1.Prevalence, risk factor, control and dwelling of Ascaridia galli in the gut of chickens
Khan N. ; Khan W. ; Ali W. ; Shoaib M. ; Anisuzzaman ; Abebe R. ; Chaves B.S. ; Vasconcelos V.S. ; Paludo R.L.R. ; Ramos D.G.S.
Tropical Biomedicine 2026;43(No. 2):151-158
Ascaridia galli infection compromises the health and productivity of chickens. this study aimed to
determine the prevalence, pathology, and control of A. galli in backyard chickens. Four hundred and
fifty-six faecal samples were tested using direct smear and concentration techniques. sixty chickens were
grouped based on egg per gram into untreated control, mebendazole-treated, and derivative-treated.
Key epidemiologic host based and environmental variables were recorded and analysed statistically
(p < 0.05 significance level). Histopathological changes in the intestine were also assessed. Overall
prevalence of A. galli was 72% (330/456). Infection was high in females (74%, 200/267) than in males
(68%, 130/189). Adult chickens had a higher infection rate than young (64% vs 55%; p < 0.05). Weak
chickens showed a markedly higher prevalence (96%, 150/156) than healthy chickens (60%, 180/300)
(p < 0.05). Geographically, prevalence was highest in Swat (85.53%), followed by Lower Dir (72.3%) and
Malakand (59.21%), with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Management system influenced
infection: free range chickens had (63%) compared to semi-free range (37%), scavenging chickens were
more infected (75%) compared to receiving supplemental feed (53%) (p < 0.05). The non-dewormed
chickens had a significantly higher prevalence (92%) than the dewormed group (20%) (p < 0.05).
Seasonal infection peaked during the rainy season (86%) compared to the dry season (44%) (p < 0.05).
Intestinal histology revealed inflammation, epithelial necrosis, villous atrophy, and crypt hyperplasia.
Treatment of the chickens nematodes using mebendazole resulted in 70% (14/20) of the treated eggs
being egg-negative, and the comparison of treatment of the egg-negative derivative compound resulted
in 80% (16/20) of the treated eggs being egg-negative. The A. galli infection are very common, and cause
intestine damage. The mebendazole and its derivative decrease egg shedding significantly, Husbandry,
management and treatment should be enhanced for effective control strategies.
2.Microbiome-centered therapies for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Huma SAEED ; Luis Antonio DÍAZ ; Antonio GIL-GÓMEZ ; Jeremy BURTON ; Jasmohan S. BAJAJ ; Manuel ROMERO-GOMEZ ; Marco ARRESE ; Juan Pablo ARAB ; Mohammad Qasim KHAN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S94-S111
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a significant global health issue, affecting over 30% of the population worldwide due to the rising prevalence of metabolic risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This spectrum of liver disease ranges from isolated steatosis to more severe forms such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Recent studies highlight the role of gut microbiota in MASLD pathogenesis, showing that dysbiosis significantly impacts metabolic health and the progression of liver disease. This review critically evaluates current microbiome-centered therapies in MASLD management, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and emerging therapies such as engineered bacteria and bacteriophage therapy. We explore the scientific rationale, clinical evidence, and potential mechanisms by which these interventions influence MASLD. The gut-liver axis is crucial in MASLD, with notable changes in microbiome composition linked to disease progression. For instance, specific microbial profiles and reduced alpha diversity are associated with MASLD severity. Therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiome could modulate disease progression by improving gut permeability, reducing endotoxin-producing bacteria, and altering bile acid metabolism. Although promising, these therapies require further research to fully understand their mechanisms and optimize their efficacy. This review integrates findings from clinical trials and experimental studies, providing a comprehensive overview of microbiome-centered therapies’ potential in managing MASLD. Future research should focus on personalized strategies, utilizing microbiome features, blood metabolites, and customized dietary interventions to enhance the effectiveness of these therapies.
3.Microbiome-centered therapies for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Huma SAEED ; Luis Antonio DÍAZ ; Antonio GIL-GÓMEZ ; Jeremy BURTON ; Jasmohan S. BAJAJ ; Manuel ROMERO-GOMEZ ; Marco ARRESE ; Juan Pablo ARAB ; Mohammad Qasim KHAN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S94-S111
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a significant global health issue, affecting over 30% of the population worldwide due to the rising prevalence of metabolic risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This spectrum of liver disease ranges from isolated steatosis to more severe forms such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Recent studies highlight the role of gut microbiota in MASLD pathogenesis, showing that dysbiosis significantly impacts metabolic health and the progression of liver disease. This review critically evaluates current microbiome-centered therapies in MASLD management, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and emerging therapies such as engineered bacteria and bacteriophage therapy. We explore the scientific rationale, clinical evidence, and potential mechanisms by which these interventions influence MASLD. The gut-liver axis is crucial in MASLD, with notable changes in microbiome composition linked to disease progression. For instance, specific microbial profiles and reduced alpha diversity are associated with MASLD severity. Therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiome could modulate disease progression by improving gut permeability, reducing endotoxin-producing bacteria, and altering bile acid metabolism. Although promising, these therapies require further research to fully understand their mechanisms and optimize their efficacy. This review integrates findings from clinical trials and experimental studies, providing a comprehensive overview of microbiome-centered therapies’ potential in managing MASLD. Future research should focus on personalized strategies, utilizing microbiome features, blood metabolites, and customized dietary interventions to enhance the effectiveness of these therapies.
4.Microbiome-centered therapies for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Huma SAEED ; Luis Antonio DÍAZ ; Antonio GIL-GÓMEZ ; Jeremy BURTON ; Jasmohan S. BAJAJ ; Manuel ROMERO-GOMEZ ; Marco ARRESE ; Juan Pablo ARAB ; Mohammad Qasim KHAN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S94-S111
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a significant global health issue, affecting over 30% of the population worldwide due to the rising prevalence of metabolic risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This spectrum of liver disease ranges from isolated steatosis to more severe forms such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Recent studies highlight the role of gut microbiota in MASLD pathogenesis, showing that dysbiosis significantly impacts metabolic health and the progression of liver disease. This review critically evaluates current microbiome-centered therapies in MASLD management, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and emerging therapies such as engineered bacteria and bacteriophage therapy. We explore the scientific rationale, clinical evidence, and potential mechanisms by which these interventions influence MASLD. The gut-liver axis is crucial in MASLD, with notable changes in microbiome composition linked to disease progression. For instance, specific microbial profiles and reduced alpha diversity are associated with MASLD severity. Therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiome could modulate disease progression by improving gut permeability, reducing endotoxin-producing bacteria, and altering bile acid metabolism. Although promising, these therapies require further research to fully understand their mechanisms and optimize their efficacy. This review integrates findings from clinical trials and experimental studies, providing a comprehensive overview of microbiome-centered therapies’ potential in managing MASLD. Future research should focus on personalized strategies, utilizing microbiome features, blood metabolites, and customized dietary interventions to enhance the effectiveness of these therapies.
5.Comparison of purse-string technique versus linear suture for skin closure after stoma reversal: a meta-analysis of high-quality studies
Filippo CARANNANTE ; Guglielmo Niccolò PIOZZI ; Gianluca COSTA ; Valentina MIACCI ; Gianfranco BIANCO ; Vincenzo SCHIAVONE ; Jim S. KHAN ; Marco CARICATO ; Gabriella Teresa CAPOLUPO
Annals of Coloproctology 2025;41(6):491-500
Purpose:
Stoma reversal is associated with notable postoperative morbidity. Several techniques exist for skin closure after stoma reversal, with linear primary closure (LC) and purse-string closure (PS) being the most common. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to compare LC and PS skin closure after stoma reversal in terms of surgical site infection (SSI) rates, wound healing, and cosmesis.
Methods:
In accordance with the PRISMA statement, a systematic review of skin closure after stoma reversal was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus.
Results:
Eleven studies, enrolling 1,052 patients (PS, n=534; LC, n=518), published between 2006 and 2024, were included. The overall quality of the studies was considered acceptable, with a mean Jadad scale score of 4 (range, 3–5). Patients underwent ileostomy or ileostomy/colostomy in 6 and 5 studies, respectively. No differences were observed between groups in operative time, length of hospital stay, intestinal obstruction, or incisional hernia. However, SSI and overall infection rates were higher in the LC group, with a statistically significant difference for SSI.
Conclusion
Skin closure following stoma reversal using the PS technique may offer advantages over LC. PS is associated with significantly lower SSI rates compared to LC. Although a large randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up is still required, current findings suggest that PS could be considered the standard of care for wound closure after ileostomy reversal.
6.Robotic colorectal surgery training: Portsmouth perspective
Guglielmo Niccolò PIOZZI ; Sentilnathan SUBRAMANIAM ; Diana Ronconi DI GIUSEPPE ; Rauand DUHOKY ; Jim S. KHAN
Annals of Coloproctology 2024;40(4):350-362
This study aims to discuss the principles and pillars of robotic colorectal surgery training and share the training pathway at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. A narrative review is presented to discuss all the relevant and critical steps in robotic surgical training. Robotic training requires a stepwise approach, including theoretical knowledge, case observation, simulation, dry lab, wet lab, tutored programs, proctoring (in person or telementoring), procedure-specific training, and follow-up. Portsmouth Colorectal has an established robotic training model with a safe stepwise approach that has been demonstrated through perioperative and oncological results. Robotic surgery training should enable a trainee to use the robotic platform safely and effectively, minimize errors, and enhance performance with improved outcomes. Portsmouth Colorectal has provided such a stepwise training program since 2015 and continues to promote and augment safe robotic training in its field. Safe and efficient training programs are essential to upholding the optimal standard of care.
7.Systematic review of validation studies for the use of wearable smartwatches in the screening of atrial fibrillation
Muhammad Samsoor ZARAK ; Sher Ali KHAN ; Harris MAJEED ; Abdul Qahar Khan YASINZAI ; Wadana HAMZAZAI ; Duy CHUNG ; Gregory KOSHKARIAN ; Kevin S. FLEMING
International Journal of Arrhythmia 2024;25(2):11-
WSWs have the potential to reliably and continuously screen for AFib and detect it in a timely manner.The inconclusive results produced by WSWs are a significant problem. Once the inconclusive results are rectified, WSWs may be used for widespread screening of AFib in those people who are at high risk of developing AFib.
8.Outcomes of Portosystemic Shunts in Children with and without Liver Transplantation
Hamza Hassan KHAN ; Stuart S. KAUFMAN ; Nada A. YAZIGI ; Khalid M. KHAN
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition 2024;27(1):37-42
Purpose:
Limited data exist regarding outcome and morbidity associated with portosystemic shunts in the pediatric transplant population. Our study assesses the outcomes of pediatric patients who underwent a portosystemic shunt procedure, both with and without liver transplantation (LT).
Methods:
This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients aged 0–19 years who underwent shunt placement between 2003 and 2017 at a tertiary care center.The analysis included cases of shunt placement with or without LT.
Results:
A total of 13 pediatric patients were included in the study with median age of 8.8 years. Among the cases, 11 out of 13 (84.6%) underwent splenorenal shunt, 1 (7.7%) underwent a mesocaval shunt, and another 1 (7.7%) underwent a Modified Rex (mesoportal) shunt. Additionally, 5 out of 13 (38.5%) patients had LT, with 4 out of 5 (80.0%) receiving the transplant before shunt placement, and 1 out of 5 (20.0%) receiving it after shunt placement.Gastrointestinal bleeding resulting from portal hypertension was the indication in all cases.A total of 10 complications were reported in 5 patients; the most common complication was anemia in 3 (23.1%) patients. At the most recent follow-up visit, the shunts were functional without encephalopathy, and no deaths were reported.
Conclusion
Shunt placement plays a crucial role in the management of patients with portal hypertension. Our study demonstrates favorable long-term outcomes in pediatric patients who underwent shunt placement. Long term shunt outcomes were similar and unremarkable in patients with LT and without LT.
9.How the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands stalled COVID-19 for 22 months and managed its first significant community transmission
Dwayne Davis ; Stephanie Kern-Allely ; Lily Muldoon ; John M Tudela ; Jesse Tudela ; Renea Raho ; Heather S Pangelinan ; Halina Palacios ; John Tabaguel ; Alan Hinson ; Guillermo Lifoifoi ; Warren Villagomez ; Joseph R Fauver ; Haley L Cash ; Esther Muñ ; a ; Sean T Casey ; Ali S Khan
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2023;14(1):76-85
Objective: The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a remote Pacific island territory with a population of 47 329 that successfully prevented the significant introduction of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) until late 2021. This study documents how the response to the introduction of COVID-19 in CNMI in 2021 was conducted with limited resources without overwhelming local clinical capacity or compromising health service delivery for the population.
Methods: Data from COVID-19 case investigations, contact tracing, the Commonwealth’s immunization registry and whole genome sequencing were collated and analysed as part of this study.
Results: Between 26 March 2020 and 31 December 2021, 3281 cases and 14 deaths due to COVID-19 were reported in CNMI (case fatality rate, 0.4%). While notification rates were highest among younger age groups, hospitalization and mortality rates were disproportionately greater among those aged >50 years and among the unvaccinated. The first widespread community transmission in CNMI was detected in October 2021, with genomic epidemiology and contact tracing data indicating a single introduction event involving the AY.25 lineage and subsequent rapid community spread. Vaccination coverage was high before widespread transmission occurred in October 2021 and increased further over the study period.
Discussion: Robust preparedness and strong leadership generated resilience within the public health sector such that COVID-19 did not overwhelm CNMI’s health system as it did in other jurisdictions and countries around the world. At no point was hospital capacity exceeded, and all patients received adequate care without the need for health-care rationing.
10.Molecular prevalence of Anaplasma marginale in ruminants and Rhipicephalus ticks in northern Pakistan
Ali, S. ; Hasan, M. ; Ahmad, A.S. ; Ashraf, K. ; Khan, J.A. ; Rashid, M.I.
Tropical Biomedicine 2023;40(No.1):7-13
Anaplasma marginale is the most prevalent tick-borne haemoparasite of cattle and causes huge
economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of A.
marginale infection in blood and tick samples collected from livestock animals in the districts located
in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. A total of 184 blood and 370 tick samples were included in this
study. It has never been reported that sheep, goats, and cattle in Tank, Ghulam Khan, Birmil and Miran
Shah areas were infected with A. marginale. All samples of blood and ticks were collected through
random sampling from March 2021 to January 2022 from cattle, sheep and goats and screened through
PCR for anaplasmosis by using primer pairs of Anaplasma spp. Three hundred and seventy ticks were
collected from infested hosts (120/184, 64.21%). Among the four morphologically identified tick species,
the highest occurrence was recorded for Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n=138, 37.29%), followed by
Rhipicephalus microplus (n=131, 35.4%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (n=40, 10.81%), Hyalomma anatolicum
(n=31, 8.37%), and Hyalomma marginatum (n=30, 8.1%). The occurrence of female tick was highest
(n=160, 43.24%), followed by nymphs (n=140, 37.38%) and males ticks (n=70, 18.9%). Among these ticks,
A. marginale was detected in female ticks of R. microplus, and R. sanguineus. Molecular identification
of A. marginale was confirmed in 120 out of 184 blood samples and 6 out of 74 tick samples. Overall,
occurrence of A. marginale in blood and tick samples was found to be 65.21% and 8.1% respectively.
Species-wise occurrence in blood samples of goats were 71.11% followed by sheep 68.31% and cattle
50%. Specie-wise occurrence of A. marginale in tick samples of cattle were 12.5% followed by goats
6.89%. The obtained sequence showed similarity with A. marginale reported from Kenya and USA. We
report the first PCR based detection of A. marginale infection in blood samples and in R. sanguineus
ticks of goats simultaneously.


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