Allelopathy plays an important role in plant–plant interactions through the release of bioactive compounds that influence the germination and growth of neighbouring plants. The present study comparatively evaluated the allelopathic activity and total phenolic content of aqueous leaf extracts of Cassia fistula L. and Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. using Phaseolus vulgaris L. as the test species. Fresh leaf extracts were prepared in distilled water to obtain 50% and 100% concentrations and assessed through laboratory germination bioassays. Germination percentage, radicle length and radicle growth inhibition were recorded on the seventh day after treatment. Total phenolic content of the aqueous extracts was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method, and the data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at P < 0.05. Cassia fistula significantly inhibited seed germination at both extract concentrations, whereas C. pulcherrima exhibited only a concentration-dependent but statistically non-significant reduction in germination. In contrast, radicle elongation was more sensitive to allelopathic stress than seed germination, with the 100% aqueous extract of C. pulcherrima producing greater inhibition of radicle growth than the corresponding extract of C. fistula. Total phenolic content of the aqueous extract of C. pulcherrima was approximately three-fold higher than that of C. fistula. However, the greater phenolic content was associated with stronger inhibition of radicle elongation but not with greater inhibition of seed germination, indicating that total phenolic content alone does not fully explain the observed allelopathic effects. The findings demonstrate that both species possess allelopathic potential and provide a basis for future studies aimed at identifying the bioactive allelochemicals responsible for their phytotoxic activity and evaluating their potential applications in sustainable weed management.

An already overburdened national power distribution infrastructure faces serious operational issues as a result of Pakistan's quickly expanding electric vehicle (EV) sector. In addition to limiting the efficient use of available renewable energy, uncoordinated commercial EV charging results in severe peak demand spikes, voltage violations, and increased energy expenditures. A decentralized, machine learning-driven load scheduling architecture for Pakistani commercial EV charging stations is proposed in this study. Using a dataset of 35,040 hourly observations from NEPRA, NTDC, PESCO, and Pakistan Meteorological Department sources, a Random Forest Regression (RFR) model is created using the Python scikit-learn library. It incorporates 14 engineered features, such as time-of-day, feeder loading, ambient temperature, solar irradiance, time-of-use (ToU) tariff windows, and lag-based load features. The trained model attains an R2 of 0.946 and a test Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 4.73 kW. A priority-weighted scheduling algorithm that maximizes charger activation within transformer capacity and NEPRA voltage regulation restrictions is fed the projected demand profile. In comparison to an unplanned baseline, simulation results for a sample 630 kVA urban Peshawar station show a 27.4% decrease in daily peak demand, a 23.1% decrease in daily energy expenditure, and a 19.8 percentage-point increase in on-site solar PV use. The edge-deployable architecture is ideal for Pakistan's limited SCADA and ICT environment because it does not require real-time cloud access.

Background: Infertility affects approximately one in seven couples worldwide. IUI is a commonly used assisted reproductive technique, with success influenced by maternal age, ovarian response, infertility duration, and sperm quality. As evidence on age-related IUI outcomes in Bangladesh is limited, this study assessed IUI success according to maternal age among patients attending an infertility center in Rangpur. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at LAB a One Infertility and IUI Center, Rangpur, Bangladesh, from July 2025 to June 2026. A total of 48 women aged 21–40 years undergoing IUI were included. Ovarian stimulation was performed using letrozole, clomifene, or FSH/HMG, followed by hCG triggering. Post-wash sperm count and motility were recorded. Maternal age was categorized as <30 and ≥30 years, and pregnancy following IUI was the primary outcome. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27 and presented as frequencies and percentages; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 48 patients, 62.5% were <30 years, with 25–29 years being the most common age group (47.9%). Letrozole-based stimulation was most frequently used (52.1%), followed by clomifene (27.1%) and FSH/HMG (20.8%); all patients received hCG triggering. The overall pregnancy rate was 20.8%, with a higher rate among women <30 years than those ≥30 years (26.7% vs. 11.1%). Of the 10 pregnancies, 80.0% occurred in women <30 years. Overall, younger women showed more favorable observed IUI pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion: IUI demonstrated a 20.8% overall pregnancy rate, with more favorable outcomes observed among women younger than 30 years. Maternal age may be an important consideration when counseling couples regarding expected IUI success.

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding describes any variation from normal bleeding patterns in nonpregnant, reproductive-aged women beyond menarche lasting for at least 6 months. The management of abnormal bleeding can involve many decisions about diagnosis, aetiology and treatment, which often occur simultaneously and without the benefit of comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines. The purpose of the study was to evaluate and detect the causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and its Management in a Tertiary Level Hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional type of descriptive study, conducted in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital over six-month duration. Sample was selected by purposive sampling technique. Women with abnormal uterine bleeding admitted in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital were included. Total100 patients were included. Results: In this study, the maximum numbers of cases (52.0%) were between 36-45 years age group. Mean age was 34.57 ± 9.27 years. Per vaginal bleeding was most common symptoms, present in 100% cases; next common symptoms were abdominal pain (76%), lump in lower abdomen (26%). On evaluation of types & causes of AUB, maximum patient belongs to AUB-L (leiomyoma) group (40%) followed by AUB-A (adenomyosis) (20%); AUB-P (polyp) (8%); AUB-O (ovulatory) (30%) and AUB-M (malignancy) (2%). Total abdominal hysterectomy only done in 31.0% patients, total abdominal hysterectomy with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was done in 9.0% patients and total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was done in 60% patients. Conclusion: Present study concluded that most common cause of AUB was leiomyoma followed by adenomyosis. This classification system helps in understanding various exact etiological causes of AUB and can be used by the clinicians, investigators and even patients themselves to facilitate communication, clinical care and research. For this reason we strongly recommend adoption of this classification for AUB and HMB.

Prosthodontics has undergone substantial transformation during 2021–2026, driven by advances in pharmaceutical formulations, biomaterials, nanotechnology, antimicrobial strategies, and digital dentistry. This comprehensive review examines recent developments in dental products and pharmaceutical formulations used in prosthodontic applications, with particular emphasis on adhesive systems, denture liners, tissue conditioners, denture base materials, controlled drug-delivery systems, and bioactive materials. Contemporary adhesive formulations incorporating optimized monomers, solvents, and photoinitiators have demonstrated improved bonding performance, while denture liners and tissue conditioners increasingly incorporate antimicrobial agents such as silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles, probiotics, and bioactive components. Controlled-release approaches, including chitosan nanoparticles and polyethylene glycol microspheres, offer opportunities for prolonged therapeutic delivery and improved management of prosthodontic-associated infections. Digital CAD/CAM and 3D-printing technologies have further enhanced precision and mechanical performance, while nanomaterials such as titanium dioxide, carbon nanotubes, and graphene oxide have demonstrated potential for improving mechanical and antimicrobial properties. Bioactive glass and calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite provide additional opportunities for remineralization and regenerative applications. Emerging trends include artificial intelligence-assisted material selection, personalized drug-delivery dentures, sustainable bio-based materials, and regenerative prosthodontic approaches. Overall, recent innovations are moving prosthodontics toward more biocompatible, antimicrobial, personalized, digitally integrated, and functionally advanced dental products.

Background: Early childhood oral hygiene is vital for preventing dental diseases like early childhood caries (ECC), a common chronic condition in children worldwide. Parents and caregivers are crucial in establishing and supervising oral care habits from infancy. Cariogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, can be transmitted from caregivers to children through everyday behaviors, increasing caries risk. Despite this, parental knowledge about early oral hygiene and bacterial transmission varies, which can delay preventive care. Improving parental awareness and the mechanism of bacterial transmission is vital for effective pediatric oral health promotion and prevention of early childhood caries. Aim: To assess parental awareness and knowledge regarding early childhood oral hygiene and caregiver-to-child transmission of cariogenic bacteria, and to identify demographic factors associated with this awareness. Methodology: The study was conducted among 200 participants and consists of a cross-sectional survey tailored to the parents who applied to the clinic in questionnaires. Participation was completely voluntary, and parents who submitted a fully completed questionnaire and volunteered to participate were included, whereas parents did not answer at least one question, or were unable to read or write excluded. Results: Among the 200 participants, awareness regarding early childhood oral hygiene and bacterial transmission was generally low, and only a small proportion correctly identified when the brushing should begin. Awareness of cariogenic bacterial transmission was also low. A significant association was found between parental age and the initiation of toothbrushing (p = 0.005), whereas no significant associations were observed with gender, education, or awareness of bacterial transmission (p > 0.05).

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) may adversely affect the wellbeing, treatment adherence and engagement in care of women living with HIV. This study determined the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with IPV among women receiving HIV care in North-Central Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women living with HIV attending the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia. Following data cleaning, 296 eligible unique participants were retained. IPV was assessed using the eight-item Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST); scores ≥5 indicated probable IPV during the preceding 12 months. Descriptive statistics, chi-square or exact tests and multivariable logistic regression were employed. Results: Among 288 participants with complete WAST responses, 151 screened positive for IPV, giving a prevalence of 52.4%. Emotional, physical and sexual abuse were reported by 44.1%, 42.4% and 22.9%, respectively. In the adjusted model (n=268), women aged 25–34 years had higher odds of IPV than those aged 35–44 years (AOR=3.92; 95% CI: 1.22–12.61), whereas women aged ≥55 years had lower odds (AOR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.07–0.63). Remaining with the same partner since HIV diagnosis was associated with increased odds of IPV (AOR=4.65; 95% CI: 1.50–14.37). The model demonstrated acceptable calibration and discrimination. Conclusion: IPV was common among women receiving HIV care, with emotional and physical abuse particularly prominent. HIV services should incorporate confidential, trauma-informed enquiry, safety assessment and appropriate multidisciplinary referral pathways.