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 A new series of N-Mannich bases of 2-Phenyl-5-benzimidazole sulfonic acid have been synthesized through amino methylation reaction with secondary amines. The two moieties were held together through a methylene bridge, which comes from formaldehyde (Formalin Solution 37%) used in the reaction. Chemical structures of the newly synthesized compounds have been confirmed using FT-IR, 1HNMR and 13CNMR. Different in vitro assays including Anti-oxidant, Enzyme inhibition, Anti-microbial and Cytotoxicity assay were performed to evaluate the biological potential with reference to the standard drug. Among the synthesized library, compound 3a shows maximum alpha-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 value of 66.66 μg/ml, compound 3d was found most toxic with LC50 value of 10.17 μg/ml. ADME evaluation studies were performed with the help of Molinspiration online software. Docking calculations were also performed. Given the importance of the nucleus involved, the synthesized compound might find extensive medicinal applications as reported in the literature.

Abstract The highly selective, sensitive, and quick interference green synthesis-based sensing of possible milk adulterants i.e., salicylic acid has been reported here. Salicylic acid interacts with nanoparticles through strong bonding interactions, hence resulting in an interruption within the formation of selenium nanoparticles which is confirmed by UV-VIS spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. This interaction in the synthesis of nanoparticles resulted in transmittance wavelength that decrease with the increasing amount of salicylic acid, showing strong binding of selenium nanoparticles with adulterant thereby permitting in-situ fast detection of salicylic acid from milk having a limit of detection at 10-3 mol and linear coefficient correlation of 0.9907.

Abstract Background: Protective role of salicylic acid against drought has been widely reported, but its effects on Zinnia elegans remain unknown. Hypotheses: Foliar salicylic acid (SA) improves water status, pigments, and antioxidant systems of Zinnia plants under drought stress. Studied species: Z. elegans (cv. Dreamland) were purchased from Chanan Seeds Store Lahore, Pakistan. Study site and dates: MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan; March-May, 2018. Methods: After two weeks of transplanting, one set of seedlings was exposed to drought stress (60 % field capacity, FC) while other control set was maintained at 100 % FC. Foliar SA (100 mg L-1) was applied to plants at drought initiation. Results: Foliar SA treatment to water stressed plants (60 % FC) increased the leaf area (46.89 cm2), shoot and root lengths (25 cm and 26.67 cm, respectively), leaf relative water content (75.98 %); chlorophyll a (0.68 mg g-1), chlorophyll b (0.38 mg g-1) and carotenoid concentrations (1.10 mg g-1); and catalase (116.67 U min-1 mg-1 protein), guaiacol peroxide (72 U min-1 mg-1 protein) and superoxide dismutase (93 U min-1 mg-1 protein) activities. Conclusions: Foliar SA could be used to minimize impacts of water stress in Zinnia plants.

Resumen Antecedentes: Se ha informado ampliamente sobre el papel protector del ácido salicílico (AS) contra la sequía, pero aún se desconocen sus efectos sobre Zinnia elegans. Hipótesis: El AS foliar mejora el estado del agua, los pigmentos y los sistemas antioxidantes de las plantas de Zinnia bajo estrés por sequía. Especies estudiadas: Z. elegans (cv. Dreamland) se adquirió en Chanan Seeds Store Lahore, Pakistán. Lugar de estudio y fechas: Universidad de Agricultura MNS, Multan, Punjab, Pakistán; marzo-mayo, 2018. Métodos: Después de dos semanas del trasplante, un grupo de plántulas se expuso a estrés por sequía (60 % de la capacidad de campo, CC) mientras que el otro grupo de control se mantuvo al 100 % de CC. Se aplicó AS Foliar (100 mg L-1) a las plantas al inicio de la sequía. Resultados: El tratamiento foliar con AS a plantas con estrés hídrico (60 % CC) incrementó el área foliar (46.89 cm2), la longitud de tallo y de raíz (25 cm y 26.67 cm, respectivamente), contenido relativo de agua de la hoja (75.98 %); concentraciones de clorofila a (0,68 mg g-1), clorofila b (0,38 mg g-1) y carotenoides (1,10 mg g-1) y la actividad de la catalasa (116,67 U min-1 mg-1 de proteína), el peróxido de guayacol (72 U min-1 mg-1 de proteína) y el superóxido dismutasa (93 U min-1 mg-1 de proteína). Conclusiones: AS foliar podría usarse para minimizar los impactos del estrés hídrico en las plantas de Zinnia.

Abstract The modern process of new drug discovery and development is an exciting, yet a challenging, endeavor. Although it can result in significant financial income and meet the medical needs of patients, it ultimately may result in failure. To achieve a fast and successful new product discovery and development process, natural products which are evolutionarily optimized as drug-like molecules have gained great attention as better potential sources of new chemical entities. Historically, plant species containing berberine are used in various traditional phytotherapy. However, despite the various therapeutic effects it exerts, berberine is not yet developed into a drug product. Addressing the barriers that hinder its successful development and the efforts made to overcome them is thus crucial. The toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties of berberine are the main barriers towards its development into a marketed drug product. It has low aqueous solubility, poor absorption, fast metabolism, and wide tissue distribution which lead to low bioavailability limiting its clinical application. Synthetic berberine derivatives with improved properties are suggested as better alternatives for further development and future therapeutic application. Hence, this paper summarizes the preclinical research studies conducted in the last decade to reveal the therapeutic potential of synthetic berberine derivatives for the treatment of various diseases and hence achieve successful berberine-based drug development in the future. To exploit the value of natural products as a source of leads for the development of effective drugs, collaboration among the different discovery and development scientists is essential.

ABSTRACT Three parasitoid species Aphidius colemani, Aphidius matricariae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Aphelinus abdominalis (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were evaluated concerning their parasitism potential in two aphid species, Aphis glycines and Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The feeding of these two aphid species, even at low sums, can significantly damage photosynthesis and is found to transmit many kinds of plant viruses, which impact potential adverse effects on the plants. The overall parasitization on all nymphal ages in As. glycines was accomplished by Ad. colemani (60.50%), Ad. matricariae (49.16%) and Al. abdominalis (40%), while in As. gossypii parasitism exhibited by Ad. colemani (79.48%), Ad. matricariae (65.33%) and Al. abdominalis (58.83%). Aphelinus abdominalis exhibited the lowest parasitism in both given species as hosts. Significant differences in parasitism of different parasitoids and host species were observed. Concerning the preference of nymphal instars, we found that parasitoids species prefer to parasitize 1st- 4th instars in As. gossypii while in As. glycines 2nd, 1st, 3rd and 4th. Our results showed that the parasitism increases with the increase of parasitoid numbers and hosts densities.

Abstract Introduction: Spinal cord injury results in disability, limited participation in physical activities, and mental health problems which greatly affects the quality of life of the injured person. Engaging in physical activity is necessary for optimal recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury. Chronic spinal cord injury patients suffer from many secondary complications which become a challenge for the patient and the health care community to manage due to which recovery will be complex and difficult. The aim of this study is to find out the association of physical activity with depression among chronic spinal cord injury patients at Paraplegic Centre Peshawar. Material and methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey in which a consecutive sampling technique was used. Data was collected from n=109 spinal cord injury patients in which 85 (78.0%) were males and 24 (22.0%) were females. Physical activity was measured using the PARA-SCI scale and the CESD-R-10 questionnaire was used to assess depression. Results: The average minutes of participating in mild physical activity was 67.72 ± 17.98 minutes/week, moderate physical activity was 140.79 ± 33.47 minutes/week, heavy physical activity was 21.92 ± 9.18 minutes/week and total PA was 247.93 ± 55.76. P value= .004 for mild physical activity with depression, p value= .097 for moderate physical activity with depression, p value= .137 for heavy physical activity with depression and p value= .001 for total physical activity with depression. Conclusions: Mild and total physical activity was associated with depression. Moderate and heavy physical activity was not associated with depression.

Resumen Introducción: La lesión de la médula espinal produce discapacidad, participación limitada en actividades físicas y problemas de salud mental que afectan en gran medida la calidad de vida de la persona lesionada. La actividad física es necesaria para una recuperación óptima de las personas con lesión de la médula espinal. Los pacientes con lesiones crónicas de la médula espinal sufren muchas complicaciones secundarias que se convierten en un desafío para el paciente y la comunidad de atención médica debido a que la recuperación será compleja y difícil. El objetivo de este estudio es averiguar la asociación de la actividad física con la depresión entre los pacientes con lesiones crónicas de la médula espinal en el Centro Parapléjico de Peshawar. Material y métodos: Este estudio fue una encuesta transversal en la que se utilizó una técnica de muestreo consecutivo. Se recopilaron datos de n = 109 pacientes con lesión de la médula espinal, de los cuales 85 (78,0 %) eran hombres y 24 (22,0 %) eran mujeres. La actividad física se midió mediante la escala PARA-SCI y el cuestionario CESD-R-10 para evaluar la depresión. Resultados: El promedio de minutos de participación en actividad física leve fue 67,72 ± 17,98 minutos/semana, actividad física moderada 140,79 ± 33,47 minutos/semana, actividad física intensa 21,92 ± 9,18 minutos/semana y AF total 247,93 ± 55,76. Valor de p= .004 para actividad física leve con depresión, valor de p= .097 para actividad física moderada con depresión, valor de p= .137 para actividad física intensa con depresión y valor de p= .001 para actividad física total con depresión. Conclusiones: La actividad física leve y total se asoció con la depresión. La actividad física moderada e intensa no se asoció con la depresión.

Abstract The study is aimed to develop a monolithic controlled matrix transdermal patches containing Metoclopramide as a model drug by solvent casting method. Eudragit L100, Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30, and Methylcellulose were used in different ratios and Polyethylene glycol 400 added as a plasticizer. Resulting patches were evaluated for their physicochemical characters like organoleptic characters, weight variation, folding endurance, thickness, swelling index, flatness, drug content, swelling index, percentage erosion, moisture content, water vapor transmission rate and moisture uptake. Formed patches were also evaluated through Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results of SEM unveiled smooth surface of drug-loaded patches. In-vitro dissolution studies were conducted by using dissolution medium phosphate buffer saline pH 7.4. Effect of natural permeation enhancers was elucidated on two optimized formulations (Z4 and Z9). Different concentrations (5%-10 %) of permeation enhancers i.e. Olive oil, Castor oil and Eucalyptus oil were evaluated on Franz diffusion cell using excised abdominal rat skin. Z4-O2 (Olive oil 10%) had enhanced sustain effect and flux value (310.72) close to the desired flux value. Z4-O2 followed Higuchi release model (R2= 0.9833) with non-fickian diffusion release mechanism (n=0.612).

Abstract Current study compares the Therapeutic/nutra-pharmaceuticals potential and phenolics profile of Pakistani grown Pakistani and Chinese varieties of ginger. Crude yield of bioactive components from the varieties tested, using different extraction solvents including chloroform, ethyl acetate, ether, methanol, ethanol and distilled water. The crude bioactives varied from 14.1-82.5%. The highest extraction yield was noted for Pakistani species. The HPLC analysis revalued significant amounts of phenolics including vanillin, protocatechuic, vanillic, ferulic, sinapinic and cinnamic acids. The highest anti-inflammatory activity was shown by ethanolic extract of Pakistani variety (IC50: 26.5±1.8) whereas Chinese variety exhibited potent anticancer potential against MCF-7 cell line (Inhibition: 91.38 %). The Chinese variety in general showed higher phenolics and anticancer, while the Pakistani exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity. Pakistani grown ginger and ethanolic extract of Chinese ginger showed highest antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa 18.0±0.02 & 15.00±0.02 mm respectively. Minimum results obtained with water for both varieties of ginger with range of 7.2±0.22 and 6±0.07 respectively. Moreover, the phenolics composition, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer activities of both tested varieties of ginger were notably affected as a function of extraction solvents. Our findings advocate selection of appropriate solvent for recovery of effective phenolic bioactive compounds from ginger verities to support the Nutra-pharmaceutical formulation.

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.

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.

Resumen Introducción: Los pueblos indígenas de zonas montañosas lejanas sin facilidades básicas dependen principalmente de las plantas medicinales para afrontar problemas de salud de tipo veterinario. Objetivo: Explorar el conocimiento tradicional en las prácticas etnoveterinarias en el valle de Kaghan, distrito de Mansehra, Himalaya occidental-Pakistán. Métodos: Se recopilaron datos etnoveterinarios mediante una entrevista semiestructurada entre febrero y octubre de 2014 en nueve aldeas del valle de Kaghan, con la participación de 80 habitantes locales, incluidos curanderos tradicionales. Resultados: Se documentó un total de 41 taxones de plantas medicinales etnoveterinarias para el tratamiento de enfermedades del ganado. Se registró un alto porcentaje de plantas herbáceas (27 especies, 65.8 %). La mayoría de las especies utilizadas han sido para tratar enfermedades gastrointestinales (12 taxones), y mejora de la salud (7 taxones). Para el tratamiento de enfermedades del ganado, lo más usual fue utilizar la planta entera (9 especies), seguida de las hojas (7 especies), con preparación en pasta (18 especies) y en polvo (10 especies). Las especies registradas con más uso fueron: Arisaema costatum (0.82), Primula denticulata (0.76) y Berberis lyceum y Dryopteris ramosa con la misma alta frecuencia relativa (0.37 cada una). Las especies Skimmia laureola, Thymus linearis y Phytolacca latbenia se reportaron entre los taxones con mayor nivel de fidelidad porcentual. Conclusión: La flora utilizada en los remedios tradicionales del valle de Kaghan fue mayoritariamente endémica. Se propone para trabajos futuros mayor investigación química, y mayor utilización y conservación en las especies de plantas reportadas por los indígenas.

Abstract Introduction: Indigenous people in a far-flung mountainous area without basic facilities, mainly rely on medicinal plants to cope with various veterinary health problems. Objective: The present study was carried out to explore the traditional knowledge of ethnoveterinary practices in Kaghan Valley, district Mansehra, Western Himalayas-Pakistan. Method: Ethnoveterinary data were collected between February to October 2014 from nine villages of the Kaghan Valley by involving 80 local people include traditional healers using a semi-structured interview. Results: A sum of 41 plant taxa of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants was documented for treating livestock ailments. Out of which, herbaceous plants were recorded with high percentage (27 species, 65.8 %). Most of the species were used to treat gastrointestinal diseases (12 taxa), followed by health improvement (7 taxa). The widely used part of plants for livestock aliments was the whole plant (9 species) followed by leaves (7 species), and preparation were paste (18 species) followed by powder with 10 species. The highest used values were recorded for Arisaema costatum (0.82), Primula denticulata (0.76), and high relative frequency citations for Berberis lyceum and Dryopteris ramosa with 0.37 each. Among the plant species Skimmia laureola, Thymus linearis and Phytolacca latbenia were among the taxa with cent fidelity level. Conclusion: The flora used in traditional remedies of the valley was found mostly endemic due to excessive utilization. Thus, further chemical investigation, better utilization and conservation of indigenous use of the reported species should be considered for future work.

Abstract The bacteria residing in the gut of honey bees (HB) has demonstrated a significant role in protecting bees against various pathogens, production of honey and wax. However, no information exists about the antibacterial potential of bacterial isolates from gut of Asian HB, Apis cerana Indica F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), against human pathogens. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial and multienzyme potential of aerobic bacteria from A. cerana gut using culture dependent approach. A total of 12 HB gut bacteria were characterized morphologically and biochemically. These strains were further screened for their antimicrobial activity against pathogenic human microorganisms Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis using cross streak (primary screening) and agar well diffusion methods (secondary screening). Preliminary characterization of cell-free supernatant (CFS) of two promising isolates was performed by measuring lactic acid concentrations, enzymatic digestion of antimicrobial compounds, stability over a range of temperature, pH and amplification of spaS (subtilin) and spoA (subtilosin) genes. In primary screening, among 12 HB isolates, eight strains showed statistically significant highest zones of inhibition (p≤0.05) against E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that these isolates belong to Bacillus genus, identified as B. tequilensis, B. pumilus, B. xiamenensis, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. safensis, B. licheniformis, B. altitudinis (Accession numbers: MT186230-MT186237). Secondary screening revealed that among eight isolates, B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens showed statistically significantly strong inhibition (p≤0.05) against all tested pathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that both isolates were resistant to antibiotics and possesses proteolytic, lipolytic and cellulolytic activities. The nature of the compound causing inhibitory activity was found to be proteinaceous and showed stability over a wide range of temperature as well as pH. PCR study confirmed the presence of bacteriocins by successful amplification of important antimicrobial peptide biosynthesis genes spaS and spoA. These results suggest that the HB gut is a home to bacteria that possess antimicrobial activity and important enzymes with antimicrobial potential. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the antimicrobial potential of bacteria isolated from gut of HB (A. cerana) against human pathogens.

Abstract Background: Thermal weed control is a viable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly emerging alternative to highly challenged and unsustainable chemical weed control. Objective: To find out the most suitable pre-sowing soil solarization durations for effective weed control and soil fertility enhancement in sesame crop. Methods: A field study was conducted during the summer season of 2016 and 2017. Different soil solarization treatments were applied, including 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks before sowing (WBS) of sesame by spreading transparent polythene sheets. Results: The temperatures of solarized soil at 10 cm depth were 8-10 oC more than the control. The soil NPK and organic matter contents were gradually increased with increasing solarization durations. The highest soil nitrogen (0.71%), phosphorus (9.63 ppm), K (166.2 ppm), and organic matter content (1.12%) were observed with the longest soil solarization for 12 WBS. Different solarization durations provided 23 to 64% weed control efficiency and up to a 34% rise in sesame yield. Conclusions: Based on the current findings, soil solarization for 12 WBS by polythene sheets is an effective alternative to the chemical weed control method with additional positive effects on soil fertility and sesame yield.

ABSTRACT This study, consisting of two independent experiments, was conducted to optimize presowing guava seed treatments and evaluate the optimized treatments in improving germination and seedling growth of guava under heat and osmotic stresses. In the first experiment, seeds of guava cultivar White Flesh Local I were soaked in water, gibberellic acid (GA3) (0.05 and 0.1%), hydrochloric acid (HCl) (5 and 10%) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) (5 and 10%) for 24 and 48 h (for water and GA3), and 2 and 5 min (for HCl and H2SO4). Seed soaking (priming) with GA3 (0.1%, at 48 h) and HCl (10%, 2 min) were the most effective treatments to improve seed germination and early seed growth of guava and were used in the second experiment. In the second experiment, treated and untreated seeds were sown in plastic boxes between two layers of filter papers maintained at osmotic potentials of 0, -1.5 and -3 MPa. The germination boxes were incubated at optimal (25 °C) and higher (32 °C) temperatures. Germination was significantly suppressed at a higher temperature and with an increase in the osmotic potential. However, seed treatments with GA3 and HCl were effective to improve the germination and seedling growth of guava under both temperature and osmotic stresses. In conclusion, chemical and hormonal seed treatments may help improve the seed germination and seedling growth of guava under heat and osmotic stresses by modulation of antioxidant enzymes and leaf proline. Seed treatment with GA3 (0.1%, 48 h) was the most effective in this regard.

Abstract Colebrookea oppositifolia is a highly used medicinal plant and an enriched source of essential oils. Therefore, the present study was designed with the aim to extract the chemical constituents and to evaluate its antioxidant potential. Fresh plant parts were subjected to the extraction of volatile chemical constituents by maceration using n-hexane as the menstruum. The resulting n-hexane fractions were purified and then subjected to GC-MS and FTIR analysis. In-vitro antioxidant abilities were evaluated by, DPPH, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) method against the standard solutions of (Gallic acid, Quercetin) as a positive control. The GC-MS analysis of leaves, stem and inflorescence showed a total of 100, 98 and 48 components out of which 47, 16 and 17 peaks were identified representing the 67.64 %, 73.16 % and 61.93 % of the total oily fractions, respectively. The FTIR spectrum indicated the presence of various functional groups. In-vitro antioxidant results exhibited that leaves showed the highest antioxidant potential by DPPH (3.365 ± 0.002), and the highest total phenolic content by FC method (203.00 ± 0.091). Foliar micromorphological features were found significant in the authentication of C. oppositifolia. Further pharmacognostic studies of this plant are recommended to evaluate its therapeutic potential.