Synthesis and Antimicrobial Analysis of High Surface Area Strontium-Substituted Calcium Phosphate Nanostructures for Bone Regeneration

Continuous microwave-assisted flow synthesis has been used as a simple, more efficient, and low-cost route to fabricate a range of nanosized (<100 nm) strontium-substituted calcium phosphates. In this study, fine nanopowder was synthesized via a continuous flow synthesis with microwave assistance from the solutions of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (with strontium nitrate as Sr2+ ion source) and diammonium hydrogen phosphate at pH 10 with a time duration of 5 min. The morphological characterization of the obtained powder has been carried out by employing techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis. The chemical structural analysis to evaluate the surface properties was made by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Zeta potential analysis was performed to evaluate the colloidal stability of the particles. Antimicrobial studies were performed for all the compositions using four bacterial strains and an opportunistic human fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina. It was found that the nanoproduct with high strontium content (15 wt% of strontium) showed pronounced antibacterial potential against M. luteus while it completely arrested the fungal growth after 48 h by all of its concentrations. Thus the synthesis strategy described herein facilitated the rapid production of nanosized Sr-substituted CaPs with excellent biological performance suitable for a bone replacement application.

Curcumin nanoparticles: physicochemical fabrication, characterization, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, molecular docking and simulation studies

Curcumin is an extensively studied natural compound due to its extensive biological applications. However, there are some drawbacks linked to this compound such as poor absorption, low water-solubility, quick systemic elimination, fast metabolism, poor pharmacokinetics, low bioavailability, low penetration targeting efficacy and low stability. To overcome these drawbacks, curcumin is encapsulated in nano-carriers. In the current studies, we synthesized nanoparticles of curcumin without using nanocarriers by different methods such as nano-suspension (Cur-NSM), sonication (Cur-SM) and anti-solvent precipitation (Cur-ASP) to enhance the solubility of curcumin in water. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, SEM and XRD analysis. These curcumin nanoparticles were screened for their solubilities in water, DPPH scavenging, amylase, α-glucosidase and β-glucosidase enzymatic activities. The particle size of nano-curcumin was found to be in the 47.4-98.7 nm range. The reduction in particle size of curcumin dramatically increases its solubility in water to 79.2 μg mL^-1, whereas the solubility of curcumin is just 0.98 μg mL^-1. Cur-ASP showed the highest free radical scavenging potential (48.84 ± 0.98%) which was comparable with standard BHT (50.48 ± 1.11%) at 75.0 μg mL^-1. As well, Cur-ASP showed the highest inhibition of α-amylase (68.67 ± 1.02%), α-glucosidase (58.30 ± 0.52%), and β-glucosidase (64.80 ± 0.43%) at 100 μg mL^-1 which is comparable with standard drug acarbose. The greater surface area of nanoparticles exposes the various groups of curcumin for blocking the binding sites of enzymes. This strategy may be helpful in designing curcumin as a potent therapeutic agent against diabetes mellitus. Further, the molecular interactions of curcumin with α-amylase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, and polyphenol oxidase were assessed by analyzing the plausible binding modes of curcumin in the binding pocket of each receptor. The best binding mode of curcumin was used to make complexes with the target proteins and their stability was confirmed by 50 ns MD simulation.

Cloncurry buffel grass mitigated Cr(III) and Cr(VI) toxicity in tomato plant

Contamination of agricultural soil with chromium (Cr) ions has threatened global crop, human and ecosystem health. Its two oxidation states viz. Cr(III) and Cr(VI) are most stable and readily available to the plants. The study explored the impact of increasing exposure (up to 500 ppm) of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) on bio-physical traits of 15-day-old seedlings (in vitro) as well as 60-day-old tomato plant (in vivo), and highlighted the importance of buffel grass (Cenchrus pennisetiformis) in mitigating Cr levels in the tomato plants. In vitro, Petri plate bioassays with 13 different concentrations (20-500 ppm) of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) depicted the highly toxic effect of metal ions ≥ 200 ppm on all bio-physical traits of tomato seedlings. In vivo, soil spiked with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) was amended with 1% and 2% dry biomass of buffel grass. Phytotoxicity was higher in Cr(VI)-spiked soil compared with Cr(III)-spiked soil. Cr was mainly accumulated in tomato roots, and more Cr was translocated from roots to shoots from Cr(VI)-spiked soil than Cr(III)-spiked soil. Soil amendments with 2% weed biomass reduced metal toxicity in plants, particularly at 200 and 300 mg/kg of Cr. Protein profiles through SDS-PAGE revealed 12-50 kDa (mainly PR proteins) as an important region in tomato leaf, where many new bands were expressed under different treatments, particularly in the treatments provided with buffel grass. PCA-based biplot clearly separated Cr tolerance treatments from highly sensitive treatments. For the cultivation of tomato plants in Cr(III) and Cr(VI) contaminated soil (200 and 300 mg/kg), the biomass of Cloncurry buffel grass should be considered an effective and easily available phyto-management option.

Heat stress develops with increased total-tract gut permeability, and dietary organic acid and pure botanical supplementation partly restores lactation performance in Holstein dairy cows

To evaluate the effects of heat stress (HS) conditions and dietary organic acid and pure botanical (OA/PB) supplementation on gut permeability and milk production, we enrolled 46 multiparous Holstein cows [208 ± 4.65 dry matter intake (DMI; mean ± SD), 3.0 ± 0.42 lactation, 122 ± 4.92 d pregnant, and 39.2 ± 0.26 kg of milk yield] in a study with a completely randomized design. Cows were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: thermoneutral conditions (TN-Con, n = 12), HS conditions (HS-Con, n = 12), thermoneutral conditions pair-fed to HS-Con (TN-PF, n = 12), or HS supplemented with OA/PB [75 mg/kg of body weight (BW); 25% citric acid, 16.7% sorbic acid, 1.7% thymol, 1.0% vanillin, and 55.6% triglyceride; HS-OAPB, n = 10]. Supplements were delivered twice daily by top-dress; all cows not supplemented with OA/PB received an equivalent amount of the triglyceride used for microencapsulation of the OA/PB supplement as a top-dress. Cows were maintained in thermoneutrality [temperature-humidity index (THI) = 68] during a 7-d acclimation and covariate period. Thereafter, cows remained in thermoneutral conditions or were moved to HS conditions (THI: diurnal change 74 to 82) for 14 d. Cows were milked twice daily. Clinical assessments and BW were recorded, blood was sampled, and gastrointestinal permeability measurements were repeatedly evaluated. The mixed model included fixed effects of treatment, time, and their interaction. Rectal and skin temperatures and respiration rates were greater in HS-Con and HS-OAPB relative to TN-Con. Dry matter intake, water intake, and yields of energy-corrected milk (ECM), protein, and lactose were lower in HS-Con relative to HS-OAPB. Nitrogen efficiency was improved in HS-OAPB relative to HS-Con. Compared with TN-Con and TN-PF, milk yield and ECM were lower in HS-Con cows. Total-tract gastrointestinal permeability measured at d 3 of treatment was greater in HS-Con relative to TN-Con or TN-PF. Plasma total fatty acid concentrations were reduced, whereas insulin concentrations were increased in HS-Con relative to TN-PF. We conclude that exposure to a heat-stress environment increases total-tract gastrointestinal permeability. This study highlights important mechanisms that might account for milk production losses caused by heat stress, independent of changes in DMI. Our observations also suggest that dietary supplementation of OA/PB is a means to partly restore ECM production and improve nitrogen efficiency in dairy cattle experiencing heat stress.

Antagonistic activity of Aspergillus versicolor against Macrophomina phaseolina

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antagonistic efficacy of Aspergillus versicolor against the soil and seed inhibiting destructive plant pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina. The tested antagonist was confirmed by rDNA sequencing of ITS and β-tubulin genes with respective accession numbers MN719083 and MN736397. In dual culture bioassays, A. versicolor showed potent antagonist activity and reduced the pathogen's growth by 60% over control. To understand the mechanism of antagonistic fungus, DNA of the pathogenic fungus was incubated in secondary metabolites produced by the A. versicolor for 24 and 48 h. After 48 h, metabolites of A. versicolor fully degraded the DNA of M. phaseolina. Moreover, for the identification of bioactive compounds, the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of A. versicolor culture filtrates were subjected to GC-MS analysis. A total of 10 compounds were identified in each of the two fractions. Among these, chondrillasterol (37.43%) followed by 1,2-benzedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (25.93%), decane (16.63%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (13.32%), stigmasterol (11.16%), undecane (10.93%), cis-1-chloro-9-octadecene (8.66%), benzene, 1,3,5-trimethyl (8.46%), and hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester (8.13%) were the major compounds. Some of the identified compounds are known to possess strong antifungal, antibacterial, nematicidal, and antioxidant properties. The present study concludes that A. versicolor is an effective antagonist against M. phaseolina.

Psychotic-like Experiences during COVID-19 Outbreak: A survey from Pakistan

Introduction

Despite the fact that adolescents have been at higher risk of distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of pandemic on psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) is not well described.

Objectives

The study’s objective is to evaluate if PLEs are induced in young individuals aged 18-24 during the pandemic.

Methods

A total of 201 college students from Pakistan (ages 18-24) were recruited for a cross-sectional research. We investigated the incidence of PLEs in Pakistan during the pandemic, their links to socio-demographic factors, COVID-19-related characteristics, depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. Community Assessment of Psychic Experience’s positive symptom component (CAPE), Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and IBM SPSS 25 were used.

Results

CAPE-Frequency and CAPE-stress were positively associated with PHQ total (p<0.0010); GAD total (p<0.001); time spent indoors due to COVID-19 (p<0.001). Psychiatric disorder other than bipolar disorder or psychosis (p<0.001 for CAPE-frequency and stress), family history of psychiatric disorders (p<0.001 for CAPE-frequency and stress), chronic medical disease (p=0.021 CAPE-frequency and p=0.026 CAPE-stress), illegal drug usage (p<0.001 for CAPE-frequency and stress) were associated with CAPE-Frequency and CAPE-stress. In linear stepwise regression analysis, the best model predicted CAPE-Frequency explained 77.4% of variance with the following variables: PHQ total (B=0.552, SE= 0.08, t=6.909, p<0.001), GAD total (p<0.001), duration at home (p<0.001), and psychiatric disorder in family (p<0.001).

Conclusions

PLEs have been linked with anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Individuals with a mental condition, family history of psychiatric disorder, chronic medical illness, illicit drug use, and increased time spent at home experienced more PLEs and stress.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Biocontrol Aspergillus species together with plant biomass alter histochemical characteristics in diseased mungbean plants

In the present study, two Aspergillus species as biocontrol agents together with Chenopodium quinoa dry biomass were used to investigate their effects on histochemical features of mungbean plant inoculated with M. phaseolina. In a pot experiment, Aspergillus flavipes and Aspergillus versicolor were added either alone or together with 1%, 2%, and 3% dry biomass of quinoa (DBQ) to the pot soil already inoculated with M. phaseolina. After 4 weeks of sowing, root and lower-stem sections of the mungbean plants were stained with ferric chloride, phloroglucinol-HCl and Lugol's iodine to detect the presence of polyphenols, lignin, and starch granules, respectively, and observed under light microscope. Stem and root sections were also observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) to reveal the effect of soil amendments on cell structures. The findings revealed that mungbean plant cross sections from all the treatments except positive control (only inoculated with M. phaseolina) showed very clear cell structures. In positive control, distorted, fragmented, and collapsed cell structures were observed. Moreover, M. phaseolina blocked vascular vessels in comparison to negative control where the cell structures were intact and normal in size. Plant sections from treatments with A. flavipes and A. versicolor alone or together with DBQ were without pathogen colonization, with normal cell structures and a high deposition of gel. The results suggested that the two Aspergillus spp. and C. quinoa induced defense responses in mungbean plants.

Histopathological changes in root and stem of mungbean exposed to Macrophomina phaseolina and dry biomass of Chenopodium quinoa

Mungbean production is affected by a fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina. A pot experiment was carried out to check the effect of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) dry biomass on the histopathological features of mungbean exposed to M. phaseolina. For this, 1%, 2% and 3% (wt/wt) of C. quinoa dry biomass was mixed in the soil inoculated with M. phaseolina. The highest disease incidence (36%) was recorded in the positive control (only M. phaseolina). Different treatments of quinoa dry mass reduced disease incidence to 4-7%. After 4 weeks of germination, stem and root sections were stained in phloroglucinol-HCl, ferric chloride and Lugol's iodine stains for the detection of lignin, polyphenols and starch granules, respectively, and studied under light microscope. Plants of positive control showed damaged cells, and heavy deposition of lignin, phenolics and starch granules as compared to plants of the negative control and those grown in the soil amended with different doses of dry biomass of quinoa. For better understanding, plant root and stem sections were studied under a scanning electron microscope. Plant sections from positive control exhibited the presence of M. phaseolina sclerotial bodies and hyphal growth, whereas in negative control normal cell structures were observed. However, C. quinoa amended stem and root sections revealed the presence of high gel deposition with normal cell structures and no pathogen establishment. This study concludes that application of C. quinoa is an effective and natural remedy to activate the resistance mechanism in plants and to combat the adverse effects of M. phaseolina.

Green synthesis of coumarin derivatives using Brønsted acidic pyridinium based ionic liquid [MBSPy][HSO4] to control an opportunistic human and a devastating plant pathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina

An eco-friendly simple protocol has been devised for the preparation of coumarin derivatives using doubly Brønsted acidic task specific ionic liquid (TSIL) as a catalyst. Solvent-free conditions were employed for the reaction of different substituted phenols with β-ketoester in TSIL to produce corresponding substituted coumarin derivatives in good to excellent yields at ambient conditions; at room temperature and with reduced reaction times. The ionic liquid catalyst can be recycled and reused up to five times. All the synthesized coumarins were evaluated for their antifungal activities against Macrophomina phaseolina, a plant as well as an opportunistic human pathogenic fungus affecting more than 500 plant species worldwide and with no registered commercial fungicide available against it, to date. Amongst all the coumarins tested, compounds 3f and 3i showed excellent antifungal activity comparable to reference fungicide mancozeb. The current methodology provides an easy and expedient way to access the coumarin core in search of potential fungicides for sustainable agriculture.

An eco-friendly simple protocol has been devised for the preparation of coumarin derivatives using doubly Brønsted acidic task specific ionic liquid (TSIL) as a catalyst.

Isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut under antibiotic-treated larval feeding

The impact of antibiotics on growth, cocoon production was assessed in addition to isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut of infected larvae. Larval rearing was maintained at recommended conditions of temperature and humidity. Silkworm larvae showing abnormal symptoms were collected from the control group and dissected for gut collection. Bacteria were isolated from the gut content by spreading on agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 48 hrs. Bacterial identification and phylogenetic analysis were carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test (disc diffusion methods) by using Penicillin (10 µg/mL), Tetracycline (30 µg/mL), Amoxicillin (25 µg/mL), Ampicillin (10 µg/mL), and Erythromycin (15 µg/mL). All isolated strains showed positive results for the catalase test. We isolated and identified bacterial strains (n = 06) from the gut of healthy and diseased silkworm larvae. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, isolated bacteria showed close relation with Serratia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas spp. Notably, 83.3% of strains were resistant to Penicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Erythromycin but 16.6% showed antibiotic susceptibility to the above-mentioned commonly used antibiotics. Silkworm larvae fed on penicillin-treated leaves showed significant improvement in larval weight, larval length, and cocoon production. Significantly higher larval weight (6.88g), larval length (5.84cm), and cocoon weight (1.33g) were recorded for larvae fed on leaves treated with penicillin as compared to other antibiotics. Isolated bacterial strains showed close relation with Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.

Trends in hospitalized patients with cancer and stress cardiomyopathy

Introduction

Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer remain the top two causes of death worldwide, novel therapeutics have resulted in a decreased mortality rate in both groups. Accordingly, there has been a heightened awareness of patients with cancer experiencing stress cardiomyopathy (SC). In patients with cancer, the emotional stress of the diagnosis of cancer is compounded by the physical stress of treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Previous studies have shown that SC in patients with cancer is associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality when compared to patients with SC alone. No studies have examined the differences between patients with active cancer and SC compared to patients with active cancer without SC.

Purpose

To explore the unique impact that a diagnosis of SC has on patients with specific types of cancer, so that clinicians may recognize these phenomena and reduce morbidity associated with this disease.

Methods

We queried the 2016 United States National Inpatient Sample, which is the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient healthcare database, to identify demographic characteristics and outcomes in patients with active cancer and SC.

Results

Of 30,195,722 adult hospitalized patients, 4,719,591 (15.63%) had active cancer of whom 568,239 (12.04%) had SC. Among patients with active cancer, patients with SC versus those without SC were significantly more likely to have the following characteristics: female sex, white race, commercial insurance, hypertension, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation disorder (p&lt;0.003 for all variables). The five most common primary malignancies in patients with SC were breast (13.4%), lung (10.2%), skin (9.5%), colon (8.1%), and leukemia (4.8%) (Figure 1).

In machine learning-augmented propensity score-adjusted multivariable regression fully adjusting for age, race, income, and presence of metastases, the only primary malignancies that significantly increased the likelihood of SC were lung cancer (OR 1.25; p=0.003) and breast cancer (OR 1.81; p&lt;0.001) (Table 1). In separate regression, neither SC alone nor having both SC and cancer was significantly associated with mortality. The presence of concomitant SC and breast cancer was significantly associated with reduced mortality (OR 0.48; p=0.032).

Conclusion

In patients with active cancer, SC was not associated with in-hospital mortality. In addition, patients with both SC and breast cancer had significantly reduced mortality when compared to all patients with cancer. Further investigation will be necessary to confirm these findings and determine the possible protective factors in patients with SC and breast cancer. Furthermore, clinicians should be aware, early during hospitalization, of the increased likelihood of SC in patients with lung cancer and breast cancer, in order to reduce morbidity associated with these diagnoses.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Clinical course and surgical outcomes in middle-age adults with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Patients with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including ischemic symptoms (chest pain or dyspnea) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Studies have identified coronary anatomic characteristics associated with a higher risk of SCD. However, most of the published literature consists of studies in adolescents and young adults. There is a paucity of data regarding outcomes in middle-aged patients. Current guidelines reveal gaps in evidence for identification of adults are at risk for SCD, and for whom surgery is beneficial.

Purpose

To study the clinical course and rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in middle-aged adults with AAOCA based on presenting symptoms, coronary anatomy on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), stress test results, and surgical management.

Methods

We included all patients from January 2013 to December 2019 age &gt; 18 at our institution who were found to have AAOCA.  Patients with the following were excluded to minimize confounding factors which could cause MACE: coronary artery disease (CAD) with &gt;50% stenosis in any coronary vessel, CAD requiring revascularization, heart failure with ejection fraction &lt;40%, history of heart transplant, and non-AAOCA congenital heart disease. All patient charts were reviewed for demographics, coronary anatomy on CCTA, presenting symptoms, rationale for pursuing stress testing and CCTA, nature of surgical interventions, post-surgical course, and MACE (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and need for coronary revascularization). All patients underwent PET as well as treadmill stress testing.

Results

Of 19,367 patients who underwent CCTA, 47 met inclusion criteria, with median age at diagnosis of 54 and median follow-up of 48 months. No patients suffered MACE. Twenty-five patients had AAORCA and 22 had AAOLCA (Table 1). Ten patients with AAORCA and 8 patients with AAOLCA presented with ischemic symptoms and had coronary anatomy characteristics associated with higher risk of SCD, as well as ischemia corresponding to the anomalous artery on stress testing and did not undergo surgery due to personal preference. Five symptomatic patients with stress-induced ischemia corresponding to the anomalous artery underwent surgery and all achieved symptom relief over a median follow up of 5 years.

Conclusion

As AAOCA is a significant cause of SCD in young adults, it is compelling to observe this adult cohort in which no patients experienced MACE, including 18 symptomatic patients with high-risk anatomy and stress-induced ischemia, as well as a Class I recommendations for surgery.  The results suggest that although surgery may be beneficial for symptom relief, it does not necessarily improve mortality over an intermediate follow-up period.  Future studies should examine surgical outcomes in middle-aged cohorts with larger sample sizes.

Antifungal potential of zinc against leaf spot disease in chili pepper caused by Alternaria alternata

The fungal pathogen, Alternaria alternata is responsible for causing leaf spot disease in many plants, including chili pepper. Zinc (Zn) an essential micronutrient for plant growth, also increases resistance in plants against diseases, and also acts as an antifungal agent. Here, in vitro effects of ZnSO4 on the propagation of A. alternata were investigated, and also in vivo, the effect of foliar application of ZnSO4 was investigated in chili pepper plants under disease stress. In vitro, ZnSO4 inhibited fungal growth in a dose-dependent manner, with complete inhibition being observed at the concentration of 8.50 mM. Hyphae and conidial damage were observed along with abnormal activity of antioxidant enzymes, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the major changes in the protein structure of the fungal biomass after Zn accumulation. In vivo, pathogen infection caused the highest leaf spot disease incidence, and cumulative disease index, which resulted in a significant reduction in the plant's growth (length and biomass), and physiochemical traits (photosynthetic pigment, activity of catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase). The heat map and principal component analysis based on disease, growth and, physico-chemical variables generated useful information regarding the best treatment useful for disease management. Foliar Zn (0.036 mM) acted as a resistance inducer in chili pepper plants that improved activities of antioxidants (CAT and POX), and defense compounds (PPO and PAL), while managing 77% of disease. The study indicated foliar ZnSO4 as an effective and sustainable agriculture practice to manage Alternaria leaf spot disease in chili pepper plants.

Effect of necrotrophic fungus and PGPR on the comparative histochemistry of Vigna radiata by using multiple microscopic techniques

Rapid advances in the field of pathogen detection have opened new opportunities and better understanding for their management approaches. Aim of this study was to elucidate histopathological observations of different tissues affected by Macrophomina phaseolina and to observe the defense responses of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in mungbean plants. Sections of the stem and root were prepared and stained with ferric chloride, Lugol's iodine and Wiesner's reagent and were then observed under multiple microscopic techniques. Results revealed that both pathogen and PGPR produce responses on the plant that include colonization of xylem vessels by hyphae and sclerotia, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the cells, destruction of xylem fibers and amyloplasts in parenchymatous cells; and production of gels by the plant were observed. There was a significant increase in lignin and phenolic compounds deposition in stem and root sections of PGPR treated and non-treated mungbean plants. Whereas the soil amended with PGPR showed very less to no starch production. Moreover, production of gels and gums were also observed in both stem and root sections. Compared to light microscopy, scanning electron microscope provided greater depth of focus and resolution of the pathogen attack on plant tissues, associated bacteria. As a whole, the data demonstrated that inoculation of PGPR can be an effective strategy to stimulate plant growth and they could significantly activate disease resistance against M. phaseolina.

National Registry of Interstitial Lung Disease from Pakistan

Introduction

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a heterogeneous group of over 200 parenchymal lung diseases with a myriad of etiologies. Interstitial lung disease registries from around the world show varying prevalence and incidence of these diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology and characteristics of ILD in Pakistan.

Methods

This web-based registry, which is the first multicenter registry of ILD from Pakistan, recruited patients from 10 centers of five major cities between January 2016 and March 2019.

Results

A total of 744 patients were enrolled in the registry. The five most frequent ILDs were idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) 34.4%, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) - 17.7%, idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (iNSIP) - 16.8%, connective tissue disease-associated ILD (CTD-ILD) - 16.3%, and sarcoidosis - 9.1%.

Conclusion

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most prevalent ILD in Pakistan, followed by HP and iNSIP. An ongoing prospective registry with longitudinal follow-up will help us further elaborate on the clinical characteristics, treatment, and survival outcome of patients with ILD.

Prevalence and risk factors of Syphilis among blood donors of Punjab, Pakistan

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease and its actual prevalence among Pakistani blood donors is currently unknown. A cross sectional study was conducted at different district healthcare hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan with an aim to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with syphilis in blood donors using immunochromatographic test (ICT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total (n=1200) blood samples were collected from donors aged 18-65 years. All the information regarding personal data, demographic data and risk factors was collected via structured questionnaire. On the basis of ICT and ELISA, the overall prevalence of syphilis was 3.91% among blood donors. The demographic factors positively linked with syphilis were age (P= 0.000; Odds ratio, OR= 7.18; 95% confidence interval CI= 2.816-18.295) and education status (P= 0.000; Odds ratio, OR= 12.33; 95% confidence interval CI= 3.469-43.849) of donors. Similarly among the risk factors analyzed, marital status (P= 0.012; Odds ratio OR= 2.251; 95% confidence interval CI= 1.206- 4.202) and blood transfusion history (P= 0.030; Odds ratio OR= 1.981; 95% confidence interval CI= 1.083-3.623) were also strongly associated with syphilis. We emphasized the importance of promoting preventive measures for syphilis. The syphilis diagnosis should not be based on a single test. The present study indicates that higher prevalence is alarming for blood donors in Pakistan. Stringent donor screening is highly recommended to ensure maximum safe blood transfusion.

Effects of abomasal infusions of fatty acids and 1-carbon donors on apparent fatty acid digestibility and incorporation into milk fat in cows

Our primary objective was to determine the effects of the abomasal infusion of 16-carbon (16C) and 22-carbon (22C) fatty acids (FA) on apparent FA digestibility, plasma FA concentrations, and their incorporation into milk fat in cows. Our secondary objective was to study the effects of 1-carbon donors choline and l-serine on these variables. Five rumen-cannulated Holstein cows (214 ± 4.9 d in milk; 3.2 ± 1.1 parity) were enrolled in a 5 × 5 Latin square experiment with experimental periods lasting 6 d. Abomasal infusates consisted of (1) palmitic acid (PA; 98% 16:0 of total fat), (2) PA + choline chloride (PA+CC; 50 g/d of choline chloride), (3) PA + l-serine (PA+S; 170 g/d of l-serine), (4) behenic acid (BA; 92% 22:0 of total fat), and (5) docosahexaenoic acid algal oil (DHA; 47.5% DHA of total fat). Emulsions were formulated to provide 301 g/d of total FA and were balanced to provide a minimum of 40 and 19 g/d of 16:0 and glycerol, respectively, to match the content found in the infused algal oil. Apparent digestibility of FA was highest in DHA, intermediate in PA, and lowest in BA. Digestibility of 16C FA was lowest in BA and highest in PA. The digestibility of 22C FA was highest in DHA relative to BA (99 vs. 58%), whereas 1-carbon donors had no effect on 22C FA digestibility. Plasma 16C FA concentrations were greatest with PA treatment, and 22C FA concentrations were ~3-fold greater in DHA-treated cows relative to all other treatments. Milk fat 16:0 content was highest in PA relative to BA and DHA (e.g., 37 vs. 27% in PA and DHA), whereas the milk yield of 16:0 was higher in PA relative to DHA (i.e., 454 vs. 235 g/d). Similarly, milk 22:0 content and yield were ~10-fold higher in BA relative to all other treatments, whereas DHA treatment resulted in higher content and yield of 22:6 in milk fat relative to all other treatments (41- and 38-fold higher, respectively). Consequently, the content of FA >16C (i.e., preformed) was higher in milk fat from cows infused with BA and DHA relative to PA. De novo FA content in milk did not differ between PA, PA+CC, and PA+S (~16% of milk fat) but was higher in BA and DHA treatments (19 and 21%, respectively). We conclude that FA carbon chain length and degree of saturation affected FA digestibility and availability for absorption as well as their incorporation into milk fat. The abomasal infusion of choline chloride and l-serine did not modify these variables relative to infusing palmitic acid alone.

Chitin nanofibers trigger membrane bound defense signaling and induce elicitor activity in plants

The present study demonstrated that chitin-based nanofibers (CNFs) trigger the chitinase genes (PGIP1 and CaChi2), while elevating salicylic acid that can protect plants against pathogens. Cross-talk between this genetic induction and salicylic-acid-mediated immune response was also observed, which may arm a plant against multiple pathovars. Crab and mushroom based CNFs were synthesized by electrospinning and ball milling techniques. Plants (mung bean, Vigna radiata) (pepper, Capsicum annuum) were pre-inoculated with CNFs and treated with the pathogens Scrolotium rolfsii for pepper and Macrophomina phaseolina for mung bean and shrimp-based CNFs were used as a control. Treated plants had elevated levels of chitinase genes in response to CNFs at inoculation concentrations <10 mg/mL both in soil and media, to protect them against the pathogenic fungal disease. After 24 h of exposure to the pathogens, qRT-PCR showed genes class II chitinase gene (CaChi2) and polygalacturonase inhibitor protein 1 (PGIP1) to be up-regulated in both root and shoot at 0.1 and 1 mg/mL of inoculation, respectively. The ball milled mushroom CNFs were sufficient to trigger the membrane based enzymes with less diameter (≥15 nm) to be most efficient versus others. In vitro analysis showed IC₅₀ of ball milled mushroom CNFs to be most efficient in limiting the growth of fungal biomass. Further trigger-like effects were prominent in reducing pathogenic fungal spread in both species.

Pharmacological screening and GC-MS analysis of vegetative/reproductive parts of Nigella sativa L

Nigella sativa is an extensively utilized herbal medicinal plant. Medicinal utilization of seeds and oil of N. sativa was common among all the ancient medicinal systems. Previously, the vegetative part of the plant was not utilized for pharmaceutical purposes. Therefore, the current study was aimed at determining the potential of the vegetative parts (leaves, branches and stem) of the plant to reduce the pressure on the reproductive part (seeds/oil) and to get a potential alternate source of pharmaceutical materials. The experiment was carried out in split block RCD design. The dried plant was extracted through partitioning method in a series of concentrations ranging from 200-1.562mg/ml in different solvents. Phyto-chemical screening, antibacterial and anti-oxidant assays and GC-MS analysis of the potent extracts were done. The green parts of N. sativa were shown to contain saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids, whereas phloba-tannins were absent. Evaluation of anti-aging properties through antioxidant assays yielded significant results in all the assays. Linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and glyceryl linoleate were profiled through GC-MS analysis. Based on these results, it was concluded that the vegetative parts of N. sativa are effective alternatives to the reproductive part/seed for anti-aging and other phytochemicals needed to meet the present day requirements of the pharmaceutical industry.

Contending charcoal rot disease of mungbean by employing biocontrol Ochrobactrum ciceri and zinc

Role of rhizobacteria and zinc (Zn) was investigated in the management of charcoal rot disease in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. In vitro, screening tests with eight rhizobacteria [Bacillus subtilis (FCBP-0324), B. subtilis (FCBP-0189), Rhizobacter daucus (FCBP-0450), Azospirillum brasilense (FCBP-0025), Azospirillum lipoferum (FCBP-0022), Pseudomonas malophilia (FCBP-0099), Pseudomonas florescense (FCBP-0083) and Ochrobactrum ciceri (FCBP-0727)] were conducted against M. phaseolina and FCBP-0727 were found as the most effective biocontrol agent. Molecular analyses of 16S rDNA combined with cultural and biochemical analyses confirmed FCBP-0727 identification (GeneBank Accession No. LC415039). Cell-free culture filtrate (CFCF) and cell culture of O. ciceri were separated and antifungal trials of both substrates indicated inhibition in mycelial growth and suppression in sclerotia formation, although the CFCF appeared to be more destructive against the pathogen. Ethyl-acetate and chloroform extracts of bacterial secondary metabolites completely halted the growth of M. phaseolina. The GC-MS analysis of CFCF of chloroform extract proved to be rich sources of bioactive fungicide like phthalates, adipic acid, propanoic acid, and linoleic acid. Likewise, CFCF of ethyl acetate also exhibited important organic compounds like phthalates, diisopropylglycol and octasiloxan. Pot experiment revealed that soil inoculation with O. ciceri in combination with Zn (2.5 mg/kg) protected mungbean plants against M. phaseolina through improving photosynthetic pigment, total protein content and activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase). The present study will open new vistas for biological management of charcoal rot disease of mungbean using a combination of rhizobacteria and Zn.

Compliance of smokeless tobacco supply chain actors and products with tobacco control laws in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan: protocol for a multicentre sequential mixed-methods study

INTRODUCTION

South Asia is home to more than 300 million smokeless tobacco (ST) users. Bangladesh, India and Pakistan as signatories to the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) have developed policies aimed at curbing the use of tobacco. The objective of this study is to assess the compliance of ST point-of-sale (POS) vendors and the supply chain with the articles of the FCTC and specifically with national tobacco control laws. We also aim to assess disparities in compliance with tobacco control laws between ST and smoked tobacco products.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study will be carried out at two sites each in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. We will conduct a sequential mixed-methods study with five components: (1) mapping of ST POS, (2) analyses of ST samples packaging, (3) observation, (4) survey interviews of POS and (5) in-depth interviews with wholesale dealers/suppliers/manufacturers of ST. We aim to conduct at least 300 POS survey interviews and observations, and 6-10 in-depth interviews in each of the three countries. Data collection will be done by trained data collectors. The main statistical analysis will report the frequencies and proportions of shops that comply with the FCTC and local tobacco control policies, and provide a 95% CI of these estimates. The qualitative in-depth interview data will be analysed using the framework approach. The findings will be connected, each component informing the focus and/or design of the next component.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approvals for the study have been received from the Health Sciences Research Governance Committee at the University of York, UK. In-country approvals were taken from the National Bioethics Committee in Pakistan, the Bangladesh Medical Research Council and the Indian Medical Research Council. Our results will be disseminated via scientific conferences, peer-reviewed research publications and press releases.

Students' perceptions of factors for academic failure in pre-clinical years of a medical school

OBJECTIVE

To identify and explore medical students' perceptions about their academic failure.

METHODS

The qualitative study was conducted at Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan, from December 2016 to January 2017, and comprised medical students. Two focus group discussions and 5 semi-structured interviews were conducted with students who had obtained <50% marks in their first professional examinations. Key words and important points in the written text were highlighted, coded, themed and categorised. Data was analysed manually.

RESULTS

There were 22 students in the two focus group discussions; 13(59%) males and 9(41%) females. Of the 5 interviewees, 3(60%) were males and 2(40%) were females. Variable factors related to failure ranged from curriculum, assessment, environment, educators and personal factors to issues relating to stress and time management, learning resources, financial support, living away from home, poor attendance, peer pressure during small group discussions and indoctrination by parents.

CONCLUSIONS

Both personal and environmental factors were found to be affecting academic performance of medical students.

Effect of Team-based Learning on Second Year Students' Academic Performance

OBJECTIVE

To determine if there was any significant difference in scores of students who acquired knowledge through team-based learning (TBL) versus those who learned through small group discussion (SGD).

STUDY DESIGN

Quasi-experimental cross-over study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, from March to December 2015.

METHODOLOGY

All students of second year MBBS were assigned to either TBL or SGD, based on non-probability sampling, for 8 themes in a five-week module. The groups were flipped after 4 themes. TBL format recommended by the AMEE guide No: 65 was followed. The impact of both learning methods was assessed by comparing end-of-module written examination scores of the two groups through independent sample t-test. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

End-of-module written examination scores showed there was no significant difference in student academic performance when they studied with TBL or SGD in themes 1-4 (TBL 61.90 ±13.01 versus SGD 59.65 ±11.56, p=0.41). However, for themes 5-8 there was a significant difference in scores (TBL 65.36 ±11.62 versus SGD 59.92 ±10.65, p=0.03) A trend towards higher scores was observed in content learned with TBL in all eight themes.

CONCLUSION

TBL is equally effective as an instructional method as SGD. However, it could not be established that it results in significant improvement in learning.

Forecasting the seasonality and trend of pulmonary tuberculosis in Jiangsu Province of China using advanced statistical time-series analyses

Objective

Forecasting the seasonality and trend of pulmonary tuberculosis is important for the rational allocation of health resources; however, this foresting is often hampered by inappropriate prediction methods. In this study, we performed validation research by comparing the accuracy of the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and the back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model in a southeastern province of China.

Methods

We applied the data from 462,214 notified pulmonary tuberculosis cases registered from January 2005 to December 2015 in Jiangsu Province to modulate and construct the ARIMA and BPNN models. Cases registered in 2016 were used to assess the prediction accuracy of the models. The root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean error rate (MER) were used to evaluate the model fitting and forecasting effect.

Results

During 2005–2015, the annual pulmonary tuberculosis notification rate in Jiangsu Province was 56.35/100,000, ranging from 40.85/100,000 to 79.36/100,000. Through screening and comparison, the ARIMA (0, 1, 2) (0, 1, 1)₁₂ and BPNN (3-9-1) were defined as the optimal fitting models. In the fitting dataset, the RMSE, MAPE, MAE and MER were 0.3901, 6.0498, 0.2740 and 0.0608, respectively, for the ARIMA (0, 1, 2) (0, 1, 1)₁₂ model, 0.3236, 6.0113, 0.2508 and 0.0587, respectively, for the BPNN model. In the forecasting dataset, the RMSE, MAPE, MAE and MER were 0.1758, 4.6041, 0.1368 and 0.0444, respectively, for the ARIMA (0, 1, 2) (0, 1, 1)₁₂ model, and 0.1382, 3.2172, 0.1018 and 0.0330, respectively, for the BPNN model.

Conclusion

Both the ARIMA and BPNN models can be used to predict the seasonality and trend of pulmonary tuberculosis in the Chinese population, but the BPNN model shows better performance. Applying statistical techniques by considering local characteristics may enable more accurate mathematical modeling.

Necrotrophic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina tolerates chromium stress through regulating antioxidant enzymes and genes expression (MSN1 and MT)

Cr(VI) tolerance level of phytopathogenic fungus viz., Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid was assessed through growth, morphological, physiological, and metal accumulation assays. Initially, the fungus growth assays indicated that the fungus can grow over concentration range of 20-3000 ppm and exhibited high tolerance index (0.88-1.00) and minimum inhibitory concentration at 3500 ppm of Cr. Observations under compound and scanning electron microscope un-revealed the structural features of hyphae under Cr stress as thick-walled, aggregated, branched, short and broken, along with attachment of irregular objects on them. Metal accumulation analysis revealed reduction in Cr(VI) accumulation by the fungus with increase in metal concentration in the growth medium (500-3000 ppm). Cr stress induced upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase), expression of genes (MSN1 and metallothionein) and appearnace of new protein bands suggesting the possible role in protection and survival of M. phaseolina against Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress. This study concludes that interference of Cr with growth and physiological process of M. phaseolina could affect its infection level on its host plant, therefore, synergistic action of two factors needs to be addressed, which may aid to guide future research efforts in understanding impact of plant-pathogen-heavy metal interaction.

Observation of an Unusual Upward-Going Cosmic-Ray-like Event in the Third Flight of ANITA

We report on an upward traveling, radio-detected cosmic-ray-like impulsive event with characteristics closely matching an extensive air shower. This event, observed in the third flight of the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA), a NASA-sponsored long-duration balloon payload, is consistent with a similar event reported in a previous flight. These events could be produced by the atmospheric decay of an upward-propagating τ lepton produced by a ν_{τ} interaction, although their relatively steep arrival angles create tension with the standard model neutrino cross section. Each of the two events have a posteriori background estimates of ≲10^{-2} events. If these are generated by τ-lepton decay, then either the charged-current ν_{τ} cross section is suppressed at EeV energies, or the events arise at moments when the peak flux of a transient neutrino source was much larger than the typical expected cosmogenic background neutrinos.

Occurrence of adverse events in patient receiving community-based therapy for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Pakistan

Introduction

Pakistan ranks 4th among 22 multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) high burden countries. The increasing rate of MDR-TB in Pakistan underscores the importance of effective treatment programs of drug-resistant TB. Clinical management of MDR-TB requires prolonged multidrug regimens that often cause adverse events (AEs).

Materials and Methods

This retrospective case series study include all patients who were enrolled for MDR-TB treatment during January 2014 till April 2015 at Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB (PMDT) unit at tertiary care hospital, Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) Peshawar Pakistan. In this study we sought to ascertain the occurrence of treatment related adverse events and factors associated with these events. Here we also examined the frequency of and reasons for changing drug regimens. We further sought to determine whether the occurrence of adverse events negatively impacts the treatment outcome and management of adverse effects without requiring the discontinuation of MDR-TB therapy.

Result

At the time of analysis final outcomes of all 200 enrolled patients exist. Among these 52.5% were females and (81.5%) were aged ≤ 44 years. Among study cases 155 (77.2%) experienced at least one adverse event during treatment. The most commonly reported events were psychiatric issues (70%) whereas the less common was skin rashes (7.5%). A change in drug dose due to adverse events occurred in 16.5% cases, while 13.5% cases had at least one drug discontinued temporarily. Younger age and lung cavities at baseline were positive association with occurrence of adverse events. Association was also found between adverse events and treatment outcomes (OR 0.480, 0.236-0.978, p= 0.041).

Conclusions

Adverse events were prevalent among MDR-TB patients treated at PMDT-LRH Peshawar. All patients who were younger aged and cavitory lungs should be closely monitored for occurrence of adverse events.

Cadaveric Dissection a Thing of the Past? The Insight of Consultants, Fellows, and Residents

Objective

The objective of our study was to determine whether cadaveric dissection is a necessity in medical education. Another purpose of our study was to assess the attitude and perception of consultants, residents, and fellows about cadaveric dissection and whether it helped them in their medical practices.

Method

We performed an analytical cross-sectional study among consultants, fellows, and residents of different specialty areas practicing in Punjab. A self-constructed questionnaire compromising of 41 items was used to assess the perception of doctors about cadaveric dissection and other alternative anatomy teaching methods. Consultants, fellows, and residents who were in clinical practice for more than six months were included in the study.

Results

Out of the total sample size of 842, 44.7% were female medical doctors and 55.3 % were male medical doctors. Cadaveric dissection was thought to be the most effective method for teaching anatomy by 27.9% of the doctors. Mean cadaveric dissection, prosection and didactic teaching components were scored significantly higher by doctors in surgery and allied fields (p<0.001). Doctors in the surgical and allied field were 0.55 times less likely to think that cadaveric dissection was unethical as compared to doctors working in medicine and allied fields (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Dissection is still considered by several doctors as a valuable source of learning anatomy. However, the future of teaching anatomy does not depend on any single method. It is, in fact, the right combination of all available resources and using them in an interactive way that maximizes outcomes.

Validity of Time to Sputum Culture Conversion to Predict Cure in Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

To evaluate the predictive value of time to sputum culture conversion (SCC) in predicting cure and factors associated with time to SCC and cure in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients, a retrospective study was conducted at programmatic management unit of drug resistant tuberculosis (TB), Peshawar. A total of 428 pulmonary MDR-TB patients enrolled at the study site from January 1, 2012 to August 31, 2014 were followed until treatment outcome was recorded. Survival analysis using Cox proportional hazards model and multivariate binary logistic regression were, respectively, used to identify factors associated with time to SCC and cure. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Overall, 90.9% patients achieved SCC, and 76.9% were cured. Previous use of second-line drugs (SLDs) (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.637; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.429-0.947), ofloxacin resistance (HR = 0.656; 95% CI = 0.522-0.825) and lung cavitation (HR = 0.744; 95% CI = 0.595-0.931) were significantly associated with time to SCC. In predicting cure, sensitivities of SCC at 2, 4, and 6 months were 64.1% (95% CI = 58.69-69.32), 93.0% (95% CI = 89.69-95.52), and 97.6% (95% CI = 95.27-98.94), respectively, whereas specificities were 67.7% (95% CI = 57.53-76.73), 51.5% (95% CI = 41.25-61.68), and 44.4% (95% CI = 34.45-54.78), respectively. Furthermore, patients' age of 41-60 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.202; 95% CI = 0.067-0.605) and > 60 years (OR = 0.051; 95% CI = 0.011-0.224), body weight > 40 kg (OR = 2.950; 95% CI = 1.462-5.952), previous SLD use (OR = 0.277; 95% CI = 0.097-0.789), lung cavitation (OR = 0.196; 95% CI = 0.103-0.371) and ofloxacin resistance (OR = 0.386; 95% CI = 0.198-0.749) were significantly associated with cure. Association of SCC with cure was substantially stronger at 6 months (OR = 32.10; 95% CI = 14.34-71.85) than at 4 months (OR = 14.13; 95% CI = 7.92-25.21). However in predicting treatment outcomes, the combined sensitivity and specificity of SCC at 4 months was comparable to SCC at 6 months. Patients with risk factors for delayed SCC were also at high risk of unsuccessful outcomes.

Energy Spectrum of Cosmic-Ray Electron and Positron from 10 GeV to 3 TeV Observed with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope on the International Space Station

First results of a cosmic-ray electron and positron spectrum from 10 GeV to 3 TeV is presented based upon observations with the CALET instrument on the International Space Station starting in October, 2015. Nearly a half million electron and positron events are included in the analysis. CALET is an all-calorimetric instrument with total vertical thickness of 30 X_{0} and a fine imaging capability designed to achieve a large proton rejection and excellent energy resolution well into the TeV energy region. The observed energy spectrum over 30 GeV can be fit with a single power law with a spectral index of -3.152±0.016 (stat+syst). Possible structure observed above 100 GeV requires further investigation with increased statistics and refined data analysis.

BIOPESTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF Calotropis procera L. AGAINST Macrophomina phaseolina

BACKGROUND

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important pulse crop globally. This imperative crop is severely affected by charcoal rot disease caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. In the present study, the leaves of Calotropis procera L. were tested for their antifungal potential against M. phaseolina.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Various concentrations i.e. 1%, 2.5%, 4%, 5.5% and 7% of methanolic extract of C. procera leaves were prepared and their in vitro bioactivity was examined against the test fungus. Methnolic leaf extract was partitioned using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol and antifungal activity of each fraction was evaluated. n-Hexane fraction was subjected to GC-MS analysis.

RESULTS

The higher concentration of methanolic leaf extract (7%) caused maximum inhibition in the diameter of M. phaseolina i.e. 38%. The n-hexane fraction of methanolic leaf extract was found to be the most effective against M. phaseolina. Seven compounds belonging to classes of chlorocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon, azocompounds, aromatic carboxylic acids and fatty acids were identified in GC-MS analysis of n-hexane fraction.

CONCLUSION

Antifungal activity of the methanolic leaf extract of C. procera might be due to the presence of the identified compounds in n-hexane fraction of methanolic leaf extract.