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Shafiq M, Khan R, Ali I, Rahman SU, Ullah S, Mohammad SJ, Jan M, Huang J. Immunoglobulin G and Total Protein Concentration in Blood and Colostrum of Different Cattle Breeds and its Passive Transfer to Neonatal Calves. PAK J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.17582/journal.pjz/20190602170613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ullah A, Chen G, Hussain A, Khan H, Abbas A, Zhou Z, Shafiq M, Ahmad S, Ali U, Usman M, Raza F, Ahmed A, Qiu Z, Zheng M, Liu D. Cyclam-Modified Polyethyleneimine for Simultaneous TGFβ siRNA Delivery and CXCR4 Inhibition for the Treatment of CCl 4-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:4451-4470. [PMID: 34234436 PMCID: PMC8257077 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s314367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease with excessive production of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. PURPOSE This study aimed at the development of a novel derivative of polyethyleneimine (PEI) that can effectively deliver transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) siRNA and inhibit chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) for TGFβ silencing and CXCR4 Inhibition, respectively, to treat CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in a mouse model. METHODS Cyclam-modified PEI (PEI-Cyclam) was synthesized by incorporating cyclam moiety into PEI by nucleophilic substitution reaction. Gel electrophoresis confirmed the PEI-Cyclam polyplex formation and stability against RNAase and serum degradation. Transmission electron microscopy and zeta sizer were employed for the morphology, particle size, and zeta potential, respectively. The gene silencing and CXCR4 targeting abilities of PEI-Cyclam polyplex were evaluated by luciferase and CXCR4 redistribution assays, respectively. The histological and immunohistochemical staining determined the anti-fibrotic activity of PEI-Cyclam polyplex. The TGFβ silencing of PEI-Cyclam polyplex was authenticated by Western blotting. RESULTS The 1H NMR of PEI-Cyclam exhibited successful incorporation of cyclam content onto PEI. The PEI-Cyclam polyplex displayed spherical morphology, positive surface charge, and stability against RNAse and serum degradation. Cyclam modification decreased the cytotoxicity and demonstrated CXCR4 antagonistic and luciferase gene silencing efficiency. PEI-Cyclam/siTGFβ polyplexes decreased inflammation, collagen deposition, apoptosis, and cell proliferation, thus ameliorating liver fibrosis. Also, PEI-Cyclam/siTGFβ polyplex significantly downregulated α-smooth muscle actin, TGFβ, and collagen type III. CONCLUSION Our findings validate the feasibility of using PEI-Cyclam as a siRNA delivery vector for simultaneous TGFβ siRNA delivery and CXCR4 inhibition for the combined anti-fibrotic effects in a setting of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.
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Khan MT, Rehman MS, Abbas MI, Shafiq M, Akram MA, Rauf M, Gondal MA, Sharif A. Impact of Selenium-Supplemented Diets on Egg Morphometry and Quality in Four Varieties of Indigenous Aseel Chicken. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2020-1277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Shafiq M, Walmann T, Nutalapati V, Gibson C, Zafar Y. Effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 inhibitors on fatty liver. World J Hepatol 2020; 12:1258-1167. [PMID: 33442452 PMCID: PMC7772734 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v12.i12.1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have investigated the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its predisposing risk factors, but the conclusions from these studies have been conflicting. More challenging is the fact that no effective treatment is currently available for NAFLD.
AIM To determine the effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) inhibitors on fatty infiltration of the liver.
METHODS This retrospective, chart review-based study was conducted on patients, 18-year-old and above, who were currently on PCSK9 inhibitor drug therapy. Patients were excluded from the study according to missing pre- or post-treatment imaging or laboratory values, presence of cirrhosis or rhabdomyolysis, or development of acute liver injury during the PCSK9 inhibitor treatment period; the latter being due to false elevation of liver function markers, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Radiographic improvement was assessed by a single radiologist, who read both the pre- and post-treatment images to minimize reading bias. Fatty infiltration of the liver was also assessed by changes in ALT and AST, with pre- and post-treatment levels compared by paired t-test (alpha criterion: 0.05).
RESULTS Of the 29 patients included in the study, 8 were male (27.6%) and 21 were female (72.4%). Essential hypertension was present in 25 (86.2%) of the patients, diabetes mellitus in 18 (62.1%) and obesity in 15 (51.7%). In all, patients were on PCSK9 inhibitors for a mean duration of 23.69 ± 11.18 mo until the most recent ALT and AST measures were obtained. Of the 11 patients who received the radiologic diagnosis of hepatic steatosis, 8 (72.73%) achieved complete radiologic resolution upon use of PCSK9 inhibitors (mean duration of 17.6 mo). On average, the ALT level (IU/L) decreased from 21.83 ± 11.89 at pretreatment to 17.69 ± 8.00 at post-treatment (2-tailed P = 0.042) and AST level (IU/L) decreased from 22.48 ± 9.00 pretreatment to 20.59 ± 5.47 post-treatment (2-tailed P = 0.201).
CONCLUSION PCSK9 inhibitors can slow down or even completely resolve NAFLD.
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Amin MT, Alazba AA, Shafiq M. Comparative Removal of Lead and Nickel Ions onto Nanofibrous Sheet of Activated Polyacrylonitrile in Batch Adsorption and Application of Conventional Kinetic and Isotherm Models. MEMBRANES 2020; 11:membranes11010010. [PMID: 33374757 PMCID: PMC7823771 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the adsorption of lead (Pb2+) and nickel (Ni2+) ions by electrospun membranes of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber activated with NaHCO3 (PANmod). Analysis by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) validated the functionalization of PAN nanofibers with NaHCO3, and the successful agglomeration of Pb2+ and Ni2+ onto PANmod. After a rapid uptake of the heavy metal ions (15 min), the equilibrium contact time was attained (60 min) following a linear increase of both adsorption capacity and removal efficiency. PANmod showed a better affinity for Ni2+ than Pb2+. The adsorption on PANmod was best described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for both studied models, supporting chemisorption. By varying the solution pH from 2.0 to 9.0, we found that the adsorption capacity followed an increasing trend, reaching a maximum at the pH of 7.0. Despite increasing adsorption capacities, the removal efficiency of both heavy metal ions exhibited a decreasing trend with increase in initial concentrations. The amount of PANmod directly affects the removal efficiency, with 0.7 and 0.2 g being the optimum dose for maximum uptake of Pb2+ and Ni2+, respectively. The Langmuir model fitted well the Pb2+ adsorption data suggesting monolayer adsorption, and the Freundlich model perfectly fitted the Ni2+ adsorption data, indicating heterogeneous adsorption. The estimated values of the mean free energy of adsorption in the D–R isotherm indicated a physical adsorption of both heavy metal ions into the surface of the PANmod.
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Zeb L, Shafiq M, Chi ZY, Xiu ZL. Separation of microalgal docosahexaenoic acid-rich oils using a microwave-assisted three-phase partitioning system. Sep Purif Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Chen Y, Shafiq M, Liu M, Morsi Y, Mo X. Advanced fabrication for electrospun three-dimensional nanofiber aerogels and scaffolds. Bioact Mater 2020; 5:963-979. [PMID: 32671291 PMCID: PMC7334396 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrospinning is a versatile strategy for creating nanofiber materials with various structures, which has broad application for a myriad of areas ranging from tissue engineering, energy harvesting, filtration and has become one of the most important academic and technical activities in the field of material science in recent years. In addition to playing a significant role in the construction of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, electrospinning holds great promise as a robust method for producing three-dimensional (3D) aerogels and scaffolds. This article reviews and summarizes the recent advanced methods for fabricating electrospun three-dimensional nanofiber aerogels and scaffolds, including gas foaming, direct electrospinning of 3D nanofibrous scaffold, short nanofibers assembling into 3D aerogels/scaffolds, 3D printing, electrospray, origami and cell sheet engineering, centrifugal electrospinning, and other methods. Besides, intriguing formation process, crosslinking pathway, properties, and applications of 3D aerogels and scaffolds are also introduced. Taken together, these aerogels and scaffolds with various excellent features present tremendous potential in various fields.
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Hassan SR, Ahmad I, Ahmad S, Alfaify A, Shafiq M. Remote Pain Monitoring Using Fog Computing for e-Healthcare: An Efficient Architecture. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20226574. [PMID: 33217896 PMCID: PMC7698725 DOI: 10.3390/s20226574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The integration of medical signal processing capabilities and advanced sensors into Internet of Things (IoT) devices plays a key role in providing comfort and convenience to human lives. As the number of patients is increasing gradually, providing healthcare facilities to each patient, particularly to the patients located in remote regions, not only has become challenging but also results in several issues, such as: (i) increase in workload on paramedics, (ii) wastage of time, and (iii) accommodation of patients. Therefore, the design of smart healthcare systems has become an important area of research to overcome these above-mentioned issues. Several healthcare applications have been designed using wireless sensor networks (WSNs), cloud computing, and fog computing. Most of the e-healthcare applications are designed using the cloud computing paradigm. Cloud-based architecture introduces high latency while processing huge amounts of data, thus restricting the large-scale implementation of latency-sensitive e-healthcare applications. Fog computing architecture offers processing and storage resources near to the edge of the network, thus, designing e-healthcare applications using the fog computing paradigm is of interest to meet the low latency requirement of such applications. Patients that are minors or are in intensive care units (ICUs) are unable to self-report their pain conditions. The remote healthcare monitoring applications deploy IoT devices with bio-sensors capable of sensing surface electromyogram (sEMG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals to monitor the pain condition of such patients. In this article, fog computing architecture is proposed for deploying a remote pain monitoring system. The key motivation for adopting the fog paradigm in our proposed approach is to reduce latency and network consumption. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in minimizing delay and network utilization, simulations were carried out in iFogSim and the results were compared with the cloud-based systems. The results of the simulations carried out in this research indicate that a reduction in both latency and network consumption can be achieved by adopting the proposed approach for implementing a remote pain monitoring system.
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Mehmood W, Shafiq M, Saleem MQ, Alowayr AS, Aslam W. A Feature-Based Evaluation of Model Merge Methods for e-Health Solutions. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND HEALTH INFORMATICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1166/jmihi.2020.3273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Model-driven engineering (MDE) paradigm considers models as central artifacts for software development lifecycle during which models evolve. Developing an e-health solution using MDE poses challenges of model version control, model differencing and model merging, which requires appropriate
software configuration management (SCM). In this paper we focus on model-driven merging, which refers to combining two or more versions of a model into a single consolidated version. SCM for model-driven merging leverages evolution of valid configurations, which is a highly desired behavior.
Our investigation is based on the features that are required for model-driven SCM realization. Initially, we identify these features using which the existing model-driven merging techniques are evaluated. It is observed that though various proposals are made by academia and research community,
a standard model-driven SCM solution that can cater to the needs of industry is still absent. This is in contrary to the situation of traditional SCM systems where standard solutions exist. We also present the usefulness of each technique along with the tradeoffs involved. Finally, guidelines
are provided to select techniques appropriate for given circumstances.
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Mehmood W, Shafiq M, Saleem MQ, Alowayr AS, Aslam W. A Feature-Based Evaluation of Model Merge Methods for e-Health Solutions. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND HEALTH INFORMATICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1166/jmihi.2020.32732473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Model-driven engineering (MDE) paradigm considers models as central artifacts for software development lifecycle during which models evolve. Developing an e-health solution using MDE poses challenges of model version control, model differencing and model merging, which requires appropriate
software configuration management (SCM). In this paper we focus on model-driven merging, which refers to combining two or more versions of a model into a single consolidated version. SCM for model-driven merging leverages evolution of valid configurations, which is a highly desired behavior.
Our investigation is based on the features that are required for model-driven SCM realization. Initially, we identify these features using which the existing model-driven merging techniques are evaluated. It is observed that though various proposals are made by academia and research community,
a standard model-driven SCM solution that can cater to the needs of industry is still absent. This is in contrary to the situation of traditional SCM systems where standard solutions exist. We also present the usefulness of each technique along with the tradeoffs involved. Finally, guidelines
are provided to select techniques appropriate for given circumstances.
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Alenazi MM, Shafiq M, Alsadon AA, Alhelal IM, Alhamdan AM, Solieman T, Ibrahim AA, Shady MR, Saad MA. Non-destructive assessment of flesh firmness and dietary antioxidants of greenhouse-grown tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) at different fruit maturity stages. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:2839-2846. [PMID: 32994744 PMCID: PMC7499367 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-destructive methods have been widely recognized for evaluating fruit quality traits of many horticultural crops and food processing industry. Destructive (analytical) test, and non-destructive evaluation of the quality traits were investigated and compared for 'Red Rose' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit grown under protected environment. Fresh tomato fruit at five distinctive maturity stages namely; breaker (BK), turning (TG), pink (PK), light-red (LR), and red (RD) were labeled and scanned using the handheld near infra-red (NIR) enhanced spectrometer at a wavelength range of 285-1200 nm. The labeled tomato samples were then measured analytically for flesh firmness, lycopene, β-carotene, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC). The results revealed that quality traits could be estimated using NIR spectroscopy with a relatively high coefficient of determination (R2): 0.834 for total phenolic content, 0.864 for lycopene, 0.790 for total flavonoid content, 0.708 for β-carotene; and 0.679 for flesh firmness. The accumulation of Lyco and β-Car rapidly increased in tomatoes harvested between the TG and the LR maturity stages. Harvesting tomatoes at BK maturity stage resulted in significantly higher flesh firmness than harvesting at the later maturity stages. Tomato fruits had the lowest TPC and TFC contents at the earliest maturity stage (BK), while they had intermediate TPC and TFC levels at LR and RD maturity stages. NIR spectroscopic measurements of fruit firmness and lipophilic antioxidants in tomato fruit at various maturity stages were partially in accordance with those estimated by destructive (analytical) methods. Based on these findings, we recommend using non-destructive NIR spectroscopy as an effective tool for predicting tomato fruit quality during harvest stage and postharvest processing.
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Tahir A, Chen F, Khan HU, Ming Z, Ahmad A, Nazir S, Shafiq M. A Systematic Review on Cloud Storage Mechanisms Concerning e-Healthcare Systems. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20185392. [PMID: 32967094 PMCID: PMC7570508 DOI: 10.3390/s20185392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As the expenses of medical care administrations rise and medical services experts are becoming rare, it is up to medical services organizations and institutes to consider the implementation of medical Health Information Technology (HIT) innovation frameworks. HIT permits health associations to smooth out their considerable cycles and offer types of assistance in a more productive and financially savvy way. With the rise of Cloud Storage Computing (CSC), an enormous number of associations and undertakings have moved their healthcare data sources to distributed storage. As the information can be mentioned whenever universally, the accessibility of information becomes an urgent need. Nonetheless, outages in cloud storage essentially influence the accessibility level. Like the other basic variables of cloud storage (e.g., reliability quality, performance, security, and protection), availability also directly impacts the data in cloud storage for e-Healthcare systems. In this paper, we systematically review cloud storage mechanisms concerning the healthcare environment. Additionally, in this paper, the state-of-the-art cloud storage mechanisms are critically reviewed for e-Healthcare systems based on their characteristics. In short, this paper summarizes existing literature based on cloud storage and its impact on healthcare, and it likewise helps researchers, medical specialists, and organizations with a solid foundation for future studies in the healthcare environment.
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Manoharan B, Shafiq M, Dawar U, Elsheikh A, Pittman M. Late Breaking Abstract - Chest radiography-a predictor of prognosis in COVID-19. IMAGING 2020. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.congress-2020.2079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Hasan BM, McMahon C, Khalid RA, Colak Y, Mayorga DC, Elkafrawy A, Tandon K, Shafiq M, Hussain I, Erim T, Castro F, Charles R, Chhabra R. Utility and safety of balloon-assisted enteroscopy in patients with left ventricular assist devices: a retrospective multicenter study. Endosc Int Open 2020; 8:E1002-E1008. [PMID: 32743049 PMCID: PMC7373663 DOI: 10.1055/a-1181-8340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective and study aims Patients with left-ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially from the small bowel, often necessitating evaluation with balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE). Our study aimed to assess the periprocedural safety and utility of BAE for gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with LVADs. Patients and methods This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of adults with LVADs who underwent BAE between January 2007 to December 2018. Results Thirty-four patients underwent a total of 46 BAEs (9 were single-balloon enteroscopies [SBEs] and 37 were double-balloon enteroscopies [DBEs]). Mean age of patients was 66.4 ± 8.3 years. Patients tolerated anesthesia well, without complications. There were no complications from the BAE itself. One patient required repeat BAE due to a progressive drop in hemoglobin and another patient developed paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. One patient died within 72 hours of the procedure due to worsening of LVAD thrombosis. Diagnostic yields were 69.6 % for all procedures, 73.0 % for DBE and 55.6 % for SBE ( P = 0.309). Therapeutic yields were 67.4 % overall: 73.0 % for DBE and 44.4 % for SBE ( P = 0.102). In those that presented with overt gastrointestinal bleeding, DBE had a higher diagnostic yield compared to SBE (84.2 % vs. 42.9 %; P = 0.057) and a significantly higher therapeutic yield (84.2 % vs. 28.6 %; p = 0.014). Conclusions This is the largest multicenter study of patients with LVADs who underwent DBE. BAE appears to be a safe and useful modality for the evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients.
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Shafiq M, Zeb L, Cui G, Jawad M, Chi Z. High-Density pH-Auxostat Fed-Batch Culture of Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 with Acetic Acid as a Carbon Source. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2020; 192:1163-1175. [PMID: 32700201 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-020-03396-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 is an important strain for industrial production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is an important omega-3 fatty acid used in the nutraceutical and food industry. However, the high cost of carbon sources has limited its further application in the market with much larger volume, such as animal feed for aquaculture, poultry, and livestock. To seek low-cost carbon source, acetic acid is tested in the present study. The effect of different factors, including initial carbon source concentration, pH, aeration rate, and nitrogen sources, on biomass, lipid, and DHA production were tested. With optimized culture conditions, the biomass concentration of 146 g/L, total fatty acids (TFAs) of 82.3 g/L, and DHA content of 23.0 g/L were achieved with a pH-auxostat fed-batch cultivation. These results suggested that acetic acid is a promising feedstock for the low-cost production of DHA. Graphical Abstract.
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Zong Z, Tian C, Li J, Syed JH, Zhang W, Fang Y, Jiang Y, Nasir J, Mansha M, Rizvi SHH, Shafiq M, Farhan SB, Zhang G. Isotopic Interpretation of Particulate Nitrate in the Metropolitan City of Karachi, Pakistan: Insight into the Oceanic Contribution to NO x. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:7787-7797. [PMID: 32491845 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c00490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen oxide (NOx) abatement has become the focus of air quality management strategies. In this study, we examined NOx sources and the atmospheric conversion of NOx in Karachi, Pakistan, a megacity in South Asia with serious particulate pollution problems. Oceanic contributions to NOx were quantified for the first time based on a novel approach using nitrogen/oxygen isotopic analysis in nitrate (δ15N-NO3-; δ18O-NO3-) and a Bayesian model. Our results showed that δ15N-NO3- in Karachi varied between -10.2‰ and +12.4‰. As indicated by the δ18O-NO3- findings (+66.2 ± 7.8‰), the •OH pathway dominated NOx conversion throughout the nearly two-year observation, but high NO3- events were attributed to the O3 pathway. Coal combustion was the most significant source (32.0 ± 9.8%) of NOx in Karachi, with higher contributions in the autumn and winter; a similar situation occurred for biomass burning + lightning (30.3 ± 6.5%). However, mobile sources (25.2 ± 6.4%) and microbial processes (12.5 ± 7.5%) exhibited opposite seasonal trends. The oceanic contributions to NOx in Karachi were estimated to be 16.8%, of which lightning, shipping emissions, and microbial processes accounted for 20.3%, 46.3%, and 33.4%, respectively, emphasizing the dominance of shipping emissions as an oceanic NOx source.
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Akbar MA, Mahmood S, Shafiq M, Alsanad A, Alsanad AAA, Gumaei A. Identification and prioritization of DevOps success factors using fuzzy-AHP approach. Soft comput 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00500-020-05150-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hongfang G, Guanghui C, Khan R, Huanxia J, Jianxin Z, Abbas Raza SH, Ayaz M, Shafiq M, Zan L. Review: Molecular structure and functions of zinc binding metallothionein-1 protein in mammalian body system. PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2020; 33:1719-1726. [PMID: 33583807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Zinc a major trace element; perform diverse roles in genetics and physiology in almost every vital body system of the mammalian body. Zinc regulates the expression of almost all essential genes responsible for performing pivotal functions in mammal cells through provision of structural integrity to the major transcriptional factors Zn finger Proteins (ZnF) and gene regulation for production of metallothionein protein. Zinc performed at least eight vital functions in living organisms including gene regulation e.g., as a promoter through metal response elements, structural i.e. zinc-finger motifs, catalytic e.g., metalloenzymes, DNA and RNA polymerase, DNA replication, Growth promotion, antioxidant, regulate functions of central nervous system and also act as hepato-protectant and detoxifying agent. Almost all of these vital functions are regulated through metallothionein protein, a cysteine rich Zn binding protein. These functions are basic mechanism for sustaining life. Therefore, this review paper was planned with the objective to highlight the important functions of Zn inside the mammal's body with particular reference to the metallothionein protein. Bioinformatics study performed for estimation of conservation and evolution of this important protein shows its greater conservancies in six important mammalian species.
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Shen J, Shafiq M, Ma M, Chen H. Synthesis and Surface Engineering of Inorganic Nanomaterials Based on Microfluidic Technology. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1177. [PMID: 32560284 PMCID: PMC7353232 DOI: 10.3390/nano10061177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The controlled synthesis and surface engineering of inorganic nanomaterials hold great promise for the design of functional nanoparticles for a variety of applications, such as drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, and catalysis. However, owing to the inadequate and unstable mass/heat transfer, conventional bulk synthesis methods often result in the poor uniformity of nanoparticles, in terms of microstructure, morphology, and physicochemical properties. Microfluidic technologies with advantageous features, such as precise fluid control and rapid microscale mixing, have gathered the widespread attention of the research community for the fabrication and engineering of nanomaterials, which effectively overcome the aforementioned shortcomings of conventional bench methods. This review summarizes the latest research progress in the microfluidic fabrication of different types of inorganic nanomaterials, including silica, metal, metal oxides, metal organic frameworks, and quantum dots. In addition, the surface modification strategies of nonporous and porous inorganic nanoparticles based on microfluidic method are also introduced. We also provide the readers with an insight on the red blocks and prospects of microfluidic approaches, for designing the next generation of inorganic nanomaterials.
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Idrees M, Din HU, Rehman SU, Shafiq M, Saeed Y, Bui HD, Nguyen CV, Amin B. Electronic properties and enhanced photocatalytic performance of van der Waals heterostructures of ZnO and Janus transition metal dichalcogenides. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:10351-10359. [PMID: 32365147 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp01264e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Vertical stacking of two-dimensional materials into layered van der Waals heterostructures has recently been considered as a promising candidate for photocatalytic and optoelectronic devices because it can combine the advantages of the individual 2D materials. Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (JTMDCs) have emerged as an appealing photocatalytic material due to the desirable electronic properties. Hence, in this work, we systematically investigate the geometric features, electronic properties, charge density difference, work function, band alignment and photocatalytic properties of ZnO-JTMDC heterostructures using first-principles calculations. Due to the different kinds of chalcogen atoms on both sides of JTMDC monolayers, two different possible stacking patterns of ZnO-JTMDC heterostructures have been constructed and considered. We find that all these stacking patterns of ZnO-JTMDC heterostructures are dynamically and energetically feasible. Moreover, both ZnO-MoSSe and ZnO-WSSe heterostructures are indirect band gap semiconductors and present type-I and type-II band alignments for model-I and model-II, respectively. The Rashba spin polarization of the ZnO-WSSe heterostructure for model-I is greater than that in the others. Furthermore, valence (conduction) band edge potentials are calculated to understand the photocatalytic behavior of these systems. Energetically favorable band edge positions in ZnO-Janus heterostructures make them suitable for water splitting at zero pH. We found that the ZnO-Janus heterostructures are promising candidates for water splitting with conduction and valence band edges positioned just outside of the redox interval.
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Shah TM, Imran M, Atta BM, Ashraf MY, Hameed A, Waqar I, Shafiq M, Hussain K, Naveed M, Aslam M, Maqbool MA. Selection and screening of drought tolerant high yielding chickpea genotypes based on physio-biochemical indices and multi-environmental yield trials. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 20:171. [PMID: 32303179 PMCID: PMC7164285 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-020-02381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chickpea is one of the major legume crops being cultivated in the arid and semi-arid regions of Pakistan. It is mainly grown on the marginal areas where, terminal drought stress is one of the serious threats to its productivity. For defining the appropriate selection criteria for screening drought tolerant chickpea genotypes, present study was conducted. Distinct chickpea germplasm was collected from different pulses breeding institutes of Pakistan and evaluated for drought tolerance at germination and early seedling stages, furthermore, at late vegetative growth stages physiochemical traits and multi-environment yield performance were also tested. RESULTS Chickpea genotypes under different environments, were significantly varied for different seedling traits, physio-chemical attributes and seed yield. Genotypes showing drought tolerance by performing better at an early seedling stages were not correspondingly high yielding. Screening for drought tolerance on seed yield basis is the most appropriate trait to develop the drought tolerant as well as high yielding chickpea genotypes. Results confirmed that traits of early growth stages were not reflecting the drought tolerance at terminal growth stages and also did not confer high yielding. NIAB-rain fed environment proved ideal in nature to screen the chickpea genotypes whereas, NIAB-lysimeter and Kalur Kot was least effective for selecting genotypes with high seed yield. Genotypes D0091-10, K010-10, D0085-10, K005-10, D0078-10, 08AG016, 08AG004, D0080-10, 09AG002, K002-10 and D0099-10 were high yielding and drought tolerant based on their performance across multiple hotspot environments. CONCLUSIONS The selected genotypes are intended for further evaluation for varietal approval to recommend for general cultivation on farmer fields in drought hit areas of Pakistan. Among physio-biochemical traits, higher proline, glycine betain, RWC and CMS were reflecting the higher capability to tolerate the drought stress in chickpea. Drought sensitive genotypes (K0037-10, 2204, K0052-10, 09AG015, K0042-10, CM709/06, K0068-10, K004-10, K0026-10 and K0063-10) were also identified in present study which were resourceful asset for using as contrasting parents in hybridization programs. To our knowledge, this is first report using an integrated approach involving, physio-biochemical indices, and multi-environmental yield trials, for comparison, screening and selection of chickpea genotypes for drought tolerance.
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Alenazi MM, Shafiq M, Alsadon AA, Alhelal IM, Alhamdan AM, Solieman TH, Ibrahim AA, Shady MR, Al-Selwey WA. Improved functional and nutritional properties of tomato fruit during cold storage. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:1467-1474. [PMID: 32489282 PMCID: PMC7254041 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of synthetic antioxidants has been associated with serious concerns for human and environmental health. During ripening stages, tomato fruit is exposed to different abiotic stresses which not only influence its nutritional, mechanical, and functional properties at harvest, but also affect the quality and shelf life of the fruit during storage. This study investigated the pattern of changes in dietary antioxidants during various ripening stages of tomato fruit (cv. Red Rose) and their impact on storage behavior of the fruit during cold storage. Tomato fruits were harvested at mature green, breaker, turning, pink, light-red and red stages of maturity. Then, they were analysed for flesh firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, total sugars, pH, dry matter content, lipophilic (lycopene, β-carotene, and total carotenoids), and hydrophilic (ascorbic acid, phenolic and flavonoids) antioxidants. Additional fruits were harvested at each maturity stage and divided into three equal lots, then were subjected to low-temperature (10 ± 1 °C) storage with 80 ± 5% RH, for 7, 14, and 21 days. Flesh firmness, and the levels of dietary antioxidants were analysed following the subsequent storage periods. The results revealed that the peak of hydrophilic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids was between the ‘pink’ and the ‘light-red’ stages of fruit maturity. Whereas tomatoes harvested at the ‘red’ stage of maturity had the highest levels of lycopene and β-carotene. Both the stage of fruit maturity at harvest and duration of cold storage influenced flesh firmness, organoleptic and functional properties of ‘Red Rose’ tomato fruit. In conclusion, the results of the current investigation have practical implications in formulating foods with improved functional properties at processing industries.
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Khalil A, Salahuddin, Mashwani WK, Shafiq M, Hassan S, Kumam W. New advanced outliers detection tests. COMMUN STAT-THEOR M 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/03610926.2020.1741630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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174
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Shafiq M, Soratana K. Lean readiness assessment model – a tool for Humanitarian Organizations' social and economic sustainability. JOURNAL OF HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/jhlscm-01-2019-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purposepurpose of this study is to present a Lean Readiness Assessment Model (LRAM) for assessing the readiness of Humanitarian Organizations (HO) for adopting Lean Management (LM) (Johanson et al.) practices. Literature reveals that implementation of LM itself is a cost and most organizations have failed to adopt LM techniques due to a non-readiness status and a non-supportive organizational culture. This situation indicates that the assessment of organizations' readiness before implementation of lean techniques is necessary.Design/methodology/approachThis was an empirical quantitative study. Based on a synthesis of the literature, a conceptual model was developed by identifying seven critical success factors (CSFs). The CSFs were validated by HO professionals via a questionnaire-based survey. The data from the responses were analysed by applying partial least square structured equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using the SmartPLS3 software.FindingsA proven LRAM was constructed that consists of CSFs (independent and mediating variables), which have reflected positive coefficients and significant t >1.96 and p < 0.05 values. The CSFs that are significant include process management, planning and control management, customer relationship management, human resource management, communication and coordination management and a positive organizational culture. The CSFs of supplier relationship and top management and leadership had insignificant t and p values and were dropped from the final LRAM.Originality/valueThis is a unique and rare study in its nature which developed LRAM for HO sector. The contribution of this model is to improve the efficiency and sustainability (economic and social aspects) of an HO under scarce resource conditions.
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Khalil A, Ijaz M, Ali K, Mashwani WK, Shafiq M, Kumam P, Kumam W. A novel flexible additive Weibull distribution with real-life applications. COMMUN STAT-THEOR M 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/03610926.2020.1732658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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