Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Herbal therapy for hemorrhoids: An Overview of Medicinal Plants Affecting Hemorrhoids
Get PDFHemorrhoids are among the most common rectal diseases, affecting millions worldwide and causing substantial medical and socio-economic burdens. The resulting pain is very severe and incurs exorbitant costs for the patient and the government. This study aimed to review the medicinal plants that affect hemorrhoids. Complete databases searched for in those articles were Google Scholar, SID, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and WOS search engines. The search was done for articles that included the search terms ‘medicinal plants’ and ‘hemorrhoids’ in their title. This study focused on published articles and papers from 2016 to 2022.The results showed medicinal plants Aloe vera, Trigonella foenum-graecum L, Nigella sativa L, Curcuma longa L, Cocos nucifera L, Solanum nigrum L., Alhagi persarum Boiss & Buhse, Plantago lanceolata L, Achillea santolina, Malva neglecta Wallr, Rubus fruticosus L have effects like anti-bleeding, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing, and with hemorrhoid-healing effect. Generally, the investigated traditional Iranian edible plants are rich in different types of chemical compounds and have special benefits in the prevention and treatment of diseases.Keywords: Medicinal plants; Hemorrhoids; Diseases; Remedy DrugsEditorial Note: You are viewing latest version of this article having language corrections
Terminalia arjuna restores the levels of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase of acetaminophen-intoxicated mice
Get PDFBackground: Herbal medicines are natural and comparatively safer than conventional treatments and are well-documented for carrying little potential for harm. Therefore, phytonutrients have occupied a central stage in the therapeutics. Terminalia arjuna, a medicinal plant, has been reported to have homeostatic, laxative, diuretic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and cardiotonic actions.Methods: The current study was designed to investigate the protective role of T. arjuna leaf extract at three dose levels (100, 250, 500 mg/kg body weight) against (250 mg/kg body weight)-induced liver damage.Results: The administration of hepatotoxin (Acetaminophen) resulted in disturbance of hematological and serological profile including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) which was assayed in control and drug-treated experimental groups. Treatment with T. arjuna leaf extract for 7 days restored the normal levels of markers and response was dose-dependent.Conclusion: This study adds to the very limited existing literature regarding hepatoprotective effect of T. arjuna against acetaminophen toxicity. It is also important to get a step closer to development of accessible, authoritative, and independent information resources about herbal medicines and wide-ranging health disorders, which are currently lacking in Pakistan.Keywords: Hepatoprotective; Terminalia arjuna; ALP; ASTEditorial Note: You are viewing latest version of this article having language corrections
T-cell Imbalance or Decreased Th:Tc Ratio in Immune Thrombocytopenia: Is it Clinically Significant?
Get PDFBackground: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet count and various contributing factors. The imbalance in T cells may also cause ITP. Therefore, the present study was planned to assess the role of T-cells in the pathogenesis of ITP and to evaluate any possible link of Th: Tc imbalance to disease severity.Methods: The present study was conducted with 111 patients of ITP and similar number of controls as case-control study with a 1:1 ratio of from January 2017 to July 2019. The patients were grouped according to the guidelines of ASH as newly diagnosed/persistent ITP(ND-ITP/P-ITP) and chronic/refractory ITP(C-ITP/R-ITP). The blood samples were obtained, and CBC parameters were observed using advanced hematology analyzer XN-1000. The T cell subset analysis was evaluated by BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer. The Fisher’s exact test was done to evaluate the difference among the groups with (p < 0.05) by using SPSS version 19.Results: Significantly reduced levels of hemoglobin and platelet counts, with elevated IPF were observed in ND-ITP/P-ITP and C-ITP/R-ITP patients (p=<0.001).The significantly low Th:Tc ratio (p=<0.001) predicts imbalance of T cells in ND-ITP/P-ITP (0.86±0.47) as compared to control group (1.73±0.46).The mean of 0.84±0.34 Th:Tc ratio was observed in C-ITP/R-ITP children ≤16 years. No significant difference (P = 0.89) was found among children with non-severe chronic (0.84±0.42), severe chronic (0.82±0.49), and refractory ITP (0.85±0.51).Conclusion: In ITP patients’ low levels of Th:Tc ratio was observed suggesting dysregulation of immune system. The chronicity of the disease may be linked to elevated production of Tc in children (≤16 years) with C-ITP/R-ITP.Keywords: Immune thrombocytopenia; Platelets counts; Helper T-cells (Th); Cytotoxic T-cells (Tc)Editorial Note: You are viewing latest version of this article having language corrections
Segmental Structure of the Human Kidney: An Innovative Research Algorithm
Get PDFBackground: Understanding the anatomical structure of the human kidney, particularly its zonal and segmental organization, is crucial for both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in surgical procedures. The purpose of this article was to study the variants of the zonal and segmental structure of human kidneys.Methods: 116 corrosive preparations of the arterial system of the human kidney served as the material for the study. The authors identified their extra-organ branches: a) the number of arterial vessels in the kidney hilum; b) the topographic and anatomical features of the renal artery trunks. In a 3D projection, zones of local blood supply to areas of the renal parenchyma were identified, depending on the di- and trichotomic variants of the division of the main renal artery, A. renalis (I).Results: It was found that some lines of the passage of the zones of natural divisibility of the kidneys with different variants of the division of A. renalis (I). There were from 5 to 7 (6 ± 1) segments in the kidneys on average. It is possible that if a four-zone blood supply system with corresponding zones of natural kidney divisibility is found in the kidneys, where the zones mostly do not coincide with the boundaries of the passage of segments in their classical version, the number of segments will be even greater.Conclusion: The results of the conducted study show that, considering the generally accepted zones and boundaries of the passage of segments with zones of natural divisibility, which were not previously considered, the kidneys have an individual segmental structure, which requires revision. The authors believe that the generally accepted classical five-segment kidney model is outdated.Keywords:Kidney; Artery; Vein; 3D AnalysisEditorial Note:You are viewing the latest version of this article having language corrections
Lawsonia inermis seeds cotyledon and coat extracts as a potential antimicrobial agent
Get PDFBackground: The plant Lawsonia inermis, which is a member of the Lythraceae family, has long been used to cure a number of diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated the antibacterial capabilities of the plant's components. However, neither the efficiency of these extracts on bacterial strains that are antibiotic-resistant nor a systematic analysis of the extracts from the various seed components have been conducted. Methods: The coat part was separated from the cotyledon. Each part was pulverized and extracted with ethanol, acetone, and hexane. The inhibitory effects of the resulting extracts were tested on three pathogenic bacterial strains and a fungus. The effect of the extracts on antibiotic-resistant bacteria was also evaluated.Results: When tested against pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Candida albicans), L. inermis seed parts (cotyledon and coat) showed varying levels of antibacterial and antifungal activity. In which the ethanolic extract was more effective. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each pathogenic microorganism was established. Utilizing the extract yield, total antibacterial activity (TAA) was calculated. Lawsonia inermis seed components inhibited antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, with strong antibacterial activity seen in aqueous extracts of their cotyledons and coats.Conclusion: We summarize that Lawsonia inermis seed extracts, which have historically been used as secure antimicrobials for human healthcare and cosmetics have the potential to replace current antimicrobial agents that are no longer effective. Moreover, may be a promising source for the isolation of potent drugs for the treatment of bacterial diseases.Keywords: Lawsonia inermis; Henna; Extract; Seeds; Bacterial Infection; Antibiotics ResistanceEditorial Note: This article has post-publication language and data presentation corrections
Biolistic Inoculation of Selected Host Plants with different Begomoviruses and their associated Betasatellites: using partially digested rolling circle amplified Viral/Satellite DNA
Get PDFBackground: The foundation of modern diagnostics of plant pathogens are based on the confirmation of Koch's postulates. However, following the rules of Koch's postulates is not always straightforward for the viruses because of their non-culturability and difficulties associated with the inoculation approaches.Methods: Biolistic inoculation of plants with partially digested rolling circle amplified (RCA) viral components was demonstrated in this study. The verified DNA bands were excised from the gel and self-circularized using the rapid DNA ligation kit. The self-ligated viral DNA components were enriched by RCA and partially digested with the respective fast digest restriction enzymes. The RCA prep (partially digested 3 µg of virus and 3 µg of beta-satellite) was biolistically inoculated into healthy plants of Solanum lycopersicum, Nicotiana tabacum and Capsicum annum at the two-true leaf stage.Results: By using this method, extracted begomoviruses from cotton [ (Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus-Burewala strain (CLCuKοV-Bu), Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) and Chili leaf curl virus (ChiLCV) and their associated Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB)] were successfully inoculated and propagated from the inoculation site. Furthermore, it has been noted that these viruses exhibit diverse behaviors in various host plants. The capacity of these viruses to infect systemically in C. annum without causing the typical disease symptoms is of interest.Conclusion: Biolistic inoculation using partially digested RCA of viral or satellite DNA enables viruses to infect plants with either monopartite or bipartite genomes. This method is easy and quick, and allows begomovirus cultures to be created without the use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens or whiteflies
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Carotid artery Disease Assessed by Color Doppler Flow Imaging: Comparison Between Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients
Get PDFBackground: Carotid artery disease is most often seen in hypertensive patients and in patients with diabetes mellitus. More than 50% stenosis of extra cranial internal carotid arteries is linked with about 8–15% of ischemic strokes. The incidence of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) among diabetic patients is rising as compared to non-diabetic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 120 patients, out of whom 60 were diabetic and 60 non-diabetics with clinically suspected carotid artery disease. The study was conducted at the university ultrasound clinic in Green Town by Doppler ultrasonography using the Toshiba XARIO XG, which features a linear probe of 5-7.5 MHz frequency. The data was analyzed with the help of SPSS version 25.0. Variables like age, gender, diabetes, and Intima-media thickness (IMT) were reported and the mean ± standard deviation of Pulsatility Index, Resistive Index, Peak Systolic Velocity, and End Diastolic Velocity were calculated with a significant p-value, which is less than 0.05. An independent t-test was applied to compare Doppler indices in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.Results: Data was collected from 120 patients. IMT of right and left carotid artery, PI and RI of right carotid were observed to be statistically significant in diabetic and non-diabetic.Conclusions: This study concluded that there is a significant correlation found between carotid artery disease and diabetes. Through ultrasonography, the presence of plaque and stenosis was found in more diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients.Keywords: Ultrasonography; Carotid artery disease; Carotid artery stenosis; Carotid plaque; Vascular ultrasound; Diabetes Retraction 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 paper reports that two study groups had the exact same mean and standard deviation for a key variable, yet simultaneously claims that the difference between these identical values was highly statistically significant. This is a mathematically impossible contradiction and constitutes clear evidence of a major error in the data or the analysis.2. The paper consistently reports blood flow velocities as negative numbers, which is scientifically incorrect and demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of the data being presented.The authors have not responded to correspondence regarding this retraction
The role of bacteriophages transferring virulence factors to Escherichia coli species
Get PDFBacteria develop in order to adapt to new surroundings, colonize new niches, and become pathogenic. The presence of mobile genetic elements MGEs in E. coli can increase the genome size of a pathogenic strain by up to 1 Mb when compared to a commensal strain. Phage satellites make up one subset of MGEs; they are linked to specific temperate phages, known as helper phages, which parasitize bacteria for their own induction. In fact, various pathogenic E. coli differ in the presence of a subset of genes produced by MGEs that are crucial in hijacking host cell machinery and subverting host responses. Phages not only provide genetic variability through prophage integration, but they can also mediate horizontal genetic transfer HGT within bacterial populations through the transfer of either bacterial DNA or other MGEs, such as phage satellites. The phage-mediated transfer of bacterial DNA is known as transduction and plays a crucial role in bacterial biology, diversity and evolution. Recently, it has been noticed that phage transduction occurs at an astonishing magnitude, much higher than previously anticipated. Importantly, some of the genes transferred by transduction are virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, highlighting the impact that this process has in driving the evolution of pathogenic bacteria.Keywords: E. coli; HGT; MGEs; Bacteriophages; Transduction; virulence Genes Editorial 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 errors in metadata. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of this incidence as we do the required corrections.Editorial Note24 June 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having correction in article info (metadata) section. Language errors have also been corrected. Expression of concern is hereby revoked
Investigating the nutritional potential and vegetation blueprint mapping of Acacia tortilis and Acacia ehrenbergiana from the origin of Fujairah, UAE, for Arabian tahr as native fodder plants
Get PDFBackground: Acacia ehrenbergiana and Acacia tortilis are native plants of the Emirate of Fujairah, UAE. The qualities of these plants to bear harsh environmental conditions make them a prime focus for native fodder plants for Arabian tahr and priority plants for the higher authorities in Fujairah.Methods: The following study assessed the comparative nutritional value of Acacia tortilis and Acacia ehrenbergiana. The analyses have been determined by international standard procedures using Gravimetry, Soxhlet extraction, HPLC, and ICP-OES (AOAC 962.09, AOAC 941.12). The vegetation mapping for the blooming period has been done by NDVI using data from Sentinel-2 satellite. Statistics of agricultural and non-agriculture areas in square kilometers (km2) have been found to confirm the findings of the NDVI using satellite images.Results: The study has highlighted the importance of these native plants as a fodder plant for Arabian tahr as potential sources of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Furthermore, the native plant's mapping showed Emirates of Fujairah's vegetation during March to May 2022.Conclusion: Results show that the A. ehrenbergiana is comparatively healthier diet for Arabian Tahr than Acacia tortilis. Tahr can get on average 400 mg/100 g of four important minerals including K, Ca, P and Mg while Acacia tortilis could provide 174 mg/100g. Moreover, the native plant’s vegetation mapping can work as blueprint and will help identify plant dispersion and expansion planning.Keywords: Acacia ehrenbergiana; Acacia tortilis; priority plant; Fujairah; Arabian Tahr; Extinction, Gravimetry, Soxhlet extraction; HPLC; ICP-OES; blueprint mapping; NDVI; Sentinel-2Editorial Note: You are viewing latest version of this article having language corrections
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Association of TLR2 and TLR6 gene polymorphism with Trichomoniasis vaginalis Infection
Get PDFBackground: Toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR6) are a group of receptors that play a crucial role in the innate immune response and recognition of T. vaginalis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLRs were manifested as important determinant affecting the susceptibility to trichomoniasis. This study aims to examine the impact of rs5743708 SNP in TLR2and rs5743810 SNP in TLR6 on Iraqi women infected with T. vaginalis.Methods: Vaginal swabs and blood samples were isolated from 186 female patients who were admitting the gynecology clinics in three public hospitals in Babel governorate in Iraq. The collected samples were obtained for molecular identification of the parasite, sequencing of the TLR2 and TLR6 genes as well as performing the corresponding immunological studies.Results: The PCR assays showed 40 positive women (95% CI, 15.85 to 28.11) of T. vaginalis β-tubulin gene. Genetic studies of rs5743708 SNP in TLR2 showed that the frequency of non-mutant G allele was clearly higher in infected women (37/64) than controls (27/64), and the GG genotype has significantly higher prevalence (90%) within infected women versus the GA (5%) and AA (5%) genotypes (p<0.001).Genetic analysis of rs5743810 SNP in TLR6, revealed that the mutant G allele was significantly higher in infected women (17/24) than healthy controls (5/24) (p=0.021), in addition, the heterozygous AG and the homozygous GG demonstrated significantly higher frequencies (13/16 and 2/3) in trichomoniasis women versus controls (3/13 and 1/3), respectively, p=0.013. Moreover, elevated concentrations of these two receptors were detected during T. vaginalis infection.Conclusion: G allele of rs5743708 might play a protective role against trichomonas is for TLR2, and women homozygous for AA were not significantly associated with increased risk of trichomonas infection. While the mutant G allele of rs5743810 SNP may make women more sensitive for infection with T. vaginalis and subjects carrying AG heterozygous and GG homozygous genotypes might have higher risk of trichomoniasis compared with AA homozygous genotype. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings and to understand the underlying involved mechanisms.Keywords: T. vaginalis; Trichomoniasis; TLR2; TLR6; SNPsRetraction 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 study claims to have analyzed 40 patients and 30 controls for genetic data. However, the results tables presenting this genetic data account for only 20 patients and 15 controls. 2. The paper's conclusion about the role of one of the studied genes is directly self-contradictory, with different sections making opposite claims.3. The authors fundamentally misinterpret a key statistical test (the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium test), incorrectly concluding that the data fits the model when the statistics actually show a significant deviation. The authors have not responded to correspondence regarding this retraction