Unraveling the impact of water deficit stress on nutritional quality and defense response of tomato genotypes.

Water deficit stress triggers various physiological and biochemical changes in plants, substantially affecting both overall plant defense response and thus nutritional quality of tomatoes. The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant defense response and nutritional quality of different tomato genotypes under water deficit stress. In this study, six tomato genotypes were used and subjected to water deficit stress by withholding water for eight days under glass house conditions. Various physiological parameters from leaves and biochemical parameters from tomato fruits were measured to check the effect of antioxidant defense response and nutritional value. Multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was used for the selection of genotypes with improved defense response and nutritional value under water deficit stress condition. Results indicated that all physiological parameters declined under stress conditions compared to the control. Notably, NBH-362 demonstrated resilience to water deficit stress, improving both defense response and nutritional quality which is evident by an increase in proline (16.91%), reducing sugars (20.15%), total flavonoids (10.43%), superoxide dismutase (24.65%), peroxidase (14.7%), and total antioxidant capacity (29.9%), along with a decrease in total oxidant status (4.38%) under stress condition. Overall, the findings suggest that exposure to water deficit stress has the potential to enhance the nutritional quality of tomatoes. However, the degree of this enhancement is contingent upon the distinct genetic characteristics of various tomato genotypes. Furthermore, the promising genotype (NBH-362) identified in this study holds potential for future utilization in breeding programs.

Spectroscopic monitoring of polyurethane-based nanocomposite as a potential catalyst for the reduction of dyes.

In this study, AgNPs-loaded polyurethane-sodium alginate (PU-S/Alg) composite polymers were prepared by precipitation polymerization and in-situ reduction method. Their catalytic potential was evaluated for the reduction of methyl orange (MO), brilliant blue (BB), Rhodamine B (RhB), 4-nitroaniline (4-NA), and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Successful preparation of samples was confirmed by UV-Visible spectrophotometry (UV-Visible), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. During the catalytic study, the value of kapp for the reduction of MO in the presence of NaBH4 and catalyst was found 0.488 min-1 while, in the presence of NaBH4 and catalyst alone, were found as 0.9 × 10-4 and 0.8 × 10-5 min-1, respectively which indicates the role of catalyst in making the reaction speedy. The value of kapp for the reduction of BB, RhB, 4-NA, and 4-NP was found as 0.764, 0.475, 0.212 and 0.757 min-1, respectively. Simultaneous reduction of dyes induced a decreased reaction completion time under the same reaction conditions. A slight increase in the value of kapp for the catalytic reduction of MO was also observed when reactions were performed in the presence of ionic media of different salts such as NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, and MnCl2. The rate of reduction of MO was increased with the increase in ionic strength of the medium. However, the presence of SDS (surfactant) in the reaction mixture induced the decreased activity of the catalyst and increased reaction completion time. The same value of kapp for the reduction of MO was observed in the case of freshly prepared and several days old nanocomposite catalyst. These results illustrate the stability and maintained catalytic potential of metal NPs for a prolonged time. Our reported catalyst also showed good potential for the treatment of dyes-polluted textile industry wastewater.

Pseudoaneurysm of cystic artery stump after laparoscopic cholecystectomy managed successfully with branch hepatic artery embolization using jail technique.

An unusual manifestation caused by cholecystitis, infection, or iatrogenic damage after cholecystectomy is a pseudoaneurysm of the cystic artery. We report this rare illness in a 64-year-old man who visited the emergency room with hematemesis and anemia. The patient initially experienced acute cholecystitis and then underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy following which he developed a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm, secondary to infected fluid collection. Based on the patient's history and contrast-enhanced computer tomography abdomen, a diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the cystic artery was made. Angioembolization of the hepatic artery branch was performed to occlude the pseudoaneurysm.

Correlation of Grades of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver on Ultrasound With Blood Parameters.

Introduction Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver condition worldwide. NAFLD has been associated with metabolic syndrome and its symptoms, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Ultrasound is widely used to grade hepatic steatosis, being the most cost-effective, non-invasive, and readily available modality without radiation exposure. The study aimed to assess the correlation of NAFLD grade as seen on ultrasound with blood parameters in a Pakistani population. Materials and methods The included patients were those who were diagnosed with fatty liver disease on ultrasound and whose laboratory tests were available within two weeks of the ultrasound. Two seasoned radiologists rated the severity of NAFLD after looking over ultrasound scans. Consecutive sampling technique was used to minimize selection bias. The degree and direction of the linear relationship between the NAFLD grade and each biochemical parameter were measured using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results There were 207 patients in all who had been identified with NAFLD on ultrasound, the majority of whom had grade II NAFLD and were in their sixth decade of life. According to Pearson's analysis, the grade of NAFLD had larger positive associations with triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and fasting blood sugar. High density lipoprotein and C-reactive protein were found to have a negative correlation with the grade of NAFLD. Conclusion The findings of the study highlight the correlation between NAFLD grade on ultrasonography and specific blood parameters, implying that managing these biochemical indicators may help to improve hepatic steatosis.

Auricular leishmaniasis mimicking squamous cell carcinoma of the pinna.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis can occur on any exposed area of the body; however, the pinna is an exceptionally rare site for the disease. Caused by the parasite Leishmania, cutaneous leishmaniasis has a wide range of presentations and thus is very easy to misdiagnose or mistake for a neoplastic lesion. Here, we report the case of a middle-aged male patient presenting with a painful, ulcerated lesion on the left auricle initially suspected to be a malignancy with histopathology eventually revealing a diagnosis of auricular leishmaniasis. The patient received appropriate therapy and was found to be disease free at follow-up. These isolated lesions of the pinna often resemble neoplastic lesions and thus may escape diagnosis for months at a time, increasing patient stress as well as expenditure. In addition, prompt recognition may also help mitigate recurrence of the disease, making it worthwhile to include cutaneous leishmaniasis as part of the differential, especially in endemic areas.

A GBS-based genome-wide association study reveals the genetic basis of salinity tolerance at the seedling stage in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

High salinity levels affect 20% of the cultivated area and 9%-34% of the irrigated agricultural land worldwide, ultimately leading to yield losses of crops. The current study evaluated seven salt tolerance-related traits at the seedling stage in a set of 138 pre-breeding lines (PBLs) and identified 63 highly significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) linked to salt tolerance. Different candidate genes were identified in in silico analysis, many of which were involved in various stress conditions in plants, including glycine-rich cell wall structural protein 1-like, metacaspase-1, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase GAPA1, and plastidial GAPA1. Some of these genes coded for structural protein and participated in cell wall structure, some were linked to programmed cell death, and others were reported to show abiotic stress response roles in wheat and other plants. In addition, using the Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) protocol, the best-performing lines under salt stress were identified. The SNPs identified in this study and the genotypes with favorable alleles provide an excellent source to impart salt tolerance in wheat.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Strain Ultrasound Elastography in Thyroid Lesions Compared to Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology.

Introduction Strain ultrasound-guided elastography (USE) could be used to differentiate malignant from benign thyroid lesions if its sensitivity and specificity are significantly high. Data on whether to rely on USE in differentiating thyroid nodules are unavailable, and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) remains the gold standard. However, FNAC carries a significant financial burden on hospitals and psychological stress on patients. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the diagnostic accuracy of strain USE in thyroid lesions. Methodology We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study at the Radiology Department, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, from December 6, 2020, to June 5, 2021. The study included adult patients aged between 20 to 70 years who were referred with thyroid nodules or lesions found clinically or on routine neck ultrasound. The study excluded patients who had previous history of surgery or previously diagnosed with malignant thyroid lesions and recurrent thyroid nodules. Strain USE was performed on thyroid nodules, and the degree of strain was color-coded on a scale from red (soft, greatest elasticity) to green (intermediate, average strain) to blue (hard, no elasticity/strain). Lesions were given an elasticity score on a five-point scale. The lesion was given a score of one if the entire lesion was uniformly shaded in green. A lesion with mosaic pattern of green and blue was scored as two. A score of three denoted a lesion with green periphery and blue center on strain elastography. A score of four indicated uniform blue in the entire lesion, with green in the lesion's periphery. The highest score of five was given if the lesion and its surroundings demonstrated blue color. Ultrasound-guided FNAC of the thyroid nodules was performed following USE. Data was analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Mean ± standard deviation for calculating quantitative variables. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for qualitative variables. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of strain USE was calculated taking FNAC as gold standard. We also conducted a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of strain USE in thyroid lesions. Results The study included 207 adult patients (117 women, 56.52%; 90 men, 43.48%). The study population's mean age was 50.0 ± 11.8 years (range, 20 to 70 years). Most patients (56.52%) were aged 46 to 70 years. FNAC confirmed malignant thyroid nodules in 100 cases (true positive), and nine cases (false positive) had no malignant lesions on FNAC. In USE-negative patients, 91 were true negative, while seven were false negative. Strain USE's overall sensitivity was 93.46%, specificity was 91.0%, PPV was 91.74%, NPV was 92.86%, and diagnostic accuracy was 92.27% compared to the gold standard FNAC. Conclusions Strain USE in thyroid lesions is a noninvasive modality of choice with high diagnostic accuracy and has dramatically improved our ability to diagnose malignant thyroid nodules preoperatively. Strain USE also helps the surgeons in proper decision-making. Strain USE should be used routinely in all patients with thyroid lesions to help diagnose malignant thyroid nodules preoperatively and inform proper surgical and treatment plans.

Preparation of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nano-Filtration Membranes Modified with Functionalized Graphene Oxide for Textile Dye Removal.

Water scarcity has become one of the most significant problems globally. Membrane technology has gained considerable attention in water treatment technologies. Polymeric nanocomposite membranes are based on several properties, with enhanced water flux, high hydrophilicity and anti-biofouling behavior, improving the membrane performance, flexibility, cost-effectiveness and excellent separation properties. In this study, aminated graphene oxide (NH2-GO)-based PVDF membranes were fabricated using a phase-inversion method for textile dye removal. These fabricated membranes showed the highest water flux at about 170.2 (J/L.h-1.m-2) and 98.2% BSA rejection. Moreover, these membranes removed about 96.6% and 88.5% of methylene blue and methyl orange, respectively. Aminated graphene oxide-based polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes emerge as a good membrane material that enhances the membrane performance.

Fabrication and Characterization of Sulfonated Graphene Oxide (SGO) Doped PVDF Nanocomposite Membranes with Improved Anti-Biofouling Performance.

Emergence of membrane technology for effective performance is qualified due to its low energy consumption, no use of chemicals, high removal capacity and easy accessibility of membrane material. The hydrophobic nature of polymeric membranes limits their applications due to biofouling (assemblage of microorganisms on surface of membrane). Polymeric nanocomposite membranes emerge to alleviate this issue. The current research work was concerned with the fabrication of sulfonated graphene oxide doped polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane and investigation of its anti-biofouling and anti-bacterial behavior. The membrane was fabricated through phase inversion method, and its structure and morphology were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-rays diffraction (XRD) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Performance of the membrane was evaluated via pure water flux; anti-biofouling behavior was determined through Bovine Serum albumin (BSA) rejection. Our results revealed that the highest water flux was shown by M7 membrane about 308.7 Lm-2h-1/bar having (0.5%) concentration of SGO with improved BSA rejection. Furthermore, these fabricated membranes showed high antibacterial activity, more hydrophilicity and mechanical strength as compared to pristine PVDF membranes. It was concluded that SGO addition within PVDF polymer matrix enhanced the properties and performance of membranes. Therefore, SGO was found to be a promising material for the fabrication of nanocomposite membranes.

Fabrication and Characterization of Sulfonated Graphene Oxide-Doped Polymeric Membranes with Improved Anti-Biofouling Behavior.

In this study, cellulose acetate (CA) was blended with sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) nanomaterials to endow a nanocomposite membrane for wastewater treatment with improved hydrophilicity and anti-biofouling behavior. The phase inversion method was employed for membrane fabrication using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the solvent. The characteristics of CA-SGO-doped membranes were investigated through thermal analysis, contact angle, SEM, FTIR, and anti-biofouling property. Results indicated that anti-biofouling property and hydrophilicity of CA-SGO nanocomposite membranes were enhanced with addition of hydrophilic SGO nanomaterials in comparison to pristine CA membrane. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful decoration of SGO groups on CA membrane surface while revealing its morphological properties through SEM analysis. Thermal analysis performed using DSC confirmed the increase in thermal stability of CA-SGO membranes with addition of SGO content than pure CA membrane.

Investigating the Antibacterial Activity of Polymeric Membranes Fabricated with Aminated Graphene Oxide.

A novel, functionalized graphene oxide-based cellulose acetate membrane was fabricated using the phase inversion method to improve the membrane characteristics and performance. We studied the effect of aminated graphene oxide (NH2-GO) composite on the CA membrane characteristics and performance in terms of membrane chemistry, hydrophilicity, thermal and mechanical stability, permeation flux, and antibacterial activity. The results of contact angle and water flux indicate the improved hydrophilic behavior of composite membranes in comparison to that of the pure CA membrane. The AGO-3 membrane showed the highest water flux of about 153 Lm-2h-1. The addition of hydrophilic AGO additive in CA membranes enhanced the antibacterial activity of AGO-CA membranes, and the thermal stability of the resulting membrane also improved since it increases the Tg value in comparison to that of a pristine CA membrane. The aminated graphene oxide (NH2-GO) was, therefore, found to be a promising additive for the fabrication of composite membranes with potent applications in wastewater treatment.

A GBS-based GWAS analysis of adaptability and yield traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Wheat is a foremost food grain of Pakistan and occupies a vital position in agricultural policies of the country. Wheat demand will be increased by 60% by 2050 which is a serious concern to meet this demand. Conventional breeding approaches are not enough to meet the demand of growing human population. It is paramount to integrate underutilized genetic diversity into wheat gene pool through efficient and accurate breeding tools and technology. In this study, we present the genetic analysis of a 312 diverse pre-breeding lines using DArT-seq SNPs seeking to elucidate the genetic components of emergence percentage, heading time, plant height, lodging, thousand kernel weight, and yield (Yd) which resulted in detection of 201 significant (p value < 10-3) and 61 highly significant associations (p value < 1.45 × 10-4). More importantly, chromosomes 1B and 2A carried loci linked to Yd in two different seasons, and an increase of up to 8.20% is possible in Yd by positive allele mining. We identified seven lines with > 4 positive alleles for Yd whose pedigree carried Aegilops squarrosa as one of the parents providing evidence that Aegilops species, apart from imparting resistance against biotic stresses, may also provide alleles for yield enhancement.

Mapping of QTLs Associated with Yield and Yield Related Traits in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Under Irrigated and Drought Conditions.

Global durum wheat consumption (Triticum durum Desf.) is ahead of its production. One reason for this is abiotic stress, e.g., drought. Breeding for resistance to drought is complicated by the lack of fast, reproducible screening techniques and the inability to routinely create defined and repeatable water stress conditions. Here, we report the first analysis of dissection of yield and yield-related traits in durum wheat in Pakistan, seeking to elucidate the genetic components of yield and agronomic traits. Analysis of several traits revealed a total of 221 (160 with logarithm of odds (LOD) > 2 ≤ 3 and 61 with LOD > 3) quantitative trait loci (QTLs) distributed on all fourteen durum wheat chromosomes, of which 109 (78 with LOD > 2 ≤ 3 and 31 with LOD > 3) were observed in 2016-17 (S1) and 112 (82 with LOD > 2 ≤ 3 and 30 with LOD > 3) were observed in 2017-18 (S2). Allelic profiles of yield QTLs on chromosome 2A and 7B indicate that allele A of Xgwm895 and allele B of Xbarc276 can enhance the Yd up to 6.16% in control and 5.27% under drought. Moreover, if combined, a yield gain of up to 11% would be possible.

Adequacy of Completion of Computed Tomography Scan Request Forms at a Tertiary Care Center in Pakistan: A Clinical Audit.

Introduction A lot of radiation exposure to a population comes from medical sources. Clinicians must justify the need for radiology procedures on a request form to prevent unnecessary scans and radiation exposure. Moreover, the properly-filled form will help to identify the patient correctly and provide clinical details to make a radiological diagnosis. Objective The purpose of the study was to audit the computed tomography (CT) scan request forms and find out the adequacy of completion of the request forms at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Materials and methods We scrutinized 300 CT scan request forms received at the tertiary care center, Bahawal Victoria Hospital. We checked the adequacy of filling of different fields in the request forms like name, address, clinical and surgical history, and the name of required examination. We also looked for the missing subjects in the CT request form currently used in our hospital like the contact numbers of the patient and the doctor, the identity of the requesting doctor, renal function tests (RFTs), last menstrual period (LMP), and history of allergy. The results were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20 (SPSS 20) (IBM, NY, USA) and Microsoft Office Excel Worksheet (Microsoft Corporation, NM, USA). Results The name of the patient was present in 100% of the request forms, surname in 27.66%, age in 73.33%, gender in 64.33%, date in 91.66%, bed number in 37.90%, address in 1% and the name of required examination in 99.6%. Information about diagnosis included clinical history in 50.66%, past surgical history in 1%, laboratory investigations in 1%, and clinical examination in 8.66% of the forms. All the forms had the name and signature of the referring consultant, but only 10.33% forms contained the identity of the requesting junior doctor. More than half of the request forms for CT scan provided RFTs. We found no record of the allergy, LMP, and the contact number of the doctor and the patient. Conclusion The information provided in the CT scan request forms was inadequate. The practice of filling these forms needs to be improved to protect the patients from unnecessary radiation exposure.

The Spectrum of Beta-thalassemia Mutations in Couples Referred for Chorionic Villus Sampling at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur.

Introduction The prevalence of beta-thalassemia mutations is different in various castes, regions, and ethnic groups. By knowing this prevalence, we can conduct a targeted screening of only the high-risk population and only for the specific mutations that are prevalent in each group. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the regional, caste-wise, and ethnic spectrum of beta-thalassemia mutations in couples referred for a prenatal diagnosis. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the thalassemia unit, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, from October 1, 2015, to May 15, 2018. After obtaining informed consent, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) was performed in 144 women having a gestational age of 12 to 16 weeks. We took blood samples of the couples. A chromosomal analysis for 13 mutations was done at Punjab Thalassaemia Prevention Programme (PTPP), Lahore. The researchers filled a questionnaire with all the details of couples like ethnicity, caste, and region. Results The most common mutation was Fr 8-9(+G), accounting for 29.8%, followed by IVS 1-5(G-C), which was 28.9%. We did not find three mutations in any chromosome. Fr 8-9 (+G) was the most common mutation among Punjabis and Pakhtoons. IVS 1-5 (G-C) was the most common mutation among Saraikis and Urdu-speaking people. In Rajputs, Arains, Jatts, and Pathans, Fr 8-9 (+G) was the most common mutation. IVS 1-5 (G-C) was the most common mutation among Sheikhs, Balochs, Syeds, and Miscellaneous. IVS 1-5 (G-C) was the most common mutation in the Bahawalpur division and Ghotki (Sindh) while Fr 8-9 (+G) was the most common mutation in the Multan division. The p-value of all the results was <0.001. Conclusion There is an ethnic, caste-wise, and regional distribution of mutations. We can conduct a targeted screening of the population and provide counseling about chorionic villus sampling by using this local data.

The Frequency of Hepatitis C and its Risk Factors Among Health Care Providers at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital, Hasilpur, Pakistan.

Introduction Hepatitis C has emerged as a big challenge for Pakistan. Health care providers are at increased risk of being infected due to tremendous exposure. Aim The purpose of this study was to find the prevalence of hepatitis C, its risk factors especially its occupational risk factors and preventive measures practiced by health care providers of Tehsil Head Quarter Hospital, Hasilpur, Pakistan. Materials and methods Blood samples were collected, and rapid chromatography strips were used for diagnostic purpose. A questionnaire was used for data collection. After analyzing the data, results were summarized. Results The prevalence of Hepatitis was 5.17%. Those who used gloves were 67.24%. A history of needle stick injury was present in 47.41%, and 49.13% knew about the spread of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Just 18.96% knew about the treatment plan, and 19.83% had attended a workshop on preventive measures of infectious diseases in healthcare settings. Conclusion The frequency of HCV among health care providers is high. Awareness programs and training workshops should be mandatory to increase knowledge about hepatitis C prevention. It will decrease the incidence of hepatitis C infection among health care workers.