Gauhar Rehman

IntroductionNanotechnology has emerged as a crucial area of research within materials science [1]. Nanoparticles possess distinct physicochemical characteristics that differ from those of bulk mate...

1. Achromatopsia (ACHM) is a rare autosomal recessive cone photoreceptors disorder characterized by photophobia, nystagmus, impaired color vision, and markedly reduced visual acuity (1). Patients e...

Gastroenteritis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, associated risk factors, clinical features, and bacterial causes of gastroenteritis in children from District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 pediatric patients presenting with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Clinical data were collected through structured questionnaires and physical examination. Stool samples were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically, followed by bacterial culture on selective media. Molecular identification of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and EPEC was performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting invA, ipaH, and eaeA genes, respectively. Diarrhea (100%), vomiting (72%), and fever (68%) were the most common clinical symptoms. Bacterial pathogens were isolated in 52 (Salmonella spp.), 33 (Shigella spp.), and 47 (EPEC) cases, with PCR confirmation rates of 94.2%, 93.9%, and 95.7% respectively. The highest prevalence occurred during summer (38.4%), and significant risk factors included lack of handwashing, untreated water use, poor sanitation, and low parental education. Form the statistical analysis it is confirmed that relations among these variables and infection risk (p < 0.05). The result shows a high intensity of gastroenteritis among children in Mardan District, strongly influenced by environmental and socioeconomic factors.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized by using the polyol method. The structural and morphological characteristics of Ag-NPs were studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The XRD analysis revealed the formation of single-phase polycrystalline Ag-NPs with an average crystallite size and lattice constant of ∼23 nm and 4.07 Å, respectively, while the FE-SEM shows the formation of a uniform and spherical morphology. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the formation of single-phase Ag-NPs, and no extra elements were detected. A strong absorption peak at ∼427 nm was observed in the UV–vis spectrum, which reflects the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) behavior characteristic of Ag-NPs with a spherical morphology. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra also supported the XRD and EDX results with regard to the purity of the prepared Ag-NPs. Anti-inflammatory activity was tested using HRBCs membrane stabilization and heat-induced hemolysis assays. The antibacterial activity of Ag-NPs was evaluated against four different types of pathogenic bacteria by using the disc diffusion method (DDM). The Gram-negative bacterial strains used in this study are Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella, Shigella, and Salmonella. The analysis suggested that the antibacterial activities of Ag-NPs have an influential role in inhibiting the growth of the tested Gram-negative bacteria, and thus Ag-NPs can find a potential application in the pharmaceutical industry.

Mining is vital for human sustenance and a crucial sector in the state economy. However, its impacts on the environment and biodiversity cannot be underestimated. Which are potent to the attract government’s attention. Environment and wildlife are subject to the harmful impacts of mining and its related activities. In this study, districts, namely Mardan and Mohmand have been targeted with respect to mining impacts. The assessment was carried out on wildlife adversely affected by the mining sector. The fauna has been keenly observed to bring the calculated risks and threat perception of the regional wildlife. Total 9 species of mammals, 21 species of birds, were recorded in District Mardan. While in District Mohmand 2 species of mammals, 9 species of birds, and 4 species of reptiles were studied. The Study explored that mining primarily responsible for land degradation. Which lead to food and agriculture losses. Several other factors like blasting, pollution, hunting, deforestation, habitat loss was also observed. Deforestation surfaced one of the major causes for extinction of fauna in the said region. preemptive measures are needed to seize the man-made catastrophe.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable, life-threatening syndrome that is present all over the world. The use of eco-friendly, cost-effective, and green-synthesised nanoparticles as a medicinal therapy in the treatment of DM is an attractive option. Objective: In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AI-AgNPs) were biosynthesized through the green synthesis method using Azadirachta indica seed extract to evaluate their anti-diabetic potentials. Methods: These nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DLS, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The biosynthesized AI-AgNPs and crude extracts of Azadirachta indica seeds were evaluated for anti-diabetic potentials using glucose adsorption assays, glucose uptake by yeast cells assays, and alpha-amylase inhibitory assays. Results: Al-AgNPs showed the highest activity (75 ± 1.528%), while crude extract showed (63 ± 2.5%) glucose uptake by yeast at 80 µg/mL. In the glucose adsorption assay, the highest activity of Al-AgNPs was 10.65 ± 1.58%, while crude extract showed 8.32 ± 0.258% at 30 mM, whereas in the alpha-amylase assay, Al-AgNPs exhibited the maximum activity of 73.85 ± 1.114% and crude extract 65.85 ± 2.101% at 100 µg/mL. The assay results of AI-AgNPs and crude showed substantial dose-dependent activities. Further, anti-diabetic potentials were also investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Mice were administered with AI-AgNPs (10 to 40 mg/kg b.w) for 30 days. Conclusions: The results showed a considerable drop in blood sugar levels, including pancreatic and liver cell regeneration, demonstrating that AI-AgNPs have strong anti-diabetic potential.