Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<i>Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia</i> Pax is a well-known and widely used medicinal plant in Central and Southern Africa. The current study was aimed at documenting the medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of <i>P. maprouneifolia</i>. The literature search on existing information on medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of <i>P. maprouneifolia</i> was conducted using online databases such as PubMed^®, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect^®, SpringerLink^® and Scopus^® and also pre-electronic literature obtained from the university library. <i>Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia</i> is used as aphrodisiac, ethnoveterinary medicine, ritual purposes and as traditional medicine for cancer, cough, diabetes, diarrhoea, eye problems, fever, gonorrhoea, infertility in women, menstrual problems, pneumonia, stomach problems and wounds. Chemical compounds identified from <i>P. maprouneifolia</i> include acids, acid esters, alcohols, ketones, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, phlobatannins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, quinones, steroids and triterpenoids. <i>Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia</i> crude extracts and some chemical compounds isolated from the species demonstrated as antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-schistosomal and cytotoxicity activities. This review highlights the potential of <i>P. maprouneifolia</i> as a medicinal plant and therefore, further ethnopharmacological assessments of the species emphasizing chemical, biological and toxicological activities, <i>in vivo</i> and clinical evaluations are recommended.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> A common folate antagonist used to treat neoplastic conditions is methotrexate (MTX); the drug's biotransformation in the liver results in active metabolites that increase hepatotoxicity. Olive leaf extract is one type of antioxidant that may shield our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals. The current study aimed to assess olive extract's hepato-protective potential against MTX-induced liver injury in rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Twenty-four male rats were divided into three groups of eight. The control group received no treatment, the methotrexate (MTX) group was administered a single 20 mg/kg dose of MTX intraperitoneally and the third group received olive leaf extract (1 mL/100 g body weight) daily for one month after the same MTX injection. Serum globulin levels were measured and histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA with p<0.05 considered significant. <b>Results:</b> With a highly significant decrease in mean total proteins and albumin levels and an insignificant decrease in globulin values, the second group showed a highly significant increase in mean total bilirubin and hepatic enzyme levels. Additionally, compared to the control group, this one showed worsened microscopic alterations. In addition to noticeably better microscopical results than the second group, the third group also showed reversed biochemical results. <b>Conclusion:</b> This research found that administering olive extract to individuals receiving methotrexate is important for managing and shielding them from the drug's serious hepatotoxic side effects.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Endophytic <i>Streptomyces globisporus</i> LL096, a bacterial strain isolated from the roots of <i>Leucaena leucocephala</i> (Lam.) de Wit, has been the subject of limited research, highlighting a significant knowledge gap regarding its potential applications in secondary metabolite production. The primary objectives of this study were to isolate and characterize the major bioactive compounds produced by <i>S. globisporus</i> LL096 and to evaluate their antibacterial and anticancer activities. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The bioactive compounds produced by <i>S. globisporus</i> LL096 were isolated and purified using a combination of chromatographic techniques, including column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). The purified compounds were identified as soyasapogenol A (compound <b>1</b>) and soyasapogenol B (compound <b>2</b>). Subsequently, the antibacterial and anticancer activities of soyasapogenol A and soyasapogenol B were evaluated. Treatment effects were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's <i>post hoc</i> test, considering p<0.05 as statistically significant. <b>Results:</b> Soyasapogenol A and B exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> TISTR885, <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> TISTR518, <i>Bacillus cereus</i> TISTR687 and <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> TISTR008. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the compounds against these bacterial strains ranged from 128 to 256 μg/mL. The compounds demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against these cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 321.90 to 369.90 μg/mL for HeLa, 434.03 to 475.42 μg/mL for HepG2 and 282.96 to 362.17 μg/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells. However, moderate cytotoxicity against the non-cancerous Vero cell line was also observed, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 729.81 to 811.14 μg/mL. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study demonstrates that <i>Streptomyces globisporus</i> strain LL096 produces bioactive compounds, including soyasapogenol A and B, which exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and demonstrate cytotoxic effects against various human cancer cell lines.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Laccase, a ligninolytic enzyme, can degrade lignin by utilizing lignocellulose. With this ability, laccase is useful as a pre-treatment enzyme of lignocellulosic materials in various industries. This study evaluated the laccase activity produced by <i>T. versicolor</i> using pineapple and coffee-derived waste as lignocellulosic-rich substrates using solid fermentation. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study tested laccase production activities from various pineapple wastes and coffee peels through a solid fermentation process by growing <i>T. versicolor</i> on the substrate mixture of Szabo media and pineapple skin or coffee peel. The laccase produced was analyzed for its activity and growth, qualitatively and quantitatively during a 12 days incubation time. The method used was experimental followed by descriptive analysis. <b>Results:</b> Various amounts of lignocellulose were obtained among pineapple wastes and coffee peel. Laccase from these substrates was optimally produced on day 6 incubation on Szabo+5 g coffee peel group showed the highest laccase activity levels, following its biomass weight (1949.13 U/L and 3.498 g). The optimum pH for laccase production was reached in the range 4-6. The produced laccase was indicated by the appearance of the blackish-brown zone on PDA agar supplemented with guaiacol. <b>Conclusion:</b> Lignocellulosic wastes from pineapple and coffee had the potential as substrates to produce laccase from <i>T. versicolor</i> with various activity levels which day 6 incubation showed the most optimum fermentation period.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Olive cake, a by-product of olive oil extraction, is a sustainable, protein-rich ingredient that enhances poultry growth and profitability. It is cost-effective and valuable in modern poultry nutrition programs. So, this study investigated the impact of the fermentation process of olive cake and its usage to replace yellow corn with or without adding herbal additives in broiler diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> At 21 days of age, 600 unisex chicks of the Sasso breed were distributed among 60 groups of 10 birds each. Using an utterly randomized approach, five treatments with twelve replicates of ten birds each were dispersed in a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement. Two varieties of olive cake (fermented, with and without herbal mixture) and two olive cake levels (20 and 30% in diet substituted with yellow corn) are used as treatments. Growth performance, blood parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality were measured at a significant level of 0.05 using a one-way ANOVA model. <b>Results:</b> The increasing olive cake (OC) in poultry diets reduced feed consumption, with the 30% OC herbal mixture showing the least intake (p<0.05). Significant variations were found in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) among treatments, but OC did not affect organ weights. While, liver percentage was significantly impacted, blood parameters like triglycerides and cholesterol showed no significant differences, except for reduced total cholesterol in OC-fed broilers. The OC addition in poultry rations presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional diets. <b>Conclusion:</b> Using unconsumed olive waste as poultry feed additives can reduce feed costs, improve broiler growth and decrease environmental pollution. This approach offers an economical and sustainable solution amid rising feed prices and competition.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Infertility, a condition in reproductive health, refers to the inability to achieve conception after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. This study builds on previous research involving a patented food supplement containing <i>Anadara granosa</i> L. bloodshell powder. The goal is to enhance the quality of blood shell capsules from AnadaraMAN by fortifying them with <i>Spirulina platensis</i>, a highly nutritious microalga. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Thirty male mice, weighing 20-30 g and aged 8-11 weeks, were divided into 6 treatment groups using the CRD method. The fortification process involved dissolving <i>Anadara granosa</i> L. and <i>Spirulina platensis</i> in a 0.5% Na-CMC solvent according to specific doses, administered orally to the mice twice daily for 21 days. Spermatozoa samples were collected from the cauda epididymis of euthanized mice. Sperm morphology was observed using 1% eosin dye under a 400x microscope, while motility was assessed in a 0.9% physiological NaCl suspension. Quantitative data was then analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test for normally distributed data and continued with the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. <b>Results:</b> Findings revealed a safe daily dose for mice is 4.16 mg/20 g of <i>Anadara granosa</i> L. blood shell and 2.6 mg/20 g of <i>Spirulina platensis</i> microalgae. Fortifying significantly increased viscosity in treatment groups Q (50% <i>Anadara granosa</i> L. with 50% <i>Spirulina platensis</i>) and T (100% <i>Anadara granosa</i> L.), as shown by a Kruskal Wallis test with a p-value of 0.002 which is less than the threshold of 0.05. Furthermore, mice spermatozoa displayed normal coloration during examination, suggesting no adverse effects from the supplementation. <b>Conclusion:</b> The study suggests thepotential benefits of combining <i>Anadara granosa</i> L. and <i>Spirulina platensis</i> to enhance reproductive health, highlighting the need for further research.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Ga-Nkidikitlana is a village in the Northern part of the Limpopo Province, South Africa, at Waterberg. The area is renowned for its dry deciduous forest and bushveld ecosystem. The study's objective was to evaluate the influence of natural and human activities on drinking water quality in Ga-Nkidikitlana Village. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> In 2023, thirty water samples were collected from three sources: Rivers, boreholes and reservoirs. All samples were transported to the water quality laboratory for analysis, where standard APHA methods were utilized. The water parameters, such as pH, EC, TDS, TH, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn and V were measured. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to show the correlation between the factors and locations. <b>Results:</b> The study found that the cations and anions in the water followed a trend of Na⁺>Mg⁺²>Ca⁺²>K⁺>Fe⁺². The PCA results showed that the river samples differed from the others. However, the water samples from Ga-Nkidikitlana Village were grouped into three components, with the borehole and reservoir samples showing a correlation with sodium, magnesium and calcium. The study also revealed that pH had a negative correlation with the water's total hardness, while electrical conductivity (EC) had a positive correlation with the total hardness of water samples. Total coliform was detected in all water samples, with the highest levels found in boreholes. However, only low levels of <i>Escherichia coli</i> were detected in all samples. <b>Conclusion:</b> The microbial contamination levels in the water samples are safe for soil irrigation, but they should be monitored for drinking purposes. Also, the salinity levels in the water samples were higher than average, indicating caution should be taken when using the water for any purpose.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Strawberry (<i>Fragaria</i> spp.) is known for producing fruit with high economic value and significant nutritional content. Recently, the growing diversity of cultivated strawberries in Indonesia has made it challenging to distinguish the original characteristics of early ancestors and identify superior traits. The DNA barcoding, mainly through the chloroplast gene <i>rbc</i>L, offers a precise and detailed method for this identification. This research aims to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree, analyze genetic variation and determine the haplotype distribution of six strawberry cultivars from Java, particularly Yogyakarta and Central Java, based on the <i>rbc</i>L gene. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The <i>rbc</i>L gene was amplified using DNA amplification techniques with <i>rbc</i>L-F and <i>rbc</i>L-R primers. The resulting data were analyzed to construct a phylogenetic tree using ML via IQtree software and BI using MrBayes software. The alignment results were used to determine genetic distances and identify polymorphic sites. This study assessed intraspecific genetic variation by examining h, identifying polymorphic sites, generating a haplotype network using PopART v1.7 and conducting PCoA with GenAIEx 6.503. <b>Results:</b> The results showed that the <i>rbc</i>L gene was successfully amplified with a length of 1,221 bp after alignment with the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis using ML revealed that the six cultivars formed a single clade with a bootstrap value of 97. BI similarly indicated the formation of one clade with a posterior probability value of 1. Haplotype analysis showed that the cultivars 'Californica', 'Knia', 'Mencir', 'Moha' and 'Geolhyang' belonged to the same haplotype group, while the 'Bali×Jumbo' cultivar was placed in a different group. <b>Conclusion:</b> Haplotype network analysis and PCoA further indicated that the genetic variation of Indonesian strawberries, as assessed through the <i>rbc</i>L gene, is similar to strawberries from the United States and China.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> It is well documented that Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has recently used to explore new resistance patterns and track the dissemination of extensive and pan drug-resistant microbes in healthcare settings. This article explores the link between traumatic infections caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs) leading to coma and the development of chest infections caused by extensively drug-resistant (XDR) <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study was carried out from March to December 2022 which included a 45-year-old male patient admitted to the ICU of Al Ramadi Teaching Hospitals following a severe RTA that resulted in a TBI and subsequent coma. Two study isolates were diagnosed bacteriologically using the VITEK^®-2 technique including resistant mechanisms like extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases. Whole genome sequencing was performed using a DNA nanoball sequencing platform from BGI-Tech. Genome assembly and annotation were done using the bacterial bioinformatics resource center. The report on Comprehensive Genome Analysis includes a phylogenetic analysis using the reference and representative genomes provided by PATRIC. <b>Results:</b> <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i> isolates were XDR, producing ESBLs and carbapenemases. The WGS detection NDM-5 gene in the <i>K. pneumoniae</i> strain is not very common compared to the NDM-1 and blaOXA-181 g. At the same time, a file in <i>P. aeruginosa</i> isolate found genes GES-type ESBL (not reported in Iraq before), blaPAO and blaOXA-396 with NDM-1 all these genes are carbapenemases. In phylogenetic analysis, the <i>K. pneumoniae</i> isolate has an evolutionary relationship with strains originating from China while <i>P. aeruginosa</i> was globally unique. <b>Conclusion:</b> The XDR <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i> pose a public health threat. The WGS revealed unique virulence and antibiotic-resistance genes associated with nosocomial outbreaks. The XDR isolates carrying NDM-5, blaOXA-181 and GES-type ESBL genes were detected.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> In jojoba plants, the sex is usually difficult to identify, especially before flowering and during the very early stages of development. This stage is expected to facilitate breeding programs and adopt an invention and approach to isolate the GPAT gene identified between males and females: The study aimed at early diagnosis of sex in jojoba by sequence characterized by GPAT gene of sex-determining by simplex PCR. To prove the existence of the GPAT gene in male jojoba plants which may be the sex determination and identification in all plant systems. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Initially, different primers were selected for the sex determination of jojoba samples using PCR-based amplification. The primers that can produce distinct DNA bands in males, not in females were selected for further experiments. The amplification of a male-specific GPAT marker situated in the sex determination region was amplified using specific primers. The newly designed GPAT primers flank region. <b>Results:</b> For the first time, separation and identified of the GPAT gene sequence of jojoba was done. The novel method represents a breakthrough in the sex determination of jojoba to identify sex at early developmental stages. This work provides a potentially useful diagnostic for determining sex in jojoba species. In this report, a breakthrough in the methodology for determining the sex of jojoba has been made. The amplified regions of the GPAT gene closely matched with sequences of GPAT in papaya and humans. <b>Conclusion:</b> The authors make an interesting finding by targeting the sequences in the GPAT gene and the final conclusion that PCR as a simple, rapid and reliable technique can complement and confirm sex by using specific primers pair according to our invention.