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Hafiz Muhammad Zubair,1 Muhammad Arslan Khan,2 Faisal Gulzar,1 Musaed Alkholief,3 Abdul Malik,3 Suhail Akhtar,4 Ali Sharif,5 Muhammad Furqan Akhtar,6 Muhammad Abbas7 1Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan; 2Department of Pharmacy Services, The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan; 3Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Biochemistry, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville, MO, USA; 5Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan; 6Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan; 7Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, PakistanCorrespondence: Hafiz Muhammad Zubair, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan, Email dr.zubair83@gmail.comPurpose: This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of palliative chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), how patients adapt to their new and challenging life after chemotherapy, their beliefs, and their quality of life.Patients and Methods: The study used an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach that was designed to explore the experiences and side effects of NSCLC patients on chemotherapy in Pakistan. The study was designed to obtain a deeper understanding of 22 NSCLC patients’ experiences, using a face-to-face approach and interviews were conducted. Patients who have completed chemotherapy agreed to participate in semi-structured interviews.Results: The data were arranged into five themes: hospital facilities and environment, patient’s beliefs in alternative treatments, presenting a positive/negative face, life is for living, and health insurance coverage. The major complaints related to bad experiences of chemotherapy-induced side effects, but these patients still managed to complete the full course of their respective chemotherapy. Additionally, the current study revealed the real experience of patients with NSCLC which had been less studied. The patient’s experience was summarized into four themes and several subthemes.Conclusion: This study aid healthcare providers when deciding on treatment options that will improve shared decision-making between clinicians and treatment outcomes.Keywords: chemotherapy, NSCLC, qualitative research, semi-structured interview

Faisal Gulzar,1,2 Muhammad Shoaib Akhtar,1 Rafshan Sadiq,3 Sajid Bashir,1 Sajida Jamil,2 Shahid Mahmood Baig4,5 1Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan; 2Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan; 3Punjab Institute for Nuclear Medicines (PINUM) Cancer Hospital, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan; 4Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan; 5Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad, Punjab, Pakistan Background: Delay in seeking health care by breast cancer patients is associated with advanced stage of disease at presentation and poor survival rates. This study aimed to identify the reasons for delayed presentation and their association with various sociodemographic variables. Methods: A total of 200 female patients with abnormal clinical findings, ie, lump or palpable mass, were consecutively invited for this study. Diagnostic delay was defined as a consultation with a health care provider more than 3 months from the appearance of the first symptoms. Sociodemographic variables, presenting symptoms, knowledge about diseases and its symptoms, time between seeking medical attention after appearance of symptoms and causes of delayed presentation were investigated. Chi-squared and logistic regression tests for significance and associations were used. Results: Among 125 women with breast cancer fulfilling the inclusion criteria, aged 24–75 years, 88.8% (n=111) presented late (≥3 months) and 59% presented with advanced stage of disease (stage III/IV). The majority (65.6%) were older than 40 years of age, 99.2% were married, 60.8% had

Muhammad Zaman,1 Sundus Qureshi,1 Kishwar Sultana,1 Muhammad Hanif,2 Asif Mahmood,1 Zaib Ali Shaheryar,1 Faisal Gulzar,1 Kashif Barkat,1 Mohamed M Abdel-Daim3 1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan; 2Department of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan; 3Department of Pharmacology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt Background: The present study was to develop a stable and sustained-release delivery system of tacrolimus (TCM). TCM is a macrolide antibiotic used as an immunosuppressant. It is formulated as a microsponge, which is a safe and effective delivery system with reduced side effects.Materials and methods: The method used to prepare ethyl cellulose (EC) and xanthan gum (XG)-facilitated EC-based microsponges employed emulsification and modified double emulsification techniques. TCM-containing microsponges were prepared using varying concentrations followed by evaluation of micromeritics, compatibility of drug and excipients, production yield, drug content and entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, size distribution and drug release.Results: The results showed excellent flow properties with adequate entrapment efficiency of the system and satisfactory release of active pharmaceutical ingredient. In vitro dissolution studies, which were conducted to determine the amount of drug released, illustrated a pronounced sustained effect up to 8 h. Zeta size and zeta potential analysis of microsponges confirmed the existence of micro-sized (1.99–3.09 µm) and stable particles (-15.33 to -3.38 mV), respectively.Conclusion: Conclusively, the applied technique and selected combination of ingredients were found suitable for the preparation of TCM-containing sustained-release microsponges. Keywords: ethylcellulose, xanthan gum, macrolides, tacrolimus, sustained release

Purpose: Consumer behavior is much broad and complex concept in Economics. Not only income but other factors shape the consumption pattern in different regions, countries and even in cities. The main objective of this research is to identify and analyze the factors that influence purchasing behavior of cash and carry consumers during purchasing Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses different variables as independent variables and purchasing behavior as dependent variables also some intermediate variables that influences purchasing behavior of people. The sample is collecting and analyzing of 200 respondents in the city of District Bagh Azad Kashmir. Convenient Sampling technique uses to collect data and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) is use for analysis. Reliability Analysis and Regression Analysis (RA) are use for analysis and hypothesis testing. Findings: According to results people change their behaviour moderately during purchasing, A numbers of customer purchase according to environment, Facilities, advertisement, distance and awareness. However some customer purchase only planned products. This study concludes that some variables including in the study have significant and positive impact and some have negative impact on purchasing behavior. A small number of variables have insignificant relationship with purchasing behavior. Researcher only mentions significant variables. Implications/Originality/Value: So it is concluded that seller behavior, packing, Geography, store environment and brands change the plan purchasing of consumer

Waterlogging stress causes substantial destruction to plant growth and production under climatic fluctuations globally. Plants hormones have been widely explored in numerous crops, displaying an imperative role in crop defense and growth mechanism. However, there is a paucity of research on the subject of plant hormones regulating waterlogging stress responses in wheat crop. In this study, we clarified the role of 6-BA in waterlogging stress through inducing phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in wheat. The application of 6-BA (6-benzyladenine) enhanced the growth and development of wheat plants under waterlogging stress, which was accompanied by reduced electrolyte leakage, high chlorophyll, and soluble sugar content. ROS scavenging was also enhanced by 6-BA, resulting in reduced MDA and H 2 O 2 accumulation and amplified antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, under the effect of 6-BA, the acceleration of lignin content and accumulation in the cell walls of wheat tissues, along with the activation of PAL (phenylalanine ammonia lyase), TAL (tyrosine ammonia lyase), and 4CL (4-hydroxycinnamate CoA ligase) activities and the increase in the level of transcription of the TaPAL and Ta4CL genes, were observed under waterlogging stress. Also, 6-BA improved the root growth system under waterlogging stress conditions. Further qPCR analysis revealed increased auxin signaling ( TaPR1 ) in 6-BA-treated plants under waterlogging stress that was consistent with the induction of endogenous IAA hormone content under waterlogging stress conditions. Here, 6-BA also reduced yield loss, as compared to control plants. Thus, the obtained data suggested that, under the application of 6-BA, phenylpropanoid metabolism (i.e., lignin) was stimulated, playing a significant role in reducing the negative effects of waterlogging stress on yield, as evinced by the improved plant growth parameters.

In the context of China's transportation sector, which has faced escalating challenges in carbon emissions, this study delves into the intricate nexus between sustainable finance strategies and the imperative of achieving carbon neutrality. Spanning the years 2010-2022 across 30 provinces of China and employing a rigorous Panel Model methodology, our research sets out to achieve several pivotal objectives. These include assessing the tangible impact of sustainable finance initiatives on curtailing carbon emissions within the transportation domain, discerning the pivotal drivers that influence the trajectory of carbon neutrality endeavors, and critically evaluating the efficacy of policy interventions aimed at fostering sustainability. Our findings unearth a compelling narrative. Firstly, we observe a discernible positive correlation between the implementation of sustainable finance mechanisms-such as green bonds, sustainable investment portfolios, and innovative financial instruments-and the tangible reduction of carbon emissions within the transportation sector. Secondly, our analysis underscores the indispensable role of key drivers, ranging from technological advancements and regulatory frameworks to evolving consumer behavior and public consciousness, in steering the course towards carbon neutrality. Thirdly, our research underscores the pivotal impact of targeted policy interventions, emphasizing the efficacy of measures aimed at incentivizing sustainable practices, fostering stakeholder collaborations, and bolstering industry-wide accountability frameworks. In light of these insights, our study advocates for a nuanced policy landscape characterized by a multifaceted approach. By aligning financial incentives with sustainability goals, fostering technological innovation, and fostering robust regulatory frameworks, policymakers can catalyze a paradigm shift towards carbon neutrality in the transportation sector., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The aim of the current study was to explore the potential of human plasma-derived exosomes as versatile carriers for drug delivery by employing various active and passive loading methods. Exosomes were isolated from human plasma using differential centrifugation and ultrafiltration method. Drug loading was achieved by employing sonication and freeze thaw methods, facilitating effective drug encapsulation within exosomes for delivery. Each approach was examined for its effectiveness, loading efficiency and ability to preserve membrane stability. Methotrexate (MTX), a weak acid model drug was loaded at a concentration of 2.2 µM to exosomes underwent characterization using various techniques such as particle size analysis, transmission electron microscopy and drug loading capacity. Human plasma derived exosomes showed a mean size of 162.15 ± 28.21 nm and zeta potential of -30.6 ± 0.71 mV. These exosomes were successfully loaded with MTX demonstrated a better drug encapsulation of 64.538 ± 1.54 % by freeze thaw method in comparison 55.515 ± 1.907 % by sonication. In-vitro drug release displayed 60 % loaded drug released within 72 h by freeze thaw method that was significantly different from that by sonication method i.e., 99 % within 72 h (p value 0.0045). Moreover, cell viability of exosomes loaded by freeze thaw method was significantly higher than that by sonication method (p value 0.0091) suggested that there was membrane disruption by sonication method. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into the potential of human plasma-derived exosomes loaded by freeze thaw method suggest as a promising carrier for improved drug loading and maintenance of exosomal membrane integrity., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.)

The detrimental impact of reactive oxygen species on D.N.A. repair processes is one of the contributing factors to colon cancer. The idea that oxidative stress may be a significant etiological element for carcinogenesis is currently receiving more and more support. The goal of the current study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity of three powerful phytocompounds-sitosterol, amyrin, and epiafzelechin-alone and in various therapeutic combinations against colon cancer to identify the critical mechanisms that mitigate nickel's carcinogenic effect. To evaluate the ligand-protein interaction of four selected components against Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) inhibitor and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) molecular docking approach was applied using PyRx bioinformatics tool. For in vivo analysis, hundred albino rats were included, divided into ten groups, each containing ten rats of weight 160-200 g. All the groups were injected with 1 ml/kg nickel intraperitoneally per week for three months, excluding the negative control group. Three of the ten groups were treated with β-sitosterol (100 mg/kg b wt), β-amyrin (100 mg/kg b wt), and epiafzelechin (200 mg/kg b wt), respectively, for one month. The later four groups were fed with combinatorial treatments of the three phyto compounds for one month. The last group was administered with commercial drug Nalgin (500 mg/kg b wt). The biochemical parameters Creatinine, Protein carbonyl, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), VEGF, MMP-9 Inhibitor, and IL-10 were estimated using ELISA kits and Glutathione (G.S.H.), Superoxide dismutase (S.O.D.), Catalase (C.A.T.) and Nitric Oxide (NO) were analyzed manually. The correlation was analyzed through Pearson's correlation matrix. All the parameters were significantly raised in the positive control group, indicating significant inflammation. At the same time, the levels of the foresaid biomarkers were decreased in the serum in all the other groups treated with the three phytocompounds in different dose patterns. However, the best recovery was observed in the group where the three active compounds were administered concomitantly. The correlation matrix indicated a significant positive correlation of IL-10 vs VEGF (r = 0.749**, p = 0.009), MMP-9 inhibitor vs SOD (r = 0.748**, p = 0.0 21). The study concluded that the three phytocompounds β-sitosterol, β-amyrin, and epiafzelechin are important anticancer agents which can target the cancerous biomarkers and might be used as a better therapeutic approach against colon cancer soon., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The purpose of this study is to explore energy prices and their impact on household consumption under the condition of Keynesian consumption theory in South Asian countries over the 1995-2020 periods. By employing the panel ordinary least square model estimation technique, the study attempted to find the relationship between household income and consumption under the theory of Keynesian consumption function. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between household consumption and environmental sustainability, policy mix variables, and energy pricing. First of all, this study confirms the existence of Keynesian consumption theory in these economies of South Asia. Furthermore, energy pricing, environmental sustainability, and inflation rate are the factors that inducing toward high household consumption in South Asia. Considering the policy mix factors, inflation rate contribution positively while tax rate inducing this consumer for low household consumption. Based on the empirical analysis, this study suggested some parameters to these Asian economies particularly and other similar economies generally., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction: Chiari malformations are a group of clinicopathological entities with a variety of clinical presentations, different pathophysiology, and variable outcomes. It has a typical set of clinical presentation. In this study is to observe the different clinical presentations of the patients with Chiari malformation in our population. As the time of initial presentation is delayed that might change the sign and symptoms with which patient initially presents., Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study with prospectively collected data of 46 patients with Chiari malformation. The duration of the study is from 2017 to 2020. Patient's data will be compiled and analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. Qualitative variables are presented as frequencies and percentages. Quantitative variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Effect modifiers are controlled through stratification. The Chi-square test is used for finding association between categorical variables. P ≤ 0.05 is considered as statistically significant., Results: According to our data 36% of our patients presented with motor weakness which is followed by sensory deficit, however in previous literature headache was the commonest clinical presentation., Conclusion: Clinical presentation in our population differs from other studies and the reason behind this is the delayed presentation of the patient and lack of awareness of disease and ultimately it will alter the outcome of disease and treatment., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Asian Journal of Neurosurgery.)

Drought stress causes heavy damages to crop growth and productivity under global climatic changes. Transcription factors have been extensively studied in many crops to play important roles in plant growth and defense. However, there is a scarcity of studies regarding WRKY transcription factors regulating drought responses in maize crops. Previously, ZmWRKY79 was identified as the regulator of maize phytoalexin biosynthesis with inducible expression under different elicitation. Here, we elucidated the function of ZmWRKY79 in drought stress through regulating ABA biosynthesis. The overexpression of ZmWRKY79 in Arabidopsis improved the survival rate under drought stress, which was accompanied by more lateral roots, lower stomatal aperture, and water loss. ROS scavenging was also boosted by ZmWRKY79 to result in less H 2 O 2 and MDA accumulation and increased antioxidant enzyme activities. Further analysis detected more ABA production in ZmWRKY79 overexpression lines under drought stress, which was consistent with up-regulated ABA biosynthetic gene expression by RNA-seq analysis. ZmWRKY79 was observed to target ZmAAO3 genes in maize protoplast through acting on the specific W-boxes of the corresponding gene promoters. Virus-induced gene silencing of ZmWRKY79 in maize resulted in compromised drought tolerance with more H 2 O 2 accumulation and weaker root system architecture. Together, this study substantiates the role of ZmWRKY79 in the drought-tolerance mechanism through regulating ABA biosynthesis, suggesting its broad functions not only as the regulator in phytoalexin biosynthesis against pathogen infection but also playing the positive role in abiotic stress response, which provides a WRKY candidate gene to improve drought tolerance for maize and other crop plants.

Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an advanced surgical procedure and plays a major role in the management of hydrocephalus. The complications associated with this procedure are grave and unforgiving. Image guidance system (IGS) can help reduce these complications. This technical note describes the technique for utilizing image guidance in carrying out ETV with safety and efficacy., Methods: The authors have performed ETV on more than 75 cases. We describe a step-by-step technique for the implication of image guidance while performing ETV including the trajectory planning, coregistration, approach, and third ventricular floor perforation. For illustration, we present the case of a 54-year-old female with moderate-intensity headache and central vertigo for 2 months presented with no significant findings on examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed dilated lateral and third ventricles with normal sized fourth ventricle. A diagnosis of aqueductal stenosis was made and ETV was performed under image guidance., Results: Since 2012, we performed 78 cases of ETV with the help of image guidance. None of the patients had any episode of intraoperative hemorrhage. Two patients (2.56%) had fornix contusions., Conclusion: Image guidance can help reduce complications and is becoming an essential tool in performing ETV. IGS ETV technique may benefit young neurosurgeons the most and can help them overcome the learning curve with safety., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Surgical Neurology International.)