Use of microbial consortium along with biosurfactants in oil sludge treatment

Due to the excessive use of various oils, a large amount of oil sludge or waste water is produced annually which is causing various environmental and health issues. Bioremediation through the use of microbial consortium is an effective method. The use of consortium instead of single specie of bacteria has shown 89-94% improved results. However the microbes are still not able to work effectively due to bioavailability issues. This is mainly because of the low solubility of hydrophobic contaminants and microbes. This problem is overcome by use of biosurfactants which enhance the solubility and emulsification of hydrophobic substrates and microbes. These biosurfactants are produced by various organisms (mainly microbes) which are later isolated and used. Certain new and efficient insitu techniques are used for the application of microbial consortium which includes suspended growth, attached growth and hybrid growth. Waste water treated this way can be reused in the refinery procedures or can be dumped safely.

Computational Screening of Phytochemicals against Munc13-1, a Promising target to treat Alcoholism

In silico analysis and characterization has revolutionized target and drug discovery significantly. Alcohol abuse is a big threat to society, economy and wellbeing of people. It has increased the overall disease and injury burden, globally. Recently, a study revealed a brain protein, Munc13-1 C1 domain to play a significant role in development of alcohol tolerance, by binding to alcohol molecules, eventually leading to Alcohol Use Disorder. The aim of this study was to discover a phytochemical that would attach to our target protein, Munc13-1 C1 domain so that it cannot bind with the alcohol molecules. Munc13-1 3D structure obtained from PDB was docked against a library of compounds by MOE software. Ten phytochemicals based on their binding affinity with the target protein were shortlisted i.e. Tannic Acid, Anemone blue anthocyanin 1, Oolonghomobisflavan B, Diosmin, Oolonghomobisflavan A, Neodiosmin, Blepharocalyxin B, 8-Hydroxyhesperetin, Eupatorin and Monotesone A. However, only 8-Hydroxyhesperetin, Eupatorin and Monotesone A followed Lipinski rules. They were non-toxic and non-carcinogenic according to SwissADME. Moreover, have a good drug-like model score as analysed by Molsoft. Further, in-vivo and invitro examinations are required to inspect their role in reducing alcohol tolerance.

Analyzing and Identifying the Molecular Targets and Regulators Controlling Cardiac Hypertrophy Progression

Cardiac hypertrophy is the major pathway by which neurohormonal and mechanical stimuli act upon cardiomyocytes which gives the response to these stimuli. It leads to heart failure and ventricular dilation which is the main root of mortality in the western world. Many molecular targets are controlling cardiac hypertrophy development which may influence the growth factors signaling, cytokine release and gene expression. Through clinical trials on different models, recent research shows that cardiac hypertrophy might be inhibited or reversed. These findings have developed a vast drive to recognize specific and novel regulators of cardiac hypertrophy. Many molecular targets and signaling modulators have been studied in this review that induce the hypertrophic response which may involve MAPK pathway, oxidative stress, calcineurin, Cardiac angiogenesis, serum protein concentration, microRNA, and periodontitis. For the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy, the scientific knowledge of these signaling pathways and factors may be translated into potential nutritional and molecular therapies for the betterment of this diseases. The current and previous knowledge of molecular markers can be compiled in this review for the treatment of the molecular pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy.

A Dire Need To Break The Back Of Hepatitis C Virus In KP-Pakistan: A Meta-Analysis

Viral Hepatitis is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and prevails in many developing countries specifically in the Middle East and North African regions. The current study focuses on a comparatively low-income province of Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where medical facilities are scarce and the use of blood and its products, free from viral hepatitis and other pathogens, is poorly ensured. The preliminary phase of the study involved a systematic literature review on the epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in KP during the period 2000-2018 through PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. After statistical coding, an initial meta-analysis was conducted to come up with an integrated estimate of the prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The prevalence rate of 4% by fixed effect model and of 6% by random effect model is extremely alarming, especially in a low-income region, and the Pakistani government should adopt effective and rapid strategies to eliminate Hepatitis C Virus infection by the end of 2030, as more times announced by the World Health Organization.

Anemia and its consequences on human body; A comprehensive overview

Anemia is a pathological condition characterized by a reduction in the mass of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin. Anemia affects one-third of the world's population, with iron deficiency accounting for half of the cases. It's a major global public health problem that has an effect on maternal and child mortality, physical fitness, and referral to health-care providers. Underweight children have a greater prevalence of anemia, which can produce long-term developmental outcomes. Particular risk is presented by children 0-5 years, child-bearing mothers and pregnant women. Efforts to avoid anemia should concentrate on improving current supplementary iron and folate programs and on preventing folate and vitamin B12 anemia deficiency. In this review biological mechanism and condition of anemia development has been discussed. A further study is necessary to examine the function of additional nutrient deficits, the contribution of infectious and chronic illnesses in some populations, and the significance of hereditary hemoglobin disorders.

A Comprehensive View on Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): Genetics, Risk Factors & Preventions

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are one of the foremost causes of deaths across the world. This review aims to evaluate the genetics and risk factors involved in CVDs and to assess the preventive measures which can be taken for diminishing the chances of developing CVDs. The goal of this review is to provide researchers and clinicians dealing with vascular disorders with a compendium of data about the genetic causes, risk factors, and preventive strategies to combat the development of CVDs. We searched online databases including PubMed for peer-reviewed scientific papers, case studies and review articles related to CVDs, emphasizing on the role of genetics and risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, age & gender in the progression of CVDs, and reviewing the role of diet and exercise in the prevention of CVDs. Managing the risk factors involved in CVDs is the most essential step for the inhibition of vascular diseases. Healthy lifestyle interventions consisting of a well-balanced diet and physical activity are very critical for the prevention of CVDs. Trials carried out on model organisms have indicated a direct link between diet and exercise on cardiovascular conditions. Strategies involved in the treatment of vascular diseases should also include low-fat diet plans like consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, yogurts and avoiding high-saturated fat-containing foods with the addition of performing moderate aerobic exercises including cycling, swimming, hiking, and running to eliminate the root of the problem.

Association between Grain Size, Shape and Thousand Kernel Weight in Pakistani Wheat Landraces

Wheat (Triticum aestivum. L) grain size is considered to be one of the main criteria of yield constituents by wheat breeders. In order to detect phenotypic diversity and relationship between thousand kernel weight, a collection of 204 landraces from different parts of Pakistan was planted across two years (2012-2014). High throughput method based on seed imaging was used to measure the kernel size and shape. The correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlation between thousand kernel weight (TKW) with perimeter of vertical (PV), thickness (T), area of vertical (AV), area of horizontal (AH), perimeter of horizontal (PH), width (W) and Length (L). Bioplot showed that accessions with high seed shape parameters have higher TKW. By taking TKW as a dependent variable multiple regression analysis was performed. Regression summary indicated that 31% of the variations in TKW are explained by the independent variables. It was shown that grain thickness, length and width are most important for predicting TKW. Based on image analysis this study provides useful information about the relationship between TKW, kernel size and shape in Pakistani wheat landraces that may help to improve grain weight in a breeding program.

Cross talk of serum elements, cardiac and liver enzymes in patients with HCV chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma in Pakistani population

HCV-associated hepatic pathologies are now the frequent inducer of cardiac abnormalities because of cardio-hepatic interaction. Studies are going on to elucidate and highlight the possible factors involved in this complex interaction, but this paradigm is still unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the interrelationship among electrolytes, cardiac, and liver enzymes in HCV-associated hepatic abnormalities, including chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the Pakistani population. 100 Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients with liver disorders and 50 healthy individuals were recruited in the present analysis. Trace elements, ions, and enzyme concentrations were quantified via an automatic analyzer, while HCV was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results demonstrated that serum Ca++, Mg++, Fe++, Cl-, and PO4- levels were significantly increased in HCV patients with hepatic pathologies, including cirrhosis and carcinoma. Cardiac enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK2), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration, were also elevated in HCV patients. Furthermore, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly differed in HCV patients than in normal individuals. Impaired alkaline transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase levels in HCV patients further validate the HCV patients' hepatic pathologies. Interestingly, all these impaired factors were positively correlated with the progression of hepatic disorders. In conclusion, altered ionic concentrations, cardiac enzymes, and liver dysfunction markers suggest their significant relationship to HCV leading liver pathologies in the Pakistani population.

Comparison of the Frequency of Raised Level of Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody in the Patients of Hypothyroidism and the Euthyroids

The goal of this study was to compare the frequency of raised level of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody in patients of hypothyroidism and the euthyroids. This case-control study was carried out at the department of Pathology, Quaid e Azam Medical College/Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, from October 1, 2018 to Setember 30, 2019 and the subjects were selected by the non-probabilty consecutive sampling technique. The frequency of raised level of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody in patients of hypothyroidism and the euthyroids was compared. In the present study, the mean age of the patients with cases of hypothyroidism was 32 ± 10 years, and the mean age of controls was 32 ± 10 years. Raised anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies were found in 20 (28.99%) cases and 5 (7.25%) controls. After applying a Chi-squared test, a statistically significant (P = .00) difference in the level of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies between the cases and controls was detected. The presence of raised anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies was also significantly associated with age and female gender. In conclusion the early screening of the anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies specially in women above 30-years would notably affect the outcome of the disease with congruent disease management.he euthyroids was compared. In the present study, the mean age of the patients with cases of hypothyroidism was 32 ± 10 years, and the mean age of controls was 32 ± 10 years. Raised anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies were found in 20 (28.99%) cases and 5 (7.25%) controls. After applying a Chi-squared test, a statistically significant (P = .00) difference in the level of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies between the cases and controls was detected. The presence of raised anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies was also significantly associated with age and female gender. In conclusion the early screening of the anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies specially in women above 30-years would notably affect the outcome of the disease with congruent disease management.

Correlation of Serum Uric Acid Level with Blood Pressure in Middle-aged Population: A Cross-Sectional Study from Public Sector Hospital of Islamabad

In Pakistan hypertension is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity and is affecting approximately one‐third of the population, meanwhile hyperuricemia is also highly prevalent and has important clinical implications, but association of hypertension and hyperuricemia is still a matter of debate in Pakistani population. To determine the correlation between serum uric acid and Hypertension. Cross-sectional analytical study of six month duration was carried out at at tertiary care public sector hospital of Islamabad from February to August 2019. After taking the informed written consent 100 middle-aged (40 to 65 years) asymptomatic individuals visiting tertiary care hospital for the test of serum uric acid for the first time were enrolled. Beckman Coulter AU analyzers and uriucase method was used to measure uric acid as per manufacturer’s instructions. Blood pressure of all enrolled participants was measured through a mercury sphygmomanometer. Demographic information of the study participant, clinical history, height, weight, family history, uric acid level and blood pressure were recorded on pre-structured questionnaire. BMI was calculated by using WHO formula. Among 100 enrolled study participants, 50 (50%) were males and 50 (50%) were females. The mean age was 50±8 years. The frequency of hyperuricemia was 16.0% and among these 93.8% were hypertensive with a significant Pearson correlation coefficientp value of 0.014. There is a significat correlation between hyperuricemia and hypertension. Our findings remain to be confirmed in future prospective studies.