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The global biscuit market is shifting towards healthier, gluten-free options, demanding novel and sustainable ingredients. This research introduces Nipa palm kernel flour (NFK) an underutilized, gluten-free resource from the mangrove Nypa fruticans Wurmb as a promising functional ingredient for biscuit production. Mature fruits were collected from the Sundarbans, Bangladesh, to develop nutritious snacks and valorize this sustainable resource from an underutilized plant. Kernels were extracted, blanched, dried, and milled into flour. Biscuits were formulated by substituting refined wheat flour with 0% (control), 10%, 20%, and 30% NFK. The physical, nutritional, sensory, and shelf-life properties of the biscuits were comprehensively analyzed using standard methods. NFK incorporation significantly improved the biscuit's nutritional profile. The 30% NFK biscuit exhibited a 38% reduction in fat, a seven-fold increase in crude fibre (from 0.19% to 1.35%), and a substantial boost in essential minerals, with iron content more than doubling to 53.3 mg/kg. Incorporating NFK significantly altered the biscuits’ color profile, reducing lightness (L : 65.30 to 55.40) and yellowness (b : 25.80 to ~22.50–23.10) while increasing redness (a*: 4.50 to ~5.85–6.10), resulting in a desirable, darker red-brown hue. Crucially, all NFK-enriched biscuits received high sensory acceptability scores (≥7.85 on a 9-point scale), with no significant difference in overall liking compared to the control. Microbiological analysis confirmed product safety and a shelf life of over 12 months. The incorporation of Nypa fruticans kernel (NFK) flour at 15% substitution significantly enhanced the biscuits’ functional profile, increasing total phenolic content by 212% (to 265.8 mg GAE/100g) and flavonoid content by 174% (to 89.1 mg QE/100g). This directly boosted antioxidant capacity, with DPPH IC₅₀ decreasing 3.3-fold (to 3.8 mg/mL) and FRAP value increasing 4.6-fold (to 8.2 mmol Fe 2 ⁺ /100g), transforming the biscuit into a potent bioactive food carrier. NFK is a promising gluten-free biscuit ingredient. Future research should confirm large-scale production, in-vivo bioavailability, and precise compound characterization, supporting sustainable mangrove use and healthy food choices.

BACKGROUND:Iodine deficiency is a major cause of brain damage in childhood which can be prevented. Dietary deficiency of iodine is mainly responsible for iodine deficiency. This study was done to determine the prevalence of goiter among school-aged group of 6–12 years in district Ganderbal.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a cross-sectional study done among children of 6–12 years in district Ganderbal.RESULTS:Out of 2700 children examined, Grade 1 goiter was found in 90 (3.3%) children and Grade 2 goiter was found in 6 (0.3%) with a total goiter rate (sum of grade first and grade second) of 3.6%. On analyzing the urine samples, about 19.1% of the children had mild to moderate iodine deficiency.CONCLUSION:The study showed mild goiter prevalence in school-aged children of 6–12 years in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley. Continuous periodic surveys to assess the magnitude of the iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) should be undertaken to ensure that we achieve sustainable elimination of IDD in India.

The present study was designed to report the prevalence of spotted fever group Rickettsia and Anaplasma in ticks from Pakistan. To address this knowledge gap, ticks were collected from October 2019 to November 2020 from livestock hosts. Three hundred ninety ticks from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad were investigated for the presence of Rickettsia and Anaplasma . The collected ticks were subjected to molecular studies for detection and characterization of spotted fever group Rickettsia and Anaplasma in ticks from Pakistan. PCR amplification of the ompA gene was used for detection of Rickettsia and portions of the 16S rDNA gene for detection of Anaplasma. Nine species of ticks were tested. Of the 390 ticks tested, 7 (2.58%) ticks were positive for Rickettsia. Rickettsia spp. were detected in Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma scupense, Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Unknown Rickettsia was detected in Hy. scupense . Fifty-seven (14.6%) ticks were also positive for Anaplasma spp. Anaplasma ovis was detected in Hy. anatolicum, Hy. scupense, Hy. excavatum, Rhipicephalus decoloratus, R. microplus and R. sanguineus. Anaplasma marginale was detected in Hy. anatolicum, Hy. scupense, R. microplus, R. decoloratus and R. sanguineus . The Anaplasma sequences obtained from this experiment were 99–100% similar to those of the documented strains. This study provides information and confirms the presence of spotted fever group Rickettsia and Anaplasma spp. in different tick species. It also highlights the need for control programs to prevent health risks. Further investigation to determine the prevalence and disease burden of these pathogens in Pakistan is necessary.

The gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium Morganella morganii is linked to a number of illnesses, including nosocomial infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). A clinical isolate from a UTI patient in Bangladesh was subjected to high-throughput whole genome sequencing and extensive bioinformatics analysis in order to gather knowledge about the genomic basis of bacterial defenses and pathogenicity in M . morganii . With an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of more than 97% similarity to a reference genome and phylogenetic analysis verified the isolate as M . morganii . Genome annotation identified 3,718 protein-coding sequences, including genes for metabolism, protein processing, stress response, energy, and membrane transport. The presence of biosynthetic gene clusters points to the isolate’s ability to create bioactive compounds, including antibiotics. Genomic islands contained genes for metal transporters, stress proteins, toxin proteins, and genes related to horizontal gene transfer. The beta-lactam resistance gene blaDHA was found using antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene analysis across three databases. The virulence genes kdsA and cheY, which may be involved in chemotaxis and lipopolysaccharide production, were also available in the isolate, suggesting its high pathogenicity. The genome contained mobile genetic components and defense mechanisms, such as restriction modification and CRISPR-Cas systems, indicating the bacterium’s ability to defend itself against viral attacks. This thorough investigation sheds important light on M . morganii ’s pathogenicity and adaptive tactics by revealing its genetic characteristics, AMR, virulence components, and defense mechanisms. For the development of targeted treatments and preventing the onset of resistance in clinical care, it is essential to comprehend these genetic fingerprints.

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of humble leadership on project success. The mediating effects of psychological empowerment and innovative work behavior on the relationship between humble leadership and project success are tested.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 337 individuals employed in the civil construction sector of Pakistan.FindingsThe results showed that humble leadership is positively related to project success. Furthermore, psychological empowerment and innovative work behavior partially mediate the relationship between humble leadership and project success.Originality/valueDrawing on conservation of resource theory, this study found that how humble leadership is important for project success and thus extends the utility of the concept of humble leadership to the project literature.

Several researchers have studied the relationship between poverty and environmental degradation, as these concerns are remained at top priority in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the symmetric and asymmetric impact of poverty and income inequality along with population and economic growth on carbon emissions (CO 2 e) has not been studied in the case of Pakistan. For this purpose, the short and long-run impact of poverty, income inequality, population, and GDP per capita on CO 2 e investigated by applying the Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) along with Non-linear Autoregressive Distributive Lag (NARDL) co-integration approach in the context of Pakistan for period 1971–2015. The symmetric results of the current study show poverty and population density along with GDP per capita increase carbon emissions in both the short and long-run, while income inequality has no impact on carbon emissions in the short-run. While in the long-run the symmetric results show that income inequality weakens environmental degradation in terms of carbon emissions. The analysis of NARDL also supports the results obtained from ARDL and suggests a positive effect of poverty, population, and economic growth on carbon emission in Pakistan. The empirical findings of the current study provide policy implications in light of the United Nation's SDGs for the development of Pakistan.

India began COVID-19 vaccination in January 2021, initially targeting healthcare and frontline workers. The vaccination strategy was expanded in a phased manner and currently covers all individuals aged 18 years and above. India experienced a severe second wave of COVID-19 during March-June 2021. We conducted a fourth nationwide serosurvey to estimate prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the general population aged ≥6 years and healthcare workers (HCWs). We did a cross-sectional study between 14 June and 6 July 2021 in the same 70 districts across 20 states and 1 union territory where 3 previous rounds of serosurveys were conducted. From each district, 10 clusters (villages in rural areas and wards in urban areas) were selected by the probability proportional to population size method. From each district, a minimum of 400 individuals aged ≥6 years from the general population (40 individuals from each cluster) and 100 HCWs from the district public health facilities were included. The serum samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against S1-RBD and nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 using chemiluminescence immunoassay. We estimated the weighted and test-adjusted seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, along with 95% CIs, based on the presence of antibodies to S1-RBD and/or nucleocapsid protein. Of the 28,975 individuals who participated in the survey, 2,892 (10%) were aged 6-9 years, 5,798 (20%) were aged 10-17 years, and 20,285 (70%) were aged ≥18 years; 15,160 (52.3%) participants were female, and 21,794 (75.2%) resided in rural areas. The weighted and test-adjusted prevalence of IgG antibodies against S1-RBD and/or nucleocapsid protein among the general population aged ≥6 years was 67.6% (95% CI 66.4% to 68.7%). Seroprevalence increased with age (p < 0.001) and was not different in rural and urban areas (p = 0.822). Compared to unvaccinated adults (62.3%, 95% CI 60.9% to 63.7%), seroprevalence was significantly higher among individuals who had received 1 vaccine dose (81.0%, 95% CI 79.6% to 82.3%, p < 0.001) and 2 vaccine doses (89.8%, 95% CI 88.4% to 91.1%, p < 0.001). The seroprevalence of IgG antibodies among 7,252 HCWs was 85.2% (95% CI 83.5% to 86.7%). Important limitations of the study include the survey design, which was aimed to estimate seroprevalence at the national level and not at a sub-national level, and the non-participation of 19% of eligible individuals in the survey. Nearly two-thirds of individuals aged ≥6 years from the general population and 85% of HCWs had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by June-July 2021 in India. As one-third of the population is still seronegative, it is necessary to accelerate the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination among adults and continue adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions.

The raising concern of drug resistance, having substantial impacts on public health, has instigated the search of new natural compounds with substantial medicinal activity. In order to find out a natural solution, the current study has utilized prodigiosin, a linear tripyrrole red pigment, as an active ingredient to control bacterial proliferation and prevent cellular oxidation caused by ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). A prodigiosin-producing bacterium BRL41 was isolated from the ancient Barhind soil of BCSIR Rajshahi Laboratories, Bangladesh, and its morphological and biochemical characteristics were investigated. Whole genome sequencing data of the isolate revealed its identity as Serratia sp. and conferred the presence of prodigiosin gene cluster in the bacterial genome. “Prodigiosin NRPS”, among the 10 analyzed gene clusters, showed 100% similarity with query sequences where pigC, pigH, pigI, and pigJ were identified as fundamental genes for prodigiosin biosynthesis. Some other prominent clusters for synthesis of ririwpeptides, yersinopine, trichrysobactin were also found in the chromosome of BRL41, whilst the rest displayed less similarity with query sequences. Except some first-generation beta-lactam resistance genes, no virulence and resistance genes were found in the genome of BRL41. Structural illumination of the extracted red pigment by spectrophotometric scanning, Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and change of color at different pH solutions verified the identity of the isolated compound as prodigiosin. Serratia sp. BRL41 attained its maximum productivity 564.74 units/cell at temperature 30˚C and pH 7.5 in two-fold diluted nutrient broth medium. The compound exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) and MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration) values ranged from 3.9 to15.62 μg/mL and 7.81 to 31.25 μg/mL respectively. At concentration 500 μg/mL, except in Salmonella enterica ATCC-10708, prodigiosin significantly diminished biofilm formed by Listeria monocytogens ATCC-3193, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-9027, Escherichia coli ( environmental isolate ) , Staphylococcus aureus ( environmental isolate). Cellular glutathione level (GSH) was elevated upon application of 250 and 500 μg/mL pigment where 125 μg/mL failed to show any free radical scavenging activity. Additionally, release of cellular components in growth media of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were facilitated by the extract that might be associated with cell membrane destabilization. Therefore, the overall findings of antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antioxidant activities suggest that in time to come prodigiosin might be a potential natural source to treat various diseases and infections.

Juniperus procera is a natural source of bioactive compounds with the potential of antitumor, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. An optimization method was developed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC) in leaf and seed extract of Juniperus procera. Organic solvents (methanol (99.8%), ethanol (99%), and acetone (99.5%)), and deionized water (DI) were used for extraction. The estimation of TPC, TFC, and TTC in plant materials was carried out using UV-spectrophotometer and HPLC with the standards gallic acid, quercetin, and tannic acid. Recovery of TPC in leaf extract ranged from 2.9 to 9.7 mg GAE/g DW, TFC from 0.9 to 5.9 mg QE/g DW, and TTC ranged from 1.5 to 4.3 mg TA/g DW while the TPC value in the seed extract ranged from 0.53 to 2.6 mg GAE/g DW, TFC from 0.5 to 1.6 mg QE/g DW, and TTC ranged from 0.5 to 1.4 mg TA/g DW. This result revealed that methanol is the best solvent for recovery of the TPC value (9.7 mg) from leaf extract in comparison to other solvents. Ethanol recorded the highest result of TFC (5.9 mg) in leaf extract among the solvents whereas acetone was the best for TTC yield recovery from leaf extract (4.3 mg). In the case of the seed extract, ethanol was the best solvent for both TPC (2.6 mg), and TFC (1.6 mg) recovery in comparison to other solvents. Total tannin content in methanol resulted in significant recovery from seed extract (1.4 mg). Separation and quantification of gallic acid, quercetin, and tannic acid in plant materials were undertaken using HPLC. Gallic acid in leaf and seed of J. procera ranged from 6.6 to 9.2, 6.5 to 7.2 µg/g DW, quercetin from 6.3 to 18.2, 0.9 to 4.2 µg/g DW, and tannic acid from 16.2 to 29.3, 6.6 to 9.3 µg/g DW, respectively. Solvents have shown a significant effect in the extraction of phenolic compounds. Moreover, phytochemicals in plant materials were identified using GC-MS and resulted in very important bioactive compounds, which include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor agents such as ferruginol, phenanthrene, and n-hexadecanoic acid. In conclusion, the optimal solvent for extraction depends on the part of the plant material and the compounds that are to be isolated.

We previously reported that SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces human nasopharyngeal commensal microbiomes (bacteria, archaea and commensal respiratory viruses) with inclusion of pathobionts. This study aimed to assess the possible changes in the abundance and diversity of resident mycobiome in the nasopharyngeal tract (NT) of humans due to SARS-CoV-2 infections. Twenty-two (n = 22) nasopharyngeal swab samples (including COVID-19 = 8, Recovered = 7, and Healthy = 7) were collected for RNA-sequencing followed by taxonomic profiling of mycobiome. Our analyses indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increased (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon test) the population and diversity of fungi in the NT with inclusion of a high proportion of opportunistic pathogens. We detected 863 fungal species including 533, 445, and 188 species in COVID-19, Recovered, and Healthy individuals, respectively that indicate a distinct mycobiome dysbiosis due to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Remarkably, 37% of the fungal species were exclusively associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, where S . cerevisiae (88.62%) and Phaffia rhodozyma (10.30%) were two top abundant species. Likewise, Recovered humans NT samples were predominated by Aspergillus penicillioides (36.64%), A . keveii (23.36%), A . oryzae (10.05%) and A . pseudoglaucus (4.42%). Conversely, Nannochloropsis oceanica (47.93%), Saccharomyces pastorianus (34.42%), and S . cerevisiae (2.80%) were the top abundant fungal species in Healthy controls nasal swabs. Importantly, 16% commensal fungal species found in the Healthy controls were not detected in either COVID-19 patients or when they were cured from COVID-19 (Recovered). We also detected several altered metabolic pathways correlated with the dysbiosis of fungal mycobiota in COVID-19 patients. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes significant dysbiosis of mycobiome and related metabolic functions possibly play a determining role in the progression of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. These findings might be helpful for developing mycobiome-based diagnostics, and also devising appropriate therapeutic regimens including antifungal drugs for prevention and control of concurrent fungal coinfections in COVID-19 patients.