Population Variation and Food Habits of Ranid Frogs in the Rice-Based Cropping System in Gujranwala Region,Pakistan

The current study aims to investigate the population variation and food habits of ranid frogs in the rice-based cropping system in District Gujranwala,Pakistan.The population in the study area was estimated using capture,mark and release method whereas food habits of the species were studied by analysis of stomach contents.The results showed the highest average population was found during August 2009(93.10±18.64/ha) while the lowest from December 2008 to February 2009.Maximum seasonal populations existed in summer 2009,whereas winter 2008 sizes were at a minimum.Stomach content analysis of the species revealed percent frequency(% F) of occurrence of insects(80.3),earthworms(28.5),whole frogs(15.8),bone pieces(22.5),rodents(1.66),vegetation(5.0),soil particles(13.3) and some unidentified material(7.5) in all the stomach samples.Most frequently consumed prey items were insects(30% by volume),although frogs also preyed upon conspecifics and rodents.Insects recovered from the stomach contents were identified as belonging to Orthoptera,Lepidoptera,Coleoptera,Diptera,Odonata and Homoptera as well as the class Archnida.Insects recovered from the stomach contents were compared to those captured from the study area.

Synthesis,Characterization,Biological and Docking Simulations of 4-(Benzylideneamino) Benzoic Acids

The present research paper presents the synthesis, characterization, biological and computational studies of 4-(benzylideneamino) benzoic acid derivatives(3a~3g). Derivatives 3a~3c displayed best antidiabetic potential with a glucose-lowering effect compared to the reference drug Glibenclamide. Biochemical parameters including plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase levels showed significant alterations in concentrations relative to the control. Similarly, the derivatives 3a, 3d and 3e displayed potent in vitro antibacterial potential. Molecular docking simulations delineated that the ligands and complexes were stabilized at the active site by electrostatic and hydrophobic forces, consistent with the corresponding experimental results. In silico study of the binding pattern predicted that the synthesized ligands, 3d and 3a could serve as a potential surrogate for hit-to-lead generation and the design of novel antibacterial drugs.