An autoimmune disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is a multi-system autoimmune disorder characterized by immunological deposition and persistent inflammation in the skin, joints, and kidneys. However, in people with SLE, the immune system produces autoantibodies that target and destroy healthy cells and tissues. This immune response leads to chronic inflammation and damage to various organs.
As a defense mechanism against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes, plant immunity plays a critical role. Complex molecular mechanisms play key roles in detecting pathogens, activating defense responses, and conferring resistance through this innate defense system. Through breeding approaches, it is crucial to understand these mechanisms in order to develop effective strategies to enhance crop disease resistance. PAMPs are conserved microbial molecules detected by Plant Pattern Recognition Receptors, such as bacterial flagellin or fungal chitin. A response to PAMP-Triggered Immunity (PTI) is triggered when a microbial particle is recognized, resulting in the production of antimicrobial compounds, reinforcement of cell walls, and activation of signaling pathways involving Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases and calcium ions.
The understanding of various biological processes demands an integrative approach. The recent advances in functional genomics have helped in unraveling the pathology and physiology of complex diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune and other metabolism-related diseases/syndrome. This has led to the formation of complex systems that provide a conceptual framework and effective tools to study the features from molecules to organisms (vice-versa). The researches on various animal models are repeated to provide knowledge to be transferred at some level for the betterment of humankind. The continuous effort to characterize a single molecule, cell and organism has further enhanced to study the stochastic and dynamic nature of various biological interactions. The conference will provide a discussion platform for new approaches and challenges in the field. The aim of the present conference is to provide knowledge and to focus on the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in getting novel insights into their related research area/ having an innovative framework. The present conference will also merge various scientific communities and will be helpful in establishing an interdisciplinary multiscale approach.
PLWHIV in Northeast Nigeria were investigated for the prevalence of infection and to identify risk factors associated with HPgV infection, given the potential impact of HPgV on HIV disease progression. In Northeast Nigeria, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 249 PLWHIV. We used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models to assess the association between HPgV infection and sociodemographic characteristics, risk behaviors, and healthcare access. 23.3% of the study population had HPgV infection. In the multivariate analysis, inhaled drug use was associated with HPgV infection. In Northeast Nigeria, there is a concerning prevalence of HPgV infection among PLWHIV. A potential transmission route beyond traditional routes is suggested by the identification of inhaled drug use as a risk factor. To address this significant public health concern, targeted interventions and harm reduction strategies are necessary.
There is a lack of research on low-risk HPV infections like genital warts among vulnerable women, especially their HIV serology, because research focuses on high-risk strains of HPV associated with cervical cancer. The interplay between genital warts, HIV status, and sociocultural factors is crucial to understanding targeted prevention to alleviate the burden of genital warts in vulnerable populations. In this study, we investigate the prevalence and risk factors of genital warts among women with HIV serostatus. Women seeking gynecological consultation at a public hospital in Nigeria were studied cross-sectionally. A survey and medical records were used to collect data, which was then analyzed using SPSS 18.0. The majority of the women who had genital warts (63.33%) were HIV positive. For the first time, 67% of these women sought gynecological consultations for genital warts. Women with HIV were more likely to experience papule genital warts, while women without HIV were more likely to experience acuminate warts. Moreover, HIV-positive women with multiple sexual partners were found to have an increased risk of developing genital warts. Self-medication (75%) and traditional medicine (85%) were also prevalent. Healthcare-seeking behavior must be enhanced, early detection and treatment must be facilitated, and HIV and genital warts must be alleviated by addressing socio-cultural barriers. Traditional medicine should be integrated into healthcare systems, and efforts to raise awareness should be prioritized.
In recent times, especially during the antibiotic resistance era, it is crucial to find active and sustainable alternatives that work against microbes. In this study, seven plants Minuartia nifensis McNeill, Sideritis sipylea Boiss, Asperula daphneola O.Schwarz, Teucrium montanum L, Stachys cretica L. subsp, Smyrnaea rech. Fil and Euphorbia erythrodon Boiss/Heldr growing in Turkey were collected and newly registered. Alcoholic extracts were prepared to investigate their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. These plants are widespread in the mountains of Izmir City (Turkey). Three assessments were performed in this project: agar well diffusion method, a standard antimicrobial (antibacterial and anti-fungal) activity test, followed by MIC test, which determines the lowest concentration and lowest quantity that affects microbes after adding resazurin indicator, and finally, antioxidant activity by ELISA microplate reader. The findings showed activity against S. aureus and E. colį. Antifungal activity against C. albįcans and C. glabrata was the highest activity shown by most extracts. Antioxidant activity was also confirmed by quantification of radical scavenging activity via DPPH assay.
This paper explores the growth of biological medicine in the South African pharmaceutical sector for the period 2019 to 2023. The study analysis revenue trends over time and investigates challenges experienced and suggests possible solutions. Results show that small-molecules and biologicals follow a similar pattern with a major peak in 2021 and a decline thereafter, with total revenue for small molecules much higher than for biologicals over these years. Biologicals generally had growth through 2021, then experienced a significant decline in sales and growth in the following years. To promote the growth of biological medicines in South Africa, it is vital to streamline regulatory frameworks for quicker approval of biologicals and biosimilars while ensuring safety and efficacy. Implementing affordable pricing strategies and fostering collaboration between public entities, pharmaceutical companies, and insurers will enhance reimbursement policies. Additionally, increasing educational initiatives for healthcare providers will improve awareness and prescribing practices. Investing in local manufacturing can reduce costs and create jobs, while raising awareness of biosimilars as cost-effective alternatives will further boost their adoption and accessibility.
This study investigated the enzymatic activities of proteases, DNases, and hemolysins across five clinically relevant bacterial strains: Among the various bacterial species in the contaminated foods and drinks, the most common are – E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. pyogenes, and B. cereus. Protease activity was analyzed using casein solution to evaluate the relative optical density, while DNase activity was determined on DNase agar plates, observing the clear zones on the agar media, and hemolysin activity was checked on blood agar plates. The contention here is that the mean diameter of clear zones was determined for die strains and we prevailed to analyze the differences in die enzymatic activities. Our findings also highlighted differences in the bacterial strains studied with regard to a number of factors including protease, DNase and haemolytic activity: P. aeruginosa displayed the highest protease activity while S. aureus and B. cereus were observed to have high DNase activity while S. pyogenes displayed the highest haemolytic activity. The protease and DNase parameters were further analyzed by means of correlation coefficients, and the results revealed a linear correlation between the two at +0.983; however, the hemolysin activity was not directly related to either protease or DNase. Altogether the current observations offer perspectives regarding the numerous strategies that bacteria have adapted in infecting host tissues and producing damage, as well as the significance of studying enzymatic processes in an effort to develop specific pharmacological treatments.
Food production through aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. World aquaculture production is dominated by low-income food-deficit countries, which account for the majority of production. There is a great deal of expectation that aquaculture will contribute to the world's aquatic food production, and there is also hope that aquaculture will continue to grow in the future as a result of stagnant yields from many capture fisheries and increasing demand for fish and fishery products. In contrast, aquaculture is widely recognized as encompassing a wide range of different types of aquatic farming practices, such as seaweed farming, mollusk farming, crustacean farming, fish farming, and other aquatic species. Using different resource use patterns, there is a wide range of options for diversification, such as seaweed farming, mollusk farming, crustacean farming, and fish farming. Currently, aquaculture produces nearly a third of the world's edible fish supplies, and its contribution to marine food sources will only grow. As a sustainable alternative to catch fisheries, aquaculture has the potential to feed the world's rising population. Globally, aquaculture is the fastest-growing sector of the food industry, growing at a rate of more than 10% per year and accounting for more than 30% of all fish consumed. In regards to long-term sustainability, aquaculture faces the same issues as all other food production methods.
The purpose of this work is to summarize the biological methods available for assessing DNA damage in humans at present. There are several methods for determining single-strand DNA breaks, alkali-labile sites, and crosslinks, including comet assays, micronucleus assays, cytogenetics (which include sister chromatid exchange and chromosomal aberration assays), DNA repair assays, oxidative DNA damage assays (measuring oxidized bases such as 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine), and oxidized bases. There are many factors to consider when determining the best method, including how to achieve the study's objectives, what type of DNA damage to measure, and what resources are available. Combining different techniques may also contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of DNA damage and its effects on human health. By standardizing assays and advancing technology, we will be able to determine DNA damage in humans more accurately.
A significant part of Indian food production involves fisheries and aquaculture, which contribute to agricultural exports and employ around fourteen million people. Since independence, the nation has consistently increased fish production as a result of its vast aquatic resources. A total of 6.3 percent of world fish production comes from the industry, which contributes 1.1 percent to GDP and 5.15 percent to agricultural GDP. A total of 10.07 million metric tons of fish are produced in the inland sector, and around 65 percent are produced in the cultural sector. Increasing fish diseases have slowed aquaculture production and product trade in India, threatening fishermen's livelihoods. Infections can be caused by a number of factors, including low physicochemical and microbiological quality of culture water, high stocking density, and poor nutrition. It is possible for seed fish and adults to become deformed and die from exposure to pollution and suspended particles. As a result of different opportunistic bacterial infections and parasites, the fish industry suffers a significant loss in mortality and morbidity, decreased growth, and increased chemical control and prevention costs.
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used in the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions in the tropics. Its easy accessibility without prescription has made it a commonly abused medication. The abuse has recently become worrisome as young adults in Nigeria have been observed to concomitantly use diclofenac and alcohol for non-medical purpose. This study was undertaken to study the nephrotoxic effect associated with the combine use of alcohol and diclofenac using animal model, and the protective effect of Vitis vinifera (Grape) seed and Carica papaya (pawpaw) seed. Adult albino rats were divided randomly into groups of six rats each, and each group treated for 90 days with 5% or 45% alcohol with 2mg/kg diclofenac or 10mg/kg diclofenac, and some rats treated with grape seed and/or pawpaw seed concomitantly. Diclofenac and 45% alcohol combination induced nephrotoxicity in rats and oxidative stress characterised by elevated serum urea and creatinine, increased malondialdehyde and decrease in reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase in kidney homogenate, as well as moderate interstitial congestion and haemorrhage in rat kidney histology section stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin, which was significantly ameliorated by the grape seed and pawpaw seed. There was a 1.32% increase in relative kidney weight in comparison with control rats. The severity of the nephrotoxicity observed with diclofenac-alcohol combination makes it a very unsafe practice. There is need to explore the nephroprotective benefits of Vitis vinifera seed and Carica papaya seed for maximum benefit to man.
With the growth of the global economy, aquaculture has become increasingly important. Aquaculture faces the greatest challenge from infectious diseases, as they cause billions of dollars in economic losses every year. Using scientifically proven technologies is the key to reducing these impacts. By applying this knowledge to develop novel diagnostic techniques (molecular diagnostics, biosensors, spectroscopy and nanoparticles) and therapeutic agents (vaccines, gene silencing methods, etc.), advances in science are leading to an improved understanding of infectious diseases. Here, we are going to discuss some current diagnostic methods, preventive measures, and therapeutics used to control infectious diseases in aquaculture.
The commercial banks in Kenya have been recording declining performance over the recent past, with the lower-tier banks being the hardest hit. As a result, several banks in the lower-tier, such as Chase Bank, Dubai Bank of Kenya, and Imperial Bank, have been put under receivership. The collapse of banks does not give a good reflection of the sustainability of the banking system. Thus, the signals of poor financial performance need to be addressed promptly as the collapse of the banking system could also have a ripple effect on other sectors. The Kenyan banking sector is categorized into tier I, II, and III. The categorization is dependent on the size of the bank. The decline in profitability of the banking sector has affected tier II and III most. Also to note is that Tier one is made up of six giant banks that control close to half (49.9 percent) of the market, which begs the question as to whether the size of the bank has any influence on the performance of the banks. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether external financing influences Tier II and III performance and whether the bank size moderates this influence. Descriptive and explanatory research designs were employed in the study. The study population was 37 commercial banks in Tier II and III of the Central Bank's Lower-tier classification. Secondary data were adapted in the study for the years 2016 to 2020. After data cleaning, 26 banks were retained (70%) for further analysis. Data collected was analyzed by use of both descriptive and inferential analysis. Descriptive statistics included means, standard deviations, skewness, and Kurtosis, while inferential analysis included Multilevel Mixed Model Analysis and Hierarchical Multiple Linear Regression. The model coefficients show that equity has a positive and statistically significant relationship with the performance of lower-tier banks in Kenya measured using net profit margin (β=.229, p-value=.036<0.05). Further, the study found that size moderates the relationship between external equity and performance as an introduction of size in the model change R2 by .035 (p-value = 0.001). The study thus concludes that external equity capital positively influences the performance of lower-tier banks in Kenya, while size moderates the same. The study recommends that a bank evaluate when to use external equity funding, although external equity funding may be costlier. As a recommendation, lower-tier banks are encouraged to use external equity as this will improve their performance. Lower-tier banks are also encouraged to increase their asset base as their size moderates the banks′ performance.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has swamped the entire world. It can target any organ of the body and symptoms can vary from none or mild to even dreadful life-threatening respiratory distress or multisystem organ failure. A conglomeration of ocular symptoms and signs keep outpouring from various parts of the world ranging from conjunctivitis, uveitis to sight-threatening retinal vascular occlusions and calamitous rhino-orbital mucormycosis. Ocular manifestations can be attributed to either direct invasion by the virus or immune-mediated insult of the ocular tissues or triggering of coagulation cascade inducing prothrombotic state This article aims to delineate ocular manifestation of COVID-19 briefly which will be instrumental in early diagnosis, management, and timely vision restoration.
Despite the implementation of pharmacovigilance centers in developing countries and the institution of Therapeutic Committees at different healthcare delivery levels, the use of official medicine safety surveillance tools among healthcare workers is not widespread. In order to provide evidence on the knowledge and practice of healthcare professionals in the public sector on the use of medicine safety reporting tools, a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire to assess the use of medicine safety surveillance tools amongst healthcare workers in Eenhana State Hospital was carried out. Data from the questionnaires were entered into the statistical package Epi Info® version 7 for analysis. About fifty percent of the healthcare workers in this study have identified at least one adverse drug reaction (ADR) in their professional practice. In contrast, only 29% reported ADR using at least one officially prescribed medicine safety reporting tool. The nursing cadre seems to have the least knowledge of medicine safety surveillance tools and pharmacovigilance practice. Pre-registration healthcare workers and continuing professional training for registered healthcare workers must be strengthened to encourage the use of medicines safety surveillance tools, in particular, and pharmacovigilance, in general.
