Exogenous application of salicylic acid ameliorates salinity stress in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a significant cereal crop belonging to Poaceae that is essential for human food and animal feeding. The production of barley grains was around 142.37 million tons in 2017/2018. However, the growth of barley was influenced by salinity which was enhanced by applying a foliar spray of salicylic acid. The current study investigated to evaluated the potential effect of SA on the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants under salinity stress and its possible effects on physiological, biochemical, and growth responses. The experiment was conducted at Postgraduate Research Station (PARS), University of Agriculture; Faisalabad to assess the influence of salicylic acid on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under highly saline conditions. The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replicates. In plastic pots containing 8 kg of properly cleaned sand, two different types of barley (Sultan and Jau-17) were planted. The plants were then watered with a half-strength solution of Hoagland's nutritional solution. After the establishment of seedlings, two salt treatments (0 mM and 120 mM NaCl) were applied in combining three levels of exogenously applied salicylic acid (SA) (0, 0.5, and 1 mg L-1). Data about morphological, physiological, and biochemical attributes was recorded using standard procedure after three weeks of treatment. The morpho-physiological fresh weight of the shoot and root (48%), the dry mass of the shoot and root (66%), the plant height (18%), the chlorophyll a (30%), the chlorophyll b (22%), and the carotenoids (22%), all showed significant decreases. Salinity also decreased yield parameters and the chl. ratio (both at 29% and 26% of the total chl. leaf area index). Compared to the control parameters, the following data was recorded under salt stress: spike length, number of spikes, number of spikelets, number of tillers, biological yield, and harvest index. Salicylic acid was used as a foliar spray to lessen the effects of salinity stress, and 1 mg L-1 of salicylic acid proved more effective than 0.5 mg L-1. Both varieties show better growth by applying salicylic acid (0 mg L-1) as a control, showing normal growth. By increasing its level to (0.5 mg L-1), it shows better growth but maximized growth occurred at a higher level (1 mg L-1). Barley sultan (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the best variety as compared to Jau-17 performs more growth to mitigate salt stress (0mM and 120mM NaCl) by improving morpho-physiological parameters by enhancing plan height, Root and shoot fresh and dry weights, as well as root and shoot lengths, photosynthetic pigments, area of the leaves and their index, and yield attributes and reduce sodium ions.

A theoretical investigation of the lead-free double perovskites halides Rb2 XCl6 (X = Se, Ti) for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications.

In this study, structural, electronic, optical, thermoelectric, and thermodynamics properties of vacancy-ordered double perovskites Rb2 XCl6 (X = Se, Ti) were explored theoretically. The results revealed that Rb2SeCl6 and Rb2 TiCl6 are indirect band gap (Eg ) semiconductors with Eg values of 2.95 eV, and 2.84 eV respectively. The calculated properties (phonons, elastic constant, Poisson's ratio, and Pugh's ratio) revealed that both materials are dynamically and chemically stable and can exhibit brittle (Rb2 SeCl6 ) and ductile (Rb2 TiCl6 ) nature. From the analysis of optical parameters, it was noticed that the refractive index of the materials has a value of 1.5-2.0 where light absorption was found from the visible to the ultraviolet region. The thermoelectric properties determined by using the BoltzTrap code demonstrated that at room temperature, the Figure of merit (ZT) was found to be 0.74 and 0.76 for Rb2 SeCl6 and Rb2 TiCl6 , respectively. Despite a moderate value of ZT in such materials, further studies might explore effective methods for tuning the electronic band gap and improving the thermoelectric response of the material for practical energy production applications.

Nanocrystals of Mangiferin Using Design Expert: Preparation, Characterization, and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation.

Making nanoscale drug carriers could boost the bioavailability of medications that are slightly water soluble. One of the most promising approaches for enhancing the chemical stability and bioavailability of a variety of therapeutic medicines is liquid nanocrystal technology. This study aimed to prepare nanocrystals of mangiferin for sustained drug delivery and enhance the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug. The fractional factorial design (FFD) was used via a selection of independent and dependent variables. The selected factors were the concentration of mangiferin (A), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) (B), pluronic acid (C), tween 80 (D), and the ratio of antisolvent to solvent (E). The selected responses were the particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. The nanocrystals were further evaluated for mangiferin release, release kinetics, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size, zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The stability studies of developed nanocrystals were performed for 6 months and pharmacokinetics on albino rabbits. The value of entrapment efficiencies ranged from 23.98% to 86.23%. The percentage release of mangiferin varied from 62.45 to 99.02%. FTIR and DSC studies showed the stability of mangiferin in the nanocrystals. The particle size of the optimized formulation was almost 100 nm and -12 mV the value of the zeta potential. The results of stability studies showed that the nanocrystals of mangiferin were stable for a period of six months. The peak plasma concentration of mangiferin from nanocrystals and suspension of mangiferin were 412 and 367 ng/mL, respectively. The value of AUC0-t of nanocrystals and suspension of mangiferin was 23,567.45 ± 10.876 and 18,976.12 ± 9.765 µg×h/mL, respectively, indicating that the nanocrystals of mangiferin showed greater availability of mangiferin compared to the suspension of the formulation. The developed nanocrystals showed a good release pattern of mangiferin, better stability studies, and enhanced the pharmacokinetics of the drug.

An Ignored Contributing Factor of Vitamin-D Deficiency, despite the Strong Association with Breast Carcinoma among Women in Punjab, Pakistan.

Pakistani females are at elevated risk of breast cancer, hence there is a need to explore every possible potential contributing factor. The present study was performed to analyze the perception of women about their Vit-D levels in both urban and rural areas. Women included 154 clinically diagnosed breast cancer patients from different hospitals and 248 randomly selected females as control group were recruited from Punjab, Pakistan. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS to find the association of Vit-D deficiency with breast carcinoma in different age groups. Out of a total of 402 respondent, 51.5% were completely ignorant of their Vit-D level. Pearson's Chi- square test for those who had perception about Vit-D deficiency among the breast cancer patients and control group revealed asymptotic 2-sided significance of 0.004 while among different age groups, 41 to 50 years were most prone to deficiency with P = 0.003. Urban women were found to had 12% greater association of Vit-D deficiency as compared to women living in rural areas. It was concluded that Vit-D deficiency is a highly contributing factor for breast cancer so every female must be aware of the importance of Vit-D and should maintain a sufficient level of this crucially important vitamin.

Structural and Functional Annotation of Napin-Like Protein from Momordica charantia to Explore its Medicinal Importance.

Seed storage proteins not just provide essential nutritional ingredients for growth of seedlings but also have their potential role in defense mechanisms of plants. Napin is a seed storage protein and belongs to 2S albumin family. Napin and napin-like protein have many biological defensive activities including antifungal, antimicrobial, trypsin inhibitor, and also act as antagonist of calmodulin. Napin protein possesses various isoforms with different biological activities. In this study, the protein sequence of napin from Momordica charantia was retrieved from GenPept database for characterization. A complete annotation of napin including its physicochemical properties was done. Three dimensional (3D) modeling and interactions of napin-like protein with other proteins were also predicted using various bioinformatics tools. A phylogram of napin-like protein from M. charantia with its homologs was also reconstructed to reveal its evolutionary relationships with napins and other 2S albumin proteins from various plants. The study has revealed the structural characterization, biological interactions, and evolutionary background which will play crucial role in exploring the medicinal and biological potentials of napin-like protein from M. charantia as well as worth of napin and napin-like protein has been disclosed.

Arsenic concentrations in soil, water, and rice grains of rice-growing areas of Punjab, Pakistan: multivariate statistical analysis.

Arsenic (As), a class-A human carcinogen, is ubiquitously present in the earth's crust and soil and may enter the air, water, and surface environments through different natural and anthropogenic sources. In this experiment, soil, irrigation water, and rice grains were sampled from conventional rice-growing areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Soil samples were collected from 0 to 15 cm surface soil of rice growing fields, and rice grains were collected from the same field at crop maturity. Irrigation water samples were collected from the source used to irrigate the respective rice fields. Coordinates of sampling locations were noted using a global positioning system, and a locations map was made using ArcGIS. Soil samples were digested in a microwave digester using aqua regia, and plant samples were block digested using nitric acid. Arsenic concentration was determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer coupled with an auto-sampler and integrated samples introduction system. The mean concentration of As in rice grains, soil, and water samples was found within the safe limit set by WHO except for a sample from Narowal (148.54 µg l-1) that exceeded the irrigation water standard limit, i.e., 100 µg l-1 for irrigation water. Principal component analysis was performed to reduce the multidimensional space of variables and samples. Through the calculations of estimated daily intake, it has been revealed that the As levels measured in this study would only contribute a small amount (less than 5%) of the total recommended daily intake allowance.

Therapeutic Attributes of Endocannabinoid System against Neuro-Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders.

In humans, various sites like cannabinoid receptors (CBR) having a binding affinity with cannabinoids are distributed on the surface of different cell types, where endocannabinoids (ECs) and derivatives of fatty acid can bind. The binding of these substance(s) triggers the activation of specific receptors required for various physiological functions, including pain sensation, memory, and appetite. The ECs and CBR perform multiple functions via the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1); cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), having a key effect in restraining neurotransmitters and the arrangement of cytokines. The role of cannabinoids in the immune system is illustrated because of their immunosuppressive characteristics. These characteristics include inhibition of leucocyte proliferation, T cells apoptosis, and induction of macrophages along with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The review seeks to discuss the functional relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and anti-tumor characteristics of cannabinoids in various cancers. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for cancer-both in vivo and in vitro clinical trials-has also been highlighted and reported to be effective in mice models in arthritis for the inflammation reduction, neuropathic pain, positive effect in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus, and found beneficial for treating in various cancers. In human models, such studies are limited; thereby, further research is indispensable in this field to get a conclusive outcome. Therefore, in autoimmune disorders, therapeutic cannabinoids can serve as promising immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic agents.

Determination of insecticide residues and their adverse effects on blood profile of occupationally exposed individuals.

Insecticides, essential for crop protection measures, leave behind several toxic residues that can result in a series of human health disorders. Therefore, this study was planned for the determination of residues and adverse effects of insecticides in blood samples of sprayers, pesticide-industry workers and controls by using blood parameters of these individuals as biomarkers. Optimized analytical methods using GC-MS and HPLC for the simultaneous detection of 22 currently used insecticides were adopted. Eight of twenty-seven (22.22%) sprayers' blood samples were found positive for five different insecticides. Eleven of twenty-seven (40.74%) pesticide-industry workers were found positive for eight different insecticides. The blood samples of both the exposed groups, sprayers and industry workers had significantly (P < 0.001; Mann-Whitney U-tests) low hemoglobin-Hb concentrations (12.17 ±â€¯2.13 and 12.22 ±â€¯2.37 g/dl respectively) than the average value of the control group with 14.23 ±â€¯2.37 g/dl. The erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESRs) in sprayers and insecticide industry workers (28.78 ±â€¯20.72 and 28.17 ±â€¯25.14 mm/1st h respectively) were greater significantly (P < 0.001; Mann-Whitney U test) than the control blood samples (9.53 ±â€¯3.34 mm/1st h). These results indicate that the exposed individuals have experienced significant hemotoxic effects during insecticide exposure. The study also predicts the risk to exposed individuals in developing countries like Pakistan and demands realization of safety measures to prevent such dangerous effects of pesticide exposures.

Enhanced production of streptokinase from Streptococcus agalactiae EBL-31 by response surface methodology.

Streptokinase (SK) is a fibrinolytic protein used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. In the present study, enhanced production of SK was achieved by determining the optimum fermentation conditions for the maximum growth of Streptococcus agalactiae EBL-31 using response surface methodology (RSM). Four process variables (pH, temperature, incubation time and inoculum size) with five levels were evaluated in 30 experimental runs. Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed to predict the effect of independent variables on SK activity. The statistical evaluation by ANOVA showed that the model was fit as the effect of single factors, quadratic effects and most of the interactions among variables. The value ofR2 (0.9988) indicated the satisfactory interaction between the experimental and predicted responses. Furthermore, the model F value (902.67) and coefficient of variation (1.92) clearly showed that the model is significant (p =>0.0001). The functional activity of SK was determined by spectrophotometric analysis and maximum SK production was obtained at pH-7.0, temperature- 37.5oC, an incubation time of 36 hours and 2.5 mL inoculum size. Hence it was concluded that the optimization of culture conditions through RSM increases the production of SK by 2.01-fold. Production of SK by fermentation is an economical choice to be used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Resistance of green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea Stephens to nitenpyram: Cross-resistance patterns, mechanism, stability, and realized heritability.

The green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a major generalist predator employed in integrated pest management (IPM) plans for pest control on many crops. Nitenpyram, a neonicotinoid insecticide has widely been used against the sucking pests of cotton in Pakistan. Therefore, a field green lacewing strain was exposed to nitenpyram for five generations to investigate resistance evolution, cross-resistance pattern, stability, realized heritability, and mechanisms of resistance. Before starting the selection with nitenpyram, a field collected strain showed 22.08-, 23.09-, 484.69- and 602.90-fold resistance to nitenpyram, buprofezin, spinosad and acetamiprid, respectively compared with the Susceptible strain. After continuous selection for five generations (G1-G5) with nitenpyram in the laboratory, the Field strain (Niten-SEL) developed a resistance ratio of 423.95 at G6. The Niten-SEL strain at G6 showed no cross-resistance to buprofezin and acetamiprid and negative cross-resistance to spinosad compared with the Field strain (G1). For resistance stability, the Niten-SEL strain was left unexposed to any insecticide for four generations (G6-G9) and bioassay results at G10 showed that resistance to nitenpyram, buprofezin and spinosad was stable, while resistance to acetamiprid was unstable. The realized heritability values were 0.97, 0.16, 0.03, and -0.16 to nitenpyram, buprofezin, acetamiprid and spinosad, respectively, after five generations of selection. Moreover, the enzyme inhibitors (PBO or DEF) significantly decreased the nitenpyram resistance in the resistant strain, suggesting that resistance was due to microsomal oxidases and esterases. These results are very helpful for integration of green lacewings in IPM programs.

Identification and lead-in characterization of novel B3 metallo-ß-lactamases.

Metallo-ß-lactamases (MBLs) are zinc ion dependent enzymes that are responsible for the emergence and spread of ß-lactam resistance among bacterial pathogens. There are uncharacterized putative MBLs in the environment and their emergence is major interference in the generation of universal MBL inhibitors so it is important to identify and characterize novel MBLs. In this study two novel MBLs from Luteimonas sp. J29 and Pseudoxanthomonas mexicana were identified using B3 MBLs as query in BLAST database search. 3D models of putative MBLs generated by SWISS-MODEL server taking AIM-1 as a structural template were verified using web based structure assessment and validation programs. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that residues important for substrate binding were conserved and loop region residues (156-162 and 223-230) important for catalysis are variable in these novel MBLs. Homology models showed typical MBL α/ß/ß/α sandwich fold containing six α helices, twelve ß strands and metal interacting residues are conserved in similar way as with other B3 MBLs. We report promising putative B3 MBLs with some variations and substrate docking studies revealed that novel MBLs have attributes close to acquired B3 MBLs.

Comparison of Efficacy of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy With 5% Topical Minoxidil Spray in Treating Alopecia Areata: A Head-to-Head Assessment of Novel Approaches.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) remains one of the most challenging afflictions encountered in dermatology clinics. It is characterized by an autoimmune-mediated inflammatory process of and around hair follicles, causing reversible, non-scarring hair loss. With the ongoing search for optimal treatment strategies, the potentially positive role of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy as well as minoxidil has been reported in various studies; however, the comparison of the two treatment modalities is largely underexplored. This research aims to compare and assess the effectiveness of intralesional PRP with topical minoxidil therapy in AA to identify efficacious management options amongst the newly described treatment modalities. METHODOLOGY: The research work was conducted over four months and included 40 (31 males and 9 females) patients suffering from alopecia areata. They were divided into Group A, which was administered monthly autologous PRP injections, while Group B was given daily topical 5% minoxidil therapy. In group A, four treatments of PRP were given, each one month apart. While in group B, daily topical minoxidil spray was administered for the same duration. The alopecia areata severity grade was recorded by employing the "Severity of Alopecia Tool" (SALT) scoring system. The pre- and post-treatment SALT scores were noted and compared at each monthly visit. RESULTS: The study comprised nine (22.5%) female and 31 (77.5%) male patients. At the beginning of the study and after one month of treatment, the difference in the SALT score was not statistically significant between the two groups, suggesting that both interventions had similar effects during the early stages of the treatment. At two months, a statistically significant difference emerged (p-value 0.037), indicating that a more significant fall in the SALT score was observed with autologous PRP treatment compared to topical minoxidil. After four months, a highly significant difference was noted between the two groups (p-value <0.0001), implying that intralesional PRP therapy led to a far more significant decrease in the SALT score compared to topical minoxidil therapy. CONCLUSION: Monthly intralesional autologous PRP therapy for four months manifests better outcomes in alopecia areata than daily 5% topical minoxidil therapy.

Comparing the Efficacy of Topical 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Versus Topical 0.1% Adapalene for Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Skin of Color Population: A South Asian Perspective.

Introduction Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin problems encountered in the dermatology department. It is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, clinically presenting with comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. With its particularly high prevalence in the younger population, it has significant adverse sequelae on patient's quality of life. At present, due to an enhanced understanding of the pathogenesis of acne, various therapeutic modalities are available. The current management strategies generally follow a systematic treatment escalation based on disease severity and treatment response. However meticulous choice of appropriate anti-acne medicine for the acne type is the key to the management plan. Starting with mild to moderate types of acne as per the Leeds photometric grading scale, the most useful topical agents include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and topical antibiotics while systemic therapies such as oral antibiotics or isotretinoin are generally reserved for moderate to severe acne treatment. The skin of color (SOC) population is a relatively neglected group concerning the optimum and safe management strategies in different dermatological conditions and acne is no different, where there remains a need for comparing the available topical modalities for appropriate drug selection in the treatment of mild to moderate acne in SOC population. Objective The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of topical 4% benzoyl peroxide versus topical 0.1% adapalene in the treatment of acne vulgaris in the SOC population. Methods The participants were divided into two groups, groups A and B. A total of 64 patients of both genders, with acne vulgaris (duration > three months) were included in the study. In group A, 32 patients were administered topical 0.1% adapalene whereas, in group B, 32 patients were given topical 4% benzoyl peroxide. Both medicines were applied at night daily. Patients were called for follow-up after 12 weeks. In both groups, the final efficacy evaluation was done using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score after 12 weeks of treatment period. Results In group A, the age ranged from 15 to 40 years with a mean age of 25.781±3.93 years while the duration of complaint was 5.843±1.27 months. GAGS score was 25.281±2.65 and mean BMI was 23.092±3.51 kg/m2. In group B, the mean age was 25.187± 4.06 years, the duration of complaint was 7.375±2.25 months, the GAGS score was 23.906± 2.60 while the mean BMI was 21.485±3.88 kg/m2. Efficacy in group A was noted in 25 (78.1%) patients as compared to 24 (75%) patients in group B (p =0.768). Conclusion The present study showed that the safety and efficacy of 0.1% adapalene the traditional drug 4% benzoyl peroxide in the SOC population was comparable.

Effect of Co-Diet Supplementation on Biodegradation of Polyethylene by Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Pollution coming from plastic polymers, particularly polyethylene (PE), poses a serious threat to both humans and animals. The biodegradation of plastics facilitated by insects is a crucial and eco-friendly approach that can be employed to combat this global concern. Recently, the larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (L.) have been recognized as avid 'plastivores'. The current study was aimed at evaluating the feeding efficiency of G. mellonella larvae on PEs of various densities with a co-diet supplementation of wheat germ + honey and beeswax. The results reveal that maximum PE consumption (9.98 ± 1.25 mg) was recorded in the case of 1.0 mm thick PE after a 24 h interval; however, the same scenario also achieved the greatest reduction in larval weight (27.79 ± 2.02 mg). A significant reduction in PE mass (5.87 ± 1.44 mg) was also observed in 1.0 mm PE when fed beeswax; however, the larvae experienced minimal weight loss (9.59 ± 3.81 mg). The larvae exhibited a higher PE consumption in 1.0 mm PE, indicating that the lower the density of PE, the greater the consumed area. Moreover, the biodegradation levels were notably higher within the 24 h interval. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the density of PEs and the supplementation of the co-diet have an impact on PE biodegradation. Additionally, the utilization of G. mellonella for the biodegradation of PE proves effective when combined with beeswax, resulting in minimal weight loss of the larvae. Our findings offer initial insights into how Galleria mellonella larvae biodegrade polyethylene (PE) of four different densities, along with co-diet supplementation. This approach helps us evaluate how varying densities affect degradation rates and provides a better understanding of the larvae's capabilities. Additionally, our observations at three specific time intervals (24, 48, and 72 h) allow us to identify the time required for achieving degradation rates. Through examining these time points, our method offers valuable insights into the initial phases of plastic consumption and biodegradation.

Melatonin as a master regulatory hormone for genetic responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in model plant Arabidopsis thaliana: a comprehensive review.

Melatonin is a naturally occurring biologically active amine produced by plants, animals and microbes. This review explores the biosynthesis of melatonin in plants, with a particular focus on its diverse roles in Arabidopsis thaliana , a model species. Melatonin affects abiotic and biotic stress resistance in A. thaliana . Exogenous and endogenous melatonin is addressed in association with various conditions, including cold stress, high light stress, intense heat and infection with Botrytis cinerea or Pseudomonas , as well as in seed germination and lateral root formation. Furthermore, melatonin confers stress resistance in Arabidopsis by initiating the antioxidant system, remedying photosynthesis suppression, regulating transcription factors involved with stress resistance (CBF, DREB, ZAT, CAMTA, WRKY33, MYC2, TGA) and other stress-related hormones (abscisic acid, auxin, ethylene, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid). This article additionally addresses other precursors, metabolic components, expression of genes (COR , CBF , SNAT , ASMT , PIN , PR1 , PDF1.2 and HSFA ) and proteins (JAZ, NPR1) associated with melatonin and reducing both biological and environmental stressors. Furthermore, the future perspective of melatonin rich agri-crops is explored to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, maximise crop productivity and enhance nutritional worth, which may help improve food security.

Exogenous application of selenium on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to enhance drought stress tolerance by morpho-physiological and biochemical adaptations.

Drought stress poses a significant obstacle to agricultural productivity, particularly in the case of oilseed crops such as sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Selenium (Se) is a fundamental micronutrient that has been recognized for its ability to enhance plant resilience in the face of various environmental stresses. The FH-770 sunflower variety was cultivated in pots subjected to three stress levels (100% FC, 75% FC, and 50% FC) and four Se application rates (0 ppm, 30 ppm, 60 ppm, and 90 ppm). This research aimed to investigate the effect of exogenously applied Se on morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of sunflower to improve the drought tolerance. Foliar Se application significantly lowered H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide; ROS) (20.89%) accumulation that markedly improved glycine betaine (GB) (74.46%) and total soluble protein (Pro) (68.63%), improved the accumulation of ascorbic acid (AA) (25.51%), total phenolics (TP) (39.34%), flavonoids (Flv) (73.16%), and anthocyanin (Ant) (83.73%), and improved the activity of antioxidant system superoxide dismutase (SOD) (157.63%), peroxidase (POD) (100.20%), and catalase (CAT) (49.87%), which ultimately improved sunflower growth by 36.65% during drought stress. Supplemental Se significantly increased shoot Se content (93.86%) and improved calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+) ions in roots by 36.16%, 42.68%, and 63.40%, respectively. Selenium supplements at lower concentrations (60 and 90 ppm) promoted the growth, development, and biochemical attributes of sunflowers in controlled and water-deficient circumstances. However, selenium treatment improved photosynthetic efficiency, plant growth, enzymatic activities, osmoregulation, biochemical characteristics, and nutrient balance. The mechanisms and molecular processes through which Se induces these modifications need further investigation to be properly identified.

Perceived School Experience of Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases in children globally affecting more than 1.2 million children worldwide. It is challenging to manage in children and adolescents, as it can have much more serious psychosocial impacts in these groups. The objective of this study was to investigate the perceived experience of children and adolescents with T1DM regarding the management of their condition while in school. METHODS:  We used a cross-sectional study design with descriptive statistics and non-probability consecutive sampling in this work. This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, from July 2018 to December 2018. In this study, we included 84 school-aged children and adolescents from various schools in the Qassim region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who had T1DM and met the inclusion criteria. After we obtained written informed consent from the participants, they filled out a survey questionnaire about their perceived school experience while being a T1DM patient. RESULTS:  Although most of the children believed that they were not prevented from managing their diabetes at school, most also believed that school personnel did not have adequate knowledge about diabetes. CONCLUSION:  In this study, adolescents and children with T1DM had mixed perceptions of their experience at school.

An explanation of the mystifying bakanae disease narrative for tomorrow's rice.

Rice production is severely hampered by the bakanae disease (Fusarium fujikuroi), formerly recognized as Fusarium moniliforme. F. moniliforme was called the F. fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) because it was later discovered that it had some separate species. The FFSC's constituents are also well recognized for producing phytohormones, which include auxins, cytokinin, and gibberellins (GAs). The normal symptoms of bakanae disease in rice are exacerbated by GAs. The members of the FFSC are responsible for the production of fumonisin (FUM), fusarins, fusaric acid, moniliformin, and beauvericin. These are harmful to both human and animal health. This disease is common around the world and causes significant yield losses. Numerous secondary metabolites, including the plant hormone gibberellin, which causes classic bakanae symptoms, are produced by F. fujikuroi. The strategies for managing bakanae, including the utilization of host resistance, chemical compounds, biocontrol agents, natural goods, and physical approaches, have been reviewed in this study. Bakanae disease is still not entirely preventable, despite the adoption of many different tactics that have been used to manage it. The benefits and drawbacks of these diverse approaches are discussed by the authors. The mechanisms of action of the main fungicides as well as the strategies for resistance to them are outlined. The information compiled in this study will contribute to a better understanding of the bakanae disease and the development of a more effective management plan for it.

Development, characterization, and optimization of protein level in date bars using response surface methodology.

This project was designed to produce a nourishing date bar with commercial value especially for school going children to meet their body development requirements. Protein level of date bars was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Economical and underutilized sources, that is, whey protein concentrate and vetch protein isolates, were explored for protein supplementation. Fourteen date bar treatments were produced using a central composite design (CCD) with 2 variables and 3 levels for each variable. Date bars were then analyzed for nutritional profile. Proximate composition revealed that addition of whey protein concentrate and vetch protein isolates improved the nutritional profile of date bars. Protein level, texture, and taste were considerably improved by incorporating 6.05% whey protein concentrate and 4.35% vetch protein isolates in date bar without affecting any sensory characteristics during storage. Response surface methodology was observed as an economical and effective tool to optimize the ingredient level and to discriminate the interactive effects of independent variables.

Aqueous garlic extract and its phytochemical profile; special reference to antioxidant status.

Garlic (Allium sativum L) has distinct nutritional profile with special reference to its bioactive components and is used in different diet-based therapies to cure various lifestyle-related disorders. For this purpose, characterization and extraction of garlic were carried out followed by antioxidant assays. Different solvents (50% aqueous ethanol, 50% aqueous methanol and water) at different time intervals (4, 5 and 6 h) at 60°C were used to optimize aqueous extraction efficiency of garlic. Among the solvents, water extract resulted in better extraction yield (31.85 ± 2.09 g/25 g) at 5 h. The antioxidant potential of all these solvents was estimated through in vitro studies. In this context, it was observed that higher amount of total phenolic contents was present in aqueous methanol 71.87 ± 1.69% at 45 min. Antiradical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay) and antioxidant activity showed that the maximum value was 73.80 ± 3.69 and 83.83 ± 0.16%, respectively, in methanolic extract at 45 min while glucose diffusion and ferric reducing antioxidant power were 97.00 ± 0.20 and 32.66 ± 0.72% at p < 0.05, respectively. Aqueous garlic extract was selected as the best treatment on the basis of percentage yield and safety modulation in human body absorption. Aqueous garlic extract was subjected to pH, acidity, total soluble solids (TSS) and colour. It was observed that the pH of aqueous garlic extract decreased with the passage of time while acidity increased. It was also concluded that storage affected the value of TSS and colour significantly. L* values for colour on 0 day were 34.18 ± 0.08, whereas those on 28th day were 38.84 ± 0.03. It was predicted that 28 days storage resulted in significant increase in L* value, while a* value decreased from 4.31 ± 0.01 to 0.32 ± 0.01 at the end of storage study.