Hepatitis A-Induced Fulminant Hepatic Failure Linked to Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Child Amidst Diagnostic Challenges of Dengue and Malaria.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) typically causes a self-limiting illness in children. Rarely, it can progress to fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), and even less commonly, may be followed by features suggestive of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The diagnostic overlap can be particularly challenging in tropical regions, where endemic infections such as dengue and malaria may present with similar clinical features.

Enhancing the Activity and Stability of Pt Nanoparticles Supported on Multiscale Porous Antimony Tin Oxide for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Pt nanoparticles dispersed on carbon supports (Pt/C) are the benchmark oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, their widespread application is hindered by severe stability degradation under high potentials and acidic environments, primarily due to carbon support corrosion. To address this challenge, a multiscale template-assisted method is proposed, combined with ethylene glycol reduction, to fabricate Pt nanoparticles supported onto multiscale porous conductive antimony tin oxides (Pt/PT-SSO).

Trends and prevalence of severe hypertriglyceridemia in Pakistan: A 5-year analysis (2019-2023).

Background: Severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and acute pancreatitis. Previously, there were no studies or data available from Pakistan regarding this condition. This study aimed to analyze the trends and prevalence of severe HTG in Pakistan over a 5-year period from 2 healthcare centers.

Dyslipidaemia among children and adolescents in Pakistan: a five-year retrospective cohort study based on laboratory data.

Background: Dyslipidaemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which can manifest early in life. Despite its importance, the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in the paediatric population of Pakistan remains poorly understood. This study uses laboratory data to determine the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and lipid testing practices among Pakistani children and adolescents.

Antioxidants and Antidiabetic Potential of Polyphenolic Fractions and Crude Extracts of Rhus typhina Fruit, Punica granatum L. Peel, and Terminalia catappa L. Leaves: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

Rhus typhina (sumac) fruit, Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel, and Terminalia catappa (Indian almond) leaves' extracts and their anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin fractions were assessed in vitro for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing power (FRAP), human salivary amylase (HAS), and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory potentials, as well as for their in vivo antidiabetic effects on high-sugar high-fat diet (HSHFD) + streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats (8-weeks study), by assessing fasting blood sugar, 1 h- and 2 h-oral glucose tolerance tests, serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) analyses, serum creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen. Phytochemical analysis revealed that sumac extract had the highest total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and total anthocyanin content followed by pomegranate peel and almond leaves. All extracts and fractions showed antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP) and enzyme (HAS and DPP-IV) inhibition activities and also suppressed STZ effects in diabetic mice by increasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and insulin, as well as by decreasing HOMA2-IR, urea, and creatinine, with sumac extract showing benefits even when administered prior to STZ.

Potential of roughening geometric elements as bridge pier local scour countermeasures.

The safety of bridges can be endangered by sediment erosion occurring around bridge piers. To mitigate this issue, this study examined the use of different roughening geometric elements (RGEs) on the upstream surface of bridge piers. Keeping the clear-water conditions, laboratory experiments were conducted using five RGEs and their one-to-one ten combinations, along with two square pier dimensions, and three separate flow water depths.

Association of phenotypic traits and fertility in Holstein heifers: Body condition score, body weight, antral follicle count, anti-Müllerian hormone, and anogenital distance.

The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to assess whether nulliparous Holstein heifer fertility is associated with (1) energy reserve-related traits, such as BCS and BW; (2) ovarian reserve-related traits, such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC); and (3) development-related traits, such as anogenital distance (AGD) and vulval length (VUL). From August 2022 through July 2023, we used a prospective approach in which the phenotypic traits (BCS, AMH, AFC, AGD, BW, and VUL) of 698 Holstein heifers were measured once at approximately 12 mo of age (at the beginning of the breeding program). All heifers were submitted to the herd reproductive management from 367 ± 3 d of age and 297 kg of BW until 570 d of age, or 5 breedings.

Contemporary Review of Myocardial Bridging for Internists.

Myocardial bridging is a congenital coronary condition in which an epicardial coronary artery courses within the myocardial muscle instead of running on its surface. Its prevalence varies depending upon the diagnostic modality used for its testing. It is reported to be 40%-80% in autopsy studies, 58% on coronary artery computed tomography, and 0.

Cascade screening of a Pakistani consanguineous familial hypercholesterolemia cohort: Identification of seven new homozygous patients.

Background And Aims: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from birth, significantly increasing the risk of premature cardiac events and mortality. In Pakistan, despite the potential burden of FH, comprehensive studies evaluating its genetic characteristics, cascade screening significance, and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels remain scarce. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective diagnosis, risk assessment, and management of FH in the Pakistani population.

Self-Supervised Image Segmentation Using Meta-Learning and Multi-Backbone Feature Fusion.

Few-shot segmentation (FSS) aims to reduce the need for manual annotation, which is both expensive and time-consuming. While FSS enhances model generalization to new concepts with only limited test samples, it still relies on a substantial amount of labeled training data for base classes. To address these issues, we propose a multi-backbone few shot segmentation (MBFSS) method.

Feeding and Growth Response of Fall Armyworm towards Different Host Plants.

The fall armyworm, , is a major migratory polyphagous insect pest of various crops. The essential nutrient and mineral profile of the host plants determines the feeding fitness of herbivorous insects. As a result, the growth and development of insects is affected.

Follicular, luteal dynamics and effect of synchronization methods on reproductive responses in Cholistani cows.

The Cholistani cow is considered one of the milch breeds of Zebu cattle. Despite being heat and tick-resistant, it has not yet gained much popularity among Pakistan dairy farmers due to its long calving interval. This study aimed to understand the basic reproductive physiology of Cholistani cows using sonography and reproductive biotechnologies such as estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination to improve reproductive efficiency.

Influence of Confining Element Stiffness on the In-Plane Seismic Performance of Confined Masonry Walls.

Confined masonry (CM) construction is being increasingly adopted for its cost-effectiveness and simplicity, particularly in seismic zones. Despite its known benefits, limited research exists on how the stiffness of confining elements influences the in-plane behavior of CM. This study conducted a comprehensive parametric analysis using experimentally validated numerical models of single-wythe, squat CM wall panels under quasi-static reverse cyclic loading.

Rotavirus genotype dynamics in Pakistan: G9 and G12 emerging as dominant strains in vaccinated children (2019).

Rotavirus A (RVA) is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children worldwide, and vaccination has become a pivotal strategy to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality. This study presents a molecular characterization of RVA genotypes circulating among vaccinated children in Pakistan during the year 2019. A total of 510 stool samples were collected from children of up to five years of age presenting with acute gastroenteritis symptoms in Rawalpindi, Islamabad regions of Pakistan.

Risk assessment of driver performance in the oil and gas transportation industry: Analyzing the relationship between driver vigilance, attention, reaction time, and safe driving practices.

The increasing use of road traffic for land transportation has resulted in numerous road accidents and casualties, including those involving oil and gas tanker vehicles. Despite this, little empirical research has been conducted on the factors influencing tanker drivers' performance. This study aims to address this knowledge gap, particularly in the energy transportation industry, by examining the driving performance factors that affect tanker drivers and incorporating risk assessment measures.

Prevalence of Misconceptions and Myths Regarding Oral Health Among Medical and Dental Students in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Background The aim of study is to assess the prevalence of dental myths and misconceptions among the students of medicine and dentistry in Peshawar, Pakistan, and to gauge the quality of dental education, knowledge, and awareness. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on the current students of medicine and dentistry at Rehman Medical College, Rehman College of Dentistry, Gandhara University, Khyber Medical College, and Khyber College of Dentistry. They were questioned regarding their beliefs in dental misconceptions and myths prevalent in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Tungsten oxide encapsulated phosphate-rich porous alginate composites for efficient U(VI) capture: Insights into synthesis, adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics.

In this work, novel monoclinic tungsten oxide (WO)-encapsulated phosphate-rich porous sodium alginate (PASA) microspherical hydrogel beads were prepared for efficient U(VI) capture. These macroporous and hollow beads were systematically characterized through XRD, FTIR, EDX-mapping, and SEM-EDS techniques. The O and P atoms in the PO and monoclinic WO offered inner-spherical complexation with U(VI).

Genome sequencing of Pakistani families with male infertility identifies deleterious genotypes in SPAG6, CCDC9, TKTL1, TUBA3C, and M1AP.

Background: There are likely to be hundreds of monogenic forms of human male infertility. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is the most efficient way to make progress in mapping the causative genetic variants, and ultimately improve clinical management of the disease in each patient. Recruitment of consanguineous families is an effective approach to ascertain the genetic forms of many diseases.

Deep-dewatering of sewage sludge using double dielectric barrier discharge (DDBD) plasma technology.

Deep dewatering of sewage sludge is essential for optimizing disposal and resource recovery. This study explores the potential of Double Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DDBD) plasma for enhancing waste activated sludge (WAS) dewatering. Key operational parameters (applied voltage, treatment duration, and air feeding rate) were systematically investigated using a two-step approach: Single Factor-at-a-Time (SFAT) and central composite design (CCD) within the response surface methodology (RSM) framework.

Cobalt Ferrite Surface-Modified Carbon Nanotube Fibers as an Efficient and Flexible Electrode for Overall Electrochemical Water Splitting Reactions.

One of the most practical and environmentally friendly ways to deal with the energy crises and global warming is to produce hydrogen as clean fuel by splitting water. The central obstacle for electrochemical water splitting is the use of expensive metal-based catalysts. For electrocatalytic hydrogen production, it is essential to fabricate an efficient catalyst for the counterpart oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is a four-electron-transfer sluggish process.

Microbial diversity and potential health risks of household municipal solid waste in China: A case study in winter during outbreak of COVID-19.

Microbial (bacteria and fungi) community structures and their distributions in urban household municipal solid waste (HMSW) were characterized in a sampling campaign in 38 cities of China covering 5 climatic zones. All samples were collected from garbage containers in residential communities during the Winter of 2022, from January 11 to 26. A total of 247 bacterial genera belonging to 22 phyla were identified among the samples.

Progress in Manipulating Dynamic Surface Reconstruction via Anion Modulation for Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation.

The development of efficient and economical electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of paramount importance for the sustainable production of renewable fuels and energy storage systems; however, the sluggish OER kinetics involving multistep four proton-coupled electron transfer hampers progress in these systems. Fortunately, surface reconstruction offers promising potential to improve OER catalyst design. Anion modulation plays a crucial role in controlling the extent of surface reconstruction and positively persuading the reconstructed species' performances.