Microbiology World Issue 7

Microbiology World Issue 7 Sept – Oct 2014 ISSN 2350 - 8774

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Chief Editor

Mr. Sagar Aryal

(Founder)

Ambassador, iversity

M.Sc. Medical Microbiology

St. Xavier’s College, Nepal

Editors

Mr. Saumyadip Sarkar

ELSEVIER Student Ambassador South Asia 2013

Ph.D Scholar (Human Genetics), India

Mr. Avishekh Gautam

Ph.D Scholar

Hallym University, South Korea

Mr. Manish Thapaliya

Ph.D Scholar, China

Mr. Hasnain Nangyal

M.Phil.

Department of Botany, Hazara University, Pakistan

Mr. Sunil Pandey

ELSEVIER Student Ambassador South Asia 2014

B.Sc. Medical Microbiology

Nobel Medical College, Nepal





Table of Content Page No.

Animal Cloning: The Basic Technique 4-10

Interaction of Fried foods with some

genes to influence body weight 11-18

Interview with Dr. Aftab Ahmad 19-26

Genetically modified organisms 27-31

Ebola mutation made pandemic 32-34

Migraine 35-40

Unwanted effects of vaccination:

Concern for good practitioner 41-48

Bee and Bees Products 49-54

Progress in the fight against harmful fungi 55-58





Animal Cloning: The Basic Technique

Mr. Shaikh Rajesh Ali

Assistant professor, Dept. of Microbiology,

Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, Kol-131

Cloning is the process of making a genetically identical organism through nonsexual means. It

has been used for many years to produce plants (even growing a plant from a cutting is a type

of cloning).

Animal cloning has been the subject of scientific experiments for years, but garnered little

attention until the birth of the first cloned mammal in 1996, a sheep named Dolly. Since Dolly,

several scientists have cloned other animals, including cows and mice. The recent success in

cloning animals has sparked fierce debates among scientists, politicians and the general public

about the use and morality of cloning plants, animals and possibly humans.

Importance of cloning:

The main reason to clone animals is to mass produce organisms with desired qualities, such as

a prize-winning orchid or a genetically engineered animal -- for instance, sheep have been

engineered to produce human insulin. If you had to rely on sexual reproduction (breeding) alone

to mass produce these animals, and then you would run the risk of breeding out the desired

traits because sexual reproduction reshuffles the genetic deck of cards.

Other reasons for cloning might include replacing lost or deceased family pets and repopulating

endangered or even extinct species. Whatever the reasons, the new cloning technologies have

sparked many ethical debates among scientists, politicians and the general public. Several

governments have considered or enacted legislation to slow down, limit or ban cloning

experiments outright. It is clear that cloning will be a part of our lives in the future, but the course

of this technology has yet to be determined.





Animal Cloning techniques:

Cloning refers to the development of offspring that are genetically identical to their parent.

Thanks to advances in genetics however, cloning can also occur artificially by using certain

cloning techniques. Cloning techniques are laboratory processes used to produce offspring that

are genetically identical to the donor parent.

Clones of adult animals are created by a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer. There are

three variations of this method. They are the Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer technique, the

Roslin Technique and the Honolulu Technique. It is important to note that in all of these

techniques the resulting offspring will be genetically identical to the donor and not the surrogate,

unless the donated nucleus is taken from a somatic cell of the surrogate.

1. Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer: The term somatic cell nuclear transfer refers to the transfer

of the nucleus from a somatic cell to an egg cell. A somatic cell is any cell of the body other than

a germ (sex) cell. An example of a somatic cell would be a blood cell, heart cell, skin cell, etc.

In this process, the nucleus of a somatic cell is removed and inserted into an unfertilized egg

that has had its nucleus removed. The egg with its donated nucleus is then nurtured and divides

until it becomes an embryo. The embryo is then placed inside a surrogate mother and develops

inside the surrogate.





2. The Roslin Technique: The Roslin Technique is a variation of somatic cell nuclear transfer

that was developed by researchers at the Roslin Institute. The researchers used this method to

create Dolly.

In this process, somatic cells (with nuclei intact) are allowed to grow and divide and are then

deprived of nutrients to induce the cells into a suspended or dormant stage. An egg cell that has

had its nucleus removed is then placed in close proximity to a somatic cell and both cells are

shocked with an electrical pulse. The cells fuse and the egg is allowed to develop into an

embryo. The embryo is then implanted into a surrogate.

3. The Honolulu Technique: The Honolulu Technique was developed by Dr. Teruhiko

Wakayama at the University of Hawaii. In the Honolulu technique, unfertilized eggs are used as

the receiver of the donor nuclei. Once the nuclei are removed from receiver cells, the donor





cell's nuclei are inserted into them. There is no culturing done on the cells. After one hour, the

cell accepts the new nucleus. After five more hours, the egg cell is then placed in a chemical

culture which jumpstarts the cell's growth, just like fertilization does in nature. In the culture is a

substance that stops the formation of a second cell, which usually forms before fertilization.

After the jumpstart, the cell develops into an embryo. The developing embryo is then implanted

into a surrogate and allowed to develop.

Cloning of Dolly the first clone mammals:

In 1996, cloning was revolutionized when Ian Wilmut and his colleagues at the Roslin¬ Institute

in Edinburgh, Scotland, successfully cloned a sheep named Dolly. Dolly was the first cloned

mammal.

Wilmut and his colleagues transplanted a nucleus from a mammary gland cell of a Finn Dorsett

sheep into the enucleated egg of a Scottish blackface ewe. The nucleus-egg combination was

stimulated with electricity to fuse the two and to stimulate cell division. The new cell divided and

was placed in the uterus of a blackface ewe to develop. Dolly was born months later.









Dolly was shown to be genetically identical to the Finn Dorsett mammary cells and not to the

blackface ewe, which clearly demonstrated that she was a successful clone (it took 276

attempts before the experiment was successful). Dolly has since grown and reproduced several

offspring of her own through normal sexual means. Therefore, Dolly is a viable, healthy clone.

Since Dolly, several university laboratories and companies have used various modifications of

the nuclear transfer technique to produce cloned mammals, including cows, pigs, monkeys,

mice and Noah.

Polly and Molly the first two cloned transgenic pharm animals:

Polly and Molly (Born 1997 - died unknown), two ewes, were the first mammals to have been

successfully clonedfrom an adult somatic cell and to be transgenic animals at the same time.

This is not to be confused with Dolly the Sheep which was the first animal to be successfully

cloned from an adult somatic cell where there was no genetic manipulation carried out on the

adult donor nucleus. Polly and Molly, like Dolly the Sheep was cloned at the Roslin Institute in

Edinburgh, Scotland.

The creation of Polly and Molly was building on the experiments of Somatic Nuclear Transfer

that had led to the cloning of Dolly the Sheep. But the crucial difference was that in creating

Polly and Molly, scientists injected in their DNA a new gene. The gene chosen was of a

therapeutic value to Humans to demonstrate the potential of such Recombinant DNA

technology combined with Animal Cloning to produce pharmacological and therapeutic proteins

to treat human diseases. The protein in question was the human blood clotting factor IX.

Another difference to Dolly the Sheep was the source cell type of the nucleus that was

transferred. In the case of Dolly the Sheep, the nucleus that was transferred came from

mammary gland cells from a 6-year-old ewe but in the case of Polly and Molly the nucleus of

Fibroblast cells were used.





Flow scheme illustrating how the Roslin Institute researchers used lipofection-mediated gene

transfer to stably transfect diploid fetal donor cells, isolated from a Poll Dorset sheep embryo,

with a mammary gland-specific expression vector containing human Factor IX cDNA (pMIX1).

The ovine b-lactoglobulin (BLG) promoter upstream of the Factor IX coding sequence on pMIX1

had previously been shown to direct high level expression of a heterologous gene in sheep

mammary glands. Molly and Polly represent the first two cloned transgenic pharm animals

shown to contain a human gene of pharmaceutical importance.





Interaction of Fried foods with some genes to

influence body weight

Ammara Nawaz1, Hasnain Nangyal2, Rubina Naaz3, Antima Sharma4, Upvan

Bhushan5

1Department of Zoology, Punjab University, Pakistan

2Department of Botany, Hazara University, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan

3Department of Botany, KUST, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan

4Herbarium and Plant Systematic Laboratory, Department of Botany H.N.B. Garhwal

Central University

5Department of Botany, University of Jammu

Obesity is a common and widespread disorder today. The number of obese peoples is

increasing day by day. For thousands of years obesity was scarcely ever seen. It became

familiar in 20th century. Before which obesity was not recognized much. In 1997 the World

Health Organization (WHO) documented obesity formally as a global epidemic. In 2005 WHO

estimation shows that as a minimum 400 million adults (9.8%) are obese, with higher toll among

women than men.

In 2008, The World Health Organization (WHO) claimed that 1.5 billion adults, 20 years and

older, were fat including over 200 million males and just about 300 million females were

overweight.

Obesity is a word derived from the Latin obesitas, which means "stout, heavy or plump". Ēsus is

the past participle of edere (to eat), with ob (over) added to it. This documents its first usage in

1611 by Randle Cotgrave.

So much excessive body fat is deposited in an obese person that it might have a depressing

consequence on their health and body. If bodyweight of a person is at least 20% higher than it

should be normally, he or she is considered obese. If Mass Index (BMI) value of a person is

between 25 and 29.9 he is thought to be overweight. If calculated BMI value is 30 or over in a





person then he or she is said to be obese. BY using BMI value we can categorize people as

follows:

BMI (kg/m2) Classification

< 18.50 Underweight

18.50–24.99 normal weight

25.00–29.99 Overweight

30.00–34.99 severe obesity

35.00–39.99 morbid obesity

≥ 40.00 super obesity

The BMI is a arithmetical measurement actually which is derived by knowing your height and

weight. Although it is usually considered to be a useful way to estimate healthy body weight of a

person but it is unable to measure the percentage of adipose tissue in the body at all. So we

can say that the BMI measurement can be deceptive. Because a muscleman having a large

weight may have a high BMI but have much less adipose tissue than an unfit person whose BMI

is lower. However, in general, the BMI measurement can be a useful indicator for the 'average

person'.

To calculate your BMI, BMI Calculator is used as;

BMI is defined as the subject's weight divided by the square of their height and is estimated as

follows.

Where m and h are the subject's weight in kilograms and height in meters respectively.

Several studies and investigations are done to conclude the reason behind obesity. Some major

reasons are:

The fundamental reason of obesity and overweight is an energy disproportion between calories

consumed and calories exhausted.

Leading a sedentary lifestyle is the second basic reason of increasing obesity. The less you

show physical activity in ur daily life around the lesser calories you burn which may turn you fat

at the end.





Not sleeping enough doubles the possibility of becoming obese, according to research carried

out at Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick. Sleep deprivation causes to

release Ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite. On the other hand Leptin is produced when

proper sleep is not taken by the person and Leptin decreases appetite.

According to an article (The Annals of Pharmacotherapy: Vol. 39, No. 12, pp. 2046-2054. DOI

10.1345/aph.1G33), certain medications which are generally used in different ailments may b a

reason to make those people obese. These medications include are corticosteroids,

antidepressants, and seizure medicines etc.

Some people show a habit of eating more than customary when they're bored, angry or

stressed over time. This overeating causes weight gain in them and may cause chubbiness.

In older persons, muscles tend to lose, particularly if the person is less active. Muscle loss can

hold up the rate at which your body burns calories. If calorie intake is not decreased as you get

older, then the chance of getting fat increases much more.

Many women after gaining fats in pregnancy fail to get rid of extra adipose tissue afterwards and

theis results in obesity.

Smoking is also a reason of gaining weight.

Some rare genetic conditions may result in obesity, such as Prader-Willi syndrome.

Certain Genetic characters inherited from parents may cause obesity .For instance having slow

metabolic rate meaning taking longer to burn up calories or by having a great appetite

genetically in a person can make losing weight more difficult.

Many cases are seen in which fatness runs in families.

Few medical conditions may also cause obesity as,

Cushing's syndrome is a rare disorder that causes the extra secretion of steroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism a disorder in which thyroid gland shows under activity may also cause obesity.

In this condition thyroid gland does not produce ample thyroid hormone.





Countless researches have been done in order to evaluate the relationship between obesity and

genes of the body. Several genes have been identified that interact in gaining weight process in

human body. For instance a gene, called FTO, makes 1 in every 6 people eat too much. A

recent study has been done to find out the relationship between fried high calorie food and

genes. In March 18, 2014 group of scientists worked out to study that persons who are

genetically predisposed to obesity may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of eating

fried foods. The results of a new study show that eating fried food more than four times a week

had twice as big an effect on body mass index (BMI) for those with the highest genetic risk

scores compared with lower scores. So we can say that genetic makeup can increase the

effects of bad diet.

We now all know that both having fried food and genetic variants are associated with adiposity

(fatness). But the interaction between these two risk factors in relation to BMI and obesity has

not been investigated.

A prominent research was done by a team of US researchers, led by Lu Qi, Assistant Professor

at Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical

School. They studied interactions between fried food intake and genetic variants associated with

fatness. Over 37,000 men and women participated in three large US health trials.

In this research Food frequency questionnaires were used to assess fried food consumption

(both at home and away from home as take a ways) and a genetic risk score based on 32

known genetic variants coupled with obesity and BMI.

Three categories of fried food consumption were differentiated as follows,

1. Less than once a week

2. One to three times a week

3. And four or more times a week

Genetic risk scores ranged from 0 to 64 and those with a higher score had a higher BMI.

Height and body weight were requested at each follow-up questionnaire in the start of the trials

and. Other relevant Information, such as physical activity and smoking, was also noted.

Consistent relationship between fried food eating and genetic risk scores on BMI was studied

and recorded after this investigation.





Among participants in the highest third of the genetic risk score, the differences in BMI between

individuals who consumed fried foods four or more times a week and those who consumed less

than once a week were 1.0 kg/m2 in women and 0.7 kg/m2 in men.

For participants in the lowest third of the genetic risk score, the differences were 0.5 kg/m2 in

women and 0.4 kg/m2 in men.

It was feared in the study that the results may have been corrupted or changed from normal by

other unmeasured or unknown factors such as a person may b a patient or on medications that

cause some kind of fatness, despite carefully noting several lifestyle factors etc.

The results indicated that the association between fried food consumption and adiposity may

vary according to differences in genetic makeup of different persons but was noted that this

genetic influence on adiposity may be customized by fried food usage.

Professor Lu Qi said: "Our findings highlight the importance of reducing fried food consumption

in the prevention of obesity, particularly in individuals genetically predisposed to adiposity."

It was stressed that the genetic information can be very important for treating 'monogenic' type

of obesity, caused by changes in a single gene. It was said by the researchers thatit would be

too ignorant of us to suppose that genetics has nothing to do with obesity. Genetics cannot be

denied in the management of obesity, and further studies are must required in this scope to

understand obesity at its full. Only by knowing all the aspects of obesity related to food intake

and hereditary we can address this major issue of today’s world.

The results of this study indicated that eating fried food more than four times a week had twice

as big an effect on body mass index (BMI) for those with the highest genetic risk scores

compared with lower scores. In other words, genetic makeup can inflate the effects of bad diet.

Thus the following research indicates that high calorie food for instance fried food taken in the

research which is a major reason of increasing obesity affects more on the people who have

genetic tendency towards fatness n developing brown fat.

Ultimately all stress is given on the point that fatty food means high calorie food is one of the

basic reasons of increasing obesity worldwide. Genetic makeup of the respected person and his

hereditary history matters too.





Fig: Hisology of adipose tissue

Whatever are the reasons behind obesity is a serious disorder. It causes many other ailments

too. Several health risks can b associated with obesity. Some are given below:

Obesity carries as a penalty cardiovascular coronary heart diseases. (Department of Preventive

Medicine, University of Tennessee). Fat cells block the coronary veins and cause a fatal result.

Heart attack rates are much higher recorded in fat peoples.

Bone and cartilage degeneration (Osteoarthritis) is also seen in obese persons at a higher rate.

Fatness is a vital risk factor for osteoarthritis in most joints, especially at the knee joint (the most

important site for osteoarthritis). A nine times increased risk in knee joint osteoarthritis in

females has been reported. Osteoarthritis risk is also linked to obesity for other joints. A recent

study has been done that obesity is a cause of thumb base osteoarthritis in males and females

at an equal ratioIt is suggested after study that metabolic and mechanical factors arbitrate the

effects of chubbiness on joints (University of Bristol).

Gallbladder diseases are also accelerated due to obesity according to studies. Overweight

person has considerable risk factor for gallstones. In an obese person the liver produces





excess cholesterol, which is then delivered into the bile causing it to become supersaturated

and this super saturated cholesterol increases the risk of gallstones in kidney. Some facts

suggest that particular dietary factors (saturated fats and refined sugars) are the key factors in

these cases (University of Maryland Medical Center).

Obesity can also result in respiratory problems. In an obese man the size of the lungs increases

and the chest wall becomes very heavy, difficult to lift making respiration particularly hard.

(Medical College of Wisconsin)

There are numerous reasons why obesity causes hypertension and high blood pressure. It is

investigated that excess adipose tissue that are developed more than normal in a fat person

secretes substances that acts on the kidneys, causing hypertension. It is also noted that in

obesity higher amount of insulin is excreted. Excess insulin elevates blood pressure and ends in

hypertension.

The major problem related to obesity is characterized by increased level of triglycerides,

decreased HDL levels, and abnormal composition of LDL. (Howard BV, Ruotolo G, Robbins

DC.)

Sleep apnea may also b a result of being overweight. Also, weight reduction has been coupled

with analogous reductions in the cruelty of sleep apnea.

Type 2 diabetes risk may increase in the condition of obesity. Researches indicate that this is

also one of the most changeable risk factor of this type of diabetes because it can be to some

extent controlled through diet and exercise.

Several types of cancers have also been reported to affect by obesity. About 3.2% of all new

cancers are linked to obesity according to a recent study.





Seriously flabby people face continuous challenges to their emotions. Such as obese people

face repeated failure in controlling their diet. They are disapproved by close ones even. Bad

remarks are shown to them from the strangers. They may also experience unfairness at work

and much more things that result in depression.

Fat girls experience irregularity of the normal menstrual cycle. They face interruption of the

menstrual cycle, abnormal menstrual flow and severe pain associated with the menstrual cycle.

Infertility in both sexes is also seen due to being overweight.

Obesity is now a common epidemic caused by numerous factors. Heredity as investigated plays

a vital causal role. There are sequences variants present in any given population that increase

or decrease an individual's risk for obesity in their surroundings. But it is unknown that which

natural pathways are distorted by these variations to cause obesity, single gene disorders and

animal models suggest a wide variety of possibilities. Now advancement has done and new

molecular tools and resources are developed, now better and careful studies can be done to

find common fatness genes in the future. By knowing these genes scientist will b able to know

the major reason of obesity, that would definitely help in developing new and better therapies or

interventions to deal with this common issue of today and provide tools for the understanding

that how people act in response to their surroundings depending upon their genetic variants to

become overweight or remain lean.





Interview with Dr. Aftab Ahmad

Q) Dr. Aftab Ahmad, the name comes with the “Shining Star of Pakistan”. Many youngsters of

scientific background foresees to become one and wish to lead the country into development.

Before walking along with your scientific journey, lets start off with your childhood life. How your

parents used to support your studies and motivate you to go for science.

Comment: I belong to a village and both of my parents didn’t have formal education so initially it

was not in anyone’s mind that I will be a Scientist. As from start I was good in studies and as

most of the parents think and wish, so they also thought that I might be a doctor and I also

wanted to be but later nature drag me to the science fields and now I really feel lucky that I

joined it. There was always support for me in all its forms for my initial and higher studies.

Q) What was your subject when you were doing your graduation followed by your post

graduation? How you have gathered the scientific outlook during your internship? Please share

us the feeling also, when you become the gold medallist in your post graduation.





Comment: My graduation was in area of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and I was lucky

enough that this field started for the first time in University of the Punjab and we were the

pioneer class. As the field was new, so it was taking its shape at that time. It was the same year

when Honours program started in University so it was also start of semester system. I enjoyed

my studies, tried to work hard and this is how I became the first Gold Medallist of BSc Hons

program of my department. I did my research on HBV vaccine (recombinant) and had an

interest in Biotechnology but at same time Stem Cells field fascinated me a lot so I switched

from Microbiology/Biotechnology into stem cells biology and found it really interesting. As

everybody feels, it is always great feeling to be the Gold Medallist and it was a memorable time

for me when I toped in the subject.

Q) With big determination, requires big responsibilities. You have undertaken that responsibility

to make your country, Pakistan from developing to developed nation. How you received this

inspiration to provide inspiration to young minds?

Comment: I personally feel that everybody wants to do positive change in society and should

look forward for it, but not all people take the reasonability on practical grounds. I think there is

need of a push, this push is sometime internal and sometime external and for this push to work,

one should try to opt the company of great people who inspire you. Pakistan is still a developing

country and there is great need of development. One should try to recognize its strengths and

should work in the direction in which he/she can do the best. From the beginning of University

life, I felt that I could be good in networking and science communication so I joined a life science

forum initially and soon became its President and that gave me initial training. When you start

doing things, things become easy for you which could be very hard for other people and this is

how you keep moving step by step and bring a positive change in the society and also in the

thinking of thousands of people. Your positive practical examples inspire more than your words

only so be practical in life.

Q) With the completion of your Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) of Cell and Molecular Biology,

how you feel the benefit of research that needs to be communicated for the society. There has





been multiple research going on daily basis with multiple publications, but do you feel that these

researches are still pending to be communicated for practical use?

Comment: Research is very different in developed and developing countries and there is lot of

room for improvement in developing countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh etc. In

developed countries, they have better infrastructure, more money, better scientific approach,

more collaborations, lot of industrial collaboration and funding and all these things are lacking to

greater extent in developing countries like Pakistan. I am great advocate that research should

be translated so society could get benefit. I tried to had linkages with different medical

professionals, hospitals etc. so we could push the things forward but as they are not many

successful examples for these type of joint ventures so things got stuck. In addition, there is lack

of trust in our society. So, in order to proceed further to translate research we have to overcome

these barriers. There should be more core facilities in university, science parks and centre for

excellence in developing countries so research could be better translated as well as

communicated to mass.

Q) National Academy of Young Scientists (www.nays.com.pk), now has become one of the

biggest platform of Pakistan to outlook the scientific background and behold the nation with the

stand of scientifically developed. Can you please forward us how you started off this big

initiative to put forward the youngsters of your nation?

Comment: As I mentioned earlier that I was working in a life science organization at key

position so it gave me lot of training and experience to proceed further. When I was working in

USA, I thought that there should be a forum for all science fields and hence we started NAYS in

Pakistan in the year 2009. The idea of academy was greatly appreciated by senior and young

scientists and they joined it, soon we had a vibrant team and started many programs, which

attracted more researches to be part of it. In addition, from start we tried to had good

collaboration with other sister organizations and this greatly helped us to run different scientific

programs and now NAYS is one of the most active National Young Academy (NYA) in the

world.





Q) Islamic World has always stayed active and uniting the bright minds with Islamic World

Young Scientists Academy (IYSA) (www.iy-sa.org) is a big collaborative benefit for the students

and researchers. Being a chairman of this organization, can you outline the objectives you

wished to follow? How you motivate the people of Islamic Countries who are still away from the

scientific opportunities but still holds the courage to work forward?

Comment: After the success story of NAYS, we thought that we should look forward now and

should translate this experience in other Islamic countries and hence IYSA was established in

2011. The basic idea is to bring together the researchers from Islamic world on the same

platform so they could contribute for the development of science and technology in their

respective country as overall Islamic World is lacking much behind in science and technology in

current era. Global Young Academy (GYA) is doing great job at world level being the voice of

young scientists across the globe. There is lot to do for IYSA yet and I hope when we will have

active people from number of Islamic countries, we will be able to contribute in best way for the

promotion of education, science and technology and sustainable development in society.

Q) Among your broad success stories, highlighting one about World Economic Forum (WEF).

Being selected as a Pakistani Young Scientist, how you feel the standing platform provided for

you? Big positions provide big responsibilities too, how you take this point when you were

awarded along with Dr. Umar Anwar Jahangir?

Comment: World Economic Forum is a big platform and they have top people from all the

fields. It was really great to be part of this forum as young scientist. They have started a

program to have voice of young scientists as well as opinion of young scientists on different

issues to have sustainable development in the world. It is wonderful experience for me to be

part of this forum as it gives you very good chance of networking with world leaders. I could

meet our Prime Minister (Raja Pervaiz Ashraf) and Finance Minister (Hafeez Sheikh) during

WEF meeting in Tiangin China which otherwise is very hard to meet. In addition, had an

opportunity to meet both business and science leaders from all over the world. Moreover, you





can have better ideas about economy of different countries, innovation etc. and so you can play

better role for your country. WEF gave me lot of new ideas and we even translated few of them

in Pakistan (NAYS Ideas lab, Youth Innovation Workshop etc.) and still can translate many

others. I think it is always better to have broader perspective of things so you can think globally

and act locally and you can get very good picture by joining big platform like WEF.

Q) Curving out a little from the success stories and the struggles you kept always for the

country. We would like to know your current objectives you feel to be done to make Pakistan a

healthy nation with scientific outlook with wide approaches. Ms. Malala Yousafzai, shared her

nobel prize for peace with Mr. Kailash Satyarthi (of India). She proved to be the brightest young

lady of Pakistan. How you feel when you wish to see women of developing countries like

Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, etc. working not for them but for the nation. Do you wish

that women should receive the equal exposure as men gets in scientific background?

Comment: First I congratulate both the Nobel Laureate and there is no doubt that it is great

honour for both the countries. I am working with my male and female colleagues for the last

more than 10 years and they are equally good. I even found that the young scientists from

developing countries are more motivated than the developed ones and want to do lot for their

countries but what they lack is proper guidance, training and resources. I am sure, if we can

educate, guide and train them well, they can prove to be the best in the world. I am really happy

to share that things are changing rapidly, I joined few meetings and workshop related to women

in science and technology and really happy to share that the number of women scientists is

increasing rapidly and some countries in the world even have more than 50% women scientists.

Things are also changing in SAARC countries and there is an increase in number of women

scientists and I agree that they should be provided with equal opportunities as the male

scientists and gender gap and discrimination should be reduced so female could also play their

role for development of developing countries. One thing we should remember that we can’t

make rapid progress until we will involve female equally in almost all professions.





Q) Microbiology – the science of unseen, is a major field which gets good exposure in

developed countries. But still students don’t want to carry forward their research only because of

lesser opportunities they receive. May be a sort of a panic rather than it is actually. Do you feel

as Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Plant Genomics, Bioinformatics, etc Microbiology also

should get wider platform for research?

Comment: I personally feel that Microbiology has even wider scope and greater applications as

everything involves microbiology. Microbiologists should also be equipped with entrepreneurial

skills so they could have their own start-ups and this way we can increase job opportunities for

microbiologists. The field is really huge and there are endless opportunities in it, the only thing is

to focus and explore them.

Q) Ebola – a recent pandemic outbreak. What is your opinion on its spread and do you feel that

it may spread in Asian countries in future?

Comments: Ebola or ebola like outbreak can happen anywhere in the world but there is great

difference in preparation among developed and developing countries. The developed countries

have the necessary training and infrastructure to deal with any such outbreak which most of

developing countries lack so I think the developed countries should also focus on capacity

building of developing countries so they could meet this and similar challenges. It is worth

mentioning that ebola is not air borne disease and do not spreads by air, which greatly reduce

its spread to wider areas. Still there are chances for infection spread due to high global traffic,

an infected person can travel from the outbreak area to other country and can, spread the

epidemic. There is great need to have better screening at airports and border of countries

should be less porous to stop such epidemic from widespread.

Q) Walking along with success stories, you have met multiple research scholars, students and

scientists while visiting different nations. How you standardize the students of SAARC countries

on the basis of scientific thinking and applying, compared with western countries.





Comments: Young scientists from SAARC countries are equally good and when they go to

advance countries they do great job, so there is no problem in the potential of researchers but

there are issues with scientific culture and system here. I think, if we improve the scientific

culture here, these researchers can do great job here as well.

Q) Students always wants to go abroad for their scientific research. Do you feel that Pakistan

has got enough resources, to compete with scientific standards as other countries do? Do

students will get the equal exposure as they wish to get there?

Comments: You are right, students want to study in advanced countries and I am in great

favour of it as well. This is how they get exposure to good scientific environment as well as good

resources so they perform better. Pakistan needs lot of more development yet to join the

developed nations. Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has recently done great job by

providing more funding to research institutes, established new universities, lot of indigenous and

international scholarships and it greatly boost the research in Pakistan but then government cut

the budget for these processes and hence progress halted. I think, there is great need to spend

more money for education, science and technology in Pakistan. At least we should spend 4-5%

of GDP on education and there should be educational emergency in the country only then we

can join the race of developed countries. The scenario is pretty much similar in whole SAARC

region as the total number of scientists from SAARC region which has population of over 1500

million are much lesser than Japan only which has population of around 125 million. I must say

that the whole region should put more money for education, science and technology for

sustainable development in the region. In addition, SAARC countries are geographically in the

same region so they should improve collaborations with each other so resources could be

utilized in best way. I will suggest SAARC should put forward a resolution to start a SAARC

Science and Technology University and should have students from whole SAARC region which

will not only promote research but also healthy collaboration in the region.

Q) Before concluding the big conversation about this scientific journey you wished to walk along

with us, please share your life apart from science.





Comments: My life is pretty much around science and very less time for other activates but I

love to travel around to see new places and meet new people, it always gives you good chance

of learning. I have seen that scientists have a much busy life compared to many other

professions and even if they want to come out of situation, it always attract scientists to do more

and learn more. Beside science, I love Urdu literature and try to read when get time.

Q) Few words for the scientific people of developing counties and for Microbiology World.

Comments: I always say that developing countries have lot of challenges but on the same time

they have lot of opportunities. We should avail these opportunities. The people in developing

countries should have synergistic relationship so they could build each other and hence we

could build our countries. Microbiology World is great platform for young microbiologist to share

their ideas and get upto-date knowledge on key aspects of Microbiology. I wish you all the best

for your future scientific programs and hope we will also have positive and healthier relations for

sustainable progress in the whole region.

Interview Taken By:

Saumyadip Sarkar

Science Communicator and Reviewer,

Microbiology World,

www.microbiologyworld.com

[email protected]

[email protected]

+91-8337967020





Genetically Modified Organisms

Hasnain Nangyal1, Ammara Nawaz2, Syeda Sammra Jaffri3, Antima Sharma4,

Upvan Bhushan5, Sikander Khan Sherwani6

1Department of Botany Hazara University, Manehra Khyber Paktoonkhwa

2Department of Zoology, Punjab University

3CEMB, University of Punjab


Central University


6Department of Microbiology, Fedral Urdu University of Science Arts and Technology,

Karachi

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) also called Genetically Engineered Organisms

(GEOs), means those plants and animals having changed or altered genetic make-up.Alteration

is done in order to prepare desired physiological traitexpression, to get an output of desired

biological productsor to make varieties resistant to environmental conditions or pests.GMOs are

usually manipulated by any non-natural wayto incorporate any gene from another organism into

it. Genetic engineering (GE) techniques are used to achieve a trait not normally held by an

organism, such as longer shelf life, disease resistance, different colors or flavors etc, which is

afterwards introduced into the GMOs.

Cloning and recombinant DNA technology are the basic techniques of GE involved to produce

genetically modified organisms.

Altering the genomes of plants and animals is being done since long. Traditional breeding

techniques were used previously. Artificial selection is employed for specific, desired traits to get

a variety of different organisms, ranging from sweet corn to hairless cats and many more. But

this artificial selection has been limited to naturally occurring variations, in which organisms

exhibitingparticular traits are chosen to breed subsequent generations. Now a day’s however,





the field of genetic engineering has been advanced and enabled the Scientists to have defined

control over the genetic changes introduced into an organism. Newgenes from one species can

be introduced into a completely unrelated species using genetic engineering techniques. This

has resulted in increasedagricultural performance and facilitated the production of valuable

pharmaceutical materials. Crop plants, farm animals, and soil bacteria are some of the more

prominent examples of organisms that have been subject to genetic engineering.

In the world of GE the works of Charles Darwin,Gregor Mendel's, Friedrich Miescher, Walter

Sutton & Theodor Boveri, T. H. Morgan, A.H. Sturtevant, Barbara McClintock, George Beadle

and E. L. Tatum, and Marshall Nirenberg &HarGobind Khorana cannot be ignored. In 1931

Barbara McClintock and Harriet Creighton demonstrated the direct physical recombination bythe

linking of DNA from different chromosomes. Restriction enzymes were discovered in Late 1960s

by Stewart Linn & Werner Arber in E.coli.DNA cloning technique was elaborated by Stanley

Cohen and Herbert Boyer in 1973. Identification of the Ti plasmid in bacteria (Agrobacterium

tumefaciens) used as a vector was also a landmark in GE. 1974 Stanley Cohen, Annie Chang

and Herbert Boyer created the first genetically modified DNA organism. In 1975 a

Conferencewas held in USA at which consensus on self-regulation and how the newly

discovered recombinant DNA technology will be used was discussed and decided. In 1980 first

transgenic mouse was produced.A Giant mouse produced by transferring growth hormone

genes from a rat (1982). In 1983, Kary Mullis, a biochemist invented the polymerase chain

reaction. China was the first to put GM crops on sale, namely a virus-resistant tobacco and a

tomato. First transgenic domestic animal, a pig was developed in 1985. In 1987 a series of

transgenic mice were produced carrying human genes. First transgenic plant producing a

pharmaceutical was produced in 1988. In 1990 GM used to make chymosin, an enzyme used in

making hard cheese. In1991 first gene therapy trials on humans were done. In 1994 widespread

use of genetically modified crop plants in the USA was seen. In 1995, a transgenic tobacco

variety was developed to produce hemoglobin. In 1996 first cloned animal, Dolly the sheep, was

announced. 1996 Council Directive 90/220/EEC made deliberate release into the environment

of genetically modified organisms. First GM labeling rules were introduced to provide





consumers with information regarding the use of GM ingredients in food in 1998. Till now

numerous advances in GE along with GMOs have been witnessed.

Advantages of GMOs

1. Novel replacement proteins such as drugs, vaccines isolated from GE animals are

helpful in treating and preventing human diseases.

2. Genetic engineering can produce high-value industrial products, such as spider silk, for

both Medical and defense purpose.

3. GE animals consume fewer resources and produce less waste.

4. Genetically engineered animals show improved food production capabilities, meat and

milk etc. helping to meet the global demand for more efficient, higher quality and lower-

cost sources of food.

5. Transgenic cows are developed producing milk with less lactose or cholesterol.

6. Scientists are attempting to produce disease-resistant animals, such as influenza-

resistant pigs.

7. Insulin, growth hormone, and blood anti-clotting factors are been obtained from the milk

of transgenic cows, sheep, or goats. Research is also under progress to manufacture

milk through transgenesis for the treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU), hereditary

emphysema, and cystic fibrosis.

8. Toxicity-sensitive transgenic animals have been produced for chemical safety testing.

9. Microorganisms have been engineered to produce a wide variety of proteins

10. Human gene therapy involves adding a normal copy of a gene (transgene) to the

genome of a person carrying defective copies of the gene. For instance a calf with a

gene that makes the substance that promotes the growth of red cells in humans.

11. Genetic modification of foods allows for increased food production and more resilient

and nutritious crops.

12. Food can now be fortified with different minerals nutritional elements through genetic

Engineering. For example “golden rice” has been produced to cure colorblindness.

13. Pest-resistant crops are produced which decrease the use of toxic chemical pesticides

which were used to be applied to crops for pest control.





14. Higher crop yields. This also helps in reducing the food prices globally.

15. Now crops can be grown at extreme climates, for example, dry or freezing environments

For example, a type of tomato is made by GE that grows in salty soil.

16. As more crops now can be grown and at more places, this helps in decreasing global

warming through the increase of oxygen.

17. Better tasting food are produced by GE and the quality is also enhanced.

18. GE has produced crops with small maturation time of the, so they can be harvested

sooner and more often during the year.

19. High disease resistant plants and animals are produced.

20. Genetically modified plants need less processing in factories making it easy to handle,

easy usage and also cheap.

21. Allergy-causing properties in some foods can b eliminated in GMOs.

22. Crops are engineered that are more weed, disease and pest resistant making it

environment friendly.

23. Crops that can tolerate aluminum, boron, salt etc are produced by GE.

24. GE is also applied in aquaculture to produce better fish in terms of size, resistance to

diseases, temperature tolerant etc.

25. Microorganisms are developed to clean fuel producers and to be used as biodegraderes.

26. Genetically modified plants are produced capable to produce vaccines for example

hepatitis B vaccine.

Philosophical and Religious Issues related to GMOs

It was surveyed in 2007in America by the International Food Information Council (IFIC).1000

Americans participated in it. 33% of respondents believed that biotech food products may be

beneficial for them. 23% of respondents did not know biotech foods had already reached the

market. Only 5% of those polled said that they would take action by altering their purchasing

habits as a result of concerns associated with using biotech products.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, public acceptance

trends in Europe and Asia are mixed depending on the country and current mood at the time of

the survey (Hoban, 2004). Attitudes toward cloning, biotechnology, and genetically modified





products differ depending upon people's level of education and interpretations of what each of

these terms mean. Support varies for different types of biotechnology; however, it is consistently

lower when animals are mentioned.

The ethical issues surrounding GMOs include debate over our right to "play God," as well as the

introduction of foreign material into foods that are abstained from for religious reasons. Some

people believe that tampering with nature is intrinsically wrong, and others maintain that

inserting plant genes in animals, or vice versa, is immoral. When it comes to genetically

modified foods, those who feel strongly that the development of GMOs is against nature or

religion have called for clear labeling rules.

Future of GMOs

Keeping all above points in mind it can be concluded that GMOs isa widely debated topic and in

today’s world of biological sciences it has a major rule. A lot of research work is going on to

make this more secure, adoptable, and better for human welfare.

In future research of GMOs it has been approved that following things should be taken care of:

1. GMOs should be planned to reduce environmental risks.

2. More extensive studies of the environmental benefits and risks associated with GMOs

are needed.

3. These effects should be evaluated relative to appropriate baseline scenarios.

4. Environmental release of GMOs should be prevented if scientific knowledge about

possible risks is clearly inadequate

5. In some cases, post-release monitoring will be needed to identify, manage, and mitigate

environmental risks.

6. Science-based regulation should subject all transgenic organisms to a similar risk

assessment framework and should incorporate a cautious approach, recognizing that

many environmental effects are GMO- and site-specific.

Ecologists, agricultural scientists, molecular biologists, and others need broader training and

wider collaboration to address these recommendations.





Ebola mutation made pandemic

Saumyadip Sarkar

Department of Human Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India

[email protected]

A team of researchers from Broad Institute and Harvard University in collaboration with Sierra

Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation rapidly sequenced 99 Ebola viral genomes in response

to the pandemic outbreak of the Ebola Virus disease in West Africa [2]. World Health

Organization has reported 4507 confirmed cases between 30th December 2013 to September

14, 2014 [1].

To carry out the research on Ebola viral genome, 99Ebola viral genomes were collected from

the 99patients in first 24days of outbreak in Sierra Leone. This lead to the identification of 300

genetic modifications that made Ebola distinct to previous outbreaks. Most importantly, the

variations found indicated that the Ebola virus outbreak started from single introduction to

humans, and eventually it spread from person to person over months. The variations were in the

coding regions (sequence that code for proteins). The research team immediately extended

their results of the mutation identified in National Centre for Biotechnology and Information’s

(NCBI’s) database even before they publicize the results to make the data available in global

scientific community.

“Deep sequencing” technique had been the new takeover to work on large scale of geneomic

data available on Ebola Virus. In this technique, increasing the times of sequencing will

generate larger confidence in the results. Researchers used the sequence depth of about

2000times for each Ebola genome from each of 78patients. This high resolution allowed the

team to efficiently identify multiple mutations in the protein coding regions of the genome.

Later half in the identification of this pandemic spread of the virus, researchers revealed that

Ebola has the common ancestor dating back from the first recorded outbreak in 1976. While





identifying the transmission and the evolutionary pathway, indicated the current outbreak

diverged from Guinea to Sierra Leone because of 12 people who attended a same funeral.

A total of 395 mutations were identified and the genetic clues does provide valid reason for the

extensive spread of the disease. In future multiple researchers from different scientific

communities have communicated and is undergoing their research to immediately come to a

conclusion to move down this Ebola Virus outbreak.

Mutations, one patient sample per row; beige blocks indicate identity with the Kissidougou Guinean sequence

(GenBank accession KJ660346).The top row shows the type of mutation (green, synonymous; pink,

nonsynonymous; gray, intergenic), with genomic locations indicated above. Picture Source: Science Magazine

(DOI: 10.1126/science.1259657)





The research was supported by Common Fund and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious

Disease in National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services,

National Science Foundation, National Environment Research Council, World Bank, and

European Union Seventh Framework Programme.

References

1. Study warns swift action needed to curb exponential climb in Ebola outbreak. World

Health Organization, Geneva. September 22, 2014.

(http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2014/ebola-study/en/)

2. Story Source: Stephen K. Gire, Augustine Goba, Kristian G. Andersen, Rachel S. G.

Sealfon, Daniel J. Park, Lansana Kanneh, Simbirie Jalloh, Mambu Momoh, Mohamed

Fullah, Gytis Dudas, Shirlee Wohl, Lina M. Moses, Nathan L. Yozwiak, Sarah Winnicki,

Christian B. Matranga, Christine M. Malboeuf, James Qu, Adrianne D. Gladden, Stephen

F. Schaffner, Xiao Yang, Pan-Pan Jiang, Mahan Nekoui, Andres Colubri, Moinya Ruth

Coomber, Mbalu Fonnie, Alex Moigboi, Michael Gbakie, Fatima K. Kamara, Veronica

Tucker, Edwin Konuwa, Sidiki Saffa, Josephine Sellu, Abdul Azziz Jalloh, Alice Kovoma,

James Koninga, Ibrahim Mustapha, Kandeh Kargbo, Momoh Foday, Mohamed Yillah,

Franklyn Kanneh, Willie Robert, James L. B. Massally, Sinéad B. Chapman, James

Bochicchio, Chery Murphy, Chad Nusbaum, Sarah Young, Bruce W. Birren, Donald S.

Grant, John S. Scheiffelin, Eric S. Lander, Christian Happi, Sahr M. Gevao, Andreas

Gnirke, Andrew Rambaut, Robert F. Garry, S. Humarr Khan, Pardis C. Sabeti (2014).

Genomic surveillance elucidates Ebola virus origin and transmission during the 2014

outbreak. Science Magazine 345(6202): 1369-1372.



http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2014/ebola-study/en/



Migraine

Ammara Nawaz1, Hasnain Nangyal2, Nighatziaudin3, Antima Sharma4, Upvan

Bhushan5, Sikander Khan Sherwani6

1Department of Zoology, Punjab University, Pakistan

2Department of Botany, Hazara University, Khyber Paktoonkhwa Pakistan

3Department of Biochemistry, Agriculture University, Faisalabad Pakistan


Central University


6Department of Microbiology, Fedral Urdu University of Science Arts and Technology,

Karachi

Migraine is a primary type of headache. It is characterized by extremely severe paroxysmal

headache, usually confined to one side of the head and frequently coupled with nausea, visual

disturbances and sensitivity to light etc. It is also termed as Hemicrania.

Epidemiological studies have recorded its high prevalence and high socio-economic and

personal impacts. It is now ranked by the World Health Organization as number 19 among all

diseases world-wide causing disability.

Brief History

Migraine is one of the oldest medical conditions afflicting mankind. It was first recorded during

the Mesopotamian Era in about 3,000. B.C. A few notable migraine sufferers throughout history

include Thomas Jefferson, Julius Caesar, Cervantes, Sigmund Freud, Ulysses S. Grant, Lewis

Carroll and Vincent Van Gogh.

In history migraines was treated with trial-and-error methods, based upon the prevailing medical

knowledge of the time or superstitions. Some of the treatments prescribed by early physicians

such as Galen and Hypocrites, included





• Drilling a hole in the skull to free "evil spirits"

• Purges and bloodletting

• Applying a hot iron to the site of pain

• Inserting a clove of garlic through an incision in the temple.

Types of Migraine

Many times of migraines have been classified depending upon the symptoms faced by the

patient. Mostly migraine is classified as

Migraine without Aura

It is also termed as common migraine type. This headache is associated with changes in the

size of the arteries inside and around the skull. During the pre-headache phase, blood vessels

constrict and when vascular dilation occurs, the migraine starts. The blood vessels are thought

to become inflamed as well as swollen, and it is believed that migraine pain is caused by this

inflammation, as well as by the pressure on the swollen walls of the blood vessels. It remains for

about 4-72 hours. Photophobia, phonophobia , vomiting and nausea are also seen with it.

Migraine with Aura

Approximately one-third of migraine sufferers experience an aura prior to the headache pain. It

is also called classic migraine. It is a recurrent disorder. Attacks of reversible focal neurological

symptoms are experienced by the patient that usually develop gradually over 5-20 minutes and

last for less than 60 minutes. The aura is a complex of neurological symptoms. The patient see

wavy or jagged lines, dots or flashing lights or experience tunnel vision or blind spots in one or

both eyes, hearing hallucinations and disruptions in smell (such as strange odors), taste or

touch. Sometimes feelings of numbness, a "pins-and-needles" sensation or even difficulty in

recalling or speaking the correct word is also observed. These neurological events may last

sixty minutes and will fade as the headache begins.





Other major types of migraine may be:

1. Hemiplegic Migraine

2. Ophthalmoplegic Migraine

3. Retinal Migraine

4. Basilar Artery Migraine

5. Abdominal Migraine

6. Familial hemiplegic migraine

Childhood Periodic symptoms which can be Precursors of Migraine

A child may show following symptoms in early age that might cause him migraine in future. It

includes severe vomiting and nausea periodically. Episodic midline abdominal pain is seen in

child in attacks lasting 1-72 hours with normality between episodes. The pain may be moderate

to severe and associated with vasomotor symptoms, nausea and vomiting usually called

abdominal migraine. Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood may also result in migraine in

future days.

Genetic Linkage to Migraine Pain

Genetic basis of Migraine have always been questioned and investigated too. Recently using

modern techniques and tools several genes have been reported to be involved in migraine pain.

TRPM8 and LRP1are a long ago identified genes loci for migraine. A migraine-associated locus,

LRP1, encodes the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 which has neural and

vascular function on blood vessels. TRPM8 locus encodes a cold- and menthol-activated ion

channel that is expressed in sensory neurons in both types of migraine. A MTDH gene was

seen to be associated with migraine with aura only. MEF2D is a highly prevalent transcription

factor in brain tissue. MEF2D restricts the number of excitatory synapses and causes migraine.

TGFBR2 is also a gene for migraine, as a mutation in TGFBR2 leads to a seemingly

monogenic, familial aortic dissection, and also associates with migrainous headaches. Each of

these identified genes may contribute to the neuronal circuitry of migraine pain generation

according to recent studies.





General symptoms of Migraine

The pain of migraine headaches usually begins gradually and intensifies over a period of

minutes to hours. The pain of a mild attack may be dull and steady, but symptoms may present

as throbbing, pounding, or pulsating behind the eye or in the back of the head and neck in more

severe cases. The pain can be aggravated by light or sound, constant motion, or any physical

activity. For many patients, the headaches begin as unilateral though in time the pain may

spread, or switch to the other side.

Symptoms that accompany the intense headache may include:

• Blurred vision or blind spots

• Chills

• Sweating

• Runny or blocked nose

• Fatigue

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness

• Tender scalp

• Problems concentrating

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells

Symptoms may continue even after the migraine has gone away; this is sometimes called a

migraine hangover, where the patient feels mentally dull with unclear thinking, has an increased

need for sleep, and sometimes experiences neck pain.

Cure for Migraine

Abortive Therapy

It is an acute treatment for migraine sufferers. It includes:

1. Triptans [Sumatriptan (Imitrex) ,Naratriptan (Amerge) ,Rizatriptan (Maxalt)]. They are

tablets used immediately after the pain is started. Its side effects are also observed.





2. Ergotamines (ergotamine tartrate and dihydroergotamine) work in the same way as

triptans, causing vasoconstriction. Ergot derivatives should not be used if the patient has

heart disease or high blood pressure.

3. Midrin is a combination of isometheptene mucate, dichloralphenazone, and

acetaminophen that provides both abortive and prophylactic therapy in migraine.

4. CGRP receptor antagonists include Olcegepant and Telcagepant. A significant recent

advance in acute treatments relates to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor

antagonists to block CGRP action as high levels of CGRP are found in external jugular

venous blood during migraine attacks.

Herbal cure

Feverfew is a popular herb for migraines. Several studies, but not all, support using feverfew for

treating migraines. Butterbur is another herbal remedy that has gained approval through clinical

trials. Ginger is receiving attention as a migraine treatment because it has some antihistamine

and anti-inflammatory properties. Aromatherapy has also been claimed to be a good treatment

to migraine. Caffeine and some fish oil usage also helps on migraine relief. Peppermint and

lavender oil massage has also good effect on migraine patients. Flax seeds are also helpful.

Rescue medicines for migraine

They are used when abortive medication fails. They are not a cure to migraine but can mask the

pain for few hours. It includes sedatives, anti-nausea medicines, narcotics including pain killers

and muscle relaxing pills.

Preventive medications

Persons having multiple migraine attacks in a single month are given preventive treatments to

avoid such severe pain. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, Botulinum toxin (Botox) ,and few

more can be called as preventive medicines for migraine.

Apart from these medications massage, chiropractic, physical therapy, and the application of hot

and cold compresses can be helpful in migraine. Exercise, yoga, aerobic exercises, breathing





techniques, relaxation techniques guided by physicians and physical activities may be also

helpful. Recently acupuncture has been declared a safe and easy way to cure migraine. Certain

vitamins and minerals usage is also good to cure migraine as vitaminB6, D, E, C and minerals

named potassium and magnesium.

Triggering factors in Migraine

Some triggering factors of migraine pain are revealed as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol,

menstruation in females, harsh sound, striking lights, missing meals, anxiety, foods having MSG

(monosodium glutamate or Chinese salt), weather changes, smoke, hormonal changes,

aspartame, certain foods or fruits depending upon the person or patient.

Conclusion

In a nutshell it can be said that migraine is a serious headache problem of today. It is being

studied worldwide to get its proper cure and to know all its backgrounds and causes too.

Several treatments of migraine are designed all its causes have been studied by scientists still

much is there to be investigated. People suffering from this pain should make their life style

better with proper sleep and awake cycle, meals at proper time, balanced diet, avoiding stress,

doing regular exercise, yoga or other physical things to avoid this pain as much. It’s hard or

nearly impossible to eliminate migraine but by changing and improving our ways of life we can

avoid maximum pain conditions.





Unwanted Effects of Vaccination: Concern for

Good Practitioner

Dr Sakshi Bhadouriya1, Dr Sunil Singh Tomar2

1M.V.Sc (Vet. Virology, IVRI, Bareilly)

2M.V.Sc (Vet. Clinical Medicine)

Introduction

Vaccination can be defined as administration of an antigen (vaccine) to stimulate a protective

immune response against an infection. It continues to be the only safe, reliable, and effective

way of protecting animals against the major infectious diseases. Vaccine related complication is

usually rare, nevertheless the use of vaccine is not free of risk. The advantages of vaccination

are well documented and extensive whereas the risks for adverse effects are poorly

documented. But adverse events are reported voluntarily by veterinarians to manufactures or

government agencies whether a vaccine will causes adverse effects or complication, is

influenced by following three criteria.

1. Consistency -- It means the clinical responses should be same if the vaccine is given to a

different group of animals, by different investigators and irrespective of the method of

investigations.

2. Specificity--- It means the association should distinctive and the adverse event linked

specifically to the vaccine concerned. An adverse may be caused by vaccine adjutants and

additives other than the active component.

3. Temporal relation — It means administration of vaccine should precede the earliest

manifestations of clear exacerbation of a continuing condition.

Classification

Post vaccination complication or adverse effects of vaccine can be classified in following ways.

1. Complication due to normal toxicity.





2. Complication due to errors.

3. Complication due to inappropriate responses.

1. Complication Due To Normal Toxicity

Vaccines commonly elicit transient inflammatory reaction for the efficient induction of protective

immune responses. This may be pain, local swellings which may be edematous and be warm to

touch. But sometime an injection site abscess develops. Vaccines containing gram negative

organisms may be intrinsically toxic owing to the presence of endotoxins that can cause

cytokine release, leading to shock, fever and leucopoenia. Vaccinating pregnant animals may

lead to abortion.

2. Complications Due To Errors

If during administration of vaccine, sterilised procedure are not followed then there will be

contamination leading to clinical disease. Also during vaccination there will be stress leading to

reactivation of latent infection. For example, activation of equine herpes virus infection has been

demonstrated following vaccination against African horse sickness.

In case of complication due to errors in manufacture, if proper aseptic measures are not taken,

then there will be contamination leading to clinical disease and fatal death. Again if there will be

improper inactivation of the vaccine agents then abnormal toxicity may appear. For ex. blue

tongue vaccine have been reported to cause congenital anomalies in offspring of ewes

vaccinated while pregnant.

Further, due to residual virulence, there may be some complications as in case of modified live

herpes virus vaccine or calci virus vaccine which are given intranasal spread to oropharynx &

cause persistent infection. Such a virus vaccine may infect other animals in contact. Even if

these vaccine do not cause overt disease, they may reduce the rate of growth of farm animals

with significant economic losses. In case of modified live parvo virus vaccine there is transient

decrease in lymphocyte blastogenesis or even a lymphopenia in some puppies. Some poly

canine viral vaccines cause a transient drop in absolute lymphocyte numbers and their

responses to mitogens. This occurs even though the individual components of these vaccines





may not have this effect. Several vaccine combinations may cause changes between 5 &11

days after vaccination. For example CAV1&2 with CD is especially suppressive of canine

lymphocyte responses to mitogens.

3. Complication Due To Inappropriate Response

These complications are produced because of not inducing proper immune responses. These

are classified into broadly into three types.

A. Hypersensitivity reactions:

(a) Type I hypersensitivity

(b) Type III hypersensitivity

(c) Type IV hypersensitivity

B. Neurological reactions:

(a) Neuritis

(b) Encephalitis

C. Foreign body reactions:

(a) Fibrosarcoma

(b) Type IV reactions

A. Hypersensitivity reactions

(a) Type I hypersensitivity reaction –

Fig. 1 shows the mechanism of Type I hypersensitivity induced by vaccine

Fig. 2 shows vaccine induced Type I hypersensitivity.





Figure 1

Figure 2

(b) Type III hypersensitivity –

This type of hypersensitivity is immune complex mediated and it is seen after 6-8 hours of

administration of vaccine. It may be local or generalised type III hypersensitivity reaction.





Local Type III hypersensitivity reaction:

Injection of a vaccine into an animal that has high levels of circulating antibody specific for that

vaccine leads to formation of localized immune reactions. Ex-in eyes of vaccinated against

infectious canine hepatitis. Some rabies vaccines may induce a local complement mediated

vasculitis leading to ischemic dermatitis and local alopecia. This type of reaction is most often

seen in small dogs such as Dachshunds, Miniature poodles, Bichon Fries and Terriers.

Figure 3: It shows the mechanism of local Type III hypersensitivity induced by vaccine.

Figure 4: It shows blue eye condition in a dog vaccinated with infectious canine hepatitis vaccine





(ii) Generalised Type III hypersensitivity reaction:

This type of hypersensitivity reaction has been noticed in passive immunization in case of dogs

who had received a very large dose of equine antitetanus serum. This reaction is called as

serum sickness and consists of a generalized vasculitis with erythema, edema, and urticaria of

the skin, neutropenia, lymph node enlargement, joint swelling and proteinuria.

Figure 5: mechanism of generalized Type III hypersensitivity reaction.

(c) Type IV hypersensitivity reaction:

The most common reaction of Type IV hypersensitivity reaction is granuloma formation at the

site of inoculation within 24-72 hr of vaccination. This may be a response to depot adjuvants

containing alum or oil. Vaccine containing water-in-oil adjuvant produce larger and more

persistent lesions at injection sites than vaccines containing alum and aluminium hydroxide.

These lesions can be granulomas or sterile abscesses.





Figure 6: Mechanism of Type IV hypersensitivity reaction induced by vaccine.

B. Neurological reactions---Sometimes neurological reactions are produced as a complication

to vaccination

(a) Neuritis --- A polyneuritis has been associated with the use of certain virus vaccines ( most

notably swine influenza in humans ) and the disease is called as Gullain-Barre syndrome. One

case has been reported in dogs following vaccination with a polyvalent distemper – hepatitis-

parvovirus vaccine. The pathogenesis of syndrome is unclear.

(b)Encephalitis – Rabies vaccine that contains central nervous tissue may provoke

autoimmune encephalitis. Post vaccinational canine distemper virus encephalitis is a rare

complication that may develop after administration of a modified live canine distemper vaccine.

C. Foreignbody reaction – Vaccines when administered can be treated as a foreign body to

produce either Type IV hypersensitivity reaction or fibrosarcoma. in inflammation and tissue

repair.

Precautions for post vaccination complication

Following precautions can be taken to prevent post vaccination complications.

• Proper sterilization of syringe & needles before vaccination.

• Reconstituted vaccine should be discarded at the end of each vaccination.

• Training of immunization worker

• Adrenaline (1: 1000 solution) should be used in the event of anaphylaxis





• An injection of antihistaminic drug & corticosteroid should be kept ready during

vaccination

Conclusion

Vaccination is the preventive measure to protect individuals against the infectious diseases. But

the use of vaccine is not free of risk. Residual virulence and toxicity, allergic reactions, disease

in immunodeficient hosts, neurological complications and harmful effects on the fetus etc are

the most significant risks associated with the use of vaccines. Veterinarians should use only

licensed vaccines and the manufacturer’s recommendations should carefully be followed.

Before using a vaccine, the veterinarian should consider the likelihood that an adverse event will

happen, as well as the possible consequences or severity of this event. These factors must be

weighed against the benefits to the animal. Thus a common but mild complication may require a

different consideration than a rare, severe complication.





Bee and Bees Products

Hasnain Nangyal1, Nighat Ziaudin2, Abasin Baryal3, Antima Sharma4, Upvan

Bhushan5

1Department of Botany, Hazara University, Manehra Khyber Puktoonkhwa

2Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Pakistan

3Departmet of Forestry, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Dir (U) Khyber

Pakttonkhwa


Central University


History of bee

(Apis mellifera L.) preceded humans on earth by 10 to 20 million years. Honey bees are one of

the oldest forms of animal life still in existence from the Neolithic Age. Primeval humans

gathered and ate the honey and honeycombs of wild bees, the only available sweet, as far back

as 7000 B.C. Bronze Age societies celebrated preindustrial triumphs by drinking mead, probably

the first intoxicating beverage, fermented from honey. In fact, the words mead and mellifera (the

specific name for honey bees), which are similar in several languages, were derived from root

words referring to honey bees, liquor, doctored drink, etc. In the past, words for mead, honey,

and honey bee have been used interchangeably, revealing the importance placed on the

alcoholic beverage derived from honey. Like honey, beeswax has been prominent in ancient

folklore and mythology. In the pre-Christian era, wax was offered as a sacrifice to the gods;

used in the rites of birth, circumcision, marriage, purification, and death; and used in embalming,

sealing coffins, and mummification. The use of beeswax in religious candles carried over into

Christian times and led to beekeeping by clergy and monks in order to ensure an adequate

supply of the raw material. In the past, beeswax served as a medium of exchange and taxation;

it was exacted as tribute from conquered nations and was used in writing, painting, sculpturing,

and protecting works of art, as well as for illumination. Honey, beeswax, and propolis (a mixture

primarily of plant resins and beeswax that bees use in nest contruction) have been used





extensively in pharmacopoeia since 2700 B.C. The principal medicinal value of honey arises

from its antibacterial properties when used as a wound dressing. Honey bees originated in

southern Asia, probably in the region of Afghanistan. The earliest record of humans gathering

honey from wild colonies is from 7000 B.C. Man first kept bees about 3000 to 4000 B.C.,

perhaps as early as 5000 B.C. There is no way of knowing to what extent honey bees have

evolved since then; we can assume that some evolution has taken place, particularly with

regard to the social organization of the colony and foraging behavior. Apis mellifem, the most

widely distributed of the species of Apis, is not native to the Americas. The first record of the

introduction of honey bees to the western hemisphere was in 1530 in South America. It was

introduced to North America by colonists from Holland in 1638. Since bees visit a broad range

of host plants and are able to conserve heat by clustering, they have become widely dispersed

and are now found throughout the world. Honey bees are limited in their distribution mainly by

an absence of suitable forage and/or less than 19.8 cm (7.8 inches) of rainfall annually. The

scientific name, Apis mellifera, was given the honey bee by Carolus Linnaeus in 1758. It liter-

ally means "the honey-carrying bee * " A more descriptive name, A. mellifica, or "the honey-

making bee ' " was proposed in 1761. While this second name more accurately describes

honey bees (which carry nectar but make honey), the rales governing precedence in scientific

nomenclature dictate that the earlier name be retained. Nevertheless, the term A. mellifica can

still be found in some bee literature.

The Importance of Bees in Nature





Bees as Part of Ecosystems

Pollinators strongly influence ecological relationships, ecosystem conservation and stability,

genetic variation in the plant community, floral diversity, specialization and evolution. Bees play

an important, but little recognized role in most terrestrial ecosystems where there is green

vegetation cover for at least 3 to 4 months each year. In tropical forests, savannah woodlands,

mangrove, and in temperate deciduous forests, many species of plants and animals would not

survive if bees were missing. This is because the production of seeds, nuts, berries and fruits

are highly dependent on insect pollination, and among the pollinating insects, bees are the

major pollinators. In rain forests, especially in high mountain forests where it is too cold for most

bees, other pollinators like bats and birds play a greater role in plant pollination. In farmed

areas, bees are needed for the pollination of many cultivated crops and for maintaining

biodiversity in ‘islands’ of non-cultivated areas. The main role of bees in the different

ecosystems is their pollination work. Other animal species are connected with bees: either

because they eat the brood or honey, pollen or wax, because they are parasitic to the bees, or

simply because they live within the bees nest.

What is Bees Venom?

Bee venom (BV) therapy which utilizes the application of bee venom to treat various diseases

has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine Honey bee venom as a well known

pharmacologically active product of the hive. It

is synthesized by the venom glands associated

with the sting apparatus of worker and queens,

stored in the venom reservoir, and injected

through the sting apparatus during the stinging

process.





What is the composition of bees venom?

Bee venom is a complex mixture of proteins, peptides and low molecular components.

Nowadays its components have been characterised. The main components are proteins and

peptides. The composition of fresh and dried BV differs mainly in regards to the volatile

components; the overall biological activity is similar.

What is the main clinical use of bees venom?

Assuming that arthritis is very old human disease and that Homo sapiens has probably found

relief after bee stings, bee stinging is probably the first apitherapy received by humans. The

father of modern Apitherapy the Austrian doctor Philip Terc had rheumatism and cured himself

by bee stings. Terc hypothesised that the stronger the rheumatism form, the stronger the BV

doses should be. He distinguishes three phases of healing: In the first phase the patient

develops a pathological immunity with very weak reaction to bee stinging. In the second he is as

sensitive to BV as normal people, with the development of a local painful reaction. In this phase

healing begins. In the third phase healing is completed. Terc treats his patients with 1 to 50

bees per session. He reports on the treatment of 660 patients. 544 recovered fully, 99 improved

and in the remaining 17 the treatment was not successful.

What is honey?

Honey is defined in the Codex Alimentarius of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the

United Nations as the natural sweet substance produced by honey bee from nectar of blossoms

or from secretions of living part of plants or excretions of plant sucking insects on the living

parts, which honey bees called,transform and combine with specific substances of their own,

store and leave in the honey comb to ripen and mature.It is completely natural product.The-

Codex and most of the food regulations world-wide, specify that no additives are permitted in

honey.Even the product stored in the cells of the honey comb.When bees are fed sugar or

syrups cant legitimately be called honey. Mostly honey is produced by the bees from the nectar

which is secreted in flowers, but bees sometimes also collect the pploem sap of plants, in the

form of honeydew which they collect, then they dry off most of the water to form a thick syrup

which is sealed in the cells of the wax honeycome by thin wax cap.





What is the composition of honey?

Honey is syrup which is highly concentrated solution of a complex mixture of sugars. This

mixture is formed by the action of the bees enzymes on the sugars in the nectar, which are

mainly sucrose with some glucose or fructose depending on the species of plant. The sucrose is

almost all changed to glucose and fructose, which together account for about90% of the total

sugar content of honey. More complex sugars make up the other10%.There is usually more

fructose than glucose present in honey, on average 1.2times more Nectar from different species

of plants contributes different species of plants contributes different amounts of glucose and/or

fructose additional to the sucrose, so some floral types of honey have a relatively high content

of fructose and some a relatively high content of glucose.

Fructose is very soluble in water but

glucose is not. Honey typically is about

17% water after the bees have

evaporated the nectar to form a sugar

syrup. In most types of honey, glucose

will not remain in solution at such a

high concentration, and glucose

crystals are formed. Some honeys

which have a high content of fructose

never crystallize. Besides sugars,

honey contains a wide range of amino

acids and vitamins. However, the

quantities these nutrients present in

the amounts of honey likely to be

eaten are too low to be of nutritional

significance when compared with the recommended daily intake. Honey also contains a wide

range of polyphenols such as flavonoids. These give honey a significant antioxidant activity and

may be involved in some of the therapeutic actions of honey.





What is bee milk?

Bees Milk is a natural dispersion of Beewax in water. Bees Milk makes it possible to Cold

Formulate. A formulator is able to get the benefits of Beeswax in a formulation without having to

heat that phase of the formula. The lipid

composition in Bees Milk closely, mimics.

The natural lipid composition in Bees Milk

closely, mimics the natural lipid

composition of the skin, thus copying the

sins own natural secretion, making Bees

Milk matures emollient. Bees Milk is

stabilized, and is compatible with

surfactants and other compounds of high

ionic strength. Bees Milk very easy to

work with. It is dispersible in water, glycol, and alcohol and provides the opportunity to cold

formulate. Bees Milk is a highly stable emollient former and opacifier.

Scientific innovation.

We have already known the scientific favor of bees products. In the result of our research we

have observed new applications. For the first time we learned dead of bees as increase the

impact of medicine.





Progress in the fight against harmful fungi

Mr. Shaikh Rajesh Ali

Assistant professor, Dept. of Microbiology,

Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, Kol-131

Source: Medical University of Vienna

Summary: One of the world's largest gene libraries for the Candida glabrata yeast, which is

harmful to humans, has been developed by researchers. Molecular analysis of the Candida

glabrata fungus mutations led to the discovery of 28 new genes that are partly responsible for

the yeast's tolerance of common drugs. Infectious diseases caused by fungi, viruses, bacteria

and parasites represent the world's number one cause of death. A few dozen types of harmful

fungi claim more than 1.5 million human lives every year.





A group of researchers at the Max F. Perutz Laboratories has created one of the three

world's largest gene libraries for the Candida glabrata yeast, which is harmful to humans.

Molecular analysis of the Candida glabrata fungus mutations led to the discovery of 28

new genes that are partly responsible for the yeast's tolerance of common drugs.

Infectious diseases caused by fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites represent the world's

number one cause of death. A few dozen types of harmful fungi claim more than 1.5 million

human lives every year. Especially people with a severely weakened immune system are at

particular risk of infections with yeasts of the Candida species, with invasive infections being

fatal in around 40 per cent of cases. Medications are expensive, and fungi are increasingly

developing resistance.

The working group led by Karl Kuchler at the Max F. Perutz Laboratories (MFPL) -- a research

and training centre run jointly between the University of Vienna and the Medical University of

Vienna at the Vienna Biocenter Campus -- coordinated an international study cooperation aimed

at researching new tolerance and virulence genes in Candida glabrata. During this process,

genetic methods were used to generate one of the three world's largest libraries of "knock-out

fungi." More than 600 fungus mutations were created from which a single gene was specifically

removed.

As now published in the journal PLoS Pathogens, the molecular analysis of the Candida

glabrata fungus mutations revealed 28 new genes that confer anti-fungal tolerance, especially to

the popular drug Caspofungin. The study, in which the coordinators in Vienna also collaborated

with groups from the Johns Hopkins University, the Institute Pasteur in Paris, the Fraunhofer

Institute in Stuttgart, the Imperial College in London and the Genomics Institute in Barcelona,

also identified new intra-cellular stress sensors and signal transmitters in Candida glabrata.

Removing these characteristics genetically leads to marked sensitivity to all of the anti-fungal

medications currently used in clinical practice -- including Caspofungin.





"Since genetically removing these virulence factors from Candida glabrata patient isolates

markedly reduces their virulence as well as dramatically increases the fungal pathogens'

sensitivity to medications, these signal transmitters are the best points of attack for the

development of new and highly effective anti-fungal therapies," says Karl Kuchler from the

MFPL. "These findings represent a new milestone in the discovery and characterization of

Candida glabrata resistance genes, laying the foundations for the development of new anti-

fungal medications. This means that, in future, it will be possible to treat the often fatal invasive

infections with pathogenic fungi in a more targeted and efficient manner."

Worldwide, more than Euro 8 billion is spent worldwide on anti-fungal medications, and the

overall costs of treating the conditions caused by pathogenic fungi exceed hundreds of billions

worldwide. The second-most common Candida fungus harmful to humans, Candida glabrata, is

a major clinical problem since it has sophisticated natural tolerance and can demonstrate

resistance triggered by anti-fungal therapy to the most important medications. As a result,

infections with Candida glabrata need to be treated with very expensive drugs such as

Caspofungin. Caspofungin blocks the biogenesis of components of the carbohydrate-rich cell

wall, which is only found in fungi. The treatment of Candida glabrata, however, is becoming

increasingly difficult due to the fact that anti-fungal resistance is common, the costs of

Caspofungin are very high and because the frequency of infections with Candida glabrata has

increased tremendously.

Journal Reference:

Tobias Schwarzmüller, Biao Ma, Ekkehard Hiller, Fabian Istel, Michael Tscherner, Sascha

Brunke, Lauren Ames, Arnaud Firon, Brian Green, Vitor Cabral, Marina Marcet-Houben, Ilse D.

Jacobsen, Jessica Quintin, Katja Seider, Ingrid Frohner, Walter Glaser, Helmut Jungwirth,

Sophie Bachellier-Bassi, Murielle Chauvel, Ute Zeidler, Dominique Ferrandon, Toni Gabaldón,

Bernhard Hube, Christophe d'Enfert, Steffen Rupp, Brendan Cormack, Ken Haynes, Karl

Kuchler. Systematic Phenotyping of a Large-Scale Candida glabrata Deletion Collection

Reveals Novel Antifungal Tolerance Genes. PLoS Pathogens, 2014; 10 (6): e1004211 DOI:

10.1371/journal.ppat.1004211





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Selected ones will be published in

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Thanks,

Microbiology World Team



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Microbiology World Issue 7