Developmental exposure of antibiotics shortens life span and induces teratogenicity in .

Antibiotics are the major therapeutic arsenal against bacterial infections. Yet, beneath this medical triumph lies an under investigated challenge of the potential teratological and toxicological impacts associated with the use of antibiotics. In the present study, we have explored the teratogenic potential of five commonly used antibiotics (streptomycin, metronidazole, tigecycline, doxycycline and norfloxacin) on Oregon-R strain.

Inhibitory effect of polyphenols from sumac, pomegranate and Indian almond on urease producing bacteria and jack bean urease activity.

Urinary tract infection caused by Klebsiella, Proteus and Streptococcus is a urease dependent process, hence treatment of these infections by antibacterial compounds lies in inhibition of their virulence factors. The crude methanolic extracts derived from sumac fruit, pomegranate peel and Indian almond leaves were separated into anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin fractions using solid phase cartridges. The inhibitory effect of these fractions was determined on the growth of urease producing species and jack bean urease activity.

Molecular basis for the increased activity of ZMS-2 serine protease in the presence of metal ions and hydrogen peroxide.

Serine proteases are important enzymes widely used in commercial products and industry. Recently, we identified a new serine protease from the desert bacterium Bacillus subtilis ZMS-2 that showed enhanced activity in the presence of Zn, Ag, or HO. However, the molecular basis underlying this interesting property is unknown.

Characterization and Pilot-Scale Application of the ZMS-2 Serine Protease with Novel Properties for the Eco-friendly Leather Processing.

Microbial alkaline proteases are dominating the global enzyme market with a share of over 65% due to their multifarious catalytic potentials. Hence, production of proteases with novel properties of commercial significance is highly desirable to meet the global enzyme demand. Here, we report the purification, characterization, and pilot-scale application of a serine protease from the desert soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis ZMS-2 with novel properties as dehairing agent in leather processing.

In-vitro evaluation of virulence markers and antifungal resistance of clinical Candida albicans strains isolated from Karachi, Pakistan.

Candidiasis is a significant fungal infection with high mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. Candida albicans is the most dominant species responsible for causing different manifestations of candidiasis. Certain virulence traits as well as its resistance to antifungal drugs contribute to the pathogenesis of this yeast.

Design and Immunoinformatic Assessment of Candidate Multivariant mRNA Vaccine Construct against Immune Escape Variants of SARS-CoV-2.

To effectively counter the evolving threat of SARS-CoV-2 variants, modifications and/or redesigning of mRNA vaccine construct are essentially required. Herein, the design and immunoinformatic assessment of a candidate novel mRNA vaccine construct, DOW-21, are discussed. Briefly, immunologically important domains, N-terminal domain (NTD) and receptor binding domain (RBD), of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) were assessed for sequence, structure, and epitope variations.

Characterization of the genome and serine protease of a novel Bacillus subtilis isolate.

Current study was undertaken to carry out the genome-wide analysis of a multipotent isolate from desert soil which was previously identified as Bacillus tequilensis based on 16S rDNA analysis. This study also aims to characterize the serine protease and its biocatalytic potentials implying a combination of empirical and in-silico approaches. Next generation sequencing and short read de novo assembly generated the 4,235,084 bp draft genome of Bacillus sp.

Public Perceptions of Current COVID-19 Vaccinations. Results of a Pilot Survey.

Introduction: We conducted a cross-sectional survey as a part of an educational program in collaboration with the Global Thrombosis Forum (GTF), an affiliate of North American Thrombosis Forum (NATF), and Loyola University about public perceptions of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations in the US. In this study, we are reporting the results of this survey.

Materials And Methods: The survey, in the form of a questionnaire, has been developed by GTF and faculty members.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Need for an Integrated and Equitable Approach: An International Expert Consensus Paper.

Background: One year after the declaration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and despite the implementation of mandatory physical barriers and social distancing, humanity remains challenged by a long-lasting and devastating public health crisis.

Management: Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are efficient mitigation strategies. The success of these NPIs is dependent on the approval and commitment of the population.

Molecular docking between human TMPRSS2 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: conformation and intermolecular interactions.

Entry of SARS-CoV-2, etiological agent of COVID-19, in the host cell is driven by the interaction of its spike protein with human ACE2 receptor and a serine protease, TMPRSS2. Although complex between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2 has been structurally resolved, the molecular details of the SARS-CoV-2 and TMPRSS2 complex are still elusive. TMPRSS2 is responsible for priming of the viral spike protein that entails cleavage of the spike protein at two potential sites, Arg685/Ser686 and Arg815/Ser816.

Dataset for homologous proteins in for SARS-CoV-2/human interactome.

Animal modelling for infectious diseases is critical to understand the biology of the pathogens including viruses and to develop therapeutic strategies against it. Herein, we present the sequence homology and expression data analysis of proteins found in that are orthologous to human proteins, reported as components of SARS-CoV-2/Human interactome. The dataset enlists sequence homology, query coverage, domain conservation, OrthoMCL and Ensembl Genome Browser support of 326 proteins in that are potentially orthologous to 417 human proteins reported for their direct physical interactions with 28 proteins encoded by SARS-CoV-2 genome.

Immobilized with QMS-1: an Efficient and Cost-Effective Strategy for the Removal of Congo Red using Stirred Tank Reactor.

Microbial populations within the rhizosphere have been considered as prosperous repositories with respect to bioremediation aptitude. Among various environmental contaminants, effluent from textile industries holds a huge amount of noxious colored materials having high chemical oxygen demand concentrations causing ecological disturbances. The study was aimed to explore the promising mycobiome of rhizospheric soil for the degradation of azo dyes to develop an efficient system for the exclusion of toxic recalcitrants.

Structural variations in human ACE2 may influence its binding with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

The recent pandemic of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is unarguably the most fearsome compared with the earlier outbreaks caused by other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Human ACE2 is now established as a receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Where variations in the viral spike protein, in turn, lead to the cross-species transmission of the virus, genetic variations in the host receptor ACE2 may also contribute to the susceptibility and/or resistance against the viral infection.

Prevalence and association of HBV and HCV infection with cardiovascular disease risk factors in a peri-urban population.

Objective: To investigate the possible associations of hepatitis B and C virus infection with cardiovascular disease risk factors inperi-urban population.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from February to December 2016 in the periurban low-resource locality of Bin Qasim Town in Karachi. Serum samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibodies.

Bacillus tequilensis ZMS-2: A novel source of alkaline protease with antimicrobial, anti-coagulant, fibrinolytic and dehairing potentials.

Emerging resistance to existing antimicrobial agents is one of the growing concerns and a serious problem for public health globally. Currently available antimicrobial agents are potent and effective but surfacing resistance to these drugs has not been ruled out so far. Therefore, it is utmost important to explore new bioactive compounds from natural sources to meet future needs.

Non-albicans Candida species: Emergence of neglected pathogens among population of Karachi.

Candida albicans was considered as the principal cause of opportunistic candidiasis but nowadays, neglected non-albicans Candida (NAC) species are evolving as more virulent and drug resistant strains. This research was intended to assess pervasiveness of candidiasis mainly caused by NAC species in Karachi city. A total of 562 clinical isolates of Candida spp.

Antimicrobial potential of newly isolated Aspergillusterreus MK-1: An approach towards new antibiotics.

Objective: To attempt discovering new bioactive metabolites from fungal sources.

Methods: The exploratory study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Federal Urdu University for Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi from January 2016 to November 2017and comprised of soil samples collected from rhizosphere region of different garden plants from the city. Fungi were screened for production of antibiotics by testing cell-free culture filtrates obtained by Shake-flask fermentation technique.

Fungal contamination in smokeless tobacco products traditionally consumed in Pakistan.

Objective: To isolate potential pathogenic fungi from smokeless tobacco products.

Methods: The study was conducted from January 2015 to February 2017 during which samples of smokeless tobacco products such as Mainpuri, Tambako, Khiwam, Gutkha, Naswar and Mawa etc. were collected from different cities of Pakistan.

The Pattern of Psychiatric Morbidity in an Outpatient Child Psychiatry Clinic: A Cross-sectional, Descriptive Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kashmir, North India.

Background: Psychiatric disorders are ubiquitous and affect not only adults but also children and adolescents. The age factor plays an important role in the pattern of these psychiatric disorders. The objective of our study was to find the pattern of psychiatric morbidity in children and adolescents at the child and adolescent outpatient service of a tertiary care hospital.

Isolation of potentially pathogenic fungi from selected pigeons' feeding sites in Karachi: A new dimension to health hazard.

Objective: To determine the presence of pathogenic fungal strains in areas where pigeons are present in a large number.

Methods: This study was conducted at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi, from February 2015 to March2016, and comprised samples of soil contaminated with pigeons' excreta. The samples were collected from 20 different pigeon-feeding places in the city.

Biophysicochemical characterization of Pyocin SA189 produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa SA189.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in spite of being a ubiquitous organism (as it is found in soil, water, and humans), is also an opportunistic pathogen. In order to maintain its diversity in the community, it produces various toxic proteins, known as, bacteriocins. In the present study, pyocin SA189, which is a bacteriocin produced by P.

Multi-drug resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa: a threat of nosocomial infections in tertiary care hospitals.

Objective: To determine the resistance patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to currently available anti-pseudomonal drugs and frequency of nosocomial infections caused by multi drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hospitals.

Methods: Clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from patients admitted in different hospitals of Karachi between July 2012 and June 2013. The isolates were identified by conventional and Analytical Profile Index 20NE kit methods while the antibiograms of these isolates were determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.

Enhanced interaction of Vibrio cholerae virulence regulators TcpP and ToxR under oxygen-limiting conditions.

Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera. The ability of V. cholerae to colonize and cause disease requires the intricately regulated expression of a number of virulence factors during infection.

The activity of antioxidant enzymes in response to salt stress in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seedlings raised from seed treated with chitosan.

Background: Salt tolerance is a complex trait which involves the coordinated action of many genes that perform a variety of functions, such as ion sequestration, metabolic adjustment, osmotic adjustment and antioxidative defence. In this article, the growth and the generation and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under normal (ECiw [Electrical conductivity of irrigation water] = 0.5 dS m(-1)) and salt stress conditions (ECiw = 3.

Evolutionary root defines the structural basis of high and low level vancomycin resistance in enterococci.

D-alanyl-D-lactate (Dlac) and D-alanyl-D-serine (Dser) ligases respectively mediates high and low level vancomycin resistance among enterococci. To date, the evolutionary relationship of both ligases is largely unaddressed. Also poorly understood are the molecular differences in the magnitude of vancomycin resistance.