Abstract In order to ascertain physicochemical and nutraceutical attributes, indigenous guava (Psidium guajava L.) cultivars were comprehensively characterized. Eight cultivars namely Gola, Chota Gola, Surahi, Choti Surahi, Sufaida, Sdabahar, Lal Badshah and Karela were selected due to their climatic adaptability and commercial suitability. All the cultivars showed significant variations in terms of their studied quality attributes. Amongst physical characteristics, Gola exhibited highest (79.9 mm3) GMD with lowest (50.3 mm3) was estimated in Choti Surahi. Insignificant varietal differences were observed in most of the proximate parameters as well as in mineral contents. Nutraceutical estimations showed significant variation in ascorbic acid (222.26-289.43 mg/100 g), total phenolic contents (94.06-190.64 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid contents (81.30-154.19 mg QE/100 g) and radical scavenging activity (27.70-78.15%) in the selected cultivars. A highly significant correlation (R2 = 0.9970 p < 0.05) was observed between ascorbic acid and radical scavenging activity. In sensory evaluation, Gola received over all maximum scores (8.8) amongst its counterparts. Processed data were then analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). The combination of PCA and HCA yielded in a sufficient discrimination of the examined guava cultivars. In PCA analysis, first two PCA components explained 65.98% of the total variation. Dendrogram successfully classified the tested cultivars into three major groups featuring dissimilarities amongst the cultivars. Research outcome will provide baseline for the farmers, researchers, exporters and other stalk holders to realize the ultimate potential of indigenous guava cultivars for their appropriate commercial utilization.

Abstract Fruits and vegetables (F and V) are valuable for their micronutrients, but many F and V in diverse growth areas have not been scientifically validated for these components. The nutraceutical characteristics of the pulp of eight citrus fruits grown in Pakistan were, therefore, investigated. Expectedly, the fruits differed in moisture (86.9-88.9%), ash (0.37-0.53%), pH (2.9-5.8), total soluble solids (8.1-13.7 °Brix), titratable acidity (7.9-13.1%), total sugars (5.1-8.8%), reducing sugars (2.8-4.3%), and non-reducing sugars (0.3-0.5%) contents. Potassium, sodium and magnesium were the major minerals, while iron, zinc and manganese were present in minor fractions in the pulps. Phytochemical analysis (total phenolic content, 132-243 µg/g GAE; total flavonoids content, 4.2-12.1 µg/g QE; vitamin C, 36.3-62.3 mg/100 g) revealed antioxidant potential that was confirmed by a high 1, 1-diphenyl 1-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, showing a highly positive correlation (r2 > 0.921, 0.917, 0.807 p > 0.05) with the measured antioxidant components (Total Phenolics, Total Flavonoids and vitamin C). Principal component analysis shows a significant relationship between the citrus varieties and their quality parameters to guide their industrial potential as sources of nutraceuticals.

Abstract The number of attributes, related to the selection of potato varieties, was evaluated with reference to their potential in chip processing. Five commercial varieties of potato were analyzed regarding their physico-chemical, functional, and processing aspects. In general, Lady Rosetta subsequently, Chipsona were the most noticeable potato varieties considering their physical attributes. A significant correlation (R = 0.925) was estimated amongst geometric mean diameter and surface area. Maximum dry matter and starch contents were observed in Lady Rosetta followed by Chipsona. Desiree showed higher fat, sugar and mineral contents than all other selected potato cultivars. Promising correlation (R= 0.952) was estimated among total minerals and ash contents. Functional traits were recorded maximum in Desiree followed by Lady Rosetta. A significant correlation (R = 0.907) was described between total phenolic contents and radical scavenging activity. Lady Rosetta proved to be the most preferred potato variety considering post processing parameters followed by Chipsona.

Resumen A partir de una sospecha de sarna sarcóptica en tres de cinco conejos albinos europeos (Oryctolagus cuniculus), mantenidos con fines experimentales, se hizo un examen general que reveló áreas multifocales de alopecia alrededor de los ojos, las fosas nasales y los labios. Se procesaron cortes de piel y un análisis de PCR con el objeto de identificar los ácaros. La histopatología de los cortes de piel mostró epidermis erupcionada y estrato córneo con una infiltración de células inflamatorias. El raspado o frotis de piel reveló la presencia de ácaros tanto en adultos como en huevos. Al examen microscópico, los ácaros adultos fueron identificados como Sarcoptes (S.) scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae). El análisis de muestras de los tres casos por PCR reveló una banda de 311 pb confirmando la infestación de S. scabiei en los conejos. La infección en conejos con S. scabiei puede representar un problema de salud pública de transmisión indirecta debida a la manipulación de conejos infestados. Hasta la presente, este es el primer reporte de infección por S. scabiei en conejos de Pakistán.

Abstract Sarcoptic mange was suspected in three of five European albino rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) kept for experimental purposes. Gross examination revealed multifocal areas of alopecia around the eyes, nostrils and lips. Skin snips were processed using PCR for the molecular identification of the suspected mites. Histopathology of the skin snips showed erupted epidermis and stratum corneum with an infiltration of inflammatory cells. Skin scraping examination revealed the presence of adult mites as well as eggs. Microscopic taxonomy identified the adult mites as Sarcoptes (S.) scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae). The results of PCR indicated a 311 bp band from all the three cases, which confirmed the S. scabiei infestation in rabbits. Sarcoptes scabiei may be a public health concernthrough direct transmission from rabbits infested with S. scabiei through handling. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. scabiei infection in rabbits from Pakistan.

Nesse estudo, preparamos hidrogéis de polivinilpirrolidona/ácido acrílico(PVP/AA), sensíveis ao pH, por meio de método de polimerização de radical livre, com variações no conteúdo de monômero, de polímero e de agente de ligação cruzada. O inchamento foi realizado em soluções tampão fosfato USP pH 1,2, 5,5, 6,5 e 7,5, com força iônica constante. A estrutura reticular foi avaliada por diferentes parâmetros e o FTIR confirmou a formação de hidrogéis de ligação cruzada. A cristalografia de raios X mostrou dispersão molecular do cloridrato de tramadol. Realizou-se estudo de liberação do fármaco em soluções tampão fosfato pH 1,2, 5,5 e 7,5 para amostras selecionadas. Observou-se que o inchamento e a liberação do fármaco dos hidrogéis podem ser modificados mudando-se a composição e o grau de ligação cruzada dos hidrogéis em estudo. O coeficiente de inchamento foi alto em pH mais altos, exceto para um deles com alto conteúdo de PVP. A liberação do fármaco aumentou com o aumento do pH do meio e do conteúdo em AA nos hidrogéis, enquanto que o aumento na concentração do agente de ligação cruzada apresentou efeito oposto. A análise do mecanismo de liberação do fármaco revelou transporte não Fickiano do tramadol dos hidrogéis.

In this study, we fabricated pH-sensitive polyvinylpyrrolidone/acrylic acid (PVP/AA) hydrogels by a free-radical polymerisation method with variation in the content of monomer, polymer and cross-linking agent. Swelling was performed in USP phosphate buffer solutions of pH 1.2, 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5 with constant ionic strength. Network structure was evaluated by different parameters and FTIR confirmed the formation of cross-linked hydrogels. X-ray crystallography showed molecular dispersion of tramadol HCl. A drug release study was carried out in phosphate buffer solutions of pH 1.2, 5.5 and 7.5 for selected samples. It was observed that swelling and drug release from hydrogels can be modified by changing composition and degree of cross-linking of the hydrogels under investigation. Swelling coefficient was high at higher pH values except for the one containing high PVP content. Drug release increased by increasing the pH of the medium and AA contents in hydrogels while increasing the concentration of cross-linking agent had the opposite effect. Analysis of the drug release mechanism revealed non-Fickian transport of tramadol from the hydrogels.