Effects of globalization, foreign direct investment and economic growth on renewable electricity consumption.

Renewable energy has been seen as a viable solution to the problems of environmental degradation and the energy crisis. This study examines the long - and short-run linkages between economic globalization, foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth, and renewable electricity consumption in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. Therefore, this study uses the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique to measure the relationship between constructs based on data collected from 2000 to 2020. The overall results show the collaborative integration of Belt and Road (BRI) countries in terms of globalization, economic growth, and renewable electricity utilization. The results show that there is a long-term positive relationship between FDI and renewable electricity consumption, but a negative relationship in the short term. Furthermore, economic growth is positively correlated with renewable electricity consumption in the long run and negatively correlated in the short run. This study suggests that the governments of BRI countries should encourage globalization by improving technology and knowledge related to renewable electricity consumption in all areas.

Hydrodynamic analysis of the magnetic field dependent viscous fluid flow and thermosolutal convection between rotating channels.

According to research, exposing a person to a magnetic field enhances blood flow and minimizes their risk of suffering a heart attack. Ferrohydrodynamics is the study of fluid motion mechanics that is affected by strong magnetic polarisation forces (FHD). Ferrofluids may transmit heat in a variety of ways by using magnetic fluids. This behaviour is demonstrated by liquid-cooled speakers, which utilise less ferrofluid to prevent heat from reaching the speaker coil. This modification boosts the coil's ability to expand, which enables the loudspeaker to create high-fidelity sound. It is investigated how the fluid dynamics of spinning, squeezing plates are affected by thermosolutal convection and a magnetic field dependent (MFD) viscosity. Standard differential equations are used to represent the equations of the modified form of Navier Stokes, Maxwell's, and thermosolutal convection. The magnetic field, modified velocity field equations, and thermosolutal convection equations all yield suitable answers. Additionally computed and thoroughly detailed are the MHD torque and fluid pressure that are imparted to the top plate. To create a technique with quick and certain convergence, the resulting equations for uniform plates are solved using the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) with appropriate starting estimates and auxiliary parameters. The validity and reliability of the HAM outcomes are shown by comparing the HAM solutions with the BVP4c numerical solver programme. It has been found that a magnetic Reynolds number lowers the temperature of the fluid as well as the tangential and axial components of the velocity field. Additionally, when the fluid's MFD viscosity rises, the axial and azimuthal components of the magnetic field behave in opposition to one another. This study has applications in the development of new aircraft take-off gear, magnetorheological airbags for automobiles, heating and cooling systems, bio-prosthetics, and biosensor systems.

Influence of green technology, green energy consumption, energy efficiency, trade, economic development and FDI on climate change in South Asia.

Climate change policy has several potential risks. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of green technology development, green energy consumption, energy efficiency, foreign direct investment, economic growth, and trade (imports and exports) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in South Asia from 1981 to 2018. We employed Breusch Pagan LM, bias-corrected scaled LM, and Pesaran CD as part of a series of techniques that can assist in resolving the problem of cross-sectional dependence. First and second generation unit root tests are used to assess the stationarity of the series, Pedroni and Kao tests are used to test co-integration. The long-term associations are examined using fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and panel dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) for robustness. The results revealed that trade, growth rate, and exports significantly increase GHG emissions. This accepted the leakage phenomenon. The results also demonstrated that green technology development, green energy consumption, energy efficiency, and imports all have a significant negative correlation with GHG emissions. Imports, advanced technical processes, a transition from non-green energy to green energy consumption, and energy efficiency are thus critical components in executing climate change legislation. These findings highlight the profound importance of green technology development and green energy for ecologically sustainable development in the South Asian countries and act as a crucial resource for other nations throughout the world when it comes to ecological security. This research recommends the consumption of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technologies in order to mitigate climate change and the government's implementation of the most recent policies to neutralize GHG emissions in order to achieve sustainable development.

Theoretical analysis of unsteady squeezing nanofluid flow with physical properties.

Theoretical analysis of physical characteristics of unsteady, squeezing nanofluid flow is studied. The flow of nanofluid between two plates that placed parallel in a rotating system by keeping the variable physical properties: viscosity and thermal conductivity. It is analyzed by using Navier Stokes Equation, Energy Equation and Concentration equation. The prominent equations are transformed by virtue of suitable similarity transformation. Nanofluid model includes the important effects of Thermophoresis and Brownian motion. For analysis graphical results are drawn for verity parameters of our interest i.e., Injection parameter, Squeezing number, Prandtle number and Schmidt number are investigated for the Velocity field, Temperature variation and Concentration profile numerically. The findings underline that the parameter of skin friction increases when the Squeezing Reynolds number, Injection parameter and Prandtle number increases. However, it shows inverse relationship with Schmidt number and Rotation parameter. Furthermore, direct relationship of Nusselt number with injection parameter and Reynolds number is observed while its relation with Schmidt number, Rotation parameter, Brownian parameter and Thermophoretic parameter shows an opposite trend. The results are thus obtained through Parametric Continuation Method (PCM) which is further validated through BVP4c. Moreover, the results are tabulated and set forth for comparison of findings through PCM and BVP4c which shows that the obtained results correspond to each other.

Numerical investigation of a squeezing flow between concentric cylinders under the variable magnetic field of intensity.

The ongoing research aims to examine the mass and heat transmission phenomena of squeezing flow between two concentric cylinders under the effect of heat sources and magnetic fields. The impacts of the Lorentz force on the behavior of the liquid flow are elucidated via a magnetic field incorporated in the momentum equation. Furthermore, within concentric cylinders, the expression [Formula: see text] has been employed as a source/sink. The proposed model of PDEs formulates the physical phenomena of time-dependent incompressible two-dimensional squeezing flow via modified Navier-Stokes equation, energy equation, and mass transfer equation, and variable magnetic field. The proposed model involved a highly nonlinear system of PDEs, which has been reduced into a system of ODEs via Lie group of similarity transformation and subsequently solved numerically in MATLAB by Parametric Continuation Method. The direct impact of the squeezing parameter on the profile of temperature and concentration has been observed. The results shown that an increment in the heat source indicates a decline in the liquid temperature profile, that an increment in the heat source indicates a decline in the liquid temperature profile. An increment in the heat source indicates a decline in the liquid temperature prof. At the same time, an inverse relationship is observed for the concentration profile. Therefore, we have witnessed a significant increase in the velocity profiles of the flow, mainly as a result of the heat absorption coefficient. In addition, the declining effect of the Soret number on the concentration profile is noticed. It has been found that it enhanced the entropy generation rate for Pr, [Formula: see text], and Ec, while an opposite impact has been noticed at the Bejan number. The numerical outcomes of the proposed model that explain fluid flow characteristics and fluid flow characteristics are quantitatively elucidated by tables and displayed graphically. The comparison of two numerical results in the cases are found to be in good agreement, as shown in Tables.

Numerical Simulation of a Time-Dependent Electroviscous and Hybrid Nanofluid with Darcy-Forchheimer Effect between Squeezing Plates.

In this article, the behavior of transient electroviscous fluid flow is investigated through squeezing plates containing hybrid nanoparticles. A hybrid nanofluid MoS2+Au/C2H6O2-H2O was formulated by dissolving the components of an inorganic substance such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and gold (Au) in a base fluid of ethylene glycol/water. This hybrid non-liquid flow was modeled by various nonlinear mathematical fluid flow models and subsequently solved by numerical as well as analytical methods. For the numerical solution of nonlinear ODEs, a built-in function BVP4C was used in MATLAB, and the same problem was solved in MATHEMATICA by HAM. The result of the present problem related to the results obtained from the existing literature under certain conditions. The outcomes revealed that the concentration profiles were more sensitive to homogeneity diversity parameters. The simulation of the various physical parameters of the model indicated that the heat transfer through a mixture of hybrid nanofluids was greater than a simple nanofluid. In addition, the phenomenon of mixed convection was considered to improve the velocity of simple nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids, when both cases have low permeability. A rise in the volume fraction of the nanomaterials, Φ, was associated with an increase in the heat transfer rate. It was observed that the heat transfer rate of the hybrid nanofluids MoS2+Au/C2H6O2-H2O was higher than that of the single nanofluids MoS2/C2H6O2-H2O.

Steady Squeezing Flow of Magnetohydrodynamics Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Comprising Carbon Nanotube-Ferrous Oxide/Water with Suction/Injection Effect.

The main purpose of the current article is to scrutinize the flow of hybrid nanoliquid (ferrous oxide water and carbon nanotubes) (CNTs + Fe3O4/H2O) in two parallel plates under variable magnetic fields with wall suction/injection. The flow is assumed to be laminar and steady. Under a changeable magnetic field, the flow of a hybrid nanofluid containing nanoparticles Fe3O4 and carbon nanotubes are investigated for mass and heat transmission enhancements. The governing equations of the proposed hybrid nanoliquid model are formulated through highly nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) including momentum equation, energy equation, and the magnetic field equation. The proposed model was further reduced to nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through similarity transformation. A rigorous numerical scheme in MATLAB known as the parametric continuation method (PCM) has been used for the solution of the reduced form of the proposed method. The numerical outcomes obtained from the solution of the model such as velocity profile, temperature profile, and variable magnetic field are displayed quantitatively by various graphs and tables. In addition, the impact of various emerging parameters of the hybrid nanofluid flow is analyzed regarding flow properties such as variable magnetic field, velocity profile, temperature profile, and nanomaterials volume fraction. The influence of skin friction and Nusselt number are also observed for the flow properties. These types of hybrid nanofluids (CNTs + Fe3O4/H2O) are frequently used in various medical applications. For the validity of the numerical scheme, the proposed model has been solved by another numerical scheme (BVP4C) in MATLAB.

Numerical Analysis of Unsteady Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Comprising CNTs-Ferrousoxide/Water with Variable Magnetic Field.

The introduction of hybrid nanofluids is an important concept in various engineering and industrial applications. It is used prominently in various engineering applications, such as wider absorption range, low-pressure drop, generator cooling, nuclear system cooling, good thermal conductivity, heat exchangers, etc. In this article, the impact of variable magnetic field on the flow field of hybrid nano-fluid for the improvement of heat and mass transmission is investigated. The main objective of this study is to see the impact of hybrid nano-fluid (ferrous oxide water and carbon nanotubes) CNTs-Fe3O4, H2O between two parallel plates with variable magnetic field. The governing momentum equation, energy equation, and the magnetic field equation have been reduced into a system of highly nonlinear ODEs by using similarity transformations. The parametric continuation method (PCM) has been utilized for the solution of the derived system of equations. For the validity of the model by PCM, the proposed model has also been solved via the shooting method. The numerical outcomes of the important flow properties such as velocity profile, temperature profile and variable magnetic field for the hybrid nanofluid are displayed quantitatively through various graphs and tables. It has been noticed that the increase in the volume friction of the nano-material significantly fluctuates the velocity profile near the channel wall due to an increase in the fluid density. In addition, single-wall nanotubes have a greater effect on temperature than multi-wall carbon nanotubes. Statistical analysis shows that the thermal flow rate of (Fe3O4-SWCNTs-water) and (Fe3O4-MWCNTs-water) rises from 1.6336 percent to 6.9519 percent, and 1.7614 percent to 7.4413 percent, respectively when the volume fraction of nanomaterial increases from 0.01 to 0.04. Furthermore, the body force accelerates near the wall of boundary layer because Lorentz force is small near the squeezing plate, as the current being almost parallel to the magnetic field.

Deciphering the Variants Located in the MIR196A2, MIR146A, and MIR423 with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in Pakistani Population.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that control the post-transcriptional gene expression. They play a pivotal role in the regulation of important physiological processes. Variations in miRNA genes coding for mature miRNA sequences have been implicated in several diseases. However, the association of variants in miRNAs genes with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Pakistani population is rarely reported. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the association of rs11614913 T/C (MIR196A2), rs2910164 G/C (MIR146A), and rs6505162 C/A (MIR423) in clinicopathological proven T2DM patients and gender-matched healthy controls. The tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain (ARMS-PCR) reaction method was used to determine the genotypes and to establish the association of each variant with T2DM through inherited models. In conclusion, the present study showed that variants rs11614913 T/C and rs2910164 G/C were linked with the risk of T2DM. The data suggested that rs11614913 T/C and rs2910164 G/C could be considered as novel risk factors in the pathogenesis of T2DM in the Pakistani population.

Pathology, Risk Factors, and Oxidative Damage Related to Type 2 Diabetes-Mediated Alzheimer's Disease and the Rescuing Effects of the Potent Antioxidant Anthocyanin.

The pathology and neurodegeneration in type 2 diabetes- (T2D-) mediated Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been reported in several studies. Despite the lack of information regarding the basic underlying mechanisms involved in the development of T2D-mediated AD, some common features of the two conditions have been reported, such as brain atrophy, reduced cerebral glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance. T2D phenotypes such as glucose dyshomeostasis, insulin resistance, impaired insulin signaling, and systemic inflammatory cytokines have been shown to be involved in the progression of AD pathology by increasing amyloid-beta accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and overall neuroinflammation. Similarly, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGE) as a result of chronic hyperglycemia may serve as critical links between diabetes and AD. The natural dietary polyflavonoid anthocyanin enhances insulin sensitivity, attenuates insulin resistance at the level of the target tissues, inhibits free fatty acid oxidation, and abrogates the release of peripheral inflammatory cytokines in obese (prediabetic) individuals, which are responsible for insulin resistance, systemic hyperglycemia, systemic inflammation, brain metabolism dyshomeostasis, amyloid-beta accumulation, and neuroinflammatory responses. In this review, we have shown that obesity may induce T2D-mediated AD and assessed the recent therapeutic advances, especially the use of anthocyanin, against T2D-mediated AD pathology. Taken together, the findings of current studies may help elucidate a new approach for the prevention and treatment of T2D-mediated AD by using the polyflavonoid anthocyanin.

Inhibition of JNK Alleviates Chronic Hypoperfusion-Related Ischemia Induces Oxidative Stress and Brain Degeneration via Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB Signaling.

Cerebral ischemia is one of the leading causes of neurological disorders. The exact molecular mechanism related to chronic unilateral cerebral ischemia-induced neurodegeneration and memory deficit has not been precisely elucidated. In this study, we examined the effect of chronic ischemia on the induction of oxidative stress and c-Jun N-terminal kinase-associated detrimental effects and unveiled the inhibitory effect of specific JNK inhibitor (SP600125) on JNK-mediated brain degeneration in adult mice. Our behavioral, biochemical, and immunofluorescence studies revealed that chronic ischemic injuries sustained increased levels of oxidative stress-induced active JNK for a long time, whereas SP600125 significantly reduced the elevated level of active JNK and further regulated Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling, which have been confirmed in vivo. Neuroinflammatory mediators and loss of neuronal cells was significantly reduced with the administration of SP600125. Ischemic brain injury caused synaptic dysfunction and memory impairment in mice. However, these were significantly improved with SP600125. On the whole, these findings suggest that elevated ROS-mediated JNK is a key mediator in chronic ischemic conditions and has a crucial role in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and memory dysfunction. Our findings suggest that chronic oxidative stress associated JNK would be a potential target in time-dependent studies of chronic ischemic conditions induced brain degeneration.

Gut Microbiota, Its Role in Induction of Alzheimer's Disease Pathology, and Possible Therapeutic Interventions: Special Focus on Anthocyanins.

The human gut is a safe environment for several microbes that are symbiotic and important for the wellbeing of human health. However, studies on gut microbiota in different animals have suggested that changes in the composition and structure of these microbes may promote gut inflammation by releasing inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharides, gut-wall leakage, and may affect systemic inflammatory and immune mechanisms that are important for the normal functioning of the body. There are many factors that aid in the gut's dysbiosis and neuroinflammation, including high stress levels, lack of sleep, fatty and processed foods, and the prolonged use of antibiotics. These neurotoxic mechanisms of dysbiosis may increase susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative conditions. Therefore, studies have recently been conducted to tackle AD-like conditions by specifically targeting gut microbes that need further elucidation. It was suggested that gut dyshomeostasis may be regulated by using available options, including the use of flavonoids such as anthocyanins, and restriction of the use of high-fatty-acid-containing food. In this review, we summarize the gut microbiota, factors promoting it, and possible therapeutic interventions especially focused on the therapeutic potential of natural dietary polyflavonoid anthocyanins. Our study strongly suggests that gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation are critically involved in the development of neurodegenerative disorders, and the natural intake of these flavonoids may provide new therapeutic opportunities for preclinical or clinical studies.

Hypochloraemia and 30 day readmission rate in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

AIMS: Despite recent advances in guideline-directed therapy, rehospitalization rates for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remain high. Recently published studies demonstrated the emerging role of hypochloraemia as a predictor of poor outcomes in patients with ADHF. This study sought to determine the correlation between low serum chloride and 30 day hospital readmission in patients with ADHF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of 1504 patients who were admitted to one 700 bed US tertiary care centre with the diagnosis of ADHF between June 2013 and December 2014. Of the 1504 reviewed records, 1241 were selected for further analysis. Hypochloraemia (either on admission or at discharge) was identified in 289 patients (23.3%) and was associated with significantly higher 30 day hospital readmission rate or death (42.2% vs. 33.7%, P = 0.008). This association persisted in multivariate analysis when controlling for serum sodium, weight loss, diuretic dose, adjunct thiazide use, serum blood urea nitrogen, and BNP levels (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.02-1.77, P = 0.033); however, the predictive value of the overall model was low (Naglkerke R2 = 0.040). Hypochloraemia was also found to be associated with increased 12 month mortality in our cohort (31.4% vs. 20.2%, P = 0.015) that correlates with the results of previously published studies. CONCLUSIONS: Low serum chloride measured in patients admitted for ADHF is independently but weakly associated with increased 30 day readmission rate and demonstrated low predictive value as a potential biomarker in this cohort.

Synthesis of CoCrFeO4-chitosan beads sun-light-driven photocatalyst with well recycling for efficiently degrading high-concentration dyes.

It is highly desired to develop an efficient large surface area CoCrFeO4-based beads sun-light driven photocatalysts with excellent recycling features for degrading high-concentration dyes. Herein, a novel CoCrFeO4 oxide nanoparticles have customarily been synthesized by the combination of three metals (Co, Cr and Fe) via co-precipitation method in aqueous solution and then millimeter-scale CoCrFeO4 oxide chitosan-composite beads (CoCrFeO4-CB) were prepared by incorporating the CoCrFeO4 in chitosan polymer in basic medium, which makes the adsorbent easier to separate. The number of optimized nanocomposite beads used for the removal of high-concentration dyes displays 5-time photoactivity enhancement under sun-light irradiation compared to pristine CoCrFeO4. Based on the fluorescence spectra related to the formed OH amounts, temperature-programmed desorption and electrochemical results, it is deduced that the unprecedented photocatalytic activities are mainly attributed to the large surface area, and enhanced charge separation from the chitosan as well as its promotion effects on O2 activation. Influencing factors that effect the photocatalytic efficiency of dyes, such as catalyst dose, dyes concentration, time, and the light source was also studied. More importantly, after five catalytic cycles, no evident deactivation was observed, suggesting the satisfactory stability of the investigated photocatalyst. Also, large numbers of superoxides radicals form which is the main active species participate in the degradation of acid black were analyzed using a radical trapping experiment. It is expected that our work could render navigated information for steering toward the design and applications of the CoCrFeO4-based photocatalyst with sun-light utilization for environmental remediation.

Dietary Supplementation of the Antioxidant Curcumin Halts Systemic LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation-Associated Neurodegeneration and Memory/Synaptic Impairment via the JNK/NF-κB/Akt Signaling Pathway in Adult Rats.

Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound widely known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. In the present study, we explored the neuroprotective effect of curcumin against lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) mediated neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and memory deficits in the adult rat hippocampus via regulation of the JNK/NF-κB/Akt signaling pathway. Adult rats were treated intraperitoneally with LPS at a dose of 250 µg/kg for 7 days and curcumin at a dose of 300 mg/kg for 14 days. After 14 days, the rats were sacrificed, and western blotting and ROS and lipid peroxidation assays were performed. For immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, the rats were perfused transcardially with 4% paraformaldehyde. In order to verify the JNK-dependent neuroprotective effect of curcumin and to confirm the in vivo results, HT-22 neuronal and BV2 microglial cells were exposed to LPS at a dose of 1 µg/ml, curcumin 100 µg/ml, and SP600125 (a specific JNK inhibitor) 20 µM. Our immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence, and biochemical results revealed that curcumin inhibited LPS-induced oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde and 2,7-dichlorofluorescein levels and ameliorating neuroinflammation and neuronal cell death via regulation of the JNK/NF-κB/Akt signaling pathway both in vivo (adult rat hippocampus) and in vitro (HT-22/BV2 cell lines). Moreover, curcumin markedly improved LPS-induced memory impairment in the Morris water maze and Y-maze tasks. Taken together, our results suggest that curcumin may be a potential preventive and therapeutic candidate for LPS-induced ROS-mediated neurotoxicity and memory deficits in an adult rat model.

Natural Dietary Supplementation of Curcumin Protects Mice Brains against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress-Mediated Neurodegeneration and Memory Impairment via Nrf2/TLR4/RAGE Signaling.

The aim of the current study was to explore the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms of curcumin (50 mg/kg, for six weeks) against ethanol (5 mg/kg i.p., for six weeks) induced oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated cognitive dysfunction in mice. According to our findings, ethanol triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and memory impairment, which were significantly inhibited with the administration of curcumin, as assessed by ROS, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and Nrf2/HO-1 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Heme-oxygenase-1) expression in the experimental mice brains. Moreover, curcumin regulated the expression of the glial cell markers in ethanol-treated mice brains, as analyzed by the relative expression TLR4 (Toll like Receptor 4), RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycations End products), GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein), and Iba-1 (Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1), through Western blot and confocal microscopic analysis. Moreover, our results showed that curcumin downregulated the expression of p-JNK (Phospo c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase), p-NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), and its downstream targets, as assessed by Western blot and confocal microscopic analysis. Finally, the expression of synaptic proteins and the behavioral results also supported the hypothesis that curcumin may inhibit memory dysfunction and behavioral alterations associated with ethanol intoxication. Altogether, to the best of our knowledge, we believe that curcumin may serve as a potential, promising, and cheaply available neuroprotective compound against ethanol-associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Anthocyanins Improve Hippocampus-Dependent Memory Function and Prevent Neurodegeneration via JNK/Akt/GSK3ß Signaling in LPS-Treated Adult Mice.

Microglia plays a critical role in the brain and protects neuronal cells from toxins. However, over-activation of microglia leads to deleterious effects. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been reported to affect neuronal cells via activation of microglia as well as directly to initiate neuroinflammation. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect of anthocyanins against LPS-induced neurotoxicity in an animal model and in cell cultures. Intraperitoneal injections of LPS (250 µg/kg/day for 1 week) induce ROS production and promote neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration which ultimately leads to memory impairment. However, anthocyanins treatment at a dose of 24 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks (1 week before and 1 week co-treated with LPS) prevented ROS production, inhibited neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and improved memory functions in LPS-treated mice. Both histological and immunoblot analysis indicated that anthocyanins reversed the activation of JNK, prevented neuroinflammation by lowering the levels of inflammatory markers (p-NF-kB, TNF-α, and IL-1ß), and reduced neuronal apoptosis by reducing the expression of Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP-1, while increasing the level of survival proteins p-Akt, p-GSK3ß, and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Anthocyanins treatment increased the levels of memory-related pre- and post-synaptic proteins and improved the hippocampus-dependent memory in the LPS-treated mice. Overall, this data suggested that consumption of naturally derived anti-oxidant agent such as anthocyanins ameliorated several pathological events in the LPS-treated animal model and we believe that anthocyanins would be a safe therapeutic agent for slowing the inflammation-induced neurodegeneration in the brain against several diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Adiponectin homolog novel osmotin protects obesity/diabetes-induced NAFLD by upregulating AdipoRs/PPARα signaling in ob/ob and db/db transgenic mouse models.

BACKGROUND: In metabolic disorders, adiponectin and adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1/R2) signaling has a key role in improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obesity-associated diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To the best of our knowledge, here, we reported for the first time the underlying mechanistic therapeutic efficacy of the novel osmotin, a homolog of mammalian adiponectin, against NAFLD in leptin-deficient ob/ob and db/db mice. METHODS: The ob/ob and db/db mice were treated with osmotin at a dose of 5 µg/g three times a week for two weeks. To co-relate the in vivo results we used the human liver carcinoma HepG2 cells, subjected to knockdown with small siRNAs of AdipoR1/R2 and PPARα genes and treated with osmotin and palmitic acid (P.A.). MTT assay, Western blotting, immunohistofluorescence assays, and plasma biochemical analyses were applied. RESULTS: Osmotin stimulated AdipoR1/R2 and its downstream APPL1/PPAR-α/AMPK/SIRT1 pathways in ob/ob and db/db mice, and HepG2 cells exposed to P.A. Mechanistically, we confirmed that knockdown of AdipoR1/R2 and PPARα by their respective siRNAs abolished the osmotin activity in HepG2 cells exposed to P.A. Overall, the in vivo and in vitro results suggested that osmotin protected against NAFLD through activation of AdipoR1/R2 and its downstream APPL1/PPAR-α/AMPK/SIRT1 pathways as shown by the reduced body weight, blood glucose level and glycated hemoglobin, improved glucose tolerance, attenuated insulin resistance and hepatic glucogenesis, regulated serum lipid parameters, and increased fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial functions. CONCLUSION: Our findings strongly suggest that novel osmotin might be a potential novel therapeutic tool against obesity/diabetes-induced NAFLD and other metabolic disorders.

Impact of city effluents on water quality of Indus River: assessment of temporal and spatial variations in the southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The impact of city effluents on water quality of Indus River was assessed in the southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Water samples were collected in dry (DS) and wet (WS) seasons from seven sampling zones along Indus River and the physical, bacteriological, and chemical parameters determining water quality were quantified. There were marked temporal and spatial variations in the water quality of Indus River. The magnitude of pollution was high in WS compared with DS. The quality of water varied across the sampling zones, and it greatly depended upon the nature of effluents entering the river. Water samples exceeded the WHO permissible limits for pH, EC, TDS, TS, TSS, TH, DO, BOD, COD, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Ca2+, Mg2+, NO3-, and PO42-. Piper analysis indicated that water across the seven sampling zones along Indus River was alkaline in nature. Correlation analyses indicated that EC, TDS, TS, TH, DO, BOD, and COD may be considered as key physical parameters, while Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, F-, NO3-, PO42-, and SO42- as key chemical parameters determining water quality, because they were strongly correlated (r > 0.70) with most of the parameters studied. Cluster analysis indicated that discharge point at Shami Road is the major source of pollution impairing water quality of Indus River. Wastewater treatment plants must be installed at all discharge points along Indus River for protecting the quality of water of this rich freshwater resource in Pakistan.

Neuroprotective Effect of Quercetin Against the Detrimental Effects of LPS in the Adult Mouse Brain.

Chronic neuroinflammation is responsible for multiple neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an essential component of the gram-negative bacterial cell wall and acts as a potent stimulator of neuroinflammation that mediates neurodegeneration. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid that is abundantly found in fruits and vegetables and has been shown to possess multiple forms of desirable biological activity including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of quercetin against the detrimental effects of LPS, such as neuroinflammation-mediated neurodegeneration and synaptic/memory dysfunction, in adult mice. LPS [0.25 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally (I.P.) injections for 1 week]-induced glial activation causes the secretion of cytokines/chemokines and other inflammatory mediators, which further activate the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and neuronal degeneration. Compared to LPS alone, quercetin (30 mg/kg/day, I.P.) for 2 weeks (1 week prior to the LPS and 1 week cotreated with LPS) significantly reduced activated gliosis and various inflammatory markers and prevented neuroinflammation in the cortex and hippocampus of adult mice. Furthermore, quercetin rescued the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and neuronal degeneration by regulating Bax/Bcl2, and decreasing activated cytochrome c, caspase-3 activity and cleaving PARP-1 in the cortical and hippocampal regions of the mouse brain. The quercetin treatment significantly reversed the LPS-induced synaptic loss in the cortex and hippocampus of the adult mouse brain and improved the memory performance of the LPS-treated mice. In summary, our results demonstrate that natural flavonoids such as quercetin can be beneficial against LPS-induced neurotoxicity in adult mice.