Environment-Driven Variability in Absolute Band Edge Positions and Work Functions of Reduced Ceria.

The absolute band edge positions and work function (Φ) are the key electronic properties of metal oxides that determine their performance in electronic devices and photocatalysis. However, experimental measurements of these properties often show notable variations, and the mechanisms underlying these discrepancies remain inadequately understood. In this work, we focus on ceria (CeO2), a material renowned for its outstanding oxygen storage capacity, and combine theoretical and experimental techniques to demonstrate environmental modifications of its ionization potential (IP) and Φ. Under O-deficient conditions, reduced ceria exhibits a decreased IP and Φ with significant sensitivity to defect distributions. In contrast, the IP and Φ are elevated in O-rich conditions due to the formation of surface peroxide species. Surface adsorbates and impurities can further augment these variabilities under realistic conditions. We rationalize the shifts in energy levels by separating the individual contributions from bulk and surface factors, using hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) embedded-cluster and periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported by interatomic-potential-based electrostatic analyses. Our results highlight the critical role of on-site electrostatic potentials in determining the absolute energy levels in metal oxides, implying a dynamic evolution of band edges under catalytic conditions.

An assessment of the efficacy of biochar and zero-valent iron nanoparticles in reducing lead toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Soil heavy metal contamination is increasing rapidly due to increased anthropogenic activities. Lead (Pb) is a well-known human carcinogen causing toxic effects on humans and the environment. Its accumulation in food crops is a serious hazard to food security. Developing environment-friendly and cost-efficient techniques is necessary for Pb immobilization in the soil. A pot experiment was executed to determine the role of biochar (BC), zero-valent iron nanoparticles (n-ZVI), and zero-valent iron nanoparticles biochar composite (n-ZVI-BC) in controlling the Pb mobility and bioaccumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The results showed that BC and n-ZVI significantly enhanced the wheat growth by increasing their photosynthetic and enzymatic activities. Among all the applied treatments, the maximum significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvement in wheat biomass was with the n-ZVI-BC application (T3). Compared to the control, the biomass of wheat roots, shoots & grains increased by 92.5, 58.8, and 49.1%, respectively. Moreover, the soil addition of T3 amendment minimized the Pb distribution in wheat roots, shoots, and grains by 33.8, 26.8, and 16.2%, respectively. The outcomes of this experiment showed that in comparison to control treatment plants, soil amendment with n-ZVI-BC (T3) increased the catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by 49.8 and 31.1%, respectively, ultimately declining electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content in wheat by 38.7, 33.3, and 38%respectively. In addition, applied amendments declined the Pb mobility in the soil by increasing the residual Pb fractions. Soil amendment with n-ZVI-BC also increased the soil catalase (CAT), urease (UR), and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities by 68, 59, and 74%, respectively. Our research results provided valuable insight for the remediation of Pb toxicity in wheat. Hence, we can infer from our findings that n-ZVI-BC can be considered a propitious, environment friendly and affordable technique for mitigating Pb toxicity in wheat crop and reclamation of Pb polluted soils.

Coexistence of Anti Neutrophilic Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) Negative Renal Limited Vasculitis and Atypical- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS).

Small vessel necrotizing vasculitis is divided into two groups; Immune complex mediated and Pauci immune vasculitis. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare disease manifested as microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal involvement. The coexistence of ANCA negative vasculitis and atypical HUS (aHUS) is rare. We describe a case of a 40 years old lady with rapidly declining kidney function. Renal Biopsy revealed Crescentic necrotizing glomerulonephritis (CGN). She was treated with plasmapheresis alternating with hemodialysis (HD) and immunosuppressive therapy. One month later she developed hemolytic anemia with peripheral schistocytes and thrombocytopenia and diagnosed as aHUS. Same treatment continued and her aHUS resolved spontaneously over one week. However her kidney functions didn't improve and ended up with end stage renal disease (ESRD). DOI: 10.52547/ijkd.6443.

Biochar Mediated-Alleviation of Chromium Stress and Growth Improvement of Different Maize Cultivars in Tannery Polluted Soils.

Soil pollution with heavy metal is a serious problem across the globe and is on the rise due to the current intensification of chemical industry. The leather industry is one of them, discharging chromium (Cr) in huge quantities during the process of leather tanning and polluting the nearby land and water resources, resulting in deterioration of plant growth. In this study, the effects of biochar application at the rate of 3% were studied on four maize cultivars, namely NK-8441, P-1543, NK-8711, and FH-985, grown in two different tannery polluted Kasur (K) and Sialkot (S) soils. Maize plants were harvested at vegetative growth and results showed that Cr toxicity adversely not only affected their growth, physiology, and biochemistry, but also accumulated in their tissues. However, the level of Cr toxicity, accumulation, and its influence on maize cultivars varied greatly in both soils. In this pot experiment, biochar application played a crucial role in lessening the Cr toxicity level, resulting in significant increase in plant height, biomass (fresh and dry), leaf area, chlorophyll pigments, photosynthesis, and relative water content (RWC) over treatment set as a control. However, applied biochar significantly decreased the electrolyte leakage (EL), antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, proline content, soluble sugars, and available fraction of Cr in soil as well as Cr (VI and III) concentration in root and shoot tissues of maize plant. In addition to this, maize cultivar differences were also found in relation to their tolerance to Cr toxicity and cultivar P-1543 performed better over other cultivars in both soils. In conclusion, biochar application in tannery polluted soils could be an efficient ecofriendly approach to reduce the Cr toxicity and to promote plant health and growth.

Megakaryocytic Clustering in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Can it be a Predictor of Clinical Outcome?

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcome in patients of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with and without megakaryocytic clustering. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Pathology Department and CML Clinic Oncology Department, King Edward Medical University from March 2018 to March 2019.  Methodology: Ninety-four patients diagnosed with chronic phase of CML were included. Complete record of complete blood count, splenomegaly, findings of bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy was noted. Bone marrow trephine biopsy was reviewed for megakaryocytic clustering. Sokal scoring was done; and follow-up data for clinical outcome, i.e complete hematological response (CHR) at 3 months and major molecular response (MMR) at 6 months and 1 year (as per Institute's protocol) was obtained. All the data were analysed using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: Megakaryocytic clustering was present in 57 (60.6%) patients and absent in 37 (39.4%). In patients with megakaryocytic clustering, CHR was absent in 12 (21.1%), MMR at 6 months was absent in 21 (36.8%) and MMR at 1 year was absent in 25 (43.9%) patients. In patients without megakaryocytic clustering, absent CHR, MMR at 6 months and MMR at 1 year were seen in 1 (2.7%), 2 (5.4%) and 2 (5.4%x), respectively. The correlation of megakaryocytic clustering and high sokal score was found to be statistically significant with a p-value <0.001. CONCLUSION: Patients with megakaryocytic clustering have poor clinical outcome as indicated by their sokal score, absent CHR, MMR at 6 months and 1 year. Key Words: Chronic myeloid leukaemia, Megakaryocytic clustering, Complete haematological response, Major molecular response, Cytogenetic response.

Are Peripheral Blood Counts Predictor of Bone Marrow Infiltration and Hypocellularity in Malignant Neoplasms?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of peripheral blood counts (cytopenia and normal counts) with bone marrow findings in patients with malignant neoplasms. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: King Edward Medical University from 2017 to 2019. METHODOLOGY: Patients having malignant diseases, of both gender and all ages, were included. Clinical data and results of bilateral bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were noted.  Results were categorised as groups with bone marrow infiltration, normal morphology with normal cellularity and normal morphology with decreased cellularity. Results were analysed using SPSS V21 applying Chi-square test, keeping the confidence interval 95% and p-value of <0.05 as significant. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients were included (107 men, 50 women). The main categories of neoplasm included non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [93 (59.2%)] Hodgkin's lymphoma [31 (19.7%)], and solid organ malignancy [33 (21.0%]. Bone marrow infiltration was seen in 50 (31.8%) patients, normal morphology with decreased cellularity in 51 (32.5%) and normal morphology with normal cellularity in 56 (35.7%) patients. Cytopenias were seen in 88 (56.1%) patients (out of these 28 (31.8%) had bone marrow infiltrarion, 32 (36.4%) had decreased cellularity and 28 (31.8%) with normal cellularity). In 69 (43.9%) patients with normal CBC, 22 (31.9%) had infiltration, 19 (27.5%) had decreased cellularity and 28 (40.6%) had normal cellularity. No association of cytopenia with bone marrow results was obtained (p = 0.086). CONCLUSION: Bone marrow infiltration and hypocellularity are not reflected by peripheral blood counts. Therefore, bone marrow biopsy remains decisive in patients with malignant neoplasm for disease staging and selection of treatment options. Key Words: Peripheral blood counts, Bone marrow infiltration, malignant neoplasms, bone marrow hypocellularity.

Performance of Zea mays L. cultivars in tannery polluted soils: Management of chromium phytotoxicity through the application of biochar and compost.

Soil contamination with heavy metals caused by various industrial activities is a threatening global environmental issue of the current era. Chromium (Cr) is the most toxic heavy metal used in leather industry and disposal of untreated wastewater into natural water bodies leads to contamination of natural soil and water resources. We studied the combined effect of biochar and compost on improving the tolerance to Cr toxicity by enhancing the morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of two maize cultivars (P-1543 and NK-8441) grown in tannery waste polluted soils. The results of this study reveal that Cr toxicity reduced the plant growth by affecting physiological and biochemical attributes. Here, compost and biochar application significantly increased the plant biomass (fresh and dry), height, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, water relation, starch, and protein content over treatment set as control. However, significant decline in electrolyte leakage (EL), proline, lipid peroxidation, soluble sugars, and antioxidant enzymes (APX, GPX, GR, GST, GSH, SOD, and CAT) was observed by combined application of compost and biochar. Hexavalent chromium concentration was maximum decreased to 4.1 µg g-1 in soil after post-harvesting of maize cultivar NK-8441, while in roots and shoots to 22.6 and 19.2 µg g-1 of maize cultivar P-1543, respectively, by combined application of compost and biochar. Moreover, these both amendments in combination showed considerably better results than their sole application and cultivar P-1543 comparatively performed better than NK 8441, in both K and S soils. Correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed mostly highly positive associations among all the studied morpho, physio, and biochemical attributes of maize plant with the few exceptions, particularly concentration of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in soil. The present work concluded that combined use of biochar and compost has great potential to decrease Cr toxicity and improve plant growth in tannery polluted soils.

Mitigation of Nickel Toxicity and Growth Promotion in Sesame through the Application of a Bacterial Endophyte and Zeolite in Nickel Contaminated Soil.

Nickel (Ni) bioavailable fraction in the soil is of utmost importance because of its involvement in plant growth and environmental feedbacks. High concentrations of Ni in the soil environment, especially in the root zone, may retard plant growth that ultimately results in reduced plant biomass and yield. However, endophytic microorganisms have great potential to reduce the toxicity of Ni, especially when applied together with zeolite. The present research work was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of an endophytic bacterium Caulobacter sp. MN13 in combination with zeolite on the physiology, growth, quality, and yield of sesame plant under normal and Ni stressed soil conditions through possible reduction of Ni uptake. Surface sterilized sesame seeds were sown in pots filled with artificially Ni contaminated soil amended with zeolite. Results revealed that plant agronomic attributes such as shoot root dry weight, total number of pods, and 1000-grains weight were increased by 41, 45, 54, and 65%, respectively, over control treatment, with combined application of bacteria and zeolite in Ni contaminated soil. In comparison to control, the gaseous exchange parameters (CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal- sub-stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and vapor pressure) were significantly enhanced by co-application of bacteria and zeolite ranging from 20 to 49% under Ni stress. Moreover, the combined utilization of bacteria and zeolite considerably improved water relations of sesame plant, in terms of relative water content (RWC) and relative membrane permeability (RMP) along with improvement in biochemical components (protein, ash, crude fiber, fat), and micronutrients in normal as well as in Ni contaminated soil. Moreover, the same treatment modulated the Ni-stress in plants through improvement in antioxidant enzymes (AEs) activities along with improved Ni concentration in the soil and different plant tissues. Correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed that combined application of metal-tolerant bacterium Caulobacter sp. MN13 and zeolite is the most influential strategy in alleviating Ni-induced stress and subsequent improvement in growth, yield, and physio-biochemical attributes of sesame plant.

Comparison of Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF) in Patients with Central Thrombocytopenia and Peripheral Thrombocytopenia.

ABSTRACT  Objective: To determine immature platelet fraction (IPF) in patients with thrombocytopenia and correlation with their bone marrow findings and to determine its predictive value in differentiating peripheral (hyper destructive) thrombocytopenia from central (hypo-productive) thrombocytopenia. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: King Edward Medical University (KEMU) and Doctors Hospital Lahore, from December 2018 to February 2019. METHODOLOGY: Patients of both genders and all age groups with thrombocytopenia presenting for bone marrow biopsy were included in the study. Clinical data, complete blood count (CBC) sample in EDTA, bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy were obtained. Slides were prepared and reviewed. CBC sample was analysed for counts and IPF in Doctors Hospital Laboratory within 4 hours of collection. RESULTS: According to bone marrow findings, patients were grouped under two categories; Group 1 with central (hypo-productive group) thrombocytopenia and Group 2 with peripheral (hyper-destructive group). Group1 (n=44) showed median interquartile range (IQR) IPF 8.2 (4.6-16.7), which was significantly lower (p <0.001) than that of Group 2 (n=14) in which Median IQR IPF was 25.5 (15.2-39.3). A significant moderate degree negative (inverse) correlation was observed between platelet counts and IPF in thrombocytopenic patients in both groups by Pearson correlation. It was statistically significant at p <0 .001 level. IPF in hyper-destructive group has 100% predictive value compared to 31% in hypo-productive group. CONCLUSION:  IPF is a useful parameter and can reliably identify patients having thrombocytopenia due to peripheral destruction. In other cases, IPF should be used in conjunction with other investigations like bone marrow biopsy etc. Key Words: Immature platelet fraction, Complete blood count, Central thrombocytopenia, Peripheral thrombocytopenia, Bone marrow failure, Peripheral destruction.

Association of Comorbid Conditions with Six-month Survival and Disease Outcome in Patients of Necroinflammatory Otitis Externa.

OBJECTIVE: To determine association of gender, causative organisms, control of diabetes, facial paralysis, infectious agent, and hearing loss with disease outcome, in terms of six-month improvement of symptoms, static condition or expiry of patients presenting with necroinflammatory otitis externa (NOE). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: ENT Department in collaboration with Pathology Department, KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore from 2016 to 2019.  Methodology: Patients with NOE were inducted. Studied variables included age at presentation, gender, diabetes, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, comorbid conditions, facial nerve involvement, hearing loss, CT and biopsy findings, and causative organisms; and their association with outcome was observed with significance at p<0.05. RESULTS: Out of 28 patients, there were 17 males (60.7%) and 11 females (39.3%). Association between gender and survival showed that 41.2% (7) males and 27.3% (3) females survived; and 23.5% (4) males and 1 (9.1%) female expired within six months of diagnosis. Thinning of temporal bone (2/5=40%) was common among the expired patients. Twenty percent (1/5) patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and 80% (4/5)with granulation tissue (GT) expired (p=0.543) All ten patients (100%) that improved had mild to moderate hearing loss (p <0.001). Among expired group, 80% (4/5) had HBA1c of more than 7 and 20% (1/5) had good control of diabetes. Aspergillus (2/5=40%) and Pseudomonas (1/5=20%) were the commonest among expired patients; Staphylococcus (6/10=60%) and Pseudomonas (3/10=30%) infections were more frequent among the survived (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Previously pseudomonal infection was described as the only causative agent of NOE. This study showed a rising community-acquired disease with Staphylococcus aureus 6/10 (60%) and Pseudomonas 3/10 (30%) infection. Fungal infection is associated with poor survival and death, thus requiring aggressive management. Thinning of temporal bone on CT, uncontrolled diabetes, sever hearing loss and facial paralysis score V/VI were associated with poor outcome of disease. Key Words: Necroinflammatory otitis externa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Diabetes, Hearing loss, Facial paralysis, Temporal bone thinning, CT scan.

Comparative Analysis of Nasal Smear Eosinophilia and Serum IgE Levels for the Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of nasal smear eosinophilia and serum IgE levels for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR). STUDY DESIGN: Analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION: ENT and Pathology Departments, KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore from January 2018 to December 2019.   Methodology: Two hundred and twenty-one patients presenting with recurrent rhinitis were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: group 1 presented with history suggestive of allergy for more than four weeks and confirmed to be AR on skin prick tests; group 2 patients with negative skin prick tests taken as controls. Both groups were subjected to serum IgE levels and nasal smear for eosinophilia. Prick test was taken as gold standard, and p<0.05 was taken statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one patients diagnosed as allergic rhinitis on skin prick tests in group 1 and 100 patients as controls in group 2 had negative skin prick tests. Ninety-one (75.2%) patients had AR on nasal smear eosinophilia in group 1 and 89 (73.6%) patients had AR on serum IgE levels in group 1. Sixty-eight patients (56.2%) were males and 53 (43.8%) were females in group 1. In group 2, 51 (51%) were males and 49 (49%) were females. Mean difference in nasal smear eosinophil count and serum IgE levels in AR and control group was statistically significant (p<0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of nasal smear  eosinophilia was 77.8%,71.2%, 75.2%, and 74%; and of IgE level was 82.4%, 71.7%, 73.6%, and 81%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Serum IgE and nasal smear eosinophilia levels are helpful in diagnosing allergic rhinitis; however, serum IgE level has better sensitivity and higher NPV than smear eosinophilia. Specificity of both tests is comparable. Key Words: Allergic rhinitis, Nasal smear eosinophilia, Serum IgE level.

Tissue Nuclear Matrix Protein Expression 22 in Various Grades and Stages of Bladder Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To study the tissue nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) expression in bladder carcinoma biopsy and correlate it with prognostic factors like stage and grade of bladder cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Pathology and Urology Departments, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from January to October 2019. METHODOLOGY: Data of all bladder cancer patients' biopsy blocks, presenting to histopathology section, was collected. NMP22 protein expression levels were analysed by immunohistochemical staining using a quantitative scoring method defined by staining intensity (I), and percentage of positive-stained cells (P). Data was analysed by SPSS version 22. Chi-square test and crosstabs were used to correlate grade and stage of urothelial tumors with gender and NMP22 expression. p ≤0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS: A total of 95 paraffin blocks of bladder carcinoma biopsies with data were retrieved for the study. NMP22 was expressed immunohistochemically in 87/95(91.6%) of cases and was negative in 8/95(8.4%) of cancers. Correlation of intensity of NMP22 staining with histologic grade showed that 58.3% of high grade BC expressed NMP22 strongly, 23.6% moderately and 11.1% weakly. In low grade tumors, no biopsy (0/23) expressed strong expression. Moderate intensity in 8.69% and weak in 78.26% of tumors (p<0.001). Intensity of staining with stage of tumor association revealed that 40.8% of stage I tumor showed strong staining, 16.9% moderate, and 32.3% weak staining pattern. In stage II tumors 54.1% showed strong, 29.1% moderate, and 12.5% weak NMP 22 expression. (p=0.148).  Conclusion: NMP 22 is highly expressed in urinary bladder carcinoma and in male patients. It has strong association with grade and weak association with stage of tumor. Immunohistochemical expression of this protein can help in better detection and prognostic prediction of bladder carcinoma. Key Words: Bladder carcinoma, Grade, Immunohistochemistry, NMP22, Stage.

Myelofibrosis in Patients of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase at Presentation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and grading of myelofibrosis in patients of chronic myeloid leukaemia in chronic phase, and the association of cytopenias/cytosis with the degree of fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: King Edward Medical University, Lahore, from March 2015 to April 2017. METHODOLOGY: Patients of both genders and all age groups with Philadelphia chromosome/BCR-ABL positivity were included in the study. Detailed medical history and examination findings were recorded. Sample for CBC was taken in EDTA and run on automated haematology analyser. Bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy was done from posterior iliac crest. Bone marrow aspirate slides were stained with Giemsa stain. The trephine biopsy was processed and stained with haematoxilyn and eosin. Silver (reticulin) and trichrome staining was done on trephine biopsy to assess the degree of fibrosis. Grading of fibrosis was done according to WHO revised classification 2016. RESULTS: Among the 82 cases, 65% (n=53) were having WHO Grade MF 1 myelofibrosis, 27% (n=22) WHO Grade MF 2 myelofibrosis; whereas, 08% (n=07) WHO Grade MF 3 myelofibrosis. CBC counts were analysed to see any association between anemia, thrombocytocytosis and leucocytosis with advanced fibrosis (p=0.148, 0.413 and 0.174, respectively). CONCLUSION: Some degree of bone marrow fibrosis was present in all patients of chronic myeloid leukemia, while advance fibrosis (WHO Grade MF 2 and 3) is also common. Peripheral blood counts are not predictor of increased fibrosis. Therefore, bone marrow biopsy with special staining should be done in all cases of chronic phase of CML.

Erratum to "Titanium-based nanocomposite materials for arsenic removal from water: A review" [Heliyon 5 (5) (May 2019) e01577].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01577.].

Titanium-based nanocomposite materials for arsenic removal from water: A review.

Arsenic is highly carcinogenic element and less concentration of this chemical element makes natural water unsafe for human consumption. Versatile techniques including adsorption method have been established to remove the arsenic from water. However, adsorption is found to be one of effective method for the remediation of arsenic from contaminated water. Different types of natural adsorbents i.e. clays, waste materials, carbon based material have been studied widely for the adsorption of arsenic. Recently, nanotechnology is considered to be one of the best technology for waste water treatment. Therefore researchers have synthesized several types of nanoadsorbents and investigated them for the removal of various pollutants including arsenic from water. Now days, attention is paid on development of nanocomposite materials which are proven as competent arsenic adsorbent candidate as compared to other adsorbents due to dominant structural and surface features. Various metal/metal oxide based nanocomposites have been developed and studied for arsenic removal from aqueous media. It has been reported that TiO2 based nanocomposite exhibit stong affinity for both inorganic form of arsenic. Therefore, in this review numerous metal or metal oxide based titania nanocomposites i.e. TiO2-αFe2O3, NHITO, Ce-Ti oxide, Zr-TiO2, RGO-MFT etc. have been discussed in details for the water treatment containing arsenic. This review also presents an overview of low cost adsorbents, titania based nanoadsorbent and hybrid titania nanostructures for the removal of arsenic. In this review paper the particle size, surface area and adsorption efficiency of these titania based materials at different pH are also been presented in tabulated form. It provides the opportunity to choose best titania based nanocomposites for the treatment of arsenic polluted water.

Phytoremediation: Environmentally sustainable way for reclamation of heavy metal polluted soils.

Soil contamination with toxic metals is a widespread environmental issue resulting from global industrialization within the past few years. Therefore, decontamination of heavy metal contaminated soils is very important to reduce the associated risks and for maintenance of environmental health and ecological restoration. Conventional techniques for reclamation of such soils are expensive and environmental non-friendly. Phytoremediation is an emerging technology implementing green plants to clean up the environment from contaminants and has been considered as a cost-effective and non-invasive alternative to the conventional remediation approaches. There are different types of phytoremediation including, phytostabilization, phytostimulation, phytotransformation, phytofiltration and phytoextraction, the latter being most extensively acknowledged for remediation of soils contaminated with toxic heavy metals. Recent literature is gathered to critically review the sources, hazardous effects of toxic heavy metals and environmentally sustainable phytoremediation technique for heavy metal polluted soils to offer widespread applicability of this green technology. Different strategies to enhance the bioavailability of heavy metals in the soil are also discussed shortly. It can be concluded that phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils is a reliable tool and necessary for making the land resource accessible for crop production.

Association of p53 Overexpression with Hormone Receptor Status and Triple Negative Breast Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine association of p53 overexpression with hormone receptor status in breast carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Pathology in collaboration with Department of Oncology, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, from January 2017 to January 2018. METHODOLOGY: All adult female patients coming to Department of Oncology with reports of breast cancer biopsy and receptor status were included. Their age, type of surgery, grade of cancer, stage of cancer, and hormone receptor status were noted from records. P53 immunomarker was applied on tumor containing tissue blocks. Pearson Chi-square test was run for strength of association between the variables using SPSS V. 22. RESULTS: Mean age of 91 patients at diagnosis was 48 years ±12.49. Fifty-five (60.4%) patients had ER positive tumors, 36 (39.6%) were ER negative, 53 (58.2%) had PR positive status, and 38 (41.8%) were negative. Same number was seen in HER2 neu staining. Out of 91 cases, 31 (34.1%) were p53 positive and 60 (65.9%) were negative. Out of 55 (60.4%) ER positive cases, 11 (12.1%) were positive for p53 and 44 (48.4%) were p53 negative (p<0.001). PR positive cases (53/58.2%) showed p53 positivity in 7 (7.7%) and negativity in 46 (50.5%) cases (p< 0.001). HER2 positive cases were positive for p53 stain in 8 (8.8%) and negative in 45 (49.5%) cases (p<0.001). Fifteen (16.48%) biopsies were negative for all three hormone receptors. P53 was positive in all of these hormone receptor negative tumors (15/15, 100%), although 9 (60%) showed strong positivity and 6 (40%) exhibited weak staining intensity of p53. CONCLUSION: P53 overexpression is less frequent in hormone receptor positive breast cancers. However, hormone receptor negative (triple negative) tumors overwhelmingly overexpress p53 protein in tumor cells. P53, detected either immunohistochemically or serologically, can serve to predict poor prognosis and survival in breast cancer patients, unless newer anti-p53 treatments are introduced in Pakistan.

Bioremediation of tannery effluent by Cr- and salt-tolerant bacterial strains.

Microorganisms have great potential to control environmental pollution, particularly industrial sources of water pollution. Currently, leather industry is regarded as the most polluting and suffering from negative impacts due to the pollution it adds to the environment. Chromium, one of the hazardous pollutants discharged from tanneries, is highly toxic and carcinogenic in nature. Effective treatment of tannery effluent is a dire need of the era as a part of environmental management. Among all the wastewater treatment technologies, bioremediation is the most effective and environment-friendly tool to manage the water pollution. The present study evaluated the potential of 11 previously isolated bacterial strains, tolerant to high concentrations of salts and Cr for the bioremediation of tannery effluent. Among all the tested strains, Enterobacter sp. HU38, Microbacterium arborescens HU33, and Pantoea stewartii ASI11 were found most effective in reducing biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), and chromium (Cr) 70, 63, 57, 87, and 54%, respectively, of tannery effluent and proliferated well under highly toxic conditions, at 9 days of incubation. The pollutant removal efficacy of these bacterial strains can be improved by extending the incubation period or by increasing the amount of inoculum.

Plant-endophyte synergism in constructed wetlands enhances the remediation of tannery effluent.

Liquid effluent produced from tanning industries is loaded with organic and inorganic contaminants, particularly heavy metals, which may cause severe damage to the ecosystem. Constructed wetland (CW) is a promising product of the research in the field of ecological engineering which helps to overcome aquatic pollution. This investigation aims to develop a plant-endophyte synergism in CW for the efficient remediation of tannery effluent. In a vertical flow CW, Brachiaria mutica was vegetated and augmented with three endophytic bacterial strains. Results showed a reduction of 82% in COD, 94% in BOD5, and 95% in Cr by plant-endophyte synergism in CWs and it was significantly higher than the use of plants alone. Similarly, nutrients (N and P), lipids, ion content, SO42-, and Cl- showed similar reduction by the combined action of endophytes and B. mutica in CWs. The endophytes inoculation enhanced bacterial population in different compartments of the plants vegetated in CWs and the maximum was observed in the roots. This study revealed that plant-endophyte synergism in CWs can enhance the remediation of industrial wastewater.

Endophytic bacteria enhance remediation of tannery effluent in constructed wetlands vegetated with Leptochloa fusca.

The use of constructed wetlands (CWs) is a promising approach for the remediation of wastewater. The present study aims to develop a plant-bacteria system within CWs for the efficient remediation of tannery effluent. In a vertical-flow CW vegetated with Leptochloa fusca (Kallar grass), a consortium of three different endophytic bacteria, Pantoea stewartii ASI11, Microbacterium arborescens HU33, and Enterobacter sp. HU38, was used for bioaugmentation. CWs vegetated with only L. fusca had the potential to remediate tannery effluent, but augmentation with endophytic bacteria enhanced the growth of L. fusca while aiding in the removal of both organic and inorganic pollutants from the tannery effluent. Moreover, the bacterial augmentation decreased toxicity in the effluent as well. A higher number of chromium (Cr)-resistant bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere and endosphere of L. fusca inoculated with the endophytes than from uninoculated plants. Due to promising bioremediation and detoxification potential of L. fusca, it is reported for the first time as a potential candidate to develop effective CWs for the remediation of polluted effluents in combination with pollutant-degrading endophytic bacteria.