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This study was conducted during the 2024 growing season at the Palm Research Station in Al-Zafaraniya, Baghdad, Iraq. A total of 54 uniform date palm trees (Khastawi and Khadhrawi cultivars), approximately 15 years old and planted at 10-m spacing, were selected for experimental treatments. The objective was to evaluate the effects of three concentrations of nano NPK fertilizer (0, 2, and 4 g·L^-1), applied in six foliar doses, and three concentrations of potassium silicate (0, 2, and 4 mL·L^-1), applied in four foliar doses, as well as their interaction, on date yield, and fruit quality. The results revealed significant improvements in all measured traits. Total date yield per tree increased from 29.81 kg in the control to 68.95 kg with the N3S3 treatment. Average bunch weight rose from 7.45 kg to 17.23 kg, and fruit set percentage increased from 66.15% to 79.90%. The Khastawi cultivar produced higher bunch weight and total date yield, whereas Khadhrawi excelled in individual date size and dimensions. The most effective treatment combination was nano NPK at 4 g/L with potassium silicate at 2 mL/L (N3S2), which yielded optimal results across most traits. These findings confirm that the integration of nano-fertilizers and potassium silicate foliar sprays can significantly enhance the productivity and fruit quality of dates under arid environmental conditions.

Natural healthcare products with antiaging properties are attracting growing interest, and Thailand has a rich tradition of using herbal remedies for disease treatment and overall well-being. Mitra tea, derived from the traditional Mitratonic Remedy, is a Thai herbal formulation that has been used by local traditional healers for over 20 years and is officially recognized by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Traditionally, it has been used to promote vitality, strengthen the body, and support longevity. However, scientific evidence supporting these traditional claims remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential of Mitratonic Remedy in the form of herbal tea, herein referred to as Mitra tea. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of Mitra tea through various antioxidant in vitro assays and analysis, alongside an in vivo male Wistar rats model with induced oxidative stress. Results demonstrated remarkably strong antioxidant properties, with notable DPPH scavenging activity (0.40 mg/mL) and high ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP: 2551.95 mM FeSO₄ equivalent/mg sample). Additionally, Mitra tea exhibited exceptional phenolic (142.76 mg/g) and flavonoid content (11,432.34 mg/g), further reinforcing its bioactive potential. In vivo findings revealed its ability to reduce MDA levels while enhancing key antioxidant enzymes, suggesting its effectiveness in mitigating oxidative stress. With its significant antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, Mitra tea stands out as a promising natural healthcare solution for antiaging product development, offering a scientifically backed alternative for consumers seeking longevity and wellness.

Background: The transformation of theoretical knowledge into effective patient care is made possible by early exposure to clinical practice. It makes a substantial contribution to helping students acquire basic competencies such as empathy, problem-solving, and communication. The current study intends to determine if improved clinical interaction improves knowledge acquisition and skill acquisition, as well as to support the effect of early preclinical exposure (EPCE) on the academic performance of undergraduate dental students. Objectives: To assess the effects of EPCE on academic performance, soft skills, and confidence levels among second-year BDS students at HBS Dental College, Pakistan. Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional survey included a total of 150 BDS students, who were divided into two groups: Group A (EPCE) and Group B (late exposure). Academic performance was assessed using scores from the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and theoretical written exams. To evaluate the development of soft skills and self-confidence, both groups completed a common set of self-administered questionnaire items designed for this purpose. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were calculated. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare outcomes between the two groups. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 150 students were enrolled (75 per group). Group A (early exposure) demonstrated significantly higher performance across all domains. Theory exam scores were higher in Group A (82%, SD = 3.5) than Group B (76%, SD = 4.2; p=0.002, Cohen's d = 1.55). In the OSCE, Group A outperformed in communication (85% vs. 78%, p=0.004, d = 2.15) and empathy (83% vs. 75%, p=0.005, d = 2.28). Self-reported confidence was also greater in Group A (84% vs. 77%, p < 0.005, d = 2.00). Conclusion: The implementation of early preclinical placements significantly enhanced academic achievement and professional development among BDS students. Integrating early clinical exposure into the dental curriculum enriches the overall educational experience and better prepares students for the demands of real-world dental practice.

The burden of Salmonella infections remains high largely due to emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Moringa oleifera used in traditional medicine to treat bacterial infection has shown considerable antibacterial activity in several in vitro studies but has not been extensively investigated in vivo. The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of this plant in a rat model of a multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strain as a potential alternative treatment. A MDR strain of Salmonella Typhimurium was detected using antibiotic susceptibility. Then a methanol extract of M. oleifera leaves was prepared, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the MDR strain was determined by microdilution. Rats were infected with the MDR S. Typhimurium, and the extract (125-500 mg/kg of body weight) was administered orally for 10 days. The fecal load of the bacterial colonies was determined by the plate count method. On day 11, the rats were sacrificed, blood was collected, and biochemical effects on liver and renal functions were assessed in serum. The extract showed high activity against the MDR S. Typhimurium in vitro with a MIC of 2 mg/mL. There was a significant decrease in fecal colonies at all treatment doses compared to the negative control group (p < 0.01), indicating high efficacy of the extract. Optimal in vivo activity of 100% inhibition was observed at 500 mg/kg on day 10. There were no significant changes in biochemical parameters (p < 0.05), and no mortality was recorded indicating lack of adverse effects. The high in vivo anti-Salmonella activity of the methanol extract of M. oleifera coupled with no adverse effects supports its use in traditional medicine. Hence, it is a potential alternative treatment for resistant Salmonella infections. M. oleifera should be further investigated in vitro and in vivo against other resistant bacteria.

Malaria remains a major global health challenge, necessitating the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. This study investigates secondary metabolites from Penicillium spp. as potential inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH), a critical enzyme in the parasite's glycolytic pathway. A curated library of Penicillium-derived compounds underwent drug-likeness and toxicity screening, resulting in the identification of 42 viable candidates. Molecular docking simulations revealed three promising compounds-Penicilactone B, Penicillimide, and Penicillisocoumarin A-with binding affinities exceeding those of the positive controls, NADH, and pyruvate. Among these, Penicilactone B exhibited the strongest binding affinity (-8.71 kcal/mol) and the lowest inhibitory constant (414.77 nM). Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these compounds within the PfLDH binding pocket over a 200-ns trajectory, with Penicilactone B demonstrating the most stable interactions. Off-target predictions suggested minimal interaction with human lactate dehydrogenase, indicating a potentially favorable safety profile. Penicilactone B emerged as the most promising candidate due to its molecular stability, efficient binding, and favorable solvent interactions. Penicillisocoumarin A also showed potential, supported by its pharmacokinetic properties and safety indicators. These findings highlight the potential of penicillium-derived secondary metabolites as a promising source for novel antimalarial therapies targeting PfLDH. Future research should focus on experimental validation, pharmacokinetic optimization, and efficacy testing against diverse Plasmodium strains.

Objective: Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) is emerging and gaining notoriety due to the acquisition of drug resistance. Differentiation of hvKp from classical Klebsiella pneumoniae (cKp) is essential for prompt initiation of therapy to prevent metastasis, detection of occult abscesses, and site-specific management for better patient outcomes. Methods: A total of 300 K. pneumoniae isolates from various clinical specimens were collected from 256 patients to determine their clinical profiles, antibiograms, risk factors, and patient outcomes. Hypermucoviscosity was demonstrated via a phenotypic string test. The hvKp pathotype was classified by molecular detection of the virulence genes rmpA and/or aerobactin-iucA. Results: K. pneumoniae infections affected the older age group (> 50 years) of both sexes, with a male preponderance (62.89%). Urinary tract infections were the most common clinical presentation (37.33%). Among the 300 isolates, 17 (5.66%) possessed hypervirulence genes, and 281 (93.66%) isolates were string test positive. Pyogenic liver abscess was more frequently observed in hvKp infections (5.88%) than in cKp infections (1.76%). Multiple sites were involved in 35.29% of the hvKp infections. (p < 0.05). Hypertension was the common comorbidity observed in the majority of the 256 patients (61.32%). The ICU stay (64.70%) predisposed patients to hvKp infections (p < 0.05). Compared with hvKp, cKp presented high rates of resistance to antibiotics. Although extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers were significantly more common in cKp, 41.1% of hvKp strains were ESBLs. Carbapenem resistance and multidrug resistance were observed in 35.29% of the hvKp strains. The mortality rate in patients infected with hvKp was 23.52%. Conclusion: The potential for occult abscess and metastasis with life-threatening complications necessitates prompt, accurate identification of hvKp. Convergence of hvKp and cKp with shared traits poses a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for clinicians. The combination of genetic markers such as rmpA with iucA has high reported diagnostic accuracy. Further studies are needed to better characterize hvKp in the clinical laboratory.

Chaetomorpha aerea, distributed in temperate and tropical coastal regions, is traditionally consumed as a nutrient-rich food source in coastal communities and is believed to possess medicinal properties. This study evaluated the sedative, anxiolytic, antidiarrheal, and antimicrobial activities of the acetone extract of C. aerea (AECA). Furthermore, GC-MS performed a quantitative phytochemical analysis of the AECA. Sedative activity was evaluated in mice using the open field test (OFT) and hole cross test (HCT); anxiolytic activity was assessed using the elevated plus maze (EPM), hole board test (HBT), and light-dark box test (LDBT); and antidiarrheal activity was determined through castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility test. The disc-diffusion method was employed to evaluate antibacterial activity. In both OFT and HCT models, AECA 400 mg/kg demonstrated a significant reduction of square crossed and hole crossed compared to diazepam, respectively. In the case of EPM and HBT, 400 mg/kg dose of AECA demonstrated significant dose-dependent activity. Both in the castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility test, 400 mg/kg of AECA demonstrated moderate inhibition of diarrhea compared to standard loperamide. Antimicrobial assay of AECA showed considerable inhibition against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, measuring inhibition zones of 14 mm and 13 mm. Bioactive metabolites from GC-MS analysis were investigated through molecular docking. Docking was performed against GABA_A receptor (6X3T), MAO-A (2Z5X), M3 muscarinic receptor (5ZHP), E. coli FabI (1LX6), and GyrA (5ZTJ). AECA showed notable sedative, anxiolytic, antidiarrheal, and antimicrobial activities. To evaluate the molecular pathways involved and isolate the bioactive ingredients, more research is required.

Nepal is an agrarian-based country with most of the population engaged in the agriculture sector for their livelihood. Nepal, with its numerous agroecological zones, is moving from subsistence to commercial agriculture to reduce poverty, provide food security, and improve economic growth. Crop breeding programs were initiated in 1951 A.D. in Nepal to focus on the development of varieties for cereal crops, but most of the farmers are still based on their low-yielding traditional varieties. Hybrid varieties, developed by the cross-pollination between different plant varieties, play a vital part in this change by demonstrating heterosis, resulting in increased yields, resilience to biotic and abiotic challenges, and consistency in agronomic features. Hybrid maize and rice exhibit considerable potential to increase productivity, enhance smallholder farmers' earnings, and strengthen food security via efficient farming methods and mechanization. Despite these advantages, Nepal's dependency on imported hybrid seeds highlights issues such as expensive fertilizer and pesticide input costs, limited local production capacity, and concerns about genetic erosion. Nepal mostly imports hybrid seeds, and due to the rising demand, the country allocates substantial financial resources for their importation. In Nepal, the low quality of hybrid seed imported by different seed agencies and companies causes yield loss, more expenditure by farmers for purchasing seed, and a higher incidence of insect, pest, and disease. The Nepalese government should place emphasis on conducting research on hybrid seed development for cereal crops as well as vegetable seeds in collaboration with the private sector.

The study aimed to explore the potential of cinnamon intercropping as a vertical expansion strategy with increased planting density to increase cinnamon production and address the surge in global demand for this valuable spice crop. Despite lower individual plant quill yield, the high-density pentagonal method at 0.6 m × 1.2 m spacing with 7290 plant population h^-1a resulted in high yield of 632 and 979 kg of cinnamon per hectare during first and second harvests, respectively, outperforming the control spacing (2.0 m × 2.0 m, 1404 population ha^-1). Furthermore, the coconut + cinnamon intercropping system with spacing of 0.6 m × 1.2 m resulted in significantly higher system productivity of coconut equivalent yield of 55,766 nuts per hectare per year (average of two years) compared to other spacing treatments, showcasing its potential for enhanced cultivation and productivity. Therefore, the study concluded that cinnamon is a promising and economically feasible intercrop in coconut plantations when planted using the high-density pentagonal planting method with a closer spacing of 0.6 m × 1.2 m with 7290 plant population ha^-1.

Harungana madagascariensis is a plant used in African traditional medicine to treat a wide range of human diseases, including microbial infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antibacterial activity, modes of action, and antibiotic resistance-modifying effects of the leaf, bark and root extracts of H. madagascariensis against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity and antibiotic resistance-modifying effects of extracts. Phytochemical composition of extracts was carried out using known qualitative and quantitative methods. The action of the most active extract was evaluated on the bacteria cell membrane and catalase activity. The phytochemical results indicated that all the extracts contain alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins. Moreover, H. madagascariensis leaf extract (HMLE) had the highest phenolic (107.41 ± 9.66 mg GAE/g of extract) and flavonoid (53.67 ± 5.09 mg QE/g of extract) contents. The extracts had a wide range of antibacterial activity, with MICs ranging from 16 to 2048 μg/mL. HMLE identified as the most active extract affected the cytoplasmic membrane integrity and inhibited the catalase activity of P. aeruginosa. Moreover, HMLE at its subinhibitory concentration (MIC/8) improved the antibiotic activity by 2- to 16-fold. The MICs of tetracycline and doxycycline deceased from 32 to ≤ 2 μg/mL and that of kanamycin from 256 to 32 μg/mL against the tested MDR P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, this study indicates that extracts from H. madagascariensis, particularly from its leaves, could serve as valuable assets in the discovery of new treatment option of infections due to MDR P. aeruginosa.