261 research outputs found
Development of a New General Click Chemistry and Applications in Bioconjugation: Part I: Rewiring Bacteria Cell Surfaces with Bio-Orthogonal Chemistry Part II: A Novel General Dialdehyde Click Chemistry for Primary Amine Conjugation
No full textThe ability to tailor cell surfaces with non-native molecules is critical to advance the study of cellular communication, cell behavior, and for next-generation therapeutics. There has been tremendous effort to tailor mammalian cell surfaces with organic functional groups; however, there are few reliable and non-invasive methods for re-wiring the bacterial cell surface. Current methods to re-engineer bacteria surfaces rely on complicated, slow, and often expensive molecular biology and metabolic manipulation methods with limited scope on the type of molecules installed onto the surface. In the first part of this report, we introduce a new straightforward method based on liposome fusion to re-engineer Gram-negative bacteria cell surface with bio-orthogonal groups that can subsequently be conjugated to a range of molecules (biomolecules, small molecules, probes, proteins) for further studies and programmed behavior of bacteria. This method is fast, efficient, inexpensive, and useful for installing a broad scope of ligands and biomolecules to Gram-negative bacteria surfaces.
The development of methods to conjugate a range of molecules to primary amine functional groups have revolutionized the fields of chemistry, biology and material science. Due to its abundance, the primary amine is the most convenient functional group handle in molecules for ligation to other molecules for a broad range of applications that affect all scientific fields. Current conjugation methods with primary amines include the use of activated carboxylic acids, isothiocyanates, Michael addition type systems and reaction with ketones or aldehydes followed by in situ reductive amination. In the second part, we introduce a new traceless, high yield, fast; click chemistry method based on the rapid and efficient trapping of amine groups via a functionalized dialdehyde group. The click reaction occurs in mild conditions in organic solvents or aqueous media, proceeds in high yield. Moreover, no catalyst or activating group is required and the only by-product is water. The dialdehyde headgroup was used for applications in cell surface engineering and for tailoring surfaces for material science applications. We anticipate broad utility of the general dialdehyde click chemistry to primary amines in all areas of chemical research ranging from polymers, bioconjugation to material science and nanoscienc
Nano-Biochar Suspension Mediated Alterations in Yield and Juice Quality of Kinnow (Citrus reticulata L.)
No full textNutrient deficiency negatively affects the yield and quality of citrus fruit. The present experiment was carried out to investigate the improvement in fruit yield and juice quality of Kinnow (Citrus reticulata L.) by foliar application of nano-biochar suspension (NBS). The experiment was carried out in a citrus farmer’s orchard with a history of low fruit yield, using a randomized complete block design. Four NBS treatments, i.e., 0% (control), 1, 3, and 5%, were applied through foliar application at the flowering stage. Foliar application of NBS at 5% and 3% significantly (p < 0.05) improved flowering, fruit retention, fruit set, fruit size, length, weight, diameter, juice volume levels, and minimized fruit dropping. The electrical conductivity of the juice was significantly decreased by increases in NBS concentration. Total dissolved solids increased slightly with treatments as compared to control. However, NBS foliar application did not show significant effects on nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) leaf contents, but had some effect on phosphorus (P) content. Principal component analysis and a correlation matrix revealed significant (p < 0.05) positive and negative associations among the studied traits. The results of the current experiment showed that all parameters were significantly improved with the application of NBS at 3 and 5%, except that N, K, and Na levels were unaffected. The most encouraging results were achieved at a concentration of 5% NBS. In conclusions, the foliar application of NBS had a significant positive impact on fruit yield and juice quality
Effect of foliar application of potassium on wheat tolerance to salt stress.
No full textSalinity stress severely hampers wheat productivity by impairing growth, photosynthesis, and metabolic balance. Potassium nutrition, however, can mitigate these effects by supporting physiological and biochemical stability. This study assessed the impact of foliar potassium application (0, 200 and 400 ppm) on two wheat cultivars, Galaxy-13 and Uqab-2000, exposed to normal (0 mM NaCl) and saline conditions (100 and 150 mM NaCl, respectively). Salinity significantly reduced root and shoot growth, biomass, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance. Potassium supplementation, particularly at 400 ppm, alleviated these reductions, with Galaxy-13 showing a 32.01% increase in shoot length and a 45.11% increase in shoot dry weight compared to Uqab-2000. Biochemical analyses revealed that Galaxy-13 sustained higher nitrate and nitrite reductase activities (6.23 and 3.63 μmol NO2 g-1 FW h-1, respectively) and total soluble proteins (10.1 mg g-1 FW), whereas Uqab-2000 accumulated more soluble sugars and free amino acids under stress (9.8 and 19.8 mg g-1 FW, respectively). Oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide) rose under salinity, but potassium reduced their levels, with Galaxy-13 exhibiting stronger antioxidant regulation. Nutrient profiling further demonstrated that Galaxy-13 maintained higher N, P, and K contents and minimized Na uptake, unlike Uqab-2000, which showed severe ionic imbalance. Multivariate analyses (PCA, heatmap, and correlation) highlighted strong positive associations of potassium, especially K400, with biomass accumulation, photosynthetic efficiency, and nutrient homeostasis. The findings establish that Galaxy-13 possesses superior salinity tolerance and responds more favorably to potassium nutrition. This study provides novel evidence that cultivar-specific potassium management can enhance wheat resilience in saline environments, offering a practical strategy for sustaining yield under stress
Intoxication and self-defence : a comparative study of principles of English law and Shari'ah
No full textThe study is based upon an analysis of the general principles of criminal liability in English law and Shari 'ah. It is hoped that it may provide a valid basis for discussion of the future development of criminal law.
The relationship between law and society is an organic one and this relationship in Shari'ah is based on revelatory text of precepts, law, and admonitions. Shari'ah is an
essential part of faith of every Muslim; a sound knowledge of its principles not only gives him a sense of inner fulfilment but enables him to order his life according to the dictates of his religion. On the other hand, in English law, religious beliefs and private morality might be viewed as not a matter for law. Religion is in that context generally conceived as a spiritual sphere of supra-human connotation distinct from law, which is basically a secular concern.
Both the systems of law under consideration are different in their sources and nature. English law, being a positive law, finds its source in legislation and other recognised
sources. Shari 'ah is a divine ordinance imposed upon people without having a freedom of choice and it has its roots in its primary sources, the Holy Qur'an, and the Sunnah.
However, the revelatory nature of Shari'ah does not render it entirely inflexible and immutable. The finality of authoritative legal texts is confined only to a limited number of injunctions in the primary sources. The secondary sources provide flexibility to meet the changing requirements of society. A legal system should strike a fair balance between flexibility and inflexibility of legal rules. A very flexible system of law may lead to inconsistencies, illogicalities and at the same time may be subject to abuse by judges while a rigid system, which leaves no room for judicial discretion is likely to
lead to injustice in certain cases. It is submitted that the very flexible nature of English law has left it full of inconsistencies and illogicalities, despite the appropriate use of judicial discretion.
The research offers a general view of modern thinking about the theoretical foundations and methodology of Shari'ah Shari 'ah recognises a variety of sources and methods from which a rule of law might be derived. Part-I of the thesis discusses the evolving principles of Islamic jurisprudence from their rudimentary sources. The specific relationship between socio-religious reality and the production of theoretical legal discourse is illustrated in Part-11 and III while dealing with the problem of intoxication
and private defence in society. It suggests that Shari'ah provides a framework in which the complex and sometimes competing needs of an individual and society can be fairly
apportioned.
The research will demonstrate that there is a well developed system of criminal law in Shari'ah that can be compared with the most developed and civilised criminal law of the contemporary world, for example, English criminal law. In order to compare the compatibility of both the legal systems, the approaches of both towards the problems of intoxication and self-defence have been taken as a parameter. Though Shari 'ah provisions seem to be predominantly prescriptive as compared to English criminal law, the comparison will show that it can provide practical solutions to problems faced by human society of any age. Shari 'ah being a revealed law is proactive in its nature. It takes action to cause changes and not only react to a change when it happens. This particular feature can be felt while dealing with the problem of intoxication. English
criminal law, on the other hand, being a positive law bears the characteristics of a reactive law. It reacts to events or changes rather than acting first to cause change or
prevent something. Another major difference between the two legal systems might be that English criminal law has passed through many evolutionary phases and reached at the present stage through the efforts of the political power and the state; whereas, Muslim states and governments throughout the centuries neither had a hand in the development of Islamic jurisprudence nor in the training and certification of jurists or jurisconsults whose task it was to formulate the law.
History suggests that using the combined forces of religion, morality and law Shari'ah has effectively eradicated social evils and created a peaceful environment for human coexistence, where every one can enjoy his rights without a fear of infringement by the others. In cases of infringement of such rights, the offender shall be liable to severe punishments. The principles of criminal liability are on a par with the corresponding principles of the English criminal law. While protecting the rights of the victim of the crime, Shari'ah does not ignore the rights of the offender for fair trail, impartial justice and liability for punishment proportional to the offence committed by him. At the same time it recognises excuse and justification defences under appropriate circumstances, as
it will be evident while comparing the defences of intoxication and self-defence with the same in English criminal law.
The study reveals that there are similarities and differences between English law and Shari'ah when considering the issue of crime and criminal liability. However, this may be considered as normal phenomenon of comparing any two different legal systems. The differences can be attributed to their sources, origin, history and nature of the social values to be protected. Similarities can be ascribed to zeal for social justice and stability.
The study of differences and similarities will provide an opportunity to illuminate our understanding of law and the process of its development. As both the systems have their
own methodology to tackle legal issues, a different approach to the similar problem will provide a fresh insight leading to revitalised solutions. It will also be helpful to understand the methodology and the legal reasoning of both the systems leading towards a better understanding of law in general and at the same time providing efficient means for improvement
Nano-Biochar Suspension Mediated Alterations in Growth, Physio-Biochemical Activities and Nutrient Content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at the Vegetative Stage
No full textNano-biochar is a source of blackish carbonaceous material, a prerequisite for sustainable crop productivity. By using a variety of feedstock materials, nanobiochar synthesis can be employed via pyrolysis. Therefore, a project was initiated to explore the morpho-physio-biochemical alteration at the vegetative stage of wheat crops after the foliar application of nanobiochar suspension (NBS). This investigation was conducted at the Botanical Research Area of the University of Lahore in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) arrangement, with four treatments (0, 1, 3, and 5% NBS) by maintaining three replications for each treatment using the wheat variety “Zincol”. Nano biochar suspension in above mentioned concentrations were foliarly applied at the end of tillering/beginning of leaf sheath elongation of wheat seedlings to assess the morphological changes (root length, shoot length, number of leaves, fresh biomass/plant, dry biomass/plant), physio-biochemical alterations (total free amino acids, total sugars, chlorophyll content, protein, phenols, flavonoids), and nutrient uptake (Na, K, Ca, Mg, N, P contents. Our findings indicate that the foliar application of 3% NBS yielded the most favorable results across all measured attributes. Furthermore, Treatment-4 (5% NBS) specifically improved certain traits, including leaf area, total soluble proteins, and leaf calcium content. Finally, all NBS resulted in a decrease in carotenoid and sodium content in wheat seedlings
International external validation of a stratification tool to identify branch‐duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms at lowest risk of progression
No full textBackground: Identifying branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) at lowest risk of progression may allow for a reduced intensity of surveillance. Objective: We aimed to externally validate the previously developed Dutch-American Risk stratification Tool (DART-1; https://rtools.mayo.edu/DART/), which identifies cysts at low risk of developing worrisome features (WFs) or high-risk stigmata (HRS). Methods: Three prospective cohorts of individuals under surveillance for BD-IPMNs were combined, independent from the original development cohort. We assessed the performance (discrimination and calibration) of DART-1, a multivariable Cox-proportional logistic regression model with five predictors for the development of WFs or HRS. Results: Of 832 individuals (mean age 77 years, SD 11.5) under surveillance for a median of 40 months (IQR 44), 163 (20%) developed WFs or HRS. DART-1's discriminative ability (C-statistic 0.68) was similar to that in the development cohort (0.64–0.72) and showed moderate calibration. DART-1 adequately estimated the risk for patients in the middle risk quintile, and slightly underestimated it in the lowest quintiles. Their range of predicted versus observed 3-year risk was 0%–0% versus 0%–3.7% for Q1; 0.3%–0.4% versus 3%–11% for Q2; and 2.6%–3% versus 2.4%–9.8% for Q3. The development of WFs or HRS was associated with pancreatic cancer (p < 0.001). Vice versa, in absence of WFs or HRS, the risk of malignancy was low (0.3%). Conclusions: The performance of DART-1 to predict the development of WFs or HRS in BD-IPMN was validated in an external international cohort, with a discriminative ability equal as in the development cohort. Risk estimations were most accurate for patients with BD-IPMNs in the middle risk quintile and slightly underestimated in the lowest quintiles.</p
Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Growth and Physio-Biochemical Changes in Maize (Zea mays L.) in Saline Soil
No full textResearch on nanoparticles (NPs) is gaining great attention in modulating abiotic stress tolerance and improving crop productivity. Therefore, this investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on growth and biochemical characteristics in two maize hybrids (YH-5427 and FH-1046) grown under normal conditions or subjected to saline
stress. A pot-culture experiment was carried out in the Botanical Research Area of “the University of Lahore”, Lahore, Pakistan, in a completely randomized design. At two phenological stages, both maize hybrids were irrigated with the same amount of distilled water or NaCl solution (EC = 5 dS m−1) and subjected or not to foliar treatment with a suspension of CuO-NPs. The salt stress significantly reduced the photosynthetic parameters (photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance), while the sodium content in the shoot and root increased. The foliar spray with CuO-NPs improved the growth and photosynthetic attributes, along with the N, P, K, Ca, and Mg content in the roots and shoots. However, the maize hybrid YH-5427 responded better than the other hybrid to the saline stress when sprayed with CuO-NPs. Overall, the findings of the current investigation demonstrated that CuO-NPs can help to reduce the adverse effects of salinity stress on maize plants by improving growth and physio-biochemical attributes
Social media and connective mourning:Analysing the EndSARSMemorial2 protests in Nigeria
No full textThis chapter explores how Nigerians are using social media platforms such as Twitter to memorialise protesters who were killed during the 2020 #EndSARS protests in Nigeria. Data for this chapter is from tweets (N=67,678) from Twitter users scraped from the hashtags "#EndSARSMemorial2" and "LekkiMassacre." Results show that the most frequently tweeted words were "rest in peace," "heroes," "who gave the order," and "#EndSARSMemorial2." Findings also demonstrate that protesters used social media platforms to display their anger, anguish, imprecating the authorities, and to rouse solidarity contagion which ignited mourning and memorial march for the fallen activists in Nigeria. The chapter shows that beyond the realm of mourning based on relatedness, there is an emerging world of connective mourning where mourners mourn those that they do not have ties to or are unrelated to but memorialised due to shared belief and connective repertoire.</p
Ecology and functional potential of endophytes in bioremediation: a molecular perspective
No full textHazardous waste sites around the world result from the manufacturing, storage, use, or disposal of compounds such as petroleum hydrocarbons, nitroaromatics, organohalogens, pesticides, and metals. Traditional remediation options are expensive and environmentally invasive. In last two decades, bioremediation has emerged as a more suitable alternative, mainly for the remediation of large polluted sites. Endophytic bacteria and fungi have been the subject of considerable study to explore their potential for improving the remediation of polluted environments. In case of phytoremediation of inorganic pollutants, endophytic bacteria can reduce the phytotoxicity and increase the mobilization and accumulation of heavy metals in aboveground plant biomass. The competency of several endophytes to degrade organic pollutants and their resistance to heavy metals probably originates from their exposure to these compounds, when present in the plant/soil niche. A wide range of molecular techniques have been applied to illustrate the ecology, diversity, composition, and role of endophytes in bioremediation. Fingerprinting techniques such as terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), real-time PCR, microarrays, and metagenomics are being used to characterize the metal-resistant and organic pollutant-degrading endophyte
IMPORTANCE OF N- ACETYLCYSTEINE IN INHIBITION OF CONTRAST INDUCED NEPHROPATHY
No full textAim: To determine the role of N-acetylcysteine in the prevention of Contrast induced nephropathy in high-risk patients undergoing coronary angiography
Study design: A Retrospective, observational study.
Place and Duration: In the Nephrology and Cardiology department of Mayo Hospital Lahore for one-year duration from March 2019 to March 2020.
Methodology: Medical records of 120 patients, both sex and age> 30 years, undergoing coronary angiography were reviewed. All patients were divided into two groups. Group A received N-acetylcysteine and patients in group B did not receive N-acetylcysteine. Acute contrast induced nephropathy was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of at least 0.5 mg / dL from baseline up to 48 hours after contrast medium administration. All data was collected on a pre-designed proforma. Age was compared between the two groups using an independent t-test, and the remaining parameters were analyzed using the Chi-square test.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (group without N-acetylsysteine 17% and N-acetylcysteine group 3%, p = 0.029).
Conclusion: Iopromidol, a low osmolality non-ionic contrast agent, can induce acute contrast induced nephropathy in high-risk patients, which can be prevented by prophylactic oral administration of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, keeping all patients well hydrated / euvolemic.
Key words: contrast induced nephropathy, N-acetylcysteine, Iopromidol
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