Advancement in synthetic gene circuits engineering: An alternative strategy for microRNA imaging and disease theranostics.

Gene circuits, which are genetically engineered systems designed to regulate gene expression, are emerging as powerful tools in disease theranostics, especially in mammalian cells. This review explores the latest advances in the design and application of gene circuits for detecting and treating various diseases. Synthetic gene circuits, inspired by electronic systems, offer precise control over therapeutic gene activity, allowing for real-time, user-defined responses to pathological signals.

CRISPR applications in microbial World: Assessing the opportunities and challenges.

Genome editing has emerged during the past few decades in the scientific research area to manipulate genetic composition, obtain desired traits, and deal with biological challenges by exploring genetic traits and their sequences at a level of precision. The discovery of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) as a genome editing tool has offered a much better understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms. This technology emerges as one of the most promising candidates for genome editing, offering several advantages over other techniques such as high accuracy and specificity.

Molecular probes for monitoring pyroptosis: design, imaging and theranostic application.

Pyroptosis is a recently discovered process of programmed cell death that is linked with tumor progression and potential treatment strategies. Unlike other forms of programmed cell death, such as apoptosis or necrosis, pyroptosis is associated with pore-forming proteins gasdermin D (GSDMD), which are cleaved by caspase enzymes to form oligomers. These oligomers are then inserted into the cell surface membrane, causing pores to consequently result in rapid cell death.

Consensus statements for influenza awareness, prevention, and vaccination in Pakistan.

Introduction: Influenza is a serious underestimated viral infection in Pakistan and influenza vaccination and vaccination awareness are low. The current work aimed to develop consensus on influenza epidemiology, prevention, vaccination, and awareness in Pakistan.

Methodology: A systematic literature search was conducted to develop recommendations on influenza vaccines in Pakistan.

Unravelling the Diagnostic Potential of MR Imaging in Dengue Encephalitis: A Call for Further Exploration in Pakistan.

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Revealing Melatonin's Mysteries: Receptors, Signaling Pathways, and Therapeutics Applications.

Melatonin (5-methoxy-acetyl tryptamine) is a sleep-inducing hormone, and the pineal gland produces it in response to the circadian clock of darkness. In the body, MT1 and MT2 receptors are mostly found, having an orthosteric pocket and ligand binding determinants. Melatonin acts by binding on melatonin receptors, intracellular proteins, and orphan nuclear receptors.

Novel Models for Accurate Estimation of Air-Blood Partitioning: Applications to Individual Compounds and Complex Mixtures of Neutral Organic Compounds.

The air-blood partition coefficient () is extensively employed in human health risk assessment for chemical exposure. However, current estimation approaches either require an extensive number of parameters or lack precision. In this study, we present two novel and parsimonious models to accurately estimate values for individual neutral organic compounds, as well as their complex mixtures.

Analysis of risk factors and prognostic factors of brain metastasis in gastric cancer: a surveillance, epidemiology and end-results database study.

Brain metastasis in gastric cancer (GC) patients is a rare phenomenon that is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and poor survival rates. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the incidence, risk factors and prognostic factors of brain metastasis in GC patients. Data on sociodemographic and tumor characteristics of GC patients from 2010 to 2019 was extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End-Results (SEER) database.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy-Based Sensing of Biofilms: A Comprehensive Review.

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that can form on various surfaces, including medical devices, industrial equipment, and natural environments. The presence of biofilms can lead to a range of problems, including infections, reduced efficiency and failure of equipment, biofouling or spoilage, and environmental damage. As a result, there is a growing need for tools to measure and monitor levels of biofilms in various biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food processing settings.

Changes in fatty acids in L. oil grown under two simulated conditions of fluoride contamination.

Rapeseed, the second-most-important vegetable oil source, is cultivated in various areas of India where both groundwater and soil are contaminated with fluoride (F). Furthermore, the frequent use of F contaminated groundwater for irrigation leads to accumulation of F in surface and sub-surface soil. The study aims to compare the morphological and biochemical changes in L.

SBAS-InSAR based validated landslide susceptibility mapping along the Karakoram Highway: a case study of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

Geological settings of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) increase the risk of natural disasters, threatening its regular operations. Predicting landslides along the KKH is challenging due to limitations in techniques, a challenging environment, and data availability issues. This study uses machine learning (ML) models and a landslide inventory to evaluate the relationship between landslide events and their causative factors.

Hyperfunction variant rs708035 of interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinases 2 gene involved in the predisposition of leprosy infection.

Background: Mycobacterium leprae (slow-growing bacteria) is the etiological agent for leprosy infection, which is a chronic granulomatous disease. Symptoms initiate with the loss of sensation in the affected areas, which can lead to severe injuries, cuts and burns. IRAK2 (interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases 2) is reported to function in the regulation of the NFκB pathway.

Association of serum vitamin D levels and TaqIrs731236 among patients with hypertensive coronary heart disease.

The development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is influenced through multiple risk factor and hypertension. It may increase the risk of cardiac events, and has a significant impact when combined with other risk factors including low levels of vitamin D and genetic variations like single nucleotide variations (SNV) (TaqIrs731236) in vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. Blood samples from 500 study participants gathered including 250 hypertensive coronary heart disease patients, 250 age and gender matched healthy controls.

Correlation Of Glomerular Filtration Rate (Gfr) Estimation Formulae With Measured Gfr In Pediatric Oncology Patients.

Background: In patients with malignancy accurate assessment of renal function is important for administration of chemotherapeutic medicines. Measurement of GFR by inulin, EDTA clearance, iohexol and 24 hrs urinary creatinine clearance (Crcl) is cumbersome so creatinine based GFR formulas have been developed for assessment of kidney function and there are variety of GFR formulas available for clinical use. Objective was to determine the correlation of estimated GFR by creatinine-based estimation formulae with measured GFR by 24-hours creatinine clearance.

Spectrum of Common Pediatric Neurological Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study From Three Tertiary Care Centres Across Pakistan.

Background: There is dearth of information on the spectrum of neurological disorders among children less than 18 years of age. The aim of this study is to identify the commonly presenting neurological disorders among children aged ≤ 18 years in Pakistan.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at three tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan.

To evaluate rising caesarean section rate and factors contributing to it by using Modified Robson's Criteria at a tertiary care hospital.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of caesarean section with its indication by grouping according to Modified Robson's Criteria at JPMC.

Methods: This is a retrospective study done from 1st January to 30th June 2018. Records of all Caesarean Section performed during the study period were retrieved from elective and emergency operation theatres.

Synthesis of calcium carbonate-quince bio-composite for programmed and on-demand drug release of paracetamol at target site: a green chemistry approach.

Unlabelled: In this study, an inorganic-organic composite system was developed through biomineralization of calcium carbonate in the quince-seed mucilage-based hydrogel. Drug-polymer interactions were studied by FTIR, DSC, XRD and SEM analysis. The water absorption capacity was calculated by swelling index.

Incidence of radiographic scoliosis in asymptomatic young Pakistani adults.

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common scoliotic deformity of young adults. Screening of AIS is performed as part of the routine preemployment examination for physically demanding positions. We attempted to establish the incidence of clinically overt scoliosis in an adolescent (16 years old) and young adult (21 years old) population.

Sound: Production, perception, hearing loss and treatment options.

Sound is an important communication tool for humans that contain information about the surrounding environment. It may signify a danger or a reward for an organism. In humans, the mechanism of sound production and perception is complex and sophisticated.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism TaqI (rs731236) and its association with the susceptibility to coronary artery disease among Pakistani population.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality in Pakistan and also worldwide. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates the transcription of many genes and has a significant impact on inflammation and the morphology of cardiac cells. Genetic variation in the VDR gene such as the TaqI polymorphism (rs731236) may have an impact that causes adverse effects.

Antiproliferative activity of 3,5-disubstituted tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine thione (THTT) derivatives and evaluation as potential prodrug.

Four series of tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine thione derivatives were screened for their in vitro antiproliferative activities against two human cancerous PC3 and HeLa cell lines. The cytotoxicity of all the compounds (series A-D) was also determined on mammalian mouse fibroblast 3T3 cells. Most of the compounds showed significant anticancer potential against both cancer cell lines within the range of IC = 6.

Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Lipid Profile-A Quasi-Randomized Clinical Trial.

Sub-optimal HDL is a prognostic marker of cardiovascular disease. South Asia has a high prevalence of sub-optimal HDL compared to other parts of the world. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a type of energy restriction which may improve serum HDL and other lipids thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Transcranial resection of a juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma of the orbit: A case report with 2-year follow-up.

Background: Juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibromas (JPOFs) are benign, locally invasive lesion of the craniofacial skeleton that may undergo rapid growth resulting in damage to cranial and facial structures. They usually occur before the age of 15 years and should be carefully treated as their diagnosis may be confused with other lesions such as psammomatous meningioma.

Case Description: A 14-year-old male presented to the clinic with a history of progressive left proptosis.