Resumo As bactérias foram isoladas de amostras de suco de maçã fresco de lojas de três diferentes localidades de Lahore. A análise de amostras dos mercados Liberty, Anarkali e Yateem khana mostram diferentes níveis de contaminação. Havia bactérias patogênicas e não patogênicas em todas as amostras e foram identificadas pelos testes morfológicos e bioquímicos. A maioria dos plasmídeos de bactérias patogênicas tinha 4 kb em seu tamanho molecular. A ribotipagem do sequenciamento do gene do RNA ribossômico 16S foi realizada para confirmar a cepa de Helicobacter pylori e Gluconobacter oxydans. A maior sensibilidade de 210 mm foi mostrada por Enterobacter sp. contra disco de azteromisina (15µg) enquanto Micrococcus sp. foi altamente resistente a todos os antibióticos aplicados. A resistência a antibióticos de bactérias patogênicas também foi verificada contra extratos de plantas de Ricinus communis, todos os patógenos bacterianos isolados foram resistentes, mas apenas E. coli foi inibida em 300µl dos extratos. A presença de bactérias patogênicas nas amostras de suco de maçã deveu-se à contaminação da água de esgoto na água potável, enquanto algumas dessas bactérias patogênicas vieram da árvore da maçã e outras de armazéns de frutas.

Abstract Bacteria were isolated from samples of Fresh Apple juices from shops of three different localities of Lahore. Analysis of samples from Liberty, Anarkali and Yateem khana Markets show different levels of contamination. There were pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in all samples and were identified by the morphological and biochemical tests. Most of the plasmids of pathogenic bacteria were 4kb in their molecular size. Ribotyping of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was done to confirm Helicobacter pylori strain and Gluconobacter oxydans. The highest sensitivity of 210mm was shown by Enterobacter sp. against Aztheromysine disk (15µg) while Micrococcus sp. was highly resistant against all of the Antibiotics applied. The antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria was also checked against Ricinus communis plant's extracts, all isolated bacterial pathogens were resistant but only, E.coli was inhibited at 300µl of the extracts. Presence of pathogenic bacteria in Apple juice samples was due to contamination of sewage water in drinking water while some of these pathogenic bacteria came from Apple's tree and other from store houses of fruits.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar as alterações patológicas induzidas por carbofurano (CF) em garças-vaqueiras. Duzentas dessas garças foram criadas e divididas igualmente em quatro grupos e receberam diferentes concentrações de CF: 0,03 mg/L; 0,02 mg/L; 0,01 mg/L; e 0 mg/L (grupo controle). Foram realizadas análises de hematologia, bioquímica sérica, histopatologia e marcadores imunológicos. Nossos resultados confirmaram que CF induz condições anêmicas, leucocitose, atividade enzimática hepática elevada e alterações nos biomarcadores renais. Além disso, lesões microscópicas específicas, como necrose multifocal, núcleos picnóticos, hemorragias, congestão e proliferação de células inflamatórias, foram observadas no fígado, rim, baço e timo. Esses achados sugerem que o CF pode causar efeitos nocivos, portanto a aplicação desse agrotóxico no campo deve ser rigorosamente monitorada para mitigar a possibilidade de exposição a espécies não alvo.

Abstract This study was aimed to investigate Carbofuran (CF)-induced pathological changes in cattle egret. Two hundred cattle egrets were reared and equally divided into four groups and given different CF concentrations (0.03 mg/L, 0.02 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L and 0 mg/L (control group)). Hematology, serum biochemistry, histopathology, and immunological markers were studied. Our results confirm that CF induces anemic conditions, leukocytosis, elevated liver enzymatic activity, and alterations in renal biomarkers. Moreover, specific microscopic lesions such as multifocal necrosis, pyknotic nuclei, hemorrhages, congestion, and inflammatory cell proliferation were observed in the liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus. These findings suggest that CF can induce harmful effects, so the application of this pesticide in the field must be strictly monitored to mitigate the possibility of exposure to non-target species.

Resumo Entre os cogumelos comestíveis, Pleurotus eryngii é único por causa de seu sabor e seu admirável perfil medicinal e nutricional. O Paquistão é um país agrícola com diversas culturas. No entanto, os resíduos das culturas hortícolas e agronômicas são desperdiçados sem aproveitamento na cadeia alimentar. Assim, um estudo foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho de resíduos de culturas com custos relativamente baixos e facilmente disponíveis, ou seja, algodão, arroz, trigo, mostarda e castanha-de-água, para o aumento da produtividade e nutrição de cepas de P. eryngii P9 (China) e P10 (PSU-EUA). Os resultados revelaram que os atributos morfológicos, ou seja, função do micélio, desenvolvimento de frutos, rendimento e eficiência biológica, foram significativamente maiores usando resíduos de algodão em comparação com outros substratos. Em relação aos atributos bioquímicos, ou seja, sólidos solúveis totais (12,67 °Brix), fenólicos (259,6 mg / 100 g), umidade (92,3%) e teores de ácido ascórbico (2,9 mg / 100 ml), também foram significativamente maiores usando resíduos de algodão. Já os teores de acidez (0,30%), açúcares redutores (7,67%), não redutores (4,33%) e açúcares totais (12%) foram os mais elevados na palha de mostarda. A análise de nutrientes dos substratos mostrou que os níveis de nutrientes aumentaram após a colheita da cultura em comparação com os níveis antes da colheita. Os resultados gerais revelaram que os resíduos de algodão e a palha de mostarda são substratos promissores para o melhor crescimento de P. eryngii e têm potencial na melhoria da produtividade e nutrição. Além disso, a cepa P10 apresentou melhor desempenho em comparação com a P9.

Abstract Among edible mushrooms, Pleurotus eryngii is unique due to its flavor, admirable medicinal and nutritional profiling. Pakistan is an agricultural country diverse in various crops. However, the residues of the horticultural and agronomic crops are wasted without utilization in the food chain. Hence, a study was performed to assess the performance of relatively low-cost, easily available crops residues i.e. cotton, rice, wheat, mustard and water chestnut for yield and nutrition enhancement of Pleurotus eryngii strains P9 (China) and P10 (PSU-USA). The results revealed that morphological attributes i.e. mycelium run, fruit development, yield and biological efficiency were significantly higher by using cotton waste as compared to other substrates. Regarding biochemical attributes i.e. total soluble solids (12.67 °Brix), phenolics (259.6 mg/100g), moisture (92.3%) and ascorbic acid contents (2.9 mg/100ml) were also significantly higher by using cotton waste. Whereas, acidity (0.30%), reducing sugar (7.67%), non-reducing (4.33%) and total sugars contents (12%) were found highest by using mustard straw. Nutrient analysis of substrates showed that nutrient levels were increased after harvesting of crop as compared to before harvesting levels. Overall results revealed that cotton waste and mustard straw are promising substrates for Pleurotus eryngii better growth and have potential in yield and nutrition enhancement. Moreover, P10 strain performed better as compared to P9.

Resumo A produção de plantas transgênicas com características agronômicas e hortícolas desejadas vem ganhando grande importância por atender às demandas da crescente população. A transformação genética também é um passo fundamental para estudar os fundamentos das ciências das plantas. Foram desenvolvidos e utilizados diferentes protocolos de transformação, que são confiáveis e eficientes. Esses protocolos usaram genes de resistência a antibióticos ou herbicidas incorporados ao gene de interesse para identificar plantas transformadas e não transformadas. Esses genes marcadores podem representar uma ameaça ao ser humano e ao meio ambiente. O uso de marcadores visuais permite a observação direta e fácil de plantas transformadas com mais precisão. No estudo atual, foi projetado um cassete de genes com o gene da hidroxilase de produção de pigmentos (PPH) sob promotor específico de fibra (GhSCFP) e terminador NOS a jusante. Após verificar a eficiência estrutural e funcional do gene otimizado por códons usando ferramentas de bioinformática, o cassete foi enviado para síntese química a partir de fonte comercial. O cassete do gene do pigmento (PPH_CEMB), clonado em pCAMBIA-1301, foi transformado em Agrobacterium por eletroporação. O método de imersão floral mediado por Agrobacterium foi usado para transformar a inflorescência de Camelina sativa. Após a formação de sementes, foi observado um total de 600 sementes com mudança de cor, das quais 19 desenvolveram uma coloração marrom-avermelhada, enquanto as 581 restantes permaneceram amarelas. A eficiência de transformação calculada com base na mudança de cor foi de 1%. A análise de PCR das folhas obtidas após a semeadura de sementes avermelhadas confirmou a transformação do gene produtor de pigmentos, enquanto não foi observada amplificação por PCR em folhas de plantas de sementes do tipo selvagem. A partir dos resultados, é evidente que a transformação da inflorescência de C. sativa mediada por Agrobacterium é uma técnica muito eficiente e favorável ao ambiente não só para a detecção de plantas transformadas, mas também para estudar processos celulares básicos.

Abstract Production of transgenic plants with desired agronomic and horticultural traits has gained great importance to fulfill demands of the growing population. Genetic transformation is also a fundamental step to study basics of plant sciences. Different transformation protocols have been developed and used which are reliable and efficient. These protocols used antibiotic or herbicide resistance genes incorporated along with gene of interest to identify transformed plants from non-transformed ones. These marker genes may pose a threat to human and environment. Use of visual markers enables direct and easier observation of transformed plants with more precision. In current study a gene cassette with ‘pigment production hydroxylase (PPH) gene under fiber specific promoter (GhSCFP) and downstream Nos-terminator was designed. After checking the structural and functional efficiency of codon optimized gene using bioinformatics tools, the cassette was sent for chemical synthesis from commercial source. The pigment gene cassette (PPH_CEMB), cloned in pCAMBIA-1301, was transformed into Agrobacterium through electroporation. Agrobacterium-mediated floral dip method was used to transform Camelina sativa inflorescence. After seed setting a total of 600 seed were observed for change in color and out of these, 19 seeds developed a reddish-brown coloration, while the remaining 581 seeds remained yellow. The transformation efficiency calculated on basis of color change was 1.0%. PCR analysis of leaves obtained after sowing reddish seeds confirmed the transformation of pigment production gene, while no PCR amplification was observed in leaves of plants from wild type seeds. From the results it is evident that Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of C. sativa inflorescence is very efficient and environment friendly technique not only for detection of transformed plants but also to study basic cellular processes.

Resumo O novo coronavírus (nCoV), nomeadamente “SARS-CoV-2”, foi considerado responsável pela pandemia atual iniciada em Wuhan (China) desde dezembro de 2019 e foi descrito com ligação epidemiológica à China em cerca de 221 países e territórios até agora. Neste estudo, caracterizamos a linhagem genética do SARS-CoV-2 e relatamos a recombinação dentro do gênero e subgênero dos coronavírus. A relação filogenética de 39 coronavírus pertencentes a seus quatro gêneros e cinco subgêneros foi analisada usando o método de Neighbour-joining usando MEGA 6.0. Árvores filogenéticas do genoma de comprimento total, várias proteínas (espícula, envelope, membrana e nucleocapsídeo), sequências de nucleotídeos foram construídas separadamente. A recombinação putativa foi testada via RDP4. Nossa análise descreve que o “SARS-CoV-2”, embora mostre grande semelhança com as sequências de Bat-SARS-CoVs em todo o genoma (dando semelhança de sequência de 89%), exibe agrupamento conflitante com as sequências de coronavírus do tipo Bat-SARS (MG772933 e MG772934) Além disso, sete eventos de recombinação foram observados em SARS-CoV-2 (NC045512) por RDP4. Mas nem um único evento de recombinação preenche o alto nível de certeza. A recombinação está alojada mais em genes de proteína de pico, principalmente, do que no resto do genoma, indicando que o cluster de ponto de interrupção surge além dos intervalos de densidade de ponto de interrupção de 95% e 99%. Os níveis de similaridade genética observados entre “SARS-CoV-2” e Bat-SARS-CoVs defendem que o último não exibe a variante específica que causa surto em humanos, sugerindo que “SARS-CoV-2” tenha se originado possivelmente de morcegos. Essas características genômicas e sua provável associação com as características do vírus, juntamente com a virulência em humanos, requerem uma consideração mais aprofundada.

Abstract Novel coronavirus (nCoV) namely “SARS-CoV-2” is being found responsible for current PANDEMIC commenced from Wuhan (China) since December 2019 and has been described with epidemiological linkage to China in about 221 countries and territories until now. In this study we have characterized the genetic lineage of SARS-CoV-2 and report the recombination within the genus and subgenus of coronaviruses. Phylogenetic relationship of thirty nine coronaviruses belonging to its four genera and five subgenera was analyzed by using the Neighbor-joining method using MEGA 6.0. Phylogenetic trees of full length genome, various proteins (spike, envelope, membrane and nucleocapsid) nucleotide sequences were constructed separately. Putative recombination was probed via RDP4. Our analysis describes that the “SARS-CoV-2” although shows great similarity to Bat-SARS-CoVs sequences through whole genome (giving sequence similarity 89%), exhibits conflicting grouping with the Bat-SARS-like coronavirus sequences (MG772933 and MG772934). Furthermore, seven recombination events were observed in SARS-CoV-2 (NC_045512) by RDP4. But not a single recombination event fulfills the high level of certainty. Recombination mostly housed in spike protein genes than rest of the genome indicating breakpoint cluster arises beyond the 95% and 99% breakpoint density intervals. Genetic similarity levels observed among “SARS-CoV-2” and Bat-SARS-CoVs advocated that the latter did not exhibit the specific variant that cause outbreak in humans, proposing a suggestion that “SARS-CoV-2” has originated possibly from bats. These genomic features and their probable association with virus characteristics along with virulence in humans require further consideration.

RESUMO Para investigar o papel do esterco de vaca na recuperação do solo e bioassimilação, juntamente com a bioacumulação de metais pesados em minhocas (P. posthuma) (N = 900), minhocas foram usadas e grupos de tratamento de mistura CD-solo de diferentes proporções de esterco de vaca foram projetados. Doses não letais de acetato de chumbo e cloreto de cádmio foram adicionadas aos grupos de tratamento. P. posthuma maduros foram liberados em cada vaso experimental, mantendo as condições favoráveis. Foram avaliados o pH, carbono, nitrogênio, fósforo, cátions trocáveis e nível de metais pesados de cada mistura. Os resultados indicaram que a bioassimilação de Pb e Cd por P. posthuma foi significativamente (P ˂ 0,01) maior em diferentes tratamentos de solo-CD em relação ao controle. A maior bioassimilação de ambos os metais foi observada em T1 de ambos os grupos (Pb = 563,8 mg / kg e Cd = 42,95 mg / kg). O conteúdo de ambos os metais foi significativamente (P ˂ 0,05) reduzido na fundição. A concentração de nutrientes nas fundições finais de todos os tratamentos de solo-CD também foi igualmente transformada de menos ou insolúvel para mais solúvel e disponível para as plantas, exceto o nível de carbono que aumenta com a proporção de CD. Conclui-se que o esterco de vaca como matéria orgânica tem um efeito positivo na recuperação do solo e na bioassimilação de metais por P. posthuma.

Abstract To investigate the role of cow dung in soil reclamation and bio assimilation along with bio accumulation of heavy metals in earthworm (P. posthuma) (N=900) earthworms were used and treatment groups of CD-soil mixture of different proportion of cow dung were designed. Nonlethal doses of lead acetate and cadmium chloride were added in treatment groups. Mature P. posthuma were released in each experimental pot maintaining the favorable conditions. The pH, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal level of each mixture was evaluated. The results indicated that bio-assimilation of Pb and Cd by P. posthuma were significantly (P ˂ 0.01) higher in different soil-CD treatments compared to control. Highest bio-assimilation of both metals was observed in T1 of both groups (Pb = 563.8 mg/kg and Cd = 42.95 mg/kg). The contents of both metals were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) lowered in casting. The nutrient concentration in the final castings of all soil-CD treatments were also equally transformed from less or insoluble to more soluble and available for plants, except for carbon level which increased with CD proportion. It is concluded that cow dung as organic matter has a positive effect on soil reclamation and bio-assimilation of metals by P. posthuma.

Abstract An intriguing worker morph of Diacamma ceylonense Emery, 1897 is reported here from the Western Ghats of India. Myrmecological literature abounds in such anomalies; however, this is a first such report for this genus. An asymmetrical teratological abnormality manifested in the right antennae as an atrocious form is reported and discussed here.

Resumen Se reporta una forma inusual de obrera de Diacamma ceylonense Emery, 1897, procedente de los Ghats occidentales de la India. La literatura mirmecológica abunda en este tipo de anomalías; sin embargo, este es el primer registro de este tipo para este género. Se informa y discute aquí una anormalidad teratológica asimétrica que se manifiesta en la antena derecha como una forma aberrante.

Abstract The present study aimed to compare the crude, modified and hydrolyzed gums of Dalbergia sissoo and Acacia modesta as a biodegradable binder for drug delivery system using acetaminophen as a model drug. The physiochemical properties such as pH, fluorescence analysis and swelling index were determined. The gums were hydrolyzed and modified. Acetaminophen tablets were prepared using wet granulation technique and the gum solutions were used as a binder. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was used as a synthetic binder. Different properties of granules and tablets were evaluated. Results showed that both gums were acidic in nature, while D. sissoo and A. modesta showed light brown and creamy color in fluorescence analysis. The swelling ratio was the highest in water followed by 0.1N HCl and least in phosphate buffer. The prepared tablets showed faster and slower dissolution profiles in the same dissolution system. The crude gums have the highest dissolution rate, and this rate was decreased in the case of modified and hydrolyzed gums samples. The crude gums showing slower release can be useful in sustained-release tablets, while the modified gums having faster release rate are helpful in conventional tablet formulation. Taken together, the selected gums could be a good model for evaluation as a binder or hydrophilic polymer in tablet formulation.

Abstract The introduction of the drug-eluting (DES) stent to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) had a significant impact on patient management of coronary artery disease and has been called the "third revolution" in interventional cardiology after the first 2 revolutions of balloon angioplasty and bare-metal stents. The promise of adaptive remodeling, restoration of vasomotion, late luminal enlargement, and retained potential for future coronary artery bypass grafting at the site of previous PCI has been the driving force behind bioresorbable stent/scaffold (BRS) technology development. Moreover, because of the inherent risk of late and very late stent thrombosis, BRS potentially offers a solution and recent years have seen heightened interest, hype, and hope. In this current review, we are aiming to shed light on strength and weakness of various BRS including the future perspective.

Resumen La introducción del stent liberador de fármacos (DES) en la intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) tuvo un impacto significativo en el tratamiento de los pacientes con enfermedad de las arterias coronarias y se ha denominado la "tercera revolución" en cardiología intervencionista después de las dos primeras revoluciones de la angioplastia con balón y stents de metal desnudo. La promesa de remodelación adaptativa, restauración de la vasomoción, agrandamiento luminal tardío y potencial retenido para futuros injertos de derivación de la arteria coronaria en el sitio de la PCI anterior ha sido la fuerza impulsora detrás del desarrollo de la tecnología de stent/armazón biorreabsorbible (BRS). Además, debido al riesgo inherente de trombosis del stent tardía y muy tardía, la BRS ofrece potencialmente una solución y en los últimos años se ha visto un mayor interés, entusiasmo y esperanza. En esta revisión actual, nuestro objetivo es arrojar luz sobre la fortaleza y la debilidad de varios BRS, incluida la perspectiva futura.

Abstract Allium sativum (garlic), an aromatic bulbous plant is one of the most vital and oldest authenticated herbs which has been utilized from ancient times as a traditional medicine. A. sativum has cardioprotective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant and anticancer properties due to a large range of phenolic compounds and sulfur containing compounds. The current study was conducted to assess the antioxidant chemistry, and numerous bioactivities of A. sativum bulbs extracts in different solvents. Ethanol fraction was the most active antioxidant and showed maximum total phenolic content (16.18 g GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (95.04 g CE/100 g) and free radical scavenging activity (75.50 %). Methanol (4 %) fraction exhibited maximum antiglycation activity. Aqueous, n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited maximal (52 %, 24 % and 38 %) inhibitions of alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase respectively. In an antimicrobial assay, ethanol (59.05 %) and chloroform (72.92 %) fractions showed maximum inhibition of Pasturella multocida and Staphylococcus aureus strains respectively. n-butanol and n-hexane fractions showed maximum (31 %) antihemolytic activity and (20 %) thrombolytic activities respectively. A. sativum bulb extracts and fractions have noteworthy bio-efficacies that holds promise to be used as a source of natural drug to cure various disorders.

Resumen Allium sativum (ajo), una planta bulbosa aromática, es una de las hierbas autenticadas más vitales y antiguas que se han utilizado desde la antigüedad como medicina tradicional. A. sativum tiene propiedades cardioprotectoras, antimicrobianas, anti-inflamatorias, anti-diabéticas, anti-oxidantes y anti-cancerígenas debido a una amplia gama de compuestos fenólicos y compuestos que contienen azufre. El estudio actual se llevó a cabo para evaluar la química antioxidante y numerosas bioactividades de extractos de rizoma de A. sativum en diferentes disolventes. La fracción de etanol tuvo la mayor actividad antioxidante y mostró un contenido fenólico total máximo (16.18 g GAE / 100 g), contenido total de flavonoides (95.04 g CE / 100 g) y actividad captadora de radicales libres (75.50 %). La fracción de metanol (4 %) exhibió la mayor actividad de antiglicación. Las fracciones acuosa, de n-hexano y de acetato de etilo inhibieron la actividad de alfa-amilasa, alfa-glucosidasa y acetilcolinesterasa, en 52 %, 24 % y 38 % respectivamente. En el ensayo antimicrobiano, las fracciones de etanol (59.05 %) y cloroformo (72.92 %) mostraron una inhibición máxima de las cepas de Pasturella multocida y Staphylococcus aureus, respectivamente. Las fracciones de n-butanol y n-hexano mostraron actividad anti-hemolítica (31 %) y trombolítica (20 %) respectivamente. Los extractos y fracciones de rizoma de A. sativum tienen bioeficacia notable con potencial de ser utilizadas como una fuente de fármaco natural para curar diversos trastornos.

Resumo O esgoto não tratado e os resíduos industriais da cidade de Faisalabad, no Paquistão, são descartados no Rio Chenab através do dreno principal de Chakbandi (CMD). O presente projeto busca investigar os efeitos dessa poluição de água doce no corpo de peixes Ictalurus punctatus. Os espécimes deste peixe foram coletados a montante e a jusante da entrada do CMD no Rio Chenab. Brânquias, fígado, rim e músculos das regiões dorsolaterais dos peixes foram submetidos à histopatologia. Peixes de criação e peixes de áreas a montante foram utilizados como controle. Peixes coletados em locais experimentais poluídos mostraram danos significativos em órgãos selecionados. Os tecidos branquiais mostraram uma anormalidade na forma de elevação do epitélio primário, fusão, vacuolação, hipertrofia e necrose. Observou-se que os tecidos hepáticos estão sujeitos a degeneração de hepatócitos, necrose, hepatócitos mitocondriais granulares e dilatação de sinusoides. Os tecidos renais indicaram aumento do espaço dos arqueiros, glomérulos contraídos e néfrons degenerados. Edema, necrose e atrofia foram observados nos tecidos musculares de peixes de áreas poluídas. Peixes da área a montante apresentaram lamelas branquiais fundidas, infiltração de células inflamatórias, hipertrofia e vacuolização em hepatócitos. Os tecidos renais indicaram a presença de células tubulares nucleares, túbulos renais destrutivos, hemorragia e necrose no epitélio tubular. Os espaços intramiofibrilas também foram observados nos músculos. Amostras de peixes controle não indicaram variação em brânquias, fígado, rim e músculos. O presente estudo revelou uma forte correlação entre o grau de dano tecidual e a contaminação ambiental. As descobertas atuais também constituem avisos globais para proteger nossos corpos d'água e peixes para resguardar a população humana.

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.

ABSTRACT Objective: To reconnoiter the IL-1A (-889) and IL-1RN (+2018) gene polymorphisms and their association with EARR. Material and Methods: The Science Direct, PubMed and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched by two independent reviewers. In addition, the bibliographies of all relevant publications and textbooks were searched manually. A meta-analysis was performed using data available up to May 9, 2020. Results: A total of 13 and 9 publications were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively for both IL-1A and IL-1RN genes. Odds ratio (OR) was used to evaluate the association of the gene polymorphism and the risk of EARR. The risk of EARR was estimated using the overall OR from the published studies. No association was found for IL-1A gene for the risk of EARR. However, the dominant and co-dominant models of IL-1RN gene polymorphism were associated with the risk of EARR. Conclusion: More studies are warranted to determine the relationship between IL-1A and IL-1RN gene polymorphisms and EARR for a clearer understanding of their interactions.

RESUMO: Entre várias práticas de manejo de plantas daninhas, o controle químico delas é considerado o método mais efetivo. No entanto, a dose ideal e a combinação adequada de herbicidas com adjuvantes desempenham papel vital no controle de plantas daninhas em um nível aceitável e produzem o rendimento máximo da cultura. Um estudo de campo foi conduzido para investigar o efeito de pós-emergência do herbicida isoproturon sozinho ou com combinação de adjuvantes no trigo de inverno e suas plantas daninhas relevantes. As doses de herbicida foram isoproturon a 175 g i.a. ha-1, isoproturon a 140 g i.a. ha-1 e isoproturon a 105 g i.a. ha-1, aplicado sozinho ou com adjuvantes Ad-500 ou biopotenciador a 400 mL ha-1 cada, e a verificação de plantas daninhas como tratamento controle. Entre todos os tratamentos, isoproturon a 175 g i.a. ha-1 + biopotenciador a 400 mL ha-1 foi mais eficaz no controle de Melilotus indica, Anagallis arvensis, Phalaris minor e Fumaria indica, pois ele reduziu a atividade fotossintética e a biomassa fresca e seca dessas plantas daninhas. No caso do trigo, os maiores perfilhos produtivos, altura da planta, peso de mil grãos e rendimento biológico e de grãos foram obtidos com isoproturon a 175 g i.a. ha-1 + biopotenciador a 400 mL ha-1, devido à supressão máxima de plantas daninhas. No entanto, observaram-se valores mais altos de parâmetros de troca de gás do trigo quando nenhum herbicida foi pulverizado. Conclui-se que o isoproturon a 175 g i.a. ha-1 + biopotenciador a 400 mL ha-1 pode ser uma abordagem rentável para obter o melhor rendimento de trigo, juntamente com a supressão máxima das plantas daninhas.

ABSTRACT: Among various weed management strategies, chemical weed control is considered the most effective method. However, optimum dose and suitable combination of herbicide with adjuvants play a vital role in controlling weeds at an acceptable level and produce maximum crop yield. A field study was conducted to investigate the effect of post-emergence herbicide isoproturon alone or with combination of adjuvants on winter wheat and its associated weeds. The treatments were isoproturon at 175 g a.i. ha-1, 140 g a.i. ha-1 and 105 g a.i. ha-1 applied alone or with adjuvants Ad-500 or Bio-enhancer at 400 mL ha-1 each and weedy check as a control treatment. Isoproturon at 175 g a.i. ha-1 + Bio-enhancer at 400 mL ha-1 was most effective treatment for control of Melilotus indica, Anagallis arvensis, Phalaris minor and Fumaria indica as it decreased the photosynthetic activity, fresh and dry biomass of these weeds. In case of wheat, highest productive tillers, plant height, 1000-grain weight, biological and grain yield were achieved with isoproturon at 175 g a.i. ha-1 + Bio-enhancer at 400 mL ha-1. However, highest values of gas exchange parameters of wheat were observed where no herbicide was sprayed. It can be concluded that isoproturon at 175 g a.i. ha-1 + Bio-enhancer at 400 mL ha-1 might be a profitable approach to achieve optimal yield of wheat by causing the maximum suppression of these tested weeds. Moreover, the herbicide at reduced dose with adjuvants was not much effective in terms of weed control or increased yield.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the rate of tooth movement and the pain perception via self-ligating (SL) and conventional elastomeric ligation brackets (CB) system. Material and Methods: This study has been conducted at the Orthodontic Department of Baqai Dental College, Baqai Medical University. The sample size of this study comprised 40 patients, falling between the age of 12-30 years without any sex discrimination. Shapiro-Wilk was used to check the distribution of data. Non-parametric Mann Whitney U test was applied to evaluate the pain associated with SL and CB brackets system. To analysis the canine retraction Wilcoxon test was applied for the comparison of CB and SL brackets system. For all statistical analyses, the p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Pain level associated with retraction via CB and SL shows significant differences. However, the rate of canine retraction via CB and SL shows no significant differences at stages T0-T1 and T1-T2. However, stage T2-T3 shows a significant difference. Conclusion: As pain during orthodontic treatment is mostly associated with the level of compression of the periodontal ligament, it may be hypothesized that lower frictional forces generate less compression of the periodontal ligament and blood vessels, and so alter the type of pain experienced.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate whether color-coding of prostate core biopsy specimens aids in preservation of the neurovascular bundles from an oncological perspective. Materials and Methods: MRI guided transrectal ultrasound and biopsy of the prostate were performed in 51 consecutive patients suspected of being at high risk for harboring prostate cancer. Core specimens were labeled with blue dye at the deep aspect and red dye at the superficial peripheral aspect of the core. The distance from the tumor to the end of the dyed specimen was measured to determine if there was an area of normal tissue between the prostate capsule and tumor. Results: Of the 51 patients undergoing prostate biopsy, 30 (58.8%) were found to have cancer of the prostate: grade group 1 in 13.7%, 2 in 25.5%, 3 in 7.8%, 4 in 7.8% and 5 in 3.9% of the cohort. A total of 461 cores were analyzed in the cohort, of which 122 showed cancer. Five patients opted to undergo robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. No patients had a positive surgical margin (PSM) or extra prostatic extension (EPE) on radical prostatectomy if there was a margin of normal prostatic tissue seen between the dye and the tumor on prostate biopsy. Conclusion: Color-coding of prostate biopsy core specimens may assist in tailoring the approach for preservation of the neurovascular bundles without compromising early oncological efficacy. Further study is required to determine whether this simple modification of the prostate biopsy protocol is valuable in larger groups of patients.