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New Issue Published; 9(3)

Advancements in Life Sciences, volume 9, issue 3Cover; Volume 9, Issue 3
ISSN 2310-5380 

IN THIS ISSUE

This 3rd issue of the 9th volume has featured 20 multidisciplinary articles including 1 metadata analysis and survey report, 3 reviews, 3 short communication and 13 research papers of authors from 11 countries covering aspects from different stems of life science. Enjoy reading!

 

Metadata Analysis and Survey Reports  


Prevalence of Nemathelminthes in Cart Pulling Camels
Muhammad Ahmad, Majid Hussain Soomro, Fayaz Hussain, Ghulam Jelani, pages 235-238
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 Background: Camels are multipurpose animals, raised for the source of animal protein and transportation. Pakistan is also a major camel raising country and its population is one million. Parasitic disease cause impaired camel production, although the camels are less affected by the parasites, but some helminths affect them.

Methods: The present study aimed to determine camels’ gastrointestinal helminths (nemathelminthes) in Sakrand, Sindh. The study was carried out in a total 100 dromedaries. The samples were collected and processed through the direct smear and floatation techniques.

Results: The overall data showed a high infestation of nemathelminthes (62%) with the presence of following parasites; TrichostrongylusMonieziaOstertagiaHaemonchusMarshallagia, Trichuris, ToxocaraAscariaEscaria.

Conclusion: To conclude nemathelminthes are major problem in camels under traditional husbandry. Regarding the high prevalence of infection use of parasitic control programmes are essential to improve camel health and productivity because camels play an important role in human lives by helping in transportation, work and provide production. 

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 Review Articles


Recent Advances in the Role of Vitamins in the Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Literature Review
Bazza Sohail, Abdul Wasay Nafe, Robina Malik, pages 239-269
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 Main objective of this review is critically evaluate the use of vitamins in the safety measure as well as treatments of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using recent findings of research on both humans and animals. The authors combed through the fundamental literature on association of vitamins (fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins and some quasi vitamins) with prevention/treatment of AD to create this narrative review. An online search was conducted in Science Direct, Google Scholar, EBSCO & PubMed, a manual search via catalogues and scientific journals for review the literature regarding the relationship between vitamins and AD and to comprehend the potential mechanisms that may clarify such a relationship. After evaluating the titles and abstracts of the preliminary 500 articles, 350 were chosen. After reading the full texts and accomplishing a supplemental search on "Related citations" and the references of the chosen articles, a total of 282 references were found. The two most frequently mentioned ways that vitamins may affect cognitive function in AD are (1) by influences on a particular plasma amino acid called homocysteine (Hcy) for B vitamins (B6, B9 & B12), and (2) through antioxidant effects, decreasing the free radicals’ contents which can impairment human cells, for vitamins B2, C, D, E, as well as ß-carotene. These theories concerning potential mechanisms are mostly based on preclinical research and findings of links between dementia or cognitive decline and elevated Hcy levels or elevated markers of oxidative stress. The results from current studies show an effectiveness and safety of vitamin supplementation to avert mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as the initial phases of AD will likely rely on firstly which metabolic pathways are affected, secondly which vitamins are lacking and could correct the pertinent metabolic flaw, and thirdly, the modulating effect of nutrient-nutrient and nutrient-genotype interaction. Further emphasis on an accurate dietary strategy is needed to recognize the complete prospective of vitamin therapy in avoiding dementia and cognitive function as well as to avoid causing devastation. 

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Role of Antiviral Drugs in Management of Mild and Moderate Coronavirus Disease-19: A Systematic Review
Tanapong Pantasri, Muhammad Mohsin Ali, Muhammad Hashim Ghouri, Ahmad M. Alharbi, Hasan Alfahemi, pages  270-276
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 Following the discovery of the first instances of COVID-19 in nations and the subsequent announcement of a “pandemic” by WHO, worldwide efforts to identify efficient methods to combat COVID-19 began. One of the most effective solutions is to carry out widespread vaccination against the virus. Despite this, some members of the community refuse to be vaccinated. The present paper reviews the potential causes and factors correlating with people's hesitation to receive COVID-19 vaccines. This article is a narrative review paper. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using COVID-19, Vaccine, Acceptance, and Hesitancy keywords. Qualitative content analysis was performed and associated predictors with public vaccination acceptance were identified. According to the study,  hesitation in receiving COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of the countries, is significant among females, lower ages, lower education level, doubt about efficacy, and concerns about the safety of the vaccines, history of not receiving vaccines, especially the influenza vaccine, distrust of regional or national health officials, low level of health literacy and lack of information, fear of side effects and other complications, doubt of pharmaceutical companies and fear of lobbying, presence of chronic underlying diseases and comorbidities, lower socioeconomic status and racial or religious minorities. According to the results, several factors can influence individuals' uncertainty about COVID-19 vaccines. Given the importance of vaccinating the majority of the community to achieve mass immunity, healthcare systems should consider the vaccine acceptance rate to be a vital and substantial factor. 

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The Role of Zonulin as a Prognostic Biomarker in Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review
Kourosh Ghanadi, Nasrollah Naghdi, pages 277-283
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 Liver diseases have become a serious concern in the health care systems worldwide. There is an association between gut permeability and several liver diseases. Zonulin is recognized as a marker of intestinal permeability. Hence, this study summarizes the current knowledge about the role of zonulin as a prognostic biomarker in liver diseases. The present systematic review was performed according to the guidelines of the 2015 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements. Until May 2022, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar as well as Google databases were searched using the relevant keywords including “Zonulin” and “Liver Diseases”, “Fatty Liver”, “Hepatitis”, “Cirrhosis”, “Carcinoma”, “Liver Steatosis”. Of 279 identified records through database searching, 37 articles were included in this systematic review. The evidence of this review revealed that the level of zonulin as the major biomarker of intestinal permeability increased in various types of liver diseases. Overall, we found that increased level of zonulin is associated with inflammatory responses in liver tissue and development of liver diseases. However, further studies could indicate the diagnostic and therapeutic role of zonulin in liver diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 

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Full Length Research Articles


Investigation of the effect of end season drought stress on morphological on Durum wheat genotypes
Majid Khayatnezhad, Roza Gholamin, Hasti Keynoos, pages 284-288
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 Background: Drought stress is one of the most important factors limiting the yield of crops, especially in semi-arid regions of the world. Therefore, studying and investigating plants resistant to these conditions can be useful for the agricultural industry and the country's economy.

Methods: To evaluate this capacity overall performance grain durum wheat genotypes in drought conditions and overview a number of the developments related to yield, and a few decided on advanced genotypes, 10 genotypes of Durum wheat within side the 2017-2018 cropping year.

Results: The evaluation of variance confirmed great variations among the developments evaluated in phrases of strain and there has been no tension. Also, amongst genotypes in phrases of height, important spike length, grain weight, and there has been a great distinction in yield. Performing evaluation Factor, via evaluation, most important four additives 82.67 percentage of overall running modifications have been justified.

Conclusion: The consequences imply the significance of component coefficients traits of overall and fertile tillers, main spike length, 1000-seed weight, and yield decided on genotypes is suitable for dry conditions. 

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Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Berberis vulgaris Extract
Attequr Rahman, Abdur Rauf, Bakhtiar Ali, Mohib Ullah, Murad Ali, Sidra Ahmad, Farman Ullah, Hamza Iqbal, Maaz Iqbal, Mian Afaq Ahmad, pages 289-294

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 Background: Plants are main source of various bioactive compounds that possess great medicinal importance and have gained much popularity for therapeutics due to their less side effects. A diverse category of plants is present to be explored and evaluated for the treatment of different bacterial infection. In the current work, Berberis vulgaris extract in various solvents was evaluated for its phytochemical properties and antimicrobial potential against six different pathogenic bacterial strains.

Methods: Different phytochemical tests were carried out to analyze the plant for active biocomponents. The disc diffusion method was used to screen the plant for different pathogenic bacterial strains. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various plant bioactive compounds (alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, and proteins) in variable amount.

Results: Among all solvents extracts, butanoic and aqueous fraction showed abundant presence of bioactive compounds, while n-hexane showed least intensity of various phytochemicals. For antimicrobial potential, methanolic and butanoic fractions showed maximum growth inhibition against all strains tested at 1.5mg disc-1. Ethyl acetate and n-hexane also showed better activity against all tested bacteria at all concentrations. The most susceptible microbe was Bacillus subtilis. These results further revealed that least activity was recorded by water extracted solvent and showed no activity against Staphylococcus aureus at all concentrations.

Conclusion: The current work highlights the apparent antimicrobial potential of extract derived from of Berberis vulgaris. This plant may be explored for further activities and can be used for the production of antibiotics.  

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Interactive Influence of Nutrient Density and Feeding Pattern on Production Performance of Broiler Breeders
Mehboob Elahi, Muhammad Farooq Iqbal, Muhammad Tariq Tunio, Muhammad Kamran, Muhammad Ali Abdullah Shah, Irfan Irshad, Tehreem Raza Bhatti, Qadeer Ahmed Khan, pages 295-302

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 Background: In addition to energy and protein, the minerals also play a vital role in the production performance of birds. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of high energy feed and separate calcium feeding on feed cleanup time and production parameters in broiler breeder pullets. 

Methods: Nine hundred female birds of the same age (26 week) were divided in nine groups having one hundred birds in each group.  Three different dietary treatments were offered. The group A, B and C were given feeds having 2750, 2900, 2950 Kcal ME / kg and 14.5%, 15%, 15.5% CP respectively along with 165, 155 and 150 grams peak feed allowance at 60 % production.  The second and third groups were given 10 g separate calcium source in the evening.  The experiment continued for a period of twelve weeks.

Results: The feed intake was significantly lower in group C as compared to A and B. A significantly lower feed cleanup time and higher hatchability percentage was observed in group B compared to groups A and C. The FCR eggs was significantly lower for groups B and C compared to group A.  The FCR chicks was significantly lower in group B and C compared to group A.  The cost of feed to produce chicks was significantly lower for group B compared to group A and C. Feed consumed to produce one chick was higher for group A compared to groups B and C.  The feed cost to produce one chick was highest for group A and lowest for group B.

Conclusion: These results suggested that feed B has lowest feed consumption, cost to produce one chick and feed cleanup time while highest hatchability hence it can be used in the broiler breeder industry to decrease the cost of production and increase profitability.  

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Evaluation of Predictive Factors and Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening in Women Referring to Comprehensive Health Centers in Khorramabad, Lorestan Province, Iran during 2020
Khatereh Anbari, Alireza Hosieni, Pardis Ghanadi, pages 303-308

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 Background: Cervical cancer is among the most common malignancies in women, especially in developing countries. Proper and timely screening can prevent this cancer and its complications. The present study aims to assess the cervical cancer screening status in women referring to comprehensive health centers in Khorramabad, Iran.

Methods: A total of 457 married women aged 18-60 years, who referred to health centers in Khorramabad city, were included in this cross-sectional study using a multi-stage (stratified-cluster-random) sampling method. Information on demographic characteristics, pregnancy history, cervical cancer screening status, including taking or not taking screening tests so far, frequency and intervals of screening and the reason for not taking screening tests were collected using a multi-part questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results: The mean age of participants in the study was 36.1± 9.69 years. About 66.7% of the participants stated that they had the history of taking at least one Pap smear (Papanicolaou smear) by the time of the study. The age of first Pap smear in most participants was 25-29 years and the frequency of taking a Pap smear test in most cases (28.9%) was once. Most participants reported that they did not take Pap tests because they were unaware of the importance and necessity of taking a Pap smear test. The frequency of Pap smear screening in the women surveyed was statistically significant by age (PV=0.001), education level (PV<0.001), occupation (PV=0.001), and place of residence (PV=0.001).   

Conclusion: The level of awareness and subsequently cervical cancer screening frequency can be increased in women of the community with proper planning and training women in the community at various levels, including the comprehensive health center.  

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Radiographic Evaluation of Knee Joint in Patients with Knee pain and its correlation with Osteoarthritis and Gender
Maryam Shahzad, Taiba Zulfiqar, Abid Ali, pages 309-312

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 Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most rampant reason of knee discomfort and pain. Knee osteoarthritis accounts for 83 percent of the overall Osteoarthritis burden. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is projected to grow more frequent as age progresses, and it is more common in women and overweight individuals. The Kellgren and Lawrence scoring criteria is usually employed to estimate the severity of disease. To evaluate the Radiographic findings associated with knee joint pain and to assess the prevalence of osteoarthritis in individuals with knee joint discomfort, as well as its correlation with gender.

Methods: From August to December 2021, cross-sectional research was undertaken at the Department of Radiology, Amin Medical Complex, Sialkot. This research comprised participants of both gender having knee discomfort, ranging in age from forty to eighty yrs. SPSS version 24 was employed to record the data and analyze the information.

Results: Total 100 Patients (M=45, F=55) were enrolled in this study. Out of 100 participants with knee pain 45(45%) patients had abnormal knee radiographic findings. Osteoarthritis of the knee accounted for 35% of all abnormal radiographic findings in this study, with synovial effusion accounting for 8% of the total, and erosion only contributing for 2%. Knee osteoarthritis was found to be more prevalent in females than in males (24% vs. 11%), demonstrating that gender is a significant predictor for knee osteoarthritic disease. Findings corroborate the implementation of the Kellgren-Lawrence marking scheme to characterize Knee osteoarthritis in population research.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that radiographic aspects of knee Osteoarthritis are substantially linked to knee discomfort, and that it is more frequent in people over the age of 55. Knee osteoarthritis is substantially linked with gender, with females suffering from it at a higher rate. The findings authenticate the implementation of the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scheme to characterize Knee osteoarthritis in population research. 

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Diagnostic accuracy of Calypte HIV-1 Urine EIA kit in Pakistan
Hasnain Javed, Laiba NA, Sobia Rizwan, Warda Fatima, pages 313-317

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 Background: HIV is one of the major public health issues of modern world. The elevation in numbers calls for increased and efficient diagnostic testing protocols. A great number of HIV diagnostic tests have been approved and in use in the developed world but developing countries are still lagging in terms of testing HIV. These reasons are the motives behind this study which is aimed at testing the accuracy and use of Calypte HIV-1 Urine EIA in the Pakistani population.

Methods: 516 subjects are included in the study from different HIV centers of Pakistan. The test results of Calypte-HIV-1 Urine EIA were compared with the routinely used 3-kit method.

Results: The results exhibited 100% specificity but low sensitivity (74.67%). However, the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100% and 52.94%, respectively. Overall accuracy result for this kit was observed to be 81.40% for Calypte HIV-1 Urine EIA in the selected sample.

Conclusion: Pakistan has a low population prevalence of HIV and keeping in view of the WHO recommended guidelines for HIV testing, the use of Calypte HIV-1 Urine EIA is not ideal in the current scenario. Even though the test can be of great value in high prevalence populations and can be an excellent means of surveillance procedures, it is not as fit to be used in diagnostic settings in the current situation in developing countries. 

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Serum Anti-Nuclear Antibodies and their patterns on immunofluorescence in patients with joint pain from Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Daood Khan, Bushra Mubarak, Kainat Waheed, Iqra Munir, pages 318-322

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 Background: Autoimmunity is the deviation of the immune system from its natural course and evoking a potent inflammatory response against organs or systems of its own body. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are an important marker for the diagnosis of autoimmune. The incidence of autoimmune diseases is increasing globally due to advancements in civilization, so it becomes crucial to monitor its trends. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of ANA and its specific pattern in individuals with joint pain.

Methods: The duration of this cross-sectional study was 6 months, from December 2018 to May 2019. ANA profiles of 155 subjects were evaluated using the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) technique.

Results: Amongst 155 enrolled subjects 101(65.2%) were females and 54(34.8%) were males. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 61 (39.3%) patients. ANA was found positive in 35 (22.5%) individuals, 5(14.3%) males, and 30(85.7%) females. Homogenous pattern was positive in 25(71.4%), 5(14.3%) fine speckled, 5(14.3%) centromere, and 1(2.8%) presented nuclear dots. The most frequent titer observed was 1/320 in 14(40%) individuals.

Conclusion: The homogenous pattern was frequently observed patterns ANA positive subjects. There was also a significant relationship between age group and their patterns. The homogenous pattern was most frequent among the 60-69-year age group. 

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Frequency of Helicobacter Pylori Infections and Its Associated Risk Factors in Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital of Bhakkar, Pakistan
Haider Nadeem, Aiman Nawaz, Arooj Nawaz, Komal Shams, Bushra Mubarak, pages 323-327

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 Background: Helicobacter Pylori  is a gram-negative bacteria that is the main cause of chronic gastritis and plays a significant role in peptic ulcers, gastric carcinoma, and gastric lymphoma. The prevalence of H. pylori cases is 75-90% worldwide. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of H. pylori and its associated risk factors in the Bhakkar district.

Methods: A total of 102 participants with problems in the gastrointestinal tract were taken from June 2021 to May 2022. Stool antigen was performed to confirm H. pylori infection. A complete blood count (CBC) was also performed on the blood sample. 

Results: The current study showed that a total of 102 samples were collected in this study. It was concluded that out of 102 participants, 63 (61.8%) were H. pylori positive and 39 (38.2%) were H. pylori-negative participants. Females were more infected with H. pylori 38 (60.3%) as compared to males 25 (39.7). The frequency of factors such as smoking (52% vs 51%), weekly consumption of junk food (52.4% vs 43.6%), fizzy drinks (33.3% vs 23.1%) and drinking of unfiltered water (54% vs 53%) was more in H. pylori-infected group compared with the uninfected group but difference was not statistically significant with odds ratio less than 1.

Conclusion: The current study concluded that female genders, ethnicities, and history of stomach infection are risk factors for H. pylori. Exposure to Smoking, unfiltered drinking water, fizzy drinks, and Junk food is more in the affected group than in the unaffected group. 

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Introduction of Large-Fruited Strawberry Varieties on the Territory of the Novosibirsk Region in the Conditions of Western Siberia
KS Makarova, AF Petrov, AV Pastukhova, AS Gazizulina, VA Petruk, SS Gotfrid, pages 328-333

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 Background: For the Novosibirsk region, the need for planting material suitable for growing varieties is very high. The relatively easy technology of growing strawberries allows obtaining high yields not only for those who grow them but also on an industrial scale. Strawberry fruits contain a huge number of useful elements, including vitamins, which are necessary for the human body. The study aimed to determine the influence of the maturity group on the yield of introduced varieties of large-fruited garden strawberries. 

Methods: Records and observations were carried out from May 2019 to September 2020 at the collection site of the biological polygon of the Federal State Budgetary Research Institution Siberian Physical and Technical Institute in the Novosibirsk Region.

Results: During the years of the study, the weather conditions of the spring period developed successfully for the growth and development of strawberries. Thus, on average, over the years of the study, high yields were shown of different maturity groups.

Conclusion: The obtained yield indicators obtained were not inferior to previously zoned and local varieties, which shows that planting can be carried out both in traditional soil and in soilless culture. Thus, the quality and quantity of fruits does not change with the physicochemical properties or methods of cultivation but depends on the age of the plant and the seasonal crop cycle.. 

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Investigating Potential Therapeutic Efficacy of Sambucus ebulus Fruit Extract in Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh, Seyde Sedighe Yosefi, Bagher Pahlevanzadeh, Arezoo Mozafari, pages 334-339

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 Background: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease that remains as a major public health problem around the globe, with a higher burden in poor or developing countries. Pentavalent antimonials such as glucantime are currently being used as the first-line treatment for cutaneous form of leishmaniasis, but they are associated with significant side effects. Evidence suggests that extracts from different parts of Sambucus ebulus may have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and favorable skin healing effects. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic efficacy of S. ebulus fruit extract in treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial that was carried out on 95 patients with confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis. The subjects were assigned to an intervention and a control group. All patients received the standard treatment for leishmaniasis. In addition, the intervention group received a 5% ointment prepared from the methanolic extract of S. ebulus fruit, while the control group received a placebo. Healing rate and clinical characteristics of the lesions were assessed before the intervention and once weekly until complete epithelialization of the lesions (or up to 12 weeks).

Results: The 5% topical ointment of S. ebulus fruit had no significant effect on healing probability, healing rate or treatment outcome, but it significantly reduced the lesion size.

Conclusion: Combination therapy with pentavalent antimonials and the S. ebulus fruit ointment could significantly reduce the lesion size but has no effect on the treatment outcome. 

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A study on the Impacts of COVID-19 on health, Economy, Employment and Social Life of People in Indonesia
Saifur Rehman, Ugbo Emmanuel Nnabuike, Asghar Abbas, Attaur Rahman, Uzma Malik, Mustofa Helmi Effendi, Kashif Hussain, Muhammad Asif Raza, pages 340-346

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 Background: The aftershocks of COVID-19 pandemic are still emanating in different regions of the world in term of increasing number of cases and deaths due to mutation in the virulence and pathogenicity of the virus. The pandemic affected almost every part of our lives including health, economy, employment, and social interactions. This study surveyed the Indonesian public to better understand their health, employment, and economic deterioration during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of 200 participants was conducted from eight different regions (Jawa Timur, DKI Jakarta, Kalimantan Tengah, Yogyakarta, Bali, Sulawesi Selatan, Jawa Tengah) of Indonesia who speak Bahasa. A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain information about COVID-19 impacts on health, employment, the economy, and social life from the respondents. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were conducted to analyze the data.

Results: According to the findings, out of 200 participants, 40% stated that the impact of COVID-19 did not affect their salary. People under the age of 20 with an intermediate education who worked in government sectors were more likely to lose their jobs (p-value 0.05), which would result in a loss in salary that would have an impact on the education of their children. Only the "use of hand sanitizers" indicated a statistically significant difference between the practices of male and female respondents (p-value = 0.038), which is one of the activities that helps to prevent fever and respiratory difficulties during the present pandemic.

Conclusion: The finding of the study depicted that COVID-19 has no immediate collateral effects on the economy of the study participants. However, the pandemic has a negative impact on the employment, health, and social life of the people. To mitigate the negative effects of this pandemic on health, employment, economy, and social life, a complete evaluation of COVID-19 impacts, as well as public health interventions, should be conducted. 

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Serum Interleukin-17 and its Correlation with Anti-CCP antibodies, Vitamin D3, and Obesity in Rheumatoid Arthritis women Patients
Raghda Rafiq Qadir, Bushra Hussain Shnawa, Adris Georgis Shlimon, pages 347-355

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 Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. Members of the IL-17 cytokine family have various biological functions, including enhancing defense against multiple pathogens while promoting inflammatory pathology during autoimmune disease. Additionally, it has been suggested that vitamin D may be connected to the etiology of RA. Therefore, this study aimed to assess serum IL-17 and vitamin D3 concentrations in RA women and determine how these levels relate to anti-CCP, obesity, and age.

Methods: This work included eighty women aged between (22-60) years. Sixty were afflicted with RA and attended the department of rheumatology and medical rehabilitation centre for rheumatic diseases at Rzgary teaching hospital-Erbil, Iraq, compared to twenty healthy women. The concentrations of Anti-CCP antibodies as a diagnostic test, Vitamin D3 and IL-17, were assessed by ELISA. The Mann-Whitney U test and normality were applied for the statistical analysis of the results. Also, the relationship between the study parameters was examined using Pearson's correlation.  The ideal cutoff value for IL-17 with the highest sensitivity and specificity was detected using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve.   

Results: This study revealed that serum IL-17 levels were significantly higher in RA women than in the control group (p < 0.001) and that serum VD3 levels were significantly lower in RA women than in healthy controls. Seropositive anti-CCP Ab was found in about 42% of RA patients.  The pro-inflammatory IL-17 serum level was positively correlated with vitamin D, age, and obesity in RA women. The best IL-17 cutoff for predicting the presence of RA was 69.5 pg/ML, with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 75%. 

Conclusion: In patients with RA, vitamin D deficiency was common and correlated with age. Consequently, a high level of suspicion is needed when assessing at-risk patients, particularly women who complain of vitamin D deficiency. 

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Antiparasitic Activity of Chemically Synthesized Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles against Small Ruminant Haemonchosis
Muhammad Imran, Abdullah F Alsayeqh, pages 356-362
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 Background: Haemonchosis, a debilitating parasitic disease of small ruminants, is a major threat to food security globally. The development of alternative antiparasitic interventions is an important measure toward reducing the progress of veterinary drugs resistance in food animals. Hence, reducing the risks related to chemical foodborne hazards exposure. This study was designed to investigate the anti-parasitic activity of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) against different stages of Haemonchus contortus.

Methods: Preparation of magnesium oxide nanoparticles was conducted by sol-gel method at room temperature. For anti-parasitic activity of nanoparticles and commercially available anthelmintics, the adult worms and eggs (collected from gravid female worms) were subjected to adult motility assay and egg hatch assay, respectively. The relative efficacy of both nanoparticles and anthelmintics was classified by identifying the lethal dose LC50.

Results: Wormicidal effects of MgO-NPs were found to depend on both the concentration and the amount of time, they were exposed to. The lower concentrations of the nanoparticle (1 to 5 µg/mL) have not shown any mortality during the first four hours of the incubation. However, the higher concentrations of the nanoparticle (10, 15, 20, and 25 µg/mL) harmed the parasite during this time. The highest dose (25 µg/mL) was capable of killing almost all the worms during the first 16 hours. The highest concentration of nanoparticle induced 90±2.89% egg hatch inhibition and 91±3.3% adulticidal activity for egg hatch assay and adult motility assay, respectively.

Conclusion: Magnesium oxide nanoparticles have shown potent anti-parasitic properties. The study may provide potential alternative anthelmintic to control gastrointestinal parasites particularly haemonchosis in the scenario of emerging anthelmintic resistance.  

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Effects of Salinity Stress on Growth and Physio-biochemical Parameters of Three Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Cultivars of Different Maturity Duration
Fatima Ishrat, Humera Afrasiab, Firdaus-e-Bareen Bareen, Farman Ahmad Chaudhury, pages 356-362
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 Background: Salinity is one of the leading abiotic stresses that negatively affects the growth of many important food crops and significantly reduces the productivity and yield value.

Methods: The present study was conducted to study the effects of NaCl stress on three pea (Pisum sativum) cultivars (Climax, Lina Pak and Pea-267) of different maturity level (Late, early, and mid-season flowering) under In vitro conditions. Two weeks old In vitro grown shoots of three pea cultivars were subjected to stress condition in MS medium supplemented with five levels of NaCl (0, 20, 40, 80 and 100mM NaCl) for one month and different morphological and physio-biochemical traits including length of shoot, number of leaves, shoot biomass, chlorophyll, proline and total phenolic content, total proteins and non-enzymatic antioxidant (DPPH) activities were studied.

Results: The results were analyzed using different statistical approaches (ANOVA, MNOVA, PCA, correlation and regression) to identify the tolerance level of each genotype. Shoot length and shoot fresh weight were increased at 20 and 40mM in Climax, while proline content progressively increased with an increase in stress concentration in all the genotypes. Total protein content increased in cvs. Climax and Pea-267 and  decreased in Lina Pak above 20mM and DPPH was increased in Climax and Pea-267 at 20 and 40mM, while in Lina Pak it showed an increase at only 20mM NaCl concentration. According to the results of MNOVA and regression analysis, significant changes occurred in biomass, proline content and DPPH values. A strong positive correlation of shoot dry weight was found with total phenolic and proline content. Maximum value of stress tolerance index was recorded for Climax.

Conclusion: Biplot analysis clustered cvs. Climax and Pea-267 cultivars into tolerant group and Lina Pak in sensitive group based on the mean performance of studied parameters to NaCl stress and control treatments.  

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Short Communications


Evaluation of the Total Antioxidant Capacity of Bitter and Sweet Varieties of Ferula assa-foetida and Bunium persicum
Zohre Eftekhari, Indrajit Patra, Thulfeqar Ahmed Hamza, Ayat Hussein Adhab, Safa K. Hachim, Roua Abulkassim, Noora M. Hameed, Nasrollah Naghdi, pages 363-367
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 Background: Due to low information about total antioxidant capacity of three species of plants native to Ilam province which are used in the ethnobotanical knowledge of this region, This study was drafting to evaluation the antioxidant ability of bitter and sweet varieties of Ferula assa-foetida and Bunium persicum with therapeutic potential on gynecological diseases.

Methods: The methanolic extracts of two different variants of F. assa-foetida and B. persicum gum-resin were prepared and then antioxidant effects were evaluated by ferric reducing-antioxidant power assay.

Results: Our results showed that methanolic extracts of B. persicum gum-resin could significantly revealed antioxidant effect in comparison to two different variants of F. assa-foetida (P<0.05). While antioxidant capacity between bitter and sweet varieties of F. assa-foetida were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Our results showed that both B. persicum and the bitter and sweet varieties of F. assa-foetida native to Ilam province, located in west of Iran, could have medicinal therapeutic effects relatively through direct oxidation prevention.  

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The perception and attitude of using herbal antianxiety and antidepressant drugs in medical students of Ilam University of Medical Sciences during 2021
Koroush Saki, Samira Shokri, Yeganeh Mazaheri, Gholamreza Jahed khaniki, Masoumeh Tahmasebi, pages 368-372
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 Background: According to the more side effects of chemical drugs, it’s worthy to let’s spend our energy knowing more about medicinal herbs until perception and attitude checking towards the use of herbal antianxiety and antidepressant drugs in medical students of Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.

Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive study. People in the study were 40 medical students at Ilam University of Medical Sciences. The study population was randomly selected from boy and girl medical students. Questionnaires were adjusted based on the partial goals and research questions of design. The questions were designed in three categories of operation, belief, and knowledge about the use of antianxiety and antidepressant herbs.

Results: The results of this study showed that 70% of medical students do not recommend herbs for the treatment of anxiety and depression. And 60% of them prefer to use antianxiety and antidepressant herbs to treat their anxiety and depression. Also, 70% of medical students believe that herbs for anxiety and depression should be prescribed under medical care and 80% of them believe that herbal medicines are effective for anxiety and depression. 65% of medical students have aware that herbs for anxiety and depression are harmless, and 85% of them are aware that medical herbs are effective in treating anxiety and depression. Hypericum perforatum L., Crocus sativus L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, Valeriana officinalis L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Thymbera spicata L., Echium amoenum Fisch. & C.A.Mey., Elissa officinalis L., Viola odorata L., Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad and Aloysia aloysioides Loes. & Moldenke are used in both cases of depression and agitation too. Rosemary, Sanibal al-Tayyib, and savory plants are used in anxiety, and lemon, fennel, thyme, and violet performance are used in depression.

Conclusion: In general performance, belief, and attitude of medical students besides the use of anti-anxiety and antidepressant herbs were relatively good, but it’s suggested that the relevant authorities pay more attention to this article including the group media and universities.  

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Determination and Evaluation of Total Antioxidant Capacity of Oak (Quercus brantii), Thyme (Tymbra spicata), and Watermelon (Citrullus colocynthis) Native of Ilam
Dhiya Altememy, Indrajit Patra, Fadhil Hussam, Huda Sabah Jabr, Nathera Hussin Alwan, Ashour H. Dawood, Dania Fouad Abdelamir, Doaa A. Hamad, Samira Shokri, Mohammad Darvishi, pages 373-379
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 Background: Flock medicine has become a very important part of people's lives, however, it is not known by countries' rules in some cases. The usage of flock medicine has considerably increased in developed regions, as well, because of the effectiveness problems and the diverse side effects of artificial drugs. This research evaluated the antioxidant activities of Quercus brantiiThymbra spicata, and Citrullus colocynthis native to Ilam province that nurtures within the west of Iran.

Methods: The total antioxidant capacity of essential oils was measured via ELISA Reader at 570 nm.

Results: The total antioxidant capacities of oak, thyme, and watermelon were 4.1, 2.35, and 0.46 (mmol Fe2+/L), respectively.

Conclusion: The investigated traditional Iranian edible herbs are rich sources of natural antioxidant compounds.  As a result, T. spicata and Q. brantii could be used in pharmaceutical and food industries as natural antioxidants and food products.  

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