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In the present study, potential probiotics were isolated from dairy products and characterized on a molecular basis. Male and female (16 + 16, n = 4) Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups to revise the effects of isolated potential probiotics on the gut immune system: 0-day, negative control, positive control (commercial product Lactobacillus acidophilus-14), laboratory isolated strains Pro-3 (Weissella confusa MZ735961), and Pro-4 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MZ727611). Aspartate-aminotransferase, Interleukin-6, bilirubin, and Alanine-transaminase values in both genders were expected but AST and creatinine values had a minor increase in the female group compared to the male probiotic-treated group. Cellular blood count level of mean corpuscular hemoglobin in male groups showed no considerable differences (p = 0.95), while there were decreased differences (p = 0.00) in female groups. The level of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) showed distinct variations (p = 0.02) in male groups, while these values were insignificant changes (p > 0.05) among female groups. No damage to the liver, thymus, or colon was ascertained based on morphological findings. The colon wall thickness, external muscle, crypt depth, and mucosa were significantly (p = 0.03) improved in rats given potential probiotics. In conclusion, probiotic supplementation stimulates the immune system. It may protect the intestinal mucosa by strengthening the gut’s immune system and promoting intestinal efficiency (nutrient absorption and number of goblet cells). L. plantarum can therefore offer a reliable, affordable, and safe treatment for functional gastrointestinal illnesses.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly becoming a major public health concern in our society. While many studies have explored the use of natural polyketides, alkaloids, and other chemical components in AD treatment, there is an urgent need to clarify the concept of multi-target treatment for AD. This study focuses on using network pharmacology approach to elucidate how secondary metabolites from Dictyostelium discoideum affect AD through multi-target or indirect mechanisms. The secondary metabolites produced by D. discoideum during their development were obtained from literature sources and PubChem. Disease targets were selected using GeneCards, DisGeNET, and CTD databases, while compound-based targets were identified through Swiss target prediction and Venn diagrams were used to find intersections between these targets. A network depicting the interplay among disease, drugs, active ingredients, and key target proteins (PPI network) was formed utilizing the STRING (Protein-Protein Interaction Networks Functional Enrichment Analysis) database. To anticipate the function and mechanism of the screened compounds, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted and visually presented using graphs and bubble charts. After the screening phase, the top interacting targets in the PPI network and the compound with the most active target were chosen for subsequent molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies. This study identified nearly 50 potential targeting genes for each of the screened compounds and revealed multiple signaling pathways. Among these pathways, the inflammatory pathway stood out. COX-2, a receptor associated with neuroinflammation, showed differential expression in various stages of AD, particularly in pyramidal neurons during the early stages of the disease. This increase in COX-2 expression is likely induce by higher levels of IL-1, which is associated with neuritic plaques and microglial cells in AD. Molecular docking investigations demonstrated a strong binding interaction between the terpene compound PQA-11 and the neuroinflammatory receptor COX2, with a substantial binding affinity of −8.4 kcal/mol. Subsequently, a thorough analysis of the docked complex (COX2-PQA11) through Molecular Dynamics Simulation showed lower RMSD, minimal RMSF fluctuations, and a reduced total energy of −291.35 kJ/mol compared to the standard drug. These findings suggest that the therapeutic effect of PQA-11 operates through the inflammatory pathway, laying the groundwork for further in-depth research into the role of secondary metabolites in AD treatment.

This study reports the successful establishment of a somatic embryogenesis technique for the mass production of a date palm Jawzi cultivar using shoot tip explants. The shoot tip, leaf primordia, and the ground of apical meristems were utilised as explants in the research. The study involved the utilisation of various types of media. It began with initiation media (IM), which had two stages for inducing embryogenesis. This was followed by multiplication media (MM), then elongation shoot media (EM), and finally rooting media (RM) and acclimatization. Embryo induction in the different media types required 50-53 weeks. The first stage, IM2, (3.0 mg.l-l 2iP, 10.0 mg.l-l NAA and 5.0 mg.l-l 2,4-D) for 12 weeks. This was followed by the second stage, IM3, which lasted for 38-41 weeks and included 1.0 mg.l-l BAP, 1.5 mg.l-l 2iP, and 1.0 mg.l-l NAA. These stages enabled us to achieve the optimal value for embryo induction. Afterward the MM3 (0.5. mg.l-l BAP, 0.5 mg.l-l 2iP and 0.5 mg.l-l KIN) showed the highest percentage of total counts of embryo multiplication, while the highest shoot length was attained on EM1 (1.0. mg.l-l BAP, 1.0 mg.l-l KIN and 0.1 mg.l-l IBA). The results also highlighted that RM1 (0.1 mg.l-l BAP, 0.1 mg.l-l KIN,1.0 mg.l-l NAA and 0.5 mg.l-l IBA) showed the highest roots length and roots number, in conclusion, these findings emphasise the importance of media composition in tissue culture protocols. Evaluating the effects of specific media components on different aspects of plant development can optimise tissue culture protocols for plant propagation.

Groundwater represents a pivotal asset in conserving natural water reservoirs for potable consumption, irrigation, and diverse industrial uses. Nevertheless, human activities intertwined with industry and agriculture contribute significantly to groundwater contamination, highlighting the critical necessity of appraising water quality for safe drinking and effective irrigation. This research primarily focused on employing the Water Quality Index (WQI) to gauge water’s appropriateness for these purposes. However, the generation of an accurate WQI can prove time-intensive owing to potential errors in sub-index calculations. In response to this challenge, an artificial intelligence (AI) forecasting model was devised, aiming to streamline the process while mitigating errors. The study collected 422 data samples from Mirpurkash, a city nestled in the province of Sindh, for a comprehensive exploration of the region’s WQI attributes. Furthermore, the study probed into unraveling the interdependencies amidst variables in the physiochemical analysis of water. Diverse machine learning classifiers were employed for WQI prediction, with findings revealing that Random Forest and Gradient Boosting lead with 95% and 96% accuracy, followed closely by SVM at 92%. KNN exhibits an accuracy rate of 84%, and Decision Trees achieve 77%. Traditional water quality assessment methods are time-consuming and error-prone; a transformative approach using artificial intelligence and machine learning addresses these limitations. In addition to WQI prediction, the study conducted an uncertainty analysis of the models using the R-factor, providing insights into the reliability and consistency of predictions. This dual approach, combining accurate WQI prediction with uncertainty assessment, contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of water quality in Mirpurkash and enhances the reliability of decision-making processes related to groundwater utilization.

Nanobiotechnology is a popular branch of science that is gaining interest among scientists and researchers as it allows for the green manufacturing of nanoparticles by employing plants as reducing agents. This method is safe, cheap, reproducible, and eco-friendly. In this study, the therapeutic property of Piper nigrum fruit was mixed with the antibacterial activity of metallic copper to produce copper nanoparticles. The synthesis of copper nanoparticles was indicated by a color change from brown to blue. Physical characterization of Piper nigrum copper nanoparticles (PN-CuNPs) was performed using UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, XRD, and Zeta analyzer. PN-CuNPs exhibited potential antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. PN-CuNPs have shown concentration-dependent, enhanced free radical scavenging activity, reaching maximum values of 92%, 90%, and 86% with DPPH, H2O2, and PMA tests, respectively. The antibacterial zone of inhibition of PN-CuNPs was the highest against Staphylococcus aureus (23 mm) and the lowest against Escherichia coli (10 mm). PN-CuNPs showed 80% in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, more than 50 components of Piper nigrum extract were selected and subjected to in silico molecular docking using the C-Docker protocol in the binding pockets of glutathione reductase, E. coli DNA gyrase topoisomerase II, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine to discover their druggability. Pipercyclobutanamide A (26), pipernigramide F (32), and pipernigramide G (33) scored the highest Gibbs free energy at 50.489, 51.9306, and 58.615 kcal/mol, respectively. The ADMET/TOPKAT analysis confirmed the favorable pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity profiles of the three promising compounds. The present in silico analysis helps us to understand the possible mechanisms behind the antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities of CuNPs and recommends them as implicit inhibitors of selected proteins.

AbstractWound 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.

Language is a systematic means of communication that employs sound or conventional symbols. Using a foreign language can be problematic when attempting to communicate or translate written or spoken language from one's native language due to structural differences between languages. Among the most widely spoken languages in the world, English is understood by approximately half of the global population. However, it is neither an official nor a second language in our country. Nonetheless, due to its significance, it is often taught as a foreign language at schools, institutes, and universities. As previously mentioned, Pashto, our language, shares structural similarities and differences with English, which can challenge learners. To address these difficulties in learning English, this paper presents a contrastive analysis of English and Pashto adjectives, examining their similarities and differences. The study employs a descriptive and contrastive methodology.

Hyperuricemia has become a significant public-health concern in recent years, and the available treatments have been reported to have an adverse side effect on patients. Alocasia longiloba has been used traditionally in Malaysia for treating gout, inflammation, and wounds. However, the plant has not been investigated for its effects on hyperuricemia. This study investigated the anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory effects of A. longiloba extracts in hyperuricemic rats induced by potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg body weight). Rats were given A. longiloba extracts or a standard drug for two-week, and blood and tissue samples were collected for analysis. Results show that A. longiloba extracts significantly reduced serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic rats and inhibited xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in the liver and kidney, which could be the mechanism underlying the urate-lowering effects. The extracts also significantly (p

Aim: Due to their minimal side effects, the anti-cancer properties of the polyherbal formulation are being investigated. However, due to their low absorption potential, the administration of polyherbal formulations is restricted. Loading the polyherbal formulation into gold nanoparticles enhances the bioavailability of the polyherbal formulation (PHF) accompanied by reducing the concentration of doxorubicin (dox). Ferroptosis is one of the novel pathways that specifically target cancer stem cells due to high ferritin levels. Hence, in the present study, we conjugated polyherbal formulation with gold nanoparticles and studied its effect on inducing ferroptosis in drug-resistant breast cancer cell lines.Materials and methods: PHF and dox conjugated to gold nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, DLS, particle size analyzer, and XRD. The drug entrapment and efficiency studies were performed to assess the biodegradable potential of the synthesized gold nanoparticles. Paclitaxel-resistant breast cancer stem cells were generated, and an MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity potential of AuNP-PHF and AuNP-dox. Scratch assay and clonogenic assay were performed to assess the migration and proliferation of the cells after treatment with chosen drug combinations. The ability of PHF and dox conjugated to gold nanoparticles to induce ferritinophagy was evaluated by RT-PCR. Finally, image analysis was performed to check apoptosis and cellular ROS using inverted fluorescent microscope. The ability to induce cell cycle arrest was assessed by cell cycle analysis using flow cytometer.Results and conclusion: PHF and dox conjugated to gold nanoparticles showed high stability and showed to induce ferritin degradation in drug resistant breast cancer stem cells through ferritin degradation. AuNP-PHF in combination with low dose of AuNP-Dox nanoconjugate could be used as an effective cancer therapeutic agent, by targeting the autophagy necroptosis axis.

A promising plant group that is important in medicine is the seaweed. In this investigation, we have focused on the pharmacological prospects of brown algae (Sargassum sp). Nutraceuticals refer to products that may combine pharmacological and nutrition. We have collected the plant material close to Kunkeeshwar in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra’s western coast. We focused on the Physicochemical Attributes of Sargassum sp., and the study found that the ash value (41 ± 0.67), moisture content (1.33 ± 0.038), alcohol-soluble extractive value (1.5 ± 0.030), moisture content (1.33 ± 0.038), and total cash value (41 ± 0.67) are all stated in (%).The GCMS findings, which demonstrate that a total of 25 chemicals were discovered in the aqueous extract of Sargassum sp., also represent their nutritional profile. All of these substances have chromatograms that can be observed.1-Hexyl-2-nitrocyclohexane is the substance with the second-largest retention duration and relative areas, followed by n-hexadanoic acid. The presence of ocladecanoic acid was later determined. The explanation for how the activity is concentration-dependent is pharmacological activity, particularly antioxidant activity as shown by the DPPH assay.2μg/mL is -1545.4 ± 0.05. as a minimum. and at (32 g/mL is 7.67 ± 0.05) is the highest. The antifungal activity of Candida albicans (12.8 mm) and Aspergillus niger (14.4 mm) both exhibit zone inhibition when tested against two distinct pathogen however, the antibacterial activity of three different bacteria demonstrates that Staphylococcus aureus (12 mm), Bacillus subtilis (10 mm), Proteus mirabilis (12.8 mm), and Escherichia. coli are all zone inhibited (13mm). Brown algae offer the greatest potential for human health nutrition, while pharmacological analysis is helpful for therapeutic application, according to the overall analysis.

Background: Beka (Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz) has been used as a culinary herb and natural remedy by the local communities in Malaysia. The leaf of O. indicum is traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, high blood pressure, and improving digestive health.Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and wound healing properties (in vitro and in vivo models) of aqueous and ethanol extracts of O. indicum leaves.Methods: The total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents in the plant extracts were determined by the spectrophotometric methods. Further, the extract was characterized by Liquid Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The wound healing activity was assessed using the in vitro scratch wound-healing assay and in vivo excisional wound model.Results: The results show the ethanol leaves extract had the higher TPC (164 mg GAE/g) when compared with the aqueous leaves extract (30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g). The ethanol leaves extract was also found to have higher TFC (101 mg Catechin equivalents/g) than the aqueous leaves extract (76 mg Catechin equivalents/g). The ethanol leaves extract was then used for further chemical analysis. The LC–TOF-MS/MS analysis showed that the leaves extracts of O. indicum contains many important compounds such as Orientin, Chrysin, Pinoquercetin, Cupressuflavone, Puerarin xyloside, Forsythiaside and Paederoside. In GC-MS analysis, 19 compounds were identified in ethanolic leaves extract. The wound healing studies shows that O. indicum has promising wound healing activity by increasing the rate of wound contraction significantly (p < 0.05).Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study showed that O. indicum leaf contains important phytochemicals and the wound healing potential of the O. indicum extract may probably be as a result of the presence of various phytoconstituents.

Plants have been used for its medicinal values since ancient time. The medicinal properties of plants are based on their phytochemical constituent particularly secondary metabolites which are produced in low amounts by plants. Secondary metabolites have been used as medicines, flavors, colors, and fragrances. In recent time, these natural compounds are gaining enormous attention in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and nutraceutical industries and are regarded economically valuable products. The production of plant secondary metabolites in plant is largely dependent on the plant species, environmental factors and geographical regions. In addition, the main challenges in their mass production is reported to be the quality and quantity issues during their synthesis. Therefore, enthusiasm has grown for increasing the production of secondary metabolites by employing in vitro plant cell culture technology and bioengineering methods. Such technological advancement, has led to production of a huge number of medicinal herbs and high-value secondary metabolites that are mostly used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and nutraceuticals industries. The current mini-review article focuses on applications of plant cell culture system for the production secondary metabolites and recent techniques used to improve metabolite contents. Furthermore, our review emphasizes safety issues of plant cell culture derived products.

Background/Purpose: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes a spectrum of liver diseases associated with various metabolic disorders. Exercise interventions reportedly manage the clinical outcomes of NAFLD, but their efficacy depends on exercise as well as characteristics of patient. We hypothesized that exercise could alleviate the elevated transaminases level, which may be associated with the characteristics of patients (age/bodyweight/sex) or exercise variables (frequency/intensity/duration). Therefore, we examined the effect of exercise on serum transaminases, and identified the variables influencing transaminases in NAFLD patients.Methods: Article search was conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar) until December 2021. Studies that involved examination and comparison of the effect of an exercise intervention on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients were included. We calculated pooled effect upon a meta-analysis, determined correlations (between transaminases and characteristics of patients/exercise) by meta-regression, and assessed the influencing variable through subgroup analysis.Results: A total of 18 studies (22 trials) with 1098 NAFLD patients (exercise = 568; control = 530) were included. The pooled outcomes revealed that exercise intervention significantly decreased both ALT (p = 0.004) and AST (p = 0.001) levels in NAFLD patients. Meta-regression analysis showed decreased ALT (coef. = 1.138, p < 0.01) and AST (coef. = 0.459, p = 0.041) after intervention was correlated with the age of patients. Particularly, patients aged 30–39 years (MD: −25.89 U/L, 95% CI: −36.40 to −15.37, p < 0.00001) and 40–49 years (MD: −12.17 U/L, 95% CI: −20.38 to −3.96, p = 0.004) represented a substantial decrease in ALT levels. Additionally, the 50–59 years age group tended to have decreased ALT levels (MD: −3.94 U/L, 95% CI: −8.19 to 0.31, p = 0.07); however, patients above 60 years did not respond (p = 0.92) to exercise intervention. In contrast, exercise-induced AST reduction was found in only the 30–39 years age group (MD: −11.92 U/L, 95% CI: −16.78 to −7.06, p < 0.00001) and not in patients under the 40–49 (p = 0.19), and 50–59 groups (p = 0.12) and above 60 years (p = 0.15).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the age of NAFLD patients may be an important variable in improving the levels of serum transaminases, and clinically young patients may have greater benefits from exercise than older patients.

Hydrodynamic particle movement under regular waves and tsunami wave are rarely studied due to its complicated sensors. This research is aimed at investigating flow fields around submerged structures due to regular waves and tsunami wave. A series of experiments were performed at Tsunami Flume Workshop Facility at Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) of Universitas Syiah Kuala. The flume has 60 m in length, 2.5 m in width and 1.7 m in height. To model the both waves, a set of electrical paddle and sensors were placed at one end of the flume. This set of equipment is able to mimic any waveform model, in this case a regular wave with three scenarios and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami wave scenario. A submerged structure was placed on the bed of the flume to model underwater structures. To capture the flow fields, we use a Laser Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) Camera made in Seika. During the experiment, the results showed different vortex field for both simulations, regular wave and tsunami, generated in front of the submerged structure. Regular wave flow has maximum velocities of 0.5 m/s, 0.7 m/s, 0.9 m/s in each paddle amplitude change scenario. The flow field produces an anticlockwise vortex around the pipe with differents pattern. Tsunami wave flow velocity during the maximum amplitude phase is about 0.25 m/s with a complex vortex field around the pipe, a combination of clockwise and anticlockwise. This could be interpreted as more chaotic hydrodynamic fields around the submerged structures under regular wave and tsunami conditions.

Objective: Cervical cancer is common disease worldwide and ranks fourth among all malignancies for women. It has been reported to have been responsible for almost quarter of a million deaths annually, of which about 85% occurred in developing nations. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude on cervical cancer prevention and its associated factors among female students in Batu Preparatory School, Ziway town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia in 2018. Methods: Institution based quantitative cross sectional study was conducted using anonymous self- administered questionnaire among female students in Batu Preparatory School in 2018. Results: Our results showed, the overall (62.1%) female preparatory students had heard of cervical cancer for most the source of information was mass media (50.7%). Though most has information on CC, only 33.3% were knowledgeable. Of the participants, 7.8% of had information about risk factor and 16% were aware of at least one of the symptom of CC. Results indicated that 72.5% of the participants believes that CC is preventable disease but only 21% had good knowledge on prevention. The overall positive attitude of the participants was 58.8%. Conclusion: Most participant believe that CC is preventable disease, and their knowledge on prevention is either poor or not satisfactory. In addition, most of the participants showed positive attitude towards CC prevention.

In recent times, the seafood industry is found to produce large volumes of waste products comprising shrimp shells, fish bones, fins, skins, intestines, and carcasses, along with the voluminous quantity of wastewater effluents. These seafood industry effluents contain large quantities of lipids, amino acids, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and carotenoids mixed with the garbage. This debris not only causes a huge wastage of various nutrients but also roots in severe environmental contamination. Hence, the problem of such seafood industry run-offs needs to be immediately managed with a commercial outlook. Microbiological treatment may lead to the valorization of seafood wastes, the trove of several useful compounds into value-added materials like enzymes, such as lipase, protease, chitinase, hyaluronidase, phosphatase, etc., and organic compounds like bioactive peptides, collagen, gelatin, chitosan, and mineral-based nutraceuticals. Such bioconversion in combination with a bio-refinery strategy possesses the potential for environment-friendly and inexpensive management of discards generated from seafood, which can sustainably maintain the production of seafood. The compounds that are being produced may act as nutritional sources or as nutraceuticals, foods with medicinal value. Determining utilization of seafood discard not only reduces the obnoxious deposition of waste but adds economy in the production of food with nutritional and medicinal importance, and, thereby meets up the long-lasting global demand of making nutrients and nutraceuticals available at a nominal cost.

In this article, we report, the synthesis and characterization of series of novel fluorescent imidazolyl dyes (5a-d) via highly efficient and cost-effective microwave assisted protocol as a potential candidate to overcome the problem of microbial resistance. By utilizing the green microwave protocol the reactions are completed in a short span of time without using the harsh conditions. The incorporation of imidazole nucleus is an important strategy in drug discovery. While designing desired fluorescent imidazole dyes 5a-d, with a suitable auxiliary donor such as aromatic rings and −OCH3 group on one end of the imidazolyl moiety and electron acceptors such as -NO2 and −COOH on other end of the compounds was achieved to get a promising fluorescent dyes for antimicrobial. The optoelectronic properties and antimicrobial studies of the synthesized materials indicated their exploration as a promising candidate as antimicrobial agents.

Background: Hypertension is one of the most devastating human health problems with a higher incidence of both mortality and morbidity. The prevalence of this disease is more pronounced in underdeveloped countries as compared to developed countries. Drug discovery and development is a complex, time-consuming process, associated with increased failure risk. Therefore, the drug development process declined to the lowest in the history of the pharmaceutical industry during the past several years Therefore, drug reprofiling could be a lucrative approach for the novice in the field of new drug discovery and development. Methods: In this study in silico drug repurposing method was used to find the best drug candidate for hypertension using the differential expression genes (DEGs) approach. We performed a molecular docking analysis of 2500 drugs from FDA-approved databases against the selected DEGs for lead identification. Furthermore, molecular docking (MD) simulation was performed to analyze the stability of the interacting complexes. Results: We screened FDA-approved drugs against the four selected overexpressed DEGs using the molecular operating environment (MOE). These DEGs were adrenomedullin (ADM), ubiquitin-specific peptidase-8 (USP-8), angiopoietin-like-4 (ANGPTL-4), and endothelin-1 (EDN1). The three top-ranked drug candidates against each target protein were shortlisted. Moreover, these twelve complexes after docking were validated by the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for 100 ns with the active sites of the target. Conclusions: Based on the high binding affinity and stability of the drug complexes, we demonstrated here that these molecules could be investigated further as a potential drug candidate for hypertension.

Polyglutamine diseases are a group of congenital neurodegenerative diseases categorized with genomic abnormalities in the expansion of CAG triplet repeats in coding regions of specific disease-related genes. Protein aggregates are the toxic hallmark for polyQ diseases and initiate neuronal death. Autophagy is a catabolic process that aids in the removal of damaged organelles or toxic protein aggregates, a process required to maintain cellular homeostasis that has the potential to fight against neurodegenerative diseases, but this pathway gets affected under diseased conditions, as there is a direct impact on autophagy-related gene expression. The increase in the accumulation of autophagy vesicles reported in neurodegenerative diseases was due to an increase in autophagy or may have been due to a decrease in autophagy flux. These reports suggested that there is a contribution of autophagy in the pathology of diseases and regulation in the process of autophagy. It was demonstrated in various disease models of polyQ diseases that autophagy upregulation by using modulators can enhance the dissolution of toxic aggregates and delay disease progression. In this review, interaction of the autophagy pathway with polyQ diseases was analyzed, and a therapeutic approach with autophagy inducing drugs was established for disease pathogenesis.

Background/Purpose: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the effects of exercise (EX) combined with calorie restriction (CR) intervention on inflammatory biomarkers, and correlations between biomarkers and participants’ characteristics were calculated in overweight and obese adults.Methods: An article search was conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane database, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify articles published up to April 2021. Studies that examined the effect of EX + CR intervention on inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and compared them with a CR trial in overweight and obese adults were included. We calculated the pooled effect by meta-analysis, identified the correlations (between inflammatory biomarkers and participants’ characteristics) through meta-regression, and explored the beneficial variable through subgroup analysis. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies were used to assess the risk of bias for the included trials.Results: A total of 23 trials, including 1196 overweight and obese adults, were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled effect showed that EX + CR intervention significantly decreased CRP levels (P = 0.02), but had no effect on IL-6 (P = 0.62) and TNF-α (P = 0.11). Meta-regression analysis showed that the effect of EX + CR on CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α changes was correlated with lifestyle behavior of adults (Coef. = −0.380, P = 0.018; Coef. = −0.359, P = 0.031; Coef. = −0.424, P = 0.041, respectively), but not with age and BMI. The subgroup analysis results revealed that participants with sedentary lifestyle behavior did not respond to EX + CR intervention, as we found no changes in CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations (P = 0.84, P = 0.16, P = 0.92, respectively). However, EX + CR intervention significantly decreased CRP (P = 0.0003; SMD = −0.39; 95%CI: −0.60 to −0.18), IL-6 (P = 0.04; SMD = −0.21; 95%CI: −0.40 to −0.01) and TNF-α (P = 0.006; SMD = −0.40, 95%CI: −0.68 to −0.12) in adults without a sedentary lifestyle or with a normal lifestyle. Furthermore, the values between sedentary and normal lifestyle subgroups were statistically significant for CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α.Conclusion: Our findings showed that combination EX + CR intervention effectively decreased CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in overweight and obese adults with active lifestyles, but not with sedentary lifestyle behavior. We suggest that ‘lifestyle behavior’ is a considerable factor when designing new intervention programs for overweight or obese adults to improve their inflammatory response.

Potable groundwater contamination through arsenic (As) is a common environmental problem in many developing countries, including Pakistan, with significant human health risk reports. The current research was conducted in District Nankana Sahib, which is a major industrial site in Punjab, Pakistan. According to the Punjab Directorate of Industries in Pakistan, there are more than a thousand industries in this area. These industries produce a lot of waste and effluent, which contaminate the environment with harmful and toxic materials. Continuous irrigation with industrial effluent and sewage sludge may make groundwater sources vulnerable. Therefore, this research was aimed as assessing the hydrochemical profile of groundwater concerning As contamination in the study area using sixty-seven groundwater samples. Multivariate statistical analysis, graphical plots, geochemical modeling, and the water quality index (WQI) were applied to investigate the hydrochemistry of the research area. The outcomes of the WQI revealed that 43% of the samples were of poor quality and not fit for human consumption. About 28% of the groundwater samples showed high arsenic contamination beyond the permitted limit of the World Health Organization (WHO). The piper plot identified three distinct types of water in the research area: calcium, chloride, and calcium-chloride types. The Gibbs diagram illustrated that rock–water interaction influenced the hydrochemistry. Terrigenous sedimentary rocks, such as stream deposits, flood plain deposits, and detrital sedimentary rocks, among other types of sedimentary rocks covered most part the study area. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) indicated that the arsenic in groundwater exhibited a significant positive correlation for pH, Fe and As. Health risk assessments indicated a hazard quotient (HQ) greater than 1, indicating a 28% contribution showing that groundwater ingestion is highly toxic to the local habitats. The results of this study further help in managing future sustainable groundwater management approaches in the Nankana District, Punjab, Pakistan.

Volatile emissions from 22 bryophyte species from Peninsular Malaysia were collected using a dynamic headspace technique and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty organic compounds (VOCs) from eight different groups were detected in bryophytes from the montane forest in Cameron Highlands and the lowland dipterocarp forest in Lata Belatan. The headspace of bryophytes in Cameron Highlands was dominated by tetradecane, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, decanal, pentanoic acid, 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-carboxyisopropyl, isobutyl ester, D-limonene and naphthalene. On the contrary, in the bryophyte headspace of Lata Belatan, naphthalene and tetradecane were dominant compounds. The elevational pattern detected in VOC composition of bryophytes appears to be an evolutionary feature at the family level that needs verification at other sites. The results also confirmed that the VOC composition of bryophytes is species-specific. The roles of VOCs in bryophytes are presented, including plant–plant communication and plant–insect interaction and as an additional taxonomic character in chemotaxonomy.

Objective: To investigate the wound-healing effect of Alocasia longiloba (A. longiloba) petiole extract on wounds in rats. Methods: Twenty-two male Sprague-dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive 10% solcoseryl gel, phosphate buffer saline, 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol and hexane extracts of A. longiloba at 1.5%, 3% and 6% doses, respectively. A full thicknesses wound (6 mm) was created on the dorsal of the rat; and all rats were applied with the extract solutions, 10% solcoseryl gel and phosphate buffer saline once a day topically until day 12. The wound was photographed on day 1, 6 and 12, and the percentage of wound contraction was calculated. On day 12, rats were sacrificed and histological examination of granulation tissue was carried out using haematoxylin & eosin and Masson’s Trichrome stain to determine the wound healing effect. Results: In this study, 6% of 50% and 95% ethanol extracts of A. longiloba showed 82.50% and 82.32% wound contraction, respectively, and were comparable with 10% solcoseryl gel (82.30%). Meanwhile, phosphate buffer saline treated group showed the lowest wound contraction (69.86%). Histological assessment of wound treated with 6% of 95% ethanol extract of A. longiloba showed distinct epidermal and dermal layer, higher proliferation of fibroblast and more angiogenesis with collagen compared to other wound treated groups. Conclusions: A. longiloba petiole extracts have a wound healing potential and 6% of 95% ethanol extract of A. longiloba is more effective. Further studies are required to understand the wound healing mechanism of action of the extract.

Numerous geothermal resources of medium to low temperature have been reported in southern China. Suichuan County is one of the regions where thermal manifestations are abundant. However, the study regarding the understanding of geothermal water sources, hydrochemical composition and fluid-rock interaction lacks behind. Therefore, this study has characterized the slightly acidic to slightly alkaline bicarbonate geothermal waters of medium-low temperature of the Suichuan area. Geothermal waters of the study area have been evaluated mainly as of HCO3-Ca-Na hydrochemical type with a maximum temperature of 80 °C. The results indicate the low hydrochemical concentration where HCO3− acts as a principal anion. Furthermore, the F− content in geothermal and two cold water samples have been found high with a maximum value of 13.4 (mg/L), showing high pH of 9.6 as well. Here, the compilation of deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopic data of geothermal waters showed a local precipitation origin with a recharge elevation ranging from 630–1000 m. The circulation depth and reservoir temperatures are estimated, explaining the deep thermal water behavior. Additionally, the estimation of saturation indices of various minerals shows the geothermal waters’ corrosive or scaling behavior. Subsequently, the geothermal water points in the study area represent a fracture convection formation pattern. Finally, by integrating conventional hydrochemistry along with isotopic data, and considering the geological framework, a conceptual genetic model of the Suichuan thermal ground waters has been discussed. Hydrochemistry and isotopic features along with a conceptual circulation model have been provided by the foundation towards the sustainable management of hydrothermal resources in Suichuan. Proper management policies and practices are required for further development of Suichuan hydrothermal waters.

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.

Zanthoxylum armatum (ZA) a commonly used medicinal plant was investigated for phytochemical, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. Extract and total alkaloids from fruit and leaves significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the rectal temperature in mice. The effects of bark and root extracts were less significant. In writhing and tail flick methods both the extract and total alkaloids from fruit showed significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001) antinociceptive activity. The fruit extract and crude alkaloids showed significant (p < 0.01) lowering of inflammation of paw edema in mice. Crude alkaloids from fruit and leaves showed significant enzyme inhibition with lower IC50 values for 15 and 69 against COX and 21 and 62 μg/ml against LOX. This study rationalize the usage of this spice in traditional medicine for management of pain and inflammation involving LOX and COX inhibition as possible mechanism. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various constituents which might contributed towards the pain and inflammation alleviation.

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.

Resilient narrative construction confines to the prevalence and function of Ideolog-based conflicts. While robust coordination and substantial enforcement strategies enhance the social vitality of narrative to bring about the desired social change. This article seeks to explore the narrative construction and its social vitality in the context of conflict and societal development. New narrative theoretical discoursereveals that deliberate narrative construction concentrates on individuals and society to redirect them in accordance with the wishes of narrative mentors. The conflict engendering elements like containment, self-identification of the individuals, and social positioning are, thus, subordinated to the narrative. This paper while using the narratological framework is looking at the phenomenon of socio-anthropological change from the perspective of narratology. The study could be of importance to students of low-intensity conflicts and militancy, especially corresponding to terrorism. The paper concludes that this new outlook of narrative has enlarged its scope beyond the corridors of literature into the renewed field of social narratology with an immense bearing on human behavior and attitudes. Bibliography Entry Shah, Qasim Ali, Bahadar Nawab, and Arifullah Khan. 2020. "Narrative Construction and Its Social Vitality." Margalla Papers 24 (1): 147-157.

Shake table tests were performed on three two-story 1 : 3 reduced scale RC frame structures, representative of buildings with construction deficiencies in Pakistan. The models were subjected to the natural accelerogram of the 1994 Northridge earthquake and tested under multiple scaled excitations until the models attained incipient collapse state. The models’ damage mechanisms were studied, and the seismic response in terms of floor acceleration and floor displacement was retrieved. A uniform damage scale was developed for global performance assessment of considered deficient RC frames, listing average estimate of limit states’ drifts and base shear coefficients, with measured uncertainty, and describing frame damage condition. Numerical frame models were prepared in finite element-based program SeismoStruct and calibrated against experimental tests. The frames were analyzed through incremental dynamic analyses. Seismic fragility functions were derived using a probabilistic-based methodology, which may be used for global damageability assessment of the considered frame building typology. Available building damage-to-loss factors were employed to transform structural damages to repair cost ratio, which were correlated with seismic intensity (repair cost ratio versus seismic intensity) to derive the seismic vulnerability curve, which may be used for the direct economic loss estimation of the considered frame building typology.

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.

Acacia Seyal gum (ASG), also known as gum Arabic, is an antioxidant-rich soluble fiber. ASG has been reported to have many biological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antiulcer, and immunomodulatory activity. Extraction of bioactive compounds from ASG is commonly performed using conventional extraction methods. However, these techniques have certain limitation in terms of extraction time, energy, and solvent requirements. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) could be used as an alternative technique to extract bioactive compounds in less time, at low temperature, and with less energy and solvent requirements. In this study, the UAE extraction of ASG was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) was used to monitor the effect of different independent factors of ultrasound operation (sonication time, temperature, and solvent ratio) on ASG extraction yield. In addition, screening and characterization of phytochemicals in 60% ethanol ASG extract was carried out using Raman microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (GC-TOFMS) analysis. The results indicated that, under optimal conditions (extraction time 45 min, extraction temperature 40 °C, and solid–liquid ratio of 1:25 g/mL), the yield of ASG was 75.87% ± 0.10. This yield was reasonably close to the predicted yield of 75.39% suggested by the design of experiment. The ANOVA revealed that the model was highly significant due to the low probability value (p < 0.0001). Raman spectrum fingerprint detected polysaccharides, such as galactose and glucose, and protein like lysine and proline, while FTIR spectrum revealed the presence of functional groups peaks value of alkanes, aldehydes, aliphatic amines, and phenol. GC-TOFMS spectroscopic detected the presence of strong d-galactopyranose, carotenoid, and lycopene antioxidant compounds. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the UAE technique is an efficient method to achieve a high yield of ASG extracts. The selected model is adequate to optimize the extraction of several chemical compounds reported in this study.

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.

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.

Novel reduced graphene oxide-supported palladium nanoparticles (RGO-PN) were synthesized under ultrasonication, a method that utilizes Coleus amboinicus as a bio-reduction agent. Green synthesized RGO-PN nanoparticles with a crystallite size in the range of 40–50 nm were confirmed in X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. RGO-PN show an absorption peak at 220 nm while reduced graphene oxide (RGO) shows its maximal absorbance at 210 nm. The scanning electron microscope image revealed that 40-nm-sized spherical-shaped palladium nanoparticles stick well to reduced graphene oxide sheets, which is consistent and correlated well with the XRD pattern. Moreover, a high-resolution morphological image of RGO-PN100 was obtained by TEM analysis, which shows the anchoring of palladium nanoparticles (PN) on RGO nanosheets. Green synthesized RGO-PN100 nanoparticles from Coleus amboinicus show better reduction kinetics for 4-nitrophenol at 40 min, suggesting that RGO-PN prepared from Coleus amboinicus serve as an excellent catalytic reducing agent. Furthermore, they show remarkable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). Thus, green synthesized RGO-supported palladium nanoparticles demonstrated that enhanced catalytic activity and antibacterial activity both play an important role in the environmental and medical disciplines.

Over the past few years, the photogenic fabrication of metal oxide nanoparticles has attracted considerable attention, owing to the simple, eco-friendly, and non-toxic procedure. Herein, we fabricated NiO nanoparticles and altered their optical properties by doping with a rare earth element (lanthanum) using Sesbania grandiflora broth for antibacterial applications. The doping of lanthanum with NiO was systematically studied. The optical properties of the prepared nanomaterials were investigated through UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-DRS) analysis, and their structures were studied using X-ray diffraction analysis. The morphological features of the prepared nanomaterials were examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, their elemental structure was analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectral analysis, and their oxidation states were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, the antibacterial action of NiO and La-doped NiO nanoparticles was studied by the zone of inhibition method for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus sublitis. It was evident from the obtained results that the optimized compound NiOLa-04 performed better than the other prepared compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the phytosynthetic fabrication of rare-earth ion Lanthanum (La3+)-doped Nickel Oxide (NiO) nanoparticles and their anti-microbial studies.

Admirable studies have been established on the utilization of ligand-materials as bimetallic nanoparticles in the field of nanoscience and biotechnology. UV-Vis, XRD, HR-TEM, STEM-HAADF, EDS, FTIR, and DPPH analyses characterized the optical, structural, compositional morphological, and antioxidant properties of synthesized Cu-Ag nanostructures. The spectrum of UV-Vis exhibited absorption bands at 590 and 413 nm, which reflects the surface plasmon resonance of copper-silver nanostructures. Herein, our exploration of alkylamine stabilized copper/silver nanostructures while using hexadecylamine as capping material and their primary biomedical investigation on antimicrobial and antioxidant studies is reported. Cu-Ag bimetallic nanostructures were more effective against gram-negative bacteria E. coli and Klebsiella when compared to gram-positive bacteria. The antioxidant activity of Cu-Ag nanoparticles was comparable with Ascorbic acid.

In this study, an efficient micropropagation protocol was developed for A. longiloba and the antioxidant properties of field-grown plant, in vitro-derived greenhouse-grown plant and in vitro-derived callus extracts were compared. The A. longiloba seeds tested using tetrazolium chloride salt exhibited 89% viability. Due to poor germination capacity of A. longiloba seeds, the seeds were treated with gibberellic acid (GA3) or sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The maximum seed germination of 87% was observed at 30% H2SO4 treatment after 19.00 d, whereas GA3 treatment showed maximum germination of 53% after 22 d. In vitro shoot multiplication was carried out using various types of cytokinins alone or in combination with auxin. Among them, 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) single treatment was found to be the best hormone. The highest shoot-length (7.26 cm) and maximum number of shoots per explant (18) were recorded at 3-mg L−1 BAP. For in vitro rooting, indole-3-acetic acid at 0.5-mg L−1 was found to be the optimum concentration. Callus was induced using various types of auxins alone or in combinations with cytokinins. The highest percentage of callus of 91 and fresh weight of 6 g was obtained with 3-mg L−1 IAA. The plantlets produced in the current study were subjected to acclimatization. The combination of topsoil and peat moss at 1:2 ratio was found to be the best soil media. In this study, in vitro-derived callus extract showed the highest phenolic content (538 mg GAE), followed by extracts of field-grown plant parts, i.e., fruit and petiole (504 and 300 mg GAE) while in vitro plant extract showed the lowest (98 mg GAE). Meanwhile, the highest flavonoids was recorded in petiole extract. Comparative antioxidant activity study shows, in vitro-derived callus exhibited better DPPH-radical-scavenging activity (IC50: 0.113-mg mL−1) whereas the extracts of petiole, fruit and in vitro plant showed 0.126-, 0.137- and 0.173-mg mL−1, respectively. At the same time, the fruit extract showed better (IC50: 0.088-mg mL−1) ABTS radical scavenging activity than all extracts tested. In conclusion, the in vitro-derived callus extract could be favored for high TPC and better DPPH scavenging activity. Hence, the present study was conducted to establish an efficient micropropagation protocol and to compare the antioxidant activity of the field-grown plant, in vitro plant and in vitro derived callus extracts of A. longiloba.

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.

OBJECTIVE To determine the proportion of cervical lymphadenopathy in systemic diseases, their presentation and investigative tools. METHODOLOGY This descriptive study was carried out from 1st July 2014 to 30 June 2017 in ENT and head and neck department Naseer Teaching Hospital and Town Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Total of 270 patients with enlarged cervical lymph nodes, of either sex and of any age were approached for inclusion into the study. Patients with suspected acute inflammation were given a trial of antibiotic and followed for two weeks were excluded from the study. Excisional biopsy of the lymph nodes was performed in all these patients with six weeks or more duration. RESULTS In our study out of 270 patients, 158 (58.5%) were males and the majority of patients (63.3%) had ages from 11-40 years. Tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy was diagnosed in 145 (53.7%) patients, reactive hyperplasia in 53 (19.6%), lymphoma in 32 (11.8 %,) metastasis to cervical lymph nodes in 30 (11.1%), sarcoidosis in 7 (2.6%) and other very rare conditions as Kawasaki, Kikuchie and Rosi Dorfman were found in only one of each (0.4%). About 136 (50.4%) of the patients had involvement of multiple lymph nodes while 134 (49.6%) had single swelling. The matted lymph nodes were found in 162 (60%) whereas discrete lymph nodes were found in only 108 (40%) cases. Cold abscess was found in 19 (7%) of patients. CONCLUSION Tuberculosis is the commonest cause of cervical lymphadenopathy, with the majority of these patients having multiple lymph node involvement. In children, usually cervical lymphadenopathy is reactive or infective while in older age mostly metastatic.

Successive hexane, acetone, ethanol and methanolic whole plant extracts of the Borreria sps were investigated for phytochemical screening and assessed for antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical analysis of Borreria sps extracts revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids and tannins. Among them, Borreria laevicaulis hexane extracts were found to be most effective showing the largest zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (22.15 mm) and Candida albicans (25.65 mm). Further studies indicated that the minimum inhibitory concentration of B. laevicaulis hexane extracts was found to be 62.5 μg/ml against S. aureus and 250 μg/ml against C. albicans and the zone of inhibitions was significantly higher than nystatin (positive control). Together, we provide new insights of the B. laevicaulis as a potential candidate for antimicrobial drug discovery using in vitro studies that might be useful to treat human infectious diseases and antibiotic resistant pathogens.

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.

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.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to find the complications of chronic suppurative otitis media. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was descriptive study conducted from 1st January 2008 to 31 December 2010 (3 years duration) at ENT department Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. Total 250 patients of all age having complications due to chronic suppurative otitis media enrolled from admitted patients in ENT department Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar were included in the study, using convenience (non-probability) sampling. RESULTS In total of 250 patients, all (100%) were having history of discharging ear, decreased hearing 250 (100%), earache in 75 (30%), fever in 31(12.4%), headache in 28 (11.2%), nausea and vomiting in 23 (9.2%) patients. The extracranial complications were found in 204/250 (81.6%) patients with mastoiditis being the most common in 155/204 (75.98%) patients followed by sensory reural hearing loss, post auricular abscess, facial paralysis, petrositis, labynthitis, Bezold’s abscess and cetili’s abscess in 7.84%, 6.37%, 5.88%, 1.7%, 0.98%, 0.98% and 0.49% patients respectively. While the intracranial complications were found in 46/250 (18.4%) patients with meningitis being the most common in 28/46 (60.9%) followed by brain abscess in 26%, lateral sinus thrombosis in 8.7% and otitic hydrocephalus in 4.4% patients. CONCLUSION Early detection and treatment of complications as a result of chronic suppurative otitis is vital to prevent morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the predisposing factors and treatment outcomes of otomycosis. METHODS: This was an observational study conducted from July 2008 to August 2012 at ENT department of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Total of 110 patients of all age and both sexes were selected from OPD for the study, using convenient sampling. The predisposing factors and treatment outcome of otomycosis were observed. Results were recorded in percentages. RESULTS: In our study we documented 110 patients having otomycosis. There were 57.3% (63/110) males and 42.7% (47/110) females. Patients ranged from 21 to 40 years were more affected. Mean follow up time was 2 years. The most common predisposing factors were swimming in 49.1% (54/110) patients followed by topical antibiotic drops, cerumen, immune-compromised status and hearing aid use. The most common presenting symptom was otalgia and itching ear in almost every patient 100% (110/110), followed by hearing loss and ear discharge. In our study 1% clotrimazole drops or lotion was applied to all patients after cleaning the fungus debris and cleansing the ear with acetic acid. The treatment outcome was resolution in 57.3%, residual 24.5% and recurrence 12.7%. 5.5% of patients did not come for follow up. The complications were TM perforation in 13.6% patients, serous otitis media in 3.6% and external auditory canal osteitis in 0.9%. CONCLUSION: Otomycosisis usually resolves with local toilet of ear and instillation of antifungal agents, however eradication of disease is difficult in presence of a mastoid cavity and immune-compromised patients.