| 1. |
- Habiba, Umme, et al.
(author)
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Differential Treatment Responses in Pakistani Schizophrenia Samples: Correlation with Sociodemographic Parameters, Drug Addiction, Attitude to the Treatment and Antipsychotic Agents
- 2023
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In: Brain Sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-3425. ; 13:407, s. 1-25
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Schizophrenia patients demonstrate variations in response to different therapies that are currently being used for the treatment of disorders, such as augmentation therapy (ECT or mood stabilizer) and combination therapy (with antipsychotics). These therapies are also used to treat schizophrenia patients in Pakistan; however, patients show poor overall response. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the association between the patients’ response to treatment and the use of antipsychotic agents, with variability in overall response, within different groups of patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study that included schizophrenia subjects (N = 200) belonging to different age groups, ethnicities, and regions from different outpatient and inpatient departments in psychiatric institutes located in different cities of Pakistan. These patients were assessed for their response to treatment therapies and categorized into four groups (non-responders (N-R), slow response (S-R), patients with relapse, and completely recovered patients (C-R)) according to their responses. Results: The final analysis included 200 subjects, of which 73.5% were males. Mean age was 34 ± 10 years. Percentage of N-R was 5%, S-R was 42%, patients with relapse were 24%, and C-R was 1.5%. The generalized linear regression model shows a significant association between medication response and age (p = 0.0231), age of onset (p = 0.0086), gender (p = 0.005), and marital status (p = 0.00169). Variability within the medication responses was a result of the treatment regime followed. Antipsychotic agents were significantly associated with the treatment response (p = 0.00258, F = 4.981) of the patients. Significant variation was also observed in the treatment response (p = 0.00128) of the patients that were given augmentation therapy as well as combination therapy. Conclusion: The data suggests proper monitoring of patients’ behavior in response to treatment therapies to implement tailored interventions. Despite several genetic studies supporting the heritability of schizophrenia, an insignificant association between characteristic features and family history might have been due to the limited sample size, suggesting collaborative work with massive sample sizes.
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| 2. |
- Ahmad, Naveed, et al.
(author)
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Csr communication through social media : A litmus test for banking consumers’ loyalty
- 2021
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In: Sustainability (Switzerland). - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 13:4, s. 1-16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Prior literature in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has largely focused on investigating its relationship with organizational-related outcomes, whereas the impact of CSR on consumer behavior is largely ignored in the recent literature. Further, most of the prior studies have investigated CSR with a philanthropic viewpoint, but its importance in achieving marketing-related outcomes is something that is to date, underexplored. Hence, the aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of CSR communication through social media on consumer loyalty with the mediating effect of consumers’ brand admiration in the banking sector of Pakistan. The banking sector was selected due to the reason that this sector is homogenized in nature and creating consumers’ loyalty due to this homogenized character of this sector is challenging. The data of the present study were collected from different banking consumers through an adapted questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale. A total of 448 fully filled questionnaires were received which included 289 male and 159 female banking consumers. The results of the present study revealed that CSR communications through social media have a positive impact on consumer loyalty, and consum-ers’ brand admiration partially mediates this relationship. The findings of the present study would help policymakers from banking institutions to use CSR strategy from the perspective of marketing which is undoubtedly very important for every organization in the current digital age.
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| 3. |
- Nawaz, Sadia, et al.
(author)
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Report of a recurrent mutation in ARS (component B) gene with severe Mal de Meleda in a large consanguineous Pakistani family
- 2011
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In: Pakistan journal of medical sciences print. - 1682-024X .- 1681-715X. ; 27:3, s. 686-689
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To characterize the disease causing mutation in a large consanguineous Pakistani family with severe Mat de Meleda (MDM) or keratosis palmoplantaris transgrediens, a rare autosomal recessive skin disorder. Methodology: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) genotyping was performed using the Gene Chip Mapping 250K array (Affymetrix). Homozygosity mapping and sorting of genomic regions were performed with dedicated software called AutoSNPa. Selected regions were further investigated by genotyping with microsatellite markers derived from known and novel pOlymorphic repeats. Two-point LOD score calculation was performed by using the MLINK of Fast link computer package. All three coding exons of ARS (component B) gene were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Conclusion: Sequencing of all the coding exons of ARS (component B) gene in the affected individuals revealed a recurrent missense mutation in exon 3 at base pair 256 from Guanine to Alanine (256G>A) and as a result the amino acid Glycine is replaced by Arginine at position 86 (G86R). This finding will facilitate control of affected MDM births in the Pakistani families.
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| 4. |
- Rasool, Mahmood, et al.
(author)
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A novel missense mutation in the EDA gene associated with X-linked recessive isolated hypodontia
- 2008
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In: Journal of Human Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-5161 .- 1435-232X. ; 53:10, s. 894-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Isolated hypodontia, or congenital absence of one to six permanent teeth (OMIM 300606), is a common condition that affects about 20% of individuals worldwide. We identified two extended Pakistani pedigrees segregating X-linked hypodontia with variable expressivity. Affected males show no other associated anomalies, and obligate carrier females have normal dentition. We analyzed the families with polymorphic markers in the ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene region and obtained significant linkage to the phenotype in each pedigree (Z(max) 3.29 and 2.65, respectively, at theta = 0.00). Sequence analysis of the coding regions of EDA revealed a novel missense mutation c.1091T>C resulting in a methionine to threonine substitution (p.M364T) in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) homology domain. Met364 is a highly conserved residue located on the outer surface of the EDA protein. From our findings, we suggest that the mutation disturbs but does not destroy the EDA structure, resulting in the partial and unusually mild ED phenotype restricted to hypodontia.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Ilyas, Farva, et al.
(author)
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Recent trends in the benign-by-design electrolytes for zinc batteries
- 2021
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In: Journal of Molecular Liquids. - : Elsevier. - 0167-7322 .- 1873-3166. ; 343
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An electrolyte is a vital component that creates an avenue for zinc ions to migrate and forms a cathode–anode intermediary in zinc based battery system. Zinc metal is thermodynamically unstable and prone to dissolve in acidic aqueous solutions. Indeed, there are still a lot of issues with using a liquid electrolyte on a frequent basis. Given its intimate connection with the ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability window, the ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as ‘Designer electrolytes’ are investigated by controlling their components and structures to address the problems related to the reversible method of Zn plating/stripping, Zn anode stability, and cathode efficiency. Despite the great achievements, the field of ‘Ionic liquid surface science concerning zinc system’ is quite an infant, so investigating this interface is even more inconclusive. This review gives an overview of ILs energy storage applications by presenting both electrochemistry and mechanisms involved in zinc battery setup and the scope of employing DESs based electrolytes as prospects to boost the development of this field.
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| 7. |
- Ilyas, Muhammad Tasaduq, et al.
(author)
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Substantial performance of copper sulfide nanotubes at high current densities for energy storage applications
- 2024
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In: Journal of Energy Storage. - : Elsevier. - 2352-152X .- 2352-1538. ; 85
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study presents the direct growth of CuS nanotubes (NTs) on nickel foam using a facile solution synthesis route. The structural, elemental and morphological analyses of CuS NTs grown Ni foam were conducted through X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and field emission scanning electron microscope. The electrochemical performance of the prepared electrodes was comprehensively characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The CuS NTs grown electrodes delivered a specific capacitance of 1539 Fg−1 at 1 mVs−1 and 1365 Fg−1 at 5 Ag−1, demonstrating a remarkable rate capability of 66 % at an extremely high current density of 25 Ag−1. Notably, the CuS NTs electrode demonstrated good cyclic stability, as evidenced by a charge retention of 75.5 % after 3000 cycles at a high current density of 20 Ag−1. The charge storage mechanism was predominantly diffusion controlled, accomplished by analyzing CV data. Overall, this work evinces that the as-synthesized CuS NTs hold a significant promise as electrode materials for high-performance electrochemical energy storage applications.
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| 8. |
- Kazmi, Bilal, et al.
(author)
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Process system analysis on oil processing facility and economic viability from oil well-to-tank
- 2021
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In: SN Applied Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2523-3963 .- 2523-3971. ; 3:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hydrocarbon processing from extraction to the final product is an important aspect that needs an optimised technology for consumption-led market growth. This study investigated real data from the oil processing facility and analysed the simulation model for the entire crude oil processing unit based on the process system engineering aspect using Aspen HYSYS. The study mainly emphasises the process optimisation in processing the hydrocarbon for the maximum yield of the product with less energy consumption. The investigation also includes a thorough economic analysis of the processing facility. The datasets for oil properties are obtained from a modern petroleum refinery. The investigation comprises of varying transient conditions, such as well shutdowns using three oil reservoirs (low, intermediate, and heavy oil). The impact of various conditions, including process heating, well shutdown, oil combinations, presence of water on the production, is analysed. The results indicate that the factors involving crude oil processing are significantly affected by the process conditions, such as pressure, volume, and temperature. The vapour recovery unit is integrated with the oil processing model to recover the separator's gas. The optimisation analysis is performed to maximise the liquid recovery with Reid vapour pressure of 7 and minimum water content in oil around 0.5%. Economic analysis provided an overall capital cost of $ 9.7 x 10(6) and an operating cost of $2.1 x 10(6) for the process configuration. The model results further investigate the constraints that maximise the overall energy consumption of the process and reduce the operational cost.
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| 9. |
- M. Siribbal, Shifaa, et al.
(author)
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Biocompatible Hollow Gadolinium Oxide Nanocarriers for the Transport of Bioactive Molecules to Cells
- 2024
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In: ACS Applied Nano Materials. - : AMER CHEMICAL SOC. - 2574-0970.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Integrating imaging and therapeutic capabilities into a single entity can offer enhanced diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy in clinically effective formulations. Due to the diversity of chemical structures and/or limited solubility of inhibitors or fluorophores, it is essential to employ a robust delivery carrier that can facilitate drug absorption and distribution during its circulation in the blood. This study explores the potential of hollow gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanocarriers in imaging and drug delivery applications. The citric acid (CA)-capped hollow gadolinium oxide nanocarriers were synthesized via urea-assisted precipitation and hydrothermal methods using carbon spheres as sacrificial templates. The resulting nanosized hollow spheres displayed a spherical morphology and demonstrated relaxation rates in the longitudinal and transverse directions, as indicated by their r 1 and r(2) values of 1.8 and 5.3 s(-1) mM(-1), respectively. To mimic the physiological conditions, the hollow gadolinium oxide spheres were loaded separately with antibiotic sparfloxacin and the azo dye Congo red at neutral pH (7.4) and body temperature (37 degrees C). The CR-loaded nanospheres exhibited a time-dependent internalization behavior with HeLa cells, suggesting their imaging potential for intracellular drug delivery. Furthermore, the SP-loaded nanospheres demonstrated antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, demonstrating their therapeutic potential against bacterial infections. To mitigate the risk of leaching of Gd3+ ions and their inherent toxicity, a CA coating was applied to hollow gadolinium oxide surface which resulted in outstanding cell viability of the surface functionalized nanocarriers. In addition, the CA coating offered additional support for the increased encapsulation and continuous release of drug molecules until 1 week (168 h). The characterization data provide evidence for the potential of CA-capped hollow gadolinium oxide spheres as positive MR contrast agents and their applicability as safe and controlled drug carriers.
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| 10. |
- Nawaz, Sadia, et al.
(author)
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Non-bullous congentital ichthyosiform erythroderma associated with homozygosity for a novel missense mutation in an ATP binding domain of ABCA12
- 2012
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In: EJD. European journal of dermatology. - : John Libbey Eurotext. - 1167-1122 .- 1952-4013. ; 22:2, s. 178-181
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A Mutations in the gene encoding the ABCA12 protein are associated with different subtypes of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI), including Harlequin ichthyosis (HI), lamellar ichthyosis (LI) and non-bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (NCIE). Disruption of ABCA12 lead to perturbed lipid transport in lamellar granules and a defective intercellular lipid layer of the stratum corneum. We have identified a large consanguineous Pakistani family affected by NCIE. Autozygosity mapping showed that affected individuals are homozygous for the ABCA12 gene region. Subsequent mutation screening revealed a homozygous c.4676G>T transition in all five affected family members. The mutation results in a novel p.G1559V substitution within the first nucleotide binding domain of ABCA12. The combined results support that an ABCA12 missense mutation, despite its location in a functional domain, may be associated with a mild ichthyosis phenotype. Furthermore, our findings increase the mutational spectrum in ABCA12 associated with ARCI of diagnostic and prognostic importance.
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