BioScientific Review

Clinical Characteristics, Causes, and Treatment Outcomes of Hydrocephalus in Children Under Six: A Retrospective Study from a Single Center in Quetta, Baluchistan

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background. Hydrocephalus is defined by an abnormal build-up of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) within the brain's ventricles. The long-term effects of hydrocephalus can range considerably and are frequently unpredictable. Due to its life-threatening nature, particularly in newborns and toddlers, the treatment of hydrocephalus is of utmost importance. The exact epidemiology of infantile hydrocephalus in Pakistan is unknown. \

Methods. This retrospective cohort study intended to examine the clinical importance of hydrocephalus patients under 6 years. Furthermore, it also addressed the potential gaps in medical knowledge on the local epidemiology, risk factors, and therapeutic methods of this condition at a tertiary care centre of Quetta Baluchistan, Pakistan.

Results. A total of 29 hydrocephalus patients (18 congenital and 11acquired) were included in the study. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed to collect the demographic and clinical information of the patients. After statistical analysis, it was determined that gender and age distribution between the two groups, congenital and acquired hydrocephalus, was similar, showing no significant differences (p=0.196, p=0.867). The most common symptoms were irritability, drowsiness, and a head growing through seizures. Moreover, sun-setting eyes also appeared commonly. Post-natal diagnosis and imaging (CT and MRI) dominated the diagnostic methods of congenital hydrocephalus. Whereas brain MRI accounted for most cases with acquired hydrocephalus. The origin of acquired hydrocephalus was frequently unknown, aqueduct stenosis was the primary cause of congenital hydrocephalus. Medical treatment, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting, and ETV (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy) were similar in all groups. The most frequent side effect for medications and VP shunts was irritation, while the most frequent side effect for ETV operations was sore throat.

Conclusion. This study underlined the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment, and continuous follow-up in hydrocephalus patients. Though the treatment approaches in accordance with clinical practices, the frequency of complications has necessitated continued medical care to achieve the best possible outcomes. Further research into the local epidemiology and more effective therapeutic approaches is very important to enhance care for hydrocephalus patients in the region.

Detection of Seminal Material on Hand-Washed Textile Evidence

Asad Saeed, Nouman Rasool, Muhammad Ethisham Basel — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 03:37:17 +0000

Background. In sexual assault cases, a medical examination of the victim is often not conducted timely. This leaves the only chance to spot the ejaculate of the assailant on the victim’s clothing. Washing the victim’s clothes before the detection of semen in the forensic laboratory is a challenging task. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the persistence of seminal material on seven different types of hand-washed fabrics using five laundry detergents.

Methods. The presence of seminal material on washed fabrics was determined using an alternate light source, acid phosphatase test, p30 test, and sperm head count.

Results. The study demonstrated that presumptive testing was not positive for most washed fabrics. A fairly large number of spermatozoa retained on a few fabrics even after 20 minutes of washing. The cotton yarn fabrics and tight weaving with warf and weft more than 100x100/inch could retain more sperms. The DNA was also isolated from sample and quantified using a Quantifiler Duo DNA quantification kit.

Conclusion. Good quality and quantity of human DNA were obtained from most of the washed fabrics, which could successfully generate the STR profile of the donor. The current study recommended using hand-washed textile items for forensic analysis in sexual assault cases.

Seroepidemiology of Human Cytomegalovirus and Human Herpesvirus 6 in a Cohort of Healthy Blood Donors from Abbottabad, Pakistan

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 04:25:23 +0000

Background. Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) represent significant public health concerns due to their widespread prevalence and potential clinical sequelae. This study aimed to elucidate the sero-epidemiological profile of CMV and HHV-6 among a cohort of ostensibly healthy blood donors in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022 at the Regional Blood Centre in Abbottabad. Initially, 1850 healthy male blood donors were recruited according to WHO criteria, with 1750 meeting eligibility after screening for high-risk behaviors and clinical symptoms. Plasma samples were assayed for anti-CMV IgG, CMV IgM, and HHV-6 IgM using ELISA kits (sensitivity: 99%, specificity: 95%), with optical density measured at 450/620 nm. Donors were stratified into four age groups (<18, 21–30, 31–40, and 41–50 years) and statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-square test (p<0.05) in SPSS (version 25). Of the 1850 initially recruited donors, 1750 met the inclusion criteria (mean age: 28.2 years; range: 19–50 years).

Results. Initial screening revealed low prevalence rates for HBsAg (0.69%), anti-HCV (2.4%), and syphilis (1.14%), with all donors testing negative for malarial parasites and HIV. Blood group distribution was predominantly O (36%) and B (36%), with 96% of donors being Rh-positive. Overall, serological assessment demonstrated a CMV IgG seroprevalence of 90.2%, CMV IgM positivity in 5.7%, and HHV-6 IgM positivity in 8% of donors. Age-stratified analysis indicated: donors aged <18 years exhibited 80% CMV IgG positivity (with no CMV IgM or HHV-6 IgM), those aged 21–30 years 89% CMV IgG, 5.45% CMV IgM, and 9.1% HHV-6 IgM positivity; donors aged 31–40 years showed 94.2% CMV IgG, 7.69% CMV IgM, and 7.6% HHV-6 IgM positivity; while donors aged 41–50 years demonstrated universal CMV IgG positivity without detectable CMV IgM or HHV-6 IgM.

Conclusion. The elevated CMV IgG seroprevalence among Abbottabad blood donors indicates widespread viral exposure, while the lower rates of CMV IgM and HHV-6 IgM suggest infrequent recent or reactivated infections. These findings underscore the need for continued sero-epidemiological surveillance to inform and optimize regional blood safety protocols.

Cardioprotective Effect of Allium sativum on C-Reactive Protein and Cardiac Structure in Rabbits

Irum Naureen, Iza Tahreem, Aisha Saleem , Muhammad Naeem — Fri, 16 May 2025 07:56:30 +0000

Background. Diet and lifestyle comprise major risk factors in the development of various human diseases, including atherosclerosis. C- Reactive protein (CRP) is one of the possible markers of vascular inflammation. High CRP levels can predict the long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases. The current study aimed to evaluate the ameliorating effect of Allium sativum against high-fat diet-induced damage to heart structure and CRP levels.

Methodology. A total of 16 rabbits were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=4 each). Group 1 served as the control group and it was fed with standard diet. Whereas, the remaining 3 groups were experimental groups. Group 2 was fed with high fat diet, Group 3 was fed with high fat diet supplemented with 5% Allium sativum, and Group 4 was fed with high fat diet supplemented with 10% A. sativum. The experiment was conducted for 4 weeks.

Results. Mild myocardial congestion was observed in the heart tissues of rabbits in Group 2 fed with high fat diets. Group 3 and Group 4, fed with 5% and 10% A. sativum respectively and with a high fat diet, showed no myocardial congestion. This indicates the cardio-protective potential of A. sativum. Group 2 showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in CRP levels as compared to control.

Conclusion. The results showed that A. sativum demonstrated a beneficial effect on both heart structure and CRP levels, suggesting its potential as an adjunct therapy for cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Salicylic Acid Foliar Spray on Lead Stress Mitigation in Brassica juncea L.

Muhammad Saifullah, Naveen Dilawar, Attaur Rahman, Muhammad Usman — Fri, 23 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background. Heavy metal (HM) contamination has emerged as a pressing global concern, posing severe risks to all forms of life, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and aquatic ecosystems. The primary sources of HM pollution are various anthropogenic activities, such as industrial emissions, improper waste disposal, deforestation, urbanization, and overpopulation, as well as natural phenomena including volcanic eruptions. Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic HM, adversely affecting plant growth, development, and productivity.

Method. This study evaluates the effect of salicylic acid (SA) foliar spray on Brassica juncea L. under lead stress (10 ppm and 30 ppm concentrations).

Results. Lead stress significantly reduced root length (by 53-59%), chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a by 65-78%, chlorophyll b by 57-76%), and protein content (by 54-65%). However, salicylic acid application improved all parameters, including 24-30% increase in chlorophyll and 40% increase in protein content.

Conclusion. The findings highlight salicylic acid’s protective role in enhancing plant resilience and its potential as a practical approach to manage HM stress in contaminated soils.

Exploring the Potential Anti-diabetic Properties of Rhapis excelsa through Computational Approaches

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background. Phytotherapy has been practiced against many acute and chronic diseases by different ethnic groups around the globe. Among these medicinal plants, the species of Arecaceae family stands out due to their vast economic importance. Most of the family members contain rich phytochemicals and secondary metabolites, being part of this family, Rhapis excelsa contains flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and many other bioactive metabolites which are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties, potentially offering therapeutic benefits against Diabetes mellitus which is a complex metabolic disorder that has become a major global health concern. The aim was to identify and select the potential bioactive compounds from Rhapis excelsa by using computational approaches for the treatment and management of DM.

Methods. C-reactive protein (CRP) was selected as the target protein. Three different ligands from Rhapis excelsa underwent both physicochemical and toxicity assessments using SwissADME and ProTox-II. Computational approaches, such as molecular docking and virtual screening were used to evaluate binding affinity.

Results. The leading compound identified was apigenin which was then compared to the standard anti-diabetic drug, Glibenclamide. The results indicated that apigenin and Glibenclamide have similar functions when selected as ligands against the target protein. Literature evidence also supports the anti-diabetic effects of apigenin.

Conclusion. The current study identified potential phytochemical compounds from Rhapis excelsa using computational approaches for their application in diabetes drug development. Computational analyses including molecular docking and virtual screening revealed some bioactive compounds within Rhapis excelsa.

Phenotypic Characterization of Multidrug Resistant Klebsiella Spp. Isolated from Pediatric Patients

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:54:39 +0000

infections are difficult to eradicate due to the presence of β-lactamases. The current study aimed to identify multidrug resistant isolates in children due to their high prevalence in Lahore, Pakistan.

Methodology. In this study, 150 samples of blood, urine, pus, ascitic fluid, pleural fluid, Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and CSF were collected from patients admitted in the University of Child Health Sciences, The Children’s Hospital, Lahore from November 2021 to April 2022. Then, different microbiological techniques including culturing, Gram staining, identification of different species by using API, antibiotic susceptibility testing as well as molecular techniques including PCR, were used to identify MDR Klebsiella spp. positive samples.

Results. Out of the 150 samples, 58 were found positive for Klebsiella spp. while 92 were negative for Klebsiella spp. Among these 58 strains, 48 came from urine samples, 8 from pus samples, and 2 from blood samples. Furthermore, 34 were collected from male and 24 from female patients. The age group of the sampled children was 6 to 10 years. Afterwards, these 58 isolates were screened for extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), metallo β-lactamase (MBL) and AmpC. It was found that out of these 58 isolates, 12 were ESBL positive (20.68%), 11 were MBL positive (18.9%) and 20 were AmpC positive (34.48%). Among β-lactamase genes, NDM -1 (72.7 %), SHV (41.6%), TEM (8.3%) and CTX-M (25%) were detected.

Conclusion. The study concluded that the rate of MDR Klebsiella infection is high in children and it may be complicated for the clinicians to treat them.

Development of Microbial Biofilms and Their Role in device, non-device and organ system level Infections

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 04:34:43 +0000

Background. Microorganisms, while providing many health benefits to human beings and other living organisms, are also responsible for significant infections. They cause infections in both planktonic and biofilm modes. Biofilms, defined as architectural communities of microorganisms encased in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), are strongly associated with infections. According to the National Institute of Health Sciences (NIH), biofilms account for 65% of microbial infections and 80% of chronic infections.

Methods. This review examines the current literature on microbial biofilms, focusing on their formation stages, pathogenicity, resistance mechanisms, and associated infections. Data from various studies is analyzed to summarize biofilm development and its role in chronic infections.

Results. Biofilm development involves four stages: attachment, microcolony formation, maturation, and dispersion. Quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms play a critical role in biofilm development and microbial communication. Biofilms enhance microbial pathogenicity and resistance to both the immune system and commercial antibiotics. They contribute to device-associated infections, such as those in catheters, and also to non-device infections in living tissues, as well as organ-level infections that impair systemic functions.

Conclusion. A comprehensive understanding of microbial biofilms is essential for developing strategies to manage and control biofilm-associated infections. This review highlights the need for further research on the mechanisms of biofilm formation and resistance to improve infection prevention and treatment.

Keywords: biofilm development, biofilm infections, chronic infections, device infections, microbial biofilms, non-device infections

Ecosystem Architects: The Vital Role of Plants in Nature's Balance

Rabia Shahdin, Ayesha Siddiqa — Wed, 14 May 2025 03:13:56 +0000

Background. Plants as primary producers transform solar energy into biochemical energy, and are the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems. In advance, plants hold the ability to interact with soil, other biotic factors, and their communities to drive nutrient cycles and preserve the ecosystem homeostasis.

Methodology. This review aimed to compile the available studies on plant ecosystem interaction while observing the links with other species, photosynthesis, plant soil dynamics, and biogeochemical cycling. Various human impacts, such as deforestation and climate change were evaluated to determine how they affect the balance of ecosystem.

Results. Primary production and nutrient cycling particularly nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon cycles contribute to the stability of ecosystems. The plant animal interaction fosters biodiversity and the plant soil and microorganisms are collectively involved in improving fertility. However, these processes are distributed by human activity which results in instability in ecosystem.

Conclusion. To support nutrition and energy flows, plants are essential to preserve the integrity of ecosystems. Considering the growing environmental problems, this assessment shows the interconnectedness of plant systems and the need for protection and sustainable utilization.

Territorial Defense: Aggressive Behavior in Beetles

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 03:38:09 +0000

Territoriality, referring to the defense of a designated area, is one of the common animal behaviors observed in many insect species. In insects, territorial behavior contributes to survival and reproductive success by ensuring resource availability. Beetles (Coleoptera: Hexapoda) comprise one of the largest insect groups, with approximately 0.4 million estimated species. This study critically reviews the published literature collected from journals, books, magazines, and other resources to explore the use of aggressive behavior shown by the dung beetles, blister beetles, burying beetles, bombardier beetles, and bark beetles in territorial defense. In many Coleopterans, aggression has been observed as a behavioral tool of paramount importance in territorial defense (marking and protecting areas), leading ultimately to their continuity and reproductive success. To protect their territory, beetles show aggression using various chemicals, such as cantharidin (blister beetles), pygidial secretions (dung beetles), aggression pheromones like turpentine (bark beetles), and other noxious substances (bombardier beetles), along with the use of elytra (burying beetles). These chemicals play an important part in the success of aggressive behavior in beetles by repelling potential competitors or predators. Beetles in various families also use other behavioral tools, such as dung rolling and storage (as nesting behavior) used by dung beetles. Visual and acoustic signals also contribute significantly to territorial defense. Territorial ownership influences the intensity of aggression among beetles which helps them to deter rivals, sustain their territory, and access crucial resources including food, mate, and shelter without risk.