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  1. pH-responsive CAP-co-poly(methacrylic acid)-based hydrogel as an efficient platform for controlled gastrointestinal delivery: fabrication, characterization, in vitro and in vivo toxicity evaluation
    Shah SA, Sohail M, Minhas MU, Nisar-Ur-Rehman, Khan S, Hussain Z, et al.
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2019 Apr;9(2):555-577.
    PMID: 29450805 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0486-8
    Cellulose acetate phthalate-based pH-responsive hydrogel was synthesized for fabrication of polymeric matrix tablets for gastro-protective delivery of loxoprofen sodium. Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) was cross-linked with methacrylic acid (MAA) using free radical polymerization technique. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the formation of cross-linked structure of CAP-co-poly(methacrylic acid). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the thermal stability of polymeric networks, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS) images unveiled that the prepared formulations were porous in nature and thus the developed formulations had shown better diffusibility. Swelling and in vitro drug release was performed at various pHs and maximum swelling and release was obtained at pH 7.4, while swelling and release rate was very low at pH 1.2 which confirmed the pH-responsive behavior of CAP-co-poly(MAA). CAP-co-poly(MAA) copolymer prevents the release of loxoprofen sodium into the stomach due to reduced swelling at gastric pH while showing significant swelling and drug release in the colon. Cytotoxicity studies revealed higher biocompatibility of fabricated hydrogel. Acute oral toxicity studies were performed for the evaluation and preliminary screening of safety profile of the developed hydrogels. Matrix tablets were evaluated for release behavior at simulated body pH. The investigations performed for analysis of hydrogels and fabricated matrix tablets indicated the controlled drug release and gastro-protective drug delivery of CAP-co-poly(MAA) hydrogels and pH-sensitive matrix tablets for targeted delivery of gastro-sensitive/irritative agents. Graphical abstract.
  2. Team-based self-directed learning enhanced students' learning experience in undergraduate surgical teaching
    Sim SK, Myo N, Sohail M
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jan;78(1):61-67.
    PMID: 36715193
    INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effectiveness of team-based self-directed learning (SDL) in the teaching of the undergraduate Year 5 surgical posting.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted to develop and administer a team-based SDL versus a conventional SDL to teach undergraduate surgical topics. One hundred and seventy-four medical students who underwent the Year 5 surgical posting were recruited. They were assigned to two groups receiving either the teambased SDL or the conventional SDL. Pre- and post-SDL assessments were conducted to determine students' understanding of selected surgical topics. A selfadministered questionnaire was used to collect student feedback on the team-based SDL.

    RESULTS: The team-based SDL group scored significantly higher than the conventional SDL group in the post-SDL assessment (74.70 ± 6.81 vs. 63.77 ± 4.18, t = -12.72, p < 0.01). The students agreed that the team-based SDL method facilitated their learning process.

    CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that the use of a teambased SDL is an effective learning strategy for teaching the Year 5 surgical posting. This method encouraged peer discussion and promoted teamwork in completing task assignments to achieve the learning objectives.

  3. Synthesis of Electrical Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks for Electrochemical Applications
    Shoaib Ahmad Shah S, Altaf Nazir M, Mahmood A, Sohail M, Ur Rehman A, Khurram Tufail M, et al.
    Chem Rec, 2024 Jan;24(1):e202300141.
    PMID: 37724006 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300141
    Electrical conductivity is very important property of nanomaterials for using wide range of applications especially energy applications. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are notorious for their low electrical conductivity and less considered for usage in pristine forms. However, the advantages of high surface area, porosity and confined catalytic active sites motivated researchers to improve the conductivity of MOFs. Therefore, 2D electrical conductive MOFs (ECMOF) have been widely synthesized by developing the effective synthetic strategies. In this article, we have summarized the recent trends in developing the 2D ECMOFs, following the summary of potential applications in the various fields with future perspectives.
  4. Fulltext Successful laparoscopic management of combined traumatic diaphragmatic rupture and abdominal wall hernia: a case report
    Siow SL, Wong CM, Hardin M, Sohail M
    J Med Case Rep, 2016 Jan 18;10:11.
    PMID: 26781191 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-015-0780-8
    Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture and traumatic abdominal wall hernia are two well-described but rare clinical entities associated with blunt thoracoabdominal injuries. To the best of our knowledge, the combination of these two clinical entities as a result of a motor vehicle accident has not been previously reported.
  5. Right ureteric reconstruction with vascularised interpositional appendix graft in retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma
    Sohail M, Loke SN, Sim SK, Nik Azim NA
    Med J Malaysia, 2021 05;76(3):432-435.
    PMID: 34031348
    We present here a case of a 66-year-old lady who was diagnosed with right iliac fossa retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma at Hospital Umum Sarawak. The challenge in this case was the extension of tumour with the involvement of her right ureter causing proximal hydroureter and hydronephrosis. After resection of tumour en-block with the involved segment of ureter, it was not possible to repair the ureteric defect directly. We used interpositional vascularized appendix graft to repair this large (7 cm) ureteric defect. We describe here this uncommon technique of ureter reconstruction.
  6. Retraction Note: pH-responsive CAP-co-poly(methacrylic acid)-based hydrogel as an efficient platform for controlled gastrointestinal delivery: fabrication, characterization, in vitro and in vivo toxicity evaluation
    Shah SA, Sohail M, Minhas MU, Nisar-Ur-Rehman, Khan S, Hussain Z, et al.
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2024 Apr 11.
    PMID: 38602616 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01600-2
  7. Recent Advances and Future Perspectives of Metal-Based Electrocatalysts for Overall Electrochemical Water Splitting
    Hayat A, Sohail M, Ali H, Taha TA, Qazi HIA, Ur Rahman N, et al.
    Chem Rec, 2022 Nov 21.
    PMID: 36408911 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200149
    Recently, the growing demand for a renewable and sustainable fuel alternative is contingent on fuel cell technologies. Even though it is regarded as an environmentally sustainable method of generating fuel for immediate concerns, it must be enhanced to make it extraordinarily affordable, and environmentally sustainable. Hydrogen (H2 ) synthesis by electrochemical water splitting (ECWS) is considered one of the foremost potential prospective methods for renewable energy output and H2 society implementation. Existing massive H2 output is mostly reliant on the steaming reformation of carbon fuels that yield CO2 together with H2 and is a finite resource. ECWS is a viable, efficient, and contamination-free method for H2 evolution. Consequently, developing reliable and cost-effective technology for ECWS was a top priority for scientists around the globe. Utilizing renewable technologies to decrease total fuel utilization is crucial for H2 evolution. Capturing and transforming the fuel from the ambient through various renewable solutions for water splitting (WS) could effectively reduce the need for additional electricity. ECWS is among the foremost potential prospective methods for renewable energy output and the achievement of a H2 -based economy. For the overall water splitting (OWS), several transition-metal-based polyfunctional metal catalysts for both cathode and anode have been synthesized. Furthermore, the essential to the widespread adoption of such technology is the development of reduced-price, super functional electrocatalysts to substitute those, depending on metals. Many metal-premised electrocatalysts for both the anode and cathode have been designed for the WS process. The attributes of H2 and oxygen (O2 ) dynamics interactions on the electrodes of water electrolysis cells and the fundamental techniques for evaluating the achievement of electrocatalysts are outlined in this paper. Special emphasis is paid to their fabrication, electrocatalytic performance, durability, and measures for enhancing their efficiency. In addition, prospective ideas on metal-based WS electrocatalysts based on existing problems are presented. It is anticipated that this review will offer a straight direction toward the engineering and construction of novel polyfunctional electrocatalysts encompassing superior efficiency in a suitable WS technique.
  8. Fulltext Recent Advancements in Stimuli Responsive Drug Delivery Platforms for Active and Passive Cancer Targeting
    Rahim MA, Jan N, Khan S, Shah H, Madni A, Khan A, et al.
    Cancers (Basel), 2021 Feb 07;13(4).
    PMID: 33562376 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040670
    The tumor-specific targeting of chemotherapeutic agents for specific necrosis of cancer cells without affecting the normal cells poses a great challenge for researchers and scientists. Though extensive research has been carried out to investigate chemotherapy-based targeted drug delivery, the identification of the most promising strategy capable of bypassing non-specific cytotoxicity is still a major concern. Recent advancements in the arena of onco-targeted therapies have enabled safe and effective tumor-specific localization through stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. Owing to their promising characteristic features, stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms have revolutionized the chemotherapy-based treatments with added benefits of enhanced bioavailability and selective cytotoxicity of cancer cells compared to the conventional modalities. The insensitivity of stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms when exposed to normal cells prevents the release of cytotoxic drugs into the normal cells and therefore alleviates the off-target events associated with chemotherapy. Contrastingly, they showed amplified sensitivity and triggered release of chemotherapeutic payload when internalized into the tumor microenvironment causing maximum cytotoxic responses and the induction of cancer cell necrosis. This review focuses on the physical stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems and chemical stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems for triggered cancer chemotherapy through active and/or passive targeting. Moreover, the review also provided a brief insight into the molecular dynamic simulations associated with stimuli-based tumor targeting.
  9. Recent Advancement of the Current Aspects of g-C3 N4 for its Photocatalytic Applications in Sustainable Energy System
    Hayat A, Sohail M, Ali Shah Syed J, Al-Sehemi AG, Mohammed MH, Al-Ghamdi AA, et al.
    Chem Rec, 2022 Feb 09.
    PMID: 35138017 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202100310
    Being one of the foremost enticing and intriguing innovations, heterogeneous photocatalysis has also been used to effectively gather, transform, and conserve sustainable sun's radiation for the production of efficient and clean fossil energy as well as a wide range of ecological implications. The generation of solar fuel-based water splitting and CO2 photoreduction is excellent for generating alternative resources and reducing global warming. Developing an inexpensive photocatalyst can effectively split water into hydrogen (H2 ), oxygen (O2 ) sources, and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) into fuel sources, which is a crucial problem in photocatalysis. The metal-free g-C3 N4 photocatalyst has a high solar fuel generation potential. This review covers the most recent advancements in g-C3 N4 preparation, including innovative design concepts and new synthesis methods, and novel ideas for expanding the light absorption of pure g-C3 N4 for photocatalytic application. Similarly, the main issue concerning research and prospects in photocatalysts based g-C3 N4 was also discussed. The current dissertation provides an overview of comprehensive understanding of the exploitation of the extraordinary systemic and characteristics, as well as the fabrication processes and uses of g-C3 N4 .
  10. Recent Advancement in Rational Design Modulation of MXene: A Voyage from Environmental Remediation to Energy Conversion and Storage
    Hayat A, Sohail M, Qadeer A, Taha TA, Hussain M, Ullah S, et al.
    Chem Rec, 2022 Dec;22(12):e202200097.
    PMID: 36103617 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200097
    Use of MXenes (Ti3 C2 Tx ), which belongs to the family of two-dimensional transition metal nitrides and carbides by encompassing unique combination of metallic conductivity and hydrophilicity, is receiving tremendous attention, since its discovery as energy material in 2011. Owing to its precursor selective chemical etching, and unique intrinsic characteristics, the MXene surface properties are further classified into highly chemically active compound, which further produced different surface functional groups i. e., oxygen, fluorine or hydroxyl groups. However, the role of surface functional groups doesn't not only have a significant impact onto its electrochemical and hydrophilic characteristics (i. e., ion adsorption/diffusion), but also imparting a noteworthy effect onto its conductivity, work function, electronic structure and properties. Henceforth, such kind of inherent chemical nature, robust electrochemistry and high hydrophilicity ultimately increasing the MXene application as a most propitious material for overall environment-remediation, electrocatalytic sensors, energy conversion and storage application. Moreover, it is well documented that the role of MXenes in all kinds of research fields is still on a progress stage for their further improvement, which is not sufficiently summarized in literature till now. The present review article is intended to critically discuss the different chemical aptitudes and the diversity of MXenes and its derivates (i. e., hybrid composites) in all aforesaid application with special emphasis onto the improvement of its surface characteristics for the multidimensional application. However, this review article is anticipated to endorse MXenes and its derivates hybrid configuration, which is discussed in detail for emerging environmental decontamination, electrochemical use, and pollutant detection via electrocatalytic sensors, photocatalysis, along with membrane distillation and the adsorption application. Finally, it is expected, that this review article will open up new window for the effective use of MXene in a broad range of environmental remediation, energy conversion and storage application as a novel, robust, multidimensional and more proficient materials.
  11. Fulltext Psychosocial safety climate and self-efficacy: Moderating role of job-related expectations in Pakistani private-sector employees during the COVID-19 pandemic
    Maqsood S, Sohail M, Naeem F, Nazri M, Fatima D
    Front Psychol, 2022;13:1016050.
    PMID: 36926534 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1016050
    The labor force in Pakistan comprises 59.8 million individuals. The employees have faced major changes in work dynamics and psychosocial safety climate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the current study is to find the relationship between psychosocial safety climate, self-efficacy, and job-related expectations. It explores the moderating role of job-related expectations on the relationship between psychosocial safety climate and self-efficacy. It was hypothesized that there is likely to be a significant relationship between psychosocial safety climate, self-efficacy, and job-related expectations, job-related expectations are likely to moderate the relationship between psychosocial safety climate and self-efficacy, and there are likely to be differences between married and unmarried employees; men and women; satisfied and unsatisfied employees with respect to psychosocial safety, self-efficacy, and job-related expectations. A correlational research design and a convenience sampling strategy were used. A total of 281 employees (M = 30.74 years, SD = 10.99) of the private-sector (including educational, industrial, and IT) organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic were part of the study. Results show that psychosocial safety climate had a positive significant relationship with job-related expectations and self-efficacy. Job expectations also significantly correlated with self-efficacy. There were significant differences in measures of study variables with respect to gender, marital status, and employee satisfaction. This research has implications for administration, managers, policymakers, and organizational psychologists.
  12. Fulltext Potential application of nanotechnology in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of schistosomiasis
    Qadeer A, Ullah H, Sohail M, Safi SZ, Rahim A, Saleh TA, et al.
    Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 2022;10:1013354.
    PMID: 36568300 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1013354
    Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. Globally, it affects economically poor countries, typically due to a lack of proper sanitation systems, and poor hygiene conditions. Currently, no vaccine is available against schistosomiasis, and the preferred treatment is chemotherapy with the use of praziquantel. It is a common anti-schistosomal drug used against all known species of Schistosoma. To date, current treatment primarily the drug praziquantel has not been effective in treating Schistosoma species in their early stages. The drug of choice offers low bioavailability, water solubility, and fast metabolism. Globally drug resistance has been documented due to overuse of praziquantel, Parasite mutations, poor treatment compliance, co-infection with other strains of parasites, and overall parasitic load. The existing diagnostic methods have very little acceptability and are not readily applied for quick diagnosis. This review aims to summarize the use of nanotechnology in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. It also explored safe and effective substitute approaches against parasitosis. At this stage, various nanomaterials are being used in drug delivery systems, diagnostic kits, and vaccine production. Nanotechnology is one of the modern and innovative methods to treat and diagnose several human diseases, particularly those caused by parasite infections. Herein we highlight the current advancement and application of nanotechnological approaches regarding the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of schistosomiasis.
  13. Personality assessment in military - Bright and dark sides of the assessment measures: A review
    Sohail M, Naeem F, Javaid MU, Ibikunle AK
    Work, 2023;76(3):979-990.
    PMID: 37182851 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220454
    BACKGROUND: Personality assessment has its own bright and dark sides, especially in the military setting. It is at play since the emergence of clinical psychology and its application in the recruitment process during World War I and II. Change in personality assessment trends, the evolution of complex personality traits, and changing geopolitical settings across the world necessitate the development of cost-effective, time-efficient, and reliable assessment measures that overcome issues in current assessment measures and fulfil the needs of present timesOBJECTIVE:The objective of this paper is to explore the evolution of personality assessment measures and their uses in military settings along with the comparison of self-report and non-self-report measures. It would give directions for the development of new measures to overcome the issues and drawbacks associated with current measures of research.

    METHODS: The research question was formulated using the most valid SPIDER technique for a comprehensive search. PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycNet databases were searched. 19 articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria out of 775 articles.

    RESULTS: Thematic analyses show that personality assessment in the military is done to a) detect psychopathology, b) detect aberrant responses, c) recruit new personnel, d) predict training and performance outcomes, and e) predict leadership. The research contributes to the body of knowledge by showing an integrated picture of the most widely used assessment tools and the purpose it serves.

    CONCLUSION: There is a need to develop assessment measures that are culture free and can assess more complex personality attributes.

  14. PEGylation: a promising strategy to overcome challenges to cancer-targeted nanomedicines: a review of challenges to clinical transition and promising resolution
    Hussain Z, Khan S, Imran M, Sohail M, Shah SWA, de Matas M
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2019 06;9(3):721-734.
    PMID: 30895453 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-019-00631-4
    On account of heterogeneity, intrinsic ability of drug resistance, and the potential to invade to other parts of the body (malignancy), the development of a rational anticancer regimen is dynamically challenging. Chemotherapy is considered the gold standard for eradication of malignancy and mitigation of its reoccurrence; nevertheless, it has also been associated with detrimental effects to normal tissues owing to its nonselectivity and nominal penetration into the tumor tissues. In recent decades, nanotechnology-guided interventions have been well-acclaimed due to their ability to facilitate target-specific delivery of drugs, avoidance of nontarget distribution, alleviated systemic toxicity, and maximized drug internalization into cancer cells. Despite their numerous biomedical advantages, clinical translation of nanotechnology-mediated regimens is challenging due to their short plasma half-life and early clearance. PEGylation of nanomedicines has been adapted as an efficient strategy to extend plasma half-life and diminished early plasma clearance via alleviating the opsonization (uptake by monocytes and macrophages) of drug nanocarriers. PEGylation provides "stealth" properties to nanocarrier's surfaces which diminished their recognition or uptake by cellular immune system, leading to longer circulation time, reduced dosage and frequency, and superior site-selective delivery of drugs. Therefore, this review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the pharmaceutical advantages and therapeutic feasibility of PEGylation of nanocarriers in improving tumor-specific targetability, reversing drug resistance, and improving pharmacokinetic profile of drugs and anticancer efficacy. Challenges to PEGylated cancer nanomedicines, possible adaptations to resolve those challenges, and pivotal requirement for interdisciplinary research for development of rational anticancer regimen have also been pondered.
  15. Fulltext Norfloxacin Loaded Lipid Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for Oral Administration: Fabrication, Characterization, In Silico Modelling and Toxicity Evaluation
    Khan MA, Khan S, Kazi M, Alshehri SM, Shahid M, Khan SU, et al.
    Pharmaceutics, 2021 Oct 06;13(10).
    PMID: 34683925 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101632
    Norfloxacin (NOR), widely employed as an anti-bacterial drug, has poor oral bioavailability. Nano based drug delivery systems are widely used to overcome the existing oral bioavailability challenges. Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles (LPHNs) exhibit the distinctive advantages of both polymeric and liposomes nanoparticles, while excluding some of their disadvantages. In the current study, NOR loaded LPHNs were prepared, and were solid amorphous in nature, followed by in vitro and in vivo evaluation. The optimized process conditions resulted in LPHNs with the acceptable particle size 121.27 nm, Polydispersity Index (PDI) of 0.214 and zeta potential of -32 mv. The addition of a helper lipid, oleic acid, and polymers, ethyl cellulose, substantially increased the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) (65% to 97%). In vitro study showed a sustained drug release profile (75% within 12 h) for NOR LPHNs. The optimized NOR LPHNs showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in bioavailability compared to the commercial product. From the acute toxicity study, the LD50 value was found to be greater than 1600 mg/kg. The molecular modelling studies substantiated the experimental results with the best combination of polymers and surfactants that produced highly stable LPHNs. Therefore, LPHNs proved to be a promising system for the delivery of NOR, as well as for other antibiotics and hydrophobic drugs.
  16. Natural and synthetic polymer-based smart biomaterials for management of ulcerative colitis: a review of recent developments and future prospects
    Sohail M, Mudassir, Minhas MU, Khan S, Hussain Z, de Matas M, et al.
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2019 04;9(2):595-614.
    PMID: 29611113 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0512-x
    Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease of the colon that severely affects the quality of life of patients and usually responds well to anti-inflammatory agents for symptomatic relief; however, many patients need colectomy, a surgical procedure to remove whole or part of the colon. Though various types of pharmacological agents have been employed for the management of UC, the lack of effectiveness is usually predisposed to various reasons including lack of target-specific delivery of drugs and insufficient drug accumulation at the target site. To overcome these glitches, many researchers have designed and characterized various types of versatile polymeric biomaterials to achieve target-specific delivery of drugs via oral route to optimize their targeting efficiency to the colon, to improve drug accumulation at the target site, as well as to ameliorate off-target effects of chemotherapy. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize and critically discuss the pharmaceutical significance and therapeutic feasibility of a wide range of natural and synthetic biomaterials for efficient drug targeting to colon and rationalized treatment of UC. Among various types of biomaterials, natural and synthetic polymer-based hydrogels have shown promising targeting potential due to their innate pH responsiveness, sustained and controlled release characteristics, and microbial degradation in the colon to release the encapsulated drug moieties. These characteristic features make natural and synthetic polymer-based hydrogels superior to conventional pharmacological strategies for the management of UC.
  17. Fulltext Nanostructure Engineering via Intramolecular Construction of Carbon Nitride as Efficient Photocatalyst for CO2 Reduction
    Sohail M, Altalhi T, Al-Sehemi AG, Taha TAM, S El-Nasser K, Al-Ghamdi AA, et al.
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2021 Nov 29;11(12).
    PMID: 34947595 DOI: 10.3390/nano11123245
    Light-driven heterogeneous photocatalysis has gained great significance for generating solar fuel; the challenging charge separation process and sluggish surface catalytic reactions significantly restrict the progress of solar energy conversion using a semiconductor photocatalyst. Herein, we propose a novel and feasible strategy to incorporate dihydroxy benzene (DHB) as a conjugated monomer within the framework of urea containing CN (CNU-DHBx) to tune the electronic conductivity and charge separation due to the aromaticity of the benzene ring, which acts as an electron-donating species. Systematic characterizations such as SPV, PL, XPS, DRS, and TRPL demonstrated that the incorporation of the DHB monomer greatly enhanced the photocatalytic CO2 reduction of CN due to the enhanced charge separation and modulation of the ionic mobility. The significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity of CNU-DHB15.0 in comparison with parental CN was 85 µmol/h for CO and 19.92 µmol/h of the H2 source. It can be attributed to the electron-hole pair separation and enhance the optical adsorption due to the presence of DHB. Furthermore, this remarkable modification affected the chemical composition, bandgap, and surface area, encouraging the controlled detachment of light-produced photons and making it the ideal choice for CO2 photoreduction. Our research findings potentially offer a solution for tuning complex charge separation and catalytic reactions in photocatalysis that could practically lead to the generation of artificial photocatalysts for efficient solar energy into chemical energy conversion.
  18. Nanomedicines as emerging platform for simultaneous delivery of cancer therapeutics: new developments in overcoming drug resistance and optimizing anticancer efficacy
    Hussain Z, Arooj M, Malik A, Hussain F, Safdar H, Khan S, et al.
    Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol, 2018;46(sup2):1015-1024.
    PMID: 29873531 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2018.1478420
    Development and formulation of an efficient and safe therapeutic regimen for cancer theranostics are dynamically challenging. The use of mono-therapeutic cancer regimen is generally restricted to optimal clinical applications, on account of drug resistance and cancer heterogeneity. Combinatorial treatments can employ multi-therapeutics for synergistic anticancer efficacy whilst reducing the potency of individual moieties and diminishing the incidence of associated adverse effects. The combo-delivery of nanotherapeutics can optimize anti-tumor efficacy while reversing the incidence of drug resistance, aiming to homogenize pharmacological profile of drugs, enhance circulatory time, permit targeted drug accumulation, achieve multi-target dynamic approach, optimize target-specific drug binding and ensure sustained drug release at the target site. Numerous nanomedicines/nanotherapeutics have been developed by having dynamic physicochemical, pharmaceutical and pharmacological implications. These innovative delivery approaches have displayed specialized treatment effects, alone or in combination with conventional anticancer approaches (photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy and gene therapy), while reversing drug resistance and potential off-target effects. The current review presents a comprehensive overview of nanocarrier aided multi-drug therapies alongside recent advancements, future prospects, and the pivotal requirements for interdisciplinary research.
  19. Nano-scaled materials may induce severe neurotoxicity upon chronic exposure to brain tissues: A critical appraisal and recent updates on predisposing factors, underlying mechanism, and future prospects
    Hussain Z, Thu HE, Elsayed I, Abourehab MAS, Khan S, Sohail M, et al.
    J Control Release, 2020 12 10;328:873-894.
    PMID: 33137366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.10.053
    Owing to their tremendous potential, the inference of nano-scaled materials has revolutionized many fields including the medicine and health, particularly for development of various types of targeted drug delivery devices for early prognosis and successful treatment of various diseases, including the brain disorders. Owing to their unique characteristic features, a variety of nanomaterials (particularly, ultra-fine particles (UFPs) have shown tremendous success in achieving the prognostic and therapeutic goals for early prognosis and treatment of various brain maladies such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain lymphomas, and other ailments. However, serious attention is needful due to innumerable after-effects of the nanomaterials. Despite their immense contribution in optimizing the prognostic and therapeutic modalities, biological interaction of nanomaterials with various body tissues may produce severe nanotoxicity of different organs including the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, immune system, gastro-intestinal system, skin as well as nervous system. However, in this review, we have primarily focused on nanomaterials-induced neurotoxicity of the brain. Following their translocation into different regions of the brain, nanomaterials may induce neurotoxicity through multiple mechanisms including the oxidative stress, DNA damage, lysosomal dysfunction, inflammatory cascade, apoptosis, genotoxicity, and ultimately necrosis of neuronal cells. Our findings indicated that rigorous toxicological evaluations must be carried out prior to clinical translation of nanomaterials-based formulations to avoid serious neurotoxic complications, which may further lead to develop various neuro-degenerative disorders.
  20. Multi-functionalization, a Promising Adaptation to Overcome Challenges to Clinical Translation of Nanomedicines as Nano-diagnostics and Nano-therapeutics for Breast Cancer
    Moti LAA, Hussain Z, Thu HE, Khan S, Sohail M, Sarfraz RM
    Curr Pharm Des, 2021;27(43):4356-4375.
    PMID: 34459374 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666210830092539
    BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most aggressive and prevalent types of cancer, which is associated with a high rate of mortality and colossal potential of metastasis to other body organs. Conventionally, there are three commonly employed strategies for the treatment of BC including, surgery, radiations and chemotherapy; however, these modalities are associated with several deleterious effects and a high rate of relapse.

    OBJECTIVE: This review was aimed to critically discuss and conceptualize existing evidences related to the pharmaceutical significance and therapeutic feasibility of multi-functionalization of nanomedicines for early diagnosis and efficient treatment of BC.

    RESULTS: Though the implication of nanotechnology-based modalities has revolutionised the outcomes of diagnosis and treatment of BC; however, the clinical translation of these nanomedicines is facing grandeur challenges. These challenges include recognition by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), short plasma half-life, non-specific accumulation in the non-cancerous cells, and expulsion of the drug(s) by the efflux pump. To circumvent these challenges, various adaptations such as PEGylation, conjugation of targeting ligand(s), and siteresponsive behaviour (i.e., pH-responsiveness, biochemical, or thermal-responsiveness) have been adapted. Similarly, multi-functionalization of nanomedicines has emerged as an exceptional strategy to improve the pharmacokinetic profile, specific targetability to the tumor microenvironment (active targeting) and efficient internalization, and to alleviate the expulsion of internalized drug contents by silencing-off efflux pump.

    CONCLUSION: Critical analysis of the available evidences revealed that multi-functionalization of nanomedicines is a plausible and sustainable adaptation for early diagnosis and treatment of BC with better therapeutic outcomes.

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