Characterization, antioxidant activity, and mineral profiling of Auricularia cornea mushroom strains.

Background: Mushrooms are considered as next-generation healthy food components. Owing to their low-fat content, high-quality proteins, dietary fiber, and rich source of nutraceuticals. They are ideally preferred in formulation of low-caloric functional foods. In this view, the breeding strategies of mushroom Auricularia cornea (A. cornea) focusing on high yield and higher quality with rich nutritional values and health benefits are still needed. Materials and methods: A total of 50 strains of A. cornea were used to analyze the bio efficiency and the time required for fruiting body formation following the cultivation experiment. The calorimetric method was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity and quantify the crude polysaccharides and minerals content thereafter. Results: The results showed that the time required for fruiting body formation and biological efficiency varied significantly among the selected strains. Noticeably, the wild domesticated strain Ac13 of A. cornea mushroom showed the shortest fruit development time (80 days). Similarly, the hybrid strains including Ac3 and Ac15 possessed the highest biological efficiency (82.40 and 94.84%). Hybrid strains Ac18 (15.2%) and cultivated strains Ac33 (15.6%) showed the highest content of crude polysaccharides, while cultivated strains Ac1 and Ac33, demonstrated the highest content of total polysaccharides in the fruiting body (216 mg. g-1 and 200 mg. g-1). In the case of mineral content, the highest zinc contents were observed from the cultivated strain Ac46 (486.33 mg·kg-1). The maximum iron content was detected from the hybrid strain Ac3 (788 mg·kg-1), and the wild domesticated strain Ac28 (350 mg·kg-1). The crude polysaccharides of the A. cornea strain showed significant antioxidant potential, and the ability of Ac33 and Ac24 to scavenge DPPH radicals and ABTS, which was significantly improved compared to other strains, respectively. Principal component analysis was applied to examine the agronomic traits and chemical compounds of various strains of A. cornea mushrooms. The results revealed that cultivated, wild domesticated, and hybrid strains of A. cornea exhibited distinct characteristics in terms of growth, yield, and nutritional properties. Conclusion: The crude polysaccharides from A. cornea mushroom strains act as natural antioxidants, the wild, hybrid, and commercial A. cornea mushroom strains can achieve rapid growth, early maturation, and high yields. The evaluation of biochemical indexes and nutritional characteristics of strains with excellent traits provided a scientific basis for initiating high-quality breeding, provided germplasm resources for the production of "functional food" with real nutritional and health value.

Pharmacological activities of Artemisia absinthium and control of hepatic cancer by expression regulation of TGFß1 and MYC genes.

Plant derived compounds have always been an important source of medicines and have received significant attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological properties. Millions of plant-based herbal or traditional medicines are used to cure various types of cancers especially due to activation of proliferative genes. The aim of the present study was to characterize the altered and attenuated gene expression of the selected growth factor namely Transforming growth factor Beta -1 (TGFß1) and MYC in human hepatoma-derived (Huh7) liver cancer cell lines in response to extracts of Artemisia absinthium dissolved in selected organic solvents. Ethanolic, methanolic and acetone extract of different plant parts (leaf, stem and flowers) was used to access the antiproliferative activity by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay. Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR revealed that the transcript levels of TGFß1 are induced in the samples treated with methanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium. Furthermore, reduced expression levels of MYC gene was noticed in cancerous cells suggesting antiproliferative properties of the plant. This study further highlights the resistance profile of various microbes by antimicrobial susceptibility test with plant extracts. In addition, antidiabetic effect of Artemisia absinthium have also shown positive results. Our study elucidates the potentials of Artemisia absinthium as a medicinal plant, and highlights the differential expression of genes involved in its mitogenic and anti-proliferative activity with a brief account of its pharmacological action.

Modulation of agronomic and nutritional response of Pleurotus eryngii strains by utilizing glycine betaine enriched cotton waste.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of cotton waste enrichment with glycine betaine (GB) for production of two strains (P9, P10) of king oyster (Pleurotus eryngii). Cotton waste was used as (100%) control (T0 = cotton waste) and augmented with various combinations of GB, (T1 = 2 mmol L-1 , T2 = 4 mmol L-1 , T3 = 6 mmol L-1 , T4 = 8 mmol L-1 and T5 = 10 mmol L-1 ). The response of king oyster to GB was evaluated by earliness, yield, biological efficiency (BE), minerals (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca)), total sugars, total soluble solids, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, proximate (crude protein, carbohydrates, crude fibers, ash, fats) content of fruiting body and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis compared with the control substrate (cotton waste). RESULTS: The earliness, yield, and BE were higher as compared to control substrate and increased with an augmentation in the concentration of GB within the cotton waste. Two strains showed (on dry weight basis) 33.9-54.9 mg g-1 nitrogen, 6.8-12.5 mg g-1 phosphorus, 16.9-25.1 mg g-1 potassium, 40.5-64.2 mg kg-1 Zn, 17.1-37.3 mg kg-1 Cu, 1174-1325 mg kg-1 Mg, 20.1-29.1 mg kg-1 Mn, 129-265 mg kg-1 Fe, 779-835 mg kg-1 Ca), 6.3%-11.3% total sugars, 7.3-14.9 °Brix total soluble solids, 2.1-7.3% reducing sugars, 10.4-18.1% crude protein, 3.6-4.4% crude fiber and 5.6-16.7 mg (100 g)-1 on various concentration of GB enrich cotton waste. Cotton waste enriched with GB significantly affected nutritional profile of king oyster mushroom. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that GB enriched cotton waste can be used as an innovative substrate to enhance the yield and quality of king oyster mushroom. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Early ≤ 3 Mets (Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks) of Physical Activity on Patient's Outcome after Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of <3 Mets (Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks) of physical activity on zero postoperative days for improving hemodynamic and respiratory parameters of patients after cardiac surgeries. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized control trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: BARMWTHospital, Rawalpindi, from March to August 2015. METHODOLOGY: Arandomized controlled trial was conducted on 174 CABG and valvular heart disease patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures. After selection of sample via non-probability purposive sampling, they were randomly allocated into interventional group (n=87) and control group (n=87). Treatment protocol for experimental group was ≤3 Mets of physical activity, i.e. chest physiotherapy, sitting over edge of bed, standing and sitting on chair at bedside, on zero postoperative day but the control group was treated with conventional treatment on first postoperative day. Pre- and post-treatment assessment was done in control and interventional groups on both zero and first postoperative days. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 21. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 51.86 ±13.76 years. Male to female ratio was 132:42. Statistically significant differences in respiratory rate and SpO2 (p=0.000 and 0.000, respectively) were found between both groups. Among ABG's, PCO2 and pH showed significant differences with p values of 0.039 and <0.001, respectively. No significant differences were observed between both groups regarding electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl-, p-values of 0.361, 0.575 and 0.120 respectively) and creatinine (p=0.783). Marked improvement in oxygen saturation, dyspnea and a fall in systolic BPwas seen in interventional group. There was also observed to be a reduction in the length of ICU stay among interventional group patients as frequency with percentage of total stay was compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Early physical activity (≤3 METS) post-cardiac surgeries prevent respiratory complications through improvement in dyspnea, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.

Comparative analysis of resistance gene analogues encoding NBS-LRR domains in cotton.

BACKGROUND: Plant production is severely affected by biotic and abiotic stresses R-genes exhibit resistance against a range of diseases and pathogens in plants. The nucleotide binding site and leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR) class of R-genes is the most comprehensively studied in terms of sequence evolution and genome distribution. The differential response for resistance against biotic and abiotic stress has been observed in cultivated and wild relatives of the genus Gossypium. RESULTS: Efforts have been made to address the recent evolution of NBS-LRR sequences within Gossypium hirsutum and resistance gene analogue (RGA) sequences derived from G. arboreum and G. raimondii. The % identity and phylogenetic analysis of NBS-LRR-encoded RGAs from tetraploid New World cotton and its diploid ancestors G. raimondii and G. arboreum suggest that the evolution of NBS-LRR-encoding sequences in G. hirsutum occurred by gradual accumulation of mutants that led to positive selection and a slow rate of divergence within distinct R-gene families. CONCLUSION: The allotetraploid genome of cotton, after separating from its diploid parents, experienced polyploidisation, natural and artificial selection, hybrid necrosis, duplication and recombination which became the reason to shed off and evolve new genes for its survival. These driving forces influenced the development of genomic architecture that make it susceptible to diseases and pathogens as compared to donor parents.

Aortic aneurysm: a rare cause of Ortner's syndrome.

A young man presented with hoarseness of voice and was found to have left vocal cord paralysis and a large opacity on chest X-ray in the left upper zone. CT angiography showed a giant aneurysm of the aortic arch involving the left subclavian artery. Using a dual perfusion system, with the femoral bypass circuit taking care of the spinal protection and the aortic bypass circuit providing the cerebral protection, the aneurysm was excised and a 16 mm Dacron graft was anastomosed to the aortic arch and the left subclavian artery was anastomosed to the interposition graft. He had a smooth postoperative course and his hoarseness subsided in next 6 months.

Synovial sarcoma of the heart.

A young male presented with dyspnoea and was found to have a diastolic murmur at the left lower sternal edge. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiograms found a large mass attached to the tricuspid valve, which was projecting into the right atrium and the right ventricle. The mass was causing significant obstruction of the right ventricular inflow. Emergency surgery had to be performed because the patient developed severe vomiting (of unknown cause) leading to haemodynamic compromise. This condition was not responding to fluid resuscitation as there was obstruction to right ventricular inflow. Intraoperatively the mass was removed and the tricuspid valve was repaired. The histological and immunohistochemical examination of the excised tissue confirmed the rare diagnosis of synovial sarcoma of the heart.Postsurgical imaging showed no metastases. The patient received postoperative radio therapy and chemotherapy. The tumour recurred after 6 months and the patient succumbed to his illness and expired.

Extraction of DNA suitable for PCR applications from mature leaves of Mangifera indica L.

Good quality deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the pre-requisite for its downstream applications. The presence of high concentrations of polysaccharides, polyphenols, proteins, and other secondary metabolites in mango leaves poses problem in getting good quality DNA fit for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) applications. The problem is exacerbated when DNA is extracted from mature mango leaves. A reliable and modified protocol based on the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method for DNA extraction from mature mango leaves is described here. High concentrations of inert salt were used to remove polysaccharides; Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and ß-mercaptoethanol were employed to manage phenolic compounds. Extended chloroform-isoamyl alcohol treatment followed by RNase treatment yielded 950-1050 µg of good quality DNA, free of protein and RNA. The problems of DNA degradation, contamination, and low yield due to irreversible binding of phenolic compounds and coprecipitation of polysaccharides with DNA were avoided by this method. The DNA isolated by the modified method showed good PCR amplification using simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. This modified protocol can also be used to extract DNA from other woody plants having similar problems.

Purification and characterization of buffalo brain cystatin.

UNLABELLED: Cystatins are thiol proteinase inhibitors ubiquitously present in mammalian body and serve various important physiological functions. AIMS: To purify and characterize Thiol protease inhibitor from buffalo brain and to compare its properties with respect to tissue and organ difference from other mammalian cystatins. MAIN METHODS: Inhibitor has been isolated and purified using alkaline treatment; ammonium sulphate fractionation and gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G-75 with a % yield of 64.13 and fold purification of 384.72.The inhibitor was studied by U.V and fluorescence spectroscopy. Papain inhibitory activity was measured using casein as substrate. KEY FINDING: The molecular weight of the buffalo brain cystatin (BC), determined by gel filtration and SDS PAGE came out to be 43.6 KDa and 44.20 KDa respectively. BC was found to be stable in broad pH and temperature range. The inhibitor was devoid of any sulphydryl group and carbohydrate content. These properties led to conclusion that BC is variant of type-I cystatin. The stokes radius and diffusion coefficient of the inhibitor were found to be 27 A° and 8.1 x 10⁻7 cm²/sec respectively, the f/f0 ratio was 1.12 signifying that purified cystatin is nearly globular in shape. Kinetic data revealed binding stoichiometry of BC with papain as 1:1. The Ki value with papain ficin and bromelain were found to be 1, 1.85 and 2.25 nM respectively suggesting that cystatin has higher affinity with papain as compared to ficin and bromelain. The fluorescence and UV spectra of BC- papain complex showed significant conformational changes indicative of perturbation in the micro environment of aromatic amino acid residues on the formation of complex. SIGNIFICANCE: This work proliferates our knowledge about cystatins of the mammalian brain on the basis of their physiochemical properties.

Coronary endarterectomy for severe diffuse coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of Coronary Endarterectomy (CE) in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery for diffuse Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), in terms of postoperative mortality and morbidity, relief from angina and survival at one year. STUDY DESIGN: A case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases, Rawalpindi, from January 2003 to November 2005. METHODOLOGY: Included in the study were all patients with such diffuse CAD that conventional bypass grafting was not possible. Those with the diseased coronary artery supplying an akinetic myocardium and a fixed perfusion defect on perfusion scan, or with poor left ventricular function (ejection fraction<30%) in association with severe chronic hepatic disease and deranged liver function tests, permanent severe immune deficiency state, or poor results at lung function tests were excluded. Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) was used in all patients. All patients were followed up for a mean time of one year, for assessment of postoperative mortality and morbidity, relief from angina and survival. RESULTS: Fifty five patients (3.2%) underwent CE of at least one major coronary artery for severe diffuse atheromatous disease. The mean age was 53.9+/-9.5 years. Twenty six (47.3%) had previous Myocardial Infarction (MI), 16 (29.1%) had unstable angina, 12 (21.8%) had poor Left Ventricular (LV) function, 5 (9.1%) underwent emergency CABG surgery for impending infarction, 39 (70.9%) had angina Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class II/III, 11 (20%) had critical left main stem disease and 12 (21.8%) required Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) for hemodynamic support. There were 2 (3.6%) early deaths and 2 (3.6%) cases of non-fatal infarctions. Three (5.4%) patients had low Cardiac Output (CO) after operation. At one year follow-up, there were no late deaths and 43 patients (91.5% of those reporting for follow-up) did not have angina. CONCLUSION: CE acted as an adjunct to CABG surgery with acceptable operative risks and satisfactory results at one year in terms of mortality and angina relief.

Haemodynamic response to induction, laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Presence of autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients can alter the haemodynamic response to induction and tracheal intubation. This trial was conducted to compare this response in 30 non-diabetic (control group) and 30 diabetic patients including both insulin and non-insulin dependent. METHODS: A prospective, age matched case controlled study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, for one year. After pre-medication with tablet midazolam 7.5 mgs orally, patients received pethidine 0.8 mg kg(-1), thiopentone sodium 4 to 5 mg kg(-1) for induction and vecuronium 0.1 mg kg(-1) to facilitate tracheal intubation. Following manual ventilation with isoflurane 0.8% in oxygen 33% and nitrous oxide 66%, laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation was performed. Blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean) and heart rate responses were measured for 10 minutes. RESULTS: The systolic arterial pressure dropped by 9% after induction and rose by 16% after intubation in nondiabetics compared to 12% drop after induction and a rise of 10% after intubation in diabetics. No difference was seen in diastolic blood pressure which increased by 27% in ND compared to 22% in DB groups. The heart rate rose by 27% in non-diabetics compared to 17% in diabetics after intubation. CONCLUSION: The systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure response was similar in the two groups. A greater fall in SAP was observed post intubation in the DB group. A significant difference was observed in the heart rate response which was less in the diabetic group.

Placing epicardial pacing wires in isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery--a procedure routinely done but rarely beneficial.

BACKGROUND: After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery, temporary epicardial pacing wires are placed on heart to meet unforeseen complications like bradyarrhythmias or asystoles. This step needs additional time, resources and has potential to cause complication. Even having less complications, is this additional step in elective CABG surgery necessary? Some important predictive factors in patients who require this pacing wire placement have to be isolated. The objective of the study was to avoid this step if not required especially in elective CABG surgery. METHODS: This prospective observational study involved 1047 consecutive patients undergoing CABG at our institution from May 2006 to April 2008. Patient who did not receive pacing wire (230), Preoperative pacemaker (2), CABG with valvular surgery (10), CABG with Ischemic VSD or MR surgery (3), off-pump CABG (21), or incomplete follow-up (11) were excluded from the study. Patients who received pacing wire (770) were divided in two groups. Group A, consisted of patients who did not require pacing postoperatively 748 (97.1%), and Group B, who required pacing postoperatively 22 (2.9%). Both groups were compared in demographic, preoperative, per-operative and postoperative variables. The incidence of pacing during the postoperative period was recorded. Predictors for postoperative pacing were determined using medical records and the AFIC/NIHD cardiac surgery database. RESULTS: In the postoperative period, 22 of 770 patients (2.9%) required pacing. Analysis identified age (p = 0.02), preoperative arrhythmia, especially Bundle Branch Block (p = 0.000), pacing utilized at separation from bypass (p = 0.000) and use of antiarrhythmics on leaving the operating room (p = 0.015) as predictors of the need for postoperative pacing. Diabetes, considered one of the major factor requiring pacing was not significant in our study (p = 0.379). Preoperative arrhythmias, pacing utilized to separate from bypass and use of antiarrhythmics on leaving the operating room were found to be three most significant risk factors. If the patients with any of these three risk factors are excluded, only 1.11% (8/716) of them would have required pacing. CONCLUSIONS: Procedure of routine use of temporary epicardial pacing after elective CABG surgery has negligible role, rather has additional cost and potential of rare complications. Diabetes is not a risk factor for post operative pacing.

Surgical experience with cardiac myxomas.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign intracardiac tumours. We studied the clinical presentation of cardiac myxomas and the morbidity, mortality and recurrence rate following surgery at our institution over a 6 year period. METHODS: This historical longitudinal study was performed at department of Cardiac Surgery, Armed forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases Rawalpindi, Pakistan between January 2002 and March 2008 a total number of 8506 cardiac operations were performed. Of these 34 patients (19 males, 15 females) underwent complete excision of primary or recurrent intracardiac myxomas. Pre-operative diagnosis was established by echocardiography. All patients underwent operation soon after the diagnosis of a myxoma was made. Complete tumour excision followed by close inspection and copious saline irrigation of the cardiac chambers was done in each case. Of the 32 patients who survived the surgery, 29 patients were followed up at regular intervals for recurrence. The mean follow-up period was 34 months. RESULTS: Cardiac myxomas constituted 0.40% of the total cardiac operations at our institution. They most commonly occurred in the fourth decade. The commonest location was the left atrium (LA) (79%) followed by the right atrium (RA) (14%). Only one patient had myxoma in the right ventricle (RV). Patients with LA myxoma simulated mitral stenosis clinically whereas patients with RA and RV myxomas presented with features of right heart failure. A smaller percentage presented with embolic and constitutional symptoms. There were two early deaths. One recurrence was noted at 27 months after surgery. No late deaths were observed in the study. CONCLUSION: Cardiac myxomas form a very small percentage of the cardiac cases. A high index of suspicion is essential for diagnosis. Echocardiography is the ideal diagnostic tool as also for follow-up. Immediate surgical treatment is indicated in all patients. Cardiac myxomas can be excised with a low rate of mortality and morbidity.

RNAi-mediated male sterility of tobacco by silencing TA29.

The superior performance of F1 hybrids has a significant impact on agricultural productivity. For commercial application, the availability of an efficient system for obtaining male-sterile lines of crops is an essential prerequisite. Here we have investigated the use of RNA interference (RNAi) technology to silence a male-specific gene in the model host tobacco. TA29 is expressed exclusively in anthers at the time of microspore development. About 10 out of 13 tobacco lines transformed with a hairpin RNAi construct containing TA29 sequences were male sterile. Transgenic plants were phenotypically indistinguishable from non-transgenic plants. At the anthesis stage, pollen grains from transgenic, male-sterile plants were aborted and lysed in comparison to the round and fully developed pollen in non-transgenic plants. Microscopic analysis of anthers showed selective degradation of tapetum in transgenic plants with no microspore development. One week after self-pollination, the ovules of non-transgenic plants were double the size of those in transgenic plants, due to successful self-fertilization. Male sterile transgenic plants set seed normally, when cross-pollinated with pollen from non-transgenic plants, confirming no adverse effect on the female parts of the flower. These results show that silencing of male-specific genes by RNAi is potentially a useful tool for generating male-sterile lines for producing hybrid seed.

Modified ultrafiltration: role in adult cardiac surgical haemostasis.

BACKGROUND: During cardiac surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) leads to haemodilutional anaemia and activation of inflammatory mediators, affecting haemostasis. Modified Ultrafiltration (MUF) is being increasingly favoured for haemoconcentration without blood transfusion and reducing post operative bleeding. METHODS: Aim of this study was to record the impact of modified ultrafiltration on haemoconcentration and postoperative bleeding during adult cardiac surgery. This randomized control trial included 100 patients, divided into 2 groups; MUF and control group. Serial blood samples were drawn to evaluate haematological indices. Postoperative chest drainage was recorded for 24 hours. Results were expressed in terms of percentages, means and p value (p < 0.05 was taken as significant). RESULTS: Four patients were excluded and 96 patients were analyzed (MUF n = 50, control n = 46). According to American society of anaesthetist (ASA) classification, MUF group was higher risk group (p = 0.02) with longer extracorporeal perfusion time (p < 0.001). Haemoconcentration was successfully achieved in MUF group (final haemoglobin = 10.7 +/- 1.25, haematocrit = 33 +/- 3.64%, p < 0.001) with lower blood loss (MUF = 395 +/- 153 ml, control = 755 +/- 435 ml, p < 0.001) and transfusion requirement (p < 0.001). Re-exploration rate was 4% and 6.5% in MUF and control group respectively (p = 0.57). Mortality in both groups was comparable (MUF = 4%, control = 4.3%, p = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Modified ultrafiltration is a safe procedure which successfully achieves haemoconcentration, lowers blood loss and transfusion requirement after cardiac surgery in adult population.

Hickman catheter embolism in a child during stem cell transplantation.

The majority of stem cell recipients rely on indwelling central venous catheters situated in superior vena cava or right atrium. Semi-permanent tunneled silicone rubber Hickman catheters are widely used to provide durable central venous access for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. A case of 5 years old child with diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia is reported. The patient received peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) and had successful engraftment with complete hematological recovery. He had Hickman catheter embolism in the pulmonary circulation following unsuccessful attempt to remove the line. The catheter was successfully removed by midsternostomy operation. The child is normal with sustained remission on day +218 post stem cell transplant.