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AbstractNutrients imbalance particularly nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) is a major constraint for sustainable cotton production. Thus, we hypothesized that the combined application of N and Zn may increase N and Zn availability and enhance cotton productivity due to the synergistic effect between these nutrients. Therefore, the present field study was carried out for two consecutive years to explore the interactive effects of different N rates (N0 = 0, N1 = 120, N2 = 160, and N3 = 200 kg ha−1) and Zn rates (Zn0 = 0, Zn1 = 5 and Zn2 = 10 kg ha−1) on soil available N and Zn, and growth and yield traits of the cotton crop. The results indicated a linear increase in the soil available N and Zn and all the studied traits of the cotton crop with the progressive increase in N and Zn rates until 160 kg ha−1 N and 10 kg ha−1 Zn. The cotton crop showed the maximum seed cotton yield (3337–3368 kg ha−1) and total dry matter (9916–9988 kg ha−1) with the simultaneous application of 160 kg ha−1 N and 10 kg ha−1 Zn, which was attributed to higher growth, morphophysiological and yield traits in this treatment during both years. The findings of the study suggest that the application of 160 kg ha−1 N in combination with 10 kg ha−1 Zn is the best fertilizer management for increasing N and Zn availability and achieving higher seed cotton yield of cotton crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bactrocera cucurbitae, commonly known as the melon fruit fly, stands as a formidable threat to global agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of cucurbitaceous crops. The adaptability, high reproductive capacity, and broad host range of B. cucurbitae make it a persistent challenge for growers worldwide. Conventional control methods, often reliant on chemical pesticides, pose environmental and ecological concerns, necessitating the exploration of alternative strategies for sustainable pest management. Invasive plants often exert deleterious effects on ecosystems, and the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, is no exception. To explore the efficacy of R. communis, a methanol extract was tested to find the toxicity effect against B. cucurbitae. In this study, different bioactive compounds were isolated from R. communis. The crude extract of R. communis was subjected to fractionating using different organic solvents in an increasing order of polarity, where the fraction indicating maximum activity was then taken for the isolation of the bioactive compounds using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as column chromatography, thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentrations of R. communis extracts at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2% methanol were used. Pure methanol was used as the control. The experimental conditions were maintained at 28 + 20 °C and 65 + 5% relative humidity. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomised design having five replications. A probit analysis was used to find the LC50 and LC90. The results showed that, as the concentration of the plant extracts increases, the mortalities of B. cucurbitae also increased. After a 72 h exposure period, the crude extracts exhibited the lowest LC50 at 0.30% and LC90 at 0.60%. This study investigates the potential of methanolic extracts derived from various parts of R. communis to serve as a biopesticide against B. cucurbitae which can be easily available, economically feasible, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic cracking of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has attracted significant attention due to its importance in producing valuable feedstocks for the petrochemical industry. This review provides an overview of recent developments in zeolite‐based catalyst technology for converting LPG into light olefins. Catalytic cracking utilizes zeolite‐based catalysts usually associated with stability challenges, such as coking and sintering. The discussion focused on the underlying mechanisms that govern the catalytic cracking process and provided insights into the complex reaction pathways involved. A comprehensive analysis of various strategies employed for improving the effectiveness of zeolite catalysts has been discussed in this review. These strategies encompass using transition metals to modify catalyst properties, treatments involving phosphorous modification, alkaline earth metals, and alkali metals to alter the acidity level of the zeolites. The elucidation of the impact of silica‐to‐alumina ratios in zeolites and the development of hierarchical zeolite‐based catalysts through top‐down and bottom‐up methodologies are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare entity. It is often described as a triad of facial swelling, facial nerve palsy and a plicated tongue, but may be diagnosed when two of the above symptoms are seen. It is characterized by a granulomatous inflammation on histological examination and hence disorders such as Sarcoidosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Tuberbulosis are implicated in the etiology. Response to treatment can be disappointing, with most patients having recurrent episodes over a chronic course. Here we present a case of a 45 year old woman who presented with gradual orofacial edema for the last 7 months which she first noted after her Covid vaccination. It was followed by the appearance of left sided facial nerve palsy. Upon investigation, we found radiological evidence of pulmonary sarcoidosis and raised serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme levels. A biopsy from her lip showed granulomatous inflammation. We treated her with high dose systemic steroids, Mycophenolate Mofetil and Methotrexate. The combination of orofacial edema, facial nerve palsy and a fissured tongue (together called the Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome) remains a rare presentation with less than 40 cases having been reported in literature. Investigating the patient may uncover an underlying diagnosis of a systemic granulomatous disorder such as Sarcoidosis, or other etiologies including infections and autoimmune conditions. There are no established guidelines towards treatment and the choice of therapy depends upon an individual case-by-case approach and the physician's discretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare the effectiveness and safety of topical adapalene 0.1% gel with cryotherapy in the treatment of plantar warts. Methods This comparative interventional pre-post study was conducted at outdoor patient department of dermatology, KEMU/ Mayo Hospital Lahore from 1.11.22 to 31.10.23. Total 88 patients (44 in each group) were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided in group A and group B. Group A applied topical adapalene 0.1% gel twice daily under occlusion using plastic wrap. In group B, cryotherapy was performed by doctor, two freeze-thaw cycles, each of 15-20 seconds duration done fortnightly up to 12 weeks, using liquid nitrogen operated cryogun. Patients were assessed monthly till clearance of all warts or completion of therapy and then follow up was done 4 weeks after completion of treatment for 3 months for any recurrences. Effectiveness and safety according to operational definition was noted at 1 month after completion of therapy. Results Effectiveness of treatment showed no significant difference between both groups at 1st, 2nd and 3rd month. However, at 4th (Group-A: 59.09% vs. Group-B: 27.27%, p-value=0.040) 5th (Group-A: 68.18% vs. Group-B: 43.18%, p-value=0.005) and 6th month (Group-A: 90.91% vs. Group-B: 68.18%, p-value=0.027) effectiveness of treatment groups showed significant difference between groups. As far as side effects are concerned none of the patients experienced any side effects with adapalene gel. However, in cryotherapy group few patients experienced side effects like scarring, cutaneous abscess and cellulitis. Conclusion It can be concluded from the results of this study that for treating patients with planter warts, topical adapalene gel is safer and more effective than cryotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]