Abstract Evaluation of volatile aroma compounds from Chinese wild grape species aimed to explore new grape species via fruit aroma. In this study, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from ten grape cultivars belonging to nine different grape species were detected, by using headspace solid-phase microextraction with GC-MS. Chinese wild grape species were studied along with table grape (Muscat Hamburg, Concord) and wine grape (Cabernet Sauvignon) cultivars belonging to different origins. Total forty-five volatile compounds were detected, upon which several VOCs including pentanoic acid, cyclobutyl ester, maltol, (+)-neoisomenthol, and 8-methyloctahydrocoumarin were detected in Chinese wild grapes that have not been detected in other Vitis species. The results revealed that C6 volatile compounds were pre-dominant VOCs. Esters were found abundant in V. labrusca (Concord) and terpenoids were dominant in V. vinafera (Hamburg Muscat). The principal component analysis showed that Chinese wild grape cultivars V. yeshanensis, V. facifolia, V. davidii, V. betulifolia V. heyneana, V. amurensis and V. adenoclada are correlated with wine grape cultivar ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, while table grape cultivars are distributed separately. These results can provide a reference for the utilization of new germplasm for specific purposes.

Abstract In this study, the physicochemical properties of walnut (Juglans regia L.) oils collected from different sites in Khyber PakhtoonKhwa (KPK), Pakistan were investigated. The obtained walnut oils showed variation in viscosity, surface tension, density, acid, saponification, and iodine values. The oil obtained from the Madyan (Sample E) showed the lowest density (0.981 g/cm3), surface tension (34.76×10-3 N/m), viscosity (15.0595 cp) saponification values 84.15 (mg KOH/g of oil) and acid value 3.5 (mg KOH per gram oil) amongst all. The physicochemical properties of all the oils were also compared to olive oil (standard) where sample E showed similarities in such properties compared to olive oil. Moreover, higher concentrations of oleic acid (41 %) and linoleic acid (9 %) were detected in the walnut oil of sample E in GC/MS analysis. The similarities of walnut oil obtained from Madyan to that of standard (olive oil) thus affirm it as best quality oil and suitable for food processing purposes.

Resumen En este estudio se investigaron las propiedades fisicoquímicas del aceite de nuez (Juglans regia L.) recolectado de diferentes sitios en Khyber PakhtoonKhwa (KPK), Pakistán. Los aceites de nuez obtenidos mostraron variación en los valores de viscosidad, tensión superficial, densidad, acidez, saponificación e índice de yodo. El aceite obtenido del Madyan (Muestra E) mostró la menor densidad (0.981 g/cm3), tensión superficial (34.76 × 10-3 N/m), viscosidad (15.0595 cp), valores de saponificación 84.15 (mg KOH/g de aceite) y valor ácido 3.5 (mg KOH por gramo de aceite) entre otros. Las propiedades fisicoquímicas de todos los aceites también se compararon con el aceite de oliva (estándar); la muestra E mostró similitudes en las diferentes propiedades en comparación con el aceite de oliva. Además, se determinaron concentraciones más elevadas de ácido oleico (41 %) y ácido linoleico (9 %) en el aceite de nuez de la muestra E mediante el análisis GC/MS. Las similitudes del aceite de nuez obtenido de Madyan con el estándar (aceite de oliva) lo afirman como aceite de mejor calidad y adecuado para el procesamiento de alimentos.

Resumen Previos estudios han informado de la falta de competencia en la ubicación y las dificultades entre los estudiantes de inglés como segunda lengua (ESL). Sin embargo, las combinaciones de palabras son cruciales en la adquisición de un segundo idioma. Esta investigación examinó el conocimiento receptivo y productivo de las combinaciones de palabras entre los estudiantes de administración de la Universidad COMSATS de Islamabad (Campus de Vehari) que estudiaron ESL. También investigó la brecha en el uso de estas combinaciones a nivel receptivo y productivo. La muestra incluyó 61 hombres y 39 mujeres, de un total de 100. Empleando un enfoque cuantitativo, recopilamos los datos mediante un cuestionario y dos pruebas de colocaciones, y los analizamos por medio del programa SPSS versión 20. El resultado general de la prueba de colocación indicó que el 66,4 % de los encuestados tenía la respuesta correcta a nivel receptivo y solo el 33,7 % a nivel productivo. Además, el resultado estadístico presentó una gran brecha en la capacidad de utilizar combinaciones de palabras en los niveles productivo y receptivo. Este resultado también afirmó que, a pesar de su capacidad para comprender las combinaciones de palabras, los estudiantes tenían dificultades para identificar con seguridad las combinaciones de palabras adecuadas en inglés. Las experiencias en el idioma local y nativo podrían ser una de las razones que hicieron que los estudiantes no tuvieran más confianza en identificar las combinaciones de palabras en inglés.

Abstract Previous studies have reported lack of collocational competence and difficulties among English as a second language (ESL) learners. However, collocation is crucial in second language acquisition. This research examined the receptive and productive knowledge of collocations among the business students of COMSATS University Islamabad Vehari Campus who studied ESL. It also investigated the gap in the use of collocations at a receptive and productive level. The sample included 61 males and 39 females out of the total sample size of 100. Employing a quantitative approach, we gathered the data through a questionnaire and two collocations tests, and we analysed them via SPSS version 20. The overall result of the collocation test indicated that 66.4% of the respondents had the correct answer at the receptive level compared with only 33.7% at the productive level. Moreover, the statistical result presented a great gap in the ability to utilise collocations at the productive and receptive levels. This result also affirmed that despite their ability to understand the collocations, the students had difficulties in identifying proper English collocations confidently. Local and native language experiences might be one of the reasons that caught the students from being more confident in identifying the English collocations.

Abstract Gene expression is tightly regulated in time and space through a multitude of factors consisting of signaling molecules. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment protein receptors (SNARE) are membrane proteins responsible for the intercellular trafficking of signals through endocytosis and exocytosis of vesicles. Altered expression of SNARE proteins in cellular communication is the major hallmark of cancer phenotypes as indicated in recent studies. SNAREs play an important role in maintaining cell growth and epithelial membrane permeability of the bladder and are not only involved in cancer progression but also metastatic cell invasion through SNARE-mediated trafficking. Synaptobrevin2/Vesicle associated membrane protein-2 (v-SNARE) and Syntaxin (t-SNARE) form a vesicular docking complex during endocytosis. Some earlier studies have shown a critical role of SNARE in colon, lungs, and breast cancer progression and metastasis. In this study, we analyzed the relative expression of the STX1A and VAMP2 (SYB2) for their possible association in the progression and metastasis of bladder cancer. The profiling of the genes showed a significant increase in STX1A and VAMP2 expression (p < 0.001) in high-grade tumor cells compared to normal and low-grade tumors. These findings suggest that elevated expression of STX1A and VAMP2 might have caused the abnormal progression and invasion of cancer cells leading to the transformation of cells into high-grade tumor in bladder cancer.

ABSTRACT Starting from ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, N,N’-disubstituted thiourea derivatives were synthesized by refluxing the acid chloride of ibuprofen with potassium thiocyanate followed by substituted anilines to get N-2-(4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propionoyl-N’-(2’-bromophenyl) thiourea (1), N-2- (4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propionoyl-N’-(2’-chlorophenyl) thiourea (2) and N-2-(4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propionoyl-N’-(3’,4’-dichlorophenyl) thiourea (3). Metal complexes (4-15) of (1-3) were synthesized by refluxing it with one equivalence salts of Co (ΙΙ), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Cu(I). Structures of all the synthesized thiourea ligands and their metal complexes were determined by FTIR and 1HNMR spectroscopy. Shift in stretching frequency in FTIR and resonance frequency in 1HNMR spectroscopic data suggested that the ligands and metal are coordinated to afford respective metal complexes M[L]n. The synthesized compounds were tested against urease enzyme and the results were compared with standard thiourea, as positive control. Most of the investigated compounds showed potential inhibitory activity against Jack bean urease. Compound 5 was found to be the most potent urease inhibitor with IC50 of 14.6 μΜ, whereas compounds 8, 11 and 12 possessed potent urease inhibition. The tested compounds can be taken as lead molecules for gastrointestinal ulcer therapy.

ABSTRACT The excessive industrial use of dye producing plants has threatened the existence of these species and biodiversity. Exploration of abundantly available natural dye sources not only provide industrial benefits but also share the load of dye yielding plants. In the present study we used the inflorescence of munj sweet cane (Saccharum bengalense Retz.) to extract natural colorant for textile industry. This easily available plant is cheap source of natural colorants and good alternative of synthetic dyes. The munj sweet cane inflorescence extract and fabric was treated with microwave radiations. The dyeing aspects like temperature, time, fabrics to extract ratio, salt type and salt concentrations were optimized. Pre-and post mordanting was carried out and optimized using copper, iron, moringa and turmeric. All the samples were analyzed by spectra flash D65 10 Deg to determine the color strength (%) value. Results proved inflorescence extract of munj sweet cane (RS, two minutes) using aqueous media as a good source of natural dye. Three grams of sodium chloride as exhaustion agent was observed to be the best while 70 0C temperatures gave best colour strength. Among chemical mordants, iron proved to be good one for producing varying shades and better colour strength. Bio mordanting with turmeric was proved to be more beneficial for getting best color strength and new shades.

Tillage, undoubtedly, is one of the most crucial practices to ameliorate crop productivity and maintain soil health. A field experiment was conducted at research farms; Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to examine how soil properties and maize crop respond to different tillage strategies (minimum, conventional and deep tillage). Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was finalized for the experiment with three repeats. Maximum total biomass production and grain yield were recorded in case of deep tillage practices. Conventional tillage not only improved leaf area index but also harvest. Minimum tillage minimized the leaching of nutrients especially nitrates. Soil bulk density (Mg m-3), particle density, soil organic carbon (g kg-1), infiltration rate (mm hr-1), percent porosity (%) and soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (mm hr-1) got affected by different tillage practices. Minimum tillage is suggested to avoid leaching losses of nutrients, this loss reduces the crop productivity.

In this work, two methods are described for the simultaneous determination of clopidogrel bisulfate with HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors/statins. The first method comprised of quantitative determinations of clopidogrel bisulfate in presence of HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors (atorvastatin, pravastatin simvastatin and rosuvastatin) in buffers of pH 1, 4 (simulating gastric environments), pH 7.4 (simulating blood pH) and pH 9 (simulating intestinal pH) at body temperature (37ºC) using UV/VIS spectrophotometer. Derivative spectroscopy coupled with zero-crossing measurements was used for separating the interfering wavelengths of clopidogrel and statins. Least square regression analysis was performed to measure the concentrations of these drugs. It was observed that clopidogrel interacted with statins at all four pH, especially in simulated gastric environments. In the second case, reversed phase liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) method was developed for simultaneous determination and to investigate the interactions between clopidogrel and HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors. These interactions were evaluated by RP-LC in buffers of pH 1, 4, 7.4 and 9. These studies further supported the evidence of complexation between clopidogrel and statins as the area under the curve (AUC) was found increased in almost all four pH solutions.

A rapid and sensitive method using high performance liquid chromatography has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in pharmaceutical formulations and human serum. Six NSAIDs including: naproxen sodium, diclofenac sodium, meloxicam, flurbiprofen, tiaprofenic and mefenamic acid were analyzed simultaneously in presence of ibuprofen as internal standard on Mediterranea C18 (5 µm, 250 x 0.46 mm) column. Mobile phase comprised of methanol: acetonitrile: H2O (60:20:20, v/v; pH 3.35) and pumped at a flow rate of 1 mL min-1 using 265 nm UV detection. The method was linear over a concentration range of 0.25-50 µg mL-1 (r² = 0.9999).

In many species, natural pruning is never a satisfactory option if production of clear wood is a management objective. Acacia nilotica is well adapted specie to the arid and semiarid climate of Pakistan and plays an important role in rural economy of the country. Traditional pruning is carried out to maximize the amount of clear-wood production but the effect of this practice on tree growth, still unknown. So a preliminary pruning trial was conducted at two different sites, UAF and PARS, in Faisalabad- Pakistan. All pruning treatments resulted in reduction in diameter growth. However, significant reduction in diameter growth was observed when crown removal was more than 40 %. A taper study was done by taking diameter measurements at different heights. The results revealed that pruning treatments have a significant effect on tapering of the stem. In general, there was a diameter decrease of 1 cm on every 1 m in height.

En muchas especies la poda natural nunca es una opción satisfactoria si se busca la producción de madera libre de nudos. Acacia nilotica es una especie bien adaptada al clima árido y semiárido de Pakistán, y tiene una función importante en la economía rural del país. La poda tradicional se realiza para maximizar la cantidad de madera libre de nudos, pero todavía se desconoce el efecto de esta práctica en el crecimiento del árbol. Por ello, se llevó a cabo una prueba preliminar de podas en dos sitios distintos, UAF y PARS, en Faisalabad, Pakistán. Todos los tratamientos de poda produjeron una reducción en el crecimiento del diámetro. Sin embargo, se observó una reducción significativa en el crecimiento del diámetro cuando se retiró más del 40 % de la copa. Se hizo un estudio de disminución, tomando medidas del diámetro a distintas alturas. Los resultados revelaron que los tratamientos de poda tienen un efecto significativo en la disminución gradual del tronco. En general, hubo una reducción en el diámetro de 1 cm cada 1 m de altura.