Interaction of gyrotactic moment of microorganisms and nanoparticles for magnetized and chemically reactive shear-thinning fluid with stratification phenomenon

Nanotechnology has gained substantial attention on account of its vast applications in food manufacturing, heat exchanges, electronic cooling systems, medical treatment, coolant processes, energy production, biotechnology, transportation, biochemistry, nuclear reactors, and metrology. Currently, the phenomenon of bioconvection using nanomaterials has found wide industrial and technical implementations. Contemporary nanofluids are a dynamic source for illuminating heat transport systems related to engineering as well as industrial phenomena. Bioconvection has numerous applications in bio-micro-systems, owing to the augmentation in mass renovation besides collaborating, which are vital complications in diverse micro-systems. This study intended to model and examine an incompressible, unsteady 3D Casson fluid nanofluid with bioconvection on a stretching surface. A model by means of these characteristics is beneficial in applications, such as in nuclear reactors, coolants in automobiles, metallurgical procedures, energy construction, micro-manufacturing, industrial engineering, and geophysical fluid mechanics along with dynamics. The performance of the Brownian motion along with thermophoresis diffusion is assumed through an extraordinary effect of thermal radiation in the temperature equation of the fluid movement. This model was created by using PDE, which was then converted into an ODE system. The somatic behavior of substantial parameters was investigated graphically. Similarly, tables were interpreted to display the effect of the control of physical quantities on the local Nusselt number, local Sherwood number, and motile density. Consequently, it was determined that the temperature of Casson fluid grew exponentially with higher estimates of the magnetic parameter and the thermal Biot number. At the same time, we detected that augmented estimation of the Lewis number decreases the Casson fluid concentration. For growing values of the parameters, Biot number and the stretching parameter, there is a direct reaction for the microorganism profile.

Seasonal Changes in Hematological Parameters in House Sparrows of Subtropical Pakistan

House sparrow is a globally adaptive bird. The way this creature adapted to all areas of the world, having different selection pressures, is interesting to understand. The present study is focused on seasonal changes, having different selection pressures and how it is adapted to these changes and whether hematological flexibility plays a role in this success. House sparrow's adaptations in the same area, during different seasons, have been studied in a sub-tropical area, Potohar, Pakistan. We used hematological parameter analysis for this purpose. Blood samples were collected from Sparrows in winter, spring, and summer and analyzed for some hematological parameters. White blood cells (WBCs) were higher in spring and summer which may relate to mating promiscuity. Sparrows were more stressed in summer. The Red blood cells (RBCs) and hematocrit (Hct) were greater in summer. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is lower in summer. This may have an adaptation to cope with high stress in summer as small-size RBCs increase gaseous exchange. Platelets were not affected by season or gender. Mean corpuscular volume and Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) are positively correlated with each other. Red blood cells, hemoglobin (Hb) and MCV were higher in males during the spring season perhaps as an adaptation to energetic activities during spring like mating calls and search for nesting sites. White blood cells remained the same in both genders in summer and winter, and effected in spring may be related to the mating system. Behavioral state is linked with physiological states that shows tradeoff and life history traits. This study is a small effort to know this incredible species. We can work further in different parts of the world to explore different aspects of it.

Fadlurrahman A, Yudi Antara N, Alamsyah F, P. Taruno W, Pratiwi R. Evaluation of Static Electric Field Exposure on Histopathological Structure and Function of Kidney and Liver in DMBA-Induced RAT (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769)

Intermediate frequency and low intensity static electric field have been developed for non-invasive cancer therapy nowadays. The evaluation of the vital organs, one of which is kidney and liver, is necessary for pre-clinical safety assessment. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of the intermediate frequency (150 kHz) and low intensity (18 Vpp) static electric fields in kidney tissue of rats induced by DMBA (7,12-Dimethylbenz [α] anthracene). This study was carried out in breast tumor models using Sprague Dawley (SD) rats induced with 7,12-Dimethylbenz [α] anthracene (DMBA) by 20 mg/kg body weight of dose ten times over five weeks. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, namely: Non-induction Non-therapy (NINT), Non-Induction Therapy (NIT), Induction Non-Therapy (INT), and Induction Therapy (IT) groups. Static electric field therapy is carried out for 10 hours (resting 2 hours after 5 hours exposure) per day using the Electro-Capacitive Cancer Therapy (ECCT) individual enclosure for 21 days. The blood samples were collected before and after therapy for AST, ALT, and Creatinine measurement. The samples of liver and kidney were processed using Paraffin Method and Hematoxylin-Eosin Staining for histopathological observation. The histopathological score was determined using the ordinal method and post-examination masking. This study reveals that the 150 kHz and 18 Vpp static electric field therapy doesn’t significantly induce histopathological injuries on the liver and the kidney. Furthermore, it also does not have a negative impact on the creatinine, AST, and ALT levels of blood plasma.

Instability of modified Zakharov-Kuznetsov solitons in an inhomogeneous partially degenerate electron-ion magnetoplasma

Linear and nonlinear propagation characteristics of multidimensional drift ion-acoustic (IA) solitons are studied in an inhomogeneous partially degenerate electron-ion magnetoplasma. A modified Zakharov-Kuznetsov (mZK) equation is deduced, accounting for the longitudinal as well as the transverse dispersions. It is shown that the mZK equation admits a distinct solution, revealing excitation of a pulse-shaped soliton when the phase speed exceeds by the wave dispersion. For the instability condition of the waves, a novel growth rate (γ) is derived by modifying the standard small-k expansion scheme. The instability criterion, given for long-wavelength IA waves, has not been described elsewhere. Numerical analysis show that solitary pulses gain energy from the ion drift, involving into instability: it saturates with amplification of the unstable potentials. Similarly trapped electrons lead to unstable growth of the solitary waves by enhancing γ. This study is relevant to compact stars and to high-density facilities where density inhomogeneity ensues the unstable drift modes. The instability analysis is important in understanding anomalous diffusion, which reduces the lifespan (τ=γ^{-1}) of magnetically confined plasma.

Harnessing the power of hydrogen sulphide (H2 S) for improving fruit quality traits

Hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) is a gaseous molecule and originates endogenously in plants. It is considered a potential signalling agent in various physiological processes of plants. Numerous reports have examined the role of H₂ S in fruit ripening and in enhancing fruit quality traits. H₂ S coordinates the fruit antioxidant system, fruit ripening phytohormones, such as ethylene and abscisic acid, together with other ripening-related signalling molecules, including nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide. Although many studies have increased understanding of various aspects of this complex network, there is a gap in understanding crosstalk of H₂ S with key players of fruit ripening, postharvest senescence and fruit metabolism. This review focused on deciphering fruit H₂ S metabolism, signalling and its interaction with other ripening-related signalling molecules during fruit ripening and postharvest storage. Moreover, we also discuss how H₂ S can be used as a tool for improving fruit quality and productivity and reducing postharvest loss of perishable fruits.

GC-MS analysis of organic fractions of Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) A.Juss. and their prokinetic propensity in animal models

Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) A.Juss. is herbaceous, monecious annual plant used traditionally to cure gastrointestinal disorders. The present study was carried out to find the bioactive compounds by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential acute toxicity, and emetic activity present in the ethyl acetate fraction of Chrozophora tinctoria (EAFCT) and dichloromethane fraction of Chrozophora tinctoria (DCMFCT). The compounds detected in both fractions were mostly fatty acids, with about seven compounds in EAFCT and 10 in DCMFCT. These included pharmacologically active compounds such as imipramine, used to treat depression, or hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, an antioxidant, nematicide, pesticide, hypocholesterolemic, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)- is used as a cancer preventive, antiarthritic, antihistaminic, hepatoprotective, insectifuge, nematicide, Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester have antifungal, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, 10-Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester have the property to decrease blood cholesterol, Antioxidant and antimicrobial, 1-Eicosanol is used as an antibacterial, 1-Hexadecene has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal activities. Both DCMFCT and EAFCT fractions inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity with IC50 values of 10 µg and 130 µg, respectively. Both the fractions were found to be toxic in a dose-dependent manner, inducing emesis at 0.5g onward and lethargy and mortality from 3-5 g upwards. Both the fractions combined with distilled water showed highly emetic activity. The significant increase in the number of vomits was shown by EAFCT plus distilled water which are 7.50±1.29, 7.25±3.10, and 11.75±2.22 number of vomits at 1g, 2g, and 3g/kg concentration respectively, while DCMFCT plus distilled water showed 5.25±2.22, 7.50±2.52 and 10.25±2.22 number of vomits at 1g, 2, and 3g/kg correspondingly. The antiemetic standard drug metoclopramide has a higher impact against the emesis induced by both the fractions than dimenhydrinate. Metoclopramide decreases the number of vomits caused by EAFCT to 1.00±0.00, 2.00±0.00, 4.00±1.00 at 1g, 2, and 3g/kg sequentially, while dimenhydrinate decreases the number of vomits to 1.33±0.58, 2.33±1.15, 4.33±0.58 at 1g, 2, and 3g respectively. In the same way, Metochloprimide decreases the number of emesis caused by DcmCt from 5.25±2.22, 7.50±2.52, 10.25±2.22 to 1.33±0.58, 2.33±1.1, 4.33±0.58 at 1g, 2, and 3g/kg concentrations. The present study is the first documented report that scientifically validates the folkloric use of Chrozophora tinctoria as an emetic agent.

Chemical divergence of the Juglans Regia L. across districts Swat and Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Juglans regia L. are nutritious fruit bearing plants mostly found in Northern areas of Pakistan. The population of walnuts was explored from district Dir and Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan for their geographical, climatic and chemical divergence. The geographical differences such as altitude, latitude and longitude whereas climatic differences viz. soil EC, soil pH, precipitations, intensity of light, temperature and soil temperature. In both districts TPC ranged from 211.2±0.6 to 227.8±0.4 mg/100g, RSA ranged from 43.32±1.5% to 52.18±0.4%, conductivity ranged from 296.43±0.6 to 312.22±0.3 S/m and elemental composition such as iron, copper, calcium, zinc and magnesium in Dir differs from 0.312±0.032, 0.209±0.13, 20.0±0.313, 0.406±0.10 and 10.2±0.030 mg/L to 0.543±0.65, 0.698±0.82, 28.7±0.234, 0.685±0.15 and 17.6±0.015 mg/L respectively. Altitude and temperature showed a correlation with total phenolics contents and radical scavenging activity while soil pH, precipitations, soil temperature, soil Ec and light intensity indicated a weak correlation with chemical traits of walnuts. Further studies of walnuts are needed to explore their therapeutically important phytochemicals to succeed naturally pharmaceutical nutrients of the maximum significance for the health of human beings.

A comprehensive review on the documented characteristics of four Reticulitermes termites (Rhinotermitidae, Blattodea) of China

Termites are known as social insects worldwide. Presently in China 473 species, 44 genera and 4 families of termites have been reported. Of them, 111 Reticulitermes species are widely spread in different zones of China. The dispersion flight season of these Chinese Reticulitermes species are usually started from February to June, but in some regions different species are distributed, sharing their boundaries and having overlapping flight seasons. These reasons become important sources of hybridization between two different heterospecific populations of termites. It was confirmed that the fertilized eggs and unfertilized eggs of some Reticulitermes termites have the capacity of cleavage. While the unfertilized eggs of R. aculabialis, R. chinensis and R. labralis cleaved normally and the only R. aculabialis unfertilized eggs develop in embryos. While, the R. flaviceps and R. chinensis were observed with their abnormal embryonic development, and not hatching of eggs parthenogenetically. They were reported more threatening to Chinese resources as they propagate with parthenogenesis, hybridization and sexual reproduction. Eggshell and macrophiles of eggs play important roles in species identification and control. Although, they are severe pests and cause a wide range of damages to wooden structures and products in homes, buildings, building materials, trees, crops, and forests in China's Mainland.

Effects of Pasturella Multocida B:2 and its immunogens (LPS and OMP) on reproductive hormones in Nili-Ravi Buffaloes

Abstract Livestock is a fundamental part of the agriculture industry in Pakistan and contributes more than 11.53% to GDP. Among livestock species, the buffaloes are regarded as the black gold of Pakistan. Being the highest milk producers globally, Nili-Ravi buffaloes are the most famous ones. Buffaloes are affected by many endemic diseases, and "Hemorrhagic septicemia" (HS) is one of them. This study was designed to ascertain the effects of experimental exposure ofP. multocida B:2 (oral) and its immunogens, i.e., LPS (oral and intravenous) and OMP (oral and subcutaneous) on reproductive hormonal profiles in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Repeated serum samples were collected from the jugular vein of experimental animals for 21 days (0, 02, 04, 08, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120, 168, 216, 264, 360, 456 and 504 hours). Hormonal assays to determine the serum concentrations of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) were performed using (MyBioSource) commercial Elisa kits. The hormonal profile of all treatment groups of the buffalo heifers exhibited significant (P<0.05) variations as compared to the control group (G-1). These results indicate suppression in Nili-Ravi buffaloes' reproductive hormonal profile on exposure to P. multocida B:2 and its immunogens. This influence warrants that exposure to H.S may be a possible reason for delayed puberty and poor reproduction performance in Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Ethnomedicinal and traditional uses of the Ferns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ferns are often used by indigenous people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This study was designed to collect the ethnomedicinal and traditional knowledge of these locals about this group of vascular plants. Forty taxa belong to nineteen genera and ten families are used in the treatment of different diseases. The Pteridaceae was the most representative family with twelve taxa (30%), followed by Athyriaceae and Dryopteridaceae with six taxa each (30%), and Thelypteridaceae with five taxa (12.5%). Regarding the genera, Adiantum, Asplenium and Dryopteris ranked first with four taxa each (30%), followed by Aleuritopteris, Diplazium, Pteris and Equisetum with three taxa each (30%), followed by Athyrium, Oeosporangium, Polystichum and Pseudophegopteris with two taxa each (20%). These taxa were commonly used in the treatment of respiratory disorders i.e. asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia; intestinal ulcer, stomach, urinary ailments and skin disorders by the methods of decoction and infusion. Traditional knowledge about ethnomedicinal plants is a valuable and essential source for the discovery of allopathic, herbal and homeopathic medicines.

Gender-based incidence, recovery period, and mortality rate of COVID-19 among the population of district Attock, Pakistan

COVID-19 is reported as an extremely contagious disease with common symptoms of fever, dry cough, sore throat, and tiredness. The published literature on incidence and gender-wise prevalence of COVID-19 is scarce in Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare the distribution, incubation period and mortality rate of COVID-19 among the male and female population of district Attock. The data were collected between 01 April 2020 and 07 December 2020 from the population of district Attock, Pakistan. A total of 22,962 individuals were screened and 843 were found positive for RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2. The confirmed positive cases were monitored carefully. Among the positive cases, the incidence of COVID-19 was 61.7% among males and 38.2% among females. The average recovery period of males was 18.89±7.75 days and females were 19±8.40 days from SARS-CoV-2. The overall mortality rate was 8.06%. The death rate of male patients was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to female patients. Also, the mortality rate was higher (P<0.05) in male patients of 40-60 years of age compared to female patients of the same age group. Moreover, the mortality rate significantly increased (P<0.05) with the increase of age irrespective of gender. In conclusion, the incidence and mortality rate of COVID-19 is higher in males compared to the female population. Moreover, irrespective of gender the mortality rate was significantly lower among patients aged <40 years.

Effect of microwave plasma treatment on magnetic and photocatalytic response of manganese ferrite nanoparticles for wastewater treatment

The conventionally synthesized nano-ferrite materials do not possess bulk properties, generally required for their use in mainstream industry. To make ferrite nanoparticles clinically applicable materials, it is important to have good control over morphology and optical properties of these materials. In this study, low-pressure microwave plasma was used to tailor the structural properties and surface chemistry of manganese ferrite nanoparticles. A facile sol-gel method was used to prepare cubic spinal structures of manganese ferrite nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were exposed to oxygen plasma sustained with a microwave source for improving their magnetic and photocatalytic activities. The techniques like XRD, SEM, PL, UV-Vis DRS, transient photocurrent response and EIS were used to characterize the samples. The plasma treated nanoparticles were used to degraded methyl blue (MB) dye in the solution. The photocatalytic activity showed 85% degradation of MB after 100 min of exposure of visible light. The second part of the paper studied the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles. The saturation magnetization decreased from 0.78 emu/g to 0.68 emu/g after plasma treatment of nanoparticles.

Histopathological alterations in gills, liver, kidney and muscles of Ictalurus punctatus collected from pollutes areas of River

Abstract Untreated sewage and industrial wastes from Faisalabad city are disposed to River Chenab through Chakbandi Main Drain (CMD). The present project is planned to investigate the effects of this freshwater pollution on the body of fish Ictalurus punctatus. The specimens of this fish species were collected upstream and downstream of the entrance of CMD into River Chenab. Fish gills, liver, kidney and muscles from dorsolateral regions of fish were subjected to histopathology. Farmed fish and fish from upstream areas were used as control. Fish collected from polluted experimental sites showed significant damage in selected organs. Gill tissues showed an abnormality in the form of an uplifting of the primary epithelium, fusion, vacuolation, hypertrophy, and necrosis. While liver tissues subjected to hepatocytes degeneration, necrosis, mitochondrial granular hepatocyte, and sinusoids dilation. Kidney tissues indicated increased bowmen space and constricted glomerulus and degenerated nephrons. Edema, necrosis, and atrophy were observed in muscle tissues of fish from polluted areas. Fish from the upstream area showed fused gill lamellae, inflammatory cell infiltration, hypertrophy and vacuolation in hepatocytes. Kidney tissues indicated the presence of nuclear tubular cells, destructive renal tubules, hemorrhage, and necrosis at tubular epithelium. Intra myofibril spaces were also observed in muscles. Specimens of control fish indicated no variation in gills, liver, kidney, and muscles. The present study revealed a strong correlation between the degree of tissue damage and environmental contamination. Present findings also compel global warnings to protect our water bodies and fish to rescue the human population.

Prevalence of and risk factors for respiratory symptoms in an adult urban population

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of and risk factors for respiratory symptoms in an adult urban Pakistani population.METHODS: We conducted a multi-stage, community-based, cross-sectional survey from May 2014 to August 2015, comprising 1629 adults from 75 random clusters in Karachi using questionnaire-based interviews.RESULTS: Around 60% of participants were females and 43% belonged to the >37 years age group. At least one respiratory symptom was reported by 37.5% of participants. Breathlessness was the most common symptom (25.2%, 95%CI 23.1-27.3), followed by acute wheeze (10.1%, 95%CI 8.7-11.7). Multivariable models revealed that males and those aged >37 years were more likely to report acute and chronic phlegm and bronchitis, and breathlessness. Participants with a higher level of education were less likely to report acute and chronic cough. Participants with >5 years pack-years of smoking were more likely to report acute and chronic cough and breathlessness. Other risk factors included passive smoking, regular use of air conditioning and mosquito coils, wet spots and mould in the house, and exposure to dusty jobs.CONCLUSION: We found breathlessness to be the most prevalent respiratory symptom and identified various risk factors for respiratory symptoms.

CYP1A2, 2A13, and 3A4 network and interaction with aflatoxin B1

Aspergillus fungi are known to produce aflatoxins, among which aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most potent carcinogen that is metabolised by cytochrome P450 (CYP450). In the liver, AFB1 is metabolised into exo-8,9-epoxide by the CYP1A2 enzymes. The resulting epoxide can react with guanine to cause DNA damage. Natural inhibitors are being identified. However, the modes of action are poorly understood. In the current study, we have investigated the mode of action of AFB1 with CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2A13 using molecular dynamic simulation (MD simulation) approaches. The interaction network and paths among CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2A13 have been investigated using the STRING database and PathLinker plugin of Cytoscape. CYP3A4 is the most active protein involved in interactions with AFB1 during its metabolism. Residues 362ARG, 445SER, 450LEU and 451PHE of CYP1A2 are important, interacting with AFB1 and converting it to toxic exo-AFB1-8,9-epoxide (AFBEX). The pathway shows that microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1) may acts as initiator in the signalling pathway where CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2A13 interact in a sequential order. The interaction network shows there to be a strong association in expression among CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2A13 along with other metabolising enzymes. The complex of AFB1 and CYP1A2 was found to be stable during the MD simulation. This study provides a better understanding of the mode of action between AFB1 and CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2A13 which relates to the effective management of AFB1 toxicity. EPHX1 in the protein network may be an ideal target when designing inhibitors to prevent the toxin’s activation. Peptide inhibitors may be designed to block the substrate site residues of CYP1A2 in order to prevent the conversion from AFB1 into AFBEX. This would either neutralise or reduce its toxicity.