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Muhammad S, Maqbool MF, Al-Sehemi AG, Iqbal A, Khan M, Ullah S, Khan MT. A threefold approach including quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies to explore the natural compounds from Centaurea jacea as the potential inhibitors for COVID-19. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e247604. [PMID: 34495156 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.247604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current report, we studied the possible inhibitors of COVID-19 from bioactive constituents of Centaurea jacea using a threefold approach consisting of quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic techniques. Centaurea jacea is a perennial herb often used in folk medicines of dermatological complaints and fever. Moreover, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties of its bioactive compounds are also reported. The Mpro (Main proteases) was docked with different compounds of Centaurea jacea through molecular docking. All the studied compounds including apigenin, axillarin, Centaureidin, Cirsiliol, Eupatorin and Isokaempferide, show suitable binding affinities to the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with their binding energies -6.7 kcal/mol, -7.4 kcal/mol, -7.0 kcal/mol, -5.8 kcal/mol, -6.2 kcal/mol and -6.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Among all studied compounds, axillarin was found to have maximum inhibitor efficiency followed by Centaureidin, Isokaempferide, Apigenin, Eupatorin and Cirsiliol. Our results suggested that axillarin binds with the most crucial catalytic residues CYS145 and HIS41 of the Mpro, moreover axillarin shows 5 hydrogen bond interactions and 5 hydrophobic interactions with various residues of Mpro. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic calculations over 60 ns (6×106 femtosecond) time scale also shown significant insights into the binding effects of axillarin with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 by imitating protein like aqueous environment. From molecular dynamic calculations, the RMSD and RMSF computations indicate the stability and dynamics of the best docked complex in aqueous environment. The ADME properties and toxicity prediction analysis of axillarin also recommended it as safe drug candidate. Further, in vivo and in vitro investigations are essential to ensure the anti SARS-CoV-2 activity of all bioactive compounds particularly axillarin to encourage preventive use of Centaurea jacea against COVID-19 infections.
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Muhammad S, Habiba U, Raza G, Bano SA, Shah S, Sabir M, Amin M, Alam S, Akhtar A, Hussain M. Payment for ecosystem services (PES): a holistic tool for sustainable forest management-a case study from Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e246002. [PMID: 34378665 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.246002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Economic valuation of ecosystem services is a new concept in forest management. Economic valuation provides basis for payment for ecosystem services (PES). Therefore, objective of this study was to evaluate eco-tourism and carbon stock services of the Maindam valley, District Swat, Pakistan. For the carbon stock calculation, a sample size of 155 plots of 0.1 hectare (Ha) was taken using preliminary survey at 95% confidence interval and 10% allowable error. The data for tourism services was collected from owners of all the hotels, 100 tourists and key informants of the area at 10% sampling intensity on pretested questionnaire for twenty years period (1997-2017). Results showed that Miandam valley has carbon stock worth US$ 16,306,000 while the value of eco-tourism was US$ 1,578,458 on annual basis. The results also showed that trend of tourism has drastically declined after the 9/11 incident for foreigners and locals and the situation was further deteriorated during the era of Talibanization or militancy from 2008-2011. This study recommends implementation of PES strategy at the rate of 5%, thus a total of US$ 78,922 can be earned from eco-tourism and carbon crediting in the study area annually, which could play important role in sustainable forest management.
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Javed MN, Ali Hashmi I, Muhammad S, Bari A, Ghulam Musharraf S, Junaid Mahmood S, Javed S, Imran Ali F, Rafique F, Amjad Ilyas M, Ahmed Waseem W. Ionic liquids containing plant derived benzoate as anions, exhibiting supramolecular polymeric aggregation: Impact of the aggregation on organic catalysis in aqueous medium. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.116329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Alam MW, Malik A, Rehman A, Sarwar M, Muhammad S, Hameed A, Alsamadany H, Alzahrani Y, Ahmed Z. First Report of Alternaria alternata Causing Fruit Rot on Fig ( Ficus carica) in Pakistan. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:PDIS01210090PDN. [PMID: 33616426 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-01-21-0090-pdn] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
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Ahmad S, Yousaf A, Muhammad S, Ghaffar F. Coexistence of diabetic ketoacidosis and thyrotoxicosis: a jeopardy of two endocrine emergencies. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/6/e243534. [PMID: 34130982 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-243534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous occurrences of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and thyroid storm have long been known, but only a few cases have been reported to date. Both these endocrine emergencies demand timely diagnosis and management to prevent adverse outcomes. Due to the similarities in their clinical presentation, DKA can mask the diagnosis of thyroid storm and vice versa. This case report describes a patient with Graves' disease who presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. He was found to have severe DKA without an explicit history of diabetes mellitus. Further evaluation revealed that the patient also had a concomitant thyroid storm that was the likely cause of his DKA. Early recognition and appropriate management of both conditions resulted in a favourable outcome. This paper emphasises that a simultaneous thyroid storm diagnosis should be considered in patients with DKA, especially those with a known history of thyroid disorders.
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Hofmann BB, Fischer I, Engel A, Jannusch K, Donaldson DM, Karadag C, van Lieshout JH, Beseoglu K, Muhammad S, Turowski B, Hänggi D, Kamp MA, Rubbert C. MTT Heterogeneity in Perfusion CT Imaging as a Predictor of Outcome after Aneurysmal SAH. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:1387-1395. [PMID: 34083263 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Impairment of tissue oxygenation caused by inhomogeneous microscopic blood flow distribution, the so-called capillary transit time heterogeneity, is thought to contribute to delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal SAH but has so far not been systematically evaluated in patients. We hypothesized that heterogeneity of the MTT, derived from CTP parameters, would give insight into the clinical course of patients with aneurysmal SAH and may identify patients at risk of poor outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the heterogeneity of the MTT using the coefficient of variation in CTP scans from 132 patients. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to model the dichotomized mRS outcome. Linear regression was used to eliminate variables with high linear dependence. T tests were used to compare the means of 2 groups. Furthermore, the time of the maximum coefficient of variation for MTT after bleeding was evaluated for correlation with the mRS after 6 months. RESULTS On average, each patient underwent 5.3 CTP scans during his or her stay. Patients with high coefficient of variation for MTT presented more often with higher modified Fisher (P = .011) and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grades (P = .014). A high coefficient of variation for MTT at days 3-21 after aneurysmal SAH correlated significantly with a worse mRS score after 6 months (P = .016). We found no correlation between the time of the maximum coefficient of variation for MTT after bleeding and the patients' outcomes after 6 months (P = .203). CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity of MTT in CTP after aneurysmal SAH correlates with the patients' outcomes. Because the findings are in line with the pathophysiologic concept of the capillary transit time heterogeneity, future studies should seek to verify the coefficient of variation for MTT as a potential imaging biomarker for outcome.
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Shah M, Kausar S, Mian JA, Jabeen H, Ullah N, Rasool A, Akbar F, Israr M, Mehmood SA, Ahmad S, Khan MAA, Muhammad S, Khan W, Bibi S, Sayaf AM, Usman K, Ahmed D. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of Schizothorax plagiostomus at River Swat. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 82:e243633. [PMID: 34076166 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.243633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Snow trout (Schizothorax plagiostomus) is an economically important freshwater fish, mostly found in northern areas of water reservoirs of Pakistan. The current study was conducted in River Swat to analyze the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, and Zn) in tissues of Schizothorax plagiostomus. Tissues were extracted and dissolved in perchloric acid (HClO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) along with hotplate. The heavy metals, zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and Nickel (Ni) were determined using Perkin Elmer 2380 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results shows great variation in the content of the metal related to tissue type and sampling sites. A high concentration of bioaccumulation was reported at Charbagh, whereas lowest at Odigram: Charbagh>Landakai>Odigram. In the same way, Cr was the most accumulated heavy metal followed by lead, nickel, and Zinc.
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Ullah N, Said A, Israr M, Rasool A, Akbar F, Ahmad S, Mehmood SA, Jabeen H, Islam M, Muhammad S, Noureenh S, Habiba U, Ahmed D, Shah M, Khan MAA, Siraj M. Effect of different protein based feed on the growth of mahseer. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 82:e243670. [PMID: 34161428 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.243670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
For the proper growth of fish, it is necessary to feed the fish with a proper and balanced diet. A study was conducted to find out the effect of different protein-based diets on fingerlings of Tor putitora (mahseer). A feed with dietary protein levels of 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% were prepared. The effect of different protein-based feed on weight gain, standard growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), percent weight gain, food conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was studied. An increase was observed in the growth rate with an increase in protein concentration up to 45%. The fingerlings fed a 45% protein diet shown the highest growth, followed by 50%, 40%, and 35%. The SGR value was greatest for 45% protein diet (8.56) followed by 50% and 40%, while the least values were observed for 35% protein feed (1.57). The same trend was observed for FCE. The highest PER values was observed in fishes fed 45% protein-based feed (0.65) followed by 50% (0.56), 40% (0.38) and35% (0.17). The food conversion ratio was lowest for 45% protein diet (3.41), while the greatest for 35% protein feed (16.85). It was concluded that a 45% protein-based diet was the best feed formulation for higher production of Tor putitora. However, research on the same percentage of protein diet is recommended for yearlings.
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Cao P, Liu ZA, Zhao J, Kou H, Tao J, Song J, Gong W, Wang N, Samalan A, Tytgat M, Zaganidis N, Alves GA, Marujo F, De Araujo FTDS, Da Costa EM, Damiao DDJ, Nogima H, Santoro A, De Souza SF, Aleksandrov A, Hadjiiska R, Iaydjiev P, Rodozov M, Shopova M, Sultanov G, Bonchev M, Dimitrov A, Litov L, Pavlov B, Petkov P, Petrov A, Qian SJ, Bernal C, Cabrera A, Fraga J, Sarkar A, Elsayed S, Assran Y, Sawy ME, Mahmoud MA, Mohammed Y, Chen X, Combaret C, Gouzevitch M, Grenier G, Laktineh I, Mirabito L, Shchablo K, Bagaturia I, Lomidze D, Lomidze I, Bhatnagar V, Gupta R, Kumari P, Singh J, Amoozegar V, Boghrati B, Ebraimi M, Ghasemi R, Najafabadi MM, Zareian E, Abbrescia M, Aly R, Elmetenawee W, De Filippis N, Gelmi A, Iaselli G, Leszki S, Loddo F, Margjeka I, Pugliese G, Ramos D, Benussi L, Bianco S, Piccolo D, Buontempo S, Di Crescenzo A, Fienga F, De Lellis G, Lista L, Meola S, Paolucci P, Braghieri A, Salvini P, Montagna P, Riccardi C, Vitulo P, Francois B, Kim TJ, Park J, Choi SY, Hong B, Lee KS, Goh J, Lee H, Eysermans J, Estrada CU, Pedraza I, Castilla-Valdez H, Sanchez-Hernandez A, Herrera CAM, Navarro DAP, Sanchez GAA, Carrillo S, Vazquez E, Radi A, Ahmad A, Asghar I, Hoorani H, Muhammad S, Shah MA, Crotty I. Research and development of the back-end electronics for the two-dimensional improved resistive plate chambers in CMS upgrade. RADIATION DETECTION TECHNOLOGY AND METHODS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41605-020-00229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Alam Q, Muhammad S, Idrees M, Hieu NV, Binh NTT, Nguyen C, Amin B. First-principles study of the electronic structures and optical and photocatalytic performances of van der Waals heterostructures of SiS, P and SiC monolayers. RSC Adv 2021; 11:14263-14268. [PMID: 35423989 PMCID: PMC8697698 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra10808a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Designing van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures of two-dimensional materials is an efficient way to realize amazing properties as well as open up opportunities for applications in solar energy conversion, nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices. The electronic structures and optical and photocatalytic properties of SiS, P and SiC van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are investigated by (hybrid) first-principles calculations. Both binding energy and thermal stability spectra calculations confirm the stability of these heterostructures. Similar to the corresponding parent monolayers, SiS–P (SiS–SiC) vdW heterostructures are found to be indirect type-II bandgap semiconductors. Furthermore, absorption spectra are calculated to understand the optical behavior of these systems, where the lowest energy transitions lie in the visible region. The valence and conduction band edges straddle the standard redox potentials of SiS, P and SiC vdW heterostructures, making them promising candidates for water splitting in acidic solution. The electronic structures and optical and photocatalytic properties of SiS, P and SiC van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are investigated by (hybrid) first-principles calculations.![]()
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Alam Q, Idrees M, Muhammad S, Nguyen CV, Shafiq M, Saeed Y, Din HU, Amin B. Stacking effects in van der Waals heterostructures of blueP and Janus XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf: Y = S, Se) monolayers. RSC Adv 2021; 11:12189-12199. [PMID: 35423756 PMCID: PMC8696924 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra10827h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Using first-principles calculations, the geometry, electronic structure, optical and photocatalytic performance of blueP and XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf; Y = S, Se) monolayers and their corresponding van der Waal heterostructures in three possible stacking patterns, are investigated. BlueP and XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf; Y = S, Se) monolayers are indirect bandgap semiconductors. A tensile strain of 8(10)% leads to TiSeO(ZrSeO) monolayers transitioning to a direct bandgap of 1.30(1.61) eV. The calculated binding energy and AIMD simulation show that unstrained(strained) blueP and XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf; Y = S, Se) monolayers and their heterostructures are thermodynamically stable. Similar to the corresponding monolayers, blueP-XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf: Y = S, Se) vdW heterostructures in three possible stacking patterns are indirect bandgap semiconductors with staggered band alignment, except blueP-TiSeO vdW heterostructure, which signifies straddling band alignment. Absorption spectra show that optical transitions are dominated by excitons for blueP and XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf; Y = S, Se) monolayers and the corresponding vdW heterostructures. Both E VB and E CB in TiSO, ZrSO, ZrSeO and HfSO monolayers achieve energetically favorable positions, and therefore, are suitable for water splitting at pH = 0, while TiSeO and HfSeO monolayers showed good response for reduction and fail to oxidise water. All studied vdW heterostructures also show good response to any produced O2, while specific stacking reduces H+ to H2.
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Muhammad S, Yousaf A, Qayyum A, Nazim R, Taqi M. Paraganglioma of Urinary Bladder in a Pediatric Patient. Cureus 2021; 13:e13964. [PMID: 33880298 PMCID: PMC8052522 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Paragangliomas arise from neural cells and are found in different anatomical locations in the body. Paragangliomas in the adrenal glands are called pheochromocytoma, while the others are known as extra-adrenal paragangliomas. They are usually benign and are extremely rare in children. We present a case of a 13-year-old female patient who presented with complaints of hematuria for one year and left lower lumbar pain. Imaging investigations depicted a urinary bladder mass that was causing a mass effect at the left ureteric opening and backpressure changes in the left kidney. The patient underwent transurethral resection of bladder mass, and the histopathology confirmed the presence of paraganglioma. Though the paragangliomas of the urinary bladder are extremely rare in the pediatric age group, we suggest keeping paragangliomas on differentials when investigating a patient with bladder mass.
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Tabassam S, Reshak AH, Murtaza G, Muhammad S, Laref A, Yousaf M, Al Bakri AM, Bila J. Co 2YZ (Y= Cr, Nb, Ta, V and Z= Al, Ga) Heusler alloys under the effect of pressure and strain. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 104:107841. [PMID: 33529935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.107841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Full Heuslers alloys are a fascinating class of materials leading to many technological applications. These have been studied widely under ambient conditions. However, less attention been paid to study them under the effect of compression and strain. Here in this work Co2YZ (Y= Cr, Nb, Ta, V and Z = Al, Ga) Heusler alloys have been studied comprehensively under pressure variations. Calculated lattice constants are in reasonable agreement with the available data. It is determined that lattice constant deceases with the increase in tensile stress and increases by increasing pressure in reverse direction. Band profiles reveals the half metallic nature of the studied compounds. The bond length decreases while band gap increases in compressive strain. The compounds are found to be reflective in visible region, as characteristics of the metals. The magnetic moments reveal the half-mettalic ferromagnetic nature of the compounds.
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Ansbro É, Homan T, Prieto Merino D, Jobanputra K, Qasem J, Muhammad S, Fardous T, Perel P. Clinical outcomes in a primary-level non-communicable disease programme for Syrian refugees and the host population in Jordan: A cohort analysis using routine data. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003279. [PMID: 33428612 PMCID: PMC7799772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the content or quality of non-communicable disease (NCD) care in humanitarian settings. Since 2014, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has provided primary-level NCD services in Irbid, Jordan, targeting Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians who struggle to access NCD care through the overburdened national health system. This retrospective cohort study explored programme and patient-level patterns in achievement of blood pressure and glycaemic control, patterns in treatment interruption, and the factors associated with these patterns. METHODS AND FINDINGS The MSF multidisciplinary, primary-level NCD programme provided facility-based care for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease using context-adapted guidelines and generic medications. Generalist physicians managed patients with the support of family medicine specialists, nurses, health educators, pharmacists, and psychosocial and home care teams. Among the 5,045 patients enrolled between December 2014 and December 2017, 4,044 eligible adult patients were included in our analysis, of whom 72% (2,913) had hypertension and 63% (2,546) had type II diabetes. Using visits as the unit of analysis, we plotted the following on a monthly basis: mean blood pressure among hypertensive patients, mean fasting blood glucose and HbA1c among type II diabetic patients, the proportion of each group achieving control, mean days of delayed appointment attendance, and the proportion of patients experiencing a treatment interruption. Results are presented from programmatic and patient perspectives (using months since programme initiation and months since cohort entry/diagnosis, respectively). General linear mixed models explored factors associated with clinical control and with treatment interruption. Mean age was 58.5 years, and 60.1% (2,432) were women. Within the programme's first 6 months, mean systolic blood pressure decreased by 12.4 mm Hg from 143.9 mm Hg (95% CI 140.9 to 146.9) to 131.5 mm Hg (95% CI 130.2 to 132.9) among hypertensive patients, while fasting glucose improved by 1.12 mmol/l, from 10.75 mmol/l (95% CI 10.04 to 11.47) to 9.63 mmol/l (95% CI 9.22 to 10.04), among type II diabetic patients. The probability of achieving treatment target in a visit was 63%-75% by end of 2017, improving with programme maturation but with notable seasonable variation. The probability of experiencing a treatment interruption declined as the programme matured and with patients' length of time in the programme. Routine operational data proved useful in evaluating a humanitarian programme in a real-world setting, but were somewhat limited in terms of data quality and completeness. We used intermediate clinical outcomes proven to be strongly associated with hard clinical outcomes (such as death), since we had neither the data nor statistical power to measure hard outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Good treatment outcomes and reasonable rates of treatment interruption were achieved in a multidisciplinary, primary-level NCD programme in Jordan. Our approach to using continuous programmatic data may be a feasible way for humanitarian organisations to account for the complex and dynamic nature of interventions in unstable humanitarian settings when undertaking routine monitoring and evaluation. We suggest that frequency of patient contact could be reduced without negatively impacting patient outcomes and that season should be taken into account in analysing programme performance.
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Muhammad S, Ali FI, Javed MN, Wasim AA, Bari A, Rafique F, Ilyas MA, Riaz K, Mahmood SJ, Ahmed A, Hashmi IA. Effect of supramolecular polymeric aggregation in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) on catalytic activity in the synthesis of 4H-chromene derivatives and Knoevenagel condensation. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.114503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Ejaz U, Muhammad S, Ali FI, Hashmi IA, Sohail M. Cellulose extraction from methyltrioctylammonium chloride pretreated sugarcane bagasse and its application. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 165:11-17. [PMID: 32987070 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cellulose, the most abundant feedstock of chemicals and energy is extracted from various agro-industrial wastes, such as sugarcane bagasse (SB). Pretreatment of SB with ionic liquids improves extraction of cellulose, yet the use of ionic liquid is hindered by its high cost. In this study, cellulose was extracted from SB pretreated with methyltrioctylammonium chloride under relatively mild conditions. The extracted cellulose from pretreated SB (PTB) and untreated SB (UTB) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and FTIR. Fermentation of cellulose extracted from PTB by a thermophilic bacterium, Bacillus aestuarii UE25, yielded 245.16% higher titers of cellulase than cellulose extracted from UTB. The recyclability of the IL was assessed to make the pretreatment process cost effective and was monitored through TLC and FTIR. The results of this research demonstrated the potential of ionic liquid pretreated SB for cellulose extraction and for its subsequent utilization in thermostable cellulase production.
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Rai A, Sharafat J, Muhammad S, Siddique M. Letter by Rai et al Regarding Article, "Left Atrial End-Diastolic Volume Index as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Outcomes". Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 13:e011063. [PMID: 32660256 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.120.011063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lee E, Muhammad S, Kim T, Kim H, Lee W, Yoon W. Tracking the Influence of Thermal Expansion and Oxygen Vacancies on the Thermal Stability of Ni-Rich Layered Cathode Materials. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1902413. [PMID: 32596103 PMCID: PMC7312338 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201902413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The ever-growing demand for high-energy lithium-ion batteries in portable electronics and electric vehicles has triggered intensive research efforts over the past decade. An efficient strategy to boost the energy and power density of lithium-ion batteries is to increase the Ni content in the cathode materials. However, a higher Ni content in the cathode materials gives rise to safety issues. Herein, thermal expansion and oxygen vacancies are proposed as new critical factors that affect the thermal stability of charged Ni-rich cathode materials based on a systematic synchrotron-based X-ray study of Li0.33Ni0.5+ x Co0.2Mn0.3- x O2 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2) cathode materials during a heating process. Charged cathode materials with higher Ni contents show larger thermal expansion, which accelerates transition metal migration to the Li layers. Oxygen vacancies are formed and accumulate mainly around Ni ions until the layered-to-spinel phase transition begins. The oxygen vacancies also facilitate transition metal migration to the Li layers. Thermal expansion and the presence of oxygen vacancies decrease the energy barrier for cation migration and facilitate the phase transitions in charged cathode materials during the heating process. These results provide valuable guidance for developing new cathode materials with improved safety characteristics.
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Ejaz U, Muhammad S, Hashmi IA, Ali FI, Sohail M. Utilization of methyltrioctylammonium chloride as new ionic liquid in pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse for production of cellulase by novel thermophilic bacteria. J Biotechnol 2020; 317:34-38. [PMID: 32360575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Fermentation of carbohydrates present in lignocellulosic (LC) biomass is facilitated by lignin removal, which is usually achieved by adopting various pretreatment methods to provide the enzymes proper access to their respective substrates. Pretreatment using ionic liquid (IL) is relatively recent advancement and considered as mild and green process. ILs can dissolve extensive quantities of biomass and depolymerize the cellulose. In this context, an abundantly available LC biomass, sugarcane bagasse (SB), was pretreated using alkali or with an IL, methyltrioctylammonium chloride, and was used for cellulase production from thermophilic bacteria. In all, 26 indigenously isolated thermophilic bacterial strains were quantitatively screened for cellulase production. 16S rDNA sequences of the promising isolates UE10 and UE27 revealed relatedness with Brevibacillus borstelensis, while the strain UE1 belonged to Aneurinibacillus thermoaerophilus. Cellulase production was compared by utilizing alkali pretreated and IL pretreated SB and the later was found more appropriate. UE1, UE10 and UE27 yielded 22.2, 22.18 and 33.3 IU mL-1 of endoglucanase, respectively, by fermenting IL pretreated SB. The changes in SB structure after pretreatment were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. This study demonstrated the potential of novel thermophilic bacterial strains to utilize IL pretreated SB for production of industrially important enzyme, cellulase.
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Kaewmala S, Wiriya N, Chantrasuwan P, Yordsri V, Limphirat W, Muhammad S, Yoon WS, Nash J, Srilomsak S, Limthongkul P, Meethong N. A multiscale investigation elucidating the structural complexities and electrochemical properties of layered-layered composite cathode materials synthesized at low temperatures. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:5439-5448. [PMID: 32016214 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp06165g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Layered-layered composite (xLi2MnO3·(1 -x) LiMO2, M = Mn, Ni, Co, and Fe) cathode materials have attracted much attention as cathodes for high energy density lithium ion batteries. However, these materials are structurally unstable resulting from complicated phase transformation mechanisms during cycling. Additionally, the complex structural characteristics and structural stability of these materials largely depend on their preparation methods. Studying the correlation between multiscale structural properties and preparation methods is important in the development of layered-layered composite cathode materials. In this work, 0.5Li2MnO3·0.5LiCoO2 composite materials were prepared with different heating and cooling rates with a maximum temperature of 600 °C. The structural properties of the 0.5Li2MnO3·0.5LiMO2 composite materials were investigated using combined in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. Heating and cooling rates have no significant effect on either the crystal or local atomic structures of the prepared samples. However, the microstructure was critically important for its impact on electrochemical properties.
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Lee W, Muhammad S, Sergey C, Lee H, Yoon J, Kang Y, Yoon W. Advances in the Cathode Materials for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:2578-2605. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201902359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Muhammad S, Javed MN, Ali FI, Bari A, Hashmi IA. Supramolecular polymeric aggregation behavior and its impact on catalytic properties of imidazolium based hydrophilic ionic liquids. J Mol Liq 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2019.112372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Liu J, Muhammad S, Wei Z, Zhu J, Duan X. Hierarchical N-doping germanium/carbon nanofibers as anode for high-performance lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:015402. [PMID: 31514178 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab4404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Germanium (Ge) has gained a great deal of attention as an anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) and lithium ion batteries (LIBs) for its high theoretical capacity and ion diffusivity. Unfortunately, Ge particle pulverization triggered by huge volume expansion during the alloying and dealloying processes can cause rapid capacity fade. Herein we report a facile method for the preparation of ultrafine Ge nanoparticles embedded in hierarchical N-doped multichannel carbon fibers (denoted as Ge-NMCFs) by electrospinning. The hierarchical carbon matrix not only provides sufficient internal void space to accommodate the large volume expansion of Ge nanoparticles, but also provides numerous open channels for the easy access of electrolyte and Na/Li ions. As half-cell tests revealed, the composite provides discharge capacity of 303 mA h g-1 (1st cycle) and 160 mA h g-1 (700th cycle) for SIBs, 1146.7 mA h g-1 (1st cycle) and 600 mA h g-1 (500th cycle) for LIBs at a current density of 500 mA g-1 (all the presented capacity based on the total weight of Ge/C composites). Density functional theory calculation suggests that N-doped in carbon can enhance the Na/Li ion storage and improve the electrochemical performance. This demonstration is an important step towards the development of SIBs and LIBs with much higher specific energy capacity and longer cycle stability.
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Lee W, Muhammad S, Sergey C, Lee H, Yoon J, Kang Y, Yoon W. Kathodenmaterialien für wiederaufladbare Lithiumbatterien. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201902359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Ejaz U, Muhammad S, Ali FI, Hashmi IA, Sohail M. Methyltrioctylammonium chloride mediated removal of lignin from sugarcane bagasse for themostable cellulase production. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 140:1064-1072. [PMID: 31454643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.08.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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