B. Aslam

Microplastics in Urban Wastewater: A Vector for Chemical and Biological Pollutants with Emerging Health Risks.

The widespread usage of plastic items, plastics are often seen as a serious concern especially in metropolitan areas. This study investigates the abundance, geographical distribution and composition of micro-plastics (MPs), adsorbed contaminants (Heavy metals, microbes) on MPs in urban wastewater in Faisalabad, Pakistan, with a focus on the effects of human activities. To support this study, analyses of water quality and the connection between microplastic contaminants and the physicochemical characteristics of water quality were also conducted. Faisalabad, a sizable industrial and inhabited city has significant micro-plastics (MPs) pollution in its wastewater systems as a result of poor plastic waste management. Wastewater samples from 14 main disposal sites were analyzed for micro-plastics (MPs) concentration, form, polymer composition and relationship to adsorbed contaminants and water quality variables. The results showed that MPs were present in all samples, with an average concentration of 2281±0.19 MPs/m3 and a maximum of 9256±0.35 MPs/m3 in dense areas. The most common type was large sized MPs (300-500 μm) which included 50.5% fragments and 31.5% fibers. The three main polymers identified by FTIR analysis were polyethylene (PE) 37%, polypropylene (PP) 29%, and polystyrene (PS) 25%. Human consumption appears to be the main source of MP, as evidenced by the strong correlation between MP content and water quality indicators. The findings confirmed that micro-plastic presence is associated with increased levels of TS, conductivity, turbidity, BOD5, COD, Temperature, along with reduced DO, pH, NO3-N, NO2-N, and NH4-N. MPs extracted from the waste water are loaded with heavy metals Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni and As. Bacterial Colonization Potential Index (BCPI) further explore a significant impact of MPs on bacterial colonization and health risk index. This study highlights the need of improving regulations for the handling of plastic waste in cities like Faisalabad in order to reduce MP contamination.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the clinical outcomes of the Watchman FLX versus Watchman 2.5 device for transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Eco-Friendly Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization, and In Vitro Biological Evaluation of Plant-Derived Bioactive-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Supported by Molecular Modeling Studies

Silybum marianum (SM) is a rich source of flavonolignans with promising antioxidant and antidiabetic properties; however, its therapeutic application is limited by poor stability and bioavailability. This study combined experimental and computational approaches to develop and evaluate SM-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS–SM nanoparticles). Microwave-assisted extraction followed by LC-MS/MS profiling identified eleven metabolites, including major flavonolignans characteristic of SM. Nanoparticles prepared by ionic gelation exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, including a particle size of 173–189 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.23, a zeta potential of +41.5 mV, an encapsulation efficiency of 98%, and a drug loading capacity of 50%, indicating the formation of a stable colloidal delivery system. CS–SM nanoparticles showed enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and α-amylase inhibitory activities compared with crude extracts. The formulation exhibited an α-amylase IC50 value of approximately 0.40 mg/mL and maintained low hemolytic activity, suggesting favorable preliminary biocompatibility. Molecular docking demonstrated favorable interactions of neosilyhermin A, silibinin, and silyhermin with α-amylase and α-glucosidase active sites. Short-timescale molecular dynamics simulations revealed ligand-dependent behavior within the chitosan–TPP matrix, indicating different release tendencies among the investigated flavonolignans. Overall, the results support CS–SM nanoparticles as a promising platform for the delivery of bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant and antidiabetic potential.

Hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaf extract via MAPK/JNK signaling pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese rats

To determine the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical components in the aqueous leaf extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (AqE-TFG) and evaluate its therapeutic potential against high-fat diet-associated dyslipidemia in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. A total of 24 healthy adult male albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n =6): Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (untreated dyslipidemic control), Group 3 and 4 (low and high dose treatments of AqE-TFG 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected for the estimation of lipid profile, oxidative markers, biochemical parameters, and histopathology of adipose tissue. Gene expression analysis was performed using qRT PCR. AqE-TFG showed antioxidant activity (IC 50 = 4.82 μg/mL). HPLC analysis showed the presence of sinapic acid, p -coumaric acid, gallic acid, salicylic acid, kaempferol, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and HB acid. AqE-TFG remarkably inhibited body weight gain and restored the lipid profile. Furthermore, AqE-TFG elevated superoxide dismutase and catalase levels. Besides, AqE- TFG significantly downregulated mRNA expression levels of dual oxidase-related genes ( Duox, Duoxa-1, Duox2 ) and downstream MAPK/JNK signaling cascade genes ( MAPK8, Traf4, Traf6 ). Adipose tissue histology showed well-organized, intact adipocytes in treatment groups. AqE-TFG has both preventive and therapeutic effects against high-fat diet-induced dyslipidemia. AqE-TFG could enhance antioxidant defense and restore histopathological lesions via MAPK/JNK signaling pathway.