: Novel technology has led to advanced approaches and understandings of viral biology, and the ad... more : Novel technology has led to advanced approaches and understandings of viral biology, and the advent in previous years has raised the possibility of determination of mechanisms of viral replication and infection, trans-species adaption, and disease. The outbreak of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global life-threatening concern recently. The war against COVID19 has now reached the most critical point, whereby it has caused worldwide social and economic disruption. Unfortunately, limited knowledge persists among the community regarding the biology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present review will summarize the basic life cycle and replication of the well-studied coronaviruses, identifying the unique characteristics of coronavirus biology and highlighting critical points where research has made significant advances that might represent targets for antivirals or vaccines. Areas where rapid progress has been made in SARS-CoV research have been highlighted. Additionally, an overview of the efforts dedicated to an effective vaccine for this novel coronavirus, particularly different generations of vaccines, which has crippled the world, has also been discussed. Areas of concern for research in coronavirus replication, genetics, and pathogenesis have been explained as well. Speedy evaluation of multiple approaches to elicit protective immunity and safety is essential to curtail unwanted immune potentiation, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this virus. Hope is to provide a glimpse into the current efforts, and the progress is made with reference to Coronaviruses and how the community can work together to prevent and control coronavirus infection now and in the future.
Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, 2022
Bioremediation, the use of living or dead microorganism to degrade or remove the waste, has been ... more Bioremediation, the use of living or dead microorganism to degrade or remove the waste, has been practised since humans first populated the world and had to dispose of their trash. Heavy metals can be extremely toxic as they damage organs and block functional groups of vital enzymes. Zinc is one of the most important heavy metals often found in effluents discharged and travels via bioaccumulation. The study was aimed in screening of zinc resistant/accumulator bacterial strains isolated from metal contaminated sites and determining the Zn (II) resistance/accumulation performance of selected bacterial strain as a new biosorbent. The maximum removal of Zn (II) at pH 7.0 was found to be 607 nmol/mg proteins at initial Zn (II) ion concentration of 1.0 mM and the Km value was 0.76mM. Competitive uptake experiments were performed with zinc in the presence of copper, cadmium, chromium, cobalt and nickel ions simultaneously and the zinc uptake was not much affected by these ions. Sensitivity...
Ganga is considered sacred by people for providing life-sustainance to environment and ecology. B... more Ganga is considered sacred by people for providing life-sustainance to environment and ecology. But, Ganga, which is the national river of India, now is depleted in flow and polluted due to discharge of untreated municipal and industrial wastes, dams and barrages, floral offerings, cremation of dead bodies on its bank. The Ganga Action Plan has served as a remedy to deterioration of River Ganga. The present review highlights that, despite the problems of operation and maintenance, the river water quality shows discernible improvement (in terms of DO and BOD) over the pre-GAP period. The success of GAP has been in preventing further deterioration of water quality, generally maintaining it and improving it in some places, even though the pollution load draining into the river has substantially increased due to population growth, rapid industrialization and urbanization.
Leaf senescence is highly regulated and complex developmental process that involves degradation o... more Leaf senescence is highly regulated and complex developmental process that involves degradation of macromolecules as well as its recycling. Senescence process involves loss of chlorophyll, degradation of proteins, nucleic acid, lipid and mobilization of nutrients through its transport to the growing parts, developing fruits and seeds. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient to be recycled in senescence process. GABA-transaminase (γ-aminobutyric acid) is found to play very important role in nitrogen recycling process through GABA-shunt. Therefore, it is of interest to review the significance of GABA shunt in leaf senescence.
This study investigates the mechanisms as well as strategies for purification and characterizatio... more This study investigates the mechanisms as well as strategies for purification and characterization of potential enzymes involved in pathogenesis of entomopathogenic fungi. The test strain of Verticillium lecanii that was screened, during the present investigation, proved to be an efficient producer of protein and polysaccharide degrading enzymes (amylase, protease, and lipase), hence indicating versatility in biochemical mechanisms. Halo zones produced colony growth of V. lecanii on agar confirmed activity of protease, amylase and lipase enzyme by the V. lecanii isolate. Enzymatic Index (EI) observed were: Protease – 2.195, Amylase-2.196, Lipase- 2.147. Spectrophotometric analysis of enzymatic activity of V.lecanii at five different pH – 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 revealed that highest proteolytic activity of the V. lecanii isolate was reported at pH 7 and 9 whereas proteolytic activity was minimum at acidic pH 3. Maximum amylolytic activity of V. lecanii on the 7th day of inoculation was at pH...
Babesiosis is prevalent in the Northeast United States from May through September. The majority o... more Babesiosis is prevalent in the Northeast United States from May through September. The majority of those infected with Babesia microti are asymptomatic. However, the elderly, immunocompromised, and asplenic patients can develop life-threatening complications including intravascular hemolysis. Patients with HIV have high morbidity and mortality, as CD4 + T helper cells are responsible for protection against Babesia microti. Therefore, patients with symptomatic babesiosis are often screened for HIV. EIA (enzyme immunoassay) is the screening test for HIV with high sensitivity. Some infections, such as malaria, and autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosis, cause false positive results on HIV screening. We report two consecutive cases of symptomatic babesiosis with false positive EIA. Case #1. A 29 year old male landscaper, presented with one week history of fever, chills, night sweats, myalgia, headache and dizziness. On admission temperature was 101.5 and vital signs were stable. Hb was normal and WBC was 4.7 with 16% bandemia. His peripheral smear confirmed babesiosis with parasitemia of 1.1%. Atovaquone and azithromycin were started and we observed steady improvement. HIV screening was performed on admission and EIA was positive. We identified no risks factors for HIV. Western blot was negative, but CD4 count was 20 and CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.08. At his 2 week outpatient follow up, the CD4 count and CD4/CD8 ratio normalized. Case #2. An afebrile 62 year old male presented with one week history of fatigue and dizziness. He was diagnosed with severe hemolytic anemia secondary to babesiosis with 11.5% parasitemia. He was started on atovaquone and azithromycin. HIV EIA was positive with CD4 count of 412. The CD4/CD8 ratio was normal. The western blot was negative. On follow up visit, the patient was asymptomatic and CD4 normalized. Many patients undergo testing for HIV using EIA and clinicians expect a low rate of false positive results (Table1). Some investigators explain the false positive HIV screening test to the presence of alloantibodies, as in cases of transplantation, pregnancy, transfusions, and autoimmune diseases [1]. For instance, cross-reactivity between HIV-1 antibodies and antibody to S. mansoni has been demonstrated in sera from children from Kenya infected with S. mansoni and confirmed to be HIV negative [2]. From our observation, in both cases, we postulate that babesiosis is another condition that may cause false positive HIV EIA. The CDC recently changed the algorithm for the diagnosis of HIV infection by implementation of a fourth generation HIV test. This test includes HIV antibody immunoassay followed by HIV p24 antigen detection. This algorithm helps with early detection of HIV infection and also to avoid false positive HIV EIA results [3]. We also noted, from our two cases, that CD4 count does not reflect disease severity. In the first case, parasitemia was low at 1.1% with no anemia, no leukoctyosis, and stable hemodynamics. However, his CD4 count was extremely low during acute stage of the disease. In the second case, parasitemia was 11.5% with symptomatic anemia requiring blood transfusion. His CD4 count was minimally decreased at 419. Clearly, CD4 count does not reflect the severity of babesiosis and should not be considered a substitute for the diagnosis of HIV infection as many acute infections may suppress the CD4 count.
Among a large number of non-pathogenic microorganisms capable of producing useful enzymes, filame... more Among a large number of non-pathogenic microorganisms capable of producing useful enzymes, filamentous fungi are particularly interesting due to their easy cultivation, and high production of extracellular enzymes of large industrial potential. These enzymes are applied in the industrialization of detergents, starch, drinks, food, textile, animal feed, baking, pulp and paper, leather, chemical and biomedical products. Filamentous fungi are good producers of cellulolytic extracellular enzymes. The application of different techniques have allowed to identify and understand the functions of amylases, proteases and lipases in fungi infective process. Production of amylase and protease enzyme by different strains of soil fungi was the aim of this study. In the study, soil from different areas was taken and fungi was isolated from it on SDA media plates. Strains obtained were purified on SDA slants. 40 fungal isolates were obtained, of which six isolates (TS-01 to TS-06) exhibited enzymat...
Fungal species are especially important component of biodiversity on earth. Several studies have ... more Fungal species are especially important component of biodiversity on earth. Several studies have focused on enumerating the world’s fungal diversity. There are over 1.5 million reported fungal species distributed widely throughout the globe. India has been the hub for such fungi. Fungi play a significant role in the day to day life, besides their utilization in industry, agriculture, medicine, food industry, textiles, bioremediation, biogeochemical cycling, as bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides and many other ways. Only a fraction of total fungal wealth has been subjected to scientific scrutiny and mycologists need to unravel the unexplored and hidden wealth. In this review we describe unique fungal niches (air, water, soil), harboring many taxa of well known fungal species, thus highlighting the extent and distribution of fungal biodiversity. Fungal biotechnology has grown as an integral part of the human welfare. In the present review, the occurrence and distribution of fungi in diff...
Applications of biomarkers have been proved in oncology screening, diagnosis, predicting response... more Applications of biomarkers have been proved in oncology screening, diagnosis, predicting response to treatment as well as monitoring the progress of the disease. Considering the crucial role played by them during different disease stages, it is extremely important to evaluate, validate, and assess them to incorporate them into routine clinical care. In this review, the role of few most promising and successfully used biomarkers in cancer detection, i.e. PD-L1, E-Cadherin, TP53, Exosomes, cfDNA, EGFR, mTOR with regard to their structure, mode of action, and reports signifying their pathological significance, are addressed. Also, an overview of some successfully used biomarkers for cancer medicine has been presented. The study also summarizes biomarker-driven personalized cancer therapy i.e., approved targets and indications, as per the US FDA. The review also highlights the increasingly prominent role of biomarkers in drug development at all stages, with particular reference to clini...
Introduction: Scleromyxedema (rare cutaneous mucinosis), is characterized by the formation of lic... more Introduction: Scleromyxedema (rare cutaneous mucinosis), is characterized by the formation of lichenoid papules and presence of Serum monoclonal IgG in most cases, or all; after repeated testing. Patient concerns : The patient is a 51-year-old male presented with thick, disfiguring elephant-like erythematous skin folds over the forehead, papular shiny eruptions over ears and trunk and waxy erythematous papules over arms and hands without dysphagia or respiratory or neurologic symptoms Diagnosis : Skin biopsy from right arm was consistent with scleromyxedema. Serum cryoglobulin was reported negative. Complete blood count and routine blood biochemistry were normal. Thyroid function tests were normal. Serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation showed monoclonal band of 14.5 g/L typed as IgG lambda. Interventions : Our patient was refractory to lenalidomide however improved clinically on immunoglobulins infusions on monthly basis without change in the MGUS level. Outcomes : NGF analysis revealed approximately 0.25% Lambda monotypic plasma cells in the bone marrow expressing CD38, CD138, and CD27 with aberrant expression of CD56 and were negative for CD45, CD19, CD117, and CD81. We also detected 0.002% circulating plasma cells (PCs) in peripheral blood. Conclusion : The immunophenotype of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) remain close to the malignant PCs phenotype in the BM. Hence, we report NGF approach as a novel diagnostic tool for highly sensitive MRD detection in plasma cell dyscrasias including scleromyxedema. Abbreviations: ALP = alkaline phosphatase, ASOqPCR = Allele-Specific Oligonucleotide Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction, BM = bone marrow, CR = complete response, CTC = circulating tumor cells, CTPC = circulating tumor plasma cells, FACS = fluorescence-activated cell sorting, FCM = Flow Cytometry, FITC = Fluorescein isothiocyanate, HMC = Hamad Medical Corporation, IF = immunofixation, IRB = Institutional Review board, LOD = Limit of Detection, MGUS = Monoclonal Gammopathy Of undetermined significance, MM = multiple myeloma, MRD = Minimal Residual Disease, MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging, NGF = next generation flow cytometry, NGS = next generation sequencing, NPRP = The National Priorities Research Program, OS = overall survival, PB = peripheral blood, PBS BSA = phosphate buffered saline bovine serum albumin, PBS-Tween = phosphate buffered saline with tween, PC = plasma cell, PCR = polymerase chain reaction, PUVA = psoralen and ultraviolet A, QNRF = Qatar National Research Fund, SM = scleromyxedema, SPEP = serum protein electrophoresis.
The present study aims at optimization of a suitable mass production technology for growth and sp... more The present study aims at optimization of a suitable mass production technology for growth and sporulation of the biocontrol agents Verticillium lecanii and Trichoderma harzianum. Combinations of various natural solid substrates (Rice, Maize, Arhar, Defatted Soybean, Gram) and laboratory media (SMYA, Complete media, SDA, Czapek's Dox media) were evaluated for growth and sporulation of V. lecanii and T. harzianum. Data on CFU, concentration of propagules, dry mycelial weight, conidia production and conidia yield were analyzed. It was observed that among the substrate types tested, the fungal strains grew better and produced high quantity of spores in Rice as growth medium after 21 days of incubation followed by Maize and Arhar. The best liquid media which supported maximum conidial production was SMYA and Complete medium. Also, rate of germination of spores as well as their viability at different aeration rates was tested. It was observed that maximum length of germ tube in minimum duration was observed in Rice as substrate. The viability percentage of the biocontrol agents produced at various aeration rates and agitation speeds showed that change in aeration and agitation did not significantly affect spore viability. Results demonstrated that the fungal species could be rapidly produced with a high conidial yield on natural solid substrates as compared to liquid media by fermentation technology.
Background: Tuberculosis is currently the world's leading cause of death arising from a single in... more Background: Tuberculosis is currently the world's leading cause of death arising from a single infectious condition. While T cell mediated immunity is recognized to have a major contribution to tuberculosis activation, the present investigation confirmed that TB was more prevalent among patients with acute myeloid rather than lymphoid leukemia and such association was frequently overlooked. The primary objective of this study is to estimate the diagnostic delay of tuberculosis among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and compare it to the general population in Qatar. Secondary objective is to study the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of tuberculosis in patients with AML. Methods: This is a retrospective study of tuberculosis cases diagnosed in subjects with AML during the period from January 2008 till December 2016. Results: Among 215 subjects with AML identified during the study period, 12 (5.58%) received the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The estimated incidence of tuberculosis among AML cases was 7.14 cases per 1000 per year. The mean delay in diagnosis of tuberculosis was 64.2 days (95% CI: 26.8-101.5) and the median was 45 days (interquartile range; Q1-Q3, 29.5-97.5). Prolonged fever was the most common presentation (100% of cases). Parenchymal lung involvement was the most common radiologic abnormality (83.3% of cases). Three patients (25%) died and 8 patients completed 9 to 12 months of anti-tuberculous treatment with clinical and radiological remission. Conclusion: Infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis are
Background: Strain improvement in fungi is based on the knowledge of biochemical and molecular ba... more Background: Strain improvement in fungi is based on the knowledge of biochemical and molecular basis of pathogenicity. Successful application of genetic manipulation techniques relies on the formation of mutants. The present study aimed at strain improvement for enhancement of biocontrol efficiency of Verticillium lecanii. Methods: Two potent fungicides were developed as markers in the V. lecanii isolate: Benomyl and Ketoconazole. Chlorate Resistant Mutants (ChlR) of V. lecanii were isolated and classified according to their phenotype containing one of the four nitrogen sources: 10mM Nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, glutamate. Also, vegetative growth of the mutant isolates at different temperatures was checked. Also, pathogenicity assay was performed with varied doses of conidial suspension. The conidial germination rates of mutant and wild type strains were tested. Findings: It was concluded that V. lecanii was highly sensitive to Benomyl and its growth was strictly inhibited even at low concentration of 2 µg/ml whereas it could tolerate up to 20 µg/ml concentration of Ketoconazole. Of the five chlorate resistant mutants purified, two were unable to utilize nitrate, they were considered as niaD- mutants. Remaining three showed inability to utilize nitrite and were considered niiA mutants. Vegetative growth of the mutant isolates at different temperatures was found to be significantly faster as compared to that of wild type isolates. Also, wild type strain of V. lecanii was less virulent than the mutants. Rate of germination of spores from mutants of V. lecanii was faster and exhibited thermotolerance with respect to conidial germination as compared to that of wild type. Application: Hence, development of mutants in Verticillium lecanii could enhance its effectiveness as an improved biocontrol agent.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease that generates from malignant tran... more Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease that generates from malignant transformation of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. First line treatment for CML is the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), imatinib. For patients resistant or intolerant to imatinib, other TKIs, dasatinib, nilotinib, and ponatinib, are approved treatments. Patients who are resistant or intolerant to other agents are started on ponatinib as a last line option. Common adverse events of ponatinib are hypertension, dry skin, rash, abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea. More serious adverse effects include cardiovascular effects, fluid retention, pancreatitis, severe myelosuppression, and hepatotoxicity. Treatment for these adverse effects can include interrupting ponatinib therapy and providing symptomatic and supportive care. Reintroduction of agent can be considered when the serious event has resolved or the potential benefit of resuming therapy is judged to outweigh the risk. The patient is a 65 year old Caucasian male with a history of imatinib-resistant CML. The patient was started on ponatinib 45mg approximately 3 months prior to presentation after failure of previous regimens. He requires platelet transfusions for ponatinib associated thrombocytopenia. He presents with 4 days of new right flank pain with radiation to his right groin. Evidence of pancreatitis was found on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). LFTs were elevated on admission. The patient had no history of alcohol or steroid use. Ponatinib was discontinued on admission and within three days the patient's symptoms of thrombocytopenia, pancreatitis and hepatotoxicity began to resolve. After complete resolution of the pancreatitis, the patient was restarted on ponatanib 15mg as an outpatient. Patients started on ponatinib should have their serum lipase, amylase, liver enzymes, and platelets checked every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and then monthly. By checking levels regularly it may allow the physicians to decrease the dose before complications arise that may require hospitalization. Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis should also be monitored and started on a low dose to avoid complications.
A case of a 31-year-old woman with sudden respiratory distress is presented. Preliminary evaluati... more A case of a 31-year-old woman with sudden respiratory distress is presented. Preliminary evaluations and imaging studies did not reveal the underlying cause. Workup during hospital stay showed advanced metastatic cancer of unknown primary origin. This is an unusual presentation of cancer of an unknown primary involving the thyroid with sudden suffocation. It suggests that malignancies involving the thyroid gland should be considered in patients with abrupt onset of respiratory distress. Also, this case shows the application of fine needle aspiration in diffuse thyroid enlargements mimicking thyroiditis without nodules. Diagnostic approach to cancer of unknown primary origin (CUP) is reviewed in further detail.
Biocontrol, or Biological Control, can be defined as the use of natural organisms, or genetically... more Biocontrol, or Biological Control, can be defined as the use of natural organisms, or genetically modified, genes or gene products, to reduce the effects of undesirable organisms to favor organisms useful to human, such as crops, trees, animals and beneficial microorganisms. The fungus Trichoderma, a low cost biocontrol agent that can establish itself in different pathosystems, has moderate effects on soil balance and does not harm beneficial organisms that contribute towards pathogen's control. Fungi of the genus Trichoderma are soilborne, green-spored ascomycetes that are ubiquitous in nature. Trichoderma spp. are characterized by rapid growth, mostly bright green conidia and a repetitively branched conidiophore structure. As opportunistic plant symbionts and effective mycoparasites, numerous species of this genus have the potential to become commercial biofungicides. This biocontrol agent has no harmful effects on humans, wild life and other beneficial organisms. It is safe and effective in both natural and controlled environments that does not accumulate in the food chain. Trichoderma strains used as biocontrol agents can act: a) colonizing the soil and/or parts of the plant, occupying a physical space and avoiding the multiplication of the pathogens; b) producing cell wall degrading enzymes against the pathogens; c) producing antibiotics that can kill the pathogens; d) promoting the plant development and e) inducing the defensive mechanisms of the plant. The extensive studies on diverse physiological traits available and still progressing for Trichoderma make these fungi versatile model organisms for research on both industrial fermentations as well as natural phenomena.
Chrysanthemums constitute approximately 30 species of perennial flowering plants, belonging to th... more Chrysanthemums constitute approximately 30 species of perennial flowering plants, belonging to the family Asteraceae, native to Asia and Northeastern Europe. Chrysanthemum is a natural cosmetic additive extracted from Chinese herb by modern biochemical technology. It has the properties of anti-bacterial, anti-viral, reducing (detoxification) and anti-inflammation. It possesses antioxidant characteristics, which could assist in minimizing free-radical induced damage. Therefore, it is widely used in skin and hair care products. Chemical composition of this herbal remedy includes kikkanols, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, various essential oils containing camphor, cineole, sabinol, borneole and other elements that interfere with DNA, causing erroneous or no PCR products. In the present study, testing and modification of various standard protocols for isolation of high-quality DNA from leaf tissues and seeds of C. indicum was done. It was observed that the DNA obtained from seeds and leaf t...
: Novel technology has led to advanced approaches and understandings of viral biology, and the ad... more : Novel technology has led to advanced approaches and understandings of viral biology, and the advent in previous years has raised the possibility of determination of mechanisms of viral replication and infection, trans-species adaption, and disease. The outbreak of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global life-threatening concern recently. The war against COVID19 has now reached the most critical point, whereby it has caused worldwide social and economic disruption. Unfortunately, limited knowledge persists among the community regarding the biology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present review will summarize the basic life cycle and replication of the well-studied coronaviruses, identifying the unique characteristics of coronavirus biology and highlighting critical points where research has made significant advances that might represent targets for antivirals or vaccines. Areas where rapid progress has been made in SARS-CoV research have been highlighted. Additionally, an overview of the efforts dedicated to an effective vaccine for this novel coronavirus, particularly different generations of vaccines, which has crippled the world, has also been discussed. Areas of concern for research in coronavirus replication, genetics, and pathogenesis have been explained as well. Speedy evaluation of multiple approaches to elicit protective immunity and safety is essential to curtail unwanted immune potentiation, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this virus. Hope is to provide a glimpse into the current efforts, and the progress is made with reference to Coronaviruses and how the community can work together to prevent and control coronavirus infection now and in the future.
Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, 2022
Bioremediation, the use of living or dead microorganism to degrade or remove the waste, has been ... more Bioremediation, the use of living or dead microorganism to degrade or remove the waste, has been practised since humans first populated the world and had to dispose of their trash. Heavy metals can be extremely toxic as they damage organs and block functional groups of vital enzymes. Zinc is one of the most important heavy metals often found in effluents discharged and travels via bioaccumulation. The study was aimed in screening of zinc resistant/accumulator bacterial strains isolated from metal contaminated sites and determining the Zn (II) resistance/accumulation performance of selected bacterial strain as a new biosorbent. The maximum removal of Zn (II) at pH 7.0 was found to be 607 nmol/mg proteins at initial Zn (II) ion concentration of 1.0 mM and the Km value was 0.76mM. Competitive uptake experiments were performed with zinc in the presence of copper, cadmium, chromium, cobalt and nickel ions simultaneously and the zinc uptake was not much affected by these ions. Sensitivity...
Ganga is considered sacred by people for providing life-sustainance to environment and ecology. B... more Ganga is considered sacred by people for providing life-sustainance to environment and ecology. But, Ganga, which is the national river of India, now is depleted in flow and polluted due to discharge of untreated municipal and industrial wastes, dams and barrages, floral offerings, cremation of dead bodies on its bank. The Ganga Action Plan has served as a remedy to deterioration of River Ganga. The present review highlights that, despite the problems of operation and maintenance, the river water quality shows discernible improvement (in terms of DO and BOD) over the pre-GAP period. The success of GAP has been in preventing further deterioration of water quality, generally maintaining it and improving it in some places, even though the pollution load draining into the river has substantially increased due to population growth, rapid industrialization and urbanization.
Leaf senescence is highly regulated and complex developmental process that involves degradation o... more Leaf senescence is highly regulated and complex developmental process that involves degradation of macromolecules as well as its recycling. Senescence process involves loss of chlorophyll, degradation of proteins, nucleic acid, lipid and mobilization of nutrients through its transport to the growing parts, developing fruits and seeds. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient to be recycled in senescence process. GABA-transaminase (γ-aminobutyric acid) is found to play very important role in nitrogen recycling process through GABA-shunt. Therefore, it is of interest to review the significance of GABA shunt in leaf senescence.
This study investigates the mechanisms as well as strategies for purification and characterizatio... more This study investigates the mechanisms as well as strategies for purification and characterization of potential enzymes involved in pathogenesis of entomopathogenic fungi. The test strain of Verticillium lecanii that was screened, during the present investigation, proved to be an efficient producer of protein and polysaccharide degrading enzymes (amylase, protease, and lipase), hence indicating versatility in biochemical mechanisms. Halo zones produced colony growth of V. lecanii on agar confirmed activity of protease, amylase and lipase enzyme by the V. lecanii isolate. Enzymatic Index (EI) observed were: Protease – 2.195, Amylase-2.196, Lipase- 2.147. Spectrophotometric analysis of enzymatic activity of V.lecanii at five different pH – 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 revealed that highest proteolytic activity of the V. lecanii isolate was reported at pH 7 and 9 whereas proteolytic activity was minimum at acidic pH 3. Maximum amylolytic activity of V. lecanii on the 7th day of inoculation was at pH...
Babesiosis is prevalent in the Northeast United States from May through September. The majority o... more Babesiosis is prevalent in the Northeast United States from May through September. The majority of those infected with Babesia microti are asymptomatic. However, the elderly, immunocompromised, and asplenic patients can develop life-threatening complications including intravascular hemolysis. Patients with HIV have high morbidity and mortality, as CD4 + T helper cells are responsible for protection against Babesia microti. Therefore, patients with symptomatic babesiosis are often screened for HIV. EIA (enzyme immunoassay) is the screening test for HIV with high sensitivity. Some infections, such as malaria, and autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosis, cause false positive results on HIV screening. We report two consecutive cases of symptomatic babesiosis with false positive EIA. Case #1. A 29 year old male landscaper, presented with one week history of fever, chills, night sweats, myalgia, headache and dizziness. On admission temperature was 101.5 and vital signs were stable. Hb was normal and WBC was 4.7 with 16% bandemia. His peripheral smear confirmed babesiosis with parasitemia of 1.1%. Atovaquone and azithromycin were started and we observed steady improvement. HIV screening was performed on admission and EIA was positive. We identified no risks factors for HIV. Western blot was negative, but CD4 count was 20 and CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.08. At his 2 week outpatient follow up, the CD4 count and CD4/CD8 ratio normalized. Case #2. An afebrile 62 year old male presented with one week history of fatigue and dizziness. He was diagnosed with severe hemolytic anemia secondary to babesiosis with 11.5% parasitemia. He was started on atovaquone and azithromycin. HIV EIA was positive with CD4 count of 412. The CD4/CD8 ratio was normal. The western blot was negative. On follow up visit, the patient was asymptomatic and CD4 normalized. Many patients undergo testing for HIV using EIA and clinicians expect a low rate of false positive results (Table1). Some investigators explain the false positive HIV screening test to the presence of alloantibodies, as in cases of transplantation, pregnancy, transfusions, and autoimmune diseases [1]. For instance, cross-reactivity between HIV-1 antibodies and antibody to S. mansoni has been demonstrated in sera from children from Kenya infected with S. mansoni and confirmed to be HIV negative [2]. From our observation, in both cases, we postulate that babesiosis is another condition that may cause false positive HIV EIA. The CDC recently changed the algorithm for the diagnosis of HIV infection by implementation of a fourth generation HIV test. This test includes HIV antibody immunoassay followed by HIV p24 antigen detection. This algorithm helps with early detection of HIV infection and also to avoid false positive HIV EIA results [3]. We also noted, from our two cases, that CD4 count does not reflect disease severity. In the first case, parasitemia was low at 1.1% with no anemia, no leukoctyosis, and stable hemodynamics. However, his CD4 count was extremely low during acute stage of the disease. In the second case, parasitemia was 11.5% with symptomatic anemia requiring blood transfusion. His CD4 count was minimally decreased at 419. Clearly, CD4 count does not reflect the severity of babesiosis and should not be considered a substitute for the diagnosis of HIV infection as many acute infections may suppress the CD4 count.
Among a large number of non-pathogenic microorganisms capable of producing useful enzymes, filame... more Among a large number of non-pathogenic microorganisms capable of producing useful enzymes, filamentous fungi are particularly interesting due to their easy cultivation, and high production of extracellular enzymes of large industrial potential. These enzymes are applied in the industrialization of detergents, starch, drinks, food, textile, animal feed, baking, pulp and paper, leather, chemical and biomedical products. Filamentous fungi are good producers of cellulolytic extracellular enzymes. The application of different techniques have allowed to identify and understand the functions of amylases, proteases and lipases in fungi infective process. Production of amylase and protease enzyme by different strains of soil fungi was the aim of this study. In the study, soil from different areas was taken and fungi was isolated from it on SDA media plates. Strains obtained were purified on SDA slants. 40 fungal isolates were obtained, of which six isolates (TS-01 to TS-06) exhibited enzymat...
Fungal species are especially important component of biodiversity on earth. Several studies have ... more Fungal species are especially important component of biodiversity on earth. Several studies have focused on enumerating the world’s fungal diversity. There are over 1.5 million reported fungal species distributed widely throughout the globe. India has been the hub for such fungi. Fungi play a significant role in the day to day life, besides their utilization in industry, agriculture, medicine, food industry, textiles, bioremediation, biogeochemical cycling, as bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides and many other ways. Only a fraction of total fungal wealth has been subjected to scientific scrutiny and mycologists need to unravel the unexplored and hidden wealth. In this review we describe unique fungal niches (air, water, soil), harboring many taxa of well known fungal species, thus highlighting the extent and distribution of fungal biodiversity. Fungal biotechnology has grown as an integral part of the human welfare. In the present review, the occurrence and distribution of fungi in diff...
Applications of biomarkers have been proved in oncology screening, diagnosis, predicting response... more Applications of biomarkers have been proved in oncology screening, diagnosis, predicting response to treatment as well as monitoring the progress of the disease. Considering the crucial role played by them during different disease stages, it is extremely important to evaluate, validate, and assess them to incorporate them into routine clinical care. In this review, the role of few most promising and successfully used biomarkers in cancer detection, i.e. PD-L1, E-Cadherin, TP53, Exosomes, cfDNA, EGFR, mTOR with regard to their structure, mode of action, and reports signifying their pathological significance, are addressed. Also, an overview of some successfully used biomarkers for cancer medicine has been presented. The study also summarizes biomarker-driven personalized cancer therapy i.e., approved targets and indications, as per the US FDA. The review also highlights the increasingly prominent role of biomarkers in drug development at all stages, with particular reference to clini...
Introduction: Scleromyxedema (rare cutaneous mucinosis), is characterized by the formation of lic... more Introduction: Scleromyxedema (rare cutaneous mucinosis), is characterized by the formation of lichenoid papules and presence of Serum monoclonal IgG in most cases, or all; after repeated testing. Patient concerns : The patient is a 51-year-old male presented with thick, disfiguring elephant-like erythematous skin folds over the forehead, papular shiny eruptions over ears and trunk and waxy erythematous papules over arms and hands without dysphagia or respiratory or neurologic symptoms Diagnosis : Skin biopsy from right arm was consistent with scleromyxedema. Serum cryoglobulin was reported negative. Complete blood count and routine blood biochemistry were normal. Thyroid function tests were normal. Serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation showed monoclonal band of 14.5 g/L typed as IgG lambda. Interventions : Our patient was refractory to lenalidomide however improved clinically on immunoglobulins infusions on monthly basis without change in the MGUS level. Outcomes : NGF analysis revealed approximately 0.25% Lambda monotypic plasma cells in the bone marrow expressing CD38, CD138, and CD27 with aberrant expression of CD56 and were negative for CD45, CD19, CD117, and CD81. We also detected 0.002% circulating plasma cells (PCs) in peripheral blood. Conclusion : The immunophenotype of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) remain close to the malignant PCs phenotype in the BM. Hence, we report NGF approach as a novel diagnostic tool for highly sensitive MRD detection in plasma cell dyscrasias including scleromyxedema. Abbreviations: ALP = alkaline phosphatase, ASOqPCR = Allele-Specific Oligonucleotide Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction, BM = bone marrow, CR = complete response, CTC = circulating tumor cells, CTPC = circulating tumor plasma cells, FACS = fluorescence-activated cell sorting, FCM = Flow Cytometry, FITC = Fluorescein isothiocyanate, HMC = Hamad Medical Corporation, IF = immunofixation, IRB = Institutional Review board, LOD = Limit of Detection, MGUS = Monoclonal Gammopathy Of undetermined significance, MM = multiple myeloma, MRD = Minimal Residual Disease, MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging, NGF = next generation flow cytometry, NGS = next generation sequencing, NPRP = The National Priorities Research Program, OS = overall survival, PB = peripheral blood, PBS BSA = phosphate buffered saline bovine serum albumin, PBS-Tween = phosphate buffered saline with tween, PC = plasma cell, PCR = polymerase chain reaction, PUVA = psoralen and ultraviolet A, QNRF = Qatar National Research Fund, SM = scleromyxedema, SPEP = serum protein electrophoresis.
The present study aims at optimization of a suitable mass production technology for growth and sp... more The present study aims at optimization of a suitable mass production technology for growth and sporulation of the biocontrol agents Verticillium lecanii and Trichoderma harzianum. Combinations of various natural solid substrates (Rice, Maize, Arhar, Defatted Soybean, Gram) and laboratory media (SMYA, Complete media, SDA, Czapek's Dox media) were evaluated for growth and sporulation of V. lecanii and T. harzianum. Data on CFU, concentration of propagules, dry mycelial weight, conidia production and conidia yield were analyzed. It was observed that among the substrate types tested, the fungal strains grew better and produced high quantity of spores in Rice as growth medium after 21 days of incubation followed by Maize and Arhar. The best liquid media which supported maximum conidial production was SMYA and Complete medium. Also, rate of germination of spores as well as their viability at different aeration rates was tested. It was observed that maximum length of germ tube in minimum duration was observed in Rice as substrate. The viability percentage of the biocontrol agents produced at various aeration rates and agitation speeds showed that change in aeration and agitation did not significantly affect spore viability. Results demonstrated that the fungal species could be rapidly produced with a high conidial yield on natural solid substrates as compared to liquid media by fermentation technology.
Background: Tuberculosis is currently the world's leading cause of death arising from a single in... more Background: Tuberculosis is currently the world's leading cause of death arising from a single infectious condition. While T cell mediated immunity is recognized to have a major contribution to tuberculosis activation, the present investigation confirmed that TB was more prevalent among patients with acute myeloid rather than lymphoid leukemia and such association was frequently overlooked. The primary objective of this study is to estimate the diagnostic delay of tuberculosis among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and compare it to the general population in Qatar. Secondary objective is to study the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of tuberculosis in patients with AML. Methods: This is a retrospective study of tuberculosis cases diagnosed in subjects with AML during the period from January 2008 till December 2016. Results: Among 215 subjects with AML identified during the study period, 12 (5.58%) received the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The estimated incidence of tuberculosis among AML cases was 7.14 cases per 1000 per year. The mean delay in diagnosis of tuberculosis was 64.2 days (95% CI: 26.8-101.5) and the median was 45 days (interquartile range; Q1-Q3, 29.5-97.5). Prolonged fever was the most common presentation (100% of cases). Parenchymal lung involvement was the most common radiologic abnormality (83.3% of cases). Three patients (25%) died and 8 patients completed 9 to 12 months of anti-tuberculous treatment with clinical and radiological remission. Conclusion: Infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis are
Background: Strain improvement in fungi is based on the knowledge of biochemical and molecular ba... more Background: Strain improvement in fungi is based on the knowledge of biochemical and molecular basis of pathogenicity. Successful application of genetic manipulation techniques relies on the formation of mutants. The present study aimed at strain improvement for enhancement of biocontrol efficiency of Verticillium lecanii. Methods: Two potent fungicides were developed as markers in the V. lecanii isolate: Benomyl and Ketoconazole. Chlorate Resistant Mutants (ChlR) of V. lecanii were isolated and classified according to their phenotype containing one of the four nitrogen sources: 10mM Nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, glutamate. Also, vegetative growth of the mutant isolates at different temperatures was checked. Also, pathogenicity assay was performed with varied doses of conidial suspension. The conidial germination rates of mutant and wild type strains were tested. Findings: It was concluded that V. lecanii was highly sensitive to Benomyl and its growth was strictly inhibited even at low concentration of 2 µg/ml whereas it could tolerate up to 20 µg/ml concentration of Ketoconazole. Of the five chlorate resistant mutants purified, two were unable to utilize nitrate, they were considered as niaD- mutants. Remaining three showed inability to utilize nitrite and were considered niiA mutants. Vegetative growth of the mutant isolates at different temperatures was found to be significantly faster as compared to that of wild type isolates. Also, wild type strain of V. lecanii was less virulent than the mutants. Rate of germination of spores from mutants of V. lecanii was faster and exhibited thermotolerance with respect to conidial germination as compared to that of wild type. Application: Hence, development of mutants in Verticillium lecanii could enhance its effectiveness as an improved biocontrol agent.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease that generates from malignant tran... more Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease that generates from malignant transformation of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. First line treatment for CML is the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), imatinib. For patients resistant or intolerant to imatinib, other TKIs, dasatinib, nilotinib, and ponatinib, are approved treatments. Patients who are resistant or intolerant to other agents are started on ponatinib as a last line option. Common adverse events of ponatinib are hypertension, dry skin, rash, abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea. More serious adverse effects include cardiovascular effects, fluid retention, pancreatitis, severe myelosuppression, and hepatotoxicity. Treatment for these adverse effects can include interrupting ponatinib therapy and providing symptomatic and supportive care. Reintroduction of agent can be considered when the serious event has resolved or the potential benefit of resuming therapy is judged to outweigh the risk. The patient is a 65 year old Caucasian male with a history of imatinib-resistant CML. The patient was started on ponatinib 45mg approximately 3 months prior to presentation after failure of previous regimens. He requires platelet transfusions for ponatinib associated thrombocytopenia. He presents with 4 days of new right flank pain with radiation to his right groin. Evidence of pancreatitis was found on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). LFTs were elevated on admission. The patient had no history of alcohol or steroid use. Ponatinib was discontinued on admission and within three days the patient's symptoms of thrombocytopenia, pancreatitis and hepatotoxicity began to resolve. After complete resolution of the pancreatitis, the patient was restarted on ponatanib 15mg as an outpatient. Patients started on ponatinib should have their serum lipase, amylase, liver enzymes, and platelets checked every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and then monthly. By checking levels regularly it may allow the physicians to decrease the dose before complications arise that may require hospitalization. Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis should also be monitored and started on a low dose to avoid complications.
A case of a 31-year-old woman with sudden respiratory distress is presented. Preliminary evaluati... more A case of a 31-year-old woman with sudden respiratory distress is presented. Preliminary evaluations and imaging studies did not reveal the underlying cause. Workup during hospital stay showed advanced metastatic cancer of unknown primary origin. This is an unusual presentation of cancer of an unknown primary involving the thyroid with sudden suffocation. It suggests that malignancies involving the thyroid gland should be considered in patients with abrupt onset of respiratory distress. Also, this case shows the application of fine needle aspiration in diffuse thyroid enlargements mimicking thyroiditis without nodules. Diagnostic approach to cancer of unknown primary origin (CUP) is reviewed in further detail.
Biocontrol, or Biological Control, can be defined as the use of natural organisms, or genetically... more Biocontrol, or Biological Control, can be defined as the use of natural organisms, or genetically modified, genes or gene products, to reduce the effects of undesirable organisms to favor organisms useful to human, such as crops, trees, animals and beneficial microorganisms. The fungus Trichoderma, a low cost biocontrol agent that can establish itself in different pathosystems, has moderate effects on soil balance and does not harm beneficial organisms that contribute towards pathogen's control. Fungi of the genus Trichoderma are soilborne, green-spored ascomycetes that are ubiquitous in nature. Trichoderma spp. are characterized by rapid growth, mostly bright green conidia and a repetitively branched conidiophore structure. As opportunistic plant symbionts and effective mycoparasites, numerous species of this genus have the potential to become commercial biofungicides. This biocontrol agent has no harmful effects on humans, wild life and other beneficial organisms. It is safe and effective in both natural and controlled environments that does not accumulate in the food chain. Trichoderma strains used as biocontrol agents can act: a) colonizing the soil and/or parts of the plant, occupying a physical space and avoiding the multiplication of the pathogens; b) producing cell wall degrading enzymes against the pathogens; c) producing antibiotics that can kill the pathogens; d) promoting the plant development and e) inducing the defensive mechanisms of the plant. The extensive studies on diverse physiological traits available and still progressing for Trichoderma make these fungi versatile model organisms for research on both industrial fermentations as well as natural phenomena.
Chrysanthemums constitute approximately 30 species of perennial flowering plants, belonging to th... more Chrysanthemums constitute approximately 30 species of perennial flowering plants, belonging to the family Asteraceae, native to Asia and Northeastern Europe. Chrysanthemum is a natural cosmetic additive extracted from Chinese herb by modern biochemical technology. It has the properties of anti-bacterial, anti-viral, reducing (detoxification) and anti-inflammation. It possesses antioxidant characteristics, which could assist in minimizing free-radical induced damage. Therefore, it is widely used in skin and hair care products. Chemical composition of this herbal remedy includes kikkanols, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, various essential oils containing camphor, cineole, sabinol, borneole and other elements that interfere with DNA, causing erroneous or no PCR products. In the present study, testing and modification of various standard protocols for isolation of high-quality DNA from leaf tissues and seeds of C. indicum was done. It was observed that the DNA obtained from seeds and leaf t...
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