Resumo Em razão dos graves efeitos colaterais causados pela maioria dos medicamentos antidiabéticos atualmente utilizados, continua a busca por novos medicamentos seguros para o controle do diabetes. As naftoquinonas, que possuem fortes propriedades antioxidantes, têm sido empregadas como candidatas à terapia do diabetes. O presente estudo visa encontrar o potencial antioxidante e hipoglicemiante de alguns novos derivados de 2-fenilamino-1,4-naftoquinonas (PAN), incluindo derivados de cloro, nitro, metil e bromo (5a-d) sintetizados por experimento em pote único. Os cristais do produto foram purificados por TLC e caracterizados por FT-IR. O potencial antioxidante dos compostos foi testado por meio de atividades de sequestro de radicais DPPH e redução de energia observada como absorção no UV-vis. O ensaio DPPH mostrou a poderosa atividade antioxidante dos derivados nitro e bromo, enquanto o derivado nitro mostrou o potencial de redução significativo para o ensaio FRAP. O potencial hipoglicêmico dos compostos foi estudado em modelo animal de rato. Todos os compostos sintetizados revelaram melhor atividade hipoglicemiante; no entanto, o derivado cloro apresentou atividade hipoglicêmica mais potente, com redução de 43% nos níveis médios de glicose no sangue dos animais tratados. Como a biorredução de naftoquinonas pode ser influenciada pela alteração de suas propriedades redox, notou-se que o efeito da doação eletrônica por ressonância (+R) do grupo “cloro” tem sido significativo na atividade biológica por meio da estabilização de sua forma imina, que limita o potencial de geração de radicais livres durante a biorredução de quinonas, e, portanto, tem sido proposto como a razão de sua atividade hipoglicemiante. Estudos futuros empregando as propriedades de grupos de doação eletrônica de PAN podem otimizar a interação droga-receptor para melhor planejamento de medicamentos e estratégias de desenvolvimento de medicamentos contra o diabetes e também para os ensaios clínicos.

Abstract Due to the severe side effects revealed by most of the currently used antidiabetic medicines, search for finding new and safe drugs to manage diabetes is continued. Naphthoquinones possessing strong antioxidant properties have been employed as candidates for diabetes therapy. Present study is aimed at finding the antioxidant and hypoglycaemic potential of some novel derivatives of 2-phenylamino-1,4-naphthoquinones (PAN) including chloro, nitro, methyl and bromo (5a-d) derivatives synthesized by single pot experiment. Product crystals were purified by TLC and characterized by FT-IR. The antioxidant potential of the compounds was assayed through DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities noted as UV-vis. absorbance. The DPPH assay has showed the powerful antioxidant activity of nitro and bromo derivatives, while the nitro derivative showed the significant reduction potential towards FRAP assay. Hypoglycaemic potential of the compounds was studied in rat animal model. All synthesized compounds revealed better hypoglycaemic activity; however, the chloro-derivative exhibited the more potent hypoglycaemic activity showing about 43% reduction in the mean blood glucose levels of the treated animals. As the bioreduction of naphthoquinones may be influenced by changing its redox properties, it has been noticed that the e-donating resonance effect (+R) of ‘chloro’ group has shown the significant effects on biological activity through stabalization of its imine form which limits the potential of generation of free radicals during bioreduction of quinones and thus has been proposed as the reason of its hypoglycaemic activity. Future studies employing the properties of e-donating groups of PAN may optimize the drug-receptor interaction for better drug designing and drug development strategies against diabetes and also for the clinical trials.

Resumo Trata-se de um estudo de caso controle e coorte, realizado no Departamento de Bioquímica da FUAST, comprimindo 24 ratos albinos Wistar. A especiaria natural Illicium verum (anis estrelado) e o brócolis vegetal verde geralmente são utilizados para o tratamento fitoterápico quimiopreventivo por conta da atividade antioxidante da vitamina C. A hepatotoxicidade foi induzida no fígado dos ratos modelo por injeção única interperitoneal de 200 mg/kg de peso corporal (PC) de N-nitrosodietilamina e administração oral de 1 mg/kg de peso corporal de fenobarbital por 14 dias durante o período de prolongamento da doença. A análise da vitamina C de Illicium verum (anis estrelado), brócolis verde, suco de laranja, casca de laranja e polpa de laranja foi realizada pelo método de titulação quantitativa e qualitativa iodométrica. Os ratos receberam composto de acordo com seu peso corporal como 1 mg/kg B.W. Após 14 dias (Período de Promoção e Propagação da Doença) e 28 dias (Período de Cura da Doença) de tratamento a atividade comportamental foi monitorada por atividade locomotora em experimento de campo aberto, atividade estimulatória em gaiola e efeitos ansiolíticos observados em aparelhos claros e escuros e também em T Labirinto. A atividade comportamental foi significativamente aumentada em ratos tratados com Illicium verum e brócolis verde. O estudo hematológico incluindo hemoglobina (Hb), glóbulos brancos (WBC), glóbulos vermelhos (RBC), volume corpuscular médio (MCV), hemoglobina corpuscular média (MCH), concentração média de hemoglobina corpuscular (MCHC), largura de distribuição de glóbulos vermelhos (RDW) e Plaquetas foi feito pela célula do analisador de laboratório Ababot. O valor de Hb e RBC também foi significativamente aumentado em ratos tratados com anis estrelado e brócolis, mostraram função adequada de RBC na microcirculação. WBC também estava na faixa normal revelando que nenhuma doença relaciona-se à medula óssea e leucemia. A atividade bioquímica de ratos, incluindo uréia, creatinina, proteína total, albumina, globulina, razão A/G, amilase e cálcio no soro sanguíneo foram analisadas, enquanto a saúde ou desempenho do fígado também foi determinada por LFT (teste de função hepática). As variáveis comportamentais e laboratoriais foram analisadas pelo SPSS v. 20 e valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. O estudo relata efeito significativo perceptível de Illicium verum e brócolis na hepatotoxicidade do modelo experimental. Resultados estatísticos de estudos experimentais recentes mostram relação recíproca entre o consumo de dieta vegetal e tempero natural com o risco de hepatotoxicidade. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi potencializar a função do anis estrelado ou da especiaria natural Illicium verum e do brócolis vegetal verde como agente anticancerígeno ou quimioprofilático.

Abstract This is a case control and cohort study, conducted at Department of Biochemistry in FUAST, compressing 24 number of albino Wistar rats. Illicium verum (star anise) natural spice and green vegetable broccoli are used for chemo-preventive herbal treatment in relation with vitamin C antioxidant activity. Hepatotoxicity was induced in liver of model rats by giving interperitoneally single injection of 200 mg/kg bod weight (B.W) of N-nitrosodiethylamine and orally giving 1 mg/kg BW phenobarbital for 14 days during disease prorogation period. The vitamin C analysis from Illicium verum (star anise), green broccoli, orange juice, orange peel and orange pulp was done by iodometric quantitative and qualitative titration method. Rats were given compound according to their bodyweight as 1 mg/kg B.W. After 14 days (Disease Promotion and Propagation Period) and 28 days (Disease cure period) of treatment behavioral activity was monitored by locomotors activity in open field experiment, stimulatory activity in home cage and anxiolytic effects observed in light and dark apparatus and also in T maze. Behavioral activity were significantly increased in Illicium verum and green broccoli treated rats. Hematological study including hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW) and Platelets was done by abbot laboratory analyzer cell. The value of Hb and RBC was also significantly increased in star anise and broccoli treated rats, showed proper function of RBC in microcirculation. WBC was also in normal range revealed that no disease regards to bone marrow and leukemia’s. The biochemical activity of rats including urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, amylase and calcium in blood serum were analyzed while, liver health or performance was also determined by LFT (liver function test). Behavioral and laboratorial variables were analyzed by using SPSS v. 20 and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study report noticeable significant effect of Illicium verum and broccoli on hepatotoxicity of experimental model. Recent experimental study statistical outcomes show reciprocal relationship between the consumption of vegetable diet and natural spice with the risk of Hepatotoxicity. Thus, the aim of the study is to enhance the function of star anise or illicium verum natural spice and green vegetable broccoli as an anticancer or chemoprophylaxis agent.

Abstract Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are endemic worldwide and more prevalent in countries with unhygienic conditions. The objective of the research was to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in rural and urban areas of Quetta, Balochistan and to check their associated risk factors including; age, gender, educational status, sanitary system and any other immunodeficiency. For this instance 204 stool samples were collected from the urban and rural population of Quetta, Balochistan. The participants with positive results for Intestinal Parasitic Infections were interviewed using close-ended questionnaire. From the findings of this study, it has been revealed that prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infections in rural and urban areas was 21%. Males were found more prevalent (66%) as compared to females (34%) due to higher risk of contacting to outer environment. The prevalence was higher in rural areas (23%). The most prevalent intestinal parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (48%). Other prevailing parasites were Hymenolepis nana (26%), Giardia Intestinalis (17%), Trichomonas hominis (5%) and Trichuris trichiura (5%). The majority of patients were having lower socio-economic (52%) and educational status (48%). Educational status of 48% patients was primary or below primary. Most of the participants with positive results did not have hand washing habit (62%) and didn’t have the closed sanitary system (71%). The intestinal parasitic infections were more prevalent among children aged from 1-10 (33%). This may be a result of poor hygiene in children. The study will contribute to lower down the prevalence in the studied areas by the application of different preventive measures in future.

Resumo As infecções parasitárias intestinais (IPIs) são endêmicas em todo o mundo e mais prevalentes em países com condições anti-higiênicas. O objetivo da pesquisa foi identificar a prevalência de infecções parasitárias intestinais em áreas rurais e urbanas de Quetta, Baluchistão e verificar seus fatores de risco associados, incluindo; idade, sexo, escolaridade, sistema sanitário e qualquer outra imunodeficiência. Nesses casos, 204 amostras de fezes foram coletadas da população urbana e rural da região de Quetta. Os participantes com resultados positivos para Infecções Parasitárias Intestinais foram entrevistados por meio de questionário fechado. A partir dos resultados deste estudo, foi revelado que a prevalência de infecções parasitárias intestinais em áreas rurais e urbanas foi de 21%. O sexo masculino foi mais prevalente (66%) em relação ao feminino (34%). A prevalência foi maior na zona rural (23%). O parasita intestinal mais prevalente foi Entamoeba histolytica (48%). Os outros parasitas predominantes foram Hymenolepis nana (26%), Giardia Intestinalis (17%), Trichomonas hominis (5%) e Trichuris trichiura (5%). A maioria dos pacientes tinha menor nível socioeconômico (52%) e escolaridade (48%). A maioria dos participantes com resultados positivos não tinha o hábito de lavar as mãos (62%) e não possuía o sistema sanitário fechado (71%). As parasitoses intestinais foram mais prevalentes entre as crianças de 1 a 10 anos (33%). Este estudo contribuirá para diminuir a prevalência nas áreas estudadas através da aplicação de diferentes medidas preventivas no futuro.

Abstract A one year feeding trial was conducted on carps i.e. Catla (Cattla cattla), Mrigal (Cirhinus mrigala) and Rohu (Labeo rohita) to find out appropriate level of fishmeal in diet and their effects on growth, survival and biomass in intensive polyculture. Three different inclusions of fishmeal were used in experimental diets (25%, 35% and 45%). Highest average daily growth was observed by 25% fish meal diet (2.18g, 2.19g and 2.34g for catla, rohu and mrigal respectively), whereas 35% fish meal based diet was next by showing 1.63g average daily growth for catla, 1.73g for rohu and 1.67g for mrigal. Mean values of monthly weight again and average daily growth showed significant differences among treatments. Growth was found to be higher in C. mrigala in case of 25% and 45% and L. rohita in case of 35% fish meal. Minimum FCR was obtained by 25% FM based diets as 3.53±0.41 followed by 45% (3.82±0.33) and 35% (4.05±0.45). The findings of this research trial determine the optimum dietary level of fishmeal and its effectiveness as an important ingredient in diets of Indian major carps. It is proved that a feed by the combination of animal and plant protein is much preferable by carps as compare to a feed with higher concentration of fish meal.

Resumo Um teste de alimentação de um ano foi realizado em carpas, ou seja, Catla (Cattla cattla), Mrigal (Cirhinus mrigala) e Rohu (Labeo rohita) para descobrir o nível adequado de farinha de peixe na dieta e seus efeitos no crescimento, sobrevivência e biomassa em policultura intensiva. Três diferentes inclusões de farinha de peixe foram utilizadas nas dietas experimentais (25%, 35% e 45%). O maior crescimento médio diário foi observado pela dieta com 25% de farinha de peixe (2,18g, 2,19g e 2,34g para catla, rohu e mrigal, respectivamente), enquanto a dieta à base de farinha de peixe de 35% foi a próxima, mostrando um crescimento médio diário de 1,63g para catla, 1,73g para rohu e 1,67g para mrigal. Os valores médios de peso mensal novamente e crescimento médio diário apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos. O crescimento foi maior em C. mrigala no caso de 25% e 45% e L. Rohita, no caso de 35% de farinha de peixe. A TCA mínima foi obtida por dietas à base de 25% FM como 3,53 ± 0,41 seguido por 45% (3,82 ± 0,33) e 35% (4,05 ± 0,45). Os resultados desta pesquisa determinam o nível ideal de farinha de peixe e sua eficácia como um ingrediente importante nas dietas das principais carpas indianas. Assim, demonstrando que uma ração com combinação de proteína animal e vegetal é preferível para as carpas do que uma ração com maior concentração de farinha de peixe.

RESUMO: A competição e as interações entre plantas daninhas são o foco de muitos pesquisadores para tornar a decisão de gerenciamento dessas plantas precisa e econômica. Portanto, foram realizados estudos de campo em dois anos consecutivos (2012-13 e 2013-14) em dois locais diferentes: Peshawar (34.0167o N, 71.5833o E) e Chitral (35o50’46" N, 71o47’9" E), da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Paquistão. O objetivo dos estudos foi determinar a capacidade competitiva da aveia selvagem (Avena fatua L.) com trigo (Triticum aestivum L.) em dois locais ecologicamente diferentes, bem como os possíveis efeitos na quantidade e qualidade dos grãos de trigo. Em estudos de campo, o experimento foi delineado em delineamento de blocos ao acaso (delineamento de aditivos) com três repetições, nas quais a taxa de sementes de trigo (var. Ata-Habib) foi de 125 kg ha-1, enquanto a aveia selvagem foi plantada a 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 e 40 plantas m-2. Dados de campo mostraram que os efeitos de diferentes densidades de aveia selvagem durante os dois anos foram proeminentes, visto que diminuíram significativamente as variáveis relacionadas ao rendimento de grãos e biológicas do trigo. A densidade de aveia selvagem acima de 5 plantas m-2 resultou na diminuição dos componentes da produção de trigo. Esses resultados mostraram que a aveia selvagem iniciou a competição no estágio inicial do trigo. Todas as outras variáveis relacionadas à produção de trigo foram diminuídas pela densidade crescente de aveia selvagem, o que indica que esta compete com o trigo durante toda a safra. As perdas de rendimento de grãos no trigo variaram de 2-35% durante o ano 1 e 1-21% durante o ano 2 na densidade de aveia selvagem de 5-40 plantas m-2. As variáveis de qualidade dos grãos de trigo mostraram que o teor de proteína nesses grãos diminuiu com a maior densidade de aveia selvagem. Durante o ano 2, o teor de glúten em Chitral diminuiu com o aumento da densidade de aveia selvagem. À luz dos estudos atuais, sugere-se que a presença de aveia selvagem diminua todas as variáveis relacionadas ao rendimento ecobiológico do trigo.

ABSTRACT: Crop-weed competition and interactions are the focus of many researchers to make the weed management decision accurate and economical. Therefore, field studies were conducted in two consecutive years (2012-13 and 2013-14) at two different locations viz Peshawar (34.0167o N, 71.5833o E) and Chitral (35o50’46" N, 71o47’9" E) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, Pakistan. The aim of the studies was to determine the competitive ability of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at two ecologically different locations and the possible effects on quantity and quality of wheat grains. In field studies, the experiment were laid out in randomized complete block design (additive design) with three replications in which the seed rate of wheat (var. Ata-Habib) was 125 kg ha-1 while wild oat was planted at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 plants m-2. Field data showed the effects of different wild oat densities during both the years were prominent by significantly decreasing the grain and biological yield-related variables of wheat. Wild oat density above 5 plants m-2 resulted in decreasing the wheat yield components. These results showed that wild oat started competition at initial stage of the wheat. All other yield related variables of wheat were decreased by the increasing density of wild oat, which is indicated that wild oat compete with wheat throughout the crop season. The grain yield losses in wheat ranged from 2-35% during year 1 and 1-21% during year 2 at wild oat density of 5-40 plants m-2. The quality variables of wheat grains showed protein content in wheat grains were decreased at higher density of wild oat. During year 2, the gluten content in Chitral was decreased with increasing density of wild oat. In light of the present studies, it is suggested that presence of wild oat decrease all eco-biological yield related variables of wheat.

ABSTRACT The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding vegetable waste (VW) to broilers on their growth performance, serum chemistry, immune status, meat mineral content and lipid oxidation status. For this purpose, 100 one-day-old chicks (Cobb 500) were acquired from a commercial hatchery and allocated according to a completely randomized design into five dietary treatments with four replicates of five birds each. The dietary treatments included: T1 ( 100 % c o m m e r c i a l f e e d ( C F ) + 0 % V W), T2 ( 75 % C F + 25 % V W), T3 ( 50 % C F + 50 % V W), T4 ( 25 % C F + 75 % V W) and T5 ( 0 % C F + 100 % V W). Experimental birds were subjected to dietary treatments from 5 to 7 weeks of age. At the end of week 7 (49 days), eight birds with uniform average body weight were selected per treatment (2birds/replicate), kept off-feed for 4 h and then manually slaughtered according to the Halal method to collect data for serum chemistry, meat minerals and lipid oxidation status. The results indicated better meat lipid oxidation status (p≤0.05) and lower meat mineral content (p≤0.05) when birds fed VW at 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the diets compared with 100% commercial feed. On the other hand, blood chemistry and antibody response parameters did not respond (p>0.05) to dietary intervention. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of vegetable waste had positive influence on meat quality in terms of meat lipid oxidation and meat mineral content, and may be replace up to 75% of commercial broiler feeds with beneficial effects.

Compatible solutes rescue plants in the hour of intense water deficit conditions. Glycinebetaine (GB) and potassium (K) are main solutes, playing role in improving plant water potential and ultimately the crop yield. However, only a few attempts have been made so far to study their optimum dozes and interactions to ameliorate the drought stress in wheat. To explore this, GB solutions of 0, 50,100 and 150 mM concentration and K solutions of 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% concentration were sprayed at milking stage of two wheat varieties under stress (Auqab-2000; drought sensitive and Lasani-2008; drought resistant). The stress was created by withholding water up till appearance of wilting symptoms and then the solutes (alone and/or in combination) were sprayed with carboxymethyl cellulose as a sticking agent, whereas Tween-20 was used as a surfactant for foliar spray. At maturity, ten random plants from field-experiments and three in case of pot experiment were selected to estimate plant height, spike length, number of spikelets spike-1, number of grains spike-1, and grain yields. Besides, water potential, osmotic potential and turgor potential of crop were also estimated. The results indicated that the drought stress adversely affected all the above parameters. The exogenous application of GB and K to wheat significantly improved spike length, number of grain per spike and grain yields. Moreover, a significant interaction between these solutes was observed since at a given level of GB all these yield parameters were increased (p < 0.05) with K concentration. The highest values were obtained when GB and K were applied in combination at 100 mM and 1.5%, respectively. The same treatment also improved the leaf water potential, osmotic potential and turgor potential to maintain plant water potential gradient under stress. These findings lead us to conclude that application of GB and K (100 mM and 1.5%, respectively) is the best strategy to ameliorate the drought impact on wheat at milking stage with improved production.