Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Knowledge, Attitude, Practices (KAP) and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 among Pakistani Population: A Quick Cross-Sectional Online Study
Get PDFBackground: Coronavirus causes extremely contagious infection and currently is a major threat for the public health globally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current level of awareness towards Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Pakistani residents, their attitude, practices and psychological impact towards COVID-19 those contribute in an important way to control this pandemic.Methods: A cross sectional online study was conducted. A self-developed online questionnaire was made by Google forms and sent to the author’s network with local residents in Pakistan. The questionnaire contained 35 questions among which 6 questions were related with the demographic features, 14 questions assess knowledge of participants, 4 questions evaluate the attitude, 7 questions assess the practices of the participants towards COVID-19 and 4 questions assess the psychological impact towards COVID-19.Results: Among the participants (n=528) 66.7% were female and 33.3% were male. Among them 49.8% of the participants were from the age group of 18-24 and the percentage of students was higher i.e. 39.8%. The overall range for correct answers for the knowledge questionnaire was 97.5%-46.8%, for attitude 75.2%-91.9% and for practices 39%-95%. 79% of the participants were confident that Pakistan will overcome the disaster situation of COVID-19.Conclusion: The findings of the current study indicated that Knowledge among the Pakistani residents about COVID-19 was found satisfactory. A significant number of the participants still lacking confidence when compared with the other countries. However, to effectively control the infection spread and improving COVID-19 knowledge the well-structured awareness programs must be launched by the government those could be helpful for Pakistani residents to hold optimistic attitudes and maintain appropriate practices.Keywords: COVID-19; Pakistani residents; KAP; Psychological impact; Google forms
Response of antioxidants and Reactive oxygen species at various exogenous PEG and proline levels in rice callus
Get PDFBackground: Rice is a water loving crop and drought stress at any physiological stage can hamper the growth as well as its yield. Hence this research was conducted to assess the drought tolerance capability of elite basmati rice cultivars of Pakistan.Methods: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) mediated in vitro experiment was conducted to estimate various water stress related parameters like callogenesis, crude protein, total antioxidant 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and proline accumulation in callus. Dehusked seeds of five rice genotypes i.e. Basmati-2000, Super Basmati, Basmati-515, Basmati-385 and PS-2 were cultured for callogenesis on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium having 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) @ 4mg/L, proline @ 1mg/L and two levels of PEG (0.125g/L and (0.25g/L).Results: In case of relative performance under all treatments, maximum callus fresh weight (0.308g) was observed in PS-2 followed by Basmati-515 (0.281g) and minimum (0.198g) in Basmati-385 after 30 days of culturing. Maximum proline (72.29 μmol/g FW), crude protein (5.89%) and total antioxidant DPPH (70.77%) were noted in Basmati-2000 while maximum H2O2 (75.55 μmol/g FW) was observed in PS-2 and minimum (37.22 μmol/g FW) in Basmati-2000. It was observed that under both PEG treatments, the rice cultivar Basmati-2000 was found to be highly drought tolerant. Maximum callus fresh weight was observed in the treatment without the addition of PEG and proline. Maximum production of Proline, protein and DPPH were observed at a low level of PEG (0.125g/L) in presence of proline @ 1mg/L.Conclusion: Results revealed that application of proline in rice may be effective in mitigating the effect of drought stress in the presence of PEG under in-vitro conditions.Keywords: Basmati rice; Callogenesis; DPPH; Hydrogen peroxide; Protein
Experimental Use of the Triazavirin Antiviral Medication in Conditions of Group Administration at the Pig-Breeding Unit
Get PDFBackground: The spread of viral and microbial agents is active in Pig-breeding units. Due to illness, animals lose their productivity, which can affect the economy of the enterprise. The purpose of our experiment was to conduct an experimental study of the use of the Triazavirin antiviral medication on piglets in conditions of group administration at the pig-breeding unit and to assess the long-term effects of administering the medication.Methods: The experiment involved 30 heads of piglets. Upon admission, groups were formed taking into account the condition and age of the animals. Piglets with lesions of the respiratory system and with obvious clinical signs were selected for the experiment. In the first experimental group, experimental piglets received the Triazavirin antiviral medication. In the 2nd (control) group, the experimental animals were not subject to any treatment. In the 3rd experimental group, Tylosin-50 antibacterial medication was used for the treatment of animals. During the experiment, clinical studies and blood tests (biochemical, immunological, hormonal tests) were carried out.Result: When piglets were given the Triazavirin medication, they demonstrated a stable average daily weight gain and the highest percentage of meat yield. When analyzing the biochemical parameters of animals in the first experimental group, stabilization of several indicators was noted (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation coefficient). In the case of Triazavirin administration, there was an increase in the level of free thyroxine and triiodothyronine, a decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone, and cortisol.Conclusion: Based on the results of clinical studies, the authors recommend using the Triazavirin medication as part of complex and etiological therapy in the treatment of the respiratory system of pigs affected with diseases of a viral nature.Keywords: Piglets; Antiviral medication; Average daily growth; Blood test Lipoprotein; Tuberculosi
A review on Aluminum phosphide (Rice Tablets) Poisoning; From Exposure to the Applicable and New Strategies of Clinical Management
Get PDFRice tablets (especially aluminum phosphide) as a solid fumigant pesticide is one of the major areas of interest within the field of pesticide poisoning due to high fatality. It is commonly used in grain storage places including silos, warehouses, and grain transporting systems such as ships to control damages of pests and rodents. Unfortunately, it is considerably consumed for suicidal purpose in developing countries because of the ease of access. Aluminum phosphide (ALP) has been conceived as the most mortal one among others and accounts for many deaths each year. ALP toxicity is associated with phosphine gas liberation which is highly toxic and may cause various toxicities in all body organs, especially in cardiovascular and respiratory systems. As there is no certain antidote to prevent human's death, hence having thorough information about this pesticide is required. Thus, in this article physiochemical features of rice tablets, various toxicological, clinical/pathological impacts of ALP on human body and also applicable and new strategies of its managements have been highlighted. Eventually, gathering all published information about ALP intoxication till date demonstrated that restricted preventative measures plus early and improved management protocols can limit the organ injuries and mortality.Keywords: Phosphine; Rice tablet; Aluminum phosphide; Human poisoning; Pesticide; Toxicity of ALP; Management strategie
Biosynthesis of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate by Rhodococcus pyridinivorans using unrelated carbon sources
Get PDFBackground: Polyhydroxyalkanoates are intracellular polymers comparable to synthetic plastic in their thermostable and elastomeric properties. PHAs are produced by bacteria under various nutrient – nitrogen – stress conditions.Methods: Bacteria were isolated from hot water springs of Tatta Pani Kashmir and Karachi Mangrove forest Pakistan. Polyhydroxyalkanoate detection agar was used to isolates PHA producing bacteria and several carbon sources such as glucose, glycerol and palmitic acid were used for relative biomass and biopolymer productions. PHA was extracted by solvent extraction method using sodium hypochlorite and chloroform. Extracted polymer was characterized by Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).Results: Rhodococcus pyridinivorans NK19 (KY703220) produced up to 60% PHA with glucose, 40% with palmitic acid and 58% with glycerol as carbon sources. FTIR spectrum confirmed the polymer produced as poly -3, hydroxybutyrate. A peak at 1720 cm -1 of FTIR confirmed the presence of PHB monomers in the polymer extracted.Conclusion: Rhodococcus pyridinivorans NK19 produced short chain length PHA interchangeably known as P3HB while utilizing unrelated carbon sources up to 60%. Keywords: Glycerol; Fatty acids degrading bacteria; FTIR; Palmitic acidEditorial Expression of Concern08 July 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 Note26 July 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having correction in article info (metadata) section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked
Contribution of GJB2 gene mutations to hearing loss in Pakistani population – A Narrative Review
Get PDFPakistan has a unique population for the study of recessive genetic diseases due to a higher consanguinity rate. Hearing impairment is the loss of hearing normal sounds, and it is a common sensory disorder that affects more than 466 million people worldwide. Immuno-genetic and other environmental factors like loud noises, drug usage, and viral infections are the causes of hearing loss. Hearing loss is categorized into a syndromic hearing loss (70%) and non-syndromic hearing loss (30%). GJB2 mutations are one of the main causes of hearing loss in different populations, including Pakistan. The GJB2 gene encodes a gap junction protein involved in the homeostasis of the inner ear through the recycling of potassium ions. The prevalence of GJB2 mutation in the Pakistani population varies from 6.1 to 9.2%. The most common mutations found in the Pakistani population are 71G>A (p.(Trp24*), 231G > A (p. Trp77*), c.35delG (p. Gly11Leufs24*),c.355G>T (p. Glu119*) 457G > A (p.Val153Ile), 598G > A (p.Gly200Arg), 439G > A (p.Glu147Lys), c.377_378insATGCGGA (p.Arg127Cysfs*85). c.1055C>T (p. Pro352Leu), c.6202A>C p.(Thr2068Pro), c.2496_2496delC p.(Tyr832*) and c.355G>T p.(Glu119*).Keywords: Gap junction protein, GJB2 mutations, Hearing loss
Empirical Analysis of Farmers Preferences and Willingness towards Organic Farming in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Get PDFBackground: Organic farming is an eco-friendly approach in the agricultural production system that ensures food safety, reduces health problems, promotes environmental conservation, and generates employment opportunities for local communities.Methods: The survey was conducted using a well-structured questionnaire that focused on the scope and potential of organic farming in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan. The data were collected from randomly selected 150 respondents in nine districts of GB between May and June (2019). This survey analyzed the factors influencing the willingness of farmers to pay attention to organic farming and evaluated the possibilities of espousal organic farming as an effective approach.Results: In general, mixed perceptions were revealed by the behavior and attitudes of the farmers, however, it is necessary to notice the intentions of the farmers for substitute methods to make organic farming feasible. Based on the survey, people were not reluctant to adopt organic farming to ensure better market value for their products. As a result, they will sustainably get a better livelihood.Conclusion: The current study is concluded that the espousal of organic farming could have a positive and noteworthy outcome on a farmer’s life in terms of profitability, compatibility, productivity, and sustainability in GB. There is a dire need for organic certification to increase the market value both at local and international levels.Keywords: Gilgit-Baltistan; Eco-friendly; Organic farming; Practices; Survey
Frequencies and clinical characteristics of common fusion oncogenes in core-binding factor Acute Myeloid Leukemia from Lahore Pakistan
Get PDFBackground: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common blood cancers among adults. Genetic abnormalities associated with core-binding factor AML (CBF-AML) help in accurate diagnosis and prognostic stratification, and therefore help in clinical management of the disease. No studies have been carried out about frequencies of genetic abnormalities of CBF-AML and their association with clinical parameters in Lahore region of Pakistan. Therefore, objective of this study was to carry out genetic and characterization of CBF-AML. Methods: The blood samples were collected along with clinical data AML patients from different hospitals of Lahore Pakistan July 2010 to Dec. 2020. RNA was extracted and RT-PCR was employed to detect CBF-AML -associated fusion oncogenes (AML1-ETO and CBFB-MYH11). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.Results: Frequencies of AML1-ETO and CBFB-MYH11 were 13.6% and 11.4%, respectively. AML1-ETO had significant association with FAB subtype AML-M2, occupational exposure to chemical solvents and exposure to petrol products. One the other hand, CBFB-MYH11 was significantly associated with splenomegaly, FAB subtype AML-M4 patients and insecticides exposure.Conclusions: Our results show that overall frequencies AML1-ETO and CBFB-MYH11 and hence CBF-AML is comparable to other ethnic groups. Correlation of specific genetic abnormalities with exposures to chemicals indicates a strong interplay between AML genetics and pollutants. This study will help not only in differential diagnosis and prognostic stratification of AML in Pakistan, but it also opens new windows to better understand biology of AML in correlation with environmental exposure.Keywords: Acute Myeloid Leukemia; Genetic abnormalities; Core-binding factor leukemia, Prognostic stratification; environmental exposure
Rh alleles and phenotypes among Saudi women in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia
Get PDFBackground: The Rh system is considered as the most complex among the human blood group systems, with 61 antigens identified to date. This study aimed to provide preliminary data on the distribution of Rh alleles and phenotypes among Saudi women and compare them with other ethnic groups.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi women who visited the Maternity and Children Hospital of Hail from November 2019 to March 2020. A fully automated blood bank analyzer was used in determining the Rh subgroups (D, C, c, E, e) and phenotypes. Inferential statistics and chi-square tests were used appropriately for comparisons.Results: The study included a total of 500 Saudi female patients. The most prevalent antigen found was the “e” antigen, while phenotype CcDee has shown to have the highest frequency. A significant difference exists in comparison with the other studies from various ethnic groups.Conclusions: The prevalence and distributions of Rh alleles and phenotypes among Saudi women were revealed in this study. The findings showed that Rh alleles and phenotypes are diverse across various races and regions globally.Keywords: Rh allele; Rh phenotype; Rh system; Saudi Arabi
NaCl affects lipids peroxidation and oxygen free radicals scavenging machinery in callus tissues of a cultivated (Solanum macrocarpon L.) and a wild Eggplant (Solanum dasyphyllum L.)
Get PDFBackground: In vitro techniques are an efficient tool to select salt tolerant lines in several plant species. The impacts of increasing salt concentration on membrane lipids oxidation and oxygen free radicals scavenging enzymes were evaluated in the callus of a cultivated eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L.) and Wild Eggplant (Solanum dasyphyllum L.)Methods: A salt stress ranging from 40 to 160 mM NaCl was imposed to callus of S. macrocarpon ‘Akwaseho’, a cultivated African eggplant and callus of S. dasyphyllum var dasyphyllum, a putative wild ancestor, for 40 days. Selected callus physiology and biochemistry features were investigated after 40 days of growing both species in MS medium added with NaCl at the concentration of 0 (control), 40, 80, 120 and 160 mM.Results: A close correlation was observed between rising salinity level and the enhancement of proline accumulation. Callus of S. dasyphyllum var dasyphyllum succeeded efficiently in keeping higher K+, lower Na+ rate and Na+/K+ ratio than S. macrocarpon L. Ion content can be considered as useful tool to select salt tolerant callus tissue. Under saline condition, S. dasyphyllum L. showed lower amounts of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 but higher activity for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) than S. macrocarpon L. in both case control and NaCl treatments.Conclusion: The current study concluded that the two species responded differently to salinity induced oxidative damage. S. dasyphyllum L. callus showed more effective antioxidant defense system, which contributes, to better adaptive and protective capacity against salinity induced oxidative impairment by keeping more intense antioxidant enzymes activities than S. macrocarpon L. callus.Keywords: Salinity; Tissue Culture; Oxygen Free Radicals; Eggplant