Spectral and temporal atomic coherence interaction in Eu3+ : NaYF4 and Eu3+ : BiPO4.

We investigate the spectral and temporal atomic coherence interaction based on out-of-phase fluorescence (FL) and spontaneous parametric four-wave mixing (SFWM) from the hexagonal phase of Eu3+ : NaYF4 and different phases of Eu3+ : BiPO4. Spectral and temporal interactions are interrelated and reduced by about 2 times due to two-photon nested dressing in contrast to the sum of each laser excitation. As the lifetime of photons increases, off-resonance profile cross-interaction decreases because cross-interaction reverses the signal at the near time gate position and keeps it consistent at the far time gate position. Moreover, the thermal phonon dressing at 300 K exhibits 6 times more eminent and obvious temporal interaction than that at 77 K. In a different phase of Eu3+ : BiPO4, there are three dark dips having stronger self-interaction; however, Eu3+ : NaYF4 has two dark dips as Eu3+ : BiPO4 has two phonon dressing. Further, the pure hexagonal phase of Eu3+ : BiPO4 demonstrates the strongest cross-interaction and longest coherent time under the dressing effect due to the smallest dressing phonon detuning and off-resonance profile cross-interaction at PMT2 because the angle quantization is the strongest. Such results can be used for designing novel quantum devices and have potential applications in quantum memory devices.

Superior atomic coherence time controlled by crystal phase transition and optical dressing.

We compare the atomic coherence time of doped ion crystals, i.e., BiPO4: Eu3+, YPO4: Eu3+, YPO4: Pr3+, and Y2SiO5: Pr3 + crystals. Such atomic coherence time is controlled by crystal field splitting (CF-splitting) and optical (photon and phonon) dressing. Compared with the other doped ion crystals, BiPO4: Eu3+ exhibits the longest coherence time. By controlling thermal phonon, phase-transition phonon, broadband or narrowband excitation, and fluorescence (FL) or spontaneous four-wave-mixing ratio (S-FWM), a superior atomic coherence time of up to 10 ± 0.6 ms is achieved in the pure hexagonal (0.5:1) phase of BiPO4: Eu3+. Furthermore, the relationship between TAT-splitting and spectral Autler-Townes (SAT)-splitting was investigated. This superior atomic coherence time has potential applications in quantum memory devices.

Temporal and spectral hybrid bound state in continuum and its reliance on the correlation.

We study the hybrid bound states in continuum (BIC) in time and spectral domain obtained from Eu3+/Pr3+ doped YPO4 and BiPO4 crystals. The spectral and time domain BIC originates from the interference between broadband fluorescence (FL) and narrowband super-florescence (SP-FWM) due to the dressing effect and crystal phase transition. We present a relationship between BIC and correlation and investigate two-mode and three-mode noise correlation/squeezing when the wavelength of the applied field is fixed at the bright state and dark state. In contrast to the BIC peak, we observe a switch and anti-bunching-like phenomenon at the BIC dip. We realize at the BIC peak point that correlation exhibits multi-oscillations and long coherence time in Pr3+:YPO4 in contrast with Eu3+:YPO4. Further, our two-mode intensity noise correlation experimental results suggest a controllable bandstop filter with an 80% bandwidth contrast and a dual-channel amplifier with an 89% amplitude contrast.

Alleviation of adverse effects of nickel on growth and concentration of copper and manganese in wheat through foliar application of ascorbic acid.

We investigated the role of ascorbic acid (AsA) to alleviate nickel (Ni) induced adverse effects on growth and concentration of Ni, copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) in hydroponically grown wheat varieties viz. Galaxy, Punjab-2011, and FSD-08. Plants were exposed to five levels of Ni viz. 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg L-1. After 1 week, AsA (1 mM) was sprayed onto the Ni-stressed plants. FSD-08 produced the maximum SDW with and without AsA compared to other varieties. FSD-08, Galaxy, and Punjab-2011 witnessed 2.61-, 2.83-, and 7.5-fold increases in SDW with AsA, respectively. Wheat plants contained the maximum Ni in shoots and roots with a Ni level of 20 mg L-1 irrespective of varieties. Nickel in shoots decreased with AsA witnessing 13, 12, and 10% decrease in FSD-08, Punjab-2011, and Galaxy, respectively. Nickel in roots of FSD-08 decreased by 18% while increased by 3.34-fold and 3.50-fold in Galaxy and Punjab-2011, respectively with AsA. Nickel decreased Cu in shoot and Mn in shoot and root while Cu in roots of all wheat varieties increased. It was concluded that AsA improved the growth of Ni-stressed and FSD-08 performed better by maintaining good growth and less Ni in shoots compared to other varieties.

Exploiting plant internal mechanisms with foliar application of different organic substances have widely been investigated to decrease metal accumulation and their adverse effects on plants. However, the differential response of different varieties to metal accumulation in response to foliar application of ascorbic acid is not well documented. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of exogenous application of ascorbic acid on growth response, the concentration of Ni, Cu, and Mn in three wheat varieties.

Characterization, Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities of Green Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nephrolepis exaltata Aqueous Extract.

The use of non-toxic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) by an aqueous plant extract has proven to be a viable and environmentally friendly method. Therefore, the present investigation is based on the FeO NPs synthesis by means of FeCl3·6H2O as a precursor, and the plant extract of Nephrolepis exaltata (N. exaltata) serves as a capping and reducing agent. Various techniques were used to examine the synthesized FeO NPs, such as UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The FT-IR studies were used to identify different photoactive biomolecules at 3285, 2928, 1415, 1170, and 600 cm-1 in the wavenumber range from 4000 to 400 cm-1, indicating the -OH, C-H, C-O, C-C, and M-O groups, respectively. The XRD examination exhibited crystallinity, and the average diameter of the particle was 16 nm. The spherical nature of synthesized FeO NPs was recognized by SEM images, while the elemental composition of nanoparticles was identified by an EDX spectrophotometer. The antiplasmodial activity of synthesized FeO NPs was investigated against Plasmodium parasites. The antiplasmodial property of FeO NPs was evaluated by means of parasite inhibitory concentration, which showed higher efficiency (62 ± 1.3 at 25 µg/mL) against Plasmodium parasite if compared to plant extracts and precursor. The cytotoxicity of FeO NPs was also assessed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) under in vitro conditions. The lack of toxic effects through FeO NPs keeps them more effective for use in pharmaceutical and medical applications.

ZmCCD10a Encodes a Distinct Type of Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase and Enhances Plant Tolerance to Low Phosphate.

Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) drive carotenoid catabolism to produce various apocarotenoids and immediate derivatives with particular developmental, ecological, and agricultural importance. How CCD genes evolved with species diversification and the resulting functional novelties in cereal crops have remained largely elusive. We constructed a unified four-clade phylogenetic tree of CCDs, revealing a previously unanchored basal clade CCD10 CCD10 underwent highly dynamic duplication or loss events, even in the grass family. Different from cleavage sites of CCD8 and ZAXINONE SYNTHASE (ZAS), maize (Zea mays) ZmCCD10a cleaved differentially structured carotenoids at 5, 6 (5', 6') and 9, 10 (9', 10') positions, generating C8 (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one) and C13 (geranylacetone, α-ionone, and ß-ionone) apocarotenoids in Escherichia coli Localized in plastids, ZmCCD10a cleaved neoxanthin, violaxanthin, antheraxathin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and ß-carotene in planta, corroborating functional divergence of ZmCCD10a and ZAS. ZmCCD10a expression was dramatically stimulated in maize and teosinte (Z. mays ssp. parviglumis, Z. mays ssp. huehuetenangensis, Zea luxurians, and Zea diploperennis) roots by phosphate (Pi) limitation. ZmCCD10a silencing favored phosphorus retention in the root and reduced phosphorus and biomass accumulation in the shoot under low Pi. Overexpression of ZmCCD10a in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) enhanced plant tolerance to Pi limitation by preferential phosphorus allocation to the shoot. Thus, ZmCCD10a encodes a unique CCD facilitating plant tolerance to Pi limitation. Additionally, ZmCCD10a silencing and overexpression led to coherent alterations in expression of PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE REGULATOR 1 (PHR1) and Pi transporters, and cis-regulation of ZmCCD10a expression by ZmPHR1;1 and ZmPHR1;2 implies a probable ZmCCD10a-involved regulatory pathway that adjusts Pi allocation.

Delay-Sensitive NOMA-HARQ for Short Packet Communications.

This paper investigates the two-user uplink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) paired with the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) in the finite blocklength regime, where the target latency of each user is the priority. To limit the packet delivery delay and avoid packet queuing of the users, we propose a novel NOMA-HARQ approach where the retransmission of each packet is served non-orthogonally with the new packet in the same time slot. We use a Markov model (MM) to analyze the dynamics of the uplink NOMA-HARQ with one retransmission and characterize the packet error rate (PER), throughput, and latency performance of each user. We also present numerical optimizations to find the optimal power ratios of each user. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme significantly outperforms the standard NOMA-HARQ in terms of packet delivery delay at the target PER.

Comparison of mean pain scores for the patients with sub hepatic drainage to those without it after elective uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The sub hepatic drain is often placed after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered to affect post operative infection, pain and sub hepatic collections. The objective of this study was to compare the degree of postoperative pain in patients with routine drainage with those without it after elective, uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: This randomized control trial (RCT) was done over six months from 9th June 2015 to 8th December 2015 at Military Hospital Rawalpindi. Sample calculated with WHO calculator and consecutive non probability random sampling used to divide 170 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in two groups. One group had routine sub hepatic drain and other didn't. Degree of postoperative pain was assessed according to VISUAL ANALOGUE SCALE by duty doctor at 24 hours. Data was collected and analyzed applying chi square test and p value was <.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that intensity of post operative pain in routine drainage group is higher as compared to non drainage group after elective, uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CONCLUSION: Routine placement of sub hepatic drain in elective uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be avoided to reduce post-operative pain.

Intensity enhancement in off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy.

In the field of laser-based absorption spectroscopy, off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy is considered to be a sensitive and robust method, employing a simple optical design. However, one of the major drawbacks of non-mode-matched cavities combined with highly reflective mirrors (>99.98%) is its low output intensity. Here, we systematically investigate the increase in cavity output intensity, using a third re-injection mirror before the absorption cavity. The presented design not only enables high transmission power but also retains a long effective path length. To investigate the intensity enhancement, we used a CO2 absorption line in the near-IR wavelength region at 6240.10 cm-1. In agreement with our simulation model, we achieved an intensity enhancement factor of 38. We achieved a noise equivalent absorption sensitivity to 1.6×10-8 cm-1 Hz-1/2, which is no longer limited by the detectivity of the detector.

Comprehensive three-dimensional ray tracing model for three-mirror cavity-enhanced spectroscopy.

A 3D ray tracing model is used to simulate optical reinjection in a nonresonant optical cavity, for off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy. The optical cavities are optimized for maximum intensity enhancement factors via a grid search and a genetic algorithm. Intensity enhancement factors up to 1400 are found for short cavities (3 cm) and up to 101 for long cavities (50 cm). The model predicts that short absorption cells can be used, having a long effective path length and a high throughput power. This opens new opportunities in the field of ultrasensitive absorption spectroscopy and allows the design of compact optical gas sensors.

Sensitive Spectroscopy of Acetone Using a Widely Tunable External-Cavity Quantum Cascade Laser.

We employed a single-mode, widely tunable (~300 cm−1) external-cavity quantum cascade laser operating around 8 µm for broadband direct absorption spectroscopy and wavelength modulation spectroscopy where a modulation frequency of 50 kHz was employed with high modulation amplitudes of up to 10 GHz. Using a compact multipass cell, we measured the entire molecular absorption band of acetone at ~7.4 µm with a spectral resolution of ~1 cm−1. In addition, to demonstrate the high modulation dynamic range of the laser, we performed direct absorption (DAS) and second harmonic wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS-2f) of the Q-branch peak of acetone molecular absorption band (HWHM ~10 GHz) near 1365 cm−1. With WMS-2f, a minimum detection limit of 15 ppbv in less than 10 s is achieved, which yields a noise equivalent absorption sensitivity of 1.9 × 10−8 cm−1 Hz−1/2.

Characterizing bread wheat genotypes of Pakistani origin for grain zinc biofortification potential.

BACKGROUND: Zinc (Zn) is essential for all life forms and its deficiency is a major issue of malnutrition in humans. This study was carried out to characterize 28 wheat genotypes of Pakistani origin for grain zinc biofortification potential, genetic diversity and relatedness. RESULTS: There was low genetic differentiation among the tested genotypes. However, they differed greatly in yield-related traits, grain mineral (Zn, calcium (Ca) and protein) concentrations and Zn bioavailability. Zinc application increased the concentration of Zn in wheat grain (32.1%), embryo (19.8%), aleurone (47%) and endosperm (23.7%), with an increase in bioavailable Zn (22.2%) and a reduction in phytate concentration (6.8%). Application of Zn also enhanced grain protein and Ca concentrations. Among wheat genotypes, Blue Silver had the highest concentration of Zn in grain, embryo, aleurone and endosperm, with high bioavailable Zn, while Kohinoor-83 had low phytate concentration. CONCLUSION: Wheat genotypes of Pakistan are genetically less diverse owing to continuous focus on the development of high-yielding varieties only. Therefore genetically diverse wheat genotypes with high endospermic Zn concentration and better grain yield should be used in breeding programs approaches, aiming at improving Zn bioavailability. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Impact of Obesity on Reflux Recurrence Following Laparoscopic Anti-reflux Surgery: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently seen in the Western population. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) is effective in managing this condition. Obesity is strongly associated with GERD, and with the rising rate of obesity, there is, therefore, a concurrently increasing frequency of LARS performed. We aim to review the outcomes of LARS in patients with obesity, including the recurrence of GERD symptoms and peri-operative complications. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed for articles from June 1992 to June 2022. The literature was reviewed for outcomes of LARS in patients with obesity (BMI≥30). Eligibility criteria included specific BMI, study design, type of surgery, and outcomes. The recurrence of symptoms and peri-operative complications were assessed. Thirty-one studies were thoroughly reviewed. Nine studies (five retrospective and four prospective) were selected for meta-analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow, which included 1,499 patients with obesity and 5,521 without. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was the most common procedure performed. The recurrence of symptoms was significantly lower in patients without obesity (p=0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without obesity in peri-operative complications, re-intervention, and early return to theatres. A higher recurrence rate of GERD symptoms post-LARS was reported in patients with obesity. Further research is required to decrease such risks and propose different methods, such as weight loss prior to surgery or Roux-en-Y (R&Y) gastric bypass. Risks and benefits should be considered by clinicians prior to offering LARS to patients with obesity.

Role of Anteromedial Cortical Support for Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures Being Treated With Cephalomedullary Nails.

INTRODUCTION: Reduction quality is of paramount importance for an optimal outcome in unstable pertrochanteric fractures. The non-anatomical functional anteromedial buttress is proposed to prevent impending mechanical complications. We aimed to evaluate the role of anteromedial cortical support in preventing mechanical complications following fixation with the cephalomedullary nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, single-arm interventional study was conducted in the Orthopaedics Department of a Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi. The duration of the study was 24 months. Patients were recruited by the purposive sampling technique as per inclusion/exclusion criteria. Preoperatively, the reduction was categorized as per Baumgartner's and Chang's criteria. Post-operatively, weight bearing as tolerated was advised. Radiographs prior to discharge for loss of reduction were evaluated. Follow-up radiographic measurements of neck length, neck shaft angle, and their loss as per protocol were done at three and six months. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients were operated on from October 21 until August 23. Mortality at six months in 39 patients (19.3%) and loss to follow-up in 31 patients (15.3%) resulted in 132 patients with complete follow-up and having developed complications in 12 patients (9.09%). The mean age was 76.3 ± 7.98 years; males were 105 (79.5%), and females were 27 (20.5%). Closed reduction was 58 (43.9%), and additional manoeuvres were required in 74 (56.1%). The mean tip apex distance (TAD) was 24.56 ± 2.76, and the Calcar gap was 5.16 ± 1.27. Cleveland zone centre-centre in 54 (40.9%), inferior-centre in 65 (49.2%), and inferior-posterior (9.9%) were statistically significant for mechanical complications (p≤0.001). There was a significant association between the grading of Chang's and Baumgartner's poor groups for the development of mechanical complications (p≤0.001). The mean time to full weight bearing without support was 21 ± 1.22 weeks. The mean Hip Harris score at six months was 69.27 ± 7.68. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that anteromedial cortical support can lead to fewer potential mechanical complications at six months. A higher Chang's grade drives surgeons to engage in additional manoeuvres. Anteromedial cortical support is worth consideration for unstable pertrochanteric fractures.

Comparative efficacy of non-electric cooling techniques to reduce nutrient solution temperature for the sustainable cultivation of summer vegetables in open-air hydroponics.

The cultivation of summer vegetables in open-air nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics is limited due to the elevated nutrient solution temperature (NST). In this regard, non-electric evaporative-cooling techniques were explored to maintain NST in open-air NFT hydroponics. Four cooling setups were employed by wrapping polyvinyl chloride (PVC) grow pipes with one and two layers of either wet or dry jute fabrics and attaching them with coiled aluminum pipe buried inside a) wet sand-filled brick tunnels (Cooling Setup I), b) two inverted and vertically stacked earthen pots (Cooling Setup II), c) two inverted and vertically stacked earthen pots externally wrapped with wet jute fabric (Wrapped Cooling Setup II), and d) an earthen pitcher wrapped with wet jute fabric (Cooling Setup III). Wrapping grow pipes with two layers of wet jute fabric reduced NST by 5°C as compared to exposed (naked) grow pipes. The double-layer jute fabric-wrapped grow pipes produced 182% more reduction in NST in comparison to single layer-wrapped grow pipes. Additionally, the installation of Wrapped Cooling Setup II and Cooling Setup III outperformed Cooling Setup I and Cooling Setup II through NST reduction of approximately 4°C in comparison to control. Interestingly, Cooling Setup III showed its effectiveness through NST reductions of 193%, 88%, and 23% during 11 a.m.-12 p.m. as compared to Cooling Setup I, Cooling Setup II, and Wrapped Cooling Setup II, respectively. In contrast, Wrapped Cooling Setup II caused NST reductions of 168%, 191%, and 18% during 2-3 p.m. in comparison to Cooling Setup I, Cooling Setup II, and Cooling Setup III, respectively. Thus, the double-layer jute fabric-wrapped grow pipes linked with Wrapped Cooling Setup II can ensure summer vegetable cultivation in open-air NFT hydroponics as indicated by the survival of five out of 12 vegetable plants till harvest by maintaining NST between 26°C and 28°C.

Corrigendum: Comparative efficacy of non-electric cooling techniques to reduce nutrient solution temperature for the sustainable cultivation of summer vegetables in open-air hydroponics.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1340641.].

Evaluating the influence of straw mulching and intercropping on nitrogen uptake, crop growth, and yield performance in maize and soybean.

Introduction: Intercropping and straw mulching are sustainable agricultural practices that can positively affect crop growth and development, especially together. Methods: A split-plot experimental design was used to investigate the effects of intercropping and straw mulching on crop growth, crop yield, nitrogen uptake, and photosynthetic characteristics. The main plot focused on three planting patterns: soybean monoculture (S), maize monoculture (M), and maize/soybean intercropping (I). The subplot structure consisted of four levels of straw mulching (0, 4.8, 7.2, 9.6 t ha-1). Results: Interaction and variance analyses showed that straw mulching, intercropping, and their interaction had significant effects on plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, nitrogen uptake, photosynthetic characteristics, and crop yield. Based on two-year averages for maize and soybean, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was up to 51.6% higher, stomatal conductance (Sc) was up to 44.0% higher, transpiration rate (Tr) was up to 46.6% higher, and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci) was up to 25.7% lower relative to no mulching. The maximum increases of Pn, Sc, and Tr of intercropped maize were 15.48%, 17.28%, and 23.94%, respectively, and the maximum Ci was 17.75% lower than that of monoculture maize. The maximum increase of Pn, Sc, and Tr of monoculture soybean was 24.58%, 16.90%, and 17.91%, respectively, and the maximum Ci was 13.85% lower than that of intercropped soybean. The nitrogen uptake of maize and soybean in the mulching treatment was 24.3% higher than that in the non-mulching treatment; the nitrogen uptake of intercropped maize was 34.2% higher than that of monoculture maize, and the nitrogen uptake of monoculture soybean was 15.0% higher than that of intercropped soybean. The yield of maize and soybean in the mulching treatment was 66.6% higher than that in the non-mulching treatment, the maize yield under intercropping was 15.4% higher than that under monoculture, and the yield of monoculture soybean was 9.03% higher than that of intercropped soybean. Discussion: The growth index and photosynthesis of crops are important parts of yield formation. The results of this study confirmed that straw mulching, intercropping, and their interaction can ultimately increase crop yield by improving crop growth, nitrogen uptake, and photosynthesis. This result can be used as the theoretical basis for the combined application of these measures in agriculture.

Enhancements in yield, agronomic, and zinc recovery efficiencies of rice-wheat system through bioactive zinc coated urea application in Aridisols.

BACKGROUND: Zinc (Zn) deficiency and source-dependent Zn fertilization to achieve optimum Zn levels in rice and wheat grains remain global concern for human nutrition, especially in developing countries. To-date, little is known about the effectiveness of bioactive Zn-coated urea (BAZU) to enhance the concentration, uptake, and recovery of Zn in relation to agronomic efficiency in paddy and wheat grains. RESULTS: Field experiments were carried out during 2020-21 on the rice-wheat system at Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Multan, Punjab, Pakistan using four treatments viz.T1 (Urea 46% N @ 185 kg ha-1 + zero Zn), T2 (Urea 46% N @ 185 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 33% Zn @ 15 kg ha-1), T3 (BAZU 42% N @ 103 kg ha-1 + Urea 46% N @ 62 kg ha-1 + 1% bioactive Zn @ 1.03 kg ha-1) and T4 (BAZU 42% N @ 125 kg ha-1 + Urea 46% N @ 62 kg ha-1 + 1% bioactive Zn @ 1.25 kg ha-1) in quadruplicate under Randomized Complete Block Design. Paddy yield was increased by 13, 11, 12, and 11% whereas wheat grain yield was enhanced by 12, 11, 11, and 10% under T4 at Multan, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Lahore, respectively, compared to T1. Similarly, paddy Zn concentration was increased by 58, 67, 65 and 77% (32.4, 30.7, 31.1, and 34.1 mg kg-1) in rice whereas grain Zn concentration was increased by 90, 87, 96 and 97% (46.2, 43.9, 46.7 and 44.9 mg kg-1) in wheat by the application of BAZU (T4) at Multan, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Lahore, respectively, in comparison to T1. Zinc recovery was about 9-fold and 11-fold higher in paddy and wheat grains, respectively, under BAZU (T4) treatment relative to T2 while, the agronomic efficiency was enhanced up to 130% and 141% in rice and wheat respectively as compared to T2. CONCLUSION: Thus, T4 application at the rate of 125 kg ha-1 could prove effective in enhancing the rice paddy and wheat grain yield along with their Zn biofortification (∼34 mg kg-1 and ∼47 mg kg-1, respectively) through increased agronomic and Zn recovery efficiencies, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms of which can be further explored in future.

Health-Related Quality of Life After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Background This study aimed to determine the mean improvement in the quality of life (QoL) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. Methodology After obtaining approval from the hospital's ethical committee, the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) proforma was filled on admission (T0) and at week six (T1) postoperatively. All data were collected, and GIQLI scores were calculated for individual patients. Results In our study, among the 70 patients undergoing LC, 20% (n = 14) were aged 18-30 years and 80% (n = 56) were aged 31-60 years, with the mean ± standard deviation calculated as 41.56 ± 10.13 years. Overall, 44.29% (n = 31) of patients were men and 55.71% (n = 39) were women. GIQLI scores were 94.64 ± 2.24 for pre-treatment and 106.09 ± 2.40 for post-treatment, with a mean change of 11.44 ± 3.29, and a p-value of 0.001, showing a significant difference. Conclusions The mean improvement in QoL after LC in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis is significantly higher when compared with pretreatment.

Enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, growth and yield of wheat through soil urea hydrolysis inhibition by Vachellia nilotica extract.

Soil urease inhibition slows down the urea hydrolysis and prolongs nitrogen (N) stay in soil, resulting in an increased N uptake by plants. Apart from several chemical urease inhibitors, the urease inhibition potential of plant extracts is rarely reported. In our previous study, the soil urease inhibition by Vachellia nilotica leaf extract was reported; however, its role in relation to growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under pot and field conditions remains unknown. The acetonic extracts of 10, 20, and 50 g Vachellia nilotica leaves were given code names viz. Vn.Fl-10, Vn.Fl-20 and Vn.Fl-50, respectively, and coated on 100 g of urea individually. The enhancements of growth (total number of tillers, number of productive tillers, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, and 1000-grains weight) and yield (biological yield, straw yield, and grain yield) parameters of wheat by Vn.Fl-20 and Vn.Fl-50 coated urea treatments were compared with uncoated urea in a pot experiment. The experiment indicated that the Vachellia nilotica extract coatings were effective at improving N persistence in soil, as reflected by increased grain and straw N concentrations as well as uptakes. The reproduction of the aforementioned results, at the half and full recommended dose of urea under field conditions, reconfirmed the effectiveness of Vachellia nillotica coatings. Moreover, the Vn.Fl-20 and Vn.Fl-50 coated urea, at the half as well as full recommended dose under field conditions, proved equally effective in terms of higher biological, straw, and grain yield, and grain N uptake. The increments in the total number of tillers, number of productive tillers, 1000-grain weight, biological yield, straw yield, grain yield, grain N concentration, grain N-, and straw N uptake along with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) components, i.e. nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP), nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE), partial nitrogen balance (PNB), and nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) of wheat highlighted the superiority of Vn.Fl-20 coating over the hydroquinone (Hq) coating on urea at the full recommended dose under field conditions. Given the findings of this study, Vachellia nilotica leaf extract coating (Vn.Fl-20) can be used as a natural urease inhibitor to reduce urea hydrolysis and enhance wheat productivity.