Lipid Accumulation and Biodiesel Production from Filamentous Cyanobacteria Native to Pakistan.

Depleting fossil fuel resources and increasing energy demand have intensified the emphasis on biofuel production cyanobacteria. In this study, 19 cyanobacterial filamentous strains were isolated from various regions of Pakistan, including the northern areas and the University of the Punjab, Lahore. Sudan black, Nile red, and BODIPY staining, together with CLSM, fluorimetry, FTIR, growth in different nitrate concentrations, and GC techniques, were used to confirm and measure the lipid and diesel contents within isolated cyanobacterial filaments.

Synthesis and molecular docking analysis of MBH adducts' derived amides as potential inhibitors.

Humans suffer from various diseases that require more specific drugs to target them. Among the different potent agents, s serve as good antibacterial agents; however, s are resistant to such antibiotics. The present study was designed to prepare efficient inhibitor amides (12-15) from inexpensive, easily accessible, and bioactive precursors; Morita Baylis Hillman (MBH) adducts (5-8).

The Potential of Infrared Thermography for Early Pregnancy Diagnosis in Nili-Ravi Buffaloes.

This study was designed to explore the potential of infrared thermography (IRT) as an alternate approach for early pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes. The surface temperature (ST) of different regions (eyes, muzzle, flanks, and vulva) was determined in 27 buffaloes using IRT from the day of artificial insemination (AI; Day 0), and measurement was repeated every fourth day until Day 24 post-AI. From all regions, the ST in each thermograph was recorded at three temperature values (maximum, average, minimum).

A Molecular Perspective and Role of NAD in Ovarian Aging.

The decline in female fecundity is linked to advancing chronological age. The ovarian reserve diminishes in quantity and quality as women age, impacting reproductive efficiency and the aging process in the rest of the body. NAD is an essential coenzyme in cellular energy production, metabolism, cell signaling, and survival.

Computational and experimental strategies for combating MBL (MBLPA) biofilms using phytochemicals: Targeting the quorum sensing network.

is a Gram-negative opportunistic bacterium, ubiquitously found in nature and causative agent in many infections. Due to increased antibiotic resistance, there is a need to develop more robust antibacterial agents from natural sources. In this study, we worked on two metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producing strains and targeted the Quorum Sensing mechanism (QS) of these bacteria to combat antibiotic resistance.

Cloning, expression and application of a novel laccase derived from water buffalo ruminal lignin-degrading bacteria.

Water buffalo is the only mammal found to degrade lignin so far, and laccase plays an indispensable role in the degradation of lignin. In this study, multiple laccase genes were amplified based on the water buffalo rumen derived lignin-degrading bacteria Bacillus cereus and Ochrobactrum pseudintermedium. Subsequently, the corresponding recombinant plasmids were transformed into E.

Snapshot of cyanobacterial toxins in Pakistani freshwater bodies.

Cyanobacteria are known to produce diverse secondary metabolites that are toxic to aquatic ecosystems and human health. However, data about the cyanotoxins occurrence and cyanobacterial diversity in Pakistan's drinking water reservoirs is scarce. In this study, we first investigated the presence of microcystin, saxitoxin, and anatoxin in 12 water bodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Biochemical and Hematologic Profiles in B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Children.

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common type of leukemia found in children. Timely diagnosis, white blood cell count, age of onset, and sex are considered the most important prognostic factors in childhood leukemia. Hematological and biochemical profiles are crucially important to infer the health of leukemia patient pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy treatment.

A computational odyssey: uncovering classical β-lactamase inhibitors in dry fruits.

In the antibacterial arsenal, β-lactams have held a prominent position, but increasing resistance due to unauthorized use and genetic factors requires new strategies. Combining β-lactamase inhibitors with broad-spectrum β-lactams proves effective in combating this resistance. ESBL producers demand new inhibitors, leading to the exploration of plant-derived secondary metabolites for potent β-lactam antibiotics or alternative inhibitors.

Infrared Thermography as a Potential Non-Invasive Tool for Estrus Detection in Cattle and Buffaloes.

The productivity of dairy animals has significantly increased over the past few decades due to intense genetic selection. However, the enhanced yield performance of milk animals caused a proportional increase in stress and compromised reproductive efficiency. Optimal reproductive performance is mandatory for the sustainable production of dairy animals.

Antibiotic Drug Resistance Pattern of Uropathogens in Pediatric Patients in Pakistani Population.

The common prevalent diseases in the age of 0 to 6 are related to urinary tract infections. If not properly diagnosed, they will lead to urological and nephrological complications. Uropathogens are developing resistance against most drugs and are harder to treat.

The Psychological Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Patients Attending a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a damaging impact on global health. Post-infection, patients may experience mental health difficulties and therefore require suitable psychological treatment and support. The objective of this study was to identify the psychological impact of COVID-19 on patients who were recovering from the physical effects of the disease, and to examine socio-demographic correlates within one month of treatment at a tertiary healthcare facility in Pakistan.

In Silico Design of Dual-Binding Site Anti-Cholinesterase Phytochemical Heterodimers as Treatment Options for Alzheimer's Disease.

The number of patients with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), continues to grow yearly. Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) represent the first-line symptomatic drug treatment for mild-to-moderate AD; however, there is an unmet need to produce ChEIs with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Herein, phytochemicals with reported anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were ranked in silico for their anti-AChE potential.

Pharmacogenetics of induction therapy-related toxicities in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients treated with UKALL 2003 protocol.

Chemotherapy related toxicities have been the major factor limiting the success of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) induction therapy. Several factors, including the pharmacogenetics of asparaginase and anthracyclines, could contribute to difference in treatment outcome in ALL. We investigated the significance of variations in genes involved in hepatic and cardiac toxicity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Implications of ACMG guidelines to identify high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with hereditary cancer susceptibility syndromes (HCSS) in a highly consanguineous population.

Background: Hereditary cancer susceptibility syndrome (HCSS) contributes to the cancer predisposition at an early age, therefore, identification of HCSS has found to be crucial for surveillance, managing therapeutic interventions and refer the patients and their families for genetic counselling. The study aimed to identify ALL patients who meet the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria and refer them for the genetic testing for HCSS as hereditary leukemia and hematologic malignancy syndrome, and to elucidate the significance of high consanguinity with the prevalence of inherited leukemia in Pakistani population.

Methods: A total of 300 acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients were recruited from the Children's Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from December 2018 to September 2019.

Anti-Cholinesterase Combination Drug Therapy as a Potential Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a burgeoning social and healthcare problem. Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are employed for symptomatic treatment of AD, but often elicit adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Herein, the potency of the ChEIs, donepezil, tacrine, berberine, and galantamine to inhibit human or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) proteins were evaluated.

Potential Nutraceutical Properties of Leaves from Several Commonly Cultivated Plants.

Chronic dietary ingestion of suitable phytochemicals may assist with limiting or negating neurodegenerative decline. Current therapeutics used to treat Alzheimer disease elicit broad adverse drug reactions, and alternative sources of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are required. Herein, we screened methanolic extracts from seven commonly cultivated plants for their nutraceutical potential; ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyryl-cholinesterase (BuChE), and provision of antioxidant activity through their 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging capabilities.

Biochemical, serological, and genetic aspects related to gene HLA-DQB1 and its association with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is the autoimmune disorder of destruction of β cells of pancreas, creating insulin deficiency condition, which leads to hyperglycemia, polyuria, polydipsia, ketoacidosis, and other metabolic disorder especially in children. Different genetic aspects and environmental factors are involved in pathophysiology of the disease. About 20 genes are associated with this disease in which the most common is the different combination of haplotype DRB1-DQA1-DQB1 present at HLA gene.

Virtual screening of antitumour phytochemical against peroxisome proliferators activated receptor proteins PPARs.

Cancers are caused by the defects in apoptosis process which leads to uncontrolled proliferation, therefore, most attractive drug target discovery strategy is to find ligands which have the ability to activate or regulate the apoptotic machinery. Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone receptors their over expression is observed in many tumours and contributes to chemotherapy resistance. The goal of this study to scrutinized antitumor phytochemicals from Alysicarpus bupleurifolius, Piper nigrum and Plumeria obtuse and potential energy values render from interactions between active site residues and ligands.

Pegylation and Cell Based Bioassay of Human Interferon-α2b Along its Docking Studies and Effect on Plasma Half-Life.

Background: Interferon-α2b is FDA approved drug for the treatment of chronic HCV and HBV, melanoma, AIDS-related KS, carcinomas, hairy cell leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia. However, administration of interferon-α2b to patients takes place thrice in a week due to short in vivo circulation half-life.

Objective: To extend the circulation half-life of IFN-α2b, it is conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Risk assessment of and variants in B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case-control study in a Pakistani cohort.

Aims: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is amongst the most prevalent cancers of children in Pakistan. Genetic variations in are associated with auto-phosphorylation of kinase domain that leads to increased proliferation of blast cells. Paired box family of transcription factor () plays a critical role in commitment and differentiation of B-cells.

Antimicrobial Activities of Bacteria Associated with the Brown Alga Padina pavonica.

Macroalgae belonging to the genus Padina are known to produce antibacterial compounds that may inhibit growth of human- and animal pathogens. Hitherto, it was unclear whether this antibacterial activity is produced by the macroalga itself or by secondary metabolite producing epiphytic bacteria. Here we report antibacterial activities of epiphytic bacteria isolated from Padina pavonica (Peacocks tail) located on northern coast of Tunisia.

Designing Second Generation Anti-Alzheimer Compounds as Inhibitors of Human Acetylcholinesterase: Computational Screening of Synthetic Molecules and Dietary Phytochemicals.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a big cause of memory loss, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The disease leads to irreversible loss of neurons that result in reduced level of acetylcholine neurotransmitter (ACh). The reduction of ACh level impairs brain functioning.

Synthesis and Biological Activities of Organotin(IV) Complexes as Antitumoral and Antimicrobial Agents. A Review.

Advances in the use of organotin(IV) compounds have gained relevant interest in both the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Tin(IV) form stable complexes with a unique structure and physicochemical properties that are used in organic synthesis as heat stabilizers and catalysts, in drug development as biologically active agents, and in other areas. This review focuses on recent progress in the classical and convenient synthesis procedure, on their mechanism of action, and biological activities as antitumoral and antimicrobial agents.