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The Biochemistry Section at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) in Faisalabad served as the research hub for our study throughout 2020-21. We delved into the antioxidants and biochemical parameters found in an array of fruits including peach (Prunus persica), grapes (Vitis vinifera), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), lychee (Litchi chinensis), fig (Ficus carica), plum (Prunus domestica), sweet lime (Citrus limetta), Kuranda (Carissa carandas), kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), and pear (Pyrus communis). These fruits offer vital nutrition like Vitamin C, ranging from 2.49 in fig to 48.7 in sweet lime, mineral matter is minimum (0.34%) in pear and maximum 6.19% in Lychee, crude fiber was highest (7.26%) in kuranda and lowest (0.82%) in Grapefruit, crude fat was less than 1 in all the fruits except kuranda having crude fat 1.66%. crude protein was also less than one in most of the fruits under study except Fig (2.05%), Plum (3.33%) and Kuranda (1.16%). Total antioxidants were higher in Peach (94.1%) followed by Plum (88.5%), Sweet lime (84.6%) and Fig (83.9%) while lowest value was observed in Kuranda (10.4%). Their adequate consumption not only fortifies the immune system but also serves as a shield against afflictions. Phenols packed abundantly within fruits, stand out as some of the most nutrient-rich components. Total phenols were ranging from 13.8 µg GAE/mL (Grapefruit) to 1182.5 µg GAE/mL (Kuranda). Total sugar lies between 6% (Plum) to 14.3% (Luchee). This paper delves deep into an exhaustive analysis of bioactive compounds, exploring their antioxidant capacities within the most widely cultivated fruits. Our exploration identifies that all the fruits are useful due to one or more nutritious elements. Our findings conclusively advocate the regular consumption of fruits, emphasizing their pivotal role in fostering nutrition and safeguarding against diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) attracts great attention of the growers owing to its good taste, ample antioxidant potential and high nutriotional value. Potassium (K) plays vital role in many biochemical and physiological processes. Potassium application and its proper application time was tested in field experimenet for tomato yield and nutritional quality. The experiment site was the farm area of Biocemistry Section, Post Harvest Research Centre, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, during the year 2022. Seven treatments were applied on two tomato varieties (Nadir and Nagina) with 4 K-levels i.e. without any K (0-K), 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1. Potassium was applied as single basal dose at transplanting, as well as in two splits. Recommended nitrogen and phosphorus (150 and 90 kg ha-1, respectively) were applied to all the treatments. The highest yield (24.80 t ha-1 ) and fresh fruit weight (86.3 g fruit-1) resulted in response of 90 kg of K ha-1 in two splits, albeit firmness (8.48 kg), total soluble solids (7.28 %), acidity (0.84%), total invert sugars (6.65 %), ascorbic acid (31.28 mg 100 g-1), mineral matter (1.99 %), lycopene (5.73 mg 100 g-1) and beta-carotene (237 µg 100 g-1) were recorded the highest with the application of 120 kg ha-1 potassium in two splits. Nadir was superior to Nagina with improved total invert sugars (6.31 %), mineral matter (1.89 %), lycopene (5.36 mg 100 g-1) and beta-carotene (229 µg 100 g-1). So, it is concluded that Nadir was a better variety than Nagina and 120 kg of K ha-1 showed good results with both the varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to assess the quality of carrot variety T-29 as affected by the application of potassium fertilizer. Potassium was applied @ 0, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 kg/ha and carrot was sown during the month of November of every year. The experiment was continued for consecutive three years i.e. 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 at research area of Biochemistry Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Pakistan. Yield data were collected and quality parameters pulp, juice, TSS, vitamin C, dry matter, total sugars and reducing sugars were determined. Results revealed that the application of K enhanced the yield and quality parameters. Root yield in various treatments ranged from 20.6 to 30.8 in 2017, 18.0 to 25.8 in 2018 and 17.5 to 27.8 t/ha in 2019, minimum in control and maximum at treatment where K was applied @ 120 kg/ha. Quality parameters like pulp, juice, mineral matter and vitamin-C did not affect significantly by the application of K while the total sugars were increased from 4.0 to 5.6, 4.7 to 5.5 and 5.5 to 6.8% (Minimum in control and maximum with 120 kg/ha K application) during the years 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively. Maximum antioxidant potential i.e. 75.2, 80.13 and 78.6 was found with potassium application of 120 kg/ha during all years. Pro vitamin A contents (3782 and 3706 μg/100g) were analyzed during 2018 and 2019, respectively where 100 kg/ha potassium was applied. In short, potassium application could be effective for carrot optimum yield and quality enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paediatric orbital trauma is uncommon, but it can be associated with significant morbidity. Traumatic pseudomeningocele is an infrequent complication of orbital trauma; it occurs due to an extradural collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that develops after a dural tear. Herein, we report a case of a seven-month-old male child who presented with eye swelling and suspicion of orbital cellulitis, along with a history of a road traffic accident. He was later diagnosed with traumatic orbital pseudomeningocele and underwent a left frontal craniotomy and duroplasty along with repair of medial orbital pseudomeningocele. Postoperatively, the child remained stable and resolution of proptosis was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current experiment was conducted during 2017-18 at Biochemistry Section, Post Harvest Research Center, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan to evaluate the effect of seasonal variations on the recovery and chemical composition of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) gel. Samples of aloe vera leaves were collected four times in a year, in the months of January, April, July and October of 2017 and 2018, and analyzed for various quality parameters. Results of two years studies were compiled and average values were calculated. Results indicated that seasonal variation had no significant effect on the recovery of gel and its chemical composition. There was no significant variation recorded in quality parameters throughout the year. On an average, gel recovery was 64.6 ± 3.05, 35.4 ± 3.07%. Average value for pH of gel was 4.62 ± 0.33, total soluble solids (TSS) 1.00 ± 0.25%, vitamin C 2.86 ± 0.79 mg/100g and antioxidant potential of aloe vera was 66.50± 1.25% and dry matter ranged from 2.48 to 2.75%. Crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, Cu, Zn, Fe and Ca were determined in dried leaves and the mean value of these parameters were 14.6 ± 0.75 %., 0.45 ± 0.12 %, 0.14 ± 0.04 %, 0.15 ± 0.2 %,16.0 ± 2.73 mg/kg, 3.03 ± 0.8 mg/kg, 110.7±19.9 mg/kg and 247.1 ± 22.5 mg/kg, respectively. Nitrogen free extract (NFE) or available carbohydrate ranged from 84.48 ± 0.70 to 84.93 ± 0.82 % with an average value of 84.70 ± 0.80 %. It was concluded that seasonal variation had no significant effect on the aloe vera leaf biochemical components like TSS, crude protein, vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is popular for its high medicinal value. It is a common table fruit and whole fruit contains important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Four pomegranate varieties (Pearl, Golden, Sultan, and Qandhari) were analyzed in the Biochemistry laboratory of Post Harvest Research Centre, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad Pakistan during the year 2021-2022. The results showed that juice carried a remarkably higher value of TSS (total soluble solids) ranging from 12.4% (Pearl) to 17.2 % (Sultan), total invert sugars were minimum (11.8%) in Golden and maximum (14.3%) in Sultan. The value of vitamin-C varies from 10.6 mg/100 mL (Qandhari) to 11.5 mg/100 mL (Pearl) and acidity ranges from 0.8% (Sultan) to 1.9% (Pearl). Sultan showed a higher value for total phenols and antioxidants (1111µg GAE L-1 and 43.5% DPPH inhibition respectively) and lowest in Pearl (1022µg GAE L-1 and 27.7% respectively). Peel powder of different varieties carry a different percentage of crude fat and crude fiber but Sultan is statistically at par with Qandhari but significantly higher than pearl. Ash/mineral matter was significantly different in different varieties. Sultan was better than other varieties having ash contents of 3.67%. The lowest value was observed in Golden (2.7%). Keeping in view the current results Sultan was better than Pearl and Golden and comparable to Qandhari. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted at Biochemistry Section, Post Harvest Research Centre, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2011-13 to evaluate different mung bean varieties/ lines for their quality characteristics like proximate composition, phosphorus contents and yield. Grain samples of two local varieties (AZRI-Mung 2006 and NM-2006) and four promising lines (M-6, No. 07007, No. 98004 and No. 97001) were collected and analyzed for dry matter, Nitrogen free (NFE) moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fiber, phosphorus and using standard testing methods. Results revealed that maximum grain yield (986 t/ha) was recorded in Line No. 98004 and minimum (801 t/ha) in NM-2006. However dry matter (95.19%), ash (4.00%), crude fiber (3.66%), crude protein (25.61%) and phosphorus contents (0.36%) were higher in AZRI-Mung-2006 as compared to other varieties/ lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted at Biochemistry Section, Post Harvest Research Centre, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 to evaluate different varieties/lines of sorghum fodder for hydrocyanic acid and crude protein contents. Ten varieties i.e. JS- 2001, JS-263, Hegari F-9601, F-9603, F-9706, BS-1, SS-1, SS-2 and Jowar-86 were sown in randomized complete block design with three replications. Recommended dose of NP fertilizers was applied to the crop each year. Crop was harvested at maturity, green fodder yield was recorded and samples were analyzed for HCN and crude protein contents. On mean basis the results revealed significant differences among varieties for better yield, HCN and crude protein contents. Variety JS-2001 produced the highest green fodder (70.9 t/ha) while variety SS-2 gave the lowest (51.1 t/ha). Hydrocyanic acid contents ranged from 255.4 ppm (F-9601) to 346.6 ppm (Hegari). However, these values were within safe limit of 500 ppm. Crude protein contents ranged from 4.4 to 5.1 percent. Variety JS-263, Hegari and F-9603 showed the highest value (5.1 %) against the lowest by F-9706 and JS-2001 (4.4 %). On overall basis varieties JS- 2001 due to higher green fodder yield and low HCN contents and JS-263 with higher crude protein contents and higher fodder yield were found comparatively better than all other varieties/lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of root exudates has long been under estimated, presumably of being concealed in nature. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and compost inhabiting bacteria (CIB) interact with plant to regulate root exudation. Present study was conducted at Biochemistry Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2018 to check antifungal effect of PGPR and CIB tested against fungal pathogen, (Fusarium oxysporum) with maize crop. Root exudates were collected and analyzed by high performance laquid chromatography (HPLC) to get an insight of their chemical composition. Our results indicated that conidial germination of pathogen was significantly decreased while bacterial population enhanced by exudates of those plant roots which were treated with bacterial consortium. Analysis of root exudates revealed that composition of root exudates of co-inoculated plants, differ not only from the exudates of pathogen free plants but also from the un-inoculated controls referring to only pathogen inoculated plants. Salicylic acid (upto 83%), chlorogenic acid (upto 46%) and caffeic acid (upto 61%), along with higher quantities of malliec acid (upto 24%) were found in exudation of bacterial treated plants. The increase in concentration of specific secondary metabolites might have a role in inducing systemic resistance in the maize against seedling blight (Fusarium oxysporum). In conclusion, this study illustrates the disease resistance mechanism on the basis of plant-microbe communication and helps to devise suitable strategies against fusarium-mediated blight of maize plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of awareness, current use and intention to use of e-cigarettes among adult smokers., Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from July to August 2016, and comprised people aged above 18 years who had smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Convenience sampling method was used. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis.., Results: Of the 387 participants, 359(92.8%) were male. The overall mean age was 32.4±12.6 years. Moreover, 215(55.5%) respondents belonged to the middle socio-economic class. Besides, 249(64.3%) respondents were aware of e-cigarettes while 39(10.1%) used them, and 81(20.9%) wanted to use them. Socio-economic status was the best predictor for awareness about e-cigarettes (p<0.001), while gender (p=0.001), occupation