Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Green Nano-synthesis: Salix alba Bark-Derived Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle and their nematicidal Efficacy against root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Get PDFBackground: Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are considered major agricultural pests, causing significant damage to crops by directly targeting the plant root system to prevent water and nutrient uptake. One of its major species, Meloidogyne incognita, is considered a serious threat to agricultural crop production worldwide. The current study was intended to evaluate the potential of Nanoparticles synthesized from Salix alba bark extract as a nematicidal agent.Methods: Phytochemical analyses of Salix alba bark extract were conducted, and nanoparticles of the same extract were synthesized and characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) techniques. Results: The qualitative phytochemical analysis of Salix alba bark extract revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, reducing sugars, and saponins. When applied to juveniles of the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita, the nanoparticles demonstrated a dose and time-dependent impact. After 24 hours, the highest concentration (1000 µg/ml) of nanoparticles exhibited the most significant mortality, reaching 82.2%, while the nanoparticle concentrations showed increasing mortality rates: after 24 hours (34.5%). Similarly, at the 48-hour mark, the highest mortality (92.2%) was observed with 1000 µg/ml of nanoparticles, whereas the lowest concentration yielded a mortality rate of 54.5%. Extending the observation period to 72 hours, the mortality rate peaked at 98.33% with the highest nanoparticle concentration (1000 µg/ml), and the lowest mortality rate was recorded at the lowest dose, amounting to 72.5%. These results underscore the dose and time-dependent efficacy of Salix alba bark-derived nanoparticles against Meloidogyne incognita. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Salix alba bark can be an effective agent against the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Further experiments are recommended to study the impact of these nanoparticles on other biotic stresses.Keywords: Zinc oxide nanoparticles; Salix alba; Meloidogyne incognita; Root knot nematode; Nematicidal potentialEditorial Note: You are viewing the latest version of this article having language corrections
Photosynthesis microbial desalination cell: Analysis and kinetic study of microbial community contribute to biofilm formation, system performance and bioenergy recovery
Get PDFBackground: Detection of bacterial species using 16S rRNA is a popular approach in microbiology. This method focuses on 16S rRNA gene which includes both conserved regions shared among bacterial species and variable regions unique to each species. This study aimed for the first time to apply this technique for identifying and classifying the bacterial species which contribute to the formation of anodic biofilm in a tubular photosynthetic microbial desalination cell (PMDC).Methods: A tubular photosynthesis microbial desalination cell was designed and set up for simultaneous wastewater biotreatment and desalination of seawater associated with clean power generation.16S rRNA sequencing was used for characterization of the dominant microbial strains in the anodic biofilm. The materials involve DNA extracting from bacteria and PCR amplifying for 16S rRNA gene. The kinetic of the bacterial growth in relation to the substrate utilization was studied.Results: The results revealed the identification of 19 new dominant microbial strains; 13 in the initial shallow biofilm and 6 in the developed biofilm. Results of evaluating the PMDC performance demonstrated that maximum removal efficiency of organic content from sewage was 93±3% associated with power generation of 24.3±2.5 mW/m3 and 70±4% desalination efficiency of saline water. Results of the kinetic study of biomass growth demonstrated that among the 5 examined models, Monod and Blackman models significantly fitted the experimental data with determination coefficients (R2) of 0.951 and 0.907, respectively.Conclusion: This study adds to our knowledge of the anode biofilm's involvement in PMDC performance by identifying dominant microbial strains using 16S rRNA sequencing. The findings emphasize microbial contributions to simultaneous treatment of wastewater, desalination of sea water, and electricity generation. This experimental and theoretical investigation paves the way for future breakthroughs in microbial desalination technology, addressing crucial water scarcity issues.Keywords: Photosynthesis microbial desalination cell; Microbial characterization; Biofilm; Bacterial strains; Energy production
Significance of miR-122 and miR- 150 in the pathogenicity of hepatitis B infection
Get PDFBackground: HBV, a contagious infection, causes chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer in many people. The WHO estimates that 2 billion people are exposed to HBV annually, depending on when. The Hepadnaviridae family virus has an unfinished 3.2-kilobase double-stranded DNA molecule. Increased ALT, AST, and HBsAg positive or HBV DNA viral load are used to identify the illness. Despite global immunization campaigns, nations with low vaccination coverage and no diagnosis remain concerned. The worldwide HBV burden remains high. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) bind to mRNAs after transcription to govern gene expression, hepatitis B virus replication, and extracellular matrix development.Methods: Sixty six Iraqi HBV patients were involved in a case-sectional control study. From September 2021 to February 2022, blood samples were taken from Al-Yarmook Teaching Hospital and Central Public Health Laboratory in Baghdad. ELISA verified HBV markers, HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb in all samples, and real-time PCR estimated viral load from DNA. The research found that miR122 and miR150 gene expressions affect HBV fibrosis severity.Results: The gene expression of miR-122 and miR-150 was found using RT-PCR after normalization with Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a common housekeeping gene. The analysis of variance found substantial differences between patients and controls. The research found a considerable downregulation of miRNA-122 and miRNA-150 in HBV-infected individuals.Conclusions: Depending on HBV severity, miRNA levels may vary. HBV patients, especially those with fibrosis and chronic HBV, have reduced miR122 and miR150. MiR-122 and miR-150 may be interesting HBV diagnostic, fibrosis progression, and therapeutic targets.Keywords: Hepatitis B virus; MicroRNAs (miRNAs); RT-PCR; Primers; Gene expression; Liver disease 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 and in references section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked
Isolation and Purification of Glycyrrhizic acid and Determination of its Biological Activity Against Microbial Pathogens
Get PDFBackground: The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the world's population uses plant extracts or their active components in traditional therapies. Recently, there has been a lot of interest in the quest for new antioxidant and antibacterial plant-based medications. Additionally, Glycyrrhiza glabra is a commonly used food flavoring and sweetening ingredient.Methods: This work was conducted to isolate and purify licorice root's Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and investigate its antimicrobial properties against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae were isolated from urine, blood, wounds, ear water, sewage, soil, and water, totaling 12 isolates of each kind, Analytical method for the measurement of Glycyrrhizic acid from the root extract that has been suitably supported by a mass spectroscopic analysis.Results: The results showed the effects of GA with different concentrations on S. aureus and. K. pneumoniae. Obviously, the MIC ranged from 18.75 to 37.5 % for S. aureus isolates, and 4.68 to 75 for K. pneumoniae isolates. The results indicated that GA reduced the metabolic activity of cells in biofilm on S. aureus and K. pneumoniae with an an inhibition percentageConclusion: GA may have an effect on cell membrane permeability, biofilm formation, and efflux activity, which inhibits bacterial growth.Keywords: Glycyrrhizin acid; Staphylococcus aureus; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Antibiotic; BiofilmEditorial 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
Application of the PCR for diagnosis and monitoring of rotavirus in calves during treatment with the antiviral agent Triazavirin
Get PDFBackground: Rotavirus is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal calves, leading to severe gastrointestinal and systemic illnesses. Current treatments primarily focus on symptomatic relief and prevention through vaccines, with limited use of antiviral agents. This article considers the issue of experiments using the antiviral agent Triazavirin in the treatment of rotavirus infection in calves, with tracking the amount of virus during the polymerase chain reaction examination in fecal samples.Methods: The experiment was conducted at a Mordovian Republican Veterinary Laboratory in the National Research Mordovian State University named after N.P. Ogarev (Republic of Mordovia, Russia), between February and March 2023. Two groups of calves, experimental and control, were assessed. The experimental group received Triazavirin orally at a dose of 500 mg per day for 7 days. Before and after the experiment, fecal samples were taken from experimental calves for the PCR study of the ribonucleic acid of group A rotaviruses.Results: Treatment with Triazavirin resulted in a reduction of the rotavirus load by an average of 35.2%. The PCR analyses before and after treatment indicated a substantial decrease in viral RNA in the majority of treated calves, with variable individual responses.Conclusions: Triazavirin demonstrates potential as an effective antiviral treatment for rotavirus in calves, reducing viral load and possibly improving clinical outcomes. The use of PCR provided a reliable method for monitoring viral levels, thereby facilitating effective management of this infectious disease.Keywords: Calves; Treatment; Digestive and Respiratory Organs; Antiviral Agent; Rotavirus; Treatment
The Relationship of CXCL12 with Sperm Agglutination and Anti-Sperm Antibody Among Infertile Men
Get PDFBackground: It is known that structural elements like the ‘blood-testis barrier’ (BTB) and local & systemic tolerance mechanisms help to maintain testicular homeostasis, which shields germ cells and mature sperms from immune attack. Any damage to this barrier could result in immune attack and may cause infertility.Methods: The most important goal of this study was to find the vital connection between male infertility and immunological factors (CXCL12 and anti-sperm antibody). During the months of October 2021 and July 2022, a total of 144 samples were taken from patients who sought to have infertility tested. Semen and blood samples were taken from the subjects to assess seminal plasma CXCL12 levels and the prevalence of anti-sperm antibody (ASA) in their serum. Alternatively, research on sperm function parameters, sperm agglutination risk, and its relationship to ASA and CXCL12.Result: statistically there was no ‘significant’ difference in CXCL12 levels across study groups in this investigation. The prevalence of sperm agglutination was 23.61% across all patients under study, the majority of whom had asthenozoospermia. In contrast, 60% of the samples from ASA-positive patients were agglutinated. The results revealed a relatively weak positive link that may call for additional research even if there was no significant statistical correlation in the relationship between CXCL12 and sperm functions and ASA.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that ASA affects seminal fluid parameters, which in turn affects male fertility, and that a weak, non-significant association between CXCL12 and sperm function could impair sperm function by reducing sperm motility. Sperm agglutination could be a sign of immunological infertility. ASA can impact male fertility in a number of ways. Others had to do with sperm agglutination. Keywords: CXCL12; Anti-sperm antibody; ASA; Sperm agglutination; Sperm function
Gram-negative bacteria and their Antibiotic Resistance: A Bibliometric Analysis
Get PDFBackground: Antibiotics are compounds made from microorganisms that destroy or prevent the growth of other microbes. The constant failure to engineer new antibiotics and the imprudent usage of antibiotics have resulted in the rise of antibiotic resistance. In 2017, the World Health Organization released a list of the most pathogenic bacteria having the highest resistance against antibiotics, which also included many Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we reviewed the data on publications on antibiotic-resistant (ABR) Gram-negative bacteria by bibliometrics.Methods: The data from 2003 to 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science and used further for statistical analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the characteristics of publications, authors, top countries, leading journals, funding agencies, and collaboration aspects.Result: The results showed a total of 10,350 publications with a 7.94% annual growth rate in a linear pattern and 23.71 average citations per document on the subject. Lists of the most cited papers and papers with ranking by highest total citations per year were also retrieved. 98% of articles were published in English. Greater research output is from developed countries, i.e., the USA, China, India, England, Spain, Iran, Italy, Germany, and Japan. The USA has the highest number of publications, citations, and single-country publications. The USA is also the top country to have the highest collaborations with other countries.Conclusion: The study is suggestive for most developing and least developed countries to establish collaborations with researchers from developed countries, especially the USA and UK, which have dominance in research productivity and sources of funding. The results of this study may provide potential prospects for the study of ABR Gram-negative bacteria in the future.Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Gram-negative bacterial; OmpC; OmpF; PCREditorial Note: You are viewing the latest version of this article having language corrections
Comparative Assessment of Gutta-Percha Removal Techniques for Endodontic Retreatment: Efficiency and Clinical Implications
Get PDFBackground: Endodontic retreatment involves the removal of gutta-percha and sealer from root canals to address treatment failures and persistent infections. This study aimed to systematically evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different gutta-percha removal techniques.Methods: Sixty extracted human teeth with single canals were selected. The canals were initially treated, obturated with gutta-percha, and divided into six groups (n=10 each). Each group represented a distinct removal technique: rotary instrument-driven, Gates-Glidden drill-assisted, solvent-based dissolution, ultrasonic removal, heat-based softening, and a control group. Gutta-percha mass and canal wall cleanliness were assessed post-removal. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's HSD tests.Results: The solvent-based dissolution technique exhibited the most efficient removal, achieving the lowest mean remaining gutta-percha mass (0.89 ± 0.15 mg) and the highest canal wall cleanliness (95% ± 3%). The ultrasonic technique also showed effective removal capabilities with a mean remaining mass of 1.56 ± 0.22 mg and a cleanliness of 89% ± 4%. The rotary technique resulted in a mean mass of 2.47 ± 0.30 mg and cleanliness of 84% ± 5%. Gates-Glidden drill-assisted and heat-based techniques showed moderate performance with remaining masses of 3.18 ± 0.25 mg and 2.10 ± 0.20 mg, respectively, and cleanliness percentages of 78% ± 6% and 81% ± 5%. The control group had the highest remaining mass (9.88 ± 0.42 mg) and the lowest cleanliness (10% ± 2%), confirming the efficacy of the removal techniques.Conclusion: The solvent-based dissolution technique demonstrated superior efficacy in gutta-percha removal. Ultrasonic and rotary techniques were also effective choices. Clinicians should consider these findings when selecting gutta-percha removal methods for endodontic retreatment procedures.Keywords: Endodontic retreatment; Gutta-Percha removal; Canal wall cleanliness; Comparative efficacy; Removal techniques
Feeding deterrence and larvicidal effects of latex serum and latex-synthesized nanoparticles of Calotropis procera against the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis
Get PDFBackground: Spodoptera littoralis is an important agricultural pest; thus, knowledge about the effect of latex serum and latex-synthesized nanoparticles of Calotropis procera on this species can assist in its management. Nanotechnology is currently taking root in the agriculture economy as a substitute for pest management that is targeted, safe, and effective. The repellent and antifeedant efficacy of C. procera latex serum and its nanoparticles against S. littoralis fourth instar larvae was investigated in this work.Methods: The process of synthesizing silver nanoparticles has been carried out, followed by their subsequent characterization. The objective of this study was to assess the antifeedant properties of the latex serum and its nanoparticles against the 4th instar larvae of S. littoralis through the implementation of a bioassay.Results: With rising latex serum content, the proportion of repellency and starvation increased. In comparison to insects injected with latex serum, utilizing nanoparticles of LAgNPs via injection in larvae resulted in much increased mortality.Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, insects injected with LAgNPs died at a substantially higher rate than insects injected with latex serum. LAgNPs were efficient against S. littoralis larvae and can thus be utilized to specifically control the pest.Keywords: Calotropis; Latex; Nanoparticle; Spodoptera; Antifeedant activityEditorial Note: You are viewing the latest version of this article having language corrections
Enhancing Gerodietic Nutrition: Innovative Technology for Developing Health-Promoting Feed
Get PDFBackground: The growing elderly population calls for specialized dietary options to address the unique nutritional needs of aging individuals. Current food production methods often overlook the dietary requirements of older adults. Expanding the range of gerodietic food products can significantly contribute to improving the health and well-being of the elderly.Methods: This study focuses on the development of gerodietic cookies, a pastry product enriched with key additives—phytolin, collagen hydrolysate, and trehalose. Organoleptic and physicochemical parameters of the cookies were evaluated using standard techniques. The formulated cookies aim to support collagen-containing tissues' health, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and lower the product's glycemic index while maintaining an appealing taste and texture.Results: The synergistic effects of phytolin, collagen hydrolysate, and trehalose in the gerodietic cookies contribute to their potential health benefits. The study determined the optimal composition of these additives, ensuring their effectiveness and overall product quality. The enriched cookies displayed favorable characteristics, including uniform porosity, pleasant aroma, and taste, meeting the established standards for alkalinity, moisture content, and wetness.Conclusion: Developing gerodietic cookies with scientifically justified formulations offers a promising approach to address the dietary needs of the elderly population. These cookies have the potential to support collagen-rich tissues, mitigate the risk of type 2 diabetes, and provide a tasty and nutritious addition to the diet of older adults. This research contributes to the growing field of gerodietic nutrition, offering innovative solutions to promote healthy aging through dietary choices.Keywords: Cookies; Collagen hydrolysate; Gerodietic nutrition; Phytolin; Trehalose