Metallic CoSb and Janus Co2AsSb monolayers as promising anode materials for metal-ion batteries.

Structural symmetry breaking plays a pivotal role in fine-tuning the properties of nano-layered materials. Here, based on the first-principles approaches we propose a Janus monolayer of metallic CoSb by breaking the out-of-plane structural symmetry. Specifically, within the CoSb monolayer by replacing the top-layer 'Sb' with 'As' atoms entirely, the Janus Co2AsSb monolayer can be formed, whose structure is confirmed via structural optimization and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Notably, the Janus Co2AsSb monolayer demonstrates stability at an elevated temperature of 1200 K, surpassing the stability of the CoSb monolayer, which remains stable only up to 900 K. We propose that both the CoSb and Janus Co2AsSb monolayers could serve as capable anode materials for power-driven metal-ion batteries, owing to their substantial theoretical capacity and robust binding strength. The theoretical specific capacities for Li/Na reach up to 1038.28/1186.60 mA h g-1 for CoSb, while Janus Co2AsSb demonstrates a marked improvement in electrochemical storage capacity of 3578.69/2215.38 mA h g-1 for Li/Na, representing a significant leap forward in this domain. The symmetry-breaking effect upgrades the CoSb monolayer, as a more viable contender for power-driven metal-ion batteries. Furthermore, electronic structure calculations indicate a notable charge transfer that augments the metallic nature, which would boost electrical conductivity. These simulations demonstrate that the CoSb and Janus Co2AsSb monolayers have immense potential for application in the design of metal-ion battery technologies.

Raisins: A kitchen cabinet item can restores the liver function and structure.

The aqueous methanol extract of raisins (Vitis vinifera) was investigated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxic rats model. Where it was found to revert the alteration induced by CCl4 in liver structure and function by improving the body weights, liver index, liver and bile duct specific enzymes, liver conjugative and synthetic markers, reduced glutathione and the total bilirubin/ albumin ratio while increasing the percent inhibition of lipid peroxidation in test groups treated with extract in doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight as compared to negative control group only treated with CCl4 3mL/kg that showed entirely opposite picture of all these parameters. Silymarin 100 mg/kg was used as reference hepatoprotective medicine in present study. In addition, histopathological studies of liver tissues of test groups displayed the restoration of liver anatomy. Therefore, raisins' extract proved to have liver protective, regenerative and antioxidant properties. These might reside in total phenolic content particularly in gallic acid and rutin in extract estimated and detected by spectrophotometric and high performance liquid chromatographic methods.

Presence of gallic acid and rutin improve the hepatoprotective strength of Withania coagulans.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is one of the chemicals used in industry reported to accelerate the risk of liver diseases in workers especially in developing countries, if it is not handled carefully. Therefore, the present study conducted to evaluate the liver protective and oxidative stress reducing activities of methanolic (MFEt) and aqueous methanolic fruits (AqMFEt) extracts of Withania coagulans against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. These fruits extracts in oral doses of 800 mg/kg were found effective in their respective test groups in decreasing weight loss, maintaining hepatic membrane integrity, biosynthetic and conjugative abilities by improving liver and bile duct specific enzymes (alanine and aspartate transferases, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltranstransferase), total protein and bilirubin profiles, uric acid levels plus uplifting the efficacy of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and protein by minimizing lipid peroxidation. All these beneficial effects confirmed by observing normal anatomical features of liver tissues in test groups. Total phenolic compounds were found high in AqMFEt. Interestingly, for the first time, gallic acid and rutin are identified and quantified in these extracts and thought to improve hepatoprotective potential of W. coagulans.

Toward Intrinsic Room-Temperature Ferromagnetism in Two-Dimensional Semiconductors.

Two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic semiconductors have been recognized as the cornerstone for next-generation electric devices, but the development is highly limited by the weak ferromagnetic coupling and low Curie temperature ( TC). Here, we reported a general mechanism which can significantly enhance the ferromagnetic coupling in 2D semiconductors without introducing carriers. On the basis of a double-orbital model, we revealed that the superexchange-driven ferromagnetism is closely related to the virtual exchange gap, and lowering this gap by isovalent alloying can significantly enhance the ferromagnetic (FM) coupling. On the basis of the experimentally available two-dimensional CrI3 and CrGeTe3, the FM coupling in two semiconducting alloy compounds CrWI6 and CrWGe2Te6 monolayers are calculated to be enhanced by 3∼5 times without introducing any carriers. Furthermore, a room-temperature ferromagnetic semiconductor is achieved under a small in-plane strain (4%). Thus, our findings not only deepen the understanding of FM semiconductors but also open a new door for realistic spintronics.

In vitro analysis of anti-diabetic and anti-oxidative potential of pedicles of fruit-vegetable bottle gourd.

The fruit-vegetable Lagenaria siceraria is well known for its ethnomedicinal applications. While other parts of the plant have been studied for their medicinal properties, its fruit pedicles have not been yet explored. The present study therefore aimed to investigate their phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant potential and alpha-amylase inhibitory properties. The bioactivities of this neglected part of the fruit were promising. Ethyl acetate fraction had the highest total phenolic content (TPC), 4.4µg/mL Gallic acid equivalent (GAE). The TPC of chloroform and n-butanolic fractions were 3.6 and 2.5 GAE, respectively. Chloroform fraction displayed the highest total flavonoid content (TFC, 295µg/mL Rutin equivalent). The trend of TFC among the fractions was chloroform > hexane > ethyl acetate > n-butanolic > aqueous. Ethyl acetate fraction was most potent as a DPPH radical scavenger, and showed notable activity even at very low concentration (IC50 2.65mg/mL). It was more potent than ascorbic acid (IC50 4.9mg/mL), the standard used in the study. The methanolic extract itself was more powerful than ascorbic acid. The residual aqueous fraction was the strongest inhibitor of alpha-amylase with IC50 1.35mg/mL, which was comparable to the antidiabetic drug Acarbose (IC50 1.26 mg/mL). The IC50 (mg/mL) of ethyl acetate, hexane and n-butanolic fractions were 2.16,2.05 and 2.44, respectively. The findings indicated that the pedicles of L. siceraria fruits have remarkable antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibitory potential. Subject to verification by in vivo analysis and clinical trial, consumption of the pedicles of this fruit may be advised to diabetic people. As the aqueous fraction was the most potent inhibitor, a water decoction of the fruit part may safely be recommended for the purpose.

Photodegradation of bifenthrin and deltamethrin-effect of copper amendment and solvent system.

The photodegradation of bifenthrin and deltamethrin was studied in the presence of Cu salts and two different solvents, methanol and acetonitrile. Results of the study showed that in the absence of any metal salt, the two pesticides degraded more rapidly in acetonitrile than in methanol. After 24 h of UV irradiation, 70% of deltamethrin had degraded in acetonitrile, while only 41% bifenthrin degraded in this solvent. In methanol, bifenthrin degraded at a much enhanced rate than in acetonitrile while the rate of degradation of deltamethrin was comparable to that in acetonitrile. The photodegradation was further enhanced by the addition of copper to the solution of bifenthrin and deltamethrin in acetonitrile. The rate of photodegradation of deltamethrin increased from 2.4 × 10-2 to 3.5 × 10-2 h-1 in acetonitrile and 2.5 × 10-2 to 3.4 × 10-2 h-1 in methanol after the addition of copper. Similarly, the rate of photodegradation of bifenthrin was increased from 5.0 × 10-3 to 9.0 × 10-3 h-1 in acetonitrile and 7.0 × 10-3to 9.05 × 10-3 h-1 in methanol with the addition of copper. Thus, copper has the potential to enhance the photodegradation of bifenthrin and deltamethrin in both the solvents.

Evaluation of anti-oxidative, antimicrobial and anti-diabetic potential of Adiantum venustum and identification of its phytochemicals through GC-MS.

The present study aimed to explore antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-diabetic properties of the fern Adiantum venustum. The TPC (total phenolic content) of methanolic extract of the plant was 247.95±0.0007µg of Gallic acid equivalents per gram of dried extract (mg GAE/g). The highest TPC was in n-butanolic fraction, which was 981.45±0.1562mg GAE/g. Hexane fraction showed lowest TPC (256.95±0.0420mg GAE/g). Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited highest total flavonoid content (TFC), i.e., 62.0±0.050mg of Rutin equivalents per gram of sample. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2- picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity of the plant was significant. n-Butanolic fraction was most potent with IC50 being 1.06mg/mL. The IC50 of methanolic extract was 1.50mg/mL, that of aqueous fraction was 2.51 mg/mL, and that of chloroform fraction was 2.65mg/mL. Antibacterial potential of the fern was tested against two Gram-positive bacterial strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli and two Gram-negative bacterial strains, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. n-Butanolic fraction showed highest zone of inhibition (ZOI, 25.13±1.237 mm) against P. aeruginosa. Ethyl acetate fraction was most active (ZOI, 15.75±1.060 mm) against S. aureus. Against E. coli, aqueous and n-butanolic fractions were most active (ZOI, 14.75±0.353 and 14.50±0.707mm, respectively). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanolic extract against B. subtilis was as low as 1.98mg/mL. The hexane fraction was least toxic against all the fractions. The plant displayed significant alpha-amylase inhibitory activity. Chloroform fraction was most effective with lowest IC50 (1.10mg/mL) followed by ethyl acetate fraction (1.92mg/mL). A. venustum is rich in phenolics and has substantial antioxidant, antimicrobial and alpha-amylase inhibitory potential.

Monitoring and distribution patterns of pesticide residues in soil from cotton/wheat fields of Pakistan.

The excessive use of hazardous pesticides for massive cotton and wheat production has deteriorated the quality of Okara district's soil. Thus, in order to sustain the production of good-quality food, it is essential to determine the residue levels of pesticides in the agricultural soil and define their possible sources. Thus, the present study focused on the determination of selected pesticides in the soil samples obtained from cotton/wheat fields by using the modified multi-residue pesticide analysis method based on GCMS and HPLC-UV. Most of soil samples were found to be highly contaminated with imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, and α-cypermethrin residues. Selected pesticides were significantly correlated with each other at p < 0.05 except imidacloprid, which was negatively correlated with triazophos, MCPA methyl ester, selected pyrethroid pesticides, and their metabolite. Soil pH and phosphate levels were significantly positively correlated while sulfate content was negatively correlated with most of selected pesticides. The varimax normalized factor analysis divides the selected pesticides to the two major factors that explained 87.19% of the total variance which evidenced that pesticide in the same cluster shared a common source in the soil. A significant negative correlation of chlorpyrifos in the second factor pointed towards a source different from other pesticides. Factor and cluster analysis indicated that sulfate levels of soil positively affected the persistence/ mobility of imidacloprid.

Antimicrobial salicylaldehyde Schiff bases: synthesis, characterization and evaluation.

As the pathogens soon develop resistance to the existing antibiotics, the demand for new and more effective anti-microbial agents is a continuous phenomenon. In this paper we are reporting synthesis and spectral data of eight Schiff bases of salicylaldehyde with different amines, and evaluation of their anti-microbial activities against different bacterial strains. The bases were synthesized by reflux method, and their structures were determined based FT-IR, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR and Mass spectrometric data. The Schiff bases synthesized included 2-{[(Z)-(2-hydroxyphenyl) methylidene] amino}benzoicacid (SB1), 4-{[(Z)-(2-hydroxyphenyl) methylidene] amino} benzoic acid (SB2),2-[(naphthalene-2-ylimino)methyl] phenol(SB3),2-2'-[benzene-1,4-diylbis(nitrilomethylylidene)]diphenol (SB4), 2-2'-[benzene-1,2-diylbis (nitrile-(E)-methylylidene)]diphenol (SB5), 2-[(2-phenylhydrazineylidene)methyl]phenol (SB6), 2-2'-[ethene-1,2-diylbis(iminomethanediyl)]diphenol (SB7) and 2-[(Z)-(phenylimino)methyl]phenol (SB8). The anti-microbial activities of synthesized Schiff bases were determined in terms of zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). All the bases showed moderate to good activities against all the tested microorganisms. The MICs of most compounds were 100-200ßg/mL against different microorganisms. However, it was 50ßg/mL for SB1 against P. aeruginosa (1), SB3 against P. aurantiaca, P. aeruginosa (1), E. coli (2), S. typhi (2) and C. freundii, SB4against E. coli (2), S. typhi (1) and S. maltophilia, SB5 against K. pneumoniae and S. typhi (2), SB6 against P. aeruginosa (3) and C. freundii, SB7 against E. cloacae and A. lipoferum, and SB8 against E. coli (2). Considerably active bases may prove to be potential candidates for future antibiotic drugs.

Study of alpha-amylase and urease inhibitory activities of Melilotus indicus (Linn.) All.

Melilotus indicus (Linn.) All. is a small herb distributed throughout Pakistan and has a number of ethnomedicinal uses. It is also consumed as a vegetable. In the present work, we are reporting the alpha-amylase and urease inhibitory activities of methanolic extract of M. indicus and its sub-fractions in different solvents. Both the methanolic extract and its fractions in chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water showed remarkable inhibitory activities against alpha-amylase with the IC50 values being 1.29, 1.45, 1.07, 1.45 and 2.10 mg/mL respectively. The efficacy of the methanolic extract was comparable with that of acarbose (1.20 mg/mL), while the ethyl acetate fraction was more potent. The urease inhibitory activities of methanolic extract and chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water fractions were more prominent with IC50 values being 0.95, 0.89, 1.53, 0.98 and 4.90 µg/mL respectively. The activity of methanolic extract was slightly higher than that of thiourea (0.97 µg/mL) which in turn was slightly higher than that of n-butanolic fraction. The chloroform fraction showed the highest anti-urease activity. All the plant samples showed enzyme inhibitory activity in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, they were manifold more effective against urease than alpha-amylase. The combination of the plant extract with acarbose considerably increased the potency of the latter. The findings suggest that enzyme inhibitory activities of the vegetable M. indicus may have pharmacological significance against diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal ulcers.

Hepatitis E associated determinants and diagnostic biomarkers during pregnancy and its prenatal consequences in Multan, Punjab tertiary care setting (Pakistan).

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in the world. Hepatitis E infection is commonly widespread by the fecal oral routes and contaminated water. This study was designed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis E infection in pregnant women of the Multan district, Pakistan. METHODS: The study comprised of a total of 500 enrolled patients, among which, 105 pregnant females with hepatitis E infection fulfilled the criteria for anti-HEV antibodies. Pregnant women without significant complications and without hepatitis E infection were excluded from this study. Hepatic profile, complete blood count, coagulation markers, and standard protocol were also assessed for fetal maternal hemorrhage. RESULTS: Our results showed that 105 patients (66.66%, CI 95%) had HEV infection with mean age 25±5 years. Serum bilirubin levels were increased in 74 patients (70.47%), aspartate transaminase was elevated > 200 IU/L in 71 patients (67.61%), alanine transaminase was above the 100 IU/L in 65 patients (245 IU/L), and low platelet counts were found in 45 patients (42.85%). Moreover, fetal distress cases were 9 (10.84%) and maternal distress cases were about 11 (13.25%). Fetal mortality cases were 39 (37.14%), and maternal mortality cases were about 22 (20.95%) due to hepatic comma, intravascular coagulation, and hepatic failure. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the prevalence of Hepatitis E during pregnancy is associated with high risk factors of unhygienic practices, blood transfusion, and noncompliance with universal infection control techniques. Maternal fatalities and fetal consequences were exacerbated by HEV infection.

Study of phenolic content and urease and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities of methanolic extract of Rumex acetosella roots and its sub-fractions in different solvents.

The present study aimed to establish relationship between urease and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities on the one hand and on the other between anti-enzymatic activities and total phenolic contents of the methanolic extract of roots of Rumex acetosella and its fractions in various solvents. The methanolic extract and its fractions in chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water showed remarkable inhibitory activities against both urease and alpha-amylase, there was a close correspondence between urease and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities of the plant samples. The n-butanol fraction which had the highest total phenolic content (252.19 ± 2.32 µg of Gallic Acid Equivalents/mg of dry mass of the sample) showed prominent activity against both urease and alpha-amylase indicating a possible role of phenolics in inhibiting the activities of these enzymes. The samples displayed enzyme inhibitory activities in a dose dependent manner and their effectiveness was comparable with that of the standards, thiourea (for urease) and acarbose (for alpha-amylase). The samples were manifold more effective against urease than alpha-amylase; 2.8 mg/mL of MeOH extract produced about 81% inhibition in alpha-amylase activity, while only 10 µg/mL of the extract was required to create the same inhibition in urease activity. The IC50 values of methanolic, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanolic, aqueous and standard solutions were 1.29, 1.31, 1.90, 1.38, 0.85 and 1.20 (mg/mL) respectively against alpha-amylase and 0.99, 3.89, 1.76, 0.91, 0.85 and 0.97 (µg/mL) respectively against urease. The total phenolic content in MeOH, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water fractions was 108.88 ± 2.65, 43.70 ± 1.90, 34.44 ± 2.30, 230.71 ± 1.78, 252.19 ± 2.32 and 94.07 ± 2.25 respectively.

Comparison of deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound- and heat-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from Withania somnifera and process optimization using response surface methodology.

Extraction of bioactive compounds from Withania somnifera roots was studied using sodium acetate-glycerol deep eutectic solvent (DES) and two techniques ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and heat-assisted extraction (HAE) under response surface methodology (RSM). For UAE and HAE, total phenolic content (TPC, mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry weight (mg GAE g-1 DW)), total flavonoid content (TFC, mg rutin equivalents g-1 DW (mg RE g-1 DW)), radical scavenging activity (RSA, mg AAE (ascorbic acid equivalents) g-1 DW), and iron chelating activity (ICA, mg EDTAE (ethylenediaminetetraacetate equivalents) g-1 DW%) were 6.51, 6.08, 12.56, and 3.57, respectively, and 3.33, 3.98. 6.57 and 2.48, respectively. For UAE, the optimal conditions were a DES concentration of 50 %, temperature of 60 °C, and time of 20 min, and for HAE, a DES concentration of 60 %, temperature of 60 °C, and time of 75 min. The discovered models were strongly supported by the validation experiments. UAE was more efficient and less time-consuming for extracting phytoconstituents of the W. somnifera than HAE.

Black phosphorene/SnSe van der Waals heterostructure as a promising anchoring anode material for metal-ion batteries.

Black phosphorene (BP) is a glowing two-dimensional semiconducting layer material for cutting-edge microelectronics, with high carrier mobility and thickness-dependent band gap. Here, based on van der Waals (vdW)-corrected first-principles approaches, we investigated stacked BP/tin selenide (BP/SnSe) vdW heterostructure as an anode material for metal ion batteries, which exhibits a significant theoretical capacity, along with relatively durable binding strength compared to the constituent BP and SnSe monolayers. Our calculations demonstrated that the Li/Na adatom favors insertion into the interlayer region of BP/SnSe vdW heterostructure owing to synergistic interfacial effect, resulting in comparable diffusivity to the BP and SnSe monolayers. Subsequently, the theoretical specific capacities for Li/Na are found to be as high as 956.30 mAhg-1and 828.79 mAhg-1, respectively, which could be attributed to the much higher storage capacity of Li/Na adatoms in the BP/SnSe vdW heterostructure. Moreover, the electronic structure calculations reveal that a large amount of charge transfer assists in semiconductor-to-metallic transition upon lithiation/sodiation, ensuring good electrical conductivity. These simulations verify that the BP/SnSe vdW heterostructure has immense potential for application in the design of metal-ion battery technologies.

Modelling and optimization of polyphenol and antioxidant extraction from Rumex hastatus by green glycerol-water solvent according to response surface methodology.

Rumex hastatus (RH) is an edible wild herb abundantly distributed in many parts of the world. With the increasing realization of the environmental threats corresponding to the use of conventional organic solvents, the realization to explore efficient green solvents for the extraction of valuable natural products from plants is increasing. The present project, therefore, aimed to discover an optimized efficient and green process for obtaining antioxidant phytochemicals from R. hastatus using aqueous glycerol as a green and low-cost extraction medium. For modelling and optimization according to RSM (response surface methodology), the independent factors were glycerol concentration, temperature and time, and the responses included TPC (total phenolic content), TFC (total flavonoid content), and anti-radical activity (ARA) and iron chelating activity (ICA). The predicted optimum conditions were 52.155% glycerol concentration, 41.303 min extraction time and 50 °C extraction temperature with the predicted values for TPC, TFC, ARA and ICA as 21.65 mg GA/g DW, 95.78 mg RE/g DW, 84.93% and 46.47%, respectively. For responses, well-fitted quadratic models were suggested. Thus, aqueous glycerol is an efficient, green, and cost-effective solvent and its around 50% solution can effectively be used as an extracting medium for antioxidants from R. hastatus. The discovered model should be viable for large scale extraction of bioactive compounds from this plant.

Surfactant-mediated extraction of capsaicin from Capsicum annuum L. fruit in various solvents.

Capsaicin is a valuable compound found in Capsicum annuum. The present study aimed to explore the efficiency of different solvents and surfactants on its extraction by maceration. Ethyl acetate was found to be the best solvent followed by dichloromethane and acetone, respectively. Overall order of efficiency of the solvents used was this: ethyl acetate > dichloromethane > acetone > glycerol > acetonitrile > methanol > acetic acid > toluene. Extractability of ethyl acetate for capsaicin remained unaffected by the surfactants. Tween-80 had very positive effect on the extraction efficiency of dichloromethane (DCM) and acetone. Kinetics of the extraction with the most efficient solvent ethyl acetate showed extraction of capsaicin to follow a pseudo-second order kinetic model. In conclusion, for extraction of capsaicin from green chili, ethyl acetate was the most powerful amongst the solvents used in the present work and tween-80 had a notable positive effect on the efficiency of DCM and acetone.

Deep Eutectic Liquids as Tailorable Extraction Solvents: A Review of Opportunities and Challenges.

Deep Eutectic Liquids (DELs) fall among the rapidly evolving discoveries of the 21st century, and these liquids are considered as alternative solvents to toxic and volatile organic liquids. Nevertheless, the emerging trend regarding the use of DELs in every field of physical and biological sciences, a lot of ambiguities and misconceptions exist about their formation, mechanism, and efficiencies observed or projected. A review of available technical data makes it obvious that these liquids have the potential to revolutionize the underdeveloped areas of analytical chemistry particularly the extraction/enrichment of analytes. To ensure the green and sustainable use of DELs, the researchers need to have a thorough understanding of DELs, their classification, chemistry, the nature and strength of molecular entanglements, and their tailorable features. Many researchers have declared these liquids recyclable but more attentive trials are needed to develop an authentic and straightforward DELs recycling methodology. The present review covers sound background knowledge and expert opinions about the technical definition of DELs, their classification, formation, recyclability, and tailorable features for their application as extraction solvent/sorbent in analytical chemistry.

Extraction and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Lagenaria siceraria Fruit Pedicles.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a versatile polymer commonly employed in food, chemical, and biomedical formulations. Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd) fruit is consumed in many parts of the world, and its pedicle is discarded as waste. In the quest for a novel renewable source of the MCC, the present study investigates the extraction and characterization of MCC from the pedicle of Lagenaria siceraria fruits. The MCC was extracted by sequentially treating pedicles with water, alkali, bleaching (sodium chlorite), and dilute sulfuric acid (acid hydrolysis). The removal of associated impurities from pedicle fibers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analyses. The extracted MCC exhibited a characteristic crystalline structure of cellulose in X-ray diffraction with a 64.53% crystallinity index. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the variation in the morphology of the fibers and the formation of MCC of approximately 100 µm. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated higher thermal stability of MCC. MCC production from biowaste (pedicle) holds potential for application as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Grevillea robusta Delayed the Progression of Experimentally Induced Hepatic Fibrosis and Cirrhosis in Wistar Rats by Attenuating the Expression of Smooth Muscle Actin, Collagen, and TGF-ß.

The chronic damage to the liver causes fibrosis, especially when different proteins are accumulated in the liver, which is the basic characteristic of chronic liver damage. The excessive accumulation of the matrix protein such as collagen causes liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, and portal vein hypertension. Plants having antioxidants, free radical scavenging activities, and anti-inflammatory constituents are believed to be hepatoprotective in nature. Grevillea robusta (GR) is native to the subtropical environment. Its in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic, and free radical scavenging activities are known, while the effect on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis remains elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of Grevillea robusta plant. GR leaf extract (GREE) was prepared from the hydroethanolic extract (70%). Polyphenol and flavonoid contents and the in vitro antioxidant activity of the extract were determined. In vivo hepatitis was induced in Wistar rats by continual IP injections of CCl4. GREE was administered by oral gavage at a dose of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg of body weight once daily for 4 weeks. Variations in rat's body weight, liver-to-body weight ratio, serum alanine aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyltransferase, liver histology, and cellular markers of liver fibrosis were evaluated. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) (p < 0.001) were decreased in the treatment group compared with the disease control group. RBC count was increased (p < 0.001) in the treatment group compared with the disease control group. The expression of alpha-SMA was downregulated to 40% (p < 0.05) and that of collagen was decreased by 9% (p < 0.05) compared with the disease control group. Extracellular matrix deposition and necrotic areas were also decreased as compared to the disease control group. It can be concluded that GR possesses hepatoprotective action by virtue of antioxidant constituents and delays the progression of liver cirrhosis by suppressing the activation of extracellular matrix-producing cells in the liver.

The Impact of Predialysis Patient Education Counseling on Relative Frequencies of Renal Replacement Modalities.

Background and objective The predialysis education program (PDEP) is an integral part of the management of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the distribution of renal replacement therapy (RRT) among patients with ESRD who received PDEP counseling at a single tertiary care center in Khamis Mushait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methodology In this study, we included 177 patients with ESRD who received a series of structured PDEP counseling sessions between March 2018 and February 2019 at the Armed Forces Hospital, Southern Region, Khamis Mushait, KSA. All patients were offered available RRT options, which included hemodialysis (HD), continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), or renal transplantation. Patients' opted RRT modality was recorded and managed as per the international guidelines and institutional protocols. Results Out of 177 patients, 58.8% (104) were males, with a mean age of 59 ± 13.7 years. The most common comorbid condition as the primary diagnosis was diabetic nephropathy in 49.7% (88), followed by hypertension in 30.5% (54), bilateral small kidney in 15.3% (27), and renal stone in 5.1% (nine) of the patients. Among the available RRTs, 51.4% (91) chose HD, 5.1% (nine) decided on CAPD, four patients (2.3%) opted for renal transplantation, while the remaining 41.2% (73) had yet to choose one, out of which 83.6% (61/73) had stage-IV chronic kidney disease (CKD) while the remaining 16.4% (12/73) had stage-V CKD. Conclusions In conclusion, a series of structured PDEP sessions for the patients progressing to ESRD can facilitate their selection of RRT. In a resource-limited setting, such as ours, where the number of patients who seek treatment for ESRD is rising, PDEP can provide patients with adequate information and knowledge to equip them with the ability regarding the selection of a self-care RRT modality.