Publications by authors named "Muhammad Akhtar"

Flurbiprofen (FBP) is poorly water-soluble BCS class II drug with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, used to treat arthritis and degenerative joint diseases. This study was aimed to develop SNEDDS loaded with FBP. Six SNEDDS using two oils olive oil (F, F, F) and castor oil (F, F, F) with three different Smix ratios consisting of Tween 20 and PEG 400 (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) were prepared and characterized.

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Nitazoxanide (NTX) exhibits promising therapeutic potential; its effectiveness is constrained by its low oral bioavailability due to its poor water solubility and limited permeability. This study focused on developing a complex of NTX with β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs), specifically β-CD and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (Hβ-CD), to enhance the solubility and antiviral activity of NTX. The formation of the β-CD:NTX in an aqueous solution was verified using UV-visible spectroscopy, confirming a 1:1 inclusion complex.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients and Somatization Symptom Disorder (SSD) patients experience somatization symptoms relative to their corresponding processes. IBS patients may also have a diagnosis of both IBS and SSD. Somatization symptoms cause significant psychological, emotional and social distress.

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Inkless paper made from photochromic materials has garnered significant interest owing to its potential to reduce both ink and paper pollution during production. In this research, we synthesized a dual-material film (EC-PVP/PGMEA/PMoA) and conducted a detailed investigation of its photochromic response to visible light and its microstructural properties. Initially, the film appeared as a translucent yellow, but upon exposure to visible light, it shifted to blue with a maximum absorption peak of 2.

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Background Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare subtype of colorectal cancer with significant variations in clinical characteristics and poor prognosis. However, there is limited data available in Pakistan. Therefore, we analyzed to examine the incidence, clinicopathological features, treatments, and outcomes of SRCC in colorectal cancer cases in Pakistan.

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Background: As the healthcare field is undergoing a paradigm shift, the role of interprofessional education (IPE) is being widely accepted and recognized. Despite this, IPE interventions are not employed globally and the use of such interventions is variable. Additionally, there is an ongoing debate over how and when to employ IPE interventions.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple joints and requires lifelong treatment. Present study was designed to formulate Esculin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ENPs) and evaluation of its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic action. The acute toxicity study of ENPs was also performed.

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Research Question: How safe and effective is transrectal oocyte retrieval (TROR) for fertility preservation in nulliparous virginal women?

Design: This was a retrospective single-centre study of 105 nulliparous women from five satellite centres of Fakih IVF, UAE, who underwent TROR for oocyte cryopreservation. Extensive bowel preparation and rectal cleansing was performed prior to oocyte retrieval. Patient characteristics, stimulation protocol, and procedure outcome and safety data were collected.

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This research work was designed to develop efficient Diosgenin (DGN) loaded biodegradable nanoparticles (DGN-NPs) for treating rheumatoid arthritis. The DGN-NPs were synthesized by ionic-gelation method using chitosan as a biodegradable polymer and in-vitro release study was performed followed by kinetics study. DGN-NPs had an average size of 290 nm, zeta potential of +11.

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Multifunctionality, processivity, and thermostability are critical for the cost-effective enzymatic saccharification of non-food plant biomass polymers such as β-glucans, celluloses, and xylans to generate biofuels and other valuable products. We present molecular insights into a processive multifunctional endo-1,3-1,4-β-d-glucanase (Tt_End5A) from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermogutta terrifontis. Tt_End5A demonstrated activities against a broad spectrum of β-polysaccharides, including barley glucan, lichenan, carboxymethyl cellulose, regenerated amorphous cellulose (RAC), Avicel, xylan, laminarin, mannan, curdlan, xanthan, and various chromogenic substrates at pH 7 and temperatures ranging from 70 to 80°C.

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Early detection of cancer biomarkers is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, prompting the development of an ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor. In this study, we fabricated an ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor using a glassy carbon electrode/gold nanoparticles (GCE/AuNPs) modification for quantification of osteopontin (OPN), an oncomarker. The surface features of the modified electrodes were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods.

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Article Synopsis
  • Researchers are focused on creating effective catalysts to address energy demands and reduce water pollution caused by organic pollutants.
  • A new composite catalyst, CuWO@MIL-101(Fe), was created using a solvothermal method, integrating CuWO nanoparticles with an iron-based metal-organic framework (MOF).
  • The CuWO@MIL-101(Fe) composite demonstrated excellent performance in oxygen evolution and photocatalysis, showing a low overpotential and high degradation rates of pollutants like methylene blue.
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Surface layer (S-layer) is an extracellular proteinous layer consisting of two-dimensional lattice. It is typically present on archaea and also found on some bacteria. S-layer proteins from some bacteria are reported to be toxic to mosquito larvae.

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Microbial plant biostimulants offer a promising, sustainable solution for enhancing plant growth and resilience, particularly under abiotic stress conditions such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and heavy metal toxicity. These biostimulants, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enhance plant tolerance through mechanisms such as phytohormone production, nutrient solubilization, osmotic adjustment, and antioxidant enzyme activation. Advances in genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics have significantly expanded our understanding of plant-microbe molecular communication in the rhizosphere, revealing mechanisms underlying these interactions that promote stress resilience.

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Tomatoes are a crucial global crop, impacting economies and livelihoods worldwide. However, pests like the tomato leafminer () significantly reduce their yield potential. Nanoparticles come as a solution to this context, promising innovative strategies for the protection of plants from pest infestation and management.

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Antibody-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.

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Background: Vitamin B12 is essential for neurological function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can lead to diverse health conditions, including megaloblastic anemia and neurological issues. Oral supplementation is a standard treatment for B12 deficiency.

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Based upon an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study aims to investigate the impact of financial services knowledge, familiarity with the use of artificial intelligence, government support, and user innovativeness on Fintech adoption from the perspective of university students. Furthermore, the study also aims to investigate the mediating role of user innovativeness in this relationship. A cross-sectional, survey-based method was used to collect data from 410 university students.

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Article Synopsis
  • Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic condition that causes excessive iron buildup in various organs, leading to damage and health issues, while celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder that often results in iron deficiency.
  • A unique case of a young woman with both conditions highlights the challenges of managing iron levels, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth, due to increased iron needs.
  • The case underscores the necessity for comprehensive patient care, education, and monitoring by healthcare teams to avoid complications in women of child-bearing age.
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  • Maleimide scaffolds have become popular in organic synthesis for their effectiveness in creating cyclized molecules via annulation and C-H activation over the past five years.
  • These compounds facilitate the synthesis of diverse products like spirocyclization and cycloaddition, with important roles in medicinal chemistry and materials science.
  • Despite their benefits, certain maleimide reactions remain less studied; however, recent techniques like photocatalysis are enhancing the potential for sustainable and selective synthesis of complex molecules.
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Serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) is an apolipoprotein which is involved in amyloid A amyloidosis (AA) by forming fibrils. The process of fibrillation is still being explored and holds challenges in recombinant expression and purification of SAA1. This study deals with the preferable approach for the expression and purification of SAA1 which is normally toxic and unstable to express without using any fusion-tag.

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Effervescent formulation helps in faster and better absorption of drugs, especially those that are rapidly soluble in water. However, these tablets require special packaging in order to prevent them from absorbing moisture, hence increasing cost. We compared an effervescent tablet prepared using an in-house developed method (multi-layer tablet with acid and base part separated by an inert layer) to a European effervescent tablet (Efferalgan®) in a single-center, randomized cross-over study among twelve healthy volunteers.

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  • The study aimed to evaluate how post-protamine neutralisation activated clotting time (ACT) influences outcomes in cardiac surgery, like chest drain output, blood transfusion needs, and ICU stay.
  • Conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital from February to August 2023, it involved analyzing data from 101 elective cardiac surgery patients, split into two groups based on their ACT values.
  • Results showed no significant differences in postoperative outcomes or transfusion needs between the two groups, indicating that maintaining ACT close to baseline might be beneficial without requiring aggressive treatment.
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genus is recognized as a significant source of β-sitosterol and polyphenols. The inclusion of β-sitosterol into various health-related formulations has widened its potential in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Process optimization ensures the maximum efficiency, consistency, and yield.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can be linked to low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), which impair the function of muscles involved in swallowing; certain diuretics may worsen this condition by causing additional loss of calcium and magnesium.
  • - An 82-year-old male experienced sudden dysphagia and was found to have severe hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, likely exacerbated by his use of furosemide, a diuretic.
  • - After treatment with intravenous calcium and magnesium over two days, the patient’s electrolyte levels normalized and he significantly improved, regaining the ability to swallow normally, confirming that his symptoms were primarily due to low calcium levels.
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