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Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, pose a serious risk to human health because of antibiotic resistance. Wastewater serves as a reservoir for these bacteria, contributing to the evolution and transmission of antibiotic-resistant strains. The research aims to identify ESBL bacterium in wastewater samples from District Kohat. K. pneumoniae and E. coli were confirmed as ESBL-producing bacteria through a comprehensive array of diagnostic procedures, including Gram staining, biochemical analyses, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Fecal coliform count (FCC) analyses revealed varying microorganism levels. Both E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates showed ESBL enzyme expression, indicating antibiotic resistance. Resistance patterns included ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for both species. E. coli displayed higher sensitivity for chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and gentamicin. Ceftazidime minimum inhibitory concentration results showed E. coli's higher resistance. The study accentuates the presence of antibiotic-resistant strains, emphasizing the value of effective wastewater treatment. The study provides crucial insights into microbial characteristics, fecal contamination, ESBL production, and antibiotic resistance in E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates, advocating for monitoring and mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution with heavy metals is continuously expanding with the rapid development of industrialisation and agriculture. The current study was aimed to determine the skewed nature and spatial distribution of soil heavy metals pollution in southern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa. Fifty four soil samples were collected from the selected sites in southern districts and analysed for various soil physico-chemical and elemental concentrations. Various metals content, i.e. (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr) was determined after acid digested through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results of the metals content in soil samples showed maximum values Pb (46.38), Cd(6.74), Ni(45.58), Cr(58.08) mg/kg, bluk density 1.46 g/cm3 and lowest pH value 6.53 for Lakki cement factory (LCF) site. Other parameters like soil electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, percent porosity and soil urease activity also indicated higher values, i.e. 504 µs/cm, 250 mg/lit, 66% and 440.50 respectively. Positive Pearson correlation was found between metals concentration and soil physico-chemical properties except percent porosity and bulk density exhibited negative correlation. The multivariate statistical analysis of the data formed principal component that accounted for a total variance of 71.1%, on the basis of which metal contamination is traced to both geogenic and anthropogenic sources. Spatial distribution of the metals concentration showed higher concentration of Cd, Cr, Ni in Lakki cement factory (LCF) soil except Pb content that was observed maximum in Indus highway Karak (IHK) soil samples. Geoamccumulation index (Igeo) of the samples sites showed moderate contamination for studied metals with some uncontaminated sites showing a value of Igeo> 0. The study concludes a baseline data for metals concentration in the area, which can be used as a beacon for various strategic plannings regarding soil resource management in order to address the metals related health issues and environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glaucoma is an irreversible optic neuropathy that results in a distinctive pattern of vision loss. The objective of this study was to determine the number of trabecular meshwork cells (TMCs) in adult POAG patients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan from 01/07/2016 to 31/12/2016. Trabecular meshwork samples from 75 POAG patients who underwent trabeculectomy were included. After staining with haematoxylin-eosin, nuclei in TMCs were counted under 400X objective. Number of TMCs, sex, age groups and age in years were variables. Sex and age groups were analyzed as count and percentage. Two ratio variables were skewed, hence analyzed by median/quartile (Q2), Q1, Q3 and IQR with 95%CI. Hypothesis was tested with non-parametric one-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Seventy-five patients included 58 (77.33%) men and 17 (22.67%) women, with 42 (56%) patients in 36-60 years, 25 (33.33%) in 61-70, 8(10.67%) in 71-80 and no (0.0%) patient in 81-90 years. The mean age was 57.53±10.86 (35-78, range 43) years, 95%CI 55.03-60.03. The median (Q2) number of TMCs/mm2 was 260 (214-367, IQR 153), 95%CI 230-291. Null hypothesis was rejected (p<.00001), showing that the number of TMCs in glaucomatous adults of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan was statistically significantly lower than normative sample of non-glaucomatous enucleated eyes. Conclusion: The number of trabecular meshwork cells in adult POAG patients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan was significantly lower than normative sample of non-glaucomatous enucleated eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Viscoelastic substances protect the intraocular structures against vibration and mechanical damage. However, these may cause increase in intraocular pressure. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of sodium hyaluronate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose on intraocular pressure after cataract surgery in the early post-operative period. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included one hundred patients with age related cataract, admitted at KIOMS, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from December 2004 to June 2005. In 50 patients sodium hyaluronate was used and in 50 hydroxyl-propyl-methylcellulose as viscoelastic substance. The surgical procedure in all cases was manual suture-less small incision cataract surgery through scleral tunnel. IOP was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer pre and post-operatively in the evening on the day of surgery and next morning. Means, standard deviations, percentages, and p-values were measured. Results: Among 100 patients, 51(51%) were males and 49(49%) females. Age range was 50 to 100 years with a mean of 61.4. Pre-operative IOP in both groups differed slightly (p=0.72). IOP recording in the evening on day following surgery showed a significant rise in both groups. This elevation in IOP was more in the Na-HA group than HPMC group (p=0.003). The IOP returned to almost normal in both groups the next morning following surgery. In the evening on the day of surgery, the IOP rise above 21 mmHg was found in 16(32%) cases in Na-HA and 8(16%) cases in HPMC group. The maximum IOP rise in Na-HA group recorded was 44 mmHg while 33 mmHg in HPMC group. In the next morning, IOP rise above 21 mmHg was recorded in 5(10%) cases in Na-HA and 2(4%) in HPMC group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Both sodium hyaluronate and hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose significantly increase intraocular pressure in the early postoperative period following cataract surgery. We recommend careful monitoring of IOP following cataract surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that causes physiological and morphological changes in plants. Our current study was aimed at observing Pb-induced changes in seeds of two upland cotton varieties (TM-1 and Z-747) that were exposed for 24 hours to various Pb concentrations (0, 50, 100, 300, and 500 µM). Seeds of TM-1 showed higher germination percentages, water uptake, and cell viability as compared to Z-747. Changes in nuclei shape, their partial disappearance, and increase in vacuole size were the initial signs of lead toxicity in Z-747, while TM-1 maintained its typical conformations. Cell wall thickening; increase in the number of mitochondria, protein, and lipid bodies; and vacuolation were more prominent in TM-1. In contrast, plasmolytic shrinkage and scattered cell organelles were the key characteristics of Z-747 at higher doses of Pb. Those observations demonstrated that seeds of TM-1 were more tolerant to Pb stress as compared to Z-747 and may be considered a preferred choice for culture on Pb-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is carbonized biomass obtained from sustainable sources detained in soil to improve the fertility of agricultural soil. The porous nature and absorptive properties of biochar have the potential to immobilize elements, which provide an ideal environment for the soil biota that helps to enhance the growth of plants. In this study, different feedstocks such as sugarcane bagasse (SB), plant material (PM), and manure biomass (MB) were pyrolyzed for the production of biochar. Elemental contents of the feedstock's and voucher were determined with the help of the atomic absorption mass spectrometer. Elemental concentration was significantly increased in biochars compared to raw materials. A pot experiment with 2% and 4% of each biochar was conducted on chili plant to elucidate the beneficial effects on plant growth as compared to control soil, the elemental analysis of the plant soil contained each biochar showed to progressively increase in the concentration of manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) as these are trace elements and have important role in plant growth system. Microbial population in biochar amended soil was also evaluated to check the impact on bacterial populations. Soil with 2% biochar showed 16% increase in the microbial load while biochar with 4% increased the microbial population up to 50%. Furthermore, biochar treatments to red soil increased the elemental Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations, respectively, and also increased the soil pH. Consequently, soil productivity increased in terms of plant growth by balancing the concentration of elements and also increased the microbial population. It is concluded that biochar use in agriculture could be effective for the soil fertility and increasing plant growth and soil bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are usually used to eliminate weeds and insects to improve crop quality and yield. The present study was undertaken to explore pesticides (Lambda cyhalotherin (LC) and Emamectin benzoate (EB)) related physiological, biochemical and ultrastructural changes in leaves of maize seedlings at different concentrations of LC and EB both singly (LC100, LC500, LC800, EB100, EB300, EB600 mg/L) and jointly (LC500 + EB300 mg/L) along with control. Germination percentage, root stem and leaf lengths increased at lower concentrations of both pesticides and significantly decreased with the increase in the external application of pesticides. At higher concentrations of LC and EB (i.e., LC800 and EB600 mg/L) the mean values of growth and biomass of maize leaves were lower than control. Also, decreases in photosynthetic pigments and ion concentration of Na1+, Ca2+ and K1+ were significant when the concentration of both pesticides increased. The melondialdehyde (MDA) contents decreased, while the amount of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production increased at higher doses in cases of single and joint applications. With the increase in their concentrations, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were found to be pronouncedly enhanced as compared to control. Ultrastructural alterations in mesophyll cells of maize leaf were mostly found in chloroplast and nucleus. The present study revealed that short-term exposure of maize seedlings to pesticides (LC and EB) caused less stressful effects on maize due to the presence of active antioxidative metabolism, which indicates the resistant nature of maize toward these pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the role of low vision devices in visual rehabilitation of patients with Stargardt's disease., Study Design: Descriptive study., Place and Duration of Study: The Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, from June 2003 to June 2005., Patients and Methods: Patients diagnosed as having Stargardt's disease and confirmed by two senior ophthalmologists clinically and after fluorescein fundus angiography and Electro-Retinogram (ERG) when needed, were included in the study. Patients with fundus pathologies other than Stargardt's disease were excluded. Each subject underwent an ophthalmic examination. Visual acuity was tested with a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution chart; Feinbloom chart and Snellen type. Low vision assessment was performed on all individuals. SPSS version 10 was used for analysis of the data regarding the severity of visual impairment, visual acuity and devices used for aiding vision. Chi-square test was used for comparison of proportions., Results: Of this cohort of 64 patients, 72% were aged between 7 to 15 years and 28% were 16 to 32 years. Using WHO low vision criteria, the percentage of visually impaired, severe visually impaired and blind (at the time of presentation) were 56.3%; 31.3% and 9.4% respectively. Among those patients, 3.1% had distance visual acuity of 6/18 or better in the better eye and 53% had normal near visual acuity of 1M (0.8 print size). Telescopes were prescribed to 53% patients for enhancement of distance visual acuity to meet their needs., Conclusion: Stargardt's patients respond well to magnification. Simple bifocal glasses may be used in the early stages. Visual rehabilitation can help Stargardt's patients to learn independence in their activities of daily living.

Objective: To determine the demographic pattern of patients presenting with proptosis and its etiology., Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study., Place and Duration of Study: Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences (KIOMS), Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from July 2001- December 2002., Patients and Methods: Sixty cases of proptosis presenting at KIOMS were included. Thirtysix patients were male while 24 were female. They were divided into two age groups; 0-15 years (paediatric group) and above 15 years (adult group). An elaborate work up plan was formulated for all patients, which included detailed history, clinical examination (ocular, orbital and systemic), radiological and histopathological investigations., Results: Neoplasms (33%) were the most common causes of proptosis in all the patients followed by orbital inflammations (23%), orbital infections (20%), structural abnormalities (12%), vascular abnormalities (7%) and trauma (5%)., Conclusion: Neoplasms were the most common cause of proptosis in both paediatric and adult group. Proptosis was the cardinal feature and visual deterioration was present in more than half of the patients. Timely referral, early diagnosis and appropriate management can result in reduction of visual morbidity.

Objective: To study the clinical profile of amblyopia in children age 3 to 14 years., Design: A cohort study., Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted over a period of two years from June 2001 to June 2003 at Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan., Patients and Methods: This study included 316 children. Visual acuity was tested with Snellen type and Lea symbols chart according to the level of cooperation of the children. Cycloplegic refraction and orthoptic assessment was performed on all children., Results: One hundred and eighty-two children were between 3 to 8 years age and 134 were between 8 to 14 years. Mean age was 8 years. One hundred and twenty children had strabismic amblyopia, 136 children had anisometropic amblyopia, while 60 children had combined mechanism amblyopia (strabismus and anisometropia both)., Conclusion: The results indicate the importance of screening school-going children for refractive error and amblyopia and the importance of a future prospective study on the magnitude, cause and treatment of amblyopia at more treatable age.

Objective: To identify the magnitude and types of corneal complications of vernal catarrh and the extent of visual impairment caused by them., Design: A cross-sectional study., Place and Duration of Study: Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences (KIOMS), Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Peshawar, from March, 1999 to May, 2000., Subjects and Methods: All cases of vernal catarrh who agreed to an informed consent were included in the study. Patients who were difficult to be examined by a slit lamp were excluded from the study. The diagnosis was made mainly on the basis of history and clinical examination. Slit lamp examination was done in every case together with fluorescein staining of cornea. The variables were recorded and statistically analyzed., Results: Superficial punctate keratitis (45%) was the most common corneal complication. Visual impairment was more pronounced in cases with shield ulcers (14%) and corneal plaques (8%). A strong association with keratoconus (15%) was also noted. Corneal opacification (9%), hydrops (6%) and pseudogerentoxon (3%) were also found., Conclusion: Corneal complications in VKC are common, potentially serious and may cause marked visual impairment.