Poultry consumption and perceptions in Tehsil Shakargarh, Punjab, Pakistan: Implications for public health during COVID-19.

This study investigated the habits and attitudes of individuals towards poultry consumption, utilizing primary data collected through a survey of 5 households from 285 localities in Tehsil Shakargarh, Punjab, Pakistan (n = 1425). Household selection was randomized, and personal visits were conducted for data collection via formal interviews employing a structured questionnaire. Coordinates for each site were obtained using a Garmin eTrex device, in conjunction with meteorological data, to determine global positioning system (GPS) coordinates. A notable portion of respondents (38.8 %) possessed basic knowledge, while the majority (61.2 %) demonstrated intermediate knowledge regarding commercial broilers (chickens raised for meat production). A significant proportion (70.3 %) harbored misconceptions about the inclusion of hormones/antibiotics in poultry feed, with a minority (0.2 %) misinformed about broiler chickens' leg weakness. Some respondents (17.3 %) held both misconceptions, while others (12.2 %) had none. The majority (97.6 %) favored egg consumption, with 51.7 % preferring commercial chicken eggs and 48.3 % opting for domestic chicken eggs. Preference for white-colored eggs (51.5 %) slightly outweighed that for brown-colored eggs (48.5 %). A minority (1.3 %) speculated that poultry consumption could be a potential cause of COVID-19, while the majority (65.7 %) disagreed, and a portion (33.0 %) remained uncertain. Nearly all respondents (99.9 %) believed in the immunity-boosting properties of protein intake, with 65 % associating such benefits with poultry meat and eggs. Similarly, 99.7 % did not encounter difficulties in accessing poultry products during lockdowns. Approximately half (46.3 %) of respondents believed that consuming well-cooked and safely handled poultry meat was safe during outbreaks. Poultry meat and eggs emerged as potentially efficient sources of nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for protein-deficient populations like Pakistan. Therefore, initiatives should focus on enhancing commercial poultry production and educating the populace about its advantages.

PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of public-private partnerships on educational access and quality of primary and secondary schooling in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.

This protocol serves as a guiding source for a Campbell registered systematic review aiming to assess the effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in education in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The primary question for this review is: What is known about the impact of PPPs on improving access (i.e., enrolment, attendance, drop-out, and completion) and quality (i.e., students' learning outcomes and teachers' teaching practices) of primary and secondary schooling in LMICs? Using a predefined search query, we will retrieve studies from various databases including Scopus, Campbell Library, EBSCO Education Research Complete, NBER, Dissertation and Theses Global (ProQuest), along with other sources of grey literature. Covidence will be used for screening and extraction. A bias assessment tool will be used for the included studies. A standardised mean difference (SMD) effect size of Hedges' g will be calculated for the outcome variables using RevMan. This review will provide updated evidence about the impact of PPP in school education across LMICs, which will be instrumental for policy and practice level decisions for education improvement.

Opportunities and Challenges Associated with the Uptake of Residential Clean Fuel Usage.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Almost 3 billion people worldwide use solid fuel for cooking and heating. This review examines (i) household energy practices and infrastructures and their influence on fuel usage in different contexts; (ii) barriers in adoption of household clean energy technologies and uses in diverse settings and population groups and (iii) potential air pollution exposure reduction in homes through using processed fuel. RECENT FINDINGS: Population health burden from solid fuel combustion-derived particulate air pollution has been estimated in several low- and middle-income countries. However, such studies have not been carried out in high income countries (e.g., UK). Irrespective of the region, fuel prices are the most dominant factor influencing the choice of fuel. Laboratory studies suggest processed fuel - pellets and briquettes - reduce particulate matter emissions by 70-80% and can be a promising alternative. Adoption of clean fuels for domestic energy needs facilitates progress towards five of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There is evidence that a variety of factors, including cost savings, encourage and hinder such uptake. These factors include price fluctuations, expenses, and the usage of clean fuels. Due to their distinct development scenarios, more expansive policy frameworks, and political economies of energy, these determinants are localized in character and differ significantly amongst economies. Therefore, in order to create innovative plans for the adoption of clean fuel use, strategies centred on local settings must be developed while keeping broad socio-technical and socio-economic issues in mind. Solid fuel processing - pelletization and briquetting - have the potential to reach Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)-like emissions, and could be a potential strategy to mitigate exposure to household air pollution.

Pressure-driven modification of optoelectronic features of ACaCl3 (A = Cs, Tl) for device applications.

Intending to advance the use of halide-perovskites in technological applications, in this research, we investigate the structural, electronic, optical, and mechanical behavior of metal-halide perovskites ACaCl3 (A = Cs, Tl) through first-principle analysis and assess their potential applications. Due to the applied hydrostatic pressure, the interaction between constituent atoms increases, thereby causing the lattice parameter to decrease. The band structure reveals that band gap nature transits from indirect to direct at elevated pressure. Moreover, at high pressure, the electronic band structure shows a notable band gap contraction from the insulator (>5.0 eV) to the semiconductor region, which makes them promising for electronic applications. The charge density map explores the ionic and covalent characteristics of Cs/Tl-Cl and Ca-Cl under pressured and unpressurized environments. Induced pressure enhances the optical conductivity as well as the optical absorption that moves toward the low-energy region (red shift), making ACaCl3 (A = Cs, Tl) advantageous for optoelectronic applications. Additionally, this study reveals that the mechanical properties of ductility and anisotropy were found to be improved at higher pressures than in ambient conditions. Overall, this study will shed light on the technological applications of lead-free halide perovskites in extreme pressure conditions.

Effect of body weight at photostimulation on productive performance and welfare aspects of commercial layers.

OBJECTIVE: Due to current selection practices for increased egg production and peak persistency, the production profile, age at maturity, and body weight criteria for commercial layers are constantly changing. Body weight and age at the time of photostimulation will thus always be the factors that need to be adequately addressed among various production systems. The current study was carried out to determine the effects of pullets' body weight (low, medium, and heavy) on their performance, welfare, physiological response, and hormonal profile. METHODS: With regard to live weight, 150 16-week-old pullets were divided into three groups using a completely randomized design (CRD) and held until the 50th week. One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the data under the CRD, and the least significant difference test was used to distinguish between treatment means. RESULTS: In comparison to the medium and light birds, the heavy birds had higher body weight at maturity, an earlier age at maturity, and higher egg weight, eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, egg yolk index, breaking strength, egg surface area, egg shape index, egg volume, and hormonal profile except corticosterone. However, the medium and light birds had lower feed consumption rates per dozen eggs and per kilogram of egg mass than the heavy birds. Light birds showed greater body weight gain, egg production, and egg specific gravity than the other categories. At 20 weeks of age, physiological response, welfare aspects, and catalase were non-significant; however, at 50 weeks of age, all these factors-aside from catalase-were extremely significant. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that layers can function at lower body weights during photostimulation; hence, dietary regimens that result in lighter pullets may be preferable. Additionally, the welfare of the birds was not compromised by the lighter weight group.

Investigating the impact of sous vide cooking on the eating quality of spent buffalo (BUBALUS BUBALIS) meat.

This study describes the impact of sous vide cooking at different temperatures and time intervals on the eating quality, specifically tenderness of two muscles, bicep femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) from spent buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Spent buffalo refers to water buffalo that are no longer considered productive following a sixth lactation cycle. Steaks from each muscle were obtained and cooked at three combinations of time and temperature, namely 55 °C-8H, 65 °C-5H, and 95 °C-45 M, respectively. Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF), cooking loss, cooking yield, color, water activity (aw), total water content (TWC), total collagen content (TCC), heat soluble collagen (HSC), myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), and sensory evaluation were measured. The collagen solubilization results showed that temperature and time interacted (P ≤ 0.05), reducing the toughness of the muscles. The tenderization achieved through sous vide cooking was mainly attributed to the thermal denaturation of proteins at the typically lower temperatures and extended time used, weakening of connective tissue through collagen solubilization, and water retention. More cooking loss (P ≤ 0.05) was observed at high temperature treatment of 95 °C-45 M. Meat color, TWC, MFI, and overall acceptability exhibited differences among treatments (P ≤ 0.05). An extended heat interval at lower temperatures caused initial denaturation of myofibrillar proteins, then solubilization of connective tissue proteins. Cooking treatment 55 °C-8H (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the WBSF in both muscles; however, the ST appeared more tender than BF.

Impact of different light intensities to Japanese quail eggs on hatching results and post-hatch performance.

The study aims to evaluate dichromatic light with different intensities during incubation on pre- and post-hatch performance of Japanese quail. In completely randomized design, 600 quail hatching eggs were evenly divided into 4 treatments, 3 replicates, and 50 eggs in each. These eggs were provided with lighted incubation [dichromatic light; green-red (GR) with three different intensities 150, 250, and 350 lx] with lighting schedule (12L: 12D), and one treatment was the complete dark period during incubation and considered as control group. After hatch, 300 quail chicks were equally divided into four treatments (3 replicates and 25 chicks in each). Effects of GR light with different intensities during incubation were evaluated on hatching traits and post-hatch performance of Japanese quails. Regarding hatching traits, hatchability was better in all the treated groups (150, 250, and 350 lx of GR light during incubation) compared to complete dark. In terms of embryonic mortality, early embryonic mortality was lower in the 250 lx group, mid embryonic mortality in dark, and late embryonic mortality in the 150 lx group. Furthermore, an ideal chick spread and growth performance (weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and liveability) was reported in 250 lx group compared to other treated groups. Serum chemistry values were higher in dark group compared to 150, 250, and 350 lx groups. Pre-slaughter weight was higher in 250 and 350 lx group than 150 lx and dark group, whereas carcass weight was better in 350 lx group compared to dark. In conclusion, stimulation of dichromatic light (green + red) at 250 lx to Japanese quail eggs positively influenced hatching traits and post-hatch growth performance of Japanese quail.

Polidocanol sclerotherapy for the treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst, with or without pathological fractures: A prospective, comparative study.

Introduction: Polidocanol sclerotherapy in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) with or without pathological fractures has been a topic of debate. While some studies recommend intralesional curettage as the preferred treatment, others suggest intralesional sclerosants as an effective alternative. Material and methods: This study evaluates the use of polidocanol-based percutaneous sclerosant therapy in 28 patients with ABCs, of which 8 patients had pathological fracture. The patients received injections every four weeks based on clinical and radiological evaluation of the cyst, and the study assessed the results and complications of the treatment. Results: In group A (without pathological fractures), 14 out of 17 (82.4 %) lesions healed without any significant residual lesion. Three out of 17 (17.6 %) patients required further surgical intervention and were treated by curettage and bone grafting, definitively. Minor local inflammatory reaction was observed in 3 patients, which resolved without intervention within 3-4 days. In group B, all the 8 patients (100 %) with pathological fracture in their lesions healed as Grade 1 healing, without any significant residual lesion. One patient developed an episode of anesthesia related complication (delayed recovery) which resolved within an hour, without any residual effect. At final follow up, no recurrence was seen in any patient. Conclusion: The study concludes that polidocanol sclerotherapy is an effective treatment option for patients with ABCs, with or without pathological fractures, and has the potential to become the new treatment of choice for pathological fractures due to its low invasiveness, low morbidity, and affordability. However, further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of polidocanol sclerotherapy in larger patient populations and to compare its effectiveness with other treatment options.

The impact of CSR and green consumption on consumer satisfaction and loyalty: moderating role of ethical beliefs.

The present study introduces an innovative conceptual framework for analyzing the influence of corporate social responsibility and green consumption on customer satisfaction and loyalty. The study employed a quantitative methodology, wherein data was gathered through face-to-face surveys from a sample of 329 participants in Pakistan during the period from November 2022 to February 2023. The collected data was subsequently subjected to analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that corporate social responsibility (CSR) has a significant and positive impact on consumer satisfaction, which subsequently serves as a significant predictor of loyalty. The research findings indicate a significant correlation between consumers' ethical beliefs, specifically idealism and relativism, and their engagement in green consumption. Furthermore, it is observed that green consumption positively influences consumer satisfaction. Additionally, the research revealed that the variables of idealism and relativism do not exert a moderating influence on the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and consumer satisfaction. The results underscore the significance of managers directing their attention towards cultivating more robust customer relationships through the prioritization of satisfaction within their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This study aimed to assess a theoretical framework that delineates the fundamental connections between corporate social responsibility (CSR), green consumption, consumer satisfaction, and loyalty. While prior research has predominantly concentrated on corporate viewpoints and employee attitudes towards CSR, this research sought to fill the gap by examining the aforementioned relationships from a consumer perspective.

Effects of prenatal dichromatic light exposure on hatching results and post-hatch performance of Japanese quail.

Present study evaluated the effect of lighted incubation on pre- and post-hatch performance of Japanese quail. In a completely randomized design, 1200 eggs were evenly divided into 4 treatments groups having six replicates (each tray was considered as replicate), 50 eggs each. Different dichromatic lights (Green + Red; GR, Green + Blue; GB, and Blue + Red; BR) of 250 lux were provided during incubation for 12 h daily and effects of these lights very evaluated on hatching results and post-hatch growth. After hatch, 600 quail chicks were divided into 4 treatments, 6 replicates, and 25 birds each. Regarding hatching traits, better hatchability was found in the GR group compared to GB, BR, and dark group; while early embryonic mortality was lower in BR, GB, and dark group than GR; mid embryonic mortality was lower in dark group and late embryonic mortality was noted in the GR group than those of other treatment groups. In addition, moisture loss during incubation was minimum in BR and dark groups; however, chick spread was better in the GR group. In terms of growth performance, weight gain was better in the GR group; feed intake in dark, feed conversion ratio in BR, and livability were better in BR and GR group. In morphometrics, keel and shank length were higher in all the colored groups (GB, BR, and GR) whereas body length, wing spread, shank circumference, drumstick length, and circumference were higher in the GR group. Regarding serum chemistry, glucose, albumin, and globulin levels were higher in the GR group. It was concluded that under the experimental conditions, GR light at the prenatal stage to Japanese quail eggs positively influenced hatching performance and post-hatch growth.

Exploring geomasking methods for geoprivacy: a pilot study in an environment with built features.

This study discusses the ethical use of geographical information systems (GIS) data with a focus on geomasking for upholding locational privacy. As part of a pilot study in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, we used open-source geomasking methods to ensure geoprivacy while examining built environment features that determine the quality of life among individuals with type-II diabetes. We employed the open-source algorithms Maskmy.XYZ and NRand-k for geomasking 329 data points. The results showed no differences between global and city-level spatial patterns, but significant variations were observed with respect to local patterns. These findings indicate the promising potential of the chosen geomasking technologies with respect to ensuring locational privacy but it was noted that further improvements are needed. We recommend developing enhanced algorithms and conducting additional studies to minimize any negative impact of geomasking in spatial analysis with the overall aim of achieving a better understanding of ethical considerations in GIS sciences. In conclusion, application of geomasking is straightforward and can lead to enhanced use for privacy protection in geospatial data analysis.

Comparative evaluation of different moulting methods on productive performance, egg quality, and antibody response of leghorn hens.

The aim of the study was to compare three moulting procedures and their effect on productive performance, egg quality, and antibody response of leghorn hens. For this, a total of 324 laying hens were distributed into three treatment groups having 12 replicates of 9 birds each according to completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of three moulting procedures based on feed and light restriction. The targeted weight at the end of moulting was 1450-1470 g. As soon as the moulting procedure is complete, the comparative analysis of post-moult productive performance (feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed per dozen eggs, feed per kg egg mass, livability), egg quality characteristics (egg weight, egg length and width, shape index, surface area, volume, albumen height, weight, Haugh unit score, yolk width, height, index, egg shell pore number, shell weight, thickness, breaking strength), and antibody response against Newcastle disease and avian influenza (H-9) were evaluated. Birds subjected to moulting procedure 3 (8 days fasting and gradual decrease in light) showed improvement in productive performance, egg geometry and quality traits, and antibody response against Newcastle disease virus. Birds experienced moulting procedure 1 (11 days fasting) had improved feed intake, egg production, and livability. However, birds moulted with procedure 2 (6 days fasting) revealed intermediate result in all the studied parameters. In conclusion, moulting through feed and light restriction with 8 days fasting and gradual reduction in light has potential to improve performance of leghorn hens.

Excessive sodium chloride ingestion promotes inflammation and kidney fibrosis in aging mice.

In aging kidneys, a decline of function resulting from extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and organ fibrosis is regarded as "physiological." Whether a direct link between high salt intake and fibrosis in aging kidney exists autonomously from arterial hypertension is unclear. This study explores kidney intrinsic changes (inflammation, ECM derangement) induced by a high-salt diet (HSD) in a murine model lacking arterial hypertension. The contribution of cold shock Y-box binding protein (YB-1) as a key orchestrator of organ fibrosis to the observed differences is determined by comparison with a knockout strain (Ybx1ΔRosaERT+TX). Comparisons of tissue from mice fed with normal-salt diet (NSD, standard chow) or high-salt diet (HSD, 4% NaCl in chow; 1% NaCl in water) for up to 16 mo revealed that with HSD tubular cell numbers decrease and tubulointerstitial scarring [periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Masson's trichrome, Sirius red staining] prevails. In Ybx1ΔRosaERT+TX animals tubular cell damage, a loss of cell contacts with profound tubulointerstitial alterations, and tubular cell senescence was seen. A distinct tubulointerstitial distribution of fibrinogen, collagen type VI, and tenascin-C was detected under HSD, transcriptome analyses determined patterns of matrisome regulation. Temporal increase of immune cell infiltration was seen under HSD of wild type, but not Ybx1ΔRosaERT+TX animals. In vitro Ybx1ΔRosaERT+TX bone marrow-derived macrophages exhibited a defect in polarization (IL-4/IL-13) and abrogated response to sodium chloride. Taken together, HSD promotes progressive kidney fibrosis with premature cell aging, ECM deposition, and immune cell recruitment that is exacerbated in Ybx1ΔRosaERT+TX animals.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Short-term experimental studies link excessive sodium ingestion with extracellular matrix accumulation and inflammatory cell recruitment, yet long-term data are scarce. Our findings with a high-salt diet over 16 mo in aging mice pinpoints to a decisive tipping point after 12 mo with tubular stress response, skewed matrisome transcriptome, and immune cell infiltration. Cell senescence was aggravated in knockout animals for cold shock Y-box binding protein (YB-1), suggesting a novel protective protein function.

Outcomes of BDSF technique for osteosynthesis of femoral neck fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral neck fractures present a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons, especially in young patients who want to preserve their natural femoral head. Conventional methods for fixing these fractures often lead to poor outcomes and high complication rates. The Biplane Double-supported Screw Fixation (BDSF) technique is a novel approach that involves placing screws in two planes simultaneously, creating a two-point support for the screws in the neck and head of the femur. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the BDSF technique in treating femoral neck fractures in patients aged 20-60 years. A total of 28 patients with fresh femoral neck fractures (less than three weeks old) were treated with closed reduction and internal fixation using the BDSF method. The patients' functional outcomes were evaluated using the Harris hip score, and the radiographic outcomes of union, femoral neck shortening, screw back-out, and femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) were also evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that the BDSF technique is a safe and effective method for treating femoral neck fractures in young adults. Out of the 25 patients who were followed up for a mean time of 18 months (range 6-24 months), 20 (80%) achieved fracture union in a mean time of 5.2 months. Non-union occurred in five patients (20%), and AVN of the femoral head was observed in three patients (12%). Two patients experienced varus collapse, but their fractures united successfully. CONCLUSION: The BDSF technique offers several advantages over conventional methods, including increased stability and improved fixation strength. It can be considered as an alternative to conventional methods for managing femoral neck fractures in young adults, with a low incidence of non-union and avascular necrosis and no cases of fixation failure or varus collapse.

Interaction of nanoparticles with motile gyrotactic microorganisms in a Darcy-Forchheimer magnetohydrodynamic flow- A numerical study.

The present work aims to interpret the mass and heat transferal flow through Darcy Forchheimer porous medium involving, simultaneously, microorganisms and nanoparticles. The involvement of gyrotactic microorganisms in the flow of nanoparticles reinforces the thermal characteristics of several energy systems. The amalgamation of microorganisms (microbes) in the nanofluids not only enhances the thermal properties of the fluid but it also causes the stability in the flow. Some other prominent effects such as chemical reaction and heat generation have also been taken into account. The reduced form of the governing model equations is further simplified in order to obtain the algebraic system of equations. Afterward, the approximate solution is obtained by developing an algorithm in the MATLAB software. To check the validity and efficiency of code, we have correlated our numerical outcomes with the previously accomplished ones. The outcomes are explained via the tabular and graphical representations. The flow of nanofluids will be more stable if it involves the motile microorganisms. Another example of the utilization of microorganisms is the microbial-enhanced oil recovery. In order to maintain the variation in the oil bearing layers, the microorganisms along with other nutrients can be incorporated. A significant enhancement is noticed in temperature in case of an increase in the values of heat generation and thermophoresis parameter.

Targeted vaccine development against Bilophila wadsworthia to curb colon diseases: A multiepitope approach based on reverse vaccinology and computational analysis.

The presence of excessive hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-producing bacteria, particularly Bilophila wadsworthia in appendices, is linked to a weaker colonic mucus barrier, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. Thus, targeting this bacterium could reduce sulfide levels and address associated health concerns. Here, we utilized reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatics to design a chimeric vaccine against B. wadsworthia, focusing on membrane-bound and extracellular proteins. Subtractive proteome analysis identified 18 potential vaccine candidates (PVCs), from which six B-cell, eight CD8+ T cell, and six CD4+ T cell epitopes were predicted. Chosen epitopes were assessed for immunological properties and cross-reactivity with human and mouse proteomes. Subsequently, these epitopes were fused with appropriate linkers, PADRE epitope, TAT peptide, and Cholera Toxin B subunit adjuvant to form a robust multi-epitope vaccine (MEV). The MEV's tertiary structure was modelled and validated for reliable analysis. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated stable binding of MEV with Toll-like receptor 4. The MEV showed favorable physicochemical characteristics, high expression potential in Escherichia coli, broad population coverage (∼98 %), and cross-protection against different B. wadsworthia strains. Immune simulation suggested induction of strong B and T cell responses, including primary, secondary, and tertiary immune responses. Further experimental studies are necessary to validate these findings.

A simulation study: An enhanced generalized class of estimators for estimation of population proportion using twofold auxiliary attribute.

The article introduces a novel class of estimators designed for estimating finite population proportions. These estimators utilize dual auxiliary attributes and are applicable under simple random sampling. The proposed class of estimators includes various members with distinct characteristics. The article provides numerical terminologies for the bias and MSE of the estimators, acquire up to first order of approximation. Four actual data sets are used. Additionally, a simulation study is accompanied to perceive the presentations of estimators. The MSE criterion is used to assess how well the proposed estimator performed as likened to the preliminary estimators. The simulation analysis revealed that, in contrast to other examined estimators, the suggested class of estimators provided better results. The empirical investigation offers evidence to substantiate the findings of the argument. Theoretical research also displays that the suggested class of estimators outperforms its competitors.

Evaluating the influence of Aloe barbadensis extracts on edema induced changes in C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in albino rats through in vivo and in silico approaches.

The current study investigated the in-vivo and in-silico anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe barbadensis in edema induced rat and its blood biomarkers. 60 albino rats (160-200 g) were divided into 4 groups. The 1st group (control) comprised of 6 rats that were treated with saline. The 2nd group (standard) comprised of 6 rats that were treated with diclofenac. The 3rd and 4th experimental groups consisted of 48 rats, treated with A. barbadensis gel ethanolic and aqueous extracts respectively at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. According to paw sizes, groups III and IV showed 51% and 46% inhibition respectively at the 5th hour, as compared to group II with 61% inhibition. Correlation was negative between biomarkers in group III, while, positive in group IV. Blood samples were collected; C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Similarly, biomarkers showed significant effect in dose-dependent manner. In molecular docking, for CRP both ligands aloe emodin and emodin showed -7.5 kcal/mol binding energy as compared to diclofenac with -7.0 kcal/mol. For IL-1beta, both ligands showed -4.7 kcal/mol binding energy as compared to diclofenac -4.4 kcal/mol. Hence, we concluded that A. barbadensis extracts can be used as an effective drug for managing inflammation.

Urethral Caruncle with Associated Renoureteric Anomalies.

A urethral caruncle is a rare differential diagnosis for a prolapsed mass at the urethral meatus. The aetiopathogenesis of this entity is unclear. We report a three-year-old female patient who presented to a tertiary care teaching hospital in India in 2019 with intermittent bleeding from the introitus for a month. Investigations revealed a urethral caruncle and associated renal anomalies which has not been described in the previous literature. The patient was discharged with a prescription of a Sitz bath twice daily and advised to apply betamethasone (0.1%) cream locally once daily. There was a significant improvement after six weeks of therapy; at two-years follow-up, the lesion had disappeared completely.

Excellent photocatalytic properties in 2D ZnO/SiC van der Waals hetero-bilayers: water-splitting H2-fuel production.

This research unravels the photocatalytic properties of a 2D ZnO/SiC van der Waals hetero-bilayer for potential water-splitting applications by first-principles calculations. Four unique stacking patterns are considered in studying the electronic and optical properties in the presence and absence of biaxial external strain. For pattern-I and II, large negative binding energy and positive phonon frequencies are observed, denoting chemical and mechanical stabilities. Under the HSE-06 pseudo potential, the calculated bandgap value for pattern-I and II reaches 2.86 eV and 2.74 eV, respectively. 2D ZnO/SiC shows a high absorption coefficient (∼105 cm-1). The absorption peak under biaxial strain could reach ∼3.5 times the peak observed under unstrained conditions. Under strain, a shift from compressive to tensile biaxial strain (-6% to 6%) results in a bandgap decrease from 3.18 eV to 2.52 eV and 3.09 eV to 2.43 eV, for pattern-I and II, respectively. The observed strain-driven kinetic overpotential for 2D ZnO/SiC pattern-I and II easily engenders photocatalytic redox reactions. The excellent mechanical durability and strain-driven large kinetic overpotential suggest 2D ZnO/SiC heterobilayers as a prospective material for water-splitting H2-fuel production.