Background: A number of studies on the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes among the chronically HCV-infected people have reported different patterns from various geographical regions of Pakistan. A relatively large scale epidemiological study was needed in order to figure out the distribution pattern of HCV genotypes. Objectives: This research study was carried out to investigate the distribution pattern of hepatitis C virus genotypes in different geographical regions of Pakistan. Methods: In the current study, 5259 randomly selected patients with different genders, ethnicity, age groups, belonging to 24 geographical locations of Pakistan were included. Blood samples from patients with a positive history of active HCV infection were collected from various healthcare units from February 2016 to September 2018. Hepatitis C virus RNA was detected in serum samples by qualitative PCR and confirmed by real-time PCR. Hepatitis C virus genotyping analysis was performed by type specific PCR. Results: Our study revealed that out of 5259 HCV infected patients, HCV genotype 3a was the most frequent one (n = 4203, 79.9%) in all of the 24 regions of Pakistan, especially in Rawalpindi and Islamabad (Twin cities). Untypeable genotype (n = 415, 7.9%) was the second most frequent one after 3a followed by 3a3b co-infection (n = 355, 6.7%), 3b (n = 182, 3.5%), 2a (n = 92, 1.7%), 2b (n = 10, 0.2%), and 1b (n = 2, 0.03%). Interestingly, rarely detectable genotype 4 (n = 1, 0.01%) was also reported. The overall distribution pattern of HCV genotypes was the same in both the genders. Comparatively higher HCV chronic infection was reported among patientwith age group (41 - 55). Conclusions: Currently the existing distribution pattern of HCV genotypes in Pakistan is similar to slight variations in some regions. Comparative analysis of the HCV genotype distribution indicated that the dynamics of HCV genotypes has changed in different areas with the emergence of a relatively uniform pattern across the country.
Microalgae are the potential source of sustainable products that are being used in the food industry, animal feed, pharmaceutical, cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and in the production of biofuel. Microalgae being the richest source of protein can potentially meet the population's need for protein energy. Microalgae produce a diverse group of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human health. Bioactive compounds of microalgae have been attributed to the anticancerous, antioxidant, anticoagulant, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective agents. Microalgae produce high valued compounds such as carotenoids, phycobilin pigments, single-cell proteins, polysaccharides, long-chain fatty acids, and exceptionally produce arachidonic acids (ARAs), docosahexaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic that are beneficial to human health. However, the exploitation of microalgae as a food source has drawbacks because of underdeveloped technologies and processes for the processing of microalgae. Systematic improvement in the technology that is applied to the cultivation and processing of microalgae 226can make the processing of algae cost-effective. This chapter describes the chemical composition of microalgae with their potential health benefits in food products.
Abstract In this study, novel enzymatically modified resistant starch type III (EM‐RSIII) derived drug loaded microspheres are developed for oral colon‐specific delivery of ciprofloxacin HCl, used as a model drug. EM‐RS III is enzymatically prepared using starch hydrolyzing enzymes amylase and pullulanase. The prebiotic effect of EM‐RSIII is successfully scrutinized for promoting the growth of probiotic bacteria, for example, Lactobacillus reuteri . Drug‐loaded microspheres are synthesized from the EM‐RSIII through a single emulsion evaporation method. The pH‐sensitive drug‐loaded microspheres are characterized through scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Release studies confirm the stability of drug‐loaded microspheres at acidic pH while sustained release is observed at pH 7.8 demonstrating a site‐specific delivery of drug to the colon. The in vitro release mechanism of drug is evaluated using various kinetic models. The study also reveals that EM‐RSIII‐derived microspheres are biodegradable and are degraded by the natural microflora of the colon, which is indicated by stimulating growth of probiotic bacteria. The microspheres are exploited as drug carriers for the colon‐specific release of ciprofloxacin HCl, and its encapsulation is further confirmed from the antibacterial activity.
Abstract Chromium (VI) a highly toxic metal, a major constituent of industrial waste. It is continuously release in soil and water, causes environmental and health related issues, which is increasing public concern in developing countries like Pakistan. The basic aim of this study was isolation and screening of chromium resistant bacteria from industrial waste collected from Korangi and Lyari, Karachi (24˚52ʹ46.0ʺN 66˚59ʹ25.7ʺE and 24˚48ʹ37.5ʺN 67˚06ʹ52.6ʺE). Among total of 53 isolated strains, seven bacterial strains were selected through selective enrichment and identified on the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics. These strains were designated as S11, S13, S17, S18, S30, S35 and S48, resistance was determined against varying concentrations of chromium (100-1500 mg/l). Two bacterial strains S35 and S48 showed maximum resistance to chromium (1600 mg/l). Bacterial strains S35 and S48 were identified through 16S rRNA sequence and showed 99% similarity to Bacillus paranthracis and Bacillus paramycoides. Furthermore, growth condition including temperature and pH were optimized for both bacterial strains, showed maximum growth at temperature 30ºC and at optimum pH 7.5 and 6.5 respectively. It is concluded that indigenous bacterial strains isolated from metal contaminated industrial effluent use their innate ability to transform toxic heavy metals to less or nontoxic form and can offer an effective tool for monitoring heavy metal contamination in the environment.
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