Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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RETRACTED ARTICLE: Histological study of the parenchymatous cells in mice parotid salivary glands exposed to dental radiograph
Get PDFBackground: Ionizing radiation has been linked to an increased incidence of salivary gland cancers and xerostomia. Saliva has antibacterial and enzymatic properties, and the parotid glands are made up of serous acini. Myoepithelial cells are essential for acinar salivary secretion.Methods: This research investigated the potential risks associated with dental X-rays and provided evidence-based recommendations for safe use. It was found that exposure to radiation causes a decline in hemoglobin binding to the erythrocyte membrane.Results: Dental X-ray exposure causes acute inflammatory destruction, and alterations do not fully restore the parotid tissue histology.Conclusion: Even low doses of radiation from dental X-rays can increase the risk of developing cancer and other health problems, and further studies are needed to mitigate these effects and improve patient outcomes.Keywords: Dental X-rays; Parotid salivary gland; Inflammatory destructionEditorial 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 insufficient peer review. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of this incidence as we asses if the reported scientific findings are reliable.Retraction in Process26 June 2025: Following a detailed post-publication assessment, critical ethical and methodological concerns have been identified in this article. Specifically, the study involved in vivo experimentation on 75 mice without any declaration of institutional ethical approval, and lacked essential methodological details such as radiation dosage, equipment parameters, and quantitative analysis. These deficiencies make the findings scientifically unreliable. A formal process of retracting this article has been initiated based on these post-publication findings. The retraction process will be completed after responses from the authors. Meanwhile, full text of the article shall remain unavailable for citation (this notice has been issued in alignment with COPE guidance and industry best practices). A show cause notice has also been issued to the relevant editorial team member for oversight in the peer-review process.Retraction Note23 July 2025: The Editor-in-Chief, upon the recommendation of the Inquiry Team, has retracted this article due to the above mentioned scientific deficiencies revealed by an internal audit.The authors have not responded to correspondence regarding this retraction
The Contagious Nature of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant and Vaccine Efficacy
Get PDFBackground: Since the first COVID-19 outbreak, variants of SARS-CoV-2 have continued to dominate the global population. The repeated waves of emerging variants, each replacing the previous one with a greater rate of transmissibility and mutations, are the primary cause of the global pandemic. Public health concerns dramatically rose when a highly mutated variant (VOC) omicron (B.1.1.529) emerged in late 2021. omicron has more than 50 mutations, and over 30 mutations are in their spike protein that contributes to the virologic characteristics of the variant. Omicron is more contagious than previously reported SARS-CoV-2 strains and can re-infect people who have already contracted other SARS-CoV-2 infections. The variant has acquired a unique immune escape mechanism against monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. Currently, no therapeutic drug or vaccine is specifically available to prevent omicron infection and sublineage emergence. Method: The review was designed to search the recent research and literature and compile the most pertinent data on the virologic characteristics of the variant of concern. Result: The study reviewed and discussed the present prevalence, infectivity, dominance, immune evasion, therapeutic options, vaccine efficacy, and the future prospect of the omicron variant. Conclusion: Omicron variant has become a global public health concern due to the emergence of highly mutated sublineages. Developing variant-specific therapeutic drugs or vaccines is desirable to prevent the spread of these contagious variants globally.Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Omicron variant, Vaccine efficacy, Immune evasion
Neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist along with dexamethasone reduces the inflammation in COVID-19 patients: a novel therapeutic approach
Get PDFBackground: Corona virus infection is a respiratory infection, compromising the normal breathing in critical patients by damaging the lungs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of Substance P receptor Neurokinin 1 antagonist in COVID-19 patients against the usual treatments as controls.Methods: It is a two-arm, open-label, randomized clinical trial that was carried out at Bahria International Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. PCR-positive, hospitalized patients older than 18 years old, all sexes, and in the critical to life-threatening stage were included. 52 patients were placed in control group A and 67 patients were placed in intervention group B out of a total 119 patients who were randomly assigned to both arms. Before and after the intervention, lab tests were conducted in both groups. The control arm received standard therapy, while the intervention arm received standard therapy plus Aprepitant, a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist. Additionally, both groups received oral administration of the corticosteroid dexamethasone.Results: Patients in group A were on average 56.05 years old, compared to 58.1 years old in group B. There were 24 women in group A and 28 in group B, while Group A had 28 men and 24 women. Group A had three critical cases, but group B had five. The reduction in C-reactive protein in the intervention group, improvement in platelet count in group B, and normalization of ferritin and LDH levels in group B all indicated decreased inflammation in the biochemical and haematological parameters in both groups. However, because of the reduced sample size, it wasn't very significant.Conclusion: The results of this recent trial provide a solid indication of Aprepitant's medicinal potential. Patients who got a combined therapy of dexamethasone and aprepitant had better clinical results, more favourable lab results, and lower levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker.Keywords: Aprepitant; COVID-19 infection; Treatment; Dexamethasone; Neurokinin-1 receptor; Substance p; Trigeminal nerveEditorial Note: You are viewing the latest version of this article having language and data presentation corrections
Neuroprotective effects of ferulic acid and thymoquinone against deltamethrin-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster
Get PDFBackground: Recent research indicates a link between exposure to pyrethroid pesticides and negative neurodevelopmental outcomes such as neurodegenerative disorders, low intelligence quotient (IQ), and attention disorders. Thus this study aims (1) to investigate the effect of exposing Drosophila melanogaster adult male flies to 0.59 µM deltamethrin (DLM) for 24 h on their survival, climbing behavior, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, as well as the gene expression levels of ple, ddc, dat, aanat1, dop1r1, dop2r, and dopecr genes, and (2) to assess the protective effect of 250 µM Ferulic acid (FA), 25 µM Thymoquinone (TQ), and their combinations on the survival, climbing behavior, and AChE activity of D. melanogaster adult male flies exposed to 0.59 µM DLM for 72 h.Methods: In the first experiment, adult male wild-type flies were exposed to DLM incorporated into a 10% sucrose solution for 24 h, whereas, in the second experiment, they were exposed to DLM and the individual neuroprotective agents, or their mixture for 72 h.Results: Flies exposed to DLM exhibited higher mortality rates and shorter climbing distances in the negative geotaxis assay compared to control flies. Additionally, exposure to DLM upregulated the genes ddc, dat, dop1r1, dop2r, and dopecr significantly. Moreover, exposure to DLM for 72 h resulted in higher mortality rates and severe locomotor defects. However, the neuroprotective agents were effective in mitigating these toxic effects. While DLM inhibited AChE activity, concurrent exposure to FA ameliorated the inhibition.Conclusion: This study demonstrates the efficacy of natural compounds in reducing DLM-induced toxicity in D. melanogaster and highlights the potential use of this model in studying and developing therapeutic strategies for movement disorders.Keywords: Drosophila melanogaster; Neurotoxicity; Ferulic acid; Thymoquinone; Deltamethrin; Negative geotaxisEditorial Note: This article has post-publication language corrections
The effects of 4β-hydroxy withanolide E extracted from Physalis peruviana on Complete Blood Count of Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced Breast Cancer in Albino Rats
Get PDFBackground: Several studies reveal changes in blood parameters in patients with cancer. Complete blood count is a good predictor for many cancer diagnoses and prognoses. They are also helpful in assessing drug efficacy and toxicity. Cancer may be treated with bioactive and antioxidant compounds derived from plants. The effects of Physalis peruviana on the complete blood count of dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer are not well characterized.Methods: This study was conducted at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, for six months on 60 female albino rats 5 equal groups (n = 12 per group). The effects of Physalis peruviana fruits and tamoxifen on complete blood count in dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced breast cancer were assessed. Blood samples were collected in weeks 1, 5, 7, and 10 for hematological changes before, during, and after treatment.Result: Rats of group E (Tumor-induced albino rats treated with the extracts of Physalis Peruviana and tamoxifen) gave the best results compared to other groups. In this group, increases in weight along with an improvement in hematological parameters were observed when compared with others.Conclusion: The extract from Physalis Peruviana helps in the reversal of pancytopenia with anemia and thrombocytopenia caused by tumor-inducing drugs.Keywords: Physalis Peruvian; Breast cancer; complete blood counts; Dimethylbenz(a)anthraceneEditorial Note: You are viewing the latest version of this article having language and data presentation corrections
Genotoxic Response of Oreochromis niloticus Exposed to Tertiary Mixture of Pesticides
Get PDFBackground: At present the aquatic habitats of Pakistan become heavily polluted due to presence of heavy metals and pesticides. This research was carried out to check the percentage of DNA damage, Genetic Damage Index and Cumulative Tail Length of comets formed in the erythrocytes of Oreochromis niloticus following exposure to a tertiary mixture of pesticides (chlorpyrifos, endosulfan and bifenthrin) with the Comet assay.Methods: Acute toxicity (96-hour LC50) of chlorpyrifos + endosulfan + bifenthrin mixture was determined for Oreochromis niloticus (180-day old), and then four sublethal concentrations (1/3rd, 1/4th, 1/5th , and 1/6th of the LC50) were calculated. To control the possibility of temperature variation, fingerlings of O. niloticus were treated with four experimental pesticides concentrations used for duration of 90 days under constant conditions of laboratory (with negative and positive control). On day 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 fish peripheral blood cells were collected following exposure to assess DNA damage.Results: DNA damage was observed to be statistically significant (p<0.05) throughout the exposure period due to the various test concentrations. In fish erythrocytes, a dose/concentration-dependent response was observed, with the greatest DNA damage occurring at 1/3rd of the LC50 exposure. Comparing DNA damage in Oreochromis niloticus peripheral blood erythrocytes across all sampling days revealed a continuous rise in the quantity of damaged DNA with increase in time of exposure.Conclusion: Present investigation represented an unprecedented approach to study genotoxic effects of pesticides on fish. The widespread application of pesticides (chlorpyrifos, endosulfan, bifenthrin) in agriculture sector exerts adverse effects on various non-target organisms via trophic transfer that ultimately pose a serious threat for human beings. Current findings suggested minimized and sensible use of pesticides to avoid genetic threats to aquatic fauna and to maintain sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.Keywords: Oreochromis niloticus; Endosulfan; Chlorpyrifos; DNA damage; Chronic exposur
The correlation between atrophic gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection in patients referred to Shohadaye Ashayer Hospital in Khorramabad
Get PDFBackground: Helicobacter pylori and atrophic gastritis are both known as risk factors for gastric cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with atrophic gastritis. In addition to being aware of the prevalence of this infection, it is crucial to eliminate this bacterium due to its carcinogenicity.Methods: In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, all patients referred to the endoscopy unit of Shohadaye Ashayer Hospital in Khorramabad city for endoscopy during 2015–2016 were included. Patients with atrophic gastritis were classified as patients, while those without the condition were classified as the control group. Then, the frequency of H. pylori infection in patients with atrophic gastritis and people without atrophic gastritis was investigated. After sample collection, the primary data was entered into the SPSS software version 22 for analysis.Result: The collected results showed that 41 % patients did not have H. pylori and 59% patients had H. pylori. The population over 50 years old had the highest age frequency in the study subjects, while the female group had the majority gender group. As a result, the frequency of H. pylori in the antrum area was higher than in other locations in both endoscopy and pathology, but it was not statistically significant (P value >0.05). While the frequency was higher, the overall difference across all locations was not statistically significant, but the association between H. pylori and atrophy in the antrum was statistically significant when evaluated more specifically. 54.1% of those who had endoscopy-discovered atrophy also had severe atrophy. H. pylori was found in the antrum in 50% of cases, and in 61.1% of cases when the pathology showed atrophy. This finding was statistically significant (P value <0.05).The incidence of reporting atrophy was 2.8 times higher in the age group of over 50 compared to those under 20. H. pylori was detected in 56.4% of people over 50 who had atrophy; that was statistically significant.Conclusion: According to the results, there is a significant risk of developing atrophic gastritis in patients with H. pylori, and among females, those over 50 years old have the highest frequency of occurrence.Keywords: Atrophic gastritis; Helicobacter pylori; Endoscopy; IranEditorial Note: You are viewing the latest version of this article having language and data presentation corrections
Combination of Zinc Nanoparticles with Chitosan Scaffolds increased Cytokine Gene Expression during Wound Healing of infected Rats with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Get PDFBackground: The present study aims to determine the effect of zinc nanoparticles with chitosan in the expression of cytokine genes during wound healing of infected rats with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).Methods: In this study, all male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group M1: 0.1 mL sterile saline 0.9% solution was added to the wounds with no infection. Group M2: the wounds were infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and only treated with 0.1 mL the sterile saline (0.9%) solution. Group M3: Animals with infected wounds were treated with zinc nanoparticles. Group M4: animals with infected wounds were treated with chitosan. Group M5: animals with infected wounds were treated with 0.1 mL solution of zinc nanoparticles with chitosan. Skin biopsy samples were removed for the histological studies and quantitative assessment of IL-6, VEGF, TNF and TGF genes using real-time PCR in each group.Results: Quantitative histological and neovascularization studies showed that there was significant difference between rats in group M5 compared to other groups. The infected group M5 exhibited a significant increase in the expression levels of VEGF: 8.02, TNF: 5.34, TGF: 7.98, and decrease of IL-6:-3.34 folds as compared to the other groups on the 21st day (P<0.05). Also, on the same day, the minimum wound surface area was observed in group M5. The surface area between each study group and other groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion: Our studies also show that the type of zinc nanoparticles with chitosan scaffolds has more effects than other types of compounds in wound healing.Keywords: Nanozinc; chitosan; wound; methicillin-resistant infection; Inflammatory cytokinesEditorial Note: You are viewing latest version of this article having language and grammar corrections
Association between Gonadotrophic Hormones (FSH and LH) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adult Iraqi Males: A Case-Control Study
Get PDFBackground: Numerous authors have extensively assessed the correlation between gonadotrophic hormones (FSH and LH) and metabolic disturbances in type 2 diabetes among postmenopausal women. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the connection between metabolic disorders in T2DM and the pituitary-gonadal axis in men. Only a small number of published articles have emphasized noteworthy results in this regard. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between T2DM and serum gonadotrophin levels in men.Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Al-Ramadi Hospital, Iraq, and included 100 adult males diagnosed with T2DM (case group) and 50 healthy males. The patients were chosen at random among the people attending the Al-Ramadi teaching hospital's diabetes control center. The control group consisted of 50 adult males who were healthcare providers working at the teaching hospital. The study collected various variables, including age, (BMI), serum (FSH), (LH), fasting plasma glucose level, HbA1c%, HOMA-IR, and insulin level.Results: The mean serum LH was significantly lower in patients with T2DM compared to controls (3.83 ± 1.76 mIU/ml vs. 9.88 ± 1.64 mIU/ml, p < 0.001). In addition, the percentage of individuals with low serum LH was significantly high in the patient’s group in comparison to that of the control, 95.0 % versus 4.0 %, (p < 0.001). The mean serum FSH was also significantly lower in the T2DM group compared to the control group (3.41 ± 1.25 mIU/ml vs. 9.01 ± 1.44 mIU/ml, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the proportion of individuals with low serum FSH was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (100% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.001).Conclusions: T2DM is associated with significant disruption of the pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to reduced production of FSH and LH in men.Keywords: Gonadotrophic hormones; DMT2Editorial Note: You are viewing latest version of this article having language corrections
Prevalence of Black Quarter in Association with Patho-Morphological Alterations in Affected Tissues at Different Zones of Punjab-Pakistan
Get PDFBackground: Blackleg or Black Quarter (BQ) is a serious bacterial disease caused by Clostridium chauvoei. It causes edematous and gaseous changes in skeletal muscles of animals. The study was designed to find prevalence of BQ in 6 districts of Punjab, Pakistan from June 2018 to June 2019.Methods: Animals were randomly monitored, and selected in each union council regardless of age, sex and species, but lameness and hyperthermia were the selection parameters. A proforma was used to record the experimental readings of each animal. A total of 1500 swab samples from bovines (cattle and buffaloes) were processed through conventional PCR and culture sensitivity tests to examine the comparative diagnostic efficacy and suitability of the test.Results: Sensitivity and specificity of culture tests were 87.6% and 34.19% respectively, whereas PCR demonstrated 81% and 47.3% results for the said aspects, respectively. Alpha toxin gene (Ccta) was amplified at 52.2oC yielding an amplicon size of 1400 base pairs. Area wise and season wise prevalence of each animal was also determined. The prevalence of BQ in cattle was significantly higher (P 0.05) in Lahore (0%) and Nankana Sahib (8%) which belonged to the canal irrigated zones.Conclusion: There was higher prevalence of BQ in different areas of Punjab, Pakistan that show the higher risk of disease transmission. A systematic surveillance system is essential to regularly monitor the disease incidence and prevalence in these areas of Pakistan.Keywords: Black Quarter; Prevalence; Pathological; Ruminants; Zone