Hematochemical profile of Cholistani cattle being reared in the Cholistan desert of Pakistan under pastoralism

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to assess and create normal reference intervals for hematochemical profile of Cholistani cattle (n=360) being reared under pastoralism. The comparisons have been made with earlier published data on Bos indicus and taurus cattle breeds. The general health status of animals was ascertained through a thorough anamnesis from the livestock owners and clinical signs. However, theileriosis, in specific, was ruled out through blood smear examination. The animals were assigned in groups according to age: young (n=190; ≤12 months) and adult (n=170; >12 months up till 7 years); and gender: male (n=182) and female (n=178) cattle. The mean (±SE), median, range and reference intervals (25th to 95th percentile) for hematochemical profile were determined through descriptive statistics and differences between various groups were analyzed through Mann Whitney U test. The findings of this study may serve as reference hematochemical values for Cholistani cattle in specific and humped zebu cattle in general for assessing any physiological, pathological, or metabolic alterations.

Moringa concanensis-Mediated Synthesis and Characterizations of Ciprofloxacin Encapsulated into Ag/TiO2/Fe2O3/CS Nanocomposite: A Therapeutic Solution against Multidrug Resistant E. coli Strains of Livestock Infectious Diseases

Background: Multidrug resistant MDR bacterial strains are causing fatal infections, such as mastitis. Thus, there is a need for the development of new target-oriented antimicrobials. Nanomaterials have many advantages over traditional antibiotics, including improved stability, controlled antibiotic release, targeted administration, enhanced bioavailability, and the use of antibiotic-loaded nanomaterials, such as the one herein reported for the first time, appear to be a promising strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The use of rationally designed metallic nanocomposites, rather than the use of single metallic nanoparticles (NPs), should further minimize the bacterial resistance. Aim: Green synthesis of a multimetallic/ternary nanocomposite formed of silver (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), conjugated to chitosan (CS), in which the large spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) has been encapsulated. Methods: The metallic nanoparticles (NPs) Ag NPs, TiO2 NPs, and Fe2O3 NPs were synthesized by reduction of Moringa concanensis leaf aqueous extract. The ternary junction was obtained by wet chemical impregnation technique. CIP was encapsulated into the ternary nanocomposite Ag/TiO2/Fe2O3, followed by chitosan (CS) conjugation using the ionic gelation method. The resulting CS-based nanoparticulate drug delivery system (NDDS), i.e., CIP-Ag/TiO2/Fe2O3/CS, was characterized in vitro by gold standard physical techniques such as X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Pharmacological analyses (i.e., LC, EE, ex-vivo drug release behavior) were also assessed. Further, biological studies were carried out both ex vivo (i.e., by disk diffusion method (DDM), fluorescence-activated single cell sorting (FACS), MTT assay) and in vivo (i.e., antibacterial activity in a rabbit model, colony-forming unit (CFU) on blood agar, histopathological analysis using H&E staining). Results: The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and the loading capacity (LC) of the NDDS were as high as 94% ± 1.26 and 57% ± 3.5, respectively. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the prepared formulation. FESEM revealed nanorods with an average diameter of 50−70 ± 12 nm. FTIR confirmed the Fe-O-Ti-CS linkages as well as the successful encapsulation of CIP into the NDDS. The zeta potential (ZP) of the NDDS was determined as 85.26 ± 0.12 mV. The antimicrobial potential of the NDDS was elicited by prominent ZIs against MDR E. coli (33 ± 1.40 mm) at the low MIC of 0.112 μg/mL. Morphological alterations (e.g., deformed shape and structural damages) of MDR pathogens were clearly visible overtime by FESEM after treatment with the NDDS at MIC value, which led to the cytolysis ultimately. FACS analysis confirmed late apoptotic of the MDR E. coli (80.85%) after 6 h incubation of the NDDS at MIC (p < 0.05 compared to untreated MDR E. coli used as negative control). The highest drug release (89% ± 0.57) was observed after 8 h using PBS medium at pH 7.4. The viability of bovine mammary gland epithelial cells (BMGE) treated with the NDDS remained superior to 90%, indicating a negligible cytotoxicity (p < 0.05). In the rabbit model, in which infection was caused by injecting MDR E. coli intraperitoneally (IP), no colonies were detected after 72 h of treatment. Importantly, the histopathological analysis showed no changes in the vital rabbit organs in the treated group compared to the untreated group. Conclusions: Taken together, the newly prepared CIP-Ag/TiO2/Fe2O3/CS nanoformulation appears safe, biocompatible, and therapeutically active to fight MDR E. coli strains-causing mastitis.

Photo-induced charge separation Z-scheme mechanism in ternary Bismuth Sulfide coupled SnS/Al2O3 nanostructure

The establishment of solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalytic system to efficiently tailor the photo induced charge separation is of great significance to water purification. Metal sulfides nanoparticles, tin monosulphide (SnS) and...

Competitive role of nitrogen functionalities of N doped GO and sensitizing effect of Bi2O3 QDs on TiO2 for water remediation

The promising solar irradiated photocatalyst by pairing of bismuth oxide quantum dots (BQDs) doped TiO₂ with nitrogen doped graphene oxide (NGO) nanocomposite (NGO/BQDs-TiO₂) was fabricated. It was used for degradation of organic pollutants like 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and stable dyes, i.e. Rhodamine B and Congo Red. X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile of NGO showed reduction in oxygenic functional groups and restoring of graphitic crystal structure. The characteristic diffraction peaks of TiO₂ and its composites showed crystalline anatase TiO₂. Morphological images represent spherical shaped TiO₂ evenly covered with BQDs spread on NGO sheet. The surface linkages of NO-O-Ti, C-O-Ti, Bi-O-Ti and vibrational modes are observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman studies. BQDs and NGO modified TiO₂ results into red shifting in visible region as studied in diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). NGO and BQDs in TiO₂ are linked with defect centers which reduced the recombination of free charge carriers by quenching of photoluminescence (PL) intensities. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that no peak related to C-O in NGO/BQDs-TiO₂ is observed. This indicated that doping of nitrogen into GO has reduced some oxygen functional groups. Nitrogen functionalities in NGO and photosensitizing effect of BQDs in ternary composite have improved photocatalytic activity against organic pollutants. Intermediate byproducts during photo degradation process of 2,4-DCP were studied through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Study of radical scavengers indicated that O₂^·- has significant role for degradation of 2,4-DCP. Our investigations propose that fabricated nanohybrid architecture has potential for degradation of environmental pollutions.

Antibacterial and bacteriostatic potential of coelomic fluid and body paste of Pheretima posthuma (Vaillant, 1868) (Clitellata, Megascolecidae) against ampicillin resistant clinical bacterial isolates

Pheretima posthuma (Vaillant, 1868), a native earthworm of Pakistan and Southeast Asia, has wide utilization in vermicomposting and bioremediation process. In this study, P. posthuma coelomic fluid (PCF) and body paste (PBP) was evaluated as antibacterial agent against ampicillin (AMP) resistant five Gram positive and four Gram negative clinical isolates. The antibacterial effect of different doses (i.e. 25-100 µg/ml) of PCF and PBP along with AMP and azithromycin (AZM) (negative and positive controls, respectively) were observed through disc diffusion and micro-dilution methods. All nine clinical isolates were noticed as AMP resistant and AZM sensitive. Antibacterial effects of PCF and PBP were dose dependent and zone of inhibitions (ZI) against all clinical isolates were between 23.4 ± 0.92 to 0 ± 00 mm. The sensitivity profile of PCF and PBP against clinical isolates was noticed as 44.44 and 55.56%, respectively. Both PCF and PBP showed bacteriostatic (BTS) action against S. aureus, S. pyogenes, K. pneumonia, N. gonorrhoeae. Moreover, the cumulative BTS potential of PCF and PBP against all isolates was 66.67 and 55.56%, respectively. The MICs of PCF and PBP were ranged from 50-200 µg/ml against selected isolates. The bacterial growth curves indicated that PCF and PBP inhibited the growth of all isolates at their specific MIC concentrations. However, PBP has better antibacterial potential compared to PCF against selected isolates. Therefore, it is concluded that both PCF and PBP of P. posthuma possess antibacterial and BTS potential against ampicillin resistant clinical isolates. This organism might be considered as a second choice of antibacterial agents and can further be utilized in pharmaceutical industries for novel drug manufacturing by prospecting bioactive potential agents.

Traditional knowledge about medicinal plant in the remote areas of Wari Tehsil, Dir Upper, Pakistan

Traditional medicine is cheaper and easily available to local people, to care for most frequent diseases in the Northern parts of Pakistan. Our study aimed at inventorying medicine from local plants, documenting their uses, and assessing their market value in 2015-2018 during spring, summer, and winter seasons. A total of 15 trips were made, 5 in each season. Semi-structured interviews with 165 inhabitant's age range between 20-80 years were conducted, analyzed the data is analyzed using Relative frequency of citation(RFC), Use Value(UV), Fidelity Level(FL), Informants consensus factor(ICF), and Jaccard index(JI) to find the most frequent and well-known used species in the area. A total of 86 species belonging to 39 vascular plant families, 33 genera were documented as medicinally important. Family Asteraceae was observed as the dominant family among all the families with 10 species, the leaf was the most used parts and decoction 36% was the most preferred preparation type. Herb was the predominant life form (67%). The maximum UV (0.92) was demonstrated by J. adhatoda L. species, while A. sativum L. shows maximum RFC (0.58), the highest ICF value represented by diarrhea and dermatitis 0.92, and high FL value is recorded 100%. According to our collections, wild species were 45%, invasive species were 38% and cultivated 17% recorded, dicots species were recorded more 81%. Seven 7 medicinal species is being economically important and export to the local and international market of the world, whereas P. integrima L. species were the most exported species according to the local dealers. The investigated area is rural and the local people depend on the area's plants for their health needs, and other uses like a vegetable, fuelwood, fodder, etc. The current result of RFC, UV, ICF, FL, and JI shows that medicinal flora needs to be pharmacologically and phytochemically investigated to prove their efficacy. The documentation of medicinal knowledge is important to preserve this precious old knowledge before it is lost forever, due to technological and environmental changes in the world.

Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Dots Coated CaCO3 Nanocarrier for Levofloxacin Against Multidrug Resistance Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Escherichia coli of Urinary Tract Infection Origin

The multidrug resistance (MDR) Escherichia coli having Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) genes and the capacity to create a biofilm acts as a major reduction in the therapeutic effectiveness of antimicrobials. In search of a novel nanocarrier (NC) for targeted delivery of antibiotics, carbon dots (CDs) coated calcium carbonate nanocarriers (CCNC) from organic chicken eggshells conjugated with levofloxacin (Lvx) were synthesized. Our main objectives were to explore the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and NC potential of CDs coated CaCO₃ Nanocarrier conjugated with levofloxacin (CD-CCNC-Lvx) to combat biofilm-producing MDR ESBL E. coli of urinary tract infection origin. The synthesized NC system was physiochemically characterized, validating the synthesis of CCNC and CD-CCNC-Lvx with a particle size of 56 and 14 nm, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed rod shape morphology. X-ray diffraction results discovered crystalline and dispersed nanoparticles. In vitro release drug kinetics illustrated sustained release of Lvx. NC system exhibited strong antibacterial and antibiofilm potential against E. coli with a noticeable low minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). MIC of CCNC was found to be 30 ± 0.1 μg/mL and CD-CCNC-Lvx was 20 ± 0.1 μg/mL for MDR ESBL-producing E. coli. The synergistic effect of NC upon conjugation with Lvx showed incredible activity with 30 mm zone of inhibition and 68% biofilm inhibition. Flow cytometry analysis revealed treated E. coli cells showed 58.69% reduction in cell viability. SEM images of treated bacterial cells showed morphological changes, which were also confirmed by our flow cytometry findings leading to cell membrane damage in E. coli. NC system also downregulated the bla_CTX-M gene in E. coli. The hemolytic analysis proved biocompatibility with human red blood cells (RBCs). It is concluded that CCNC has the potential to be used as NC for target delivery of antibiotics and may combat toxicity of antibiotics as the inhibition of E. coli was noticed at low MIC concentration.

Gut dysbiosis, inflammation and type 2 diabetes in mice using synthetic gut microbiota from diabetic humans

The study was aimed to assess impact of high fat diet (HFD) and synthetic human gut microbiota (GM) combined with HFD and chow diet (CD) in inducing type-2 diabetes (T2D) using mice model. To our knowledge, this is the first study using selected human GM transplantation via culture based method coupled dietary modulation in mice for in vivo establishment of inflammation leading to T2D and gut dysbiosis. Twenty bacteria (T2D1-T2D20) from stool samples of confirmed T2D subjects were found to be morphologically different and subjected to purification on different media both aerobically and anerobically, which revealed seven bacteria more common among 20 isolates on the basis of biochemical characterization. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, these seven isolates were identified as Bacteroides stercoris (MT152636), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152637), Lactobacillus salivarius (MT152638), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152639), Klebsiella aerogenes (MT152640), Bacteroides fragilis (MT152909), Clostridium botulinum (MT152910). The seven isolates were subsequently used as synthetic gut microbiome (GM) for their role in inducing T2D in mice. Inbred strains of albino mice were divided into four groups and were fed with CD, HFD, GM+HFD and GM+CD. Mice receiving HFD and GM+modified diet (CD/HFD) showed highly significant (P<0.05) increase in weight and blood glucose concentration as well as elevated level of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1) compared to mice receiving CD only. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 11 fecal bacteria obtained from three randomly selected animals from each group revealed gut dysbiosis in animals receiving GM. Bacterial strains including Bacteroides gallinarum (MT152630), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152631), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152632), Parabacteroides gordonii (MT152633), Prevotella copri (MT152634) and Lactobacillus gasseri (MT152635) were isolated from mice treated with GM+modified diet (HFD/CD) compared to strains Akkermansia muciniphila (MT152625), Bacteriodes sp. (MT152626), Bacteroides faecis (MT152627), Bacteroides vulgatus (MT152628), Lactobacillus plantarum (MT152629) which were isolated from mice receiving CD/HFD. In conclusion, these findings suggest that constitution of GM and diet plays significant role in inflammation leading to onset or/and possibly progression of T2D. .

Spectroscopic evaluation of vibrational temperature and electron density in reduced pressure radio frequency nitrogen plasma

Abstract

The optical emission spectroscopy technique is used to determine the vibrational temperature of the second positive band system,$$ N_{2} (C,\upsilon^{^{\prime}} - B,\upsilon^{^{\prime\prime}}$$ N 2 ( C , υ ′ - B , υ ″ ) in the wavelength range 367.1–380.5 nm by using the line-ratio and Boltzmann plot methods. The electron temperature is evaluated from the intensity ratio of the selected molecular bands corresponding to $$N_{2}^{ + } (B,\upsilon - X, \upsilon^{^{\prime}} , $$ N 2 + ( B , υ - X , υ ′ , 391.44 nm), and, $$N_{2} (C,\upsilon^{^{\prime}} - B,\upsilon^{^{\prime\prime}}$$ N 2 ( C , υ ′ - B , υ ″ , 375.4 nm) transitions, respectively. The selected bands have a different threshold of excitation energies and thus serve as a sensitive indicator of the electron energy distribution function (EEDF). The electron density has been determined from the intensity ratio of the molecular transitions corresponding to $$N_{2}^{ + } (B,\upsilon - X, \upsilon^{^{\prime}} , $$ N 2 + ( B , υ - X , υ ′ , 391.44 nm), and, $$ N_{2} (C,\upsilon^{^{\prime}} - B,\upsilon^{^{\prime\prime}}$$ N 2 ( C , υ ′ - B , υ ″ , 380.5 nm) for different levels of pressure and radio frequency power. The results show that the vibrational temperature decreases with increasing nitrogen fill pressure and radio frequency power. However, the electron temperature increases with radio frequency power and reduces with fill pressure. The electron density increases both with nitrogen fill pressure and radio frequency power that attributes to the effective collisional transfer of energy producing electron impact ionization. Plasma parameters show a significant dependence on discharge conditions and can be fine-tuned for specific surface treatments.

Article Highlights

Bursting the Virulence Traits of MDR Strain of Candida albicans Using Sodium Alginate-based Microspheres Containing Nystatin-loaded MgO/CuO Nanocomposites

INTRODUCTION

Candida albicans is a major opportunistic pathogen that causes a wide range of human infections. Currently available therapeutic agents are limited for treating these fungal infections due to multidrug resistance as well as their nonbiodegradability, poor biocompatibility and toxicity. In order to battle these limitations, we have synthesized a polymeric system as microcarriers to deliver the antifungal drug. The objective of the present study was to immobilize MgO/CuO nanocomposite and nystatin-loaded MgO/CuO nanocomposites in nontoxic, nonimmunogenic, biodegradable and biocompatible sodium alginate microspheres for the first time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nanoparticle-loaded sodium alginate microspheres were prepared by ionotropic gelation technique using calcium chloride as a cross-linker. Synthesized microspheres were characterized using standard characterization techniques and were evaluated for biological activity against MDR strain of C. albicans.

RESULTS

Characterization of microspheres by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed loading of Nys-MgO/CuO NPs, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed rough spherical beads with a highly porous surface having an average size in the range of 8-10 µm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyzed its semicrystalline structure. Entrapment efficiency of Nys-MgO/CuO NPs was 80% and release kinetic study revealed sustained and prolonged release of drug in pH 5.5. Flow cytometry analysis showed yeast cell death caused by Nys-MgO/CuO MS exhibits late apoptotic features. In cytotoxicity assay 5-14 mg of microspheres did not cause hemolysis. Microspheres reduced virulence traits of C. albicans such as germ tube and biofilm formation were compromised at concentration of 5 mg/mL. Antimicrobial assessment results revealed a pronounced inhibitory effect against C. albicans.

CONCLUSION

The in vitro experiments have shown promising results based on good stability, Nys-MgO/CuO NP-encapsulated microspheres can be used as a prolonged controlled release system against MDR pathogenic C. albicans.

Electronic transitions of SWCNTs in comparison to GO on Mn3O4/TiO2 nanocomposites for hydrogen energy generation and solar photocatalysis

The conductivity of metal/metal oxide-doped TiO₂ nanomaterials is enhanced by the incorporation of carbonaceous materials, e.g. single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO).

Skirmishing MDR strain of Candida albicans by effective antifungal CeO2 nanostructures using Aspergillus terreus and Talaromyces purpurogenus

Emerging antibiotics resistance fungal infectionsis a major global health problem and new antifungal formulations are direly needed to fight drug resistant Candida albicans strains. This study is aimed to synthesize effective antifungal nanostructures of cerium oxide (CeO2) using culture filtrates of two common fungal strains Aspergillus terreus and Talaromyces pupureogenus. The fungal strains used in the synthesis were identified by 18S rRNA gene sequencing and deposited to NCBI GenBank with the accession number of MN099077 and MN121629, respectively. The biofabricated CeO2 NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Pure CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using Aspergillus terreus culture filtrate were depicted spherical morphology with average size of 28.5 nm. The CeO2NPs synthesized using Talaromyces pupureogenus revealed the presence of nanosponges with average size of 21.4 nm. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry of culture filtrates of respective strains indicated the presence of ethanol, 1-propanol and tri-chloromethane in culture filtrate of Aspergillus terreus and with addition of palmitic acid in Talaromyces pupureogenus culture filtrate which may have a function as bio reducers and capping agents. Dose dependent anticandidal activity of CeO2 NPs using various different concentrations (100, 200, 300, 600 μg ml−1) synthesized by both fungal strains was observed by disc diffusion assay against Candida albicansas evidenced by increase in size of zone of inhibitions with increasing concentration of CeO2NPs. Further in-vitro and in-vivo experiments are required to access the potential of CeO2 NPs for controlling Candida albicans strains.

Targeting microbial biofilms: by Arctium lappa l. synthesised biocompatible CeO2-NPs encapsulated in nano-chitosan

This study is planned to synthesise new biocompatible, nano antimicrobial formulation against biofilm producing strains. Aqueous root extract of Arctium lappa l. was used to synthesise ceria nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs). The synthesised nanoparticles were encapsulated with nano-chitosan by sol-gel method and characterised using standard techniques. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer of Arctium lappa l. revealed the presence of ethanol, acetone, 1- propanol, 2-methylethane, 1,1-di-ethoxy, 1-Butanol, and oleic acid acted as reducing and surface stabilising agents for tailoring morphology of CeO2-NPs. Erythrocyte integrity after treatment with synthesised nanomaterials was evaluated by spectrophotometer measurement of haemoglobin release having biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of mono dispersed beads shaped particles with mean particle size of 26.2 nm. X-ray diffractometry revealed cubic crystalline structure having size of 28.0 nm. After encapsulation by nano-chitosan, the size of CeO2-NPs enhances to 48.8 nm making average coverage of about 22.6 nm. The synthesised nanomaterials were found effective to disrupt biofilm of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Interestingly, encapsulated CeO2-NPs revealed powerful antibacterial and biofilm disruption activity examined by fluorescent live/dead staining using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The superior antibacterial activities exposed by encapsulated CeO2-NPs lead to the conclusion that they could be useful for controlling biofilm producing multidrug resistance pathogens.

Nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots and GO modified WO3 nanosheets combination as an effective visible photo catalyst

Nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) based highly efficient ternary photocatalyst are fabricated by modifying surface of GO incorporated WO₃ nano-sheets. XRD confirmed the formation of monoclinicWO₃ nano-sheets. All the characteristic peaks of WO₃, GO and NCQDs are obvious in XRD patterns of WO₃/GO/NCQDs ternary photocatalysts confirming successful fabrication of the photocatalysts. SEM images showed that WO₃ host matrix is distorted after incorporation of GO and NCQDs owing to lower interfacial tension. The surface of WO₃ nano-sheets is modified with morphological defects making more active sites available. UV-vis spectra exhibited extended visible light absorption and remarkable reduction of WO₃ band gap energy. The photoluminescence spectra confirmed the efficient charge separation in NCQDs modified ternary photocatalyst. The synthesized composites were applied for the photocatalytic degradation of harmful organic dye i.e. methyl orange (MO). The ternary composites represented the excellent photocatalytic activity as compared to binary and pure WO₃ photocatalysts. This enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the availability of active sites, extended light absorption in visible region and enhanced charge separation efficiency.

Pivotal role of N and Bi doping in CQD/Mn3O4 composite structure with outstanding visible photoactivity

The roles of N and Bi doped CQDs have been checked. N-doping resulted in exclusive optical and electronic properties in the CQDs while preserving their intrinsic properties such as quantum size effect, surface area and compatibility.

Synergistic evaluation of AgO2 nanoparticles with ceftriaxone against CTXM and blaSHV genes positive ESBL producing clinical strains of Uro-pathogenic E. coli

The silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO₂-NPs) were synthesised using silver foil as a new precursor in wet chemical method. X-ray diffraction analysis shows crystallographic structures of AgO₂-NPs with crystallite size of 35.54 nm well-matched with standard cubic structure. Scanning electron microscopy analysis clearly shows the random distribution of spherical-shaped nanoparticles. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed the purity of the samples as it shows no impurity element. Fourier transforms infra-red analysis confirmed the formation of AgO₂-NPs with the presence of Ag-O-Ag stretching bond. All the techniques also confirmed the loading of ceftriaxone drug on the surface of AgO₂-NPs. This study also described the effect of AgO₂-NPs having synergistic activity with β lactam antibiotic i.e. ceftriaxone against ESBL generating Escherichia coli (E. coli). Among isolated strains of E. coli, 60.0% were found to be ESBL producer. The synergistic activities of AgO₂-NPs with ceftriaxone suggest that these combinations are effective against MDR-ESBL E. coli strains as evident by increase in zone sizes. The present study observed rise in MDR-ESBL E. coli with polymorphism of blaCTXM and blaSHV causing UTI infections in Pakistani population. The antibiotic and AgO₂-NPs synergistic effect can be used as an efficient approach to combat uro-pathogenic infections.

Synergistic potential of propolis and vitamin e against sub-acute toxicity of AlCl(3) in albino mice: in vivo study

Current study evaluated the synergistic potential of propolis and vitamin E against sub-acute toxicity of aluminum chloride on different biochemical parameters and liver histology. Swiss albino mice (n=42) were randomly divided into seven groups. Group I received 0.2 ml of 0.9 % saline solution, Group II received Propolis (50 mg/kg b.w.), Group III received vitamin E (150 mg/kg b.w.), Group IV received AlCl(3) 50 mg/kg b.w., Group V received AlCl(3) + Propolis, Group VI received AlCl(3) + vitamin E and Group VII received AlCl(3) + propolis + vitamin E. Blood and tissue samples were collected after 7 and 21 days. The body weight of the animals significantly increased in all groups except Group IV. The concentration of serum high density lipoprotein significantly decreased in Group IV and increased in Group V, VI and VII. The level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein significantly increased in AlCl(3) treated group and increased in Group V, VI and VII. Tissue sections were processed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Group II showed cellular necrosis. Group V, VI showed decreased number of vacuolization, sinusoidal spacing and macrophage cell infiltration. Group VI showed less degenerative changes in the third week. Vitamin E and propolis in combination with Al provides more protection against AlCl(3) induced toxicity.

Awareness levels of prevention of cardiac diseases in general population of rawalpindi and requirement of health education

OBJECTIVES

To assess the level of awareness in population about cardiac diseases prevention and suggestion of recommendations.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out in Rawalpindi Cantonment in Oct 2016.

METHODS

100 respondents were selected through convenience sampling. Data was collected through questionnaire.

RESULTS

Results indicated low levels of awareness as only 30% of the population knew that cardiac diseases can be prevented to certain extent by lifestyle changes. 46% population knew about importance of physical activity and 34% knew that excess of fried and salty food can cause cardiac diseases. Only 22% population knew that red meat use in excess can cause cardiac diseases. 20% population were aware that lack of sleep can cause cardiac disease. 13% (for sodas), 15% (for sweets) 13% (for consuming egg yolk daily) and 28% (for stress) were the statistics for remaining modifiable risk factors. 80% of the population was aware of smoking hazards which shows the success of anti-smoking campaigns.

CONCLUSION

These levels of awareness indicate that there is dire need of policy making for health education to make people aware of lifestyle modifications necessary to prevent cardiac diseases.

Study of Graphene Oxide Structural Features for Catalytic, Antibacterial, Gas Sensing, and Metals Decontamination Environmental Applications

This study represents a comprehensive review about the structural features of graphene oxide (GO) and its significance in environmental applications. Two dimensional (2D) GO is tremendously focused in advanced carbon-based nanomaterials for environmental applications due to its tunable physicochemical characteristics. Herein, we report foundational structural models of GO and explore the chemical bonding of oxygen moieties, with graphite basal plane using various characterization tools. Moreover, the impact of these oxygen moieties and the morphology of GO for environmental applications such as removal of metal ions and catalytic, antibacterial, and gas sensing abilities have here been critically reviewed for the first time. Environmental applications of GO are highly significant because, in the recent era, the fast progress of industries, even in the countryside, results in air and water pollution. GO has been widely investigated by researchers to eradicate such environmental issues and for potential industrial and clinical applications due to its 2D structural features, large surface area, presence of oxygen moieties, nonconductive nature, intense mechanical strength, excellent water dispersibility, and tunable optoelectronic properties. Thence, particular emphasis is directed toward the modification of GO by varying the number of its oxygen functional groups and by coupling it with other exotic nanomaterials to induce unique properties in GO for potential environmental remediation purposes.

Biosynthesis and characterisation of nano-silica as potential system for carrying streptomycin at nano-scale drug delivery

A growing trend within nanomedicine has been the fabrication of self-delivering supramolecular nanomedicines containing a high and fixed drug content ensuring eco-friendly conditions. This study reports on green synthesis of silica nanoparticles (Si-NPs) using Azadirachta indica leaves extract as an effective chelating agent. X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform-infra-red spectroscopic examination were studied. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the average size of particles formed via plant extract as reducing agent without any surfactant is in the range of 100-170 nm while addition of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were more uniform with 200 nm in size. Streptomycin as model drug was successfully loaded to green synthesised Si-NPs, sustain release of the drug from this conjugate unit were examined. Prolong release pattern of the adsorbed drug ensure that Si-NPs have great potential in nano-drug delivery keeping the environment preferably biocompatible, future cytotoxic studies in this connection is helpful in achieving safe mode for nano-drug delivery.

Use of Social Networking Sites among University Students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Note: a new paragraph 'What this study adds:' was added to page 250 on 27 March 2014.Background    Social networking sites are web-based services through which individuals can create a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, connect with a list of other linked users, and view and interact with a list of their connections and with those made by others within the system. To estimate the proportion of university students using social networking sites (SNS) and to determine the association between SNS use and age, gender, nationality, course and year of study, living context, family size, number of close friends, close relationships, stress related to studies and interpersonal relationships. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study was carried out among 300 students from two universities in Ajman, UAE. A self-administered, content-validated and pilot-tested questionnaire was used. The participants answered questions related to their use of social networking sites and details of socio-demographic variables. The data collected were entered into Microsoft Excel and transferred to PASW 18.0 version. Data were analyzed as frequencies, percentages, means and SDs, and Chi-square test used for associations. The odd ratio was calculated for the significant variables to find the degree of association. The SNS usage was categorized as average, moderate or high based on mean and SD on the SNS test score.  Results The study population was comprised of 41.6% males and 58.3% females. 89% used social networking sites (SNS) and 11% were non-users. Of the 267 users of SNS, 58.8% were average users, 37.8% moderate users and 3.4% high users. Students in the first and second years of study, small family size, age below 20 years, male gender, being in a non-medical study program, friends in close relationship were found to be associated with higher SNS use. Conclusion Social networking sites were found to be popular among a large number of university students in the UAE, this being more so among males and non-medical students of first two years of study. DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.3126/nje.v3i2.8512

Raman calibration of the HT-7 yttrium aluminum garnet Thomson scattering for electron density measurements

A multipulse neodym doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser Thomson scattering system calibrated by the anti-Stokes rotational Raman scattering from nitrogen gas had been developed in the HT-7 superconducting Tokmak. By virtue of this system, measured electron density results of the plasma were obtained. The results showed good repeatability and its total uncertainty was estimated to be +/-18%.

Benign cecal ulcers. Spectrum of disease and selective management

Benign ulceration of the cecum is an uncommon lesion. Most cases are diagnosed intraoperatively and most authors have advocated right hemicolectomy due to the difficulty in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. Recently colonoscopic diagnosis and conservative treatment have been reported. We describe six cases of cecal ulcer ranging from asymptomatic lesions diagnosed at colonoscopy and healing with conservative management to perforated ulcers with intra-abdominal abscesses requiring right hemicolectomy. A selective approach to patient management is advocated, including stapler wedge cecectomy with frozen section diagnosis to avoid extensive bowel resection and retain the ileocecal valve.