Effect of experimental boundary conditions and treatment-time on the electro-desalination of soils.

This study investigates the effect of boundary conditions and treatment-time on the electro-desalination of artificially-contaminated soil. The effect of ion exchange membranes (IEM), calcium chloride (CaCl2), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the removal of salt (i.e., Na+, Cl-, and Ca2+) and metal (i.e., Co2+ and Fe2+) ions from the soil by electrokinetic (EK) was studied. The outcomes demonstrate that an increase in treatment-time decreases the electroosmosis and ion removal rate, which might be attributed to the formation of acid-base fronts in soil, except in the IEM case. Because a high pH jump and electroosmotic flow (EOF) of water were not observed within the soil specimen due to the IEM, the removal of ions was only by diffusion and electromigration. The collision of acid-base fronts produced a large voltage gradient in a narrow soil region with a reduced electric field (EF) in its remaining parts, causing a decrease in EOF and ion transport by electromigration. The results showed that higher electroosmosis was observed by using CaCl2 and EDTA; thus, the removal rate of Co2+, Na+, and Ca2+ was greater than Cl- due to higher EOF. However, for relatively low EOF, the removal of Cl- exceeded that of Co2+, Na+, and Ca2+, possibly due to a lack of EOF. In addition, the adsorption of Fe2+ in soil increased with treatment-time due to the corrosion of the anode during all EK experiments except in the case of IEM, where an anion exchange membrane (AEM) was introduced at the anode-soil interface.

Factors affecting knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers towards basic life support in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan: a cross-sectional analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers towards basic life support (BLS) in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, and to investigate the factors affecting them. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: This study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS: 201 healthcare professionals were recruited for this study through simple convenience sampling which included house officers (HOs), trained medical officers, postgraduate residents, professors, specialty registrars and nurses. Healthcare professionals who were reluctant to give consent were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Among the chosen participants, only 16.4% had good knowledge whereas 63% had a good attitude towards BLS. Knowledge of participants was found to be positively associated with less time elapsed between the training sessions (p=0.041). On the other hand, factors such as age(p=0.004), designation (p=0.05), number of BLS sessions attended (p=0.012) and the time elapsed since the last BLS session attended (p=0.015), were positively associated with the attitude of healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: The level of knowledge and attitude towards BLS by healthcare professionals was suboptimal. Those individuals who had attended BLS training sessions frequently had better knowledge and attitude as compared with their counterparts.

Effects of age, body weight, semen collection frequency and holding duration on semen traits of broiler breeder reared under different housing systems.

Semen traits play the vital role in determining the fertility of a broiler breeder flock; however, it can be influenced by several factors. This experiment was carried out to assess some of these factors affecting the semen. A total of 89 male birds and 960 hens of 20-week-old broiler breeder (2215 g ± 7.5%) were divided into two main groups; one was kept in cages (AIC) and another group was kept on deep litter floor (AIF), while both these groups were subjected to AI. The male birds of aforementioned groups (44 males and 480 females) were further divided into 4 sub-groups (11 males and 120 females) to execute different semen collection frequencies i.e., 2, 3, 4, and 5th days' interval. The impact of time duration between semen collection and insemination on sperm kinematics was monitored. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of semen including sperm concentration and sperm kinematics of the collected semen was conducted through a computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) and ONGO machine (working on the CASA principle). Resultantly, the data revealed that the studied parameters of semen were deteriorated with the progression of age of male birds, while the group of males with standard body weight produced the best semen quantitatively and qualitatively followed by overweight particularly during the post peak phase (46-65 = 20 weeks). Although the 3rd day, semen collection frequency was found better for quality, the higher quantity of semen was achieved when males were being collected at the intervals of 4th and 5th day respectively regardless of housing systems. Significant decline in sperm kinematics was recorded with the progression of semen holding duration at the temperature of poultry farm. Furthermore, the highest contamination of E. coli, Salmonella, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum was recorded in the reproductive tract of hens and semen of the AIF group as compared to AIC. Thus, conclusion can be settled that the semen properties are significantly affected by age, body weight, and semen collection intervals in both housing systems, while sperm kinematics is being disrupted with the progression of holding duration. Although housing systems could affect the semen insignificantly, yet lesser contamination was recorded in semen and in the reproductive tract of hens of AIC.

Adolescent Afghan Refugees Display a High Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia and Associated Micronutrients Deficiencies Indicating an Enhanced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Later Life.

A growing body of research evidence suggests that elevated homocysteine level (hyperhomocysteinemia) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia among adolescent Afghan refugees aged 10−19 years. In total, 206 healthy adolescent boys and girls were randomly recruited from a refugee village in Peshawar, Pakistan, in 2020. Socio-demographic data, anthropometric assessment, and blood sample collection were performed following standard methods. Serum homocysteine was assessed using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, with hyperhomocysteinemia defined as levels ≥ 15 µmol/L. The overall prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 25%, with mean homocysteine levels significantly (p = 0.004) higher among boys (14.1 µmol/L) than girls (11.8 µmol/L). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between hyperhomocysteineimia and serum levels of vitamin B12 (OR 0.29; 95% CI of 0.14 to 0.62; p < 0.01) and folate (OR 0.1; 95% CI of 0.03 to 0.27; p < 0.001). Overall, our study findings indicate high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia among adolescent Afghan refugees who are potentially at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in future. There is a dire need to develop and implement nutritional and public health strategies to control hyperhomocysteinemia, protect against related diseases and complications in future, and ensure healthy lives and well-being among these vulnerable populations.

Interactive effect of amino acids balanced at ideal lysine ratio and exogenous protease supplemented to low CP diet on growth performance, carcass traits, gut morphology, and serum metabolites in broiler chicken.

This study evaluated the effect of amino acids balanced at a specific lysine ratio with exogenous protease supplementation and reduced CP levels in the broiler diet. In total, 480 straight-run broiler chicks (Ross-308) were used for the study. A completely randomized design in the factorial arrangement was applied, with 4 treatments of 6 replicates with 20 birds each. Treatments consisted of 2 lysine ratios (100% and 110%; factor 1) without or with exogenous protease supplementation (200 g/ton; factor 2). Twenty percent reduction of CP from standard requirements of Ross-308 (18.4% vs 23% in starter and 17.2% vs 21.5% in grower phase) was made in all the treatment diets. Growth performance (feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, livability), carcass traits (live and carcass weight, carcass yield, heart, liver, gizzard, leg quarter, breast weight, and abdominal fat percentage), gut morphology (villus height, crypt depth, and villus height and crypt depth ratio), and serum metabolites (total protein, albumin, and uric acid) were evaluated. A significant interaction (p ≤ 0.05) for lysine ratio and protease was noted in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, and gut morphology throughout the experimental period yet a non-significant (p > 0.05) influence was observed on serum metabolites. It was concluded that the broiler diet with a net reduction of 20% CP from Ross-308 standards, balanced for amino acids at lysine ratio 110% and supplemented with exogenous protease, could be used to improve growth performance, intestinal health, and carcass traits.

Nutritional Status of Adolescent Afghan Refugees Living in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees over the last several decades. Due to poor socioeconomic status, food insecurity and inadequate access to health care, these refugees are considered to be at high risk of malnutrition. Previous studies on nutritional assessment of high-risk populations (refugees) have focused mainly on women and children (0-59 months). The current study aims to assess nutritional status of adolescent Afghan refugees; the population who are equally vulnerable to malnutrition and its consequences. In this cross sectional study, the nutritional status of 206 adolescent (10-19 years old) Afghans boys and girls living in a refugee camp in Peshawar, Pakistan was assessed using standard methods. The results indicate a prevalence of stunting, thinness, and overweight and obesity at 35.3%, 4.4% and 14.8%, respectively. Furthermore, there was a significantly high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, 80.5%; vitamin B12, 41.9%; and folate, 28.2%); and anemia (10.1%). Together, these findings indicate that this vulnerable population group suffers from the double burden of malnutrition and are thus at serious risk of impaired psychosocial cognitive development, general ill-health and diminished wellbeing. This study therefore highlights the urgent need to include adolescents in regular screening and intervention programs of such at-risk populations.

Interventions in mating strategies of broiler breeder during peak and post peak phase influence hatching traits.

The study evaluated the effect of housing system, insemination frequency, and sperm concentration on hatching traits of commercial broiler breeder. Experiment was set up as 2 × 4 × 4 factorial arrangement under completely randomized design. A total of 960 broiler breeder females (Ross-308) were divided evenly (480) into two groups for Artificial Insemination in cages (AIC) and on deep litter floor (AIF) with 41 and 48 males were allocated for aforesaid flocks, respectively. Females birds of both flocks (AIC and AIF) were further divided into 4 treatment groups to apply 4 various insemination frequencies at 4, 6, 8, and 10th days. These treated groups were further divided into 4 subgroups to apply each of insemination frequencies with 4 different sperm concentrations per insemination dose 100, 125, 150, and 175 × 106 sperms during peak phase of production which were replaced with 200, 225, 250, and 275 × 106 sperms in post peak phase. According to the results, significantly higher egg production, fertility, hatchability and number of chicks were documented when AI was conducted in cages as compared to deep litter floor. Although, the best reproductive performance was observed on 4 and 6th day insemination frequencies on all subjected sperm concentrations during peak; however, these parameters were found better on only 4th day during post peak. Sperms concentrations of 150, 175 × 106 during peak and 250 and 275 × 106 during post peak brought forth the best reproductive performance on all insemination frequencies. Although, embryonic mortality was significantly higher, when AI was conducted in floored flocks particularly when repeated after 4th day; however, various sperm concentrations found inert. In conclusion, AI found advantageous in caged flock as compared to floored. The consortium of different insemination frequencies and sperms concentrations are required for sustainable reproductive traits with progression of breeder age.

Computational and Pharmacological Evaluation of Carveol for Antidiabetic Potential.

BACKGROUND: Carveol is a natural drug product present in the essential oils of orange peel, dill, and caraway seeds. The seed oil of Carum Carvi has been reported to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective. METHODS: The antidiabetic potential of carveol was investigated by employing in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico approaches. Moreover, alpha-amylase inhibitory assay and an alloxan-induced diabetes model were used for in-vitro and in-vivo analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Carveol showed its maximum energy values (≥ -7 Kcal/mol) against sodium-glucose co-transporter, aldose reductase, and sucrose-isomaltase intestinal, whereas it exhibited intermediate energy values (≥ -6 Kcal/mol) against C-alpha glucosidase, glycogen synthase kinases-3ß, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and other targets according to in-silico analysis. Similarly, carveol showed lower energy values (≥ 6.4 Kcal/mol) against phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glycogen synthase kinase-3ß. The in-vitro assay demonstrated that carveol inhibits alpha-amylase activity concentration-dependently. Carveol attenuated the in-vivo alloxan-induced (1055.8 µMol/Kg) blood glucose level in a dose- and time-dependent manner (days 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12), compared to the diabetic control group, and further, these results are comparable with the metformin positive control group. Carveol at 394.1 µMol/Kg improved oral glucose tolerance overload in rats compared to the hyperglycemic diabetic control group. Moreover, carveol also attenuated the glycosylated hemoglobin level along with mediating anti-hyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effects in alloxan-induced diabetic animals. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that carveol exhibited binding affinity against different targets involved in diabetes and has antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective actions.

Effects of different mating strategies in broiler breeder during peak and postpeak phase on subsequent broiler performance.

Two experimental trials on commercial broiler (Ross-308) were conducted to evaluate the carryover effect of artificial insemination (AI) in parent flock (PF) kept in cages (C), and on floor (F) in comparison to natural mating (NM) in floored PF. A total of 900 broiler chicks were obtained from 38-week-old PF (peak production), representing C, F, and NM evenly during first trial, whereas in second trial, similar number of chicks were obtained from same PF during postpeak phase (55 wk of age). Subsequent effects of AI and NM in PF were evaluated by bacteriology, posthatch mortality, growth performance, immune response, and carcass traits on experimental birds (broiler). Chicks being produced through NM exhibited significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved growth performance (feed conversion ratio, weight gain, European efficiency factor) along with the least (P ≤ 0.05) posthatch mortality and prevalence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Pullorum, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Moreover, the experimental chicks obtained from floored PF subjected to AI particularly during postpeak phase expressed the highest (P ≤ 0.05) contamination of the said pathogens along with posthatch mortality. However, immune response against New Castle disease and infectious bronchitis vaccines and slaughtering parameters remained nonsignificant (P > 0.05) among the 3 treatments under both trials. It is concluded that the best growth performance along with the least depletion and microbial load of concerned pathogens were being pertained by the experimental birds representing NM.

Production analysis of broiler farming in central Punjab, Pakistan.

This study examined the analysis of personal and production performance of broiler farming in 10 cities of central Punjab (Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Nankana, and Kamalia) of Pakistan. These districts are densely populated and renowned for broiler production. Primary data were collected through a survey of 100 poultry farmers. Personal and production information were collected from the respondents. Descriptive statistics was employed in the form of averages and percentages. The comparison among different districts was made through one-way ANOVA technique followed by Tukey's HSD test. Parameters were observed significantly in experience of farmer, age, number of sheds, capacity of farm, and flock/annuum during the survey of Gujranwala and Kasur, while the high percentage of graduate farmers was observed in Lahore and Sheikhupura regions. Significant results were observed during the production performance feed efficiency and mortality in Okara and Kasur as well as maximum administration of both live and killed vaccine in Lahore through drinking water in Nankana. In the districts of Sheikhupura and Kamalia, farmers due to lake of education left their dead birds on the surface ground. In conclusion, this study pointed out the exact trend of modern broiler farming and its price fluctuation in Punjab (Pakistan) as well as the reason behind the losses to the farmers.

Prospective study of avian influenza H9 infection in commercial poultry farms of Punjab Province and Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan.

A prospective study was conducted from November 2013 to February 2014 to estimate the spatial clustering; cumulative incidence and risk factors associated with avian influenza (AI) subtype H9 infection on commercial poultry farms of Pakistan. A total of 400 farms were enrolled and followed during the study period. Among these, 109 farms submitted samples suspected for AI to the laboratory, and only 47 farms were confirmed positive by hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) test. Data was collected from these 109 farms about their demography, management, and biosecurity practices. The cumulative incidence of H9N2 was 11.75 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 8.76-15.23). The highest number of cases (40.42 %) was reported in January. One most likely cluster (p = 0.009, radius = 4.61 km) occurred in the Kasur district. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the presence of wild birds on the farms (odds ratio (OR) = 16.18; 95 % CI 3.94-66.45) was independently associated with H9N2 infection. Cleaning of cages before delivery on farm (OR = 0.16; 95 % CI = 0.06-0.47), presence of a footbath at the entrance of farm (OR = 0.24; 95 % CI 0.08-0.79), and changing of gloves (OR = 0.33; 95 % CI 0.11-0.99) were protective factors against H9N2 infection. Reducing the exposure to risk factors and adapting biosecurity measures may reduce the risk of AI H9N2 infection on commercial poultry farms in Pakistan.