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Abstract Background Type-D personality is an established predisposing factor for various diseases. Type-D traits have been shown to pose a 26% increased risk of coronary artery disease after controlling for other confounding factors. Significant associations have been reported between type-D personality traits and dyslipidaemia, impaired endothelial function, coronary heart disease (CAD), acute myocardial infarction, and other adverse cardiovascular events. Objective To assess the association between type-D personality and left-ventricular adverse remodelling in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention following index ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods All patients hospitalized and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after their index ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) between 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023 were prospectively enrolled. Type-D personality traits in the study population were determined at baseline using type-D Scale-14 (DS14) instrument, whereas any positive change in left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) ≥ 20% at follow up period of 12-months from baseline was defined as left-ventricular adverse remodelling (LVAR). Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to establish the independent predictors of LVAR. The area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was employed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the identified independent predictors. Results A total of 124 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the study population was 67 ± 10 years and the overall incidence of LVAR was found to be 25%. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that type-D personality is a significant independent predictor of LVAR $$\:(OR:2.51;95\%CI:1.16-5.77;p=0.03)$$ apart from the already established independent predictors Killip Class $$\:\:(OR:7.30;95\%CI:3.03-17.55;p

Introduction: Primary extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is a rare and aggressive tumor with diverse clinical manifestations. In the realm of head and neck pathology, EPSCC most commonly presents in the larynx or oral cavity. Sinonasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma represents a particularly infrequent and aggressive neoplasm affecting the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Case Presentation: Here in, we are presenting a case of a 40-year-old nonsmoking male with left maxillary sinus EPSCC, demonstrating extensive local invasion and regional lymphadenopathy. The patient presented with nasal obstruction, ocular swelling, visual loss, and multiple neck swellings. Diagnosis was challenging, requiring a multidisciplinary approach and histopathological confirmation. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and synaptophysin markers validating the diagnosis of small cell carcinoma. Conclusion: This case underscores the diagnostic complexities and highlights the importance of swift intervention and a multidisciplinary treatment approach for optimizing patient outcomes in rare and aggressive tumors like EPSCC. Early detection and prompt management are crucial in resource-limited settings to mitigate morbidity and mortality.

Abstract The Asteraceae family is a prominent group of flowering plants found across the globe, with the exception of Antarctica. The Asteraceae family is a largest flowering family pivotal group in plant evolution and diversification. Despite its importance, the genetic diversity within this family remains understudied. We focused on the rps-11 gene, a chloroplast marker previously utilized in phylogenetic studies, to investigate its potential in resolving Asteraceae relationships. The focus was on examining genetic diversity within sixteen specifically chosen species from the Asteraceae family. This assessment was based on an analysis of a chloroplast gene responsible for encoding the ribosomal protein of the smaller subunit 11 (rps 11). Nearly 417 bp of rps 11 gene was amplified, sequenced, computationally translated into amino acid sequence and the data was used for phylogenetic analysis as well as for rps 11 protein structure predictions. Based on nucleotide and amino acid sequences phylograms were drawn with the help of Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis (MEGA 6), which exhibited clear genetic relationship among species under investigation. The observed genetic distance was 0.02 for Maximum likelihood tree based on nucleotide sequences whereas it was 0.05 for phylogram based on amino acid sequences. These values revealed that amino acid-based tree has demonstrated greater diversity among selected species in comparison to nucleotides-based tree. On the basis of pair wise distance calculations, genetic divergence values were found within the range of 0.015–0.309. Moreover, 3D protein modeling for rps 11 protein of sixteen selected species was also carried out by iterative threading assembly refinement (I-Tasser) software. The models exhibiting the highest C-score were picked with satisfactory plot statistics (> 90%) and structurally validated by PROCHECK. Furthermore, Ramachandran plots displayed that the rps 11 protein structures of Tagetes minuta, Xanthium strumarium, Lactuca sativa and Chrysanthemum indicum have best feature models with > 90% of residues in the allowed region and ≤ 2% in the disallowed region. The research is not enough to stand alone to validate the viability of the rps11 gene as a prospective contender for phylogenetic analysis. İn future we will focus on the maximum genetic diversity theory for phylogenetic analysis of this family.

Abstract Researchers are now avoiding perovskite materials containing lead due to their toxicity and instability in open air and heat. In this study, our research group worked on potassium-based K2MgSiCl6 & K2MgSiBr6 perovskite compounds and thoroughly investigated these materials’ basic behaviours. Goldschmidt and formation energy results certify the structure and thermodynamic stabilities of the studied compounds. The band gaps noted for the K2MgSiCl6 & K2MgSiBr6 perovskites were 2.42 eV & 1.88 eV, respectively. After the mechanical observations of the investigated compounds, it became apparent that both the studied compounds own brittle and anisotropic nature. Based on the tendency to absorb electromagnetic radiations both in the ultra-violet and visible range, it enables the K2MgSiCl6 & K2MgSiBr6 perovskites suitable for detectors, solar cells, and many other optoelectronic devices. The K2MgSiBr6 material showed the first response to the electromagnetic radiations in the visible range and acquired the optical conductivity value of 1219 (Ω.cm)-1; however, K2MgSiCl6 material showed its response to a bit higher energetic photons in the visible range than K2MgSiBr6 material, but its optical conductivity was higher (i.e., 1270 (Ω.cm)-1) than the K2MgSiBr6 material in the visible range.

Abstract Zinc oxide nanoparticles have wide range biological, biomedical and environmental applications. However, traditional nanofabrication of ZnONPs uses various toxic chemicals and organic solvents which limit their bio-applications. To overcome this hurdle, Bauhinia variegata derived buds extract was utilized to fabricate ZnONPs. The greenly generated ZnONPs were successfully prepared and extensively characterized using different analytical tools and the average crystalline size was calculated as 25.47 nm. Further, bioengineered ZnONPs were explored for multiple biological activities that revealed excellent therapeutic potentials. The antibacterial potential was determined using different bacterial strains. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC: 137.5 µg/mL) was reported to be the most resistant variant while Bacillus subtilis (MIC: 34.38 µg/mL) was observed to be most susceptible bacterial strain. DPPH radical scavenging potential was measured to determine the antioxidant capacity of ZnONPs and the highest scavenging potential was observed as 82% at highest of 300 µg/mL. The fungicidal effect of green ZnONPs in comparison with Amphotericin B was assessed against five selected pathogenic fungal strains. The results revealed, Fusarium solani (MIC: 46.875 µg/mL) was least resistant and Aspergillus flavus (MIC: 187.5 µg/mL) was most resistant in fungicidal examination. Cytotoxicity potential of B.V@ZnONPs was analyzed against newly hatched nauplii of brine shrimps. The results for greenly produced ZnONPs was recorded as 39.78 µg/mL while 3.006 µg/mL was reported for positive control vincristine sulphate. The results confirmed the category of general cytotoxic for greenly synthesized nano sized B.V@ZnONPs.

Abstract The genetic factors of stroke in South Asians are largely unexplored. Exome-wide sequencing and association analysis (ExWAS) in 75 K Pakistanis identified NM_000435.3(NOTCH3):c.3691 C > T, encoding the missense amino acid substitution p.Arg1231Cys, enriched in South Asians (alternate allele frequency = 0.58% compared to 0.019% in Western Europeans), and associated with subcortical hemorrhagic stroke [odds ratio (OR) = 3.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [2.26, 5.10], p = 3.87 × 10−9), and all strokes (OR [CI] = 2.30 [1.77, 3.01], p = 7.79 × 10−10). NOTCH3 p.Arg231Cys was strongly associated with white matter hyperintensity on MRI in United Kingdom Biobank (UKB) participants (effect [95% CI] in SD units = 1.1 [0.61, 1.5], p = 3.0 × 10−6). The variant is attributable for approximately 2.0% of hemorrhagic strokes and 1.1% of all strokes in South Asians. These findings highlight the value of diversity in genetic studies and have major implications for genomic medicine and therapeutic development in South Asian populations.

ABSTRACTGlobal crop yield has been affected by a number of abiotic stresses. Heat, salinity, and drought stress are at the top of the list as serious environmental growth-limiting factors. To enhance crop productivity, molecular approaches have been used to determine the key regulators affecting stress-related phenomena. MYB transcription factors (TF) have been reported as one of the promising defensive proteins against the unfavorable conditions that plants must face. Different roles of MYB TFs have been suggested such as regulation of cellular growth and differentiation, hormonal signaling, mediating abiotic stress responses, etc. To gain significant insights, a comprehensive in-silico analysis of OsMYB TF was carried out in comparison with 21 dicot MYB TFs and 10 monocot MYB TFs. Their chromosomal location, gene structure, protein domain, and motifs were analyzed. The phylogenetic relationship was also studied, which resulted in the classification of proteins into four basic groups: groups A, B, C, and D. The protein motif analysis identified several conserved sequences responsible for cellular activities. The gene structure analysis suggested that proteins that were present in the same class, showed similar intron-exon structures. Promoter analysis revealed major cis-acting elements that were found to be responsible for hormonal signaling and initiating a response to abiotic stress and light-induced mechanisms. The transformation of OsMYB TF into tobacco was carried out using the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method, to further analyze the expression level of a gene in different plant parts, under stress conditions. To summarize, the current studies shed light on the evolution and role of OsMYB TF in plants. Future investigations should focus on elucidating the functional roles of MYB transcription factors in abiotic stress tolerance through targeted genetic modification and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. The application of omics approaches and systems biology will be indispensable in delineating the regulatory networks orchestrated by MYB TFs, facilitating the development of crop genotypes with enhanced resilience to environmental stressors. Rigorous field validation of these genetically engineered or edited crops is imperative to ascertain their utility in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Exponential population increases are threatening food security, particularly in mountainous areas. One potential solution is dual-use intercropped agroforestry systems such as olive (Olea europaea)–maize (Zea mays), which may mitigate risk by providing multiple market sources (oil and grain) for smallholder producers. Several studies have conducted integrated agroforestry land suitability analyses; however, few studies have used machine learning (ML) algorithms to evaluate multiple variables (i.e., soil physicochemical properties and climatic and topographic data) for the selection of suitable rainfed sites in mountainous terrain systems. The goal of this study is therefore to identify suitable land classes for an integrated olive–maize agroforestry system based on the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) land suitability assessment framework for 1757 km2 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Information on soil physical and chemical properties was obtained from 701 soil samples, along with climatic and topographic data. After determination of land suitability classes for an integrated olive–maize-crop agroforestry system, the region was then mapped through ML algorithms using random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM), as well as using traditional techniques of weighted overlay (WOL). Land suitability classes predicted by ML techniques varied greatly. For example, the S1 area (highly suitable) classified through RF was 9%↑ than that of SVM, and 8%↓ than that through WOL. The area of S2 (moderately suitable) classified through RF was 18%↑ than that of SWM and was 17%↓ than the area classified through WOL; similarly, the S3 (marginally suitable) class area via RF was 27%↓ than that of SVM, and 45%↓ than the area classified through WOL. Conversely, the area of N2 (permanently not suitable class) classified through RF and SVM was 6%↑ than the area classified through WOL. Model performance was assessed through overall accuracy and Kappa Index and indicated that RF performed better than SVM and WOL. Crop suitability limitations of the study area included high elevation, slope, pH, and large gravel content. Results can be used for sustainable intensification in mountainous rainfed regions by expanding intercrop agroforestry systems in developing nations to close yield gaps.

Abstract Microalgae technology is a viable solution for environmental conservation (carbon capture and wastewater treatment) and energy production. However, the nutrient cost, slow-kinetics, and low biosorption capacity of microalgae hindered its application. To overcome them, algal-biochar (BC) can be integrated with microalgae to treat textile wastewater (TWW) due to its low cost, its ability to rapidly adsorb pollutants, and its ability to serve as a nutrient source for microalgal-growth to capture CO2 and biodiesel production. Chlorella vulgaris (CV) and algal-BC were combined in this work to assess microalgal growth, carbon capture, TWW bioremediation, and biodiesel production. Results showed the highest optical density (3.70 ± 0.07 OD680), biomass productivity (42.31 ± 0.50 mg L−1 d−1), and dry weight biomass production (255.11 ± 6.01 mg L−1) in an integrated system of CV-BC-TWW by capturing atmospheric CO2 (77.57 ± 2.52 mg L−1 d−1). More than 99% bioremediation (removal of MB-pollutant, COD, nitrates, and phosphates) of TWW was achieved in CV-BC-TWW system due to biosorption and biodegradation processes. The addition of algal-BC and CV microalgae to TWW not only enhanced the algal growth but also increased the bioremediation of TWW and biodiesel content. The highest fatty acid methylesters (biodiesel) were also produced, up to 76.79 ± 2.01 mg g−1 from CV-BC-TWW cultivated-biomass. Biodiesel’s oxidative stability and low-temperature characteristics are enhanced by the presence of palmitoleic (C16:1) and linolenic (C18:3) acids. Hence, this study revealed that the integration of algal-biochar, as a biosorbent and source of nutrients, with living-microalgae offers an efficient, economical, and sustainable approach for microalgae growth, CO2 fixation, TWW treatment, and biodiesel production. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Drought stress (DS) is a significant abiotic stress that limits agricultural productivity worldwide. In semi-arid climates, one potential solution to alleviate the deleterious effects of drought is the use of soil amendments such as nanoparticles. The current research was conducted out to probe the sway of drought at critical growth stages (CGS) of wheat crop (D0: Control, D1: Drought at tillering stage, and D2: Drought at anthesis stage) and the application of Cu-nanoparticles (T0: 0 mg L−1, T1: 300 mg L−1, T2: 700 mg L−1, and T3: 950 mg L−1) in order to improve drought resilience. Results of the study revealed that DS considerably decreased the wheat growth and yield during CGS. However, Cu-nanoparticles application alleviated the detrimental backlash of DS and led to improvements in various aspects of wheat growth and yield, including plant height, spike length, 1000 grain weight, stomatal conductance, leaf chlorophyll content, water use efficiency, leaf turgor potential, relative water content, and ultimately the grain yield. The use of principal component analysis allowed us to integrate and interpret the diverse findings of our study, elucidating the impact of Cu-nanoparticle treatment on wheat growth and yield under drought. Overall, the study concluded that DS during the anthesis stage had the most significant negative impact on crop yield. However, applying Cu-nanoparticles at the rate of 300 mg L−1 proved to be an effective strategy for improving crop productivity by reducing the harmful effects of drought.

In recent years, there has been an increasing concern regarding the impact of pesticide exposure on pollinators, particularly honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). This concern arises from their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and global food production. Therefore, an extensive investigation has been conducted to explore the intricate relationship between pesticides and the biological development of honey bees in the Rahim Yar Khan region. This study assessed the impact of four pesticides (Emamectin benzoate, Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid, and Acetamiprid) on honey bee eggs, larvae, and adult bees under controlled laboratory conditions. The pesticides were applied at concentrations of 10%, 30%, and 50%, as per regional agricultural recommendations. A zero-toxicity control was also included for comparison. Toxicity evaluations were conducted through contact exposure, and Probit and regression analyses were performed using SPSS software to comprehensively assess the toxicity profiles. The study revealed significant adverse effects on the immediate behavioral responses of A. mellifera following pesticide exposure. These effects included heightened agitation, narcotic-like symptoms, audible hovering, crawling, ceased food-sharing behavior, and reduced proboscis extension. Chlorpyrifos exhibited the highest toxicity against adult bees, while Emamectin Benzoate had the least toxicity. Regarding honey bee eggs, Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid, and Acetamiprid were notably more toxic, whereas Emamectin Benzoate exhibited the least toxicity. The impact on larvae varied across developmental stages and pesticides, with Imidacloprid, Chlorpyrifos, and Acetamiprid causing significant mortality, while Emamectin Benzoate showed lower toxicity. The study highlights that Emamectin Benzoate demonstrates lower toxicity compared to other insecticides. This emphasizes the importance of balancing effective pest management with the preservation of pollinator health. The findings underscore the need for informed and sustainable approaches to pesticide use, taking into consideration the potential repercussions on honeybee development and behavior.

The Ciprofloxacin (CIP) toxicity and salinity stress in agricultural soils cause risk to environmental and food safety. Consequently, it is essential to devise or use more effective techniques for mitigating salinity and ciprofloxacin-induced stress in soil. This study includes the nZVI-loaded biochar synthesis, integrating the unique characteristics of raw biochar with nZVI. The present study examined the impact of raw and nZVI-loaded biochar on soil quality and the mitigation of salinity stress and Ciprofloxacin toxicity in wheat plants. The results showed that the application of nZVI-loaded biochar treatments led to substantial enhancement in shoot biomass, root biomass, grain biomass, and spike biomass by 152.1, 54.3 %, 59.8 %, and 151 %, respectively compared to control treatment. The treatment with nZVI-loaded biochar significantly increased the rates of photosynthesis and transpiration, as well as the conductance of stomata. It also resulted in higher levels of intercellular CO2, photosynthetic pigments, and water use efficiency with increases of 49 %, 59 %, 57 %, 37 %, 40 %, and 95 %, respectively. The nZVI-loaded biochar significantly decreased electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide levels compared to the NaCl treatment alone. It also enhanced the activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The non-enzymatic antioxidants including total soluble sugars (TSS), flavonoids, total soluble proteins (TSP), phenolics, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, proline, and glycine betaine significantly influenced by the nZVI-loaded biochar. The nZVI-loaded biochar effectively alleviates the stress of soils that are contaminated with hazardous amounts of Ciprofloxacin while improving the soil and plant health.

Due to their tremendous therapeutic ability to treat a wide range of illnesses, medicinal plants are employed as a rich source and nutraceuticals practically in all civilizations. The goal of the current study was to evaluate phytochemistry and biological potentials of medicinal plant Centaurea iberica as previously no research work has been reported. To prepare plant extracts, five different solvents, methanol, ethanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and chloroform were used. Total phenolic content of the investigated plant was recorded highest in the methanolic extract ranges from 91 ± 1.2 mg/g, total flavonoid content recorded 24 ± 1.1 mg/g. Moreover, maximum LC50 value (9.95 µg/mL) was recorded for methanolic extract using cytotoxicity assay. Radish seed germination phytotoxicity assay indicated the highest phytotoxic potential in n-hexane (55 % seed inhibition) extract of C. iberica. However, in anti-inflammatory assay less than 50 % inhibition was observed for methanolic extract and plant was found to be inactive against larvicidal activity. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that more in vitro and in vivo research activities be done in the future, as well as chemical characterization to identify various compounds that may be utilized to treat various illnesses.

The current study was aimed to investigate the ethno-pharmacology, diversity, biological potentials of different mushrooms species from District Swabi, Pakistan. Ethno-pharmacological data was collected from 73 respondents based on interview, group discussion and field visits. Quantitative analysis such as informant consent factor (ICF), Use value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were done. Morphological identification of mushrooms, extract preparation, phytochemical screening and statistical analysis of data was conducted. Phytochemical analysis of six mushroom species revealed that saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and phenols were present in six selected mushrooms, while tannin and steroids (−) present in Agaricus arvensis. In Morchella conica only steroids (−) was absent, Qunion (−) in Polyporus tuberaster, Pleurotus ostreatus and Omphalotus olearius were found absent. Moisture contents (10.17 ± 1.27) and crude fats (5.26 ± 1.50) present in Omphalotus olearius. Highest content of crude fibers (26.57 ± 0.86) and carbohydrates (62.18 ± 0.73) were found in Pleurotus ostreatus. Highest ash contents (12.62 ± 0.46) were reported in Polyporus tuberaster. The respondents’ consensus factor values ranged from 1.66 to 61.74 in which highest ICF value was 61.74 while the lowest was 1.66. The high RFC was recorded for Agaricus (0.67) while lowest RFC was observed in Clitocybe frondasa (0.05). The results of analgesic activity were compared to the diclofenac (Standard drug). The extracts of aqueous and methanolic extract were most active at the level of (400 mg/kg). As antipyretic agents, methanolic and aqueous extracts of Agaricus species were analyzed for anti-inflammatory activity compare to diclofenac (Standard drug) where the aqueous (200 mg/kg) and methanolic (400 mg/kg) were found to be very active. Finally, mushrooms with high (ICF and UV) were further investigated for phytochemicals and pharmacological analysis which revealed significant biological potentials. This provides basic ground information which can be used to explore novel mushroom-based medicines for the treatment of various diseases. The commercial cultivation of mushrooms represents a promising opportunity to leverage their diverse health benefits and nutritional properties. By prioritizing research and cultivation methods while educating the public, the potential of mushrooms as vital components of both nutrition and medicine can be significantly realized, impacting health outcomes and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Abstract Little information is available on optimizing the number of nitrogen (N) splits based on nitrate (NO3‐N) leaching and maize yield in sandy soils. To address this gap, we evaluated the impact of multiple N splits (2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐N splits) on NO3‐N leaching and maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield in irrigated loamy sand soil at a producer site in the Bazile Groundwater Management Area of Northeast Nebraska. Porous suction cup lysimeters were installed at a depth of 120 cm to collect pore water samples from 23 leaching events in 2021, a dry year. Increasing the number of N‐splits did not affect the pore‐water NO3‐N concentration; however, it was 169%, 152%, 150%, and 129% higher in 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐N split treatments compared to control, that is, without N application. Though the 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐N splits had 110%, 71%, 120%, and 91% higher area‐based NO3‐N leaching than the control, less deep percolation and more evapotranspiration in control led to no significant differences in area‐based NO3‐N leaching among all treatments. All N‐splits resulted in higher maize yield, nitrogen use efficiency, plant N uptake, harvest index, and aboveground biomass than control; however, the number of N‐splits did not affect these parameters. The inclusion of environmental cost reduced the return to nitrogen by 92–143 $ ha−1 across all N‐split treatments but did not significantly affect the differences among the splits. Overall, the results indicate that increasing the number of N‐splits does not provide agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits in irrigated maize fields during a dry year.

The study of soliton solutions for Nonlinear Fractional Partial Differential Equations (NFPDEs) has gained prominence recently because of its ability to realistically recreate complex physical processes. Numerous mathematical techniques have been devised to handle the problem of NFPDEs where soliton solutions are difficult to obtain. Due to their accuracy in reproducing complex physical phenomena, soliton solutions for Nonlinear Fractional Partial Differential Equations (NFPDEs) have recently attracted interest. Several mathematical techniques have been devised to tackle the difficult task of solving non-finite partial differential equations (NFPDEs) soliton. Studies of soliton solutions for Nonlinear Fractional Partial Differential Equations (NFPDEs) have garnered increased attention recently due to its capacity to accurately represent complex physical processes. Due to the difficulty of obtaining soliton solutions, NFPDEs can be solved using a wide variety of mathematical methods. In this way, it facilitates the extraction of the recently found abundance of optical soliton solutions. To further understanding of the results, the study also includes contour and three-dimensional images that visually depict particular optical soliton solutions for particular parameter selections, suggesting the existence of different soliton structures in the nonlinear fractional Kundu–Eckhaus equation (NFKEE) region. It is shown that the proposed technique is quite powerful and effective in solving several nonlinear FDEs.

The aim of this research was to look at the various biological potentials and phytochemical components of S. glauca. Utilizing FT-IR spectroscopy, different functional groups were identified. Tests for total reducing power (TRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and DPPH were employed to assess the antioxidant qualities of a specific medicinal plant. The antibacterial activity of five different strains of bacteria were assessed using the disc diffusion method. Laboratory-cultured nauplii were killed in the brine shrimp lethality experiment to assess the cytotoxic capability. Statistical software version 8.1 was utilized to conduct an analysis of variance (ANOVA), with each experiment being repeated three times. In S. glauca, ten distinct functional groups were found. TAC (SGM = 20.07 AAE/g) and DPPH scavenging capacity (IC50 = 28.38 µg/mL) were noted in the methanol extract of S. glauca (SGM) as well as the total reducing power (TRP) of 62.87 GAE/g was found in SGM. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using several types of bacteria. The maximum zone of inhibition (MI) against P. aeruginosa (ATCC) was found in SGC (12 ± 1.0 mm mean value). The chloroform extract of S. glauca (SGC) exhibited the highest cytotoxic potential, with an LC50 of 31.12 µg/mL. The present investigation examined the remarkable biological capabilities exhibited by S. glauca. Future research in therapeutic development could potentially be enhanced by the isolation and characterization of these bioactive compounds through further research.

Abstract Large amount of wastes are burnt or left to decompose on site or at landfills where they cause air pollution and nutrient leaching to groundwater. Waste management strategies that return these food wastes to agricultural soils recover the carbon and nutrients that would otherwise have been lost, enrich soils and improve crop productivity. The incorporation of liming materials can neutralize the protons released, hence reducing soil acidity and its adverse impacts to the soil environment, food security, and human health. Biochar derived from organic residues is becoming a source of carbon input to soil and provides multifunctional values. Biochar can be alkaline in nature, with the level of alkalinity dependent upon the feedstock and processing conditions. This study conducted a characterization of biochar derived from the pyrolysis process of eggplant and Acacia nilotica bark at temperatures of 300 °C and 600 °C. An analysis was conducted on the biochar kinds to determine their pH, phosphorus (P), as well as other elemental composition. The proximate analysis was conducted by the ASTM standard 1762-84, while the surface morphological features were measured using a scanning electron microscope. The biochar derived from Acacia nilotica bark exhibited a greater yield and higher level of fixed carbon while possessing a lower content of ash and volatile components compared to biochar derived from eggplant. The eggplant biochar exhibits a higher liming ability at 600 °C compared to the acacia nilotica bark-derived biochar. The calcium carbonate equivalent, pH, potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) levels in eggplant biochars increased as the pyrolysis temperature increased. The results suggest that biochar derived from eggplant could be a beneficial resource for storing carbon in the soil, as well as for addressing soil acidity and enhancing nutrients availability, particularly potassium and phosphorus in acidic soils.

Abstract The use of saline water under drought conditions is critical for sustainable agricultural development in arid regions. Biochar is used as a soil amendment to enhance soil properties such as water-holding capacity and the source of nutrition elements of plants. Thus, the research was carried out to assess the impact of biochar treatment on the morphological and physiological characteristics and production of Solanum lycopersicum in greenhouses exposed to drought and saline stresses. The study was structured as a three-factorial in split-split-plot design. There were 16 treatments across three variables: (i) water quality, with freshwater and saline water, with electrical conductivities of 0.9 and 2.4 dS m− 1, respectively; (ii) irrigation level, with 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of total evapotranspiration (ETC); (iii) and biochar application, with the addition of biochar at a 3% dosage by (w/w) (BC3%), and a control (BC0%). The findings demonstrated that salt and water deficiency hurt physiological, morphological, and yield characteristics. Conversely, the biochar addition enhanced all characteristics. Growth-related parameters, such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and dry and wet weight, and leaf gas exchange attributes, such rate of transpiration and photosynthesis, conductivity, as well as leaf relative water content were decreased by drought and salt stresses, especially when the irrigation was 60% ETc or 40% ETc. The biochar addition resulted in a substantial enhancement in vegetative growth-related parameters, physiological characteristics, efficiency of water use, yield, as well as reduced proline levels. Tomato yield enhanced by 4%, 16%, 8%, and 3% when irrigation with freshwater at different levels of water deficit (100% ETc, 80% ETc, 60% ETc, and 40% ETc) than control (BC0%). Overall, the use of biochar (3%) combined with freshwater shows the potential to enhance morpho-physiological characteristics, support the development of tomato plants, and improve yield with higher WUE in semi-arid and arid areas.

Abstract The current research aimed to study the green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgONPs) using Rhynchosia capitata (RC) aqueous extract as a potent reducing and stabilizing agent. The obtained RC-AgONPs were characterized using UV, FT-IR, XRD, DLS, SEM, and EDX to investigate the morphology, size, and elemental composition. The size of the RC-AgONPs was found to be ~ 21.66 nm and an almost uniform distribution was executed by XRD analysis. In vitro studies were performed to reveal biological potential. The AgONPs exhibited efficient DPPH free radical scavenging potential (71.3%), reducing power (63.8 ± 1.77%), and total antioxidant capacity (88.5 ± 4.8%) to estimate their antioxidative power. Antibacterial and antifungal potentials were evaluated using the disc diffusion method against various bacterial and fungal strains, and the zones of inhibition (ZOI) were determined. A brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay was conducted to measure the cytotoxicity potential (LC50: 2.26 μg/mL). In addition, biocompatibility tests were performed to evaluate the biocompatible nature of RC-AgONPs using red blood cells, HEK, and VERO cell lines (

Abstract This article introduces an adaptive approach within the Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart framework. Various Bayesian loss functions were used to jointly monitor process deviations from the mean and variance of normally distributed processes. Our study proposes the mechanism of using a function-based adaptive method that picks self-adjusting weights incorporated in Bayesian Max-EWMA for the estimation of mean and variance. This adaptive mechanism significantly enhances the effectiveness and sensitivity of the Max-EWMA chart in detecting process shifts in both the mean and dispersion. The Monte Carlo simulation technique was used to calculate the run-length profiles of different combinations. A comparative performance analysis with an existing chart demonstrates its effectiveness. A practical example from the hard-bake process in semiconductor manufacturing is presented for practical context and illustration of the chart settings and performance. The empirical results showcase the superior performance of the Adaptive Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart in identifying out-of-control signals. The chart’s ability to jointly monitor the mean and variance of a process, its adaptive nature, and its Bayesian framework make it a useful and effective control chart.

The extensive utilization of nitrogen (N) fertilizers within maize cultivation systems has resulted in diminished nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and contributed to nitrogen pollution on a global scale. To assess the ecological repercussions of excessive fertilization, it is imperative to elucidate both the nitrogen use efficiency and the fate of nitrogenous fertilizers upon application. The current research evaluated the potential of a newly developed slow-release nitrogen fertilizer on maize growth and its behavior in soil under controlled conditions. Six different levels of urea fertilizer (UF) and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF) were administered within the field, representing 100%, 85%, and 70% of the recommended application rates. The slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF) exhibited superior performance regarding growth, yield and nutrient retention in comparison to urea fertilizer (UF). Moreover, minimal ammonia emissions were detected with the employment of the slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF), while other urea-based fertilizers proved inefficient in mitigating ammonia emissions, despite enhancing various growth and yield parameters. The efficiency in nutrient recovery followed a distinct pattern, with polymer-coated fertilizers demonstrating superiority. The plots treated with SRNF displayed significantly higher growth and yield characteristics compared to those treated with urea fertilizer. In terms of NH3 volatilization, the urea fertilizer (UF) treatment at 100% application rate showed higher emissions (1.99 mg g-1) after a 27-day incubation period, as opposed to the slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF) treatment (1.68 mg g-1). Leaching data indicated that urea fertilizer treatments led to greater losses of NO3-N (2.01 mg L-1) compared to SRNF treatments (0.88 mg L-1).

Objective: To determine the correlation between mean Nasolabial Angle between anatomic point tracing method and mean tangent lines tracing method. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Military Dental Centre, Combined military Hospital, Malir Cantonment Karachi Pakistan, from Jan to Jun 2022. Methodology: A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Acquired tracings were photocopied 4 times (out of these 4 tracings, 2 were used for tracing nasolabial angle by drawing anatomic landmarks method and other 2 were used for finding nasolabial angle through the tangential method). First two copies were used to trace cephalometric tracing to evaluate nasolabial angle by the same investigator using anatomic landmarks point method and tangential method after interval of 4 weeks for purpose of inspecting intra observer reproducibility. Results: Patients ranged between fifteen to twenty-five years of age with mean age of 19.6±2.8 years. Out of these patients 19(63%) were males and 11(36.7%) were females. Value of mean anatomic point tracing method was 98.5±2.6 and tangent line tracing method was 90.3±5.0. Pearson correlation coefficient between mean nasolabial angle by both of these above-mentioned methods was r=0.381 with a significant p value (p=0.038). Conclusion: After assessment of data obtained, it was established that there was a correlation between both methods of evaluating of nasolabial angle.

In recent years, numerous countries have embarked on a transformative journey to reshape their energy portfolios by transitioning from fossil-based resources to renewable sources, significantly impacting economic growth. This study aims to scrutinize the influence of renewable energy consumption (REC) on GDP growth responsiveness in the top 20 renewable energy-consuming countries over the period from 1990 to 2021. To ensure robust panel analysis, the study addresses cross-sectional dependence using the diagnostic test proposed by Pesaran (2004). The long-run perspective reveals that both conventional factors of production, encompassing both renewable and non-renewable energy (Fossil Fuel Energy - FEF) consumption, make positive contributions to GDP growth in the sampled countries. Single-country time series analyses further underscore the positive long-run output elasticities concerning renewable energy in the majority of these nations. These findings highlight the pivotal role of renewable energy as a key determinant of sustained GDP growth, indicating that these countries are on a trajectory of sustainable development. The study's implications extend to policy considerations, urging collaborative efforts among governments, international organizations, and energy planners. There is a pressing need for the implementation of strategic renewable energy initiatives across nations. Governments are encouraged to adopt incentive-based policies to optimize the harnessing of renewable energy resources, fostering not only economic growth but also contributing to the global pursuit of sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.

Background: The Entrapped Temporal Horn (ETH) is characterized by localized enlargement of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle of the brain. This study aimed to investigate the factors, development, prognosis, and effective treatment. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in major research databases. The inclusion criteria included patients of all ages with TTH diagnosis in cohort studies, case series, and case reports. Results: Our study included 160 patients and 49 studies. The major causes of TTH were neoplastic lesions (42.3%), infections (22.3%), and cystic disease (13.08%). Of these cases, 71 were unrelated to cranial surgery, while 89 were unrelated to prior surgeries. Headache was the most common symptom (41.91%), followed by seizures (13.20%), drowsiness (12.50%) and memory loss (11.00%). Surgery was not required in 17 patients. Fenestration of the trapped temporal horn was performed in 24 patients, while VP/VA shunt surgeries were performed in the majority (57 patients) owing to favorable outcomes, lower revision rates, and extensive experience. However, TTH recurred in six of the 21 patients who underwent endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy. Tumors were the main cause, and isolated headache was the most frequent symptom. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are preferred because of their positive outcomes, lower revision rates, and wider expertise. Tumors near the trigonal area pose a higher risk. Conclusion: Although TTH remains a rare condition, VPS continues to be the most widely preferred procedure among surgeons.

This study addressed the complex challenges associated with landslide detection along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), where tectonic events and data availability limitations posed significant obstacles. To overcome these hurdles, the research framework encompassed several critical components. First, it tackled the issue of multicollinearity through the application of statistical measures such as Variable Inflation Factor (VIF) and Information Gain (IG). Secondly, the study emphasized the importance of selecting a study area that would comprehensively represent the multivariate landscape, with KKH serving as an illustrative example. In striving for an equilibrium between implementation ease and algorithmic performance, the research favored the adoption of Random Forest (RF) and Extremely Randomized Trees (EXT) over XGBoost. Lastly, to fine-tune the algorithms and optimize their parameters, the study employed Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and evaluated their performance using metrics like the Area Under the Curve (AUC). Remarkably, this comprehensive approach yielded accuracy rates exceeding 90% for all algorithms tested (RF, EXT, and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN)), with specific AUC values of 0.967, 0.968, and 0.914, respectively. These findings offer invaluable insights into enhancing disaster prevention strategies and informing land-use planning efforts along the KKH highway.

Abstract The simultaneous monitoring of both process mean and dispersion, particularly in normal processes, has garnered significant attention within the field. In this article, we present a new Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart that is intended to track a non-normal process mean and dispersion simultaneously. This is accomplished through the utilization of the inverse response function, especially in cases where the procedure follows a Weibull distribution. We used the average run length (ARL) and the standard deviation of run length (SDRL) to assess the efficacy of our suggested control chart. Next, we contrast our suggested control chart's performance with an already-existing Max-EWMA control chart. Our results show that compared to the control chart under consideration, the proposed control chart exhibits a higher degree of sensitivity. Finally, we present a useful case study centered around the hard-bake process in the semiconductor manufacturing sector to demonstrate the performance of our Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart under different Loss Functions (LFs) for a Weibull process. The case study highlights how flexible the chart is to various situations. Our results offer strong proof of the outstanding ability of the Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart to quickly identify out-of-control signals during the hard-bake procedure. This in turn significantly contributes to the enhancement of process monitoring and quality control.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging technology that allow smart devices to communicate through various heterogeneous channels (wired or wireless). However, for conventional networks, it has become a challenging task to efficiently control and manage the data flows of a huge number of devices. Software-defined networking (SDN) is a new way of thinking about networking. Because it is programmable, flexible, agile, and gives you a big picture of the network, it has tried to solve some IoT problems, like scalability, heterogeneity, and complexity. In large-scale SDN-IoT networks, there is a requirement for routing protocols that are both efficient and secure in order to ensure a superior level of quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE). To address the above stated challenges, a novel deep reinforcement learning (DRL) known as DQQS model is proposed. The aim is to achieve QoS and QoE while also ensuring the security of the SDN-IoT network. The proposed DQQS model dynamically extracts patterns from the past network history by interacting with the underlying network and generating optimized routing policies. This article employs three network metrics—throughput, latency, and the probability of avoiding malicious nodes—to measure the performance of DQQS. Simulations reveal that the proposed framework outperforms four state-of-the-art routing algorithms: OSPF, L-L Routing, Sailfish Routing, and RL-Routing in terms of both throughput and latency. For instance, in an attacked environment, the proposed DQQS model achieved the highest throughput value of 14.5 Mbps, surpassing OSPF at 8 Mbps, L-L at 8.2 Mbps, Sailfish at 9 Mbps, and RL at 9.5 Mbps. Similarly, this model exhibited superior performance in latency, recording the lowest latency value of 52 ms, compared to OSPF 88 ms, L-L 85 ms, Sailfish 72 ms, and RL 75 ms routing algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate that this new DQQS model is a pioneering deep reinforcement learning-based technique that optimally addresses secure routing in the SDN-IoT environment, ensuring enhanced quality of service and experience, and outperforming state-of-the art DL methodologies in both security and network performance metrics.

Abstract In this article, we introduce a novel Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart under various loss functions to concurrently monitor the mean and variance of a normally distributed process. The Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart exhibit strong overall performance in detecting shifts in both mean and dispersion across various magnitudes. To evaluate the performance of the proposed control chart, we employ Monte Carlo simulation methods to compute their run length characteristics. We conduct an extensive comparative analysis, contrasting the run length performance of our proposed charts with that of existing ones. Our findings highlight the heightened sensitivity of Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart to shifts of diverse magnitudes. Finally, to illustrate the efficacy of our Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart using various loss functions, we present a practical case study involving the hard-bake process in semiconductor manufacturing. Our results underscore the superior performance of the Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart in detecting out-of-control signals.

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing global pandemic. Changes in haematological variables in patients with COVID-19 are emerging as important features of the disease. These changes in haematological variables may provide significant clues in the prognosis post Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Aim: To determine the significance of various haematological variables in cardiac outcomes post SARS-CoV-2 infection. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted at Prince Faisal bin Khalid Cardiac Centre, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi between March 2021 and October 2021. A total of 59 patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 with or without cardiac complaints were involved. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded. Leukocyte counts, Neutrophil Counts, Lymphocyte counts, Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), platelet counts, Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), and D-Dimer were assessed and compared between subjects who developed Cardiovascular Complications (CVC+ group) and the subjects who did not develop CVC post SARS-CoV-2 infection (CVCgroup). Statistical analyses were performed using R scripting language and R Studio (version 1.2.5033, Orange Blossom). For continuous variables, t-test (for normally distributed) and MannWitney U test (for non normally distributed) were employed. For categorical data, Chi-square test (c2 ) was used. A p-value

ABSTRACTThis study was designed to investigate the amino acid profile, vitamin B complex, and bioactive properties present in recently cultivated rye variants in Pakistan. The four rye variants, named as Gp 1, Gp-2, Gp-3, and Gp-4, were procured from the Forage and Pulses section of AARI Faisalabad. The rye samples were ground into flour using a hammer-type 120-ton laboratory mill. For the analysis of amino acids, vitamin B complex, phenolic constituents, alkylresorcinols, and lignin, standard HPLC and GC-MS methods were employed following the extraction with appropriate reagents. The results revealed that among the rye variants, Gp-2 showed the highest content of vitamin B complex, with thiamin at 252.33 μg/100 g, niacin at 397 μg/100 g, and pyridoxine at 99 μg/100 g. Pantothenic acid (246.70 μg/100 g) and ascorbic acid (470 μg/100 g) were found in the highest concentrations in Gp-3. The riboflavin content of Gp-1 was 84.40 g/100 g, while the folate content of Gp-4 was 24.40 g/100 g. In terms of phenolic compounds, the range of chlorogenic acid content ranged from 86.70 to 92.43 mg/kg, p-coumaric acid from 2.70 to 5.40 mg/kg, gallic acid from 64.70 to 97.10 mg/kg, caffeic acid from 16.90 to 25.90 mg/kg, and coumaric acid from 218.10 to 228.40 mg/kg. In conclusion, Gp-2 observed as the most nutritionally rich and bioactive variant, distinguished by its high essential amino acids, vitamins, and other bioactive components.

IntroductionStroke is a significant global health concern, and numerous studies have established a link between depression and an increased risk of stroke. While many investigations explore this link, some overlook its long-term effects. Depression may elevate stroke risk through physiological pathways involving nervous system changes and inflammation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between depression and stroke.MethodologyWe conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO) from inception to 9 April 2023, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. We included all articles assessing the association between different stroke types and depression, excluding post-stroke depression. Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, utilizing a random-effects model for data synthesis. The primary outcome was the association of depression with stroke, with a secondary focus on the association of antidepressants with stroke.ResultsThe initial search yielded 10,091 articles, and 44 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed a significant association between depression and stroke risk, with an overall hazard ratio of 1.41 (95% CI 1.32, 1.50; p

OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional and clinical outcome of Total Knee Replacement performed for Osteoarthritis of the knee joint by using Knee Score. METHODOLOGY: This Descriptive Prospective case series study was carried out in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar KPK, from January 2021 to December 2022. Forty patients with a mean age of 61.02±8.88 years and a male-female ratio of 1:2 were included. After optimizing for anaesthesia and surgery, all patients underwent total knee replacement. Preoperative and Postoperative clinical and functional outcomes were assessed. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: Of 40 patients, male patients 12(30%), and female patients were 28(70%), with a mean age of 61.02±8.88 year. Clinical score system recorded pre-operatively, 1(2.5%) patient had an excellent result, 5(12.5%) fair, 35(87.5%) poor and no one had a good result. Likewise, in the functional score system of the Knee Society, no patients had excellent scores; 2(5%) patients had good, 2(5%) were fair, and 36(90%) had poor results. Postoperative evaluation by Clinical knee score, 30(75%) excellent, 9(22.5%) good, and 1(2.5%) patient had an infection and had a fair knee clinical score. Postoperative evaluation by Functional knee score, 34(85%) had excellent, 5(12.5%) good, and 1(2.5%) patient had fair knee score. Postoperatively, the clinical and functional knee scores improved significantly more than preoperative scores (P

Abstract The development of an efficient, safe, and environment-friendly technique to terminate tuber dormancy in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) is of great concern due to the immense scope of multiple cropping all over the globe. The breakage of tuber dormancy has been associated with numerous physiological changes, including a decline in the level of starch and an increase in the levels of sugars during storage of freshly harvested seed potatoes, although their consistency across genotypes and various dormancy-breaking techniques have not yet been fully elucidated. The purpose of the present research is to assess the efficacy of four different dormancy-breaking techniques, such as soaking in 90, 60, or 30 mg L−1 solutions of benzyl amino purine (BAP) and 30, 20, or 10 mg L−1 gibberellic acid (GA3) alone and in the combination of optimized concentrations; cold pre-treatment at 6, 4, or 2 °C; electric shock at 80, 60, 40, or 20 Vs; and irradiation at 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, or 1 kGy on the tuber dormancy period and sprout length of six genotypes. Furthermore, the changes that occurred in tuber weight and endogenous starch, sucrose, fructose, and glucose contents in experimental genotypes following the application of these techniques were also examined. Overall, the most effective technique to terminate tuber dormancy and hasten spout growth was the combined application of BAP and GA3, which reduced the length of dormancy by 9.6 days compared to the untreated control, following 6.7 days of electric current, 4.4 days of cold pre-treatment, and finally irradiation (3.3 days). The 60 mg L−1 solution of BAP greatly reduced the dormancy period in all genotypes but did not affect the sprout length at all. The genotypes showed a weak negative correlation (r = − 0.4) (P

The purpose of this work is to develop a semi-analytical numerical scheme for solving fractional order non-linear partial differential equations (FOPDEs), particularly inhomogeneous FOPDEs, expressed in terms of the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional order derivative operator. To achieve this goal, we examine several fractional versions of nonlinear model equations from the literature. We then present the proposed scheme, discussing its stability and convergence properties. We show that the proposed scheme is efficient and accurate, and we provide numerical examples to illustrate its performance. Our findings demonstrate that the scheme has significant potential for solving a wide range of complex FOPDEs. Overall, this work contributes to the advancement of numerical techniques for solving fractional order non-linear partial differential equations and lays a foundation for further research in this area.

Precision agriculture-based orchard management relies heavily on the accurate delineation of tree canopies, especially for high-value crops like mangoes. Traditional GIS and remote sensing methods, such as Object-Based Imagery Analysis (OBIA), often face challenges due to overlapping canopies, complex tree structures, and varied light conditions. This study aims to enhance the accuracy of mango orchard mapping by developing a novel deep-learning approach that combines fine-tuned object detection and segmentation techniques. UAV imagery was collected over a 65-acre mango orchard in Multan, Pakistan, and processed into an RGB orthomosaic with a 3 cm ground sampling distance. The You Only Look Once (YOLOv7) framework was trained on an annotated dataset to detect individual mango trees. The resultant bounding boxes were used as prompts for the segment anything model (SAM) for precise delineation of canopy boundaries. Validation against ground truth data of 175 manually digitized trees showed a strong correlation (R2 = 0.97), indicating high accuracy and minimal bias. The proposed method achieved a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 4.94% and root mean square error (RMSE) of 80.23 sq ft against manually digitized tree canopies with an average size of 1290.14 sq ft. The proposed approach effectively addresses common issues such as inaccurate bounding boxes and over- or under-segmentation of tree canopies. The enhanced accuracy can substantially assist in various downstream tasks such as tree location mapping, canopy volume estimation, health monitoring, and crop yield estimation.

The main type of saponins occurring in the root of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. are oleanolic acid glycosides. The CYP716 gene family plays a major role in catalyzing the conversion of β-amyrin into oleanolic acid. However, studies on the CYP716 genes in P. grandiflorus are limited, and its evolutionary history remains poorly understood. In this study, 22 PgCYP716 genes were identified, distributed among seven subfamilies. Cis-acting elements of the PgCYP716 promoters were mainly involved in plant hormone regulation and responses to abiotic stresses. PgCYP716A264, PgCYP716A391, PgCYP716A291, and PgCYP716BWv3 genes were upregulated in the root and during saponin accumulation, as shown by RNA-seq analysis, suggesting that these four genes play an important role in saponin synthesis. The results of subcellular localization indicated that these four genes encoded membrane proteins. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of these four genes was proved in the yeast, which catalyzed the conversion of β-amyrin into oleanolic acid. We found that the content of β-amyrin, platycodin D, platycoside E, platycodin D3, and total saponins increased significantly when either of the four genes was over expressed in the transgenic hair root. In addition, the expression of PgSS, PgGPPS2, PgHMGS, and PgSE was also upregulated while these four genes were overexpressed. These data support that these four PgCYP716 enzymes oxidize β-amyrin to produce oleanolic acid, ultimately promoting saponin accumulation by activating the expression of upstream pathway genes. Our results enhanced the understanding of the functional variation among the PgCYP716 gene family involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis and provided a theoretical foundation for improving saponin content and enriching the saponin biosynthetic pathway in P. grandiflorus.

Cover crops (CCs) offer ecosystem benefits, yet their impact on subsequent crop yields varies with climate, soil, and management practices. Using the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Education, and Extension Center (ENREEC), we identified optimal cereal rye management strategies focusing on planting, termination, and the intervals between CC termination and corn planting. Results showed minimal impact of CC management variations on corn yield, underscoring corn’s resilience to management changes. Delayed planting notably decreased CC biomass, nitrogen uptake, and biomass nitrogen content on average by 8.8%, 11%, and 9.2% for every five-day delay from 25 September. Every 5-day increase in the interval between CC termination and corn planting reduced biomass by 19.3%. Conversely, each 5-day delay in CC termination from 10 September to 10 October increased biomass by 30%, enhancing SOC accumulation. SOC changes over the 30-year simulation ranged from 5.8% to 7.7%, peaking with late May terminations. The earliest termination showed the highest nitrogen content in biomass (3.4%), with the lowest (0.69%) in mid-May. Our results demonstrate that strategic CC management supports soil health without negatively impacting corn yield in Eastern Nebraska, providing valuable insights for farmers and practitioners aiming to implement sustainable CC practices while preserving crop productivity.

Abstract This study estimates the timing of unconformity between marine–continental transitional sequence of the Kuldana Formation and continental sequence of the Murree Formation for the first time across the Hazara-Kashmir syntaxis, western Himalaya, Pakistan. The ages of the studied units are constrained using detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology. The maximum depositional ages constrained by weighted mean and youngest detrital zircon age are 37 ± 1.7 Ma and 22.5 ± 0.6 Ma for top of Kuldana and base of Murree formations, respectively. Based on this age, the duration of hiatus is estimated to be ~ 14.5 Ma. The comparison of this unconformity and sedimentation pattern along strike suggests that the initial collision occurred in the central segment causing its early uplift and erosion with development of the unconformity. The sedimentation in the central segment culminated at ~ 37 Ma and resumed at ~ 22.5 Ma. The wider gap in central segment becomes narrower at western and eastern margin suggesting discontinuous deposition due to gradually closure of western and eastern margin. This supports the diachronous collision of the Indian and Asian plates with initial contact at the central segment.

Conductive hearing losses are typically present in disorders of the external/middle ear. However, there is a rare group of inner ear conditions called third windows that can also generate a conductive hearing loss. This is due to an abnormal connection between the middle and the inner ear or between the inner ear and the cranial cavity. X-linked gusher disorder is an extremely rare congenital inner ear dysplastic syndrome with an abnormal connection due to a characteristic incomplete cochlear partition type III and an incomplete internal auditory meatus fundus. The disorder is inherited in an X-linked fashion due to the mutation of the POU3F4 gene. We present two siblings diagnosed with the condition and their long-term follow-ups. They both presented audiovestibular symptoms and showed progressive mixed losses and bilateral vestibular weakness. They were treated with cochlear implant, digital amplification and with vestibular rehabilitation. Significant others around them were involved in their journey with the medical team, and in both, a very favourable outcome was achieved. This is the first time that we have reported evolving audiovestibular function with vestibular quantification in X-linked gusher disorder and emphasize on the multidisciplinary holistic approach to manage these children effectively.

Background: Traditional and ethnic foods, rooted in centuries-old practices, have long been revered for their potential health benefits. In contemporary society, the sustainability and application of these foods for basic health care are garnering increased attention, offering promising prospects for holistic well-being. Methods: In our research, we aimed to document the medicinal plants utilized by the indigenous community residing within the study area. Between 2021 and 2022, interviews were conducted with 457 participants, with 100 of them being identified as key informants. The snowball sampling technique was utilized to identify respondents. A group discussion was also held concerning the conservation and challenges associated with medicinal plants and traditional wisdom. The medicinal plants were assessed by applying various quantitative metrics, including Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) and Relative Popularity Level (RPL). Results: The study identified 40 medicinal plant species from 22 different families that are employed to treat 33 unique human ailments. It was observed that perennial herbs accounted for 78% of these species in use. The leaves were shown to be the primary plant part in use, accounting for 35% and decoction was determined as the most prevalent preparation method. Some plants, such as Polygonum plebejum with the highest UV and RI values, and Centaurium pulchelum known for its use in treating jaundice with the highest RFC, were highlighted. In contrast to the findings presented in earlier literature, our study revealed a 14% concurrence rate, accompanied by a 6% disparity rate, and notably, 69% of the usages were newly documented. Conclusion: This research serves as the inaugural quantitative investigation into ethnomedicinal practices within the study area, underscoring the importance of indigenous herbal treatments. The sustainability of traditional and ethnic foods offers promising prospects for the future of health care in human society. These foods, rooted in age-old wisdom, not only preserve cultural heritage but also present holistic health benefits. Embracing them can lead to more natural, accessible, and effective health solutions, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern healthcare needs.

The use of medicinal plants exists before the existence of humans. Healing with herbal treatments is of utmost significance because medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the biological potential of methanolic (PAM) and chloroform (PAC) extracts of Portulacaria afra root, leaf, seed and flower. FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) spectroscopy was completed to detect the different functional groups. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total reducing power (TRP) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, were done for the determination of antioxidant potential of medicinal plant P. afra. Five different bacterial strains were used to evaluate the antibacterial potential using disc diffusion method. Cytotoxicity assay was used to test the cytotoxic potential against brine shrimps and shown the maximum cytotoxic potential with lowest IC50 value (41.41 ± 0.80 µg/mL) in PAM. Radish seed germination phytotoxicity assay was performed and revealed the highest phytotoxic potential in PAM extract. ANOVA was applied via statistics version-8.1, and experimentations were done in triplicates. Maximum DPPH scavenging potential was observed in methanol extract of P. afra (PAM). The PAM extract has the highest flavonoid concentration (30.70 mg/g). PAM demonstrated maximum total reducing power (73.46 gallic acid equivalents per gram (GAE/g). Antibacterial activity was performed against different bacterial strains and PAM shown the best antibacterial activity with largest zone of inhibition (17 mm) contrary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bioactive compounds found in P. afra extracts have antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties, revealing their ability to induce cell death in cancerous cell lines, indicating potential anticancer agents and making them intriguing candidates for future research and the possible creation of new therapeutics. we advise the use of these extracts against biofilms as these extracts have shown significant antibacterial activity against gram negative bacteria“.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects millions worldwide, predominantly targeting the liver, leading to conditions like cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. However, HBV can also cause extrahepatic complications, including autoimmune-mediated vasculitis. Small vessel vasculitis, often associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), can occur in chronic infections like HBV. Case presentation: A 46-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B presented with high fever, diarrhoea, and painful black discolouration on his nose, fingers, and toes. Lab results revealed anaemia, leukocytosis, elevated inflammatory markers, positive c-ANCA, and HBV PCR positivity. He was diagnosed with c-ANCA-associated small vessel vasculitis secondary to chronic hepatitis B. Treatment with methylprednisolone followed by tapering prednisolone and azathioprine led to significant improvement in his condition. Conclusion: This case highlights the rare occurrence of c-ANCA-associated vasculitis in chronic HBV without typical liver symptoms. ANCA testing may aid in early diagnosis and management of such cases. Further research is needed to explore the underlying immunological mechanisms and refine therapeutic approaches.

The main purpose of this article is to reconsider the theory of variational iteration method and embed it with Laplace transform to construct the conjoined technique variational iteration Laplace transform method. And then, by using the proposed method we solve a class of integral equations, especially fractional order Volterra type integro-partial-differential equations occurring in different fields of natural and social sciences. For this, we first turn to some prelude concepts and different types of equations especially integral equations of different kinds from the literature. Then, we will present step by step the embedded technique. Next, some fractional order model integral equations will be tackled using the proposed method along with some existing techniques, like the Adomian decomposition method and successive approximations method. The efficacy and authentication of the proposed technique will be analysed with the help of the obtained results and graphical exhibitions of the particular solved examples. Finally, use of the initiated method in the future for different types of equations occurring in different fields of science will be presented.