DFT, GC-MS analysis and biological evaluation of Limbarda crithmoides L. Dumort essential oil; an important edible halophyte grown in Pakistan.

Antimicrobial resistance is a major health burden in Pakistan, and therefore new herbal medicine-based therapeutic regimens are being largely investigated. Limbarda crithmoides essential oil was extracted by using hydrodistillation method. Chemical profiling of essential was evaluated by using FTIR and GC-MS analysis. A total of 20 components were identified including, p-xylene, o-xylene, ß-linalool, acetophenole and 3-isopropylphenyl methylcarbamate. The HOMO and LUMO analysis in DFT investigations presented that 3-isopropylphenyl methylcarbamate, p-xylene and o-xylene posess a substantial capacity to transfer charge through molecules. The antimicrobial potential of essential oil showed moderate inhibition against E. coli (MIC = 6.25 mg/mL), whereras a significant inhibition Staphylococos aureus was recorded (MIC = 3.12 mg/mL). Further, significant antioxidant activities were recorded in DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 80.5 µg/mL), H2O2 (64 ± 1.2%) and FRAP (60.3 µg ferrous equivalents) assays. It was therefore concluded that Limbarda crithmoides essential oil has potential antioxidant and anti-antimicrobial properties and can be used for further investigations.

Facilitated transport of ferrihydrite with phosphate under saturated flow conditions.

With increasing phosphate (P) entering the environment during agricultural application, the subsurface flow of particular P has been recently discussed as a vital P transport pathway. Iron (oxyhydr)oxide colloid-facilitated P transport is critical for iron and P biogeochemical processes in the subsurface. This study investigated the ferrihydrite colloid-facilitated P transport through adsorption and column experiments under different P concentrations and three pH conditions. Increased P loading on ferrihydrite colloids decreased the transport of ferrihydrite colloids (< 8.0%) under acid conditions through pore straining and irreversible attachment. Under neutral and alkaline conditions, ferrihydrite colloids exhibited more negative surfaces and smaller diameters with increasing P, which further enhanced ferrihydrite colloid transport (maximum to 95.6%). Ferrihydrite colloid-facilitated P transport was limited under acid conditions, and it was 10% - 57% enhancement under neutral and alkaline conditions with increasing P adsorption. Under neutral conditions, ferrihydrite colloid-facilitated P transport was strongest (maximum to 68.84%) because of its stronger ferrihydrite colloid transport than under acid conditions and larger P adsorption capacity than under alkaline conditions. Our findings indicate that the facilitated transport of ferrihydrite colloids in the presence of P may be appreciable in iron and phosphate-rich soil and subsurface systems, which is essential for evaluating the fate of iron and iron-facilitated P and potential environmental risks of P transport in the subsurface.

Impact of left ventricular assist devices on 30-day readmission and outcomes in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a nationwide analysis.

Introduction: Bleeding, especially non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB), remains the most common cause of readmission in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. Any readmission after NVUGIB carries a worse prognosis. Aim: To compare readmission outcomes in NVUGIB patients with and without LVAD. Material and methods: We identified adult NVUGIB patients using the National Readmission Database 2018 employing International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. The patients were grouped based on LVAD history. Proportions were compared using the Fisher exact test, and multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis was used to compute adjusted p-values. We used Stata version 14.2 to perform analyses considering 2-sided p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: The analysis included 322,342 NVUGIB patients, 1403 had a history of LVAD (mean age 64.25 years). The 30-day all-cause readmission rate in NVUGIB with LVAD was higher (24.31% vs. 13.92%, p < 0.001). Gastrointestinal bleeding as a readmission cause was more prevalent in the LVAD group. In patients with LVAD, NVUGIB readmissions required more complex endoscopic procedures, either requiring intervention during endoscopy or enteroscopy. There was no difference in mortality in NVUGIB readmissions (1.51% vs. 4.49%, p = 0.36); however, the length and cost of stay were higher in the LVAD group. Additionally, we identified novel independent predictors of readmission from NVUGIB in patients with LVADs. Conclusions: Readmissions in NVUGIB patients after LVAD require complex haemostatic intervention and are associated with greater resource utilization. To reduce readmissions and associated healthcare costs, it is essential to identify high-risk patients.

Unraveling the genetic and molecular basis of heat stress in cotton.

Human activities and climate change have resulted in frequent and intense weather fluctuations, leading to diverse abiotic stresses on crops which hampers greatly their metabolic activities. Heat stress, a prevalent abiotic factor, significantly influences cotton plant biological activities resulting in reducing yield and production. We must deepen our understanding of how plants respond to heat stress across various dimensions, encompassing genes, RNAs, proteins, metabolites for effective cotton breeding. Multi-omics methods, primarily genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics, proves instrumental in studying cotton's responses to abiotic stresses. Integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomic is imperative for our better understanding regarding genetics and molecular basis of heat tolerance in cotton. The current review explores fundamental omics techniques, covering genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to highlight the progress made in cotton omics research.

Comparison of biosimilar filgrastim and originator filgrastim for peripheral blood stem cell mobilization for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Nivestym, a biosimilar granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to the originator filgrastim (Neupogen), is now being used for the mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We aim to compare the efficacy of Nivestym and Neupogen for PBSC mobilization in healthy allogeneic donors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-center study including 541 adult allo-HSCT donors receiving Nivestym (January 2013-July 2020), or Neupogen (July 2020-June 2023) for donor PBSC mobilization. Bivariate analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value <.05. RESULTS: Our study included 541 allo-HSCT donors who received Neupogen (n = 345, 64%) or Nivestym (n = 196, 36%) for PBSC mobilization. The median age was 47 years (range 17-76). The median donor weight was 86 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87-91). Donors receiving Neupogen had similar pre-G-CSF white blood cell count, CD34+ percentages, and circulating CD34+ count compared with donors receiving Nivestym. The Neupogen group had similar median PBSC product total neutrophil count, CD34+ percentage, absolute CD34+ count, and infused CD34+ dose compared with the Nivestym group. For donors aged 35 years or younger, the median CD34+ dose was higher in donors who received Neupogen compared with Nivestym (6.9 vs. 6.3 million cells/kg, p = .044). CONCLUSIONS: Nivestym demonstrated similar efficacy for PBSC mobilization compared with Neupogen among allo-HSCT donors. In donors aged 35 years or younger, a slightly lower PBSC product CD34+ count was noted with Nivestym compared with Neupogen.

ACE2 mediates tryptophan alleviation on diarrhea by repairing intestine barrier involved mTOR pathway.

The membrane-delimited receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is expressed in the intestine, collaborates with broad neutral amino acid transporter 1 (B0AT1). Tryptophan (Trp) is transported into intestinal epithelial cells by ACE2 and B0AT1. However, whether ACE2 and its binding protein B0AT1 are involved in Trp-mediated alleviation of intestinal injury is largely unknown. Here, we used weaned piglets and IPEC-J2 cells as models and found that ACE2/B0AT1 alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced diarrhea and promoted intestinal barrier recovery via transport of Trp. The levels of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways were altered by ACE2. Dietary Trp supplementation in LPS-treated weaned piglets revealed that Trp alleviated diarrhea by promoting ACE2/B0AT1 expression, and examination of intestinal morphology revealed that the damage to the intestinal barrier was repaired. Our study demonstrated that ACE2 accompanied by B0AT1 mediated the alleviation of diarrhea by Trp through intestinal barrier repair via the mTOR pathway.

Harbor seal whiskers optimization algorithm with deep learning-based medical imaging analysis for gastrointestinal cancer detection.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer detection includes the detection of cancerous or potentially cancerous lesions within the GI tract. Earlier diagnosis is critical for increasing the success of treatment and improving patient outcomes. Medical imaging plays a major role in diagnosing and detecting GI cancer. CT scans, endoscopy, MRI, ultrasound, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can help detect lesions, abnormal masses, and changes in tissue structure. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods are being gradually applied to medical imaging for cancer diagnosis. ML algorithms, including deep learning methodologies like convolutional neural network (CNN), are applied frequently for cancer diagnosis. These models learn features and patterns from labelled datasets to discriminate between normal and abnormal areas in medical images. This article presents a new Harbor Seal Whiskers Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning based Medical Imaging Analysis for Gastrointestinal Cancer Detection (HSWOA-DLGCD) technique. The goal of the HSWOA-DLGCD algorithm is to explore the GI images for the cancer diagnosis. In order to accomplish this, the HSWOA-DLGCD system applies bilateral filtering (BF) approach for the removal of noise. In addition, the HSWOA-DLGCD technique makes use of HSWOA with Xception model for feature extraction. For cancer recognition, the HSWOA-DLGCD technique applies extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model. Finally, the parameters compared with the XGBoost system can be selected by moth flame optimization (MFO) system. The experimental results of the HSWOA-DLGCD technique could be verified on the Kvasir database. The simulation outcome demonstrated a best possible solution of the HSWOA-DLGCD method than other recent methods.

Use of Endpoints in Phase III Randomized Controlled Trials for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Over the Last 15 Years: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the proportion of primary and secondary endpoints in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) phase III randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and analyze their trends in time and study sponsorship status. The Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 28. A total of 147 HSCT phase III RCTs from 2006 to 2021 reported 197 primary and 600 secondary endpoints. Overall survival (OS, 17 %), progression-free survival (PFS, 15 %), graft versus host disease (GVHD, 8 %), event-free survival (EFS, 8 %), and organ function (8 %) were the most common primary endpoints. GVHD (12.3 %, n = 74), safety/toxicity/adverse events (11.8 %, n = 71), OS (11.5 %, n = 69), PFS (9.3 %, n = 56), and relapse rate (RR; 7.5 %, n = 45) were the most common secondary endpoints during 2006-2021. After 2013, an increase was noted in the use of PFS as a primary endpoint (12 %-18 %, p = 0.196), while the use of OS as a primary endpoint declined (20 %-13 %, p = 0.170). An increase was observed in using the secondary endpoints RR (5 %-10 %, p = 0.047) and NRM (3 %-6 %, p = 0.047). EFS was used more (14 % vs. 4 %, p = 0.012) than ORR (11 % vs. 2 %, p = 0.003) as a primary endpoint in pharmaceutical-compared to non-pharmaceutical-sponsored studies. As secondary endpoints, the use of EFS (4 % vs. 1 %, p = 0.013) and ORR (4 % vs. 1 %, p = 0.028) was higher, whereas that of organ systems/functions (1.5 % vs. 5.5 %, p = 0.022) and GVHD (6.5 % vs. 15 %, p = 0.002) was lower in pharmaceutical-compared to non-pharmaceutical sponsored studies. GVHD-free relapse-free survival was reported as a primary endpoint in 2 % of studies, while only 5 % reported quality of life as a secondary endpoint. We described commonly used endpoints in HSCT phase III RCTs and patterns in their use over time by funding source and study intervention category.

Molecular identification of Hymenopteran insects collected by using Malaise traps from Hazarganji Chiltan National Park Quetta, Pakistan.

The order Hymenoptera holds great significance for humans, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, due to its role as a pollinator of wild and cultivated flowering plants, parasites of destructive insects and honey producers. Despite this importance, limited attention has been given to the genetic diversity and molecular identification of Hymenopteran insects in most protected areas. This study provides insights into the first DNA barcode of Hymenopteran insects collected from Hazarganji Chiltan National Park (HCNP) and contributes to the global reference library of DNA barcodes. A total of 784 insect specimens were collected using Malaise traps, out of which 538 (68.62%) specimens were morphologically identified as Hymenopteran insects. The highest abundance of species of Hymenoptera (133/538, 24.72%) was observed during August and least in November (16/538, 2.97%). Genomic DNA extraction was performed individually from 90/538 (16.73%) morphologically identified specimens using the standard phenol-chloroform method, which were subjected separately to the PCR for their molecular confirmation via the amplification of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. The BLAST analyses of obtained sequences showed 91.64% to 100% identities with related sequences and clustered phylogenetically with their corresponding sequences that were reported from Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Germany, India, Israel, and Pakistan. Additionally, total of 13 barcode index numbers (BINs) were assigned by Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD), out of which 12 were un-unique and one was unique (BOLD: AEU1239) which was assigned for Anthidium punctatum. This indicates the potential geographical variation of Hymenopteran population in HCNP. Further comprehensive studies are needed to molecularly confirm the existing insect species in HCNP and evaluate their impacts on the environment, both as beneficial (for example, pollination, honey producers and natural enemies) and detrimental (for example, venomous stings, crop damage, and pathogens transmission).

A study of the immunomodulatory effects of coconut oil extract in broilers experimentally infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of coconut oil extract (COE) in broilers experimentally infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV). Methods: A total of 150 broiler birds (day-old) were equally divided into five study groups i.e., negative control, positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3. On day 10, broilers of groups COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 were supplemented with 1, 2, and 3 ml of COE respectively per liter of drinking water for 15 days. On day 13, 0.1ml/bird (10-5.25 ELD50) of vNDV was inoculated in broilers of positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 groups intramuscularly. During this study, growth performance, morbidity, and mortality rates of each study group were recorded. The antibody titer against NDV was determined on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The levels of IgY and IgM were also determined on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-SRBC inoculation. On day 33, avian tuberculin was injected between the 1st and 2nd toes of the left side (intradermally) to measure lymphoproliferative responses. On day 35, the phagocytic activity in the blood was assessed through a carbon clearance assay by injecting carbon black ink into the right-wing vein. The visceral organs having gross lesions were also collected for histopathology. Results: The COE significantly improved the growth performance, and lowered the morbidity and mortality rates of broilers. There was a significant rise in antibody titers against NDV and levels of IgY and IgM antibodies against SRBC in COE-supplemented broilers. The lymphoproliferative response and phagocytic activity were also enhanced. Among COE-supplemented groups, the broilers of the COE-3 group showed a significant increase in growth performance and boosted immune defense. Conclusions: Coconut oil extract has the potential to boost the growth performance and immune status of broilers. It can be used effectively as a feed additive and alternative to antibiotics to prevent the spread of infectious poultry pathogens.

Successful treatment with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide in a VEXAS syndrome patient with associated myelodysplastic syndrome: a case report and systematic review.

Vacuoles, E1 syndrome, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects various organ systems. It is associated with hematologic malignancies and is generally refractory to therapies. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) may be considered for selected patients. We report a case wherein systemic and hematological manifestations completely resolved in a patient with VEXAS and associated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), following the administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide as part of the preparation for allo-HSCT. We conducted a systematic literature review and included 86 patients with VEXAS syndrome and associated MDS. Most cases presented with musculoskeletal involvement (71%) and anemia (72%) with lower-risk MDS. Most patients responded to corticosteroids (CS) but had a recurrence of symptoms with CS taper and were refractory to other immunosuppressive agents. Hypomethylating agents and Janus kinase inhibitors achieved a complete response in some cases. Further research is needed to develop more effective treatment strategies.

Unlock flow-type reversible aqueous Zn-CO2 batteries.

Metal-CO2 batteries, which use CO2 as the active species at cathodes, are particularly promising, but device design for mass-producible CO2 reduction and energetic power supply lag behind, limiting their potential benefits. In this study, an aqueous reversible flow-type Zn-CO2 battery using a Pd/SnO2@C cathode catalyst has been assembled and demonstrates an ultra-high discharge voltage of 1.38 V, a peak power density of 4.29 mW cm-2, high-energy efficiency of 95.64% and remarkable theoretical energy density (827.3 W h kg-1). In the meantime, this optimized system achieves a high formate faradaic efficiency of 95.86% during the discharge process at a high rate of 4.0 mA cm-2. This energy- and chemical-conversion technology could store and provide electricity, eliminate CO2 and produce valuable chemicals, addressing current energy and environment issues simultaneously.

The Asymmetry Observed between the Effects of Photon-Phonon Coupling and Crystal Field on the Fine Structure of Fluorescence and Spontaneous Four-Wave Mixing in Ion-Doped Microcrystals.

In this paper, we explore the asymmetry observed between the effects of photon-phonon coupling (nested-dressing) and a crystal field (CF) on the fine structure of fluorescence (FL) and spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM) in Eu3+: BiPO4 and Eu3+: NaYF4. The competition between the CF and the strong photon-phonon dressing leads to dynamic splitting in two directions. The CF leads to static splitting in one direction under weak phonon dressing. The evolution from strong dressing to weak dressing results in spectral asymmetry. This spectral asymmetry includes out-of-phase FL and in-phase SFWM. Further, the large ratio between the dressing Rabi frequency and the de-phase rate leads to strong FL and SFWM asymmetry due to photon-phonon constructive dressing. Moreover, the experimental results suggest the analogy of a spectra asymmetry router with a channel equalization ratio of 96.6%.

CRISPR-Cas System: A New Dawn to Combat Antibiotic Resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can potentially harm global public health. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which speeds up the emergence of AMR and increases the burden of drug resistance in mobile genetic elements (MGEs), is the primary method by which AMR genes are transferred across bacterial pathogens. New approaches are urgently needed to halt the spread of bacterial diseases and antibiotic resistance. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), an RNA-guided adaptive immune system, protects prokaryotes from foreign DNA like plasmids and phages. This approach may be essential in limiting horizontal gene transfer and halting the spread of antibiotic resistance. The CRISPR-Cas system has been crucial in identifying and understanding resistance mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic approaches. This review article investigates the CRISPR-Cas system's potential as a tool to combat bacterial AMR. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be targeted and eliminated by the CRISPR-Cas system. It has been proven to be an efficient method for removing carbapenem-resistant plasmids and regaining antibiotic susceptibility. The CRISPR-Cas system has enormous potential as a weapon against bacterial AMR. It precisely targets and eliminates antibiotic-resistant bacteria, facilitates resistance mechanism identification, and offers new possibilities in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Toxicodynamic of combined mycotoxins: MicroRNAs and acute-phase proteins as diagnostic biomarkers.

Mycotoxins, ubiquitous contaminants in food, present a global threat to human health and well-being. Mitigation efforts, such as the implementation of sound agricultural practices, thorough food processing, and the advancement of mycotoxin control technologies, have been instrumental in reducing mycotoxin exposure and associated toxicity. To comprehensively assess mycotoxins and their toxicodynamic implications, the deployment of effective and predictive strategies is imperative. Understanding the manner of action, transformation, and cumulative toxic effects of mycotoxins, moreover, their interactions with food matrices can be gleaned through gene expression and transcriptome analyses at cellular and molecular levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) govern the expression of target genes and enzymes that play pivotal roles in physiological, pathological, and toxicological responses, whereas acute phase proteins (APPs) exert regulatory control over the metabolism of therapeutic agents, both endogenously and posttranscriptionally. Consequently, this review aims to consolidate current knowledge concerning the regulatory role of miRNAs in the initiation of toxicological pathways by mycotoxins and explores the potential of APPs as biomarkers following mycotoxin exposure. The findings of this research highlight the potential utility of miRNAs and APPs as indicators for the detection and management of mycotoxins in food through biological processes. These markers offer promising avenues for enhancing the safety and quality of food products.

Genotyping of ticks: first molecular report of Hyalomma asiaticum and molecular detection of tick-borne bacteria in ticks and blood from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Multiple ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) carrying Rickettsiales bacteria have significant importance for both human and animal health. Thus, the purpose of this work was to genetically analyze tick species and their associated Rickettsiales bacteria in animal hosts. In order to achieve these objectives, various animals (including camels, cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, and mice) were inspected in four districts (Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat, and Karak) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to collect ticks, while blood samples were collected from all the symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle in all four districts. A total of 234 ticks were obtained from 86 out of 143 (60.14%) host animals, which were morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, and Hyalomma asiaticum. Among these, their representative ticks (126/234, 53.85%) were processed for molecular confirmation using cytochrome c oxidase (cox1) gene. Obtained cox1 sequences of four different tick species showed 99.72%-100% maximum identity with their corresponding species reported from Pakistan, China, India, and Kazakhstan and clustered phylogenetically. This study presented the first genetic report of Hy. asiaticum ticks in Pakistan. Moreover, genetically confirmed tick species were molecularly analyzed by PCR for detection of Rickettsiales DNA using partial fragments of 16S rDNA, 190-kDa outer membrane protein A (ompA), and 120-kDa outer membrane protein B (ompB) genes. In addition, blood samples were analyzed to identify Rickettsiales bacteria using the aforementioned genes. Rickettsiales bacteria were found in 24/126 (19.05%) ticks and 4/16 (25.00%) in symptomatic cattle's blood. The obtained ompA and ompB sequences from Hy. asiaticum ticks showed 99.73%-99.87% with Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii and unidentified Rickettsia sp., whereas the obtained 16S rDNA sequences from cattle's blood and ticks (Hae. cornupunctata) showed 99.67% highest identity with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The 16S rDNA sequence of Rickettsiales DNA from Rh. turanicus ticks showed 100% identity with Ehrlichia canis and unidentified Ehrlichia sp. Obtained sequences of Rickettsiales bacteria were grouped along with their respective species in phylogenetic trees, which were previously reported in Greece, Cuba, Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, South Korea, and China (mainland and Taiwan). This extensive study explores the wide range of damaging ticks and their corresponding tick-borne bacteria in the area, suggesting a possible danger to both livestock and human communities.

Unveiling the detrimental effects of polylactic acid microplastics on rice seedlings and soil health.

The environmental impact of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MPs) has become a global concern, with documented effects on soil health, nutrient cycling, water retention, and crop growth. This study aimed to assess the repercussions of varying concentrations of PLA-MPs on rice, encompassing aspects such as growth, physiology, and biochemistry. Additionally, the investigation delved into the influence of PLA-MPs on soil bacterial composition and soil enzyme activities. The results illustrated that the highest levels of PLA-MPs (2.5%) impaired the photosynthesis activity of rice plants and hampered plant growth. Plants exposed to the highest concentration of PLA-MPs (2.5%) displayed a significant reduction of 51.3% and 47.7% in their root and shoot dry weights, as well as a reduction of 53% and 49% in chlorophyll a and b contents, respectively. The activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in rice leaves increased by 3.1, 2.8, 3.5, and 5.2 folds, respectively, with the highest level of PLA-MPs (2.5%). Soil enzyme activities, such as CAT, urease, and dehydrogenase (DHA) increased by 19.2%, 10.4%, and 22.5%, respectively, in response to the highest level of PLA-MPs (2.5%) application. In addition, PLA-MPs (2.5%) resulted in a remarkable increase in the relative abundance of soil Proteobacteria, Nitrospirae, and Firmicutes by 60%, 31%, and 98.2%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential adverse effects of PLA-MPs on crops and soils. This study provides valuable insights into soil-rice interactions, environmental risks, and biodegradable plastic regulation, underscoring the need for further research.

Predictors of cytomegalovirus reactivation after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: Insights from a real-world experience.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate factors associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia and CMV disease and its impact on post-transplant outcomes including overall survival (OS) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT). METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study including 452 Allo-SCT recipients (matched unrelated donor, MUD 61%; haploidentical, haplo 39%) from 2016 to 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS v28. Descriptive (chi-square and t-test), Kaplan-Meier and regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The median age was 57 years. Sixty-one percent were males and 84.3% were Caucasians. CMV serostatus was positive in 59.1% of recipients. The median follow-up was 24.4 months. CMV viremia and CMV disease were observed in 181 (40%) and 32 (7%) patients, respectively. Among CMV seropositive recipients, 65% developed CMV viremia and 11% were noted to have CMV disease compared to 4% and 1% in seronegative recipients, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients with CMV disease had significantly lower OS than those without CMV disease (median 14.1 months vs. not reached, p = 0.024); however, OS was not associated with CMV viremia (median not reached in both groups, p = 0.640). Letermovir prophylaxis was used in 66% (n = 176/267) of CMV seropositive recipients, but no impact was observed on the incidence of CMV viremia or CMV disease and OS. CONCLUSIONS: CMV disease leads to significantly inferior survival after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Recipient CMV seropositive status was associated with the risk of CMV viremia and CMV disease, and this was not abrogated with the use of Letermovir prophylaxis.

A comprehensive review on Gossypium hirsutum resistance against cotton leaf curl virus.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a significant fiber crop. Being a major contributor to the textile industry requires continuous care and attention. Cotton is subjected to various biotic and abiotic constraints. Among these, biotic factors including cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) are dominant. CLCuV is a notorious disease of cotton and is acquired, carried, and transmitted by the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). A cotton plant affected with CLCuV may show a wide range of symptoms such as yellowing of leaves, thickening of veins, upward or downward curling, formation of enations, and stunted growth. Though there are many efforts to protect the crop from CLCuV, long-term results are not yet obtained as CLCuV strains are capable of mutating and overcoming plant resistance. However, systemic-induced resistance using a gene-based approach remained effective until new virulent strains of CLCuV (like Cotton Leaf Curl Burewala Virus and others) came into existence. Disease control by biological means and the development of CLCuV-resistant cotton varieties are in progress. In this review, we first discussed in detail the evolution of cotton and CLCuV strains, the transmission mechanism of CLCuV, the genetic architecture of CLCuV vectors, and the use of pathogen and nonpathogen-based approaches to control CLCuD. Next, we delineate the uses of cutting-edge technologies like genome editing (with a special focus on CRISPR-Cas), next-generation technologies, and their application in cotton genomics and speed breeding to develop CLCuD resistant cotton germplasm in a short time. Finally, we delve into the current obstacles related to cotton genome editing and explore forthcoming pathways for enhancing precision in genome editing through the utilization of advanced genome editing technologies. These endeavors aim to enhance cotton's resilience against CLCuD.

Modelling photoperiod in enhancing hydrogen production from Chlorella vulgaris sp. while bioremediating ammonium and organic pollutants in municipal wastewater.

Municipal wastewater is ubiquitously laden with myriad pollutants discharged primarily from a combination of domestic and industrial activities. These heterogeneous pollutants are threating the natural environments when the traditional activated sludge system fails sporadically to reduce the pollutants' toxicities. Besides, the activated sludge system is very energy intensive, bringing conundrums for decarbonization. This research endeavoured to employ Chlorella vulgaris sp. In converting pollutants from municipal wastewater into hydrogen via alternate light and dark fermentative process. The microalgae in attached form onto 1 cm3 of polyurethane foam cubes were adopted in optimizing light intensity and photoperiod during the light exposure duration. The highest hydrogen production was recorded at 52 mL amidst the synergistic light intensity and photoperiod of 200 µmolm-2s-1 and 12:12 h (light:dark h), respectively. At this lighting condition, the removals of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammoniacal nitrogen were both achieved at about 80%. The sustainability of microalgal fermentative performances was verified in recyclability study using similar immobilization support material. There were negligible diminishments of hydrogen production as well as both COD and ammoniacal nitrogen removals after five cycles, heralding inconsequential microalgal cells' washout from the polyurethane support when replacing the municipal wastewater medium at each cycle. The collected dataset was finally modelled into enhanced Monod equation aided by Python software tool of machine learning. The derived model was capable to predict the performances of microalgae to execute the fermentative process in producing hydrogen while subsisting municipal wastewater at arbitrary photoperiod. The enhanced model had a best fitting of R2 of 0.9857 as validated using an independent dataset. Concisely, the outcomes had contributed towards the advancement of municipal wastewater treatment via microalgal fermentative process in producing green hydrogen as a clean energy source to decarbonize the wastewater treatment facilities.