Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 92 in total

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  1. Adil SO, Musa KI, Uddin F, Khan A, Khan I, Shakeel A, et al.
    Arch Public Health, 2024 Feb 20;82(1):22.
    PMID: 38378657 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01250-3
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of undiagnosed metabolic syndrome (MetS) using three different definitions among apparently healthy adults of Karachi, Pakistan.

    METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2022 to August 2022. A total of 1065 healthy individuals aged 25-80 years of any gender were consecutively included. MetS was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program for Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP) III guidelines, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and modified NCEP-ATP III.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was highest with the modified NCEP-ATP III definition at 33.9% (95% CI: 31-36), followed by the IDF definition at 32.2% (95% CI: 29-35). In contrast, the prevalence was lower at 22.4% (95% CI: 19-25) when using the NCEP ATP III definition. The risk of MetS significantly increases with higher BMI, as defined by the IDF criteria (adjusted OR [ORadj] 1.13, 95% CI 1.09-2.43), NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.15, 95% CI 1.11-1.19), and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.16, 95% CI 1.12-1.20). Current smokers had significantly higher odds of MetS according to the IDF (ORadj 2.72, 95% CI 1.84-4.03), NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 3.93, 95% CI 2.55-6.06), and modified NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.88). Areca nut use was associated with higher odds of MetS according to both IDF (ORadj 1.71, 95% CI 1.19-2.47) and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.58, 95% CI 1.10-2.72). Furthermore, low physical activity had significantly higher odds of MetS according to the NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 1.36, 95% CI 1.01-1.84) and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.26).

    CONCLUSION: One-third of the healthy individuals were diagnosed with MetS based on IDF, NCEP-ATP III, and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria. A higher BMI, current smoking, areca nut use, and low physical activity were significant factors.

  2. Hanifa B, Bibi N, Sirajuddin M, Tiekink ERT, Kubicki M, Khan I, et al.
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2024;42(4):1826-1845.
    PMID: 37114651 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2204160
    Three triorganotin(IV) compounds, R3Sn(L), with R = CH3 (1), n-C4H9 (2) and C6H5 (3), and LH = 4-[(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)carbamoyl]butanoic acid, were prepared and confirmed by various techniques. A five-coordinate, distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry was elucidated for tin(IV) centres both in solution and solid states. An intercalation mode was confirmed for the compound SS-DNA interaction by UV-visible, viscometric techniques and molecular docking. MD simulation revealed stable binding of LH with SS-DNA. Anti-bacterial investigation revealed 2 to be generally the most potent, especially against Sa and Ab, i.e. having the lowest MIC values (≤0.25 μg/mL) compared to the standard anti-biotics vancomycin-HCl (MIC = 1 μg/mL) and colistin-sulphate (MIC = 0.25 μg/mL). Similarly, the anti-fungal profile shows 2 exhibits 100% inhibition against Ca and Cn fungal strains and has MIC values (≤0.25 μg/mL) comparatively lower than standard drug fluconazole (0.125 and 8 μg/mL for Ca and Cn, respectively). Compound 2 has the greatest activity with CC50 ≤ 25 μg/mL and HC50 > 32 μg/mL performed against HEC239 and RBC cell lines. The anti-cancer potential was assessed against the MG-U87 cell line, using cisplatin as the standard (133 µM), indicates 2 displays the greatest activity (IC50: 5.521 µM) at a 5 µM dose. The greatest anti-leishmanial potential was observed for 2 (87.75 at 1000 μg/mL) in comparison to amphotericin B (90.67). The biological assay correlates with the observed maximum of 89% scavenging activity exhibited by 2. The Swiss-ADME data publicised the screened compounds generally follow the rule of 5 of drug-likeness and have good bioavailability potential.
  3. Masnoon J, Ishaque A, Khan I, Salim A, Kabir N
    Cell Biochem Funct, 2023 Oct;41(7):833-844.
    PMID: 37814478 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3833
    Diabetes is one of the major health issues globally. Type 1 diabetes mellitus develops due to the destruction of pancreatic β cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) having remarkable self-renewal and differentiation potential, can regenerate β cells. MSCs preconditioned with bioactive small molecules possess enhanced biological features and therapeutic potential under in vivo environment. Interestingly, compounds of naphthoquinone class possess antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties, and can be explored as potential candidates for preconditioning MSCs. This study analyzed the effect of lawsone-preconditioned human umbilical cord MSCs (hUMSCs) on the regeneration of β cells in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Type 1 diabetes (T1D) rats. hUMSCs were isolated and characterized for the presence of surface markers. MSCs were preconditioned with optimized concentration of lawsone. T1D rat model was established by injecting 50 mg/kg of STZ intraperitoneally. Untreated and lawsone-preconditioned hUMSCs were transplanted into the diabetic rats via tail vein. Fasting blood sugar and body weight were monitored regularly for 4 weeks. Pancreas was harvested and β cell regeneration was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and gene expression analysis. Immunohistochemistry was also done to assess the insulin expression. Lawsone-preconditioned hUMSCs showed better anti-hyperglycemic effect in comparison with untreated hUMSCs. Histological analysis presented the regeneration of islets of Langerhans with upregulated expression of βcell genes and reduced expression of inflammatory markers. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong insulin expression in the preconditioned hUMSCs compared with the untreated hUMSCs. It is concluded from the present study that lawsone-preconditioned hMSCs were able to exhibit pronounced anti-hyperglycemic effect in vivo compared with hUMSCs alone.
  4. Hyder A, Lim YJ, Khan I, Shafie S
    ACS Omega, 2023 Aug 15;8(32):29424-29436.
    PMID: 37599919 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02949
    The use of melting heat transfer (MHT) and nanofluids for electronics cooling and energy storage efficiency has gained the attention of numerous researchers. This study investigates the effects of MHD, mixed convection, thermal radiation, stretching, and shrinking on the heat transfer characteristics of a Cu-water-based nanofluid over a stretching/shrinking sheet with MHT effects. The governing equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations and solved numerically using the Keller Box method. To the best of our knowledge, this comprehensive analysis, encompassing all of these factors, including the utilization of a robust numerical method, in a single study, has not been previously reported in the literature. Our findings demonstrate that an increase in the melting parameter leads to an enhanced rate of heat transfer, while an increase in the stretching/shrinking parameter results in a decrease in the rate of heat transfer. Additionally, we present a comprehensive analysis of the influences of all of the mentioned driving parameters. The results are presented through graphical and tabulated representations and compared with existing literature.
  5. Fahim I, Ishaque A, Ramzan F, Shamsuddin SABA, Ali A, Salim A, et al.
    Curr Issues Mol Biol, 2023 May 07;45(5):4100-4123.
    PMID: 37232730 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050261
    BACKGROUND: Demyelinating diseases represent a broad spectrum of disorders and are characterized by the loss of specialized glial cells (oligodendrocytes), which eventually leads to neuronal degeneration. Stem cell-based regenerative approaches provide therapeutic options to regenerate demyelination-induced neurodegeneration.

    OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to explore the role of oligodendrocyte-specific transcription factors (OLIG2 and MYT1L) under suitable media composition to facilitate human umbilical-cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) differentiation toward oligodendrocyte for their potential use to treat demyelinating disorders.

    METHODOLOGY: hUC-MSCs were isolated, cultured, and characterized based on their morphological and phenotypic characteristics. hUC-MSCs were transfected with OLIG2 and MYT1L transcription factors individually and in synergistic (OLIG2 + MYT1L) groups using a lipofectamine-based transfection method and incubated under two different media compositions (normal and oligo induction media). Transfected hUC-MSCs were assessed for lineage specification and differentiation using qPCR. Differentiation was also analyzed via immunocytochemistry by determining the expression of oligodendrocyte-specific proteins.

    RESULTS: All the transfected groups showed significant upregulation of GFAP and OLIG2 with downregulation of NES, demonstrating the MSC commitment toward the glial lineage. Transfected groups also presented significant overexpression of oligodendrocyte-specific markers (SOX10, NKX2.2, GALC, CNP, CSPG4, MBP, and PLP1). Immunocytochemical analysis showed intense expression of OLIG2, MYT1L, and NG2 proteins in both normal and oligo induction media after 3 and 7 days.

    CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that OLIG2 and MYT1L have the potential to differentiate hUC-MSCs into oligodendrocyte-like cells, which is greatly facilitated by the oligo induction medium. The study may serve as a promising cell-based therapeutic strategy against demyelination-induced neuronal degeneration.

  6. Ishaque A, Salim A, Simjee SU, Khan I, Adli DSH
    Cell Biochem Funct, 2023 Mar;41(2):223-233.
    PMID: 36651266 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3775
    Central nervous system anomalies give rise to neuropathological consequences with immense damage to the neuronal tissues. Cell based therapeutics have the potential to manage several neuropathologies whereby the differentiated cells are explored for neuronal regeneration. The current study analyzes the effect of a bioactive compound, alpha terpineol (AT) on the differentiation of rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) toward neuronal lineage, and explores regulation of differentiation process through the study of Wnt pathway mediators. BM-MSCs were cultured and characterized based on their surface markers and tri-lineage differentiation. Safe dose of AT as optimized by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, was used for the treatment of MSCs. Treated cells were analyzed for the neuronal, astroglial and germ layer transition markers at the gene and protein levels, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Temporal expression of Wnt pathway genes was assessed during the course of neuronal differentiation. AT treated group showed significant upregulation of neuron specific (NSE, MAP2, Tau, Nestin, and NefL) and astroglial (GFAP) genes with positive expression of late neuronal markers. Germ layer transition analysis showed the overexpression of ectodermal markers (NCAM, Nestin, and Pax6), whereas endodermal (AFP, MixL1, and Sox17), and mesodermal (Mesp1 and T Brachyury) markers were also found to be upregulated. Wnt signaling pathway was activated during the initial phase (30 min) of differentiation, which later was downregulated at 1, 3, and 5 h. AT efficiently induces neuronal differentiation of BM-MSCs by regulating Wnt signaling. Overexpression of both early and late neuronal markers indicate their neuro-progenitor state and thus can be utilized as a promising approach in cellular therapeutics to treat various neurodegenerative ailments. In addition, exploration of the molecular pathways may be helpful to understand the mechanism of cell-based neuronal regeneration.
  7. Khan MFS, Tahir L, Zhou X, Bary G, Sajid M, Shahzad AK, et al.
    Heliyon, 2023 Mar;9(3):e14209.
    PMID: 36923897 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14209
    The fixed-dose combination of Amlodipine Besylate (ADB) with Perindopril Tertbutylamine (PTBA) drug is used to treat patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. In recent times researchers are interested to find the efficient analytical method development and validation for the simultaneous determination of ADB and PTBA in a fixed-dose, film-coated tablet. Therefore, the current study was performed with a reverse-phase liquid chromatography method developed to simultaneously analyze ADB and PTBA in film-coated tablets as fixed-dose combinations. The linearity of the proposed method was calculated by preparing six different mixtures of both ADB and PTBA in the mobile phase. The concentration of both the analytes was analyzed at 56mg/100 mL to 84mg/100 mL and 32mg/100 mL to 48mg/100 mL, respectively. The ratio of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer was 35:65. The flow rate was adjusted to 1.5 ml per minute to reduce the retention time. The validation study was performed for the parameters specificity, linearity, precision, range, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy/biasness, and robustness. The relative percentage standard deviation for Perindopril Tertbutyl amine was 0.148%, and for Amlodipine is 0.312%. These results show that the advanced analysis method for simultaneous analysis of fixed-dose is precise. The theoretical IR spectra were also calculated by Gaussian 9.2 by employing the B3LYP functional at density functional theory (DFT) level study. All these parameters studied in this work authenticate the effectiveness of the developed validation method and ensure its repeatability/reproducibility accordingly. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to develop a new fast, and easy method for simultaneous identification and quantification of ADB and PTBA by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a time-efficient and cost-effective approach.
  8. Uddin S, Mehmood OU, Mohamad M, Roslan R, Khan I, Mohamed A
    Heliyon, 2023 Feb;9(2):e13210.
    PMID: 36814629 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13210
    In this paper, we studied the effect of a magnetic field on the non-isothermal second-grade fluid confined in a vertically oscillating cylinder. The flow solution is magnetized using the perpendicular magnetic field. The resultant fluid flow is due to the oscillating boundary motion and buoyancy force. Here, the MHD flow is modeled using the Caputo-Fabrizio non-integer derivative approach. The exact solution of the governing continuity, momentum and energy equations is obtained by means of Laplace and finite Hankel transforms. The commercial simulation software, Mathematica is used for calculating the roots of the Bessel function. The effects of dimensionless parameters such as Grashof and Prandtl numbers, magnetic field and fractional parameters on the second-grade fluid flow are analyzed. Heat transfer is high at a small Prandtl number. Velocity correlates positively with Grashof number and magnetic field, and negatively with Prandtl number. The heat and mass transfer results obtained from both conventional and fractional models are compared as well.
  9. Khan MA, Alias N, Khan I, Salama FM, Eldin SM
    Sci Rep, 2023 Jan 27;13(1):1549.
    PMID: 36707653 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28741-7
    In this article, we developed a new higher-order implicit finite difference iterative scheme (FDIS) for the solution of the two dimension (2-D) time fractional Cable equation (FCE). In the new proposed FDIS, the time fractional and space derivatives are discretized using the Caputo fractional derivative and fourth-order implicit scheme, respectively. Moreover, the proposed scheme theoretical analysis (convergence and stability) is also discussed using the Fourier analysis method. Finally, some numerical test problems are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
  10. Malik H, Khan HW, Hassan Shah MU, Ahmad MI, Khan I, Al-Kahtani AA, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Jan;311(Pt 2):136901.
    PMID: 36288769 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136901
    Ionic liquids (ILs) have been demonstrated as promising alternatives to conventional entrainers in separation of azeotropic mixtures mostly investigating phase equilibrium and process design scenarios. However, proper selection of ILs for a specific task always remains challenging. Hence a simulation tool, i.e. conductor like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) was applied to address this challenge. Furthermore, screened ILs were simulated as entrainers for ethanol water separation by extractive distillation. The current study also aims to demonstrate a systematic approach to retrofit existing processes, by employing ILs as green entrainers. Screening of twenty-five (25) ILs was carried out using COSMO-RS to select suitable ILs as green entrainers based on activity coefficient, capacity and selectivity. Results illustrated that tetramethylammonium chloride ([TMAm][Cl]) due to its strong hydrogen bonding ability was found to be the best ILs entrainer. Moreover, in order to reduce the operating costs without compromising desired product purity (ethanol purity ≥99.5% in top product), the selected ILs (8 kg/h) in a mixture with ethylene glycol (72 kg/h) were simulated using Aspen plus v.11. The simulation results revealed that by combining tetramethylammonium chloride (2 kg/h) with ethylene glycol (78 kg/h) reduced 7.26 tons of CO2 emissions/year through heat integration by saving 1.49*108 kJ/year energy besides minimizing operating costs. In conclusion, the systematic selection of ILs as green entrainers in combination with ethylene glycol and then the appropriate simulation of the whole system will ultimately reduce the cost of the separation process and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases as well utilization of toxic conventional entrainers.
  11. Rafiq M, Farrukh M, Attiq S, Shahzad F, Khan I
    Work, 2023;75(3):877-886.
    PMID: 36683474 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211363
    BACKGROUND: The demand for innovation and satisfaction is increasing rapidly due to technological advancement and the fast-changing business environment.

    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to investigate how job crafting augments work outputs (i.e., innovation performance and career satisfaction) through work engagement.

    METHODS: Data were collected from 477 workers working in the Pakistan manufacturing sector. A structural equation modeling technique was used to investigate the mediation model.

    RESULTS: Job crafting has a direct and indirect association with innovation performance and career satisfaction - via employees' work engagement. Additionally, the mediating impact was stronger for innovation performance than for career satisfaction. The findings advocate that managers should pay attention to employees' job crafting to improve employees' work engagement in manufacturing organizations. To improve employees' innovation performance and career satisfaction via work engagement, it is important to improve organization-wide job crafting in traditional manufacturing organizations. Strategic and managerial actions related to job crafting might boost employees' engagement in the organization that environments provide incessantly better outcomes.

    CONCLUSION: By linking job crafting and work engagement to their attitude towards career satisfaction and innovation performance in Pakistani manufacturing firms, this study adds a new dimension to the study of Pakistani manufacturing employees and typically to the best practices in career debates. This knowledge is important and unique because it accentuates that in addition to work engagement, which focuses primarily on employee growth in the organization, job crafting should also be given equal importance to advance manufacturing employees' outcomes.

  12. Rasool MF, Rehman AU, Khan I, Latif M, Ahmad I, Shakeel S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(1):e0276277.
    PMID: 36693042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276277
    Patients suffering from chronic diseases are more likely to experience pDDIs due to older age, prolonged treatment, severe illness and greater number of prescribed drugs. The objective of the current study was to assess the prevalence of pDDIs and risk factors associated with occurrence of pDDIs in chronic disease patients attending outpatient clinics for regular check-ups. Patients suffering from diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke and osteoporosis were included in the study. This study was a cross sectional, observational, prospective study that included 337 patients from outpatient clinics of respiratory ward, cardiac ward and orthopedic ward of Nishter Hospital Multan, Pakistan. The mean number of interactions per patient was 1.68. A greater risk for occurrence of pDDI was associated with older age ≥ 60 years (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.44-2.37, p<0.001); polypharmacy (≥ 5 drugs) (OR = 3.74, 95% CI 2.32-4.54, p<0.001); overburden (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.64-3.16, p<0.01); CCI score (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.04-1.84, p<0.001); multiple prescribers to one patient (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.06-1.41, p<0.01); and trainee practitioner (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01-1.28, p<0.01). Old age, polypharmacy, overburden healthcare system, higher comorbidity index, multiple prescribers to one patient and trainee practitioner were associated with increased risk of occurrence of pDDIs in chronic disease patients.
  13. Shaikh AK, Nazir A, Khan I, Shah AS
    Sci Rep, 2022 Dec 29;12(1):22562.
    PMID: 36581655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26499-y
    Smart grids and smart homes are getting people's attention in the modern era of smart cities. The advancements of smart technologies and smart grids have created challenges related to energy efficiency and production according to the future demand of clients. Machine learning, specifically neural network-based methods, remained successful in energy consumption prediction, but still, there are gaps due to uncertainty in the data and limitations of the algorithms. Research published in the literature has used small datasets and profiles of primarily single users; therefore, models have difficulties when applied to large datasets with profiles of different customers. Thus, a smart grid environment requires a model that handles consumption data from thousands of customers. The proposed model enhances the newly introduced method of Neural Basis Expansion Analysis for interpretable Time Series (N-BEATS) with a big dataset of energy consumption of 169 customers. Further, to validate the results of the proposed model, a performance comparison has been carried out with the Long Short Term Memory (LSTM), Blocked LSTM, Gated Recurrent Units (GRU), Blocked GRU and Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN). The proposed interpretable model improves the prediction accuracy on the big dataset containing energy consumption profiles of multiple customers. Incorporating covariates into the model improved accuracy by learning past and future energy consumption patterns. Based on a large dataset, the proposed model performed better for daily, weekly, and monthly energy consumption predictions. The forecasting accuracy of the N-BEATS interpretable model for 1-day-ahead energy consumption with "day as covariates" remained better than the 1, 2, 3, and 4-week scenarios.
  14. Khan RU, Khan M, Sohail A, Ullah R, Iqbal A, Ahmad B, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2022 Dec 01;39(4):511-517.
    PMID: 36602209 DOI: 10.47665/tb.39.4.003
    The present study compares the in vitro effects of nanoparticles loaded pentamidine drug and conventional pentamidine on Leishmania tropica. Herein, pentamidine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PTN-CNPs) have been synthesized through an ionic gelation method with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Next, the physical characteristics of PTN-CNPs were determined through the surface texture, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, drug loading content (DLC), and encapsulation efficacy (EE) and compared its efficacy with free pentamidine (PTN) drug against promastigotes and axenic amastigotes forms of L. tropica in vitro. The PTN-CNPs displayed a spherical shape having a size of 88 nm, an almost negative surface charge (-3.09 mV), EE for PTN entrapment of 86%, and in vitro drug release of 92% after 36 h. In vitro antileishmanial activity of PTN-CNPs and free PTN was performed against Leishmania tropica KWH23 promastigote and axenic amastigote using 3-(4, 5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyletetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. It was observed that the effect of PTN-CNPs and free PTN on both forms of the parasite was dose and time dependent. Free PTN presented low efficacy even at higher dose (40 µg/ml) with 25.6 ± 1.3 and 26.5 ±1.4 mean viability rate of the promastigotes and axenic amastigotes, respectively after 72 hrs incubation. While PTN-CNPs showed strong antileishmanial effects on both forms of parasite with 16 ± 0.4 and 19 ± 0.7 mean viability rate at the same higher concentration (40 µg/ml) after 72 hrs incubation. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of PTN-CNPs toward promastigotes and amastigotes were obtained as 0.1375 µg/ml and 0.1910 µg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, PTN-CNPs effectively inhibited both forms of the L. tropica; however, its effect was more salient on promastigotes. This data indicates that the PTN-CNPs act as a target drug delivery system. However, further research is needed to support its efficacy in animal and human CL.
  15. Iqbal MA, Khan I, Rehman S, Beg M
    Malays Orthop J, 2022 Nov;16(3):70-75.
    PMID: 36589368 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2211.012
    INTRODUCTION: The ulnar nerve palsy is a distressing injury, resulting in clawing of hand. The cause of clawing is due to paralysis of the interosseous muscles in the presence of functioning long extensor and long flexors of fingers. Various methods have been proposed to correct this deformity which include both static and dynamic procedures. In this study, we share our experience with flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfer using Zancolli's modification for anti-claw correction.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective case series study. A record of 53 patients was included in the study, during a period between June 2013 to July 2017 with ulnar nerve palsy. The procedure done was flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfer as dynamic anti-claw procedure. The follow-up period was three months. The outcomes assessed were grip strength by using sphygmomanometer and active range of motion of fingers assessed by fingers tips touching the palm.

    RESULT: Fifty-three patients were included out of them, there were fifty males and three females. The mean age was 28±10 years. All patients underwent flexor digitorum superficialis transfer for ulnar claw hand. A total of 84.9% patients have good grip strength and 83% showed good active range of motion.

    CONCLUSION: Flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfer is found to be effective, reliable and reproducible technique in ulnar nerve palsy where patient need grip strength, good range of motion and acceptable hand function for daily routine work.

  16. Sheikh NA, Ching DLC, Khan I, Sakidin HB
    Sci Rep, 2022 Aug 18;12(1):14117.
    PMID: 35982149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18110-1
    The flow of fluid through porous media is of great importance in industry and other physical situations, Darcy's law is one of the most useful laws to describe such situation, however, the flows through a dense swarm of particles or through a very high porous media cannot be elaborated by this law. To overcome this difficulty, Brinkman proposed a new idea of Brinkman-type fluid in highly porous media. In this study, the Brinkman-type fluid flow is analyzed with hybrid nanoparticles (a hybridized mixture of clay and alumina), suspended in water taken as a base fluid under the effect of an applied magnetic field. The fluid motion is taken inside a vertical channel with heated walls. Free convection is induced due to buoyancy. The momentum and energy equations are written in dimensionless form using the non-dimensional variables. The energy equation is modified to fractional differential equations using the generalized Fourier's law and the Caputo fractional derivatives. The fractional model is solved using the Laplace and Fourier transformation. Variations in velocity and temperature are shown for various fractional parameter values, as well as charts for the classical model. For the volume fractions of nanoparticles, the temperature distribution increases, with maximum values of hybrid nanoparticles with the highest specified volume fractions. Moreover, due to hybrid nanoparticles, the rate of heat transfer is intensified.
  17. Bashir A, Asif M, Saadullah M, Saleem M, Khalid SH, Hussain L, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2022 Jul 26;7(29):25772-25782.
    PMID: 35910099 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03053
    Melilotus indicus (L.) All. is known to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The present study explored the in vivo skin carcinogenesis attenuating potential of ethanolic extract of M. indicus (L.) All. (Miet) in a 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer model. The ethanolic extract of the plant was prepared by a maceration method. HPLC analysis indicated the presence of quercetin in abundance and also various other phytoconstituents. DPPH radical scavenging assay results showed moderate antioxidant potential (IC50 = 93.55 ± 5.59 μg/mL). A topical acute skin irritation study showed the nonirritant nature of Miet. Data for the skin carcinogenic model showed marked improvement in skin architecture in Miet and its primary phytochemicals (quercetin and coumarin) treated groups. Miet 50% showed comparable effects with 5-fluorouracil. Significant (p < 0.05) anticancerous effects were seen in coumarin-quercetin combination-treated animals than in single agent (coumarin and quercetin alone)-treated animals. Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay results showed the antiangiogenic potential of Miet. Treatment with Miet significantly down-regulated the serum levels of CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) and TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α). Data for the docking study indicated the binding potential of quercetin and coumarin with TNF-α, EGFR, VEGF, and BCL2 proteins. Thus, it is concluded that Miet has skin cancer attenuating potential that is proposed to be due to the synergistic actions of its bioactive molecules. Further studies to explore the effects of Miet and its bioactive molecules as an adjuvant therapy with low dose anticancer drugs are warranted, which may lead to a new area of research.
  18. Ali O, Ishak MK, Bhatti MKL, Khan I, Kim KI
    Sensors (Basel), 2022 Jan 27;22(3).
    PMID: 35161740 DOI: 10.3390/s22030995
    The Internet of Things (IoT) is an extensive network of heterogeneous devices that provides an array of innovative applications and services. IoT networks enable the integration of data and services to seamlessly interconnect the cyber and physical systems. However, the heterogeneity of devices, underlying technologies and lack of standardization pose critical challenges in this domain. On account of these challenges, this research article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the enabling technologies and standards that build up the IoT technology stack. First, a layered architecture approach is presented where the state-of-the-art research and open challenges are discussed at every layer. Next, this research article focuses on the role of middleware platforms in IoT application development and integration. Furthermore, this article addresses the open challenges and provides comprehensive steps towards IoT stack optimization. Finally, the interfacing of Fog/Edge Networks to IoT technology stack is thoroughly investigated by discussing the current research and open challenges in this domain. The main scope of this study is to provide a comprehensive review into IoT technology (the horizontal fabric), the associated middleware and networks required to build future proof applications (the vertical markets).
  19. Khan R, Shah MD, Shah L, Lee PC, Khan I
    Front Nutr, 2022;9:1031935.
    PMID: 36407542 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1031935
    Bacterial polysaccharides are unique due to their higher purity, hydrophilic nature, and a finer three-dimensional fibrous structure. Primarily, these polymers provide protection, support, and energy to the microorganism, however, more recently several auxiliary properties of these biopolymers have been unmasked. Microbial polysaccharides have shown therapeutic abilities against various illnesses, augmented the healing abilities of the herbal and Western medicines, improved overall health of the host, and have exerted positive impact on the growth of gut dwelling beneficial bacteria. Specifically, the review is discussing the mechanism through which bacterial polysaccharides exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In addition, they are holding promising application in the 3D printing. The review is also discussing a perspective about the metagenome-based screening of polysaccharides, their integration with other cutting-edge tools, and synthetic microbiome base intervention of polysaccharides as a strategy for prebiotic intervention. This review has collected interesting information about the bacterial polysaccharides from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Up to our knowledge, this is the first of its kind review article that is summarizing therapeutic, prebiotics, and commercial application of bacterial polysaccharides.
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