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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Statistical models play a significant role in understanding the trend, level and trajectory of infectious diseases and provide the foundation to formulate effective policies and timely intervention, so that the morbidity and mortality due to these diseases can be declined. This study aimed to uncover the trend and proposing a forecasting model for daily expected outbreaks due to COVID-19 of fourth spike in Pakistan. METHODOLOGY: This study is primarily based on a secondary data of COVID-19 daily confirmed outbreaks. The twomonth (1st June to 31st July 2021) time series data is recorded and available from COVID-19 health advisory platform by Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination official website. Descriptive and time series analysis (ARIMA, exponential smoothing models) were applied. The analysis was carried out using R programming language. RESULTS: The highest (5026) and the lowest (663), COVID-19 confirm cases reported on 31 July 2021 and 21 June 2021 respective, whereas the average confirmed cases were 1830 [762-2898] per day. Four different time series models are executed namely ARIMA, Brown, Holt and Winter. Among competitive models, ARIMA (0, 2, 1) is found to be an optimum forecasting model, selected by using auto ARIMA function with least root mean square error. A day ahead forecast is obtained under the selected ARIMA model and yielded that COVID-19 confirmed outbreaks is expected to increase about 3.1% per day. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 outbreaks are expected to rise in Pakistan and ARIMA (0, 2, 1) is an optimum forecasting model for daily COVID-19 outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biggest challenge in the biological valorization of lignin is the achievement of a simple and effective route to produce fine chemicals through bacteria. In this study, system biology-guided biosynthesis of vanillin through lignin depolymerization using extremophilic Bacillus ligniniphilus L1 was investigated. As a result, the lignin metabolic network was elucidated. The position of vanillin as the central metabolite of lignin metabolism was confirmed in B. ligniniphilus L1. Genetic engineering of B. ligniniphilus L1 through knocking out vanillin dehydrogenase gene (vdh) to attenuate vanillin catabolism coupled with lignin pretreatment strategies has increased the vanillin titer by 28-fold (352 mg L−). Moreover, a chassis cell milking approach has been successfully developed to debottleneck the cytotoxicity of vanillin. After seven fermentation cycles, vanillin yielded was found to be 1.95 μmol per mg cell dry weight, which was 7.6-fold more than the conventional fermentation. This study has demonstrated the biosynthetic platform for vanillin production and opens a promising avenue towards the cleaner production of valuable chemicals from lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide (O2 -) generated by NAD(P)H oxidases have emerged as important molecules in blood pressure regulation. This study investigated the effect of apocynin and catalase on blood pressure and renal hemodynamic and excretory function in an L-NAME induced hypertension model. Forty Male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (n=8 per group) were treated with either: vehicle (WKY-C); L-NAME (WKY-L, 15 mg/kg/day in drinking fluid); WKY-L given apocynin to block NAD(P)H oxidase (WKY-LApo, 73 mg/kg/day in drinking water.); WKY-L given catalase to enhance ROS scavenging (WKY-LCat, 10000 U/kg/day i.p.); and WKY-L receiving apocynin plus catalase (WKY-LApoCat) daily for 14 days. L-NAME elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP), 116±1 to 181±4 mm Hg, reduced creatinine clearance, 1.69±0.26 to 0.97±0.05 ml/min/kg and fractional sodium excretion, 0.84±0.09 to 0.55±0.09% at day 14. Concomitantly, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) increased six fold, while plasma total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), plasma nitric oxide (NO) and plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were decreased by 60-70 % and Nox 4 mRNA expression was increased 2-fold. Treatment with apocynin and catalase attenuated the increase in SBP and improved renal function, enhanced antioxidative stress capacity and reduced the magnitude of Nox 4 mRNAs expression in the L-NAME treated rats. This study demonstrated that apocynin and catalase offset the development of L-NAME induced hypertension, renal dysfunction and reduced oxidative stress status, possibly contributed by a reduction in Nox 4 expression during NOS inhibition. These findings would suggest that antioxidant compounds such as apocynin and catalase have potential in treating cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision planters are important machines in the regime of modern technological agriculture. Field conditions, seed metering system and machine operating parameters affect the pneumatic planter performance. The pneumatic planter was evaluated to determine the effect of three tillage levels (L1, L2, and L3) and four travel speeds (S1, S2*, S3 and S4). The sowing uniformity of the planter was observed with respect to the horizontal distribution of seeds within a row and described by using the precision index (Ip), the multiple index (Imult), the miss-seeding index (Imiss) and the quality of feed index (Iqf). The results revealed that the tillage levels (L) and travel speed (S) had a significant effect (p<0.05) on dependent variables. The maximum Imiss (22.12%) was observed at L1 and S4 whereas the maximum Imult was observed at L1 and S1. The mean values of missing-, multi-, quality- feed and precision indices were 5.14%, 5.833%, 89.03% and 17.85% at L3, respectively. The mean values of multi-index 17.59%, 14.44%, 12.40% and 10.18%, quality feed index 74.07%, 75.92%, 75.74% and 74.07% and precision indices 21.47%, 23.26%, 25.51% and 28.53% were at S1, S2, S3 and S4, respectively. The study showed that maize could be seeding within an acceptable precise range by bed-type pneumatic planter subjected to the proper seedbed preparation level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoarticular infections in adults and children are a significant cause of elevated morbidity and may lead to restrictive mobility of various stages. Objective: Isolation and determination of the occurrence, pathomorphological and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolated microorganisms from the patients with osteoarticular infections. Methods: This research work was carried out at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore (UOL). Pus specimens (n = 120) were gathered from patients of osteoarticular infections. Bacterial isolates were purified and identified biochemically. Antibiotic resistance of the bacterial isolates was investigated by the criterion set by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). All experiments were run in triplicate using randomized study design. The mean, standard error and standard deviation values were determined using SPSS (v. 23.0). Results: Out of 120 samples, 111 isolated samples (93%) were tested positive for total viable count. The isolated bacterial species were observed to be Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus hemolyticus, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus sp., Serratia sp., Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter sp., and Proteus sp. Antibiogram results also yielded S. pyogenes and S. hemolyticus to be erythromycin resistant, while S. aureus was vancomycin resistant. E. coli and Klebsiella sp. were found to be resistant to tobramycin while Proteus and Enterobacter sp. were both sensitive to it. Conclusion: P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus were prevalent in all groups of age, while Micrococcus and Serratia sp. were common in 16-55 years. Patient hygiene, immune health and the course of medications are all factors that should be kept in consideration while treating the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-arginine is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) responsible for the production of NO. This investigation studied the effect of apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor and catalase, an H2O2 scavenger on L-arginine-induced oxidative stress and hypotension. Forty Wistar-Kyoto rats were treated for 14 days with vehicle, L-arginine (12.5 mg/ml p.o.), L-arginine + apocynin (2.5 mmol/l p.o.), L-arginine + catalase (10000 U/kg/day i.p.) and L-arginine plus apocynin + catalase respectively. Weekly renal functional and hemodynamic parameters were measured and kidneys harvested at the end of the study for histopathological and renal NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) assessments. L-arginine administration in normotensive rats decreased systolic blood pressure (120±2 vs. 91±2 mmHg) and heart rate (298±21 vs. 254±15 bpm), enhanced urinary output (21.5±4.2 vs. 32±1.9 ml/24 h, increased creatinine clearance (1.72±0.56 vs. 2.62±0.40 ml/min/kg), and fractional sodium excretion (0.88±0.16 vs. 1.18±0.16 %), caused proteinuria (28.10±1.93 vs. 35.26±1.69 mg/kg/day) and a significant decrease in renal cortical blood perfusion (292±3 vs. 258±5 bpu) and pulse wave velocity (3.72±0.20 vs 2.84±0.13 m/s) (all P<0.05). L-arginine increased plasma malondialdehyde (by ~206 % P<0.05) and NO (by ~51 %, P<0.05) but decreased superoxide dismutase (by ~31 %, P<0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (by ---35 %, P<0.05) compared to control. Renal Nox4 mRNA activity was approximately 2.1 fold higher (P<0.05) in the L-arginine-treated rats but was normalized by apocynin and apocynin plus catalase treatment. Administration of apocynin and catalase, but not catalase alone to rats fed L-arginine, restored the deranged renal function and structure, prevented hypotension and enhanced the antioxidant capacity and suppressed Nox4 expression. These findings suggest that apocynin and catalase might be used prophylactically in the states of oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with desired physicochemical properties using a cost-effective, energy, and time efficient way is vital. In this study, we have optimized the synthesis of AgNPs through protein containing cell-free supernatant of Enterobacter cloacae (SMP1). 23 full factorial central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the process optimization. Individual and mutual interaction effects of the experimental variables including temperature, pH, inoculum size, and metal concentration were investigated on the synthesis of AgNPs. Results showed the involvement of 15 kDa protein in the synthesis of AgNPs. The optimized values of pH, temperature, cell-free culture supernatant (CFCS), and metal concentration were 10, 37 °C, 10% (v/v) and 2 mM, respectively. Characterization of AgNPs using UV-Vis spectroscopy reveals surface plasmon resonance peak at 450 nm. AFM and TEM micrographs revealed oval and spherical shaped AgNPs with the size of spherical (15–44 nm) and oval (20–46 nm wide and 240–325 nm long) and zeta potential of −41.3 mV under different experimental conditions. The EDS, X-ray elemental mapping, and FTIR reviled the presence of metallic AgNPs and signatures for nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, sulfur, and functional groups of different biomolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For granular materials, discrete element modeling is one of the best computer tools to simulate their behavior and interactions. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of disc furrow openers in paddy soil. Discrete element simulation was done to develop a 3D DEM model for notched, toothed and double disc furrow openers using EDEM software. Hertz Mindlin contact model with bonding was applied for simulation to fulfill the obligations of the soil moisture and bonding between the cohesive particles. Simulated and field experimental data were compared to determine the applicability in the different working conditions. The results of the simulation validated the applicability of the Hertz-Mindlin contact model with bonding to simulate the no till paddy soil using an extremely narrow tillage tool. The calibrated value of normal and shear stiffness was 5x107 N/m, and the calibrated value of bond normal and shear strength was 3x107 Pa. The relative error (-1.7% to 20.6%) for the double disc furrow opener was lower as compared with that notch typed (29.2% to 44.4%) and toothed type (31.5% to 45.9%) furrow openers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural resources are the most limiting factors for sustainable agriculture in Pakistan. Traditional tillage (intensive tillage) has undesirable impacts on soil properties and crop productivity. Incorporation of residue/residue is used effectively in many countries such as Australia, America and China, where many characteristics of the soil like soil water holding capacity, soil fertility and soil structure have improved. The goal of this study was to assess the physico-chemical soil properties by residue incorporation with tillage management (conventional and reduced tillage). An experiment was laid two years (2016-2017) continuous cropping intensity with 04 treatments (Tl= conventional tillage, T2=reduced tillage, T3= conventional tillage+ wheat residue 02 ton.ha1, T4= reduced tillage+ wheat residue 02 ton.ha-1). Moreover, ECe of soil, pH, Bulk density and organic matter were observed at 0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm, pre and post harvesting of crop. Further, result revealed that the maximum decrease in EC (12.50%), pH (8.5-7) and soil bulk density (9.79%) were observed in T3 at depth (0-15 cm). The average soil organic matter was significantly (P<0.05) increased in all treatments, but the maximum (0.53-0.60 %) was in T3 at depth (0-15 cm) followed by T1, T4, and T2 as 0.57, 0.57, 0.54% respectively. Total grain yield was found greatest in T3, (11.61 ton.ha-1) and least were observed under T2 (6.91 ton.ha-1). It can be suggested that conventional tillage with wheat residue incorporation (T3) may be laid for favourable soil management tool to improve the soil fertility, soil bulk density and maize crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic utility of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in breast lesion with gold standard of histopathological diagnosis. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Pathology department of Bannu Medical College in collaboration with Surgery Department of Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital Bannu as well as other private surgical hospitals of the territory. A total of 88 FNAC of palpable breast lesions were performed and compared with their corresponding histopathological reports. Patients age, location of lesion in breast, and other necessary findings were recorded on predesigned proforma, FNAC performed by using 10 ml syringes. Slides prepared and processed for cytological staining and reported by cytopathologist. Corresponding biopsies were processed for histopathological examination and diagnosis. All female patients of any age with breast lesions were included, and those breast lesions for which no histopathological report was available were excluded. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for calculation of frequencies with percentages and mean with standard deviation. Also, specificity, sensitivity, diagnostic accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated by using formulas. Results: In this study the mean age was 34.44±21.57 years and age range was from 16 to 80 years. The most common age group was 26-35 years followed by 36-45 years. In this study sensitivity was (83.33%), specificity was (100 %), positive predictive value was (100 %), negative predictive value was (99.27%) and diagnostic accuracy was 99.30%. Conclusion: FNAC breast is an easily approachable, less invasive, cheap, rapid and almost accurate diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of palpable as well as non palpable breast lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an important anticancer drug used widely in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. The suitability of DOX is enhanced by its high therapeutic index, but its potential to cause cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity remains a prime concern in anticancer therapeutics. This study is designed to determine the effect of Phoenix dactylifera extract (PDE) on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Experimental rats were divided into four groups, receiving normal saline 4 ml/kg, DOX alone, and crude extract of PDE at doses of 1 g/kg and 1.5 g/kg in the presence of DOX, respectively, for 21 days. Cardiac enzymes and serum and urinary sodium and potassium levels were evaluated which were analyzed statistically by using one-way ANOVA. Subsequently, DOX initiated changes in the level of cardiac markers CK-MB, LDH, and troponin I, which were notably reversed by PDE. PDE was also effective against serum and urinary sodium and urinary potassium and protected against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. Groups treated with different doses of PDE showed marked decrease in levels of cardiac and renal markers. The study concluded that the PDE extract possesses protective effects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to study the effects of Citrus aurantium (C. aurantium) on renal functions in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The study involved male Wistar rats weighing 250–300 g that were fed and kept under standard conditions. Rats were randomly divided into control, cisplatin administered, C. aurantium 200 mg/kg, and C. aurantium 400 mg/kg groups. Cisplatin was administered at 5 mg/kg i.p. once at the start of study to induce nephrotoxicity. Blood and urine samples were obtained at alternative days for analysis. The body weight and urine output were monitored at regular intervals. Plasma and urinary sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels were measured at the end of study duration. Absolute excretion of sodium and potassium; sodium to potassium ratio; kidney weights; fractional excretion of sodium and potassium; and absolute creatinine clearance were determined to analyze the effects of C. aurantium. Histopathological changes of kidney tissues were studied to determine relevant effects. The results indicate that cisplatin lowered the total body weights while raising the urinary output and kidney weights, reversed by C. aurantium both dose and time dependently. Similarly, C. aurantium markedly normalized plasma, urinary sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels. Cisplatin-induced absolute sodium clearance, absolute potassium clearance, absolute creatinine clearance, sodium to potassium ratio, and fractional excretion of sodium and potassium were significantly reversed by C. aurantium. Histopathological analysis showed notable improvement in C. aurantium administered groups as compared to cisplatin-induced group. Study suggests that C. aurantium possesses excellent nephroprotective effects against cisplatin-induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]