Pakistan BioMedical Journal

Production and Evaluation of Polyclonal Antibodies Against Surface Protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Diagnostic and Vaccine Implications

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), which causes tuberculosis (TB), is a significant health threat in the world. The diagnosis of early active and latent TB is still a problem. Serological methods have potential benefits of offering a fast and cost-effective diagnosis, although they need to be further refined to become clinically reliable. Objectives: To generate and test polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) of surface proteins of MTB as a potentially useful immunodiagnostic application. Methods: Extraction of surface proteins of MTB was done with the use of PBS and Tween-20, and rabbits were immunized with antigen-adjuvant mixtures. The serum was gathered, and titers of antibodies were determined by an indirect ELISA. Results: Rabbits vaccinated against the surface proteins of MTB generated high-titer antibodies, and the median absorbance of the 1:1600 dilution was 1.42 0.15, which was significantly higher (p<0.001) when compared to their controls that were not immunized. The endpoint titer, which was 1:12,800, was geometric, indicating that immunization and antibody were successful. Conclusions: The paper shows that it is possible to produce polyclonal antibodies against the proteins of the surface of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is going to serve as a basis for the future development of serological diagnostic instruments.

Newborn Care Practices and Perceptions among Mothers in Islamabad, Pakistan: A Mixed Method Approach

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The levels of neonatal mortality in Pakistan are also among the highest in the world, and the factors that define the practice of newborn care are strong and culturally determined. Objectives: To explain maternal attitude and practice of newborn care in Islamabad, focusing on cultural beliefs and socio-economic factors affecting the health conditions of neonatal care. Methods: Mixed-method design was used, where quantitative data were collected by use of 384 mothers of infants aged 0-6 months on quantitative questionnaires, and qualitative data on 10 in-depth interviews. Data analysis was done through thematic analysis on qualitative results and descriptive and inferential statistics, i.e., ANOVA and chi-square on the quantitative results. Results: Traditional practices, the views of the elders, and old cultures were mostly prevalent in medical advice. The quantitative data showed significant associations between demographic factors, such as maternal age, education, parity, and delivery place, with newborn care practices, i.e., the initiation of breastfeeding, colostrum usage, and skin-to-skin contact. The interviews also revealed that thematic analysis of the interviews pointed to the role of family customs and societal norms in such practices. Conclusions: The evidence taken altogether indicates that there is an immediate necessity to have evidence-based and culturally responsive interventions that are context-specific.

Study of Rheumatic Mitral Valve Stenosis Using Echocardiography

Areeba Akram, Almeera Anwar, Rimsha Rasheed, Neha Tanveer — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rheumatic mitral valve stenosis (RMVS) is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular morbidity in developing nations, which typically leads to severe hemodynamic phenomena in the case of non-prompt diagnosis. Echocardiography is used to determine the severity of the disease and treatment. Objectives: To assess the echocardiographic appearances of patients with RMVS, as well as to estimate the rate and intensity of mitral valve involvement by various demographic factors. Methods: 50 patients aged 21- 60-year-old diagnosed with RMVS were studied with transthoracic echocardiography. Mitral valve area (MVA), mean pressure gradient (MPG), and pressure half-time (PHT) were read. Descriptive statistics were done to analyze the data and present the data in the form of mean SD. Results: The sample size was 74 female and 26 male, and the average age of the study population was 36.8%, aged 9.4 years. The average MPG was 11.2-3.8 mmHg, average PHT was 198-54 ms, and average MVA was 0.96- 0.21 cm². Severe stenosis (MVA<1 cm²) was noted in 46% of patients, and 68% of patients demonstrated an MPG greater than 10 mmHg. This affected women more than men because women demonstrated more severe disease profiles. There were no major differences between the age and severity of the disease. Conclusions: A Large percentage of patients reported with severe RMVS, with women leading. MPG, MVA, and PHT are parameters of the Echocardiography that show the severity of the disease.

Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease: The Diagnostic Value of Ultrasonography

Muhammad Ahmad Naeem — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to a lasting decline in kidney function, which is characterized by a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) lower than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 or tracers of kidney injury at least three months [1]. Kidneys are important wedge-shaped organs located on both sides of the spine and eliminate waste products and surplus fluid in the body. CKD is a major health issue in the world, which is directly associated with the enhanced morbidity, death, and cardiovascular risk.

Increased renal echogenicity, a decreased parenchymal and cortical thickness, and a decrease in renal length are ultrasound changes which are signs of permanent structural injury. With the development of CKD, echogenicity increases whereas the size and cortical thickness of the kidney decrease. The length of the kidneys less than 10 cm is usually an indication of irreversible permanent damage [2].

CKD is classified based on GFR into five levels including Stage 1 (GFR 90 or more), Stage 2 (60 to 89), Stage 3a (45 to 59), Stage 3b (30 to 44), Stage 4 (15 to 29), and Stage 5 (below 15 mL/min/1.73 m 2) [3]. Other complementary biomarkers like plasma 2-trace protein (BTP) and cystatin C enhance the precision of the diagnosis and help in determining the risk of progression [4]. Ultrasonography improves early detection and accuracy in staging that allows kidney failure to be prevented and intervened in time.

Social and lifestyle determinants such as alcohol and tobacco consumption, nutritional habits, sedentary habits, stress, social isolation, and financial constraints are significant risk factors of CKD. The major causes of end stage renal failure are hypertension and diabetes. Ultrasonographic evaluation is essential in the detection of irreversible changes in the kidney early and in the management of the condition as CKD progresses. Widespread adoption of ultrasound screening, accompanied by health education of the population, would help to considerably decrease the CKD burden. Promoting better health lifestyles and regular renal examination is an effective and realistic way of preventing kidney failure and enhancing the health outcomes of populations [5,6].

Management of the CKD associated with diabetes should be well-monitored both in terms of kidney damage and kidney functioning. Prevention of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity is thus important through the use of public health initiatives. Sufficient management of these conditions can greatly decrease CKD-incidence, whereas lifestyle changes such as balanced diet, physical exercise, and smoking should be taken into consideration as preventive measures.