The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has had a profound impact on global health and socio-economic conditions. To date, various vaccines have been administered worldwide in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. Despite vaccination efforts, there have been complications. Existing antiviral drugs have shown limited effectiveness, prompting the use of computational methods to understand the dynamics of the virus and develop suitable treatments. The current study focuses on using biocompatible para-sulfonato-calix[4]arenes to dock against two key proteins of SARS-CoV-2, namely ribonucleic acid (RNA)-dependent RNA polymerase, and helicase. Docking results indicate a strong binding affinity of these compounds to the target proteins, with higher scores compared to commonly used medications. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation validates the docking results, showing stable protein-ligand complexes over time. The compounds are also screened for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties and toxicity, suggesting their potential as lead candidates for inhibiting the virus’s key proteins. However, further in vivo and in vitro studies are recommended to confirm these findings. COVID19 COVID 19 (COVID-19 pandemic SARSCoV2, SARSCoV2 SARSCoV SARS CoV , (SARS-CoV-2) socioeconomic socio economic conditions date efforts complications effectiveness treatments parasulfonatocalix4arenes parasulfonatocalixarenes para sulfonato calix 4 arenes 2, SARS-CoV-2 RNAdependent dependent polymerase helicase medications MD (MD proteinligand protein ligand time absorption distribution metabolism toxicity viruss s However findings COVID1 1 (COVID-1 (SARS-CoV-2 parasulfonatocalix SARS-CoV- (COVID- (SARS-CoV- SARS-CoV (COVID (SARS-CoV

Abstract The quality and quantity of the extracted DNA are two key aspects for a successful PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification. Moreover, reduction in time and cost required for DNA extraction are also two considerable factors, in cases when large number of samples are to be analyzed within a limited time-frame and budget. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to compare and optimize performance of five different DNA extraction methods by boiling meat tissues from cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, chicken, camel, horse and dog in PBS (Phosphate Buffer Saline), distilled water, alkaline lysis buffers 1, 2 or 3. The results indicated that the boiling of meat and its products in alkaline lysis buffers was a good method to extract crude DNA. The optimized crude DNA extraction protocol was coupled with PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis for meat species differentiation. This developed workflow was tested on fifty-three commercial beef and mutton samples, out of which three samples were found to be adulterated. In conclusion, the rapid crude DNA extraction protocol has led to the development of a direct PCR-RFLP workflow that is simple, time-saving and cost-effective for PCR-based identification of different meat species. Polymerase Reaction amplification Moreover factors timeframe frame budget Accordingly cattle buffalo sheep goat chicken camel Phosphate Saline, Saline , Saline) water 1 3 PCRRFLP RFLP Restriction Polymorphism differentiation fiftythree fifty adulterated conclusion simple timesaving saving costeffective effective PCRbased based

ABSTRACT Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the world’s worst diseases of citrus trees. The research was conducted to characterize positive citrus samples of two local varieties, ‘Kinnow’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) and ‘Mosambi’ orange (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck), based on morphological, physical and biochemical characters. Physical and biochemical parameters of greening infected and healthy samples of both the cultivars were significantly different. Citrus fruits were lopsided and half to full green in the HLB infected trees compared to healthy. The HLB infected leaves samples were small and narrow. Fruit diameter, leaf area, and juice weight of HLB infected samples were significantly less than healthy samples. The rind thickness of infected fruits (70% and 80%) was significantly higher than healthy ones (20% and 30%). Starch content of leaves from mandarin (5.54 μg mL-1) and orange (6.12 μg mL-1) were significantly higher in HLB infected plants, while juice percentage of HLB infected fruit samples was lesser in mandarin and orange (22.73%, and 14.70%, respectively) than healthy fruits (38.22% and 31.30%, respectively). Acidity was significantly increased in juice of HLB infected mandarin and orange fruits (0.57%, and 0.53%, respectively). Similarly, there was significant reduction in biochemical parameters; total sugars in mandarin and orange (5.16% and 4.79%), total soluble solids (8.54% and 8.28%), total chlorophyll (13.50 and 14.92 mg mL-1) and ascorbic acid (34.28% and 34.12%) in HLB infected samples of both cultivars. This study determined differences of physical and biochemical parameters of two local citrus varieties, commonly cultivated in the Asian region.

Abstract Plants from genus Ephedra are commonly used by the Chinese people as folk medicine for treatment of various diseases. The current study was designed to explore the ethno-pharmacological based pharmacological potentials of Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C.A. Mey. (E. intermedia). Plant aerial parts were extracted using ten solvent systems with increasing order of polarity. Samples were analyzed for total phenolic and flavonoid contents, HPLC-DAD analysis, antibacterial, antifungal, HepG2 cell line cytotoxicity, hemolysis and antioxidant potentials following standard procedures. Highest percent extract recovery was observed in Eth+WT (25.55 % w/w) solvent system. Flavonoid and phenolic contents were higher in chloroform and Met+WT fractions respectively. Considerable antibacterial activity was shown by Eth+Met extract against B. subtilis and K. pneumonia (MIC of 11.1μg/mL for each). Eth extract exhibited high antifungal activity against A. fumigates (15±0.31 mm DIZ). Met+WT extract showed significant cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell lines with IC50 of 13.51+0.69 μg/mL. Substantial free radical scavenging activity (74.9%) was observed for Met+Eth extract. In the current study, several solvent systems were used for more effective extraction of fractions and can be useful in the isolation of phytochemicals. Various fractions exhibited considerable antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials. Biological potentials of E. intermedia signify its potential uses in microbial, cancer and degenerative disorders and thus warrant further detailed studies. diseases ethnopharmacological ethno CA C A C.A Mey E (E intermedia. . intermedia) polarity HPLCDAD HPLC DAD analysis HepG procedures EthWT WT 25.55 2555 25 55 (25.5 w/w ww w system MetWT Met respectively EthMet B K MIC 111μgmL μgmL 11 1μg mL μg each. each each) 15±0.31 15031 15 0 31 (15±0.3 DIZ. DIZ DIZ) IC IC5 1351069 13 51 69 13.51+0.6 μg/mL 74.9% 749 74 9 (74.9% MetEth phytochemicals antimicrobial microbial studies 25.5 255 2 5 (25. 1 15±0.3 1503 3 (15±0. 135106 6 13.51+0. 74.9 7 (74.9 25. (25 15±0. 150 (15±0 13510 13.51+0 74. (74. (2 15±0 (15± 1351 13.51+ (74 ( 15± (15 135 13.51 (7 (1 13.5 13.

Abstract This study was aimed to determine the retention of bioactive fatty acids and oxidative stability of fish powder (FP) supplemented extruded products. The Labeo rohita fish meat was minced, microwave vacuum dried, and extruded. Product formulations containing FP (0-25%) and semolina (75-100%) were optimized using response surface methodology. The maximum bioactive fatty acids retention was 94.84% in the final product. The highest values of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were 87.97% and 85.66% at 25 °C for 30 and 60 days. Maximum TBARS values were 0.42 and 0.44 mg MDA/kg at 25 °C for 0 and 30 days, respectively. The highest carbonyl contents were 6.02, 7.67, 9.37 nmol/mg protein for 0, 30, and 60 days of storage at 25 °C, respectively. The moderate barrel exit temperature (125 °C) and feed moisture contents (20%) and high screw speed (150 rpm), FP (25%) exhibit the highest retention of PUFAs in a product.

Abstract This study was performed to screen out the various species of ‘Cucurbitaceae’ family, musk melon (Kalash and Durga), bottle gourd (Crystal Long and Nuefield) and squash (Green Round, and Squash Malika) against the salt stress. All genotypes were treated with five different levels of NaCl (T0 = control, T1 = 1.5 dS m-1, T2 = 3.0 dS m-1, T3 = 4.5 dS m-1 and T4 = 6.0 dS m-1) and half strength of Hoagland’s nutrients solution as the base nutrient solution. Results showed that the bottle gourd varieties “Nuefield” and “Crystal Long” performed best by maintaining the highest germination (93.2% and 85.6%), number of leaves per plant (4.5 and 5.7), shoot length (16.84 cm and 16.14 cm), root length (13.48 cm and 13.00 cm), plant fresh weight (942.2 g and 918.6 g), plant dry weight (118.4 g and 107.5 g), leaf area (171.2 cm2 and 169.1 cm2), chlorophyll content (3.5 μg/cm-2 and 3.4 μg/cm-2) with low chloride (1.57 ppm and 1.59 ppm) and sodium content (0.47 ppm and 0.51 ppm) under salt stress followed by varieties of Squash (Green Round, and Squash Malika) and musk melon (Kalash and Durga). It was also found that a higher level of salinity (4.5 dS m-1 and 6.0 dS m-1) has more adverse effects on the performance of all selected genotypes. Conclusively, it can be recommended that as compared to all tested species, bottle gourd varieties “Nuefield” and “Crystal Long” have the ability to withstand against salinity stress and should be planted under salt stress conditions.

Abstract In traditional row and strip cowpea-sorghum intercropping systems, cowpea forage yield reduces significantly due to intense competition and dominance of sorghum in acquiring growth resources. This field study evaluated novel mixed strip intercropping systems of forage cowpea and sorghum having different number of crops rows arranged under different spatial arrangements. Cowpea was intercropped with sorghum in 8, 12 and 16 rows strips with row-row spacing of 30, 45 and 60 cm. In each strip, equal number of rows of cowpea and sorghum were maintained. Factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design with three replicates was used to execute the field trials during summer seasons of 2013 and 2014. Strips having 12 rows and 60 cm row-row spacing positively affected all agronomic variables of cowpea which led to maximum forage yield (22.2 and 23.7 t ha-1 during 2013 and 2014 respectively) and dry matter biomass (6.63 and 6.94 t ha-1 during 2013 and 2014 respectively). In contrast, 8-rows strips having line spacing of 30 cm outperformed other intercropping systems by yielding the maximum herbage yield and dry matter biomass of sorghum. The intercropping system comprising of 12-rows strips with 60 cm row-row spacing remained superior in recording the maximum crude protein, fats and total ash along with the minimum fiber content of cowpea. In addition, this intercropping system under rest of spatial arrangements also remained unmatched, while 16-rows strips under all planting geometries remained inferior to other intercropping systems. Thus, cowpea intercropping with sorghum in 12-rows strips having 60 cm spacing offers biologically viable solution to improve biomass and forage quality of cowpea in intercropping with sorghum.

Resumen En los sistemas tradicionales de cultivo intercalado de frijol caupí y sorgo en franjas y filas, el rendimiento de forraje del frijol caupí se reduce significativamente debido a la intensa competencia y al dominio del sorgo en la adquisición de recursos para el cultivo. Este estudio de campo evaluó novedosos sistemas de cultivo intercalado en franjas mixtas de frijol caupí forrajero y sorgo con diferente número de filas de cultivo en diferentes disposiciones espaciales. El frijol caupí se intercaló con el sorgo en franjas de 8, 12 y 16 filas con un espaciamiento de 30, 45 y 60 cm entre las filas. En cada franja se mantuvo igual número de filas de frijol caupí y sorgo. Para la ejecución de los ensayos de campo durante las temporadas de verano de 2013 y 2014 se utilizó un diseño factorial en bloques completos aleatorizados con tres repeticiones. Las franjas con 12 filas y un espaciamiento de 60 cm entre las filas afectaron positivamente a todas las variables agronómicas del frijol caupí que condujeron al máximo rendimiento forrajero (22.2 y 23.7 t/ha en 2013 y 2014, respectivamente) y de biomasa de materia seca (6.63 y 6.94 t/ha en 2013 y 2014, respectivamente). En cambio, las franjas de 8 filas con un espaciamiento de 30 cm superaron a otros sistemas de cultivo intercalado al obtener el rendimiento máximo de hierba y de biomasa de materia seca del sorgo. El sistema de cultivo intercalado compuesto por franjas de 12 filas con un espaciamiento de 60 cm entre las filas siguió siendo superior, al registrar el contenido máximo de proteína bruta, grasas y cenizas junto con el mínimo contenido de fibra de frijol caupí. Además, este sistema de cultivo intercalado bajo el resto de las disposiciones espaciales también permaneció incomparable, mientras que las franjas de 16 filas bajo todas las geometrías de siembra permanecieron inferiores a otros sistemas de cultivo intercalado. Por lo tanto, el cultivo intercalado de frijol caupí con sorgo en franjas de 12 filas con un espaciado de 60 cm ofrece una solución biológicamente viable para mejorar la biomasa y la calidad del forraje del caupí en cultivo intercalado con sorgo.

Abstract Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium causing gastric problems such as, peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. H. pylori were isolated from the stomach biopsy specimens (n = 100) of gastric patients by performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) against cagA (cytotoxin associated gene A) and ureC (Urease subunit alpha) genes. Furthermore, antibiogram studies of the H. pylori isolates were evaluated against the common antibiotics. The overall detection rate of H. pylori was 71% in biopsy specimens of gastric patients. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed the resistance rate of H. pylori isolates against metronidazole (50%), clarithromycin (28.33%), tetracycline (21.66%), amoxicillin (18.33%), and ciprofloxacin (11.66%). However, the H. pylori isolates were completely resistant to vancomycin, erythromycin and nalidixic acid antibiotics. Clove oil showed a remarkable antimicrobial effect against H. pylori whereas, mild inhibition (10 mm) was observed in case of curcumin extract. Due to increase incident of resistance and high prevalence of H. pylori in gastric patients, natural antimicrobial like clove oil can be explored as an alternative treatment.

Abstract Rabbit meat is a good source of protein as compared to beef and chicken. The processing of rabbit meat gives attractive texture with a strong flavor. Charcoal grilling is a well-known cooking method which results in the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Therefore, to determine the concentration of PAHs, rabbit meat samples were prepared with and without additives and analyzed for six PAHs (naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Naphthalene was dominant in all the samples and the highest naphthalene concentration (2.61 µg/g) was found in the foreleg sample (without additives) due to the presence of higher fat molecules. PAHs concentration was found to be significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower by the addition of antioxidants. Lowest naphthalene concentration was observed in the back sample of seekh kebab (0.77 µg/g) with 1 h marinating duration. The content of pyrene was only noticed in foreleg (0.01 µg/g) and hind leg (0.03 µg/g) samples from reshmi kebab. The content of fluorene was not observed in all the samples.

The aim of present work was to investigate blends of Eudragit® NE 30D with Aquacoat® ECD using different ratios to eliminate curing effect associated with individual polymers. Propranolol HCl 10% w/w was layered onto sugar cores using 5% w/w HPMC as a binder. Drug-layered-cores were coated either with pure or blends of Aquacoat® ECD: Eudragit® NE 30D in a fluidized bed coater to obtain 20% w/w coating level. Talc 35% w/w was used as anti-tacking agent. The pellets were characterized for in vitro dissolution studies, morphology, water uptake-weight loss, osmolality and adhesion of coating after curing at 60 °C or 60 °C/75% RH for 24 h. The findings revealed that Aquacoat® ECD coated pellets showed curing effect due to further gradual coalescence of polymeric particles which resulted into better film formation upon curing. In contrast, the curing effect of Eudragit® NE 30D coated pellets was caused by decrease in adhesion of coatings after curing which provided entirely different swelling behavior of uncured (localized swelling) and cured (uniform swelling) pellets. The undesired curing effect of individual polymers was eliminated by using their blends in appropriate ratio.

Abstract Background: Plant-derived compounds are alternatives of synthetic insecticides in sustainable agriculture. Objective: This study investigated the phytotoxic effect of higher concentrations (2, 4, 8 and 16%) of four plants extracts (Azadirachta indica, Mentha arvensis, D. stramonium and Citrus limonium) on cotton plants. Methods: Each concentration was replicated four times to check the phytotoxic effect (CO2-in, CO2-out, H2O-in, H2O-out and photosynthesis absorption rate (PAR) in randomized complete block design. Data was recorded after 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of spray with the help of Photosynthetic CL 340 meter. Results: The results showed that CO2-in was more affected by the D. stramonium (131.65±0.38) at 8% concentration. The overall progress showed that C. limonium was more affected the CO2-in of cotton crop. CO2-out was less affected by the C. limonium (117.83±1.46) at 4% concentration than M. arvensis (116.99±1.25) at 8% concentration and D. stramonium (115.77±0.74) at 16% concentration, but was more affected by the A. indica (118.15±0.71) at 4%. H2O-in was more affected by the C. limonium (0.39±0.05) than D. stramonium, A. indica and M. arvensis at 16% concentration. H2O-out of cotton was least affected by the D. stramonium (7.63±0.01) at 2% and more affected by the C. limonium (1.56±0.15) at 16% concentration. PAR was more affected by the A. indica (931.47±8.39) at 4% concentration and least affected by the M. arvensis (1499.7±9.94) at 8% concentration. Conclusions: Different dosages of various botanicals influenced the opening and closing of stomata and photosynthesis of cotton plants.

Abstract Natural products from plants are pulling in more interest in exploration due to their therapeutic properties like, mainly because of the drug-resistance in microbes against synthetic drugs. Thus, the present study was designed to assess the antimicrobial and antioxidant actions of some Agro-waste (garlic, ginger, onion, potato) peel extracts. Ginger peel extracts exhibited the highest FRAP (0.273±0.044 mm Fe2+ Eq/g dry weight) while garlic peel extracts exhibited the highest TAC (0.47±0.0452 mm AAE/g dry weight) values among all selections. The antimicrobial activity of the peels was evaluated against different pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains i.e.; Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Colletotrichum falcatum, Fusarium moniliforme, and Rhizoctonia solani. Among all extracts, ginger peel extracts exhibited maximum inhibition against all bacterial strains, while onion peel extracts exhibited zero inhibition against any bacterial strains. All extracts exhibited maximum inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus except onion peel extracts. Positive inhibition against all fungal strains was observed for all samples, with maximum inhibition against Colletotrichum falcatum. The outcomes of the study, therefore reveal that Agro-wastes have a powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant potency and thus can be used for many medicinal purposes, which will likewise be helpful in waste management and environmental safety.

Abstract Construction in developing countries is often encountered with multifarious challenges including contractor’s performance due to lack of qualification and resources. The lowest bid criterion is binding in public procurements. However, contractors exploit the loopholes in the bid process management system. This paper scrutinizes the prevalent rules for the bid evaluation and investigates the criterion used by both clients and consultants in selecting the contractors during the bids evaluation phase of construction projects in Pakistan. The current research uses the relative importance index and severity index approach to analyze the data. It was discovered that proper planning, credit worthiness, transition plans, plant and equipment holding, financial stability, past performance, and quality, are the most imperative factors, influencing the contractor’s selection procedures used by clients and consultants. Likewise, a high probability of success is presaged if the contractors are selected using the multi-criteria method. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by revealing the significant factors impacting the contractor’s selection and bid evaluation process, especially in a developing country. Its results and methodology can also be generalized with caution in other developing countries having similar work environment.

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

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Giardia lamblia in Pakistani children is currently unknown. The aim here was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of Giardia lamblia in children exhibiting diarrhea. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at different district healthcare hospitals in Pakistan. METHODS: A total of 800 samples were collected from children aged 0-10 years. Information regarding personal data, demographic data and supposed risk factors was collected through a structured questionnaire. Giardia lamblia was detected through direct microscopy and antigens through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The prevalence of Giardia lamblia was 2.75% through direct microscopy and inflated to 9.5% through ELISA. The demographic factors positively associated with occurrences of giardiasis were age (P = 0.035; odds ratio, OR = 1.96; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.094-3.533), mother’s educational level (P = 0.031; OR = 2.67; 95% CI = 1.186-6.045) and father’s educational level (P = 0.004; OR = 3.56; 95% CI = 1.612-7.899). Similarly, among the supposed risk factors, rural residency (P = 0.032; OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.098- 2.851), absence of proper sewerage system (P = 0.000; OR = 6.60; 95% CI = 4.029-10.841) and unavailability of safe drinking water (P = 0.000; OR = 4.08; 95% CI = 2.207-7.547) were the factors strongly connected with giardiasis. Abdominal discomfort was a prominent clinical sign with 46% frequency. CONCLUSION: Various risk factors were associated with occurrences of Giardia, thus emphasizing the importance of parents’ education, safe drinking water and proper sewerage systems for Pakistani children’s health.