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  1. Article ; Online: BCG activation of trained immunity is associated with induction of cross reactive COVID-19 antibodies in a BCG vaccinated population.

    Iqbal, Najeeha Talat / Ahmed, Kumail / Sattar, Tehniat / Aziz, Fatima / Hussain, Rabia

    PloS one

    2024  Volume 19, Issue 5, Page(s) e0302722

    Abstract: Background: Pakistan is endemic to a diverse set of parasitic, mycobacterial and viral diseases. The recognition of BCG Trained Immunity (TI) led us to postulate that the continued presence of BCG-TI may play a protective role, previously reported for ... ...

    Abstract Background: Pakistan is endemic to a diverse set of parasitic, mycobacterial and viral diseases. The recognition of BCG Trained Immunity (TI) led us to postulate that the continued presence of BCG-TI may play a protective role, previously reported for both infectious and noninfectious conditions. Most of the previous studies have addressed the issue of BCG-TI in the paediatric populations. This study addressed the key issue of maintenance of BCG-TI in a wider age range (adolescent and adults) to identify the strength and quality of the immune responses.
    Objective: To assess the BCG-induced recall responses in healthy individuals by cytokines secreted from the TI network and its potential role in providing cross-protection against COVID-19 and other viral infections.
    Study design: In this cross-sectional study, healthy young adults and adolescents (n = 20) were recruited from 16-40 years of age, with no prior history of TB treatment, autoimmune, or chronic inflammatory condition.
    Methods: BCG-induced cytokine responses were assessed using prototypic markers for cells of the TI network [macrophages [M1 (TNFα, IFNγ), M2 (IL10)], NK (IL2), Gamma delta (γδ) T (IL17, IL4)] and SARS CoV2 IgG antibodies against RBD using short-term (12 hrs.) cultures assay.
    Results: Significant differences were observed in the magnitude of recall responses to BCG with macrophage cytokines showing the highest mean levels of TNFα (9148 pg/ml) followed by IL10 (488 pg/ml) and IFNγ (355 pg/ml). The ratio of unstimulated vs.BCG-stimulated cytokines was 132 fold higher for TNFα, 40 fold fo r IL10, and 27 fold for IFNγ. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were also detected in unstimulated plasma which showed cross reactivity with BCG.
    Conclusion: The presence of cross reactive antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and the relative ratio of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines secreted by activated TI cellular network may play a pivotal role in protection in the early stages of infection as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in the younger age groups resulting in lower morbidity and mortality.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; BCG Vaccine/immunology ; Adult ; COVID-19/immunology ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Adolescent ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Male ; Female ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Cytokines/immunology ; Young Adult ; Antibodies, Viral/immunology ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Cross Reactions/immunology ; Vaccination ; Pakistan/epidemiology ; Trained Immunity
    Chemical Substances BCG Vaccine ; Cytokines ; Antibodies, Viral
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-05-09
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2267670-3
    ISSN 1932-6203 ; 1932-6203
    ISSN (online) 1932-6203
    ISSN 1932-6203
    DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0302722
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: Predictors of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Influenza Virus, and Human Metapneumovirus Carriage in Children Under 5 Years With WHO-Defined Fast-Breathing Pneumonia in Pakistan.

    Nisar, Muhammad Imran / Kerai, Salima / Shahid, Shahira / Qazi, Muhammad Farrukh / Rehman, Sarah / Aziz, Fatima / Jehan, Fyezah

    Influenza and other respiratory viruses

    2024  Volume 18, Issue 4, Page(s) e13285

    Abstract: Background: Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children < 5 years. We describe nasopharyngeal carriage of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and influenza virus among children with fast-breathing ... ...

    Abstract Background: Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children < 5 years. We describe nasopharyngeal carriage of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and influenza virus among children with fast-breathing pneumonia in Karachi, Pakistan.
    Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs from children aged 2-59 months with fast-breathing pneumonia, enrolled in the randomized trial of amoxicillin versus placebo for fast-breathing pneumonia (RETAPP) (NCT02372461) from 2014 to 2016. Swabs were collected using WHO standardized methods, processed at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Viral detection was performed using LUMINEX xTAG respiratory viral panel assay and logistic regression identified clinical and sociodemographic predictors.
    Findings: Of the 1000 children tested, 92.2% (n = 922) were positive for viral carriage. RSV, hMPV, and influenza virus were detected in 59 (6.4%), 56 (6.1%), and 58 (6.3%) children and co-infections in three samples (two RSV-hMPV and one influenza-hMPV). RSV carriage was common in infants (56%), we observed a higher occurrence of fever in children with hMPV and influenza virus (80% and 88%, respectively) and fast breathing in RSV (80%) carriage. RSV carriage was positively associated with a history of fast/difficulty breathing (aOR: 1.96, 95% CI 1.02-3.76) and low oxygen saturation (aOR: 2.52, 95% CI 1.32-4.82), hMPV carriage was positively associated with a complete vaccination status (aOR: 2.22, 95% CI 1.23-4.00) and body temperature ≥ 37.5°C (aOR: 2.34, 95% CI 1.35-4.04) whereas influenza viral carriage was associated with body temperature ≥ 37.5°C (aOR: 4.48, 95% CI 2.53-7.93).
    Conclusion: We observed a high nasopharyngeal viral carriage among children with WHO-defined fast-breathing pneumonia in Pakistan. Fever, difficulty in breathing, hypoxia and vaccination status are important clinical predictors for viral nonsevere community-acquired pneumonia.
    MeSH term(s) Child ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Infant ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Fever ; Influenza, Human/epidemiology ; Metapneumovirus ; Orthomyxoviridae ; Pakistan/epidemiology ; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human ; World Health Organization
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-04-09
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2274538-5
    ISSN 1750-2659 ; 1750-2640
    ISSN (online) 1750-2659
    ISSN 1750-2640
    DOI 10.1111/irv.13285
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article ; Online: BCG activation of trained immunity is associated with induction of cross reactive COVID-19 antibodies in a BCG vaccinated population

    Iqbal, Najeeha Talat / Ahmed, Kumail / Sattar, Tehniat / Aziz, Fatima / Hussain, Rabia

    bioRxiv

    Abstract: Background: During the current COVID 19 pandemic, the rate of morbidity and mortality was considerably lower in BCG vaccinated countries like Pakistan. BCG has been shown to provide cross protection to both disseminated TB as well as non related viral ... ...

    Abstract Background: During the current COVID 19 pandemic, the rate of morbidity and mortality was considerably lower in BCG vaccinated countries like Pakistan. BCG has been shown to provide cross protection to both disseminated TB as well as non related viral infections in BCG vaccinated children which is consistent with COVID 19 morbidity in the younger age group. Recently, this cross protection was attributed to trained immunity (TI) associated with BCG recall responses in the innate arm of the immune system. Little is known about the longevity of BCG Trained Immunity (TI) beyond early childhood. Objective: To assess the BCG induced recall responses in healthy individuals by cytokines secreted from the TI network and its potential role in providing cross protection against COVID 19 and other viral infections. Study Design: In this cross sectional study, healthy young adults and adolescents (n=20) were recruited from 16-40 years of age, with no prior history of TB treatment, autoimmune, or chronic inflammatory condition. Methods: BCG induced cytokine responses were assessed using prototypic markers for cells of the TI network macrophages [M1 (TNF alpha, IFN gamma), M2 (IL10)], NK (IL2), Gamma delta (gamma delta]) T (IL17, IL4)} and SARS CoV2 IgG antibodies against RBD using short term (12 hours) cultures assay. Results: Significant differences were observed in the magnitude of recall responses to BCG with macrophage cytokines showing the highest mean levels of TNF alpha (9148 pg/ml) followed by IL10 (488 pg/ml) and IFN gamma(355 pg/ml). The ratio of unstimulated vs BCG stimulated cytokines was 132 fold higher for TNF alpha, 40 fold for IL10, and 27 fold for IFN gamma. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were also detected in unstimulated plasma which showed cross reactivity with BCG. Conclusion: The presence of cross reactive antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and the relative ratio of pro and anti inflammatory cytokines secreted by activated TI cellular network may play a pivotal role in protection in the early stages of infection as observed during the COVID 19 pandemic in the younger age groups resulting in lower morbidity and mortality.
    Keywords covid19
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-01-03
    Publisher Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
    Document type Article ; Online
    DOI 10.1101/2024.01.02.573408
    Database COVID19

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  4. Article ; Online: Screening Antibacterial Activity of Vinegar & Olive Oil on Enteric Bacteria

    Kiran Niaz / Aziz Fatima

    RADS Journal of Biological Research & Applied Science, Vol 8, Iss

    2017  Volume 1

    Abstract: Food-borne infection is the health problem related to food borne diseases. The majority of reported food-borne disease outbreak was caused by pathogenic bacteria. The important handling & uncooked or raw foods are risk of contamination which is unfit for ...

    Abstract Food-borne infection is the health problem related to food borne diseases. The majority of reported food-borne disease outbreak was caused by pathogenic bacteria. The important handling & uncooked or raw foods are risk of contamination which is unfit for human consumption & leads to food-borne infection. In the present study, the antimicrobial activity of olive oil & vinegar has been suggested that both the natural preservatives were effective & shown effective bacterial reduction & used as an inhibitors of food-borne pathogens. In this study we screened the chicken meat samples. The isolated micro-organisms were E. coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella & Shigella. Further antimicrobial activity of olive oil & vinegar were screened against these micro-organisms from our findings, it’s suggested that both the natural preservatives were effective & shown effective bacterial reduction & used as a inhibitors of food-borne pathogens. The growth of bacterial isolates was inhibited by vinegar. The vinegar & olive oil both exhibited a broad range of antimicrobial activity tested by agar-well diffusion methods & zone of inhibitions (mm) were then measured. Antibiotics sensitivity test against these microbial isolates compared with Gentamicin, Nalidixic acid & Chloramphenicol. These compounds therefore possess potential to be used as food bio-preservatives.
    Keywords Antimicrobial activity ; agar-well diffusion ; vinegar ; olive oil ; enteric bacteria ; Medicine ; R ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5
    Language English
    Publishing date 2017-05-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Jinnah University for Women
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  5. Article ; Online: In Vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Berberis lycium against Clinical Isolates

    Uroosa Khan / Aziz Fatima

    RADS Journal of Biological Research & Applied Science, Vol 7, Iss

    2016  Volume 2

    Abstract: Berberis Lycium is medicinally important plant. Most species of genus Berberis are used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The objective of the present study is to assess the antibacterial activity of methanolic and aqueous root extracts of ... ...

    Abstract Berberis Lycium is medicinally important plant. Most species of genus Berberis are used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The objective of the present study is to assess the antibacterial activity of methanolic and aqueous root extracts of Berberis lycium. In vitro antimicrobial activities were investigated by using the agar well diffusion method and disc diffusion method. The zones of inhibition produced by extracts were recorded against selected test isolates (Bacillus, Micrococcus, S.aureus, Salmonella, Proteus, Klebsiella, E.coli, Shigella, Acinitobacter and Pseudomonas). Methanolic extract was active against all bacteria except Shigeella, whereas aqueous root extract was active against Bacillus, Micrococcus, S.aureus, Salmonella, Proteus, Klebsiella and E.coli. Results showed that the methanolic extract has significantly inhibited the growth of selected microorganisms as compared to aqueous extract. These plant can be further subjected for the isolation of active compounds and the development of new drugs that are effective for the treatment of different diseases.
    Keywords Antimicrobial activity ; agar well diffusion ; Berberis lycium ; medicinal plants ; Medicine ; R ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5
    Subject code 580
    Language English
    Publishing date 2016-07-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Jinnah University for Women
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  6. Article ; Online: Effectiveness of international virtual training on biorisk management in the context of COVID-19.

    Qasmi, Shamsul Arfin / Standley, Claire / Mohsin, Saima / Sarwar, Samreen / Malik, Laila / Aziz, Fatima

    Frontiers in public health

    2022  Volume 10, Page(s) 888097

    Abstract: Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in enormous increases in laboratory activities to keep pace with diagnostic testing and research efforts. However, traditional training, technical assistance, and capacity-building approaches were ... ...

    Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in enormous increases in laboratory activities to keep pace with diagnostic testing and research efforts. However, traditional training, technical assistance, and capacity-building approaches were disrupted by the travel and movement restrictions put in place to control the spread of the disease. To address the needs of laboratorians and managers to conduct laboratory activities safely and securely during the pandemic, a highly interactive virtual training (IVT) workshop on biorisk management during COVID-19 was conducted through active learning strategies that connected speakers with participants. The objective of the training was to increase the basic knowledge and standards of biosafety and biosecurity practices, risk assessment, and control measures with reference specifically to the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and apply a rigorous evaluation methodology to assess the effectiveness of the IVT. The training covered a broad range of topics and encompassed national to international guidelines.
    Methods: Participants were selected through official channels at the national level, focusing on institutions within Pakistan. The sessions included lectures from international experts in biorisk management concepts, and incorporated poll questions as well as pre- and post-tests and feedback on the speakers' knowledge and presentation skills, to increase interactivity. The pre- and post-test comprised similar multiple-choice questions and provided to every participant to ascertain the impact of the training on awareness and knowledge of biorisk management topics and concepts, and results were compared using paired
    Results: In total, 52 individuals from different laboratories across Pakistan and Pakistani students from abroad (China) as well participated in at least one session of the IVT. The participants' pre- and post-test scores showed a significant increase in knowledge and awareness (
    Conclusion: The IVT on biosafety and biosecurity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic proved beneficial for laboratory professionals and could be a useful model to continue in the future for raising awareness and knowledge.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; COVID-19 ; Pandemics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Containment of Biohazards/methods ; Laboratories
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-10-11
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2711781-9
    ISSN 2296-2565 ; 2296-2565
    ISSN (online) 2296-2565
    ISSN 2296-2565
    DOI 10.3389/fpubh.2022.888097
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  7. Article: Synthesis, Characterization, Photocatalysis, and Antibacterial Study of WO

    Warsi, Al-Zoha / Aziz, Fatima / Zulfiqar, Sonia / Haider, Sajjad / Shakir, Imran / Agboola, Philips O

    Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)

    2022  Volume 12, Issue 4

    Abstract: Tungsten oxide ( ... ...

    Abstract Tungsten oxide (WO
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-02-21
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2662255-5
    ISSN 2079-4991
    ISSN 2079-4991
    DOI 10.3390/nano12040713
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  8. Article ; Online: Citrus Fruit Peels in Combating Various Foodborne Pathogens

    Aziz Fatima / Maham Ghouri / Toba Sajid

    RADS Journal of Biological Research & Applied Science, Vol 9, Iss

    2018  Volume 2

    Abstract: Foodborne diseases are the world's main problem in a society nowadays; many phytochemicals are of great interest to scientists. Herbal medicines can be used to treat many infectious diseases. In our study, we focus on screening of antibacterial activity ... ...

    Abstract Foodborne diseases are the world's main problem in a society nowadays; many phytochemicals are of great interest to scientists. Herbal medicines can be used to treat many infectious diseases. In our study, we focus on screening of antibacterial activity of the lemon (Citrus limon) and orange (Citrus sinesis) peels against various pathogens. Bioactive compounds have been found in variety of citrus fruits that have favorable impact on human health. The major component; flavonoids have been found in the peels of citrus fruits in large amount. Citrus peel has a rich amount of flavonoid and other poly methylated flavonoids (exceptional to some plants). These antibacterial compounds exhibit antibacterial activity and have wide application in both food and pharmaceuticals industries. The citrus peel extracts show effective antimicrobial activity. The antagonistic activity of selected citrus peel extracts was determined by agar well diffusion; against test organisms i.e. Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Bacillus subtilis isolated from food products. Effectiveness of peel extracts are measured in terms of inhibitory zones in millimeter. The methanol extract of lemon peel displayed zone of inhibition in between 5mm to 8mm and methanol extract of orange peel displayed zone of inhibition about 10mm and 11mm. It was observed that lemon peel extract has maximum antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (8mm) and minimum antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi (5mm) whereas orange peel extract has maximum antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (11mm) and minimum antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi (10mm). Both Citrus peels extract showed considerable antibacterial activity against all tested foodborne pathogens. Our main focus was the use of herbal treatments against various infections which overcome the emergence of upcoming superbugs.
    Keywords Citrus peel ; antimicrobial activity ; foodborne pathogens ; flavonoids ; agar well diffusion ; Medicine ; R ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5
    Subject code 571
    Language English
    Publishing date 2018-12-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Jinnah University for Women
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  9. Article: Promoting Science Literacy and Awareness across the Globe: the Role of Scientists as Science Ambassadors.

    Tuttle, Matthew J / Cejas, Daniela / Kang, Donghoon / Muchaamba, Francis / Goncarovs, Britta / Ozakman, Yaprak / Aziz, Fatima / Orelle, Arnaud

    Journal of microbiology & biology education

    2023  Volume 24, Issue 2

    Abstract: Science literacy has many personal and societal benefits that allows for better informed decision-making. Although the importance of science literacy is recognized globally, there are many challenges associated with its promotion. Scientists are more ... ...

    Abstract Science literacy has many personal and societal benefits that allows for better informed decision-making. Although the importance of science literacy is recognized globally, there are many challenges associated with its promotion. Scientists are more frequently engaging with nonscientific audiences through public outreach activities and with increasing support from institutions and professional societies. This is especially true regarding microbiologists and other related professionals since the start of the global 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic heightened the need to convey novel and rapidly evolving scientific information to lay audiences. The means by which professionals engage with these audiences affect the efficacy of the relay of scientific information. One method of engagement is the "ambassador approach," which aims to establish dialogue among different groups of people and scientists. In this perspective article, we discuss this approach, highlighting activities for the promotion of science literacy organized by the American Society for Microbiology Ambassador Program and similar programs of other scientific societies. We discuss the benefits and challenges of implementing an ambassador approach, propose potential improvements that could be made to existing programs promoting science literacy, and ultimately advocate for increased implementation of science ambassador programs.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-04-25
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ISSN 1935-7877
    ISSN 1935-7877
    DOI 10.1128/jmbe.00041-23
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  10. Article ; Online: Prevalence of Pathogenic Bacteria in Common Salad Vegetables

    Syeda Sadaf Wajahat / Aziz Fatima

    RADS Journal of Biological Research & Applied Science, Vol 6, Iss

    2015  Volume 1

    Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in common salad vegetables sold in local markets of Karachi. Numbers of phathogens are present on the common salad and fruits which we use normally in our daily lives, may ... ...

    Abstract This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in common salad vegetables sold in local markets of Karachi. Numbers of phathogens are present on the common salad and fruits which we use normally in our daily lives, may cause serious illness. Eight samples of salad vegetables sold around the market were analyzed includes; Cabbage, Beet roots, Tomato, Cucumber, Carrot, Onion, Lettuce, Raddish. The highest total viable count was found in Onion (8.00 x 108 cfu/g), followed by Cabbage and Beet root (4.00 x 108 cfu/g), Radish (3.20 x 108 cfu/g), Lettuce (2.40 x 108 cfu/g), Tomato (1.60 x 108 cfu/g), Cucumber (1.60 x 105 cfu/g) and Carrot (1.28 x 105 cfu/g). Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Bacillus anthracis, Candida spp, Klebsiellapneumoniae, and Streptococcus aglactie were identified. Antibacterial activity of lemon grass oil was observed against the identified organisms. Bacillus anthracis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus aglactie were sensitive while Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Candidaspp, and Klebsiellapneumoniae were resistant. These results indicate that salad vegetables required effective and feasible sanitation methods to remove pathogens like washing with running water or with warm water. The solution’s effective activity against these phathogens; like hypochlorite solution, chlorine, and acetic acid (vinegar) are used for decontaminating vegetables.
    Keywords Prevalence ; Salad vegetables ; Local markets ; Lemon grass oil ; Decontamination ; Medicine ; R ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5
    Subject code 571
    Language English
    Publishing date 2015-05-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Jinnah University for Women
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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