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Morphometric variations across fish stocks have long been acknowledged as useful for determining population structure and identifying stocks. Schizothorax progastus (McClelland) is a common, dominant fish in most cold-water rivers and is considered a good sport fish and also delicious in taste. For the people of Ladakh, this fish is a significant source of nutrition. A total of 70 specimens were collected for this study. A total of 24 morphometric and six meristic characters were studied, with 18 morphometric characters assessed as percentages of total length and four characters analyzed as percentages of head length. Standard length and fork length had the strongest correlations with total length at 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. Overall, the findings demonstrated that all morphometric features had linear correlations and exhibited a high degree of association (P < 0.05). The meristic counts examined in this study were consistent among all fish of various sizes, suggesting that body size had no effect on them. The biological information generated from this study serves as an essential guideline for future management and conservation of S. progastus, an important food source in the Ladakh, Trans Himalayan region.

Background: Salmonella infections represent a major global public health concern due to their widespread zoonotic transmission, antimicrobial resistance, and associated morbidity and mortality. This review aimed to summarize the zoonotic nature of Salmonella, the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, the global burden of infections, and the need for effective vaccination strategies to mitigate the rising threat of Salmonella. Methods: A systematic review of literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Relevant studies published in English were identified using keywords including Salmonella, vaccination, antimicrobial resistance, and public health. Articles focusing on epidemiology, vaccine development, and strategies to control Salmonella infections were included, while conference abstracts and non-peer-reviewed studies were excluded. Results: Salmonella infections result in approximately 95 million global cases annually, with an estimated 150,000 deaths. Regional variations were evident, with higher infection rates in low- and middle-income countries due to poor sanitation and food safety standards. Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were the most prevalent serovars associated with human infections. The review highlighted an alarming rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains, particularly due to the overuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock. Despite progress in vaccine development, challenges remain in achieving a universal vaccine that targets diverse Salmonella serovars. Live-attenuated, killed, recombinant, subunit, and conjugate vaccines are currently under development, but limitations such as efficacy, cost, and accessibility persist. Conclusions: Salmonella infections continue to impose a significant burden on global health, exacerbated by rising antimicrobial resistance. There is an urgent need for a multifaceted approach, including improved sanitation, prudent antibiotic use, and the development of affordable, broad-spectrum vaccines. Strengthening surveillance systems and promoting collaborative global efforts are essential to effectively control and reduce the burden of Salmonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The identification of helminth parasites in Schizothorax spp. from Kashmir, including Schyzocotyle acheilognathi, Pomphorhynchus kashmirensis, and Adenoscolex oreini, is hindered by morphological limitations and high intraspecific variation. While previous studies have relied on morphological diagnosis, a comprehensive molecular characterization is lacking. To address these limitations and achieve more accurate species identification, this study employs molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Method: Genomic DNA was extracted using standardized protocols. Partial amplification of 18S, ITS, and 28S rRNA was carried out using specific primer sets, followed by Sanger sequencing. Genetic characteristics were analyzed using bioinformatic approaches, focusing on Nucleotide divergence and Phylogenetic relationships. Results: Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of S. acheilognathi, revealing close relationships with S. nayarensis. Interspecific variation ranged from 2.0 – 4.1% for 18S and 0.8 – 2.2% for 28S rDNA, while P. kashmirensis showed high genetic similarity to P. tereticollis and P. laevis with variations ranging from 0.1 – 1.5% for 18S and 2.3–6.0% for ITS rDNA. A. oreini forms a monophyletic lineage separate from Caryophyllaeides and Caryophyllaeus species. Conclusion: Our study resolved persistent taxonomic ambiguities within the order Bothriocephalidea, resulting in the reassignment of Schyzocotyle acheilognathi (previously Bothriocephalus acheilognathi) to the reinstated genus Schyzocotyle. This study underscores the utility of ribosomal gene sequencing in characterizing fish parasites and highlights the need for taxonomic re-evaluation of A. oreini within the Capingentidae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing represents a complex biological process crucial for tissue repair and regeneration. In recent years, biomaterial-based scaffolds loaded with bioactive compounds have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies to accelerate wound healing. In this study, we investigated the properties and wound healing effects of cryogels loaded with calcium peroxide (CP) and berberine (BB). The cryogels were synthesized through a cryogenic freezing technique and displayed pore diameters of 83 ± 39 μm, with porosity exceeding 90%. Following 20 days of degradation, the percentage of remaining weight for GPC and GPC–CP–BB cryogels was determined to be 12.42 ± 2.45% and 10.78 ± 2.08%, respectively. Moreover, the swelling ratios after 3 minutes for GPC and GPC–CP–BB were found to be 22.10 ± 0.05 and 21.00 ± 0.07, respectively. In vitro investigations demonstrated the cytocompatibility of the cryogels, with sufficient adhesion and proliferation of fibroblast (NIH-3T3) cells observed on the scaffolds, along with their hemocompatibility. Furthermore, the cryogels exhibited sustained release kinetics of both calcium peroxide and berberine, ensuring prolonged therapeutic effects at the wound site. In vivo assessment using a rat model of full-thickness skin wounds demonstrated accelerated wound closure rates in animals treated with the GPC–CP–BB scaffold compared to controls. Histological analysis revealed enhanced granulation tissue formation, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition in the GPC–CP–BB group. Overall, our findings suggest that the scaffold loaded with CP and BB holds great promise as a therapeutic approach for promoting wound healing. Its multifaceted properties offer a multifunctional platform for localized delivery of therapeutic agents while providing mechanical support and maintaining a favorable microenvironment for tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous strategies exist to design a suitable bone graft made from polyurethane (PU) nanofibers. However, using PU nanofibers is impractical owing to their hydrophobicity. This work transforms the hydrophobicity of PU nanofibers using β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the size of ~100 to 200 nm for ZnO NPs, and these NPs could finely harmonize inside nanofibers. The phenolphthalein absorbance test confirmed the inclusion of ZnO and β‐CD. Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, and photoelectron spectroscopy showed that synthesized composites have intermolecular hydrogen interactions between the PU, β‐CD, and ZnO NPs. These embellishments improved the hydrophilicity from a contact angle of 60.2 ± 0.2° to 0°. The tensile strength of modified fibers increased from 2.16 ± 0.14 to 6.65 ± 6.0 MPa. The incorporation of ZnO NPs caused the mineralization of the nanofibers and the maximum number of hydroxyapatite NPs in the composite, which had the highest concentration of ZnO NPs. These nanofiber mats boosted the proliferation of Human Embryonic Kidney 293 T cells till 6 days of culture for the nanofiber with 5% β‐CD and 75 mg ZnO NPs combination. Cell fixation studies indicated the successful attachment of cells onto nanofibers. Consequently, our multifunctional scaffolds could be osteoproductive and osteoinductive biomaterials for future bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing frequency of zoonotic spillover events and viral mutations in low and middle-income countries presents a critical global health challenge. Contributing factors encompass cultural practices like bushmeat consumption, wildlife trade for traditional medicine, habitat disruption, and the encroachment of impoverished settlements onto natural habitats. The existing "vaccine gap" in many developing countries exacerbates the situation by allowing unchecked viral replication and the emergence of novel mutant viruses. Despite global health policies addressing the root causes of zoonotic disease emergence, there is a significant absence of concrete prevention-oriented initiatives, posing a potential risk to vulnerable populations. This article is targeted at policymakers, public health professionals, researchers, and global health stakeholders, particularly those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention and control in low and middle-income countries. The article underscores the importance of assessing potential zoonotic diseases at the animal-human interface and comprehending historical factors contributing to spillover events. To bridge policy gaps, comprehensive strategies are proposed that include education, collaborations, specialized task forces, environmental sampling, and the establishment of integrated diagnostic laboratories. These strategies advocate simplicity and unity, breaking down barriers, and placing humanity at the forefront of addressing global health challenges. Such a strategic and mental shift is crucial for constructing a more resilient and equitable world in the face of emerging zoonotic threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]