The purpose of the study was to calculate the effects of urban untreated wastewater irrigation on the heavy metals accumulation in vegetable samples consisting turnip (Brassica rapa), radish (Raphanus sativus), spinach (Spinacia olerácea), pumpkin (Cucúrbita moschata), cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata), onion (Allium cepa), smooth luffa (Luffa aegyptiaca), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), vegetable gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) and carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus). This was accomplished by monitoring waste as well as fresh water-irrigated agricultural fields of Lakki Marwat, Pakistan. Flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) was used to assess the concentrations of these heavy metals. The concentration of a total of six metals including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were detected and quantified in vegetable samples. Concentration of Pb was very low, while Fe concentration was higher in all the samples under investigation in the waste water-irrigated vegetables. The highest concentrations of Zn were observed in onion (441.3±2.7 mg.kg-1), and smooth luffa (293.1±0.5 mg.kg-1). Onion (361.95±2.3 mg.kg-1), turnip (292.15±5.6 mg.kg-1) and Spinach (280.25±4.8 mg.kg-1) showed exceedingly higher concentrations of Fe. Daily intakes of metals (DIM) were calculated for both adults as well as children. The DIM values for Ni and Cd exceeded the recommended value. The concentration of Fe and Zn was higher in wastewater-irrigated area samples as compared to fresh water-irrigated vegetables. The data obtained displayed a trend of heavy metal Fe>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cd>Pb. Our findings have demonstrated the accumulation of heavy metals in the vegetables irrigated by the wastewater as confirmed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.

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 Brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is an economically important insect pest of rice crop worldwide including Pakistan. The use of chemicals insecticides to control the BPH population has been considered an effective strategy. However, long-term and intensive use of insecticides has resulted in resistance against this pest. In this study, six recommended insecticides were tested against BPH over the period of 2015-2019 to determine the susceptibility level. From 2015-19, susceptibility of BPH was reduced to all tested insecticides. Increasing trend of LC50 values was recorded in fipronil (18.23-35.11 mg/L), imidacloprid (64.22-128.8 mg/L), buprofezin (185.01-315.0 mg/L), chlorantranilipyrole (199.2-263.3 mg/L), pymetrozine (248.2-315.5 mg/L), and nitenpyram (21.07-34.3 mg/L) respectively from 2015 to 2019. Correlation coefficient values indicated a significant relation (P < 0.05) between fipronil, imidacloprid, and buprofezin. The study will be helpful for resistance management strategies to prevent the resistance development in BPH against insecticides.

Resumen El saltamontes marrón (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), es una plaga de insectos económicamente importante del cultivo de arroz en todo el mundo, incluido Pakistán. El uso de insecticidas químicos para controlarla ha constituido una estrategia eficaz; sin embargo, utilizarlos de forma prolongada e intensiva ha ocasionado que la plaga se vuelva resistente a dichos pesticidas. En este estudio se probaron seis insecticidas recomendados contra la BPH durante el periodo 2015-2019 para determinar el nivel de susceptibilidad. De 2015 a 2019, la susceptibilidad a la BPH se redujo a todos los insecticidas probados. Se registró una tendencia creciente de los valores de LC50 en fipronil (18.23-35.11 mg/l), imidacloprid (64.22-128.8 mg/l), buprofezina (185.01-315.0 mg/l), clorantranilipirol (199.2-263.3 mg/l), pimetrozina (248.2-315.5 mg/l) y nitenpiram (21.07-34.3 mg/l) respectivamente de 2015 a 2019. Los valores del coeficiente de correlación indicaron una relación significativa (P < 0.05) entre fipronil, imidacloprid y buprofezin. El estudio será útil tanto para llevar a cabo estrategias de manejo de la resistencia como para prevenir el desarrollo dicha resistencia de la BPH hacia los insecticidas.

Abstract An investigation was carried out to extract polyphenols from mango and kinnow mandarin peels for the development of functional fruit bars and their storage stability. Solvent ethanol at 50%, 80% and 100% concentration was employed for polyphenols extraction from mango and kinnow peels through ultrasound assisted extraction technique. Higher polyphenols were extracted from mango peels with comparatively more antioxidant activity than kinnow peels. Fruit bars fortified with different levels of mango and kinnow peel polyphenolic extracts subjected to ambient and refrigerated storage conditions revealed a gradual decline in total polyphenols, antioxidant activity and sensory attributes score during storage period. Microbiological parameters though increased during storage but remained well within the permissible limits. Ambient temperature storage fruit bars were discarded after three months whereas at refrigeration temperature conditions remained sensory acceptable for five months. Overall, 2% mango peel extract fortified fruit bars scored highest by the sensory panelists while 3% kinnow peel extract fortified fruit bars scored lowest. It was concluded that mango and kinnow peel extract could be utilized as ingredient for the preparation of functionl foods.

Resumen La biosorción es una excelente herramienta rentable para eliminar colorantes problemáticos. El presente trabajo se centró en la utilización del extracto de cáscaras de Citrus paradise (pomelo) para la síntesis de nanopartículas de níquel. Las nanopartículas preparadas se caracterizaron por microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB) y se utilizaron para la remediación del colorante directo rojo de Congo. La decoloración del colorante directo Rojo Congo se midió mediante espectrometría siguiendo la optimización de factores experimentales. Se observó una decoloración máxima a una concentración de colorante de 0.02 %, pH 6, y una temperatura de 50 °C; la dosis del catalizador fue de 0.01 g/L. Se determinó que los valores de TOC y DQO eran 79.89 % y 78.23 %, respectivamente. Los residuos agrícolas también podrían utilizarse para la remediación de otros tintes sintéticos y con ello ayudar a limpiar nuestro entorno natural.

Abstract Biosorption is a cost-effective excellent tool for removing problematic dyes. The present work was focused on the utilization of Citrus paradise (grapefruit) peels aqueous extract for synthesis of nickel nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by SEM and were used for the remediation of congo red direct dye. The decolorization of Congo Red direct dye was measured using UV/Visible spectrophotometer following the optimization of experimental factors. Maximum decolorization was observed at a dye concentration of 0.02 %, pH 6, at 50 °C temperature, and catalyst dose was 0.01 g/L. TOC and COD values were found to be 79.89 % and 78.23 %. Agriculrural waste could be used for the remediation of other synthetic dyes as well; hence helps in cleaning our natural environment.

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.

RESUMO O estresse salino é uma das principais restrições à produção de trigo. A manutenção de um baixo acúmulo de Na+ nas folhas pode melhorar a tolerância do tecido ao estresse salino. Um experimento de campo foi conduzido para discriminar vinte genótipos de trigo, com base no acúmulo de Na+ nas folhas como critério para tolerância ao sal, e avaliar o efeito do acúmulo de sódio na produção de biomassa, características fisiológicas e de produção de genótipos cultivados em ambiente salino-sódico. A concentração de Na+ foi determinada em folhas jovens totalmente expandidas, no estágio de crescimento vegetativo. Os genótipos foram categorizados em dois grupos contrastantes (com baixo e alto teor de Na+), em delineamento de blocos completos casualizados, com três repetições. Os genótipos com baixo teor de Na+ (V-03094, V-02156, TURACO, V0005 e PVN) mostraram retenção de clorofila, teor de K+ foliar, prolina e conteúdo fenólico por períodos muito mais longos do que os com alto teor. Os efeitos da salinidade sobre os componentes de rendimento também foram menores nos genótipos com baixo teor de Na+ nas folhas do que os com alto teor. O maior rendimento de grãos de genótipos com baixo acúmulo de Na+ deveu-se ao aumento no número e peso dos grãos em seus perfilhos, que mostraram-se fortemente associados ao maior efluxo de Na+ das folhas. Os genótipos com baixo acúmulo de sódio melhoraram a emergência de plântulas (%) e o rendimento de grãos, em solo salino-sódico.

ABSTRACT Salt stress is a major production constraint in wheat. The maintenance of a low Na+ accumulation in the leaves may improve the tissue tolerance against salt stress. A field experiment was conducted to discriminate twenty wheat genotypes, based on leaf Na+ accumulation as a criterion for salt tolerance, and evaluate the effect of sodium accumulation on the biomass production, physiological and yield traits of wheat genotypes grown in a saline-sodic environment. The Na+ concentration was determined in young fully expanded leaves at the vegetative growth stage. The genotypes were categorized into two contrasting groups (with low and high Na+ content), in a randomized complete block design, with three replications. The low Na+ genotypes (V-03094, V-02156, TURACO, V0005 and PVN) showed much longer chlorophyll retention, leaf K+ content, proline and phenolic contents than the high Na+ genotypes. The salt effects on yield components were also less in the wheat genotypes with low leaf Na+ content than the high Na+ genotypes. The greater grain yield of low Na+ accumulating genotypes was due to the enhanced grain number and weight in their tillers, which were strongly associated with the higher Na+ efflux from the leaves. The low sodium accumulator genotypes improved the seedling emergence (%) and grain yield in saline-sodic soil.

ABSTRACT The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a major pest of all aspects of life, like the domestic, medical and veterinary and causal agent of several pathogenic diseases. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of different insecticide-free baits against house fly by incorporating flower methanol extract of Helianthus annuus (sunflower) and Tegetes erecta (marigold) at 10%, 20% and 30% bait formulation of corn syrup, dried milk and water. However, imidacloprid and thiacloprid (each at 5% concentration) were also included in the study for comparison. Results showed that insecticide baits were superior in causing mortality of adult house fly but dependent upon syrup. Overall, 20% baits of both extracts caused more than half population death of house fly within 48h. On the other hand, the mortality rate by 30% baits (from sunflower and marigold) had a similar impact as observed in case of imidacloprid and thiacloprid baits. Therefore, biological baits could play a more active and safer role in the management of house fly as compared to synthetic insecticides.

RESUMO Introdução: a transmigração de caninos é uma condição ortodôntica rara, e é importante realizar seu adequado diagnóstico ainda em idade precoce. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a frequência da transmigração de caninos inferiores (TCI) em pacientes ortodônticos de origem paquistanesa. Métodos: com o objetivo de analisar a presença, o local e o tipo de TCI, foram avaliadas 2.550 radiografias panorâmicas pré-tratamento (1.248 homens, 1.302 mulheres) de pacientes ortodônticos. Foram considerados como TCI os caninos inferiores permanentes que, na radiografia, estivessem cruzando a linha média. Resultados: a frequência de TCI foi de 0,98%. Os achados demonstraram a presença de apenas TCI unilaterais, sem diferenças significativas em relação ao sexo e ao lado da arcada. O tipo 1 de transmigração foi encontrado em 19 pacientes e os tipos 2 e 5, em três pacientes. Conclusão: na presente amostra de origem paquistanesa, a frequência da transmigração de caninos inferiores foi de 0,98%.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Canine transmigration is a rare orthodontic condition and it is relevant to perform the proper diagnose at an early age. Objective: The aim of the current study was to find out the frequency of transmigrated mandibular canines (TRC) in orthodontic patients obtained from South Asian population of Pakistan origin. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 2,550 untreated orthodontic patients (1,248 males; 1,302 females) were included, to investigate the presence, site, and type of TRC. Any permanent mandibular canine that was found to be crossing the midline in panoramic radiographs was considered as TRC. Results: The frequency of TRC was found to be 0.98%. TRC were only found unilaterally. No significance regarding gender and side was found. Nineteen TRC displayed a type 1 transmigratory pattern, while type 2 and type 5 transmigratory patterns were encountered in three patients. Conclusion: Frequency of transmigrated mandibular canines in the studied sample was 0.98%.

Resumo Objetivo: investigar os efeitos da aplicação de estímulo vibratório, usando escova elétrica, sobre a taxa de movimentação dentária ortodôntica durante a retração dos caninos superiores. Métodos: um estudo de boca-dividida foi realizado em 28 pacientes (idade média de 20,8 anos, variando entre 18 e 24 anos) cujos dois primeiros pré-molares superiores foram extraídos, com subsequente retração dos caninos. No lado Com Vibração, uma força leve (100g) foi aplicada no canino durante 90 dias, em combinação com o estímulo vibratório gerado por uma escova de dentes elétrica; enquanto os caninos do lado Sem Vibração foram submetidos apenas à aplicação da força ortodôntica. A quantidade de movimentação dos caninos foi aferida mensalmente. Quanto ao uso da escova de dentes elétrica, diários foram fornecidos aos pacientes para que esses anotassem, em Escalas Visuais Analógicas (EVA) de 100 mm, o desconforto sentido durante o período experimental. O teste t pareado foi utilizado para avaliar as diferenças na quantidade de movimentação dos caninos nos lados Com Vibração e Sem Vibração. Resultados: os valores da movimentação dentária foram semelhantes nos lados Com Vibração e Sem Vibração (médias de 0,81 ± 0,10 mm e 0,82 ± 0,11 mm, respectivamente, p> 0,05). O acúmulo de placa dentária nos pacientes dessa amostra foi mínimo, ao longo de todo o estudo. Nenhum paciente relatou desconforto durante o uso da escova elétrica. Conclusões: o presente estudo demonstrou que a aplicação de estímulo vibratório usando uma escova elétrica, associada a forças ortodônticas leves, não foi capaz de acelerar a movimentação dentária ortodôntica.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of application of vibratory stimuli, using an electric toothbrush, on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement during maxillary canine retraction. Methods: A split-mouth study was conducted in 28 subjects (mean age = 20.8 years; ranging from 18 to 24 years) whose bilateral maxillary first premolars were extracted with subsequent canine retraction. On the Vibration side, light force (100 g) was applied to the canine for 90 days, in combination with vibratory stimuli provided by an electric toothbrush; only orthodontic force was applied to the canine on the non-vibration side. Amount of canine movement was measured monthly. Related to electronic toothbrush usage, a diary was provided to each patient for recording discomfort during experimental period, having 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The paired t-test was used to assess the differences in amount of tooth movement between canines of the vibration and non-vibration sides. Results: The amount of tooth movement was similar for canines on the vibration side and on the non-vibration side (mean 0.81 ± 0.10 mm and 0.82 ± 0.11 mm, respectively, p> 0.05). Plaque accumulation was minimal in any subject throughout the study. No subject reported discomfort as a result of using the electric toothbrush. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that application of vibratory stimuli using an electric toothbrush, in combination with light orthodontic force, do not accelerate orthodontic tooth movement.

Resumen: La producción sustentable de forrajes de calidad en cantidades suficientes constituye uno de los mayores retos para la ganadería lechera rentable. Leguminosas forrajeras incluyendo el frijol caupí ofrecen una solución factible para cumplir con esta tarea, pero se deben optimizar los arreglos de la siembra y la selección de variedades rastreras y erectas. Se sembraron dos variedades de frijol (P-518 y Rawan-2003) con diferente espaciamiento entre surcos (30, 45 y 60 cm), mientras que cultivos ya establecidos se mantuvieron para la comparación. Se utilizó un arreglo factorial de diseño de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones para llevar a cabo el ensayo de campo. Biomasa de materia seca, las variables de calidad, ingreso neto y relación beneficio-costo se tomaron como variables experimentales. Rawan-2003 (tipo rastrero) sembrado en hileras de 45 cm de espaciado dio significativamente (P≤0.01), mayor biomasa de materia seca (8.26 y 9,03 t ha-1 en 2013 y 2014, respectivamente) y mejoró significativamente (P≤0.05) la calidad del forraje (mayor proteína cruda y menor contenido de fibra cruda). La misma variedad y arreglo espacial resultaron en el mayor ingreso neto y relación beneficio-costo (BCR) (4.66 y 4.85 en 2013 y 2014 respectivamente). El tipo erguido P-518 dio mejores resultados con espaciamiento entre surcos más cercanos (30 cm), mientras que las variedades de frijol testigo demostraron ser inferiores a todos los otros arreglos espaciales.

Abstract: Sustainable production of quality forages in sufficient quantities constitutes one of the biggest challenges for profitable dairy farming. Forage legumes including cowpea offer a feasible solution to meet this task but planting geometry for spreading and erect types of varieties needs to be optimized. Two cowpea varieties (P-518 and Rawan-2003) were sown to different row spacing (30, 45 and 60 cm), while broadcasted crops were kept for comparison. Factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to carry out the field trial with four replicates. Dry matter biomass, quality variables, net income and benefit-cost ratio were taken as experimental variables. Rawan-2003 (spreading type) sown at 45 cm spaced rows gave significantly (P≤0.01) higher dry matter biomass (8.26 and 9.03 t ha-1 in 2013 and 2014, respectively) along with significantly (P≤0.05) improved forage quality (especially higher crude protein and lower crude fiber contents). The same variety and spatial arrangement resulted in the highest net income and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) (4.66 and 4.85 in 2013 and 2014 respectively). P-518 (erect type) gave better results with closer inter-row spacing (30 cm spaced rows), while broadcasting of both cowpea varieties proved to be inferior to all other spatial arrangements.

ABSTRACT The presence of geneticdiversity is of great importance in improving wheat traits and developing strategies for optimal conservation of germplasm. Genetic diversity was assessed among common wheat cultivars using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers at the Center of Agriculture, Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. RAPD primers were used among 14 Pakistani wheat cultivars, to screen the progenies and for the identification of the genes of interest. The polymorphic information content (PIC), was measured as the percentage of polymorphic fragments for all primers. A total of 583 bands(84% polymorphic) in all 14 wheat cultivars was amplified and discriminated all the wheat genotypes. The number of fragments amplified per primer ranged from 35 to 69 with an average of 48.52 fragments per primer averagely was observed. Population structure analysis anddandrogram showed distinct clustering among different wheat genotypes. Millat-11, Punjab-11, PBW-222 generated the maximum level of polymorphism, standing alone in the cluster while others are scatteredin different group.As a result, genetically numerous progenies are known, increasing the quality of sorts collections by broadening the genetic base of wheat cultivars. This study additionally indicates that RAPD markers allow quicker response and provide high throughputprocedure of accessions from a variety assortment to assess genetic diversity among wheat genotypes.

Abstract This study investigated lytic enzyme activities in three indigenous Trichoderma strains namely, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma sp. Native Trichoderma strains and a virulent strain of Rhizoctonia solani isolated from infected bean plants were also included in the study. Enzyme activities were determined by measuring sugar reduction by dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method using suitable substrates. The antagonists were cultured in minimal salt medium with the following modifications: medium A (1 g of glucose), medium B (0.5 g of glucose + 0.5 g of deactivated R. solani mycelia), medium C (1.0 g of deactivated respective antagonist mycelium) and medium D (1 g of deactivated R. solani mycelia). T asperellum showed presence of higher amounts of chitinases, β-1, 3-glucanases and xylanases in extracellular protein extracts from medium D as compared to medium A. While, the higher activities of glucosidases and endoglucanses were shown in medium D extracts by T. harzianum. β-glucosidase activities were lower compared with other enzymes; however, activities of the extracts of medium D were significantly different. T. asperellum exhibited maximum inhibition (97.7%). On the other hand, Trichoderma sp. did not show any effect on mycelia growth of R. solani on crude extract.