Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Role of heavy metals pollution on emergence of antibiotic co-resistance in E. coli isolates
Get PDFBackground: Heavy metal pollution in water is one of the most serious environmental problems. These findings have prompted the idea that metal-exposed bacteria may have altered resistance to antibiotics. This study was performed to investigate the presence of heavy metal resistance genes (HMRGs) in Escherichia coli.Methods: HMRGs and antibiotic resistance of 100 E. coli from sewage and fresh water were detected by PCR. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of heavy metals were determined by the broth micro dilution method. Antibiotic discs used to detect multidrug resistance, was recovered and assembled using third-generation sequencing.Results: The frequency of different HMRGs in E. coli ranged from 1–67%., while prevalence of ESBL genes ranged 5-17% in freshwater isolates, and 54- 96% in sewage isolates. MICs of heavy metals for E. coli ranged widely from ≤8.0-800 mg/L. Moreover, HMRGs (PbRT, cadD arsB, PcoA, czrc, and chrA) were found to be significantly associated with one or more ARGs ( tetA, blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX) (P < 0.05).Conclusion: In conclusion, HMRGs were widely present in E. coli isolated Dujla river and sewage water were significantly associated with drug resistance genes (DRGs). It is remarkable that the coexistence of HMRGs, DRGs and ARGs confer co-resistance to heavy metals, and antibiotics.Keywords: Heavy metals; Antibiotic resistanceEditorial 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
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Association of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms (rs731236 and rs7975232) among Iraqi Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Get PDFBackground: Vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) is implicated in several aspects of human psychiatric disorders, one of them is autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder is neurodevelopment disorder characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. The etiology of this disease has been linked to both hereditary and environmental factors. The aim of this study is to determine the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms(rs731236and rs7975232) in VDR gene with susceptibility of ASD childhood .Method: A total of 44 children with ASD and 44 controls from Iraqi children were chose, with age of 2 – 11 years old. This study took place between May 2022 and March 2023.Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism SNP genotyping was carried out by Sanger sequencing using (genomic DNA extracted) from blood cells. The number of samples were too low due to the difficulty of drawing blood from a vein due to the child’s hyperactivity.Result: Among two examined SNPs, the AG category of rs731236 demonstrated a significant effect, B = 1.54, OR = 4.68, p = 0.002. This finding suggests that the presence of the AG category of rs731236 increases the odds of observing the Patient category within the Group by approximately 368.24%, in comparison to the AA category of rs731236. In contrast, the GG category of rs731236 did not exhibit a significant effect, B = 0.97, OR = 2.63, p = 0.515, indicating no considerable impact on the likelihood of observing the Patient category within the Group. Furthermore, the AA category of rs7975232 revealed no significant effect, B = -0.37, OR = 0.69, p = 0.489, suggesting that it did not notably influence the odds of observing the patient category within the Group. Similarly, the CC category of rs7975232 had no significant, B = 0.71, OR = 2.03, p = 0.294.The findings of this study, support the hypothesis that rs731236 implicated in the pathophysiology of autism.Conclusion: The combination of AG genotype of rs731236 is associated with a higher risk of ASD childhood and it is considered a promising target in the diagnosis of this disease.Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Vitamin D receptor gene; Gene polymorphismsRetraction Note24 Sept 2025: The Editor-in-Chief has retracted this article due to the below mentioned scientific deficiencies revealed by an internal audit.1. The most serious issue is the timeline of the ethical approval. The methods state the study on children was conducted between May 2022 and March 2023, but the ethical approval was only granted on December 27, 2023—after the study was completed and just four days before publication. Conducting research on human subjects, especially a vulnerable population like children, without prior ethical approval is a grave violation of fundamental research principles (including the Declaration of Helsinki). This ethical failure alone is sufficient grounds for immediate retraction.2. The core of this genetic association study—the allele frequency analysis—is based on mathematically impossible calculations. The allele counts presented in Tables 4 and 5 do not and cannot derive from the genotype counts presented in Tables 2 and 3. This is not a minor rounding error but a complete failure of data analysis, which renders the p-values, odds ratios, and all conclusions about allele association scientifically invalid.3.The methods state that blood samples were stored at room temperature (20-25°C). This is an improper preservation technique for genomic DNA, which can lead to degradation and potentially inaccurate genotyping. This methodological flaw casts doubt on the reliability of the very foundation of the study's data.The authors have not responded to correspondence regarding this retraction
Molecular Genetic Assessment of Nodular Dermatitis Virus in Cattle Herds
Get PDFBackground: The study highlights the significance of data availability in molecular genetic research, focusing on cattle nodular dermatitis virus. Limited data on Russian genetic variants hinders comprehensive virus characterization. Molecular genetic methods are crucial for accurate diagnosis, considering cross-reactions with poxviruses. Increased data availability is essential to improve diagnostics and biosafety in the region.Method: The researchers conducted a molecular genetic analysis of the gene sequences of the nodular dermatitis virus to assess the variability of the virus. The authors used the GenBank database to compare sequences and used the MEGA X program for phylogenetic analysis and sequence alignment.Results: The sequences of the nodular dermatitis virus closest to the Russian genetic variants have been determined. The volumes of available epizootiological and molecular genetic data were compared, and the circulation of the vaccine strain was confirmed.Conclusion: The article emphasizes the need to increase the availability of data on the genetic sequences of Russian samples to fully characterize the genetic diversity of the nodular dermatitis virus. Despite the limited data, the authors observed a tendency to increase genetic diversity. They recommend isolating and storing the virus in the cell culture to enhance genetic information.Keywords: Databases; Epizootiology; Molecular Genetic Analysis; Nodular Dermatitis 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.Molecular Genetic Assessment of Nodular Dermatitis Virus in Cattle Herds » Advancements in Life Science
Identification of Phytochemical through Virtual Screening for α-Amylase Inhibition: A Promising Approach for Diabetes Management
Get PDFBackground: Type 2 diabetes is caused by a complex combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors, which contributes to its rising global incidence. α-amylase is a critical pharmaceutical target for reducing postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Because of the numerous side effects associated with synthetic anti-diabetic drugs, the use of natural substances for diabetes management has grown in popularity in recent years.Methods: In this study, potential α-amylase inhibitors were identified using virtual screening approaches, with a focus on bioactive compounds derived from Zingiber officinale. A comprehensive screening of 383 compounds was performed against the α-amylase active site. Following that, 14 compounds were identified as having greater binding energy efficacy than the control compounds.Results: The compounds LTS0006138, LTS0117761, LTS0176515, LTS0102243, and LTS0018665 exhibited notable interactions with the catalytic residues of α-amylase in this study, particularly by forming hydrogen bonds with multiple residues within the enzyme. Furthermore, an analysis of the molecular properties and descriptors of these five compounds showed promising drug-like properties.Conclusion: These compounds show promise as potential novel α-amylase inhibitors; nevertheless, further experimental validation is required to optimize their potency as α-amylase inhibitors.Keywords: Diabetes; α-amylase; Natural compounds; Virtual screening; Drug-likeness 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
Effects of Repeated Subcutaneous Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor on Clinical Pregnancy Rate
Get PDFBackground: One of the most critical challenges to mothers during pregnancy is the implantation of a semi-allogeneic fetus. Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) is a polypeptide glycoprotein mainly used in hematological diseases and post-chemotherapy, but it has recently gained some popularity as an immune-modulating agent in reproductive medicine. The study aimed to define the influence of repeated subcutaneous G-CSF administration in infertile females undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Methods: Ninety patients were recruited from an outpatient infertility clinic and divided into two groups on the day of embryo transfer. The control group (49 patients) received no extra intervention. In comparison, the G-CSF group (41 patients) received a subcutaneous injection of G-CSF the first hour after embryo transfer, followed by weekly injections until a positive fetal heartbeat was detected.Results: In the G-CSF group, the implantation rate was 20.4% compared to 7.6% in the control. In the control group, the rates of both chemical and clinical pregnancy were 18.4%, whereas they were 48.8% and 43.9%, respectively, in the G-CSF group.Conclusion: The multiple doses of G-CSF significantly enhanced implantation and pregnancy rates, so it is considered a promising agent in reproductive medicine.Keywords: Implantation; G-CSF; Subcutaneous; In vitro FertilizationEditorial 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 Note26 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
Soluble endoglin as a diagnostic glycoprotein in preeclampsia
Get PDFBackground: Angiogenic factor imbalance, such as that caused by soluble endoglin (sEng), is a feature of preeclampsia. However, the connection between sEng and clinical and laboratory indicators, and the severity of preeclampsia is not entirely understood.Methods: Ninety subjects were incorporated in this study, 30 were healthy pregnant with mean age (35.6) years. (32) mild Preeclampsia case with mean age (32.65) years preeclampsia, and (30) sever PE with mean age (32.65) and all women were more than 24 weeks of pregnancy. mean blood pressure and proteinuria levels were used as indicators of the severity of the disease. ELISA was used to measure the levels of sEng in the serum. Serum lipid profile was measured by enzymatic methods. The qualitative dip-stick technique (CYBOWTM DFI Co Ltd, Republic of Korea) was used to assess the amount of urine protein.Results : A substantial difference in serum sEng concentration between the PE group and the healthy subjects (p 0.001) could be seen. Serum sEng concentrations differed significantly between patients with moderate and severe PE. Additionally, there were strong positive relationships between the serum sEng concentration and the SBP and proteinuria. serum sEng levels, biochemical indicators, and other factors, however, did not significantly correlate. The diagnostic accuracy (86.2) in distinguishing mild PE from the healthy patient group was good thanks to the excellent area under the curve (AUC = 0.827, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Levels of sEng in sera of PE patients were elevated. sEng was significantly elevated in PE patients.Keywords: Soluble Endoglin; Preeclampsia; Proteinuria; Blood PressureEditorial 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.
Risk Factors for Non-typhoidal Salmonella Contamination in chicken meat: A cross-sectional study on Traditional Markets in Surabaya
Get PDFBackground: Food of animal origin with good quality is needed by the community. Poor environmental conditions especially bad sanitary conditions are a factor in the entry of microbes. This study aims to identify the presence and risk factors of non-typhoidal Salmonella contamination of chicken meat sold in traditional markets of Surabaya City.Methods: Chicken meat samples and Questionnaires from the traders (respondents) were collected for this study. A total of 117 samples were used. Isolation and identification of non-typhoidal Salmonella-causing contamination were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. The risk factors for contamination considered in this study included: the cleanliness of chicken meat, means of transporting the meat, market sanitation, and tool sanitation.Results: The identification test results showed that 42.74% (50/117) were positive for Salmonella enterica contamination. The significance test results indicated a positive relationship between risk factors and the presence of non-typhoidal Salmonella contamination of chicken meat in the traditional markets in Surabaya. Conclusion: The fulfillment of standards of hygiene and sanitation in traditional markets can prevent contamination by non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteria in chicken meat. Proper handling of chicken meat can increase the fulfillment of the need for safe and healthy protocols for public health requirements.Keywords: Chicken Meat; Non-typhoidal Salmonella; Public health; Risk Factors; Salmonella enterica; Traditional Markets; SurabayaEditorial Note: This article has post-publication language corrections
Essential oil of Eucalyptus citriodora: Physio-Chemical analysis, Formulation with Hand Sanitizer Gel and Antibacterial Activity
Get PDFBackground: The essential oil-bearing plants are extensively being used in traditional systems of medicine due to the occurrence of the diversity of phytochemical constituents. The emerging crisis of developing resistance to conventional drugs has increased public health awareness and reliance on natural compounds as safer alternatives.Methods: The essential oil extracted from Eucalyptus citriodora (Hook.) leaves was characterized for physicochemical attributes, formulated with hand sanitizer gel, tested for organoleptic parameters, and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis.Results: E. citriodora essential oil (EEO) had a camphorous scent, and dark yellow coloration, while exhibiting 0.60% yield (v/w, 97% pure), 0.94 density, 1.47 refractive index, 11.10 viscosity, 0.92 specific gravity, 0.0-9.98º optical rotation, 11.20 acid number, 50.60 ester number, which satisfy the standards specified by ISO (The International Organization for Standardization). The chromatographic analysis of oil identified eucalyptol as the most abundant compound (80.08%) followed by α-terpinyl acetate, isopinocarveol, and globulol as the moderately abundant compounds (4.46-4.81%), while viridiflorol and terpinen-4-ol as less abundant compounds (3.06 and 2.69%, respectively). Formulated hand sanitizer with EEO exhibited physical and microbiological properties that were comparable with the market products. It also had a pleasant scent, was compatible with the skin, was easy to apply, and is acceptable to the users.Conclusion: The current study clearly shows that EEO could be utilized as a potential ingredient in alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer formulation for giving a pleasant smell, acceptable physical appearance and microbial quality parameters.Keywords: Essential oil; Eucalyptol; Hand sanitizer; Gel Formulation; Antimicrobial effect
RETRACTED ARTICLE: HIF-1α and ENPP2 as Biomarkers in Chemotherapy Resistance of Children with Neuroblastoma in south Iraq
Get PDFBackground: The most common extra-cranial solid tumor in kids, Neuroblastoma (NB) accounts for 10% of all pediatric oncology fatalities. It emerges in the embryonic neural crest due to the uncontrolled behavior of sympathetic nervous system progenitors, giving rise to heterogeneous tumors. Although immunotherapy and targeted therapy have advanced quickly, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation (RT) still make up the majority of first-line options for treating cancer. Recurrence of the illness and diminished efficacy of chemotherapy and RT are among the factors that contribute to treatment failure. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects HIF-1α, ENPP2 and oxidant / antioxidant of chemotherapy resistance with NB children.Methods: This study extended from May 2022 to end of March 2023, with age range 2 months to 12 years. 70 children (male/ female) were divided into three groups. Group A: includes 35 healthy children as control group, and group B: includes 35 patients of Newly diagnosed and group C: after three cycles of chemotherapy. Detailed information regarding the age and gender was recorded for every participant.Results: The present study's findings showed a considerable rise in (p˂0.05) at the levels of HIF-1α, MDA, ENPP2 while the outcomes showed a statistically significant decrease (p˂0.05) at the levels of GSH, in the sera samples of patients with NB (pre-treatment) when compared to the control group. The findings, on the other hand, demonstrate that each of the following parameters—HIF-1, MDA, and GSH—decreased in levels in NB patients after receiving chemotherapy dosages. Nevertheless, following therapy, ENPP2 levels increased.Conclusion: Our findings are indicative of the fact that early diagnosis plays an important role in the effectiveness of chemotherapy. and the levels of oxidant- anti oxidant status, HIF-1α and ENPP2 are significant features of the monitoring of disease progression and the efficacy of treatment.Keywords: Neuroblastoma; GST; MDA; HIF-1α; ENPP2Editorial 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 suspected plagiarism. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of the errors as we reconcile the records.Editorial Note25 June 2025: While rerunning the Turnitin originality analysis, a similarity index of 39% was found for this article. Editorial board of Advancements in Life Sciences has started the process of retracting this article due to the above post-publication findings. The process shall be concluded after registering responses from the authors. Meanwhile, full text of the article shall remain unavailable for citations (this notice has been updated following insights derived from relevant COPE cases and the industry standards). Show of cause notice has also been issued to the concerned editorial team member.Retraction Note20 July 2025: The Editor-in-Chief, upon the recommendation of the Inquiry Team, has retracted this article due to plagiarism. An internal audit revealed that several articles, including this one, exhibited a high similarity index without proper disclosure or attribution by the authors. This constitutes a breach of the journal’s editorial policy, and the article is therefore being retracted.The authors have not responded to correspondence regarding this retraction
Serological and Hematological Studies of the Blood of Calves in the Experimental Use of the Medication Triazavirin
Get PDFBackground: In intensive animal husbandry management, the high disease occurrence in young animals remains an urgent problem, which is a direct consequence of the crowded placement of animals and insufficiently strong immune systems. The paper describes the study of the effect of the antiviral medication Triazavirin on the activity of humoral immunity and the level of specific antibodies in the blood serum of calves.Methods: Hematological and serological studies were carried out. The experiment involved 40 calves of the black-and-white breed, aged one month, with an average weight of 50 kg, without clinical signs of diseases. For this experiment, two groups of calves were formed using the analog method. The animals in the first and second groups received the medication in dosages of 62.5 mg and 1,000 mg by inhalation and orally, respectively.Results: In the first group, hematological studies showed the presence of leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, and agranulocytosis. When studying the level of antibodies in the blood serum, a decrease in the level of antibodies was discovered, which indicates a therapeutic effect and a decrease in the number of viral particles. The titer level of specific antibodies was at the same level, which was associated with taking the medication and activating adaptive mechanisms of the body's defense. In hematological studies of the blood of animals of the second group, leukocytosis was noted. When studying the level of antibodies in the blood serum, it was noted that the level of antibodies had decreased by 40%. The titer level of specific antibodies was at the same level.Conclusion: The results obtained made it possible to recommend the use of the antiviral medication in question for the treatment of respiratory diseases in calves. The authors present conclusions on the effectiveness of the inhalation route of administration of the medication for viral pathogenic agent control.Keywords: Calves; Antiviral medication; Blood; Antibody titer; Hematological; Serological studies