Pathogenesis of Dengue virus in Host immune system and its genomic variation

Dengue viruses are the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral diseases in humans, infecting 50-100 million people each year. Its serotypes are the most common causes of arboviral illness, putting half of the world's population at risk of infection. Because there is no vaccine or antiviral medicines, the only way to manage the disease is to reduce the Aedes mosquito vectors. DENV infection can be asymptomatic or cause a self-limiting, acute febrile illness with varying degrees of severity. High fever, headache, stomach discomfort, rash, myalgia, and arthralgia are the typical symptoms of dengue fever (DF). Thrombocytopenia, vascular leakage, and hypotension are symptoms of severe dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Systemic shock characterizes DSS, which can be deadly. Dengue virus infection pathogenesis is linked to a complex interaction between virus, host genes, and host immune response. Major drivers of disease vulnerability include host factors such as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), memory cross-reactive T cells, anti-DENV NS1 antibodies, autoimmunity, and genetic variables. The NS1 protein and anti-DENV NS1 antibodies were thought to be involved in the development of severe dengue. The progressive infection may change the cytokine response of cross reactive CD4+ T cells. The need for dengue vaccines that can generate strong protective immunity against all four serotypes is required. To create such vaccines, a thorough understanding of DENV adaptive immunity is required. Structural and functional research have shown that the degree of prM protein cleavage as well as the ensemble of conformational states sampled by virions influence DENV sensitivity to antibody-mediated neutralization, which has crucial implications for vaccine formulation.

Decision Tree in Biology

Purpose: Human biology is an essential field in scientific research as it helps in understanding the human body for adequate care. Technology has improved the way scientists do their biological research. One of the critical technologies is artificial intelligence (AI), which is revolutionizing the world. Scientists have applied AI in biological studies, using several methods to gain different types of data. Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that helps computers learn from data and create predictions without being explicitly programmed. Methodology: One critical methodology in the machine is using the tree-based decision. It is extensively used in biological research, as it helps in classifying complex data into simple and easy to interpret graphs. This paper aims to give a beginner-friendly view of the tree-based model, analyzing its use and advantages over other methods. Finding: Artificial intelligence has greatly improved the collection, analysis, and prediction of biological and medical information. Machine learning, a subgroup of artificial intelligence, is useful in creating prediction models, which help a wide range of fields, including computational and systems biology. Contribution and future recommendation also discussed in this study.

A MODERN OVERVIEW ON DIABETES MELLITUS: A CHRONIC ENDOCRINE DISORDER

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders that affect the body’s ability to make or use insulin. Diabetes mellitus (DM), or simply diabetes, is a group of chronic metabolic diseases in which a person experience high blood sugar, either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or because the body cells do not effectively use or respond to the insulin that is produced. This high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger). Conventionally, diabetes has been divided into three types namely: Type 1 DM or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in which body fails to produce insulin, and presently requires the person to inject insulin or wear an insulin pump. This is also termed as "juvenile diabetes". Type 2 DM or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly, with or without an absolute insulin deficiency. This type was previously referred to as or "adult-onset diabetes". The third main type is gestational diabetes which occurs when women without a previous history of diabetes develop a high blood glucose level during her pregnancy and may metamorphose to type 2 DM after giving birth. Currently available pharmacotherapy for the treatment of diabetes mellitus includes insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents. Thus, the present review underscores the issues surrounding the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment (especially use of anti-diabetic herbal species) of this killer disease with a view to suppressing its global spread and resurgence.

MYCOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF SMOKE DRIED FISH SOLD IN BIDA MAJOR MARKETS

Purpose: This research was conducted to determine the occurrence of aflatoxin producing fungi in smoke-dried fish in Bida.Methodology: The study was carried out at the Microbiology Laboratory Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger state. Smoke dried fish samples were collected randomly from three major markets in Bida town. Fungi isolation was done after serial dilution using Potato dextrose agar. Total fungal load per sample was obtained from plate counts and expressed as colony-forming units per gram (cfu/g). The isolates were identified microscopically using Lactophenol cotton blue stain. Aflatoxigenicity text was done using coconut extract agar and exposed to 365 nm ultra violet light. Data collected were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P < 0.05.Findings: The results showed maximum mean fungal load of smoke-dried fish of 9.54x105±1.83x106 cfu/g. Fungi associated with the smoked dried fish belong to five genera: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Candida, Acremonium and Rhizopus. Comparatively, the assessment showed that smoke-dried fish from old market were the most contaminated followed by samples from small market and modern markets. Aspergillus flavus had the highest prevalence of 32.88 %. Only strains of Aspergillus flavus gave positive to aflatoxins, out of the 24 Aspergillus flavus studied, only 25 % were positive to aflatoxins. Old market exhibited the highest of aflatoxin producing fungi.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: In view of this results, there is need to adopt hygienic practices during smoke dried fish processing and storage in Bida to avoid increase risk of aflatoxin poisoning.

EFFECT OF BAKERS YEAST (SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE) IN THE PRODUCTION OF WINE USING ORANGES, APPLES AND PINEAPPLES

Introduction: Wine is an alcoholic drink made from fermented grapes. The process of wine making involves fermentation of fruits in which case the wine is qualified by the fruit which it is made from such as apple wine, orange wine.Purpose of the Study: This research shows the possibility of producing wine from fruits using bakers’ yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).Methodology: The fruits used were Apple (Malus domestica), Orange (Citrus sinensis), and Pineapple (Ananas cosmosus).They were washed and blended. The strained juices were poured into plastic bottles to cool for 15mins before additives and yeast were added. The “must” was then allowed to ferment for four days. After four days, racking was done to remove sediments. Then egg white was added as a clarifying agent, and left to stand fifty days, for it to age and then bottled.Findings: Apple wine was found to be more alcoholic (11.4%) while orange wine had 8.9%. Apple had the highest pH (4.0) while orange had 2.0. The solubility test showed that apple had the highest solubility with 98% while orange had 94%. Apple had the least sugar content with 9.90ml while pineapple had22.0ml. Orange had a specific gravity of 0.99g while apple had0.98g.Recommendation: It is observed that all the fruits in the market today can give the qualities needed for alcoholic wine in the absence of grape fruit. All these satisfactory qualities of this study show that an acceptable wine from pineapple, apple and orange can be locally produced.

SCREENING OF COMMON BEAN GENOTYPES FOR RESISTANCE AGAINST Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: To screen nine available bean genotypes for resistance to common bacterial blight disease under green house and field conditions.Methodology: Experiments were conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications in a 9×2×2 factorial factor of 9 bean genotypes, grown in sterile or non-sterile soil and inoculated or non-inoculated (control) during the greenhouse and a 9×2 field screening of 9 bean genotypes, and inoculated or non-inoculated. During growth, data on plant height number of pods per plant, length of pods and size and number ofCBB spots was taken. Yield parameters were also assessed.Findings: The findings from the experiment revealed a significant variation (P<0.05) on the entire traits studied among the nine bean genotypes. Data from the field and greenhouse experiments were in conformity. None of the evaluated genotype was immune to CBB. In the green house, it was observed that disease symptoms were severe in beans planted in non-sterile soil and inoculated with Xap compared to those planted in sterile soil and non-inoculated respectively.Contribution to practice and policy: There was a strong positive correlation between size and number of CBB spots and growth and yield parameters. CAL77 and Cal 156A genotypes exhibited high levels of resistance to CBB which could improve the bean yields resulting to sufficient food supply, improved nutrition, health and improvement of the source of income to the local communities

PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF HEALTHY AND INFECTED MAIZE GRAINS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Four samples of stored maize grains were bought from Awka, Awkuzu, Onitsha and Nnewi. Direct and indirect methods of Fawole and Oso, 1998 were used to isolate the fungi responsible for the spoilage of post harvest maize grains after which four genera were isolated namely: Curvularia spp, Fusarium spp, Rhizopus spp and Aspergillus spp. They were identified using Barmette and Haunter, 1987 method of identification. The percentage of occurrence of the fungi from different samples shows that Aspergillus niger occured with a frequency of 31.5%, A. flavus with 31%, Rhizopus spp with 15.25%, Fusarium spp with 14.5% and the least Curvularia spp with 7.5%. AOAC method of 1999 was used to obtain the nutritional values of the maize grains. Good and spoilt maize grains were used in this research. Spoilt maize grains were used after four months of purchase. Anova were used to compare the nutritional values of both good and spoilt maize samples from the different locations. Six nutrients were obtained from both good and spoilt maize grains namely: crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat, moisture content, ash content and carbohydrate. The results differ in their values for both good and spoilt maize grains. The spoilt maize grains have little protein, fibre and fat and more of ash and carbohydrate. Further research was made on the phytochemical contents of maize and seven metabolites were obtained mamely: oxalate, phytate, tannin, phenol, alkaloid, flavonoid and glycoside. In order to reduce post-harvest grain loss of maize, periodical training of farmers on proper storage facilities are necessary

TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 BY PASSENGER’S DESTINATIONS FROM IRAN, CHINA AND AFGHANISTAN: HIGHER RISKS OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INTO BALUCHISTAN, PAKISTAN

Objective: The aim of this study research was to assess the risk of spreading of covid-19 through passenger and zahireen returning from Iran, china and Afghanistan through airports, seaports and land cross borders.Methods: The data was obtained from provincial heath directorate government of Baluchistan and from Chinese health commission daily update website from the period of 28th February to 3rd March 2020.Result: In February and March 2020 five (5) initial cases of COVID-19 are reported in passengers and zahireen (people go to Iran for pilgrimage) returned from China and Iran. Pakistan is at risk a rapid importation of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) due to huge land and air traffic with china, Iran and Afghanistan with their corresponding contaminated cities.Conclusion: Pakistan being included in the countries, mostly dealing with Iran and china for many economic forums, without pre-controlled measure can lead to the quick equipped of novel coronavirus. It needs well develop health facilities to stop the rapid dispersion of this contagious disease.Key words: COVID-19, contagious disease. Zahireen, Taftan Risks in Pakistan

CAPTIVE BREEDING AND REINTRODUCTION OF BLACK FRANCOLIN, GREY FRANCOLIN AND CHUKAR PARTRIDGE (2015-2020) IN DISTRICT DIR LOWER, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Purpose: The ex-situ conservation aims to discover new populations or supports the populations that yet survive in the wild. To breed animals in captivity and release them in their natural control habitats is one of the conservation methods. Amongst other species partridges also breed in captivity and can be release in the wild but presently data lacking, need to examine. Chukar partridge, Black francolin and Grey francolin are used for sports hunting in Pakistan. The available record on captive breeding of Chukar partridge, Black francolin and Grey francilin and their release in the wild for the years 2015-2020 was reviewed using a developed questionnaire. Methodology: Review record of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department Pakistan through a developed questionnaire Findings: It was found that the maximum number of chukar partridge breed was 36, Black francolin (6) and Grey francolin (24). Out of the breeding stock, Chukar partridges (44) and Grey francolin (28) were released in the wild to its natural habitat by hard release technique. Unique contribution to the theory, practice and policy: The researchers recommended decrease in dissimilarity of habitat quality between breeding center environment and the release habitat besides providing a pre-release training to the release experts so as to improve habitat selection and survival of captive-bred. This study will help researchers for further in depth study in the area and will also facilitate conservation organization in making captive breeding of partridges as a successful program. Key words: Partridges, Captive breeding, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ethnobotanical study of wild flora of Haroonabad, District Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan

Purpose: The first purpose of this study to record the new and rare use of medicinal plants in the selected area; secondly to discover the plants which were unexplored in the past and thirdly to record the Ethnobotanical data of occurring plant species.Methodology: The studied area surveyed from July to December. The plants were dried and mounted on standard herbarium sheets. The Ethnobotanical data were collected from 85 local people of Haroonabad by questionnaire.Findings: The wild flora contained 81 species within 28 families. The largest family was Poaceae with 15 species followed by Euphorbiaceae with 8 species while Asteraceae and Amaranthaceae with 7 species. The life span of plants was comprised of 47 annual species (58%) and 34 perennial species (42%). The life-form spectrum explains that Therophyte 48 species (59%) were the dominant followed by Phanerophytes 7 species (8%) and Chaemophytes 13 species (17%), Hemicryptophyte 8 species (10%), Geophytes 3 species (4%) Halophyte 1 specie (1%) and Parasite 1 specie (1%). Leaf venation classes of plants consisted of reticulate 28 species (34%), pinnate 29 species (36%), parallel 20 species (25%), palmate 2 species (2.5%) and 2 species (2.5%) were leafless thus had no leaf venation. The plant species with herbaceous stems was 68 while with woody stems 13 species. The Ethnobotanical data of 70 species were recorded because 11 plants were not known by anyone. The range of UV value was 0.09 (Chrozophora plicata Vahl.) to 0.78 (Acacia nilotica L.) and the RCF value range was 0.03 (Imperata cylindrica L.) to 0.95 (Acacia nilotica L.). The range of ICF value was recorded from 0.45 (Hormonal disorder) to 0.78 (Respiratory disease). 57% whole plant followed by leaves (53%) was used in the ayurvedic field. Therophytes were supported in the studied region for the reason that the region is a semi-arid zone of Punjab, Pakistan.Unique contribution: The present comprehensive study provides a basic point for other researchers and enhances the knowledge of poor people related to ayurvedic field. The Ethnobotanical study tries to attract the attention towards the conservation strategies of wild plants.