Characterization of alkaline metalloprotease isolated from halophilic bacterium Bacillus cereus and its applications in various industrial processes.

Microbial proteases are one of the most demanding enzymes for various industries with diverse applications in food, pharmaceutics, and textile industries to name the few. An extracellular alkaline metalloprotease was produced and purified from moderate halophilic bacterial strain, Bacillus cereus TS2, with some unique characteristics required for various industrial applications. The protease was produced in basal medium supplemented with casein and was partially purified by ion exchange chromatography followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation. The alkaline metalloprotease has molecular weight of 35 kDa with specific activity of 535.4 µM/min/mg. It can work at wide range of pH from 3 to 12, while showing optimum activity at pH 10. Similarly, the alkaline metalloprotease is stable till the temperature of 80 °C and works at wide range of temperature from 20 to 90 °C with optimum activity at 60 °C. The turnover rate increases in the presence of NaCl and Co+2 with k cat/KM of 1.42 × 103 and 1.27 × 103 s-1.M-1 respectively, while without NaCl and Co+2 it has a value of 7.58× 102. The alkaline metalloprotease was relatively resistant to thermal and solvent mediated denaturation. Applications revealed that the metalloprotease was efficient to remove hair from goat skin, remove blood stains and degrade milk, thus can be a potential candidate for leather, detergent, and food industry.

Evaluation of prevalence of different types of cancer and its chemotherapy in various ethnic groups of Pakistan: A retrospective study

The objective of the study was to evaluate different types of cancer and its chemotherapy in various ethnic groups of Pakistan. Ethnic groups includes, Pukhtoons, Punjabis, Sindhis, Muhajirs, Siraikis, Memoons, Hazaras, Hindkos, Baltis, Gilgitis, Kashmiris, and Afghanis. The data was collected from well reputed hospitals located in the different provinces of Pakistan. The collected data was taken from 15 hospitals where around 8500 patients visited during 2010 to 2017. From the visited patients, 8356 were analyzed for their ethnicity, age and sex while, 144 patients (male 77 and female 67) were excluded from analysis due to incomplete information or loss of follow-up. Among 8356 patients, 3762 were male (45%) whereas, 4594 were female (55%). The chemotherapy was carried out as per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines (NCCN- guidelines). The most common five prevalent cancer among these ethnic groups were Head and Neck, Blood, Respiratory, Genito-urinary and Breast cancer. The most common cancer in female was breast cancer while, head and neck cancer was more prevalent in male. It can be concluded that the prevalence of cancer in Pakistan is very alarming, which may be due to lack of awareness, illiteracy, lack of national cancer control programs, and economics issues.

Impact of heat stress, nutritional stress and their combinations on the adaptive capability of Malpura sheep under hot semi-arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the cumulative effects of combined stresses (heat and nutritional) on physiological adaptability, blood biochemical and endocrine responses in Malpura rams. The study was conducted for a period of 45 days. Twenty eight adult Malpura rams (average BW 66.0 Kg) were used in the present study. The rams were divided into four groups viz., CON (n=7; control), HS (n=7; heat stress), NS (n=7; nutritional stress) and CS (n=7; combined stress). The animals were stall fed with a diet consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. The CON and HS ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding while NS and CS rams were provided with restricted feed (30% intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. The HS and NS rams were kept in climatic chamber @ 42ºC and 55% RH for six hours a day between 10:00 hr to 16:00 hr to induce heat stress. The parameters studied were respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT), scrotal volume, sweating rate scrotum, sweating rate skin, haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV), plasma cortisol, T3 (tri-iodo-thyronine), and T4 (thyroxin) level. Combined stresses significantly (P<0.01) influenced all adaptive parameters studied. The study shows that Malpura rams possess the adaptive capability to two stresses simultaneously. This is evident from the non-significant changes in RR, RT, sweating rate of scrotum and skin and Hb concentration between HS and CS groups. Further, the capability to adjust the cortisol level to minimum possible increase to elicit the heat stress relieving effects also proves the superior adaptive capability of Malpura rams to the effects of combined stresses.(AU)

Impact of heat stress, nutritional stress and their combinations on the adaptive capability of Malpura sheep under hot semi-arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the cumulative effects of combined stresses (heat and nutritional) on physiological adaptability, blood biochemical and endocrine responses in Malpura rams. The study was conducted for a period of 45 days. Twenty eight adult Malpura rams (average BW 66.0 Kg) were used in the present study. The rams were divided into four groups viz., CON (n=7; control), HS (n=7; heat stress), NS (n=7; nutritional stress) and CS (n=7; combined stress). The animals were stall fed with a diet consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. The CON and HS ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding while NS and CS rams were provided with restricted feed (30% intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. The HS and NS rams were kept in climatic chamber @ 42ºC and 55% RH for six hours a day between 10:00 hr to 16:00 hr to induce heat stress. The parameters studied were respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT), scrotal volume, sweating rate scrotum, sweating rate skin, haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV), plasma cortisol, T3 (tri-iodo-thyronine), and T4 (thyroxin) level. Combined stresses significantly (P<0.01) influenced all adaptive parameters studied. The study shows that Malpura rams possess the adaptive capability to two stresses simultaneously. This is evident from the non-significant changes in RR, RT, sweating rate of scrotum and skin and Hb concentration between HS and CS groups. Further, the capability to adjust the cortisol level to minimum possible increase to elicit the heat stress relieving effects also proves the superior adaptive capability of Malpura rams to the effects of combined stresses.

Changes in the Care Setting of First Consults to Palliative and Supportive Care Over a Seven-Year Period.

CONTEXT: Optimal benefits from palliative care (PC) are achieved when first consults (PC1) occur early, in the outpatient setting. Late PC1, like those in the intensive care unit (ICU), limit these benefits. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of PC1 over time in the outpatient, ICU, and inpatient non-ICU settings. We also examined patients' baseline characteristics and the timing of PC access (from PC1 to death) by the setting of PC1. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated consecutive cancer patients' records at our cancer center to ascertain the annual number of PC1 and its distribution across settings (2011-2017). ICU PC1 (n = 309) and a random sample of an equal number of outpatient and inpatient non-ICU PC1 were reviewed to retrieve patients' characteristics and death date. RESULTS: PC1 total annual number increased by 58% from 2011 (n = 2286) to 2017 (n = 3615). We found a significant decrease in the proportion of ICU PC1 (from 2.3% in 2011 to 1% in 2017, P < 0.001). There were no significant changes in the proportion of PC1 at outpatient versus inpatient settings (P = 0.2). Hematologic cancer patients were more likely to have an ICU PC1 (P < 0.001). Median survival (months) was 7.7 (6.3-9.7), 3.4 (2.4-4.5), and 0.1 (0.1-0.1) for outpatient, inpatient, and ICU, respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: PC1 total annual number has increased, and the proportion of PC1 at ICU, a very late clinical setting, is decreasing. Further efforts are needed to integrate PC in hematologic cancer care.

Antifungal Potential of Indigenous Medicinal Plants against Myrothecium Leaf Spot of Bitter Gourd ( Momordica charantia L.)

ABSTRACT Bitter gourd is of great importance due to its usage against the treatment of numerous ailments in human beings. A comprehensive survey at four localities of Southern Punjab, Pakistan was carried out to determine the severity of Myrothecium leaf spot. Maximum disease severity was at C1 (Chak 11/NP) and least at C2 (Kot Mehtab). Among isolated species Myrothecium roridum was found more prevalent and pathogenic as compared to M. verrucaria. Antifungal activity using solvent extracts of five medicinal plants (Mangifera indica, Melia azedarach, Nicotiana tabacum, Moringa oleifera and Eucalyptus globosum) were evaluated against isolated species by agar well diffusion method at various concentrations (0.01, 0.10, 1.0 and 10.0 µg / mL). N. tabacum revealed maximum zone size (13.40 mm and 8.28 mm) with ethanol and chloroform solvents respectively followed by M. azedarach (9.00mm and 6.48mm). However, least inhibition was observed with ethanol and chloroform extracts of E. globosum (6.04mm and 3.88mm zone size respectively). Ethanol extracts showed highest activity when compared to chloroform extracts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed that all the selected plants are rich in chemical compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and phenols whereas Saponins was only present in N. tabacum while absent in rest of the extracts.

Effects of STZ-induced diabetes on the relative weights of kidney, liver and pancreas in albino rats: a comparative study / Efectos de la diabetes inducida por STZ en los pesos relativos de riñón, hígado y páncreas en ratas albinas: un estudio comparativo

We studied the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on the body weights of animals and the relative weights of kidney, liver and pancreas in albino rats. The aim of the study was to find an association between the reduction in the body weights of diabetic animals and the relative weights of kidney, liver and pancreas in proportion to the body weight of animals in albino rats. This study was performed in the Department of Anatomy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baqai Medical University, Karachi and Pathology department of College of Physicians & Surgeons (CPSP) Pakistan in 2007-08. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (45 mg/kg, b.w.) given intraperitoneally in sodium citrate buffer at pH 4.5. Eighty albino rats were divided into five groups: control (A) and STZ treated (B, C, D, and E) which were sacrificed 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post treatment respectively. All the animals were weighed prior to the administration of streptozotocin and at sacrificial time. Kidney, liver and pancreas were removed, dried and weighed on Sartorius balance. The body weights of animals in different groups changed at variable time intervals. The Kidney weight was significantly increased, liver weight was slightly increased while the weight of pancreas was unaffected when compared with the weight of diabetic animals. It seems that the STZ-induced diabetes causes a significant reduction in the body weight of diabetic animals while the relative weights of kidney and liver were increased and the weight of pancreas was unaffected.

Se estudiaron en ratas albinas los efectos de la diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina (STZ) sobre el peso corporal de los animales y los pesos relativos de riñón, hígado y páncreas . El objetivo del estudio fue encontrar una asociación entre la reducción del peso corporal de los animales diabéticos y los pesos relativos de riñón, hígado y páncreas en proporción al peso corporal de los animales. Este estudio fue realizado en el Departamento de Anatomía, Instituto de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad Médica Baqa y Departamento de Anatomía Patológica del Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos Pakistán (CPSP) en 2007-08. La diabetes fue inducida por una dosis única de STZ (45 mg / kg de peso corporal) administrados por vía intraperitoneal en tampón de citrato de sodio a pH 4,5. Ochenta ratas Wistar se dividieron en cinco grupos: control (A) y STZ tratadas (B, C, D y E), que se sacrificaron 2, 4, 6 y 8 semanas después del tratamiento respectivamente. Todos los animales fueron pesados antes de la administración de estreptozotocina, y en el momento del sacrificio. El riñón, hígado y páncreas fueron removidos, secados y pesados sobre una balanza Sartorius. El peso corporal de los animales en los diferentes grupos cambió en intervalos de tiempo variables. El peso del riñón aumentó significativamente, el peso del hígado se incrementó ligeramente, mientras que el peso del páncreas no se modificó en comparación con el peso de los animales diabéticos. Parece que la diabetes inducida por STZ causa una reducción significativa del peso corporal de los animales diabéticos, mientras que el peso relativo de los riñones y elhígado se incrementaron y el peso de páncreas no se vio afectado.

Altered liver morphology and enzymes in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats / Morfología y enzimas del hígado alteradas en ratas con diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina

This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship and effects of diabetes on liver morphology, architecture and function. The hepatic effects of diabetes were evaluated in vivo using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats as an experimental model. The degree of hepatic dysfunction was measured by using biochemical parameters like serum transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)and pseudocholinesterase (PChE) while the histopathological studies were carried out to support the enzymic Parameters. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between diabetic hepatic complications and liver enzyme alterations. This study was performed in the Department of Anatomy; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Diabetology and endocrinology of Baqai Medical University, Karachi. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (45 mg/kg, b.w.) given intraperitoneally in sodium citrate buffer at pH 4.5. Eighty albino rats were divided into five groups: control (A) and STZ treated (B, C, D, and E) which were sacrificed 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post treatment respectively. Histopathological examination of liver showed accumulation of lipid droplets, lymphocytic infiltration, increased fibrous content, dilatation and congestion of portal vessels and proliferation of bile ducts. Increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), ALP and PChE were observed in the liver. It seems that the diabetic complications in the liver like hepatocyte destruction etc. are likely to be due to alterations in enzyme levels.

Este estudio se realizó para evaluar la relación y los efectos de la diabetes sobre la morfología, arquitectura y la función del hígado. Los efectos hepáticos de la diabetes se evaluaron in vivo utilizando estreptozotocina (STZ) para inducir diabetes en ratas como un modelo experimental. El grado de disfunción hepática se midió mediante el uso de parámetros bioquímicos, como las transaminasas séricas (ALT y AST), fosfatasa alcalina (ALP) y pseudocolinesterasa (PChE), mientras que los estudios histopatológicos se llevaron a cabo para apoyar los parámetros enzimáticos. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la asociación entre las complicaciones hepáticas diabéticas y la alteración de enzimas hepáticas. Este estudio se realizó en el Departamento de Anatomía, Instituto de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y el Instituto de Diabetología y Endocrinología de la Baqai Medical University, Karachi. La diabetes fue inducida por una dosis única de STZ (45 mg/kg de peso corporal) administrada por vía intraperitoneal en tampón citrato de sodio a pH 4,5. Ochenta ratas albinas se dividieron en cinco grupos: control (A) y tratados con STZ (B, C, D y E), las que se sacrificaron a las 2, 4, 6 y 8 semanas después del tratamiento. El examen histopatológico de hígado mostró acumulación de gotitas de lípidos, infiltración linfocítica, aumento del contenido de fibras, dilatación y congestión de los vasos portales, y la proliferación de conductos biliares. Aumento de los niveles de aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), ALP y PChE fueron observados en el hígado. Parece que las complicaciones de la diabetes en el hígado como la destrucción de los hepatocitos etc., son probablemente debido a alteraciones en los niveles de las enzimas.

Altered kidney morphology and enzymes in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats / Morfología y enzimas renales alteradas en ratas con diabetes inducida por estreptozotocin

We studied the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on kidney morphology, anatomy, architecture and on the activities of aminotransferases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and pseudocholinesterase (PChE) in albino rats. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between diabetic kidney complications and kidney enzyme alterations. This study was performed in the Department of Anatomy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baqai Medical University, Karachi and Pathology department of College of Physicians & Surgeons (CPSP) Pakistan in 2007-08. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (45 mg/kg, b.w.) given intraperitoneally in sodium citrate buffer at pH 4.5. Eighty (80) albino rats were divided into five groups: control (A) and STZ treated (B, C, D, and E) which were sacrificed 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post treatment respectively. Histopathology of kidney showed lesions similar to human glomerulosclerosis, glomerular membrane thickening, arteriolar hyalinization and tubular necrosis. Increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and pseudocholinesterase (PChE) were observed in the kidney. It seems that the diabetic complications in the kidney are likely to be associated with alterations in enzyme levels.

Se estudiaron los efectos de la diabetes inducida por estreptozotocin (STZ) sobre la morfología, anatomía, arquitectura y sobre las actividades de aminotransferasas (ALT y AST), fosfatasa alcalina (ALP) y pseudocolinesterasa (PChE) en los riñones de ratas albinas. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la asociación entre las complicaciones renales diabéticas y la alteración de las enzimas renales. Este estudio se realizó en el Departamento de Anatomía y el Instituto de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Medicina Baqai, Karachi y el departamento de Patología de Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos (CPSP) Pakistán entre el 2007-2008. La diabetes fue inducida por una dosis única de STZ (45 mg / kg de peso corporal) administrada por vía intraperitoneal en tampón de citrato de sodio a pH 4.5. Ochenta (80) ratas albinas fueron divididas en cinco grupos: control (A) y STZ tratados (B, C, D y E), que se sacrificaron a las 2, 4, 6 y 8 semanas después del tratamiento, respectivamente. La histopatología del riñón mostró lesiones similares a la glomeruloesclerosis en humanos, engrosamiento de la membrana glomerular, hialinización arteriolar y necrosis tubular. Aumento de los niveles de aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), fosfatasa alcalina (ALP) y pseudocolinesterasa (PChE) fueron observados en el riñón. Parece que las complicaciones de la diabetes en el riñón están directamente asociadas con alteraciones en los niveles de las enzimas.

Efeitos do óleo de Nim (Neem) na estrutura e função de ovários de ratas albinas adultas / Effect of Neem oil on the structure and function of the mature female albino rat ovaries

Objetivo: Esse estudo foi realizado para observar o efeito do tratamento com óleo de Nim sobre a fertilidade, a estrutura microscópica do ovário e as alterações associadas ao nível sérico dos hormônios reprodutivos em ratas albinas adultas. Métodos: Os animais foram divididos em grupos – Grupo A1: fêmeas tratadas com baixa dose (0,6 ml de óleo de Nim/animal); Grupo A2: fêmeas tratadas com alta dose (1,2 ml de óleo de Nim/animal); Grupo A3: controles para Grupo A1, receberam dose equivalente de óleo de amendoim; Grupo A4: controles para Grupo A2, receberam dose equivalente de óleo de amendoim. Os animais foram observados por seis semanas. No fim desse período, os animais foram anestesiados, o sangue coletado por punção cardíaca e, depois, sacrificados. Os ovários foram removidos e fixados em solução de formol a 10% para microscopia e em metanol, para cromatografia líquida de alto desempenho. Rresultados: À microscopia, os cortes dos ovários revelaram diminuição do número de folículos maduros. Alterações significativas nos níveis de hormônios reprodutivos e a presença de concentrações maiores dos componentes ativos do óleo de Nim nas gônadas entre as ratas tratadas, também foram demonstradas neste estudo. Cconclusões: Esses achados permitem concluir que o óleo de Nim tem potencial anticonceptivo dose-dependente em ratas albinas.