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Gul A, Ahmad M, Ullah R, Ullah R, Kang Y, Liao W. Systematic review on antibacterial photodynamic therapeutic effects of transition metals ruthenium and iridium complexes. J Inorg Biochem 2024; 255:112523. [PMID: 38489864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2024.112523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria poses a significant threat to public health and ranks among the principal causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy is an emerging therapeutic technique that has excellent potential to embark upon antibiotic resistance problems. The efficacy of this therapy hinges on the careful selection of suitable photosensitizers (PSs). Transition metal complexes, such as Ruthenium (Ru) and Iridium (Ir), are highly suitable for use as PSs because of their surface plasmonic resonance, crystal structure, optical characteristics, and photonics. These metals belong to the platinum family and exhibit similar chemical behavior due to their partially filled d-shells. Ruthenium and Iridium-based complexes generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which interact with proteins and DNA to induce cell death. As photodynamic therapeutic agents, these complexes have been widely studied for their efficacy against cancer cells, but their potential for antibacterial activity remains largely unexplored. Our study focuses on exploring the antibacterial photodynamic effect of Ruthenium and Iridium-based complexes against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of various types of research in this area, including the structures, synthesis methods, and antibacterial photodynamic applications of these complexes. Our findings will provide valuable insights into the design, development, and modification of PSs to enhance their photodynamic therapeutic effect on bacteria, along with a clear understanding of their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anadil Gul
- College of Applied Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Health Science and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Technology University, Pingshan District, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Munir Ahmad
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Thin Films and Applications, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Raza Ullah
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Rizwan Ullah
- School of Physics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Yan Kang
- College of Applied Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Health Science and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Technology University, Pingshan District, Shenzhen 518118, China.
| | - Wenchao Liao
- College of Health Science and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Technology University, Pingshan District, Shenzhen 518118, China.
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Bilal M, Ali H, Hassan HU, Khan SU, Ghafar R, Akram W, Ahmad H, Mushtaq S, Jafari H, Yaqoob H, Khan MM, Ullah R, Arai T. Cadmium (Cd) influences calcium (Ca) levels in the skeleton of a freshwater fish Channa gachua. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e264336. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.264336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Environmental contamination with heavy metals is a threat to the organisms due to their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation in food chains. The study was aimed to assess cadmium (Cd) effect on calcium (Ca) level in bones of a freshwater fish Channa gachua. 42 fish individuals were kept into six (6) aquaria; labelled aq.0, 1, 2, 3,4 and 5 in the laboratory for treatment. Aq.0 was control group and aq.1, 2,3,4,5 were experimental with treatment solution of Cd 0, 0.1ppm, 0.5ppm, 1ppm, 2.5ppm and 5ppm respectively for three months. After exposure, bones tissue were examined for Cd accumulation and Ca concentration. Highest accumulation of Cd were recorded in aq.5 mean 46.86 ± 0.46 mgkg-1 .and lowest in the control group with mean 0.61 ± 0.06 mgkg-1. The order of Cd bioaccumulation in bones were aq.5 > aq.4 >aq.3 > aq.2 > aq.1 > aq.0. Highest concentration of Ca were noted in aq.0 (Control group) mean 7888.06 ± 4827.22 mgkg-1 and lowest were 1132.36 ± 203.73 mgkg-1 in aq.5 (at 5.0 ppm). Generally a pattern of decreasing Ca level were observed with each rise of Cd bioaccumulation aq.0 > aq.1 > aq.2 > aq.3 > aq.4 > aq.5. Current study indicated that Cd accumulation have substantial effect on Ca level in bones and hence on skeleton system. Strict rules must be implemented by government to control metals pollution and exploitations of biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Bilal
- Government College University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - H. Ali
- University of Malakand, Pakistan
| | - H. U. Hassan
- University of Karachi, Pakistan; Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | - S. Mushtaq
- Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - R. Ullah
- Government College University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - T. Arai
- Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei
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Latif M, Zahoor M, Muhammad A, Naz S, Kamran AW, Ullah R, Shah AB, Almeer R, Sayed A. Bioaccumulation of lead in different organs of Ctenopharyngodon Idella (grass fish) and Tor putitora (Mahseer) fish. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e260355. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.260355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals in the human body can give rise to adverse health effects, the severity of which depends upon their dosage and duration of exposure. In this study, yearlings of two different species of edible fish, i.e., Tor putitora (Mahseer) and Ctenopharyngodon Idella (grass carp), were exposed to different concentrations of lead nitrate in a controlled environment of aquarium for three different lengths of duration (14, 28, and 60 days). The bioaccumulation of lead in different organs, including gills, skin, muscles, liver, intestine, and swim bladder of the fish, was assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Generally, the highest lead concentration was observed in the gills and lowest in the muscles for both species at each experimental dosage and duration. In 14-days exposure, the relative pattern of bioaccumulation in different organs was observed as gill > liver > skin > intestine > swim bladder > muscle for both fish species. Similarly, the pattern of bioaccumulation observed in 28-days exposure was as: gill > liver > intestine > skin > swim bladder > muscle in both species. Whereas, pattern in 60-days exposure was observed as gill > liver > intestine > swim bladder > muscle > skin. The data shows that grass carp had stored higher concentrations of lead than Mahseer, which may be attributed to the fact that they are omnivorous. Furthermore, the lowest bioaccumulation was recorded in the muscles until the 56th day of the exposure, after which the concentration steadily increased in the muscles. The observed pattern highlights the importance of exposure’s duration to lead; chronic exposure could result in its bioaccumulation at toxic concentrations in the muscles, which is particularly of concern because the fish muscles are heavily consumed as food worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Latif
- University of Peshawar, Islamia College, Pakistan
| | | | - A. Muhammad
- University of Peshawar, Islamia College, Pakistan
| | - S. Naz
- University of Malakand, Pakistan
| | | | - R. Ullah
- King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. B. Shah
- Gyeongsang National University, Republic of South Korea
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Khan A, Jahan F, Zahoor M, Ullah R, Albadrani GM, Mohamed HRH, Khisroon M. Association of genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferases with colorectal cancer susceptibility in snuff (Naswar) addicts. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e261509. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.261509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms in detoxifying (GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1) genes and their association with colorectal cancer (CRC) in tobacco addicts of Pashtun ethnicity. Polymorphisms in the selected genes were genotyped in a case-control study consisting of 100 histologically confirmed male CRC patients and 100 birth-year and gender-matched healthy controls using the PCR−RFLP method. The GSTM1 null, and GSTT1 null genotypes were significantly contributed to the risk of CRC in the cases (OR= 3.131, 95% CI: 1.451−6.758, P = 0.004, and OR= 3.541, 95% CI: 1.716−7.306, P = 0.001, respectively), whereas the association observed for GSTP1 Val/Val (1.139, 95% CI: 0.356−3.644, P = 0.826) did not show statistical significance. The combined GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null showed a 41-fold increased risk (95% CI: 4.945−351.950, P = 0.001), while, the combined GSTM1 null and GSTP1 Ile/Val or Val/Val variant genotypes exhibited about 3-fold (95% CI: 1.196−7.414, P = 0.019) increased risk to CRC. Similarly, the combined GSTT1 null and GSTP1 Ile/Val or Val/Val variant genotypes showed about a 3-fold (95% CI: 1.285−8.101, P = 0.013) increased risk of CRC. In the combination of three GST genotypes, the GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, and GSTP1 Ile/Val or Val/Val variant genotypes demonstrated a more than a 22-fold (95% CI: 2.441−212.106, P = 0.006) increased risk of CRC. Our findings suggest that GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism and its combination with GSTP1 may be associated with CRC susceptibility in the Naswar addicted Pashtun population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Khan
- University of Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - F. Jahan
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar, Pakistan
| | | | - R. Ullah
- King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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Afzal MR, Naz M, Ullah R, Du D. Persistence of Root Exudates of Sorghum bicolor and Solidago canadensis: Impacts on Invasive and Native Species. Plants (Basel) 2023; 13:58. [PMID: 38202366 PMCID: PMC10781015 DOI: 10.3390/plants13010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Root exudates of the invasive Solidago canadensis and the cereal crop Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench cv. 'Hybridsorgo' were tested for allelopathic interactions against native and invasive plant species in a controlled environment. After the surface was sterilized, the seeds of two invasive species (Bromus sterilis and Veronica persica) and two native species (Youngia japonica and Rumex acetosa) were germinated and transplanted into the soil (1:1 mixture of coco peat and sand) that had been conditioned for one month by the cultivation of Solidago canadensis and Sorghum bicolor, both in combination or as unplanted controls. After an additional eight weeks of growth, morphometric measurements of the shoot and root, including foliar characteristics and above- and below-ground biomass accumulation, were performed. The results revealed significant inhibitory effects of root exudates released by Sorghum bicolor and Solidago canadensis on native species' productivity and physiology. The invasive species exhibited variable growth responses, with Veronica persica showing reduced shoot and root expansion, but Bromus sterilis revealed increased shoot and root biomass allocation and nutrition under the exudate treatments. Exudates from Solidago canadensis and Sorghum bicolor together showed synergistic negative effects on native species, while they promoted growth and nutrition in Veronica persica. Taken together, the differential species responses indicate that the tested native species were more sensitive to the allelopathic compounds than the invasive species, which is in line with the theory of novel weapons. The legacy effects of root exudates of both Sorghum bicolor and Solidago canadensis could promote invasive establishment through imposing allelochemical interference competition against native plant species. Understanding the specific allelopathic mechanisms may help with the development of integrated strategies for managing invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rahil Afzal
- Jingjiang College, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
| | - Misbah Naz
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
| | - Raza Ullah
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara 56130, Pakistan;
| | - Daolin Du
- Jingjiang College, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
- School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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Khan JZ, Ismail M, Ullah R, Ali W, Ali I. Increased burden of MDR bacterial infections; reflection from an antibiogram of ICUs of a tertiary care hospital. J Infect Dev Ctries 2023; 17:994-998. [PMID: 37515800 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.18142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infectious disease management in intensive care units (ICUs) is becoming more difficult due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the nature of pathogens mostly encountered in an ICU and determine their antibiotic susceptibility through the compilation of ICU-specific antibiogram. METHODOLOGY A descriptive cross-sectional study of the culture and sensitivity reports of ICU patients was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. An antibiogram was created according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M39-A4 guidelines. RESULTS Of the total 597 reports, the most common specimen type were respiratory secretions (n = 174), followed by blood (n = 128), wounds (n = 108), and urine (n = 80). Out of 597 isolates, the most frequently isolated bacteria were Klebsiella species (n = 156), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 117), Escherichia coli (n = 112), Enterobacter species (n = 56), Acinetobacter species (n = 52), Proteus species (n = 39), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 34) and coliform species (n = 31). An 84% multidrug resistance (MDR) rate was reported among the isolates studied, with Acinetobacter species being at the top with a 98% MDR rate. CONCLUSIONS A substantial and alarming MDR rate was observed in our study. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated a potential interest in developing an ICU-specific antibiogram that is informative to clinicians in their clinical decision-making related to antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehan Zeb Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Ismail
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Raza Ullah
- Pulmonology and Critical Care, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Waqar Ali
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Iftikhar Ali
- College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Paraplegic Center, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Shah R, Khan RS, Jan AU, Ullah S, Ditta A, Islam Z, Ullah R, Ullah R, Soufan W, Almutairi KF, Rajendran K, Elango D, El Sabagh A. Plant Growth Regulators with a Balanced Supply of Nutrients Enhance the Phytoextraction Efficiency of Parthenium hysterophorus for Cadmium in Contaminated Soil. ACS Omega 2023; 8:18940-18950. [PMID: 37273635 PMCID: PMC10233834 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in soil, such as cadmium (Cd), poses a serious threat to global food security and human health. It must be managed using environmentally friendly and cost-effective technologies. Plants with high resistance to Cd stress and high biomass production could be potential candidates for the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils to improve Cd phytoextraction. In this regard, the present study was carried out to determine the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3), indole acetic acid (IAA), and fertilizers (N, P, and K) on Parthenium hysterophorus growth and biomass production as well as Cd phytoextraction capabilities. A pot experiment was conducted with various combinations of PGRs and fertilizers, with treatments arranged in five replicates using a completely randomized design. After harvesting, each plant was divided into various parts such as stems, roots, and leaves, and different growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters were recorded. Results showed that under Cd stress, growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters were all significantly decreased. With the combined application of plant growth regulators (GA3 and IAA) and nutrients, Cd stress was alleviated and all parameters significantly improved. In comparison to the control treatment, the combined application of N + P + K + GA3 + IAA resulted in the highest fresh and dry biomass production of the root (12.31 and 5.11 g pot-1), shoot (19. 69 and 6.99 g pot-1), leaves (16.56 and 7.09 g pot-1), and entire plant (48.56 and 19.19 g pot-1). Similarly, the same treatment resulted in higher chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll contents under Cd stress, which were 2.19, 2.03, and 3.21 times higher than the control, which was Cd stress without any treatment. The combination of N + P + K + GA3 + IAA also resulted in the highest proline and phenolic contents. In the case of different enzyme activities, the combined application of N + P + K + GA3 + IAA under Cd stress led to a high increase in catalase (2.5 times), superoxide (3.5 times), and peroxidase (3.7 times) compared to the control. With the combined application of N+ P+ K + GA3 + IAA, the maximum values of BCF (8.25), BAC (2.6), and RF (5.14%) were measured for phytoextraction potential. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that P. hysterophorus has a high potential to grow, produce the most biomass, and act as a Cd hyperaccumulator in Cd-contaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehan Shah
- Department
of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, KPK 23200, Pakistan
| | - Raham Sher Khan
- Department
of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, KPK 23200, Pakistan
| | - Amin Ullah Jan
- Department
of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Shaheed
Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 18000, Pakistan
| | - Sadeeq Ullah
- School
of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan
University of Technology, Dongguan 523820, China
| | - Allah Ditta
- Department
of Environmental Sciences, Shaheed Benazir
Bhutto University Sheringal, Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 18000, Pakistan
- School
of Biological Sciences, The University of
Western Australia, 35
Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ziaul Islam
- Department
of Animal Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto
University Sheringal, Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 18000, Pakistan
| | - Rahim Ullah
- Department
of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Shaheed
Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 18000, Pakistan
| | - Raza Ullah
- Laboratory
of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402-6170, United
States
| | - Walid Soufan
- Plant
Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid F. Almutairi
- Plant
Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Karthika Rajendran
- VIT
School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning (VAIAL), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dinakaran Elango
- Department
of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-2140, United States
| | - Ayman El Sabagh
- Department
of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh
University, Kafr al-Sheik First, 33511, Egypt
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Afzal MR, Naz M, Wan J, Dai Z, Ullah R, Rehman SU, Du D. Insights into the Mechanisms Involved in Lead (Pb) Tolerance in Invasive Plants-The Current Status of Understanding. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:2084. [PMID: 37299064 PMCID: PMC10255771 DOI: 10.3390/plants12112084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Invasive plant species possess remarkable abilities to establish themselves in new environments and to displace native species. Their success can be attributed to various physiological and biochemical mechanisms, allowing them to tolerate adverse environmental conditions, including high lead (Pb) toxicity. Comprehension of the mechanisms responsible for Pb tolerance in invasive plants is still limited, but it is rapidly evolving. Researchers have identified several strategies in invasive plants to tolerate high levels of Pb. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the ability of invasive species to tolerate or even accumulate Pb in plant tissues, including vacuoles and cell walls, as well as how rhizosphere biota (bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi) help them to enhance Pb tolerance in polluted soils. Furthermore, the article highlights the physiological and molecular mechanisms regulating plant responses to Pb stress. The potential applications of these mechanisms in developing strategies for remediating Pb-contaminated soils are also discussed. Specifically, this review article provides a comprehensive understanding of the current status of research on the mechanisms involved in Pb tolerance in invasive plants. The information presented in this article may be useful in developing effective strategies for managing Pb-contaminated soils, as well as for developing more resilient crops in the face of environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rahil Afzal
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.N.); (J.W.); (Z.D.)
| | - Misbah Naz
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.N.); (J.W.); (Z.D.)
| | - Justin Wan
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.N.); (J.W.); (Z.D.)
| | - Zhicong Dai
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.N.); (J.W.); (Z.D.)
| | - Raza Ullah
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara 56130, Pakistan;
| | - Shafiq ur Rehman
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara 56130, Pakistan;
| | - Daolin Du
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.N.); (J.W.); (Z.D.)
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Khan A, Asif N, Ullah R, Khan TA, Khan A, Malik SS. Establishing Reference Intervals for HBA1C in all three Trimesters of Pregnancy; A Cross-Sectional Study on Healthy Pregnant Women of Quetta, Baluchistan. PAFMJ 2023. [DOI: 10.51253/pafmj.v73i1.4814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To establish the reference intervals in healthy pregnant females of Quetta, Baluchistan, for Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) in all three trimesters of pregnancy.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Pathology Department Combined Military Hospital, Quetta Pakistan, from Jun 2018 to Jun 2019.
Methodology: Blood samples of healthy pregnant females were drawn for Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Fasting plasma glucose and haemoglobin were also measured to rule out hyperglycemia and anaemia. Samples for Glycated haemoglobin(HbA1c) were analyzed by Turbidimetric Immuno-inhibition (TINIA) method. For all the trimesters, 5th and 95th percentiles were taken as reference intervals for Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and compared for each trimester.
Results: A total of 388 samples were taken, of which 136(35.05%) females were from the first trimester, 128(32.98%) and 124(31.97%) from the second and third trimesters, respectively. The mean age of the study population was 25.1±3.7 years in the first trimester, 26.7±4.5 years in the second-trimester while and the third trimester it was 26.8±4.8 years. In the first, second,and third trimesters, the reference intervals for Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were 3.8-5.2%, 4.1-5.4%, and 4.2-5.7%,respectively.
Conclusion: For the exact diagnosis of hyperglycemia in pregnancy, each laboratory should establish its reference intervals of Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) for each trimester as it varies from trimester to trimester.
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Ullah R, Tsui MTK, Chow A, Chen H, Williams C, Ligaba-Osena A. Micro(nano)plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystem: emphasis on impacts of polystyrene on soil biota, plants, animals, and humans. Environ Monit Assess 2022; 195:252. [PMID: 36585967 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10769-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pollution with emerging microscopic contaminants such as microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) including polystyrene (PS) in aquatic and terrestrial environments is increasingly recognized. PS is largely used in packaging materials and is dumped directly into the ecosystem. PS micro-nano-plastics (MNPs) can be potentially bioaccumulated in the food chain and can cause human health concerns through food consumption. Earlier MP research has focused on the aquatic environments, but recent researches show significant MP and NP contamination in the terrestrial environments especially agricultural fields. Though PS is the hotspot of MPs research, however, to our knowledge, this systematic review represents the first of its kind that specifically focused on PS contamination in agricultural soils, covering sources, effects, and ways of PS mitigation. The paper also provides updated information on the effects of PS on soil organisms, its uptake by plants, and effects on higher animals as well as human beings. Directions for future research are also proposed to increase our understanding of the environmental contamination of PS in terrestrial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raza Ullah
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Shatin, New Territories, China
| | - Alex Chow
- Biogeochemistry & Environmental Quality Research Group, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29442, USA
- Dep. of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Huan Chen
- Biogeochemistry & Environmental Quality Research Group, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29442, USA
- Dep. of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Clinton Williams
- USDA-ARS, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Cardon Ln, Maricopa, AZ, USA
| | - Ayalew Ligaba-Osena
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA.
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11
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Khan RU, Khan M, Sohail A, Ullah R, Iqbal A, Ahmad B, Khan IU, Tariq A, Ahmad M, Said A, Ullah S, Ali A, Rahman MU, Zaman A, Bilal H. Efficacy of pentamidine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as a novel drug delivery system for Leishmania tropica. Trop Biomed 2022; 39:511-517. [PMID: 36602209 DOI: 10.47665/tb.39.4.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- R U Khan
- Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - M Khan
- Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - A Sohail
- Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - R Ullah
- Department of Dairy Technology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - A Iqbal
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - B Ahmad
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, MNS University of Agriculture Multan, Punjab, 25000, Pakistan
| | - I U Khan
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - A Tariq
- Directorate of Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - M Ahmad
- Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-E Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - A Said
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - S Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - A Ali
- Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - M U Rahman
- Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - A Zaman
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - H Bilal
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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12
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Arshad N, Ammad M, Razzak A, Ullah R, Ul Ain Q, Yousaf M, Sajjad Naqvi S, Ur Rehman M, Noorul Hasan T, Hussain A, Al Yafei Z. Detection of Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Clades using COVIDSeq-NGS among International Travelers. Am J Clin Pathol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqac126.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction/Objective
Numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants/lineages have been identified based on genome sequencing. As of June 15, 2022 almost 11,399,573 whole genome sequences have been deposited in the GISAID-database. Severity and spread of COVID19 is based on their efficiency of infection and to multiply in host. That largely depend upon the structural mutation in spike, ORF and N proteins etc. That happens due to translation of genomic mutations during polypeptide synthesis. Also, the mutations are region/country specific. Specific mutation and combination of mutation causes the emergence of new strains. However, the strains can migrate from one region to other through travelers. The main objective of the current study is profiling of mutations in the genome of SARSCoV2 using Next- Generation-Sequencing (NGS) in international travelers and phylogenetic analysis of the sequences to find out different clades of SARSCoV2.
Methods/Case Report
A total of 557 SARSCoV2 genomes were sequenced on S4-sequencing flow-cell on NovaSeq 6000. For NGS of SARS-CoV-2 genome, Illumina, COVIDSeq kits and the protocols will be used strictly as recommended by the manufacturer. After NGS the analysis was done followed by FASTA sequences retrieval, mutations recording and phylogeny.
Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
This study reports 11 clades (19A, B, 20A, B, C, D, 20E; EU1, 20G, 20H; Beta V2, 20I: Alpha V1, 21D; and Eta) for the first time in international travelers. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the COVIDSeq approach for detection of mutation in SARSCoV2 genomic clades. The study revealed some dominants mutations was (Orf1a: P2018Q, K1053R, E176V, Orf1b: A520V, T2165A, S: D1127G, D614G, L18F etc. in other genes).
Conclusion
Profiling of common mutations among travelers could fill some gaps about the existence of SARS-CoV-2 variants information. However, further studies are needed to consolidate these findings before to be utilized for development of a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Arshad
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
| | - M Ammad
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
| | - A Razzak
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
| | - R Ullah
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
| | - Q Ul Ain
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
| | - M Yousaf
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
| | - S Sajjad Naqvi
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
| | - M Ur Rehman
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
| | - T Noorul Hasan
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
| | - A Hussain
- Department of Life Sciences, MANIPAL Academy of Higher Education , Dubai , United Arab Emirates
| | - Z Al Yafei
- Chief Executive Officer Office, Union71 , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
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13
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Huq FN, Momenuzzaman NAM, Chowdhury AW, Hoque MM, Khan KN, Begum F, Shafique AM, Anis R, Rahman MA, Nahar S, Chakraborty S, Ahmad T, Khan TA, Ullah R, Rahman MM. Effect of telephone-monitored home-based cardiac rehabilitation exercise on functional capacity and quality of life in heart failure patients in a lower-middle-income country. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwac056.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Introduction
Chronic heart failure (CHF) prevails as one of the major cardiovascular diseases in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) like Bangladesh. Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation (HBCR) is a cost-effective method of secondary prevention of chronic heart failure which, if provided, might not only improve the health status of the patients but might also reduce the financial and hospitalization burden on the health care system of these countries. The study aims to assess the scope and benefits of HBCR in such low resource settings.
Purpose
The study evaluates the effect of telephone-monitored HBCR exercise programme in improving the functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) in patients of CHF with reduced ejection fraction due to ischemic heart disease (IHD).
Method
This self-controlled interventional study was conducted from August 2019 to July 2020 at a heart failure clinic, a tertiary healthcare centre in Bangladesh. A total of 115 patients of CHF with ejection fraction <40% and in NYHA class II and III were included in the study according to selection criteria. The functional capacity of the patients was evaluated by NYHA classification and 6-minute walk test. The quality of life of the patients was evaluated by Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). All patients were advised to perform HBCR exercise as per recommended guideline and were telephone-monitored 2-weekly. After the 3-months study period, the participants were divided into compliant and partial compliant groups based on their adherence to the guideline. Repeat evaluation of patients' condition was carried out. Results were then compared within the groups and data was analyzed through appropriate statistical methods.
Results
Significant improvement of NYHA class (p<0.05), and 6-minute walk test distance (6MWTD) (1102.01±215.90 feet vs 1243.30±217.86 feet; p<0.001) were noticed after the rehabilitation programme. Improvement of total MLHFQ score was also observed (35.53±14 vs 28.22±12.84; p<0.001) at 3-months follow up. The functional capacity and quality of life of the patients in both the compliant and partially compliant groups showed significant improvement after the rehabilitation programme (p<0.001); though no difference was found in the indicators when compared between compliant vs partially compliant groups after rehabilitation except for 6MWTD (1302.86±219.61 feet vs 1230.71±212.284 feet, p<0.001).
Conclusion
From the results, it can be concluded that any amount of routine exercise tends to improve quality of life and symptoms in patients of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. However, to achieve the best effect in functional capacity and overall health status, the addition of a structured exercise programme like HBCR can be beneficial for proper rehabilitation in low resource settings. Further validation of the results is recommended through randomized control trials in larger study groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- FN Huq
- United Hospital Ltd, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - AW Chowdhury
- Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - MM Hoque
- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Biochemistry, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - KN Khan
- United Hospital Ltd, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - F Begum
- United Hospital Ltd, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - AM Shafique
- United Hospital Ltd, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - R Anis
- United Hospital Ltd, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - MA Rahman
- Sorkari Karmachari Hospital, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - S Nahar
- United Hospital Ltd, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - T Ahmad
- United Hospital Ltd, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - TA Khan
- United Hospital Ltd, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - R Ullah
- United Hospital Ltd, Cardiology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - MM Rahman
- Keraniganj Upazila Health Complex, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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14
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Ge T, Abbas J, Ullah R, Abbas A, Sadiq I, Zhang R. Women's Entrepreneurial Contribution to Family Income: Innovative Technologies Promote Females' Entrepreneurship Amid COVID-19 Crisis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:828040. [PMID: 35422737 PMCID: PMC9004668 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.828040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Women entrepreneurs innovate, initiate, engage, and run business enterprises to contribute the domestic development. Women entrepreneurs think and start taking risks of operating enterprises and combine various factors involved in production to deal with the uncertain business environment. Entrepreneurship and technological innovation play a crucial role in developing the economy by creating job opportunities, improving skills, and executing new ideas. It has a significant impact on the income of the household. The study focused on investigating the role of women's entrepreneurship and innovation technologies in contributing to household income in the challenging situation of the pandemic COVID-19. The paper emphasized identifying the determinants of female entrepreneurial contribution toward household income. This study collected data from selected rural and urban areas of district Faisalabad through a self-administered questionnaire. Investigators interviewed female entrepreneurs and chose them through the snowball sampling technique from a population of purposively selected female-run businesses. Interviews were conducted with women entrepreneurs to gather relevant information for the survey investigation at their workplaces and home. The effects of various factors, including age, education, family size, income from other sources, time allocated to entrepreneurial activity, firm size, and location (rural/urban) were estimated empirically using an ordered logit model. The study findings exhibited a positive and significant role of respondents' education, family size, time allocated to entrepreneurial activities, and firm size. The survey outcomes also indicated that the contribution of entrepreneurial income to household income in the rural areas is significantly higher than that in urban areas. This study signifies that regulations against gender discrimination in public and private institutions are helpful. Besides, encouraging an environment for entrepreneurial culture among women in the country would increase family income. The study's findings and policy implications directly link to Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 5 of Gender Equality (GE) and SDG 8 related to decent work and economic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taoan Ge
- Changzhou Academy of Governance, Changzhou, China
| | - Jaffar Abbas
- Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Raza Ullah
- Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Azhar Abbas
- Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Sadiq
- Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ruilian Zhang
- Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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15
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Noor M, Rahim F, Amin S, Ullah R, Zafar S. A Patient With Fever, Loose Motions and Jaundice: Hickam’s Dictum or Occam's Razor. Cureus 2022; 14:e23295. [PMID: 35464514 PMCID: PMC9013503 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases like malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis, and dengue fever are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Pakistan. Although rare, it is possible to have coinfection with organisms that are endemic in a region, causing diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Leptospirosis is caused by Gram-negative spirochetes. Leptospira are widely distributed and are transmitted by contamination of water and food by the urine of infected animals like rodents. Leptospirosis is characterized by fever, body aches, abdominal pain, and hepatic and renal involvement. Laboratory abnormalities include cytopenia, elevated bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and abnormal renal function tests. Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi (S. typhi), which is transmitted by fecal contamination of drinking water and food items. The clinical manifestations of typhoid fever include fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Laboratory abnormalities include cytopenia and mildly deranged liver function tests. A strain of S. typhi resistant to all antibiotics except azithromycin and carbapenems was isolated in 2016 in Pakistan. Most of the clinical manifestations and laboratory abnormalities of leptospirosis and typhoid fever overlap. There have been case reports of coinfection of S. typhi and Leptospira, but there is no report of coinfection of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) S. typhi and Leptospira. We present a case of a 20-year-old man with fever, loose motions, and jaundice from Peshawar, Pakistan who had coinfection of Leptospira and XDR S. typhi. The attending physicians should adopt Hickam’s dictum instead of Occam's razor approach.
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16
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Ahmad B, Khan W, Haq TU, Ahmad S, Zahoor M, Alotaibi A, Ullah R. Beneficial effects of coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) on hematobiochemicl and histopathological markers in CCL4-intoxicated rabbits. BRAZ J BIOL 2022; 84:e252555. [PMID: 35293540 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.252555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The study was designed to investigate the effect of Coconut Oil on the levels of some liver and hematological parameters in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rabbits. Also the antioxidant capacity of Coconut Oil for various concentrations was assessed on the basis of percent scavenging of (DPPH) free radical. Experimental animals were divided into five groups, eight rabbits in each group. These were: group A (Normal control), group B (Toxic control), group C (Standard control), group D (Treated with Coconut Oil 50 mL/kg body weight after CCl4 intoxication), group E (Treated with Coconut Oil 200 mL/kg body weight after CCl4 intoxication). The effects observed were compared with a standard hepatoprotective drug silymarine (50 mL/kg body weight). The Coconut Oil (200 mL/kg body weight) significantly (P<0.05) reduced the elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) when compared to a toxic control rabbits. The results of extract treated rabbits were similar to silymarine administered rabbits group. Treatment with Coconut Oil root and silymarine caused no significant changes in RBC, Platelets, (Hb), (MCH) concentration and (HCT) values. However, significant (P<0.05) increase was observed in the total WBC count. The present study suggested that Coconut Oil can be used as an herbal alternative (need further exploration i.e to detect its bioactive compound and its efficacy) for hepatoprotective activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ahmad
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - W Khan
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - T U Haq
- University of Malakand, Department of Biotechnology, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - S Ahmad
- Islamia College Peshawar, Department of Zoology, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - M Zahoor
- University of Malakand, Department of Biochemistry, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - A Alotaibi
- Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, College Of Medicine, Department of Basic Science, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - R Ullah
- King Saud University, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Medicinal Aromatic and Poisonous Plant Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Ullah R, Qureshi AW, Sajid A, Khan I, Ullah A, Taj R. Percentage Incidences of Bacteria in Mahseer (Tor putitora), Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Fish Collected from Hatcheries and Local Markets of District Malakand and Peshawar of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2022; 84:e251747. [PMID: 35019091 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.251747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish is the main source of animal protein for human diet. The aim of this study was to find out prevalence of pathogenic bacteria of two selected economically important fish of Pakistan namely Mahseer (Tor putitora) and Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Live fish samples from hatcheries and dead fish samples from different markets of study area were randomly collected. The fish samples were analyzed for isolation, identification and prevalence of bacteria. The isolated bacteria from study fish were identified through biochemical test and about 10 species of pathogenic bacteria were identified including the pathogenic bacteria to human and fish namely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus iniae, Serratia spp. Citrobacter spp. Stenotrophomonas spp. Bacillus spp. and Salmonella spp. The bacterial percentage frequency of occurrence in Silver carp and Mahseer fish showed Pseudomonas aeruginosa 21.42%, Staphylococcus epidermidis 17.85%, Escherichia coli 11.90%, Staphylococcus aureus 9.52%, Citrobacter spp. 9.52%, Serratia spp. 8.33%, Streptococcus iniae 7.14%, Stenotrophomonas spp. 5.95%, Bacillus spp. 4.76% and Salmonella spp. 3.57%. The study revealed that Fish samples of Mahseer and Silver carp that were collected from markets have found more isolates (10 bacterial species) than did the fresh fish pond samples (03 bacterial species) of hatcheries. The occurrence of pathogenic bacteria in study fish showed risk factor for public health consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - A W Qureshi
- Department of Zoology, GC Women University Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - A Sajid
- College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - I Khan
- College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - A Ullah
- College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - R Taj
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
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18
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Gul A, Ullah R, Sun J, Munir T, Bai S. Synthesis of mesoporous TiO2/BMMs via hydrothermal method and its potential application toward adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet from aqueous solution. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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19
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Ali S, Khan S, Khan SN, Rauf M, Khan MF, Majid A, Dawar FU, Akbar NU, Ullah R, Bari A, Khan MY. Molecular detection and prevalence of Rotavirus with acute gastroenteritis among the children of rural and urban areas. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e244365. [PMID: 34932615 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.244365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rotavirus is the main infective agent of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children under the age of five years and causing significant morbidity as well as mortality throughout the world. The study was carried out to detect the prevalence rate, genotypes strain and risk factors of Rotavirus among the children of rural and urban areas of district Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. A total of 180 stool samples were collected from children under the age of 5 years from two major hospitals of Bannu from January to December (2015). The samples were analyzed by Reverse-transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of Rotavirus, positive samples were further processed for genotyping (G and P type) through specific PCR. Of the total, 41 (23%) samples were positive for Rotavirus. The most prevalent G genotypes found were: G3, G8, G9 (each 29%), followed by G10 (15%), and G11 (10%). Whereas the prevalent P genotypes were: P-8 (25%), P-4 and P-10 (each 20%), P-9 (15%), followed by P-6 and P-11 (each 10%). Moreover, Rotavirus infection was more prevalent in summer (23.73%) and winter (22.7%) than spring (20%) and autumn (21.4%). Rotavirus infection exhibited high frequency in June (14%), October (8%) and November (6%). It is concluded that Rotavirus is more prevalent in children and various genotypes (G and P) of Rotavirus are present in the study area. Lack of studies, awareness and rarer testing of Rotavirus are the principal reasons of virus prevalence in district Bannu, Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ali
- Kohat University of Science e Technology Kohat, Department of Zoology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - S Khan
- University of Peshawar, Department of Zoology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - S N Khan
- Kohat University of Science e Technology Kohat, Department of Zoology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - M Rauf
- Kohat University of Science e Technology Kohat, Department of Zoology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - M F Khan
- University of Hazara Dhodial, Department of Zoology, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - A Majid
- Kohat University of Science e Technology Kohat, Department of Zoology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - F U Dawar
- Kohat University of Science e Technology Kohat, Department of Zoology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - N Ul Akbar
- Kohat University of Science e Technology Kohat, Department of Zoology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - R Ullah
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, King Saud University Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A Bari
- King Saud University Riyadh, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Y Khan
- Lancaster University, Lancaster Environmental Centre, Lancaster, United Kingdon
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20
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Amin S, Noor M, Rahim F, Yasir Khan M, Ullah R. Co-infection With Dengue Virus and Extensively Drug-Resistant Salmonella typhi. Cureus 2021; 13:e19653. [PMID: 34976449 PMCID: PMC8678711 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In South Asia, infectious diseases are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Malaria, typhoid, and dengue are the most common infectious diseases, and patients may be co-infected with these diseases, resulting in diagnostic and treatment dilemmas. Dengue is caused by the Arboviridae family of viruses and is transmitted by Aedes aegypti. Dengue virus has four serotypes and the symptoms of dengue fever mimic those of other infectious diseases such as malaria, chikungunya, Zika virus disease, influenza A, enteric fever, and coronavirus disease 2019, which are also prevalent in areas of frequent dengue fever outbreak. Dengue fever is characterized by fever, severe myalgia, retro-orbital pain, skin rashes, and bone pain, which is why dengue fever is also referred to as breakbone fever. Patients with secondary dengue virus infection more commonly present with abdominal pain when compared with those with primary dengue virus infection. Salmonella typhi causes enteric fever, which is a human infection with no animal reservoir, but the symptoms of enteric fever closely resemble those of dengue fever. Concurrent infections with multiple organisms are especially difficult to diagnose. In this report, we present the case of a 15-year-old boy from Peshawar, Pakistan, who was co-infected with the dengue virus and extensively drug-resistant Salmonella typhi. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of co-infection with dengue virus and extensively drug-resistant Salmonella typhi.
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21
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Attaullah M, Nawaz MA, Ilahi I, Ali H, Jan T, Khwaja S, Hazrat A, Ullah I, Ullah Z, Ullah S, Ahmad B, Ullah R. Honey as a bioindicator of environmental organochlorine insecticides contamination. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e250373. [PMID: 34550295 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.250373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey is a suitable matrix for the evaluation of environmental contaminants including organochlorine insecticides. The present study was conducted to evaluate residues of fifteen organochlorine insecticides in honey samples of unifloral and multifloral origins from Dir, Pakistan. Honey samples (5 g each) were extracted with GC grade organic solvents and then subjected to Rotary Evaporator till dryness. The extracts were then mixed with n-Hexane (5 ml) and purified through Column Chromatography. Purified extracts (1μl each) were processed through Gas Chromatograph coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) for identification and quantification of the insecticides. Of the 15 insecticides tested, 46.7% were detected while 53.3% were not detected in the honey samples. Heptachlor was the most prevalent insecticide with a mean level of 0.0018 mg/kg detected in 80% of the samples followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.0016 mg/kg detected in 71.4% of the honey samples. Honey samples from Acacia modesta Wall. were 100% positive for Heptachlor with a mean level of 0.0048 mg/kg followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.003 mg/kg and frequency of 83.3%. Minimum levels of the tested insecticides were detected in the unifloral honey from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Methoxychlor, Endosulfan, Endrin and metabolites of DDT were not detected in the studied honey samples. Some of the tested insecticides are banned in Pakistan but are still detected in honey samples indicating their use in the study area. The detected levels of all insecticides were below the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and safe for consumers. However, the levels detected can cause mortality in insect fauna. The use of banned insecticides is one of the main factors responsible for the declining populations of important insect pollinators including honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Attaullah
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - M A Nawaz
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Department of Biotechnology, Dir Upper, Pakistan
| | - I Ilahi
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - H Ali
- University of Malakand, Department of Chemistry, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - T Jan
- University of Malakand, Department of Botany, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - S Khwaja
- Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Department of Zoology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - A Hazrat
- University of Malakand, Department of Botany, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - I Ullah
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - Z Ullah
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - S Ullah
- University of Malakand, Department of Botany, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - B Ahmad
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - R Ullah
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Department of Zoology, Dir Upper, Pakistan
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22
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Ullah R, Tsui MTK, Chen H, Chow A, Williams C, Ligaba-Osena A. Microplastics interaction with terrestrial plants and their impacts on agriculture. J Environ Qual 2021; 50:1024-1041. [PMID: 34245023 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in natural ecosystems and have attracted considerable attention from scientists all over the world because they are believed to threaten every life form. In addition to their potential physical and chemical effects on organisms, MPs may act as a carrier for many micropollutants, including antibiotics, heavy metals, and others. Over the last 10-15 yr, extensive research has been carried out on MPs in marine environments regarding their sources, fate, and toxicity. However, studies concerning their accumulation in the soil ecosystem, uptake, internalization, and impacts on photosynthetic components of the terrestrial ecosystem and risk assessments have been scanty. Thus, there is a large knowledge gap on the extent to which terrestrial environments, especially agroecosystems, are affected by MPs and their subsequent risks to human health. This review summarizes up-to-date findings about MPs on terrestrial environments and provides guidelines for future studies regarding the phytotoxic effects of MPs on plants; the mechanism of uptake and translocation in plant tissues; detection tools for MPs in plants; impacts on plant growth, plant development, and agricultural productivity; and, most important, the future prospects of MPs interaction and accumulation in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raza Ullah
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Dep. of Biology, Univ. of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Dep. of Biology, Univ. of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
- School of Life Sciences, the Chinese Univ. of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Shatin, New Territories, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Biogeochemistry & Environmental Quality Research Group, Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC, 29442, USA
- Dep. of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Alex Chow
- Biogeochemistry & Environmental Quality Research Group, Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC, 29442, USA
- Dep. of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Clinton Williams
- USDA-ARS, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, 21881 N. Cardon Ln, Maricopa, AZ, 85138, USA
| | - Ayalew Ligaba-Osena
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Dep. of Biology, Univ. of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
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23
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Gul A, Sun J, Ullah R, Munir T, Bai S. Incorporation of Anatase TiO
2
to Highly Porous Silica (BMMs) for Photo‐Degradation of Alizarin Red Dye in Aqueous Solution. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202100813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anadil Gul
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Jihong Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Raza Ullah
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Tallat Munir
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Shiyang Bai
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
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24
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Alamgir, Talha K, Wang YJ, Ullah R, Wang B, Wang L, Wu W, Chen S, Xie LH, Li JR. Construction of a mixed ligand MOF as "green catalyst" for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dye in aqueous media. RSC Adv 2021; 11:23838-23845. [PMID: 35479787 PMCID: PMC9036557 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra02994k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a class of fascinating materials for photocatalysis. Herein, a new MOF formulated as [Zn(bpe)(fdc)]·2DMF (BUT-206, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl) ethylene, H2fdc = 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) is reported, which was synthesized under solvothermal conditions and applied for photocatalytic degradation of dyes (crystal violet and rhodamine B). Noteworthily, BUT-206 exhibited high photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of crystal violet without using any photosensitizer or cocatalyst under UV-irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet by BUT-206 was effective with a degradation efficiency of 92.5% within 120 minutes. The effects of key parameters including pH, amount of photocatalyst and initial concentration of dye on the dye degradation processes were examined, and the kinetics of dye degradation was established by the pseudo-first order kinetic equation. Furthermore, BUT-206 showed good cyclic stability in photocatalytic performance for up to five regeneration cycles, making it a potential green catalyst for dye degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamgir
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Khalid Talha
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Ying-Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Raza Ullah
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Bin Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Lu Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Wei Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Sha Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory on Regional Air Pollution Control, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Lin-Hua Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
| | - Jian-Rong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China
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25
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Ahmed AR, Ullah R, Haque AU, Rahman F, Mirza S, Jurair H. Efficacy and Safety of Phosphate Enema as a therapeutic agent in Hypophosphatemia in Critically Ill Children. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2021; 31:356-358. [PMID: 33775034 DOI: 10.29271/jcpsp.2021.03.356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral administration of phosphorous enema in hypophosphatemia (HP) in critically ill children admitted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of The Indus Hospital, Karachi, from September 2018 to August 2019. This was a retrospective review of 31 critically ill children with hypophosphatemia who received 1 ml/kg/day of phosphate enema through nasogastric tube or orally for phosphate replacement, with serial phosphorus level monitoring along with observation for its side effects. The results showed that the rise of serum phosphorus level was observed in all cases and 64.5% of cases achieved target phosphorus level with no adverse reactions observed. Sample size although limited, it is safe to state that oral phosphate enema is safe and effective for correction of hypophosphatemia in critically ill children. Key Words: Hypophosphatemia, Enema, Pediatric intensive care unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rahim Ahmed
- Department of PICU, The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Raza Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Anwar Ul Haque
- Department of PICU, The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Rahman
- Department of PICU, The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sadiq Mirza
- Department of PICU, The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Humaira Jurair
- Department of PICU, The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
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26
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Attaullah M, Ullah U, Ilahi I, Ahmad N, Rahman FU, Ullah J, Dad O, Amin M, Hassan HU, Ullah R, Buneri ID. Taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 82:e243774. [PMID: 34161430 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.243774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted for the taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan. The study area was divided into three sites along the water course namely Dargai Stream, Sakhakot Stream and Shergarh Stream. Fish samples were collected randomly during January to August 2017 with the help of fish gears. A taxonomic key was designed for the collected fish specimens. Ten fish species were identified belonging to 3 orders and 4 families. Family Cyprinidae was the dominant family with seven representative species while families Siluridae, Nemacheilidae and Mastacembelidae were represented by one species each. Lower mean total length and standard length was recorded in Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) as 9.2 ± 0.6 cm and 7.3 ± 0.6 cm respectively, while highest mean total length and standard length was recorded in Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede, 1800) as 28.1 ± 1.7 cm and 15.9 ± 2.4 cm respectively. Mean pH of the water ranged from 6.1 at Shergarh Stream in August to 8.7 at Sakhakot Stream in January. Average temperature range was recorded from 10.9 °C in January at Dargai Stream to 18.7 °C in August at Shergarh Stream. No statistically significant difference was found for temperature (p = 0.96) and pH (p = 0.14) in the three water streams. The present study will provide a baseline for the rearing and enhancement of wild stock of the commercially important ichthyofauna in the field of aquaculture and fisheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Attaullah
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - U Ullah
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Department of Zoology, Sheringal, Dir Upper, Pakistan
| | - I Ilahi
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - N Ahmad
- Department of Maritime Sciences, Bahria University Karachi, Karachi-75260, Pakistan
| | - F U Rahman
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Department of Zoology, Sheringal, Dir Upper, Pakistan
| | - J Ullah
- Post graduate College Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - O Dad
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Department of Zoology, Sheringal, Dir Upper, Pakistan
| | - M Amin
- University of Karachi, Department of Zoology, Pakistan
| | - H U Hassan
- University of Karachi, Department of Zoology, Pakistan
| | - R Ullah
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Department of Zoology, Sheringal, Dir Upper, Pakistan
| | - I D Buneri
- University of Karachi, Department of Zoology, Pakistan
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27
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Gul A, Ullah R, Sun J, Munir T, Bai S. The fabrication of TiO 2-supported clinoptilolite via F - contained hydrothermal etching and a resultant highly energetic {001} facet for the enhancement of its photocatalytic activity. RSC Adv 2021; 11:17849-17859. [PMID: 35480182 PMCID: PMC9033245 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra02269e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
TiO2-supported clinoptilolite (TiO2/CP) was synthesized in the presence of F− ions. Various characterizations demonstrated that the particle size of loaded TiO2 increased linearly with an increase in the temperature and concentration of F− ions. In particular, the additive F− ions were favored to produce the mutually independent co-exposed {001} and {101} facets of loaded TiO2, while TiO2/CPs synthesized in the absence of F− ions were dominated by the thermodynamically stable {101} facet. As photocatalysts for the removal of crystal violet or methyl orange dyes under UV-irradiation in aqueous solutions, TiO2/CPs (ACP6) synthesized in the presence of F− ions significantly improved the degradation efficiency, as compared to ACP3 obtained in the absence of F− ions. These results elucidated that the highly energetic {001} exposed facet, large particle size and fine dispersion of loaded TiO2 in TiO2/CP accounts for its best photocatalytic performance. The effected mechanism of operational parameters on the degradation performances is proposed. TiO2-supported clinoptilolite (TiO2/CP) was synthesized in the presence of F− ions.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Anadil Gul
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Raza Ullah
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Jihong Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Tallat Munir
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Shiyang Bai
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 P. R. China
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28
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Razi W, Haque AU, Sadiq H, Ullah R, Jabbar N, Mirza S. Safety and Efficacy of Aminophylline in Intrathecal Methotrexate-related Neurological Toxicity in Large Pediatric Oncology Centre. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2021; 31:481-484. [PMID: 33866741 DOI: 10.29271/jcpsp.2021.04.481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, receiving intrathecal methotrexate (IT-MTX), develop acute and subacute neurological dysfunction in 3-15% of cases. Altered level of consciousness, seizure, and stroke-like manifestations are among the most common presentations. MRI of the brain in an early stage is consistent with white matter leukoencephalopathy. There are no specific guidelines for the treatment of such a syndrome. An elevated cerebrospinal fluid (csf) adenosine concentration causes vasodilatation in the brain and leads to cerebral ischemia, which may be reduced by aminophylline infusion. The study is a retrospective data analysis in which electronic data records of 30 patients, collected from September 2017 - August 2019. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of aminophylline in IT-MTX induced neurotoxicity. Aminophylline infusion was used in 30 patients with IT-MTX neurotoxicity. Twenty-five patients (83.33%) showed dramatic improvement of neurologic signs and symptoms within 48 hours. Aminophylline was, hence, coined as a salvageable therapy. No noticeable side effects were observed during treatment with aminophylline infusion. Key Words: Intrathecal methotrexate, Neurotoxicity, Children, Cancer, Aminophylline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajeeha Razi
- Department of Paediatrics, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Anwar Ul Haque
- Department of Paediatrics Critical Care Medicine, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hassaan Sadiq
- Department of Paediatrics, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Raza Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Naeem Jabbar
- Department of Paediatric Hematology Oncology, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sadiq Mirza
- Department of Paediatrics Critical Care Medicine, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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29
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Zhu XD, Ullah R, Taufour V. Oblique-incidence Sagnac interferometric scanning microscope for studying magneto-optic effects of materials at low temperatures. Rev Sci Instrum 2021; 92:043706. [PMID: 34243365 DOI: 10.1063/5.0042574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We describe an oblique-incidence zero-area Sagnac interferometric microscope for studying spatial and temperature dependence of magneto-optic (MO) effects in samples under cryogenic conditions. The microscope is capable of independently measuring Kerr effects from three Cartesian components of a magnetization and thus can be used to map out the magnetization vector across the sample. For illustration, we present MO Kerr effect images of magnetic domains at 77 K of a LaCrGe3 crystal terminated with an a-c plane (the plane that contains the lattice a-axis and c-axis). We further present measurements of magnetization in these domains from 90 to 77 K during zero-field cooling and field cooling in an external magnetic field from 20 to 150 Oe. The inherently high sensitivity and the capability of detecting a magnetization without external modulation makes such a Sagnac interferometric microscope particularly useful for studying magnetic effects in novel materials at low temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- X D Zhu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - R Ullah
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - V Taufour
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
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30
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Ain Q, Ullah R, Kamran MA, Zulfiqar F. Air pollution and its economic impacts at household level: willingness to pay for environmental services in Pakistan. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:6611-6618. [PMID: 33006098 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11023-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution has become a major global problem. Thus, the goal of this study was to find out the economic impacts (treatment cost) of air pollution on households as well as the principal factors inducing an individual's willingness to pay for better air quality. District Faisalabad was purposively selected for sampling, as it is a major industrial hub in Pakistan. The required information was collected from 120 sampled respondents through a structured questionnaire. The ordinary least squares method was used for assessing the impact of various factors on the treatment cost of the most recent episode of ailment related to air pollution. The ordered logit model was used to assess the impacts of factors affecting the willingness to pay for programs aimed at the provision of better environmental services. The results revealed that high air pollution in the urban area resulted in more lost workdays and higher health costs. The findings also showed that people were willing to pay for better air quality in urban areas than in rural areas. Based on the findings, it is suggested that the incentive schemes may be designed for the promotion of cleaner services in rural and urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quratul Ain
- Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Raza Ullah
- Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif Kamran
- Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Farhad Zulfiqar
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Business Administration, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan.
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31
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Yasir M, Ullah R, Bibi F, Khan SB, Al-Sofyani AA, Stingl U, Azhar EI. Draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant emerging pathogenic isolate of Vibrio alginolyticus from the Red Sea. New Microbes New Infect 2020; 38:100804. [PMID: 33294196 PMCID: PMC7683337 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The marine ecosystem is a growing reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and thus an emerging risk to human health. In this study, we report the first draft genome sequence of multidrug-resistant Vibrio alginolyticus strain OS1T-47, isolated from an offshore site in the Red Sea. The draft genome of V. alginolyticus OS1T-47 is 5 157 150 bp in length and has DNA G + C content of 44.83%. Strain OS1T-47 possesses 22 antimicrobial resistance genes, including those associated with multidrug-resistant efflux pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Yasir
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - R Ullah
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - F Bibi
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - S Bahadar Khan
- Department of Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - A A Al-Sofyani
- Marine Biology Department, Faculty of Marine Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - U Stingl
- UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research & Education Center, Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Davie, FL, USA
| | - E I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Noor M, Haq M, Ul Haq N, Amin S, Rahim F, Bahadur S, Ullah R, Khan MA, Mahmood A, Gul H. Does Working in a COVID-19 Receiving Health Facility Influence Seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2? Cureus 2020; 12:e11389. [PMID: 33194502 PMCID: PMC7654561 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective In this study, we aimed at comparing the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in healthcare workers (HCWs) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) receiving and non-COVID-19 receiving hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in a COVID-19 receiving hospital (hospital 'A') and a non-COVID-19 receiving hospital (hospital 'B'). Using stratified random sampling, 1,011 HCWs (439 from hospital 'A' and 572 from hospital 'B') were recruited to participate in the study. Immunoglobulin G/immunoglobulin M (IgG/IgM) antibodies were checked using Elecsys® (Roche, Basel, Switzerland) Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay. The chi-squared test was used to compare frequencies, and the binary logistic regression model was used to predict the association between study variables' seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The overall seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the two hospitals was 30.76%. It was 28.2% in hospital 'A' and 32.7% in hospital 'B' (p=0.129). The seroprevalence in HCWs having direct contact with COVID-19 patients was higher (33.1%) in non-COVID-19 receiving hospital versus 23.8% in COVID-19 receiving hospital (p=0.034). Seroprevalence was highest among administrative staff (44.0%), followed by nurses (30.8%), residents (19.8%), and consultants (17.8%) (p=0.001). As compared to consultants, the administrative and nursing staff were 3.398 and 3.116 times more likely to have positive antibodies, respectively. There were no significant differences in the seroprevalence between the respective categories of staff of the two hospitals. Conclusions The non-COVID-19 receiving hospital had a higher proportion of seropositive HCWs than the COVID-19 receiving hospital. The HCWs in the non-COVID-19 receiving hospital who had direct contact with patients had significantly higher seroprevalence. Seroprevalence was highest for administrative staff followed by nursing staff, residents, and consultants. Regardless of the COVID-19 status of the healthcare facility, all HCWs shall be trained on, and consistently follow, the proper protocols for donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Noor
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, PAK
- Internal Medicine, Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Mohsina Haq
- Microbiology, Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Najib Ul Haq
- Medicine, Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Said Amin
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, PAK
- Internal Medicine, Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Fawad Rahim
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, PAK
- Internal Medicine, Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Sher Bahadur
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Khyber Institute of Child Health, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Raza Ullah
- Critical Care Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, PAK
| | | | | | - Huma Gul
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, PAK
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Khalil MI, Ullah R, Gulfam N, Zahoor M. Preparation of Monotheca buxifolia Leaves Mediated Silver Nanoparticles and Study of Their Biological Activities. Surf Engin Appl Electrochem 2020. [DOI: 10.3103/s1068375520050063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rahim F, Amin S, Noor M, Bahadur S, Gul H, Mahmood A, Usman M, Khan MA, Ullah R, Shahab K. Mortality of Patients With Severe COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study From a Major COVID-19 Receiving Hospital. Cureus 2020; 12:e10906. [PMID: 33194473 PMCID: PMC7657313 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.10906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the mortality of patients with severe COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) in relation to age, gender, co-morbidities, ventilatory status, and length of stay (LOS). Methods This was a cross-sectional study based on data retrieved for 204 patients admitted to the ICU of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, from April to August 2020. Study variables were age, gender, co-morbid conditions, ventilatory status, and length of stay (LOS). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The independent t-test and the chi-square test were used to compare the means and frequencies of variables. Multivariate regression analysis was used to predict the likelihood of mortality. Results The overall mortality was 77%. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) was administered to 61.8% of patients. Mortality was higher for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (93.6% vs 66.7%, p<0.001) and for over 60 years (87.3% vs 72.3%, p=0.019). Mortality without co-morbidities was 75.2%. Comparative mortality rates for at least one co-morbidity (79.7%), diabetes mellitus (80.0%), hypertension (100%), diabetes mellitus and hypertension both (87.1%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (75%) were insignificant. The LOS for survivors was longer (8.9±8.9 versus 5.4±5.2 days, p=0.017). The LOS < 24h was associated with higher mortality (85.9% vs 72.9%, p=0.040). On multivariable regression, the likelihood of mortality was high for IMV (7.330, 95% CI 2.667 - 20.143, p<0.001) and elderly (>60 years) patients (2.607, 95%CI 1.063 - 6.394, p=0.036). Mortality decreased with LOS longer than 24h (0.412, 95%CI 0.173 - 0.982, p=0.045). Co-morbidities did not have any effect on mortality. Conclusions Age more than 60 years and IMV were independent risk factors for higher mortality. Longer ICU stay, specifically more than 24 hours, was associated with lower mortality but LOS less than 24 hours might not have a causal relationship with mortality. The odds of survival were not affected by co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawad Rahim
- Internal Medicine, Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Said Amin
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Mohammad Noor
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Sher Bahadur
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Khyber Institute of Child Health, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Huma Gul
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Afsheen Mahmood
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Muhammad Asif Khan
- Critical Care Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Raza Ullah
- Critical Care Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Khalid Shahab
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Peshawar, PAK
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35
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Kakakhel MA, Gohar F, Anwar Z, Ullah R, Attaullah M, Ahmad S, Khan A, Kalimullah K. Seroprevalence and Risk Factor Analysis of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pet Dogs of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.17582/journal.pujz/2020.35.1.99.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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36
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Haq I, Ullah R, Din M, Ahmad S, Anwar F, Ali M, Khan HU. Unrecognized HIV infection in asymptomatic volunteer blood donors at district Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. New Microbes New Infect 2020; 35:100685. [PMID: 32454980 PMCID: PMC7235641 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a global epidemic that impacts the lives of many individuals each year. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that infects human CD4+ T helper cells and macrophages thereby causing severe immune disease. The current study aimed to examine the prevalence of HIV among the blood donors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Peshawar. In this study, a total of 8634 volunteers who donated blood were carefully screened for HIV using ELISA and RT-PCR techniques. Among the volunteers (n = 8634), 63 were positive by both ELISA and RT-PCR; which shows a prevalence of 0.73%. Both diagnostic techniques exhibited similar results. All the positive individuals were informed immediately and advised to start treatment to control the progression of the infection. It was concluded that HIV is on the rise in Peshawar, and routine screening and preventive measures are immediately required to address the urgent situation of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Haq
- Department of Genetics, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - R Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand, Pakistan
| | - M Din
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - S Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand, Pakistan
| | - F Anwar
- Department of Genetics, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - M Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - H Ullah Khan
- Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan.,Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
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Alamgir, Talha K, Wang B, Liu JH, Ullah R, Feng F, Yu J, Chen S, Li JR. Effective adsorption of metronidazole antibiotic from water with a stable Zr(IV)-MOFs: Insights from DFT, kinetics and thermodynamics studies. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 2020; 8:103642. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2019.103642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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38
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Jiao J, Sun J, Ullah R, Bai S, Zhai C. One-step synthesis of hydrophobic clinoptilolite modified by silanization for the degradation of crystal violet dye in aqueous solution. RSC Adv 2020; 10:22809-22818. [PMID: 35514574 PMCID: PMC9054683 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra03151h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One-step synthesis of hydrophobic CPs was demonstrated, in which the kinetically-controlled induction period and thermodynamically-based rapid growth process were elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Jiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing
- China
| | - Jihong Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing
- China
| | - Raza Ullah
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing
- China
| | - Shiyang Bai
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing
- China
| | - Chengwei Zhai
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Beijing University of Technology
- Beijing
- China
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Yasir M, Qureshi AK, Srinivasan S, Ullah R, Bibi F, Rehan M, Khan SB, Azhar EI. Domination of Filamentous Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacteria and Prediction of Metabolic Pathways in Microbial Mats from the Hot Springs of Al Aridhah. Folia Biol (Praha) 2020; 66:24-35. [PMID: 32512656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial mats in hot springs form a dynamic ecosystem and support the growth of diverse communities with broad-ranging metabolic capacity. In this study, we used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to analyse microbial communities in mat samples from two hot springs in Al Aridhah, Saudi Arabia. Putative metabolic pathways of the microbial communities were identified using phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt). Filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria associated with phylum Chloroflexi were abundant (> 50 %) in both hot springs at 48 °C. Chloroflexi were mainly represented by taxa Chloroflexus followed by Roseiflexus. Cyanobacteria of genus Arthrospira constituted 3.4 % of microbial mats. Heterotrophic microorganisms were mainly represented by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes. Archaea were detected at a lower relative abundance (< 1 %). Metabolic pathways associated with membrane transport, carbon fixation, methane metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and degradation of aromatic compounds were commonly found in microbial mats of both hot springs. In addition, pathways for production of secondary metabolites and antimicrobial compounds were predicted to be present in microbial mats. In conclusion, microbial communities in the hot springs of Al Aridhah were composed of diverse bacteria, with taxa of Chloroflexus being dominant.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Yasir
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - A K Qureshi
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - S Srinivasan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore, Karnataka-560100, India
| | - R Ullah
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - F Bibi
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - S B Khan
- Department of Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - E I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Abbas Q, Han J, Adeel A, Ullah R. Dairy Production under Climatic Risks: Perception, Perceived Impacts and Adaptations in Punjab, Pakistan. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E4036. [PMID: 31640300 PMCID: PMC6843986 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16204036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The changing climatic conditions coupled with fodder availability have posed severe challenges and threats for the dairy sector in Pakistan. The current paper determines the influence of climate change on the dairy sector in Pakistan. Comprehensive data set was collected from 450 farmers. The majority of farmers experienced the climate change and its variability and explained that severity and frequency of climatic extreme events such as droughts, heat waves, floods, pests and diseases and humidity is increasing. The study found that farmers considered drought as one of the major climatic risks which severely affects all aspects of dairy production. Specifically, to estimate the perceived impacts of climatic extreme event on milk production, an ordered probit model was applied and identified that climate change had high adverse impact on milk quantity in the study area. Different adaptation practices, such as changing cropping pattern for fodder production, off-farm income activities, diversifying the farm and regular vaccination are mostly used by dairy farmers. The study recommends policy initiatives to be taken by government for long term developments in the dairy farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasir Abbas
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- Institute of Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Jiqin Han
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Adnan Adeel
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- Institute of Business Management Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Raza Ullah
- Institute of Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
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41
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Chee Y, Kelly A, Ullah R. Spontaneous resolution of parotid mass<dochead>Ent Surgery</dochead>. Int J Surg 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2018.05.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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42
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Panezai H, Sun J, Jin X, Ullah R. Location of silver clusters confined in FAU skeleton of dehydrated bi-metallic AgxM96−x-LSX (M = Na+, Li+) zeolite and resultant influences on N2 and O2 adsorption. Sep Purif Technol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2018.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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43
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Kakar KU, Nawaz Z, Cui Z, Almoneafy AA, Ullah R, Shu QY. Rhizosphere-associated Alcaligenes and Bacillus strains that induce resistance against blast and sheath blight diseases, enhance plant growth and improve mineral content in rice. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 124:779-796. [PMID: 29280555 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the biocontrol activities of five rhizobacterial strains (i.e. Alcaligenes faecalis strains Bk1 and P1, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain Bk7 and Brevibacillus laterosporus stains B4 and S5), to control the rice blast and sheath blight diseases in greenhouse and to study their possible modes of action. METHODS AND RESULTS Five potential plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains isolated from rice rhizospheres were tested for in vitro antifungal activities against Magnaporthe oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium graminearum. In vitro trials showed that three strains, Bk1, P1 and Bk7, were able to unanimously suppress the mycelial growth of the target pathogens. In greenhouse, the application of these three PGPR strains significantly suppressed the incidences of rice blast and sheath blight diseases. At 2 weeks after pathogen inoculation, the highest percentages of disease suppression were noted for Alc. faecalis strain Bk1 (72%) for rice blast, Alc. faecalis strain P1 (71%) for sheath blight, followed by B. amyloliquefaciens strain Bk7. Moreover, these strains significantly improved the plant growth, enriched the content of mineral nutrients in seedlings and increased the expression of major defence-related rice genes. All three strains were marked positive for phosphate solubilization, the production of indoleacetic acid, ammonia and siderophores and catalase activity. In addition, these strains were able to form biofilms and carried multiple lipopeptide biosynthetic genes as revealed by multiplex PCR. CONCLUSION This study reports new potential biocontrol agents for blast and sheath blight diseases of rice. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study contributes to better understanding of the mechanisms involved in interaction between beneficial rhizobacteria, fungal pathogens and host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- K U Kakar
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institution of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Molecular Genetics Key Laboratory of China Tobacco, Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Science, Guiyang, China
| | - Z Nawaz
- Molecular Genetics Key Laboratory of China Tobacco, Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Science, Guiyang, China
| | - Z Cui
- Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - A A Almoneafy
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Education and Science, Albaydaa University, Rada'a, Yemen
| | - R Ullah
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Q-Y Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institution of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Khan HN, Suleman A, Ullah R, Abdullah A, Naz S. Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Diseases In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 2018; 30:64-66. [PMID: 29504332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an association of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study was designed to determine the frequency of GERD in COPD patients. METHODS This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pulmonology Unit Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Patients more than 40 years of age of both genders presenting with features of COPD such as cough and breathlessness for more than 6 months and confirmed by spirometry were included in the study. A total of 118 consecutive patients were included in the study. Patients who had spirometry showing FEV1 <70% predicted & FEV1/FVC ratio <70% were included. Patients of asthma, with known oesophageal disease such as cancer, stricture, achalasia or active peptic ulcer disease, Pregnancy (precipitates GERD) and those patients who had used proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in the last 15 days were excluded. RESULTS The mean age of COPD patients was 65.25 years. Among COPD patients 89 (75.4%) were males. Fifty-five (46.6%) patients had moderate COPD (FEV1:50-69%). Frequency of smokers was 68.6% with mean duration of 12.5years and mean number of cigarettes smoke per day were 13.4. Thirty-five (29.75%) had GERD; 27% in males and 30% in females. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that a higher proportion of gastro oesophageal reflux (GERD) symptoms are present in COPD patients and it also shows that GERD is more common in severe COPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Nisar Khan
- Department of Pulmonology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Amir Suleman
- Department of Pulmonology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Raza Ullah
- Department of Pulmonology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Azmat Abdullah
- Department of Pulmonology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahida Naz
- Department of Pulmonology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan
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Abstract
Livestock sector in Pakistan is among top countries in the production of animal and dairy product. The country has witnessed an increasing trend in milk production during the last 5 years particularly in Punjab province. There are numerous risks associated with livestock which threaten the viability of this important sector. Most important of these risks and uncertainties are natural disasters including flood, heavy rainfall, and earthquake etc. All these risks play important role in the productivity of livestock sector. Livestock insurance is one of the options to mitigate the potential impacts of such natural calamities. This study is designed to investigate the demand for livestock insurance in Punjab province of Pakistan. Three Tehsils from central Punjab namely Lahore, Kasur and Raiwind, were selected as universe of the study. A total of 250 dairy farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire during January to March 2015. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to assess the potential demand for livestock TAKAFUL (Islamic Insurance) in the study area. The results point to the significance of number of animals, ratio of farm income to household income, desire to increase herd strength and livestock farm quality in respondents’ willingness to pay for livestock TAKAFUL. The findings urged provision of Shariah compliant product for farmers and training in livestock management
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Heis Z, Pandey B, Olet S, Sulaiman S, Ullah R, Sultan S, Choudhuri I, Ammar K, Jan M, Sulamanjee N, Tajik A, Jahangir A. P6223Restless legs syndrome is an independent risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx493.p6223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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47
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Sultan S, Majeed T, Mengesha T, Ullah R, Jan M, Ammar K, Allaqaband S, Tajik A, Bajwa T, Jahangir A. P6444Patients with aneurysmal coronary artery disease are at greater risk of aortic dissection than non-aneurysmal coronary artery disease. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx493.p6444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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48
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Dalmar A, Singh M, Ullah R, Heis Z, Jan M, Ammar K, Choudhuri I, Sulemanjee N, Allaqaband S, Chua T, Tajik A, Jahangir A. P4416Racial differences in weight loss and its impact on cardiovascular outcomes after bariatric surgery in patients with morbid obesity. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx504.p4416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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49
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Ullah R, Salam S, Ghaffar T, Muhammad R, Khan I. Frequency Of Undiagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In Patients With Coronary Artery Disease. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 2017; 29:285-288. [PMID: 28718249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD) is considered as risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) along with other risk factors. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pulmonology and Cardiology wards/OPD's of Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. Patients more than 35 years of age, diagnosed with CAD of either gender were included. Patients already diagnosed with COPD, recent myocardial infarction (within 7 days), left ventricular impairment, pneumothorax, bronchiectasis, comatose patient, asthmatic and those with chest trauma were excluded. All the patients underwent spirometry examination before and after administration of salbutamol (5 mg for 5 minutes) via nebulizer. FEV1/FVC less than 70% confirmed the presence of COPD. RESULTS Out of 151 patients, 57 (37.7%) were found to have COPD. Among them, 39 (68.42%) were male and 18 (31.57%) were female. Among male patients with COPD, 82.05% (n=32) were smokers and 17.94% (n=7) were nonsmokers while in females with COPD no one was smoker. CONCLUSIONS COPD is an under-diagnosed progressive disease in patients with high risk patients with coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raza Ullah
- Department of Endocrinology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Salam
- Department of Pulmonology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Tahir Ghaffar
- Department of Endocrinology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Rahim Muhammad
- Department of Pulmonology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
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Ullah R. Learning environment, approaches to learning and learning preferences: medical students versus general education students. J PAK MED ASSOC 2016; 66:541-544. [PMID: 27183932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objective of the study was to see whether medical students use more desirable approaches to studying than general education students. METHODS Survey method was used to collect data from both the medical students and the general education students. The survey of the medical students was carried out between January and March, 2012. The survey was administered to all the medical students present in lecture halls on day of data collection, while general education students were randomly selected from four subject areas at two universities. RESULTS In total, 976 medical students and 912 general students participated in the study. Of the general students, 494(54%) were boys and 418(46%)were girls with an overall mean age of 20.53±1.77 years (range: 17-27 years). The medical students' perceptions of their learning environment and their learning preferences were broadly similar to that of general education students with the exception of workload. The medical students perceived the workload to be less appropriate (Mean = 2.06±0.72) than the students in general education (Mean = 2.84±0.90). The medical students were more likely to use the deep approach to studying (Mean = 3.66±0.59) than the students in general education (Mean = 3.16±0.91). The students in general education were slightly more likely to use the organized studying (Mean = 3.44±0.90) than the medical students (Mean =3.23±0.90). Both medical students and the students in general education tended to use the surface approaches along with other approaches to studying. CONCLUSIONS There was not a great difference between the medical students and the students pursuing general education with regard to perceptions of the learning environment and approaches to learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raza Ullah
- Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore
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