Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 47 in total

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  1. Prospect of Anterior Gradient 2 homodimer inhibition via repurposing FDA-approved drugs using structure-based virtual screening
    Ullah S, Khan SU, Khan A, Junaid M, Rafiq H, Htar TT, et al.
    Mol Divers, 2021 Jun 28.
    PMID: 34181147 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-021-10263-x
    Anterior Gradient 2 (AGR2) has recently been reported as a tumor biomarker in various cancers, i.e., breast, prostate and lung cancer. Predominantly, AGR2 exists as a homodimer via a dimerization domain (E60-K64); after it is self-dimerized, it helps FGF2 and VEGF to homo-dimerize and promotes the angiogenesis and the invasion of vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Up till now, no small molecule has been discovered to inhibit the AGR2-AGR2 homodimer. Therefore, the present study was performed to prepare a validated 3D structure of AGR2 by homology modeling and discover a small molecule by screening the FDA-approved drugs library on AGR2 homodimer as a target protein. Thirteen different homology models of AGR2 were generated based on different templates which were narrowed down to 5 quality models sorted by their overall Z-scores. The top homology model based on PDB ID = 3PH9 was selected having the best Z-score and was further assessed by Verify-3D, ERRAT and RAMPAGE analysis. Structure-based virtual screening narrowed down the large library of FDA-approved drugs to ten potential AGR2-AGR2 homodimer inhibitors having FRED score lower than - 7.8 kcal/mol in which the top 5 drugs' binding stability was counter-validated by molecular dynamic simulation. To sum up, the present study prepared a validated 3D structure of AGR2 and, for the first time reported the discovery of 5 FDA-approved drugs to inhibit AGR2-AGR2 homodimer by using structure-based virtual screening. Moreover, the binding of the top 5 hits with AGR2 was also validated by molecular dynamic simulation. A validated 3D structure of Anterior Gradient 2 (AGR2) was prepared by homology modeling, which was used in virtual screening of FDA-approved drugs library for the discovery of prospective inhibitors of AGR2-AGR2 homodimer.
  2. Green synthesized nano-cellulose polyethylene imine-based biological membrane
    Waheed H, Farrukh S, Hussain A, Mukhtar A, Mubashir M, Saqib S, et al.
    Food Chem Toxicol, 2022 Feb;160:112773.
    PMID: 34953965 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112773
    In hemodialysis process, membrane serves as a barrier between blood and the dialysate. The barrier when contacted by blood accompanied activation of coagulation, immunity, and cellular passageways. In the recent years, hemodialysis membrane's biocompatibility has become a issue which leads to reduce the performance during the separation process. In previous work, we developed and evaluated a cellulose-based membrane blended with polyaziridine or polyetyleneimine in formic acid for hydrophilicity, pure water flux, surface morphology, and permeation efficiency. Biocompatibility was accessed, by conducting cellular viability and cellular attachments tests. In this study, the membrane compared to a non-treated control, and cell viability revealed active and growing cell cultures after 14 days. During the cellular attachment experiment, cell cultures attached to the fabricated membrane simulated the formation of cell junctions, proving that the membrane is non-toxic and biocompatible. CA + PEI + FA membrane tested with a blood mimic fluid having density identical to renal patient's blood. The BSA concentration in the feed solution was the same as that in the blood of the renal patient. The results revealed that the CA + PEI + FA membrane was able to reject 99% bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 69.6% urea. Therefore, from biocompatibility and blood mimic fluid testing, it is confirmed that the CA + PEI + FA membrane is the finest implant for dialysis applications.
  3. A review on sensing and catalytic activity of nano-catalyst for synthesis of one-step ammonia and urea: Challenges and perspectives
    Qureshi S, Mumtaz M, Chong FK, Mukhtar A, Saqib S, Ullah S, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2022 Mar;291(Pt 3):132806.
    PMID: 34780730 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132806
    One of the most significant chemical operations in the past century was the Haber-Bosch catalytic synthesis of ammonia, a fertilizer vital to human life. Many catalysts are developed for effective route of ammonia synthesis. The major challenges are to reduce temperature and pressure of process and to improve conversion of reactants produce green ammonia. The present review, briefly discusses the evolution of ammonia synthesis and current advances in nanocatalyst development. There are promising new ammonia synthesis catalysts of different morphology as well as magnetic nanoparticles and nanowires that could replace conventional Fused-Fe and Promoted-Ru catalysts in existing ammonia synthesis plants. These magnetic nanocatalyst could be basis for the production of magnetically induced one-step green ammonia and urea synthesis processes in future.
  4. Fulltext Description of Male, Redescription of Female, Host Record, and Phylogenetic Position of Haemaphysalis danieli
    Ahmad I, Ullah S, Alouffi A, Almutairi MM, Khan M, Numan M, et al.
    Pathogens, 2022 Dec 08;11(12).
    PMID: 36558829 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121495
    Haemaphysalis ticks are globally distributed with the greatest diversity in the Oriental region. This study aimed to primarily provide information on the morphology, host record, and preliminary phylogenetic position of a poorly known tick Haemaphysalis danieli. Herds comprised of goats and sheep were examined for this tick species in Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 127 ticks, including males (n = 15, 11.8%) and females (n = 112, 88.2%), were collected, and morphologically identified as H. danieli. The morphological identification was confirmed through the 16S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase (cox1) sequences. Phylogenetic analysis inferred based on 16S rDNA and cox1 showed a close evolutionary relationship of H. danieli with a conspecific from China and an undetermined Haemaphysalis sp. from China and Anatolia. A total of 32/223 (14.3%) goats in two different herds were the only host infested by H. danieli. The earliest study provided the morphological description of H. danieli male, host record, and phylogenetic position. The information provided herein could assist in minimizing the knowledge gap regarding the systematic and taxonomy of Haemaphysalis species.
  5. Efficacy of pentamidine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as a novel drug delivery system for Leishmania tropica
    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.
  6. High pressure CO2 adsorption onto Malaysian Mukah-Balingian coals: Adsorption isotherms, thermodynamic and kinetic investigations
    Abunowara M, Bustam MA, Sufian S, Babar M, Eldemerdash U, Mukhtar A, et al.
    Environ Res, 2023 Feb 01;218:114905.
    PMID: 36442522 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114905
    CO2 sequestration into coalbed seams is one of the practical routes for mitigating CO2 emissions. The adsorption mechanisms of CO2 onto Malaysian coals, however, are not yet investigated. In this research CO2 adsorption isotherms were first performed on dry and wet Mukah-Balingian coal samples at temperatures ranging from 300 to 348 K and pressures up to 6 MPa using volumetric technique. The dry S1 coal showed the highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 1.3 mmol g-1, at 300 K and 6 MPa among the other coal samples. The experimental results of CO2 adsorption were investigated using adsorption isotherms, thermodynamics, and kinetic models. Nonlinear analysis has been employed to investigate the data of CO2 adsorption onto coal samples via three parameter isotherm equilibrium models, namely Redlich Peterson, Koble Corrigan, Toth, Sips, and Hill, and four parameter equilibrium model, namely Jensen Seaton. The results of adsorption isotherm suggested that the Jensen Seaton model described the experimental data well. Gibb's free energy change values are negative, suggesting that CO2 adsorption onto the coal occurred randomly. Enthalpy change values in the negative range established that CO2 adsorption onto coal is an exothermic mechanism. Webber's pore-diffusion model, in particular, demonstrated that pore-diffusion was the main controlling stage in CO2 adsorption onto coal matrix. The activation energy of the coals was calculated to be below -13 kJ mol-1, indicating that adsorption of CO2 onto coals occurred through physisorption. The results demonstrate that CO2 adsorption onto coal matrix is favorable, spontaneous, and the adsorbed CO2 molecules accumulate more onto coal matrix. The observations of this investigation have significant implications for a more accurate measurement of CO2 injection into Malaysian coalbed seams.
  7. Fulltext Green Synthesis of ZnO and Black TiO2 Materials and Their Application in Photodegradation of Organic Pollutants
    Nawaz R, Ullah H, Ghanim AAJ, Irfan M, Anjum M, Rahman S, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2023 Oct 03;8(39):36076-36087.
    PMID: 37810725 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04229
    ZnO and black TiO2 have been selected as the most efficient materials for organic pollution abatement due to their increased efficiency when compared to other materials. However, the concept of green chemistry makes it desirable to design green synthesis approaches for their production. In this study, black TiO2 was synthesized using an environmentally safe synthetic technique with glycerol as a reductant. ZnO was prepared by using ionic-liquid-based microwave-assisted extracts of Polygonum minus. To investigate the materials' potential to photodegrade organic pollutants, methylene blue (MB) and phenol were chosen as model organic pollutants. Both materials were found to exhibit spherical morphologies and a mesoporous structure and were efficient absorbers of visible light. ZnO exhibited electron-hole pair recombination lower than that of black TiO2. Black TiO2 was discovered to be an anatase phase, whereas ZnO was found to have a hexagonal wurtzite structure. In contrast to black TiO2, which had a surface area of 239.99 m2/g and a particle size of 28 nm, ZnO had a surface area of 353.11 m2/g and a particle size of 32 nm. With a degradation time of 60 min, ZnO was able to eliminate 97.50% of the 40 mg/L MB. Black TiO2, on the other hand, could reduce 90.0% of the same amount of MB in 60 min. When tested for phenol degradation, ZnO and black TiO2 activities were reduced by nearly 15 and 25%, respectively. A detailed examination of both ZnO and black TiO2 materials revealed that ZnO has more potential and versatility for the degradation of organic pollutants under visible light irradiation.
  8. Fulltext Dynamic response and low voltage ride-through enhancement of brushless double-fed induction generator using Salp swarm optimization algorithm
    Memon A, Wazir Bin Mustafa M, Anjum W, Ahmed A, Ullah S, Altbawi SMA, et al.
    PLoS One, 2022;17(5):e0265611.
    PMID: 35551274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265611
    A brushless double-fed induction generator (BDFIG) has shown tremendous success in wind turbines due to its robust brushless design, smooth operation, and variable speed characteristics. However, the research regarding controlling of machine during low voltage ride through (LVRT) need greater attention as it may cause total disconnection of machine. In addition, the BDFIG based wind turbines must be capable of providing controlled amount of reactive power to the grid as per modern grid code requirements. Also, a suitable dynamic response of machine during both normal and fault conditions needs to be ensured. This paper, as such, attempts to provide reactive power to the grid by analytically calculating the decaying flux and developing a rotor side converter control scheme accordingly. Furthermore, the dynamic response and LVRT capability of the BDFIG is enhanced by using one of the very intelligent optimization algorithms called the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA). To prove the efficacy of the proposed control scheme, its performance is compared with that of the particle swan optimization (PSO) based controller in terms of limiting the fault current, regulating active and reactive power, and maintaining the stable operation of the power system under identical operating conditions. The simulation results show that the proposed control scheme significantly improves the dynamic response and LVRT capability of the developed BDFIG based wind energy conversion system; thus proves its essence and efficacy.
  9. Fulltext Baseline amplicon sequencing data for the ITS2 region in the green honey of Banggi Island, Sabah
    Ullah S, Huda N, Wahab RA, Hamid AAA, Nasir MHM, Mohamad MAN, et al.
    Data Brief, 2024 Feb;52:110044.
    PMID: 38328502 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2024.110044
    Green honey, was discovered on Banggi Island, Sabah, showing high in essential amino acids and chlorophyll derivatives. Despite its lucrative market potential owing to its distinctive color, uncertainties persist regarding its nature. This study leverages amplicon sequencing by targeting micro- and macro-organisms present in honey environmental DNA (eDNA) using Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) region, enabling the identification of floral and microorganism sources that represent the honey's composition. The investigation into green honey from Banggi Island concerns the prevalence of honey adulteration and authenticity for economic gain. Adulteration methods, such as the addition of sugar syrups, compromise honey purity. Using a sequencing approach would help in determining the geographic origin and verifying the authenticity of the honey. The study aims to identify plant species or microorganisms in honey's eDNA. To authenticate honey, we utilized ITS2 with Illumina sequencing, exploring the diversity of green honey samples. Raw sequence reads obtained for the green honey sample revealed 1,438,627 raw reads, with a GC average of 49.22 %. A total of 44 amplicon sequence variances (ASVs) were identified, including three genera: Zygosaccharomyces with two species, Fraxinus with three species, and the genus Ficaria with only one species. Their respective relative abundances were 98.55%, 0.94%, and 0.51%. Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Zygosaccharomyces mellis were identified as the pre-dominant yeast species in honey, while the Fraxinus and Ficaria genus represent common plant species in Sabah, particularly in Banggi Island. The dominance of Zygosaccharomyces species aligns with their known prevalence in honey, affirming the reliability of our findings. The presence of Fraxinus and Ficaria in the honey sample correlates with its abundance in the local environment. This amplicon sequencing approach not only contributes to our understanding of green honey composition but also serves as a valuable resource for authenticating honey origin in Malaysia, particularly for green honey from Banggi Island, Sabah. Our study pioneers the application of ITS2 amplicon sequencing for green honey amplicon sequencing, providing valuable insights into its composition and origin. This methodology, with a focus on eDNA, contributes to the authentication and quality determination of honey in Malaysia, addressing the pressing concerns of adulteration and variability in production practices.
  10. Fulltext Redirecting Metabolic Flux towards the Mevalonate Pathway for Enhanced β-Carotene Production in M. circinelloides CBS 277.49
    Naz T, Nazir Y, Nosheen S, Ullah S, Halim H, Fazili ABA, et al.
    Biomed Res Int, 2020;2020:8890269.
    PMID: 33457420 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8890269
    Carotenoids produced by microbial sources are of industrial and medicinal importance due to their antioxidant and anticancer properties. In the current study, optimization of β-carotene production in M. circinelloides strain 277.49 was achieved using response surface methodology (RSM). Cerulenin and ketoconazole were used to inhibit fatty acids and the sterol biosynthesis pathway, respectively, in order to enhance β-carotene production by diverting metabolic pool towards the mevalonate pathway. All three variables used in screening experiments were found to be significant for the production of β-carotene. The synergistic effect of the C/N ratio, cerulenin, and ketoconazole was further evaluated and optimized for superior β-carotene production using central composite design of RSM. Our results found that the synergistic combination of C/N ratios, cerulenin, and ketoconazole at different concentrations affected the β-carotene productions significantly. The optimal production medium (std. order 11) composed of C/N 25, 10 μg/mL cerulenin, and 150 mg/L ketoconazole, producing maximum β-carotene of 4.26 mg/L (0.43 mg/g) which was 157% greater in comparison to unoptimized medium (1.68 mg/L, 0.17 mg/g). So, it was concluded that metabolic flux had been successfully redirected towards the mevalonate pathway for enhanced β-carotene production in CBS 277.49.
  11. Fulltext Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Apis cerana honey from Lombok and Bali Islands
    Huyop F, Ullah S, Abdul Wahab R, Huda N, Sujana IGA, Saloko S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0301213.
    PMID: 38578814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301213
    Limited honey production worldwide leads to higher market prices, thus making it prone to adulteration. Therefore, regular physicochemical analysis is imperative for ensuring authenticity and safety. This study describes the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Apis cerana honey sourced from the islands of Lombok and Bali, showing their unique regional traits. A comparative analysis was conducted on honey samples from Lombok and Bali as well as honey variety from Malaysia. Moisture content was found slightly above 20% in raw honey samples from Lombok and Bali, adhering to the national standard (SNI 8664:2018) of not exceeding 22%. Both honey types displayed pH values within the acceptable range (3.40-6.10), ensuring favorable conditions for long-term storage. However, Lombok honey exhibited higher free acidity (78.5±2.14 meq/kg) than Bali honey (76.0±1.14 meq/kg), surpassing Codex Alimentarius recommendations (≤50 meq/kg). The ash content, reflective of inorganic mineral composition, was notably lower in Lombok (0.21±0.02 g/100) and Bali honey (0.14±0.01 g/100) compared to Tualang honey (1.3±0.02 g/100). Electric conductivity, indicative of mineral content, revealed Lombok and Bali honey with lower but comparable values than Tualang honey. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) concentrations in Lombok (14.4±0.11 mg/kg) and Bali (17.6±0.25 mg/kg) were slightly elevated compared to Tualang honey (6.4±0.11 mg/kg), suggesting potential processing-related changes. Sugar analysis revealed Lombok honey with the highest sucrose content (2.39±0.01g/100g) and Bali honey with the highest total sugar content (75.21±0.11 g/100g). Both honeys exhibited lower glucose than fructose content, aligning with Codex Alimentarius guidelines. The phenolic content, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were significantly higher in Lombok and Bali honey compared to Tualang honey, suggesting potential health benefits. Further analysis by LC-MS/MS-QTOF targeted analysis identified various flavonoids/flavanols and polyphenolic/phenolic acid compounds in Lombok and Bali honey. The study marks the importance of characterizing the unique composition of honey from different regions, ensuring quality and authenticity in the honey industry.
  12. Fulltext Genetic Modification of Mucor circinelloides for Canthaxanthin Production by Heterologous Expression of β-carotene Ketolase Gene
    Naz T, Yang J, Nosheen S, Sun C, Nazir Y, Mohamed H, et al.
    Front Nutr, 2021;8:756218.
    PMID: 34722614 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.756218
    Canthaxanthin is a reddish-orange xanthophyll with strong antioxidant activity and higher bioavailability than carotenes, primarily used in food, cosmetics, aquaculture, and pharmaceutical industries. The spiking market for natural canthaxanthin promoted researchers toward genetic engineering of heterologous hosts for canthaxanthin production. Mucor circinelloides is a dimorphic fungus that produces β-carotene as the major carotenoid and is considered as a model organism for carotenogenic studies. In this study, canthaxanthin-producing M. circinelloides strain was developed by integrating the codon-optimized β-carotene ketolase gene (bkt) of the Haematococcus pluvialis into the genome of the fungus under the control of strong promoter zrt1. First, a basic plasmid was constructed to disrupt crgA gene, a negative regulator of carotene biosynthesis resulted in substantial β-carotene production, which served as the building block for canthaxanthin by further enzymatic reaction of the ketolase enzyme. The genetically engineered strain produced a significant amount (576 ± 28 μg/g) of canthaxanthin, which is the highest amount reported in Mucor to date. Moreover, the cell dry weight of the recombinant strain was also determined, producing up to more than 9.0 g/L, after 96 h. The mRNA expression level of bkt in the overexpressing strain was analyzed by RT-qPCR, which increased by 5.3-, 4.1-, and 3-folds at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, compared with the control strain. The canthaxanthin-producing M. circinelloides strain obtained in this study provided a basis for further improving the biotechnological production of canthaxanthin and suggested a useful approach for the construction of more valuable carotenoids, such as astaxanthin.
  13. Challenges and recent trends with the development of hydrogel fiber for biomedical applications
    Ansar R, Saqib S, Mukhtar A, Niazi MBK, Shahid M, Jahan Z, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2022 Jan;287(Pt 1):131956.
    PMID: 34523459 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131956
    Hydrogel is the most emblematic soft material which possesses significantly tunable and programmable characteristics. Polymer hydrogels possess significant advantages including, biocompatible, simple, reliable and low cost. Therefore, research on the development of hydrogel for biomedical applications has been grown intensely. However, hydrogel development is challenging and required significant effort before the application at an industrial scale. Therefore, the current work focused on evaluating recent trends and issues with hydrogel development for biomedical applications. In addition, the hydrogel's development methodology, physicochemical properties, and biomedical applications are evaluated and benchmarked against the reported literature. Later, biomedical applications of the nano-cellulose-based hydrogel are considered and critically discussed. Based on a detailed review, it has been found that the surface energy, intermolecular interactions, and interactions of hydrogel adhesion forces are major challenges that contribute to the development of hydrogel. In addition, compared to other hydrogels, nanocellulose hydrogels demonstrated higher potential for drug delivery, 3D cell culture, diagnostics, tissue engineering, tissue therapies and gene therapies. Overall, nanocellulose hydrogel has the potential for commercialization for different biomedical applications.
  14. Fulltext Formulation Development, Characterization and Antifungal Evaluation of Chitosan NPs for Topical Delivery of Voriconazole In Vitro and Ex Vivo
    Shah MKA, Azad AK, Nawaz A, Ullah S, Latif MS, Rahman H, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Dec 30;14(1).
    PMID: 35012154 DOI: 10.3390/polym14010135
    This study aims to develop chitosan-based voriconazole nanoparticles (NPs) using spray-drying technique. The effect of surfactants and polymers on the physicochemical properties, in vitro release, and permeation of NPs was investigated. The prepared NPs containing various surfactants and polymers (e.g., Tween 20 (T20), Tween 80 (T80), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), propylene glycol (PG), and Polyethylene glycol-4000 (PEG-4000)) were physiochemically evaluated for size, zeta potential, drug content, percent entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, and permeation across rats' skin. A Franz diffusion cell was used for evaluating the in vitro release and permeation profile. The voriconazole-loaded NPs were investigated for antifungal activity against Candida albicans (C. albicans). The prepared NPs were in the nano range (i.e., 160-500 nm) and positively charged. Images taken by a scanning electron microscope showed that all prepared NPs were spherical and smooth. The drug content of NPs ranged from 75% to 90%. Nanoparticle formulations exhibited a good in vitro release profile and transport voriconazole across the rat's skin in a slow control release manner. The NPs containing SLS, T80, and PG exhibited the best penetration and skin retention profile. In addition, the formulation exhibited a potential antifungal effect against C. albicans. It was concluded that the development of chitosan NPs has a great potential for the topical delivery of voriconazole against fungal infection.
  15. Future advances and challenges of nanomaterial-based technologies for electromagnetic interference-based technologies: A review
    Karim SS, Murtaza Z, Farrukh S, Umer MA, Ali SS, Younas M, et al.
    Environ Res, 2022 Apr 01;205:112402.
    PMID: 34838569 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112402
    The emerging growth of the electronic devices applications has arisen the serious problems of electromagnetic (EM) wave pollution which resulting in equipment malfunction. Therefore, polymer-based composites have been considered good candidates for better EMI shielding due to their significant characteristics including, higher flexibility, ultrathin, lightweight, superior conductivity, easy fabrication processing, environmentally friendly, corrosion resistive, better adhesion with physical, chemical and thermal stability. This review article focused on the concept of the EMI shielding mechanism and challenges with the fabrication of polymer-based composites. Subsequently, recent advancements in the polymer composites applications have been critically reviewed. In addition, the impact of polymers and polymer nanocomposites with different fillers such as organic, inorganic, 2D, 3D, mixture and hybrid nano-fillers on EMI shielding effectiveness has been explored. Lastly, future research directions have been proposed to overcome the limitations of current technologies for further advancement in EMI shielding materials for industrial applications. Based on reported literature, it has been found that the low thickness based lightweight polymer is considered as a best material for excellent material for next-generation electronic devices. Optimization of polymer composites during the fabrication is required for better EMI shielding. New nano-fillers such as functionalization and composite polymers are best to enhance the EMI shielding and conductive properties.
  16. 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.
  17. Fulltext Morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of Chili (Capsicum annum L.) genotypes grown under varying salinity levels
    Butt M, Sattar A, Abbas T, Hussain R, Ijaz M, Sher A, et al.
    PLoS One, 2021;16(11):e0257893.
    PMID: 34735478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257893
    Climate change is causing soil salinization, resulting in huge crop losses throughout the world. Multiple physiological and biochemical pathways determine the ability of plants to tolerate salt stress. Chili (Capsicum annum L.) is a salt-susceptible crop; therefore, its growth and yield is negatively impacted by salinity. Irreversible damage at cell level and photo inhibition due to high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and less CO2 availability caused by water stress is directly linked with salinity. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the impact of five NaCl salinity levels, i.e., 0,1.5, 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0 dS m-1 on growth, biochemical attributes and yield of two chili genotypes ('Plahi' and 'A-120'). Salinity stress significantly reduced fresh and dry weight, relative water contents, water use efficiency, leaf osmotic potential, glycine betaine (GB) contents, photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (Ci), and chlorophyll contents of tested genotypes. Salinity stress significantly enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and activities of the enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). In addition, increasing salinity levels significantly reduced the tissue phosphorus and potassium concentrations, while enhanced the tissue sodium and chloride concentrations. Genotype 'Plahi' had better growth and biochemical attributes compared to 'A-120'. Therefore, 'Plahi' is recommended for saline areas to improve chili production.
  18. The first ITS2 sequence data set of eDNA from honey of Malaysian giant honeybees (Apis dorsata) and stingless bees (Heterotrigona itama) reveals plant species diversity
    Huda N, Ullah S, Wahab RA, Lani MN, Daud NHA, Shariff AHM, et al.
    BMC Res Notes, 2023 Sep 12;16(1):211.
    PMID: 37700361 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06495-9
    OBJECTIVES: Pollen is a useful tool for identifying the provenance and complex ecosystems surrounding honey production in Malaysian forests. As native key pollinators in Malaysia, Apis dorsata and Heterotrigona itama forage on various plant/pollen species to collect honey. This study aims to generate a dataset that uncovers the presence of these plant/pollen species and their relative abundance in the honey of A. dorsata and H. itama. The information gathered from this study can be used to determine the geographical and botanical origin and authenticity of the honey produced by these two species.

    RESULTS: Sequence data were obtained for both A. dorsata and H. itama. The raw sequence data for A. dorsata was 5 Mb, which was assembled into 5 contigs with a size of 6,098,728 bp, an N50 of 15,534, and a GC average of 57.42. Similarly, the raw sequence data for H. itama was 6.3 Mb, which was assembled into 11 contigs with a size of 7,642,048 bp, an N50 of 17,180, and a GC average of 55.38. In the honey sample of A. dorsata, we identified five different plant/pollen species, with only one of the five species exhibiting a relative abundance of less than 1%. For H. itama, we identified seven different plant/pollen species, with only three of the species exhibiting a relative abundance of less than 1%. All of the identified plant species were native to Peninsular Malaysia, especially the East Coast area of Terengganu.

    DATA DESCRIPTION: Our data offers valuable insights into honey's geographical and botanical origin and authenticity. Metagenomic studies could help identify the plant species that honeybees forage and provide preliminary data for researchers studying the biological development of A. dorsata and H. itama. The identification of various flowers from the eDNA of honey that are known for their medicinal properties could aid in regional honey with accurate product origin labeling, which is crucial for guaranteeing product authenticity to consumers.

  19. Fulltext Efficacy of Naphthyl Acetic Acid Foliar Spray in Moderating Drought Effects on the Morphological and Physiological Traits of Maize Plants (Zea mays L.)
    Ullah S, Khan MI, Khan MN, Ali U, Ali B, Iqbal R, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2023 Jun 13;8(23):20488-20504.
    PMID: 37323381 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00753
    The threat of varying global climates has greatly driven the attention of scientists, as climate change increases the odds of worsening drought in many parts of Pakistan and the world in the decades ahead. Keeping in view the forthcoming climate change, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of varying levels of induced drought stress on the physiological mechanism of drought resistance in selected maize cultivars. The sandy loam rhizospheric soil with moisture content 0.43-0.5 g g-1, organic matter (OM) 0.43-0.55 g/kg, N 0.022-0.027 g/kg, P 0.028-0.058 g/kg, and K 0.017-0.042 g/kg was used in the present experiment. The findings showed that a significant drop in the leaf water status, chlorophyll content, and carotenoid content was linked to an increase in sugar, proline, and antioxidant enzyme accumulation at p < 0.05 under induced drought stress, along with an increase in protein content as a dominant response for both cultivars. SVI-I & II, RSR, LAI, LAR, TB, CA, CB, CC, peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content under drought stress were studied for variance analysis in terms of interactions between drought and NAA treatment and were found significant at p < 0.05 after 15 days. It has been found that the exogenous application of NAA alleviated the inhibitory effect of only short-term water stress, but yield loss due to long-term osmotic stress will not be faced employing growth regulators. Climate-smart agriculture is the only approach to reduce the detrimental impact of global fluctuations, such as drought stress, on crop adaptability before they have a significant influence on world crop production.
  20. Fulltext Green honey of Banggi Island: A preliminary anti-diabetic study on zebrafish model
    Ullah S, Huyop F, Huda N, Ab Wahab R, Hamid AAA, Mohamad MAN, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e26469.
    PMID: 38404777 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26469
    Zebrafish is a developing vertebrate model with several advantages, including its small size, and high experimental efficiency. Malaysia exhibit one of the highest diabetes rates in the Western Pacific and incurring an annual cost of 600 million US dollars. The objective of the study is to determine the antidiabetic properties of green honey (GH) using a zebrafish model. Adult zebrafish, aged 3-4 months, were subjected to overfeeding and treated with streptozotocin (STZ) through intraperitoneal injection (IP) on days 7 and 9. The study assessed the oral sucrose tolerance test (OSTT) and the anti-diabetic effects of green honey. The evaluation was conducted at three time points: 30, 60, and 120 min after treatment and sucrose administration. The study utilised a model with a sample size of 5. The study was performed in six groups. These groups are (1) Normal control (non-diabetic, no intervention), (2) Normal control + GH (non-diabetic, supplemented with GH 3 μl), (3) DM control (diabetic, no intervention), (4) DM Gp1 (diabetic, 3 μL GH), (5) DM Gp2 (diabetic, 6 μ L GH), (6) DM Acarbose (diabetic, treated with acarbose). Fasting blood glucose levels for non-diabetic (non-DM) and diabetic (DM) groups were evaluated before and after the 10 days of diabetic induction. DM groups (excess of food and two injections of STZ) have caused a significant increment in the fasting blood glucose to 11.55 mmol/l (p 
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