COMPARISON OF HAEMODYNAMIC STABILITY WITH 0.5% AND 0.75% HYPERBARIC BUPIVACAINE DURING SPINAL ANAESTHESIA IN WOMEN UNDERGOING CAESAREAN SECTION

Objective: To compare the effect of 0.5% and 0.75% hyperbaric Bupivacaine on haemodynamic stability in terms of mean systolic blood pressure and heart rate recorded at 4 min in patients undergoing caesarian section in spinal anesthesia. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anaesthesiology, Combined Military Hospital, Malir, from Jul to Dec 2018. Methodology: The patients were assigned in two groups (A and B) using lottery method. Group A received 0.5% hyperbaric Bupivacaine solution. Group B received 0.5% hyperbaric Bupivacaine solution. Spinal anaesthesia was given, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 23. Both groups were compared for mean systolic blood pressure and heart rate by using independent sample t-test. Results: The mean age of patients was 29.62 ± 6.21 years in 0.75% Bupivacaine group while 29.31 ± 6.20 years in 0.5% Bupivacaine group. The mean systolic blood pressure of patients was 111.63 ± 5.96 mmHg in 0.75% Bupivacaine group while 117.16 ± 7.12 mmHg in 0.5% Bupivacaine group. The difference was significant in both groups (p-value <0.05). The mean heart rate of patients was 92.27 ± 4.71 beats per min (bpm) in 0.75% Bupivacaine group while 97.68 ± 4.58 bpm in 0.5% Bupivacaine group. The difference was significant in both groups (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: 0.5% hyperbaric Bupivacaine was better than 0.75% hyperbaric Bupivacaine solution in spinal anaesthesia during caesarean section.

Development of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy technique to study irrigation water quality impact on nutrients and toxic elements distribution in cultivated soil

This study is focused mainly on impact of irrigation water quality in cultivated soil on distribution of essentials nutrients (Al, Mg, Ca, Fe, S, Si, Na, P, and K) and relatively toxic metals (As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Ti, Sn, Mn, Ni, and Zn) using an elegant Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. A pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm in conjunction with suitable detector was applied to record soil emission spectra. The abundance of these elements were evaluated via standard calibration curve Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CC-LIBS) and calibration free Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) approaches. Quantitative analyses were accomplished under conjecture of local thermodynamic equilibrium (L.T.E) and optically thin plasma. The average electron temperatures were estimated by Boltzmann plot method for cultivated soil samples in 7800 to 9300 K range. The electron number density was ~ 1.11 × 1017 cm − 3 to 1.60 × 1017 cm − 3. Prior to application on soil samples, the experimental setup was optimized at the following parameters: pulsed energy = 60 mJpulse-1, sample to lens distance of 9.0 cm, and the gate delay of 3.5 μs. It is noteworthy that nutritional elements content of cultivated soils were found strongly dependent upon the irrigation water quality. The cultivated soil from industrial area was found rich of toxins while the cultivated land using tube well water contains toxins in least amount. Our LIBS findings were also validated by comparing its results with contents measured using a standard inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method and both were found in excellent agreement. The present study could be highly beneficial for agricultural applications and for farmers to produce safe food products and higher crops yield.

Comparative analysis of five Salvia species using LC-DAD-QToF

Several Salvia species, commonly known as sage plants, are an integral part of various culinary and folklore preparations for the perceived wide range of effects from organoleptic to psychological. As a result, many of these species are an integral part of botanical drug applications, highlighting the need for accurate identification and quality control for consumer's safety. Five closely related Salvia species (S. officinalis, S. miltiorrhiza, S. divinorum, S. mellifera, and S. apiana) within a same botanical family were analyzed and differentiated using LC-QToF. Accurate mass measurement (<5 ppm) of protonated and deprotonated molecules together with resulting fragments and product ions allowed unequivocal or tentative identification of more than 180 compounds either by comparison with reference standards or literature data. The leaf part were identified based on various phenolic acids, flavonoids as well as di- and tri-terpenoids. Polyphenolics, viz., salvianolic A/B and rosmarinic acids in S. officinalis, lipophilic diterpenoids, viz., tanshinones in S. miltiorrhiza, abietatriene diterpenes and triterpenoids (ursane-/olean-type) in S. mellifera, and S. apiana were identified as characteristic, significant components. In comparison, salvinorins and divinorins representing a class of neoclerodane diterpenoids were detected only in S. divinorum. The presented methodology can successfully be applied to qualitatively assess sage-based ingredients in various finished products and formulations.

Using Multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 for Suppression of Cotton Leaf Curl Virus

In recent decades, Pakistan has suffered a decline in cotton production due to several factors, including insect pests, cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), and multiple abiotic stresses. CLCuD is a highly damaging plant disease that seriously limits cotton production in Pakistan. Recently, genome editing through CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized plant biology, especially to develop immunity in plants against viral diseases. Here we demonstrate multiplex CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing against CLCuD using transient transformation in N. benthamiana plants and cotton seedlings. The genomic sequences of cotton leaf curl viruses (CLCuVs) were obtained from NCBI and the guide RNA (gRNA) were designed to target three regions in the viral genome using CRISPR MultiTargeter. The gRNAs were cloned in pHSE401/pKSE401 containing Cas9 and confirmed through colony PCR, restriction analysis, and sequencing. Confirmed constructs were moved into Agrobacterium and subsequently used for transformation. Agroinfilteration in N. benthamiana revealed delayed symptoms (3–5 days) with improved resistance against CLCuD. In addition, viral titer was also low (20–40%) in infected plants co-infiltrated with Cas9-gRNA, compared to control plants (infected with virus only). Similar results were obtained in cotton seedlings. The results of transient expression in N. benthamiana and cotton seedlings demonstrate the potential of multiplex CRISPR/Cas to develop resistance against CLCuD. Five transgenic plants developed from three experiments showed resistance (60−70%) to CLCuV, out of which two were selected best during evaluation and screening. The technology will help breeding CLCuD-resistant cotton varieties for sustainable cotton production.

Using Multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 for Suppression of Cotton Leaf Curl Virus

In recent decades, Pakistan has suffered a decline in cotton production due to several factors, including insect pests, cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), and multiple abiotic stresses. CLCuD is a highly damaging plant disease that seriously limits cotton production in Pakistan. Recently, genome editing through CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized plant biology, especially to develop immunity in plants against viral diseases. Here we demonstrate multiplex CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing against CLCuD using transient transformation in N. benthamiana plants and cotton seedlings. The genomic sequences of cotton leaf curl viruses (CLCuVs) were obtained from NCBI and the guide RNA (gRNA) were designed to target three regions in the viral genome using CRISPR MultiTargeter. The gRNAs were cloned in pHSE401/pKSE401 containing Cas9 and confirmed through colony PCR, restriction analysis, and sequencing. Confirmed constructs were moved into Agrobacterium and subsequently used for transformation. Agroinfilteration in N. benthamiana revealed delayed symptoms (3–5 days) with improved resistance against CLCuD. In addition, viral titer was also low (20–40%) in infected plants co-infiltrated with Cas9-gRNA, compared to control plants (infected with virus only). Similar results were obtained in cotton seedlings. The results of transient expression in N. benthamiana and cotton seedlings demonstrate the potential of multiplex CRISPR/Cas to develop resistance against CLCuD. Five transgenic plants developed from three experiments showed resistance (60−70%) to CLCuV, out of which two were selected best during evaluation and screening. The technology will help breeding CLCuD-resistant cotton varieties for sustainable cotton production.

Assessment of obstructive and restrictive patterns of lung function among the workers of brick kilns

This article aims to measure the obstructive and restrictive patterns of lung function of 506 consented workers aged between 18 and 60 years and having at least 1 year of work experience in brick kilns. A questionnaire was completed by workers and also lung functions were measured using a spirometer. It was observed that 81% of workers had abnormal lung function, with 33% obstructive and 67% restrictive impairments. Further severe obstructive impairment was seen in 56% of workers, 41% having moderate obstructive impairment and only 3% with mild obstructive impairment. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) for both restrictive and obstructive impairments while the FEV1/FVC ratio was non-significant for unhealthy workers with restrictive impairments as compared to obstructive impairments. The pulmonary abnormalities of workers were linked to increased occupational exposure to dust and smoke of brick kilns.

Vincristine induced neurotoxicity in children who underwent chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Wilms tumor

Background & Objectives:

Vincristine has been used as chemotherapeutic agent for many decades. It implements its function by inhibiting the duplication of tumor cells by destroying the DNA. However, like all other drugs, its administration is not without any side effects. The most important of these are being the neurotoxic side effects. This study evaluated the degree of neurotoxicity induced by vincristine in children who underwent chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Wilms tumor.

Methods:

A quasi experimental study was conducted at Children Hospital & the Institute of Child Health, Multan from January 2020 to October 2020 after taking informed written consent. In this study, 150 children of age group 1 – 12 years with pathological confirmation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Wilms tumor who had undergone a chemotherapy protocol including at least four consecutive weekly Vincristine injections were included, using probability consecutive sampling technique. Neurological examination was conducted on them on weekly basis.

Results:

There were 150 patients,90(60%) males and 60(40%) females with mean age of (5.5±2.2). Diminished patellar and Achilles tendon reflexes were seen in 48% and 52% of patients. Muscular weakness was seen in 60% of patients. Other side effects like hoarseness, jaw pain, constipation and petosis were observed in 10%, 8%,40% and 10% of patients respectively. Frequency of side effects was equally observed in both sexes and it was more among age group older than five years (p= 0.01).

Conclusion:

Vincristine regimen produces some neurotoxic side effects in children but nearly all of these are of mild to moderate in nature.

Impact of Air Pollution Generated by Brick Kilns on the Pulmonary Health of Workers

BACKGROUND

Brick kiln workers are often not aware of the health effects of their working environment and health-related respiratory problems. There have been few studies on the relationship between brick kiln pollution and its health impact on brick kiln workers.

OBJECTIVES

The present study measured the association of brick kiln contamination with severe respiratory problems and lung function among brick kiln workers in the Kasur district, Pakistan.

METHODS

Air quality variables (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) were monitored during operations in brick kiln modulation and kiln areas. Workers (n=60) were selected for participation if they were between the ages of 18 and 60 and had been working in brick kilns for at least one year and gave consent to participate. Their lung function was measured.

RESULTS

The average concentrations of measured air quality variables for all working sites were found to exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) guidelines. These high values of brick kiln pollutants were associated with a significant decrease in spirometric values (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and average flow between 25% and 75% of the FVC (FEF2575)) among workers and revealed that 78.33% of workers had abnormal lung function with 5% obstructive and 95% restrictive impairments. Occurrences of pulmonary problems like frequent cough (50%), chronic cough (11.67%), frequent phlegm (21.67%), chronic phlegm (11.67%), frequent wheezing (20%), chronic wheezing (15%), shortness of breath grade-I & grade-II (38.33%) and self-reported asthma (3.33%) were also found among the workers.

CONCLUSIONS

Pollution from brick kiln operations was significantly high and associated with respiratory problems as well as a decrease in lung function. There was a clear correlation between pulmonary function in workers with brick kiln contamination.

PARTICIPANT CONSENT

Obtained.

ETHICS APPROVAL

This study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan (Ref.1443-UZ).

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Recent advances and challenges on removal and recycling of phosphate from wastewater using biomass-derived adsorbents

As the severe damage of phosphate enrichment in the water ecosystem and the supply shortage of phosphate rock, developing an efficient method for the removal and recycling of phosphate from wastewater is of great significance. To achieve this goal, adsorption technology has been widely investigated, and various adsorbents were developed. Among them, the biomass-derived adsorbents including biomass-derived carbon-based materials, biomass-based anion exchangers and metal-biomass composites have attracted increasing attention over the past years due to the low cost, abundant renewable raw materials and environmental friendliness. However, different adsorbents usually exhibit variable adsorption performances for phosphate, which highly depends on their design strategies, preparation methods and potential adsorption mechanisms. Thus, this review comprehensively summarizes the recent researches on the removal and recycling of phosphate from wastewater using the biomass-derived adsorbents. Especially, the design strategies, preparation methods, adsorption performances and mechanisms of these reported biomass-derived adsorbents are discussed in detail. Moreover, as the significant strategies to recover and recycling phosphate, the elution and direct use of phosphate-loaded adsorbents as fertilizers are also presented. Although the excellent adsorption performance has been obtained, some challenges are still existing, which should be given more attention in the following researches to facilitate the development and industrial application of biomass-derived adsorbents.

Comorbid mental health issues in patients with pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus

The term 'pemphigus' refers to chronic autoimmune skin disorders that cause blistering erosions on the skin and oral mucosa. The two major clinical forms are pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Although rare, they confer a stark symptomatic burden upon patients that significantly impacts daily life. Comorbid mental health issues are not routinely screened for in patients with pemphigus, and current UK guidance provides no formal provision for the identification and treatment of psychological issues. This review is the first of its kind, to our knowledge, to systematically examine the available evidence on mental health issues in pemphigus. Published work suggests that the incidence of anxiety and depression is much higher in patients with pemphigus compared with both the general population and with patients having other chronic skin disorders. Disease severity appears to be closely linked to mental health, with worsening of pemphigus associated with deteriorations in psychological wellbeing. Corticosteroids, which are associated with depression in chronic use, are the current first-line therapy for pemphigus and have been identified as a potential confounder and independent risk factor for mental health comorbidity in pemphigus. Current evidence is unclear whether a bidirectional relationship exists between mental health and pemphigus severity, and more thorough research is required to develop understanding of this issue. In conclusion, we have identified a high incidence of mental health comorbidity in pemphigus, and recommend routine screening of patients with pemphigus for mental health issues and signposting toward mental health services as an initial measure to address this.

Heavy metal contamination in wild avian species inhabiting human-modified habitats

Health of birds and heavy metal toxicity are growing concerns in Pakistan because of irresponsible industrial waste management and farming practices. Eight species of common wild birds were studied from three different study sites which varied in the type of environmental pollution (Kasur: industrial waste, Lahore city: traffic pollution and Shahdara: mixed pollution of traffic, sewerage, and industry which the Ravi River accumulates). Heavy metal analysis of six heavy metals in the various organs of birds showed that there was no evidence of organ preference for metal accumulation in birds. Shahdara and Kasur with numerous industries both showed chromium concentrations above toxicity levels in 54.16% tissues of Granivorous birds, 60% of omnivorous birds, and 33.33% in tissues of carnivorous species. Statistical analysis proved that there is no correlation between weight of birds and accumulation of metals; it depends on food preference of birds and properties of the metals as bioaccumulators or biomagnifiers.

Do health infrastructure and services, aging, and environmental quality influence public health expenditures? Empirical evidence from Pakistan

Rapidly growing health expenditure is a matter of grave concern for households and governments. Every government is compelled to allocate a sufficient budget to improve people's health. This study, therefore, identifies some major factors that influence the trajectory of public health care expenditure (HCE) in Pakistan for the period 1974-2017. The ARDL-bounds test and Bayer-Hanck cointegration test consistently reveal that HCE and its specified determinants are cointegrated. Long-term estimates show that healthcare infrastructure and services, income, and environmental degradation exert a positive influence on HCE. Elderly population size has a negative association with HCE. Income elasticity is inelastic, showing that healthcare is a necessity. The findings suggest that the government must pay due attention to the fair distribution of health-related infrastructure and personnel in all regions of Pakistan.

Immunotherapy and Systemic Therapy in Metastatic/Recurrent Endometrial and Cervical Cancers

Despite advances in the treatment of gynaecological malignancies, both recurrent endometrial and cervical cancers when not amenable to localised therapy (surgery or radiotherapy), remain incurable with limited prognosis and effective treatment options. Chemotherapy remains the standard of care for women with metastatic endometrial or cervical cancers. The addition of bevacizumab to first-line chemotherapy for metastatic cervical cancer patients represents a significant step forward in improving survival. More recently, immunotherapeutic strategies targeting the PD-1/-L1 pathway have shown clinical activity in both endometrial and cervical cancers. The increased understanding of the molecular biology of these cancers is shaping target-specific treatments. Here we summarise current treatment options and results from clinical trials of immunotherapy and other targeted therapies that have already changed, or have the potential to change, clinical practice in metastatic/recurrent endometrial and cervical cancer.

Phytochemical, Antiplasmodial, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Evaluation of a Southeast Brazilian Brown Propolis Produced by Apis mellifera Bees

Seven phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, caffeic acid, 4-methoxycinnamic acid, 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxypropiophenone and 1-O,2-O-digalloyl-6-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-β-D-glucopyranoside), a flavanonol (7-O-methylaromadendrin), two lignans (pinoresinol and matairesinol) and six diterpenic acids/alcohol (19-acetoxy-13-hydroxyabda-8(17),14-diene, totarol, 7-oxodehydroabietic acid, dehydroabietic acid, communic acid and isopimaric acid) were isolated from the hydroalcoholic extract of a Brazilian Brown Propolis and characterized by NMR spectral data analysis. The volatile fraction of brown propolis was characterized by CG-MS, composed mainly of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, being the major α-pinene (18.4 %) and β-pinene (10.3 %). This propolis chemical profile indicates that Pinus spp., Eucalyptus spp. and Araucaria angustifolia might be its primary plants source. The brown propolis displayed significant activity against Plasmodium falciparum D6 and W2 strains with IC₅₀ of 5.3 and 9.7 μg/mL, respectively. The volatile fraction was also active with IC₅₀ of 22.5 and 41.8 μg/mL, respectively. Among the compounds, 1-O,2-O-digalloyl-6-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-β-D-glucopyranoside showed IC₅₀ of 3.1 and 1.0 μg/mL against D6 and W2 strains, respectively, while communic acid showed an IC₅₀ of 4.0 μg/mL against W2 strain. Cytotoxicity was determined on four tumor cell lines (SK-MEL, KB, BT-549, and SK-OV-3) and two normal renal cell lines (LLC-PK1 and VERO). Matairesinol, 7-O-methylaromadendrin, and isopimaric acid showed an IC₅₀ range of 1.8-0.78 μg/mL, 7.3-100 μg/mL, and 17-18 μg/mL, respectively, against the tumor cell lines but they were not cytotoxic against normal cell lines. The crude extract of brown propolis displayed antimicrobial activity against C. neoformans, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and P. aeruginosa at 29.9 μg/mL, 178.9 μg/mL, and 160.7 μg/mL, respectively. The volatile fraction inhibited the growth of C. neoformans at 53.0 μg/mL. The compounds 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxypropiophenone and 7-oxodehydroabietic acid were active against C. neoformans, and caffeic and communic acids were active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of SLN-Loaded Thermoresponsive Hydrogel System of Topotecan as Biological Macromolecule for Colorectal Delivery

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapeutic drugs cause severe toxicities if administered unprotected, without proper targeting, and controlled release. In this study, we developed topotecan- (TPT-) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for their chemotherapeutic effect against colorectal cancer. The TPT-SLNs were further incorporated into a thermoresponsive hydrogel system (TRHS) (TPT-SLNs-TRHS) to ensure control release and reduce toxicity of the drug. Microemulsion technique and cold method were, respectively, used to develop TPT-SLNs and TPT-SLNs-TRHS. Particle size, polydispersive index (PDI), and incorporation efficiency (IE) of the TPT-SLNs were determined. Similarly, gelation time, gel strength, and bioadhesive force studies of the TPT-SLNs-TRHS were performed. Additionally, in vitro release and pharmacokinetic and antitumour evaluations of the formulation were done.

RESULTS

TPT-SLNs have uniformly distributed particles with mean size in nanorange (174 nm) and IE of ~90%. TPT-SLNs-TRHS demonstrated suitable gelation properties upon administration into the rat's rectum. Moreover, drug release was exhibited in a control manner over an extended period of time for the incorporated TPT. Pharmacokinetic studies showed enhanced bioavailability of the TPT with improved plasma concentration and AUC. Further, it showed significantly enhanced antitumour effect in tumour-bearing mice as compared to the test formulations.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that SLNs incorporated in TRHS could be a potential source of the antitumour drug delivery with better control of the drug release and no toxicity.

Characterization of Vascular plant One-Zinc finger (VOZ) in soybean (Glycine max and Glycine soja) and their expression analyses under drought condition

Vascular plant one-zinc-finger (VOZ) transcription factors regulate plant growth and development under drought conditions. Six VOZ transcription factors encoding genes exist in soybean genome (both in Glycine max and Glycine soja). Herein, GmVOZs and GsVOZs were identified through in silico analysis and characterized with different bioinformatics tools and expression analysis. Phylogenetic analysis classified VOZ genes in four groups. Sequence logos analysis among G. max and G. soja amino acid residues revealed higher conservation. Presence of stress related cis-elements in the upstream regions of GmVOZs and GsVOZs highlights their role in tolerance against abiotic stresses. The collinearity analysis identified 14 paralogous/orthologous gene pairs within and between G. max and G. soja. The Ka/Ks values showed that soybean VOZ genes underwent selection pressure with limited functional deviation arising from whole genome and segmental duplication. The GmVOZs and GsVOZs were found to express in roots and leaves at seedling stage. The qRT-PCR revealed that GmVOZs and GsVOZs transcripts can be regulated by abiotic stresses such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). The findings of this study will provide a reference to decipher physiological and molecular functions of VOZ genes in soybean.

Leaf prickle hairs and longitudinal grooves help wheat plants capture air moisture as a water-smart strategy for a changing climate

The leaf features like trichome density, gradient grooves, and leaf wettability determine the efficiency to capture air moisture for self-irrigation in the wheat plant. Plants in water-scarce environments evolved to capture air moisture for their water needs either directly or indirectly. Structural features like cones, hairs, and grooves assist water capture. The morphology of crops such as wheat can promote self-irrigation under drought. To examine this further, 34 wheat genotypes were characterized for leaf traits in near optimal conditions in the field using a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. An association was found between morphological and physiological traits and yield using simple correlation plots. A core set of nine genotypes was subsequently evaluated for moisture harvesting ability and leaf wettability. Results showed that variation among genotypes exists for fog harvesting ability attributed to structural leaf features. Physiological traits, especially photosynthesis and water use efficiency, were positively associated with yield, negatively correlated with soil moisture at booting, and positively correlated with soil moisture at anthesis. The genotypes with deep to medium leaf grooves and dense hairs on the edges and adaxial surfaces (genotypes 7 and 18) captured the most moisture. This was a function of higher water drop rolling efficiency resulting from lower contact angle hysteresis. These results can be exploited to develop more heat and drought-tolerant crops.

Characterization of Indoor Air Quality in Relation to Ventilation Practices in Hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan

Temporal variations of particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) in orthopedic wards and emergency rooms of different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan were investigated. Hospitals were classified into two groups, I (centrally air-conditioned) and II (non-central air-conditioned) based on the ventilation system. Statistical analysis indicated significantly lower PM and CO2 levels in centrally air-conditioned hospitals in comparison to non-central air-conditioned. The low indoor-outdoor (I/O) ratio of PM2.5 in the ward and emergency rooms of group I (0.62, 0.45) as compared to group II (0.70, 0.83), respectively, suggested that indoor spaces equipped with central air-conditioning systems efficiently filter particulates as compared to non- central air conditioning systems. Apart from the ventilation type, increased visitor and doctors’ activities, and cleaning sessions were observed to contribute significantly to indoor air quality. This study adds up to the understanding of temporal variations in PM emissions and the role of ventilation systems in context of hospitals in the urban centers in Pakistan. The findings can inform the development of intervention strategies to maintain the appropriate air quality in health care built environment in developing countries.

COMPARISON OF SEVOFLURANE VERSUS PROPOFOL FOR TRACHEAL INTUBATION IN CHILDREN

Objective: To compare the quality of intubation and hemodynamic response in children undergoing endotracheal intubation facilitated with propofol versus sevoflurane. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anesthesia, Combined Military Hospital Multan, from Aug 2018 to Apr 2019. Methodology: A total number of 112 children planned for tracheal intubation were included in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups. In group P (propofol) patient’s 2.5-3.0 mg/kg propofol was given before insertion of endotracheal tube and in group S (sevoflurane) patients 8.0% sevoflurane with 100% O2. Quality of intubation was assessed in all children at the time of intubation. Hemodynamic response of patients was also noted before induction of anesthesia, immediately after intubation and after 5 minutes of intubation. Results: Mean age of children included in this study was 2.11 ± 0.80 years. Quality of intubation was excellent in 51 (91.1%) patients in propofol group and in 38 (67.9%) patients in sevoflurane group (p-value 0.009). Mean HR after 5 minutes of intubation in group S and group P 111.98 ± 5.43 beats/min versus 109.05 ± 5.99 beats/min with p-value 0.008. Mean arterial pressure after 3 minutes of intubation mean arterial pressure in group S and P was 74.58 ± 4.45 mmHg versus 71.0 ± 3.90 mmHg with p-value <0.001. After 5 minutes of intubation mean arterial pressure in group S and P was 73.16 ± 4.13 mmHg versus 68.61 ± 4.07 mmHg with p-value <0.001. Conclusion: Sevoflurane was found to be associated.........

Engineering broad-spectrum resistance to cotton leaf curl disease by CRISPR-Cas9 based multiplex editing in plants

Advances in genome editing technologies have tremendous potential to address the limitations of classical resistance breeding. CRISPR-Cas9 based gene editing has been applied successfully in plants to tolerate virus infections. In this study, we successfully tested CRISPR-Cas9 system to counteract cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) caused by whitefly transmitted cotton leaf curl viruses (CLCuVs). We also analyzed the ability of CLCuV to escape the Cas9 endonuclease activity. Targeting overlapping genes of most prevalent CLCuVs with three gRNAs resulted in virus interference, as validated by low virus titer. Furthermore, multiplex CRISPR-Cas9 construct simultaneously targeting six genes of CLCuV, was found more effective to interfere with virus proliferation compared to targeting single region individually. Additionally, transgenic N. benthamiana plants expressing multiple gRNAs simultaneously showed enhanced tolerance against CLCuV infection when compared to wild-type plants. T7 Endonuclease-I (T7EI) assay, showing indels in the CLCuV genome, confirmed the occurrence of double strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA at target sequence induced by Cas9 endonuclease. We observed that targeting CLCuV genome at multiple sites simultaneously resulted in better interference, also with inefficient recovery of altered virus molecules. Next, we tested multiplex construct in cotton to interfere CLCuV infection. We found significant decrease in virus accumulation in cotton leaves co-infiltrated with multiplex cassette and virus compared to cotton leaves infiltrated with virus only. The results demonstrate future use of CRISPR-Cas9 system for engineering virus resistance in crops. Moreover, our results also advocate that resistance to mixed virus infections can be engineered using multiplex genome editing.

Development and Exploitation of KASP Assays for Genes Underpinning Drought Tolerance Among Wheat Cultivars From Pakistan

High-throughput genotyping for functional markers offers an excellent opportunity to effectively practice marker-assisted selection (MAS) while breeding cultivars. We developed kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) assays for genes conferring drought tolerance in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In total, 11 KASP assays developed in this study and five already reported assays were used for their application in wheat breeding. We investigated alleles at 16 loci associated with drought tolerance among 153 Pakistani hexaploid wheat cultivars released during 1953-2016; 28 diploid wheat accessions (16 for AA and 12 for BB) and 19 tetraploid wheat (AABB) were used to study the evolutionary history of the studied genes. Superior allelic variations of the studied genes were significantly associated with higher grain yield. Favored haplotypes of TaSnRK2.3-1A, TaSnRK2.3-1B, TaSnRK2.9-5A, TaSAP-7B, and TaLTPs-1A predominated in Pakistani wheat germplasm indicating unconscious pyramiding and selection pressure on favorable haplotypes during selection breeding. TaSnRK2.8-5A, TaDreb-B1, 1-feh w3, TaPPH-7A, TaMOC-7A, and TaPARG-2A had moderate to low frequencies of favorable haplotype among Pakistani wheat germplasm pointing toward introgression of favorable haplotypes by deploying functional markers in marker-assisted breeding. The KASP assays were compared with gel-based markers for reliability and phenotypically validated among 62 Pakistani wheat cultivars. Association analyses showed that the favorable allelic variations were significantly associated with grain yield-contributing traits. The developed molecular marker toolkit of the genes can be instrumental for the wheat breeding in Pakistan.

An Overview on Eco-Friendly Polymer Composites for Heavy Metal Ion Remediation

Background:

Water contamination by noxious heavy metals due to urbanization is a global environmental problem. Heavy metal ions pollution make the water unsuitable for drinking and are also highly toxic to human beings and eco-system. Remediation of heavy metals is therefore very crucial.

Method:

Adsorbents based on biopolymer and eco-friendly polymer composites have been developed and fabricated to remediate and remove heavy metals from the ecosystem.

Result:

In recent years, biocomposites have been successful as cost effective adsorbents for the remediation of various contaminants with their eco-friendly nature and sustainability.

Conclusion:

This review article gives an overview on the remediation of heavy metals using green biocomposites.

A Review on the Methods in Diesel Desulfurization

Background:

Diesel mainly consists of paraffin and thio-aromatic compounds. Sulfur present in diesel exhaust is the major challenge for oil refineries. Sulfur is an oxidizing element that discharges as acute pollutant in the environment which has adverse effects on human and on animal life.

Introduction:

The scope of this review paper is to discuss and to highlight the recent advancements in process of desulfurization of diesel oil to explore the less energy intensive and more economical process.

Methods:

Recently, different techniques are widely used for desulfurization of diesel oil to remove sulfur containing compounds from diesel. These techniques mainly involve hydrodesulfurzation, oxidative desulfurization, biodesulfurization, ionic liquid desulfurization, and adsorption desulfurization.

Conclusion:

Adsorptive desulfurization technique is green, less energy incentive, and more economical technique than hydro-desulfurization, oxidative desulfurization, ionic liquid desulfurization and bio desulfurization. Optimization of adsorptive desulfurization technique may yield up to 100% desulfurization of diesel oil.

Comprehensive RNA-seq analysis revealed molecular pathways and genes associated with drought tolerance in wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. and Zucc.)

Drought stress at the germination stage is an important environmental stress limiting crop yield. Hence, our study investigated comparative root transcriptome profiles of four contrasting soybean genotypes viz., drought-tolerant (PI342618B/DTP and A214/DTL) and drought-sensitive (NN86-4/DSP and A195/DSL) under drought stress using RNA-Seq approach. A total of 4850 and 6272 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in tolerant (DTP and DTL) and sensitive (DSP and DSL) genotypes, respectively. Principle component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis revealed higher correlation between DTP and DTL. Both gene ontology (GO) and MapMan analyses showed that the drought response was enriched in DEGs associated with water and auxin transport, cell wall/membrane, antioxidant activity, catalytic activity, secondary metabolism, signaling and transcription factor (TF) activities. Out of 981 DEGs screened from above terms, only 547 showed consistent opposite expression between contrasting genotypes. Twenty-eight DEGs of 547 were located on Chr.08 rich in QTLs and "Hotspot regions" associated with drought stress, and eight of them showed non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism. Hence, 10 genes (including above eight genes plus two hub genes) were predicated as possible candidates regulating drought tolerance, which needs further functional validation. Overall, the transcriptome profiling provided in-depth understanding about the genetic mechanism and candidate genes underlying drought tolerance in soybean.

Rational engineering of specialized metabolites in bacteria and fungi

Bacteria and fungi have a high potential to produce compounds that display large structural change and diversity, thus displaying an extensive range of biological activities. Secondary metabolism or specialized metabolism is a term for pathways and small molecule products of metabolism that are not mandatory for the subsistence of the organism but improve and control their phenotype. Their interesting biological activities have occasioned their application in the fields of agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals. Metabolic engineering is a powerful approach to improve access to these treasured molecules or to rationally engineer new ones. A thorough overview of engineering methods in secondary metabolism is presented, both in heterologous and epigenetic modification. Engineering methods to modify the structure of some secondary metabolite classes in their host are also intensively assessed.

Chemical Profiling and Characterization of Anthraquinones from two Bulbine species and Dietary Supplements Using Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

BACKGROUND

Bulbine natalensis Baker and Bulbine frutescens (L.) Willd. belonging to the family Asphodelaceae are widely distributed in South Africa and traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and skin remedies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to develop an analytical method for chemical profiling and identification of components in Bulbine species, which would be useful for herbal identification and understanding of the biological activity of B. natalensis in terms of safety and benefits to human health.

METHODS

The anthraquinone-type of compounds were structurally characterized from the extracts of dried stem and roots of Bulbine species and dietary supplements using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF) with negative and positive ion electrospray. The calculated accurate masses of the protonated and deprotonated molecules and fragment ions, were used for identification of the components from two Bulbine species.

RESULTS

A total of fifty-five anthraquinone-type compounds, including eleven standard compounds were identified in the crude extracts of two Bulbine species. Two Bulbine species and dietary supplements were clustered into different groups and possible chemical markers were identified.

CONCLUSION

The developed analytical method provided a fast, economic method for quality assessment of Bulbine species in dietary supplements based on anthraquinone-type compounds.

HIGHLIGHTS

This study reports holistic chemical profiling of Bulbine species using LC- QToF. The analytical method developed enabled non-targeted analysis of components in B. natalensis and B. frutescens, recommending for commercial and regulatory purposes.

755 Elective Surgery in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Outcomes of 100 Consecutive Cases

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic halted elective surgical activity. Basildon University Hospital established an elective Green Zone for COVID-19 swab negative patients who isolated for 14 days. This study reviewed the outcomes of the first 100 patients.

Method

A single-centre study was performed. Demographic and perioperative electronic data were supplemented with telephone follow-up for the first 100 Green Zone patients and analysed in Microsoft Excel.

Results

One hundred Green Zone patients underwent surgery between 21/05/2020 and 16/06/2020. The median age was 55 (14-88) years. 52% were female. Their operations were performed by General Surgery (39%), Gynaecology (17%), Vascular Surgery (14%), Oral Surgery (12%), ENT (9%), Urology (8%), and Pain Management (1%).

Preoperatively, 100% had a negative SARS-CoV-2 swab and one had CT evidence of mild resolving COVID-19. Two patients had postoperative SARS-CoV-2 swabs, both negative. Median length of stay was 0 (0-7) days. 84% responded to telephone follow-up at a median 25 (13-54) postoperative days, 69% of whom were asymptomatic There were no 30-day major complications (>Clavien-Dindo IIIa) or 90-day mortality.

Conclusions

Elective surgery can be safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, with appropriate measures in place. This has significant implications in the context of an ever-expanding NHS waiting list during a pandemic of uncertain duration.

Rotenoids and Other Specialized Metabolites from the Roots of Mirabilis multiflora: Opioid and Cannabinoid Receptor Radioligand Binding Affinities

Mirabilis multiflora is an acclaimed hallucinogen consumed traditionally by the Hopi Indians to induce diagnostic visions. Its root extract afforded a new (3) and four known (2, 5, 6, and 7) 12a-hydroxyrotenoids, a known rotenoid (4), and two known secondary metabolites (1 and 8). The structures of the compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic and spectrometric data analysis. Electronic circular dichroism data were used to define the (6aS,12aR) absolute configuration of the 12a-hydroxyrotenoids. Compounds 2-7 were screened for their radioligand binding affinities toward the opioid (δ, κ, and μ) and cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptor subtypes. The 6-methoxy-substituted rotenoids 3, 4, and 7 showed the highest receptor binding affinity with moderate selectivity toward the δ-opioid receptor subtype, with negligible binding affinities for CB1 and CB2. Their binding affinities toward the δ-opioid receptor were 64.5% (4), 58.7% (7), and 55.3% (3) at 10 μM, respectively.

Characterization of Bioaerosols and Particulate Matter (PM) in Residential Settings of Asthmatic Patients of Lahore, Pakistan

Airborne bioaerosols and particulate matter (PM) have been associated with asthma occurrence. Due to the adverse indoor environment and the absence of any baseline data for asthmatic patients of Pakistan, this study was aimed to establish a correlation between microflora and PM of residential microenvironments of asthmatic patients. This pilot study was conducted in different residential settings of asthmatic patients registered in the Jinnah hospital, Lahore. The characterization of PM (PM01, PM2.5, PM10) and bioaerosols were carried out in the houses of fifty patients that were categorized into four groups; A-large (418.06 m2), B-medium (211 m2), C-medium (104 m2), and D-small (62.71 m2) houses. The PM concentrations were monitored; using the DustTrack8533 aerosol monitor and the bioaerosols were characterized up to the Genus; using the culture-based method and biochemical testing. The bioaerosols were sampled; using the expose plate method and were analyzed using morphological features and biochemical tests. Eleven types of fungi and seven bacterial types were found in the air samples. The tendency of asthma occurrence is linked with higher Alternaria spp and Aspergillus spp. The mean indoor readings of PM01, PM2.5, PM10 were highest in D-category (331.75, 342.5, and 502.33 respectively). Moreover, the highest bacterial 9618 CFU/m3) and fungal levels (3092 CFU/m3) were also seen in D-category. According to two-way ANOVA, bacterial concentration was significantly different among the four groups while fungi concentration was non-significant (p<0.05). Pearson correlation showed a significant positive correlation among bioaerosol counts, relative humidity, and temperature. Moreover, a positive significant correlation was also observed among PM, bioaerosols, and temperature (p<0.01). The multiple regression analysis confirms temperature as a significant predictor of bioaerosols and bacterial and fungal concentrations were observed to be a significant predictor for PM. Hence monitoring the PM levels could help in maintaining the indoor microenvironment for sensitive asthmatic patients.

Profiling and Quantification of the Key Phytochemicals from the Drumstick Tree (Moringa oleifera) and Dietary Supplements by UHPLC-PDA-MS

Moringa oleifera is known as a drumstick tree and is cultivated in the subtropics and tropics. It exhibits antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the determination of 9 phytochemicals in M. oleifera leaves and marketed products. The efficient separation was achieved within 7 min with a temperature of 45 °C by using a C-18 column as the stationary phase and water/acetonitrile with 0.05% formic acid as the mobile phase. The method was validated for linearity, repeatability, limits of detection, and limits of quantification. The limits of detections of phenolic compounds 1:  - 9: were as low as 0.2 µg/mL. The photodiode array detector at 220 and 255 nm wavelengths was recruited for quantification. The key phytochemicals were detected in the range of 0.42 to 2.57 mg/100 mg sample weight in 13 dietary supplements. This study considers the quantitative analysis for lignans in M. oleifera for the first time. Isoquercitrin (5: ) and quercetin 3-O-(6-O-malonyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (6: ) predominates the leaves of M. oleifera with inherent degradable nature detected for compound 6: . Niazirin (2: ) was detected in amounts between 0.010 - 0.049 mg/100 mg while compound 1: was undetectable and potentially an artifact because of the fractionation process. The characterization and confirmation of components were achieved by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry with extractive ion monitoring for the positive and negative ion modes. The developed and validated method is robust and rapid in the conclusive quantification of phytochemicals and authentication of the Moringa samples for quality assurance.

A novel approach for lavender essential oil authentication and quality assessment

Currently, the quality of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil (LEO) is defined and regulated based on standards and methods established by regulatory authorities. Unfortunately, these existing standards and methods are not sufficient for LEO quality evaluation due to the complexity of LEO and adulteration encouraged by a burgeoning market. This study provides an efficient and reliable method for LEO quality assessment and adulteration detection. After a comprehensive investigation, involving a large set of LEO samples (n = 72) analyzed by multiple techniques (GC/MS, GC/Q-ToF, NMR, and chemometric analysis), a new approach named Q-Index was proposed. Fourteen marker compounds, along with trans-furano-linalool oxide acetate (an indicator of synthetic compound adulteration in LEO), were identified. These marker compounds played significant roles in discriminating the adulterated samples from the authentic LEOs. Calculation of the Q-Index value using the identified marker compounds permitted the detection of fraudulent samples. As demonstrated, all the authentic LEOs exhibited high Q-Index values (>100), whereas the adulterated or poor-quality samples displayed low Q-Index values (<100). The NMR-based chemometric analysis, which served as an independent and complementary approach to the GC/MS and Q-Index methods, was applied in order to assess the validity of the Q-Index method. Overall, the results obtained from different methods were in good agreement. Moreover, compared to the NMR method, the Q-Index approach possessed greater sensitivity in detecting LEO adulteration associated with the addition of synthetic compounds. Results of this study demonstrated that the Q-Index method could be successfully applied for LEO quality assessment and adulteration detection. This approach may have a significant potential to improve quality control for the LEO industry.

Quantitative determination and characterization of polyphenols from Cissus quadrangularis L. and dietary supplements using UHPLC-PDA-MS, LC-QToF and HPTLC

Stem and leaf of Cissus quadrangularis L. (Vitaceae), indigenous to Asia and Africa, were used for medicinal and dietary purposes with limited information about the plant's phytochemistry. Stem and leaf samples were assessed for the simultaneous determination of polyphenolic compounds (catechin, epicatechin, quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-β-rhamnoside, leachianol F, amurensin A, pallidol, resveratrol, and quadrangularin A), using UHPLC-PDA-MS. The validation data showed that the method is precise, specific, accurate, and linear over the range of 0.5-100 μg/mL. Reversed-phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) fingerprints of the crude methanolic stem and leaf extracts of C. quadrangularis were obtained at different wavelengths based on their λ_max. Polyphenolics were characterized using both UHPLC-PDA-MS and LC-QToF analysis. From liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-QToF) spectra, over 40 components were structurally correlated, and confirmation was based on the fragmentation characteristics and also from the information available in the literature. In addition to the LC-QToF method, a simple, fast HPTLC method was developed as a visual aid for the rapid qualitative analytical tool to help establish the quality assessment of botanical raw materials and dietary supplements claiming to contain Cissus.

Phenoxychromone and 4-hydroxyisoflavans from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

In an attempt to find species specific markers, a phenoxychromone (1) and eight isoflavonoids including six isoflavans (2-7) and two isoflavanones (8 and 9) were isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Among the isolated phenolic compounds, glycyurelone (1), glycyurelvanins A and B (2 and 3) were found to be undescribed while others, (-)-vestitol (4), conferol A (5), glyasperin C (6), glyasperin D (7), (-)-licoisoflavanone (8), and (-)-3'-(γ,γ-dimethylallyl)kievitone (9) were previously reported. All compounds except 4 and 5 were prenylated and majority of these possess isoflavan scaffold with highly conserved stereo specificity at C-3 center. Structure elucidation was mainly based on extensive NMR, ECD and mass spectral data analysis.

Novel 16,17-epoxy-23-methylergostane derivative from Sinularia variabilis, a soft coral from the Persian Gulf, with apoptotic activities against breast cancer cell lines

The steroidal and terpenoidal composition of Sinularia variabilis was investigated by chromatography methods. One new (1), and four known [gorgasta-5-en-3β-ol (2), ergosta-5-en-3β-ol (3), ergosta-5, 22(Z)-dien-3β-ol (4), 5,8-epidioxy-5α, 8α-ergosta-6, 22E-dien-3β-ol (5)] steroids, in addition to one known diterpenoidal alkaloid [sinulasulfone (6)] isolated for the first time from S. variabilis. If we named the 23-methylergostane core structure as sinustane, new compound (1) was elucidated as 16α,17α-epoxysinusta-5-en-3β-ol-20β-yl sulfate based on NMR and HR Mass data. It was submitted for cytotoxic activity evaluation against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines using MTT assay. Apoptosis induction was checked by flow cytometry (annexin V/propidium iodide) staining. To determine the production of reactive oxygen species, and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), the DCFDA, and JC-1 probes were used in this study.

CEO overconfidence and future firm risk in China: the moderating role of institutional investors

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine how CEO overconfidence influences firm’s future risk in a sample of Chinese listed firms. It further examines the moderating effect of institutional investors on the association between CEO overconfidence and future firm risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial sample consists of Chinese A-share issuing firms listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges during the period starting from 2000 to 2017. This study classifies a CEO as overconfident if the forecasted profits of the firm are greater than the actual profits for majority of the time during the tenure of the CEO. Ordinary least squares regression is used as the primary estimation method for generating the results, however, firm fixed effects and two-stage least squares regressions have also been used for verifying the robustness of the results.

Findings

The results demonstrate that CEO overconfidence leads to an escalation in firm’s risk level over the subsequent years. However, the intensity of this positive association is weaker in state-owned firms. Analysis of the moderating effect of institutional investors reveals that only active institutional investors, specifically mutual funds and foreign institutional investors, play their governance role in reducing the effect of CEO overconfidence on firm’s risk level. Furthermore, the moderating effect of active institutional investors is weaker in state-owned firms.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical evidence obtained by this study suggests that CEOs should exercise extreme diligence in decision-making. They must analyze a situation based on realistic facts and figures, rather than having misperception about their excessive abilities in controlling the outcomes of a situation. The findings also imply that regulators and policymakers should formulate strategies for motivating mutual funds and foreign investors to increase their shareholding in Chinese firms.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the impact of CEO overconfidence on future firm risk, not the current firm risk. Besides, literature regarding the role of external governance mechanisms in the context of behavioral biases is extremely scant. This study contributes to the literature by analyzing how the association between CEO overconfidence and firm’s future risk is influenced by the institutional investors’ ownership.

Cytotoxic constituent of Melicope latifolia (DC.) T. G. Hartley

An undescribed conjugated sesquiterpene, amelicarin (1), together with nine known compounds (2-10) were isolated for the first time from Melicope latifolia. Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric methods. The conjugated sesquiterpene possesses a unique 6/6/9/4-ring fused tetracyclic skeleton. The proposed biosynthesis pathway of 1 consist of three reactions steps: (1) polyketide formation, (2) cyclisation and (3) addition to form the conjugated sesquiterpenoid as final metabolite. Out of the ten isolated metabolites, amelicarin (1) showed activity against 4 cancerous cell lines namely SK-MEL skin cancer, KB oral cancer, BT-549 breast cancer, and SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer with IC₅₀ values between 15 and 25 µg/mL.

Nutritional characterization and food value addition properties of dehydrated spinach powder

This study aimed at investigating the physicochemical and bread-making features of dehydrated spinach. Physicochemical composition of spinach powder was compared with wheat flour and the effect of spinach powder supplementation on the nutritional composition, dough rheology, and quality attributes of chapatti were assessed. The results suggested spinach powder to be holding 8.2% crude fiber, 19.2% protein, 1,304 mg/100g calcium, and 40.4 mg/100g iron. Spinach powder indicated significantly increased values for hygroscopicity, swelling power, and water solubility index values, that is, 6.4%, 7.1 g/g, and 4.2%, respectively, when compared with wheat flour. Supplementation of spinach powder in wheat flour at 20% substitution level significantly reduced dough development properties including water absorption, dough stability, and peak dough development time. Color measurements of baked chapatti indicated a significant reduction in L*, a*, and chroma values with increasing the level of spinach powder supplementation; however, sensory profiling confirmed that supplementation of spinach powder at 7.5% had an optimum effect on the overall acceptability of the baked product. The results further suggested that replacing wheat flour with spinach powder (5%-7.5%, w/w) in baked products could be a viable dietary approach to enhance the optimum supply of micronutrients and to combat micronutrient deficiencies among various population segments.