Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Thyroid Dysfunction and Vitamin D Deficiency among Females of Punjab, Pakistan; A Cross Sectional Analysis
Get PDFBackground: Thyroid gland is an important gland which plays a vital role in the stimulation of normal growth and central nervous system (CNS), metabolism regulation, elevated vitamin requirements, metabolism of phosphorus and calcium, promote sexual metabolism, increases mitochondrial metabolism, stimulates the adrenergic activity with myocardial contractility and increase heart rate. In this era, one of the important health issues is vitamin D and calcium deficiency. A large number of populations in all over world are vitamin D or calcium deficient or insufficient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and vitamin D deficiency in females.Methods: A cross sectional study was designed to check the prevalence of thyroid disease and its correlation with vitamin D levels in females. Venous blood was drawn from the female’s patients (11—80 years of age) using gel disposable vials (3.5 ml) in aseptic condition. Samples were centrifuged at four thousand revolutions per minute for five minutes and serums were separated. After the separation of serum, the samples were transferred to the laboratory for the automated estimation of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine and Vitamin D.Results: It was observed that out of 79 females who had gone through thyroid profile testing, 70% females had normal thyroid profile. However, hypothyroidism was found in 23% females and 7% females had the condition of hyperthyroidism. Out of 18 (23%) reported cases of hypothyroidism, 8 cases were of mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism, 3 cases indicated non-thyroidal illness; rare pituitary hypothyroidism. Out of 79 female participants, only 20 (25.31%) females had normal serum vitamin D levels. Overall, 59 (74.68%) females had vitamin D deficiency. When the vitamin D deficiency was correlated with thyroid dysfunction, it was observed that vitamin D levels were non-significantly (p = 0.35) associated with hypothyroidism.Conclusion: Hypothyroidism was found prevalent in the tested female population, as 23% of the tested population had hypothyroidism while 9% of them have hyperthyroidism. Moreover, majority of the population had vitamin D deficiency.Keywords: Thyroid Dysfunction; Vitamin D Deficiency; Females
Study of Effect of Physiochemical Parameters on the Reproducibility (validation) of Biodegradation of Textile Dyes
Get PDFBackground: Environmental pollution due to different industrial waste has become a major problem in modern world because of their high toxic in nature. Textile wastes are carcinogenic and mutagenic contain varieties of toxic dyes and fixers. Azo dyes widely used in textile, paper and printing industries are not easily degradable and having carcinogenic nature. Due to health hazards of textile wastes, several chemical and biological methods are being used to make the discharged wastewater less toxic by degrading colors and other harmful chemicals. Present research study was aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of biodegradation process in form of Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and, to check the reproducibility of biodegradation results for validation purpose.Method: Initially selective bacterial strains were isolated from different waste samples. COD of the three samples of dyes were performed by titration method to observe the pattern of reproducibility of the biodegradability (COD) results.Results: Textile industry sludge wastewater samples contained different characteristics of dye degrading consortium of bacterial strains as compared to soil extracts samples whereas did not get any bacterial growth in domestic wastewater samples. It was interesting to observe that the reproducibility of COD results was very hard to get due to sensitivity of the test parameter to the prevailing environmental conditions.Conclusion: Present study is significant for understanding the sensitivity of reproducibility or validation of biodegradation study. On the basis of present findings of experiments, we can say that only the method of determining COD could be standardized which will ensure the credibility of the results and the changed environmental temperature could affect the controlled experimental results. Present finding would give benefit to the new scientists and students for understanding the normal behavior of biodegradation study.Keywords: Biodegradation, Bioremediation, Environmental Health, Sludge, Diseases
Antiparasitic Activity of Chemically Synthesized Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles against Small Ruminant Haemonchosis
Get PDFBackground: Haemonchosis, a debilitating parasitic disease of small ruminants, is a major threat to food security globally. The development of alternative antiparasitic interventions is an important measure toward reducing the progress of veterinary drugs resistance in food animals. Hence, reducing the risks related to chemical foodborne hazards exposure. This study was designed to investigate the anti-parasitic activity of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) against different stages of Haemonchus contortus.Methods: Preparation of magnesium oxide nanoparticles was conducted by sol-gel method at room temperature. For anti-parasitic activity of nanoparticles and commercially available anthelmintics, the adult worms and eggs (collected from gravid female worms) were subjected to adult motility assay and egg hatch assay, respectively. The relative efficacy of both nanoparticles and anthelmintics was classified by identifying the lethal dose LC50.Results: Wormicidal effects of MgO-NPs were found to depend on both the concentration and the amount of time, they were exposed to. The lower concentrations of the nanoparticle (1 to 5 µg/mL) have not shown any mortality during the first four hours of the incubation. However, the higher concentrations of the nanoparticle (10, 15, 20, and 25 µg/mL) harmed the parasite during this time. The highest dose (25 µg/mL) was capable of killing almost all the worms during the first 16 hours. The highest concentration of nanoparticle induced 90±2.89% egg hatch inhibition and 91±3.3% adulticidal activity for egg hatch assay and adult motility assay, respectively.Conclusion: Magnesium oxide nanoparticles have shown potent anti-parasitic properties. The study may provide potential alternative anthelmintic to control gastrointestinal parasites particularly haemonchosis in the scenario of emerging anthelmintic resistance
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Genetic Characterization of Wakhi People from Hunza Valley of Pakistan by employing Mitochondrial DNA Control Region
Get PDFBackground: Study of populations at genetic level marks high importance in terms of determination of population specific patterns. The study and analysis of population specific genetic patterns have wide ranging applications from medicine to forensic science. The study of mtDNA control regions gives the insight of maternal lineages of particular ethnic group and their evolutionary as well emigrational history. Methods: This research gives information of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes data of CR (control region) covering the area from 16024bp to 576bp of mitochondrial DNA of Wakhi population of Hunza valley from Pakistan. Samples of 40 unrelated Wakhi from upper Hunza were sequenced and their sequences encapsulating mtDNA control region was compared to rCRSs (revised Cambridge reference sequence) to see maternally inherited DNA variation at genetic level in this population.Results: The results showed that all forty (40) haplotypes are unique. The haplotypes corresponded to 67.9% West Eurasian haplogroups followed by the Middle East and variety of Asian haplogroups exhibiting admixed maternal genetics of this population. Wakhi population comes with high genetic diversity (0.998) in turn lowest random match probability (0.026) and high power of discrimination (0.974).Conclusion: This study gives interesting highlights important aspect of uni-parental genetics of Wakhi population and is also a contribution to mtDNA control region data of Pakistani populations for applications in criminal investigations.Keywords: Forensic Science; Control region; Haplogroup; Genetic diversity 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 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 28% was found for this article (7% from a single source). 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 Note22 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
Sibling and non-sibling fingerprints comparison of Pakhtun population of Swat district, KP, Pakistan
Get PDFBackground: Fingerprint and other ridges are considered to be the best forensic science tool for identification of humans, alive or dead, and even for decomposed bodies. These fingerprint ridges exhibit various static features throughout life which reflect the person biology. This branch gained immense importance since the past few decades in congenital abnormality. This study was to carry out fingerprints analysis of sibling and non-sibling for differentiation and gender identification.Methods: A total of 80 pairs of fingerprints (1600 prints) were collected from persons aged 15 to 30 years using rolling method. Out of which 20 pairs were brother-brother, 20 were sister-sister, 20 were brother-sister and 20 Pairs were random. Each fingerprint was analyzed for the gender identification on the basis of minutiae, ridge density and types. All the fingerprints were analysed using ACE-V method. After comparison SPSS software was used for further analysis.Results: Our result showed that the types of fingerprints identified was whorl (50%) followed by loop (45.25%), arch (4.5%) and 0.25% of the accidental type. The dominant type was whorl while accidental was the least common type of fingerprints. Statistical analysis showed that between the groups, brother-brother and sister-sister was significant while rest of the groups was not significant. Moreover, greater ridge density was observed in female as compared to male.Conclusion: It is concluded that the sibling fingerprints had greater similarity as compared to non-sibling, however both male and female fingerprints were significantly different in term of ridges density. This study may be useful in crime scene investigation.Keywords: Forensics; Fingerprint ridge density; Fingerprint type; Gender identification
Interactive Influence of Nutrient Density and Feeding Pattern on Production Performance of Broiler Breeders
Get PDFBackground: In addition to energy and protein, the minerals also play a vital role in the production performance of birds. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of high energy feed and separate calcium feeding on feed cleanup time and production parameters in broiler breeder pullets. Methods: Nine hundred female birds of the same age (26 week) were divided in nine groups having one hundred birds in each group. Three different dietary treatments were offered. The group A, B and C were given feeds having 2750, 2900, 2950 Kcal ME / kg and 14.5%, 15%, 15.5% CP respectively along with 165, 155 and 150 grams peak feed allowance at 60 % production. The second and third groups were given 10 g separate calcium source in the evening. The experiment continued for a period of twelve weeks.Results: The feed intake was significantly lower in group C as compared to A and B. A significantly lower feed cleanup time and higher hatchability percentage was observed in group B compared to groups A and C. The FCR eggs was significantly lower for groups B and C compared to group A. The FCR chicks was significantly lower in group B and C compared to group A. The cost of feed to produce chicks was significantly lower for group B compared to group A and C. Feed consumed to produce one chick was higher for group A compared to groups B and C. The feed cost to produce one chick was highest for group A and lowest for group B.Conclusion: These results suggested that feed B has lowest feed consumption, cost to produce one chick and feed cleanup time while highest hatchability hence it can be used in the broiler breeder industry to decrease the cost of production and increase profitability
Introduction of Large-Fruited Strawberry Varieties on the Territory of the Novosibirsk Region in the Conditions of Western Siberia
Get PDFBackground: For the Novosibirsk region, the need for planting material suitable for growing varieties is very high. The relatively easy technology of growing strawberries allows obtaining high yields not only for those who grow them but also on an industrial scale. Strawberry fruits contain a huge number of useful elements, including vitamins, which are necessary for the human body. The study aimed to determine the influence of the maturity group on the yield of introduced varieties of large-fruited garden strawberries.Methods: Records and observations were carried out from May 2019 to September 2020 at the collection site of the biological polygon of the Federal State Budgetary Research Institution Siberian Physical and Technical Institute in the Novosibirsk Region.Results: During the years of the study, the weather conditions of the spring period developed successfully for the growth and development of strawberries. Thus, on average, over the years of the study, high yields were shown of different maturity groups.Conclusion: The obtained yield indicators obtained were not inferior to previously zoned and local varieties, which shows that planting can be carried out both in traditional soil and in soilless culture. Thus, the quality and quantity of fruits does not change with the physicochemical properties or methods of cultivation but depends on the age of the plant and the seasonal crop cycle
An Investigation into the Evaluation of the Satisfaction with Prenatal Care Services among Pregnant Women Attending Healthcare Centers during Pregnancy in the Capital of Lorestan Province, Iran
Get PDFBackground: Pregnancy period is one of the most important periods for mother and infant, and the maternal and fetal health during this period is of paramount importance. This study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction with prenatal (also known as antenatal) care services among pregnant women attending healthcare centers in the capital of Lorestan province (Khorramabad, west Iran).Methods: This cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study evaluated the satisfaction with benefitting from prenatal care services among pregnant women in the last months of pregnancy. The research sample was selected using a multistage sampling method involving a combination of stratified, cluster, and random sampling. The required data were gathered using a three-part questionnaire, including information regarding demographic survey questions, information about the extent to which pregnant women in Khorramabad benefit from prenatal care services, and the degree of pregnant women's satisfaction with prenatal care. Independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data.Results: According to the obtained results, the mean score of benefiting from and satisfaction with prenatal care services was high. The difference in the score of benefitting from services was statistically significant in terms of type of pregnancy and a history of stillbirth (p <0.05). The number of children, occupation, and type of pregnancy were statistically significant, and these factors produced the mean satisfaction score (p <0.05).Conclusion: To increase the rate of benefiting from and satisfaction with prenatal care services among pregnant women, the health authorities of the region should take effective practical and educational measures to improve the quality-of-care delivery, train health service providers, and complete and equip prenatal centers.Keywords: Satisfaction; Care; Pregnant women; Healthcare centers 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 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 49% was found for this article (40% from a single source). 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.Rescinded: Editorial Expression of Concern23 July 2025: Editorial expression of concern issued on 20 June 2025 is hereby rescinded on account of author's explanation of the found similarity. Author's justification reads "I would like to sincerely confirm that the similarity identified—specifically with the article titled “Evaluation of the Utilization Rate of and Satisfaction with Prenatal Care among Pregnant Women Referred to Khorramabad Therapeutic Health Centers in 2020”—is indeed the result of a technical issue. This manuscript had been previously submitted to another journal (name redacted), but it was withdrawn before publication due to author request and lack of final confirmation from the editorial process. It appears that despite the withdrawal, a version of the manuscript file may have inadvertently remained accessible through the journal’s backend server or archive, leading to the match found in the Turnitin similarity analysis. As such, I respectfully confirm that the current article submitted to Advancements in Life Sciences is our original and unpublished work, and that the detected similarity stems from the aforementioned technical lapse, not from any form of unethical duplication". Concluding remarks: The inquiry team concurs with the authors as it could not find the article highlighted in the Turnitin Originality Analysis report either in the other journal's referred issue or elsewhere on the internet. With this rescinding note, a signed declaration from authors is also being made available here. Editorial office may be contacted for more details, if required
Radiographic Evaluation of Knee Joint in Patients with Knee pain and its correlation with Osteoarthritis and Gender
Get PDFBackground: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most rampant reason of knee discomfort and pain. Knee osteoarthritis accounts for 83 percent of the overall Osteoarthritis burden. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is projected to grow more frequent as age progresses, and it is more common in women and overweight individuals. The Kellgren and Lawrence scoring criteria is usually employed to estimate the severity of disease. To evaluate the Radiographic findings associated with knee joint pain and to assess the prevalence of osteoarthritis in individuals with knee joint discomfort, as well as its correlation with gender.Methods: From August to December 2021, cross-sectional research was undertaken at the Department of Radiology, Amin Medical Complex, Sialkot. This research comprised participants of both gender having knee discomfort, ranging in age from forty to eighty yrs. SPSS version 24 was employed to record the data and analyze the information.Results: Total 100 Patients (M=45, F=55) were enrolled in this study. Out of 100 participants with knee pain 45(45%) patients had abnormal knee radiographic findings. Osteoarthritis of the knee accounted for 35% of all abnormal radiographic findings in this study, with synovial effusion accounting for 8% of the total, and erosion only contributing for 2%. Knee osteoarthritis was found to be more prevalent in females than in males (24% vs. 11%), demonstrating that gender is a significant predictor for knee osteoarthritic disease. Findings corroborate the implementation of the Kellgren-Lawrence marking scheme to characterize Knee osteoarthritis in population research.Conclusion: The findings suggest that radiographic aspects of knee Osteoarthritis are substantially linked to knee discomfort, and that it is more frequent in people over the age of 55. Knee osteoarthritis is substantially linked with gender, with females suffering from it at a higher rate. The findings authenticate the implementation of the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scheme to characterize Knee osteoarthritis in population research
Serum Interleukin-17 and its Correlation with Anti-CCP antibodies, Vitamin D3, and Obesity in Rheumatoid Arthritis women Patients
Get PDFBackground: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. Members of the IL-17 cytokine family have various biological functions, including enhancing defense against multiple pathogens while promoting inflammatory pathology during autoimmune disease. Additionally, it has been suggested that vitamin D may be connected to the etiology of RA. Therefore, this study aimed to assess serum IL-17 and vitamin D3 concentrations in RA women and determine how these levels relate to anti-CCP, obesity, and age.Methods: This work included eighty women aged between (22-60) years. Sixty were afflicted with RA and attended the department of rheumatology and medical rehabilitation centre for rheumatic diseases at Rzgary teaching hospital-Erbil, Iraq, compared to twenty healthy women. The concentrations of Anti-CCP antibodies as a diagnostic test, Vitamin D3 and IL-17, were assessed by ELISA. The Mann-Whitney U test and normality were applied for the statistical analysis of the results. Also, the relationship between the study parameters was examined using Pearson's correlation. The ideal cutoff value for IL-17 with the highest sensitivity and specificity was detected using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve. Results: This study revealed that serum IL-17 levels were significantly higher in RA women than in the control group (p < 0.001) and that serum VD3 levels were significantly lower in RA women than in healthy controls. Seropositive anti-CCP Ab was found in about 42% of RA patients. The pro-inflammatory IL-17 serum level was positively correlated with vitamin D, age, and obesity in RA women. The best IL-17 cutoff for predicting the presence of RA was 69.5 pg/ML, with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 75%. Conclusion: In patients with RA, vitamin D deficiency was common and correlated with age. Consequently, a high level of suspicion is needed when assessing at-risk patients, particularly women who complain of vitamin D deficiency