Volume 1, Issue 3

Advancements in Life Sciences, volume 1, issue 3

Published online: 25-May-2014
ISSN 2310-5380 

IN THIS ISSUE
 

Short Communication:

An overview of available Hypoglycemic Triterpenoids and Saponins to cure Diabetes mellitus
Dadu Khan Burdi, Sumera Qureshi, Allah Bux Ghanghro, pages 119-128
 Read Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a condition when excess amount of sugar is excreted out in the urine. It is probably caused due to hyperglycemia; when body fails to produce sufficient amount of insulin which may utilize or help to store these excessive carbohydrates. When a body does not produce sufficient insulin or to help utilize carbohydrates, it results in the accumulation of unutilized sugar in the blood, the condition is termed as hyperglycemia whereas the condition of passing off the excess sugar in the urine is known as diabetes mellitus. The excretion of sugar makes a profound effect on health that may lead to disability and death. According to some studies, it may cause myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disorders and terminal nephritis. These complications are reported to be the most important causes of mortality and the principal cause of irreversible blindness.  There are hundreds of millions of patients around the world suffering from this disease and the number is spreading with an alarming rate. Such a condition has inspired the therapists to develop the methods which help in controlling this malaise. In this article, we have summarized some of hypoglycemic agents from natural sources especially from plants. Since there is a vast number of plants, which are reported to be utilized traditionally in the crude form for diabetes cure in the past. This article is meant to mention only the hypoglycemic ingredients of triterpenoids origin. This information can be helpful in getting new and more effective drugs in future by utilizing unexplored plants which are reported in the literature to possess hypoglycemic activity. This current review is comprised of the relevant work done up to the year 2007 based on search from Google.

download pdfview article in html

Review Articles:

Nanotechnology: A new frontier in Agriculture
Muhammad Azam Ali, Iqra Rehman, Adnan Iqbal, Salah ud Din, Abdul Qayyum Rao, Ayesha Latif, Tahir Rehman Samiullah, Saira Azam, Tayyab Husnain, pages 129-138
Read Abstract

Abstract: Nanotechnology is science of manipulating materials at nano-scale. Among the latest technological advancements, nanotechnology occupies a central position. It has many applications in all stages of production, processing, storing, packaging and transport of agricultural products. The reduced use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers with increased efficiency, controlled release and targeted delivery will lead to precision farming. Dream of automated, centrally controlled agriculture can become reality now. Modern agriculture is need of hour because conventional agricultural will not be able to feed an ever increasing population with changing climate, depleting resources and shrinking landscape. But at the same time application of nano-materials in agri-food sector has to be evaluated for public acceptance so it does not come across a scenario as faced by GMOs in past. This article provides an overview of current and potential applications of nanotechnology in agriculture and food sector.

download pdfview article in html


Genetically Modified Foods: Engineered tomato with extra advantages
Arfan Ali, Adnan Muzaffar, Mudassar Fareed Awan, Salah ud Din, Idrees Ahmad Nasir, Tayyab Husnain, pages 139-152
Read Abstract

Abstract: Currently, genetically modified crops are among the most important constituents in all aspect of our life. Recent controversies about genetically modified crops in United Kingdom and other European countries indicate the apparent differences in public opinion on this subject across the Atlantic, where people do seem untroubled with GMO as compared to other countries. Among plants after potato, tomato is the model plant for genetic changes. A number of genetic modifications of tomato are available especially against different insects, pests and fungus. Gene silencing techniques against viruses have been applied for silencing the expression of damage causing gene. Genetic modifications inducing significant events regarding fruits ripening and growth in tomato and vaccines are of the particular importance. In this review article, we have covered genetic modifications which cause insect, virus and fungus resistance; confer fast growth, chilling and drought tolerance, increased and improved nutrients, yield, fruit ripening, quality and color of the tomato. Factors affecting photosynthesis and metabolic rate are also reviewed in this article.

download pdfview article in html


Full Length Research Articles:

 Microbiological stability of chemically preserved apricot pulp
Jabar Zaman Khan Khattak, Adil Hussain, Bilal Ahmad, Muhammad Fazal –Ul-Rehman, Zafar Ullah, Huma Arshad, Azhar Hussain, pages 153-159
Read Abstract

Background: There exist different methods to preserve the nutrition, color and taste of the fruit pulp for prolonged availability. Bacterial and fungal growth greatly affect the texture and taste of the pulp, if stored for longer period of time. Evaluation of different chemical preservatives to check efficacy and effects on microbial culture growth holds prime importance. The efforts are made in the present investigation to analyze the effect of various concentrations of Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Metabisulphite as preservative on microbial quality of apricot pulp during storage. 
Method: The uniformly ripened Halman Apricot pulp was extracted and preserved by chemical preservatives such as Sodium Benzoate (SB), and Potassium Meta-Bisulphite (PMS) at different concentrations. The pulp was investigated for Microbiological parameters i.e. total bacterial count (TBC) and total fungal count (TFC). The inhibitory activity of chemical preservatives was tested periodically by simulating the industrial storage conditions for apricot pulp in the lab (30-42ºC in the dark), for a duration of 60 days.
Results: Significant inhibition in total bacterial count (TBC) was observed in chemically preserved samples. Potassium Metabisulphite was found to be more effective and the highest inhibitory effects on bacterial growth in apricot samples were observed at a concentration of 250mg/250g and 125mg/250g. These were followed by Sodium Benzoate at concentrations of 250mg/250g and 125mg/250g.
Conclusions: This study confirms that the preservatives significantly reduced bacterial and fungal growth in apricot pulp during storage and the pulp was safe for two months without spoilage.

download pdfview article in html

          

         

Seasonal prevalence of eimeriosis in broiler chicken

Yasir Amin, Asim Aslam, Khurshaid Anwar, Pervez, Zubair Ali, pages 160-164

Read Abstract

Background: Poultry sector is a vibrant segment of Pakistan economy and is a viable source of animal origin protein source. The growth of this sector is badly affected by different devastating problem’s in-term of mortality and morbidity. Hazara region is so called Georgia of Pakistan for poultry Production. Coccidiosis is an economically devastating problem in the area and throughout the year its cases have been reported.
Methods: The present study was conducted to know the round the year and seasonal prevalence of disease.During July 2012 to June 2013, a total of 1440 (n=1140) postmortem cases were carried out for disease diagnosis. Cases suspected for coccidiosis were confirmed by grass pathological lesions manifestation on the intestine and ceaca. Brief history including age, flock size was taken. For morphological examination, the oocytes were sieved and centrifuged at 3000 rpm with sugar solution.
Results: A total no of (n=1440) cases brought to outdoor patient services of Veterinary Research & Disease Investigation Centre, Abbott bad for disease diagnosis and treatment. Out of the total cases n=546 were found positive showing the overall prevalence of 37.91%.During hot and humid climatic conditions of monsoon season its prevalence was significantly high, during the month of August and September the observed infection percentage as 60.16% and 62.29 % respectively while low infection rate has been observed during the month of April which was 20.17%. Predominance of eimeriosis was high in young birds (3-4 weeks) and adult birds and less than 3 week of age birds was 74.90%, 17.94% and 7.14% respectively.
Conclusion: In present study, the higher prevalence of infection during the rainy season of monsoon observed indicating that warmth temperature and humid condition favors the oocytes sporulation and subsequent transmission.

download pdfview article in html

          

          

 

Optimization and validation of PCR for three hypervariable regions (HVI, HVII and HVIII) in human mitochondrial DNA

Shakeela Daud, Saqib Shahzad, Muhammad Shafique, Munir Ahmad Bhinder, Muhammad Niaz, Asif Naeem, Azam Ali, Zia-ur-Rehman, Tayyab Husnain, pages 165-170.

Read Abstract

Background: mtDNA testing is often successful in cases where nuclear DNA is highly degraded or the sample source is too limited. Sequence polymorphism of D-loop region of mtDNA has been used for identification of forensic remains, analysis of mother–child relationships and comparisons between ethnic groups through maternal lineages. PCR conditions were optimized and validated for three hypervariable regions (HVR I- 480 bp, HVR II- 420 bp and HVIII- 255 bp) of mitochondria conducted at National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab – Lahore, Pakistan.
Methods: Blood samples of 86 individuals were drawn from 25 Pakistani families. DNA was extracted and purified by Sambrook method. DNA was quantified at agarose gel electrophoresis and N-D 1000 Nanodrop spectrophotometer. Three hypervariable regions (HVR I, HVR II and HVIII) of mitochondrial DNA were optimized with different PCR components and PCR conditions using three pairs of oligonucleotides along with reagent blanks, positive and negative controls.
Results: The best results for amplification were shown at 1x PCR buffer, 2.5mM Mgcl2, 0.3µl of Taq DNA polymerase (5u/µl), 0.2mM dNTPs, 0.8µM
forward-reverse primers for HVR I, 0.7µM forward-reverse primers for HVR II and 0.4µM forward-reverse primers for HVR III at 52◦C annealing temperature.
Conclusion: Optimized PCR protocol for three hypervariable mtDNA regions has provided a way out to lead mtDNA analysis which is very necessary tool in those forensic biological samples, where nuclear DNA is highly degraded, to identify missing persons and determine maternal lineages.

download pdfview article in html

 

 


Disease free and rapid mass production of sugarcane cultivars

Ghulam Zahara Jahangir, Idrees Ahmad Nasir, Muhammad Iqbal, pages 171-180

Read Abstract

Background: Sacchrum officinarum is acknowledged as a basic source for the production of sugar in Pakistan and worldwide, one of the major constituents of human diet. The presented study optimizes a convenient and successful protocol for in-vitro mass production of sugarcane comprising sixteen cultivars from various sugarcane growing areas all over Pakistan.
Methods: The source plants were sampled randomly from cane growing areas all over the country. Apical region from stalks of germinated plants was taken as explant source. The growth medium used for direct regeneration and multiple shoot formation was same for all constituents but the hormonal supplementations; it comprised of MS basal medium 4.43g/l (MS SIGMA, M 5519), 3% w/v sucrose, and phytagel was added in 0.3% w/v for gelling to support the explant, 0.01mg/l activated charcoal as the carbon source, pH 5.5 to 5.8.
Results: Among various concentrations of BAP used 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0mg/l in growth medium supported efficient regeneration and plenty of lateral shoots in a minimum time span almost in all cultivars. For rhizogenesis, 5.0mg/l of IAA was found to be most efficient among four different concentrations of auxin. Some cultivars have a sufficient endoauxin level and do not need any supplementation for rooting i.e., basal medium supports root induction. For long term maintenance of plant stock, MS broth with 1.0mg/l of BAP was found to be most suitable.
Conclusion: Cytokinin concentrations and plant potential play an equal role in direct regeneration from meristematic tissue.

download pdfview article in html

 

 


Biochemical basis of resistance in rice against Bacterial leaf blight disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Junaid Ahmed Khan, Sehar Afroz, Hafiz M. Imran Arshad, Nighat Sarwar, Hafiza Sidra Anwar, Kamran Saleem, M Masood Babar, Farhat Fatima Jamil, pages 181-190

Read Abstract

Background: Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB) is the most devastating disease of rice. This disease can reduce grain production by 20-50% and yield by 25%. The disease is widespread in Asia, United State, Latin America and Australia. In Pakistan, it is reported from all rice growing areas and it is increasing its area year by year. All famous Pakistan’s Basmati varieties are susceptible to BLB disease. The most economical way of controlling disease is to produce resistant varieties. Many different compounds are involved in resistance mechanism in host including phenolic compounds.
Methods: Plants inoculated with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae isolates i.e. 78.3 and 2.2 caused disease on all varieties were selected for investigation of phenolic compound. Randomized complete block design was used in field for inoculation and leaf collections for phenolic compounds determination. Data was phenolic compounds were analyzed through factorial ANOVA.
Results: The response of four varieties was different when inoculated with BLB isolate 2.2. Basmati 2000 variety of rice produced maximum amount of phenolic compounds after one week of inoculation of bacterial isolate 2.2 while the minimum total phenols were found in basmati 385 at 0 hrs. of inoculation (before inoculation). Xoo isolate 78.3 produced maximum phenolic compounds after 2 weeks in Basmati 2000.
Conclusions: Biochemical resistance due to high phenolic contents in Basmati-385 and Basmati-2000 is suggested. High phenol production may be due to loss of virulence in bacterial isolates. Both 78.3 and 2.2 Xoo isolates are significantly different in producing total phenols in all the varieties tested.

download pdfview article in html