Displaying publications 141 - 160 of 325 in total

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  1. Fulltext Microsatellite-based analysis reveals Aedes aegypti populations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia result from colonization by both the ancestral African and the global domestic forms
    Mashlawi AM, Alqahtani H, Abuelmaali SA, Gloria-Soria A, Saingamsook J, Kaddumukasa M, et al.
    Evol Appl, 2024 Feb;17(2):e13661.
    PMID: 38405337 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13661
    The Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) mosquito is the main vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika and is well established today all over the world. The species comprises two forms: the ancestral form found throughout Africa and a global domestic form that spread to the rest of the tropics and subtropics. In Saudi Arabia, A. aegypti has been known in the southwest since 1956, and previous genetic studies clustered A. aegypti from Saudi Arabia with the global domestic form. The purpose of this study was to assess the genetic structure of A. aegypti in Saudi Arabia and determine their geographic origin. Genetic data for 17 microsatellites were collected for A. aegypti ranging from the southwestern highlands of Saudi Arabia on the border of Yemen to the north-west in Madinah region as well as from Thailand and Uganda populations (as representatives of the ancestral African and global domestic forms, respectively). The low but significant level of genetic structuring in Saudi Arabia was consistent with long-distance dispersal capability possibly through road connectivity and human activities, that is, passive dispersal. There are two main genetic groupings in Saudi Arabia, one of which clusters with the Ugandan population and the other with the Thailand population with many Saudi Arabian individuals having mixed ancestry. The hypothesis of genetic admixture of the ancestral African and global domestic forms in Saudi Arabia was supported by approximate Bayesian computational analyses. The extent of admixture varied across Saudi Arabia. African ancestry was highest in the highland area of the Jazan region followed by the lowland Jazan and Sahil regions. Conversely, the western (Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah) and Najran populations corresponded to the global domesticated form. Given potential differences between the forms in transmission capability, ecology and behaviour, the findings here should be taken into account in vector control efforts in Saudi Arabia.
  2. Novel hydrazone schiff's base derivatives of polyhydroquinoline: synthesis, in vitro prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitory activity and their Molecular docking study
    Talab F, Alam A, Zainab, Ullah S, Elhenawy AA, Shah SAA, et al.
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2024 Feb 22.
    PMID: 38385366 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2319677
    This research work reports the synthesis of new derivatives of the hydrazone Schiff bases (1-17) based on polyhydroquinoline nucleus through multistep reactions. HR-ESIMS,1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy were used to structurally infer all of the synthesized compounds and lastly evaluated for prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitory activity. All the prepared products displayed good to excellent inhibitory activity when compared with standard z-prolyl-prolinal. Three derivatives 3, 15 and 14 showed excellent inhibition with IC50 values 3.21 ± 0.15 to 5.67 ± 0.18 µM, while the remaining 12 compounds showed significant activity. Docking studies indicated a good correlation with the biochemical potency of compounds estimated in the in-vitro test and showed the potency of compounds 3, 15 and 14. The MD simulation results confirmed the stability of the most potent inhibitors 3, 15 and 14 at 250 ns using the parameters RMSD, RMSF, Rg and number of hydrogen bonds. The RMSD values indicate the stability of the protein backbone in complex with the inhibitors over the simulation time. The RMSF values of the binding site residues indicate that the potent inhibitors contributed to stabilizing these regions of the protein, through formed stable interactions with the protein. The Rg. analysis assesses the overall size and compactness of the complexes. The maintenance of stable hydrogen bonds suggests the existence of favorable binding interactions. SASA analysis suggests that they maintained stable conformations without large-scale exposure to the solvent. These results indicate that the ligand-protein interactions are stable and could be exploited to design new drugs for disease treatment.
  3. Fulltext Bioactive compounds from nature: Antioxidants targeting cellular transformation in response to epigenetic perturbations induced by oxidative stress
    Bouyahya A, Bakrim S, Aboulaghras S, El Kadri K, Aanniz T, Khalid A, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2024 May;174:116432.
    PMID: 38520868 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116432
    Oxidative stress results from a persistent imbalance in oxidation levels that promotes oxidants, playing a crucial role in the early and sustained phases of DNA damage and genomic and epigenetic instability, both of which are intricately linked to the development of tumors. The molecular pathways contributing to carcinogenesis in this context, particularly those related to double-strand and single-strand breaks in DNA, serve as indicators of DNA damage due to oxidation in cancer cases, as well as factors contributing to epigenetic instability through ectopic expressions. Oxidative stress has been considered a therapeutic target for many years, and an increasing number of studies have highlighted the promising effectiveness of natural products in cancer treatment. In this regard, we present significant research on the therapeutic targeting of oxidative stress using natural molecules and underscore the essential role of oxidative stress in cancer. The consequences of stress, especially epigenetic instability, also offer significant therapeutic prospects. In this context, the use of natural epi-drugs capable of modulating and reorganizing the epigenetic network is beginning to emerge remarkably. In this review, we emphasize the close connections between oxidative stress, epigenetic instability, and tumor transformation, while highlighting the role of natural substances as antioxidants and epi-drugs in the anti-tumoral context.
  4. Fulltext Performance prediction and optimization of a high-efficiency tessellated diamond fractal MIMO antenna for terahertz 6G communication using machine learning approaches
    Nahin KH, Nirob JH, Taki AA, Haque MA, SinghSingh NS, Paul LC, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 04;15(1):4215.
    PMID: 39905042 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-88174-2
    This paper introduces the design and exploration of a compact, high-performance multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna for 6G applications operating in the terahertz (THz) frequency range. Leveraging a meta learner-based stacked generalization ensemble strategy, this study integrates classical machine learning techniques with an optimized multi-feature stacked ensemble to predict antenna properties with greater accuracy. Specifically, a neural network is applied as a base learner for predicting antenna parameters, resulting in increased predictive performance, achieving R², EVS, MSE, RMSE, and MAE values of 0.96, 0.998, 0.00842, 0.00453, and 0.00999, respectively. Utilizing regression-based machine learning, antenna parameters are optimized to attain dual-band resonance with bandwidths of 3.34 THz and 1 THz across two bands, ensuring robust data throughput and communication stability. The antenna, designed with dimensions of 70 × 280 μm², demonstrates a maximum gain of 15.82 dB, excellent isolation exceeding - 32.9 dB, and remarkable efficiency of 99.8%, underscoring its suitability for high-density, high-speed 6G environments. The design methodology integrates CST simulations and an RLC equivalent circuit model, substantiated by ADS simulations, with comparable reflection coefficients validating the accuracy of the models. With its compact footprint, broad bandwidth, and optimized isolation and efficiency, the proposed MIMO antenna is positioned as an ideal candidate for future 6G communication applications.
  5. Fulltext Investigating root and canal morphology of anterior and premolar teeth using CBCT with a novel coding classification system in Saudi subpopulation
    Mustafa M, Karobari MI, Al-Maqtari AAA, Abdulwahed A, Almokhatieb AA, Almufleh LS, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 05;15(1):4392.
    PMID: 39910098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-86277-4
    Understanding root canal morphology is essential for successful endodontic treatment. This study aimed to investigate morphological variations in root and canal systems of anterior and premolar teeth across different age groups and genders in a Saudi Arabian subpopulation using a novel classification system. A total of 3573 maxillary and mandibular anterior and premolar teeth in 209 patients were examined using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Saudi subpopulation. The number of roots was identified, and root canal configurations were classified according to Ahmed et al. coding system (Int Endod J 50(8):761-770, 2017). Demographic data including gender (male and female) and age (divided into 6 groups-10-20, > 20-30, > 30-40, > 40-50, > 50-60, > 60-70) were recorded. The Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, and the significance level was set at 0.05 (P = 0.05). Results showed that maxillary and mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines predominantly exhibited the 1TN1 configuration. Maxillary first premolars had a higher prevalence of double-rooted variants with code 2TN B1 P1. Maxillary second premolars more frequently displayed the 1TN1-2-1 configuration. No significant gender and age differences were observed in maxillary anterior and premolar teeth (p > 0.05). A number of supplemental configurations such as 2TNB1-2P1, 3TN MB1 DB1 P1, and 3TN 1(MB1 DB1) P1 were noted in maxillary premolars. For mandibular anteriors, results showed no significant difference by gender, but for age, mandibular incisors showed more prevalence of complex canal configurations up to 40 years. However, the difference with other age groups (> 40-70 years) was not statistically significant (p  0.05). Several supplemental configurations such as 1TN1-2-3, 1TN1-2-3-2, 2TN B1/L1, and 2TN 1B1/L1) were noted in mandibular first premolars. This study identified a wide range of root and canal anatomical variations in anterior and premolar teeth within a Saudi subpopulation. The findings revealed that while age influenced the complexity of root canal systems in mandibular incisors, no significant association between gender and canal complexity was observed. The Ahmed et al. classification system offered a detailed analysis of these complex variations, providing a clear understanding of the root canal morphology in this population.
  6. Multiband THz MIMO antenna with regression machine learning techniques for isolation prediction in IoT applications
    Haque MA, Nahin KH, Nirob JH, Ahmed MK, Sawaran Singh NS, Paul LC, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Mar 05;15(1):7701.
    PMID: 40044756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-89962-6
    The rapid evolution of Internet of Things (IoT) applications demands advancements in wireless communication technologies to handle increasing data rates and connectivity requirements. This article presents our novel research on utilizing machine learning techniques to enhance the efficiency of MIMO antennas for Wireless Communication and IoT applications in the Terahertz (THz) frequency band. Our research assesses antenna performance using various methodologies, including simulation and RLC equivalent circuit models. The proposed design operates at 6.51 THz, 7.48 THz, and 8.46 THz, with bandwidths of 0.7 THz, 0.69 THz, and 0.89 THz, respectively. It features a maximum gain of 13.53 dBi and compact dimensions of 160 × 75 μm2. Additionally, it demonstrates excellent isolation, exceeding -32 dB, -44 dB, and -45 dB across these bands, with over 96.5% efficiency in all operating bands. By designing a similar RLC circuit in ADS and simulating it, we validated the results obtained from CST. Both CST and ADS simulators produced comparable reflection coefficients. Furthermore, several machine learning algorithms were applied to test the design. Various metrics, including variance score, R-squared, mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE), were used to evaluate the machine learning models. Among the five models analyzed, the Gradient Boosting Regression model exhibited the lowest error rates (4.94% MAE, 6.60% MSE, and 4.13% RMSE) and achieved the highest accuracy, exceeding 98% in predicting isolation. Considering all these factors, it is evident that this antenna is an excellent choice for the THz band in 6G wireless communication.
  7. Copper(II) complexes of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde Schiff bases: synthesis, in vitro activity and computational studies
    Shah TA, Alam A, Zainab, Khan M, Elhenawy AA, Tajuddin AM, et al.
    Future Med Chem, 2025 Feb;17(3):313-328.
    PMID: 39882766 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2025.2458452
    BACKGROUND: Due to the divers biological applications of Cu(II) complexes, we in this study reports the various Cu(II) complexes. The study aims to synthesize and assess new Cu(II) complexes as powerful β-glucuronidase inhibitors.

    METHODS: Five Schiff base ligands and their complexes were synthesized, characterized, and screened against β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity.

    RESULTS: In the series, compounds 3e, 3c, 2b, and 2c ascribed powerful inhibition ranging from (IC50  = 3.0 ± 0.7 µM) to (IC50  = 19.2 ± 0.8 µM). A precise and particular arrangement of atoms is suggested by the triclinic p-1 space group and the existence of a single molecule in an asymmetric unit, which are indispensable for the reactivity as well as the stability of the compounds. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surface provides information about the hydrogen intermolecular and π-π interactions. Based on molecular docking, binding potency increasing by complexation 3a-e compared to ligands 2a-e as well as reference Saccharic acid and uronic isofagomine inhibitor, suggesting that it may be a potent inhibitor of these receptors.

    CONCLUSION: The work recognizes latent active compounds for novel β-glucoronidase inhibitors, by further support these may be harnessed for the development of potent drugs.

  8. Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) attenuates azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats
    Almaimani G, Jabbar AAJ, Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Bamagous GA, Almaimani RA, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Jan;31(3):4439-4452.
    PMID: 38103135 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31349-z
    Herbal medicine is one of the most common fields explored for combating colon cancers, and Pimpinella anisum L. seeds (PAS) have been utilized widely as medicinal agents because of their increased essential oil (trans-anethole) contents. In this essence, our study investigates the toxic effect and chemoprotective potentials of PAS against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer in rats. The toxicity trial for PAS conducted by clustering fifteen rats into three groups (five rats each): A, normal control had 10% Tween 20; B, ingested with 2 g/kg PAS; and C, supplemented with 4 g/kg PAS. The in vivo cancer trial was performed by using 30 rats (Sprague-Dawley) that were randomly adapted in five steel cages (six rats each): group A, normal controls received two subcutaneous injections of normal saline 0.09% and ingested orally 10% Tween 20; groups B-E, rats received two injections of 15 mg/kg of azoxymethane (AOM) subcutaneously in 2 weeks and treated orally with 10% Tween 20 (group B) or intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (35 mg/kg) (group C), or orally given 200 mg/kg PAS (group D) and 400 mg/kg PAS (group E) for 8 weeks. After the scarification of rats, the colon tissues were dissected for gross and histopathological evaluations. The acute toxicity trial showed the absence of any toxic signs in rats even after 14 days of ingesting 4 g/kg of PAS. The chemoprotective experiment revealed significant inhibitory potentials (65.93%) of PAS (400 mg/kg) against aberrant crypto foci incidence that could be correlated with its positive modulation of the immunohistochemically proteins represented by a significant up-regulation of the Bax protein and a decrease of the Bcl-2 protein expressions in colon tissues. Furthermore, PAS-treated rats had notably lower oxidative stress in colon tissues evidenced by decreased MDA levels and increased antiradical defense enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx). The outcomes suggest 400 mg/kg PAS as a viable additive for the development of potential pharmaceuticals against colorectal cancer.
  9. Fulltext Outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases in Muslim majority countries
    Ahmed A, Lee KS, Bukhsh A, Al-Worafi YM, Sarker MMR, Ming LC, et al.
    J Infect Public Health, 2017 10 04;11(2):153-155.
    PMID: 28988775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.09.007
    The increase in Muslim parents' refusal and hesitancy to accept childhood vaccination was identified as one of the contributing factors in the increase of vaccine-preventable diseases cases in countries such as Afghanistan, Malaysia and Pakistan. The spread of inaccurate and irresponsible information by the anti-vaccination movement may inflict more harm than good on Muslim communities. To curb this issue, health authorities in Pakistan and Malaysia have resorted to imposing strict punishments on parents who refuse to allow their children to be vaccinated. Information addressing religious concerns such as the halal issue must be made priority and communicated well to the general public, encouraging not only the acceptance of vaccinations but motivating communities to play an active role in promoting vaccination. Local government of the affected region need to work towards creating awareness among Muslim parents that vaccinations are a preventative public health strategy that has been practised and acknowledged by many doctors of all faiths.
  10. Size selectivity in antibiofilm activity of 3-(diphenylphosphino)propanoic acid coated gold nanomaterials against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans
    Ahmed D, Anwar A, Khan AK, Ahmed A, Shah MR, Khan NA
    AMB Express, 2017 Nov 21;7(1):210.
    PMID: 29164404 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-017-0515-x
    Biofilm formation by pathogenic bacteria is one of the major threats in hospital related infections, hence inhibiting and eradicating biofilms has become a primary target for developing new anti-infection approaches. The present study was aimed to develop novel antibiofilm agents against two Gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300) and Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) using gold nanomaterials conjugated with 3-(diphenylphosphino)propionic acid (Au-LPa). Gold nanomaterials with different sizes as 2-3 nm small and 9-90 nm (50 nm average size) large were stabilized by LPa via different chemical synthetic strategies. The nanomaterials were fully characterized using atomic force microscope (AFM), transmission electron microscope, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy. Antibiofilm activity of Au-LPa nanomaterials was tested using LPa alone, Au-LPa and unprotected gold nanomaterials against the both biofilm-producing bacteria. The results showed that LPa alone did not inhibit biofilm formation to a significant extent below 0.025 mM, while conjugation with gold nanomaterials displayed manifold enhanced antibiofilm potential against both strains. Moreover, it was also observed that the antibiofilm potency of the Au-LPa nanomaterials varies with size variations of nanomaterials. AFM analysis of biofilms further complemented the assay results and provided morphological aspects of the antibiofilm action of Au-LPa nanomaterials.
  11. Fulltext Association between socioeconomic status and obesity among 12-year-old Malaysian adolescents
    Ahmad A, Zulaily N, Shahril MR, Syed Abdullah EFH, Ahmed A
    PLoS One, 2018;13(7):e0200577.
    PMID: 30044842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200577
    The epidemic of obesity in developed countries is commonly associated with poor dietary habit and sedentary lifestyle. However, other determinants, including education background and family income, may contribute towards the problem especially in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on obesity among 12-year-old school adolescents in Terengganu, Malaysia. Body weight and height were measured and BMI was categorised based on WHO z-score cut-off points. Information was obtained from self-reported questionnaire on parents' education background, family income and occupation. A total of 3,798 school adolescents aged 12 years (44% boys and 56% girls) were recruited. There was no significant difference in BMI status between boys and girls, or between rural and urban participants. There were significant differences between BMI categories and gender, household income and SES level within rural areas. In the urban areas, significant differences were found between BMI categories and gender, parents' occupational and educational level, household income and size, and SES level. A logistic regression model found several SES factors to be predictors of obesity in this population, namely, gender, household size, father's occupation level, household income level and SES level. Each component of SES has been significantly associated with the BMI category of school adolescents, particularly in the urban areas. This suggests the requirement of multifaceted approaches, including the role of family, society and authorities, in the effort to curtail adolescent obesity.
  12. In-vivo Barrett's esophagus digital pathology stage classification through feature enhancement of confocal laser endomicroscopy
    Ghatwary N, Ahmed A, Grisan E, Jalab H, Bidaut L, Ye X
    J Med Imaging (Bellingham), 2019 Jan;6(1):014502.
    PMID: 30840732 DOI: 10.1117/1.JMI.6.1.014502
    Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition that has an increased risk to turn into esophageal adenocarcinoma. Classification and staging of the different changes (BE in particular) in the esophageal mucosa are challenging since they have a very similar appearance. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is one of the newest endoscopy tools that is commonly used to identify the pathology type of the suspected area of the esophageal mucosa. However, it requires a well-trained physician to classify the image obtained from CLE. An automatic stage classification of esophageal mucosa is presented. The proposed model enhances the internal features of CLE images using an image filter that combines fractional integration with differentiation. Various features are then extracted on a multiscale level, to classify the mucosal tissue into one of its four types: normal squamous (NS), gastric metaplasia (GM), intestinal metaplasia (IM or BE), and neoplasia. These sets of features are used to train two conventional classifiers: support vector machine (SVM) and random forest. The proposed method was evaluated on a dataset of 96 patients with 557 images of different histopathology types. The SVM classifier achieved the best performance with 96.05% accuracy based on a leave-one-patient-out cross-validation. Additionally, the dataset was divided into 60% training and 40% testing; the model achieved an accuracy of 93.72% for the testing data using the SVM. The presented model showed superior performance when compared with four state-of-the-art methods. Accurate classification is essential for the intestinal metaplasia grade, which most likely develops into esophageal cancer. Not only does our method come to the aid of physicians for more accurate diagnosis by acting as a second opinion, but it also acts as a training method for junior physicians who need practice in using CLE. Consequently, this work contributes to an automatic classification that facilitates early intervention and decreases samples of required biopsy.
  13. Fulltext Acacia Holosericea: An Invasive Species for Bio-char, Bio-oil, and Biogas Production
    Reza MS, Ahmed A, Caesarendra W, Abu Bakar MS, Shams S, Saidur R, et al.
    Bioengineering (Basel), 2019 Apr 16;6(2).
    PMID: 30995765 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering6020033
    To evaluate the possibilities for biofuel and bioenergy production Acacia Holosericea, which is an invasive plant available in Brunei Darussalam, was investigated. Proximate analysis of Acacia Holosericea shows that the moisture content, volatile matters, fixed carbon, and ash contents were 9.56%, 65.12%, 21.21%, and 3.91%, respectively. Ultimate analysis shows carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen as 44.03%, 5.67%, and 0.25%, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results have shown that maximum weight loss occurred for this biomass at 357 °C for pyrolysis and 287 °C for combustion conditions. Low moisture content (<10%), high hydrogen content, and higher heating value (about 18.13 MJ/kg) makes this species a potential biomass. The production of bio-char, bio-oil, and biogas from Acacia Holosericea was found 34.45%, 32.56%, 33.09% for 500 °C with a heating rate 5 °C/min and 25.81%, 37.61%, 36.58% with a heating rate 10 °C/min, respectively, in this research. From Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy it was shown that a strong C-H, C-O, and C=C bond exists in the bio-char of the sample.
  14. Synthesis, thymidine phosphorylase, angiogenic inhibition and molecular docking study of isoquinoline derivatives
    Zaman K, Rahim F, Taha M, Wadood A, Adnan Ali Shah S, Gollapalli M, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2019 08;89:102999.
    PMID: 31151055 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.102999
    Isoquinoline analogues (KA-1 to 16) have been synthesized and evaluated for their E. coli thymidine phosphorylase inhibitory activity. Except compound 11, all other analogs showed outstanding thymidine inhibitory potential ranging in between 4.40 ± 0.20 to 69.30 ± 1.80 µM when compared with standard drug 7-Deazaxanthine (IC50 = 38.68 ± 4.42 µM). Structure Activity Relationships has been established for all compounds, mainly based on substitution pattern on phenyl ring. All analogs were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR and EI-MS. The binding interactions of isoquinoline analogues with the active site of TP enzyme, the molecular docking studies were performed. Furthermore, the angiogenic inhibitory potentials of isoquinoline analogues (KA-1-9, 14, 12 and 16) were determined in the presence of standard drug Dexamethasone based on percentage inhibitions at various concentrations. Herein this work analogue KA-12, 14 and 16 emerged with most potent angiogenic inhibitory potentials among the synthesized analogues.
  15. Impact of stabilizer on the environmental behavior of PVC films reinforced 1,2,4-triazole moiety
    Yousif E, Ahmed DS, Ahmed A, Abdallh M, Yusop RM, Mohammed SA
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Sep;26(25):26381-26388.
    PMID: 31290046 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05784-w
    A new Schiff base containing 1,2,4-triazole ring system (L) was synthesized and confirmed by 1HNMR, FTIR spectroscopy. The chemical modification of PVC with a new Schiff base (L) was synthesized to produce a homogenous blend (PVC-L). A homogenous blend (PVC-L) was added to copper chloride to produce PVC-L-Cu (II). The PVC films had been irradiated with ultraviolet light for a long period and confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and weight loss; the surface morphology was inspected by scanning electron microscopy.
  16. Fulltext Pharmacological properties of Centella asiatica hydrogel in accelerating wound healing in rabbits
    Sh Ahmed A, Taher M, Mandal UK, Jaffri JM, Susanti D, Mahmood S, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2019 Aug 14;19(1):213.
    PMID: 31412845 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2625-2
    BACKGROUND: Various extracts of Centella asiatica (Apiaceae) and its active constituent, asiaticoside, have been reported to possess wound healing property when assessed using various in vivo and in vitro models. In an attempt to develop a formulation with accelerated wound healing effect, the present study was performed to examine in vivo efficacy of asiaticoside-rich hydrogel formulation in rabbits.

    METHODS: Asiaticoside-rich fraction was prepared from C. asiatica aerial part and then incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) hydrogel. The hydrogel was subjected to wound healing investigation using the in vivo incision model.

    RESULTS: The results obtained demonstrated that: i) the hydrogel formulation did not cause any signs of irritation on the rabbits' skin and; ii) enhanced wound healing 15% faster than the commercial cream and > 40% faster than the untreated wounds. The skin healing process was seen in all wounds marked by formation of a thick epithelial layer, keratin, and moderate formation of granulation tissues, fibroblasts and collagen with no fibrinoid necrosis detected.

    CONCLUSION: The asiaticoside-rich hydrogel developed using the freeze-thaw method was effective in accelerating wound healing in rabbits.

  17. Molecular evidence of Anaplasma infection in naturally affected domestic cats of Pakistan
    Ahmed A, Ijaz M, Ghauri HN, Aziz MU, Ghaffar A, Naveed M, et al.
    Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 2020 Oct;72:101524.
    PMID: 32829184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101524
    Feline anaplasmosis is considered as an emerging tick-borne disease of zoonotic potential. The aim of current study was to investigate the molecular prevalence of anaplasmosis, associated risk factors, and alterations in hematological parameters of domestic cats from Lahore, Pakistan. Blood samples of 100 domestic cats from district Lahore were examined microscopically and the extracted genomic DNA from each sample was processed for the amplification of 16 S rRNA gene of Anaplasma. PCR confirmed isolates were purified for sequencing. The data regarding the risk factors was collected in a predesigned questionnaire and statistically analyzed by logistic regression analysis. The study found a molecular prevalence of 13% (13/100) among analyzed blood samples. The nucleotide analysis of Anaplasmataceae species sequences amplified by PCR showed high resemblance (99%) with isolates from Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, and India. The potential risk factors found to be significantly associated (p 
  18. Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and perceptions about Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) among occupationally high-risk healthcare professionals of Pakistan
    Ahmed A, Saqlain M, Tanveer M, Tahir AH, Ud-Din F, Shinwari MI, et al.
    BMC Infect Dis, 2021 Jan 07;21(1):35.
    PMID: 33413164 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05714-z
    BACKGROUND: Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a tropically neglected infectious disease caused by Nairovirus, is endemic in low middle-income countries like Pakistan. Emergency health care professionals (HCPs) are at risk of contracting nosocomial transmission of CCHF. We, therefore, aim to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of at-risk physicians, nurses, and pharmacists in Pakistan and the factors associated with good KAP.

    METHOD: A validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha 0.71) was used to collect data from HCPs in two CCHF endemic metropolitan cities of Pakistan by employing a cross-sectional study design. For data analysis percentages, chi-square test and Spearman correlation were applied by using SPSS version 22.

    RESULTS: Of the 478 participants, 56% (n = 268) were physicians, 37.4% (n = 179) were nurses, and 6.5% (n = 31) were pharmacists. The proportion of HCPs with good knowledge, attitude, and perception scores was 54.3%, 81, and 69%, respectively. Being a physician, having more work experience, having a higher age, working in tertiary care settings, were key factors for higher knowledge (p 

  19. Fulltext Geochemical and organic petrographic characteristics of high bituminous shales from Gurha mine in Rajasthan, NW India
    Singh AK, Hakimi MH, Kumar A, Ahmed A, Abidin NSZ, Kinawy M, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 12 17;10(1):22108.
    PMID: 33335176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78906-x
    A high bituminous shale horizon from the Gurha mine in the Bikaner sub-basin of the Rajasthan District, NW India, was studied using a collection of geochemical and petrological techniques. This study investigated the nature and environmental conditions of the organic matter and its relation to the unconventional oil-shale resources of the bituminous shale. The analyzed shales have high total organic carbon and total sulfur contents, suggesting that these shale sediments were deposited in a paralic environment under reducing conditions. The dominant presence of organic matter derived from phytoplankton algae suggests warm climatic marine environment, with little connection to freshwater enhancing the growth of algae and other microorganisms. The analyzed bituminous shales have high aquatic-derived alginite organic matters, with low Pr/Ph, Pr/n-C17, and Ph/n-C18 ratios. It is classified as Type II oil-prone kerogen, consistent with high hydrogen index value. Considering the maturity indicators of geochemical Tmax (
  20. Fulltext Viral Pandemics of the Last Four Decades: Pathophysiology, Health Impacts and Perspectives
    Roychoudhury S, Das A, Sengupta P, Dutta S, Roychoudhury S, Choudhury AP, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 12 15;17(24).
    PMID: 33333995 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249411
    The twenty-first century has witnessed some of the deadliest viral pandemics with far-reaching consequences. These include the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (1981), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) (2002), Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 (A/H1N1) (2009), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (2012) and Ebola virus (2013) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) (2019-present). Age- and gender-based characterizations suggest that SARS-CoV-2 resembles SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with regard tohigher fatality rates in males, and in the older population with comorbidities. The invasion-mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, involves binding of its spike protein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors; MERS-CoV utilizes dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), whereas H1N1 influenza is equipped with hemagglutinin protein. The viral infections-mediated immunomodulation, and progressive inflammatory state may affect the functions of several other organs. Although no effective commercial vaccine is available for any of the viruses, those against SARS-CoV-2 are being developed at an unprecedented speed. Until now, only Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine has received temporary authorization from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Given the frequent emergence of viral pandemics in the 21st century, proper understanding of their characteristics and modes of action are essential to address the immediate and long-term health consequences.
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