Red Blood Cell Substitutes: Liposome Encapsulated Hemoglobin and Magnetite Nanoparticle Conjugates as Oxygen Carriers

The established blood donation and transfusion system has contributed a lot to human health and welfare, but for this system to function properly, it requires a sufficient number of healthy donors, which is not always possible. Pakistan was a country hit hardest by COVID-19 which additionally reduced the blood donation rates. In order to address such challenges, the present study focused on the development of RBC substitutes that can be transfused to all blood types. This paper reports the development and characterization of RBC substitutes by combining the strategies of conjugated and encapsulated hemoglobin where magnetite nanoparticles would act as the carrier of hemoglobin, and liposomes would separate internal and external environments. The interactions of hemoglobin variants with bare magnetite nanoparticles were studied through molecular docking studies. Moreover, nanoparticles were synthesized, and hemoglobin was purified from blood. These components were then used to make conjugates, and it was observed that only the hemoglobin HbA1 variant was making protein corona. These conjugates were then encapsulated in liposomes to make negatively charged RBC substitutes with a size range of 1–2 μm. Results suggest that these RBC substitutes work potentially in a similar way as natural RBCs work and can be used in the time of emergency

Business Incubators in Pakistan: State of the Art and Future Outlook

Purpose: In developing countries business incubators (BIs) have become a key catalyst for the flourishment of new ventures, due to overall weak financial health and opportunities for the startups. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of BIs in Pakistan and identify areas that need improvement. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopts a mixed-method approach of social science research, using a cross-sectional survey of BI tenants in Pakistan (n=100), triangulated with the help of in-depth interviews of key stakeholders of BIs (n=12). Data from cross-sectional survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Paired Samples T-test methods. Data from interview responses were analyzed with the help of MAXQDA. Findings: The study shows that the effectiveness of incubation facilities in Pakistan is less than the perceived importance and identifies which facilities tenants are most and least satisfied with. The findings of this study suggest that for BIs to be more effective in creating new ventures and providing employment opportunities, the Pakistani government must take concrete actions. New BI centers must be established to meet the market's demands and an evaluation process for existing BI centers must be implemented. To aid in the creation of new businesses in Pakistan, more university-based BIs should be established. Implications/Originality/Value: The findings of this study are equally useful for the Government of Pakistan, BIs, and fresh startups.&nbsp

Persistence and Degradation of Imidacloprid in Wheat Crop

Present study was conducted to investigate the levels and persistence of imidacloprid residues in wheat grains and straw of field crop samples grown from treated seed and foliar application. Objective of the study was to assess the best practices that may be used to produce safe grains and straw. Residual uptake of imidacloprid was measured after seed treatments at four dosage levels of seed. Each sample of 25g treated seed was sown in a separate 5ft2 plot.The absorption of imidacloprid residues was investigated by spraying the crops with 1ml and 5ml of 6 mgmL-1 solution of 200SL Confidor (imidacloprid). The results helped in determining the maximum allowable limits of imidacloprid application (foliar or seed treatment) on wheat, which would prevent the residues from exceeding the MRL. The quantitative determination of imidacloprid suggested that the lowest seed treatment level (i.e. 0.015g/25g seed) may be used to produce a residues-free crop

Persistence and Degradation of Imidacloprid in Wheat Crop

Present study was conducted to investigate the levels and persistence of imidacloprid residues in wheat grains and straw of field crop samples grown from treated seed and foliar application. Objective of the study was to assess the best practices that may be used to produce safe grains and straw. Residual uptake of imidacloprid was measured after seed treatments at four dosage levels of seed. Each sample of 25g treated seed was sown in a separate 5ft2 plot.The absorption of imidacloprid residues was investigated by spraying the crops with 1ml and 5ml of 6 mgmL-1 solution of 200SL Confidor (imidacloprid). The results helped in determining the maximum allowable limits of imidacloprid application (foliar or seed treatment) on wheat, which would prevent the residues from exceeding the MRL. The quantitative determination of imidacloprid suggested that the lowest seed treatment level (i.e. 0.015g/25g seed) may be used to produce a residues-free crop