Attenuation of acute postoperative pain and opioid requirement with the use of magnesium sulfate in patients undergoing limb amputations.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of magnesium sulphate on the total dose of intravenous morphine consumption postoperatively following limb amputations along with rescue analgesia requirement, pain scores and side effects. METHODS: This prospective, triple-blinded, randomised controlled study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised of patients scheduled for limb amputations. They were randomised into 2 equal groups. The anaesthesia protocol was uniform for all patients. Intervention group A was administered 30mg/kg loading dose and 10mg/kg/hr maintenance dose of magnesium sulphate intravenously, while patients in control group B received the same amount of plain isotonic saline. Morphine consumption, including that used for rescue analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia, was measured for 24 hours postoperatively. Numeric rating scale was used for the evaluation of postoperative pain in both groups at 15min, 1h, 2h, at discharge from the post-anaesthesia care unit and at 12h and 24h in the ward. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients enrolled, the study was completed by 20(83.33%). There were 10(50%) patients in group A; 8(40%) males and 2(20%) females with mean age 24.8±14.14 years and mean surgery time 130.5±47.86 minutes. There were 10(50%) patients in group B; 8(40%) males and 2(20%) females with mean age 23.2±7.4 years and mean surgery time 117±23.85 minutes (p>0.05). Total morphine used over 24 hours in group A was 16±3.1 mg compared to 29.6±11.2 mg in group B (p<0.05). The time for first use of patient-controlled analgesia after arriving in the postanaesthesia care unit was significantly delayed in group A (72.2±24.95 minutes) compared to that in group B (25±26.68 minutes) (p<0.05). Pain scores were significantly higher in the group B at 15min compared to group A (p<0.05), but not at the rest of the time points (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous magnesium sulphate proved to be effective in lowering postoperative opioid requirement following limb amputations.

Mesoporous Silicon with Strontium-Powered Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic acid)/Gelatin-Based Dressings Facilitate Skin Tissue Repair.

Purpose: Functional inorganic nanomaterials (NMs) are widely exploited as bioactive materials and drug depots. The lack of a stable form of application of NMs at the site of skin injury, may impede the removal of the debridement, elevate pH, induce tissue toxicity, and limit their use in skin repair. This necessitates the advent of innovative wound dressings that overcome the above limitations. The overarching objective of this study was to exploit strontium-doped mesoporous silicon particles (PSiSr) to impart multifunctionality to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/gelatin (PG)-based fibrous dressings (PG@PSiSr) for excisional wound management. Methods: Mesoporous silicon particles (PSi) and PSiSr were synthesized using a chemo-synthetic approach. Both PSi and PSiSr were incorporated into PG fibers using electrospinning. A series of structure, morphology, pore size distribution, and cumulative pH studies on the PG@PSi and PG@PSiSr membranes were performed. Cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, transwell migration, scratch wound healing, and delineated angiogenic properties of these composite dressings were tested in vitro. The biocompatibility of composite dressings in vivo was assessed by a subcutaneous implantation model of rats, while their potential for wound healing was discerned by implantation in a full-thickness excisional defect model of rats. Results: The PG@PSiSr membranes can afford the sustained release of silicon ions (Si4+) and strontium ions (Sr2+) for up to 192 h as well as remarkably promote human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts migration. The PG@PSiSr membranes also showed better cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and significant formation of tubule-like networks of HUVECs in vitro. Moreover, PG@PSiSr membranes also facilitated the infiltration of host cells and promoted the deposition of collagen while reducing the accumulation of inflammatory cells in a subcutaneous implantation model in rats as assessed for up to day 14. Further evaluation of membranes transplanted in a full-thickness excisional wound model in rats showed rapid wound closure (PG@SiSr vs control, 96.1% vs 71.7%), re-epithelialization, and less inflammatory response alongside skin appendages formation (eg, blood vessels, glands, hair follicles, etc.). Conclusion: To sum up, we successfully fabricated PSiSr particles and prepared PG@PSiSr dressings using electrospinning. The PSiSr-mediated release of therapeutic ions, such as Si4+ and Sr2+, may improve the functionality of PLGA/Gel dressings for an effective wound repair, which may also have implications for the other soft tissue repair disciplines.

Composite superplastic aerogel scaffolds containing dopamine and bioactive glass-based fibers for skin and bone tissue regeneration.

Multifunctional bioactive biomaterials with integrated bone and soft tissue regenerability hold great promise for the regeneration of trauma-affected skin and bone defects. The aim of this research was to fabricate aerogel scaffolds (GD-BF) by blending the appropriate proportions of short bioactive glass fiber (BGF), gelatin (Gel), and dopamine (DA). Electrospun polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)-BGF fibers were converted into short BGF through calcination and homogenization. Microporous GD-BF scaffolds displayed good elastic deformation recovery and promoted neo-tissue formation. The DA could enable thermal crosslinking and enhance the mechanical properties and structural stability of the GD-BF scaffolds. The BGF-mediated release of therapeutic ions shorten hemostatic time (<30 s) in a rat tail amputation model and a rabbit artery injury model alongside inducing the regeneration of skin appendages (e.g., blood vessels, glands, etc.) in a full-thickness excisional defect model in rats (percentage wound closure: GD-BF2, 98 % vs. control group, 83 %) at day 14 in vitro. Taken together, these aerogel scaffolds may have significant promise for soft and hard tissue repair, which may also be worthy for the other related disciplines.

Droplet Microfluidics Powered Hydrogel Microparticles for Stem Cell-Mediated Biomedical Applications.

Stem cell-related therapeutic technologies have garnered significant attention of the research community for their multi-faceted applications. To promote the therapeutic effects of stem cells, the strategies for cell microencapsulation in hydrogel microparticles have been widely explored, as the hydrogel microparticles have the potential to facilitate oxygen diffusion and nutrient transport alongside their ability to promote crucial cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Despite their significant promise, there is an acute shortage of automated, standardized, and reproducible platforms to further stem cell-related research. Microfluidics offers an intriguing platform to produce stem cell-laden hydrogel microparticles (SCHMs) owing to its ability to manipulate the fluids at the micrometer scale as well as precisely control the structure and composition of microparticles. In this review, the typical biomaterials and crosslinking methods for microfluidic encapsulation of stem cells as well as the progress in droplet-based microfluidics for the fabrication of SCHMs are outlined. Moreover, the important biomedical applications of SCHMs are highlighted, including regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, scale-up production of stem cells, and microenvironmental simulation for fundamental cell studies. Overall, microfluidics holds tremendous potential for enabling the production of diverse hydrogel microparticles and is worthy for various stem cell-related biomedical applications.

The Pathogenesis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Infection: How the Virus Escapes from Immune Recognition and Elimination.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a highly contagious and economically devastating pathogen that affects cloven-hoofed animals worldwide. FMDV infection causes vesicular lesions in the mouth, feet, and mammary glands, as well as severe systemic symptoms such as fever, salivation, and lameness. The pathogenesis of FMDV infection involves complex interactions between the virus and the host immune system, which determine the outcome of the disease. FMDV has evolved several strategies to evade immune recognition and elimination, such as antigenic variation, receptor switching, immune suppression, and subversion of innate and adaptive responses. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of FMDV infection and the mechanisms of immune evasion employed by the virus. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities for developing effective vaccines and therapeutics against this important animal disease.

Quantification and polymeric characterization of microplastics in composts and their accumulation in lettuce.

Organic fertilizers have become a vector for the transport of microplastics (MPs), which pose human health concerns through the food chain. This study aimed to quantify and characterize MPs in eight different compost samples of various raw materials and their subsequent translocation to lettuce (Lacuta sativa) grown on contaminated composts. The results revealed that the MP abundance ranged from 3810 to 16530 MP/kg. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) had highest abundance (16082 ± 632 MP/kg), followed by leaf compost (LC) and organic compost (OC) (6299 ± 1011 and 3680 ± 419 MP/kg, respectively). MPs of <100 µm in size were most dominant in MSWC and LC. Fragments and fibers were the prevalent shape types, with white/transparent colored MPs being more abundant. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the dominant polymers. MPs accumulation in the lettuce leaves was greatest in the lettuce plants grown on MSWC, followed by those grown on LC and OC, indicating that MSWC grown lettuce is not suitable for human consumption. The decrease in the growth (leaf length, number of leaves, leaf fresh and weights) and physiological (membrane stability index, relative water contents) parameters of lettuce was in line with the trend of MP accumulations. Hence, it is highly important to regulate the plastic contents in compost because it is a threat to ecosystems and human health.

Distribution of Aspergillus species and risk factors for aspergillosis in mainland China: a systematic review.

Background: Aspergillus, a widespread fungus in the natural environment, poses a significant threat to human health by entering the human body via the airways and causing a disease called aspergillosis. This study comprehensively analyzed data on aspergillosis in published articles from mainland China to investigate the prevalence of Aspergillus, and risk factors, mortality rate, and underlying condition associated with aspergillosis. Methods: Published articles were retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct online search engines. In the 101 analyzed studies, 3558 Aspergillus isolates were meticulously collected and classified. GraphPad Prism 8 was used to statistically examine the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of aspergillosis. Results: Aspergillus fumigatus was prominently reported (n = 2679, 75.14%), followed by A. flavus (n = 437, 12.25%), A. niger (n = 219, 6.14%), and A. terreus (n = 119, 3.33%). Of a total of 9810 patients, 7513 probable cases accounted for the highest number, followed by confirmed cases (n = 1956) and possible cases (n = 341). In patients, cough emerged as the most common complaint (n = 1819, 18.54%), followed by asthma (n = 1029, 10.48%) and fever (1024, 10.44%). Of total studies, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) was reported in 47 (45.53%) studies, exhibiting an increased prevalence in Beijing (n = 12, 25.53%), Guangdong (n = 7, 14.89%), and Shanghai (n = 6, 12.76%). Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) was reported in 14 (13.86%) studies. Among the total of 14 studies, the occurrence of CPA was 5 (35.71%) in Beijing and 3 (21.42%) in Shanghai. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), was reported at a lower frequency (n = 8, 7.92%), Guangdong recorded a relatively high number (n = 3, 37.5%), followed by Beijing (n = 2, 25.0%), and Shanghai (n = 1, 12.5%). Percentage of death reported: IPA had the highest rate (n = 447, 68.87%), followed by CPA (n = 181, 27.88%) and ABPA (n = 14, 2.15%). Among the aspergillosis patients, 6220 had underlying conditions, including chronic lung disease (n = 3765, 60.53%), previous tuberculosis (n = 416, 6.68%), and organ transplant or organ failure (n = 648, 10.41%). Aspergillosis was also found in patients using corticosteroid therapy (n = 622, 10.0%). Conclusion: This review sheds light on the prevalence patterns of Aspergillus species, risk factors of aspergillosis, and gaps in surveillance that could be helpful for the control and treatment of aspergillosis and guide the researchers in future studies. Registration: This systematic review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO: Registration ID CRD42023476870.

Temporal changes in the levels of virus and betasatellite DNA in B. tabaci feeding on CLCuD affected cotton during the growing season.

Cotton, a key source of income for Pakistan, has suffered significantly by cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) since 1990. This disease is caused by a complex of phylogenetically-related begomovirus (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) species and a specific betasatellite (genus Betasatellite, family Tolecusatellitidae), cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite. Additionally, another DNA satellite called alphasatellite (family Alphasatellitidae), is also frequently associated. All these virus components are vectored by a single species of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). While many factors affect cotton productivity, including cotton variety, sowing time, and environmental cues such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall, CLCuD is a major biotic constraint. Although the understanding of begomoviruses transmission by whiteflies has advanced significantly over the past three decades, however, the in-field seasonal dynamics of the viruses in the insect vector remained an enigma. This study aimed to assess the levels of virus and betasatellite in whiteflies collected from cotton plants throughout the cotton growing season from 2014 to 2016. Notably, begomovirus levels showed no consistent pattern, with minimal variations, ranging from 0.0017 to 0.0074 ng.µg-1 of the genomic DNA in 2014, 0.0356 to 0.113 ng.µg-1 of the genomic DNA in 2015, and 0.0517 to 0.0791 ng.µg-1 of the genomic DNA in 2016. However, betasatellite levels exhibited a distinct pattern. During 2014 and 2015, it steadily increased throughout the sampling period (May to September). While 2016 showed a similar trend from the start of sampling (July) to September but a decline in October (end of sampling). Such a study has not been conducted previously, and could potentially provide valuable insights about the epidemiology of the virus complex causing CLCuD and possible means of controlling losses due to it.

Composite Aerogel Scaffolds Containing Flexible Silica Nanofiber and Tricalcium Phosphate Enable Skin Regeneration.

Poor hemostatic ability and less vascularization at the injury site could hinder wound healing as well as adversely affect the quality of life (QOL). An ideal wound dressing should exhibit certain characteristics: (a) good hemostatic ability, (b) rapid wound healing, and (c) skin appendage formation. This necessitates the advent of innovative dressings to facilitate skin regeneration. Therapeutic ions, such as silicon ions (Si4+) and calcium ions (Ca2+), have been shown to assist in wound repair. The Si4+ released from silica (SiO2) can upregulate the expression of proteins, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), which is conducive to vascularization; Ca2+ released from tricalcium phosphate (TCP) can promote the coagulation alongside upregulating the expression of cell migration and cell differentiation related proteins, thereby facilitating the wound repair. The overarching objective of this study was to exploit short SiO2 nanofibers along with the TCP to prepare TCPx@SSF aerogels and assess their wound healing ability. Short SiO2 nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning and blended with varying proportions of TCP to afford TCPx@SSF aerogel scaffolds. The TCPx@SSF aerogels exhibited good cytocompatibility in a subcutaneous implantation model and manifested a rapid hemostatic effect (hemostatic time 75 s) in a liver trauma model in the rabbit. These aerogel scaffolds also promoted skin regeneration and exhibited rapid wound closure, epithelial tissue regeneration, and collagen deposition. Taken together, TCPx@SSF aerogels may be valuable for wound healing.

Exploring the mechanism of action of spirooxindoles as a class of CDK2 inhibitors: a structure-based computational approach.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) regulates cell cycle checkpoints in the synthesis and mitosis phases and plays a pivotal role in cancerous cell proliferation. The activation of CDK2, influenced by various protein signaling pathways, initiates the phosphorylation process. Due to its crucial role in carcinogenesis, CDK2 is a druggable hotspot target to suppress cancer cell proliferation. In this context, several studies have identified spirooxindoles as an effective class of CDK2 inhibitors. In the present study, three spirooxindoles (SOI1, SOI2, and SOI3) were studied to understand their inhibitory mechanism against CDK2 through a structure-based approach. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to explore their interactions with CDK2 at the molecular level. The calculated binding free energy for the spirooxindole-based CDK2 inhibitors aligned well with experimental results regarding CDK2 inhibition. Energy decomposition (ED) analysis identified key binding residues, including I10, G11, T14, R36, F82, K89, L134, P155, T158, Y159, and T160, in the CDK2 active site and T-loop phosphorylation. Molecular mechanics (MM) energy was identified as the primary contributor to stabilizing inhibitor binding in the CDK2 protein structure. Furthermore, the analysis of binding affinity revealed that the inhibitor SOI1 binds more strongly to CDK2 compared to the other inhibitors under investigation. It demonstrated a robust interaction with the crucial residue T160 in the T-loop phosphorylation site, responsible for kinase activation. These insights into the inhibitory mechanism are anticipated to contribute to the development of potential CDK2 inhibitors using the spirooxindole scaffold.

Coupling of phycoremediation and phytoremediation technologies to treat tannery effluents with rainwater dilutions.

From tannery effluent (TE) severely polluted with heavy metals (HMs viz., Cr, Cu, Cd, and Pb), hydrophytic phytoextraction remains a challenge as transplanted plants succumb to death on facing acclimatization shock. Current study was aimed at diluting TE with harvested rainwater (HR) for improving HM phytoextraction potential of Phragmites australis (a hydrophyte) assisted with phycoremediation of coupled algae (viz., Oedogonium sp. and Pithophora sp.). The TE:HR dilutions (TEDs) 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% (v/v) included three sets: set-1 included algae only, set-2 included P. australis only and set-3 included P. australis coupled with combined algal inoculum. Results showed that P. australis assisted with HR dilution and combined algal inoculum showed significantly greater uptake of HMs from each of the TEDs than respective control treatments. Combined algal application in the TEDs proved phycoremediation assistants based on their bioaccumulation factor (BF). The dry biomass of P. australis in TEDs applied with phycoremediation assistants remained greater than uninoculated ones. Overall, HM translocation factor (TF) of P. australis for Cr, Cu, Cd, and Pb remained ≥ 1. The study concludes that HM phytoextraction is substantially increased when concentrated TE is diluted with HR and assisted with phycoremediation of HM tolerant algae.

Evaluating the Effectiveness and Safety of Evinacumab in Treating Hypercholesterolemia and Hypertriglyceridemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease remains a significant global health concern, with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels contributing to an increased risk. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) further complicates its management, necessitating additional lipid-lowering therapies. Evinacumab, an angiopoietin-like protein 3 monoclonal antibody, has emerged as a potential treatment, particularly for patients with FH, by effectively reducing LDL-C and triglyceride levels. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of evinacumab across diverse patient populations. METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were systematically retrieved from multiple databases until November 24, 2023. The inclusion criteria were studies comparing evinacumab (at doses of 5 and 15 mg) to placebo, with outcomes focusing on lipid levels and adverse events. Standardized protocols were employed for data extraction and quality assessment, and statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan software. RESULTS: Four RCTs, involving 270 patients, were included in the analysis. The analysis revealed significant reductions in lipid markers, particularly with the 15-mg dose of evinacumab, including triacylglycerols (standard mean difference [SMD] = -6.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 14.53 to 2.36, P = 0.16), total cholesterol (SMD = - 6.20, 95% CI - 11.53 to - 0.88, P = 0.02), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD = - 0.79, 95% CI - 1.27 to - 0.31, P = 0.001), LDL-C (SMD = - 4.58, 95% CI - 9.13 to - 0.03, P = 0.05), apolipoprotein (Apo) B (SMD = - 4.01, 95% CI - 7.53 to - 0.46, P = 0.03), and Apo C3 (SMD = - 7.67, 95% CI - 12.94 to - 2.41, P = 0.004). Adverse event analysis revealed no significant association, indicating good tolerability. CONCLUSION: High-dose evinacumab (15 mg) consistently demonstrated efficacy in reducing cholesterol and other lipid markers, with favorable tolerability. Further research is warranted to comprehensively assess its safety and clinical effectiveness, emphasizing the need for additional data to support its use in managing cardiovascular disease.

Genome wide analysis of carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCO) gene family in Arachis hypogaea (peanut) under biotic stress.

Carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCOs) enzymes play a vital role in plant growth and development through the synthesis of apocarotenoids and their derivative. These chemicals are necessary for flower and fruit coloration, as well as the manufacture of plant hormones such as abscisic acid (ABA) and strigolactones, which control a variety of physiological processes. The CCOs gene family has not been characterized in Arachis hypogaea. Genome mining of A. hypogaea identifies 24 AhCCO gene members. The AhCCO gene family was divided into two subgroups based on the recent study of the Arabidopsis thaliana CCO gene family classification system. Twenty-three AhCCO genes, constituting 95.8% of the total, were regulated by 29 miRNAs, underscoring the significance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in governing gene expression in peanuts. AhCCD19 is the only gene that lacks a miRNA target site. The physicochemical characteristics of CCO genes and their molecular weights and isoelectric points were studied further. The genes were then characterized regarding chromosomal distribution, structure, and promoter cis-elements. Light, stress development, drought stress, and hormone responsiveness were discovered to be associated with AhCCO genes, which can be utilized in developing more resilient crops. The investigation also showed the cellular location of the encoded proteins and discovered that the peanut carotenoid oxygenase gene family's expansion was most likely the result of tandem, segmental, and whole-genome duplication events. The localization expresses the abundance of genes mostly in the cytoplasm and chloroplast. Expression analysis shows that AhCCD7 and AhCCD14 genes show the maximum expression in the apical meristem, lateral leaf, and pentafoliate leaf development, while AhNCED9 and AhNCED13 express in response to Aspergillus flavus resistance. This knowledge throws light on the evolutionary history of the AhCCO gene family and may help researchers better understand the molecular processes behind gene duplication occurrences in plants. An integrated synteny study was used to find orthologous carotenoid oxygenase genes in A. hypogaea, whereas Arabidopsis thaliana and Beta vulgaris were used as references for the functional characterization of peanut CCO genes. These studies provide a foundation for future research on the regulation and functions of this gene family. This information provides valuable insights into the genetic regulation of AhCCO genes. This technology could create molecular markers for breeding programs to develop new peanut lines.

BC-QNet: A quantum-infused ELM model for breast cancer diagnosis.

The timely and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer is pivotal for effective treatment, but current automated mammography classification methods have their constraints. In this study, we introduce an innovative hybrid model that marries the power of the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) with FuNet transfer learning, harnessing the potential of the MIAS dataset. This novel approach leverages an Enhanced Quantum-Genetic Binary Grey Wolf Optimizer (Q-GBGWO) within the ELM framework, elevating its performance. Our contributions are twofold: firstly, we employ a feature fusion strategy to optimize feature extraction, significantly enhancing breast cancer classification accuracy. The proposed methodological motivation stems from optimizing feature extraction for improved breast cancer classification accuracy. The Q-GBGWO optimizes ELM parameters, demonstrating its efficacy within the ELM classifier. This innovation marks a considerable advancement beyond traditional methods. Through comparative evaluations against various optimization techniques, the exceptional performance of our Q-GBGWO-ELM model becomes evident. The classification accuracy of the model is exceptionally high, with rates of 96.54 % for Normal, 97.24 % for Benign, and 98.01 % for Malignant classes. Additionally, the model demonstrates a high sensitivity with rates of 96.02 % for Normal, 96.54 % for Benign, and 97.75 % for Malignant classes, and it exhibits impressive specificity with rates of 96.69 % for Normal, 97.38 % for Benign, and 98.16 % for Malignant classes. These metrics are reflected in its ability to classify three different types of breast cancer accurately. Our approach highlights the innovative integration of image data, deep feature extraction, and optimized ELM classification, marking a transformative step in advancing early breast cancer detection and enhancing patient outcomes.

Biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles: A new era in cancer therapy.

Cancer remains a global health crisis, claiming countless lives throughout the years. Traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often bring about severe side effects, underscoring the pressing need for innovative, more efficient, and less toxic therapies. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising technology capable of producing environmentally friendly anticancer nanoparticles. Among various nanoparticle types, metal-based nanoparticles stand out due to their exceptional performance and ease of use in methods of imaging. The widespread accessibility of biological precursors for synthesis based on plants of metal nanoparticles has made large-scale, eco-friendly production feasible. This evaluation provides a summary of the green strategy for synthesizing metal-based nanoparticles and explores their applications. Moreover, this review delves into the potential of phyto-based metal nanoparticles in combating cancer, shedding light on their probable mechanisms of action. These insights are invaluable for enhancing both biomedical and environmental applications. The study also touches on the numerous potential applications of nanotechnology in the field of medicine. Consequently, this research offers a concise and well-structured summary of nanotechnology, which should prove beneficial to researchers, engineers, and scientists embarking on future research endeavors.

The antibiogram of pus cultures in federal tertiary care hospital, Islamabad and its utility in antimicrobial stewardship.

Background and Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a significant global health threat. Infections caused by Multi Drug-Resistant (MDR) bacteria pose formidable challenges in terms of treatment options and patient outcomes. Pus cultures serve as crucial diagnostic tools in identifying the agents responsible for various infections, and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns which help in establishment of empirical therapy guidelines. This study was conducted to determine the pathogen and its susceptibility pattern from pus cultures and to generate antibiogram in our tertiary care setting. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted for a period of six months, from July 2022 to December 2022, in the Pathology Department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Results: Out of total 2507 samples received, 1242 (49.5%) showed positive culture. Among the 1242 positive samples, 364 were Gram positive cocci (GPCs) and 878 were Gram negative rods (GNRs). Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the most common isolate (23%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.9%), Enterobacter spp. (15.5%) and Escherichia coli (14.2%). Vancomycin was found to be highly effective (100%) against MRSA. GPCs were highly susceptible to linezolid (98%) while GNRs showed high level of sensitivity to colistin (96%) and tigecycline (92%). Conclusion: The generation of a local antibiogram specific to the hospital setting is essential to effectively manage infections empirically and preserve the efficacy of existing antibiotics. By implementing antimicrobial stewardship practices based on a better understanding of antibiotic susceptibility patterns, we can contribute to the mitigation of antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Genetics aspect of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) biosynthesis and signaling pathways in fruits and vegetables crops.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in many physiological processes in plants and animals. In humans, vitamin C is an antioxidant, reducing agent, and cofactor in diverse chemical processes. The established role of vitamin C as an antioxidant in plants is well recognized. It neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can cause damage to cells. Also, it plays an important role in recycling other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which helps maintain the overall balance of the plant's antioxidant system. However, unlike plants, humans cannot synthesize ascorbic acid or vitamin C in their bodies due to the absence of an enzyme called gulonolactone oxidase. This is why humans need to obtain vitamin C through their diet. Different fruits and vegetables contain varying levels of vitamin C. The biosynthesis of vitamin C in plants occurs primarily in the chloroplasts and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The biosynthesis of vitamin C is a complex process regulated by various factors such as light, temperature, and plant hormones. Recent research has identified several key genes that regulate vitamin C biosynthesis, including the GLDH and GLDH genes. The expression of these genes is known to be regulated by various factors such as light, temperature, and plant hormones. Recent studies highlight vitamin C's crucial role in regulating plant stress response pathways, encompassing drought, high salinity, and oxidative stress. The key enzymes in vitamin C biosynthesis are L-galactose dehydrogenase (GLDH) and L-galactono-1, 4-lactone dehydrogenase (GLDH). Genetic studies reveal key genes like GLDH and GLDH in Vitamin C biosynthesis, offering potential for crop improvement. Genetic variations influence nutritional content through their impact on vitamin C levels. Investigating the roles of genes in stress responses provides insights for developing resilient techniques in crop growth. Some fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, along with strawberries and kiwi, are rich in vitamin C. Guava. Papaya provides a boost of vitamin C and dietary fiber. At the same time, red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, pineapple, mangoes, and kale are additional sources of this essential nutrient, promoting overall health. In this review, we will discuss a brief history of Vitamin C and its signaling and biosynthesis pathway and summarize the regulation of its content in various fruits and vegetables.

Methacrylated gelatin and platelet-rich plasma based hydrogels promote regeneration of critical-sized bone defects.

Physiological repair of large-sized bone defects requires instructive scaffolds with appropriate mechanical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, vasculogenic ability and osteo-inductivity. The objective of this study was to fabricate in situ injectable hydrogels using platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-loaded gelatin methacrylate (GM) and employ them for the regeneration of large-sized bone defects. We performed various biological assays as well as assessed the mechanical properties of GM@PRP hydrogels alongside evaluating the release kinetics of growth factors (GFs) from hydrogels. The GM@PRP hydrogels manifested sufficient mechanical properties to support the filling of the tissue defects. For biofunction assay, the GM@PRP hydrogels significantly improved cell migration and angiogenesis. Especially, transcriptome RNA sequencing of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and bone marrow-derived stem cells were performed to delineate vascularization and biomineralization abilities of GM@PRP hydrogels. The GM@PRP hydrogels were subcutaneously implanted in rats for up to 4 weeks for preliminary biocompatibility followed by their transplantation into a tibial defect model for up to 8 weeks in rats. Tibial defects treated with GM@PRP hydrogels manifested significant bone regeneration as well as angiogenesis, biomineralization, and collagen deposition. Based on the biocompatibility and biological function of GM@PRP hydrogels, a new strategy is provided for the regenerative repair of large-size bone defects.

Real-time navigation of mecanum wheel-based mobile robot in a dynamic environment.

Path planning and control of a mobile robot, in a dynamic environment, has been an important research topic for many years. In this paper an algorithm for autonomous motion of a mobile robot is proposed, with mecanum wheels, to reach a goal while avoiding obstacles through the shortest path in a dynamic environment. The proposed method uses a hybrid A⁎ and a velocity obstacle algorithms for path planning and obstacle avoidance. The A⁎ algorithm is implemented to explore the shortest path from starting position to the goal while avoiding all the static obstacles. However, in real time applications the dynamic obstacles need to be avoided, therefore, for such a case velocity obstacle algorithm is unified with the A⁎ algorithm. Initially, the proposed algorithm is verified through simulations. Then it is implemented using experimental setup in real time environment using single and multiple static obstacles as well as on a dynamic obstacle. It can be observed that the robot reaches the goal, effectively by avoiding static and dynamic obstacles. Moreover, the performance of the proposed work is evaluated through qualitative comparison between proposed method and recently published work, showing that the proposed algorithm is gives better features than existing work. In the end, the possible application of mobile robot having mecanum wheels with proposed path planning method is also given in the paper.