Publications by authors named "Ikram-Ul Haq"
The aim of the present research was the efficient degradation of industrial textile wastewater dyes using a very active cloned laccase enzyme. For this purpose, potent laccase-producing bacteria were isolated from soil samples collected from wastewater-replenished textile sites in Punjab, Pakistan. The laccase gene from locally isolated strain LI-81, identified as , was cloned into vector pET21a, which was further transformed into BL21 codon plus.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAntibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a powerful class of targeted cancer therapies that harness the specificity of monoclonal antibodies to deliver cytotoxic payloads directly to tumor cells, minimizing off-target effects. This review explores the advancements in ADC technologies, focusing on advancing next-generation ADCs with novel payloads, conjugation strategies, and enhanced pharmacokinetic profiles. In particular, we highlight innovative payloads, including microtubule inhibitors, spliceosome modulators, and RNA polymerase inhibitors, that offer new mechanisms of cytotoxicity beyond traditional apoptosis induction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection affecting heart valves and implantable electronic devices, identified mainly through echocardiography.
- However, echocardiography has limitations in detecting issues related to prosthetic valves or devices, leading to increased use of cardiac CT and PET/CT scans.
- This review explores different guidelines on using multimodal imaging for diagnosing, managing complications, monitoring treatment, and predicting outcomes of IE.
Article Synopsis
- Researchers aimed to create models to predict major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in lung and breast cancer patients after chest radiation therapy (RT).
- The study analyzed data from patients treated at Mayo Clinic between 2010 and 2014, identifying key risk factors and developing two predictive models: one for use before therapy (C2AD) and another following treatment (C2AD2).
- Both models effectively categorized patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups for post-RT MACCE, showing significant correlations with patient survival outcomes and making them useful tools for clinical decisions.
Aim: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis and scientometric evaluation of the top 100 most cited publications in the field of implant prosthodontics, authored by individuals affiliated with nations of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Materials And Methods: In October 2023, the 100 most cited articles were gathered from the Web of Science database using the bibliometric research technique. The analysis was conducted on bibliometric indicators, including the distribution of articles over time, authorship, design of study, field of study, nature of research, contribution from various countries in MENA, international research collaboration, and most frequently used keywords by authors.
Article Synopsis
- Researchers cloned and overexpressed a stable lipase enzyme called TnLip from the bacterium Thermotoga naphthophila, which is notable for its high activity and stability at extreme temperatures and pH levels.
- TnLip shows impressive resistance to commercial detergents and enhances its activity with various solvents and salts, making it highly effective for applications in cleaning and fat degradation.
- The enzyme demonstrated significant hydrolytic activity with specific substrates, efficiently breaking down animal fats and oil stains, suggesting its potential use in laundry detergents and environmental cleanup efforts.
Glucose-derived acids for the further production of value-added medicine, food additives, and polymers, will promote lignocellulosic biomass biorefinery industry. In response to the diversity and complexity, a new method was established by employing high performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) coupled with a CarboPac™ PA200 column, for the precise and fast determination of glucose, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, 2-ketogluconic acid, 5-ketogluconic acid and glucaric acid. Based on the analysis of tiny varieties in retention behavior, a gradient elution mode was designed and optimized for the quantitative and qualitative analysis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRole of microbial laccases in valorization of lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol.
Front Bioeng Biotechnol
July 2024
The persistent expansion in world energy and synthetic compounds requires the improvement of renewable alternatives in contrast to non-sustainable energy wellsprings. Lignocellulose is an encouraging feedstock to be utilized in biorefineries for its conversion into value-added products, including biomaterials, biofuels and several bio-based synthetic compounds. Aside from all categories, biofuel, particularly bioethanol is the most substantial fuel derived from lignocellulosic biomass and can be obtained through microbial fermentation.
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- A prolyl oligopeptidase domain known as TpS9 from Thermotoga petrophila RKU-1 was successfully over-expressed in a mesophilic host, showing high activity and stability as a lipolytic enzyme.
- The enzyme belongs to the α/β-hydrolase superfamily and exhibits notable enhancements in activity with various metal ions, organic solvents, and pH conditions, making it versatile for different applications.
- TpS9 showed excellent potential for cleaning, effectively degrading stubborn stains and animal fats, positioning it as a promising bio-additive for detergents and other industrial uses.
Article Synopsis
- * A significant increase in orthodontics research output was observed, with Arab nations contributing 5.02% to global research and experiencing a rise from 1.24% to 10.94% of publications.
- * Saudi Arabia was the most productive country, while collaboration with the U.S. was common; however, documents co-authored with Turkey had the highest citation impact, indicating an upward trend in research quality and collaboration.
Article Synopsis
- Anthropogenic activities have shifted focus from natural fuels to renewable energy, highlighting the need for heat-stable cellulases like cellobiohydrolase, essential for breaking down cellulosic biomass.
- The research involved cloning the cabinohydrolase gene from the thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor bescii into E. coli, resulting in an enzyme (CbCBH) that shows peak activity at 65°C and pH 6.0, with significant stability in high temperatures.
- The study optimized conditions for saccharifying pretreated sugarcane bagasse using CbCBH, achieving a saccharification efficiency of 28.45%, suggesting its potential application in the biofuel
Article Synopsis
- Hemicellulases are enzymes that break down hemicelluloses, which are common polysaccharides, and thermophilic hemicellulases from microbes are being researched for their potential in biofuel production due to their heat resistance and structural complexity.
- Recent studies are focused on understanding how these enzymes work, their stability at high temperatures, and their specific functions, which could lead to advancements in biotechnology and industrial applications.
- The article emphasizes the importance of improving thermophilic hemicellulases for eco-friendly catalysis and highlights challenges like high costs and the need for efficient bioprocesses using microbial consortia to make biofuel production more commercially viable.
Article Synopsis
- - Esterases are enzymes that break down ester bonds into water-soluble compounds and are widely used in various industries due to their commercial value and versatility.
- - Microbial esterases are preferred in industrial applications because they are cost-effective, provide high yields, and are not affected by seasonal changes.
- - As industries increasingly focus on eco-friendly practices, the review highlights the importance of bacterial esterases in various sectors, explores their structural properties and recent research advancements for optimizing their use.
Article Synopsis
- The study examines gender variation and citation impact in dental research, focusing on the growing influence of female authors in the Saudi Dental Journal from 2009 to 2021.
- Using bibliometric analysis, the research analyzed 625 publications, revealing a significant increase in publications and the representation of female authors, who went from 0.47 to 2.23 authors per paper over the years.
- The findings highlight a trend of increasing female authorship, contributing to a diverse academic landscape and enhancing the evolution of dental science.
Article Synopsis
- Okra is a widely consumed vegetable facing challenges from salinization and climate change, necessitating the development of salt-tolerant cultivars for sustainable production.
- A study evaluated 100 okra genotypes for salt tolerance by assessing their morphological and physio-biochemical responses under controlled and saline conditions.
- Results revealed significant genetic variability among genotypes, with five genotypes (95, 111, 133, 99, and 128) demonstrating both high yield and salt tolerance, essential for breeding efforts.
Objectives: The Level of Evidence (LOE) ranking system is used to measure the methodological quality of research. This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the trends of LOEs in articles published in the Saudi Dental Journal (SDJ) between 2012 and 2021.
Methodology: The bibliometric details of all articles published from 2012 to 2021 were extracted from the SDJ website.
Aim: Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the supporting and investing structures of the teeth including the gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. The current study aimed to scrutinize the bibliometric indicators of the 100 most-cited articles on periodontics contributed by authors affiliated with the Arab countries.
Research Methodology: The bibliometric research method was used for the 100 most-cited articles retrieved from the Scopus database on May 9, 2023.
Article Synopsis
- Excessive fossil fuel use is leading to environmental issues and a pressing need to transition to renewable energy sources, particularly from lignocellulosic biomass.
- The study investigates the joint production of biohydrogen and biomethane using a lesser-studied halophyte, optimizing various reaction parameters like temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.
- Optimal conditions resulted in a significant increase in both biohydrogen (66 mL) and biomethane (343 mL) yields, showcasing the halophyte's potential as a valuable renewable energy source.
Article Synopsis
- DNA polymerases are essential enzymes that replicate genetic information in nucleic acids, ensuring that every living cell can accurately copy its genomic DNA during cell division.
- Thermostable DNA polymerases are particularly valuable in biotechnology and molecular biology, facilitating techniques like DNA cloning, sequencing, and PCR.
- Research continues into the discovery and engineering of various DNA polymerases, with ongoing studies aimed at understanding their specialized functions and developing new applications for them.
Article Synopsis
- Despite advancements in health care, the rise of viral infections poses significant challenges in terms of health and financial burdens globally, particularly highlighted by over ten major epidemics in the 21st century, including COVID-19.
- The emergence of new viral strains and drug-resistant paths necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies, including the development of multi-target antiviral drugs inspired by natural resources and modern gene therapy techniques.
- The review covers the mechanisms of viral infections, advances in detection strategies, current approaches to combat these pathogens, their limitations, and novel potential treatment targets.
Atrial Appendage Aneurysms: Natural History and Outcomes.
World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg
July 2023
Background: Left (LAAA) and right atrial appendage aneurysms (RAAA) are rare entities, and their natural history, management, and long-term outcomes are not well studied.
Methods: This retrospective review includes all patients from 2000 to 2021 with atrial appendage aneurysms at our institution identified using an electronic search tool. LAAA and RAAA were confirmed using multimodality imaging and intraoperative findings.
Effect of pretreatment strategies on halophyte to improve saccharification using thermostable cellulases.
Front Bioeng Biotechnol
February 2023
Bioethanol is believed to be an influential revolutionary gift of biotechnology, owing to its elevating global demand and massive production. Pakistan is home to a rich diversity of halophytic flora, convertible into bounteous volumes of bioethanol. On the other hand, the accessibility to the cellulosic part of biomass is a major bottleneck in the successful application of biorefinery processes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA low temperature alkali (LTA) pretreatment method was used to treat wheat straw. In order to obtain good results, different factors like temperature, incubation time, NaOH concentration and solid to liquid ratio for the pretreatment process were optimized. Wheat straw is a potential biomass for the production of monomeric sugars.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCircular RNAs: Insights into Clinical and Therapeutic Approaches for Various Cancers.
Curr Protein Pept Sci
March 2023
Article Synopsis
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are unique noncoding RNAs formed through a process called exon back splicing, and they play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and cellular functions.
- Abnormal levels of circRNAs are commonly found in cancer, contributing to tumor growth, invasiveness, and evasion of cell death, which suggests their potential as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
- This review highlights the current understanding of circRNA functions, their promise in disease diagnosis and treatment, and the challenges that come with utilizing them in clinical settings.