Why pharmaceutical crops? Trends and Future prospects

Amna Parveen,Minsun Jeong,Sun Yeou Kim 한국작물학회 2017 한국작물학회 학술발표대회 논문집 Vol.2017 No.-

Zinc oxide-doped poly(urethane) spider web nanofibrous scaffold via one-step electrospinning: a novel matrix for tissue engineering.

Amna, Touseef,Hassan, M Shamshi,Sheikh, Faheem A,Lee, Hak Kyo,Seo, Kang-Seok,Yoon, Duhak,Hwang, I H Springer International 2013 Applied microbiology and biotechnology Vol.97 No.4

<P>Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures have been commonly studied for electronic purposes due to their unique piezoelectric and catalytic properties; however, recently, they have been also exploited for biomedical applications. The purpose of this study was to fabricate ZnO-doped poly(urethane) (PU) nanocomposite via one-step electrospinning technique. The utilized nanocomposite was prepared by using colloidal gel composed of ZnO and PU, and the obtained mats were vacuum dried at 60?C overnight. The physicochemical characterization of as-spun composite nanofibers was carried out by X-ray diffraction pattern, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and transmission electron microscopy, whereas the thermal behavior was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis. The viability, attachment, and proliferation of NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells on the ZnO/PU composite nanofibers were analyzed by in vitro cell compatibility test. The morphological features of the cells attached on nanofibers were examined by Bio-SEM. We conclude that the electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds with unique spider nets had good biocompatibility. Cytotoxicity experiments indicated that the mouse fibroblasts could attach to the nanocomposite after being cultured. Thus, the current work demonstrates that the as-synthesized ZnO/PU hybrid nanofibers represent a promising biomaterial to be exploited for various tissue engineering applications.</P>

Electrospun Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ hybrid nanofibers and their in vitro biocompatibility: Prospective matrix for satellite cell adhesion and cultivation

Amna, T.,Hassan, M.S.,Van Ba, H.,Khil, M.S.,Lee, H.K.,Hwang, I.H. Elsevier 2013 Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for Vol.33 No.2

We report the fabrication of novel Fe<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>/TiO<SUB>2</SUB> hybrid nanofibers with the improved cellular response for potential tissue engineering applications. In this study, Fe<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>/TiO<SUB>2</SUB> hybrid nanofibers were prepared by facile sol-gel electrospinning using titanium isopropoxide and iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate as precursors. The obtained electrospun nanofibers were vacuum dried at 80<SUP>o</SUP>C and then calcined at 500<SUP>o</SUP>C. The physicochemical characterization of the synthesized composite nanofibers was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction pattern. To examine the in vitro cytotoxicity, satellite cells were treated with as-prepared Fe<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>/TiO<SUB>2</SUB> and the viability of cells was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay at regular time intervals. The morphological features of unexposed satellite cells and exposed to Fe<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>/TiO<SUB>2</SUB> composite were examined with a phase contrast microscope whereas the quantification of cell viability was carried out via confocal laser scanning microscopy. The morphology of the cells attached to hybrid matrix was observed by Bio-SEM. Cytotoxicity experiments indicated that the satellite cells could attach to the Fe<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>/TiO<SUB>2</SUB> composite nanofibers after being cultured. We observed that Fe<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>-TiO<SUB>2</SUB> composite nanofibers could support cell adhesion and growth. Results from this study therefore suggest that Fe<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB>/TiO<SUB>2</SUB> composite scaffold with small diameters (approximately 200nm) can mimic the natural extracellular matrix well and provide possibilities for diverse applications in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet and benzimidazole using Ag-CoFe2O4 and its composite with graphitic carbon nitride

Amna Irshad,Muhammad Hassaan Arshed,H. H. Somaily,Humera Sabeeh,Noor‑ul‑Ain,Imtisal Ayman,Muhammad Farooq Warsi,Imran Shakir 한국고분자학회 2023 Macromolecular Research Vol.31 No.2

The classical co-precipitation technique was carried out for the preparation of cobalt ferrite (CFN), and Ag-doped cobalt ferrite (AgCFN). Composite with graphitic carbon nitride (AgCFN@gCN) was prepared by employing the ultrasonication method. Photocatalytic degradation activity of synthesized materials was evaluated using crystal violet (coloured compound) and benzimidazole (colourless compound) under sunlight. Various physiochemical methods such as UV–Visible, XRD, SEM, and FT-IR spectroscopy were employed for the characterization of prepared samples. XRD was used for structural characterization. The prepared nanomaterials were sized up to be < 09 nm. FT-IR spectroscopy was exploited for the functional group characterization. Surface morphology was perceived through Scanning Electron Microscope. Optical analysis was carried out using a UV–Visible spectrophotometer. The photodegradation efficiencies for crystal violet and benzimidazole were ascertained to be in the order of CFN < AgCFN < AgCFN@gCN, under sunlight. Among the synthesized photocatalysts, AgCFN@gCN was discovered to have the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 52.72% and 84.21% for benzimidazole and crystal violet, respectively. The higher catalytic activity of AgCFN@gCN can be associated with its high surface area and the presence of active sites of the gCN sheets. Role of electrons (e−), holes (h+), and hydroxyl radicals (OH*) in the photocatalytic activity was also assessed.

Electrospun antimicrobial hybrid mats: Innovative packaging material for meat and meat-products

Amna, Touseef,Yang, Jieun,Ryu, Kyeong-Seon,Hwang, I. H. Springer-Verlag 2015 Journal of food science and technology Vol.52 No.7

Substantial Effect of Melanin Influencing Factors on In vitro Melanogenesis in Muzzle Melanocytes of Differently Colored Hanwoo

Amna, Touseef,Park, Kyoung-Mi,Cho, In-Kyung,Choi, Tae-Jeong,Lee, Seung-Soo,Seo, Kang-Seok,Hwang, In-Ho Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2012 Animal Bioscience Vol.25 No.7

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of ${\alpha}$-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH), nitric oxide (NO) and L-cysteine on melanin production and expression of related genes MC1R, Tyr, Tyrp-1 and Tyrp-2 in muzzle melanocytes of differently colored three native Hanwoo cattle. Muzzle samples were taken from black, brindle and brown Hanwoo and purified melanocytes were cultured with ${\alpha}$-MSH, nitric oxide and L-cysteine at 100 nM, $50{\mu}M$ and 0.07 mg/ml of media respectively. The amounts of total melanin, eumelanin and mRNA expression at Tyr, Tyrp-1, Tyrp-2 and MC1R levels were quantified. ${\alpha}$-MSH and nitric oxide significantly increased (p<0.05) the amount of total melanin in black and brindle whereas eumelanin production in brown Hanwoo muzzle melanocytes. On the contrary, L-cysteine greatly (p<0.05) depressed the eumelanin production in black color but increased in brown. Simultaneously, up regulation of Tyr by nitric oxide and ${\alpha}$-MSH and down regulation of Tyr, Tyrp-2 and MC1R genes by L-cysteine were observed in muzzle melanocytes of all three phenotypes. The results of this study revealed nitric oxide and ${\alpha}$-MSH contribute hyper-pigmentation by enhancing eumelanogenesis whereas L-cysteine contributes to pheomelanin production in different colored Hanwoo muzzle melanocytes.

An Automated Object Retrieval System for Warehouses

Amna Khan,Abdul Rehman Sair,Anas Ekram,Saad Malik,Muhammad Raheel Afzal,Ali Bin Junaid,Amre Eizad 제어로봇시스템학회 2015 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2015 No.10

The transport of objects in a warehouse is an indispensible but time consuming task, and is therefore the focus of extensive research. This paper presents a system that autonomously retrieves boxes placed in shelves according to the part number fed in the system by the user. The system utilizes a modified implementation of the A<SUP>*</SUP> algorithm to determine the shortest path for retrieving the objects. A maximum of three objects can be retrieved in one round by the robot. After retrieval, the objects are delivered to a delivery station. Line tracking sensors are used for robot navigation. Telescoping arms mounted on the robot are used to retrieve objects from the shelves. The guidance algorithm and Graphic User Interface (GUI) have been implemented using MATLAB® and the robot has been designed using SolidWorks®.

Gum Arabic Supplementation Suppresses Colonic Fibrosis After Acute Colitis by Reducing Transforming Growth Factor β1 Expression

Amna Al-Araimi,Ishraq A. Al Kindi,Asma Bani Oraba,Amira AlKharusi,Badreldin H. Ali,Shadia Al Sinawi,Ibrahim Al-Haddabi,Fahad Zadjali 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.12

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colonic mucosa. Gum Arabic (GA) has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of GA on disease activity in an experimental model of colitis. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was used to induce colitis in C57BL/6 mice and the animals were then switched to normal drinking water to monitor recovery. Mice received 140 g/L GA before (pre-GA group) or after (post-GA group) induction of colitis. Disease activity and recovery were assessed by changes in body weight, disease activity index (DAI), and histological assessment. Gene expression of proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and fibrotic markers was measured in colonic tissues. Mice in the pre-GA group showed an increase in body weight, with no differences in DAI scores, during the recovery phase and had lower histological colitis scores than mice in the post-GA group, which showed higher DAI and histological scores during the recovery phase. During the recovery phase, mice in the pre-GA group showed increased expression of proinflammatory markers, while gene expression of the fibrotic markers, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and procollagen I, was reduced. The reduced fibrotic marker expression was associated with reduced collagen staining and increased epithelial cell proliferation. Administration of GA had protective and alleviative effects on the severity of DSS-induced colitis, with a reduction in colonic fibrosis and TGFβ1 expression. These data warrant further in vitro and in vivo investigations on the effect of GA on fibroblast activity.

베이지안 규칙을 사용한 비즈니스 프로세스 관리 시스템에서의 인적 자원 배정

Amna Shifia Nisafani,Arif Wibisono,김승(Seung Kim),배혜림(Hyerim Bae) 한국전자거래학회 2012 한국전자거래학회지 Vol.17 No.1

본 연구에서는 비즈니스 프로세스 관리(Business Process Management, BPM) 환경에서 자원의 성능에 영향을 미치게 되는 여러 요소를 고려하여 인적자원을 선택하는 방법론을 개발한다. 스케줄링에 있어서 자원의 선택 문제는 작업 수행도에 직접적인 영향을 미치기 때문에 중요한 문제로 인식되어져 왔다. 비록 많은 문제에 있어서 전통적인 자원선택 방법론이 의미를 가져왔으나, 인적자원을 다루는데 있어서는 가장 좋은 방법론이라고 볼 수 없다. 인적자원은 작업부하, 작업소요시간, 작업간 시간 등의 다양한 요소에 의해서 영향을 받는 특이한 요소이며 본 연구는 이러한 다양한 요소를 고려하여 작업자를 선택하는 방법론을 제시한다. 이를 위해서 베이지안 네트워크를 사용하며, 앞서 기술한 여러 요소들을 한꺼번에 고려하기 위한 베이지안 선택규칙(Bayesian Selection Rule, BSR)을 도입하였다. 또한, 시뮬레이션을 통해서 본 연구에서 개발된 방법론이 대기시간, 작업수행시간과 사이클 타임을 줄일 수 있음을 보였다. This study developed a method for selection of available human resources for incoming-job allocation that considers factors affecting resource performance in the business process management (BPM) environment. For many years, resource selection has been treated as a very important issue in scheduling due to its direct influence on the speed and quality of task accomplishment. Even though traditional resource selection can work well in many situations, it might not be the best choice when dealing with human resources. Human-resource performance is easily affected by several factors such as workload, queue, working hours, inter-arrival time, and others. The resource-selection rule developed in the present study considers factors that affect human resource performance. We used a Bayesian Network (BN) to incorporate those factors into a single model, which we have called the Bayesian Selection Rule (BSR). Our simulation results show that the BSR can reduce waiting time, completion time and cycle time.

Contribution of pupillary light reflex assessment to Glasgow Coma Scale for prognostication in patients with traumatic brain injury

Amna A. Butt,Folefac D. Atem,Sonja E. Stutzman,Venkatesh Aiyagari,Aardhra M. Venkatachalam,DaiWai M. Olson,Shoji Yokobori 대한신경집중치료학회 2021 대한신경집중치료학회지 Vol.14 No.1

Background: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the pupillary light reflex (PLR) are important prognostic tools for traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study compared the predictability of GCS, GCS plus manual PLR (GCS-P), GCS plus Neurological Pupil index (GCS-NPi), and average NPi (avgNPi) in predicting discharge outcome in patients diagnosed with TBI. Methods: Data were obtained from a multicenter prospective registry that included 175 subjects with TBI. A nonlinear mixed model (NLMIXED) approach was used to determine which of the following independent variables (GCS, GCS-P, GCS-NPi, and avgNPi) is a better predictor of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge by fitting four predictive models for comparison. Results: The NLMIXED model for longitudinal data determined that GCS, GCS-P, GCS-NPi, and avgNPi were all significant predictors of mRS at discharge (P<0.001). Age was a significant predictor of the discharge mRS (P<0.001). There was a strong significant correlation between the four predicting variables (P<0.05). The maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of GCS was –0.17 (P<0.001), MLE of GCS-P was –0.17 (P<0.001), MLE of GCS-NPi was –0.17 (P<0.001), and the MLE of avgNPi was –0.39 (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that any of the four variables (GCS, GCS-P, GCS-NPi, and avgNPi) could be used as a potential predictor of discharge mRS in a patient with TBI. This warrants future investigations to explore the combination of pupillary reactivity scores and NPi with GCS for prognostication in patients with TBI.