Association of Different Anticoagulation Strategies With Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Background Therapeutic anticoagulation is the cornerstone of treatment for pulmonary embolism (PE), but the impact of different anticoagulation strategies on patient outcomes remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the association of different anticoagulation strategies with the outcomes of patients with acute PE. Methods A retrospective chart review of 207 patients with acute PE who were admitted to one of three urban teaching hospitals in the Mount Sinai Health System (in New York City) from January 2020 to September 2022 was performed. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data were recorded for all patients. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the association of different outcomes with the approach of therapeutic anticoagulation used. Results The median age of the included patients was 65 years, and 50.2% were women. The most common approach (n = 153, 73.9%) to therapeutic anticoagulation was initial treatment with unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin followed by a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC), while heparin alone (either unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin) was used in 37 (17.9%) patients, and another 17 (8.2%) patients were treated with heparin followed by bridging to warfarin. Hospital length of stay was longer for patients in the "heparin to warfarin" group (risk-adjusted incidence rate ratio of 2.52). The rates of in-hospital bleeding, all-cause 30-day mortality, and all-cause 30-day re-admissions did not have any significant association with the therapeutic anticoagulation approach used. Conclusion Patients with acute PE who were initially treated with heparin and subsequently bridged to warfarin had a longer hospital stay. Rates of in-hospital bleeding, 30-day mortality, and 30-day re-admission were not associated with the strategy of therapeutic anticoagulation employed.

Effect of supplementing epinephrine in maturation media on in-vitro developmental competence of cattle and buffalo oocytes.

During in-vitro maturation, the oocyte experiences stressful conditions that likely compromise its development. Epinephrine is a catecholamine that plays a vital role during cellular stress by scavenging free radicals. The hypothesis is that epinephrine addition in maturation media improves the developmental competence of oocytes in cattle and buffalo. The objectives of the experiments were to investigate the effect of epinephrine addition in maturation media on nuclear maturation, developmental competence, and oocyte mRNA abundance of genes related to antioxidants and growth pathways in cattle and buffalo. In experiment 1, cattle oocytes were matured for 24 h in maturation media supplemented with increasing concentrations of epinephrine 0, 0.01, 1.0, and 100 µM. Oocytes were cultured to assess cleavage at 48 h and blastocyst on day 7 of the culture. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) expansion, nuclear maturation, and oocyte mRNA abundance of genes (SOD1, GPX4, GDF9, CASP9) were evaluated. In experiment 2, buffalo oocytes were matured and assessed for development and mRNA abundance as described for cattle. In addition, the blastomere number was counted in the hatched blastocyst. The data were analyzed using GLIMMIX and MIXED procedures of SAS. Results revealed that the supplementation of epinephrine increased (P ≤ 0.03) the COCs expansion, nuclear maturation, and developmental competence of oocytes in cattle. Interestingly, all the responses were maximized (quadratic effect; P ≤ 0.08) at 1 µM concentrations. The mRNA abundance of genes in cattle oocytes was not affected by the treatment. The experiment in buffalo revealed that epinephrine increased blastocyst formation without affecting COCs expansion, and nuclear maturation. The higher blastocyst was achieved at 0.01 µM concentrations of epinephrine. Interestingly, the addition of epinephrine increased the mRNA abundance of genes related to antioxidant pathways (SOD1, GPX4). Moreover, supplementation of epinephrine increased the blastomere count of the hatched blastocyst in buffalo. In conclusion, epinephrine addition in maturation media benefited oocyte development in cattle and blastocyst yield in buffalo at 1 and 0.01 µM concentrations, respectively. It appears that the addition of epinephrine affected different cellular pathways, COCs expansion, and nuclear maturation in cattle and increased antioxidant genes for buffalo.

Association of race, ethnicity and insurance status with outcomes for patients with acute pulmonary embolism treated by PERT: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Management of PE has become streamlined with the implementation of PE Response Teams (PERT). Race, ethnicity and insurance status are known to influence the outcomes of patients with acute PE. However, whether the implementation of PERT-based care mitigates these racial and ethnic disparities remains unknown. Our aim was to assess the association of race, ethnicity and insurance with outcomes for patients with acute PE managed by PERT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 290 patients with acute PE, who were admitted to one of three urban teaching hospitals in the Mount Sinai Health System (New York, NY) from January 2021 to October 2023. A propensity score-weighted analysis was performed to explore the association of race, ethnicity and insurance status with overall outcomes. RESULTS: Median age of included patients was 65.5 years and 149 (51.4%) were female. White, Black and Asian patients constituted 56.2% (163), 39.6% (115) and 3.5% [10] of the cohort respectively. Patients of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity accounted for 8.3% [24] of the sample. The 30-day rates of mortality, major bleeding and 30-day re-admission were 10.3%, 2.1% and 12.8% respectively. Black patients had higher odds of major bleeding (odds ratio [OR]: 1.445; p < 0.0001) when compared to White patients. Patients of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity had lower odds of receiving catheter-directed thrombolysis (OR: 0.966; p = 0.0003) and catheter-directed or surgical embolectomy (OR: 0.906; p < 0.0001) when compared to non-Hispanic/Latino patients. Uninsured patients had higher odds of receiving systemic thrombolysis (OR: 1.034; p = 0.0008) and catheter-directed thrombolysis (OR: 1.059; p < 0.0001), and lower odds of receiving catheter-directed or surgical embolectomy (OR: 0.956; p = 0.015) when compared to insured patients, although the odds of 30-day mortality and 30-day major bleeding were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Within a cohort of PE patients managed by PERT, there were significant associations between race, ethnicity and overall outcomes. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and uninsured status were associated with lower odds of receiving catheter-directed or surgical embolectomy. These results suggest that disparities related to ethnicity and insurance status persist despite PERT-based care of patients with acute PE.

GhiPLATZ17 and GhiPLATZ22, zinc-dependent DNA-binding transcription factors, promote salt tolerance in upland cotton.

KEY MESSAGE: The utilization of transcriptome analysis, functional validation, VIGS, and DAB techniques have provided evidence that GhiPLATZ17 and GhiPLATZ22 play a pivotal role in improving the salt tolerance of upland cotton. PLATZ (Plant AT-rich sequences and zinc-binding proteins) are known to be key regulators in plant growth, development, and response to salt stress. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the PLATZ family in ten cotton species in response to salinity stress. Gossypium herbaceum boasts 25 distinct PLATZ genes, paralleled by 24 in G. raimondii, 25 in G. arboreum, 46 in G. hirsutum, 48 in G. barbadense, 43 in G. tomentosum, 67 in G. mustelinum, 60 in G. darwinii, 46 in G. ekmanianum, and a total of 53 PLATZ genes attributed to G. stephensii. The PLATZ gene family shed light on the hybridization and allopolyploidy events that occurred during the evolutionary history of allotetraploid cotton. Ka/Ks analysis suggested that the PLATZ gene family underwent intense purifying selection during cotton evolution. Analysis of synteny and gene collinearity revealed a complex pattern of segmental and dispersed duplication events to expand PLATZ genes in cotton. Cis-acting elements and gene expressions revealed that GhiPLATZ exhibited salt stress resistance. Transcriptome analysis, functional validation, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), and diaminobenzidine staining (DAB) demonstrated that GhiPLATZ17 and GhiPLATZ22 enhance salt tolerance in upland cotton. The study can potentially advance our understanding of identifying salt-resistant genes in cotton.

Toxicological review of micro- and nano-plastics in aquatic environments: Risks to ecosystems, food web dynamics and human health.

The increase of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) in aquatic environments has become a significant concern due to their potential toxicological effects on ecosystems, food web dynamics, and human health. These plastic particles emerge from a range of sources, such as the breakdown of larger plastic waste, consumer products, and industrial outputs. This review provides a detailed report of the transmission and dangers of MNPs in aquatic ecosystems, environmental behavior, and interactions within aquatic food webs, emphasizing their toxic impact on marine life. It explores the relationship between particle size and toxicity, their distribution in different tissues, and the process of trophic transfer through the food web. MNPs, once consumed, can be found in various organs, including the digestive system, gills, and liver. Their consumption by lower trophic level organisms facilitates their progression up the food chain, potentially leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification, thereby posing substantial risks to the health, reproduction, and behavior of aquatic species. This work also explores how MNPs, through their persistence and bioaccumulation, pose risks to aquatic biodiversity and disrupt trophic relationships. The review also addresses the implications of MNPs for human health, particularly through the consumption of contaminated seafood, highlighting the direct and indirect pathways through which humans are exposed to these pollutants. Furthermore, the review highlights the recommendations for future research directions, emphasizing the integration of ecological, toxicological, and human health studies to inform risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to address the global challenge of plastic pollution in aquatic environments.

Bile acid/fatty acid integrated nanoemulsomes for nonalcoholic fatty liver targeted lovastatin delivery: stability, in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo analyses.

BACKGROUND: Controlled and targeted drug delivery to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can benefit from additive attributes of natural formulation ingredients incorporated into the drug delivery vehicles. METHODS: Lovastatin (LVN) loaded, bile acid (BA) and fatty acid (FA) integrated nanoemulsomes (NES) were formulated by thin layer hydration technique for synergistic and targeted delivery of LVN to treat NAFLD. Organic phase NES was comprised of stearic acid with garlic (GL) and ginger (GR) oils, separately. Ursodeoxycholic acid and linoleic acid were individually incorporated as targeting moieties. RESULTS: Stability studies over 90 days showed average NES particle size, surface charge, polydispersity index, and entrapment efficiency values of 270 ± 27.4 nm, -23.8 ± 3.5 mV, 0.2 ± 0.04 and 81.36 ± 3.4%, respectively. Spherical NES were observed under a transmission electron microscope. In-vitro LVN release depicted non-fickian release mechanisms from GL and GR oils-based NES. Ex-vivo permeation of BA/FA integrated NES through isolated rat intestines showed greater flux than non-integrated ones. CONCLUSION: Liver histopathology of experimental rats together with in-vivo lipid profiles and liver function tests illustrated that these NES possess the clinical potential to be promising drug carriers for NAFLD.

Comparison of efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus cisplatin versus docetaxil, cisplatin, plus fluorouracil in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Induction followed by concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) is the standard of care for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC). This study evaluated and compared the efficacy of two regimens of neoadjuvant chemotherapy along with CCRT in LANPC. Patients with LANPC were randomly divided in Group I (receiving neoadjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin) and Group II (receiving neoadjuvant docetaxil, cisplatin and fluorouracil). Both groups also received concurrent single agent (i.e., cisplatin) chemotherapy and radiotherapy (70Gy). Treatment response was assessed at 8 weeks after the completion of CCRT using RECIST criteria. A total of 68 LANPC patients were enrolled. Group I comprised of 32 patients, with male to female ratio of 2.2, a mean (range, median) age of 38.6±11.3 (19-58, 36) years. Group II comprised of 36 patients, with male to female ratio of 3.5, mean (range, median) age of 40.9 ±11.6 (17-63, 40) years. The complete response was higher whereas the partial response was lower in Group I as compared to Group II (23/32 versus 16/36 and 06/32 versus 18/36, respectively). LANPC patients receiving gemcitabine plus cisplatin based neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed higher response, as compared with docetaxil, cisplatin and fluorouracil based neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Transcriptome dynamics of Gossypium purpurascens in response to abiotic stresses by Iso-seq and RNA-seq data.

Gossypium purpurascens is a member of the Malvaceae family, holds immense economic significance as a fiber crop worldwide. Abiotic stresses harm cotton crops, reduce yields, and cause economic losses. Generating high-quality reference genomes and large-scale transcriptomic datasets across diverse conditions can offer valuable insights into identifying preferred agronomic traits for crop breeding. The present research used leaf tissues to conduct PacBio Iso-seq and RNA-seq analysis. We carried out an in-depth analysis of DEGs using both correlations with cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Additionally, the study also involved the identification of both lncRNAs and CDS. We have prepared RNA-seq libraries from 75 RNA samples to study the effects of drought, salinity, alkali, and saline-alkali stress, as well as control conditions. A total of 454.06 Gigabytes of transcriptome data were effectively validated through the identification of differentially expressed genes and KEGG and GO analysis. Overwhelmingly, gene expression profiles and full-length transcripts from cotton tissues will aid in understanding the genetic mechanism of abiotic stress tolerance in G. purpurascens.

Regulatory role of AGC genes in heat stress adaptation in maize (Zea mays).

Heat stress represents a significant environmental challenge that restricts maize (Zea mays ) growth and yield on a global scale. Within the plant kingdom, the AGC gene family, encoding a group of protein kinases, has emerged as crucial players in various stress responses. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of AGC genes in Z. mays under heat-stress conditions remains elusive. A genome-wide analysis was done using bioinformatics techniques to identify 39 AGC genes in Z. mays , categorising them into three subfamilies based on their conserved domains. We investigated their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures (including intron-exon configurations), and expression patterns. These genes are likely involved in diverse signalling pathways, fulfilling distinct roles when exposed to heat stress conditions. Notably, most ZmAGC1.5, ZmAGC1.9, ZmNDR3, ZmNDR5 and ZmIRE3 exhibited significant changes in expression levels under heat stress, featuring a high G-box ratio. Furthermore, we pinpointed a subset of AGC genes displaying highly coordinated expression, implying their potential involvement in the heat stress response pathway. Our study offers valuable insights into the contribution of AGC genes to Z. mays 's heat stress response, thus facilitating the development of heat-tolerant Z. mays varieties.

Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens in Wound Infections: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to explore the antimicrobial activity of a silver-containing gelling fiber dressing against multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in wound infections. It particularly focuses on burn wounds and evaluates its potential clinical significance in combating antimicrobial resistance. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases over the past ten years. It is used to identify relevant studies addressing MDRO infections in wound care and exploring novel antimicrobial approaches. The included studies underwent rigorous methodological assessment. Additionally, the data were synthesized to evaluate the efficacy of silver-containing dressings in inhibiting MDRO growth and eradicating biofilm-associated bacteria. Moreover, this review revealed that silver-containing dressings have constant in vitro antimicrobial activity against 10 MDROs over seven days in simulated wound fluid. However, inhibitory and bactericidal effects were consistently observed against free-living and biofilm phenotypes. The findings suggest potential clinical significance in managing MDRO infections in wounds. This highlights its role in mitigating treatment failure and antimicrobial resistance. Despite the promising implications for wound management practices, this study acknowledges some limitations. In vitro models and the absence of direct clinical validation have also been included. However, the review explains the importance of new approaches. Nanotechnology has been used to address antimicrobial resistance in wound care. Thus, further research and innovation are needed to improve patient outcomes and combat antimicrobial resistance.

Irinotecan dosing and pharmacogenomics: a comprehensive exploration based on UGT1A1 variants and emerging insights.

Irinotecan is a critical anticancer drug used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer and advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by obstructing topoisomerase 1; however, it can cause minor-to-severe and life-threatening adverse effects. UDP glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (UGT1A1) polymorphisms increase the risk of irinotecan-induced neutropenia and diarrhea. Hence, screening for UGT1A1 polymorphisms before irinotecan-based chemotherapy is recommended to minimize toxicity, whereas liposomes offer the potential to deliver irinotecan with fewer side effects in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the effects of genotype-guided dosing of irinotecan on UGT1A1*28 and UGT1A1*6 variants, incorporating pharmacogenomic research, optimal regimens for metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer treatment using irinotecan, guidelines for toxicity reduction, and an evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of UGT1A1 genotype testing.

Nanoplastic contamination: Impact on zebrafish liver metabolism and implications for aquatic environmental health.

Nanoplastics (NPs) are increasingly pervasive in the environment, raising concerns about their potential health implications, particularly within aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the impact of polystyrene nanoparticles (PSN) on zebrafish liver metabolism using liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) based non-targeted metabolomics. Zebrafish were exposed to 50 nm PSN for 28 days at low (L-PSN) and high (H-PSN) concentrations (0.1 and 10 mg/L, respectively) via water. The results revealed significant alterations in key metabolic pathways in low and high exposure groups. The liver metabolites showed different metabolic responses with L-PSN and H-PSN. A total of 2078 metabolite features were identified from the raw data obtained in both positive and negative ion modes, with 190 metabolites deemed statistically significant in both L-PSN and H-PSN groups. Disruptions in lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and amino acid synthesis were identified. Notably, L-PSN exposure induced changes in DNA building blocks, membrane-associated biomarkers, and immune-related metabolites, while H-PSN exposure was associated with oxidative stress, altered antioxidant metabolites, and liver injury. For the first time, L-PSN was found depolymerized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Utilizing an analytical approach to the adverse outcome pathway (AOP), impaired lipid metabolism and oxidative stress have been identified as potentially conserved key events (KEs) associated with PSN exposure. These KEs further induced liver inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis at the tissue and organ level. Ultimately, this could significantly impact biological health. The study highlights the PSN-induced effects on zebrafish liver metabolism, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the risks associated with NPs contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Thorough examination of the potential biological implications of the cuproptosis-related gene LIPT2 in the prognosis and immunotherapy in pan-cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the expression levels and prognostic value of the Lipoyltransferase 2 (LIPT2) gene in a pan-cancer view. METHODOLOGY: Our study comprehensively investigated the role of LIPT2 in pan-cancer, combining bioinformatics analyses with experimental validations. RESULTS: Analysis of LIPT2 mRNA expression across various cancers revealed a significant up-regulation in 18 tumor types and down-regulation in 8 types, indicating its diverse involvement. Prognostic assessment demonstrated a correlation between elevated LIPT2 expression and poorer outcomes in Overall Survival (OS) and Disease-Free Survival (DFS), particularly in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC), and Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma (PCPG). Protein expression analysis in GBM, LIHC, and PCPG affirmed a consistent increase in LIPT2 levels compared to normal tissues. Examining the methylation status in GBM, LIHC, and PCPG, we found reduced promoter methylation levels in tumor samples, suggesting a potential influence on LIPT2 function. Genetic mutation analysis using cBioPortal indicated a low mutation frequency (< 2%) in LIPT2 across GBM, LIHC, and PCPG. Immune correlation analysis unveiled a positive association between LIPT2 expression and infiltration levels of immune cells in GBM, LIHC, and PCPG. Single-cell analysis illustrated LIPT2's positive correlation with functional states, including angiogenesis and inflammation. Enrichment analysis identified LIPT2-associated processes and pathways, providing insights into its potential molecular mechanisms. Drug sensitivity analysis demonstrated that elevated LIPT2 expression conferred resistance to multiple compounds, while lower expression increased sensitivity. Finally, RT-qPCR validation in HCC cell lines confirmed the heightened expression of LIPT2 compared to a control cell line, reinforcing the bioinformatics findings. CONCLUSION: Overall, our study highlights LIPT2 as a versatile player in cancer, influencing diverse aspects from molecular processes to clinical outcomes across different cancer types.

Phytogenic-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using the Seed Extract of Citrullus lanatus and Its Integrated Potency against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria.

In the current research study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized via a green synthesis technique using the seed extract of Citrullus lanatus. The study further intended to evaluate the potential synergistic effects of ZnO-NPs with antibiotics against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. It was observed that C. lanatus seed extracts obtained by n-hexane and methanolic solvents revealed the presence of constituents, such as tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Furthermore, the extract of n-hexane displayed the strongest antibacterial activity against Yersinia species (17 ± 1.2 mm) and Escherichia coli (17 ± 2.6 mm), while the methanolic extract showed the maximum antibacterial activity against E. coli (17 ± 0.8 mm). Additionally, the ZnO-NP synthesis was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible analysis with a characteristic absorption peak at 280 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested the absorption peaks in the 500-3800 cm-1 range, which corresponds to various groups of tertiary alcohol, aldehyde, amine, ester, aromatic compounds, thiol, amine salt, and primary amine. The scanning electron microscopy spectra of ZnO-NPs demonstrated the presence of zero-dimensional spherical particles with well-dispersed character. Moreover, encapsulation with ZnO-NPs improved the antimicrobial activity of antibiotics against the panel of MDR bacteria, and the increases in the effectiveness of particular antibiotics against MDR bacteria were significant (P = 0.0005). In essence, the synthesized ZnO-NPs have the potential as drug carriers with powerful bactericidal properties that work against MDR bacterial strains. These outcomes are an indication of such significance in pharmaceutical science, giving possibilities for further research and development in this field.

Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray attenuates high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in ApoE-/- mice are related to the modulation of gut microbiota and the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated bile acids in fecal bile acid profile.

Previous findings showed that anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray (ACN) reduced HFD-induced hypercholesterolemia by regulating gut microbiota, but the mechanism has not been fully understood. The objective of this research was to know whether the cholesterol-lowering impact of ACN in HFD-induced ApoE-/- mice is related to the gut microbiota-bile acid (BA) metabolism. Twenty-four male ApoE-/- mice were divided into three groups: the Control group, the HFD group, and the HFD + ACN group. Here, we showed that ACN intervention reduced HFD-induced body weight serum concentrations of TC and LDL-C and ameliorated lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissues. Besides, ACN altered gut microbiota composition in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice. Moreover, UHPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed that ACN intervention significantly increased the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated BAs in feces induced by HFD, attributed to the increase in conjugated BAs and decrease in unconjugated BAs. Finally, the correlation analysis indicated that the above changes in fecal BA profile were linked with an increase in Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum and a decrease in Ileibacterium, Helicobacter, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Blautia, Odoribacter, and Colidextribacter. In summary, ACN could alleviate HFD-induced hypercholesterolemia in ApoE-/- mice, which was associated with the improvement of gut microbiota and modulation of fecal BA profile.

Repurposing of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for combination therapies to combat multidrug-resistant S. aureus of bovine reproductive tract origin.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become the predominant etiology in bovine female reproductive tract infections and thus require effective treatment approaches. The main goal of this study was the molecular detection of mecA, blaZ, tetK, and aacA-aphD genes in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) responsible for methicillin, beta-lactam, tetracycline, and aminoglycoside resistance respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to check the homology of staphylococcal genes with NCBI sequences. The in-vitro efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in combination therapies against MDR S. aureus was evaluated using well diffusion assay and checkerboard method. Vaginal swab samples (n = 384) collected from bovines suffering from endometritis, pyometra, and retained placenta were tested for S. aureus. Results showed a 17.96% overall prevalence. Both phenotypic and genotypic resistance was observed among S. aureus isolates with 50.72% and 37.68% isolates being confirmed as methicillin-resistant (MRSA), 36.23% and 18.84% isolates exhibiting beta-lactam, 40.58%, and 27.54% isolates showing tetracycline, and 33.33% and 36.23% isolates showing aminoglycosides resistance based on disc diffusion and gene confirmation, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated homology with previously reported Pakistani isolates suggesting the possibility of MDR S. aureus transmission within and between animals. Synergy testing indicated that combinations of ceftriaxone-ketoprofen (153.77%), ceftriaxone-meloxicam (149.55%), amoxiclav-flunixin meglumine (106.06%), and oxytetracycline-flunixin meglumine (104.47%) showed synergy on well diffusion assay. Based on the fractional inhibitory concentration index by checkerboard method, oxytetracycline-meloxicam and gentamicin-ketoprofen combinations exhibited synergistic interaction. In conclusion, MDR S. aureus resistance was mitigated in-vitro through the combination of antibiotics (oxytetracycline, gentamicin) with NSAIDs (meloxicam, ketoprofen) that could be used to create therapeutic strategies for bovine reproductive issues.

Identification and expression analysis of SBP-Box-like (SPL) gene family disclose their contribution to abiotic stress and flower budding in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan).

The SPL gene family (for Squamosa Promoter-binding like Proteins) represents specific transcription factors that have significant roles in abiotic stress tolerance, development and the growth processes of different plants, including initiation of the leaf, branching and development of shoot and fruits. The SPL gene family has been studied in different plant species; however, its role is not yet fully explored in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan ). In the present study, 11 members of the CcSPL gene family were identified in C. cajan . The identified SPLs were classified into nine groups based on a phylogenetic analysis involving SPL protein sequences from C. cajan , Arabidopsis thaliana , Cicer arietinum , Glycine max , Phaseolus vulgaris , Vigna unguiculata and Arachis hypogaea . Further, the identification of gene structure, motif analysis, domain analysis and presence of cis -regulatory elements in the SPL family members were studied. Based on RNA-sequencing data, gene expression analysis was performed, revealing that CcSPL2.1, 3 and 13A were significantly upregulated for salt-tolerance and CcSPL14 and 15 were upregulated in a salt-susceptible cultivar. Real-time qPCR validation indicated that CcSPL3, 4, 6 and 13A were upregulated under salt stress conditions. Therefore, molecular docking was performed against the proteins of two highly expressed genes (CcSPL3 and CcSPL14 ) with three ligands: abscisic acid, gibberellic acid and indole-3-acetic acid. Afterward, their binding affinity was obtained and three-dimensional structures were predicted. In the future, our study may open avenues for harnessing CcSPL genes in pigeon pea for enhanced abiotic stress resistance and developmental traits.

The sustainable use of diverse plants accustomed by different ethnic groups in Sibi District, Balochistan, Pakistan.

The present study was conducted to analyze the utilization of medicinal plants (traditional as well as cultivated) and there recipes accustomed by different ethnic groups of Sibi District (SD), Balochistan, Pakistan. The study was carried out between 2018 and 2021 by using semi-structured and open-ended questionnaire.. The randomly selected methods applied for this study were mainly based on household surveys walk through and interview with indigenous communityage 40 to 80, a total of 75 plants, belonging to 63 genera and distributed among 33 plant families were recorded. The dominant Plant families were the Fabaceae (12%) of all studied taxa, followed by the Amaranthaceae (7%), Asteraceae (6%), Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, Poaceae (4% each), Rhamnaceae and Zygophyllaceae (3%). Thirty traditional Food Recipes (TFR) and Traditional Medicinal Recipes (TMR) were novel being first time reported from SD., which are utilized by the local communities in their daily routine. These ethnic TFR and TMR have a tremendous role in preservation and sustainable use of traditional food habits and culture. It was also documented that along with cultivated, the wild edible and medicinal plant preparations play a significant role in in the economic potential and primary health care system of the local communities. The study recommends the specific measures, such as small industries, improved export means, tourism and educational activities, to protect the traditional knowledge and biocultural heritage of the region before its erosion.