Gut Microbiota Hypolipidemic Modulating Role in Diabetic Rats Fed with Fermented Parkia biglobosa (Fabaceae) Seeds

Background: Modulation and balancing of host gut microbiota by probiotics has been documented by several literature. Prebiotic diets such as locust beans have been known to encourage the occurrence of these beneficial microorganisms in the host gut. Objectives: To study the modulating role of gut microbiota in the hypolipidemic effect of fermented locust beans on diabetic Albino Wister rats as animal models. Methodology: Albino rats (Wistar strain), averagely weighing 125g were successfully induced with alloxan. Thereafter this induction, anti-diabetic treatment was carried out on various groups of rats by feeding them ad-libitum with a diet of milled fermented and unfermented Parkia biglobosa seeds, respectively. Results: After three weeks of treatment, it was observed that fermented locust beans caused a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in glucose, total triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL, while the HDL levels were significantly elevated (p ≤ 0.05). Results of faecal analysis showed that the fermented locust beans modulated the gut microbiota through the occurrence of probiotic bacteria, Bacillus subtilis in the gut and faeces of the rats. Conclusion: This study support that fermented locust beans is a prebiotic diet that encourages the growth of Bacillus subtilis in the gut of animals and is associated with hypolipidemic activities which alleviate diabetes as portrayed in these rat models.

Haemophilia: Its Types and Prevalence in Pakistan

Background: Haemophilia; classified by the inefficacy of blood to clot appropriately, is a genetic bleeding disorder. As a developing country, Pakistan has limited health resources and very little awareness of hemophilia among its people. Objectives: This research study is designed to identify the prevalence of the disease and to report the types of haemophilia common in Pakistan in order to propose suitable treatments for the prevention and cure of the disease. Methodology: A survey questionnaire was designed and executed by the group members. Data was collected from registered Haemophilia Centers in Pakistan. Number of reported cases based on types of haemophilia, age groups, and gender were identified separately. Results: It was evaluated that Pakistan continues to have a growing number of hemophilia cases at an alarming rate. The research study also showed how there is a lack of affordable and proper health care in the country, due to which several cases go unreported and untreated. Conclusion: For the containment of this bleeding disorder, time for taking proper action is passing. Proper health care systems should be set up which are accessible to the majority of the population. Awareness programs should be designed and people should be encouraged for regular laboratory tests to prevent late diagnosis.

Review Effect of Caffeine Overdose

Background: Caffeine is from methyl xanthine class which mainly stimulates the central nervous system. Caffeine is one of the most widely used psychoactive drugs in the world. It is commonly found in beverages, chocolates, cocoa containing products and in medications. Caffeine is recognized as legal and its consumption is unregulated all over of the world. Objectives: The objective of this study is to summarize the impact of caffeine on behavioral and health alterations, in both controlled and overdose conditions. Moreover, the specifics of caffeine withdrawal and a number of guidelines on how to handle reducing or quitting caffeine intake altogether is also highlighted. Methodology: To compose this review, more than seventy research and review articles were overviewed that were published over a period of last twenty years, using Google Scholar search engines. Results: Caffeine regular use causes physical dependence which may become the caffeine withdrawal sign that can consequently harm normal working. The most important function of caffeine is that it can reversibly blocks the adenosine performance on its receptor and as a result which prevent the beginning of drowsiness encouraged by adenosine. Caffeine also stimulates certain portions of the autonomic nervous system symptom including fatigue, drowsiness, depressed mood, headache, difficulty concentrating, decreased energy, decreased contentedness, decreased alertness, irritability and unclear headed. Conclusion: It is concluded that utilization of caffeine in a prescribed dose can have good impact on health and may decrease addictive symptoms. Additionally, reducing caffeine dosage over a six week period guides to successful, long-term caffeine cessation with very few side effects.

Alkalophilic Protease Producing Bacteria and Some Biotechnological Potentials

Background: Extremophiles are a hot topic in the field of biotechnology for their immense potential and applications in multiple industries. Objectives: The present review aims to sum up the potential applications of alkalophilic protease-producing bacteria and their optimized growth requirement. The isolation, characterization, and optimization of various isolates (especially of genus Bacillus) from different harsh niches, including soil samples from deserts and soil having decaying matters, wastewaters from industries, soda lakes, and alkaline springs have been reported in this review. Methodology: All the relevant papers published from 2013-2020 were looked over numerous sources like Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Research Gate, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science. Results: Most of the microbial life found in extreme alkaline habitats are found to form a variety of enzymes and an array of other substances of biotechnological interests. These enzymes, especially proteases, are exploited in industries globally because of their ability to withstand rigorous industrial reactions and conditions. Conclusion: Though a number of alkalophilic protease-producing bacteria have been isolated, still a large number of these micro-organisms are unidentified. The current demand for biotechnological products from them appeals to the need for isolation of unidentified bacteria.

Opuntia ficus-indica As Nutritious Food Ingredient; Prevalence for Therapeutic Specialty

Background: It is predicted that the world’s population, specifically in arid and semi-arid regions, usually with complications such as water scarcity, climate change, soil erosion, and wind erosion, is facing food insecurity issue. Moreover, the outbreak of several diseases is further a burden on the people living in such areas. The growth of improved crop varieties which is compatible with agro-climatic conditions of the site such as Opuntia ficus-indica is the ray of hope. Multipurpose native crops like Opuntia ficus-indica is cultivated owing to it is drought tolerant ability and growth in different ranges of the environment. Furthermore, it has natural components that can not only be served as food but also the therapeutic ability for numerous diseases. Objectives: The purpose of this review is concerning global issues such as food insecurity, malnutrition and their solution through natural products i.e. nutraceuticals. The target is to find one of the numerous approaches that can be adapted to focus on dealing with such problems. Methodology: Opuntia ficus-indica has various nutraceutical uses that had been utilized in past but can further be accommodated for commercial utilization and public benefit. In this review, the therapeutic aspects of Opuntia ficus-indica have been elaborated with the utilization of its components to fight different diseases. Different studies from various scientists published in the form of research/review articles have been overviewed proving its physico-chemical elements to be beneficial in this aspect. Results: Opuntia ficus-indica is not only a source of food but also has exponential components that serve as nutraceuticals including phytochemicals such as phenolics, vitamin C, flavonoids, betalains, and carotenoids. These components impart diverse beneficial effects on health and act as anti-ulcerogenic, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-atherogenic, and immunomodulator. Conclusion: Opuntia ficus-indica is a miracle of nature that has been bestowed upon us to reduce the risk of many calamities. It can not only be served as food but also imparts beneficial effects on health that not only reduces the chances of getting sick but also helps in alleviating the drastic effects of disease exposure.

The Response of Pakistan to COVID-19 and Current Situation of Disease in the Country

Background: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) out break was reported for the first time in China and then quickly spread to other countries. In Pakistan, the first case appeared in Sindh province on February 26, 2020, and within a few weeks, more than 100 cases were reported across the country. Currently, all provinces and territories of the country are affected and cases are growing faster every day. Pakistan is among those countries that have problems with health and diagnostic facilities due to poor economic conditions. Objectives: The present study aims to highlight the emergence, spread and control of the disease in Pakistan. Furthermore, it also highlights the response of Pakistan in the management of COVID-19 outbreak, and the country’s contribution in the field of science and technology for the betterment of diagnostic and treatment capabilities against the disease. Methodology: Collection of data was done through national and international forums like Covid-WHO report and COVID-19 Health advisory platform by Ministry of National Health Services Regulation. Results: The important mean for prevention is the proper use of Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs). Quarantine and isolation centers help in limiting the spread of this deadly disease. Conclusion: It is concluded that no vaccine is available for the treatment of this emerging disease so far. The only prevention is to properly and strictly follow the SOPs guidelines.

A Insight into (β) Cell Development to Rebuild Bonafide β-Cells: Reprogramming Verses Differentiation of Stem Cells

Background: Pancreatic β-cells for insulin secretion are the main regulators of mammalian metabolic process. Diabetes and hyperglycemia make the patient dependable on exogenous insulin, which is due to the lack of functional β-cells. Oxidative stress also play an important role in the aggravation of this pathological condition. Recent insights into the development of β-cells along with the pluripotent stem cells discovery have opened new ways to generate β-cells that can help in the screening of various drugs and also in the transplantation therapy since, these pluripotent Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) can develop in any type of cell, due to which any defective tissue can be substituted. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate current strategies which can help to control diabetes mellitus. Methodology: Methodological approach of this review was based on the comparison of theoretical studies and researches related to diabetes mellitus. Results: In vitro or in vivo replication might be repeated based on proteins or through small molecules. Efforts have been made through which differentiated cells can be converted into β-cells by transcriptional regulators that are the significant players for the development, as well as responsible to identify conditions that cause replication of β-cell both in vitro and in vivo. The recent strategies can be applied for new β-cells generation and also highlights the future aspects regarding the mechanisms that govern later differentiation stages. Conclusion: This review provides an update on generating β-cells from different strategies and also brief about the development and function of β-cells that how they could help to control diabetes.

Responses of Fig Cuttings (Ficus Carica) to Different Sowing Dates and Potting Media under Agro-Climatic Conditions of Haripur

Background: Fig belongs to tropical and subtropical climates, and Haripur district being a subtropical area have great potential for successful commercial cultivation of figs. The most common method of fig propagation is by hardwood cutting, which is an easy and economical way of propagation. But lack of knowledge regarding suitable date of cutting collection and sowing and selection of appropriate potting medium severely limits the production of fig on a commercial scale. Objectives: Current study was undertaken in order to identify suitable collecting dates of fig cuttings and to develop a suitable potting media for the successful establishment of fig cutting. Methodology: The study was comprised of four different potting media i.e. Soil, Farmyard or Manure (FYM), Compost, Soil+FYM+Compost (1:1:1) and cuttings of fig cultivar Sawari were collected and sown on two different dates i.e. 1st January and 15th January in polyethene bags of uniform size. The experiment was laid in Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Results: Results revealed that maximum Length of the root (9.8 cm), Shoot thickness (1.4 cm) and Number of leaves (4.1) were noted in FYM, whereas maximum days to Sprouting (18.5) and Survival percentage (82.3%) were noted in Soil+FYM+Compost (1:1:1). Whereas fig cutting sown on 15th January showed maximum Days to sprouting (18.8), Length of the root (9.4 cm), Survival percentage (87.1%), Shoot thickness (1.8cm) and Number of leaves (4.6). Conclusion: It can be concluded that FYM and 15th January showed highest values of studied parameters.

Frequency of Anemia Among the Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Attending Outpatient Clinic of Mirpurkhas, Sindh

Background: Anemia is the most common blood disorder in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The hematological profile of diabetic patients is often missed clinically until to start the manifestation of clinical features of anemia. Anemia increases the hindrances and financial burden on the patient by frequent hospitalization. It increases the risk of microvascular complications, heart diseases, morbidity and death in diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize and treat anemia for the sake of patient care. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of anemia in Type 2 Diabetic patients attending diabetic outpatients clinics of Mirpurkhas, Sindh. Methodology: A case-control study has been done to compare the hemoglobin level of Type 2 diabetics and non-diabetics. The data was collected over a period of three months from the patients who were visiting the diabetes clinic for their regular checkup. Data for controls were collected from the patient’s attendants. Diabetics and non-diabetics were under observations throughout the period. There were 206 subjects’ including 106 diabetics (52 females and 54 males) and 100 non-diabetics (50 females and 50 males). Research concerns included the duration of the disease, family history & presence of hypertension. Methods such as cyan methemoglobin were used to estimate hemoglobin & random blood glucose by glucose oxidase as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and then read through Micro-lab 300 chemistry analyzer. Results: The frequency of occurrence of anemia in diabetics was 33.3% in males and 48.1% in females. Whereas in controls, 16.0% males and 32.0% females were anemic. The family history of diabetes and hypertension was also found higher among diabetic individuals as compare to healthy counterparts. Conclusion: The study has shown that anemia is twice as common in diabetics as compared with non-diabetics. Early diagnosis of anemia in a diabetic patient, and to treat so, will improve the quality of life and delay the complications to be developed in these patients.

Helminth Associated Infections Among Residents of Karachi

Background: Parasitic Helminth parasite affects approximately 2 million individuals yearly throughout the world. These infections are extremely important while often receive inadequate consideration. Helminths are among the gastrointestinal parasites mainly involved in an increased ratio of inflammatory bowel disease, especially in underdeveloped and developed countries. Objectives: To study the prevalence of helminth eggs in stool samples collected from five hospitals of Gulistan-e-Johar area of Karachi, Sindh among different age groups of male and female patients, the targeted age groups were < 1-14, 15-40 and > 40 yrs. Methodology: All the samples included in the study, were collected according to ethical review board policy of the participating hospital. Stool Samples were obtained from a total of 1042 patients, of which 198 samples were found to be positive for helminth eggs. The helminths included were Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenales and Hymenolepis nana. The association between helminth infection (A. lumbricoides, A. duodenale and H. nana) and age group was found to be significant. Results: Data was structured into male and female, and the association between sex and the intensity of infection gave highly significant results based on the chi-square test. Males showed a noticeable prevalence of helminths than females. Single, double and triple infections were also recorded. Conclusion: Present study could be very beneficial for developing programs not only for awareness in the urban and rural population but also for the control of infections due to helminths in Pakistan.