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Suleiman M, Al Najjar A, Zakaria ZZ, Ahmed R, Yalcin HC, Korashy HM, Uddin S, Riaz S, Abdulrahman N, Mraiche F. The Role of p90 Ribosomal S6 Kinase (RSK) in Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI)-Induced Cardiotoxicity. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2024; 17:334-344. [PMID: 37725271 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-023-10431-4] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapy, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), has been approved to manage various cancer types. However, TKI-induced cardiotoxicity is a limiting factor for their use. This issue has raised the need for investigating potential cardioprotective techniques to be combined with TKIs. Ribosomal S6-kinases (RSKs) are a downstream effector of the mitogen-activated-protein-kinase (MAPK) pathway; specific RSK isoforms, such as RSK1 and RSK2, have been expressed in cancer cells, in which they increase tumour proliferation. Selective targeting of those isoforms would result in tumour suppression. Moreover, activation of RSKs expressed in the heart has resulted in cardiac hypertrophy and arrhythmia; thus, inhibiting RSKs would result in cardio-protection. This review article presents an overview of the usefulness of RSK inhibitors that can be novel agents to be assessed in future research for their effect in reducing cancer proliferation, as well as protecting the heart from cardiotoxicity induced by TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Suleiman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Afnan Al Najjar
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zain Z Zakaria
- Medical and Health Sciences, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rashid Ahmed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mirpur University of Science and Technology, Mirpur, 10250, AJK, Pakistan
| | - Huseyin C Yalcin
- Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nabeel Abdulrahman
- College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fatima Mraiche
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Karim A, Hafeeza B, Riaz S, Khwaja S, Shahzad MM, Akhter A. Assessment of aquatic macro-invertebrates communities and water quality parameters of River Zhob, Balochistan, Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e265234. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.265234] [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: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Environmental stress caused by pollution is often assessed by diversity of macro-invertebrate species in specific aquatic habitat. To find out seasonal fluctuations in various macro-invertebrates communities and different water quality parameters of River Zhob, a research trial was conducted on River Zhob, Balochistan. Samples of macro-invertebrates and water were taken from four different stations of River Zhob. A total 18 taxa of various macro-invertebrates were identified from the area. Phylum Arthropoda constitute 94.8% of the total population followed by Mollusca (3.6%) and Annelida (1.4%). A large number of arthropods were belonged to order Diptera (1148), while the order Trichoptera was stood second with respect to macro-invertebrate´s number (441). The maximum numbers of macro-invertebrates were observed in the month of January. All physico-chemical parameters of River Zhob such as air temperature, water temp, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were within the range, suitable for the healthy growth of macro-invertebrates. Diversified populations of various macro-invertebrates confirm good ecological condition of environment and water in the studied site especially ample concentration of DO in River. The documented data on macro-invertebrates in studied site will provide a baseline for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Karim
- Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, Pakistan
| | - B. Hafeeza
- Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, Pakistan
| | - S. Riaz
- University of Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S. Khwaja
- Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Pakistan
| | | | - A. Akhter
- Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Pakistan
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Riaz S, Konstantinidis I, Baker W, Jaiswal A. Impact of the Donor Organ Allocation Change on Heart Transplant of Latinos. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.539] [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: 04/05/2023] Open
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Riaz S, Hakim M, Mehta T, Jaiswal A, Scatola A. Successful Bridge From Va-Ecmo to Heart Transplant in an Adult after Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.791] [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: 04/05/2023] Open
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Riaz S, Konstantinidis I, Baker W, Jaiswal A. Impact of the Donor Organ Allocation Change on Heart Transplant of Patients with Small Body Surface Area. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.538] [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: 04/05/2023] Open
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Konstantinidis I, Riaz S, Baker W, Jaiswal A. Symptomatic Peripheral Vascular Disease Increases Long Term Mortality after Heart Transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.582] [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: 04/05/2023] Open
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Konstantinidis I, Riaz S, Baker W, Jaiswal A. Impact of the Donor Organ Allocation Change on Heart Transplant of Patients ≥65 Years of Age. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.540] [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: 04/05/2023] Open
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Riaz S, Nasreen S, Burhan Z, Shafique S, Alvi SA, Khan MA. Microplastics assessment in Arabian Sea fishes: accumulation, characterization, and method development. BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 84:e270694. [PMID: 36790302 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.270694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Around the globe, plastic has been entering the aquatic system and is ingested by organisms. Identification, optimal digestion method, and characterization of the polymers to trace sources are of growing importance. Hence, the present work investigated microplastics accumulation, digestion protocol efficiency, and characterization of polymers with FTIR analysis in the guts of five fishes (Lethrinus nebulosus, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Acanthopagrus arabicus, Otolithes ruber, and Euryglossa orientalis) from the Karachi coastal area, Arabian Sea. A total of 1154 microplastics (MPs) were ingested by 29 out of 33 fish species (87%). The highest average MP/fish was recorded in Otolithes ruber (54) and the lowest in Rastrelliger kanagurta (19.42). Microfibers were the most abundant shape with the highest numbers (35.52%) as compared to the rest of the MPs identified. Transparent microfibers were recorded as the highest in numbers followed by red, black, blue, and green. In this study, KOH with different concentrations and exposure times along with oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide was tested (Protocols 3 and 4). Results showed these bases were highly efficient in obtaining optimal digestion of the samples. FTIR analysis confirmed that the majority of the polymers found in the fish guts were polyethylene and polypropylene. This study validated for the first time the presence of these polymers of plastic in marine fish from Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Riaz
- University of Karachi, Center of Excellence in Marine Biology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S Nasreen
- University of Karachi, Center of Excellence in Marine Biology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Z Burhan
- University of Karachi, Center of Excellence in Marine Biology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S Shafique
- University of Karachi, Center of Excellence in Marine Biology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S A Alvi
- PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Applied Chemistry Research Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - M A Khan
- University of Karachi, Department of Zoology, Karachi, Pakistan
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Wang ZW, Niu L, Riaz S. Regulation of Ryanodine Receptor-Dependent Neurotransmitter Release by AIP, Calstabins, and Presenilins. Adv Neurobiol 2023; 33:287-304. [PMID: 37615871 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_11] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are Ca2+ release channels located in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Presynaptic RyRs play important roles in neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Recent studies suggest that the proper function of presynaptic RyRs relies on several regulatory proteins, including aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein, calstabins, and presenilins. Dysfunctions of these regulatory proteins can greatly impact neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity by altering the function or expression of RyRs. This chapter aims to describe the interaction between these proteins and RyRs, elucidating their crucial role in regulating synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Wen Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Longgang Niu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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Wang ZW, Riaz S, Niu L. Roles and Sources of Calcium in Synaptic Exocytosis. Adv Neurobiol 2023; 33:139-170. [PMID: 37615866 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_6] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Calcium ions (Ca2+) play a critical role in triggering neurotransmitter release. The rate of release is directly related to the concentration of Ca2+ at the presynaptic site, with a supralinear relationship. There are two main sources of Ca2+ that trigger synaptic vesicle fusion: influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane and release from the endoplasmic reticulum via ryanodine receptors. This chapter will cover the sources of Ca2+ at the presynaptic nerve terminal, the relationship between neurotransmitter release rate and Ca2+ concentration, and the mechanisms that achieve the necessary Ca2+ concentrations for triggering synaptic exocytosis at the presynaptic site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Wen Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Longgang Niu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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Cui Y, Rasul F, Jiang Y, Zhong Y, Zhang S, Boruta T, Riaz S, Daroch M. Construction of an artificial consortium of Escherichia coli and cyanobacteria for clean indirect production of volatile platform hydrocarbons from CO2. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:965968. [PMID: 36338098 PMCID: PMC9635338 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.965968] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethylene and isoprene are essential platform chemicals necessary to produce polymers and materials. However, their current production methods based on fossil fuels are not very efficient and result in significant environmental pollution. For a successful transition more sustainable economic model, producing these key polymeric building blocks from renewable and sustainable resources such as biomass or CO2 is essential. Here, inspired by the symbiotic relationship of natural microbial communities, artificial consortia composed of E. coli strains producing volatile platform chemicals: ethylene and isoprene and two strains of cyanobacteria phototrophically synthesizing and exporting sucrose to feed these heterotrophs were developed. Disaccharide produced by transgenic cyanobacteria was used as a carbon and electron shuttle between the two community components. The E. coli cscB gene responsible for sucrose transport was inserted into two cyanobacterial strains, Thermosynechococcus elongatus PKUAC-SCTE542 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942, resulting in a maximal sucrose yield of 0.14 and 0.07 g/L, respectively. These organisms were co-cultured with E. coli BL21 expressing ethylene-forming enzyme or isoprene synthase and successfully synthesized volatile hydrocarbons. Productivity parameters of these co-cultures were higher than respective transgenic cultures of E. coli grown individually at similar sucrose concentrations, highlighting the positive impact of the artificial consortia on the production of these platform chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Cui
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Faiz Rasul
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuqing Zhong
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shanfa Zhang
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tomasz Boruta
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Maurycy Daroch
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Maurycy Daroch,
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Riaz S, Jiang Y, Xiao M, You D, Klepacz-Smółka A, Rasul F, Daroch M. Generation of miniploid cells and improved natural transformation procedure for a model cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:959043. [PMID: 35958137 PMCID: PMC9360974 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.959043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The biotechnologically important and naturally transformable cyanobacterium, Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, possesses multiple genome copies irrespective of its growth rate or condition. Hence, segregating mutations across all genome copies typically takes several weeks. In this study, Synechococcus 7942 cultivation on a solid growth medium was optimised using different concentrations of agar, the addition of antioxidants, and overexpression of the catalase gene to facilitate the rapid acquisition of colonies and fully segregated lines. Synechococcus 7942 was grown at different temperatures and nutritional conditions. The miniploid cells were identified using flow cytometry and fluorimetry. The natural transformation was carried out using miniploid cells and validated with PCR and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We identified that 0.35% agar concentration and 200 IU of catalase could improve the growth of Synechococcus 7942 on a solid growth medium. Furthermore, overexpression of a catalase gene enhanced the growth rate and supported diluted culture to grow on a solid medium. Our results reveal that high temperature and phosphate-depleted cells contain the lowest genome copies (2.4 ± 0.3 and 1.9 ± 0.2) and showed the potential to rapidly produce fully segregated mutants. In addition, higher antibiotic concentrations improve the selection of homozygous transformants while maintaining similar genome copies at a constant temperature. Based on our observation, we have an improved cultivation and natural transformation protocol for Synechococcus 7942 by optimising solid media culturing, generating low-ploidy cells that ultimately reduced the time required for the complete segregation of engineered lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Riaz
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Ying Jiang
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meng Xiao
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dawei You
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Anna Klepacz-Smółka
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Faiz Rasul
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Maurycy Daroch
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Maurycy Daroch,
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Wadoo O, Latoo J, Alabdulla M, Eltorki Y, Riaz S, Karim MA, Abu-Hafizah M, Reagu S. Clozapine prescribing practice and trends in Qatar: First national observational study. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2617. [PMID: 35647930 PMCID: PMC9304832 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2617] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine is the gold standard in the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Despite its clinically proven efficacy clozapine utilization is variable globally and published evidence is suggestive of its underutilization. Research from the Arab region on clozapine utilization is limited. The aim of our descriptive observational study was to evaluate the prescribing practice of clozapine and its sociodemographic and clinical corelates in the State of Qatar. METHODS The study is a retrospective case-note review of all patients maintained on clozapine, in the calendar year 2020. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics of the patients; antipsychotic trials before initiating clozapine; and clinical characteristics of the patients, including their diagnoses leading to prescription of clozapine, duration of illness, psychiatric hospitalizations, and co-morbidities. RESULTS During the study period, 100 patients were maintained on clozapine. Patients were mostly Qatari and non-Qatari Arab males. Prescription rates were significantly different for Qatari patients when compared to non-Qatari patients. Most patients had a chronic illness with the age of onset of illness in early adulthood and were diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The mean daily dose of clozapine was 325 mg. Eighty percent of the patients received two or more antipsychotic trials before initiating clozapine. Sixty-eight percent of the patients had more than two antipsychotic trials before initiating Clozapine. One third of patients had no history of psychiatric hospitalizations, and one quarter had five or more previous psychiatric hospitalizations. Of the psychiatric comorbidities, mood and substance use disorders were common. Of medical comorbidities, endocrine and metabolic disorders were common. CONCLUSION Despite apparent underutilization, the Clozapine prescribing rates in Qatar are comparable to countries with plasma monitoring systems when framed within Qatar's unique demographic context. However, there still is a significant delay in Clozapine initiation despite its clinical superiority. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY First study on Clozapine utilization from the Middle-East and North-Africa region. This study examined prescribing of clozapine in a national cohort of patients in Qatar. Provides insight into sociodemographic and clinical correlates of clozapine prescribing in a country with 90% migrants. Limited by the completeness of the information contained in the patients' medical charts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovais Wadoo
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Javed Latoo
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Majid Alabdulla
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yassin Eltorki
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mustafa Abdul Karim
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Shuja Reagu
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
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Osman A, Al-Badriyeh D, Hussain FN, Riaz S, Elewa H, Mraiche F. The design and implementation of an undergraduate health professional degree elective course on scientific writing, peer assessment, and critical appraisal. Curr Pharm Teach Learn 2022; 14:765-772. [PMID: 35809907 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2022.06.008] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Strong writing skills are critical to the pharmacy profession. This paper describes the design, delivery, and impact of a course intended to develop pharmacy students' scientific writing, peer assessment, and critical appraisal skills. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING The course was offered in the final year of an undergraduate pharmacy program with students whose first language is not English. In this course, students write two structured pharmacy review articles (PRA) based on assigned scientific research articles and peer assess each others' written PRAs. Students also critically appraise scientific research articles on a weekly basis, complete one pre-journal club written reflective critique based on a assigned scientific research article, and moderate one journal club session. FINDINGS Course rubrics were developed and validated by the course coordinators. A survey administered to students enrolled in the course identified that 85% of the students perceived that they gained adequate writing skills in the course. More than 70% of the students indicated they had the necessary skills to evaluate their peers' written assessments, and 93% felt comfortable providing and receiving feedback from peers. More than 90% of the students indicated that writing PRAs and the peer assessment improved their critical and analytical skills. SUMMARY This course improved students' scientific writing, peer assessment, and critical appraisal skills. Further practice is required to reinforce the skills learned and to strengthen the writing skills of students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Osman
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | | | | | - Sadaf Riaz
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hazem Elewa
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Fatima Mraiche
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Tang J, Zhou H, Yao D, Riaz S, You D, Klepacz-Smółka A, Daroch M. Comparative Genomic Analysis Revealed Distinct Molecular Components and Organization of CO 2-Concentrating Mechanism in Thermophilic Cyanobacteria. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:876272. [PMID: 35602029 PMCID: PMC9120777 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.876272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria evolved an inorganic carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) to perform effective oxygenic photosynthesis and prevent photorespiratory carbon losses. This process facilitates the acclimation of cyanobacteria to various habitats, particularly in CO2-limited environments. To date, there is limited information on the CCM of thermophilic cyanobacteria whose habitats limit the solubility of inorganic carbon. Here, genome-based approaches were used to identify the molecular components of CCM in 17 well-described thermophilic cyanobacteria. These cyanobacteria were from the genus Leptodesmis, Leptolyngbya, Leptothermofonsia, Thermoleptolyngbya, Thermostichus, and Thermosynechococcus. All the strains belong to β-cyanobacteria based on their β-carboxysome shell proteins with 1B form of Rubisco. The diversity in the Ci uptake systems and carboxysome composition of these thermophiles were analyzed based on their genomic information. For Ci uptake systems, two CO2 uptake systems (NDH-13 and NDH-14) and BicA for HCO3– transport were present in all the thermophilic cyanobacteria, while most strains did not have the Na+/HCO3– Sbt symporter and HCO3– transporter BCT1 were absent in four strains. As for carboxysome, the β-carboxysomal shell protein, ccmK2, was absent only in Thermoleptolyngbya strains, whereas ccmK3/K4 were absent in all Thermostichus and Thermosynechococcus strains. Besides, all Thermostichus and Thermosynechococcus strains lacked carboxysomal β-CA, ccaA, the carbonic anhydrase activity of which may be replaced by ccmM proteins as indicated by comparative domain analysis. The genomic distribution of CCM-related genes was different among the thermophiles, suggesting probably distinct expression regulation. Overall, the comparative genomic analysis revealed distinct molecular components and organization of CCM in thermophilic cyanobacteria. These findings provided insights into the CCM components of thermophilic cyanobacteria and fundamental knowledge for further research regarding photosynthetic improvement and biomass yield of thermophilic cyanobacteria with biotechnological potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tang
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huizhen Zhou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Yao
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dawei You
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Anna Klepacz-Smółka
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Łódź University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Maurycy Daroch
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
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Eltorki Y, Abdallah O, Riaz S, Mahmoud S, Saad M, Ez-Eldeen N, Ashraf A, Al-Hamoud E, Al-Khuzaei N, Ghuloum S. Burnout among pharmacy professionals in Qatar: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267438. [PMID: 35511925 PMCID: PMC9071121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267438] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacists’ roles and responsibilities have expanded in the modern pharmacy profession, and the expectations from pharmacists have increased. This has been associated with new psychological challenges and emotional stress that can induce burnout. Objective To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and factors associated with burnout among pharmacy professionals in the healthcare system in Qatar. Methods This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 850 pharmacy professionals within Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. Convenience sampling was followed. The survey utilized the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) Toolkit™ for Medical Personnel and a modified version of the Astudillo and Mendinueta questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 16 for Windows and SAS Studio 3.8 (Enterprise Edition). P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results One hundred ninety-four pharmacy professionals (23%) responded to the survey. The prevalence of burnout was 19.7% [95% Confidence interval (CI); 13.8% - 26.8%] among 142 respondents who completed MBI questionnaire and 17.3% [95% CI; 11.7%-24.2%] among 139 respondents who completed Astudillo Mendinueta questionnaire. The most commonly reported factors that may lead to burnout were: tension and lack of organization in teamwork (59.6%), lack of recognition of or indifference to effort from patients, superiors, and colleagues (58.2%), and demanding and challenging patients and family members (56.7%). Multiple regression analysis showed that overtime working hours per month is independently associated with a higher risk of burnout [odds ratio (OR), 1.57; 95% CI, 1.15–2.14 for each 10-hours increase in monthly overtime, P = 0.005], while non-Arab ethnicity is associated with lower risk of burnout [OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.1–0.75; P = 0.012]. Conclusions There is a relatively low prevalence of burnout syndrome among health-system pharmacy professionals in Qatar. Overtime working hours and Arab ethnicity are independently associated with burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassin Eltorki
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Oraib Abdallah
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Mahmoud
- Pharmacy Department, Al-Wakra Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Saad
- Pharmacy Department, Al-Wakra Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail:
| | - Nosyba Ez-Eldeen
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - AbdulAhad Ashraf
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eman Al-Hamoud
- Pharmacy Department, Al-Wakra Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noriya Al-Khuzaei
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suhaila Ghuloum
- Psychiatry Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Psychiatry Department, Weill Cornell Medicine—Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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17
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Bilal A, Muhammad K, Riaz S, Altaf S. Demographic correlates of paternal postpartum depression in Pakistani males. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.457] [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: 12/01/2022]
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Cui Y, Jiang Y, Xiao M, Munir MZ, Riaz S, Rasul F, Daroch M. Discovery of Five New Ethylene-Forming Enzymes for Clean Production of Ethylene in E. coli. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4500. [PMID: 35562889 PMCID: PMC9101411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethylene is an essential platform chemical with a conjugated double bond, which can produce many secondary chemical products through copolymerisation. At present, ethylene production is mainly from petroleum fractionation and cracking, which are unsustainable in the long term, and harmful to our environment. Therefore, a hot research field is seeking a cleaner method for ethylene production. Based on the model ethylene-forming enzyme (Efe) AAD16440.1 (6vp4.1.A) from Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicol, we evaluated five putative Efe protein sequences using the data derived from phylogenetic analyses and the conservation of their catalytic structures. Then, pBAD expression frameworks were constructed, and relevant enzymes were expressed in E. coli BL21. Finally, enzymatic activity in vitro and in vivo was detected to demonstrate their catalytic activity. Our results show that the activity in vitro measured by the conversion of α-ketoglutarate was from 0.21-0.72 μmol ethylene/mg/min, which varied across the temperatures. In cells, the activity of the new Efes was 12.28-147.43 μmol/gDCW/h (DCW, dry cellular weight). Both results prove that all the five putative Efes could produce ethylene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maurycy Daroch
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, 2199 Lishui Rd., Shenzhen 518055, China; (Y.C.); (Y.J.); (M.X.); (M.Z.M.); (S.R.); (F.R.)
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Gulzar R, e Haque Mahmud T, Rasheed A, Riaz S, Akhtar Adnan W, Hafeez U, Mahmood Malik A. Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Patients Recovering from COVID-19. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J 2022. [DOI: 10.32098/mltj.01.2022.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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20
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Karim A, Shoaib M, Khwaja S, Nisar S, Riaz S, Siddiqui S, Ansari SB, Riaz S. An estimation of optimum dietary concentration of soy bean meal for carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirhinus mrigala). BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 84:e253613. [PMID: 34730702 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.253613] [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] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Soybean meal is an inexpensive plant origin protein which has been used in practical diets as a replacement of animal protein such as fish meal or chicken meal, due to the uneconomical price of animal protein diets. Consequently, a research study was conducted on some commercial species of Indian major carps i.e. Catla (Cattla cattla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mrigala (Cirhinus mrigala) (Hamilton, 1822) to estimate optimum dietary protein requirement of soy bean meal in diet in an intensive polyculture. Three different diets (SBM I, SBM II and SBM III) were formulated by 80%, 50% and 20% replacement of fish meal with soybean meal from a 45% fish meal diet (control).Highest monthly mean weight gain was obtained by SBM II (with 35% CP and about 50% substitution of fish meal), while SBM III (45% Crude Protein and about 20% substitution of fish meal) was stood second. All tested diets respond enormously by producing high yield as compare to control diet, though SBM II generated highest yield among all. On the bases of the following research, it was revealed that the SBM can surrogate even50% fish meal without any augmentation of other amino acids in the diet of Indian major carps.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Karim
- Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University, Department of Zoology, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - M Shoaib
- University of Karachi, Department of Zoology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S Khwaja
- Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science, and Technology, Department of Zoology, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S Nisar
- Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science, and Technology, Department of Zoology, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S Riaz
- University of Karachi, Department of Zoology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S Siddiqui
- Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science, and Technology, Department of Zoology, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S B Ansari
- University of Karachi, Department of Zoology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S Riaz
- University of Karachi, Department of Botany, Karachi, Pakistan
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Wadoo O, Karim MA, ElTorki Y, Riaz S, Latoo J, Alabdulla M. Clozapine prescribing and safety during COVID-19. Asian J Psychiatr 2021; 60:102658. [PMID: 33895435 PMCID: PMC8035804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Majid Alabdulla
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar; College of Medicine Qatar University, Qatar.
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22
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Elbakary N, Ouanes S, Riaz S, Abdallah O, Mahran I, Al-Khuzaei N, Eltorki Y. Prevalence, median time, and associated factors with the likelihood of initial antidepressant change: a cross-sectional study in Qatar. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:115. [PMID: 33618690 PMCID: PMC7898448 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03099-0] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) requires therapeutic interventions during the initial month after being diagnosed for better disease outcomes. International guidelines recommend a duration of 4-12 weeks for an initial antidepressant (IAD) trial at an optimized dose to get a response. If depressive symptoms persist after this duration, guidelines recommend switching, augmenting, or combining strategies as the next step. Premature discontinuation of IAD due to ineffectiveness can cause unfavorable consequences. We aimed to determine the prevalence and the patterns of strategies applied after an IAD was changed because of a suboptimal response as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the median survival time on IAD before any change; and the predictors that were associated with IAD change. METHODS This was a retrospective study conducted in Mental Health Services in Qatar. A dataset between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, was extracted from the electronic health records. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined and applied. The sample size was calculated to be at least 379 patients. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequencies and percentages, in addition, to mean and standard deviation. The median time of IAD to any change strategy was calculated using survival analysis. Associated predictors were examined using several cox regression models. RESULTS A total of 487 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study, 431 (88%) of them had an occurrence of IAD change to any strategy before end of the study. Almost half of the sample (212 (49%); 95% CI [44-53%]) had their IAD changed less than or equal to 30 days. The median time to IAD change was 43 days with 95% CI [33.2-52.7]. The factors statistically associated with higher hazard of IAD change were: younger age, un-optimization of the IAD dose before any change, and comorbid anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Because almost half of the patients in this study changed their IAD as early as within the first month, efforts to avoid treatment failure are needed to ensure patient-treatment targets are met. Our findings offered some clues to help clinicians identify the high-risk predictors of short survival and subsequent failure of IAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nervana Elbakary
- Department of Pharmacy, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Sami Ouanes
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XMedical Department, Mental Health Services Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Pharmacy, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Oraib Abdallah
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Pharmacy, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Islam Mahran
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Pharmacy, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noriya Al-Khuzaei
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Pharmacy, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yassin Eltorki
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Pharmacy, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Elbakary N, Riaz S, Mahran I, Assar A, Abdallah O, Abukuhail R, AlKhuzaei N, Eltorki Y. Using a quality improvement project to enhance the standard vaccination rate for long-term patients in mental health services in Qatar. Heart Mind 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/hm.hm_47_21] [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: 11/04/2022] Open
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24
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Hanif A, Saeed M, Rasheed F, Hussain S, Riaz S, Ahmad M, Ain N. Acinetobacter Spp: Resistance and therapeutic decisions at the turn of the novel millennium. Int J Infect Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.178] [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: 10/22/2022] Open
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25
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Walmsley J, Marcu V, Riaz S, Ahmed J. A stepwise approach to laparoscopic anterior resection: an illustrated video for training colorectal surgeons - a video vignette. Colorectal Dis 2020; 22:2344. [PMID: 32741070 DOI: 10.1111/codi.15288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Walmsley
- Department of Integrated Surgery, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Northampton, UK
| | - V Marcu
- Department of Integrated Surgery, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Northampton, UK
| | - S Riaz
- Department of Integrated Surgery, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Northampton, UK
| | - J Ahmed
- Department of Integrated Surgery, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Northampton, UK
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26
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Riaz S, Abdulrahman N, Uddin S, Jabeen A, Gadeau AP, Fliegel L, Mraiche F. Anti-hypertrophic effect of Na +/H + exchanger-1 inhibition is mediated by reduced cathepsin B. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 888:173420. [PMID: 32781168 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173420] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have established the role of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform-1 (NHE1) and cathepsin B (Cat B) in the development of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (CH). Both NHE1 and Cat B are activated under acidic conditions suggesting that their activities might be interrelated. The inhibition of NHE1 has been demonstrated to reduce cardiac hypertrophy but the mechanism that contributes to the anti-hypertrophic effect of NHE1 inhibition still remains unclear. H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were stimulated with Angiotensin (Ang) II in the presence and absence of N-[2-methyl-4,5-bis(methylsulphonyl)-benzoyl]-guanidine, hydrochloride (EMD, EMD 87580), an NHE1 inhibitor or CA-074Me, a Cat B inhibitor, and various cardiac hypertrophic parameters, namely cell surface area, protein content and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA were analyzed. EMD significantly suppressed markers of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and inhibited Ang II stimulated Cat B protein and gene expression. Cat B is located within the acidic environment of lysosomes. Cat B proteases are released into the cytoplasm upon disintegration of the lysosomes. EMD or CA-074Me prevented the dispersal of the lysosomes induced by Ang II and reduced the ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I, a marker of autophagy. Moreover, Cat B protein expression and MMP-9 activity in the extracellular space were significantly attenuated in the presence of EMD or CA-074Me. Our study demonstrates a novel mechanism for attenuation of the hypertrophic phenotype by NHE1 inhibition that is mediated by a regression in Cat B. The inhibition of Cat B via EMD or CA-074Me attenuates the autosomal-lysosomal pathway and MMP-9 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Riaz
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nabeel Abdulrahman
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayesha Jabeen
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Fatima Mraiche
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Riaz S, Niaz Z, Khan S, Liu Y, Sui Z. Detection, characterization and expression dynamics of histone proteins in the dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum during growth regulation. Harmful Algae 2019; 87:101630. [PMID: 31349883 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2019.101630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Histones are the most abundant proteins associated with eukaryotic nuclear DNA. The exception is dinoflagellates, which have histone protein expression that is mostly reported to be below detectable levels. In this study, we investigated the presence of histone proteins and their functions in the dinoflagellate, Alexandrium pacificum. Histone protein sequences were analyzed, focusing on phylogenetic analysis and histone code. Histone expression was analyzed during the cell cycle and under nutritionally enhanced conditions using quantitative-PCR and western blots. Acid-soluble proteins were subjected to mass spectrometry analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of immunological detection of histone proteins (H2B and H4) in any dinoflagellate species. Absolute quantification of histone transcript in activily dividing cells revealed significant transcription in cells. The stable expression of histones during the cell cycle suggested that the histone genes in A. pacificum belonged to a replication-independent class and appeared to have a limited role in DNA packaging. The conservation of numerous post-translationally modified residues of multiple histone variants and differential expression of histones under nutritionally enhanced conditions suggested their functional significance in dinoflagellates. However, we detected histone H2B protein only via mass spectrometry. Histone-like protein was identified as most abundant acid-soluble protein of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Riaz
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China; Department of Microbiology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zeeshan Niaz
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China; Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Sohrab Khan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China; Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Yuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Zhenghong Sui
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Munusamy S, Osman A, Riaz S, Ali S, Mraiche F. The use of Socrative and Yammer online tools to promote interactive learning in pharmacy education. Curr Pharm Teach Learn 2019; 11:76-80. [PMID: 30527879 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2018.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Engagement of students in the didactic classroom setting restricts students' time spent towards active learning, which in turn, adversely affects the retention of concepts taught through traditional teaching methods. Thus, interactive learning is used as an alternative to engage students in the classroom and to enrich their learning experience. Integrating interactive learning activities has been shown to facilitate student learning and improve the learning outcomes. The objectives of this study are to assess the perceptions of students on the benefits and appropriateness of using online tools (e.g., Socrative and Yammer) to promote interaction of students with the instructor and other students in the classroom setting. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING Students enrolled in the second and third professional years of the bachelor of pharmacy program at Qatar University were introduced to various interactive learning tools in two Pharmaceutical Sciences courses. Students were then surveyed to assess their perceptions about the benefits and appropriateness of the respective interactive learning tools introduced in the courses. FINDINGS Our survey results indicate that the students are in favor of using online educational tools and believe that the use of interactive learning tools enhances their learning experience. SUMMARY Pharmacy students at Qatar University perceive that the incorporation of online technology in Pharmaceutical Sciences courses enhances interactive learning in the classroom setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Munusamy
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States; College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Aisha Osman
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Shaima Ali
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Fatima Mraiche
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Riaz S, Sui Z, Niaz Z, Khan S, Liu Y, Liu H. Distinctive Nuclear Features of Dinoflagellates with A Particular Focus on Histone and Histone-Replacement Proteins. Microorganisms 2018; 6:E128. [PMID: 30558155 PMCID: PMC6313786 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms6040128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dinoflagellates are important eukaryotic microorganisms that play critical roles as producers and grazers, and cause harmful algal blooms. The unusual nuclei of dinoflagellates "dinokaryon" have led researchers to investigate their enigmatic nuclear features. Their nuclei are unusual in terms of their permanently condensed nucleosome-less chromatin, immense genome, low protein to DNA ratio, guanine-cytosine rich methylated DNA, and unique mitosis process. Furthermore, dinoflagellates are the only known group of eukaryotes that apparently lack histone proteins. Over the course of evolution, dinoflagellates have recruited other proteins, e.g., histone-like proteins (HLPs), from bacteria and dinoflagellates/viral nucleoproteins (DVNPs) from viruses as histone substitutes. Expression diversity of these nucleoproteins has greatly influenced the chromatin structure and gene expression regulation in dinoflagellates. Histone replacement proteins (HLPs and DVNPs) are hypothesized to perform a few similar roles as histone proteins do in other eukaryotes, i.e., gene expression regulation and repairing DNA. However, their role in bulk packaging of DNA is not significant as low amounts of proteins are associated with the gigantic genome. This review intends to summarize the discoveries encompassing unique nuclear features of dinoflagellates, particularly focusing on histone and histone replacement proteins. In addition, a comprehensive view of the evolution of dinoflagellate nuclei is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Riaz
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China.
- Department of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Zhenghong Sui
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Zeeshan Niaz
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China.
- Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra 21120, Pakistan.
| | - Sohrab Khan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China.
- Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra 21120, Pakistan.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Haoxin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Bashir M, Riaz S, Kayani Z, Naseem S. Synthesis of bone implant substitutes using organic additive based zirconia nanoparticles and their biodegradation study. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2018; 88:48-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2018.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Khan S, Mao Y, Gao D, Riaz S, Niaz Z, Tang L, Khan S, Wang D. Identification of proteins responding to pathogen-infection in the red alga Pyropia yezoensis using iTRAQ quantitative proteomics. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:842. [PMID: 30482156 PMCID: PMC6260746 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyropia yezoensis is an important marine crop which, due to its high protein content, is widely used as a seafood in China. Unfortunately, red rot disease, caused by Pythium porphyrae, seriously damages P. yezoensis farms every year in China, Japan, and Korea. Proteomic methods are often used to study the interactions between hosts and pathogens. Therefore, an iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis was used to identify pathogen-responsive proteins following the artificial infection of P. yezoensis with P. porphyrae spores. RESULTS A total of 762 differentially expressed proteins were identified, of which 378 were up-regulated and 384 were down-regulated following infection. A large amount of these proteins were involved in disease stress, carbohydrate metabolism, cell signaling, chaperone activity, photosynthesis, and energy metabolism, as annotated in the KEGG database. Overall, the data showed that P. yezoensis resists infection by inhibiting photosynthesis, and energy and carbohydrate metabolism pathways, as supported by changes in the expression levels of related proteins. The expression data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD009363. CONCLUSIONS The current data provide an overall summary of the red algae responses to pathogen infection. This study improves our understanding of infection resistance in P. yezoensis, and may help in increasing the breeding of P. porphyrae-infection tolerant macroalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohrab Khan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Yunxiang Mao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Dong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Zeeshan Niaz
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Lei Tang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Sohaib Khan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
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Riaz S, Sui Z. Molecular Cloning, Transcriptome Profiling, and Characterization of Histone Genes in the Dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 28:1185-1198. [PMID: 29926708 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1802.01075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The nucleosomal organization of chromatin using histone proteins is a fundamental and ubiquitous feature of eukaryotic nuclei, with the major exception of dinoflagellates. Although a number of recent genomic and transcriptomic analyses have detected numerous histone genes in dinoflagellates, little is known about their expression. Here in, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern of histone genes under nutritional stress, and an attempt was made to detect histone expression at the protein level in Alexandrium pacificum. The presence of histones at the mRNA level was confirmed in this study by the amplification, cloning, and sequencing of 10 different genes. Relative expression profiling of these genes under different growth conditions was determined with real-time PCR and revealed considerable levels of histone transcription in nutritionally stressed cells. We were unable to detect the expression of histones at the protein level even after immunodetection and analysis using mass spectrometry, although a histone-like protein was detected as a major nuclear component. A. pacificum expresses multiple variants of histone, and protein sequences revealed both conservation and divergence with respect to other eukaryotes. We concluded that A. pacificum maintained an active transcription of histone genes within the cell, and enhanced expression of histone genes in nutritional stress strongly suggest that histones have functional significance in dinoflagellates, although expression at the protein level was below our current detection limits, which suggests a limited role of histones in DNA packaging. Finally, the plausible regulation of histone expression at the gene and protein levels in A. pacificum is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Riaz
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P.R. China.,Department of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zhenghong Sui
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266003, P.R. China
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Abid S, Hussain T, Nazir A, Khenoussi N, Zahir A, Riaz S. Development of nanofibers based neuropathic patch loaded with Lidocaine to deal with nerve pain in burn patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1088/1757-899x/414/1/012019] [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: 11/11/2022]
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Riaz S, Huerta-Acosta K, Tenscher AC, Walker MA. Genetic characterization of Vitis germplasm collected from the southwestern US and Mexico to expedite Pierce's disease-resistance breeding. Theor Appl Genet 2018; 131:1589-1602. [PMID: 29713731 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-018-3100-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pierce's disease (PD) limits the cultivation of Vitis vinifera grape cultivars in California, across the southern United States and into South America. Resistance has been well characterized in V. arizonica, and one resistance locus has been identified (PdR1). However, resistance is poorly characterized in most other grape species. We tested a wide range of Vitis species from the southwestern United States for resistance to PD and used nuclear and chloroplast markers to phenotypically and genetically select a diverse set of resistant accessions. Chloroplast SSR markers identified 11 maternal lineage lines within the set of 17 (14 new and three previously identified) PD resistant accessions. A total of 19 breeding populations (F1 and pseudo-BC1) were developed with the 14 PD resistant accessions, and a total of 705 seedlings were analyzed for PD resistance. Using a limited mapping approach, 12 SSR markers, linked to the PdR1 locus, were used to genotype the breeding populations and phenotypic data were analyzed. Nine accessions had a major resistance quantitative trait locus (QTL) within the genomic region containing PdR1. The phenotypic data for these three resistant accessions, ANU67, b41-13, and T03-16, did not associate with PdR1 linked markers, indicating that their resistance is located in other regions of the genome. These three accessions were identified as candidates for use in the development of framework maps with larger populations capable of detecting additional and unique loci for PD resistance breeding and the stacking of PD resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Riaz
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - K Huerta-Acosta
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - A C Tenscher
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - M A Walker
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Mraiche F, Riaz S. P302Cathepsin B induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy requires activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform-1. Cardiovasc Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy060.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F Mraiche
- Qatar University, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doha, Qatar
| | - S Riaz
- Qatar University, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doha, Qatar
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Abdulrahman N, Jaspard-Vinassa B, Fliegel L, Jabeen A, Riaz S, Gadeau AP, Mraiche F. Na +/H + exchanger isoform 1-induced osteopontin expression facilitates cardiac hypertrophy through p90 ribosomal S6 kinase. Physiol Genomics 2018; 50:332-342. [PMID: 29473817 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00133.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. One in three cases of heart failure is due to dilated cardiomyopathy. The Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1), a multifunctional protein and the key pH regulator in the heart, has been demonstrated to be increased in this condition. We have previously demonstrated that elevated NHE1 activity induced cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. Furthermore, the overexpression of active NHE1 elicited modulation of gene expression in cardiomyocytes including an upregulation of myocardial osteopontin (OPN) expression. To determine the role of OPN in inducing NHE1-mediated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, double transgenic mice expressing active NHE1 and OPN knockout were generated and assessed by echocardiography and the cardiac phenotype. Our studies showed that hearts expressing active NHE1 exhibited cardiac remodeling indicated by increased systolic and diastolic left ventricular internal diameter and increased ventricular volume. Moreover, these hearts demonstrated impaired function with decreased fractional shortening and ejection fraction. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) mRNA was upregulated, and there was an increase in heart cell cross-sectional area confirming the cardiac hypertrophic effect. Moreover, NHE1 transgenic mice also showed increased collagen deposition, upregulation of CD44 and phosphorylation of p90 ribosomal s6 kinase (RSK), effects that were regressed in OPN knockout mice. In conclusion, we developed an interesting comparative model of active NHE1 transgenic mouse lines which express a dilated hypertrophic phenotype expressing CD44 and phosphorylated RSK, effects which were regressed in absence of OPN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Larry Fliegel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta , Canada
| | | | - Sadaf Riaz
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University , Doha , Qatar
| | - Alain-Pierre Gadeau
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Biology of Cardiovascular Disease, U1034, Pessac , France
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Akram Z, Riaz S, Kayani MA, Jahan S, Ahmad MW, Ullah MA, Wazir H, Mahjabeen I. Lead induces DNA damage and alteration of ALAD and antioxidant genes mRNA expression in construction site workers. Arch Environ Occup Health 2018; 74:171-178. [PMID: 29336731 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2018.1428523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and DNA damage are considered as possible mechanisms involved in lead toxicity. To test this hypothesis, DNA damage and expression variations of aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 2a (OGG1-2a) genes was studied in a cohort of 100 exposed workers and 100 controls with comet assay and real-time polymerse chain reaction (PCR). Results indicated that increased number of comets was observed in exposed workers versus controls (p < 0.001). After qPCR analysis, significant down-regulation in ALAD (p < 0.0001), SOD2 (p < 0.0001), and OGG1-2a (p < 0.0001) level was observed in exposed workers versus controls. Additionally, a positive spearmen correlation was observed between ALAD versus SOD2 (r = 0.402**, p < 0.001), ALAD versus OGG1-2a (r = 0.235*, p < 0.05), and SOD2 versus OGG1-2a (r = 0.292*, p < 0.05). This study showed that lead exposure induces DNA damage, which is accompanied by an elevated intensity of oxidative stress and expression variation of lead-related gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zertashia Akram
- a Department of Biosciences , COMSATS Institute of Information Technology , Islamabad , Pakistan
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- a Department of Biosciences , COMSATS Institute of Information Technology , Islamabad , Pakistan
| | - Mahmood Akhtar Kayani
- a Department of Biosciences , COMSATS Institute of Information Technology , Islamabad , Pakistan
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- b Department of Animal Sciences , Quaid-i-Azam University , Islamabad , Pakistan
| | - Malik Waqar Ahmad
- a Department of Biosciences , COMSATS Institute of Information Technology , Islamabad , Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Abaid Ullah
- a Department of Biosciences , COMSATS Institute of Information Technology , Islamabad , Pakistan
- c Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University , Multan , Pakistan
| | - Hizbullah Wazir
- b Department of Animal Sciences , Quaid-i-Azam University , Islamabad , Pakistan
| | - Ishrat Mahjabeen
- d Cancer Genetics & Epigenetics Lab, Department of Biosciences , COMSATS Institute of Information Technology , Islamabad , Pakistan
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Rehman TU, Riaz S, Khan IU, Ashraf M, Bajda M, Gawalska A, Yar M. Novel pyridine-2,4,6-tricarbohydrazide thiourea compounds as small key organic molecules for the potential treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus: In vitro studies against yeast α- and β-glucosidase and in silico molecular modeling. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2017; 351. [PMID: 29194730 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201700236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A range of novel pyridine-2,4,6-tricarbohydrazide thiourea compounds (4a-i) were synthesized in good to excellent yields (63-92%). The enzyme inhibitory potentials of these compounds were investigated against α- and β-glucosidases because these enzymes play a crucial role in treating type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As compared to the reference compound acarbose (IC50 38.22 ± 0.12 μM), compounds 4i (IC50 25.49 ± 0.67 μM), 4f (IC50 28.91 ± 0.43 μM), 4h (IC50 30.66 ± 0.52 μM), and 4e (IC50 35.01 ± 0.45 μM) delivered better inhibition against α-glucosidase and were quite inactive/completely inactive against β-glucosidase. The structure-activity relationship of these compounds was developed and elaborated with the help of molecular docking studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- Department of Chemistry, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Ashraf
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Marek Bajda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Physicochemical Drug Analysis, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Alicja Gawalska
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Physicochemical Drug Analysis, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Muhammad Yar
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
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Masood R, Hussain T, Umar M, Azeemullah, Areeb T, Riaz S. In situ development and application of natural coatings on non-absorbable sutures to reduce incision site infections. J Wound Care 2017; 26:115-120. [PMID: 28277992 DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2017.26.3.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was the development of a suture line that has antibacterial properties and reduces the chance of wound infection thus facilitating the healing process. METHOD Hydrolysed chitosan, turmeric powder and clove oil were used in different proportions to formulate antimicrobial coating for the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide (Nylon 6) threads. The threads were coated using a lab-scale yarn sizing machine. Tensile, and knot strength of the coated sutures were measured. As was the antimicrobial action of Staphylococcus aureus strain ATCC29213. RESULTS The results show that coatings have slightly improved the tensile and knot strength properties of these sutures. The coated sutures also have satisfactory microbial inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION The coating slightly improved the tensile strength of the sutures. However, the knot is the weakest part of the suture strand. All the formulations of the coating have shown satisfactory antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. We conclude that application of natural coatings on non-absorbable sutures can be useful to reduce the incisions and wound site infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Masood
- Director, Research and Development Division, National Textile University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - T Hussain
- Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, National Textile University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - M Umar
- Research Assistant, Research and Development Division, National Textile University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Azeemullah
- Research Assistant, Research and Development Division, National Textile University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - T Areeb
- Research Assistant, Research and Development Division, National Textile University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - S Riaz
- Research Assistant, Research and Development Division, National Textile University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
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Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy (CH), characterized by the enlargement of cardiomyocytes, fibrosis and apoptosis, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite the advances in cardiovascular research, there remains a need to further investigate the signaling pathways that mediate CH in order to identify novel therapeutic targets. One of the hallmarks of CH is the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Multiple studies have shown an important role of cysteine proteases and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the remodeled heart. This review focuses on the role of cysteine cathepins and MMPs in cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Riaz
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asad Zeidan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Kaur A, Verma R, Gandhi A, Riaz S, Vega-Sanchez M, Jaffe F, Yu D, Chatila W, D’alonzo G, Weaver S, Shariff T, Krachman S. 0631 EFFECT OF DISEASE SEVERITY ON DETERMINING BODY POSITION DURING SLEEP IN PATIENTS WITH POSITIONAL OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA. Sleep 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/sleepj/zsx050.630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Gandhi A, Riaz S, Kaur A, Verma R, Vega-Sanchez M, Jaffe F, Yu D, Chatila W, D’alonzo G, Weaver S, Shariff T, Krachman S. 0570 INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POSITIONAL THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH POSITIONAL OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA. Sleep 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/sleepj/zsx050.569] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
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Rehman TU, Khan IU, Ashraf M, Tarazi H, Riaz S, Yar M. An Efficient Synthesis of bi-Aryl Pyrimidine Heterocycles: Potential New Drug Candidates to Treat Alzheimer's Disease. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2017; 350. [PMID: 28220522 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201600304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A series of 13 novel pyrimidine-based sulfonamides 6a-m were synthesized in short periods of time under microwave conditions in good to excellent yield (54-86%). The chemical structures of these heterocycles consist of a central pyrimidine ring having a phenyl group and pyrimidine groups with sulfonamide motifs. The enzyme inhibitory potential of these compounds was investigated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) because these enzymes play a crucial role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. As compared to the reference compound eserine (IC50 = 0.04 ± 0.0001 μM for AChE and IC50 = 0.85 ± 0.0001 μM for BChE), the IC50 values of the synthesized compounds ranged from 3.73 ± 0.61 μM to 57.36 ± 0.22 μM for AChE and 4.81 ± 0.16 μM to 111.61 ± 0.53 μM for BChE. Among these tested compounds, 6j having a -CH3 group was found to be the most potent one against both enzymes (AChE, IC50 = 3.73 ± 0.61 μM; BChE, IC50 = 4.81 ± 0.16 μM). Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and molecular docking studies of the synthesized compounds were also performed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Muhammad Ashraf
- Department of Chemistry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Hamadeh Tarazi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- Department of Chemistry, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Yar
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
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Abdulrahman N, Jaballah M, Poomakkoth N, Riaz S, Abdelaziz S, Issa A, Mraiche F. Inhibition of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase attenuates cell migration and proliferation of the human lung adenocarcinoma through phospho-GSK-3β and osteopontin. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 418:21-9. [PMID: 27236820 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2727-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) constitutes a family of serine/threonine kinases that have been shown to be involved in cell proliferation of various malignancies via direct or indirect effects on the cell-cycle machinery. We investigated the role of p90RSK in lung adenocarcinomas and whether the inhibition of p90RSK diminishes cancer progression. Moreover, we investigated the involvement of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and osteopontin (OPN) in the p90RSK-induced lung adenocarcinoma progression. p90RSK, OPN, and GSK-3β protein expressions were examined in the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line in the presence and absence of BI-D1870 (BID), a p90RSK inhibitor. Gene expression of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic markers namely Bcl2 and Bax, respectively, were studied by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell line was characterized for cell proliferation using the MTT assay and cell migration using the scratch migration assay. Our study revealed that total RSK1 protein expression is over expressed in the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, an effect which is significantly reduced upon pretreatment with BID (69.32 ± 12.41 % of control; P < 0.05). The inhibition of p90RSK also showed a significant suppression of cell proliferation (54.3 ± 6.73 % of control; P < 0.01) and cell migration (187.90 ± 16.10 % of control; P < 0.01). Treatment of the A549 cells with BID regressed the expression of Bcl2 mRNA (56.92 ± 6.07 % of control; P < 0.01). BID also regressed protein expression of OPN (79.57 ± 5.32 % of control; P < 0.05) and phospho-GSK-3β (73.04 ± 8.95 % of control; P < 0.05). The p90RSK has an essential role in promoting tumor growth and proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). BID may serve as an alternative cancer treatment in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maiy Jaballah
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Sadaf Riaz
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Somaia Abdelaziz
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aya Issa
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fatima Mraiche
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Khan U, Li WJ, Adeela N, Irfan M, Javed K, Wan CH, Riaz S, Han XF. Magnetic response of hybrid ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic core-shell nanostructures. Nanoscale 2016; 8:6064-6070. [PMID: 26931335 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07946b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of FeTiO3-Ni(Ni80Fe20) core-shell nanostructures by a two-step method (sol-gel and DC electrodeposition) has been demonstrated. XRD analysis confirms the rhombohedral crystal structure of FeTiO3(FTO) with space group R3[combining macron]. Transmission electron microscopy clearly depicts better morphology of nanostructures with shell thicknesses of ∼25 nm. Room temperature magnetic measurements showed significant enhancement of magnetic anisotropy for the permalloy (Ni80Fe20)-FTO over Ni-FTO core-shell nanostructures. Low temperature magnetic measurements of permalloy-FeTiO3 core-shell structure indicated a strong exchange bias mechanism with magnetic coercivity below the antiferromagnetic Neel temperature (TN = 59 K). The exchange bias is attributed to the alignment of magnetic moments in the antiferromagnetic material at low temperature. Our scheme opens a path towards optimum automotive systems and wireless communications wherein broader bandwidths and smaller sizes are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Khan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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Ali SS, Li WJ, Javed K, Shi DW, Riaz S, Zhai GJ, Han XF. Exchange bias in two-step artificially grown one-dimensional hybrid Co-BiFeO3 core-shell nanostructures. Nanotechnology 2016; 27:045708. [PMID: 26656305 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/4/045708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
One-dimensional core-shell nanostructures consisting of a ferromagnetic cobalt core and a multiferroic BiFeO3 (BFO) shell were fabricated by an artificial two-step methodology. The coupling between the ferromagnetic core and multiferroic shell manifests a significant exchange bias effect which gives a clear demonstration of the anti-ferromagnetic functionality of the BFO shell material. Exchange biases of 30 Oe and 60 Oe are observed at 300 K and at 5 K, respectively. Superparamagnetic contributions at lower temperatures play an important role in contributing to overall magnetic behavior. Dominant shape anisotropy causes parallel alignment of the easy magnetization axis along the axis of core-shell nanowires. A coherent mode of the magnetization reversal mechanism is observed by the angular dependence of coercivity (H c). This versatile two-step methodology can be employed to fabricate and investigate many other hybrid nanostructures leading to a vast scope of investigation for researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Ali
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
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Javed K, Li WJ, Ali SS, Shi DW, Khan U, Riaz S, Han XF. Enhanced exchange bias and improved ferromagnetic properties in Permalloy-BiFe0.95Co0.05O3 core-shell nanostructures. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18203. [PMID: 26658956 PMCID: PMC4677379 DOI: 10.1038/srep18203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid core-shell nanostructures consisting of permalloy (Ni80Fe20) and multiferroic(BiFeO3, BFO/BiFe0.95Co0.05O3, BFC) materials were synthesized by a two-step method, based on wet chemical impregnation and subsequent electrodeposition within porous alumina membranes. Structural and magnetic characterizations have been done to investigate doping effect on magnetic properties and exchange bias. The magnetometry analysis revealed significant enhancements of the exchange bias and coercivity in NiFe-BFC core-shell nanostructures as compared with NiFe-BFO core-shell nanostructures. The enhancements can be attributed to the effective reduction of ferromagnet domain sizes between adjacent layers of core-shell structure. It indicates that it is possible to improve properties of multiferroic composites by site-engineering method. Our approach opens a pathway to obtain optimized nanostructured multiferroic composites exhibiting tunable magnetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Javed
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.,Department of Electrical Engineering, CIIT WAH, Pakistan
| | - W J Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - S S Ali
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - D W Shi
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - U Khan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - S Riaz
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.,Centre of Excellence in Solid State Physics, University of the Punjab, Lahore-54590, Pakistan
| | - X F Han
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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Riaz S, Khan IU, Bajda M, Ashraf M, Qurat-ul-Ain, Shaukat A, Rehman TU, Mutahir S, Hussain S, Mustafa G, Yar M. Pyridine sulfonamide as a small key organic molecule for the potential treatment of type-II diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease: In vitro studies against yeast α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Bioorg Chem 2015; 63:64-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Riaz S, Bashir MF. Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Plasmid- Encoded Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases Produced by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp from Lahore, Pakistan. TROP J PHARM RES 2015. [DOI: 10.4314/tjpr.v14i9.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the distribution of plasmid-encoded extended spectrum beta-lacatamases (ESBLs) in Lahore, Pakistan using different phenotypic and molecular methods.Methods: Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp were obtained over a period of nineteen months (June 2007 to December 2008). Both were tested by the double disk synergy test, combined disk test and Epsiometer-test (E-test) to evaluate their ability to detect ESBLs. The genotypes of ESBLs were analyzed by monoplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiplex PCR, DNA sequencing and isoelectric focusing.Results: 662 E. coli and 153 Klebsiella spp were analyzed. Among these isolates, 39.3 % E. coli and 26.1 % Klebsiella spp were positive for extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs).71.9 % E. coli and 79.6 % Klebsiella spp showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range > 32/0.064 = 500 μl/mL for cetatzidime/cetatzidime + clavulanic acid, while 66.5 % E. coli and 69.1 % Klebsiella spp revealed MIC in the range of > 16/0.016 = 1000 μl/mL for cefotaxime/cefotaxime + clavulanic acid. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that imipemem, meropenem and tazocine were the most effective in the management of such infections. The most frequent genotype of ESBL was OXA (19.2 %) for E. coli and SHV (92.5 %) for Klebsiella spp. The highest genotypic combination found was the combination of TEM/OXA (44.2 %) for E. coli.Conclusion: The resistance of E. coli and Klebsiella spp-producing ESBLs in Pakistan is a serious issue, and TEM, OXA and SHV type ESBL were the most common genotypes. Some isolates produced two or three genotypes at a time. Multiplex PCR of ESBL may help in early detection as well as phenotypic antibiotic therapy of these infections.Keywords: Beta-lactamases, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Antibiotic susceptibility, Plasmidencoded, Structural genes, Imipemem, Meropenem, Tazocine
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Sharief S, Riaz S. The evaluation of prognostic value of serum tumor marker in ovarian tumors. BMC Proc 2015. [PMCID: PMC4306078 DOI: 10.1186/1753-6561-9-s1-a56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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