Abasyn Journal of Life Sciences
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Extraction and characterization of lutein from plant sources
Background: Lutein is yellow color hydroxyl-carotenoid compound, as well as a fat soluble antioxidant which is helpful in brain and eye development.
Objective: The research was planned for extraction and characterization of lutein from various plant sources. Extracted lutein was also utilized in food products. Specific objective of research was purification, quantification and characterization of lutein.
Method: Lutein was extracted from two different sources (marigold and spinach), through extraction process, saponification and HPLC method. Analysis of lutein color was performed through colorimeter by using L* a* b* parameters.
Results: Extracted lutein yield from spinach and marigold was 0.7±0.04% and 1.67±0.02% and intensity of color shows L* (25.01±2.40 and 42.79±0.88), a* (0.33±0.22 and 24.43±0.50) and b* (1.87±0.96 and 36.27±0.96) from spinach and marigold. Cupcakes were prepared by using various concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%) of extracted lutein. After product preparation the physico-chemical and sensory evaluation of cakes were carried out. The results indicated that 1% concentration of lutein was observed to be suitable for the development of food product as well as organoleptic results also indicated that 1% concentration of lutein was acceptable by the consumer.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the extracted lutein was used in the development of cupcake as a natural color because of natural color and may help to prevent the oxidation, age-related molecular degeneration (AMD) and eye disease.
Highlight: Lutein rich food may use for many diseased like AMD, heart and cancer diseases. Extracted lutein also may use as a natural color in food items (candies and cupcake)
Detection of lumpy skin disease virus in bovine milk, meat and liver samples accessible in Lahore, Pakistan
Lumpy skin disease (LSD), a commercially significant virus that affects cattle, has recently spread to South and East Asia. The first LSD outbreak in Pakistan was reported in Jamshoro district in August 2019, with subsequent spread to other regions including Lahore. However, limited information exists on the origin and molecular epidemiology of the responsible LSDV strain. To specifically identify LSDV, published primers were utilized for PCR amplification, followed by gel electrophoresis analysis. The results indicate the absence of LSDV in the tested meat, liver, and milk samples, suggesting that they are free from contamination. This study highlights the importance of on-going monitoring during LSD outbreaks and demonstrates that market vendors in Lahore adhere to food safety regulations, ensuring the provision of safe food to consumers. While the molecular characteristics and origin of the LSDV strain responsible for the initial outbreaks remain unknown, these findings provide reassurance regarding the safety of meat, liver, and milk products in the Lahore market that shows the absence of LSDV among the selected random samples
Frequency of Different Microorganisms Isolated From the Diabetic Foot Ulcers and their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common chronic illness and one of the devastating complications of diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are thought to affect 10 to 25% of diabetic people throughout the course of their lifetime. So the main prospective of this sudy to detect the frequency of different microorganisms isolated from DFU and also their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. On the basis of purposive sampling technique the medical record of 356 patients was collected who have Diabetic foot ulcer and visited the Sakina Begum Institute of Diabetes and Endocrine Research Lahore (SIDER) from May 2021 to May 2022. Only those samples were included in this study whose bacterial growth was identified through microbiological media and further antimicrobial sensitivity was confirmed by disc diffusion method. About 54.5% of diabetic foot ulcer patients were tested positive for infections by microbes; among which 62% samples had single organism growth and 37% had polymicrobial growth. 34% of the isolated microbes were gram positive while 66% were gram negative. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent isolated organism and the resistant pattern was strong against cefotaxime, cefuroxime and ampicillin but vancomycin showed the 58% sensitivity for gram positive bacteria. This study evaluated the microbiology of DFUs and identified the pattern of bacterial isolates' resistance to antibacterial agents. Most of the isolates showed resistance to common antibiotics so appropriate antibiotic administration is necessary to reduce the resistance pattern and needs to be timely treated to avoid from further infection
GIS Based Evaluation of Population Density and Diversity of Birds of Prey of District Muzaffargarh, Punjab Pakistan
Diversity and evaluation of populations of raptors were accomplished in District Muzaffargarh (South Punjab, Pakistan) by using belt transect (5 × 0.1Km) method. Incurrent study we reported total 447 raptors, that related to 10 species present in 2 families (Accipitridae and Pandionidae) with a density of 34.38 birds/Km2. Values of dominance (0.185), Simpson 0.818, Shannon Wiener 2.00, and evenness (0.567) were measured, recommended in even distribution of the species Black Kite (Milvus migrans; relative abundance, RA 0.082) was most plentiful species, flowed by Shikra (Accipiter badius; RA 0.038), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus; RA 0.0336), Black Shoulder Kite (Elanus caeruleus; RA 0.0537), Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus; RA 0.0201), and Brahminy’s Kite (Haliastur indus; RA 0.0157). Another five species (Steppe Eagle, Aquila nipalensis; Common Buzzard, Buteo; Long Legged Buzzard, Buteo rufinus; White Eyed Buzzard, Butastur teesa; and Osprey, Pandion haliaetus) were uncommon (RA 0.0022)
Prevalence of Dengue Fever among patients visiting Dogra Hospital District Khyber, Pakistan
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Dengue Fever among patients visiting Dogra Hospital in District Khyber, Pakistan. A total of 108 patients were included in the study, comprising 69 (63.88%) males and 39 (36.11%) females. The study population was categorized into four distinct age groups: 1 to 20 years, 21 to 40 years, 41 to 60 years, and above 60 years. Notably, the highest incidence of Dengue patients was found in the 21-40 age group. Gender-based differences in clinical manifestations were observed, with fever, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and headache being more prevalent in males, while no patients exhibited bleeding symptoms. Serological tests were conducted, revealing that 67.5% of patients tested positive for NS1 Antigen, 4.6% for Dengue IgM antibodies, and 1.8% for Dengue IgG antibodies. Age-based analysis demonstrated higher NS1 antigen positivity among patients aged 1-20 years and 41-60 years, while IgM antibodies were more prevalent in the 1-20 years age group. Dengue IgG antibodies were notably prevalent in the 20-29 age group
Performance of Static Spinosad Traps against Bactrocera Spp. at Different Heights in Guava Orchard
Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera dorsalis species of fruit fly are considered to major insect pests of vegetables and fruit orchards in the throughout world. Fruit flies may be controlled by several methods (chemical, mechanical, cultural, and biological). The attractive methods have been shown to be more effective and critical for reducing insect pest infestations and monitoring insect numbers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pheromone traps (Static Spinosad + Methyl eugenol) on fruit flies (B. zonata and B. dorsalis) at different heights of 0, 1, 2, and 3 meter on the guava orchard. The population of flies were counted weekly basis. The results regarded that the maximum number of B. zonata was recorded 460.2 flies on 22nd October, 2020 at 2-meter height and the minimum number of 48.6 flies was noted at 0-meter (ground level) on 4th February, 2021. Moreover, the highest B. dorsalis 103.0 flies were recorded at 2-meter height on 29th October, 2020 and the lowest 7.0 flies were observed on 4th February, 2021 at height of 0-meter (ground level). Similarly, the overall higher population of B. zonata and B. dorsalis was noted at 2-meter height (326.9 and 89.01 flies) and lower was noted at ground (142.8 and 9.11 flies). The population of B. zonata and B. dorsalis correlated positively (r= 0.2943** and r= 0.0537**) with temperature and negatively correlated (r= -0.0223NS and r= -0.0023NS) with relative humidity. It is concluded that the pheromone traps (Spinosad+Methyl eugenol) installed at a height of 2-meter showed the highest catches number of fruit flies (B. zonata and B. dorsalis) in guava orchards and further studies are recommended to control fruit flies (male) in orchards and vegetables at different heights of traps.
 
Biofloc Technology: Sustainable Technology for Fish Production
Based on in-situ microorganism generation, biofloc technology is an aquaculture method that is favorable to the environment. The term "biofloc" means the lump of living and dead organic materials, phytoplankton and bacteria that feed on other bacteria that are suspended in water or other bodies of water. Using waste nutrients as fish food is a method of alternative fish farming known as biofloc technology. This review focuses on the requirements of a biofloc fish farming system, biofloc development, the microbial community, and the significance of microbial interaction in biofloc technology, where phytoplankton and bacterial populations play a more significant role in maintaining water quality. Between bacteria and algae, there is a complicated relationship. Due to bacteria, Algae can be decomposed into organic nutrients. Along with its ability to distribute bioactive chemicals, biofloc's nutritional value influences the entire aquatic food supply. The control and harmful consequences of nitrogenous chemicals have been covered in this review (such as ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates). Biofloc advantages and disadvantages are also discussed in this review as to what improvement can be made to biofloc technology
Gene-Centered Evolutionary Standpoints: Extrication of the Role of Selfish Genes in Contemporary Genetics and Beyond
Richard Dawkins first introduced the Selfish Gene Theory in 1976, which contends that genes, not individuals, constitute the fundamental building block of evolution. This theory has been influential in understanding eukaryotic genome evolution, but it has also been criticized for being misleading. The theory has been applied in various fields, including evolutionary games and the study of memes. Selfish genes have been found to be correlated with increased promiscuity in eukaryotes, and they have been viewed as a potent evolutionary force. However, it is important to note that "selfish genes" do not necessarily connote selfish and always egocentric people. This theory has been further developed and refined over the years, leading to a better understanding of the role of genes in evolution. The purpose of this study is to adapt the paradigm shift brought about by the theory of the selfish gene to the field of algorithmic optimization and to create a new method for using evolutionary algorithms
The Role of Hepatitis B Virus X Gene in Leading Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects people with an estimated 296 million cases globally. It is known to be the most common risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBx is the HBV-encoded oncogene and a major multifunctional regulatory protein that defines chronic HBV infection, replication, and HBV-associated carcinogenesis. Determining the incidence of HCC with different genotypes and HBx mutations is necessary. In this review, Hepatitis B virus X gene is signified and implicated as the principal role in causing HCC. The aim of this review is to evaluate the significance of Hepatitis B virus X to that of other HBV genes. HBV gene mutations such as P, S, and C are responsible for viral replication, antigen expression, and a disrupted immune response, respectively. In comparison to other genes, the X gene of the hepatitis virus has the worst clinical results that significantly lead to Hepatocellular carcinoma. Most previous research has concluded that HBx significantly leads to chronic HBV infection. Therefore, the HBV risk factors, prevalence, and HBx mutations are essential in spreading the chronic infection. Further studies on the HBx gene is still required to explore in countries like Pakistan in terms of leading to disease like hepatocellular carcinoma
Evaluating and promoting modern farming practices knowledge through Farmers’ Field Schools (FFS) in Thar
The study was conducted in four villages (Bhadi, Bhenio Bheel, Bhinyot, and Bhujbar) of the southern area Thar of district Umerkot. Where Farmer Field Schools have been established and modified to suit the farmer’s conditions. The 80 (74% female and 26% male) participants the of four FFS were asked questions mentioned in the questionnaire before starting and after the end of all sessions. The 12 sessions were conducted in four months of the whole cycle of different indigenous crops (pearl millet, guar, sesame, and mung bean) cultivated in each school by two cropping methods (conventional and modern). At the maturity of crop plant height, the number of leaves per plant, seed, and straw yield was recorded. Farmers participated in all sessions as learning processes based on experimentation and learning by doing. During the FFS sessions, farmers achieved good knowledge. Out of the total participants, about 49, 31, 36, 61, 63, and 68% gave more than 75% feedback related to land preparation, variety selection, sowing methods, agricultural inputs, cultivation, cultural, and harvesting practices. Results related to growth parameters like plant height (cm) and number of leaves per plant, the higher plant growth was recorded in the FFS plots with the modern farming method used. However, seed and straw yield (kg ha-1) was also higher in the FFS plot as compared to the conventional method of farming. Plants grown in FFS plots with modern farming methods received 26%, 29%, 24%, and 35% more yield in seed and 21%, 45%, 8%, and 17% more in straw yield of pearl millet, guar, sesame, and mung bean, respectively as compared to the conventional method of farming. In the Thar region with low rural literacy rate especially females, this approach of FFS learning is better tool for obtaining good yields from crops and ensuring food security