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Fish Ontology framework for taxonomy-based fish recognition

Ali NM, Khan HA, Then AY, Ving Ching C, Gaur M, Dhillon SK

PeerJ, 2017;5:e3811.
PMID: 28929028 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3811

Life science ontologies play an important role in Semantic Web. Given the diversity in fish species and the associated wealth of information, it is imperative to develop an ontology capable of linking and integrating this information in an automated fashion. As such, we introduce the Fish Ontology (FO), an automated classification architecture of existing fish taxa which provides taxonomic information on unknown fish based on metadata restrictions. It is designed to support knowledge discovery, provide semantic annotation of fish and fisheries resources, data integration, and information retrieval. Automated classification for unknown specimens is a unique feature that currently does not appear to exist in other known ontologies. Examples of automated classification for major groups of fish are demonstrated, showing the inferred information by introducing several restrictions at the species or specimen level. The current version of FO has 1,830 classes, includes widely used fisheries terminology, and models major aspects of fish taxonomy, grouping, and character. With more than 30,000 known fish species globally, the FO will be an indispensable tool for fish scientists and other interested users.
Fulltext Synthesis of Ge1-xSnx Alloy Thin Films by Rapid Thermal Annealing of Sputtered Ge/Sn/Ge Layers on Si Substrates

Mahmodi H, Hashim MR, Soga T, Alrokayan S, Khan HA, Rusop M

Materials (Basel), 2018 Nov 12;11(11).
PMID: 30424494 DOI: 10.3390/ma11112248

In this work, nanocrystalline Ge1-xSnx alloy formation from a rapid thermal annealed Ge/Sn/Ge multilayer has been presented. The multilayer was magnetron sputtered onto the Silicon substrate. This was followed by annealing the layers by rapid thermal annealing, at temperatures of 300 °C, 350 °C, 400 °C, and 450 °C, for 10 s. Then, the effect of thermal annealing on the morphological, structural, and optical characteristics of the synthesized Ge1-xSnx alloys were investigated. The nanocrystalline Ge1-xSnx formation was revealed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD) measurements, which showed the orientation of (111). Raman results showed that phonon intensities of the Ge-Ge vibrations were improved with an increase in the annealing temperature. The results evidently showed that raising the annealing temperature led to improvements in the crystalline quality of the layers. It was demonstrated that Ge-Sn solid-phase mixing had occurred at a low temperature of 400 °C, which led to the creation of a Ge1-xSnx alloy. In addition, spectral photo-responsivity of a fabricated Ge1-xSnx metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetector exhibited its extending wavelength into the near-infrared region (820 nm).
Fulltext Size and time-dependent induction of proinflammatory cytokines expression in brains of mice treated with gold nanoparticles

Khan HA, Alamery S, Ibrahim KE, El-Nagar DM, Al-Harbi N, Rusop M, et al.

Saudi J Biol Sci, 2019 Mar;26(3):625-631.
PMID: 30899181 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.09.012

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are among the ideal nano-sized materials for medical applications such as imaging and drug delivery. Considering the significance of recent reports on acute phase induction of inflammatory mediators by GNPs, we studied the effect of GNPs on proinflammatory cytokines gene expression in mouse brain. Group 1 served as control whereas groups 2-4 were given only one intraperitoneal dose of 5, 20 and 50 nm GNPs, respectively and sacrificed after 24 h. The animals in groups 5-7 also received the same treatment but sacrificed after 7 days. Groups 8-10 received two injections of GNPs (5, 20 and 50 nm, respectively), first at the beginning of study and second on day 6, and sacrificed on day 7. Total RNA was extracted from the cerebral tissue and analyzed for the gene expressions of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. A single injection of 5 nm diameter GNPs significantly increased the mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-6 in mouse brain on day 7, which was not augmented by the second dose of the same GNPs. Larger size GNPs (20 nm and 50 nm) did not cause any significant change in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in mouse brain. In conclusion, systemic administration of small sized GNPs (5 nm) induced a proinflammatory cascade in mouse brain indicating a crucial role of GNPs size on immune response. It is important to use the right sized GNPs in order to avoid an acute phase inflammatory response that could be cytotoxic or interfere with the bioavailability of nanomaterials.
Fulltext Formulation and Characterization of Ethyl Cellulose-Based Patches Containing Curcumin-Chitosan Nanoparticles for the Possible Management of Inflammation via Skin Delivery

Nawaz A, Latif MS, Shah MKA, Elsayed TM, Ahmad S, Khan HA

Gels, 2023 Mar 06;9(3).
PMID: 36975650 DOI: 10.3390/gels9030201

Curcumin, a natural phenolic compound, exhibits poor absorption and extensive first pass metabolism after oral administration. In the present study, curcumin-chitosan nanoparticles (cur-cs-np) were prepared and incorporated into ethyl cellulose patches for the management of inflammation via skin delivery. Ionic gelation method was used for the preparation of nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were evaluated for size, zetapotential, surface morphology, drug content, and % encapsulation efficiency. The nanoparticles were then incorporated into ethyl cellulose-based patches using solvent evaporation technique. ATR-FTIR was used to study/assess incompatibility between drug and excipients. The prepared patches were evaluated physiochemically. The in vitro release, ex vivo permeation, and skin drug retention studies were carried out using Franz diffusion cells and rat skin as permeable membrane. The prepared nanoparticles were spherical, with particle size in the range of 203-229 nm, zetapotential 25-36 mV, and PDI 0.27-0.29 Mw/Mn. The drug content and %EE were 53% and 59%. Nanoparticles incorporated patches are smooth, flexible, and homogenous. The in vitro release and ex vivo permeation of curcumin from nanoparticles were higher than the patches, whereas the skin retention of curcumin was significantly higher in case of patches. The developed patches deliver cur-cs-np into the skin, where nanoparticles interact with skin negative charges and hence result in higher and prolonged retention in the skin. The higher concentration of drug in the skin helps in better management of inflammation. This was shown by anti-inflammatory activity. The inflammation (volume of paw) was significantly reduced when using patches as compared to nanoparticles. It was concluded that the incorporation of cur-cs-np into ethyl cellulose-based patches results in controlled release and hence enhanced anti-inflammatory activity.
Fulltext Bilateral carotid body tumours: a case report from surgeon's perspective

Chandra Sakaran KR, Tiew T, Kamil K, Habeebullah Khan HA, Idris MA, Safri LS

J Surg Case Rep, 2024 Mar;2024(3):rjae011.
PMID: 38487394 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae011

Carotid body tumour (CBT) is the most common paraganglioma of the head and neck and may compromise neurovascular structures such as carotid vessels, and cranial nerves. Intracranial extension from the mass is possible if left untreated. The main treatment for CBT is surgical resection albeit extremely challenging due to tumour hypervascularity and its relationship to the carotid artery. A bilateral CBT, however, is a rare occurrence. Herein, we present a case of a man who presented to us with bilateral painless and palpable neck mass. He underwent staged bilateral CBT excision and it was complicated with left hypoglossal nerve palsy, which recovered over time.
Fulltext The Past, Present, and Future of Monkeypox: A Rapid Review Regarding Prevalence and Prevention

Masood W, Khan HA, Cheema HA, Shahid A, Bilal W, Kamal MA, et al.

Inquiry, 2022;59:469580221139366.
PMID: 36484333 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221139366

While monkeypox virus (MPXV) remained endemic in central and western African countries, a sudden unusual spike of global cases among non-endemic countries is an enigma for scientists. With 257 cases reported as of 26th May 2021, a multi-country outbreak of monkeypox has been declared in countries including the UK, EU/EEA states, and North America. Even though the likelihood of transmissibility of MPXV is limited compared to COVID-19, yet a coordinated multidisciplinary effort is required to prevent any further global expansion. Few appropriate responsive approaches to contain the infection could be; limiting the contact with potential animal reservoirs, isolation of confirmed cases, using PPEs to prevent human-human transmission, awareness activities, and administration of pre and post prophylactic vaccination. In this review, we have discussed the previous and current outbreaks of MPXV along with the abrupt actions that are needed to address the situation.
Case report: Paraganglioma masquerading as angiosarcoma: diagnostic-dilemma in vascular tumors

Rajoo AR, Kannairan S, Habeebullah Khan HA, Md Idris MA, Tan GC, Chandra Sakaran KR, et al.

Front Oncol, 2024;14:1462956.
PMID: 39703846 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1462956

Paragangliomas originating from blood vessels are exceptionally rare, presenting diagnostic challenges due to their histological resemblance to other vascular neoplasms. We present a case study of a 60-year-old woman with underlying hypertension and dyslipidemia with obesity, initially diagnosed with angiosarcoma based on imaging and histological characteristics viewed via CT-guided biopsy. Intraoperative exploration revealed a lobulated tumor located between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and aorta measuring 7 cm × 8 cm, during which the patient developed transient hemodynamic instabilities. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining using neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin, synaptophysin, S-100 protein, and CD-56) later confirmed the tumor as a retroperitoneal paraganglioma. Retroperitoneal paraganglioma was initially misdiagnosed as angiosarcoma due to the overlapping imaging characteristics between the two tumors. This highlights the importance of raising suspicion on the possibility of retroperitoneal paraganglioma when imaging examination indicates angiosarcoma and to incorporate histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis.
Fulltext Infant & Child Mortality in Pakistan and its Determinants: A Review

Tharwani ZH, Bilal W, Khan HA, Kumar P, Butt MS, Hamdana AH, et al.

Inquiry, 2023;60:469580231167024.
PMID: 37085986 DOI: 10.1177/00469580231167024

Over the years, several developing countries have been suffering from high infant and child mortality rates, however, according to the recent statistics, Pakistan falls high on the list. Our narrative review of copious research on this topic highlights that several factors, such as complications associated with premature births, high prevalence of birth defects, lack of vaccination, unsafe deliveries, poor breastfeeding practices, complications during delivery, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), poor socioeconomic conditions, and a struggling healthcare system, have influenced these rates. Bearing in mind the urgency of addressing the increased infant and child mortality rate in Pakistan, multiple steps must be taken in order to prevent unnecessary deaths. An effective initiative could be spreading awareness and education among women, as a lack of education among women has been indirectly linked to increased child mortality in Pakistan across many researches conducted on the issue. Furthermore, the government should invest in healthcare by hiring more physicians and providing better supplies and improving infrastructure, especially in underdeveloped areas, to decrease child mortality due to lack of clean water and poor hygiene. Lastly, telemedicine should be made common in order to provide easy access to women who cannot visit the hospital.
Fulltext Mangosteen for malignancy prevention and intervention: Current evidence, molecular mechanisms, and future perspectives

Kalick LS, Khan HA, Maung E, Baez Y, Atkinson AN, Wallace CE, et al.

Pharmacol Res, 2023 Feb;188:106630.
PMID: 36581166 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106630

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), also known as the "queen of fruits", is a tropical fruit of the Clusiacea family. While native to Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, and the Philippines, the fruit has gained popularity in the United States due to its health-promoting attributes. In traditional medicine, mangosteen has been used to treat a variety of illnesses, ranging from dysentery to wound healing. Mangosteen has been shown to exhibit numerous biological and pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. Disease-preventative and therapeutic properties of mangosteen have been ascribed to secondary metabolites called xanthones, present in several parts of the tree, including the pericarp, fruit rind, peel, stem bark, root bark, and leaf. Of the 68 mangosteen xanthones identified so far, the most widely-studied are α-mangostin and γ-mangostin. Emerging studies have found that mangosteen constituents and phytochemicals exert encouraging antineoplastic effects against a myriad of human malignancies. While there are a growing number of individual research papers on the anticancer properties of mangosteen, a complete and critical evaluation of published experimental findings has not been accomplished. Accordingly, the objective of this work is to present an in-depth analysis of the cancer preventive and anticancer potential of mangosteen constituents, with a special emphasis on the associated cellular and molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and safety of mangosteen-derived agents together with current challenges and future research avenues are also discussed.
Global, Regional, and National Burden of Bone Cancers, 1990 to 2023, With Forecasts to 2050: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

GBD 2023 Bone Cancer Collaborators, Monsereenusorn C, Bisignano C, May ML, Pritchett N, Kocarnik JM, et al.

JAMA Oncol, 2026 Oct 29.
PMID: 42955027 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2026.4274

IMPORTANCE: Primary bone cancers include multiple histologic types, with survival differing by age and location. Results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023 were analyzed to support policies and initiatives worldwide.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the global burden of bone cancer from 1990 to 2023 and forecast future trends to 2050.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This systematic analysis estimated bone cancer incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 204 countries and territories grouped by GBD super-regions and World Bank income groups from 1990 to 2023, with forecasts through 2050. Individuals of all ages with bone cancers included in the GBD 2023 study were included in analyses. Data were analyzed from June 2023 to July 2025.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The GBD 2023 study used standardized estimation methods to describe bone cancer incidence, mortality, and DALYs in 2023, as well as trends over the past 3 decades and forecasts through 2050. All estimates are presented with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), and age-standardized rates (ASRs) were calculated using GBD-specific age weights.
RESULTS: In 2023, there were 111 000 (95% UI, 81 300-164 000) malignant bone cancer cases, 76 600 (95% UI, 60 700-96 300) deaths, and 3.02 million (95% UI, 2.29 million-3.96 million) DALYs globally. A bimodal age distribution was noted in both incidence (peaking at ages 10 to 14 years and 65 to 69 years) and mortality (peaking at ages 15 to 19 years and 65 to 69 years). The highest ASRs for incidence were in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania (1.6 per 100 000; 95% UI, 1.1-2.4), while Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest ASRs for DALYs (51.0 per 100 000; 95% UI, 27.7-79.7). By World Bank income group, upper-middle-income countries had the highest ASRs for incidence, whereas low-income countries exhibited the highest ASRs for both mortality and DALYs. Globally, incident cases, deaths, and DALYs increased from 1990 to 2023, while global mortality and DALY ASRs were relatively stable; high-income countries experienced a decline in mortality and DALY ASRs. Forecasts suggest a potential increase in global cases and deaths by 2050.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this systematic analysis, the burden of bone cancer varied by age, geography, and time, underscoring global disparities. These findings provide valuable insights to inform health system planning and resource allocation tailored to different settings.