A Deep Dive into Cu2 ZnSnS4 (CZTS) Solar Cells: A Review of Exploring Roadblocks, Breakthroughs, and Shaping the Future.

Renewable energy is crucial for sustainable future, and Cu2 ZnSnS4 (CZTS) based solar cells shine as a beacon of hope. CZTS, composed of abundant, low-cost, and non-toxic elements, shares similarities with Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS). However, despite its promise and appealing properties for solar cells, CZTS-based solar cells faces performance challenges owing to inherent issues with CZTS material, and conventional substrate structure complexities. This review critically examines these roadblocks, explores ongoing efforts and breakthroughs, providing insight into the evolving landscape of CZTS-based solar cells research. Furthermore, as an optimistic turn in the field, the review first highlights the crucial need to transition to a superstrate structure for CZTS-based single junction devices, and summarizes the substantial progress made in this direction. Subsequently, dive into the discussion about the fascinating realm of CZTS-based tandem devices, providing an overview of the existing literature as well as outlining the possible potential strategies for enhancing the efficiency of such devices. Finally, the review provides a useful outlook that outlines the priorities for future research and suggesting where efforts should concentrate to shape the future of CZTS-based solar cells.

Exploration of reducing and stabilizing phytoconstituents in Arisaema dracontium extract for the effective synthesis of Silver nanoparticles and evaluation of their antibacterial and toxicological proprties.

Medicinal plants have been widely used for their antimicrobial properties against various microorganisms. Arisaema dracontium a familiar medicinal plant, was analyzed and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using extracts of different parts of its shoot including leaves and stem. Further, the antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracts such as ethyl acetate, n-hexane, ethanol, methanol, and chloroform extracts were analyzed. AgNPs were prepared using aqueous silver nitrate solution and assessed their antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and Non-multidrug-resistant bacteria. The characterization of AgNPs was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTI), and X-ray Diffraction approaches. The leaf extract contained Tannins, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, and Steroids while Alkaloids, Saponins, and Glycosides were undetected. The stem extract contained Alkaloids, Tannins, Flavonoids, Saponins, Steroids, and Glycosides while Terpenoids were not observed. The AgNPs synthesized from stem and leaf extracts in the current study had spherical shapes and ranged in size from 1 to 50 nm and 20-500 nm respectively as were visible in TEM. The leaf extract-prepared AgNPs showed significantly higher activities i.e., 27.75 mm ± 0.86 against the MDR strains as compared to the stem-derived nanoparticles i.e., 24.33 ± 0.33 by comparing the zones of inhibitions which can be attributed to the differences in their phytochemical constituents. The acute toxicity assay confirmed that no mortality was noticed when the dosage was 100 mg per kg which confirms that the confirms that the AgNPs are not toxic when used in low quantities. It is concluded that leaf extract from A. dracontium could be used against pathogenic bacteria offering economic and health benefits compared to the chemical substances.

Exploring the reasons for defaulting from childhood immunization: a qualitative study in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Childhood vaccination is widely recognized as the most effective means to prevent various diseases. However, a considerable amount of children still miss out on their vaccination schedules. Therefore, this study explores the reasons for defaulting from the expanded program on immunization in district Swat, Pakistan. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Data collection took place from March to September 2022. Thirty-six in-depth interviews were conducted with participants who had defaulter children. The collected qualitative data were analysed thematically to identify key patterns and themes related to the reasons for defaulting from childhood vaccination schedules. RESULTS: Six themes emerged, i.e., illness of the defaulter child at the scheduled time, perceived side effects of the vaccination, factors related to caregivers, myths and misconceptions, vaccinators attitudes and crowed vaccination centres, as well as poor immunization service arrangements. Four subthemes arose related to caregivers, such as lack of clear understanding about completion of vaccination, least priority for child's vaccination, cultural restriction on mothers, and the loss of vaccination card. CONCLUSION: According to the study's findings, caregivers have their own perceptions regarding the non-completion of their children's vaccination schedule. The childhood immunization defaulting arises from various factors including child illness, Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs) concerns, misconceptions, improper injection techniques, and negative vaccinator attitudes. The vaccination completion rate may be increased if the concerns of the caregivers are appropriately addressed.

Application of the Boruta algorithm to assess the multidimensional determinants of malnutrition among children under five years living in southern Punjab, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition causes nutrient deficiencies that have both physical and clinical consequences in severe acute malnutrition children. Globally, there were 47 million wasted children under the age of five in 2019. One in four were located in sub-Saharan Africa, with half being in South Asia. This study aims to apply the Boruta algorithm to identify the determinants of undernutrition among children under five living in Dera Ghazi Khan, one of the marginalized districts of densely populated Punjab Province in Pakistan. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 185 children with severe acute malnutrition aged under five years visiting the OTPs centers located in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data using a pretested structured questionnaire from parents/caregivers regarding family sociodemographic characteristics, child nutrition, and biological and healthcare characteristics. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference, were collected. The Boruta models were used to incorporate the children's anthropometric, nutritional, and household factors to determine the important predictive variables for undernutrition using the Boruta package in R studio. RESULTS: This study included 185 children, with a mean age of 15.36 ± 10.23 months and an MUAC of 10.19 ± 0.96 cm. The Boruta analysis identifies age, mid-upper arm circumference, weaning practices, and immunization status as important predictors of undernutrition. Income per month, exclusive breastfeeding, and immunization status were found to be key factors of undernutrition in children under the age of five. CONCLUSION: This study highlights age, mid-upper arm circumference, weaning practices, and immunization status as key determinants of weight-for-height and weight-for-age in children under five years. It also suggests that economic context may influence undernutrition. The findings can guide targeted strategies for combating undernutrition.

Sero-epidemiology of bluetongue in ruminants raised on private holdings in North-Western Pakistan.

This study investigated the sero-epidemiology of bluetongue in ruminants in North-Western Pakistan. A total of 3,173 serum samples were collected from small (n = 1,651) and large (n = 1,522) ruminants being reared by farmers in 14 districts. Antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) were detected using competitive ELISA. The overall prevalence of BTV antibodies was 65%. A significant association (P < 0.05) between the prevalence of BTV antibodies and the risk factors including sex, species, age, area, husbandry practices and breed was shown by univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, the seroprevalence was 6.5 (95% CL = 3.7-11.4), 5.9 (95% CL = 3.8-9.4) and 2.4 (95% CL = 1.5-3.7) times higher in buffaloes, cattle and goats than sheep, respectively. The seroprevalence was 1.4 (95% CL = 1.1-1.7) times higher in local breeds than in cross/exotic breeds. The seroprevalence was 1.6 (95% CL = 1.1 to 2.3) times higher in sedentary animals than in nomadic animals. The seroprevalence was significantly associated with age. Further work is required to determine the BTV serotypes prevalent in the study area for effective control of the disease.

Emerging Biopharmaceuticals from Pimpinella Genus.

Evolved over eons to encode biological assays, plants-derived natural products are still the first dawn of drugs. Most researchers have focused on natural compounds derived from commonly used Pimpinella species, such as P. anisum, P. thellungiana, P. saxifrage, and P. brachycarpa, to investigate their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ethnopharmacological studies demonstrated that the genus Pimpinella has the homology characteristics of medicine and food and mainly in the therapy of gastrointestinal dysfunction, respiratory diseases, deworming, and diuresis. The natural product investigation of Pimpinella spp. revealed numerous natural products containing phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, sterols, and organic acids. These natural products have the potential to provide future drugs against crucial diseases, such as cancer, hypertension, microbial and insectile infections, and severe inflammations. It is an upcoming field of research to probe a novel and pharmaceutically clinical value on compounds from the genus Pimpinella. In this review, we attempt to summarize the present knowledge on the traditional applications, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of more than twenty-five species of the genus Pimpinella.

Optimization of different growth parameters for maximum production of bioactive crude metabolites by Aspergillus fumigatus.

Aspergillus fumigatus is a green echinulate with greenish phialides and 2.5-3 mm conidia. The diverse biological functions of A. fumigatus secondary metabolites make them interesting. The ethyl acetate extract of A. fumigatus was tested for antibacterial activity. Culture media, temperature, incubation and pH were optimized for A. fumigatus growth. Continuous 150rpm agitation incubated the fungus at 28°C for 10 days. Potato Dextrose Broth at 28°C in shaking incubator at pH 04 produced the most biomass and secondary metabolites. Metabolite antibacterial activity was tested. Salmonella flexneri had the greatest zone of inhibition at 100µl (25.66mm) while Staphylococcus aureus had the least (16.33mm). At 75µg/mL, S. flexneri showed 23.66mm activity and S. typhi 14.66mm. At 50µg/mL, S. flexneri was 21.33mm and S. typhi 12.33mmMBC was 0.01µg/µl and MIC50 varied. At 100µg/mL, the metabolites showed antifungal efficacy against Penicillium chrysogenum (26.33mm) but not A. flavus (21.33mm). A. oryzae was significantly inhibited at 75µg/mL (26.33mm) and 50µg/mL (20.33mm). 1000µl demonstrated 100% phytotoxicity, 100µl 60% and 10µl 50%. Bactrocera cucurbitae, Sitotroga cerealella and Callosobruchus maculatus were killed at 150, 100 and 75µl. Metabolites and antibiotics synergized well. Metabolites have alkanes, esters and ethers in their infrared spectra.

Advances in database systems education: Methods, tools, curricula, and way forward.

Fundamentals of Database Systems is a core course in computing disciplines as almost all small, medium, large, or enterprise systems essentially require data storage component. Database System Education (DSE) provides the foundation as well as advanced concepts in the area of data modeling and its implementation. The first course in DSE holds a pivotal role in developing students' interest in this area. Over the years, the researchers have devised several different tools and methods to teach this course effectively, and have also been revisiting the curricula for database systems education. In this study a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is presented that distills the existing literature pertaining to the DSE to discuss these three perspectives for the first course in database systems. Whereby, this SLR also discusses how the developed teaching and learning assistant tools, teaching and assessment methods and database curricula have evolved over the years due to rapid change in database technology. To this end, more than 65 articles related to DSE published between 1995 and 2022 have been shortlisted through a structured mechanism and have been reviewed to find the answers of the aforementioned objectives. The article also provides useful guidelines to the instructors, and discusses ideas to extend this research from several perspectives. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research work that presents a broader review about the research conducted in the area of DSE.

May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Pakistan.

The May Measurement Month (MMM) screening campaigns comprise an opportunistic assessment of the arterial blood pressure (BP) of Pakistani adults (≥18 years old) and evaluate the level of awareness and spectrum of the problem of hypertension and the associated risk factors. The prospective study was carried out in May 2018 in multiple medical screening camps at hospitals, pharmacies, and public areas with the help of local health care workers under ethical guidelines. The volunteers took BP measurements using OMRON digital BP devices, in a seated position, and three successive readings were noted after 5 min rest. The mean values of the second and third readings were attained. Data were analysed centrally by the MMM project management team and multiple imputations were performed, where BP readings were missing. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or in those taking antihypertensive medication. This study included 25 076 participants, of whom 14 726 (58.7%) were hypertensive. Among all hypertensives, only 11 681 were aware of their hypertension status. After imputation, age and gender standardization, mean systolic and diastolic BP were 129.8 mmHg and 82.9 mmHg, respectively. MMM17 data revealed that 55.2% of those screened were hypertensive in Pakistan, while in 2018 the proportion rose slightly to 58.7%. The prevalence of hypertension among those screened for MMM in Pakistan was high in both years. Although most patients with hypertension were treated, the majority remained uncontrolled. Further efforts to improve awareness and control are needed.

A Comprehensive In Silico Exploration of Pharmacological Properties, Bioactivities, Molecular Docking, and Anticancer Potential of Vieloplain F from Xylopia vielana Targeting B-Raf Kinase.

Compounds derived from plants have several anticancer properties. In the current study, one guaiane-type sesquiterpene dimer, vieloplain F, isolated from Xylopia vielana species, was tested against B-Raf kinase protein (PDB: 3OG7), a potent target for melanoma. A comprehensive in silico analysis was conducted in this research to understand the pharmacological properties of a compound encompassing absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), bioactivity score predictions, and molecular docking. During ADMET estimations, the FDA-approved medicine vemurafenib was hepatotoxic, cytochrome-inhibiting, and non-cardiotoxic compared to the vieloplain F. The bioactivity scores of vieloplain F were active for nuclear receptor ligand and enzyme inhibitor. During molecular docking experiments, the compound vieloplain F has displayed a higher binding potential with -11.8 kcal/mol energy than control vemurafenib -10.2 kcal/mol. It was shown that intermolecular interaction with the B-Raf complex and the enzyme's active gorge through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic contacts was very accurate for the compound vieloplain F, which was then examined for MD simulations. In addition, simulations using MM-GBSA showed that vieloplain F had the greatest propensity to bind to active site residues. The vieloplain F has predominantly represented a more robust profile compared to control vemurafenib, and these results opened the road for vieloplain F for its utilization as a plausible anti-melanoma agent and anticancer drug in the next era.

GGA and GGA + U Study of ThMn2Si2 and ThMn2Ge2 Compounds in a Body-Centered Tetragonal Ferromagnetic Phase.

Our study used the full-potential linearized augmented plane waves (FP-LAPW) method to conduct a first-principles evaluation of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of ThMn2X2 (X = Si and Ge) compounds. To establish theoretical dependability with the currently available experimental results, computations for the structural findings of ternary intermetallic thorium (Th)-based compounds were achieved using the generalized gradient approximation in the scheme of Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE-GGA) potential, while the generalized gradient approximation plus the Hubbard U (GGA + U) approach was employed to improve the electrical and magnetic properties. In contrast with both the paramagnetic (PM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) phases, the ThMn2X2 compounds were optimized in a stable ferromagnetic (FM) phase, which was more suited for studying and analyzing magnetic properties. The electronic band structures (BS) and the density of state (DOS) were computed using the two PBE-GGA and GGA + U approximations. The thorium (Th)-based ThMn2X2 compound has full metallic character, due to the crossing and overlapping of bands across the Fermi level of energy, as well as the absence of a gap through both spin (up and down) channels. There was a significant hybridization between (Mn-d and (X = Si and Ge)-p states of conduction band with Th-f states in the valence band. The total magnetic moment of ThMn2Si2 in the ferromagnetic phase was 7.94534 µB, while for ThMn2Ge2 it was 8.73824 µB with a major contribution from the Mn atom. In addition, the ThMn2Ge2 compound's total magnetic moment confirmed that it exhibits higher ferromagnetism than does the ThMn2Si2 compound.

Oral health perceptions and practices of caregivers at children's religious schools and foster care centers: a qualitative exploratory study in Lahore, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases are one of the major public health problems worldwide and affect the population of all age groups. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions and practices of caregivers at care centres and boarding religious schools responsible for managing children's oral health. METHODS: A qualitative ethnomethodological approach was used to collect data from the caregivers at the children's religious schools and foster care centres. A purposive sampling technique was used to conduct focus group discussions comprising 4-7 caregivers from five foster care centres and religious schools located in Lahore, Pakistan. An interview guide was developed based on results from previous studies. An inductive approach was used to analyse data on broader oral health concepts to generate themes in this qualitative research. A three-step thematic analysis was applied to develop codes that were merged to generate categories and to conclude into themes from the transcribed data. Five focus group discussions were conducted at two foster care centres (FG1 & FG2) and three religious schools (FG3, FG4 & FG5). Foster care centres had children of both gender within the same premises; however, religious schools had segregated settings. RESULTS: The following four themes emerged from the thematic analysis: development of the desired living environment and responsibilities of the caregivers, preexisting traditional personal knowledge of the caregivers determine children's oral health, use of religio-cultural driven and convenience-based oral hygiene practices, and ethnomedicine, spiritual healing, and self-medication. Development and the existing living environment of the foster care centres and religious schools appeared important to manage the matters of the boarding children. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative study concludes that the oral health of the children at foster care centres and at religious schools depends upon the personal reasoning and pre-existing religio-cultural knowledge of the caregivers rather than on specialized oral health-oriented approaches. The foster care centres are more involved in supervising the children to maintain oral hygiene and oral health compared to religious schools.

Influence of HRM on CSR and performance of upscale hotels in developed and developing countries.

The researchers showed their increased interest in linking human resource management (HRM) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in recent studies. HRM is a critical factor in how CSR should be enacted, developed, and understood at a broader level to achieve organizational benefits. Hence, it is evident that current studies are asking for more studies on HRM-CSR nexus, and we argue that such a relationship is necessary and relevant. Probing more in this research stream, the current research investigates the impact of HRM and CSR on sustainable performance. More specifically, this study explores how 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels achieve sustainable performance through HRM and CSR in the hospitality industry of the UK, Italy, and Pakistan. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the hotels by collecting hotel details from Chambers of the Commerce United Kingdom, Italian Government Statistics, and Pakistan Hotel Associations for the UK, Italy, and Pakistan. Through a highly structured survey questionnaire, the data were collected from 438 UK, 520 Italian, and 354 Pakistani hotels. The results confirm the HRM-CSR-sustainable performance nexus in the hospitality industries of three countries. They show that HRM impact on CSR and sustainable performance is relatively stronger in five-star hotels followed by three-star and then four-star hotels. These results supported the resource-based view theory by providing strong evidence that HRM and CSR are essential resources for achieving sustainable performance and competitive advantage.

Experiences of frontline Pakistani emigrant physicians combating COVID-19 in the United Kingdom: a qualitative phenomenological analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the experiences, beliefs, feelings, and challenges faced by Pakistani migrant doctors working in the United Kingdom in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The qualitative study aims to explore the lived experiences, beliefs, feelings, and challenges faced by Pakistani migrant physicians working in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An exploratory phenomenological approach was used to collate data on experiences expressed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to target participants, which were doctors of Pakistani origin involved in the direct care and management of COVID-19 patients in different NHS hospitals of the United Kingdom. Semi-structured, in-depth telephonic interviews were conducted with study participants in May 2020. Data analysis was done parallel with data collection by using an inductive qualitative approach. RESULTS: We recruited ten frontline physicians. Four theme categories emerged from the data analysis: 1) Working across borders and cultures, 2) Role of beliefs for coping with stress and fear, 3) Passion and profession, and 4) Scaffolding the Pakistani health system. Overall, the results show that the participants received limited professional support, in terms of counseling and psychological rehabilitation. Instead, they had to use self-management strategies to cope with the situation. CONCLUSION: The intensive work exhausted participants physically and emotionally. They were holding a lot of grief and hurt inside, but still, healthcare professionals showed the spirit of professional dedication to overcome difficulties. Although currently coping with their emotional problems, comprehensive professional support should be made available to cater to the wellbeing of frontline physicians.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fucoidan Extracts In Vitro.

Fucoidans are sulfated, complex, fucose-rich polymers found in brown seaweeds. Fucoidans have been shown to have multiple bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory effects, and are known to inhibit inflammatory processes via a number of pathways such as selectin blockade and enzyme inhibition, and have demonstrated inhibition of inflammatory pathologies in vivo. In this current investigation, fucoidan extracts from Undaria pinnatifida, Fucus vesiculosus, Macrocystis pyrifera, Ascophyllum nodosum, and Laminaria japonica were assessed for modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in a human macrophage line (THP-1). Fucoidan extracts exhibited no signs of cytotoxicity in THP-1 cells after incubation of 48 h. Additionally, all fucoidan extracts reduced cytokine production in LPS stimulated PBMCs and human THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Notably, the 5-30 kDa subfraction from Macrocystis pyrifera was a highly effective inhibitor at lower concentrations. Fucoidan extracts from all species had significant anti-inflammatory effects, but the lowest molecular weight subfractions had maximal effects at low concentrations. These observations on various fucoidan extracts offer insight into strategies that improve their efficacy against inflammation-related pathology. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the mechanism of action of these extracts.

Comparison of acute and chronic effects of Bacopa monnieri, Ginkgo biloba, and Lavandula angustifolia and their mixture on learning and memory in mice.

Forty-seven million people are living with memory-related disorders worldwide. Phytomedicines are gaining extensive interest in the treatment of these ailments. Memory-enhancing (acute and chronic) potentials of commercial grade extracts of Bacopa monnieri (200 mg/kg, po), Ginkgo biloba (150 mg/kg, po), and Lavandula angustifolia (200 mg/kg, po) and their mixture (B. monnieri 100 mg/kg, G. biloba 75 mg/kg, and L. angustifolia 100 mg/kg, po) were compared for their synergistic/additive effects on the Morris water maze (MWM) test and elevated plus maze (EPM) test in scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice. Escape latency and accumulative path length were significantly reduced both in acute (up to day 6) and chronic trials (days 8-14) in B. monnieri-, G. biloba-, and L. angustifolia-treated animals and their mixtures (n = 8, p < .05) in MWM. Furthermore, in probe trials (acute on day 7 and chronic on day 15), the number of crossing-overs at platform position and time spent in platform quadrant were significantly increased, while transfer latency in EPM was decreased in treated animals as compared to the saline group (n = 8, p < .05). The mixture showed synergistic effects on memory enhancement as compared to each extract individually in mice. Further studies may be carried out on the active compounds of B. monnieri at the cellular and molecular levels.

First Report of the Rust Disease Caused by Puccinia crepidis-japonicae on New Host Sonchus arvensis from Pakistan.

Sonchus arvensis (Asteraceae) is a traditional medicinal herb. The aerial parts are a rich source of vitamins, essential amino acids, and minerals, which may help in treatment of fever, inflammation, detoxication, and blood circulation (Li et al. 2018). In October 2018, typical rust symptoms were observed on S. arvensis leaves and stems in Buner district, Malakand division, Khyber PakhtunKhwa Province, Pakistan (34.39°N; 72.61°E). Almost 40% of leaves and stems of five S. arvensis plants displayed severe rust. The specimens were examined microscopically and compared with type specimen description in published literature (Dietel 1908; Hiratsuka et al. 1992). The fungus was identified as Puccinia crepidis-japonicae based on the characteristic of spore morphology and phylogenetic study based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) sequence data. Uredinia were amphigenous, rounded, or somewhat elliptical, naked, small patches, equally spread, brown. Urediniospores (n=30) were globose to ellipsoid, brownish yellow and measured 22.4-24.7 × 20.2-22.1 µm. Urediniospore walls were brownish orange and finely echinulate and 1.7 to 2.1 µm thick with 2 to 3 germ pores. Telia were amphigenous, rounded or elliptic, scattered, dark brown to blackish. Teliospores (n=30) were ellipsoid, subglobose or long ellipsoid, rounded at both ends, not thickened at apex, warted, reddish brown, and measured 31.3-39 × 24.6-26.8 µm. Teliospore walls were reddish-black and about 1.5-2.5 µm thick, and the pedicles were short, hyaline, fragile, become tapered toward apex, and measured 14.4-18.7 × 4.7-9 µm. DNA was extracted from urediniospores, and the combined region of ITS and LSU (28S) were amplified using Rust2Inv (forward primer) and LR6 (Reverse primer) according to the protocol outlined by Aime (2006). A BLASTn search (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) showed that the combined ITS and LSU region shared 99% identity (792/804 bp) to the P. crepidis-japonicae accessions (KY798395 from Hawaii, USA) with 100% query cover. The resulting sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. MN093335). Both morphological and molecular characteristics indicatethat this species was P. crepidis-japonicae. To test pathogenicity and fulfill the Koch's postulates, a urediniospore suspension (1 × 104 spores/ml) was sprayed on three 6-week-old plants of S. arvensis, and one as negative control, incubated at 22-24°C. Uredinia were observed on the leaves after 10 days of inoculation, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. Microscopic examination confirmed that the symptoms on plants obtained from the field and greenhouse inoculations were morphologically identical. This fungus has been observed previously on Crepis japonica in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, on Prenanthes spp. in China and on Youngia tenuifolia and Y. fusca in China (Farr and Rossman 2021). Pereira et al. (2002) suggested that P. crepidis-japonicae may play a significant role as a biocontrol agent against its weed host. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other reports of this fungus on any other hosts in Pakistan. The specimen has been vouchered in LAH Herbarium, Department of Botany, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan (LAH36343). This is the first report of P. crepidis-japonicae on S. arvensis as a new host from Pakistan.

Synthesis, bioactivity and binding energy calculations of novel 3-ethoxysalicylaldehyde based thiosemicarbazone derivatives.

In recent decade, the entrance of α-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones derivates (Triapne, COTI-2 and DpC) in clinical trials for cancer and HIV-1 has vastly increased the interests of medicinal chemists towards this class of organic compounds. In the given study, a series of eighteen new (3a-r) 3-ethoxy salicylaldehyde-based thiosemicarbazones (TSC), bearing aryl and cycloalkyl substituents, were synthesized and assayed for their pharmacological potential against carbonic anhydrases (hCA I and hCA II), cholinesterases (AChE and BChE) and α-glycosidase. The hCA I isoform was inhibited by these novel 3-ethoxysalicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives (3a-r) in low nanomolar levels, the Ki of which differed between 144.18 ± 26.74 and 454.92 ± 48.32 nM. Against the physiologically dominant isoform hCA II, the novel compounds demonstrated Kis varying from 110.54 ± 14.05 to 444.12 ± 36.08 nM. Also, these novel derivatives (3a-r) effectively inhibited AChE, with Ki values in the range of 385.38 ± 45.03 to 983.04 ± 104.64 nM. For BChE was obtained with Ki values in the range of 400.21 ± 35.68 to 1003.02 ± 154.27 nM. For α-glycosidase the most effective Ki values of 3l, 3n, and 3q were with Ki values of 12.85 ± 1.05, 16.03 ± 2.84, and 19.16 ± 2.66 nM, respectively. Moreover, the synthesized TCSs were simulated using force field methods whereas the binding energies of the selected compounds were estimated using MM-GBSA method. The findings indicate the present novel 3-ethoxy salicylaldehyde-based thiosemicarbazones to be excellent hits for pharmaceutical applications.

Potentially toxic elements' occurrence and risk assessment through water and soil of Chitral urban environment, Pakistan: a case study.

This study investigated the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) including copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), molybdenum (Mo) and manganese (Mn) in water and soil of the Chitral city, Pakistan. For this purpose, water (n = 66) and soil (n = 48) samples were collected from various locations of the Chitral city and analyzed for the PTE concentrations. Determined PTE concentrations were evaluated for the human and ecological potential risk. Results revealed that hazard quotient through water consumption was less than the threshold limit (1). However, for soil, the Fe mean hazard index (HI > 1) value for children only surpassed the threshold limits. The mean cancer risk index values via soil exposure were higher (RI > 1 × 10-4) through consumption of Co, Ni and Cd for children and only Co for adults. Contamination factor (CF) values for Mo, Cd and Fe were found very high, considerable and moderate for 79%, 8% and 77% of sampling sites, respectively. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed that soils were moderately-heavily polluted due to Mo. Potential ecological risk index (PERI) values exhibited considerable risk with an average risk index value in the range 190 < RI < 380. Higher values of CF, Igeo and PERI revealed the presence of pollution and pose risk to ecological environment.

An Unbiased Lipid Phenotyping Approach To Study the Genetic Determinants of Lipids and Their Association with Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors.

Direct infusion high-resolution mass spectrometry (DIHRMS) is a novel, high-throughput approach to rapidly and accurately profile hundreds of lipids in human serum without prior chromatography, facilitating in-depth lipid phenotyping for large epidemiological studies to reveal the detailed associations of individual lipids with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors. Intact lipid profiling by DIHRMS was performed on 5662 serum samples from healthy participants in the Pakistan Risk of Myocardial Infarction Study (PROMIS). We developed a novel semi-targeted peak-picking algorithm to detect mass-to-charge ratios in positive and negative ionization modes. We analyzed lipid partial correlations, assessed the association of lipid principal components with established CHD risk factors and genetic variants, and examined differences between lipids for a common genetic polymorphism. The DIHRMS method provided information on 360 lipids (including fatty acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterol lipids), with a median coefficient of variation of 11.6% (range: 5.4-51.9). The lipids were highly correlated and exhibited a range of associations with clinical chemistry biomarkers and lifestyle factors. This platform can provide many novel insights into the effects of physiology and lifestyle on lipid metabolism, genetic determinants of lipids, and the relationship between individual lipids and CHD risk factors.