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Milk is a complex of biomolecules and is a good source of proteins, fats, sugars, vitamins and minerals. Various types of milk available in the market are solid and liquid milk. Solid milk is available in the form of formula milk and liquid milk is raw and packed milk (branded milk) like GM1, OL2, Dp3, T4, H5, Mp6, DO7 and N8. Milk having different additive components like “micronutrients, vitamin and minerals” play a vital role in our daily life therefore it is by kids, adults and elders all over the world. The chemical composition of raw milk not only focuses on its components, but also the treatment, in the case of quality of the raw materials, packing, storage and conditions are very important. Cow milk is one of the major resources contaminated with different heavy metal atoms. Different samples of milk (raw and packed) were collected from diverse zone of Islamabad. The packed milk like GM1, OL2, Dp3, T4, H5, Mp6, DO7 and N8 were collected from different shops of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Result showed the presence of different types of heavy metals in milk samples. The level of zinc in the raw milk samples was high in the Islamabad city as compared to Rawalpindi. The sequence of heavy metals present in fresh milk were detected as Zn> Cu> Cr> Pb and Cu. In packed milk, level of Chromium was different across the world.

Evaluation of the seed storage protein electrophoretic profile among popular cultivars of date palm (Pheonix dactylifera) available in different regions of Balochistan, Pakistan was conducted. The genetic diversity of seed proteins of 12 cultivars were examined by electrophoresis. Twenty one protein bands with different mobility rates were identified within a molecular weight range of 11 to 351 KDa. The cultivar from Panjgur (Soorri) was well resolved on SDS-PAGE from the all other cultivars and gave the highest number of intense bands due to unique genetic build up. Genetic diversity among cultivars was evaluated by constructing the dendrogram for protein bands, which showed the cultivar (SP1) which is significantly different from all other cultivars on the basis of similarities in molecular weight of proteins.

This study was designed to investigate effect of salicylic acid supplementation in gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, twenty four male albino rabbits were divided into 4 groups (n=6); control group, healthy untreated rabbits; gentamicin group, received only gentamicin (80mg/kg); gentamicin + salicylic acid group, received gentamicin (80mg/kg) + salicylic acid (80mg/kg) and salicylic acid group, received only salicylic acid (80mg/kg) through intra peritoneal route for 21 consecutive days. Biochemical evaluation was carried out by assessment of body weights and by estimating plasma glucose, lipid profile and electrolyte homeostasis. Gentamicin sulphate induction resulted in increased plasma glucose, plasma TG, plasma cholesterol, plasma LDL, and plasma sodium and in decreased plasma HDL and plasma potassium with significant reduction in body weights in GS-treated group, which were restored by supplementation with salicylic acid in GS+SA treated group. Therefore, these findings confirm the protective role of salicylic acid in gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits.

Hemodialysis (HD) is the most commonly used treatment in patients with end-stage renal failure or disease (ESRD) worldwide. Blood-borne viral diseases are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in patients on HD. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and to concentrate on the key risk factors that are responsible for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients on HD visiting two dialysis centers in the city of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan. The overall incidence of HBV was found to be 16.1%, the overall incidence of HCV was found to be 43.2%, and two patients (1.6%) were found to be positive for both HBV and HCV. HIV was not found among patients seen at both hospitals during the study period. The main risk factors for development of a viral infection were the length of time on HD (p = 0.007), number of sessions (p = 0.001), and level of education (p = 0.092). Biochemical and hematological parameters including urea, creatinine, uric acid, and calcium levels, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and platelet count were also studied in patients on HD. HD is becoming one of the major factors causing a viral infection because a patient can possibly become infected during an HD session via a blood transfusion, dialysis machines, instruments and/or other contaminated equipment. In order to control the spread of viral infections, increased public awareness, vaccinations, and health education programs for both health care providers and patients are needed, and proper screening programs should be instituted before dialysis is performed.

The present study deals with the assessment of essential trace and toxic elements in biological samples (scalp hair) of healthy smoker and non-smoker residents of Lahore (the second most populous city), Pakistan. Human biomonitoring of various trace elements like zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) was evaluated in human hair samples of smokers and non-smokers (males and females) as per IFCC criteria. For the purpose of comparison, scalp hair samples of age- and sex-equivalent healthy persons were also analyzed. The results of this study show that the concentrations (P95 values) of As (0.17, 0.81, and 0.91 μg/g), Cd (2.80, 3.81, and 3.16 μg/g), Cr (4.1, 4.2, and 5.3 μg/g), Cu (20.0, 21.0, and 21.9 μg/g), Ni (3.9, 4.6, and 4.3 μg/g), Pb (4.0, 4.8, and 5.0 μg/g), and Fe (49.0, 49.0, and 59.3 μg/g) were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of smokers than in referents, for various age groups (16-32 years, 33-50 years, and 51-62 years), respectively. The concentrations of Zn (165, 163, and 173 μg/g various age groups, respectively) in similar age group were found lower in the scalp hair samples of smokers than referents. Exposure of high toxic metal level through smoking and deficiency of Zn could be synergistic with the risk factors associated with the use of tobacco. Correlation studies for the elements in cigarette with the elements in scalp hair of male smokers show a highly positive correlation between Cr-Cd, Cr-Ni, Cu-Fe, and Ni-Zn.

Mediterranean olive trees have been cultivated in Pakistan for decades to promote olive cultivation and use of olive oil. The qualitative characteristics of seven mono and one multi-varietal extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) extracted from Italian cultivars grown in different areas of Balochistan a southwestern province of Pakistan were evaluated. Present study aims to assess the impact of bioclimatological change on biochemical profile of exotic cultivars. The dominating fatty acids found in analyzed EVOOs were oleic (65-72%), linoleic (10.61-18.33%) and palmitic acids (12-16%). The tocopherols α, (β+γ) and δ contents showed a great diversity which ranged from (60-408) mg/kg while, total phenol concentration ranged from (200-370) mg/kg. The analyses of phenolic compounds revealed the presence of phenolic acids, phenolic alcohols, secoiridoids, flavonoids, oleuropein and verbascosides. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) regarding studied parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify the main components and to classify samples into groups in terms of fatty acids and phenolic profiles. The first group (Frantoio, Moraiolo, Pendolino, Multi-varietal mixture) characterized by high amount of oleic acid and MUFAs/PUFAs ratio. The second group (Maurino and Leccino) correlates with SFAs and third (Ottobrattica, Coratina) with PUFAs. Based on the PCA of phenolic profile the studied cultivars were divided into two main groups. Morialo, Pendolino and Maurino correlated with (phenolic acids, hydroxytyrosol, flavonoids and secoiridoids). Frantoio, Ottobrattica, Coratina, multi-varietal and Leccino were correlated with oleuropein, tyrosol and ligstroside aglycon. The obtained data was compared with those obtained from same cultivars in their original and/or different growing area. Marked differences were observed in the composition of oleic, linoleic, palmitic acids, secoiridoids and total phenolic contents. These differences could be due to change in geographical location and climatical condition of Balochistan. The cultivar Moraiolo has shown best adaptation and preserved its biochemical composition among all studied cultivars.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the variability in elemental composition of seven medicinal plants and their respective soils belonging to protected and nearby unprotected sites of the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park. The medical plants under study were Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch, Peganum harmala Linn, Sophora mollis (Royle) Baker, Perovskia atriplicifolia Benth, Seriphidium quettense (Podlech.) Ling, Hertia intermedia (Bioss) O. Ktze, and Nepeta praetervisa Rech. F. Macro (C, H, N, S, K, Ca), micro (Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn), beneficial (Al, Co, Na), others (As, Br, Cr, Cs, Hf, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sr, Sn, V and Th) and rare earth elements (Ce, Eu, La, Lu, Nd Sc, Sm, Tb and Yb) were characterized by means of standard organic elemental and instrumental neutron activation methodologies and by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results showed that, among macro nutrients, carbon concentration was the highest element in both plant and soil samples followed by H and K. Elements such as Cl, Na and Fe were detected in considerably good amounts; all the other elements were found in trace quantities. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify spatial variation in elemental composition of medicinal plants, in which 80-90% of the total variance in whole set of data was found. In particular, the findings highlighted the presence of essential and beneficial elements such as C, H, N, K, Ca, Fe, Mn and Na, in samples from protected sites, while potentially dangerous elements such as Al, As, Br and Cr were detected in samples from unprotected sites. These results emphasized on the need for rational exploitation of valuable medicinal plants and supporting protected areas as an excellent source of biodiversity conservation.

The principal objective of the current study was to analyse phytochemical constituents and to determine the antimicrobial activity of the crude methanol extract and fractions of chloroform, ethyl acetate and hexane from the whole plant of Ferula oopoda against three bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. Phytochemical assay confirmed the presence of terpenoid, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, steroids and glycosides. Agar disc diffusion method was used to determine the zone of inhibition of the tested sample for antimicrobial activity. The crude methanolic extract showed activity against E. coli ZOI, 30.00±1.060 mm, for ethyl acetate fractions 50.00±4.18 mm, for chloroform fraction 27.00±0.060 mm and for n-hexane fraction 24.00±0.353 mm. This observation shows that ethyl acetate fraction possesses great potential against E. coli. Inhibition zone for Salmonella typhi was 23.25±1.050 mm for ethyl acetate, 14.00±0.353 mm for crude methanol extract, 22.00±1.753 mm for chloroform fraction and 08.00±0.352 mm for n-hexane fraction. This observation shows that n-hexane fraction possesses low potential against Salmonella typhi. Anti-bacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus strain was maximum in ethyl acetate fraction and showed ZOI, 34.00±1.767 mm, for chloroform fraction 21.24±2.636 mm, for crude methanol extract 19.00±1.060 mm and for n-hexane fraction 16.00±1.412 mm respectively. Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Ferula oopoda; Phytochemical screening http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80016

Introduction: The occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk is concern to public health because it is classified as toxic compound in group I by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). AFM1 is a hepatocarcinogen. Additionally, it can cause DNA damage, gene mutation, chromosomal anomalies, immune-suppression and cell transformation. It can be present in milk of animals that have used feed infected with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) which is the main metabolite produced by Aspergillus fungal species such as, particularly A. flavus, A. parasiticius and A. nomius. This toxin is produced by fungus on different substrate (food, edible raw materials, and feed). About 0.3 to 6.2% of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxin in feed is altered to AFM1 in milk. Presences of aflatoxins in food cause public health concern and the consequent economic lose. Keeping in view the above facts the present study was designed to determine the AFM1 in milk marketed in Quetta, Pakistan. Materials and methodology: The study was conducted in Quetta city to quantify the milk toxin. The total 100 milk samples were collected from different lacalities of Quetta city. AFM1 in milk samples was quantified with the help of Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: Incidence of high percentage of contaminated milk samples with AFM1 was found. The mean % (ng/l) of milk toxin AFM1 in all samples was greater than the tolerance limit accepted by European Community (50ng/l) and below than United States (US) regulations (500ng/l). The lowest and highest mean % of AFM1 in milk was 236.63ng/l and 292.96ng/l respectively. The higher values might be due to heavily contamination of animal feed with AFB1 and poor hygienic conditions. Key Words: AFM1, quantitative, milk, ELISA, market, Quetta

It is estimated that around more than 2% of the population of world is suffering with hepatitis C virus and death cases because of cirrhosis and liver cancer is more than 350000.The load and epidemiology of HCV infection is different in the different parts of the world. It vary with country particular prevalence range from 10%. In comparison with USA and other urbanized countries the spread of infection in poor countries commonly outcome of contact to infected blood in society settings and healthcare centers. HCV management programs must be country specific which may be different by background and rank of economic progress. Worldwide HCV is a main cause of liver disease and in future it would be a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The complication related to the geographic allocation of HCV infection and its linked risk factor increases its progression. No vaccine is available for HCV and no later than exposure for HCV prophylaxis, so the focal point of most important escaping work must be secure supply of blood, protected management care and people who use drug decrease the number of those people in developing countries. Key words: Hepatitis, Genome, Treatment. Epidemiology

Gurhaku, is one of the newly emerging smoking materials, prepared by mixing tobacco dust and molasses smoked in hookah. Tobacco smoking causes human health problems and has got a close association with the environmental contamination. In the present study Hematological parameters of Gurhaku smokers were analyzed by the hematological analyzer while the elemental analysis of waste water were carried out by using atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The results of the current study revealed that the Ghurhaku smokers have reduced levels of Hb and have significantly higher platelet and WBCs count including lymphocytes and granulocytes. However, the RBC count, Mean Corpuscular volume (MCV), and Hematocrit percentage (HCT %) did not show any significant change. The elemental analysis of the Gurhaku smoked Hookah smoked water revealed the concentration of Pb was higher than WHO permitted value. The concentrations of Mn, Cd, Zn, Fe, Cu, Ca and Mg have lower values than the WHO permitted values. It is suggested on the basis of this study that the complete blood count (CBC) of the Gurhaku smokers be dealt with caution in hospitals. Key words: Ghurhaku, Heavy metals, hematology, Atomic absorption Spectroscopy

Sol-gel method has been adapted to synthesize the composites of poly(4-vinylpyridine) with different rare earth inorganic metal salts. These salts have been incorpo- rated into polymer for enhancing the thermal stability. The resultingproductswerecharacterizedthroughFourierTrans- form Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis. The XRD data show that amorphous character of polymer is enhanced by incorporat- ing inorganic metal salts. Thermal degradation data depict thermal stability of the synthesized composites. Addition- ally, thermal degradation data depict that thermal stability of synthesized composites is enhanced and are more ther- mal stable than P4VP itself, which makes them suitable for coatings.

Legumes have a very important place in human food. Historically they have been grown since antiquity. Due to high nutritive value they are recommended in daily intake diet. The present study was conducted to determine the biochemical profile and assessment of trace elements in faba beans (Vicia faba L.) from two districts of Balochistan. Biochemical studies indicated that they have different moisture content (7.5 % and 9.5 %), ash content (3.7 % and 3.8 %), fat content (2.07 % and 1.73 %) and protein content (21.62 % and 22.44 %) for samples collected from both locations Panjgur and Kech districts. Trace elements analysis showed the concentration of manganese (Mn) 0.127 and 0.129 μg/g, zinc (Zn) 1.132 and 0.951 μg/g, copper (Cu) 0.57 and 0.60 μg/g, Iron (Fe) 0.07 and 0.09 μg/g respectively, in samples from both districts. The concentration of chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) were not detected in samples from Panjgur district, whereas, their concentrations in samples from Kech district were found 0.01 μg/g. The study concludes that the faba beans grown in Balochistan have high nutritive value and low trace metallic content profile which makes it fit for food and feed. Moreover, a significant correlation was found by comparing obtained profiles of faba beans from both districts. The study suggests that faba beans genotypic evaluation and soil analysis is required for better crop production. Keywords: Faba bean; Chemical composition; Trace element; Balochistan http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600104

Essential oils isolated from leaves, barriers and from their mixture of Juniper (Juniperus excelsa M.Bieb) growing in Ziarat district. Essential oils were obtained by Clevenger-type apparatus, and components identified by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). A total 27 components were identified which were inconsistent in their composition in the essential oils of J.excelsa, where five major variable components were: limonene (15.5-28.59%), followed by α-pinene (5.01-14.04%), cedrol (4.68-14.5%), δ-elemen (6.9-13.01%) and δ-cadinene (5.2-12.06%). Essential oils were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against five bacterial species by disk diffusion method. J. excelsa essential oils showed antibacterial activity against tested organisms whilst the highest inhibition zone was observed for E. coli. Antileishmanial activity of essential oils isolated from juniper leaves, barriers and their mixture were also determined by using different concentration from (0.01ng/ml to 100 μg/ml). The IC50 value of all three essential oils were 0.0065 μg/ml, 0.0088 μg/ml and 0.0093 μg/ml respectively and demonstrated almost 100 times more antileishmanial activity in comparison to the standard Amphotericin B. Keywords: Juniperus excels; Antimicrobial activity; Antileishmanial activity; Essential oil composition http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60083

The traditionally use of indigenous medicinal plants in the treatment of burn, dermatrophytes and human infectious diseases and also still essential part of primary public health care. Antimicrobial activities of nine medicinal plants were determined in vitro through agar well diffusion method against pathogenic microorganism species of gastrointestinal tract. Medicinal plants extract of Cocculus pendulus, Malva neglecta, Rhazya stricta, Jaubertia aucheri, Corchorus depressus, Salvia bucharica, Microcephala lamellate, Berberis baluchistanica and Artemisa absinthium were found sensitive to Clostridium spp. The extracts of Malva neglecta, Jaubertia aucheri, Salvia bucharica and Berberis baluchistanica were observed sensitive to E. coli. Similarly the extracts of Malva neglecta, Jaubertia aucheri, Rhazya stricta, Corchorus depressus, and Artemisa absinthium were found sensitive to Salmonella spp. The extracts of Cocculus pendulus, Malva neglecta, Jaubertia aucheri, Corchorus depressus, Salvia bucharica, Microcephala lamellate, Berberis baluchistanica and Artemisa absinthium were sensitive to Shigella spp. The extracts of Cocculus pendulus, Jaubertia aucheri and Berberis baluchistanica were found sensitive to Klebsiella spp. The extracts of Cocculus pendulus, Rhazya stricta, Corchorus depressus, Microcephala lamellate and Artemisa absinthium were revealed resistance to E. coli. The extracts of Cocculus pendulus, Salvia bucharica, Microcephala lamellate and Berberis baluchistanica were revealed resistance to Salmonella spp. The extract of Rhazya stricta was revealed resistance to Shigella spp. The extracts of Malva neglecta, Rhazya stricta, Corchorus depressus, Salvia bucharica, Microcephala lamellate and Artemisa absinthium were revealed to resistance to Klebsiella spp. The extract of Jaubertia aucheri was highly sensitivity against E. coli, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Clostridium spp and Klebsiella spp. Keywords: Plants; Herbs, Bacteria; Gastrointestinal; Balochistan http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60079

Hypotrichosis is a heritable condition described by sparse hairs, sparse to absent eyebrows, eyelashes, axillary, and body hair, but with normal teeth and nails. Genotyping was carried out of family from fourth generation from district Sibi, Balochistan, having two affected males and one female. Genotyping was done targeting LPAR6-linked microsatellite markers present on chromosome 13q14.11-q21.32. The exon located on LPAR6 gene, were amplified of both affected and normal individuals of the family revealing linkage at locus on chromosome 13. Sequencing result of the LPAR6, shown a recurrent missense mutation c.436G>A, p. G146R) in a family. A recurrent missense mutation revealed in the current investigation encompass the evidence of LPAR6 gene hereditary hypotrichosis. Keywords: Hereditary hypotrichosis; LPAR6 gene; Missense mutation http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60072

Risk factors for iron deficiency anemia among the adult population of the Quetta valley have been investigated. Anemic adult patients, both males and females, who were admitted in the Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, were invited to participate in this study. After detailed history and examination, preliminary blood tests including full blood counts, platelets count, retics count, absolute blood values and blood film examination were done. A clinical diagnosis was made based upon the findings of history, examination and blood tests. In patients suspected to have iron deficiency anemia, serum iron studies (i.e. serum iron, Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum ferritin) were done to confirm the diagnosis. Among the selected anemic patients, 60% were iron deficiency anemic, while 40% were non-iron deficiency anemic. Iron deficiency anemia was more common among females than males, as 70% patients were female and 30% were male. The risk factors were found to be pregnancy (40%), nutritional inadequacy (17%), menorrhagia (9%), hemorrhoids (9%), hook worms (8%), hematuria (2%) and blood loss due to various gastro-intestinal pathologies (15%).

A new device for the preparation of stoned olive oils, called SPIA, has been developed, aiming at fulfilling the targets of: (i) employing a less powered engine, (ii) reducing the size of the machine and (iii) reaching a good efficiency in terms of oil yields. Oleuropein expression was used as a biochemical parameter to distinguish stoned oils from oils produced by conventional milling systems. In vitro experiments performed by exposing oleuropein to pit enzymes, showed an exponential decay of the substrate.

A high-throughput mass spectrometric method is presented for the simultaneous detection of Sudan I, II, III, IV, and Para-Red azodyes in foodstuff. The method is based on the use of deuterium-labeled internal standards and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in a triple-quadrupole instrument. The gas-phase breakdown pattern of each labeled and unlabeled analogue displays the naphthoic moiety as a common fragment. The search for the parents of this common species (parent ion scans) allows, by flow injection and in a single run, the evaluation of the presence of each polluting species spiked in typical foodstuffs. A detailed assay of each azodye was performed by LC-APCI and isotope dilution method, through the multiple reaction monitoring approach, using deuterium-labeled internal standards. Sudan dyes can be quantified above the threshold of 10 ppb except for Sudan Para-Red, for which the limit of quantification was 20 ppb, likely due to the different ionization efficiency.

Olive drupe tissues have been selected as a possible source of information about the secondary metabolism of oleaceae secoiridoids. The structures of a number of new microcomponents, detected and isolated by a combined high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fraction collector/ultraviolet electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UV/ESI-MS) apparatus, can be inferred from the data obtained by high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry in a QqTOF instrument. Some of them (1, 2, 3 and 4) are closely correlated to oleuropein. Others, such as neo-nuzhenide (5) and 2''-hydroxyoleuropein (6), typical of other oleaceae families, have never been found in olive tissues.

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro permeation and drug release kinetics of flurbiprofen gel.Methods: Thirteen batches (G1, G2 … G13) of flurbiprofen gels were prepared using different ratios ofpermeation enhancers, i.e., propylene glycol (PG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), by response surface methodology (RSM). Viscosity, pH, spreadability, consistency and drug content of the flurbiprofen gels were measured. Permeation experiments were conducted using silicone membrane in a modified Franz diffusion cell. Permeation parameters determined include diffusion coefficient (D), Flux (J), lag time (tLag), permeation coefficient (Kp), input rate (IR) and enhancement ratio (ER). Primary skin irritation test was performed for the optimized gel, G3, using 11 human volunteers.Results: Maximum solubility (72.15 ± 0.02 mg/mL) of flurbiprofen was observed in a mixture (2:1) of methanol and water. Partition coefficient (Ko/w) was determined as logP = 3.68 ± 0.11. The gels were stable under various storage conditions, and were homogenous, crystalline and transparent. Viscosity, pH, spreadability, consistency and drug content were in the range of 150 – 178 × 102 cps, 5.42 - 5.75, 5.0 - 7.0 g.cm/s, 3.0 - 9.0 mm, and 97.99 - 99.86 %, respectively. No irritation or lesions (erythma, redness and ulceration) occurred in human volunteers over a 30-day period. The optimized formulation, G3, showed maximum flux through silicone membrane.Conclusion: PG and PEG are effective enhancers of flurbiprofen from various formulations when used in various ratios.Keywords: Flurbiprofen, Gel, Diffusion, Permeation enhancers, Skin irritation, Silicone membrane

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. Olea europaea, Apulia olive germplasm collection, cultivar genotyping ABSTRACT. Genetic diversity studies using microsatelite analysis were carried out in a set of 39 accessions of Olea euro- paea L., corresponding to the majority of the regional autochthon germplasm in Apulia. Samples of olive leaves were harvested from plants growing in the olive germplasm collection of the Consiglio per la Ricerca e Sperimentazione in Agricoltura (C.R.A.) - Istituto Sperimentale per l'Olivicoltura at Rende in Cosenza Italy. Herein, we evaluated the extent to which microsatellite analysis using electrophoresis was capable of identifying traditional olive cultivars. In addition, the DNA sequence of all amplicons was determined and the number of repeat units was established for each sample. Using fi ve loci, electrophoretic analysis identifi ed 24 genotype profi les, while DNA sequence analysis detected 28 dif- ferent genotype profi les, identifying 54% of cultivars. The remaining 46% were composed of seven different accession groups containing genetically indistinguishable cultivars, which are presumably synonyms. This study demonstrates the utility of microsatellite markers for management of olive germplasm and points out the high level of polymorphisms in microsatellite repeats when coupled with DNA sequence analysis. The establishment of genetic relationships among cultivars in the Apulian germplasm collection allows for the construction of a molecular database that can be used to establish the genetic relationships between known and unknown cultivars.

Tumor progression is supported by the lymphatic system which should be scanned efficiently for tumor staging as well as the enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Poor resolution and low sensitivity is a limitation of traditional lymphatic imaging modalities; thus new noninvasive approaches like nanocarriers, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography, and quantum dots are advantageous. Some newer modalities, which are under development, and their potential uses will also be discussed in this review.

Naja naja karachiensisenvenomation was found to hit more drastically heart, liver, and kidneys. 400 μg/kg of venom-raised moderate serum levels of ALT (72±4.70 U/L,0.1>P>0.05), AST (157±24.24 U/L,0.1>P>0.05), urea (42±3.08 mg/dL,0.05>P>0.02), creatinine (1.74±0.03 mg/dL,0.01>P>0.001), CK-MB (21±1.5 U/L,0.05>P>0.02), and LDH (2064±15.98 U/L,P<0.001) were injected in experimental rabbits. However, lethality was enhanced with 800 μg/kg of venom in terms of significant release of ALT (86±5.0 U/L,0.05>P>0.02), AST (251±18.2 U/L,0.01>P>0.001), urea (57.6±3.84 mg/dL,0.02>P>0.01), creatinine (2.1±0.10 mg/dL,0.02>P>0.01), CK-MB (77±11.22 U/L,0.05>P>0.02), and LDH (2562±25.14 U/L,P≪0.001). Among twenty-eight tested medicinal plant extracts, onlyStenolobium stans(L.) Seem was found the best antivenom (P>0.5) compared to the efficacy of standard antidote (ALT=52.5±3.51 U/L, AST=69.5±18.55 U/L, urea=31.5±0.50 mg/dL, creatinine=1.08±0.02 mg/dL, CK-MB=09±0.85 U/L, and LDH=763±6.01 U/L). Other plant extracts were proved less beneficial and partly neutralized the toxicities posed by cobra venom. However, it is essential in future to isolate and characterize bioactive compound(s) fromStenolobium stans(L.) Seem extract to overcome the complications of snake bite.

Trace heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, and mercury, are important environmental pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. In addition to these metals, copper, manganese, iron, and zinc are also important trace micronutrients. The presence of trace heavy metals in the atmosphere, soil, and water can cause serious problems to all organisms, and the ubiquitous bioavailability of these heavy metal can result in bioaccumulation in the food chain which especially can be highly dangerous to human health. This study reviews the heavy metal contamination in several areas of Pakistan over the past few years, particularly to assess the heavy metal contamination in water (ground water, surface water, and waste water), soil, sediments, particulate matter, and vegetables. The listed contaminations affect the drinking water quality, ecological environment, and food chain. Moreover, the toxicity induced by contaminated water, soil, and vegetables poses serious threat to human health.

Albumin is one of the most extensively studied endogenous proteins which are used in the fabrication of drug delivery and diagnostic technologies during last 10 years. This review provides a summary of products involving the use of albumin as a drug delivery tool for getting better the pharmacokinetics of a drug by developing the targetted drug delivery systems and diagnosing the pathologies. Using albumin, following market approved products have been developed: Levemir and Victoza (antidiabetic product), Abraxane (antimetastatic breast cancer product), and Nanocoll and Albures (for lymphoscintigraphy and diagnosis of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis).

Although the majority of serious cases in the world are concerned with snake bite envenomation, but those which are caused by scorpion stings are also famous for causing extreme pain. The present view is an attempt to enlist scientifically ignored medicinal plants of Pakistan exhibiting anti-scorpion venom activity. In this review data of 35 medicinal plants is collected with their families, parts used, distribution in Pakistan, and major constituents present in plant. Amaranthaceae, Astraceae and Euphorbiaceae represent 3 species. Anacardiaceae, Asclepidaceae and Liliaceae represent 2 species. Araceae, Capparidaceae, Ceasalpinaceae, Cyperaceae, Labiatae, Lamiaceae, Meliaceae, Menispermaceae, Oleaceae, Oxalidaceae, Pinaceae, Polygonaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, Valerianaceae and Zingiberaceae represented single medicinal plant with anti scorpion potential. According to literature, all parts are used in anti scorpion envenomination. Leaves exhibit 30%, whole plant 9%, fruit, bark and seeds 8% anti scorpion activity. Bulb and stems show 5% contribution in this respect and twigs, resins, inflorescence, latex and flowers express 3% potential. This article may assist the researchers to bring innovation in natural product field for scorpion bite envenomation. However, these medicinal plants are still requiring pharmacological and phytochemical investigation in order to be claimed as effective in scorpion bite envenomation.

The antigenic profile of Olea europaea pollen from different Mediterranean cultivars was obtained by MALDI mass spectrometry. A simple procedure of chemical fractionation of the whole antigen extract was developed, whereby less complex, or pure, fractions of antigen candidate were obtained prior to mass spectrometric analysis. Some of the features of protein structure and distribution probably depend on cultivar adaptation to the environment. The profilings of pollen proteins thus obtained allow the distinction of the analyzed cultivars into three distinct groups: (i) those characterized by a low Ole e 1 content; (ii) those over-enriched in Ole e 1 and (iii) that containing Ole e 3 and Ole e 7 only. The latter consists of at least four isoforms differing by the degree of glycosilation. These results demonstrate that the proposed experimental procedure, can supply valuable information on the antigens' micro heterogeneity.