ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the marginal adaptation of computer-aided designing and computer-aided machining (CAD/CAM) fabricated cobalt-chromium and zirconium-oxide-based ceramic crowns compared to those produced by a conventional method. Material and Methods The study consists of three groups; 45 crowns fabricated from cobalt-chromium (CAD-CoCr) and 45 crowns manufactured from zirconium CAD/CAM technology (CAD-Z), and 45 control (C) which consists of conventional metal-ceramic crowns. The marginal discrepancies in vertical dimensions were assessed utilizing a microscope in four surfaces (mesial, distal, vestibular, and oral) for each crown. On completion of the microscopic evaluation, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to study the difference in the four surfaces, considered altogether. Two-way ANOVA revealed the effect of three systems used for gap measurements of each landmark. The differences observed were considered significant at p<0.05. Results There were no differences in the four surfaces revealed by АNOVА in the three groups when considered altogether. Two-way ANOVA of each surface discovered no differences among all groups as well. Conclusion The CAD/CAM crowns revealed a comparable and satisfactory marginal adaptation compared to conventional metal-ceramic crowns.

Abstract Background Palyno-anatomy of wetland species belonging to 10 families was studied in the present research work through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to find valuable taxonomic characters. Objective This study aims to provide baseline information of the micro-morphological characters of 24 wetland species which will be helpful for further identification of wetlands weeds flora. Methods 24 weeds were collected from different wetlands of Azad Kashmir. Taxonomic tools like light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic techniques are used for the proper identification of wetland weeds. Results The results show diversity among the qualitative and quantitative characters of epidermal cells, stomata, trichomes, and stomatal pore on both leaf surfaces. In accordance with these variations, a taxonomic key was prepared by using these characters for the identification and differentiation of wetland plant species. In pollen evaluations, variations were observed among exine sculpturing, the number of pores, exine thickness, and diameter of pollens. Conclusions Based on our findings it will be helpful for the taxonomist to identify other wetland species by using these micro-morphological characters. This study also indicates that at different taxonomic levels, LM and SEM of pollen and epidermal morphology is explanatory and significant to identify plants up to the species level.

Abstract The pollen micro-morphology of family Solanaceae from the different phytogeographical region of Pakistan has been assessed. In this study, thirteen species belonging to ten genera of Solanaceae have been studied using light and scanning electron microscopy for both qualitative and quantitative features. Solanaceae is a eurypalynous family and a significant variation was observed in pollen size, shape, polarity and exine sculpturing. Examined plant species includes, Brugmansia suaveolens, Capsicum annuum, Cestrum parqui, Datura innoxia, Solanum lycopersicum, Nicotiana plumbaginifolia, Petunia hybrida, Physalis minima, Solanum americanum, Solanum erianthum, Solanum melongena, Solanum surattense and Withania somnifera. The prominent pollen type is tricolporate and shed as a monad. High pollen fertility reflects that observed taxa are well-known in the study area. Based on the observed pollen traits a taxonomic key was developed for the accurate and quick identification of species. Principal Component Analysis was performed that shows some morphological features are the main characters in the identification. Cluster Analysis was performed that separate the plant species in a cluster. The findings highlight the importance of Palyno-morphological features in the characterization and identification of Solanaceous taxa. It is concluded that both LM and SEM significantly play a key role in correct identification of taxa studied.

Abstract Biomass of Saccharomyces cerevisiae wasenhancedin rice polishing by fermentation to increase protein contents of feedfor its use in livestock. Broth culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2.6×108CFU/mL) was prepared from culture obtained by continuous streaking. The isolated culture was identified morphologically by Gram staining and confirmed by biochemical characteristics. Rice polishing was sieved to remove larger particles. Then it was distributed to 4 treatments in triplicates. Treatments were represented as rice polishing (RP), rice polishing plus Saccharomyces culture (RPSC), rice polishing plus ammonium sulphate (RPAS), rice polishing plus Saccharomyces culture plus ammonium sulphate (RPSCAS).Fermentation was provided for 144 hours at 320C,while samples were collected after every 24 hours. Samples were dried, ground and subjected to proximate analysis. It was observed that protein content was increased from 11% to 21.51% and maximum increment was obtained after 144 hours of incubation in RPSC treatment. Ether extract and ash were increased from 14% and 10% to 16.96% and 11.11% in RPSCAS respectively. A significant reduction in neutral detergent fiber was observed after fermentation. It is concluded that Saccharomyces cerevisiae has potential to improve mineral and protein contents of rice polishing by fermentation process with or without addition of nitrogen source.

Abstract Background: Palyno-morphological and foliar epidermal studies plays a very important role in the correct identification and differentiation of two weeds of genus convolvulus. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the medicinal uses of the two important weeds for correct systematic identification. Methods: Both the qualitative and quantitative features were measured with the help of Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: Variations were observed in both the weeds, i.e Convolvulus arvensis (bindweeds) and Convolvulus prostatus (soft bindweed) in epidermal cells, stomatal size and number, guard cell shape and size, subsidiary cell and diversity of trichomes. Paracytic type of stomata was found in both the weed species. Stomata shape in Convolvulus arvensis is elliptical and oval to oval oblong in Convolvulus prostratus. Weed species have a difference in size, shape, polarity and exine ornamentation. Tricolporate pollen type was observed. The shape of pollen grains is Prolate, Perforate. By using these Palyno-morphological characteristics a taxonomic key is prepared for the identification of these weed plants. Conclusions: High fertility rate i.e Convolvulus arvensis 96% and in Convolvulus prostatus is 90 % shows the weed species are well adapted in the area. Systematics studies of the weed play a very important role not only incorrect identification but also differentiation with other weed plants and subsequently for the conservation purposes.

Abstract Natural products from plants are pulling in more interest in exploration due to their therapeutic properties like, mainly because of the drug-resistance in microbes against synthetic drugs. Thus, the present study was designed to assess the antimicrobial and antioxidant actions of some Agro-waste (garlic, ginger, onion, potato) peel extracts. Ginger peel extracts exhibited the highest FRAP (0.273±0.044 mm Fe2+ Eq/g dry weight) while garlic peel extracts exhibited the highest TAC (0.47±0.0452 mm AAE/g dry weight) values among all selections. The antimicrobial activity of the peels was evaluated against different pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains i.e.; Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Colletotrichum falcatum, Fusarium moniliforme, and Rhizoctonia solani. Among all extracts, ginger peel extracts exhibited maximum inhibition against all bacterial strains, while onion peel extracts exhibited zero inhibition against any bacterial strains. All extracts exhibited maximum inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus except onion peel extracts. Positive inhibition against all fungal strains was observed for all samples, with maximum inhibition against Colletotrichum falcatum. The outcomes of the study, therefore reveal that Agro-wastes have a powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant potency and thus can be used for many medicinal purposes, which will likewise be helpful in waste management and environmental safety.

SUMMARY: Mental foramen is (MF) an important anatomical landmark that has clinical significance during dental treatments such as placing dental implants or endodontic treatment of mandibular premolars. The location and morphology of mental foramen varies among populations. The aim of this study is to determine the range of variations in the anatomical location and shape of mental foramen. This is a retrospective study conducted using panoramic radiographic (OPG) data of patients. A total of 498 panoramic radiographic images showing erupted lower premolars and first molars were included. All OPGs data were sorted in six study groups and analyzed statistically. The majority of cases (57 %) showed the presence of MF in line with the long axis of 2nd premolar. Only 3.2 % of MFs were in line with the long axis of first premolar. The shape of MF was round in majority (40 %) followed by oval shape (35.7 %). Irregular shape mental foramens were observed in 24.3 % of cases. The p value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The anatomical location of mental foramen varies between first premolar to first molar. In terms of shape, the mental foramen ranged from round/oval to irregular. Although, the position and shape varied with age of the patient, there is no predictable correlation between the age and position or shape of mental foramen.

RESUMEN: El foramen mental (FM) es un hito anatómico importante que tiene importancia clínica durante los tratamientos dentales, como en la colocación de implantes o en el tratamiento endodóntico de los premolares mandibulares. La ubicación y morfología del foramen mental varía entre las poblaciones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el rango de variaciones en la ubicación y la forma del foramen mental. Este es un estudio retrospectivo utilizando datos radiográficos panorámicos (DRP) de los pacientes. Se incluyeron un total de 498 imágenes radiográficas panorámicas que mostraban premolares inferiores y primeros molares erupcionados. Todos los datos de DRP se clasificaron en seis grupos de estudio y se analizaron estadísticamente. La mayoría de los casos (57 %) mostraron la presencia de FM en línea con el eje largo del segundo premolar. Solo el 3,2 % de los MF se alinearon con el eje largo del primer premolar. La forma de FM fue redonda en su mayoría (40 %) seguida de forma ovalada (35,7 %). Se observaron foramen mentales de forma irregular en el 24,3 % de los casos. El valor p <0.05 se consideró estadísticamente significativo. La ubicación del foramen mental varía entre el primer premolar al primer molar. En términos de forma, el foramen mental varió de redondo / oval a irregular. Aunque la posición y la forma variaron con la edad del paciente, no existe una correlación predecible entre la edad y la posición o la forma del foramen mental.

ABSTRACT This is the first ethnobotanical exploration with the aim to document the traditional medicinal usage of plants with the therapeutic values in Tehsil Talagang of Punjab province, Pakistan. The study shows the dependence of local people on medicinal plants in their daily life and provides practical evidence regarding the traditional usage of medicinal plants in health care practices. A total of 196 respondents including residents of the study area with gender representation and traditional healers were interviewed by using visual appraisal approach and rapid rural appraisal methods along semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaire. The data was quantitatively analyzed by using quantitative indices like use value, the relative frequency of citation, informant consensus factor, fidelity level and relative importance. A comparison with 25 published ethnobotanical and pharmacological studies was carried out to authenticate the ethnomedicinal relevance of the data recorded. The ethnomedicinal practices of 101 medicinal plants belonging to 36 families were reported. The results indicated that the dominant family was Brassicaceae (nine species). Herbs (57%) were the most dominant life form and leaves (29%) were the frequently used plant part with 45 reports. Mentha arvensis was found as highly cited plant species by respondents. The highest informant consensus factor value (0.65) was found for gastrointestinal disease category. There are 25 plant species having 100% fidelity level value. Use value and relative frequency of citation ranges from 0.04 to 0.16 and 0.15 to 0.36, respectively. The majority of the plant species were found to have strong pharmacological evidence. The current study will provide the basis for the preservation of ethnomedicinal heritage, knowledge and practices as well as for the further scientific investigations regarding the development of new herbal drugs.

Anodic electro catalysts are developed by using a titanium substrate coated with different compositions of mixed oxides, as it follows: ruthenium-titanium mixed oxides; ruthenium-titanium-tin mixed oxides; and ruthenium-titanium-iridium mixed oxides. The performance of electro catalysts was further evaluated by measuring coating thickness, studying coating morphology with microscope, identifying the presence of RuO2, TiO2, IrO2 and SnO2 in coating film, analyzing shape of individual crystal by XRD, performing accelerated life test and current efficiency test of the selected anode. The coating composition of 15% RuO2, 15% IrO2 and 70% TiO2 exhibited premium properties among the studied anodes.

Anatomical variations of the arterial patterns in the upper limb have been describe in many anatomical studies, but the occurrence of four variations in a ipsilateral upper limb is rare. These arterial variations were observed in the right upper limb of a 65 -year old Caucasian male cadaver during routine dissection in the anatomy department, College of Medicine at the King Saud University, Riyadh. These arterial variations include: 1) a large common trunk of the axillary artery giving origin to subscapular artery, profunda brachii artery, common circumflex humoral artery and superior ulnar collateral artery, 2) superficial brachial artery; 3) superficial brachioulnar artery, and 4) the radialis indicis branch from superficial palmar arch. Appreciation of variations in the upper limb vessels is important due to increasing number of procedures both diagnostic and therapeutic as in breast cancer surgery, flap harvesting and arteriogaphy.

En numerosos estudios se han descrito las variaciones anatómicas de los patrones arteriales en el miembro superior, sin embargo, la aparición de cuatro variantes ipsilaterales en un miembro superior es poco frecuente. Estas variaciones arteriales fueron observadas en el miembro superior derecho de un cadáver caucásico masculino de 65 años de edad, durante la disección de rutina en el Departamento de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de King Saud, en Riad. Estas variaciones arteriales incluyen: 1) un gran tronco común de la arteria axilar dando origen a las arterias subescapular, braquial profunda, braquial común y colateral ulnar superior; 2) la arteria braquial superficial; 3) la arteria braquioulnar superficial y 4) la rama radial del índice desde el arco palmar superficial. La observación de variaciones en los vasos del miembro superior es importante debido al número cada vez mayor de procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos, como en la cirugía del cáncer de mama, la recolección de colgajos y arteriografías.

We studied the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on the body weights of animals and the relative weights of kidney, liver and pancreas in albino rats. The aim of the study was to find an association between the reduction in the body weights of diabetic animals and the relative weights of kidney, liver and pancreas in proportion to the body weight of animals in albino rats. This study was performed in the Department of Anatomy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baqai Medical University, Karachi and Pathology department of College of Physicians & Surgeons (CPSP) Pakistan in 2007-08. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (45 mg/kg, b.w.) given intraperitoneally in sodium citrate buffer at pH 4.5. Eighty albino rats were divided into five groups: control (A) and STZ treated (B, C, D, and E) which were sacrificed 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post treatment respectively. All the animals were weighed prior to the administration of streptozotocin and at sacrificial time. Kidney, liver and pancreas were removed, dried and weighed on Sartorius balance. The body weights of animals in different groups changed at variable time intervals. The Kidney weight was significantly increased, liver weight was slightly increased while the weight of pancreas was unaffected when compared with the weight of diabetic animals. It seems that the STZ-induced diabetes causes a significant reduction in the body weight of diabetic animals while the relative weights of kidney and liver were increased and the weight of pancreas was unaffected.

Se estudiaron en ratas albinas los efectos de la diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina (STZ) sobre el peso corporal de los animales y los pesos relativos de riñón, hígado y páncreas . El objetivo del estudio fue encontrar una asociación entre la reducción del peso corporal de los animales diabéticos y los pesos relativos de riñón, hígado y páncreas en proporción al peso corporal de los animales. Este estudio fue realizado en el Departamento de Anatomía, Instituto de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad Médica Baqa y Departamento de Anatomía Patológica del Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos Pakistán (CPSP) en 2007-08. La diabetes fue inducida por una dosis única de STZ (45 mg / kg de peso corporal) administrados por vía intraperitoneal en tampón de citrato de sodio a pH 4,5. Ochenta ratas Wistar se dividieron en cinco grupos: control (A) y STZ tratadas (B, C, D y E), que se sacrificaron 2, 4, 6 y 8 semanas después del tratamiento respectivamente. Todos los animales fueron pesados antes de la administración de estreptozotocina, y en el momento del sacrificio. El riñón, hígado y páncreas fueron removidos, secados y pesados sobre una balanza Sartorius. El peso corporal de los animales en los diferentes grupos cambió en intervalos de tiempo variables. El peso del riñón aumentó significativamente, el peso del hígado se incrementó ligeramente, mientras que el peso del páncreas no se modificó en comparación con el peso de los animales diabéticos. Parece que la diabetes inducida por STZ causa una reducción significativa del peso corporal de los animales diabéticos, mientras que el peso relativo de los riñones y elhígado se incrementaron y el peso de páncreas no se vio afectado.

Comparative efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) crude powder and salinomycin sodium on the occurrence of coccidiosis and growth performance of broiler was evaluated. A total of 90, day-old chicks were randomly divided into six groups. From first day onward, ration was supplemented with 1, 2 and 3 % turmeric powder in groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively, group 1 received salinomycin sodium @ 12 g 50 kg-1 feed while groups 5 and 6 were kept as infected un-medicated and uninfected un-medicated controls. First five groups were infected with Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts @ 1,00,000/chick at the age of 20 days. Body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio were investigated throughout the experimental period, and bloody diarrhea and oocysts excretions were investigated at the first and the second week after infection. Maximum coccidiostatic effect was observed with turmeric (3%) showing mild bloody diarrhea as compared to other infected groups receiving turmeric containing rations. This effect was comparable with a standard coccidiostat i.e., salinomycin sodium. Similarly, the weight gain in the groups treated with salinomycin sodium (2280g) and 3% turmeric (2293g) were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of infected control group (1955g). In the groups treated with ration supplemented with 3% turmeric powder and salinomycin sodium, the peak excretion of oocysts was delayed about 1 or 2 days relative to the control infected group. Concentration-dependent coccidiostatic effect of turmeric suggested that further studies should be carried out to determine the possible maximum safe levels of turmeric with least toxic effects to be used as coccidiostat.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship and effects of diabetes on liver morphology, architecture and function. The hepatic effects of diabetes were evaluated in vivo using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats as an experimental model. The degree of hepatic dysfunction was measured by using biochemical parameters like serum transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)and pseudocholinesterase (PChE) while the histopathological studies were carried out to support the enzymic Parameters. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between diabetic hepatic complications and liver enzyme alterations. This study was performed in the Department of Anatomy; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Diabetology and endocrinology of Baqai Medical University, Karachi. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (45 mg/kg, b.w.) given intraperitoneally in sodium citrate buffer at pH 4.5. Eighty albino rats were divided into five groups: control (A) and STZ treated (B, C, D, and E) which were sacrificed 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post treatment respectively. Histopathological examination of liver showed accumulation of lipid droplets, lymphocytic infiltration, increased fibrous content, dilatation and congestion of portal vessels and proliferation of bile ducts. Increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), ALP and PChE were observed in the liver. It seems that the diabetic complications in the liver like hepatocyte destruction etc. are likely to be due to alterations in enzyme levels.

Este estudio se realizó para evaluar la relación y los efectos de la diabetes sobre la morfología, arquitectura y la función del hígado. Los efectos hepáticos de la diabetes se evaluaron in vivo utilizando estreptozotocina (STZ) para inducir diabetes en ratas como un modelo experimental. El grado de disfunción hepática se midió mediante el uso de parámetros bioquímicos, como las transaminasas séricas (ALT y AST), fosfatasa alcalina (ALP) y pseudocolinesterasa (PChE), mientras que los estudios histopatológicos se llevaron a cabo para apoyar los parámetros enzimáticos. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la asociación entre las complicaciones hepáticas diabéticas y la alteración de enzimas hepáticas. Este estudio se realizó en el Departamento de Anatomía, Instituto de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y el Instituto de Diabetología y Endocrinología de la Baqai Medical University, Karachi. La diabetes fue inducida por una dosis única de STZ (45 mg/kg de peso corporal) administrada por vía intraperitoneal en tampón citrato de sodio a pH 4,5. Ochenta ratas albinas se dividieron en cinco grupos: control (A) y tratados con STZ (B, C, D y E), las que se sacrificaron a las 2, 4, 6 y 8 semanas después del tratamiento. El examen histopatológico de hígado mostró acumulación de gotitas de lípidos, infiltración linfocítica, aumento del contenido de fibras, dilatación y congestión de los vasos portales, y la proliferación de conductos biliares. Aumento de los niveles de aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), ALP y PChE fueron observados en el hígado. Parece que las complicaciones de la diabetes en el hígado como la destrucción de los hepatocitos etc., son probablemente debido a alteraciones en los niveles de las enzimas.

We studied the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on kidney morphology, anatomy, architecture and on the activities of aminotransferases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and pseudocholinesterase (PChE) in albino rats. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between diabetic kidney complications and kidney enzyme alterations. This study was performed in the Department of Anatomy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baqai Medical University, Karachi and Pathology department of College of Physicians & Surgeons (CPSP) Pakistan in 2007-08. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (45 mg/kg, b.w.) given intraperitoneally in sodium citrate buffer at pH 4.5. Eighty (80) albino rats were divided into five groups: control (A) and STZ treated (B, C, D, and E) which were sacrificed 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post treatment respectively. Histopathology of kidney showed lesions similar to human glomerulosclerosis, glomerular membrane thickening, arteriolar hyalinization and tubular necrosis. Increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and pseudocholinesterase (PChE) were observed in the kidney. It seems that the diabetic complications in the kidney are likely to be associated with alterations in enzyme levels.

Se estudiaron los efectos de la diabetes inducida por estreptozotocin (STZ) sobre la morfología, anatomía, arquitectura y sobre las actividades de aminotransferasas (ALT y AST), fosfatasa alcalina (ALP) y pseudocolinesterasa (PChE) en los riñones de ratas albinas. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la asociación entre las complicaciones renales diabéticas y la alteración de las enzimas renales. Este estudio se realizó en el Departamento de Anatomía y el Instituto de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Medicina Baqai, Karachi y el departamento de Patología de Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos (CPSP) Pakistán entre el 2007-2008. La diabetes fue inducida por una dosis única de STZ (45 mg / kg de peso corporal) administrada por vía intraperitoneal en tampón de citrato de sodio a pH 4.5. Ochenta (80) ratas albinas fueron divididas en cinco grupos: control (A) y STZ tratados (B, C, D y E), que se sacrificaron a las 2, 4, 6 y 8 semanas después del tratamiento, respectivamente. La histopatología del riñón mostró lesiones similares a la glomeruloesclerosis en humanos, engrosamiento de la membrana glomerular, hialinización arteriolar y necrosis tubular. Aumento de los niveles de aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), fosfatasa alcalina (ALP) y pseudocolinesterasa (PChE) fueron observados en el riñón. Parece que las complicaciones de la diabetes en el riñón están directamente asociadas con alteraciones en los niveles de las enzimas.