Abstract The current study aimed to assess broccoli's phytochemical profile and determine its antioxidant activity. Fresh broccoli was procured from a local farm and divided into two major treatment groups (cooked and dried). There were five sub-treatments in the cooking group (conventional, microwave, boiling, blanching, and steaming) and three treatments in the drying group (sun drying, freeze drying, and hot air drying). Ascorbic acid content, total carotenoids, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity were evaluated for every sub-treatment. The results depicted that the antioxidant constituent of cooked broccoli was complementary to dried broccoli samples. The maximum amount of ascorbic acid content (10.80 mg/100 g), total carotenoids (3.976 mg/g), total phenolic contents (225.80 mg/g), and the total flavonoid contents (42.92 mg/g) were found in freeze-dried broccoli. Freeze-dried broccoli also showed the highest antioxidant activity for DPPH free radical scavenging assay (62.45%), hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assay (53.67%), and ABTS radical scavenging assay (65.84%). broccolis s dried. . dried) subtreatments sub conventional, conventional (conventional microwave boiling blanching steaming sun drying. drying) TPC TFC subtreatment. subtreatment treatment. sub-treatment samples 10.80 1080 10 80 (10.8 mg100 mg 100 mg/10 g, g , g) 3.976 3976 3 976 (3.97 mg/g, mgg mg/g 225.80 22580 225 (225.8 42.92 4292 42 92 (42.9 freezedried Freezedried Freeze 62.45%, 6245 62.45% 62 45 (62.45%) 53.67%, 5367 53.67% 53 67 (53.67%) 65.84%. 6584 65.84% 65 84 (65.84%) 10.8 108 1 8 (10. mg10 mg/1 3.97 397 97 (3.9 225.8 2258 22 (225. 42.9 429 4 9 (42. 624 62.45 6 (62.45% 536 53.67 5 (53.67% 658 65.84 (65.84% 10. (10 mg1 mg/ 3.9 39 (3. 225. 2 (225 42. (42 62.4 (62.45 53.6 (53.67 65.8 (65.84 (1 3. (3 (22 (4 62. (62.4 53. (53.6 65. (65.8 ( (2 (62. (53. (65. (62 (53 (65 (6 (5

Abstract Food safety with maintained fruit quality is an important challenge for postharvest industry of citrus fruits. The present study was designed to check the effects of gamma irradiation on postharvest fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin stored at 5 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 5% Relative Humidity. In the first experiment, fruits were exposed to different doses of gamma radiation (100-500 Gy), while after analyzing the results of first experiment, in the second experiment fruits were treated with 500, 600, 800 and 1000 Gy of gamma radiation. It was observed that higher doses of gamma irradiation exhibited lower weight loss and disease incidence as well as inhibiting the increase of soluble solid content (SSC) and retained higher titratable acidity (TA) and lower SSC: TA ratio. After 90 days of storage, maximum levels ascorbic acid, total phenolic contents and total antioxidants along with catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were recorded higher in fruits treated with 800 Gy. These fruit also exhibited higher score of taste, aroma and texture during storage. Overall results suggest that pre-storage treatment of 800 Gy is the most effective treatment and have potential application for quality management of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin under long term cold storage. ‘Kinnow Kinnow C 9 Humidity 100500 100 500 (100-50 Gy, , Gy) 600 80 SSC (SSC (TA ratio storage acid CAT, CAT (CAT) POD (POD SOD (SOD taste prestorage pre 10050 10 50 (100-5 60 8 (CAT 1005 (100- 6 (100 (10 (1 (

Abstract Nanoemulsions are nanoscale self-assembled entities which are manufactured for improving the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Nanoemulsion technology is one of the best ways to encapsulate the functional components as it enhances the stability and bioavailability of the compound. In the present study, nanoemulsions were prepared by ultrasonic homogenization of dispersed phase (10-22%) and surfactants (3-9%) with vitamin A (0.25-2.5%). Nanoemulsions were characterized through various optical techniques and stability was assessed using thermal shock and freeze-thaw cycle. The results revealed that nanoemulsions with high percentage of surfactants were more stable and retained smaller particle size as compared to nanoemulsions with low surfactants percentage and high dispersed phase, contributed to phase separation and colour change. These emulsions can be further tested for any toxic/allergic effect on the biological model and may be incorporated into food products. selfassembled self assembled ingredients compound study 1022% 1022 10 22% 22 (10-22% 39% 39 3 9% 9 (3-9% 0.252.5%. 02525 0.25 2.5% . 0 25 2 5 (0.25-2.5%) freezethaw freeze thaw cycle change toxicallergic toxic allergic products 102 1 (10-22 (3-9 252 0.252.5% 0252 025 0.2 2.5 (0.25-2.5% (10-2 (3- 0.252.5 02 0. 2. (0.25-2.5 (10- (3 0.252. (0.25-2. (10 ( 0.252 (0.25-2 (1 (0.25- (0.25 (0.2 (0. (0

RESUMO Contexto A desnutrição é comum em pacientes com cirrose hepática e está correlacionada com complicações precoces, morbidade e mortalidade. Objetivo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o estado nutricional, o impacto da triagem nutricional e a intervenção em pacientes com cirrose hepática, avaliando sua ingestão real de energia e proteína durante a internação hospitalar. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo transversal em que o estado nutricional de todos os pacientes foi definido pela ferramenta de Avaliação Global Subjetiva. O fornecimento adequado de energia e proteína foi planejado e executado por meio de plano nutricional individualizado para pacientes com colaboração de nutricionista. As medidas antropométricas incluíram: altura, peso, índice de massa corporal, circunferência do braço médio, força de aderência da mão e espessura da dobra da pele tríceps. Os testes bioquímicos incluíram: hemoglobina, volume e concentração da hemoglobina corpuscular média, albumina e testes de função hepática. Para registrar a ingestão diária de alimentos, foi utilizado um recall dietético de 24 horas. Resultados Ao todo foram incluídos 83 pacientes (média de 55 anos), entre eles 46% dos pacientes estavam moderadamente desnutridos, 12% estavam normais, enquanto 42% dos pacientes cirróticos estavam severamente depletados de acordo com a Avaliação Global Subjetiva. A ingestão média de calorias e proteínas foi melhorada durante a internação hospitalar após intervenção nutricional e monitoramento crítico (P<0,05). As medidas antropométricas na linha de base e descarga apresentaram diferenças significativas (P< 0,05) em peso, índice de massa corporal, espessura da dobra da pele do tríceps e valores médios de circunferência do braço, mas não na força de aderência da mão que estava associada à desnutrição entre os pacientes. Conclusão Proporcionar intervenção nutricional individualizada e seu acompanhamento por nutricionistas qualificados durante a internação hospitalar ajuda a melhorar a ingestão em pacientes que previnem maior risco de desnutrição e complicações relacionadas.

ABSTRACT Background Malnutrition is common in liver cirrhosis patients that is correlated with early complications, morbidity and mortality. Objective The purpose of the study was to assess nutritional status, impact of nutritional screening and intervention in liver cirrhosis patients by evaluating their actual energy and protein intake during hospital stay. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted wherein all patients’ nutritional status was defined by Subjective Global Assessment tool. Adequate energy and protein supply were planned and executed by using individualized nutritional plan for patients with dietitian’s collaboration. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, body mass index, mid upper arm circumference, hand grip strength and triceps skin-fold thickness. Biochemical tests included haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, volume and concentration, albumin and liver function tests. To record the daily food intake, a 24-hour dietary recall was used. Results Overall 83 patients (mean age 55) were included, among them 46% of patients were moderately malnourished, 12% were normal, while 42% of cirrhotic patients were severely depleted according to Subjective Global Assessment. The mean intake of calories and protein was improved during stay in hospital after nutritional intervention and critical monitoring (P<0.05). Anthropometric measurements at baseline and discharge showed significant differences (P <0.05) in weight, body mass index, triceps skin fold thickness and mid upper arm circumference values, but not in hand grip strength that was associated with malnourishment among patients. Conclusion Providing individualized nutritional intervention and its monitoring by qualified dietitians during hospital stay helps to improve intake in patients that prevent further risk of malnutrition and related complications.

ABSTRACT This study is in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to evaluate the post-Paris Agreement (COP21) through technological innovations and carbon pricing in a panel of 39 R&D economies from 1995 to 2018. The results show that sustainable technological innovations and smart applications of insurance and financial services help decrease GHG emissions in the lowest to highest quantile distribution. In contrast, air transportation freight, air freight pricing, and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows escalate GHG emissions due to unsustainable logistics activities, inefficient freight pricing, and dirty production, which confirmed the ‘pollution haven’ hypothesis across countries. The impact of air freight revenues has a differential impact on GHG emissions in the different quantiles’ distribution, as in the lowest quantiles (i.e., τ0.2 to τ0.4), air freight revenues increase GHG, whereas, at the highest quantiles’ distribution (i.e., τ0.9) emissions decrease. Thus, the viability of air freight revenues is further assessed using Panel Granger causality and panel innovation matrix. The results show the bidirectional causality between i) air freight pricing and GHG emissions, ii) air transportation freight (and freight pricing, freight revenues, FDI) and technology innovations, iii) FDI and air freight revenues, while there is a unidirectional causality running from i) insurance and financial services to GHG emissions, ii) GHG emissions to technological innovations and FDI inflows, and iii) air transportation freight to FDI inflows.

RESUMEN Este estudio está en línea con la Convención Marco de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático (CMNUCC) para evaluar el Acuerdo post-París (COP21) a través de innovaciones tecnológicas y fijación de precios del carbono en un panel de 39 economías de I + D desde 1995 hasta 2018. Los resultados muestran que las innovaciones tecnológicas y las aplicaciones inteligentes de los servicios financieros y de seguros ayudan a reducir las emisiones de GEI en la distribución de cuantiles desde más bajos a más altos. Por el contrario, el transporte aéreo de mercancías, los precios del transporte aéreo y el flujo de inversión extranjera directa (IED) aumentan las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero debido a actividades logísticas no sostenibles, precios de transporte ineficientes y producción sucia, confirmando la hipótesis del ‘paraíso de contaminación’ en todos los países. Los ingresos por flete aéreo tienen un impacto diferencial en las emisiones de GEI en la distribución de cuantiles, ya que en los cuantiles más bajos (τ0.2 a τ0.4) los ingresos por flete aéreo aumentan emisiones de GEI, mientras que en los cuantiles más altos (τ0.9), las disminuyen. Por lo tanto, la viabilidad de los ingresos por transporte aéreo se evalúa a mayor profundidad utilizando la matriz de innovación de panel y causalidad de Panel Granger. Los resultados muestran causalidad bidireccional entre i) los precios del flete aéreo y las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, ii) el flete del transporte aéreo (y el precio del flete, los ingresos por flete, la IED) y las innovaciones tecnológicas, iii) la IED y los ingresos del flete aéreo, mientras que existe una causalidad unidireccional desde i) seguros y servicios financieros a emisiones de GEI, ii) emisiones de GEI a innovaciones tecnológicas y flujos de IED, y iii) fletes de transporte aéreo a flujos de IED.

Abstract This study investigated the synergy testing of penicillin, cephalosporin, amphenicols, and aminoglycoside in the camel milk (n=768 samples), subsequently used for isolation of MDR S. aureus targeting mecA gene. Antibiotic susceptibility of S. aureus showed >90% isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim and resistant against oxacillin, ampicillin, and cefoxitin. Further, 50-85% of the S. aureus were sensitive to gentamicin, oxytetracycline, and chloramphenicol and resistant against cefotaxime, vancomycin, and cefixime. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cefotaxime, (C) and ampicillin (A) in combination with gentamicin (G) was reduced by 99.34% and 70.46%, respectively, while with chloramphenicol (Ch), reduction was 57.49% and 60%, respectively. In addition, the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) of G+A, Ch+C and Ch+G combinations showed synergy against 80%, 60%, and 30% of MDR S. aureus, respectively. Similarly, C+A and Ch+G displayed indifferent interaction against 70 % and 30% of isolates, respectively, while the later showed additive interaction against 10% of MDR S. aureus. Altogether, our results described effective combination of gentamicin and chloramphenicol with ampicillin and cefotaxime to combat MDR S. aureus.

ABSTRACT A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate seroprevalence and virus prevalence of the H9 subtype of avian influenza virus in non-vaccinated broiler farms of dense poultry-populated districts, Lahore and Sheikhupura of Punjab-Pakistan. A convenient sampling method was adopted for collection of blood (n=500) and oropharyngeal swab (n=500) samples from 25 broiler farms of each district for hemagglutination inhibition assay and RT-PCR test, respectively. Proportional estimates were calculated using R software and overall seroprevalence of H9 was estimated at 36.3% (95% CI 33.3-39), with no significant difference (p>0.05) between Lahore (37.2 %, 95% CI=31.2-39.59) and Sheikhupura (35.4%, 95% CI= 29.64-39.76). RT-PCR identified 2% (4/200) pool level viral prevalence. None of the farms from Lahore districts were RT-PCR positive for H9. Simple logistic regression followed by multivariable analysis, identified the presence of foot bath/dipping area at the entrance (OR=0.7, 95% CI=0.52-0.93) and availability of rubber shoes for visitors (OR=0.36, 95% CI 0.26-0.48) as protective factors. History of respiratory signs (OR=1.51, 95%=CI 1.12-2.04), history of sudden death in past flocks (OR=3.26, 95% CI=2.41-4.41), and birds previously infected with avian influenza virus (OR=1.33, 95% CI=1-1.76) were significant risk factors. Negligence in preventive measures at farms level was associated with the spread of H9 infection between the farms. To control future outbreaks, biosecurity and continuous monitoring of non-vaccinated flocks are suggested.

ABSTRACT Cereal-legumes intercropping is among the most economical and effective agronomic strategies to boost forage biomass production, nutritional quality and monetary returns. This review synthesizes the research findings on how intercropping affects productivity, quality, competitiveness and economic viability of sorghum-legumes mixed, row and strip intercropping systems under varied pedo-climatic conditions. Though component crops show yield reductions in row (additive and row-replacement series), mixed (seed blended crops) and strip intercropping systems, in general overall productivity per unit land area increases to a great extent. The significantly higher resource capturing with better utilization efficacy by intercrops in temporal and spatial dimensions helps explain their greater productivity. In addition, forage intercrops result in improved nutritional quality as legumes contain protein in double quantity than cereals. Cereal-legumes intercropping systems yield higher quantities of lush green forage with improved quality traits, which ultimately increase monetary benefits. Furthermore, legumes inclusion as an intercrop with cereals has the potential to serve as a nitrogen-saving strategy due to the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) process. Moreover, cereal-legume intercropping systems are effective in reducing weed infestations and soil erosion by providing extended soil cover, as well as in increasing water use efficiency and improving soil fertility. However, despite a significant increase in overall productivity, component crops suffer yield losses in intercropping systems owing to competition for the finite divisible pool of growth resources. Thus, there is a dire need to optimize spatial and temporal arrangements in sorghum-legumes intercropping systems to achieve maximum productivity and economic returns.

The aim of the present research work was to investigate the enzyme inhibitory potential of some new sulfonamides having benzodioxane and acetamide moieties. The synthesis was started by the reaction of N-2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]-dioxin-6-amine (1) with 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (2) in the presence of 10% aqueous Na2CO3 to yield N-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]-dioxin-6-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (3), which was then reacted with 2-bromo-N-(un/substituted-phenyl)acetamides (6a-l) in DMF and lithium hydride as a base to afford various 2-{2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(un/substituted-phenyl)acetamides (7a-l). All the synthesized compounds were characterized by their IR and 1H-NMR spectral data along with CHN analysis data. The enzyme inhibitory activities of these compounds were tested against a-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Most of the compounds exhibited substantial inhibitory activity against yeast a-glucosidase and weak against AChE. The in silico molecular docking results were also consistent with in vitro enzyme inhibition data.

ABSTRACT GeneXpert is one of the recent technological instruments used to diagnose tuberculosis in a short span of time. In this study, the performance of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) was compared with light-emitting diode Fluorescent Microscopy (LED-FM) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 737 EPTB samples were collected from tuberculosis (TB) suspected patients. Out of these samples, male to female ratio was 53% (n = 390) to 47% (n = 347) respectively. The sensitivity and specificity was 73% and 100% for GeneXpert, while 40% and 100% for LED-FM microscopy. This shows that the sensitivity of GeneXpert is 40–50%, higher than LED-FM microscopy. GeneXpert also detected low number of bacilli as compared to LED-FM microscopy.

RESUMO Neste estudo, a actividade anti-fúngica de quatro corpos de frutificação do cogumelo ostra que colhidas a partir de três substratos agrícolas foi efetuada. Em três concentrações (2, 4 e 8 mg / disco), extraídos de discos de Pleurotus ostreatus (cinza), P. ostreatus var. florida, P. cornucopiae var. citrinopileatus e P. salmoneostramineus, testadas contra três fungos patogênicos: Trichoderma harzianum (após 2 dias), Verticillium sp. e Pythium sp. (após 5 dias), utilizando o método de difusão em disco. Em geral, a actividade mais elevada foi de Y2 (P. cornucopiae que cresceu sobre o substrato 70% de palha de trigo, 20% de serragem branca e 10% de fibras de palma) e a menor atividade foi de Y1 (P. cornucopiae que cresceu na palha de trigo). A melhor zona de inibição foi de 16 mm, em direção T. harzianum por W2 (P. ostreatus (branco), que cresceu sobre o substrato 70% palha de trigo, 20% serragem branca e 10% de fibras de tamara) (2 mg / disco), em comparação com 23 mm com disco de Nistatina (100 L), seguido 7 mm e 5 milimetros por P3 (P. salmoneostramineus que cresceram nas fibras de palma 50% solo de substrato de palha de trigo, 30% de serragem branca 20%) (8 mg / disco) contra Pythium sp. e (4 mg / disco) contra Verticillium sp., respectivamente.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the antifungal activity of four fruiting bodies of oyster mushroom harvested from three agro-substrates in vitro. At three concentrations (2, 4 and 8 mg/disc), extracts discs of Pleurotus ostreatus (grey), P. ostreatus var. florida, P. cornucopiae var. citrinopileatus and P. salmoneostramineus were tested against three fungal pathogens: Trichoderma harzianum (after 2 days), Verticillium sp. and Pythium sp. (after 5 days) via the Disc Diffusion Method. The highest overall activity was by the extract disc Y2 (P. cornucopiae grown on M2 substrate; 70% wheat straw, 20% hardwood sawdust and 10% date palm fibers) and the lowest by Y1 (P. cornucopiae grown on wheat straw). The best inhibition zone was 16 mm toward T. harzianum by extract disc W2 (2 mg/disc) (P. ostreatus var. florida grown on M2 substrate), compared with 23 mm with Nystatin disc (100 U), followed 7 and 5 mm by P3 (P. salmoneostramineus grown on M3 substrate; 50% wheat straw, 30% hardwood sawdust and 20% date palm fibers) extract disc (8 mg/disc) against Pythium sp., and (4 mg/disc) against Verticillium sp., respectively.

Background: Endophytic bacteria are ubiquitous in all plant species contributing in host plant's nutrient uptake and helping the host to improve its growth. Moringa peregrina which is a medicinal plant, growing in arid region of Arabia, was assessed for the presence of endophytic bacterial strains. Results: PCR amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA of bacterial endophytes revealed the 5 endophytic bacteria, in which 2 strains were from Sphingomonas sp.; 2 strains from Bacillus sp. and 1 from Methylobacterium genus. Among the endophytic bacterial strains, a strain of Bacillus subtilis LK14 has shown significant prospects in phosphate solubilization (clearing zone of 56.71 mm after 5 d), ACC deaminase (448.3 ± 2.91 nM α-ketobutyrate mg-1 h-1) and acid phosphatase activity (8.4 ± 1.2 nM mg-1 min-1). The endophytic bacteria were also assessed for their potential to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Among isolated strains, the initial spectrophotometry analysis showed significantly higher IAA production by Bacillus subtilis LK14. The diurnal production of IAA was quantified using multiple reactions monitoring method in UPLC/MS-MS. The analysis showed that LK14 produced the highest (8.7 uM) IAA on 14th d of growth. Looking at LK14 potentials, it was applied to Solanum lycopersicum, where it significantly increased the shoot and root biomass and chlorophyll (a and b) contents as compared to control plants. Conclusion: The study concludes that using endophytic bacterial strains can be bio-prospective for plant growth promotion, which might be an ideal strategy for improving growth of crops in marginal lands.

New Analytical method has been developed for the determination of Cefuroxime in pharmaceutical formulations. The method involves the application of high performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the quantitative analysis of cefuroxime. HPLC method has a shorter analysis time of 10 min. The developed method obeyed the Beer's law in the range of 5- 300 μg mL-1. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the developed method was found to be 0.538 and 1.63, μg mL-1 respectively.

Kinetic method has been developed for the quantitative analysis of streptomycin. The method is based on the oxidation of the drug with the mixture of potassium iodide and potassium iodate to form a yellow colored product. Two methods are adopted for the determination process, the initial rate method and fixed time, absorbance difference method. Both the method followed Beer's law in the range of 4 μg ml-1- 72 μg ml-1. The linear regression equation of initial rate and fixed time (absorbance difference) method was evaluated to be Rate (U) = -1.026 x 10-6 + 5.93 x 10-4 C and ΔA = -1.63x10-3 + 8.0x10-3C. The limit of detection of initial rate method and fixed time method was obtained to be 0.011 and 0.50, respectively while limit of quantitation upon calculation came out to be 0.032 and 1.5 for initial rate and fixed time absorbance difference methods, respectively. Another important study in the proposed method is the activation parameter study which was done at four different temperatures i.e 298 K, 303 K, 308 K and 313 K. Using the elevated temperature various activation parameters such as change in enthalpy (Ä H), change in entropy (Δ S) and Gibbs free energy (Δ G) was calculated and obtained to be -34.41 kJ mol-1, -143.16 and -77.0 5 9 x 10³ kJ, respectively Probable mechanism of the reaction has been mentioned in the text.

The Abutilon genus from the Malvaceae family is of medicinal importance, and members of this genus are distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and other parts of the world. Abutilon pakistanicumJafri & Ali is mainly found in Pakistan. It has been used by different systems of traditional medicines to treat different diseases. Pakistamide C, a new sphingolipid, has been isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanolic extract of A. pakistanicum. Different spectroscopic techniques such as NMR (1H, 13C, COSY, NOESY, HSQC, HMBC) and Mass spectrometry (EI-MS, and FAB-MS experiments) were used to elucidate the structure of pakistamide C.