zia khan | Hazara University Mansehra, Dhodial KPK Pakistan (original) (raw)

Papers by zia khan

Research paper thumbnail of Performance of the distributed hash joins algorithm in a heterogeneous supercomputing environment

Research paper thumbnail of Techno-economic study for 50 MW wind farm in Pasni, coastal district of Balochistan-Pakistan using ARIMA models and RETScreen

2014 International Conference on Energy Systems and Policies (ICESP), 2014

ABSTRACT This study investigates the techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generati... more ABSTRACT This study investigates the techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generation from 50 MW wind farm at Pasni, Distt of Gawadar, Baluchistan –Pakistan. Key purpose of the current work is to find wind power potential at low, medium and higher heights. To explore the best and power potential, four years wind speed data is forecasted using statistical model. ARIMA models present a better understanding to the change and estimate of the wind speed. Based on this forecasted wind speed 317 turbines of different manufacturers were examined at different heights (60m, 80m and 100m) from ground level including maximum possible rating up to 5 MW. The results show the best turbine selection at particular location with maximum possible capacity factor achievable through various numerical as well as simulation methods. Moreover this study further investigates the economic feasibility of 50 MW wind farm through numerical methods at the potential site using Minitab, Stats Graphics, and EViews. The results obtained from these software were validated by simulations through RETScreen Software. The results show that the most suitable hub height for wind turbines in Pasni-Pakistan is 100m and capacity factor found at this height is 20.19 % with annual wind energy production of 88 GWh/year.

Research paper thumbnail of Single-crystal electron paramagnetic resonance studies of the action of red light on the platelet form of humulene nitrosite, C15H24N2O3: the first nitroxide radical formed in the photochemical reaction

J Chem Soc Perkin Trans 2, 1989

Research paper thumbnail of Red wells or green wells and does it matter? Examining households use of arsenic contaminated water in Bangladesh

Research paper thumbnail of Fluoride Uptake Level of the Enamel by a Fluoride Varnish and a Fluoride Gel (APF) Corresponding Author

Various forms of fluoride-contained products are used to increase the resistance of the tooth aga... more Various forms of fluoride-contained products are used to increase the resistance of the tooth against caries for preventive purposes. Furthermore, studies demonstrated higher fluoride uptake with varnish and gel among the wide range of products.

Research paper thumbnail of Method and system for wireless message-based advertising

Research paper thumbnail of Integrated anaerobic waste management system with energy and products recovery

Research paper thumbnail of Techno-Economic Study For 50 MW Wind Farm In Ormara, Balochistan

ABSTRACT This Paper signifies techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generation from... more ABSTRACT This Paper signifies techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generation from 50 MW wind farm at Ormara, Distt of Gawadar, Baluchistan –Pakistan. Key purpose of the current work is to find wind power potential at low, medium and higher heights. To explore the best and power potential, four years wind speed data is forecasted using statistical model. ARIMA models present a better understanding to the change and estimate of the wind speed. Based on this forecasted wind speed 317 turbines of different manufacturers were examined at different heights (60m, 80m and 100m) from ground level including maximum possible rating up to 5 MW. The results show the best turbine selection at particular location with maximum possible capacity factor achievable through various numerical as well as simulation methods. Moreover this study further investigates the economic feasibility of 50 MW wind farm through numerical methods at the potential site using Minitab, Stats Graphics, and EViews. The results obtained from these software were validated by simulations through RETScreen Software. The results show that the most suitable hub height for wind turbines in Ormara-Pakistan is 100m and capacity factor found at this height is 38.18 % with annual wind energy production of 167.22 GWh/year.

Research paper thumbnail of Net-centric coordination channel (NCC)

Research paper thumbnail of High sensitivity Troponin T: an audit of implementation of its protocol in a district general hospital

Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad Jamc, Jul 1, 2013

Background: Protocols based on newer high sensitivity Troponin T (hsTropT) assays can rule in a s... more Background: Protocols based on newer high sensitivity Troponin T (hsTropT) assays can rule in a suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) as early as 3 hours. We conducted this study to audit adherence to our Trust's newly introduced AMI diagnostic protocol based on paired hsTropT testing at 0 and 3 hours. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of all patients who had hsTropT test done between 1 st and 7 th May 2012. Patient's demographics, utility of single or paired samples, time interval between paired samples, patient's presenting symptoms and ECG findings were noted and their means, medians, Standard deviations and proportions were calculated. Results: A total of 66 patients had hsTropT test done during this period. Mean age was 63.30±17.46 years and 38 (57.57%) were males. Twenty-four (36.36%) patients had only single, rather than protocol recommended paired hsTropT samples, taken. Among the 42 (63.63%) patients with paired samples, the mean time interval was found to be 4.41±5.7 hours. Contrary to the recommendations, 15 (22.73%) had a very long whereas 2 (3.03%) had a very short time interval between two samples. A subgroup analysis of patients with single samples, found only 2 (3.03%) patient with ST-segment elevation, appropriate for single testing. Conclusion: Our study confirmed that in a large number of patients the protocol for paired sampling or a recommended time interval of 3 hours between 2 samples was not being followed.

Research paper thumbnail of Screening of NADPH cytochrome p450 reductase and alkaline protease activities in germinating Cajanus cajan L. seedlings in the presence of herbicides and protein synthesis inhibitors

Indian Journal of Applied Research, Mar 1, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Techno-Economic Study for 50 MW Wind Farm in Ormara, Coastal District of Balochistan-Pakistan using ARIMA models and RETScreen

This Paper signifies techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generation from 50 MW wi... more This Paper signifies techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generation from 50 MW wind farm at Ormara, Distt of Gawadar, Baluchistan –Pakistan. Key purpose of the current work is to find wind power potential at low, medium and higher heights. To explore the best and power potential, four years wind speed data is forecasted using statistical model. ARIMA models present a better understanding to the change and estimate of the wind speed. Based on this forecasted wind speed 317 turbines of different manufacturers were examined at different heights (60m, 80m and 100m) from ground level including maximum possible rating up to 5 MW. The results show the best turbine selection at particular location with maximum possible capacity factor achievable through various numerical as well as simulation methods. Moreover this study further investigates the economic feasibility of 50 MW wind farm through numerical methods at the potential site using Minitab, Stats Graphics, and EViews. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of brief exposure to antifungal agents on the post-antifungal effect and hemolysin activity of oral Candida albicans

Journal of Applied Oral Science, 2015

Post-antifungal effect (PAFE) of Candida and its production of hemolysin are determinants of cand... more Post-antifungal effect (PAFE) of Candida and its production of hemolysin are determinants of candidal pathogenicity. Candida albicans is the foremost aetiological agent of oral candidosis, which can be treated with polyene, azole, and echinocandin antifungals. However, once administered, the intraoral concentrations of these drugs tend to be subtherapeutic and transient due to the diluent effect of saliva and cleansing effect of the oral musculature. Hence, intra-orally, Candidamay undergo a brief exposure to antifungal drugs.Objective Therefore, the PAFE and hemolysin production of oral C. albicans isolates following brief exposure to sublethal concentrations of the foregoing antifungals were evaluated.Material and Methods A total of 50 C. albicans oral isolates obtained from smokers, diabetics, asthmatics using steroid inhalers, partial denture wearers and healthy individuals were exposed to sublethal concentrations of nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole and fluconazole for 60 min. Thereafter, the drugs were removed and the PAFE and hemolysin production were determined by previously described turbidometric and plate assays, respectively.Results Nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin and ketoconazole induced mean PAFE (hours) of 2.2, 2.18, 2.2 and 0.62, respectively. Fluconazole failed to produce a PAFE. Hemolysin production of these isolates was suppressed with a percentage reduction of 12.27, 13.47, 13.33, 8.53 and 4.93 following exposure to nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole and fluconazole, respectively.Conclusions Brief exposure to sublethal concentrations of antifungal drugs appears to exert an antifungal effect by interfering with the growth as well as hemolysin production of C. albicans.

Research paper thumbnail of Technical and financial analysis of 50MW wind farm at Gwadar, Balochistan

Statistical and computational models have been used worldwide by the researchers to predict time ... more Statistical and computational models have been used worldwide by the researchers to predict time series. This paper implements two techniques; Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average models and Neural Networks backpropagation algorithm to predict wind speed time series for Gwadar, a coastal city of Balochistan. Based on the wind speed predict, power output has been estimated of a 50MW wind farm, choosing the appropriate turbine and optimum hub elevation for the installation of wind turbine. Furthermore, a financial study is presented of such a wind farm at Gwadar. For turbine selection, 317 turbines of various ratings and manufacturers were surveyed through software at different elevations-60m, 80m, 100m and 120m. The results show that Neural Networks capture the trend in the wind speed time series more accurately than its statistical counterpart. Also, the optimum hub elevation for installing wind turbine at Gwadar is found to be 100m. Annual energy production under these circumst...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of short-term exposure of antifungal agents on hemolysin activity of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates from Kuwait and Sri Lanka

Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry, 2015

Ability to produce hemolysin by Candida species is an important determinant of its pathogenicity.... more Ability to produce hemolysin by Candida species is an important determinant of its pathogenicity. Candida dubliniensis is implicated in the causation of oral candidosis, which can be treated with polyene, echinocandin, and azole groups of antifungal agents as well as chlorhexidine. After oral application, however, the concentrations of these agents tend to decrease quickly to subtherapeutic levels due to the peculiarity of the oral environment. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of short-term exposure of sublethal concentrations of these drugs on hemolysin production by oral C. dubliniensis isolates obtained from two different geographical locale. Twenty C. dubliniensis oral isolates obtained from Kuwait and Sri Lanka were exposed to sublethal concentrations of nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and chlorhexidine for 1 h. Thereafter, the drugs were removed by dilution and the hemolysin production determined by a previously described plate assay. Hemolysin production of these isolates was significantly suppressed with a percentage reduction of 17.09, 16.45, 17.09, 11.39, 8.23 and 12.03 following exposure to nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and chlorhexidine, respectively. Brief exposure to sublethal concentrations of drugs with antifungal properties appears to reduce the pathogenic potential of C. dubliniensis isolates by suppressing hemolysin production.

Research paper thumbnail of O86 Cystic lymph node metastasis in patients with head and neck cancer: an HPV-related phenomenon

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of water, metallic ions, fatty acid and temperature on oxidative stability of 1-octacosanol from sugarcane rind

Food Chemistry, 2015

The chemical composition and selected physical parameters of crude 1-octacosanol (1-OC) extracted... more The chemical composition and selected physical parameters of crude 1-octacosanol (1-OC) extracted from sugarcane rind have been determined. GC-MS results exhibited that 1-OC sample was primarily composed of 1-OC (45.17%), 1-docosene (12.04%), 1-triacontanol (0.23%), 1-heneicosanol (0.33%), 1-tetracosanal (0.28%), campesterol (4.5%), stigmasterol (9.12%) and β-sitosterol (8.23%). The linoleic acid had important effects on physical and chemical properties of 1-OC sample, as it notably changed the melting point and the onset oxidation temperature To of 1-OC sample from 83.75±0.35°C to 63.25±0.35°C and 245.64±2.04°C to 160.03±0.01°C, respectively. It was also proved that the oxidation reactions were significantly different at different temperature levels. 1-OC was stable up to 245.64±2.04°C. However, when the temperature continued to rise, 1-OC and its oxidation products started to be oxidized. Therefore, attention should be paid to the quality of 1-OC during the preparation of food and to minimize the undesirable breakdown products.

Research paper thumbnail of Elevated T-box 2 in infantile hemangioma stem cells maintains an adipogenic differentiation-competent state

Dermato-endocrinology, 2013

Infantile hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor that affects 4 to 10% of neonates. A unique featu... more Infantile hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor that affects 4 to 10% of neonates. A unique feature of hemangiomas is the natural lifecycle, whereby the tumor rapidly grows and then spontaneously regresses to a fibrofatty residuum. We have shown that hemangiomas are derived from mutlipotential stem cells (hemSCs), which differentiate into endothelial cells during the early proliferating phase and into adipocytes during the later involutive phase. T-box 2 (TBX2) is a transcription factor involved in controlling cell-fate decisions, and is highly expressed during the proliferating phase of hemangioma development. We hypothesize that TBX2 expression would be high in hemSCs derived from human hemangiomas and inhibiting TBX2 would result in changes in hemSC differentiation potential. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed hemSCs for TBX2 mRNA and protein expression. We then used RNA interference and TBX2 overexpression to determine the effect of altering TBX2 levels on hemSC growth and diff...

Research paper thumbnail of Routine Screening for CYP2C19 Polymorphisms for Patients being Treated with Clopidogrel is not Recommended

Hawai'i journal of medicine & public health : a journal of Asia Pacific Medicine & Public Health, 2015

Recent efforts directed at potential litigation in Hawai'i have resulted in a renewed interes... more Recent efforts directed at potential litigation in Hawai'i have resulted in a renewed interest for genetic screening for cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) polymorphisms in patients treated with clopidogrel. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent, frequently used in combination with aspirin, for the prevention of thrombotic complications with acute coronary syndrome and in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2C19 is an enzyme involved in the bioactivation of clopidogrel from a pro-drug to an active inhibitor of platelet action. Patients of Asian and Pacific Island background have been reported to have an increase in CYP2C19 polymorphisms associated with loss-of-function of this enzyme when compared to other ethnicities. This has created an interest in genetic testing for CYP2C19 polymorphisms in Hawai'i. Based upon our review of the current literature, we do not feel that there is support for the routine screening for CYP2C19 polymorphis...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on emulsifying properties of sweet potato protein in model protein–hydrocolloids system

Food Chemistry, 2015

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on emulsifying properties of sweet potato protein ... more The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on emulsifying properties of sweet potato protein (SPP) in presence of 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5% (w/v) of guar gum (GG) and glycerol monostearate (GMS) were investigated. Emulsifying stability index (ESI) of the SPP with GG revealed significant increase (P<0.05) in ESI value at 600MPa treatment, while the stability of SPP-GMS emulsions significantly decreased with increase in GMS concentrations and HHP treatments (200-600MPa). HHP treatment considerably reduced the creaming rate for SPP-GG model while such case was not observed for SPP-GMS model. The flow index for SPP-GG emulsion model was found to decrease with increase in HHP treatment and had non-Newtonian behaviour. The SPP-GMS emulsion models with HHP treatments showed comparatively lower viscosities but had more Newtonian flow character.

Research paper thumbnail of Performance of the distributed hash joins algorithm in a heterogeneous supercomputing environment

Research paper thumbnail of Techno-economic study for 50 MW wind farm in Pasni, coastal district of Balochistan-Pakistan using ARIMA models and RETScreen

2014 International Conference on Energy Systems and Policies (ICESP), 2014

ABSTRACT This study investigates the techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generati... more ABSTRACT This study investigates the techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generation from 50 MW wind farm at Pasni, Distt of Gawadar, Baluchistan –Pakistan. Key purpose of the current work is to find wind power potential at low, medium and higher heights. To explore the best and power potential, four years wind speed data is forecasted using statistical model. ARIMA models present a better understanding to the change and estimate of the wind speed. Based on this forecasted wind speed 317 turbines of different manufacturers were examined at different heights (60m, 80m and 100m) from ground level including maximum possible rating up to 5 MW. The results show the best turbine selection at particular location with maximum possible capacity factor achievable through various numerical as well as simulation methods. Moreover this study further investigates the economic feasibility of 50 MW wind farm through numerical methods at the potential site using Minitab, Stats Graphics, and EViews. The results obtained from these software were validated by simulations through RETScreen Software. The results show that the most suitable hub height for wind turbines in Pasni-Pakistan is 100m and capacity factor found at this height is 20.19 % with annual wind energy production of 88 GWh/year.

Research paper thumbnail of Single-crystal electron paramagnetic resonance studies of the action of red light on the platelet form of humulene nitrosite, C15H24N2O3: the first nitroxide radical formed in the photochemical reaction

J Chem Soc Perkin Trans 2, 1989

Research paper thumbnail of Red wells or green wells and does it matter? Examining households use of arsenic contaminated water in Bangladesh

Research paper thumbnail of Fluoride Uptake Level of the Enamel by a Fluoride Varnish and a Fluoride Gel (APF) Corresponding Author

Various forms of fluoride-contained products are used to increase the resistance of the tooth aga... more Various forms of fluoride-contained products are used to increase the resistance of the tooth against caries for preventive purposes. Furthermore, studies demonstrated higher fluoride uptake with varnish and gel among the wide range of products.

Research paper thumbnail of Method and system for wireless message-based advertising

Research paper thumbnail of Integrated anaerobic waste management system with energy and products recovery

Research paper thumbnail of Techno-Economic Study For 50 MW Wind Farm In Ormara, Balochistan

ABSTRACT This Paper signifies techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generation from... more ABSTRACT This Paper signifies techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generation from 50 MW wind farm at Ormara, Distt of Gawadar, Baluchistan –Pakistan. Key purpose of the current work is to find wind power potential at low, medium and higher heights. To explore the best and power potential, four years wind speed data is forecasted using statistical model. ARIMA models present a better understanding to the change and estimate of the wind speed. Based on this forecasted wind speed 317 turbines of different manufacturers were examined at different heights (60m, 80m and 100m) from ground level including maximum possible rating up to 5 MW. The results show the best turbine selection at particular location with maximum possible capacity factor achievable through various numerical as well as simulation methods. Moreover this study further investigates the economic feasibility of 50 MW wind farm through numerical methods at the potential site using Minitab, Stats Graphics, and EViews. The results obtained from these software were validated by simulations through RETScreen Software. The results show that the most suitable hub height for wind turbines in Ormara-Pakistan is 100m and capacity factor found at this height is 38.18 % with annual wind energy production of 167.22 GWh/year.

Research paper thumbnail of Net-centric coordination channel (NCC)

Research paper thumbnail of High sensitivity Troponin T: an audit of implementation of its protocol in a district general hospital

Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad Jamc, Jul 1, 2013

Background: Protocols based on newer high sensitivity Troponin T (hsTropT) assays can rule in a s... more Background: Protocols based on newer high sensitivity Troponin T (hsTropT) assays can rule in a suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) as early as 3 hours. We conducted this study to audit adherence to our Trust's newly introduced AMI diagnostic protocol based on paired hsTropT testing at 0 and 3 hours. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of all patients who had hsTropT test done between 1 st and 7 th May 2012. Patient's demographics, utility of single or paired samples, time interval between paired samples, patient's presenting symptoms and ECG findings were noted and their means, medians, Standard deviations and proportions were calculated. Results: A total of 66 patients had hsTropT test done during this period. Mean age was 63.30±17.46 years and 38 (57.57%) were males. Twenty-four (36.36%) patients had only single, rather than protocol recommended paired hsTropT samples, taken. Among the 42 (63.63%) patients with paired samples, the mean time interval was found to be 4.41±5.7 hours. Contrary to the recommendations, 15 (22.73%) had a very long whereas 2 (3.03%) had a very short time interval between two samples. A subgroup analysis of patients with single samples, found only 2 (3.03%) patient with ST-segment elevation, appropriate for single testing. Conclusion: Our study confirmed that in a large number of patients the protocol for paired sampling or a recommended time interval of 3 hours between 2 samples was not being followed.

Research paper thumbnail of Screening of NADPH cytochrome p450 reductase and alkaline protease activities in germinating Cajanus cajan L. seedlings in the presence of herbicides and protein synthesis inhibitors

Indian Journal of Applied Research, Mar 1, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Techno-Economic Study for 50 MW Wind Farm in Ormara, Coastal District of Balochistan-Pakistan using ARIMA models and RETScreen

This Paper signifies techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generation from 50 MW wi... more This Paper signifies techno-economic assessment of predicted wind energy generation from 50 MW wind farm at Ormara, Distt of Gawadar, Baluchistan –Pakistan. Key purpose of the current work is to find wind power potential at low, medium and higher heights. To explore the best and power potential, four years wind speed data is forecasted using statistical model. ARIMA models present a better understanding to the change and estimate of the wind speed. Based on this forecasted wind speed 317 turbines of different manufacturers were examined at different heights (60m, 80m and 100m) from ground level including maximum possible rating up to 5 MW. The results show the best turbine selection at particular location with maximum possible capacity factor achievable through various numerical as well as simulation methods. Moreover this study further investigates the economic feasibility of 50 MW wind farm through numerical methods at the potential site using Minitab, Stats Graphics, and EViews. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of brief exposure to antifungal agents on the post-antifungal effect and hemolysin activity of oral Candida albicans

Journal of Applied Oral Science, 2015

Post-antifungal effect (PAFE) of Candida and its production of hemolysin are determinants of cand... more Post-antifungal effect (PAFE) of Candida and its production of hemolysin are determinants of candidal pathogenicity. Candida albicans is the foremost aetiological agent of oral candidosis, which can be treated with polyene, azole, and echinocandin antifungals. However, once administered, the intraoral concentrations of these drugs tend to be subtherapeutic and transient due to the diluent effect of saliva and cleansing effect of the oral musculature. Hence, intra-orally, Candidamay undergo a brief exposure to antifungal drugs.Objective Therefore, the PAFE and hemolysin production of oral C. albicans isolates following brief exposure to sublethal concentrations of the foregoing antifungals were evaluated.Material and Methods A total of 50 C. albicans oral isolates obtained from smokers, diabetics, asthmatics using steroid inhalers, partial denture wearers and healthy individuals were exposed to sublethal concentrations of nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole and fluconazole for 60 min. Thereafter, the drugs were removed and the PAFE and hemolysin production were determined by previously described turbidometric and plate assays, respectively.Results Nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin and ketoconazole induced mean PAFE (hours) of 2.2, 2.18, 2.2 and 0.62, respectively. Fluconazole failed to produce a PAFE. Hemolysin production of these isolates was suppressed with a percentage reduction of 12.27, 13.47, 13.33, 8.53 and 4.93 following exposure to nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole and fluconazole, respectively.Conclusions Brief exposure to sublethal concentrations of antifungal drugs appears to exert an antifungal effect by interfering with the growth as well as hemolysin production of C. albicans.

Research paper thumbnail of Technical and financial analysis of 50MW wind farm at Gwadar, Balochistan

Statistical and computational models have been used worldwide by the researchers to predict time ... more Statistical and computational models have been used worldwide by the researchers to predict time series. This paper implements two techniques; Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average models and Neural Networks backpropagation algorithm to predict wind speed time series for Gwadar, a coastal city of Balochistan. Based on the wind speed predict, power output has been estimated of a 50MW wind farm, choosing the appropriate turbine and optimum hub elevation for the installation of wind turbine. Furthermore, a financial study is presented of such a wind farm at Gwadar. For turbine selection, 317 turbines of various ratings and manufacturers were surveyed through software at different elevations-60m, 80m, 100m and 120m. The results show that Neural Networks capture the trend in the wind speed time series more accurately than its statistical counterpart. Also, the optimum hub elevation for installing wind turbine at Gwadar is found to be 100m. Annual energy production under these circumst...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of short-term exposure of antifungal agents on hemolysin activity of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates from Kuwait and Sri Lanka

Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry, 2015

Ability to produce hemolysin by Candida species is an important determinant of its pathogenicity.... more Ability to produce hemolysin by Candida species is an important determinant of its pathogenicity. Candida dubliniensis is implicated in the causation of oral candidosis, which can be treated with polyene, echinocandin, and azole groups of antifungal agents as well as chlorhexidine. After oral application, however, the concentrations of these agents tend to decrease quickly to subtherapeutic levels due to the peculiarity of the oral environment. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of short-term exposure of sublethal concentrations of these drugs on hemolysin production by oral C. dubliniensis isolates obtained from two different geographical locale. Twenty C. dubliniensis oral isolates obtained from Kuwait and Sri Lanka were exposed to sublethal concentrations of nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and chlorhexidine for 1 h. Thereafter, the drugs were removed by dilution and the hemolysin production determined by a previously described plate assay. Hemolysin production of these isolates was significantly suppressed with a percentage reduction of 17.09, 16.45, 17.09, 11.39, 8.23 and 12.03 following exposure to nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and chlorhexidine, respectively. Brief exposure to sublethal concentrations of drugs with antifungal properties appears to reduce the pathogenic potential of C. dubliniensis isolates by suppressing hemolysin production.

Research paper thumbnail of O86 Cystic lymph node metastasis in patients with head and neck cancer: an HPV-related phenomenon

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of water, metallic ions, fatty acid and temperature on oxidative stability of 1-octacosanol from sugarcane rind

Food Chemistry, 2015

The chemical composition and selected physical parameters of crude 1-octacosanol (1-OC) extracted... more The chemical composition and selected physical parameters of crude 1-octacosanol (1-OC) extracted from sugarcane rind have been determined. GC-MS results exhibited that 1-OC sample was primarily composed of 1-OC (45.17%), 1-docosene (12.04%), 1-triacontanol (0.23%), 1-heneicosanol (0.33%), 1-tetracosanal (0.28%), campesterol (4.5%), stigmasterol (9.12%) and β-sitosterol (8.23%). The linoleic acid had important effects on physical and chemical properties of 1-OC sample, as it notably changed the melting point and the onset oxidation temperature To of 1-OC sample from 83.75±0.35°C to 63.25±0.35°C and 245.64±2.04°C to 160.03±0.01°C, respectively. It was also proved that the oxidation reactions were significantly different at different temperature levels. 1-OC was stable up to 245.64±2.04°C. However, when the temperature continued to rise, 1-OC and its oxidation products started to be oxidized. Therefore, attention should be paid to the quality of 1-OC during the preparation of food and to minimize the undesirable breakdown products.

Research paper thumbnail of Elevated T-box 2 in infantile hemangioma stem cells maintains an adipogenic differentiation-competent state

Dermato-endocrinology, 2013

Infantile hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor that affects 4 to 10% of neonates. A unique featu... more Infantile hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor that affects 4 to 10% of neonates. A unique feature of hemangiomas is the natural lifecycle, whereby the tumor rapidly grows and then spontaneously regresses to a fibrofatty residuum. We have shown that hemangiomas are derived from mutlipotential stem cells (hemSCs), which differentiate into endothelial cells during the early proliferating phase and into adipocytes during the later involutive phase. T-box 2 (TBX2) is a transcription factor involved in controlling cell-fate decisions, and is highly expressed during the proliferating phase of hemangioma development. We hypothesize that TBX2 expression would be high in hemSCs derived from human hemangiomas and inhibiting TBX2 would result in changes in hemSC differentiation potential. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed hemSCs for TBX2 mRNA and protein expression. We then used RNA interference and TBX2 overexpression to determine the effect of altering TBX2 levels on hemSC growth and diff...

Research paper thumbnail of Routine Screening for CYP2C19 Polymorphisms for Patients being Treated with Clopidogrel is not Recommended

Hawai'i journal of medicine & public health : a journal of Asia Pacific Medicine & Public Health, 2015

Recent efforts directed at potential litigation in Hawai'i have resulted in a renewed interes... more Recent efforts directed at potential litigation in Hawai'i have resulted in a renewed interest for genetic screening for cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) polymorphisms in patients treated with clopidogrel. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent, frequently used in combination with aspirin, for the prevention of thrombotic complications with acute coronary syndrome and in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2C19 is an enzyme involved in the bioactivation of clopidogrel from a pro-drug to an active inhibitor of platelet action. Patients of Asian and Pacific Island background have been reported to have an increase in CYP2C19 polymorphisms associated with loss-of-function of this enzyme when compared to other ethnicities. This has created an interest in genetic testing for CYP2C19 polymorphisms in Hawai'i. Based upon our review of the current literature, we do not feel that there is support for the routine screening for CYP2C19 polymorphis...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on emulsifying properties of sweet potato protein in model protein–hydrocolloids system

Food Chemistry, 2015

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on emulsifying properties of sweet potato protein ... more The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on emulsifying properties of sweet potato protein (SPP) in presence of 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5% (w/v) of guar gum (GG) and glycerol monostearate (GMS) were investigated. Emulsifying stability index (ESI) of the SPP with GG revealed significant increase (P<0.05) in ESI value at 600MPa treatment, while the stability of SPP-GMS emulsions significantly decreased with increase in GMS concentrations and HHP treatments (200-600MPa). HHP treatment considerably reduced the creaming rate for SPP-GG model while such case was not observed for SPP-GMS model. The flow index for SPP-GG emulsion model was found to decrease with increase in HHP treatment and had non-Newtonian behaviour. The SPP-GMS emulsion models with HHP treatments showed comparatively lower viscosities but had more Newtonian flow character.