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Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), affecting livestock and human beings, has become a global public health hazard with economic consequences. Aims: The current study was designed to investigate the prevailing MRSAassociated subclinical mastitis and associated risk factors in dairy buffaloes. The study also highlighted the genetic variations and in silico-based proteomic differences among MRSA isolates. Methods: Out of 516 milk samples, 45.93% (237/516) were found positive for subclinical mastitis, while the prevalence of S. aureus was recorded 56.12%. The methicillin resistance in S. aureus isolates was evaluated by oxacillin disc diffusion test and molecular identification of the mecA gene. Results: The results revealed a phenotypic and molecular prevalence of MRSA at 45.11% and 18.79%, respectively. The risk factor analysis revealed that among various assumed risk factors, parity, milking hygiene, milker care during milking, milk yield, housing system, and floor type were significantly associated with subclinical mastitis in buffaloes. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed no significant genetic variations among study isolates and depicted a high similarity with isolates from Africa, USA, India, Italy, Turkey, and Iran. The in-silico protein analysis showed that all sequences had the same protein motifs resembling penicillin protein 2a except Buff-13, whose protein structure resembles alpha-catenin-like protein hmp-1. Conclusion: The current study was the first report of the genotypic characterization and in silico protein analysis of MRSA from dairy buffaloes in Pakistan. The result highlighted the importance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and development of control strategies against MRSA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Landscape anthropization and interaction between domestic and wild animals are the major contributing factors involved in the emergence of new pathogens in wild animals. Theileriosis is an emerging issue of wild ungulates, especially in the tropical and subtropical areas of the globe. Aims: The current study investigated the mouflon sheep for Theileria infection using molecular methods and hematological analysis. Methods: This study was conducted on a total of 103 captive wild mouflon sheep present in eight different recreational zoos, and wildlife parks in Punjab, Pakistan to investigate the genotypic prevalence of Theileria spp. by targeting 18S rRNA and molecular evidence for Theileria spillover between domestic and wild mouflon sheep by phylogenetic analysis. The association of assumed risk factors and the effect of Theileria spp. on various hematological parameters were also assessed. Results: The results depicted that Theileria spp. was prevalent in 8 (7.77%, CI 95%: 3.99-14.59%), and 11 (10.68%, CI 95%: 06.07-18.12%) animals based on microscopy, and PCR, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene of Theileria spp. from mouflon revealed a close resemblance with T. annulata from domestic animals. The risk factor analysis revealed that tick infestation, enclosure hygiene, previous tick infestation history, and the presence of wooden logs in the enclosure were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the occurrence of Theileria spp. infection in the captive mouflon sheep of Pakistan. Furthermore, a significant reduction in blood parameters like PCV, RBCs count, Hb, and platelets was observed in Theileria-positive animals. Conclusion: This study is the first evidence at the molecular level to characterize the spillover of Theileria spp. between the captive wild mouflon sheep and domestic animals of Pakistan, and it will be useful in developing control strategies for emerging theileriosis in captive wild animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic materials attracted much attention in the field of optoelectronics for several applications such as infrared radiation detection. In present study, electronic, optical and thermoelectric spectra of Sm and Ce co doped Bi2Te3 materials have been studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Electronic study of the studied material indicates metallic and good optical and thermoelectric properties. Optical spectra of the doped Bi2Te3 show that absorption lies in visible and near UV region of the radiation. Thus, it seems to have potential applications in optoelectronics. Thermoelectric properties favor the semiconducting nature with high Seebeck coefficient and dominant character of p-type charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdS is a potential candidate for material in optoelectronic applications. The magnetic, electronic and optical properties of Ag-doped and Co -codoped CdS were calculated using full potential linear augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) based on popular density - functional theory (DFT). The band gap and density of states for Ag -doped and Cocodoped CdS have been determined by using Tran Blaha modified Becke-Johnson (TBmBJ) potential. The optical and electronic properties of Ag-doped and Co-codoped CdS such as absorption coefficient, energy loss function, reflectivity, refractive index, electrical conductivity and extinction coefficient are presented. The results indicate that the magnetic and electro-optical properties are improved by this doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In the early 20th century, polio was one of the most feared diseases in industrialized countries; however it was brought under control and practically eliminated as a public health problem there. In 2014, only 3 countries including Pakistan remains polio-endemic, down from more than 125 in 198. Last 1% of polio cases have still proved to be difficult. Each country offers a unique set of challenges which require local solution. In Pakistan reportedly, social resistance and religious opposition to OPV has been the biggest hurdle. METHODS: This cross sectional study was comprised of 900 families who were interviewed by vaccination staff during door-to-door campaign at Gadap Town Karachi bearing 10 out of 30 total cases in Sindh during 2014. RESULTS: Overall frequency of vaccination found 99.9% in our target population. Two third of respondents 59.3% believing that polio is a curable disease. Majority of population agreed that vaccination is important 90.6% while out of those who denied its importance when asked about the reason most were unable to assign any particular however 3 (3.6%) referred to religious restrictions while 2.4% said it can harm medical. All respondents were received OPV whenever approached except one family who refused with fear of infertility. CONCLUSION: Study revealed highest concern of rural population for infertility while religious beliefs or other social pressure were not confirmed to be as considerable hindrance. Although majority population getting OPV every time but overall knowledge about disease is very poor underscoring the need for mass education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We presents our analysis on structural electronic and optical properties of TIX and TIMX2 (M =In, Ga; X = Te, Se, S) compound, by first principle density functional theory (DFT). These chalcogenide have a place with a group of the low-dimensionals semiconductors having chains or layered design. They are of critical interested as a result of, their exceptionally anisotropics properties, semiconductivity and photoconductivity, non direct impacts in their IV qualities (counting a district of negatived differentials opposition), exchanging and memories impacts, secondly symphonious opticals age, relaxors conduct and possible application for optoelectronics devices. We reviews the crystals structured of TIMX2 compound, their transports properties below surrounding condition, test and hypothetical investigations of the electronics construction, transports properties and semiconductors metal phased transition below highly tension, and successions of temperature instigated primary phased transition with middle disproportionate state. Electronics natured of the ferroelectrics phased transition in the previously mentione mixes, just as arelaxors conduct, nano domain and conceivable event of quantums specks in dopeds and illuminated precious crystals are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is widely considered as the gold standard in breast reconstruction. The inset technique of the DIEP flap is crucial in determining the overall aesthetic outcome; however, to date no systematic review is available that comprehensively assesses the various techniques. Evaluation of topic: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The methodology is outlined within our published protocol (Prospero CRD42023449477). Included articles met a minimal criterion compromising of the intervention (DIEP free flap for breast reconstruction) and outcomes (aesthetic and clinical outcomes). Six articles were included in this review, with a total of 346 patients and a follow-up ranging from 6 months to 4 years. Four articles were of a prospective case series study design, one article was a randomized controlled trial, and one article was a case-control study. The risk of bias was assessed to be high in the case series, but low and moderate in the randomized controlled trial and case-control study respectively., Conclusion: Although limited by the quality of the evidence, the single aesthetic unit principle, dual-plane inset, elimination of the need for a skin paddle, appropriate flap positioning and rotation, and algorithmic in-setting may all improve the aesthetic outcome of DIEP free flaps.

Albumin is the most abundant protein in human serum. A dye-binding method is commonly used in clinical laboratories for its estimation using different types of dyes. However, all these dye methods were interfered by a variety of compounds. Here we present a method for the detection of albumin in human serum and other biological fluids. The principle is based on the fact that lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-5 (LDH-5) binds specifically to Dextran-Blue (DB). Albumin inhibits the binding of LDH-5 with DB. Absence of LDH activity in DB fraction after gel filtration indicates the presence of albumin in sample and vice versa.

Intracellular free calcium is regulated by Ca(++)-ATPase, one form present on the plasma membrane (PM Ca(++)-ATPase) and the other on sarcoplasmic (endoplasmic) reticulum (SR/ER Ca(++)-ATPase). An endogenous inhibitor of SR Ca(++)-ATPase from human placenta was shown to be present in normal placenta and the activity was not detectable in placenta from preeclamptic patients. The inhibitor was distributed in cytosol and microsomes. The inhibition of Ca(++)-ATPase by this inhibitor was concentration- and time-dependent. The inhibitor neither bound to DEAE- nor CM-sepharose resins at pH 7.5 and 8.5. Furthermore, it was heat stable for 15 min up to 55 degrees C and completely destroyed at 80 degrees C in a few minutes. It was also observed to be stable at room temperature for at least 3 months. The purification and characterization of this inhibitor would be valuable in achieving an understanding of the normal regulation of Ca(++)-ATPase in the placenta during pregnancy.

The molecular chaperone, GroEL, facilitates correct protein folding and inhibits protein aggregation. The function of GroEL is often, though not invariably, dependent on the co-chaperone, GroES, and ATP. In this study it is shown that GroEL alone substantially reduces the inactivation of purified Ca(++)-ATPase from rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum. In the absence of GroEL, the enzyme became completely inactive in about 45-60 hours when kept at 25 degrees C, while in the presence of an equimolar amount of GroEL, the enzyme remained approximately 80% active even after 75 hours. Equimolar amounts of BSA or lysozyme were unable to protect the enzyme from inactivation under identical conditions. Analysis by SDS-PAGE showed GroEL was acting by blocking the aggregation of ATPase at 25 degrees C. GroEL was not as effective in protection at -20 degrees C or 4 degrees C. These results are discussed in the context of current models of the GroEL mechanism.

An LDH isoenzyme was purified to homogeneity from uromastix testes and its inhibition spectrum towards known LDH isoenzyme inhibitors studied. Platinum compounds inhibited the enzyme in the forward reaction (pyruvate-->lactate) only, n-hexanediol and colchicine showed no inhibition and gossypol acetic acid (GAA) strongly inhibited both the forward and reverse reactions and the reactions were time-dependent. Oxalate caused non-competitive inhibition (Ki app = IC50 = 0.15 mM) of the forward reaction, NADH was more effective in blocking inhibition by GAA than pyruvate. This enzyme was also unable to use ketocaproic acid as a substrate.

Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-1 was purified from liver of Uromastix hardwickii using colchicine-Sepharose and heat-inactivation methods. The crude enzyme showed four isoenzymes by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). The purified enzyme showed a single band after native AGE and SDS-PAGE corresponding to a molecular weight of 34 kDa. The enzyme did not bind with DEAE-Sepharose at pH 7.2. The optimum pH for forward reaction was 7.5, while for reverse reaction, the maximum activity was at pH 9.5. The Km values for pyruvate, NADH, lactate and NAD+ were 0.105, 0.045, 9.0 and 0.011 mM, respectively. The pyruvate showed maximum activity at about 150 microM and then starts showing inhibition at higher concentration. Pre-heating of enzyme showed that it was stable at 80 degrees C for 30 min and at 100 degrees C it became inactive immediately. Oxalate, glutamate, Cu2+, Co2+, Mn2+, and Mg2+ have shown inhibitory effects both for forward- and reverse-reactions. From these properties, we suggest that LDH-1 from Uromastix liver may be quite different from that of other vertebrates.