ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the impact of leukemia and other cancers in India and to observe any changes over time. METHODOLOGY: Detailed estimates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 30 types of cancers in India were analyzed for 29 years from 1990 to 2019 as part of the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study. Data from all available sources were used to gather information on the overall burden of disease in India. RESULTS: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with varying rates of incidence in India, making prevention and treatment a challenge. Because cancer is not a reportable disease in India, the overall burden estimate is still a work in progress. This study analyzed the impact of leukemia and other cancers in India, including trends in incidence, DALYs, and mortality related to all cancers and various malignancies. The causes of leukemia in India were also explored. CONCLUSIONS: The study found the trends of cancer types that account for the majority of leukemia-related and cancer-related DALYs, death, prevalence, and incidence in India. Among the four most frequent malignancies, such as leukemia, there was significant variation based on age. Over the last 29 years, mortality from chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) has decreased, while deaths from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have increased steadily.
ABSTRACT
Among spices, Saffron is among the most extensively interrogated for purity and authenticity. Numerous methods have been recommended for authentication of Saffron samples and for detection of adulterants for codex compliance. However, none of these methods can fulfill both of these important quality criteria. This study describes a three step approach to achieving this goal by including the established ISO3632 method and two additional methods based on microscopic examination and DNA barcoding. We provide results showing the utility of these methods both independently and in combination for quality evaluation of 36 commercial saffron samples. Our results show that use of the ISO3632 approach alone can reveal the color and aroma but not the genetic origin of the material or distinguish between synthetic components versus natural ingredients. Also, the microscopic observation method can give a preliminary indication of saffron authenticity, but used alone it is unable to quantify purity. Finally, a relatively new method based on the use of DNA barcodes can authenticate the biological origin of the saffron, but here results may be misleading if auto-adulterating materials are present. Overall, our study reveals that through the combined use of all three methods, saffron authentication can substantially improved.