Potential role of tocopherol in protecting crop plants against abiotic stresses.

The changing global climate have given rise to abiotic stresses that adversely affect the metabolic activities of plants, limit their growth, and agricultural output posing a serious threat to food production. The abiotic stresses commonly lead to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that results in cellular oxidation. Over the course of evolution, plants have devised efficient enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidative strategies to counteract harmful effects of ROS. Among the emerging non-enzymatic anti-oxidative technologies, the chloroplast lipophilic antioxidant vitamin A (Tocopherol) shows great promise. Working in coordination with the other cellular antioxidant machinery, it scavenges ROS, prevents lipid peroxidation, regulates stable cellular redox conditions, simulates signal cascades, improves membrane stability, confers photoprotection and enhances resistance against abiotic stresses. The amount of tocopherol production varies based on the severity of stress and its proposed mechanism of action involves arresting lipid peroxidation while quenching singlet oxygen species and lipid peroxyl radicals. Additionally, studies have demonstrated its coordination with other cellular antioxidants and phytohormones. Despite its significance, the precise mechanism of tocopherol action and signaling coordination are not yet fully understood. To bridge this knowledge gap, the present review aims to explore and understand the biosynthesis and antioxidant functions of Vitamin E, along with its signal transduction and stress regulation capacities and responses. Furthermore, the review delves into the light harvesting and photoprotection capabilities of tocopherol. By providing insights into these domains, this review offers new opportunities and avenues for using tocopherol in the management of abiotic stresses in agriculture.

Fe-POM/attapulgite composite materials: Efficient catalysts for plastic pyrolysis.

This article describes the catalytic cracking of low-density polyethylene over attapulgite clay and iron substituted tungstophosphate/attapulgite clay (Fe-POM/attapulgite) composite materials to evaluate their suitability and performance for recycling of plastic waste into liquid fuel. The prepared catalysts enhanced the yield of liquid fuel (hydrocarbons) produced in cracking process. A maximum yield of 82% liquid oil fraction with a negligible amount of coke was obtained for 50% Fe-POM/attapulgite composite. Whereas, only 68% liquid oil fractions with a large amount of solid black residue was produced in case of non-catalytic pyrolysis. Moreover, Fe-POM/attapulgite clay composites showed higher selectivity towards lower hydrocarbons (C5-C12) with aliphatic hydrocarbons as major fractions. These synthesised composite catalysts significantly lowered the pyrolysis temperature from 375°C to 310°C. Hence, recovery of valuable fuel oil from polyethylene using these synthesised catalysts suggested their applicability for energy production from plastic waste at industrial level as well as for effective environment pollution control.

Study of Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Risk Factors of Nephrolithiasis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The increasing incidence of nephrolithiasis in recent decades is coinciding with rising epidemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. This temporal concordance suggests that a link might exist between these metabolic abnormalities and urinary stone disease. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the association between presence of risk factors of nephrolithiasis and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: In a hospital-based, case control study, hundred patients of metabolic syndrome diagnosed according to IDF criteria and hundred age and matched controls were studied for presence of risk factors of nephrolithiasis. RESULTS: Patients with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher uricosuri a,hypercalciuria,oxaluria and hypocitraturia. The prevalence of risk factors of nephrolithiasis was also higher in patients with metabolic syndrome. The most prevalent was low urinary pH in 40% patients with mean pH of 5.8±1.6. Amongst other factors, 33% had hyperuricemia, 29% had hypercalciuria, 15% had oxaluria 13% had hypocitraturia and 10% had hyperuricosuria. Significant correlation was observed between risk factors of nephrolithiasis and components of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: The present study provides an evidence of association between risk factors of nephrolithiasis and metabolic syndrome and suggests that nephrolithiasis may be a systemic disorder representing the interaction of multiple metabolic derangements. Determining common modifiable risk factors for the development of kidney stones might uncover new preventive strategies.

Frequency of osteoarthritis and functional outcome of operated tibial plateau fractures: A minimum of 5 years follow up.

OBJECTIVE: Tibial plateau is an important weight bearing surface and its fractures are the result of axial compressive forces. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) occurs despite anatomical joint reconstruction. In this study we determined the incidence of PTOA after primary management of tibial plateau fractures and determined the risk factors of PTOA of patients whose results were published at 24 months and now we present a five year follow up of the same patients. METHODS: In this study, we presented the prospective data of 109 patients who were managed for tibial plateau fractures, from August 2009 to June 2018 a Jinnah postgraduate medical centre. Data of patients regarding clinical and radiological, functional outcome (according to the American Knee Society criteria), post-procedural visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score was included. Incidence of development of PTOA was noted in each patient using the Ahlbäck classification. RESULTS: Out of 109 patients with tibial plateau fractures, 81 (74.3%) were male and 28 (25.7%) were female. Mean time lag from injury to surgery was 10.14±9.07 days. Overall incidence of osteoarthritis was 50 (45.9%). Advanced age >50 years (odds ratio 9.1 (3.7-22.1), p-value <0.0001), female gender (odds ratio; 3.40 (1.36-8.46), p-value 0.007), VAS score >4 ((odds ratio; 73.28 (15.7-341.5), p-value <0.001)), Articular depression (odds ratio; 35.25 (11.49-108.1), p-value <0.001) and degree of mal-alignment (odds ratio; 25.72 (9.30-71.12), p-value <0.001) were found to be the risk factors of PTOA. While excellent functional outcomes were protective for PTOA (odds ratio; 4.8, p-value <0.001). Thirty out of fifty patients (60%) suffering from secondary arthritis of the knee required knee replacement (TKR). Twenty-one patients (70%) were males that underwent TKR. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high proportion of osteoarthritis following tibial plateau fixation. The risk factors that related to the development of secondary arthritis our cohorts were increased age, male gender, a decrease in AKSS and a higher VAS group. Knee arthroplasty is the only option for our cohorts with severe posttraumatic arthritis.

Fighting pandemics: Inspiration from Islam.

Infectious disease has killed more people than any other cause throughout history. The current pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has again revealed how vulnerable we remain. Muslims constitute the world's second-largest religious group, making up about a quarter of the world population. They have distinctive faith and culture, pertaining to their religious beliefs and practices that need special attention, in situations such as current COVID-19 pandemic. Congregational prayers are an indispensable part of Islamic culture. Performance of obligatory prayers in congregation is compulsory and mandatory for every Muslim adult male who has no excuse for not doing so. But, doing so during a pandemic can help in the spread of the COVID-19. Muslims look up to the Holy Qur'an and teachings of Prophet (PBUH) (Hadiths) for guidance under all the circumstances. In this review we will cover how Islamic teaching can guide us to manage pandemics like COVID-19.

Nitric oxide-mediated integrative alterations in plant metabolism to confer abiotic stress tolerance, NO crosstalk with phytohormones and NO-mediated post translational modifications in modulating diverse plant stress.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a major signaling biomolecule associated with signal transduction in plants. The beneficial role of NO in plants, exposed to several abiotic stresses shifted our understanding as it being not only free radical, released from the toxic byproducts of oxidative metabolism but also helps in plant sustenance. An explosion of research in plant NO biology during the last two decades has revealed that NO is a key signal associated with plant growth, germination, photosynthesis, leaf senescence, pollen growth and reorientation. NO is beneficial as well as harmful to plants in a dose-dependent manner. Exogenous application of NO at lower concentrations promotes seed germination, hypocotyl elongation, pollen development, flowering and delays senescence but at higher concentrations it causes nitrosative damage to plants. However, this review concentrates on the beneficial impact of NO in lower concentrations in the plants and also highlights the NO crosstalk of NO with other plant hormones, such as auxins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, cytokinins, ethylene, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid, under diverse stresses. While concentrating on the multidimensional role of NO, an attempt has been made to cover the role of NO-mediated genes associated with plant developmental processes, metal uptake, and plant defense responses as well as stress-related genes. More recently, several NO-mediated post translational modifications, such as S-nitrosylation, N-end rule pathway operates under hypoxia and tyrosine nitration also occurs to modulate plant physiology.

Effect of intra-abdominal pressure on post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy shoulder tip pain: A randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of intra-abdominal pressure on postoperative shoulder-tip pain in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: This was a randomized control study, conducted at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from January to August 2013 on160 patients, randomized to two groups i.e. the low pressure (LPLC) and the standard pressure group (SPLC) where the intra abdominal pressures were kept 10mmHg and above 10mmHg during surgery respectively. The age, gender, weight, duration of surgery, postoperative pain and frequency of analgesic administration in first 24 hours recorded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences v20.0. Frequency and percentages were calculated for categorical while mean ± SD was calculated for continuous variables. P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean operative times in group A and B were 27.84±6.078 vs. 28.51±7.45 minutes (p-value=0.625) respectively. Overall, the shoulder tip pain was reported in 25 (15%) patients. The frequencies in group A and B were 6 (7.5%) vs. 19 (23.8%) respectively (p-value = 0.005). The mean intensity of pain on VAS was 0.28±0.90 vs. 1.31±2.38 in the two groups respectively (p-value of 0.001). The mean number of analgesic administration in the first 24 hours was 2.24±0.48 in Group A vs.2.41±0.52 in Group B (p-value = 0.02) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that low intra-abdominal pressure results in reduced frequency of post-operative shoulder tip pain without any prolongation of duration of surgery.

'ANOTHER VECTOR BORNE CHALLENGE TO COMBAT- ZIKA VIRUS OUTBREAKS'.

Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. It is known to transmit to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito which is also known to carry dengue, chikungunya & yellow fever virus. Transmission is anthroponotic (human-to-vector-to-human) during outbreaks, Perinatally in utero, sexually and via infected blood transfusion. It is mild and self-limiting infection lasting for several days to a week. However, it is suspected as a cause of Guillain Barre Syndrome. There is a teratogenic association of Zika virus causing congenital birth defects like microcephaly and neurologic abnormalities. Treatment is generally supportive and for symptomatic relief. No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine is yet available for Zika virus disease. It highlights importance of preventive public health measures at the community level and avoids travelling to the endemic areas.

Pierre Robin Sequence: A Rare Presentation Of Absent Femur And Inguinal Hernia.

Pierre Robin Sequence is a well-recognized case of rarity which presents with a triad of glossoptosis, cleft palate. We report a rare case of Pierre robin Sequence in an Asian child, with the absence of left femur and right sided inguinal hernia.

Cephalic Tetanus: A Case Report In 68-Year-Old Man.

Cephalic tetanus is an emergency condition, which is commonly observed in child age group here we report a case of 68-year-old man with the complain of right sided weakness for one day, associated with difficulty in breathing and speech, history of fall also present, case was diagnosed as cephalic tetanus. Here we report a case of cephalic tetanus in an elderly patient.

Diagnostic Dilemma Of Biotinidase Deficiency: Case Of A Child From Pakistan.

Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive in born error of metabolism which is characterized by the lack of cleavage of biotin. This disease has been reported very rarely with the incidence found to be 1 per 60,089 and 1 per 112,271 of live births, respectively. This condition has profound effects on the neurological system, various neurocutaneous manifestations and metabolic derangements. We report a case of 3-year-old male child who presented in ER with severe respiratory distress for 1 day in a tertiary care set up. He had been referred from multiple peripheral centres. His associated complaints included severe rash, restlessness and progressive mental deterioration for 2 years. He was managed on symptomatically initially, later a diagnosis of Biotinidase deficiency was made, he responded well on supplemental biotin. Our intention to document this case was for sake of its uniqueness with very common symptoms, varied presentation and rarity of the disease which makes it a diagnostic dilemma.

Carpal Tunnel Decompression Under Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet Technique (WALANT): A Cost Effective and Outcome Analysis.

Introduction Wide-awake local anaesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) technique is cost-effective, resource-friendly, and safe. This can be used as an alternative to hand surgery procedures in outpatient units. It can be performed in clinics or operating rooms. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of WALANT for carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) over two years. Measured results include wound infections, relief of symptoms, paraesthesia, haematoma, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), hospital anxiety and depression scale score (HADS) and cost-effectiveness. Results Eighteen patients underwent CTD under the WALANT technique over two years. VAS score was recorded at 3.1 ± 1.2 during the procedure and 1.67 ± 0.933 at two weeks follow-up. Persistent paraesthesia was found in only one patient at follow-up. Minimal bleeding was recorded during the procedure. No wound infections, revision surgery or post-operative haematoma formation were found. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was reported as 4.77 ± 2.1 after surgery. WALANT was also cost-effective, with an overall amount of £20. Conclusion Performing carpal tunnel decompression under WALANT in one stop upper limb clinic is a safe and cost-effective technique with no significant patient-related complications.

CuO Nanoparticle-Mediated Seed Priming Improves Physio-Biochemical and Enzymatic Activities of Brassica juncea.

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in agricultural fields has risen to a level where people are considering NPs as an alternative to commercial fertilizers. The input of copper oxide NPs (CuO NPs) as seed primers was investigated in this study, and the growth indices of Brassica juncea such as phenotypic parameters, photosynthetic attributes, and biochemical parameters were measured during maximum vegetative growth stage, i.e., at 45 days after sowing. Surface sterilized seeds were soaked in varying concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8 and 16 mg/L) of CuO NPs for 15, 30, and/or 45 min. After those priming periods, the seeds were planted in pots and allowed to grow naturally. Among the different tested concentrations of CuO NPs, 4 mg/L of CuO NPs for 30 min seed priming proved to be best, and considerably increased the, shoot length (30%), root length (27%), net photosynthetic rate (30%), internal CO2 concentration (28%), and proline content (41%). Besides, the performance of the antioxidant enzymes, viz, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and biochemical parameters such as nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase were also increased by several folds after the application of CuO NPs in B. juncea. The present study suggests that CuO NPs can be effectively used to increase the performance of B. juncea and may also be suitable for testing on other crop species.

Synthesis, characterization, and applications of iron oxide nanoparticles.

Objective: The green synthesis method for nanoparticles is getting more attention globally, due to its lesser cost, non-hazardous, and eco-friendly nature. The novelty of the present work is to investigate the anti-bacterial and degradation activity of the green synthesized Iron Oxide NPs. Methods: In this study, the Iron Oxide NPs were synthesized through a green synthesis route from leaves of Ficus Palmata. UV-Vis confirmed Iron Oxide NP's peaks between (230-290 nm), while Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that several groups were involved in reduction and stabilization. Results: Results indicated that the highest photo thermal activity was shown in light and it was almost 4 folds greater than the control. Similarly, Iron Oxide NPs showed excellent antimicrobial potential against bacterial species "Salmonella typhi" "Xanthomonas Oryzae" and "Lactobacillus" at low concentrations (150 µg/mL). Hemolytic assay results showed that the toxicity was lesser than 5% at both dark and light conditions. Moreover, we also evaluated the photo-catalytic potential of Iron Oxide NPs against methylene orange. Results indicated that almost complete degradation was noted after 90 min in the presence of continuous light. All tests were performed in triplicates. All the data was subjected to P-test (P < 0.5) using Excel and graph pad (V.5.0). Conclusion: Iron Oxide NPs holds a promising future and could be used in treating diseases, and microbial pathogenesis and also could be used as a vector in drug delivery. Moreover, they can also eradicate persistent dyes and could be used as an alternative to remediate pollutants from the environment.

Comparison Between Mini-Sternotomy and Full Sternotomy for Aortic Valve Replacement: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

Introduction Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a mainstay treatment for moderate to severe aortic valve stenosis. This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of mini-sternotomy and conventional sternotomy. Methodology This 10-year retrospective study compared the clinical outcomes of mini-sternotomy and full sternotomy. Patient-related outcomes include sternal wound dehiscence, operative time, length of hospital stay, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, whereas intraoperative parameters such as cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and Aortic Cross Clamp time (ACCt) were compared between the two treatment groups. Results A total of 371 patients underwent AVR. Among them, 238 patients had AVR with full sternotomy and 133 patients had a mini-sternotomy. Full sternotomy patients had significantly lower bleeding than those in the mini-AVR group (p-0.002). The operation time was also found to be significantly higher in the mini-AVR group. The duration of hospital stays, ICU stay, and deep sternal wound dehiscence were recorded to be statistically insignificant between the two treatment groups. Atrial fibrillation, sternal wound dehiscence, stroke and perioperative myocardial infarctions, were equally observed between the two groups. Conclusion Mini-sternotomy is a safe option for AVR. The same number of complications were observed between the two groups; however, there was a reduction in the duration of hospital stay and ICU stay amongst the mini-sternotomy group.

Retrospective Review of Arthroplasty Radiographs: How to Define an Adequate Radiograph.

Introduction Adequacy of postoperative hip and knee radiographs has a direct impact on its interpretation. We undertook a quality improvement project by creating local standards to meet the arthroplasty team expectations for a satisfactory radiograph. The purposes of the study are 1. Assessment of the adequacy of radiographs according to defined criteria, and 2. Correlation of system and patient factors with inadequate radiographs. Methods Stage I: We conducted a single centre, retrospective audit to check the adequacy of a postoperative radiography following a total hip or knee replacement. A total of 100 radiographs were assessed against the nine criteria laid out with the consensus of orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists. Stage II: We created a quality improvement proforma for use in the radiology department. We re-assessed 100 radiographs during the second cycle against the nine criteria to check the adequacy of hip and knee arthroplasty radiographs, Results Stage I: Of 100 radiographs, 51 were from the knee and 49 from the hip arthroplasty group. Sixty-nine radiographs were adequate considering overall criteria, and 31 radiographs were inadequate. The inadequacy in radiographs was related to the visibility of prosthesis, cement or relevant anatomy. Stage II: We created a quality improvement performa for use in radiology department, highlighting the nine initial criteria. One hundred radiographs of hip and knee arthroplasty were re-assessed. Overall, 84 radiographs fulfilled the criteria of being adequate. Conclusion Adequacy of knee and hip arthroplasty radiographs is essential in picking up pathologies that can be missed otherwise. We present simple criteria to improve the adequacy of x-ray and prevent repetition of radiographs.

Comparison of Lateral and Crossed K-wires for Paediatric Supracondylar Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background Supracondylar elbow fractures occur most frequently in children aged five to seven years and have equal incidence in both genders. They are classified as flexion or extension type injuries with extension type being more common. We aimed to ascertain radiological stability with lateral and crossed wires in this study. We also identified any complications after operative management of these injuries. Methods As part of this retrospective cohort study, we identified all patients who presented with this injury from January 1, 2020, until February 28, 2022. Basic demographic data and type of operation were noted. Baumann angle (BA) and lateral capitellohumeral angle (LCHA) were measured intra-operatively and x-rays were done at the final clinic appointment. The mean of these angles in lateral and crossed wire groups was compared using paired sample t-test. Unpaired t-test was used to compare the means of both groups with normal values for these angles based on previous studies (BA=71.5±6.2 degrees, LCHA= 50.8±6 degrees). Results Fifty patients were admitted during this period. Thirty-three patients had lateral wires and 17 had crossed wires for fixation. No significant change was noted in the mean BA and mean LCHA in both groups on x-rays done intra-operatively and final clinic follow-up (no loss of reduction). No significant difference was noted between BA and LCHA noted for both groups at the final clinic follow-up with previous studies outlining normal values for these angles. No cases of iatrogenic neurovascular injury were identified. Four patients (8%) were referred to physiotherapy due to stiffness. Conclusion Both lateral and crossed wire configurations led to achievement of good radiological stability with BA and LCHA within normal limits. No loss of reduction was noted with both techniques and no risk of iatrogenic nerve injuries was noted in experienced hands.

Octylamine as environment friendlier colorimetric detection probe for hazardous 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol from wastewater samples.

The precise detection of hazardous 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol (TNP) is essential for the environment and human health. TNP is used as a precursor in whistling fireworks in ammunition, mining, agriculture and is a hazardous environmental pollutant generated from leather, chemical, and dye industries. Exploring rapid and low-cost approaches for the detection and quantification of TNP has attracted many scientists nowadays. The proposed chemosensor utilizes the concept of dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction coupled with a UV-visible spectrophotometer for its sensing at the ultra-trace level. Significant changes based on intramolecular interactions followed by a distinct color change to orange-red from yellow in the presence of TNP is an attractive feature for the present study. The successive addition of TNP shows ultra-trace sensitivity (3.9831 µA µM-1 cm-1) at detection limit (LOD) of 0.0015 ± 0.03 µM (S/N = 3), a linear range of 0 µM-70 µM, and a response time of <5 min. Different types of real samples such as creatinine testing kit reagent, fireflies crackers, serum, and water samples were used and recovery of TNP was calculated by spiking the known concentration of the standard analyte. The obtained recovery was 93.6-103.6% with RSD range of 1.6-4.53% (n = 3) in different samples. The analytical performance of the colorimetric Chemoprobe in terms of its recovery, linearity range, and limit of detection offers an excellent platform for monitoring hazardous TNP. The results show that the proposed colorimetric chemosensor is easy to use, low-cost, environmentally friendly and offers an easily observable visual color change. Based on these features, the chemosensor can be used for large-scale applications for the detection of TNP in water and other samples.

Documentation of neurovascular assessment in fracture patients in a tertiary care hospital: A retrospective review.

Introduction: Neurovascular problems are common in acute fracture. In the emergency room, a thorough clinical evaluation is required, when examined by an orthopedic specialist or emergency doctors. Materials and methods: we registered our project with the audit department. In the first cycle, we looked at notes from 77 patients from November-December 2020, emphasis to neurovascular documentation from both ED and orthopedic Clerking notes. We submitted our findings at our audit meeting and implemented modifications. Two months later, we re-audited, this time with 82 patients as the sample size. Results: 77 patient notes were reviewed in the first cycle, 51% male and 49% female. In ED clerking notes, 22% patients had no neurovascular documentation, compared to 3.8% of patients in orthopedic clerking. 39% ED notes had acronyms written for the neurovascular status, such as NVI, to 20.7% of orthopedic notes. 82 notes were reviewed in the second cycle,44% male and 56% female.7% of ED clerking notes lacked any neurovascular comments, compared to 0% of orthopedic admission sheets. 10% of the ED sheets contained NVI abbreviation, while 4% of ortho notes had the same. There were specific notes on neurovascular state on 68 of the ED admission sheets evaluated, and 74 of the orthopedic notes did the same. Conclusion: In fracture patients, documentation of neurovascular condition was lacking. The documentation of the details of the neurovascular assessment was poor. Increased recording of neurovascular assessment and improved emergency department evaluation of patients presenting with upper and lower limb injuries were aided by the introduction of teachings.