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- Abro, Shahid, hussain, et al.
(author)
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Characterization and analysis of the full-length genome of a strain of the European QX-like genotype of infectious bronchitis virus
- 2012
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In: Archives of Virology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0304-8608 .- 1432-8798. ; 157, s. 1211-1215
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In recent years, strains of infectious bronchitis virus belonging to the QX-like genotype have been causing huge economic losses in commercial chicken flocks in different countries in Europe. In order to expand the knowledge of the molecular features of these viruses, we have sequenced and characterized the complete genome of European QX-like IBV strain CK/SWE/0658946/10, which was isolated in 2010 in Sweden. The genome is 27664 nucleotides in length, comprising six genes and 5' and 3' untranslated regions. The ORF1a, spike and nucleocapsid genes were under strong positive selective pressure that resulted in genetic diversity in relation to classical IBV isolates. The full-length genome of the CK/SWE/0658946/10 strain has the highest nucleotide sequence identity (93.18%) to ITA/90254/2005 and the lowest nucleotide identity (89.10%) to strain CQ04-1. Phylogenetic analysis of partial S1 gene sequences of IBV strains showed that the European QX-like genotype comprises strains that have been predominantly circulating in this continent for the past decade.
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| 4. |
- Abro, Shahid, hussain, et al.
(author)
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Emergence of novel strains of avian infectious bronchitis virus in Sweden
- 2012
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In: Veterinary Microbiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0378-1135 .- 1873-2542. ; 155, s. 237-246
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes avian infectious bronchitis, an important disease that produces severe economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Recent IBV infections in Sweden have been associated with poor growth in broilers, drop in egg production and thin egg shells in layers. The complete spike gene of selected isolates from IBV cases was amplified and sequenced using conventional RT-PCR. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence comparisons have shown that the recent isolates bear 98.97% genetic similarity with strains of the QX-like genotype. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that strains predominant in the nineties, which were of the Massachusetts type, have been replaced by D388/QX-Iike strains, however the evolutionary link could not be established. The homology between the two genotypes was 79 and 81%. Remarkably, a strong positive selection pressure was determined, mostly involving the S1 subunit of the S gene. This strong selective pressure resulted in recombination events, insertions and deletions in the S gene. Two new isolates generated from recombination were found with nucleotide sequence diverging 1.7-2.4% from the D388/QX-Iike branch, indicating the emergence of a new lineage. The study demonstrates a constant evolution of IBV that might be in relation to increased poultry farming, trade and vaccine pressure. The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring to control spread of infections, as well as to timely adjust diagnostic methods, molecular epidemiological studies, development and use of vaccines that are adapted to the changing disease scenario. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 5. |
- Abro, Shahid, hussain
(author)
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Molecular characterization and detection of infectious bronchitis virus
- 2012
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This thesis deals with the molecular characterization and detection of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), an important pathogen that causes heavy losses in the poultry populations worldwide. The aim of the research was to better understand the molecular characteristics of the virus and to investigate the factors behind the continuous emergence of new genetic variants and the occurrence of outbreaks. The studies showed that the viral genome is under a continuous evolution, due to mutations, strong selective pressure and recombination events. These forces lead to a wide genetic diversity and the generation of new variants of this virus. The viral genes encoding the spike, envelope and membrane proteins can be considered the main genomic regions, which are indicating the evolution processes of IBV. The various strains contain specific structural and functional motifs in their genes and the alterations in these motifs may affect the infection biology of the virus. The constant emergence of new variants in Sweden is likely due to the introduction of novel IBV strains from other European countries through the import of poultry products, or by the continuous migration of wild birds. The in silico investigations of the spike glycoprotein coding regions of the Massachusetts and QX-like genotypes demonstrated molecular differences between these genotypic variants. It is hypothesized that the genetic diversity in the spike gene of IBV and of other avian coronaviruses, as well as of human, bat, and other animal coronaviruses could be associated with the adaptation and host specificity of these infectious agents. The data obtained by molecular characterization approach was also used for the development of a new molecular method for the improved detection and genotyping of this virus. A microarray platform was developed for the simultaneous detection and rapid typing of IBV variants. This assay provides a practical tool for better diagnosis, for studying the effectiveness of vaccination and for performing large-scale epidemiological studies.
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| 6. |
- Ahmad, Bashir, et al.
(author)
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Effect of Salicylic Acid and Amino Acid on Pea Plant (Pisum sativum) Late Season, Growth and Production
- 2023
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In: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies. - : HARD Publishing Company. - 1230-1485 .- 2083-5906. ; 32:3, s. 1987-1994
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Salicylic acid and amino acid are plant growth promoters. Therefore, the study entitled "Effect of salicylic acid and amino acid on late season peas growth and production" was conducted. The study has two factors: amino acid (Glycine) and salicylic acid each having four levels that were sprayed on peas. Analysis of data showed that maximum germination percentage (92.50 %), plant height (63.16 cm), primary branches plant-1 (2.80), leaves plant-1 (264.27), leaf chlorophyll content (57.25 SPAD), pods plant-1 (49.25), seeds pod-1 (10.41), pod length (11.74 cm) and yield ha-1 (1922.5 kg) having least days to flowering and pod formation (50.13 and 5.12 days) were noted in 225 mg L-1 amino acid. Salicylic acid levels showed that maximum germination percentage (95.83 %) height of plants (71.85 cm), leaves plant-1 (257.13), primary branches plant-1 (3.25), leaf chlorophyll content (55.81 SPAD), pods plant-1 (52.16), seeds pod-1 (10.91), pod length(11.05 cm) and yield ha-1 (1895.0 kg) having least days to pod formation and flowering (5.26 and 48.30 days) were noted in salicylic acid level of 300 mg L-1. The combined effect of 225 mg L-1 amino acid and 300 mg L-1salicylic acid levels positively improved primary branches plant-1 (3.93), pod plant-1 (66.33), pod length (13.77 cm), seeds pod-1 (12.44), leaf chlorophyll content (64.49 SPAD) and maximum yield ha-1 (1942.66 kg). It is concluded that for higher growth and yield pea cultivar Climax when cultivated late could be applied with 225 mg L-1 amino acid and 300 mg L-1 salicylic under Peshawar climatic conditions.
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| 7. |
- Ahmad, Sheikh Asrar, et al.
(author)
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Use of digital thruster to separate the cadmium and lead metals from mixture sample
- 2008
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In: Separation and Purification Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-3794 .- 1383-5866. ; 63:1, s. 101-106
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The present work deals with the use of a digital thruster (DT) for the separation of cadmium and lead metals from mixture samples. Mixtures of lead and cadmium salts with varying concentrations were injected into a free electrolytic diffusion apparatus (FEDA). The microcathodes surrounding the central anode were programmed witha DT. The DT distributed the charge over the microcathodes at time intervals of 100-900 mu s or at the frequency of 625-70 Hz. The microcathodes become electrodeposited with lead and cadmium metals, showing both separation and co-deposition. The purity of deposited metals was analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) using PerkinElmer and Aldrich AAS standards. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 8. |
- Ahsan, Hajra, et al.
(author)
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Photocatalysis and adsorption kinetics of azo dyes by nanoparticles of nickel oxide and copper oxide and their nanocomposite in an aqueous medium
- 2022
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In: PeerJ. - : PeerJ. - 2167-8359. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Azo dyes are recalcitrant organic pollutants present in textile industry effluents. Conventional treatment methods to remove them come with a range of disadvantages. Nanoparticles and their nanocomposites offer more efficient, less expensive and easy to handle wastewater treatment alternative. Methods. In this study, nanoparticles of nickel oxide (NiO-NPs), copper oxide (CuO-NPs) and their nanocomposite (NiO/CuO-NC) were synthesized using co- precipitation method. The functional groups present on the surface of synthesized nanomaterials were verified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Surface morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) whereas purity, shape and size of the crystallite were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The potential of these nanomaterials to degrade three dyes i.e., Reactive Red-2 (RR-2), Reactive Black-5 (RB-5) and Orange II sodium salt (OII) azo dyes, was determined in an aqueous medium under visible light (photocatalysis). The photodegradation effectiveness of all nanomaterials was evaluated under different factors like nanomaterial dose (0.02-0.1 g 10 mL-1), concentration of dyes (20-100 mg L-1), and irradiation time (60-120 min). They were also assessed for their potential to adsorb RR-2 and OII dyes. Results. Results revealed that at optimum concentration (60 mgL-1) of RR-2, RB-5, and OII dyes, NiO-NPs degraded 90, 82 and 83%, CuO-NPs degraded 49, 34, and 44%, whereas the nanocomposite NiO/CuO-NC degraded 92, 93, and 96% of the said dyes respectively. The nanomaterials were categorized as the efficient degraders of the dyes in the order: NiO/CuO-NC > NiO-NPs > CuO-NPs. The highest degradation potential shown by the nanocomposite was attributed to its large surface area, small particles size, and quick reactions which were proved by advance analytical techniques. The equilibrium and kinetic adsorption of RR-2 and OII on NiO-NPs, CuO-NPs, and NiO/CuO-NC were well explained with Langmuir and Pseudo second order model, respectively (R2 ≥0.96). The maximum RR-2 adsorption (103 mg/g) was obtained with NiO/CuO-NC. It is concluded that nanocomposites are more efficient and promising for the dyes degradation from industrial wastewater as compared with dyes adsorption onto individual NPs. Thus, the nanocomposite NiO/CuO-NC can be an excellent candidate for photodegradation as well as the adsorption of the dyes in aqueous media.
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| 9. |
- Al Azzawi, Tiba Nazar Ibrahim, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of Iraqi Rice Cultivars for Their Tolerance to Drought Stress
- 2020
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In: Agronomy. - : MDPI. - 2073-4395. ; 10:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Drought stress is a serious problem around the globe and particularly in the Republic of Iraq. Rice is the third most consumed crop for the Iraqi people; however, its cultivation and production is very low due to several challenges including drought. The current study was performed to evaluate five Iraqi rice cultivars along with relevant (drought-tolerant and drought-susceptible) controls under drought stress, either by treatment with 10% PEG (polyethylene glycol) or through water withholding to induce natural drought stress. The phenotypes of all the cultivars were evaluated and the transcriptional responses of key drought-responsive candidate genes, identified through the EST-SSR marker-based approach, were studied. We also studied transcript accumulation of drought-related transcriptional factors, such as OsGRASS23, OsbZIP12, and OsDREB2A. Moreover, the reference cultivars also included a drought-tolerant inter-specific cultivar Nerica 7 (a cross between Oryza sativa ssp. indica X O. glaberrima). Among the cultivars, the more drought-tolerant phenotypic characteristics and higher transcript accumulation of drought-related marker genes OsE647 and OsE1899 and transcriptional factors OsGRASS23, OsbZIP12, and OsDREB2A were observed in four (out of five) significantly drought-tolerant Iraqi cultivars; Mashkab, followed by Furat, Yasmen, and Amber 33. On another note, Amber Barka was found to be significantly drought susceptible. Mashkab and Amber Barka were found to be the most drought-tolerant and-susceptible cultivars, respectively. The identified tolerant cultivars may potentially serve as a genetic source for the incorporation of drought-tolerant phenotypes in rice.
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| 10. |
- Ali, Asad, et al.
(author)
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Emerging strategies and developments in oxygen reduction reaction using high-performance platinum-based electrocatalysts
- 2024
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In: Nano Reseach. - : Tsinghua University Press. - 1998-0124 .- 1998-0000. ; 17:5, s. 3516-3532
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The global practical implementation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) heavily relies on the advancement of highly effective platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). To achieve high ORR performance, electrocatalysts with highly accessible reactive surfaces are needed to promote the uncovering of active positions for easy mass transportation. In this critical review, we introduce different approaches for the emerging development of effective ORR electrocatalysts, which offer high activity and durability. The strategies, including morphological engineering, geometric configuration modification via supporting materials, alloys regulation, core-shell, and confinement engineering of single atom electrocatalysts (SAEs), are discussed in line with the goals and requirements of ORR performance enhancement. We review the ongoing development of Pt electrocatalysts based on the syntheses, nanoarchitecture, electrochemical performances, and stability. We eventually explore the obstacles and research directions on further developing more effective electrocatalysts.
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