Life Science

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A biochemical analysis of detrimental effects of covid-19 severity on multiple organ system
(UMT, Lhr, 2022) MUHAMMAD UMAR
A worldwide health hazard is the coronavirus disease epidemic of 2019 (COVID 19). Although abrupt respiratory failure and diffuse alveolar injury were the main features of COVID-19, other organ involvement like liver, kidney and blood parameters needs to be considered. When individuals with COVID-19 have liver and renal injury, it makes attaining the appropriate dose of medications more difficult and increases the likelihood of severe drug reactions. As a result, monitoring liver and kidney functions in COVID-19 patients on meticulous basis leads to early detection of liver and kidney diseases, as well as attaining appropriate therapeutic doses and lowering the risk of adverse medication reactions. There is still a lack of information regarding the prevalence and clinical significance of liver injury, renal injury and CBC alterations in COVID- 19 patients from regions with low mortality and severity rates. The aim of this study is to report the incidence of above-mentioned parameters, characterize the changes in these parameters during the disease, and assess the relationship between them in this cohort of 354 confirmed COVID-19 patients including 198 males and 156 females in Lahore. The statistical analysis including Chi square and T test is applied to evaluate the hypothesis. Out of all parameters the RBC in normal patients, PLT in normal patients, ALT in normal, moderate and severe patients, AST in moderate patients and Creatinine in moderate Covid-19 patients give significant results. It is concluded that the biochemical parameters are affected by the Covid-19 and this information plays crucial role in the evaluation of disease severity, its progression and effect on other body organs in the COVID patients. It also helps in the disease management and preventing the severe illness and serious health issues including renal failure and liver damage.
A comparison of validity of genetic analysis and chemical components analysisfor the identification of papaversomniferum L
(UMT, Lhr, 2017) AbidNaseer
Cultivation of Opium Poppy (PapaverSomniferum .L) is controlledthroughout the world due its key role in the manufacturing of illicit drug Heroin. As per law, the positive identification by a Forensic Laboratory is the first and basic requirement to proceed against the criminals. The poppy plant is identified by the chemical analysisof its organic extract. In a second opinion the chemical analysis may not be the only criterion for the exact identification of a species as it has some limitations. This research work was aimed to develop some method independent of chemical analysis to identify the poppy plant. Use of anatomical, morphological and molecular analysis for the identification of an intact plant at any growth stage may support the results of chemical analysis.The DNA based identification of opium poppy can be performed using a total of eight genetic markers. Out of these eight markers six are specific to some poppy plants while the other two are common to many land plants however the sequence of amplicons from these two can discriminate opium poppy from the other poppies. The experimental work performed here can be adopted for forensic analysis as per demand of the law. The results in this research concluded that DNA based identification of the controlled plants is a more authentic way for the identification as it contains less chances of error and can be adopted to identify the plant at any growth stage and from any part of the plant.
A Meta-Analysis of GWAS and Random effect model to detect novel loci in Atriai Fibrillation
(UMT, Lhr, 2023-10) Zunara Arshad
To find novel loci with atrial fibrillation risk variants, we undertake a large-scale metaanalysis of atrial fibrillation genome-wide association studies with over 19,166 atrial fibrillation cases and over 2,62,516 control people of European and Japanese ancestry Using the GWAS summary statistics we performed meta-analysis and applied random effect model over million SNPs and find out 1718 novel SNPs from which 15 SNPsarestrongly linked with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) . Risk loci of these 15 novel SNPs are KCNN3, SPATS2L, PHLDB2, PITX2, HNRNPAO, RNU1-18P, CAVl, AOPEP, NEURLl, KCNJ5, TBX5, SYNE2, HCN4, and ZFHX3 identified by using NCBI database. The novel SNPs located at 2q33.1, 4q25, 7q31.2, 10q24.33, 12q24.21 and 16q22.3 have p<5E-8 and shows highest peaks in the Manhattan plot indicating those risk variants that are most susceptible to AF in European and Japsinese population. The variants identified needs to be verified in independent case controls studied across different ethnicities
An estimate of HBV and HCV seroprevalence in Muzaffarabad, AJK, Pakistan
(UMT Lahore, 2018) Iffat Rashid
Viral hepatitis is an issue affecting people all over the world. Around the globe hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most important health issue. HBV and HCV are the most important cause of death and morbidity throughout the globe, despite the accessibility of vaccines and different treatment methods. These diseases (HBV and HCV) are major reason of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. The co-infection of these viruses is frequent because they shared same modes of transmission. HBV and HCV co-infected patients have higher chances of movement, rapid fibrosis, and other liver disease. Patients that have dual infection of HBV and HCV, have higher chances of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), when compared to those who are mono-infected. The control of both of these viral diseases is tremendously important as they affect the enormous number of population globally. The procedures of eradication and elimination have improved considerably after the approval of vaccine against HBV and HCV. The testes were performed to verify the prevalence of HBV and HCV in Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Because of this reason male and female patients were registered in this study. The blood samples of 3,000 individuals who visited Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zyad and Combined Military Hospital, Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir from June 2016 to July 2017 were screened for HBV and HCV infection. Total 3,000 samples were collected and tested. Out of which 1,000 were male and 2,000 were female. ICT was used for antibodies findings. Among the 3,000 samples, 40 (1.33%) were shown HBV ICT positive result and 76 (2.53%) were shown HCV ICT positive result. To overcome these infections it is necessary to create awareness among the medical staff, subordinates and paramedics in the private and government areas. Physicians should be educated by giving short time trainings of active screening, initial treatment and outreach. Apart from awareness from the infectious disease there is a dire need of mass vaccination to reduce the current prevalence of HBV and HCV infection. The prevalence of HBV and HCV is expected to decrease by improved treatment strategy. Government should take different steps for giving reasonable treatment for these viral diseases, to avoid more infections. Early treatment to prevents chronic and liver cirrhosis and allows preventing liver transplantation
An estimation of hepatitis B virus prevalence in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan
(UMT Lahore, 2018) Ali Raza
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a main health issue all around the world. Regardless the availability of vaccines and various treatment strategies HBV is the main cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the World. The control of HBV is extremely important as it affects the huge number of individuals worldwide. The process of eradication and elimination of infection of HBV have improved significantly after the approval of vaccine against HBV. The pilot study was designed to check the seroprevalence of HBV in the capital of Baltistan Division. For this purpose male volunteer blood donors were enrolled in this study. In total 3377 individuals (aged between 20-30 years) who visited District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital Skardu Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan from January to June 2016 were screened for HBV infection. The results of current study show the prevalence of HBV in Skardu from January to June 2016. In total 3377 individuals (aged between 20-30 years) who visited District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital Skardu Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan from January to June 2016 were screened for HBV infection. The prevalence of HBV in the month of January was 1.7% out of 645 blood donors, February 3.36% out of 625, March 1.7% out of 648, April 4% out of 480, May 3.2% out of 220 and June was 5% out of 759. The overall prevalence of HBV in Skardu within six months is 3.16% out of 3377 blood donors. Awareness can be increased regarding HBV infection by educating the medical staff, medical subordinates and paramedics in the government and private sector. Primary physicians should be trained by giving short time trainings with respect to active screening, initial treatment and outreach. Apart from awareness from the infectious disease there is a dire need of mass vaccination to reduce the current prevalence of the disease. The prevalence of HBV is expected to decrease by improved treatment strategy. Early treatment of HBV prevents chronic HBV and liver cirrhosis and allows preventing liver transplantation. Government must take steps for providing reasonable treatment for HBV, which avoids more infections.
An investigation of correlation of vitamin d with calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase in general population of the punjab
(UMT, Lhr, 2020) Farheen Zafar
Vitamin D is a sunshine vitamin which is produced when skin is exposed to ultra violet rays of sun. It is also taken from diet. Vitamin D involves in many biological function in the body. Its deficiency associated with many factors. It is responsible for the regulation of serum calcium and phosphorus level. Alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphorus are also responsible for the maintenance of musculoskeletal health. The aim of this study was to find the correlation of serum vitamin D with serum calcium, phosphorus and ALP in general population of Punjab. In this cross sectional study, total 250 samples were analysed and biochemical testing was done on normal healthy population. Patients were further categorized on the basis of gender and age. According to this study, there is no significant difference (p < 0.05). Low vitamin D reported in this study may be associated with other factors except calcium, phosphorus and ALP
An investigation of underlying causes of human infertility in lahore, pakistan
(UMT, Lhr, 2020) AYESHA SOHAIL
Infertility defined as having no or less ability to get conception after one year of getting continuous intercourse without use of any protective contraception. It is seemed that about 80 million of people worldwide are infertile. According to World Health Organization, there are two types of infertility. These include primary infertility and secondary infertility. Primary infertility is such type of infertility in which a female cannot conceive. While on the other hand in secondary infertility, a female cannot conceive after her first pregnancy. Secondary infertility happens any time after giving a birth of first child. Unexplained infertility held when a continuous intercourse of 18 months after marriage took place. Unexplained infertility occurs due to defect in fecundity. Female infertility occurs due to the presence of ovulation disorders, uterine abnormalities, tubal obstruction and peritoneal factors. Male infertility appears due to any infection, injury, exposure to any toxic substance, chromosomal aberrations, and spermatic diseases. The present study is to investigate the rate of infertility in females. Also, investigate the causes of female infertility in Lahore. Different females that are facing infertility from one year to onwards after getting marriage. Present study based on 100 females, which are infertile. The data conducted from Gynecological outdoor of Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore Pakistan. Clinical, analysis includes different type of testing and analysis. This plan will help in determining the major causes of infertility. This includes hormonal Profile, HSA (Husband Semen Analysis), HSG (Hystero Selpingiography in Female), Departmental Scan. Hormonal Profiling includes TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormonal test), FSH testing (Folical Stimulating Hormone), LH testing (Leutinizing Hormone). We found different age interval value for the determination of highest rate of female infertility relative to their age. It shows that the highest rate of female infertility found at the age between 26 to 30 years of their life spam. It is analyze that primary infertility occurs more than secondary. Results also revealed that there is 44% of marriages, which are out of family and 56% of marriages, which are cousin marriages and became a cause of infertility. Ir-regulation of periods also brings infertility. However, patients that have menstruation regulation found 59% and those females who are facing ir-reugulation of menstruation are 41%. Sometime Thyriod problem and PCOs can also bring infertility in most of the females. There are 23% patients facing Thyroid disorder and 45% of females which facing PCOs. Except females, male factor also contribute and causes infertility. Sperm concentration, sperm total count, vol. of sperm and morphology of sperm become a major cause of infertility. Analysis suggested that 25 % of the males having creamy white color of the sperm, 27% contain milky white, 3% contain dirty white color, 29% contain Grayish white color, 14% contain yellowish white and 2% contain opaque coloration of their sperm. After calculation that there are 41% males having normal morphology of sperm and about 59% males having abnormal sperm morphology. It found that 55% of males which having 50-100 million sperm count. While 29% males contain 101-200 million of total sperm count. There were 16% of males containing 200-300 million of their total sperm count. It was observed that 46% of males contain 2-3ml of vol. of their sperm. However, 25% of males contain 1-2 ml, 19% contain 3-4ml and 10% of the males contain 5-6 ml. It was concluded that infertility occurs from both partner i.e. male and females. Sometime only male partner become a cause of infertility and sometime female. It was also concluded that both partners at the same time might also become a cause of infertility due to above-mentioned factors.
Analysis of alignment and alignment-free similarity methods using archaebacterial sequences
(UMT, Lhr, 2021) Amna Sajjad
Sequence similarity method is the most widely used technique in bioinformatics now-a- days. Sequence similarity either utilizes alignment based methods or alignment free methods for finding the evolutionary relationship among the species. Both techniques work in their own ways within their respective limitations so, it is very important to deal with both the similarity methods according to the given requirements. For this purpose, archaeal sequences with different genera and species were taken to compare their results in alignment based and alignment free tools. MEGA-X was used for alignment based analysis and CAFE as well as CYTOSCAPE for alignment free analysis. Both the above mentioned techniques proved to be useful under provided circumstances, alignment based technique is more useful with smaller genomes and the sequences with lesser variations and mutations whereas, alignment free tools are more sensitive to changes in the sequence. A total of 41 archaeal 16SRNA sequences were taken for the analysis. Alignment based analysis was performed using MEGA-X and alignment-free analysis was performed using Cytoscape/CAFE. Taken together, our analysis showed that alignment-free methods are more sensitive in detecting changes, mutation (point mutation) and recombination in the sequences. Also the alignment-free comparison took less time
Analysis of arsenic biotransformation by indigenous bacteria isolated from industrially contaminated sites.
(UMT, Lhr, 2024) HIFZA IQBAL
The presence of arsenic in industrial effluents, its mobility, and bioavailability in environments poses a perilous risk for ecosystem as well as human health. The present work is concerned with the isolation and identification of arsenic resistant bacteria from industrially contaminated sites of Kasur, Pakistan, and evaluation of their ability for biotransformation of arsenic. Seven arsenic resistant bacterial strains (HIA1, HIA2, HIA4, HIA5, HIA6, HIA7 and HIA8) were isolated. HIA4 and HIA8 showed highest resistance against arsenate [As(V)] being 60 mM and 50 mM, and against arsenite [As(III)] being 20mM. In physiological optimization experiments the isolates were found to grow optimally at pH 7 and temperature 25°C and 37°C, respectively. HIA2 was found to be the most effective isolate in terms of oxidation of arsenite while HIA8 was most efficient in reducing arsenate. The isolates also showed resistance against mercury and chromium and against several antibiotics. The studies indicate the potential of bacterial isolates HIA4 and HIA8 in the bioremediation of arsenic-rich environments due to their strong biotransformation potential.
Analysis of Chromium Biotransformation by Indigenous Bacteria Isolated from Industrially Contaminated Sites
(UMT, Lhr, 2024-12-05) IQRA ARSHAD
Contamination of Chromium is a global environmental problem and particularly pronounced in industrial areas where the increased pollution levels of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) pose substantial risk to human health and ecosystems. This research investigates the bioremediation potential of indigenous chromium resistant microbes obtained from an industrially polluted site at Kasur. Seven bacterial strains were isolated and characterized for their chromium-reduction capacities, with HIC1 and HIC5 recognized as the best strains in detoxifying Cr(VI) to less harmful trivalent chromium [Cr(III)]. The optimized growth conditions, including pH and temperature, were determined to improve Cr-biotransformation ability. The bacterial strains were also evaluated for phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and zinc solubilization capacities highlighting potential plant growth promotion. The results show that HIC1 showed the highest activities, including high Cr(VI) reduction. Seven chromium resistant strains were isolated with the strain that has been rated best in chromium biotransformation as well as performing nitrogen fixation, auxin production and plant growth under stress being Staphylococcus saprophyticus HIC1. The MIC study demonstrated a variation of resistance among the bacterial isolates. HIC1 and HIC2 were sensitive to 4.5 mM of chromium, 15 mM of arsenate and 5 mM of mercuric chloride. HIC3, HIC4 and HIC5 were sensitive to 3.5 mM of chromium and 20 mM of arsenate. HIC6 and HIC7 Were sensitive to 4.0 mM of chromium and 10 mM of arsenate while all the isolates were sensitive to 5 mM of mercuric chloride. In the Cr biotransformation assay, the HIC1 isolate is the one with the strongest Cr(VI) reduction, with HIC3 and HIC5 performing well, followed by HIC4 and HIC7 performing moderately, and HIC6 and HIC2 poorly or not at all. HIC2-HIC7 were able to reduce mercury HIC5 was the most effective for arsenic biotransformation. Their classification at a molecular level was substantiated through PCR with HIC5 showing the most intense DNA bands. No zinc solubilization and ammonification was found; however, moderate amounts of phosphate solubilization by HIC1 and HIC5 was noted, this indicates their usefulness in bioremediation and enhancing plant growth. HIC1 grows shoots and roots actively, and under chromium stress, HIC3 is beneficial for growth of plants in contaminated environment. The combination of HIC1 or HIC3 with ferns was found the most effective for growth of the plants though the plants were affected by chromium. Phylogenetic analysis and 16S RNA sequencing identified the isolate HIC1 as Staphylococcus saprophyticus The study concludes that these microorganisms present in the local populations might play an important role in the development of inexpensive bioremediation technologies.
Analysis of HBV and HCV prevalence in the general population of chaghi, balochistan
(UMT Lahore, 2018) Jahangir Alam
Hepatitis viruses are threat for public health and considered as a depressing health issue globally. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is main as well as leading reason for the liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma development and they are also considered as one of the major reasons for TTIs (Transfusion Transmitted Infections) with considerable infection burden. Due to similar transmission mode the co-infection of both viruses are frequent. According to the reports of World Health Organization (WHO), there are 2 billion of HBV and 185 million HCV victims, which is 3% of the world’s population and three to four million adds to the list every year. The patients with co-infection of HBV and HCV have greater chances to develop further disease of liver. The medical assessment for the control of HBV and HCV viral diseases extremely needed because they both are affecting massive residents worldwide. The vaccine for HBV is approved when the techniques of suppression and elimination significantly improved. The current study consequences showed the prevalence of HBV and HCV in chaghi from 2001 to 2016. The samples are verified and analyzed by both test ICT and ELISA. Among the general population who visit the OPD, blood samples were collected from Sheikh Zaid Bin Sultan Hospital Chaghi, Balochistan, Pakistan. All the patients were the resident of District Chaghi and the studied time period of these patients are from June 2001 to July 2016. The prevalence of HBV in Chaghi within 17 years is 9.07% and prevalence of HCV is 6.9% out of 3288 individuals. There are many treatment options are available for the cure of HBV and HCV but still its number of victims per year is very higher and even deaths, because of hepatitis, are of great number. It can be prevented by taking simple precautionary steps, like never let anyone use already used syringe around you, avoid unsafe sex activities, keep the healthcare settings around you according to the international standards. The government should take serious steps for spreading the awareness of HBV/HCV virus and how they can be avoided. Along with Government, it is a moral responsibility of every citizen, who is aware of HBV/HCV virus, to play it’s role in preventing HBV/HCV around him/her and aware the people about it and the chain will keep growing and one day we will be able to beat this virus.
Analysis of heavy metal bioremediation potential of magnetotactic bacteria isolated from industrially contaminated sites
(UMT, Lhr, 2024-12-06) MUTTHER ASLAM
Heavy metal pollution presents serious environmental challenges, with the conventional remediation methods often proving insufficient for large-scale contamination management. Magnetotactic bacteria have emerged as a promising alternative due to their unique ability to accumulate and detoxify heavy metals in contaminated environments. This study explores the potential of employing Magnetotactic bacteria for bioremediation as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to tackle heavy metal contamination in the environment. Multiple experimental approaches, including both laboratory and plant-based methods, were employed. Magnetotactic bacteria were isolated by Capillary Racetrack method. To evaluate the bacteria’s potential for heavy metal detoxification, heavy metal reduction assays were performed, such as arsenic reduction/oxidation assay, mercury reduction assay and chromium reduction assay. Phyto-bioremediation using soil-grown and hydroponic plants was assessed to evaluate the synergistic interaction between plants and bacteria in heavy metal contaminated soil. Isolates MTB2, MTB3, MTB4, MTB6 and MTB9 showed resistance against heavy metals. MTB2 and MTB4 showed highest resistance against to arsenate up to 30 mM, arsenite up to 10 mM, and mercury and chromium up to 15 mM. MTB2 and MTB6 were found to reduce arsenic while MTB4 both oxidized and reduced arsenic. Isolate MTB2 and MTB4 showed positive effects on plant growth as well. These two isolates showed plant growth promoting characteristics by producing auxin in concentrations 252 ug/ml and 682 ug/ml, respectively, and positive results in phosphate solubilization and nitrogen fixation assays. MTB2 and MTB4 supported plant (Vigna Radiata) growth by improving root and shoot length both in presence and absence of arsenic. While with hydroponic plants (Epipremnum aureum) these isolates showed positive effects on the overall plant health in the presence of arsenic as compared to the control plants. 16S rRNA gene sequence of the bacterial isolate MTB2 showed 98.88% similarity with Magnetococcus marinus. These bacteria have the ability for heavy metal detoxification alongside supporting plant growth, which can be an ideal strategy for bioremediation of heavy metals along with plant growth promotion in industrially contaminated sites.
Analysis of phytochemicals as inhibitors against neuraminidase (NA) from influenza virus a H1N1 (PDM09) using molecular docking.
(UMT Lahore, 2019) AFIA NADEEM
Influenza virus commonly known as swine flu is well known virus which is infecting large number of population globally. It becomes threat to human lives. Phytochemicals are used to cope virus related, and other infectious diseases in people. The purpose of study is base on to known about phytochemicals which is used to treat influenza virus A Neuraminidase (pdm09). Total 105 phytochemicals were docked from which fourteen have binding affinity -6.3kcal/mol or more. Out of these fourteen phytochemicals only three showed good inhibitory effect on influenza A virus Neuraminidase. This study was based on computer based drug development software against Neuraminidase protein of Human Influenza A virus (pdm09). Molecular Docking is used to calculate binding affinities of phytochemicals.
Analysis of phytochemicals as inhibitors against neuraminidase (NA) from influenza virus a H1N1 (pdm09) using molecular docking.
(UMT Lahore, 2019) AFIA NADEEM
Influenza virus commonly known as swine flu is well known virus which is infecting large number of population globally. It becomes threat to human lives. Phytochemicals are used to cope virus related, and other infectious diseases in people. The purpose of study is base on to known about phytochemicals which is used to treat influenza virus A Neuraminidase (pdm09). Total 105 phytochemicals were docked from which fourteen have binding affinity -6.3kcal/mol or more. Out of these fourteen phytochemicals only three showed good inhibitory effect on influenza A virus Neuraminidase. This study was based on computer based drug development software against Neuraminidase protein of Human Influenza A virus (pdm09). Molecular Docking is used to calculate binding affinities of phytochemicals.
Analysis of selected serological biomarkers in covid-19 suspected patients in lahore, pakistan
(UMT, Lhr, 2021) UMER SAEED
Clinicians faced many difficulties due to the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. To save the most lives possible, quick diagnosis, hospital admission, risk assessment, effective use of critical care services, selection of the best therapies, monitoring, and timely discharge are all crucial. Clinical evaluation is vital, but laboratory markers, or biomarkers, can offer extra, unbiased data that can dramatically influence these aspects of patient care. The pathogenesis of COVID-19 is a diffuse systemic process involving a complex interplay of the immune, inflammatory, and coagulative pathways rather than a localized respiratory infection. The current study analysis shows the relationships of different biomarkers like CRP, Ferritin, D-Dimer, and Procalcitonin in suspected COVID-19 patients. The analysis of 226 patients found that biomarkers CRP, Ferritin, D-Dimer, and Procalcitonin have a positive relationship with COVID-19-diagnosed patients with a p-value < 0.05. Even though the field of study is still developing, comprehending how various biomarkers respond as a disease progresses should assist doctors in recognizing serious illnesses quicker and eventually enhance outcomes. We do, however, encourage additional global studies to support these results.
Analysis of serum cholesterol level in prehypertensive population
(UMT, Lhr, 2024-09-09) MOMINA BATOOL
A non-communicable disease (NCD) is a long-lasting accounts for 80 % of death each year globally. In Global Status Report, NCDs continue to kill around 41 million people every year. There are different types of non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer and hypertension. Hypertension and hypercholesterolemia are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. World Health Organization (WHO) reported that high-income countries are less prevalent to NCDs as compared to low-income countries because of management and awareness. Prehypertensive population with slight increased BP are more likely to acquire hypertension in middle and older ages. An epidemics of Pakistan reported to cost the lives of 3.87 million, aged between 30-69 years in last decade. There are different types of hypertension depending on ranges of blood pressure. A state prior to hypertension is prehypertension known through different pathophysiological pathways including inflammatory, renal and sympathetic nervous system. Cholesterol is crucial circulatory component in blood binds with high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) making good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Pathophysiological state determines the accumulation of cholesterol in blood vessels either to bind with good cholesterol and degrade in liver or to bind with bad cholesterol and deposit in blood vessels. Therefore, blood vessels accumulated with cholesterol molecule disturbs the normal flow of blood and hence increases pressure on blood vessels, consequently, blood pressure increases leading to prehypertension. Lipid profile, physical activity and BMI are interlinked with prehypertension. The normal range of body mass index and blood pressure are antidote to NCDs. Lifestyle interventions are most vital in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The study demonstrates to explore the influence of physical activity, BMI and BP in prehypertensive population. A total of 100 volunteers were enrolled through International Physical Questionnaire (IPAQ) from 150 participants between an age group of 20-25 years. Bioscien cholesterol reagent was used to measure absorbance at 546 nm in A & E Lab UV/VIS spectrophotometer. An evaluation of BMI reported that 63% participants were normal, 15% were overweight, 9% were obese and 13% were underweight. An assessment of physical activity was done through metabolic equivalent task (MET) in which 48% were moderately active, 39% and 13% were highly active and inactive participants, respectively. A significant relationship exists between body mass index and blood pressure at 0.01 level and 42% were prehypertensive and 4% were hypertensive between an age group of 20-25 years. The finding marks 21 prehypertensive patients out of 100. Therefore, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) showed positive correlation with increasing level of cholesterol. Physical activity is influencing serum cholesterol level as few participants with higher serum cholesterol are inactive. In this study, participants with normal blood pressure and body mass index showed normal cholesterol level. Therefore, study concluded that normal range of BMI and BP lowers cholesterol level and physical activity is the key factor in maintaining normal BMI. This study suggests that an awareness, early diagnosis, regular monitoring of BP, BMI and serum cholesterol can prevent the risk of prehypertension in adults.
Analysis of the common region between begomoviral cognate DNA-A and DNA-B genomic components
(UMT Lahore, 2019) Muhammad Kashif Rehman
Begomoviruses belong to a plant pathogenic viral family “Geminiviridae”. Geminiviruses contain single-stranded circular DNA (ssDNA) nucleic acid ranging from 2.5 to 5.2 kb genome. Begomovirus is the largest genus in the family recognized with >409 species. The virus is transmitted through whitefly. The genome of begomovirus may be monopartite or bipartite. Monopartite begomoviruses have DNA-A component associated with (alpha and beta) satellite complexes, whereas bipartite begomoviruses have two components (DNA-A and DNA-B). The DNA-A has four open reading frames (ORFs), in the complementary stand, known as C1, C2, C3 and C4 and two ORFs, on the virion strand, known as V1 and V2. The DNA-B have two genes BV1 and BC1. According to genomic organization bipartite begomoviruses having AV2 protein are old world (OW) and begomoviruses without AV2 protein are new world (NW). The DNA-B depends upon DNA-A for viral replication. The Rep play a key role in rolling circle replication. The trans-replication can occurs between the DNA-A and its cognate DNA-B components. A common region (CR) exists between the DNA-A and DNA-B of bipartite begomoviruses. Iterons are conserved DNA sequences located in the CR at origin of replication. Iteron related domain (IRD) is an amino acid sequence present in the N-terminal of Replication initiator (Rep) protein. The iterons are the Rep binding regions/sites present in the CR. Generally CR has >85% (in another report as >90%) nucleotide sequence identity between the DNA-A and DNA-B genomic components. Previous reports have analyzed 93 begomovirus species with 11 iteron cores. In our study, 13 iterons cores covering 113 bipartite begomoviral species have been identified. Furthermore, IRD recognizing multiple iteron cores have been studied. The in-filed pseudo recombination reports have also been analyzed in the context with the CR.
Analysis of the prevailing classification system of hepacivirus c
(UMT, Lhr, 2019) Aleena Qadeer
Hepatitis C virus (HCV; species Hepacivirus C) consists of a single-stranded positive-sense RNA. It belongs to the genus Hepacivirus, family Flavivirus. Its genome is approximately 9,600 nucleotides. HCV mainly targets the liver resulting in liver diseases. Just like most of the RNA viruses, HCV also exhibits increased levels of genetic diversity to escape the immune response. Based on phylogenetic investigation of nucleotide groupings, different genotypes and subtypes of Hepacivirus C have been identified. Recently genotype 8 has been discovered based on the phylogenetic analysis. The genotypes and subtypes of HCV have almost similar pathogenic and biological features, but the epidemiological response to treatment and clinical outcomes are eventually different. Multiple sequences of the whole genome of HCV were aligned. The cutoff value based on the percentage identities between pairwise whole-genome sequences was observed to be 70%. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis was conducted using complete genome sequences. Maximum Likelihood (ML) tree was generated showing evolutionary relationships among major genotypes and subtypes. Recombination analysis was then performed and validated to detect potential recombinants. The results displayed potential recombination events in 22 genotypes and their subtypes. Among them, 19 genotypes had recombination at 5’UTR and 3’UTR regions. To conclude, recombination plays a significant role in the genetic diversity and evolution. Analysis of the recombinants is expected to facilitate and contribute to the development of effective vaccine against HCV infection.
Analysis of the tripartite interaction among the whitefly, the host plant and the begomovirus
(UMT, Lhr, 2022) MUHAMMAD UMER FAROOQ
Whitefly [Bemisia tabaci; Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae] are polyphagous species infest crop plants in a variety of ways; suck sap from the leaves, excrete and throw large amounts of honeydews on different parts of plant or carry and transfer viruses; reduce crop yield thereby causing heavy economic loss. Whitefly hardly infest fern plants owing to a hormone phytoecdysone adversely inhibiting whitefly development causing molting deformities. Whitefly vectored Ageratum yellow vein virus is a serious threat to several crops. This study is designed to characterize the whitefly morphological features and the stages of development and analyzing computationally the interaction between the virus coat protein with multiple proteins of the whitefly - GroEL, GroES and Ultraspiracle protein, respectively. Furthermore, the interaction between the whitefly and fern protein were analyzed. Whitefly GroES, Ultraspiracle protein, and GroEL have high affinities for the virus coat protein i.e., global energies -50.65, -49.99, and -45.34, respectively. This trend is followed by the whitefly GroES, Ultraspiracle protein, and GroEL with their affinities for the fern protein i.e., global energies -48.67, -47.56, and -34.23, respectively. Alanine scanning was performed to analyze the common interacting residues. To sum up, this study circumvents the tripartite interaction among the whitefly, plant and the virus.
Analytical method development and validation for sotagliflozin drug
(UMT Lahore, 2025-07-29) Reshmile Wajahat; Fatima Azhar; Musab Rasool
Sotagliflozin, a dual SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitor, is a novel antidiabetic with cardiovascular and renal protective effects. The development and validation of analytical procedures for Sotagliflozin, such as assay, dissolution, and impurity profile, were the objectives of this study by means of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The assay procedure proved to be highly precise and accurate with recovery percentages affirming negligible loss of analyte. Dissolution tests in 200 mg and 400 mg tablets revealed reproducible drug release (>95%) within set times, guaranteeing bioavailability. Related substance test affirmed the presence of no major impurities, while placebo interference studies affirmed the specificity of the method. The optimized HPLC technique was found to be stable. Best separation was obtained with a C18 column and a mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer and organic solvent (30:70). The findings are consistent with the regulatory requirement, vouching for the technique’s appropriateness for use in pharmaceutical production quality control. The research also emphasized Sotagliflozin’s dual mechanism of action, clinical effectiveness, and safety profile, supporting its role in diabetes treatment. The results are useful in standardizing analytical protocols for Sotagliflozin to ensure consistency of the drug and patient safety.

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