Evaluation of maize varieties via multivariate analysis: Roles of ionome, antioxidants, and autophagy in salt tolerance.

Salt stress presents a major obstacle to maize (Zea mays L.) production globally, impeding its growth and development. In this study, we aimed to identify salt-tolerant maize varieties through evaluation using multivariate analysis and shed light on the role of ionome, antioxidant capacity, and autophagy in salt tolerance. We investigated multiple growth indices, including shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, plant height, chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, potassium and sodium contents, and potassium-to-sodium ratio in 20 maize varieties at the V3 stage under salt stress (200 mM NaCl). The results showed significant differences in the growth indices, accompanied by a wide range in their coefficient of variation, suggesting their suitability for screening salt tolerance. Based on D values, clustering analysis categorized the 20 varieties into four distinct groups. TG88, KN20, and LR888 (group I) emerged as the most salt-tolerant varieties, while YD9, XD903, and LH151 (group IV) were identified as the most sensitive. TG88 showcased nutrient preservation and redistribution under salt stress, surpassing YD9. It maintained nitrogen and iron levels in roots while YD9 experienced decreases. TG88 redistributed more nitrogen, zinc, and potassium to its leaves, outperforming YD9. TG88 preserved sulfur levels in both roots and leaves, unlike YD9. Additionally, TG88 demonstrated higher enzymatic antioxidant capacity (SOD, POD, APX, and GR) both at the enzyme and gene expression levels, upregulation of autophagy-related (ATG) genes (ZmATG6, ZmATG8a, and ZmATG10), and increased autophagic activity. Overall, this study offers insights into accurate maize varieties evaluation methods and the physiological mechanisms underlying salt tolerance and identifies promising materials for further research.

The entrancing role of dietary polyphenols against the most frequent aging-associated diseases.

Aging, a fundamental physiological process influenced by innumerable biological and genetic pathways, is an important driving factor for several aging-associated disorders like diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In the modern era, the several mechanisms associated with aging have been deeply studied. Treatment and therapeutics for age-related diseases have also made considerable advances; however, for the effective and long-lasting treatment, nutritional therapy particularly including dietary polyphenols from the natural origin are endorsed. These dietary polyphenols (e.g., apigenin, baicalin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, kaempferol, quercetin, resveratrol, and theaflavin), and many other phytochemicals target certain molecular, genetic mechanisms. The most common pathways of age-associated diseases are mitogen-activated protein kinase, reactive oxygen species production, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathways, metal chelation, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and inflammation. Polyphenols slow down the course of aging and help in combatting age-linked disorders. This exemplified in the form of clinical trials on specific dietary polyphenols in various aging-associated diseases. With this context in mind, this review reveals the new insights to slow down the aging process, and consequently reduce some classic diseases associated with age such as aforementioned, and targeting age-associated diseases by the activities of dietary polyphenols of natural origin.

Management of Tomato Bacterial Canker Disease by the Green Fabricated Silver Nanoparticles.

Bacterial canker disease caused by Clavibacter michiganensis is a substantial threat to the cultivation of tomatoes, leading to considerable economic losses and global food insecurity. Infection is characterized by white raised lesions on leaves, stem, and fruits with yellow to tan patches between veins, and marginal necrosis. Several agrochemical substances have been reported in previous studies to manage this disease but these were not ecofriendly. Thus present study was designed to control the bacterial canker disease in tomato using green fabricated silver nanoparticles (AgNps). Nanosilver particles (AgNPs) were synthesized utilizing Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). FTIR showed presence of bioactive compounds in green fabricated AgNPs and UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band in the range of 350 nm to 355 nm. SEM showed the rectangular segments fused together, and XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized AgNPs. The presence of metallic silver ions was confirmed by an EDX detector. Different concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40 ppm) of the green fabricated AgNPs were exogenously applied on tomato before applying an inoculum of Clavibacter michigensis to record the bacterial canker disease incidence at different day intervals. The optimal concentration of AgNPs was found to be 30 µg/mg that exhibited the most favorable impact on morphological (shoot length, root length, plant fresh and dry weights, root fresh and dry weights) and physiological parameters (chlorophyll contents, membrane stability index, and relative water content) as well as biochemical parameters (proline, total soluble sugar and catalase activity). These findings indicated a noteworthy reduction in biotic stress through the increase of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities by the green fabricated AgNPs. This study marks a first biocompatible approach in assessing the potential of green fabricated AgNPs in enhancing the well-being of tomato plants that affected with bacterial canker and establishing an effective management strategy against Clavibacter michiganensis. This is the first study suggests that low concentration of green fabricated nanosilvers (AgNPs) from leaf extract of Moringa oleifera against Clavibacter michiganensis is a promisingly efficient and eco-friendly alternative approach for management of bacterial canker disease in tomato crop.

Self-assembled micelles loaded with itraconazole as anti-Acanthamoeba nano-formulation.

Acanthamoeba castellanii are opportunistic pathogens known to cause infection of the central nervous system termed: granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, that mostly effects immunocompromised individuals, and a sight threatening keratitis, known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, which mostly affects contact lens wearers. The current treatment available is problematic, and is toxic. Herein, an amphiphilic star polymer with AB2 miktoarms [A = hydrophobic poly(ℇ-Caprolacton) and B = hydrophilic poly (ethylene glycol)] was synthesized by ring opening polymerization and CuI catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Characterization by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography and fluorescence spectroscopy was accomplished. The hydrophobic drug itraconazole (ITZ) was incorporated in self-assembled micellar structure of AB2 miktoarms through co-solvent evaporation. The properties of ITZ loaded (ITZ-PCL-PEG2) and blank micelles (PCL-PEG2) were investigated through zeta sizer, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Itraconazole alone (ITZ), polymer (DPB-PCL), empty polymeric micelles (PCL-PEG2) alone, and itraconazole loaded in polymeric micelles (ITZ-PCL-PEG2) were tested for anti-amoebic potential against Acanthamoeba, and the cytotoxicity on human cells were determined. The polymer was able to self-assemble in aqueous conditions and exhibited low value for critical micelle concentration (CMC) 0.05-0.06 µg/mL. The maximum entrapment efficiency of ITZ was 68%. Of note, ITZ, DPB, PCL-PEG2 and ITZ-PCL-PEG2 inhibited amoebae trophozoites by 37.34%, 36.30%, 35.77%, and 68.24%, respectively, as compared to controls. Moreover, ITZ-PCL-PEG2 revealed limited cytotoxicity against human keratinocyte cells. These results are indicative that ITZ-PCL-PEG2 micelle show significantly better anti-amoebic effects as compared to ITZ alone and thus should be investigated further in vivo to determine its clinical potential.

Antibacterial effects of quercetagetin are significantly enhanced upon conjugation with chitosan engineered copper oxide nanoparticles.

The development of antibiotic alternatives that entail distinctive chemistry and modes of action is necessary due to the threat posed by drug resistance. Nanotechnology has gained increasing attention in recent years, as a vehicle to enhance the efficacy of existing antimicrobials. In this study, Chitosan copper oxide nanoparticles (CHI-CuO) were synthesized and were further loaded with Quercetagetin (QTG) to achieve the desired (CHI-CuO-QTG). Size distribution, zeta potential and morphological analysis were accomplished. Next, the developed CHI-CuO-QTG was assessed for synergistic antibacterial properties, as well as cytotoxic attributes. Bactericidal assays revealed that CHI-CuO conjugation showed remarkable effects and enhanced QTG effects against a range of Gram + ve and Gram - ve bacteria. The MIC50 of QTG against S. pyogenes was 107 µg/mL while CHI-CuO-QTG reduced it to 9 µg/mL. Similar results were observed when tested against S. pneumoniae. Likewise, the MIC50 of QTG against S. enterica was 38 µg/mL while CHI-CuO-QTG reduced it to 7 µg/mL. For E. coli K1, the MIC50 of QTG was 42 µg/mL while with CHI-CuO-QTG it was 23 µg/mL. Finally, the MIC50 of QTG against S. marcescens was 98 µg/mL while CHI-CuO-QTG reduced it to 10 µg/mL. Notably, the CHI-CuO-QTG nano-formulation showed limited damage when tested against human cells using lactate dehydrogenase release assays. Importantly, bacterial-mediated human cell damage was reduced by prior treatment of bacteria using drug nano-formulations. These findings are remarkable and clearly demonstrate that drug-nanoparticle formulations using nanotechnology is an important avenue in developing potential therapeutic interventions against microbial infections.

Nanomedicine: Patuletin-conjugated with zinc oxide exhibit potent effects against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial pathogens.

With the emergence of drug-resistance, there is a need for novel anti-bacterials or to enhance the efficacy of existing drugs. In this study, Patuletin (PA), a flavanoid was loaded onto Gallic acid modified Zinc oxide nanoparticles (PA-GA-ZnO), and evaluated for antibacterial properties against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pneumoniae) and Gram-negative (Samonella enterica and Escherichia coli) bacteria. Characterization of PA, GA-ZnO and PA-GA-ZnO' nanoparticles was accomplished utilizing fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, efficiency of drug entrapment, polydispersity index, zeta potential, size, and surface morphology analysis through atomic force microscopy. Using bactericidal assays, the results revealed that ZnO conjugation displayed remarkable effects and enhanced Patuletin's effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with the minimum inhibitory concentration observed at micromolar concentrations. Cytopathogenicity assays exhibited that the drug-nanoconjugates reduced bacterial-mediated human cell death with minimal side effects to human cells. When tested alone, drug-nanoconjugates tested in this study showed limited toxic effects against human cells in vitro. These are promising findings, but future work is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms of effects of drug-nanoconjugates against bacterial pathogens, in addition to in vivo testing to determine their translational value. This study suggests that Patuletin-loaded nano-formulation (PA-GA-ZnO) may be implicated in a multi-target mechanism that affects both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogen cell structures, however this needs to be ascertained in future work.

Development of an ELISA for the detection of fowl adenovirus serotype -4 utilizing fiber protein.

Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS), caused by the Fowl adenovirus 4 (FAdV-4) has led to significant financial losses for the poultry industry globally, including Pakistan over the past few years. Conventional serological methods are time consuming, laborious and less sensitive therefore, a rapid and sensitive ELISA kit is required for the reliable detection of FAdV-4 infection. In the current research, fiber proteins (1 &2) of FAdV-4 were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using metal affinity chromatography. Using these proteins as antigens, an indirect ELISA for detecting FAdV-4 infection was developed. The developed ELISA showed superior performances upon comparison with Serum neutralization test (SNT). This ELISA also showed reliable detection of FAdV specific antibodies in experimentally infected and vaccinated chickens. This assay produced good correlation on the samples collected from the field with SNT and found essential for large scale serology of the FAdV. No cross reactivity was observed in the ELISA following the testing of the serum samples of different other avian pathogens which showed that this ELISA is specific in detecting the FAdV infection. In conclusion, the developed Fiber protein ELISA is highly sensitive and specific in the detecting the FAdV infection and can be utilized for large scale sero-epidemiology of the disease.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of wall-associated kinases, molecular docking and polysaccharide elicitation of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids in micro-propagated Catharanthus roseus.

Wall-associated kinases (WAKs) are a unique family of proteins that are predominantly localized on the plasma membrane and simultaneously bound to the cell wall. WAKs play a pivotal role in signal transduction to regulate growth, defense, and response to environmental stimuli in plants. These kinases have been identified and characterized in various plant species, however, similar information for Catharanthus roseus is scarce. C. roseus is an evergreen ornamental plant that produces a repertoire of biologically active compounds. The plant is best characterized for the production of antineoplastic monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) namely vinblastine and vincristine. Owing to the diverse composition of phytochemicals, C. roseus is known as a "model non-model" plant for secondary metabolite research. Genome analyses showed 37 putative CrWAK genes present in C. roseus, largely localized on the plasma membrane. Phylogenetic analysis revealed six clusters of CrWAKs. Diverse cis-acting elements, including those involved in defense responses, were identified on the promotor regions of CrWAK genes. The highest binding affinity (- 12.6 kcal/mol) was noted for CrWAK-22 against tri-galacturonic acid. Tri-galacturonic acid stimulated 2.5-fold higher production of vinblastine, sixfold upregulation of the expression of ORCA3 transcription factor, and 6.14-fold upregulation of CrWAK-22 expression. Based on these results it was concluded that the expression of CrWAK genes induced by biotic elicitors may have an important role in the production of MIAs. The current findings may serve as a basis for functional characterization and mechanistic explanation of the role of CrWAK genes in the biosynthesis of MIAs upon elicitation.

Letter to editor: gender gap in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease: preliminary results of a retrospective study.

This letter addresses important considerations for enhancing the research on the gender gap in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease. While acknowledging the commendable efforts of the study's authors, we highlight several areas that warrant further attention to maximize the research's yield and applicability. Specifically, we emphasize the need for a more diverse cohort to enhance the generalizability of findings, inclusion of a control group for comprehensive evaluation, utilization of additional assessment tools to mitigate bias, incorporation of qualitative data for a holistic understanding, and evaluation of long-term outcomes beyond short follow-up durations. Addressing these considerations would strengthen the validity, applicability, and impact of research findings in this crucial area of study.

Expanding boundaries: The synergy of creative writing and reflective learning in medicine.

This paper explores the role of reflective practice in the medical field and investigates the factors that influence reflective writing. While reflective practice is widely acknowledged as crucial in medical education, there is a need to expand its conceptual boundaries and move beyond mere pedagogical exercises. The paper argues for the inclusion of creative writing, specifically poetry, as a form of reflective practice that allows medical students to effectively process their emotions and develop a more compassionate approach to patient care. By engaging in poetic expression, students can navigate ethical dilemmas, reflect on personal challenges, and cultivate empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Investigations of Limeum Indicum Plant for Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease Dual Therapy: Phytochemical, GC-MS Chemical Profiling, Enzyme Inhibition, Molecular Docking and In-Vivo Studies.

Limeum indicum has been widely utilized in traditional medicine but no experimental work has been done on this herb. The primary objective of this study was to conduct a phytochemical analysis and assess the multifunctional capabilities of aforementioned plant in dual therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The phytochemical screening of ethanol, methanol extract, and their derived fractions of Limeum indicum was conducted using GC-MS, HPLC, UV-analysis and FTIR. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH method. The inhibitory potential of the extracts/fractions against α-, ß-glucosidase acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and monoaminine oxidases (MAO-A & B) was evaluated. Results revealed that acetonitrile fraction has highest inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase (IC50=68.47±0.05 µg/mL), methanol extract against ß-glucosidase (IC50=91.12±0.07 µg/mL), ethyl acetate fraction against AChE (IC50=59.0±0.02 µg/mL), ethanol extract against BChE (28.41±0.01 µg/mL), n-hexane fraction against MAO-A (IC50=150.5±0.31 µg/mL) and methanol extract for MAO-B (IC50=75.95±0.13 µg/mL). The docking analysis of extracts\fractions suggested the best binding scores within the active pocket of the respective enzymes. During the in-vivo investigation, ethanol extract produced hypoglycemic effect (134.52±2.79 and 119.38±1.40 mg/dl) after 21 days treatment at dose level of 250 and 500 mg/Kg. Histopathological findings further supported the in-vivo studies.

Targeted pH-responsive delivery of rosmarinic acid via phenylboronic acid functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for liver and lung cancer therapy.

Currently, chemotherapy is one of the most practiced approaches for the treatment of cancers. However, existing chemotherapeutic drugs have poor aqueous solubility, poor selectivity, higher systematic toxicity, and poor target accumulation. In this study, we designed and synthesized a boronic acid/ester-based pH-responsive nano-valve that specifically targets the microenvironment in cancer cells. The nano-valve comprises phenylboronic acid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (B-MSN) loaded with polyphenolic compound Rosmarinic acid (ROS-B-MSN). The nano-valve was further coated with lignin (LIG) to achieve our desired LIG-ROS-BMSN nano-valve for targeted chemotherapy against Hep-G2 and NCI-H460 cell lines. The structure and properties of NPs were characterized by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in combination with EDX, and Dynamic light scattering (DLS). The outcomes revealed that the designed LIG-ROS-BMSN were in the nanorange (144.1 ± 0.70 nm), had negative Zeta potential (-15.7 ± 0.46 mV) and had a nearly spherical morphology. In vitro, drug release investigations showed a controlled pH-dependent release profile under mild acidic conditions that could enhance the targeted chemotherapeutic response against cancer in mild acidic environments. The obtained LIG-ROS-BMSN nano valve achieved significantly lower IC50 values of (1.70 ± 0.01 µg/mL and 3.25 ± 0.14 µg/mL) against Hep-G2 and NCI-H460 cell lines as compared to ROS alone, which was (14.0 ± 0.7 µg/mL and 29.10 ± 0.25 µg/mL), respectively. The cellular morphology before and after treatment was further confirmed via inverted microscopy. The outcomes of the current study imply that our designed LIG-ROS-BMSN nanovalve is a potential carrier for cancer chemotherapeutics.

Comprehensive characterization of unscientifically disposed municipal solid waste (MSW) in Kashmir Region, India.

Unscientific dumping of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a common practice in Kashmir. To have an environmentally friendly and sustainable waste management system, MSW was collected from nine study locations of this region. They were air-dried, then oven-dried at 105 °C for 24 h, segregated, and characterized for various components. The overall average organic waste was > 55%, plastic waste about 17%, inert material about 10%, paper 9%, and cloth waste 7%. The calorific value of paper and plastic wastes exhibited was 4910 kcal/kg, while organic waste had a calorific value of 1980 kcal/kg. The proximate analysis showed that the moisture content ranged from 16 to 29%, volatile matter ranged from 49 to 72%, ash content ranged from 0.03 to 5%, and fixed carbon ranged from 5 to 20%. In S7, the volatile matter content recorded the lowest value at 49.15%, while in S5, the volatile matter content was notably higher at 71.84%, indicating easier ignition. Further, elemental analysis revealed that the major elements in MSW were carbon and oxygen, 53% and 37%, respectively, with small traces of heavy metals with an average of 0.02% cadmium (Cd) and 0.006% lead (Pb). Moreover, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrographs provided confirmation that the majority of components in the MSW exhibited either partial or complete degradation, resulting in a rough surface texture. In addition, the presence of silica and other silicate groups was also detected. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis revealed that the main functional groups were alcohol. In the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, all the major mineral phases were detected between 20 and 30° 2θ, except for the peaks at 50-60° 2θ in S3 and S9 where catalysts such as zeolite Y and zeolite X were detected. Overall, the MSW had low moisture content but higher calorific value, making it a viable feedstock.

Correlation of uric acid with microalbuminuria in Type-2 diabetic patients with normal creatinine.

Objective: To find the correlation of serum uric acid with microalbuminuria in Type-2 diabetic patients with normal creatinine. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic diseases, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan from 1st April, 2022 to 30th September, 2022. Total 160 diabetic patients between the age of 30 and 65 years were enrolled in the study. Type-2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria between 2.5 and 30 mg/mmol were included. The demographic details of patients were recorded in the questionnaire after taking consent. Fasting Uric acid, lipid profile and glucose along with creatinine and HbA1C were estimated from patient's venous blood samples. Ratio of albumin to creatinine (ACR) in the random spot urine sample was used to detect microalbuminuria. Results: Out of 160 participants enrolled in the study there were 86 (54%) males and 74 (46%) females with the mean age of 50.15 ± 11.1 years and BMI of 20.93 kg/m2. Ninety six (60%) of the patients had Type-2 DM for less than five years, while remaining 64 (40%) were more than five years diabetic. Mean serum uric acid calculated was 6.85±2.06(mg/dl), while microalbuminuria was calculated as 8.02±0.78 (mg/mmol). The Pearson correlation of serum uric acid and microalbuminuria based on sex and age was statistically significant(p<0.05). Conclusion: We found that uric acid level was significantly associated with microalbuminuria in people with Type-2 diabetes with normal serum creatinine. Uric acid level can be a potential screening tool for early detection of DKD.

Demographic characteristics and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic colon cancer surgeries at a newly developed cancer center in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Objective: In Pakistan, colon cancer ranks fourth in incidence, exhibiting survival rates of 90% to 14%, contingent on TNM staging and early detection. This research focuses on the demographic involvement and short-term outcomes of elective colon cancer resections at a newly established tertiary care cancer center utilizing laparoscopic procedures. Method: A retrospective analysis of elective laparoscopic colorectal resections at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Peshawar, from April 2021 to February 2022 was conducted. Out of 157 cases, 79 had colon cancer. Criteria included patients >18 years old with positive biopsies; consent non-providers were excluded. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations using SPSS-22. Results: The study encompassed biopsy-confirmed colon cancers in patients >18 years. 157 colorectal cases were performed, including 79 colon cancers. The sample comprised 61 males (77.2%) and 18 females (22.7%), mean age 42 years. Most patients (33%) were in the 36-45 age group. Majority were from KPK (69.6%), followed by Afghanistan (24%). Tumors were predominantly in the ascending colon (30.3%). Most were moderately differentiated (70.8%). Mean lymph node yield was 19.0, with 1.2% requiring open laparotomy. Post-discharge, one readmission occurred within 30 days. Mortality within 90 days was 2%, attributed to aspiration pneumonia and chemotherapy-related effects. Conclusions: Elective laparoscopic colonic surgery exhibits safety and efficacy in treating colon cancer. The study provides evidence of minimal morbidity and mortality, low readmission rates, and absence of anastomotic leaks. Hence, elective laparoscopic colonic surgery should be favored due to fewer post-operative complications and superior short-term outcomes. Larger studies on colon cancer are imperative for enhanced healthcare delivery.

Laparoscopic extralevator abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer: The myth of reinventing the wheel.

Background & Objective: To review oncological outcomes of laparoscopic extralevator abdominoperineal excision (LAP-ELAPE) for low rectal cancer.In locally advanced low rectal cancer, ELAPE which is en-bloc resection of levator muscles along with the tumor in a prone position has significantly decreased the rate of having either positive circumferential resection margin (CRM) or tumor perforation. The aim of the study was to determine the oncological outcomes of laparoscopic extralevator abdominoperineal excision (LAP-ELAPE) for low rectal cancer. Methods: This retrospective study was performed at Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital and Research Centre Lahore. Patients who underwent ELAPE for low rectal and anal cancer from January 2014 to December 2019 were selected. Data was collected using an electronic database through a hospital information system. Results: A total of 82 patients were included in the study having a median age of 39 years. Clinically preoperative tumor sizes were T2:2, T3:65, T4:15. Neo-adjuvant chemo radiotherapy was administered to 79 (96.3%) patients. Pathologically tumor sizes were T0:12, T2:15, T3:50, T4:5 with 79.2% (n=65) R0 resections. The mean operative time was 340.36±64.51 minutes and the mean blood loss was 99 milliliters. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.58±4.64 days. Seventeen (20.7%) cases had pathological circumferential resection margins positive (pCRM<1mm). However, tumor perforation was found in 8(9.8%) patients. Ninety days mortality was none while 36 patients experienced recurrence (local: 23, distant: 30, local + distant 17). The median survival time was 53.00±2.69 months. Conclusion: For locally advanced low rectal cancer, ELAPE has evolved as a safe oncological procedure with acceptable outcomes.

Synthesis and characterization of honey based hybrid dental implants with enhanced antibacterial activity.

Dental implants are commonly used for tooth replacement tools due to their good oral rehabilitation and reconstruction capacities. Dental implants treatment for natural teeth is desired to achieve successful implants treatment with improved osseointegration through promotion of mammalian cell activity and prevention of bacterial activity. Honey is potentially known for its antimicrobial and antibacterial potential, specifically for burns and wound healing. In this study, honey based silver nanoparticles were synthesized using various concentrations of honey. The synthesized HNY-AgNPs, MSN and HNY-AgMSN were characterized for their surface Plasmon resonance using UV spectroscopy, Hydrodynamic diameter using Zetasizer. Morphology using AFM. Furthermore, surface functional groups were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy at 4cm-1 resolutions. The developed hybrid nanoparticles were tested for their anti-bacterial activity at concentration of 3000µg/mL. It was found HNY-AgNPs was active against both bacterial strains i.e, Streptococcus mutans and streptococcus aureus. HNY-AgNPs-MSN hybrid implant demonstrated potential new type of dental implants, which can offer an effective design for the fabrication of advanced dental implants.

Production of high molecular-ordered stilbene oligomers for the study of their biological activity: total synthesis, bio-catalyzed synthesis and production by plant systems.

Though the iconic stilbene resveratrol and its related dimers constitute a top storyline in the field of natural product research, resveratrol oligomers (condensation >2) have been left aside despite their higher biological activity compared to that of the monomers. This situation largely results from the difficulty of getting them in sufficient quantities to enable evaluation of their biological properties in vivo. We present here a synthetic and critical analysis of the methods used for the production of high molecular-ordered stilbene oligomers of potential biomedical interest, gathering the most salient data regarding the approaches employed to prepare them by total synthesis, use of biomimetic approaches or through plant systems.

Incidence, factors, and disparities related to cancer among Black individuals in Canada: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: In Canada, two of five individuals will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and one in four will die from this disease. Given the disparities observed in health research among Black individuals, we conducted a scoping review to analyze the state of cancer research in Canadian Black communities regarding prevalence, incidence, screening, mortality, and related factors to observe advances and identify gaps and disparities. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was developed and executed in December 2021 across 10 databases (e.g., Embase). Of 3451 studies generated by the search, 19 were retained for extraction and included in this study. RESULTS: Studies were focused on a variety of cancer types among Black individuals including anal, breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric, lung, and prostate cancers. They included data on incidence, stage of cancer at diagnosis, type of care received, diagnostic interval length, and screening. A few studies also demonstrated racial disparities among Black individuals. This research reveals disparities in screening, incidence, and quality of care among Black individuals in Canada. CONCLUSIONS: Given the gaps observed in cancer studies among Black individuals, federal and provincial governments and universities should consider creating special funds to generate research on this important health issue. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Important gaps were observed on research on cancer among Black communities in Canada. Studies included in the scoping review highlights disparities in screening, incidence, and quality of care among Black individuals in Canada.

Genomic exploration of Sesuvium sesuvioides: comparative study and phylogenetic analysis within the order Caryophyllales from Cholistan desert, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The Aizoaceae family's Sesuvium sesuvioides (Fenzl) Verdc is a medicinal species of the Cholistan desert, Pakistan. The purpose of this study was to determine the genomic features and phylogenetic position of the Sesuvium genus in the Aizoaceae family. We used the Illumina HiSeq2500 and paired-end sequencing to publish the complete chloroplast sequence of S. sesuvioides. RESULTS: The 155,849 bp length cp genome sequence of S. sesuvioides has a 36.8% GC content. The Leucine codon has the greatest codon use (10.6%), 81 simple sequence repetitions of 19 kinds, and 79 oligonucleotide repeats. We investigated the phylogeny of the order Caryophyllales' 27 species from 23 families and 25 distinct genera. The maximum likelihood tree indicated Sesuvium as a monophyletic genus, and sister to Tetragonia. A comparison of S. sesuvioides, with Sesuvium portulacastrum, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, and Tetragonia tetragonoides was performed using the NCBI platform. In the comparative investigation of genomes, all five genera revealed comparable cp genome structure, gene number and composition. All five species lacked the rps15 gene and the rpl2 intron. In most comparisons with S. sesuvioides, transition substitutions (Ts) were more frequent than transversion substitutions (Tv), producing Ts/Tv ratios larger than one, and the Ka/Ks ratio was lower than one. We determined ten highly polymorphic regions, comprising rpl22, rpl32-trnL-UAG, trnD-GUC-trnY-GUA, trnE-UUC-trnT-GGU, trnK-UUU-rps16, trnM-CAU-atpE, trnH-GUG-psbA, psaJ-rpl33, rps4-trnT-UGU, and trnF-GAA-ndhJ. CONCLUSION: The whole S. sesuvioides chloroplast will be examined as a resource for in-depth taxonomic research of the genus when more Sesuvium and Aizoaceae species are sequenced in the future. The chloroplast genomes of the Aizoaceae family are well preserved, with little alterations, indicating the family's monophyletic origin. This study's highly polymorphic regions could be utilized to build realistic and low-cost molecular markers for resolving taxonomic discrepancies, new species identification, and finding evolutionary links among Aizoaceae species. To properly comprehend the evolution of the Aizoaceae family, further species need to be sequenced.