Wah Academia Journal of Health and Nutrition
Wah Academia Journal of Health and Nutrition (WAJHN) is a premier, peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing research and knowledge in health, nutrition, and related sciences. As part of the prestigious Wah Academia Journal family, WAJHN serves as a platform for academics, researchers, and practitioners to share cutting-edge insights, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive innovation in the global health landscape. At WAJHN, we are committed to: Publishing high-quality, evidence-based research articles, reviews, and case studies. Promoting understanding of health and nutrition challenges through rigorous scientific discourse. Empowering the scientific community by bridging gaps between theory, research, and practice. Our mission is to contribute to healthier societies by disseminating impactful research that informs policy, improves healthcare delivery, and enhances nutritional practices worldwide. Join us in shaping the future of health and nutrition.
Copyright and Licensing Publication is open access Creative Commons Attribution License - CC BY- 4.0 Copyrights: The author retains unrestricted copyrights and publishing rights
ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli: The Role of Plasmids in Antibiotic Resistance
Background: Plasmids are the major route of the dissemination of resistance genes between species, sectors and geographical locations, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli are a critical health threat globally. Objective: Based on recent knowledge, this review intends to bring together the molecular epidemiology, plasmid biology, horizontal gene transfer mechanisms and therapeutic approaches in ESBL-producing E. coli, with a focus on the transmission dynamics in the realm of One Health. Methods: We searched the literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2015 to 2026 using the keywords, "ESBL," "E. coli," "plasmids," "antibiotic resistance," "horizontal gene transfer," and "One Health”. Articles were selected based on their relevance to understanding the nature of plasmid mediated resistance, epidemiology, and strategies for interventions. Results: ESBL-encoding plasmids vary in different species and contain a range of resistance determinants, such as blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV genes, which are frequently found together with aminoglycoside, quinolone and colistin resistance genes, with prevalence of IncF, IncI, IncN or IncHI2 plasmid types. The pandemic ST131 clone shows good plasmid-host adaptation that has different dominant subclades in different regions. Plasmids are very flexible in terms of the presence of mobile genetic elements (ISEcp1, IS26) that allow the capture and dissemination of resistance genes. Multidrug resistance and virulence determinants converged on epidemic plasmids and resulted in hypervirulent multidrug resistant strains. Conclusions: A systems biology approach to better understand plasmid biology, together with new technologies such as long-read sequencing and artificial intelligence, and the need to support the One Health approach, are all crucial to reducing the threat of ESBL-producing E. coli. There are potential treatment options that are directed towards resistance plasmids, but they need to be developed and verified.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aqsa Batool, Ali Raza, Samia Akmal, Sami Ullah, Mahad Ali Arshad, Ahmad Mateen, Sarfraz Ahmad, Mahnoor Shahid, Khansa Ahmed, Sareen Fatima (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Predictive Biomarker of Hepatitis B and C Infection among Thalassemia Patients in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Background: Transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients are particularly susceptible to transfusion-transmitted infections, especially hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), owing to lifelong dependence on repeated blood transfusions. Chronic viral hepatitis, together with transfusion-related iron overload, contributes substantially to progressive liver injury and adverse hematological outcomes. This study investigated the association between HBV and HCV infections and biochemical as well as hematological parameters in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients and identified significant predictors of hepatic involvement. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients attending a specialized thalassemia care center in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Participants were categorized into four groups: non-infected, HBV-infected, HCV-infected, and HBV/HCV co-infected. Demographic characteristics, clinical history, biochemical markers including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and serum bilirubin, together with hematological indices, were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, chi-square tests, independent-samples t-tests, and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify significant predictors of hepatitis infection. Results: Hepatitis infection was significantly associated with an increased number of blood transfusions. Patients with HBV, HCV, and particularly HBV/HCV co-infection demonstrated significantly elevated AST, ALT, and serum bilirubin concentrations compared with non-infected patients (p < 0.01). Positive correlations were observed between transfusion frequency and liver enzyme levels. Significant alterations were also identified in hematological indices, including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW), whereas total white blood cell counts showed no statistically significant differences. Logistic regression analysis identified the cumulative number of transfusions, AST, ALT, serum bilirubin, and hepatitis infection status as independent predictors of hepatic involvement, with HCV exhibiting the strongest association. Conclusions: Transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients remain at substantial risk of HBV and HCV infections despite advances in blood safety practices. Viral hepatitis significantly impairs liver function and alters hematological profiles, emphasizing the importance of rigorous donor screening, regular biochemical monitoring, timely antiviral management, and strengthened infection prevention strategies to reduce disease burden and improve long-term clinical outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Noman, Ramiz Mushtaq, Rida Fatima, Muhammad Bilal Shahid, Muhammad Shahbaz, Muhammad Najeeb Ullah, Muhammad Armghan, Ali Murtaza, Ali Haider (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Avian Coccidiosis in Domestic Chickens (Gallus Gallus Domesticus) In Tehsil Matta, Swat, Pakistan
Background: Avian Coccidiosis is an important parasitic disease of poultry production worldwide caused by Eimeria spp. In Pakistan, in rural areas where veterinary services are limited, its prevalence and impacts are not well documented. Objective: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and clinical effects of coccidiosis in domesticated chickens (Gallus Gallus Domesticus) in Tehsil Matta, Swat, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to July 2025. A total of 750 chickens underwent clinical examination for signs of coccidiosis. Eimeria oocysts were detected in fecal samples from suspected cases (90) by the flotation method. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data on potential risk factors such as age, gender, housing Conditions, season and vaccination status, which were subsequently analyzed. Results: The overall prevalence of coccidiosis was 8.0% (60/750). The infection rate was higher in female chickens (75%, n=45) than in males (25%, n=15). The most susceptible age group of young chickens (up to 3 months old) accounted for 65% (n=39). Key risk factors that were significantly associated with infection were crowded housing (80%, n=48), summer season (88.3%, n=53), and not being vaccinated (91.7%, n=55). The high rates of infection were also associated with poor sanitation. Clinical effects consisted of decreased feed consumption, diarrhea, ruffled feathers and a 30% (18/60) mortality rate in infected birds. Conclusion: Avian Coccidiosis is common in domestic chickens in Tehsil Matta and the young, unvaccinated chickens are most susceptible in overcrowded and unsanitary Conditions. The disease results in substantial mortality and reduced productivity and there is a need for better management, biosecurity and awareness programs in the region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mati-Ur-Rahman, Tariqullah, Sayyed Afzal Shah, Sharafat Ali, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawa, Wajed Ali, Asadullah, Fawad Ali (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strengthening Post-Flood Public Health and Nutrition Preparedness in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan: An Integrated Assessment of Health Services, WASH Risks, Disease Surveillance, and Recovery Priorities Following the 2025 Floods
Background: Floods are among the most frequent climate-related disasters affecting Pakistan and often result in population displacement, disruption of health services, deterioration of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions, and increased risk of communicable disease outbreaks. Following the July–August 2025 floods in Gilgit-Baltistan, a comprehensive assessment was required to identify priority public health and nutrition needs and inform recovery planning. Objectives: To assess the post-flood public health situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, identify major health, WASH, disease surveillance, and nutrition-related risks, and develop an operational response framework to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilient recovery. Methods: This applied public health study used secondary programmatic data extracted from the Gilgit-Baltistan post-flood field assessment conducted between September and October 2025. Descriptive analyses were performed using frequencies, proportions, and operational indicators. Health service availability, disease surveillance, WASH conditions, outbreak risks, logistics, nutrition-related information, and data quality were systematically reviewed. A risk-prioritization approach was used to identify critical operational gaps and develop an integrated intervention package. Results: All ten districts of Gilgit-Baltistan were affected by the floods, with four districts remaining affected during the assessment period. Approximately 6,000 people were affected, including 2,910 internally displaced persons residing in six temporary camps. Acute watery diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, and skin diseases were the leading morbidities. A confirmed cholera outbreak was identified in Astore, while a suspected dengue outbreak was reported in Diamer. Eleven health facilities sustained flood damage, including four completely destroyed facilities. Of 588 functional health facilities, only 372 (63.3%) were reporting through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System. Major operational concerns included incomplete WASH information, open defecation practices, limited vector-control activities, insufficient nutrition screening, and inadequate data on maternal and newborn health, mental health, returnee populations, and water quality. An Integrated Flood Health and WASH Surveillance and Response Package was developed to strengthen outbreak surveillance, mobile health and nutrition services, WASH interventions, cold-chain recovery, logistics management, and emergency preparedness. Conclusion: The 2025 floods exposed important vulnerabilities in health service continuity, disease surveillance, WASH infrastructure, and nutrition-related information systems in Gilgit-Baltistan. Integrating surveillance, WASH, nutrition, and primary healthcare within a coordinated recovery framework can strengthen resilience, improve emergency preparedness, and reduce the health consequences of future flood emergencies in disaster-prone settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Muhram Ali, Dr Abdul Basit, Adnan Ghani, Prof Dr Atta Ur Rehman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Spatial Accessibility of Health Facilities and Implications for Nutrition and Health Emergency Preparedness in Flood-Affected Districts of Pakistan: A GIS-Based Ecological Study
Background: Climate-induced flooding poses a significant threat to health systems by disrupting access to healthcare, emergency referrals, and essential nutrition services. Pakistan experiences recurrent monsoon floods that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for evidence-based preparedness planning. Spatial accessibility analysis offers a valuable approach for identifying districts where limited healthcare access may compromise emergency response and continuity of nutrition and public health services. This study assessed the spatial accessibility of health facilities in flood-affected districts of Pakistan and identified priority areas for disaster preparedness. Methods: An ecological cross-sectional study was conducted using publicly available secondary datasets. Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were applied to integrate district flood status, mapped health facility locations, and population data. District-level health-site density per 10,000 population, nearest-hospital distance, and population burden were calculated. Flood-affected and non-flood-affected districts were compared using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and Welch's t-tests. A composite preparedness priority score incorporating flood exposure, population burden, health facility density, and geographic accessibility was developed to identify districts requiring enhanced preparedness. Results: Flood-affected districts did not demonstrate uniformly lower health-facility density than non-flood-affected districts. Instead, considerable geographic heterogeneity was observed. While flood-affected districts generally had higher median health-site density and shorter median distance to the nearest hospital, several districts exhibited substantial preparedness gaps due to high population burden, limited population-standardized facility availability, and reduced geographic accessibility. Faisalabad, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Multan, Nushki, Rajanpur, and Khairpur emerged as the highest-priority districts for preparedness interventions. The findings indicate that preparedness planning based solely on flood exposure may overlook districts with critical healthcare accessibility constraints. Conclusion: Integrating geospatial accessibility indicators with flood exposure and population burden provides a practical framework for prioritizing disaster preparedness in Pakistan. The identified priority districts should be considered for strengthening referral systems, deployment of mobile health and nutrition teams, pre-positioning of emergency medical and nutrition supplies, and improving continuity of essential health and nutrition services before future monsoon seasons. GIS-based evidence can support climate-resilient health and nutrition planning and contribute to more equitable emergency preparedness in disaster-prone settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Abdul Basit, Dr Muhram Ali, Adnan Ghani, Atta Ur Rehman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Economic Determinants of Childbirth Decisions and Maternal Recovery: A Comparative Mixed-Methods Study among Postpartum Women in Islamabad, Pakistan
Background: Maternal healthcare utilization is influenced by socioeconomic inequalities, healthcare accessibility, and availability of quality services. Household income may affect women’s choice of healthcare facility, mode of delivery, and ability to access postnatal care. In Pakistan, increasing caesarean section rates and differences between public and private healthcare utilization highlight the need to understand the role of socioeconomic factors in maternal healthcare decision-making. Objective: To assess the association between household income and choice of delivery mode and healthcare facility among postpartum women in Islamabad, Pakistan, and to explore women’s perceptions regarding financial influences on childbirth decisions, healthcare access, and postnatal recovery. Methods: A comparative mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 postpartum women recruited from two public tertiary hospitals and two private gynecology hospitals in Islamabad. Quantitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing socioeconomic characteristics, household income, healthcare facility type, delivery mode, and postnatal outcomes. Associations were examined using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Qualitative data were collected through four focus group discussions involving 24 postpartum women and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Household income was significantly associated with healthcare facility selection and delivery mode. Women from higher-income households (>100,000 PKR/month) were more likely to utilize private hospitals compared with women from lower-income households (<50,000 PKR/month) (80.9% vs. 13.7%, p<0.001). Caesarean delivery was also more frequent among higher-income women (64.7%) compared with lower-income women (27.5%, p<0.001). Multivariable regression showed that higher household income (aOR 2.81; 95% CI: 1.76–4.49) and private hospital delivery (aOR 3.25; 95% CI: 2.02–5.22) were independently associated with caesarean section. Qualitative findings identified five themes: financial influence on hospital selection, socioeconomic influence on delivery decisions, limited maternal autonomy, perceived differences in public and private healthcare quality, and financial barriers affecting postnatal recovery. Conclusion: Household income significantly influences maternal healthcare choices, delivery practices, and postnatal experiences in Islamabad. Addressing socioeconomic disparities through affordable, high-quality maternal healthcare services and strengthening public-sector maternity care is essential to promote equitable maternal health outcomes in Pakistan.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saira Saeed, Prof Dr Atta Ur Rehman, Tayyaba Masood, Muqdas Alam, Nyla Altaf, Muhammad Imran Qureshi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lipofectamine-Mediated CRISPR-Cas9 Delivery Targeting the mecA Gene in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Novel Approach to Reverse Antibiotic Resistance
Background: Healthcare-associated (HA) infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continue to be a big problem worldwide. The mecA gene is responsible for the production of PBP2a which is responsible for the resistance to all beta-lactam antibiotics. There are currently very little alternative therapeutic options as the treatment is becoming limited. The advantage of CRISPR-Cas9 technology lies in the ability to target genes with precision, however, there are technical delivery challenges in the application of this technology in bacterial pathogens. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of CRISPR-Cas9 delivery by liposomes with Lipofectamine and its ability to knock out the mecA gene in MRSA and make them susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics. Methods: MO of MRSA ATCC 43300 was electroporated with a Cas9-sgRNA RNP complex using Lipofectamine CRISPRMAX with a mecA-targeting guide sgRNA designed using CHOPCHOP. An antibacterial activity was determined (CFU, growth curves, biofilm), gene targeting (PCR, Sanger sequencing), resistance reversal (MIC, disk diffusion) and safety (MTT, hemolysis). All experiments were repeated three times (n=3), data presented as mean ± SD and analyzed by One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post hoc test (p<0.05). Results: The treatment group showed reduction of CFU level, delay of growth and 60-70% inhibition of the development of biofilm which was significant (p=0.008). This was demonstrated by PCR with reduced intensity of mecA amplicon (1/3 of controls) and by Sanger sequencing which revealed the presence of indels in 72% of the clones. MIC dropped from 64 to 4 μg/mL (p<0.001), and inhibition zones increased from 0 to 22.3 ± 1.8 mm. Cell viability exceeded 80% (87.4 ± 3.2%), with hemolysis below 5% (3.1 ± 0.4%). Conclusion: Lipofectamine-mediated delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 effectively targets the mecA gene, reverses antibiotic resistance, and demonstrates an acceptable safety profile in vitro. These findings provide a proof-of-concept for this approach and warrant further investigation in appropriate in vivo models.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aamir Ajmal, Fasiha, Hafiza Kainat Gharsheen, Muhammad Amjad Ali, Rida Saleem, Muhammad Shahbaz Saleem, Muhammad Faizan Sajid, Amina Tariq, Amna Noor, Tahseen Siyal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tuzlanmiş Tarim Alanlarinin Ekolojik Olarak İyileştirilme Yollari
Makale, rasyonel olmayan arazi kullanımı, yoğun sulama ve su dengesinin bozulması sonucu oluşan tuzlanmış tarım manzaralarının iyileştirilmesine yönelik güncel ekolojik yaklaşımları ele almaktadır. Toprak tuzlanması, modern tarımın en önemli sorunlarından biri olarak, arazilerin bozulmasına, verim düşüşüne ve agroekosistemlerin durumunun kötüleşmesine yol açmaktadır. Tuz birikimine katkıda bulunan doğal ve antropojenik faktörler, iklim koşulları, hidrolojik özellikler ve insan faaliyetleri dahil olmak üzere analiz edilmiştir.Ekolojik rehabilitasyonun temel yönleri şunlardır: biyolojik rekülti̇vasyon (mikroorganizmaların kullanımı), fitoremidiasyon (tuza dayanıklı bitkilerle tuzların giderilmesi), agroormeliorasyon (koruyucu ağaç şeritleri oluşturulması) ve su-tuz rejiminin düzenlenmesi (damla sulama ve drenaj sistemleri). Bu önlemler, tuz stresinin azaltılmasını, toprak verimliliğinin ve tarımsal ürünlerin artmasını sağlar ve agroekosistemlerde ekolojik dengenin korunmasına katkıda bulunur. Bu nedenle yöntemler, bölgesel sürdürülebilir tarım stratejileri ve tuzlanmış arazilerin ekolojik ıslahı için etkili araçlar olarak değerlendirilmektedir. The article examines current ecological approaches to the rehabilitation of salinized agricultural landscapes resulting from irrational land use, excessive irrigation, and the disruption of natural water balance. Soil salinization is recognized as one of the most significant challenges facing modern agriculture, leading to land degradation, reduced crop productivity, and the deterioration of agroecosystem health. The study analyzes both natural and anthropogenic factors contributing to salt accumulation, including climatic conditions, hydrological characteristics, and human activities. The principal directions of ecological rehabilitation discussed include biological reclamation through the use of beneficial microorganisms, phytoremediation using salt-tolerant plant species to remove excess salts, agromelioration through the establishment of protective shelterbelts, and the regulation of the water–salt balance by implementing drip irrigation and drainage systems. These measures help mitigate salt stress, improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity, and contribute to maintaining ecological balance within agroecosystems. Consequently, these methods are considered effective tools for promoting regional sustainable agriculture and the ecological restoration of salinized lands.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dilara Sunakbaeva (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Diagnostic value of modern imaging modalities in tuberculous spondylitis
The article considers the evaluation of the informative value and practical significance of modern imaging diagnostic methods (radiography, computed tomography, MRI, and PET/CT) for the timely detection of tuberculous spondylitis. The choice of optimal imaging modalities allows increasing the reliability of diagnosis in the early stages, reducing the frequency of complications, optimizing treatment tactics, and decreasing the risk of patient disability. Special attention is paid to the comparative assessment of the diagnostic value of MRI in detecting bone-destructive changes, paravertebral abscesses, and the spread of the inflammatory process.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ussivaliyeva S. Zh, Sunakbaeva L. (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Overview on the Ramification of Biotechnological Trends in Indian Agricultural and Food Sectors
As we approach the next millennium, numerous challenges confront not just agriculture but society as a whole. Today, the industrialized world is undergoing a transformation due to the implementation of modern technology, such as biotechnology. This progressive science is expected to significantly contribute to disease relief, improve food security, and aid in environmental preservation due to the technical and economic advantages of biotechnology. In India, the goal for the agriculture and food sector should be to persistently enhance efficiency through both conventional and innovative technology. So far, plant genetic engineering has predominantly concentrated on altering agronomic traits that lead to improved production efficiency. These characteristics mainly involve herbicide, insect, or disease resistance and are transforming numerous crop production systems in the India and beyond. A shift in emphasis towards altering traits that provide distinctive quality characteristics to food products is expected to have an even greater influence in the future. A strategy to alter the quality of food items includes the rerouting or adjustment of internal metabolic pathways to reach distinctive outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Supriyo Acharya, Raidah Jahan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigation of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) extract in bronchitis
Background: Bronchitis is a common inflammatory airway disease characterized by cough, mucus hypersecretion, and airway inflammation. Limitations of conventional therapies have increased interest in herbal medicines with anti-inflammatory and mucoregulatory properties. Thymus vulgaris has been traditionally used for respiratory disorders, yet its molecular mechanisms in bronchitis require comprehensive evaluation. Objective: This review work aimed to summarize and critically analyze experimental and clinical evidence regarding the effects and molecular mechanisms of Thymus vulgaris extract in bronchitis. Methods: A narrative review of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals was conducted. Studies investigating anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mucolytic, and clinical effects of thyme extract in bronchitis or airway inflammation were included. Results: The findings indicate that Thymus vulgaris exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple molecular pathways. Key mechanisms include inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8), downregulation of MUC5AC gene expression leading to decreased mucus hypersecretion, modulation of the arachidonic acid pathway via inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase, and attenuation of oxidative stress through antioxidant activity. Clinical trials demonstrated significant reductions in cough frequency and bronchitis severity scores, with good tolerability. Conclusion: Thymus vulgaris extract shows promising multi-target effects in the management of bronchitis, particularly acute bronchitis. Although current evidence supports its use as a complementary therapy, further large-scale, well-designed clinical trials with standardized extracts are required to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sahebe Hajipour, Ebrahim Alinia-Ahandani, Muhammad Yasir Naeem, Shahid Abbas, Zeliha Selamoglu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Regionally Produced Probiotic Dairy Foods in Kazakhstan and Their Health Beneficial
Traditional fermented dairy products constitute an important component of the food heritage of Kazakhstan and represent a valuable reservoir of potentially beneficial microorganisms. The present study focuses on the identification of regionally produced cheese varieties and traditional probiotic foods and beverages in Kazakhstan, along with the characterization of their bacterial composition. Samples of artisanal cheeses and fermented dairy and cereal-based drinks were obtained from different geographic regions to capture variability associated with local production practices. The microbial communities of the products were found to be dominated by lactic acid bacteria, primarily belonging to the genera Lactobacillus (including recently reclassified taxa), Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Leuconostoc, and Enterococcus. In several fermented beverages, the presence of yeasts indicated mixed lactic and alcoholic fermentation. Observed differences in bacterial profiles among regions suggest the influence of raw materials, traditional processing methods, and environmental microbiota. These findings demonstrate that traditional Kazakhstani fermented foods are a diverse source of lactic acid bacteria with potential functional and technological value. The study contributes to the scientific documentation of regional fermented products and provides a microbiological basis for their future application in functional food development and starter culture selection.
Copyright (c) 2026 Latofat Sunakbaeva, Dilara Sunakbaeva, Fatma Burcu Karakoç, Zeliha Selamoglu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of RNA Interference (RNAi)-Based Biotechnological Strategies for the Control of Tomato Leaf Curl Disease Transmitted by Bemisia tabaci (Whitefly) in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Plants
Bemisia tabaci whiteflies are the carrier of Tomato Leaf Curl Disease (ToLCD), which is a major issue for tomato production worldwide and seems to recur. In this study, we examined the potential efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi) biotechnology in treating ToLCD in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). One hundred tomato plants were divided equally into control and RNAi-treated groups using a fully randomized method. Double-stranded RNA was sprayed on the skin to target the viral Rep gene as part of the RNA interference strategy. Following the plants' exposure to viruliferous whiteflies, a number of factors were monitored, including the number of whiteflies, the severity of the disease, the height of the plants, the leaf curl score, the viral load, and the yield per plant. The RNAi plants exhibited clear reductions in the number of whiteflies (approximately 53.3%), disease severity (57.5%), leaf curl score (from 4.46 to 1.84), and viral load (about 54.1%) as compared to the controls. In the meantime, the plants themselves appeared to grow bigger; their height went from 24.96 cm to 36.34 cm, and their output per plant increased by almost 90.5%, which is a significant gain. The differences were highly significant (p < 0.001) in each of these contrasts. Additionally, a Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship (r = -0.908) between viral load and yield. Even though the specifics still need to be worked out, RNAi appears to be a highly promising and possibly more sustainable route for controlling ToLCD in tomatoes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Faizan Sajid, Faiqa Shakeel, Sanabil Sohail, Ayesha Jahangir, Asadullah, Khansa Liaquat, Muhammad Umer Farooq Ashraf, Sanam Nawaz, Raheela Imam, Amina Tariq (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Honey’s Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids: Implications for Wound Healing and Pharmaceutical Development
The antimicrobial nature of honey has been appreciated for thousands of years; however, the molecular mechanism through which its function is only now being unraveled. This article discusses the importance of flavonoids and phenolic acids in terms of their contribution to the anti-microbial nature of honey. Various flavonoids, such as quercetin, kaempferol, chrysin, and galangin, along with phenolic acids like caffeic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid, use a combination of various modes of actions in order to act upon pathogenic microorganisms. Their mode of action includes disruption of bacterial cell membrane, interference with nucleic acid synthesis, protein denaturation, inhibition of quorum sensing, elimination of established biofilm and induction of oxidative stress. The antimicrobial activity extends to various species of both Gram-positive pathogens like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans. Additionally, phenolic acids are capable of modulating inflammatory response and have proangiogenic effects as well as stimulate collagen deposition, enhancing the process of tissue repair. The rise of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria has once again led to a resurgence in research on honey as a possible source of new medicines. There is clinical proof that honey-based treatments work well for burns, diabetic ulcers, and post-operative infections. However, there are many hurdles, such as the inconsistent composition of honey, lack of standardization, poor bioavailability, and legal concerns that are now impeding the development of drugs. Possible areas of exploration in the future could be extraction of bioactive ingredients, chemical modification to increase potency, use of nanoparticles for delivery, and inclusion in antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Faiqa Shakeel, Ihsan Ali Rind, Zara Ijaz, Mahnoor Dua Kotwal, Sanam Nawaz, Maria, Hiba Noor, Syeda Rubab Toqeer (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Proposing cost-effective alternatives of eggshell and pine cone to perlite for to use in hydroponic farming of iceberg lettuce: Evaluations under modified conditions for vegetative responses and antioxidant efficiency
When considered within the context of resource efficiency in horticulture, perlite can be considered as tasking due to its extraction procedure and energy footprint despite its prominence as inert support medium for soilless lettuce production. We assessed whether two locally available organic residues, ground eggshell and shredded pine cone, can replace perlite in iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) deep water culture. To conduct a factorial assessment, a commercial control nutrient solution coupled with three different support media were combined with nine modified solutions of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% above the baseline for each modified solution. After 60 days, root length, leaf number, leaf length, marketable head weight, dry matter ratio, and DPPH radical scavenging capacity were recorded. Substrate did not significantly affect any vegetative trait when averaged across nutrient treatments (p > 0.05). In perlite, +5% and +10% potassium and +10% calcium reduced root length compared with the control (p < 0.05). Marketable head weight ranged from 325 to 440 g; the highest values were obtained on pine cone at +15% potassium. Dry matter ratio peaked at 4.2% under the same combination. DPPH EC50 lay between 18.97 and 59.72 μg mL−1, with the strongest antioxidant capacity in the control solution on perlite. Eggshell and pine cone produced outcomes statistically indistinguishable from perlite, suggesting that both materials are credible alternatives for low-input for plant hydroponic culturing systems. Perlit, topraksız marul üretiminde baskın inert destek ortamıdır, ancak çıkarılması ve enerji ayak izi, kaynak bilincine sahip bahçeciliğin hedefleriyle pek bağdaşmamaktadır. Yerel olarak temin edilebilen iki organik kalıntı olan öğütülmüş yumurta kabuğu ve kalın öğütülmüş çam kozalağının, marul (Lactuca sativa L.) bitkisinin hydroponic su kültüründe perlitin yerini alıp alamayacağı bu çalışmada değerlendirilmiştir. Faktöriyel bir deneme oluşturularak, üç destek ortamı ve potasyum, kalsiyum veya magnezyum besin maddelerinin %5, %10 ve %15 konsantrasyonlarında kullanıldığı dokuz modifiye çözelti ile birleştirilmiştir. 60 gün sonra, kök uzunluğu, yaprak sayısı, yaprak uzunluğu, pazarlanabilir baş ağırlığı, kuru madde oranı ve DPPH radikal temizleme kapasitesi kaydedildi. Besin uygulamaları genelinde ortalama alındığında, substratın herhangi bir bitkisel özelliği önemli ölçüde etkilemediği görüldü (p > 0,05). Perlit içinde, +%5 ve +%10 potasyum ve +%10 kalsiyum, kontrol grubuna kıyasla kök uzunluğunu azalttı (p < 0,05). Pazarlanabilir baş ağırlığı 325 ila 440 g arasında değişti; en yüksek değerler +%15 potasyum içeren çam kozalağında elde edildi. Kuru madde oranı aynı kombinasyonda %4,2'ye ulaştı. DPPH EC50 değerleri 18,97 ile 59,72 μg mL−1 arasında değişti ve en güçlü antioksidan kapasitesi perlit üzerindeki kontrol çözeltisinde gözlendi. Yumurta kabuğu ve çam kozalakları, perlit ile istatistiksel olarak ayırt edilemeyen sonuçlar üretti; bu da her iki malzemenin de düşük girdi gerektiren hidroponik bitki yetiştirme sistemleri için güvenilir alternatifler olduğunu göstermektedir.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mehmet Hakan Güzel, Sevgi Durna Daştan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cure of PMOS with Intervention of Physical Exercise
PMOS is a complicated endocrinopathy that affects mutually the breakdown and reproductive systems of women of reproductive age. The occurrence series is from 6.1 to 19.9%, depending on the analytic criteria utilized. Around 80% of women who know about anovulatory infertility are affected by PMOS, which causes multiple stages of disruption to the reproductive axis. According to the evidence, lifestyle changes must be the primary route of treatment for people with PMOS. Numerous lessons have looked at the effect of exercise treatments on reproductive purpose, with results showing that exercise improves menstruation and/or ovulation frequency. The processes through which exercise improves reproductive purpose are underpinned by increased insulin sensitivity. A collection of metabolic abnormalities that are CVD risk factors is present in PMOS. Exercise is helpful, and this is beyond dispute.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Razaq, Shahab Ud Din Chohan, Sumbal Rani, Khansa Ahmed, Danial Hassan Adil (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Database-sourced Virulence Factor Comparison between strains of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
According to the predictions of the World Health Organization, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were two of the most prominent pathogenic bacteria responsible for increasing emergence of sexually transmitted infections. These two bacteria were repeatedly reported as the most serious challenges in public health problems. Both bacteria have similar infection sites and clinical synopses, and reported for co-infections, despite the fact of being from distinct phyla and having distinct life-cycles. Extensive research revealed diverse array of virulence factors for these bacteria, and each of them having different classes of virulence factors appropriate for its life-cycle and survival. In this research curated strains of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae present in the Virulence Factor Database of the National Institute of Pathogen Biology in China were used for proteome-based intra-genera comparison, which revealed virulence factor class distinctness between the two species. Comparisons were revealed strain uniformity in C. trachomatis but strain variation in N. gonorrhoeae along with pronounced genetic complexity in N. gonorrhoeae virulance factors. However, obtained results revealed absences of related genes for virulance factors in C. trachomatis despite the presence of coding sequences in strains, and absences of coding sequences in N. gonorrhoeae FA 1090 strain. Results also revealed limited amount of virulence factor classes for C. trachomatis contrary to extensive literature reports and multigenic factors in certain virulence factors in N. gonorrhoeae strains due to the presence of multiple coding sequences. Overall, this research was revealed potential targets for further genomics research and emphasized the need of embracing multi-omics approaches in clinical microbiology studies. Dünya Sağlık Örgütü'nün tahminlerine göre, Chlamydia trachomatis ve Neisseria gonorrhoeae, cinsel yolla bulaşan enfeksiyonların artan yaygınlığından sorumlu en önemli patojenik bakterilerden ikisidir. Bu iki bakteri, halk sağlığı sorunlarında en ciddi zorluklar olarak defalarca rapor edilmiştir. Her iki bakteri de benzer enfeksiyon bölgelerine ve klinik özetlere sahiptir ve farklı filumlardan olmalarına ve farklı yaşam döngülerine sahip olmalarına rağmen, birlikte enfeksiyonlar için rapor edilmiştir. Kapsamlı araştırmalar, bu bakteriler için çeşitli virülans faktörlerini ortaya koymuş ve her birinin yaşam döngüsüne ve hayatta kalmasına uygun farklı virülans faktörü sınıflarına sahip olduğunu göstermiştir. Bu araştırmada, Çin'deki Ulusal Patojen Biyolojisi Enstitüsü'nün Virülans Faktörü Veritabanı'nda bulunan C. trachomatis ve N. gonorrhoeae'nin seçilmiş suşları, proteom tabanlı cins içi karşılaştırma için kullanıldı ve bu da iki tür arasında virülans faktörü sınıfı farklılığını ortaya çıkardı. Karşılaştırmalar, C. trachomatis'te suş homojenliğini, N. gonorrhoeae'de ise suş varyasyonunu ve N. gonorrhoeae virülans faktörlerinde belirgin genetik karmaşıklığı ortaya koydu. Ancak elde edilen sonuçlar, suşlarda kodlama dizilerinin varlığına rağmen C. trachomatis'te virülans faktörleriyle ilgili genlerin bulunmadığını ve N. gonorrhoeae FA 1090 suşunda kodlama dizilerinin bulunmadığını ortaya koymuştur. Sonuçlar ayrıca, kapsamlı literatür raporlarının aksine C. trachomatis için sınırlı sayıda virülans faktörü sınıfı ve N. gonorrhoeae suşlarında birden fazla kodlama dizisinin varlığı nedeniyle bazı virülans faktörlerinde çok genli faktörler olduğunu göstermiştir. Genel olarak, bu araştırma, daha ileri genomik araştırmalar için potansiyel hedefleri ortaya koymuş ve klinik mikrobiyoloji çalışmalarında çoklu omik yaklaşımların benimsenmesinin gerekliliğini vurgulamıştır.
Copyright (c) 2026 İnanç Baral, Şeyda Kaya, Özlem Ablak, Mustafa Murat Öztürk, Sevgi Durna Daştan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CRISPR-Cas13 for HIV-1 RNA Targeting: Advances, Challenges, and NGS-Driven Insights
The main obstacle to eliminating HIV-1 from the body exists because HIV-1 latent reservoirs continue to survive despite antiretroviral treatments which successfully manage HIV-1 infection. The DNA-editing method CRISPR-Cas9 faces hazards of unintended DNA changes but scientists developed CRISPR-Cas13 as a synthetic RNA-targeting nuclease that destroys viral RNA without affecting host DNA. The review presents recent scientific developments in Cas13-based HIV-1 control while showing how directing treatment at viral RNA transcripts produces better treatment results than direct treatment of proviral DNA. We study how Cas13 orthologs including Cas13a, Cas13b, Cas13d, and the compact Cas13X operate at the molecular level while we analyze their RNase activities which create potential safety risks for medical treatment. The existence of several major obstacles still needs resolution because the system experiences problems with delivering treatments to tissue reservoirs and the virus develops escape mutations and the system deals with unintentionally destroying RNA and the body responds to Cas proteins which come from bacteria. Next-generation sequencing has become an essential method which researchers use to determine target effectiveness while they track how mutations develop and study the impacts of various RNA sequences on gene expression. We proposed that the implementation of NGS-enabled personalized Cas13 treatment, which uses patient proviral sequencing to create crRNA designs and monitor post-treatment results, provides a practical solution to achieve successful clinical implementation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmad Ashraf, Abdul Sami Dahri, Muhammad Sohail Ashraf, Nafeesa Kainat, Muhammad Haseeb, Iqra Kiran, Eman Zaineb, Amna Noor, Rafia Imran (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of Parenting Styles on The Behavioral Outcomes of Generation Z
Introduction: Two different parenting styles- authoritarian and permissive- were investigated in this study to determine how they influenced Generation Z’s behavioral patterns. In contrast to earlier generations Generation Z (born 1997-2012) are digital natives whose distinctive developmental trajectory is shaped by social media and technology. Despite the extensive studies on parenting, it is vital to comprehend how conventional parenting approaches mix with the contemporary digital environment to affect the behaviors of Generation Z in Pakistan. Objectives: Finding out how permissive and authoritarian parenting styles affected the behavioral outcomes (aggressive vs. self-confidence) of Generation Z students at Lahore Universities was the main goal. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 383 University students between ages of 20 and 24 participated. Pre-structured validated questionnaires measuring parenting styles and behavioral outcomes were used to interview participants. The method of non-probability purposive sampling was applied. Chi-Square tests were used to examine data using SPSS version 24 in order to identify correlations. Results: Total 383 responses were analyzed. 209(54.5%) of the participants said their parents were authoritarians, whereas 174 (45.4%) said their parents were permissive. Of those with authoritarian parents, just 59 (27.7%) shown great self-confidence, whereas 151 (72.2%) behaved aggressively. On the other hand, 85 (48.8%) of those with permissive parents showed sign of aggression, while 89 (51.1%) were self-assured. With a p-value <0.05 and a chi-square value of 21.980, there is a statistically significant correlation between parenting styles and behavioral outcomes. Conclusion: The results show that parenting styles have a significant impact on generation Z’s behavioral development. Aggressive behavior and low self-esteem are closely linked to authoritarian parenting indicating that the autonomy that digital natives cherish conflicts with strict supervision. Results from permissive parenting were more balanced but remained contradictory. The report emphasizes the need for parenting techniques that adjust to the digital world while striking a balance between authority and the independence that Generation Z demands.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Tayyaba Masood, Dr. Sania Hamid, Rimsha Akram, Aisha Saddiqa (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Community-Based Antenatal Care Quality Assessment: Evidence from Lady Health Workers and Midwives in in Tehsil Kharian and Kunjah, District Gujrat, Pakistan
Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is essential for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes through early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications. Despite progress, Pakistan continues to face a high maternal mortality ratio of approximately 155 per 100,000 live births, with preventable causes such as eclampsia, infections, and hemorrhage contributing significantly. Frontline providers, including Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and Community Midwives (CMWs), play a pivotal role in delivering quality ANC services at the community level. This study aimed to assess the quality of ANC services provided by LHWs and CMWs in Tehsil Kharian, District Gujrat. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 144 participants, including LHWs and CMWs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through systematic random sampling. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential analysis using the Chi-square test were applied to determine associations between variables. Results: Of the 144 participants, 110 (76.4%) were LHWs and 34 (23.6%) were CMWs. Only 29% of LHWs and 32.3% of CMWs had received reproductive health training. Approximately 60% reported inadequate facilities, and 56.6% were unable to provide standard ANC services. Supervised health workers demonstrated significantly better skills and performed more ANC procedures compared to unsupervised workers (p = 0.03). No statistically significant association was found between service quality and demographic variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Significant gaps exist in training, supervision, and resource availability among LHWs and CMWs. Strengthening capacity-building programs, supportive supervision, and infrastructure is essential to improve the quality of ANC services and maternal health outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ruksana Kousar, Atta Ur Rehman, Anum Sadiqa, Laiba Javed, Nida Amjad, Fouzia Zafar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of Essential Newborn Care Practices among Mothers in Community and Health Facility Settings in Tehsil Kharian District Gujrat, Pakistan
Introduction: Neonatal mortality remains a critical public health challenge in low-resource settings such as Tehsil Kharian, Pakistan. Understanding maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding neonatal care is essential for improving newborn outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess maternal KAP related to neonatal care among mothers of newborns in households and healthcare facilities in Tehsil Kharian. Materials and Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 10th January to 10th May 2022. Mothers of newborns aged 5 days to 3 months were enrolled after providing written informed consent. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-validated structured questionnaire in the local language. The questionnaire captured sociodemographic information, antenatal care (ANC) history, and KAP on thermal regulation, umbilical cord hygiene, breastfeeding, immunization, eye care, and recognition of neonatal danger signs. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 26.0. Results: A total of 380 mothers participated (mean age 25.63 ± 3.45 years); 50% had college-level education, and 67.4% had household incomes up to PKR 40,000. Overall knowledge was moderate, with 50% aware of proper breastfeeding and cord care practices, but only 19.5% knew to initiate breastfeeding within minutes of delivery. Harmful practices included using previously used blades for cord cutting (61.8%) and giving pre-lacteal feeds (43.9%). Only 30.3% of mothers attended ANC visits, and 65.8% believed vaccines were harmful. Conclusion: Significant gaps in maternal KAP exist in Tehsil Kharian, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions and community-based programs to promote evidence-based neonatal care and reduce neonatal mortality.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fouzia Zafar, Prof Dr Atta Ur Rehman, Anum Sadiqa, Laiba Javed, Sajal Javed, Ruksana Kousar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Awareness of Food and Drug Interactions Among Staff Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore
Background: Food–drug interactions (FDIs) significantly influence drug effectiveness and patient safety by altering drug absorption, metabolism, distribution, or excretion, potentially resulting in therapeutic failure or adverse drug reactions. Nurses, as primary medication administrators, must possess adequate knowledge of FDIs to ensure safe and effective patient care. Objective: To assess the level of awareness regarding food–drug interactions among staff nurses working in a clinical setting. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. A total of 115 registered nurses were selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic variables and knowledge-related items on FDIs, including general awareness, drug–drug interactions, and timing of drug administration. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 with descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests. Results: The findings showed that 68% of nurses had moderate awareness, 12% demonstrated good awareness, and 20% had poor knowledge of FDIs. The mean awareness score was 17.68 ± 2.98, with a mean percentage score of 57.05%. No significant association was found between awareness level and demographic variables such as education and professional experience. Conclusion: Most nurses demonstrated only moderate awareness of food–drug interactions, with notable knowledge gaps in drug-specific interactions and timing of administration. Targeted educational interventions are recommended to enhance nurses’ knowledge and promote safer, evidence-based medication practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing adverse effects.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anas Ali, Hina Arshad, Sameer Ibrahim, Joshua Atif, Danyal Clement, Ilyas Saleem, Suleman Shahid (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Calcitonin as a Clinical Biomarker: Unmet Diagnostic needs and Biosensor-based Solutions
A key biomarker for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), calcitonin (CTN), is a peptide hormone released by thyroid parafollicular C-cells. It facilitates early identification, prognostic evaluation, and post-treatment recurrence monitoring. In nodular thyroid disease, elevated serum CT levels of 60–100 pg/ml are more suggestive of MTC or C-cell hyperplasia (CCH) than imaging or fine-needle aspiration alone. Nevertheless, there are still unmet diagnostic needs, such as false positives from non-thyroidal conditions, difficulties in pediatric populations, and the rise of calcitonin-negative MTC (CNMTC), in which up to 5–10% of cases have normal CTN levels that confuse detection, requiring the use of alternative markers such as procalcitonin (PCT), or progastrin-releasing peptide (proGRP). Despite their dependability, traditional immunoassays have drawbacks such as costly, time-consuming procedures and matrix interferences in complicated biofluids. By using nanomaterials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, and quantum dots for ultrasensitive, real-time CTN detection at picogram levels, biosensor-based systems provide viable substitutes. By improving specificity by molecular imprinting or antibody immobilization, electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric biosensors allow point-of-care applications in serum or saliva with little sample preparation. This mini review outlines diagnostic gaps, summarizes the most recent data on CTN's therapeutic efficacy, and investigates biosensor advances as alternative instruments for individualized MTC therapy. With the ultimate goal of reducing MTC mortality by proactive screening, next avenues include wearable sensors for ongoing monitoring and clinical validation to bridge bench-to-bedside translation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Doniyor Qurbonov, Behruz Аkbarov, Latofat Sunakbayeva (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Medicinal Plants, Environmental Contaminants, and Biomedical Innovations: A Multidisciplinary Review of Natural Products in Health and Disease Management
Medicinal plants have been fundamental to human healthcare for millennia, serving as the primary source of therapeutic agents across diverse cultures. However, the simultaneous presence of environmental contaminants, particularly heavy metals, in these plants poses significant health risks that cannot be overlooked. This comprehensive review synthesizes findings from over 50 studies to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, the challenges posed by heavy metal contamination, and the emerging role of nanotechnology and phytoremediation in addressing these challenges. Key medicinal plants including Cichorium intybus, Ziziphora persica, Lavandula angustifolia, and Catharanthus roseus are examined for their pharmacological properties, with particular attention to anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The review critically evaluates the sources and health implications of heavy metal contamination in medicinal plants and food products, drawing on case studies from Northern Iran. Furthermore, it explores innovative approaches including Nano-formulations for enhanced drug delivery and phytoremediation strategies for soil decontamination. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern biotechnological tools presents unprecedented opportunities for sustainable healthcare and environmental management. This review identifies critical research gaps and proposes future directions for maximizing the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants while ensuring their safety and sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ebrahim Alinia-Ahandani, Sahebe Hajipour (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Case Study of 21-Year-Old Pakistani female
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a mode of treatment for a patient presenting with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The therapeutic procedure began with initial history intake and baseline assessments. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and WHODAS 2.0 (12 Item) was administered to record baseline symptoms severity (BAI=29, moderate anxiety) and (WHODAS 2.0=20, moderate functional impairment) prior to therapy and were re-administered following successful termination of therapy. The therapeutic modality employed in this case was Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based approach for treating GAD. The therapeutic procedure lasted 12 sessions, which aimed at psychoeducation, addressing maladaptive thoughts, cognitive restructuring, and the development of healthy adaptive coping strategies. Results showed significant reduction in anxiety symptoms and improvement in functional difficulties (Post termination BAI=16, mild anxiety; WHODAS 2.0= 12, mild functional impairment). This study highlights the importance of CBT as an effective intervention for anxiety- related disorders in young adult Pakistani population particularly in academic settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Syeda Dua-e-Zahra Naqvi, Fiza Rehman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Determination of Formaldehyde and Methanol Contents in Canned Food and Drinks Samples: Application of Headspace Gas Chromatography and Industrial Reliance
This study presents a headspace gas chromatographic (HS-GC) method for the simultaneous determination of formaldehyde and methanol in canned food and drinks samples, such as pickle, fresh meat or stored fruit juices etc. The method was based on the reaction between formaldehyde and sodium borohydride in a concentrated potassium carbonate solution, in which formaldehyde was quantitatively converted to methanol and determined by HS-GC. By measuring the methanol content in the sample before and after the reaction with borohydride, both methanol and formaldehyde contents can be determined. By spiking a given amount of isopropanol in the tested sample solution, the uncertainty in above two separate measurements by HS-GC can be significantly reduced when using isopropanol signal as a reference in the internal standard calibration. Results showed that the present method had a good accuracy (with a recovery ranging from 94 – 103 %). The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method is 0.835 mmol/kg. This method is straightforward, reliable, and suitable for the high-throughput monitoring of these common water pollutants, offering a valuable tool for environmental quality control and pollution assessment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Supriyo Acharya, Dr. Asima Ghosh Bhanja, Dr. Rajiv Narula (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A review of the analysis of the effects of nanoparticle morphology on intracellular drug delivery
Nanoparticles have been used as promising carriers for targeted and controlled drug delivery by researchers due to their unique physicochemical properties, such as size, surface charge, and especially shape. Among these parameters, the shape of nanoparticles has attracted increasing attention because it significantly affects their interactions with biological barriers, including blood vessels, cell membranes, and extracellular matrix. The aim of this study is to investigate and analyze the effects of nanoparticle shape on drug delivery efficiency and to classify related articles based on clinical and experimental findings. A comprehensive review was conducted on 30 scientific articles, from which 22 studies published between 2010 and 2025 were selected that directly investigated the role of particle shape in drug delivery systems. While spherical nanoparticles have received the most attention, recent evidence suggests that rod-shaped, disc-like, and elongated structures may provide increased circulation time, improved tumor penetration, and more controlled drug release profiles. The findings suggest that precise engineering of nanoparticle morphology, along with size variations, is crucial for optimizing drug delivery performance. Overall, controlling the shape of nanoparticles offers a powerful strategy for improving therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of cancer and other complex diseases.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohsen Mehregan, Ebrahim Alinia-Ahandani, Sahebe Hajipour, Samra Mededovic, Zeliha Selamoglu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimizing Adult Health: Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Selected Physical Fitness Components in Young Male Adults
The present study investigates the impact of a structured aerobic exercise program on cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and body mass index (BMI) among young male adults aged 18–25 years. A total of forty participants were selected through simple random sampling and equally divided into an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The experimental group underwent a six-week aerobic exercise intervention, consisting of walking, slow running, running, cycling and dancing performed six days per week with progressive duration and intensity. Cardiovascular endurance was assessed using a standard step test, flexibility was measured via the Sit & Reach test and BMI was calculated using height and weight measurements. Pre and post-tests were conducted for both groups and data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests at a 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance and flexibility among participants in the experimental group, whereas BMI remained statistically unchanged. The control group showed no significant changes in any variable, confirming the effectiveness of structured aerobic exercise in enhancing specific physical fitness components. These findings suggest that aerobic exercise is an effective intervention for improving cardiovascular health and flexibility among young adults. However, short-term aerobic training alone may not significantly affect BMI, highlighting the need for longer duration interventions combined with dietary and lifestyle modifications. The study provides valuable insights for physical education instructors, coaches and adults seeking evidence-based methods to enhance health and functional fitness through aerobic training.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kuldeep Kumar, Dr. Aarif Majeed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Diyabete Karşı Kahvenin Koruyucu Potansiyeli: Güncel Bir Yaklaşım
Dünyada su tüketiminden sonra en çok tüketilen ikinci içecek unvanını haklı olarak elinde bulunduran kahve, uzun zamandır sağlık alanındaki araştırmacılar tarafından çalışılan önemli bir araştırma konusu olmuştur. Kahve; kafein ve trigonellin gibi alkaloidler, fenolik asitler, kafestol gibi diterpenler, lignanlar ve flavonoidler gibi çeşitli biyo-aktif bileşikler içerir. Kahvede bulunan biyo-aktif bir bileşik olan kafestol, insan kas hücrelerinde glikoz alımını ve glikoz uyarılı insülin salgısını arttırabilir. Tip 2 diyabet hastaları, beslenme yoluyla alınan glikozu enerjiye dönüştürmeye yardımcı hormon olan insüline karşı direnç geliştirirler. Kahvede bulunan kafestol ve kafeik asit gibi iki bileşiğin, tip 2 diyabeti önleme ve hastalıklara karşı koruma ile ilişkilendirilmiştir. Günümüzde, bazı çalışmalarda kafestolün diyabete karşı korunmada katkıda bulunduğu gösterilmiştir. Araştırmacılar, bu bilginin hastalıkları önlemek ve tedavi etmek için yeni ilaçlar geliştirmeye yardımcı olabileceğini öne sürmektedirler. Zaman içinde yapılan daha büyük ve daha uzun takip sürelerine sahip çalışmalar sonucunda, kahvenin insan sağlığı üzerine etkileri konusundaki düşüncelerde de önemli değişimler ortaya çıkmıştır. Coffee, which justifiably holds the distinction of being the second most consumed beverage in the world after water, has long attracted the attention of researchers in the field of health sciences. It contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids such as caffeine and trigonelline, phenolic acids, diterpenes such as cafestol, as well as lignans and flavonoids. Cafestol, one of the bioactive components of coffee, has been shown to enhance glucose uptake in human muscle cells and stimulate glucose-induced insulin secretion. Individuals with type 2 diabetes develop resistance to insulin, the hormone responsible for facilitating the conversion of dietary glucose into energy. Two compounds present in coffee, cafestol and caffeic acid, have been associated with the prevention of type 2 diabetes and protective effects against disease development. Recent studies indicate that cafestol may contribute to protection against diabetes. Researchers suggest that these findings could support the development of new pharmacological approaches aimed at preventing and treating the disease. Over time, findings from larger studies with longer follow-up periods have led to significant shifts in scientific perspectives regarding the effects of coffee consumption on human health.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zeliha Selamoğlu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Modulating the Hemato-Biochemical Profile and Growth Efficiency of Post-Weaning Rabbits via Clausena anisata Essential Oil Supplementation
This research was undertaken to evaluate the effects of feeding weaner rabbits on diet supplemented with Clausena anisate essential oil at different levels. Forty clinically healthy weaned male rabbits about 5 to 6 month of age, with an average initial weight of 720.0 ± 0.71 kg were randomly divided into four dietary groups with ten replicates each The dietary treatments were: (A) basal diet without Clausena anisate oil; (B) basal diet supplemented with 0.3 mL Clausena anisate oil per kg DM feed daily; (C) basal diet supplemented with 0.6 mL Clausena anisate oil per kg DM feed daily; (D) basal diet supplemented with 0.9 mL Clausena anisate oil per kg DM feed daily in a completely randomized design for a duration of 60 days. Feed was provided ad libitum, and clean water was available at all times. Result obtained revealed that Clausena anisate oil increased (p<0.05) body weight gain, feed consumption as well as feed conversion ratio. High Clausena anisate oil treatment increased the concentration of pack cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, lymphocytes and monocytes. Clausena anisate oil supplementation decreased (p<0.05) low density lipoprotein concentration and increase total protein, albumin, globulin, high density lipoprotein except urea, creatinine, alanine amino transferase and alanine amino transaminase (p>0.05). It was concluded that the supplementation of Clausena anisate essential oil up to 0.9 mL per kg DM daily improved weight gain, feed consumption and blood constituents of weaner rabbits without causing any deleterious effect on their health status.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alagbe, Olujimi John (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0