Search

During climate change, various unparalleled perils to agricultural systems have been observed worldwide. The detrimental impacts of heavy metal toxicity (HMs) lead to a considerable decrease in crop productivity and yield, thereby putting the agricultural system at risk and exerting a significant impact on food production. This has sparked significant worry regarding the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) pertaining to ensuring food and nutritional security for the constantly growing global population. In the current study, we have endeavored to reveal the significance of salicylic acid (SA) under arsenic (As) stress conditions in rice (Oryza sativa) plants. Being a toxic metalloid, As has adverse effects on the efficiency of photosynthesis and the assimilation of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) growth, and also causes alterations in defense systems and ethylene biosynthesis. The study revealed that the positive influence of SA in promoting nutrient metabolism, photosynthesis and growth under As stress was the result of its interplay with ethylene biosynthesis and the enhanced capacity of defense systems to reduce oxidative stress-mediated cellular injuries and cell deaths. In conclusion, SA can be considered a crucial physiological criterion for the development of As-tolerant rice plants.

Salt stress significantly contributes to major losses in agricultural productivity worldwide. The sustainable approach for salinity-accrued toxicity has been explored. The use of plant growth regulators/phytohormones, mineral nutrients and other signaling molecules is one of the major approaches for reversing salt-induced toxicity in plants. Application of the signaling molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) and ethylene (ETH) and major mineral nutrient such as nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) play significant roles in combatting the major consequences of salt stress impacts in plants. However, the literature available on gaseous signaling molecules (NO/ETH) or/and mineral nutrients (N/S) stands alone, and major insights into the role of NO or/and ETH along with N and S in plant-tolerance to salt remained unclear. Thus, this review aimed to (a) briefly overview salt stress and highlight salt-induced toxicity, (b) appraise the literature reporting potential mechanisms underlying the role of gaseous signaling molecules and mineral nutrient in salt stress tolerance, and (c) discuss NO and ETH along with N and S in relation to salt stress tolerance. In addition, significant issues that have still to be investigated in this context have been mentioned.

The interaction of mineral nutrients with metals/metalloids and signalling molecules is well known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of phosphorus (P) in mitigation of arsenic (As) stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The study was conducted to investigate potential of 30 mg P·kg-1 soil P supplement (diammonium phosphate) to cope up with the adverse effects of As stress (24 mg As·kg-1 soil) in mustard plants Supplementation of P influenced nitric oxide (NO) generation, which up-regulated proline metabolism, ascorbate-glutathione system and glyoxalase system and alleviated the effects of on photosynthesis and growth. Arsenic stress generated ROS and methylglyoxal content was scavenged through P-mediated NO, and reduced As translocation from roots to leaves. The involvement of NO under P-mediated alleviation of As stress was substantiated with the use of cPTIO (NO biosynthesis inhibitor) and SNP (NO inducer). The reversal of P effects on photosynthesis under As stress with the use of cPTIO emphasized the role of P-mediated NO in mitigation of As stress and protection of photosynthesis The results suggested that P reversed As-induced oxidative stress by modulation of NO formation, which regulated antioxidant machinery. Thus, P-induced regulatory interaction between NO and reversal of As-induced oxidative stress for the protection of photosynthesis may be suggested for sustainable crops.

The involvement of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) combined with sulfur (S) was studied in the protection of the photosynthetic performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under drought stress. The mechanisms of S-assimilation, the activity of antioxidants, glucose sensitivity, water and osmotic relations and abscisic acid (ABA) content were the focus. The combined application of 50 μM H2 O2 and 100 mg S kg-1 soil (sulfur) resulted in a marked increase in S-assimilation and activity of antioxidant enzymes, with decreased glucose sensitivity and ABA content causing improvement in the structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus under drought stress. The photosynthetic performance, pigment system (PS) II activity, and growth were improved conspicuously by H2 O2 in the presence of S, as H2 O2 induced S-assimilation capacity, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and GSH synthesis under drought stress. Our study shows that H2 O2 is more effective in the reversal of drought stress in the presence of S through its influence on S-assimilation, glucose sensitivity, and antioxidant system. These results provide evidence for the effectiveness of H2 O2 in improving photosynthesis under drought stress in the presence of S.

The role of ethylene (through application of ethephon) in the regulation of nickel (Ni) stress tolerance was investigated in this study. Ethephon at concentration of 200 µl l(−1) was applied to mustard (Brassica juncea) plants grown without and with 200 mg kg(−1) soil Ni to study the increased growth traits, biochemical attributes, photosynthetic efficiency, nutrients content, activities of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase, glyoxalase systems and enhanced the proline metabolism. In the absence of ethephon, Ni increased oxidative stress with a concomitant decrease in photosynthesis, growth and nutrients content. However, application of ethephon positively increased growth traits, photosynthetic parameters, nutrients content and also elevated the generation of antioxidants enzymes and glyoxalase systems, proline production to combat oxidative stress. Plants water relations and cellular homeostasis were maintained through increased photosynthetic efficiency and proline production. This signifies the role of ethylene in mediating Ni tolerance via regulating proline production and photosynthetic capacity. Ethephon can be used as an exogenous supplement on plants to confer Ni tolerance. The results can be exploited to develop tolerance in plants via gene editing technology encoding enzymes responsible for proline synthesis, antioxidant defence, glyoxalase systems and photosynthetic effectiveness.

Salicylic acid (SA) is a well-known plant growth regulator, which participates in many physiological processes of plants under normal and stressful conditions. In this study, we investigated the impact of SA supplementation on the components of ascorbate-glutathione cycle and glyoxalase system, photosynthesis and growth of rice (Oryza sativa) plants subjected to arsenic (As) stress. Plants grown with As exhibited enhanced As uptake, increased oxidative stress, and photosynthesis and growth inhibition. Application of SA promoted photosynthesis and growth in plants with or without As stress by improving plant defense systems and reducing oxidative stress through interaction with ethylene and nitric oxide (NO). SA acted as an ethylene antagonist, reducing stress ethylene formation under As stress, while NO formation was induced. This resulted in coordinated control over the antioxidant defense systems and enhanced As tolerance, protecting photosynthesis and growth from As-induced damage. The study showed that positive responses of SA in promoting photosynthesis and growth under As stress were the result of its interplay with ethylene and NO, enhanced capacity of defense systems to reduce oxidative stress. The crosstalk of SA with ethylene and NO will be useful in augmenting the performance of rice plants under As stress.

In the present study, the potential of ethylene as ethephon (an ethylene source) was investigated individually and in combination with split doses of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) soil treatments for removal of the damaging effects of salt stress (100 mM NaCl) in mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Plants were grown with 50 mg N plus 50 mg S kg−1 soil at sowing time and an equivalent dose at 20 days after sowing [N50 + S50]0d and 20d. Ethephon at 200 μL L‒1 was applied to combined split doses of N and S with or without NaCl. Plants subjected to NaCl showed a decrease in growth and photosynthetic characteristics as well as N and S assimilation, whereas proline metabolism and antioxidants increased. The application of ethephon to plants grown with split N and S doses significantly enhanced photosynthetic efficiency by increasing the assimilation of N and S, improving the concentration of proline and induction of the antioxidant system with or without NaCl. The regulation of ethylene and/or split forms of N and S application may be potential tools for not just overcoming salt stress effects in this species and in related Brassicaceae but also enhancing their photosynthesis and growth potential through increased nutrient assimilation.

In the present study, the potential of ethylene as ethephon (an ethylene source) was investigated individually or with a combination of the split dosage of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) soil treatments for the removal of damaging effects of salt stress (100 mM NaCl) in mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Plants were grown with 50 mg N plus 50 mg S kg−1 soil at sowing time and an equivalent dosage at 20 days after sowing ([N50 + S50]0d + [N50 + S50]20d). Ethephon at 200 μL L‒1 was applied to combined split dosage of N and S with or without NaCl. Plants subjected to NaCl showed a deceased in growth and photosynthetic characteristics as well as N and S assimilation, though, proline metabolism and antioxidants increased. The application of ethephon to plants grown with split N and S dosages significantly enhanced the photosynthetic efficiency by increasing the assimilation of N and S, improving the content of proline and induction of the antioxidant system with or without NaCl. The regulation of ethylene and/or split form N and S application may be the potential tools for overcoming salt stress effects in this species and in related Brassicaceae.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a newly recognized signaling molecule participating in physiological processes, growth, and development of plants under optimal and stressful environments. In the present reported research, we investigated the role of GABA in imparting salt stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Exposure of wheat plants to 100 mM NaCl resulted in increased oxidative stress, glucose content, nitric oxide (NO) production together with reduced growth and photosynthetic traits of plants. Contrarily, GABA application improved nitrogen (N) metabolism, sulfur (S) assimilation, ion homeostasis, growth and photosynthesis under salt stress. Additionally, GABA mitigated oxidative stress induced by salt stress with the increased ascorbate-glutathione cycle and proline metabolism. The study with NO inhibitor, c-PTIO [2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxy-3-oxide] in GABA experiment suggested that the impact of GABA on improvement of growth and photosynthesis under salt stress was mediated by NO and influenced N and S assimilation and antioxidant systems. The results suggested that the GABA has a significant potential in reversing the salt stress response in wheat plants, and GABA-mediated signals are manifested through NO.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a hormone that connects numerous reactions in plant cells under normal and environmental stress conditions. The application of 100 µM NO as sodium nitroprusside (SNP; NO donor) applied individually or in combination with N or S in different combinations (i.e. 100 mg N or S kg-1 soil applied at the time of sowing [100 N + 100S]0d or with split, 50 mg N or S kg-1 soil at the time of sowing and similar dose at 20 d after sowing [50 N + 50S]0d + [50 N + 50S]20d ) was tested to alleviate salt stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Application of 100 µM NO plus split application of N and S more significantly promoted stomatal behavior, photosynthetic and growth performance in the absence of salt stress and maximally alleviated effects of salt stress through increased N- and S-use efficiency, proline and antioxidant system. The combined application of N and S at the time of sowing was lesser effective in promoting photosynthesis and growth under salt or no salt stress conditions in presence or absence of NO. The study suggests that salt stress effects on the photosynthetic performance are mitigated more efficiently when NO was applied together with the split application of N and S given at two stages, and the photosynthetic activity was promoted under salt stress through increased N and S assimilation and antioxidant system. This strategy may be adopted in agricultural system for overcoming salt stress effects on performance of mustard.

Heavy metal (HM) contamination of agricultural soil is primarily related to anthropogenic perturbations. Exposure to high concentration of HMs causes toxicity and undesirable effects in plants. In this study, the significance of ethylene was studied in response of mustard (Brassica juncea) to a high level (200 mg kg&minus, 1 soil) of zinc (Zn) exposure. Plants with high Zn showed inhibited photosynthesis and growth with the increase in oxidative stress. Application of ethylene (as ethephon) to Zn-grown plants restored photosynthesis and growth by inhibiting oxidative stress through increased antioxidant activity, the proline metabolism glyoxalase system, and nutrient homoeostasis. The results suggested that ethylene played a role in modulating defense mechanisms for tolerance of plants to Zn stress.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a hormone that connects numerous reactions in plant cells under normal and environmental stress conditions. The application of 100 µM NO as sodium nitroprusside (SNP; NO donor) applied individually or in combination with N or S in different combinations (i.e. 100 mg N or S kg

Objective: High plasma lipids interact with free radicals in human body leading to develop coronary artery disease. We in this study have compared hypolipidemic effects of Fenugreek, Curcuma Longa, and lemon. Methods: Study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore-Pakistan from January 2018 to May 2018. Ninety hyperlipidemic patients of age group 19 to 70 were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were diabetic, alcoholic additives, hypertensive patients and those whose kidney or liver functions were impaired. Consent was taken from all participants. Their base line lipid profile was taken in biochemistry laboratory of the hospital. They were divided in three groups i.e. 30 patients in each group. Group-I was advised to take 500 mg of Curcuma Longa (haldi) mixed in fresh milk without cream, thrice daily for two months. Group-II patients were advised to take 100 grams of Fenugreek leaves mixed with salad in each meal (thrice daily) for the period of two months. Group-III patients were advised to take 40 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed with 40 ml mineral water thrice daily for two months. They all were advised not to take heavy meal rich with any type of fat like junk food etc. One hour daily brisk walk was advised to all participants. 15 days follow up visit was scheduled for them. After two months their lipid profile was re-determined. Results: When results were compiled and statistically analyzed by applying paired ‘t’ test, it revealed that Curcuma Longa decreased total cholesterol, TG, LDL cholesterol 16.10, 20.01, and 17.59 mg/dl respectively. Fenugreek decreased total cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 14.70, 17.33, and 17.06 mg/dl respectively. Lemon in two months therapy decreased total cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 15.45, 10.13, and 11.97 mg/dl respectively. None of the above mentioned herbs raised HDL cholesterol significantly. Conclusion: It was concluded from this research work that Curcuma Longa, Fenugreek leaves and Lemon are mild to moderately effective hypolipidemic herbs to lower total plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol but have no potential to raise HDL cholesterol when analyzed biostatistically. Peer Review History: Received 28 March 2019; Revised 15 April; Accepted 28 April, Available online 15 May 2019 Academic Editor: Dr. Iman Muhammad Higazy, National Research Center, Egypt, imane.higazy@hotmail.com UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.5/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dina Abd Elfattah Eldakhs, Pharos university (PUA), Egypt, dina_eldakhs@yahoo.com Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, sansan4240732@163.com Similar Articles: ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC ACTIVITY OF DRACAENA CINNABARI BALF. RESIN ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SOQATRA ISLAND IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS HOW DO VITAMIN AND PLANT SEEDS WORK AS HYPOLIPIDEMIC AGENTS ?

Sulfur is known as one of the major essential elements for plant and its assimilation and reduction to important assimilatory compounds is crucial for determining plant growth and vigor. The deficiency of S was found to impair plant metabolism through affecting chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency. Moreover, it acts as a foremost element to maintain the cell viability. Inorganic sulfur is converted to important sulfur-containing compounds such as cysteine and methionine and other secondary products that alter several physiological processes in plants. Phytohormones are important signaling molecules that have been found to play a regulatory role in plant developmental processes. The action of phytohormones is influenced by several intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Sulfur being a regulatory element of plant metabolism influences the plant processes through its control on the phytohormones. The present chapter focuses the regulation of phytohormone-mediated responses of plants through the availability of sulfur. The information is useful as the modification in S availability will influence the phytohormone action and subsequently the growth and development of plants.

To determine the frequency of inducible clindamycin resistance in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus species by phenotypic D-test.Observational study.Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, from July to December 2011.Consecutive clinical isolates of Staphylococcus species were collected and identified by conventional microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and inducible clindamycin resistance was carried out by performing D-test using CLSI criteria. Methicillin resistance was detected by using Cefoxitin disk as a surrogate marker. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version-17.A total of 667 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus species were obtained during the study period. In these isolates, 177 (26.5%) were Staphylococcus aureus, and 490 (73.5%) were coagulase negative Staphylococci. The total frequency of inducible clindamycin resistance among isolates of Staphylococcus species was 120/667 (18%). Frequency of inducible clindamycin resistance among coagulase negative Staphylococci group and Staphylococcus aureus group were 18.57% and 16.38% respectively. Median age of patients in D-test positive group was 19.5 (1 - 54) years.The frequency of inducible clindamycin resistance among Staphylococcus species may differ in different hospital setup. Clinical microbiology laboratories should implement testing simple and effective D-test on all Staphylococcus species. D-test positive isolates should be reported clindamycin resistant to decrease treatment failure.

Naegleria fowleri is a free living parasite which habitats in fresh water reservoirs. It causes a fatal nervous system infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis by invading through cribriform plate of nose and gaining entry into brain. We report a case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri in Karachi, Pakistan, in a 42 years old male poultry farm worker having no history of swimming. Clinical course was fulminant and death occurred within one week of hospital admission. Naegleria fowleri was detected by wet mount technique in the sample of cerebrospinal fluid collected by lumbar puncture of patient. This is a serious problem and requires immediate steps to prevent general population to get affected by this lethal neurological infection.

Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) is a low virulent organism but may cause devastating fatal infections in immunocompromised host especially in liver cirrhosis. It is rarely reported to cause septicemia in a patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). The mortality rate of septicemia due to A. hydrophila is 29% to 73%. We report a case of 59-year-old female patient who was a known case of ALL, presented with the complaints of fever, lethargy and generalized weakness for one month. After taking blood samples for investigations, empirical antimicrobial therapy was started. She did not improve after 48 hours of therapy. Meanwhile blood culture revealed pure growth of A. hydrophila. After sensitivity report was available, ciprofloxacin was started. Patient became afebrile after 48 hours of treatment with ciprofloxacin. It is very vital to correctly identified and treat bacteremia due to A. hydrophila especially in the underlying leukemic patient.

Salmonella serotypes most often produce gastroenteritis, enteric fever, bacteremia, vascular infection and chronic carrier state. Localized infection may occur at any site after Salmonella bacteremia. Pulmonary involvement due to Salmonella infection is rare. Empyema occurs usually in elderly patients or in patients with underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus, malignancy, or pulmonary disease. We report the case of an 83-year-old male diabetic patient who presented with fever, productive cough, and difficulty in swallowing. The chest radiographs revealed soft shadowing mild atelactasis and pulmonary abscess on left side. CT-guided aspiration of pus was done. Salmonella enterica serotype typhi was isolated from pus sample. Pleural empyema or abscess usually requires surgical drainage in addition to antimicrobial therapy. After complete course of antimicrobial therapy, the patient improved.

To determine the susceptibility pattern of beta-lactam beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae in urinary isolates.Observational study.Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, from February to October 2008.A total of 190 consecutive non-duplicate isolates of ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae from urine samples of in-patients were included in the study. Urinary samples from out-patients, repeat samples and non-ESBL producing isolates were excluded. Detection of ESBL was carried out by double disk diffusion technique. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using modified Kirby Bauer's disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 10.Of the 190 ESBL isolates tested, 88 cases (46.31%) were sensitive and 6 cases (3.15%) were resistant to all three combinations, the rest 96 cases (50.52%) were resistant to at least one of the combinations. Susceptibility pattern of cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was 95.26, 92.10, and 44.31 percent respectively.Cefoperazone/sulbactam exhibited the best activity against ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae followed by piperacillin/tazobactam. Hospital antibiotic policies should be reviewed periodically to reduce the usage of extended spectrum cephalosporins and replace them with beta-lactam beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations agent for treating urinary tract infections.

To determine the frequency of extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae in urinary isolates.Observational study.Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, from February to October 2008.All members of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urinary samples of in-patients were included and identified using standard biochemical tests. Urinary samples from out-patients were excluded. Detection of ESBL was carried out by double disk diffusion technique. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 10.A total of 289 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were identified during the study period. Of those 190/289 (65.7%) of the isolates were found to be ESBL producing. ESBL positivity within individual organism group was highest in Klebsiella species 84.16%, followed by Escherichia coli 68.55%, Enterobacter species 36.84%, and Proteus mirabilis 28.55%. Mean age of patients with ESBL producing organisms was 58.69 ± 18.97 years. ESBL production was almost similar in all age groups.A high frequency of ESBL producing organisms especially Klebsiella species and Escherichia coli amongst the hospital obtained urinary isolates was documented particularly in the older age group. The data points towards an urgent need for regular screening and surveillance for ESBL producing organisms in this region.

This Prospective analytic study was conducted at the microbiology laboratory of Dr. Ziauddin Hospital to find out minimum temperature and duration required to eradicate common bacterial pathogens from water samples. High concentration (1014 cfu/ml) of five common diarrheal pathogens were added to 100 ml water samples and heated till 40 degrees C, 60 degrees C, 100 degrees C, and two samples were further heated at 100 degrees C for 5 and 10 minutes respectively. Another set of samples were contaminated with stool specimen positive for diarrheal pathogens and heated in the similar fashion. Samples were inoculated on culture media to find out the growth of any organisms. All samples heated to 60 degrees C or beyond did not show any growth of bacteria on culture. So it is reliably proved that heating water up to 100 degrees C is sufficient to eradicate common disease causing bacteria even in stool contaminated samples and further heating would not be required.

Osteomyelitis is the inflammation of bone secondary to infection with pyogenic organisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is usually associated with nosocomial infections and due to its ability to acquire resistance to almost all antibiotics, infections with Pseudomonas pose a great challenge to the physicians. A number of new synergistic combinations have been used in order to treat these organisms and one of the methods is to combine chemicals with systemic antibiotics. In this case we represent a successful eradication of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas using a combination of acetic acid and systemic antibiotics.