Search Results (158)

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, with AMR Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains being a major foodborne pathogen. Integrons, a type of mobile genetic element, capture and transfer resistance genes, thereby playing a role in the spread of AMR. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the locations of integrons carrying AMR genes within the whole genomes of 32 Salmonella Typhimurium isolates collected from dairy cattle by two U.S. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories between 2009 and 2012. Methods: Class I integrons were sequenced from PCR-amplified products. DNA was extracted, quantified, barcoded, and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Whole genome sequences were trimmed and assembled using the SPAdes assembler in Geneious Prime^®, and plasmids were identified with the PlasmidFinder pipeline in Linux. Integron locations were determined by aligning their sequences with whole genome contigs and plasmids, while AMR genes were identified through BLAST with the MEGARes 3.0 database and confirmed by alignment with isolate, plasmid, and integron sequences. Statistical analysis was applied to compare the proportions of isolates harboring integrons on their chromosome versus plasmids and also to examine the associations between integron presence and AMR gene presence. Results: Seven plasmid types were identified from all isolates: IncFII(S) (n = 14), IncFIB(S) (n = 13), IncC (n = 7), Inc1-I(Alpha) (n = 3), and ColpVC, Col(pAHAD28), and Col8282 (1 isolate each). Of the 32 isolates, 16 (50%) carried at least one size of integron. Twelve of them carried both 1000 and 1200 bp; 3 carried only 1000 bp and 1 carried 1800 bp integrons. Of the 15 isolates that carried 1000 bp integron, 12 harbored it on IncFIB(S) plasmids, 2 on IncC plasmids, and 1 on the chromosome. The 1200 bp integrons from all 12 isolates were located on chromosomes. There were significant positive associations between the presence of integrons and the presence of several AMR genes including sul1, aadA2, blaCARB-2, qacEdelta1, tet(G), and floR (p < 0.05). AMR genes were located as follows: aadA2 on IncFIB(S) and IncC plasmids; bla_CMY-2 on IncC plasmid; qacEdelta1 on IncFIB(S), IncC, and chromosome; bla_CARB-2, floR, tet(A) and tet(G) on the chromosome. Conclusions: The findings highlight the genomic and plasmid complexity of Salmonella Typhimurium which is impacted by the presence and location of integrons, and this study provides genomic insights that can inform efforts to enhance food safety and protect both animal and public health. Full article

In ornamental plants, one of the most complex life processes, i.e., flowering, is regulated by interaction between the microbiota, hormones, and genes. Flowering plays an integral role in overall development and is quintessential for reproduction. Considering its importance, this review explores the complex mechanisms that determine the induction of flowering, highlighting the relationship between hormonal and genetic networks as well as the growing significance of the microbiome. Important genes involved in genetic control include FT, SOC1, and LFY. These genes react to environmental stimuli like photoperiod and vernalization. Auxins, cytokinin, and gibberellins are only a few hormone pathways important for floral growth and timing. The importance of plant–microbe interactions has been emphasized by current research, which shows that the microbiome affects flowering through processes like hormone production and availability of food. A comprehensive understanding of flowering induction is possible by integrating results from microbiota, hormones, and genetics studies, which may improve the breeding and culture of ornamental plants. For researchers to understand the complexity of flowering in ornamental plants and develop unique breeding strategies and improved floral qualities, it is critical to use interdisciplinary approaches, as this comprehensive investigation demonstrates. Full article

Irrational use of antimicrobials in humans, livestock, and poultry is often cited as the key driver of the accelerated emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans and animals. In Pakistan, the use of antimicrobials in livestock and poultry is not well-regulated, owing to limited and/or ineffective implementation of existing legislations and lack of coordination amongst the key stakeholders. To gather data and information pertinent to the supply chain mapping and the usage of antibiotics in the livestock and poultry sectors of Pakistan, a national workshop for selected influential stakeholders was held in Islamabad, Pakistan during March 2020 to map the supply chain and the usage of antibiotics in the country. Participants from all relevant organizations identified the supply chain and discussed the status, challenges, and the way forward to enhance data collection and monitoring of antimicrobial usage (AMU) in livestock and poultry sectors to contain the emergence of AMR. The pre-workshop questionnaire was designed to gather relevant information on AMU and its distribution among diverse markets and users from the workshop participants, utilizing open-ended questions. A chart depicting the relative magnitude of an antimicrobial use (AMU) supply chain was constructed to illustrate the flow of antimicrobials from import and production to end-use at the farm level. This chart was shared with participants to gather their professional opinions and potential corrections. It also presented a list of agencies and their roles in regulating AMU, along with the types of AMU data available at each level. Specific recommendations were made at the end of the workshop to review and update legislation to cover the entire AMU supply chain, enhance regulations to restrict the use of antimicrobial growth promoters, build an integrated national AMU database system, and raise awareness about the responsible use of antimicrobials in the livestock and poultry sectors. It was concluded that the AMU supply chain in the veterinary sector of Pakistan is fragmented and is co-regulated by various federal and provincial stakeholders. There are some drugs, such as antibiotic growth promoters, which are not regulated at all. The approach and findings from this study can serve as a model to validate the use and management of antibiotics in other, similar countries currently grappling with serious antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crises. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is an important inflammatory chronic skin disease that brings many complications in its management and treatment. Although several chemical agents are used for treatment, the search for better anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents of plant origin has been ongoing, since natural compounds, it is commonly believed, are less dangerous than synthetic ones. Therefore, the present study explored a medicinal plant—Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.—for its anti-inflammatory activity alone and in combination with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac. The plant extract was used to make a cream formulation for treating atopic dermatitis and as an antibacterial agent against Staphylococcus aures, the major infectious agent associated with AD. The phytochemical analysis of the E. prostrata extract showed the presence of various phytochemicals, including flavonoids, Tannin, saponin, terpenoids, glycosides, phenol, alkaloids, quinone, and protein. The GC-MS profiling of methanolic E. prostrata extract was performed predicted the presence of twenty important phytochemicals, including 2-[5-(2-Hydroxypropyl) oxolan-2-yl]propanoic acid, dl-Menthol, dodecane, undecane, 4,7-dimethyl-, dodecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl-, decane, 2,3,5,8-tetramethyl-, cholest-5-en-3-ol, (3.alpha.)-, TMS derivative, cyclopropane carboxylic acid, 1-hydroxy-, (2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenyl) ester, alpha.-farnesene, propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-ethyl-1-propyl-1,3-propanediyl ester, diethyl phthalate, corticosterone, 2-methylpropionate, hentriacontan-13-ol, O-TMS, phthalic acid, 2,4-dimethylpent-3-yl dodecyl ester, hexasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9,11,11-dodecamethyl-, acetic acid, 4-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-1,5-dimethyl-hex-2-ynyl ester, octadecane, 2-methyl- octacosane, 1-iodo-, nonacosane, and eicosyl isopropyl ether. Using an egg albumin denaturation inhibition assay, the anti-inflammatory activities of E. prostrata alone and in combination with diclofenac were investigated, and they showed 93% and 99% denaturation inhibition at 5 mg concentration of E. prostrata in alone and combination with diclofenac, respectively. Heat-induced haemolysis showed 2.5% and 2.4% of haemolysis at 5 mg of E. prostrata alone and in combination with diclofenac, respectively. An MTT assay performed using L₉₂₉ cells proved that the extract has no cytotoxic effect. The plant extract displayed potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus; the growth was inhibited at 1 mg/mL of E. prostrata extract. Thus, based on this evidence, the authors suggest that E. prostrata extract should be studied further for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities and topical application in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Accurate liver and tumor detection and segmentation are crucial in diagnosis of early-stage liver malignancies. As opposed to manual interpretation, which is a difficult and time-consuming process, accurate tumor detection using a computer-aided diagnosis system can save both time and human efforts. Methods: We propose a cascaded encoder–decoder technique based on self-organized neural networks, which is a recent variant of operational neural networks (ONNs), for accurate segmentation and identification of liver tumors. The first encoder–decoder CNN segments the liver. For generating the liver region of interest, the segmented liver mask is placed over the input computed tomography (CT) image and then fed to the second Self-ONN model for tumor segmentation. For further investigation the other three distinct encoder–decoder architectures U-Net, feature pyramid networks (FPNs), and U-Net++, have also been investigated by altering the backbone at the encoders utilizing ResNet and DenseNet variants for transfer learning. Results: For the liver segmentation task, Self-ONN with a ResNet18 backbone has achieved a dice similarity coefficient score of 98.182% and an intersection over union of 97.436%. Tumor segmentation with Self-ONN with the DenseNet201 encoder resulted in an outstanding DSC of 92.836% and IoU of 91.748%. Conclusions: The suggested method is capable of precisely locating liver tumors of various sizes and shapes, including tiny infection patches that were said to be challenging to find in earlier research. Full article

Background: The worldwide misuse of antibiotics is one of the main factors in microbial resistance that is a serious threat worldwide. Alternative strategies are needed to overcome this issue. Objectives: In this study, a novel strategy was adopted to suppress the growth of resistant pathogens through immobilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in gum of Moringa oleifera. Methods: The AgNPs were prepared from the leaves of Moringa oleifera and subsequently characterized through UV-spectrophotometry, FTIR, SEM, and XRD. The differential ratios of characterized AgNPs were immobilized with gum of M. oleifera and investigated for antimicrobial potential against highly resistant pathogens. Results: The immobilized AgNPs displayed promising activities against highly resistant B. subtilis (23.6 mm; 50 µL:200 µL), E. coli (19.3 mm; 75 µL:200 µL), K. pneumoniae (22 mm; 200 µL:200 µL), P. mirabilis (16.3 mm; 100 µL:200 µL), P. aeruginosa (22 mm; 175 µL:200 µL), and S. typhi (19.3; 25 µL:200 µL) than either AgNPs alone or gum. The immobilized AgNPs released positive sliver ions that easily attached to negatively charged bacterial cells. After attachment and permeation to bacterial cells, the immobilized NPs alter the cell membrane permeability, protein/enzymes denaturation, oxidative stress (ROS), damage DNA, and change the gene expression level. It has been mechanistically considered that the immobilized AgNPs can kill bacteria by damaging their cell membranes, dephosphorylating tyrosine residues during their signal transduction pathways, inducing cell apoptosis, rupturing organelles, and inhibiting cell division, which finally leads to cell death. Conclusions: This study proposes a potential alternative drug for curing various infections. Full article

Various Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques in water resource management highlight the current methodologies’ strengths and limitations in forecasting, optimization, and control. We identify a gap in integrating these diverse approaches for enhanced water prediction and management. We critically analyze the existing literature on artificial neural networks (ANNs), deep learning (DL), long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, machine learning (ML) models such as supervised learning (SL) and unsupervised learning (UL), and random forest (RF). In response, we propose a novel framework that synergizes these techniques into a unified, multi-layered model and incorporates a digital twin and a multi-modal transformer approach. This integration aims to leverage the collective advantages of each method while overcoming individual constraints, significantly enhancing prediction accuracy and operational efficiency. This paper sets the foundation for an innovative digital twin-integrated solution, focusing on reviewing past works as a precursor to a detailed exposition of our proposed model in a subsequent publication. This advanced approach promises to redefine accuracy in water demand forecasting and contribute significantly to global sustainability and efficiency in water use. Full article

As businesses and governments increasingly explore innovative strategies to promote pro-environmental behavior, autonomous vehicles (AVs) have emerged as a key initiative for fostering sustainable communities. However, the specific norms—personal, descriptive, and subjective—that influence behavioral intentions regarding AV adoption remain underexplored. This research addresses this gap by integrating the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) with pro-environmental variables to examine both direct and indirect influences on behavioral intentions. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the proposed model was validated with data from 516 domestic Chinese tourists. The findings highlight that subjective norms and trust significantly shape positive intentions toward adopting autonomous vehicles. Furthermore, environmental knowledge and concerns exert a significant indirect impact on these intentions, underscoring the complex interplay of factors that drive pro-environmental behavior. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance the acceptance of AVs in China and offer a foundation for future research on the role of norms in technology adoption. Full article

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are considered important zoonotic pathogens of great economic significance, associated with diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), hemorrhagic colitis (HC), and death in humans. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of various STEC virulence gene markers and antimicrobial susceptibility (AST) profiles associated within E. coli isolates from the recto-anal mucosal swabs (RAMSs) of slaughtered cattle and buffaloes in Islamabad, Pakistan. The RAMSs (n = 200) were analyzed using multiplex PCR for the presence of stx1, stx2, eae, and ehxA genes. Samples that were positive for one or more of the virulence genes were inoculated with Sorbitol MacConkey agar (SMAC) for isolation of STEC. The isolates were further analyzed for the presence of virulence genes using multiplex PCR. Of the 200 RAMS, 118 (59%) were positive for one or more virulence genes. E. coli isolates (n = 18) with one or more virulence genes were recovered from the 118 positive samples. The DNA of the isolates positive for one or more virulent genes was extracted and subjected to whole genome sequencing using Illumina. Analysis of the WGS data indicated that the E. coli isolates could be differentiated into 11 serotypes. Most E. coli isolates (13/18; 72.2%) carried five genes (stx1, stx2, Iha, iss, and IpfA) in various combinations. In addition to these five genes, other virulence genes identified in these isolates were espI, ireA, espP, exhA, epeA, mcmA, mch, ast, celB, eilA, katP, and capU. The AST was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion test. The study indicated that all the isolates were resistant to rifampicin and a significant proportion of the isolates were MDR. A wide range of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were detected among the isolates, reflecting the complex nature of resistance mechanisms. The study results indicate that cattle and buffaloes slaughtered in Islamabad might be the carriers of antimicrobial resistant STEC of zoonotic significance, thus representing a source of human infection. Full article

The chitin and chitosan biopolymers are extremely valuable because of their numerous industrial and pharmacological uses. Chitin and chitosan were extracted from the exoskeleton of Periplaneta americana (cockroaches) and termites using various acid and alkali techniques. The extraction process involves an initial demineralization step, during which integument dry powder was subjected to 500 mL (2.07 mol/L) of concentrated HCl at 100 degrees Celsius for 30 min, followed by meticulous rinsing with distilled water to restore the pH to its baseline. Deproteinization was conducted at 80 degrees Celsius using 500 mL (1 mol/L) of NaOH solution, which was repeated for 24 h. A total of 250 mL (0.06 mol/L) of NaOH was added at 100 degrees Celsius for 4 h to obtain chitosan, followed by extensive washing and subsequent drying. FTIR analysis was used to identify the functional groups in Periplaneta americana and termites. The crystallinity of these biopolymers, which have a face-centered cubic structure, was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. This study assessed the analgesic properties of chitin and chitosan via an acetic-acid-induced writhing test in mice, revealing a significant reduction in writhing behavior following the chitin and chitosan extract. Notably, chitin exhibits the highest degree of analgesic activity compared to chitosan. Both chitin and chitosan show anti-inflammatory effects, with chitosan absorbing proton ions at sites of inflammation, while chitin effectively inhibits ear edema and elicits an analgesic response in mice. Furthermore, the present study revealed antipyretic activity, with termite chitin demonstrating the most significant effect at a concentration of 500 µL/mL, followed by chitosan and chitin at 100 µL/mL. These findings indicate the potential of using chitin and chitosan derived from termites and Periplaneta americana as natural anti-inflammatory compounds, implying prospective uses in anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic capabilities. Full article

Series-cascaded microgrids (SCMGs) indeed provide control flexibility and high-voltage synthesis capabilities. However, the power distribution in SCMGs based on distributed generation (DG) sources stays understudied. This paper proposes an SCMG topology using non-dispatchable DG sources and battery energy storage, with an integrated power-routing control. The objective is to address power distribution limitations and stabilize SCMG output voltages under varying conditions. A case study validates the control methodology, considering zero irradiation levels for photovoltaic (PV) and maximum power sharing. The battery modules play a crucial role by providing power, voltage support, and maintaining capacitor voltage at a reference value of a PV-integrated module. This is achieved through a third harmonic current injection in the fundamental frequency current, coupled with proportional power distribution using a third harmonic power signal. The effectiveness of the proposed SCMG topology and control is demonstrated through MATLAB/Simulink and hardware-in-loop analyses (Typhoon HIL). The results present an extended power distribution between series-cascaded DG sources-based units while ensuring stable SCMG output voltages, even in adverse conditions like PV module intermittency. Future work aims to extend the proposed topology to a ring/delta-connection SCMG, where third harmonic current aids power distribution among SCMG legs and between series-cascaded DG sources-based units. Full article

COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, but numerous studies have indicated the involvement of various organ systems during the course of illness. We conducted a comprehensive review of atypical complications of COVID-19 with their incidence range (IR) and their impact on hospitalization and mortality rates. We identified 97 studies, including 55 research articles and 42 case studies. We reviewed four major body organ systems for various types of atypical complications: (i) Gastro-intestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary system, e.g., bowel ischemia/infarction (IR: 1.49–83.87%), GI bleeding/hemorrhage (IR: 0.47–10.6%), hepatic ischemia (IR: 1.0–7.4%); (ii) Neurological system, e.g., acute ischemic stroke/cerebral venous sinus thrombosis/cerebral hemorrhage (IR: 0.5–90.9%), anosmia (IR: 4.9–79.6%), dysgeusia (IR: 2.8–83.38%), encephalopathy/encephalitis with or without fever and hypoxia (IR: 0.19–35.2%); (iii) Renal system, e.g., acute kidney injury (AKI)/acute renal failure (IR: 0.5–68.8%); (iv) Cardiovascular system, e.g., acute cardiac injury/non-coronary myocardial injury (IR: 7.2–55.56%), arrhythmia/ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (IR: 5.9–16.7%), and coagulopathy/venous thromboembolism (IR: 19–34.4%). This review encourages and informs healthcare practitioners to keenly monitor COVID-19 survivors for these atypical complications in all major organ systems and not only treat the respiratory symptoms of patients. Post-COVID effects should be monitored, and follow-up of patients should be performed on a regular basis to check for long-term complications. Full article

Microplastic pollution has become a global concern, with potential negative impacts on various ecosystems and wildlife species. Among these species, ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) are particularly vulnerable due to their feeding habits and proximity to aquatic environments contaminated with microplastics. The current study was designed to monitor microplastic (MP) pollutants in the freshwater ecosystem of the Panjkora River, Lower Dir, Pakistan. A total of twenty (20) duck samples were brought up for four months and 13 days on the banks of the river, with no food intake outside the river. When they reached an average weight of 2.41 ± 0.53 kg, all samples were sacrificed, dissected, and transported in an ice box to the laboratory for further analysis. After sample preparation, such as digestion with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH), density separation, filtration, and identification, the MP content was counted. A total of 2033 MP particles were recovered from 20 ducks with a mean value of 44.6 ± 15.8 MPs/crop and 57.05 ± 18.7 MPs/gizzard. MPs detected in surface water were 31.2 ± 15.5 MPs/L. The major shape types of MPs recovered were fragments in crop (67%) and gizzard (58%) samples and fibers in surface water (56%). Other types of particles recovered were fibers, sheets, and foams. The majority of these detected MP particles were in the size range of 300–500 µm (63%) in crops, and 50–150 µm (55%) in gizzards, while in water samples the most detected particles were in the range of 150–300 µm (61%). Chemical characterization by FTIR found six types of polymers. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) had the greatest polymer detection rate (39.2%), followed by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (28.3%), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) (22.7%), polystyrene (6.6%), co-polymerized polypropylene (2.5%), and polypropylene homopolymer (0.7%). This study investigated the presence of microplastics in the crops and gizzards of ducks, as well as in river surface water. The results revealed the significant and pervasive occurrence of microplastics in both the avian digestive systems and the surrounding water environment. These findings highlight the potential threat of microplastic pollution to wildlife and ecosystems, emphasizing the need for further research and effective mitigation strategies to address this pressing environmental concern. Full article