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Zinc (Zn) is an indispensable element for proper plant growth. A sizeable proportion of the inorganic Zn that is added to soil undergoes a transformation into an insoluble form. Zinc-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) have the potential to transform the insoluble Zn into plant-accessible forms and are thus promising alternatives for Zn supplementation. The current research was aimed at investigating the Zn solubilization potential of indigenous bacterial strains and to evaluate their impact on wheat growth and Zn biofortification. A number of experiments were conducted at the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC), Islamabad, during 2020-21. A total of 69 strains were assessed for their Zn-solubilizing ability against two insoluble Zn sources (ZnO and ZnCO3) using plate assay techniques. During the qualitative assay, the solubilization index and solubilization efficiency were measured. The qualitatively selected Zn-solubilizing bacterial strains were further tested quantitatively using broth culture for Zn and phosphorus (P) solubility. Tricalcium phosphate was used as insoluble source of P. The results showed that broth culture pH was negatively correlated with Zn solubilization, i.e., ZnO (r2 = 0.88) and ZnCO3 (r2 = 0.96). Ten novel promising strains, i.e., Pantoea sp. NCCP-525, Klebsiella sp. NCCP-607, Brevibacterium sp. NCCP-622, Klebsiella sp. NCCP-623, Acinetobacter sp. NCCP-644, Alcaligenes sp. NCCP-650, Citrobacter sp. NCCP-668, Exiguobacterium sp. NCCP-673, Raoultella sp. NCCP-675, and Acinetobacter sp. NCCP-680, were selected from the ecology of Pakistan for further experimentation on wheat crop based on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) traits, i.e., solubilization of Zn and P in addition to being positive for nifH and acdS genes. Before evaluating the bacterial strains for plant growth potential, a control experiment was also conducted to determine the highest critical Zn level from ZnO to wheat growth using different Zn levels (0.1, 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.001% Zn) against two wheat varieties (Wadaan-17 and Zincol-16) in sand culture under glasshouse conditions. Zinc-free Hoagland nutrients solution was used to irrigate the wheat plants. As a result, 50 mg kg-1 of Zn from ZnO was identified as the highest critical level for wheat growth. Using the critical level (50 mg kg-1 of Zn), the selected ZSB strains were inoculated alone and in consortium to the seed of wheat, with and without the use of ZnO, in sterilized sand culture. The ZSB inoculation in consortium without ZnO resulted in improved shoot length (14%), shoot fresh weight (34%), and shoot dry weight (37%); with ZnO root length (116%), it saw root fresh weight (435%), root dry weight (435%), and Zn content in the shoot (1177%) as compared to the control. Wadaan-17 performed better on growth attributes, while Zincol-16 had 5% more shoot Zn concentration. The present study concluded that the selected bacterial strains show the potential to act as ZSB and are highly efficient bio-inoculants to combat Zn deficiency, and the inoculation of these strains in consortium performed better in terms of growth and Zn solubility for wheat as compared to individual inoculation. The study further concluded that 50 mg kg-1 Zn from ZnO had no negative impact on wheat growth; however, higher concentrations hampered wheat growth.

Heart failure is associated with atrioventricular (AV) node dysfunction, and AV node dysfunction in the setting of heart failure is associated with an increased risk of mortality and heart failure hospitalisation. This study aims to understand the causes of AV node dysfunction in heart failure by studying changes in the whole nodal transcriptome. The mouse transverse aortic constriction model of pressure overload-induced heart failure was studied; functional changes were assessed using electrocardiography and echocardiography and the transcriptome of the AV node was quantified using RNAseq. Heart failure was associated with a significant increase in the PR interval, indicating a slowing of AV node conduction and AV node dysfunction, and significant changes in 3,077 transcripts (5.6% of the transcriptome). Many systems were affected: transcripts supporting AV node conduction were downregulated and there were changes in transcripts identified by GWAS as determinants of the PR interval. In addition, there was evidence of remodelling of the sarcomere, a shift from fatty acid to glucose metabolism, remodelling of the extracellular matrix, and remodelling of the transcription and translation machinery. There was evidence of the causes of this widespread remodelling of the AV node: evidence of dysregulation of multiple intracellular signalling pathways, dysregulation of 109 protein kinases and 148 transcription factors, and an immune response with a proliferation of neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and B lymphocytes and a dysregulation of 40 cytokines. In conclusion, inflammation and a widespread transcriptional remodelling of the AV node underlies AV node dysfunction in heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Physiochemical versus traditional approach in diagnosing acid-base disorders (ABD). METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 212 patients, admitted during January to June 2020, in intensive care unit of Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan. Samples were obtained from these patients for pH, PCO2, HCO3, lactate, Na, K and Cl processed on Cobas ABG analyzer b 221. Ca, Mg, albumin and phosphate were analyzed on Cobas-601. Data was analyzed to assess the association among different parameters in traditional and Physiochemical approach. RESULTS: Males were predominant in total cohort group (n=125/212; 59%) as well as in metabolic subgroup (n=109/184; 59%). Mean age of males and females was 55.01±11.80 years and 54.99±14.76 years respectively. pH showed a strong negative correlation with PO4 (p-value=0.001) (rs 0.238) in the total cohort of subjects and no significant correlation (p=0.005) (rs -.206) in the metabolic subgroup in physiochemical approach. In traditional approach acid base parameters, Standard Base Excess (SBE) showed strong positive correlation (p=0.001) (rs 0.413 and rs 0.567) and pCO2 showed the strongest negative correlation (p value 0.001) (rs value -0.721 and rs -0.673) with pH in both total cohort and metabolic subgroup. HCO3 (p=0.003) (rs value 0.221) and AG (p=0.024) (rs value -0.167) both showed a significant strong positive and strong negative correlation with pH respectively. CONCLUSION: No significant association between physiochemical parameters and blood pH was found in adults. Traditional approach is the simplest, most rigorous, and useful for diagnosing ABD.

OBJECTIVE: To compare anion gap estimated through measured and calculated bicarbonate modalities to be used interchangeably in critically ill metabolic acidosis patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan from September 2019 to March 2020. Out of 390 critically ill patients, 200 cases of metabolic acidosis were selected by non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Measured and calculated bicarbonate values were obtained through Cobas-c 501© (Roche) using enzymatic method and Cobas-b 221© (Roche) blood gas analyzer respectively. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS-23. RESULTS: Normal anion gap metabolic acidosis (NAG-MA) and high anion gap metabolic acidosis (HAG-MA) based on calculated bicarbonate levels was observed in 57 (28.5%) and 143 (71.5%) cases as compared to 55 (27.5%) and 145 (72.5%) cases based on measured bicarbonate levels respectively (p>0.45). A significant correlation (r=0.888 and 0.656, r2=0.788 and 0.431) (p

Mean fiber diameter (MFD) is the main characteristic of processed wool that determines its use in the textile industry. Selected Pakistani sheep breeds/crosses were investigated for analysis of MFD. Overall, the Kari breed was found to have the lowest MFD (24 ± 0.31 µm) whereas, the Balkhi-cross had the highest MFD (28 ± 0.43 µm). MFD was found to be affected by breed/cross, gender, and shearing season (P

This paper argues that classical socialisation theories generally discuss the organisational structures rather than the newcomer’s psychology of relationships in any organisation and contributes to the socialisation stage model. In doing so, this research proposes an Organisational Theory of Relationship (OTR) for understanding the relationships of human resources in any organisation in four stages, namely fascination, contention, adaptation and adoration. The four stages have been examined in an empirical setting based on the data collected from 270 participants. Using the structural equation modelling, the measurement model validity was ascertained and several hypotheses were tested. The findings reveal that all employees in any organisation, intentionally or unintentionally, undergo some or all of the four stages. This model can provide a better insight into the organisational socialisation and individualism of its human resource. It also recommends the organisations to adopt the best possible strategies for uplifting employees’ psychological engagement to utilise their full potentials. The findings of the study can help to understand socialisation in relation to interpersonal relationships and provide a foundation for making socialisation in the organisation better.

Present study was intendant to assess heavy metals (HMs) concentration and associated health risk in processed fruits’ products sold in the local markets of North Pakistan. In total seven metals viz. cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were quantified in 345 samples of different brands categorized into eight groups (Sauces, Ketchup, Juices, Jams, canned fruits, tomato paste, marmalades and pickles). On the comparative basis, Fe was dominating with highest concentration in pickles, canned fruits and sauces at 143.3 ± 43.2, 83.64 ± 23.19 and 50.17 ± 15.1 mg/kg, respectively), followed by Cd in sauces (22.94 ± 6.91 mg/kg), Cr in juices (12.97 ± 3.91 mg/kg) and Pb in pickles (12.53 ± 3.77 mg/kg). Measured levels of these metals varied significantly and were relatively higher than their permissible limits. Univariate and multivariate analysis depicted strong association among Cr, Co, Pb and Fe and confirmed HMs contamination through natural and anthropogenic sources in processed foods. Health risk index (HRI) for Cd, Cr and Pb was greater than unity (

Heavy metals’ contamination in cosmetic products is a serious threat. Present study was conducted to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) in various brands of cosmetic products with special emphasis on their health risk assessment. Five heavy metals including Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni and Pb were quantified in different brands of lotions, foundations, whitening creams, lipsticks, hair dyes and sunblock creams using atomic absorption spectrometry. Risk to the consumer’s health was determined using systemic exposure dosage (SED), margin of safety (MoS), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR).On comparative basis, different brands of sunblock creams depicted highest concentration of Ni, Pb and Cr (7.99 ± 0.36, 6.37 ± 0.05 and 0.43 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively), whereas lipsticks had elevated levels of Fe at 12.0 ± 1.8 mg/kg, and Cd was maximum in lotions (0.26 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Multivariate analysis revealed strong associations among Cr, Ni and Pb, while Cd and Fe showed disparity in distribution and sources of contamination. MoS, HQ and HI values were within the permissible limit apart from for lotions and sunblock creams, while LCR value was higher than the permissible limit in all cosmetic products except lipsticks. Regular use of these products can cause serious threat to human health, particularly skin cancer on long time exposure. Therefore, continuous monitoring of cosmetic products, particularly with reference to HMs adulteration should be adopted to ensure the human safety and security.

Accumulation of heavy metals in the environment can pose a potential risk to living organisms. Ingestion of leafy vegetables, containing heavy metals, is one of the main routes through which these elements enter the human body. The present study was conducted to assess the accumulation of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in spinach grown on metal contaminated soil, and to examine the bioassimilation of these metals in spinach-fed rabbits. Spinach grown in the fields spiked with Pb (1000 mg kg-1 soil) and Zn (150 mg kg-1 soil), was fed to the rabbits for 14 days. Concentrations of Pb and Zn in the leaves of spinach were 39.1 and 113 mg kg-1, respectively. For the assessment of Pb and Zn concentration, blood samples were collected after 24 h, 7 days and 14 days of feeding, while the essential organs, i.e. liver and kidneys of rabbits were collected at the end of feeding trials. Concentrations (mg L-1) of Pb (3.28) and Zn (7.10) increased in blood after 24 h compared to control treatment and then decreased (Pb 1.12; Zn 3.32) to a steady state with the passage of time after 7 days. A significant increase in the concentrations of Pb (1.20%, 3.95% and 5.58%) and Zn (10.7%, 6.89% and 18.4%) as compared to control treatment was also found in liver, kidney and bones of the rabbits, respectively, which was further confirmed by multivariate analysis. The highest significant values of correlation coefficient (r) were observed for blood and bones, i.e. 0.992 followed by blood and liver, i.e. 0.989. The bioassimilation of Pb in the body of rabbits was in the order of bone > kidney > liver > blood, while for Zn the order was bone > liver > kidney > blood. The bioassimilation of Pb and Zn in the blood, essential organs and bones depicted the serious health risks associated by consuming the metal contaminated vegetable.

Lupus panniculitis occurs in 1–3% of the patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 10% of the patients diagnosed with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). It is a disorder of autoimmune origin, manifesting as deep erythematous plaques and nodules involving the trunk, breasts, buttocks, face, and proximal extremities. It does not commonly ulcerate. This report highlights the case of a 22-year-old Asian female with a history of coeliac disease and significant family history of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) who presented with fever, malaise, weight loss, and subcutaneous non-tender nodules over the forearm, back, bilateral thighs, and feet. Laboratory investigations revealed positive antinuclear antibodies, anti-Ro/SSA antibody, and lupus anticoagulant, resulting in a diagnosis of APS. Biopsies of lesions were consistent with findings of lupus panniculitis. Every case of SLE and DLE with discrete skin lesions should be reviewed for any distinct entity such as lupus panniculitis, as it may be associated with greater risk of flares and systemic involvement. The purpose of this case report is to emphasise that early diagnosis and prompt treatment is crucial to improving the prognosis of such patients.

Defoliants carried by cotton fiber could harm production workers and consumers through respiratory and dermal exposure. This study was carried out to evaluate the dissipation behavior of four commonly used defoliants tribufos, diuron, thidiazuron, and ethephon in cotton fiber during field stage and also in cotton scouring using liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. Field trials showed that although all the defoliants dissipated fast, however, the fiber from the tribufos and ethephon applied field had considerable potential to exceed the maximum residue limit when the fiber was harvested at common intervals after application of defoliants. The defoliant residues could be removed completely from the defoliant-carrying cotton textiles during alkaline scouring. The results indicated that attention should be paid to the risk of occupational exposure to these defoliants rather than consumer exposure. Fiber harvest on the tribufos and ethephon applied fields is recommended after a 1-week delay in order to reduce the residues to an acceptable level.

The copolymerization of ethylene‒diene conjugates (butadiene (BD), isoprene (IP) and nonconjugates (5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (ENB), vinyl norbornene VNB, 4-vinylcyclohexene (VCH) and 1, 4-hexadiene (HD)), and terpolymerization of ethylene-propylene-diene conjugates (BD, IP) and nonconjugates (ENB, VNB, VCH and HD) using two traditional catalysts of C2-symmetric metallocene—silylene-bridged rac-Me2Si(2-Me-4-Ph-Ind)2ZrCl2 (complex A) and ethylene-bridged rac-Et(Ind)2ZrCl2 (complex B)—with a [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] borate/TIBA co-catalyst, were intensively studied. Compared to that in the copolymerization of ethylene diene, the catalytic activity was more significant in E/P/diene terpolymerization. We obtained a maximum yield of both metallocene catalysts with conjugated diene between 3.00 × 106 g/molMt·h and 5.00 × 106 g/molMt·h. ENB had the highest deactivation impact on complex A, and HD had the most substantial deactivation effect on complex B. A 1H NMR study suggests that dienes were incorporated into the co/ter polymers’ backbone through regioselectivity. ENB and VNB, inserted by the edo double bond, left the ethylidene double bond intact, so VCH had an exo double bond. Complex A’s methyl and phenyl groups rendered it structurally stable and exhibited a dihedral angle greater than that of complex B, resulting in 1, 2 isoprene insertion higher than 1, 4 isoprene that is usually incapable of polymerization coordination. High efficiency in terms of co- and ter- monomer incorporation with higher molecular weight was found for complex 1. The rate of incorporation of ethylene and propylene in the terpolymer backbone structure may also be altered by the conjugated and nonconjugated dienes. 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR, and GPC techniques were used to characterize the polymers obtained.

Renewable energy from thermal valorization plays a key part in today’s energy from natural cellulosic textiles that are resourceful biomass and safe from toxicity at high temperature treatments. The situation is opposite, when technical textiles are treated with synthetic chemical finishes adding functionality as anti-bacterial, water repellent or flame retardant, etc. Incineration of flame retardant textile results in possible unfavorable gases, toxic fumes and contaminated ash. Other thermal valorization techniques like gasification would assist in avoiding the formation of additional toxic hazards. Herein, gasification of flame retardant textile is carried out the likelihood to get quality gas composition. For comparative analysis, flame retardant textiles, after their flame retardant ability being revoked, are also gasified. The output gas components suggested that gasification can be a useful thermal valorization approach for flame retardant textiles and relevantly improved gas composition was seen in textiles with their flame retardant substrate/species being removed.

We investigated the role of ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and somaclonal manipulation on improving lead (Pb) phytostabilization in mat rush (Juncus effusus L.). Seedlings were raised from seeds and callus to study variations in Pb uptake and tolerance. The seedlings were treated with 0.5 and 1.0 mM Pb as alone, and each with 2.5 and 5.0 mM of EDTA. Plants grown from both sources accumulated relatively larger Pb contents in their root tissues that were further enhanced by EDTA supplementation in the hydroponics medium. The tendency of storing higher Pb contents in roots compared to shoots in J. effusus was also evident from lower translocation factor (TF) value that facilitated the plants to avoid from Pb-induced shoot injury. Callus grown plants were more responsive to EDTA amendment showing improved growth, Pb uptake and chlorophyll contents under Pb stress. Both kinds of J. effusus plants tolerated Pb toxicity by modifying antioxidative enzyme activities. Enrichment of Pb-treated media with EDTA further elevated enzymic activities of plant roots contributing to defy Pb-induced oxidative burst. Thus, plant improvement through somaclonal manipulation in J. effusus along with EDTA enrichment could be an appropriate technique for phytostabilization of Pb-contaminated environments.

A large number of researches have been made to make the textile intelligent and smarter; this is achieved by imparting functionality to the textile materials. The indoor environment possesses a variety of pollutants which do not come from the outer environment, but they come from the inner environment itself. Today, the smarter fabrics that may clean the indoor air have been studied by various researchers. The smarter fabrics contain the nanocoating of semiconductor oxides, mostly TiO2; thus the synthesis and application of these nanoparticles on the textile material have been reviewed in this paper. Moreover, there are lots of environmental and health issues regarding nanoparticles that have also been discussed in brief.

Background: During pregnancy hypertension is an important medical problem and is major cause of maternal mortality thus antihypertensive drugs are used to reduce the risk of developing severe hypertension. This study was design to compare the efficacy of α and β-blocker labetalol and centrally acting methyldopa in controlling blood pressure in patients having pregnancy induced hypertension. Material & Methods: This study was carried out from June 2012 to May 2014 at Dow University Hospital OJHA Campus Karachi .A total of 120 patients having pregnancy induced hypertension were taken and divided randomly in to two groups. Group A was given labetalol 100mg tid and group B methyldopa 250 mg tid. In both the groups pre and post treatment mean systolic/diastolic BP and then subsequently average BP pre and post treatment values were measured daily and compared. Time required to control BP, average dose of drugs required to control BP, side effects of drugs were the different observations which were made in regards of fall in BP due to labetalol and methyldopa. Results: Labetalol treated group of patients showed significant fall in mean systolic/diastolic BP with mean time required to control B.P was 35.65 hours and in methyldopa treated group it was 43.46 hours. Mean Bishop Score at induction in present study in group A was 9.89 and in group B was 8.18 with a statistically significant value of p