Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) imposes a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Spirometry is the most widely used test to diagnose the disease; however, a surrogate marker is required to predict the disease pattern and progression. The aim of the current study was to explore the association of elevated levels of plasma surfactant protein D (SP-D) with gene expression of osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) and lung functions as potential diagnostic biomarkers of COPD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCarbapenem-resistant () strains have become a global threat due to their remarkable capability to survive and disseminate successfully by the acquisition of resistance genes. As a result, the treatment strategies have been severely compromised. Due to the insufficient available data regarding resistance from Pakistan, we aimed to investigate the resistance mechanisms of 249 strains by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, polymerase chain reaction for the detection of carbapenemases, aminoglycoside resistance genes, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), sequence typing and plasmid typing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRecurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a benign ulcerative condition, defined by the recurrent formation of non-contagious mucosal ulcers. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is secreted frequently at surfaces exposed directly to body fluids. This study aims to investigate the association of SP-D single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the onset of RAS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCarbapenem resistance has become major concern in healthcare settings globally; therefore, its monitoring is crucial for intervention efforts to halt resistance spread. During May 2019-April 2022, 2170 clinical strains were characterized for antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes, replicon and sequence types. Overall, 42.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe emergence of carbapenem-resistant () is considered an important threat to public health resulting in resistance accumulation due to antibiotics misuse and selection pressure. This warrants periodic efforts to investigate and develop strategies for infection control. A total of 184 carbapenem-resistant clinical strains of were characterized for resistance pattern, resistance genes, plasmids, sequence types and in vitro efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: The emergence of multidrug-resistant is associated with the acquisition of multiple carbapenemases. Their clonal spread is a worldwide concern due to their critical role in nosocomial infections. Therefore, the identification of high-risk clones with antibiotic resistance genes is very crucial for controlling its global spread.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To estimate the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and in healthy subjects.
Methods: In this observational study, biopsy diagnosed oral squamous cell carcinoma patients (n= 38) were recruited from Mayo Hospital, Lahore during 2016 to 2017. Age and gender matched Controls (n= 38) were also included.