Genomic characterization of lytic bacteriophages A¥L and A¥M infecting ESBL K. pneumoniae and its therapeutic potential on biofilm dispersal and in-vivo bacterial clearance.

Background: The emerging carbapenem resistance and extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, are one of the critical pathogens for which novel therapeutic alternatives are required on urgent basis. Biofilm formation further aids in virulence due to impermeable nature. Bacteriophages are bacterial predators which due to their selective, and nontoxic nature can be used as an alternate to counter MDR infections.

Possible Therapeutic Effects of Adjuvant Quercetin Supplementation Against Early-Stage COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Open-Label Study.

Background: Quercetin, a well-known naturally occurring polyphenol, has recently been shown by molecular docking, in vitro and in vivo studies to be a possible anti-COVID-19 candidate. Quercetin has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties, and it is characterized by a very high safety profile, exerted in animals and in humans. Like most other polyphenols, quercetin shows a very low rate of oral absorption and its clinical use is considered by most of modest utility.

Sub-genomic analysis of Chikungunya virus E2 mutations in Pakistani isolates potentially modulating B-cell & T-Cell immune response.

Background & Objectives: The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmitted to the humans through species of the mosquitoes. In December 2016, a severe outbreak reported from Pakistan. However, there is no vaccine or anti-viral treatment currently available so host immune response against CHIKV gained significant interest.

Pan-Cancer Multiomics Analysis of TC2N Gene Suggests its Important Role(s) in Tumourigenesis of Many Cancers.

Background: Role of TC2N in carcinogenesis has been largely unfathomed until recently when it was identified as a novel oncogene in lung cancer. Subsequently, a tumour suppressor role of TC2N was reported in breast cancer. It is therefore highly relevant to investigate TC2N molecular partners/mechanisms on a larger scale including a wider range of tumour types.

Serologic Evidence of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus and Related Viruses in Pakistan.

We describe the seroprevalence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) and the association of antibody occurrence with location, sex, and age among the human population in Pakistan. Our results indicate substantial activity of SFTSV and SFTSV-related viruses in this country.

Prevalence of EBV, CMV, and HPV in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients in the Pakistani population.

Many studies have proposed an important role of viruses in the pathogenesis of oral cancer. The present study aimed to find out the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) among patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in a Pakistani cohort. We investigated tissue samples obtained from 58 patients with OSCC using the polymerase chain reaction assay.

Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan.

Objective: To assess the impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on quality of life (QOL) in local population.

Study Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Hepatogastroenterology Department, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, from June 2016 to December 2017.