Arsalan Rasheed

CHIEF ORGANIZER AND FOCAL PERSON MESSAGE Dear Participants, It is with immense pleasure and excitement that I extend my warmest welcome to you for the upcoming 1st International Conference on Recent Trends in Improving Resistance Against Diseases Using Molecular Genetics and OMICS Tools. As the Chief Organizer and Focal Person, it is truly an honor to host this groundbreaking event at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan in the picturesque city of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Our conference aims to bring together a diverse and accomplished group of researchers, scholars, and practitioners who share a common passion for advancing the frontiers of science, particularly in the crucial areas of One Health, Combatting Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Livestock Improvement, and OMICS: The Future. Over the course of two enriching days, we anticipate dynamic discussions and thought-provoking presentations that will not only deepen our understanding of the challenges we face but also inspire innovative solutions. Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, nestled in the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provides a fitting backdrop for this collaborative exchange of ideas. The themes of the conference are not just topics of conversation; they represent the core issues that demand our attention and collective effort. One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of various facets of health, underscoring the need for collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches. Combatting Diseases and addressing Antimicrobial Resistance are critical in safeguarding public health globally, and discussions on Livestock Improvement are integral to the sustainability of agricultural systems. OMICS: The Future heralds a new era of scientific exploration and discovery, powered by advanced technologies. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizing committee, esteemed keynote speakers, and all contributors who have worked tirelessly to make this conference a reality. Your commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting collaboration is truly commendable. As the Chief Organizer and Focal Person, I encourage you to actively engage in the sessions, network with fellow participants, and seize the opportunity to shape the future of scientific research in these vital areas. The abstracts presented at the conference will not only be published in the abstract book but will also contribute significantly to the global scientific discourse. Once again, welcome to the 1st International Conference on Recent Trends in Improving Resistance Against Diseases. Let us make these two days a memorable and transformative experience for us all. Best Regards, Dr. Tahir Usman Chief Organizer and Focal Person

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disorder where pregnant women have difficulty processing glucose, which influences the mother’s and the fetus’s health. The rising prevalence of GDM, often linked to obesity, highlights the need to study its processes and develop appropriate treatment techniques. Conventional diagnostic approaches may not accurately anticipate or address genetic predispositions, emphasizing the need for further investigation. Objective This study aims to explore genetic and biotechnological approaches to improve diagnostics, treatment, and public health strategies for GDM. Methodology This research was carried out in two hospitals in Pakistan over a period of 12 months, from January to December 2023. A sample size of 260 was determined using an anticipated GDM prevalence of 15%. The data were obtained by administering structured questionnaires, doing anthropometric measures, and analyzing blood samples for genetic information. The statistical study included the use of descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to examine the relationships between genetic markers and the risk of GDM. The significance level of these associations was assessed using a p-value of <0.05. Results Among the 260 individuals with GDM included in the research, 52 (20.00%) and 73 (28.08%) patients had the TCF7L2 risk variation. The study found that the TCF7L2 and FTO risk polymorphisms were linked to a higher likelihood of developing GDM among the participants. The association was statistically significant, with p-values of 0.012 and 0.045, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the TCF7L2 risk variant had an odds ratio of 2.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-4.56, p = 0.012), while the FTO risk variant had an odds ratio of 1.97 (95% CI: 1.05-3.70, p = 0.045). There is a substantial association between consuming a large amount of sugar (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.15-3.82, p = 0.017) and engaging in little physical activity (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.07-3.22, p = 0.025) and an increased risk of GDM. Treatment brought the glucose levels of people with GDM down to normal in 68.49% of cases. Conclusion Integrating genetic screening for TCF7L2 and FTO variants with lifestyle modifications may enhance early detection and personalized management of GDM, leading to improved maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Vitamin D plays a vital role in health; therefore, there is a need for a sensitive, selective, quick, and easy technique for its determination. Previous research has proposed electrochemical biosensors based on different carbon materials that are functionalized with various electrochemical biosensors. However, the existing problems and future opportunities for these sensors need further research. The practical use of electrochemical biosensors for vitamin D detection is attributed to their ability to detect vitamin D from diverse samples, including vitamin D production, in nature. This chapter provides recent investigations on the utilization of electrochemical biosensors for vitamin D detection such as Ab-25OHD/SPE/FMTAD, CYP27B1/GCE, SiO2/GO/Ni(OH)2/GCE, BSA/Ab-VD2/CD-CH/ITO, BSA/Anti VD/Fe3O4 PANnFs/ITO, BSA/Ab-VD/Asp-Gd2O3NRs/ITO, 25OHD, 25OHD Antibody, IoT-Enabled Enzyme Embossed Biosensor, Au-Pt NPs/APTES/FTO, and GCN-β-CD/Au nanocomposite. The chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in electrochemical biosensors for accurate and efficient vitamin D detection.

Introduction: 90% of visually impaired people live in developing countries. There are various types of vision impairment, but the focus of the current study is retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Up to now, 150 mutations have been reported that are linked with RP. Methodology: Healthy and affected members from two Pakistani families (RP01 and RP02) segregating autosomal recessive RP were selected for DNA extraction. PCR was conducted, and the amplified PCR products were analyzed using Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) and visualized in the Gel Doc system for linkage analysis. The Gene Hunter 2.1r5 tool in the Simple Linkage v5.052 beta software suite was used to conduct multipoint parametric linkage analysis on the two consanguineous families examined on the 6K Illumina array. Exons and intron-exon borders of all known arRP genes found in homozygous areas were sequenced in the matching probands using a 3130 automated sequencer and the Big Dye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Kit v3.1. The mutation study was carried out using the AlaMut 1.5 program. Results: In both families, linkage analysis was performed using microsatellite marker DIS422 for gene crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) and microsatellite marker D8S2332 for gene Retinitis Pigmentosa 1 (RP1). Multipoint linkage analysis identifies genomic regions that could potentially contain the genetic defect. In family RP01, only a single peak with a maximal multipoint LOD score of 3.00 was identified on chromosome 1, whereas in family RP02, multiple peaks with multipoint LOD scores of 1.80 were identified on chromosome 8. Analysis of the CRB1 gene revealed a homozygous substitution of glycine for valine (c.1152T>G; p.V243G), whereas the RP1 gene demonstrated that leucine was substituted for proline as a result of cytosine to thymine transfer (c.3419C>T; p. P1035L). Conclusion: Homozygosity mapping is a powerful method for finding genetic abnormalities that are both precise and comprehensive for identifying harmful variations in consanguineous families. This method is invaluable for providing accurate clinical diagnostic and genetic advice in remote regions of Pakistan while also increasing knowledge about autosomal recessive diseases and the dangers of mixing.

Background: COVID-19 vaccines are found to be effective interventions to tackle COVID-19. However, the hesitancy towards its acceptance has been rising in Pakistan. This study highlights the opinion of the general population in Pakistan regarding the acceptance and hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey study was conducted among Pakistanis from December 2021 to January 2022. Adult respondents that have and have not received COVID-19 vaccinations were included in this study. Data collection was obtained through questionnaires that assessed acceptance and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software version 25 for Windows. Results: We obtained 367 respondents with 333 respondents completing the questionnaire. There were 259 respondents who have been vaccinated. A total of 67.9% of responses agreed that vaccines could control the COVID-19 pandemic. The reasons for not getting vaccination were afraid of adverse effects (48.6%) and COVID-19 vaccines not being tested thoroughly (30.9%). The main reason for vaccine acceptance was awareness about vaccines (23.1%), a belief that vaccines can stop severe COVID-19 disease (16.8%), and self-protection (14.7%). Conclusion: Most Pakistanis agreed that vaccines could manage the pandemic. Vaccine acceptance was contributed by the awareness and belief regarding the protective effects of vaccines while vaccine hesitancy was due to the public’s doubt about the vaccines’ side effects and testing. The Pakistan government should focus on emphasizing knowledge about vaccines, educating the vaccines’ adverse effects, and utilizing social media in doing so.

The pneumonia is a significant public health issue because it raises the mortality and morbidity in people of all ages (2.56 million deaths worldwide each year) and has high medical and financial expenses. The two types of pneumonia i.e. community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). The incidences of multi-drug resistance in gram negative bacteria create difficulty in treatment and have negative effect on patients’ results. Antimicrobial resistance has also increased with passage of time. The goal of the current study was to describe microbial pneumonia with a focus on the pathogens’ etiology, pathogenicity, epidemiology, resistance pathways, diagnosis updates, and vaccine issues in order to address the issue before it has serious consequences. When choosing an antibiotic medication, clinicians face a significant challenge due to the emergence of novel illnesses, the increase in bacteria with multiple medication resistance, and germs that are challenging to cure. It is demonstrated that the effectiveness of first antimicrobial treatment is a critical issue for mortality in pneumonia, it is imperative to manage and effectively guide adequate antibiotic treatment. This requires the knowledge of engagement of the numerous pathogens in etiology of pneumonia. Additionally, until microbiological data are known and prompt de-escalation cannot be conducted; broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy may occasionally be administered. An overview of the epidemiology, resistance trends, microbiological etiology, and microbial diagnostics of pneumonia is given in this review.

Background: The SARS-COV-2's spread from continent to the continent has resulted in an increased number of mutations in the viral gene encoding proteins. As a result, mutations in target proteins provide a significant challenge in creating antiviral drugs and vaccines. The present review discussed the COVID-19 epidemiology and the effects of drugs being tested against COVID-19/SARS-COV-2. Dosage of these drugs along with associated challenges was also discussed. Methodology: Systematic review was conducted after a thorough search in the "PubMed, NIH, Elsevier, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar database. 45 studies on drugs associated with COVID-19 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. Results: The FDA only accepted the Remdesivir drug against SARS-COV-2, as the hospitalized patients recovered very quickly by taking it. Antiviral EIDD-2801 has been found to make the SARS-COV-2 unable to infect cells by causing genetic modifications in the virus RNA. Similarly, Nitazoxanide appeared beneficial against SARS-COV-2 in a primary intervention and severe conditions (including pregnancy) without undesirable effects on the newborns. Children with mild cases can be handled solely by proper caring. Conclusion: Although Remdesivir and Dexamethasone are recommended in severe cases, clinical trials are ongoing to investigate other possible therapies like MAb and Convalescent Plasma antibodies for COVID-19. Older drugs (usually used to treat other conditions) are also under-tested by researchers to see if they are effective for COVID-19. Further tests are essential to validate whether any of the mentioned above possible therapies would be helpful for COVID-19 treatment.

This research investigates cacoepy of science terminology encountered by the secondary level school students of Kohat district. The problem of cacoepy of scientific terms needs investigation due to the assumption that mispronunciations if learned in secondary level were still frequently performed by the advanced level students or may be throughout their life. The current research was designed in order to identify the cacoepy of common science terminologies by secondary school students and to study the science teachers’ views on secondary level science textbooks produced by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook board. It was found that majority of the students like science subjects and find the terminologies difficult in which most of the terms contain more than 7 alphabets and were considered as complex terms. Due to this complexity, students feel difficulty in learning of scientific terms. Most of science terms were derived from Greek, Latin and other ancient languages, so students cannot understand their meanings. Almost every chapter of secondary school biology, chemistry and physics is overloaded with difficult terms and students felt difficulty in preparation of those subjects in which mostly difficult terms were found in biology. Usually, science teachers prioritize goals for school science that are solely focused on preparing students for the next academic level (for future formal study of science) and completing his course within the sessions while disregarding the students' pronunciation of scientific terms. It is advised that authors use basic phrases and limit terminology with more than seven alphabets. It is critical to expose secondary pupils to workload that is appropriate for their learning requirements rather than annual book revision and insertion of heavy workload. Teachers should insert few terms into science lessons for practicing daily, and it is enough to devote a minute or two to some pronunciation issue so that fluency during lecture is not interrupted a lot. Pointing out a pronunciation problem when it has just arisen in the course is a good way of introducing correct pronunciation into the class. English plays an important part in the development of students because of its present and future as an international language. Real life activities or examples should be associated with important topics. Textbooks should be altered for language of explanation to match the level of students in secondary schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and some outdated themes should be replaced with new themes to meet the needs of the 21st century. It is suggested that the textbook board in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should include the Urdu phonology and meaning of the found terminologies at the start of each chapter.