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ABSTRACT: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis in avian species, and new investigations have implicated APEC as a possible foodborne zoonotic pathogen. This review analyzes APEC's pathogenic and virulence features, assesses the zoonotic potential, provides an update on antibiotic resistance and vaccine research efforts, and outlines alternate management approaches. Aside from established virulence factors, various additional components, including 2-component systems (TCS), adhesins, secretion systems (SS), invasions, iron acquisition systems, quorum sensing systems (QS), transcriptional regulators (TR), toxins, and genes linked with metabolism, contribute to APEC pathogenesis. APEC may spread to diverse species of birds in all business sectors and can infect birds of varying ages. However, younger birds experience more severe sickness than mature ones, probably due to their developing immune systems, and stress factors such as vaccination, Mycoplasma Infections, poor housing circumstances, respiratory viruses, and other risk factors for secondary infections can all make APEC both primary and secondary pathogens. Understanding these factors will help in generating new and effective treatments. Moreover, APEC O145 was the most prevalent serotype recently reported in all of China. Thus, the APEC's zoonotic potential should not be underrated. Furthermore, it has already been noted that APEC is resistant to almost all antibiotic classes, including carbapenems. A robust vaccine capable of protecting against multiple APEC serotypes is urgently needed. Alternative medications, particularly virulence inhibitors, can provide a special method with a decreased likelihood of acquiring resistance.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key intercellular communication and pathogenesis mediators. Parasitic organisms’ helminths, cause widespread infections with significant health impacts worldwide. Recent research has shed light on the role of EVs in the lifecycle, immune evasion, and disease progression of these parasitic organisms. These tiny membrane-bound organelles including microvesicles and exosomes, facilitate the transfer of proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and microRNAs between cells. EVs have been isolated from various bodily fluids, offering a potential diagnostic and therapeutic avenue for combating infectious agents. According to recent research, EVs from helminths hold great promise in the diagnosis of parasitic infections due to their specificity, early detection capabilities, accessibility, and the potential for staging and monitoring infections, promote intercellular communication, and are a viable therapeutic tool for the treatment of infectious agents. Exploring host-parasite interactions has identified promising new targets for diagnostic, therapy, and vaccine development against helminths. This literature review delves into EVS’s origin, nature, biogenesis, and composition in these parasitic organisms. It also highlights the proteins and miRNAs involved in EV release, providing a comprehensive summary of the latest findings on the significance of EVs in the biology of helminths, promising targets for therapeutic and diagnostic biomarkers.

Smartphones are ubiquitous and offer numerous benefits in daily life. However, the ongoing excessive use of smartphones has been associated with a range of adverse effects, capturing the attention of researchers worldwide. While higher smartphone use is often seen as potentially compulsive or addictive, it is essential to recognise that not all smartphone use is inherently problematic; practical reasons can also contribute to increased or excessive usage. Consequently, distinguishing between purposeful or productive use and excessive or potentially harmful smartphone behaviours is essential. Existing research recognises differences in smartphone usage but lacks depth in its exploration. There is a notable demand for in-depth studies that distinguish between productive and problematic use of smartphones and examine what drives the transition between these behaviours. Therefore, this review critically examines prior research to explain the distinctions among various types of smartphone use and explore the characteristics, reasons, causes, effects, and consequences associated with these behaviours. This article introduces an Integrative Pathways Model (IPM), a conceptual framework designed to explore the reasons behind individuals' active smartphone use. It delves into the specific gratifications users seek from their smartphone use and investigates the various factors that may influence these motivations and, thereby, affect their behaviours. It highlights three distinct yet not mutually exclusive smartphone use-related pathways: effectual use, ineffectual use, and problematic use. This research contributes to enhancing understanding of Problematic Smartphone Use and Dependence (PSUD) by probing into the multifaceted interplay of individual characteristics, social dynamics, and environmental factors. This article underscores the need for a multi-dimensional approach to better understand smartphone usage, acknowledging that increased usage does not always signify problematic behaviour. It also emphasises the increasing demand for practical strategies to effectively manage PSUD.

This study investigates the impact of the solid-state fermentation products of Lactobacillus plantarum, Candida utilis, and Bacillus coagulans (LCBs) on the growth characteristics, immune function, intestinal morphology, cecum microbial community, and prevention of avian colibacillosis in broilers. One hundred and twenty Hyland Brown broilers (aged one day) were divided randomly into three groups (four replicates of ten broilers per group). (1) The CON group was fed a basal diet. (2) The MOD group was fed a basal diet. On day 40, APEC strain SX02 (1.1 × 105 CFU/g) was administered to the breasts of chickens in this group. (3) The LCBs group was fed a basal diet supplemented with fermentation products (98.5% basal diet + 0.5% Lactobacillus plantarum and Candida utilis solid-state fermentation products + 1.0% Bacillus coagulans solid-state fermentation products). On day 40, the LCBs group received the same treatment as the MOD group. The experiment lasted 43 days. This study found that the average daily gain (ADG) of the LCBs group was significantly higher than that of the MOD group (p < 0.05), indicating that LCBs can significantly increase the ADG of broilers and improve the feed conversion ratio. Furthermore, compared to the MOD group, the heart bacterial load was significantly reduced in the LCBs group (p < 0.05), and the lesions less severe in the heart, liver, and jejunum were observed (p < 0.05). Additionally, the detection of intestinal flora showed a significant increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the cecum of the LCBs group, while the number of Escherichia coli and Shigella decreased significantly. In conclusion, the solid fermentation of Lactobacillus plantarum, Candida utilis, and Bacillus coagulans can improve the growth performance of broilers while also protecting against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infection. This demonstrates the potential usefulness of these LCBs in feed production.

Protozoa exert a serious global threat of growing concern to human, and animal, and there is a need for the advancement of novel therapeutic strategies to effectively treat or mitigate the impact of associated diseases. Omega polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-PUFAs), including Omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6), are constituents derived from various natural sources, have gained significant attention for their therapeutic role in parasitic infections and a variety of essential structural and regulatory functions in animals and humans. Both ω-3 and ω-6 decrease the growth and survival rate of parasites through metabolized anti-inflammatory mediators, such as lipoxins, resolvins, and protectins, and have both in vivo and in vitro protective effects against various protozoan infections. The ω-PUFAs have been shown to modulate the host immune response by a commonly known mechanism such as (inhibition of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolic process, production of anti-inflammatory mediators, modification of intracellular lipids, and activation of the nuclear receptor), and promotion of a shift towards a more effective immune defense against parasitic invaders by regulation the inflammation like prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxane, are involved in controlling the inflammatory reaction. The immune modulation may involve reducing inflammation, enhancing phagocytosis, and suppressing parasitic virulence factors. The unique properties of ω-PUFAs could prevent protozoan infections, representing an important area of study. This review explores the clinical impact of ω-PUFAs against some protozoan infections, elucidating possible mechanisms of action and supportive therapy for preventing various parasitic infections in humans and animals, such as toxoplasmosis, malaria, coccidiosis, and chagas disease. ω-PUFAs show promise as a therapeutic approach for parasitic infections due to their direct anti-parasitic effects and their ability to modulate the host immune response. Additionally, we discuss current treatment options and suggest perspectives for future studies. This could potentially provide an alternative or supplementary treatment option for these complex global health problems.

Over the past decade, the world population has experienced rapid and widespread adoption of smartphones due to their usefulness and convenience. However, researchers have identified a range of adverse behaviours associated with the adoption of smartphones and their higher use. These behaviours are collectively described as Problematic Smartphone Use and Dependence (PSUD). Despite growing research, the underlying processes and drivers leading to these behaviours are inadequately understood. This can partly be attributed to the absence of developed statistical tools and measures that allow researchers to build a comprehensive conceptual understanding of PSUD. To address this issue, this study proposes and evaluates a validated extension to the Problematic Use of Mobile Phones (PUMP) scale. The extension of this tool incorporates factors associated with substance dependence outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), including additional items to measure PSUD accurately, referred to as the modified problematic use of mobile phones (MPUMP) scale. The newly developed tool was used in a cross-sectional online survey during September and October 2022, drawing on 1018 adult Australian participants. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were conducted to derive the underlying factors. The EFA revealed two distinct factors: Distraction and Dysregulation. Both factors exhibited high internal consistency, with Cronbach's Alpha coefficients of 0.92 and 0.86, respectively. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant variations inthe identified factors' mean scores across different socio-demographic characteristics. The study provides evidence that the MPUMP scale is a validated and reliable measure for accurately assessing PSUD. The study findings offer novel insights into the psychosocial and physical aspects of PSUD, providing a foundation for exploring the causes and potential interventions for PSUD.

Despite numerous favourable consequences, excessive smartphone usage has been linked to behaviours that might be detrimental or unsettling, at least for some individuals. Accordingly, it becomes fundamental to re-evaluate the classifications and metrics used to identify problematic smartphone use and dependence (PSUD) due to their diverse negative impacts on users. This necessity is driven by factors such as the availability of numerous apps, changes in behaviour resulting from widespread adoption, and the recent impact of COVID-19. The distinction between smartphone dependence and other technological dependencies is a critical aspect explored in this narrative review. Additionally, it clarifies the difference between habitual and discretionary smartphone use. It is worth noting that increased reliance on smartphones has brought about both positive and negative outcomes. On one hand, it has facilitated better management of professional, familial, and social obligations. Conversely, it has led to adverse aspects, including inappropriate usage, excessive engagement, and ineffective use. However, assessing PSUD based exclusively on frequency and duration is an overly simplistic approach. It is essential to investigate the motivations behind smartphone engagement and differentiate between purposeful, productive, goal-oriented utilisation (effectual use) and impulsive, unnecessary interactions (ineffectual use). The terminologies associated with PSUD often complicate the precise definition, identification, and measurement of accompanying behaviours. Moreover, the ever-evolving technological landscape and shifting usage patterns combine these challenges. To address these complexities, this review suggests establishing a standardised framework that investigates the impact of technological shifts, evolving smartphone usage patterns, and behavioural effects. This review examines the causes, effects, and factors that contribute to PSUD, proposing the need to study strategies for effectively identifying and managing challenges related to PSUD.

Salmonellosis, caused by Salmonella Enteritidis, is a prevalent zoonosis that has serious consequences for human health and the development of the poultry sector. The Salmonella Enteritis live vaccine (Sm24/Rif12/Ssq strain) is used to prevent Salmonella Enteritidis around the world. However, in some parts of the world, poultry flocks are frequently raised under intensive conditions, with significant amounts of antimicrobials to prevent and treat disease and to promote growth. To investigate whether antibiotic use influences the colonization of orally administered Salmonella live vaccines, 240 1-day-old specific pathogen-free chicks were randomly divided into 24 groups of 10 animals for this study. The different groups were treated with different antibiotics, which included ceftiofur, amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, and lincomycin–spectinomycin. Each group was immunized 2, 3, 4, and 5 days after withdrawal, respectively. At 5 days after immunization, the blood, liver, and ceca with contents were collected for the isolation of the Salmonella live vaccine strain. The result showed that no Salmonella vaccine strain was isolated in the blood and liver of the chicks in those groups. The highest number of Salmonella vaccine strains was isolated in the cecum from chicks vaccinated 2 days after ceftiofur withdrawal, and no Salmonella vaccine strain was isolated from the cecum in chicks immunized 3 days after ceftiofur withdrawal. Among the chickens immunized 4 days after the withdrawal of amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, and lincomycin–spectinomycin, the number of Salmonella vaccine colonization in the cecum was the highest, which was higher than that of the chickens immunized at other withdrawal interval (2, 3, and 5 days) groups and was higher than that of the chickens without treatment (P < 0.05). This study provides a reference for the effective use of the Salmonella Enteritidis live vaccine and key antibiotics commonly utilized in the poultry industry.

This study investigated the smartphone usage and dependency problem based on demographics among the adult population of Australia. A novel aspect of this study is that it specifically examines how people rate their perceived dependency levels compared with their perceived usage, which participants are asked to measure in comparison to their peers. Other novel aspects of this study include assessing the impact of parental status and occupational status on smartphone use and dependency, as well as addressing previous research gap in studying balanced population across genders and wide age range. This study also identifies activities associated with low usage and low dependency as opposed to activities linked to high smartphone usage and dependency. By comparing our findings to those obtained from similar studies in other countries and cultures, this study finds where problems are being detected consistently across multiple studies and where there are ambiguities. Where inconsistencies were identified, the question arises whether this is due to differences between measured populations (i.e. the Australian context of our research) or smartphones becoming more powerful and more affordable between research studies. Finally, this study explores possible avenues for future research into the usage patterns and smartphone dependency to support achieving balanced lifestyles of concerned individuals.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is related with energy and infrastructural projects. China has made massive investments in Pakistan so the region will attract reasonable foreign direct investments. Three routes are developed for infrastructural development i.e. Khunjerab to Gwader, establishment of railway, airport and seaport at Gwader so lot of prospering opportunities will be for the areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan. As CPEC is a combination of the myriad projects on infrastructure and energy sector and these projects will be supported by an investment of $46 billion, whereby $ 35 billion will be spent on energy sector and remaining $11 billion will be spent on infrastructural developments. This review considered the available research on the prospects and issues of CPEC and provides implications for research and Pakistani economy. Available research on CPEC and its implications is descriptive in nature. There is a need to conduct sector specific studies to lay out policies and framework of action to capitalize on the opportunities provided by CPEC.

During the development of symmetric asphalt concrete material samples, aggregates play a vital role in the performance of its production. Shape characteristics and aggregates geology are two major factors influencing strength parameters of the asphalt concrete mix. In this study, two different geological sources of aggregates with different shape characterizations have been utilized for the development of the asphalt concrete mix. In addition to that, the stability analysis has been performed under different temperature conditions ranging between 25 and 60 °C. By the application of the destructive technique (DT) and non-destructive technique (NDT), the performance of the asphalt concrete mix has been analyzed and compared based on the geology of aggregates under various temperatures. Furthermore, a statistical model has been developed to analyze the stability and performance of the developed asphalt concrete mix with reference to regional climatic conditions. This study will help in the development of symmetric formation of sustainable asphalt materials.

Morphology optimization of a photoactive layer has a crucial role in fabricating high-performance polymer solar cells (PSCs). If an active layer is cast from solution, then the unique properties of the donor and acceptor materials often lead to either excessive or insufficient phase separation, which adversely affect the performance of the device. Specifically, all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) introduce an added complexity in terms of morphology regulation due to the inherently flexible and entangled nature of polymer chains. In this work, we first introduced 3,5-dichloroanisole (DCA) as a solid additive, known for its good crystallinity and volatility, to refine the active-layer morphology in all-PSCs. Then, we combined 1-chloronaphthalene (CN) and DCA as dual additives, which effectively optimized the morphology of all-polymer blends. This combination favored charge transport and minimized charge recombination, leading to a higher fill factor across various systems. Notably, a device based on PM6:PY-DT processed with this dual-additives approach achieved an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.42%, outperforming the control device without any additive, which showed a PCE of 14.34%. Besides, dual additives were applied in other systems, revealing their universality. This work not only took advantages of both solvent and solid additives, but also effectively improved the performance of all-PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of perovskite research, there is a growing urgency to address the imperative need for practical applications while simultaneously tackling the enduring challenges of material reliability and lead (Pb) toxicity. The crystallization, morphology and optical properties of the resultant film and device performance during solution processing are heavily influenced by the solution-based intermediate, a state determined using the coordination between solute and solvent. Solvent–solute coordination is closely correlated with solvent characteristics including ionization capabilities, dielectric constant, hydrolysis, and reactivity with solutes. Deionized water (D-water) characterized by its high polarity, ionization capability, and dielectric constant, when used as a co-solvent with dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), facilitates stronger coordination with CsI/SnI4 species in Cs2SnI6 precursor solution. This enhanced coordination leads to improved solvation, precursor reactivity, and solution homogeneity. Incorporating an appropriate amount of D-water as a co-solvent into Cs2SnI6 precursor solution allows for tuning solvent coordination and control over the resulting thin film crystallization and morphology. The co-solvent diluted optimized Cs2SnI6 thin film leads to the fabrication of energy-efficient broadband 4 × 3 photodetector arrays ranging from UV to NIR giving a responsivity of 5.5 A W−1 at a substantially lower bias voltage of −0.1 V with stable operation stability in ambient air. These findings underscore the potential advantages of solution-processed Cs2SnI6 perovskites in various optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]