Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Identification of phytochemicals as potential inhibitors of Candida albicans SAP3: An in-silico approach
Get PDFBackground: Candida albicans is a major threat to human health, causing a variety of diseases. Candida albicans can overgrow and trigger infections like thrush, diaper rash, and vaginal yeast infections. Therefore, finding potential inhibitors of C. albicans from plant sources has become important, recently.Methods: This study investigated the interaction of natural compounds (N = 450) from the ZINC database with the C. albicans SAP3 protein. PyRx tools were used to conduct molecular docking analyses, which included ligand and target receptor preparation, data analysis, and visualization.Result: The binding energies between the natural compounds and SAP3 ranged from -8.8 to -7.8 kcal/mol, indicating that the interactions were predominantly strong. Among the compounds screened, ZINC000252509014, ZINC000252509722, ZINC000253389136, ZINC000251981944, and ZINC000252480871 were extensively explored in this study because they were found to be the best among others. Furthermore, these compounds showed favorable drug-like properties.Conclusion: These findings lay the groundwork for future research aimed at developing potent SAP3 inhibitors to treat C. albicans infections.Keywords: Candida albicans; SAP3 protein; Natural compounds; Virtual screening; Drug-likeness 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 about Plagiarism / AI generated content. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of the incidence of possible plagiarism / AI content as we examine the concerns and rerun the analysis.Editorial Note:28 May 2025: Reference to the above 'editorial expression of concern', this manuscript has been reanalysed through Turnitin for both similarity index and AI generated content. Similarity index was found well within permissible limit along with AI content having 'higher likelihood of false positive'. Therefore, the concern has been revoked
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Validity of anti-nuclear antibodies, double strand DNA antibodies and other parameters in autoimmune hypoparathyroidism
Get PDFBackground: Hypoparathyroidism is the destruction of the parathyroid gland by the immune system, as part of a multiple endocrine insufficiency syndrome. Tissue resistance to PTH's activities can occur in rare cases, resulting in hypoparathyroidism with increased PTH levels. Hypothyroidism is more common in females than males. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (active vitamin D) levels must be evaluated to rule out vitamin D deficiency as a contributor to or cause of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia and phosphatemia are common symptoms of hypoparathyroidism. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and double strand DNA (DsDNA) are the important biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of patients with autoimmune diseases. ANA and DsDNA occur in different endocrine disorders including thyroid disorders like hypoparathyroidism.Methods: Thirty Hypoparathyroidism patients with age range 21-74 years with (20 female and 10 male) were attending international Baghdad Medical Hospital, during the period from December 2019 to February 2021 and thirty apparently healthy were chosen as healthy control groups respectively. For these two study groups, the blood samples were collected to evaluate the serum level of serum phosphorus, calcitonin, Calcium, Vitamin D3, DsDNA and ANA. The type of kits used for serum DsDNA and ANA in humans were an indirect enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and the kits for serum level of serum Vitamin D3 and calcitonins were a sandwich ELISA. Finally, these kits for the calcium and phosphorus inorganic Colorimetric method were used.Results: Using Student's t-test, the present study's data revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean of age group cases and controls (P=0.005), as well as a statistically significant difference in serum mean values of each Serum phosphorus (P=0.005), calcitonin (P=0.005), calcium (P=0.002), and vitamin D3 centration (P=0.005) between these two groups . By using Chi-square test sex was not significant between hypoparathyroid and control (P=0.787) and DsDNA was not significantly more positive in hypoparathyroid subjects than control (P=0.112); while ANA was significant (P=0.024).Conclusion: The study sheds light on the necessity to screen the hypo parathyroid patients for vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous levels and calcitonin for better prognosis of patients and for each of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and double strand DNA (DsDNA).Keywords: Hypoparathyroidism; Phosphate; Calcium; Calcitonin; Vitamin D; ANA; DsDNARetraction Note27 Nov 2025: The Editor-in-Chief has approved retraction of this article on the following grounds.The paper's main conclusion about Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) is incoherent.Contradiction 1The text states twice that ANA was significant (P=0.024).Table 2: The table lists the exact same result (P=0.024) but explicitly labels it as "NS" (Non-Significant).Contradiction 2The paper makes opposite claims about the significance of sex.Text (Results): The results section states twice that "Sex was not significant... (P=0.787)".Text (Discussion): The discussion section states, "...sex was determined to be statistically significant...".Contradiction 3The paper misreports its own data for calcitonin.The text reports a P-value of 0.005 for calcitonin.Table 1: The table reports a P-value of 0.002 for calcitonin.The authors have not responded to the retraction notice
hSSB1 (NABP2) as Prognostic for Worker's Exposure to Oxidative Stress
Get PDFBackground: Oxidative stress can be defined as a phenomenon brought on by an imbalance between biological system's capacity for detoxifying such reactive products and the formation and buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissues and cells. X-rays have an effect on the systems of the human body, hSSB1 (NABP2) plays a vital role in DNA damage responses by taking part in a repair in the repair of double-strand DNA breaks and the base excision repair of oxidized guanine residues (8-oxoguanine). Here, we show that hSSB1 stabilizes as an oligomer in response to oxidative stress, which is necessary for the hSSB1 to remove 8oxoguanine.Methods: In this study, the detection of NABP2 (SSB-I) (Single-stranded DNA binding protein (ATM / MRN path-way)) expression through QRT-PCR is considered a key method. Depending on the Centre for Radiation Protection, employees exposed to weak doses of y -rays approximately (2-10) cGy could experience X-ray Geno toxicity. The exposure group worked in close proximity to the source (X-ray) and control group. Whole blood had been collected from all of the individuals, according to the findings.Results: NABP2 (hSSBI) expression increased in people who were exposed for longer than lcGy and decreased in the controls. was enhanced as a result of the Geno toxicity caused by low doses of X-rays. X-ray-induced oxidative stress stimulates. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding proteins like OBFC2B, which bind to single-stranded DNA (NABP2; SSBI).Conclusion: In the present study, the conclusion that has been reached is that the exposure of the individuals to the low dosages from the I-DIR had led to the occurrence of some slight symptoms that can't be noticed via outside signs as at high dosages; therefore, we studied the changes in gene expression like XRCC-I, XRCC-2, FOXM-I, it was researched hSSB1 (NABP2) for the purpose of knowing effects of the I-DIR. Using radioisotopes in industry, science, and medicine, must be implemented in such a way as to keep the environment and people safe for a long time.Keywords: Oxidative stress; NABP2 (SSBI); Transcription factor; Biomarker; x-ray; Diagnosis; Reactive oxygen species (ROS) 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
Pathological and Biochemical Methods for Detection of Uranium Pollution in the Diyala-bridge Region, Iraq
Get PDFBackground: The present study comprised two distinct experiments. The first experiment involved a field survey conducted in the Diyala Bridge area of Baghdad, Iraq, spanning from December 2021 to May 2022. Soil, milk, and blood samples were collected from locally grazed cattle to ascertain uranium concentrations. In the second experiment, rats were subjected to poisoning with Uranyl acetate. Upon completion of the experiment, samples of liver, kidneys, and blood were collected for histopathological and biochemical analyses.Methods: Twenty-four albino male rats were divided equally and randomly into two groups i.e., control group and intoxicated group. Uranyl acetate was given daily for 120 days by 0.05 mg/kg to the latter group. At the end of the experiment liver and kidney sample were taken for histopathological examination and stained by Masson-trichrome stain.Results: The finding of eosin and hematoxylin stain and biochemical assay for CuZn-SOD U/mg and catalase K/mg protein were showed significantly elevated while liver tissue showed necrosis atrophy atherosclerosis cirrhosis and carcinoma characterized by irregular cell mitotic figure extensive fibrous tissue, tissue kidney presented interstitial hemorrhage and multiple granuloma.Conclusion: Intoxicant by Uranyl acetate showed significant elevating for CuZn-SOD U/mg and catalase K/mg protein, in contrast liver tissue showed necrosis atrophy atherosclerosis cirrhosis and carcinoma, tissue kidney presented interstitial hemorrhage and multiple granulomas.Keywords: Uranyl acetate; Granuloma; Xenobiotic; Granuloma 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 inappropriate category. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of this incidence as we do the required corrections.Editorial Note:27 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having changes in the category section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked
Structure-Based Virtual Screening of Antiviral Compounds Targeting the Norovirus RdRp Protein
Get PDFBackground: Human noroviruses (NV) are the primary etiological organisms causing acute gastroenteritis around the world, causing severe morbidity and imposing a significant economic burden. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is essential for viral replication and could be a promising target for anti-NV therapeutics. Despite the discovery of a few NV RdRp inhibitors, the majority of these pharmaceuticals have demonstrated limited efficacy in inhibiting viral replication in cellular models.Methods: In this study, computational screening of antiviral compounds was conducted targeting the NV RdRp protein. The assessment was based on binding poses and the key residues of RdRp involved in interactions with compounds.Results: The compounds namely, Ribavirin, BMS806, Dihydromyricetin, R7935788, and LY2784544 were found to bind the RdRp protein with high affinity. Notably, these compounds displayed significantly lower binding affinities compared to the positive control, PPNDS. In addition, these compounds exhibited many RdRp protein binding residues that were also present in the PPNDS.Conclusion: The results presented here suggest that these compounds have the potential to be used as inhibitors of NV RdRp in the development of antiviral medications. Nevertheless, due to the computational nature of this study, it is imperative to do experimental validation.Keywords: Noroviruses; RdRp; Virtual screening; Antiviral Compounds
Evaluation of the effectiveness of coniferous-phytogenic feed additives against eimeriosis infestation in calves
Get PDFBackground: Eimeriosis in calves, often treated with harsh chemicals, leads to significant health and economic burdens. This study explores natural coniferous-phytogenic feed additives as an innovative solution, focusing on their efficacy against Eimeria bovis and Eimeria ellipsoidalis, two common eimeriosis pathogens in calves.Methods: The authors conducted experiments to analyze the therapeutic and preventive effectiveness of the use of a coniferous-phytogenic immunomodulator in the diet of calves from 5-7 days of age and a coniferous and salicylic acid feed additive from 28-30 days of age against eimeriosis infestation at a dose of 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0 ml, once daily for 2-week courses without breaks with a small amount of warm water.Results: The extensivity of the coniferous and salicylic acid feed additive against the eimeriosis infestation in calves caused by E. bovis showed maximum result. Both preparations were willingly consumed by calves and eliminated the signs of diarrheal dyspeptic syndrome and gastroenteritis. The inclusion of coniferous-phytogenic feed additives in the calves' diet from 5-7 days of age once daily for 2-week courses without breaks, resulted in 100% effectiveness against E. bovis and E. ellipsoidalis.Conclusion: The study concludes that coniferous-phytogenic feed additives are highly effective in treating and preventing eimeriosis in calves, showing 100% effectiveness against the targeted pathogens. These additives also contribute to the overall health and well-being of the animals by alleviating related symptoms.Keywords: Calves; Calf Pen; Eimeriosis; Coniferous-Phytogenic Feed Additives; Efficiency 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 and references. 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 and in references section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked
Tracing the environmental effects of microfabric in the leaves of the Cupressus dupreziana plant and the surrounding soil in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Get PDFBackground: The high death rate associated with COVID-19 may contribute to increased mineral pollution in cemetery soils, underscoring the necessity for future cemetery projects aimed at mitigating these environmental effects. This highlights the importance of studying metal concentrations in cemetery soils. The research focused on analyzing the mineral content of soil in the Najaf Governorate cemeteries in Iraq, particularly during a period marked by elevated mortality rates, to inform future projects that address environmental concerns.Methods: Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to examine the soil characteristics in three cemeteries. Soil samples were collected three times from a depth of 10 to 30 cm around Cupressus dupreziana plants, using triplicate analyses and mean deviation. An autoregressive integrated moving averages model was then applied, incorporating 50% traceability to bioavailability in order to mitigate contamination risks.Results: The analysis indicated elevated levels of iron and lead (Pb) in the cemetery soil. Given the increase in fatalities and the accompanying funerals, it is essential to consider that COVID-19’s estimated daily death toll ranges between 20 and 50, with the potential for significant metal pollution. To diminish environmental impact, the facility managed gas and effluent processing at 80% capacity, concentrating on mineral contamination in the soil through spatial analysis.Conclusion: EDX and SEM were confirmed as reliable methods, while the morphometric approach provided a comprehensive view of the soil and its associated plant life through elemental composition analysis. Utilizing these techniques enabled quantitative assessments and comparisons with control samples, facilitating a thorough characterization of C. dupreziana. Additionally, these analyses illuminated the various clusters of organisms present within the soil of the study area.Keywords: Indication metals; Environmental analysis; Cupressus dupreziana; Soil pollutionEditorial Expression of Concern20 June 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 Note25 June 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
Exploring Listeria monocytogenes in Ewe Milk: ssrA Gene-based Real-time PCR Identification, Phylogenetic Analysis, and Antibacterial Assessment of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized with Myrtus communis Leaf Extract
Get PDFBackground: Listeria monocytogenes, a zoonotic pathogen affecting humans and animals, exhibits a global distribution, including Iraq. This study focused on the rapid identification and phylogenetic analysis of L. monocytogenes in freshly collected ewe milk samples from various farms in Al-Qadisiyah province, Iraq.Methods: The study was conducted with care and precision, involving 150 milk samples. These samples were subjected to traditional bacterial isolation and identification using the enrichment culture method and biochemical tests, with the PCR technique confirming the results. The antibacterial activity of MgONPs was then assessed using the disc diffusion method, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable approach to the study.Result: The results show that 150 ewe milk samples underwent real-time PCR (RT-PCR) targeting the ssrA gene, followed by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing (PSGS) of purified conventional PCR products. Furthermore, the study entails the biosynthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using Myrtus communis leaf extract, followed by a comprehensive characterization utilizing UV-spectra, FTIR, SEM, and TEM techniques. The Agar well diffusion method assessed the antibacterial efficacy of these Biosynthesized nanoparticles against L. monocytogenes. The RT-PCR results revealed the presence of L. monocytogenes in 36 out of 150 samples (24%). Subsequent PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the pathogen in 30 out of these 36 positive samples (83.33%). Sequencing of two purified PCR products demonstrated 100% nucleotide identity with global isolates from Iraq and Turkey. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that L. monocytogenes exhibited substantial sensitivity (24.66 ± 0.3) to the biosynthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles. These findings underscore the speed and precision of the RT-PCR method for detecting L. monocytogenes in fresh ewe milk samples.Conclusion: This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of L. monocytogenes prevalence in ewe milk and highlights the potential of Myrtus communis -derived nanoparticles for combating this pathogen.Keywords: Antibacterial nanoparticles; Listeria monocytogenes; Magnesium oxide; Myrtus communis sheep milk; ssrA gene
A Virtual Insight into Bioactive Compounds of Ginger as Potential Inhibitors of NEK7 for Cancer Management
Get PDFBackground: NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) is a serine/threonine kinase that is required for cell cycle progression, particularly mitotic spindle formation and cytokinesis, and has been linked to various cancers. Furthermore, NEK7 modulates the NLRP3 inflammasome, which activates Caspase-1 and causes cell pyroptosis. A growing body of studies indicates that ginger has the ability to prevent and treat a variety of health issues.Methods: In this study, 383 distinct bioactive compounds were extracted from the LOTUS database from Zingiber officinale and were screened against NEK7 protein using the PyRx 0.8 software. The top six hits' physicochemical characteristics, molecular descriptors, and natural product-likeness ratings were assessed using the LOTUS database.Results: The compounds LTS0101379, LTS0022317, TS0094590, LTS0231343, LTS0085481, and LTS0110340 showed high affinity for NEK7, forming interactions with critical amino acid residues. Notably, these compounds had multiple interactions with amino acid residues similar to those of the control compound Dabrafenib. Furthermore, the molecular properties and descriptors of these compounds indicated favorable drug-like properties.Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of these compounds as NEK7 inhibitors for cancer management, though additional experimental validation is required.Keywords: NEK7; Cancer; Zingiber officinale; Virtual screening; Drug-likeness 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 Plagiarism / AI generated content. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of the incidence of possible plagiarism / AI content as we examine the concerns and rerun the analysis.Editorial Note:28 May 2025: Reference to the above 'editorial expression of concern', this manuscript has been reanalysed through Turnitin for both similarity index and AI generated content. Similarity index was found well within permissible limit along with AI content having 'higher likelihood of false positive'. Therefore, the concern has been revoked
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Screening and Optimization of Dextransucrase Production from Lactobacillus acidophilus
Get PDFBackground: Dextransucrase is an enzyme synthesized by many bacterial genera, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose to produce dextran, a polysaccharide with a wide range of medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. The study aimed at isolating Lactobacillus species from the human vagina, assessing the production of dextransucrase, and determining the optimal growth conditions.Methods: A total of 53 bacterial samples were isolated from the reproductive tract of healthy women. Out of these 53 samples, 21 isolates of Lactobacillus spp. were obtained. Dextransucrase production was assessed using both the mucoid and spectrophotometric techniques. The effects of natural carbon, nitrogen sources, concentrations of nitrogen, protein, and sucrose, inoculum size, pH, temperature, and incubation time were evaluated to determine the optimal conditions.Results: The findings showing that Lactobacillus acidophilus isolates produced more dextransucrase than isolates of Lactobacillus plantarum, with Lactobacillus acidophilus V19 being the strongest producer isolate due to its highest specific activity. The best conditions for producing dextransucrase were to use a dextransucrase production medium that underwent incubation at 37°C for 48 hours at pH 5.5, with a concentration of 6% sucrose, and 4% inoculum size. The most efficient source of nitrogen was 6% beef extract, and the best source of carbon was dates. At this point, the dextransucrase activity was at its highest.Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that the optimal conditions for dextransucrase production are a pH of 5.5, 4% inoculum size, 6% dates extract as a carbon source, 6% beef extract as a nitrogen source, and 48 hours of incubation at 37°C.Keywords: Ecological; Optimization; Dextransucrase; Lactobacillus acidophilus Retraction Note27 Nov 2025: The Editor-in-Chief has approved retraction of this article on the following grounds.1. Critically Flawed ConclusionThe abstract and conclusion present a single, "optimal" formula that is scientifically nonsensical and not supported by the paper's own methods.Contradiction: The abstract and conclusion state the optimal conditions include "6% dates extract as a carbon source" AND "a concentration of 6% sucrose" .Methodology: The methods section clearly describes two separate experiments: one to find the best natural carbon source (testing dates, pears, etc.) and another to find the optimal sucrose concentration .An optimal medium cannot simultaneously contain 6% dates and 6% sucrose as the primary carbon source. The authors have nonsensically combined the results of two different experiments into one impossible "optimal" medium.2. Critical Unit Error in MethodologyThe paper reports a 1000-fold error in its methodology, making the experiment unreplicable.Methods Text: The methods state the sucrose concentrations tested were "3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 mg/100 mL".Figure 3A: The axis label in the results also states "Conc. of sucrose mg/100 ml".Analysis: This is an impossibly low concentration (e.g., 6 mg/100 mL is 0.006%). The abstract and text clearly intended to test 6%, which is 6 grams/100 mL. This is a 1000-fold unit error in the methodology.The authors have not responded to the retraction notice