Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Antifungal efficacy of the crude alkaloid, flavonoid, and terpenoid of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipschitz roots against Aspergillus species isolated from rice seeds
Get PDFBackground: Rice is an essential component of the diets of people all over the world, and it accounts for a sizeable amount of the calories that they consume. The world's food supply suffers huge economic losses due to fungal deterioration of rice seeds. The medicinal plant Saussurea costus contains bioactive chemicals and is well-known for its many therapeutic uses. There are a number of species of Aspergillus that are considered pathogens of vegetables and fruits. One of these species is Aspergillus niger. The purpose of this current investigation was to investigate the impact of the crude alkaloid, flavonoid, and terpenoid chemicals derived from Saussurea costus' roots on Aspergillus species isolated from rice seeds obtained from various markets in Hillah, Iraq.Methods: In vitro, antifungal activity against Aspergillus species was achieved using the food poisoning method. Three concentrations 5, 10, and 15mg/ml of each crude compound were prepared and compared to a positive control represented by Carbendazim 500g/l and a negative control represented by 10% dimethyl sulfoxide.Results: The objective of this study was to manage the Aspergillus species growth detected in rice seeds by utilizing secondary compounds derived from the roots of Saussurea costus. The study's data indicated that the extracts represented by active compounds such as Alkaloids, Flavonoids, and Terpenoids obtained from Saussurea costus roots exhibited a significant decrease in the of Aspergillus species growth, particularly at a concentration of 100mg/ml, in contrast to the negative control. This effect was equivalent to that of the positive control, Carbendazim 500g/l.Conclusion: Finally, Saussurea costus roots have shown the most efficacy in controlling Aspergillus species, particularly through the presence of Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Terpenoid chemicals at a concentration of 100mg/ml.Keywords: Antifungal activity; Saussurea costus; Alkaloids; Flavonoids; Terpenoids Editorial Expression of Concern:18 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about problems in use of English language. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community as we address the errors.Editorial Note:31 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections related to the use of English language. Expression of concern is hereby revoked
Evaluation of the effectiveness of Azolla fern in removing the toxicity of lead and cadmium in water
Get PDFBackground: Heavy metals are harmful to living organisms and are emitted into the environment from many different sources. Compared to alternative remediation technologies that are either too expensive or impractical, phytoremediation, in which plants are used to remove hazardous toxins from water and soil, is a viable option for use at extremely large field sites. Heavy metals may be removed from the environment by a wide variety of plants. Azolla, a kind of aquatic fern, is one example.Methods: Different concentrations of heavy elements (5,10, and 25mg/ L) were prepared and treated with the plant in different masses (0.2,0.4, and 0.8 grams)and over time periods of one and two weeks. The concentration of each element was measured before and after the treatment periods using an atomic absorption device.Results: As evidenced that spring Azolla (green type) was more effective at removing cadmium and lead elements than autumn Azolla (red type), where the spring Azolla recorded higher removal efficiency for Cd , where it was 1.80% under biomass 0.8g, contact time 10 days, and at metal concentration 10mg\L ,while the highest percentage removal for Pb , was 40.02% under biomass 0.4g, contact time 15 day and at metal concentration 5mg\L . Azolla has great potential for removing heavy metals from water resources and can be used in heavy metal phytoremediation initiatives in environmental improvement projects.Conclusion: This research suggests using the aquatic macrophyte Azolla, especially spring fern, to treat sewage and household wastewater containing Cadmium and Lead.Keywords: Azolla; Heavy metals; Phytoremediation; Cd; Pb
Identification of potential inhibitors targeting DNA adenine methyltransferase of Klebsiella pneumoniae for antimicrobial resistance management: a structure-based molecular docking study
Get PDFBackground: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important opportunistic pathogen that frequently causes nosocomial infections. Notably, this bacterium has emerged as a significant problem in hospital settings because of its acquisition of resistance to carbapenems. The majority of antibiotics act by targeting crucial pathways within bacterial cells. However, due to the development of resistance mechanisms, the efficiency of these antibiotics has decreased. Therefore, this study focused on a putative protein (DNA adenine methyltransferase; Dam) found in K. pneumoniae that encompasses a DNA methylation protein domain, indicating a novel potential target for pharmacological intervention. DNA methylation affects bacterial virulence attenuation.Methods: Due to the absence of an available 3D structure for the Dam protein in the protein database, a 3D model was generated using the SWISS-MODEL server and validated using computational tools. Following that, screening was performed against the Dam protein utilizing a set of 2706 phytochemicals obtained from the ZINC database using PyRx0.8. The ProTox-II platform was used to predict the physicochemical properties and various toxicity endpoints.Results: Among the screened compounds, ZINC4214775, ZINC4095704, and ZINC4136964 had higher binding affinity for the Dam and interacted with its active site residues. The computational analyses of these three identified hits indicate that their predicted properties were within an acceptable range for evaluating toxicity. In addition, a toxicity radar chart showed that these hits were within an acceptable range.Conclusions: These compounds have the potential to act as Dam inhibitors and could be investigated further for managing antimicrobial resistance in K. pneumoniae.Keywords: Klebsiella pneumoniae; Dam; Antimicrobial resistance; PhytochemicalsEditorial Note: You are viewing the latest version of this article having language corrections
Identification of Novel STAT3 Dimerization Inhibitor Through Structure-Based Virtual Screening for Cancer Management
Get PDFBackground: Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that controls cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and immunological responses. In many human malignancies, abnormal STAT3 activation promotes tumor growth via oncogenic gene expression, resulting in tumor malignancy. Many drugs with clinically authorized analogues that are used as STAT3 inhibitors for cancer therapy have several drawbacks in terms of stability and toxicity.Methods: This study used PyRx 0.8 tool to screen the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) database of about 32,364 commercially available natural compounds in order to identify new STAT3 inhibitors. Physicochemical and ADME properties of selected compounds were estimated using Datawarrior and SwissADME.Result: The top 20 compounds were initially chosen based on their strong binding affinities with STAT3. Lipinski and Vaber tools were used to filter the top 20 compounds, yielding the top 6 compounds. The compounds ZINC85542844, ZINC4098720, ZINC85543599, ZINC85593523, ZINC85593528, and ZINC85593537 were passed through these filters. These compounds were found to interact with active site STAT3 residues and have several amino acid interactions in common with the control compound (STX0119).Conclusion: This study suggests that the compounds ZINC85542844, ZINC4098720, ZINC85543599, ZINC85593523, ZINC85593528, and ZINC85593537 could be used as a lead for the development of novel STAT3 inhibitors. However, further experimental validation is required to optimized them as STAT3 inhibitors.Keywords: STAT3; Transcription factor; Natural compounds; Cancer; Virtual screening
Genetic Studies and Breed Diversity of Kazakh Native Horses: A Comprehensive Review
No full textThis comprehensive review analyzes the state of horse breeding in Kazakhstan, examining its historical context, current status, genetic studies, and future prospects. Drawing on historical records, government reports, academic studies, and genetic research, this review provides insights into the genetic diversity of Kazakh native horse breeds. The review traces the historical trajectory of horse breeding, explores its significance for the economy and culture, and discusses current population trends. Genetic studies reveal untapped potential for breed improvement. Kazakhstan's horse breeding faces opportunities for growth and development, requiring efforts to increase the horse population and harness genetic potential for productivity. This review emphasizes the need to preserve the gene pool of Kazakh native horses, ensuring sustainability and cultural significance.Keywords: Kazakh native horses; Equus caballus; Dzhabe horse; Adaev horse; Kushum horse; Mugalzhar horse; horse breeding; Kostanay breed; molecular genetics
Acquiring insights through a sequence-based approach to the critical Zika virus MTase domain
Get PDFBackground: ZIKV is one of the re-emerging arboviruses (viruses carried by arthropods), which is spread through the Aedes mosquito. It is an RNA virus with only one strand that is appropriate to the family Flaviviridae's Flavivirus (genus) & has been linked to other Flaviviruses such as the West Nile virus, chikungunya virus, & dengue (DENV) virus. The envelope, precursor membrane, and capsid are three structural proteins, and seven nonstructural proteins are also encoded by the Zika virus genome.Methods: We conducted an in-silico analysis of the Zika virus' MTase domain protein for this publication. We predicted that methylation would play a significant role in the available Prosite, Pfam, and InterProScan tools to aid in locating the MTase domain. Along with alignment, amino acid composition of, charged amino acids, atomic level studies, & molecular weight, we also make predictions for these variables, including theoretical Pi.Results: We also examine the MTase domain's simulated structure (alpha helix, beta sheet, turn) and its specifics, including secondary structure. We also pinpoint the locations where proteins, DNA, and RNA bind. Potential phosphorylation sites can be found on the Ser, Thr, and Tyr residues in the MTase domain.Conclusion: These outcomes imply a complicated interaction between different phosphorylation modifications that modulates the activity of the MTase domain. To fully appreciate the auxiliary and practical perspectives and to clarify the varied roles of PTM in the MTase domain will be a primary goal of future study.Keywords: I-TASSER; Secondary structure; Prosite; α-helix; Pfam; InterProScan; Binding sites; Posttranslational modification; SOPMA; Phyre2 Editorial Expression of Concern:18 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about problems in use of English language. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community as we address the errors.Editorial Note:31 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections related to the use of English language. Expression of concern is hereby revoked.
Metal Sulfates and Microbial Food Treatment Alleviate the Oxidative Damage Caused by PEG-Induced Osmotic Stress in Cotton Plants
Get PDFBackground: Drought stress restricts cotton production, which causes a considerable loss of cotton yields worldwide. Plant activators improve crop production and ameliorate abiotic stresses. Thus, the effects of plant activators on the genotype of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Candia, which is resistant to drought, were investigated.Methods: Plants were treated with the plant activators, and then osmotic stress was initiated by 30% PEG 6000 treatment for 13 days. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POX) were measured along with growth, relative water content (RWC), osmotic potential, photosynthetic pigments, ion leakage, proline accumulation, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS).Results: Osmotic stress reduced shoot fresh weight (FW) and osmotic potential but increased root length of Candia. Activator treatment alleviated these effects. Photosynthetic pigment contents and cell membrane permeability were not affected by osmotic stress and activator treatments; proline accumulation and lipid peroxidation levels were enhanced by osmotic stress, but activators alleviated these increments. Activity bands for the isozymes Mn-SOD1, SOD2, and SOD3, as well as the isozyme Fe-SOD, were found in Candia. Osmotic stress elevated APX activity in Candia leaves, while activator treatment decreased it. POX activity was not affected by osmotic stress, but activator treatment decreased POX activity. Osmotic stress-induced accumulation of ROS was lessened by activator treatment.Conclusion: Plant activator treatment reduced the amount of oxidative damage (ROS buildup and lipid peroxidation) caused by drought stress in the Candia genotype.Keywords: Antioxidant system; Cotton; Gossypium hirsutum L.; Osmotic stress; PEG 6000; Plant activators
Whole genome sequence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain HA9 isolated from conventional Iraqi cheese: First report
Get PDFBackground: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a renowned probiotic known for its ability to enhance health when ingested in sufficient quantities. While L. plantarum typically exhibits unique characteristics, variations in strains and environments can occur. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct genetic identification of the strain before incorporating it into products or administering it for health benefits.Methods: After being isolated from classic artisanal milk cheeses, the bacterial DNA extraction kit from GENEAID, Korea, was used, and strain HA9's genomic DNA was isolated. Then, the highly conserved section of ribosomal RNA was amplified with universal primers. The results were confirmed by a blast analysis of the NCBI database. The genome of HA9 was sequenced using the Illumina and PacBio Sequel II technologies (HN00194138; Psomagen/USA). The Prokaryotic Dynamic Programming Gene-Finding Algorithm software was applied to forecast coding genes. The Pathosystems Resource Integration Center constructed the L. plantarum genome.Result: According to the findings, the genome of the L. plantarum HA9 strain has a length of 3,321,986 bp and a GC percentage of 44.40. This assembled genome contained a total of 1,420 coding proteins and 82 contigs, as discovered by the Comprehensive Genome Analysis. The isolate had been submitted to the NCBI and received the HA9 genome sequence (accession ID: JAUTDL000000000.1).Conclusion Microbes' whole-genome sequencing plays a crucial role in clarifying their probiotic properties and enables accurate identification down to the strain level. The authors argue that further research should be done on probiotics' whole genomes, with a special emphasis on second-generation strains.Keywords: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum; Probiotics; Whole genome sequencing Editorial Expression of Concern:20 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about quality of figures. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of the errors as we refurnish figures with higher DPI.Editorial Note:28 May 2025: Readers may please see figures with higher DPI given at the end of Results section in the HTML version. Expression of concern is hereby revoked.Whole genome sequence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain HA9 isolated from conventional Iraqi cheese: First report » Advancements in Life Science
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in HIF-1A, VEGFa, and VHL Genes: A Comparative Study between Sea Level and High-Altitude Residents in West Saudi Arabia
Get PDFBackground: This comprehensive molecular study investigates the genetic variations in individuals residing at different altitudes in West Saudi Arabia, specifically contrasting sea-level residents in Jeddah (SL) with high-altitude dwellers in Taif (HA). The study focuses on the significant role of genetic adaptations in response to environmental challenges, particularly hypoxia. Understanding these genetic differences according to geographical location is crucial for multiple reasons. It not only sheds light on the adaptive mechanisms that humans develop in response to environmental stressors like reduced oxygen levels but also has broader implications for medical, anthropological, and evolutionary studies. By exploring how distinct populations adapt to their environments, this research provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between genetics, health, and disease, highlighting the importance of considering genetic diversity in medical and genetic research.Methods: The research involved amplifying and sequencing three pivotal genes associated with hypoxia adaptation: Hif-1a, VEGFa, and VHL. Advanced genomic techniques were utilized to analyze samples from 22 volunteers, 10 from the sea level region of Jeddah and 12 from the high-altitude region of Taif. The study aimed to identify and analyze single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes and their implications in altitude adaptation.Results: Distinct SNPs were identified in the Hif-1a, VEGFa, and VHL genes, with high-altitude residents displaying more pronounced variations. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated clear genetic clustering based on altitude, highlighting the molecular adaptations induced by altitude variations. The study reveals a complex interplay between genetics and environmental conditions, significantly contributing to our understanding of human adaptation to high altitudes.Conclusion: This research underscores the profound impact of altitude on human genetics. The findings provide critical insights into how genetic variations facilitate adaptation to challenging environmental conditions, such as hypoxia, encountered at high altitudes. These insights have broad implications, potentially informing medical research related to altitude sickness and other altitude-related health issues.Keywords: High-Altitude Adaptation; Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs); Hif-1a Gene; VEGFa Gene; VHL Gene; Phylogenetic Analysis; Saudi Arabian Populations Retraction Note27 Nov 2025: The Editor-in-Chief has approved retraction of this article on the following grounds.The paper's "Methods" section is in direct contradiction with its "Results" section.• The methods section explicitly states that four genes were targeted for analysis: Hif-1α, Vegfa, Epas, and Vhl. This is reinforced by Table 1, which lists the primers for all four genes, including EPAS1.• The "Results" section, "Abstract," "Title," and "Keywords" completely omit any mention of the EPAS1 gene. No data, figures, or discussion are provided for this gene, despite it being a stated part of the experimental design.The paper's "Results" section is internally contradictory, presenting multiple, different locations for the same genetic findings.• The paper claims the SNP is at position 226 , then later in a summary list at position 35 , and Table 2 lists it at position 260 .• The paper claims the SNP is at position 515 , but a later summary claims it is at position 424.• The paper claims the SNP is a C>T change , but a later summary claims it is a G>A change.The data is critically and irreconcilably corrupted. It is impossible to know what the findings of the study actually were.The authors have not responded to the retraction notice
Impact of varying sorbitol concentrations on hematological and biochemical blood parameters in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Get PDFBackground: Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener that is very similar to natural sugar, but it is sweeter than natural sugar and lower in calories. Sorbitol is used as an alternative to natural sugar, and it is extracted from regular glucose. It does not have any negative effects on the animals’ health, and it is characterized in safe use in many scientific experiments for the diet of humans and animals.Methods: This study was conducted in the animal house, College of Veterinary Medicine, Al-Qasim Green University for a period of 90 days. Forty rats of the Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) were randomly distributed into 4 groups, namely the first group (control group) while the second, third and fourth groups were treated with 100, 200 and 300 μg of sorbitol/kg of body weight .The rats were iso in live weight and age at the beginning of the experiment. Blood samples were drawn at the end of the experimental period. Results: Increase in level dose of sorbitol resulted significant improvement in accounts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and a significant increase in level of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and monocytes for second, third, and fourth groups compared to the control group. Moreover, the significant improvement in most of the blood parameters was reflected to significant increase in clotting and bleeding time in the second, third and fourth groups of rats compared to the control group. Also, the results showed a significant increase in the levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, Inhibin and MAD hormones for the second, third and fourth groups compared to the control group.Conclusions: The results of the current study revealed that sorbitol has many benefits in the diet of humans and animals and has an effect on blood indicators, some sex hormones and antioxidants in the body. It is recommended not to consume excessive sorbitol in the diet.Keywords: Sorbitol; Hematological parameters; FSH; LH; Wistar rats