Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 03602559 2014 935428, Jan 6, 2015
In this article, various aspects of photovoltaic, organic solar cell and working principle involv... more In this article, various aspects of photovoltaic, organic solar cell and working principle involved have been reviewed. Moreover, different generations of solar cell, and use of an important class of organic materials, i.e., conjugated polymers and polymer-based nanocomposites and their properties were discussed. Convincingly, organic materials have vast future potential in solar cell to enhance its efficiency and durability of devices. In the review, current understandings of mechanisms that rule the photocurrent creation steps and define seek for alternate materials and device structure, have been focused. Foremost research efforts must focus cell efficiency improvement to speed up new material commercialization.
Role of M1 Cholinergic GPCR in Growth and Proliferation of Prostate Cancer
Background: The growth and proliferation of prostate cancer (PCa) have been shown to be associate... more Background: The growth and proliferation of prostate cancer (PCa) have been shown to be associated with M1 muscarinic receptor subtypes (CHRM1) stimulation, via neural acetylcholine. Though both, M1 and M3 subtype has been established to be promoting growth, but the tissue distribution, implicit contribution and downstream pathways that are targeted by antagonism of these receptors remain to be established in the PCa of androgen sensitive and insensitive types. Objective: We intended to explore the differential expression pattern of CHRM1 over basal and luminal cells in PCa tissue and normal prostate. We attempt to relate the downstream signals originating from CHRM1 antagonism, to the morphological changes in PCa cell lines. In particular, we show the differences in cell death patterns and the role of antagonism at this receptor subtype, in prostate cancer growth and proliferation in-vitro on LNCaP and PC3 cell lines. Methods: PCa tissue and normal prostate tissue were examined by ...
We report four children from four inbred Arab families with varying manifestations of Hennekam sy... more We report four children from four inbred Arab families with varying manifestations of Hennekam syndrome and additional features that have not been previously reported. These include abnormalities of the middle ear, anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, interrupted inferior vena cava, polysplenia, crossed renal ectopia, median position of the liver and multiple cavernous haemangiomas. In addition, in one case lymphoedema was absent and oedema due to hypoproteinaemia appeared at 6 years of age. Since anomalies of the veins and the consequent developmental abnormalities of the lymphatics might lead to alterations in the fluid balance of the embryo, we hypothesize that altered fluid dynamics due to defective vascular and lymphatic development might disrupt critical events in craniofacial morphogenesis resulting in Hennekam syndrome.
Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 2006
Objective: To determine whether the antiplatelet agent aspirin increases hemorrhagic risk in pati... more Objective: To determine whether the antiplatelet agent aspirin increases hemorrhagic risk in patients undergoing surgical resection of cutaneous head and neck lesions.
Fifty clinical isolates comprising of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Pro... more Fifty clinical isolates comprising of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Proteus were collected from different local pathological laboratories and their resistant pattern against two well known macrolides; erythromycin and clarithromycin were studied using disc diffusion method. Klebsiella (41.67% against erythromycin and 58.34% against clarithromycin) and Proteus (66.67% against erythromycin and clarithromycin) species were found to be more resistant against the studied macrolides as compared to the rest of organisms. In case of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia.coli, resistant found were 27.78% and 23.54% against erythromycin and 22.23% and 35.30% against clarithromycin respectively. It is concluded from these figures that microbial resistance against these macrolides are increasing in our population which is alarming and therefore it is recommended to physicians to prescribe these antibiotics unless no other substitute is available in clinical practices.
Fifty clinical isolates comprising of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Pro... more Fifty clinical isolates comprising of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Proteus were collected from different local pathological laboratories and their resistant pattern against two well known macrolides; erythromycin and clarithromycin were studied using disc diffusion method. Klebsiella (41.67% against erythromycin and 58.34% against clarithromycin) and Proteus (66.67% against erythromycin and clarithromycin) species were found to be more resistant against the studied macrolides as compared to the rest of organisms. In case of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia.coli, resistant found were 27.78% and 23.54% against erythromycin and 22.23% and 35.30% against clarithromycin respectively. It is concluded from these figures that microbial resistance against these macrolides are increasing in our population which is alarming and therefore it is recommended to physicians to prescribe these antibiotics unless no other substitute is available in clinical practices.
Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (BAE), caused by the protozoan pathogen, Balamuthia mandrillaris,... more Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (BAE), caused by the protozoan pathogen, Balamuthia mandrillaris, is a serious human disease with fatal consequences and a mortality rate of more than 95%. A key factor that contributes to the high mortality is the incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis and pathophysiology. The most distressing aspect is that the high level of mortality is due to lack of awareness combined with the lack of effective drugs. Early diagnosis followed by aggressive treatment may lead to cure. Several lines of evidence suggest that BAE develops as a result of haematogenous spread, but it is unclear how circulating amoebae enter the central nervous system and cause inflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption and neuronal injury. Recent studies have identified several parasite-host determinants for B. mandrillaris translocation of the blood-brain barrier, and host inflammatory markers that may be associated with neuronal injury. These determinants may provide important targets for the prevention and treatment of BAE. Here, we present a brief overview of the current understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of BAE, available diagnostic methods, possible therapeutic interventions and biology of the causative agent. r
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Sep 1, 2004
Human 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17bHSDs) catalyze the interconversion of weak and potent... more Human 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17bHSDs) catalyze the interconversion of weak and potent androgen and estrogen pairs. Although the reactions using purified enzymes can be driven in either direction, these enzymes appear to function unidirectionally in intact cells: only reductive reactions for 17bHSD1 and 17b HSD3 and only oxidative reactions for 17bHSD2. We show that, after exhaustive incubations with either 17b-hydroxy-or 17-ketosteroid, the medium for HEK-293 cells expressing 17bHSD1 or 17bHSD3 contains a 92:8 ratio of reduced:oxidized steroid. Similarly, 17bHSD2 yields a >95:5 ratio of oxidized:reduced steroids for both androgens and estrogens. Dual-isotope kinetic measurements show that the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are identical at these functional equilibrium states in intact cells for all three 17bHSD isoforms, and these rates are much faster than those estimated from single-isotope flux studies. Mutation L36D converts 17bHSD1 to an oxidative enzyme in intact cells, reversing the equilibrium distribution of estradiol:estrone to 5:95; however, the rates of the forward and reverse reactions at equilibrium are equal and comparable to those of the wild-type enzymes. The co-expression of 17bHSD2 paradoxically increases the potency of estrone in transactivation assays, demonstrating the physiological relevance of ''backwards'' metabolism to estradiol. We conclude that 17bHSD types 1, 2, and 3 catalyze both oxidative and reductive reactions in HEK-293 cells at intrinsic rates that are much faster than those estimated from single-isotope studies. These 17bHSD isoforms do not drive steroid flux in one direction but rather may achieve functional equilibria in intact cells, reflecting thermodynamically driven steroid distributions.
A Survey on Energy Efficient Load Balancing Algorithms over Multicores
ABSTRACT Cores are the unit which read and execute program instruction. A single core processor h... more ABSTRACT Cores are the unit which read and execute program instruction. A single core processor has only one core and executes single instruction at a time. A multi-core processor has more than one independent processing core on a single chip to increase the performance. A multi-core processor can perform more than one operation at a time as per core. This means it can execute more than one instruction at a time which increases the performance and throughput of the processor. Theoretically, by adding extra core to the same chip increase the performance twice, however in practice speed of each core is slower than the single core processor. Similarly executing more instructions increases power usage and thus results in producing more heat. Again there is more cooling cost for these multi-core processors. Homogenous multi core processor has the same or identical cores but heterogeneous multi core processor have cores which are not identical. Softwares are written for multi core platform that can spread the workload across the multiple execution cores. This kind of functionality is known as "thread-level parallelism" or "threading". These specific techniques are called load balancing mechanism. In this paper we have summarized a number of load balancing algorithms that minimize the power consumption of multi-core technology and increase performance.
We analyzed biochemically Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites, intact cysts and cyst walls belo... more We analyzed biochemically Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites, intact cysts and cyst walls belonging to the T4 genotype using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Cyst walls were prepared by removing intracellular material from cysts by pre-treating them with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) containing dithiothreitol, and then subjecting these to a series of sequential enzymatic digestions using amyloglucosidase, papain, DNase, RNase and proteinase K. The resulting ''cyst wall" material was subsequently lyophilized and subjected to glycosyl composition analysis. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the removal of intracystic material following enzymatic treatment. Our results showed that treated A. castellanii trophozoites, intact cysts and cyst walls contained various sugar moieties, of which a high percentage was galactose and glucose, in addition to small amounts of mannose, and xylose. Linkage analysis revealed several types of glycosidic linkages including the 1,4-linked glucosyl conformation, indicative of cellulose. Inhibitor studies suggested that, beside sugar synthesis, cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated pathways are involved in A. castellanii encystment.
Black cobra (Naja naja karachiensis) lysates exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities
Pathogens and Global Health, Mar 13, 2014
It is hypothesized that animals living in polluted environments possess antimicrobials to counter... more It is hypothesized that animals living in polluted environments possess antimicrobials to counter pathogenic microbes. The fact that snakes feed on germ-infested rodents suggests that they encounter pathogenic microbes and likely possess antimicrobials. The venom is used only to paralyze the rodent, but the ability of snakes to counter potential infections in the gut due to disease-ridden rodents requires robust action of the immune system against a broad range of pathogens. To test this hypothesis, crude lysates of different organs of Naja naja karachiensis (black cobra) were tested for antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial activities of extracts were tested against selected bacterial pathogens (neuropathogenic Escherichia coli K1, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumonia), protist (Acanthamoeba castellanii), and filamentous fungus (Fusarium solani). The findings revealed that plasma and various organ extracts of N. n. karachiensis exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli K1, MRSA, P. aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae, A. castellanii, and F. solani in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of this study are promising for the development of new antimicrobials.
Small and Medium Enterprises and Human Resource Practices in Pakistan
This paper presented the overview of the human resource practices in small and medium enterprises... more This paper presented the overview of the human resource practices in small and medium enterprises. The nature and importance of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) sector in Pakistan's economy is unparallel. Hence this paper discussed the general views of the SMEs operating in Pakistan, the current employment sector and the HR practices in SMEs. The arguments developed in the
Marketing Practices of Textile Business and Firm's Performance: A Case of Pakistan
... 2011). 6 References Abrar, M., Zhilong, T. & Xinming, D. (2008). Innovation and Niche... more ... 2011). 6 References Abrar, M., Zhilong, T. & Xinming, D. (2008). Innovation and Niche Marketing in Organic Textile: Opportunities for Pakistan, The 5th International Conference on Innovation and management, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. 1, pp. 292-296. ...
This compilation will serve as an essential reference for microbiologists, immunologists, and physicians in the field of basic and medical microbiology, as well as an invaluable reference for new and experienced researchers who wish to understand this organism better. This book is the definitive ...
Escherichia coli K1 traversal of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) that con... more Escherichia coli K1 traversal of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) that constitute the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex process involving E. coli adherence to and invasion of HBMEC. In this study, we demonstrated that human transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) increases E. coli K1 adherence, invasion, and transcytosis in HBMEC. In addition, TGF-β1 increases RhoA activation and enhances actin condensation in HBMEC. We have previously shown that E. coli K1 invasion of HBMEC requires phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and RhoA activation. TGF-β1 increases E. coli K1 invasion in PI3K dominant-negative HBMEC, but not in RhoA dominant-negative HBMEC, indicating that TGF-β1-mediated increase in E. coli K1 invasion is RhoA-dependent, but not PI3K-dependent. Our findings suggest that TGF-β1 treatment of HBMEC increases E. coli K1 adherence, invasion, and transcytosis, which are probably dependent on RhoA.
Human 17?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases types 1, 2, and 3 catalyze bi-directional equilibrium reactions, rather than unidirectional metabolism, in HEK-293 cells
Arch Biochem Biophys, 2004
Human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17βHSDs) catalyze the interconversion of weak and potent... more Human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17βHSDs) catalyze the interconversion of weak and potent androgen and estrogen pairs. Although the reactions using purified enzymes can be driven in either direction, these enzymes appear to function unidirectionally in intact cells: only reductive reactions for 17βHSD1 and 17β HSD3 and only oxidative reactions for 17βHSD2. We show that, after exhaustive incubations with either 17β-hydroxy- or 17-ketosteroid, the medium for HEK-293 cells expressing 17βHSD1 or 17βHSD3 contains a 92:8 ratio of reduced:oxidized steroid. Similarly, 17βHSD2 yields a >95:5 ratio of oxidized:reduced steroids for both androgens and estrogens. Dual-isotope kinetic measurements show that the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are identical at these functional equilibrium states in intact cells for all three 17βHSD isoforms, and these rates are much faster than those estimated from single-isotope flux studies. Mutation L36D converts 17βHSD1 to an oxidative enzyme in intact cells, reversing the equilibrium distribution of estradiol:estrone to 5:95; however, the rates of the forward and reverse reactions at equilibrium are equal and comparable to those of the wild-type enzymes. The co-expression of 17βHSD2 paradoxically increases the potency of estrone in transactivation assays, demonstrating the physiological relevance of “backwards” metabolism to estradiol. We conclude that 17βHSD types 1, 2, and 3 catalyze both oxidative and reductive reactions in HEK-293 cells at intrinsic rates that are much faster than those estimated from single-isotope studies. These 17βHSD isoforms do not drive steroid flux in one direction but rather may achieve functional equilibria in intact cells, reflecting thermodynamically driven steroid distributions.
Extracellular proteases of (encephalitis isolate belonging to T1 genotype) contribute to increased permeability in an in vitro model of the human blood–brain barrier
Role of WNT signaling in normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Histology and Histopathology Cellular and Molecular Biology, Aug 1, 2006
The WNT pathway is a powerful signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in cell fate determinat... more The WNT pathway is a powerful signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in cell fate determination, survival, proliferation and movement in variety of tissues. Abnormalities in the WNT signaling pathway have been implicated in a number of diseases, most notably cancer. Recent exciting evidence suggests that WNT signaling also plays an important role in hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and progenitor development. In this review we discuss current state of knowledge on WNT signaling in hematopoiesis and extend our focus on aberrant WNT signaling in hematological malignancies.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 03602559 2014 935428, Jan 6, 2015
In this article, various aspects of photovoltaic, organic solar cell and working principle involv... more In this article, various aspects of photovoltaic, organic solar cell and working principle involved have been reviewed. Moreover, different generations of solar cell, and use of an important class of organic materials, i.e., conjugated polymers and polymer-based nanocomposites and their properties were discussed. Convincingly, organic materials have vast future potential in solar cell to enhance its efficiency and durability of devices. In the review, current understandings of mechanisms that rule the photocurrent creation steps and define seek for alternate materials and device structure, have been focused. Foremost research efforts must focus cell efficiency improvement to speed up new material commercialization.
Role of M1 Cholinergic GPCR in Growth and Proliferation of Prostate Cancer
Background: The growth and proliferation of prostate cancer (PCa) have been shown to be associate... more Background: The growth and proliferation of prostate cancer (PCa) have been shown to be associated with M1 muscarinic receptor subtypes (CHRM1) stimulation, via neural acetylcholine. Though both, M1 and M3 subtype has been established to be promoting growth, but the tissue distribution, implicit contribution and downstream pathways that are targeted by antagonism of these receptors remain to be established in the PCa of androgen sensitive and insensitive types. Objective: We intended to explore the differential expression pattern of CHRM1 over basal and luminal cells in PCa tissue and normal prostate. We attempt to relate the downstream signals originating from CHRM1 antagonism, to the morphological changes in PCa cell lines. In particular, we show the differences in cell death patterns and the role of antagonism at this receptor subtype, in prostate cancer growth and proliferation in-vitro on LNCaP and PC3 cell lines. Methods: PCa tissue and normal prostate tissue were examined by ...
We report four children from four inbred Arab families with varying manifestations of Hennekam sy... more We report four children from four inbred Arab families with varying manifestations of Hennekam syndrome and additional features that have not been previously reported. These include abnormalities of the middle ear, anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, interrupted inferior vena cava, polysplenia, crossed renal ectopia, median position of the liver and multiple cavernous haemangiomas. In addition, in one case lymphoedema was absent and oedema due to hypoproteinaemia appeared at 6 years of age. Since anomalies of the veins and the consequent developmental abnormalities of the lymphatics might lead to alterations in the fluid balance of the embryo, we hypothesize that altered fluid dynamics due to defective vascular and lymphatic development might disrupt critical events in craniofacial morphogenesis resulting in Hennekam syndrome.
Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 2006
Objective: To determine whether the antiplatelet agent aspirin increases hemorrhagic risk in pati... more Objective: To determine whether the antiplatelet agent aspirin increases hemorrhagic risk in patients undergoing surgical resection of cutaneous head and neck lesions.
Fifty clinical isolates comprising of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Pro... more Fifty clinical isolates comprising of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Proteus were collected from different local pathological laboratories and their resistant pattern against two well known macrolides; erythromycin and clarithromycin were studied using disc diffusion method. Klebsiella (41.67% against erythromycin and 58.34% against clarithromycin) and Proteus (66.67% against erythromycin and clarithromycin) species were found to be more resistant against the studied macrolides as compared to the rest of organisms. In case of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia.coli, resistant found were 27.78% and 23.54% against erythromycin and 22.23% and 35.30% against clarithromycin respectively. It is concluded from these figures that microbial resistance against these macrolides are increasing in our population which is alarming and therefore it is recommended to physicians to prescribe these antibiotics unless no other substitute is available in clinical practices.
Fifty clinical isolates comprising of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Pro... more Fifty clinical isolates comprising of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Proteus were collected from different local pathological laboratories and their resistant pattern against two well known macrolides; erythromycin and clarithromycin were studied using disc diffusion method. Klebsiella (41.67% against erythromycin and 58.34% against clarithromycin) and Proteus (66.67% against erythromycin and clarithromycin) species were found to be more resistant against the studied macrolides as compared to the rest of organisms. In case of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia.coli, resistant found were 27.78% and 23.54% against erythromycin and 22.23% and 35.30% against clarithromycin respectively. It is concluded from these figures that microbial resistance against these macrolides are increasing in our population which is alarming and therefore it is recommended to physicians to prescribe these antibiotics unless no other substitute is available in clinical practices.
Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (BAE), caused by the protozoan pathogen, Balamuthia mandrillaris,... more Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (BAE), caused by the protozoan pathogen, Balamuthia mandrillaris, is a serious human disease with fatal consequences and a mortality rate of more than 95%. A key factor that contributes to the high mortality is the incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis and pathophysiology. The most distressing aspect is that the high level of mortality is due to lack of awareness combined with the lack of effective drugs. Early diagnosis followed by aggressive treatment may lead to cure. Several lines of evidence suggest that BAE develops as a result of haematogenous spread, but it is unclear how circulating amoebae enter the central nervous system and cause inflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption and neuronal injury. Recent studies have identified several parasite-host determinants for B. mandrillaris translocation of the blood-brain barrier, and host inflammatory markers that may be associated with neuronal injury. These determinants may provide important targets for the prevention and treatment of BAE. Here, we present a brief overview of the current understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of BAE, available diagnostic methods, possible therapeutic interventions and biology of the causative agent. r
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Sep 1, 2004
Human 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17bHSDs) catalyze the interconversion of weak and potent... more Human 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17bHSDs) catalyze the interconversion of weak and potent androgen and estrogen pairs. Although the reactions using purified enzymes can be driven in either direction, these enzymes appear to function unidirectionally in intact cells: only reductive reactions for 17bHSD1 and 17b HSD3 and only oxidative reactions for 17bHSD2. We show that, after exhaustive incubations with either 17b-hydroxy-or 17-ketosteroid, the medium for HEK-293 cells expressing 17bHSD1 or 17bHSD3 contains a 92:8 ratio of reduced:oxidized steroid. Similarly, 17bHSD2 yields a >95:5 ratio of oxidized:reduced steroids for both androgens and estrogens. Dual-isotope kinetic measurements show that the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are identical at these functional equilibrium states in intact cells for all three 17bHSD isoforms, and these rates are much faster than those estimated from single-isotope flux studies. Mutation L36D converts 17bHSD1 to an oxidative enzyme in intact cells, reversing the equilibrium distribution of estradiol:estrone to 5:95; however, the rates of the forward and reverse reactions at equilibrium are equal and comparable to those of the wild-type enzymes. The co-expression of 17bHSD2 paradoxically increases the potency of estrone in transactivation assays, demonstrating the physiological relevance of ''backwards'' metabolism to estradiol. We conclude that 17bHSD types 1, 2, and 3 catalyze both oxidative and reductive reactions in HEK-293 cells at intrinsic rates that are much faster than those estimated from single-isotope studies. These 17bHSD isoforms do not drive steroid flux in one direction but rather may achieve functional equilibria in intact cells, reflecting thermodynamically driven steroid distributions.
A Survey on Energy Efficient Load Balancing Algorithms over Multicores
ABSTRACT Cores are the unit which read and execute program instruction. A single core processor h... more ABSTRACT Cores are the unit which read and execute program instruction. A single core processor has only one core and executes single instruction at a time. A multi-core processor has more than one independent processing core on a single chip to increase the performance. A multi-core processor can perform more than one operation at a time as per core. This means it can execute more than one instruction at a time which increases the performance and throughput of the processor. Theoretically, by adding extra core to the same chip increase the performance twice, however in practice speed of each core is slower than the single core processor. Similarly executing more instructions increases power usage and thus results in producing more heat. Again there is more cooling cost for these multi-core processors. Homogenous multi core processor has the same or identical cores but heterogeneous multi core processor have cores which are not identical. Softwares are written for multi core platform that can spread the workload across the multiple execution cores. This kind of functionality is known as "thread-level parallelism" or "threading". These specific techniques are called load balancing mechanism. In this paper we have summarized a number of load balancing algorithms that minimize the power consumption of multi-core technology and increase performance.
We analyzed biochemically Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites, intact cysts and cyst walls belo... more We analyzed biochemically Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites, intact cysts and cyst walls belonging to the T4 genotype using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Cyst walls were prepared by removing intracellular material from cysts by pre-treating them with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) containing dithiothreitol, and then subjecting these to a series of sequential enzymatic digestions using amyloglucosidase, papain, DNase, RNase and proteinase K. The resulting ''cyst wall" material was subsequently lyophilized and subjected to glycosyl composition analysis. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the removal of intracystic material following enzymatic treatment. Our results showed that treated A. castellanii trophozoites, intact cysts and cyst walls contained various sugar moieties, of which a high percentage was galactose and glucose, in addition to small amounts of mannose, and xylose. Linkage analysis revealed several types of glycosidic linkages including the 1,4-linked glucosyl conformation, indicative of cellulose. Inhibitor studies suggested that, beside sugar synthesis, cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated pathways are involved in A. castellanii encystment.
Black cobra (Naja naja karachiensis) lysates exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities
Pathogens and Global Health, Mar 13, 2014
It is hypothesized that animals living in polluted environments possess antimicrobials to counter... more It is hypothesized that animals living in polluted environments possess antimicrobials to counter pathogenic microbes. The fact that snakes feed on germ-infested rodents suggests that they encounter pathogenic microbes and likely possess antimicrobials. The venom is used only to paralyze the rodent, but the ability of snakes to counter potential infections in the gut due to disease-ridden rodents requires robust action of the immune system against a broad range of pathogens. To test this hypothesis, crude lysates of different organs of Naja naja karachiensis (black cobra) were tested for antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial activities of extracts were tested against selected bacterial pathogens (neuropathogenic Escherichia coli K1, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumonia), protist (Acanthamoeba castellanii), and filamentous fungus (Fusarium solani). The findings revealed that plasma and various organ extracts of N. n. karachiensis exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli K1, MRSA, P. aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae, A. castellanii, and F. solani in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of this study are promising for the development of new antimicrobials.
Small and Medium Enterprises and Human Resource Practices in Pakistan
This paper presented the overview of the human resource practices in small and medium enterprises... more This paper presented the overview of the human resource practices in small and medium enterprises. The nature and importance of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) sector in Pakistan's economy is unparallel. Hence this paper discussed the general views of the SMEs operating in Pakistan, the current employment sector and the HR practices in SMEs. The arguments developed in the
Marketing Practices of Textile Business and Firm's Performance: A Case of Pakistan
... 2011). 6 References Abrar, M., Zhilong, T. & Xinming, D. (2008). Innovation and Niche... more ... 2011). 6 References Abrar, M., Zhilong, T. & Xinming, D. (2008). Innovation and Niche Marketing in Organic Textile: Opportunities for Pakistan, The 5th International Conference on Innovation and management, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. 1, pp. 292-296. ...
This compilation will serve as an essential reference for microbiologists, immunologists, and physicians in the field of basic and medical microbiology, as well as an invaluable reference for new and experienced researchers who wish to understand this organism better. This book is the definitive ...
Escherichia coli K1 traversal of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) that con... more Escherichia coli K1 traversal of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) that constitute the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex process involving E. coli adherence to and invasion of HBMEC. In this study, we demonstrated that human transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) increases E. coli K1 adherence, invasion, and transcytosis in HBMEC. In addition, TGF-β1 increases RhoA activation and enhances actin condensation in HBMEC. We have previously shown that E. coli K1 invasion of HBMEC requires phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and RhoA activation. TGF-β1 increases E. coli K1 invasion in PI3K dominant-negative HBMEC, but not in RhoA dominant-negative HBMEC, indicating that TGF-β1-mediated increase in E. coli K1 invasion is RhoA-dependent, but not PI3K-dependent. Our findings suggest that TGF-β1 treatment of HBMEC increases E. coli K1 adherence, invasion, and transcytosis, which are probably dependent on RhoA.
Human 17?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases types 1, 2, and 3 catalyze bi-directional equilibrium reactions, rather than unidirectional metabolism, in HEK-293 cells
Arch Biochem Biophys, 2004
Human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17βHSDs) catalyze the interconversion of weak and potent... more Human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17βHSDs) catalyze the interconversion of weak and potent androgen and estrogen pairs. Although the reactions using purified enzymes can be driven in either direction, these enzymes appear to function unidirectionally in intact cells: only reductive reactions for 17βHSD1 and 17β HSD3 and only oxidative reactions for 17βHSD2. We show that, after exhaustive incubations with either 17β-hydroxy- or 17-ketosteroid, the medium for HEK-293 cells expressing 17βHSD1 or 17βHSD3 contains a 92:8 ratio of reduced:oxidized steroid. Similarly, 17βHSD2 yields a >95:5 ratio of oxidized:reduced steroids for both androgens and estrogens. Dual-isotope kinetic measurements show that the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are identical at these functional equilibrium states in intact cells for all three 17βHSD isoforms, and these rates are much faster than those estimated from single-isotope flux studies. Mutation L36D converts 17βHSD1 to an oxidative enzyme in intact cells, reversing the equilibrium distribution of estradiol:estrone to 5:95; however, the rates of the forward and reverse reactions at equilibrium are equal and comparable to those of the wild-type enzymes. The co-expression of 17βHSD2 paradoxically increases the potency of estrone in transactivation assays, demonstrating the physiological relevance of “backwards” metabolism to estradiol. We conclude that 17βHSD types 1, 2, and 3 catalyze both oxidative and reductive reactions in HEK-293 cells at intrinsic rates that are much faster than those estimated from single-isotope studies. These 17βHSD isoforms do not drive steroid flux in one direction but rather may achieve functional equilibria in intact cells, reflecting thermodynamically driven steroid distributions.
Extracellular proteases of (encephalitis isolate belonging to T1 genotype) contribute to increased permeability in an in vitro model of the human blood–brain barrier
Role of WNT signaling in normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Histology and Histopathology Cellular and Molecular Biology, Aug 1, 2006
The WNT pathway is a powerful signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in cell fate determinat... more The WNT pathway is a powerful signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in cell fate determination, survival, proliferation and movement in variety of tissues. Abnormalities in the WNT signaling pathway have been implicated in a number of diseases, most notably cancer. Recent exciting evidence suggests that WNT signaling also plays an important role in hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and progenitor development. In this review we discuss current state of knowledge on WNT signaling in hematopoiesis and extend our focus on aberrant WNT signaling in hematological malignancies.
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Papers by Naveed Khan