CK2, a protein serine/threonine kinase, promotes cell proliferation and suppresses cell death. Th... more CK2, a protein serine/threonine kinase, promotes cell proliferation and suppresses cell death. This essential-for-survival signal demonstrates elevated expression and activity in all cancers examined, and is considered an attractive target for cancer therapy. Here, we present data on the efficacy of a tenfibgen (TBG) coated nanocapsule which delivers its cargo of siRNA (siCK2) or single stranded RNA/DNA oligomers (RNAi-CK2) simultaneously targeting CK2α and α' catalytic subunits. Intravenous administration of TBG-siCK2 or TBG-RNAi-CK2 resulted in significant xenograft tumor reduction at low doses in PC3-LN4 and 22Rv1 models of prostate cancer. Malignant cell uptake and specificity in vivo was verified by FACS analysis and immunofluorescent detection of nanocapsules and PCR detection of released oligomers. Dose response was concordant with CK2αα' RNA transcript levels and the tumors demonstrated changes in CK2 protein and in markers of proliferation and cell death. Therapeuti...
Acacia hydaspica R. Parker is known for its medicinal uses in multiple ailments. In this study, w... more Acacia hydaspica R. Parker is known for its medicinal uses in multiple ailments. In this study, we performed bioassay-guided fractionation of cytotoxic compounds from A. hydaspica and investigated their effects on growth and signaling activity in prostate and breast cancer cell lines. Four active polyphenolic compounds were identified as 7-O-galloyl catechin (GC), catechin (C), methyl gallate (MG), and catechin-3-O-gallate (CG). The four compounds inhibited prostate cancer PC-3 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, whereas CG and MG inhibited breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell growth. All tested compounds inhibited cell survival and colony growth in both cell lines, and there was evidence of chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage and apoptotic bodies. Further, acridine orange, ethidium bromide, propidium iodide and DAPI staining demonstrated that cell death occurred partly via apoptosis in both PC-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In PC-3 cells treatment repressed the expression of anti-apoptoti...
Marble sludge (MS) and rice husk have been collected from marble industry and rice processing mil... more Marble sludge (MS) and rice husk have been collected from marble industry and rice processing mill. MS was dried, ground and passed through 10µm size sieve. Rice husk was treated with hydrochloric acid solution at 105˚ C, and burned at 650˚ C for four hours, pulverize and passed through 10µm size sieve. Both powders were characterized by the X-ray fluorescence and then incorporated in the natural rubber (NR), according to recipe for various hybrid compositions. Compounding was carried out on a two-roll mill with total filler loading of 60 parts per hundred rubber (phr). The composites were vulcanized at 155º C. The effects of partial or complete replacement of MS by rice husk ash (RHA) on mechanical and swelling properties of MS/RHA/NR hybrid composites before, and after ageing were analyzed. Results show that tensile strength, 100% modulus, 300% modulus, tear strength, hardness, crosslink value, volume fraction and shear modulus increases while elongation at break, compression set, rebound resilience, abrasion loss, swelling coefficient and the average molecular weight of the polymer between cross-links decreases with increasing RHA weight ratio in hybrid composites. The ageing characteristic of corresponding hybrid composites was evaluated at 70˚ C and 100˚ C temperatures for 96 hours.
In utilization gradually more spirited soak, the endurance of industries that fabricate modules o... more In utilization gradually more spirited soak, the endurance of industries that fabricate modules or parts of polymer is definitely linked to reduce the manufacturing costs. A substitute could be uncompatibilized and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) compatibilized blends of nitrile rubber (NBR)/Low density polyethylene (LDPE) filled by industrial waste (MW) for the production of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) blends. The TPEs were evaluated through the cure, resilience and abrasion loss characteristics of blends, facilitating the performance scrutinizing of the fabrication procedures and applications to design the components. Comparable results are obtained with, and without CPE in the blends. As the ratio of LDPE in blends increased, the scorch time and cure time decreased and at same time, the elasticity of blends drop and torque increased and the resilience, which decreased for the cure systems. Compounds with the higher LDPE and CPE content had greater the both torque values, higher vulcanization rates, and the lower scorch, cure times, resilience and abrasion loss. These observations indicated more viscous along with less elastic replies in these blends. Results of this investigation expose that CPE could be used as a compatibilizer for the NBR/LDPE blend system.
In the present study, attempts have been made to modify Marble Sludge (MS) filled Ethylene-propyl... more In the present study, attempts have been made to modify Marble Sludge (MS) filled Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) with Chloroprene rubber (CR). Compounding was carried out on a two-roll mill and vulcanized at 155˚C. The modified blend of MS filed EPDM/CR was characterized on the basis of the effect of blend ratio on cure characteristics, mechanical and swelling properties of blends were investigated. The effect of thermal aging on mechanical and swelling behavior in aromatic, aliphatic and chlorinated solvents of cured MS filled EPDM/CR blend was also examined. The minimum torque and maximum torque of the blend first increased and then slightly decreased after the increasing of CR content in MS filled EPDM/CR blends. Scorch time, cure time, cure rate index, tensile strength, tear strength, hardness increased with increasing CR content in the MS filled EPDM compound, but elongation at break, resilience, abrasion loss, mole % uptake, swelling index and percentage of soluble fraction decreased, resilience, abrasion loss, mole % uptake, swelling index and percentage of soluble fraction decreases. Accelerated aging performance of cured composites also influenced by increasing CR content in MS filled EPDM compound.
Nuclear phosphoproteins and protein kinases of human normal and benign hyperplastic prostate (BPH... more Nuclear phosphoproteins and protein kinases of human normal and benign hyperplastic prostate (BPH) were studied in an effort to delineate their properties and to identify any underlying differences therein. Chromatin-associated protein kinases active towards phosvitin, lysine-rich histone, and endogenous nonhistone proteins were characterized in human prostatic nuclei. The general properties of the human chromatin-associated prostatic protein kinases were similar to those of rat ventral prostate chromatin. Polyamines stimulated the phosphorylation of endogenous nonhistone proteins and phosvitin. Protein kinases active towards phosvitin and lysine-rich histones were unaltered in chromatin from BPH tissue as compared with the normal prostate. However, phosphorylation of chromatin-associated nonhistone proteins was markedly enhanced (average, 123%) in BPH tissue as compared with the normal tissue. The results indicate a change in the protein kinase reaction specifically involving chrom...
Targeted therapies for aggressive breast cancers like triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are ne... more Targeted therapies for aggressive breast cancers like triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are needed. The use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to disable expression of survival genes provides a tool for killing these cancer cells. Cyclin dependent kinase 11 (CDK11) is a survival protein kinase that regulates RNA transcription, splicing and mitosis. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a survival protein kinase that suppresses cancer cell death. Eliminating the expression of these genes has potential therapeutic utility for breast cancer. Expression levels of CDK11 and CK2 mRNAs and associated proteins were examined in breast cancer cell lines and tissue arrays. RNA expression levels of CDC2L1, CDC2L2, CCNL1, CCNL2, CSNK2A1, CSNK2A2, and CSNK2B genes in breast cancer subtypes were analyzed. Effects following transfection of siRNAs against CDK11 and CK2 in cultured cells were examined by viability and clonal survival assays and by RNA and protein measures. Uptake of tenfibgen (TBG) nanocapsule...
This paper presents the comparative results of a current study on unsaturated polyester resin (UP... more This paper presents the comparative results of a current study on unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) matrix composites processed by filament winding method, with cotton spun yarn of different mass irregularities and two different volume fractions. Physical and mechanical properties were measured, namely ultimate stress, stiffness, elongation%. The mechanical properties of the composites increased significantly with the increase in the fiber volume fraction in agreement with the Counto model. Mass irregularities in the yarn structure were quantitatively measured and visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mass irregularities cause marked decrease in relative strength about 25% and 33% which increases with fiber volume fraction. Ultimate stress and stiffness increases with fiber volume fraction and is always higher for yarn with less mass irregularities. ª 2014 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Cairo University.
In this assessment, hybrid composites were prepared from the combination of industrial waste, as ... more In this assessment, hybrid composites were prepared from the combination of industrial waste, as marble waste powder (MWP) with conventional fillers, carbon black (CB) as well as silica as reinforcing material, incorporated with natural rubber (NR). The properties studied were curing, mechanical and swelling behavior. Assimilation of CB as well as silica into MWP containing NR compound responded in decreasing the scorch time and cure time besides increasing in the torque. Additionally, increasing the CB and silica in their respective NR hybrid composite increases the tensile, tear, modulus, hardness, and cross-link density, but decreases the elongation and swelling coefficient. The degradation property e.g., thermal aging of the hybrid composite was also estimated. The overall behavior at 70°C aging temperature signified that the replacement of MS by CB and silica improved the aging performance.
Journal of Analytical Sciences, Methods and Instrumentation, 2012
With the aim that to confirm the need for humidity control in the environment in which textile sa... more With the aim that to confirm the need for humidity control in the environment in which textile sample are visually and instrumentally analyzed, three different pre-conditioned fabrics sample of cotton, polyester and silk were treated at a fix temperature of 21˚C. The relative humidity adjusted to four levels: 55%, 65%, 75% and 85% RH for a conditioning time of 24 hours as specified in ASTM D-1776-98. It has been observed that as the relative humidity increase from 55% to 85% cotton increase its tensile strength, silk losses its strength and there was no significant change observed in the tensile strength of polyester fabric.
A research has been carried out to develop natural rubber (NR) hybrid composites reinforced with ... more A research has been carried out to develop natural rubber (NR) hybrid composites reinforced with marble sludge (MS)/Silica and MS/rice husk derived silica (RHS). The primary aim of this development is to scrutinize the cure characteristics, mechanical and swelling properties of such hybrid composite. The use of both industrial and agricultural waste such as marble sludge and rice husk derived silica has the primary advantage of being eco-friendly, low cost and easily available as compared to other expensive fillers. The results from this study showed that the performance of NR hybrid composites with MS/Silica and MS/RHS as fillers is extremely better in mechanical and swelling properties as compared with the case where MS used as single filler. The study suggests that the use of recently developed silica and marble sludge as industrial and agricultural waste is accomplished to provide a probable cost effective, industrially prospective, and attractive replacement to the in general purpose used fillers like china clay, calcium carbonate, and talc.
Chemical Industry and Chemical Engineering Quarterly, 2013
Marble waste as sludge is collected from Marble industry, as a way of solving the environmental p... more Marble waste as sludge is collected from Marble industry, as a way of solving the environmental problem of industrial waste. The sludge was dried, ground and passed through desire sieves (10, 15, 20, 37 and 75 ?m), This powder was characterized by the X-ray fluorescence technique and then incorporated in the formulation of NR composites with different loading of micro sized MS particles (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 parts per hundred of rubber, phr). The cure characteristics, mechanical properties and swelling properties of MS/NR composites were evaluated. Results indicate that minimum torque, maximum torque, tensile strength, modulus, tear strength, hardness, crosslink density were increased while the scorch time, cure time, cure rate, cure rate index (CRI), elongation at break, compression set, rebound resilience, abrasion loss, swelling coefficient, average molecular weight and filler-rubber interaction decrease with increasing MS loading.
Journal of Analytical Sciences, Methods and Instrumentation, 2012
Pigment printing was carried out on lab scale by simple screen-printing techniques. By the applic... more Pigment printing was carried out on lab scale by simple screen-printing techniques. By the application of acrylate and butadiene based binder, the crocking fastness, formaldehyde release and PVC migration of fabric printed with Imparon red KB pigment was evaluated. The effect of curing time on K/S values was also investigated. It has been found that butadiene based binder shows good performance in terms of crocking fastness, formaldehyde release and PVC migration. It has also been observed that by increasing the binder concentration, the release of formaldehyde decreased and by increasing the curing time, the K/S values of printed fabric were decreased.
Improved survival for patients with head and neck cancers (HNC) with recurrent and metastatic dis... more Improved survival for patients with head and neck cancers (HNC) with recurrent and metastatic disease warrants that cancer therapy is specific, with protected delivery of the therapeutic agent to primary and metastatic cancer cells. A further objective should be that downregulation of the intracellular therapy target leads to cell death without compensation by an alternate pathway. To address these goals, we report the utilization of a sub-50-nm tenfibgen (s50-TBG) nanocapsule that delivers RNAi oligonucleotides directed against the essential survival signal protein kinase CK2 (RNAi-CK2) in a cancer cell-specific manner. We have evaluated mechanism and efficacy of using s50-TBG-RNAi-CK2 nanocapsules for therapy of primary and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). s50-TBG nanocapsules enter cancer cells via the lipid raft/caveolar pathway and deliver their cargo (RNAi-CK2) preferentially to malignant but not normal tissues in mice. Our data suggest that RNAi-CK2, ...
CK2 (official acronym for casein kinase 2 or II) is a potent suppressor of apoptosis in response ... more CK2 (official acronym for casein kinase 2 or II) is a potent suppressor of apoptosis in response to diverse apoptotic stimuli-thus its molecular downregulation or activity inhibition results in potent induction of cell death. CK2 downregulation is known to impact mitochondrial apoptotic circuitry but the underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear. Utilizing prostate cancer cell lines subjected to CK2-specific inhibitors which cause loss of cell viability, we have found that CK2 inhibition in cells causes rapid early decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Cells treated with the CK2 inhibitors TBB (4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole) or TBCA (tetrabromocinnamic acid) demonstrate changes in Δψm which become apparent within 2 h, that is, significantly prior to evidence of activation of other mitochondrial apoptotic signals whose temporal expression ensues subsequent to loss of Δψm. Further, we have demonstrated the presence of CK2 in purified mitochondria and it appears that the e...
Kenaf is an industrial crop with high potential for cultivation in a tropical climate. It is a so... more Kenaf is an industrial crop with high potential for cultivation in a tropical climate. It is a source of raw material for fiber-based industries and paper production. Considerable research has been conducted to explore its adaptability and utilization in Malaysia since 2000, under the supervision of governmental and private organizations. A number of technologies and expertise among researchers have been developed to enhance kenaf production in Malaysia. However, international documentation of the research is limited, which is important for rectification to provide a comprehensive knowledge base for all tropical and subtropical countries. The main objective of this review is to provide an overview of the results of Malaysian research on kenaf. In addition, the past, present and likely future trends in kenaf research in Malaysia as a representative tropical region are summarized.
CK2 is a highly conserved, ubiquitous, signal responsive protein serine/threonine kinase. CK2 pro... more CK2 is a highly conserved, ubiquitous, signal responsive protein serine/threonine kinase. CK2 promotes cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis, and increased CK2 expression is observed in all cancers examined. We previously reported that direct injection of antisense (AS) CK2α phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (PTO) into xenograft prostate tumors in mice significantly reduced tumor size. Downregulation of CK2α in tumor cells in vivo appeared to result in overexpression of CK2α′ protein. This suggested that in cancer cells downregulation of CK2α might be compensated by CK2α′ in vivo, prompting us to design a bispecific (bs) AS PTO (bs-AS-CK2) targeting both catalytic subunits. bs-AS-CK2 reduced CK2α and α′protein expression, decreased cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis in cultured cells. Biodistribution studies of administered bs-AS-CK2 oligonucleotide demonstrated its presence in orthotopic prostate xenograft tumors. High dose injections of bs-AS-CK2 resulted in no damage to normal liver or prostate, but induced extensive cell death in tumor tissue. Intraperitoneal treatment with bs-AS-CK2 PTO decreased orthotopic tumor size and downregulated both CK2 mRNA and protein expression. Tumor reduction was accomplished using remarkably low doses and was improved by dividing the dose using a multi-day schedule. Decreased expression of the key signaling pathway proteins NF-κB p65 and AKT was also observed. We propose that the molecular downregulation of CK2 through bispecific targeting of the two catalytic subunits may be uniquely useful for therapeutic elimination of tumors.
Hybridization of natural rubber (NR) filled marble sludge (MS) and silica composite was prepared ... more Hybridization of natural rubber (NR) filled marble sludge (MS) and silica composite was prepared by adding various weight ratios of MS and silica. Compounding was carried out on a tworoll mill with total filler loading of 60 parts per 100 rubbers (phr). The composites were vulcanized at 140°C. The effects of partial or complete replacement of MS with silica on physical characterization such as curing characteristics, mechanical and swelling parameters of composites were examined. Mechanical properties of composites, including tensile strength, elongation, modulus, tear strength, hardness, swelling parameters such as swelling ratio, volume fraction, crosslink density and shear modulus before and after aging, were analyzed. Results indicate that minimum torque, maximum torque, tensile strength, modulus, tear strength, hardness, and crosslink density volume fraction increased while elongation at break, swelling ratio and shear modulus decreased with the increasing silica loading in MS/NR/Silica hybrid composites. The aging test of corresponding hybrid composites was also evaluated at two different aging temperatures. The results in this work recommend that MS from marble processing industrial waste could be used as filler for cost savings in NR compounds.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of CK2 subunits and CK2 effects o... more Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of CK2 subunits and CK2 effects on NF-κB–mediated and TP53-mediated signal activation and gene expression, the malignant phenotype, and chemosensitivity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in vitro and in vivo. Experimental Design: Protein expression of CK2 subunits was investigated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. CK2 subunits were knocked down by small interfering RNA, and NF-κB activation was examined using DNA binding, Western blot, and luciferase reporter assays. Gene expression was measured by quantitative reverse transcription–PCR. Cell growth, survival, motility, and sensitivity to cisplatin were measured by MTT, flow cytometry, and migration assays. In vivo targeting of CK2α/α′ in HNSCC xenograft models was achieved using anti-CK2α/α′ oligodeoxynucleotide encapsulated in sub–50-nm tenfibgen nanocapsules. Results: CK2 subunit proteins were overexpressed in HNSCC lines and tissues. Knockdown...
CK2, a pleiotropic Ser/Thr kinase, is an important target for cancer therapy. We tested our novel... more CK2, a pleiotropic Ser/Thr kinase, is an important target for cancer therapy. We tested our novel tenfibgen-based nanocapsule for delivery of the inhibitor 2-dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1Hbenzimidazole (DMAT) and an siRNA directed against both CK2α and α′ catalytic subunits to prostate cancer cells. We present data on the TBG nanocapsule itself and on CK2 inhibition or downregulation in treated cells, including effects on Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65. By direct comparison of two CK2-directed cargos, our data provide proof that the TBG encapsulation design for delivery of drugs specifically to cancer cells has strong potential for small moleculeand nucleic acid-based cancer therapy.
CK2, a protein serine/threonine kinase, promotes cell proliferation and suppresses cell death. Th... more CK2, a protein serine/threonine kinase, promotes cell proliferation and suppresses cell death. This essential-for-survival signal demonstrates elevated expression and activity in all cancers examined, and is considered an attractive target for cancer therapy. Here, we present data on the efficacy of a tenfibgen (TBG) coated nanocapsule which delivers its cargo of siRNA (siCK2) or single stranded RNA/DNA oligomers (RNAi-CK2) simultaneously targeting CK2α and α' catalytic subunits. Intravenous administration of TBG-siCK2 or TBG-RNAi-CK2 resulted in significant xenograft tumor reduction at low doses in PC3-LN4 and 22Rv1 models of prostate cancer. Malignant cell uptake and specificity in vivo was verified by FACS analysis and immunofluorescent detection of nanocapsules and PCR detection of released oligomers. Dose response was concordant with CK2αα' RNA transcript levels and the tumors demonstrated changes in CK2 protein and in markers of proliferation and cell death. Therapeuti...
Acacia hydaspica R. Parker is known for its medicinal uses in multiple ailments. In this study, w... more Acacia hydaspica R. Parker is known for its medicinal uses in multiple ailments. In this study, we performed bioassay-guided fractionation of cytotoxic compounds from A. hydaspica and investigated their effects on growth and signaling activity in prostate and breast cancer cell lines. Four active polyphenolic compounds were identified as 7-O-galloyl catechin (GC), catechin (C), methyl gallate (MG), and catechin-3-O-gallate (CG). The four compounds inhibited prostate cancer PC-3 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, whereas CG and MG inhibited breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell growth. All tested compounds inhibited cell survival and colony growth in both cell lines, and there was evidence of chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage and apoptotic bodies. Further, acridine orange, ethidium bromide, propidium iodide and DAPI staining demonstrated that cell death occurred partly via apoptosis in both PC-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In PC-3 cells treatment repressed the expression of anti-apoptoti...
Marble sludge (MS) and rice husk have been collected from marble industry and rice processing mil... more Marble sludge (MS) and rice husk have been collected from marble industry and rice processing mill. MS was dried, ground and passed through 10µm size sieve. Rice husk was treated with hydrochloric acid solution at 105˚ C, and burned at 650˚ C for four hours, pulverize and passed through 10µm size sieve. Both powders were characterized by the X-ray fluorescence and then incorporated in the natural rubber (NR), according to recipe for various hybrid compositions. Compounding was carried out on a two-roll mill with total filler loading of 60 parts per hundred rubber (phr). The composites were vulcanized at 155º C. The effects of partial or complete replacement of MS by rice husk ash (RHA) on mechanical and swelling properties of MS/RHA/NR hybrid composites before, and after ageing were analyzed. Results show that tensile strength, 100% modulus, 300% modulus, tear strength, hardness, crosslink value, volume fraction and shear modulus increases while elongation at break, compression set, rebound resilience, abrasion loss, swelling coefficient and the average molecular weight of the polymer between cross-links decreases with increasing RHA weight ratio in hybrid composites. The ageing characteristic of corresponding hybrid composites was evaluated at 70˚ C and 100˚ C temperatures for 96 hours.
In utilization gradually more spirited soak, the endurance of industries that fabricate modules o... more In utilization gradually more spirited soak, the endurance of industries that fabricate modules or parts of polymer is definitely linked to reduce the manufacturing costs. A substitute could be uncompatibilized and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) compatibilized blends of nitrile rubber (NBR)/Low density polyethylene (LDPE) filled by industrial waste (MW) for the production of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) blends. The TPEs were evaluated through the cure, resilience and abrasion loss characteristics of blends, facilitating the performance scrutinizing of the fabrication procedures and applications to design the components. Comparable results are obtained with, and without CPE in the blends. As the ratio of LDPE in blends increased, the scorch time and cure time decreased and at same time, the elasticity of blends drop and torque increased and the resilience, which decreased for the cure systems. Compounds with the higher LDPE and CPE content had greater the both torque values, higher vulcanization rates, and the lower scorch, cure times, resilience and abrasion loss. These observations indicated more viscous along with less elastic replies in these blends. Results of this investigation expose that CPE could be used as a compatibilizer for the NBR/LDPE blend system.
In the present study, attempts have been made to modify Marble Sludge (MS) filled Ethylene-propyl... more In the present study, attempts have been made to modify Marble Sludge (MS) filled Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) with Chloroprene rubber (CR). Compounding was carried out on a two-roll mill and vulcanized at 155˚C. The modified blend of MS filed EPDM/CR was characterized on the basis of the effect of blend ratio on cure characteristics, mechanical and swelling properties of blends were investigated. The effect of thermal aging on mechanical and swelling behavior in aromatic, aliphatic and chlorinated solvents of cured MS filled EPDM/CR blend was also examined. The minimum torque and maximum torque of the blend first increased and then slightly decreased after the increasing of CR content in MS filled EPDM/CR blends. Scorch time, cure time, cure rate index, tensile strength, tear strength, hardness increased with increasing CR content in the MS filled EPDM compound, but elongation at break, resilience, abrasion loss, mole % uptake, swelling index and percentage of soluble fraction decreased, resilience, abrasion loss, mole % uptake, swelling index and percentage of soluble fraction decreases. Accelerated aging performance of cured composites also influenced by increasing CR content in MS filled EPDM compound.
Nuclear phosphoproteins and protein kinases of human normal and benign hyperplastic prostate (BPH... more Nuclear phosphoproteins and protein kinases of human normal and benign hyperplastic prostate (BPH) were studied in an effort to delineate their properties and to identify any underlying differences therein. Chromatin-associated protein kinases active towards phosvitin, lysine-rich histone, and endogenous nonhistone proteins were characterized in human prostatic nuclei. The general properties of the human chromatin-associated prostatic protein kinases were similar to those of rat ventral prostate chromatin. Polyamines stimulated the phosphorylation of endogenous nonhistone proteins and phosvitin. Protein kinases active towards phosvitin and lysine-rich histones were unaltered in chromatin from BPH tissue as compared with the normal prostate. However, phosphorylation of chromatin-associated nonhistone proteins was markedly enhanced (average, 123%) in BPH tissue as compared with the normal tissue. The results indicate a change in the protein kinase reaction specifically involving chrom...
Targeted therapies for aggressive breast cancers like triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are ne... more Targeted therapies for aggressive breast cancers like triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are needed. The use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to disable expression of survival genes provides a tool for killing these cancer cells. Cyclin dependent kinase 11 (CDK11) is a survival protein kinase that regulates RNA transcription, splicing and mitosis. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a survival protein kinase that suppresses cancer cell death. Eliminating the expression of these genes has potential therapeutic utility for breast cancer. Expression levels of CDK11 and CK2 mRNAs and associated proteins were examined in breast cancer cell lines and tissue arrays. RNA expression levels of CDC2L1, CDC2L2, CCNL1, CCNL2, CSNK2A1, CSNK2A2, and CSNK2B genes in breast cancer subtypes were analyzed. Effects following transfection of siRNAs against CDK11 and CK2 in cultured cells were examined by viability and clonal survival assays and by RNA and protein measures. Uptake of tenfibgen (TBG) nanocapsule...
This paper presents the comparative results of a current study on unsaturated polyester resin (UP... more This paper presents the comparative results of a current study on unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) matrix composites processed by filament winding method, with cotton spun yarn of different mass irregularities and two different volume fractions. Physical and mechanical properties were measured, namely ultimate stress, stiffness, elongation%. The mechanical properties of the composites increased significantly with the increase in the fiber volume fraction in agreement with the Counto model. Mass irregularities in the yarn structure were quantitatively measured and visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mass irregularities cause marked decrease in relative strength about 25% and 33% which increases with fiber volume fraction. Ultimate stress and stiffness increases with fiber volume fraction and is always higher for yarn with less mass irregularities. ª 2014 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Cairo University.
In this assessment, hybrid composites were prepared from the combination of industrial waste, as ... more In this assessment, hybrid composites were prepared from the combination of industrial waste, as marble waste powder (MWP) with conventional fillers, carbon black (CB) as well as silica as reinforcing material, incorporated with natural rubber (NR). The properties studied were curing, mechanical and swelling behavior. Assimilation of CB as well as silica into MWP containing NR compound responded in decreasing the scorch time and cure time besides increasing in the torque. Additionally, increasing the CB and silica in their respective NR hybrid composite increases the tensile, tear, modulus, hardness, and cross-link density, but decreases the elongation and swelling coefficient. The degradation property e.g., thermal aging of the hybrid composite was also estimated. The overall behavior at 70°C aging temperature signified that the replacement of MS by CB and silica improved the aging performance.
Journal of Analytical Sciences, Methods and Instrumentation, 2012
With the aim that to confirm the need for humidity control in the environment in which textile sa... more With the aim that to confirm the need for humidity control in the environment in which textile sample are visually and instrumentally analyzed, three different pre-conditioned fabrics sample of cotton, polyester and silk were treated at a fix temperature of 21˚C. The relative humidity adjusted to four levels: 55%, 65%, 75% and 85% RH for a conditioning time of 24 hours as specified in ASTM D-1776-98. It has been observed that as the relative humidity increase from 55% to 85% cotton increase its tensile strength, silk losses its strength and there was no significant change observed in the tensile strength of polyester fabric.
A research has been carried out to develop natural rubber (NR) hybrid composites reinforced with ... more A research has been carried out to develop natural rubber (NR) hybrid composites reinforced with marble sludge (MS)/Silica and MS/rice husk derived silica (RHS). The primary aim of this development is to scrutinize the cure characteristics, mechanical and swelling properties of such hybrid composite. The use of both industrial and agricultural waste such as marble sludge and rice husk derived silica has the primary advantage of being eco-friendly, low cost and easily available as compared to other expensive fillers. The results from this study showed that the performance of NR hybrid composites with MS/Silica and MS/RHS as fillers is extremely better in mechanical and swelling properties as compared with the case where MS used as single filler. The study suggests that the use of recently developed silica and marble sludge as industrial and agricultural waste is accomplished to provide a probable cost effective, industrially prospective, and attractive replacement to the in general purpose used fillers like china clay, calcium carbonate, and talc.
Chemical Industry and Chemical Engineering Quarterly, 2013
Marble waste as sludge is collected from Marble industry, as a way of solving the environmental p... more Marble waste as sludge is collected from Marble industry, as a way of solving the environmental problem of industrial waste. The sludge was dried, ground and passed through desire sieves (10, 15, 20, 37 and 75 ?m), This powder was characterized by the X-ray fluorescence technique and then incorporated in the formulation of NR composites with different loading of micro sized MS particles (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 parts per hundred of rubber, phr). The cure characteristics, mechanical properties and swelling properties of MS/NR composites were evaluated. Results indicate that minimum torque, maximum torque, tensile strength, modulus, tear strength, hardness, crosslink density were increased while the scorch time, cure time, cure rate, cure rate index (CRI), elongation at break, compression set, rebound resilience, abrasion loss, swelling coefficient, average molecular weight and filler-rubber interaction decrease with increasing MS loading.
Journal of Analytical Sciences, Methods and Instrumentation, 2012
Pigment printing was carried out on lab scale by simple screen-printing techniques. By the applic... more Pigment printing was carried out on lab scale by simple screen-printing techniques. By the application of acrylate and butadiene based binder, the crocking fastness, formaldehyde release and PVC migration of fabric printed with Imparon red KB pigment was evaluated. The effect of curing time on K/S values was also investigated. It has been found that butadiene based binder shows good performance in terms of crocking fastness, formaldehyde release and PVC migration. It has also been observed that by increasing the binder concentration, the release of formaldehyde decreased and by increasing the curing time, the K/S values of printed fabric were decreased.
Improved survival for patients with head and neck cancers (HNC) with recurrent and metastatic dis... more Improved survival for patients with head and neck cancers (HNC) with recurrent and metastatic disease warrants that cancer therapy is specific, with protected delivery of the therapeutic agent to primary and metastatic cancer cells. A further objective should be that downregulation of the intracellular therapy target leads to cell death without compensation by an alternate pathway. To address these goals, we report the utilization of a sub-50-nm tenfibgen (s50-TBG) nanocapsule that delivers RNAi oligonucleotides directed against the essential survival signal protein kinase CK2 (RNAi-CK2) in a cancer cell-specific manner. We have evaluated mechanism and efficacy of using s50-TBG-RNAi-CK2 nanocapsules for therapy of primary and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). s50-TBG nanocapsules enter cancer cells via the lipid raft/caveolar pathway and deliver their cargo (RNAi-CK2) preferentially to malignant but not normal tissues in mice. Our data suggest that RNAi-CK2, ...
CK2 (official acronym for casein kinase 2 or II) is a potent suppressor of apoptosis in response ... more CK2 (official acronym for casein kinase 2 or II) is a potent suppressor of apoptosis in response to diverse apoptotic stimuli-thus its molecular downregulation or activity inhibition results in potent induction of cell death. CK2 downregulation is known to impact mitochondrial apoptotic circuitry but the underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear. Utilizing prostate cancer cell lines subjected to CK2-specific inhibitors which cause loss of cell viability, we have found that CK2 inhibition in cells causes rapid early decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Cells treated with the CK2 inhibitors TBB (4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole) or TBCA (tetrabromocinnamic acid) demonstrate changes in Δψm which become apparent within 2 h, that is, significantly prior to evidence of activation of other mitochondrial apoptotic signals whose temporal expression ensues subsequent to loss of Δψm. Further, we have demonstrated the presence of CK2 in purified mitochondria and it appears that the e...
Kenaf is an industrial crop with high potential for cultivation in a tropical climate. It is a so... more Kenaf is an industrial crop with high potential for cultivation in a tropical climate. It is a source of raw material for fiber-based industries and paper production. Considerable research has been conducted to explore its adaptability and utilization in Malaysia since 2000, under the supervision of governmental and private organizations. A number of technologies and expertise among researchers have been developed to enhance kenaf production in Malaysia. However, international documentation of the research is limited, which is important for rectification to provide a comprehensive knowledge base for all tropical and subtropical countries. The main objective of this review is to provide an overview of the results of Malaysian research on kenaf. In addition, the past, present and likely future trends in kenaf research in Malaysia as a representative tropical region are summarized.
CK2 is a highly conserved, ubiquitous, signal responsive protein serine/threonine kinase. CK2 pro... more CK2 is a highly conserved, ubiquitous, signal responsive protein serine/threonine kinase. CK2 promotes cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis, and increased CK2 expression is observed in all cancers examined. We previously reported that direct injection of antisense (AS) CK2α phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (PTO) into xenograft prostate tumors in mice significantly reduced tumor size. Downregulation of CK2α in tumor cells in vivo appeared to result in overexpression of CK2α′ protein. This suggested that in cancer cells downregulation of CK2α might be compensated by CK2α′ in vivo, prompting us to design a bispecific (bs) AS PTO (bs-AS-CK2) targeting both catalytic subunits. bs-AS-CK2 reduced CK2α and α′protein expression, decreased cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis in cultured cells. Biodistribution studies of administered bs-AS-CK2 oligonucleotide demonstrated its presence in orthotopic prostate xenograft tumors. High dose injections of bs-AS-CK2 resulted in no damage to normal liver or prostate, but induced extensive cell death in tumor tissue. Intraperitoneal treatment with bs-AS-CK2 PTO decreased orthotopic tumor size and downregulated both CK2 mRNA and protein expression. Tumor reduction was accomplished using remarkably low doses and was improved by dividing the dose using a multi-day schedule. Decreased expression of the key signaling pathway proteins NF-κB p65 and AKT was also observed. We propose that the molecular downregulation of CK2 through bispecific targeting of the two catalytic subunits may be uniquely useful for therapeutic elimination of tumors.
Hybridization of natural rubber (NR) filled marble sludge (MS) and silica composite was prepared ... more Hybridization of natural rubber (NR) filled marble sludge (MS) and silica composite was prepared by adding various weight ratios of MS and silica. Compounding was carried out on a tworoll mill with total filler loading of 60 parts per 100 rubbers (phr). The composites were vulcanized at 140°C. The effects of partial or complete replacement of MS with silica on physical characterization such as curing characteristics, mechanical and swelling parameters of composites were examined. Mechanical properties of composites, including tensile strength, elongation, modulus, tear strength, hardness, swelling parameters such as swelling ratio, volume fraction, crosslink density and shear modulus before and after aging, were analyzed. Results indicate that minimum torque, maximum torque, tensile strength, modulus, tear strength, hardness, and crosslink density volume fraction increased while elongation at break, swelling ratio and shear modulus decreased with the increasing silica loading in MS/NR/Silica hybrid composites. The aging test of corresponding hybrid composites was also evaluated at two different aging temperatures. The results in this work recommend that MS from marble processing industrial waste could be used as filler for cost savings in NR compounds.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of CK2 subunits and CK2 effects o... more Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of CK2 subunits and CK2 effects on NF-κB–mediated and TP53-mediated signal activation and gene expression, the malignant phenotype, and chemosensitivity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in vitro and in vivo. Experimental Design: Protein expression of CK2 subunits was investigated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. CK2 subunits were knocked down by small interfering RNA, and NF-κB activation was examined using DNA binding, Western blot, and luciferase reporter assays. Gene expression was measured by quantitative reverse transcription–PCR. Cell growth, survival, motility, and sensitivity to cisplatin were measured by MTT, flow cytometry, and migration assays. In vivo targeting of CK2α/α′ in HNSCC xenograft models was achieved using anti-CK2α/α′ oligodeoxynucleotide encapsulated in sub–50-nm tenfibgen nanocapsules. Results: CK2 subunit proteins were overexpressed in HNSCC lines and tissues. Knockdown...
CK2, a pleiotropic Ser/Thr kinase, is an important target for cancer therapy. We tested our novel... more CK2, a pleiotropic Ser/Thr kinase, is an important target for cancer therapy. We tested our novel tenfibgen-based nanocapsule for delivery of the inhibitor 2-dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1Hbenzimidazole (DMAT) and an siRNA directed against both CK2α and α′ catalytic subunits to prostate cancer cells. We present data on the TBG nanocapsule itself and on CK2 inhibition or downregulation in treated cells, including effects on Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65. By direct comparison of two CK2-directed cargos, our data provide proof that the TBG encapsulation design for delivery of drugs specifically to cancer cells has strong potential for small moleculeand nucleic acid-based cancer therapy.
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Papers by Khalil Ahmed