Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Effect of Kelatin on Diabetes 2: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial
No full textBackground: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels. It can be treated through diet, physical activity, and medication. Insulin and antidiabetic medications are commonly used, but alternative treatments such as medicinal plants have also been studied. kelatin with the scientific name of Glaucium flavum has chemical compounds of this plant including phytol, tricosan, 2-pentadecanone, and henicosan. As a result, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were shown as the main group of the essential oils of the species. This study sought to determine the effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract Kelatin (Glaucium flavum) on Type 2 Diabetes.Method: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial in which 66 diabetic patients were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group patients received kelatin capsules for 60 days. Patients in control group received placebo capsules containing starch. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Triglyceride, Cholesterol, Creatinine and Urea were measured before and after studyResults: The results of study show that, despite a significant decrease in FBS, HbA1c,Triglyceride, Cholesterol, HDL and Creatinine level before and after the study in experimental group, there were no significant difference in most variables between experimental and control group after intervention .Conclusion: In this study there was no significant difference in most variables after intervention. This result could be due to small sample size. Keywords: Kelatin, Glaucium flavum; Type 2 diabetes, Persian Traditional Medicine, Herbal Medicin
How Much Editorial Support Is Enough Support?
No full textResearch is a worldwide activity in the scientific world. Its [English] language, however, is not. Editors are the custodians and gatekeepers of the scientific record along with that of language as reflection of record as well as scientific discovery . This raises a key question; What should we do with a submission containing good, useful science that is marred by the attempt of authors to cope with the norms of English-language academic writing and presentation?On one hand, the editorial process must uphold the integrity of scholarly communication ensuring that manuscripts are scientific and ethical and presentable. On the other, it must be inclusive and accept that science can be hindered by language rather than by data. In this balance is the essence of responsible editorial practice.At Advancements in Life Sciences, we have recently provided increased editorial support to the authors of a non-native speakers community of the English language. This support was aimed at perfecting the linguistic clarity as well as the overall research presentation. Importantly, the intervention was conducted under the applicable guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).In our support system, integrity of peer review was maintained during the editorial processing. Evaluation and revision of manuscripts followed the same strict criteria as was done with all other submissions, via independent peer review and editorial oversight.So, how much support is enough?It is enough to provide the authors with the ability to express their research findings in an understandable manner without compromising the standard peer review. However, this assistance should neither cross over to the borders of authorship nor nudge authors into making editorially biased interpretations. Importantly, any such support must be declared transparently.We never know if the next big breakthrough for ongoing global challenges in life sciences will come from non-mainstream communities
Prevalence of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) Expression among Tumor Samples from Iraqi Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Get PDFBackground: In a subgroup of patients with advanced stage lung cancer, immunotherapy that specifically targets the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway has been demonstrated to enhance survival. Expression of PD-L1 in cancer cells has been recognized as a promising biomarker for predicting the probable response of patients to anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1 therapy. The objective of this study is to examine the frequency of PD-L1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Iraqi patients and its association with clinicopathological parameters that can offer useful insights for making treatment approaches more effective and enhancing clinical outcomes.Methods: This is a cross sectional study on 94 non-small cell lung cancer tumor samples collected from teaching laboratories of Medical City Teaching Complex. The programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. PD-L1 protein expression level is established by usage of Tumor Proportion Score (TPS). The specimen would be regarded to possess positive PD-L1expression result if the TPS ≥ 1% and to have high PD-L1 expression if the TPS ≥ 50%. PD-L1 expression is then compared with different clincopathological features.Results: Positive PD-L1 expression (≥1%) was seen in 39 cases (41.5%) of NSCLC patients. In 12 cases (12.7%), there was high expression in ≥50% of tumor cells. of NSCLCs. A non-significant association was found between age& PD-L1 scores. While PD-L1 levels were significantly expressed with higher levels in female patients than males.Conclusions: High levels of PD-L1 expression is observed in a significant percentage of NSCLC. Immunohistochemistry is needed to reveal cases that benefit from immunotherapy. A lower patient age was correlated with higher PD-L1 expression.Keywords: Programmed cell death ligand 1, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Tumor proportion scor
Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues Contaminating Vegetables and Fruits in Sudan are a Major Public Health Hazard
Get PDFBackground: Organophosphorus pesticides (OP) are a diverse group of compounds. Extensive application of these chemicals in Sudan increases the risk of food and water contamination. We aimed to identify the occupational hazard on sellers and consumers resulting from exposure to organophosphorus through measurement of blood (AChE) enzyme activity.Methods: This is a community-based study conducted at the Khartoum vegetable market, where 219 sellers and consumers were consented and recruited consequently. Data on demographics and pesticides exposure was collected and blood for acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) activity was withdrawn and tested in a Lovibond machine.Results: 139 (63.5%) of the participants were males with a mean age of 41.6 ± 12.9 years. Educational levels: 83 (37.9%) elementary school, 52 (23.8%) middle and high school, 54 (24.6%) college and above, and 30 (13.7%) were illiterate. More than half 129 (58.9%) were consumers and the remaining 90 (41.1%) were sellers. Univariate analysis revealed sellers having a significantly more proportion of impaired acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity compared to consumers, [33 (36.6%) versus 9 (7%), p-value 0.001]. Moreover, the mean (AChE) activity for whole respondents was lower than the physiologic mean of unexposed people (82.3% versus 87.5%). Independent t-test revealed significantly impaired (AChE) activity among sellers (74.9% versus 87.5%), (P-value = 0.001).Conclusion: People exposed to agricultural chemical pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits have impaired (AChE), with a significantly lower rate of the enzyme among products’ sellers in reference to consumers and to the physiological values of unexposed. A larger community-based study evaluating exposures to pesticides is highly recommended.Keywords: Agricultural Chemicals; Organophosphorus Pesticides; Chemical Residues; Chemical Contamination; Acetylcholinesterase Enzyme; Sudan 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
Detection of Glyphosate in Sheep Feed and Drinking Water Collected Randomly from Various Agriculture Areas Located in Different Territories of Baghdad Province
Get PDFBackground: The primary objectives of this study were to employ a quantitative method, specifically High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), for the purpose of detecting glyphosate residues (measured in parts per million) in the feed and drinking water consumed by sheep.Methods: During the period from February 2021 to May 2021, a sample of 30 feed and drinking water samples from sheep was collected in a random manner. These samples consisted of 15 feed samples and 15 drinking water samples. The collection was conducted in various agricultural areas situated in different territories within the province of Baghdad.Results: The HPLC residues study showed that 12 and 7 samples, respectively, had glyphosate residues in sheep feed and drinking water. Of the 15 feed samples analyzed, 12 were positive for glyphosate residues: 5 alfalfa, 4 barley, and 3 clover samples. Alfalfa, barley, and clover had the greatest glyphosate residues (140.5–145.5, 120.7–139.5, and 119.5–128.2 ppm), respectively. HPLC analysis showed that all forage samples—alfalfa, barley, and clover—exceeded the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) (0.05, 20, and 0.05), violating the EFSA's 2019 recommendation for glyphosate (ppm) in sheep feed. Alfalfa showed the most significant violation, with residue levels over 2,800-fold the Maximum Residue Level (MRL), followed by clover (over 2,400-fold) and barley (6.5-fold). Sheep's Water (Barn, Field, and Drained) samples (5 of each) were positive for glyphosate residues (2, 3, and 2), with the highest ranges in Field (104.1–106.3), Barn (83.7–85.5), and Drained (0.3–0.5). HPLC analysis showed that all water samples except Drained water (Barn and Field) above the Maximum Contamination Level (MCL) (0.7), violated the EPA's glyphosate (ppm) recommendation. HPLC analysis showed that glyphosate levels in Barn and Field water were dramatically above the MCL, exceeding the EPA's recommendation by over 120-fold and 150-fold, respectively.Conclusion: The utilization of glyphosate has exhibited a progressive rise over the course of time, thereby eliciting apprehensions regarding the potential toxicity of this herbicide as well as its plausible impact on human health. Glyphosate residues have the potential to be transmitted to humans or animals via water, feed, and food that has been contaminated.Keywords: EPA's glyphosate; HPLC; Water; Sheep; Alfalf
Detection of Novel L-arginase Gene Sequences from Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Soil and Sewage Samples
Get PDFBackground: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for its flexibility and importance as both a pathogen and a model organism for genetic studies. This investigation was conducted to detect L-arginase enzyme gene sequences from P. aeruginosa in soil and sewage samples.Methods: Soil and sewage samples were collected from different regions in Iraq for six months, from November 2022 to April 2023. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated by culturing samples on nutrient medium and McConkey agar medium. Gram stains and biochemical tests were performed to identify the isolates, and the VITEK 2 system was used to confirm the identity of P. aeruginosa. DNA was extracted from the P. aeruginosa isolates and used for molecular identification by amplifying and sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Also, the L-arginase gene sequences were amplified using the PARG1 and PARG2 primers.Results: Out of 52 soil and sewage samples, 33 isolates (63.5%) of P. aeruginosa were identified, including 15 (28.8%) from soil and 18 (34.6%) from sewage. Among these, 9 (60.0%) of the soil isolates and 12 (66.7%) of the sewage isolates produced L-arginase.Conclusion: The present study's findings revealed presence of the L-arginase enzyme from P. aeruginosa isolates derived from soil and wastewater samples. This research is considered a crucial step toward understanding the genetic structure and functions of L-arginase in P. aeruginosa, providing insights for future scientific investigations.Keywords: Gene sequences; L-arginase; PCR; Pseudomonas aeruginos
Diagnosis of Human Cases of Echinococcosis in Iraq (2021-2023): An Analysis of Gender, Age, and Affected Organs
Get PDFBackground: Cystic echinococcosis is a chronic zoonotic disease in humans caused by infection with canine tapeworm larvae. The species of echinococcus has a two-host life cycle. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is classified as an emergent condition since cysts can develop to a size of 5 to 10 cm during the first year of infection and continue to grow for years or even decades before the illness is spotted affecting several organs.Methods: 52 patients who were admitted to Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Fallujah Teaching Hospital, and other nearby private hospitals between 2021/7/8 and 2023/8/21 are the subject of this article. Cysts from various organs in patients of both sexes and of varied ages were removed, some of which included the cysts of echinococcosis infected persons.Results: According to our research, the liver was the organ that had hydatid cyst infections most commonly, with a damage frequency of 46.2%. According to the statistics, the prevalence of infection in the other organs, which were listed after the liver, was 25.0% (spleen, bone, and bile duct) and 23.1% cases were of lung infection. It was found that the likelihood of liver and lung injuries happening concurrently was the lowest (5.8%) of all the infections.Conclusion: The study shows hydatid disease primarily affects the liver and lungs, with females and the 20–40 age group being the most impacted. Infection rates increased from 2021 to 2023. Surgery remains the main treatment, though medical therapies have varied success, especially for lung cases. Gender, age, and cyst location significantly influence disease outcomes.Keywords: Echinococcus granulosus; Mortality; Hydatid cysts; Human cystic echinococcosi
The relationship between Uric Acid with cytokines, CRP and their effect on gout patients in Thi-Qar Governorate
No full textBackground: Gout is thought to be an autoinflammatory illness because monosodium urate (MSU) crystals trigger the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, which in turn triggers caspase-1 to release active cytokines. Yet, it is still unclear how blood cytokine levels relate to the symptoms and clinical indicators of the illness. The serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Adiponectin (ADP), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Uric Acid (UA) were examined, and their relationship with clinical and laboratory findings was discussed.Methods: ELISA was used to determine the clinical, laboratory, and cytokine levels of 80 male and female gout patients (gout group). The study also included 70 individuals without a history of arthritis for comparison.Results: On analysis, 80 out of the 150 individuals had gout arthritis. Uric Acid, IL-6, and CRP concentrations were all noticeably more prevalent in patients than in the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, ADP levels in patients were considerably lower than those of the control group (P < 0.001) as well. The present results were examined for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI).Conclusion: High mean levels of UA, CRP, and IL-6, in both male and female gouty patients, as well as low mean values of ADP, were discovered when biochemical parameters were evaluated. As a result, UA, IL-6, ADP, and CRP are concluded to be significant markers for the development of gout-related comorbidities and are key gout predictors.Keywords: Gout, Uric Acid (UA), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Adiponectin (ADP), Inflammatio
The Immune-Boosting Effects of Probiotics: A comprehensive systematic review
Get PDFProbiotics are live microorganisms that, when given in sufficient quantities, benefit the host's health, especially by supporting the equilibrium of the gut microbiota. These good bacteria are essential for boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the integrity of the gut barrier. Recent studies reveal the gut microbiome’s role in systemic inflammation. Probiotics, beneficial microorganisms, enhance immune health by strengthening gut barriers, modulating cytokine activity, and supporting immune responses. This review assesses probiotic efficacy in inflammatory diseases, highlighting mechanisms, strain-specific effects, and research gaps. This study highlighted the benefits of probiotics across various diseases. In respiratory infections, probiotics like Bifidobacterium lactis enhanced immune responses and shortened recovery times. For gastrointestinal issues, Bacillus strains alleviated symptoms in dyspepsia and ulcerative colitis, with improved remission and immune profiles. Dermatological benefits included reduced inflammation and improved skin in atopic dermatitis. Metabolic disorders saw improved glycemic control and reduced oxidative stress, particularly in diabetes and NASH. Probiotics also positively influenced mental health in cardiovascular disease and inflammatory markers in kidney disease. Neurologically, probiotics reduced migraine symptoms, while in infectious diseases, Lactobacillus fermentum enhanced healing in lactational abscesses. Cancer treatments benefitted from reduced inflammation and oral mucositis severity. Probiotics show promise in managing various diseases by enhancing immune function, reducing inflammation, and supporting microbiome balance, offering complementary therapeutic benefits for respiratory, gastrointestinal, metabolic, dermatological, and neurological conditions.Keywords: Probiotics; Immune response; Gut-lung axis; Gastrointestinal health; Anti-inflammatory effect
Structure-Based Virtual Screening of Nigella sativa Compounds as Potential Anti-Lung Cancer Agents Targeting PI3Kα
Get PDFBackground: Lung cancer (LC) is one of the deadliest tumors. Hyperactivation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) has been linked to cancer etiology.Methods: This study computationally screens the Nigella sativa compounds and their interactions with PI3Kα to identify potential therapeutic agents for LC. Copanlisib was chosen as the positive control for virtual screening. The LOTUS database was used to produce a library of 132 compounds that represent bioactive components of N. sativa. Molecular properties and molecular descriptors of N. sativa compounds were obtained from the LOTUS database.Results: Compounds were ranked based on their binding energy to PI3Kα and interactions with key residues in the PI3Kα binding pocket. The screening identified five compounds as top hits: LTS0117717, LTS0169227, LTS0183019, LTS0241372, and LTS0249588, which had stronger binding energy than the control Copanlisib. LTS0117717, LTS0169227, LTS0183019, LTS0241372, and LTS0249588 had binding energies of -9.8, -9.6, -9.5, -9.1, and -9.0 kcal/mol, respectively, while the Copanlisib (control) had a binding energy of -8.6 kcal/mol. These compounds interacted with active site residues of PI3Kα. In addition, these compounds have good druglike properties.Conclusion: The compounds LTS0117717, LTS0169227, LTS0183019, LTS0241372, and LTS0249588 can be used as PI3Kα inhibitors to treat the LC. However, further experimental studies are warranted to validate these compounds as PI3Kα inhibitors.Keywords: Lung cancer; PI3Kα; Nigella sativa; Drug likenes