Abstract Pesticides have emerged as a global threat to human health, especially in developing countries. In this study, we examined nine major types of pesticide residues in the food commodities (8 groups) and serum samples (n = 80) of people living in the region of Southern-Punjab, Pakistan. Pesticide residues quantification was performed using gas chromatograph coupled with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The estimated daily intakes of the selected pesticide residues through consumption of food were also calculated. The concentration of analyzed pesticide residues in food was found below the EU maximum permissible limits except for α-HCH, and β-HCH. The highest risk of cancer was found to be associated with the consumption of HCHs contaminated cereals than other products. The incidence rate of pesticide residues in the serum samples of studied subjects was 96.25%. Pearson correlation test showed no significant correlation between thyroid hormone levels of the studied population group and the analyzed pesticide residues in the food commodities (p>0.05). Findings of this study indicate that people of Southern-Punjab, Pakistan are exposed to pesticides via food chain although non-significant health implications were recorded, the levels of a few pesticides need to be curtailed.

Abstract The study is aimed to develop a monolithic controlled matrix transdermal patches containing Metoclopramide as a model drug by solvent casting method. Eudragit L100, Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30, and Methylcellulose were used in different ratios and Polyethylene glycol 400 added as a plasticizer. Resulting patches were evaluated for their physicochemical characters like organoleptic characters, weight variation, folding endurance, thickness, swelling index, flatness, drug content, swelling index, percentage erosion, moisture content, water vapor transmission rate and moisture uptake. Formed patches were also evaluated through Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results of SEM unveiled smooth surface of drug-loaded patches. In-vitro dissolution studies were conducted by using dissolution medium phosphate buffer saline pH 7.4. Effect of natural permeation enhancers was elucidated on two optimized formulations (Z4 and Z9). Different concentrations (5%-10 %) of permeation enhancers i.e. Olive oil, Castor oil and Eucalyptus oil were evaluated on Franz diffusion cell using excised abdominal rat skin. Z4-O2 (Olive oil 10%) had enhanced sustain effect and flux value (310.72) close to the desired flux value. Z4-O2 followed Higuchi release model (R2= 0.9833) with non-fickian diffusion release mechanism (n=0.612).

Abstract There is a great interest to use carbon-based material like graphene and graphene oxide in biomedical applications due to its flexibility to be functionalized with bio-active molecules. Herein, graphene and graphene-based nanocomposites were biosynthesized by liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite using aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorous (P-H) as a surfactant. A set of five thin film samples of graphene was prepared from graphene suspension by vacuum filtration method. Samples were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD, which revealed successful synthesis of graphene. Graphene/P-H(G/P-H) nanocomposites comprising varied ratios of graphene and P-H were prepared and their antibacterial activity was investigated by agar well diffusion method. The experimental results indicated that G/P-H nanocomposite have higher antibacterial activity than graphene alone, and bioactivity of G/P-H nanocomposite was found to be controlled by the fraction of graphene in the composite.

Phosphodiesterases (PDE) are group of enzymes which catalyze the hydrolysis of cAMP and cGMP. Since these cyclic phosphate moieties worked as intracellular second messengers in numerous physiological processes, their inhibition can affect normal physiology of living system. NSAIDs are among the frequently prescribed medications, because of their efficacy as analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agents. They are known to block cyclooxygenase pathway. In limited data NSAIDs has been shown anti-tumor potential, and phosphodiesterase inhibition has assumed to be one of the mechanism. To date no further evaluation being done. Further, NSAIDs are classified as cyclooxygenase inhibitors and phosphodiesterase inhibition can imprint its side effects. This study first time investigates the effects of NSAIDs on phosphodiesterase 1 inhibition. The activity against snake venom phosphodiesterase 1 was assayed on a microtitre plate reader spectrophotometer. Selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, exhibited a potent PDE1 inhibitory activity, at therapeutic doses, with an IC50 value of 29.4 µM. The findings of our study are indicative of new pharmacological actions of cyclooxygenase inhibitors. This article presents the PDE inhibitory properties as a new effects of already existing drugs. These additional effects could be potentially helpful for researchers to assess other physiological and pathological states.

Abstract The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of follicle size on recovery rate, quality, and in-vitro developmental competence of oocytes in Bos indicus cows. The ovaries (n = 507) of Bos indicus cows having age of 5-8 years, with mixed parity, BCS 2.75 ± 0.25, and clinically normal reproductive tracts were collected from the local abattoir. The follicles on the ovaries were divided into two groups based upon their size; 1) ≥6 mm diameter, and 2) <6 mm diameter. After initial evaluation of quality of the oocytes, the COCs were in vitro matured, fertilized, and cultured to determine the in vitro developmental competence. The oocyte recovery, quality, maturation, cleavage, 4-cell, 8-cell, and 16-cell stages were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. However, the number of oocytes recovered per ovary was analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS. Results revealed that the recovery of oocytes (LSM ± SEM) derived from the follicles having size <6 mm per ovary was greater (1.02 vs. 3.14 ± 0.13; P < 0. 0001). However, the percentage (n/n) recovery [69.8 (474/679) vs. 62.7% (1454/2320); P = 0.01] and grade I_+_II oocytes [68.4 (324/474) vs. 57.9% (842/1454); P < 0.0001] was greater in ≥6 mm as compared with <6 mm group, respectively. However, maturation rate did not differ [92.9 (288/310) vs. 92.2% (296/321); P = 0.98] between the groups. In contrast, cleavage rate [58.1 (180/310) vs. 47.4% (152/321); P = 0.01], the 4-cell [34.5 (107/310) vs. 18.7% (60/321); P = 0.0003], 8-cell [15.5 (48/310) vs. 7.8% (25/321); P = 0.008], and 16-cell [8.7 (27/310) vs. 2.1% (7/321); P = 0.004] stage embryos were greater in ≥6 mm group. It can be concluded that oocytes derived from follicle ≥6 mm have better in vitro developmental competence based on embryonic conversion in Bos indicus cows.

RESUMO Introdução: a manutenção da ancoragem sempre foi um desafio na Ortodontia. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi descobrir a taxa de falhas dos mini-implantes instalados na região da tuberosidade maxilar (TM). Métodos: o presente estudo piloto avaliou 40 pacientes (23 mulheres, 17 homens; idade média = 20,1 ± 8,9 anos) que receberam 60 mini-implantes na TM durante o tratamento ortodôntico. Anotações clínicas e fotografias foram usadas para investigar o principal motivo para a falha do mini-implante. Fatores de insucesso independentes também foram investigados. Uma análise de regressão logística foi realizada para medir o impacto de cada fator preditivo sobre a falha na instalação dos mini-implantes na TM. Resultados: as diferentes variáveis preditivas não demonstraram correlação significativa com a taxa de falhas, com exceção da instalação dos mini-implantes realizada por operadores inexperientes, que mostrou quantidade significativamente maior de falhas. A razão de chances para a falha dos mini-implantes instalados por operadores inexperientes foi de 4,16. Conclusão: observou-se uma taxa de falhas de 26,3% para os mini-implantes instalados na região da TM.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anchorage conservation in orthodontics has always been a challenge. Objective: The aim of this current study was to find out the failure rate of miniscrews inserted in the maxillary tuberosity (MT) region. Methods: This pilot study consisted of 40 patients (23 female, 17 male; mean age = 20.1±8.9 years) that had received 60 MT miniscrews for orthodontic treatment. Clinical notes and pictures were used to find out the primary outcome of miniscrew failure. Independent failure factors were also investigated. Logistic regression analysis was done for predictor’s relation with MT miniscrews failure. Results: There was no significant correlation in failure rate according to various predictor variables, except for miniscrews installed by lesser experienced operators, which showed significantly more failure. The odds ratio for miniscrew failure placed by inexperienced operators was 4.16. Conclusion: A 26.3% failure rate of mini-implants inserted in the MT region was observed.

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to evaluate five pre-characterized lead tolerant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria: Pseudomonas gessardii strain BLP141 (S2), Pseudomonas fluorescens A50 (S5), Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae B728a (S6), Pseudomonas stutzeri strain 28a24 (S8) and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain LMG 2189 (S10), for their plant growth promotion, phytoremediation potential and physiological response on Helianthus annuus L. as test crop, exposed to different lead concentrations (300, 600 and 900 mg/kg). Crop was harvested after 30 days of sowing and data regarding growth parameters (root shoot length, root shoot fresh and dry weights), physiological attributes (photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and substomatal CO2), and lead content in root and shoot of sunflower, were recorded. Results revealed that lead contamination decreased the growth and physiological attributes of plants at all levels of lead stress; however inoculation with lead tolerant rhizobacteria reversed the toxic effect of lead on the plants and improved the growth and physiological attributes of sunflower in lead contamination, as compared to plants grown in the un-inoculated lead contaminated treatments. Among the five isolates, S2, S5 and S10 promoted more growth, improving the physiological attributes and phytoremediation potential of plants at all levels of contamination as compared to plants grown in lead stress without inoculation.

RESUMEN Se evaluaron cinco rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento tolerantes al plomo precaracterizadas: Pseudomonas gessardii cepa BLP141 (S2), Pseudomonas fluorescens A50 (S5), Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae B728a (S6), Pseudomonas stutzeri cepa 28a24 (S8) y Pseudomonas fluorescens cepa LMG 2189 (S10), con relación a su efecto en el crecimiento, potencial de fitorremediación y respuesta fisiológica en Helianthus annuus L. como cultivo de ensayo expuesto a diferentes concentraciones de plomo (300, 600 y 900 mg/kg). El cultivo se cosechó después de 30 días de sembrado y se registraron los datos referentes a parámetros de crecmiento (longitud del brote y la raíz, peso fresco y seco del brote y la raíz), atributos fisiológicos (tasa fotosintética y de transpiración, CO2 estomático) y contenido de plomo en raíces y brotes de girasol. Los resultados indican que la contaminación por plomo mermó tanto el desarrollo como los atributos fisiológicos de las plantas en todos los niveles de agresión por plomo; sin embargo, la inoculación con rizobacterias tolerantes al plomo revirtió los efectos tóxicos y mejoró tanto el crecimiento como los atributos fisiológicos del girasol contaminado por este metal, en comparación con plantas cultivadas sin este tratamiento. De las cinco cepas aisladas, S2, S5 y S10 promovieron mayor crecimiento y mejoraron en mayor medida los atributos fisiológicos y el potencial de fitorremediación de las plantas en todos los niveles de contaminación en comparación de plantas cultivadas en un ambiente de agresión por plomo sin inoculación.

Abstract: Current research work is aimed to numerically simulate the failure behavior of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) strengthened reinforced concrete beams having different FRP reinforcement ratios. Required objectives are achieved by performing a series of bending tests on RC beams carrying different FRP layout and FRP reinforcement ratio. Tested beams were numerically simulated by using a Finite Element Method based computer package. The layouts of the FRP strengthening were decided based upon the FRP reinforcement ratios ranging from fully wrapped beams to the beams having significantly lower FRP reinforcement ratios. Tests results are presented in the form of load-deflection curves for all of the beams and a comparison of different beam strengthening schemes is also presented. Failure patterns of RC beams strengthened with different layouts of externally bonded FRP sheets were also compared. Results of flexural tests on twelve beams specimens and numerical simulation have indicated that CFRP and GFRP can significantly increase the bending and shear strength of retrofitted beams. However, the use of higher FRP reinforcement ratios to get higher strength increment is not advisable as epoxy properties and concrete surface quality plays a vital role to increase flexural and shear strength.

Resumen: El trabajo de investigación actual tiene como objetivo simular numéricamente el comportamiento de falla de las vigas de concreto reforzado fortificado con polímero reforzado con fibra (FRP) que tienen diferentes relaciones de refuerzo de FRP. Los objetivos requeridos se logran al realizar una serie de pruebas de flexión en vigas RC que tienen diferentes diseños de FRP y relación de refuerzo de FRP. Las vigas probadas se simularon numéricamente utilizando un paquete de computadora basado en el método de elementos finitos. Los diseños del refuerzo de FRP se decidieron en función de las relaciones de refuerzo de FRP que van desde las vigas totalmente envueltas hasta las vigas que tienen relaciones de refuerzo de FRP significativamente más bajas. Los resultados de las pruebas se presentan en forma de curvas de desviación de carga, para todas las vigas, y también se presenta una comparación de los diferentes esquemas de refuerzo de las vigas. También se compararon los patrones de falla de las vigas RC reforzadas con diferentes diseños de hojas FRP unidas externamente. Los resultados de las pruebas de flexión en especímenes de doce vigas y simulación numérica han indicado que CFRP y GFRP pueden aumentar significativamente la resistencia a la flexión y al corte de las vigas modificadas. Sin embargo, el uso de relaciones de refuerzo de FRP más altas para obtener un mayor incremento de la resistencia no es recomendable, ya que las propiedades epóxicas y la calidad de la superficie del concreto desempeñan un papel vital para aumentar la resistencia a la flexión y al corte.

Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.), a popular and economically profitable bulbous cut flower, has high demand in both Pakistan domestic and international markets on account of its attractive spikes, florets of huge forms, dazzling colors, varying sizes, and long vase life. However, its quality production is badly affected by non-uniform sprouting, poor crop stand, and old cultivars. To overcome these problems, an experiment was conducted to elucidate the effect of humic acid (HA) applied along with NPK (17:17:17) and five exotic cultivars of gladiolus, ’Eminence’, ’Cantate’, ’Essential’, ’Corveira’ and ’Fado’, on uniform crop stand, growth, flowering, and quality of cut gladiolus. Among HA treatments, three applications of HA and NPK, applied at planting, 3-leaf, and 6-leaf stages of plant development, followed by two applications of HA and NPK, applied at planting and 3-leaf stage, proved best for early and uniform sprouting, more foliage growth per plant, greater leaf area, and total leaf chlorophyll contents, earlier spike emergence, greater number of florets per spike, longer stems and spikes, and greater diameter of a spike, higher flower quality, longer vase life, higher number of cormels per clump, and greater cormel diameter and weight. Plants grown without HA and NPK application (control) or application of NPK alone, applied at planting, had poor growth, reduced yield, and inferior quality. Among cultivars, ’Fado’ performed best for commercial cultivation, considering the applications of HA.

Adopting new technology always involves advantages and risks; Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a new technology well known in developed countries for its many advantages, such as reduced pesticide application, better insect pest control, and higher lint yield. However, its success in developing countries is still a question mark. Global adoption of Bt cotton has risen dramatically from 0.76 million ha when introduced in 1996 to 7.85 million ha in the 2005 cotton-growing season where 54% of the cotton crops in the USA, 76% in China, and 80% in Australia were grown with single or multiple Bt genes. Bollworms are serious cotton pests causing 30-40% yield reduction in Pakistan and 20-66% potential crop losses in India. The major advances shown in this review include: (1) Evolution of Bt cotton may prove to be a green revolution to enhance cotton yield; (2) adoption of Bt cotton by farmers is increasing due to its beneficial environmental effects by reducing pesticide application: however, a high seed price has compelled farmers to use illegal non-approved Bt causing huge damage to crops because of low tolerance to insect pests; and (3) some factors responsible for changes in the efficiency of the Bt gene and Bt cotton yield include internal phenology (genetics), atmospheric changes (CO2 concentration), nutrition, insect pests, boll distribution pattern, disease and nematodes, removal of fruiting branch and/or floral bud, introduction of Bt gene, and terpenoids and tannin production in the plant body.

La adopción de nueva tecnología siempre involucra ventajas y riesgos; algodón Bt (Gossypium hirsutum L.) es una nueva tecnología bien conocida en países desarrollados por muchas ventajas como reducida aplicación de pesticidas, mejor control de insectos plaga, y mayor producción de fibra, pero su éxito en países en desarrollo aún conlleva dudas. La adopción global de algodón Bt ha aumentado dramáticamente de 0,76 millones de hectáreas en su introducción en 1996 a 7,85 millones de hectáreas en la estación de cultivo de algodón 2005, 54% de cultivos de algodón en EE.UU., 76% en China, y 80% en Australia se cultivaron con genes Bt únicos o múltiples. Los gusanos del algodonero son plagas graves del algodón que causan 30-40% de reducción en rendimiento en Paquistán, y 20-60% pérdidas potenciales en India. Las principales ventajas mostradas en esta revisión incluyen: (1) Evolución de algodón Bt puede probar revolución verde en el aumento de rendimiento de algodón; (2) adopción de algodón Bt por agricultores está aumentando debido a sus efectos beneficiosos en el medioambiente al reducir aplicación de pesticidas, pero el alto precio de la semilla ha obligado a los agricultores a usar semilla Bt ilegal no aprobada que causó gran dano al cultivo debido a baja tolerancia a insectos plaga; y (3) algunos factores responsables de cambios en eficiencia de genes Bt y por lo tanto de rendimiento del algodón Bt incluyen fenología interna (genética), cambios atmosféricos (concentración de CO2), nutrición, insectos plaga, patrón de distribución de gusanos, enfermedades y nematodos, remoción de ramas fructificantes y/o yemas florales, introducción de genes Bt y producción de terpenoides, taninos, etc., dentro del cuerpo de la planta.

Uma nova série de 4-amino-5-aril-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-tionas, tendo vários grupos metoxibenzila e metoxifenila, foi sintetizada através de refluxo de sais de hidrazina carboditioato de potássio em solução aquosa diluída de hidrato de hidrazina. Estes sais foram formados pela reação de hidrazinas ácidas e dissulfeto de carbono em solução de hidróxido de potássio metanólico a 0-5 ºC. 4-Amino-5-aril-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-tionas foram condensadas com diferentes ácidos aromáticos substituídos para produzir 1,2,4-triazol[3,4-b]1,3,4-tiodiazols 3,6-disubstituídos. As estruturas dos compostos sintetizados foram caracterizadas pelas espectroscopias no infravermelho (IR) e ressonância magnética nuclear (NMR) de ¹H e 13C, análise elementar e espectrometria de massa (MS). Todos os compostos sintetizados foram examinados com relação as suas atividades de inibição de urease, antioxidante e antibacteriana. Alguns compostos mostraram excelente atividade de inibição de urease, mais do que a droga padrão. Outros compostos apresentaram potente atividade antioxidante. Todos os compostos mostraram atividades antibacterianas significativas em comparação com a droga padrão.

A new series of 4-amino-5-aryl-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones, bearing various methoxybenzyl- and methoxyphenethyl groups, was synthesized by refluxing potassium hydrazinecarbodithioate salts in dilute aqueous solution of hydrazine hydrate. These salts were formed by the reaction of acid hydrazides and carbon disulfide in methanolic potassium hydroxide solution at 0-5 °C. 4-Amino-5-aryl-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones were condensed with different substituted aromatic acids to yield 3,6-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]1,3,4-thiadiazoles. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by infrared (IR), ¹H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis and mass spectrometric (MS) studies. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their urease inhibition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Some compounds showed excellent urease inhibition activity, more than the standard drug. Others exhibited potent antioxidant activity. All the compounds showed significant antibacterial activities as compared to the standard drug.

1. The present study describes a direct and an alternative HPLC method for the determination of etoposide in injectable dosage forms. Etoposide, an antineoplastic drug, was eluted through C18 ODS Hypersil column of 250 ÷ 4.6 mm id with 5 ìçé particle size using simple mobile phase of methanol: water (1:1, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min¹ and detected at 204 nm. The limit of detection of etoposide was 0.03 µg mL-1. The proposed method was found linear in the range of 0.25 µg mL¹ to 62.5 µg mL¹ and CV was 1.3% at 0.25 µg mL¹ , 0.48% at 3.90 µg mL¹ and 0.13% at 62.5 µg mL¹. The accuracy of the developed method for two injectable dosage forms was 99.4 and 99.7% with RSD of 0.3%. The validation results and statistical data demonstrate that the method is simple, cost effective, reproducible and suitable in quality analysis of the active ingredient and dosage form.