Abstract The current study aimed at the quinoa-wheat composite flour's characterization (including total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity) as well as its effect on dry cake sensory quality. Findings revealed a rise in ash content, fat, protein, and crude fiber of composite-flour (0.56-1.23%, 1.13-1.76%, 10.14-11.02%, and 0.23-1.04%, respectively) with an increase of quinoa flour (5-20%). The addition of quinoa flour to the composite flour enhanced cake texture (0.26-.70 kg), but it also decreased L-value of cake crumb (55.29-50.73). Total flavonoids (56.44-59.48 mg QE/100 g) and antioxidant activity (4.66-9.76%) increased as quinoa flour was increased, whereas total phenolics (8.68-5.46 mgGAE/g) decreased. By mixing wheat flour with quinoa flour, the nutritional value of wheat flour was increased. During sensory evaluation, the cake made from composite-flour containing 10% quinoa-flour scored the highest overall acceptability. Sensory quality of last two treatments, which included 15% and 20% quinoa flour, was lower. Quinoa seeds had a better nutritional profile than wheat, with higher levels of amino acids, minerals, dietary fibers, and oil. Since wheat is a staple food in Pakistan, adding quinoa-flour would help to reduce malnutrition in Pakistan. Furthermore, no previous research on the suitability of quinoa-wheat flour for dry cake has been conducted on Pakistani wheat flour.

Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate functional potential of Aloe vera juice against (CCl4 induced) hepatotoxicity using animal model. Biochemical analyses including liver, renal enzymes, bone biomarkers and lipid profile were conducted after 4 weeks of oral Aloe vera juice administration. Liver enzymes, AST, ALP and total bilirubin were reduced up to 15-7%, 60-32.52% and 29-48%, respectively in Aloe vera juice treated rats i.e., 10 mL/kg and 20 mL/kg doses. Reduction in serum cholesterol (8%), LDL (12%) and triglycerides (15%) were observed. Urea was significantly reduced up to 11% which further reduced up to 30% at higher dose. Increased content of serum proteins (23-50%) and albumin (40-116%) were found at the different doses. Vitamin D was found maximum in G4 i.e., 38.63 mg/dL as compared to lowest i.e., 5.12 mg/dL in G2, similarly improvement in calcium i.e., 11-22% was observed in G3 and G4. The serum oxidative stress markers indicated raised superoxide dismutase (9%), glutathione (15%), catalase (9%) and reduced lipid peroxidation 78% at higher concentration of Aloe vera juice consumption. In addition, histological evaluation also depicted positive impact on hepatic and renal portfolio in all treated rats. All of the findings enlighten the potential of Aloe vera juice as a functional beverage.

Abstract The quality and quantity of the extracted DNA are two key aspects for a successful PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification. Moreover, reduction in time and cost required for DNA extraction are also two considerable factors, in cases when large number of samples are to be analyzed within a limited time-frame and budget. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to compare and optimize performance of five different DNA extraction methods by boiling meat tissues from cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, chicken, camel, horse and dog in PBS (Phosphate Buffer Saline), distilled water, alkaline lysis buffers 1, 2 or 3. The results indicated that the boiling of meat and its products in alkaline lysis buffers was a good method to extract crude DNA. The optimized crude DNA extraction protocol was coupled with PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis for meat species differentiation. This developed workflow was tested on fifty-three commercial beef and mutton samples, out of which three samples were found to be adulterated. In conclusion, the rapid crude DNA extraction protocol has led to the development of a direct PCR-RFLP workflow that is simple, time-saving and cost-effective for PCR-based identification of different meat species.

Abstract A graphene oxide-triazole hybrid anti-corrosive coating was done by fabricating a triazole derivative - 2-(5-mercapto-4-((3-nitrophenyl)amino)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (4-NBT) on a graphene oxide (GO) coated Cu electrode. The GO-4-NBT hybrid coating effect on the Cu surface corrosion behavior was electrochemically monitored through cyclic voltammetry (CV), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The fabrication of a protective coating was done in two steps. Firstly, GO was electrochemically deposited on the Cu electrode in two different aggressive media (1 M HCl and 0.1 M Na2SO4), separately. Secondly, different 4-NBT concentrations were employed to reinforce GO corrosion resistant properties. CV studies revealed that GO-4-NBT effectively suppressed the metal oxidation and oxygen reduction. EIS studies suggested that the electrochemical process on the Cu surface with GO and GO-4-NBT was charge transfer controlled. The corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE) measured by PDP and EIS was enhanced with a related raise in 4-NBT concentration. Electrochemical studies revealed that the GO-4-NBT was a mixed type of inhibitor that predominantly inhibited the anodic reaction, especially in the case of 0.1 M Na2SO4. Adsorption studies further indicated the involvement of a stable and spontaneous adsorption mechanism, most probably by chemisorption. GO-4-NBT has shown significant corrosion protection activity in 0.1 M Na2SO4.

Abstract The present study was designed to prepare to wean food by replacing plant proteins with egg proteins. The weaning foods containing 14, 16 and 18% extruded soy proteins were replaced with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% egg proteins using whole egg powder. Physicochemical analysis of raw material and weaned products, water activity, bulk density, in vitro study for protein digestibility, color analysis, microbiological analysis, and sensorial evaluation. Protein content significantly (p < 0.05) varied from 13.76% to 19.89% for formulated weaning foods with the highest value in T12. Treatment T5 and T11 exhibited minimum water absorption capacity (1.86 mL/g) and maximum (2.63 mL/g), respectively. Treatment T1 exhibited the highest (0.76 mL/g) values of bulk density, while the treatment T7 and T12 had the lowest values (0.69 mL/g). The maximum in vitro digestibility was observed in treatment T15 (83.8%) while the minimum (65.4%) was observed in treatment T1. The sensorial evaluation results for all the treatments are significantly (p < 0.05) varies with an overall acceptable score. Results indicate that the microbial loads also within acceptable limits. The weaning foods composite animal proteins can be a cost-effective and possible tool to overcome malnutrition among children in developing countries.

Abstract The core objective of this research work was to fortify milk with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and to develop yogurt. Cow milk was analyzed for proximate analysis, minerals content, fatty acid profile and CLA content. After chemical analysis, milk was fortified with 1, 2 and 3% of CLA and yogurts were made. CLA fortified yogurts of cow milk was analyzed for proximate analysis, titratable acidity, synersis, pH, viscosity, CLA and sensory evaluation. Results showed that the proximate composition significantly changed particular fat. CLA contents also changed significantly. The value of titratable acidity was changed significantly in all treatments whereas the entire samples showed lower value of pH after 14 days storage. All treatments showed higher values of viscosity at 0 day and decreased significantly at 14th day. Yogurt samples showed the lowest syneresis value after 14 days of storage. All the treatments were showed overall acceptability. The sensory evaluation indicated good sensory and high textural quality with the maximum consumer satisfactoriness. The results showed that CLA fortification can meet recommended CLA dietary intake for health benefits.

Abstract Wheat based products are consumed as staple food in most the of Asians countries, hence different wheat cultivars are purposely developed to meet the diverse ecological conditions. These cultivars carry difference in their rheometry nutrition and gluten microstructure that affect the overall product quality. In the present investigation ten wheat varieties were selected from two most common ecological zones i.e. rain fed and irrigated. In general, non-significant differences were observed in most of nutritional parameters however, tremendous variations were studied in rheometry and functional features. More than fifteen parameters were linked through Principal Competent Analysis (PCA) which has segregated the cultivars in to four groups. Analyses of secondary structure of gluten were also analysed through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and hierarchical cluster for FTIR gluten structure divided wheat cultivars in three groups. Results revealed that wheat cultivars (Borlog-2015 and Zincole-2016) having high protein contents (15%), more water absorption capacity (72.0%), dough development time (11.2 min), stability time (15 min) and mixing tolerance index (11.0 min) made their own cluster and showed variable spectra estimated between the 1750 to 1500 cm-1. On the bases of findings of both PCA model and clustering of FTIR proteins, it was revealed these two cultivars are suited for bread making. In contradiction to above features other two cultivars (Pirsabak-2005 and Wafaq-2001) were found good for making biscuits.

ABSTRACT Ten coumarin class of compounds, including new fused coumarinolignoids namely, mucronin-C ( 1 ) were isolated from the methanol extract from whole plant of Daphne mucronata Royle. The structures of mucronin-C ( 1 ) and its configurations were determined by chemical and spectroscopic methods including 1DNMR, 2D-NMR and HR-FAB-MS. The isolated compounds 1 - 10 were evaluated for in-vitro biological activities. The anti-inflammatory (lipoxygenase) activities of compound 1, 4, 8, 9 and 10 (IC50 = 21.7, 23.7, 25.1, 27.3 and 26.0 μg/mL, respectively) were higher compared with standard Quercetin (IC50 = 22.5 μg/mL). The antioxidant property of coumarin as evaluated by DPPH scavenging bioassay was significantly greater in compounds 1-5, 9 and 10 (IC50 = 0.7, 0.8, 1.9, 2.3, 2.8, 0.5 and 2.1 μg/mL respectively) as standard Trolox (IC50 = 0.3 μg/mL). The density functional descriptors in the progress of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) are significant to analyze the reactive sites and antioxidant ability of compounds. We have explored the reactive sites and radical scavenging activity of studied coumarin derivatives by shedding light on electron affinity, ionization potential, molecular electrostatic potential, frontier molecular orbitals and molecular descriptors analysis. First-principles calculations about one-electron transfer mechanism revealed that smaller ionization potential value of Compounds 1-5, 9 and 10 are leading to superior antioxidant activity, which is in good agreement with the experimental data.

Abstract This study was aimed at optimization of potato starch gel preparation process by response surface methodology and various process parameters were optimized for textural, gelation and sensory properties. 3D response surface and contour plots showed that independent variables, such as extraction time, extraction temperature and potato starch concentration significantly affected (p < 0.05) texture of potato starch gel. It was observed from RSM analysis that target responses regarding texture characteristics (hardness 1, hardness 2, springiness and chewiness) were significantly reliant on potato starch conc. followed by extraction time and temperature. To was found in range from 102.98 to 109.87 °C whereas, the mean To was maintained at 107.20 °C. It was evident from data of experimental runs that To showed relatively consistent tendency in majority of samples while, experimental runs no. 4 and 5 exhibited a maxima and minima of 109.87 °C and 102.98 °C, respectively. It was evident from To value that starch granules were subjected to degree of disintegration in its internal granules structure, and this disintegration led to polysaccharides release in surrounding medium.

Abstract In traditional row and strip cowpea-sorghum intercropping systems, cowpea forage yield reduces significantly due to intense competition and dominance of sorghum in acquiring growth resources. This field study evaluated novel mixed strip intercropping systems of forage cowpea and sorghum having different number of crops rows arranged under different spatial arrangements. Cowpea was intercropped with sorghum in 8, 12 and 16 rows strips with row-row spacing of 30, 45 and 60 cm. In each strip, equal number of rows of cowpea and sorghum were maintained. Factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design with three replicates was used to execute the field trials during summer seasons of 2013 and 2014. Strips having 12 rows and 60 cm row-row spacing positively affected all agronomic variables of cowpea which led to maximum forage yield (22.2 and 23.7 t ha-1 during 2013 and 2014 respectively) and dry matter biomass (6.63 and 6.94 t ha-1 during 2013 and 2014 respectively). In contrast, 8-rows strips having line spacing of 30 cm outperformed other intercropping systems by yielding the maximum herbage yield and dry matter biomass of sorghum. The intercropping system comprising of 12-rows strips with 60 cm row-row spacing remained superior in recording the maximum crude protein, fats and total ash along with the minimum fiber content of cowpea. In addition, this intercropping system under rest of spatial arrangements also remained unmatched, while 16-rows strips under all planting geometries remained inferior to other intercropping systems. Thus, cowpea intercropping with sorghum in 12-rows strips having 60 cm spacing offers biologically viable solution to improve biomass and forage quality of cowpea in intercropping with sorghum.

Resumen En los sistemas tradicionales de cultivo intercalado de frijol caupí y sorgo en franjas y filas, el rendimiento de forraje del frijol caupí se reduce significativamente debido a la intensa competencia y al dominio del sorgo en la adquisición de recursos para el cultivo. Este estudio de campo evaluó novedosos sistemas de cultivo intercalado en franjas mixtas de frijol caupí forrajero y sorgo con diferente número de filas de cultivo en diferentes disposiciones espaciales. El frijol caupí se intercaló con el sorgo en franjas de 8, 12 y 16 filas con un espaciamiento de 30, 45 y 60 cm entre las filas. En cada franja se mantuvo igual número de filas de frijol caupí y sorgo. Para la ejecución de los ensayos de campo durante las temporadas de verano de 2013 y 2014 se utilizó un diseño factorial en bloques completos aleatorizados con tres repeticiones. Las franjas con 12 filas y un espaciamiento de 60 cm entre las filas afectaron positivamente a todas las variables agronómicas del frijol caupí que condujeron al máximo rendimiento forrajero (22.2 y 23.7 t/ha en 2013 y 2014, respectivamente) y de biomasa de materia seca (6.63 y 6.94 t/ha en 2013 y 2014, respectivamente). En cambio, las franjas de 8 filas con un espaciamiento de 30 cm superaron a otros sistemas de cultivo intercalado al obtener el rendimiento máximo de hierba y de biomasa de materia seca del sorgo. El sistema de cultivo intercalado compuesto por franjas de 12 filas con un espaciamiento de 60 cm entre las filas siguió siendo superior, al registrar el contenido máximo de proteína bruta, grasas y cenizas junto con el mínimo contenido de fibra de frijol caupí. Además, este sistema de cultivo intercalado bajo el resto de las disposiciones espaciales también permaneció incomparable, mientras que las franjas de 16 filas bajo todas las geometrías de siembra permanecieron inferiores a otros sistemas de cultivo intercalado. Por lo tanto, el cultivo intercalado de frijol caupí con sorgo en franjas de 12 filas con un espaciado de 60 cm ofrece una solución biológicamente viable para mejorar la biomasa y la calidad del forraje del caupí en cultivo intercalado con sorgo.

ABSTRACT By condensing ethylene-1,2-diamine with different aldehydes such as benzaldehyde, 4-chloroacetophenone and 2-chlorobenzaldeyhde within 1:2 molar ratio, resulted new series of Schiff base ligands (L1)-(L3) containing bidentate nitrogen atom. Their metal complexes were synthesized by coordinating the ligands with transition metals as Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) and exhibited octahedral geometry. Their characterization was done with the help of spectral, physical and analytical analysis. Spectral and elemental analysis of all bidentate ligands and their corresponding 3d-metal chelates was consistent with their proposed structures, signifying the high purity of these compounds. For in-vitro studies, these metal complexes along their ligands were screened against the six bacterial strains; Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis. Six fungal strains; Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton mentogrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton schoenleinii, Microscopum canis and Fusarium culmorum were used to study antifungal activity of the compounds. Bioactivity results exhibited that metal complexes showed higher antimicrobial potential as compared with their corresponding ligands. The enhanced activity resulted due to chelation that decreases the polarity of metal ions by complexing with bidentate ligands.

Abstract Organic manures are more preferred and environmentally friendly than chemical fertilizers for minimally contaminating soil, water and environmental resources, but the determination of right source of organic manures continues to remain an unexplored aspect. Considering the important issue, a multi-year field trial was carried out to determine the response of forage soybean to four sources of nutrients such as chemical fertilizers (IF), poultry litter (PL), bovine’s farm yard slurry (BFYS) and sewage sludge (SS) and their seven binary combinations (PL+BFYS, PL+SS, PL+IF, BFYS+SS, BFYS+IF, SS+IF and PL+BFYS+SS). Supplementation of organic manures with mineral fertilizers remained superior to their sole application, particularly BFYS + IF was found significantly (p≤0.05) superior for yielding the highest fresh biomass (23.9, 26.4 and 25.7 t ha–1) with improved nutritional quality. The same combination of integrated fertilizer management also recorded higher sustainability as per sustainable forage yield index along with the highest net income and the benefit-cost ratio. PL and SS applied in conjunction with IF performed better than sole or binary application of organic manures. Therefore, BFYS + IF may be recommended for adoption to produce comparable forage yield and nutritional quality of soybean along with reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers.

Abstract In this era, various traditional medicinal herbs were researched for their toxicological and safety aspects. The present study focused on using Nigella sativa fixed (NSFO) and essential oil (NSEO) to mitigate the adverse consequences of oxidative stress. For the purpose, oxidative stress was induced in Sprague Dawley rats using potassium bromate injection. The effect of NSFO and NSEO on indices of serum chemistry and hematology were studied. The results indicated that potassium bromate imparted drastic changes in serum chemistry and hematology e.g. it increased the blood cholesterol and blood glucose along with decreasing the insulin secretion. Oxidative stress also influenced the hematological attributes negatively but experimental diets were slightly successful in normalizing the values. The experimental diets especially essential oil that contains significant quantities of thymoquinone modulated the adverse consequences of oxidative stress with special reference to hematology and serological attributes. In the nutshell, NSFO and NSEO hold potential to mitigate the oxidative stress, and improved various serological and hematological attributes.

Abstract A vertex (edge) irregular total k-labeling φ of a graph G is a labeling of the vertices and edges of G with labels from the set {1, 2, . . . , k} in such a way that any two different vertices (edges) have distinct weights. Here, the weight of a vertex x in G is the sum of the label of x and the labels of all edges incident with the vertex x, whereas the weight of an edge is the sum of label of the edge and the vertices incident to that edge. The minimum k for which the graph G has a vertex (edge) irregular total k-labeling is called the total vertex (edge) irregularity strength of G. In this paper, we are dealing with infinite classes of convex polytopes generated by prism graph and antiprism graph. We have determined the exact value of their total vertex irregularity strength and total edge irregularity strength.

Abstract The present research was planned to analyze the toxic effects of thimerosal on rat liver. Mercury and mercury compounds are universally known toxicants for animals and humans. Thimerosal is widely used in the vaccines as a preservative which contains 49.6% mercury. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were distributed into four groups (n=6). The first group was considered as a control group. While, second, third and fourth groups were intoxicated with 0.5, 10 and 50 µg/kg thimerosal (i.m.) respectively. After 30 days, rats were slaughtered to analyze the liver tissues. The results of the experiment exposed that thimerosal instigated significant (p<0.05) increase in alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aminotransferase (AST) levels. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) activities and Glutathione (GSH) and protein levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced. Furthermore, significant increases in Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level and DNA damage was observed. Histopathological study revealed severe damages, e.g. fatty alterations, deterioration of lobular structure and degeneration of nuclei in hepatic tissues of thimerosal treated rats. Results of present investigation revealed that thimerosal induces hepatotoxicity at different levels.