Publications by authors named "Shaikh T"

In this communication, we have described a simple and efficient, catalyst free and solvent-free protocol for the continuous flow synthesis of rhodamine B dyes developed from 3-diethyl amino phenol and phthalic anhydride. Nearly 95% conversion was achieved within 12 min using a jacketed single screw reactor. This method is further used for the synthesis of six derivatives with 70-84% yield, which can be compared to 85% yield from a 1-hour long batch synthesis involving a catalyst.

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Melanoma, a malignancy originating from melanocytes, poses a significant global health challenge, with approximately 325,000 cases and 57,000 deaths annually. Advanced melanoma (AM), categorized as stage III and IV, presents considerable treatment challenges due to its complex mutational landscape. Traditional treatment options have included checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF inhibitors, with pembrolizumab emerging as a promising agent.

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Aim: The goal of our research is to assess the olfactory fossa anatomical variation through Keros and Yenigun classification by computed tomography (CT) scan of paranasal sinuses (PNS), as in order for surgeons to prevent major complications, they must be familiar with its variations in anatomy during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) related to anterior ethmoidal artery injury, as its course varies with depth and length of the olfactory fossa.

Methods: At Karachi's Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), retrospective research was carried out. From anterior to posterior, sequential coronal and axial pictures were examined, and the existence and location of further anatomical characteristics were documented.

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Background: Primary healthcare (PHC) plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare burden, especially in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs). However, PHC has not received adequate attention in Pakistan despite its recognized importance. This study aims to examine the current state of PHC in Pakistan, identifying factors compromising its quality and effectiveness.

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Nanoparticles (NPs) offer significant promise as drug delivery vehicles; however, their efficacy is often hindered by the formation of a protein corona (PC), which influences key physiological responses such as blood circulation time, biodistribution, cellular uptake, and intracellular localization. Understanding NP-PC interactions is crucial for optimizing NP design for biomedical applications. Traditional approaches have utilized hydrophilic polymer coatings like polyethylene glycol (PEG) to resist protein adsorption, but glycopolymer-coated nanoparticles have emerged as potential alternatives due to their biocompatibility and ability to reduce the adsorption of highly immunogenic proteins.

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Objective: To compare outcomes of middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) alone versus combined with conventional surgery in the management of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH).

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and CINAHL, followed by a meta-analysis comparing recurrence rates, surgical rescue, mortality, in-hospital complications, and length of hospital stay was conducted. Mean differences and risk ratios were pooled using a random effects model, with subgroup analysis performed using Cochrane RevMan 5.

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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness that affects people over 60. While aging is the prominent factor in AMD, studies have reported a higher prevalence of AMD in women compared to age-matched men. Higher levels of the innate immune response's effector proteins complement factor B and factor I were also found in females compared to males in intermediate AMD.

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Biofilm-related infections are associated with high mortality and morbidity, combined with increased treatment costs. Traditional antibiotics are becoming less effective due to the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains. The need to treat biofilms on medical implants is particularly acute, and one persistent challenge is selectively directing nanoparticles to the biofilm site.

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The gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating the body's physiological system, and more recently its impact on bile acid metabolism and cognitive function has been investigated by many studies. In addition to their conventional function in fat digestion and absorption, bile acids are now considered crucial signaling molecules that control several metabolic processes and immunological responses. For this purpose, the authors conducted comprehensive research using relevant terms in an attempt to understand more about the gut microbiota and its impact on bile acid metabolism and cognitive health.

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Introduction: Childhood cancers are a significant global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over 80% of childhood cancer patients reside. In India, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) constitutes a significant portion of childhood cancers; however, the data on the cost-effectiveness of childhood AML treatment in India and other LMICs remain limited.

Methods: The study focused on children (<15 years of age) diagnosed with AML at a tertiary care cancer center in North India.

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Article Synopsis
  • Pediatric brain tumors (PBTs) face delayed diagnoses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to vague symptoms and socioeconomic factors, impacting survival rates.
  • A systematic review revealed that nonspecific symptoms and family financial issues are primary contributors to diagnostic delays, with patients experiencing an average prediagnostic interval of about 230 days.
  • The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted policies to improve awareness and healthcare access in LMICs, addressing multifaceted barriers to timely diagnosis.
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Background And Aim: Natural antioxidants are crucial for preserving and enhancing the health, survival, reproduction, and reproductive function of poultry. Phycocyanin (PC) is a natural blue food colorant with various health benefits. The aim of this study was to extract phycocyanin (ApPC) from using simple and economical methods and investigate the impact of phytocyanin supplementation on the performance and fatty and amino acid profiles of broiler chicks.

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Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological disorder characterized by aberrant multiplication of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. The current mainstay of treatment for patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) is a triplet regimen with a proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory imide, and dexamethasone. The two most common of these triplet regimens are VLD (bortezomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone) and VCD (bortezomib/cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone).

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Introduction: Inflammation and oxidative stress are key factors in the development of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) by promoting the differentiation of fibroblasts through modulating various pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β and mTOR signalling.

Objective And Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the effects and elucidate the mechanisms of vistusertib (VSB) in treating pulmonary inflammation/fibrosis, specifically by targeting the mTOR pathway using various in vitro and in vivo models.

Results: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model in macrophages (RAW 264.

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Acute myocarditis, also known as myocardial inflammation, is a self-limited condition caused by systemic infection with cardiotropic pathogens, primarily viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Despite significant research, inflammatory cardiomyopathy exacerbated by heart failure, arrhythmia, or left ventricular dysfunction and it has a dismal prognosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of yohimbine against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced myocarditis in rat model.

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Background: Intraoperative brain smear is an easy, rapid, and cost-effective technique for immediate diagnosis of brain tumors. Earlier studies have gauged its application on limited number of samples, but its diagnostic accuracy especially in low-resource settings, where its practice would be extremely helpful, is still undetermined. To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative brain smear in resource-limited settings for diagnosis of brain tumors.

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Background: A low neurosurgeon-to-patient ratio persists in many developing nations including Pakistan. We aimed to investigate the perceptions of medical students regarding neurosurgery as a first step toward recognizing this problem and potentially suggesting ways to solve it.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed comprising 3 sections: 1) demographics, 2) possible challenges and perceptions regarding neurosurgery as a profession, and 3) general perceptions about neurosurgery.

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Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease with a global prevalence of 70 million people. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 5 million new cases are diagnosed every year. Anti-seizure drugs are the treatment of choice.

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Hospitals use medical cyber-physical systems (MCPS) more often to give patients quality continuous care. MCPS isa life-critical, context-aware, networked system of medical equipment. It has been challenging to achieve high assurance in system software, interoperability, context-aware intelligence, autonomy, security and privacy, and device certifiability due to the necessity to create complicated MCPS that are safe and efficient.

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Nintedanib (NIN) and pirfenidone are the only approved drugs for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). However, NIN and pirfenidone have low oral bioavailability and limited therapeutic potential, requiring higher dosages to increase their efficacy, which causes significant liver and gastrointestinal toxicities. In this study, we aimed to develop nintedanib-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (NIN-SLN) to improve the oral bioavailability and therapeutic potential against TGF-β-induced differentiation in IPF fibroblasts and bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis in rat models.

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Polydiacetylenes are chromatic conjugated polymers formed upon the photopolymerization of self-assembled diacetylenes. They exhibit conformation-dependent colorimetric responses, usually irreversible, to external triggers. Here, we presented an approach to obtain a reversible colorimetric response to a pH change through structural modifications on the monomer and extended photopolymerization time.

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Haloalkane dehalogenase (HLD) enzymes employ an S 2 nucleophilic substitution mechanism to erase halogen substituents in diverse organohalogen compounds. Subfamily I and II HLDs are well-characterized enzymes, but the mode and purpose of multimerization of subfamily III HLDs are unknown. Here we probe the structural organization of DhmeA, a subfamily III HLD-like enzyme from the archaeon Haloferax mediterranei, by combining cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and x-ray crystallography.

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Twelve multicomponent solvate crystals (cocrystal solvates) of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid and acetamide were synthesized via slow evaporation method. All crystalline materials were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All cocrystal solvates are isostructural, and crystal packing forms continuous channels where some solvent molecules are connected via weak intermolecular interactions with 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid and acetamide.

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Inflammatory conditions play part in the progression of malignancies, and markers signifying growth of these factors can indicate prognosis. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) is used as a marker of subclinical inflammation that may become an integral part of workup to indicate prognosis and associated pathology. This study aims to explore the association of NLR ratio with clinical characteristics, radiological assessment and staging, histopathology, and disease outcomes of breast cancer.

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