Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Serological detection of important new viruses infecting pepper crop in Saudi Arabia
Get PDFBackground: Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) is a popular spice and vegetable crop belonging to the family Solanaceae, grown in a wide range of climates and environments around the world. Pepper is an economically important crop playing a key role in the agriculture sector of Saudi Arabia and its production is limited by viral diseases.Methods: During the growing seasons 2021-2022, a survey was conducted in different regions of Saudi Arabia. A total of 319 plant samples were collected showing virus-like symptoms (mottling, mosaic, chlorosis, leaf distortion, dwarfing, stunted growth, and necrotic lesions of leaves and fruits). These samples were tested against the important pepper viruses using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) kits.Results: According to ELISA results, two hundred and forty samples were infected with at least one of the tested viruses with a percentage of 75.23%. Infection rates varied significantly by region, with the highest prevalence observed in Al-Baha (95%) and Dammam, Al-Jawf, Taif, and Jazan (100%). A total of twenty-one viruses were detected, with PMMoV, ChiVMV, and PepMoV being the most widespread.Conclusion: This study reports the first detection of twenty-two viruses in pepper in Saudi Arabia. Notably, three of these viruses (APLV, PLRV, and PVV) are reported for the first time infecting pepper worldwide.Keywords: DAS-ELISA; Pepper; viruses; Saudi Arabi
In silico advancement of Aspergillus niger gluconic acid hyperproduction recommends plans for switching acid productivity
Get PDFBackground: Non-toxic, non-volatile organic acid, gluconic acid (pentahydroxycaproic acid) is found in abundance in honey and plants and in wines. Gluconic acid and its salts are used widely in food, feed, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and many other industries.Methods: In the current investigation, Aspergillus niger was utilized for Gluconic acid production in submerged fermentation. Furthermore, for Gluconic acid hyperproduction, the fungus Aspergillus niger was exposed to MNNG (100 µg/ml) for 15 minutes. Aspergillus niger strain (parent and mutant) was tested and identified for its capability of producing gluconic acid. We finished the molecular identification, in which we extracted the DNA from the A. niger and amplified its ITS region using specific primers. We further sequenced the amplified product and created a phylogenetic tree employing the MEGA6 software.Results: The tree results showed that our target sequence has 100% identity with Aspergillus niger, which proved that the isolated strain belongs to the Aspergillus genera. In addition, factors related to the production of gluconic acid were confirmed by cultivating the mutant strain A. niger (MG1) and the parent strain under several conditions. These included varying the pH (4-7), temperature (30-40°C), and the concentration of the carbon source (40-100 g/l). The outcomes displayed that the best pH was 5. The most favorable temperature was 30°C, and maximum production occurred at a carbon source concentration of 100 g/l, for both mutant and parent strains.Conclusion: This study shows how microbial strains and substrates could be used to attain cost-effective hyperproduction of gluconic acid to achieve objectives of industrial significance. Keywords: Gluconic Acid; Aspergillus niger; Hyper-production; Mutation; Molecular identification; Sequencing Editorial Expression of Concern:20 May 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 minor English language errors and quality of figures. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of the errors as we examine the concerns, address errors and refurnish figures with higher DPI.Editorial Note:28 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections in use of English language. Readers may please see figures with higher DPI given at the end of Results section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked
Study on the role of gold and silver nanoparticles on antibacterial activity and lung cancer cell line (A549)
Get PDFBackground: This study will evaluate gold and silver nanoparticles' antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and synergistic effects on the human lung epithelial cell line A549.Methods: Gold and silver nanoparticles (33-40 nm) were obtained from Nanomaterials at quantities of 5, 15, 25, and 35 µg mL⁻¹. The University of Kerbala Biology Department donated bacterial isolates for this investigation. Clinical specimens yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Vitek-2 confirmed the identities of the isolates and antibiotic susceptibility. Lung cancer was studied using A549 lung cancer cells from a 58-year-old Caucasian male's lung tissue.Results: The results show that nano-gold complexes are more effective than silver nanoparticles against lung cancer. Gold nanoparticles exhibit a significant inhibitory concentration of 35 µg/ml, resulting in a 55% anticancer effect, while silver nanoparticles have a maximum inhibition of 49 µg/ml. At a concentration of 35 µg/ml, gold nanoparticles inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a 29 mm zone. No significant inhibition of cell growth was observed at lower dosages of 5, 15, and 25 µg/ml. The treatment's antioxidant and cytoprotective characteristics reduce paracetamol-induced oxidative stress, explaining this lack of difference. These findings imply that gold nanoparticles may protect against oxidative damage and cancer.Conclusion: The cytotoxic effects of gold (AuNPs) and silver (AgNPs) on A549 human lung cancer cells were different. At 35 µg/mL, AuNPs inhibited cell growth by 55%, while AgNPs showed a 49% inhibition rate. AuNPs were more effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa than Staphylococcus aureus than AgNPs. These findings show that AuNPs may be useful in anticancer and antibacterial therapy, depending on nanoparticle concentration and target specificity. Keywords: Gold; Silver nanoparticles; Lung cancer; Staphylococcus aureus; Pseudomonas aeruginosa Editorial Expression of Concern:18 May 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 problems in use of English language. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community as we address the errors.Editorial Note:31 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections related to the use of English language. Expression of concern is hereby revoked
In vitro step up NaCl treatment method as inducer of salinity tolerance in Basmati rice varieties
Get PDFBackground: Salt has been recorded to negatively impacts rice crop's seedling and reproductive stages. Globally, soil salinity is 2nd most important abiotic factor, profoundly impacting rice productivity. The purpose of current research is to induce salinity tolerance in salt sensitive varieties of Basmati rice [Basmati-385 (Bas-385), Super Basmati (Sup-Bas) and Basmati-2000 (Bas-2000)] by use of in vitro step-up NaCl treatment method.Methods: The in vitro step up NaCl treatment method was used to produce salt-tolerant calli from salt-sensitive Basmati rice varieties. The regeneration of these salt-tolerant calli in a salt-free medium led to the M1 generation. Subsequently, M2 and M3 generations were cultivated and grown under salt stress conditions.Results: The highest callus induction percentage was achieved for all Basmati rice varieties by using MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D. These calli underwent in vitro step up NaCl treatments, with the maximum tolerance level to NaCl being 1.0% across all varieties. Bas-385 and Bas-2000 exhibited regeneration frequencies of 75% and 85% respectively when cultured in MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L NAA, while Sup-Bas displayed a regeneration frequency of 79% in MS medium comprising 3.0 mg/L BAP with 0.5 mg/L NAA. In subsequent M2 and M3 generations, a decline was observed in all selected agronomic and morphological features in all varieties under salinity stress in comparison to parent plants.Conclusion: This research validates the induction of salt tolerance in salt susceptible varieties of Basmati rice by in vitro step up NaCl treatment technique.Keywords: In vitro selection; Salt tolerance; Basmati rice; Step up NaCl treatment; Callogenesis; Plant regeneration Editorial Expression of Concern:18 May 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 problems in use of English language and references. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community as we address the errors.Editorial Note:31 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections related to the use of English language. Expression of concern is hereby revoked
Targeting Neurotoxicity and Inflammation in the Cerebral Cortex with Curcumin-Piperine Synergy
Get PDFBackground: Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and demyelination are central features of multiple sclerosis and related neurodegenerative disorders. Cuprizone (CPZ) is widely used to reproduce these pathological changes, inducing profound biochemical and structural alterations in the brain. This study investigated the impact of CPZ-induced neurotoxicity on key antioxidant, inflammatory, cholinergic, and myelin-related markers, and evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin- and piperine-based nanoformulations designed to enhance neuroprotection and repair.Method: Male mice received CPZ to induce demyelination and associated oxidative and inflammatory stress. Animals were subsequently treated with a blank nanoformulation (BFZ), curcumin nanoformulation (CFZ), or a combined curcumin–piperine nanoformulation (PFZ). Biochemical analyses quantified antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase), inflammatory mediators (COX-2, NF-κB-p65), cholinergic activity (acetylcholinesterase), neuroplasticity markers (CREB, NGF), and myelin basic protein (MBP) levels in the cerebral cortex.Results: CPZ exposure led to marked oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, reflected by decreased antioxidant enzyme levels, elevated COX-2 and NF-κB-p65, impaired cholinergic function, reduced MBP, and suppressed CREB. NGF expression increased significantly in the CPZ group as a compensatory response to neuronal injury. Nanoformulation treatments mitigated these pathological changes, with PFZ demonstrating the strongest therapeutic effect. PFZ restored antioxidant defences, reduced inflammatory markers, enhanced AChE activity, promoted remyelination, and improved CREB expression. PFZ also normalized NGF levels. Across all parameters, PFZ outperformed CFZ and BFZ, highlighting the role of piperine in enhancing curcumin bioavailability.Conclusion: PFZ exerted potent neuroprotective and reparative effects against CPZ-induced neurotoxicity. These findings emphasize the value of optimized nanoformulations in strengthening phytochemical-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.Keywords: Curcumin; Piperine; Nanoformulations; Neurodegeneration; Neuroinflammation; Oxidative stres
Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii In Local and Imported Red Meat and Meat Products in Al-Diwaniyah City Markets, Iraq
Get PDFBackground: Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent parasitic disease that affects both humans and many domestic animals and causes abortion and death of fetuses and neonates. It results from infection with Toxoplasma gondii.Methods: During this study, 300 samples (150 local and 150 imported meat and product samples like steak, minced meat, sausages, burgers, and livers) were examined by microscopy on digested tissue juice prepared from the peptic digestion technique and molecularly by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The objective was to detect Toxoplasma gondii infection through the B1 gene, which is of amplicon length 469 bp.Results: The results of local meat examined through microscope and PCR technique showed that samples taken from steak meat gave the highest positive infection (22%), Minced meat (20%), burgers (12%), and liver 8%, while the lowest percentage of positive infection was in sausages; it was only one positive sample (4%). The total infection rate was 14.66% and the results did not show any significant differences in infection at infection probability (P > 0.05). Imported meat showed only 7 positive samples (4.66%).Conclusion: The higher prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in local fresh meat and meat products makes them more harmful to human health than imported meat, whereas freezing, salting, and other processes make imported meat products less contaminated than fresh meat. Based on genetic tree analysis and genotyping, the Indian strain of the parasite registered in the NCBI gene bank under the accession number DQ872518.1 is prevalent in both imported and local meat in Iraq, with a molecular similarity ranging with local strains from 99.60% to 99.96%.Keywords: Toxoplasmosis, Meat Products, B1 gen
Evaluation of Inhibin-B Hormone Levels and Their Relationship with Interleukin-2 and Selected Antioxidant Enzymes in Infertile Males in Kirkuk, Iraq
Get PDFBackground: Infertility affects approximately 15% to 20% of couples around the world, male infertility contributing to 20–50% of cases, and azoospermia, which affects 1% of men. Non-obstructive azoospermia and oligospermia are key causes of male infertility. This study evaluated serum Inhibin-B, IL-2, and antioxidant enzyme levels in these patients.Methods: Serum levels of Inhibin-B, IL-2, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX1) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and mean levels were compared between the non-obstructive azoospermic, oligospermic, and control groups.Result: The findings indicated a notable reduction in Inhibin-B levels (p < 0.05). GPx1 and SOD levels also exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05). IL-2 levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.01) in non-obstructive azoospermic patients, whereas no significant difference in IL-2 was observed in oligospermic patients compared to controls.Conclusion: The study highlights that azoospermic and oligospermic males exhibit reduced levels of Inhibin-B and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX1), with IL-2 elevation restricted to azoospermic patients. These findings point to impaired spermatogenesis linked to Sertoli cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, suggesting their potential as supportive biomarkers; however, their measurement alone is insufficient to accurately assess reproductive function, particularly concerning semen quality as a biomarker of male infertility.Keywords: Kirkuk male infertility; Spermatogenesis; GPX1(Glutathione peroxidase); INHB (Inhibin B); Interlukine-2 (IL-2); SOD (Superoxide dismutase
Natalizumab Antibodies and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 13 Serum Levels in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Get PDFBackground: Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is an established therapy for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). A fraction of patients, however, form anti-drug antibodies that have the potential to lessen the efficacy of therapy. To counteract this, the current study aimed to determine the incidence of anti-natalizumab immunoglobulins and examine their relationship with serum levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13). Since CXCL13 is a marker of immune activation, determination of levels may provide informative insights on therapeutic effect and interpatient variation.Methods: The study was conducted between February and September 2021 and included sixty patients with multiple sclerosis who attended the Multiple Sclerosis Center in Baghdad Teaching Hospital and 30 healthy individuals as control group. The patients were on natalizumab for about one year and divided into two groups (30 responders and 30 non-responders); all of them were diagnosed by consultant physicians. Studied markers like CXCL13 and Natalizumab Abs were measured by ELISA.Results: The presence of anti-natalizumab antibodies in non-responder patients, responder patients, and healthy controls was (5, 0, 0), respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of anti-natalizumab and the CXCL13 protein serum level in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The presence of anti-natalizumab antibodies and its significant correlation with serum levels of CXCL13 in MS patients could be an informative indicator towards natalizumab treatment.Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13, Natalizuma
Protective effect of aqueous extract of phoenix dactylifera pollen on lead- induced infertility in male rats
No full textThe objective of the current study was to examine Phoenix dactylifera's protective effects on the reproductive system in male white albino rats ( Rattus- Rattus). 32 adult male albino rats were used in this study,( 8)were treated orally with aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera at dose 300 mg/kg body weight for 30 day,(8) rats were treated with normal saline(0.9%) orally served as control group and (8)male rats treated with lead acetates(80) mg\kg intraperitoneal injection for 30 day while the fourth group included (8) male treated with lead acetates (80) mg\kg and after one hour the same animals give aqueous extract 300mg\kg orally for 30 day. The results show that weights of liver ,testes ,kidneys and spleen which appear improvement when treated with aqueous extract of plant and the result showed also increased significantly in the weight of the testes as compared with lead treated group , there's also Increased sperm count , motility sperm and life sperm %, while decreased in dead sperm % in phoenix dactylifera group as compared with lead treated group
Molecular report of resistant isolates of Theileria annulata by targeting the cytochrome b gene in cattle and ticks in Babylon, Al-Qasim city of Iraq
Get PDFBackground: Ticks are the carriers of the deadly animal illness theileriosis. Theileria annulata in cattle is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite carried by ticks (Hyalomma spp.) that infects hosts with mild, severe, and fatal illnesses. Theileria annulata, also known as tropical theileriosis, is a lymphoproliferative illness that causes severe mortality and morbidity in calves. Currently available antiparasitic medications work well in animals, but owing to developing resistance, animals may die or continue to be carriers. Treatment works best while the disease is still in its early stages.Methods: In the current study, 2.5 mL of blood was drawn from the jugular vein and placed in an EDTA anticoagulant tube. Tick samples from each animal suspected of having Theileria annulata infection were placed in plastic tubes and sent straight to the laboratory for microscopic diagnosis using a blood smear and, later, PCR testing, which yielded a positive result.Results: PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene showed amplification in all tested blood samples (100%), confirming infection with T. annulata. In ticks, 81.25% (13/16) was positive for T. annulata. Furthermore, the cytochrome b gene (resistant gene) was detected in 100% of the calves’ samples and 81.25% of the tick samples tested using PCR.Conclusion: The cytochrome b gene was detected in all (100%) calf samples and 81.25% of tick samples, which may be a contributing factor to mortality in infected calves. Sequencing analysis is a necessary method for the identification of mutations in the ticks and calves' blood samples.Keywords: Theileria annulata, Cytochrome b gene, Tick, Buparvaquone, Sequencin