Unraveling the contribution of copper seed priming in enhancing chromium tolerance in wheat by improving germination, growth, and grain yield.

Exposure to chromium (Cr) on farmlands drastically restricts the growth and productivity of cereal crops, including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Utilizing micronutrients, the seed-priming strategy is crucial to preventing the adverse consequences of Cr-stress. Nevertheless, additional investigation needs to be conducted to figure out whether Cu-priming remedies are beneficial for wheat experiencing Cr-stress. The objective of this study was to ascertain the contribution of Cu-treated seed priming in the mitigation of detrimental impacts of Cr-stress on wheat germination, growth, and production. Two wheat cultivars, Dilkash-20 and Subhani-21, were subjected to seed priming treatments (0 mg/L, 0.1 mg/L, and 1.0 mg/L) of Cu under Cr-stress levels (200 mg/kg) in two successive experiments, respectively, petri-dish and soil-filled pot experiments. The Cu-priming significantly enhanced the wheat seed germination, plant growth, and grain yield under Cr-stress. Cu priming improved enzyme activities such as glutathione peroxidase (14.60, 16.30%), superoxide dismutase (62.55, 115.21%), peroxidase, catalase (78.39, 80.23%), ascorbate peroxidase(17.72, 20.32%), and key primary and secondary metabolites such as proline (54.19, 81.27%), glycine betaine (40.13, 79.39%), total soluble proteins (47.92, 51.58%), phenolics (40.05, 18.61%), and flavonoids (56.90, 113.46%), respectively, of Dilkash-20 and Subhani-21 under Cr-stress. The outcome of our investigation underscored the efficacy of Cu-priming treatments (0.1 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L) in Cr-stress circumstances to augment wheat germination, growth, and grain yield.

Impact of various monomers on release of losartan potassium from guar gum based polymeric network.

Present study was carried out to analyze the impact of three different monomers on release of losartan potassium from graft polymeric network prepared through free radical polymerization. N, N-methylene bis acrylamide was used as crosslinker and potassium persulfate as initiator. Losartan potassium as used as model drug because, it has very small plasma half-life and wide range of applications as an effective and efficient ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) causing lower incidence of side - effects. Influence of three different monomers on swelling and in vitro drug release of the delivery system was evaluated at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The polymeric networks were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis and Scanning electron microscopy. Polymeric network prepared with acrylic acid and methacrylic acid showed pH responsive behavior and while acrylamide based nexus exhibited pH independent style in swelling and drug release. However, among all the formulations, maximum swelling ratio (25.86) and optimal prolonged drug release (82.92%) was observed for GG-co-AA (M2) polymeric network at intestinal pH 7.4. The results indicated that GG-co-AA polymeric network could be an impending pH-sensitive drug delivery system for Losartan potassium. (M2) designated as formulation code with varying acrylic acid contents.

Gemifloxacin-transition metal complexes as therapeutic candidates: antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-enzymatic, and docking studies of newly synthesized complexes.

In the era of acquired microbial resistance (AMR), resulting in the ineffectiveness of antibiotics is of keen interest for researchers in current scenarios. Ten novel metal complexes of gemifloxacin have been synthesized by reacting it with essential and trace elements in a 2:1 ratio predetermined conducto-metrically. As these metals are either present in the body or co-administered as metallic supplements can alter the level of antibiotics. Therefore, Metal complexes of Gemifloxacin, an important member of the fluoroquinolone family, were synthesized. The possible coordination of gemifloxacin with these metals has been proposed by the electronic and elemental data obtained through molar conductance, elemental analysis, and spectroscopic techniques like ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), infrared (IR), and proton-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) studies. In the light of these studies, the monoanionic bidentate ligand behavior of gemifloxacin in complexation with metals has been revealed. For in-vitro microbial studies, these newly synthesized complexes were tested against eleven different bacteria including Gram + ve and Gram -ve organisms, and one fungal strain. The results were compared with the parent drug by applying ANOVA through SPSS software version 22. Therefore, it has been found that among all synthesized metal complexes, the G-M01 complex exhibits increased activity against B. subtilis, P. mirabilis, E. coli, K. pneumonia, and C. freundii. Complex G-M02, G-M03, G-M04, and G-M10 show more pronounced activity than Gemifloxacin against S. aureus and M. luteus. Moreover, the binding orientations of the synthesized metal complexes into the binding site of the urease enzyme revealed that all the docked metal complexes oriented away from the Ni bi-center, and the inactivation of urease is due to their interaction with entrance flap residues.

Toxic and repellent impacts of botanical oils against Callosobruchus maculatus (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) in stored cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.].

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important legume which is consumed globally for protein intake, particularly in Asian states. It is a well-known source of dietary fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins. The cowpea grains are stored after harvest and used till the next harvest. However, the grains are infested by storage pests, primarily Callosobruchus maculatus. Hence, effective management strategies are needed to protect the stored grains form the pests. This study assessed the efficacy of some edible oils in suppressing C. maculatus infestation in stored cowpea grains. Four different botanical oils (i.e., mustard, neem, poppy, and pumpkin) at four different concentrations (i.e., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ml per 100 g grain) were included in the study. A control treatment without any botanical oil was also included for comparison. The relevant concentrations of botanical oils were poured into plastic containers containing 100 g cowpea grains and ten C. maculatus adults were released. The jars were sealed and placed at room temperature. Data relating to mortality, oviposition, F1 adult emergence, and seed weight loss were recorded. The tested botanical oils and their concentrations significantly affected mortality after one day. Mortality after 2nd and 3rd days remained unaffected by botanical oils and their different concentrations. The highest mortality was recorded in neem oil-treated grains followed by poppy, pumpkin, and mustard oils. Increased oviposition rate was observed in the grains treated with mustard and pumpkin oils, while those treated with neem and poppy oil recorded decreased oviposition. The control treatment had increased oviposition rate compared to tested botanical oils. All botanical oils significantly inhibited egg laying percentage. The highest germination was recorded for the grains treated with mustard oil followed by pumpkin, poppy, and neem oils, respectively. The lowest germination was recorded for control treatment. Significant differences were noted for C. maculatus repellency among botanical oils. No emergence of adults (F1 progeny) was recorded in all tested botanical oils; thus, F1 progeny was inhibited by 100%. Weight loss, damage percentage, and holes in the grains were not recorded since F1 progeny did not emerge. It is concluded that tested botanical oils are promising and could be utilized to control C. maculatus in cowpea grains during storage.

Formulation development and in-vitro evaluation of gastroretentive drug delivery system of loxoprofen sodium: A natural excipients based approach.

The limitations of conventional type delivery systems to retain drug (s) in the stomach has resulted in the development of novel gastroretentive drug delivery system. We developed single-layer effervescent floating tablets of loxoprofen sodium for prolong delivery in the stomach using natural polymers xanthan gum, guar gum and semisynthetic polymer HPMCK4M. All the formulations (F1-F9) were developed by varying concentrations of xanthan gum and HPMCK4M while guar gum concentration was kept constant. Two gas generating agent (s) incorporated were sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. All compendial pre and post-compression tests results were in the acceptable limits. FTIR analysis confirmed drug-polymer compatibility. The in-vitro drug release in simulated conditions i.e., 0.1 N HCl for 12 h revealed orderly increase in total floating time, i.e., less than 6 h for F1 over 12 h for F9. Formulations F1 to F4 were not capable to retard drug release up to 12 h, whereas F5-F7 for 12 h, while F8 and F9 for more than 12 h. Data fitting in various kinetic models showed that drug release best fit in first order kinetic model and F9 in zero order. Based on results data, F7 was the best among all.

Incorporating permaculture and strategic management for sustainable ecological resource management.

Utilization of natural assets to the best efficient level without changing natural balance has become a critical issue for researchers as awareness on climate change takes central position in global debate. Conventional sustainable resource management systems are based on neoclassical economic approach that ignores the nature's pattern and therefore are not actually capable of sustainable management of resources. Environmentalists are lately advocating incorporation of Permaculture as holistic approach based on ethics, equitable interaction with eco-systems to obtain sustainability. The paper integrates philosophy of permaculture with strategic management frameworks to develop a pragmatic tool for policy development. The policy design tool augments management tasks by integrating recording of natural assets, monitoring of key performance indicators and integration of sectorial policies in real time, bringing out policy as a truly live document. The tool enhances the edifice process, balancing short term viewpoints and long term development to secure renewability of natural resources.