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1. Design and applications of photobioreactors- a review

   Sirohi R, Kumar Pandey A, Ranganathan P, Singh S, Udayan A, Kumar Awasthi M, et al.

   Bioresour Technol, 2022 Apr;349:126858.

   PMID: 35183729 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126858

   Abstract

   There has been increasing attention in recent years on the use of photobioreactors for various biotechnological applications, especially for the cultivation of microalgae. Photobioreactors-based production of photosynthetic microorganisms furnish several advantages as minimising toxicity and providing improved conditions. However, the designing and scaling-up of photobioreactors (PBRs) remain a challenge. Due to huge capital investment and operating cost, there is a deficiency of suitable PBRs for development of photosynthetic microorganisms on large-scale. It is, therefore, highly desirable to understand the current state-of-the-art PBRs, their advantages and limitations so as to classify different PBRs as per their most suited applications. This review provides a holistic overview of the discreet features of diverse PBR designs and their purpose in microalgae growth and biohydrogen production and also summarizes the recent development in use of hybrid PBRs to increase their working efficiency and overall economics of their operation for the production of value-added products.

   MeSH terms: Biotechnology; Photosynthesis; Biomass; Microalgae*; Photobioreactors*
2. Fulltext An open dataset of Plasmodium vivax genome variation in 1,895 worldwide samples

   MalariaGEN, Adam I, Alam MS, Alemu S, Amaratunga C, Amato R, et al.

   Wellcome Open Res, 2022;7:136.

   PMID: 35651694 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17795.1

   Abstract

   This report describes the MalariaGEN Pv4 dataset, a new release of curated genome variation data on 1,895 samples of Plasmodium vivax collected at 88 worldwide locations between 2001 and 2017. It includes 1,370 new samples contributed by MalariaGEN and VivaxGEN partner studies in addition to previously published samples from these and other sources. We provide genotype calls at over 4.5 million variable positions including over 3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as well as short indels and tandem duplications. This enlarged dataset highlights major compartments of parasite population structure, with clear differentiation between Africa, Latin America, Oceania, Western Asia and different parts of Southeast Asia. Each sample has been classified for drug resistance to sulfadoxine, pyrimethamine and mefloquine based on known markers at the dhfr, dhps and mdr1 loci. The prevalence of all of these resistance markers was much higher in Southeast Asia and Oceania than elsewhere. This open resource of analysis-ready genome variation data from the MalariaGEN and VivaxGEN networks is driven by our collective goal to advance research into the complex biology of P. vivax and to accelerate genomic surveillance for malaria control and elimination.
3. Fulltext Anaesthetic challenges in a patient with acromegaly and multinodular goitre undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery

   Jamil J, Wan Hassan WMN, Ghani AR, Yeap TB

   BMJ Case Rep, 2023 Feb 16;16(2).

   PMID: 36796871 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-250640

   Abstract

   Acromegaly is a progressive systemic disorder which is common among middle-aged women. A functioning growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma is the most common cause. Anaesthesia for pituitary surgery in patients with acromegaly is challenging. Rarely, these patients may develop thyroid lesions that may compromise the airway. We present the case of a young man with newly diagnosed acromegaly caused by a pituitary macroadenoma complicated by a large multinodular goitre. The aim of this report is to discuss the perianaesthetic approach in patients with acromegaly with a high risk of airway compromise undergoing pituitary surgery.

   MeSH terms: Anesthetics*; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neuroendoscopy
4. Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous spesolimab for the prevention of generalised pustular psoriasis flares (Effisayil 2): an international, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

   Morita A, Strober B, Burden AD, Choon SE, Anadkat MJ, Marrakchi S, et al.

   Lancet, 2023 Oct 28;402(10412):1541-1551.

   PMID: 37738999 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01378-8

   Abstract

   BACKGROUND: Spesolimab is an anti-interleukin-36 receptor monoclonal antibody approved to treat generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP) flares. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of spesolimab for GPP flare prevention.

   METHODS: This multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial was done at 60 hospitals and clinics in 20 countries. Eligible study participants were aged between 12 and 75 years with a documented history of GPP as per the European Rare and Severe Psoriasis Expert Network criteria, with a history of at least two past GPP flares, and a GPP Physician Global Assessment (GPPGA) score of 0 or 1 at screening and random assignment. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to receive subcutaneous placebo, subcutaneous low-dose spesolimab (300 mg loading dose followed by 150 mg every 12 weeks), subcutaneous medium-dose spesolimab (600 mg loading dose followed by 300 mg every 12 weeks), or subcutaneous high-dose spesolimab (600 mg loading dose followed by 300 mg every 4 weeks) over 48 weeks. The primary objective was to demonstrate a non-flat dose-response curve on the primary endpoint, time to first GPP flare.

   FINDINGS: From June 8, 2020, to Nov 23, 2022, 157 patients were screened, of whom 123 were randomly assigned. 92 were assigned to receive spesolimab (30 high dose, 31 medium dose, and 31 low dose) and 31 to placebo. All patients were either Asian (79 [64%] of 123) or White (44 [36%]). Patient groups were similar in sex distribution (76 [62%] female and 47 [38%] male), age (mean 40·4 years, SD 15·8), and GPP Physician Global Assessment score. A non-flat dose-response relationship was established on the primary endpoint. By week 48, 35 patients had GPP flares; seven (23%) of 31 patients in the low-dose spesolimab group, nine (29%) of 31 patients in the medium-dose spesolimab group, three (10%) of 30 patients in the high-dose spesolimab group, and 16 (52%) of 31 patients in the placebo group. High-dose spesolimab was significantly superior versus placebo on the primary outcome of time to GPP flare (hazard ratio [HR]=0·16, 95% CI 0·05-0·54; p=0·0005) endpoint. HRs were 0·35 (95% CI 0·14-0·86, nominal p=0·0057) in the low-dose spesolimab group and 0·47 (0·21-1·06, p=0·027) in the medium-dose spesolimab group. We established a non-flat dose-response relationship for spesolimab compared with placebo, with statistically significant p values for each predefined model (linear p=0·0022, emax1 p=0·0024, emax2 p=0·0023, and exponential p=0·0034). Infection rates were similar across treatment arms; there were no deaths and no hypersensitivity reactions leading to discontinuation.

   INTERPRETATION: High-dose spesolimab was superior to placebo in GPP flare prevention, significantly reducing the risk of a GPP flare and flare occurrence over 48 weeks. Given the chronic nature of GPP, a treatment for flare prevention is a significant shift in the clinical approach, and could ultimately lead to improvements in patient morbidity and quality of life.

   FUNDING: Boehringer Ingelheim.

   MeSH terms: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Chronic Disease; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life*; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
5. Fulltext OPEFB pretreatment using the low-cost N,N,N-dimethylbutylammonium hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid under varying conditions

   Shikh Zahari SMSN, Liu Y, Yao P, Ideris MS, Azman HH, Hallett JP

   Sci Rep, 2023 Dec 15;13(1):22354.

   PMID: 38102175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48722-0

   Abstract

   This study investigates the effects of temperature and period on the pretreatment of OPEFB using the low-cost N,N,N-dimethylbutylammonium hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid ([DMBA][HSO4] IL) with 20 wt% of water. The results demonstrate that higher pretreatment temperatures (120, 150, and 170 °C) and longer periods (0.5, 1, and 2 h) enhanced lignin recovery, resulting in increased purity of the recovered pulp and subsequently enhanced glucose released during enzymatic hydrolysis. However, at 170 °C, prolonging the period led to cellulose degradation and the formation of pseudo-lignin deposited on the pulps, resulting in a decreasing-trend in glucose released. Finally, the analysis of extracted lignin reveals that increasing pretreatment severity intensified lignin depolymerisation and condensation, leading to a decrease in number average molecular weight (Mn), weight average molecular weight (Mw) and polydispersity index (Đ) values.
6. Fulltext The effect of ammonia concentration on the treatment of bio electrochemical leachate using MFCs technology

   Ishaq A, Said MIM, Azman SB, Abdulwahab MF, Houmsi MR, Jagun ZT

   Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2025 Feb;32(6):3114-3129.

   PMID: 38151563 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31472-x

   Abstract

   Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have garnered attention in bio-electrochemical leachate treatment systems. The most common forms of inorganic ammonia nitrogen are ammonium ( NH 4 + ) and free ammonia. Anaerobic digestion can be inhibited in both direct (changes in environmental conditions, such as fluctuations in temperature or pH, can indirectly hinder microbial activity and the efficiency of the digestion process) and indirect (inadequate nutrient levels, or other conditions that indirectly compromise the microbial community's ability to carry out anaerobic digestion effectively) ways by both kinds. The performance of a double-chamber MFC system-composed of an anodic chamber, a cathode chamber with fixed biofilm carriers (carbon felt material), and a Nafion 117 exchange membrane is examined in this work to determine the impact of ammonium nitrogen ( NH 4 - N ) inhibition. MFCs may hold up to 100 mL of fluid. Therefore, the bacteria involved were analysed using 16S rRNA. At room temperature, with a concentration of 800 mg L-1 of ammonium nitrogen and 13,225 mg L-1 of chemical oxygen demand (COD), the study produced a considerable power density of 234 mWm-3. It was found that NH 4 - N concentrations above 800 mg L-1 have an inhibitory influence on power output and treatment effectiveness. Multiple routes removed the most nitrogen ( NH 4 + -N: 87.11 ± 0.7%, NO2 -N: 93.17 ± 0.2% and TN: 75.24 ± 0.3%). Results from sequencing indicate that the anode is home to a rich microbial community, with anammox (6%), denitrifying (6.4%), and electrogenic bacteria (18.2%) making up the bulk of the population. Microbial fuel cells can efficiently and cost-effectively execute anammox, a green nitrogen removal process, in landfill leachate.

   MeSH terms: Bioelectric Energy Sources*; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods; Water Pollutants, Chemical
7. Delivery of Probiotic-Loaded Microcapsules in the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Review

   Heidarrezaei M, Mauriello G, Shokravi H, Lau WJ, Ismail AF

   Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins, 2025 Feb;17(1):193-211.

   PMID: 38907825 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10311-6

   Abstract

   Probiotics are live microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract and confer health benefits to consumers. However, a sufficient number of viable probiotic cells must be delivered to the specific site of interest in the gastrointestinal tract to exert these benefits. Enhanced viability and tolerance to sublethal gastrointestinal stress can be achieved using appropriate coating materials and food matrices for orally consumed probiotics. The release mechanism and interaction of probiotic microcapsules with the gastrointestinal tract have been minimally explored in the literature to date. To the authors' knowledge, no review has been published to discuss the nature of release and the challenges in the targeted delivery of probiotics. This review addresses gastrointestinal-related complications in the formulation of targeted delivery and controlled release of probiotic strains. It investigates the impacts of environmental stresses during the transition stage and delivery to the target region in the gastrointestinal tract. The influence of factors such as pH levels, enzymatic degradation, and redox conditions on the release mechanisms of probiotics is presented. Finally, the available methods to evaluate the efficiency of a probiotic delivery system, including in vitro and in vivo, are reviewed and assessed. The paper concludes with a discussion highlighting the emerging technologies in the field and emphasising key areas in need of future study.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Drug Delivery Systems
8. Drug-drug interactions of plant alkaloids derived from herbal medicines on the phase II UGT enzymes: an introductory review

   Gunasaykaran SY, Chear NJ, Ismail S, Mohammad NA, Murugaiyah V, Ramanathan S

   Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2025 Feb;398(2):1447-1464.

   PMID: 39325152 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03418-8

   Abstract

   Herbal medicines are widely used as alternative or complementary therapies to treat and prevent chronic diseases. However, these can lead to drug-drug interactions (DDIs) that affect the glucuronidation reaction of UDP glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), which convert drugs into metabolites. Plant extracts derived from medicinal herbs contain a diverse array of compounds categorized into different functional groups. While numerous studies have examined the inhibition of UGT enzymes by various herbal compounds, it remains unclear which group of compounds exerts the most significant impact on DDIs in the glucuronidation reaction. Recently, alkaloids derived from medicinal herbs, including kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), have gained attention due to their diverse pharmacological properties. This review primarily focuses on the DDIs of plant alkaloids from medicinal herbs, including kratom on the phase II UGT enzymes. Kratom is a new emerging herbal product in Western countries that is often used to self-treat chronic pain, opioid withdrawal, or as a replacement for prescription and non-prescription opioids. Kratom is well-known for its psychoactive alkaloids, which have a variety of psychopharmacological effects. However, the metabolism mechanism of kratom alkaloids, particularly on the phase II pathway, is still poorly understood. Simultaneously using kratom or other herbal products containing alkaloids with prescribed medicines may have an impact on the drug metabolism involving the phase II UGT enzymes. To ensure the safety and efficacy of treatments, gaining a better understanding of the DDIs when using herbal products with conventional medicine is crucial.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Drug Interactions; Humans; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry; Herb-Drug Interactions
9. Fulltext Long-read sequencing and genome assembly of natural history collection samples and challenging specimens

   Bein B, Chrysostomakis I, Arantes LS, Brown T, Gerheim C, Schell T, et al.

   bioRxiv, 2024 Sep 27.

   PMID: 39386456 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.04.583385

   Abstract

   Museum collections harbor millions of samples, largely unutilized for long-read sequencing. Here, we use ethanol-preserved samples containing kilobase-sized DNA to show that amplification-free protocols can yield contiguous genome assemblies. Additionally, using a modified amplification-based protocol, employing an alternative polymerase to overcome PCR bias, we assembled the 3.1 Gb maned sloth genome, surpassing the previous 500 Mb protocol size limit. Our protocol also improves assemblies of other difficult-to-sequence molluscs and arthropods, including millimeter-sized organisms. By highlighting collections as valuable sample resources and facilitating genome assembly of tiny and challenging organisms, our study advances efforts to obtain reference genomes of all eukaryotes.
10. A Comprehensive Review of Challenges in Oral Drug Delivery Systems and Recent Advancements in Innovative Design Strategies

    Loke YH, Jayakrishnan A, Mod Razif MRF, Yee KM, Kee PE, Goh BH, et al.

    Curr Pharm Des, 2025;31(5):360-376.

    PMID: 39390835 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128338560240923073357

    Abstract

    The oral route of drug administration is often preferred by patients and healthcare providers due to its convenience, ease of use, non-invasiveness, and patient acceptance. However, traditional oral dosage forms have several limitations, including low bioavailability, limited drug loading capacity, and stability and storage issues, particularly with solutions and suspensions. Over the years, researchers have dedicated considerable effort to developing novel oral drug delivery systems to overcome these limitations. This review discusses various challenges associated with oral drug delivery systems, including biological, pharmaceutical, and physicochemical barriers. It also explores common delivery approaches, such as gastroretentive drug delivery, small intestine drug delivery, and colon-targeting drug delivery systems. Additionally, numerous strategies aimed at improving oral drug delivery efficiency are reviewed, including solid dispersion, absorption enhancers, lipidbased formulations, nanoparticles, polymer-based nanocarriers, liposomal formulations, microencapsulation, and micellar formulations. Furthermore, innovative approaches like orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), orally disintegrating films (ODF), layered tablets, micro particulates, self-nano emulsifying formulations (SNEF), and controlled release dosage forms are explored for their potential in enhancing oral drug delivery efficiency and promoting patients' compliance. Overall, this review highlights significant progress in addressing challenges in the pharmaceutical industry and clinical settings, offering novel approaches for the development of effective oral drug delivery systems.

    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Pharmaceutical Preparations/administration & dosage; Pharmaceutical Preparations/chemistry; Humans; Drug Design; Drug Delivery Systems*