Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Chelated minerals have been shown to enhance animal performance and increase feed consumption, improving feed utilization. So, the present study aimed to determine the effect of adding each zinc at 50 mg, copper at 3 mg and selenium at 0.2 mg, all in chelated form, to the diets on growth performance, digestibility, meat quality, immune response, carcass traits, blood biochemical characteristics and economic efficiency of rabbits. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> In this experiment, 60 V-Line strain rabbits of mixed sex with an average body weight of 834 g were randomly and individually distributed into five experimental treatments (12 rabbits per treatment). The study included 5 groups, each comprising 12 rabbits. The first group (C) served as the control and received the basal diet without supplements. The second and third groups were given the basal diet supplemented with 50 mg zinc and 3 mg copper, respectively. The fourth group received the basal diet with 0.2 mg of selenium, while the fifth group was supplemented with a combination of zinc, copper and selenium. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA (GLM, SAS) and treatment means were compared by Duncan's test at p<0.05. <b>Results:</b> Rabbits fed diets supplemented with the tested mineral additives showed significant improvements in feed conversion ratio, final body weight and weight gain compared to the control group. These groups also exhibited higher nutrient digestibility, as indicated by dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). However, giblets yield (%) was significantly higher in the control group, whereas dressing percentage followed an opposite trend. Additionally, rabbits receiving mineral-supplemented diets demonstrated better economic efficiency than those on the control diet. <b>Conclusion:</b> That supplementing growing rabbit diets with zinc (50 mg), copper (3 mg) and selenium (0.2 mg) significantly enhanced body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, immune response and economic efficiency over an 8-week growing period. These trace elements act as effective growth promoters, likely due to their digestive-enhancing, antimicrobial and performance-boosting properties. The findings confirm that zinc, copper and selenium positively influence both productivity and economic outcomes in growing rabbits.

<i>Clematis brachiata</i> Thunb. is a widely recognized medicinal plant commonly utilized across tropical Africa. This review consolidates information on the medicinal applications and pharmacological activities of <i>C. brachiata</i>. Data regarding its traditional uses and ethnopharmacological significance were sourced from various platforms, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect^®, Scopus^®, SpringerLink^®, PubMed^® and SciELO, as well as older printed literature available in the university library. The findings highlight the use of different parts of <i>C. brachiata</i>, such as branches, flowers, leaf juice, leaves, root bark, roots, shoots, stem bark, stems and the entire plant, for various purposes. These include serving as a vermifuge, in charms and rituals and traditional remedies for conditions like back pain, eye disorders, fever, febrile illnesses, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, malaria, respiratory problems, skin infections, snakebites, sexually transmitted infections and sores. Chemical compounds identified from <i>C. brachiata</i> include tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. The crude extracts of <i>C. brachiata</i> flowers, leaves, roots, root bark, stems and whole plants exhibited acaricidal, analgesic, antihelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial and antipyretic activities. Future studies should focus on detailed ethnopharmacological evaluation of <i>C. brachiata</i>, particularly its phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and toxicological evaluations, <i>in vivo</i> and clinical research.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring compounds with diverse pharmacological properties, including their use as antibacterial and antifungal agents such as chloramphenicol and nystatin (CY and NY). This study aimed to investigate the alkaloid profile and antimicrobial potential of the marine sponge <i>Pseudoceratina purpurea</i> collected from Southeast Sulawesi. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Methanol extraction was performed to obtain the methanol extract (ME), which was then fractionated using n-hexane to yield the n-hexane extract and methanol extract residue (MER). Alkaloid isolation was conducted on the MER to obtain the alkaloid isolate (AI). The AI was partially analyzed using UPLC-HRMS for compound identification, while the remaining portion was tested for antimicrobial activity against <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Candida albicans</i>. <b>Results:</b> A total of 117 alkaloid compounds were identified and classified into seven subclasses: Indole (1.8%), isoquinoline (4.14%), lipid (32.66%), proto (52.90%), purine (2.02%), pyridine (6.39%) and steroidal alkaloids (0.1%). The AI demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 4±0.064 ppm against <i>E. coli</i>, 8±0.09 ppm against <i>S. aureus</i> and 4±0.05 ppm against <i>C. albicans</i>. <b>Conclusion:</b> These findings suggest that the alkaloid isolate from <i>P. purpurea</i> possesses promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and may serve as a potential candidate for the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

<i>Passiflora incarnata</i> (passion flower) is a climbing plant with pharmacologically active compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids and glycosides that exhibit anxiolytic properties. This literature review explores the potential of passion flower as a natural alternative for managing anxiety in oral surgery. In this field, patient anxiety significantly impacts cooperation, pain perception and surgical outcomes. Unlike conventional benzodiazepines, passion flower modulates the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system without causing significant cognitive impairment or dependence, making it an attractive option for mild to moderate anxiety management. Clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials demonstrates that passion flower effectively reduces preoperative anxiety in dental and surgical settings, performing comparably to traditional anxiolytics like midazolam and oxazepam, but with fewer side effects and minimal psychomotor impairment. The anxiolytic mechanisms are believed to involve GABAergic modulation, regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters and antioxidant effects, which contribute to its calming influence. Despite promising results, challenges remain regarding the standardization of formulations, dosage, pharmacokinetics and long-term safety. Ethical considerations could emphasize the importance of informed consent, transparency and respect for patient autonomy when integrating passion flower into clinical practice. Cultural attitudes toward herbal remedies also influence acceptance and trust. In general, this review highlights the need for larger, multicenter trials and standardized preparations to establish passion flower's efficacy and safety conclusively. With further research and careful clinical integration, passion flower may become a valuable adjunct or alternative to conventional anxiolytics in oral surgery, improving patient comfort and surgical outcomes through a gentler, natural approach to anxiety management.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Garcinia mangostana</i>, commonly known as mangosteen, is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly xanthones such as α-mangostin, which have exhibited potent antibacterial activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria in numerous <i>in vitro</i> studies. This research aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of <i>G. mangostana</i> extracts against eight clinically significant human pathogenic bacteria. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Powdered <i>G. mangostana</i> was subjected to solvent extraction using ethanol, dichloromethane and hexane. The resulting extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial activity by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against eight clinically relevant human pathogenic bacteria using the microbroth dilution method. The MIC and MBC data were analyzed using ANOVA under a CRD with three replicates and means were compared using DMRT at p<0.05 in SPSS v28. <b>Results:</b> The lowest MIC value of 0.049 mg/mL was observed for the ethanol, dichloromethane and hexane extracts against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> TISTR 2370. Correspondingly, the lowest MBC values, at <0.049 mg/mL, were also recorded for these extracts against the same bacterial strain. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study is the first to report the antibacterial efficacy of <i>G. mangostana</i> against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including colistin-resistant <i>P. aeruginosa</i>, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, multidrug-resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>. These findings are significant and hold promise for the development of novel antibiotic agents for the treatment of infections caused by these clinically challenging pathogens.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Methotrexate is an anti-metabolic medication used to treat cancer. It causes oxidative stress in nerve tissue and has neurotoxic effects. A strong antioxidant and effective free radical scavenger is vitamin C. The current research aims to investigate the potential protective impact of vitamin C and the toxic consequences of methotrexate. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> Thirty-six rats were used in this research and group one (Group 1) got no treatment at all. For 4 weeks, (Group 2) underwent a single intraperitoneal injection of methotrexate at a dose of 20 mg/kg once a week and (Group 3) got methotrexate at the same dosage as Group 2 and vitamin C (20 mg/kg) intragastrically every other day for four weeks. Rats were killed after the experiment and brain hemispheres were removed and prepared for light microscopic analysis. The cerebral hemispheres were ready for biochemical analysis to determine the brain tissue's concentrations of MDA, CAT, GSH and SOD. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 20. <b>Results:</b> In the methotrexate (2)-treated group, there were histological alterations manifested as a reduction in granular layer thickness. Purkinje cells exhibit a reduction in number, a shrinking of the cell bodies and a loss of monolaminar organization. Reduced cellularity was seen in the molecular layer. These cellular alterations are lessened and the thickness of the granular and molecular cell layers is restored following vitamin C treatment. When compared to the MTX+Vitamin C group, vitamin C greatly attenuates the biochemical and histological alterations caused by MTX. <b>Conclusion:</b> Results concluded that although methotrexate is a toxic medication that damages the brain cortex, its toxicity is reduced when vitamin C is taken with it.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Insulin resistance is a primary factor in the pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Consequently, there is a significant need in clinical practice for rapid and cost-effective methods to assess this condition. The Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (MetS-IR) has been developed as an alternative to the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Given that individuals with a first-degree family history of T2DM are at a higher risk of developing insulin resistance, this study aimed to analyze the agreement between MetS-IR and HOMA-IR in non-diabetic adults with both a general and a first-degree family history of T2DM. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This is an observational analytic study using a cross-sectional design, initially including 102 non-diabetic adult subjects. The analysis was focused on a sub-population of 51 subjects who had T2DM family history. Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, triglycerides (TG) and HDL-C levels were measured to calculate both MetS-IR and HOMA-IR values. A MetS-IR cut-off value of 32.83, derived from the analysis of the total population (n = 102), was used for categorization. The agreement between MetS-IR and HOMA-IR was assessed using the Kappa test. <b>Results:</b> The data analysis focused on 51 subjects with a family history of T2DM. Of this group, 36 subjects (70.59%) had a first-degree family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The agreement test for the 51 subjects with a family history of DM yielded a Kappa value of 0.490 (p = 0.001), indicating moderate agreement. Further analysis of the sub-population with a first-degree family history (n = 36) revealed an increased Kappa value of 0.649 (p = 0.001), reflecting substantial agreement. <b>Conclusion:</b> A higher agreement between MetS-IR and HOMA-IR was observed in the analysis of the sub-population with a first-degree family history of T2DM. Nevertheless, based on this study's findings, the MetS-IR index cannot yet replace HOMA-IR for the detection of insulin resistance.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The biodiversity of rice cultivars, including local rice from North Sulawesi, represents a potential source of germplasm for fulfilling national food needs. A few publications related to the characteristics of salinity stress resistance in rice cultivars, including local rice from North Sulawesi. This study aimed to examine the morphological response to salinity stress at the germination phase in eight rice cultivars cultivated in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The randomized block design experiment was conducted in the laboratory using eight rice cultivars (Superwin, Ombong, Temo, Burungan, Ciherang, Inpari 31, Inpago 10 and TB) using the Roll Paper Test method during the germination phase. The treatments in this experiment were salinity stress of 0, 10, 20 and 30% seawater for 14 days. The morphological characteristics evaluated as a response to salinity stress consisted of germination percentage, normal germination percentage, root length, shoot length and root-to-shoot ratio. To determine the significant differences and interactions between treatments (where, p<0.05), the data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Least Significant Difference (LSD) 5%. <b>Results:</b> Salinity stress reduced germination rates, including overall and normal germination and shorter shoot and root lengths. However, this stress caused an increase in the root-to-shoot ratio. The Roll Paper Test with salinity treatment at the germination phase could be used as a simple selection method to obtain salinity-tolerant-rice cultivars. <b>Conclusion:</b> Shoot length and root-to-shoot ratio were potential morphological indicators for salinity tolerance in rice.

Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that mainly affects neurotransmitters in the brain and leads to feelings of alertness and euphoria. The METH use can lead to addiction, which has become a worldwide problem, resulting in a slew of public health and safety issues. Recent studies showed that chronic METH use can lead to neurotoxicity, neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress which can lead to neuronal injury. This review discussed the history of METH use, the link between METH use and neurotoxicity, the molecular mechanism and the different treatment strategies. This study attempted to discuss some of the drug's principal impacts and gave proof in favor of a few of the cellular and molecular causes of METH neurotoxicity. In addition, it demonstrates the most recent treatment strategies involving mitigating METH-induced neurotoxicity. However, future studies are needed to better understand the mechanism by which METH use induced neurotoxicity.

<i>Ormocarpum trichocarpum</i> (Taub.) Engl. is a shrub or small tree harvested from the wild as a source of food, traditional medicines and wood. The present review compiles existing information on the medicinal uses and chemical and pharmacological properties of <i>O. trichocarpum</i>. Multiple searches on existing literature on the traditional, medicinal, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of <i>O. trichocarpum</i> were conducted in online Databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus^®, SpringerLink^®, ScienceDirect^®, SciELO and PubMed^®, as well as using pre-electronic literature sources obtained from the university library. This study showed that the bark, leaves, roots, stem bark, stems and whole plant parts of <i>O. trichocarpum</i> are used against 32 human and animal diseases and ailments.<i> </i>The main ailments and diseases treated by <i>O. trichocarpum</i> crude extracts include its use as an emetic, poisoning antidote, protective charm and traditional medicine for erectile dysfunction, gastrointestinal problems, prolonged labour, sexually transmitted infections and skin infections. The phytochemical evaluation of the plant revealed that it contains alkaloids, alkanes, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes and bioflavonoids. Pharmacological assessments showed that the crude extracts and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species have antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiplasmodial and tyrosinase-inhibiting activities. Detailed studies focusing on toxicological evaluations, <i>in vivo</i> and clinical research aimed at corroborating the traditional medical applications of <i>O. trichocarpum</i> are recommended.