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The phytogenic flavanol component of the plant Rhusverniciflua Stokes is fustin which is implicated in various disease aliments and has promising therapeutic efficacy and a long history of its uses in the Indian medicinal system. The present study investigated the ameliorative effect of fustin in streptozotocin (STZ) induced cognitive impairments in the diabetic animal paradigm. A total of five different animal groups were used for the present study.The preclinical efficacy of fustin at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg was studied in diabetic male rats by employing a 35-day study design. In the present investigation the Morris water maze test (MWM) and elevated plus maze (EPM) test were employed as behavioral paradigms for the assessment of memory impairments. The study design also carried out certain biochemical parameters which include glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), relative interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1B in samples obtained from cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The behavioral parameters with MWM and EPM were significant restored in fustin treatment groups as compared to elevated levels in the diabetic control group. Furthermore, fustin significantly improved the altered levels of several biochemical parameters for cognitive dysfunction such as GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA, NO, and relative IL-6 and IL-1B compared to a diabetic control group. The present investigation highlights certain preclinical pieces of evidence that strongly indicate that fustin might restore the normal cognitive function in the experimental animal paradigm.

Streptozotocin (STZ) 60 mg/kg, i.p.-induced diabetes in rat’s results into hyperglycemia, impaired oxidative stress, lipid profile, insulin levels and changes in body weight. Treatment with antihyperglycemics and antioxidants are accounted to produce favorable effect in this paradigm. Fustin, a flavonoid derived from Rhus verniciflua, extract of Rhus verniciflua reported to exhibit anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-arthritic effects, anti-obesity effects, antiplatelet effects and anti-cancer effects. However, no evidence is existing on effect of fustin on STZ-induction diabetes. Thus, we evaluated its effects against diabetes in STZ-induced rodents. Blood glucose, Insulin, lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and lipid profile levels was assessed. After 30 days diabetes induction rodents showed a severe increased blood sugar level, MDA, high density lipid and decreased cholestrol, triglyceride, GSH, SOD, CAT, respectively. Oppositely, treatment with fustin (50–100 mg/kg/p.o., two times daily, 30 days) enhanced blood glucose, lipid profile levels Insulin. Meanwhile, reduced MDA and enhanced GSH, SOD, and CAT in diabetic rats. Glibenclamide 5 mg/kg/p.o. also enhanced diabetes-induced complications and decreased oxidative stress. Further histopathology of pancreas confirms the protective effect fustin in STZ-induction diabetes in animals. In conclusion, the study revealed treatments with fustin avoid the changes in body weight, blood glucose, lipid profile and oxidative stress. As a results of these finding may lead to the growth of a choice of medicine for hyperglycemic in the future.

The anatomical variations of two plants from the Nyctaginaceae family, Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bougainvillea glabra, were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy methods in this work. Bougainvillea is a dicotyledonous with defensive traits that can withstand extreme (hot and dry) settings; according to the findings, crystal inclusions in cells, woody spines, and an abnormal development pattern are all features that help them survive against predators and are unique to this species. The Bougainvillea plant's leaves are arranged in simple pattern, alternate to each other along stem having an undulate leaves edge and an oval form. The xylem and phloem, palisade, parenchyma midrib, spongy mesophyll, raphide crystal bundles, and trichomes were all visible when bracts and leaves were transversally sectioned and dyed with toluidine blue O (TBO). The presence of crystals was confirmed by a detailed examination of the transverse leaves by using bright-field and cross-polarizing microscopy. Dissecting microscopic examination showed that all the leaves revealed leaves venation pattern that had midvein, lateral veins areoles, and trichomes. Although trichomes have been identified on both sides, a closer look at a cleaned leaf dyed with TBO showed multicellular abundant trichomes on adaxial surface. Stomata complexes were typically found on the abaxial surface of the leaf according to epidermal peels. Present studies also showed that on adaxial side, stomata were lesser in number or were absent and also showed that the morphologies of the pavement cells on the adaxial and abaxial sides of the leaf differed.

Drosicha mangiferae (Green) (Homoptera: Margarodidae) is sucking, polyphagous, highly fecund and destructive insect pest of mango, citrus, guava, and plum java. Control of this pest in citrus orchards is dependent upon use of insecticide from several groups which might reduce the efficacy of several chemicals. In this study, we have generated the baseline toxicity data of ten formulated insecticides viz., deltamethrin, bifenthrin, fenpropathrin, methidathion, chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, spirotetramat, and flonicamid against adult females of D. mangiferae by conducting leaf-dip bioassays in the laboratory, over the period of consecutive three years from 2017–2019 in order to assess the susceptibility status of field collected populations from citrus orchard of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. Results showed that bifenthrin, thiamethoxam, spirotetramat and flonicamid exhibited higher toxicities to D. mangiferae adult females owing to very low LC50 values. Significantly larger LC50 values were obtained for all other insecticides such as deltamethrin, fenpropathrin, methidathion, chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, and imidacloprid which indicated that these insecticides showed comparatively lower toxicities. It can be concluded that insecticides with very low LC50 values should be incorporated in the management program of D. mangiferae to increase control efficiency and minimize the resistance development.

Several archaea harbour genes that code for fructosyltransferase (FTF) enzymes. These enzymes have not been characterized yet at structure-function level, but are of extreme interest in view of their potential role in the synthesis of novel compounds for food, nutrition and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, 3D structure of an inulin-type fructan producing enzyme, inulosucrase (InuHj), from the archaeon Halalkalicoccus jeotgali was resolved in its apo form as well as with bound substrate (sucrose) molecule and first transglycosylation product (1-kestose). This is the first crystal structure of an FTF from halophilic archaea. Its overall five-bladed β-propeller fold is conserved with previously reported FTFs, but also shows some unique features. The InuHj structure is closer to those of Gram-negative bacteria, with exceptions such as residue E266, which is conserved in FTFs of Gram-positive bacteria and has possible role in fructan polymer synthesis in these bacteria as compared to fructooligosaccharide (FOS) production by FTFs of Gram-negative bacteria. Highly negative electrostatic surface potential of InuHj, due to a large amount of acidic residues, likely contributes to its halophilicity. The complex of InuHj with 1-kestose indicates that the residues D287 in the 4B-4C loop, Y330 in 4D-5A and D361 in the unique α2 helix may interact with longer FOSs and facilitate the binding of longer FOS chains during synthesis. The outcome of this work will provide targets for future structure-function studies of FTF enzymes, particularly those from archaea.

We present five members of a consanguineous Pakistani kinship with the most severe familial tetramelic transverse autopod deficiency reported to date and additionally having some of the common autosomal recessive Robinow syndrome-1 (RRS1) features including short stature, short neck, severe vertebral anomalies of kyphoscoliosis, hemivertebrae, fusion of thoracic vertebrae, broad forehead, and dental crowding. We mapped the locus of this atypical RRS and detected homozygous 8-nucleotide deletion c.1353_1360del (p.(Met452Alafs*4)) in ROR2, the gene responsible for RRS1. We did not find any other variant shared by all affected individuals that could possibly act as a modifier of limb defect. Autopods are affected in RRS1, but severe autopod deficiency is not a characteristic feature. Over 30 biallelic variants dispersed throughout the gene are known in ROR2-related RS, with no genotype-phenotype correlation for specific RRS1 features. Considering together with the sporadic case homozygous for variant p.(Arg442*) and the case homozygous for p.(Arg441Thrfs*16) in a family where heterozygous members have brachydactyly type B1, we propose that homozygous truncating variants that originate at residues 441-452 can cause severe autopod reduction anomalies, suggesting some genotype-phenotype correlation for this particular phenotype.

Nitrogen (N) as a macronutrient is an important determinant of plant growth. The excessive usage of chemical fertilizers is increasing environmental pollution; hence, the improvement of crop's nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is imperative for sustainable agriculture. N uptake, transportation, assimilation, and remobilization are four important determinants of plant NUE. Oryza sativa L. (rice) is a staple food for approximately half of the human population, around the globe and improvement in rice yield is pivotal for rice breeders. The N transporters, enzymes indulged in N assimilation, and several transcription factors affect the rice NUE and subsequent yield. Although, a couple of improvements have been made regarding rice NUE, the knowledge about regulatory mechanisms operating NUE is scarce. The current review provides a precise knowledge of how rice plants detect soil N and how this detection is translated into the language of responses that regulate the growth. Additionally, the transcription factors that control N-associated genes in rice are discussed in detail. This mechanistic insight will help the researchers to improve rice yield with minimized use of chemical fertilizers.

An exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesizing potentially probiotic Gram-positive bacterial strain was isolated from fish (Tor putitora) gut, and its EPS was structurally characterized. The isolate, designated as FW2, was identified as Lactobacillus reuteri through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. This isolate produces fructan-type EPS using sucrose as a substrate. Based on 13C-NMR spectroscopy, methylation analysis and monosaccharide composition, the EPS was identified as a linear levan polymer with fructose as main constituent linked via β(2 → 6) linkages. Based on molecular weight (MW) distribution, two groups of levan were found to be produced by the isolate FW2: one with high MW (4.6 × 106 Da) and the other having much lower MW (1.2 × 104 Da). The isolate yielded about 14 g/L levan under optimized culturing parameters including aeration conditions, pH, temperature and substrate concentration. The obtained bimodal molecular weight linear levan is the first of its type to be synthesized by a L. reuteri isolate from fish gut. Bimodal molecular weight prebiotic levan together with the probiotic potential of the producing strain would provide a new promising synbiotic combination for use in aqua culture.

Fungal liquefaction of coal is a promising technology to convert low rank coal into value-added products such as humic acids (HAs) that are extensively used as fertilizer. Use of Pakistani Thar lignite for humic acid extraction can promote agriculture industry in Pakistan. In this study, fifty-five fungal strains were isolated from Thar lignite and screened for their lignite solubilization efficiency. Isolates M13 and MI exhibited highest capacity for lignite solubilization and HA was extracted with 67.4 ± 4.3 percent (w/w) yield. Elemental analysis showed increased nitrogen (0.72–1.39 percent) and oxygen (41.7–48 percent), and decreased carbon (51.8–46.1 percent) and sulphur (1.18–0.73 percent) contents in bio-extracted HA (bHA) compared to chemically extracted HA (cHA). UV/Vis spectroscopy showed increased E4/E6 value from 5.6 ± 0.39 (cHA) to 6.28 ± 0.35 (bHA) indicating reduced molecular mass and aromaticity and increased bioactivity of molecule. FTIR analysis also confirmed these results. HPLC analysis of bHA and cHA showed typical choromatogram of humic acids. Enzyme activity staining indicated the presence of fungal cellulase and xylanase on SDS-PAGE gel. The degradation of lignite macromolecules by lignin degrading fungi is a complex process dependent on alkaline substances, chelators, surfactants and extracellular fungal enzymes.

Dimethoate belongs to organophosphate (OP) group of insecticides, used worldwide against several economic insect pests. This study was done to evaluate the fitness costs and stability of dimethoate resistance in a previously selected strain of dusky cotton bug, Oxycarenus hyalinipennis Costa (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), a serious sucking pest of cotton. Previously, dimethoate selected (Dimeth-SEL) strain was developed after selecting O. hyalinipennis for six generations in the laboratory. The selected strain expressed resistance ratios (RRs) of 157.76-, and 14.13-fold to dimethoate when compared with Lab Pop, and Unsel Pop, respectively. Data on fitness traits of selected strain reveal that the relative fitness (Rf) of Dimeth-SEL was 0.77 along with significant decrease in nymphal survival, hatchability, net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), and biotic potential (Bp). The Rf evaluated for Cross1 and Cross2 was 1.02 and 0.91, respectively. For resistance stability, Dimeth-SEL (G6) was left unexposed to dimethoate for five generations (G7-G11) and the bioassay results at G11 showed that removal of selected strain from selection pressure resulted in a significant decline in dimethoate resistance. It can be inferred from these results that resistance to dimethoate was developed in O. hyallinipennis at the expense of very high energetic costs and that these costs might also contributed in lowering the resistance levels towards susceptibility after stopping the selection for several generations. These results have practical implications in managing the dimethoate resistance against O. hyallinipennis by implementing the insecticide rotation strategy and also by delaying the dimethoate spray in the field for some generations.

The Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) commonly known as red flour beetle is the most damaging secondary pest of cereal grains because it consumes less and spoils more grains by causing grain heating during storage. The present research is conducted for determination of toxicity of insect growth regulators (IGRs) and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) (Vuillemin, Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) separately and also in combination against larvae of T. castaneum. Completely randomized design (CRD) was used with three repetitions of all treatments. Mortality was noted after 5, 7 and 10 days of exposure to treatments. Regarding the alone application of IGRs i.e. pyriproxyfen, lufenuron and buprofezin highest larval mortality was up to 68.63%, 64.33% and 56.26% respectively, significant at their highest applied concentration of 0.15% after exposure period of 10 days. In the case of B. bassiana highest mortality of 59.25% was observed at 1.5 × 108 conidia per gram after 10 days of exposure. Results of the present study revealed that combined application of IGRs and B. bassiana significantly increased the larval mortality of T. castaneum and highest mortality (83.04%) was recorded with the application of pyriproxyfen along with B. bassiana after 10 days post exposure on wheat grains. The current findings suggested that combinations of B. bassiana with IGRs have a synergistic response against Tribolium castaneum as it resulted in higher mortality rather than the solitary applications and it may also discourage the resistance development in insect pests against these insecticides.

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a pest with an economic impact on various crops and ornamental plants. Different classes of insecticides have been used for P. solenopsis control but rise in resistance is a major concern. Previously resistant selected field populations of P. solenopsis with chlorpyrifos (RR = 15,292-fold), acetamiprid (RR = 10,631-fold), emamectin benzoate (RR = 280-fold), and spinosad (RR = 15,233.84-fold) were used to study the biochemical mechanisms of insecticide resistance in the laboratory. Enzyme assays were performed using P. solenopsis adults in all these resistant populations to determine the activities of different detoxification enzymes associated to different resistance mechanisms to these chemicals. The results revealed that oxidases activity was increased significantly in all selected strains compared with the susceptible strain. The glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity nevertheless showed a significant change. The esterases (EST) activity was significantly higher in all the selected strains except the emamectin benzoate selected strain compared to the susceptible strain. These results confirm the contribution of oxidases and esterases in detoxification of the tested insecticides in P. solenopsis. This information would help to formulate resistance management strategies for this pest.

Livestock farming across the world is constantly threatened by the evolutionary turnover of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains in endemic systems, the underlying dynamics of which remain to be elucidated. Here, we map the eco-evolutionary landscape of cocirculating FMDV lineages within an important endemic virus pool encompassing Western, Central, and parts of Southern Asia, reconstructing the evolutionary history and spatial dynamics over the last 20 years that shape the current epidemiological situation. We demonstrate that new FMDV variants periodically emerge from Southern Asia, precipitating waves of virus incursions that systematically travel in a westerly direction. We evidence how metapopulation dynamics drive the emergence and extinction of spatially structured virus populations, and how transmission in different host species regulates the evolutionary space of virus serotypes. Our work provides the first integrative framework that defines coevolutionary signatures of FMDV in regional contexts to help understand the complex interplay between virus phenotypes, host characteristics, and key epidemiological determinants of transmission that drive FMDV evolution in endemic settings.

Contamination of soils by nickel (Ni) has become a serious environmental problem throughout the world, and this substance wields dangerous effects on the ecosystem and food chain. A pot experiment was conducted to examine the effect of rice straw (RS), rice straw biochar (BI), and calcite (CC) at 1% and 2% application rates in a Ni-contaminated soil. The objective was to potentially stabilize Ni and reduce its bioavailability to spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.). Spinach plants were grown in a Ni-contaminated Ultisol (commonly known as a red clay soil). Plant growth parameter results indicated that a BI 2% application rate significantly increased the root and shoots dry biomass increased by 1.7- and 6.3-fold, respectively, while essential nutrients were enhanced in the spinach plant compared to those in the untreated soil (CK). Moreover, adding amendments significantly decreased CaCl2 extractable Ni by 62.5% 94.1%, and 87.2%, while the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) fell by 26.7%, 47.8%, and 41.7% when using RS, BI, and CC, respectively, at 2% compared to CK. The Ni concentrations in the spinach roots declined by 51.6%, 73.3%, and 68.9%, and in the shoots reduced by 54.1%, 76.7%, and 70.8% for RS, BI, and CC, at a 2% application rate, respectively. Bio-concentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) dropped significantly by as much as 72.7% and 20%, respectively, for BI 2% application rate. Results of the present study clearly indicated that biochar potential soil amendments for Ni stabilization, thereby reducing its bioavailability in the Ni-contaminated soil. This process enhanced the safety of food to be consumed and mitigated security risks.

Evaluation of the effects of methanolic extract of Cucumis melo in ethylene glycol-induced nephrolithiasis on Wistar rats. 0.75% solution of ethylene glycol (EG) in payable water was given to produce nephrolithiasis on Wistar rats. The action of oral intake of methanolic extract of Cucumis melo seed in nephrolithiasis is studied and is matched with the action of oral intake of Cystone (standard) on Wistar rats. EG resulted in hyperoxaluria and deposition of calcium oxalate as well as raised urinary excretion of oxalate and calcium. Supplementation with methanolic extract of Cucumis melo seed decreased the increased renal oxalate, indicating a regulatory effect on oxalate formation endogenously. The outcomes stipulate that the seed of Cucumis melo is endowed with antinephrolithiatic action.

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders often associated with hyperglycemia, altered carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes associated with the disturbance of the normal level of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cell. The current treatment of diabetes is done with semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs, but it is associated with adverse effects. Now, scientific community searches for new herbal bioactive as a replacement for successful management of the disease. Primitively bioactive compounds from herbs served as the backbone of medical therapy. The significant scientific facts and profitable dormant of ancient medicines are directed to increased global attention for herbal remedies. Herbal remedies are composed of an intricate blend of several bioactive molecules with accountable pharmacological action. Numerous published reports claim the pharmacological action of herbal remedies of the exact phytoconstituents. It is imperative to understand the pharmacokinetics of such phytoconstituents, with only a few phytoconstituents whose pharmacokinetic properties have been reported, and it requires to explore the pharmacokinetic property of other phytoconstituents. There are many bioactive plants that have antidiabetic properties such as Capsicum (chili pepper), Vitis vinifera (grape vine), Glycyrrhiza, Cinnamomum extract, Ervatamia microphylla, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Moringa oleifera. This review highlights comprehensive information on pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of different bioactive constituents which is obtained from various plants that may afford as antidiabetic therapeutics.

Wheat amylase/trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) have gained significant relevance as inducers of intestinal and extra-intestinal inflammation. In this study, we present a novel hybrid data-independent acquisition (DIA) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach, combining QconCAT technology with short microflow LC gradients and DIA and apply the method toward the quantitative proteome analysis of ATI extracts. The presented method is fast, robust, and reproducible and provides precise QconCAT-based absolute quantification of major ATI proteins while simultaneously quantifying the proteome by label-free quantification (LFQ). We analyzed extracts of 60 varieties of common wheat grown in replication and evaluated the reproducibility and precision of the workflow for the quantification of ATIs. Applying the method to analyze different wheat species (i.e., common wheat, spelt, durum wheat, emmer, and einkorn) and comparing the results to published data, we validated inter-laboratory and cross-methodology reproducibility of ATI quantification, which is essential in the context of large-scale breeding projects. Additionally, we applied our workflow to assess environmental effects on ATI expression, analyzing ATI content and proteome of same varieties grown at different locations. Finally, we explored the potential of combining QconCAT-based absolute quantification with DIA-based LFQ proteome analysis for the generation of new hypotheses or assay development.

The genus Solanum exhibits a wide range of variability in morphology, flavor, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Phenotypic and genetic variability using ISSR and RAPD markers of Solanum incanum distributed in Al-Baha province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is assessed. Thirty samples are representing three different locations: Baljershy, Aqeeq, and Tohama, besides twenty-five samples representing five different commercial cultivars tested. Growth type, the number of leaves per plant, fruit size (phenotypic traits), crude protein, carbohydrates, digestive organic matter, and Mg, Ca, P were the principal contributors in the PCA. Molecular analysis showed that 114 ISSR and 80 RAPD alleles with a 100% polymorphism were recorded. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.84 to 0.91 for ISSR and from 0.59 to 0.89 for RAPD data. Similarity values ranged from 0.16 to 1.00, with an average of 0.47 for ISSR and from 0.01 to 0.97, with an average of 0.36 for RAPD. It resulted in a positive and significant correlation between morphological, molecular, nutritional, and chemical analysis of fruits using Mantel analysis. UPGMA and PCA for morphological traits and molecular data discriminated commercial cultivars and wild relatives. Solanum incanum was more diverse than commercial varieties. This study revealed a wide genetic diversity among and within collected eggplant accessions and may use in breeding programs of eggplants. There is a need to increase the present eggplant collection to widen the genetic diversity of cultivated eggplant varieties in Saudi Arabia.

Solar radiation (SR) is essential for yield improvement in lentil, which is a crop of marginal environments. Herein, experiments were conducted over 2 years under a semi-arid environment to study the radiation interception (RI), efficiency, growth, and development of three lentil genotypes (Punjab Masoor-2009 (PM-2009), NIAB Masoor-2006 (NM-2006), and NIAB Masoor-2002 (NM-2002)) in relation to three nitrogen rates (13, 19, and 25 kg ha(-1)). Seasonal dynamics of intercepted photoactive radiation (IPAR) and cumulated photosynthetic photon flux density were highly associated with seasonal dynamics of leaf area index (LAI), with a high value of R-2 (0.93 and 0.89) across all nitrogen rates and genotypes in both years. Nitrogen application promoted growth, and maximum LAI (3.97 and 3.57) and RI (324 and 301 MJ m(-2)) were attained for the first and second years of study, respectively. Biomass and yield were positively associated with IPAR. Variation in radiation absorption (RA) among genotypes was due to different patterns of LAI development. In both years, yield (23% and 25%) and radiation use efficiency (RUE) for grain yield (0.44 and 0.37 g MJ(-1)) were respectively higher for PM-2009 than for the other genotypes. Genotype PM-2009 had 15 days shorter crop cycle than others while 14% higher GDDs accumulated in the first year compared with the second due to the higher temperature. High nitrogen (25 kg ha(-1)) application resulted in higher dry matter (DM), and grain yield (GY), while RUE and PAR were not statistically different under 19 kg N ha(-1) application across years. Genotypes PM-2009 and NM-2006 may perform reasonably well under arid to semi-arid regions at farmer field. These findings may assist researchers and crop modelers to optimize the lentil ideotype for efficient light utilization.

Objective: To assess the association of miR-146a and its target protein RhoA expression levels in breast cancer. Methods: The case-control study was conducted at Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan, from March 2017 to November 2018, and comprised confirmed breast cancer cases and controls who were matched for age and ethnicity. Genotyping and expression profiling of archived samples was performed. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.. Results: Of the 590 subjects, 295(50%) each were cases and controls. Among the cases, there were 195(66%) Punjabis, 59(20%) Pathans and 41(14%) Kashmiris. The corresponding numbers among the controls were 198(67%), 58(19.7%) and 39(13.2%). The association between genotypes of the cases and controls was significant (p0.05). No association was found with the receptor status and miR-146a polymorphism. Conclusion: The miR-146a gene polymorphism rs2910164 G/C was found to have increased susceptibility to breast cancer at genotype and allelic levels. Key Words: Single nucleotide polymorphism, Breast cancer, miR-146a, RhoA.

Drought is the major limiting factor for crops which reduces the growth and ultimately yield. However, silicon (Si) is considered one of the important elements for ameliorating adverse effect of abiotic stresses including drought also. To re-establish the previous evidence of Si, an experiment was carried out in a wire-house under pot-culture, where canola plants were grown under normal conditions (100% field capacity) and water deficit condition (40% field capacity). To know the ameliorative effect of silicon on drought-induced canola plants through promoting the physiological, growth, biochemical, and yield attributes of canola (Brassica napus L.); exogenous application of Si was done by two different methods i.e., through seed treatment (priming) before sowing and foliar spray at vegetative stage. For priming, seeds of canola were dipped for six hours in a 5 mM Si solution, whereas for foliar spray, three different levels of Si i.e., 2, 4 and 6 mM Si solution were applied at vegetative stage (after 40 days of seed emergence). Drought stress caused a substantial decrease in the parameters of water relations, and the uptake of various nutrients in canola plants. However, the application of Si significantly improved plants’ ability to withstand the drought stress through enhancing the uptake of Si in plants and also enhanced the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Data on, water potential, leaf water contents ratio and leaf pigments, (for example, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids), was positively influenced by applying Si under water deficit stress. Similarly, agronomic parameters such as seeds pod−1, seed weight and seed yield were also enhanced as a result of the Si application under drought condition. Among these application methods of Si, the foliar spray has been found more effective for alleviating the adverse effects of water deficit stress on canola plants. Therefore, the results of the present study revealed that foliar application of Si at the vegetative stage may be useful for ameliorating the adverse effect of drought; since Si promoted to maintain turgor pressure, antioxidants activity in plants and also improved the nutrient accumulation both under water stress and control condition.

Fructose polysaccharides and oligosaccharides are gaining strong importance due to their beneficial effects on human health and their applications in the food, feed and pharmaceutical industries. F...

Dusky cotton bug Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) has been found to infesting cotton and other plants in Pakistan and some other countries. However, in Pakistan the increasing infestation of O. hyalinipennis was controlled with different insecticides, but some degree of resistance has been reported. Inheritance and cross-resistance of dimethoate resistance selection have not been documented in O. hyalinipennis previously. Therefore, this study for the first time characterized dimethoate resistance in O. hyalinipennis by inducing it in the laboratory for six generations. The selected population was 9.70- and 157-fold resistant compared with the field and laboratory population, respectively. The dimethoate resistance selection did not bring about any cross-resistance with lambda-cyhalothrin (1.47-fold) but had a very low cross-resistance with chlorfenapyr (3.03-fold) and acephate (2.21-fold) compared with the field population. The overlapping in 95% confidence limits of LC50 ratios of F1 (R♀ × S♂) and F1` (R♂ × S♀) indicated the lack of maternal effects, whereas their degree of dominance of 0.54 and 0.51 suggested an incompletely dominant resistance inheritance. Multiple factors were involved in dimethoate resistance as implied from Chi-square analyses of backcrosses. In conclusion, O. hyalinipennis develops easily resistance to dimethoate due to selection. Lack of/or very low cross-resistance with lambda-cyhalothrin, chlorfenapyr and acephate implies that these insecticides can be used in rotation. Moreover, dimethoate resistance inheritance was incompletely dominant, autosomal and polygenic which implies that resistance to dimethoate can be delayed by using it in rotations, alterations, mosaics and combinations.

Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a natural enemy of several important pests. This biocontrol agent is also a host for different parasitoids. Little is known about the parasitoid complex of C. septempunctata in Pakistan. The authors identified Oomyzus scaposus (Thomson, 1878) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) as a larval‐pupal parasitoid of C. septempunctata in the district of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. Out of 36 C. septempunctata pupae collected, 58.3% were parasitized by O. scaposus. This study documents the first record of O. scaposus parasitizing C. septempunctata in Pakistan.

Red pumpkin beetle (RPB) is one of the most notorious insect pest and a serious threat to all cucurbits. Five cultivars of cucurbits, Cucumis sativus L., Momordica charantia L., Luffa acutangula L., Cucurbita pepo L. and Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) were tested for feeding preferences of RPB for two years. All the cultivars of cucurbits were highly infested in their foliage and flowers resulting in a decline of yield. High RPB infestation was recorded in 2015 compared to 2014. The average population per ten leaves was high in pumpkin and cucumber but low in bitter gourd. Overall data showed that pumpkin was highly preferred cultivar followed by cucumber, watermelon, ridge gourd and bitter gourd. In no choice test, the highest reduction in the leaf area was recorded in pumpkin followed by ridge gourd, cucumber, bitter gourd and water melon. Therefore, appropriate control measure may be taken into consideration as per susceptibility of the host to reduce RPB infestation. Our studies have shown that bitter gourd was the least preferred cultivar, thus, planting bitter gourd as companion crop as borders or in mix cultivation could safeguard other cucurbits.

Plants and insects are members of diverse ecological communities. Feeding of herbivore insects may damage the host plants indirectly by altering the photosynthetic activity. The objective of this s...

Antibiotic resistance against present antibiotics is rising at an alarming rate with need for discovery of advanced methods to treat infections caused by resistant pathogens. Silver nanoparticles are known to exhibit satisfactory antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against different pathogens. In the present study, the AgNPs were synthesized chemically and characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Antibacterial activity against MDR K. pneumoniae strains was evaluated by agar diffusion and broth microdilution assay. Cellular protein leakage was determined by the Bradford assay. The effect of AgNPs on production on extracellular polymeric substances was evaluated. Biofilm formation was assessed by tube method qualitatively and quantitatively by the microtiter plate assay. The cytotoxic potential of AgNPs on HeLa cell lines was also determined. AgNPs exhibited an MIC of 62.5 and 125 μg/ml, while their MBC is 250 and 500 μg/ml. The production of extracellular polymeric substance decreased after AgNP treatment while cellular protein leakage increased due to higher rates of cellular membrane disruption by AgNPs. The percentage biofilm inhibition was evaluated to be 64% for K. pneumoniae strain MF953600 and 86% for MF953599 at AgNP concentration of 100 μg/ml. AgNPs were evaluated to be minimally cytotoxic and safe at concentrations of 15-120 μg/ml. The data evaluated by this study provided evidence of AgNPs being safe antibacterial and antibiofilm compounds against MDR K. pneumoniae.

Conventional fumigants, used to control stored grain insect pests, have not only led to environmental and health concerns, but also raised insecticide resistance development in insect pests. Their efficiency is diminishing owing to variable degree of application, accuracy, exposure time, conditions and frequency of usage. Red Flour Beetle (RFB), Tribolium castaneum, is pest of high economic importance in stored grain products. It was trialed for evaluation of entomotoxicity of plant essential oils (Calotropis procera, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Datura stramonium and Nicotiana tabacum) and phosphine gas at various concentrations alone and synergistically. Results depicted that essential oil of N. tabacum and phosphine gas caused the highest mortality (65% and 80%, respectively) at their highest concentrations (15% and 500 ppm). The highest synergistic toxic effect was observed for N. tabacum and A. indica essential oils at 500 ppm + 15% combination while the least synergistic toxic effect was observed in E. camaldulensis (37% mortality) with respect to the control treatment. Progeny development in the treated RFB females was significantly suppressed by the higher concentrations of plant essential oils and phosphine gas. Similarly, Phosphine combinations with N. tabacum and C. procera significantly suppressed the F1 progeny multifold as compared to control treatment. Eco-friendly biopesticides based on plant extracts or oils, with affirmative synergism, can be integrated as part of management module to control stored grain insect pests for a safer food storage and supply.

L-asparaginase (E.C.3.5.1.1) is an important enzyme that has been purified and characterized for over decades to study and evaluate its anti-carcinogenic activity against different lymphoproliferative disorders such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Hodgkin's lymphoma. The ability of the enzyme to convert L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia is the reason behind its anti-cancerous activity. Apart from its medicinal uses, it is widely used in food industry to tackle acrylamide, a probable human carcinogen and, production in carbohydrate-rich foods cooked at high temperatures. There are variety of organisms including microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants that produce L-asparaginase. The enzyme obtained from different microbial and plant sources have different physiochemical properties and kinetic parameters. L-asparaginases have an optimum pH range between 6 and 10 and an optimum temperature between 37 and 85 °C. This article has reviewed the lowest molecular mass for L-asparaginase in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Q66CJ2 which is 36.27 kDa, while the highest for Pseudomonas otitidis which has a molecular mass of 205 ± 3 kDa. This review is an attempt to summarize most of the available sources, their phylogenetic relationships, purification methods, data regarding different physiochemical and kinetic properties of L-asparaginase.

The present study was aimed to develop itraconazole (ITZL)-loaded NLC for the treatment of fungal infection. The formulation was prepared and optimized by the hot homogenization method and Box-Behnken statistical design. The total lipid ratio (A), surfactant (B), and homogenization cycle (C) were selected as independent variables, and the effects of variables were evaluated on particle size (R1), entrapment efficiency (R2), and drug release in 12 h (R3). The optimized formulation ITZLNLCopt showed particle size (147.31 ± 1.43 nm) high entrapment efficiency (86.36 ± 0.83%) and drug release (77.23 ± 3.33 %). The formulation ITZLNLCopt converted to carbopol (1% w/v) based gel (ITZLNLCopt gel) and showed good consistency and spreadability. The formulation ITZLNLCopt gel showed higher drug release (88.43 ± 2.54 % up to 24 h) and flux (2.46 fold) than control gel. The zone of inhibition results showed 2.6 and 2.36 fold higher inhibition (P < 0.05) than control gel (ITZL gel) against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. It could be concluded that ITZLNLC gel as a potential alternative for the treatment of topical fungal infection after clinical study in the future.

The application of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) is an innovative nature-based solution for the remediation of polluted water. The rational improvement of water treatment via FTWs is typically based on multifactorial experiments which are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Here, we used the response surface methodology (RSM) for the optimization of FTW’s operational parameters for the remediation of water polluted by crude oil. The central composite design (CCD) of RSM was used to generate the experimental layout for testing the effect of the variables hydrocarbon, nutrient, and surfactant concentrations, aeration, and retention time on the hydrocarbon removal in 50 different FTW test systems planted with the common reed, Phragmites australis. The results from these FTW were used to formulate a mathematical model in which the computational data strongly correlated with the experimental results. The operational parameters were further optimized via modeling prediction plus experimental validation in test FTW systems. In the FTW with optimized parameters, there was a 95% attenuation of the hydrocarbon concentration, which was very close to the 98% attenuation predicted by the model. The cost-effectiveness ratio showed a reduction of the treatment cost up to $0.048/liter of wastewater. The approach showed that RSM is a useful strategy for designing FTW experiments and optimizing operational parameters.

The direct discharge of azo dyes and/or their metabolites into the environment may exert toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects on exposed fauna and flora. In this study, we analyzed the metabolites produced during the degradation of an azo dye namely Reactive Black 5 (RB5) in the bacterial augmented-floating treatment wetlands (FTWs), followed by the investigation of their underlying toxicity. To this end, a FTWs system was developed by using a common wetland plant Phragmites australis in the presence of three dye-degrading bacteria (Acinetobacter junii strain NT-15, Pseudomonas indoloxydans strain NT-38, and Rhodococcus sp. strain NT-39). We found that the FTW system effectively degraded RB5 into at least 20 different metabolites with the successful removal of color (95.5%) from the water. The fish toxicity assay revealed the non-toxic characteristics of the metabolites produced after dye degradation. Our study suggests that bacterially aided FTWs could be a suitable option for the successful degradation of azo dyes, and the results presented in this study may help improve the overall textile effluent clean-up processes.

During its progression from the nasopharynx to other sterile and non-sterile niches of its human host, Streptococcus pneumoniae must cope with changes in temperature. We hypothesised that the temperature adaptation is an important facet of pneumococcal survival in the host. Here, we evaluated the effect of temperature on pneumococcus and studied the role of glutamate dehydrogenase (GdhA) in thermal adaptation associated with virulence and survival. Microarray analysis revealed a significant transcriptional response to changes in temperature, affecting the expression of 252 genes in total at 34°C and 40°C relative to at 37°C. One of the differentially regulated genes was gdhA, which is upregulated at 40°C and downregulated at 34°C relative to 37°C. Deletion of gdhA attenuated the growth, cell size, biofilm formation, pH survival, and biosynthesis of proteins associated with virulence in a temperature-dependent manner. Moreover, deletion of gdhA stimulated formate production irrespective of temperature fluctuation. Finally, ΔgdhA grown at 40°C was less virulent compare to other temperatures or than the wild type at the same temperature in a Galleria mellonella infection model, suggesting that GdhA is required for pneumococcal virulence at elevated temperature.

Pathogenic infestations are significant threats to vegetable yield, and have become an urgent problem to be solved. Rhizoctonia solani is one of the worst fungi affecting tomato crops, reducing yield in some regions. It is a known fact that plants have their own defense against such infestations, however, it is unclear whether any exogenous material can help plants against infestation. Therefore, we performed greenhouse experiments to evaluate the impacts of R. solani on 15- and 30-day old tomato plants after fungal infestation, and estimated the antifungal activity of nanoparticles (NPs) against the pathogen. We observed severe pathogenic impacts on the above-ground tissues of tomato plants which would affect plant physiology and crop production. Pathogenic infection reduced total chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents, which subsequently disturbed plant physiology. Further, total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly increased in pathogen treatments. Constitutively, enhanced activities were estimated for catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS)in pathogen-treated plants. Moreover, pathogenesis-related genes, namely, chitinase, plant glutathione S-transferase (GST), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL1), pathogenesis-related protein (PR12), and pathogenesis-related protein (PR1) were evaluated, with significant differences between treated and control plants. In vitro and greenhouse antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), chitosan nanoparticles, and Ag NPs/CHI NPs composites and plant health was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry. We found astonishing results, namely, that Ag and CHI have antifungal activities against R. solani. Overall, plant health was much improved following treatment with Ag NPs/CHI NPs composites. In order to manage R. solani pathogenicity and improve tomato health, Ag/CHI NPs composites could be used infield as well as on commercial levels based on recommendations. However, there is an urgent need to first evaluate whether these NP composites have any secondary impacts on human health or the environment.

Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram-negative foodborne pathogen that causes diarrheal disease and is associated with severe post-infectious sequelae. Bacteriophages (phages) are a possible means of reducing Campylobacter colonization in poultry to prevent downstream human infections. However, the factors influencing phage-host interactions must be better understood before this strategy can be predictably employed. Most studies have focused on Campylobacter phage binding to the host surface, with all phages classified as either capsule- or flagella-specific. Here we describe the characterization of a C. jejuni phage that requires functional flagellar glycosylation and motor genes for infection, without needing the flagella for adsorption to the cell surface. Through phage infectivity studies of targeted C. jejuni mutants, transcriptomic analysis of phage-resistant mutants, and genotypic and phenotypic analysis of a spontaneous phage variant capable of simultaneously overcoming flagellar gene dependence and sensitivity to oxidative stress, we have uncovered a link between oxidative stress, flagellar motility, and phage infectivity. Taken together, our results underscore the importance of understanding phage-host interactions beyond the cell surface and point to host oxidative stress state as an important and underappreciated consideration for future phage-host interaction studies.

Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is an autosomal dominant disorder and a heterogeneous familial condition in which family members express absence seizures initially and then show multiple phenotypes of myoclonic epilepsy, including partial or absence seizures and generalized tonic conic seizures. Multiple types of genetic mutations are involved in epilespy. This study was aimed at investigating the coding regions of CACNA1H gene for analyzing the mutations involved in epilepsy. Blood samples of mutually unrelated true representatives of CAE were collected from the psychiatry department of various hospitals in Lahore. DNA was extracted using the standard protocol and the amplification of the CACNA1H region was achieved with specially designed primers. Later on, the analysis of the results was carried out via the sequencing of target fragments. Sequences were analyzed using the BioEdit software and then aligned with the help of the ClustalW2 software. A series of 12 unrelated patients with CAE were screened for mutations in the CACNA1H gene. No mutation was found in exon 9a. As already reported, mutations in the exonic sequence of CACNA1H gene were found in 5 out of 14 CAE patients. These changes were observed in a PCR fragment amplified by primer 2 in the region of the 9th exon. Subsequent analysis of these fragments identified transition mutations (2025G>A) in exon 9. To conclude, there is a need to explore the site of the gene along with other gene mutations causing epilepsy in the local population of Punjab, Pakistan. It will help to develop genetic counseling strategies, gene therapies, and prenatal diagnostic procedures for the said population.

Background: Although induced mutagenesis can rapidly generate genetic diversity, every genotype responds differently to different mutagen treatments in induceing genetic diversity. This study assesses and compares the genetic diversity of two mutant faba bean populations. Methods: Two genotypes representing landrace (Hassawi 2) and inbred variety (ILB4347) were exposed to gamma radiation and diethyl sulfate (DES). Two hundred eighty-two samples derived from individual 140 M2 mutant plants of Hassawi 2 and ILB 4347 and two parental lines were characterized using 11 Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations. Result: 89,820 bands within 2,083 polymorphic alleles were generated from the samples. Genetic diversity comparison of the mutant populations revealed that each genotype had varying responses to different treatments. The two genotypes had a relatively similar response to gamma radiation, while different responses were recorded in DES-derived mutant plants. Based on the Nei’s genetic distance, the populations were separated based on the genotypic origin. The population structure analyses showed that the Hassawi 2 and ILB4347 mutant populations were clustered into three and two groups, respectively. The difference in the number of clusters between the two mutant populations explains their breeding history. The present diversity considered as a valuable material used for breeding and conservation purposes.

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) have multiple causes, risk factors, anatomical locations, and pathogenic mechanisms. In patients with NSTI, circulating metabolites may serve as a substrate having impact on bacterial adaptation at the site of infection. Metabolic signatures associated with NSTI may reveal the potential to be useful as diagnostic and prognostic markers and novel targets for therapy. This study used untargeted metabolomics analyses of plasma from NSTI patients (n = 34) and healthy (noninfected) controls (n = 24) to identify the metabolic signatures and connectivity patterns among metabolites associated with NSTI. Metabolite-metabolite association networks were employed to compare the metabolic profiles of NSTI patients and noninfected surgical controls. Out of 97 metabolites detected, the abundance of 33 was significantly altered in NSTI patients. Analysis of metabolite-metabolite association networks showed a more densely connected network: specifically, 20 metabolites differentially connected between NSTI and controls. A selected set of significantly altered metabolites was tested in vitro to investigate potential influence on NSTI group A streptococcal strain growth and biofilm formation. Using chemically defined media supplemented with the selected metabolites, ornithine, ribose, urea, and glucuronic acid, revealed metabolite-specific effects on both bacterial growth and biofilm formation. This study identifies for the first time an NSTI-specific metabolic signature with implications for optimized diagnostics and therapies.

Coccinella septempunctata L. is a dominant predator of herbivorous pest insects (e.g. aphids) in various crops in Pakistan. A series of bioassays were conducted to determine the sublethal and residual activities of six insecticides, which are commonly used in canola crop (Brassica napus L.) in Pakistan on adult and fourth instar larvae of Coccinella septempunctata L. in laboratory conditions. We measured the mortality, uncoordination and consumption rate of coccinellid beetle to identify the products with comparatively low toxicity or short duration effects. Six insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, profenophos, chlorpyriphos, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin) were used to treat aphids and arenas at sublethal concentration (LC30). Compared to control treatment, increased mortality and knockdown effects were observed following contact with residues and prey treated with all insecticides. While predatory efficiency of both adult and larval stages of C. septempunctata was significantly decreased after treatments. However, significantly lower mortality and high prey consumption were observed after treatment with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam (neonicotinoids) compared to other four insecticides. Results of choice and no-choice tests using field doses and ½ field doses also confirmed the significant difference in consumption of prey between imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and other four chemicals. Larvae and adult of C. septempunctata preferentially consumed untreated aphids than treated aphids with ½ and maximum field dose over the 5 h experimental period. This study provides information to guide canola growers in their selection of insecticides.

Cotton is a major cash crop of Pakistan and susceptible to a variety of insect attacks including the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). In this study we determined the rate of risk of resistance development in P. solenopsis against spinosad by selection experiments and also evaluated the cross-resistance of spinosad selected population with spinetoram, profenofos, and deltamethrin. The spinosad selected population developed 539.49 and 15,233.84-fold resistance after 22 generations of selection compared with field and laboratory susceptible populations, respectively. Cross-resistance induced due to selection with spinosad was very low, medium and very high to profenofos, spinetoram, and deltamethrin, respectively in P. solenopsis. Realized heritability (h2) of spinosad resistance was 0.06. At constant slope = 1.10, ten-fold increase in resistance to spinosad would require 8.27, 3.1, and 1.91 generations for their corresponding h2 = 0.06, 0.16 and 0.26 at 95% selection intensity. At constant h2 = 0.06, the number of generations needed for ten-fold increase in spinosad resistance would be 8.27, 15.78, and 23.30 for their corresponding slope values 1.10, 2.10 and 3.10, respectively if selection intensity is 95%. The development of spinosad resistance in P. solenopsis can be reduced by adopting IPM strategies such as insecticide rotation schemes, i.e. discontinue the use of the same insecticide for as long as possible, use of refuges and adoption of suitable cultural and biological control practices.

Nitrification and denitrification are two important processes in the nitrogen (N) cycle. Under heavy-metal pollution with water management of paddy soils, these two processes are not well understood. This study aimed to examine the effect of cadmium (Cd) on N transformation under flooding and non-flooding conditions. A paddy soil was incubated under two water regimes (flooding and non-flooding) and four Cd levels (0, 2, 5 and 10 mg kg−1). The availability of Cd was higher in the non-flooding than flooding conditions. Cadmium contamination significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased the copy number of archaeal and bacterial amoA genes, bacterial nirS, nirK and nosZ genes under both conditions with the decrease being greater under non-flooding. High level of Cd (10 mg kg−1) was more toxic in non-flooding than flooding conditions to the nitrifiers and denitrifiers, which in turn decreased N transformation through microbially-mediated processes. Its contamination decreased N2O emission initially under both water regimes but the effect was greater under the non-flooding condition. However, the non-significant stimulatory effect of Cd on N2O emission was observed during the late phase. The microbial community structure was changed with time and water regimes. Irrespective of water regime, the dominated fungal phyla were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota while the dominated bacteria phyla were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Acidobacteria. In summary, water regimes and Cd bioavailability changed soil N transformations via microbial mediated processes. Keywords: Cd contamination, Paddy soil, Nitrifiers and denitrifiers, Greenhouse gas, N transformation

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is one of the devastating pests of citrus orchards in different regions of the world and its management depends upon the use of insecticides. The work was conducted to evaluate the toxicities and resistance levels to various insecticides in a field collected population of citrus psylla from an area of Pakistan. The field population was also kept under selection pressure with thiamethoxam for several generations to study the impact of selection on thiamethoxam resistance development. The resistant population was then studied for cross-resistance with insecticides from different groups and realized heritability of thiamethoxam resistance was determined to assess the potential of resistance development. Selection of D. citri from G1-G7 with thiamethoxam produced 229-fold resistant strain in the laboratory. Selected strain exhibited very low cross-resistance with flonicamid, buprofezin, and spirotetramat; low cross-resistance with diafenthiuron and fenpropathrin, moderate cross-resistance with nitenpyram and pyriproxyfen, and a very high cross-resistance with acephate and methomyl. The estimated realized heritability of thiamethoxam resistance was 0.36. This study provides information on the impact of selection on resistance development and its management by restoring the susceptibility of D. citri through rotation of insecticides with low level of cross-resistance.

The fauna of Typhlodrominae in Pakistan (Acari: Phytoseiidae) includes five genera and 54 nominal species, reported from different agroecosystems and climatic zones of the country. The most diverse genera are Typhlodromus Scheuten (37 species) and Kuzinellus Wainstein (13 species). Two species of Chanteius Wainstein, and one species each of the genera Cydnoseius Muma and Neoseiulella Muma have been reported. Two species previously placed in Typhlodromus are here transferred to Chanteius, due to the absence of seta s6 and presence of Z1. Two species, T. (Anthoseius) hadii Chaudhri and T. (Anthoseius) maracus (Chaudhri), are re-described with improved descriptions and illustrations. Four species previously placed in Typhlodromus are considered as synonyms of Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai 1961). Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) divergentis (Chaudhri, Akbar & Rasool) is considered as a synonym of T. (Anthoseius) egypticus El-Badry, and T. husaini Khan is considered as species inquirenda. A provisional key to the species of Typhlodrominae in Pakistan is provided.

Pink stem borer Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of sugarcane and rice frequently controlled by the use of insecticides, including fipronil. This study focused on fipronil resistance characterization in S. inferens by selecting a population (called Fipro-SEL Pop) with fipronil for 14 generations. Fipro-SEL Pop population showed 106.00- and 22.71-fold resistance to fipronil when compared to unselected (UNSEL) and Field strains, respectively. Fipro-SEL strain showed no cross-resistance to chlorpyrifos, lambda-cyhalothrin and spinosad. Reciprocal crosses between Fipro-SEL and UNSEL strains revealed an autosomal and incompletely recessive nature of resistance to fipronil. The F1 and F1' showed similar LC50 values against fipronil and their dominance values were 0.46 and 0.53, respectively. Chi-square goodness of fit test suggested that fipronil resistance was polygenic. Realized heritability value was 0.25 for fipronil resistance. These outcomes would be useful for effective management of S. inferens.

Environmental variations resulting in biotic and abiotic stresses demand adaptive changes in the photosynthetic machinery. To cope with these challenges, plant scientists are constantly striving to enhance photosynthetic activity. The photorespiration pathway, which fixes O2 and releases CO2 in C3 plants, competes with photosynthesis. One method to increase yield would be to enhance photosynthesis by engineering the photorespiratory pathway. To date, three engineered photorespiratory pathways have been produced, of which two have been proven experimentally in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. These approaches might be helpful in enhancing crop resilience to future environmental challenges. In partially photorespiratory suppressed plants, it is hypothesized that a gene cluster may have formed between bacterial glycolate dehydrogenase (GDH), glyoxylate carboligase (GCL), and tartronic semi aldehyde (TSR) genes with Arabidopsis allantoin degradation genes like Arabidopsis allantoinase (AtALN) to utilize S-allantoin as a source of nitrogen. Observations of the use of allantoin as an exclusive source of nitrogen or energy by Arabidopsis and Escherichia coli led us to propose a genetic switch control model between nitrogen assimilation and energy producing pathways in partially photorespiratory suppressed plants.