Search

In the current work, bis-thiourea derivatives have been synthesized through condensation reaction between isothiocynates and diamines in dry acetone to form SK1 (1,2-bis(N-benzoylthioureido) benzene), SK2 (1,3-bis(N-benzoylthioureido) benzene), and SK3 (1,4-bis(N-benzoylthioureido) benzene). The structures of new synthesized derivatives were confirmed through melting point and spectroscopic technique such as 1HNMR only. The synthesized compounds were assessed for acute toxicity test and are proved free of toxicity. The derivatives were further tested as anti-inflammatory agents by in vitro lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition studies, molecular docking, and in vivo carrageenan-induced paw edema assay, and histamine-induced edema test. The overall observations presented that compounds SK1 and SK3 possess promising anti-inflammatory potential, while compound SK2 is found to be a good anti-inflammatory agent.

In the present work, several new glycoconjugates (8a–e) were generated from glycopyranosyl-α-trichloroacetimidates (sugar-OTCA) as glycosyl donors and dimethyl-l-tartrate as an aglycone acceptor in good to excellent yields. In the synthetic protocol, various monosaccharides were transformed into pentaacetylated derivatives and then into glycopyranosyl-α-trichloroacetimidates. Afterward, the sugar-OTCA was reacted with dimethyl-l-tartrate using Schmidt’s trichloroacetimidate protocol to give the desired products. The newly synthesized glycoconjugates were characterized by FT-IR, 1H, and 13C-NMR spectroscopic analytical methods. All the target compounds (8a–e) were tested in vitro against various strains of bacteria and fungi at different concentrations. The results revealed that the target compounds had encouraging antibacterial and antifungal potential. The antileishmanial activity of the target compounds against Leishmania tropica promastigotes was also investigated. The in vitro results were further supported by the in silico docking study that indicated minimum values of the docking scores and binding energies for the resulting complexes obtained by the favorable interactions between the target compounds (8a–e) and the selected strains of bacteria and fungi. The docking results proposed promising antibacterial and antifungal activities of the target compounds (8a–e) against the selected bacterial and fungal species.

In this research work, cellulose was isolated from Dodonaea viscosa plant by means of various chemical processes followed by the preparation of nanocellulose through sulfuric acid hydrolysis. These chemical processes begin with the removal of non-cellulosic material such as lignin, pectin, crude wax, and hemicellulose followed by alkaline treatment and chlorine-free bleaching methods. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the successful isolation of cellulosic material after removing hemicellulose, lignin, and other extractives. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) elucidated the thermal degradation profile of the cellulose-based materials obtained after various chemical procedures at each step. Additionally, nanocellulose was prepared from cellulosic material using acid hydrolysis, and its structural and thermal properties were discussed. Nanocellulose extraction from the lignocellulosic biomass sources and its further utilization has been the subject of intensive research as the global community needs the use of green chemistry principles in recent life. Nanocellulosic material due to its unique characteristics and properties is of great importance and has many applications in various industries, including materials science and engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the prevalence, risk factors and outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonates admitted in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of developing country. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sheikh Saeed Memorial Campus (SSMC) of Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN), Karachi, Pakistan. Period: April 2022 to September 2022. Material & Methods: Four hundred and seventy-one newborns hospitalized to the NICU were analyzed. Demographic details along with maternal and neonatal history, vitals, and clinical signs of newborns were noted. All at-risk newborns had their urine output assessed. Serum creatinine levels were assessed to classify AKI into stages using modified KDIGO criteria. Results: Out of 471 participants, 256 (54.4%) neonates were male. The prevalence of AKI was noted in 42 (8.9%) neonates. Based on the modified KDIGO stages, 26 (61.9%), 7 (16.6%), 7 (16.6%), and 2 (4.7%) neonates met the requirements for AKI stages 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In comparison to newborns with normal renal function, newborns with AKI had significantly higher serum creatinine levels (p<0.001), lower urine output (p=<0.001), and lower creatinine clearance rates (p=0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that sepsis enhanced the risk of acquiring AKI (OR: 60.50, 95% CI: 26.03-169.88). Neonates in distress, and on ventilator had a higher risk of having AKI (OR: 13.88, 95% CI: 1.26-152.91) and (OR: 20.77, 95% CI: 1.1-390.49) respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of AKI among neonates admitted in NICU was 8.9%. Fetal distress, sepsis and mechanical ventilation were significantly associated with AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel biosorbent/nanocomposite was prepared from the turnip peel precursors and zinc oxide. The turnip peels biomass zinc oxide nanocomposite (TPZnOnc) was used for the remediation of metribuzin (MEB) pesticide from aqueous solution. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The point of zero charge (pHpzc) of TPZnOnc was determined using mass titration method. Batch sorption approach was utilized to study the sorption capability of MEB molecules from aqueous media. The removal of MEB from solution by TPZnOnc was studied as a function of time, initial concentration of MEB, pH and adsorbent dosage. The optimum pH for the removal of MEB was found to be 3 whereas the optimum dosage of TPZnOnc to be utilized was 600 mg/30 mL. The surface saturation of TPZnOnc with MEB molecules occurred in 1 h (equilibration time). The maximum sorption of MEB molecules occurs at initial concentration of 80 mg·L-1. Out of the utilized kinetics models, pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted the data well with high regression constant value. Various isotherm models were applied to the sorption isotherm data. Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was found to be the best one to fit the data well with high regression constant value whereas the maximum sorption capacity (Xmax) calculated was 19.20 mg·g-1. Various thermodynamic parameters were calculated from Van't Hoff plot. Negative values of ΔG° shows that the process of sorption is spontaneous. The value of ΔG° lies in the range of -75 to -400 kJ·mol-1 suggest that the removal of MEB molecules on the surface of TPZnOnc is chemical process. Negative value of ΔH° (-82.56 kJ·mol-1) confirmed that the removal process of MEB molecules onto the surface of TPZnOnc is exothermic whereas the negative value of ΔS° confirmed that the randomness decreases at the solid--liquid interface during sorption MEB molecules on the surface of TPZnOnc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of hearing impairment and the prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal variables associated with hearing impairment in neonates at the Indus hospital in Karachi. Study Design: Prospective, Observational, Cohort study. Setting: Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Sheikh Saeed Memorial Campus (SSMC) of Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) Karachi, Pakistan. Period: July 2020 to June 2022. Material & Methods: We screened 426 neonates for hearing impairment utilizing otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) Auditory brainstem response test (ABR) and "brainstem auditory evoked response" (BERA). Babies who failed OAE and ABR test underwent BERA. Babies with abnormal BERA report were proven to have hearing impairment. Results: A total of 426 neonates were screened through the study period. Of these 426, 134 (31.5%) were unsuccessful and a second stage OAE test was conducted where 63 (47.0%) passed and 71 (53.0%) did not. The ABR test was administered to 71 neonates, 42 (59.2%) failed the test and received referrals for diagnostic BERA. Of those 42 neonates, 15 neonates tested positive for BERA, 10 of them were found to have sensor neural hearing loss while 5 had conductive hearing loss. Neonatal jaundice patients were more likely to experience hearing impairment (p=0.011). Family history of hearing loss (p=0.001) and fetal distress (p=0.043) were significantly related with hearing impairment. Conclusion: The result of our study has discovered a significant number of risk factors for hearing loss, which is crucial since it will allow for close monitoring of the kids who have these risk factors. Furthermore, our research emphasizes the need of newborn hearing screening in our country, since this screening is not generally carried out in all facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, Cu (II), Zn (II), and Cd (II) complexes, [DEP(M)X2], encompassing the pyridine‐derived Schiff‐base ligand DEP, where DEP is (E)‐N,N‐diethyl‐2‐([pyridine‐2‐ylmethylene]amino)ethane‐1‐amine, are synthesized. X‐ray diffraction studies reveal distorted square pyramidal geometries for the Cd (II) and Cu (II) complexes, whereas the geometry of [DEP (Zn)Cl2] can best be described as trigonal bipyramidal. The antibacterial potential of DEP and its [DEP(M)X2] complexes were evaluated against four bacterial strains: Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; five fungal strains: Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, Fusarium solani, and Aspergillus flavus; and Leishmania major protozoan. Complexes exhibited superior bactericidal, fungicidal, and leishmanicidal inhibition potential against all tested microbes compared with the free ligand. The preliminary cytotoxic activity of [DEP(M)X2] complexes on breast and colon carcinoma cells, that is, MCF‐7cell line and HCT‐116 cell line, respectively, revealed that studied complexes showed high cytotoxicity compared with ligand (DEP). Among the studied complexes, [DEP (Cd)Br2] exhibited an excellent inhibitory profile, as confirmed by the docking study. The molecular docking studies showed a good correlation between the biological activities of synthesized metal complexes and docking studies. We have confidence in the contribution of these complexes toward the design of new metal‐derived candidates that can treat infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study provides the morphological and morphometric characterization of some plant parasitic nematode populations, recovered from agricultural fields during surveys of the districts Gilgit and Nager, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The analysis of samples yielded a new nematode species and two new reported species belonging to the order Tylenchida as new geographical records for Pakistan. Hemicycliophora pyri n. sp., is characterized by the broadly rounded lip region with two indistinct annuli, closely fitting sheath with 231-247 body annuli, stylet 95-100 µm long, non-raised and non-separated labial disc and gradually tapering long tail. Psilenchus vincigurrae Brzeski, 1991and Ditylenchus equilis Heyns, 1964 have been reported as new record species from Pakistan. These species are described and briefly redescribed along with their morphometric data, photomicrographs and illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by dilation and enlargement of one or both ventricles with reduced systolic function. Calcium plays a key role in myocardial contraction. Hypocalcaemia can lead to a decrease in contraction, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF). Hypocalcaemia is a rare reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. The author presents a case who presented with complaints of shortness of breath on exertion, orthopnoea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea, numbness and crampy muscular pains. He had a high JVP, systolic murmur on auscultation, hepatomegaly, pedal oedema and crackles on chest auscultation. His ECG showed sinus rhythm with prolonged QT interval. His echocardiography showed dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction, moderate mitral regurgitation and mild tricuspid regurgitation. His Calcium levels and PTH levels were both low. He was treated with ionotrophes, diuretics, vitamin D and calcium supplements, including both intravenous and oral. With the correction of calcium levels, he was weaned off the ionotrophic support and his ejection fraction improved. Calcium levels if low should be corrected in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance is tricky enemy that challenges our healthcare system. It is a stealthy, adaptive and ever evolving opponent, which can take years to develop but can spread like wildfire. In this study, derivatives of chiral phthalimides were developed with this aim to control the growth of resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by targeting their resistance causing proteins and explore their binding interaction focal points through computational docking. Total 8 novel chiral phthalimides were synthesized and its antibiogram analysis was done on Muller-Hinton Agar by disc diffusion method. Cytotoxicity studies were made to check efficacy of tested compounds on human RBCs and monitor release of hemoglobin absorbance at 540nm. By using in silico molecular approach, crystal structure of target protein was retrieved from Protein Data Bank and docked through Autodock vina and PyRx. The obtained results revealed that seven out of eight compounds have active inhibitory effects against virulent strains. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was measured for most potent compounds i.e., 2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid (compound 7) and 3-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl) propanoic acid (compound 8). Docking studies displayed a report of highest affinity binding points i.e., amino acids LYS315, ALA318, TYR150, THR262, HIS314 and ARG148 for compound 7 while ALA 318, LYS 315, ARG14 and ILE291 for compound 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, myocardial ischemia and the resulting impairments in heart function are the leading cause of illness and mortality. Thymus linearis Benth has been used as an antibiotic, antioxidant, and antihypertensive agent for centuries. The goal of this investigation was to see if Thymus linearis could protect isoproterenol and doxorubicin-induced myocardial ischemia in vivo at doses of 25 mg/kg s.c. and 15 mg/kg i.p., respectively. The level of cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, LDH, and AST) in the serum isolated from the experimental animal's blood was used to determine myocardial ischemia. The anti-ischemic potential was assessed by comparing the levels of the aforementioned cardiac biomarkers in the intoxicated and treated animal groups. The study found substantial increase (p0.0001) in the serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, AST when compared to intoxicated groups, while pretreatment of animals with crude extract of Thymus linearis significantly reduced the rise in serum cardiac indicators. The findings of the study indicated that the aqueous methanolic Thymus linearis crude extract has cardioprotective potential against Isoproterenol and Doxorubicin-induced cardiac necrosis in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims at phytochemical profiling and valuating the effect of crude extract of Delphinium brunonianum on fructose mediated rise in blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities in rats. Therefore, rats were fed on fructose (10%w/v) for 6 weeks. Rats in treatment groups received amlodipine 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of DB-Cr separately in concurrent to fructose. Various parameters of metabolic perturbations were assessed at the end of study. Further, DB-Cr was analyzed using LC-MS technique. DB-Cr exerted remarkable antihypertensive effect whereas, sympathetic hyperactivity and hyperinsulinemia in these rats was significantly blunted, further, endothelium functionality was successfully restored. LC-MS analysis of DB-Cr revealed the presence of a variety of chemical constituents (41) including quinic acid, scopolin, gingerol, Robinetin 3-rutinoside, KAPA and maleic acid. In conclusion, D. brunonianum possess the potential to combat the fructose mediated hypertension and metabolic perturbations, which may partially be due to its chemical constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]