Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 44
Filter
1.
Environ Geochem Health ; 45(8): 6643-6673, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37347308

ABSTRACT

The study area is a part of the Salt Range, where water quality is being deteriorated by natural and anthropogenic sources. This research integrates water quality assessment, arsenic enrichment, hydrogeochemical processes, groundwater recharge and carbon sources in aquifer. Total dissolved solid (TDS) contents in springs water, lake water and groundwater are in range of 681-847 mg/L, 2460-5051 mg/L and 513-7491 mg/L, respectively. The higher concentrations of magnesium and calcium in water bodies next to sodium are because of carbonates, sulfates, halite and silicates dissolution. The average concentrations of ions in groundwater are in order of HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ > NO3-, virtually analogous to springs water, but different from lake water, categorized as poor quality and unfit for drinking purposes. Based on major ions hydrochemistry, NaCl and mixed Ca-Mg-Cl type hydrochemical facies are associated with concentration of arsenic (4.2-39.5 µg/L) in groundwater. Groundwater samples (70%) having arsenic concentration (11 ≤ As ≤ 39.5 µg/L) exceeded from World Health Organization (WHO) guideline (As ≤ 10 µg/L) in near neutral to slightly alkaline (6.7 ≤ pH ≤ 8.3), positive Eh(6 ≤ Eh ≤ 204 mV), signifying its oxic condition. Eh-pH diagrams for arsenic and iron indicate that 80% of groundwater for arsenic and iron were in compartments of HAsO42- and Fe(OH)3, unveil oxic environment. Arsenic is moderately positive correlated with TDS, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, nitrate, sulfate and weak negative with δ13CDIC in surface and groundwater, forecasting multiple sources of arsenic to aquifer. Stable isotopes of waters show recharge of groundwater from local rain and lake water. The lower δ13CDIC values of groundwater are modified by influx of CO2 produced during biological oxidation of soil natural organic matter.


Subject(s)
Arsenic , Groundwater , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Arsenic/analysis , Environmental Monitoring , Sodium Chloride , Pakistan , Groundwater/chemistry , Isotopes/analysis , Sodium/analysis , Iron , Sodium Chloride, Dietary , Chlorides , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
2.
Molecules ; 27(13)2022 Jun 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35807359

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to find the biological propensities of the vegetable plant Pleurospermum candollei by investigating its phytochemical profile and biological activities. Phytochemical analysis was done by spectroscopic methods to investigate the amount of total polyphenols, and biological evaluation was done by the different antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory (tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase), thrombolytic, and antibacterial activities. The highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents was observed in methanolic extract (240.69 ± 2.94 mg GAE/g and 167.59 ± 3.47 mg QE/g); the fractions showed comparatively less quantity (57.02 ± 1.31 to 144.02 ± 2.11 mg GAE/g, and 48.21 ± 0.75 to 96.58 ± 2.30 mg QE/g). The effect of these bioactive contents was also related to biological activities. GCMS analysis led to the identification of bioactive compounds with different biological effects from methanolic extract (antioxidant; 55.07%, antimicrobial; 56.41%), while the identified compounds from the n-hexane fraction with antioxidant properties constituted 67.86%, and those with antimicrobial effects constituted 82.95%; however, the synergetic effect of polyphenols may also have contributed to the highest value of biological activities of methanolic extract. Molecular docking was also performed to understand the relationship of identified secondary metabolites with enzyme-inhibitory activities. The thrombolytic activity was also significant (40.18 ± 1.80 to 57.15 ± 1.10 % clot lysis) in comparison with streptokinase (78.5 ± 1.53 to 82.34 ± 1.25% clot lysis). Methanolic extract also showed good activity against Gram-positive strains of bacteria, and the highest activity was observed against Bacillus subtilis. The findings of this study will improve our knowledge of phytochemistry, and biological activities of P. candollei, which seems to be a ray of hope to design formulations of natural products for the improvement of health and prevention of chronic diseases; however, further research may address the development of novel drugs for use in pharmaceuticals.


Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents , Apiaceae , Biological Products , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Biological Products/pharmacology , Methanol/chemistry , Molecular Docking Simulation , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Polyphenols/pharmacology
3.
Water Sci Technol ; 85(8): 2295-2317, 2022 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35486456

ABSTRACT

The current study explores the effectiveness of coconut husk for crystal violet dye sequestration employing a batch experimental setup. Characterization of adsorbent was carried out via FTIR, and SEM techniques and results confirmed the involvement of -OMe, -COC- and hydroxyl functional groups in dye uptake, and the rough, porous nature of adsorbent and after adsorption dye molecules colonized these holes resulting in dye exclusion. Effects of various adsorption parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, initial dye concentration, and temperature of solution were studied. Crystal violet adsorption on coconut husk was highly pH-dependent, with maximum removal occurring at basic pH. Maximum removal of dye, i.e., 81%, takes place at optimized conditions. Kinetic data was analyzed by pseudo-first, pseudo-second order and an intra-particle diffusion model. Results showed that the pseudo-second order kinetic model best described adsorption of crystal violet onto coconut husk. Langmuir, Freundlich, and D-R adsorption isotherms were also used to test their appropriateness to experimental data and the Freundlich isotherm fits best to data. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the current process was spontaneous, endothermic in nature with continuous decrease in entropy. Established practice is 79% applicable to tap water and in acidic medium nearly 80% of adsorbent was recovered, confirming the effectiveness and appropriateness of coconut husk for crystal violet dye exclusion from wastewater.


Subject(s)
Gentian Violet , Water Purification , Adsorption , Cocos , Gentian Violet/chemistry , Wastewater , Water Purification/methods
4.
Pak J Pharm Sci ; 35(5): 1339-1345, 2022 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36451562

ABSTRACT

BACE1 enzyme has been known a potential target involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Present research was focused on the principles of virtually screening, chemical synthesis and protease inhibitory effect of BACE1 enzyme via biaryl guanidine derivatives. In-silico based paradigm (ligand binding interaction within active domain of BACE 1 enzyme i.e., aspartate Asp32 and Asp228) a novel compound was synthesized and subsequently subjected to in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation. 1,3-di(isoquinolin-6-yl) guanidine was synthesized and found potent (IC50 6±0.56 µM) and active to arrest (99 %) ß-secretase enzyme (FRET assay). Furthermore, it was found to improve novel object recognition test (RTI =56.55%) and Morris water maze test (32.26±3.45s) significantly (p<0.05). Enhanced pharmacokinetics and related properties (high iLOGP and Log S =-3.98) along with improved permeation to the blood brain barrier (BBB) (zero Lipinski violation) made it feasible to inhibit BACE1 as a novel therapeutic source to treat AD in future.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases , Humans , Guanidine/pharmacology , Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases , Guanidines
5.
Arch Microbiol ; 204(1): 69, 2021 Dec 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34951685

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis C virus is still a global challenge affecting millions of carriers worldwide with the more devastating situation in developing countries. Present-day clinical manifestations are insufficient to tackle the increasing disease burden unaffordable cost, viral resistance and adverse effects of treatment. In this research, indigenous medicinal plants from Pakistan tested in bioassay guided manner on Huh-7 cell lines for their antiviral effect, synergism of purified fraction with interferon FDA approved drug regime, as the receptor for developing transfection model. The methanol extract of Syzgium cumine was observed against HCV through serum titter reduction in Quantitative Real Time PCR assay and the gene expression system, NS3protease inhibition was 76% and 51% against genotype 1a and 3a, respectively. More precisely the most active fraction SC14 was assessed in dose response assay and synergistic potential resulted in 50% reduction (EC50 Value) in HCV titer of genotype 1a and 3a at a concentration of 71.96 ± 8.67 µg and 31.75 ± 3.28 µg, respectively, at a concentration of 100 µg. As per our research work, the S. cumine extract has shown a promising effect on HCV genotypes 1a and 3a. Moreover the purified fraction S. cumine SC14 has a potential synergistic effect and ability to suppress the gene effect of NS3 during transfection in Huh-7 cells and GC/MS analysis reports the presence of Di-n-octyl phthalate (C24H38O4) which can be future direct-acting antiviral therapy against Hepatitis C virus.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis C, Chronic , Hepatitis C , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Biological Assay , Genotype , Hepacivirus/genetics , Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy , Hepatocytes , Humans , Viral Nonstructural Proteins/genetics
6.
Water Sci Technol ; 83(1): 52-62, 2021 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33460406

ABSTRACT

The current study reports a systematic methodology of Zea mays L. (sweet corn) cobs (ZMLC) for the sequestration of synthetic dye (gentian violet) from aqueous solutions. Adsorbent was scrutinized by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectrometry with pHpzc determination. The impact of various adsorption parameters including pH effect, ZMLC (sorbent) dosage, temperature, concentration and shaking time was examined. The equilibrium sorption isotherms were determined by the batch method from 283 to 303 K at pHpzc. Adsorption data were adjusted to four isothermal models: Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin's models, which presented the best adjustment to Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin's at 283 K. The kinetic profile fitted well to the pseudo-second order kinetic equation at three distinct concentrations 600, 700, 800 mg/L. Maximum sorption capacity was gained up to 700 mg.g-1 for gentian violet at pH 3, respectively. The adsorption process is endothermic, non-spontaneous, favorable thermodynamically due to positive values of entropy and Gibbs free energy and randomness decreases during the adsorption process. Furthermore, after biosorption onto ZMLC the dye can be desorbed effectively by using mineral base KOH solution. Consequently, the ZMLC is said to be a promising biosorbent to remediate gentian violet-contaminated water as well as wastewater.


Subject(s)
Water Pollutants, Chemical , Zea mays , Adsorption , Gentian Violet , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Kinetics , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , Thermodynamics , Water
7.
Water Sci Technol ; 83(7): 1739-1752, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33843756

ABSTRACT

An exceedingly facile green approach that produces a reliable adsorbent based on a transition metal such as Iron (Fe) using Mangifera indica leaf extract at room temperature is described. A single pot method was used for synthesis with no capping agents, surfactants or other templates. The main intention of this study is to synthesize iron nanoparticles from leaf extract (Mangifera indica) and examine its degradation potential for photo-catalytic removal of dyes (Congo red and brilliant green) from wastewater. Characterization of synthesized nanoparticles was executed by pHpzc, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies and results confirm the presence of iron nano-sheets with biomolecules. All photo-catalytic experimental results were assessed by sum of squared estimate of errors and simple linear regression R2 with dye concentration, pH, contact time and dose rate as dependent and independent variables. Adsorption experimental data was verified by kinetics and isothermal models. Results showed that Langmuir and pseudo second order models give best fitness towards the photo-catalytic adsorption procedure. Thermodynamics revealed that adsorption mechanism is endothermic, described by the values of changes in Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy, and is chemisorption in nature, with spontaneous processes. Overall photo-catalytic adsorption execution with synthesized iron nanoparticles and simple biomass of Mangifera indica gives satisfactory results for treating dye wastewater.


Subject(s)
Nanoparticles , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Adsorption , Coloring Agents , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Kinetics , Mangifera , Plant Extracts , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , Thermodynamics
8.
Pak J Pharm Sci ; 34(6(Supplementary)): 2325-2331, 2021 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35039270

ABSTRACT

Cancer is one of the most diagnosed and life threatening disease throughout the world. Nevertheless present day clinical management for cancers are surgery, radiations which are insufficient to contain the disease burden. In the past two decades, more than half of chemotherapeutic drugs developed are either directly or indirectly dependent on medicinal base phytocompounds or their derivative. The present study aims to provide the base for chemotherapeutic phytochemicals. Fagonia indica showed significant antimutagenic potential with reference to control IC50 values were calculated as 146.33±5.2µg/ml, TA100 (AZS) 105.33±4.0µg/ml, TA98 (2AA) 113.6±5.2µg/ml followed and TA98 (AZS) 112.6±4.4 in Ames test. For this reason, the antiproliferation effect of extracts on cancer cell lines was studied through resazurin fluorescence. On HepG-2 cell lines 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of (FIWM) was recorded as 128.3±,2.43µg/ml. On the homo sapiens epithelial cell of lung tissue (A549), the high throughput instrumental analysis of Fagonia indica depicts maximum cytotoxic effect in 30hr. The electrical impedance displays the real-time evidence about qualitative apoptosis expressed. The impedance results were supported as palmitic acid from Fagonia indica virtually that inhibits Cyclin Dependent Kinase 2 (CDKs 2) in silico molecular docking studies. Fagonia indica extract possesses substantial antimutagenic, cytotoxic and anticancer activity which supports the potential of its phytochemicals for drug development.


Subject(s)
Antimutagenic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Palmitic Acid/pharmacology , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Zygophyllaceae , A549 Cells , Antimutagenic Agents/isolation & purification , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification , Apoptosis/drug effects , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2/antagonists & inhibitors , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2/metabolism , Hep G2 Cells , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Liver Neoplasms/enzymology , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/enzymology , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Molecular Docking Simulation , Palmitic Acid/isolation & purification , Phytochemicals/isolation & purification , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/isolation & purification , Salmonella typhimurium/drug effects , Salmonella typhimurium/genetics , Zygophyllaceae/chemistry
9.
Pak J Pharm Sci ; 34(3): 883-889, 2021 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34602410

ABSTRACT

The in silico molecular dynamics and structure-based site-specific drug design of indigenous plant biomolecules and selected proteins have remarkable potential for cancer therapy. A set of five proteins included for this research were epidermal growth factor protein (PDB ID; 1M17), crystal structure of mutated EGFR kinase (PDB ID; 2EB3), crystal structure of Bcl-xl (PDB ID; 2YXJ), apoptosis regulator protein MCL-1 BH3 (PDB ID; 3MK8) and apoptosis proteins (PDB ID; 5C3H). The present study on in silico investigation of fifteen indigenous medicinal plants were selected there one hundred thirty four ligands available literature were docked against five proteins involved in carcinogenesis. The highest scoring in silico plant, Fagonia indica was subjected to in vitro cytotoxic effects on HCT116, HepG-2 and HeLa human carcinoma cell lines. Molecular dynamics showed best ligand-protein inhibition interaction between Coumarin-2xyj and Kaempferol-2eb3 with promising binding affinities. Whereas, on HeLa human cervical cancer cell line IC50 was 28.3±0.102/ml. Fagonia indica could be potential source from natural products that have cytotoxic properties against cervical cancer cells by blocking mutant epidermal growth factor tyrosine or peroxisome proliferators activated receptor proteins.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Cell Survival/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Zygophyllaceae/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry , Computer Simulation , Coumarins/metabolism , Epidermal Growth Factor/metabolism , ErbB Receptors/metabolism , HCT116 Cells , HeLa Cells , Hep G2 Cells , Humans , In Vitro Techniques , Inhibitory Concentration 50 , Kaempferols/metabolism , Molecular Docking Simulation , Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/metabolism , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Phytochemicals/metabolism , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , bcl-X Protein/metabolism
10.
Pak J Pharm Sci ; 33(1(Supplementary)): 385-392, 2020 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32122872

ABSTRACT

Aim of this study was to synthesize new inhibitors on the basis of active site of aspartic protease enzyme and to evaluate their intended biological activity. A3D model of an enzyme was generated via homology modeling and series of novel amide ligands were synthesized by using a short high yield process, subsequently, analyzed in-silico and in-vitro anti-leishmanial activities. Characterization and identification was accomplished via NMR (H1& C13), infrared and mass spectroscopic techniques. Among all compound (4) was found to show significant activity (IC50 58±0.01) against Leishmania major (L. major) species. Furthermore, docking studies confirmed the inhibition of a targeted enzyme that supported the interaction of potent compound (4) with key residues (aspartic protease) via hydrogen bonds. Present study conferred about novel compound (4) as a promising compound to antagonize L. major activities in future.


Subject(s)
Amides/chemical synthesis , Antiprotozoal Agents/chemical synthesis , Leishmania/drug effects , Molecular Docking Simulation/methods , Amides/metabolism , Amides/pharmacology , Antiprotozoal Agents/metabolism , Antiprotozoal Agents/pharmacology , Leishmania/metabolism , Ligands , Molecular Structure , Protein Structure, Secondary , Structure-Activity Relationship
11.
Pak J Pharm Sci ; 32(2): 709-720, 2019 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31081787

ABSTRACT

Enzymes are biological catalyst involve in different biochemical reactions. But over activation of these biomolecules can cause disease thus different inhibitors and knockout therapies are use in current clinical practice. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs), a group of ubiquitously expressed metalloenzymes, are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, ureagenesis, tumorigenicity and the growth and virulence of various pathogens. In addition to the established role of CA inhibitors (CAIs) as diuretics and antiglaucoma drugs, it has recently emerged that CAIs could have potential as novel anti-obesity, anticancer and anti-infective drugs. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that CA activation may provide a novel therapy for Alzheimer's disease. This article discusses the biological rationale for the novel uses of inhibitors or activators of CA activity in multiple diseases, and highlights progress in the development of specific modulators of the relevant CA isoforms, some of which are now being evaluated in clinical trials.


Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Obesity Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Diuretics/pharmacology , Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Animals , Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry , Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Obesity Agents/chemistry , Anti-Obesity Agents/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors/chemistry , Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Diuretics/chemistry , Diuretics/therapeutic use , Glaucoma/drug therapy , Humans , Molecular Docking Simulation , Obesity/drug therapy , Osteoporosis/drug therapy
12.
Pak J Pharm Sci ; 32(5(Supplementary)): 2269-2277, 2019 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31894054

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants of Pakistan are known for their curative properties against snake bite as rural people have been using natural herbs for such injuries for hundreds to thousands of years. People of rural areas of Pakistan are prone to snakebite, and on the whole death due to snakebite has been increasing worldwide. The objective of this study was to test the neutralizing potential of 17 Pakistani medicinal plant extracts against phospholipase A2 activity in Echis carinatus venom. Plant material was extracted by simple maceration and fractionation of active plant extracts. Venom was collected by manual massage of the venom glands. The PLA2 enzymatic assay was performed to map out the venomous activity of Echis carinatus envenomation. Snake venom released fatty acids at different concentrations (0.1-5 mg/ml) of venom in a dose-dependent manner. Reduction of pH by 01 correlated with 133 µmol of fatty acids released at 5mg/ml of venom. All plants extract inhibited PLA2 activity, however, Curcuma longa, Citrullus colocynthis and Rubia cordifolia inhibited maximum of PLA2 activity (⁓78%) comparable to the standard antidote (p>0.5). Medicinal plants possess secondary metabolites and many active compounds that may have neutralizing or inhibiting properties against the PLA2 activity of Echis venom. Further studies such as compound analysis could provide an alternative against snakebites injuries resulting from Echis carinatus venom.


Subject(s)
Phospholipases A2/toxicity , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plants, Medicinal , Viper Venoms/toxicity , Blood Proteins/pharmacology , Pakistan , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Snake Bites/drug therapy
13.
Pak J Pharm Sci ; 31(2(Suppl.)): 685-689, 2018 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29625942

ABSTRACT

Recent recognition about snake bite envenomation on June, 2017 as neglected tropical disease under category-A by World Health Organization advocated again its undeniable importance. Present circumstances reasoned to work on a neglected subspecies of Naja naja, i.e., Naja naja karachiensis (N. n. karachensis) has been documented for frequent deaths in Pakistan. In this study median lethal toxic dose (LD50) was determined intraperitoneally in Swiss albino mice and was found to be 2.0µg/g (2.0mg/kg) equal in potency to Naja pallida (red spitting African cobra). Total protein contents (188±0.011µg / 200µg of dry weight) were high enough (94%) to represent an arsenal of proteins. Furthermore, 99mTc was labeled 99.9% with venom and didn't find to alter hemolytic activity of venom in dose dependent manner at 125µg/ml (p>0.5), 250 µg/ml (p>0.1) and 500 µg/ml (p>0.1) when compared with its crude form. Present work will pave the way for proteomics study in effective production of antidote against specific species of snakes as dare demand of it has been felt since long period of time in Pakistan.


Subject(s)
Elapid Venoms/chemistry , Elapid Venoms/toxicity , Hemolytic Agents/pharmacology , Naja naja , Proteins/analysis , Animals , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Hemolysis/drug effects , Hemolytic Agents/chemistry , Lethal Dose 50 , Male , Mice , Technetium/chemistry
14.
Environ Monit Assess ; 187(5): 249, 2015 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25869090

ABSTRACT

This paper is an attempt to compare the pollution status in two sediment cores, one from a polluted site (Ghizri Creek) and another from a relatively unpolluted site (Sandspit). Sediment cores (45 cm in length) from coastal locations were characterized in terms of grain size, sediment composition, pH, organic matter, calcium carbonate, and metal element contents. Metal elements, including Al, Ca, Cr, Co Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Ti, and Zn, were determined using PIXE. Grain size analysis and sediment composition demonstrated a sandy nature of both cores. Acidic trend in sediment core I was predominant from bottom to top, whereas neutral pH was observed throughout core II. TOC values varied in the range of 1.23-2.68 and 1.14-2.60% in core I and core II, respectively; however, there was an increasing trend in TOC level from bottom to top. The values of enrichment factor for Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Pb, and Cr were slightly higher in core I than core II. The average geo-accumulation index values for core I and core II showed that sediments were moderately Co- and Pb-polluted but not polluted with Mg, Al, Ca, K, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ti, V, and Zn. The degree of contamination was however considerably higher in core I relative to core II. The pollution load index values, although showing an increasing trend from bottom to top in both cores, overall rendered the marine sediment pollution free. The metal toxicology results demonstrated that heavy metal pollution, except Cr, may pose low to moderate risk to marine biota. The sum of toxic unit values however indicated that sediment core I was relatively more polluted than that of core II.


Subject(s)
Geologic Sediments/chemistry , Metals/analysis , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Ecotoxicology , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Metals/toxicity , Pakistan , Titanium , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Water Pollution, Chemical/statistics & numerical data
15.
Environ Monit Assess ; 185(2): 1555-65, 2013 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22580789

ABSTRACT

Concentrations of 12 metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, U, V, Zn, and Zr) in surface sediments of Karachi Coast, Pakistan were determined to evaluate their distribution and pollution assessment. The measured metals in the sediments were found to be in the range of Fe, 0.84-6.96 %; Mn, 300-1,300 µg/g; Cr, 12.0-319.84 µg/g; Mo, 0.49-2.03 µg/g; Ni, 1.53-58.86 µg/g; Pb, 9.0-49.46 µg/g; Se, 0.25-.86 µg/g; Sr, 192-1185 µg/g; U, 0.19-1.66 µg/g; V, 15.80-118.20 µg/g; Zn, 15.60-666.28 µg/g; and Zr, 44.02-175.26 µg/g. The mean contents of the metal studied were: Fe, 3.07 %, Mn, 0.05 %; Cr, 96.75 µg/g; Mo, 1.34 µg/g; Ni, 31.39 µg/g; Pb, 23.24 µg/g; Se, 0.61 µg/g; Sr, 374.83 µg/g; U, 0.64 µg/g; V, 61.75 µg/g; Zn, 204.75 µg/g; and Zr:76.27 µg/g, and arrangement of the metals from higher to lower mean content in this area is: Fe > Zn > Mn > Sr > Zn > Cr > Zr > V > Ni > Pb > Mo > U > Se. There is no significant correlation among most of these metals, indicating different anthropogenic and natural sources. To assess ecotoxic potential of marine sediments, Numerical Sediment Quality Guidelines were also applied. The concentration of Pb in all the sediments except one was lower than the threshold effect concentration (TECs) showing that there are no harmful effects to marine life from Pb. On the other hand, the concentrations of Cr, Ni, and Zn exceeded TEC in three stations, indicating their potential risk. The degree of pollution in sediments for metals was assessed by calculating enrichment factor (EF) and pollution load index (PLI). The results indicated that sediments of Layari River Mouth Area, Fish Harbour, and KPT Boat Building Area are highly enriched with Cr and Zn (EF > 5). Sediments of Layari River Outfall Zone were moderately enriched with Ni and Pb (EF > 2). The pollution load index was found in the range of 0.98 to 1.34. Lower values of PLI (≤ 1) at most of sampling locations imply no appreciable input from anthropogenic sources. However, relatively higher PLI values (>1) at Layari River Mouth Area, Fish Harbour, and KPT Boat Building Area are attributed to increased human activity in the area.


Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring , Geologic Sediments/chemistry , Metals/analysis , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Pakistan , Risk Assessment , Water Pollution, Chemical/statistics & numerical data
16.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 13(14)2023 Jul 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37513090

ABSTRACT

In this study, bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) of silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were synthesized using Leptadenia pyrotechnica leaf extract for the first time. Monometallic NPs were also obtained for comparison. The characterization of the prepared NPs was carried out using various techniques, including UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The latter confirmed the crystalline nature and diameter of the monometallic and bimetallic NPs of Ag and ZnO. The SEM images of the prepared NPs revealed their different shapes. The biological activities of the NPs were evaluated concerning their antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. The antibacterial activities were measured using the time-killing method. The results demonstrated that both the monometallic and bimetallic NPs inhibited the growth of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The antioxidant activities of the NPs were evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and their cytotoxicity was checked using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The results indicated that the controlled quantity of the monometallic and bimetallic NPs did not affect the viability of the cells. However, the decreased cell (L-929) viability suggested that the NPs could have anticancer properties. Furthermore, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl violet and 4-nitrophenol was investigated using the prepared Ag/ZnO NPs, examining the factors affecting the degradation process and conducting a kinetic and thermodynamic study. The prepared Ag/ZnO NPs demonstrated good photocatalytic degradation (88.9%) of the methyl violet (rate constant of 0.0183 min-1) in comparison to 4-nitrophenol (NPh), with a degradation rate of 81.37% and 0.0172 min-1, respectively. Overall, the bimetallic NPs showed superior antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and photocatalytic properties compared to the monometallic NPs of Ag and ZnO.

17.
Saudi J Biol Sci ; 29(4): 2421-2431, 2022 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35531249

ABSTRACT

In this study bioassay-guided screening of Tecomella undulate was performed for its cytotoxic, antimutagenic and anticancer potential. The ariel parts were extracted on a polarity basis (methanol, dichloromethane and hexane). The in vivo toxicity was assessed on Caenorhabditis elegans, and its locomotion was affected by Tecomella undulata hexane (TUAH) the most. Ames test for antimutagenicity showed Tecomella undulata methanol (TUAM) exhibited against mutagen 2AA showed inhibition of 71.03% and 26.32% 2AA in TA98 while in in vitro MTT assay on carcinoma cell lines TUAM showed 68.1% cytotoxicity. Moreover, In resazurin assay on fibroblast cells African green monkey kidney VERO and on the panel of carcinoma cell lines, the most effective extract was TUAM on liver HepG-2 with CC50 value 117.37 ± 4.73 µg/ml followed by on lungs A549 with 142.01 ± 5.3. Furthermore, for the bioassay-guided screening, the selectivity index was calculated for TUAM CC50 ratio on HepG-2 and VERO which showed a decent 2.77 score. After column chromatography, the fraction TU-63 should remarkable cytotoxic effect in dose-response manner assay as (Hep-G2) CC50 value 11. 67 ± 1.37 µg/ml followed by (A549) CC50 value 17.23 ± 0.58 µg/ml. For qualitative analysis of anticancer potential LC-ESI-MS/MS the potential phytochemicals were identified. In silico molecular modelling against selected carcinogenic proteins. The results suggest Tecomella undulate the substantial anticancer potential which supports potential natural anticancer therapeutic drug candidate development for combating cancer.

18.
J Coll Physicians Surg Pak ; 32(4): S82-S84, 2022 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35633022

ABSTRACT

Blunt trauma to the kidney is usually minor and self-limiting. In some cases, the patient may present with intractable hematuria or persistent flank pain and discomfort, which necessitates aggressive management. It is very rare and unusual to find a renal arterio-venous malformation following blunt trauma. This unusual presentation should be kept in mind when a patient presents with hematuria and history of blunt abdominal trauma. We report the case of a young male who suffered blunt abdominal trauma two years back, and continued to have on-and-off hematuria. After extensive work up, a diagnosis of renal arterio-venous malformation was made. His case was managed promptly with renal angio-embolization. Key Words: Blunt trauma, Arterio-venous malformation (AVM), Angio-embolisation, kidney.


Subject(s)
Abdominal Injuries , Arteriovenous Malformations , Kidney Diseases , Wounds, Nonpenetrating , Abdominal Injuries/complications , Abdominal Injuries/diagnosis , Abdominal Injuries/therapy , Arteriovenous Malformations/diagnosis , Arteriovenous Malformations/diagnostic imaging , Hematuria , Humans , Male , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/complications , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/diagnosis , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/therapy
19.
PLoS One ; 17(4): e0266739, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35446890

ABSTRACT

Sleep is one of the most important functions of the life. The disturbance in sleep or quality of sleep leads to several dysfunctions of the human body. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sleep disorders, their possible risk factors and their association with other health problems. The data was collected from the educational community of the Pakistani population. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used to evaluate the insomnia and the sleep apnea was evaluated through a simple questionnaire method. The blood samples were collected to perform significant blood tests for clinical investigations. Current research revealed that the individuals in the educational community had poor sleep quality. A total of 1998 individuals from the educational community were surveyed, 1584 (79.28%) of whom had a sleep disorders, including insomnia (45.20%) and sleep apnea (34.08%). The measured onset of age for males and females was 30.35 years and 31.07 years respectively. The Clinical investigations showed that the sleep had significant impact on the hematology of the patients. Higher levels of serum uric acid and blood sugar were recorded with a sleep disorder. The individuals of the educational community were using the sleeping pills. The other associated diseases were mild tension, headaches, migraines, depression, diabetes, obesity, and myopia. The use of beverage, bad mood, medical condition, mental stress, disturbed circadian rhythms, workload and extra use of smartphone were major risk factors of sleep disorders. It was concluded that the insomnia was more prevalent than the sleep apnea. Furthermore, life changes events were directly linked with disturbance of sleep. Tension, depression, headaches, and migraine were more associated with sleep disorders than all other health issues.


Subject(s)
Migraine Disorders , Sleep Apnea Syndromes , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders , Sleep Wake Disorders , Adult , Epidemiologic Studies , Female , Headache/complications , Humans , Male , Migraine Disorders/complications , Pakistan/epidemiology , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Sleep Apnea Syndromes/complications , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/complications , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/epidemiology , Sleep Wake Disorders/complications , Sleep Wake Disorders/epidemiology , Uric Acid
20.
J Adv Vet Anim Res ; 9(2): 290-294, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35891655

ABSTRACT

Objective: The study was conducted to investigate the gut content and record morphometric and hematological parameters in the common hoopoe (Upupa epops). Materials and Methods: Twenty samples of healthy birds (10 from each sex) were collected from different locations in Okara District, Punjab, Pakistan, from September 2020 to March 2021. Birds were captured live for blood samples and morphometric and gut analyses. Results: It was revealed that the concentrations of different hematological parameters were as follows: hemoglobin, 20.03g/dl; red blood cells, 3.28 × 106/µl; white blood cells, 326.67 × 103/µl; hematocrit, 56.47%; MCV, 173.33 FL; MCH, 57.4 pg; MCHC, 57.4 pg; PLT, 8.33/µl; and RDW, 8.33/µl. The percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils were 84.67%, 11.67%, 2.00%, and 1.67%, respectively. The gut content of the common hoopoe mostly consisted of Coleoptera and Acrididae larvae. However, Lepidoptera, Gryllotalpidae, and sand were also recorded, along with seeds of Salvadora persica. Conclusions: There were no significant differences between male and female U. epops in feeding content, total weight of the gut, or weight of the empty gut. Regarding the morphometric parameters, there was a significant difference in both sexes' wingspan, body length, and body weight. Males were significantly heavier than females.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL