Bioscience Insights is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that aims to publish original research articles, reviews, and other scholarly content in the field of biosciences. The journal focuses on a wide range of topics within the life sciences, including but not limited to: Biotechnology Molecular Biology Biochemistry Genetics Microbiology Biomedical Sciences Environmental Sciences Health and Medicine The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary research that addresses both basic and applied aspects of bioscience, with a particular interest in studies that have practical applications in health, disease prevention, and environmental sustainability. Its goal is to provide insights into emerging scientific trends, breakthroughs, and technologies within these fields, making it an important resource for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers.
PATHWAY SCHOLARS INSTITUTE (SMC-PRIVATE) LIMITED
GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Large-scale use of genetically modified (GM) crops has raised numerous controversies on the sustainability of the crops to the environment in the long run. In this scientific work, the authors review the environmental concerns of GM crops, in terms of biodiversity, non-target organisms, the condition between herbicide resistance and dynamics, and landscape impacts. After the PRISMA, we located the 166 peer-reviewed articles in Web of science, Scopus and PubMed which were field-based. Of these 112 were suitable in meta-analysis. There is quantitative synthesis that Bt insect-resistant crops have no or moderately positive impacts of helpful arthropods relative to conventional systems that depend on the use of insecticides, primarily due to the reduction in the use of unselective insecticides. The impacts are however largely neutral in comparison to the non-Bt systems that are not treated. Instead, herbicide-tolerant (HT) agricultural systems have linear decreases in the population of weeds and accelerated the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds particularly when mono-culture is practiced in permanent and when herbicide is used repeatedly. In literature, it has been established that the indirect management (i.e. making crop rotations easier, making landscape easier, excessive reliance on chemicals, etc.) has a more significant mediating effect on the loss of biodiversity than the actual transgenic properties. The findings indicate how the long-term landscape observation and the agroecological management practices can contribute to the realization of sustainability in the integration of GM technology in the agroecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE ROLE OF IMMUNOTHERAPY IN CANCER TREATMENT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PD-1 INHIBITORS AND CAR-T CELL THERAPY
Immunotherapy has revolutionized oncology by harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancer. This comparative study evaluates the efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of two pivotal immunotherapeutic approaches: immune checkpoint inhibitors (specifically PD-1 inhibitors) and adoptive cell therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, or CAR-T). We conducted a quantitative, problem-based analysis of clinical trial data and real-world evidence from 2018 to 2023. Our findings indicate that while both modalities significantly improve outcomes in specific malignancies, their profiles differ markedly. PD-1 inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, demonstrate broad applicability across solid tumors like melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma, with objective response rates (ORR) ranging from 20-45%. Their primary limitations include immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and acquired resistance. In contrast, CAR-T cell therapy achieves remarkable efficacy in certain hematological cancers, notably B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), with complete response rates reaching 40-90%. However, CAR-T therapy is constrained by severe toxicities like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity, complex manufacturing, and high cost. This study underscores the paradigm shift towards personalized immunotherapy, where treatment selection is increasingly dictated by tumor type, biomarker status (e.g., PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden), and patient-specific factors. The future of cancer therapy likely lies in rational combinations and next-generation engineered therapies designed to overcome current limitations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hammad Ur Rehman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA ON TREATMENT SEEKING BEHAVIOR: A STUDY ON THE BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS
Mental health stigma remains a formidable barrier to treatment seeking, contributing to a substantial global treatment gap. This study investigates the multifaceted impact of public and self-stigma on individuals' decisions to access mental health care. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed, recruiting a diverse sample of 1,200 adults from the general population who reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression in the preceding 12 months. Validated scales measured levels of perceived public stigma, internalized self-stigma, attitudes toward professional help-seeking, and actual treatment-seeking behavior. Results from multiple regression and path analyses revealed that self-stigma was the most potent predictor of treatment avoidance, mediating the relationship between public stigma and help-seeking intentions. Higher levels of stigma were significantly correlated with lower perceived need for treatment, greater fear of disclosure, and a stronger preference for self-management strategies. The findings underscore that internalized negative beliefs are more crippling than perceived public judgment alone. This study concludes that anti-stigma campaigns must evolve beyond raising public awareness to directly target and dismantle self-stigma through psychoeducation and contact-based interventions. Reducing this barrier is critical for improving mental health care access and outcomes, necessitating integrated efforts within healthcare systems, communities, and policy frameworks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Asadullah Usman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN PREVENTING CHRONIC DISEASES: A CASE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF MEDITERRANEAN DIET ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD), represent a leading global cause of mortality and morbidity. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in their prevention and management. This study investigates the specific impact of the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), a dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and fish, on cardiovascular health indicators. Employing a quantitative, case-study methodology, we analyzed longitudinal data from 1,200 adult participants over a five-year period. Key findings demonstrate a statistically significant positive association between high adherence to the MedDiet and improved cardiovascular outcomes. Participants in the high-adherence group exhibited a 30% reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to the low-adherence group. Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in biomarkers, including reductions in LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and inflammatory markers (hs-CRP), alongside increases in HDL cholesterol. These results underscore the MedDiet’s potent cardioprotective effects, mediated through multiple synergistic pathways including lipid modification, anti-inflammatory action, and endothelial function improvement. This study provides robust empirical evidence supporting the integration of the MedDiet into public health strategies and clinical recommendations for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Copyright (c) 2025 Irum Habib, Abdul Waheed Shah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
NEUROPROSTHETIC DEVICES FOR ENHANCING MOTOR RECOVERY POST-SPINAL CORD INJURY: A REHABILITATION STUDY
This paper reports the application of neuroprosthetic devices in the determination of their efficacy in the motor rehabilitation of the spinal cord injury (SCI). The study was directed to assess the impact of the devices on motor skills development and the overall result of the rehabilitation. In assuming a research methodology that entails the use of randomized control trial, an individual who had a variety of spinal cord injuries was fitted with the use of neuroprosthetic devices that were expected to trigger the regeneration of the neurons and restoration of the motor functions. The standardized measures of muscular strength, joint mobility and voluntary motor control was measured in the study as an indicator of motor recovery. Considerable improvements were recorded in the experimental group particularly in muscular coordination and functional mobility compared to the control group. The neurophysiological data showed increased activity of neurons and improvement of the synaptic balance between the circuits in the spinal cord. The results show that neuroprosthetic implants have great potential in enhancing motor recovery of spinal cord injured patients and this has got promising future implications of spinal cord rehabilitation treatment. However, further studies that have larger sample sizes and long durations of follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ezza Fatima, Abdul Waheed Shah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TRENDS OF TUBERCULOSIS IN URBAN SLUMS: A PULMONOLOGY-PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE
This research paper will examine the epidemiological trends of Tuberculosis (TB) in the urban slums with emphasis on its implications to the practice of public health and its implication to pulmonology. The scientists examined the results of a 5-year period of TB in several communities of the urban slums to identify trends in incidence, risk factors and the socio-economic situations favorable to its transmission. As has been illustrated, TB is much more prevalent in these places compared to the national average. Poor sanitation, lack of access to adequate medical facilities, and overcrowding are some of the major risk factors. The cases of multidrug-resistant TB also increased significantly. The findings indicate that we should make certain measures to improve the community health, including the construction of superior healthcare structures, initiating community based TB screening programs, and initiating educational programs to assist these susceptible groups manage the increasing burden of TB.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Waqar Ali, Hammad Ur Rehman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON QUINOA PERFORMANCE IN MARGINAL SOILS
Quinoa is gaining attention as a climate-resilient crop suitable for cultivation in marginal soils. This study was piloted at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station (PARS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, during the Rabi season 2024–25 to estimate the effect of various organic fertilizer combinations on the growth and yield of quinoa under nutrient-deficient conditions. The research was organized in a RCB design with six treatments: Control, Compost (10 t ha⁻¹), Vermicompost (5 t ha⁻¹), Biochar (5 t ha⁻¹), Compost + Vermicompost (5 + 2.5 t ha⁻¹), and Compost + Biochar (5 + 2.5 t ha⁻¹), replicated four times. Results indicated that organic amendments significantly enhanced all measured parameters compared to the control. The maximum plant height (115 cm), leaves plant-1 (28), SPAD value (49), and weight of 1000-seeds (3.6 g) were recorded in the Compost + Vermicompost treatment. Similarly, this treatment resulted in the highest grain yield (2,250 kg ha⁻¹) and biomass yield (7.4 t ha⁻¹), trailed by Compost + Biochar (2,200 kg ha⁻¹ grain and 7.1 t ha⁻¹ biomass). In contrast, the control treatment yielded only 1,450 kg ha⁻¹ grain and 4.8 t ha⁻¹ biomass. The enhancement in crop performance can be ascribed to enhanced nutrient availability, microbial activity, and soil physical properties under organic amendment applications. These findings suggest that integrating compost with vermicompost or biochar is a boosting strategy for improving quinoa productivity and soil health in marginal lands, supporting sustainable agriculture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Dilawaiz Khan , Muhammad Bilal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EVALUATION OF THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN PATHWAY IN PAEDIATRIC HYPERTENSION
This study aimed to evaluate the renin-angiotensin pathway in paediatric hypertension, with the objective of understanding its biochemical, clinical, and genetic associations in children aged 6 to 18 years. Using a cross-sectional design, 84 participants (42 hypertensive and 42 normotensive) were recruited from a tertiary paediatric cardiology and nephrology clinic. Comprehensive clinical data, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, biochemical analyses, imaging studies, and genetic testing were performed. The hypertensive group demonstrated significantly elevated levels of plasma renin activity (12.5 ± 3.2 ng/mL/hr), serum aldosterone (25.7 ± 6.4 ng/dL), and angiotensin II (182 ± 29 pg/mL) compared to the normotensive group (p < 0.001). According to the clinical tests, hypertensive children demonstrated the body mass index (22.8 ± 4.5 kg/m²), increased left ventricular mass index (49.2 ± 8.6 g/m²), and high albumin-to-creatinine ratio in the urine (134 ± 32 mg/g), Structural renal abnormalities were identified in 38% of hypertensive children through diagnostic imaging and findings suggestive of cardiac remodeling in the form of echocardiographic pictures were seen in 41%. 30% of cases with familial hypertension have mutations in the SCNN1B, CYP11B2 and WNK1 genes revealed by genetic testing. Ambulatory monitoring revealed nocturnal hypertension in 64% of hypertensive group, which highlights the need to prolong the assessment of blood pressure in children. These findings demonstrate the key role of the renin-angiotensin system in paediatric hypertension and its relation to target organ damage and genetic predisposition. Imaging and biochemical assessments at the same time, coupled with genetic screening, can improve diagnostic accuracy, and facilitate personalized approaches to therapeutics in paediatric hypertensive populations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muska Hayat , Sami Ullah, Shahzad Rafiq (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
STUDYING THE ROLE OF CALCIUM SIGNALING IN PLANT STRESS RESPONSES: INVESTIGATING NEW TARGETS FOR PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
Plants perceive and decode environmental stress signals through transient elevations in cytosolic calcium, yet the molecular components that translate these signatures into adaptive responses remain incompletely understood. Here, we combined high-resolution in vivo calcium imaging in GCaMP6f‐expressing Arabidopsis, rice, and tomato with genome-wide discovery and functional validation of calcium sensors to identify new targets for biotechnological enhancement of stress tolerance. Under drought, salinity, and heat treatments, calcium transient amplitudes reached up to ΔF/F₀ = 0.55 and frequencies peaked at 3.5 peaks·min⁻¹ (Table 1), with distinct temporal profiles for each stress. Genome scans and expression profiling revealed that calmodulin-like proteins and CDPKs were among the most strongly induced sensors (fold-changes up to 3.2; Table 2). Yeast two-hybrid assays confirmed high-affinity interactions between CPK5 and MAPK3/SnRK2 (interaction scores ≥ 0.90; Table 3). CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts and overexpression lines of CML3, CPK5, ND-F2, and C2D1 demonstrated that overexpression enhanced drought and salinity tolerance—evidenced by 27 % lower stomatal conductance, 30 % reduced electrolyte leakage, and up to 35 % greater biomass (Tables 4–5; Figures 5–7). Network reconstruction highlighted that 60 % of key hubs are calcium sensors with higher centrality metrics than kinases (Table 6; Figures 8–9), underscoring their regulatory prominence. A positive correlation between sensor expression, calcium signal amplitude, and biomass gain establishes a direct link between calcium decoding and stress adaptation. Our integrative framework not only elucidates core calcium-mediated pathways but also nominates validated sensor and effector genes as prime candidates for CRISPR‐based or transgenic enhancement of crop resilience under increasingly erratic climates.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Asad Hameed, Muhammad Arif, Rashid Khan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
NEPHROGENIC DIABETES INSIPIDUS: THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF AQUAPORINS
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a disorder marked by the kidney's inability to concentrate urine despite normal or elevated levels of vasopressin, often due to impairments in aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression or function. This study investigated the molecular, physiological, and clinical underpinnings of AQP2 dysfunction in both genetic and acquired forms of NDI. In vitro models demonstrated significantly reduced AQP2 expression and membrane trafficking under lithium exposure, hypokalemia, and hypercalcemia. Animal models, including AQP2 knockout mice and lithium-treated cohorts, exhibited pronounced polyuria, decreased urine osmolality, and elevated vasopressin levels, confirming renal insensitivity to antidiuretic hormone. The results were confirmed through clinical data from NDI patients where congenital cases had little expression of AQP2 and were completely unreceptive to vasopressin analogs while the acquired types displayed par/altered receptiveness. Improved urine osmolality and partially restored AQP2 levels through therapeutic interventions, especially, with thiazide and amiloride diuretics indicate that this is modifiable process in AQP2 regulation. The study also reported the effects of imbalance in electrolytes and lithium on upregulating AQP2 that contributed to clarify their effect in acquired NDI. Overall, findings drive home the crucial role of AQP2 in renal water management and indicate potential symptomatic relief and functional healing from selected NDI subtypes via targeted therapies. These results have serious clinical implications and relevance for remedial strategies which seek to reinstate the function of aquaporins.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hassan Yar Mahsood, Humayun Ali (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CHARACTERIZING THE GENETIC RESISTANCE MECHANISMS IN RICE AGAINST RICE BLAST DISEASE: EXPLORING NEW AVENUES FOR DISEASE CONTROL
Rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) poses a major threat to global rice production, yet durable, broad‐spectrum resistance remains elusive. Here, we combined high‐throughput phenotyping of 300 diverse indica, japonica, and aus accessions with whole‐genome resequencing (>10× coverage) and pangenome assembly to perform mixed‐model GWAS and identify 45 SNPs (p < 1×10⁻⁵) across all 12 chromosomes. Meta-QTL integration with >400 published loci refined 23 candidate intervals and highlighted six robust regions enriched for NLR and receptor-like kinase genes. We prioritized 100 candidates by domain architecture and differential expression upon infection. Functional validation via CRISPR/Cas9 (knockout and allele-swap) in the susceptible Kitaake cultivar generated eight lines with on-target editing efficiencies of 71–99 %, no detectable off-target mutations, and lesion score reductions up to 80 %. The positive correlation between editing efficiency and resistance enhancement underscores the feasibility of precision allele pyramiding. Pangenome presence–absence analysis revealed 20 % novel resistance alleles absent from the Nipponbare reference, expanding the genetic toolkit for breeding. Growth‐curve assays confirmed that genome editing did not impair early vegetative development. Our integrative pipeline—spanning germplasm screening, GWAS, meta-QTL mapping, pangenomics, and targeted editing—provides a scalable model for rapid deployment of resistance genes against evolving pathogen races. These findings pave the way for multi-locus editing strategies and field validation toward sustainable, resilient rice cultivars, ultimately contributing to food security in blast‐endemic regions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nimra Samad , Irfan Ahmad (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN PAKISTAN
The connection between smoking and pulmonary function tests remains partially undefined because additional scrutiny of smoking effects on these assessments is necessary. The main goal of this investigation examined the smoking-related impact on adult measurements from spirometric and diffusion capacity examinations. Researchers utilized 250 participants under cross-sectional sampling (125 nonsmoking subjects and 125 smokers who accumulated five packs or more). Participants underwent Peak Expiratory Flow and Forced Vital Capacity alongside Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second evaluation and the FEV₁/FVC proportion and Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity measurement. The statistical analysis used independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests alongside multivariable regression adjusted for age, sex and BMI. Smoking resulted in significant decreases in mean FEV₁ (2.8 vs. 3.5 L, p<0.001) and FVC (3.6 vs. 4.2 L, p<0.001) together with DLCO (75% vs. 92% predicted, p<0.001) between smokers and non-smokers. People who smoked cigarettes presented with a decreased ratio of FEV₁ to FVC measuring at 68% while participants who did not smoke maintained a ratio of 83% (p<0.001). The relationship between PFT impairment and pack-year total showed a proportional association (β=-0.45, p<0.001 for FEV₁). The research demonstrates how smoking reduces both gas exchange ability and restricts airflow while emphasizing the critical need for targeted smoking cessation programs.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rabia Nasir, Jawad Ali (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON EGG LAYING PATTERNS AND MORTALITY RATES OF FAYOUMI, ALBALADY, AND BLACK AUSTRALORP BREEDS IN NARC, PAKISTAN
The objective of this study was to evaluate egg laying performance and mortality rates of three poultry breeds (Fayoumi, Albalady and Black Australorp) under standardized conditions at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan. The hens were observed during a 52-week period over a total of 300 hens with 100 individuals from each breed. Those parameters that were assessed were weekly egg production, cumulative egg production, average egg weight, feed intake, and mortality. Both productivity and survivability were also found to be breed specific. The lowest mortality rate (4%), and the highest laying persistence as shown throughout the study, indicates that the Fayoumi breed is able to adapt to localized environmental and nutritional condition. Fayoumi hens laid consistently as one of the smallest sized and lightest egg weight laying, making them perfect for resource limited or backyard poultry systems. However, Black Australorp hens produced the biggest total number of eggs per bird but the egg weights significantly outweighed others.’ Although, they exhibited a slightly increased mortality rate (7%), possibly from being less heat tolerant or more environmentally sensitive. In all parameters, leninalady hens showed intermediate performance having moderate egg production and 6% mortality rate, indicating balanced traits which may be applied to semi-commercial farming models. They emphasize the need to choose the breed according to production objective, local climate conditions, and availability of resources. For maximum output under well controlled environment, Black Australorp can be prioritised but Fayoumi hens for sustainability and resilience. Albalady hens are balanced between the two extremes. These insights provide important information for national poultry development strategies suitable to smallholder farmers seeking to increase productivity and profits through breed specific management practices.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mubarik Ali, Abdul Wadood Jan, Aftab Ahmed, Umer Farooq, Shahid Iqbal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
HARNESSING GENETIC DIVERSITY IN TRADITIONAL CROP VARIETIES FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION: EXPLORING STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING RESILIENCE AND PRODUCTIVITY
As a cornerstone food plant across global farming regions maize (Zea mays) faces rising threats from climate change that generates altered rainfall systems and aggravated weather conditions. The assessment confirms the fundamental role of genetic diversity in developing maize varieties that have resilience to climate changes. The genetic foundation of maize exists because of historical and evolutionary processes that enable successful breeding methods. Measuring genetic diversity between groups of individuals depends on FST as a vital tracking indicator. Stress-resistance genetic elements receive particular focus together with evaluations of heat tolerance and drought tolerance traits. The results from established breeding projects demonstrate numerous possible techniques lead to success. The discussion includes awareness about responsible methods as well as discussions about gene flow and ethical matters. Future endeavors will adopt two main objectives to develop public-private partnerships while investigating gene editing applications and establishing international collaborative research projects. This article concludes that genetic diversity remains vital in developing stress-tolerant maize cultivars by recommending additional scientific investigation and collaborative breeding practices because of climate change threats to food security across the globe. It has been concluded that using genetic variety gives maize its best chance to survive the changes in the weather. The special link between maize gene combinations provides us with the tools needed to build resistant strains that handle changing climate effects. People need to study maize resilience because it protects our food supply as the key crop in worldwide farming systems. The author reminds us genetic diversity in maize provides all the solutions needed to meet the new climate-related agricultural challenges. The mixed signals require immediate efforts in response to these results and insights. The message reaches audiences across political and agricultural sectors worldwide plus research institutions while exceeding laboratory and farm limits. Rainfed Maize needs immediate climate-based research with team efforts and new breeding methods. Scientists are asked to study maize DNA fully and discover its reaction to climate dangers before making improved crop strains. The document asks politicians to base their agricultural policies on resistant maize varieties before other types. The plan focuses on food security protection through quality maize farming while recognizing genetic variety as key to maize's global success.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rima Bibi, Muhammad Asad (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PREVALENCE AND RISK ASSESSMENT OF TRANSFUSION-TRANSMISSIBLE INFECTIONS AMONG BLOOD DONORS IN PAKISTAN
Transfusion of blood and blood components has become a norm in the current medical practice especially when it comes to support during surgical operations or in handling of various medical emergencies or chronic diseases. But, the disadvantage is that it is accompanied with a potential to transmit infections diseases commonly referred to as Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs). In Pakistan, TTIs including HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis remain of special interest because of the irregular manner of donor screening, poor knowledge of the population and high prevalence of these diseases. This cross sectional study intended to assess the TTIs summary among the blood donors a selected areas in Pakistan throughout the period 2020 to 2023. Cross-sectional study was done on 25000 blood donors; this involved voluntary and replacemen tdonors whereby all data was received from the years 2012-2014. All the collected samples were subjected to HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis serology using standard serological testing procedures that conform to national standards.With this, it was realized that 4.76% of the donors reacted positive to at least one TTI. In particular, the overall HBV prevalence was 1.62%, HCV 1.94%, HIV 0.61%, and syphilis 0.59% regarding the donors. It is worth to note that TTIs were reported more frequent among replacement donors than the voluntary donors which calls for shifts towards voluntary unpaid blood donations. These findings call for enhanced measures in the enhancement of blood safety in Pakistan. Some of the recommendations were rigorous screening and policies to be adopted and strictly followed, increase the voluntary blood donation, and to launch public awareness campaigns regarding the factors that are associated with the negative repercussion of transfusion of unsafe blood. These interventions will greatly help to decrease the burden of TTIs and ensure safety in the supply of blood in Pakistan.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rida Naz, Roohan Ahmad (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CHEMISTRY OF ANTIOXIDANTS AND THEIR ROLE IN PREVENTING OXIDATIVE STRESS IN CARDIOVASCULAR AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
Oxidative stress constitutes a significant factor in the evolution of almost all cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The study studies the effects of selected antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenols, coenzyme Q10, and curcumin on oxidative stress and protection to the cells.The findings proved that antioxidant treatment had the potential to decrease lipid peroxidation, stabilize mitochondria, and increase antioxidant enzyme activity. Antioxidants enhanced endothelial function, decreased arterial plaque formation, and myocardial damage in cardiac models. In neurodegenerative models, antioxidants inhibited amyloid-beta plaque deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, and cognitive dysfunction. The co-administration of vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 led to superior treatment effects, suggesting the necessity of combined treatments. These different beneficial properties of uncertainly doubtful antioxidants assure that necessity exists for further research into amount, delivery route, and clinical applications. Research work in this area should be undertaken innovatively by creating new drug delivery systems such as nanoparticle formulations to increase antioxidant bioavailability and maximize the targeted therapeutic actions. This encompasses utilization in chronic illnesses like diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic syndrome-related diseases.
Copyright (c) 2024 Muhammad Tanzeel Akhtar, Abdul Ghaffar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PEPTIDE-BASED DRUGS: SYNTHESIS, MECHANISM OF ACTION, AND POTENTIAL FOR TREATING ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC DISEASES
Peptide drugs are new medicines with vast potential for the therapy of endocrine as well as metabolic disorders since they are highly specific, less toxic, and have the capability to easily mimic natural biological processes. In our research, new peptide synthesis techniques such as Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) and Native Chemical Ligation (NCL) were explored, which significantly increased peptide yield, purity, and structural integrity.Methods of characterization like mass spectrometry, HPLC, and circular dichroism confirmed the purity and bioactivity of the peptides prepared. Drug formulation strategies by nanoparticle systems, liposomes, and PLGA microspheres efficiently improved peptide stability, bioavailability, and sustained release. In vitro experiments established improved receptor targeting, improved insulin secretion, and extended peptide action in cell models, while in vivo experiments in diabetic rodent models established improved glycemic control and metabolic regulation. Chemical modification with the incorporation of PEGylation and cyclization effectively improved peptide half-life and reduced vulnerability to proteolytic degradation. Future research needs to focus on maximizing oral delivery of peptides and using AI-guided peptide design for drug targeting. These advances underscore the therapeutic promise of peptide drugs as effective treatments for complex endocrine and metabolic diseases
Copyright (c) 2024 Rizwan Ullah, Uzair Nisar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AI-DRIVEN DRUG DISCOVERY FOR CANCER THERAPY: MACHINE LEARNING MODELS FOR IDENTIFYING NOVEL TARGETS AND OPTIMIZING CHEMOTHERAPY REGIMENS
Transforming drug discovery into an AI for cancer therapy, which uses machine learning (ML) models to identify novel drug targets and optimize chemotherapy regimens, can achieve this. AI is also enabling high-throughput screening, predictive modeling, and biomarker discovery, thereby improving precision medicine strategies. This review contemplates the involvement of AI in drug development, its applications in treating cancer, challenges, and future directions. V AI-powered systems are transforming cancer drug discovery in target identification, high-throughput screening, and chemotherapy regimen optimization. Machine-learning enhances the predictions about early-phase drug development, thus hastening it, and creates precision oncology by means of developing algorithms for predictive modeling. The key to the unfolding full potential of AI for oncology therapeutics lies in overcoming the current problems and creating. The dazzling AI-powered systems are going to change the whole drug discovery process from pure target identification, high throughput-screening, and optimization of chemotherapy regimens. Machine learning strengthens most predictions regarding early drug development and brings speed to drug development and precision oncology through the making of an algorithm for predictive accuracy. Overcoming current challenges and building interdisciplinary collaborations will be key to unleashing the full potential of AI in oncology therapeutics.
Copyright (c) 2024 Saad Abdullah, Usama Raza (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ANALYZING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE TRENDS IN PAKISTAN: THE ROLE OF LIFESTYLE CHOICES, SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS, AND PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE STRATEGIES
Throughout the past several decades the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has continuously risen in Pakistan thus becoming the leading cause of mortality and sickness within the country. This research aimed to identify variables which drive the rising incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Pakistan while analyzing lifestyle activities and socioeconomic disparities and healthcare prevention strategies that influence this trend. The research used a mixed-method approach to collect data from 500 participants originating from cities and rural communities. The researchers used secondary information from national health reports as an enhancement tool for their dataset. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors of smoking and inadequate diet and physical exercise appear as major risks that mainly affect urban residents according to the research findings. People from lower socioeconomic groups face elevated CVD risks because they experience limited healthcare access and practice unhealthy eating and maintain inadequate health awareness. The essential status of preventive healthcare services remains underutilized even though such services should be considered indispensable especially in rural areas. The obtained results demonstrate that Pakistan urgently needs extensive public health measures to support both preventive healthcare and heart-healthy behaviors as well as healthcare equity. The article promotes national-focused efforts to minimize cardiovascular diseases while improving overall public health in Pakistan. The serious barriers presented by cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Pakistan do not indicate that these problems cannot be overcome. A unified national approach combining disease prevention and healthcare education with health inequality intervention will substantially reduce cardiovascular disease rates. Pakistan can achieve substantial progress toward better cardiovascular health by establishing appropriate policies and initiatives which lead to improved health results among its population.
Copyright (c) 2024 Muhammad Asadullah Usman, Younas Rehman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION ON RESPIRATORY HEALTH IN MAJOR CITIES OF PAKISTAN: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TRENDS, RISK FACTORS, AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES
The public health issue of air pollution severely affects the urban areas of Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan. Various human activities combined with industrial emission sources and brick kiln contaminants and urbanization and combustion activities together result in severe health problems through air pollution in Pakistani cities. This study assessed the origins along with health impacts and various effects of smog and air pollution. A PRISMA approach served for evaluating the health impact of environment pollution on human health. Research investigated sources of air pollution along with pollutants PM2.5, PM10, CO2, CO, SOX and NOx that derived from agricultural and waste burning emissions. The participant group included both urban and rural inhabitants of Pakistan across different age groups and genders. The data collection along with analysis occurred through SRDR+ software together with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Air pollution and diseases occurred most frequently in Karachi and Lahore because of their heavy industry operations combined with vehicular emissions. The winter season creates smog conditions which become the main factor leading to multiple illnesses throughout Lahore. The combination of urban expansion with brick kilns together with industrial contamination and agricultural sources produce environmental effects that spread across several cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jahan, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Kalarkhar. These air pollution causes lead to higher occurrence rates of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses in specific cities and communities. Asthma together with eye and throat issues and allergies represent one cluster of medical conditions while lung cancer stands alone from them along with air pollution's effects of mortality and morbidity. The implementation of strategic policies must focus on reducing pollution emissions and supporting safer technologies along with enhanced air quality tracking systems to minimize the damaging impact of air pollution on health.
Copyright (c) 2024 Hamais Murtaza, Syeda Iram Batool (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
HARNESSING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR PREDICTING AND MANAGING CARDIAC ARREST RISK: INNOVATIONS IN EARLY DETECTION, PREVENTION, AND PERSONALIZED CARE
The sudden breakdown of heart activity has the potential to become fatal. The prediction of cardiac arrest at an early stage enables proper intervention to stop such occurrences or protect patients from experiencing an arrest. Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies have gained popularity for enhancing the prediction power and emergency planning for vulnerable patients. The research evaluated the methods described in published literature to forecast cardiac arrest events. The study followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extended guidelines throughout the scoping review procedure. The researchers utilized Scopus together with ScienceDirect along with Embase and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Google Scholar databases for their study search. The researchers checked reference lists from studied publications. Independently two reviewers executed the selection of studies and data extraction tasks. The researchers conducted a narrative synthesis of gathered data from all selected studies. Citation reviews enabled researchers to retain 41 of 697 identified studies while another 6 studies were added after this review process. Artificial intelligence tools used for forecasting cardiac arrest appeared in the investigated studies. Research methods within the 47 reviewed studies consisted of patient-specific analysis for predicting cardiac arrest in 26 (55%) studies as well as AI-based alarm system development in 16 (34%) studies. Fifteen percent (5/47) of the research examined how to recognize patients who were likely to experience cardiac arrest versus those without cardiac arrest risks. Studies that analyzed pediatric patients accounted for only two cases among the total of 47 (4%), while all other studies examined adult populations (45/47; 96%). The majority of studies analyzed data samples which contained less than 10,000 records (32 out of 47 or 68 percent). The usage of machine learning models emerged as the predominant AI technique in 38 out of 47 studies (81%) which investigated cardiac arrest prediction while neural networks became the algorithm most frequently applied across the research (23 out of 47 studies, 49%). Among the evaluation tools researchers applied to their studies K-fold cross-validation stood as the most frequently used (24/47, 51%). The healthcare field uses artificial intelligence technology as a predictive tool in multiple cardiac arrest scenarios. The role of technology will be essential in enhancing cardiology medicine. Additional review is necessary to determine why barriers exist for implementing AI technologies in clinical practice. Research must determine effective methods of supporting healthcare professionals to learn about and implement this technology in their everyday work.
Copyright (c) 2024 Wajeeha Ahmed, Muhammad Inam Farooq (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0