Futuristic Biotechnology

Overview of Marburg Viral Disease

Rameen Atique — 2025-03-31

Marburg viral disease induced by the Marburg virus. It is a constituent of the Filovirus family, which also encloses the Ebola virus. The disease first came into light in 1967 during episodes of the virus in Marburg and Germany. After that, the infection caused high CFR in Angola, Uganda, and Congo. The disease includes the sudden outset of symptoms, including high fever, vomiting, intense headache, abdominal pain, and rash. In patients with severe infection, it leads to bleeding, jaundice, organ collapse, and eventually death. Fruit bats of genus Rousettus are considered to be the biological pool of the Marburg virus. This disease destroyed African countries with high death rates. The virus can be transferred from green African monkeys or fruit bats. It can be transmitted through human-to-human interactions via blood, body fluids of diseased people, and contaminated surfaces. MVD can be diagnosed by technical laboratory tests incorporating enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and virus seclusion. Supportive maintenance has been done to demonstrate some efficacy in controlling the symptoms and improving the probability of survival. Adequate management and care have been taken to prevent the unusual spread of disease, such as the separateness of infected patients and suspected individuals, which should pertain to quarantine measures. Because of the high casualty rate and lack of a certified vaccine or any antiviral cure, the only way to keep MVD in check can be through prevention. This review briefly overviews the Marburg virus, including diagnosis, pathogenesis, transmission, and treatment.

The Role of Lifestyle in Modulating the Gut Microbiome

Noor Muhammad — 2025-03-31

The human gut, a dynamic and diverse ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms, plays an essential role in the host's health and disease. This review explores the influence of lifestyle choices like diet, stress, physical activity, and environmental factors on gut microbiome and their broader societal implications. Studies have reported that plant-based and Mediterranean diets enhance microbial diversity. At the same time, a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, processed foods, and alcohol consumption badly impact on the gut microbial composition and lead to many diseases like dysbiosis, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Geographic and ethnic factors also influence the gut microbiome. The consumption of fermented food and a diet high in fiber has a positive impact on the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome also has many societal implications, and the targeted intervention can help to reduce economic losses and public health costs and improve the overall health of everyone. This comprehensive review focuses on the links between lifestyle, gut microbiome, and societal well-being and suggests integrative strategies to promote sustainable health practices.

Genetics of Cotton Fiber Color: Unveiling the Mechanisms and Exploring Gene-Based Approaches for Color Expression

Muhammad Naveed Anjum — 2025-03-31

Cotton is a vital natural fiber, and its color significantly impacts its commercial value and marketability. Traditional cotton cultivation focuses on white fibers, but naturally colored cotton (NCC) is gaining attention due to its potential for sustainable and environmentally friendly textile production. This review explores the genetics and molecular mechanisms underlying cotton fiber color, focusing primarily on anthocyanins and gossypol pigments. We discuss the role of key genes involved in pigment biosynthesis and regulatory pathways. Additionally, we analyze the potential of gene-based color expression approaches, including traditional breeding and genetic engineering. We highlight the advantages and limitations of each approach and discuss future research directions for developing NCC varieties with improved fiber quality, yield, and color diversity.

Investigating the Usage of Random Forest Method on Next-Generation Sequencing Data to Predict MSH2and MSH6 Associated Mutations

Obaid Ullah — 2025-03-31

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Germline mutations in CRC are associated with the MSH2 and MSH6 genes, which prevent infection for the DNA MMR pathway. Objectives: To enhance CRC-related prediction of mutations using the Random Forest algorithm on NGS data of MSH2 and MSH6 gene. Given the tremendous amount of genetic information obtained from NGS, a model for the early diagnosis and individual treatment of CRC is necessary. Methods: The raw sequencing data of MSH2 and MSH6 genes were meticulously downloaded from the NCBI's SRA database. The three datasets of 1000, 2000, and 3000 sequences were carefully analyzed to assess genomic features, including ORF count, nucleotide content, AT/CG ratio, G-quadruplex signal, and mutation rates, to understand their correlation with colorectal cancer. The data were then divided into a training set (80%) and a test set (20%) for model training and testing in Python, employing the Biopython package for mutation analysis and feature extraction. The model was rigorously evaluated using accuracy, confusion matrix, and classification report, instilling confidence in the research process for accurate CRC mutation prediction. Results: The Random Forest model yielded high accuracy of 96.25%, 98.37%, and 99. 5% for the datasets of 1000, 2000, and 3000 sequences, respectively. The confusion matrix showed that the model was very accurate in identifying true negatives, especially in the large data set. Conclusions: The study successfully applied the Random Forest algorithm to predict CRC using NGS data of MSH2 and MSH6 gene mutations. The model's potential to revolutionize CRC research is both exciting and optimistic.

Effects of Episodic Administration of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone on Luteinizing Hormone Concentrations and Libido in Pubertal Male Kundhi Buffalo Calves

Fayaz Hussain Jamali — 2025-03-31

This study investigated the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration on luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations and libido in pubertal male Kundhi buffalo calves. Objective: To determine the effects of GnRH administration on LH concentrations and libido in pubertal male Kundhi Buffalo calves. Methods: Eight calves, aged 16 months, were divided into two groups: Group A (treatment n=4), administration of GnRH analog (25ug lecirelin) and Group B (control n=4), there is not any administration. Each group consisting of four calves under a semi-intensive management system, the calves were fed a diet including 2 kg/day/calf of cotton seed cake, along with wheat bran, wheat straw, and green fodder, at the Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences. Results revealed a significant temporal change (P < 0.000) in the mean circulating concentration of LH over time after the intramuscular administration of GnRH analog (25ug lecirelin, Fatro®, International) three times. Results: The LH pulse was highest after the second GnRH dose (29.46±1.828), with significant differences in libido parameters, including mounting activity, erection, and sniffing, between the treatment (Group A) and control (Group B) groups. Statistical analysis revealed significant effects of episodic GnRH administration on both LH concentrations and libido. Conclusion: The episodic administration of GnRH significantly increased LH concentrations and improved libido in pubertal male Kundhi buffalo calves.

Utilization of Size Exclusion Chromatography for the Recovery of Microbial Pectinases

Kalim Ullah — 2025-03-31

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is an effective analytical technique employed for the purification of biomolecules. In size exclusion chromatography (SEC), biomolecules are sorted according to their size. Objectives: To investigate the purification of pectinases from a microbiological source by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). To evaluate the amount of pectinase and total proteins in the collected fractions through measurement and qualitative analysis. Methods: Utilizing Sephadex G-25 as the stationary phase and a 0.05 M sodium phosphate buffer with increasing concentrations of NaCl as the mobile phase. Using a 3,5-dinitro-salicylic acid (DNS) assay and a pectin-containing agar plate assay, the existence of pectinases in the fractions that were taken was verified quantitatively and subjectively. Results: The increasing order of salt concentration was 0.15, 0.5, 0.8, 1 and 1.6 M NaCl concentration. At 0.15 and 0.5 M salt concentrations, desired proteins were strongly combined to the stationary phase of the Sequential Injection Chromatography (SIC) column and eluted at the last fraction while at 0.8, 1 and 1.6 M sodium chloride concentration pectinases were eluted in the early fractions as compared to the buffers containing a lower concentration of sodium chloride. Conclusions: It was concluded that the suitable NaCl concentration for the purification of pectinase enzyme through SEC was 0.8 M because at these concentrations pectinases can be separated very short time and at a low cost.

Effect of β-Galacto-Oligosaccharides on Growth Performance in Physiologically Stressed Rabbits

Jameel Ahmed Shaikh — 2025-03-31

Growth performance analysis under this study evaluated the dietary impact of β-galacto-oligosaccharides (β-GOS). Scientists have established that prebiotic β-GOS promotes health in the gut tissue, thus leading to enhanced productivity alongside improved general health during dexamethasone-induced stress conditions. Objectives: To investigate whether the addition of β-GOS to rabbit diets would positively affect their physiology-linked weight gain as well as their feed efficiency and developmental metrics. Methods: A 12-week experiment with 40 rabbits belonging to 3 ± 0.98 months of age and weighing 1.48 ± 0.41 kg allocated 8 animals to each dietary treatment group. Among all monitored aspects, live body weight and food intake, and feed conversion efficiency (FCR) were ranked as significant items. Rabbits received feed consumption measurements each day and underwent body weight assessment every week. Results: Feeding rabbits β-GOS under stress greatly improved their health and growth performance. Compared to Groups A-D, Group E (D-S15 + 0.3% β-GOS) had the greatest FCR and the largest gain in live body weight. The group that consumed the most feed was Group A (Negative Control). Group E. Conclusions showed the most efficient feed conversion. Conclusions: It was concluded that supplementing stressed rabbits with β-GOS can successfully increase their growth, feed conversion efficiency, and general health, providing a useful dietary strategy to alleviate growing deficits caused by stress.

Vaccine Development in Pakistan: Connecting Science and Public Trust

Amber Hassan — 2025-03-31

Creating vaccines in Pakistan shows human ingenuity but also the challenge of building public trust. The biotech field is growing, but limited funding and poor communication is slowing the progress of vaccines in Pakistan. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how crucial vaccines are, but it also exposed gaps in explaining science to people. For Pakistan to lead in biotech, it must link vaccine innovation with public confidence through better dialogue.

The polio crisis in Pakistan explains this issue. Pakistan is one of the countries where, polio still exists despite many efforts. Lack of confidence is the problem, not lack of scientific expertise. It is considered that Vaccines cause infertility, which is a false notion. Authorities' health efforts are distrusted by rural populations, which are frequently disregarded. It will be success of science once these social and cultural problems are addressed.

The media shapes perceptions and trust of common people. The benefits of vaccines were contradicted by headlines during COVID-19. However, media can also restore trust. Scientists in Punjab who collaborated with local leaders reported a 20% increase in vaccine enrollment in 2021.

Not only just facts are built by understanding but also trust. Scientific topics should not be the main focus of the media as they are topic of scientists. It can be beneficial to have public conversations with scientists and religious leaders, see production of vaccines process, and encourage participation in science education initiatives in schools. Common platforms and large media sources must directly address public concerns and exchange knowledgeable viewpoints.

Following main actions are needed for Pakistan to become a vaccination leader:
1. Educate scientists on how to clearly communicate their work.

Health-related subjects should be accurately covered without any exaggeration.
Universities should train students to create effective communication and understanding between labs and societies.
Provide immunizations to prevent local diseases, i.e hepatitis and dengue.
Make sure trials are transparent by involving local people. This increases confidence and guarantees that solutions address real demands.
There must be a team that includes social media, scientists, and religious leaders to solve false images build by people against Science.

In order to save lives and establish itself as a global health leader, Pakistan must combine research with attempts to gain trust. Collaboration among specialists, the media, and communities is essential for using scientific advancement for the common good.