Synthons for supramolecular assemblies: Synthesis of new triazine-core polyhydroxylated and multi-N-donor compounds

The synthesis of new triazine-core polyhydroxylated and multi-N-donor compounds are being reported. The reaction of 2,4,6-tris(4-n-butylaminophenyl)triazine (1) with cyanuric chloride provided star-shaped fragment (2) with six reactive chloro-substituents. Upon treatment of this fragment with bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine (3a) and bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (3b), functionalized polyhydroxylated (4a) and multi-N-donor compounds (4b) were obtained in high yields through nucleophilic aromatic substitution. These functionalized compounds are expected to have unique applications in supramolecular self-assembly and material chemistry

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Nano Fertilizers for Sustainable Crop Improvement

The abundant metalloid element silicon (Si) is present in the crust of the Earth and is important for improving many aspects of plant characteristics. The potential of silicon in agriculture is examined in this article with particular attention to how it affects crop improvement, stress management, and plant growth. Under certain pH circumstances, plant roots absorb orthosilicic acid, the form of silicon that is accessible to plants in soil. The benefits of Si application, including improved vegetative growth, development, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, have been demonstrated by numerous studies. Additionally, silica plays a role in decreased transpiration, enhanced photosynthesis, and UV-B radiation protection. Agricultural crops encounter a multitude of difficulties, such as pathogens, pests, drought, flooding, salinity, and metal toxicity, which are frequently intensified by inadequate silicon availability in soils. To remedy this deficiency, si fertilizers are used, which improves plant function. It is further important to fertilize with Si because certain crops actively accumulate Si in their tissues. Applications of Si take into account the fertility of the soil, the amount of moisture present, and the uptake of nutrients, resulting in enhanced growth, productivity, and resilience to stress. Si increases stem strength, stress tolerance, and lodging resistance, for instance, in rice. Moreover, silica boosts water use efficiency in drought-stricken maize and modifies proline levels in upland rice in response to water restrictions. Eventually, Si-based compounds have a great deal of promise to improve crop yield and solve the problems facing contemporary agriculture. The numerous advantages of applying Si in supporting resilient and sustainable agriculture are highlighted in this review

Estimation of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Normal BMI on Ultrasound

Background: Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease is common in adults and it is increasing in patients with normal BMI in Asian countries. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs not only in obese individuals but also in non-obese ones. The association between NAFLD and metabolic events in a non-obese population is also evident.. Objective: To estimate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with normal BMI on ultrasound. Methodology: Analytical Cross-sectional prospective study in which 59 patients were enrolled in the research. All the patient’s data had been composed from indoor of hospital, outdoor of hospital, DHA Medical Center, Lahore. After well-versed consent, data was composed through ultrasound machine. The data, such as patient characteristics, hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, were extracted from medical records, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: The present study is retrospective cross sectional observational study.60 patients (29males 49.2% 31 female 50.8%) were enrolled in this study. According to abdominal ultrasonography, 72.9% of patients with normal BMI were diagnosed to have Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and identified to have fatty changes in the liver. Conclusion: In our study we estimated that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was present in patients with normal body mass index by imaging the echotexture of liver on ultrasound. Having increased echogenicity, due to poor diet and other associated diseases such as high blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose and low HDL cholesterol patients were getting NAFLD. Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Body Mass Index (BMI), Ultrasonography (USG). DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/92-03 Publication date:August 31st 202

Cultivating a greener future:Exploiting trichoderma derived secondary metabolites for fusarium wilt management in peas

This study aimed to identify efficient Trichoderma isolate(s) for the management of Fusarium wilt in peas. Four different pea germplasms (Sarsabz, Pea-09, Meteor and Supreme) were evaluated for resistance against Fusarium oxysporum in pot assay. Resistant germplasm exhibits a varying range of disease severity (23%) and percent disease index (21%), whereas susceptible and highly susceptible germplasm exhibit maximum disease severity (44–79%) and percent disease index (47–82%). The susceptible germplasm Meteor was selected for in vivo experiment. Five different Trichoderma spp. (Trichoderma koningii, T. hamatum, T. longibrachiatum, T. viride, and T. harzianum) were screened for the production of hydrolytic extracellular enzymes under in vitro. In-vitro biocontrol potential of Trichoderma spp. was assayed by percentage inhibition of dry mass of Fusarium oxysporum pisi (FOP) with Trichoderma spp. metabolite filtrate concentrations. Maximum growth inhibition was observed by T. harzianum (50–89%). T. harzianum metabolites in filtrate conc. (40%, 50%, and 60%) exhibited maximum reduction in biomass and were thus used for in vivo management of the disease. The pot experiment for in-vivo management also confirmed the maximum inhibition of FOP by T. harzianum metabolites filtrate at 60% by reducing disease parameters and enhancing growth, yield, and physiochemical and stress markers. Trichoderma strains led to an increase in chlorophyll and carotenoids (34-26%), Total phenolic 55%, Total protein content 60%, Total Flavonoid content 36%, and the increasing order of enzyme activities were as follows: CAT > POX > PPO > PAL in all treatments. These strains demonstrate excellent bio-control of Fusarium wilt in pea via induction of defense-related enzymes. The present work will help use Trichoderma species in disease management programme as an effective biocontrol agent against plant pathogens

Effect of early tranexamic acid administration on mortality, hysterectomy, and other morbidities in women with post-partum haemorrhage (WOMAN): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Post-partum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Early administration of tranexamic acid reduces deaths due to bleeding in trauma patients. We aimed to assess the effects of early administration of tranexamic acid on death, hysterectomy, and other relevant outcomes in women with post-partum haemorrhage. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited women aged 16 years and older with a clinical diagnosis of post-partum haemorrhage after a vaginal birth or caesarean section from 193 hospitals in 21 countries. We randomly assigned women to receive either 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid or matching placebo in addition to usual care. If bleeding continued after 30 min, or stopped and restarted within 24 h of the first dose, a second dose of 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo could be given. Patients were assigned by selection of a numbered treatment pack from a box containing eight numbered packs that were identical apart from the pack number. Participants, care givers, and those assessing outcomes were masked to allocation. We originally planned to enrol 15 000 women with a composite primary endpoint of death from all-causes or hysterectomy within 42 days of giving birth. However, during the trial it became apparent that the decision to conduct a hysterectomy was often made at the same time as randomisation. Although tranexamic acid could influence the risk of death in these cases, it could not affect the risk of hysterectomy. We therefore increased the sample size from 15 000 to 20 000 women in order to estimate the effect of tranexamic acid on the risk of death from post-partum haemorrhage. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ISRCTN76912190 (Dec 8, 2008); ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00872469; and PACTR201007000192283. Findings Between March, 2010, and April, 2016, 20 060 women were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid (n=10 051) or placebo (n=10 009), of whom 10 036 and 9985, respectively, were included in the analysis. Death due to bleeding was significantly reduced in women given tranexamic acid (155 [1·5%] of 10 036 patients vs 191 [1·9%] of 9985 in the placebo group, risk ratio [RR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·65–1·00; p=0·045), especially in women given treatment within 3 h of giving birth (89 [1·2%] in the tranexamic acid group vs 127 [1·7%] in the placebo group, RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·52–0·91; p=0·008). All other causes of death did not differ significantly by group. Hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (358 [3·6%] patients in the tranexamic acid group vs 351 [3·5%] in the placebo group, RR 1·02, 95% CI 0·88–1·07; p=0·84). The composite primary endpoint of death from all causes or hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (534 [5·3%] deaths or hysterectomies in the tranexamic acid group vs 546 [5·5%] in the placebo group, RR 0·97, 95% CI 0·87-1·09; p=0·65). Adverse events (including thromboembolic events) did not differ significantly in the tranexamic acid versus placebo group. Interpretation Tranexamic acid reduces death due to bleeding in women with post-partum haemorrhage with no adverse effects. When used as a treatment for postpartum haemorrhage, tranexamic acid should be given as soon as possible after bleeding onset. Funding London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Pfizer, UK Department of Health, Wellcome Trust, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

THE PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN BILLBOARD ADVERTISEMENTS INSTALLED IN BAHAWALPUR, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

The importance of advertising in the modern society has been constantly on the rise whose  brought  about  fast  development  of  the  society‟s civilization.  It  has  made  its  presence,  effects  and  Influence is being felt in every phase of the life of the people. Keeping the significance and scope of the field in mind, the researchers conducted research on the women portrayal in billboard advertisements installed in Bahawalpur, a city of Punjab, Pakistan. The study aimed at exploring the meaning of text and pictures and the purpose of portraying women in the advertisements. Only women-centered advertisements were singled out. The collected data were analyzed through Fairclough’s 3 d Model (1995) and Van Leeuwen’s (2006) Framework. The results revealed that Pakistani billboard advertisements portray women as performing three different roles; a domestic figure who is fulfilling her responsibilities as mother, wife or household lady, an icon of beauty and a confident, active or interactive agent in societal phenomenon. The findings also indicated towards a positive change occurring in the portrayal of women from a passive being to an active agent in Pakistani society

Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo anti-arthritic potential of Berberis calliobotrys

The present study was commenced to evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of 70% methanol extract and n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Berberis calliobotrys using both in vitro and in vivo arthritis models. Extract and fractions were investigated in vitro for inhibition of protein (bovine serum and egg albumin) denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilization. In vivo anti-arthritic activity of extract and fractions at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg was assessed using turpentine oil and formaldehyde-induced arthritis, while, 200 mg/kg dose was evaluated against complete Freunds adjuvant-induced arthritis. B. calliobotrys produced significant (p<0.001) dose dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilization. In turpentine oil, formaldehyde and complete Freunds adjuvant-induced arthritis models, B. calliobotrys significantly (p<0.001) reduced joint and paw swelling. B. calliobotrys markedly improved body weight, hematology profile, radiological and histopathological parameters in complete Freunds adjuvant model. It could be concluded that B. calliobotrys holds anti-arthritic potential, supporting its traditional use in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Utilization of Colored Extracts for the Formulation of Ecological Friendly Plant-Based Green Products

Green or sustainable cosmetics are products that contain natural ingredients obtained from renewable raw materials. Fruit peels represent a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. Polyphenols, e.g., flavonoids, have the ability to scavenge free radicals; thus they exhibit antioxidant activity. Recently, natural antioxidants have been in the limelight as being safe, effective, and versatile. In this study, antioxidant effects and the sun protection ability of apple (Malus domestica), banana (Musa sapientum), and orange (Citrus reticulata) peel extracts were evaluated in skincare formulations. The extraction of phenolic compounds was performed in three different solvents, i.e., ethanol, methanol, and acetone. Total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, and sun protection factor were determined for the fruit peel extracts. The acetone extract of apple and ethanol extract of banana peels contained polyphenols, i.e., 24.3 ± 1.5 and 26.7 ± 0.6 mg GAE per gram of the extracts, respectively. These extracts showed DPPH radical scavenging activity and were incorporated into oil-in-water (O/W) cosmetic emulsions. All the formulated samples were found to be stable when subjected to centrifuging and thermal stress. Antioxidant activities of cream samples were above 80%, and the sun protection factor was above 15. The results have confirmed the applications of fruit peel waste in the formulation of photostable, antioxidant, and sun screen formulations. These creams would help to maintain skin health, protect it from UV radiation, and reduce the aging effect. Thus, fruit peel waste could present an ecofriendly and sustainable source of natural antioxidants for the personal care industry