Exploring the cytotoxic potential of biflavones of Araucaria cunninghamii: Precise identification combined by LC-HRMS-metabolomics and database mining, targeted isolation, network pharmacology, in vitro cytotoxicity, and docking studies.

The leaves of Araucaria cunninghamii are known to be nonedible and toxic. Previous studies have identified biflavones in various Araucaria species. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds from Araucaria cunninghamii after metabolomics and network pharmacological analysis. Methanol extract of Araucaria cunninghamii leaves was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation. The active fraction was analyzed using LC-HRMS, through strategic database mining, by comparing the data to the Dictionary of Natural Products to identify 12 biflavones, along with abietic acid, beta-sitosterol, and phthalate. Eight compounds were screened for network pharmacology study, where in silico ADME analysis, prediction of gene targets, compound-gene-pathway network and hierarchical network analysis, protein-protein interaction, KEGG pathway, and Gene Ontology analyses were done, that showed PI3KR1, EGFR, GSK3B, and ABCB1 as the common targets for all the compounds that may act in the gastric cancer pathway. Simultaneously, four biflavones were isolated via chromatography and identified through NMR as dimeric apigenin with varying methoxy substitutions. Cytotoxicity study against the AGS cell line for gastric cancer showed that AC1 biflavone (IC50 90.58 µM) exhibits the highest cytotoxicity and monomeric apigenin (IC50 174.5 µM) the lowest. Besides, the biflavones were docked to the previously identified targets to analyze their binding affinities, and all the ligands were found to bind with energy ≤-7 Kcal/mol.

A novel output feedback consensus control approach for generic linear multi-agent systems under input saturation over a directed graph topology.

This paper considers an output feedback consensus control approach for the generic linear multi-agent systems (MASs) under input saturation over a directed graph. A region of stability-based approach has been established for dealing with the input saturation. A conventional Luenberger observer for estimating the states of followers by themselves and an advanced cooperative observer for estimating the state of leader by followers have been applied for an estimated state feedback control. The stability conditions have been derived by considering a three-term-based combined Lyapunov function. Moreover, computationally simple controller and estimator design conditions have been obtained by resorting to a decoupling approach A set of initial conditions has been investigated to achieve the leader-following consensus of MASs under the input saturation constraint. To the best of our knowledge, an output feedback consensus approach, providing a consensus region, for generic linear MASs under input saturation over directed graphs without requiring the exact state of the leader has been explored for the first time. In contrast to the existing methods, the proposed approach considers an output feedback approach (rather than the state feedback), accounts for both linear and nonlinear saturation regions, applies an estimate of the state of the leader through cooperative observer, and is based on a generalized sector condition for the saturation nonlinearity. In addition, it offers a computationally simple design solution owing to the proposed decoupling method. Simulation results are provided to validate the efficacy of the designed protocol for F-18 aircraft and unmanned ground vehicles.

An adaptive metaheuristic optimization approach for Tennessee Eastman process for an industrial fault tolerant control system.

The Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP) is widely recognized as a standard reference for assessing the effectiveness of fault detection and false alarm tracking methods in intricate industrial operations. This paper presents a novel methodology that employs the Adaptive Crow Search Algorithm (ACSA) to improve fault identification capabilities and mitigate the occurrence of false alarms in the TEP. The ACSA is an optimization approach that draws inspiration from the observed behavior of crows in their natural environment. This algorithm possesses the capability to adapt its search behavior in response to the changing dynamics of the optimization process. The primary objective of our research is to devise a monitoring strategy that is adaptable in nature, with the aim of efficiently identifying faults within the TEP while simultaneously minimizing the occurrence of false alarms. The ACSA is applied in order to enhance the optimization of monitoring variables, alarm thresholds, and decision criteria selection and configuration. When compared to traditional static approaches, the ACSA-based monitoring strategy is better at finding faults and reducing false alarms because it adapts well to changes in process dynamics and disturbances. In order to assess the efficacy of our suggested methodology, we have conducted comprehensive simulations on the TEP dataset. The findings suggest that the monitoring strategy based on ACSA demonstrates superior fault identification rates while concurrently mitigating the frequency of false alarms. In addition, the flexibility of ACSA allows it to efficiently manage process variations, disturbances, and uncertainties, thereby enhancing its robustness and reliability in practical scenarios. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed approach, extensive simulations were conducted on the TEP dataset. The results indicate that the ACSA-based monitoring strategy achieves higher fault detection rates while simultaneously reducing the occurrence of false alarms. Moreover, the adaptability of ACSA enables it to effectively handle process variations, disturbances, and uncertainties, making it robust and reliable for real-world applications. The contributions of this research extend beyond the TEP, as the adaptive monitoring strategy utilizing ACSA can be applied to other complex industrial processes. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the development of advanced fault detection and false alarm monitoring techniques, offering significant benefits in terms of process safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Review on microgrids design and monitoring approaches for sustainable green energy networks.

Microgrids are power distribution systems that can operate either in a grid-connected configuration or in an islanded manner, depending on the availability of decentralized power resources, such as sustainable or non-sustainable power sources, battery backup systems, and power demands. The extensive adoption of inverter-based systems poses numerous technological challenges, necessitating a centralized management system to assure the system reliability and monitoring of the energy delivery networks. Thus, this research begins by highlighting these significant obstacles and then analyzes the present-day advances in multilevel control architecture for delivering on promised functionality. This article also discusses the development of innovative control technologies, such as introducing collaborative distributed approaches and reducing conventional three-stage patriarchal administration to fewer stages of system integration and functioning.

National Cancer Registry of Pakistan: First Comprehensive Report of Cancer Statistics 2015-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To compile a comprehensive national cancer registry report of Pakistan by merging and analysing cancer registration data received from major functional cancer registries in various parts of Pakistan. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Health Research Institute (HRI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Islamabad, from 2015-2019. METHODOLOGY: Data from major cancer registries which included 'Punjab Cancer Registry (PCR), 'Karachi Cancer Registry (KCR)', 'Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Cancer Registry', Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Cancer Registry, Nishtar Medical University Hospital Multan (NMH), and Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad (SIH) registries were pooled, cleared, and analysed at HRI. RESULTS: A total of 269,707 cancer cases were analysed. Gender-wise 46.7% were males and 53.61% were females. As per province-wise distribution, 45.13% of cases were from Punjab, 26.83% from Sindh, 16.46% from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and 3.52% from Baluchistan. Both genders combined, 'breast cancer' 57633 (21.4%) was the most common cancer. In males, the top-5 cancers in order of frequency/percenatages were 'oral' 14477 (11.6%), 'liver' 8398 (6.73%), colorectal 8024 (6.43%), 'lung' 7547 (6.05%) and 'prostate' 7322 (5.87% cancers). In females, causes of the top-5-cancers included 'breast' 56250 (38.8%), 'ovary' 8823 (6.09%), 'oral' 7195 (4.97%), 'cervix' 6043 (4.17%), and 'colorectal' 4860 (3.36%) cancers. In children 'Leukemia' 1626 (14.50%) and in adolescents 'Bone' 880 (14%) were the leading malignancies. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females touching epidemic proportions while 'oral cancer' which is the leading cancer in males ranks third in frequency in females. Like 'oral cancer' which shows a strong correlation with chewing, other common cancers in Pakistan including liver cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer are also largely preventable as showed a strong correlation with hepatitis B and C, smoking, and high-risk human papillomavirus. KEY WORDS: National Cancer Registry, Health Research Institute - NIH, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Genetic polymorphism of Β-casein gene and its association with milk production and composition in Azi-Kheli buffalo.

The aim of this study was to find out the genetic polymorphism in ß-casein gene CSN2 in Azi-Kheli buffaloes found in district Swat. Blood samples from 250 buffaloes were collected and processed in lab for sequencing to see the genetic polymorphism in CSN2 gene on 67 position of exon7. The ß-casein is a milk second abundant protein having some variants, wherein A1 and A2 are the most common. After performing sequence analysis, it was found that Azi-Kheli buffaloes were homozygous for only A2 type variant. The amino acid change (proline to histadine) on 67 position of exon 7 was not found; however, three other novel SNPs at loci g.20545A > G, g.20570G > A, and g.20693C > A were identified in the study. Amino acid change due to SNPs were found as SNP1, valine > proline; SNP2, leucin > phenylalanine; and SNP3, threonine > valine. Allelic and genotypic frequencies' analysis exhibited that all three SNPs were following the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE: P < 0.05). All the three SNPs showed medium PIC value and gene heterozygosity. The SNPs located on different position of exon 7 of CSN2 gene exhibited associations with some of the performance traits and milk composition. Higher daily milk yield of 9.86 ± 0.43 L and the peak milk yield of 13.80 ± 0.60 L were found in response to SNP3 followed by SNP2 and SNP1. The percentage of milk fat and protein was found significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in relation to SNP3 followed by SNP2 and SNP1 given as 7.88 ± 0.41, 7.48 ± 0.33, and 7.15 ± 0.48 for fat% and 4.00 ± 0.15, 3.73 ± 0.10 and 3.40 ± 0.10 for protein%. It was concluded that Azi-Kheli buffalo milk contains A2 genetic variant along with other useful novel variants indicating quality milk for human health. Genotypes of SNP3 should be given preference in selection both in indices and nucleotide polymorphism.

A new event-triggered distributed state estimation approach for one-sided Lipschitz nonlinear discrete-time systems and its application to wireless sensor networks.

This article proposes the design of a distributed state estimator for a class of one-sided Lipschitz nonlinear systems over wireless sensor networks. The suggested estimation scheme utilizes the one-sided Lipschitz constraint in conjunction with quadratic inner-boundedness, which makes it applicable to a broader class of nonlinear systems. The proposed estimator design is evaluated under a conventional event-triggered mechanism both in the absence and presence of external perturbations. Furthermore, a novel event-triggering condition is introduced that ensures error convergence to the origin in the absence of external perturbations. It is further established that the inclusion of new triggering condition reduces the estimation error upper bounds in the presence of external disturbances and noises. Sufficient conditions for boundedness of estimation errors are derived for each case, and matrix inequalities are developed for the calculation of estimator gains. Finally, a numerical example is considered to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed estimator.

Greenhouse gases emission reduction for electric power generation sector by efficient dispatching of thermal plants integrated with renewable systems.

This research aims to contribute in developing a mathematical model for the composite probabilistic energy emissions dispatch (CPEED) with renewable energy systems, and it proposes a novel framework, based on an existing astute black widow optimization (ABWO) algorithm. Renewable energy power generation technology has contributed to pollution reduction and sustainable development. Therefore, this research aims to explore the CPEED problem in the context of renewable energy generation systems to enhance the energy and climate benefits of the power systems. Five benchmark test systems, combined with conventional thermal power plants and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, are considered herein to obtain the optimum solution for cost and pollutant emission by using the ABWO approach. The ascendancy is not limited to environmental impacts, but it also provides the diversification of energy supply and reduction of reliance on imported fuels. As a result, the research findings contribute in lowering the cost of fuel and pollutant emissions, correlated with electricity generation systems, while increasing the renewable energy usage and penetration. Finally, the performance and efficacy of the designed scheme have been fully validated by comprehensive experimental results and statistical analyses.

Comparison of coronary revascularization strategies in older adults presenting with acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: The optimal coronary revascularization strategy to maximize the patient-centered outcome of days alive and out of hospital (DAOH), in multimorbid older (≥65-years) adults after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is incompletely understood. METHODS: Using Kaiser Permanente Northern California Health Plan databases, we identified 3871 patients ≥65-years presenting with ACS between 1/1/2010-3/1/2018 who underwent coronary revascularization with either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, N = 1575) or multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, N = 2296). Selection bias was accounted for through propensity score modeling techniques and inverse probability of treatment weighting. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to evaluate the association of revascularization type with outcomes. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Absolute DAOH and the relative risk of achieving ≥90%DAOH during three time intervals. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: All-cause mortality, recurrent MI, stroke, rehospitalization, repeat revascularization, and dialysis initiation. RESULTS: CABG (compared to PCI) was associated with greater absolute number of DAOH, significant after the first year (mean difference at 1-year: +5.8 days, 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.6 to 13 days; 3-years: +56 days, 95%CI, +25 to +88 days; 5-years: + 131 days, 95%CI, +57 to +205 days). The relative risk of achieving ≥90% DAOH significantly favored CABG after the first year (1-year:1.02, 95%CI, 0.98-1.05; 3-years:1.06, 95%CI 1.002-1.11, 5-years:1.12, 95%CI, 1.03-1.22), and was related to lower incidences of all-cause mortality, repeat revascularization, rehospitalization, incident dialysis, and nonfatal MI with CABG. CONCLUSIONS: In older adults with multivessel or left main coronary artery disease who presented with ACS, CABG, after the first year, was associated with a greater absolute number of DAOH-a geriatric and patient-centered outcome, compared to PCI. CABG patients also had a higher probability of achieving ≥90%DAOH-with lower all-cause mortality, recurrent MI, repeat revascularization, new dialysis, and rehospitalization rates. Future randomized trials should study the impact of optimal revascularization strategies on the quality of life of older adults with multimorbidity.

Sub-micro scale cell segmentation using deep learning.

Automated cell segmentation is key for rapid and accurate investigation of cell responses. As instrumentation resolving power increases, clear delineation of newly revealed cellular features at the submicron through nanoscale becomes important. Reliance on the manual investigation of myriad small features retards investigation; however, use of deep learning methods has great potential to reveal cell features both at high accuracy and high speed, which may lead to new discoveries in the near term. In this study, semantic cell segmentation systems were investigated by implementing fully convolutional neural networks called U-nets for the segmentation of astrocytes cultured on poly-l-lysine-functionalized planar glass. The network hyperparameters were determined by changing the number of network layers, loss functions, and input image modalities. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images were selected for investigation as these are inherently nanoscale and are also dimensional. AFM height, deflection, and friction images were used as inputs separately and together, and the segmentation performances were investigated on five-fold cross-validation data. Transfer learning methods, including VGG16, VGG19, and Xception, were used to improve cell segmentation performance. We find that AFM height images inherit more discriminative features than AFM deflection and AFM friction images for cell segmentation. When transfer-learning methods are applied, statistically significant segmentation performance improvements are observed. Segmentation performance was compared to classical image processing algorithms and other algorithms in use by considering both AFM and electron microscopy segmentation. An accuracy of 0.9849, Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.9218, and Dice's similarity coefficient of 0.9306 were obtained on the AFM test images. Performance evaluations show that the proposed system can be successfully used for AFM cell segmentation with high precision.

A novel hybrid soft computing optimization framework for dynamic economic dispatch problem of complex non-convex contiguous constrained machines.

The reformations of the electrical power sector have resulted in very dynamic and competitive market that has changed many elements of the power industry. Excessive demand of energy, depleting the fossil fuel reserves of planet and releasing the toxic air pollutant, has been causing harm to earth habitats. In this new situation, insufficiency of energy supplies, rising power generating costs, high capital cost of renewable energy equipment, environmental concerns of wind power turbines, and ever-increasing demand for electrical energy need efficient economic dispatch. The objective function in practical economic dispatch (ED) problem is nonlinear and non-convex, with restricted equality and inequality constraints, and traditional optimization methods are incapable of resolving such non-convex problems. Over the recent decade, meta-heuristic optimization approaches have acquired enormous reputation for obtaining a solution strategy for such types of ED issues. In this paper, a novel soft computing optimization technique is proposed for solving the dynamic economic dispatch problem (DEDP) of complex non-convex machines with several constraints. Our premeditated framework employs the genetic algorithm (GA) as an initial optimizer and sequential quadratic programming (SQP) for the fine tuning of the pre-optimized run of GA. The simulation analysis of GA-SQP performs well by acquiring less computational cost and finite time of execution, while providing optimal generation of powers according to the targeted power demand and load, whereas subject to valve point loading effect (VPLE) and multiple fueling option (MFO) constraints. The adequacy of the presented strategy concerning accuracy, convergence as well as reliability is verified by employing it on ten benchmark case studies, including non-convex IEEE bus system at the same time also considering VPLE of thermal power plants. The potency of designed optimization seems more robust with fast convergence rate while evaluating the hard bounded DEDP. Our suggested hybrid method GA-SQP converges to achieve the best optimal solution in a confined environment in a limited number of simulations. The simulation results demonstrate applicability and adequacy of the given hybrid schemes over conventional methods.

Transcriptional regulation of adipogenic marker genes for the improvement of intramuscular fat in Qinchuan beef cattle.

The intramuscular fat content plays a crucial role in meat quality traits. Increasing the degree of adipogenesis in beef cattle leads to an increase in the content of intramuscular fat. Adipogenesis a complex biochemical process which is under firm genetic control. Over the last three decades, the Qinchuan beef cattle have been extensively studied for the improvement of meat production and quality traits. In this study, we reviewed the literature regarding adipogenesis and intramuscular fat deposition. Then, we summarized the research conducted on the transcriptional regulation of key adipogenic marker genes, and also reviewed the roles of adipogenic marker genes in adipogenesis of Qinchuan beef cattle. This review will elaborate our understanding regarding transcriptional regulation which is a vital physiological process regulated by a cascade of transcription factors (TFs), key target marker genes, and regulatory proteins. This synergistic action of TFs and target genes ensures the accurate and diverse transmission of the genetic information for the accomplishment of central physiological processes. This information will provide an insight into the transcriptional regulation of the adipogenic marker genes and its role in bovine adipogenesis for the breed improvement programs especially for the trait of intramuscular fat deposition.

Diagnosis and Management of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Society of Medical Oncology, Pakistan Society of Hematology, and Pakistan Society of Clinical Oncology Joint Clinical Practice Guideline.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the commonest non-Hodgkin lymphoma encountered by hematopathologists and oncologists. Management guidelines for DLBCL are developed and published by countries with high income and do not cater for practical challenges faced in resource-constrained settings. This report by a multidisciplinary panel of experts from Pakistan is on behalf of three major national cancer societies: Society of Medical Oncology Pakistan, Pakistan Society of Hematology, and Pakistan Society of Clinical Oncology. The aim is to develop a practical and standardized guideline for managing DLBCL in Pakistan, keeping in view local challenges, which are similar across most of the low- and middle-income countries across the globe. Modified Delphi methodology was used to develop consensus guidelines. Guidelines questions were drafted, and meetings were convened by a steering committee to develop initial recommendations on the basis of local challenges and review of the literature. A consensus panel reviewed the initial draft recommendations and rated the guidelines on a five-point Likert scale; recommendations achieving more than 75% consensus were accepted. Resource grouping initially suggested by Breast Health Global Initiative was applied for resource stratification into basic, limited, and enhanced resource settings. The panel generated consensus ratings for 35 questions of interest and concluded that diagnosis and treatment recommendations in resource-constrained settings need to be based on available resources and management expertise.

Novel suction-based in vivo cutaneous DNA transfection platform.

This work reports a suction-based cutaneous delivery method for in vivo DNA transfection. Following intradermal Mantoux injection of plasmid DNA in a rat model, a moderate negative pressure is applied to the injection site, a technique similar to Chinese báguàn and Middle Eastern hijama cupping therapies. Strong GFP expression was demonstrated with pEGFP-N1 plasmids where fluorescence was observed as early as 1 hour after dosing. Modeling indicates a strong correlation between focal strain/stress and expression patterns. The absence of visible and/or histological tissue injury contrasts with current in vivo transfection systems such as electroporation. Specific utility was demonstrated with a synthetic SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine, which generated host humoral immune response in rats with notable antibody production. This method enables an easy-to-use, cost-effective, and highly scalable platform for both laboratorial transfection needs and clinical applications for nucleic acid­based therapeutics and vaccines.

Screening of phytochemical constituents and potential antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancerous activities of Carpesium nepalense seeds oil.

The pharmacological importance and ecofriendly nature of medicinal plants holding a unique edge in the arena of pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the current research was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and potential antioxidant, in vitro anticancer and antibacterial activity of Carpesium nepalense seeds essential oil. The analysis performed through Gas chromatography/Mass spectroscopy confirmed the presence of different types of biologically active compounds. At the concentration of 500µg/mL, n-hexane fraction of C. nepalense showed highly significant (P<0.001) antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid and superoxide assays with the percentage inhibitions of 86.60±1.6%, 82.55±1.0% and 80.50±1.0% respectively. The extract also produced highly significant anticancerous activity against different cell lines at 500µg/mL. The significant antibacterial activity of extract was observed against bacterial strains with the zone of inhibitions of 24.3±0.8, 28.20±0.10, 22.33±0.11 and 33.22±0.10 mm respectively. The significant damage in bacterial cell membranes was also observed in atomic force microscopic analysis. In the light of obtained findings, it is concluded that C. nepalence proved to be a potential candidate as an alternative medicinal agent.

Bioactive Nutrient Fortified Fertilizer: A Novel Hybrid Approach for the Enrichment of Wheat Grains With Zinc.

Zinc (Zn) is a critical micronutrient that synergizes nutrient use efficiency, and improves plant growth and human health. Low Zn bioavailability in soils affects produce quality and agricultural productivity worldwide ultimately inducing deficiency in humans and animals. Zn deficiency is a leading cause of malnutrition in underdeveloped countries where a widespread population depends upon staple cereals for daily intake of calories. Modern cereal cultivars are inherently low in Zn, eventually, plants need to be enriched with soil application of ZnSO4, but due to higher fixation losses, it becomes an inefficient source. Rhizosphere microbiome contains Zn-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) that improve Zn bioavailability, thus increase the root function, Zn uptake, and plant growth. Niha Corp developed a hybrid process of bioactive nutrient fortified fertilizer (BNFF), which has been used to formulate Zabardast Urea (ZU) by coating bioactive Zn (BAZ) and ZSB on urea. Data obtained for 15 wheat varieties from 119 farmer field demonstration plots and eight replicated trials on 42 locations across multi-environment conditions conclude that ZU significantly improved the plant biomass and yield by 12% over non-Zn control and produced grains with 57 µg/g Zn contents, which can meet a major part of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of humans. The study recommends that this microbe-mediated hybrid invention (ZU) is a feasible approach to boost Zn bioavailability and Zn use efficiency, with enhanced yield and quality that may contribute to improve human health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first wide-scale field testing of Zn enrichment in the grains of bread wheat using an innovative BNFF Urea Z technology.

Permanent pacemaker implantation associated tricuspid regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with dual-chamber permanent pacemaker implantation. METHODS: This study included 153 patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation. All eligible candidates had baseline transthoracic echocardiography to rule out preexisting tricuspid regurgitation. Echocardiography across the tricuspid valve was repeated one month after permanent pacemaker implantation, and the frequency of significant tricuspid regurgitation was determined. The associations of potential effect modifiers (age, sex, height, body mass index categories, diabetes, and hypertension) with tricuspid regurgitation were assessed individually using simple and multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: After dual-chamber permanent pacemaker implantation, significant tricuspid regurgitation was present in 22 (15.8%) patients. Tricuspid regurgitation was significantly associated with body mass index >30 kg·m-2 (odds ratio = 32.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-853.82, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Significant tricuspid regurgitation was present in substantial number of patients after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation and was independently associated with body mass index >30 kg·m-2.

Correlation of serum levels of Vitamin D3 with serum parathormone in nursing mothers and infants 1-6 months' age from South Punjab, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Parathormone (PTH) and serum Vitamin D3 (VD3) share a complex interplay where increased VD3 leads to a negative response on parathormone level. Our objective was to determine the correlation of parathormone (PTH) and Vitamin D3 (VD3) levels in nursing mothers and infants 1-6 months' age from South Punjab, Pakistan. METHODS: This study is a secondary data analysis of previously conducted cross sectional study which was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Nishtar Medical University, Multan, during August 2010 to June 2011. Study included 67 infants 1-6 months of age and 60 nursing mothers. A venous blood sample was drawn for estimation of VD3, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone and albumin. Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the inverse correlation between PTH and VD3 levels. RESULTS: Mean age (in days) of the infants was 83±53.7 days whereas maternal mean age was 25.53 ± 4.12 years. Median VD3 level in infants was 20.90 ng/ml (IQR - 49.5). Median serum PTH levels were 20.90 pg/ml (IQR - 26.17). Median VD3 level in nursing mothers was 21.0 ng/ml (IQR 7.2- 43.8). Median maternal serum PTH levels were 20.89 pg/ml (IQR 2.9 - 232.4). Substantial negative relation between VD3 and parathormone in infants and mothers was not evident (r = - 0.027, p-value 0.83) and (r = 0.156, p-value 0.23) respectively. A significant positive association between infant and maternal VD3 was observed (rs -0.55, p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study affirms that the customary negative correlation between VD3 and parathormone levels does not exist.

Synthesis and characterization of Schiff base of nicotinic hydrazide as antibacterial agent along with in vivo wound healing activities and atomic force microscopic study of bacterial cell wall affected by synthesized compound.

The present work reports the synthesis of Schiff base series of nicotinic hydrazide (C-1-C-5) and it's antibacterial and wound healing evaluation. The synthetic molecules were characterized with different spectroscopic techniques and explored for their antibacterial potential. The objective of this work was to explore antimicrobial agent using two types of microorganisms, one Gram-positive (S. aureus ATCC 9144) and one Gram-negative (E. coli ATCC 10536). C-2, C-4 and C-5 potentially inhibit bacterial growth (p<0.001). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging was obtained to get high-resolution images of the effect of treated drugs on the bacterial morphology. The images obtained also revealed the antibacterial effects of potent molecule. The magnified pictures captured under AFM suggest significantly damaged cell surface and disturbed morphology. The compounds were further analyzed for in vivo wound healing potential on mice. The compound C-2, C-4 and C-5 heal the wounds comparatively in less time duration as compared to control group (p<0.001). Compound C-1 and C-3 took more time to heal the wound as compare to compound C-2, C-4 and C-5. The re-epithelialization process of wound in animals group treated with potent compound was highly significant (p<0.001) and faster than control. Results of this study suggest that the compounds C-2, C-4 andC-5 possess pronounced antibacterial and wound healing potential and need to be further evaluated for mechanism of action.

GC/MS assisted phytochemical analysis of Ajuga parviflora leaves extract along with anti-hepatotoxic effect against anti-tubercular drug induced liver toxicity in rat.

Owing to its traditional applications, the current study focuses on Ajuga parviflora (A. parviflora) leaves extract for phytochemical and pharmacological analysis. The principle constituents were identified through gas chromatography (GC), and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), these includes phthalic acid, squalene, α-tocopherol, vitamin E, phytol, 2-methylenecholestan-3-ol, stigmasterol, cholest-22-ene-21-ol and 3,5-dehydro-6-methoxy. Hepatoprotective effect of A. parviflora was evaluated through isoniazid and rifampicin (INH and RFP) induced hepatotoxicity in rat. Animals in group A were treated with INH and RFP 50 mg/kg. Animals in group B, C, and D were pre-treated with A. parviflora extract at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg dose prior drug administration. A. parviflora extract at 200 and 300 mg/kg in group C and D significantly reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin (p<0.001) as compare to group B (100mg/kg). Total protein (TP) was also significantly (p<0.01) reduced in group C and D at dose of 200 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The extract pre-treated animals with (A. parviflora, 200, and 300 mg/kg) showed that the epithelium of the central portal vein is intact with replete glucagon. The pre-treatment with A. parviflora protected the liver from INH and RFP induced hepatotoxicity. The results of pre-treated animals with A. parviflora 200, and 300 mg/kg dose prettily revert the severely disturb parameters like, cytolysis, lymphocytic infiltration, and lymphoid aggregate in portal vein and hydropic degeneration. The decrease peroxisome proliferator-receptor activator-δ (PPAR-δ) gene expression by INH, and RFP was significantly up regulated by A. parviflora extract in pre-treated animals at 200 and 300 mg/kg dose. These findings provide baseline pharmacological uses of A. parviflora in liver disorders. Further investigations are required for identification and isolation of biologically active components responsible for pharmacological activity.