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Nutrition plays a critical and crucial role in addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and their complications, as they often contribute to malnutrition, which can worsen the impact of these conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the nutritional status of mycetoma patients, which has not been explored previously. This descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted at the Mycetoma Research Center (MRC), University of Khartoum, Sudan. The study included 179 confirmed mycetoma patients and an equal number of age- and sex-matched normal controls. The nutritional status of the mycetoma patients was assessed and compared with that of the control group. The majority of the patients were young adults with varying educational levels, predominantly from Central Sudan. The foot was the most commonly affected part; most patients had lesions more than 10 cm in diameter. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for both study groups, revealing that 43.5% of the patients and 53.6% of controls had a normal BMI. Furthermore, 36% of patients were underweight, contrasting with only 11% in the control group. Correlation analyses indicated no significant associations between BMI and age groups, educational levels, daily meals, food quantity, and appetite in the study population ( p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant differences were observed in BMI concerning disease duration and affected sites ( p = 0.0577). The Kruskal-Wallis test did not reveal significant differences in BMI means among the groups. The study revealed that most participants consumed three meals daily, and the control group showed a more robust appetite and consumed more food than the patient group ( p = 0.005). Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in the consumption of different food types between the patient and control groups and among different BMI categories ( p = 0.025 and 0.040, respectively).

Background/objectives: The outcome of refractory/relapsed systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (R/R-sALCL), especially for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 (ALK-1)-negative disease, remains dismal even after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). The intensification of both salvage and conditioning regimens, without increasing the toxicity, could improve the outcome of AHSCT in R/R-sALCL. Methods: Based on the successful experience of the incorporation of antiD20 monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of B-Cell Lymphomas, we designed a salvage and conditioning regimen incorporating the antiCD30-conjugated antibody (Brentuximab Vedotin, BV) to standard chemotherapy regimens, and we describe herein the clinical course of a patient with AKL-ve, R/R-sALCL, who received salvage regimen BV + DHAP, followed by AHSCT with preparative regimen consisted of BV plus standard BEAM. Results: The novel regimen was well tolerated, and no severe adverse effects were noticed. The engraftment was prompt and successful. The patient remained in complete metabolic remission for almost 12 months post-transplant. Conclusions: The proposed treatment approach, which combines antiCD30-conjugated antibody with standard salvage and conditioning regimens, demonstrated a completely acceptable toxicity with promising efficacy.

Introduction: Wastewaters carrying thousands of human specimens from the community and representing the diversity of antibiotic- resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) directly from the community mirror the extent of AR spread in the community and environment. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and distribution of antibiotic-resistant ESKAPEE bacteria in the community versus clinical settings through monitoring nonclinical and clinical wastewaters. Methodology: Seven wastewater samples were collected from different environmental sources. Isolates were obtained on general and selective media, biochemically characterized and antimicrobial-susceptibility tests performed by disk diffusion against 13 antibiotics according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines using MastDisc disk cartridges, and 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis was performed for two water samples. Results: Of 43 isolates, all representatives of the ESKAPEE group were recovered from clinical wastewaters, but Gram-positive cocci were not obtained from nonclinical wastewaters. The most predominant isolate was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=15; 33%), followed by Escherichia coli (n=9; 20%). Complete (100%) resistance to eleven of the tested antibiotics was observed, with only a few isolates being susceptible to clarithromycin, amikacin, and gentamicin. The lowest (79%) resistance rate was observed for linezolid. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index was calculated, and the resistance phenotype was independent of the wastewater source, indicated by [x.sup.2] (P=0.766). Metagenomic analysis replicated the results, as Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Escherichia spp. were found to be predominant. The integrase gene (IntI1) was also amplified in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion: Wastewaters are significant carriers of drug-resistant ESKAPEE bacteria and play an important role in their dissemination. This study endorses the periodic surveillance of water systems to evaluate the presence and burden of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Keywords: resistance profiling, ESKAPEE, wastewater, metagenome, IntI1

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are the residents of rhizosphere that are known to influence plant growth and survival through the production of various regulatory chemicals under a variety of circumstances. This growth promotion is accomplished by both direct and indirect means. Direct effects of PGPR encompass two major activities, that is, Bio-fertilization (Enhancement of nutrient uptake including nitrogen and phosphorous primarily) and phytostimulation (Production of plant growth promoting hormones). Indirect effects of PGPR are majorly contained within their ability as biocontrol agents that antagonize the growth and survival of phytopathogens either by the production of antagonizing chemicals (Local antagonism) or by the induction of systemic resistance throughout the plant against pathogens. The understanding of such diverse growth promoting abilities of PGPR has led to their application as potent biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture. However, further analyses of the agro-ecosystem with complex biotic and abiotic mechanisms should not be overlooked for their extensive commercial applications and future prospects.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains as one of the deadliest diseases after HIV globally with 95 % of deaths confined to low-and-middle income countries. Pakistan is fifth among the 22 high-burden TB countries with the incidence rate of 230/100,000 persons, however, studies related to prevalent Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and their spread, drug resistance pattern and evolutionary genetics are inadequate. The present study was undertaken to highlight the circulation of M. tuberculosis strains causing drug resistant TB in our community by targeting the molecular marker IS6110 and then characterization of these strains as Beijing and Non-Beijing genotypes. Sputum samples from 102 MDR TB suspects from different cities of Punjab were collected and their record was stored in a database. Sputum samples were evaluated by Ziehl Neelson staining and cultured on Lownstein Jensen medium by Modified Petroff’s method. DST was performed for first-line anti-mycobacterial drugs by indirect proportion method. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were investigated for the presence of IS6110 and further identification as Beijing, Non-Beijing or mixed genotype. Percentage of male and female patients was found to be 58.8 and 41.2 % respectively. DST showed resistance of 93 % of isolates to isoniazid and rifampicin. All of the isolates showed positive results for IS6110 amplification. Based on PCR amplification of Beijing and non-Beijing primer sets 4.9 % of the patients showed infection with pure Beijing isolates, 14.7 % with both Beijing and non-Beijing isolates and 80.3 % with pure non-Beijing isolates. Analysis of IS6110 and Beijing sequences showed the presence of putative transposase conserved domain while non-Beijing sequences were epitomized with RAMP_I_III superfamily domain (CRISPR-associated protein family). TB in Pakistan is predominantly caused by Non-Beijing genotypes, but Beijing strains showed incessant circulation in our community as both single and mixed (co-infecting Non-Beijing and Beijing) strains.

PurposeTechnology acceptance, especially internet banking adoption, has become a vital issue in the business world today. The potential of this technology is enormous. The purpose of this study is to ascertain determinants of internet banking adoption using unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and electronic service (e-service) quality, which accounts for changes in user’s intention to adopt internet banking.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data from customers of commercial banks using structured questionnaires. The data were collected in four weeks in the beginning of September 2017. A two-stage approach of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for data analysis.FindingsThe results reveal that integrated UTAUT model had significant influence on user intention to adopt internet banking. Findings of the SEM indicated that approximately 80 per cent of the variance in user intention to adopt internet banking was accounted by predictors. The study schematized that assurance is the most influential factor among all other technology and service quality factors. Additionally, performance expectancy and effort expectancy were found to be positive and significant mediator variables among website design, customer service and customer’s intention to adopt internet banking.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that both website designers and managers should focus on technology and service quality factors to boost the confidence of internet banking users. Importance performance matrix analysis suggested that managers should provide assurance to internet banking users, so that they could maintain a long-term relationship with internet banking services. The study calls researchers to test the integrated UTAUT model in other electronic commerce (e-commerce) domains such as online booking or online shopping websites.Originality/valueTo the best of author’s knowledge, this study is the first that extend the UTAUT model with four e-service quality dimensions, namely, website design, customer service, assurance and reliability to investigate user’s intention to adopt internet banking in developing country context of Pakistan. More importantly, the mediating role of performance expectancy and effort expectancy is examined first time within integrated UTAUT model. Furthermore, the integration of UTAUT model contributes to the advancement of internet banking acceptance and offers useful insights to researchers and policy-makers on how to enhance internet banking acceptance among customers of commercial banks.

Background Urinary bladder cancer, is the 10th most common global cancer, diagnosed in over 600,000 people causing 200,000 deaths annually. Artemisinin and its derivatives are safe compounds that have recently been proven to possess potent anti-tumor effects in vivo, through inhibition of cancer cell growth. The aim of this study is to assess the efficiency of artemisinin as a cancer treatment alone and as a pre-treatment fore cisplatin therapy for high grade urothelial carcinoma. Methods Sixty male albino mice were divided into six groups, and BBN was used to induce urinary bladder cancer. Blood samples were tested for renal functions and complete blood counts, kidney and urinary bladder tissues were harvested for histopathological examination. Total RNAs from urinary bladder tissues was collected, and gene expression of FGFR3, HRAS, P53, and KDM6A was quantified using qRT-PCR. Results Compared to the induced cancer group, the results revealed that FGFR3 expression levels were down-regulated in the induced cancer group treated by artemisinin only and the induced cancer group pre-treated with artemisinin prior to cisplatin by ~ 0.86-fold and 0.4-folds, respectively, aligning with HRAS down-regulation by ~ 9.54-fold and 9.05-fold, respectively. Whereas, P53 expression levels were up-regulated by ~ 0.68-fold and 0.84-fold, respectively, in parallel with KDM6A expression, which is up-regulated by ~ 0.95-folds and 5.27-folds, respectively. Also, serum creatinine and urea levels decreased significantly in the induced cancer group treated by artemisinin alone and the induced cancer group pre-treated with artemisinin prior to cisplatin, whereas the induced cancer group treated by cisplatin their levels increased significantly. Moreover, Hb, PLT, RBC, and WBC counts improved in both cancer groups treated by artemisinin alone and pre-treated with artemisinin prior to cisplatin. Histologically, in kidney tissues, artemisinin pre-treatment significantly reduced renal injury caused by cisplatin. While Artemisinin treatment for cancer in bladder tissues reverted invasive urothelial carcinoma to moderate urothelial dysplasia. Conclusions This study indicates that artemisinin demonstrated a significant effect in reversal of the multi-step carcinogenesis process of high grade urothelial carcinoma and could enhance the effect of cisplatin therapy using artemisinin pre-treatment.

PurposeIn this era of digital technology, the banking sector has revolutionized its operations by using web-based Internet banking services. However, the success of these financial services is dependent on Internet banking user continuance intention instead of initial adoption. The current study develops a theoretical framework based on three well-known theories, namely the expectation–confirmation theory, self-determination theory (SDT) and the commitment trust theory, to investigate Internet banking user continuance intention towards use of Internet banking services.Design/methodology/approachFollowing positivist paradigm, a research survey was conducted towards Internet banking users of commercial banks. In response, 355 valid observations were retrieved and used for data analysis. For data analysis, this study has used a latest statistical approach, namely structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsThis study has confirmed that factors underpinning the commitment trust theory, SDT and expectation–confirmation model have significant impact on Internet banking user continuance intention. The research model explained 68.4% of variance in determining Internet banking user continuance intention, which is substantial. The effect size analysis (f2) indicates that perceived usefulness is the most important factor among all other exogenous variables. The predictive relevance of the research model was found substantial Q2 50.3%. These findings confirmed that the research model has substantial power to predict Internet banking user continuance intention.Practical implicationsFrom a managerial perspective, findings of this research give deeper insight into financial advisors, bank managers and policy- makers to understand human motivation and expectation–confirmation factors in order to retain customers and gain return on Information Technology (IT) investment. Additionally, results suggest that attention should be given on user trust, which in turn boosts user intention towards continuance use of Internet banking services. Extension of the self-determination framework contributes to theory and augments e-commerce literature, especially in a post-adoption setting.Originality/valueThere are several studies that investigate Internet banking user pre-adoption behaviour. Therefore, less is discussed about the Internet banking user’s post-adoption behaviour. Findings of this study help financial advisors to comprehensively understand which factor influences Internet banking user behaviour towards continue use of Internet banking services.

Purpose Urinary bladder cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with effective early preventive strategies urgently needed to reduce incidence and progression. This study explores the prophylactic potential of artemisinin against N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN)-induced early-stage urothelial carcinoma in a mouse model. Methods A multidisciplinary approach was used to evaluate artemisinin’s molecular and physiological effects. Techniques included protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, molecular docking, gene expression profiling, histopathological evaluation, and systemic biomarker assessment. Results PPI analysis revealed FGFR3, HRAS, and TP53 as central oncogenic drivers. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities of artemisinin to these targets. Prophylactic artemisinin administration significantly downregulated FGFR3 and HRAS while upregulating TP53, indicating early correction of carcinogenic signaling. These molecular changes were associated with preserved bladder and renal histoarchitecture, normalized kidney function markers, and restored hematological profiles, reflecting systemic protection against BBN-induced toxicity. Conclusions Artemisinin effectively intercepts bladder carcinogenesis at multiple levels, modulating key genetic pathways and mitigating systemic damage. These findings provide compelling preclinical evidence supporting artemisinin as a promising prophylactic agent for bladder cancer prevention in high-risk populations.

The use of antibiotics for the control of infections has not only been banned by FDA for use in food-producing animals, but also several countries have prohibited their use in aquaculture because of several reasons such as the occurrence of antibiotic-tolerant microorganisms, accumulation of antibiotic residues in fish and shrimp flesh, and aquatic environmental effluence concerns. These issues have led researchers and aquaculture scientists to conduct several studies to find antibiotic alternatives. Numerous substitutes have been evaluated, such as probiotics, synbiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, phytogenics, essential oils, and several others. Results show that these supplements demonstrate proven efficacy in enhancing immune responses, reducing mortalities resulting from experimental infections, and reducing antibiotic usage in medicated aquafeed. Nonetheless, using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to control fish diseases and as antibiotic alternatives is a promising and interesting research topic. AMPs are a vital class of small peptides that could stimulate the innate immune system against challenging pathogens and also possess significant potent defensive responses against a variety of infectious and noninfectious pathogenic agents, including bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses. Regarding their source origin, AMPs can be classified into six main types: mammalian-, amphibian-, insect-, aquatic-, plant-, and microorganism-derived AMPs. On account of their unique structure, they can display an essential function in therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases affecting fish and shrimp. Reports showed several kinds of AMPs had a wide spectrum of antimicrobial properties. These effects are besides their prominent immunostimulatory functions. Thus, they may be considered a functional alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture. This article provides information on the current knowledge about the modes of action, sources, classification, functions, and potential applications for the development of aquatic animal health. The information included in this context will be valuable to enhance the sustainability of aquaculture.