Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.): An Unexplored Medicinal Fruit with Minerals, Antioxidants, and Phytochemicals.

The Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.) fruit is well known for its nutritional and medicinal values. The current study analyzed the chemical composition of Salvadora oleoides fruit. Fresh Peelu fruits were harvested, and physicochemical properties, proximate composition, macro- and micronutrients, and phytochemical properties were determined. Moreover, ethanol and methanol fruit extract was analyzed for physicochemical properties. The Peelu fruit seemed to be a potential source of essential macro- ((nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)). The fruit had significant biochemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), and TSS : TA ratio) with appreciable moisture, crude fiber, and ash contents. The fruit extracts demonstrated significantly higher antioxidants and phenolics, ascorbic acid contents, and carotenoids. Phytochemical screening of fruit revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, phlobatannins, tannins, and terpenoids. Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of extracts indicated its potential for further in vivo study trials. The Peelu fruit was found to be a good source of mineral nutrients, proximate contents, vitamins (ascorbic acid and carotenoid), phytochemicals (total phenolic sand antioxidant contents), and pharmaceutically important metabolites that can be used as functional drink.

Xorides xylotrechi sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Xoridinae) parasitizing Xylotrechus stebbingi (Gahan, 1906) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in India.

New xoridine species, Xorides xylotrechi sp. n., from India is described and illustrated. The parasitoid was reared from the larvae of the xylophagous beetle, Xylotrechus stebbingi (Gahan, 1906), infesting Juglans regia L. Notes on parasitoid behaviour and biology are also provided with a brief description of female reproductive system and venom apparatus.

Gamma rays induced genetic variability in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) germplasm.

The present study assessed the effectiveness of gamma radiation in inducing favorable genetic variability in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). An experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design to produce M1 generation. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes as well as between the treatments at individual plant level based on observed traits (seed germination percentage, seedling survival, plant height, number of flower clusters plant-1, number of flowers and fruits plant-1). All observed characters in the mutagenized population were adversely affected with increasing radiation dose. Results identified 450 Gy as the most damaging radiation dose followed by 300 Gy and 150 Gy. Moreover, 300 Gy treatment was identified as lethal dose (LD50) as it caused a 50% germination inhibition in almost all the evaluated genotypes. The 150 Gy treatment showed the least damaging impact and induced maximum genetic variability in almost all the genotypes under study. Character association studies were also conducted which could be utilized in the selection of desirable mutants. Correlation studies revealed an altered association among the observed parameters from positive to negative direction in 300 Gy and 450 Gy treatments as compared to control. These deviations in correlation coefficients proved that mutagenesis can break the linkage among specific loci. Furthermore, path coefficient analysis identified the growth attributes with an effective direct and indirect contribution in yield.

Relay cropping of cotton in wheat improves productivity of cotton-wheat cropping system.

Cotton-wheat (CW) is an important cropping system in Pakistan; however, delayed cultivation of cotton after wheat significantly deceases system productivity. Late-sown cotton crop suffers from heat stress, high fruit shedding and infestation of various pests and cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV). Therefore, early sowing of cotton is preferred to overcome these challenges. However, cotton planting is overlapped with the harvesting of wheat crop in CW cropping system. Since fallow land is unavailable, relay intercropping of cotton in wheat crop seems a viable option for early planting. This three-year field study evaluated the role of relay cropping of cotton in improving the productivity of CW cropping system and lowering CLCV infestation. Wheat was planted in 22.5 cm rows with no row skipped (W1), one row skipped after every three (W2), and six rows (W3) for planting cotton in 0.75 and 1.50 m apart rows. Early cotton was planted in fallow land (C1) and standing wheat in 0.75 (C2) and 1.50 m (C3) apart rows and conventional planting after wheat harvesting (C4). Yield losses of wheat crop ranged from 8.16 to 19.81% in W3 and W2, respectively compared W1. However, C2 and C3 treatments improved cotton yield by 86.07% and 64.89% suppressed CLCV infestation by 68.14% and 65.86%, respectively compared to C4. Moreover, net benefits from relay cropping (W2C2) were 2190.1 $ ha-1 in 2013-14, 1954.4 $ ha-1 in 2014-15 and 2559.5 $ ha-1 in 2015-16 in comparison with C1 (1543.5, 1311.7 and 1892.3 $ ha-1 during 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, respectively). The W2 resulted in higher cotton yield compared to W3 which is mainly attributed to double number of cotton rows in W2 than W3. It is concluded that cotton relay cropping (W2C2) resulted in the highest economic returns with minimum CLCV infestation. Therefore, W2C2 is recommended for improving the system productivity of CW cropping system.

Identification and characterization of genes related to salt stress tolerance within segregation distortion regions of genetic map in F2 population of upland cotton.

Segregation distortion (SD) is a genetic mechanism commonly found in segregating or stable populations. The principle behind this puzzles many researchers. The F2 generation developed from wild Gossypium darwinii and G. hirsutum CCRI12 species was used to investigate the possible transcription factors within the segregation distortion regions (SDRs). The 384 out of 2763 markers were distorted in 29 SDRs on 18 chromosomes. Good collinearity was observed among genetic and physical maps of G. hirsutum and G. barbadense syntenic blocks. Total 568 genes were identified from SDRs of 18 chromosomes. Out of these genes, 128 belonged to three top-ranked salt-tolerant gene families. The DUF597 contained 8 uncharacterized genes linked to Pkinase (PF00069) gene family in the phylogenetic tree, while 15 uncharacterized genes clustered with the zinc finger gene family. Two hundred thirty four miRNAs targeted numerous genes, including ghr-miR156, ghr-miR399 and ghr-miR482, while others targeted top-ranked stress-responsive transcription factors. Moreover, these genes were involved in the regulation of numerous stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements. The RNA sequence data of fifteen upregulated genes were verified through the RT-qPCR. The expression profiles of two highly upregulated genes (Gh_D01G2015 and Gh_A01G1773) in salt-tolerant G. darwinii showed antagonistic expression in G. hirsutum. The results indicated that salt-tolerant genes have been possibly transferred from the wild G. darwinii species. A detailed functional analysis of these genes can be carried out which might be helpful in the future for gene cloning, transformation, gene editing and the development of salt-resistant cotton varieties.

Soil applied boron (B) improves growth, yield and fiber quality traits of cotton grown on calcareous saline soil.

Boron (B) is required during all growth stages of cotton crop, especially during boll formation. However, Typic Haplocambid soils of cotton growing belt in Pakistan are B-deficient, which results in low yield and economic returns. Foliar application of B improves cotton productivity; however, information is limited on the role of soil applied B in improving cotton growth and yield. The current study investigated the role of soil applied B in improving growth, yield and fiber quality of cotton crop. Five different B doses (i.e., 0.00, 2.60, 5.52, 7.78 and 10.04 mg kg-1 of soil) and two cotton cultivars (i.e., CIM-600 and CIM-616) were included in the study. Soil applied B (2.60 mg kg-1) significantly improved growth, yield, physiological parameters and fiber quality, while 10.04 mg kg-1 application improved B distribution in roots, seeds, leaves and stalks. Significant improvement was noted in plant height (12%), leaf area (3%), number of bolls (48%), boll size (59%), boll weight (52%), seed cotton yield (52%), photosynthesis (50%), transpiration rate (10%), stomatal conductance (37%) and water use efficiency (44%) of CIM-600 with 2.60 mg kg-1 compared to control treatment of CIM-616. Similarly, B accumulation in roots, seeds, leaves and stalk of CIM-600 was improved by 76, 41, 86 and 70%, respectively compared to control treatment. The application of 2.60 mg kg-1 significantly improved ginning out turn (6%), staple length (3.5%), fiber fineness (17%) and fiber strength (5%) than no B application. The results indicated that cultivar CIM-600 had higher ginning out turn (1.5%), staple length (5.4%), fiber fineness (15.5%) and fiber strength (1.8%) than CIM-616. In crux, 2.60 mg kg-1 soil B application improved growth, yield, physiological and fiber quality traits of cotton cultivar CIM-600. Therefore, cultivar CIM-600 and 2.60 mg kg-1 soil B application is recommended for higher yield and productivity.

Patient Delay in Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Two Hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan: Preventive and Life-Saving Measures Needed.

PURPOSE: Patients with breast cancer in Pakistan commonly present with advanced disease. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency and length of delays in seeking medical consultation and to assess the factors associated with them. METHODS: Four hundred ninety-nine patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer were enrolled and interviewed over the period from February 2015 to August 2017. Information on sociodemographic factors, delay to medical consultation, stage of breast cancer at presentation, and tumor characteristics of the breast cancer were collected through face-to-face interviews and medical file review. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) age of patients with breast cancer was 48.0 (12.3) years. The mean (standard deviation) patient delay was 15.7 (25.9) months, with 55.2% of women detecting a breast lump but not seeking a medical consultation because of a lack of awareness about the significance of the lump. A total of 9.4% of the women decided to seek treatment initially using complementary and alternative medicine and traditional treatment; 9.4% of the women presented to a health care provider with a breast lump but no action was taken, and they were wrongly reassured about the lump without mammography or biopsy. For 26% of the women, the delay in presentation was caused by anxiety, fears and misconceptions regarding diagnosis and treatment, and other social factors including possible adverse effects on their relationship with their husband. Multivariable analysis showed a strong association of lower socioeconomic status (odds ratio [OR], 8.11 [95% CI, 2.46 to 26.69]) and late stage of breast cancer (OR, 4.83 [95% CI, 1.74 to 13.39]) with a patient delay of ≥ 3 months. CONCLUSION: Patient delay is a serious problem in Pakistan. There is an urgent need for intensive and comprehensive breast cancer education that addresses the myths and misconceptions related to breast cancer.

A multicenter case control study of association of vitamin D with breast cancer among women in Karachi, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and breast cancer are both high among women living in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: A matched case control study was conducted in two hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan to evaluate the association of vitamin D (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D) concentrations, vitamin D supplementation and sun exposure with breast cancer among Pakistani women. A total of 411 newly diagnosed histologically confirmed primary breast cancer cases were enrolled and 784 controls, free of breast and any other cancers, were matched by age (year of birth ± 5 years), residence in the same geographic area and study site. Information was collected on sociodemographic history, history of vitamin D supplementation, past medical and obstetrical history, family history of breast cancer, sun exposure history, histopathology reports and anthropometric measurement and venous blood was collected to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. RESULTS: Compared to patients with sufficient serum vitamin D (>30 ng/ml), women with serum vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/ml), had a higher risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.10, 2.50). Women with history of vitamin D supplementation one year prior to enrollment, had significant protective effect against breast cancer (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.43). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION: Serum vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased risk of breast cancer, while vitamin D supplementation was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer. In Pakistani women, where vitamin D deficiency is common, raising and maintaining serum vitamin D at population level is a safe and affordable strategy. It may play a role in reducing the incidence of both vitamin D deficiency and breast cancer, particularly among poor women where the breast cancer mortality is highest due to limited resources for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The effects of vitamin D with regard to breast cancer risk in Karachi Pakistan should be further evaluated.

Chondrosarcoma of right big toe with metastases to left orbital and left infra temporal region.

To report a case of chondrosarcoma of right big toe with left orbital and left infra temporal metastases. Chondrosarcoma is the second most frequent primary malignant tumour of the bone. A 56 year old man had history of trauma on his right big toe, which was amputated and the biopsy in 2011 at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) revealed chondrosarcoma with clear margins. Eventually the patient was presented with swelling of the left eye, pain and gradual loss of vision of that eye. Later a CT scan of his chest, brain and orbit showed pulmonary and pleural based nodule, with mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy representing metastatic deposit in left orbit, extending to left infra temporal region. A treatment of palliative chemotherapy was started with doxorubicin and ifosfamide, after which he was referred for radiotherapy. At that time he had loss of vision, pain and exopthalamus, and palliative radiotherapy was delivered to the left orbit with the prescribed dose of30 Gy/300cGy×10 fraction. Thereafter his case will be followed up at the oncology OPD after a 03 month interval.

The Synergistic Effect of Raloxifene, Fluoxetine, and Bromocriptine Protects Against Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

The present antiepileptic drugs pose several problems in the management of seizures owing to their meager neuroprotective potential, adverse effects on bone, detrimental effects on cognitive function, chronic toxicity, drug interactions, side effects including aggression, agitation, and irritability and sometimes exacerbation of seizures. We followed up progressive preclinical investigation in mice against pilocarpine (PILO)-induced status epilepticus (SE) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). To determine the response of raloxifene (RF) (4 and 8 mg/kg), fluoxetine (FT) (14 and 22 mg/kg), bromocriptine (BC) (6 and 10 mg/kg), and their low-dose combinations, oral treatment was scheduled for 28 days followed by PILO (300 mg/kg, i.p). The response was stalked for intensive behavioral monitoring of convulsions, hippocampal neuropeptide Y (NPY), and oxidative stress discernment along with histomorphological studies. The resultant data confirmed the therapeutic potential of triple drug combination of raloxifene (4 mg/kg) with fluoxetine (14 mg/kg) and bromocriptine (6 mg/kg) compared to monotherapy with raloxifene (4 mg/kg), and bromocriptine (6 mg/kg) as otherwise monotherapy with fluoxetine (14 mg/kg) was ineffective to suppress convulsions; an effect better than sodium valproate (300 mg/kg), a standard AED, was validated. Most profoundly, PILO-induced compensatory increases in hippocampal NPY levels (20.01%), which was escalated (100%) with the triple drug combination. The same pattern of results was superseded for oxidative stress indices and neuronal damage. The results for the first time demonstrate the propitious role of triple drug combination in the management of SE and TLE. Therapeutically, this enhancing profile of drugs fosters a safer and more effective drug-combination regimen. Graphical abstract.

A new species of the ant genus Leptogenys Roger, 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from India.

BACKGROUND: There are no well defined Leptogenys species groups based on the worker morphology from the Oriental region Arimoto (2017). Leptogenys chinensis forms a complex species group with closely related species having little morphological changes Wilson (1958), Sarnat and Economo (2012). From the Oriental region, there are currently 9 species belonging to the L. chinensis group. The group is diagnosed by having edentate masticatory margin of the mandible, smooth body surface, elongate antennae and metallic green cuticle. The species included are: L. assamensis; L. chinensis; L. confucii; L. kraepelini; L. laeviterga; L. pangui; L. peuqueti; L. stenocheilos and L. sunzii. NEW INFORMATION: Leptogenys bhartii sp. n., a new ponerine ant species from Western Himalayas, India, is described and illustrated based on the worker caste. The new species belongs to the Leptogenys chinensis group and mostly resembles Leptogenys chinensis (Mayr, 1870). In the L. chinensis group, the original description of L. stenocheilos is insufficient as it lacks information about type material. As there is no further detailing of this species in the available literature, it is difficult to ascertain its valid status Xu and He (2015) and is therefore, considered a species inquirenda herewith. A revised key to the known species of chinensis-group in the Oriental Region is provided.

First record of the genus Ficobracon (Hymenoptera:Braconidae) from India, with description of new species.

Ficobracon kashmirensis sp. nov., a new braconid species from Kashmir Himalayas, India, is described with illustrations. The discovery marks the first record of Ficobracon from India, and is the fifth known species of the genus globally. A discussion on the seasonal occurrence and some elements of biology, together with a revised key to the known species, are also provided.

Concurrent Cisplatin-Based Chemoradiation in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Cervix.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiation in squamous cell carcinoma of cervix and the frequency of acute toxicity. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Clinical Oncology, Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (KIRAN), Karachi, from September 2010 to September 2011. METHODOLOGY: Eighty patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of cervix were included. Patients were treated with concurrent chemoradiation. External beam radiation was delivered with 50 Gy whole pelvis along with 40 mg/m2 weekly cisplatin followed by brachytherapy three insertions of 6.5 Gy each, one week apart. Response to treatment was assessed using response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (RECIST) criteria at 4 weeks after treatment. Acute toxicity of chemoradiation was assessed using common toxicity criteria. RESULTS: Out of the 80 patients, 8 patients were lost to follow-up. Remaining 72 patients aged 28 - 65 years with mean age of 48.03 &plusmn;8.9 years. Forty-eight patients (66%) were in stage II-B, 5 (7%) were in stage III-A, 7 (10%) were in stage III-B, and 12 (17%) were in stage IV-A. Overall response to treatment was 92%, in which 39 (54%) had complete response, and 27 (38%) had partial response while 6 (8%) show progressive disease. About 70% patients had diarrhea, 61.2% patients developed vomiting, 45.8% patients had dermatitis, 43% patients had vaginal mucositis, 40.3% had anemia, 13.9% patients had neutropenia, 27.8% patients had dysuria, and 22.2% patients had proctitis. CONCLUSION: Cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiation is an effective treatment in locally advanced stage of cervical cancer with manageable toxicity.