Search

To obtain a cost-effective and eco-friendly natural dye, Olea europaea fruit waste aqueous extract (OFW-AE) has been investigated for its potential to dye grey fabric. The dye obtained as OFW-AE was tested under the effect of different factors related to the dyeing process. Characterization of the extract was done using UV-visible and FTIR analysis techniques that confirmed the presence of different phytochemicals including different pigments. UV-visible spectra showed absorption in the spectral region from 390 to 500 nm which is mainly due to different colorants present in the OFW-AE. FTIR analysis indicated different functional groups associated with phytoconstituents present in the extract. Different factors of the dyeing process were also optimized to achieve maximum dyeing efficiency of the OFQ-AE. The factors including dye/extract concentration (10 and 20%), time (20, 30, and 40 min), temperature (50, 60, 70, and 80 °C), pH (8 and 6), and mordant (NaCl) were investigated. The impact of these factors on the dyeing process was evaluated by measuring the color yield (K/S) and the fastness properties of the raw cotton dyed fabric samples. Better results of fastness properties were shown by the fabric dyed using metallic mordant (NaCl) with 10% concentration of OFW-AE at pH 8. Results indicated that the use of metallic mordant at higher temperatures increased the access of the dye molecules to the mordanted fabric and thus improved the K/S values and fastness properties of the dyed fabric. These results confirmed that natural dye from OFW-AE has potential applications for cotton dyeing and can be a viable alternative to synthetic colorant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the present study, citrus pectin-stabilized copper/iron bimetallic nanoparticle (NP) catalyst has been used for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in wastewater produced from the food industry. Methods: The P@Cu/Fe composites were synthesized by co-precipitation and the sol-gel methods. Results and discussion: The characterization of the composites was carried out using UV, FTIR, SEM, and XRD techniques, revealing that P1@Cu/FeNPs synthesized through co-precipitation had a particle size of 150-35 nm with an irregular spherical and hexagonal shape. P2@Cu/FeNPs, synthesized using the gel combustion method using triethylamine as fuel, proved to be a better nanocatalyst with spherical particles having a uniform structure and size distribution of 105-23 nm. The mean zeta potential value of P1@Cu/FeNPs was found to be between 0 and 5mv, showing the composite to be less stable and 13 mv for more stable P2@Cu/FeNPs. The degradation of MB by P1@Cu/FeNPs was recorded up to 23.57% after 35 min and the nanocomposite synthesized by the sol-gel method exhibited 97.28% degradation in 30 min. The P2@Cu/FeNPs performed the best degradation due to their synergistic impact. In essence, this research represents a step toward the synthesis of bimetallic NPs using a biomaterial (citrus pectin) with improved synergistic photocatalytic potential that can induce different features in nanomaterials. Pectin-functionalized NPs using different metals should be synthesized and tested for different catalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional medicinal plants play an important role in primary health care worldwide. The phytochemical screening and activities of Geranium pusillum were investigated in this research. The dried plant leaves were extracted with ethanol, n‐hexane, chloroform, dichloromethane, methanol, acetone, and aqueous solvents. These extracts were qualitatively analyzed, GC–MS, antimicrobial activities by using the disc diffusion method, antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl‐hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging, and cytotoxic activity was analyzed by the hemolytic activity of human red blood cells. The results showed phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides were detected in plant leaves. The ethanol extract at a concentration of 10 mg/mL showed a maximum inhibition zone 17.5 ± 0.09, 15.6 ± 0.11, 14.2 ± 0.17, 18.4 ± 0.11, 16.6 ± 0.15, 12.5 ± 0.13, 15.9 ± 0.10, and 13.1 ± 0.11 mm, and at 15 mg/mL showed 24.5 ± 0.09, 27.2 ± 0.12, 26.3 ± 0.17, 28.4 ± 0.10, 27.9 ± 0.16, 22.5 ± 0.13, 27.1 ± 0.10, and 24.1 ± 0.16 mm against Escherichia coli, Pasturella multocida (gram‐negative), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus (gram‐positive), Rhizopus solani, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Alternaria alternate (fungal strain), respectively, and dichloromethane showed a minimum inhibition zone as compared to other extracts against bacterial as well as fungal strains. Chloroform extract had maximum antioxidant activity (45.00 ± 0.08%) and minimum in dichloromethane (12.20 ± 0.04%). Cytotoxic activity was found maximum in acetone extract (19.83 ± 0.07%) and minimum in ethanol extract (4.72 ± 0.04%). It is concluded that phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids, and others may be responsible for these activities, which is why this plant is used for traditional medicine. Research Highlights: Geranium pusillum has therapeutic properties that exhibit various biological activities beneficial for human health.G. pusillum has significant inhibitory effects against bacterial and fungal strains.Chloroform solvent extract indicates potential free radical scavenging abilities.Acetone extract exhibits notable effects on human red blood cells and demonstrates significant cytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common type of cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current study aimed to induce hepatocellular injury in the Wistar rat model through the administration of arsenic at a dose rate of 5mg/kg. In the context of treating induced liver toxicity, biocompatible nanocomposites were proposed as a drug delivery system. The proposed intervention involved administering a nanomaterial consisting of zinc oxide and Albizia lebbeck intraperitoneal at a dose rate of 10 mg/kg for 8 weeks. For this research, 24 Wistar rats were divided into four distinct groups. Except for the normal control group, rats from each group were administered intraperitoneal injections of arsenic oxide every other day for 56 days, at a dosage of 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, to induce hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCC that has been developed went under evaluation through various methods, including histopathology, complete blood count, health markers, and ultrasonography. The decrease in HCC dimensions was ascertained through the use of ultrasonography. The statistical analysis of the acquired data was involved the use of ANOVA and the least significant difference at a significance level of 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: According on the proportion of fibroglandular tissue to fatty tissue, the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) divides breast density into 4 groups and offers radiologists standardized communication tools. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of breast density with development of breast cancer in local Asian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total 108 female patients were included in the cross-sectional study. A full-field digital mammography equipment was used for the mammograms. For bilateral breasts, four mediolateral oblique and craniocaudal images were acquired. The American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) was used to guide the interpretation of mammogram. The categories were recorded as follows: 1) Almost entirely fat (25% fibroglandular tissue); 2) Scattered fibroglandular (26%- 50%); 3) Heterogeneously dense (51%-75%); and 4) Extremely dense (>75%). Stratification was done and post stratification Chi square test or Fisher s exact test was applied. P-value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The categories of BI-RADS were found as 16(14.8%) had category A, 48(44.4%) had category B, 38(35.2%) had category C and 6(5.6%) had category D. The breast cancer was noted in 5(31.3%) cases of category A, 24(50%) of cases of category B, 30(78.9%) of cases of category C and 5(83.3%) cases of category D, the breast cancer was significantly associated with the categories of BI-RADS (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: There is a significant association between the risk of breast cancer inour population with mammographic breast tissue density categorized by BI-RADS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver, being the major organ for metabolism and detoxification of different drugs and substances, is more prone to injury. Drug induced hepatotoxicity is a fetal condition and needs fast and effective treatment options. Orange and banana peel are known to have therapeutic hepatoprotective efficacy against oxidative stress. This study was aimed to investigate therapeutic potential of orange and banana peel powder against paracetamol induced oxidative stress. To achieve this, fifty adult and healthy rabbits were purchased, and hepatotoxicity was induced by using paracetamol at a dose of 2g/kg. Afterwards, these animals were randomly divided into five equal groups. In this trial of 21 days, animals of group A and B were treated with orange peel at the dose of 0.5 and 1 gm/kg BW respectively. Similarly, group C and D was served with banana peel at the dosage of 0.5 and 1 g/kg BW respectively. Group E served as control group and was treated with Hepa-Merz®. Blood samples were collected from rabbits at baseline (prior to induction of hepatotoxicity), at day 0 (after establishment of hepatotoxicity and initiation of respective treatments), at day 3, 7, 14 and 21 (after the start of treatment) while two rabbits from each group were slaughtered at each sampling time point for histopathology of liver. The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated through Liver function tests (ALT, AST and total bilirubin), total antioxidant capacity, serum total oxidant status and histopathological examination of liver. ANOVA and DMR tests were applied to analyze the data. All the five groups showed significant decrease in the elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, Total bilirubin and TOS at day 21. While TAC levels dramatically increased in all the groups. Histopathology also verified the improvement in histopathological architecture. Group B and C gave more hepatoprotective response demonstrating that the orange and banana peel have dose dependent hepatoprotective response furthermore, orange peel is more potent hepatoprotective agent than that of banana peel. The present study demonstrated that the orange and banana peel have hepatoprotective efficacy against paracetamol induced toxicity, and they can be used as therapeutic agents in cases of oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine visual outcomes and post-operative complications after Lucidis 124M EDOF IOL implantation after phacoemulsification and to see the effect of these lenses on Quality of life of the patients. Study Design: Mixed study design (Quasi Experimental and qualitative analysis). Place and Duration of Study: WAPDA Teaching Hospital and Acuity Eye Centre, Lahore, from November 2017 to October 2022. Methods: Hundred eyes of seventy five patients underwent Lucidis EDOF IOL implantation after phacoemulsification using 2.75 mm clear posterior corneal incisions. Criteria used to document visual outcomes were uncorrected and corrected distance and near vision measurements. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by interviewing the patients at least 6 months postoperatively using google forms. Results: Hundred eyes of 75 patients were enrolled. There were 39 (52%) males and 36 (48%) females. Mean age was 1.48 ± 0.50 years. Mean baseline un-corrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 2.83 ± 1.48. Eighty two percent eyes had corrected vision of 6/6 and 75 eyes achieved N.6 for near. Fifty patients out of 75 responded to the questionnaire regarding QoL. Sixteen percent patients had glare, 85% reported no difficulties during night driving and 68% had no problem in watching TV without glasses. Sixty eight percent did not experience any itching, watering, or discomfort and 90% responded that their QoL had improved. None of the patients had lens deposits, discoloration or decentration. One had endophthalmitis. Conclusion: Lucidis EDOF IOL are safe and effective lenses in terms of visual outcomes and spectacle independence resulting in better quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional foods and nutraceuticals are gaining popularity as they are being developed and commercialized with the aim of reducing the risk of various diseases and their treatment. In this study, antiradical activity guided fractionation of Pariploca aphylla (P. aphylla) crude extract was conducted. A crude methanolic extract of P. aphylla was prepared and then fractionated using different solvents, including hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. This approach allowed for the isolation and characterization of different fractions of P. aphylla with potential antioxidant activity. These fractions were tested for the determination of total phenolic content, antiradical (DPPH• and ABTS•+) potential and HPLC quantification of phenolic acids. Among all the tested fractions, butanol fraction exhibited highest phenolic content and significant antiradical potential. Butanol faction was further subfractionated using a silica gel-loaded column and 18 sub-fractions were obtained. Antiradical potential of all 18 sub-fractions was determined and sub-fraction 12 was found having highest radical scavenging potential. Structures of compounds in sub-fraction 12 were identified and quantified using GC-MS. Among all the identified compounds, 7-Trimethylsilyloxytridecane (C16H36OSi) and 1,2-bis(trimethylsiloxy)ethane (C8H22O2Si2) were found in highest ratio. All of the compounds can be declared having high antiradical potential that can be extracted or synthesized for possible exploitation as functional food or nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is focused on synthesis of Cu-TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) by bio-mediated method using Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract. The lignocellulosic entities of P. dactylifera fruit extract used as reducing and capping agent due to presence of higher contents of phenolics and flavonoids. These synthesized NPs are characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Cu-TiO2 NPs synthesized by bio-mediated method are cost effective and environmental friendly. Results showed the average size of NPs was found to be 32.07 nm. Furthermore, these NPs act as very effective and suitable nano-catalyst for dyes degradation and reduces the concentration of Rhodamine-B to 89.8% and methyl orange to 95.3% dyes in wastewater. Results revealed that the synthesized NPs could possibly be employed for degradation of other toxic pollutants particularly dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare postoperative refractive outcomes predicted by ultrasonic and optical biometry after phacoemulsification. Study Design: Descriptive observational. Place and Duration of Study: WAPDA Teaching Hospital and Acuity Eye Center in Lahore Pakistan from January 2022 to May 2022. Methods: The study included 59 eyes with cataracts and required phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable intraocular lens. They were divided into two groups; (29 in the ultrasonic biometry group and 30 in the optical biometry group). The first group was subjected to ultrasound biometry, whereas the second was subjected to optical biometry. We compared ocular refractions following cataract surgery in two groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the mean absolute refractive error (MAE). The operating surgeon was the same in both the groups. Results: All the participants were between 40 and 70 years of age. The preoperative mean target refraction in the ultrasonic group was 0.05 ± 0.13D (range: -0.01 to + 0.17D) and 0.12 ± 0.33D in the optical group (range: -0.01 to +0.49D). Thus, there was a non-significant difference between both groups regarding target refraction (P = 0.58, U = 398.5). The MAE measured for the first group was 0.14 ± 0.46D and for the second group was 0.60 ± 0.53D. The comparison between both the biometry procedures showed that the difference was non-significant between the biometry methods (P = 0.430). Conclusion: The difference between Post-Operative MAE of patients undergoing two different biometry procedures (Optical and Ultrasonic) after cataract surgery was non-significant at P > 0.05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study assesses the performance of a developing economy's educational sector by comparing some fundamental educational statistics from Pakistan to those of ten better performing nations, and it outlines the required levels of education for the following decade. It presents a road map for the educational sector in Pakistan for the next ten years after identifying the gap between the existing and required levels of educational statistics. For each level of education, projections for the following variables are created. The required levels of Gross enrolment ratios, student-teacher ratios, the number of enrolments and the number of teachers. The required distribution of government spending across educational levels. Normed Planning approach is followed for the purpose by using panel data of 10 selected countries over the time period 2003-2017. It has also been observed that enrolments at each level of education are far below the required level based on international norms. In primary and secondary education, there are significant disparities between actual and necessary student-teacher ratios. In Pakistan, educational funding appears to be unbalanced, with primary and secondary education receiving more public funds than tertiary education. The analysis also demonstrates that the percentage of capital spending in total government expenditure on education is lower than what is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]