Screening of hepatitis B and C viral infection, recognition of risk factors, and immunization of patients against hepatitis B virus: a module developed for effective hepatitis control.

Introduction: The continually increasing incidence of hepatitis, a worldwide health issue, in Pakistan, has highlighted the need to investigate the epidemiology factors and implement preventive measures accordingly. The purpose of this study was to scrutinize the prevalent and significantly associated risk factors of hepatitis in students and employees, screening them for hepatitis B and C virus and vaccinating them against HBV to make IUB hepatitis free. Methodology: A total of 12,912 participants including students (n = 10,948) and employees (n = 1964) were screened for HBV and HCV via immunochromatographic test. Hepatitis- positive participants' blood samples were further tested and viral load was estimated by quantitative PCR. All the hepatitis-negative participants were vaccinated against HBV. The demographic and risk factors-related data were collected using the questionnaire. Statistical analysis (Chi-square test and bivariate regression analysis) was performed using SPSS software to explore any association between risk factors and hepatitis. Results: Results indicated that 662/12912 participants (students = 478/10,948, employees = 184/1,964) tested positive for hepatitis. Among them, HCV was observed to be more prevalent than HBV among the study participants, employees, and students, and viral count was low in both HBV and HCV-infected participants. However, men were more affected than women. The studied risk factors represented higher frequency among hepatitis-positive participants relative to the hepatitis-negative participants. The Chi-square test revealed that students' gender, history of hepatitis in the family and relatives, dental treatment, sharing cosmetics and shaving blades were significant (p > 0.005) risk factors of hepatitis while in the employees group surgery and age were significant. Moreover, the reused of syringes was found to be associated with hepatitis in both groups. The bivariate analysis helped to identify various new risk factors which were independently, either positively or negatively, associated with hepatitis. Discussion: Our study enabled us to recognize different risk factors of hepatitis among the target population. The information thus generated can be usefully applied in planning hepatitis awareness, targeted screening, and effective control programs for other target populations. In general, this module can be further utilized for any other disease.

LC-ESI-MS analysis, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and molecular docking studies on Corchorus depressus (L.) C.Chr.

The present study encompasses the ethnomedicinal consumption of Corchorus depressus (L.) C.Chr. (C. depressus) for diabetes. Samples were subjected to LC-ESI-MS analyses. The n-hexane, methanolic and water extracts were screened for α-glucosidase inhibition and in vivo anti-diabetic studies. Further, antioxidant (DPPH) and anti-inflammatory study was performed via luminol-enhanced chemi-luminescence assay. The identified compounds were docked against the target enzymes of diabetes. The n-hexane fraction (CD-J1) showed IC50 of 8.4 ± 0.1 µg/mL against α-glucosidase enzyme. The sub fractions CD-12 and CD-13 of CD-J1 obtained after flash column chromatography displayed further reduced IC50 values of 4.3 ± 0.1 and 6.3 ± 0.1, respectively, as compared with standard drug acarbose (IC50 values of 37.5 ± 0.2 µg/mL). Simultaneously, dereplication of most active sub-fraction CD-12 by LC-ESI-MS led to the identification of strophanthidin and some other active metabolites responsible for anti-diabetic activity. Molecular docking of strophanthidin with α-glucosidase and α-amylase revealed high affinity for these target enzymes.

Betamethasone Dipropionate Derivatization, Biotransformation, Molecular Docking, and ADME Analysis as Glucocorticoid Receptor.

Betamethasone is an important glucocorticoids (GCs), frequently used to cure allergies (such as asthma and angioedema), Crohn's disease, skin diseases (such as dermatitis and psoriasis), systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatic disorders, and leukemia. Present investigation deals to find potential agonist of glucocorticoid receptors after biotransformation of betamethasone dipropionate (1) and to carry out the molecular docking and ADME analyses. Biotransformation of 1 was carried out with Launaea capitata (dandy) roots and Musa acuminate (banana) leaves. M. acuminate furnished low-cost value-added products such as Sananone dipropionate (2) in 5% yields. Further, biocatalysis of Sananone dipropionate (2) with M. acuminate gave Sananone propionate (3) and Sananone (4) in 12% and 7% yields, respectively. However, Sananone (4) was obtained in 37% yields from Launaea capitata. Compound 5 was obtained in 11% yield after ß-elimination of propionic acid at C-17 during oxidation of compound 1. The structure elucidation of new compounds 2-5 was accomplished through combined use of X-ray diffraction and NMR (1D and 2D) studies. In addition to this, molecular docking and ADME analyses of all transformed products of 1 were also done. Compounds 1-5 showed -12.53 to -10.11 kcal/mol potential binding affinity with glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and good ADME profile. Moreover, all the compounds showed good oral bioavailability with the octanol/water partition coefficient in the range of 2.23 to 3.65, which indicated that compounds 1-5 were in significant agreement with the given criteria to be considered as drug-like.

Kaolin and Jasmonic acid improved cotton productivity under water stress conditions.

Drought is one of the most emerging threat that causes a severe reduction in cotton plant growth and development. Being cotton is a major cash crop has great threat to prevailing drought events in Pakistan. A field experiment was conducted in Kharif season 2018 at Research Area of MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan to assess the role of foliar applied kaolin and jasmonic acid on vegetative growth, gas exchange and reproductive traits of cotton under normal irrigated and artificial water deficit conditions. The experiment was laid -out in a factorial randomized complete block design with split - split plot arrangement. Main plots were allocated for irrigation levels, sub-plots for two -cotton genotypes viz. NIAB - 878 and SLH - 19 while sub - sub plots for treatments of kaolin and Jasmonic acid. Water deficit stress was created by skipping irrigation at flowering for 21 days. Foliar sprays of Kaolin (5%, w/v) and Jasmonic acid (100 µM) were applied alone or in combination at 60 days after planntinon both to normal irrigated and water-stresse skip irrigation while irrigation water alone was sprayed in control plots. Both cotton genotypes responded variably to normal irrigated and skip conditions. Skipping irrigation for up to 21 days at flowering caused a significant decrease in leaf relative water content, SPAD values, net photosynthetic rate and seed cotton yield in both the genotypes. Seed cotton yield showed an overall decline of 24.7% in skip over Normal irrigated crop. The genotype NIAB - 878 produced maximum seed cotton yield of 3.304 Mg ha-1 in normal that dropped to 2.579 Mg ha-1 in skip, thus showing an average decline of 21.9 %. Similarly, SLH - 19 produced 2.537 Mg ha-1 seed cotton under normal that dropped to 1.822 Mg ha-1 in skip, showing an average decline of 28.2%. The Application of Kaolin and JA Jasmonic acid, either applied individually or in combination, improved vegetative and reproductive development of both cotton varieties in normal and skip regimes. However, combined kaolin and Jasmonic Acid application proved to be more beneficial in terms of seed cotton production and other parameters studied.

Selenium Alleviates the Adverse Effect of Drought in Oilseed Crops Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) and Canola (Brassica napus L.).

Drought poses a serious threat to oilseed crops by lowering yield and crop failures under prolonged spells. A multi-year field investigation was conducted to enhance the drought tolerance in four genotypes of Camelina and canola by selenium (Se) application. The principal aim of the research was to optimize the crop yield by eliciting the physio-biochemical attributes by alleviating the adverse effects of drought stress. Both crops were cultivated under control (normal irrigation) and drought stress (skipping irrigation at stages i.e., vegetative and reproductive) conditions. Four different treatments of Se viz., seed priming with Se (75 µM), foliar application of Se (7.06 µM), foliar application of Se + Seed priming with Se (7.06 µM and 75 µM, respectively) and control (without Se), were implemented at the vegetative and reproductive stages of both crops. Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), an inorganic compound was used as Se sources for both seed priming and foliar application. Data regarding physiochemical, antioxidants, and yield components were recorded as response variables at crop maturity. Results indicated that WP, OP, TP, proline, TSS, TFAA, TPr, TS, total chlorophyll contents, osmoprotectant (GB, anthocyanin, TPC, and flavonoids), antioxidants (APX, SOD, POD, and CAT), and yield components (number of branches per plant, thousand seed weight, seed, and biological yields were significantly improved by foliar Se + priming Se in both crops under drought stress. Moreover, this treatment was also helpful in boosting yield attributes under irrigated (non-stress) conditions. Camelina genotypes responded better to Se application as seed priming and foliar spray than canola for both years. It has concluded that Se application (either foliar or priming) can potentially alleviate adverse effects of drought stress in camelina and canola by eliciting various physio-biochemicals attributes under drought stress. Furthermore, Se application was also helpful for crop health under irrigated condition.

Assessment of quality of sleep and its association with body mass index among medical consultants working in a medical college in northern India.

BACKGROUND: Medical specialist/consultants are exposed to various factors such as long duty hours, call duties, academics, meetings and regulation of departmental work which has adversely affected their sleep quality. OBJECTIVE: To assess sleep quality and association of body mass index with quality of sleep among medical consultants working in medical college. METHOD AND TOOL: This is a cross-sectional study and was done by convenient sampling technique. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used as the assessment tool which categorizes sleep as good or poor according to the score. Chi-square test was applied to establish an association with the variables. RESULTS: A total of 67 responses were obtained, of which 28 showed good sleep on PSQI. Among consultants having good quality sleep, the majority were females (n=18); aged above 40 years (n=17). No relationship was seen with BMI and chronic disease. Consultants spending more than 85% of the time in bed sleeping (p< 0.006) and those going to bed before 10.30 pm (p<0.026) had good sleep quality. CONCLUSION: Good quality of sleep was observed in females, people above 40 years and those who don't have any chronic disease, though this association of sleep quality with the factors was not significant. Going to bed early (before 10:30 pm) had a positive effect on sleep quality (p<0.026). In general, poor sleep quality was seen among medical consultants.

A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Levosulpiride versus Paroxetine in Premature Ejaculation.

BACKGROUND: Premature ejaculation (PME) can be defined as a lack in the normal voluntary control over ejaculation. It is the most common sexual dysfunction encountered by the male populace. In general, these patients presents with distress. Hence, a novel treatment to eliminate their problem is required. Although the role of SSRI has already been established, the high discontinuation rate and other types of sexual dysfunctions associated with SSRIs reduce their efficacy in controlling this menace. Levosulpiride is a new drug indicated in treatment of PE. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective is to study the efficacy of levosulpiride; paroxetine and their comparison in patients of PE. METHODOLOGY: Index of premature ejaculation (IPE) and intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) were used. A total of 36 patients (18 in each group) were included. The patients were assessed at baseline; at 4 weeks' and at 8 weeks' interval. RESULTS: On comparison the score of IPE in domains of ejaculation control, sexual satisfaction, and the total score of IPE were statistically significant on all the three visits. However, the distress score of IPE and the IELT score were statistically not significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: No doubt both agents are efficacious in patients of PME but paroxetine is more efficacious than levosulpiride. At the same time, levosulpiride is a lesser studied and used drug hence more research should be done for it.

A 12-week prospective randomized controlled comparative trial of vilazodone and sertraline in Indian patients with depression.

BACKGROUND: Depressive disorders are considered to be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality accounting for 4.3% of total disability-adjusted life years. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have greater efficacy and lesser side effects; at the same time, these drugs cause sexual dysfunction and weight gain. Vilazodone was supposed to have better efficacy and less sexual dysfunction and weight gain. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim is to compare efficacy (in terms of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS]), sexual dysfunction (in terms of Arizona Sexual Experience Scale [ASEX]), and weight gain caused due to vilazodone and sertraline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a randomized controlled study; 60 patients diagnosed with depressive episode were divided into two groups of 30 each; using block randomization technique, one group was prescribed vilazodone and another sertraline. The groups were compared on the basis of efficacy, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction using HDRS and ASEX at baseline, 4-week, and 12-week intervals. Statistical analysis was done by applying Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA using Wilks' lambda test. RESULTS: On comparing both vilazodone and sertraline, it was observed that both molecules have equal efficacy in terms of HDRS, but vilazodone does not cause weight gain and sexual dysfunction in terms of ASEX, and these findings are statistically very highly significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that vilazodone has similar efficacy but can be a better antidepressant due to lesser weight gain and sexual dysfunction compared to sertraline.

Biological and phytochemical studies on Capparis decidua (Forssk) Edgew from Cholistan desert.

The present work deals with the biological and phytochemical studies on Capparis decidua (Forssk) Edgew from Cholistan desert of Pakistan. Aerial and floral parts of C. decidua were collected and dried under shade. Powdered materials of each part of C. decidua were extracted with methanol separately, followed by phytochemical studies. Hexane fraction of aerial parts of the C. decidua obtained after solvent-solvent extraction was purified through repeated column chromatography by increasing order of polarity. Four compounds were purified and identified as simiarenol (1), lupeol (2), taraxerol (3) and ß-sitosterol (4). Simiarenol and lupeol were isolated for the first time from genus Capparis. The structures of these compounds were established by comparing the spectroscopic data (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, UV & Mass spectrometry) reported in literature. The structure of 1 was further confirmed by XRD analysis. Anti-bacterial activities of crude methanolic extracts were determined against 13 bacterial strains (MIC 250-1000 µg/mL). α-Glucosidase and urease inhibitory activities of pure compounds were also determined. Compounds 1, 2 and 4 showed α-glucosidase inhibition with IC50 at 96.12 ± 0.12, 65.28 ± 0.13 and 128.14 ± 0.17 µM, respectively.

Trends and Patterns of Primary Hepatic Carcinoma in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) is the 4th most common malignancy among males at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research center (KFSH & RC) and in Saudi Arabia. There has been a steady increase in the number of PHC cases since 1975 at KFSH & RC and the burden of hepatic carcinomas is growing in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study is to explore the changing trends and patterns of PHCs at KFSH & RC and conduct a comparative analysis with local, regional and global trends. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cancer incidence data was obtained from the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center Tumor Registry program as per the American College of Surgeons standards. Clinico-epidemiological data of 1174 liver cancer patients from KFSH & RC during 2000 to 2014 and Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) between 2001-2015 with total of 5,796 cases was reviewed. Trends, patterns of occurrence and other prognostic factors of interest were sub-stratified by gender, age, stage, and grade. RESULTS: Temporal trends indicated a rising incidence of PHC from 2001 to 2014 in Saudi Arabia; from 323 cases in 2001 to 376 cases in 2015 as per SCR. A total of 2,779 new cases of PHC were seen at KFSH & RC between 1975 and 2014; the rate of PHC increased from 60 cases in 2004 to 80 cases in 2014. Majority of liver cancers were hepatocellular carcinomas (79.3%) followed by cholangiocarcinoma (11%), and hepatoblastoma (4.7%) with significantly higher incidence among males with a male to female ratio of 2:1 (p <0.01). The highest incidence by age was at 6th and 7th decade of life. Majority of patients were diagnosed in localized stage (44.6%) and had a past medical history (28.2%) of hepatitis (p < 0.001). The most common treatment for liver cancer at KFSH & RC was surgery (26.7%) followed by transplant (9.5%). CONCLUSION: Despite improvement in preventive measures, incidence rates of PHC has increased during the last decade with marked regional variation. Etiology of this escalating trend is multifactorial; predominantly, chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV), heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, and tobacco smoking. This exponential increase may also be due to early detection and diagnosis due to expanding health care delivery in the Kingdom. Further studies are indicated to comprehend the rising trends at the molecular and genetic levels.

A comparative study of prevalence and predictors of metabolic syndrome in various psychiatric disorders in state of Haryana: More than 30 years Vs. less than 30 years.

BACKGROUND: Exponential growth of metabolic syndrome in psychiatric disorders is becoming alarming situation to handle with. It is associated with reduced life span of 10-30 years in psychiatric patients attributed to metabolic syndrome, thus needs to be screened and addressed in all psychiatric patients. OBJECTIVE: the objective of this study was to know the prevalence and its risk factors in various psychiatric disorder and comparing them in older vs younger patients. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional indoor based study was conducted after taking ethical committee approval in 140 patients (substance use disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar and depressive disorders). All the metabolic parameters as per International diabetes federation criteria for metabolic syndrome were assessed involving waist circumference, weight, height, Systolic/diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, high density lipoprotein and triglycerides. STATISTICS: Chi square and t-test were used. RESULTS: It was seen that prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS); 21.4% in psychiatric illness, up to 40% in major depressive disorders, followed by 33% in substance use disorder and 26.7% in psychotic disorders. Prevalence of MS was higher in older patients >30 years group (26% Vs. 16.4% in <30 years group). It was observed that substance use and depressive disorder and high BP in older male patients are all the significant risk factors for metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: More than 1/5th psychiatric patients are affected by metabolic syndrome. Thus, all male psychiatric patients with high BP must be evaluated for metabolic syndrome.

A 12-week Comparative Prospective Open-label Randomized Controlled Study in Depression Patients Treated with Vilazodone and Escitalopram in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a leading cause of morbidity in modern world and introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was a revolution for treating depression. However, sexual dysfunction and weight gain always remained an issue for patients leading to discontinuation of treatment. Vilazodone is a novel SSRI and literature show better efficacy and decrease weight gain and sexual dysfunction. AIM OF STUDY: This study aims to compare the efficacy, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain caused due to vilazodone and escitalopram. METHODOLOGY: This is an open-label randomized, controlled study; 60 patients diagnosed as depression were divided into two groups of 30 each. One group was started on vilazodone and one on escitalopram randomly. The groups were compared on the basis of efficacy, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction by applying Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks interval. Statistical analysis was done by applying Chi-square, t-test, and fisher exact test and descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Vilazodone group shows fall in HDRS with 18.77 ± 4.3, 14.83 ± 3.68, and 9.63 ± 3.06 while it was 18.8 ± 4.09, 14.3 ± 2.96, and 8.43 ± 2.1 at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. ASEX score in vilazodone was found to have 16.87 ± 2.97, 15.37 ± 3.1, and 11.73 ± 3.55 while on escitalopram, 16.4 ± 3.35, 17.13 ± 3.48, and 18.37 ± 4.09 at first visit, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. Patients on vilazodone had mean weight of 69.63 ± 7.7, 69.83 ± 7.83, and 69.9 ± 7.69 while on escitalopram, 72.47 ± 7.95, 72.87 ± 7.9, and 75.6 ± 8.46 at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that vilazodone has better efficacy, lesser weight gain, and lesser sexual dysfunction.

Metabolic syndrome in drug naïve schizophrenic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Research in the last decade tried to focus on natural and unnatural causes of death in schizophrenic patients, but recent few years has focussed on emerging cardio-metabolic risk factors, as a cause of mortality in such patients. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the determinant of metabolic syndrome in drug naïve schizophrenic patients. METHODOLOGY: It was a cross sectional study; 30 indoor patients with diagnosis of schizophrenia were included. Height, weight, waist circumference and Blood pressure assessment was done by using standard protocol. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Triglyceride (TGs), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) total cholesterol were measured. International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria was considered for establishing metabolic syndrome. Statistical analysis was done by using chi square and ANOVA. RESULTS: Majority of the patients were females; hailing from rural area; unskilled professional; educated up to below primary level; were single and Hindu by religion. Most common metabolic abnormality was low HDL in 76.6%; High TGs in 26.6%; High SBP ≥130mm Hg in 16.67%; DBP>85mm Hg in 13.33%; High FBS 10% of the patients. In risk assessment strongest risk factors for metabolic syndrome were high waist circumference, FBS and TGs. BMI, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL were also observed as a risk factors in drug naïve schizophrenic patients. CONCLUSION: HDL, FBS, TGs, waist circumference and BMI are all the strong risk factors for development of metabolic syndrome in drug naïve schizophrenia patients.

Potential of miscanthus biochar to improve sandy soil health, in situ nickel immobilization in soil and nutritional quality of spinach.

The complex interaction of biochar (BC) with soil health reflecting properties, the feedstock used to prepare BC and application rate of BC in sandy soil is still a question for the researchers. An incubation study was conducted where nine different sorts of BC, each prepared from the different feedstock, were applied at 2% rate to evaluate their relative suitability to improve sandy soil health. Results revealed that BC prepared from miscanthus (MIB) significantly increased soil medium and fine pores, available water content (AWC), electrical conductivity (EC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) while decreased soil wide pores, pH, bulk density (BD) and particle density (PD) compared to the rest sorts of BC. Later, spinach was grown in pots containing same soil but spiked with 50 ppm nickel (Ni) and amended with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% rates of MIB. The results showed a significant increment in spinach biomass, reduction in the concentrations of Ni in spinach tissues and DTPA-extractable Ni with the increasing rate of MIB till 3% and later, no significant changes with 4 and 5% rates thereafter. However, significant improvement in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, chemical and biochemical attributes of spinach were observed at 5% MIB when compared to lower rates. Similarly, post-harvest soil physicochemical and enzymatic parameters were also significantly (P < 0.05) improved with increasing rates of MIB. This study implies that application of MIB at 5% rate can improve the nutritional quality of spinach, sandy soil health and can reduce Ni concentrations in spinach tissues.

In situ immobilization of Cd by organic amendments and their effect on antioxidant enzyme defense mechanism in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) seedlings.

In situ immobilization of Cd is desirable due to the damaging effects of ex situ remediation techniques on soil. In this greenhouse study, the role of biochar (BC), chitosan (CH), and green waste (GW) was studied for in-situ Cd immobilization and alleviating Cd toxicity in mung bean seedlings. Amendments were applied at rates of 0.5% and 1% (w/w). The minimum mean value of Cd, in root, shoot, and soil (DTPA-Cd) (12.2, 4.7, and 0.7 mg kg-1, respectively), occurred in the Cd + 1% CH treatment compared to all Cd amended treatments. Shoot dry weight (21%) increased significantly in Cd + 1% BC amended soil compared to the control. Reactive oxygen species were affected significantly, with the lowest increased value of hydrogen peroxide (4%) in the Cd + 1% CH treatment while the minimum increase in the value of superoxide (O2•-) occurred in the Cd + 1% BC soil compared to the control. Malondialdehyde (20%) increased lowest with Cd + 1% CH treatment. Protein, ascorbate (AsA) contents, and catalase (CAT) activity increased the most (3, 2, and 15%, respectively) in the Cd + 1% BC treatment while dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased the most (9 and 234%, respectively) in the Cd + 1% CH soil compared to the control. Glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), activity were reduced the most in the Cd + 1.0% BC treatment while dehydroascorbate (DHA) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity decreased the most in the Cd + 1% CH soil. Overall, in situ immobilization by amendments improved growth and antioxidant defense mechanisms of mung bean seedlings and was reflected by tolerance to Cd-toxicity.

Improved quinoa growth, physiological response, and seed nutritional quality in three soils having different stresses by the application of acidified biochar and compost.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a traditional Andean agronomical resilient seed crop having immense significance in terms of high nutritional qualities and its tolerance against various abiotic stresses. However, finite work has been executed to evaluate the growth, physiological, chemical, biochemical, antioxidant properties, and mineral nutrients bioavailability of quinoa under abiotic stresses. Depending on the consistency in the stability of pH, intended rate of S was selected from four rates (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% S) for the acidification of biochar and compost in the presence of Thiobacillus thiooxidans by pH value of 4. All three soils were amended with 1% (w/w) acidified biochar (BCA) and compost (COA). Results revealed that selective plant growth, yield, physiological, chemical and biochemical improved significantly by the application of BCA in all stressed soils. Antioxidants in quinoa fresh leaves increased in the order of control > COA > BCA, while reactive oxygen species decreased in the order of control < COA < BCA. A significant reduction in anti-nutrients (phytate and polyphenols) was observed in all stressed soils with the application of BCA. Moreover, incorporation of COA and BCA reduced the pH of rhizosphere soil by 0.4-1.6 units in all stressed soils, while only BCA in bulk soil decreased pH significantly by 0.3 units. These results demonstrate that BCA was more effective than COA to enhance the bioavailability, translocation of essential nutrients from the soil to plant and their enhanced bioavailability in the seed.

Cost-effective enhanced iron bioavailability in rice grain grown on calcareous soil by sulfur mediation and its effect on heavy metals mineralization.

Calcareous soil, high pH, and low organic matter are the major factors that limit iron (Fe) availability to rice crop. The present study was planned with the aim to biofortified rice grain with Fe, by integrated use of chemical and organic amendments in pH-manipulated calcareous soil. The soil pH was reduced (pHL2) by using elemental sulfur (S) at the rate of 0.25 % (w/w). The organic amendments, biochar (BC) and poultry manure (PM) [1 % (w/w)], along with ferrous sulfate at the rate of 7.5 mg kg-1 soil were used. The incorporation of Fe with BC in soil at pHL2 significantly improved plant biomass, photosynthetic rate, and paddy yield up to 99, 97, and 36 %, respectively, compared to control. A significant increase in grain Fe (190 %), protein (58 %), and ferritin (400 %) contents was observed while anti-nutrients, i.e., polyphenols (37 %) and phytate (21 %) were significantly decreased by the addition of Fe and BC in soil at pHL2 relative to control. Among the organic amendments, PM significantly increased Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr concentrations in rice grain relative to control but their concentration values were below as compared to the toxic limits of hazard quotients and hazard index (HQ and HI). Hence, this study implies that Fe applied with BC in the soil at pHL2 can be considered as an effective strategy to augment Fe bioavailability and to reduce non-essential heavy metal accumulation in rice grain.

Metabolic syndrome in drug naïve patients with substance use disorder.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: Metabolic syndrome is a combination of insulin resistance, impaired glucose regulation, dyslipidemia, hypertension, microalbuminuria and obesity and this increases the risk for diabetes, myocardial infarction and thus increases the risk of mortality. Substance dependence is considered as a prominent risk factor for metabolic syndrome, but not much work has been done in this field. Thus this study is aimed to know the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in drug naïve substance users. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 consecutive indoor drug naive patients with substance dependence (as per ICD 10) were included. Metabolic syndrome was assessed as per WHO criteria for metabolic syndrome. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0 software and Chi square test was applied. RESULTS: Of the 50 subjects (46% used alcohol; 26% used opioid and 28% were multiple substance users), a total of 20% of the subjects met the WHO criteria for metabolic syndrome and all of them were only alcoholics. Commonest abnormalities were low HDL (48%), raised SBP/DBP (26%/22%) and TG's (18%). Age, weight, height, DBP and BMI were significant predictors of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome is a common entity seen in patients with substance abuse, especially in patients with alcohol use disorder, as seen in our study.