Publications by authors named "Akmal Zubair"

The poor solubility and bioavailability of antiretroviral drugs complicate the manage-ment of Human Immunodeficiency virus. The efficacy of these medications is diminished due to restricted absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients often exhibit a wide range of reactions attributable to fluctuations in blood drug concentrations.

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Plants' immobility renders them highly vulnerable to heat stress, which disrupts water relations, photosynthesis, respiration, and cellular homeostasis, ultimately reducing growth and yield. To survive, plants deploy a multifaceted heat stress response (HSR) that integrates calcium signaling, molecular chaperones, antioxidant enzymes, and phytohormonal networks. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the molecular crosstalk between phytohormones and protein synthesis during plant heat stress responses, with a particular focus on two key HSR modules: protein synthesis pathways, especially heat shock proteins (HSPs), and phytohormone signaling networks involving abscisic acid, cytokinins, ethylene, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid.

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Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) inhibit the activity of the reverse transcriptase enzyme in HIV, representing a significant advancement in antiviral therapy. The emergence of antiviral-resistant strains of HIV-1 poses a substantial challenge in the treatment of HIV. This study presents an innovative virtual screening method that integrates a drug screening approach based on molecular structure to identify potential inhibitors for drug-resistant HIV-1 strains.

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The commencement of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy almost completely stopped viral replication, enabling the immune system to restore its full functionality. The rise in life expectancy has resulted in a decrease in the incidence of classical infections and HIV-associated cancers. HAART has raised concerns, including its exorbitant cost (which hinders its implementation in developing nations), the need for strict adherence, and the potential for both immediate and prolonged ill effects.

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Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas system) is now the predominant approach for genome editing. Compared to conventional genetic editing methods, CRISPR/Cas technology offers several advantages that were previously unavailable. Key benefits include the ability to simultaneously modify multiple locations, reduced costs, enhanced efficiency, and a more user-friendly design.

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This study aims to assess the correlation between risky behaviors (unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners, men who have sex with men (MSM), and injectable drug users) and HIV infection among patients. The study focus on evaluating risk behaviors associated with HIV transmission among HIV-positive individuals. HIV is an RNA virus that primarily attacks the immune system.

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Background: Since the introduction of the first licensed mRNA-based vaccines against COVID-19, there has been significant interest in leveraging this technology for other vaccines. An unprecedented surge of mRNA vaccines has emerged in preclinical, clinical, and various research phases since 2020. The rapid development of mRNA formulations, delivery methods, and manufacturing processes has made this trend foreseeable.

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This study aimed to determine sub-subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) in Pakistan using the pol gene, identification of amino acid substitutions, structural changes, and drug resistance evaluation in the p66 region of reverse transcriptase. A total of 50 HIV-positive blood samples were collected from Lahore Pakistan, confirmed by Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction. The samples were further processed for pol gene amplification followed by nucleotide sequencing through the Sanger method.

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A combination of humoral and cell-mediated immune system stimulation is essential for developing an effective HIV vaccine. Traditional treatment options and the challenges posed by drug resistance necessitate the discovery of a viable vaccine candidate capable of eliciting a robust immunological response. This research aims to develop an HIV vaccine with a multi-epitope component using a unique immunoinformatics approach.

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Aims: The purpose of this research is to quantify the knowledge of students about HIV, social media contribution, and their satisfaction with the government and society's acceptance of HIV patients.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey of 579 participants was conducted at Punjab University, University of Peshawar, Karachi University, Baluchistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences University, and Quaid-i-Azam University. Student self-administered surveys included demographics, knowledge, government satisfaction, social media rumors, and PLWHA acceptability.

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Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role in metabolism in both plant and animal life. Zn deficiency is a worldwide problem that has recently gotten worse. This micronutrient shortage can be largely attributed to eating foods that are poor in zinc.

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The greatest obstacle for scientists is to develop an effective HIV vaccine. An effective vaccine represents the last hope for halting the unstoppable global spread of HIV and its catastrophic clinical consequences. Creating this vaccine has been challenging due to the virus's extensive genetic variability and the unique role of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in containing it.

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The use of medicinal plants is integral to addressing liver, heart, lung, and other metabolic issues. These plants are rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which collectively help in lowering intestinal glucose absorption and increasing insulin secretion by pancreatic tissues. Elemental analysis, encompassing major, minor, and trace elements, was performed on various parts (leaves, roots, and seeds) of 16 anti-diabetic medicinal plants collected from different regions of Swat and Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan.

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