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Fulltext Isolation of Mycobacterium avium and other nontuberculous mycobacteria in chickens and captive birds in peninsular Malaysia

Sattar A, Zakaria Z, Abu J, Aziz SA, Rojas-Ponce G

BMC Vet Res, 2021 Jan 07;17(1):13.
PMID: 33413380 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02695-8

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) causes a chronic infectious in the birds known as avian mycobacteriosis. Almost all species of the birds are susceptible to MAC which consists of two closely related species of mycobacteria, that is, M. avium and M. intracellulare. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA) in chickens and captive birds in selected states of Peninsular Malaysia.
RESULTS: A 300 fecal samples were collected from village chickens (n = 100), layer chickens (n = 100) and captive birds (n = 100). Fecal samples were split into two aliquots for microbiological and molecular detection of MAA. Microbiology detection consisted of microscopy (Ziehl-Neelsen staining) and culture of samples decontaminated with 1% Cetylperidinium chloride and vancomycin, nalidixic acid and amphotericin B (VNA) antibiotic cocktail [vancomycin (VAN) 100 μg/ml, nalidixic acid (NAL) 100 μg/ml and amphotericin B (AMB) 50 μg/ml] onto Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J). Molecular detection (PCR-IS901) was performed to detect MAA DNA from the feces and PCR-16S rRNA and IS901 for identification of genus Mycobacterium and Mycobacterium avium sub species avium isolated onto L-J. All samples (296) were AFB negative smear. M. avium was isolated in 0.3% (1/296) samples by culture and detected in 2.5% (6/242) samples by PCR (IS901). Other mycobacteria were found in 1.7% (5/296) chickens. Of five isolates, two were identified as Mycobacterium terrae and M. engbaekii and remaining isolates were not sequenced. Birds positive for M. avium included White Pelican (n = 1) Black Hornbill (n = 1), Macaw (n = 2), Cockatoo (n = 2) and village chicken (n = 1).
CONCLUSION: It is concluded that chickens and birds were infected with M. avium in selected areas of Peninsular Malaysia. Although, PCR is rapid, reliable and cost effective method for detection of M. avium in a subclinical stage, the culture of the avian feces should still be used as a reference test for the diagnosis of avian tuberculosis.
Fulltext Evaluation of six decontamination procedures for isolation of Mycobacterium avium complex from avian feces

Sattar A, Zakaria Z, Abu J, Aziz SA, Gabriel RP

PLoS One, 2018;13(8):e0202034.
PMID: 30096205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202034

Culture is considered the gold standard for definitive diagnosis of mycobacterial infections. However, consensus about the most suitable culture procedure for isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria is lacking. The study compared the recoveries of mycobacteria after decontamination of spiked and fresh avian feces with 4% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 12% sulfuric acid (H2SO4), or 1% cetylperidinium chloride (CPC), with and without mixture of three antibiotics, namely vancomycin (VAN, 100 μg/ml), nalidixic acid (NAL, 100 μg/ml), and amphotericin B (AMB, 100 μg/ml). The antibiotic mixture was referred to as VNA. Decontamination procedures were evaluated using two (n = 2) avian fecal samples spiked with 106, 104, and 102 CFU/ml of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (ATCC 15769) and fresh avian feces (n = 42). M. avium subsp. avium was detected on the culture media from spiked samples (106 and 104 CFU/ml) decontaminated with NaOH, NaOH-VNA, H2SO4, and H2SO4 -VNA for 2-6 weeks. These bacteria were detected in 2-4 weeks when using CPC and CPC-VNA. M. avium subsp. avium cannot be isolated on culture media from spiked samples (102 CFU/ml) decontaminated with any decontaminating agent. Two mycobacterial isolates, namely, Mycobacterium terrae and M. engbaekii, were isolated from field samples decontaminated with NaOH and CPC-VNA. With regard to the contamination rate, the use of CPC-VNA showed lower contamination rates (5.5% and 19.0%) from spiked and field samples than those of the other methods (NaOH: 22.2% and 59.5%, NaOH-VNA: 16.7% and 21.4%, H2SO4: 11.1% and 40.5%, H2SO4-VNA: 5.5% and 21.4%, and CPC: 66.7% and 50%). In conclusion, the decontamination of fecal samples following a two-step procedure with 1% CPC and VNA can ensure high recovery rate of many mycobacteria with the lowest contamination in cultures.
Fulltext Assessment of online pharmacy applications in India by employing the mobile application rating scale

Sattar A, Naveed S, Rehman H, Usman S, Jamshed S

Front Public Health, 2024;12:1486990.
PMID: 39606077 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1486990

INTRODUCTION: Over the past few years, the technology powering mobile devices such as smartphones has made significant progress. Furthermore, the healthcare industry is always progressing and actively embracing the latest technological advancements to achieve the highest level of efficiency. With the rising prevalence of smartphones and internet connection, customers are benefiting from reduced prices, convenient home delivery, and effortless accessibility through online pharmacies. Internet-based pharmacies facilitate the internet-based transaction of health-related products, such as drugs, dietary supplements, and various other wellbeing products.
OBJECTIVE OF STUDY: The study assessed digital pharmacy applications in India using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) on Android and iOS devices, aiming to evaluate their quality.
METHODS: An investigation examined the digital pharmacy applications in India that were accessible via the Android Market and App Store. The applications were assessed by two researchers using the MARS questionnaire, a tool that evaluates 23 variables categorized into five domains: Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, Information, and Subjective Quality. The grading system spanned from one to five for every category.
RESULTS: A Google Play Store and App Store investigation revealed 40 online pharmacy apps in India, with 13 rejected. Seven were non-English language-related apps and seven were not downloaded. Thirteen were chosen and evaluated using the MARS Scale. The MARS demonstrated significant positive associations across its components, namely Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information. Specifically, greater levels of user functionality were shown to be indicative of superior app aesthetics and engagement. The mean rating of the 13 apps fell between the range of 3.11 to 4.32 on a 5-point scale.
CONCLUSION: This is the first study to utilize the MARS scale to assess the efficacy of online pharmacy applications in India. This research enhanced the functionality and quality of various online pharmacy applications utilized in India.
Report - Synthesis of new antibacterial agents encompassing tosyl, piperidine, propanamide and 1,3,4-oxadiazole functionalities

Sattar A, Aziz-Ur-Rehman -, Abbasi MA, Siddiqui SZ, Rasool S, Ali Shah SA

Pak J Pharm Sci, 2020 Jul;33(4):1697-1705.
PMID: 33583804

A series of propanamide compounds 6a-l was derived by N-substitution reactions, encompassing tosyl, piperidine and 1,3,4-oxadiazole moieties. The intended array of compounds 6a-l was afforded by a series of five steps reaction scheme. 1-Tosylpiperidin-4-carboxylate (1) was synthesized by the reaction of tosyl chloride (a) with ethyl isonipecotate (b) under mild basic conditions. Compound 1 was subjected to nucleophillic substitution by hydrazine to synthesize 1-tosylpiperidin-4-carbohydrazide (2). The compound, 5-(1-tosylpiperidin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol (3) was synthesized by intermolecular cyclization of compound 2 by CS2 under strong basic conditions. The target compounds, 6a-l, were finally synthesized from 3 by reacting with different electrophiles, 5a-l, in an aprotic polar solvent with sodium hydride as an activator. The different propanamoyl electrophiles, 5a-l, were synthesized by the reaction of different aromatic and aliphatic amines, 4a-l, with 3-bromopropionyl chloride under mild basic conditions. The structural elucidation was carried out using modern spectroscopic techniques including IR, 1H-NMR and EI-MS. The antibacterial potential of synthesized compounds was assessed against five bacterial strains. Compounds 6a, 6c, 6d, 6e and 6f were found to be potent antibacterial agents.
Fulltext Conservation tillage improves productivity of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under reduced irrigation on sandy loam soil

Sher A, Arfat MY, Ul-Allah S, Sattar A, Ijaz M, Manaf A, et al.

PLoS One, 2021;16(12):e0260673.
PMID: 34932582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260673

Sunflower production is significantly lower in arid and semi-arid regions due to various crop management problem. Conservation of tillage provides the most excellent opportunity to reduce degradation of soil reserves and increase soil productivity. The main objective of this study was to investigate the combined effects of conservation tillage and drought stress on growth and productivity of different sunflower hybrids. Experimental treatments included two sunflower hybrids ('NK-Senji' and 'S-278'), two drought stress treatments (i.e., well-watered and drought stress at flowering and grain filling stages) and three tillage practices (i.e., conservation, minimum and deep tillage). The results indicated that morphological and physiological parameters, and yield-related traits were significantly (P≤0.05) affected by all individual factors; however, their interactive effects were non-significant. Among sunflower hybrids, 'NK-Senji' performed better for morphological, physiological, and yield-related traits than 'S-278'. Similarly, conservation tillage observed better traits compared to the rest of the tillage practices included in the study. Nonetheless, conservation tillage improved growth and yield-related traits of hybrid 'NK-Senji' under drought stress. Hence, it is concluded that conservation tillage can improve the productivity of sunflower under low moisture availability. Therefore, conservation tillage could be suggested in the areas of lower water ability to improve sunflower production. Nonetheless, sunflower hybrids or varieties need thorough testing for their adaptability to conservation tillage and low moisture availability before making recommendations.
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.
Fulltext Combined application of zinc and silicon alleviates terminal drought stress in wheat by triggering morpho-physiological and antioxidants defense mechanisms

Sattar A, Wang X, Abbas T, Sher A, Ijaz M, Ul-Allah S, et al.

PLoS One, 2021;16(10):e0256984.
PMID: 34618822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256984

Wheat is an important global staple food crop; however, its productivity is severely hampered by changing climate. Erratic rain patterns cause terminal drought stress, which affect reproductive development and crop yield. This study investigates the potential and zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si) to ameliorate terminal drought stress in wheat and associated mechanisms. Two different drought stress levels, i.e., control [80% water holding capacity (WHC) was maintained] and terminal drought stress (40% WHC maintained from BBCH growth stage 49 to 83) combined with five foliar-applied Zn-Si combinations (i.e., control, water spray, 4 mM Zn, 40 mM Si, 4 mM Zn + 40 mM Si applied 7 days after the initiation of drought stress). Results revealed that application of Zn and Si improved chlorophyll and relative water contents under well-watered conditions and terminal drought stress. Foliar application of Si and Zn had significant effect on antioxidant defense mechanism, proline and soluble protein, which showed that application of Si and Zn ameliorated the effects of terminal drought stress mainly by regulating antioxidant defense mechanism, and production of proline and soluble proteins. Combined application of Zn and Si resulted in the highest improvement in growth and antioxidant defense. The application of Zn and Si improved yield and related traits, both under well-watered conditions and terminal drought stress. The highest yield and related traits were recorded for combined application of Zn and Si. For grain and biological yield differences among sole and combined Zn-Si application were statistically non-significant (p>0.05). In conclusion, combined application of Zn-Si ameliorated the adverse effects of terminal drought stress by improving yield through regulating antioxidant mechanism and production of proline and soluble proteins. Results provide valuable insights for further cross talk between Zn-Si regulatory pathways to enhance grain biofortification.