Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences - Current Issue

Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes and Openness toward Psychedelics among Medical and Psychology Students in a Conservative Cultural Setting

11 June, 2026

Background and Objective: Psychedelic substances have re-emerged as promising tools in mental health treatment, yet their integration into clinical practice is influenced by public and professional perceptions. In Saudi Arabia, research on knowledge and attitudes toward psychedelic science remains scarce, particularly among future healthcare professionals. This study assesses and compares the knowledge, attitudes and openness toward psychedelic science among medical and psychology students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2024 across six academic institutions. A total of 360 students (50.3% medical, 49.7% psychology) completed a validated bilingual questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes and openness toward psychedelics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Psychology students reported significantly higher knowledge across all indicators, including curricular exposure (58.7 vs. 38.7%, p<0.001) and self-rated awareness of psychedelic-assisted therapy (47.5 vs. 23.2%, p<0.001). Attitudinal differences were also evident, with psychology students showing greater support for legalization (50.9 vs. 33.1%, p = 0.001) and recognition of potential benefits, including spiritual value (51.3 vs. 29.8%, p<0.001). Openness to learning and clinical application was higher among psychology students (62.0% vs. 48.1%, p = 0.046), though both groups expressed concerns about potential risks. Conclusion: Psychology students demonstrated greater knowledge, more favorable attitudes and higher openness toward psychedelic science compared to medical students. Integrating evidence-based psychedelic education into curricula may enhance awareness, critical evaluation and responsible clinical adoption in Saudi Arabia.

Finding Hidden Huanglongbing using an Electronic Nose

11 June, 2026

Background and Objective: The Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most destructive diseases affecting citrus worldwide. A major challenge in its management is its ability to remain asymptomatic for extended periods, delaying timely detection and control. This study aims to develop and evaluate a compact electronic nose (e-nose) system equipped with metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors for the early detection of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus infection in citrus leaves through Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) analysis under field-like conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 454 Purworejo Siamese citrus leaf samples were collected from two orchards. The infection status of each sample was confirmed using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) prior to headspace VOC extraction. The cross-sensitive MOS sensor array converted VOC interactions into electrical signals, which were subsequently preprocessed, feature-extracted and analyzed using machine learning pipelines. Model selection and optimization were performed on baseline-shifted data. Results: A stratified 5-fold cross-validation using the Extra Trees algorithm successfully discriminated between PCR-confirmed Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus-infected leaves and healthy controls, achieving an accuracy of 84.57% (95% confidence interval: 80.98%-88.15%). These results were obtained under field-like conditions and were further validated using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS), which revealed distinct VOC profiles for each group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of the electronic nose (e-nose) as a rapid, in-field screening tool capable of prioritizing samples for laboratory confirmation, thereby supporting effective HLB management.

Development of Experimental in vitro Models to Elucidate Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Pathology and its Prevention

11 June, 2026

Background and Objective: Pathological processes at the cellular level can cause damage and understanding their underlining molecular mechanisms is crucial. The study aims to develop experimental in vitro models to investigate these mechanisms and identify potential strategies for preventing pathology. Materials and Methods: The average titers of gangliosides and anti-ganglioside antibodies in samples of non-malignant mouse embryonic cells 3T3 fibroblasts, of mouse malignant myeloma cells and mixed of the two cell types in vitro-cultures were assessed as homogenates of each one of the three types. The tested in vitro-cultures were applied in the role of experimental in vitro-models of patients with multifactor diseases in different phases, as well as of a healthy human organism. Results: The assessed varieties in the average titers of the gangliosides and anti-ganglioside antibodies could be due to participation of these molecules in different in various intra- and extra-cellular inter-molecular interactions. Production of antibodies/immunoglobulins by non-lymphoid and non-hematopoietic types of cells in appropriate conditions, but also about differentiation of non-immune and non-hematopoietic cell progenitors to myeloid and lymphoid directions in appropriate conditions, were proposed. Conclusion: Activation of internal protective mechanisms was suggested. Further studies should be performed.

Impact of Isoniazid on Metabolic Dysfunction, Toxicity and Lifespan in Long-Term Monosodium Glutamate-Treated Mice

11 June, 2026

Background and Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavor enhancer that has been associated with obesity and metabolic disturbances, as well as potential liver and kidney dysfunction. Considering the importance of these organs in metabolic regulation and detoxification, it is necessary to explore substances such as isoniazid (INH) that may alter or influence these effects. Therefore, this research focused on evaluating how INH affects metabolic parameters, toxicity indicators and the functional status of the liver and kidneys in MSG-exposed animals. Materials and Methods: A total of forty-eight male Swiss albino mice were arbitrarily assigned to six experimental groups: A saline-treated control group, a negative control group receiving isoniazid (INH, 100 mg/kg for 10 days), a positive control group administered monosodium glutamate (MSG, 4 mg/kg for 40 days) and three treatment groups receiving MSG (40 days) in combination with INH at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively for last 10 days. Animals from all groups were evaluated for metabolic alterations, clinical indicators of toxicity, survival outcomes and pointers of renal and hepatic dysfunction. Statistical investigation was accomplished employing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) along with Tukey’s post hoc multiple comparison test and statistical implication labeled as p<0.05. Results: The findings verified that continuous MSG exposure significantly (p<0.01) amplified body weight, food and water intake, blood glucose, grimace scores, renal and hepatic biomarkers and mortality in mice, suggesting noticeable metabolic and systemic toxicity. Co-administration of INH produced a dose-dependent aggravation of MSG-induced adverse effects. Notably, INH at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly intensified (p<0.01) metabolic disturbances (except blood glucose levels) grimace scale scores and markers of kidney and liver dysfunction comparative to the MSG-only group. Furthermore, INH treatment raised mortality rates in MSG-exposed mice. Conclusion: The results reveal that INH can aggravate the adverse effects associated with chronic MSG exposure and increase the risk of complications. Further research is affirmed to validate these observations and to explain the exact impact of MSG on health outcomes, as well as its potential interactions with frequently used therapeutic agents.