Ethnomedicinal uses of plants for various diseases in the remote areas of Changa Manga Forest, Pakistan

Abstract This study aims at reporting the indigenous knowledge of the medicinal flora from the inhabitants of surroundings of the World’s largest artificial planted forest “Changa Manga”, Pakistan. Data were collected by direct interviews and group meetings from 81 inhabitants including 32 local healers having information regarding the use of indigenous medicinal plants over a period of one year. Different statistical tools were applied to analyze the data including Frequency citation (FC), Relative frequency citation (RFC), Use Value, Factor of informants consensus and fidelity level. This study reported 73 plant species belonging to 37 plant families and 46 genera. The majority of plant species belong to compositae family. The most commonly used medicinal plants were P. hysterophorus L., P. dactylifera L., S. indicum L, P. harmala L., P. emblica L., and A. indica A.Juss. The greatest number of species was used to cure gastrointestinal disorders. The highest fidelity level (68.18%) was of E. helioscopia to cure gastrointestinal disorders. Maximum fresh uses (17) were reported by C. dactylon (L.) Pars. While the highest number of species reporting fresh uses in similar number was 13. In this study, five novel plants are being reported for the first time in Pakistan for their ethnomedicinal worth. Our data reflect unique usage of the medicinal plants in the study area. The statistical tools used in the study proved useful in pointing the most important and disease category specific plants. High use value plant and the new reported medicinal plants might prove an important source of the isolation of pharmacologically active compounds.

An overview of floral regulatory genes in annual and perennial plants

The floral initiation in angiosperms is a complex process influenced by endogenous and exogenous signals. With this approach, we aim to provide a comprehensive review to integrate this complex floral regulatory process and summarize the regulatory genes and their functions in annuals and perennials. Seven primary paths leading to flowering have been discovered in Arabidopsis under several growth condition that include; photoperiod, ambient temperature, vernalization, gibberellins, autonomous, aging and carbohydrates. These pathways involve a series of interlinked signaling pathways that respond to both internal and external signals, such as light, temperature, hormones, and developmental cues, to coordinate the expression of genes that are involved in flower development. Among them, the photoperiodic pathway was the most important and conserved as some of the fundamental loci and mechanisms are shared even by closely related plant species. The activation of floral regulatory genes such as FLC, FT, LFY, and SOC1 that determine floral meristem identity and the transition to the flowering stage result from the merging of these pathways. Recent studies confirmed that alternative splicing, antisense RNA and epigenetic modification play crucial roles by regulating the expression of genes related to blooming. In this review, we documented recent progress in the floral transition time in annuals and perennials, with emphasis on the specific regulatory mechanisms along with the application of various molecular approaches including overexpression studies, RNA interference and Virus-induced flowering. Furthermore, the similarities and differences between annual and perennial flowering will aid significant contributions to the field by elucidating the mechanisms of perennial plant development and floral initiation regulation.

Rehabilitation post-COVID-19: cross-sectional observations using the Stanford Hall remote assessment tool

INTRODUCTION

The multisystem COVID-19 can cause prolonged symptoms requiring rehabilitation. This study describes the creation of a remote COVID-19 rehabilitation assessment tool to allow timely triage, assessment and management. It hypotheses those with post-COVID-19 syndrome, potentially without laboratory confirmation and irrespective of initial disease severity, will have significant rehabilitation needs.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of consecutive patients referred by general practitioners (April-November 2020). Primary outcomes were presence/absence of anticipated sequelae. Binary logistic regression was used to test association between acute presentation and post-COVID-19 symptomatology.

RESULTS

155 patients (n=127 men, n=28 women, median age 39 years, median 13 weeks post-illness) were assessed using the tool. Acute symptoms were most commonly shortness of breath (SOB) (74.2%), fever (73.5%), fatigue (70.3%) and cough (64.5%); and post-acutely, SOB (76.7%), fatigue (70.3%), cough (57.4%) and anxiety/mood disturbance (39.4%). Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were 69% and 63% less likely to have anxiety/mood disturbance and pain, respectively, at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Rehabilitation assessment should be offered to all patients suffering post-COVID-19 symptoms, not only those with laboratory confirmation and considered independently from acute illness severity. This tool offers a structure for a remote assessment. Post-COVID-19 programmes should include SOB, fatigue and mood disturbance management.

Evaluation of potential inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase, pancreatic lipase, and cancer cell lines using raw leaves extracts of three fabaceae species

The present study examined the biological potential and phytochemicals of Sophora mollis, Mucuna pruriens, and Indigofera atropurpurea methanolic leaf extracts. In vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-lipase assays were performed using different concentrations of plant extracts, and the IC₅₀ values were determined. The cytotoxic potential of the selected plant extracts was assessed against HeLa, PC3, and 3T3 cell lines using an MTT assay. S. mollis leaf extract displayed the highest inhibition percentage (114.60% ± 19.95 at 1000 μg/mL) for the anti-acetylcholinesterase activity with a prominent IC₅₀ value of 75.9 μg/mL. The anti-lipase potential was highest with the M. pruriens leaf extract (355.5 μg/mL IC₅₀), followed by the S. mollis extract (862.7 μg/mL IC₅₀). Among the cell lines tested, the cytotoxic potential of the I. atropurpurea extract (91.1 ppm IC₅₀) against the PC3 cell line was promising. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, rutin trihydrate, and quercetin dihydrate in varying concentrations in all plant species. The concentration of chlorogenic acid (69.09 ppm) was highest in M. pruriens, and the caffeic acid concentration (45.20 ppm) was higher in S. mollis. This paper reports the presence of bioactive therapeutic compounds in selected species of the Fabaceae family that could be micro-propagated, isolated, and utilized in pharmaceutical industries.

Human Health and Ecological Risks Associated with Total and Bioaccessible Concentrations of Cadmium and Lead in Urban Park Soils

This study investigated the total and bioaccessible concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in urban soils and their associated human health and ecological risk. Total and bioaccessible metal concentrations were found within the safe limits except for Cd, surpassing the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) China limit in 9.5% of parks. Bioaccessible concentrations were higher in the gastric (G) phase than the intestinal (I) phase, while Cd showed more bioaccessibility compared to Pb. Bioaccessible concentrations reduced Hazard Quotient (HQ_ing) values by 2-22 times and 0-2 times for children and adults, respectively, while hazard index (HI) declined by 1.7 times, and the mean total bioaccessible risk of Pb decreased by 20.8 times. Further, the study revealed a low level of contamination factor (CF < 1) and a low degree of contamination (CD < 6), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) values for all the cities were less than 150, indicating low ecological risk.

Changing characteristics of post-COVID-19 syndrome: Cross-sectional findings from 458 consultations using the Stanford Hall remote rehabilitation assessment tool

BACKGROUND

In the UK, there have been multiple waves of COVID-19, with a five-tier alert system created to describe the transmission rate and appropriate restrictions. While acute mortality decreased, there continued to be a significant morbidity, with individuals suffering from persistent, life-restricting symptoms for months to years afterwards. A remote rehabilitation tool was created at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall to assess post-COVID-19 symptoms and their impact on the UK military.This study aims to understand changes in post-COVID-19 syndrome between wave 1 and wave 2, identify interactions between alert level and symptoms and investigate any predictive nature of acute symptoms for postacute symptomology in a young, physically active population.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 458 consecutive remote rehabilitation assessments performed at DMRC Stanford Hall between 2 April 2020 and 29 July 2021. Consultations were coded, anonymised, and statistical analysis was performed to determine associations between acute and postacute symptoms, and between symptoms, alert levels and waves.

RESULTS

435 assessments were eligible; 174 in wave 1 and 261 in wave 2. Post-COVID-19 syndrome prevalence reduced from 43% to 2% between the waves. Acutely, widespread pain was more prevalent in wave 2 (p<0.001). Postacutely, there was increased anxiety (p=0.10) in wave 1 and increased sleep disturbance (p<0.001), memory/concentration issues (p<0.001) and shortness of breath/cough (p=0.017) in wave 2. Increasing alert level was associated with increased postacute symptom prevalence (p=0.046), with sleep disturbance increasing at higher alert level (p=0.016). Acute symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbance and myalgia, were associated with multiple postacute symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports the overall prevalence and symptom burden in the UK military in the first two waves of COVID-19. By reporting differences in COVID-19 in different waves and alert level, this study highlights the importance of careful assessment and contextual understanding of acute and postacute illnesses for individual management plans.

Evaluation of Safety of Stewart’s Wood Fern (Dryopteris stewartii) and its Anti-Hyperglycemic Potential in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice

Diabetes has become a critical challenge to the global health concerns. Cytotoxicity and development of resistance against available drugs for management of diabetes have shifted the focus of global scientific researchers from synthetic to herbal medications. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the possible anti-hyperglycemic potential of Dryopteris stewartii using Swiss albino mice. To evaluate any possible toxic effect of the plant, acute oral toxicity test was performed while the anti-diabetic effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts at 500 mg/kg, positive, negative and normal control were assessed simultaneously. The anti-diabetic study revealed that aqueous extract has higher anti-diabetic potential than ethanol extract while lowered blood glucose level at second week reaching 150 mg/dL, exerting stronger anti-diabetic effects, compared to ethanol extract (190 mg/dL). Oral glucose tolerance findings revealed that aqueous extract decreased blood glucose level by −0.41-fold, compared to ethanol extract showing a decrease by only −0.29-folds. The histopathological evaluation of liver and pancreas of all groups revealed normal cell architecture with no morphological abnormalities. These results suggested the possible use of D. stewartii as anti-diabetic herbal drug in near future. However, these recommendations are conditioned by deep mechanistic studies.

Epidemiology and impact of frailty in patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a medical syndrome characterised by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. Data regarding the relationship between frailty and atrial fibrillation (AF) are still inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to perform a comprehensive evaluation of frailty in a large European cohort of AF patients.

METHODS

A 40-item frailty index (FI) was built according to the accumulation of deficits model in the AF patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Association of baseline characteristics, clinical management, quality of life, healthcare resources use and risk of outcomes with frailty was examined.

RESULTS

Among 10,177 patients [mean age (standard deviation) 69.0 (11.4) years, 4,103 (40.3%) females], 6,066 (59.6%) were pre-frail and 2,172 (21.3%) were frail, whereas only 1,939 (19.1%) were considered robust. Baseline thromboembolic and bleeding risks were independently associated with increasing FI. Frail patients with AF were less likely to be treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.89), especially with non-vitamin K antagonist OACs and managed with a rhythm control strategy, compared with robust patients. Increasing frailty was associated with a higher risk for all outcomes examined, with a non-linear exponential relationship. The use of OAC was associated with a lower risk of outcomes, except in patients with very/extremely high frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of AF patients, there was a high burden of frailty, influencing clinical management and risk of adverse outcomes. The clinical benefit of OAC is maintained in patients with high frailty, but not in very high/extremely frail ones.

Application of green silver nanoparticles synthesized from the red seaweeds Halymenia porphyriformis and Solieria robusta against oral pathogenic bacteria by using microscopic technique

Aqueous extracts of two red seaweeds Halymenia porphyriformis and Solieria robusta were used to synthesize green silver nanoparticles. These biogenic nanoparticles were tested against four strains of oral pathogenic bacteria which cause tooth decay or cavities. Staphylococcus aureus (MT416445), Streptococcus viridans (MT416448), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT416447) and Lactobacillus brevis (MT416446) were used. Characterization of AgNPs was done by UV-Visible spectroscopy, SEM, XRD and FTIR. XRD analysis revealed the crystalline nature of the particles. The size analysis by XRD of the green AgNPs by H. porphyriformis indicated it had smaller particles, 15.23 nm, when compared to AgNPs by S. robusta (17 nm). Both green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed moderate antibacterial activity against all strains of bacteria, except L. acidophilus. Both particles showed their maximum zone of inhibition against L. acidophilus at a lower concentration of 50 and 100 μg. However, it was concluded that silver nanoparticles of H. porphyriformis are more effective than that of S. robusta due to their smaller size.

Pollen morphology and its implication in the taxonomy of some selected taxa of the bi and tri-ovulate Euphorbiaceae of the Hainan Island by using multiple microscopic techniques

The family Euphorbiaceae is one of the most taxonomically complex and diverse family among the angiosperm. Therefore, this study aims to document the pollen morphology of the Euphorbiaceae taxa collected from different geographical regions of the Hainan Island South China, to strengthen the taxonomy and support the subfamilial classification. The Euphorbiaceae includes 23 species and 10 genera of the bi-ovulate subfamily Phyllanthoideae and tri-ovulate Crotonoideae, Euphorbioideae, and Acalyphoideae were examined under light and scanning electron microscopy. The principal component analysis was performed by using six variables to show variation and relationships between the species. A significant variation was found in the pollen morphology (exine and colpus sculpturing). The croton-type pattern of the pollen was found the diagnostic trait of the Crotonoideae. The Euhphorboideae taxa were mostly homogenous however, variation was found in the muri pattern. The Acalyphoideae, have fossulate scabrate and verrucate exine sculpturing that can delimit from the rest of sub-families. The Phyllanthoideae, showed reticulate exine, tri to tetra-colporate having various colpus morphology. The maximum pollen size was found in Croton hirtus (59.49 × 60.86 μm) and minimum in Acalypha indica (10.86 × 73 μm). Similarly, the maximum colpus width was observed in Euphorbia pulcherrima (8.3 μm). Hence pollen traits have relevance in the taxonomy and phylogenetic of the family to define species boundaries at various taxonomic levels. This study can support and strengthen the taxonomy of subfamilies and fill the palynological gap of these taxa in Hainan Island and will contribute to future systematic studies of the Euphorbiaceae.

Authentication of the therapeutic Lamiaceae taxa by using pollen traits observed under scanning electron microscopy

Herbal medicines are gaining popularity worldwide for human healthcare because of their therapeutic potential. However, adulteration and use of unauthentic raw herbals as substitutes have become a major issue for the local communities and industry for reasons of safety and efficacy. Therefore, the authentication of medicinal plants before their use in herbal medicines is a need of time. Hence, the present study was designed with an aim, to authenticate the therapeutic Lamiaceous taxa by using pollen traits observed under scanning electron microscopy. Pollen micro-morphological studies solve the problem through discrimination and correct identification of the Lamiaceae species from the adulterants. Based on pollen features, Lamiaceae were further divided into two sub-families Lamioideae (tricolpate) and Nepetoideae (hexa-colpate). The pollen grains of Lamioideae were found as small to medium-sized, tricolpate, radially/bilateral symmetrical, sub-spheroidal and oblate shape. Besides, exine patterns bireticulate, reticulate and micro-reticulate, colpus surface sculpturing as psilate, gemmate, scabrate, and verrucate have also been reported. A significant variation was found in the pattern of the reticulum, thickness, and the number of secondary lumina per primary lumen. Similarly, Nepetoideae has a hexa zono-colpate pollen but tri and tetra zono-colpate pollen have also been observed. Hence, this study contributes to the authentication and correct identification of medicinally important Lamiaceae taxa by using scanning electron microscopic techniques and can help to solve the adulteration problem. Highlights Authentication of medicinally important Lamiceous taxa was carried out through scanning electron microscopic techniques. Chemotaxonomic characterization was used for the accurate identification of the therapeutic taxa. The medicinal, palynological and phytochemical significance of Lamiaceae taxa were evaluated. A significant variation was seen in the palynological traits that help in the determination and authentication of the therapeutic Lamiaceous species. Based on the chemotaxonomic characterization, our study can help to solve the adulteration problem for the reason of safety and efficacy.

Pollen morphology and its taxonomic potential in some selected taxa of Caesalpiniaceae observed under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy

Pollen micromorphology is not only used to check the functional and structural evolution in plants but also to solve the taxonomic problem related to the classification of plants. Therefore, keeping in view the significance of pollen traits, selected taxa of the subfamily Caesalpiniaceae was collected from different geographical regions of Pakistan. The species were then analyzed under both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques to investigate the importance of micromorphological characters of pollen in the identification and classification of species. Great variation was recorded in equatorial shape, surface ornamentation, tectum, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, and exine thickness. However, little variation was observed in pollen type, polar shape, and fertility of pollen. The equatorial shape of five types was observed: prolate, prolate-spheroidal, spheroidal-subprolate, subspheroidal-prolate, and subspheroidal. Four types of surface ornamentation, psilate, granulate, clavate, and perforate, were recorded. Tectum of five types, intactate, reticulate regulate, medium reticulate, tactate, and striate, was observed. Sexine was thicker than nexine in all studied species. The largest polar diameter was observed in Caesalpinia pulcherrima 64.1 μm while the smallest in Parkinsonia aculeata 26.1 μm. The largest equatorial diameter was found in C. pulcherrima of 70.25 μm whereas the smallest in P. aculeata 27.57 μm. All the pollens analyzed were tricolporate. All studied species have a fertility ratio of more than 90%. A taxonomic key was developed to show the variation in pollen features and delimit species for the correct identification. In conclusion, the pollen traits were found useful to define species boundaries at various taxonomic ranks and will strengthen the taxonomy of this subfamily. Besides, this study also explored the palynological traits and their implication in the taxonomy of the subfamily Caesalpiniaceae.

Toxicological effects of the chemical and green ZnO NPs on Cyprinus carpio L. observed under light and scanning electron microscopy

Nanoparticles in aquatic bodies cause serious harm to the aquatic organisms when accumulated in high amounts. However, green nanoparticles synthesized using plants can be less toxic as compared to chemical nanoparticles. Hence, we designed our study to investigate the toxicological effects of chemical and green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the biological activity of juvenile Cyprinus carpio. The green ZnO NPs were synthesized from Solieria robusta, and chemical ZnO NPs were synthesized using zinc chloride solution and ammonium hydroxide. Characterization was done by using light microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transmission infrared radiation, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The highest absorbance of nanoparticles was observed at 360 which confirmed the synthesis of ZnO. The SEM analysis showed that green nanoparticles were hexagonal while the chemical nanoparticles were spherical to cubic in shape. Definite peaks were observed in XRD of green and chemical NPs at 2θ angles 45.84° and 32.18°, respectively. Oxidative stress was determined by chemical analysis of catalase, glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) activities. The toxicological effects of chemical ZnO NPs on the catalase, LPO, GST, and GSH activities were more than green ZnO NPs. The histopathological investigation proved that the effect of chemical nanoparticles was worse than green ZnO NPs. More tissue damage was found in chemical nanoparticles than green synthesized nanoparticles. It was concluded that chemical nanoparticles can be replaced by green nanoparticles, as green nanoparticles are eco-friendly with less toxicological effects. This replacement can limit the toxic effect of nanoparticles when they get accumulated in high amounts in water bodies.

Palynomorphological diversity among the Asteraceous honeybee flora: An aid to the correct taxonomic identification using multiple microscopic techniques

This study aimed to characterize the palynological morphology of melliferous species of family Asteraceae belonged to seven tribes which were categorized into 15 genera and were studied under light and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured, and described qualitatively. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis. The species were analyzed considering 11 quantitative pollen characteristics. The study revealed that the pollen grains are circular, triangular, angular, semi-angular, quadrangular, pentagonal and hexagonal amb, and 3-colporate or 3-colpate. The size of the pollen is variable among the species, ranged from 56.1 to 23.2 μm. Three pollen types: oblate spheroidal (eight species), prolate spheroidal (six species), and suboblate (two species) were observed. The surface pattern of the exine varies from echinoperforate, echinate, echinate microperforate, fenestrate, echinoperforate reticulate, microreticulate, echinate perforate, tectate, and scabrate. Exine thickness was calculated minimum in Cichorium intybus (2.47 μm) and maximum in Taraxacum campylodes (5.15 μm). A key to studied bee floral species, based on the morphological features of pollen grains, is also provided. The palynomorphological characters here analyzed can be potentially used to correctly identify the Asteraceous honeybee floral species most commonly plants visited by honeybees in the study area.

Traditional knowledge about medicinal plant in the remote areas of Wari Tehsil, Dir Upper, Pakistan

Traditional medicine is cheaper and easily available to local people, to care for most frequent diseases in the Northern parts of Pakistan. Our study aimed at inventorying medicine from local plants, documenting their uses, and assessing their market value in 2015-2018 during spring, summer, and winter seasons. A total of 15 trips were made, 5 in each season. Semi-structured interviews with 165 inhabitant's age range between 20-80 years were conducted, analyzed the data is analyzed using Relative frequency of citation(RFC), Use Value(UV), Fidelity Level(FL), Informants consensus factor(ICF), and Jaccard index(JI) to find the most frequent and well-known used species in the area. A total of 86 species belonging to 39 vascular plant families, 33 genera were documented as medicinally important. Family Asteraceae was observed as the dominant family among all the families with 10 species, the leaf was the most used parts and decoction 36% was the most preferred preparation type. Herb was the predominant life form (67%). The maximum UV (0.92) was demonstrated by J. adhatoda L. species, while A. sativum L. shows maximum RFC (0.58), the highest ICF value represented by diarrhea and dermatitis 0.92, and high FL value is recorded 100%. According to our collections, wild species were 45%, invasive species were 38% and cultivated 17% recorded, dicots species were recorded more 81%. Seven 7 medicinal species is being economically important and export to the local and international market of the world, whereas P. integrima L. species were the most exported species according to the local dealers. The investigated area is rural and the local people depend on the area's plants for their health needs, and other uses like a vegetable, fuelwood, fodder, etc. The current result of RFC, UV, ICF, FL, and JI shows that medicinal flora needs to be pharmacologically and phytochemically investigated to prove their efficacy. The documentation of medicinal knowledge is important to preserve this precious old knowledge before it is lost forever, due to technological and environmental changes in the world.

Chemo-taxonomic and biological potential of highly therapeutic plant Pedicularis groenlandica Retz. using multiple microscopic techniques

Pedicularis groenlandica is one of the most important medicinal plant of Deosai Plateau (Gilgit-Baltistan) Pakistan. The present study was aim to evaluate the micromorphological features, phytochemical screening and pharmacological potential of P. groenlandica by using multiple microscopic techniques. Six different solvents were used to prepare P. groenlandica extracts. Phytochemical and antioxidant activities were determined calorimetrically. To investigate antidiabetic, α-amylase inhibition assay was performed. Cytotoxicity was tested using brine shrimp assay. Anti-leishmanial via MTT assay. Disc-diffusion assay was used for protein kinase inhibitory, antibacterial and antifungal activities. Palyno-anatomical study showed significant variation for the authentication and correct identification of this highly therapeutic plant by using light and scanning electron microscopic techniques. All extracts were found rich in phytochemicals, significant amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents were found in methanol extract (PGM) 95.78 mg GAE/g and 66.90 mg QE/g. Highest DPPH scavenging potential with IC₅₀ 88.65 μg/mL, total antioxidant capacity (60.33 mg AAE/g sample) and total reducing power (83.97 mg AAE/g) were found for PGM. Disc-diffusion method showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities. Noticeable growth inhibition in L. tropica was displayed by n-hexane extract (IC₅₀ 112 μg/mL). Brine shrimp with highest LD₅₀ (67.65 μg/mL) in ethyl-acetate extract. Ethanol extract gives persuasive protein kinase inhibition (26 mm) against Streptomyces 85-E hyphae. Highest alpha-amylase inhibition (74.10%) was found in n-hexane extract. In conclusion, our findings scientifically support the ethno-medicinal and biological potential of P. groenlandica. In future, the plant needs to be explored for further identification and isolation of bioactive compounds to develop new drugs to treat several aliments.

Effect of necrotrophic fungus and PGPR on the comparative histochemistry of Vigna radiata by using multiple microscopic techniques

Rapid advances in the field of pathogen detection have opened new opportunities and better understanding for their management approaches. Aim of this study was to elucidate histopathological observations of different tissues affected by Macrophomina phaseolina and to observe the defense responses of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in mungbean plants. Sections of the stem and root were prepared and stained with ferric chloride, Lugol's iodine and Wiesner's reagent and were then observed under multiple microscopic techniques. Results revealed that both pathogen and PGPR produce responses on the plant that include colonization of xylem vessels by hyphae and sclerotia, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the cells, destruction of xylem fibers and amyloplasts in parenchymatous cells; and production of gels by the plant were observed. There was a significant increase in lignin and phenolic compounds deposition in stem and root sections of PGPR treated and non-treated mungbean plants. Whereas the soil amended with PGPR showed very less to no starch production. Moreover, production of gels and gums were also observed in both stem and root sections. Compared to light microscopy, scanning electron microscope provided greater depth of focus and resolution of the pathogen attack on plant tissues, associated bacteria. As a whole, the data demonstrated that inoculation of PGPR can be an effective strategy to stimulate plant growth and they could significantly activate disease resistance against M. phaseolina.

Pollen micromorphology of eastern Chinese Polygonatum and its role in taxonomy by using scanning electron microscopy

Although considerable progress has recently been made in the taxonomic study of Asparagaceae, but the Polygonatum remains one of the most poorly investigated genus. Therefore, the present study was designed with the aim, to document the pollen micromorphology of closely related Polygonatum taxa and its taxonomic significance. Pollen micro-morphological features were observed using scanning electron microscopy-SEM). The pollen grains are monad, navicular, monocolpate, and radially symmetrical. A significant variation was observed in the exine sculpturing. Moreover, most of the Polygonatum taxa have perforate pollen while some of them were mixed with psilate to perforate, perforate to microreticulate, sometimes scabrate, gemmate with baculate. Hence, this study documented the pollen morphology of Polygonatum taxa and strengthens the taxonomic identification of the genus Polygonatum based on pollen characters, which helps and can be used as an additional tool for the correct identification and discrimination of the species of Polygonatum at generic and species level.

Comparative evaluation of the toxicological effect of silver salt (AgNO3 ) and silver nanoparticles on Cyprinus carpio synthesized by chemicals and marine algae using scanning electron microscopy

The widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) results in the unintentional release into the water body. Therefore, understanding of the potentially harmful impacts of AgNPs and Ag-salt on aquatic animals is a need of time. This study was design to analyze the oxidative stress and histopathological damages in Cyprinus carpio. The synthesis of AgNPs from Halymenia porphyraeformis and by reduction of chemical was done. Nanoparticles were characterized with UV-Visible spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis. The comparative toxicological effect of chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ch-AgNPs), green silver nanoparticles (Gr-AgNPs), and Ag-salt on C. carpio was analyzed. For oxidative stress analysis, different tests Lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase, glutathione reduction (GST), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were performed. The highest LPO 245.168 ± 0.034 was recorded in Ch-AgNPs-treated gills and the lowest 56.4532 ± 0.02 was found in Gr-AgNPs-treated liver. Maximum GSH 56.4065 ± 0.13 was observed in Gr-AgNPs liver and minimum 40.781 ± 0.54 was recorded in Ag-salt gills. The maximum quantity of catalase 68.0162 ± 0.09 was noted in the Ag-salt-treated liver and the minimum was calculated 17.3665 ± 0.01 in the liver of Ch-AgNPs and highest values of GST 765.829 ± 0.11 were recorded in gills of Gr-AgNPs and lowest 633.08 ± 0.26 in the liver of Ch-AgNPs-treated fish. In conclusion, maximum destruction was found in the gills and liver of the fish treated with chemical and green AgNPs followed by Ag-salt as compared to control. The adverse effects of AgNPs and Ag-salt were probably related to the oxidative stress in the fish that lead to histopathological damage of its vital organs.

Pollen morphology of family Solanaceae and its taxonomic significance

The pollen micro-morphology of family Solanaceae from the different phytogeographical region of Pakistan has been assessed. In this study, thirteen species belonging to ten genera of Solanaceae have been studied using light and scanning electron microscopy for both qualitative and quantitative features. Solanaceae is a eurypalynous family and a significant variation was observed in pollen size, shape, polarity and exine sculpturing. Examined plant species includes, Brugmansia suaveolens, Capsicum annuum, Cestrum parqui, Datura innoxia, Solanum lycopersicum, Nicotiana plumbaginifolia, Petunia hybrida, Physalis minima, Solanum americanum, Solanum erianthum, Solanum melongena, Solanum surattense and Withania somnifera. The prominent pollen type is tricolporate and shed as a monad. High pollen fertility reflects that observed taxa are well-known in the study area. Based on the observed pollen traits a taxonomic key was developed for the accurate and quick identification of species. Principal Component Analysis was performed that shows some morphological features are the main characters in the identification. Cluster Analysis was performed that separate the plant species in a cluster. The findings highlight the importance of Palyno-morphological features in the characterization and identification of Solanaceous taxa. It is concluded that both LM and SEM significantly play a key role in correct identification of taxa studied.

Taxonomic implication of leaf epidermal anatomy of selected taxa of Scrophulariaceae from Pakistan

The family Scrophulariaceae consists of taxonomically complex genera and species. The delimitation of the taxa within this family is always challenging. In this paper, we studied leaf epidermis anatomical characteristics and its taxonomic significance of four species belonging to four genera of the family Scrophulariaceae collected from northern Pakistan. The species were examined under light and scanning electron microscopes (LM and SEM). Qualitative and quantitative foliar epidermal anatomical features were examined for both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Qualitative characters like epidermal cell shape, epidermal cell cover, anticlinal wall, trichomes type, stomata type and stomata position were examined. Quantitative characters like the length and width of leaf epidermis, stomata, stomatal pore, subsidiary cell and trichomes for both adaxial and abaxial surfaces were studied and measured. Stomatal index within the species and between the species was found to be different on adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Diacytic stomata and glandular trichomes on epidermis were only found in Anticharis glandulosa while rest of the taxa has anomocytic type stomata and dendroid trichomes on both surfaces. Based on the micromorphological characters, we did principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis for the species delimitation and identification. A taxonomic key has been provided to delimit and identify the studied taxa based on foliar epidermal characters. The aim of the present research was to elucidate the micromorphological characters to distinguish the studied taxa for taxonomic purposes.

Palynological characteristics of selected Lamioideae taxa and its taxonomic significance

Lamioideae comprised the second-largest subfamily in Lamiaceae. Although considerable progress has recently been made in the taxonomic study of Lamioideae, the subfamily remains one of the most poorly investigated subfamily in Lamiaceae. Therefore, the present study was designed with the aim to document the pollen micromorphology of some selected Lamioideae taxa and its taxonomic significance from Pakistan. Pollen micromorphological features were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains are monad, tricolpate, radially/bilateral symmetrical. The pollen grains were small to medium-sized having oblate, oblate/subspheroidal, and subspheroidal shape. Exine sculpturing was observed as reticulate, microreticulate, and bireticulate. The colpus surface ornamentation was found as verrucate, gemmate, scabrate, and psilate. There was a considerable variation between the species in the micromorphology, that is, the coarseness of the reticulum, thickness of the muri comprising the reticulum and the number of secondary lumina per primary lumen. Hence, this study documented the pollen morphology of some selected taxa of the subfamily Lamioideae from Pakistan and strengthens the taxonomic identification of subfamily based on pollen characters, which helps in the correct identification, discrimination of the species of Lamioideae at generic and species level.

Human coronaviruses with emphasis on the COVID-19 outbreak

Human coronaviruses are known as respiratory pathogens mainly associated with a range of respiratory diseases. In the past 18 years, the beginning of severe acute respiratory syndrome human coronavirus (SARS-HCoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and now the (COVID-19) have driven the HCoV into the platform of the scientific community due to their high pathogenicity in humans. Our study about the HCoV has contributed extensively to the understanding of HCoV pathogenesis its outbreak and precautionary measurements mainly COVID-19. By the 16-February 2020, total existing diagnosis cases of COVID-19, in china now numbered around 57,255, total cumulative diagnosis is about 68,592, total existing suspicion is about 8228, a total severe existing disease 11,272, the total cumulative cure is about 9671 with more than 1666 cumulative deaths have been reported. The purpose of the review is to summarize the present knowledge on the viral diversity, reservoir hosts, and geographical distributions of Human coronavirus (COVID-19) in China.

Microscopic investigation of pollen morphology of Brassicaceae from Central Punjab-Pakistan

The intention of the current study is to provide an account on the palynological features of Brassicaceae from Central Punjab-Pakistan as a basis for future studies. Different morpho-palynological characteristics both qualitative and quantitative were analyzed during this research which includes shape of pollen, diameter of pollen, P/E ratio, exine sculpturing, thickness of exine, type of pollen, shape and size of lumens, and thickness of murus. Taxonomic keys were also constructed based on pollen morphological characters for correct identification of species. This study aims to provide detailed information of pollen diversity and their exine structure based on both qualitative and quantitative characters by using Light microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy. Shape of pollen is mostly prolate, but some species also have sub-prolate to spheroidal prolate types. Exine ornamentation in most species was reticulate, whereas micro reticulate (one species) and coarsely reticulate (one species) exine also observed in some pollen. All the pollen mentioned in this study have tricolpate apertures. Variation found in thickness of exine and other characters proved to be helpful at generic and specific level. The results reinforced the significance of pollen morphological features of family Brassicaceae and aid for valuable taxonomic tool in plant systematics.

Feasible regeneration and agro bacterium-mediated transformation of Brassica juncea with Euonymus alatus diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (EaDAcT) gene

In the present study an effort has been made to optimize the in vitro regeneration protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Brassica juncea, because of its importance as oilseed crops. The highest callus induction frequency of 87% was observed on MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium supplemented with 4 µM 6-benzyladenine (BA) after four weeks of culture period. Subculturing of organogenic calli in MS media with a similar hormonal composition resulted in shoot organogenesis after six weeks of culture cultivation. The highest shoot induction frequency (92%) was recorded on MS medium containing 4 µM BA in combination with 1 µM of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Further, well-developed roots were formed in MS media augmented with 6 µM of Indole acetic acid (IAA) in combination with 1 µM Kinetin (Kn). Cotyledon explants were exploited in vitro for the successful transformation of B. juncea. A binary vector comprised of the Euonymus alatus diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (EaDAcT) gene under the transcriptional control of a glycinin promoter and with a basta selection marker was introduced into A. tumefaciens strain GV3101 via electroporation. EaDAcT gene is responsible for unusual triacylglycerol’s production where the sn-3 position is esterified with acetate instead of the long-chain fatty acid found in the triacylglycerol’s. The highest regeneration frequency (100%) of transgenic shoots was observed on MS medium supplemented with 4 µM BA plus 1 µM NAA in the presence of 25 mg l⁻¹ basta and 160 mg l⁻¹ timintin. The efficiency of stable transformation was found to be approximately 7% in the transgenic plants. Moreover, the transformed regenerated shoots were confirmed by PCR analysis using EaDAcT gene-specific primers.

Neuropharmacological potential of various morphological parts of Camellia sinensis L

Camellia sinensis L. has long been used as a therapeutic agent for the Central nervous system (CNS) due to the presence of flavonoids. The present study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent Neuropharmacological behavioral potential of Camellia sinensis seed and leaf extracts on mice. To evaluate the differential potential of leaf and seed extract various doses were prepared and examined in open field, head dip, rearing, cage cross, swimming and traction tests. One-way ANOVA set at P* < 0.05 followed by POST HOC LSD (P* < 0.01) was applied to evaluate the significant difference among the treatments. Herein both seed and leaf extract showed significant results at high doses. Interestingly leaf extract at high dose showed significant effect on mice CNS in open field and head dip test, while seed at high dose revealed significant stimulus on mice CNS in rearing, cage cross, swimming and traction tests. Overall results showed that seed produced more stimulant effect and less calmness as compared to leaf extract was. Tea leaves had already known as potential CNS stimulant drugs; current investigation suggests that tea seed can be used as an alternative CNS stimulant agent with more effective stimulant action.

Taxonomic study of subfamily Nepetoideae (Lamiaceae) by polynomorphological approach

The present study is insight into pollen morphology for characterizing species and their utility in the taxonomic separation of certain taxa of subfamily Nepetoideae (Lamiaceae) from Pakistan. The pollen micromorphology of 11 species of the Nepetoideae was analyzed and documented using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for both qualitative and quantitative characteristics. Most species have hexazonocolpate pollen grains but trizonocolpate and tetrazonocolpate pollen with circular and oval amb were also rarely observed in Mentha spicata. The basic pollen shape in most of the studied species was subspheroidal but prolate grains were also observed in M. spicata, S. coccinea, and S. plebeia. The exine sculpturing of Nepetoideae pollen was taxonomically very informative particularly at subfamily level. Observations of exine sculpturing with SEM revealed various types of pollen grains: reticulate, bireticulate, microreticulate, perforate, aerolate, and gammate. The bireticulate type further subdivided into three subtypes based on the number of secondary lumina in each primary lumen and is characterized by varying characteristics of the secondary reticulum and primary muri. A significant variation was observed in colpus surface ornamentation. The maximum polar diameter was found in O. americanum (58 ± 5.8 μm) and the maximum equatorial diameter observed in O. basilicum (50.25 ± 1.37 μm). Pollen features of the studied species were discussed and compared based on the current taxonomical concepts. The results showed that pollen traits of the subfamily Nepetoideae was found significant to classify the taxa. Furthermore, pollen features provide additional evidence to distinguish macromorphologically similar taxa from each other.

WP1-12 Reducing infection rates in an intrathecal baclofen service; closing the audit cycle

Objectives

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is a recognised treatment strategy for the management of spasticity. We have 30 years of experience, and 160 patients currently receiving treatment.

Design

An audit (Jan 13 – Jul 15) demonstrated complication rates of 4.4% (infection) and 4.92% (catheter). After this we recommended 1 vancomycin wash of the pump pocket, 2 occlusive dressing of pressure sores, 3 timely MRSA pre-screening, and this was introduced June-August 2016. We present a re-audit of the service.

Subjects

All patients admitted for ITB pump surgery between June 2016 and June 2018.

Methods

The database of patients was used, from which the patient notes were reviewed with information relating to each surgical procedure recorded.

Results

There were 92 surgical procedures and 78 patients (M 30, F 48). 12 patients had complications, requiring 18 surgical procedures. Out of 18 surgical procedures, 10 were catheter- and 7 pump-related). Our infection rate was lower at 1% of all surgeries (compared with 4.4%), or 0.6% of all ITB pump patients per year (compared with 3.4%), and our catheter complication rate was 6.25% of all patients per year. Our annual incidence rate of all complications was 5.6% in both groups.

Conclusions

The infection risk is lower and complication rate remains stable. We will discuss factors which may influence the risk of complication, and consider recommendations for the future.

Foliar epidermal anatomy of Lamiaceae with special emphasis on their trichomes diversity using scanning electron microscopy

Foliar epidermal features were based on the micromorphology of trichomes types, epidermal cells and stomatal complex. Even though each feature has its own limited taxonomic value but collectively these characteristics may be systematically important especially for the discrimination and identification of complex and problematic taxa. The systematics significance of nonglandular (NGTs) and glandular trichomes (GTs), stomatal complex and epidermal cells of Lamiaceous flora were analyzed by using the light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Variations on the observed epidermal appendages were divided into two basic types: glandular and nonglandular. GTs can be divided into subtypes: sessile capitate, subsessile capitate, and barrel and sunken. NGTs were also divided into subtypes: dendritic, stellate, conical, falcate, simple and 1-6 cells long having granulate and smooth surface ornamentation. NGTs were the most dominant features of both adaxial and abaxial surfaces of all observed taxa. Vitex negundo, Isodon rugosus, Colebrookea oppositifolia, and Marrubium vulgare could be demarked because of their twisted like appearance of NGTs at the abaxial surface. The Lamiaceae had both hypostomatic and amphistomatic leaf. Stomata were observed as diacytic, anisocytic, and anomocytic. Epidermal cells were found to be irregular, isodiametric, and rectangular. Based on these characters a taxonomic key was developed to delimit the closely related taxa. Distribution and morphology of the foliar epidermal trichomes through SEM highlight an important taxonomic tool used by the taxonomists as an aid to the correct identification of problematic Lamiaceae taxa.

Identification of green energy ranunculaceous flora of district Chitral, Northern Pakistan using pollen features through scanning electron microscopy

Pollen micro-morphological features have proven to be helpful for the plant taxonomists in the identification and classification of plants. The utilization of this plantmayhelpfulin the areas of lignocellulosic conversion to biofuels and diversify application toward biomass. The current study was planned with the aim to evaluate the pollen features of complex Ranunculaceous flora of District Chitral, Northern Pakistan using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Light Microscope (LM) for their taxonomic importance. Pollens of 18 Ranunculaceous species belonging to 6 genera were collected from different localities of the research area. SEM and LM were used to examine both qualitative and quantitative micro-morphological features. Sculptring of the sexine include; Scabrate, psilate, echinate, verrucate, perforate gemmate, and reticulate and so forth. Shape of the pollens was sub-spheroidal, spheroidal, prolate, subprolate and oblate and so forth. Type of pollen was ranged from mono to tricolpate and tricolporate. Quantitative characters include length/width of the pollen, colpus, exine thickness, and P/E ratio. Based on these micro-morphological features a taxonomic key was prepared for the fast and correct identification. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT: Study of the pollen micro-morphological features of Ranunculaceous species by SEM and LM. Analysing both qualitative and quantitative characters of the pollens. Preparation of taxonomic key based on micro-morphological features for the correct and fast identification.

Identification of Medicinally Used Flora Using Pollen Features Imaged in the Scanning Electron Microscopy in the Lower Margalla Hills Islamabad Pakistan

The present study planned to assess the medicinally important plants in the lower Margalla Hills of Islamabad, Pakistan using scanning electron microscopy of their pollens. Both quantitative and qualitative characters of the pollens were analyzed. The shapes of the pollen were prolate, spheroidal, elliptical, and oblate. Exine sculpturing showed rugulate, scabrate, psilate gemmate, and reticulate ornamentation. The people residing in the rural areas are thought to depend, primarily, on medicinal plant resources for many health care needs. A sample of 140 respondents was selected and interviewed by using a stratified random sampling technique. Results showed that the local communities of lower Margalla Hills are highly dependent on plants to treat various ailments, for example, respiratory (28%), digestive (46%) nervous, circulatory and dermatological problems (6% each), and reproductive problems (8%). The continuous dependence of the local community on ethnomedicinally important plants has led to serious degradation of the natural forest of lower Margalla Hills. Priority-based conservation and sustainable use of these forest resources are necessary, and use of alternative resources will also help in the forest conservation.

Clinical study of extrapulmonary head and neck tuberculosis in an urban setting

Tuberculosis (TB) of the head and neck region is quite common in endemic countries, but is still misdiagnosed due to its varied presentation and different sites of involvement. The aims of the present study were to present the diversities of presentation of head and neck tuberculosis with the diagnostic predicaments faced during evaluation and to assess treatment response to anti-tubercular treatment (ATT). We analysed 48 patients with head and neck tuberculosis who presented to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology in our tertiary care urban hospital over a period of two years from 2013 to 2015 and recorded their data, which included presenting complaints, local and systemic examination findings, investigation results and treatment outcomes. The results showed that majority (64.5%) of cases were female and none of the patients were HIV positive. The most common manifestation was cervical lymphadenopathy (81.25%) with level II being the most commonly affected (31.3%). Three of the 48 patients had coexisting pulmonary TB. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), histopathological diagnosis and acid fast bacilli (AFB) staining were used to confirm diagnosis. All patients were treated with Category I ATT, which achieved cure in 96.8% of cases. Though cervical lymphadenitis is the most common presentation of head and neck TB, isolated involvement of the sinonasal region, larynx, oral cavity and other sub-sites are not solely unknown entities. It is, therefore, important for clinicians to be aware of atypical and misleading presentations and consider TB as a major differential diagnosis in the head and neck region, even in non-immunocompromised individuals.