Tariq Aziz

• PhD Food Nutrition & Human Health
• Research Associate / Associate Professor at University of Ioannina

Wound healing is a complicated physiological process that involves several stages including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and repair to rebuild the integrity of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Millions of people around the world are affected by poor wound healing, causing increased mortality rates and related costs. Immedicable wounds a...

This study investigates the sorption and desorption behavior of bisphenol A (BPA) in four distinct agricultural soils-clay, silt loam, loam, and sandy loam-collected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. These soils vary in key physicochemical properties such as pH, organic carbon content (% OC: 0.05-1.3), and texture. Sorption isotherms...

Human astrovirus (HAsVs) is a significant viral agent responsible for acute gastroenteritis, primarily affecting children. Among HAsVs serotypes, HAsVs − 1 and HAsVs-2 are the most virulent serotypes, contributing to severe gastrointestinal infections, and having limited therapeutics. This study aims to design multi-epitope vaccine candidate with p...

Menangle Virus (MenV) is a zoonotic pathogenic virus that can penetrate humans, causing infection in them. It is an essential threat to public health due to the possibility of cross-species transmissions. Traditional vaccine development methods are time-consuming and resource-intensive, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. This study us...

This study aims to enhance selective compliance assembly robot arm (SCARA) 3D printers to enable the reproduction of colors and the creation of multi-colored 3D-printed food. SCARA 3D printers offer a promising solution for multi-colored food printing , overcoming the small printing spaces and poor scalability of delta 3D printers. A reversal valve...

This study aims to enhance selective compliance assembly robot arm (SCARA) 3D printers to enable the reproduction of colors and the creation of multi-colored 3D-printed food. SCARA 3D printers offer a promising solution for multi-colored food printing , overcoming the small printing spaces and poor scalability of delta 3D printers. A reversal valve...

Molecular descriptors encapsulate the key structural information of molecules, which is crucial for elucidating molecular behaviors. They have proven invaluable in quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) analysis. Such studies involve rigorous scientific investigations into the relationship between molecular structure and diverse physic...

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hazardous environmental contaminants emerging from industrial activities and fossil fuel combustion, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. Biodegradation offers a sustainable approach to mitigating PAH pollution, and here we investigated the efficacy of a peptide hybrid of laccase and O-methyltrans...

Paraquat presents significant challenges to the environment and living organisms, particularly humans, as it can enter the food chain, leading to potential health risks and ecological disturbances. This study aims to address these challenges by focusing on the biodegradation of the herbicide paraquat, specifically using the bacterial strain Pseudom...

Spoilage of perishable agricultural products during storage and transport leads to significant economic losses. Antimicrobial active preservative film is an emerging technology for preserving these products. This paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of using antagonistic bacteria in agricultural product preservation, the synergy between a...

This work involves blending wheat flour with various proportions of millet, gram, and maize flours to check the effects on cake rusk with respect to important parameters such as moisture; protein; fat; ash; fiber; α-amylase activity; gluten content; and rheological, physical, textural, and proximate characteristics. Five flour blends were used in t...

A major global concern for food security and human health is the indiscriminate discharge and consequent accumulation of heavy metals from various anthropogenic sources into the environment. Chromium (Cr) is one of the most common toxic effluents that pollute agricultural soil. Chromium intake affects plant metabolism, photosynthetic activity, grow...

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil for its antifungal activity as mono-therapeutic agent, and in combination with current antifungal agents, like itraconazole and ketoconazole. To assess the significance of TTO (Tea Tree Oil), ITZ (Itraconazole) and KTZ (Ketoconazole), for in vitro susceptibility...

Nazir et al.: Morphological characterization and DNA bar coding of Morchella species growing in different regions-2763-APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 23(2):2763-2778. Abstract. The molecular diversity of 15 different Morchella species collected from three different ecological zones (Chinar, Miandam, and Kalam) of District Swat, Khyber P...

In soil phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) are beneficial because they have the ability to hydrolyze both organic and inorganic phosphorus to a soluble form that is easily absorbed by plants. In this study PSMs were isolated from the soil and their culture conditions were improved. Using the pour plate method and Pikovskaya Agar medium (...

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of vitamin C and curcumin (CUR) against BPFN-induced toxicity in non-target vertebrate species, focusing on biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters. Laboratory mice were exposed to BPFN at low (50 mg/kg), medium (100 mg/kg), and high (250 mg/kg) doses for 28 days. Three hours po...

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, emphasizing the need for improved prognostic biomarkers. Recent studies have identified the mRNA-modifying METTL3 oncogene as a potential biomarker in CRC progression. Objective This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of METTL3 in CRC, asse...

Neurosyphilis, a severe neurological complication of syphilitic infection caused by the gram-negative spirochete Treponema pallidum poses significant challenges in treatment due to its irregular physiology and lack of efficacy in present therapeutic strategies. Here, we report a new approach to developing drug treatment that targets the enzyme phos...

Neurosyphilis, a severe neurological complication of syphilitic infection caused by the gram-negative spirochete Treponema pallidum poses significant challenges in treatment due to its irregular physiology and lack of efficacy in present therapeutic strategies. Here, we report a new approach to developing drug treatment that targets the enzyme phos...

Nigella Sativa (N. sativa) belongs to the family of Ranunculaceae and is an annual herb which is also known as black cumin or black seed. Since ancient times N. sativa has been used because of its widespread therapeutic properties which has been proven effective in respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, inflammatory conditions and in inflam...

This study explores the metabolic potential of Pediococcus acidilactici BCBH1 in LA biotransformation using a multidisciplinary approach involving metabolite profiling, bioinformatics tools (Phyre2, InterProScan), molecular docking, and dynamic simulations. The strain exhibited exceptional tolerance to LA, maintaining consistent growth across conce...

The targeted delivery of therapeutic chimeric molecules significantly enhances pharmacological efficiency by triggering strong cellular uptake and prolonging the duration of systemic circulation. Purposeful molecular design incorporating specific chimeric protein-receptor interactions is an essential aspect of understanding biological mechanisms an...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) manifests in distinct phenotypes, including erosive reflux disease (ERD) and nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), which exhibit differences in pathophysiology and clinical outcomes. This study aims to explore microbial differences across these phenotypes. RNA sequencing data of 69 esophageal samples from reflux e...

This study investigated the potential benefits for juvenile turbot of Pediococcus acidilactici (BCB1H) exopolysaccharide (EPS). Juvenile turbots were randomly divided into three groups (100 per group), and different concentrations of BCB1H-EPS were added to their feed. After 7 weeks of intervention, the number and status of fish was recorded, and t...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) manifests in distinct phenotypes, including erosive reflux disease (ERD) and nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), which exhibit differences in pathophysiology and clinical outcomes. This study aims to explore microbial differences across these phenotypes. RNA sequencing data of 69 esophageal samples from reflux e...

Gelatin is a versatile biopolymer for bio-packaging, but its poor water resistance and susceptibility to deterioration limit its application. This study addresses these limitations by forming a Schiff’s base through crosslinking gelatin with dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) to enhance mechanical properties and water resistance. The crosslinking degree wa...

The targeted delivery of therapeutic chimeric molecules significantly enhances pharmacological efficiency by triggering strong cellular uptake and prolonging the duration of systemic circulation. Purposeful molecular design incorporating specific chimeric protein–receptor interactions is an essential aspect of understanding biological mechanisms an...

The present study utilized white clover as a biosorbent for removing malachite green (MG) dye from wastewater. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were employed to investigate the attachment of MG dye to the biosorbent, white clover. The study analyzed th...

Food packaging plays a crucial role in preserving food and extending shelf life. Traditionally, packaging materials have been derived from petroleum-based polymers. However, growing concerns regarding the environmental impact and health risks of synthetic materials have underscored the need for sustainable, biodegradable and renewable alternatives....

Farah et al.: Bactericidal activities of selected medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains-2411-APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 23(2):2411-2423. Abstract. Pathogenic microbes, including Bacillus thuringiensis, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia coli, commonly infect the urogenital tract, often lea...

Termites are a prospective source of cellulolytic enzymes because they have evolved symbiotic systems that efficiently break down lignocellulosic materials to produce bioethanol. The current study aimed to discover and screen bacteria from the hindgut of Pakistani wood-eating termite species. Characterization of the cellulolytic bacteria, assessmen...

Diabetes, affecting over 10.5% of the global population, leads to severe health complications and economic burdens, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapeutic approaches. Current treatments are often insufficient, prompting the exploration of novel therapeutic agents and delivery mechanisms. This study addresses this gap by investigatin...

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is major cause of disability in the world. This is most severe medical condition related with different ion channel genes, inflammatory molecules depression and stress. For this purpose, precise diagnostic techniques are available. Genetic polymorphisms are major factors behind the occurrence of many disorde...

Biotransformation, a dynamic process conducted by microorganisms, holds promise in modifying natural compounds for enhanced therapeutic potential. In this study, we leverage bacterial systems to catalyze the transformation of hesperidin, obtained from Citrus sinensis, aiming for structural modifications that could optimize its bioactivity and compu...

Bionanotechnology is the synthesis of environmentally friendly, biosynthetic nanomaterials by combining nanotechnology and biotechnology. Chrysanthemum indicum leaf extract in aqueous medium was used in the presented research work to produce titanium dioxide (TiO 2) nanoparticles using a dependable and environmentally friendly method. The TiO 2 nan...

Lactic acid bacteria has been extensively used in food industry because of widespread properties and Pediococcus is among one of them. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive genomic analysis of Pediococcus acidilactici strain BCB1H to elucidate its genetic composition, functional elements, and potential biotechnological applications. The object...

Pterocarpus soyauxii (P. soyauxii) is a Fabaceae family traditionally used to treat menopausal disorders. This study aims to investigate the effect of P. soyauxii on menopause‐related NAFLD and to determine its mechanisms of action and signaling pathways. In vitro experiments evaluated the antioxidant properties of P. soyauxii. In vivo studies usin...

Genomic DNA (gDNA) extraction is an important step in many molecular studies of fungal biology, and it is necessary to evaluate the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and efficacy of different extraction methods to ensure successful amplification of the target gene and minimize deoxyribo-nucleic acid (DNA) degradation. The modified cetyltri-methylammo...

Background Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD), are currently the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Environmental and genetic factors contribute to the pathophysiology of CHD. In this study, we investigated the associations of miRNA genes MIR222, MIR423, MIR4274, and MIR3117 with the pathogenesis of CHD. Methods...

The HslVU enzyme complex, a proteasomal analog found in bacteria, consists of two components, i.e., the HslV protease and the HslU ATPase. These proteins come together to form a functional enzyme complex, where the C-terminal helix of each HslU subunit is inserted into the binding pocket of each HslV dimer. This interaction leads to the activation...

Background Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD), are currently the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Environmental and genetic factors contribute to the pathophysiology of CHD. In this study, we investigated the associations of miRNA genes MIR222 , MIR423 , MIR4274, and MIR3117 with the pathogenesis of CHD. Meth...

The current study assessed the ability of specific enzymes produced by Escherichia coli strains to degrade vat dyes of great environmental concern as pollutants in the textile industry. Vat dyes are highly persistent and significantly contribute to water pollution. The enzymes selected for this study were aryl sulfotransferase, azo-reductase, and a...

Acinetobacter baumannii is a notorious pathogen associated with life-threatening infections, with its outer membrane protein A (OmpA) being a key contributor to its pathogenicity by targeting epithelial cell apoptosis. The study presents an in silico analysis of chalcone derivatives as potential therapeutic agents against the outer membrane protein...

Exposure to anthracene can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, and potential long-term health risks, including carcinogenic effects. It is also toxic to aquatic and human life and has the potential for long-term environmental contamination. This study aims to alleviate the adverse environmental effects of anthracene through fungal de...

Quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) modeling has emerged as a pivotal tool in the field of medicinal chemistry and drug design, offering a predictive framework for understanding the correlation between chemical structure and physicochemical properties. Topological indices are mathematical descriptors derived from the molecular graph...

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are pervasive environmental contaminants derived from diverse sources including pyrogenic (e.g., combustion processes), petrogenic (e.g., crude oil), and biological origins. They are commonly found in gasoline, coal, and crude oil, reflecting their prevalence and varied origins in natural and anthropogenic activ...

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) can easily generate biofilm on food processing equipment surface, thus increasing the risk of food contamination. Clove essential oil (CEO) has been extensively utilized in food industry due to its safety and effectiveness against S. aureus biofilm. The current study aimed to reveal the activity of CEO against S. a...

Background-Anti-angiogenesis or inhibition of blood vessel formation is the best way to prevent the growth and metastasis of tumors. Natural sources like plants are currently being explored for its antiangiogenic activity as they are factories of various phytochemicals. The goal of the current study is to investigate the antiangiogenic potential of...

Background Anti-angiogenesis or inhibition of blood vessel formation is the best way to prevent the growth and metastasis of tumors. Natural sources like plants are currently being explored for its antiangiogenic activity as they are factories of various phytochemicals. The goal of the current study is to investigate the antiangiogenic potential of...

The spent black tea extract was utilized in order to synthesize the spent black tea silver nanoparticles (SBT-AgNPs). Various parameters were tested to yield the best production of SBT-AgNPs. The characterization was conducted by X-Ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, Zeta potential and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The XRD analysis show...

The emergence of insecticide resistance presents a major challenge in pest control and agriculture, while the use of conventional pesticides raises environmental and health concerns. This study addresses these issues through the green synthesis of Ag/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles (BMNPs) using Vallaris solanacea plant extract and evaluates their eco-...

Recently, research has been focused on exploring bioactive compounds from natural resources for cancer treatment and management. We investigated the possible anticancer activity of Achillea millefolium L. (A. mil-lefolium) extracts on liver cancer (HepG2) and non-cancerous cells (BHK) as an alternative anticancer therapy. In the current research, A...

Naegleria fowleri, the causative agent of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), is commonly found in warm freshwater environments and can enter the brain through nasal passages during activities like swimming or ablution. PAM has a high fatality rate, raising concerns about its global health impact. In Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, a sign...

Buruli ulcer (BU) a neglected disease induced by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans, predominantly impacts tropical and subtropical areas with its pathophysiology ascribed to the Mycolactone protein. Current antibiotics frequently prove insufficient to manage advanced or chronic ulcers and the rise of drug resistance presents a considerable chall...

Cyclodipeptides (CDPs) are distinct chemical scaffolds that show a wide range of bioactivities pertinent to medicine, agriculture, chemical catalysis, and material sciences. CDPs, also known as diketopiperazines (DKPs), are tiny naturally occurring peptides that have sparked interest due to their various bioactive features and possible applications...

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play a significant role in milk fermentation; however, the impact of different LAB fermentation types on the metabolic characteristics of fermented milk remains poorly understood. In this study, homofermentative Lactoplantibacillus plantarum K25 and heterofermentative Limosilactobacillus fermentum 13-1 were utilized in yo...

Cyclodipeptides (CDPs) are distinct chemical scaffolds that show a wide range of bioactivities pertinent to medicine, agriculture, chemical catalysis, and material sciences. CDPs, also known as diketopiperazines (DKPs), are tiny naturally occurring peptides that have sparked interest due to their various bioactive features and possible applications...

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is widespread and has been related to a variety of malignancies as well as infectious mononucleosis. Despite the lack of a vaccination, antiviral medications offer some therapy alternatives. The EBV BZLF1 gene significantly impacts viral replication and infection severity. The current study performed computer-assisted t...

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is widespread and has been related to a variety of malignancies as well as infectious mononucleosis. Despite the lack of a vaccination, antiviral medications offer some therapy alternatives. The EBV BZLF1 gene significantly impacts viral replication and infection severity. The current study performed computer-assisted t...

The present research work is concerned with the production and optimization of the dopa-oxidase enzyme by using pre-grown mycelia of Aspergillus oryzae. Different strains of A. oryzae were collected and isolated from various soil samples. Out of 32 isolated strains, isolates 19 and 27 were selected as they showed higher dopa-oxidase activity. Bioma...

The development of genome technology has opened new possibilities for comparative primate genomics. Non-human primates share approximately 98% genome similarity and provides vital information into the genetic similarities and variances among species utilized as disease models. DNA study links unique genetic variations to common facial attributes su...

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of A. indica (Neem) leaf extracts (ethanolic and aqueous) in yeast-induced pyrexia and acetic acid-induced writhing in rat models to evaluate the antipyretic and analgesic biomarkers and its phytochemical screening with computational analysis. For the antipyretic activity model 60 albino rats...

Nanotechnology holds great potential in personalized medicine and provides innovative approaches for health challenges such as cancer treatment, infectious diseases, and regenerative medicine. Potentially, greenly synthesized Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles from Cascabela thevetia can be widely applied in various biomedical applications. The cardiac glycosi...

Background: Aging is a complex biological process and is characterized by a gradual decline in physiological functions and increased vulnerability to various diseases. It is linked with the genes known as Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). MCP-1 is a key protein in generating immune response an...

The objective of this research was to develop and analyse a chitosan-Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (CS-TFP) edible film using chitosan (CS) and Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TFP) as the primary raw materials. The findings revealed significant improvements in the thickness, solubility, opacity, mechanical properties and barrier properties...

In-vitro and in-silico assessment of thiazole-thiazolidinone derivatives as selective inhibitors of urease and α-glucosidase, Future Medicinal Chemistry, ABSTRACT Aims: Current research work aims to synthesize hybrid compounds with a thiazole-thiazolidinone structure, as potent inhibitors of urease and α-glucosidase enzymes. Materials and methods:...

Bladder and prostate cancers are among the most prevalent malignancies in men, posing challenges in treatment and prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of the oncogenes TOP2A, UBE2C and CKS2 in the bladder (BLCA) and prostate (PRAD) cancers and assess the potential inhibitory effects of sitagliptin through molecular docking. Microa...

This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by molecular docking of the hypoxan-thine guanine-phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) protein with pulmonary toxins i.e., dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and its metabolites, responsible for the induction of lung cancer. The highest binding affinity of −7.0 kcal/mol obtained was of monobutyl...

Bladder and prostate cancers are among the most prevalent malignancies in men, posing challenges in treatment and prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of the oncogenes TOP2A, UBE2C and CKS2 in the bladder (BLCA) and prostate (PRAD) cancers and assess the potential inhibitory effects of sitagliptin through molecular docking. Microa...

The human microbial flora is quite diverse and versatile, playing several beneficial roles in association with the host and deriving nutrition from it. The present study aimed to identify gut microbial flora with poten- tial probiotic activities. Eighteen bacterial isolates were screened from ten male individuals in this study. Seven bacterial isol...