Effectiveness of early pharmaceutical interventions in symptomatic COVID-19 patients: A randomized clinical trial.

Objective: We assessed the effectiveness of oral Hydroxychloroquine (HC), Azithromycin (AZ) and Oseltamivir (OS), alone or combined, among patients hospitalized with mildly symptomatic coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19). Methods: Following the approval of the National Bioethics Committee and prospective registration (clinicaltrials.gov NCT04338698), a multicenter randomized clinical trial of adaptive design was conducted at 10 multispecialty hospitals in Pakistan. Patients were randomized into seven treatment groups. Starting April 15, 2020, consenting, eligible, otherwise healthy adult patients or those with co-morbidities under control, were recruited if they presented with mildly symptomatic COVID-19 (scored 3 on a 7-point ordinal scale anchored between 1 = not hospitalized, able to undertake normal activities, to 7 = death) confirmed by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Two primary outcomes were assessed by day seven: Turning qRT-PCR negative; and clinical improvement of two points from the baseline. Outcome rates were compared using a chi-square test. Multiple imputations were applied to handle missing data. An interim data analysis was carried out on July 19, 2020, following which the study continued without treatment group changes. Data Safety and Monitoring Board advised to stop recruitment due to its futility on January 18, 2021. Results: Of 471 patients randomized, a total of 426 (90.4%) completed the follow-up for primary outcomes. Based on imputed data analyses at day seven: Total qRT-PCR negative cases were 137/471 (29%, 95% CI 25.0 - 33.4). By day seven, a total of 111/471 (23.5%, 95% CI 19.8 - 27.6) showed clinical improvement. No serious or non-serious adverse event was reported. Conclusions: Among patients with mild COVID-19, there was no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of oral antimalarial, antiviral, or antibiotic treatments.Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT04338698.

Effects of phytase inclusion in diets containing rice protein concentrate (RPC) on the nutrient digestibility, growth and chemical characteristics of rohu (Labeo rohita).

The objective of the current study was to assess the impact of dietary phytase supplementation on Labeo rohita fingerlings and to examine the effects on growth, nutrient digestibility and chemical characteristics of diets containing rice protein concentrate (RPC) as a major protein source. Six experimental diets were made, i.e., a positive control (fishmeal-based diet with no phytase), FM0; a negative control (RPC-based diet with no phytase), RPC0; and four supplemental phytase levels (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 FTU/kg). Fingerlings with an average weight of 9.42 ± 0.02 grams (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into six experimental groups of three replicates, each containing 25 fish per tank (75 liters of water), provided with experimental diets at a rate equivalent to 5% of their body weight for 90 days, and uneaten feed was collected after 2 hours to determine feed consumption. The feces were collected before feeding to estimate digestibility. Phytase in combination with the RPC-based diet significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced phytate phosphorus in vitro hydrolysis; growth performance; nutrient (crude protein, crude fat, moisture and gross energy) and mineral (P, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Mn and Cu) digestibility; digestive enzyme (protease, lipase and amylase) activity; and mineral deposition up to 1000 FTU/kg phytase. However, the hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices and carcass composition were not influenced (p > 0.05) by phytase supplementation. Increasing phytase supplementation in the RPC-based diets led to a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the serum biochemical parameters (alkaline phosphatase activity, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), which resulted in improved liver health. In conclusion, phytase-supplemented RPC-based diets improved the growth, mineral/nutrient digestibility, digestive enzymes, serum biochemistry, and mineral deposition of L. rohita fingerlings up to 1000 FTU/kg. Broken line regression analysis revealed that the optimum phytase concentration in the RPC-based diet for L. rohita was 874.19 FTU/kg.

Xylooligosaccharide supplementation in rice protein concentrate based diets: A comprehensive analysis of performance and health of Labeo rohita.

The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of xylooligosaccharide (XOS) in rice protein concentrate (RPC) based diets on the growth performance, body composition, digestive enzymes, intestinal morphology and blood biochemistry of Labeo rohita fingerlings. Four different XOS levels (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%) were used at each RPC (75% and 100%) level. Twenty-five fish per tank with an average initial weight of 25 ± 0.05 g were randomly assigned (Randomised complete block design) to each of the 8 groups in triplicate aquaria (36 × 16 × 12″) and then fed with respective diets @ 3% body weight for 90 days. The results showed significant improvements in growth performance, such as increased weight gain %, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio and improved feed conversion ratio in 1% XOS supplemented diet at 75% RPC. A significant decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and plasma melanodialdehyde (MDA) were observed at 1% XOS level in 75% RPC based diets, respectively. Meanwhile, the lowest total cholesterol and highest lysozyme activity were observed in 1% XOS supplemented diet at 75% RPC levels. Moreover, the serum (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase) and plasma (superoxide dismutase, triglyceride, high density and low density lipoprotein) activities showed nonsignificant effects among the treatments. Furthermore, the digestive enzymes (protease & lipase) and intestinal morphology were significantly influenced at 1% XOS in the 75% RPC-based diet. Polynomial regression analysis showed that 1.25% XOS is the optimum requirement for the growth of rohu fingerlings when fed at 75% RPC based diets. Overall, it was concluded that the 75% RPC diet was efficiently replaced by fishmeal along with 1% XOS addition in L. rohita fingerlings without any negative effect on growth performance and intestinal health.

Strategic replacement of soybean meal with local cotton seed meal on growth performance, body composition, and metabolic health status indicators in the major South Asian carp Catla catla for aquaculture.

This study assessed the effect of substituting soybean meal (SBM) with cotton seed meal (CSM) on different biological traits in thaila (Catla catla). Fish (n = 225) with an average initial body weight of 41.53±0.68 g were shifted into hapas (3 (L) x 2 (W) x 1 (D) m) in triplicate (15 fish/replicate). Hapas were divided into five dietary groups: 0CSM, 25CSM, 50CSM, 75CSM, and 100CSM diet treatments were administered diets for a period of 90 days. SBM was replaced by CSM at the levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The results showed that fish survival and growth performance were not affected by the inclusion of CSM in the fish diet up to 50% as a replacement of SBM, but higher replacement levels showed a negative effect. Similarly, body composition and most of the muscle amino acid profiles were not affected significantly (P>0.05) by replacing SBM with CSM. Digestive enzyme activities were significantly (P<0.05) decreased by increasing the level of CSM in the fish diet. Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing dietary CSM levels, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels remained the same. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) activity decreased significantly (P<0.05), but superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity showed no change. For the intestine, the villus height to villus width ratio and thickness of Tunica muscularis were also better in 25CSM, and their values decreased as the CSM inclusion level increased in the fish diet. In conclusion, SBM could be replaced partially (up to 50%) with CSM without compromising growth performance, whole body proximate composition or immunity of C. catla.

Replacing ground Rhodes grass hay with soyhulls in the pelleted diet: effects on ingestive behavior, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, growth performance, and economic viability of intensive fattening Lohi lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing soyhulls (SH) for ground Rhodes grass hay (RGH) in a pelleted diet on ingestive behavior, digestibility, blood metabolites, growth performance, and economic viability of fattening Lohi lambs. A total of thirty male lambs (age: 5 months; body weight 20.4 ± 0.24 kg) were allotted to one of the three diets (n = 10 lambs/diet) under a completely randomized design. The diets were with 25% RGH inclusion (control), replacing 15% RGH with 15% SH as a fiber source (SH-15), and containing only 25% SH inclusion on a dry basis (SH-25). Ingestive behavior parameters like time spent (min/day), bouts frequency (number/day), and bout length (min/bout) for feeding, drinking, rumination, chewing, standing, and lying were not influenced (P > 0.05) by replacing RGH with SH. The dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) chewing rate, rumination rate, and feeding efficiency were also not changed (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments, whereas total dry matter and NDF intakes, and their rumination efficiencies were lower (P < 0.05) for the SH-25 than for the rest of the treatments. The digestibility of NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was higher (P < 0.05) for the SH-25 than for the rest of the treatments. The concentrations of blood metabolites like glucose, blood nitrogen, and cholesterol were not changed (P > 0.05) among the treatment groups. Similarly, performance parameters like dry matter intake, initial and final body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were similar (P > 0.05) across the treatments. However, the incidence of loose fecal consistency was higher (P < 0.05) for SH-25 than for the control. The values of economic efficiency were better for SH-25-fed lambs than those fed the rest of the treatments. Based on the results, substituting SH for RGH in a pelleted diet improved the digestibility of fiber fractions, and economics without affecting the growth performance, and blood metabolites of fattening lambs. However, lower rumination efficiency and loos fecal consistency are evidencing less effectiveness of SH fiber.

Effects of physical forms of a high grain-based diet on fattening performance, ruminal health, feeding behaviour, nutrient digestibility and carcass traits of finishing Lohi lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different physical forms of complete diets on performance, feeding behaviour, digestibility, ruminal health, blood and carcass indices in fattening lambs. A randomised complete block design was used to assign thirty male Lohi lambs (300 ± 15 d old) with an initial body weight of 33 ± 1.4 kg in ten replications to one of three physical forms of the diet. For different treatments, the dietary ingredients were ground and mixed as (I) ground conventional mash (CM), (II) whole corn grains were mixed with the remaining pelleted ingredients as a texturised diet (TX), and (III) whole corn grains and the remaining ingredients were mixed as an unprocessed diet (UP). During the 60-d growth trial and 7-d digestibility experiment, individually housed lambs were fed ad libitum. Feeding diet UP improved (p < 0.05) dry matter intake, average daily gain and feed-to-gain ratio of fattening lambs. The ruminal pH tended to be lower in group TX compared with the other groups. The incidence of loose faeces consistency was 3.5 times higher (p < 0.05) in group TX compared to group UP. The daily intakes of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF), the rumination time and chewing activities were highest (p < 0.05) for lambs fed on the UP diet. The digestibility of DM, NDF and ether extract were greater (p < 0.05) for diet UP as compared to diet TX. The chilled and hot carcass weights were highest (p < 0.05) for group UP. The papillae density tended to be greater for group UP. However, blood metabolites, intestinal morphology, carcass marbling, tenderness, meat pH, cooking loss, and meat composition were similar across the treatments. It can be concluded that the unprocessed diet based on whole corn grain and soybean hulls improved growth performance, feeding behaviour and carcass yield through better nutrient utilisation and a stable ruminal environment.

No difference in treatment outcome between patients with nodal versus extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Background and Aim: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has been classified using various parameters, including the site of origin. Studies have reported conflicting outcomes when DLBLC patients were stratified according to the site of origin. This study aimed to investigate the response rate and survival outcomes in nodal versus extranodal DLBCL and compare the results to a region-matched study covering the 1988 - 2005 period. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients diagnosed with DLBCL and treated in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan during 2014 - 2019. We calculated the mean and median for continuous variables and frequency and percentages for all categorical variables. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the hazard ratio (HR) for OS. Results: Of the 118 patients, 49 patients (41.5%) had nodal disease and 69 patients (58.5%) were diagnosed with extranodal DLBCL. The majority of patients in the nodal and extranodal cohorts presented with Stages III and IV disease (73.4% and 62.3%, respectively). A complete response to (immuno) chemotherapy was achieved in 71.4% of nodal DLBCL patients and 65.2% of extranodal DLBCL patients. The 5-year PFS and median PFS in the entire cohort were 0.8% and 17 m, respectively. The PFS and median PFS in the nodal and extranodal DLBCL cohort were 0% and 1.4%, respectively, and 15 m and 19 m, respectively. The 5-year OS and median OS in the entire cohort were 16.1% and 19 m, respectively. The OS and median OS in the nodal and extranodal DLBCL cohort were 8.2% and 21.7%, respectively, and 19 m and 21 m, respectively. Multivariable linear regression revealed that the ABC phenotype (nodal, HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.37 - 3.20; extranodal, HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.46 - 3.17; GBC as reference) and double and triple hit DLBCL (nodal, HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.19 - 2.81; extranodal, HR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.28 - 2.43; and non-expressors as reference) are independent negative predictors of OS. Conclusions: DLBCL incidence in the Karachi region has remained comparable but patient composition in the extranodal DLBCL cohort has shifted to predominantly advanced stage. Nodal and extranodal DLBCL were associated with similar PFS and OS profiles and first- and second-line treatment responses. Cell of origin and antigen expression status was independent negative predictors of OS, disfavoring the ABC phenotype and lesions with c-MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 overexpression. Relevance for Patients: DLBCL is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, however; patients respond well to standard systemic chemotherapy. Extranodal type of DLBCL patients tend to have more residual disease after first-line systemic chemotherapy, but physicians should keep in mind that the subsequent line treatment mitigates its negative impact on survival.

Subsurface groundwater aquifer mapping and quality characterization in Matiari district, Sindh, Pakistan.

Groundwater, is an alternative resource, is used as a supplement for irrigation as well as drinking purposes in Pakistan. This paper aims to determine the quantum and quality of groundwater in Matiari district of Sindh, Pakistan, through Electrical Resistivity Survey (ERS). The ERS was conducted at 52 location points using the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000. The quantity of good quality groundwater has also been evaluated with ArcGIS interpolation techniques, i.e., the maximum percentage of fresh groundwater is 34% the marginal fresh groundwater 43% at the depth of with few patches of saline groundwater aquifers. Moreover, at 50-m depth, the percentage of fresh groundwater reduces to 21% and the marginal has increased to 48%. However, groundwater below the depth from 50 to 100 m was found only 8% fresh groundwater, 29% marginal, 49% salt water, and 14% high salt water. Analysis of groundwater samples for quality showed a good agreement with the quality obtained from VES results. In addition, a socio-economic survey of 55 tube well owners were conducted through interviews related to groundwater suitability and usage. According to the survey, about 62% of respondents are using good quality groundwater; however, 36% consuming the marginal and the remaining 2% are utilizing the hazardous quality of groundwater. The consumer satisfaction survey showed most farmers (89%) were satisfied with the groundwater usage, while 11% were unsatisfied due to poor-quality groundwater. The crop productivity could be enhanced through awareness and conjunctive use of marginal quality groundwater with the canal water.

Headspace Extraction of Chlorobenzenes from Water Using Electrospun Nanofibers Fabricated with Calix[4]arene-Doped Polyurethane-Polysulfone.

Chlorobenzenes (CBs) are persistent and potentially have a carcinogenic effect on mammals. Thus, the determination of CBs is essential for human health. Hence, in this study, novel polyurethane−polysulfone/calix[4]arene (PU-PSU/calix[4]arene) nanofibers were synthesized using an electrospinning approach over in-situ coating on a stainless-steel wire. The nanosorbent was comprehensively characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The SEM analysis depicted the nanofiber's unique morphology and size distribution in the range of 50−200 nm. To determine the levels of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene, and 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene in water samples, freshly prepared nanosorbent was employed using headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) in combination with gas chromatography micro electron capture detector (GC-µECD). Other calixarenes, such as sulfonated calix[4]arene, p-tert-calixarene, and calix[6]arene were also examined, and among the fabricated sorbents, the PU−PSU/calix[4]arene showed the highest efficiency. The key variables of the procedure, including ionic strength, extraction temperature, extraction duration, and desorption conditions were examined. Under optimal conditions, the LOD (0.1−1.0 pg mL−1), the LDR (0.4−1000 pg mL−1), and the R2 > 0.990 were determined. Additionally, the repeatability from fiber to fiber and the intra-day and inter-day reproducibility were determined to be 1.4−6.0, 4.7−10.1, and 0.9−9.7%, respectively. The nanofiber adsorption capacity was found to be 670−720 pg/g for CBs at an initial concentration of 400 pg mL−1. A satisfactory recovery of 80−106% was attained when the suggested method's application for detecting chlorobenzenes (CBs) in tap water, river water, sewage water, and industrial water was assessed.

Interactive effect of amino acids balanced at ideal lysine ratio and exogenous protease supplemented to low CP diet on growth performance, carcass traits, gut morphology, and serum metabolites in broiler chicken.

This study evaluated the effect of amino acids balanced at a specific lysine ratio with exogenous protease supplementation and reduced CP levels in the broiler diet. In total, 480 straight-run broiler chicks (Ross-308) were used for the study. A completely randomized design in the factorial arrangement was applied, with 4 treatments of 6 replicates with 20 birds each. Treatments consisted of 2 lysine ratios (100% and 110%; factor 1) without or with exogenous protease supplementation (200 g/ton; factor 2). Twenty percent reduction of CP from standard requirements of Ross-308 (18.4% vs 23% in starter and 17.2% vs 21.5% in grower phase) was made in all the treatment diets. Growth performance (feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, livability), carcass traits (live and carcass weight, carcass yield, heart, liver, gizzard, leg quarter, breast weight, and abdominal fat percentage), gut morphology (villus height, crypt depth, and villus height and crypt depth ratio), and serum metabolites (total protein, albumin, and uric acid) were evaluated. A significant interaction (p ≤ 0.05) for lysine ratio and protease was noted in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, and gut morphology throughout the experimental period yet a non-significant (p > 0.05) influence was observed on serum metabolites. It was concluded that the broiler diet with a net reduction of 20% CP from Ross-308 standards, balanced for amino acids at lysine ratio 110% and supplemented with exogenous protease, could be used to improve growth performance, intestinal health, and carcass traits.

Effects of replacement of wheat straw with corn stover-based TMR on growth performance, behavioral characteristics, selected blood metabolites, and nutrient digestibility in Beetal bucks.

An experiment was executed to determine the effects of replacing wheat straw with corn stover on growth performance, behavioral characteristics, blood metabolites, and nutrient digestibility in Beetal bucks (23.92 ± 0.79 kg; age = 10 ± 1 month). A total of twenty four Beetal bucks were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups, having eight animals each, for 15-week experimental period excluding adaption period of 2 weeks. The dietary treatments included conventional (25% wheat straw and 75% concentrate), corn stover 50 (50% of wheat straw (12.5%) was replaced with corn stover), and corn stover 100 (wheat straw was completely replaced with corn stover). Parameters were evaluated regarding growth performance, behavioral recording, digestibility, chemical analysis of feed and fecal materials, rumen pH, fecal score, and blood metabolite measurements. Dietary replacement of wheat straw with corn stover has resulted in an increased dry matter intake and average daily gain significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by 10 and 26%, respectively in the bucks. Rumen pH and fecal score, however, remained unaffected by dietary replacement of wheat straw with corn stover in the bucks. The replacement of wheat straw with corn stover has resulted in an increased feeding and rumination time, improved lying time and length, and decreased number of bouts in the bucks. Blood glucose, urea, bilirubin, and calcium levels were remained unaffected by replacing wheat straw with corn stover. The blood phosphorous level, however, was lower in bucks fed corn stover-based ration. The bucks fed corn stover-based ration has resulted in an increased digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and neutral and acid detergent fiber compared to those fed wheat straw-based total mixed ration. It was concluded that replacement of wheat straw with corn stover as fiber residue in the ration of bucks has resulted in an increased dry matter intake and higher average daily gain, improved behavioral characteristics, and higher nutrient digestibility.

Graph Indices for Cartesian Product of -sum of Connected Graphs.

BACKGROUND: A topological index is a real number associated with a graph that provides information about its physical and chemical properties and their correlations. Topological indices are being used successfully in Chemistry, Computer Science, and many other fields. METHODS: In this article, we apply the well-known Cartesian product on F-sums of connected and finite graphs. We formulate sharp limits for some famous degree-dependent indices. RESULTS: Zagreb indices for the graph operations T(G), Q(G), S(G), R(G), and their F-sums have been computed. By using orders and sizes of component graphs, we derive bounds for Zagreb indices, F-index, and Narumi-Katayana index. CONCLUSION: The formulation of expressions for the complicated products on F-sums, in terms of simple parameters like maximum and minimum degrees of basic graphs, reduces the computational complexities.

Comparison of Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bougainvillea glabra species inhibited in Pakistan based on microscopic studies: Light microscope and scanning electron microscope.

The anatomical variations of two plants from the Nyctaginaceae family, Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bougainvillea glabra, were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy methods in this work. Bougainvillea is a dicotyledonous with defensive traits that can withstand extreme (hot and dry) settings; according to the findings, crystal inclusions in cells, woody spines, and an abnormal development pattern are all features that help them survive against predators and are unique to this species. The Bougainvillea plant's leaves are arranged in simple pattern, alternate to each other along stem having an undulate leaves edge and an oval form. The xylem and phloem, palisade, parenchyma midrib, spongy mesophyll, raphide crystal bundles, and trichomes were all visible when bracts and leaves were transversally sectioned and dyed with toluidine blue O (TBO). The presence of crystals was confirmed by a detailed examination of the transverse leaves by using bright-field and cross-polarizing microscopy. Dissecting microscopic examination showed that all the leaves revealed leaves venation pattern that had midvein, lateral veins areoles, and trichomes. Although trichomes have been identified on both sides, a closer look at a cleaned leaf dyed with TBO showed multicellular abundant trichomes on adaxial surface. Stomata complexes were typically found on the abaxial surface of the leaf according to epidermal peels. Present studies also showed that on adaxial side, stomata were lesser in number or were absent and also showed that the morphologies of the pavement cells on the adaxial and abaxial sides of the leaf differed.

Production of bimodal molecular weight levan by a Lactobacillus reuteri isolate from fish gut.

An exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesizing potentially probiotic Gram-positive bacterial strain was isolated from fish (Tor putitora) gut, and its EPS was structurally characterized. The isolate, designated as FW2, was identified as Lactobacillus reuteri through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. This isolate produces fructan-type EPS using sucrose as a substrate. Based on 13C-NMR spectroscopy, methylation analysis and monosaccharide composition, the EPS was identified as a linear levan polymer with fructose as main constituent linked via ß(2 → 6) linkages. Based on molecular weight (MW) distribution, two groups of levan were found to be produced by the isolate FW2: one with high MW (4.6 × 106 Da) and the other having much lower MW (1.2 × 104 Da). The isolate yielded about 14 g/L levan under optimized culturing parameters including aeration conditions, pH, temperature and substrate concentration. The obtained bimodal molecular weight linear levan is the first of its type to be synthesized by a L. reuteri isolate from fish gut. Bimodal molecular weight prebiotic levan together with the probiotic potential of the producing strain would provide a new promising synbiotic combination for use in aqua culture.

Transporters and transcription factors gene families involved in improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and assimilation in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Nitrogen (N) as a macronutrient is an important determinant of plant growth. The excessive usage of chemical fertilizers is increasing environmental pollution; hence, the improvement of crop's nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is imperative for sustainable agriculture. N uptake, transportation, assimilation, and remobilization are four important determinants of plant NUE. Oryza sativa L. (rice) is a staple food for approximately half of the human population, around the globe and improvement in rice yield is pivotal for rice breeders. The N transporters, enzymes indulged in N assimilation, and several transcription factors affect the rice NUE and subsequent yield. Although, a couple of improvements have been made regarding rice NUE, the knowledge about regulatory mechanisms operating NUE is scarce. The current review provides a precise knowledge of how rice plants detect soil N and how this detection is translated into the language of responses that regulate the growth. Additionally, the transcription factors that control N-associated genes in rice are discussed in detail. This mechanistic insight will help the researchers to improve rice yield with minimized use of chemical fertilizers.

Topological Properties of Sierpinski Network and its Application.

BACKGROUND: Sierpinski graphs S(n, k) are largely studied because of their fractal nature with applications in topology, chemistry, mathematics of Tower of Hanoi and computer sciences. Applications of molecular structure descriptors are a standard procedure which are used to correlate the biological activity of molecules with their chemical structures, and thus can be helpful in the field of pharmacology. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to establish analytically closed computing formulae for eccentricity-based descriptors of Sierpinski networks and their regularizations. These computing formulae are useful to determine a large number of properties like thermodynamic properties, physicochemical properties, chemical and biological activity of chemical graphs Methods: At first, vertex sets have been partitioned on the basis of their degrees, eccentricities and frequencies of occurrence. Then these partitions are used to compute the eccentricity-based indices with the aid of some combinatorics. RESULTS: The total eccentric index and eccentric-connectivity index have been computed. We also compute some eccentricity-based Zagreb indices of the Sierpinski networks. Moreover, a comparison has also been presented in the form of graphs. CONCLUSION: These computations will help the readers to estimate the thermodynamic properties and physicochemical properties of chemical structure which are of fractal nature and can not be dealt with easily. A 3D graphical representation is also presented to understand the dynamics of the aforementioned topological descriptors.

Synthesis of new Zn-decorated metal-organic frameworks for enhanced removal of carcinogenic textile dye: equilibrium and kinetic modeling studies.

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of Zn2+ decorated (adipic and terephthalic acid as linkers) piperazine-based metal-organic framework (P-MOFs) and their extraction behavior toward the Chicago sky blue (CSB) dye. The formation of Zn2+-decorated P-MOFs was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, BET surface area analysis and TGA. Adsorption behavior of the synthesized P-MOFs was explored through solid-phase adsorption (batch method) prior to UV-Vis spectrophotometric determination. Adsorption parameters, including adsorbent dosage, pH of solution, dye concentration, and time, were optimized. Excellent percentage removal of 94% and 95% for AP-Zn-MOF and TP-Zn-MOF, respectively, was achieved at pH 7.5. Kinetics studies indicated that the synthesized adsorbents AP-Zn-MOF and TP-Zn-MOF followed the pseudo-second-order rate model with R2 value 0.9989. The Freundlich isotherm with high R2 value as compared to Langmuir isotherm indicated that CSB adsorption for the synthesized MOFs follows multilayer adsorption.

Reduced Infection Efficiency of Phage NCTC 12673 on Non-Motile Campylobacter jejuni Strains Is Related to Oxidative Stress.

Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram-negative foodborne pathogen that causes diarrheal disease and is associated with severe post-infectious sequelae. Bacteriophages (phages) are a possible means of reducing Campylobacter colonization in poultry to prevent downstream human infections. However, the factors influencing phage-host interactions must be better understood before this strategy can be predictably employed. Most studies have focused on Campylobacter phage binding to the host surface, with all phages classified as either capsule- or flagella-specific. Here we describe the characterization of a C. jejuni phage that requires functional flagellar glycosylation and motor genes for infection, without needing the flagella for adsorption to the cell surface. Through phage infectivity studies of targeted C. jejuni mutants, transcriptomic analysis of phage-resistant mutants, and genotypic and phenotypic analysis of a spontaneous phage variant capable of simultaneously overcoming flagellar gene dependence and sensitivity to oxidative stress, we have uncovered a link between oxidative stress, flagellar motility, and phage infectivity. Taken together, our results underscore the importance of understanding phage-host interactions beyond the cell surface and point to host oxidative stress state as an important and underappreciated consideration for future phage-host interaction studies.

Effects of sodium bicarbonate and chromium propionate supplementation on growth performance, blood indices of Beetal bucks under heat stress.

The objective of the current experiment was to determine the effects of sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and chromium propionate (Cr) supplementation on dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, blood indices, feed sorting behavior, and digestibility of nutrients during the hot and humid condition in Beetal bucks. Twenty-eight Beetal bucks were randomly assigned to four concentrates treatments (n = 7 bucks/treatment) under 2 × 2 factorial arrangements. The factors were (1) chromium supplementation, basal diet without any supplementation (C) and basal diet with Cr @ 1.5 mg Cr/head/day (Cr), and (2) sodium bircbonate supplementation, basal diet supplemented with SBC @15 g/kg of DM (SBC) and diet containing SBC @ 15 g/kg of DM) and Cr @ 1.5 mg/day/animal (SBC + Cr). Chromium was drenched to each animal during the morning feeding. The average daily noon temperature-humidity index (THI) was 86.37 ± 4.01. The daily DMI and ADG was higher (P < .0001) in the SBC, and trend for daily DMI was observed (P < 0.01) for the Cr. The feed to gain ratio was tended to improve (P = 0.056) by the supplementation of Cr. Plasma glucose, cholesterol, and catalase concentration were lower (P < 0.05) in the Cr supplemented, whereas plasma BUN and TPP were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the Cr or the SBC supplementation. The feed selection index indicated that supplementation of Cr and SBC had no effects on selection or rejection of feed particles. In Cr-supplemented bucks, there was a trend for higher ADF digestibility. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, NDF, and ADF were not affected by Cr or SBC supplementation. In conclusion, co supplementation of Cr @ 1.5 mg/d and SBC @ 15 g/kg resulted in highest DMI, ADG and improved the feed efficiency in heat-stressed fattening bucks by alleviating negative impacts of HS.

Potential of organic and inorganic amendments for stabilizing nickel in acidic soil, and improving the nutritional quality of spinach.

Contamination of soils by nickel (Ni) has become a serious environmental problem throughout the world, and this substance wields dangerous effects on the ecosystem and food chain. A pot experiment was conducted to examine the effect of rice straw (RS), rice straw biochar (BI), and calcite (CC) at 1% and 2% application rates in a Ni-contaminated soil. The objective was to potentially stabilize Ni and reduce its bioavailability to spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.). Spinach plants were grown in a Ni-contaminated Ultisol (commonly known as a red clay soil). Plant growth parameter results indicated that a BI 2% application rate significantly increased the root and shoots dry biomass increased by 1.7- and 6.3-fold, respectively, while essential nutrients were enhanced in the spinach plant compared to those in the untreated soil (CK). Moreover, adding amendments significantly decreased CaCl2 extractable Ni by 62.5% 94.1%, and 87.2%, while the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) fell by 26.7%, 47.8%, and 41.7% when using RS, BI, and CC, respectively, at 2% compared to CK. The Ni concentrations in the spinach roots declined by 51.6%, 73.3%, and 68.9%, and in the shoots reduced by 54.1%, 76.7%, and 70.8% for RS, BI, and CC, at a 2% application rate, respectively. Bio-concentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) dropped significantly by as much as 72.7% and 20%, respectively, for BI 2% application rate. Results of the present study clearly indicated that biochar potential soil amendments for Ni stabilization, thereby reducing its bioavailability in the Ni-contaminated soil. This process enhanced the safety of food to be consumed and mitigated security risks.