11 research outputs found
An Overview on Synthetic Biology: its Classification, Engineering Approaches, and Applications of Synthetic Biology
No full textSynthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on living organisms and systems, employing engineering techniques to create innovative biological devices, systems, and components. It represents the convergence of old and new approaches, bridging the gap between chemistry and biology, with synthetic chemistry laying the foundation for its emergence. At its core, synthetic biology aims to develop and engineer biological systems by bringing together engineers and biologists to design and construct novel biomolecular parts, circuits, and pathways. These constructs are then utilized to reconstruct, reanalyze, and reprogram organisms for various purposes. There are five primary categories within synthetic biology: bioengineering, synthetic genome, protocell synthetic biology, unconventional molecular biology, and in silico techniques. Traditionally, four engineering approaches have been employed in synthetic biology, including top-down, parallel, orthogonal, and bottom-up methods. These approaches provide a systematic and rational way of reassembling and reconstructing biological components, enabling the creation of functional biological devices, systems, and organisms with known, useful, and novel functions. Synthetic biology holds the promise of providing efficient solutions to various significant challenges in the modern world, encompassing areas such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, and bioremediation. By leveraging engineering methods in the realm of biology, synthetic biology benefits from over 50 years of molecular biological and functional genomic research, along with advanced technologies that allow for the analysis, synthesis, assembly, modification, and transfer of genetic components into living organisms. In essence, synthetic biology offers an exciting avenue to unlock the potential of biological systems and revolutionize multiple industries through innovative modifications and breakthrough innovations
A Systemic Review of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) And its Emergence in Pakistan
No full textLumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious disease caused by the virus lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). The family of LSDV is Poxiviridae and the genus Capripoxvirus (CaPV). The GTPV (goat pox virus) and SPPV (sheep pox virus) also belong to the same genus. LSDV causes disease in livestock animals except for dogs. LSDV causes vast economic losses in the country in the livestock industry and dairy industries. LSDV also affects the industries belonging to these industries like the leather industry. The sequence of 21 strains of LSDV were taken from NCBI database and their fasta files were retrieved. After that, phylogenetic analysis was performed using these sequences. This study provides an overall overview of the lumpy skin disease (LSD) its genome, causative agent, transmission, epidemic, molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis, control, and treatment of the LSDV. We also give a short review of the emergence of LSD in Pakistan
Advances in green processing of seed oils using ultrasound‐assisted extraction: A review
No full textA growing interest in green bio‐refining technology using ultrasound to extract high‐added value compounds has been observed in the last decades. Therefore, it is of critical importance to consider the impact of the ultrasound technology on the efficiency of oil extraction from seeds as well as on the properties of extracted oils. The cavitation phenomena induced by ultrasound enhance the oil yield as it shatters the primary cell wall of the seeds and makes an easy release of oil. Thus, the higher oil yield is obtained when ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) is used as compared to conventional methods. The properties of UAE oil such as crystallization, free fatty acid content, and oxidative stability are influenced by the ultrasonic time, temperature, intensity, and type of solvent employed during extraction. It can be concluded that UAE is a more efficient technique, which allows the use of alternative green solvents and the production of high‐quality products.Fil: Mushtaq, Anam. Universidad de Agricultura. Instituto Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos. Faisalabad; Pakistán.Fil: Roobab, Ume. Universidad Tecnológica del Sur de China. Escuela de Ciencia e Ingeniería de Alimentos. Guangzhou; China.Fil: Denoya, Gabriela Inés. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Argentina.Fil: Inam‐Ur‐Raheem, Muhammad. Universidad de Agricultura. Instituto Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos. Faisalabad; Pakistán.Fil: Gullón, Beatriz. Universidad de Vigo. Campus Ourense. Facultad de Ciencias. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; España.Fil: Lorenzo, Jose Manuel. Parque Tecnológico de Galicia. Centro Tecnológico de la Carne de Galicia; España.Fil: Barba, Francisco J. Universidad de Valencia. Facultad de Farmacia, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública. Departamento de Ciencia de Alimentos. Toxicología y Medicina Forense. Nutrición y Ciencia de Alimentos; España.Fil: Zeng, Xin‐An. Universidad Tecnológica del Sur de China. Escuela de Ciencia e Ingeniería de Alimentos. Guangzhou; China.Fil: Wali, Asif. Universidad Internacional de Karakoram. Departamento de Agricultura y Tecnología de Alimentos; Pakistán.Fil: Aadil, Rana Muhammad. Universidad de Agricultura. Instituto Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos. Faisalabad; Pakistán
English Vocabulary Teaching Techniques at Secondary Level Schools in the Punjab, Pakistan
No full textThe aim of the paper was to identify various English vocabulary teaching techniques employed by teachers in public sector. The data for that purpose was collected through classroom observations. A total of 20 classes in various public sector schools of Rahimyar District of the Punjab Pakistan were observed. The majority of the teachers were found employing various techniques to teach their students vocabulary of English Language. It was found that the teachers employed the techniques like visual aids, separate Word lists and rules related to the formation of words to teach students unfamiliar lexical items of English language. The pupils were further asked to memorize the word lists with their synonyms and L1 equivalents so that they may perform better in their academic exams
Highly soluble and stable ‘insertion domain’ of the capsid penton base protein provides complete protection against infections caused by fowl adenoviruses
No full textIn the current study, we have evaluated the protective efficacy of the ‘insertion domain’ which is commonly found in the capsid penton base protein of many adenoviruses. Using the ‘insertion domain’ of the penton base protein of a representative fowl adenovirus, fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4), we find that the ‘insertion domain’ can readily be expressed in a soluble form in the bacterial system, and can be purified in sufficient quantities through simple chromatographic methods. We demonstrate that the ‘insertion domain’, when employed as a subunit vaccine candidate, provides complete protection against hydropericardium syndrome, caused by FAdV-4, in chickens. The data presented here indicate that the protein, adjuvanted with Montanide™ ISA71 VG, provides complete protection in chickens against a lethal FAdV-4 challenge after administration of two doses (100 μg of the protein per dose) two weeks apart (the first dose at the 7th day of life and a booster dose at the age of 21 days). Furthermore, the purified protein can be stored at low temperatures without any observable loss in the protein integrity up to one year, tested so far. Due to the conserved nature of the ‘insertion domain’ across the penton base protein of fowl adenoviruses, it is suggested that homologous insertion domains could be employed as highly stable and cost-effective subunit vaccine candidates against infections caused by respective fowl adenoviruses
Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey
No full textBackground: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020
Disease burden attributable to intimate partner violence against females and sexual violence against children in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023
No full textBackground
Violence against women and against children are human rights violations with lasting harms to survivors and societies at large. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence against children (SVAC) are two major forms of such abuse. Despite their wide-reaching effects on individual and community health, these risk factors have not been adequately prioritised as key drivers of global health burden. Comprehensive x§and reliable estimates of the comparative health burden of IPV and SVAC are urgently needed to inform investments in prevention and support for survivors at both national and global levels.
Methods
We estimated the prevalence and attributable burden of IPV among females and SVAC among males and females for 204 countries and territories, by age and sex, from 1990 to 2023, as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2023. We searched several global databases for data on self-reported exposure to IPV and SVAC and undertook a systematic review to identify the health outcomes associated with each of these risk factors. We modelled IPV and SVAC prevalence using spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression, applying data adjustments to account for measurement heterogeneity. We employed burden-of-proof methodology to estimate relative risks for outcomes associated with IPV and SVAC. These estimates informed the calculation of population attributable fractions, which were then used to quantify disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to each risk factor.
Findings
Globally, in 2023, we estimated that 608 million (95% uncertainty interval 518–724) females aged 15 years and older had ever been exposed to IPV, and 1·01 billion (0·764–1·48) individuals aged 15 years and older had experienced sexual violence during childhood. 18·5 million (8·74–30·0) DALYs were attributed to IPV among females and 32·2 million (16·4–52·5) DALYs were attributed to SVAC among males and females in 2023. IPV and SVAC were among the top contributors to the global disease burden in 2023, particularly among females aged 15–49 years, ranking as the fourth and fifth leading risk factors, respectively, for DALYs in this group. Among the eight health outcomes found to be associated with IPV, anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder were the leading causes of IPV-attributed DALYs, accounting for 5·43 million (–1·25 to 14·6) and 3·96 million (1·71 to 6·92) DALYs in 2023, respectively. SVAC was associated with 14 health outcomes, including mental health disorder, substance use disorder, and chronic and infectious disease outcomes. Self-harm and schizophrenia were the leading causes of SVAC-attributed burden, with SVAC accounting for 6·71 million (2·00 to 12·7) DALYs due to self-harm and 4·15 million (–1·92 to 13·1) DALYs due to schizophrenia in 2023.
Interpretation
IPV and SVAC are substantial contributors to global health burden, and their health consequences span a variety of individual health outcomes. Importantly, mental health disorders account for the greatest share of disease burden among survivors. Investing in prevention of these avoidable risk factors has the potential to avert millions of DALYs and considerable premature mortality each year. Our findings represent strong evidence for global and national leaders to elevate IPV and SVAC among public health priorities. Sustained investments are needed to prevent IPV and SVAC and to implement interventions focused on supporting the complex social and health needs of survivors
Energy evaluation of synthesis gas in a turbocharger system employing CFD tools
No full textRenewable energy sources derived from biomass, such as synthesis gases, represent an opportunity to take advantage of available waste resources and contribute to global energy rationing. This study developed an analysis with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to estimate the energy behavior of synthesis gases through a turbocharger system. The synthesis gas used to drive the turbocharger turbine was extracted from the gasification of biomass from the Colombian Caribbean. The application of models for rigid body motion, as well as models of momentum, turbulence, energy, and conservation transport of species, suggest that the energy potential available by the turbine ranges from 0.4 kW to 5.2 kW of power generation, concerning mass flow rates entering the simulated system. The main findings of the study were temperature profiles, speed profiles, rotational speed variation, torque, and mechanical power generated in the turbocharger. It is emphasized that the synthesis gas studied presents a good behavior to generate energy through a turbine system of a turbocharger device
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a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
No full textFunding: J A Loureiro reports support for the present manuscript from Scientific Employment Stimulus (FCT; CEECINST/00049/2018) as support to their salary and from UIDB/00511/2020 of the LEPABE, funded by national funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) as research support.BACKGROUND: Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. METHODS: The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. FINDINGS: Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4·45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4·01-4·94) deaths and 105 million (95·0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44·4% (41·3-48·4) of all cancer deaths and 42·0% (39·1-45·6) of all DALYs. There were 2·88 million (2·60-3·18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50·6% [47·8-54·1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1·58 million (1·36-1·84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36·3% [32·5-41·3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20·4% (12·6-28·4) and DALYs by 16·8% (8·8-25·0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34·7% [27·9-42·8] and 33·3% [25·8-42·0]). INTERPRETATION: The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.publishersversionpublishe
