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Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) poses a significant threat to cotton crops worldwide, resulting in economic losses surpassing sustainable levels for farmers since 2011. This study examines different approaches to controlling pink bollworm infestations, specifically silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), bio-formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), and a commercial insecticide (Triazophos), in both laboratory and field environments. AgNPs were synthesized using neem plant leaf extract (Azadirachta indica). The formation of AgNPs was confirmed through UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and a zeta sizer analyzer. In the laboratory, the effectiveness of individual and combined applications of AgNPs, Bt, and Triazophos was tested against 2nd and 4th instar pink bollworm larvae. Mortality rates were measured at 1, 2, and 5 days after application. The results showed that the treatment combining AgNPs and Triazophos (40ppm + 50ppm) achieved a larval mortality rate of over 90%, surpassing the other treatments. In field conditions, the combination of Triazophos and AgNPs at 40ppm (100ml + 50ml) proved most effective in managing P. gossypiella populations. These findings underscore the potential of nanoparticles as efficient larvicidal agents for controlling P. gossypiella. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of reevaluating past management strategies for cotton crops given emerging alternatives to traditional insecticides. Future research directions may involve further optimizing nanoparticle formulations and investigating their broader ecological impacts on cotton ecosystems.

Abstract Background Potassium nitrate poisoning is a rare but potentially serious condition that can result in methemoglobinemia and subsequent cyanosis. This case report presents a unique instance of rapid-onset methemoglobinemia resulting from the ingestion of a traditional medicine preparation containing potassium nitrate, known as “kalmi shora.” Case presentation A 14-year-old Pakistani boy reported to the emergency department with a history of sudden-onset headache, drowsiness agitation, irritability, and generalized cyanosis. Pulse oximetry showed a concerning oxygen saturation level of 58%, whereas arterial blood gas analysis revealed a normal partial pressure of oxygen (90 mmHg). The profile of abrupt onset of symptoms, generalized cyanosis, and the discrepancy between the partial pressure of oxygen and oxygen saturation readings necessitated a comprehensive assessment including inquiries into potential toxins. The peculiar appearance of the blood, resembling chocolate in color, further indicated the possibility of methemoglobinemia. The patient was successfully treated with methylene blue, leading to a prompt resolution of symptoms. Conclusion This case highlights the significance of considering toxin exposures, such as traditional-medicine-induced poisoning, in emergency settings. The report contributes to the medical literature by highlighting the potential risks associated with traditional remedies and emphasizes the critical role of prompt diagnosis and intervention in optimizing patient outcomes. Recognition of the specific etiology of methemoglobinemia, in this case, traditional medicine ingestion, is essential for effective management in emergency medicine.

The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a serious insect pest of cotton crop. The studies to evaluate the impact of abiotic factors on cotton pests’ biology are limited. The current study was undertaken to determine the impact of abiotic factors (temperature, humidity, photoperiod) and an insecticide (lambda-cyhalothrin) on the biological aspects of P. gossypiella. The results revealed that all the treatments showed a significant impact on different life parameters of P. gossypiella. The temperature exposure at 27 °C revealed a total life span of about 33 days. Maximum mortality for larvae (51.11%), pupae (59.04%) and adults (61.92%) were recorded at 33 °C exposure. Both low and high humidity levels caused negative impacts on life parameters of P. gossypiella. The life span was completed in about 30 days at 60% relative humidity (RH). Maximum mortality for larvae (75.00%) and pupae (49.59%) were recorded at 80% RH level exposure, while adult mortality was maximum (63.09%) at 40% RH level followed by 80% RH level (55.52%). The P. gossypiella exhibited a life span of about 32 days at 14:10 light-dark period. The larval mortality was maximum (14.83%) at 12:12 light-dark period while pupal (47.36%) and adult (48.84%) mortality was maximum at 16:08 light-dark period. Lambdacyhalothrin (LC) showed dose dependent negative impacts on biological aspects of P. gossypiella. The P. gossypiella exhibited a life span of about 26 days at 0.5 ppm LC concentration. The P. gossypiella exposure to highest concentration (LC) revealed maximum mortality of larval (80.22%), pupal (64.63%) and adult (70.74%) stages. Conclusively, the best suited abiotic factor ranges were 27 °C (temperature), 60% (RH) and 14:10 (light-dark) which can be used for successful rearing and bioassay activities of P. gossypiella.

Protein malnutrition is a major public health concern in the developing world. The livestock products are a good source of high-quality protein, but the livestock industry is a source of pollution and one of the leading causes of climate change because the slaughtering of animals results in the accumulation of waste, offals, and several inedible body portions. The rapid increase in the human population and inadequate supply of traditional protein sources have driven a search for novel and alternative protein sources such as edible insects. This review extensively explores the nutritional value, allergenicity, and safety considerations associated with consuming common house crickets and other related insect species. A wide range of cricket protein-based products are currently available and provide some attractive options to the consumers such as protein-enriched bakery products and gluten-free bread for celiac patients. The cricket protein hydrolysates are used as preservatives to improve the stability of cheddar cheese and goat meat emulsions during storage. The risks associated with edible crickets and their products are bacteria, mycotoxins, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and the presence of allergenic proteins.

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an emerging production constraint in many summer crops including sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), but limited control options are available. In this field study, the efficacy of sole and sequential applications of a pre-emergence (pendimethalin) and a post-emergence (bromoxynil) herbicide was evaluated for parthenium weed control in grain sorghum over two years. Pendimethalin or bromoxynil alone could only provide 54% and 63% control, whereas their sequential application provided 86% control of parthenium weed over the weedy treatment. The sorghum plants in pendimethalin followed by bromoxynil treatment had the highest leaf fresh weight per plant, plant dry biomass, plant height, and the number of heads among the herbicide treatments. Sorghum fresh forage yield, dry fodder yield, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield were highest in the weed-free treatment followed by the pendimethalin followed by (fb) bromoxynil treatment. Overall, the herbicide treatment performance was in an order of pendimethalin fb bromoxynil > bromoxynil > pendimethalin for weed control and sorghum yield improvement. These results suggest that pendimethalin followed by bromoxynil may provide acceptable control (>85%) of parthenium weed and may improve sorghum grain yield (up to 23%).

The Sub-Saharan Africa is facing trilemma of energy poverty, climate change hazards, and low economic growth. Lack of access to modern energy is considered as an impediment to the region’s wellbeing and development objectives. This study contributes to the energy literature by examining the role of financial development, institutional quality, foreign direct investment, and direct and indirect effects of human capital on the renewable energy consumption of 31 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2002–2019. Panel corrected standard error (PCSE) and feasible generalized least square (FGLS) estimation methods are applied for empirical investigation. The findings reveal that complementary effect of both human capital and GDP per capita is a key policy choice for the sample countries. The study also validates a U-shaped GDP-energy consumption nexus. Thus the present work provides a novel and insightful empirical evidence on energy transition and the channels through which it is affected by human capital, financial development, and institutional quality. Therefore, it is recommended that improvement in GDP per capita, capacity enhancement of human capital, and reforms in financial and institutional frameworks entail strategic importance for energy transition.

The Parkinson’s disease-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) complex typically manifests as levodopa-responsive parkinsonism, followed by ALS. It is extremely rare for Parkinson’s disease and ALS to coexist without other neurological disorders. Named after the scientists who first described this overlap of two neurodegenerative conditions, it is referred to as Brait-Fahn-Schwartz disease. Given its variable presentation, increasing rarity, and lack of any diagnostic test, it poses a diagnostic challenge for physicians. We present a case of a 55-year-old Pakistani male experiencing progressive quadriparesis with spastic lower limbs and flaccid upper limbs, in addition to the cardinal features of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Since there is currently no cure available for either Parkinson’s disease or ALS, all available treatment focuses on improving quality of life, which we achieved in our patient. This case is unique in being the first incidence of Parkinson’s disease-ALS complex in a novel geographic region such as Pakistan, where genetic testing and cost constraints limit the diagnosis of rare disorders. The coexistence of extrapyramidal symptoms and pyramidal symptoms is uncommon. In such situations, physicians may overlook one group of symptoms, potentially leading to a misdiagnosis. This case highlights the value of a thorough physical examination and electrodiagnostic studies and suggests the association between Parkinson’s disease and ALS. This case demonstrates the significance of understanding when Parkinson’s disease symptoms start to appear in patients with ALS and the need to start dopaminergic therapy in those who had Parkinson’s disease features before ALS to alleviate the suffering of an individual and enhance quality of life.

Abstract Agricultural crops are subject to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses that adversely affect growth and reduce the yield of crop plantss. Traditional crop stress management approaches are not capable of fulfilling the food demand of the human population which is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050. Nanobiotechnology is the application of nanotechnology in biological fields and has emerged as a sustainable approach to enhancing agricultural productivity by alleviating various plant stresses. This article reviews innovations in nanobiotechnology and its role in promoting plant growth and enhancing plant resistance/tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses and the underlying mechanisms. Nanoparticles, synthesized through various approaches (physical, chemical and biological), induce plant resistance against these stresses by strengthening the physical barriers, improving plant photosynthesis and activating plant defense mechanisms. The nanoparticles can also upregulate the expression of stress-related genes by increasing anti-stress compounds and activating the expression of defense-related genes. The unique physico-chemical characteristics of nanoparticles enhance biochemical activity and effectiveness to cause diverse impacts on plants. Molecular mechanisms of nanobiotechnology-induced tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses have also been highlighted. Further research is needed on efficient synthesis methods, optimization of nanoparticle dosages, application techniques and integration with other technologies, and a better understanding of their fate in agricultural systems.

Abstract Background The debate on whether or not there is a difference in the incidence of thyroid cancer between the patients with Solitary thyroid Nodule (STN) and Multinodular Goiter (MNG) has been constantly present for the last few decades. With newer studies yielding mixed results, it was imperative to systematically compile all available literature on the topic. Methods PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, ScienceDirect, GoogleScholar, International Clinical Trials registry, and reference lists of the included articles were systematically searched for article retrieval. No filter was applied in terms of time, study design, language or country of publication. Rigorous screening as per PRISMA guidelines was undertaken by 2 independent reviewers in order to identify the articles that were most relevant to the topic. Results Twenty-two studies spanning from 1992 to 2018 were included in this analysis and encompassed 50,321 patients, 44.2% of which belonged to the STN subgroup and 55.37% to the MNG subgroup. MNG was found to be associated with a significantly lower risk of thyroid cancer (OR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.61–0.96) when compared with STN. Papillary carcinoma was the most frequently occurring carcinoma across both groups, followed by follicular and medullary carcinomas. A subgroup analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of the two most commonly employed diagnostic tools i.e. surgery and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), however it yielded nonsignificant results, indicating a comparable usefulness of the two. Another subgroup analysis run on the basis of the presumed iodine status of the participants also yielded nonsignificant results. Conclusion There is a higher incidence of thyroid cancer among patients of STN, however, given the low quality of existing evidence on the topic, it is crucial to conduct larger studies that can establish association with a greater precision.

BackgroundAlthough numerous modalities are currently in use for the treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19, probiotics are a cost-effective alternative that could be used in diverse clinical settings. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the role of probiotics in preventing and treating COVID-19 infection.MethodsWe searched several databases from inception to 30 May 2023 for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies that evaluated probiotics (irrespective of the regimen) for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. We conducted our meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 with risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) as the effect measures.ResultsA total of 18 studies (11 RCTs and 7 observational studies) were included in our review. Probiotics reduced the risk of mortality (RR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.25–0.65, I2 = 0%). Probiotics also decreased the length of hospital stay, rate of no recovery, and time to recovery. However, probiotics had no effect on the rates of ICU admission. When used prophylactically, probiotics did not decrease the incidence of COVID-19 cases (RR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.37–1.12; I2 = 66%). The results for all outcomes were consistent across the subgroups of RCTs and observational studies (P for interaction >0.05).ConclusionThe results of this meta-analysis support the use of probiotics as an adjunct treatment for reducing the risk of mortality or improving other clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. However, probiotics are not useful as a prophylactic measure against COVID-19. Large-scale RCTs are still warranted for determining the most efficacious and safe probiotic strains.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO (CRD42023390275: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=390275).

Fahr’s syndrome, also known as bilateral striopallidodendate calcinosis, is a rare inherited neurodegenerative illness characterized by abnormal calcium deposition in several areas of the brain, resulting in a wide range of neuropsychological symptoms. Fahr’s syndrome, secondary to autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1, which includes adrenal insufficiency and mucocutaneous candidiasis in addition to hypoparathyroidism, is exceedingly rare. No case report has been documented to date to show the co-occurrence of Fahr’s syndrome and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Here, we discuss the case of a 30-year-old man with a previous history of seizures and symptoms of ectodermal dystrophy presented with seizures, left-sided hemiparesis, dysarthria, and other characteristics indicative of severe hypocalcemia. The neuroimaging findings strongly suggested Fahr’s syndrome, with radiographic evidence of Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder as longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis in the cervical spinal cord, high titers of serum aquaporin-4 antibodies, and demyelinating neuropathy on nerve conduction studies. This distinct neuropsychological presentation and neuroimaging findings led to the diagnosis of Fahr’s syndrome as a result of hypoparathyroidism caused by autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 with cooccurrence of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. The patient’s clinical symptoms improved considerably after he was treated based on a provisional diagnosis. The clinical importance of our case is significant for both neuropsychiatrists and endocrinologists, as autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome should be considered as the etiology of Fahr’s syndrome. This case report also aims to report this unusual association of Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with Fahr’s syndrome to give the future prospective to know whether this association is incidental or there is a missing link between these two different disorders.

Conventional thyroidectomy has been the standard technique for over 100 years but has the drawback of leaving a scar on the neck. As such, the demand for minimally invasive endoscopic thyroid surgery is rapidly growing as patients are becoming more and more worried about scars; it is more appropriate in patients who want to get surgery done because of odd looking swelling over the neck. TOETVA is safe, feasible, effective, and scar-free alternative to conventional thyroid surgery. We are sharing our first clinical experience in TOETVA in Pakistan with effective outcome in terms of surgical complication and patient satisfaction. Keywords: TOETVA, minimally thyroid surgery, Pakistan.

Abstract Aphids are major pests affecting cereals, vegetables, fruit, forestry and horticultural produce. A multimodal approach may be an effective route to controlling this prolific pest. We assessed the individual and combined effect of eight insecticides and the entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschin.) against the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), under laboratory conditions. Six of the insecticides tested were found to be highly compatible (flonicamid, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen and spirotetramat), showing positive integration with the fungus and were selected for bioassays. The combination mixtures (1:1 ratio of M. anisopliae: insecticide) were significantly more toxic to A. gossypii than individual treatments. Maximum mortality (91.68%) of A. gossypii was recorded with combination of flonicamid and M. anisopliae (2.4 × 106 cfu/ml) 72 h after application. While minimum mortality (17.08%) was observed with the individual treatment of M. anisopliae (2.4 × 106 cfu/ml). The insecticides revealed toxicity consistent with their compatibility with M. anisopliae, ranking for efficacy exactly as they did for compatibility. In addition, the synergy factor (SF) and co-toxicity coefficient (CTC) values indicated synergistic interactions at different time intervals. The synergistic efficacy revealed the potential of fungus-insecticide integration against sucking insect pests.

Taking everything into account, the information and attention to diabetes was low, while the pervasiveness of these diseases was high among the number of inhabitants in blood benefactors. This examination discovered that monitoring and having higher diabetes related information can affect the predominance of these contaminations. This is especially the situation among diabetes patients, as the individuals who reacted accurately to in any event four of six information proclamations for every contamination were essentially connected with a negative disease status for the diseases, separately. 66.5% respondents didn't think about strategies to diminish diabetes, yet most showed that schooling on lessening diabetes is required. Hence, a legislature driven quest for proficient strategies to battle and announce sugar decrease is required so as to persistently give proper schooling. There is a need to bring issues to light and disperse proper information to patients and everybody to support uplifting perspectives, advance solid practices, and in this way diminish the spread of these diseases. This investigation has significant ramifications for general wellbeing arrangements and supports the requirement for conduct mediation systems to draw in individuals in solid practices, particularly sexual conduct.

Background and Aim: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder associated with other somatic disorders. We studied the prevalence and predictors of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in IBS patients. Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample and included hospitalization of individuals with IBS, using ICD-10 codes, from 2016–2019. The prevalence and predictors of fibromyalgia and CFS in IBS patients were studied. Univariate and multivariate patient- and hospital-level regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds of fibromyalgia and CFS in the IBS patient population. Results: Of 1,256,325 patients with an ICD-10 code of IBS included in the study, 10.73% (134,890) also had ICD-10 codes for fibromyalgia and 0.42% (5220) for CFS. The prevalence of fibromyalgia and CFS was significantly higher in IBS patients (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.24–5.41, p < 0.001, and AOR 5.40, 95% CI 5.04–5.78, p < 0.001, respectively) compared to the general adult population without IBS. IBS-diarrhea, IBS-constipation, and IBS-mixed types were independently associated with increased odds of fibromyalgia and CFS. Increasing age (AOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04, p 0.003; AOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, p 0.001), female gender (AOR 11.2, 95% CI 11.1–11.4, p < 0.001; AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.78–1.93, p < 0.001) and white race (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.95–2.12, p < 0.001; AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.34–2.13, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of increased odds of fibromyalgia and CFS, respectively. Conclusions: It appears that IBS is associated with an increased prevalence of somatic disorders such as fibromyalgia and CFS.

To set up the recognition of diet-D in kids with infection of urinary tract. A bypass-sectional research modified into directed on the department of Pediatrics, Carter university sanatorium, Hyderabad, from July 2019 to March 2020. A sum of 172 young guys and younger girls somewhere in the variety of 2 and 60 months vintage enough have been decided to have urinary lot contamination (UTI) (powerful pee check). C/S record) grow to be remembered for the studies. In view of past well being information or clinically essential medical records, kids who had ate up immunosuppressive medicines and steroids 48 h previous or had taken nutrient D improvements with CKD, and recognized instances of nutrient D inadequacy were likewise prohibited from the research. All exam members surveyed their nutrient D degrees by way of elite fluid chromatography. Collect pee tests for C/S and 1 cc of venous blood for nutrient D recognition (ng/ml). Decide the advise ± desired deviation (SD) and definition antique sufficient, time period of urinary parcel sickness, and nutrient D diploma. The chi-square test after definition is carried out to all absolute factors with 95% truth stretch (CI), and a P esteem ≤ 0.05 is considered huge. The recurrence of urinary lot illnesses is greater everyday in children who're nutrient D insufficient.

Poly (l-lacticacid) (PLLA) is an FDA approved material for bone tissue engineering but its inherent brittleness and low melting ability are major challenges for its large-scale commercial applications. This challenge can be overcome by making its blends. This study reports blends of PLLA with a relatively new class of polymer i.e. cyclic olefinic copolymer and their miscibility, thermal behavior, morphology, crystallinity, degradability, and excellent biocompatibility is evaluated. Blends were prepared by taking 5–30 weight percent COC with PLLA matrix using solvent casting method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that PLLA/COC form miscible blends up to 5–20 wt% of COC. FTIR, XRD, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data showed that addition of COC to PLLA resulted in decrease in crystallinity along with formation of new α′-crystalline phase which coexists with inherent α-phase of PLLA in the blends. The transformation of α′-form is due to the presence of Van der Waals forces of interactions of the polymer chain moieties between PLLA and COC. Interestingly, PLLA/COC blends exhibited superior mechanical properties in relation to the pure PLLA. Compressive modulus values for PLLA/COC 10wt% increased 117% as compared to pure PLLA. PLLA/COC blends at 10 wt% have maximum ultimate tensile strength, modulus, and toughness ~ 123%, 67.8% and, 18.87% respectively. PLLA/COC blends showed increased swelling and degradation results as compared to PLLA. PLLA/COC blends exhibited excellent cytocompatibility over PLLA with preosteoblast (MC3T3-E1) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSc) cell lines suggesting possible candidate for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Linezolid is a second-line medication used to treat tuberculosis that has become resistant to multiple drugs. Linezolid has been shown to be effective in treating drug-resistant TB. However, long-term therapy is hampered by the related side effects, such as ocular and peripheral neuropathy. We recently encountered a 32-year-old male undergoing linezolid therapy for 12 months for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis who presented with progressive painless visual impairment and peripheral neuropathy symptoms in lower limbs as well as ataxic gait. Nerve conduction study findings of length-dependent axonal sensory polyneuropathy with bilateral optic neuropathy evident on fundoscopy suggested a case of toxic neuropathy. Following the termination of linezolid, follow-up visits revealed an improvement in visual symptoms. While there has been no discernible improvement or deterioration of peripheral neuropathy. In a developing country like Pakistan, where the rising number of cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and its management is a major problem, physicians should be made aware of linezolid induced neuropathy so that close follow-up sessions for patients on long-term linezolid therapy can be arranged to avoid serious neurological consequences.

Gradenigo's syndrome (GS) is a triad (otorrhea, abducens nerve palsy, and pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution) of clinical findings that are caused by contiguous spread of petrous apicitis to the nearby neurovascular structures. Petrous apicitis is usually secondary to otitis media but atypical etiologies and absence of the classical triad pose a diagnostic challenge for physicians. We report a rare case of GS in an afebrile 55-year-old male who presented with unilateral headache, dysphagia and hoarseness (IX and X cranial nerve involvement), and diplopia with lateral gaze palsy (VI nerve involvement) in the absence of trigeminal neuralgia or a history of otitis media. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed hyperintense lesions in the right petrous apex indicating petrous apicitis, the hallmark of GS. Prompt initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics led to a marked improvement in dysphagia and voice quality on the 4th post-admission day, and complete resolution of symptoms by the end of the fourth week. This shows that GS can present even in the absence of clinically apparent ear infection and cranial nerve palsies may not be limited to the V and VI nerve in all cases. Physicians should be aware of such atypical manifestations as prompt radiological assessment followed by early antibiotics can prevent life-threatening complications from developing.

The unprecedented rise in the human population has increased pressure on agriculture production. To enhance the production of crops, farmers mainly rely on the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which have, undoubtedly, increased the production rate but at the cost of losing sustainability of the environment in the form of genetic erosion of indigenous varieties of crops and loss of fertile land. Therefore, farming practices need to upgrade toward the use of biological agents to maintain the sustainability of agriculture and the environment. In this context, using microbial inoculants and amino acids may present a more effective, safer, economical, and sustainable alternative means of realizing higher productivity of crops. Therefore, field experiments were performed on chickpea for two succeeding years using Rhizobium and L-methionine (at three levels, i.e., 5, 10, and 15 mg L–1) separately and in combinations. The results show that the application of Rhizobium and all the three levels of L-methionine increased the growth and yield of chickpea. There was a higher response to a lower dose of L-methionine, i.e., 5 mg L–1. It has been found that maximum grain yield (39.96 and 34.5% in the first and second years, respectively) of chickpea was obtained with the combined use of Rhizobium and L-methionine (5 mg L–1). This treatment was also the most effective in enhancing nodule number (91.6 and 58.19%), leghemoglobin (161.1 and 131.3%), and protein content (45.2 and 45%) of plants in both years. Likewise, photosynthetic pigments and seed chemical composition were significantly improved by Rhizobium inoculation. However, these effects were prominent when Rhizobium inoculation was accompanied by L-methionine. In conclusion, utilizing the potential of combined use of L-methionine and microbial inoculant could be a better approach for developing sustainable agriculture production.

Abstract The toxicity of seven biorational insecticides [five insect growth regulators (Buprofezin, Fenoxycarb, Pyriproxyfen, Methoxyfenozide, and Tebufenozide) and two oil-extracts of neem and bitter gourd seeds] against Bemisia tabaci and their selectivity for its parasitoid, Encarsia formosa were evaluated in laboratory and field conditions for 2 years (2018–2019) in Pakistan. Toxicity results demonstrate that Pyriproxyfen, Buprofezin, and Fenoxycarb proved to be effective (80–91% mortality and 66.3–84.2% population-reduction) against B. tabaci followed by Methoxyfenozide, Tebufenozide (50–75% mortality and 47.8–52.4% population-reduction), and then oil-extracts of neem and bitter gourd (25–50% mortality and 36.5–39.8% population-reduction) in the laboratory [72 h post-application exposure interval (PAEI)] and field trails (168 h PAEI), respectively. All tested biorationals, except Methoxyfenozide [(slightly-harmful/Class-II), i.e., causing mortality of parasitoids between a range of 25–50%] and Tebufenozide [(moderately-harmful/Class-III), i.e., causing mortality of parasitoids between the ranges of 51–75%], proved harmless/Class-I biorationals at PAEI of 7-days in the field (parasitism-reduction

This study presents the insightful and comprehensive empirical evidence on the impact of income and institutional governance on climate change based on panel data of 203 countries for time series of 1996 to 2017. We have divided the countries into sub-samples of 34 low-income, 101 middle-income and 68 high-income countries by following the World Bank country classification. Econometric analysis is carried out by employing the fixed-effect model in order to incorporate the unobserved heterogeneity among countries, and instrumental variable technique generalised method of moments is applied to tackle the issue of endogeneity. The major contribution of this study involves providing the new empirical evidence on the non-linear impact of institutional governance on CO2 emissions (a proxy of climate change) and conditional impact of income and institutional governance on these emissions. Findings of the present study indicate that there is a robust inverted-U shape relationship between institutional governance and CO2 emissions in all income groups of countries. We have termed this curve as Environmental Governance Curve (EGC).

The structure-properties relationships of novel cyclic olefinic copolymer (COC)/poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) polymer blends are investigated by varying the PLLA content from 5–20 wt % in COC matrix, forming an immiscible blends at all concentrations. Despite immiscibility, COC favors the formation of α- crystal form of PLLA in the blends, contrary to the α’- crystal form in neat PLLA due to non-covalent interactions of the chain moieties as evident from x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and differential scanning calorimetry. The COC/PLLA blends revealed tunable superior mechanical and barrier properties as compared to the neat counterparts. The tensile modulus, strength and toughness of COC/PLLA blends at 15 wt% are significantly enhanced ∼ 89 %, 103 % and one order of magnitude, respectively. Such reinforcement and super toughening mechanisms are pertaining to the effective dissipation of loads across the interfaces, enabling them to delay the crack growth by avoiding stress concentration sites. Likewise, the water vapor permeation (WVP) of the blends is reduced ∼ 4 times than neat COC.

Abstract The present study was performed to assess the individual and combined potential of 3 different concentrations of Trichoderma sp. (Ts) and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control brinjal insect pests. Tested formulations were applied on larval and adult stages of the pest. The Trichoderma laboratory bioassays revealed 73% mortality of the aphid species, Aphis gossypii (Glover), and 53% mortality of the cotton leafhopper (Jassids) Amrasca bigutulla bigutulla (Ishida), while opposite results were observed in case of Bt at the highest concentration (1 × 108 cfu ml−1) used. In vivo results revealed that Ts caused a significant population reduction of the aphid (87%) than the jassid (72%), 7 days of post-treatment, at the highest concentration, while non-significant results were observed at the lowest concentrations. A. gossypii was significantly found more susceptible to the mixture of Trichoderma + Bt than the jassid (62%) and brinjal shoot and fruit borer (65%) even after 48 h of treatment application. The combined application (Trichoderma + Bt) showed maximum population reduction of jassid (88%), aphid (95%), and BSFB (96%), respectively, 7 days post-applications. The positive correlation among time and concentration was observed. The result may imply that consortium of these microbial organisms could be effective and can be incorporated in IPM programs for effective control of sucking and chewing insect pests of brinjal.

Objective The objective of this study is assessment of safety and efficacy of supracostal mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients. Methodology This is prospective study of patients whose kidney stones were treated with mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy through supracostal approach between February 2019 and Dec 2020.These patients were selected for supracostal puncture based on preoperative ultrasound and CT KUB findings and peroperative assessment of stone burden, stone location and anatomy of pelvicalyceal system. Results Of 80 patients 72(90%) were treated with only one supracostal puncture while additional 2nd puncture was used for 8(10%) patients. Overall stone clearance is 85% only with percutaneous nephrolithotomy and the stone clearance has reached to 95% with ancillary procedures.13% of patient had hydrothorax , 3.75% had urosepsis, 2.75% had bleeding and 1.25 % had perinephric fluid collection. Conclusion This study concludes that the safety and efficacy of supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy is same as subcostal pcnl if surgical boundaries are not violated.

Objective: To find the efficacy of lactobacillus plantarum 299v compared to placebo in symptomatic improvement of irritable bowel syndrome patients. Method: The randomised control trial was conducted at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from July 20, 2014, to January 20, 2015, and comprised irritable bowel syndrome patients who were randomised into intervention group A treated with lactobacillus plantarum 299v and control group B treated with placebo. Symptoms, like abdominal pain, bloating and complete rectal emptying, were noted and compared between the groups. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. Results: Of the 190 patients assessed, 120(63%) were included; 60(50%) in each of the two groups. After loss to follow-up, the study was completed by 55(91.7%) in group A and 53(88.3%) in group B. The mean age in group A was 37.53 ± 9.02 and it was 34.40±11.23 in group B (p=0.652). The male-to-female ratio and irritable bowel syndrome type in both the groups was not significantly different (p>0.055). There was no significant difference in terms of relieving abdominal pain, bloating and rectal emptying between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: No significant efficacy was established in favour of treating in irritable bowel syndrome with lactobacillus plantarum 299v. Trials Registration: Registration number IRCT20200504047303N1 Key Words: IBS, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, Placebo.

Purpose: In a globalized world today, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are concerned about their corporate governance mechanism to enhance financial and social performance. However, it largely depends on the existing institutional, cultural and economic factors. This paper furthers the debate on the impact of corporate governance on the financial and social performance of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Asian Context. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper utilizes a panel cross-country data set comprised of 183 MFIs in 18 Asian countries over the period of 2010-2018. For empirical analysis, it applies GMM regression technique to control for the endogeniety issue. Findings: The results show that generally corporate governance mechanism contributes more towards social performance of MFIs than the financial performance and a conducive institutional environment enhances both financial and social performance. However, good cultural and economic values contribute only towards the social performance of MFIs. Implications/Originality/Value: Since majority of MFIs irrespective of their status are socially oriented. Therefore, good corporate governance mechanism is more effective in enhancing social performance in particular. Progress towards human development contributes to both financial and social performance of MFIs.

Ecological consideration is of key importance in finding fungi and other entomopathogens for managing insect pests. The probability of finding entomopathogenic fungi is increased by knowing the soil characteristics supporting fungal survival and diversity. Many opportunistic fungi are closely associated with EPF in soil. Diversity and occurrence of fungi were carried out from soil samples (145) and dead insects (225) collected from natural and cultivated areas of south Punjab. The relative research for the presence and abundance of EPF in samples of soils collected from cultivated to non-cultivated hilly lands show that fruit orchid can be considered as a richer in these fungal species. The EPF was mainly isolated from the collected (225) insect cadavers belonging to six insect orders out of which only 94 were positive for any category of fungus isolated. Insects from Coleoptera were reported with maximum occurrence (44.68%) for harboring any kind of the fungus followed by Lepidoptera (36.17%). Aspergillus niger (27.50%) was the most occurring taxa among all isolates, while Fusarium oxysporium was dominantly occurring specie (17.02%). It can be concluded that orchard soils that are least disturbed (tillage, weeding, etc) and supplied with ample moisture should be preferred for sampling in order to isolate the entomopathogens. Furthermore, insect cadavers from coleoptera and lepidoptera should be preferred for collection for the sake of entomopathogenic fungi.

Purpose:In recent times, women’s status has been upgraded through an increase in socio-economic factors, which had implications in determining their bargaining power. The bargaining process produces household decisions which usually consist of unequal bargaining power. This study investigating the socio-economic factors through which female education and income change their bargaining power at the household. Design/Methodology/Approach:For this purpose, a primary survey through a questionnaire has administered in different areas of Punjab, Pakistan. We have collected the data 200 working married women OLS ordinary least square model has been applied to estimate our results. Findings:The result of the study shows that the socio-economic factors has significant and positive role in determining the women bargaining power within and outside the household. Higher income and education not only enhance their bargaining power in decision-making within and outside the household but also increase the status of women in society. Implications/Originality/Value:Oursociety needs to change their prospective towards women by removing these obstacles and giving them freedom of voice and choice, so they can lead their life according to their will. Changing such social norms through education will create better position for women in the household as well in society.

ABSTRACT American bollworm (ABW), Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), is considered as a major pest of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, all over the globe. Due to its destructive feeding nature and continuous consumption of the same chemicals, it devolved resistant against many insecticides. Therefore, a combined application of bio- and synthetic-pesticide need to evaluate against this pest. The entomopathogenic viruses like nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV), a member of baculoviruses, can be the potential candidates for better control against ABW. The present study was conducted to assess the comparative efficacy of NPV and Spinosad 240SC (with the concentration of 250 mL · ha-1) against ABW in the controlled environment. The ABW was treated with different concentrations of NPV and Spinosad separately and in a combination of NPV with 0.1% Spinosad. The results revealed that highest concentrations showed highest mortality (95%) followed by 95%, 92%, 84%, 82% and 78% mortality at 1 × 109, 1 × 108, 1 × 107, 1 × 106 and 1 × 105 POBs, respectively. Spinosad when mixed in diet give 100% mortality at 0.8% followed by 50.87%, 42.10%, 29.82%, 26.31% and 22.80% mortality at 0.4%, 0.2%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 0.025% respectively. The results of this study revealed that microbial control of ABW through NPV is an effective tool. The repeated use of synthetic pesticides caused the resurgence of many insect pests, and this study results would provide useful insight to build a framework for future investigations for the management of many major insect pests.

Water deficiency has become a major issue threatening the sustainability of arable crops globally. This study was conducted to assess the effects of deficit supplemental irrigation (DSI) at different growth phases on the performance of different maize hybrids under semi-arid climate. The irrigations were skipped either at vegetative or reproductive stage, while a sufficient supplemental irrigation was taken as control in three maize hybrids i.e., P-30Y87, S-6621 and P-30Y58. The DSI at both growth phases significantly hampered root length and proliferation, crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area index (LAI) and relative water contents (RWC). The DSI applied at both growth phases reduced the grain yield and yield related attributes, but DSI at reproductive stage was more lethal. Hybrid P-30Y87 performed better under different irrigation treatments due to better root system, crop allometry and other yield related traits compared to other hybrids while hybrid P-30Y58 recorded the lowest crop yield due to poor root system. The lateral roots had positive correlation with grains cob-1 and water use efficiency, while positive correlation among root length and grain weight and yield was observed under DSI at both growth phases. In conclusion, DSI at reproductive stage severely hampers the maize productivity; however maize productivity under deficit irrigation supply can potentially be improved to some extent by using maize hybrids with better root system. The moisture deficiency at reproductive stage proved more lethal for maize productivity, while maize hybrids with better root system potentially evaded the adverse effects of moisture deficits under semi-arid climate.

Abstract The tropical armyworm, Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Noctuidae; Lepidoptera), is among the most harmful pests causing economic loss in the quality and production of a variety of crops, particularly cotton. Entomopathogens play an important role in insect pest management. The nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) isolate of S. litura (V-SpltNPV) was isolated from infected larvae in a cotton crop, and viral occlusion bodies were confirmed, using an inverted microscope. The pathogenicity of V-SpltNPV against 2nd, 3rd, and 4th larval instars of S. litura was evaluated at various concentrations (1 × 104 to 1 × 108 OBs/ml). Mortality rate was high (37.65–96.82%) in early instar larvae against tested concentrations. LC50 and LT50 values increased with increasing larval age. There was 689,865 times increase in LC50 value (1.35 × 102 OBs/ml) for 2nd instar larvae to LC50 value (6.90 × 105 OBs/ml) for 4th instar larvae. LT50 values enhanced from 4.99 days for 2nd instar larvae to 7.49 days for 4th instar larvae, due to a decrease in efficacy of NPVs with the increasing age of larvae. In a greenhouse experiment, a combined application of spinosad with V-SpltNPV (1 × 108 OBs/ml) caused (100%) mortality of 2nd instar larvae. A single application of V-SpltNPV (1 × 108 OBs/ml) resulted to mean mortality (52.63%) of tested larvae. The native isolate V-SpltNPV seems to have a potential to be used in integrated manner with other IPM tactics to significantly reduce the use of toxic chemical pesticides.

Sustainable improvement of yield under limited land resources is a challenge for future food security and types and techniques of fertilization are critical for this challenge. In this view, a 2-year study was conducted to investigate the interaction of nitrogen (N) with salicylic acid and gibberellic acid on productivity and quality of canola (Brassica napus L.) during the year 2014-15 and 2015-16. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot arrangement of treatments where four N levels (60, 80, 100, 120 kg ha-1), kept in main plots, and four levels of plant growth regulators PGRs [Control, salicylic acid (100 ppm), gibberellic acid (100 ppm) and combination of the two], kept in sub-plots, and replicated three times. The results indicated that combined application of N and PGRs in either combination improved the morphological/yield parameters, seed yield and seed quality attributes of canola crop. The maximum seed yield of 2230 kg ha-1 was recorded when N application @ 120 kg ha-1 interacted with combine application of salicylic acid and gibberellic acid. The combined application of gibberellic acid and salicylic acid enhanced the seed yield and seed oil contents of canola by 13.3-17.7% and 28.9-29.8%, respectively, than control treatment (no application of salicylic acid and gibberellic acid) during the both years of experimentation. Therefore, to combat emerging food security issues, combined application of salicylic acid and gibberellic acid along with N (at 100/120 kg ha-1) will be a practicable option to improve the productivity and quality of canola grown under arid climates.

Objective: To determine the accuracy of transoral flexible laryngoscope (TFL) biopsy and also to identify the safety as office based procedure in terms of complications. Methods: This is a diagnostic study; the type of intervention is outpatient department based biopsy of laryngeal lesions. All patients seen in ENT outpatient department of Lyari General Hospital with suspicious lesions of Larynx were referred for Transoral Flexible Laryngoscopy Biopsy under local anesthesia. The specimens were sent for histopathology. The patients with benign pathology or carcinoma in situ were referred for direct laryngoscopy and biopsy. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated and the frequencies of complications were monitored to determine the complication rate. Results: During the course of study a total of 47 patients underwent TFL biopsy in office settings. Out of these patients 16 patients were referred for direct laryngoscopy biopsy. The study population included 32 men and 15 women with ages ranging from 28 to 52 years and mean of (39 ± 6) years. Among 43 patients squamous cell carcinoma was the final diagnosis in 31 patients. In the rest of 12 patients’ dysplasia and benign lesion was the diagnosis in 9 and 3 patients respectively. These 12 patients underwent direct laryngoscopy biopsy and 10 of them diagnosed with invasive carcinoma rest had benign lesions. Hence the specificity was 75.6% and sensitivity was 100%. None of the patients developed any serious complication. Conclusions: All patients with a suspicious lesion diagnosed by TFL biopsy as being benign or carcinoma in situ should have direct laryngoscopy for verification of the findings. But the results positive for carcinoma are reliable. In addition, this is a safe procedure. Keywords: Biopsy, Flexible laryngoscopy, Squamous cell carcinoma, Larynx

Purpose:The relationship between foreign direct investment and population health has been the focus of research among researchers in recent years. One of the basic individual rights is a healthy life and decent living conditions, but the SAARC countries are lagging behind in this respect.The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of foreign direct investment inflows on population health by integrating growth, foreign aid, and human capital into the model for selected SAARC countries. Design/Methodology/Approach:The fixed effect technique based on the Hausman test was implemented through the period of 1996-2018 because of the Panel nature of the data. Findings:Our empirical results indicate that FDI inflows have a positive and significant effect on population health. Increase in FDI inflows in the host country raises the income of the people, as better job opportunities are available to them. Implications/Originality/Value:This research is a crucial step in observing the complicated relationship between Foreign Direct Investment and Population Health. It is expected that this research motivates the debate and enhance the knowledge further in this line of research.Government should provide incentives to the foreign investors by providing concessions in taxes, and better facilities in terms of improved infrastructure.

The current study focuses on minimising the bubbles in polyester-insulated ignition coils, which were produced with a defect level of ~21–25% or 210–250 coils per 1000 batch size by using the potting method. This high-level rejection makes a substantial financial impact by increasing waste material, manufacturing, and after-sales costs. Hence, to control the bubbled problem without using expensive and maintenance-heavy techniques, the process parameters in the potting method were alternated and investigated using one factor at a time, which played a vital role in the formation/reduction of bubbles in the ignition coil insulation. Process parameters, including pre/process heating, the appropriate MEKP/cobalt naphthenate ratio, the pouring amount/increments, and the stirring speeds, reduced the bubble formation per lot from 205 ± 30 to 146 ± 25, 108 ± 21, 61 ± 17, and 10 ± 2 per 1000 lot accordingly. In addition, a comparative study was conducted in terms of performance and life cycle endurance, using Japanese and Indian standards. Furthermore, an after-sale warranty claim also supports the proposed changes in the potting technique. This modification may reduce the after-sales rejection within two years to approximately ~85%. This modification in the potting technique is extremely cost-effective in comparison to expensive processes, i.e., vacuum-pressure impregnation and vacuum impregnation, which require extensive labour and maintenance.

Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) is an important nut crop extensively grown in rainfed regions of Pakistan. The crop requires low inputs; thus, could grow successfully under diverse environmental conditions. Due to pegging ability, peanut grows aggressively in sandy and sandy-loam soils. However, it has not introduced to Thal region of southern Punjab, Pakistan. A two-year field experiment was conducted to optimize sowing dates for two peanut genotypes (‘BARI-2016’ and ‘NO-334’) in Thal region (Layyah). Similarly, a yield trial was conducted at Chakwal where both genotypes are extensively grown. Five sowing dates (10th April, 1st May, 20th May, 10th June and 30th June) were included in the study. The highest seed yield was obtained with early sown crop (10th April) during both years. Pod formation reduced with increasing atmospheric temperature and no pods were formed on the plants sown on 30th June. Decreased pod formation seemed a major reason for low yield in late-sown crop. The highest yield was observed for the crop sown on 10th April, which was decreased by 40% for the crop sown on 1st May. Genotype ‘BARI-2016’ performed better for seed yield at both locations compared with ‘NO-334’. The results suggested that genotype ‘BARI-2016’ is more adaptive to arid and semi-arid condition under rainfed or irrigated conditions. Sowing peanut at optimum time would increase seed yield in arid and semi-arid regions. Nonetheless, ‘BARI-2016’ can be grown under rainfed and irrigated conditions successfully.

Background Pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a native pest of Asia and preferably invasion on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crop as a commendatory host plant. Commercially, G. hirsutum is known as white gold and is an important cash crop all over the globe. Limited studies were published to focus on certain dietary compositions against different cotton pests. Therefore, the present study was undertaken in the laboratory under controlled conditions (temperature: 27 ± 2°C and relative humidity: 60 ± 10%) to determine the impact of three different treatment diets (wheat germ meal, okra, and chickpea) on the biological aspects (lifetime, developmental period) of P. gossypiella. Results Results revealed that the shortest larval time of P. gossypiella was observed on the okra feed diet while the longest period was recorded on the wheat germ diet. Meanwhile, the pupation delay was noted on the wheat germ diet. The dietary influence was also observed on adult stages of female and male P. gossypiella (43.00 and 37.50 days respectively) and compared with a standard diet (56.50 and 52.50 days respectively). Furthermore, larval weighed more on the okra and chickpea diet followed by the wheat germ diet, whereas highest pupal weight was observed on the standard diet followed by the chickpea diet and okra diet. Conclusion Developmental parameters were significantly variant across all treatment diets, whereas the higher significant difference was reported on the okra diet. Therefore, the existing data of this study offers fruitful interventions for the future as a modified diet for large-scale and rapid mass production of P. gossypiella larvae.

The grain legumes are a vital component of the sustainable crop production systems as these are not only a good source of dietary proteins but also help to improve soil nutrients status through biological nitrogen fixation. Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is one of the leading grain legumes which is planted all across the globe. Zinc (Zn) is one of the most critical micronutrients required by crop plants, including mungbean, as well as for the human being. This study was carried out to optimize the Zn soil application for vigorous seedling growth, grain yield and grain biofortification of mungbean. Zinc was soil applied at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 mg Zn kg-1 soil. The results showed that soil application of Zn improved the seedling growth, morphological and yield parameters, grain yield and grain Zn concentration of mungbean. However, Zn soil application at 10 mg Zn kg-1 soil was significantly better for improving the seedling growth, morphological and yield parameters, grain yield and grain biofortification. It is recommended that Zn should be soil applied at 10 mg Zn kg-1 soil to harvest better grain yield and Zn-enriched grains of mungbean to overcome Zn malnutrition.

Objective: To determine the frequency of various causes of gross Haematuria presenting in our hospital and recommend a working protocol to young doctors. Study Design: Prospective descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Urology Department, District Headquarter and Teaching Hospital, Sargodha Medical College, from Mar 2012 to Mar 2014. Material and Method: All fresh patients reporting to the hospital with complaints of ‘blood in urine’ were included in the study, while patients presenting with Microscopic haematuria were excluded. The patients, after being managed by the urology registrar, were given a questionnaire to fill, assisted by a resident, a reference number allotted for follow-up. A request for urine routine examination and urine microscopy/cytology was made to confirm haematuria and exclude malignant cells. Followed by ultrasound, X-Ray KUB, cystoscopy and IVU/CTU scan, as required. The results obtained were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 391 patients presented with complaints of ‘blood in urine’. Trauma: was the most frequent cause seen in 21.7% (n=85), followed by Urinary tract infections (21.0%, n=82), Urolithasis (20.2%, n=79) and Urological tumors seen 19.4% (n=76) cases. About two thirds of the patients (56.6%, n=43) with urological tumors were not investigated, at primary health care level, to ascertain the cause and presented with advanced disease. Conclusion: General practitioners should be encouraged to request ultrasound scan for patients presenting with gross haematuria, as urothelial tumours, if detected early, can be managed effectively with better long term outcome.

The aim of the present exploration was to develop novel pH-sensitive cross-linked Gelatin/Polyvinyl pyrrolidone hydrogels using different ratios of both the polymers and to investigate the effect of polymers and degree of crosslinking on dynamic, equilibrium swelling and invitro release pattern of the model drug (captopril). Grafting polymerization technique was used for the preparation of these hydrogels using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. These polymeric materials were then used as model systems to envisage various important characterizations like FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Phosphate buffers of pH 1.2, 6.5 and 7.5 were used for swelling and invitro drug release profile investigation. Different parameters like swelling analysis, porosity, sol-gel analysis, average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc), solvent interaction parameter (χ), volume fraction of polymer (V2,s) and diffusion coefficient that affects the drug release behavior were also determined. Higher swelling and release was observed at lower pH values. FTIR spectra showed interaction between gelatin and polyvinyl pyrrolidone and successful formation of cross-linked structure. Pulsatile drug release study showed the controlled delivery of model drug. The release of drug occurred through non-fickian diffusion or anomalous mechanism. Aforementioned characterizations reveal successful formation of copolymer. pH sensitive swelling ability and drug release behavior suggest that the rate of polymer chain relaxation and the rate of drug diffusion from these hydrogels are comparable which also predicts their possible use for site specific captopril delivery.

Vesicular drug delivery systems have gained wide attention in the field of nanotechnology. Among them proniosomes become the superior over other vesicular carriers. Proniosomes are dry formulations of water soluble nonionic surfactant coated carrier system which immediately forms niosomes upon hydration. They have the capability to overcome the instability problems associated with niosomes and liposomes and have the potential to improve solubility, bioavailability, and absorption of various drugs. Furthermore, they offer versatile drug delivery concept for enormous number of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. They have the potential to deliver drugs effectively through different routes at specific site of action to achieve controlled release action and reduce toxic effects associated with drugs. This review discusses the general preparation techniques of proniosomes and mainly focus on the applications of proniosomes in drug delivery and targeting. Moreover, this review demonstrates critical appraisal of the literature for proniosomes. Additionally, this review extensively explains the potential of proniosomes in delivering drugs via different routes, such as oral, parenteral, dermal and transdermal, ocular, oral mucosal, vaginal, pulmonary, and intranasal. Finally, the comparison of proniosomes with niosomes manifests the clear distinction between them. Moreover, proniosomes need to be explored for proteins and peptide delivery and in the field of nutraceuticals and develop pilot plant scale up studies to investigate them in industrial set up.

Precise choice of potassium (K) source and application method does matter for its cost-effectiveness. This study was aimed to evaluate the best source and method of K fertilizer application to improve cotton productivity and profitability under an arid climate. Three different K sources (KNO3, K2SO4 and KCl) were applied at 100 kg ha-1 by four methods, i.e. a) basal application, b) side dressing, c) fertigation and d) foliar application of 2% K2SO4. The highest productivity and profitability were recorded with K2SO4 applied as foliar application. Total boll weight per plant was similar in foliar applied K2SO4 and basal application of KNO3. Better boll opening in foliar applied K2SO4, perhaps, played decisive role for increased seed-cotton yield. For basal application and side dressing, KNO3 produced the highest seed-cotton yield, but the benefit cost ratio was better for foliar applied K2SO4. In crux, foliar application of K2SO4 might be opted to improve the seed cotton yield, fiber quality and net returns under the arid climate. However, soil K application through K2SO4 and/or KNO3 is essential to balance the K removal from soil.

Polymer blends of poly vinyle chloride (PVC) and polyaniline (PANI) with the inclusion of graphene nano platelets (GNP) are fabricated to enhance the EMI shielding effectiveness. The initial assessment with cyclic voltammetry has shown improved electrical conductivity both for PVC/PANI blends and PVC/PANI/GNP composites. The capacitive effect of the blends and composites is evaluated at lower frequency region (100 Hz−5 MHz). EMI shielding measurements of PVC/PANI/GNP composites is performed in the frequency range 10 MHz–20 GHz. In case of PVC/PANI (15 wt%) blends, a maximum attenuation of ∼27 dB is attained which is enhanced to ∼51 dB (max.) with the inclusion of 5 wt% GNP, mainly due to the absorption phenomena. The enhanced shielding effectiveness is achieved mainly in the frequency range 11–20 GHz. The dispersion state, fillers nature and their interaction may be the main aspects for the enhanced EMI shielding effectiveness of hybrid polymeric nanocomposites. Keywords: Polymeric composites, Electrical properties, EMI shielding, Graphene

Eudragit E 100 and polycaprolactone (PCL) floating microspheres for enhanced gastric retention and drug release were successfully prepared by oil in water solvent evaporation method. Metronidazole benzoate, an anti-protozoal drug, was used as a model drug. Polyvinyl alcohol was used as an emulsifier. The prepared microspheres were observed for % recovery, % degree of hydration, % water uptake, % drug loading, % buoyancy and % drug release. The physico-chemical properties of the microspheres were studied by calculating encapsulation efficiency of microspheres and drug release kinetics. Drug release characteristics of microspheres were studied in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid i.e., at pH 1.2 and 7.4 respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to reveal the chemical interaction between drug and polymers. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to study the morphology of the synthesized microspheres.