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Acinetobacter baumannii, which is resistant to multiple drugs, is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for severe nosocomial infections. With no antibiotics available, phages have obtained clinical attention. However, since immunocompromised patients are often susceptible to infection, the appropriate timing of administration is particularly important. During this research, we obtained a lytic phage vB_AbaM_P1 that specifically targets A. baumannii. We then assessed its potential as a prophylactic treatment for lung infections caused by clinical strains. The virus experiences a period of inactivity lasting 30 min and produces approximately 788 particles during an outbreak. Transmission electron microscopy shows that vB_AbaM_P1 was similar to the Saclayvirus. Based on the analysis of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, vB_AbaM_P1 consists of 107537 bases with a G + C content of 37.68%. It contains a total of 177 open reading frames and 14 tRNAs. No antibiotic genes were detected. In vivo experiments, using a cyclophosphamide-induced neutrophil deficiency model, tested the protective effect of phage on neutrophil-deficient rats by prophylactic application of phage. The use of phages resulted in a decrease in rat mortality caused by A. baumannii and a reduction in the bacterial burden in the lungs. Histologic examination of lung tissue revealed a decrease in the presence of immune cells. The presence of phage vB_AbaM_P1 had a notable impact on preventing A. baumannii infection, as evidenced by the decrease in oxidative stress in lung tissue and cytokine levels in serum. Our research offers more robust evidence for the early utilization of bacteriophages to mitigate A. baumannii infection. Key points: •A novel Saclayvirus phage infecting A. baumannii was isolated from sewage. •The whole genome was determined, analyzed, and compared to other phages. •Assaying the effect of phage in preventing infection in neutrophil-deficient models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in feed and food seriously threatens the healthy growth of animals and humans, and it may lead to huge economic losses in livestock and poultry production. Therefore, screening of high-efficient AFB1-degrading bacteria is necessary to ensure the safety of feed and food. The study aims to isolate and characterize bacteria from various sources to explore its AFB1 degradation potential. Fifteen bacterial were obtained using a medium containing coumarin as the sole carbon source; only one strain showed a good-degrading ability in culture media by adding AFB1 and it was selected for further studies. A gram-negative and spore-forming, designated E1, was identified as Paenibacillus pabuli, with the highest sequence similarity to P. pabuli NBRC13638T (98.97%). The growth of the strain E1 was observed under 22–47 °C, pH 5.5–9.5 and NaCl concentration 0–6% (w/v), with optimum growth at 37 °C, pH 7.5 and 1% NaCl. The biodegradation characteristics of object strain were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The degradation ratio of AFB1 reached 55% at 24 h and 70.2% at 48 h. After 96 h, the degradation rate of AFB1 reached 85.9%. The active degradation components were present in the cell-free supernatant of strain E1, and the degradation ratio of AFB1 reached 80.0% after 96 h. It is the first report that genus Paenibacillus could degrade AFB1. Moreover, E1 has highly adaptable to diverse environmental conditions. It will be a potential candidate for biodegradation of mycotoxins in feed and food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The emergence and rapid spread of multidrug‐resistant bacteria has induced intense research for novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, the Acinetobacter baumannii bacteriophage D2 (vB_AbaP_D2) was isolated, characterized and sequenced. The endolysin of bacteriophage D2, namely Abtn‐4, contains an amphipathic helix and was found to have activity against multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative strains. By more than 3 log units, A. baumannii were killed by Abtn‐4 (5 µM) in 2 h. In absence of outer membrane permeabilizers, Abtn‐4 exhibited broad antimicrobial activity against several Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterococcus and Salmonella. Furthermore, Abtn‐4 had the ability to reduce biofilm formation. Interestingly, Abtn‐4 showed antimicrobial activity against phage‐resistant bacterial mutants. Based on these results, endolysin Abtn‐4 may be a promising candidate therapeutic agent for multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine frequency of wound healing in diabetic patients after tooth extraction and to compare the healing process in diabetics with optimal and poor glycemic control. Study Design: Comparative Observational Cross-sectional Study Place and Duration: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry(AFID) Rawalpindi from 12th February 2016 to 12th August 2016. Methodology: Diabetic patients undergoing surgical tooth extraction and their non-fasting blood glucose levels and updated Glycosylated hemoglobin values were checked pre-operatively. Healing of the extraction sockets were measured on 0 and 14th day post-operatively by assessing epithelialization rate with periodontal probe from buccal to lingual gingival margins. Epithelialization up to 75% were considered as healed socket. Post stratification chi square test was applied and p value = 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among total of 100 patients had extraction, 75% patients achieved wound healing within 14 days. No significant delay of wound healing was observed with poor glycemic control. Conclusion: Glycemic control has no influence on post-tooth extraction healing in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently an ongoing worldwide pandemic COVID-19. It is associated with a respiratory illness that may cause severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Pakistan has more than 255,769 confirmed cases including health care providers who acquired COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the aim of study is to assess knowledge, and practice of infection control measures among HCPs in Pakistan regarding COVID-19. Material and Methods: An online survey-based study was conducted during the month of JUNE among healthcare professionals including doctors, dentists and paramedical staff. A self-administered questionnaire comprised of three sections (Demographics, Knowledge and practice) were used for data collection. Descriptive analysis was applied to calculate frequencies and proportions. The chi-square test was used to investigate the level of association among variables using SPSS version 24. Results: Out of 508 respondents 65.7% doctors, 22.4% dentists and 11.8% paramedical staff contributed in this study. Most of them have good knowledge of COID-19 regarding its origin, symptoms, complications, treatment and how to reduce its spread. Many of them were practising infection control measures to limit the spread of this highly communicable disease. Conclusion: Health care provideers in Pakistan have good knowledge about COVID 19 and practice all infection control measures to prevent this disease to be transmitt ed to other HCPs, their families and to other people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Denture wearing is a routine and very commonly adopted treatment modality used in edentulous patients enabling them to have better quality of life but it has potential constraints like pre-disposition to fractures owing to multiple reasons that limits its utility. Material and Methods: This study was aimed to analyze the causes of denture fractures among edentulous patients reporting to Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi. A total of 93-patients were included in this cross sectional study over a period of 15-months. Pre-structured questionnaire augmented with clinical evaluation was used to collect the data about the causes and types of denture fractures. 68-patients were male and 25 were female. Results: Study discovered that fractures commonly occurred in upper dentures having a proportional relationship with increasing age of the denture. Impact failure (74%) was found to be the most frequent cause of fractures and natural denture as antagonist dentition was found to share major fracture liability (48%). It was also observed that use of strengthener has been a preventive factor since 83% fractures occurred in patients where strengthener was not used. Conclusion: It is concluded in the study that appropriate patient education and application of judicious prosthodontic principles for denture construction can be effectually utilized for better results and longterm denture stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare provision and dental care is always subject to transformation by technology and telecommunication. An archetype shift towards better inter-professional connection can certainly yield better health services outcome. A relatively new term tele-dentistry is emerging that employs electronic methods and communications for the transfer of dental health data and statistics for remote healthcare, thereby evolving as a major milestone in dentistry abreast such technological developments. This study was conducted in Hamdard Medical and Dental College, Karachi aimed to ascertain tele-dentistry awareness among dental professionals. Practicability and viability of tele-dentistry was also analysed in this study. A pre-structured questionnaire was prepared and circulated among dental professionals' i.e. undergraduate BDS students in different years of their course and postgraduate MCPS and FCPS trainees in Hamdard Medical and Dental College, Karachi. Resultant data were statistically evaluated using SPSS version 19 with application of Chi-square test and results were obtained. It was concluded that tele-dentistry cognizance was lesser in BDS students in initial years (26.7% in 1st year BDS) of their training as compared to final year BDS students (80%) and post graduate trainees (80%) while most of them had a basic insight into tele-dentistry practices and prospects but it needed further deliberation and perceptual enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To see the effect of refractive error correction on visual acuity and to observe the various causes of blindness in visually impaired children. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of study: The study was carried out at Combined Military Hospital (CMH)/CMH Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) Multan, from Jun 2017 to Jun 2018. Methodology: The administration authorities of Al-Noor Special education School, Multan were approached regarding establishment of free eye screening camps biannually. Parents of all the students were informed and consent was taken regarding this study. A total of 124 visually impaired children were included in the study. Children were examined by a consultant ophthalmologist and optometrist. Demographic details and related family history was noted. Visual acuity was assessed by Snellen chart and refractive error was assessed after achieving cycloplegia with 0.5% cyclopentolate eye drops. Detailed slit lamp examination of anterior and posterior segments was carried out by consultant ophthalmologist and the main cause of visual impairment was noted. Results: A total of 124 students were assessed in this study. The age of students varied from 6 to 16 years with a mean of 9.48 ± 2.92 years. Out of total 79 (63.7%) were male while 45 (36.3%) were female students. Visual acuity of all the students was worse than 6/60. Considering the cause of blindness in children, retina was the most commonly affected organ contributing 62.9% of the cases. The leading retinal pathology appeared to be Leber’s congenital Amaurosis and pigmentry retinopathies. Conclusion: Retinal disorders appeared to be the most common cause of childhood blindness in our study, however detailed community based visual screening surveys need to be carried out for more comprehensive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of the study is to observe frequency of various clinical manifestations of trachoma in rural population. This observational study was conducted at Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital (KGNTH), Bannu, Pakistan from April 2016 to Jan 2017. Methods: Patients visiting for ocular complaints underwent initial screening that included demographic details and documentation of unaided as well as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) which was followed by detailed slit lamp examination of anterior segment including eversion of upper lid for assessment of changes in upper tarsal conjunctivas by consultant ophthalmologist. A total of 648 patients who had clinical presentation of trachoma were included in the study. Patients who had other forms of conjunctivitis, trichiasis, entropion, corneal opacification and vascularization due to causes other than trachoma were excluded. Patients were categorized according to age in three groups (Group 1–3) and according to stages of trachoma in five groups (TF, TI, TS, TT and TO). Results: Six hundred and forty-eight (648) were examined in this cross-sectional survey with a mean age of 14.3+14.2 years. Mean unaided visual acuity and BCVA of the patients was 0.12+.24 and 0.07+0.18 respectively. Groups-1 comprised of 86.7% of the patients and stage TF of trachoma was the most prevalent stage accounting for 70.06% of the patients. Conclusion: Trachoma is a serious community health problem with various clinical manifestations in different age groups. Awareness and educational programs are required to be conducted in schools and vocational training centers regarding its mode of transmission and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out the association between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures in children. Study Design: Analytical: case-control study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Paediatrics department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from May 2013 till Oct 2013. Material and Methods: Two Hundred patients were selected through non probability consecutive sampling, one hundred in each group i.e. patients with febrile seizures and patients without febrile seizures. The blood sample of cases and controls were taken at the time of admission and was sent for assessment of hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin level, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The samples were analyzed for iron deficiency anemia and compared in both groups (patients with febrile seizures and those without febrile seizures). Results: In the febrile seizures group 58 (58%) were anemic with a hemoglobin level less than 10gm/dL and 59 (59%) had a low plasma ferritin of less than 10ng/dL. In the control group 39 (39%) were anemic with a hemoglobin level less than 10gm/dL and 26 (26%) had a plasma ferritin of less than 10ng/dL. The frequency of anemia with low MCV, MCHC and serum ferritin was more in the febrile seizure group 38% as compared to 20% in controls (p-value = 0.002). Conclusion: The children with febrile seizures have lower hemoglobin, MCV, MCHC and serum ferritin level as compared to the control groups suggesting that iron deficiency anemia has a positive role in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the mean rise in intra ocular pressure in patients undergoing high energy Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Study Design: Descriptive case series study. Place and Duration of study: The study was carried out at CMH Kharian Cantonment in 9 months, from Feb 2014 to Nov 2014. Patients and Methods: Sixty eyes fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study by a non-probability purposive sampling. The base line IOP was measured with the help of Goldman Applanation Tonometer. The pupils were dilated by using 1% Tropicamide Eye drops, 1 drop repeated after every 10 minute. Proparacaine Hydrochloride Eye drops were used 1-2 times about 5 minutes before applying capsulotomy Lens (ABRAHAM CAPSULOTOMY YAG LENS) for topical Anesthesia.An opening of 3-4 mm was made in the posterior lens capsule, using Nd: YAG laser (VISULAS YAG III Carl Zeis Meditec AG Germany) ensuring use of least possible energy. Cumulative energy used was noted and entered in the study proforma. IOP was again assessed 4 hours after the procedure and entered in the study proforma. Mean rise in IOP was calculated. Results: Raised IOP was noted in 37 (61.66%) out of total 60 cases and IOP remained unchanged in 20 (33.33%) cases. Mean pre procedure IOP was 15.80 ± 2.979mm of Hg and mean post procedure IOP was 17.78 ± 3.954 mm of Hg and p-value using paired t-test was found to be 0.000 which was statistically significant indicating that use of high energy is associated with rise in IOP. Conclusion: There is significant rise in IOP associated with Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy as evident from the statistical analysis. It is advisable to use minimum possible energy levels and all patients should undergo post procedure IOP check. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine mean intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Ophthalmology department of Combined Military Hospital Peshawar, from Mar 2014 to Sep 2014. Patients and Methods: A total of 182 eyes (91 patients) were included in this study. All patients were subjected to slit lamp examination and dilated fundus examination. HbA1c levels were carried out by standard laboratory procedures. IOP of right and left eye was measured routinely one time (between 1000-1200 hrs) through Gold mann aplanation tonometer. Results: Age of the patients ranged from 40 to 59 years. There were 52% males (48) and 47.3% females (43). Mean values of age, HbA1c and duration of DM were 51.44 ± 5.04, 7.36 ± 0.54 and 9.16 ± 4.95, respectively. Mean IOP was 19.43 ± 2.98 in right and 19.52 ± 2.73 in left eyes of type 2 diabetic patients. Conclusion: The mean intra-ocular pressure appeared to be higher than normal in diabetic population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective was to compare 0.5% levobunolol with 0.2% brimonidine in terms of mean reduction of intraocular pressure to prevent post neodymium: Yatrium-aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy pressure spike. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Ophthalmology Department of Combined Military Hospital Peshawar from Mar 2014 to Sep 2014. Material and Methods: A total of 190 patients (95 in each group) were included in this study. In group-1 and group-2 patients, one drop brimonidine 0.2% and levobunolol 0.5% was instilled one hour before the Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, respectively. Posterior capsulotomy was carried out with Nd:YAG laser. One drop of the respective drug instilled just after the laser treatment to each group. Intraocular pressure was measured with goldman applanation tonometer (GAT) 2 hours after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Results: Mean age was 62.64 ± 4.48 years for group-1 and 62.76 ± 4.50 years for group-2. Gender distribution was as follows: 56 patients (59.0%) were male and 39 patients (41.0%) were female in group-1 while 59 patients (62.1%) were male and 36 patients (37.9%) were female in group-2. In group-1 baseline mean IOP was 13.72 ± 2.24 and in group-2 it was 13.94 ± 1.98 (p=0.474). At 2 hours post YAG, IOP was 14.92 ± 2.21 and 15.85 ± 1.98 in group-1 and group-2, respectively (p=0.003). Conclusion: Present study provide substantial evidence in favour of brimonidine for prevention of rise in IOP after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by pathogenic fungi under suitable environmental conditions. Moringa oleifera and vitamin E are known antioxidants and immunostimulants. In present experimental study, M. oleifera and vitamin E were administered in birds feed to mitigate the toxico-pathological impacts of aflatoxin B1 in white Leghorn layer males. A total of 120 white Leghorn layer male birds were equally divided into six experimental groups. Group A was kept as negative control, group B was fed 400ppb of aflatoxin, while D and F groups were fed normal feed and supplemented with vitamin E (100ppm) and 1 %M. oleifera, respectively. The birds in C and E groups were given 400 ppb AFB1 in feed and supplemented with vitamin E and M. oleifera, respectively. During the 60 days of experimental trial, hematobiochemical and histopathological parameters were studied. The data obtained was analysed by analysis of variance test and group means were compared by DMR test using M STAT C statistical software. During and at the end of experimental trial, male layer birds were slaughtered, collected kidney and liver were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin to investigate gross and histopathological alternations. There were significant alterations in hematological and serum biochemical parameters of aflatoxin treated birds. Serum enzymes including ALT, AST and LDH values were significantly increased in group B in contrast to control group A. The histopathological changes in hepatic and renal parenchyma induced by AFB1 were prominent and no such changes were seen in A, D and F groups, while C and E group showed mild necrotic changes which was an indication of ameliorative effects of vitamin E and M. oleifera. It may be concluded that vitamin E and M. oleifera have potential to mitigate toxicity of aflatoxin B1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antisense transcription, a prevalent occurrence in mammalian genomes, gives rise to natural antisense transcripts (NATs) as RNA molecules. These NATs serve as agents of diverse transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, playing crucial roles in various biological processes vital for cell function and immune response. However, when their normal functions are disrupted, they can contribute to human diseases. This comprehensive review aims to establish the molecular foundation linking NATs to the development of disorders like cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and cardiovascular ailments. Additionally, we evaluate the potential of oligonucleotide-based therapies targeting NATs, presenting both their advantages and limitations, while also highlighting the latest advancements in this promising realm of clinical investigation. Abbreviations: NATs- Natural antisense transcripts, PRC1- Polycomb Repressive Complex 1, PRC2- Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, ADARs- Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA, BDNF-AS- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor antisense transcript, ASOs- Antisense oligonucleotides, SINEUPs- Inverted SINEB2 sequence-mediated upregulating molecules, PTBP1- Polypyrimidine tract binding protein-1, HNRNPK- heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K, MAPT-AS1- microtubule-associated protein tau antisense 1, KCNQ1OT- (KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1, ERK- extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1, USP14- ubiquitin-specific protease 14, EGF- Epidermal growth factor, LSD1- Lysine Specific Demethylase 1, ANRIL- Antisense Noncoding RNA in the INK4 Locus, BWS- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, VEGFA- Vascular Endothelial Growth component A.

Background: The objective of the study is to observe frequency of various clinical manifestations of trachoma in rural population. This observational study was conducted at Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital (KGNTH), Bannu, Pakistan from April 2016 to Jan 2017., Methods: Patients visiting for ocular complaints underwent initial screening that included demographic details and documentation of unaided as well as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) which was followed by detailed slit lamp examination of anterior segment including eversion of upper lid for assessment of changes in upper tarsal conjunctivas by consultant ophthalmologist. A total of 648 patients who had clinical presentation of trachoma were included in the study. Patients who had other forms of conjunctivitis, trichiasis, entropion, corneal opacification and vascularization due to causes other than trachoma were excluded. Patients were categorized according to age in three groups (Group 1-3) and according to stages of trachoma in five groups (TF, TI, TS, TT and TO)., Results: Six hundred and forty-eight (648) were examined in this cross-sectional survey with a mean age of 14.3+14.2 years. Mean unaided visual acuity and BCVA of the patients was 0.12+.24 and 0.07+0.18 respectively. Groups-1 comprised of 86.7% of the patients and stage TF of trachoma was the most prevalent stage accounting for 70.06% of the patients., Conclusions: Trachoma is a serious community health problem with various clinical manifestations in different age groups. Awareness and educational programs are required to be conducted in schools and vocational training centres regarding its mode of transmission and control..