Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Potent Implications of miRNA in Cancer Biology – A Brief Review
Get PDFGroundbreaking findings through high-throughput technologies have deepened our understanding on an intricate interplay between products of coding sequences and noncoding RNAs. Increasingly it is being realized that miRNA, produced from what was previously considered as "genomic trash" have revolutionized the field of molecular and translational oncology. Overwhelmingly accumulating in-vitro and in-vivo studies have demonstrated that miRNA are key players involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene network in numerous human pathologies including cancer. In this review we have attempted to provide recent advancements related to multifaceted roles played by miRNA in modulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
Study of drug mediated effects in mice: Histology based findings
Get PDFAackground: Drugs induce numerous kinds of pharmacological effects in different body organs. For protecting organs from damage and destruction from drugs, the study of such effects is extremely important. Rapidly accumulating experimental data has opened new horizons for a comprehensive re-conceptualization of chemical modulated changes in histological features of body tissues.Methods: In this study we studied dextromethorphan, ethanol, methanol and midazolam induced changes in histological specimen from different organs in post-treated mice.Results: No pathological changes were observed in heart, liver and kidney by administering dextromethorphan at a dose of 61 mg/kg. While, ethanol causes pathological changes in heart, liver and kidney tissue at high dose i.e. 2000 mg/kg. Gross Pathological changes were observed in heart, liver and kidney by giving midazolam at a dose of 200 mg/kg.Conclusion: Dextromethorphan showed lesser side effects and is less toxic as compared with other drugs, such as, ethanol, methanol and midazolam. Lesser toxic effects were observed when drugs were administered alone, but in combination, these drugs produced higher toxic effects
Molecular confirmation of Bdv2 gene in wheat germplasm and its field based assessment for resistance against barely yellow dwarf viruses
Get PDFBackground: Barley yellow dwarf in wheat is an important viral disease among wheat cultivating areas of the world. It is gradually progressing as a major threat to wheat crop in Pakistan due to availability of favorable environmental conditions. The use of resistant cultivar is environmentally safest method for disease control so, it is necessary to develop resistant cultivars before epidemic outbreaks.Methods: The most commonly used wheat variety Inqilab91 was crossed with BYDV / CYDVresistant variety TC14. F1 generation obtained from the P1 cross was then allowed to self-cross. 61 plants were selected from F2 generation onTHE BASIS OF disease tolerance or susceptibility and only tolerant plants were included for further experiments in the study. The presence of BDV2 among F2 generation was confirmed by sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers in 6 (91, 96, 110, 119, 121 and 131) out of 61 genotypes which were then backcrossed with recurrent parent. Advance analysis regarding the presence of resistance source among the selected F2 generation was carried out using ELISA. Moreover, appearance of symptoms, agronomic values for different parameters, green house and field responses were also kept under consideration to characterize and confirm the presence of BDV2 among plants.Results: Results indicated that majority of F2 segregating population showed less yellowing, low viral titer and good agronomic values. ELISA value, glasshouse and field analysis showed that seven genotypes (30, 81, 89, 91,101,110 and 121) were resistant, and twenty-four genotypes were found moderately resistant. Tolerance was detected in genotypes 31, 47, 48, 50, 52, 56, 57, 60, 61, 94, 103, 106, 113, 115, 127, 140 and 413.Conclusion: Wheat lines containing Bdv2 genes showed resistance in both field and glasshouse. These wheat germplasm could be used as a source of resistance in CDRP-NARC for the further development of resistant wheat varieties against BYDV / CYDV
Assessment of salinity tolerance in rice using seedling based morpho-physiological indices
Get PDFBackground: Salinity is among the most damaging abiotic stresses for rice production which limits its growing area. The present research was conducted to evaluate five rice varieties for salinity tolerance at seedling stage.Methods: Experiment was conducted in triplicate and in two sets. One set was grown as a control (non-stress) and other as salt stressed. Salt stress of 15 dS/m was applied to one set of rice seedlings under controlled conditions. Data for different growth related morpho-physiological traits, i.e. germination percentage, root and shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weight, Na+ and K+ uptake were recorded after 15 days of seedling emergence under control as well as salinity condition.Results: Significant differences were observed among the genotypes under both the treatments and interaction of the evaluated traits suggested a significant variability among the rice genotypes under salt stress. NIAB-IRRI-9, Basmati-198 and KSK-133 were proved to be relatively salt tolerant varieties as they showed good performance for the recorded parameters. However, Basmati-385 was observed a salt sensitive variety due to highest reduction in seedling fresh and dry weight along with the maximum Na+ uptake.Conclusion: Based on obtained results, it was concluded that the evaluated morpho-physiological traits were useful to screen rice cultivars for salinity stress. In addition, NIAB-IRRI-9, Basmati-198 and KSK-133 can be used in breeding programs as tolerant check and Basmati-385 can be used as sensitive check
Microbiological stability of chemically preserved apricot pulp
No full textBackground: There exist different methods to preserve the nutrition, color and taste of the fruit pulp for prolonged availability. Bacterial and fungal growth greatly affect the texture and taste of the pulp, if stored for longer period of time. Evaluation of different chemical preservatives to check efficacy and effects on microbial culture growth holds prime importance. The efforts are made in the present investigation to analyze the effect of various concentrations of Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Metabisulphite as preservative on microbial quality of apricot pulp during storage. Method: The uniformly ripened Halman Apricot pulp was extracted and preserved by chemical preservatives such as Sodium Benzoate (SB), and Potassium Meta-Bisulphite (PMS) at different concentrations. The pulp was investigated for Microbiological parameters i.e. total bacterial count (TBC) and total fungal count (TFC). The inhibitory activity of chemical preservatives was tested periodically by simulating the industrial storage conditions for apricot pulp in the lab (30-42ºC in the dark), for a duration of 60 days.Results: Significant inhibition in total bacterial count (TBC) was observed in chemically preserved samples. Potassium Metabisulphite was found to be more effective and the highest inhibitory effects on bacterial growth in apricot samples were observed at a concentration of 250mg/250g and 125mg/250g. These were followed by Sodium Benzoate at concentrations of 250mg/250g and 125mg/250g.Conclusions: This study confirms that the preservatives significantly reduced bacterial and fungal growth in apricot pulp during storage and the pulp was safe for two months without spoilage
Dual properties of Nigella Sativa: Anti-oxidant and Pro-oxidant
Get PDFNigella sativa [NS] or Black seed has been used for the treatment of various disorders for centuries. Experimentally, seed extract or thymoquinone [TQ] which is the main constituent of its oil has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and anticancer properties. Interestingly, the published data demonstrates that NS acts as anti-oxidant in various diseases simultaneously it behaves like a pro-oxidant for cancer cells. Here, we have summarized the dual properties of this medicinal plant. Current review is systematic, based on search from PubMed. Pubmed data indicated that NS has both anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant properties in different cell types hence should be used carefully because it acts as a cytoprotective or cytotoxic agent in inflammatory and malignant conditions respectively
An overview of available Hypoglycemic Triterpenoids and Saponins to cure Diabetes mellitus
No full textDiabetes mellitus is a condition when excess amount of sugar is excreted out in the urine. It is probably caused due to hyperglycemia; when body fails to produce sufficient amount of insulin which may utilize or help to store these excessive carbohydrates. When a body does not produce sufficient insulin or to help utilize carbohydrates, it results in the accumulation of unutilized sugar in the blood, the condition is termed as hyperglycemia whereas the condition of passing off the excess sugar in the urine is known as diabetes mellitus. The excretion of sugar makes a profound effect on health that may lead to disability and death. According to some studies, it may cause myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disorders and terminal nephritis. These complications are reported to be the most important causes of mortality and the principal cause of irreversible blindness. There are hundreds of millions of patients around the world suffering from this disease and the number is spreading with an alarming rate. Such a condition has inspired the therapists to develop the methods which help in controlling this malaise. In this article, we have summarized some of hypoglycemic agents from natural sources especially from plants. Since there is a vast number of plants, which are reported to be utilized traditionally in the crude form for diabetes cure in the past. This article is meant to mention only the hypoglycemic ingredients of triterpenoids origin. This information can be helpful in getting new and more effective drugs in future by utilizing unexplored plants which are reported in the literature to possess hypoglycemic activity. This current review is comprised of the relevant work done up to the year 2007 based on search from Google
Prevalence of HCV in β-thalassemia major patients visiting tertiary care hospitals in Lahore – Pakistan
Get PDFPost-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) is majorly caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). So, recipients of blood/blood products, post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH), renal dialysis patients and intravenous drug users all represent high-risk groups for infection. The aim of the present research was to determine the prevalence of HCV antibody in β-thalassemia major patients visiting different tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. HCV seroprevalence and risk factors were studied in 200 β-thalassemia major patients (24 females, 176 males) with different age groups by second generation ELISA during January 2013 to May 2013. Confirmed β-thalassemia major patients from three different tertiary care hospitals were selected with special reference to age, age at the time of diagnosis, frequency of transfusion and present clinical status. Among 200 patients, 82 (41%) were found reactive for HCV antibody with age range of 2 to 18 years with mean age of 8.5 years. This study showed that hemodialysis patients and β-thalassemia sufferers were at higher risk of having HCV infection; the prevalence being 41%
Nanotechnology: A new frontier in Agriculture
No full textNanotechnology is science of manipulating materials at nano-scale. Among the latest technological advancements, nanotechnology occupies a central position. It has many applications in all stages of production, processing, storing, packaging and transport of agricultural products. The reduced use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers with increased efficiency, controlled release and targeted delivery will lead to precision farming. Dream of automated, centrally controlled agriculture can become reality now. Modern agriculture is need of hour because conventional agricultural will not be able to feed an ever increasing population with changing climate, depleting resources and shrinking landscape. But at the same time application of nano-materials in agri-food sector has to be evaluated for public acceptance so it does not come across a scenario as faced by GMOs in past. This article provides an overview of current and potential applications of nanotechnology in agriculture and food sector
Microbial profiling and risk factors assessment for Otitis Media and Otitis Externa
Get PDFBackground: Otitis media and otitis externa are common otological manifestations in all generations especially in children. There is lack of accurate identification of the causative agent and thus poor diagnosis for such infections. Therefore, it leads to permanent anatomical disabilities including poor speech and defects in balancing and hearing. The study was conducted to isolate, characterize and identify the microbes causing otitis media and otitis externa. Methods: A total of 250 patients having otitis media and otitis externa were enrolled in the study from March 2011 to October 2011. All patients were examined through clinical examination and detailed history was collected. Pus samples from the discharging ears were plated on MacConkey’s, Chocolate and Blood agar for 24 to 48 hours. Isolates were identified on the basis of morphology, staining reactions and various biochemical tests. Results: In this study, only 6% cases yielded no growth, 14% yielded mixed cultures while 80% cases yielded pure cultures. The presumptive diagnosis for ear swabbing was otitis media (76%) and otitis externa (24%). The most common bacterial isolates obtained were Staphylococcus aureus (43.3%) followed byPseudomonas aeruginosa (25%) in the diagnosed cases of otitis media. While for the cases of otitis externa,Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the predominant organism with 52.2%. Infection of otitis media was most common among children and the persons having low socioeconomic conditions. Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified as the principal pathogen followed by Staphylococcus aureus. To circumvent the painful effects of acute and chronic ear infections, an accurate microbial profiling may play pivotal role