Earthworms improve the rhizosphere micro-environment to mitigate the toxicity of microplastics to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in agricultural soil, potentially threatening soil environmental quality and plant growth. However, toxicological research on MPs has mainly been limited to individual components (such as plants, microbes, and animals), without considering their interactions. Here, we examined earthworm-mediated effects on tomato growth and the rhizosphere micro-environment under MPs contamination. Earthworms (Eisenia fetida) mitigated the growth-inhibiting effect of MPs on tomato plant. Particularly, when exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (ERC, 0.02% w/w) of MPs, the addition of earthworms significantly (p < 0.05) increased shoot and root dry weight by 12-13% and 13-14%, respectively. MPs significantly reduced (p < 0.05) soil ammonium (NH4+-N) (0.55-0.69 mg/kg), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N) (7.02-8.65 mg/kg) contents, and N cycle related enzyme activities (33.47-42.39 µg/h/g) by 37.7-50.9%, 22.6-37.2%, and 34.2-48.0%, respectively, while earthworms significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) inorganic N mineralization and bioavailability. Furthermore, earthworms increased bacterial network complexity, thereby enhancing the robustness of the bacterial system to resist soil MPs stress. Meanwhile, partial least squares modelling showed that earthworms significantly influenced (p < 0.01) soil nutrients, which in turn significantly affected (p < 0.01) plant growth. Therefore, the comprehensive consideration of soil ecological composition is important for assessing MPs ecological risk.

Effectiveness of Community-based Obesity Intervention for Body Weight, Body Mass Index, and Waist Circumference: Meta-analysis.

Background: Obesity is a significant health problem worldwide and an alarming problem in the developed world including the United States of America and European populations. Subsequently, obesity can lead to different health problems, such as non-communicable diseases. However, it can be prevented through a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle modification. The study's purpose was to analyze the published literature on community-based obesity interventions and to present a comprehensive summary of how to reduce the body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist Circumference (WC) among overweight and obese individuals in the community through health education and behavior interventions. Material and Methods: The meta-analysis was conducted in February-July 2021, searching CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases. Studies published during the prior 12 years on community-based obesity intervention for weight, BMI, and WC were included in this review. Cochrane Revman software was used for meta-analysis. Results: Seventeen studies met the selection criteria for the review. A meta-analysis of the studies on health education and behavioral intervention studies resulted in a statistically significant reduction at 95% confidence intervals in the mean differences of BMI -1.19 (-1.77, -0.62) and WC -1.11 (-1.54, -0.68). Conclusions: Community-based obesity interventions through health education and behavior interventions effectively reduce the body weight, BMI, and WC. Implementing community-based health education and behavioral interventions effectively prevents and treats obesity in communities.

Synthesis, Kinetics and Computational Explorations of 4-Phenylpiperazine Bearing N-(Aryl)-3-substituted-benzamides as Auspicious Tyrosinase Inhibitors.

In the aimed research study, a new series of N-(aryl)-3-[(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)methyl]benzamides was synthesized, which was envisaged as tyrosinase inhibitor. The structures of these newly designed molecules were verified by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, EI-MS and CHN analysis data. These molecules were screened against tyrosinase and their inhibitory activity explored that these 3-substituted-benzamides exhibit good to excellent potential, comparative to the standard. The Kinetics mechanism was investigated through Lineweaver-Burk plots which depicted that molecules inhibited this enzyme in a competitive mode. Moreover, molecular docking was also performed to determine the binding interaction of all synthesized molecules (ligands) with the active site of tyrosinase enzyme and the results showed that most of the ligands exhibited efficient binding energy values. Therefore, it is anticipated that these molecules might serve as auspicious therapeutic scaffolds for treatment of the tyrosinase associated skin disorders.

A novel homozygous TSGA10 missense variant causes acephalic spermatozoa syndrome in a Pakistani family.

BACKGROUND: Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome is a rare type of teratozoospermia causing male infertility due to detachment of the sperm head and flagellum, which precludes fertilization potential. Although loss-of-function variations in several genes, including TSGA10, have been associated with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome, the genetic cause of many cases remains unclear. RESULTS: We recruited a Pakistani family with two infertile brothers who suffered from acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Through whole-exome sequencing (WES) followed by Sanger sequencing, we identified a novel missense variant in TSGA10 (c.1112T > C, p. Leu371Pro), which recessively co-segregated with the acephalic spermatozoa syndrome within this family. Ultrastructural analyses of spermatozoa from the patient revealed that 98% of flagellar cross-sections displayed abnormal axonemal ultrastructure, in addition to the head-flagellum detachment. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed almost no detectable TSAG10 mRNA and western blot analysis also failed to detect TSAG10 protein in patient's sperm samples while TSGA10 expression was clearly detected in control samples. Consistently, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated the presence of TSGA10 signal in the midpiece of sperm from the control but a complete absence of TSGA10 signal in sperm from the patient. CONCLUSION: Altogether, our study identifies a novel TSGA10 pathogenic variant as a cause of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome in this family and provides information regarding the clinical manifestations associated with TSGA10 variants in human.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Le syndrome des spermatozoïdes acéphaliques est un type rare de tératozoospermie provoquant une infertilité masculine en raison du détachement de la tête et du flagelle des spermatozoïdes, ce qui exclut une potentielle fécondation. Bien que des variations de perte de fonction dans plusieurs gènes, y compris TSGA10, aient été associées au syndrome des spermatozoïdes acéphaliques, la cause génétique de nombreux cas reste incertaine. RéSULTATS: Nous avons recruté une famille pakistanaise avec deux frères infertiles qui souffraient du syndrome des spermatozoïdes acéphaliques. Grâce au séquençage de l'exome entier (WES) suivi du séquençage Sanger, nous avons identifié un nouveau variant faux-sens dans TSGA10 (c.1112T > C, p. Leu371Pro), qui co-ségréguait de manière récessive avec le syndrome des spermatozoïdes acéphaliques au sein de cette famille. Les analyses ultrastructurales des spermatozoïdes des patients ont révélé que 98% des coupes transversales flagellaires présentaient une ultrastructure axonémiques anormales, en plus du décollement tête-flagelle. L'analyse quantitative par PCR en temps réel n'a révélé presque aucun ARNm TSAG10 détectable; l'analyse par transfert Western n'a pas non plus réussi à détecter la protéine TSAG10 dans les échantillons de sperme des patients, tandis que l'expression de TSGA10 a été clairement détectée dans les échantillons du témoin. De manière cohérente, l'analyse par immunofluorescence a démontré la présence du signal TSGA10 dans la partie médiane des spermatozoïdes du témoin, mais une absence totale de signal TSGA10 chez ceux des patients. CONCLUSION: Dans l'ensemble, notre étude identifie un nouveau variant pathogène de TSGA10 comme cause du syndrome des spermatozoïdes acéphaliques dans cette famille et fournit des informations concernant les manifestations cliniques associées aux variants de TSGA10 chez l'homme. MOTS-CLéS: Infertilité, TSGA10, Spermatozoïdes acéphaliques, Variations faux-sens.

Effects of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene microplastics on the soil-rhizosphere-plant system: Phytotoxicity, enzyme activity, and microbial community.

The widespread presence of soil microplastics (MPs) has become a global environmental problem. MPs of different properties (i.e., types, sizes, and concentrations) are present in the environment, while studies about the impact of MPs having different properties are limited. Thus, this study investigated the effects of three common polymers (polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene) with two concentrations (0.01% and 0.1% w/w) on growth and stress response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), soil enzymes, and rhizosphere microbial community. Lettuce growth was inhibited under MPs treatments. Moreover, the antioxidant system, metabolism composition, and phyllosphere microbiome of lettuce leaves was also perturbed. MPs reduced phytase activity and significantly increased dehydrogenase activity. The diversity and structure of rhizosphere microbial community were disturbed by MPs and more sensitive to polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) and polypropylene microplastics (PPMPs). In general, the results by partial least squares pathway models (PLS-PMs) showed that the presence of MPs influenced the soil-rhizosphere-plant system, which may have essential implications for assessing the environmental risk of MPs.

Toxicity Mechanisms of Nanoplastics on Crop Growth, Interference of Phyllosphere Microbes, and Evidence for Foliar Penetration and Translocation.

Despite the increasing prevalence of atmospheric nanoplastics (NPs), there remains limited research on their phytotoxicity, foliar absorption, and translocation in plants. In this study, we aimed to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the physiological effects of tomato leaves exposed to differently charged NPs and foliar absorption and translocation of NPs. We found that positively charged NPs caused more pronounced physiological effects, including growth inhibition, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and altered gene expression and metabolite composition and even significantly changed the structure and composition of the phyllosphere microbial community. Also, differently charged NPs exhibited differential foliar absorption and translocation, with the positively charged NPs penetrating more into the leaves and dispersing uniformly within the mesophyll cells. Additionally, NPs absorbed by the leaves were able to translocate to the roots. These findings provide important insights into the interactions between atmospheric NPs and crop plants and demonstrate that NPs' accumulation in crops could negatively impact agricultural production and food safety.

The interfacial interaction between Dechlorane Plus (DP) and polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs): An overlooked influence factor for the algal toxicity of PSNPs.

As pollution has attracted attention due to its wide distribution. An environmental concern that may be overlooked is that NPs additives are easily released into the environment due to their physical combination with NPs. However, the knowledge gaps still exist about the interfacial reactions of NPs and the additives (e.g. flame retardants) and the joint ecological effect. In the present study, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer coupled with 2D correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) analysis revealed the interfacial reactions between polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and Dechlorane Plus (DP). Results showed that carbon­oxygen bonds and carbon­chlorine bonds were the important binding sites during adhesion and DP could reduce the colloidal stability. Single and joint ecological effects of PSNPs and DP on the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris were further deliberated. Reduced photosynthetic efficiency (reduced Fv/Fm by 0.03 %), higher growth inhibition (16.15 %) and oxidative damage (increased ROS by 152 %) were observed in algae under co-exposure. Notably, DP could significantly increase the attachment of PSNPs to the surface of the algae. Metabolomics further revealed that co-exposure significantly down-regulated amino acid metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle, and up-regulated fatty acid metabolism. The present study provides new insights into the risk assessment of NPs in aquatic environment by investigating the interfacial reaction mechanism and combined ecotoxicity of NPs and additives.

Watchful Waiting After Radiological Guided Drainage of Intra-abdominal Abscess in Patients With Crohn's Disease Might Be Associated With Increased Rates of Stoma Construction.

Background: Management of spontaneous intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) with radiologically guided percutaneous drainage (PD) was debated. Methods: This is a secondary analysis from a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all the patients with CD who underwent PD followed by surgery at 19 international tertiary centers. Results: Seventeen patients (4.8%) who did not undergo surgery after PD were compared to those who had PD followed by surgical intervention 335/352 (95.2%). Patients who had PD without surgery were those with longer disease duration, more frequently had previous surgery for CD (laparotomies/laparoscopies), enteric fistula, on steroid treatment before and continue to have it after PD. Patients who had PD without subsequent surgical resection had a higher risk of stoma construction at later stages 8/17 (47.1%) versus 90/326 (27.6%) (P < .01). Patients with PD with no subsequent surgery had numerically higher rates of abscess recurrence 5/17 (29.4%) compared to those who had PD followed by surgery 45/335 (13.4%) the difference was not statistically significant (P = .07). Conclusions: Even with the low number of patients enrolled in this study who had PD of IAA without subsequent surgery, the findings indicate a markedly worse prognosis in terms of recurrence, length of stay, readmission, and stoma construction. Watchful waiting after PD to treat patients with spontaneous IAA might be indicated in selected patients with poor health status or poor prognostic factors.

Impedance Study of Temperature-Stable Relaxor Dielectrics in the System of BCT-BMT Ceramics.

Preparation of a lead-free system (Ba0.8Ca0.2)TiO3-xBi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 (BCT-BMT) with x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 was carried out using a solid-state reaction technique. X-ray (XRD) diffraction analysis confirmed a tetragonal structure for x = 0, which shifted to cubic (pseudocubic) at x ≥ 0.1. From Rietveld refinement, a single phase with a tetragonal symmetry model (P4mm) was observed for x = 0, and however, for sample x = 0.1 and sample x = 0.5, the data are modeled to cubic (Pm3m). Composition x = 0 showed a prominent Curie peak, typical of ordinary ferroelectrics with a Curie temperature (Tc) ∼130 °C, modified to a typical relaxor dielectric at x ≥ 0.1. However, samples at x = 0.2-0.5 displayed a single semicircle attributed to the bulk response of the material, whereas a slightly depressed second arc appeared for x = 0.5 at 600 °C, indicating a slight contribution to the electrical properties, ascribed to the grain boundary of the material. Finally, the dc resistivity increased with the increase of the BMT content and the solid solution increased the activation energy from 0.58 eV at x = 0 to 0.99 eV for x = 0.5. Adding the BMT content eliminated the ferroelectric behavior at compositions x ≥ 0.1 and led to a linear dielectric response and electrostrictive behavior with a maximum strain of 0.12% for x = 0.2.

A recessive ACTL7A founder variant leads to male infertility due to acrosome detachment in Pakistani Pashtuns.

Male infertility affects more than 20 million men worldwide and is a major public health concern. Male infertility has a strong genetic basis, particularly for those unexplained cases. Here, through genetic analysis of three Pakistani families having eight infertile men with normal parameters in routine semen analysis, we identified a novel ACTL7A variant (c.149_150del, p.E50Afs*6), recessively co-segregating with infertility in these three families. This variant leads to the loss of ACTL7A proteins in spermatozoa from patients. Transmission EM analyses revealed acrosome detachment from nuclei in 98.9% spermatozoa of patients. Interestingly, this ACTL7A variant was frequently detected in our sequenced Pakistani Pashtuns with a minor allele frequency of ~0.021 and all the carriers shared a common haplotype of about 240 kb flanking ACTL7A, indicating that it is likely originated from a single founder. Our findings reveal that a founder ACTL7A pathogenic variant confers a high genetic susceptibility for male infertility with normal routine semen parameters but acrosomal ultrastructural defects in Pakistani Pashtun descendants, and highlight that variants not rare should also be considered when trying to identify disease-causing variants in ethnic groups with the tradition of intra-ethnic marriages.

A homozygous KASH5 frameshift mutation causes diminished ovarian reserve, recurrent miscarriage, and non-obstructive azoospermia in humans.

The meiosis-specific LINC complex, composed of the KASH5 and SUN1 proteins, tethers the moving chromosomes to the nuclear envelope to facilitate homolog pairing and is essential for gametogenesis. Here, we applied whole-exome sequencing for a consanguineous family with five siblings suffering from reproductive failure, and identified a homozygous frameshift mutation in KASH5 (c.1270_1273del, p.Arg424Thrfs*20). This mutation leads to the absence of KASH5 protein expression in testes and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) due to meiotic arrest before the pachytene stage in the affected brother. The four sisters displayed diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), with one sister never being pregnant but still having dominant follicle at 35 years old and three sisters suffering from at least 3 miscarriages occurring within the third month of gestation. The truncated KASH5 mutant protein, when expressed in cultured cells, displays a similar localization encircling the nucleus and a weakened interaction with SUN1, as compared with the full-length KASH5 proteins, which provides a potential explanation for the phenotypes in the affected females. This study reported sexual dimorphism for influence of the KASH5 mutation on human germ cell development, and extends the clinical manifestations associated with KASH5 mutations, providing genetic basis for the molecular diagnosis of NOA, DOR, and recurrent miscarriage.

Toxicity effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and arsenite on Microcystis aeruginosa.

Despite the increasing research on the fate of nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm) in freshwater systems, little is known about the joint toxic effects of metal(loid)s and NPs modified with different functional groups on microalgae. Here, we explored the joint toxic effects of two types of polystyrene NPs [one modified with a sulfonic acid group (PSNPs-SO3H), and one without this functional group (PSNPs)] and arsenic (As) on the microalgae Microcystis aeruginosa. The results highlighted that PSNPs-SO3H showed a smaller hydrodynamic diameter and greater potential to adsorb positively charged ions than PSNPs, contributing to the more severe growth inhibition, while both of them produced oxidative stress. Metabolomics further revealed that the fatty acid metabolism of the microalgae was significantly up-regulated under both NPs exposure, while PSNPs-SO3H down-regulated the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) of the microalgae. As uptake by algae was significantly reduced by 82.58 % and 59.65 % in the presence of 100 mg/L PSNPs and PSNPs-SO3H, respectively. The independent action model showed that the joint toxicity of both NPs with As was assessed as antagonistic. In addition, PSNPs and PSNPs-SO3H had dissimilar effects on the composition of the microalgae extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), resulting in different uptake and adsorption of As, thereby affecting the physiology and biochemistry of algae. Overall, our findings propose that the specific properties of NPs should be considered in future environmental risk assessments.

Single and combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and Cd on submerged plants Ceratophyllum demersum L.

Nanoplastics (NPs) and heavy metals are widely distributed in aquatic ecosystem, posing a potential threat to ecosystem function. Submerged macrophytes play an important role in water purification and maintaining ecological functions. However, the coupled effects of NPs and cadmium (Cd) on submerged macrophytes physiology and the mechanisms involved are still unclear. Here, the potential effects of single and co-Cd/PSNPs exposure on Ceratophyllum demersum L. (C. demersum) were explored. Our results showed that NPs aggravated the inhibition of Cd on plant growth ate (a decrease of 35.54 %), reduced chlorophyll synthesis (a decrease of 15.84 %), and disrupted the antioxidant enzyme system (a decrease of 25.07 % on SOD activity) of C. demersum. Massive PSNPs adhered to the surface of C. demersum when exposed to co-Cd/PSNPs while they did not adhere when exposed to single-NPs. The metabolic analysis further demonstrated that co-exposure down-regulated plant cuticle synthesis and that Cd exacerbated the physical damage and shadowing effects of NPs. In addition, co-exposure upregulated pentose phosphate metabolism, leading to the accumulation of starch grains. Furthermore, PSNPs reduced Cd enrichment capacity of C. demersum. Our results unraveled distinct regulatory networks for submerged macrophytes exposed to single and composite of Cd and PSNPs, providing a new theoretical basis for assessing the risks of heavy metals and NPs in the freshwater environment.

Single and combined toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and arsenic on submerged plant Myriophyllum verticillatum L.

The contamination of nanoplastics (NPs) and heavy metals (HM) in water bodies has caused widespread concern, while their effects on submerged plants are poorly reported. Polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and arsenic (As) were used to assess their toxicity on Myriophyllum verticillatum L. via the orthogonal experiments. PSNPs significantly reduced the accumulation of As (17.24%-66.67%) in plant. Single As and high As-PSNPs treatments significantly inhibited plant growth, with a maximum reduction of 70.09% in the growth rate. The mineral nutrient content was significantly affected by PSNPs and As treatments. The antioxidant system was significantly inhibited, which was more pronounced in the roots. Similar findings were observed for soluble protein and soluble sugar. Some organic acids and amino acids showed down-regulation at high concentrations of As, leading to a decrease in the content of the mineral element and down-regulation of antioxidant enzyme synthesis. Furthermore, PSNPs could alleviate As toxicity under 0.1 mg/L As treatment but exacerbate As toxicity at 1 mg/L As dose. This study has important implications for the study of submerged plants exposed to co-contamination of microplastics and heavy metals, as well as the possible ecological risk assessment in freshwater.

Three typical microplastics affect the germination and growth of amaranth (Amaranthus mangostanus L.) seedlings.

Microplastics (MPs) have been a global emerging contaminant and have aroused wide public concern. Currently, it is still unknown the phytotoxicity effect of MPs on amaranth (Amaranthus mangostanus L.). This study investigated the early responses of amaranth by exposing its seeds to suspensions of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) MPs. We observed the effects of MPs on seed germination and growth of amaranth, especially on the oxidative damage in amaranth roots. Impacts of MPs on the germination and growth of amaranth varied with the type, concentration, and particle size of MPs. PE MPs and PP MPs inhibited the shoot extension of amaranth, while the root length under PP MPs treatment was generally shorter than that under PS MPs and PE MPs. The accumulation of H2O2 in amaranth roots increased with the rising of MPs concentration. Compared with the control, a little number of dead cells were found in the roots of amaranth under high MPs treatment. It is noteworthy that only under 100 mg/L PP treatment, the amaranthus seedlings root cells were disorganized, due to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage in the roots. These findings provide essential information to assess the phytotoxicity of MPs in agricultural products, and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of the observed phytotoxicity.

A novel homozygous frameshift variant in DNAH8 causes multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella in a consanguineous Pakistani family.

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of asthenozoospermia categorized by immotile spermatozoa with abnormal flagella in ejaculate. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is used to detect pathogenic variants in patients with MMAF. In this study, a novel homozygous frameshift variant (c.6158_6159insT) in dynein axonemal heavy chain 8 (DNAH8) from two infertile brothers with MMAF in a consanguineous Pakistani family was identified by WES. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed DNAH8 mRNA decay in these patients with the DNAH8 mutation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy revealed highly divergent morphology and ultrastructure of sperm flagella in these patients. Furthermore, an immunofluorescence assay showed the absence of DNAH8 and a reduction in its associated protein DNAH17 in the patients' spermatozoa. Collectively, our study expands the phenotypic spectrum of patients with DNAH8-related MMAF worldwide.

Type-dependent effects of microplastics on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.): Focus on root exudates and metabolic reprogramming.

Much attention has been paid to the prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial systems. MPs have been shown to affect the physio-biochemical properties of plants. Different MPs may have distinctive behaviors and diverse effects on plant growth. In the present study, the effects of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) MPs on physio-biochemical properties, root exudates, and metabolomics of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) under hydroponic conditions were investigated. Our results show that MPs exposure has adverse effects on tomato growth. MPs exposure had a significant type-dependent effect (p < 0.001) on photosynthetic gas parameters, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities. After exposure to MPs, the content of low molecular weight organic acids in tomato root exudates was significantly increased, which was considered as a strategy to alleviate the toxicity of MPs. In addition, MPs treatment significantly changed the metabolites of tomato root and leaf. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that MPs treatment had a great effect on amino acid metabolism. We also found that plants exposed to PS and PP MPs produced more significant metabolic reprogramming than those exposed to PE MPs. This study provides important implications for the mechanism studies on the toxic effect of various MPs on crops and their future risk assessment.

Effects of co-modified biochar immobilized laccase on remediation and bacterial community of PAHs-contaminated soil.

Considering the stability and economy of immobilized enzymes, this study prepared co-modified biochar immobilized laccase product named Fe3O4@NaBC@GA@LC via orthogonal experimental design and explored its possibility of remediating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminated soil in steel plants. Compared with the free laccase treatment, the relative activity of Fe3O4@NaBC@GA@LC remained 60 % after 50 days of incubation at room temperature. The relative activity of Fe3O4@NaBC@GA@LC could still retain nearly 80 % after five reuses. In the process of simulating the PAHs-contaminated site treatment experiment in Hangzhou Iron and steel plant, immobilized laccase exhibited efficient adsorption and degradation performances and even the removal rate of 5-ring PAHs reached more than 90 % in 40 days, resulting in improving urease activity and dehydrogenase in the soil and promoted the growth of a PAH degrading bacteria (Massilia). Our results further explained the efficient degradation effects of Fe3O4@NaBC@GA@LC on PAHs, which make it a promising candidate for PAHs-contaminated soil remediation.

Effect of zinc supplementation on blood glucose level in different age groups of diabetes type 2.

Background: Studies on humans have revealed the beneficial effects of zinc (Zn) supplementation in patients with type-2 diabetes. Aim: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of zinc supplementation on blood glucose level in type-2 diabetic patients and determine the interaction between age and zinc supplementation on type-2 diabetic patients. Methods: A randomized placebo-control trial conducted in Bashir Hospital of Sialkot, Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital Sialkot and Civil Hospital of Daska, Sialkot. 144 diabetic patients were selected including an expected drop-out rate of 20%. All the participants were randomly divided into Group 1 (Treatment group with intervention given Zn tablets 20 mg/day) and Group 2 (control group with placebo effect). Each group was further divided into 2 age categories Category 1 (30-50 years of age) and Category 2 (51-70 Years of age). Demographic data, Anthropometric measurements, 24-h dietary recall, serum blood glucose analysis, HbA1C, and serum zinc levels were recorded at the beginning (0 day) and end of the study (60 days). Results: Final fasting serum glucose levels were significantly lowered in group 1 with (p < 0.05) as compared to group 2, but interestingly, results were significant (p < 0.05) in the older age group (51-70 years) as compared to their younger age counterparts (30-50 years) of group2. A similar trend was also found in the HbA1c, serum Zn levels and BMI of the participants. Conclusion: Results implied the possible phenomenon of better response to Zn supplementation among aged patients as compared to younger counterparts, which may suggest higher Zn demands with advanced age.

A new perspective on the modeling and topological characterization of H-Naphtalenic nanosheets with applications.

In the past few years, two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials have greatly attracted the scientific community. Among 2D nanomaterials, the porphyrin-based Naphtalenic nanosheets have been the subject of intense research due to their utilization in photo-dynamic therapy and nanodevices. New technologies based on nanomaterials or Naphtalenic nanosheet are advantageous in overcoming the problems in conventional drug delivery like poor solubility, toxicity and poor release pattern of drugs. In chemical network theory, various molecular descriptors are used to predict the chemical properties of molecules; these molecular descriptors are found to be very useful for Quantitative Structure-Activity/ Quantitative Structure-Property (QSAR/QSPR) relationship analysis in materials engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Researchers have computed the molecular descriptors for various nanostructures; however, despite intense research, the topology of nanostructures is not yet well understood. Specially, to our knowledge, the computation of topological indices for the line graph of subdivision graph of H-Naphtalenic nanosheet has not been discussed so far, which may open new perspectives for a more accurate and reliable topological characterization of this nanosheet.In this article, we employed some important degree-based topological indices to study the chemical structure of Naphtalenic nanosheet as a chemical network for QSAR/QSPR analysis. We have computed these degree-based topological indices for the line graph of subdivision graph of H-Naphtalenic nanosheet and derived formulas for them. Based on the derived formulas, numerical results are obtained and the physical and chemical properties of the under study nanosheet are investigated.