Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Enrichment of Empty Oil Palm Fruit Bunch Biochar with Actinomycetes Bacteria as a Microbial Inoculant Carrier.","authors":"Muh Rispan Ady, Baharuddin Patandjengi, Nasaruddin, Ifayanti Ridwan","doi":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.121.130","DOIUrl":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.121.130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Biochar is widely recognized for its porous structure, stability and large surface area, making it a promising carrier for beneficial soil microorganisms. However, limited information exists regarding its efficiency in supporting actinomycete enrichment at varying bacterial densities. This study addressed this gap by evaluating the colonization potential of biochar enriched with actinomycetes. The objective was to determine the optimal bacterial density and dilution level for maximizing colony formation under controlled laboratory conditions. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The experiment was conducted from July to October 2024 at the Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Centre for Research Activities (CRA), Hasanuddin University, using a randomized group design with three replications. Actinomycetes were inoculated onto biochar at three bacterial densities (10&lt;sup&gt;4&lt;/sup&gt;, 10&lt;sup&gt;8&lt;/sup&gt; and 10&lt;sup&gt;12&lt;/sup&gt; CFU/mL) and three dilution levels (10&lt;sup&gt;5&lt;/sup&gt;, 10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; and 10&lt;sup&gt;7&lt;/sup&gt;). Colony observations were recorded weekly for four weeks. Visual colony morphology was documented and environmental conditions (pH, temperature and humidity) were monitored. Data were tabulated and analyzed using ANOVA and significant treatment effects (p<0.05 or p<0.01) were further compared using Tukey's HSD test at α = 0.05. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Actinomycete isolates consistently exhibited round, raised colonies with irregular edges and smooth to wrinkled surfaces. The highest average colony count occurred at pH 7.93, 24.8°C and 66% humidity. The 10&lt;sup&gt;8&lt;/sup&gt; CFU/g enrichment showed the greatest colony formation during the first week, reaching 4.5×10&lt;sup&gt;9&lt;/sup&gt; CFU/g, significantly higher than the 10&lt;sup&gt;4&lt;/sup&gt; and 10&lt;sup&gt;12&lt;/sup&gt; CFU/g treatments. Among dilution levels, 10&lt;sup&gt;7&lt;/sup&gt; produced the highest colony count (4.5×10&lt;sup&gt;9&lt;/sup&gt; CFU/g), showing a significant difference compared with 10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; and 10&lt;sup&gt;5&lt;/sup&gt;. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Biochar demonstrated strong potential as a suitable carrier medium for actinomycete enrichment, with the 10&lt;sup&gt;8&lt;/sup&gt; CFU/g density and 10&lt;sup&gt;7&lt;/sup&gt; dilution yielding optimal growth. These findings highlight biochar's promise as an effective microbial inoculant for enhancing soil health and supporting sustainable agriculture. Further research should explore field-scale validation and long-term microbial stability.</p>","PeriodicalId":19800,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"29 3","pages":"121-130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148056025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Vitamin D Status of Apparently Healthy Adults in Worldwide Regions.","authors":"Alneil Hamza, Alyasa M Elfaki, Mohamed N Ibrahim, Sara Osman Yousif, Eman Fawzy Elazab","doi":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.160.170","DOIUrl":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.160.170","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plasma vitamin D, measured as 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, age, gender, skin pigmentation, sunlight exposure, latitude, sunscreen use, diet and supplementation. Globally, vitamin D deficiency is frequently reported among healthy populations, yet comprehensive analyses summarizing its prevalence are limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess 25(OH)D status among healthy adults across different regions worldwide. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar for observational studies published in English between 2013 and 2024. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and the I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; statistic, with significance set at p<0.10; I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; values were interpreted as low (0-40%), moderate (30-60%), substantial (50-90%) and considerable (75-100%). Due to significant heterogeneity, a random-effects model was employed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. A total of 394,548 participants from 56 studies across 30 countries were included. The pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 55% (95% CI: 49.0-60.0%), with considerable heterogeneity (Q p<0.001; I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 100%). Subgroup analysis showed the highest deficiency in the Middle East (62%; 95% CI: 54-70%), followed by Asia (54%; 95% CI: 39-69%), Africa (43%; 95% CI: 24-63%), and Europe (43%; 95% CI: 23-63%). Weighted mean vitamin D levels ranged from 8.4±0.5 ng/mL to 37.7±10.8 ng/mL, with an overall mean of 20.14±6.7 ng/mL. Regionally, the Middle East had the lowest recalculated weighted mean level (17.8 ng/mL), followed by Asia (20.4 ng/mL), Europe (26.8 ng/mL), \"Others\" (28.0 ng/mL) and Africa (29.2 ng/mL, influenced by one high outlier study). These findings reveal a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy adults, particularly in the Middle East, but with the lowest mean levels observed in the Middle East and marked regional disparities, highlighting marked regional disparities.</p>","PeriodicalId":19800,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"29 3","pages":"160-170"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148056068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Vitamin D on Biochemical Parameters of Diabetic Wistar Rats.","authors":"Geovane Ribeiro Dos Santos, Heryck Jose Stella, Eduarda Taniguchi Rodrigues Figueira, Leticia Ledo Silva, Wasfi Nasser Shahin, Halana Lamar Queiroga, Carolina Monteiro Marques, Bruna Maria Adami Martins, Rafael Nunes Ferraz, Gabrielle Eugenia Santos Costa, Mercia Breda Stella","doi":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.140.146","DOIUrl":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.140.146","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Diabetes mellitus, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, disrupts multiple physiological systems. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic models replicate these disturbances, including elevated glucose, liver and kidney dysfunction, and altered lipid profiles. Vitamin D, known for its role in bone metabolism, also modulates biochemical and inflammatory pathways, potentially offering protective effects against diabetes-induced metabolic changes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on biochemical parameters in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (non-diabetic), non-diabetic+vitamin D, diabetic, and diabetic+vitamin D. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of STZ (35 mg/kg). After the confirmation of hyperglycemia (≥250 mg/dL), the supplemented groups received vitamin D (cholecalciferol, 80 IU/day) for 30 days. Glucose, urea, creatinine, amylase, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, and total bilirubin and fractions were evaluated. Differences were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The diabetic group exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05) in glucose, urea, creatinine, triglycerides, AST, ALT, and total bilirubin and fractions, as well as a reduction in HDL-cholesterol, when compared to the control group. Vitamin D supplementation promoted a reduction in glucose, urea, creatinine, triglyceride, and AST levels and an increase in HDL-cholesterol in the diabetic+vitamin D group. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Vitamin D showed potential as a modulator of biochemical parameters altered by STZ, indicating a hepatorenal protective effect and improvement of lipid and glycemic profiles.</p>","PeriodicalId":19800,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"29 3","pages":"140-146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148056089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Properties of <i>Bacillus</i> sp. Strains with Antifungal and Plant Growth Promoting Activities.","authors":"Huyen Nguyen Thanh, Canh Xuan Nguyen, Huyen Dang Khanh Nguyen, Phuong Nguyen Thu Phan, Tam Thi Thanh Dang","doi":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.131.139","DOIUrl":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.131.139","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Onion (&lt;i&gt;Allium cepa&lt;/i&gt; L.) is one of the most important commercial vegetable crops worldwide with high economic value. However, fungal diseases seriously threaten onion production by reducing yield and bulb quality. For sustainable disease management, the use of biological control agents has emerged as an environmentally friendly and effective alternative to chemical fungicides. This study aimed to select potential antifungal bacteria that can promote plant growth in onion. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Bacterial isolates were isolated from rhizosphere soil samples, screened and characterized for antifungal activities. Strong antagonistic bacterial strains were selected. These bacterial strains were identified and characterized by their biochemical features. In addition, three selected strains were evaluated for their growth-promoting capacity by pot assay. All experiments were conducted in triplicate; data were expressed as mean±SD and analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p<0.05) in GraphPad Prism 9.3.1. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Three bacterial. strains exhibited strong antagonistic activity against &lt;i&gt;Sclerotium rolfsii&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Curvularia lunata&lt;/i&gt; through the production of diffusible compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, physiological and biochemical characterization revealed that all strains belonged to the genus &lt;i&gt;Bacillus.&lt;/i&gt; Moreover, soil amendment with the culture of &lt;i&gt;Bacillus&lt;/i&gt; sp. T3, T33 and T36 significantly enhanced onion growth. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; These findings suggest that the selected &lt;i&gt;Bacillus&lt;/i&gt; sp. strains represent promising candidates for the development of biocontrol agents against fungal pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":19800,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"29 3","pages":"131-139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148056051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metagenomic Insights into Rhizosphere Fungal Communities Across Different Rice Cultivation Systems.","authors":"Syatrawati, Tutik Kuswinanti, Andi Nasruddin, Ade Rosmana, Hikmahwati","doi":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.147.159","DOIUrl":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.147.159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Rhizosphere fungi play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and plant protection, yet most are difficult to cultivate using conventional methods. Consequently, their ecological functions remain largely unknown. Therefore, metagenomic approaches allow for comprehensive and accurate mapping of fungal taxonomic profiles without the need for cultivation and this study investigated the variation of rhizosphere fungi across different rice cultivation systems to elucidate their diverse potentials. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; A metagenomic approach was employed to identify fungi originating from the rhizosphere of rice cultivated in various field conditions, including irrigated, rainfed and organic rice fields. The diversity of fungi from rhizosphere samples was assessed to comprehend the relationships and metrics within the rice cropping systems utilized by farmers. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The findings indicated that the rhizosphere fungal index from organic rice fields exhibited the highest Shannon and Simpson index values compared to those from irrigated and rainfed rice fields. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Metagenomic analysis revealed that the most dominant fungal diversity at the family level was Trichocomaceae, at the genus level was Talaromyces and at the species level was &lt;i&gt;Talaromyces wortmannii&lt;/i&gt;.</p>","PeriodicalId":19800,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"29 3","pages":"147-159"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148056107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization, Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Fish Protein Hydrolysate from Payangka (<i>Ophieleotris aporos</i>) using Papain and Bromelain.","authors":"F Fatimah, S Gugule, C P Maanari, I Setyawati, A R P Utami, Mustapa","doi":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.92.101","DOIUrl":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.92.101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Payangka fish (&lt;i&gt;Ophieleotris aporos&lt;/i&gt;), an underutilized endemic species from Lake Tondano, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, represents a potential resource for sustainable food fortification. Despite comprising 35% of the local catch, its biochemical valorization remains unexplored. This study aimed to optimize the enzymatic hydrolysis of Payangka fish muscle protein using papain and bromelain to produce bioactive hydrolysates suitable for functional food applications. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Fish protein hydrolysis was performed at 55°C with a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:4, using varying concentrations of papain and bromelain. The resulting hydrolysates were characterized for degree of hydrolysis (DH), proximate composition, color, amino acid profile and antioxidant activity. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess the effect of enzyme type and concentration on hydrolysis and bioactivity. Differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Increasing enzyme concentration positively correlated with DH. Papain achieved optimal DH (86.5±0.01% to 93.13±0.01%) within 2 hrs, whereas bromelain reached 71.94±0.01% to 84.01±0.01% after 8 hrs. Papain-derived hydrolysates (2 hrs, 4% enzyme) showed increased protein content (0.52-0.68%) and the highest antioxidant activity (85.76%). Total essential and non-essential amino acids were 74.47 ppm and 86.30 ppm, respectively, with lysine (26.65 ppm), leucine (15.02 ppm) and valine (11.01 ppm) being dominant essential amino acids and glutamic acid (26.34 ppm), aspartic acid (17.53 ppm) and alanine (9.83 ppm) as dominant non-essential amino acids. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Fish protein hydrolysate from Payangka, particularly using 4% papain, demonstrates high bioactivity and favorable amino acid composition, highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient for food fortification. Future research could explore its incorporation into food products and long-term bioactivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":19800,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"29 2","pages":"92-101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147390591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Gynura procumbens</i> Modulates VEGF Expression in Diabetic Wounds: Evidence from Immunohistochemistry and <i>in silico</i> Analysis.","authors":"Risma Dumiri Manurung, Suriani Ginting, Syahputra Wibowo, Naufal Abiyyu, Alfia Fitrianita, Putri Cahaya Situmorang","doi":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.76.91","DOIUrl":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.76.91","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Chronic hyperglycemia causes oxidative stress, immunological dysfunction and decreased angiogenesis, compromising wound healing. Wound healing requires VEGF, which stimulates angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the ethanolic extract of &lt;i&gt;Gynura procumbens&lt;/i&gt; leaves on VEGF expression in diabetic wound tissue using &lt;i&gt;in vivo&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;in silico&lt;/i&gt; approaches. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This study divided 30 alloxan-induced rats into five groups: Diabetic controls and those given Bioplacenton ointment and topical &lt;i&gt;G. procumbens&lt;/i&gt; extract at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg bw. Histology included hematoxylin-eosin staining and VEGF immunohistochemistry. The active chemicals of &lt;i&gt;G. procumbens&lt;/i&gt; were examined using LC-MS/MS and VEGF was tested &lt;i&gt;in silico&lt;/i&gt; utilizing molecular docking and dynamics. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, with results expressed as Mean±SD and significance set at p<0.05. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Gynura procumbens&lt;/i&gt; extract increased epithelial thickness, collagen density and balanced the number of fibroblasts in diabetic wounds, with the best results at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight. VEGF expression increased significantly in group A3 compared to the untreated diabetic group. &lt;i&gt;In silico&lt;/i&gt; tests showed that Mahuannin F had the highest binding affinity for VEGF (-7.2 kcal/mol) and was able to stabilize the VEGF structure disrupted by alloxan through hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations supported the conformational stabilization of VEGF by Mahuannin F. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Diabetes wounds with topically administered&lt;i&gt; G. procumbens &lt;/i&gt;extract had higher VEGF expression and better skin tissue architecture. Active substances like Mahuannin F, VEGF structural stabilizers, promote this chemical process.</p>","PeriodicalId":19800,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"29 2","pages":"76-91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147390620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quorum Quenching Potential of the Indigenous Kalimantan Fern <i>Stenochlaena palustris</i> Against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>.","authors":"Sylvia Utami Tunjung Pratiwi, Titik Tri Handayani, Hasyrul Hamzah, Rafika Sari, Ema Damayanti, Hayu Swari Allimi, Luthfi Nurhidayat","doi":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.60.75","DOIUrl":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.60.75","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Plant-derived compounds that disrupt bacterial quorum sensing (QS) provide alternatives to combat antibiotic resistance. This quorum quenching (QQ) strategy reduces virulence without inhibiting growth, thus minimizing resistance. Kelakai (&lt;i&gt;Stenochlaena palustris&lt;/i&gt; (Burm.) Bedd.), an endemic Kalimantan plant traditionally used by the Dayak people, was evaluated for QQ activity against &lt;i&gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Ethanolic extract of &lt;i&gt;S. palustris&lt;/i&gt; leaves was prepared by maceration with 96% ethanol. The extract was tested for inhibition of &lt;i&gt;P. aeruginosa &lt;/i&gt;motility, pyocyanin production and LasA activity. Antibiofilm effects were assessed using the microtiter plate method, EPS quantified, chemical profiling performed by Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and acute toxicity evaluated in &lt;i&gt;Rasbora lateristriata&lt;/i&gt; embryos. The results from three independent trials were analyzed in SPSS using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunn's test, with significance set at p<0.05. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; At 0.25 mg/mL, the extract inhibited swarming and twitching by 58.04±0.46% and 64.98±0.25%, reduced LasA activity to 58.27±0.70% and reduced pyocyanin to 49.96±1.15%. Although antibacterial activity was weak, at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL the extract caused 52.47±0.58% inhibition of &lt;i&gt;P. aeruginosa&lt;/i&gt; biofilm formation and &lt;i&gt;P. aeruginosa&lt;/i&gt; EPS was reduced to 67.40±0.54% of the untreated control. At a concentration of 1 mg/mL, pre-formed biofilm was eradicated as much as 58.52±0.23%. The LC-HRMS identified (-)-Strychnine, D-(+)-Pipecolinic acid and Ethyl oleate as major constituents. Toxicity testing revealed developmental toxicity in embryos at 0.06 mg/mL. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Stenochlaena palustris&lt;/i&gt; ethanol extract showed strong QQ activity against &lt;i&gt;P. aeruginosa&lt;/i&gt;, underscoring its potential as a natural anti-infective. Further isolation of active compounds with reduced toxicity is required for therapeutic development.</p>","PeriodicalId":19800,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"29 2","pages":"60-75"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147390579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Utilizing Molecular Docking to Investigate Some Phenolic Acid Phytochemical Interactions with Platelet Aggregation Pathway Proteins.","authors":"Rehab Neirat, Siba Shanak, Ahmad Qasrawi, Heba Abuzeid, Mohammad Omar, Rawan Rabaya'a","doi":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.110.120","DOIUrl":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.110.120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Platelet aggregation plays a critical role in hemostasis and thrombosis and its dysregulation can lead to cardiovascular disorders such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Phytochemicals derived from plants have shown potential in modulating platelet function, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the interactions of selected phytochemicals with key proteins involved in platelet aggregation pathways to explore their potential antiplatelet effects. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; In this &lt;i&gt;in silico&lt;/i&gt; study, five phytochemicals-caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, gallic acid and salicylic acid-were docked onto four target proteins: Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 1 (PTGS1), prostacyclin synthase (PGIS), Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and Protease-Activated Receptor 1 (PAR1). Computational molecular docking techniques were used to evaluate binding modes and affinities, providing insights into potential modulatory effects on platelet function. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Coumaric acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid exhibited significant interactions with all four target proteins, demonstrating favorable binding affinities and stable docking conformations. These interactions suggest their potential to modulate platelet aggregation pathways. Notably, coumaric acid showed the strongest binding to PTGS1 and GPVI, indicating a possible mechanism for its antiplatelet activity. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; The study provides molecular-level evidence supporting the antiplatelet potential of selected phytochemicals, particularly coumaric, caffeic and chlorogenic acids. These findings lay the groundwork for future experimental and clinical investigations into their therapeutic applications in cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":19800,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"29 2","pages":"110-120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147390584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Melatonin as a Modulator of Osseointegration: Mechanisms, Evidence and Clinical Potential in Implant Dentistry.","authors":"Georgia Petraki, Sofia Stefania Boutiou, Androniki Athanasiou, Angelos Sfyrakis Velivasakis, Panagiotis Kafas, Mohammed Al Khawalde, Theodoros Lillis, Nikolaos Dabarakis","doi":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.102.109","DOIUrl":"10.3923/pjbs.2026.102.109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Osseointegration, the biological integration of dental implants with bone, is critical for the long-term success of implant-supported restorations. Despite advances in implant materials and techniques, achieving rapid and reliable bone healing remains a challenge. Melatonin, a biologically active molecule with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, has shown potential to enhance bone regeneration and implant stability. This study aims to evaluate the role of melatonin in promoting osseointegration and to explore its potential clinical applications in implant dentistry. A narrative review of laboratory, animal and preliminary clinical studies investigating the effects of melatonin on bone healing and implant stability was conducted. Studies were selected based on the use of melatonin in local application, systemic supplementation or incorporation into implant surfaces. Key outcomes assessed included osteoblast activity, osteoclast inhibition, vascularization, bone density and healing time. Laboratory and animal studies demonstrated that melatonin enhances osteoblast proliferation, reduces osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and promotes vascularization through the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor. Preliminary clinical studies indicated improved bone density on radiographic assessment and reduced healing time following local melatonin application. However, evidence remains limited and heterogeneity in dosing, administration methods and follow-up periods was observed. Melatonin shows promising potential to enhance osseointegration and accelerate bone healing in dental implant procedures. While initial findings are encouraging, optimal dosing, delivery methods and long-term safety remain unclear. Well-designed, controlled clinical trials are necessary before melatonin can be recommended as a standard adjunct in implant dentistry.</p>","PeriodicalId":19800,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"29 2","pages":"102-109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147390581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}