Central obesity and fat-free mass are associated with a larger spleen volume in the general population.

Background And Aim: As the spleen plays a significant role in immunity, the aim was to investigate the associations of different body composition markers derived from various sources with spleen volume in a general population sample.

Materials And Methods: Cross-sectional data of 1095 individuals (570 women; 52%) aged between 30 and 90 years were collected in the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-START-2). We measured spleen volume by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Proteomic profile of epidermal mucus from reveals differentially abundant proteins after infection.

We report the proteomic profile of Epidermal Mucus (EM) from and identified the differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) against infection through label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Using discovery-based proteomics, a total of 2039 proteins were quantified in nontreated group and 1,328 proteins in the treated group, of which 114 were identified as DAPs in both the groups. Of the 114 DAPs, 68 proteins were upregulated and 46 proteins were downregulated in the treated group compared to nontreated group.

First Record of Ichthyofauna from Gomal Zam Dam, District South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The present study reports the fish fauna of Gomal Zam Dam at three different sites from October 2018 to July 2019. The total sampled fish belong to 18 species, 15 genera, 5 families, and 4 orders. Fourteen species belong to family Cyprinidae, which was the most abundant, while one species belong to each family Mastacembelidae, Channidae, Siluridae, and Sisoridae.

Increased strength in the Col-Tgel induces apoptosis in the human dental pulp stem cells: 3D culturing of human dental pulp stem cells at different strengths of collagen.

Human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) have great potential to be used in regenerative medicine. To use these stem cells effectively for this purpose, they should be grown in a 3D cell culture that mimics their natural niches instead of a 2D conventional cell culture. The aim of this study was to grow the HDPSCs in the 3D cell culture created by Transglutaminase-crosslinked collagen hydrogels (Col-Tgel) in two different strengths to find a suitable 3D cell culture environment for these stem cells.

Transcriptomic profiling of the telomerase transformed Mesenchymal stromal cells derived adipocytes in response to rosiglitazone.

Background: Differentiation of Immortalized Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - hTERT (iMSC3) into adipocytes is in vitro model of obesity. In our earlier study, rosiglitazone enhanced adipogenesis particularly the brown adipogenesis of iMSC3. In this study, the transcriptomic profiles of iMSC3 derived adipocytes with and without rosiglitazone were analyzed through mRNA sequencing.

Diversity and distribution of thermophilic microorganisms and their applications in biotechnology.

Hot springs ecosystem is the most ancient continuously inhabited ecosystem on earth which harbors diverse thermophilic bacteria and archaea distributed worldwide. Life in extreme environments is very challenging so there is a great potential biological dark matter and their adaptation to harsh environments eventually producing thermostable enzymes which are very vital for the welfare of mankind. There is an enormous need for a new generation of stable enzymes that can endure harsh conditions in industrial processes and can either substitute or complement conventional chemical processes.

Significant transcriptomic changes are associated with the inhibitory effects of 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine during adipogenic differentiation of MG-63 cells.

Our previous study revealed that the treatment of 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-aza) inhibited while treatment of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) enhanced the adipogenic differentiation of MG-63 cells. In this study, we examined the transcriptomic profiles of the derived adipocyte-like cells from MG-63 cells in the presence of 5-aza (Treatment 1) and SAHA (Treatment 2). Genome wide expression analysis showed high within sample variability for the adipocytes derived with 5-aza versus vehicle.

Phytochemical profile and antiproliferative activities of acetone extracts of Blume. and Hook. in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

The plants extracts are widely used in traditional medicines and hence considered a potential source for drug discovery. In this study, we assessed the phytochemical composition of and in acetone extracts and checked its antiproliferative potential in MDA-MB-231 cells. We found that both plants are rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds and are efficient in antioxidant activities.

Comparative anticancer activities of and latex in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Ficus latex is rich in polyphenolic compounds and hence considered as an antioxidant and anti-proliferative. Many studies are available on (common fig) whereas is less studied. grows in a harsh dry environment, therefore its latex was selected in the current study along with the for their comparative anti-cancer potential and the involved molecular mechanism.

Arylated gold nanoparticles have no effect on the adipogenic differentiation of MG-63 cells nor regulate any key signaling pathway during the differentiation.

Objective: MG-63 cells that have osteoblastic and adipogenic differentiation potential were evaluated for internalization, and adipogenic differentiation in the presence and absence of the covalently functionalized aryl gold nanoparticles (AuNPs-CH-4-COOH).

Results: Inductively coupled plasma, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analyses confirmed that gold nanoparticles were easily internalized by MG-63 cells. The MG-63 cells were differentiated into adipocytes without gold-aryl nanoparticles and with the gold-aryl nanoparticles at 5 µM concentration in both induction and maintenance media.

Environment and sustainability approach to manage sweet bakery waste product.

Globalization and environmental regulations force organizations and producers to adopt sustainability in every aspect of their business. The concept of sustainability in manufacturing is now achieving maturity; however, there is still an opportunity to explore sustainability in perishable food items. The growth of population worldwide increased the amount of waste produced by the food industries.

RF-amide related peptide-3 (RFRP-3): a novel neuroendocrine regulator of energy homeostasis, metabolism, and reproduction.

A hypothalamic neuropeptide, RF-amide related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), the mammalian ortholog of the avian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) has inhibitory signals for reproductive axis via G-protein coupled receptor 147 in mammals. Moreover, RFRP-3 has orexigenic action but the mechanism involved in energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism is not yet known. Though, the RFRP-3 modulates orexigenic action in co-operation with other neuropeptides, which regulates metabolic cues in the hypothalamus.

Anticancer activities of selected Emirati Date ( L.) varieties pits in human triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

The date palm ( L.) is an important fruit crop with significant pharmaceutical potential. Little data are available on comparative pharmaceutical importance of the date pits.

Heavy Metals Assessment in Water, Sediments, Algae and Two Fish Species from River Swat, Pakistan.

The heavy metals were studied in water, sediments, algae, and various tissues of Glyptosternon reticulatum and Cyprinus carpio from River Swat, Pakistan, using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni were higher in water at sewage site compared to upstream and downstream sites. In sediments, the Ni and Cd were not detected whereas Cu, Pb and Zn were higher at downstream followed by sewage and upstream sites.

Phenolic Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Different Emirati Date ( L.) Pits: A Comparative Study.

The biochemical composition, secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds, flavonoids) and antimicrobial potential of different varieties of Emirati date ( L.) pits were investigated. Total phenolic acids (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of the different date pits were measured using a Folin-Ciocalteau reagent.

Rosiglitazone Enhances Browning Adipocytes in Association with MAPK and PI3-K Pathways During the Differentiation of Telomerase-Transformed Mesenchymal Stromal Cells into Adipocytes.

Obesity is a major risk for diabetes. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) mediates production of heat while white adipose tissue (WAT) function in the storage of fat. Roles of BAT in the treatment of obesity and related disorders warrants more investigation.

Regional Influences on Nutritional Iodine Status of Pregnant Women in Pakistan.

Background: Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency. Considering the rural-urban disparities in nutritional status in Pakistan, this study aimed to assess regional influences on nutritional iodine status of pregnant women in Pakistan.

Methods: Data were collected from 1246 pregnant women in all trimesters of pregnancy who visited antenatal clinics for routine checkups in five Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province districts.

Phylogenetic association of with other schizothoracine fishes based on mitochondrial cytochrome B gene and control region.

Cytochrome B (Cyt B) gene and control region of mitochondrial DNA are considered important for evaluating phylogenetic association of a species. In this study, we sequenced Cyt B and control region of and constructed phylogenetic association tree of with 23 schizothoracine fishes. We found to be closely associated with , and with high-bootstraps values.

Dietary administration of the commercially available probiotics enhanced the survival, growth, and innate immune responses in Mori (Cirrhinus mrigala) in a natural earthen polyculture system.

The use of probiotics is considered effective for survival, growth and enhanced immune response in aquaculture. In the current study, effects of commercially available probiotic (Magic Plus) was investigated on survival, growth and immune response of Mori (Cirrhinus mrigala) in a polyculture system. The experiment was conducted for 90 days on 1200 fingerlings in two groups i.

Marble industry effluents cause an increased bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Mahaseer (Tor putitora) in Barandu River, district Buner, Pakistan.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of marble industry effluents on the accumulation of heavy metals in selected tissues of mahaseer (Tor putitora) in Barandu River. Fish samples were collected from three selected sites (upstream (US), effluents/industrial (IS), and downstream (DS) sites) on monthly basis for 8 months. Heavy metal concentrations were determined in fish tissues using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.

Potential role of cyclophilin A in regulating cytokine secretion.

Cyclophilin A (CypA), a peptidylprolyl - isomerase, is a ubiquitous and multifunctional protein. In addition to its role as a host-cell receptor for cyclosporine A, CypA has diverse functions in inflammatory conditions and diseases. CypA secreted in response to inflammatory stimuli binds to the cell surface via its receptor CD147 and induces secretion of various inflammatory cytokines.

Factors affecting sustainable iodine deficiency elimination in Pakistan: A global perspective.

Iodine deficiency remains a considerable challenge worldwide, even after decades of efforts to address the problem. The aim of this review is to present the current situation in historically iodine-deficient Pakistan regarding iodine nutritional status and place it in a global perspective. We collected relevant articles from online bibliographic databases and websites of concerned organizations that addressed prevalence of goiter/iodine deficiency and barriers to sustainable control.

Updates in understanding the role of cyclophilin A in leukocyte chemotaxis.

Cyclophilin A (CypA), a well-recognized receptor for anti-inflammatory drug cyclosporine A (CsA) is a ubiquitous and multifunctional protein. Beside the diverse intracellular functions, CypA is secreted against inflammatory stimuli, where it activates and attracts leukocytes via CD147 to the stimulus site. Interestingly, it synergizes with other factors to induce leukocyte migration in different animals.

Chemotactic Activity of Cyclophilin A in the Skin Mucus of Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) and Its Active Site for Chemotaxis.

Fish skin mucus is a dynamic barrier for invading pathogens with a variety of anti-microbial enzymes, including cyclophilin A (CypA), a multi-functional protein with peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. Beside various other immunological functions, CypA induces leucocytes migration in vitro in teleost. In the current study, we have discovered several novel immune-relevant proteins in yellow catfish skin mucus by mass spectrometry (MS).