Ishrat

Liver fibrosis, developed in almost all chronic liver injuries. Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) have been thought to contribute to cirrhosis and liver fibrosis. Therefore, using a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced liver fibrogenesis, we investigated the preventive effects of cetuximab, an inhibitor of the EGF receptor (EGFR). Ameliorative effects of cetuximab were examined in rats, brought on by biweekly doses of 50 mg/kg of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ). There were a total of 24 male Long Evans rats split up into four distinct groups such as control, CCl4, control+cetuximab and CCl4 +cetuximab...

Micro- plastics (MPs) pose significant global threats, requiring an environment-friendly mode of decomposition. Microbial-mediated biodegradation and biodeterioration of micro-plastics (MPs) have been widely known for their cost-effectiveness, and environment-friendly techniques for removing MPs. MPs resistance to various biocidal microbes has also been reported by various studies. The biocidal resistance degree of biodegradability and/or microbiological susceptibility of MPs can be determined by defacement, structural deformation, erosion, degree of plasticizer degradation, metabolization, and/or solubilization of MPs...

Cancer is responsible for approximately 10 million deaths worldwide, with 70% of the deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries; as such safer and more effective anti-cancer drugs are required. Therefore, the potential benefits of Ziziphus nummularia and Ziziphus spina-christi as sources of anti-cancer agents were investigated. Z. nummularia and Z. spina-christi extracts were prepared using chloroform, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and water. The extracts' anti-cancer properties were determined using the MTT Cell Viability Assay in four cancer cell lines: breast (KAIMRC2 and MDA-MB-231), colorectal (HCT8), and liver (HepG2)...

Physochlaina is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Solanaceae and consists of 10 species distributed in various Asian countries. The species of the genus have been traditionally used to cure a variety of illnesses due to their highly valuable medicinal properties, including cancer, asthma, cough, weakness, stomachache, diarrhea, swelling, spasms, toothache, boils, ulcers, rheumatic pain, chronic bronchitis, gastric problems, abdominal pain, palpitation, and insomnia. The species have gained significant attention due to their remarkable ethnopharmacological and ethnomedicinal significance...

One of the significant challenges during the purification and characterization of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from Bacillus sp. is the interference of unutilized peptides from complex medium components during analytical procedures. In this study, a semi-synthetic medium was devised to overcome this challenge. Using a genetic algorithm, the production medium of AMP is optimized. The parent organism, Bacillus licheniformis MCC2514, produces AMP in very small quantities. This AMP is known to inhibit RNA biosynthesis...

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Psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent in Pakistan and burdens the scarce number of psychiatrists present in the country. The establishment of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (EBCPGs) and primary-care referral pathways within the local context is imperative to make the process efficient. In this Health Policy, we aimed to develop EBCPGs and primary-care referral pathways that are specific to Pakistan's primary-care setting, with the aim of facilitating the management of psychiatric conditions...

Food-anticipatory nose poking is a unique food-seeking behavior driven by the food-entrainable oscillator. Here, we present a protocol to record a novel food-seeking nose poking behavior in mice under temporally restricted feeding followed by food deprivation using the open-source feeding experimentation device version 3 (FED3). We describe steps for setting up the FED3 and cage, training, and habituation. We then detail procedures for setting up the schedule for time-restricted feeding and food deprivation and for generating ethograms from FED3 data...

INTRODUCTION: Perceptions of cannabis as a potential medical treatment for mood and anxiety disorders have been increasing in the context of legalizations, availability, and medical cannabis programs, though current evidence predominately indicates risks and negative effects of cannabis use (CU) on mental health outcomes. This study aims to understand motivations, perceptions, effects, and patterns of CU in individuals with mood and anxiety disorders. METHODS: Thirty-six adult patients diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder who were currently using cannabis completed an in-depth qualitative interview on individual motivations, perceptions, experiences, effects, and patterns of their CU...

PDZ domain mediated interactions with voltage-gated calcium (Ca V ) channel C-termini play important roles in localizing and compartmentalizing membrane Ca 2+ signaling. The first such interaction discovered was between the neuronal multi-domain protein Mint-1, and the presynaptc calcium channel Ca V 2.2 in mammals. Although the physiological significance of this interaction is unclear, its occurrence in vertebrates and bilaterian invertebrates suggests important and conserved functions. In this study, we explore the evolutionary origins of Mint and its interaction with Ca V 2 channels...

Heavy metal contamination of fish is a serious public health concern worldwide, including in Bangladesh. In this study, six commonly consumed fish species namely Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha), Kachki (Corica soborna), Punti (Puntitus ticto), Taki (Channa punctatus), Meni (Nandus nandus), and Tengra (Mystus tengara) were analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The fish samples were collected from wholesale markets in Dhaka city, the main business hub of Bangladesh where the fishes converged from countrywide and are redistributed to the whole city...

UNLABELLED: Prevention from disease is presently the cornerstone of the fight against COVID-19. With the rapid emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants, there is an urgent need for novel or repurposed agents to strengthen and fortify the immune system. Existing vaccines induce several systemic and local side-effects that can lead to severe consequences. Moreover, elevated cytokines in COVID-19 patients with cancer as co-morbidity represent a significant bottleneck in disease prognosis and therapy...

BACKGROUND: Posterior cerebral circulation ischemic stroke (PCS) comprises up to 25% of all strokes. It is characterized by variable presentation, leading to misdiagnosis and morbidity and mortality. We aim to describe PCS in large multiethnic cohorts. METHODS: A retrospective review of a large national stroke database from its inception on the 1st of January 2014 till 31 December 2020. Incidence per 100,000 adult population/year, demographics, clinical features, stroke location, and outcomes were retrieved...

Organophosphate insecticide spray poses potential threat of contamination of environmental components their accumulation in aquatic organisms. Although various physiological deficits associated with their exposure in fishes are documented, yet their retention in their edible muscle tissues has been poorly studied. In this context, the study was undertaken to ascertain the bioaccumulation of two organophosphate insecticide compounds (dimethoate and chlorpyrifos) in the muscles of juvenile Cyprinus carpio . The study could provide insight into the risks to human health associated with consuming contaminated fish flesh...

INTRODUCTION: Spindle cell sarcomas are rare breast lesions which are difficult to diagnose due to resemblance with other breast lesions. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining are essential for diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare case of a 15-year-old female presenting with high-grade rapidly progressive spindle cell sarcoma of the breast, differentiated as phyllodes tumor, with axillary lymph node involvement. Her lesion, on the left breast, measured 16...

OBJECTIVE: Monoamine neurotransmitters play a role in aggression, especially when altered by illicit substances. However, some literature suggests that not all illicit substances may lead to aggression, notably psychedelics. This narrative review investigates the associations between serotonergic psychedelics and MDMA on aggressive behaviour. METHODS: PubMed and PsycINFO were searched for original, peer-reviewed articles evaluating the effects of serotonergic psychedelics and 3,4-methyl enedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) on violent and aggressive behaviour using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of l-carnitine (L-CAR) treatment on isoprenaline (ISO) administered kidney and heart impairment in male Long Evans rats. Four groups of rats were engaged in this study such as control, ISO, control + L-CAR, and ISO + L-CAR, where n = 6 in each group. The rats were also provided with chow food and water ad libitum. At the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed, and blood and tissue samples were collected for bio-chemical analysis...

Apple, a major fruit of temperate Himalayas, is sprayed with chemical pesticides around 12 times during the cropping season. Various systemic and contact fungicides are applied for the management of major diseases. In order to manage disease, flusilazole 40 EC is frequently used. However, excessive chemical application has been found to be detrimental for consumer safety. Keeping in view consumer safety, risk assessment, the half-life and waiting period for flusilazole 40 EC were evaluated on the Red Velox variety of apple...

This study explores the impact of migration on the access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services by women living in an informal settlement in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 16 in-depth interviews were conducted in March and April of 2019 with women (18-49 years old) who had migrated from rural areas to Dhaka. They reported continued economic insecurity while receiving minimal support from the state. All women reported financial and infrastructural barriers to accessing formal sexual and reproductive health services and tended to seek resources and support through social networks within the slum and from informal health services...

Poultry products such as meat and eggs are rich sources of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a good indicator of healthy food. Keeping in view, the present study is designed to evaluate the prevalence of toxic heavy metals (lead, nickel, cadmium, and chromium) in chicken eggs and feed. For this purpose, five samples of egg and feed were collected from five different commercial markets in Skardu City. Each sample was prepared using the wet digestion method and analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer...