Phytobiocidal management of bacterial wilt of tomato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) Yabuuchi

Phytobiocides are a good alternative to chemicals in managing bacterial diseases including bacterial wilt of tomato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. In the present research study, finely ground dried powders of seven widely available medicinal plants/weeds species viz., Peganum harmala (esfand or wild rue), Calotropis procera (sodom apple), Melia azedarach (white cedar), Allium sativum (garlic), Adhatoda vasica (malabar nut), Tagetes patula (marigold) and Nerium oleander (oleander) were assessed for their anti-microbial activity, both in-vitro (10% w/v) and in-vivo (10, 20, 30, and 40 g/kg of potted soil) against R. solanacearum. Aqueous extracts (prepared as 10% w/v, soaking for 48-72 h and filtering) of C. procera, A. vasica, and T. patula inhibited the in-vitro growth of the bacterial pathogen over 60% of that produced by the standard antibiotic streptomycin. A. sativum, N. oleander and P. harmala aqueous extracts were less effective while M. azedarach showed no effect against R. solanacearum. The higher dose (40 g/kg of soil) of C. procera, A. vasica and T. patula decreased disease severity quite effectively and increased yield and plant growth characters as much as the standard antibiotic did. No phytotoxicity of medicinal plants powder was observed on tomato plants. Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and terpenoids were detected in the aqueous extracts of T. patula and A. vasica whereas C. procera was found to have only alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Our data suggest that dried powders of T. patula, C. procera and A. vasica (40 g/kg of soil) could be used as an effective component in the integrated disease management programs against bacterial wilt of tomato

Pregnant women perceptions regarding their husbands and in-laws’ support during pregnancy: a qualitative study

Introduction: pregnancy is a stressful condition during which women require family and in-laws´ support. This study was aimed to explore the women´s perceptions regarding their husband and in-law´s support during pregnancy. Methods: by using qualitative exploratory design ten pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy and living in joint family system were recruited through purposive sampling technique from a village of district Nowshehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Approval for conducting this study was obtained from Ethics Review Committee of Khyber Medical University. Data were collected from the recruited participants through face to face in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. One hundred open codes were generated from the data. Through axial coding, extra and unnecessary codes were omitted and then eleven categories were identified from open codes. Results: the identified categories were kept under three salient themes of lack of comprehensive support mechanism, physical and mental strain, and barriers to antenatal services. Perceived support of husbands and in-laws, needs and barriers to maternal and child health were discussed by the participants. Conclusion: the study findings suggest that family relationship quality might not be improved by taking interventions i.e. making policies only but the incorporation of health professionals´ support with family member´s behavior can improve maternal health

Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of peel and pulp extracts of red and white varieties of Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam

Purpose: To investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer potentials of methanol and ethanol extracts of the peel and pulp of red and white species of Ipomoea batatas (L.) fruit.Methods: Total phenolic contents and flavonoids were determined using chemical assays. Antioxidant studies were carried out using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation assay and reducing power assay. Antibacterial and antiproliferative activities of extracts were determined using disc diffusion and MDBK cancer cell line inhibition methods, respectively.Results: The extract of peels of red specie (PERS) showed total phenolic contents (TPC) 8.9 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract and flavonoids 6.5 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/g dry extract. The extract of PERS also showed promising DPPH free radical scavenging activity, inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation and reducing power activity. However, mild antibacterial and anti-proliferative activities were noted except that the extract showed significant inhibition of Bacillus subtilis growth.Conclusion: The results indicate that the peel and the pulp of red sweet potato (SP) specie are rich in antioxidants and can potentually be processed as antioxidant food supplements.Keywords: Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam, Sweet potato, Phenolic content, Antioxidants, Antibacterial activity, Antiproliferative activit

QUALITATIVE STUDY EXPLORING PREGNANT WOMEN PERCEPTIONS REGARDING THEIR HUSBANDS AND IN-LAWS’ SUPPORT DURING PREGNANCY

Introduction: Pregnancy is not a disease but a psychologically challenging period where a woman passes through several social, physical, and psychological challenges in life. This study is aimed at exploring pregnant women perceptions regarding their husbands and in-laws’ support during pregnancy. Material & Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was used. Ten pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy and living in joint family system were recruited through purposive sampling technique in a village of district Nowshera. Permission was taken from concerned departments as well as from participants before data collection. Interview topic guide was used as tool. Face to face individual In-depth interviews were conducted, audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed through thematic analysis. Results: A total of 100 open codes were found out from the data. In the process of axial coding extra and unnecessary codes were omitted and then 11 categories were identified from open codes. The identified categories were kept under three major themes of lack of comprehensive support mechanism, physical and mental strain, barriers to antenatal services. Perceived support of husbands and in-laws and needs and barriers to maternal and child health were discussed by the participants. Conclusion: Findings suggested that family relationship quality might not be improved by taking interventions i.e. making policies, but the incorporation of health professionals’ support with family member’s behaviour can improve maternal health

Outcome and cost effectiveness of autobiographically guided surgical clip placement for tumor localization in patients undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Abstract BACKGROUND: To determine the outcome and cost saving by placing ultrasound guided surgical clips for tumor localization in patientsundergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross sectional analytical study was conducted at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from January to December 2014. A sample of 25 women fulfilling our selection criteria was taken. All patients came to our department for ultrasound guided core biopsy of suspicious breast lesions and clip placement in the index lesion prior to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. All the selected patients had biopsy proven breast cancer. RESULTS: The mean age was 45 ± 11.6 years. There were no complications seen after clip placement in terms of clip migration or hemorrhage. The cost of commercially available markers was approximately PKR 9,000 (US$90) and that of the surgical clip was PKR 900 (US$ 9). The cost of surgical clips in 25 patients was PKR 22,500 (US$225), when compared to the commercially available markers which may have incurred a cost of PKR 225,000 (US$ 2,250). The total cost saving for 25 patients was PKR 202,500 (US$2, 025), making it PKR 8100 (US$ 81) per patient. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show that ultrasound guided surgical clip placement in index lesions prior to neo-adjuvant therapy is a safe and cost effective method to identify tumor bed and response to treatment for further management

Comparison of Percentage Depth Doses with the Published Data for Co-60 Radiotherapy Machine at a Regional Cancer Hospital

In external beam radiation therapy, the percentage depth dose (PDD) is a main factor for estimation of patient’s dose and dose distribution in target volume, therefore its accurate estimation is important. The purpose of this article is to compare PDDs with the published PDDs of different authors along central axis at different depths and field sizes for cobalt-60 (Co-60) radiotherapy machine at a regional cancer hospital Pakistan. A dedicated water phantom was used for estimation of PDDs at different depths and different field sizes, for Theratron phoenix Co-60 machine. It was observed that for 10×10 cm2 filed size of Co-60 beam mean percent variation in measured PDDs and published PDDs by different authors was -0.29% to 1.13%, which was within acceptable limit of ± 2%. However, for one author who used semi-empirical equation for PDDs calculation, the mean percent variation between measured PDDs and that of the author was -3.23%, 4.69% and 5.88% for 10×10 cm2, 25×25 cm2 and 30×30 cm2 field sizes of Co-60 beam respectively, which were within acceptable limit of   ±10%. A noticeable increase in PDDs was observed with increase of the field size at given depth which shows obvious contribution of secondary scattered radiation. Also measured PDDs were well matched with that of published PDDs of most of the authors i.e. ± 2%, but the measured PDDs were moderately matched with that of PDDs for only one author for some field sizes and some depths i.e. ±10%, which need to be rectified by taking more such data.

Model-based in silico analysis of the PI3K/Akt pathway: the elucidation of cross-talk between diabetes and breast cancer

Background A positive association between diabetes and breast cancer has been identified by various epidemiological and clinical studies. However, the possible molecular interactions between the two heterogeneous diseases have not been fully determined yet. There are several underlying mechanisms which may increase the risk of breast cancer in diabetic patients. Introduction In this study, we focused on the role of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) enzyme in the regulation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) pathway through activation/deactivation of Akt protein. The efficiency of insulin signaling in adipocytes is reduced as a result of OGT overexpression which further attenuates Akt signaling; as a result, the efficiency of insulin signaling is reduced by downregulation of insulin-responsive genes. On the other hand, increased expression of OGT results in Akt activation in breast cancer cells, leading to enhanced cell proliferation and inhibition of the apoptosis. However, the interplay amongst these signaling pathways is still under investigation. Methods In this study, we used Petri nets (PNs) to model and investigate the role of PI3K and OGT pathways, acting as key players in crosstalk between diabetes and breast cancer, resulting in progression of these chronic diseases. Moreover, in silico perturbation experiments were applied on the model to analyze the effects of anti-cancer agents (shRNA and BZX) and anti-diabetic drug (Metformin) on the system. Results Our PN model reflects the alterations in protein expression and behavior and the correlation between breast cancer and diabetes. The analysis proposed two combination therapies to combat breast cancer progression in diabetic patients including combination of OGTmRNA silencing and OGT inhibitor (BZX) as first combination and BZX and Metformin as the second. Conclusion The PN model verified that alterations in O-GlcNAc signaling affect both insulin resistance and breast cancer. Moreover, the combination therapy for breast cancer patients consisting of anti-diabetic drugs such as Metformin along with OGT inhibitors, for example BZX, can produce better treatment regimens

Molecular characterization of ochratoxin a producing indigenous Aspergillus strains from poultry feed in Pakistan

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is nephrocarcinogenic and immunosuppressive toxin and OTA producing molds contaminate the food crops. Isolation and identification of ochratoxin producing fungi was carried out from poultry feed samples (n=120) followed by preliminary confirmation through macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Purified fungal isolates identified as Aspergillus 1842(91.68%) followed by Penicillium 91 (4.53%), Mucor 52 (2.58), Alternaria 7 (0.35%), Cladosporium 6 (0.29%), Fusarium 4 (0.199%) and unidentified (07). OTA production was confirmed through thin layer chromatography (TLC) followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Only 41 isolates (2.22%) out of 1842 Aspergillus isolates were able to produce toxin. At genetic level, characterization was performed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species specific gene primers. From 41 isolates 27, 9 and 5 were characterized as Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus ochraceus, respectively. Physical and chemical factors were optimized for OTA production. Under the effect of 37 °C temperature and 7.5 pH of Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) medium, higher toxin (969.45±.03 μg/mL) production was observed from ASPO-6 isolate. ASPO-4 isolate produce higher toxin amount in SDB medium with supplementation of maize 5%, wheat 1% and rice 3%. OTA stability was determined by adjusting standard concentration of 100 μg/mL in organic solvents (chloroform, acetonitrile and methanol) and organic solids. Least percentage log reduction in OTA concentration and stability of OTA was observed in opaque vials with chloroform and sucrose and transparent vials with sucrose after 6 months. OTA can be used as indigenous standard for identification of OTA from field samples

High Temperature Superconductors

One of the pioneers who introduced superconductivity of metal solids was Kamerlingh Onnes (1911). Researchers always struggled to make observations towards superconductivity at high temperatures for achieving goals of evaluating normal room temperature superconductors. The physical properties are based entirely on the behavior of conventional and metal superconductors as a result of high-temperature superconductors. Various synthetic approaches are employed to fabricate high-temperature superconductors, but solid-state thermochemical process which involves mixing, calcinating, and sintering is the easiest approach. Emerging novel high-temperature superconductors mainly engaged with technological applications such as power transmission, Bio-magnetism, and Tokamaks high magnetic field. Finally, in this chapter, we will discuss a brief outlook, future prospects, and finished with possible science fiction and some opportunities with high-temperature superconductors

Elicitation of the in vitro Cultures of Selected Varieties of Vigna radiata L. With Zinc Oxide and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Phytochemicals Production

This study was conducted to develop a protocol for in vitro shoot multiplication and callus induction of various mung bean varieties to obtain enhanced phytochemical content with the help of elicitors. For shoot multiplication, two types of explants (shoot tips and nodal tips) of three varieties of mung bean (Mung NCM-13, MgAT-7, and MgAT-4) were used. Both types of explants from in vitro and in vivo sources were cultured on the MS medium supplemented with different concentrations (0.25–3.0 mg/L, increment of 0.5 mg/L) and combinations of BAP and IBA as independent treatments. For callus induction, leaf explants (in vitro source) were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (1–3 mg/L) alone or in combination with BAP or NAA (0.5 and 1.0 mg/L). For the enhanced production of phenolics and glycosides, calli were cultured on MS media supplemented with zinc oxide (0.5 mg/L) and copper oxide nanoparticles (0.5 mg/L) as nano-elicitors. Results showed that in vitro explants responded better in terms of shoot length, number of shoots, and number of leaves per explant when compared to in vivo explants. Moreover, shoot tips were better than nodal explants to in vitro culturing parameters. All three varieties showed the optimized results in the MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L BAP, while roots were produced only in cultures fortified with 1 mg/L IBA. The leaf explants of in vitro and soil-grown plantlets showed a maximum callogenic response of 90 and 80%, respectively, on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (3 mg/ml). Maximum phenolic content (101.4 μg of gallic acid equivalent/g) and glycoside content (34 mg of amygdalin equivalent/g of plant material) was observed in the calli cultured on MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L of 2,4-D. Furthermore, the addition of zinc oxide (0.5 mg/L) and copper oxide (0.5 mg/L) nanoparticles to the callus culture medium significantly enhanced the phenolic content of Mung NCM-13 (26%), MgAT-7 (25.6%), and MgAT-4 (22.7%). Glycosidic content was also found to be increased in Mung NCM-13 (50%), MgAT-7 (37.5%), and MgAT-4 (25%) varieties when compared to the control. It is suggested that elicitation of in vitro cultures of mung beans with nanoparticles could be an effective strategy for the enhanced production of secondary metabolites