Genotypic insights to Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cattle mastitis.

In this research communication we investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of S. aureus harboring virulent genes responsible for mastitis in cattle of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 690 milk samples were collected from commercial dairy farms for analysis of the prevalence of subclinical and clinical mastitis and isolation of S. aureus. Virulence ability and methicillin resistance in S. aureus (MRSA) was determined by targeting the pvl (the gene for Panton-Valentine leukocidin) and mecA genes, respectively. A total of 175 S. aureus isolates exhibiting prevalence of pvl gene (6.28%) and mecA gene (22.28%) were determined. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of pvl positive and negative MRSA against different classes of antibiotics revealed 100% resistance against ß-lactams while 100% sensitivity towards tylosin and linezolid.

Molecular insights into expression and silencing of resistance determinants in Staphylococcus aureus.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the status of antimicrobial-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in Pakistan, their association in terms of co-occurrence with the biofilm-forming genes, resistance profiling and associated discrepancies in diagnostic methods. METHODOLOGY: A total of 384 milk samples from bovine was collected by using convenient sampling technique and were initially screened for subclinical mastitis, further preceded by isolation and confirmation of S. aureus. The S. aureus isolates were subjected to evaluation of antimicrobial resistance by phenotypic identification using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, while the genotypic estimation was done by polymerase chain reaction to declare isolates as methicillin, beta-lactam, vancomycin, tetracycline, and aminoglycoside resistant S. aureus (MRSA, BRSA, VRSA, TRSA, and ARSA), respectively. RESULTS: The current study revealed an overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis and S. aureus to be 59.11% and 46.69%, respectively. On a phenotypic basis, the prevalence of MRSA, BRSA, VRSA, TRSA, and ARSA was found to be 44.33%, 58.49%, 20.75%, 35.84%, and 30.18%, respectively. The results of PCR analysis showed that 46.80% of the tested isolates were declared as MRSA, 37.09% as BRSA, and 36.36% as VRSA, while the occurrence of TRSA and ARSA was observed in 26.31% and 18.75%, respectively. The current study also reported the existence of biofilm-producing genes (icaA and icaD) in 49.06% and 40.57% isolates, respectively. Lastly, this study also reported a high incidence of discrepancies for both genotypic and phenotypic identification methods of resistance evaluation, with the highest discrepancy ratio for the accA-aphD gene, followed by tetK, vanB, blaZ, and mecA genes. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that different antibiotic resistance strains of S. aureus are prevalent in study districts with high potential to transmit between human populations. The study also determined that there are multiple resistance determinants and mechanisms that are responsible for the silencing and expression of antibiotic resistance genes.

Exogenous ascorbic acid as a potent regulator of antioxidants, osmo-protectants, and lipid peroxidation in pea under salt stress.

Pea (Pisum sativum L.), a globally cultivated leguminous crop valued for its nutritional and economic significance, faces a critical challenge of soil salinity, which significantly hampers crop growth and production worldwide. A pot experiment was carried out in the Botanical Garden, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur to alleviate the negative impacts of sodium chloride (NaCl) on pea through foliar application of ascorbic acid (AsA). Two pea varieties Meteor (V1) and Sarsabz (V2) were tested against salinity, i.e. 0 mM NaCl (Control) and 100 mM NaCl. Three levels of ascorbic acid 0 (Control), 5 and 10 mM were applied through foliar spray. The experimental design was completely randomized (CRD) with three replicates. Salt stress resulted in the suppression of growth, photosynthetic activity, and yield attributes in pea plants. However, the application of AsA treatments effectively alleviated these inhibitory effects. Under stress conditions, the application of AsA treatment led to a substantial increase in chlorophyll a (41.1%), chl. b (56.1%), total chl. contents (44.6%) and carotenoids (58.4%). Under salt stress, there was an increase in Na+ accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the application of AsA increased the contents of proline (26.9%), endogenous AsA (23.1%), total soluble sugars (17.1%), total phenolics (29.7%), and enzymatic antioxidants i.e. SOD (22.3%), POD (34.1%) and CAT (39%) in both varieties under stress. Salinity reduced the yield attributes while foliarly applied AsA increased the pod length (38.7%), number of pods per plant (40%) and 100 seed weight (45.2%). To sum up, the application of AsA alleviated salt-induced damage in pea plants by enhancing photosynthetic pigments, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities, maintaining ion homeostasis, and reducing excessive ROS accumulation through the limitation of lipid peroxidation. Overall, V2 (Sarsabz) performed better as compared to the V1 (Meteor).

Investigating seasonal air quality variations consequent to the urban vegetation in the metropolis of Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Urban atmospheric pollution is global problem and and have become increasingly critical in big cities around the world. Issue of toxic emissions has gained significant attention in the scientific community as the release of pollutants into the atmosphere rising continuously. Although, the Pakistani government has started the Pakistan Clean Air Program to control ambient air quality however, the desired air quality levels are yet to be reached. Since the process of mapping the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants in urban areas is intricate due to its dependence on multiple factors, such as urban vegetation and weather conditions. Therefore, present research focuses on two essential items: (1) the relationship between urban vegetation and atmospheric variables (temperature, relative humidity (RH), sound intensity (SI), CO, CO2, and particulate matter (PM0.5, PM1.0, and PM2.5) and (2) the effect of seasonal change on concentration and magnitude of atmospheric variables. A geographic Information System (GIS) was utilized to map urban atmospheric variables dispersion in the residential areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Pearson correlation and principal component analyses were performed to establish the relationship between urban atmospheric pollutants, urban vegetation, and seasonal variation. The results showed a positive correlation between urban vegetation, metrological factors, and most of the atmospheric pollutants. Furthermore, PM concentration showed a significant correlation with temperature and urban vegetation cover. GIS distribution maps for PM0.5, PM1.0, PM2.5, and CO2 pollutants showed the highest concentration of pollutants in poorly to the moderated vegetated areas. Therefore, it can be concluded that urban vegetation requires a rigorous design, planning, and cost-benefit analysis to maximize its positive environmental effects.

First report on genotypic estimation of MRSA load in udder of nomadic sheep flocks affected with subclinical mastitis in Pakistan.

Mastitis is one of the highly devastating issues responsible for production and economic losses in all dairy animals including sheep. This study was designed to investigate subclinical mastitis (SCM) associated with S. aureus in lactating nomadic ewes, along with the associated risk factors analysis. Furthermore, molecular characterization and antibiogram profiling of local methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates of ovine origin were also performed. A total of 384 milk samples (n = 384) were collected from 13 nomadic sheep flocks using a convenient sampling technique. SCM was evaluated using a Surf Field Mastitis test and the S. aureus was isolated using standard microbiological techniques. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay was used for phenotypic identification of MRSA while the mecA gene was tested through PCR. Study results revealed that SCM was prevalent at 34.37% while S. aureus association was recorded at 39.39%. MRSA prevalence was 36.53% and 21.15% using phenotypic and genotypic tests, respectively. The mecA gene sequences of study isolates showed maximum resemblance with already reported sequences from Pakistan, China, and Myanmar. MRSA isolates showed maximum resistance towards penicillin, ceftriaxone sodium, and trimethoprim + sulphamethoxazole while gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and tylosin showed maximum efficacy. Risk factors analysis revealed that various flock management, housing, and host-related factors positively influenced the incidence of S. aureus-associated SCM. This study is the first report on the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA associated with SCM in lactating ewes in Pakistan. This study will help to devise effective treatment and control strategies for S. aureus-associated SCM.

A potential mechanism of miana (Coleus scutellariodes) and quercetin via NF-κB in Salmonella typhi infection.

Purpose: To prove the effect of Miana (M), Quercetin (Q), and the combination as an anti-inflammatory agent and Cefixime (C) as an antibiotic in Balb/c mice infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) and related to the dynamics of NF-κB mRNA expression and NF-κB protein levels. Methods: A cohort study on male Balb/c mice with subjects consisted of 8 groups with 5 each group by administration of M, Q, M + Q, M + C, Q + C, M + Q + C, C only and sterile distilled water group as negative control. The statistical significance of the difference group was defined as P values less than 0.05. Results: Decreased mRNA expression of NF-κB, NF-κB protein levels, and bacterial load after administration of M + C, Q + C, or M + Q + C showed significant differences when compared to the negative control. The decline in NF-κB was stronger when M + Q + C was given compared to M, Q, M + Q, or C only. Conclusion: The effects of NF-κB suppression appear to be the same between the administration of M, Q and the M + Q when C added. However, the suppression of NF-κB was not significant without adding C.

FibroVit-Vision transformer-based framework for detection and classification of pulmonary fibrosis from chest CT images.

Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is an immedicable respiratory condition distinguished by permanent fibrotic alterations in the pulmonary tissue for which there is no cure. Hence, it is crucial to diagnose PF swiftly and precisely. The existing research on deep learning-based pulmonary fibrosis detection methods has limitations, including dataset sample sizes and a lack of standardization in data preprocessing and evaluation metrics. This study presents a comparative analysis of four vision transformers regarding their efficacy in accurately detecting and classifying patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis and their ability to localize abnormalities within Images obtained from Computerized Tomography (CT) scans. The dataset consisted of 13,486 samples selected out of 24647 from the Pulmonary Fibrosis dataset, which included both PF-positive CT and normal images that underwent preprocessing. The preprocessed images were divided into three sets: the training set, which accounted for 80% of the total pictures; the validation set, which comprised 10%; and the test set, which also consisted of 10%. The vision transformer models, including ViT, MobileViT2, ViTMSN, and BEiT were subjected to training and validation procedures, during which hyperparameters like the learning rate and batch size were fine-tuned. The overall performance of the optimized architectures has been assessed using various performance metrics to showcase the consistent performance of the fine-tuned model. Regarding performance, ViT has shown superior performance in validation and testing accuracy and loss minimization, specifically for CT images when trained at a single epoch with a tuned learning rate of 0.0001. The results were as follows: validation accuracy of 99.85%, testing accuracy of 100%, training loss of 0.0075, and validation loss of 0.0047. The experimental evaluation of the independently collected data gives empirical evidence that the optimized Vision Transformer (ViT) architecture exhibited superior performance compared to all other optimized architectures. It achieved a flawless score of 1.0 in various standard performance metrics, including Sensitivity, Specificity, Accuracy, F1-score, Precision, Recall, Mathew Correlation Coefficient (MCC), Precision-Recall Area under the Curve (AUC PR), Receiver Operating Characteristic and Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC). Therefore, the optimized Vision Transformer (ViT) functions as a reliable diagnostic tool for the automated categorization of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) using chest computed tomography (CT) scans.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Fetal Anterior Abdominal Wall Thickness as an Early Sonographic Sign for Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes.

Introduction  Traditionally, different fetal variable measurements are used in ultrasound to assess fetal growth. Ultrasound can detect abnormal fetal growth. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is linked to higher fetal obesity as early as 20 weeks of pregnancy. The amount of fetal adipose tissue may be measured by measuring the thickness of the anterior abdominal wall. Measuring the thickness of the fetus's anterior abdominal wall (AAWT) is a straightforward procedure that may be performed alongside standard abdominal circumference measurements. Objectives  To check the diagnostic accuracy of fetal AAWT as an early sonographic sign for diagnosing GDM, keeping oral glucose tolerance test as the gold standard. Study design  This research was conducted using a cross-sectional analysis. Study place and duration The study was conducted in the Radiology Department at Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied Hospitals from July 10, 2019 to January 9, 2020. Materials and methods  Women between the ages of 18 and 45 who had a family history of type 2 diabetes and were at risk for developing GDM were recruited. Exclusions were made for diabetic women, those carrying multiples, and those with autoimmune diseases. The AAWT measurement of the fetus, which included the skin and subcutaneous tissue, was acquired using the traditional anterior cranial view, 2-3 cm lateral to cord insertion. Pregnant patients at risk for GDM underwent screening using an oral glucose tolerance test. Those exhibiting any two abnormal values were diagnosed with GDM. Results  The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of fetal AAWT as an early sonographic sign for diagnosing GDM, with the oral glucose tolerance test as the gold standard, were 93.14%, 82.65%, 84.82%, 92.05%, and 88.0%, respectively. Conclusion  The study concludes that the diagnostic accuracy of fetal AAWT as an early sonographic indicator for identifying gestational diabetes is notably high.

Environmental implications of phosphate-based fertilizer industrial waste and its management practices.

During the green revolution in the mid-twentieth century, the consumption of inorganic phosphorous and phosphate-based fertilizers (P-fertilizers) in the developing world skyrocketed, resulting in a proliferation of P-fertilizer industries. Phosphate-based fertilizer industries are ranked among the most environment-polluting industries. The worldwide phosphorus market, which was 68.5 million metric tons in 2020, is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% to 81 million metric tons by 2027. The release of untreated hazardous pollutants from these fertilizer industries into the soil, water, and atmosphere has resulted in severe environmental health issues. Excessive surface runoff of phosphorus from agricultural fields and its deposition in water promote the growth of algae and macrophytes and lower dissolved oxygen concentration through eutrophication, which is detrimental to aquatic life. Fluorides (F-) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and/or heavy metals (potentially toxic elements, PTEs) are also detected in the emissions from these fertilizer industries. The main solid waste generated from the phospho-gypsum plant produced up to 5 tons of di-hydrogen phosphate (H2PO4), including PTEs and radioactive substances. Phosphates and fluorenes from these industries are usually disposed of as sludge in storage ponds or trash piles. Humans inhaling poisonous gases released from the P-fertilizer industries can develop hepatic failure, autoimmune diseases, pulmonary disorders, and other health problems. The objectives of this review are to provide guidelines for eliminating the bottleneck pollutions that occur from the phosphate-based fertilizer industries and explore the management practices for its green development.

Circular economy and its implementation in cement industry: A case point in Pakistan.

The cement industry contributes substantially to world emissions. Sustainable and circular practices are adopted globally to mitigate such emissions. Developing countries like Pakistan lack adaptation to circular and sustainable practices. The study proposes an alternative mix of coal and crop residues that can be used for cement production. The study aims to find the best mixtures of coal with crop residue for combustion purposes in cement industries. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) are implemented for the environmental and economic viability of the proposed material mixtures. Moreover, the study seeks to explore risks associated with the implementation of circular practices in the cement industry of a developing country. The study adopts Modified Safety Improvement Risk Assessment (SIRA) for assessing the risks. The results suggest that the partial replacement of coal with bagasse is the most viable mixture with lower environmental emissions and is economically feasible among other alternate mixtures. In terms of risk assessment, there is a lack of governmental support for adopting circular economy (CE) practices and profit uncertainties of these CE practices.

The Global Dilemma of Soil Legacy Phosphorus and Its Improvement Strategies under Recent Changes in Agro-Ecosystem Sustainability.

Phosphorus (P) is one of the six key elements in plant nutrition and effectively plays a vital role in all major metabolic activities. It is an essential nutrient for plants linked to human food production. Although abundantly present in both organic and inorganic forms in soil, more than 40% of cultivated soils are commonly deficient in P concentration. Then, the P inadequacy is a challenge to a sustainable farming system to improve the food production for an increasing population. It is expected that the whole world population will rise to 9 billion by 2050 and, therefore, it is necessary at the same time for agricultural strategies broadly to expand food production up to 80% to 90% by handling the global dilemma which has affected the environment by climatic changes. Furthermore, the phosphate rock annually produced about 5 million metric tons of phosphate fertilizers per year. About 9.5 Mt of phosphorus enters human food through crops and animals such as milk, egg, meat, and fish and is then utilized, and 3.5 Mt P is physically consumed by the human population. Various new techniques and current agricultural practices are said to be improving P-deficient environments, which might help meet the food requirements of an increasing population. However, 4.4% and 3.4% of the dry biomass of wheat and chickpea, respectively, were increased under intercropping practices, which was higher than that in the monocropping system. A wide range of studies showed that green manure crops, especially legumes, improve the soil-available P content of the soil. It is noted that inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could decrease the recommended phosphate fertilizer rate nearly 80%. Agricultural management techniques to improve soil legacy P use by crops include maintaining soil pH by liming, crop rotation, intercropping, planting cover crops, and the consumption of modern fertilizers, in addition to the use of more efficient crop varieties and inoculation with P-solubilizing microorganisms. Therefore, exploring the residual phosphorus in the soil is imperative to reduce the demand for industrial fertilizers while promoting long-term sustainability on a global scale.

Assessing the effects of limestone dust and lead pollution on the ecophysiology of some selected urban tree species.

Soil and air pollution caused by heavy metals and limestone dust are prevalent in urban environments and they are an alarming threat to the environment and humans. This study was designed to investigate the changes in morphological and physiological traits of three urban tree species seedlings (Bombax ceiba, Conocarpus lancifolius, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis) under the individual as well as synergetic effects of heavy metal lead (Pb) and limestone dust toxicities. The tree species were grown under controlled environmental conditions with nine treatments consisting of three levels of dust (0, 10, and 20 g) and three levels of Pb contaminated water irrigation (0, 5, and 10 mg L-1). The results depicted that the growth was maximum in T1 and minimum in T9 for all selected tree species. B. ceiba performed better under the same levels of Pb and limestone dust pollution as compared with the other two tree species. The B. ceiba tree species proved to be the most tolerant to Pb and limestone pollution by efficiently demolishing oxidative bursts by triggering SOD, POD, CAT, and proline contents under different levels of lead and dust pollution. The photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, evapotranspiration rate, and transpiration rate were negatively influenced in all three tree species in response to different levels of lead and dust applications. The photosynthetic rate was 1.7%, 3.1%, 7.0%, 11.03%, 16.2%, 23.8%, 24.8%, and 30.7%, and the stomatal conductance was 5%, 10.5%, 23.5%, 40%, 50.01%, 61.5%, 75%, and 90.9%, greater in T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, and T9 plants of B. ceiba, respectively, as compared to T1. Based on the findings, among these three tree species, B. ceiba is strongly recommended for planting in heavy metal and limestone dust-polluted areas followed by E. camaldulensis and C. lancifolius due to their better performance and efficient dust and heavy metal-scavenging capability.

Evidence and Molecular Characterization of Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Equines in Pakistan.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the nasal colonization and drug resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) in donkeys (n =63), mules (n = 42), and horses (n = 98). MRSA and VRSA were confirmed based on phenotypic and molecular methods, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, the association of various animal and management-based risk factors with S. aureus colonization was also evaluated. The presence of nuc gene on polymerase chain reaction showed an overall prevalence of 42.86% of S. aureus in equines. Based on Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test, 26.44% of isolates showed resistance to vancomycin. Further, mecA and vanB genes were targeted which showed an overall 14.94% and 13.79% prevalence of methicillin and vancomycin-resistant isolates, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a significant variation of the study isolates with each other and with already reported sequences of mecA and vanB genes. Risk factor analysis revealed that raising purpose (P = .011), work intensity (P < .001), stocking density (P = .006), presence of other livestock animals in surroundings (P = .043), and common drinking water source (P = .023) as significant. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of MRSA and VRSA isolates showed high resistance to various commonly used antibiotics. Furthermore, all the tested isolates showing resistance to three or more than three antibiotics were considered multiple drug-resistant. The current study manifests the molecular evidence of MRSA and VRSA isolated from equines in Pakistan which will help to address the emerging issue of multidrug resistance in S. aureus in equines and emphasizes the need for possible measures to tackle this issue.

Differential response of nano zinc sulphate with other conventional sources of Zn in mitigating salinity stress in rice grown on saline-sodic soil.

Salinization causes the degradation of the soil and threatening the global food security but the application of essential micronutrients like zinc (Zn), improve the plant growth by stabilizing the plant cell and root development. Keeping in view the above-mentioned scenario, an experiment was conducted to compare the efficiency of conventional Zn fertilizers like zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), zinc ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (Zn-EDTA) and advance nano Zn fertilizers such as zinc sulphate nanoparticles (ZnSO4NPs), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) (applied at the rate of 5 and 10 mg/kg) in saline-sodic soil. Results revealed that the maximum plant height (67%), spike length (72%), root length (162%), number of tillers (71%), paddy weight (100%), shoot dry weight (158%), and root dry weight (119%) was found in ZnSO4NPs applied at the rate of 10 mg/kg (ZnSO4NPs-10) as compared to salt-affected control (SAC). Similarly, the plants physiological attributes like chlorophyll contents (91%), photosynthesis rate (113%), transpiration rate (106%), stomatal conductance (56%) and internal CO2 (11%) were increased by the application of ZnSO4NPs-10, as compared to SAC. The maximum Zn concentration in root (153%), shoot (205%) and paddy (167%) found in ZnSO4NPs-10, as compared to control. In the body of rice plants, other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium were also increased by the application of ZnSO4NPs-10 and soil chemical attributes such as sodium and sodium adsorption ratio were decreased. The current experiment concluded that the application of ZnSO4NPs at the rate of 10 mg/kg in salt-affected paddy soil increased the growth, physiology, up take of essential nutrients and yield of rice by balancing the cationic ratio under salt stress.

The rising menace of antifungal resistance in dermatophytes among the patients of tinea capitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological profile of dermatophytes among patients of tinea capitis and their susceptibility pattern to fluconazole and terbinafine. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from August to December 2019, and comprised samples of hair and skin from the scalp of tinea capitis patients regardless of age and gender. Demographic details were collected and the samples were processed for direct microscopy and mycological culture. Antifungal susceptibility testing for fluconazole and terbinafine was performed using broth microdilution method. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 207 patients, 115(55.5%) were males, and 114(55.1%) were children. Alopecia was the most common presenting complaint 141(68.1%), while grey patch tinea was the most characteristic clinical form 53(25.6%). Dermatophytes were yielded in 61(29.5%) cases, non-dermatophytes were isolated in 45(21.7%) specimens, and 101(48.8%) were culture-negative. Among the dermatophytes, trichophyton violaceum was the most common pathogen 21(34.4%), followed by trichophyton mentagrophytes 18(29.5%). Resistance to fluconazole and terbinafine among dermatophytes was recorded in 12(19.7%) and 7(11.5%) isolates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of dermatophytes among tinea capitis patients was higher compared to non-dermatophyte species. Antifungal resistance was predominantly seen in trichophyton violaceum and trichophyton mentagrophytes.

The evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors of UTI in tertiary care hospital of Peshawar.

UTIs are majorly caused by species of bacteria in patients of almost all ages. The study was aimed to determine the prevalence rate of uropathogens, its antibiotic susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors. Urine samples were collected from n=470 participants using sterilized containers and were inoculated on culture media. The isolates were identified via gram-staining and biochemical characterization. A total of 43.20% samples were positive. Female contributed the highest prevalence rate, 78.82% as compared to male, 21.18%. The highest prevalence 40.90% was observed in the age-group 31-45, followed by 16-30 with 36.90%. Escherichia coli (47.80%) was the most prevalent, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.2%), Enterococcus faecalis (12.80%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.30%) and Proteus mirabilis (7.40%). Staphylococcus aureus showed high sensitivity (100%) to amikacin, meropenem, imipenem, fosfomycin, vancomycin, clindamycin and linezolid while in case of E. faecalis, vancomycin and linezolid were highly potent. Amikacin and meropenem showed the highest (100%) potency followed by imipenem While Fosfomycin was highly potent to E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa with potency rate 89.97%, 92.31%, 100% and 100% respectively. In the current study, the positivity rate was highly observed in female. E. coli and K. pneumoniae were found the most ubiquitous for UTI.

Comparative in vitro activity of selected antibacterial agents against Escherichia coli isolated from hospitalized patients suffering UTI.

Escherichia coli is the most studied among those bacteria causing urinary tract infections. This study was aimed to find out antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration of selected antibacterial agents against E. coli isolates of hospitalized UTI patients. The specimens were inoculated on Eosin Methylene Blue medium. E. coli isolates were identified via colonial morphology, biochemical testing and API-20 kit. The susceptibility pattern of antibacterial agents was determined applying disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer) and dilution tube method. Among all, 38.82% (n=158/407) specimens were positive for E. coli, while the rest showed either no growth or exhibited colonies other than E. coli. while observing the susceptibility pattern, Imipenem was found the most effective (73.42%) antibacterial agent, followed by nitrofurantoin (52.53%), cefpirome (44.94%) and tazobactam/ piperacillin (44.94%), whereas the E. coli isolates were highly resistant to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (71.52%), followed by Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (67.72%), nalidixic acid (66.46%) and Tobramycin (62.03%), when tested by disc diffusion method. The isolates were susceptible to cefpirome (39.87%) and tobramycin (39.87%) and resistant to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (75.32%), followed by levofloxacin (61.39%), when tested by tube dilution method. The study concluded high degree of resistance against Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, in contrast, cephalosporin and Imipenem exhibited good potency which can be recommended for UTI.

Foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] over-accumulates ammonium under low nitrogen supply.

Nitrogen (N) deficiency is a primary limiting factor for crop production worldwide. Previously, we reported root system architectural modifications of hydroponically cultured foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] to facilitate N translocation under N limitation. Here, we investigated foxtail millet for its shoot adaptation to low N in terms of internal N regulation under hydroponic culture. The results of this study revealed that the shoot N and nitrate (NO3-) concentrations significantly declined as compared to control (CK); however, the shoot over-accumulated ammonium (NH4+) under low N (LN). N shortage resulted in down-regulation of expressions of SiPetA, SiccsA, SipsbA, SirpoB, SipsaA, SiatpA, Sirps16, and SiPEPC which, undermined chloroplast functioning and CO2 assimilation for the provision of carbon skeleton. Carbon deficiency and lower activities of GS decelerated ammonia assimilation and led to over-accumulation of NH4+ in the LN-shoot, as indicated by lower concentrations of total amino acids. Thus, enhanced GOGAT activity was to assimilate NH4+ while, those of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) of NH4+ toxicity framework. The weakened chloroplast factory eventually minimized photosynthesis and reduced dry mass of the LN shoot. Such regulation of N by the shoot, perhaps, resurrected physiological functions which maintained internal mineral status under nitrogen limitation in foxtail millet.

Arsenic concentrations in soil, water, and rice grains of rice-growing areas of Punjab, Pakistan: multivariate statistical analysis.

Arsenic (As), a class-A human carcinogen, is ubiquitously present in the earth's crust and soil and may enter the air, water, and surface environments through different natural and anthropogenic sources. In this experiment, soil, irrigation water, and rice grains were sampled from conventional rice-growing areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Soil samples were collected from 0 to 15 cm surface soil of rice growing fields, and rice grains were collected from the same field at crop maturity. Irrigation water samples were collected from the source used to irrigate the respective rice fields. Coordinates of sampling locations were noted using a global positioning system, and a locations map was made using ArcGIS. Soil samples were digested in a microwave digester using aqua regia, and plant samples were block digested using nitric acid. Arsenic concentration was determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer coupled with an auto-sampler and integrated samples introduction system. The mean concentration of As in rice grains, soil, and water samples was found within the safe limit set by WHO except for a sample from Narowal (148.54 µg l-1) that exceeded the irrigation water standard limit, i.e., 100 µg l-1 for irrigation water. Principal component analysis was performed to reduce the multidimensional space of variables and samples. Through the calculations of estimated daily intake, it has been revealed that the As levels measured in this study would only contribute a small amount (less than 5%) of the total recommended daily intake allowance.

Apportionment of heavy metals in a soil-water-plant system via brick kiln emissions in heavily industrialized city of Pakistan.

One of the major environmental problems is the fast accumulation of brick kiln emissions near the peripheries of almost all urban centers. An enormous quantity of substandard coal, wood, rubber tires, or saw wood is used as fuel in these brick kilns, creating environmental pollution through carbon and heavy metals present in the emissions. The present study was designed to determine the distribution pattern of heavy metals in a soil-water-plant system under the influence of brick kiln emissions. Ash, soil (0-15 cm), water, and plant samples were collected from the adjacent areas of the brick kilns. Geo-accumulation index and contamination factors were used to assess the toxicity of metals to soil and plants. It was found that the concentrations of Cd in water, soil, coal, and plant samples were found in the range of 0.004-0.024 mg L-1, 0.02-0.66, 0.002-0.042, and 0.06 to 0.07 mg kg-1, respectively, while Pb concentration was found within the range of 0-0.08 mg L-1, 0.30-8.60, 0.011-0, and 0.01-0.08 mg kg-1 in water, soil, and plant samples, respectively. The concentration of Cd in brick kilns ash was in the range of 0-0.04 mg kg-1 while Pb was found within the range of 0.01-0.05 mg kg-1 for ash. Geo-accumulation index and contamination factor values for Cd were found higher suggesting proper pollution prevention measures to be implemented. Based on the results, it was concluded that Cd concentrations in soil, plants, and water samples were higher in the subject area due to brick kiln emissions and higher Cd concentrations in the fuel material.