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Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular pathogen, induces a strong immune response in the infected host. In the encephalitis model of infection, long-term protective immunity is mediated by CD8 T cells, with the CD4 T cell population providing important help. Most of the immune studies have used a 10- to 20-cyst dose of T. gondii, which leads to T cell dysfunctionality during the late phase of chronic infection and increases the chances of reactivation. In the current study, we compared the immune response of mice orally infected with either 2 or 10 cysts of T. gondii. During the acute phase, we demonstrate that the lower dose of infection generates a reduced number of CD4 and CD8 T cells, but the frequency of functional CD4 or CD8 T cells is similar in animals infected with two different doses. However, Ag-experienced T cells (both CD4 and CD8) are better maintained in lower dose–infected mice at 8 wk postinfection, with an increase number functional cells that exhibit lower multiple inhibitory receptor expression. In addition to better long-term T cell immunity, animals infected with a lower dose display reduced inflammation manifested by lesser Ag-specific T cell and cytokine responses during the very early stage of the acute infection. Our studies suggest a previously unappreciated role of dose-dependent early programming/imprinting of the long-term CD4/CD8 T cell response during T. gondii infection. These observations point to the need for an in-depth analysis of how early events shape long-term immunity against this pathogen.

Aphid is a major pest of wheat that causes substantial agricultural damages to wheat crop annually. In the present study, experiments on ecofriendly management of this pest were conducted at the experimental area of Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Bhakkar. The trials were laid down in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data was collected at seven days interval by counting method. As far as efficiency of yellow sticky traps is concerned, the plot having 4-traps captured maximum (848.07) aphids. As a result, minimum (11.16 aphid tiller-1) were observed in the respective plot. The same plot exhibited maximum population reduction (71.93%) and grain yield (6617.9 kg ha-1). The plot having 1-trap captured minimum (257.33) aphids. Consequently, maximum (33.37 aphids/tiller) were found in the field. The same treatment showed minimum population reduction (23.99%) and grain yield (5489.1 kg ha-1). Chrysoperla carnea was found a voracious predator of the pest. The plot having 4-egg cards of this predator showed minimum (7.69 aphids tiller-1) with maximum (49.50%) population reduction of the aphid followed by 8.78 aphids/tiller in the plot having 3-egg cards with 42.56% population reduction. Lowest population reduction (12.33%) was found in the plot having 1 egg card.

We recorded tadpoles of eight anuran species from subtropical scrub and pine forests (District Rawalpindi and Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan). These include Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Microhyla nilphamariensis, Euphlyctis spp., Minervarya spp., Allopaa hazarensis, Nanorana vicina, and Hoplobatrachus tigerinus. Our results showed that the forest type featuring scrub vegetation, low elevation and warmer climate (day air temperature 30°C, day water temperature 28°C) had more species richness (six of the eight recorded species) while the subtropical pine forest featuring relatively low air (16°C) and water (14°C) temperatures and higher elevation had relatively higher anuran endemism. The Indus Valley Toad is an abundant species throughout scrub forest. Changes in climate resulting in increased temperatures in pine forests could negatively impact endemic species by encouraging the spread of species adapted for warmer temperatures.

Abstract: Plants are a source of diverse classes of secondary metabolites with anticancer properties. Paclitaxel (Taxol) is an anticancer drug isolated from various Taxus species and is used as a chemotherapeutic agent against various cancers. The biosynthesis of paclitaxel is a complex pathway, making its total chemical synthesis commercially non-viable; hence, alternative novel sources - like plant cell culture and heterologous expression systems, are being investigated to overcome this issue. Advancements in the field of genetic engineering, microbial fermentation engineering, and recombinant techniques have significantly increased the achievable yields of paclitaxel. Indeed, paclitaxel selectively targets microtubules and causes cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, inducing a cytotoxic effect in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Innovative drug delivery formulations, like the development of albumin-bound nanoparticles, nano-emulsions, nano-suspensions, liposomes, and polymeric micelles, have been applied to enhance the delivery of paclitaxel to tumor cells. This review focuses on the production, biosynthesis, mechanism of action, and anticancer effects of paclitaxel.

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder in the intestinal tract as a response to the use of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. It is a worldwide problem, with a high prevalence rate in North America. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 1090 samples collected from different hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2019 to December 2019. In this study, 1090 blood samples screened for seroprevalence of anti-tTG antibodies in CD symptomatic patients via ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). 1090 fecal samples from the same CD patients were collected and tested for the presence of rotavirus (RV) via ELISA and RT-PCR. Of the 1090 patients tested for seroprevalence of anti-tTG antibodies, 112/1090 (10.3%) were found to be positive. Of the 112 anti-tTG-positive patients, 78/112 (70%) were positive for RV via ELISA and 74/112 (66.1%) were RV positive via RT-PCR. A statistically significant association was reported between rotavirus infection and celiac disease ( p ˂ 0.05 ). Anti-tTG antibodies were higher in age group 6 (12-18 years) patients (18.4%) and at minimum in age group 3 (1-3 years) patients (4.8%). However, there was a statistically insignificant relationship between group age and CD prevalence ( p > 0.05 ). The highest CD prevalence was noted during winter season (19.6%) and the lowest (3.0%) during fall/autumn. Our study findings demonstrate that Pakistan has a high prevalence of CD compared to other studies. Further studies in the fields of environmental risk factors and treatment with more advanced serological and histopathological studies are needed in the future.

Globally, around 2000 plant species are used against pest control. The utilization of botanicals is considered the most economic and biodegradable methods for the control of stored grains pests. Therefore, the current study was carried out to investigate the repellency potential of five botanicals against Callosbruchus maculatus F. in Haripur, Pakistan. The concentrations of Azadirachta indica L., Nicotiana tabacum L., Melia azedarach L., Nicotiana rustica L., and Thuja orientalis L. were, i.e., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0% in four replicates to establish contact effects. The data were recorded after 1, 2, 3, 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The repellency effect of these plant species against C. maculatus were increased in both the time- and dose-dependent manner, and highest effect was observed at 72 h. In addition, the repellency effect was 91% for A. indica (class: V), 86% M. azedarach, 82%, N. tabacum (class: V), 79% N. rustica (class: IV), and 75% T. orientalis (class: IV) at 3% concentration against C. maculatus. Furthermore, following 96 hours’ exposure to treatment the sensitivity response of insects decreases as the time interval increases, i.e., 86% A. indica (class: V) was followed by 71% M. azedarach (class: IV), 65% N. tabacum (class: IV), 61% N. rustica (class: IV), and T. orientalis 57% (class: III) repellency at highest concentration of 3%. The current study concluded that A. indica and M. azedarach can be incorporated for the management of C. maculatus and these plant species might be helpful in the productions of new biopesticides.

Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus L., family Asteraceae) is found generally in agricultural and vacant lands across the globe. This study investigated the fatty acids and elemental profiles of different parts including roots, stem and leaves of P. hysterophorus in the response to seasonal variation. The elemental analysis and fatty acid were determined in both the winter and summer seasons. The root, stem, and leaves powder were subjected to extraction with acetone, water, chloroform, diethyl ether, ethanol, methanol, and n-hexane to measure the extractive values. Among all the plant parts, leaves recorded the highest extractive value of 29%, and 28% with acetone and diethyl ether, respectively, while the root recorded the lowest (10.3%) extractive value with chloroform. Higher concentrations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were detected in all the plant parts in the winter collection than in the summer season. Parthenium hysterophorus is multi medicinal applications such as used for rheumatic pain, urinary tract infections, inflammation, diarrhea, neuralgia, and malaria. The study highlights the importance of collection time (seasons) of different parts of P. hysterophorus for the maximum extraction of both elements and fatty acids either saturated or unsaturated from the pharmacogenetic point of view.

Ectobucleotidases are a broad class of extracellular nucleotide and nucleoside hydrolyzing enzymes. Since they play a crucial role in mediating purinergic cell signalling, they are promising therapeutic targets for treatment of a range of disorders, including fibrosis, tumor metastasis, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases. Hence selective inhibtors of ectonulceotidases are of great interest for therapeutic intervention.Many compounds have demonstrated promising inhibitory potential against ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterases (NPPs). The chemistry and clinical applications of NPP inhibitors patented between 2015 and 2020 are discussed in this review.In recent years, there has been a lot of effort towards finding effective and selective inhibitors of NPPs. Even though a number of inhibitors are known, only a few in vivo investigations have been published. In addition to IOA-289, which has passed Phase Ia clinical trials, potent NPP2/ATX inhibitor compounds such as BLD-0409, IPF and BBT-877 have been placed in phase I clinical studies. Some of the most promising NPP2/ATX inhibitors in recent years are closely related analogs of previously known inhibitors, such as PF-8380. Knowledge of the structure activity relationship of such promising inhibitors can potentially translate into the discovery of more potent and effective inhibitors of NPP.

Weed infestation induces intense competition with the sunflower crop for soil nutrients, space and light causing significant yield losses of the sunflower. Therefore, study was undertaken during the year 2013–15 at College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan to determine the effect of Cyperus rotundus infestation on various morphological and biochemical traits. Initially a screening experiment was carried out to screen against C. rotundus infestation. Later on, cross combinations of selected cytoplasmic male sterile and restorer lines were attempted to develop F1 progenies which were compared with commercial hybrids along with parents. There were 6 parental lines (3 A and 3 R lines) along with 9 single cross combinations obtained from these parents. Experiment was carried out in complete randomized design having factorial arrangement with three replications. Weed in one of regime latter called as control were completely absent, while in weed infestation regimes 5 and 10 plants of C. rotundus were maintained. Results showed that C. rotundus infestation causes significant damage to the sunflower plants. Generally cross combination showed a decrease of leaf area by 440% and 264%, 61% and 49% for chlorophyll contents, 133% and 191% for head weight under low and high weed infestation regime respectively. However, antioxidant activity increased by 44% and 49% under low and high infestation regime induced by C. rotundus. Sunflower genotypes also showed variability in competitive ability against C. rotundus weed. Cross combinations coded as (A10, A7 and A2) showed lower comparative decrease for seed yield and oil contents when compared with standard hybrids under the presence of C. rotundus. Development of sunflower hybrids with better competitive ability under the presence of weeds such as C. rotundus may able to enhance plant development and lower yield losses in sunflower field with minimum the use of herbicide.

Weed management in okra field is one of the most challenging and expensive steps that ultimately reducing the productivity. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate impact of various organic and cultural practices on yield and weed management in okra crop at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during spring season 2021 in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having three replications. The following treatments were applied to the experimental trail. T1=Parthenium Parthenium hysterophorus) weed extraction (120g/L), T2= Coco grass (Cyperus rotundus) weed extraction (120g/L), T3= Field bind weed (Convolvulus arvensis) weed extraction (120g/L), T4= Mulching (Eucalyptus leaves), T5= Mulching (News Paper), T6= Hand weeding (Once) 20 days, T7= Hand weeding (Twice) 20 &40 days, T8= Weedy check. Results shows that all the studied parameters of okra crop were significantly affected by all the applied treatments except number of flowers plant-1. Maximum weed fresh biomass (143.3g), weed dry biomass (42.2g), plant height (64.2cm), number of branches plant-1, (11), fruit length (11.73 cm), fruit diameter (1.8 cm) and yield (3246.6kg/ha) were noted in a Hand weeding (Twice) 20- & 40-days treatment followed by Hand weeding (Once) after 20 days, however the minimum values was noted in weedy check treatment except weed density which was found maximum in weedy check treatment. Hand weeding twice after 20 & 40 days of crop sowing was recommended to get in okra crop better yield.

Skipper fauna of Balochistan province is not properly studied. To fill this gap, a study was conducted to explore the skipper's fauna from previous literature and new collection from Balochistan, Pakistan. We report 21 species of skippers from two subfamilies, Coeliadinae and Hesperiinae. Out of 21 species five species namely Hesperia comma (Linnaeus, 1758), Parnara guttatus (Bremer and Grey, 1852), Pyrgus cashmirensis Moore (1874), Pyrgus darwazicus Grum-Grshimailo (1890) and Pyrgus sidae (Esper, 1784) under subfamily Hesperiinae are recorded for the first time from Balochistan. Out of five reported species from Balochistan, two species Pyrgus darwazicus and Pyrgus sidae are new records for Pakistan.

This article examines the role of Islamic Law in convergence to western corporate governance features in Pakistan. The recent financial crisis in the world highlighted the importance of good corporate governance features. This phenomenon highlighted the possibility of adopting an alternative to conventional financial system in Pakistan. Islamic finance has shown its presence in the wake of financial crisis in the world. Therefore, this articles analyses, in comparative perspective, the Islamic financial system viz a viz conventional financial system. It further analyses the possibility of convergence of corporate governance mechanism, which is key for good governance in any financial system, in Pakistan. It concludes that Islamic Financial System may be adopted as alternative financial system as well as corporate governance mechanism may be converged to western corporate governance features in Pakistan. However, while doing so Islamic norms may act as a litmus test which may not be as problematic as it appears at first sight.

Ardhe-e-Quran (The Land and Nation in the Quran) is one of the major parts of Quranic studies which means the description of those lands or nations in the Quran which have been traveled and observed. The Shariah scholars of the Muslim world whether classical or contemporary have made these observations of “Ardhe-e-Quran”. In this regard, the scholars of India have also made a significant contribution. Travel of the pass-outs of Jamia Dar-ul-Uloom Haqqania to these places and cities is also a part of this series. Especially Maulana Sher Ali Shah has lived in Arab countries and then he has made a regular journey to these places mentioned in the Qur'an. He observed Qur'anic places from Baitullah to Baitul Muqaddas.His travelogues, especially regarding Syria, contain useful information. The land of Syria is the blessed land, here is Jerusalem, in which Allah Almighty has created spiritual and spiritual charm when Maulana Dr. Sher Ali Shah visited this blessed city. He toured the city and observed the Quranic places. Maulana Dr. Sher Ali Shah went on Hajj by land on foot in 1966. After receiving permission from the embassies of Iran, Jordan, and Iraq, he reached Haramain on his way. After entering Iraq on January 2, 1967, he arrived in Baghdad, stayed there, and toured historical sites, then went to Jerusalem and observed the holy places there. The golden impressions of this journey, the observations of the historical places and the details of Hajj he has written under the title of “Chand din Masjid Aqsa ki Fidhaon me (A few days in spiritual surroundings of Al-Aqsa Mosque)" and "In the luminous surroundings of the Harmain". In these journeys, He also observed the land of the Qur'an and the holy places, besides ancient libraries and Makhtootat. Maulana Dr. Saeed-ul-Haq Jadoon and Mufti Bakht Shaid have written a two-volume book on the life and services of Maulana Sher Ali Shah Madani entitled "Maulana Sher Ali Madani: Life and services”. In this book, Maulana Dr. Saeed-ul-Haq Jadoon has written a separate chapter on the “Observations and research on Ardh-e-Quran by Dr. Sher Ali Shah”. In which Maulana Sher Ali Shah Madani has given a detailed discussion on these observations. In this regard, the researcher has intended to enlighten his analytical study on the topic of Ardh-e-Quran.

Syzygium cumini L. (Jamun) is a Pakistani indigenous plant, which exhibits various diseases biological activities including antidiabetic, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, and even diuretic. The present work was carried out to provide a scientific justification to its use in folk medicine. In the current research work, the crude methanol extract and subsequent fractions of S. cumini fruits were subjected to phytochemical studies, along with urease, α-glucosidase, and phosphodiesterase inhibition profiling. Results showed that the plant is a rich source of various classes of compounds such as alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols, glycosides, saponins, and tannins. In addition, results indicated that the crude extract and fractions significantly inhibit the aforementioned enzymes at tested concentrations. The observed urease inhibitory activity (IC50 values) of methanol, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and chloroform were 10.17 ± 1.00, 7.09 ± 2.00, 8.32 ± 1.76, and 12.23 ± 1.09 µg, respectively. Similarly, the crude methanol extract, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and n-butanol factions exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC50 values of 129.98 ± 1.23, 702.74 ± 1.65, 430.21 ± 1.98, and 650.11 ± 1 0.00 µg, respectively, as compared to the standard. On the other hand, the ethyl acetate and n-butanol factions showed excellent phosphodiesterase inhibitory effect with IC50 values of 270.77 ± 1.98 and 87.09 µg, respectively. The antagonistic effect of these samples is attributed to the presence of different phytochemicals. Moreover, the inhibition of these enzymes provided a sound scientific backup to the mentioned folklores.

The study had explored the cognitive, non-cognitive and vocational skill required by the Pakistani organizations and found that there are various dimension that employer are interested among their potential employee. It was observed that Non cognitive are the more deficient one among the focused and as per gender is concerned their little response as per all skills however on Non-cognitive skills a bet more maturity exist among female candidates whereas the confidence level and lower literacy rate disturb their response on job market. Curriculum covering the Field specific theoretical and practical knowledge there is rare convergence on field specific practical knowledge. The study reveals a higher attention on industry academia collaboration through developing a high level of university-Industry linkages.

Field experiments were conducted on wheat during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 under rainfed conditions. The statistical significance between treatment means was determined at 5% significance level. Data were recorded on weed density, protein, fat and ash contents of wheat grains. Weed density in shallow tillage was highest (20.67 m−2) while it was lowest (14.23 m−2) in deep tillage. In weed control factor, weed density was highest in weedy check (33.10 m−2), followed by parthenium aqueous extract (21.50 m−2), and lowest (6.79 m−2) in plots treated with Affinity (isoproturon + carfentrazone). Results showed that the highest crude protein content (10.88%) was recorded in deep tillage, while lowest (10.45%) in shallow tillage, indicating that tillage depths have an impact on wheat grains protein content. For weed control factor, the crude protein content was highest (11.98%) in Affinity treated plots, followed by herbicides, Buctril super (bromoxynil + MCPA) (11.44%) and Puma super (fenoxaprop-p-ethyl) (11.12%). Hence, the control measures also affected crude protein content of wheat grains, which is also obvious from the weedy check where wheat grains crude protein content was lowest (9.73%). The two years combined data analysis also showed the highest crude fat content (1.75%) in deep tillage treatments followed by normal tillage (1.67%) and lowest fat content (1.53%) in shallow tillage. For ash content, the highest content (3.03%) was with Affinity herbicide treatments, followed by Buctril super (2.74%) and Puma super (2.48%) herbicides. In conclusion, both the tillage and herbicides indicated positive effects on the nutritive status of wheat grains.

Life imprisonment without parole and commutation (LWOP) came under Ninth Amendment to the 1997 Criminal Law of Peoples Republic of China as a proviso to the suspended death penalty for corruption crimes. The legislative intent given for the arrival of new punishment depicts LWOP as a solution for the disparity in a suspended death sentence, controlling judicial discretion and proportional punishment for corruption which is debated as not an exhaustive and compelling justification. The manuscript addresses a substantive question; if LWOP is suitable for the criminal justice system in China? And is answered under three normative claims, namely necessity, effectiveness, and humanness.The examination of the topic contends LWOP is more of an effective tool in broader anti-corruption strategy than a need for domestic utilization.LWOP in China gives no hope of release and stands inconsistent with Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights

A greenhouse experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Shen Lasht, Chitral during 2016-17. There were five different locations in district Chitral from where the soil samples were collected which included Drosh, Shen Lasht, Garam Chashma, Ayun and BoonyLasht. A total of 300 samples were collected from all locations with 60 samples from each location. The 300 soil samples collected were placed in trays of medium sizes i.e. 27 cm x 21 cm x 4 cm = 2268 cm3. The trays were arranged in three repetitions having 100 samples in each repetition. Each repetition of 100 samples contained samples from 5 locations, in each location 4 sites (east, west, north and south each at 100 m distance from each other) and at each site samples were collected from 5 different depths, making a total of 100 samples in one repetition i.e. 5 x 4 x 5 = 100 and with repetitions making a total of 300 samples in one district. The results indicated that in the soil samples of district Chitral a total of 31 noxious weeds were recorded. Out of the 31 different weeds, 23 were broad leaves, eight were grasses and one was sedge. In another angle, 24 weeds were annuals while the rest were perennials out of the 31 weeds identified. A total of 17 different plant families were represented by the weeds recorded in the soil samples of Chitral region. Among the different locations of Chitral, the highest weed seed bank was recorded in the soil samples of ARS Shen Lasht area. Weed seed banks have always been higher in areas with mild winters, where the Shen lasht area is having milder winters as compared to the other areas in Chitral. The lowest seed bank was recorded in the soil samples of Garam Chashma, which was however statistically at par with the rest of the locations studied in Chitral. As far as the seed banks in the depths are concerned, largest weed seed bank was observed in the depth of 6 to 12 cm. The smallest seed bank was at the depth of 30 cm followed by the depth of 24 and 18 cm. Therefore, it is evident that the major weed seed bank lies in the upper 6-12 cm depth of the soil. In case of the interaction, the largest weed seed bank was recorded at ARS Sheen lasht at the depth of upper 6 cm of the soil profile whereas the weed seed bank was very low below the 12cm depth of soil upto 30 cm in the Garam Chashma area of Chitral. Out of the total 31 weeds recorded in soil samples of Chitral, the top 10 weeds in terms of the relative weed densities, relative weed frequencies and importance value indices were Convolvulus arvensis, Rumex crispus, Poa annua, Galium aparine, Avenafatua, Trianthemaportulacastrum, Silybum marianum, Sorghumhalepense, Euphorbia helioscopia, and Loliumtenulentumspecies. The IVI values for these weeds were 14.01, 13.96, 13.07, 11.83, 11.57, 11.12, 10.35, 10.09, 10.02, and 9.99, respectively. Moreover, these IVIs indicate that out of the topmost 10 problematic weeds eight weeds are broad leaved and two are grassy weeds.

This article examines the doctrine of just and equitable winding as a minority shareholders' remedy in Pakistan. This is a residual remedy and developed with the passage of time for the protection of minority shareholders in the UK. The courts in the UK have established different views regarding circumstances in which remedy may be sought. In some cases, the court held that the jurisdiction of winding up is not different from unfair prejudice. Therefore, this article will further discuss the possibility of seeking remedy viz a viz other minority shareholders’ protection mechanism such as remedy against unfair prejudice.This article is based on qualitative research. The doctrinal and comparative research methods have been applied in the research. This article concludes that the remedy of winding up on just and equitable grounds may be effective only when the grounds for seeking remedy are wider than the unfair prejudice remedy