Publications by authors named "Zahoor A"

Carbazoles are nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocycles, having widespread applications in the field of photovoltaics. Carbazole-based photosensitizers have tunable features for absorption on semi-conductor (tellurium dioxide or zinc oxide) layers to create sufficient push-pull force in the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy, thus presenting as promising heterocyclic donor candidates to be used in dye-sensitized solar cells. For the synthesis of these dyes, various structural designs are available, namely, D-A, D-π-A, D-D-π-A, D-A-π-A, A-π-D-π-A-π-A, and D2-π-A that all involve incorporating carbazole as a donor (D), along with spacer (π-extender) moieties, such as thiophene, phenol, ethynylene, nitromethane, azine, thiadiazole, or acetonitrile.

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Fibre-reinforced polymeric composites utilized in aerospace settings, experience varying environmental conditions throughout their operational lifespan. The major factors that can have adverse effects on their long-term performance are water and temperature. The present study investigates how the determinants such as water and temperature impact the structural integrity of plain weave woven carbon/epoxy laminated composites and further categorizing them into compacted and non-compacted groups.

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2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans are noteworthy scaffolds in organic and medicinal chemistry, constituting the structural framework of many of the varied medicinally active organic compounds. Moreover, a diverse variety of biologically potent natural products also contain this heterocyclic nucleus. Reflecting on the wide biological substantiality of dihydrobenzofurans, several innovative and facile synthetic developments are evolving to achieve these heterocycles.

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A novel series of substituted benzofuran-tethered triazolylcarbazoles was synthesized in good to high yields (65-89%) via -alkylation of benzofuran-based triazoles with 2-bromo--(9-ethyl-9-carbazol-3-yl)acetamide. The inhibitory potency of the synthesized compounds against SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated by enacting molecular docking against its three pivotal proteins, namely, M (main protease; PDB ID: 6LU7), the spike glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6WPT), and RdRp (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase; PDB ID: 6M71). The docking results indicated strong binding affinities between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and the synthesized compounds, which were thereby expected to obstruct the function of SARS proteins.

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Epoxides are significant heterocycles in the structural makeup of a variety of natural products. Their ring-opening reactions have emerged as a versatile and efficient strategies for synthesizing a variety of functionalized molecules. Such reactions have been extensively applied towards the preparation of complex naturally occurring products.

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The development of novel and efficient tyrosinase inhibitors is a critical necessity of agricultural, cosmetic and medicinal chemistry. Bearing in mind the therapeutical potential of naphthofuran-containing organic compounds, we carried out the CTAB-catalyzed ultrasound-assisted synthesis of a library of novel naphthofuran-triazole joined -aryl/alkyl acetamides 20(a-j) in 74-92% yield, which were further assessed for their tyrosinase inhibitory potential by taking kojic acid and ascorbic acid as standard inhibitors. The tyrosinase inhibitory assay demonstrated the promising tyrosinase inhibiting tendency of all prepared derivatives 20(a-h) as they all were found to be more efficient in comparison to the standard kojic acid.

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Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most significant crops and the backbone of food security worldwide. However, low wheat production remains a substantial concern in global agricultural systems.

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The Yamaguchi reagent, based on 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride (TCBC) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), is an efficient tool for conducting the intermolecular (esterification) reaction between an acid and an alcohol in the presence of a suitable base (EtN or PrNEt) and solvent (THF, DCM, or toluene). The Yamaguchi protocol is renowned for its ability to efficiently produce a diverse array of functionalized esters, promoting high yields, regioselectivity, and easy handling under mild conditions with short reaction times. Here, the recent utilization of the Yamaguchi reagent was reviewed in the synthesis of various natural products such as macrolides, terpenoids, polyketides, peptides, and metabolites.

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Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) plays a pivotal role in the deamination process of monoamines, encompassing crucial neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. The heightened interest in MAO-B inhibitors emerged after the revelation that this enzyme could potentially catalyze the formation of neurotoxic compounds from endogenous and exogenous sources. Computational screening methodologies serve as valuable tools in the quest for novel inhibitors, enhancing the efficiency of this pursuit.

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The Barbier reaction is significantly referred to as one of the efficient carbon-carbon bond forming reactions which involves the treatment of haloalkanes and carbonyl compounds by utilizing the catalytic role of a diverse range of metals and metalloids. The Barbier reaction is tolerant to a variety of functional groups, allowing a broad substrate scope with the employment of lanthanides, transition metals, amphoteric elements or alkaline earth metals. This reaction is also water-resistant, thereby overcoming the challenges posed by moisture sensitive organometallic species involving C-C bond formation reactions.

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First-principles density functional investigations of the structural, electronic, optical and thermodynamic properties of KVO, NaVO and ZnVO were performed using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) ultrasoft pseudopotential and density functional theory (DFT). Their electronic structure was analyzed with a focus on the nature of electronic states near band edges. The electronic band structure revealed that between 6% Fe and 6% Co, 6% Co significantly tuned the band gap with the emergence of new states at the gamma point.

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This comprehensive review paper examines the most updated state of research on glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options. By analyzing 76 recent studies, from translational and basic sciences, to clinical trials, we highlight various aspects of glioblastoma and shed light on potential therapeutic strategies. The interplay between tumor cells, neural progenitor cells, and the tumor microenvironment is explored.

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Article Synopsis
  • Bacterial tyrosinase is a copper-containing enzyme found in various bacteria like actinobacteria and proteobacteria, crucial for melanin production and enzymatic browning, making it useful in coloring and food processing.
  • Its unique substrate specificity allows for the development of biosensors that detect phenolic compounds and provides potential alternatives to mushroom tyrosinase for various applications.
  • Medicinal scientists are studying bacterial tyrosinase inhibitors, particularly heterocyclic compounds, to combat challenges like antibiotic resistance, skin cancer, and the browning of fruits and vegetables.
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Drought is a complex natural hazard that occurs when a region experiences a prolonged period of dry conditions, leading to water scarcity and negative impacts on the environment. This study analyzed the recurrence of drought and wet spells in Baluchistan province, Pakistan. Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), and Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) were used to analyze droughts in Baluchistan during 1986-2021.

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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that represents a major cause of dementia worldwide. Its pathogenesis involves multiple pathways, including the amyloid cascade, tau protein, oxidative stress, and metal ion dysregulation. Recent studies have suggested a critical link between changes in gut microbial diversity and the disruption of the gut-brain axis in AD.

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Article Synopsis
  • Baeyer-Villiger oxidation is a reaction used to convert ketones into lactones and esters, essential for organic synthesis.
  • Asymmetric Baeyer-Villiger oxidation allows for the creation of chiral lactones from both chiral and racemic ketones, which are important intermediates in producing biologically active natural products.
  • The review article highlights various monooxygenases and oxidizing agents involved in this process, emphasizing their significance in synthesizing alkaloids, polyketides, fatty acids, and terpenoids since 2018.
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Peste des petits ruminants (PPRV), a highly contagious viral disease, causes significant economic losses concerning sheep and goats. Recently, PPR viruses (PPRVs), have adopted new hosts and lineage IV of PPRVs represents genetic diversity within the same lineage. 350 samples, including blood, swabs, and tissues from sheep/goats, were collected during the 2020-2021 disease outbreaks in Pakistan.

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The urgent need to address the severe environmental risk posed by chromium-contaminated industrial wastewater necessitates the development of eco-friendly cleanup methodologies. Utilizing the Ficus benghalensis plant extracts, the present study aims to develop green zinc oxide nanoparticles for the removal of Cr metal ions from wastewater. The leaves of Ficus benghalensis, often known as the banyan tree, were used to extract a solution for synthesizing ZnO NPs.

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Currently, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly widely used and generate waste due to the rapid development of the EV industry. Meanwhile, how to reuse "second life" and recycle "extracting of valuable metals" of these wasted EVBs has been a hot research topic. The 4810 relevant articles from SCI and SSCI Scopus databases were obtained.

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Background: Breastmilk being the ideal nutrition from birth to 2 years and beyond has many health benefits for both newborn and mothers. This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of a continuum of care programme, which is a health facility and community based till 6 months post partum to encourage ideal breastfeeding practices.

Methods And Analysis: A pilot randomised control trial having two-parallel arms of intervention and control groups was conducted in gynaecology and obstetrics department of Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital with a community outreach component of 6 months.

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Benzofurans have intrigued both pharmaceutical researchers and chemists owing to the medicinal usage of their derivatives against copious disease-causing agents (i.e., bacteria, viruses, and tumors).

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Background: Advances in molecular imaging strategies have had an effect on precise diagnosis and treatment. Research has been intensified to develop more effective and versatile radiopharmaceuticals to uplift diagnostic efficiency and, consequently, the treatment.

Purpose: To label the flutamide (FLUT) coupled with diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) with technetium-99 m (Tc) and to evaluate its binding efficiency with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cancer cells.

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In this study, a series of 1,2,4-triazole-tethered β-hydroxy sulfide scaffolds 11a-h was synthesized in good to remarkable yields (69-90%) through the thiolysis of oxiranes by the thiols in aqueous basic catalytic conditions. The synthesized 1,2,4-triazole-tethered β-hydroxy sulfides were screened against bacterial tyrosinase enzyme, and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cultures , () & () . Among the synthesized derivatives, the molecules 11a (IC = 7.

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The synthesis of dihydrobenzofuran scaffolds bears pivotal significance in the field of medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis. These heterocyclic scaffolds hold immense prospects owing to their significant pharmaceutical applications as they are extensively employed as essential precursors for constructing complex organic frameworks. Their versatility and importance make them an interesting subject of study for researchers in the scientific community.

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The tyrosinase enzyme has a vital role in the browning of vegetables and fruits and the biosynthesis of melanin. In this work, we synthesized a diverse library of coumarin-triazole hybrids, and these compounds were characterized by using suitable analytical techniques. Our research work extends beyond the synthetic effort to explore the therapeutic potential of these compounds.

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