Optimising Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination in Lohi Sheep: Effects of Timing, Sperm Concentration and Body Condition on Fertility Outcome in Subtropical Climates.

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal timing, sperm concentration, and body condition score (BCS) for laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) in the subtropical Lohi sheep breed. In Experiment 1, Lohi ewes (n = 80) were synchronised through progestin-sponges (day 0-day 11), administering PGF2α (d-cloprostenol 75 µg/mL; i.m. @ 75 µg /ewe) on day 09 and eCG (i.m. @ 300 IU/ewe) on day 11. Ewes were divided equally into four groups (n = 20 each) and then LAI was performed at 48 (T48), 60 (T60), 72 (T72) and 96 (T96) hours post-sponge removal using 200 million sperm/insemination. In Experiment 2, ewes (n = 81) were synchronised as in Experiment I. Following synchronisation ewes were divided into four groups, each subjected to LAI employing varying sperm concentrations: 10 (S10; n = 21), 20 (S20; n = 20), 50 (S50; n = 20), or 100 (S100; n = 20) million per insemination. Inseminations were performed within a time window of 48-60 h post-sponge removal, based on the findings from Experiment 1. In both experiments ewes were categorised according to BCS, that is, medium 3 and high > 3. Results of Experiment 1 revealed a quadratic response that ewes inseminated at 60-h post-sponge removal exhibited significantly higher pregnancy and twinning rates (p = 0.02). The results of Experiment 2 revealed that sperm concentration had a quadratic effect, 50 million sperm per insemination resulted in maximal pregnancy rates (p = 0.01). Additionally, ewes with medium BCS (≤ 3) had higher pregnancy rates than high BCS (> 3) ewes. In conclusion, ewes with medium BCS (≤ 3) are ideal candidate for LAI and can be inseminated at 60 h with minimal sperm 50 × 106/dose post-sponge removal to achieve a maximum pregnancy rate.

A Strategy to Mitigate Jahn Teller Effect of Mn-Rich NASICON Framework for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Mn-based sodium superionic conductors have driven attention to the low-cost advanced cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, low-rate capability and unsatisfactory cyclic performance due to the Jahn teller effect of Mn3+ redox couple which occurs from the change in Mn-O bond length at the octahedral site of crystal structure during charge-discharge, eventually limiting their application. Herein, a disordered and sodium deficient NASICON Na4-xMn(FeVCrTi)0.25(PO4)3 (termed as Na4-xMn(HE)) is synthesized to mitigate this Jahn teller effect to achieve high rate and ultrastable cathode material. Interestingly, the as-prepared Na3.5Mn(HE) shows five reversible electron reactions (i.e., Ti3+/Ti4+, Fe2+/Fe3+, V3+/V4+, Mn2+/Mn3+, and Mn3+/Mn4+) and demonstrates 141 mA h g-1 at 0.2 C with 80% capacity retention at 1 C after 500 cycles which is far superior to its counterparts binary Mn-based materials. The excellent cyclic performance is due to the remediation of the Jahn teller effect in sodium-deficient entropy-stabilized material. The structural reversibility, enhanced kinetics, and electronic properties are further studied in detail by in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and first principal calculations. Na3.5Mn(HE)//HC full cell delivered 89.7 mAh g-1 capacity at 0.2 C. This work sheds light on designing Mn-based cathodes with superior electrochemical performance for wide energy storage applications.

Effects of enzymatic hydrolysis combined with glycation on the emulsification characteristics and emulsion stability of peanut protein isolate.

Peanut protein isolate (PPI) has high nutritional value, but its poor function limits its application in the food industry. In this study, peanut protein isolate was modified by enzymatic hydrolysis combined with glycation. The structure, emulsification and interface properties of peanut protein isolate hydrolysate (HPPI) and dextran (Dex) conjugate (HPPI-Dex) were studied. In addition, the physicochemical properties, rheological properties, and stability of the emulsion were also investigated. The results showed that the graft degree increased with the increase of Dex ratio. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that the glycation of HPPI and Dex occurred. The microstructure showed that the structure of HPPI-Dex was expanded, and the molecular flexibility was enhanced. When the ratio of HPPI to Dex was 1:3, the emulsifying activity and the interface pressure of glycated HPPI reached the highest value, and the emulsifying activity (61.08 m2/g) of HPPI-Dex was 5.28 times that of PPI. The HPPI-Dex stabilized emulsions had good physicochemical properties and rheological properties. In addition, HPPI-Dex stabilized emulsions had high stability under heat treatment, salt ion treatment and freeze-thaw cycle. According to confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), the dispersion of HPPI-Dex stabilized emulsions was better after 28 days of storage. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing peanut protein emulsifier and further expanding the application of peanut protein in food industry.

Complications and Revision Surgery in Orthopedics Focusing on Traumatology.

BACKGROUND: Orthopedic traumatology, a vital component of orthopedic surgery, poses significant challenges in managing complications and necessitating revision surgeries. These challenges impact clinical outcomes, healthcare economics, and patient well-being. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide insights that informed clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes by thoroughly examining the range of complications encountered in orthopedic traumatology. Specifically, the research focused on the indications, techniques, and outcomes of revision surgeries. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort research looked at orthopedic traumatology complications and revision procedures over a thorough two-year period from March 2021 to March 2023 at Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar, Pakistan. The following information was gathered from 316 patients receiving orthopedic surgery for traumatic injuries: demographics, kinds of trauma, surgical methods, complications, indications, methods, and results of revision surgery. For data analysis, chi-square tests and descriptive statistics were used, with the goal of finding patterns and correlations within the research population. RESULTS: The average age of the 316 patients was 42.5 years, and 64.76% of them were male (n = 192). The most frequent kind of trauma (n = 218; 69.01%) was fractures, which were mostly brought on by falls (n = 147; 46.52%). The most common surgical method (n = 138; 43.67%) was found to be internal fixation, which was followed by external fixation (n = 67; 21.20%). The most common complication (n = 78; 24.68%) was surgical site infection, which resulted in revision procedures mostly for infection (n = 68; 21.52%) and implant failure (n = 56; 17.72%). Debridement was the most often used revision approach (n = 95; 30.10%), and it was substantially correlated with surgical outcomes, such as increased function (31%) and full resolution (36%). CONCLUSION: This research emphasizes the need to maximize patient outcomes for improved well-being and highlights the crucial role that careful care plays in managing complications and revision operations in orthopedic traumatology.

Efficacy and Safety of Stem Cell Therapy for Orthopedic Conditions, Including Osteoarthritis and Bone Defects.

INTRODUCTION: Orthopedic conditions like osteoarthritis and bone defects pose significant challenges due to their impact on individuals' quality of life. Traditional treatments often provide only symptomatic relief, necessitating alternative therapies for long-term management. Stem cell therapy has grabbed attention for its regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, offering potential for tissue repair and functional restoration. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for orthopedic conditions, specifically osteoarthritis and bone defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from patients who underwent stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis or bone defects between January and September 2023. Outcome measures focused on pain and function improvements using tools such as Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), alongside radiographic assessments. Adverse events, range of motion, quality of life, and demographic factors were also examined. Data were collected from electronic medical records while maintaining patient confidentiality. Descriptive statistics using SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) were employed to analyze patient characteristics, treatment variables, and outcomes, with statistical significance determined using Chi-square test and Independent t-test. RESULTS: Out of 50 individuals, the majority, i.e., 35 (or 70%), were diagnosed with osteoarthritis, while the remaining 15 (30%) had bone defects. Treatment outcomes showed significant improvements in pain and function, with a decrease in mean VAS and WOMAC scores at the six-month follow-up. Seven participants (28%) reported adverse events, and two participants (8%) experienced serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Stem cell therapy shows promise for treating orthopedic conditions like osteoarthritis and bone defects. While demonstrating efficacy in pain management and functional improvement, safety considerations warrant further investigation and optimization of treatment protocols. Future research should focus on refining stem cell therapy techniques and addressing safety concerns to maximize its therapeutic potential in orthopedic practice.

Morphology of Four Strains of Phellinoid Agaricomycetes and Microstructural and Physiological Properties of Their Exudates.

To study and compare the morphology of the phellinoid Agaricomycetes strains and find other strategies to improve Phellinus spp. growth and metabolism. In this study, the morphological characteristics of four Phellinus igniarius strains (phellinoid Agaricomycetes) were observed under a light microscope. The exudates from these fungi were observed using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The exudates were initially transparent with a water-like appearance, and became darker with time at neutral pH. Microscopy of air-dried exudates revealed regular shapes and crystals. Cl- (chloride) and K+ were the two key elements analyzed using EDS. Polyphenol oxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and laccase activities were detected in mycelia from each of the four Phellinus strains. The K+ content of the three strains was higher than that of the wild strain. Cl- content correlated negatively with that of K+. Laccase activities associated with each mycelia and its corresponding media differed under cold and contaminated conditions.

Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Patients and Its Association With Anxiety and Depression: Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Low Middle Income Country.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) and its therapy profoundly affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The emotional distress: anxiety and depression also negatively affect wellbeing of these patients. This study aims to evaluate the QoL, anxiety, and depression in CRC patients and their association with clinic-pathological features at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi Pakistan, a low middle income country. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on adult CRC patients. QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL questionnaire C30 and CR29. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score was used to evaluate the anxiety and depression. Analyses were performed using STATA version 12, including multivariable linear and multivariate analysis of variance. A P value of < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: A total of 127 CRC patients with mean age of 53 ± 15 y participated. Mean global QoL score was 69.08 ± 1.78. Among symptoms scales: stoma care problem and among functional scales: sexual interest (women > men) were the most significantly affected aspect. Anxiety and depression were seen in 26 (20.9%) and 24 (18.9%) patients, respectively. Lower global QoL was significantly associated with depression (-25.33 [95% confidence interval: -34.4, -16.23]), on adjuvant treatment (-15.14 [-21.84, -8.44]), and neoadjuvant treatment (-11.75 [-19.84, -3.65]). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study assessing the QoL in CRC patients in Pakistan. Depression was found to be significantly associated with poor QoL. Numerous factors correlated with low QoL scores indicating the need to develop local guidelines to address psychological distress in our patients.

Risk factors and outcomes of peptic ulcer bleed in a Pakistani population: A single-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a significant healthcare burden, contributing to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in therapies, its prevalence persists, particularly in regions with widespread nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use and Helicobacter pylori infection. AIM: To comprehensively analyse the risk factors and outcomes of PUD-related upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in Pakistani population. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 142 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding who underwent upper GI endoscopy from January to December 2022. Data on demographics, symptoms, length of stay, mortality, re-bleed, and Forrest classification was collected. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 53 years, and the majority was men (68.3%). Hematemesis (82.4%) and epigastric pain (75.4%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Most patients (73.2%) were discharged within five days. The mortality rates at one week and one month were 10.6% and 14.8%, respectively. Re-bleed within 24 h and seven days occurred in 14.1% and 18.3% of patients, respectively. Most ulcers were Forrest class (FC) III (72.5%). Antiplatelet use was associated with higher mortality at 7 and 30 d, while alternative medications were linked to higher 24-hour re-bleed rates. NSAID use was associated with more FC III ulcers. Re-bleed at 24 h and 7 d was strongly associated with one-week or one-month mortality. CONCLUSION: Antiplatelet use and rebleeding increase the risk of early mortality in PUD-related upper GI bleeding, while alternative medicines are associated with early rebleeding.

The Efficacy of Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Versus Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Comparative Analysis.

Background Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most typical cause of knee pain and impairment worldwide. It is typified by slow and progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage of the knee joint. Although KOA is being managed with a variety of therapies, the comparison of the effectiveness of different intra-articular injections in KOA treatment in Pakistan is still not thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this current study is to compare the efficacy of intra-articular administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroids (CSs) in the treatment of KOA. Methods This prospective comparative study was performed among one hundred patients diagnosed with KOA in Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, for one year from April 2022 to March 2023. Specified inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed for patient enrollment. Patients were divided into two equal groups through simple random sampling. Group A patients received an intra-articular injection of PRP solution whereas group B patients received an intra-articular injection of CSs. Informed consent and ethical approval were also acquired prior to data collection. A self-designed proforma based on interviews was used to collect data. The data analysis in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 25.0, Armonk, NY) was carried out via descriptive statistics and an independent t-test. Results Women (N=71, 71%) had a higher prevalence of KOA than men (N=29, 29%). The means of study variables like age, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score were 56.10 ± 8.70 years, 8.08 ± 1.6, and 70.08 ± 8.76 respectively. The frequency of KOA on the right side was 62% (N=62) while it was 38% (N=38) on the left side. In the study population, 69% (N=69) patients had grade II KOA, and 31% (N=31) patients had grade III KOA. At the first-month, second-month, and third-month follow-up visits, there were statistically significant differences in the mean scores of the WOMAC and VAS between the study groups. However, at the first-month follow-up visit, mean scores of VAS and WOMAC were lower in group B than in group A while these were lower in group A as compared to group B, at the second-month and third-month follow-up appointments. Conclusions Intra-articular infiltration of both PRP and CSs was efficacious in the treatment of KOA-related pain and functional limitations; however, overall improvement in the PRP group was higher than CS group.

Preparation and comparison of binary and ternary inclusion complexes of aripiprazole using L-arginine/lysine and MßCD/HPßCD by using different molar ratios.

Aripiprazole (ARI), an antipsychotic having low solubility and stability. To overcome this, formation of binary and ternary using inclusion complexes of Methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MßCD) /Hydroxy propyl beta cyclodextrin (HPßCD) and L-Arginine (ARG)/ Lysine (LYS) are analyzed by dissolution testing and phase stability study along with their complexation efficacy and solubility constants made by physical mixing. Inclusion complexes with ARG were better than LYS and prepared by solvent evaporation and lyophilization method as well. They are characterized by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (AT-FTIR), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The bond shifting in AT-FTIR confirmed the molecular interactions between host and guest molecules. The SEM images also confirmed a complete change of drug morphology in case of ternary inclusion complexes prepared by lyophilization method for both the polymers. ARI: MßCD: ARG when used in the specific molar ratio of 1:1:0.27 by prepared by lyophilization method has 18 times best solubility while ARI:HPßCD:ARG was 7 times best solubility than pure drug making MßCD a better choice than HPßCD. Change in the molar ratio will cause loss of stability or solubility. Solvent evaporation gave significant level of solubility but less stability.

Design and discovery of anthranilamide derivatives as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders via targeting cholinesterases and monoamine oxidases.

Neurodegenerative diseases with progressive cellular loss of the central nervous system and elusive disease etiology provide a continuous impetus to explore drug discovery programmes aiming at identifying robust and effective inhibitors of cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase enzymes. We herein present a concise library of anthranilamide derivatives involving a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction to install the diverse structural diversity required for the desired biological action. Using Ellman's method, cholinesterase inhibitory activity was performed against AChE and BuChE enzymes. In vitro assay results demonstrated that anthranilamides are potent inhibitors with remarkable potency. Compound 6k emerged as the lead candidate and dual inhibitor of both enzymes with IC50 values of 0.12 ± 0.01 and 0.49 ± 0.02 µM against AChE and BuChE, respectively. Several other compounds were found as highly potent and selective inhibitors. Anthranilamide derivatives were also tested against monoamine oxidase (A and B) enzymes using fluorometric method. In vitro data revealed compound 6h as the most potent inhibitor against MAO-A, showing an IC50 value of 0.44 ± 0.02 µM, whereas, compound 6k emerged as the top inhibitor of MAO-B with an IC50 value of 0.06 ± 0.01 µM. All the lead inhibitors were analyzed for the identification of their mechanism of action using Michaelis-Menten kinetics experiments. Compound 6k and 6h depicted a competitive mode of action against AChE and MAO-A, whereas, a non-competitive and mixed-type of inhibition was observed against BuChE and MAO-B by compounds 6k. Molecular docking analysis revealed remarkable binding affinities of the potent inhibitors with specific residues inside the active site of receptors. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the ability of potent compounds to form energetically stable complexes with the target protein. Finally, in silico ADME calculations also demonstrated that the potent compounds exhibit promising pharmacokinetic profile, satisfying the essential criteria for drug-likeness. Altogether, the findings reported in the current work clearly suggest that the identified anthranilamide derivatives have the potential to serve as effective drug candidates for future investigations.

Appraisal of reservoir quality for hydrocarbon-bearing deep-water Miocene sandstones incised valley, south-east Asian offshore Indus: An application of seismic attributes and instantaneous spectral porosity quantitative reservoir simulations.

Incised marine valleys (IVS) are hot topics in exploring the stratigraphic oil and gas-bearing plays. Multiple channelized sandstone lenses at varying depths [m], thicknesses [m], and porosities [%] constrain seismic impedance. The presence of hydrocarbon-bearing resources affects the seismic impedance (density (g/cc) and velocity (m/s)). Therefore, a quantitative prediction has been carried out for determining the thickness [m], porosity [%], and depths [m] of laterally distributed channelized sandstone lenses (SLS) for IVS, Indus offshore Basin (IOB), Pakistan, using 2-D instantaneous spectral porosity quantitative modelling (2DSSM), continuous wavelet transforms-based (CWT) 2-D instantaneous spectral density modelling (2DSSDM), and spectral decomposition tools. The 2DSSM remained limited in predicting the number of channelized sandstone lenses and their quantitative stratigraphic attributes. The 45-Hz-based processing of conventional 2DSSM has resolved the two channelized sandstone lenses of the stratigraphic trap. The deepest channelized sandstone lens has attained 1-6 m thickness with a lateral extent of 3 km, within the porosity range of 18-33 %. The highest confidence level for predicted petrophysical attributes such as 13 m-thick pay zones, -0.08, -0.067, and -0.07 acoustic impedances [g/c.c.*m/s], and 28 % porosities with R2 > 0.85 have validated interpretations. The response of 45-Hz CWT waveform-based inverted density and thickness simulations has predicted the highest thicknesses and lowest densities of reservoir sandstones within the meandering channel belt of the deepwater depositional system. The predicted densities and thicknesses for the coarse-grained sandstone lenses of point bars were 1.8-1.9 g/cc and 15 m, respectively. In the same way, the quantitative estimates of predicted density and simulated thickness have shown a strong coefficient correlation (R2 > 0.80), which confirms the presence of gas-bearing prospects within the IVS. The facies-controlled migration is thought to be the movement of the reservoir facies of the point bars and channelled sandstone-filled lenses to the side.

Binary and ternary complex formation and characterization of artemisinin with sulfobutyl ether ß-cyclodextrin and oleic acid.

Drug-resistant malaria is a global risk to the modern world. Artremisinin (ART) is one of the drugs of choice against drug-resistant (malaria) which is practically insoluble in water. The objective of our study was to improve the solubility of artemisinin (ART) via development of binary complexes of ART with sulfobutylether ß-cyclodextrins (SBE7 ß-CD), sulfobutylether ß-cyclodextrins (SBE7 ß-CD) and oleic acid (ternary complexes). These are prepared in various drugs to excipients ratios by physical mixing (PM) and solvent evaporation (SE) methods. Characterizations were achieved by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The aqueous-solubility in binary complexes was 12-folds enhanced than ternary complexes. Dissolution of binary and ternary complexes of artemisinin in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.6) was found highest and 35 times higher for ternary SECx. The crystallinity of artemisinin was decreased in physical mixtures (PMs) while SECx exhibited displaced angles. The attenuated-intensity of SECx showed least peak numbers with more displaced-angles. SEM images of PMs and SECx showed reduced particle size in binary and ternary systems as compared to pure drug-particles. ATR-FTIR spectra of binary and ternary complexes revealed bonding interactions among artemisinin, SBE7 ß-CD and oleic acid.

Factors influencing pregnancy rate and loss after laparoscopic artificial insemination with frozen-thawed semen in Lohi sheep under sub-tropical conditions.

This study evaluates factors influencing pregnancy rates per artificial insemination (P/AI) and pregnancy loss in Lohi ewes undergoing laparoscopic AI with frozen-thawed semen under sub-tropical conditions. Data from three experiments comprising ewes (n = 358) of mixed parity (nulliparous; NP and parous; P), various body condition score (BCS) and assigned to long-term (LTP, 11 days) and short-term (STP, 5 days) oestrus synchronization regimen across high breeding season (HBS) and low breeding season (LBS) were analysed. Laparoscopic insemination was conducted 54 h post-sponge removal. Pregnancy diagnosis and loss were evaluated on days 35 and 90 post-insemination via ultrasonography. Results showed parity significantly influenced P/AI, with nulliparous ewes achieving higher pregnancy ratios than parous ewes (p = .001). BCS significantly influenced P/AI (p < .05), with a quadratic relationship observed between BCS and season (BCS*BCS*Season; p = .07). Progestin treatment did not significantly influence the ratio of pregnant ewes (p = .07). Pregnancy losses were significantly higher during LBS than HBS (p < .05), irrespective of progestin treatment. In conclusion, parity and BCS significantly influenced P/AI, with BCS demonstrating a quadratic association with season. Ewes bred during LBS experienced higher pregnancy losses than HBS, irrespective of progestin treatment.

Composition of Whole Grain Dietary Fiber and Phenolics and Their Impact on Markers of Inflammation.

Inflammation is an important biological response to any tissue injury. The immune system responds to any stimulus, such as irritation, damage, or infection, by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines can lead to several diseases, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, joint disorders, cancer, and allergies. Emerging science suggests that whole grains may lower the markers of inflammation. Whole grains are a significant source of dietary fiber and phenolic acids, which have an inverse association with the risk of inflammation. Both cereals and pseudo-cereals are rich in dietary fiber, e.g., arabinoxylan and ß-glucan, and phenolic acids, e.g., hydroxycinnamic acids and hydroxybenzoic acids, which are predominantly present in the bran layer. However, the biological mechanisms underlying the widely reported association between whole grain consumption and a lower risk of disease are not fully understood. The modulatory effects of whole grains on inflammation are likely to be influenced by several mechanisms including the effect of dietary fiber and phenolic acids. While some of these effects are direct, others involve the gut microbiota, which transforms important bioactive substances into more beneficial metabolites that modulate the inflammatory signaling pathways. Therefore, the purpose of this review is twofold: first, it discusses whole grain dietary fiber and phenolic acids and highlights their potential; second, it examines the health benefits of these components and their impacts on subclinical inflammation markers, including the role of the gut microbiota. Overall, while there is promising evidence for the anti-inflammatory properties of whole grains, further research is needed to understand their effects fully.

Livestock Depredation by Large Carnivores and Human-Wildlife Conflict in Two Districts of Balochistan Province, Pakistan.

Livestock herding is a vital practice in Balochistan, contributing to the economy and culture. The livestock sector is significant in Balochistan, providing 20% of the national stock. Large predators and their prey species, including livestock, have coexisted in these mountainous landscapes for centuries. The aim of the present research is to investigate the impacts of livestock depredation by large predators on livelihoods and predator conservation in two districts of Balochistan, Pakistan. A human-carnivore conflict survey was conducted from July to September 2019, collecting data from 311 residents in a selected study area. Large predators in the study area preyed on a total of 876 livestock during a one-year period, including 560 goats, 292 sheep, 19 cows, and 5 donkeys. The gray wolf is the leading predator, responsible for 66.3% of livestock depredation, followed by the caracal (24.3%), Asiatic jackal (8.9%), and striped hyena (0.6%). The total economic loss was USD 78,694. Overall, 80% of respondents had a negative perception of wolves compared to 24.4% for caracals. Only 20.6% of respondents knew about the importance of conserving carnivores. Livestock depredation by carnivores in the study area created a negative perception of these animals among people. There is a lack of awareness about the importance of conserving carnivore species and their role in the ecosystem. This lack of understanding has ultimately led to detrimental effects on predator populations. It is imperative to raise awareness among people about the ecological significance of carnivores through community meetings, seminars in educational institutions, and providing basic education to herders about effective livestock guarding practices.

Assessing pattern of the Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS) in children during the COVID-19 pandemic: experience from the emergency department of tertiary care center of a low-middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS) is a hyperinflammatory condition affecting multiple organs in children, often resembling incomplete Kawasaki Disease during later phases of COVID-19 infection. Data on PMIS in low-middle-income countries, particularly in emergency department settings, is limited. OBJECTIVES: This prospective observational study at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, aimed to determine the frequency, clinical presentation patterns, and laboratory parameters of children with PMIS visiting the emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary objectives included assessing factors associated with in-hospital mortality. METHODS: From March 2020 to September 2021, patients meeting World Health Organization PMIS criteria were enrolled. COVID-19 testing included PCR and antibody testing. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Among 56 PMIS patients (85.7% male, mean age 7.67 ± 4.8 years), respiratory symptoms (70%), neurological symptoms (57%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (54%) were common presentations. Signs included delayed capillary refill time (93%), low-volume pulses (89%), and hypotension (68%). COVID-19 antibodies were positive in the majority (78.6%) while PCR was positive in 18%. Risk factors for mortality included prolonged emergency department stay, and high Ferritin and Lactate Dehydrogenase levels. CONCLUSION: PMIS affects children of all ages. Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms are the most frequent presentations. Elevated inflammatory markers, including LDH, Ferritin, D-dimer, and Pro-BNP, correlate with higher mortality risk.

Seismic attributes and spectral decomposition-based inverted porosity-constrained simulations for appraisal of shallow-marine lower-Cretaceous sequences of Miano gas field, Southern Pakistan.

Seismic attributes can play an important role in the exploration of hydrocarbon-bearing stratigraphic systems. Incised valley systems are developed during the falling sea, which causes the deposition of coarse-grained sandstone facies inside the low-standing tracts (LST). These regional phenomena constrain the quantitative attributes of ultra-thin-bedded stratigraphic petroleum traps, e.g., vertical and lateral variations in the thickness, accommodation space, lithology, and porosity. This study deals with the application of the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) of a spectral decomposition (SD) tool on a 3D post-stack seismic volume of the Miano gas Field, Lower Indus basin, Pakistan. The results show that the CWT accurately detected the regionally faulted/fractured system and distinguished the frequency-dependent amplitude anomalies. The wedge model resolved a 24-meter-thick gas-bearing resource. Quality control analysis was carried out using CWT-based broadband processing between the designed amplitude spectrum of 17 Hz and 70 Hz. The reservoirs with over 25% porosity that were located within the shale-dominated facies with less than 8% porosity were imaged through the processing of the instantaneous spectral porosity model at the 48-Hz tuning block. Moreover, 190 to 165-m-thick thin-bedded sandstone reservoirs at a 25% porosity zone were resolved using 22-Hz and 28-Hz, which implicates the sea standstill and medium-to-coarse-grained depositional reservoir facies. The ultra-thin-bedded traps inside the laterally continuous stratigraphic lens of 121 m and the prograding clinoform lens of 101-m within the incised valley petroleum system were resolved using 48-Hz, which implicates the falling sea and fine-scaled transgressed erosional facies. These implications suggest that the identified regional stratigraphic traps have development potential for this gas field. The treatment of the inverted model at the highest frequencies can be utilized to investigate the porous stratigraphically trapped facies of LST and can serve as an important analogue for the leading gas field of the Indus Basin and similar basins.