No abstract

Introduction: In the current study, prevalence of hepatitis C virus and its routes of transmission were determined in district Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: Total 230 blood samples for HCV were collected from 7 tehsils of District Buner. Diaspot rapid HCV strips manufactured by Diaspot diagnostic USA were used for the detection of HCV-Ab in the blood. Results: Out of 230 blood samples collected from patients, 158 were found positive for HCV infection. Of the 158 positive cases, 102 (64.55%) were male and 56 (35.45%) were female patients. The high rate of Hepatitis C infection was found in the age group of 41-50 years that was 68 (29.56%), followed by age group of 20-30 years that was 60 (26.08%), 31-40 years that was 54 (23.47%). The lowest infection was found in age group above 70 years. Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that such high proportion of hepatitis C prevalence will result in high rate of mortality and morbidity in the area. Possible steps are required for the prevention and cure of such viral infections.

No abstract

To feed the ever-increasing population under changing climate scenarios, it is imperative to investigate the role of halophytes, which are equipped with special adaptation mechanisms to cope under extreme conditions of salinity. In the current review, we aimed to report newly identified bioactive secondary metabolites that might play a role in establishing rhizosphere microbe associations, elucidate the negative impacts of salt stress, and direct the growth and yield of halophytes. A systematic approach was developed that deciphers those metabolites involved in regulating the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of halophytes to salt stress. The mechanism of salinity tolerance, recruitment of beneficial microbes, and signaling role of secondary metabolites were also discussed. The role of halotolerant rhizobacteria’ secondary metabolites in the physiology and growth parameters of halophytes was also discussed.

For producing higher density PM parts a new method, High-Velocity Compaction process with additional upper relaxation assist (URA) device is presented in the paper. Using zinc stearate as a die wall lubricant, iron powder was pressed with and without upper relaxation assist device of mass 0.14 Kg focusing to investigate the density and mechanical properties. To explain a compaction process in loading stage a conservation of momentum principle has been introduced during collision of hammer, upper piston and upper relaxation assist device in die compaction. To observe the morphological characteristics and mechanical properties, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and computer controlled universal testing machine were used. The experimental results showed that the samples compacted with URA device had an improved green density and mechanical properties compared to the samples compacted in the absence of URA device.