Effect of Salinity Stress on Various Growth and Physiological Attributes of Two Contrasting Maize Genotypes

Abstract The response of two local maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes designated as Sahwal-2002 (salt-tolerant) and Sadaf (salt-sensitive) to salt stress was investigated under controlled growth conditions. The role of phenylalanine and seed priming under salt stress in maize with different morphological parameters were studied. The genotype Sadaf, being salt-tolerant, experienced more oxidative damage than the Sahiwall-2002 genotype under salt stress. The salinity affected both growth and physiological attributes of the maize species whereas the phenylalanine successfully increased the salinity tolerance in maize species at the seedling stage.

Use of Skindex-29 to assess quality of life in patients with port-wine stain

Objective To determine the effect of facial port-wine stain [PWS] on quality of life [QoL] in our population with skin type III to IV, using the Skindex-29? scoring system

Methods A total number of 69 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were examined clinically and demographic data was collected. Patients were provided with Skindex-29? questionnaire with three independent domains affecting patient emotions, symptoms and functioning. Questionnaire had to be completed by patients themselves or with the help of an interpreter. The specific scoring system was used with a scale from 1-100; higher score indicated a greater impact of skin disease

Results Facial PWS had a moderately negative impact on QoL of the patient. Subscores calculated for symptoms were 8.17+/-6.70, emotions 25.72+/-7.83, and functions 21.00+/-11.34. Composite score was 19.53+/-11.26. These scores indicate that the greatest negative effect was on emotions, followed by functions and then symptoms. There was no significant difference in scores between the sexes. A greater area of involvement was significantly associated with higher emotional [p=0.04] and symptoms score [p=0.003]. Deeper colour of PWS was associated with more symptoms [p=0.01]

Conclusion Our study indicates that facial PWS has negative impact on a patient's QoL, having more affect on emotions, followed by functions. Males and females were equally affected in all domains by PWS. Impact on emotions and symptoms is directly proportional to the size of PWS

Harnessing Natural Colorants for Sustainable Textile Dyeing an Eco-Friendly Approach Using Sweet Cane (Saccharum Bengalense Retz.) Inflorescence

ABSTRACT The excessive industrial use of dye producing plants has threatened the existence of these species and biodiversity. Exploration of abundantly available natural dye sources not only provide industrial benefits but also share the load of dye yielding plants. In the present study we used the inflorescence of munj sweet cane (Saccharum bengalense Retz.) to extract natural colorant for textile industry. This easily available plant is cheap source of natural colorants and good alternative of synthetic dyes. The munj sweet cane inflorescence extract and fabric was treated with microwave radiations. The dyeing aspects like temperature, time, fabrics to extract ratio, salt type and salt concentrations were optimized. Pre-and post mordanting was carried out and optimized using copper, iron, moringa and turmeric. All the samples were analyzed by spectra flash D65 10 Deg to determine the color strength (%) value. Results proved inflorescence extract of munj sweet cane (RS, two minutes) using aqueous media as a good source of natural dye. Three grams of sodium chloride as exhaustion agent was observed to be the best while 70 0C temperatures gave best colour strength. Among chemical mordants, iron proved to be good one for producing varying shades and better colour strength. Bio mordanting with turmeric was proved to be more beneficial for getting best color strength and new shades.

Role of leptin G-2548A polymorphism in age- and gender-specific development of obesity.

Leptin is involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure, and therefore, is central to adipositysensing pathway. We examined the relationship of the leptin G-2548A polymorphism with obesity and obesityrelated anthropometric and metabolic parameters in a total of 394 (239 obese and 155 non-obese) subjects between 5 and 45 years of age. Body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, leptin and leptin receptor were determined, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The LEP G-2548A polymorphism showed association with obesity in children and adolescents ( 18 years of age) but not in adults. However, analysis by gender stratification revealed association with obesity in girls only. In addition, G-2548A polymorphism showed association with BMI, WC, HC, fasting blood glucose and serum leptin levels. This suggests that G-2548A polymorphism may influence the susceptibility to metabolic disturbances and obesity at an early life. Further investigation with a larger sample size is required to validate the effect of LEP G-2548A polymorphism in obese Pakistani girls.