GC-MS analysis, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of acetone fractions obtained from Guiera Senegalensis leaves and Quercus Infectoria Nutgalls extracts

Medicinal plants are considered an important source of phytochemical compounds that play a vital role to produce a definite physiological action for the treatment of several diseases. This study was aimed to investigate the phytoconstituents of Guiera senegalensis leaves and Quercus infectoria nutgalls extracts, and to study their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Ethanol extracts were subjected to sequential fractionation using petroleum ether, dichloromethane and acetone. Acetone fraction (as major) was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative GC-MS analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity and antibacterial sensitivity against Staphylococcus aureus of acetone fraction were evaluated whereas; DPPH radical scavenging activity and disc diffusion methods were used, respectively. Results obtained from GC-MS analysis for G. senegalensis were showed the presence of eupafolin, pyrogallol, hydroquinone and catechol with percentages of 65.16%, 15.79%, 10.36% and 8.69%, respectively. While Q. infectoria GC-MS analysis was revealed the presence of pyrogallol as major phytoconstituent (94.77%).  The antioxidant activity of the two extracts showed higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (94%) at a concentration of 250 μg/ml compared to standard popylgallate. Both extracts at a concentration of 25 mg/ml were exhibited higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus compared to gentamicin. It could be concluded that G. senegalensis leaves and Q. infectoria nutgalls possess significant antioxidant and antibacterial principles for possible treatment of inflammations and bacterial infections especially those caused by S. aureus. Further experimental and clinical studies are warranted.

Mango (Mangifera indica cv. Azúcar) antiinflammatory and chemopreventive role during colorectal carcinogenesis

ABSTRACT: Chemopreventive activities of natural compounds result in the modulation of several pathways and molecular targets. It is common to find effective potential candidates for cancer chemoprevention with anti-inflammatory properties. Mango (Mangifera indica cv. Azúcar) has shown anticarcinogenic effects and it is a source of bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the effects of mango on Aberrant Crypt Foci formation and inflammatory biomarkers after initiation of colon carcinogenesis in AOM-treated mice. Ripped mango pulp (Mangifera indica cv. Azúcar) composition was identified by HPLC. Azoxymethane-treated mice received the fruit (0.3% w/v) for eight weeks and the distal part of colon was collected and stained with methylene blue to look for aberrant crypt foci (ACF); scrapped mucosal cells were processed for prostaglandin E2 detection by ELISA; and blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1Beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6) were also assessed by ELISA. Student’s t.test was used for the comparisons between mango treated and untreated groups. ACF formation was reduced by 67.5% and prostaglandin E2 levels were also reduced in mice which ingested the fruit. Cytokines levels were unchanged by mango consumption. In the chromatography were identified phenolic acids and Beta-carotene. Mango pulp showed chemopreventive effects through the reduction of ACF formation, by means of blocking hyperproliferation which is correlated with decreasing levels of PGE2

Effect of Mixed Oxide-Based TiO2 on the Physicochemical Properties of Chitosan Films

The physicochemical, mechanical, and structural properties of chitosan-based films (CS) alone or CS-films with mixed oxide nanoparticles (TiO2-ZnO-MgO, TZM; CSTZM) at different concentrations (125, 250, and 500 μg mL−1) were investigated. The addition of nano-TZM promoted a color change (from colorless to white) in the film-forming solution, which increased its turbidity and it decreased viscosity. CSTZM were semitransparent (transmittance, T% decreased up to 49%) compared to CS-based films (T% = 95.5). CSTZM (particularly at a concentration of 500 μg mL−1) exhibited an improvement in the moisture content (decreased from 12.6 to 9.67%), water solubility (decreased from 14.94 to 10.22%), degree of swelling (increased from 19.79 to 36.28%), water vapor barrier (decreased from 6.62 x 10−16 to 4.33 x 10−16 g m−1 h−1 Pa−1), thermal stability (the endotherm peak increased from 99.5 to 157.7 °C), and mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation at break increased from 4.15 to 4.98 kPa and 6.96 to 56.18%, respectively, while the modulus of elasticity decreased from 144 kPa to 4.11 kPa), without toxicity effects on Artemia salina (93.33% survival). X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared studies demonstrated an interaction between CS-based films and nano-TZM. Overall, this film exhibited great potential for diverse industrial applications

Características nutricionales y antioxidantes de la uchuva colombiana (Physalys peruviana L.) en tres estadios de su maduración

ABSTRACT: The fruit Cape Gooseberry has described at yellow (intermediate) and orange (mature) stages. The objective was to describe content of nutrients, total phenols and carotenoids content and antioxidan capacity (DPPH and FRAP) from fruit Cape gooseberry harvested in three stages of ripeness based on epidermis color, stae 1 (light green), stage 3 (orange fruit with green overtones to the area of the cup), stage 5 (orange), usefull for post-harvest practices and knowledge of the nutraceutical potential. This fruit showed 79-80% humidity in the three stages. The carbohydrate content was higher in stage 1 (16.7%) and 5 (16.2%) than stage 3 (15.9%). Caloric content was 76.2, 73.6 and 71.5 Kcal/100g respectively. The percentage of lipids and protein was less than 3% for all stages. The phenol content ranged from 66.5 to 59.2 mg GAE/100g dry weight (dw), being higher in green gooseberry. The total flavonoids content decreased with maturation (131.9 to 65.9 mg Catechin/ 100g dw) without statistically significant difference. The total carotenoid content was significantly different among the three stages of maturity, being higher in pintona fruit (3961.6 μg β-caroteno /100g pulp). DPPH value increased with fruit ripening (284.3 μmol Trolox equivalents/100g dw) and was significantly higher in stage 5 (ripe). FRAP value was similar in the three stages. In conclusion, during ripening of Cape gooseberry a high moisture was maintained, carbohydrates, caloric and phenolic compounds were reduced, but total carotenoids and antioxidant capacity increased.RESUMEN: La uchuva se ha descrito nutricionalmente en estado amarillo (intermedio) y naranja (maduro). El objetivo fue describir la composición nutricional, contenido de compuestos fenólicos y carotenoides totales, y capacidad antioxidante (DPPH y FRAP) de uchuva cosechada en tres estados de madurez basados en el color de la epidermis, estado 1 (verde claro), estado 3 (fruto anaranjado con visos verdes hacia la zona del cáliz), estado 5 (anaranjado), para su aplicación en prácticas adecuadas de post-cosecha y conocimiento del potencial nutracéutico. Se encontró 79 a 80% de humedad en los tres estados. El contenido de carbohidratos fue mayor en estado (16,7%) y 5 (16,2%) respecto al estado 3 (15,9%), con aporte calórico de 76,2; 73,6 y 71,5 Kcal/100g respectivamente. El porcentaje de grasas y proteínas fue menor a 3 para todos los estados. El contenido de fenoles varió de 66,5 a 59,2 mg EAG/100g peso seco, siendo mayor en uchuva verde. Los flavonoides totales disminuyeron con la maduración (131,9 - 65,9 mg Catequina/100 peso seco) sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. El contenido de carotenoides presentó diferencia significativa entre los tres estados de maduración, siendo mayor estado 3 (3961,6 microgramos β-caroteno/100g pulpa). El valor DPPH aumentó con la maduración, fue significativamente mayor (284,3 micromoles equivalentes Trolox/100g peso seco) en estado 5 (maduro). El valor FRAP fue similar en los tres estados de maduración. Se concluye que durante la maduración se conserva humedad alta, disminuyen los carbohidratos, se reduce el contenido de compuestos fenólicos aumentado carotenoides totales y capacidad antioxidante

Consanguinity and willingness to perform premarital genetic screening in Sudan

Consanguineous marriage is prevalent in certain world regions due to cultural, economic, and social reasons. However, it can lead to negative consequences including an increased risk of genetic disorders in offspring. Premarital genetic screening (PMGS) is an important tool to identify and manage these risks before marriage. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of consanguineous marriage, knowledge of genetic diseases and PMGS, and attitudes and willingness to perform PMGS in Sudan. A national household survey was conducted using a multistage sampling technique, with a sample size of 2272 participants. Data were collected from December 2022 to March 2023 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A significant proportion of respondents (364/850, 42.8%) were married to consanguineal partners, with various types of relatedness. Moreover, 32.1% (242/755) of single respondents were planning to marry a close relative, signifying the likely persistence of consanguineous marriages in Sudan. The level of knowledge regarding genetic diseases and PMGS was relatively low in many states of Sudan, indicating the need for increased awareness interventions. A significant number of participants (85.2%) agreed that premarital screening is effective in reducing genetic diseases, whereas 71.2% supported the introduction of a mandatory PMGS program. Excluding married participants, 82.3% (1265/1537) of respondents were willing to perform PMGS, if implemented. These findings reflect the public positive attitude towards introducing the PMGS program and policies in Sudan and underscore the importance of addressing the knowledge gap of PMGS before such a potential implementation

Content of bioactive compounds and their contribution to antioxidant capacity during ripening of pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) cv Esmeralda

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) cv Esmeralda is a commercially important fruit with many bioactive compounds like vitamin C, β-carotene, phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which have been reported only for fruits of commercial maturity. Our objective was to evaluate changes in concentration of main pineapple bioactives, their contribution to total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) during pineapple ripening. Fruits were grouped into four ripening stages (RS) according to their weight, size and percentage of yellow skin color (RS1: 100% green, RS2: up to 30% yellow, RS3: 30% - 75% yellow, RS4: 75% - 100% yellow). Vitamin C content initially increased, and decreased at RS4; β-carotene, phenolics and antioxidant capacity increased gradually. Phenolics contributed over 40% of antioxidant capacity, followed by vitamin C and β-carotene. Major phenolic compounds identified were gallic acid, catechin and epicatechin. PAL and POD activity increased with ripening and correlated with concentration of phenolics. No PPO activity was quantified. We concluded that ripening of pineapple cv Esmeralda alters the concentration of bioactive compounds. Phenolic compounds, particularly gallic acid, exert the most antioxidant capacity during all RS, even if other compounds have higher concentrations

Food losses from farm to retail operations: agricultural produces supply chain of Baja Peninsula, México

Objective: To evaluate food losses (FL) volumes generated by farms in Baja California Peninsula, México, of five agricultural commodities. Design/methodology/approach: Baja California Sur (BCS) state was the study area. Information was gathered from a total of 380 sampled chain actors in asparagus, mango, strawberry, orange and tomato by survey and personal interviews. Tobit technique was applied to identify factors that influence FL percentage. Results: Data shows about 11.8% of asparagus is lost during harvesting and distribution, as well as 8.5% of strawberry, 26% of mango, 17.8% of oranges and 3.5% of tomatoes, representing 29.9% loss rate of marketed yield. Limitations on study/implications: This study did not classify commodities in the last steps of the supply chain. The five commodities used in the current study correspond to the more important agricultural produces in BCS, but given changing market, harvesting time and produce availability did not consider the waste of the supply chain. Findings/conclusions: Commodity, type of transportation and distribution, education, and human resources has been identified as influence factors in the volume of FL. This exploratory study fills the void in information in terms of its geographic scope and food group number, and farm owners willing to manage food losses for the purpose of obtaining bioactive compound. Keywords: Food loss, agrifood, desert agriculture, food security, retailObjective: To evaluate food losses (FL) volumes generated by farms in Baja California Peninsula, México, of five agricultural commodities. Design/methodology/approach: Baja California Sur (BCS) state was the study area. Information was gathered from a total of 380 sampled chain actors in asparagus, mango, strawberry, orange and tomato by survey and personal interviews. Tobit technique was applied to identify factors that influence FL percentage. Results: Data shows about 11.8% of asparagus is lost during harvesting and distribution, as well as 8.5% of strawberry, 26% of mango, 17.8% of oranges and 3.5% of tomatoes, representing 29.9% loss rate of marketed yield. Limitations on study/implications: This study did not classify commodities in the last steps of the supply chain. The five commodities used in the current study correspond to the more important agricultural produces in BCS, but given changing market, harvesting time and produce availability did not consider the waste of the supply chain. Findings/conclusions: Commodity, type of transportation and distribution, education, and human resources has been identified as influence factors in the volume of FL. This exploratory study fills the void in information in terms of its geographic scope and food group number, and farm owners willing to manage food losses for the purpose of obtaining bioactive compound

Twelve-month observational study of children with cancer in 41 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death. It is unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted childhood cancer mortality. In this study, we aimed to establish all-cause mortality rates for childhood cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors associated with mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study in 109 institutions in 41 countries. Inclusion criteria: children <18 years who were newly diagnosed with or undergoing active treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour, glioma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of 2327 cases, 2118 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 12 months. Results All-cause mortality was 3.4% (n=71/2084) at 30-day follow-up, 5.7% (n=113/1969) at 90-day follow-up and 13.0% (n=206/1581) at 12-month follow-up. The median time from diagnosis to multidisciplinary team (MDT) plan was longest in low-income countries (7 days, IQR 3-11). Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with 12-month mortality, including low-income (OR 6.99 (95% CI 2.49 to 19.68); p<0.001), lower middle income (OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96 to 5.61); p<0.001) and upper middle income (OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 6.03); p<0.001) country status and chemotherapy (OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.86); p=0.008) and immunotherapy (OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91); p=0.035) within 30 days from MDT plan. Multivariable analysis revealed laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 5.33 (95% CI 1.19 to 23.84); p=0.029) was associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions Children with cancer are more likely to die within 30 days if infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, timely treatment reduced odds of death. This report provides crucial information to balance the benefits of providing anticancer therapy against the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

Background Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide.Methods A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study-a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital.Findings Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85 [95% CI 2.58-5.75]; p<0.0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63.0% vs 82.7%; OR 0.35 [0.23-0.53]; p<0.0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer.Interpretation Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised