Nangarhar University International Journal of Biosciences

Effects of Phytase and Dicalcium Phosphate Supplementation on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

2025-06-24T09:08:09+0430

Phytate is an inactive form of phosphorus that is converted into an active form with the help of the phytase enzyme. This enzyme plays a major role in the digestion of protein/amino acids, energy metabolism, mineral storage, and bone development of chickens during the growth stage. Dicalcium phosphate (DCP) is an important compound among the minerals that has a ratio of active calcium and phosphorus effects of calcium and phosphorus on the growth of broilers, especially in the first stage of life, causing rapid growth. This experiment was conducted to study the comparative effect of supplementing phytase enzyme and DCP on the growth performance of broiler chickens in 28 days. All (150) one-day-old chickens were randomly divided into five equal groups, and each had 3 replicates. 30 birds in each group and (10) chicks in each replicate. The control (basal diet) and Treatment 1: 1000 IU/Kg phytase with starter fed (first 14 days), Treatment 2: 1000 IU/Kg phytase from the first day to the last day of the study, Treatment 3: 15 gr/Kg DCP with starter fed (first 14 days), and Treatment 4: 15 gr/Kg DCP from the first day to the last day of the study. The experiment showed that the T2 group gained 1010 g significantly (P < 0.01) more weight than all other groups. The feed intake was lower and had a significant (P < 0.01) food conversion ratio (FCR) as well. It can be concluded that the addition of 1000 IU/kg phytase enzyme in the feed of broiler chickens has efficient and significant results on their live body weight, weight gain, FCR, and feed intake.

Effects of the Luteinizing hormone on Markers of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in GCs of Pre-ovulatory Follicles

2025-06-24T09:29:55+0430

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process in which epithelial cells lose their adhesive properties, gain the ability to migrate, and undergo structural, molecular, and biochemical changes. This transition is initiated and regulated by transcriptional repressors from the Snail, ZEB, and TWIST families, which bind to E-box sequences. Granulosa cells (GCs) are a type of epithelial cell characterized by polarity. During ovarian follicle development, CDH1, an epithelial marker, is found in oocytes, while N-cadherin (CDH2), a mesenchymal marker, is present in granulosa cells. The LH surge triggers ovulation and converts the granulosa cells to luteinization to form the corpus luteum (CL). The expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers in bovine GCs of preovulatory follicles remained unknown. In this study, the expression of mesenchymal markers in uncultured GCs from pre- and postovulatory follicles, as well as in luteal cells at different stages of the CL were examined, ranging from early to regressed phases. Additionally, the effect of luteinizing hormone (LH) on mesenchymal marker expression in cultured GCs from preovulatory follicles were investigated. The mRNA expression of CDH1 gradually declined from preovulatory follicles to regressed CL. In contrast, the mRNA levels of Snail2 and Zeb-1 increased throughout this transition. Notably, treatment with LH (5 and 50 ng/ml) significantly reduced CDH1 mRNA expression in GCs from preovulatory follicles. Furthermore, LH (5 and 50 ng/ml) upregulated Snail2 expression, while a higher concentration of LH (50 ng/ml) specifically elevated Zeb-1 mRNA expression in GCs. These results indicates that LH is actively involved in the initiation of EMT in GCs conversion to luteal cells.

An overview of the Correlation between Obesity and Hypertension

2025-06-24T09:43:37+0430

Obesity is one of the major global health problems and the second greatest preventable cause of death. It adversely affects all cardiovascular risk factors and negatively impacts structure and function of the heart. Likewise, hypertension is also one of the main causes of the global disease burden. Obesity and hypertension are linked to higher rates of morbidity and mortality and lead to cardiovascular and renal disorders. visceral obesity causes insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. It is more significant predictor of hypertension as compared to subcutaneous obesity. The aim of this study is to understanding the relationship between obesity and hypertension as well as how to treat obesity-related hypertension. This study employs a qualitative approach using descriptive and analytical methods to explore the correlation. Data was collected from journal articles academic books. Thematic analysis is used to identify and analyze patterns within the data.The results shows that potentials mechanisms such as sympathetic nervous system overactivity, activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, sodium retention, insulin resistance, and compromised vascular endothelial dysfunction are involed in the obesity related hypertension. In obese individuals, vascular fibrosis and lipid accumulation can worsen systemic vascular resistance. In addition to being a cardiovascular risk factor obesity is believed to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of hypertension. Obese and overweight individuals are more vulnerable to the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases than those who are of normal weights. Since visceral obesity results in insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia, it contributes more to obesity-induced hypertension than subcutaneous or peripheral obesity. Furthermore, obese people are more likely to be resistant to multiple anti-hypertensive medication treatments. An in-depth and thorough evaluation of this relationship should therefore examine the pathogenetic factores and pathophysiological mechanisms linking obesity to hypertension and provide the basis for a rational therapeutic strategy.

A case report of Naxos disease from Afghanistan

2025-06-24T09:59:37+0430

Naxos disease is a rare genetic disorder in which the gene on chromosome 17 is encoded for plakoglobin which in term plays significant adhesive role in cardiac and dermal junctions on cellular levels resulting in fibro fatty deposits in skin tissues and the heart. Apparently, patients with Naxos disease present with skin related symptoms including woolly hair and keratoderma in palms and soles; however, by the passage of time, these patients develop cardiac manifestations most commonly arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and left ventricular involvement in the late stages of the disease. Consequently, the aforementioned manifestations cause heart failure, arrhythmia and sudden death. Patients are diagnosed with the aforementioned physical findings and history of the relevant symptoms confirmed by laboratory findings of the genetic abnormality for plakoglobin and/or echocardiographic findings for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Patients are treated symptomatically for keratoderma with certain emollients, keratolytic agents such as 6% salicylic acid and 70% propylene glycol, topical and systemic retinoids, anti-arrhythmic medicines, and implantable cardioverter defibrillator though there is no permanent efficacy in the skin but implantable cardioverter defibrillators reduce premature mortality. Patients with certain phenotypes should be deeply investigated for underlying cardiac manifestations being responsible for poor prognosis in such patients.

Prevalence and Causes of Elective Surgical Procedure Cancellations at Aliabad Teaching Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan: A Cross-sectional Study

2025-06-24T10:24:38+0430

Cancellation of elective surgical procedures is a persistent challenge in healthcare systems worldwide, leading to delays in treatment, resource wastage, and adverse clinical outcomes. Despite extensive research globally, data on surgical cancellations in Afghanistan remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and causes of elective surgery cancellations at Aliabad Teaching Hospital (ATH) in Kabul.
A prospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at ATH, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, from September to December 2023. Patients aged 17 years or older scheduled for elective surgeries in general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and urology departments were included. Data on age, sex, surgical department, and reasons for cancellations were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26. Cancellation reasons were categorized as patient-related, hospital-related, surgeon-related, and anesthetist-related. A total of 621 elective surgical cases were scheduled during the study period, with a mean patient age of 42.3 years. Of these, 450 (72.4%) surgeries were successfully performed, and 171 (27.6%) cases were canceled. The highest cancellation rate was recorded in the General Surgery Department (37.7%), while Orthopedics had the lowest (19.8%). Monthly variations in cancellation rates were observed, with September having the highest rate (27.5%). Patient-related factors accounted for 35% of cancellations, followed by surgeon-related reasons (30.0%), administrative issues (21.0%), and anesthesia-related causes (14.0%). The most common patient-related cause was acute and chronic medical illnesses, accounting for 50.0% of cases. The study highlights a significant elective surgery cancellation rate at ATH, primarily driven by patient-related and surgeon-related factors. Addressing these issues through enhanced preoperative assessments, better communication, and efficient surgical scheduling could improve operating room efficiency and patient outcomes. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and further research to reduce surgical cancellations and optimize healthcare delivery in Afghanistan.

Evaluation of Depression Among Students of Curative Medicine at Kabul: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Analysis

2025-06-24T10:42:17+0430

Medical students are susceptible to many psychological disorders, particularly of depressive type, since they experience a variety of stressors while pursuing their education. Globally 322 million people endure from depression. Medical students frequently experience depressive symptoms, which have a negative impact on the state of their bodily, psychological and emotional wellbeing and lead to subpar academic performance. The purpose of this study is to characterize depressive disorders among students studying curative medicine in Kabul, Afghanistan. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was undertaken among students of the curative medicine faculties from October 1, 2024, to October 30, 2024, in Kabul, Afghanistan. An equal number of students were chosen by stratified random sampling method from every educational year and medical field, From the initial to the last, with a sample size of 460. Utilizing the “Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)”, signs of depression were evaluated for. Version 27 of the “Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)” was used to examine the data. Out of 460 Pupils, 456 finished the questionnaire, and 71.9% of them had a depressive disorder. Among them, 144 (31.6%) and 156 (34.2%) reported mild and moderate depression, respectively, while 17 (3.7%) and 11 (2.4%) students reported moderately severe and severe depression. At 79.3%, the fourth academic year had a higher frequency of total depression. Given the high frequency of depressive disorders among curative medicine students, this study emphasizes the necessity for more research on discovering hazards and causes of mood disorders among medical students attending the curative medicine schools in Kabul.

Hygienic Practices of Milk Collecting and Processing: Dairy Farms of Injil District-Herat Province

2025-06-24T11:07:28+0430

Milk is recognized as an essential component of the human diet, particularly for infants and young children, due to its comprehensive nutritional profile. Maintaining proper milk hygiene is vital for protecting public health and preserving milk quality throughout the production and supply chain. This study examined hygienic practices in milk collection and processing across dairy farms in the Injil District of Herat Province, Afghanistan. Using a cross-sectional study design, it aimed to assess the sanitary measures implemented in milk handling and production within the region’s dairy sector. A systematic sampling approach was employed to select 150 farms, each with a minimum of 10 dairy cows, as the study population, which was conducted between March and May 2023. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with farm managers, who responded to a pre-prepared questionnaire based on prior research, which focused on four main areas: farm hygiene, milk collection methods, milk storage and transportation, and farmers' knowledge of milk hygienic practices. The questionnaire was translated into the local language to ensure precise and clear responses. It covered topics such as cleaning protocols for milking equipment and facilities, udder washing and milking techniques, types of containers used for milk storage, temperature control during storage, transportation methods, and farmers' knowledge of hygiene regulations. Collected data was entered into SPSS version 27, coded, and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, tables, and graphs. The findings revealed that 97% of respondents were male and only 3% were female. Regarding educational levels, 37% were illiterate, 35% had completed secondary education, and 15% held a bachelor’s degree. In terms of hygienic practices, only 25% of farmers washed cows’ udders before and after milking, while 56% used warm water and soap for handwashing. Furthermore, 45% of farms stored milk at the recommended temperature of 4°C, whereas 38% stored milk at room temperature, increasing the risk of contamination. Concerning equipment, 43.3% of farmers used plastic containers, and 39.3% used aluminum containers for milk storage. In terms of transportation, 84% transported milk using motorcycles, which posed challenges for maintaining temperature control and hygiene. The study highlights significant gaps in milk collection, storage, and transportation practices despite a general awareness of health risks. Training farmers, improving infrastructure, and promoting the use of standard equipment are essential to enhance milk quality and safety.

Epidemiologic Aspects of Alopecia Areata in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan: A Retrospective Study (2023-2024)

2025-06-24T11:21:33+0430

Alopecia areata is a common, chronic, inflammatory disease causing non-scarring hair loss. This autoimmune disorder, mediated by T-cells, arises from inadequate major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) molecule expression on hair follicle surfaces due to genetic defects, triggering antibody production. Hair follicles typically retain reactivation capacity, with most cases improving within a year. Clinically, smooth, shiny, circular patches of hair loss appear, often with broken hairs at the edges. Although etiology remains unclear, genetic predisposition, immune dysfunction, and environmental factors are implicated. This retrospective cross-sectional study at Nangarhar University Teaching Hospital analyzed 22,650 dermatology patients (2023–2024). Among 241(1.1%) alopecia cases, 81 had alopecia areata. Most (92.6%) exhibited mild (patchy) forms, 72.8% were male, and the majority (87.6%) were aged 1–30 years. Rural residents constituted 64.2%. Comparisons with global studies showed similar demographics, though no cases under one year were observed, contrasting with Saudi Arabian reports. Findings highlight a male predominance, mild clinical presentations, and middle-aged rural residents as the most affected.

Evaluation of Hygienic Conditions of Small Butcheries in Herat City, Afghanistan

2025-06-28T12:33:11+0430

Foodborne diseases are a significant health issue worldwide, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, poor food handling practices put many people at risk. This study examined the hygienic conditions of butcheries in Herat City, including the personal hygiene of butchers, measures for ensuring meat safety, and the hygienic condition of butchery tools and equipment. The study was conducted from July to October 2024 and used a cross-sectional design involving 249 butcheries in Herat City. Out of these, a random sample of 182 (n=182) butcheries was selected by the Raosoft online calculator for this study. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire that gathered information about the butchers' backgrounds, their self-reported hygiene practices, and direct observations made during site inspections to assess the physical conditions of their shops. The findings revealed that 39.0% of butchers were between the age of 26 and 35. Furthermore, over 40.1% of butchers were illiterate, with only 3.8% holding a higher education degree, while 51.1% of butchers had five years of working experience. Although 72.0% lacked hygienic training, 83.0% possessed a butchery license. 39.6% worked with money while handling meat, and 42.3% worked while sick. Thankfully, 42.9% of the butcher shops were cleaned more than twice daily, and 54.9% had tiled walls and floors. In summary, this study highlights serious gaps in hygiene practices among meat handlers in Herat City's butcher shops. These inadequate practices may contribute to the spread of foodborne illnesses in the area. The results emphasize the urgent need for targeted food safety training for butchers. Such programs should focus on increasing awareness of food safety standards, encouraging adherence to hygiene practices, and ultimately reducing the risks of foodborne diseases, leading to better health outcomes for people in Herat City.