Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Life after COVID-19 outbreak: Expectations and thoughts
Get PDFThe occurrence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents an unparalleled health enlightenment challenge. It’s extremely contagious and erratically lethal, and the pervasiveness of asymptomatic prevalence makes it difficult to contain. All infectious disease epidemics rear ethical concerns, from the restraint of individual independence to triaging and resource provision. It seems that we did not take lessons from the preceding epidemics and were poorly prepared to pledge with the threat that COVID-19 epidemic has put forward. The COVID-19 epidemic highlighted the significance of this query to both pandemic preparation strategies and healthcare policies. As the outbreak turned out to be a global pandemic, there is an improved emphasis on finding answers for vaccine preparation, focusing on neglected diseases, more virome study, and research collaboration across the globe in the future, being key tools to resist infection spread in future. Decelerating the COVID-19 spread necessitates people to enthusiastically transform their lives and monitor the finest practices for social isolation and sanitation. This review provides an overview of future research perceptions and offers suggestions on how we can help people to believe in normal life and how this pandemic will strengthen the trade, affect the individual habits and values, revolution in primary health care after these uncertain situations.Keywords: COVID-19; Pandemic; Neglected diseases; Primary health; Virom
Effects of Carica Papaya Leaf Extract on Blood Hematology, Serum Biochemistry and Immune Response of Broilers
Get PDFBackground: As an alternative of antibiotic growth promoters, medicinal plants are the most popular options. Papaya leaves are good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes which provide aid in digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats and overcome the microbial load and used as a growth promoter and antibiotic in broiler performance. This study was carried out in order to evaluate the effect of papaya leaf extract in drinking water as a replacement of commercial antibiotic on blood hematology, serum biochemistry and immune response of broilers for the duration of 35 days.Methods: In this experiment, 180 one-day old chicks were randomly distributed into 6 treatments. Each treatment was divided into 3 replicates having 10 chicks each. Feed was offered ad-libitum to broilers. Six treatments; G1 {(basal diet + antibiotic growth promoter (enramycin) + coccidiostat (salinomycin)}, G2 (basal diet without antibiotic growth promotor and coccidiostat), G3 (basal diet + 0.5% papaya extract), G4 (basal diet + 1.0% papaya extract), G5 (basal diet + 1.5% papaya extract) and G6 (basal diet + 2.0% papaya extract) were designed. Blood samples were taken for serum biochemistry, hematology and titer against Newcastle disease. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance technique by completely randomized design using SAS and Tukey’s test were used for comparison of means.Results: Birds received various level of papaya extract had no effect on serum biochemistry and hematology parameters except triglyceride levels which were significantly lower in G2 (15.00±15.00, commercial diet) and G6 (17.43±9.87, commercial diet + 2% papaya extract) at 17th day and 35th day where it failed to show significant difference. However, Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease titers were not affected by the treatments.Conclusion: It can be concluded that papaya leaf extract may be used in broiler diet as commercial antibiotics replacement.Keywords: Papaya leaf extract; Antibiotics; Immune response; Broile
Study of diagnostic and prognostic parameters in Breast cancer patients without metastasis
Get PDFBackground: Carcinoma of the breast is the most prevalent cause of mortality from cancer in women aged 40-69 years. The aim of the present study was to examine any alteration in the status of lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, gamma glutamyl transferase, Platelets, hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transferase and bilirubin in the plasma of breast cancer patients without distant metastasis, to establish their diagnostic and prognostic values.Methods: Current reading describes a study conducted on 50 breast cancer patients from Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (Lahore). The patients were clinically categorized as stage II (19 patients) and stage III (29 patients) respectively. Most of the patients were diseased with infiltrative ductal carcinoma (48) of the breast. Blood samples of all patients were collected after forty days of chemotherapy course besides 10 healthy subjects.Results: There was a significant rise in LDH (221.48 ± 18.44) and Ferritin (356.46 ± 12.28) levels as compared to control groups. Concentration of GGT (34.12 ± 1.61) was also elevated but not significantly raised. There was no significant rise in ALP (279.27 ± 26.60), AST (49.44 ± 8.510), ALT (33.40 ± 2.83), bilirubin (4.87 ± 3.96), Hb (11.16 ± .299) and platelets (032.54 ± 21.68) levels in comparison to normal control subjects. An elevation of LDH and ferritin levels in cases of carcinoma breast signifies its importance as a biomarker of disease. A serial measurement of these enzymes would have diagnostic and prognostic significance and help treatment decisions.Conclusion: The ferritin along with lactate dehydrogenase can be used as a valuable biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis.Keywords: Breast cancer; Prognostic parameters; Treatment; Metastasi
In vivo investigation of interactions between replisome components in Escherichia coli: An expanded model for the processivity switch
Get PDFBackground: Protein interactions within the replisome (a highly coordinated protein complex) are crucial to maintain temporal and spatial regulation for high fidelity DNA synthesis in Escherichia coli (E. coli). A key component of these interactions is the processivity switch, ensuring smooth transition of the replicative DNA polymerase III (Pol III) between Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand. Multiple interaction studies between replisome components have been performed to indicate the essential roles of Pol III (DnaE), β-clamp, DnaB helicase, DNA and the t (DnaX) subunit for this switch.Methods: Known interacting regions of both DnaE and various truncated versions of t were chosen for co-expression in E. coli. Differences in the growth pattern of cells co-expressing various truncated versions of DnaX and DnaE, on liquid and solid media were subsequently analyzed. Based on in vivo analyses to explore the interactions between these components, an expanded model for the processivity switch is presented here.Results: The analyses suggest that residues 481-643 of t are sufficient to establish a functional interaction with the DnaB helicase and DnaE during replication, while residues 461-480 of t interact with the C-terminal tail of DnaE to disengage Pol III from the β-clamp during processivity switching. We also propose that residues 430-460 of t are involved in sensing the DNA structure required for the processivity switch.Conclusion: These observations expand the current understanding of processivity switching and help dissect the regions of t utilized for binding to different replisome components such as DnaB helicase, polymerase and DNA.Keywords: Processivity Switch; Clamp Loader; DnaE; DnaX; DnaB Helicas
An investigation on permethrin-treated military uniforms against diurnal mosquitoes under field conditions
Get PDFBackground: Military forces are exposed to mosquito bites because of their duties. In addition to the nuisance caused by mosquito bites, they are the vector of some vector-borne diseases in many countries of the world. Impregnation of military uniforms with permethrin is one of the most effective methods of protecting military personnel. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of permethrin-impregnated uniforms against diurnal mosquitoes under field conditions.Methods: In this study, one of the most common uniforms used in the Iranian military was treated by permethrin (0.125 mg. permethrin ai/cm2) and evaluated against the natural population of day-biting mosquitoes, in the rural area with Eight participants, three of them put on the treated uniforms and the other one of them wore the untreated uniforms and Four officers were also appointed as collectors.Results: The average number of bites in those who wore untreated uniforms (control) was 1.8/min/person (107.8/hr), while it was 0.16 (9.83/hr) for treated uniforms. The protection of treated uniforms was about 91%. The knockdown rate for Culex and Aedes mosquitoes was 95.92% and 94.44%, respectively. The mortality rate in Culex was 98.59% and 98.61% in Aedes mosquitoes when exposed to treated uniforms.Conclusion: In this study, military uniforms impregnated with permethrin showed significant protection against the bites of Culex and Aedes mosquitoes. This intervention can be used to protect military personnel from the bites of Culex and Aedes these mosquitoes and to reduce the diseases transmitted by these mosquitoes.Keywords: Permethrin; Military uniforms; Impregnation; Mosquitoe
Therapeutic potential of stem cells derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1α) for skin burn injuries
Get PDFBackground: Stem cells derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1α) enhances the migration of bone marrow cells towards wound hence improve the healing process. The present study focuses on the therapeutic potential of SDF-1α and bone marrow derived cells from rats after SDF-1α treatment for skin burn.Methods: SD rats were given thermal skin burn. Animals were divided into three groups i.e. SDF (S) with subcutaneous SDF-1α treatment after burn, Burn (B) and control (C). After seven days of treatment rats were sacrificed and skin, liver, heart, kidneys and blood were taken for histological and serological analysis. CBC, serum electrolytes, liver functions tests, renal functions tests, lipid profile, blood glucose as well as ELISA for VEGF, CRP and oxidative stress were performed. Cells were extracted from bone marrow and were transplanted in the burnt animals either directly or after culturing (Bone marrow stromal cells; BMSCs).Results: A prominent role of SDF-1α on skin thermal wound healing was observed. Importantly the treatment has no significant impact on vital organs like liver, heart and kidney as well as physiological parameters. Lowered inflammation and enhanced angiogenesis was observed by ELISA for CRP and VEGF. BMSCs from SDF group showed higher growth (viability and proliferation), lowered cell death (LDH release), high angiogenesis (VEGF) and decreased oxidative stress. These BMSCs healed the burnt skin better than whole bone marrow of the same group after transplantation.Conclusion: It may be concluded that SDF-1α can be a potential therapeutic agent for thermal skin burns and BMSCs after the treatment get higher growth and healing potential.Keywords: Skin; Burn; CXCR-4; SDF-1α; BMSC
Effect of camel milk lactoferrin against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats
Get PDFBackground:Chronic Hepatitis and mortality due to liver cirrhosis is common in Pakistan. Camel milk Lactoferrin has antiviral, anti-inflammatory properties. Nutraceutical foods like camel milk have many uses. Camel milk lactoferrin might be used for the cure of hepatic fibrosis induced by CCI4 in Sprague Dawley rats.Methods: Seventy-five (75) male Sprague–Dawley rats were purchased from National Institute of Health Islamabad kept in animal house of UVAS Lahore and randomly divided into 5 groups under completely randomize design. In Each group carbon tetrachloride (CC14) was subcutaneously injected with a mixture of 40% CCI4 (a mixture of pure CC14 and sterile olive oil) at 200 uL/100g body weight as single dose, 48 hrs before the starting of treatment or 0 day. After 48 hrs. Rats were considered hepatic injured except the (+ve) control group. Among all groups, four groups –ve control, 30mg/kg/b.wt, 60mg/kg/b.wt and 90mg/kg/b.wt were supplied with standard diet plus Lactoferrin (different concentrations and doses) orally, while control group were provided only standard diet throughout the efficacy study (30 days).Results: The study was conducted in two phases, first one was on the isolation and purification of camel milk lactoferrin and the second one was based on efficacy study of lactoferrin in Sprague Dawley rats against the hepatic toxicity induced by carbon tetrachlorideConclusion: The present study on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats clarifies that camel milk lactoferrin induced significant improvement in serum level of ALP, AST, AST, bilirubin, serum urea and serum Creatinine within the duration of 4 weeks treatment.Keywords: Carbon tetrachloride; Complete randomized design; Aspartate aminotransferas
Detection of Human Salivary Amylase Level Deposited on Fruits with First Bite Mark
Get PDFBackground: Human body fluids are vital for criminological examinations. The recovery, conservation, and investigation of body fluids or its stains are critical in measurable forensic cases. The amylase testing is being utilized as a possible test to locate the crime scene saliva stains for more than three decades. This investigation was intended to decide the human salivary amylase accumulated on fruit after the first bite where the level of salivary amylase was concluded by Radial Gel Diffusion method.Methods: Three sorts of organic fruits (apple, peach, and apricot) and 20 people (10 male and 10 female) were chosen for this investigation. The specimens were assembled from bite mark area following time intervals 0 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours and 48 hours.Results: Experimental outcomes demonstrated that the diameter of amylase activity in male specimens was more noteworthy than female. Apples, as well as apricot pit samples, indicated amylase activity till 48 hours; however, the specimens collected from peach demonstrated amylase activity until 12 hours, after first bite mark.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that salivary amylase testing might be valuable for DNA evidence, where DNA investigations for every case might be restricted because of cost issues.Keywords: Amylase; Saliva; Investigation; Bite mark; Preservatio
Protocol optimization for efficient in vitro micro-propagation of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Get PDFBackground: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is one of the most amazing herb that is an abundant source of diterpene glycoside a non-caloric sweetener. In recent years alongside its utilization in herbal and folk medicine, commercial exploitation of this herb for weight control and anti-diabetic treatment has started.Methods: In present study healthy nodal segments of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni were used as explants for optimization of in vitro micro-propagation and regeneration protocol for rapid, fast and efficient multiplication under in-vitro conditions. For shoot proliferation and rooting various concentrations cytokinins NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid), BAP (Benzyl amino purine), IAA (Indole acetic acid) and kinetin (Kn) were employed.Results: Shoots without roots were regenerated from nodal segments via auxiliary shoot induction. The production of multiple shoots from nodal portion was maximum on MS medium complemented with 0.5 mg/L of BAP and 1.5 mg/L of Kn. Maximum rooting was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/L NAA and 1.0 mg/L of IAA. Successful hardening was achieved under controlled growth room conditions followed by transfer to glass house and open field.Conclusion: Standardization of explant source and culturing media for multiplication of shoot resulted in mass proliferation of homogenous and healthy plantlets of Stevia clones under local conditions. Keywords: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni; BAP; Kinetin, NAA; IAA; Micro-propagation; Regeneratio
Dry sockets – a systemic review
Get PDFThis is a systematic review, which shows a compendious review about the aetiology, prevention and treatment of Alveolar Osteitis. After tooth extraction the most common postoperative complication is dry socket. In oral surgery it is very essential to know about the pathophysiology aetiology, prevention and treatment of dry socket. The main purpose of this review article is to provide enough knowledge about the processes that are involved in the clinical management of dry socket. This article shows certain risk factors involved in the incidence of dry socket. surgical trauma, lack of operator experience, mandibular third molars, oral contraceptives, menstrual cycles, smoking, bacterial infections, excessive irrigation, age, bone fragments, local anaesthetics, we will discuss all of these factors which are involved in the incidence of alveolar osteitis in this article. Furthermore, some prevention methods have also been discovered which can be applied to prevent from the incidence of dry socket. Certain treatment methods have also been identified and the have played the vital role in treating the dry socket disease, this article also shows the relation between the Fibrinolysis and the occurrence of dry socket. Various treatment methods, which involve the use of antibiotics, chlorhexidine (as preventive measure also), steroids, anti-fibrinolytics, low-level laser therapy, have been identified which play a vital role in the treatment of dry socket disease.Keywords: Dry Socket; Joints; Anti-fibrinolytics; Review; Chlorhexidin