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Drugs have structural homology across similar biological targets. Small molecule drugs have the efficacy to target specific molecular targets within the cancer cells with enhanced cell membrane permeability, oral administration, selectivity, and specific affinity. The objective of this review is to highlight the clinical importance and synthetic routes of new small molecule oncology drugs approved by the FDA during the period 2021–2022. These marketed drugs are listed based on the month and year of approval in chronological order. We believed that an in-depth insight into the synthetic approaches for the construction of these chemical entities would enhance the ability to develop new drugs more efficiently. [Display omitted] • 13 new anticancer drugs were approved by the FDA during 2021–2022. • Each drug is prefaced by a brief introduction with the relevant pharmacology. • An in-depth insight into the synthetic approaches of 13 new drugs would pave way to develop new drugs more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental and numerical studies are presented evaluating the efficacy of a recycling technique applied to a 1:3 reduced scale damaged RC frame. The crumbled concrete at the beam-column connections was replaced with new high-strength concrete. Epoxy mortar was applied at the interface to secure bonding between the old and new concrete. Additionally, the connections were provisioned with steel haunches, applied below and above the beams. The retrofitted frame was tested under quasi-static cyclic loads. The lateral resistancedisplacement hysteretic response of the tested frame was obtained to quantify hysteretic damping, derive the lateral resistance-displacement capacity curve, and develop performance levels. The technique improved the response of the frame; exhibiting an increase in the lateral stiffness, resistance and post-yield stiffness of the frame in comparison to the undamaged original frame. This good behaviour is attributed to the steel haunches installed at connections. A representative numerical model was calibrated in the finite element program SeismoStruct. A set of spectrum compatible ground motions were input to the numerical model for response history analysis. The story drift demands were computed for both the design basis and maximum considered earthquakes. Moreover, the technique was extended to a five-story frame, which was evaluated through nonlinear static pushover and response history analyses. Overstrength factor ΩR = 4.0 is proposed to facilitate analysis and preliminary design of steel haunches and anchors for retrofitting the low-/mid-rise RC frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ichnofossils are still not used in paleoecological studies, even though they are a valuable proxy for paleoecology. This study focused on a semiquantitative approach to a number of ichnofabric variables, i.e. ichnofossil association, bioturbation index (BI), ichnodiversity (ID), number of behaviors (NB), penetration depth (PD), and burrow diameter (DM). It was proved that the scores of those variables were low to medium because of the paleoecological fluvial-marine transition depositional processes in the Serravallian-Tortonian interval in Kutai Basin, Indonesia. This paper contributes an ichnofabric model that is visualized as histograms. One histogram shows the most common ichnofossil associations found in ichnofabric units, i.e., Ophiomorpha, Skolithos, Paleophycus, Planolites, Thalassinoides, and Chondrites. The other histograms describe the ichnofabric variables scores for BI, ID, NB, PD, and DM. The variables represent low to medium scores, a characteristic of a brackish paleoecology at basin-scale, a unique indicator for the fluvial-marine transition depositional system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The unknown or less well-known secondary faults in Northern Sumatra either located in the north or in the south of the Sumatran Fault including including the Lokop, Langsa, Batee, and Alas faults have been investigated. • The secondary faults are delineated well by the seismicity distribution and geomorphic structure as well as supported by the focal mechanisms. • The strike-slip Lokop fault is the most active and even has produced earthquake swarm in 2020. • The Langsa fault and thrustfold belt was created because of the compression between Sumatra and the Mergui microplate. Several medium-sized inland earthquakes have occurred away from the main Sumatra fault, which indicates the complexity of fault systems in Aceh, Northern Sumatra. The characteristics of these secondary faults in southeast Aceh between Lake Laut Tawar and lake Toba have not been comprehensively studied. The objective of the research was to investigate faults in Aceh using a combination of accurate seismicity, focal mechanisms, and geomorphic structures. Temporary seismic stations were installed in the southeast Aceh to cover several suspected secondary faults to complement the permanent stations. >500 seismic events formed earthquake clusters representing several known but previously unexplored faults. Coupled velocity and earthquake relocation followed by relative relocation were used to improve the location of hypocenters. The relocated seismicity delineates the Tripa segment of the Sumatran fault and the Batee fault, as well as the Langsa and Lokop faults. The distribution of the earthquakes in the southern part of Aceh explains the characteristics of the Batee fault in the NW–SE direction. The Langsa fault and thrustfold belt, evidenced by earthquake mechanisms, was caused by the compression between Sumatra and the Mergui microplate. The seismicity and focal mechanisms as well as the geomorphic lineament confirm that the Lokop fault strikes in NW–SE direction. The Batee NNW–SSW striking faults were created by principal stress nearly perpendicular to the Indian-Sumatra convergence line. In the north, the Lokop fault was created by a similar mechanism to accommodate the horizontal stress caused by compression between Sumatra and the Mergui microplate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of tiering style is an important task in ichnology. Tiering styles can be modeled by using ichnodiversity, the number of behaviors and number of tiers and their relationships. In this study, this approach was applied in the area of Samarinda, Kutai Basin, Indonesia. The values of ichnodiversity, number of behaviors, and number of tiers were identified. Ichnodiversity was strongly correlated with number of behaviors but weakly correlated with number of tiers. Accordingly, three tiering styles were identified. Typically, tiering styles A, B, and C demonstrated high ichnodiversity, number of behaviors and number of tiers. In general, the colonization window that coincides with the environmental conditions characteristic for deltaic settings is the factor that mostly regulates these tiering styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adult females are usually affected by the most common category of cancer known as the cancer of the breast. Objectives: To assess various risk factors leading to high incidence of women breast cancer, in urban-rural regions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province. Patients and Methods: Total of 500 patients were enrolled for the study visiting the cancer hospital, Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (IRNUM), Peshawar. Among them, 270 were breast cancer patients. Logistic regression models were estimated through the backward elimination procedure to determine the risk factors of breast cancer. Results: Factors responsible were menopausal status, reproductive status as well as the interaction of family history and diet were the significant risk factors of rural regions. In an urban region, menopausal status and the interaction of breast feeding and diet were the significant risk factors. Conclusion: This study concludes that reproductive, menopausal status, along with family history, diet and the joint effects of breast feeding were the significant risk factors. Our recommendation from this study was that, the breastfeeding is a precautionary measure against breast cancer. It is, therefore, suggested that mothers, particularly in urban areas, should be encouraged to feed their children by breast feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of the study was to find the frequency of salivary gland tumours. Study Design: A descriptive study. Period: 1st Jan 2008 to 31st Dec 2010 (of 3 years duration). Setting: ENT department Khyber Teaching Hospital and Surgical department Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Material and methods: Total number of 108 patients having salivary gland tumours enrolled from admitted patients in ENT department Khyber Teaching Hospital and Surgical department Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. The study was designed to find the frequency of salivary gland tumours. Results: In our study most of the patients were having benign tumours (80.6%) with malignant counterpart in about 19.4%. Overall the most common tumour was pleomorphic adenoma about 71.3% followed by Mucoepidermoid 6.5%, adenoid cystic carcinoma 4.6% and Warthin's tumour 4.6%. The most commonly involved salivary gland is parotid gland about 78.7% (85/108) with pleomorphic adenoma being the most common benign tumour and Mucoepidermoid the malignant variety. In submandibular gland/ sublingual glands the most common was pleomorphic adenoma and in minor salivary gland majority were malignant. Conclusion: Most of the salivary gland tumours are benign with majority of them are pleomorphic adenomas and parotid gland is the most common involved salivary gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nationalism in the Middle East until now have not been able to create an atmosphere of peace in the life of the nation. This spawned the thesis that the nationalism that developed there really is not free from the influence of Western Europe to split the power of Islamic world power. This paper is directed to probe the roots of Western European political epistemic hegemony on nationalism in the Middle East by applying the method of literature study. Hegemony of colonialism in Middle East supported the rise of nationalism. Nationalism made Islam no longer used as the basis of unity of nations in the Middle East as is in the caliphate system. Nationalism is an imported product that is inseparable to modernization with the effect of disrupting the unity of the Islamic world, especially in countries of the Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andrographis lineata is an herbal medicinal plant used in traditional medicine as a substitute for Andrographis paniculata. Here, using mature leaf explants of A. lineata we demonstrate for the first time the callus induction established on MS medium containing 1.0 mg l–1 IAA. Dried callus was subjected to solvent extraction with acetone. Further the acetone residue was separated by silica gel column chromatography, crystallized and characterized on the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance (proton and c13) and liquid chromatographic mass spectroscopy. This analysis revealed the occurrence of two known flavones namely, 7-O-methylwogonin (MW) and Echioidinin (ED). Furthermore, these compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against leukemic cell line, CEM. We identify that ED and MW induced cytotoxicity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Further increase in the LDH release upon treatment with ED and MW further confirmed our cytotoxicity results against leukemic cell line. Strikingly, MW was more potent than ED when compared by trypan blue and MTT assays. Our results recapitulate the utility of callus cultures for the production of plant specific bioactive secondary metabolites instead of using wild plants. Together, our in vitro studies provide new insights of A. lineata callus cultures serving as a source for cancer chemotherapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like most of the medicinal plants Soymida febrifuga (Meliaceae) possess significance for its valuable secondary metabolites. Multiplication of this endemic plant is limited by difficulty in rooting of stem cuttings, high seedling mortality rates and low seed viability period. Hence efficient protocols for in vitro mass propagation has been established from field grown and aseptic seedlings explants. Strikingly, we observed aberrant structures such as vitrified shoots, faciated shoots, albino shoots as well shoot necrosis during its micropropagation. These phenotypic maladies were observed during organogenesis and rooting. Compared to other abnormalities, shoot necrosis nonetheless was frequent and pronounced leading to plant death. Shoots when subjected to rooting also displayed necrosis which was controlled by transferring to MS medium containing various concentrations and combinations of calcium levels, activated charcoal, glucose, fructose and auxins. Microshoots initiated roots on half strength MS medium with IBA and IAA individually or in combination within two weeks. MS half strength solid medium supplemented with CAN (556 mg l-1), CAP (1.0 mg l-1), IAA (2.0 mg l-1) and IBA (2.0 mg l-1) in combination was found to be more efficient in showing high frequency (95%) of root regeneration. Rooted plantlets were successfully hardened and 70-85% of regenerated plants were successfully acclimatized to natural environment. In vitro derived plantlets were morphologically similar to in vivo plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension (HTN) is considered one of the most important and well-established reasons for cardiovascular abnormalities, strokes, and premature mortality globally. This study was designed to explore possible differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that contribute to the pathophysiology of hypertension. To identify the DEGs of HTN, we investigated 22 publicly available cDNA Affymetrix datasets using an integrated system-level framework. Gene Ontology (GO), pathway enrichment, and transcriptional factors were analyzed to reveal biological information. From 50 DEGs, we ranked 7 hypertension-related genes (p-value < 0.05): ADM, ANGPTL4, USP8, EDN, NFIL3, MSR1, and CEBPD. The enriched terms revealed significant functional roles of HIF-1-α transcription; endothelin; GPCR-binding ligand; and signaling pathways of EGF, PIk3, and ARF6. SP1 (66.7%), KLF7 (33.3%), and STAT1 (16.7%) are transcriptional factors associated with the regulatory mechanism. The expression profiles of these DEGs as verified by qPCR showed 3-times higher fold changes (2−ΔΔCt) in ADM, ANGPTL4, USP8, and EDN1 genes compared to control, while CEBPD, MSR1 and NFIL3 were downregulated. The aberrant expression of these genes is associated with the pathophysiological development and cardiovascular abnormalities. This study will help to modulate the therapeutic strategies of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropropagation has been advocated as one of the most viable biotechnological tool for ex situ conservation of rare, endangered endemic medicinal plants germplasm. Rapid clonal micropropagation protocol for large-scale multiplication of an endemic medicinal plant Soymida febrifuga (Meliaceae) was established from 15-day aseptic seedling cotyledonary node and shoot tip explants. High frequency of sprouting and shoot differentiation was observed from cotyledonary node explants compared to shoot tip, on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with BA, KN, 2-iP and CM. Of the cytokinins used, BA (3.0 mgl-1) supported highest average number and maximum multiple shoot differentiation (16.6). In vitro proliferated shoots were multiplied rapidly by culturing nodal segments as microcuttings, further subcultured on the same media for elongation. Elongated shoots upon transfer to MS medium fortified with IBA showed rooting within two weeks of culture. Rooted plantlets were successfully hardened and 75% of rooted shoots successfully survived on establishment to the soil. Plants looked healthy with no visually detectable phenotypic variations. This protocol provides a successful and rapid technique that can be used for ex situ conservation minimizing the pressure on wild populations and contributes to the conservation of this endemic medicinally potent flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight promising genotypes were crossed in all possible combinations using 8x8 diallel system for combining ability analysis. Data was recorded for seed yield and some important yield attributes. The results for combining ability analysis indicated significant general combining ability for most of the traits except plant height and siliqua length. UCD-8/4, KJ-119 and BRS-2 were good general combiners for yield related traits. A cross BRS-2 x UCD-8/4 showed best desired SCA for number of primary branches and siliquae per plant. S-9 x Canola Raya for siliqua length, Canola Raya x UCD-8/4 for number of seeds per siliqua, KJ- 119 x BRS-2, BARD-1 x NIFA Raya for 1000-seed weight while cross BRS-2 x UCD-8/4 for seed yield showed good positive SCA, involving at least one of the promising general combiner parents. It was suggested that selection should be delayed up to sixth segregating generation for number of primary branches, number of siliqua per plant, siliqua length and seed yield due to highly significant genotypic mean square and pre-dominant role of non- additive type of gene action while for number of seeds per siliqua and seed weight, selection in early generations would be suitable due to prominance of additive gene action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alocasia longiloba, locally known as 'Keladi Candik', has been used traditionally to treat wounds, furuncle and joint inflammations. A. longiloba can be a new source of herbal medicine against hyperuricemia by inhibiting the activity of xanthine oxidase enzyme, the enzyme which is responsible for the development of hyperuricemia in human. Existing xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOI drugs) show several side effects on gout patients. Therefore, an alternative herbal medicine from plants, with high therapeutic property and free of side effects, are greatly needed. This study was conducted to evaluate XO inhibitory activity, chemical composition, antioxidant activity and GC-MS profile of A. longiloba. Our results showed that ethanolic petiole extract exhibited the highest XO inhibitory activity (70.40 ± 0.05%) with IC50 value of 42.71 μg/mL, followed by ethanolic fruit extracts (61.44 ± 1.24%) with the IC50 value of 51.32 μg/mL. In a parallel study, the phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoids, glycoside and saponin in petiole and fruit extracts, as well as higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents and strong scavenging activity on DPPH and ABTS antioxidant assay. The GC-MS analysis of fruit and petiole extracts revealed the presence of various compounds belonging to different chemical nature, among them are limonen-6-ol, α-DGlucopyranoside, paromomycin, aziridine, phenol, Heptatriacotanol, Phen-1,2,3-dimethyl and Betulin found in ethanolic fruit extract, and Phen-1,4-diol,2,3-dimethyl-, 1-Ethynyl-3,trans(1,1-dimethylethyl), Phenol,2,6-dimethoxy-4-(2-propenyl)- and 7-Methyl-Z-tetradecen-1-olacetate found in ethanolic petiole extract. Some compounds were documented as potent anti-inflammatory and arthritis related diseases by other researchers. In this study, the efficiency of solvents to extract bioactives was found to be ethanol > water, methanol > hexane > chloroform. Together, our results suggest the prospective utilization of fruit and petiole of A. longiloba to inhibit the activity of XO enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Low cost and an easy technique for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) was developed. Glucosamine was used to stabilize palladium precursor (PdCl 2) into palladium nanoparticles. Several analytical techniques were used for the determination of morphology, crystalline structure; size, capping, and composition of synthesize palladium nanoparticles. The UV-visible spectroscopy SPR peak (Surface Plasmon Resonance) at 284 nm revealed synthesis of PdNPs. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies proved the elemental composition and crystalline structure of the synthesized palladium nanoparticles respectively. The average particle sizes (5.5 nm) were obtained by using the 1 M glucosamine solution, with a fixed amount of PdCl 2 (4 mM). Moreover, the as synthesized PdNPs was evaluated against Gram negative bacterial E. which shows tremendous antibacterial activity as compare to tobramycin standard antibiotics. It's mechanistically found that PdNPs damage cell membrane and caused imbalance of metabolism system of the cell as a result production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, these finding revealed that cells become leaky and all organelles come out from cells, finally caused death of the E. coli. Addition, the as prepared PdNPs also showed excellent catalytic activities toward reduction of methylene blue and 4-nitrophenol.Thus, glucosamine mediated PdNPs having dual functions biomedical as well as intoxicating catalyst for industries. Highlights • Green synthesis of uniform palladium nanoparticles, used glucosamine acted as reducing and stabilizing agent. • PdNPs used against multi drugs resistance (MDR) Gram negative E. coli. • PdNPs used as a catalyst for the reduction of methylene blue and 4-nitro phenol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.] is a nutrient-rich vegetable crop widely grown in the tropics and subtropics mainly for its edible pods. The haploid technique has been used in plant breeding for the improvements of plants and to develop new varieties in relatively a short time. Hence, we have optimized several factors such as plant growth regulators (PGR), sucrose concentration, cold treatment, type of media and culture conditions for callus induction from the anther and ovary of okra (557 F1 hybrid). Methods: The flower buds of different sizes were collected to determine various stages of development and then subjected to cold pretreatments. The explants were then cultured on various combinations of PGRs i.e., naphthyloxy acetic (NOA), Indole acetic acid (IAA), 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D), Benzyl amino purine (BAP), isopentenyl adenine 2iP, Kinetin (KIN) and Thidiazuron (TDZ). Result: The optimum developmental stage of microspore for callus initiation was achieved from flower buds of okra and its size was about 11 mm long. Flower buds that emerged one week after the flowering showed significantly higher percentage of callus induction. The optimum stage for ovary and ovule culture were one or two days prior to anthesis and the flower buds stage was 35±1mm. In conclusion, our study investigated the effect of several factors that affects callus induction in okra and optimized cultured conditions for future haploid development for okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercial use of aggregate is ubiquitous in the construction of buildings and roads because aggregates provide strength, resistance, and support. This paper analyzes the constraints of aggregate rock use in Kurram district, Northwest Pakistan, and to demarcate aggregate resource locations using GIS techniques, weighted overlay analysis, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The undertaken study has considered several appropriate socioeconomic and environmental factors such as land use, distance from highways, rock type, elevation, and slope to diminish conflicts between land users. These variables were mapped using the weighted overlay analysis and the AHP analysis and then ranked in order of importance. The geographical relationships between all thematic data were used to generate the final suitability map of weighted overlay analysis and AHP analysis. The enumerated results have depicted that a number of aggregate prospective areas are prevalent in the study area. The research areas have been classified as low, moderate, or highly suitable based on environmental constraints, transportation network availability, current land use, and mineral-deposit availability. Furthermore, an accuracy comparison between AHP and weighted overlay analysis revealed that AHP analysis has a very high level of precision. As a consequence, the AHP-GIS approach is highly recommended for investigating land resources and resource categorization, which assists policymakers and regional authorities in making decisions and approving quarry authorizations. The purpose of this research is to analyze aggregate resources using GIS techniques. The authors defined the aggregate resources using two different approaches: weighted overlay analysis and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The criteria for selecting the quarry site were developed and implemented in a GIS environment. These criteria consider a variety of factors, including the slope, the distance to the road, land use and land cover, accessibility, slope, elevation, and geology. The final suitability maps were generated, and the locations were classified into three parts: low, medium, and high. Operators and decision-makers can use the undertaken analysis as a reference to create an appropriate aggregate plan for spatial development and management. This will make it easier to ensure that aggregate resources are accessible to both present and future generations while balancing extraction activities with an environmentally friendly perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel pentameric structure which differs from the previously reported tetrameric form of the diarrhea-inducing region of the rotavirus enterotoxin NSP4 is reported here. A significant feature of this pentameric form is the absence of the calcium ion located in the core region of the tetrameric structures. The lysis of cells, the crystallization of the region spanning residues 95 to 146 of NSP4 (NSP495-146) of strain ST3 (ST3:NSP495-146) at acidic pH, and comparative studies of the recombinant purified peptide under different conditions by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and of the crystal structures suggested pH-, Ca2+-, and protein concentrationdependent oligomeric transitions in the peptide. Since the NSP495-146 mutant lacks the N-terminal amphipathic domain (AD) and most of the C-terminal flexible region (FR), to demonstrate that the pentameric transition is not a consequence of the lack of the N- and Cterminal regions, glutaraldehyde cross-linking of the ΔN72 and ΔN94 mutant proteins, which contain or lack the AD, respectively, but possess the complete C-terminal FR, was carried out. The results indicate the presence of pentamers in preparations of these longer mutants. Detailed SEC analyses of ΔN94 prepared under different conditions, however, revealed protein concentration-dependent but metal ion- and pH-independent pentamer accumulation at high concentrations which dissociated into tetramers and lower oligomers at low protein concentrations. While calcium appeared to stabilize the tetramer, magnesium in particular stabilized the dimer. ΔN72 existed primarily in the multimeric form under all conditions. These findings of a calcium-free NSP4 pentamer and its concentrationdependent and largely calcium-independent oligomeric transitions open up a new dimension in an understanding of the structural basis of its multitude of functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is a crucial element required for the proper functioning of the body. For instance, hemoglobin is the vital component in the blood that delivers oxygen to various parts of the body. The heme protein present in hemoglobin comprises iron in the form of a ferrous state which regulates oxygen delivery. Excess iron in the body is stored as ferritin and would be utilized under iron-deficient conditions. Surprisingly, cancer cells as well as cancer stem cells have elevated ferritin levels suggesting that iron plays a vital role in protecting these cells. However, apart from the cytoprotective role iron also has the potential to induce cell death via ferroptosis which is a non-apoptotic cell death dependent on iron reserves. Apoptosis a caspase-dependent cell death mechanism is effective on cancer cells however little is known about its impact on cancer stem cell death. This paper focuses on the molecular characteristics of apoptosis and ferroptosis and the importance of switching to ferroptosis to target cancer stem cells death thereby preventing cancer relapse. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review to demonstrate the importance of intracellular iron in regulating the switching of tumor cells and therapy resistant CSCs from apoptosis to ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pneumonia outbreak was primarily reported in the fall of 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, with the identity SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus. It quickly grew from a local epidemic to a global pandemic and was declared a public health emergency by the WHO. A total of three prominent waves were identified across the globe, with a slight temporal variability as per the geographical locations, and has impacted several sectors which connect the world. By March 2022, the coronavirus had infected 444.12 million people and claimed 6.01 million human lives worldwide, and these numbers have not yet stabilized. Our paper enlightens readers on the seven strains of human coronaviruses, with special emphasis on the three severe deadliest outbreaks (SARS-2002, MERS-2012, and COVID-19). This work attempts a comprehensive understanding of the coronavirus and its impact on the possible sectors that link the world through the economic chain, climate conditions, SDGs, recycling of the event, and mitigations. There are many points that are raised by the authors in the possible sectors, which are emerging or are as yet unnoticed and thus have not been taken into consideration. This comprehension will leave sets of new challenges and opportunities for the researchers in various streams, especially in earth sciences. Science-integrated research may help to prevent upcoming disasters as a by-product of (existing) epidemics in the form of coronavirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing is a complex process driven by a series of stages that require a suitable wound closure environment, attributable to many factors. However, several factors contribute to delay in healing processes, including infection and the presence of certain diseases. Under unfortunate circumstances, an inadequate wound healing process could lead to amputation. Gauze is the traditional dressing to cover up wounds but tends to dry the wound bed. Therefore, a moist dressing may prove helpful in providing a suitable environment, preventing skin dryness, and enhancing angiogenesis of the wound area. The application of topical cream could expedite wound healing better than a moist dressing, as the former facilitates the repair process by maintaining the hydration levels of the affected skin. The issues mentioned above are discussed in detail in this review paper, focusing on recent advances, advantages and drawbacks of topical creams for wound treatment. In addition, the article includes suggestions to improve topical cream formulations for effective delivery of the needed therapeutic agents to assist in wound repair. Crucially, topical creams could play a key role in personal wound care and facilitate regenerative medicine. Novel strategies for speedy wound healing are in demand to alleviate the healthcare financial burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is prototypical neurological autoimmune disorder, characterized by limb and occulo-bulbular fragility. Our case study will facilitate the practitioners as well as the scientific community to consider other therapy plans with patients presented with acute respiratory failure due to the use of rituximab.A 25-year-old man presented with acute respiratory failure This case reporte sheds light on the importance of differential diagnoses of refractory myasthenia gravis for inexplicable acute respiratory failure upon rituximab treatment. The case study demonstrates the problems associated with use of rituximab in refractory myasthenia gravis. It can cause acute respiratory failure among the patients with relapse specially. Our case study will facilitate the practitioners as well as the scientific community to consider other therapy plans with patients presented with acute respiratory failure due to the use of rituximab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baicalein (BC), a flavonoid, which lacks the qualities of reproductive health and shows adverse effects, is tested in this study. Inseminated mice were injected with 30, 60, and 90 mg BC/Kg body weight on gestation days 11, 13, 15, and 17. The F1 BC-exposed males of each dosage were divided into six groups. First three groups (n = 6 from each BC dosage) were used for assessment of reproductive performance, the others (n = 4 from each BC dosage) were administered with testosterone 4.16 mg/kg body weight on postnatal days 21, 31, and 41. The reproductive health of adult F1 males at the age of 55 and 60 was tested. Prenatal BC exposure showed reduced fertility after cohabitation with control females. The BC exposure significantly reduced the body weight, tissue indices, and sperm parameters (motility, count, viability, and daily sperm count) and altered the sperm membrane in a hypoosmotic swelling test. A downward trend was observed in testicular steroidogenic marker enzymes (3β- and 17β-steroid dehydrogenases) and serum testosterone, whereas increase in serum titers of FSH and LH along with altered the testicular histology. Conversely, testosterone (4.16 mg/kg body weight) partially recovered reduced male reproductive health by BC. BC impaired male reproductive health due to low levels of testosterone is reverted by external testosterone is evidenced in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new isoxazolone (3a–d) and pyrazolone (4a–d) derivatives were synthesized and assessed for their antioxidant and analgesic activity. Among synthesized compounds, 3b and 4b having nitro (NO2) group show high analgesic activity at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Analgesic activity was further proceeded to explore the contribution of opioidergic mechanisms in the mediation of analgesic effects. Animals were administered with naloxone, a nonselective opioid inverse agonist, at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg. The results obtained suggested that the analgesic effects of the synthesized compounds were not reversed by naloxone, specifying that the compounds 3b and 4b do not follow the opioidergic pathway in order to relieve pain in animal models. Further, the binding interactions of compounds 3b and 4b were analyzed by docking them against nonopioid receptors COX‐1 (3N8X) and COX‐2 (3LN1). The results demonstrate the analgesic potential of isoxazolone and pyrazolone derivatives, especially compounds 3b and 4b can be considered promising lead molecules for further investigation and development into potent analgesic drugs. In addition, the antioxidant potential of compounds was also found to be related to better analgesic activity, thus providing an insight into the role of oxidative stress in the mediation of analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the present study two animal species (cattle and buffalo) were selected. A total of 800 samples were collected from different areas of District Lakki Marwat and District Peshawar. All the samples were processed through different diagnostic techniques, including Microscopy, ELISA and Real-time PCR for diagnosis of Theileria parva at Veterinary Research Institute Peshawar. The overall prevalence for Theileriosis was 27.75% through Real-time PCR, followed by Indirect ELISA (24.62%) and Microscopy (11.37%). Transect wise high prevalence for Theileria parva was observed in Lakki Marwat with 33.5% for Real-time PCR, significantly different at P<0.05 from Peshawar. Cattle showed 100% more positive results as compared to Buffalo. All the techniques showed highest prevalence of Theileria parva for female population as compared to male population. Age wise prevalence was not significantly different for both the species. Prevalence was high in animals < 1-year age. It was found that PCR is more sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for diagnosis of Theileria parva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of distribution, density, and abundance of weed in a place is a prerequisite for its proper management. Parthenium hazard is a national agenda in Malaysia, and Kedah is the worst infested state in the country. Despite it, the distribution and abundance of the weed is not systematically documented. Periodical weed surveys were conducted at Kuala Muda, Kedah, during March and September 2015 to identify infested locations, to determine density, abundance, and severity of infestation, and to do mapping of weed distribution of the area. Geographic locations were recorded using a GPS. Weed density was measured following the list count quadrat method. The mapping of weed infestation was done by the ArcGIS software using data of GPS and weed density. Different letters were used to indicate the severity of infestation. Results indicated that in Kuala Muda, sixteen sites are infested having average weed density of 10.6 weeds/m2. The highest density was noted at Kg. Kongsi 6 (24.3 plants/m2). The relative density was highest at Semeling (27.25%) followed by Kg. Kongsi 6 (23.14%). The average severity of infestation was viewed as the medium. Parthenium abundance and relative density increased by 18.0% and 27%, respectively, in the second survey conducted. The intervention of concerned authority to tackle the weed problem using integrated weed management approach is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutralization of bacterial cell surface potential using nanoscale materials is an effective strategy to alter membrane permeability, cytoplasmic leakage, and ultimate cell death. In the present study, an attempt was made to prepare biogenic silver nanoparticles using biomolecules from the aqueous rhizome extract of Coptis Chinensis . The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were surface modified with chitosan biopolymer. The prepared silver nanoparticles and chitosan modified silver nanoparticles were cubic crystalline structures (XRD) with an average particle size of 15 and 20 nm respectively (TEM, DLS). The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were surface stabilized by polyphenolic compounds (FTIR). Coptis Chinensis mediated silver nanoparticles displayed significant activity against E. coli and Bacillus subtilus with a zone of inhibition 12 ± 1.2 (MIC = 25 μg/mL) and 18 ± 1.6 mm (MIC = 12.50 μg/mL) respectively. The bactericidal efficacy of these nanoparticles was considerably increased upon surface modification with chitosan biopolymer. The chitosan modified biogenic silver nanoparticles exhibited promising activity against E. coli (MIC = 6.25 μg/mL) and Bacillus subtilus (MIC = 12.50 μg/mL). Our results indicated that the chitosan modified silver nanoparticles were promising agents in damaging bacterial membrane potential and induction of high level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, these nanoparticles were observed to induce the release of the high level of cytoplasmic materials especially protein and nucleic acids into the media. All these findings suggest that the chitosan functionalized silver nanoparticles are efficient agents in disrupting bacterial membrane and induction of ROS leading to cytoplasmic leakage and cell death. These findings further conclude that the bacterial-nanoparticles surface potential modulation is an effective strategy in enhancing the antibacterial potency of silver nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor about the risk of type 2 diabetes among vegetarians and non-vegetarians is presented.

Zinc sulphide (ZnS) and Cd-doped ZnS nanoparticles, Zn 1-x Cd x S (x = 0.2 − 0.5), were synthesized by wet chemical method. Optical, electrical and photovoltaic properties of the nanoparticles were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) supplemented with EDAX was used to find grain size and chemical composition of the synthesized material. A significant bathochromic shift of absorption band with respect to the undoped zinc sulphide was noticed by increasing the cadmium concentration in the doped samples. Consequently the band gap was tuned into the visible region. XRD analysis showed that the material existed in cubic crystalline state. The conductivity of the doped material, though progressively increasing step by step, was found lower than undoped ZnS at cadmium contents ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 M but at the highest dopant concentration (Cd, 0.5 M) the conductivity attained a value higher than undoped ZnS by 1.21 × 10 −5 Ω −1 m −1 . The synthesized material in combination with P3HT, poly (3-hexyl thiophene) was used in the fabrication of solar cells. These devices gave higher short circuit densities and efficiencies than the reference device.% η was increased by 2.33 times with respect to reference device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to modernization and the scarcity of fossil fuel resources, energy demand is continuously increasing. In this regard, it is essential and necessary to create a renewable energy source that can meet future energy demands. Recently, the production of H2 by water splitting and removing pollutants from the water has been essential for issues of energy and environmental demands. Herein, g-C3N4 and Ag-g-C3N4 composite structures have been successfully fabricated by the ultrasonication method. The physio/photochemical properties of prepared g-C3N4 and Ag-g-C3N4 were examined with different analytical techniques such as FTIR, XRD, UV-DRS, SEM, TEM, PL, and XPS analyses. The silver quantum dots (QDS) anchored to g-C3N4 structures performed the profound photocatalytic activities of H2 production, dye degradation, and antimicrobial activity under visible-light irradiation. The Ag/g-C3N4 composite with an Ag loading of 0.02 mole has an optimum photoactivity at 335.40 μmol g−1 h−1, which is superior to other Ag loading g-C3N4 composites. The synthesized Ag/g-C3N4 nanoparticles showed potential microbial inhibition activity during the preliminary screening, and the inhibition zones were comparable to the commercial antibiotic chloramphenicol. The loading of Ag into g-C3N4 paves the suppression, recombination and transfer of photo-generated electron-hole pairs, leading to the enhancement of hydrogen production, the diminishment of pollutants in water under visible light irradiation, and antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The crude extract of Fumaria indica whole plant (Fi.Cr) and its fractions were studied in vitro for spasmogenic and spasmolytic effects to rationalize some of the traditional uses. Fi.Cr (1.0–5.0mg/mL) caused a moderate degree of atropine-sensitive spasmogenic effect in guinea-pig ileum. In spontaneously contracting rabbit jejunum, Fi.Cr (0.03–0.3mg/mL) caused a mild spasmogenicity followed by relaxation at the higher doses. In the atropinized preparations, Fi.Cr inhibited spontaneous and K+-induced contractions at the similar doses (0.1–1.0mg/mL), which suggests calcium channel blockade (CCB). CCB effect was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with the Fi.Cr produced a dose-dependent shift in the Ca2+ dose–response curves to the right, similar to that produced by verapamil. Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the spasmolytic effect is concentrated in the petroleum ether fraction, while dichloromethane fraction contains both spasmogenic and spasmolytic constituents. These data indicate that the presence of cholinergic and CCB constituents in Fi.Cr may explain the respective traditional use of Fumaria indica in constipation and diarrhoea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Leukemia is a leukocyte cancer that is characterized by anarchic growth of immature immune cells in the bone marrow, blood and spleen. There are many forms of leukemia, and the best course of therapy and the chance of a patient's survival depend on the type of leukemic disease. Different forms of drugs have been used to treat leukemia. Due to the adverse effects associated with such therapies and drug resistance, the search for safer and more effective drugs remains one of the most challenging areas of research. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are important to improving outcomes. Almost half of the drugs utilized nowadays in treating cancer are from natural products and their derivatives. Medicinal plants have proven to be an effective natural source of anti-leukemic drugs. The cytotoxicity and the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of these plants to leukemic cells and their isolated compounds were investigated. Effort has been made throughout this comprehensive review to highlight the recent developments and milestones achieved in leukemia therapies using plant-derived compounds and the crude extracts from various medicinal plants. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of these plants are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we reported the synthesis and characterization of a novel hyperbranched polymer (HBPs) tris[(4-phenyl)amino-alt-4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b;4,5-b']dithiophene] (PTPABDT) composed of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (BDT) and triphenyleamine (TPA) constituent subunits by A3 + B2 type Stille's reaction. An estimated optical band gap of 1.69 eV with HOMO and LUMO levels of −5.29 eV and −3.60 eV, respectively, as well as a high thermal stability up to 398 °C were characterized for the synthesized polymer. PTPABDT fabricated as an encapsulated top gate/bottom contact (TGBC), organic field effect transistors (OFET) exhibited a p-type behavior with maximum field-effect mobility (µmax) and an on/off ratio of 1.22 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 7.47 × 102, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]