Influence of agro-wastes derived biochar and their composite on reducing the mobility of toxic heavy metals and their bioavailability in industrial contaminated soils.

The agro-waste derived valuable products are prime interest for effective management of toxic heavy metals (THMs). The present study investigated the efficacy of biochars (BCs) on immobilization of THMs (Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni and Cd), bioaccumulation and health risk. Agro-wastes derived BCs including wheat straw biochar (WSB), orange peel biochar (OPB), rice husk biochar (RHB) and their composite biochar (CB) were applied in industrial contaminated soil (ICS) at 1% and 3% amendments rates. All the BCs significantly decreased the bioavailable THMs and significantly (p < 0.001) reduced bioaccumulation at 3% application with highest efficiency for CB followed by OPB, WSB and RHB as compared to control treatment. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF), concentration index (CI) and ecological risk were decreased with all BCs. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) of all THMs were <1, except Cd, while carcer risk (CR) and total cancer risk index (TCRI) were decreased through all BCs. The overall results depicted that CB at 3% application rate showed higher efficacy to reduce significantly (p < 0.001) the THMs uptake and reduced health risk. Hence, the present study suggests that the composite of BCs prepared from agro-wastes is eco-friendly amendment to reduce THMs in ICS and minimize its subsequent uptake in vegetables.

The present study has a scientific research scope, based on reduction of bioavailability and bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals (THMs) by the addition of biochars derived from agro-wastes and their composite biochar (CB), thereby decreasing the potential health risk. Limited study has been conducted, especially on the impact of CB in THMs-contaminated soil. This study could fill the scientific research gap and provides useful information for mitigation of THMs present in contaminated soil, which could be followed by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and farmers in degraded lands.

Microbial pollution in inland recreational freshwaters of Quetta, Pakistan: an initial report.

Parasitic contamination of surface waters, especially recreational waters, is a serious problem for under-developed nations like Pakistan, where numerous outbreaks of parasitic diseases are reported each year. In the current study, parasitic presence in two surface waters (Hanna Lake and Wali-Tangi Dam) of Quetta was monitored quarterly for 1 year. The methodology involved the pre-concentration of the water samples and the subsequent preparation for the microscopic search of parasites. Physico-chemical and bacteriological variables were also studied. Wet staining, modified Trichrome staining, and modified acid-fast staining methods were used to identify various parasitic forms (cysts, oocysts, eggs, trophozoites). Collectively 11 parasitic elements (10 in Lake and 8 in Dam) belonging to 10 species were recorded, many of which are potential human pathogens. The species identified include Trichomonas sp., Isospora sp., Balantidium coli, Cryptosporidium sp., Entamoeba spp., amoebas, Microsporidium sp., Endolimax nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Giardia spp. Parasitic contamination remained persistent in both locations throughout the year independent of physico-chemical parameters (temperature, EC, pH, turbidity, and DO) and bacterial concentration of water. Reliance on bacterial presence for monitoring of recreational waters can be a risk for tourists. Entamoeba spp. and A. lumbricoides may be used for surface water monitoring in these waters.

Antimicrobial profiling and molecular characterization of antibiotic resistant genes of Proteus vulgaris isolated from tertiary care hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections acquired from hospitals and community. Pseudomonas and Proteus species are the common cause of these UTIs. Generally, UTIs are self-limiting but have potential to re-occur. Extensive treatment therapy with antibiotics lead to the development of resistance in uropathogens. The development of antibiotic resistance is leading to the failure of currently available antibiotic based therapies thus making the situation worse. The objective of the present study was to access antimicrobial sensitivity and to characterize antibiotic resistant genes of Proteus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) isolated from patients suffering with UTIs. A total of 150 urine samples were collected and cultured on MacConkey agar medium followed by isolation and identification on blood agar medium. Biochemical characterization of all presumptive Proteus isolates was done using Remel Rap ID one kit. Antibiotic sensitivity for P. vulgaris isolates was performed by disc diffusion method. Presence of blaTEM and qnr antibiotic resistant genes was determined by PCR. The results showed that the overall prevalence of P. vulgaris in clinical samples was 11.3%. It showed maximum resistance (94%) to three antibiotics i.e. ampicillin, tigecycline and chloramphenicol, while least resistance was observed against imipenem (12%). Statistical analysis depicted that imipenem had a significantly larger zone of inhibition (P=.01), while ampicillin had significantly smaller zone of inhibition (P=.0004) followed by chloramphenicol (p-value = 0.002). Imipenem should be considered as an effective antibiotic to treat urinary tract infections associated with P. vulgaris. Both blaTEM and qnr genes were found to be involved in conferring resistance to ß-lactam and quinolones antibiotics.

Effect of topical application of hard water in weakening of hair in men.

Background: Hard water is thought to play a key role in weakening of hair (not Hair Loss) and breakage especially when travelling is involved. In our community, commonly men do the travelling and complain more about hair problem which is why only young male individuals were included in this study. Materials and Methods: Water samples from different districts of KPK, Pakistan, were collected and their hardness values were estimated to find the water sample of maximum and minimum water hardness in order to know the maximum hardness hair would encounter in KPK, Pakistan. Samples from district Kohat had maximum hardness whereas minimum hardness was estimated in samples of district Peshawar. Water from district Kohat was considered as our sample water for the experimental group of hair. Hair samples were collected from 76 male individuals of district Peshawar, the area with least water hardness among the samples collected. Each hair sample was divided into two halves. One half was considered as experimental group and the other was considered as control group. The experimental group was treated with hard water of district Kohat for 10 minutes on alternate days, for 3 months. In a very similar way the control group was treated with de-ionized water. Tensile strength in term of "Stress" of both the experimental and control groups were measured using the universal testing machine and compared using paired t-test. Results and Conclusions: The standard deviations (SD) for hair treated with hard water and distilled water was 62.05 and 58.13 respectively and the mean values were 238.49 and 255.36 respectively. The results showed that the tensile strength of hair was significantly (p=0.001) reduced in hair treated with hard water as compared to hair treated with de-ionized water.

Missense mutations (p.H371Y, p.D438Y) in gene CHEK2 are associated with breast cancer risk in women of Balochistan origin.

CHEK2 encodes a serine/threonine-protein kinase which plays a critical role in DNA damage signaling pathways. CHEK2 directly phosphorylates and regulates the functions of p53 and BRCA1. Most women with breast and/or ovarian cancer are not carriers of mutant BRCA1 or BRCA2. Multiple studies have shown that a CHEK2*1100delC confers about a two-fold increased risk of breast cancer in unselected females and a tenfold increase in males. Moreover, studies have shown that first-degree relatives of bilateral breast cancer cases who carried the CHEK2*1100delC allele had an eight-fold increased risk of breast cancer. It has been suggested that CHEK2 functions as a low-penetrance susceptibility gene for cancers and multiplies the risks associated with other gene(s) to increase cancer risk. The main goal of this study was to evaluate and to compare the role of truncating mutations, splice junction mutations and rare missense substitutions in breast cancer susceptibility gene CHEK2. Present study was performed on 140 individuals including 70 breast cancer patients both with and without family history and 70 normal individuals. Written consent was obtained and 3 ml intravenous blood was drawn from all the subjects. DNA was extracted from all the samples through inorganic method published already. Primers were synthesized for all the 14 exons of CHEK2 gene. Coding and adjacent intronic sequences of CHEK2 gene were amplified and sequenced. Two genetic variants (p.H371Y, p.D438Y) were found in exon 10 and exon 11 of gene CHEK2 which were not found in any of the 70 control individuals from same geographical area and ethnic group. The genetic variant c.1312G>T (p.D438Y) identified in a patient with a family history of breast cancer. To our knowledge, this is first mutation scanning study of gene CHEK2 from Balochistan population.

Geographical Expansion of Avian Metapneumovirus Subtype B: First Detection and Molecular Characterization of Avian Metapneumovirus Subtype B in US Poultry.

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), classified within the Pneumoviridae family, wreaks havoc on poultry health. It typically causes upper respiratory tract and reproductive tract infections, mainly in turkeys, chickens, and ducks. Four subtypes of AMPV (A, B, C, D) and two unclassified subtypes have been identified, of which subtypes A and B are widely distributed across the world. In January 2024, an outbreak of severe respiratory disease occurred on turkey and chicken farms across different states in the US. Metagenomics sequencing of selected tissue and swab samples confirmed the presence of aMPV subtype B. Subsequently, all samples were screened using an aMPV subtype A and B multiplex real-time RT-PCR kit. Of the 221 farms, 124 (56%) were found to be positive for aMPV-B. All samples were negative for subtype A. Six whole genomes were assembled, five from turkeys and one from chickens; all six assembled genomes showed 99.29 to 99.98% nucleotide identity, indicating a clonal expansion event for aMPV-B within the country. In addition, all six sequences showed 97.74 to 98.58% nucleotide identity with previously reported subtype B sequences, e.g., VCO3/60616, Hungary/657/4, and BR/1890/E1/19. In comparison to these two reference strains, the study sequences showed unique 49-62 amino acid changes across the genome, with maximum changes in glycoprotein (G). One unique AA change from T (Threonine) to I (Isoleucine) at position 153 in G protein was reported only in the chicken aMPV sequence, which differentiated it from turkey sequences. The twelve unique AA changes along with change in polarity of the G protein may indicate that these unique changes played a role in the adaptation of this virus in the US poultry. This is the first documented report of aMPV subtype B in US poultry, highlighting the need for further investigations into its genotypic characterization, pathogenesis, and evolutionary dynamics.

Metal pollution in the topsoil of lands adjacent to Sahiwal Coal Fired Power Plant (SCFPP) in Sahiwal, Pakistan.

Coal fly ash from a coal fired power plant is a significant anthropogenic source of various heavy metals in surrounding soils. In this study, heavy metal contamination in topsoil around Sahiwal coal fired power plant (SCFPP) was investigated. Within distance of 0-10, 11-20, 21-30 and 31-40 km of SCFPP, total 56 soil samples were taken, 14 replicate from each distance along with a background subsurface soil sample beyond 60 km. Soil samples were subjected to heavy metals analysis including Fe, Cu and Pb by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Composite samples for each distance were analyzed for Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Sr, Zn by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). Pollution indices of exposed soil including Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were calculated. Ecological risk index ([Formula: see text]) of individual metals and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) for all metals were determined. Soil samples within 40 km of SCFPP were significantly polluted with Pb (mean 2.81 ppm), Cu (mean 0.93 ppm), and Fe (mean 7.93 ppm) compared to their background values (Pb 0.45, Cu 0.3, and Fe 4.9 ppm). Some individual replicates were highly contaminated where Pb, Fe, and Cu values were as high as 6.10, 35.4 and 2.51 ppm respectively. PLI, Igeo, CF, and EF for metals classified the soil around CFPP as "moderate to high degree of pollution", "uncontaminated to moderately contaminated", "moderate to very high contamination", and "moderate to significant enrichment" respectively with average values for Cu as 2.75, 0.82, 3.09, 4.01; Pb 4.79, 1.56, 6.16, 7.76, and for Fe as 1.20, 0.40, 1.62, 3.35 respectively. Average Ecological Risk Index ([Formula: see text]) of each metal and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) for all metals classified the soils as "low risk soils" in all distances. However, ([Formula: see text]) of Pb at a number of sites in all distances have shown "moderate risk". The linear correlation of physico-chemical parameter (EC, pH, Saturation %) and metals have recorded several differential correlations, however, their collective impact on Pb in 0-10 km, has recorded statistically significant correlation (p-value 0.01). This mix of correlations indicates complex interplay of many factors influencing metal concentrations at different sampling sites. The concentration of As, Cr, Co, Cd, and Zn was found within satisfactory limits and lower than in many parts of the world. Although the topsoil around SCFPP is largely recorded at low risk, for complete assessment of its ecological health, further research considering comprehensive environmental parameters, all important trace metals and variety of input pathways is suggested.

Peganum harmala L. extract-based Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs): Green synthesis, characterization, and assessment of antibacterial and antifungal properties.

During the last decade, nanotechnology has attained a significant place among the scientific community for the biosynthesis of plant-based nanoparticles owing to its effective, safe, and eco-friendly nature. Hence, keeping in view the significance of nanotechnology, the current study was conducted to develop, characterize (UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), and assess the antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) properties of Peganum harmala L. Extract-based Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs). Characteristic absorption peaks at 420 and 540 nm revealed the formation of AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively. SEM images revealed that both silver and gold nanoparticles were oval and spherical with average size ranging from 42 to 72 and 12.6 to 35.7 nm, respectively. Similarly, FT-IR spectra revealed that the functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and polyphenolic groups of biomolecules present in the extract are possibly responsible for reducing metallic ions and the formation of nanoparticles. Likewise, the EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silver and gold in synthesized NPs. Furthermore, the AgNPs and AuNPs showed good antibacterial and antifungal activities. The maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity was noticed for P. harmala extract against Pseudomonas aeroginosa (21 mm) and Candida albicon (18 mm), respectively. Whereas, the maximum antibacterial and antifungal activities of synthesized AgNPs were observed against Salmonella typhi (25 mm) and Penicillium notatum (36 mm), respectively. Moreover, in the case of AuNPs, the highest antibacterial and antifungal activity of synthesized AuNPs was noticed against Escherichia coli (25 mm) and C. albicon (31 mm), respectively. Findings of this study revealed that P. harmala extract and biosynthesized NPs (silver and gold) possessed significant antibacterial and antifungal properties against different bacterial (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, P. aeroginosa, and S. typhi) and fungal (C. albicans, Aspergillus Niger, and P. notatum) strains. Further studies must be carried out to assess the probable mechanism of action associated with these antimicrobial properties.

Impact of automobile exhaust on biochemical and genomorphic characteristics of Mimusops elengi L. growing along roadsides of Lahore city, Pakistan.

Automobile exhaust releases different types of pollutants that are at great risk to the air quality of the environment and incidental distress to the nature of roadside plants. Mimusops elengi L. is an evergreen medicinal tree cultivated along the roadside of Lahore City. This research aimed to investigate physiological, morphological and genomorphic characteristics of M. elengi under the influence of air pollution from vehicles. Healthy and mature leaves were collected from trees on Canal Bank and Mall roads of Lahore as the experimental sites and control sites were 20 km away from the experimental site. Different physiochemical, morphological, air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and molecular analysis for the detection of DNA damage were performed through comet assay. The results demonstrated the mean accumulated Cd, Pb, Cu and Ni heavy metal contents on the leaves were higher than the control plants (1.27, 3.22, 1.32 and 1.46 µg mg-1). APTI of trees was 9.04. Trees in these roads significantly (p < 0.01) had a lower leaf area, petiole length and leaf dry matter content in comparison to control site. Increased comet tail showed that DNA damage was higher for roadside trees than trees in the control area. For tolerance of air pollution, it necessary to check the APTI value for the M. elengi at the polluted road side of Lahore city. For long-term screening, the source and type of pollutants and consistent monitoring of various responses given by the trees should be known.

First detection of bovine tuberculosis by Ziehl-Neelsen staining and polymerase chain reaction at dairy farms in the Lekok Sub-District, Pasuruan Regency, and Surabaya region, Indonesia.

Background and Aim: Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic disease of great public health importance, particularly in Indonesia, where control measures are limited or are not implemented. This study aimed to detect the presence of Mycobacterium pathogens in milk samples from dairy cattle in Pasuruan regency and Surabaya City, East Java, using Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and Methods: Milk samples were aseptically collected from 50 cattle in the Lekok Subdistrict, Pasuruan Regency, and 44 from dairy farms in the Lakarsantri Subdistrict, Wonocolo Subdistrict, Mulyorejo Subdistrict, and Kenjeran Subdistrict, Surabaya, East Java. To detect Mycobacteria at the species level, each sample was assessed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining and PCR using the RD1 and RD4 genes. Results: The results of PCR assay from 50 samples in Lekok Subdistrict, Pasuruan Regency showed that 30 samples (60%) were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and two samples (4%) were positive for Mycobacterium bovis, although Ziehl-Neelsen staining did not show the presence of Mycobacterium spp. In the Surabaya region, 31 samples (70.45%) were positive for M. tuberculosis and three samples (6.8%) were positive for M. bovis. Six samples (13.63%) from all PCR-positive samples could be detected microscopically with Ziehl-Neelsen. Conclusion: The presence of bovine TB in this study supports the importance of using a molecular tool alongside routine surveillance for a better understanding of the epidemiology of bovine TB in East Java.

Examining the role of ICT, transportation energy consumption, and urbanization in CO2 emissions in Asia: a threshold analysis.

ICT is viewed in earlier research as a double-edged sword that may either help or hurt the environment. Asian nations' ICT penetration has significantly expanded in recent years, and they are eager to bring about a digital revolution by building up their ICT infrastructure while consuming less energy for transportation and urban growth. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to investigate how ICT might reduce CO2 emissions through the use of transport energy and urban development. Empirical and theoretical debates have been remaining ambiguous and contentious topic of whether energy consumed by the transport sector and urbanization causes CO2 emanation in Asia, and what role ICT played in determining the level of CO2 remains unanswered. This study adds to the ongoing discussion for sustainable transportation in ten Asian nations for 30 years that concentrate on the relationship between the energy consumption of transport, urbanization, ICT, and carbon emanation (1990-2020) and checked the validity of EKC. The STIRPAT and panel threshold models having two regimes are used to explore the stochastic impacts of the dependent and explanatory variables. We have divided explanatory into two categories, that is, the threshold variable ICT and the regime-dependent variables urbanization and transport energy consumption. Our results confirm that the EKC hypothesis holds in these Asian economies. Thus, our findings indicate that the environmental quality improves in terms of reduction in CO2 emissions when ICT passes the threshold level due to the technological advancement in ICT dominating the scale effect induced by ICT. Furthermore, the possible policy recommendations are discussed according to the findings.

Primary hyperhidrosis: From a genetics point of view.

Primary hyperhidrosis is a disorder of profuse sweating which negatively influences a patient's quality of life and is caused because of over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system. It was believed that hyperhidrosis is a condition limited to only anxious individuals; however, this hypothesis is discredited now. It has been found that people with a positive family history of primary hyperhidrosis are likely to suffer from this condition, suggesting a strong genetic basis. Genetic analysis has revealed a dominant autosomal pattern of inheritance with a variable degree of penetrance and is a sex-independent trait. It is a heterogeneous condition both genetically and clinically as different studies revealed variable genetics and clinical factors. There are no proper criteria for diagnosis as it is not treated as disease by most affected persons. Various studies revealed opposing results in localizing disease gene loci, so further genetic research is needed to pinpoint genes responsible for causing this debilitating condition. Gene expression profiling of human anxiety-causing genes in hyperhidrotic sufferers will also help to devise new treatment modalities. This review highlights the current genetic studies on hyperhidrosis, which may prove to be helpful in understanding the molecular mechanism governing hyperhidrosis.

Structural insights into the effect of mutations in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 on the binding with human furin protein.

The SARS COV-2 and its variants are spreading around the world at an alarming speed, due to its higher transmissibility and the conformational changes caused by mutations. The resulting COVID-19 pandemic has imposed severe health consequences on human health. Several countries of the world including Pakistan have studied its genome extensively and provided productive findings. In the current study, the mCSM, DynaMut2, and I-Mutant servers were used to analyze the effect of identified mutations on the structural stability of spike protein however, the molecular docking and simulations approaches were used to evaluate the dynamics of the bonding network between the wild-type and mutant spike proteins with furin. We addressed the mutational modifications that have occurred in the spike protein of SARS-COV-2 that were found in 215 Pakistani's isolates of COVID-19 patients to study the influence of mutations on the stability of the protein and its interaction with the host cell. We found 7 single amino acid substitute mutations in various domains that reside in spike protein. The H49Y, N74K, G181V, and G446V were found in the S1 domain while the D614A, V622F, and Q677H mutations were found in the central helices of the spike protein. Based on the observation, G181V, G446V, D614A, and V622F mutants were found highly destabilizing and responsible for structural perturbation. Protein-protein docking and molecular simulation analysis with that of furin have predicted that all the mutants enhanced the binding efficiency however, the V622F mutant has greatly altered the binding capacity which is further verified by the KD value (7.1 E-14) and therefore may enhance the spike protein cleavage by Furin and increase the rate of infectivity by SARS-CoV-2. On the other hand, the total binding energy for each complex was calculated which revealed -50.57 kcal/mol for the wild type, for G181V -52.69 kcal/mol, for G446V -56.44 kcal/mol, for D614A -59.78 kcal/mol while for V622F the TBE was calculated to be -85.84 kcal/mol. Overall, the current finding shows that these mutations have increased the binding of Furin for spike protein and shows that D614A and V622F have significant effects on the binding and infectivity.

Comparison of Postoperative Complications of Open Versus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy According to the Modified Clavien-Dindo Classification System.

BACKGROUND: Though laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become a gold standard management technique for gallbladder diseases, an open approach can also be used for patients having complicated gallbladder disease. Post-cholecystectomy complications are well-documented in existing English scientific literature but are not well understood according to the grade of intervention required to treat those complications. OBJECTIVE: To compare the postoperative complications of laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy according to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification (MCDC) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Unit - III, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, comprising the data of patients operated between July 01, 2021, and December 31, 2021, after departmental approval # SU-III/73/LGH, dated April 1, 2022. Patients with the definitive diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and cholecysto-duodenal fistula were included, while cases of choledocholithiasis and, gall bladder carcinoma were excluded from this study. Eighty patients met the inclusion criteria, with 40 patients in each group of open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Information for the data set of age, gender, history of surgical procedure, immediate and late outcome, length of surgery, and MCDC grade were collected. Low-grade complications were Grade I and Grade II, while Grades III to V were high-grade. RESULTS: The mean age of included patients was 42.52 ± 8.76 and 40.025 ± 8.12 years, in the open and laparoscopic group, with 80% and 90% female preponderance, respectively. Grade I and Grade II complications occurred in both groups of patients, with Grade III only in patients who underwent open cholecystectomy. None of the patients from each group developed Grade IV or Grade V complications. Among 40 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 35% of the patients developed low-grade complications, whereas 40% of the patients developed low-grade complications after open cholecystectomy, with respiratory complications being the most common. High-grade complications after open cholecystectomy were found among 2.5% of patients, whereas no patients developed high-grade complications following the laparoscopic approach. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy are less prone to develop complications than patients undergoing open cholecystectomy, hence requiring low-grade interventions of surgical and non-surgical types. MCDC is a valuable tool for assessing surgical complications and can help improve patient outcomes by providing a standardized method for reporting and comparing complication rates.

Quantification and characterization of microplastics (MPs) pollution in peri-uburban agricultural lands of Lahore, Pakistan.

Microplastics (MPs) contaminate every conceivable terrestrial and aquatic environment including high peaks and deep marine trenches. Agricultural lands alone are expected to receive plastic up to 23 times more than ocean basins. In this study, soil samples were collected from peri-urban agricultural lands of Lahore on four sides including Kala Shah Kaku (KSK), Punjab University (PU), Dera Gujran (DG), and Sagian (SG). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) protocol was used for MPs extraction and analysis. Extracted MPs were analyzed under microscope at 40X magnification and their composition was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A considerable concentration of MPs was recorded at all sites. The highest contamination was found at SG with 876 ±194 MPs/kg of soil, and the lowest contamination was recorded at PU with 672 ±235 MPs/kg of soil. However, these differences among the sites were not statistically significant (p = 0.29). The overall predominant shape of MPs was fibers (613±71, 79.73%) followed by sheets (125±55, 16.28%), fragments (30±5, 3.9%) and foam particles (1±2, .09%). The differences in the distribution of MPs in various types were statistically significant (p = 0), while differences between sites were insignificant (p = 0.13). About 95% of MPs were less than 2 mm and 85% were less than 1 mm size. The distribution of MPs in various sizes (p = 0) and differences of this distribution between sites (p = 0.037) were both statistically significant. A good diversity of nine colored MPs was recorded, however majority of the MPs were transparent (89.57%). Six polymer including Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polycarbonate (PC), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) were identified by FTIR. The current levels of MPs pollution are higher than in many other parts of the world. Composition of MPs (types, colors, sizes, and polymer types) indicates the diversity of their sources and their possible implications on agricultural ecosystem.

Effect of strigolactone on growth, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant activity, and osmolytes accumulation in different maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids grown under drought stress.

Drought alters plant physiology, morphology, and biochemical pathways, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. Strigolactones (SLs) are phytohormones known to enhance plant growth under abiotic stress. However, their specific impact on drought stress in maize remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the optimal SL concentration for mitigating drought stress in two maize hybrids (HY-1898, FH-1046). Maize plants were subjected to 60% field capacity drought stress in a pot experiment. After 40 d, different concentrations (0, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mg L-1) of the synthetic SL analogue GR24 were applied to evaluate their effects on growth features, photosynthesis attributes, and osmolyte accumulation in the maize hybrids. Results showed that exogenous SL application significantly increased photosynthetic pigments in maize hybrids under drought stress. Chlorophyll content, gas exchange characteristics, net CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and antioxidant activities were enhanced by GR24. Leaf ascorbic acid and total phenolics also increased with SL application. Organic osmolytes, such as glycine betaine and free proline, were elevated in both maize hybrids under drought stress. Yield-related parameters, including cob diameter, cob weight, number of seeds per cob, and number of seeds per plant, were significantly increased by GR24 under drought stress. Our findings highlight the potential of GR24 foliar application to mitigate drought stress and promote maize growth and grain yield in a concentration-dependent manner. The minimum effective SL concentration against drought stress was determined to be 0.01 mg L-1. Overall, foliar application of GR24 could serve as a sustainable approach for drought tolerance in agriculture.

Intervene to Improve: Awareness of Testicular Self-Examination and Testicular Cancer Among Male Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan.

Background and objective Testicular cancer is the commonest of all types of cancer males are affected with. Testicular cancer, when diagnosed early, has one of the best prognoses. However, in Pakistan, early detection is hindered by religious and sociocultural norms, lack of education, and awareness deficit. Testicular self-examination (TSE) can significantly facilitate early detection of the condition and decrease associated mortality rate. This study aimed to acquire the frame of mind regarding testicular cancer (TC) and testicular self-examination (TSE) among the male outdoor patients of Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Materials and methods After ethical considerations, elaborated literature review and consequent pilot study were done to develop a bilingual questionnaire. Following patient consent, answers to a set of questions were noted down by the authors. A 90-second bilingual, motivational video was displayed and an educational pamphlet on the same topic was also handed over. Afterward, another survey was conducted to grasp the comprehension, satisfaction, and willingness to spread the message. Results About 92% of the subjects had not heard of or performed TSE and 58.3% mentioned lack of education as the reason for not knowing the method. Eighty-two percent patients had never heard of TC. Post-education, 100% patients claimed that their knowledge of the subject improved and 97% were ready to teach other male relatives. Conclusion The results indicate that the population's lack of awareness regarding testicular self-examination and testicular cancer is alarming. Most subjects did not know the age group, risk factors, presentation, and early prevention of testicular cancer.

Relationship Of Serum Visfatin Levels With Serum Electrolytes, Liver Profile, Hepatic Enzymes And Anthropometric Parameters In Pregnant Women With Preeclampsia And Eclampsia During 3rd Trimester.

BACKGROUND: Eclampsia and preeclampsia are among the serious complications of gestation and threaten the lives of both mother and foetus. A protein called visfatin, one of these adipokines, is evaluated for its effects on serum electrolytes, lipid profile and hepatic enzymes in preeclamptic and eclamptic patients. METHODS: A sum of 234 pregnant women were enrolled in this crosssectional study and divided in to 2 main groups, i.e., Group A (eclamptic/preeclamptic) Group B (control) pregnant women respectively. Serum visfatin levels (ng/mL), serum electrolytes and liver enzymes were determined for every patient, using relative diagnostic kits. Anthropometric measurements were also noted. RESULTS: A total of 234 women (cases; n=160, controls; n=74) with gestation age of ≥20 weeks participated in this study. Group A had 86 (36.75%) women with preeclampsia and 74 (31.62%) women with eclampsia whereas Group B had 74 (31.62%) normotensive pregnant women. A strong significantly positive association was recorded for systolic (R2=78.78; p-value <0.000) and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (R2=78.52; p-value <0.000). Similar result was obtained for serum sodium ions (R2=3.09; p-value <0.002) and chloride ions (R2=7.36; p-value <0.000). Alkaline phosphatases (ALP) (R2=63.47; p-value <0.000) had also shown a strong positive and statistically significant association with visfatin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Serum visfatin significantly decreased the sodium and chloride levels whereas the levels of potassium remained unaffected. A very strong and positive association of visfatin levels with levels of bilirubin and alkaline phosphatases was also observed (ALP) but it found no effect on aspartate transferases (AST).

Efficacy Of Multiple Micronutrients Supplementation On Energy Intake, Calcium And Vitamin D Levels In Underweight Children.

Background: Under-nutrition is a major public health problem worldwide. Several studies have documented the effects of vitamin D and calcium supplements in healthy children and in children with bone abnormalities but the effects of multiple micronutrients supplementation in underweight children is limited in literature. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial 38 participants were recruited and divided into two groups of 19 subjects. On the first day of experimental trial, in fasting state 5cc blood samples were collected from all subjects followed by their anthropometric measurements, and serum levels of calcium and vitamin D. All subjects of one group were given Lipid-based nutritional supplement (LNS) and whereas the other group was given the placebo. After one month of compliance the same measurements were repeated and compared. Results: After one month of supplementation mid-upper arm circumference (p=0.005), weight (p<0.001), height (p=0.000), and BMI-Z score (p=0.002) the energy intake (p<0.001), were significantly increased in LNS as compared to Placebo. However, no improvement was observed in the plasma vitamin D (p=0.44) and calcium levels (p=0.46) of underweight children in both groups. Conclusion: Multi micronutrient supplementations are effective in improving anthropometry in the short duration of time. They also improve the energy intake of underweight children. However, no improvement is observed in levels of vitamin D and calcium in LNS group even after a one-month use.

Biomonitoring of mercury in water, sediments, and fish (brown and rainbow trout) from remote alpine lakes located in the Himalayas, Pakistan.

Mercury (Hg) contamination of aquatic ecological units and subsequent bioaccumulation are major environmental problems of international scope. Moreover, the biogeochemistry of Hg in the remote alpine lakes aquatic ecosystem in the Himalayas remains largely unexplored. The current study investigated Hg concentrations in different environmental compartments such as water, fish, and sediments in the remote alpine lakes (RALs) including Glacial-fed Lake, Ice melting-fed Lake, and Rain-fed Lake in northern areas of Pakistan. The mean concentration of Hg in Rain-fed Lake water was (1.07 µg L-1), Ice melting-fed Lake (1.16 µg L-1), and Glacial-fed Lake (1.95 µg L-1). For fish muscle tissues, mean concentration of Hg was 1.02 mg kg-1 in the Rain-fed Lake, and 1.2 mg kg-1 for the Ice melting-fed Lake, and 1.51 mg kg-1 in the Glacial-fed Lake. Meanwhile, 0.27 mg kg-1 was observed for sediments in the Rain-fed Lake, 0.33 mg kg-1 for the Ice melting-fed Lake, and 0.38 mg kg-1 for the Glacial-fed Lake, respectively. Chronic daily intake (CDI) and potential health quotient (PHQ) for water showed high health risk in Glacial-fed Lake and low in Rain-fed Lake (PHQ < 1). The target hazard quotient (THQ) values for both the Brown and Rainbow trout in all the studied lakes water were less than 1, indicating no health risk. Furthermore, the Hg level showed high level of contamination in the sediments of all the studied lakes (190 ≤ RI < 380). Overall, Glacial-fed Lake water was more polluted with Hg, as compared to Rain-fed Lake and Ice melting-fed Lake. In the light of the abovementioned results, further research work is urgently needed to shed light on the biological and geochemical monitoring of Hg in arid high-altitude ecosystems along with source identification, mercury speciation, and other potential pollutants.