Ghosia Lutfullah - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Ghosia Lutfullah
Materials Research Express, 2019
In this contribution green route was used for biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Mo... more In this contribution green route was used for biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Monotheca buxifolia. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using diverse techniques and their biological potential was investigated using different bioassays. The crystallite size of AuNPs was found to be 14 nm. AuNPs had different shapes hexagonal, triangle and spherical. FTIR spectra indicated several functional groups primarily phenols as potential reducing and amide as stabilizing agents. AuNPs revealed highest free radical potential as compared to M. buxifolia extracts. M. morganii (with MIC50 2.28 mg/ml) was the most vulnerable strain to AuNPs. Moreover, biogenic AuNPs showed no mutagenic properties. Significant insecticidal activities (100%) were revealed for AuNPs and plant extract against all the test insects. In addition, the biogenic gold nanoparticles manifested significant (66.67% with LD50 value 46.1 μg/mL) cytotoxicity. AuNPs possessed no mutagenic potential against human DNA and revealed moderate (24.6%) thrombolytic activity. Aqueous extract was hemolytic (9.09%) at 250 µg/ml while AuNPs were slightly hemolytic. AuNPs showed cent percent mortality against insects. Our results suggested broad applications of biogenically derived gold nanoparticles in the field of biomedicine.
This contribution reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf ext... more This contribution reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf
extracts of D. mucronata and their diverse applications. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized
using diverse techniques, i.e. UV, XRD, EDS, SEM, TEM, FTIR and TGA/DTA. These techniques
confirmed the authenticity of the synthesized nanoparticles. The bimodulated AgNPs revealed
the highest radical scavenging potential, i.e. 86.4% relative to plant extract at 600 μg/ml.
Escherichia coli was found to be the most susceptible strain to AgNPs. Growth of vancomycinresistant
Staphylococcus aureus was also inhibited. Hemolytic activity revealed negligible
hemolysis, indicating the biocompatible nature of biomodulated AgNPs. Furthermore, no
mutagenic properties were shown by the biogenic AgNPs. Synthesized nanoparticles possessed
promising insecticidal potential and had no phytotoxic activity. No haemagglutination was
observed for biogenic AgNPs.
World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2007
Abstract The fungal strain A. niger SA1 isolated from textile wastewater pond proved to be an imp... more Abstract The fungal strain A. niger SA1 isolated from textile wastewater pond proved to be an important source of remediation (decolorization/degradation) for textile dye, AR 151 (Reactive diazo dye) under different physico-chemical conditions. Decolorization assays of AR 151 ...
International Journal of Bioinformatics Research and Applications, 2011
Streptolysin O, a 63 kDa exotoxin coded by slo gene, is a well-characterised thiol-activated cyto... more Streptolysin O, a 63 kDa exotoxin coded by slo gene, is a well-characterised thiol-activated cytolysin, which damages cholesterol-containing membranes resulting in disruption and lysis of the target cell. On the basis of homology model and secondary structure analysis, the toxin has four domains of which domain 4 is of particular importance and is directly linked to domain 2 by a glycine linker and remained consistent in initial membrane recognition. Domain 4 reduces the hydrophobic ratio when compared with its template, which would affect the activity of the toxin at low pH.
BMC Microbiology
Problem Background Penicillin was the first and most famous fungal secondary metabolite used as b... more Problem Background Penicillin was the first and most famous fungal secondary metabolite used as broad spectrum antibiotic that revolutionarised pharmaceutical research and also saved millions of lives. The over optimistic belief in 1967 that sufficient antibiotics had been discovered to defeat infectious diseases was quickly crashed with the appearance of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria in 1990s. This has posed a serious threat to mankind. Although scientists are making efforts to synthesize and discover new antibiotics there are not enough new drugs in pharmaceutical pipeline to beat the pace at which MDR bacteria are emerging. In view of this there is an urgent and serious medical need for new bioactive compounds to be discovered to treat infections caused by MDR pathogens. The present study is aimed to investigate the antibacterial potential of Aspergillus flavus originated compounds that may act as drug leads to treat future infections. Methodology Among the 6 isolated fungal...
The prevalence of obesity and over-weight has largely increased over the last decades and become ... more The prevalence of obesity and over-weight has largely increased over the last decades and become a public health problem in both developed and developing countries.1-3 Overweight,
Pakistan Journal of Weed Science Research, 2013
Cladosporium carrionii were isolated from soil and were grown in Czapek yeast extract broth (CYB)... more Cladosporium carrionii were isolated from soil and were grown in Czapek yeast extract broth (CYB) for the production of metabolites. The study was conducted in 2010 at Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar with the objectives to discover some biologically active secondary metabolites. The crude extract and its fractions were tested against the pathogenic fungi namely Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Fusarium solani, Microsporum canis and Trichophyton longifusus, including brine shrimps and Lemna aequinoctialis. The ethyl acetate extract showed highest inhibition of 66 mm against C. albicans, with MIC of 0.25 mg/mL, n-Hexane fraction showed highest inhibition of 63 mm against C. glabrata, with MIC of 0.50 mg/mL and aqueous fraction showed highest inhibition of 56 mm against M. cannis, with MIC of 0.25 mg/mL. The chemical investigation of the extract led to the isolation of pure antibacterial compounds and their structure was confirmed...
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2019
Objectives: The present study aims to identify the risk factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-... more Objectives: The present study aims to identify the risk factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1(HIV-1) infection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) population by comparing HIV-antibody positive cases with HIV-antibody-negative controls. Methods: The study was designed at the Family Care Centre (FCC), Hayatabad Medical Centre (HMC) Peshawar from February 2015 to December 2016. A total of 280 individuals were selected randomly for the study as cases and control. Data was collected on a structured questionnaire with informed oral consent. The collected data was analysed statistically using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 280 individuals, 56% were males, 44% were females, and 53.21% belonged to the urban areas. The literacy rate was 48.6%, and 75.4% were married. The statistical analysis of risk factors revealed the following factors as of significance value (p < 0.05). Family history of HIV (OR = 9.46), spouse status of HIV (OR=22.22), injection drug users (IDUs), migrants (OR=2.234), u...
Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 2018
This contribution reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf ext... more This contribution reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf extracts of D. mucronata and their diverse applications. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized using diverse techniques, i.e. UV, XRD, EDS, SEM, TEM, FTIR and TGA/DTA. These techniques confirmed the authenticity of the synthesized nanoparticles. The bimodulated AgNPs revealed the highest radical scavenging potential, i.e. 86.4% relative to plant extract at 600 μg/ml. Escherichia coli was found to be the most susceptible strain to AgNPs. Growth of vancomycinresistant Staphylococcus aureus was also inhibited. Hemolytic activity revealed negligible hemolysis, indicating the biocompatible nature of biomodulated AgNPs. Furthermore, no mutagenic properties were shown by the biogenic AgNPs. Synthesized nanoparticles possessed promising insecticidal potential and had no phytotoxic activity. No haemagglutination was observed for biogenic AgNPs.
Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 2017
The role of different growth media and chemical enhancer on synthesis of secondary metabolites Cl... more The role of different growth media and chemical enhancer on synthesis of secondary metabolites Cladosporium resinae (NRL-6437) was investigated for their in vitro biological activities. Cladosporium resinae (NRL-6437) were grown in various nutrient media (Czapeak-dox Broth (CB), Czapeak Yeast-extract Broth (CYB), Yeast Extract Sucrose (YES), Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) and Czapeak-dox (supplemented with glucose and starch) Broth (CGSB) for the production of metabolites. Two chemical epigenetic modifiers (suberoyl-anilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) were also used for the expression of silent genes for secondary metabolite production. Our results indicated that among different media, Czapeak yeast extract broth produced more secondary metabolites. Application of 15mM of both modifiers was effective for the expressions of silent genes resulting in an increased metabolites production. Secondary metabolites extracted in ethyl acetate and fractionized in n-Hexane wer...
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2017
Objective: To screen out adult patients for HBV and HCV infections visiting Khyber College of Den... more Objective: To screen out adult patients for HBV and HCV infections visiting Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar (KCD) for different dental treatments and to identify the associated risk factors. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar in the year 2013. A total of 1540 patients >15 years, visiting KCD for seeking different dental treatments were screened for hepatitis B & C. Informed consent was taken before blood collection and filling of a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were tested against HBsAg and anti HCV by using ICT that were further confirmed by ELISA. The data was analyzed using Epi info version 6. Results: A total of 1540 patients were screened during the study. Among these 36.4%(561) were males and 63.6%(979) were females. Overall prevalence of HBV and HCV was 5.12%(79). On screening, 2.14%(33) were found to be HBs Ag positive of which 2.5%(14) were males and 1.9%(19) were females. HCV was found positive in 2.98%(46) individuals having male to female ratio of 1.6% and 3.8%. Frequency of HBsAg was high in age group 56-65 year and HCV in 36-45 year group. Previous history of IV/IM injections, spouse patient of hepatitis, blood transfusion, surgical operation were found significant risk factors in the transmission of both hepatitis B and C, while previous history of dental treatment and sharing of clippers were significant risk factor in spreading hepatitis C infection only. Conclusions: Overall prevalence of HCV was higher than HBV. Previous history of injections, spouse patient of hepatitis, blood transfusion, surgical operation were found significant risk factors in the transmission of both hepatitis B and C.
Natural product research, Jan 11, 2017
In the quest for bioactive natural products of fungal origin, Aspergillus flavus was isolated fro... more In the quest for bioactive natural products of fungal origin, Aspergillus flavus was isolated from rhizosphere of Mentha piperita using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Czapec Yeast Broth (CYB) nutrient media for metabolites production. In total, three different metabolites were purified using HPLC/LCMS and the structures were established using 500 Varian NMR experiments. Further the isolated metabolites in different concentrations (10, 100, 1000 μg/mL) were tested for herbicidal activity using Completely Randomized design (CRD) against the seeds of Silybum marianum and Avena fatua which are major threats to wheat crop in Pakistan. Among the isolated metabolites, one compound was found active against the test weed species whose activity is reported in the present work. The chemical name of the compound is 2-(1, 4-dihydroxybutan-2-yl)-1, 3-dihydroxy-6, 8-dimethoxyanthracene-9, 10(4aH, 9aH)-dione with mass of 388. Results showed that all seeds germinated in control treatment; however, w...
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2017
Dengue virus (DENV) is a causative agent of Dengue fever. Dengue virus (DENV) has four antigenica... more Dengue virus (DENV) is a causative agent of Dengue fever. Dengue virus (DENV) has four antigenically distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) all of which are able to cause complete infection. 1 Dengue virus is an RNA virus that belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Other viruses belonging to the same genus include Yellow fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, St Louis encephalitis virus
African Journal of Agricultural Research, Aug 1, 2013
This experiment was conducted for the optimization of auxin [indolebutyric acid (IBA) and naphtha... more This experiment was conducted for the optimization of auxin [indolebutyric acid (IBA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)] required for the regeneration of Mari gold. Significant differences were observed for bloom flowers. The maximum branches per plant (6.8) were observed at 400 ppm. Maximum flower size (10.7) was exhibited at 100 ppm IBA concentration and minimum flower size (2.8) at 300 ppm. The 200 and 400 ppm IBA concentration showed maximum leaf size (4.0). The maximum leaves per plant (44.0) were observed at 100 ppm IBA concentration while 200 ppm showed minimum leaves per plant (6.0). At 100 ppm IBA concentration maximum plant height (9.40 cm) was observed and minimum plant height (5.92 cm) was recorded at 400. 200 and 300 ppm concentration of IBA have no significant effect on roots per plants (37.0) while 400 ppm has maximum effect on roots per plant (84.4). Root size increased (6.50) at 100 ppm IBA concentration, while increasing the IBA concentration decreases the root size (4.10) respectively. Maximum value (7.2) was observed at 100 ppm IBA for nonbloom flower and minimum value was (3.2) at 300 ppm. Maximum branches per plant (5.0) were recorded at 400 ppm NAA concentration followed by 300 ppm (4.0) while minimum value (3.2) was observed at 200 ppm. The three concentration of NAA 100, 300 and 400 ppm are significantly different from control for flower size and there is no difference between control and 200 ppm concentration of NAA. By dipping the seedling of Mari gold in NAA maximum leaf size (3.20) was recorded at 200 ppm concentration, while minimum leaf size was observed at 400 ppm. Increased in leaves per plant were observed with increase in NAA concentration. Maximum plant height (7.80) was recorded at 100 and 200 ppm NAA concentration while minimum value was (5.0) at 300 ppm concentration. By dipping the seedling in higher concentration of NAA showed the maximum increase in roots per plant (123.2) and root size (6.8). 300 ppm showed maximum value for non-bloom flower and 200 ppm showed the minimum value (3.2).
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 2015
To investigate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from skin wards of th... more To investigate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from skin wards of the hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, its resistance against various commonly and commercially available antibiotics, as well as different genetic traits of resistance and their correlations with the phenotypic visible resistance. Methods: In the present study a simple PCR technique were used to investigate the genetic traits of resistance in S. aureus isolated from skin wards of two major hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 100 samples were collected from both the male and female, of which 50 were from patient's site of infection and 50 from ward environment. Results: These results demonstrated that the total prevalence of S. aureus both in ward as well as in patients was 48%. The S. aureus prevalence was the highest in female patients (50%) followed by ward environment (29%) and then male patients (21%). The antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that the highest (91.6% isolates) sensitivity was shown to imipenem. However, the highest resistance was found to be against penicillin (100% isolates) followed by cefotaxime (75% isolates). In addition, only 29% of the isolates were found to be resistant to methicillin. PCR technique based on the previously designed primers targeting different genetic traits of resistance revealed that 13 out of the 14 isolates resistant to methicillin were positive for mecA gene. blaZ Genetic traits were found in all isolates resistant to penicillin. The multidrug resistance traits, vgaA and vgaB each was detected only in 12.5% of S. aureus isolates. The phenotypic character of antibiotic resistance is highly correlated to different genetic traits of resistance. Conclusions: Based on our findings, it is concluded that antibiotic resistance in S. aureus strains is increasing day by day due to self-medications and medication by non-registered medical practitioners. Therefore, for quick and fast detection, we propose next-generation sequencing be utilized to screen for antibiotic resistance.
Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 2014
Zinc deficiency is a commonly reported health problem throughout the world. This cross sectional ... more Zinc deficiency is a commonly reported health problem throughout the world. This cross sectional survey was conducted in rural Peshawar with an aim to estimate the prevalence of zinc deficiency in women of child bearing age and find its association with age, marital, pregnancy status and parity. Data was collected from 353 women age 15-45 years. EPI INFO version 6.04 was used for data analysis. Overall 98 (27.8 %) women were zinc deficient (<80 μg/dL) while 31 (8.8%) had severe zinc deficiency (<50μg/dL.). Mean zinc level was found to increase gradually with the increase in the age up to 40 years and then starts decreasing significantly beyond this age. A significant decrease (p<0.03) in zinc concentration was found in married as compared to unmarried women. Out of 31 female with severe zinc deficiency, 23 (74.2%) were pregnant. Pregnant women in second (OR (CI) 3.36 (1.52-7.44) p<0.0008) and third ((OR (CI) 3.73 (1.91-7.30) p<0.00002) trimester were 3.4 & 3.7 times, ...
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2014
This is a really a valuable contribution for the new research in the field of fungal secondary me... more This is a really a valuable contribution for the new research in the field of fungal secondary metabolites. Because the author has compiled all the information in a very consistent manner. The authors have established a fine link that fungi is living organism but is used as chemical industries for the production of secondary metabolites, which I do believe is the real scientific contribution by naming fungi as chemical industries, that no one have ever used this term before for fungi.
The Scientific World Journal, 2014
Various essential and toxic heavy metals (Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni) contents in... more Various essential and toxic heavy metals (Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni) contents in various types of dried (infant formulaandpowdered) and fluid (freshandprocessed) cow milk were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The milk samples were collected from local markets of different parts of Peshawar city, Pakistan. Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly depending upon the type of milk. The heavy metal concentrations in most of the samples were within normal and permissible ranges. It was observed that the samples contained considerable amounts of calcium, while magnesium levels were well above the required levels. The results also revealed that copper levels were slightly lower than the permissible limits. The concentration of zinc in dried milk samples was greater than the values for the liquid milk types. Infant milk formulae had higher iron levels as compared to other milk samples because of the added constituents. Significant differences were obse...
The Protein Journal, 2007
The homology model of hemoglobin D from Geochelone carbonaria, the red-footed tortoise was predic... more The homology model of hemoglobin D from Geochelone carbonaria, the red-footed tortoise was predicted using the 3D structure coordinates of Geochelone gigantea hemoglobin D as the template. The model was built using the program, MODELLER (8v1) and evaluated with PROCHECK and PROSA. The present study features an in-depth analysis of the 3D model and its conformational changes brought about with variations in its environment. These structural changes are correlated with its ability to adapt to different environmental constraints enabling the organism to better suit to its natural habitat. The model shows additional contacts between amino acid pairs of a-119 and b-55, a-35 and b-124, a-103 and b-112, a-115 and b-116, a-120 and b-52, a-120 and b-55, a-36 and b-127 which are not found in human hemoglobin. It is predicted that these contacts may result in T-state stabilization thus lowering oxygen affinity. Furthermore, decrease in the interaction of phosphate heteroatoms with the amino acid residues of G. carbonaria Hb was also predicted in this study.
Materials Research Express, 2019
In this contribution green route was used for biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Mo... more In this contribution green route was used for biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Monotheca buxifolia. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using diverse techniques and their biological potential was investigated using different bioassays. The crystallite size of AuNPs was found to be 14 nm. AuNPs had different shapes hexagonal, triangle and spherical. FTIR spectra indicated several functional groups primarily phenols as potential reducing and amide as stabilizing agents. AuNPs revealed highest free radical potential as compared to M. buxifolia extracts. M. morganii (with MIC50 2.28 mg/ml) was the most vulnerable strain to AuNPs. Moreover, biogenic AuNPs showed no mutagenic properties. Significant insecticidal activities (100%) were revealed for AuNPs and plant extract against all the test insects. In addition, the biogenic gold nanoparticles manifested significant (66.67% with LD50 value 46.1 μg/mL) cytotoxicity. AuNPs possessed no mutagenic potential against human DNA and revealed moderate (24.6%) thrombolytic activity. Aqueous extract was hemolytic (9.09%) at 250 µg/ml while AuNPs were slightly hemolytic. AuNPs showed cent percent mortality against insects. Our results suggested broad applications of biogenically derived gold nanoparticles in the field of biomedicine.
This contribution reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf ext... more This contribution reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf
extracts of D. mucronata and their diverse applications. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized
using diverse techniques, i.e. UV, XRD, EDS, SEM, TEM, FTIR and TGA/DTA. These techniques
confirmed the authenticity of the synthesized nanoparticles. The bimodulated AgNPs revealed
the highest radical scavenging potential, i.e. 86.4% relative to plant extract at 600 μg/ml.
Escherichia coli was found to be the most susceptible strain to AgNPs. Growth of vancomycinresistant
Staphylococcus aureus was also inhibited. Hemolytic activity revealed negligible
hemolysis, indicating the biocompatible nature of biomodulated AgNPs. Furthermore, no
mutagenic properties were shown by the biogenic AgNPs. Synthesized nanoparticles possessed
promising insecticidal potential and had no phytotoxic activity. No haemagglutination was
observed for biogenic AgNPs.
World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2007
Abstract The fungal strain A. niger SA1 isolated from textile wastewater pond proved to be an imp... more Abstract The fungal strain A. niger SA1 isolated from textile wastewater pond proved to be an important source of remediation (decolorization/degradation) for textile dye, AR 151 (Reactive diazo dye) under different physico-chemical conditions. Decolorization assays of AR 151 ...
International Journal of Bioinformatics Research and Applications, 2011
Streptolysin O, a 63 kDa exotoxin coded by slo gene, is a well-characterised thiol-activated cyto... more Streptolysin O, a 63 kDa exotoxin coded by slo gene, is a well-characterised thiol-activated cytolysin, which damages cholesterol-containing membranes resulting in disruption and lysis of the target cell. On the basis of homology model and secondary structure analysis, the toxin has four domains of which domain 4 is of particular importance and is directly linked to domain 2 by a glycine linker and remained consistent in initial membrane recognition. Domain 4 reduces the hydrophobic ratio when compared with its template, which would affect the activity of the toxin at low pH.
BMC Microbiology
Problem Background Penicillin was the first and most famous fungal secondary metabolite used as b... more Problem Background Penicillin was the first and most famous fungal secondary metabolite used as broad spectrum antibiotic that revolutionarised pharmaceutical research and also saved millions of lives. The over optimistic belief in 1967 that sufficient antibiotics had been discovered to defeat infectious diseases was quickly crashed with the appearance of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria in 1990s. This has posed a serious threat to mankind. Although scientists are making efforts to synthesize and discover new antibiotics there are not enough new drugs in pharmaceutical pipeline to beat the pace at which MDR bacteria are emerging. In view of this there is an urgent and serious medical need for new bioactive compounds to be discovered to treat infections caused by MDR pathogens. The present study is aimed to investigate the antibacterial potential of Aspergillus flavus originated compounds that may act as drug leads to treat future infections. Methodology Among the 6 isolated fungal...
The prevalence of obesity and over-weight has largely increased over the last decades and become ... more The prevalence of obesity and over-weight has largely increased over the last decades and become a public health problem in both developed and developing countries.1-3 Overweight,
Pakistan Journal of Weed Science Research, 2013
Cladosporium carrionii were isolated from soil and were grown in Czapek yeast extract broth (CYB)... more Cladosporium carrionii were isolated from soil and were grown in Czapek yeast extract broth (CYB) for the production of metabolites. The study was conducted in 2010 at Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar with the objectives to discover some biologically active secondary metabolites. The crude extract and its fractions were tested against the pathogenic fungi namely Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Fusarium solani, Microsporum canis and Trichophyton longifusus, including brine shrimps and Lemna aequinoctialis. The ethyl acetate extract showed highest inhibition of 66 mm against C. albicans, with MIC of 0.25 mg/mL, n-Hexane fraction showed highest inhibition of 63 mm against C. glabrata, with MIC of 0.50 mg/mL and aqueous fraction showed highest inhibition of 56 mm against M. cannis, with MIC of 0.25 mg/mL. The chemical investigation of the extract led to the isolation of pure antibacterial compounds and their structure was confirmed...
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2019
Objectives: The present study aims to identify the risk factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-... more Objectives: The present study aims to identify the risk factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1(HIV-1) infection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) population by comparing HIV-antibody positive cases with HIV-antibody-negative controls. Methods: The study was designed at the Family Care Centre (FCC), Hayatabad Medical Centre (HMC) Peshawar from February 2015 to December 2016. A total of 280 individuals were selected randomly for the study as cases and control. Data was collected on a structured questionnaire with informed oral consent. The collected data was analysed statistically using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 280 individuals, 56% were males, 44% were females, and 53.21% belonged to the urban areas. The literacy rate was 48.6%, and 75.4% were married. The statistical analysis of risk factors revealed the following factors as of significance value (p < 0.05). Family history of HIV (OR = 9.46), spouse status of HIV (OR=22.22), injection drug users (IDUs), migrants (OR=2.234), u...
Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 2018
This contribution reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf ext... more This contribution reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf extracts of D. mucronata and their diverse applications. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized using diverse techniques, i.e. UV, XRD, EDS, SEM, TEM, FTIR and TGA/DTA. These techniques confirmed the authenticity of the synthesized nanoparticles. The bimodulated AgNPs revealed the highest radical scavenging potential, i.e. 86.4% relative to plant extract at 600 μg/ml. Escherichia coli was found to be the most susceptible strain to AgNPs. Growth of vancomycinresistant Staphylococcus aureus was also inhibited. Hemolytic activity revealed negligible hemolysis, indicating the biocompatible nature of biomodulated AgNPs. Furthermore, no mutagenic properties were shown by the biogenic AgNPs. Synthesized nanoparticles possessed promising insecticidal potential and had no phytotoxic activity. No haemagglutination was observed for biogenic AgNPs.
Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 2017
The role of different growth media and chemical enhancer on synthesis of secondary metabolites Cl... more The role of different growth media and chemical enhancer on synthesis of secondary metabolites Cladosporium resinae (NRL-6437) was investigated for their in vitro biological activities. Cladosporium resinae (NRL-6437) were grown in various nutrient media (Czapeak-dox Broth (CB), Czapeak Yeast-extract Broth (CYB), Yeast Extract Sucrose (YES), Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) and Czapeak-dox (supplemented with glucose and starch) Broth (CGSB) for the production of metabolites. Two chemical epigenetic modifiers (suberoyl-anilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) were also used for the expression of silent genes for secondary metabolite production. Our results indicated that among different media, Czapeak yeast extract broth produced more secondary metabolites. Application of 15mM of both modifiers was effective for the expressions of silent genes resulting in an increased metabolites production. Secondary metabolites extracted in ethyl acetate and fractionized in n-Hexane wer...
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2017
Objective: To screen out adult patients for HBV and HCV infections visiting Khyber College of Den... more Objective: To screen out adult patients for HBV and HCV infections visiting Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar (KCD) for different dental treatments and to identify the associated risk factors. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar in the year 2013. A total of 1540 patients >15 years, visiting KCD for seeking different dental treatments were screened for hepatitis B & C. Informed consent was taken before blood collection and filling of a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were tested against HBsAg and anti HCV by using ICT that were further confirmed by ELISA. The data was analyzed using Epi info version 6. Results: A total of 1540 patients were screened during the study. Among these 36.4%(561) were males and 63.6%(979) were females. Overall prevalence of HBV and HCV was 5.12%(79). On screening, 2.14%(33) were found to be HBs Ag positive of which 2.5%(14) were males and 1.9%(19) were females. HCV was found positive in 2.98%(46) individuals having male to female ratio of 1.6% and 3.8%. Frequency of HBsAg was high in age group 56-65 year and HCV in 36-45 year group. Previous history of IV/IM injections, spouse patient of hepatitis, blood transfusion, surgical operation were found significant risk factors in the transmission of both hepatitis B and C, while previous history of dental treatment and sharing of clippers were significant risk factor in spreading hepatitis C infection only. Conclusions: Overall prevalence of HCV was higher than HBV. Previous history of injections, spouse patient of hepatitis, blood transfusion, surgical operation were found significant risk factors in the transmission of both hepatitis B and C.
Natural product research, Jan 11, 2017
In the quest for bioactive natural products of fungal origin, Aspergillus flavus was isolated fro... more In the quest for bioactive natural products of fungal origin, Aspergillus flavus was isolated from rhizosphere of Mentha piperita using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Czapec Yeast Broth (CYB) nutrient media for metabolites production. In total, three different metabolites were purified using HPLC/LCMS and the structures were established using 500 Varian NMR experiments. Further the isolated metabolites in different concentrations (10, 100, 1000 μg/mL) were tested for herbicidal activity using Completely Randomized design (CRD) against the seeds of Silybum marianum and Avena fatua which are major threats to wheat crop in Pakistan. Among the isolated metabolites, one compound was found active against the test weed species whose activity is reported in the present work. The chemical name of the compound is 2-(1, 4-dihydroxybutan-2-yl)-1, 3-dihydroxy-6, 8-dimethoxyanthracene-9, 10(4aH, 9aH)-dione with mass of 388. Results showed that all seeds germinated in control treatment; however, w...
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2017
Dengue virus (DENV) is a causative agent of Dengue fever. Dengue virus (DENV) has four antigenica... more Dengue virus (DENV) is a causative agent of Dengue fever. Dengue virus (DENV) has four antigenically distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) all of which are able to cause complete infection. 1 Dengue virus is an RNA virus that belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Other viruses belonging to the same genus include Yellow fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, St Louis encephalitis virus
African Journal of Agricultural Research, Aug 1, 2013
This experiment was conducted for the optimization of auxin [indolebutyric acid (IBA) and naphtha... more This experiment was conducted for the optimization of auxin [indolebutyric acid (IBA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)] required for the regeneration of Mari gold. Significant differences were observed for bloom flowers. The maximum branches per plant (6.8) were observed at 400 ppm. Maximum flower size (10.7) was exhibited at 100 ppm IBA concentration and minimum flower size (2.8) at 300 ppm. The 200 and 400 ppm IBA concentration showed maximum leaf size (4.0). The maximum leaves per plant (44.0) were observed at 100 ppm IBA concentration while 200 ppm showed minimum leaves per plant (6.0). At 100 ppm IBA concentration maximum plant height (9.40 cm) was observed and minimum plant height (5.92 cm) was recorded at 400. 200 and 300 ppm concentration of IBA have no significant effect on roots per plants (37.0) while 400 ppm has maximum effect on roots per plant (84.4). Root size increased (6.50) at 100 ppm IBA concentration, while increasing the IBA concentration decreases the root size (4.10) respectively. Maximum value (7.2) was observed at 100 ppm IBA for nonbloom flower and minimum value was (3.2) at 300 ppm. Maximum branches per plant (5.0) were recorded at 400 ppm NAA concentration followed by 300 ppm (4.0) while minimum value (3.2) was observed at 200 ppm. The three concentration of NAA 100, 300 and 400 ppm are significantly different from control for flower size and there is no difference between control and 200 ppm concentration of NAA. By dipping the seedling of Mari gold in NAA maximum leaf size (3.20) was recorded at 200 ppm concentration, while minimum leaf size was observed at 400 ppm. Increased in leaves per plant were observed with increase in NAA concentration. Maximum plant height (7.80) was recorded at 100 and 200 ppm NAA concentration while minimum value was (5.0) at 300 ppm concentration. By dipping the seedling in higher concentration of NAA showed the maximum increase in roots per plant (123.2) and root size (6.8). 300 ppm showed maximum value for non-bloom flower and 200 ppm showed the minimum value (3.2).
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 2015
To investigate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from skin wards of th... more To investigate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from skin wards of the hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, its resistance against various commonly and commercially available antibiotics, as well as different genetic traits of resistance and their correlations with the phenotypic visible resistance. Methods: In the present study a simple PCR technique were used to investigate the genetic traits of resistance in S. aureus isolated from skin wards of two major hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 100 samples were collected from both the male and female, of which 50 were from patient's site of infection and 50 from ward environment. Results: These results demonstrated that the total prevalence of S. aureus both in ward as well as in patients was 48%. The S. aureus prevalence was the highest in female patients (50%) followed by ward environment (29%) and then male patients (21%). The antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that the highest (91.6% isolates) sensitivity was shown to imipenem. However, the highest resistance was found to be against penicillin (100% isolates) followed by cefotaxime (75% isolates). In addition, only 29% of the isolates were found to be resistant to methicillin. PCR technique based on the previously designed primers targeting different genetic traits of resistance revealed that 13 out of the 14 isolates resistant to methicillin were positive for mecA gene. blaZ Genetic traits were found in all isolates resistant to penicillin. The multidrug resistance traits, vgaA and vgaB each was detected only in 12.5% of S. aureus isolates. The phenotypic character of antibiotic resistance is highly correlated to different genetic traits of resistance. Conclusions: Based on our findings, it is concluded that antibiotic resistance in S. aureus strains is increasing day by day due to self-medications and medication by non-registered medical practitioners. Therefore, for quick and fast detection, we propose next-generation sequencing be utilized to screen for antibiotic resistance.
Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 2014
Zinc deficiency is a commonly reported health problem throughout the world. This cross sectional ... more Zinc deficiency is a commonly reported health problem throughout the world. This cross sectional survey was conducted in rural Peshawar with an aim to estimate the prevalence of zinc deficiency in women of child bearing age and find its association with age, marital, pregnancy status and parity. Data was collected from 353 women age 15-45 years. EPI INFO version 6.04 was used for data analysis. Overall 98 (27.8 %) women were zinc deficient (<80 μg/dL) while 31 (8.8%) had severe zinc deficiency (<50μg/dL.). Mean zinc level was found to increase gradually with the increase in the age up to 40 years and then starts decreasing significantly beyond this age. A significant decrease (p<0.03) in zinc concentration was found in married as compared to unmarried women. Out of 31 female with severe zinc deficiency, 23 (74.2%) were pregnant. Pregnant women in second (OR (CI) 3.36 (1.52-7.44) p<0.0008) and third ((OR (CI) 3.73 (1.91-7.30) p<0.00002) trimester were 3.4 & 3.7 times, ...
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2014
This is a really a valuable contribution for the new research in the field of fungal secondary me... more This is a really a valuable contribution for the new research in the field of fungal secondary metabolites. Because the author has compiled all the information in a very consistent manner. The authors have established a fine link that fungi is living organism but is used as chemical industries for the production of secondary metabolites, which I do believe is the real scientific contribution by naming fungi as chemical industries, that no one have ever used this term before for fungi.
The Scientific World Journal, 2014
Various essential and toxic heavy metals (Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni) contents in... more Various essential and toxic heavy metals (Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni) contents in various types of dried (infant formulaandpowdered) and fluid (freshandprocessed) cow milk were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The milk samples were collected from local markets of different parts of Peshawar city, Pakistan. Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly depending upon the type of milk. The heavy metal concentrations in most of the samples were within normal and permissible ranges. It was observed that the samples contained considerable amounts of calcium, while magnesium levels were well above the required levels. The results also revealed that copper levels were slightly lower than the permissible limits. The concentration of zinc in dried milk samples was greater than the values for the liquid milk types. Infant milk formulae had higher iron levels as compared to other milk samples because of the added constituents. Significant differences were obse...
The Protein Journal, 2007
The homology model of hemoglobin D from Geochelone carbonaria, the red-footed tortoise was predic... more The homology model of hemoglobin D from Geochelone carbonaria, the red-footed tortoise was predicted using the 3D structure coordinates of Geochelone gigantea hemoglobin D as the template. The model was built using the program, MODELLER (8v1) and evaluated with PROCHECK and PROSA. The present study features an in-depth analysis of the 3D model and its conformational changes brought about with variations in its environment. These structural changes are correlated with its ability to adapt to different environmental constraints enabling the organism to better suit to its natural habitat. The model shows additional contacts between amino acid pairs of a-119 and b-55, a-35 and b-124, a-103 and b-112, a-115 and b-116, a-120 and b-52, a-120 and b-55, a-36 and b-127 which are not found in human hemoglobin. It is predicted that these contacts may result in T-state stabilization thus lowering oxygen affinity. Furthermore, decrease in the interaction of phosphate heteroatoms with the amino acid residues of G. carbonaria Hb was also predicted in this study.