Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) one of the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. With the presently available knowledge on CRC, it is understood that the underlying is a complex process. The complexity of CRC lies in aberrant activation of several cellular signaling pathways that lead to activation and progression of CRC. In this context, recent studies have pointed towards the role of developmental pathways like; hedgehog (HH), wingless-related integration site (WNT/β-catenin) and Notch pathways that play a crucial role in maintenance and homeostasis of colon epithelium. Moreover, the deregulation of these signaling pathways has also been associated with the pathogenesis of CRC. Therefore, in the search for better therapeutic options, these pathways have emerged as potential targets. The present review attempts to highlight the role of HH, WNT/β-catenin and Notch pathways in colon carcinogenesis.

Abstract Guava (Psidium guajava) is a highly perishable fruit with a short shelf life as physico-chemical changes occur continuously and rapidly after harvest leading to heavy postharvest losses. This experiment was laid down to unravel the effects of ascorbic acid (AA) on ripened guava fruits to improve its shelf life and quality. Four different concentrations of AA namely 0, 50, 100, 200 ppm were used to treat guava fruit for five minutes followed by storage at 25±2 °C and ≥80% relative humidity (RH) for 12 days. Physiological and biochemical changes were studied, together with the specific enzymatic activities for catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). The results revealed that ascorbic acid treatments significantly reduced PWL, fruit decay percentage and suppressed pH and sugar/acid ratio than control fruits. Furthermore, soluble solid content, total acidity, total sugar, vitamin C and total phenolic contents were recorded higher in 200 ppm AA-treated fruits and maintained higher eating quality than control fruits. In addition, SOD, POD and CAT activities were observed higher in 200 ppm AA-treated fruits than control. The results clearly demonstrate that 200 ppm AA application have a potential to improve quality attributes of guava fruit.

Abstract Calcium fortification is usually achieved by employing wheat flour as the most frequently used vehicle. In this study, potential of calcium extraction from chicken eggshell and its utilization as a bread fortificant in straight grade flour (SGF) is investigated. In addition, the fortified and unfortified (control) flour samples were evaluated for nutrient composition and rheological properties. Results showed that addition of fortificant at different concentrations significantly (p<0.05) enhanced calcium content of fortified flour and it was considerably increased from 115.80 mg/kg (To) to 1135.1 mg/kg (T3). Nutrient composition data of fortified flour have shown a significant (p<0.05) reduction in moisture content of flour from 12.7% (To) to 11.76% (T3) and protein content from 9.89% (To) to 9.79% (T3). However, a significant increase in ash content was observed by increasing fortificant level from 0.54% (To) to 1.04% (T3). Rheological properties indicated a significant increase in water absorption from 63.60 to 67.527%, dough development time (DDT) from 7.38 to 11.37 min and dough stability from 13.79 to 17.37 min. Textural characteristics of fortified bread revealed a significant reduction for hardness values from 11.40 N (control) to 6.50 N (T3) in response to fortificant addition. Quality assessment of bread indicated that bread quality was significantly affected with corresponding rises in fortificant addition levels.

Abstract The present study was designed to characterize oat bran for their biological attributes. The results showed that bran of Avon variety contained high TDF, SDF, β-glucan and extractability of β-glucan than bran of oat variety Sargodha-81. The extrusion process exhibited the highest extractability of β-glucan (45.37%) followed by cooking (37.28%) and baking methods (32.45%). Moreover, the glucose level reduction was found significantly different when raw and processed oat bran diets fed to normal, hypercholesterolemic and diabetic rats. The highest reduction was recorded when fed on diet containing 30% processed oat bran. The processed oat bran exhibited more reduction as compared to raw oat bran. Furthermore, addition of 20% oat bran in wheat grits porridge was found to have significant effect (p < 0.05) on appearance, mouth feel and overall acceptability. Convincingly, it is recommended that processed oat bran may be introduced in diet-based remedy to rheostat lifestyle-related disorders.

Abstract Spinach is highly contaminated with different pesticide residues. This study was designed to evaluate organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticide residues present in various washing treatments (T0-T13) of fresh and chemically washed spinach with respect to maximum residues limits. Efficiency of washing solutions (citric acid, acetic acid, garlic extract and ginger extract) of different concentrations (w/v %) along with tap water in spinach was investigated for residues dissolution. Results showed that the highest reductions in endosulfan, deltamethrin and cypermethrin residues were 0.008 ± 0.008 mg.kg-1 (53%), 0.023 ± 0.024 mg.kg-1 (76%) and 0.017 ± 0.014 mgkg-1 (83%) in treatment of T5 (10% acetic acid) followed by 0.035 ± 0.029 mg.kg-1 (50%), 0.051 ± 0.029 mg.kg-1 (73%) and 0.037 ± 0.048 mg kg-1 (81%) in treatment T11 (10% ginger extract) while the lowest reductions in residues were 0.304 ± 0.004 mg.kg-1 (23%), 0.432 ± 0.030 mg.kg-1 (35%) and 0.468 ± 0.016 mg kg-1 (38%) in treatment T2 (5% citric acid), respectively. In conclusion, 10% acetic acid, ginger extract and mixture of acetic and citric acids can effectively minimize pesticide residues in treated spinach.

Abstract Milk is a nutritious perishable product having a short shelf-life owing to the occurrence of spoilage bacteria in it. This has led to an increasing demand for ensuring safety through milk processing. Conventional techniques (such as heat treatment) increase shelf-life but damage the nutritional and sensory qualities of milk. Hence, there is a need to develop innovative, nonthermal processing techniques that increase the shelf-life while preserving its nutritional quality. This review focuses on the recent advances in assuring microbial safety of milk by using nonthermal techniques such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, ultraviolet irradiation and membrane microfiltration.

Abstract The main purpose of this article is to introduce and study some new spaces of I-convergence of triple sequences in intuitionistic fuzzy normed space defined by compact operator i.e 3SI (μ,ν)(T ) and 3SI 0(μ,ν)(T ) and examine some fundamental properties, fuzzy topology and verify inclusion relations lying under these spaces.

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the quality and mineral contents of Moringa oleifera root-based tomato sauce. Results showed that roots of M. oleifera are highly enriched with essential nutrients including minerals, such as iron, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc and vitamins specifically vitamin C. Thus, it is useful as a nutritional supplement to enhance the nutritional status of the people and communities especially the susceptible groups including children and women. The tomato sauce supplemented with moringa roots is an effective remedy of malnutrition. TSS, pH, % acidity, Vitamin C were showed highly significant differences among all the treatments and the effect of days on TSS and Vitamin C were also showed highly significant (p<0.05) differences while pH and % acidity showed significant effects and the interactive effect of treatments and days were found highly significant on Vitamin C while TSS, pH and % acidity all were found non-significant. T4 (tomato sauce supplemented with 35 g) showed improved or comparable sensory properties to those of control and mineral profile also showed increasing tendency with corresponding rise in moringa root juice.

Cadmium, a high toxicity element, is a potential threat to plant and human health, and a dangerous pollutant in the environment. Uptake and accumulation by crops represent the main entry pathway for potentially health-threatening toxic metals into human and animal food. Crops and other plants take up Cd from the soil or water and may distribute it in their roots and shoots. Soil and/or water are usually contaminated with Cd through natural sources, industrial effluent, and anthropogenic activities. In this review, the sources of Cd contamination, evaluation of the phytotoxic effects on plants, and mode of action of Cd toxicity, were summarized. Plant defensive strategies upon excess Cd are also considered in this review. Cd-induced effects include oxidative stress, disintegration of the photosynthetic apparatus, reduction in gas exchange parameters, nutrient imbalance, and subcellular organelle degradation. In addition, Cd severely impairs biomolecules such as DNA, protein, and lipids. Although plants are sessile in nature, they are equipped with certain mechanisms to cope with unfavorable conditions. These mechanisms include synthesis of metal-chelating proteins, expression of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, organic acids, and plant root-mycorrhiza association. The built-in system of plant tolerance to Cd can be further enhanced by the application of exogenous organic and inorganic metal sources. This review will broaden the knowledge about the Cd accumulation in plants and the responses to metal exposure, as well as our understanding of metal tolerance and overcoming this serious issue for sustainable agriculture and human health worldwide.

El Cadmio, con su alta tasa de toxicidad, constituye una amenaza potencial para la salud humana y las plantas, es un contaminante peligroso en el medio ambiente. La absorción y acumulación en los cultivos representan la principal vía de entrada de metales tóxicos en alimentos para humanos y animales, potencialmente peligrosos para la salud. Los cultivos y otras plantas absorben Cd del suelo o del agua y pueden distribuirlo en sus raíces y brotes. El suelo y/o el agua se contaminan con Cd generalmente a través de fuentes naturales, efluentes industriales y actividades antropogénicas. En esta revisión, se resumieron las fuentes de contaminación de Cd, la evaluación de los efectos fitotóxicos en las plantas y el modo de acción de la toxicidad. Además, las estrategias de las plantas para protegerse del exceso de Cd. Los efectos inducidos por Cd incluyen el estrés oxidativo, la desintegración del aparato fotosintético, la reducción de los parámetros de intercambio de gases, el desequilibrio de nutrientes y la degradación de los orgánulos subcelulares. Además, el Cd deteriora gravemente las biomoléculas como el ADN, las proteínas y los lípidos. Aunque las plantas son de naturaleza sésil, están equipadas con ciertos mecanismos para hacer frente a condiciones desfavorables. Estos mecanismos incluyen la síntesis de proteínas quelantes de metales, la expresión de de la planta y la micorriza. El sistema incorporado de tolerancia de plantas al Cd puede mejorarse aún más mediante la aplicación de fuentes orgánicas e inorgánicas de metales exógenos. Esta revisión ampliará el conocimiento sobre la acumulación de Cd en plantas y las respuestas a la exposición a metales, así como la comprensión de la tolerancia al metal y la superación de este grave problema para la agricultura sostenible y la salud humana en todo el mundo.

RESUMO: Este estudo contribui para a literatura existente sobre o nexo entre a produção de arroz, milho e trigo com produto interno bruto agrícola (AGDP) do Paquistão. Utilizamos dados de séries temporais de 1970 a 2017 e empregamos o modelo NARDL (Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag). Choques de curto e longo prazo entre as variáveis selecionadas e os resultados são verificados por meio do modelo de co-integração e correção não linear de erros. É aplicada uma abordagem de teste de atraso retardado distribuído autorregressivo para co-integração e para encontrar a relação entre variáveis. Nossos resultados confirmam a co-integração; os resultados de choques positivos mostram que a produção de arroz, milho e trigo influencia significativamente na AGDP. Os choques assimétricos positivos de três culturas têm efeito neutro no AGDP. Enquanto nos resultados simétricos mostram o efeito unidirecional entre o arroz, a produção de milho com AGDP e a produção de trigo não têm causalidade de ganger com AGDP. Finalmente, os resultados mostram que a produção de trigo, milho e arroz contribui significativamente para o PIB agrícola no caso do Paquistão.

ABSTRACT: This study contributes to the extant literature on the nexus among rice, maize and wheat production with agriculture gross domestic product (AGDP) of Pakistan. We use time series data from 1970 to 2017 and employ the Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. Short run and long run shocks between the selected variables and result’s is checked through the co-integration and nonlinear error correction model.Autoregressive distributed lag bound testing approach for co-integration and to find the relationship between variables Granger causality test is applied.Our results confirm co-integration, positive shocks results show that rice, maize and wheat production have significantly influence on AGDP. The asymmetrically positive shocks of three crops have neutral effect on AGDP. While in symmetric results show the unidirectional effect between rice, maize production with AGDP and wheat production do not have ganger causality with AGDP. Finally, results depict that wheat, maize and rice production significantly contributes to agricultural GDP in the case of Pakistan.

RESUMO: Este estudo contribui para a literatura existente sobre o nexo entre exportação agrícola, taxa de câmbio de importação e crescimento econômico no Paquistão. Utilizamos dados de séries temporais anuais para 1980-2017 e empregamos o modelo Não-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL). Os resultados dos testes NARDL afirmam a co-integração assimétrica entre as variáveis. Os principais resultados do estudo mostram: (i) no teste de co-integração de longo prazo, os choques positivos nas exportações e importações têm uma significância positiva, enquanto a taxa de câmbio afeta positivamente o crescimento econômico; (ii) Teste de co-integração para curto prazo, os choques positivos nas importações são positivos significativos e, enquanto a exportação e a taxa de câmbio têm um efeito negativo significativo no crescimento econômico. Os resultados simétricos mostram: (i) a exportação tem causalidade unidirecional sobre o crescimento ; (ii) a taxa de câmbio tem causalidade bidirecional sobre o crescimento ; (iii) a importação não tem causalidade sobre o crescimento econômico. Além disso, os resultados demonstraram que a relação de causalidade pode ajudar o formulador de políticas a elaborar políticas úteis ao crescimento econômico do Paquistão, o que poderia promover ainda mais o comércio exterior para obter o nível máximo de crescimento econômico.

ABSTRACT: This study contributes to the extant literature on the nexus among agriculture export, import exchange rate and economic growth in Pakistan. We used annual time series data for 1980-2017 and employ the Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The NARDL testing results affirms asymmetric co-integration among the variables. The study main results show: (i) Co-integration test for long run the positive shocks in export and import have positive significant while exchange rate has positive effect the economic growth. (ii) Co-integration test for short run the positive shocks in import has positive significant and while Export and exchange rate have negative significant effect on economic growth. The symmetrical results show: (i) Export has unidirectional granger causality (ii) Exchange rate has bidirectional granger causality (iii) Import has not ganger causality with economic growth. In addition, the results demonstrated that causality relationship can help out policy maker to design such policies which are useful to economic growth of Pakistan, which could further promote foreign trade to gain the maximum level of economic growth.

Currently, the use of natural compounds obtained from plants tremendously increased due to their promising therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to formulate a stable emulgel formulation loaded with Cinnamomum tamala (CT) extract. The antioxidant activity of plant extract was determined by DPPH inhibition assay. The extract was successfully loaded into an emulgels using different concentrations of carbopol-940, liquid paraffin, emulsifying agents and preservatives. Preliminary stability study was performed of 17 CT emulgel formulations at accelerated temperature of 50 °C for 2-months. Organoleptic evaluation, centrifugation, globule size, pH, electrical conductivity and rheological studies were performed for a period of 90-days at different temperature including 8, 25, 40 and 40 °C ±75% RH. The CT extract showed promising antioxidant activity of about 81%. On the other hand, the CT loaded emulgel formulation displayed high physical stability at all tested conditions of temperature and time. However, slight decrease in pH and minimum increase in conductivity was observed at 40 and 40 °C±75% RH. The rheological examination of CT emulgel indicated the flow index values of all the samples kept at different temperatures were less than 1, demonstrated non-newtonian and pseudo-plastic nature of CT emulgel. Taken together, the CT emulgel formulation has been evinced to be an excellent addition in the field of topical formulations.

The study was performed to estimate the association of hypertension and dyslipidaemia with increasing body weight and obesity in Type II diabetics of Lahore, Pakistan. An observational study was conducted by enrolling 2708 obese diabetics from four diabetes care centres of Lahore, Pakistan. Data was collected for a period of 7 months. Associations were estimated using chi-square, binary and multinomial logistic regression. Data suggested that blood pressure, systolic and diastolic, exhibited continual increase with increasing body weight and obesity class in diabetes patients with 41.8% increase in the prevalence of hypertension in obesity class III subjects (OR; 1.91, p=0.02). Likewise, triglycerides and total cholesterol exhibited continual increase in their mean values with increasing obesity, i-e., an overall increase in the prevalence of dyslipidaemia of 27.2% in obesity class 3 subjects (OR; 1.94, p=0.29). Taken together, this data suggested that hypertension is potentially associated with increasing obesity in diabetics, while dyslipidaemia demonstrated plausible association only with obesity class 3.

Abstract Introduction: it has previously been shown that parasitic infections (PI) have deleterious effects on the nutritional status of the host, particularly among young children. Objective: the objective of this study was to estimate the severity of the problem of malnutrition and anemia in association with PI in preschool children and to identify the possible risk factors that contribute to these health problems. Methods: four hundred and thirty-seven mother-child pairs were randomly selected from rural areas of Peshawar, Pakistan. Children with visible and invisible worms were identified. The nutritional status of the respondents was evaluated. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on relevant parameters. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Results: the average age of the children was 24 ± 10 months. A total of 120 (27.5%) fecal samples of children tested positive for several parasites. Of the total, 267 (61%), 205 (47%), 109 (25%) and 140 (32%) children were anemic, stunted, wasted and underweight, respectively. The majority of wasted children (59% wasted versus 41% normal) and anemic (66% anemic versus 34% non-anemic) were infected with parasites (p < 0.05). Independent factors related to child anemia included child age, family size, mothers' awareness of overall child healthcare, and PIs. PIs were independent risk factors for malnutrition and general child wasting. Sociodemographic, parental and child-related risk factors for PIs included mothers' poor nutritional status and awareness level regarding overall child healthcare, fathers' formal education, child's pica habit, child's age, open sewage system in the houses and family size. Conclusion: in general, malnutrition and anemia were highly prevalent in children in association with PI.

Resumen Introducción: se ha demostrado previamente que las infecciones parasitarias (IP) tienen efectos nocivos sobre el estado nutricional del huésped, particularmente entre los niños pequeños. Objetivo: el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la gravedad del problema de desnutrición y anemia en asociación con IP en niños en edad preescolar e identificar los posibles factores de riesgo que contribuyen a estos problemas de salud. Métodos: se seleccionaron al azar 437 parejas madre-hijo de zonas rurales de Peshawar, Pakistán. Se identificaron niños con gusanos visibles y no visibles. Se evaluó el estado nutricional de los encuestados. Se usaron cuestionarios estructurados para recopilar datos sobre parámetros relevantes y pruebas estadísticas apropiadas para analizar los datos. Resultados: la edad promedio de los niños fue de 24 ± 10 meses. Un total de 120 (27,5%) muestras fecales de niños dieron positivo para varios parásitos. Del total, 267 (61%), 205 (47%), 109 (25%) y 140 (32%) niños eran anémicos, presentaban atrofia, desgaste y bajo peso, respectivamente. Los factores independientes relacionados con la anemia infantil incluyen la edad del niño, el tamaño de la familia, el nivel de conciencia de las madres sobre el cuidado de la salud general del niño y los IP. Los IP fueron factores de riesgo independientes para la malnutrición y el desgaste general de los niños. Los factores de riesgo independientes para los IP incluyeron un estado nutricional deficiente de las madres, bajo nivel de conciencia de las madres con respecto a la atención médica general del niño, la educación formal de los padres, el patrón pica en niños, la edad, el sistema de alcantarillado abierto en las casas y el tamaño de la familia. Conclusión: en general, la malnutrición y la anemia fueron muy prevalentes en los niños en asociación con IP.

In-vitro investigation of Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) has demonstrated the evidence of several antioxidant compounds. Current study was aimed to determine the phytoconstituents and hepatoprotective potential of n-hexane extract of Morus nigra. Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups: normal control, paracetamol control, silymarin control, 250 mg/kg p.o. extract for 7 days plus paracetamol 3 h later, 500 mg/kg p.o. extract for 7 days plus paracetamol 3 h later. Serum levels of liver enzymes and total bilirubin were assessed and compared between the groups by using one-way ANOVA to confirm hepatoprotective activity. HPLC analysis revealed the presence quercetin, oleanolic acid, luteolin, apigenin, vitamin C and kuwanon C. n-hexane extract of Morus nigra at dose of 250 mg/kg reduced elevated ALT by 54.3% (p<0.001), AST by 55.1% (p<0.01), ALP by 28.5% (p<0.01) and TBR by 56.4% (p<0.01) as compared to paracetamol control. The dose of 500 mg/kg of the extract reduced the ALT levels by 62.9% (p<0.001), AST by 56.7% (p<0.01), ALP by 33.6% (p<0.01) and TBR by 54.5% (p<0.01), as compared to paracetamol group. However, the reduction of liver enzymes and total bilirubin after administration of extract was comparable to the silymarin. Current study demonstrated potential hepatoprotective activity of n-hexane extract of Morus nigra.