Exogenous Application of Growth Regulators Improves the Growth and Quality of Dahlia variabilis L.

Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.), a bulb crop sold as cut flower, garden ornamental/potted plant, becomes a popular cut flower in the world. This experiment was designed to study the effects of foliar applied gibberellic acid, zinc, ascorbic acid, and thiamine on the growth and flower attributes of dahlia. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions at the Floriculture Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. There were thirteen treatment with three levels each; gibberellic acid, zinc sulphate, ascorbic acid, and thiamine. First, foliar application was done at vegetative stage (after 45 d of transplantation) and second, at the flowering stage. Application of gibberellic acid at 100 ppm significantly improved plant height (92.67 cm). Application of zinc at 0.50% produced the maximum number of flowers (28.47), diameter of flower (100.19 mm), and fresh weight of flower (11.16 g). Foliar application of thiamine increased nutrient accumulation in leaves of dahlia. The nitrogen contents (4.43 %) increased to maximum in response to treatment comprising ascorbic acid, whereas phosphorus content (1.41 mg g-1) and potassium contents (19.45 mg g-1) were at maximum in response to thiamine. The highest chlorophyll a (4.37 mg g-1) and b (2.04 mg g-1) contents were recorded in treatment comprising thiamine at 150 ppm. The highest carbohydrate contents (35.14%) were recorded in zinc application response. Application of thiamine significantly reduced the days of flowering and flower diameter. Overall, it can be recommended that application of thiamine at 150 ppm is more responsive to improve the growth and quality of dahlia flower as compared to gibberellic acid, zinc, and ascorbic acid

Construction of 0D/2D Schottky heterojunctions of ZnO and Ti3C2 nanosheets with the enriched transfer of interfacial charges for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The development of cost-effective co-catalysts of high photocatalytic activity and recyclability is still a challenge in the energy transformation domain. In this study, 0D/2D Schottky heterojunctions, consisting of 0D ZnO and 2D Ti3C2, were successfully synthesized by the electrostatic self-assembling of ZnO nanoparticles on Ti3C2 nanosheets. In constructing these heterojunctions, Ti3C2 nanosheets acted as a co-catalyst for enhancing the transfer of excitons and their separation to support the photocatalytic response of ZnO. The as-prepared ZnO/Ti3C2 composites demonstrate an abbreviated charge transit channel, a huge interfacial contact area and the interfacial electrons' transport potential. The extended optical response and large reactive area of the ZnO/Ti3C2 composite promoted the formation of excitons and reactive sites on the photocatalyst's surface. The ZnO/Ti3C2 Schottky heterojunction showed significantly high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from a water-ethanol solution under the light illumination in the visible region. The hydrogen evolution overoptimized the ZnO/Ti3C2 composition with 30 wt.% of Ti3C2, which was eight times higher than the pristine ZnO. These findings can be helpful in developing 0D/2D heterojunction systems for photocatalytic applications by utilizing Ti3C2 as a low-cost co-catalyst.Web of Science1513art. no. 455

Lime peel extract induced NiFe2O4 NPs: Synthesis to applications and oxidative stress mechanism for anticancer, antibiotic activity

Nanobiotechnology, joined with green science, has incredible potential for the advancement of novel and important products that benefit human health, climate, and industries. Green chemistry of materials from synthesis to diverse biomedical applications is a talk of town in today's sustainable ideal world. Green synthesized nickel ferrites nanoparticles via biogenic lime peel extract (LPE) are investigated with precision and complete trail has been reported as multiple efficacies. The fcc crystal structure with the crystallite size (31 nm) were accessed by the XRD, magnetic properties using VSM, and FTIR for the functional group analysis of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles mediated by Lime peel extract (NiFe2O4@LPE NPs). From TEM and SEM analysis the average diameter of the NPs was observed in the range of 31-35 nm. In 3D view, the surface morphology was analyzed by the AFM. NiFe2O4@LPE NPs were used to assess cytotoxicity and cellular morphological alterations in In Vitro cervical cancerous cells (HeLa). Nanosized NiFe2O4@LPE accompanied the considerable NPs topology induced dose dependent MMP in HeLa cells unlike the previous interpretation of controlled metabolism anticancer activity for HeLa cancerous cells. Therefore, it is referred by oxidative stress and reduction phenomena for anticancer effects and inactivation of carcinogen. Moreover, Antioxidant DPPH radical scavenging method and antibacterial Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus activity were observed in the synthesized nickel ferrites NPs. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).</p

Neuroprotective effects of melatonin and celecoxib against ethanol-induced neurodegeneration: A computational and pharmacological approach

© 2019 Al Kury et al. This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. Purpose: Melatonin and celecoxib are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that exert protective effects in different experimental models. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of melatonin and celecoxib were demonstrated against ethanol-induced neuronal injury by in silico, morphological, and biochemical approaches. Methods: For the in silico study, 3-D structures were constructed and docking analysis performed. For in vivo studies, rats were treated with ethanol, melatonin, and celecoxib. Brain samples were collected for biochemical and morphological analysis. Results: Homology modeling was performed to build 3-D structures for IL1β), TNFα, TLR4, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Structural refinement was achieved via molecular dynamic simulation and processed for docking and postdocking analysis. Further in vivo experiments showed that ethanol induced marked neuronal injury characterized by down-regulated glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, and upregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase. Additionally, ethanol increased the expression of TNFα and IL1β. Finally, neuronal apoptosis was demonstrated in ethanol-intoxicated animals using caspase 3 and activated JNK staining. On the other hand, melatonin and celecoxib treatment ameliorated the biochemical and immunohistochemical alterations induced by ethanol. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that ethanol induced neurodegeneration by activating inflammatory and apoptotic proteins in rat brain, while melatonin and celecoxib may protect rat brain by downregulating inflammatory and apoptotic markers

Comprehensive human health risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban soils: insights from selected metropolitan zones

Introduction: This study aims to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination in urban soils in sixteen selected cities of Pakistan, encompassing the elements cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu).Methods: The data utilized for this study was collected from online literature during the period 2005 to 2019. This study investigated potential threats to human health through a comprehensive analysis, considering standards such as Enrichment Factors (EF), Geo-accumulation Indices (Igeo), and Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA).Results: Geo-accumulation Index results indicated varied risk intensities, with Cu, Pb, Co, Mn, and Fe exhibiting “no pollution” levels, while other elements show “moderate to extremely contaminated” values. EF analysis provided evidence of heavy metal presence, revealing a spectrum from “no pollution” to “moderate to extremely high pollution” for Cd, Zn, Cr, Ni, and Cu. The health risk assessment identified both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic dangers for adults and children.Discussion: These findings highlighted the substantial contribution of identified sources such as industrial processes, vehicular emissions, sewage sludge, urban flooding, and the production and use of metallic materials that have elevated heavy metal levels in the urban soils. This established the link between urban industrial zones, human health, and long-term economic sustainability. This study provides essential guidance for decision makers to develop effective strategies for soil remediation, enhanced industrial practices, and regulatory measures to address heavy metal contamination in urban areas, ensuring the wellbeing and sustainable environmental quality management in cities

Detection, quantification and genotype distribution of HCV patients in Lahore, Pakistan by real-time PCR

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered as \u201cViral Time Bomb\u201d suggested by the World Health Organization and if it is not treated timely, it will lead towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Objective: The purpose of the present research is to study possible risk factors, frequent genotypes of HCV and its association with different age groups. Methods: Suspected blood samples from HCV patients were collected from different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Out of 1000 HCV suspected samples, 920 samples were found HCV positive detected by Anti-HCV ELISA, CobasR. kit. The quantification of HCV load was determined by HCV quantification kit and LINEAR ARRAY KIT (Roche) was used for genotype determination by Real-Time PCR (ABI). Statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel. Results: Out of 920 subjects, 77 subjects (8.4%) were false positive and they were not detected by nested PCR. Three PCR positive samples were untypeable. Genotype 3 was predominant in Lahore which was 83.5%, whereas type 1 and 2 were 5.1% and 0.7% respectively. There were also mixed genotypes detected, 1 and 3 were 0.4%, 2 and 3 were 1.41% and 3 and 4 were 0.2% only. Male were more infected of HCV in the age &lt;40 years and females &gt;40years. Conclusion: The major risk factor for HCV transmission is by use of unsterilized razors/blades. It is necessary to spread awareness among the general population of Pakistan about HCV transmission risk factors. Regular physical examination at least once a year is recommended, so that early detection of HCV could be done

An Unbiased Lipid Phenotyping Approach To Study the Genetic Determinants of Lipids and Their Association with Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors.

Direct infusion high-resolution mass spectrometry (DIHRMS) is a novel, high-throughput approach to rapidly and accurately profile hundreds of lipids in human serum without prior chromatography, facilitating in-depth lipid phenotyping for large epidemiological studies to reveal the detailed associations of individual lipids with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors. Intact lipid profiling by DIHRMS was performed on 5662 serum samples from healthy participants in the Pakistan Risk of Myocardial Infarction Study (PROMIS). We developed a novel semi-targeted peak-picking algorithm to detect mass-to-charge ratios in positive and negative ionization modes. We analyzed lipid partial correlations, assessed the association of lipid principal components with established CHD risk factors and genetic variants, and examined differences between lipids for a common genetic polymorphism. The DIHRMS method provided information on 360 lipids (including fatty acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterol lipids), with a median coefficient of variation of 11.6% (range: 5.4-51.9). The lipids were highly correlated and exhibited a range of associations with clinical chemistry biomarkers and lifestyle factors. This platform can provide many novel insights into the effects of physiology and lifestyle on lipid metabolism, genetic determinants of lipids, and the relationship between individual lipids and CHD risk factors

Convalescent plasma in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised controlled, open-label, platform trial

SummaryBackground Azithromycin has been proposed as a treatment for COVID-19 on the basis of its immunomodulatoryactions. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of azithromycin in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19.Methods In this randomised, controlled, open-label, adaptive platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19Therapy [RECOVERY]), several possible treatments were compared with usual care in patients admitted to hospitalwith COVID-19 in the UK. The trial is underway at 176 hospitals in the UK. Eligible and consenting patients wererandomly allocated to either usual standard of care alone or usual standard of care plus azithromycin 500 mg once perday by mouth or intravenously for 10 days or until discharge (or allocation to one of the other RECOVERY treatmentgroups). Patients were assigned via web-based simple (unstratified) randomisation with allocation concealment andwere twice as likely to be randomly assigned to usual care than to any of the active treatment groups. Participants andlocal study staff were not masked to the allocated treatment, but all others involved in the trial were masked to theoutcome data during the trial. The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality, assessed in the intention-to-treatpopulation. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, 50189673, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04381936.Findings Between April 7 and Nov 27, 2020, of 16 442 patients enrolled in the RECOVERY trial, 9433 (57%) wereeligible and 7763 were included in the assessment of azithromycin. The mean age of these study participants was65·3 years (SD 15·7) and approximately a third were women (2944 [38%] of 7763). 2582 patients were randomlyallocated to receive azithromycin and 5181 patients were randomly allocated to usual care alone. Overall,561 (22%) patients allocated to azithromycin and 1162 (22%) patients allocated to usual care died within 28 days(rate ratio 0·97, 95% CI 0·87–1·07; p=0·50). No significant difference was seen in duration of hospital stay (median10 days [IQR 5 to >28] vs 11 days [5 to >28]) or the proportion of patients discharged from hospital alive within 28 days(rate ratio 1·04, 95% CI 0·98–1·10; p=0·19). Among those not on invasive mechanical ventilation at baseline, nosignificant difference was seen in the proportion meeting the composite endpoint of invasive mechanical ventilationor death (risk ratio 0·95, 95% CI 0·87–1·03; p=0·24).Interpretation In patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, azithromycin did not improve survival or otherprespecified clinical outcomes. Azithromycin use in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 should be restrictedto patients in whom there is a clear antimicrobial indication

Frequency of Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test in Patients with Cirrhosis

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of positive fecal occult blood tests in patients with cirrhosis. METHODOLOGY This descriptive cross-sectional study had a total of 154 patients observed for six months i.e., from 12/3/2023 to 12/9/2023 in the Department of Medicine, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Patients (aged 18-70 years) were worked up with detailed history and clinical examination to reveal ascites, coagulopathy, jaundice, splenomegaly, cachexia, and gynecomastia. After having excluded the confounders, a morning fecal sample was taken under aseptic conditions in a specialized fecal occult blood testing kit and sent for laboratory evaluation for interpretation. The sampling technique was consecutive non-probability. All investigations were done from the same laboratory and under the supervision of a hematologist with three years of fellowship experience. Data was stored and analyzed by the statistical program IBM-SPSS version 22. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for qualitative variables like gender, child-pugh class for cirrhosis, and positive fecal occult blood test. Post-stratification was done through a chi-square test and p-values <0.05 were considered as significant. RESULTS In this study, the mean age was 57 years with SD ± 11.27. Sixty-two percent of patients were males while 38% of patients were females. The mean duration of the disease was 1 year with SD ± 3.57. More than 37% of patients had a positive fecal occult blood test while 63% of patients had a negative fecal occult blood test. CONCLUSION Our study shows that the frequency of positive fecal occult blood tests was 37% in patients with cirrhosis