National Journal of Biological Sciences (NJBS)

Authors:   Farzana [1], Ayaz Ahmad[2], Shaila Mehwish [3], Irum Khalil [4], DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v3i1/1

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is one of the major health issues around the world, triggered by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and globally around 3.6 million of the world’s populace is chronically diagnosed with HBV. Pakistan is highly endemic and an estimated prevalence rate of 3% has been recorded. Currently, it has been classified into ten diverse variants by the genetic divergence of more than 8% based on the whole genetic makeup of the virus. As different genotypes exhibit different pathogenicity and response towards the medication of HBV, the ongoing study was done with the purpose to inspect the prevailing epidemiological distribution of HBV strains in the Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Material and Methods: Samples were extracted from 700 chronically detected HBV patients and tested by ICT and further ratified for the presence of viral DNA by qualitative PCR. Samples were processed by type-specific PCR to pinpoint the prevalence of specific HBV genotypes. Results: All samples were found positive through qualitative PCR and the most predominant genotype identified was HBV type D (88.5%) trailed by genotype A of HBV (11.5%) while other genotypes were not detected in our study in district Mardan. Conclusion: The present study shows high prevalence of HBV genotype D and further investigation is needed to understand both the genetic and geographical diversity of the virus in Mardan

Authors:   Sammra Maqsood [1], Saiqa Amjad [2], Muhammad Talha Hayat [3], Nimra Maqsood [4], DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v3i1/2

Abstract

Biological, Chemical and Physical contamination of foods is a terrible danger to emerging civilizations' health and economic progress. The abundant literature on0foodborne infections, particularly diarrhea in0children, exclusively illustrates the increased disease0burden associated with foodborne0illness in developing nations. The presence of several0pathogens in a variety of foods is prevalent in Pakistan. Precise0numbers for foodborne0infections in Pakistan0are difficult to come by due to a lack of monitoring, surveillance, and infection control. Aflatoxin contamination and mold proliferation are mostly caused by poor0processing and storage0of milk, cereal0grains, and nuts. Numerous studies show that a wide range of foods is contaminated with heavy0metals. The increasing population restricts the economic potential of individuals and states by encouraging traders and manufacturers to purposely degrade food0commodities provided for sale in order to maximize profit at the expense of quality0and safety. As a result, a recent trend0of food adulteration, notably milk adulteration, creates an urgent concern for the government. This analysis is a concentrated effort to shed light on the current food0safety situation in0Pakistan. Data from0local and relevant international research will be provided to paint a clear picture of food safety0in Pakistan. It is advocated that a comprehensive food0safety infrastructure be created, constructed, and implemented in order to provide a safer food supply.

Authors:   Sammra Maqsood [1], Saiqa Amjad [2], Muhammad Talha Hayat [3], Nimra Maqsood [4], DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v3i1/3

Abstract

Gel electrophoresis is a technique which is used for the separation purpose and its applications are in pharmaceuticals, in health especially in cancer detection. Matrix assisted laser ionization is also a technique which is used for crude oil refinement and also used for protein separation. Electrospray ionization is a technique in which it works as a combination with the mass spectrometry. And it has more reproducibility. Electrospray also has both the acidic and basic ionization modes.

Authors:   Tehreem Zafar [1], Shafeeq Ur Rehman [2], Sundas Ashraf [3], Amna Bibi [4], Sammra Maqsood [5], Nimra Maqsood [6], Talha Hayat [7], DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v3i1/4

Abstract

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been artificially modified by using genetic engineering techniques to enhance and altered their characteristics. Genetic engineering plays a significant role in the development of transgenic crops. The four crops canola, maize, cotton, and soybean are the most common ones to use GM crop technology, which has been used extensively for more than 20 years in a variety of nations. The two most significant GM crops in Pakistan are cotton and maize, both of which are resistant to weeds and insects. The impact studies of insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant crops that are already available demonstrate the advantages of these techniques for both producers and consumers, as well as their favorable effects on both the environment and public health. Additionally, GM crops are a treatment for famine and malnutrition. Future uses may perhaps provide even greater benefits. Implementing an integrated strategy to pest management will be essential for food security, agricultural stability, and protection of the environment as the global population increases. Crops that have been genetically modified (GE) offer resistance to herbicides or protection from pests and diseases. Technology significantly decreases pest damage and improves crop production. As in the case of Bt cotton, pest-resistant genetically modified crops can support higher yields and agricultural development. We provide a thorough update on the status of the cultivated genetically modified (GM) crops in this paper.  We address some vector based techniques for modification and some new approaches of transgene transfer without microbial vector insertion into recipient species In order to reduce the hazards associated with microbial vectors.

Authors:   Muhammad Assad [1], Huma Rafiq [2], Sahib Gul Afridi [3], DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v3i1/5

Abstract

There have been 62784 fatalities and 1,133,788 confirmed cases of the 2019 coronavirus illness (COVID19), which has spread to 181 nations and territories. COVID-19 is a pandemic that began in China in December 2019. World health organization(WHO) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19)  has expressed fears that Pakistan might emerge as the next epicenter of this pandemics. The aim of this study finds out the population based prevalence survey among the different age groups and gander of COVID-19 in Dir Lower, KP.The area of our research is KPK Dir Lower. Sample collection and questionnaire-based data then statistically analyzed through python and excel software. Total 988 suspected subjects in which 76% male and 24% are female all from different age. The groups from 18-90 from different areas of Dir Lower. From which 50% are Negative cases and 48% are positive cases. We concluded from current survey that most of suspected cases are negative cases and through questionnaire they used face mask and follow proper precautions. But in positive cases male are more than female. Male are used to travel and going for jobs on daily basis without using precautions.

Volume No. 03

Issue No. 01