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Saeed AM, Bentzen SM, Ahmad H, Pham L, Woodworth GF, Mishra MV. Systematic review and pooled analysis of the impact of treatment-induced lymphopenia on survival of glioblastoma patients. Radiat Oncol 2024; 19:36. [PMID: 38481255 PMCID: PMC10938829 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-023-02393-3] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Treatment related lymphopenia is a known toxicity for glioblastoma (GBM) patients and several single-institution studies have linked lymphopenia with poor survival outcomes. We performed a systematic review and pooled analysis to evaluate the association between lymphopenia and overall survival (OS) for GBM patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). MATERIALS/METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review of the MEDLINE database and abstracts from ASTRO, ASCO, and SNO annual meetings was conducted. A pooled analysis was performed using inverse variance-weighted random effects to generate a pooled estimate of the hazard ratio of association between lymphopenia and OS. RESULTS Ten of 104 identified studies met inclusion criteria, representing 1,718 patients. The lymphopenia cutoff value varied (400-1100 cells/uL) and as well as the timing of its onset. Studies were grouped as time-point (i.e., lymphopenia at approximately 2-months post-RT) or time-range (any lymphopenia occurrence from treatment-start to approximately 2-months post-RT. The mean overall pooled incidence of lymphopenia for all studies was 31.8%, and 11.8% vs. 39.9% for time-point vs. time-range studies, respectively. Lymphopenia was associated with increased risk of death, with a pooled HR of 1.78 (95% CI 1.46-2.17, P < 0.00001) for the time-point studies, and a pooled HR of 1.38 (95% CI 1.24-1.55, P < 0.00001) for the time-point studies. There was no significant heterogeneity between studies. CONCLUSION These results strengthen observations from previous individual single-institution studies and better defines the magnitude of the association between lymphopenia with OS in GBM patients, highlighting lymphopenia as a poor prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Saeed
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Maryland Proton Treatment Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S M Bentzen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - H Ahmad
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - L Pham
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - G F Woodworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M V Mishra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Maryland Proton Treatment Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Bilal M, Ali H, Hassan HU, Khan SU, Ghafar R, Akram W, Ahmad H, Mushtaq S, Jafari H, Yaqoob H, Khan MM, Ullah R, Arai T. Cadmium (Cd) influences calcium (Ca) levels in the skeleton of a freshwater fish Channa gachua. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e264336. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.264336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Environmental contamination with heavy metals is a threat to the organisms due to their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation in food chains. The study was aimed to assess cadmium (Cd) effect on calcium (Ca) level in bones of a freshwater fish Channa gachua. 42 fish individuals were kept into six (6) aquaria; labelled aq.0, 1, 2, 3,4 and 5 in the laboratory for treatment. Aq.0 was control group and aq.1, 2,3,4,5 were experimental with treatment solution of Cd 0, 0.1ppm, 0.5ppm, 1ppm, 2.5ppm and 5ppm respectively for three months. After exposure, bones tissue were examined for Cd accumulation and Ca concentration. Highest accumulation of Cd were recorded in aq.5 mean 46.86 ± 0.46 mgkg-1 .and lowest in the control group with mean 0.61 ± 0.06 mgkg-1. The order of Cd bioaccumulation in bones were aq.5 > aq.4 >aq.3 > aq.2 > aq.1 > aq.0. Highest concentration of Ca were noted in aq.0 (Control group) mean 7888.06 ± 4827.22 mgkg-1 and lowest were 1132.36 ± 203.73 mgkg-1 in aq.5 (at 5.0 ppm). Generally a pattern of decreasing Ca level were observed with each rise of Cd bioaccumulation aq.0 > aq.1 > aq.2 > aq.3 > aq.4 > aq.5. Current study indicated that Cd accumulation have substantial effect on Ca level in bones and hence on skeleton system. Strict rules must be implemented by government to control metals pollution and exploitations of biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Bilal
- Government College University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - H. Ali
- University of Malakand, Pakistan
| | - H. U. Hassan
- University of Karachi, Pakistan; Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | - S. Mushtaq
- Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - R. Ullah
- Government College University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - T. Arai
- Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei
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Abdel-Aziz MFA, Zied RMA, Hassan HU, Sayed AEDH, Ahmad H, Mushtaq S, Yaqoob H, Habib A, Arai T. Effects of replacement of dietary fish oil with plant oil on growth performance and fatty acid composition of spinefoot rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e262969. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.262969] [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: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract A 95-day feeding study was carried out to evaluate the impact of complete replacement of fish oil by plant oils in the growth performance, feed consumption fatty acid and body composition of juvenile rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus. There were four treatments i.e., A (fish oil diet), (linseed oil diet), C (soybean meal oil diet) and D (sunflower oil diet). The experimental trial was conducted in twelve 1.5-m3 fiber glass tanks (n=3). Spinefoot rabbitfish juveniles had an average initial weight of 0.948 g ± 0.124 g and they were stocked at 50 fish per tank. Fish fed diet A showed significantly better growth rate, final body weight, and total body weight than fish fed on the other diets. Moreover, the best FCR was observed for diet A followed by diet C and diets B and D had the worst FCR. Fish body composition for crude protein, dry matter, ashes and gross energy at the end of the trial had not differed between the treatments. The highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was found in fish fed diet A followed in decreasing order by diets D, B, and C. Fish oil is a better dietary lipid source for Spinefoot rabbitfish juveniles, Siganus rivulatus, than plant oils. Among plant oils, soybean oil was better than linseed oil and sunflower oil as the main dietary fat source.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. F. A. Abdel-Aziz
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt; Arish University, Egypt
| | | | - H. U. Hassan
- University of Karachi, Pakistan; Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Pakistan
| | | | | | - S. Mushtaq
- Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Pakistan
| | | | - A. Habib
- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - T. Arai
- Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei
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Hassan HU, Mawa Z, Ahmad N, Zulfiqar T, Sohail M, Ahmad H, Yaqoob H, Bilal M, Rahman MA, Ullah N, Hossain MY, Habib A, Arai T. Size at sexual maturity estimation for 36 species captured by bottom and mid-water trawls from the marine habitat of Balochistan and Sindh in the Arabian Sea, Pakistan, using maximum length (Lmax) and logistic (L50) models. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e262603. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.262603] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate the size at first sexual maturity (Lm) for 36 species belonging to 24 families from the marine habitat of Balochistan and Sindh in Arabian Sea, Pakistan through maximum length based an empirical and logistic model using commercial catch during June 2020 to May 2021. Individual total length (TL) was noted up to 0.1 cm using measuring broad. The Lm was calculated using two formulae; (i) log (Lm) = - 0.1246 + 0.9924 * log (Lmax) for Elasmobranchs and (ii) log (Lm) = -0.1189 + 0.9157* log (Lmax) for ray-finned fishes. The minimum Lm was recorded as 10.27 cm TL for Caranx malabaricus and 108.38 cm TL for Isurus oxyrinchus, respectively. Around Lm with 58.33% species were ranges from 19.00 cm to 25.00 cm TL. This study was estimated 16 newly Lm which is globally absent and rest 20 Lm are absent in the Arabian Sea (Pakistan coastal habitats). Therefore, the results will be helpful for the sustainable management and conservation of these marine fishes through the establishment of mesh size of trawl nets based on the size at sexual maturity (Lm).
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Affiliation(s)
- H. U. Hassan
- University of Karachi, Pakistan; Ministry of National Food Security and Research Fisheries, Pakistan
| | - Z. Mawa
- University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - M. Sohail
- Government Postgraduate College Sahiwal, Pakistan
| | | | | | - M. Bilal
- Government College University Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - N. Ullah
- University of Malakand, Pakistan
| | | | - A. Habib
- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - T. Arai
- Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam
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Ahmad H, Pouseele B. Partial bicorporeal uterus with unexpected cervical findings and a longitudinal obstructing vaginal septum - a case report. Facts Views Vis Obgyn 2023; 15:175-179. [PMID: 37436057 PMCID: PMC10410652 DOI: 10.52054/fvvo.15.2.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mullerian duct anomalies are prevalent in 4-7% of the female population and come in many different shapes and forms. A lot of effort has already gone into trying to classify these anomalies, and some are still found that do not match any of the subcategories. We report a 49-year-old patient, presenting with abdominal pressure and recent onset of abnormal vaginal bleeding. A laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed, which revealed a U3a-C(?)-V2 mullerian anomaly with three cervical ostia. The origin of the third ostium remains unclear. Early and correct diagnosis of Mullerian anomalies is of the utmost importance to provide individually tailored care and to avoid unnecessary surgeries.
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Farooqui AK, Ahmad H, Rehmani MU, Husain A. Quick and easy method for extraction and purification of Pfu-Sso7d, a high processivity DNA polymerase. Protein Expr Purif 2023; 208-209:106276. [PMID: 37156451 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2023.106276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction is an extensively used technique with numerous applications in the field of biological sciences. In addition to naturally occurring DNA polymerases with varying processivity and fidelity, genetically engineered recombinant DNA polymerases are also used in PCR. The Pfu-Sso7d, a fusion DNA polymerase, is obtained by the fusion of Sso7d, a small DNA binding protein, to the polymerase domain of the Pfu DNA polymerase. Pfu-Sso7d is known for its high processivity, efficiency, and fidelity. Expensive commercial variants of Pfu-Sso7d are sold under various trade names. Here, we report a quick, cost and time-efficient purification protocol and an optimized buffer system for Pfu-Sso7d. We evaluated precipitation efficiencies of varying concentrations of ethanol and acetone and compared the activities of the precipitated enzyme. Although both the solvents efficiently precipitated Pfu-Sso7d, acetone showed better precipitation efficiency. Purified Pfu-Sso7d showed excellent activities in the PCR of templates with varying lengths and GC contents. We also report a buffer system that works with Pfu-Sso7d as efficiently as commercially available buffers. This quick and efficient purification scheme and buffer system will provide researchers cost-efficient access to fusion polymerases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afreen Kamal Farooqui
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Haleema Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Mohd Umar Rehmani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Afzal Husain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
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Ahmad H, Mubarak F, Almaftool W. Work stress among physicians, dubai health authority, in the year 2018-2019. CM 2023. [DOI: 10.18137/cardiometry.2023.26.198206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Work stress is a significant problem that affects physicians. Multiple sources can contribute to this problem. High-stress rates among physicians can manifest in various expressions, including cognitive, behavioral, and somatic expressions. Work performance and quality of medical care administered to patients can be undermined by over-stressed physicians. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of stress among physicians working in governmental health facilities in Dubai (2018-2019) and their relationship with socio-demographic and job factors. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study. This study population includes all physicians practicing in Dubai Health Authority hospitals and primary health care centers in the Year 2018-2019. Target Number is 1337 taken from the registry of Dubai health authority administration, but only 668 questionnaires were included with a RR of 49.9%. The data tool used in this study is a modified self-administered questionnaire from both validated health and safety executive (Barbaranelli et al., 2018) occupational stress and stress questionnaire by International Stress Management Association UK 2013. It consists of 22 items which were divided into demographic, stress indicators, factors, and other domains. They were distributed as hard copies by hand. Findings: The study concluded that 40.2% were more likely to experience stress, while 59.8% were most prone to stress. Furthermore, the study showed a strong association with different factors such as the role of managers, shift duty, and multi-task work. Conclusion: Work stress is a prevalent problem among physicians working at Dubai health authority. The stress is associated with factors: such as multi-task work, shift hours’ duties, time pressure, and the role of line manager. Implications for Occupational Health Nursing Practice or Implications for Occupational Health Practice: Healthier working environment will promote the well-being of its staff and ensure the proper delivery of care to the community.
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Maulana MR, Sugiman S, Ahmad H, Jaini ZM, Mansor H. Strength Prediction of Notched Foamed Concrete Beam Strengthened with KFRP Plates under Flexural Load. Arab J Sci Eng 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s13369-023-07688-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
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Ahmad H, Zia B, Husain H, Husain A. Recent Advances in PROTAC-Based Antiviral Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020270. [PMID: 36851148 PMCID: PMC9958553 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous mysteries of cell and molecular biology have been resolved through extensive research into intracellular processes, which has also resulted in the development of innovative technologies for the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Some of the deadliest diseases, accounting for a staggering number of deaths, have been caused by viruses. Conventional antiviral therapies have been unable to achieve a feat in combating viral infections. As a result, the healthcare system has come under tremendous pressure globally. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover and develop newer therapeutic approaches against viruses. One such innovative approach that has recently garnered attention in the research world and can be exploited for developing antiviral therapeutic strategies is the PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTAC) technology, in which heterobifunctional compounds are employed for the selective degradation of target proteins by the intracellular protein degradation machinery. This review covers the most recent advancements in PROTAC technology, its diversity and mode of action, and how it can be applied to open up new possibilities for creating cutting-edge antiviral treatments and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Bushra Zia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Hashir Husain
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Afzal Husain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
- Correspondence:
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Ahmad H, Crotts MS, Jacobs JC, Baer RW, Cox JL. Shikonin Causes Non-apoptotic Cell Death in B16F10 Melanoma. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2023; 23:1880-1887. [PMID: 37393553 DOI: 10.2174/1871520623666230701000338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma treatment is highly resistant to current chemotherapeutic agents. Due to its resistance towards apoptotic cell death, non-apoptotic cell death pathways are sought after. OBJECTIVE We investigated a Chinese herbal medicine, shikonin, and its effect on B16F10 melanoma cells in vitro. METHODS Cell growth of B16F10 melanoma cells treated with shikonin was analyzed using an MTT assay. Shikonin was combined with necrostatin, an inhibitor of necroptosis; caspase inhibitor; 3-methyladenine, an inhibitor of autophagy; or N-acetyl cysteine, an inhibitor of reactive oxygen species. Flow cytometry was used to assess types of cell death resulting from treatment with shikonin. Cell proliferation was also analyzed utilizing a BrdU labeling assay. Monodansylcadaverine staining was performed on live cells to gauge levels of autophagy. Western blot analysis was conducted to identify specific protein markers of necroptosis including CHOP, RIP1, and pRIP1. MitoTracker staining was utilized to identify differences in mitochondrial density in cells treated with shikonin. RESULTS Analysis of MTT assays revealed a large decrease in cellular growth with increasing shikonin concentrations. The MTT assays with necrostatin, 3-methyladenine, and N-acetyl cysteine involvement, suggested that necroptosis, autophagy, and reactive oxygen species are a part of shikonin's mechanism of action. Cellular proliferation with shikonin treatment was also decreased. Western blotting confirmed that shikonin-treated melanoma cells increase levels of stress-related proteins, e.g., CHOP, RIP, pRIP. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that mainly necroptosis is induced by the shikonin treatment of B16F10 melanoma cells. Induction of ROS production and autophagy are also involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, A.T. Still University, 800 West Jefferson Street, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA
| | - Megan S Crotts
- Department of Biochemistry, A.T. Still University, 800 West Jefferson Street, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA
| | - Jena C Jacobs
- Department of Biochemistry, A.T. Still University, 800 West Jefferson Street, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA
| | - Robert W Baer
- Department of Physiology Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, 800 West Jefferson Street, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA
| | - James L Cox
- Department of Biochemistry, A.T. Still University, 800 West Jefferson Street, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA
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Rashid G, Khan NA, Elsori D, Rehman A, Tanzeelah, Ahmad H, Maryam H, Rais A, Usmani MS, Babker AM, Kamal MA, Hafez W. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and biomarkers: A new paradigm in colorectal cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1130710. [PMID: 36950511 PMCID: PMC10025514 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1130710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a sporadic, hereditary, or familial based disease in its origin, caused due to diverse set of mutations in large intestinal epithelial cells. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly disease that accounts for the 4th worldwide highly variable malignancy. For the early detection of CRC, the most common predictive biomarker found endogenously are KRAS and ctDNA/cfDNA along with SEPT9 methylated DNA. Early detection and screening for CRC are necessary and multiple methods can be employed to screen and perform early diagnosis of CRC. Colonoscopy, an invasive method is most prevalent for diagnosing CRC or confirming the positive result as compared to other screening methods whereas several non-invasive techniques such as molecular analysis of breath, urine, blood, and stool can also be performed for early detection. Interestingly, widely used medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation have reported chemopreventive impact on gastrointestinal malignancies, especially CRC in several epidemiological and preclinical types of research. NSAID acts by inhibiting two cyclooxygenase enzymes, thereby preventing the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) and causing NSAID-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition in CRC cells. This review paper majorly focuses on the diversity of natural and synthetic biomarkers and various techniques for the early detection of CRC. An approach toward current advancement in CRC detection techniques and the role of NSAIDs in CRC chemoprevention has been explored systematically. Several prominent governing mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of NSAIDs and their synergistic effect with statins for an effective chemopreventive measure have also been discussed in this review paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowhar Rashid
- Department of Amity Medical School, Amity University, Gurugram, India
- *Correspondence: Gowhar Rashid,
| | - Nihad Ashraf Khan
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Central University, New Delhi, India
| | - Deena Elsori
- Faculty of Resillience, Deans Office Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Andleeb Rehman
- Department of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, India
| | - Tanzeelah
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Haleema Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh, India
| | - Humaira Maryam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh, India
| | - Amaan Rais
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh, India
| | - Mohd Salik Usmani
- The Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, JNMCH, AMU, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Asaad Ma Babker
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Azhar Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael Hafez
- Department of Internal Medicine, NMC Royal Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- The Medical Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, The National Research Center, Ad Doqi, Egypt
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Goel A, Malik A, Bandyopadhyay D, Gupta R, Hajra A, Krishnan AM, Singhal M, Ahmad H. Trends in outcomes, complications and readmission rates in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a nationwide analysis from 2012 to 2019. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.2096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has evolved over the years from a procedure requiring surgical vascular access and general anesthesia, to one that can be completed entirely percutaneously with conscious sedation. Advancement in procedural techniques and operator experience has resulted in better outcomes for patients undergoing TAVI.
Purpose
The purpose of our study was to analyze the trends over the years in outcomes, complications and unplanned readmission rate in patients undergoing TAVI.
Methods
The United States Nationwide Readmission Database for the years 2012 to 2019 was queried to identify all adult patients who underwent elective TAVI. The primary outcome of the study was inpatient mortality during TAVI hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural complications (like acute kidney injury, bleeding requiring transfusion, need for permanent pacemaker implantation, stroke), length of stay, hospitalization cost, and unplanned 30-day readmission rate. Appropriate International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 and ICD-10) codes were used to identify comorbidities and complications.
Results
A total of 283,409 patients who underwent TAVI were included in the study. The baseline characteristics of these patients are shown in picture 1. The inpatient mortality during TAVI admission declined steadily and significantly from 5.3% in the year 2012 to 0.0% in the year 2019 (p value for trend <0.001). There was a significant reduction in peri-TAVI occurrence of acute kidney injury (from 18.1% in 2012 to 8.7% in 2019), bleeding requiring transfusion (from 28.0% in 2012 to 4.3% in 2019), and stroke (from 1.8% in 2012 to 0.1% in 2019) (p value for trend <0.001 for all). Periprocedural conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation increased from 7.4% in 2012 to 12.1% in 2015, before coming down to 8.9% in 2019 (p value for trend <0.001). The mean length of hospital stay and inflation-adjusted costs during admission for TAVI decreased from 9.6 days and $64,695 in the year 2012, to 3.6 days and $49,710 in the year 2019, respectively (p value for both <0.001). The unplanned 30-day all-cause readmission rate after TAVI also reduced steadily and significantly from 18.2% in 2012 to 11.5% in 2019 (p value <0.001).
Conclusion
Over the years, there has been a significant reduction in inpatient mortality, periprocedural complications (such as acute kidney injury, need for blood transfusion, stroke), length of hospital stay, and inflation-adjusted hospital costs in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Furthermore, there has been a significant decline in the 30-day unplanned readmission rate after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Goel
- Westchester Medical Center , Valhalla , United States of America
| | - A Malik
- Westchester Medical Center , Valhalla , United States of America
| | - D Bandyopadhyay
- Westchester Medical Center , Valhalla , United States of America
| | - R Gupta
- Lehigh Valley Hospital , Allentown , United States of America
| | - A Hajra
- Jacobi Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , United States of America
| | - A M Krishnan
- The University of Vermont Medical Center , Burlington , United States of America
| | - M Singhal
- Cape Fear Valley Medical Center , Fayetteville , United States of America
| | - H Ahmad
- Westchester Medical Center , Valhalla , United States of America
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Goel A, Malik A, Bandyopadhyay D, Chakraborty S, Gupta R, Hajra A, Abbott JD, Ahmad H. Same-day discharge following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a propensity-matched analysis from national readmission database. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.1582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The length of hospital stay following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has decreased in recent years, and next-day discharge strategy is being increasingly adopted in some centers. Whether it is safe to further expedite discharge post-TAVR in selected patients by allowing discharge on the same day as the procedure remains unknown. In addition to potentially decreasing hospitalization costs, it could also limit the inpatient footprint and strain on healthcare resources.
Purpose
The purpose of our study was to compare the 30-day readmission rate in patients receiving TAVR who were discharged the same day (same-day discharge or SDD group) with those who were discharged on a different day (different-day discharge or DDD group). Additionally, we aimed to identify risk factors for readmission after TAVR.
Methods
We used the United States Nationwide Readmission Database to identify all adults who underwent elective TAVR in the years 2015–2019. The primary outcome of this study was all-cause 30-day readmission rate. The secondary outcomes were total hospital costs for the index admission, and risk factors for 30-day readmission. Propensity score matching was conducted to compare the SDD and DDD groups. Independent risk factors of 30-day readmission were identified using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis of the unmatched cohort.
Results
Of the 196,618 patients who received TAVR (mean age 79.5±8.4 years, 45.0% females), 245 (0.12%) patients were discharged on the same day they received TAVR (SDD group), and the remaining 196,373 were discharged on a different day (DDD group). In the DDD group, the median length of hospital stay was 2 days (interquartile range 1–4 days). A 1:3 propensity score analysis generated a matched cohort including 245 and 889 patients in the SDD and DDD groups, respectively. The 30-day readmission rate was similar between the SDD and DDD groups (11.0% versus 10.8%, hazard ratio [HR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–1.71, p=0.989). Hospitalization costs were significantly lower in the SDD group than the DDD group ($37,811±18,029 versus $49,130±27,007, p<0.001) (see Picture 1). Age, female gender, history of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic pulmonary disease, oxygen use, prior stroke, peripheral vascular disease, anemia, liver disease, and cancer were found to be independent risk factors for 30-day readmission after TAVR (see Picture 2).
Conclusion
In this large nationwide database analysis, patients receiving uncomplicated TAVR who were discharged on the same day as the procedure had a similar all-cause 30-day readmission rate and significantly lower hospital costs compared to those discharged on a different day. These results indicate that same-day discharge after TAVR may be a safe and feasible option in carefully selected patients.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Goel
- Westchester Medical Center , Valhalla , United States of America
| | - A Malik
- Westchester Medical Center , Valhalla , United States of America
| | - D Bandyopadhyay
- Westchester Medical Center , Valhalla , United States of America
| | - S Chakraborty
- Miami Valley Hospital , Columbus , United States of America
| | - R Gupta
- Lehigh Valley Hospital , Allentown , United States of America
| | - A Hajra
- Jacobi Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , United States of America
| | - J D Abbott
- Brown University , Providence , United States of America
| | - H Ahmad
- Westchester Medical Center , Valhalla , United States of America
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14
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Elamin A, Ahmad H, Muhammed E, Anwar S, Lipp G, Appleby C. Comparison between 2 futility scores in comatosed survivors of out of hospital cardiac arrest in a large tertiary centre in the United Kingdom: MIRACLE2 vs NULL-PLEASE. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.1322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The management of patients presenting with an out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is resource intensive, and mortality remains very high. Several scoring systems have been developed to predict mortality and adverse neurological outcomes, and thus aid decision making for patients arriving to heart attack centres. Two of the most commonly used scoring systems are NULL-PLEASE (1) and MIRACLE2 (2).
Purpose
The MIRCALE2 score predicts poor neurological outcome at 6 months, as measured by Cerebral Performance Category (CPC). The NULL-PLEASE score predicts in-hospital morality. We aimed to compare both scores in predicting their primary end-points in a large tertiary centre in the UK.
Method and results
This was a retrospective analysis of 435 patient who were admitted with OHCA via the primary PCI pathway to a large tertiary cardiac centre between January 2016 and September 2020. Only comatosed OHCA survivors requiring pre-hospital ventilatory support were included. 319 patients were eligible 238 patients had complete set of data and were included in the final analysis.
The association of the primary outcome was examined using logistic regression analysis. The predictive ability of the scores for the primary endpoint was tested using AUC analysis.
In-hospital mortality was 45% (108 patients), with 53% having good neurological outcome at 6 months (CPC <3). The median MIRACLE2 score for our cohort was 5 (total score 10). The median neurological outcome measured by CPC was 2. The median NULL-PLEASE score was 2 (total 14). A ROC curve for both scores was plotted, with area under the curve at 0.73 for the MIRACLE2, and 0. 0.81 for NULL-PLEASE (figure 1 and 2). Our final analysis demonstrated a MIRACLE2 score of 5 or more had sensitivity of 67% to predict poor neurological outcome (CPC 3–5). The NULL-PLEASE, score of >3 had 74% sensitivity to predict in hospital mortality.
Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the MIRCLE2 and NULL-PLEASE scoring systems. Both scores did not perform as expected in our large retrospective analysis. The NULL-PLEASE was more sensitive in predicting in-hospital mortality, although MIRACLE 2 score was easier to use as it had less variables to collect.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Elamin
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - H Ahmad
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - E Muhammed
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - S Anwar
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - G Lipp
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - C Appleby
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital , Liverpool , United Kingdom
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15
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Talha KA, Hasan MF, Selina F, Ahmad H, Kaiser FR, Erica KT. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Personality Types of Female Intern Doctors and Their Specialty Preference. Mymensingh Med J 2022; 31:806-811. [PMID: 35780367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types were established in 1940s. Career planning of doctors were found related to the MBTI personality. There are 16 subtypes of MBTI based on 4 dichotomies. Relationship between MBTI and career choice has been changed gradually in last few decades. Extroverted doctors are supposed to select surgery and introverted are prone to choose medicine according to MBTI study. This was a cross-sectional study on the female interns of Sylhet Women's Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from September 2021 to November 2021, to evaluate their MBTI personality type and the career planning of these individual subtypes. Commonest subtypes of participants ISTP (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving) (14.13%) and ESTP (Extraverted, Observant, Thinking and Prospecting) (14.13%). Other common MBTI personality subtypes were ISTJ (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking and Judgment) (9.78%), ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving) (8.69%), ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling and Judging) (6.52%), ENTP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking and Perceiving) (5.43%), INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling and Judging) (5.43%), INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking and Judging) (5.43%) and ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling and Judging) (5.43%). Introverted (57.7%) participants were more than extroverted (42.3%) participants. Percentage of general surgery and OBG were higher in the extroverted group and the percentage of medicine was more in the introverted group but the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The career planning of ENFJ, ENFP, ESTP and ISTJ subtypes of participants of this study had similarity of those of MBTI database.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Talha
- Dr Khandaker Abu Talha, Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Sylhet Women's Medical College, Sylhet, Bangladesh; E-mail:
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16
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Ab. Rahim H, Ahmad H, Wahab N, Ab. Rahim M. Development of Kaya Slice (coconut jam slice): evaluation of physicochemical,
sensory evaluation and macronutrients composition when cooperated with
gelatin. Food Res 2022. [DOI: 10.26656/fr.2017.6(2).240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Kaya Slice is a nutritious traditional breakfast-on-the-go that was innovated from the
traditional kaya. In this study, the traditional kaya was transformed into square shape
gelatin to make it a more convenient and ready-to-eat breakfast. A total of six
formulations were developed by using commercial and fresh coconut milk together with
different percentages of gelatin (2%, 4%, and 6%). This insight was investigated by
sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic and scoring test in descriptive data set. The
best formulation obtained from the evaluation of 35 panellists was then characterized in
terms of physicochemical properties (Texture Profile Analysis (firmness), Brix, Protein,
Fat, Fiber, and Calories). From the descriptive data, all formulations were accepted by the
panellist. Nevertheless, ANOVA analysis indicated that C2 (commercial coconut milk +
4% of gelatin) is the best formulation. In macronutrient analysis, Kaya Slice was found to
have good dietary fibre content (0.11 g/100 g), high-fat content (0.49 g/100 g), protein
content (0.32 g/100 g) compare to the commercial kaya (0.00 g/100 g), (1.00 g/100 g), and
(0.00 g/100 g) respectively. Low-calorie content in Kaya Slice with 45 % of °Brix value is
the minimal degree of Brix and the texture was softer (hardness) (significantly different
(p<0.05)) to commercially processed cheese slice as standard. Overall, Kaya Slice has a
great potential in becoming new emergent of traditional nutritious breakfast on the go.
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17
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Ahmad S, Zainab, Ahmad H, Khan I, Alghamdi S, Almehmadi M, Ali M, Ullah A, Hussain H, Khan NM, Ali F, Ahmad M. Green synthesis of gold nanaoparticles using Delphinium Chitralense tuber extracts, their characterization and enzyme inhibitory potential. BRAZ J BIOL 2022; 82:e257622. [PMID: 35293518 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.257622] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Green synthesis has been introduced as an alternative to chemical synthesis due to the serious consequences. Metal nanoparticles synthesized through green approach have different pharmaceutical, medical and agricultural applications. The present study followed a green and simple route for the preparation of potentially bioactive gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Au NPs were prepared via green synthesis approach using crude basic alkaloidal portion of the tuber of Delphinium chitralense. The green synthesized Au NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. Morphological analysis shows that Au NPs have cubic geometry with different sizes. UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis confirmed the synthesis of Au NPs while XRD proved their pure crystalline phase. The Au NPs showed promising dose dependent inhibition of both AChE and BChE as compared to the crude as well as standard drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ahmad
- University of Malakand, Department of Chemistry, Chakdara, Dir (L), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.,Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Department of Pharmacy, Dir (Upper), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zainab
- University of Malakand, Department of Chemistry, Chakdara, Dir (L), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - H Ahmad
- University of Malakand, Department of Chemistry, Chakdara, Dir (L), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - I Khan
- Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Department of Chemistry, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - S Alghamdi
- Umm Al-Qura University, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Laboratory Medicine Department, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Almehmadi
- Taif University, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Ali
- University of Malakand, Department of Chemistry, Chakdara, Dir (L), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - A Ullah
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Department of Pharmacy, Dir (Upper), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - H Hussain
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Department of Pharmacy, Dir (Upper), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - N M Khan
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Department of Agriculture, Dir (Upper), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - F Ali
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Department of Chemistry, Dir (Upper), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - M Ahmad
- University of Malakand, Department of Chemistry, Chakdara, Dir (L), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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18
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Ahmad H, Azri MFM, Ramli R, Samion MZ, Yusoff N, Lim KS. 2 μm passively mode-locked thulium-doped fiber lasers with Ta 2AlC-deposited tapered and side-polished fibers. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21278. [PMID: 34711908 PMCID: PMC8553755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99928-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, mode-locked thulium-doped fiber lasers operating in the 2 µm wavelength region were demonstrated using tantalum aluminum carbide (Ta2AlC)-based saturable absorbers (SAs) utilizing the evanescent wave interaction. The Ta2AlC MAX Phase was prepared by dissolving the Ta2AlC powder in isopropyl alcohol and then deposited onto three different evanescent field-based devices, which were the tapered fiber, side-polished fiber, and arc-shaped fiber. Flame-brushing and wheel-polishing techniques were used to fabricate the tapered and arc-shaped fibers, respectively, while the side-polished fiber was purchased commercially. All three SA devices generated stable mode-locked pulses at center wavelengths of 1937, 1931, and 1929 nm for the tapered, side-polished, and arc-shaped fibers. The frequency of the mode-locked pulses was 10.73 MHz for the tapered fiber, 9.58 MHz for the side-polished fiber, and 10.16 MHz for the arc-shaped fiber. The measured pulse widths were 1.678, 1.734, and 1.817 ps for each of the three SA devices. The long-term stability of the mode-locked lasers was tested for each configuration over a 2-h duration. The lasers also showed little to no fluctuations in the center wavelengths and the peak optical intensities, demonstrating a reliable, ultrafast laser system.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ahmad
- Photonics Research Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - M F M Azri
- Photonics Research Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - R Ramli
- Photonics Research Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M Z Samion
- Photonics Research Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N Yusoff
- Photonics Research Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - K S Lim
- Photonics Research Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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19
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Pengiran H, Kamaldin J, Leo BF, Ahmad H. Larvicidal efficacy of temephos impregnated onto kenaf cellulose nanofibre to control Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae. Trop Biomed 2021; 38:453-461. [PMID: 34608119 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.3.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Larviciding is an effective control method in managing mosquito-borne diseases. However, most of the current larvicide formulations have raised environmental concerns due to the presence of non-biodegradable inert or carrier materials. Therefore, the utilisation of biodegradable natural cellulosic fibres has created much attention. This study aims to evaluate the application of biodegradable kenaf cellulose nanofibre (KCNF) in larvicide formulation where the larvicide, namely temephos, is impregnated onto the fibre matrix (KCNF+T). The bioefficacy of the formulation was evaluated against Aedes aegypti ( A. aegypti) mosquito larvae. The presence of the temephos on the KCNF was evaluated through micro- morphological analysis using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM), while the quantity of temephos impregnated, released, and retained on the fibres upon dispersion in water were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was observed that 97% of the temephos (0.1 mg) were impregnated on the KCNF. Upon dispersion in water, 53% of the temephos were released from the KCNF+T and the retention of temephos on the KCNF+T gradually decreased to 30%, 17%, and 7% on the first, third, and fifth month, respectively. Exposure of the A. aegypti larvae to the KCNF+T at concentrations ranging between 0.006 to 0.01 mg/L was effective in killing A. aegypti larvae at 17-25 folds as compared to using the temephos without KCNF. Microscopic examination revealed the accumulation of the KCNF on the larval appendages. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the utilisation of KCNF in pesticide formulation is an effective way of delivering the temephos to control A. aegypti mosquito larva.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Pengiran
- Advanced Medical and Dental Insitute, University Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.,Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, University Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - J Kamaldin
- Advanced Medical and Dental Insitute, University Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - B F Leo
- Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre (NANOCAT), University Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - H Ahmad
- Vector Control Research Unit (VCRU), School of Biological Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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20
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Porter G, Murphy E, Adamu F, Dayil PB, De Lannoy A, Han S, Mansour H, Dungey C, Ahmad H, Maskiti B, S C, Van der Weidje K. Women's mobility and transport in the peripheries of three African cities: Reflecting on early impacts of COVID-19. Transp Policy (Oxf) 2021; 110:181-190. [PMID: 35721253 PMCID: PMC9188408 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.05.025] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper reflects on the mobility experiences of women in African cities in COVID-19, based on research conducted both prior to and following entry into the COVID-19 'moment'. It draws on material collected during an ongoing action research study aimed at addressing the everyday transport and mobility challenges faced by young women living in poor peripheral communities of three African cities - Abuja, Cape Town and Tunis. The project has the specific objective of supporting young women's improved access to employment opportunities through trialling various mobility/transport-related skills interventions (based on prior in-depth analysis of mobility constraints). With the onset of COVID-19 some readjustments to the research focus and planned interventions became necessary. The research teams, together with an NGO partner, are now working to chart how young women's everyday experiences of mobility and transport - both as transport users and as transport sector workers - are changing as processes of lockdown and their relaxation evolve. The paper covers the period from early 2019 through to March 2021, and offers reflections regarding 'lived experiences' of mobility practice pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and the potential longer-term mobility-related impacts for women resident in low-income neighbourhoods in a post-COVID-19 era. This leads to consideration of key policy lessons. There is potential for prioritisation of Non-Motorised Transport interventions towards a green restart that would benefit women (for instance through promoting women's cycling), and for growing women's participation as transport operators, even perhaps the usage of drones to aid women's safer pedestrian travel. But such interventions will require far greater representation of women in COVID-19 and wider transport decision-making entities than has hitherto been the case.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - F Adamu
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | - H Ahmad
- University of Abuja, Nigeria
| | - B Maskiti
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
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21
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Ullah N, Kakakhel MA, Bai Y, Xi L, Khan I, Kalra BS, Kumar T, Ahmad H, Shah M, Guanlan L, Zhang C. Prevalence of active HCV infection and genotypic distribution among the general population of district Mardan, Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e244977. [PMID: 34287506 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.244977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ullah
- Lanzhou University, School of Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - M A Kakakhel
- Lanzhou University, School of Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Y Bai
- Lanzhou University, School of Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - L Xi
- Lanzhou University, School of Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - I Khan
- Lanzhou University, School of Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - B S Kalra
- Virtual University of Pakistan, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - T Kumar
- Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Lanzhou, P.R. China.,Lanzhou University, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - H Ahmad
- Hazara University Mansehra, Department of Genetics, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - M Shah
- University of Swat, Centre for Animal Sciences and Fisheries, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - L Guanlan
- Lanzhou University, School of Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - C Zhang
- Lanzhou University, School of Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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22
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Xia Q, Campbell JA, Ahmad H, Palmer AJ. Comment on: Bariatric surgery is expensive but improves co-morbidity: 5-year assessment of patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Br J Surg 2021; 108:e280. [PMID: 34115829 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab164] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Q Xia
- Health Economics Research Group, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - J A Campbell
- Health Economics Research Group, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - H Ahmad
- Health Economics Research Group, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - A J Palmer
- Health Economics Research Group, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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23
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Ahmad H, Ramli R, Ismail NN, Aidit SN, Yusoff N, Samion MZ. Passively mode locked thulium and thulium/holmium doped fiber lasers using MXene Nb 2C coated microfiber. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11652. [PMID: 34078979 PMCID: PMC8172565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90978-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As a result of the emergence of two-dimensional (2D) materials for various opto-electronics applications, a new class of materials named MXenes have been attracting interests due to their outstanding nonlinear properties. In this work, an MXene niobium carbide (Nb2C) was proposed and demonstrated as a saturable absorber to induce mode-locking in thulium- and thulium/holmium-doped fiber lasers. The Nb2C solution was first prepared using the liquid exfoliation technique, and then deposited onto a microfiber for integration into the laser cavity. Stable mode-locking operation was observed in both laser cavities, where the center wavelengths of the laser were recorded at 1944 nm for the TDFL and 1950 nm for the THDFL. The generated pulses in the TDFL and THDFL had repetition rates of 9.35 and 11.76 MHz respectively, while their corresponding pulse widths were 1.67 and 1.34 ps. Both of the lasers were highly stable, having SNR values of more than 52 dB and showed no major fluctuations when tested for their long-term stabilities. The results demonstrate an excellent performance of the Nb2C as a saturable absorber, offering opportunities to further explore MXenes for future photonics devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ahmad
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Physics Dept, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - R Ramli
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N N Ismail
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S N Aidit
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N Yusoff
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M Z Samion
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Pius C, Ahmad H, Snowdon R, Ashrafi R, Waktare J, Borbas Z, Luther V, Mahida S, Modi S, Hall M, Gupta D, Todd D. Assessing atrial fibrillation ablation priority during COVID-19 -does use of patient questionnaires help in stratification above physician assessment? Europace 2021. [PMCID: PMC8194591 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab116.292] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is largely offered for symptomatic relief. The ORBIT registry has shown that patients with a higher EHRA class and lower quality of life (QoL) scores (AFEQT score <65.7) are more likely to suffer emergency hospital admissions. To help prevent unplanned AF admissions and to best utilise the reduced capacity for elective work during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more important to prioritise the most symptomatic AF patients for ablation. Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of a subjective symptom-based clinician prioritisation schema compared to objective patient-completed quality of life (QoL) scores. Methods: In July 2020, all elective cases awaiting AF ablation at our institution were categorised by their cardiologist as either category 1 (C1-urgent), category 2 (C2–priority, procedure to be done during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic) or category 3 (C3–routine, procedure may be delayed until post pandemic). This categorisation was based on review of clinic letters where EHRA AF symptom class or PROMS are not routinely recorded. All patients in C2 and C3 were then posted an AF specific (AFEQT) and a generic (EQ5D) QoL questionnaire to complete. Physicians were blinded to patient responses on the QoL questionnaires. Results: Details of physician prioritisation and completed questionnaires were available for 85 patients (62 ± 10 years, PAF in 61%, males 66%). The 18 patients that had been categorised in C2 (priority) group were found to have a significantly lower AFEQT score (30.4, IQR 17.2-51.9) compared to the 67 patients classed in C3 (routine) group (56.5, IQR 32.1-74.1; p < 0.01)(Figure 1a). EQ5D scores also tended to be lower in the C2 patients (0.7, IQR 0.4-0.8) compared to C3 (0.8, IQR 0.6-0.9; p = 0.056) (Figure 1c). 16 (89%) patients in C2 had significant AF-related impact on QoL (as defined as AFEQT score <65.7) compared to 42 (63%) of patients in C3. However, there was significant overlap between groups (Figure 1b). 4 patients in C3 had unplanned AF related hospital admissions while awaiting ablation, as compared to none in C2. The median AFEQT score of these 4 patients was 23.3, indicating that they were highly symptomatic despite being classified in C3 by their cardiologist. Conclusion : Physician assessments are moderately accurate in prioritising patients awaiting AF ablation. The addition of formal patient-completed QoL assessment such as with AFEQT, helps to identify the most symptomatic patients at risk of emergency hospital admission, and physicians should consider using these as part of routine assessment, especially during the COVID pandemic.
Abstract Figure 1 ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pius
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - H Ahmad
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - R Snowdon
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - R Ashrafi
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - J Waktare
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - Z Borbas
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - V Luther
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - S Mahida
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - S Modi
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - M Hall
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - D Gupta
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - D Todd
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
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Ahmad H, Aidit SN, Ooi SI, Samion MZ, Wang S, Wang Y, Sahu JK, Zamzuri AK. 1.3 µm dissipative soliton resonance generation in Bismuth doped fiber laser. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6356. [PMID: 33737528 PMCID: PMC7973808 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, a Figure-9 (F9) bismuth-doped fiber laser (BiDFL) operating in the dissipative soliton resonance (DSR) regime is presented. The 1338 nm laser used a BiDF as the active gain medium, while a nonlinear amplifying loop mirror (NALM) in an F9 configuration was employed to obtain high energy mode-locked pulses. The wave breaking-free rectangular pulse widened significantly in the time domain with the increase of the pump power while maintaining an almost constant peak power of 0.6 W. At the maximum pump power, the mode-locked laser delivered a rectangular-shaped pulse with a duration of 48 ns, repetition rate of 362 kHz and a radio-frequency signal-to-noise ratio of more than 60 dB. The maximum output power was recorded at around 11 mW with a corresponding pulse energy of 30 nJ. This is, to the best of the author's knowledge, the highest mode-locked pulse energy obtained at 1.3 μm as well as the demonstration of an NALM BiDFL in a F9 configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ahmad
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - S N Aidit
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S I Ooi
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M Z Samion
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S Wang
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Y Wang
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - J K Sahu
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - A K Zamzuri
- Physics Department, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
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Ahmad H, Venugopal K, Bhat AH, Kavitha K, Ramanan A, Rajagopal K, Srinivasan R, Manikandan E. Enhanced Biosynthesis Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) for their Antifungal Activity Toxicity against Major Phyto-Pathogens of Apple Orchards. Pharm Res 2020; 37:246. [PMID: 33215292 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02966-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study made an attempt to develop copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP) with antifungal property using green synthesis method. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) botanically synthesized using Neem leaf extract (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) were characterized by using different techniques like; UV-visible spectrophotometry, FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM. METHODS Materials were chosen the disease free and fresh Azadirachta indica A. Juss were collected and identified at Center of Biodiversity and Taxonomy. The plant samples were vigorously washed with distilled water then shade dried followed by sterilization with 0.1% mercuric chloride for 20 s and again it was washed with distilled water. 15 g powder form of plant material was added to 200 ml double distilled, CO2 free and deionized water and kept in shaker at 80°C and 1500 rpm for six hours. After agitation, the extract was separated by regular centrifugation at 10,000 rpm followed by filtration by using whatmann filter paper. The final volume of 100 ml of supernatant was collected as pure extract and stored in cool place for further use. RESULTS The final results confirm a significant inhibition of CuO-NPs for the test fungi. Additionally, CuO-NPs demonstrated an enhanced effect when combined with Neem leaf extract. A total of 20-30% improvement in activity was noticed after combination, which correlates with commonly used synthetic fungicides. The toxicity results reveal that A. indica extract and their combined fractions with CuO-NP were less toxic to the test seeds of experimental plant while as bulk Cu followed by biosynthesized CuO-NPs influenced the germination rate as compared to control pots. CONCLUSIONS The study drops a concern of research and offers a promising route of developing Copper based green fungicides that can help to combat with modern issues of synthetic fungicides. An average size of 80 ± 15 nm monoclinic cupric oxide (CuO) and cubic cuprous oxides (Cu2O) nanocrystals that existed in mixed form were successfully developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Vels Institute of Science Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavarm, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), 600117, India.
| | - K Venugopal
- Department of Biotechnology, Vels Institute of Science Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavarm, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), 600117, India
| | - A H Bhat
- Division of Plant Pathology, SK University of Agriculture Science and Technology Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - K Kavitha
- Department of Microbiology, Madras Christian College (MCC), Tambaram, Chennai, TN, 600059, India
| | - A Ramanan
- Tamil Nadu State Council for Science & Technology (TNSCST), DOTE Campus, Chennai, TN, 600025, India
| | - K Rajagopal
- Department of Botany (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology) Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chennai, India
| | - R Srinivasan
- Tamil Nadu State Council for Science & Technology (TNSCST), DOTE Campus, Chennai, TN, 600025, India
| | - E Manikandan
- Department of Biotechnology, Vels Institute of Science Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavarm, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), 600117, India.
- Department of Physics, Thiruvalluvar University College for Arts & Science (TUCAS), Thennangur, (Affiliated: Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore), Thennangur, Tamil Nadu, 604408, India.
- UNESCO-UNISA AFNET in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO BOX 392, Pretoria, South Africa.
- Avanz Bio Private Ltd., East Tambaram, MES Road, Near to MCC College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600059, India.
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Ahmad H, van der Mei I, Taylor B, Zhao T, Palmer A. PMU23 Measurement of Health-Related Quality of Life in Australians with Progressive Onset Multiple Sclerosis. Value Health Reg Issues 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2020.07.381] [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: 11/27/2022]
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Ahmad H, Kamely AA, Yusoff N, Bayang L, Samion MZ. Generation of Q-switched Pulses in Thulium-doped and Thulium/Holmium-co-doped Fiber Lasers using MAX phase (Ti 3AlC 2). Sci Rep 2020; 10:9233. [PMID: 32514045 PMCID: PMC7280305 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66141-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A MAX phase Ti3AlC2 thin film is demonstrated as a saturable absorber (SA) to induce Q-switching in the 2.0 μm region. The Ti3AlC2 thin film is sandwiched between two fiber ferrules and integrated into thulium doped fiber laser (TDFL) and thulium-holmium doped fiber laser (THDFL) cavities. Stable Q-switched pulses are observed at 1980.79 nm and 1959.3 nm in the TDFL and THDFL cavities respectively, with repetition rates of 32.57 kHz and 21.94 kHz and corresponding pulse widths of 2.72 μs and 3.9 μs for both cavities. The performance of the Ti3AlC2 based SA for Q-switching operation indicates the high potential of other MAX phase materials to serve as SAs in future photonics systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ahmad
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Physics Dept., Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - A A Kamely
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N Yusoff
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - L Bayang
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M Z Samion
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Ahmad H, Gohar A. MICROSCOPIC POLYANGIITIS PRESENTING WITH RESPIRATORY FAILURE AND SKIN LESIONS. Chest 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.05.405] [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: 10/24/2022] Open
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Ahmad H, Gohar A. BILATERAL INTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN THROMBOPHLEBITIS: LEMIERRE’S SYNDROME. Chest 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.05.103] [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: 10/24/2022] Open
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Ahmad H, Al-Alimi AW. Wide multiwavelength Brillouin-Raman fiber laser assisted by an arc-shaped fiber attenuator. Appl Opt 2020; 59:1876-1884. [PMID: 32225704 DOI: 10.1364/ao.380663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A wide bandwidth, single-spacing half-open-cavity multiwavelength Brillouin-Raman fiber laser (MWBRFL) is demonstrated. The laser cavity contains a fiber loop mirror (FLM) with an arc-shaped optical fiber attenuator that is used to control the mirror reflectivity, thereby suppressing gain competition from longitudinal cavity modes. A tuning range of 45 nm with 632 lines at Raman and 1525 nm Brillouin pump powers of 1.2 W and 12 dBm can be achieved using the 10 dB arc-shaped optical fiber attenuator in the cavity. This is in comparison to 433 Stokes lines obtained over a 31 nm tuning range for the half-open MWBRFL cavity without any feedback power optimization. The MWBRFL has low power fluctuations of less than 0.1 dB over a 1 h test period. The inclusion of the arc-shaped optical fiber attenuator in the MWBRFL provides substantial control over the reflectivity of the FLM as well as improving the laser's tuning range to generate a high number of Brillouin Stokes signals.
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Ahmad H, Bandi S. M247 RAPID IMMUNOGLOBULIN LOSS IN A PATIENT WITH PROTEIN-LOSING ENTEROPATHY. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2019.08.219] [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: 10/25/2022]
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Muhamad J, Ahmad H, Abd Aziz A. A triangulation for passive design strategies in public hospital. IOP Conf Ser : Earth Environ Sci 2019; 385:012025. [DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/385/1/012025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
This study touches on passive design elements used at the preparatory design stage of public hospital in Malaysia. Passive design is an aspect of sustainable architecture that needs to be understood and adopted in an environmentally sensitive architectural design. The most common problem is that the designers do not have proper guidelines for passive design to help them in designing a public hospital. Currently there is no comprehensive guidelines on passive design or sustainable architecture that may help designers. This consequently affects the increase of energy usage in hospitals. The intent of this study is to furnish evidence that the initial process of systematic design and guidance is essential in planning for a sustainable public hospital environment. In this study, the researcher uses a mixed method to obtain outcome for guideline. Through this method, a combination of qualitative and quantitative metadata to foster effective interventions to improve the quality of environmental friendly hospital design. The conclusions obtained from this study are to assist in the process of more efficient public hospital design. In addition to making these passive design guidelines as helpful in providing explanations and working to ensure that the guideline produced has credibility and meet the criteria.
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Mahmood SB, Ahmad H, Wu J, Haselby D, LeClaire MM, Nasr R. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: can it cause membranous nephropathy? Scand J Rheumatol 2019; 48:256-257. [PMID: 30907692 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2019.1580765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S B Mahmood
- a Department of Internal Medicine , Hennepin County Medical Center , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - H Ahmad
- a Department of Internal Medicine , Hennepin County Medical Center , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - J Wu
- b Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology , Hennepin County Medical Center , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - D Haselby
- b Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology , Hennepin County Medical Center , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - M M LeClaire
- c Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care , Hennepin County Medical Center , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - R Nasr
- d Department of Internal Medicine Division of Rheumatology , Hennepin County Medical Center , Minneapolis , MN , USA
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Ahmad H, Eschelman D, McKee T, Adamo R, Orloff M, Ford R, Sato T, Gonsalves C. 03:45 PM Abstract No. 321 Relationship between onset of liver metastases and survival after liver-directed therapy for treatment of uveal melanoma. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2018.12.389] [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: 11/28/2022] Open
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Ford R, Gonsalves C, Adamo R, Ahmad H, Orloff M, Sato T, Eschelman D. 03:09 PM Abstract No. 317 Prolonged survival after treatment of hepatic uveal melanoma metastases using immunoembolization. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2018.12.385] [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: 10/27/2022] Open
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Ahmad H, Gonzalez-Estrada A. ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS, ASTHMA, BRONCH: ROCK BEATS ASTHMA. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2018.09.294] [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: 10/27/2022]
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Ahmad H, Reduan SA, Ooi SI, Ismail MA. Mechanically exfoliated In 2Se 3 as a saturable absorber for mode-locking a thulium-doped fluoride fiber laser operating in S-band. Appl Opt 2018; 57:6937-6942. [PMID: 30129580 DOI: 10.1364/ao.57.006937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The rise of 2D materials since the discovery of graphene has been exponential. Their mechanical, electrical and optical properties are exceptional, similar to their 3D counterparts. In this paper, an α-In2Se3 crystal is mechanically exfoliated and transferred directly onto a fiber ferrule to serve as a saturable absorber (SA). A thulium-doped fluoride fiber is used as a gain medium to generate mode-locked pulses together with the In2Se3-based SA. The SA has a modulation depth of 14.6% and a saturation intensity of 0.4 kW/cm2. The passively generated mode-locked pulses have a repetition rate of 6.93 MHz and a pulse width of 5.79 ps. The mode-locked pulses also have a signal-to-noise ratio of 65.4 dB and a time-bandwidth product of 0.36. The pulse energy and peak power are 0.179 nJ and 27.2 W, respectively.
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Badar N, Salman M, Ansari J, Bashir U, Mushtaq N, Ahmad H, Ikram A. Chikungunya virus: A major threat to human population and its molecular epidemiology in pakistan. Int J Infect Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.04.3847] [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: 10/28/2022] Open
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Song ZH, Cheng K, Zheng XC, Ahmad H, Zhang LL, Wang T. Effects of dietary supplementation with enzymatically treated Artemisia annua on growth performance, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of heat-stressed broilers. Poult Sci 2018; 97:430-437. [PMID: 29077887 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is considered as one of the main target organs affected by heat stress. Phytogenic feed additives containing phenolics and flavonoids can improve the resistance of broilers to heat stress. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with enzymatically treated Artemisia annua (EA) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, immunity and antioxidant capacity of broilers challenged with heat stress. One hundred and forty-four 21-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly distributed into 3 treatments: 1) non-challenged control (CON); 2) heat-stress-challenged control (HS); and 3) heat-stress-challenged group + 1 g EA/kg diet (HS-EA). From 22 to 41 d, broilers in the CON group were housed at 22 ± 1°C, the HS and HS-EA groups, in which broilers were raised at 34 ± 1°C for 8 h (0900-1700 h) and the temperature for the rest time was the same as that of the CON group. The EA supplementation alleviated the compromised body weight gain and intestinal morphology impairment caused by heat stress challenge (P < 0.05). The EA attenuated heat-stress-induced decreased intestinal lipase, trypsin and total superoxide dismutase activities, and reduced intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and IgG concentrations (P < 0.05). The EA inclusion prevented the elevation of intestinal malondialdehyde content and reduction of intestinal glutathione concentration induced by heat stress challenge (P < 0.05). The intestinal mRNA abundances of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase 1, glutathione peroxidase, gamma-glutamyl cysteine ligase larger catalytic subunit and gamma-glutamyl cysteine ligase smaller modulator subunit in heat-stressed broilers were increased in response to dietary EA treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 1 g/kg EA could alleviate heat-stress-induced compromised growth performance and intestinal damage of broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z H Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - K Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - X C Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - H Ahmad
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - L L Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - T Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Ishak A, Ahmad H, Mohamed NI, Rosman NA. The effects of different volumes of dynamic stretching on 20-M repeated sprint ability performance. J Fundam and Appl Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.4314/jfas.v9i6s.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Isa E, Rahman MBA, Ahmad H. Silica coated ionic liquid templated mesoporous silica nanoparticles. J Fundam and Appl Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.4314/jfas.v9i6s.16] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
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44
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Salmah M, Adam N, Muhamad R, Lau W, Ahmad H. Infestation of fruit fly, Bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) on mango ( Mangifera indica L.) in peninsular Malaysia. J Fundam and Appl Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.4314/jfas.v9i2s.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
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45
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Isaac I, Osaro E, Adias T, Isezua S, Imoru M, Udomah F, Ahmad H, Makusidi M, John R. Prevalence of Clinically Significant Alloantibodies among Transfusion Requiring Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.9734/ibrr/2017/29073] [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: 11/09/2022]
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46
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Hasni N, Abd-Rahman R, Ahmad H, Jamail N, Kamaruddin MS, Ridzwan S. Investigation of Potential Grounding Compound for Portable Applications. IJECE 2017; 7:3140. [DOI: 10.11591/ijece.v7i6.pp3140-3146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
<span>This paper applies to the electrical engineering world by making earthing system portable in providing low and acceptable resistance path. The system is develop in a small scale portable earthing system against the massiveness of Earth and becomes leverage if soil at the place is not suitable for plant grounding system. Hence, this paper presents findings on the research of new grounding medium material that will be housed in a small scale enclosure which behaves like native earth related earthing system by using kaolin and bauxite. The data obtained from lightning flashover testing, morphological and chemical composition of material analysis indicated that bauxite is more useful for portable grounding system application much better than kaolin in term of zero reference point function. The portable earthing system can be apply to air aviation systems , railway systems and military sectors particularly for electronic equipment zero referencing.</span>
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Ahmad H, Khalique A, Naveed S, Zia MW, Rasool Z, Zahid U, Moeed A. Efficacy of a Synthetic Antioxidant Treatment in Stabilizing Poultry Byproduct Meal and Subsequent Impact of the Treated Meal on Selected Growth Parameters of Broilers. Rev Bras Cienc Avic 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2016-0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H Ahmad
- University ofVeterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - A Khalique
- University ofVeterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - S Naveed
- University ofVeterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - MW Zia
- University ofVeterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | | | | | - A Moeed
- Technical University Munich, Germany
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48
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Ahmad H, Sharbirin AS, Samion MZ, Ismail MF. All-fiber multimode interferometer for the generation of a switchable multi-wavelength thulium-doped fiber laser. Appl Opt 2017; 56:5865-5870. [PMID: 29047907 DOI: 10.1364/ao.56.005865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A compact all-fiber multimode interferometer (MMI) designed to produce a switchable multi-wavelength thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) is proposed and demonstrated. The TDFL fiber ring cavity employs a 60-cm-long multimode fiber into the cavity to induce multimode interference and provide intensity-dependent loss in order to generate a multi-wavelength output. The suppression of mode competition and the overall stability of the TDFL are further improved by exploiting the filtering capability of a Sagnac loop. By increasing the pump power, a switchable wavelength output is allowed with a wavelength spacing of ∼1.8 nm. At 361 mW input pump power, nine laser lines are generated, with a maximum signal-to-noise ratio value of ∼36 dB and an output power of 3.3 mW. The multi-wavelength TDFL also exhibits great stability in one-hour operation with a wavelength drift of 0.2 nm. The proposed multi-wavelength TDFL has potential to be employed in future thulium-doped fiber amplifier-based telecommunication infrastructure and also may be applicable in areas such as sensing and spectroscopy, largely associated with its 2 μm wavelength output.
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Venugopal K, Ahmad H, Manikandan E, Thanigai Arul K, Kavitha K, Moodley MK, Rajagopal K, Balabhaskar R, Bhaskar M. The impact of anticancer activity upon Beta vulgaris extract mediated biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (ag-NPs) against human breast (MCF-7), lung (A549) and pharynx (Hep-2) cancer cell lines. J Photochem Photobiol B 2017; 173:99-107. [PMID: 28570910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The present study tried for a phyto-synthetic method of producing silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) with size controlled as and eco-friendly route that can lead to their advanced production with decorative tranquil morphology. By inducing temperature fluctuation of the reaction mixture from 25 to 80°C the plasmon resonance band raised slowly which had an ultimate effect on size and shape of Ag-NPs as shown by UV-visible spectroscopy and TEM results. The biosynthesized nanoparticles showed good cytotoxic impact against MCF-7, A549 and Hep2 cells compared to normal cell lines. Compared to control plates, the percentage of cell growth inhibition was found to be high with as concentrations of Ag-NPs becomes more as determined by MTT assay. The AO/EtBr staining observations demonstrated that the mechanism of cell death induced by Ag-NPs was due to apoptosis in cancer cells. These present results propose that the silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) may be utilized as anticancer agents for the treatment of various cancer types. However, there is a need for study of in vivo examination of these nanoparticles to find their role and mechanism inside human body. Further, studies we plan to do biomarker fabrication from the green synthesized plant extract nanoparticles like silver, gold and copper nanoparticles with optimized shape and sizes and their enhancement of these noble nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Venugopal
- Dept of Biotechnology, Vels University, Chennai -600117, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - H Ahmad
- Plant Virology and Molecular Pathology Lab, Division of Plant Pathology, SKUAST-K, Srinagar, India
| | - E Manikandan
- Dept of Physics, TUCAS Campus, Thennangur, -604408, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - K Thanigai Arul
- Dept of Physics, AMET University, Kanathur, Chennai -60000, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K Kavitha
- Dept of Microbiology, Madras Christian College (MCC), Tambaram, Chennai -600059, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M K Moodley
- School of Chemistry & Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - K Rajagopal
- Dept of Biotechnology, Vels University, Chennai -600117, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Balabhaskar
- Dept of Biochemistry, SRM Arts and Science College, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Bhaskar
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Dept of Zoology, S.V. University, Tirupati -517502, India
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Ahmad H, Reduan SA, Zulkifli AZ, Tiu ZC. Tunable passively Q-switched thulium-fluoride fiber laser in the S+/S band (1450.0 to 1512.0 nm) region using a single-walled carbon-nanotube-based saturable absorber. Appl Opt 2017; 56:3841-3847. [PMID: 28463277 DOI: 10.1364/ao.56.003841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A tunable passively Q-switched for S+/S band thulium-fluoride fiber (TFF) laser using single-walled carbon nanotubes as a saturable absorber is proposed and demonstrated. The tunability of the proposed laser covers a wavelength region of 1450.0-1512.0 nm, with a range of 62.0 nm. Stable Q-switched operation can be obtained at a pump power of 115.7-229.9 mW at 1492.0 nm. The resulting pulses have a measured repetition rate and pulse width of 12.0-36.4 kHz and 6.2-3.6 μs, respectively. The maximum pulse energy that was achieved in this experiment is 122.8 nJ. To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported tunable passively Q-switched TFF laser that covers the S+/S region that has been demonstrated.
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