Organic seed priming with curtailed seed rate compensated wheat grains productivity by upgrading anti-oxidant status against terminal drought at flowering and milking.

Terminal irrigation drought stress is one of the most drastic abiotic stress to diminish the wheat crop development and grains yield in arid regions of the world. The use of moringa leaf extract (MLE30) via seed priming technique is investigated as an organic and sustainable approach for the mitigation of drought stress along with curtailed seed rate in wheat crop. The study investigated the interaction of organic seed priming: control (dry seeds), hydro-priming, MLE30-priming, seed rate: recommended @ 125 kg ha-1, curtailed @ 25 kg ha-1, and terminal irrigation drought (TID): normal irrigation, mild-TID, severe-TID in wheat crop at agronomic research station, Bahawalpur, Pakistan during the wheat winter season of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. The application of organic MLE30-priming with curtailed seed rate enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity especially total soluble proteins by 15%, superoxide dismutase by 68%, peroxidase by 16%, catalase by 70%, ascorbic acid by 17% and total protein contents by 91% under severe-TID. Yield and yield-related morphological attributes performed better in MLE30-priming as compared to hydro-priming. An effective trend was observed in the plant's chlorophyll contents, K+, and water use efficiency after being treated with MLE30-priming followed by hydro-priming under curtailed seed rate. The higher benefit-cost ratio and net income return were observed with the application of MLE30-priming with curtailed seed rate under mild-TID and severe-TID. So, it is suggested to adopt the MLE30-priming technique along with a curtailed seed rate for improving the crop establishment, stress regulation, and economic return under limited availability of irrigation water. The project findings recommended that the application of exogenous application of organic MLE30-seed priming favored and compensated the maximum wheat grains production under curtailed seed rate @ 25 kg ha-1 and induced terminal drought stress at flowering and milking conditions.

Squeezed Darcy-Forchheimer Casson nanofluid flow between horizontal plates under the effect of inclined magnetic field.

This article explores the properties of heat and mass transport for MHD Casson nanofluid flow between two horizontal plates by considering the Darcy-Forchheimer medium. The effects of a uniform inclined magnetic field are discussed numerically. A Darcy-Forchheimer medium is considered in the x-direction between two plates. The features of Brownian diffusive motion, porosity, friction, viscous dissipation, chemical reaction, and thermophoresis are also considered. The governing equations of the model are a system of partial differential equations. This system is converted into non-linear ordinary differential equations using suitable similarity functions. The numerical shooting technique is used to solve the attained boundary value problem. This numerical technique is endowed with the Runge-Kutta order four method and the Newton method. Graphs and tables depict different significant effects. It is observed that the effect of a magnetic field is inversely related to the fluid flow. Moreover, the porosity factor (λ) and the magnetic inclination (γ) are inversely related to the surface drag force (Cf) and the Nusselt number (Nu).

Evaluation of potassium-enriched biochar and GA3 effectiveness for Improving wheat growth under drought stress.

Osmotic stress is a significant concern in agricultural crop production as it can harm crop growth, development, and productivity. Agriculture crops are particularly vulnerable to osmotic stress due to their reliance on water availability for various physiological processes. Organic amendments like activated carbon biochar and growth hormone gibberellic acid (GA3) can play a vital role. However, the time needed is to modify the established amendment to achieve better results. That's why the current study used potassium-enriched biochar (KBC = 0.75%) with and without GA3 (15 mg/L) as amendments under no osmotic stress and osmotic stress in wheat. Results showed that GA3 + KBC caused significant enhancement in germination (9.44%), shoot length (29.30%), root length (21.85%), shoot fresh weight (13.56%), shoot dry weight (68.38), root fresh weight (32.68%) and root dry weight (28.79%) of wheat over control under osmotic stress (OS). A significant enhancement in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, while the decline in electrolyte leakage of wheat, also validated the effectiveness of GA3 + KBC over control in OS. In conclusion, GA3 + KBC is the most effective among all applied treatments for improving wheat growth attributes under no osmotic and osmotic stress. Further research is needed at the field level, focusing on various cereal crops, to establish GA3 + KBC as the optimal treatment for effectively mitigating the impacts of osmotic stress.

Knowledge, beliefs and hesitancy among medical and non-medical university students toward COVID-19 vaccination in Punjab, Pakistan.

This study assessed the knowledge, beliefs, and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination among medical (MS) and nonmedical students (NMS) in Punjab, Pakistan. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted by enrolling 624 MS and 476 NMS in the largest province of Pakistan, i.e., Punjab. Chi-square tests were used to determine significant frequency distributions, and logistic regression to determine associations. The majority of students, males and females, were between 18-25 years of age and had good self-reported health. MS demonstrated adequate knowledge and positive beliefs about COVID-19. Fewer MS were indecisive about the vaccination; nonetheless, overall, 71.5% of MS and 78.2% of NMS were willing to receive the vaccine. A greater number of MS students were concerned about vaccine safety or side effects. A greater number of NMS demonstrated misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine - its effect on fertility and alterations in genomic DNA. The binary logistics regression exhibited a significant association between students' knowledge in the medical sciences (OR;1.53,p = 0.002) and area of residence (OR;1.60,p = 0.008). Compared to NMS, MS had a better understanding of the COVID-19 vaccine and were concerned about the acceptability of the vaccine, although NMS had misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Knowledge was significantly associated with the field of study.

A rare case of diffuse ectasia in the coronary arteries and proximal aneurysm in the left anterior descending artery: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery aneurysm is defined as dilatation of a segment of coronary artery, greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the largest normal coronary artery of the patient. Major cause of coronary artery aneurysm is coronary artery disease. Coronary artery aneurysm maybe an incidental finding during coronary angiography or it may present with symptoms including chest pain, myocardial infarction or even death. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare case of a 59-year-old gentleman, who had, previously, underwent multiple left heart catheterizations and percutaneous coronary interventions. He presented to us with symptomatic diffuse ectasia of the coronary arteries with proximal aneurysm in the Left Anterior Descending Artery. DISCUSSION: Coronary artery aneurysms are very rare with an incidence of about 0.02 %-0.04 % and a prevalence of 0.3 %-12 %. Right Coronary Artery is the principal site coronary artery aneurysms with a predominance of 83.8 %. The occurrence of multiple aneurysms is a very rare finding. About 73 % patients present with single aneurysms while only 27 % present with multiple aneurysms. Coronary artery aneurysms predispose to various complications including compression of the chambers, thrombosis and rupture. CONCLUSION: From the presented case it can be concluded that even though, conservative management is available, surgical repair is the gold standard treatment, especially in the presence of multiple, symptomatic and large aneurysms in order to avoid fatal ischemic complications.

An Adaptive Topology Management Scheme to Maintain Network Connectivity in Wireless Sensor Networks.

The roots of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are tracked back to US military developments, and, currently, WSNs have paved their way into a vast domain of civil applications, especially environmental, critical infrastructure, habitat monitoring, etc. In the majority of these applications, WSNs have been deployed to monitor critical and inaccessible terrains; however, due to their unique and resource-constrained nature, WSNs face many design and deployment challenges in these difficult-to-access working environments, including connectivity maintenance, topology management, reliability, etc. However, for WSNs, topology management and connectivity still remain a major concern in WSNs that hampers their operations, with a direct impact on the overall application performance of WSNs. To address this issue, in this paper, we propose a new topology management and connectivity maintenance scheme called a Tolerating Fault and Maintaining Network Connectivity using Array Antenna (ToMaCAA) for WSNs. ToMaCAA is a system designed to adapt to dynamic structures and maintain network connectivity while consuming fewer network resources. Thereafter, we incorporated a Phase Array Antenna into the existing topology management technologies, proving ToMaCAA to be a novel contribution. This new approach allows a node to connect to the farthest node in the network while conserving resources and energy. Moreover, data transmission is restricted to one route, reducing overheads and conserving energy in various other nodes' idle listening state. For the implementation of ToMaCAA, the MATLAB network simulation platform has been used to test and analyse its performance. The output results were compared with the benchmark schemes, i.e., Disjoint Path Vector (DPV), Adaptive Disjoint Path Vector (ADPV), and Pickup Non-Critical Node Based k-Connectivity (PINC). The performance of ToMaCAA was evaluated based on different performance metrics, i.e., the network lifetime, total number of transmitted messages, and node failure in WSNs. The output results revealed that the ToMaCAA outperformed the DPV, ADPV, and PINC schemes in terms of maintaining network connectivity during link failures and made the network more fault-tolerant and reliable.

Integrated phosphorus nutrient sources improve wheat yield and phosphorus use efficiency under sub humid conditions.

Majority of Pakistani soils are deficient in phosphorus. Phosphorus is usually applied in form of synthetic fertilizer. However integrated use of P from synthetic and organic sources can be more profitable and beneficial on sustainable basis. Field trials were conducted at research farm University of Poonch, Rawalakot, AJK, Pakistan for two consecutive years to check the comparative effects of synthetic fertilizer and organic manures applied alone and in combinations on the phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), wheat yield and yield components. Shafaq-06 cultivar of wheat was used as test cultivar. Ten treatments were included: (I) Control (P0) without application of fertilizer; (II) SSP @ 60 kg/ha (P60SSP); (III) SSP @ 90 kg/ha (P90SSP); (IV) SSP @ 120 kg/ha (P120SSP); (V) PM @60 kg/ha (P60PM); (VI) PM @90 kg/ha (P90PM); (VII) PM @120 kg/ha (P120PM); (VIII) SSP @30 kg/ha + PM @30 kg/ha (P30SSP+30PM); (IX) SSP @45 kg/ha + PM @45 kg/ha (P45SSP+45PM); (X) SSP @60 kg/ha + PM @60 kg/ha (P60SSP+60PM) which were laid out under the Randomized Complete Block Design. Significantly higher values for yield of grain (2397 kg/ha) was recorded with PM + SSP @ 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 each. Likewise, FPUE, PIR of wheat and AFPUE was quite higher with combined use of PM and SSP i.e. P60SSP+60PM treatment. Additionally, increase in PUE, wheat yield and yield components associated with combined treated plot would help to minimize the use of high cost synthetic mineral fertilizers and represents an environmentally and agronomically sound management strategy.

Taxonomy and distribution of agriculturally important plusiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Taxonomic identification and classifications of insect pest genera Chrysodeixis and Ctenoplusia of the subfamily Plusiinae is very compulsory due to their phytophagous nature and potential to damage the cash as well as cereal crops. Taxonomy plays a key role in proper not only in identification and classification of the pest but also in designing a successful managing strategy. In current study, specimens of Chrysodeixis and Ctenoplusia genera were collected from different geographical areas of south Punjab, Pakistan and their diagnostic features were examined following taxanomic keys. The data of temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were also recorded during the study period. Genitalia was extracted by dissecting of the abdomen and inspected under Stereo microscope. The results revealed two new species, Chryodeixis maxus and Ctenoplusia oleraceaus, from south Punjab region in addition to previously reported species: Chrysodeixis furihatai. Suitable management of the voracious insect pest at appropriate time may help in sustaining the agriculture in Pakistan.

The impact of horse purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum L.) infestation on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] productivity in northern irrigated plains of Pakistan.

Horse purslane (Trianthema portulacstrum L.) is an important weed of soybean crop capable of causing significant yield reduction. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of horse purslane and other weeds' infestation on the productivity of soybean. Ten treatments, i.e., weed-free throughout the growing season, horse purslane-free till 20, 40 and 60 days after emergence (DAE), all weeds-free till 20, 40 and 60 DAE, weedy-check (excluding horse purslane), weedy-check (horse purslane alone) and weedy-check (all weeds) were included in the study. Data relating to density and dry weight of recorded weed species, and yield and related traits of soybean were recorded. Overall, infestation percentage of horse purslane was 33.10 and 51%, whereas dry weight was 12 and 44 g m-2 during 1st and 2nd year, respectively. The highest dry weight of all weed species was recorded at 45 DAE in weedy-check all weeds treatment during both years. The lowest relative density and frequency of horse purslane were recorded in the treatment where it was controlled until 20 DAE during 2018 at 30 DAE, whereas the same treatment recoded the lowest density of horse purslane at 45 DAE during 2019. The relative frequency of horse purslane was non-significant for weedy-check horse purslane and weedy-check all weeds treatments during 2018, whereas former treatment had higher relative frequency of horse purslane in weedy-check all weeds than the later during 2019. Yield and related traits significantly differed among different treatments used in the study. The treatment all weeds controlled until 40 DAE recorded higher number of pods per plant, 1000-seed weight and seed yield during both years. The yield reduction in weedy-check treatments was; weedy-check all weeds > weedy-check all weeds except horse purslane > weedy-check horse purslane only. It is concluded that horse purslane was not the sole weed interfering soybean fields and weed flora consisted of false amaranth [Digera muricata (L.) Mart.] and purple nut sedge (Cyperus rotundus L.). Hence, if the soybean fields in northern irrigated plains of Pakistan are infested with horse purslane or heavily infested with horse purslane or other weeds, these should be controlled in initial 40 DAE to improve soybean productivity.

Interference of horse purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum L.) and other weeds affect yield of autumn planted maize (Zea mays L.).

To assess comparative losses of Trianthema portulacastrum (HP) relative to other weeds, the experiment was set during consecutive summer seasons 2018 and 2019 at the Research Farm MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan. Experiment consisted three replications which were laid out under randomized complete block design. Experiment consisted of ten treatments viz: weeds free (whole season), HP free till 20 Days after emergence (DAE), HP free till 40 DAE, HP free till 60 DAE, all weeds free 20 DAE, all weeds free 40 DAE, all weeds free 60 DAE, weedy check (all weeds), weedy check except HP and weedy check containing only HP. During 2018 in all weeds weedy check, maximum HP relative density (33.33%) was observed while in 2019, plot where weeds were controlled from growing till 20 DAE showed (80%) relative density at 30 DAE. HP maximum frequency (66.67%, 77.78%) and relative frequency (66%, 100%) was recorded at 45 DAE in plots where HP was kept controlled till 20 DAE and all weeds kept controlled till 20 DAE, respectively. Maximum number of grains per cob (738, 700.68), 1000 grain weight (306.66, 271.51 g) and grain yield (6150, 8015 kg hec-1) were recorded in plots which were kept all weed free till 60 DAE. As the competition period of weeds increased over 40 DAE, it substantially reduced yield of maize. Keeping the plots HP free till 40 DAE in the maize fields with HP as the major dominating weed, likely increase in maize grain yield is up to 30% compared to the fields where HP left un attended throughout the growing season. However, if maize field is infested with a mix of weeds with more than one dominating weeds including HP, compared to weedy situation the whole season, 30% higher grain yield can be obtained if all weeds are kept controlled till 40 DAE. Hence it can be concluded that whether the farmers face heavy HP infestation only or the mix of weeds as dominating weeds, in either case farmer should control weeds within first 40 days in maize field for better grain yield.

Periodontitis is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: To find out the link between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease while avoiding chronic infections that lead to heart diseases. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, from October 5, 2017, to January 5, 2018, and comprised patients of cardiovascular disease and healthy controls. Data was collected using questionnaire- based interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 146 subjects, 73(50%) each were cases and controls. Among the cases, 48(65.75%) had periodontitis, while 25(34.25%) were free from any history or sign of periodontal infections compared to 16(21.91%) controls who had periodontitis and 57(78.08%) who did not have it (p<0.001). Conclusion: There was a strong association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease.

Indigenous Tocopherol Improves Tolerance of Oilseed Rape to Cadmium Stress.

Two oilseed rape genotypes (Jiu-Er-13XI and Zheyou-50), differing in seed oil content, were subjected to cadmium (Cd) stress in hydroponic experiment. Genotypic differences were observed in terms of tolerance to Cd exposure. Cd treatment negatively affected both genotypes, but the effects were more devastating in Jiu-Er-13XI (low seed oil content) than in Zheyou-50 (high seed oil content). Jiu-Er-13XI accumulated more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which destroyed chloroplast structure and decreased photosynthetic pigments, than Zheyou-50. Total fatty acids, especially 18:2 and 18:3, severely decreased as suggested by increase in MDA content. Roots and shoots of Jiu-Er-13XI plants accumulated more Cd content, while less amount of tocopherol (Toc) was observed under Cd stress, than Zheyou-50. Conversely, Zheyou-50 was less affected by Cd stress than its counterpart. It accumulated comparatively less amount of Cd in roots and shoots, along with reduced accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS under Cd stress, than Jiu-Er-13XI. Further, the level of Toc, especially α-Tocopherol, was much higher in Zheyou-50 than in Jiu-Er-13XI, which was also supported by high expression of Toc biosynthesis genes in Zheyou-50 during early hours. Toc not only restricted the absorption of Cd by roots and its translocation to shoot but also scavenged the ROS generated during oxidative stresses. The low level of MDA shows that polyunsaturated fatty acids in chloroplast membranes remained intact. In the present study the tolerance of Zheyou-50 to Cd stress, over Jiu-Er-13XI, is attributed to the activities of Toc. This study shows that plants with high seed oil content are tolerant to Cd stress due to high production of Toc.

Synthesis, in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory potential and molecular docking study of thiadiazole analogs.

α-Glucosidase is a catabolic enzyme that regulates the body's plasma glucose levels by providing energy sources to maintain healthy functioning. 2-Amino-thiadiazole (1-13) and 2-amino-thiadiazole based Schiff bases (14-22) were synthesized, characterized by 1H NMR and HREI-MS and screened for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. All twenty-two (22) analogs exhibit varied degree of α-glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC50 values ranging between 2.30 ±â€¯0.1 to 38.30 ±â€¯0.7 µM, when compare with standard drug acarbose having IC50 value of 39.60 ±â€¯0.70 µM. Among the series eight derivatives 1, 2, 6, 7, 14, 17, 19 and 20 showed outstanding α-glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC50 values of 3.30 ±â€¯0.1, 5.80 ±â€¯0.2, 2.30 ±â€¯0.1, 2.70 ±â€¯0.1, 2.30 ±â€¯0.1, 5.50 ±â€¯0.1, 4.70 ±â€¯0.2, and 5.50 ±â€¯0.2 µM respectively, which is many fold better than the standard drug acarbose. The remaining analogs showed good to excellent α-glucosidase inhibition. Structure activity relationship has been established for all compounds. The binding interactions of these compounds were confirmed through molecular docking.