Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Non-Surgical Treatment Methodologies and Prevention for Malignant Melanoma
Get PDFMelanocytes in the skin and other organs generate the tumor known as malignant melanoma (MM). It has a high degree of malignancy, a deprived prognosis, and a propensity for local recurrence and distant metastasis. Although there have been tremendous advancements in MM management choices over the past ten years, there are still a dearth of clinically viable therapy alternatives and no internationally accepted treatment standard. The prognosis of MM patients has recently improved thanks to the development of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. As a result, this article examines the most recent findings from studies on the non-surgical treatment methodologies for MM and its preventive measures.Keywords: Malignant melanoma; Treatment therapies; Combined therapies; Prevention
Chronic sleep deprivation, noise and high fat diet markedly induce C-reactive protein level in mice model
Get PDFBackground: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a circulating sign of systemic chronic inflammation that your liver produces if your body is inflamed. Stressful events over a long period of time are linked to inflammatory disorders. Stress pathways are triggered by noise and sleep deprivation, as well as unhealthy habits like fatty meals. Several studies have connected higher CRP levels with plasma levels. The current study aims to explore the potential association’s relationship between chronic sleep deprivation, noise, high fat diet, and CRP disorders.Methods: Three studies were carried out in our study to evaluate C-reactive protein levels in male Swiss albino mice groups after exposure to three different physical stressors for four weeks. The first study mice group were exposed to chronic sleep deprivation; second group was exposed to electrostatic speaker noise stressors; and the third group was fed a high fat diet. Quantitative estimation of C – reactive protein level in plasma using an ELISA kit.Results: Significant changes in inflammatory CRP levels in the examined plasma were detected in the sleep deprivation group. CRP levels were found to be steadily increasing after two weeks, reaching a significant peak in the fourth week (p < 0.001). Moreover, in the fourth week, there were substantial increases in CRP plasma level with independent evidence, in the experimental noise group (p < 0.001). As well, the biomarker of inflammation level increased across the dietary high density fat diet, reaching the highest level at the end of the study (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Our findings contribute to the body of evidence indicating a link between external stress and subclinical inflammatory markers. Furthermore, CRP concentrations are triggered by chronic sleep deprivation and noise exposure, and their concentrations rise with prolonged dietary fatty acid consumption.Keywords: Sleep deprivation; Noise; High fat diet; Inflammation; CRP
Protective immune response of recombinant Fiber-2 protein as subunit vaccine against Fowl-adenovirus-4 infection in Pakistan
Get PDFBackground: Hydropericardium Syndrome (HPS) has emerged as a major viral disease of poultry industry causing huge economic losses in the recent past years. Its etiological agent, Fowl adenovirus-4 (FAdV-4) has been reported in the various countries including Pakistan. Various strategies including inactivated vaccines, are being devised to control the disease since its appearance. Subunit vaccines based on viral structural proteins have demonstrated more promising protection against FAdV-4 infection than commercial inactivated vaccines. Among different viral structural proteins, Fiber protein (mainly Fiber-2) has been as a suitable candidate for developing the recombinant subunit vaccine against HPS.Methods: Considering the importance of the Fiber-2 gene, the pET28a expression vector was utilized to clone its open reading frame, which was subsequently expressed as an oligo-histidine tagged fusion protein in BL21 cells of Escherichia coli via the IPTG induction method. The expressed recombinant fiber-2 protein was purified using nickel (Ni2+) affinity chromatography and used as a subunit vaccine in broiler birds following challenge with pathogenic FAdV-4 isolate. The immunological response was evaluated using ELISA.Results: The gene for the Fiber-2 protein was effectively cloned and expressed as a soluble 60 kDa protein, as detected by SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis. The protective efficacy of subunit vaccine was assessed by ELISA which showed the highest protection (80%) against the virus challenge than that of commercial inactivated vaccine (70%).Conclusion: The recombinant fiber-2 protein was determined to be a good option for a recombinant subunit vaccination to control HPS.Keywords: Poultry; Fowl-adenovirus-4; Subunit vaccine
Scrutiny of immunological components (CD20, CD30, and CD40) and HCMV and EBV infections in lymphoma Iraqi patients
Get PDFBackground: This investigation concentrated on Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas in the Iraqi province of Al-Muthanna. Environmental and immune characteristics have a role in this malignancy. In an attempt to assess Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas in Iraqi patients, in addition to the detection of specific immunological and virological data, 30 patients and 10 controls were scrutinized.Methods: Forty subjects with an age range of 20–82 years, 30 with lymphomas (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin), and 10 with no lymphomas were analyzed. The tissue blocks were tested for EBER-EBV and PP65-CMV viruses using the in-situ hybridization (ISH) technique with the aid of kits of specific probes for viruses. Also, immunological markers such as CD markers were investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC).Results: In the Iraqi Al-Muthanna governorate Lymphoma cases rose notably among people beyond sixty. Hodgkin lymphoma cases were found more often than non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases, with a predominance of females in both types. The results of HCMV and EBV detection illustrated a higher prevalence of these viruses, especially in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accompanied by related immunological changes in lymphoma patients than in the lymphoma-free group.Conclusions: In Al-Muthanna province, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas were slightly increased in females, along with more prevalent HCMV and EBV infections.Keywords: HL-NHL lymphoma; Human cytomegalovirus; Epstein-Barr viru
Target-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics approach to identify potential antileishmanial agents through targeting UvrD-like helicase ATP-binding domain
Get PDFBackground: About 0.7-1.0 million people worldwide have been suffering from Leishmaniasis. It falls under a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and is transmitted by biting infected female phlebotomine sandflies. The implication of “the NTD road map: together towards 2030” in the infection-prone regions worldwide has curtailed morbidity to a greater extent. However, limited options in antileishmanial oral and topical drugs must decipher more therapeutically efficacious agents to cure and eradicate the disease. Methods: Virtual screening based on structure, docking, & molecular dynamics approaches were adopted to identify potential lead molecules against UvrD-like helicase of Leishmania donovani from the MCULE database. Lipinski rule of five, N/O atoms (1-15), number of rings (1-2), HBDs (4-5), and HBAs (5-10) were applied as initial filters of SBVS. AutoDock Vina and GROMACS packages were used for docking and MD simulations, respectively. Results: Initial filters of SBVS workflow yielded 93885 ligand hits out of 100 plus million investigational ligands. Following the toxicology test, 28 ligands were gotten that were additional reduced to molecules (17) when accepted done the BOILED Egg model of the ADME. Six molecules were shortlisted with zero violation compliance of drug-likeness further than Lipinski RO5 viz., Egan, Veber, Muegge, Ghose, & bioavailability score having ΔG (-6.7 to -7.4 kcalmol-1) lesser than reference inhibitor miltefosine (-4.9 kcalmol-1). The stability of MCULE-5754880195-0-2 was found to be greater than the known inhibitor and ligand molecules mentioned above.Conclusion: MCULE-5754880195-0-2 has all therapeutic features by way of an admirable oral drug molecule & could be encouraging in Leishmaniasis prevention & treatment.Keywords: UvrD-like helicase; ADME; Leishmaniasis; MCULE database; SBVS; Docking; BOILED Egg; MD simulation; ATP-binding domain
Exploring Genomic Patterns to Identify Drug-Resistant TB: A Comprehensive Study of Age, Gender, Lineage, and Outcome
Get PDFBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) is a prevalent bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), primarily affecting the lungs, with rising incidence rates. Drug-resistant TB strains, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) types, pose challenges with poor treatment success rates and increased mortality. Demographic factors and genomic patterns contribute to drug resistance, emphasizing the need for new drugs targeting specific genomic patterns.Methods: This study analyzes the impact of demographics, treatment outcomes, and genomic mutations on drug-resistant TB using pattern identification techniques and whole-genome sequencing to discover therapeutic targets. This study primarily focused on the identification and analysis of MDR and XDR strains, considering various demographic characteristics and treatment outcomes. A dataset comprising 2,602 observations was utilized, and pattern recognition techniques were employed to identify significant features. Additionally, the study employs the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) pipeline to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that result in new mutations in drug-resistant Mtb strains.Results: The findings of the study revealed that XDR and MDR non-XDR TB were the most prevalent types of drug resistance, and they were associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes, including death or treatment failure. Males exhibited a higher susceptibility to both XDR and MDR non-XDR TB compared to females. The age of onset for both types of resistance was approximately 40 years. Among the observed variants in 31 commonly occurring genes,Conclusion: These findings introduce a novel set of therapeutic targets specific to MDR and XDR Mtb types, which warrant further investigation for potential therapeutic interventions.Keywords: Tuberculosis; Drug Resistance; Multidrug resistance; Demographics; Dataset; Gene; Mutations
Commands of Synthetic Biology to Modernize and Re-design the Biological Systems
Get PDFThe scope of synthetic biology continues to expand and has encompassed a huge number of biological features. Its scope starts from scratch, enabling the de novo synthesis of biological systems. It has re-designed the biological systems and empowered the production of synthetic genes, RNA, DNA and proteins by undertaking the control of pathways involved in genetic regulation. It has increased the production of nano-scale RNA architectures and synthetic biological circuits which either have therapeutic or other productive uses. Furthermore, advancements in synthetic biology have enabled the generation of diversity through methods such as epPCR and site-directed mutagenesis, allowing for the creation of complex genetic variations. Additionally, synthetic biology intersects with computer engineering to design functional biological devices and circuits, utilizing computational analysis to guide the design process. Moreover, ethical and regulatory considerations are paramount in synthetic biology, with careful examination required to address dual-use concerns, environmental impacts, and issues of social justice and equitable access to benefits. As synthetic biology continues to advance, it presents opportunities to address pressing challenges in fields ranging from medicine and agriculture to environmental conservation and beyond. Thus, the fusion of synthetic biology with other scientific disciplines holds promise for transformative innovation and societal benefit. The present discussion enlightened the core of generating complex biological systems and has given a brief overview on the fusion of synthetic biology with other fields of science.Keywords: Biological Systems; Genetic Regulation; Synthetic biology circuits
Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of First Aid Management of Epistaxis among the General Population in Najran Region: A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFBackground: Nasal bleeding, epistaxis, is a common emergency. Few Saudi studies exist on epistaxis awareness and first aid management. We aimed to assess knowledge and attitude of adults in Najran, Saudi Arabia towards epistaxis first aid management, as well as their association with sociodemographic factors.Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out involving general adults of Najran, Saudi Arabia, using a snowball sampling method. A pretested questionnaire was utilized for data collection. Knowledge and attitude scores were categorized as good/positive or poor/negative. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out with odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and logistic regression analysis to investigate factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards epistaxis first aid management using SPSS Software.Results: The study included 518 participants with 58.9% experienced nosebleeds. Common causes were hypertension (24.5%) and nose injuries (23.7%). Factors as nasal dryness, blood thinner use, and tumors/nasal polyps were also identified. Around 60.2% believed first aid was necessary and 59.5% had good knowledge about epistaxis first aid management. Participants with university/higher education, employed in health sector, and with previous experience with nosebleed were more knowledgeable, more likely to have positive attitudes, and showed significantly higher ORs for knowledge and attitude scores compared to others.Conclusion: The study showed fair knowledge and attitude of Najran adults towards epistaxis first aid management with sociodemographic variables showing varying associations. Educational initiatives are needed especially for those with lower education, non-health sectors, and not experienced nosebleeds, to improve public first aid knowledge and attitudes.Keywords: Epistaxis; Knowledge; Attitude; First aid management; Saudi Arabia
Effects of seed coating with (titanium dioxide and selenium) nanoparticles on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) plant growth and antioxidant activity
Get PDFBackground: The fenugreek plant is a kind of herbaceous plant that resembles a clover. It is extensively used as a spice and condiment, as well as a medicinal plant. Studying the effect of seed coating on fenugreek is an important step to learn about the effects it imprints on plant growth and its antioxidant activity when its seeds are coated by nanoparticles of titanium and selenium. Methods: To study the effects of seed coating with Nanoparticles of Titanium dioxide at concentrations of (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400) ppm and selenium at concentrations of (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80) ppm on shoot length, number of leaves per plant, carbohydrate %, protein %, and antioxidant activity peroxidase %, single and two way interaction on fenugreek’s growth is taken into account. Treatments are designed as a properly randomized factorial experiment (5×5×3), with three replicates in a totally randomized design.Results: It was revealed that a single application of the previously mentioned ingredients had a significant impact on fenugreek growth and antioxidant activity, especially at high concentrations.Conclusions: Plant physiological properties were favorably influenced by seed coating with (Titanium dioxide and Selenium) nanoparticles. Based on the results of TiO2 NPs’ effect on seed germination and early seedling growth, it is possible that NPs aided in seed water absorption, increased seed ability to absorb and utilize efficiently, and activated and promoted hydrolytic enzymes in the seed antioxidant system.Keywords: Titanium dioxide; Selenium; Nanoparticles; Antioxidant activity; Fenugreek
Evaluation of BACTEC™ FX and BacT/Alert™ Automated Blood Culture Systems for Detection of Clinically Relevant Bacterial and Yeast Species
Get PDFBackground: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a significant health concern, necessitating effective diagnostic tools. This study evaluates the performance of the BD Bactec FX system in comparison to the established BacT/Alert system, examining mean time till detection (TTD) across various blood culture bottles.Methods: The study involves 148 blood culture bottles, inoculated with representative bacterial ATCC strains (n= 15) and 04 yeast isolates. Parallel testing is conducted by seeding 10–30 colony-forming units (CFU) in duplicate in both BD Bactec FX and BacT/Alert systems. TTD is assessed across aerobic, anaerobic, and pediatric bottles for diverse microbial species.Results: All 148 bottles tested in parallel show positive signals in both systems. BD Bactec FX demonstrates significantly shorter TTD for adult-seeded cultures in aerobic and anaerobic bottles compared to BacT/Alert Similarly, pediatric bottles with BD Bactec FX exhibit a shorter TTD compared to BacT/Alert. The statistical significance of TTD, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values is evident for Bactec FX aerobic, anaerobic, and pediatric bottles across tested organisms. Notable examples of faster TTD include; Bacteroides ovatus (16.6h by Bactec FX vs. 70.5h by Bact/Alert 3D), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (33.7h vs. 72.5h), and Streptococcus pyogenes (8.1h vs. 11.9h).Conclusions: In conclusion, the study’s findings demonstrate that BD Bactec FX surpasses BacT/Alert in prompt microbial detection, showcasing potential for early identification of bacteremia and fungemia. Faster TTD implies the potential to initiate timely antimicrobial treatment, thereby reducing patient morbidity and mortality. However, exceptions in certain microbial species highlight the need for comprehensive clinical validation to establish the broad applicability of these findings.Keywords: Blood Culture System; Recovery Rate; Time to detection; Blood stream infection; BTA3D; Bactec FX