BioScientific Review

Bioactivity of Medicinal Plants Piper nigurm and Tamarindus indica against Heterotermes indicola (Wasmann)

Rafia Tabassum, Ayesha Aihetasham — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background. Termites, notorious for causing significant damage to crops, plantation forests, and buildings, pose a serious threat as pests. Conventional control methods rely on the use of insecticides, which have been reported to be hazardous to various other forms of life as well. In contrast, lower termites host protozoa in their gut, facilitating cellulose digestion through the release of cellulase enzymes.

Method. This study explored the efficacy of ethanolic leaf extracts from two medicinal plants namely Piper nigrum and Tamarindus indica against Heterotermes indicola (Wasmann). GC-MS analysis of the plant extracts revealed their distinct chemical compositions.

Results. The T. indica extract comprised compounds such as Benzene, 1,1’(1-methylethylidene) Bis [4-methoxy, 3-0-Methyl-d-glucose, Benzoic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxy-, methyl ester, 9,12,15, octadecatyrien-1-ol, (Z, Z, Z), 1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-hydroxymethyl3,3-dimethyl-4-(3-methylbut-2-enyl), Di-n-decylsulfone, and 2R-Acetoxymethyl-1,3,5-trimethyl4c-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-1ccyclohexanol. On the other hand, P. nigrum extract contained Octacosanol, Urs-12-en-24-oic acid, 3-oxo-, methyl ester, (+)-, B-Amyrin, Behenic alcohol, and Humulane-1,6-dien-3-ol. Both plant extracts exhibited repellent properties against H. indicola.

Conclusion. The LC₅₀ values for T. indica and P. nigrum were found to be 14.83% and 12.20%, respectively. While, the LC₉₀values for T. indica and P. nigrum were -4.26% and -1.19%, respectively.

Microbiological Evaluation of Blepharitis: A Case-Controlled Study

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background. Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory eyelid infection. The current study was designed to check the association of normal bacterial flora of normal eyelids with the potential pathogenic bacteria of blepharitis infected eyelids of blepharitis patients.

Methodology. A total of (n=50) blepharitis patients were recruited for this study. Then, 100 swab samples were taken from these patients. Sample distribution indicated that 50 swab samples were taken from infected eyelids and 50 from the uninfected part of eyelids of blepharitis patient. Bacterial flora was characterized in these samples through different biochemical tests and antibiotic resistance was checked by using the Kirby Bauer (KB) method.

Results. A total of 52 bacterial strains were isolated from 50 infected swab samples of 50 blepharitis patients including Staphylococcus aureus 31/52 (60%), Staphylococcus epidermidis 7/52 (13%), Klebsiella spp. 6/52 (11%), E. coli 2/52 (4%), Acinetobacter spp. 2/52 (4%), Enterobacter spp. 1/52 (2%), Serratia marcescens 1/52 (2%), Shigella spp. 1/52 (2%) and Bacillus cereus 1/52 (2%). Further, 48 bacterial strains were isolated from uninfected swab samples of 50 blepharitis patients including Staphylococcus epidermidis 24/48 (50%), Staphylococcus aureus 22/48 (42%), Klebsiella spp. 1/48 (2%), Enterobacter spp. 1/48 (2%), Serratia spp. 1/48 (2%), and Acinetobacter spp. 1/48 (2%). All Gram-positive bacteria isolated from both infected and uninfected eyelids were found to be sensitive to vancomycin antibiotics. The percentage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 21% among the bacterial isolates obtained from infected eyelids. While, its percentage was 18.7% in the bacterial isolates obtained from the uninfected eyelids of the patients. Hence, the percentage of MRSA was higher in the infected eyelids of blepharitis patients as compared to their uninfected eyelids.

Conclusion. The identification of pathogens involved in blepharitis and performing their antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) are important steps in reducing bacterial resistance for blepharitis treatment.

Supplemental Effects of Sodium Gluconate (SG) on Growth Promotion, Organ Development, and Selected Serum Blood Metabolites in Broiler Chickens

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 11:00:26 +0000

Background. The poultry sector is crucial in addressing nutritional deficiencies since it provides essential nutrients and proteins. To achieve optimal chicken production, it is important to understand how the gut microbiota functions, as it affects immunity, digestion, and pathogen control. This study examines the effects of Sodium Gluconate (SG) as a growth promoter and investigates its impact on growth promotion, organ development, and selected serum blood metabolites.

Methodology. A total of one hundred (100) one-day-old broiler chicks were used in this investigation. The chicks were procured from a hatchery and housed at an experimental farm at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Department of Physiology, Lahore, Pakistan. The chicks were divided into four (04) groups of twenty-five (25) birds each. Then, each group was split up into four (04) duplicates. Four SG treatments (control, SG3.5%, SG4.5%, and SG5.5%) were made, combined with ration, and fed to the birds.

Results. In the first week, feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed substantial impacts, with the SG 3.5% group showing a significantly greater FCR than the control. Similarly, in week 5, the SG 5.5% group showed a considerable higher FCR compared to the control and SG 4.5% groups. The addition of SG did not change the weights of the viscera or the length of the small intestine. When the SG 5.5% supplemented birds were compared to SG 3.5% supplemented birds, the only item that showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) was the caecum length. Except for uric acid and cholesterol, all of the chosen blood metabolites remained unaffected by the dietary SG addition. In contrast to the control and SG 3.5% groups, the cholesterol concentration was lower in the SG 4.5% and SG 5.5% groups. Additionally, the SG 3.5% group had higher uric acid (p < 0.05) than the SG 4.5% and SG 5.5% groups.

Conclusion. The results support sustainable poultry production methods by offering insightful observations about the effectiveness of SG as a growth enhancer and its effects on broiler health indices.

Bacterial Assisted Phytoremediation of Selenite in Mung Bean Plants

Ifra Sohail, Rabia Shahdin, Ayesha Siddiqa — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:43:34 +0000

Background. Heavy metals causing environmental pollution have become a severe global threat. Moreover, their accumulation in soil poses significant risks to human health. Bioremediation is widely accepted as a cost-effective, non-destructive, and natural process for soil remediation. Additionally, phytoremediation, which involves using plants to remediate polluted soil and reduce toxic effects in the environment, is an efficient, environmentally friendly, and low-cost method currently in practice. The current study attempted to analyze the selenite reduction potential of bacteria by the efficient plant microbe interaction. Moreover, it also determined the effects of bio-transformed selenium on plant yield and growth.

Method. The current study compared the protein content, plant chlorophyll content, plant dry weight and fresh weight, and yield parameters (such as the number of pods and the weight of grains per pod) in Vigna radiata plants treated with selenium and inoculated with selenium-resistant bacterial strains, to plants inoculated with bacterial strains without selenium treatment.

Results. The study reported significant enhancements in Vigna radiata treated with selenium as compared to controls. For instance, protein content increased by 50%, pigment production by 43%, fresh weight by 61%, dry weight by 95%, number of pods by 72%, and grain weight by 90%. Selenium-resistant strains C3, F6, G7, H8, I9, N14, Q17, and R18 notably increased plant yield.

Conclusion. These findings support the benefits of bio-transformed selenium in improving both yield and growth parameters. The current study suggested that phytoremediation using selenium-resistant bacteria can be scaled up to remediate contaminated land and boost crop yield. The bacterial strains also demonstrated 80-90% cross metal reduction potential.

Mesowear and Paleodiet Analysis of Middle Miocene Artiodactyls from Kanhatti, Punjab, Pakistan

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:42:12 +0000

Background. Mesowear is a broadly used tooth wear method that is indicative of herbivore diet. This study evaluates the paleodiet of Middle Miocene artiodactyls from the subtropical Siwaliks of South Asia.

Methodology. New specimens of artiodactyls were recovered from the Kanhatti outcrops, Khushab, Pakistan. These specimens were tested by recording the sharpness and height of tooth cusps, both with unaided eye and lens.

Results. The results depicted that suids and tragulids were browsers, bovids were mixed feeders which spent some time in browsing, and anthracotheriids were mixed feeders, pre-dominantly grazers.

Conclusion. The findings support the presence of a mixed palaeoenvironment from moist, humid, and closed forests to grassland during the Middle Miocene period in Kanhatti, Punjab, Pakistan.

Effects of Dietary Levels of Vitamin E on Broiler Breeder Performance

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:33:06 +0000

Background. Broiler breeders can directly affect the production of broiler stock, so their performance is critical. Dietary supplements also play a crucial role in improving their performance. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin E supplements on broiler breeder performance, including egg production, hatching egg fertility, hatchability, and antibody titer against Newcastle disease and avian influenza.

Method. A total of 1500 breeder hens were divided into five groups A, B, C, D, and E. Each group had five (05) replicates. The control group A received no treatment. Group B received 30 mg/kg of vitamin E through feed mixing, Group C received 45 mg/kg; Group D received 60 mg/kg, and Group E received 70 mg/kg of vitamin E through feed mixing. Treatments included two doses of vitamin E (30 and 70 mg/kg) and Zinc-L-selenomethionine and sodium selenite, the two sources of selenium.

Results. The current study showed that egg production was not affected by dietary vitamin E levels or sources of vitamin E (p > 0.05). Compared to breeders fed 30mg at 29 weeks, the fertility and hatchability of eggs from breeders fed 70 mg/kg of vitamin E diet was also higher.

Conclusion. The outcome of the current trial demonstrates that dietary supplements consisting of vitamin E (70mg/kg feed) and Zinc-L-selenomethionine may improve egg quality and incubation response.

Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated from Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital: Implications for Clinical Management and Public Health

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 07:59:24 +0000

Background. Diarrheal diseases, exacerbated by limited access to clean water, remain a significant global health concern. Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), are their prevalent causative agents. The emergence of antibiotic resistance poses a grave public health threat, with extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases contributing significantly. This study aimed to identify the antibiogram patterns and virulence genes in E. coli isolates obtained from patients in a tertiary care hospital.

Method. A cross-sectional study involving 395 clinical samples from tertiary care hospital of Lahore was conducted over a period of six months. The isolation and characterization of bacterial strains were performed using culture-based, biochemical, and morphological assessments. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer (KB) disk diffusion method. DNA extraction and molecular identification of virulence genes were conducted through PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel and SPSS.

Results. Of the 395 samples, E. coli was found to be the most prevalent (47.6%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (43.3%). AST revealed high resistance to cefuroxime (85%) and ciprofloxacin (80%). Molecular analysis identified virulence genes with traT being the most prevalent (37.2%), followed by fimH and aer (28.7%). Notably, sfa, papA, hly, and cnf genes were undetected.

Conclusion. The results showed the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in E. coli isolates in patients from a tertiary care hospital. The high resistance rates necessitate vigilant antimicrobial stewardship. The presence of specific virulence genes emphasizes the potential pathogenicity of these isolates, underscoring the importance of effective infection control measures.

Antioxidant Activity of Rosemary Oil and Olive Oil and its Impact on the Shelf Life of Fish Fillets

Zunaira Khan, Roheela Yasmeen, Huma Shafique, Sana Shahbaz — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 03:28:14 +0000

Background. Microbial spoilage is causing losses to food production at a large scale. This research aims to use oil-based natural preservatives with excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It provides updated information regarding the protein, fats, ash, and moisture contents of fish fillets after preservation with rosemary and olive oils, with glycerin and gelatin powder-based nanoemulsions.

Method. To check the effect of oil-based preservation, proximate analysis and antioxidant activity tests were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA.

Result. The experimental groups showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in different parameters as compared to the control group.

Conclusion. The study found that rosemary and olive oil-based nanoemulsions significantly improved the nutritive value of fish fillets and extended their shelf life due to their strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates in A Tertiary Care Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 03:18:22 +0000

Background. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that takes advantage of the host’s weakened system and causes many life-threatening, persistent infections including cystic fibrosis and other lung infections that account for high mortality rates. The presence of several resistant genes (multiple MDR efflux pumps, beta-lactamases) in the genome of P. aeruginosa makes it resistant to many available antibiotics, thus making the currently used treatment options ineffective.

Method. The current study was cross-sectional and focused on examining patients with reported Pseudomonas infections and the analysis of their antibiotic susceptibility profile. Convenient random sampling technique was used.

Results. A total of 101 male and 74 female patients were analyzed and admitted at Rehman Medical Institute. Among them, patients in the age group 41-60 years were the most affected. Antibiotic sensitivity testing reported colistin sulphate as a highly sensitive drug since all the isolates were sensitive to it, followed by imipenem and amikacin.

Conclusion. It was concluded that the most effective antibiotics reported against pseudomonal infections were colistin sulphate and imipenem, whereas aminoglycosides yielded variable outcomes.

Small Cell Neuroendocrine Cervical Carcinoma: A Review

Saba Saeed, Muhammad Amir Iqbal, Momil Liaquat, Shakeela Parveen, Eiman Sehar — Sat, 13 Jul 2024 10:32:33 +0000

Small cell neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma (SCNCC) are neuroendocrine tumors neoplasms (NEN), an intrusive and rare disease originating from neuroendocrine cells that is basically linked with poor treatment or prognosis. Postoperative adjuvant peripheral radiotherapy has been described as a routine treatment. In spite of violent and unusual remedies, high mortality rate was observed in patients with earlier stage of neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma (NECC). The understanding was studied during the early stage of this malignancy, considered the desired work for the identification of predictive issues and optimum multi-modality treatment was concluded. By illustrating cytological elements along with reassessing the consequences of cytological smudges of cervix towards disease manifestations, the investigative specificity might be increased along with patient outcomes. Thus, a unique and novel methodology needs to be introduced to comprehend and cure this malignancy.