Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 62
Filter
1.
Microsc Res Tech ; 87(2): 349-359, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37846045

ABSTRACT

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles is an emerging field of study that seeks to synthesize nanoparticles using non-chemical mechanisms such as microorganisms, plants, and animal blood serum. Among these, plants have gained particular attention due to their ease of handling, availability, and ability to synthesize a wide range of nanoparticles. Therefore, the current study aimed to fabricate the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Chinese medicinal plants (CMP) for their possible toxicity in common carp fish (Cyprinus carpio). For this purpose, CMP was dried, ground, and used as a bio-reductive agent. The fabricated AgNPs were characterized and a well dispersed AgNPs were obtained. Moreover, the C. carpio was exposed to the AgNPs for bioaccumulation and histological alterations. The obtained findings revealed that the AgNPs were mostly accumulated in the intestines followed by the gills, muscles, liver, and brain. The accumulated AgNPs caused histological alterations in gills and intestines at the highest concentration (0.08 mg/L). However, very less alterations were caused by the lowest concentration, especially in the intestine. In conclusion, further in-depth research is needed to determine the risks associated with the usage of nanoparticles to reveal their harmful impacts on fish and the aquatic environment. HIGHLIGHTS: The biological fabrication of AgNPs is considered eco-friendly. Chinese medicinal plants play a significant role in AgNPs synthesis. AgNPs have excellent antibacterial activity. AgNPs are bioaccumulated in various organs of fish.


Subject(s)
Carps , Metal Nanoparticles , Animals , Silver/toxicity , Silver/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/toxicity , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/toxicity
2.
Comput Biol Chem ; 107: 107954, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37738820

ABSTRACT

Paederia foetida is valued for its folk medicinal properties. This research aimed to assess the acute toxicity, hypoglycemic and anti-hemostasis properties of the methanolic extract of P. foetida leaves (PFLE). Acute toxicity of PFLE was performed on a mice model. Hypoglycemic and anti-hemostasis properties of PFLE were investigated on normal and streptozotocin-induced mice models. Deep learning, molecular docking, density functional theory, and molecular simulation techniques were employed to understand the underlying mechanisms through in silico study. Oral administration of PFLE at a dosage of 300 µg/kg body weight (BW) showed no signs of toxicity. Treatment with PFLE (300 µg/kg/BW) for 14 days resulted in a hypoglycemic condition and a 30.47% increase in body weight. Additionally, PFLE mixed with blood exhibited a 44.6% anti-hemostasis effect. Deep learning predicted the inhibitory concentration (pIC50, nM) of Cleomiscosins against SGLT2 and FXa to be 7.478 and 6.017, respectively. Molecular docking analysis revealed strong binding interactions of Cleomiscosins with crucial residues of the target proteins, exhibiting binding energies of -8.2 kcal/mol and -7.1 kcal/mol, respectively. ADME/Tox predictions indicated favorable pharmacokinetic properties of Cleomiscosins, and DFT calculations of frontier molecular orbitals analyzed the stability and reactivity of these compounds. Molecular simulation dynamics, principal component analysis and MM-PBSA calculation demonstrated the stable, compact, and rigid nature of the protein-ligand complexes. The methanolic PFLE exhibited significant hypoglycemic and anti-hemostasis properties. Cleomiscosin may have inhibitory properties for the development of novel drugs to manage diabetes and thrombophilia in the near future.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Thrombophilia , Mice , Animals , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology , Hypoglycemic Agents/chemistry , Molecular Docking Simulation , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Thrombophilia/drug therapy , Body Weight
3.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 30(29): 73393-73404, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37188935

ABSTRACT

In the present study, we determined the developmental toxicity of endosulfan at an elevated ambient temperature using the zebrafish animal model. Zebrafish embryos of various developmental stages were exposed to endosulfan through E3 medium, raised under two selected temperature conditions (28.5 °C and an elevated temperature of 35 °C), and monitored under the microscope. Zebrafish embryos of very early developmental stages (cellular cleavage stages, such as the 64-cell stage) were highly sensitive to the elevated temperature as 37.5% died and 47.5% developed into amorphous type, while only 15.0% of embryos developed as normal embryos without malformation. Zebrafish embryos that were exposed concurrently to endosulfan and an elevated temperature showed stronger developmental defects (arrested epiboly progress, shortened body length, curved trunk) compared to the embryos exposed to either endosulfan or an elevated temperature. The brain structure of the embryos that concurrently were exposed to the elevated temperature and endosulfan was either incompletely developed or malformed. Furthermore, the stress-implicated genes hsp70, p16, and smp30 regulations were synergistically affected by endosulfan treatment under the elevated thermal condition. Overall, the elevated ambient temperature synergistically enhanced the developmental toxicity of endosulfan in zebrafish embryos.


Subject(s)
Endosulfan , Zebrafish , Animals , Endosulfan/toxicity , Temperature , Embryonic Development , Embryo, Nonmammalian/abnormalities
4.
Molecules ; 28(3)2023 Jan 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36770594

ABSTRACT

Despite their remarkable biosynthetic potential, Bacillus subtilis have been widely overlooked. However, their capability to withstand harsh conditions (extreme temperature, Ultraviolet (UV) and γ-radiation, and dehydration) and the promiscuous metabolites they synthesize have created increased commercial interest in them as a therapeutic agent, a food preservative, and a plant-pathogen control agent. Nevertheless, the commercial-scale availability of these metabolites is constrained due to challenges in their accessibility via synthesis and low fermentation yields. In the context of this rising in interest, we comprehensively visualized the antimicrobial peptides produced by B. subtilis and highlighted their prospective applications in various industries. Moreover, we proposed and classified these metabolites produced by the B. subtilis group based on their biosynthetic pathways and chemical structures. The biosynthetic pathway, bioactivity, and chemical structure are discussed in detail for each class. We believe that this review will spark a renewed interest in the often disregarded B. subtilis and its remarkable biosynthetic capabilities.


Subject(s)
Bacillus , Bacillus subtilis/metabolism
5.
Cureus ; 15(1): e33241, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36618499

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on various aspects of everyday life, including healthcare provision. The aim of the scoping review was to collate, summarize, and discuss this literature, in light of the impact COVID-19 had on Primary care. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) four-stage process framework for reporting was followed. A total of 31 studies were included in this review. Based upon our review we found COVID-19 pandemic on Primary Care, has made significant effects on 1) service redesign, 2) long-term illness care provision, 3) healthcare staff well-being and 4) the post-pandemic future of Primary Care. The COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated, how a pandemic can drastically change the process of healthcare provision within the community, as evidenced by the change in consultation styles with patients, the impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of health workers, a shift from isolated practice to teamwork, as well as the ability of healthcare workers to seek prompt help with their health. Studies have demonstrated progress in knowledge and experience gained by healthcare workers when tackling COVID-19, and how these can be implemented in possible future pandemics affecting Primary Care, however, further research is required within this sphere.

6.
Qual Quant ; 57(1): 847-862, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35431342

ABSTRACT

This paper attempts to evaluate the impact of massive infectious and contagious diseases and its final impact on the economic performance anywhere and anytime. We are considering to evaluate the case of Wuhan, China. We are taking in consideration the case of COVID-19 to be evaluated under a domestic, national, and international level impact. In this paper, we also propose a new simulator to evaluate the impact of massive infections and contagious diseases on the economic performance subsequently. This simulator is entitled "The Impact of Pandemics on the Economic Performance Simulator (IPEP-Simulator)" Hence, this simulator tries to show a macro and micro analysis with different possible scenarios simultaneously. Finally, the IPEP-Simulator was applied to the case of Wuhan-China respectively.

7.
Cureus ; 14(10): e30878, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36465784

ABSTRACT

Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is the second most common osseous tumor in young patients after osteosarcoma. All primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) and Askin tumors are members of Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT), which all have aberrant translocations between the 11th and 22nd chromosomes. Only one in five cases of Ewing's sarcoma occurs as extraskeletal. In this report, we describe a young female with a palpable lump on her spine who presented with paravertebral and thoracic extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma (EES). Over six months, the swelling gradually increased in size, and the patient reported episodes of episodic pain and fever. Examining the swelling, a non-reducible, non-tender ovoid lump measuring approximately 8 cm x 5 cm was found to have smooth margins and be slightly mobile. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helped diagnose, plan surgical resections, assess neoadjuvant chemotherapy effectiveness, and detect local recurrences and metastatic spread of the tumor. The differential diagnosis of EES included embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and lymphoma. The use of immunohistochemical markers further differentiated the diagnoses. In conclusion, it should be noted that EES, though rare, should be considered when evaluating soft tissue lumps of neoplastic characteristics, in children or adolescents. Considering the poor prognosis of this disease, early detection is essential. The MRI plays a vital role in diagnosing cancer, staging it locally, assessing response to neoadjuvant therapy, and identifying local recurrences and metastases.

8.
Cureus ; 14(10): e30128, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36381931

ABSTRACT

The Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare form of a birth disorder that includes capillary malformation, hypertrophy of bones and soft tissues, and tortuous varicosities, as well as hypertrophy of the capillaries resulting in hemangiomas and port wine discoloration. KTS is also known as angio-osteohypertrophy syndrome and dysplastic angiopathy. In this case report, we describe the case of a 13-year-old female with multiple superficial varicosities on the medial aspect of her left leg since birth. Computed tomography angiogram assessed and identified abnormal venous drainage in the lower limb. Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome (KTWS) differs from KTS in that KTWS involves arteriovenous malformations.

9.
Cureus ; 14(11): e31308, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36382324

ABSTRACT

Zinner syndrome is a less common birth anomaly of the Wolffian duct consisting of unilateral kidney absence, ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction, and seminal vesicle cyst. A failure of embryogenesis of the ureteric bud between the fourth and 13th week of gestation results in Zinner syndrome. Conservative treatment is recommended for asymptomatic patients, whereas invasive treatment is reserved for symptomatic patients and for those who have failed conservative treatment. In this case report, we describe the non-specific presentation of lower abdominal pain and dysuria, as well as episodes of hematuria and new-onset hypertension, in a male patient, who was otherwise deemed healthy, with no other previous medical or surgical history. An imaging study and laboratory investigations were performed, and the patient was detected to have left renal agenesis and hypointense/hyperintense cysts in the left seminal vesicle of the left kidney. The findings supported the diagnosis of Zinner syndrome. The patient did not present with any symptoms or findings that would suggest infertility at the time of the study. Zinner syndrome is a rare cause of painful micturition and hematuria in males and can be diagnosed using ultrasound (USS), computer tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Zinner syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis in male patients with unilateral renal agenesis and cystic pelvic masses. Patients who are asymptomatic typically undergo conservative treatment and are followed up to prevent infertility. For patients with symptomatic cysts who fail to respond to conservative treatment or whose cysts are larger than 5 cm in diameter, surgical intervention is recommended (open or laparoscopic surgery and ejaculatory duct balloon dilatation).

10.
Cureus ; 14(10): e30182, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36397887

ABSTRACT

Primary testicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (PTNHL) with contiguous involvement of the spermatic cord is a rare occurrence and presentation of the disease, and it mostly involves elderly men between the sixth and eighth decades of life. PTNHL is a rare form of primary testicular malignancy that accounts for 1% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases and 5-10%of all testicular malignancies. This case report discusses a 73-year-old man who presented with right-sided inguinoscrotal swelling for six months, which had progressively increased in size. The patient was referred to the surgical department, and the examination revealed a hard-palpable mass with thickening of the cord. The initial imaging included an ultrasound, demonstrating a heteroechoic mass inseparable from the right testis with evidence of mild increased internal vascularity. Due to the high suspicion of malignancy, a right orchidectomy was performed. The patient subsequently developed another swelling after seven months, over the right inguinal region, which had progressively increased in size. MRI of the pelvis and CT of the abdomen and chest revealed a lobulated, intermediate intense lesion in the right inguinoscrotal region. This case report demonstrates the importance of radiological imaging in assessing and detecting the characteristics of concomitant lesions by using various imaging modalities and assessing the extent of spread. In addition, radiological imaging helps in the early diagnosis of the disease and facilitates prompt and early treatment to achieve favorable outcomes for the patient. The radiologist should include a differential diagnosis of PTNHL when imaging for a painless inguinoscrotal mass.

11.
Clin Case Rep ; 10(11): e6628, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36419581

ABSTRACT

The case report describes a post-COVID-19 patient with severe right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, moderate epigastric pain, high troponin levels, and nonspecific ST-segment and T-wave changes on electrocardiogram (ECG).

12.
Cureus ; 14(10): e30757, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36447685

ABSTRACT

A fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a complex venous malformation characterized by intramuscular fibrofatty replacement and dilation of veins. As FAVA is a rare entity and associated with a complex constellation of vascular anomalies, it is often misdiagnosed. This report discusses a case of a 26-year-old woman who presented with swelling on the lateral aspect of the right thigh. FAVA was diagnosed on the basis of radiological and histopathological examinations. After en-bloc resection of the mass, the patient's pain and ability to move significantly improved. We describe the clinical, radiological, and pathological aspects of FAVA, as well as its management.

13.
J Health Popul Nutr ; 41(1): 45, 2022 10 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36195965

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Medically unnecessary caesarean section (CS) is now an ongoing concern worldwide including in Bangladesh. This intensifies the occurrence of adverse maternal and child health outcomes. We investigated the associations of CS with some basic health and behavioural outcomes of the mothers and their children in Bangladesh. METHODS: We conducted a community-based case-control study from May to August 2019. A total of 600 mother-child dyads were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, 300 of them had CS, and 300 had vaginal delivery (VD) in their most recent live births. The exposure variable was the mode of delivery, classified as 1 if mothers had CS and 0 if mothers had VD. The outcome variables were a group of health and behavioural problems of the mothers and their children. Multivariate or multiple logistic regression model, separately for each health and behavioural outcome, was used to determine the effect of exposure variable on outcome variable after adjusting for possible confounders. RESULTS: The mean age and weight of mothers were 25.1 years and 53.1 kg, respectively. Likelihoods of headache, after delivery hip pain, problem of daily activities, and breastfeeding problem were reported higher among mothers who had CS in their most recent live birth than mothers who had VD. Similarly, children who were born through the CS operation were more likely to report breathing problem, frequent illness, lower food demand and lower hours of sleeping. CONCLUSION: The use of CS increases the risks of health and behavioural problems of the mothers and their children. Policies and programs to avoid medically unnecessary CS and increase awareness over its adverse effects are important.


Subject(s)
Cesarean Section , Mothers , Bangladesh/epidemiology , Case-Control Studies , Cesarean Section/adverse effects , Delivery, Obstetric , Female , Humans , Pregnancy
14.
Molecules ; 27(20)2022 Oct 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36296555

ABSTRACT

Litsea glutinosa (L. glutinosa) is considered an evidence-based medicinal plant for the treatment of cancer, the leading cause of death worldwide. In our study, the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo anticancer properties of an essential ethno-medicinal plant, L. glutinosa, were examined using non-toxic doses and a phytochemical analysis was executed using gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry. The in vitro antioxidant study of the L. glutinosa methanolic extract (LGBME) revealed a concentration-dependent antioxidant property. The bark extract showed promising antioxidant effects in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The strongest antioxidant activity was demonstrated at the maximum concentration (50 µg/mL). The IC50 values of the LGBME and BHT were 5.51 and 5.01 µg/mL, respectively. At the same concentration, the total antioxidant capacity of the LGBME was 0.161 µg/mL and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay result of the LGBME was 1.783 µg/mL. In the cytotoxicity study, the LD50 of the LGBME and gallic acid were 24.93 µg/mL and 7.23 µg/mL, respectively. In the in vivo anticancer-activity studies, the LGBME, particularly at a dose of 150 mg/kg/bw, showed significant cell-growth inhibition, decreased tumor weight, increased mean survival rate, and upregulated the reduced hematological parameters in EAC (Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma)-induced Swiss albino mice. The highest cell-growth inhibition, 85.76%, was observed with the dose of 150 mg/kg/bw. Furthermore, the upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes (p53, Bax) and the downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 were observed. In conclusion, LGBME extract has several bioactive phytoconstituents, which confirms the antioxidant and anticancer properties of L. glutinosa.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants , Litsea , Animals , Mice , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/chemistry , Methanol , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Butylated Hydroxytoluene , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 , bcl-2-Associated X Protein , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Gallic Acid
15.
Bioresour Technol ; 362: 127801, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35995345

ABSTRACT

Hydrolytic bacteria are essential for the degradation of lignocellulose to produce biogas and organic fertilizers. In this study, sheep manure was used as substrate, and sheep manure slurry, yak rumen fluid and slurry from a biogas reactor (SBR) were used as inocula in single-stage anaerobic digestion. The SBR and rumen fluid inocula increased biogas production by 23% and 43%, respectively, when compared to solely sheep manure in the single-stage anaerobic digestion. The two-stage anaerobic digestion, with yak rumen fluid as inoculum in the hydrolytic reactor, increased the biogas production by 59, 86, and 58% compared with the control. Microbial analysis of the effluent revealed that yak rumen fluid contained hydrolytic bacteria such as Proteiniphilum, Jeotgalibaca, Fermentimonas, and Atopostipes to enhance the degradation of sheep manure and increase biogas production. It was concluded that yak rumen fluid, rich in hydrolytic bacteria, increases the degradability of sheep manure and improves production of volatile fatt acids and biogas.


Subject(s)
Biofuels , Manure , Anaerobiosis , Animals , Bacteria/metabolism , Biofuels/microbiology , Bioreactors/microbiology , Cattle , Manure/microbiology , Methane , Rumen/microbiology , Sheep
16.
Curr Pharm Des ; 28(36): 3023-3032, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35909285

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Signal transducers and activators of the transcription (STAT) family is composed of seven structurally similar and highly conserved members, including STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5a, STAT5b, and STAT6. The STAT3 signaling cascade is activated by upstream kinase signals and undergoes phosphorylation, homo-dimerization, nuclear translocation, and DNA binding, resulting in the expression of target genes involved in tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune editing. STAT3 hyperactivation has been documented in a number of tumors, including head and neck, breast, lung, liver, kidney, prostate, pancreas cancer, multiple myeloma, and acute myeloid leukemia. Drug discovery is a timeconsuming and costly process; it may take ten to fifteen years to bring a single drug to the market. Machine learning algorithms are very fast and effective and commonly used in the field, such as drug discovery. These algorithms are ideal for the virtual screening of large compound libraries to classify molecules as active or inactive. OBJECTIVE: The present work aims to perform machine learning-based virtual screening for the STAT3 drug target. METHODS: Machine learning models, such as k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, Gaussian naïve Bayes, and random forest for classifying the active and inactive inhibitors against a STAT3 drug target, were developed. Ten-fold cross-validation was used for model validation. Then the test dataset prepared from the zinc database was screened using the random forest model. A total of 20 compounds with 88% accuracy was predicted as active against STAT3. Furthermore, these twenty compounds were docked into the active site of STAT3. The two complexes with good docking scores as well as the reference compound were subjected to MD simulation. A total of 100ns MD simulation was performed. RESULTS: Compared to all other models, the random forest model revealed better results. Compared to the standard reference compound, the top two hits revealed greater stability and compactness. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our predicted hits have the ability to inhibit STAT3 overexpression to combat STAT3-associated diseases.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , STAT3 Transcription Factor , Male , Humans , Bayes Theorem , STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics , STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism , Machine Learning , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Drug Discovery , Computer Simulation
17.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol ; 12: 941831, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35873149

ABSTRACT

Ticks are blood-feeding ecto-parasites that have a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Ticks cause economic losses in the form of reduced blood, meat and dairy products, as well as pathogen transmission. Different acaricides such as organochlorines, organophosphates, formamidines (e.g. amitraz), synthetic pyrethroids, macrocyclic lactones, fipronil, and fluazuron are currently used sequentially or simultaneously to control tick infestations. Most acaricide treatments now face increasingly high chances of failure, due to the resistance selection in different tick populations against these drugs. Acaricide resistance in ticks can be developed in different ways, including amino acid substitutions that result in morphological changes in the acaricide target, metabolic detoxification, and reduced acaricide entry through the outer layer of the tick body. The current literature brings a plethora of information regarding the use of different acaricides for tick control, resistance selection, analysis of mutations in target sites, and resistance mitigation. Alternatives such as synergistic use of different acaricides, plant-derived phytochemicals, fungi as biological control agents, and anti-tick vaccines have been recommended to avoid and mitigate acaricide resistance. The purpose of this review was to summarize and discuss different acaricides applied for tick control, their mechanisms of action and resistance selection, genetic polymorphisms in their target molecules, as well as the approaches used for diagnosis and mitigation of acaricide resistance, specifically in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks.


Subject(s)
Acaricides , Cattle Diseases , Rhipicephalus , Tick Infestations , Acaricides/pharmacology , Animals , Cattle , Cattle Diseases/parasitology , Rhipicephalus/genetics , Tick Control , Tick Infestations/prevention & control
18.
Animals (Basel) ; 12(13)2022 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35804607

ABSTRACT

Ticks transmit pathogens to animals and humans more often than any other arthropod vector. The rural economy of Pakistan mainly depends on livestock farming, and tick infestations cause severe problems in this sector. The present study aimed to molecularly characterize the Anaplasma spp. in hard ticks collected from six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Ticks were collected from various livestock hosts, including cattle breeds (Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, Sahiwal, and Achai), Asian water buffaloes, sheep, and goats from March 2018 to February 2019. Collected ticks were morphologically identified and subjected to molecular screening of Anaplasma spp. by amplifying 16S rDNA sequences. Six hundred seventy-six ticks were collected from infested hosts (224/350, 64%). Among the nine morphologically identified tick species, the highest occurrence was noted for Rhipicephalus microplus (254, 37.6%), followed by Hyalomma anatolicum (136, 20.1%), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (119, 17.6%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (116, 17.1%), Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (14, 2.1%), Hyalomma dromedarii (11, 1.6%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (10, 1.5%), Hyalomma scupense (8, 1.2%), and Haemaphysalis kashmirensis (8, 1.2%). The occurrence of tick females was highest (260, 38.5%), followed by nymphs (246, 36.4%) and males (170, 25.1%). Overall, the highest occurrence of ticks was recorded in the Peshawar district (239, 35.3%), followed by Mardan (183, 27.1%), Charsadda (110, 16.3%), Swat (52, 7.7%), Shangla (48, 7.1%), and Chitral (44, 6.5%). Among these ticks, Anaplasma marginale was detected in R. microplus, R. turanicus, and R. haemaphysaloides. The 16S rDNA sequences showed high identity (98-100%) with A. marginale reported from Australia, China, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, Uganda, and the USA. In phylogenetic analysis, the sequence of A. marginale clustered with the same species reported from Australia, China, Pakistan, Thailand, Uruguay, and the USA. Further molecular work regarding the diversity of tick species and associated pathogens is essential across the country.

19.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol ; 12: 800511, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35755851

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2 is a causative agent for COVID-19 disease, initially reported from Wuhan, China. The infected patients experienced mild to severe symptoms, resulting in several fatalities due to a weak understanding of its pathogenesis, which is the same even to date. This cross-sectional study has been designed on 452 symptomatic mild-to-moderate and severe/critical patients to understand the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with their comorbidities and response to treatment. The mean age of the studied patients was 58 ± 14.42 years, and the overall male to female ratio was 61.7 to 38.2%, respectively. In total, 27.3% of the patients had a history of exposure, and 11.9% had a travel history, while for 60% of patients, the source of infection was unknown. The most prevalent signs and symptoms in ICU patients were dry cough, myalgia, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal discomfort, and abnormal chest X-ray (p < 0.001), along with a high percentage of hypertension (p = 0.007) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.029) as leading comorbidities. The complete blood count indicators were significantly disturbed in severe patients, while the coagulation profile and D-dimer values were significantly higher in mild-to-moderate (non-ICU) patients (p < 0.001). The serum creatinine (1.22 µmol L-1; p = 0.016) and lactate dehydrogenase (619 µmol L-1; p < 0.001) indicators were significantly high in non-ICU patients, while raised values of total bilirubin (0.91 µmol L-1; p = 0.054), C-reactive protein (84.68 mg L-1; p = 0.001), and ferritin (996.81 mg L-1; p < 0.001) were found in ICU patients. The drug dexamethasone was the leading prescribed and administrated medicine to COVID-19 patients, followed by remdesivir, meropenem, heparin, and tocilizumab, respectively. A characteristic pattern of ground glass opacities, consolidation, and interlobular septal thickening was prominent in severely infected patients. These findings could be used for future research, control, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Adult , Aged , COVID-19/epidemiology , Comorbidity , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pakistan/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies
20.
Front Microbiol ; 13: 792426, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35464983

ABSTRACT

To utilize wastes and residues sustainably and excellently, there is a need to fend for efficient methods and resources for biogas production. Use of poultry waste for biogas production represents one of the most important routes toward reaching global renewable energy targets. The current study involves microbial pretreatment of chicken feather waste, followed by its co-digestion with rice husk and green grocery waste in batch and continuous reactors, respectively. Microbial pretreatment of chicken feathers by keratinase secreting Pseudomonas aeruginosa was an effective and eco-friendly approach to make its recalcitrant structure available as a raw substrate for biogas production. The current study also addressed the enhancement and stability of anaerobic digestion by co-digestion. Results demonstrated that biogas production was increased by microbial pretreatment of chicken feathers and that the percentage increase in biogas yield was 1.1% in microbialy pretreated feathers compared to mono-digestion (non-pretreated feathers) in batch fermentation. The highest yield of biogas was obtained in a batch reactor having co-digestion of pretreated rice husk and microbial pretreated chicken feathers. The co-digestion of chicken feathers hydrolysate with green grocery waste in continuous fermentation mode has also enhanced the biogas yield as compared to average of mono-digestion (chicken feather hydrolysate and green grocery waste) and, therefore, improve the efficiency of the overall process.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...