiotics, either through feed or water. At 10 days, chicks were allocated into three groups: A, B, and C (n = 30). Group A served as non-supplemented control. Groups B and C were administered aqueous extracts of AVG at 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively, with drinking water. Results: The supplementation of AVG potentiated the chicken immune response to Newcastle disease-vaccinated birds and sheep red blood cell-treated birds, which detected the highest antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and sRBC. The cellular immune response evaluated through a cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity test using phytohemagglutinin-P demonstrated a significant increase in skin thickness in AVG-supplemented birds. The relative sizes of lymphoid organs (bursa, spleen, and thymus) were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) among the groups. Broilers given AVG-1 and AVG-2 exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.01) live body weight, dressing percentages, and serum protein and serum albumin levels. The supplemented groups experienced a significant reduction in total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol values, while the levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol remained unchanged. The dietary aqueous extracts of AVG are effective in enhancing innate and specific immunity. Conclusion: This work strengthens the perspective of the use of AVG as an immune stimulant to facilitate recovery from immune suppression states, enhance innate and specific immunity, and improve broiler growth performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 40-46]

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a potentially hazardous substance and is extensively used in manufacturing industries as a plasticizing agent. The current research intended to determine the revival actions of zinc (Zn) and folic acid (FA) on hematological parameters and hepatorenal function in BPA-exposed male albino mice. A total of 75 adult male mice, aged 25 to 28 days, were split into five groups. Group A (the control group) received a normal diet, while a daily dosage of 50 mg BPA/kg body weight (BW) in the diet was provided to groups B–E. Groups C, D, and E received daily supplements of 10 mg Zn/kg BW, 3 mg FA/kg BW, or both in the feed. After 12 weeks of treatment, serum was prepared by collecting blood, and the kidney and liver were taken for a histotexture study. The results demonstrate that hematological values dropped significantly (p< 0.05) in the BPA-treated group and increased following Zn and FA supplementations, while no significant alterations in erythrocyte indices were observed among control and treated groups. The BPA group used to have significantly (p< 0.05) higher liver and kidney biomarkers levels, which were restored by Zn and FA. The effects of BPA administration included severe hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis, as well as renal tubule epithelium loss, all of which were improved by Zn and FA. Hence, the findings suggest Zn and FA could be potential preventative agents against BPA-induced toxicity. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2023; 6(3.000): 541-551]

Objectives: The research aims to assess the impact of coral fossil (CF) on hematobiochemical parameters, organ’s accumulation, and remodulation in lead (Pb) intoxicated broiler birds. Methods: 45 broilers were used in the experiment, which was divided into 03 groups, each of which contained 15 broilers. The control group was Group A. Pb (280 mg/kg b. w.) was administered orally to the birds in group B. Group C received Pb (280 mg/kg b.w.) and CF (1 gm/kg b.w.) oral supplements. The research was carried out for 30 days. Blood samples were collected, and sera were prepared for biochemical analysis. Pb accumulation concentration was assessed in muscle, liver and kidney. Moreover, samples of the brain, liver, and kidneys were obtained and prepared for histological analysis. Results: Pb affected hematological markers (Total RBC, Hb conc., hematocrit value, differential leukocytes and blood indices), which were restored with CF supplementation. In Pb-treated broilers, hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT), renal biomarkers (creatinine, total protein and albumin) and lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL and LDL) increased substantially (p

Several environmental pollutants, mostly chemicals and plasticizers, have an effect on the reproduction of small ruminants, causing abortion, delayed estrus, and decreased fertility. Phthalates are common in our environment and have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The research work investigated the impact of dietary exposure to a phthalate mixture on physical and hemato-biochemical parameters in pregnant Black Bengal (BB) goats. A total of 20 clinically healthy, 1–2 months pregnant, aged 6–8 months with a body weight of 10–12 kg BB goats were collected and divided into two (n = 10) groups. The treatment group received a standard goat ration with a combination of different phthalates mixture while the control group was provided the same ration with the vehicle of aphthalatemixture until parturition. The physical parameters were measured with appropriate tools and blood samples were collected for hemato-biochemical tests. The results showed that the physiological parameters (body condition score, respiration rate and heart rate) were significantly (P

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of different prosthetic feet on the kinematic of trans-tibial user using advance gait analysis. Methodology: This Single blinded randomized crossover study recruited a sample of N=25 unilateral trans-tibial amputees who were 18-45 years old, using convenience sampling. Study was conducted at PIPOS, from August 2019 to January, 2020. Dynamic plus foot, Flex foot, Carbon Copy II, Seattle, & IC130 feet, Simi Motion Analysis Camera System & Simi Aktisys software were for data collection. SPSS Version 22 was utilized for data analysis & general linear model statistics calculated. P

Objective We sought to compare the incidence of early-onset sepsis (EOS) in infants ≥34 weeks’ gestation identified >24 hours after birth, in hospitals using the Kaiser Permanente Sepsis Risk Calculator (SRC) with hospitals using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.Design and setting Prospective observational population-wide cohort study involving all 26 hospitals with neonatal units colocated with maternity services across London (10 using SRC, 16 using NICE).Participants All live births ≥34 weeks’ gestation between September 2020 and August 2021.Outcome measures EOS was defined as isolation of a bacterial pathogen in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture from birth to 7 days of age. We evaluated the incidence of EOS identified by culture obtained >24 hours to 7 days after birth. We also evaluated the rate empiric antibiotics were commenced >24 hours to 7 days after birth, for a duration of ≥5 days, with negative blood or CSF cultures.Results Of 99 683 live births, 42 952 (43%) were born in SRC hospitals and 56 731 (57%) in NICE hospitals. The overall incidence of EOS (24 hours was 2.3/100 000 (n=1) for SRC vs 7.1/100 000 (n=4) for NICE (OR 0.5, 95% CI (0.1 to 2.7)). This corresponded to (1/20) 5% (SRC) vs (4/45) 8.9% (NICE) of EOS cases (χ=0.3, p=0.59). Empiric antibiotics were commenced >24 hours to 7 days after birth in 4.4/1000 (n=187) for SRC vs 2.9/1000 (n=158) for NICE (OR 1.5, 95% CI (1.2 to 1.9)). 3111 (7%) infants received antibiotics in the first 24 hours in SRC hospitals vs 8428 (15%) in NICE hospitals.Conclusion There was no significant difference in the incidence of EOS identified >24 hours after birth between SRC and NICE hospitals. SRC use was associated with 50% fewer infants receiving antibiotics in the first 24 hours of life.

Objectives To explore the effect of changes in national clinical recommendations in 2019 that extended provision of survival focused care to babies born at 22 weeks’ gestation in England and Wales.Design Population based cohort study.Setting England and Wales, comprising routine data for births and hospital records.Participants Babies alive at the onset of care in labour at 22 weeks+0 days to 22 weeks+6 days and at 23 weeks+0 days to 24 weeks+6 days for comparison purposes between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021.Main outcome measures Percentage of babies given survival focused care (active respiratory support after birth), admitted to neonatal care, and surviving to discharge in 2018-19 and 2020-21.Results For the 1001 babies alive at the onset of labour at 22 weeks' gestation, a threefold increase was noted in: survival focused care provision from 11.3% to 38.4% (risk ratio 3.41 (95% confidence interval 2.61 to 4.45)); admissions to neonatal units from 7.4% to 28.1% (3.77 (2.70 to 5.27)), and survival to discharge from neonatal care from 2.5% to 8.2% (3.29 (1.78 to 6.09)). More babies of lower birth weight and early gestational age received survival focused care in 2020-21 than 2018-19 (46% to 64% at

Abstract Sabkhas are hypersaline, mineral-rich, supratidal mudflats that harbor microbes that are adapted to high salt concentration. Sabkha microbial diversity is generally studied for their community composition, but less is known about their genetic structure and heterogeneity. In this study, we analyzed a coastal sabkha for its microbial composition using 16S rDNA and whole metagenome, as well as for its population genetic structure. Our 16S rDNA analysis show high alpha diversity in both inner and edge sabkha than outer sabkha. Beta diversity result showed similar kind of microbial composition between inner and edge sabkha, while outer sabkha samples show different microbial composition. At phylum level, Bacteroidetes (~ 22 to 34%), Euryarchaeota (~ 18 to ~ 30%), unclassified bacteria (~ 24 to ~ 35%), Actinobacteria (~ 0.01 to ~ 11%) and Cyanobacteria (less than 1%) are predominantly found in both inside and edge sabkha regions, whereas Proteobacteria (~ 92 to ~ 97%) and Parcubacteria (~ 1 to ~ 2%) are predominately found in outer sabkha. Our 225 metagenomes assembly from this study showed similar bacterial community profile as observed in 16S rDNA-based analysis. From the assembled genomes, we found important genes that are involved in biogeochemical cycles and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. We observed a dynamic, thriving ecosystem that engages in metabolic activity that shapes biogeochemical structure via carbon fixation, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling. Our results show varying degrees of horizontal gene transfers (HGT) and homologous recombination, which correlates with the observed high diversity for these populations. Moreover, our pairwise population differentiation (Fst) for the abundance of species across the salinity gradient of sabkhas identified genes with strong allelic differentiation, lower diversity and elevated nonsynonymous to synonymous ratio of variants, which suggest selective sweeps for those gene variants. We conclude that the process of HGT, combined with recombination and gene specific selection, constitute the driver of genetic variation in bacterial population along a salinity gradient in the unique sabkha ecosystem.

Objective: The study was carried out to determine the reproductive performance of Black Bengal (BB) goats in the selected industrial and nonindustrial areas of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: The data were collected from 200 farmers using a pretested questionnaire. The questionnaire contained primary information about the reproductive performances, such as age at puberty, conception rate, postpartum heat period, kidding interval, litter size, estrous behavior and interval, abnormalities during pregnancy and parturition, kid mortality, developmental abnormalities, total number of goats, and goat rearing system. Results: The data showed that the average age at puberty and conception rate of BB goats in the industrial areas were 188.20 ± 2.372 days and 88%, respectively, whereas the values were 164.70 ± 2.077 days and 96%, respectively, in the nonindustrial areas. The data significantly differed (p < 0.05). The average estrous cycle and kidding interval of BB goats also differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the industrial (21.50 ± 0.824 and 205.80 ± 1.445 days, respectively) and nonindustrial areas (17.50 ± 0.479 and 189.40 ± 0.922 days, respectively). However, the average litter size of goats in the two areas did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). The average kid mortality rate was higher in industrial areas (14.0% ± 0.155%) than in nonindustrial areas (8.5% ± 0.118%). Conclusion: BB goats reared in industrial areas have lower reproductive performance than those raised in nonindustrial areas. Factory pollution may be one of the main reasons for reducing kids in BB goats. [Vet. Res. Notes 2022; 2(6.000): 48-53]

Estrogens are a group of hormones that have diverse effects on both reproductive and non-reproductive organs. Conjugated estrogens are medicine that contains a mixture of estrogen hormones. The study was conducted to observe the effects of varying doses of conjugated estrogen on body weight, hormonal and histological alterations of reproductive organs in adult swiss albino female mice. In this study, 60 female swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) aged 28–30 days with an average body weight of 28.2 ± 1 g were used. At first, the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups each containing 15 mice. Group A was served as vehicle control and fed on standard mice pellet and fresh drinking water. While, groups B, C and D were administered with conjugated estrogen orally at the daily dose rate of 125 μg, 250 μg and 500 μg/kg body weight respectively with 1 mL sesame oil as a vehicle by mixing with feed. The experiment was carried out for 90 days. After humanly euthanized, blood was collected and serum was prepared and organs were collected for histopathology. The results revealed that higher doses of conjugated estrogen resulted in weight loss in premenopausal female mice compared to lower doses. Serum estrogen and thyroxine concentration was increased significantly following the doses of conjugated estrogen. Ovarian histotexture showed congested blood vessels and cystic space with degeneration of follicles and corpus luteum. Uterine lesions included massive macrophage infiltration in endometrium and hyperplasia of glandular epithelium at a lower dose; hyperplasia and hypertrophy of glandular epithelium (pleomorphism) with normal macrophage infiltration in endometrium at a higher dose. Therefore, it can be concluded that oral conjugated estrogen therapy at high dose has more detrimental impacts on body weight and reproductive function compared to lower dose in female adult mice.

Abstract Background Vitamin E and black seed oil are two powerful antioxidants with several health benefits. Objective The effect of vitamin E and black seed oil on reproductive performance of Swiss albino mice was studied. Methods A total of 80 (40 male and 40 female) mice of 25–28 days old were randomly divided into four groups viz., A, B, C and D consisting of 10 mice in each group. Mice from the group A served as vehicle control and received normal mice ration whereas mice from the group B, C and D received feed supplemented with either black seed oil (0.5 ml/kg), vitamin E (200 mg/kg) or combination of black seed oil (0.5 ml/kg) and vitamin E (200 mg/kg), respectively daily for 16 weeks. At the end point of the study, blood samples were collected and sera were separated for hormonal analysis. At the same time, mice were sacrificed and testes and ovaries were collected for histomorphological examination. Results In male mice, the level of testosterone increased significantly in mice receiving black seed oil only, whereas the thyroxin increased significantly in all treated groups when compared to the control mice. Histomorphological examination revealed a significant increase in the diameter of seminiferous tubules in male mice fed with either black seed oil or vitamin E or both. On the other hand, the oestradiol and thyroxin concentration in female mice showed no significant changes in both control and treated groups. However, ovaries of mice fed with black seed oil or vitamin E or both showed an increased number of the follicles of different stages than the control mice. Conclusions The findings highlighted the promoting action of vitamin E and black seed oil on reproductive functions of mice and that can be used to treat infertility in man and animals.

Objective: The study investigated the effect of different stocking density (SD) rates on the welfare, growth, and hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: 106 broiler chicks of 10 days old were used and assigned into four groups: A, B, C, and D. The chicks of group A were reared in floor space containing one bird per square foot area (SD1.0). The chicks of groups B, C, and D were reared at 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 birds per square foot area (SD1.5, SD2.0, and SD2.5). Welfare, body weight, and hemato-biochemical parameters were assessed and monitored by physical observation and laboratory methods. Results: The birds reared at SD2.0, and SD2.5 rates showed increased panting breathing. Wet feces adhered below the vent. There were a significant number of birds showing dirtiness of body and feathers. Birds reared in SD2.5 were familiar with moist litters and high ammonia smell. Foot-pad dermatitis, scratches, and blister formation were detected in the leg. The study revealed that the higher SD negatively correlated to the welfare behavior indicators. Live body weight was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in birds reared at higher SD rates. Birds housed in SD1.0 and SD1.5 are optimum for body weight and improved feed conversion ratio. The hemato-biochemical parameters of birds reared at various SD rates did not differ. The total leucocyte count increased significantly, while total serum proteins decreased gradually as SD rates increased. Conclusion: This work explores that higher SD negatively affects welfare and growth performance in broiler chickens. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 642-649]

Objective Describe the population of babies who do and do not receive postnatal corticosteroids for prevention or treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Design Retrospective cohort study using data held in the National Neonatal Research Database.Setting National Health Service neonatal units in England and Wales.Patients Babies born less than 32 weeks gestation and admitted to neonatal units from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2019.Main outcomes Proportion of babies given postnatal corticosteroid; type of corticosteroid; age at initiation and duration, trends over time.Secondary outcomes Survival to discharge, treatment for retinopathy of prematurity, BPD, brain injury, severe necrotising enterocolitis, gastrointestinal perforation.Results 8% (4713/62019) of babies born

Purpose – This study aims to examine the causal relationship between tourism and overall well-being. The main objective of this research is to inform the policymakers that tourism can play a vital role in shaping the overall well-being in the developing economies. Design/methodology/approach – This investigation used several time series techniques and procedures that include bounds test and autoregressive distributed lag mechanism to analyze the relationship between tourism and overall well-being in Pakistan by using time series data for the period 1980-2016. Findings – The findings suggest a significant positive relationship between tourism and overall well-being both in the short and long run. The authors find that tourism and overall well-being affect each other positively. Practical implications – This research indicates that policymakers and government can improve the overall well-being through tourism development. However, tourism policies and long-term planning should be focused on sustainable developments for achieving long-term goals. Besides, special incentives should be provided to the private sector for tourism development. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first investigation that examines the causal relationships between tourism and overall well-being through objective indicators in a developing economy. This study fills the immense literature gap and provides new directions to scholars to investigate the mentioned relationship through objective indicators.

Acidifiers are organic acids that prevent microbial contamination in food and the digestive tract of poultry by reducing pH. On the other hand, lysozyme is an antimicrobial enzyme which forms part of the innate immune system. Both acidifiers and lysozymes may have a significant impact on growth performance and body defense in broilers. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary acidifier and lysozyme on physiognomies (live body weight and body weight gain), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and selected hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chicken. A total of 60, day old chicks Lohman broiler chicks were collected and reared up to 28 days old with timely vaccination. At day 14, the chicks were randomly divided into four equal groups: A, B, C and D (n=15). Group A was considered as non-treated control; group B was supplemented with acidifier, group C with lysozyme and group D with both acidifier and lysozyme through drinking water. Results showed that acidifier, lysozyme and combined groups had significantly higher live body weight and lower feed conversion ratio, FCR (P [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2020; 3(3.000): 241-247]

Bisphenol- A (BPA) is a multi-functional chemical produced in large volumes that is extensively used primarily in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Black seed oil (BSO) has been employed for many century as one of the main sources of nutrition and healthcare both for humans and animals. The study was carried out to investigate the effects of BPA and BSO on blood, hormone profile, and histopathological changes of ovary in female mice. Total 15 female Swiss Albino mice, aged between 6-8 weeks with an average body weight of 27.4±1g were randomly divided into 3 groups (5 mice/group). Group A act as vehicle control. Group B was administered 50 mg BPA /kg bw daily, while group C received both BPA and BSO and dose rate was 50 mg BPA /kg/day and 1ml BSO /kg/day respectively. Results revealed that Hb concentration, TEC and PCV (p [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2020; 3(1.000): 43-48]

Partially submerged deposit slopes are often encountered in practical engineering applications. However, studies on evaluating their stability under seismic loading are still rare. In order to understand the seismic behavior of partially submerged deposit slopes, centrifuge shaking table model tests (50g) were employed. The responses of horizontal accelerations, accumulated excess pore pressures, deformation mode, and failure mode of the partially submerged deposit slope model were analyzed. In dynamic centrifuge model tests, EQ5 shaking event was applied numerically. The results indicated that in the saturated zone of the deposit slope, liquefaction did not occur, and the measured horizontal accelerations near the water table were amplified as a layer-magnification effect. It was also shown that the liquefaction-resistance of the deposit slope increased under multiple sequential ground motions, and the deformation depth of the deposit slope induced by earthquake increased gradually with increasing dynamic load amplitude. Except for the excessive crest settlement generated by strong shaking, an additional vertical permanent displacement was initiated at the slope crest due to the dissipation of excess pore pressure under seismic loading. The result of particle image velocimetry (PIV) analysis showed that an obvious internal arc-slip was generated around the water table of the partially submerged deposit slope under seismic loading. Keywords: Centrifuge model test, Acceleration responses, Excess pore pressure, Deposit slope

Background: The thyroid hormones have an important role in the cardiovascular system; even minimal change in its level can cause significant alteration in the cardiac activity which can cause considerable electrocardiographic changes. We conducted this study to assess the electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in patients who were newly diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism. Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 71 newly diagnosed subclinical and overt primary hypothyroidism patients visiting the out-patient department (OPD) of Universal College of Medical Sciences, Nepal from December 2018 to June 2020 after taking ethical clearance from the institutional review committee (UCMS/IRC/212/18). ECG was obtained for each patient at the time of diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism. The data were analyzed with SPSS Version 16. Results: The most common ECG changes were sinus bradycardia seen in 32.4%, followed by T wave inversion in 21.1%, low voltage QRS complex in 15.5%, and prolonged PR interval in 14.1%. ECG changes were seen in 62% of cases of newly diagnosed primary hypothyroidism. Among all patients, subclinical hypothyroidism accounted for 7%, while overt hypothyroidism accounted for 55% of the ECG findings. Conclusion: Our study found ECG changes like sinus bradycardia, T wave inversion, low QRS voltage, and prolonged PR interval in newly diagnosed primary hypothyroidism. We suggest that every newly diagnosed hypothyroid patient should be evaluated for ECG changes.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a persistent health issue, particularly among intravenous drug users. We discussed a case of infective endocarditis in a patient who uses IV drugs, which had some unusual features such as unusual presentation, polymicrobial infection, left-sided valve involvement, coronary embolism, and an uncommon pathogen for IE.

The purpose of this research is to examine the influence of service quality (SQ), Price (P) and Restaurant Environment (RE) on customer loyalty (LOY), via the mediating role of customer satisfaction (SAT) in the context of the restaurant industry in the capital city of Pakistan (Islamabad). Five hundred questionnaires were distributed at various restaurants in a different location at Islamabad, and 385 were returned. Multiple Regression Analysis was used to test hypothesis relationships. The outcome of this research shows that SQ, Pand RE have a positive association with the SAT. In contrast, customer satisfaction also leads to customer loyalty. Moreover, customer satisfaction significantly mediates the association among SQ, P, RE, and customer loyalty. The restaurant operators need to consider that good quality of service, fairness in price, pleasant and attractive restaurant the environment can increase customer satisfaction, which often contributes to customer loyalty.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption and cytoskeleton reorganization are crucial events in tumor proliferation and invasion. E-Cadherin (E-CAD) is a member of cell adhesion molecules involved in cell-cell junctions and ECM stability. The loss of E-CAD expression is associated with cancer progression and metastasis. This retrospective study aimed to assess E-CAD protein expression in ovarian cancer (OC) tissues and to evaluate its prognostic value. Patients and Methods: 143 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks of primary advanced stages OC were retrieved and used to construct Tissue microarrays. Automated immunohistochemistry technique was performed to evaluate E-CAD protein expression patterns in OC. Results: E-CAD protein expression was significantly correlated with OC histological subtype (p

Objective: The present work was conducted on Cobb-500 broilers fed with either probiotics (Yogurt, Promax®) or antibiotic growth promoters (Ciproflox®, Renamycin®) to assess the effects on body weight and biochemical parameters. Materials and methods: A total of 30 day-old broiler chicks were purchased and acclimatized for 7 days in the experimental shed. After initial acclimatization, the broilers were allotted into five equal groups (n=6). Group A was considered as control and was fed commercial ration and fresh drinking water. Groups B and C were fed commercial ration and probiotics (Yogurt, Promax®) respectively mixed in water. Groups D and E received commercial ration and antibiotic growth promoters (Ciproflox®, Renamycin®) respectively with water. Body weight of each bird was recorded on day 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. At the end of trial period, the birds were sacrificed to collect blood in order to prepare serum samples for biochemical analyses considering total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipids (HDL), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Results: Body weight in all treatment groups (B, C, D and E) was significantly (P

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder associated with degradation and decreased production of the extracellular matrix, eventually leading to cartilage destruction. Limited chondrocyte turnover, structural damage, and prevailing inflammatory milieu prevent efficient cartilage repair and restoration of joint function. In the present study, we evaluated the role of secreted cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors present in the culture supernatant obtained from an ex vivo osteochondral model of cartilage differentiation using cartilage pellets (CP), bone marrow stem cells (BM-MSCs), and/or BM-MSCs + CP. Multiplex cytokine analysis showed differential secretion of growth factors (G-CSF, GM-CSF, HGF, EGF, VEGF); chemokines (MCP-1, MIP1α, MIP1β, RANTES, Eotaxin, IP-10), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) in the experimental groups compared to the control. In silico analyses of the role of stem cells and CP in relation to the expression of various molecules, canonical pathways and hierarchical cluster patterns were deduced using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software (Qiagen, United States). The interactions of the cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that are involved in the cartilage differentiation showed that stem cells, when used together with CP, bring about a favorable cell signaling that supports cartilage differentiation and additionally helps to attenuate inflammatory cytokines and further downstream disease-associated pro-inflammatory pathways. Hence, the autologous or allogeneic stem cells and local cartilage tissues may be used for efficient cartilage differentiation and the management of OA.

This study assessed the radioactivity level of Iju River sediments and its associated radiological risks exposure to human. Gamma absorbed dose rates were measured using a portable gamma spectrometer at an interval of 50 m between each point (Model No:RS-125 manufactured by Canadian Geophysical Institute). The measured absorbed gamma dose rates range from 22 to 59 nGy/h with the highest value noted in site 13. The mean activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232 and K-40 from Iju river sediments were 24.1 ± 0.4 Bq/kg, 35.2 ± 1.1 Bq/kg and 501.0 ± 11.1 Bq/kg, which were lower than the world average values of 32 and 45 for U-238 and Th-232 by 25% and 21% and higher than 412 Bq/kg for K-40 by a factor of 0.22 (22%). • This highest value of K-40 found in site 6 may be due to the presence of feldspartic minerals buried in the sediments. • Consequently, the radiological hazard indices were below the permissible limits except the mean value of 28 × 10−2 for excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) for the samples collected in site 6, which is higher than the average world value of 0.29 × 10−3 by a factor of 0.03. • The regression model indicates that Th-232 attributes more radioactivity impacts on the soil sediments than the contributions of U-232 and K-40, as such, presumed to be the radionuclide parameter controlling the depositional process in the region.

Summary: Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (plasmacytoid DC, pDC) are major IFN-I producers and have been shown to be affected by HIV through ill-defined mechanisms. In this study, we directly assess the role of pDC in early infection, evaluating whether modulating their abundance can alter viral replication. First, HIV infection of humanized mice induces systemic depletion of pDC, and in the presence of soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), pDC levels remain elevated. Flt3L significantly delays the onset of viremia and reduces viral replication via a process that is dependent on pDC and mediated through an enhanced early IFN-I response. pDC from Flt3L-treated mice are more prone to express IFN-α following TLR7 stimulation, but this propensity is gradually decreased during infection. In conclusion, maintaining pDC levels and function is key to effective early viral control, and in this context, these findings provide practical insights for anti-HIV strategies and vaccine design. : Plasmacytoid DC (pDC) are vital for a host’s early antiviral responses. Pham et al. demonstrate that HIV infection of hu-mice induces widespread depletion of pDC and impairs their ability to make IFN-α. Flt3L treatment expands pDC and suppresses HIV replication through early enhancement of IFN-I responses. Keywords: FLT3L, pDCs, acute HIV infection, TLR7 stimulation, IFN-I, antiviral response, pDC dysfunction, hu-mice

Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive cancer with high microvascular proliferation, resulting in accelerated invasion and diffused infiltration into the surrounding brain tissues with very low survival rates. Treatment options are often multimodal, such as surgical resection with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The development of resistance of tumor cells to radiation in the areas of hypoxia decreases the efficiency of such treatments. Additionally, the difficulty of ensuring drugs effectively cross the natural blood–brain barrier (BBB) substantially reduces treatment efficiency. These conditions concomitantly limit the efficacy of standard chemotherapeutic agents available for GB. Indeed, there is an urgent need of a multifunctional drug vehicle system that has potential to transport anticancer drugs efficiently to the target and can successfully cross the BBB. In this review, we summarize some nanoparticle (NP)-based therapeutics attached to GB cells with antigens and membrane receptors for site-directed drug targeting. Such multicore drug delivery systems are potentially biodegradable, site-directed, nontoxic to normal cells and offer long-lasting therapeutic effects against brain cancer. These models could have better therapeutic potential for GB as well as efficient drug delivery reaching the tumor milieu. The goal of this article is to provide key considerations and a better understanding of the development of nanotherapeutics with good targetability and better tolerability in the fight against GB.

An intercropping experiment was conducted with varying combinations of turmeric and mung bean to find out the efficacy of productivity and economic return through competition functions. Treatments were evaluated on the basis of several competition functions, such as land equivalent ratio (LER), aggressiveness, competitive ratio (CR), monetary advantage index (MAI) and system productivity index (SPI). Results showed that rhizome yields of turmeric were higher in intercropping system than in mono crop. It indicated that intercropping of mung bean did not affect the rhizome yield of turmeric. However, turmeric (100 %) + 3 row mung bean (100 %) in between turmeric lines intercropping system exhibited maximum yield of both the crops as well as turmeric equivalent yield, LER, competitive indices values, SPI and MAI (Tk. 2,44,734.46 ha-1) compared to the other intercropping combinations and the mono crops. Aggressiveness of intercrop indicated dominance of turmeric over mung bean in all the combinations except turmeric (100 %) + 1 row mung bean (33 %). Competition functions of intercroping suggested beneficial association of turmeric and mung bean crops. The study revealed that mung bean could be introduced as intercrop with turmeric without hampering rhizome yield with higher benefit additionally increasing mung bean production area.

The Black Bengal goat (Capra hircus), is a native breed found in Bangladesh, popular due to its economic contribution. Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Black Bengal goat. The circular genome is 16,640 bp long, comprising of 60.89% AT content. The genome contains 37 genes, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a control region (D-loop).

Objective: To examine immobilization stress-induced antioxidant defense alterations in rat kidney and the antioxidant effects of aqueous garlic extract in pre and post stress extract treatments. Methods: Albino rats were treated with aqueous extract of garlic both before and 6 h of immobilization stress. Pro-oxidant eminence of rat kidney was assessed by determining the levels of glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase and antioxidant enzymes activities. Results: In response to 6 h of immobilization stress, a significant rise in the level of kidney enzymes was recorded. However, antioxidant enzyme activities showed a sharp decline. Conclusions: The extract treatment before and after the stress reverted the activities of above mentioned enzymes towards their control values. Hence, garlic extract can be given as nutritional supplement for scavenging the free radicals generated in rat kidney.

ABSTRACT This review article highlights the role of glutaraldehyde as a matrix activator/stabilizer in imparting higher operational and thermal stability to β-galactosidase (βG) for biotechnological applications. Glutaraldehyde has been used extensively as a crosslinking agent as well as for functionalization of matrices to immobilize β-galactosidase. Immobilized β-galactosidase systems (IβGS) obtained as a result of glutaraldehyde treatment has been employed to hydrolyze whey and milk lactose in batch reactors, continuous packed-bed and fluidized bed reactors under various operational conditions. Moreover, these IβGS have also been utilized for the production of galactooligosaccharides in food, dairy and fermentation industries. It was observed that glutaraldehyde provided remarkable stability to immobilize βG against various physical/chemical denaturants, thus enhancing thermal/operational stability and rendering it more suitable for repeated utilization in industrial scale operations.

Several power allocation algorithms for cooperative relay networks are presented in the literature. These contributions assume perfect channel knowledge and capacity achieving codes. However in practice, obtaining the channel state information at a relay or at the destination is an estimation problem and can generally not be error free. The investigation of the power allocation mechanism in a wireless network due to channel imperfections is important because it can severely degrade its performance regarding throughput and bit error rate. In this paper, the impact of imperfect channel state information on the power allocation of an adaptive relay network is investigated. Moreover, a framework including Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) mechanism is provided to make the power allocation mechanism robust against these channel imperfections. For this framework, the end-to-end SNR is calculated considering imperfect channel knowledge using ARQ analytically. The goal is to emphasize the impact of imperfect channel knowledge on the power allocation mechanism. In this paper, the simulation results illustrate the impact of channel uncertainties on the average outage probability, throughput, and consumed sum power for different qualities of channel estimation. It is shown that the presented framework with ARQ is extremely robust against the channel imperfections.

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection and Hepatitis C virus infections are major health problems all over the world. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and identify risk factors of HBV and HCV in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Material and Methods: This Descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, District Head Quarter Teaching Hospital, Gomal Medical College, D.I. Khan, Pakistan, from January 2010 to June 2012. A sample of 330 patients was selected using purposive non-probability sampling technique. Screening for HBV and HCV was done with ICT method. All positive patients were confirmed by ELISA test. Descriptive statistics were applied as number & frequency. Results: The mean age of the sample was 63.7 with SD 5.83 (45-80) years. Out of 330 patients, 165 (50%) were males and 165 (50%) females. Thirteen patients (3.93%) were HBV positive and 32 (9.69%) were HCV positive. Out of 13 HBV positive cases, 8 (61.64%) were males and 5 (38.46%) were females. Out of 32 HCV positive patients, 19 (59.37%) were males and 13 (40.63%) were females. Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus infection and Hepatitis C virus infections are common infections in our setup. HCV is more prevalent than HBV. All patients booked for any type of surgery must be screened for HBV & HCV. Public awareness programs regarding risk factors for these diseases should be carried out through print and electronic media.

The present study investigates the synthesis of agarose nanoparticles (ANPs) and its surface modification by galactose for the immobilization of β-galactosidase. Galactose modified ANPs retained 91% enzyme activity upon immobilization. Optimum pH (4.5) and temperature (50 ºC) remains unchanged after immobilization. However, immobilized enzyme retained greater catalytic activity against lower and higher, pH and temperature ranges. Immobilized β-galactosidase retained 89% biocatalytic activity even at 4% galactose concentration as compared to enzyme in solution, and exhibited 81% activity even after seventh repeated uses. Immobilized enzyme hydrolyzed greater amount of lactose at higher temperatures as compared to β-galactosidase in solution, thereby suggesting its potential application in obtaining lactose-free dairy products at large scale.