Background The genetic polymorphisms (rs708035, rs3844283) of Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinases 2 (IRAK2) is involved in the NFκB regulatory pathway. The frequencies of IRAK2 gene are unknown in Pakistani population. Therefore, the study was designed to examine the association of targeted single nucleotide polymorphism(s) in IRAK2 gene of RA patients. Methodology The study participants were selected by ACR/EULAR 2010 standards. After ethical approval, the blood samples of patients and healthy controls were collected for the extraction of DNA followed by the amplification of targeted polymorphism(s) via Tetra-primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System (T-ARMS PCR). Desired products were observed via agarose gel electrophoresis. Results The allele frequency of wild type A and C is frequent among patients and mutant T and G is frequent among controls. The rs708035 showed significant protective association while rs3844283 was found to be associated with risk of RA. Genetic model associations were applied to determine the role of genotypes. In combination analyses of alleles revealed AC haplotype was found to be associated with risk and TG provide protection against RA. Moreover, targeted SNPs were found to be in 61% Linkage Disequilibrium among the targeted population. Conclusions Current study revealed the protective and risk association of targeted SNPs (rs708035, rs3844283). Study might be beneficial as it provides baseline data regarding targeted SNPs and their role in the disease progression. This could be served as potential biomarker for diagnostic purpose and effectively utilized in precision medicine approach.

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Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is second leading arthritis worldwide which is characterized by severe joint inflammation. There are several environmental and genetic factors that can influence its pathogenesis. Omentin-1, produced by omental adipose tissues has anti-inflammatory property. The study is designed to evaluate the association between Omentin-1 serum levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2274907 and rs2274908) with susceptibility to Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods and Results The study involved 792 participants, 396 RA patients and 396 healthy controls. It was found from ELISA that serum Omentin-1 levels were significantly different between cases and controls (p < 0.0001). After DNA extraction Amplification Refractory Mutation System and Allele-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction were performed. Genotype association analysis showed significant distribution in genotype frequency of rs2274907 (χ2 = 72.6, p < 0.001) in RA patients. According to genetic models, co-dominant AT (4.02 times) and dominant (3.95 times) genotypes for rs2274907 could increase the risk of RA. Allele association analysis suggested that the patients with the T allele conferred higher risk (1.73 times, p < 0.0001) for development of RA. There was no association found for rs2274908 variations. Multi-locus analysis between the targeted polymorphisms showed that TG haplotype was involved in progression of RA (OR = 1.79, p < 0.0001) while AG haplotype have a protective effect towards the disease (OR = 0.44, p < 0.0001). These haplotypes can be inherited with 90% linkage disequilibrium. Conclusions It is evaluated from the results that the genetic variant of Omentin-1 polymorphism (A/T rs2274907) may act as possible molecular and genetic targets for early diagnosis of RA and help to develop better therapeutic protocols.

ZIKV is the most promising mosquito borne Arbovirus infection. Aedes mosquitoes are responsible for causing this disease. About 80% of infections are asymptomatic. Our aim is to get an overview about the epidemics of ZIKV infections throughout the years from the first case in Uganda whyich occurred in 1947 till now. Studies reveal that the disease occurs from being mild to severer with complications like microcephaly, fetal malformations and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). It arises from the regions of Africa, Nigeria, Sierra, Leone, and Gabon. Diagnosis occurs through PCR; Zika viruses can cross-react with other flaviviruses. There are various factors that are vague regarding the Pathogenicity of ZIKV. No medication and vaccine are available for treating Zika virus infection. Vaccine of Zika is expected to arrive soon. If the modern procedures are followed and chased appropriately it could lead to the control of this infection.

Foodborne diseases are the world's main problem in a society nowadays; many phytochemicals are of great interest to scientists. Herbal medicines can be used to treat many infectious diseases. In our study, we focus on screening of antibacterial activity of the lemon (Citrus limon) and orange (Citrus sinesis) peels against various pathogens. Bioactive compounds have been found in variety of citrus fruits that have favorable impact on human health. The major component; flavonoids have been found in the peels of citrus fruits in large amount. Citrus peel has a rich amount of flavonoid and other poly methylated flavonoids (exceptional to some plants). These antibacterial compounds exhibit antibacterial activity and have wide application in both food and pharmaceuticals industries. The citrus peel extracts show effective antimicrobial activity. The antagonistic activity of selected citrus peel extracts was determined by agar well diffusion; against test organisms i.e. Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Bacillus subtilis isolated from food products. Effectiveness of peel extracts are measured in terms of inhibitory zones in millimeter. The methanol extract of lemon peel displayed zone of inhibition in between 5mm to 8mm and methanol extract of orange peel displayed zone of inhibition about 10mm and 11mm. It was observed that lemon peel extract has maximum antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (8mm) and minimum antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi (5mm) whereas orange peel extract has maximum antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (11mm) and minimum antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi (10mm). Both Citrus peels extract showed considerable antibacterial activity against all tested foodborne pathogens. Our main focus was the use of herbal treatments against various infections which overcome the emergence of upcoming superbugs.