Flueggea suffruticosa (Pall.) Baill. (Phyllanthaceae) is a medicinally significant shrub in traditional medicine, yet its genomic resources remain scarce. In this study, we reported the first complete chloroplast genome of F. suffruticosa, assembled de novo from Illumina NovaSeq 6000 paired-end sequencing data. The 157,521 bp genome exhibited a typical quadripartite structure, consisting of two inverted repeats (26,082 bp each), a large single-copy region (86,561 bp), and a small single-copy region (18,796 bp). It encoded 112 unique genes, including 78 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and 4 rRNA genes. Codon usage was biased toward A/T, with leucine being the most abundant and cysteine the least frequent amino acid. Phylogenomic analysis of 78 shared protein-coding genes from 28 Phyllanthaceae species resolved several well-supported tribal clades. Flueggea suffruticosa formed a robust subclade with two accessions of Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Royle within Phyllantheae. Notably, Phyllanthus L. was found to be polyphyletic due to the nested positions of Breynia J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. and Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G. Forst., reaffirming the long-standing taxonomic complexities within the tribe. The complete chloroplast genome of F. suffruticosa offers a valuable genomic resource for future evolutionary, phylogenetic, and conservation studies within Flueggea and the broader Phyllanthaceae family. (c) 2025 National Science Museum of Korea (NSMK) and Korea National Arboretum (KNA). Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

A total of Twenty two (22) 22 ) derivatives of benzohydrazide bearing Schiff base have been synthesized, characterized through 1 HNMR, 13 C NMR and screened against cholinesterase inhibitory potentials. All the adducts ( 1-22 ) showed varying degree of cholinesterase inhibitory potential IC50 50 ranging between 13.23 f 0.02 to 59.09 f 1.22 mu M against acetylcholinesterase, with IC50 50 values ranging from 23.55 f 0.32 to 61.55 f 0.58 mu M against butyrylcholinesterase. Among the series analogs 1, 3, 8, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 22 with IC50 50 values 20.05 f 0.13, 17.32 f 0.15, 14.32 f 0.97, 23.33 f 0.56, 18.02 f 0.09, 19.05 f 0.13, 15.11 f 0.23, 13.23 f 0.02, and 22.57 f 0.09 mu M respectively showed excellent inhibitory potential against acetylcholinesterase and with IC50 50 values 31.46 f 0.98, 26.06 f 0.08, 25.33 f 1.49, 30.12 f 0.78, 28.11 f 0.5, 29.33 f 0.19, 25.37 f 0.47, 23.55 f 0.32 and 33.12 f 0.78 against butylcholinesterase as compared to the standard Galanthamine. All other analogs showed moderate inhibitory potential. A structure- activity relationship has been established for all compounds. Through molecular docking studies, the interactions between compounds with the enzyme active sites were confirmed.

The Afghan Taliban administration has precipitated a substantial shift in regional politics due to the power vacuum left in the wake of the US withdrawal. After the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan has witnessed immense economic challenges, political crises, and security challenges in Afghanistan. Consequently, the chaotic situation in Kabul generated a substantial threat to Pakistan’s security. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) threat spectrum for Pakistan and its Counter-Terrorism Policy in the post-US withdrawal era. This study adopted a purely qualitative method and collected primary data from the relevant experts through semi-structured interviews. Moreover, it comprehensively discusses and analyses Pakistan’s rising security concerns due to the reactivation of TTP in the post-US withdrawal period. The results expose that Pakistan faces various security challenges from Afghan soil in the post-US withdrawal. Unstable Afghanistan and TTP’s reactive mod on the Taliban conquering return some indispensable challenges for Pakistan’s security and stability. Finally, the findings of the study suggest that fostering cordial relations with the Afghan Taliban administration and proactive countering terrorism policies are crucial for Islamabad to preserve its security interests, particularly countering TTP’s threat. Afghanistan and Pakistan should adopt a collaborative approach and prioritize cooperation and mutual trust for eliminating the transborder terrorism to achieve. These practical measures will not only contribute to reducing radicalism, terrorism, and sectarianism but also achieve peace and prosperity on both sides.

The hybrid nanoparticles of nickel and copper oxide are optimized by varying synthetic conditions such as precursor salt concentration, rate of reagent addition, pH, and temperature. The resulting nanoparticles are characterized by using UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy. The control over composition and physical properties of these hybrid oxides are analyzed through careful variations in the synthetic parameters. UV-Vis analysis demonstrated the successful synthesis of NiO-CuO hybrid nanoparticles at various concentrations. NiO dominant hybrids are obtained by quick addition of the reagent and at higher pH, while CuO dominant hybrids require slower addition of reagent and lower pH. The increase in the temperature causes a hypochromic shift in the UV-Vis absorption, whereas fluorescence is enhanced with increase in the CuO concentration. The fluorescence generally remained stable by varying time of reagent addition, pH, and temperature. More stable and least-sized NiO-CuO hybrid nanoparticles are obtained at ratios of 75 : 25 and 25 : 75, by quick addition of reagent, at higher pH levels, and at higher temperatures. A better understanding of their physical and optical properties obtained by varying synthetic parameters may potentially result in their enhanced applications. NiO-CuO hybrid nanoparticles with higher stability and smaller size are obtained at 75 : 25 and 25 : 75 concentration ratio of precursor salts, where the optimal conditions for hybrids are higher temperature, basic pH, and quick addition of reagent. NiO dominant hybrids are obtained by quick addition of reagent at higher pH, whereas CuO dominant hybrids require slower addition of reagent and lower pH. image

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a well-known neurological disease that affects a lot of older people around the world. Many single-targeted medicines that have reached clinical trials have failed because AD is a complex illness. Because of this, many things about AD have been taken into account when making targeted drugs. We have designed and synthesised thiosemicarbazone derivatives (1-14), and against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes. All derivatives demonstrated varying degrees of inhibition, ranging from 0.40 +/- 0.05 to 17.30 +/- 0.20 mu M (AChE) & 1.50 0.10 to 37.40 0.30 mu M (BuChE) as compared to reference drug donepzil (IC50 = 2.16 +/- 0.12 & 4.5 +/- 0.11 M respectively). Most effective in the entire series for AChE and BuChE is derivative 6 (IC50 = 0.40 +/- 0.05 & 1.50 +/- 0.10 mu M, respectively). To study how most potent compounds interacted with active site of enzymes, molecular docking study was carried out.

Persimmon is a climacteric fruit and very perishable. Changes in several physiological attributes greatly affect its quality and market value. The current study was designed to assess the effect of chitosan solution (an edible coating material that can improve postharvest performance) on physico-chemical attributes of persimmon fruit during storage. Persimmon fruits were harvested, cleaned and then dipped in various chitosan concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) for 5, 10 and 15 min. The treated fruits were stored at 25–29°C, 55–70% RH for 28 days. Results indicated that fruits coated with 3% chitosan solution had maximum volume, firmness, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity and minimum juice, TSS, pH, TSS/acid ratio, decay incidence and weight loss. Similarly, the performance was better in fruits dipped for 15 min. It was concluded that persimmon fruits dipped in 3% chitosan solution for 15 min could improve its postharvest performance when stored under ambient condition.

The surface management of dental porcelain for different dental applications is an important procedure in dentistry. On one hand, we need rough and course surfaces for bonding purposes, and on the other hand, the surface of the dental porcelain needs to be glazed to acquire the best aesthetic appearance and strength. As pores and voids scatter the light and decrease the translucency and may initiate chipping off the material from high-stress points. Mainly the consolidation of the porcelain and elimination of porosity is achieved by sintering. The reduction of porosity is more dependent upon temperature than on time. Therefore, it is possible to attain optimum glazing at a comparatively faster rate by using energy delivery through laser irradiation. In this study, Nd: YAG laser is irradiated on porcelain samples in pellet form. After laser irradiation, a glazed and mechanically improved porcelain surface is obtained with no considerable change in its microstructure.

Planting patterns and different cultivars play a significant role in forage crops quality and productivity. Therefore, we conducted a field experiment under different planting patterns and cultivars to evaluate sorghum crop yield, yield components, and quality at Agronomic Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, in 2015. The experiment consists of three sorghum cultivars (Jawar 2002, Sorghum-2011, and JS-2002) with a seed rate of 75 kg ha-1 at different planting patterns (P1=60 cm × 20 cm, P2=50cm × 24 cm, and P3=340 cm × 30 cm). Results showed that sorghum 2011 resulted in higher growth and qualitative attributes than other cultivars. For example, increase in plant height (237.11 cm), dry weight plant-1 (40.61 g), forage yield (57.66 ton ha-1), crude protein contents (6.12 %), fiber contents (32.12 %) and ash contents (8.73%) was observed in sorghum 2011 as compared to other cultivars. Whereas, among planting pattern P3 (40 x 30 cm ) produced maximum plant height (236.33 cm), leaves plant-1( 13.66), stem diameter (1.09 cm), forage yield (55.52 ton ha-1), dry matter yield (18.53 ton ha-1) and crude protein contents (6.06 %) as compared to P1 and P2. This study suggested that the cultivar sorghum 2011 with a planting pattern of 40 x 30 cm is a promising option to improve yield, yield components and quality of sorghum crop.

Pain and damage to tissue structure is frequently observed after surgical procedures. Management of postoperative pain has always been remained a challenge to surgeons because of its detrimental effect on patient’s satisfaction, early mobilization and regaining of functionality. Objective: To compare the analgesic efficacy of diclofenac suppository with injection tramadol 100 mg for postoperative pain relief after abdominal surgeries. Methods: This Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial was conducted upon a sample of 98 patients, aged 12 to 60 years and undergoing abdominal surgery (elective and emergency) divided into two groups (Group A: Diclofenac Suppositories 100 mg, and Group B: Injection Tramadol 100 mg), of 49 patients each. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used for measuring the severity of pain at 0, 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours, following surgeries. Results: The mean age of the sample stood at 31 (SD ± 03) years, with most of the sample comprising of males (72.45%). Postoperative pain was experienced by patients in both groups, with group A reporting less severe pain than group B but no statistical difference was found between the severity. Conclusion: After careful consideration, it may be concluded that both agents, namely Diclofenac Suppositories 100 mg, and Injection Tramadol 100 mg are efficacious at managing the postoperative pain hence both may be used interchangeably or in conjunction among patients undergoing abdominal surgeries.

This study encompasses the evaluation of mechanical, and electrical properties of PVA-MWCNT-based thin film composites (TFC) in the presence of Li2SO4. The PVA-MWCNT-based TFC is obtained using solvent casting technique while the characterization is carried out through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Tensile testing techniques is used for measuring mechanical properties such as elasticity, tensile strength, elongation, hardness and fracture toughness of the PVA-MWCNT-based TFC. Additionally, the tensile strength has increased from 47.8 N.m− 2 to 80.0 N.m− 2, whereas elongation at break has improved from 80.8 to 124.2 mm. Ac Impedance spectroscopy is applied to study the electrical properties of PVA-MWCNT-based TFC. Thermal studies via TGA shows that the addition of lithium salt has positive effect on the thermal stability of the based PVA-MWCNT-based TFC. The XRD results shows a decrease of crystallinity of PVA-MWCNTs-based TFC on the addition of lithium salts (Li2SO4). Subsequently, a smooth surface morphology of all the composites, bearing no holes or roughness in SEM micrograph confirmed a well dispersion of MWCNTs and Li2SO4 salt in PVA matrix. During Mechanical study, an increase in the value of young modulus, tensile strength, and elongation break are observed with the addition lithium salt. Ac Impedance results show an increase in conductivity of PVA-MWCNTs-based TFC. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and dielectric tangent loss properties of the PVA-MWCNT-based TFC also enhanced with the increase in lithium salts.

In the last two decades, much have been written on Balochistan and the Baloch ethnonational movement but none examined the rise and fall of the Baloch national movement and the internal divisions amongst the contending Baloch tribes and the covert roles played by different actors of the time. Thus, this paper aims to fill this gap and it critically evaluate the rise and fall of Baloch nationalism during the British era, 1839 to 1947-48. It discusses the advent of the British to Balochistan and their policies towards the Khanate of Kalat. The paper also recounts the internal division between the various and contending Baloch tribes as well as the covert role played by the members of the ruling family of Kalat, the Kalat administration, and the Baloch Sardars. The main argument of this research revolves around the conundrum of internal division amongst the contending Baloch tribes and the dual role played by the Khan (the ruler of Kalat) that weakens the Khanate of Kalat, which ultimately incorporated into the Pakistani federation in 1948.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting are one of the most common complaints following anesthesia and surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone and metoclopramide to prevent postoperative vomiting (POV) in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Objective: To compare the efficacy of injection metoclopramide with injection dexamethasone for POV after abdominal surgeries. Methods: This Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial was conducted in ward 3, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi for one year., upon a sample of 98 patients, aged 12 to 60 years and undergoing abdominal surgery (elective and emergency) divided into two groups (Group A: Injection Metoclopramide 10 mg, and Group B: Injection Dexamethasone 8mg), of 49 patients each. The incidence of POV were recorded during the first 24 h postoperatively. Results: The mean age of the sample stood at 31 (SD ± 03) years, with most of the sample comprising of males (72.45%). Vomiting was noted in both groups, with group a reporting vomiting among 07 individuals and group B reporting vomiting among 09 individuals. There was no statistical difference between the incidences of vomiting in both groups. Conclusion: After careful consideration, it may be concluded that both agents, namely metoclopramide and dexamethasone are efficacious at minimizing the incidence of POV and hence both may be used interchangeably or in conjunction among patients undergoing abdominal surgeries

The use of ceramics in dentistry is increasing day by day owing to their more aesthetic look, better mechanical properties, and easy-to-fit approach. The material used in the study is IPS e.max Ceram by Ivoclar Vivadent which has been widely adopted as the ceramic of choice by many dentists as it is ideally suitable for the veneering of more opaque substructures. The study aims to elucidate the result of Nd: YAG pulsed laser irradiation at different numbers of pulses on structure, surface morphology, and hardness of e.max Ceram dental material. XRD shows the amorphous nature of the material before the laser irradiation, whereas the crystallinity in the material is slightly induced after the exposure of e.max Ceram with 150 laser shots. The surface morphology and hardness degradation are attributed to the swelling potential of the material and induced increase of the residual micro-stresses during laser irradiation. This technique could provide more ease for bonding and de-bonding of orthodontic brackets and might be used as a chairside tool.

Pure Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) and gold (Au) decorated (Au-ZnO) hetero-nanostructures were synthesized using green-synthesis method employing pecan nuts (Carya illinoinensis) leaves extract as reducing agent. The structural and optical properties studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and UV-vis spectrophotometer (UV-vis). Structural modification with the introduction of Au in ZnO have been confirmed by the XRD and TEM results. UV data confirmed the decrease in Au-ZnO energy band-gap E-g value, which validates the formation of hetero-structure. The modulation of energy band-gap causes visible light absorption and hence enhances the photodegradation activity of Au-ZnO. Photocatalytic activity was carried-out by degradation of RhB dye under UV light irradiation in aqueous solution. The maximum degradation of 95 % was obtained during the time of 180 min for the basic pH of the dye. The Enhanced degradation in Au-ZnO as compared with bare ZnO NPs, was attributed to Au, which controls the amount of electron and suppress electron-hole ratio at ZnO surface. In the recycling study of the Au-ZnO Photocatalyst, the hetero-structure showed good stability up to five cycles.

This paper aims to explore the geo-political implications of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the region which have been witnessing human sufferings, political marginalization, economic instability and foreign intervention since 1990s. The paper finds that the geopolitical significance of the region and geo-strategic vested interests of the regional and extra-regional powers have enticed and stimulated the conflict to be sharpened. The paper also addressed the question that why Armenian and Azeri regimes failed to design a bilateral mechanism that could resolve the conflict with collective efforts, deny the foreign intervention and encouraged bilateral economic and political cooperation. The paper is qualitative in nature which explored and investigated different historical events, facts and incidents of Nagorno-Karabakh in order to find out its regional geo-political impacts on the region at large. The paper also tried to find out a way-forward that could address the issue via political and diplomatic means.

Introduction Gallstones are deposits of digestive fluid that is hardened into small pellets. Gallstones can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. The present study assessed the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients under the age of 30 years old with symptomatic gallstones. Methodology A prospective, observational study was conducted at Surgical Unit-3, at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Pakistan, from July 2020 to July 2021. All patients suspected of having gallstone disease underwent ultrasonic examination. A diagnosis of gallstone disease was made if the gallbladder showed a hyperechoic mass casting a posterior acoustic shadow, with a change of position. All of the patients with gallstone disease were hospitalized. The patients were asked about their age, past history (with special emphasis on last pregnancy and years of oral contraceptive use, if any), socioeconomic status, and other demographic data. The patients were treated with a cholecystectomy, either laparoscopic or open. Postcholecystectomy complications, if any, were recorded. Results A total of 210 patients under the age of 30 years were included. The mean age of patients was 25 ± 3 years. The majority of the population were females, i.e., 170 (81%). Upon assessing the risk factors, it was found that 31.84% of the female patients had used oral contraceptives, 32.96% were pregnant at the time of presentation, 20.48% had diabetes mellitus, and 27.14% had a history of gallstones. Furthermore, it was found that about 114 (54.29%) patients were overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 kg/m2. High triglyceride levels and high cholesterol levels were found in 108 (51.43%) and 115 (54.76%) of the patients, respectively, indicating a link between symptomatic gallstones and younger age. Conclusion Our study indicated that young people are prone to symptomatic gallstones. The rate of disease was considerably high among females and in patients with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and abnormal body mass index. Further exploratory studies are needed to determine the cause of gallstones.

In the present study, the effects of laser irradiation on microstructure, morphology and hardness of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (ZrO2) commercially known as ZirCAD are examined. Three specimen discs were cut from the ZirCAD block. After polishing two of them were irradiated by Nd: YAG pulsed laser, with 100 and 150 laser pulses respectively and the remaining one unexposed specimen was kept as a standard. The XRD analysis confirmed that no phase change occurred after laser irradiation however an increase in dislocation line density (DLD) was observed. The surface morphology was observed by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Laser irradiation initially caused the upper surface to melt therefore resulting in a smooth and glazed surface. Further increase in laser pulses produced porosity within the sample. The optical microscopy revealed that the crater size decreased and the heat-affected zone increased with the increased number of laser pulses. Vickers hardness was employed to observe the hardness of unirradiated and irradiated samples and a 32% increase in hardness was observed when the material was irradiated by 100 laser pulses. The glazed surface exhibited more hardness as compared to the unirradiated and porous surfaces. The improved surface morphology and high hardness achieved in this work with laser irradiation for ZirCAD ceramic are quite beneficial in dental applications.

The market demand for steviol glycosides (SGs) is gradually increasing worldwide due to their low-caloric nature. SGs are commonly added as a sweetener to various food items and are particularly useful for obese and diabetic patients. Production of SGs is predominantly obtained from the plant Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). Propagation of Stevia plants for SGs production is limited due to short-term viability of seeds and high labor demands for shoot multiplication. Adventitious root cultures (ARC) offer an alternative production system to whole plants for extraction of SGs. The overall objective of this study was to enhance the production of SGs in SRC of Stevia by differential sucrose feeding (05-50 g l- 1). A high concentration of sucrose (50 g l- 1) boosted biomass accumulation while a low concentration (10 g l- 1) enhanced biosynthesis of major SGs (stevioside and rebaudiosideA). A strongly positive correlation was found between biomass accumulation and phenolics and flavonoids production respectively. Furthermore, 20 g l- 1 to 40 g l- 1 sucrose stimulated dulcoside-A, phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. The results suggest that adventitious root cultures can be a viable option for large-scale production of SGs for industrial applications.

The lab experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of location on quality attributes and storage performance of Sweet orange (Blood red).The Sweet oranges were collected from four different locations i.e. location-1 (Torwarsak, Buner), location-2 (Rabat, Lower Dir), location-3 (Wartair, Malakand) and location-4 (Palai, Malakand), which were stored in three replications at room condition for 48 days and Complete Randomized Design was used during the post-harvest experiment.Data were recorded on fruit juice pH %, titratable acidity, percent juice content, Rind thickness, Rind weight loss, at 12 days intervals.The fruit juice pH showed an increasing trend from the start to the end of storage.While the juice content decreased with storage intervals.The maximum titratable acidity (1.97) was documented from Palai (Malakand) in freshly harvested fruits after 48 days of storage.The minimum rind thickness (0.66 mm) and the highest rind weight loss percentage (41.42%)was recorded after 48 days of storage.It is concluded that Sweet orange fruits from different locations can be best stored at room temperature (20±1 0 C with a relative humidity of 45-50 %).