A characteristic study of Zea mays L. (sweet corn) cobs for synthetic dye degradation from aqueous media

The current study reports a systematic methodology of Zea mays L. (sweet corn) cobs (ZMLC) for the sequestration of synthetic dye (gentian violet) from aqueous solutions. Adsorbent was scrutinized by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectrometry with pH_pzc determination. The impact of various adsorption parameters including pH effect, ZMLC (sorbent) dosage, temperature, concentration and shaking time was examined. The equilibrium sorption isotherms were determined by the batch method from 283 to 303 K at pH_pzc. Adsorption data were adjusted to four isothermal models: Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin's models, which presented the best adjustment to Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin's at 283 K. The kinetic profile fitted well to the pseudo-second order kinetic equation at three distinct concentrations 600, 700, 800 mg/L. Maximum sorption capacity was gained up to 700 mg.g^-1 for gentian violet at pH 3, respectively. The adsorption process is endothermic, non-spontaneous, favorable thermodynamically due to positive values of entropy and Gibbs free energy and randomness decreases during the adsorption process. Furthermore, after biosorption onto ZMLC the dye can be desorbed effectively by using mineral base KOH solution. Consequently, the ZMLC is said to be a promising biosorbent to remediate gentian violet-contaminated water as well as wastewater.

Salinity enrichment, sources and its contribution to elevated groundwater arsenic and fluoride levels in Rachna Doab, Punjab Pakistan: Stable isotope (δ2H and δ18O) approach as an evidence

The present study aimed at exploring the sources of salinity and the link it shares with the enrichment of As (arsenic) and F- (fluoride) in the groundwater of Rachna Doab. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were used as the measure of salinity to classify samples into three groups: TDS <1000 mg/L (freshwater), 1000-3000 mg/L (slightly saline) and 3000-10,000 mg/L (moderately saline). The stable isotope analysis (δ²H and δ¹⁸O relative to VSMOW) were used to explore the sources of salinity and a conceptual model, based on secondary data was used for comparing the current and past scenarios of groundwater salinization sources. Groundwater ion chemistry and geochemical modeling (PHREEQC) were used to develop a link between the occurrence of salinity and enrichment patterns of As and F- in the groundwater of study area. TDS, As and F- concentrations in groundwater ranged from 234 to 4557 mg/L, below detection limit to 240 μg/L and below detection limit to 3.9 mg/L, respectively. Mineral dissolution, ion exchange processes, and partial input of evaporation were identified as the factors affecting groundwater salinity in the region in accordance with the conceptual model developed based on secondary data. Groundwater salinity accounts as one of the factors that positively influence the enrichment of F- in groundwater, whereas As shows no clear relationship with saline groundwaters.

Characterization and role of derived dissolved organic matter on arsenic mobilization in alluvial aquifers of Punjab, Pakistan

Biogeochemical mobilization of arsenic in groundwater depends on the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) that likely promotes the As release, i.e., reductive dissolution, complexation, competition, and electron shuttling. We investigated the role of DOM in As release, along with its complete characterization, in the Indus plain of Pakistan, one of the worst arsenic impacted zones in the South Asian region. In total, 60 groundwater and 15 soil samples, collected at six sites from north to south within the flood plain of the Ravi River, Lahore, Pakistan were investigated. Arsenic concentration ranged from 9.61 μg/L to 386 μg/L in the groundwater samples (high As observed in areas close to the river). Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in 29 groundwater samples ranged between 0 and 10.1 mg-C/L. A moderately positive correlation of As with DOC and Fe in the northern part of the study area suggest the reductive dissolution of FeOOH associated with dissolved organic matter (DOM). The reductive dissolution plays an essential role for As enrichment in the area evidenced by the lower concentrations of SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, and PO₃^4-and a non-correlative pattern with As. In contrast, a positive correlation of As with PO₃^4-, DOC, and HCO₃^- in the southern part indicate competitive desorption behind the As release. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix intensity data of DOM indicate the maximum presence of humic-like substances in the northern part that gradually shifts to aromatic, fulvic and protein type towards the southern part. Specific ultraviolet absorbance and fluorescence index display aromatic and terrestrial (allochthonous) sources of DOM near the riverbank and mixed (both allochthonous and autochthonous) source away from the river. The positive correlations of As with DOC and fluorescence intensity also attest that DOM played a vital role in the As mobilization in groundwater of the study area.

Synthesis, characterization and docking studies of amide ligands as anti-leishmanial agents

Aim of this study was to synthesize new inhibitors on the basis of active site of aspartic protease enzyme and to evaluate their intended biological activity. A3D model of an enzyme was generated via homology modeling and series of novel amide ligands were synthesized by using a short high yield process, subsequently, analyzed in-silico and in-vitro anti-leishmanial activities. Characterization and identification was accomplished via NMR (H¹& C¹³), infrared and mass spectroscopic techniques. Among all compound (4) was found to show significant activity (IC₅₀ 58±0.01) against Leishmania major (L. major) species. Furthermore, docking studies confirmed the inhibition of a targeted enzyme that supported the interaction of potent compound (4) with key residues (aspartic protease) via hydrogen bonds. Present study conferred about novel compound (4) as a promising compound to antagonize L. major activities in future.

High levels of fluoride contamination in groundwater of the semi-arid alluvial aquifers, Pakistan: evaluating the recharge sources and geochemical identification via stable isotopes and other major elemental data

Hydrogeochemical methods were integrated to delineate the geochemical factors controlling fluoride (F^-) contamination in groundwater at four sites in the districts of Lahore (Samada) and Kasur (Sari Chimba, Kot Maiga, and Chah Fatehwala) in Panjab province of Pakistan. Hydrochemical data and stoichiometric ratios indicate Na-Cl and Na-HCO₃ as the dominant water types with silicate weathering influencing overall hydrogeochemistry of the study area. The groundwater F^- concentrations ranged between 0.54 mg/L and 17.5 mg/L, with more than 70% samples having F^- concentrations above the World Health Organization (WHO) provisional drinking water guideline (1.5 mg/L). Saturation indices determined that 100% samples were saturated with respect to calcite and 96% samples were undersaturated with respect to fluorite, indicating the influence of calcite precipitation on fluoride enrichment. A positive correlation was observed between fluoride with pH, Na⁺, and HCO₃^-, confirming that high fluoride concentrations were the result of weathering of silicate minerals and the exchange of OH^- on clay surface under the alkaline pH conditions. The isotopic values of δ¹⁸O and δ²H in groundwater ranged from 9.14 to - 5.51‰ and 56.57 to - 39.5‰, respectively. The stable isotope data indicated the meteoric origin of groundwater with some evaporative effect, which is partly influencing groundwater quality such as high pH and salinity, as a result facilitating anion exchange (OH^- for F^-) on clays surface. The research indicates that the groundwater quality of the study area is not recommendable for drinking due to its high total dissolved solids (TDS) and elevated fluoride concentrations.

Evaluation of different Pakistani medicinal plants for inhibitory potential against Echis carinatus induced Phospholipase A2 toxicity

Medicinal plants of Pakistan are known for their curative properties against snake bite as rural people have been using natural herbs for such injuries for hundreds to thousands of years. People of rural areas of Pakistan are prone to snakebite, and on the whole death due to snakebite has been increasing worldwide. The objective of this study was to test the neutralizing potential of 17 Pakistani medicinal plant extracts against phospholipase A2 activity in Echis carinatus venom. Plant material was extracted by simple maceration and fractionation of active plant extracts. Venom was collected by manual massage of the venom glands. The PLA2 enzymatic assay was performed to map out the venomous activity of Echis carinatus envenomation. Snake venom released fatty acids at different concentrations (0.1-5 mg/ml) of venom in a dose-dependent manner. Reduction of pH by 01 correlated with 133 μmol of fatty acids released at 5mg/ml of venom. All plants extract inhibited PLA2 activity, however, Curcuma longa, Citrullus colocynthis and Rubia cordifolia inhibited maximum of PLA2 activity (⁓78%) comparable to the standard antidote (p>0.5). Medicinal plants possess secondary metabolites and many active compounds that may have neutralizing or inhibiting properties against the PLA2 activity of Echis venom. Further studies such as compound analysis could provide an alternative against snakebites injuries resulting from Echis carinatus venom.

Numerical study of hydromagnetic axisymmetric peristaltic flow at high Reynolds number and wave number

The computational study of MHD peristaltic motion is investigated for axisymmetric flow problem. The developed model is present in the form of partial differential equations. Then obtained partial differential equations are transferred into stream-vorticity (ψ - ω) form. Then Galerkin Finite element method is used to find the computational results of governing problem. The current study is compared with the existing well-known results at low Reynolds number and wave number. It is revealed that the present results are in well agreement with existing results in the literature. So, it is effective for higher values of Reynolds number and wave number. The variations of streamline are present graphically against high Reynolds number. It concludes that high Reynolds number and Hartmann number increase pressure rise per unit wavelength in positive pumping region sharply.

Peritonitis from Leclercia adecarboxylata: An emerging pathogen

Leclercia adecarboxylata can be misidentified as Escherichia coli, due to similar biochemical properties. Automated identification systems and mass spectrometry play a very critical role in isolating atypical organisms like L adecarboxylata. General guidelines recommend treating L adecarboxylata peritonitis for 3 weeks without removal of peritoneal dialysis catheter.

Review: Therapeutic potential of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Enzymes are biological catalyst involve in different biochemical reactions. But over activation of these biomolecules can cause disease thus different inhibitors and knockout therapies are use in current clinical practice. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs), a group of ubiquitously expressed metalloenzymes, are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, ureagenesis, tumorigenicity and the growth and virulence of various pathogens. In addition to the established role of CA inhibitors (CAIs) as diuretics and antiglaucoma drugs, it has recently emerged that CAIs could have potential as novel anti-obesity, anticancer and anti-infective drugs. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that CA activation may provide a novel therapy for Alzheimer's disease. This article discusses the biological rationale for the novel uses of inhibitors or activators of CA activity in multiple diseases, and highlights progress in the development of specific modulators of the relevant CA isoforms, some of which are now being evaluated in clinical trials.

Vertical mixing with return irrigation water the cause of arsenic enrichment in groundwater of district Larkana Sindh, Pakistan

Stable isotopes ratios (‰) of Hydrogen (δ²H) and Oxygen (δ¹⁸O) were used to trace the groundwater recharge mechanism and geochemistry of arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater from four selected sites (Larkana, Naudero, Ghari Khuda Buksh and Dokri) of Larkana district. The stable isotope values of δ²H and δ¹⁸O range from 70.78‰ to -56.01‰ and from -10.92‰ to -7.35‰, relative to Vienna Standard for Mean Ocean Water (VSMOW) respectively, in all groundwater samples, thus indicating the recharge source of groundwater from high-salinity older water. The concentrations of As in all groundwater samples were ranged from 2 μg/L to 318 μg/L, with 67% of samples exhibited As levels exceeding than that of World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit 10 μg/L and 42% of samples expressed the As level exceeding than that of the National Environmental Quality Standard (NEQS) 50 μg/L. The leaching and vertical mixing with return irrigation water are probably the main processes controlling the enrichment of As in groundwater of Larkana, Naudero, Ghari Khuda Buksh and Dokri. The weathering of minerals mostly controlled the overall groundwater chemistry; rock-water interactions and silicate weathering generated yielded solutions that were saturated in calcite and dolomite in two areas while halite dissolution is prominent with high As area.

Aging phenotype(s) in kidneys of diabetic mice are p66ShcA dependent

The p66ShcA protein controls cellular responses to oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis. Here, we test the hypothesis that aging phenotype(s) commonly associated with the broad category of chronic kidney disease are accelerated in diabetic kidneys and linked to the p66ShcA locus. At the organ level, tissue stem cells antagonize senescent phenotypes by replacing old dysfunctional cells. Using established methods, we isolated a highly purified population of stem cell antigen-1-positive mesenchymal stem cells (Sca-1⁺ MSCs) from kidneys of wild-type (WT) and p66 knockout (p66 KO) mice. Cells were plated in culture medium containing normal glucose (NG) or high glucose (HG). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism was substantially increased in WT MSCs in HG medium in association with increased cell death by apoptosis and acquisition of the senescent phenotype. DNA microarray analysis detected striking differences in the expression profiles of WT and p66 KO-MSCs in HG medium. Unexpectedly, the analysis for p66 KO-MSCs revealed upregulation of Wnt genes implicated in self-renewal and differentiation. To test the in vivo consequences of constitutive p66 expression in diabetic kidneys, we crossed the Akita diabetic mouse with the p66KO mouse. Homozygous mutation at the p66 locus delays or prevents aging phenotype(s) in the kidney that may be precursors to diabetic nephropathy.

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evaluation of groundwater with elevated arsenic in alkaline aquifers in Eastern Punjab, Pakistan

Geochemical investigation was carried out for delineating factors responsible for the mobilization of arsenic (As) from aquifer material into the groundwater. Four sites along Ravi River, (Samada, Sarai Chimba, Kot Maiga and Chah Fatehwala), were selected based on the blanket survey. Groundwater-rock interaction and evaporation were the key phenomena controlling groundwater chemistry, as shown by the hydrogeochemical data. Groundwater was predominantly Na-Cl type, with other principle facies being Na-HCO₃, Na-Ca-HCO₃ and Ca-Mg-Cl. The groundwater As concentration ranged between below detection level (2 μg/L) to 548 μg/L with 59% samples exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for As in drinking water (10 μg/L) and 31% having higher concentrations than the National Environmental Quality Standard (NEQS, 50 μg/L). Moderate to high concentrations of SO₄^-2 averaged at 244 mg/L and moderate NO₃^- concentrations averaged at 8 mg/L, together with alkaline pH (7.3-8.8) and high Eh values (113-402 mV) suggest partial oxidizing nature of the aquifers. The values for δ ¹⁸O and δ ²H in groundwater varied between -9.14 and -5.51‰, and -56.57 to -39.5‰ respectively, and suggests meteoric origin of the groundwater with some evaporative loss. This effect could be partly responsible for elevated levels of pH and salinity in groundwater. Based on geochemical and isotopic composition of groundwater, desorption of As from metal surfaces under alkaline environment might be the factor causing As enrichment in study area.

Lethal toxic Dose (i.p LD50), total protein contents and comparative hemolytic potential of (99mTc labeled & non-labeled) Naja naja karachiensis venom

Recent recognition about snake bite envenomation on June, 2017 as neglected tropical disease under category-A by World Health Organization advocated again its undeniable importance. Present circumstances reasoned to work on a neglected subspecies of Naja naja, i.e., Naja naja karachiensis (N. n. karachensis) has been documented for frequent deaths in Pakistan. In this study median lethal toxic dose (LD₅₀) was determined intraperitoneally in Swiss albino mice and was found to be 2.0µg/g (2.0mg/kg) equal in potency to Naja pallida (red spitting African cobra). Total protein contents (188±0.011µg / 200µg of dry weight) were high enough (94%) to represent an arsenal of proteins. Furthermore, ^99mTc was labeled 99.9% with venom and didn't find to alter hemolytic activity of venom in dose dependent manner at 125μg/ml (p>0.5), 250 μg/ml (p>0.1) and 500 μg/ml (p>0.1) when compared with its crude form. Present work will pave the way for proteomics study in effective production of antidote against specific species of snakes as dare demand of it has been felt since long period of time in Pakistan.

BA. Biological activity of Terminalia arjuna on Human Pathogenic Microorganisms

World’s population relies chiefly on traditional medicinal plants, using their extracts or active constituents. Terminalia arjuna of family Combretaceae reported to be effective as aphrodisiac, expectorant, tonic, styptic, antidysenteric, sweet, acrid, purgative, laxative, astringent, diuretic, astringent, cirrhosis, cardioprotective and cancer treatment.   In present study, antibacterial, antifungal, brine shrimp lethality and phytotoxic effect of Terminalia arjuna was performed. Our results showed that methanolic extract of Terminalia arjuna leaves has moderate antifungal effect against Microsporm canis and fruit extract possess good antibacterial activity against Staphylococus aureus  and  Preudomonas aeroginosa. Moreover, Dichloromethane extract of Terminalia arjuna bark and fruit posses moderate phytotoxic activity. 

Geochemical assessment of metal pollution and ecotoxicology in sediment cores along Karachi Coast, Pakistan

This paper is an attempt to compare the pollution status in two sediment cores, one from a polluted site (Ghizri Creek) and another from a relatively unpolluted site (Sandspit). Sediment cores (45 cm in length) from coastal locations were characterized in terms of grain size, sediment composition, pH, organic matter, calcium carbonate, and metal element contents. Metal elements, including Al, Ca, Cr, Co Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Ti, and Zn, were determined using PIXE. Grain size analysis and sediment composition demonstrated a sandy nature of both cores. Acidic trend in sediment core I was predominant from bottom to top, whereas neutral pH was observed throughout core II. TOC values varied in the range of 1.23-2.68 and 1.14-2.60% in core I and core II, respectively; however, there was an increasing trend in TOC level from bottom to top. The values of enrichment factor for Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Pb, and Cr were slightly higher in core I than core II. The average geo-accumulation index values for core I and core II showed that sediments were moderately Co- and Pb-polluted but not polluted with Mg, Al, Ca, K, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ti, V, and Zn. The degree of contamination was however considerably higher in core I relative to core II. The pollution load index values, although showing an increasing trend from bottom to top in both cores, overall rendered the marine sediment pollution free. The metal toxicology results demonstrated that heavy metal pollution, except Cr, may pose low to moderate risk to marine biota. The sum of toxic unit values however indicated that sediment core I was relatively more polluted than that of core II.

Posttransplant nephrocalcinosis is associated with poor renal allograft function: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Nephrocalcinosis, characterized by intratubular and/or parenchymal deposition of calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate crystals, is frequently seen in renal allograft biopsies; however, the clinical consequence of this histologic finding remains unknown. Kidney transplant recipients with good allograft function usually demonstrate improvement in biochemical parameters; however, persistent hyperparathyroidism remains prevalent in this population of patients. We identified renal allografts with nephrocalcinosis and evaluated the effects on renal allograft function and survival.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, retrospective review of kidney allograft biopsies performed at our center from December 1, 2006 to November 30, 2012. Biopsies with nephrocalcinosis as the primary diagnosis were included in the final analysis. Biochemical parameters at the time of biopsy included serum creatinine, phosphate, calcium, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and albumin. Serum creatinine was measured at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after nephrocalcinosis was diagnosed. The use of calcimimetics, vitamin D analogs, active vitamin D, and bisphosphonates was also reviewed.

RESULTS

We identified 12 patients with nephrocalcinosis as the primary diagnosis on renal biopsy. The average age of these patients was 52.2 ± 11.9 years, and the average time since transplantation was 2.3 ± 2.7 years. The baseline serum creatinine was 1.37 ± 0.4 mg/dL before the onset of acute kidney injury (AKI). Mean iPTH and 25-hydroxy vitamin D at the time of AKI were 495.66 ± 358.9 pg/mL and 19.9 ± 13.3 ng/mL, respectively. Renal function deteriorated in all patients, and mean serum creatinine at 12-month follow up was 2.37 ± 1.3 mg/dL (P=0.028). One patient progressed to end-stage renal disease at the end of the study period.

CONCLUSION

The histologic finding of nephrocalcinosis is associated with poor renal allograft function. Metabolic abnormalities including hyperparathyroidism persist in renal allograft recipients despite normal allograft function and may be associated with the development of nephrocalcinosis in renal transplant recipients.