Remote sensing analysis of spatiotemporal impacts of anthropogenic influence on mountain landscape ecology in Pir Chinasi national park.

Mountain landscapes can be fragmented due to various human activities such as tourism, road construction, urbanization, and agriculture. It can also be due to natural factors such as flash floods, glacial lake outbursts, land sliding, and climate change such as rising temperatures, heavy rains, or drought.The study's objective was to analyze the mountain landscape ecology of Pir Chinasi National Park under anthropogenic influence and investigate the impact of anthropogenic activities on the vegetation. This study observed spatiotemporal changes in vegetation due to human activities and associated climate change for the past 25 years (1995-2020) around Pir Chinasi National Park, Muzaffrabad, Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 200 residents to evaluate their perceptions of land use and its effects on local vegetation. The findings reveal that 60% of respondents perceived spatiotemporal pressure on the park. On the other hand, the Landsat-oriented Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was utilized for the less than 10% cloud-covered images of Landsat 5, 7, and 8 to investigate the vegetation degradation trends of the study area. During the entire study period, the mean maximum NDVI was approximately 0.28 in 1995, whereas the mean minimum NDVI was - 2.8 in 2010. QGIS 3.8.2 was used for the data presentation. The impact of temperature on vegetation was also investigated for the study period and increasing temperature trends were observed. The study found that 10.81% (1469.08 km2) of the area experienced substantial deterioration, while 23.57% (3202.39 km2) experienced minor degradation. The total area of degraded lands was 34.38% (or 4671.47 km2). A marginal improvement in plant cover was observed in 24.88% of the regions, while 9.69% of the regions experienced a major improvement. According to the NDVI-Rainfall relationships, the area was found to be significantly impacted by human pressures and activities (r ≤ 0.50) driving vegetation changes covering 24.67% of the total area (3352.03 km2). The area under the influence of climatic variability and change (r ≥ 0.50 ≥ 0.90) accounted for 55.84% (7587.26 km2), and the area under both climatic and human stressors (r ≥ 0.50 < 0.70) was 64%. Sustainable land management practices of conservation tillage, integrated pest management, and agroforestry help preserve soil health, water quality, and biodiversity while reducing erosion, pollution, and the degradation of natural resources. landscape restoration projects of reforestation, wetland restoration, soil erosion control, and the removal of invasive species are essential to achieve land degradation neutrality at the watershed scale.

Green synthesis of magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica leaf extract loaded on reduced graphene oxide and degradation of methylene blue.

In the current arena, new-generation functional nanomaterials are the key players for smart solutions and applications including environmental decontamination of pollutants. Among the plethora of new-generation nanomaterials, graphene-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites are in the driving seat surpassing their counterparts due to their unique physicochemical characteristics and superior surface chemistry. The purpose of the present research was to synthesize and characterize magnetite iron oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (FeNPs/rGO) via a green approach and test its application in the degradation of methylene blue. The modified Hummer's protocol was adopted to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) through a chemical exfoliation approach using a graphitic route. Leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was used as a green reducing agent to reduce GO into reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Then, using the green deposition approach and Azadirachta indica leaf extract, a nanocomposite comprising magnetite iron oxides and reduced graphene oxide i.e., FeNPs/rGO was synthesized. During the synthesis of functionalized FeNPs/rGO, Azadirachta indica leaf extract acted as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent. The final synthesized materials were characterized and analyzed using an array of techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis, and UV-visible spectrophotometry. The UV-visible spectrum was used to evaluate the optical characteristics and band gap. Using the FT-IR spectrum, functional groupings were identified in the synthesized graphene-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites. The morphology and elemental analysis of nanomaterials and nanocomposites synthesized via the green deposition process were investigated using SEM-EDX. The GO, rGO, FeNPs, and FeNPs/rGO showed maximum absorption at 232, 265, 395, and 405 nm, respectively. FTIR spectrum showed different functional groups (OH, COOH, C=O), C-O-C) modifying material surfaces. Based on Debye Sherrer's equation, the mean calculated particle size of all synthesized materials was < 100 nm (GO = 60-80, rGO = 90-95, FeNPs = 70-90, Fe/GO = 40-60, and Fe/rGO = 80-85 nm). Graphene-based nanomaterials displayed rough surfaces with clustered and spherical shapes and EDX analysis confirmed the presence of both iron and oxygen in all the nanocomposites. The final nanocomposites produced via the synthetic process degraded approximately 74% of methylene blue. Based on the results, it is plausible to conclude that synthesized FeNPs/rGO nanocomposites can also be used as a potential photocatalyst degrader for other different dye pollutants due to their lower band gap.

Integrated study of quaternary aquifer for hydrostratigraphy and groundwater quality assessment in central Thal Doab, Punjab, Pakistan.

The groundwater resources in different areas of Pakistan are heading towards depletion along with the deterioration of quality due to over-abstraction and urbanization. The main focus of this study is to map the current hydrostratigraphical and hydraulic conditions of the late Quaternary aquifers in the central part of Thal Doab of Punjab Plains. To achieve the target, a comprehensive approach was employed combining geophysical investigations using electrical resistivity surveys (ERS) and physiochemical analysis of groundwater specimens collected from the study area. Careful calibration of resistivity models was performed by comparing them with lithologs to ensure their accuracy. The current groundwater conditions were assessed through thirty vertical electrical soundings (VES) using the Schlumberger electrode configuration up to 300m of AB/2. The interpreted results revealed the presence of four to six geo-electric sublayers comprising the intermixing layers of clay, silt, sand, gravel, and kankar inclusions. These layers exhibited very low (<20 Ω-m) to very high (>230 Ω-m) resistivity zones at various depth intervals. The developed 2D/3D models of aquifer systems identify the promising areas of good/fresh quality groundwater in the regions characterized by medium to very high resistivity mainly within the sand with gravel layers. However, lower resistivity values indicate the presence of marginally suitable/fair and saline/brackish groundwater showing the existence of fine sediments such as clays/silts. Additionally, twenty groundwater samples were collected to assess various parameters including pH, TDS, arsenic, fluoride, iron, nitrate, and nitrite. The spatial distribution of these parameters was visualized using 2D maps. The suitability of the groundwater for drinking consumption was evaluated in accordance with WHO guidelines.

Predictors of cognitive impairment and its association with mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A prospective follow-up study.

Objective: To determine predictors of cognitive impairment (CI) and its association with mortality in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: This prospective follow up study was conducted at HD Department, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from September, 2021 to November, 2022. All patients undergoing MHD for more than three months and having age between 18-65 years were included while those with dialysis duration less than three months, history of neuropsychiatric illness was excluded. Cognitive function was assessed using British Columbia Cognitive Complaints Inventory (BC-CCI) questionnaire. CI was defined on Likert scale as mild, moderate, and severe. Patients were followed up to one year regarding outcome measures. Results: One hundred and four patients were included in the study. Mean age was 45.86±11.11 years and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) was the most common cause of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in 39(37.5%) patients. CI was found in 86(82.7%) patients in following order of severity: mild 61(58.7%), moderate 19(18.3%) and severe 6(5.9%). Increasing age (≥50 years), gender (female), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), unemployment and education <10th grade were found as significant predictors of CI (p<0.05). Significant positive correlations of CI score with age (r=0.338, p<0.001) and MHD duration (r=0.211, p=0.032) were found. However, the CI was not significantly associated with mortality (p=0.302). Conclusion: CI was common in MHD patients. Factors affecting CI were increasing age, female gender, DM, unemployment and low education level. CI was not associated with mortality in MHD patients.

Dysregulation of exosomal miRNAs and their related genes in head and neck cancer patients.

Aim: The present study aimed to figure out the potential role of exosomal microRNAs, and their targeted genes in HNC detection/diagnosis. Methods: In the present study, exosomes were extracted from the serum samples of 400 HNC patients and 400 healthy controls. Exosomes were characterized using TEM, NTA, TEM-immunogold labeling and ELISA. Quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression level of exosomal miRNA-19a, miRNA-19b and targeted genes SMAD2 and SMAD4 in HNC patients and controls. Results: The deregulation of miR-19a (p < 0.01), miR-19b (p < 0.03), SMAD2 (p < 0.04) and SMAD4 (p < 0.04) was observed in HNC patients vs controls. Conclusion: ROC curve and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the good diagnostic/prognostic value of selected exosomal microRNAs and related genes in HNC patients.

[Box: see text].

Zinc and nitrogen mediate the regulation of growth, leading to the upregulation of antioxidant aptitude, physio-biochemical traits, and yield in wheat plants.

An ample amount of water and soil nutrients is required for economic wheat production to meet the current food demands. Nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) fertigation in soils can produce a substantial wheat yield for a rapidly increasing population and bring a limelight to researchers. The present study was designed to ascertain N and Zn's synergistic role in wheat growth, yield, and physio-biochemical traits. A pot experiment was laid out under a complete randomized design with four N levels (N1-0, N2-60, N3- 120, and N4-180 kg ha-1), Zn (T1-0, T2-5, T3-10, and T4-15 kg ha-1) with four replications. After the emergence of the plants, N and Zn fertigation was applied in the soil. The growth traits were considerably increased by combined applications as compared to the sole applications of the N and Zn. The photosynthetic pigments were found maximum due to combined applications of N and Zn, which were positively associated with biomass, growth, yield, and wheat grain quality. The combined application also substantially enhances the antioxidant enzyme activities to scavenge the ROS as H2O2 and reduce lipid peroxidation to protect the permeability of the biologic membranes. The combined higher applications of N and Zn were more responsive to ionic balance in a shoot by maintaining the Na+ for osmotic adjustments, accumulating more Ca2+ for cellular signaling; but, combined applications resulted in K+ reduction. Our present results suggest that appropriate sole or combined applications of N and Zn improve wheat's growth, yield, and antioxidant mechanisms. Previous studies lack sufficient information on N and Zn combined fertigation. We intend to investigate both the sole and combined roles of N and Zn to exploit their potential synergistic effects on wheat.

Cu-MOF loaded chitosan based freeze-dried highly porous dressings with anti-biofilm and pro-angiogenic activities accelerated Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected wounds healing in rats.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based therapy opens a new area for antibiotic-drug free infections treatment. In the present study, chitosan membranes (CS) loaded with two concentrations of copper-MOF 10 mg/20 ml (Cu-MOF10/CS) & 20 mg/20 ml (Cu-MOF20/CS) were prepared by a simple lyophilization procedure. FTIR spectra of Cu-MOF10/CS and Cu-MOF20/CS dressings confirmed absence of any undesirable chemical changes after loading Cu-MOF. The SEM images of the synthesized materials (CS, Cu-MOF10/CS & Cu-MOF20/CS) showed interconnected porous structures. Cytocompatibility of the materials was confirmed by fibroblasts cells culturing and the materials were hemocompatible, with blood clotting index <5 %. Cu-MOF20/CS showed comparatively higher effective antibacterial activity against the tested strains; E. coli (149.2 %), P. aeruginosa (165 %) S. aureus (117.8 %) and MRSA (142 %) as compared to Amikacin, CS and Cu-MOF10/CS membranes. Similarly, Cu-MOF20/CS dressing significantly eradicated the biofilms; P. aeruginosa (37 %) and MRSA (52 %) respectively. In full thickness infected wound rat model, on day 23, Cu-MOF10/CS and Cu-MOF20/CS promoted wound healing up to 87.7 % and 82 % respectively. H&E staining of wounded tissues treated with Cu-MOF10/CS & Cu-MOF20/CS demonstrated enhanced neovascularization and re-epithelization along-with reduced inflammation, while trichrome staining exhibited increased collagen deposition. Overall, this study declares Cu-MOFs loaded chitosan dressings a multifunctional platform for the healing of infected wounds.

Country-wide, multi-location trials of Green Super Rice lines for yield performance and stability analysis using genetic and stability parameters.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important member of the family Poaceae and more than half of world population depend for their dietary nutrition on rice. Rice cultivars with higher yield, resilience to stress and wider adaptability are essential to ensure production stability and food security. The fundamental objective of this study was to identify higher-yielding rice genotypes with stable performance and wider adaptability in a rice growing areas of Pakistan. A triplicate RCBD design experiment with 20 Green Super Rice (GSR) advanced lines was conducted at 12 rice growing ecologies in four Provinces of Pakistan. Grain yield stability performance was assessed by using different univariate and multivariate statistics. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes, locations, and G x E interaction for mean squares (p < 0.05) of major yield contributing traits. All the studied traits except for number of tillers per plant revealed higher genotypic variance than environmental variance. Broad sense heritability was estimated in the range of 44.36% to 98.60%. Based on ASV, ASI, bi, Wi2, σ2i and WAAS statistics, the genotypes G1, G4, G5, G8, G11 and G12 revealed lowest values for parametric statistics and considered more stable genotypes based on  paddy yield. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model revealed significant variation (p < 0.05) for genotypes, non-signification for environment and highly significant for G × E interaction. The variation proportion of PC1 and PC2 from interaction revealed 67.2% variability for paddy yield. Based on 'mean verses stability analysis of GGE biplot', 'Which-won-where' GGE Biplot, 'discriminativeness vs. representativeness' pattern of stability, 'IPCA and WAASB/GY' ratio-based stability Heat-map, and ranking of genotypes, the genotypes G1, G2, G3, G5, G8, G10, G11 and G13 were observed ideal genotypes with yield potential more than 8 tons ha-1. Discriminativeness vs. representativeness' pattern of stability identifies two environments, E5 (D.I Khan, KPK) and E6 (Usta Muhammad, Baluchistan) were best suited for evaluating genotypic yield performance. Based on these findings we have concluded that the genotypes G1, G2, G3, G5, G8, G10, G11 and G13 could be included in the commercial varietal development process and future breeding program.

Management of Complications after Levator Resection for Ptosis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the complications after external levator resection (ELR) for ptosis, and their management. STUDY DESIGN: Observational Study. Place and Duration of the Study: Mughal Eye Hospital Trust, Lahore, from June 2018 to December 2022. METHODOLOGY: A total of 256 eyes were operated for ptosis cases having good levator function who were treated by ELR. The exclusion criteria was any history of operation of lids or orbits or poor levator function, Marcus Gunn jaw-winking phenomenon, and neurogenic ptosis. The frequency of complications and their management was documented. RESULTS: Age ranged from 6 to 65 years. The follow-up ranged from 8 weeks to 3 years. Eleven (4.3%) cases developed complications. Two cases had mild undercorrection and did not require any treatment. In moderate overcorrection encountered in one eye, pulling the lid down for a few times daily improved lid level in four weeks. Four eyes had severe overcorrection, 2 patients required one operation and the other two patients required two operations each. These included hang-back sutures in two eyes (with 5/O Ethibond in one eye and 6/O Vicryl sutures in another eye) and simple incision in the levator (disinserting it partially from the tarsal plate) in two eyes. Lagophthalmos in two eyes improved with conservative treatment. Notching in two eyes improved with partial disinsertion of levator by cutting one Vicryl suture attaching levator to the tarsal plate and leaving 2 Vicryl sutures connecting levator to the tarsal plate. CONCLUSION: Ptosis correction by ELR is a low-complication procedure with good corrective results. KEY WORDS: Ptosis, Good levator function, Overcorrection after ptosis operation, Hang-back sutures, Partial levator disinsertion.

Evaluation of aquifer parameters through integrated approach of geophysical investigations, pumping test analysis and Dar-Zarrouk parameters in the central part of Bari Doab, Punjab, Pakistan.

In the central part of Bari Doab in Punjab Province of Pakistan, the factors such as sporadic rainfall pattern, decrement of water in rivers, subsurface salinity and excessive mining of groundwater have badly affected the hydrogeology and recharge system of aquifer. The present research work is an endeavour to evaluate the characteristics and potential of aquifer for its future sustainable availability within the study area of central part of Bari Doab. The geophysical studies, pumping tests data, borehole logs and Dar-Zarrouk parameters were used integrally to evaluate the aquifer hydraulic and hydrologic parameters in the study area. VES technique of geophysical investigations using Schlumberger electrodes configuration was carried out at sparsely distributed 435 locations. Litho-logs and VES results altogether decipher that the subsurface alluvial succession is primarily composed of intermixed layers of sand, gravel, clay, silt and some kankar inclusions. The VES data allied with pumping test analysis of test wells in the study area were used to evaluate the aquifer hydraulic properties. Comparatively low values of discharge rate, hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity were evaluated in two wells whilst relatively higher values of these parameters were evaluated in rest of six wells. The results of hydrologic parameters also confirm the results of hydraulic parameters in the wells. Finally, the Dar-Zarrouk parameters were used for the estimation of hydraulic parameters for whole study area and the aquifer zones of relatively high and low potential were delineated.

Role of exosomal miRNA-19a/19b and PTEN in brain tumor diagnosis.

Aim: The current study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic significance of the exosomal miRNAs miR-19a and miR-19b and the PTEN gene in brain tumor patients versus controls. Methods: Exosomes were extracted from the serum samples of 400 brain tumor patients and 400 healthy controls. The exosomes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and ELISA. Quantitative PCR was used to analyze selected exosome miRNAs and gene expression levels. Results: Analysis showed significant deregulated expression of miR-19a (p < 0.0001), miR-19b (p < 0.0001) and PTEN (p < 0.001) in patients versus controls. Spearman correlation showed a significant correlation among the selected exosomal miRNAs and the PTEN gene. Conclusion: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the good diagnostic value of exosomal miRNAs and the PTEN gene in brain tumor patients.

Deregulation of exosomal miRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Exosomes are small-diameter endosomal vesicles secreted in all biological fluids and play biological/pathological roles in the cell. These pathological roles are played by exosome's cargo molecules through inter-cellular communication. Exosomal cargo molecules contain proteins and miRNAs. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA fragments involved in the reduction of final protein output by destabilizing or suppressing the translation of target messenger RNA (mRNA). This deregulation of the protein due to miRNAs ultimately accelerates the process of disease pathogenesis. The role of exosomal miRNAs has been investigated in different diseases and the limited number of studies have been published concerning exosomal miRNAs and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The current study is designed to investigate the role of exosomal miRNAs (miRNA-103a-3p, miRNA-10a-5p, miRNA-204-3p, miRNA-330-3p, and miRNA-19b) in the pathogenesis of RA. Furthermore, the role of selected exosomal miRNAs in RA pathogenesis was further explored by estimating oxidative stress and histone deacetylation in RA patients. In the current study, 306 RA patients and equal numbers of age/gender-matched controls were used. The level of expression of above-mentioned exosomal miRNAs was assessed by performing qRT PCR. Deacetylation and oxidative stress assays were performed to estimate the 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG level) and histone deacetylation levels using the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis indicated a significantly downregulated expression of miRNA-103a-3p (p<0.0001), miR-10a-5p (p<0.0001), miR-204-3p (p<0.0001), miR-330-3p (p<0.0001) and miR-19b (p<0.0001) in RA patients compared to controls. Significantly increased levels of 8-OHdG (p<0.0001) and histone deacetylation (p<0.0001) were observed among RA patients compared to controls. Spearman correlation showed a negative correlation between the deregulated exosomal miRNAs and increased oxidative stress and histone deacetylation in RA patients. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed a good diagnostic specificity/sensitivity of the above-mentioned exosomal miRNAs among RA patients. These analyses indicated the potential role of deregulated exosomal miRNAs in the initiation of RA by targeting oxidative stress and histone deacetylation processes.

Rate of various access sites for temporary transvenous pacing and different outcomes at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar Pakistan.

Objective: To evaluate the various temporary transvenous pacemaker (TPM) access sites, its indications, procedural complications, and outcomes of patients. Methods: This prospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar, included 100 patients, who underwent TPM for any reasons, via the trans jugular, subclavian, or trans-femoral route. The duration of the study was from October 1st, 2021 to March 31st, 2022. The demographic, procedure -related complications, causes of complete heart block and in hospital outcomes were recorded. Results: Of the 100 patients who underwent temporary transvenous pacing, 56%were males and 44% were females, with an age range of 46-80 years. In majority of the patients, (N =54) internal jugular vein was used as the venous access site followed by the subclavian vein. (N=24). Coronary artery disease was prevalent in 42% of the patients. 50% had complete AV block, 19% had symptomatic second-degree block, and 10% had sinus nodal diseases. Seventy three percent of the patients needed TPM implantation on an emergency basis, which is statistically significant (p=0.009). Almost 40% of the patient ultimately underwent a permanent pacemaker. Out of 100 patients, 16 patients expired. The major procedure related complications were bleeding 16% overall at the puncture site and 14.8% in the internal jugular group. Other complications were local infection 13% at the insertion site followed by hemopericardium 3%, in the internal jugular group. Conclusion: Atrioventricular block is the commonest indication for temporary pacing in our study. The average time the TPM remained in place was significantly higher in the trans jugular approach group along with a higher complication rate in this group.

Comprehensive insights into the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA in alkaline-salt stress tolerance in rice.

BACKGROUND: Alkaline-salt is one of the abiotic stresses that slows plant growth and developmental processes and threatens crop yield. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are endogenous RNA found in plants that engage in a variety of cellular functions and stress responses. METHOD: lncRNAs act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) and constitute a new set of gene control. The precise regulatory mechanism by which lncRNAs function as ceRNAs in response to alkaline-salt stress remains unclear. We identified alkaline-salt responsive lncRNAs using transcriptome-wide analysis of two varieties including alkaline-salt tolerant [WD20342 (WD)] and alkaline-salt sensitive [Caidao (CD)] rice cultivar under control and alkaline-salt stress treated [WD20342 (WDT, and Caidao (CDT)] conditions. RESULTS: Investigating the competitive relationships between mRNAs and lncRNAs, we next built a ceRNA network involving lncRNAs based on the ceRNA hypothesis. Expression profiles revealed that a total of 65, 34, and 1549 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were identified in alkaline-salt tolerant WD (Control) vs. WDT (Treated). Similarly, 75 DE-lncRNAs, 34 DE-miRNAs, and 1725 DE-mRNAs (including up-regulated and down-regulated) were identified in alkaline-salt sensitive CD (Control) vs. CDT (Treated), respectively. An alkaline-salt stress ceRNA network discovered 321 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triplets in CD and CDT, with 32 lncRNAs, 121 miRNAs, and 111 mRNAs. Likewise, 217 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triplets in WD and WDT revealed the NONOSAT000455-osa_miR5809b-LOC_Os11g01210 triplet with the highest degree as a hub node with the most significant positive correlation in alkaline-salt stress response. CONCLUSION: The results of our investigation indicate that osa-miR5809b is dysregulated and plays a part in regulating the defense response of rice against alkaline-salt stress. Our study highlights the regulatory functions of lncRNAs acting as ceRNAs in the mechanisms underlying alkaline-salt resistance in rice.

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.

Identification of RdRp inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 through E-pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking and MD simulations approaches.

The outbreak of novel Coronavirus, an enduring pandemic declared by WHO, has consequences to an alarming ongoing public health menace which has already claimed several million human lives. In addition to numerous vaccinations and medications for mild to moderate COVID-19 infection, lack of promising medication or therapeutic pharmaceuticals remains a serious concern to counter the ongoing coronavirus infections and to hinder its dreadful spread. Global health emergencies have called for urgency for potential drug discovery and time is the biggest constraint apart from the financial and human resources required for the high throughput drug screening. However, computational screening or in-silico approaches appeared to be an effective and faster approach to discover potential molecules without sacrificing the model animals. Accumulated shreds of evidence on computational studies against viral diseases have revealed significance of in-silico drug discovery approaches especially in the time of urgency. The central role of RdRp in SARS-CoV-2 replication makes it promising drug target to curtain on going infection and its spread. The present study aimed to employ E-pharmacophore-based virtual screening to reveal potent inhibitors of RdRp as potential leads to block the viral replication. An energy-optimised pharmacophore model was generated to screen the Enamine REAL DataBase (RDB). Then, ADME/T profiles were determined to validate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties of the hit compounds. Moreover, High Throughput Virtual Screening (HTVS) and molecular docking (SP & XP) were employed to screen the top hits from pharmacophore-based virtual screening and ADME/T screen. The binding free energies of the top hits were calculated by conducting MM-GBSA analysis followed by MD simulations to determine the stability of molecular interactions between top hits and RdRp protein. These virtual investigations revealed six compounds having binding free energies of -57.498, -45.776, -46.248, -35.67, -25.15 and -24.90 kcal/mol respectively as calculated by the MM-GBSA method. The MD simulation studies confirmed the stability of protein ligand complexes, hence, indicating as potent RdRp inhibitors and are promising candidate drugs to be further validated and translated into clinics in future.

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.

Social determinants of pacemaker reuse among patients and family members in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: This survey aimed to quantify the opinions of CIED reuse among patients and family members in Pakistan and to identify the social determinants which may predict these views. METHODS: A questionnaire formulating attitudes toward PPM reuse was administered to patients and family members at cardiology institutes in Pakistan from 1 July 2022 to 30 September 2022. The eligibility criteria (age > 18 years; inline for PPM placement) were taken into account and incomplete responses were excluded from the final analysis. RESULTS: A total of 9,246 participants recorded their responses, of which 7,152 (78.16%) accepted pre-used PPMs. The lower social class had more PPM reuse acceptance rate than the middle and upper class (92.72% vs. 60.52% vs. 35.38%), respectively. Age ≥ 65 (OR(95%CI): 0.68 (0.41-0.99); P-value = 0.023), male gender (OR(95%CI): 0.55 (0.35-0.72), P-value = 0.016), unemployment (OR(95%CI): 0.47 (0.25-0.64); P-value = 0.007), poor health status (OR(95%CI): 0.72 (0.53-0.92); P-value = 0.041), and lower social class (OR(95%CI): 0.36 (0.28-0.53); P-value = 0.003) were social determinants of PPM reuse acceptance. CONCLUSION: Patients and their family members endorse the concept of PPM reuse in Pakistan who cannot afford new devices.

Efficacy of Silk Sericin and Jasminum grandiflorum L. Leaf Extract on Skin Injuries Induced by Burn in Mice.

Burns wounds are one of the most health-threatening problems worldwide. Sericin is a natural protein synthesized by the silkworm Bombyx mori L. It is a natural biomaterial that helps in the management of wounds by promoting the proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Jasminum grandiflorum L leaves contain high mucilage content and have been used to cure various dermal wounds in ancient times. The present study was aimed to investigate the individual and synergetic effect of sericin and J. grandiflorum leaves extract on burn injury in mice. Ten-week-old mice weighing 22 g ± 5 g were randomly divided into eight groups, each group containing 10 mice. Burn injury in mice was induced by using a hot metal rod. Wounds were evaluated morphologically and histologically. In comparison with controls, 4% sericin + jasmine (S + J) expressively improved wound contraction area. Restoration of the epidermis was also faster in S + J 4% group (P ≤ .01) than in other groups. Histopathological analysis also verified the efficacy of the 4% S + J cream. It is concluded that a mixture of sericin and jasmine leaves effectively improved the healing process of skin burns.

Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Serum Metabolites, Meat Quality, and Jejunal Basal Morphology in Broilers.

The current research aimed to evaluate the supplemental effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on production performance, viscera development, blood metabolites, redox status, meat quality, and jejunal histology in broilers. A total of 300 day-old broilers were randomly divided into six groups with five replicates per group. Birds were fed on a corn soybean-based diet supplemented with 0, 20, 40, 60, or 80 mg/kg IONPs or 80 mg/kg of FeSO4 for 35 days. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in birds supplemented with 60 mg/kg IONPs. The pH24h was lower in birds supplemented with 40 mg/kg IONPs compared to that of the bulk group. Pectoral muscle fascicle diameter and fiber density were significantly increased in 20 mg/kg IONP-supplemented birds compared to those of the bulk group, respectively. The muscle fiber diameter was higher in 40 mg/kg IONP-supplemented birds compared with the bulk group. The jejunal villus height, crypt depth, and villus surface area were significantly increased with 60 mg/kg IONP supplementation, whereas villus width was decreased in birds supplemented with 40 mg/kg IONPs. The villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio was lower in IONP-supplemented birds compared to the bulk group. IONP supplementation improved the FCR, jejunal, and pectoral muscle morphology without affecting the carcass characteristics and redox status of broilers.