Browse publications by year: 2019

  1. Khanam R, Hejazi II, Shahabuddin S, Bhat AR, Athar F
    J Pharm Anal, 2019 Apr;9(2):133-141.
    PMID: 31011470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2018.12.002
    1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole derivatives (4a-5f) were previously synthesized to investigate their anticancer properties. However, studies relating to their antioxidant potential and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) inhibition have not been performed. We investigated previously synthesized 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole derivatives (4a-5f) for various radical scavenging properties using several in vitro antioxidant assays and also for direct inhibition of STAT3 through molecular docking. The data obtained from various antioxidant assays such as 2, 2,-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion radical revealed that among all the derivatives, compound 5e displayed high antioxidant activities than the standard antioxidant L-ascorbic acid. Additionally, the total reduction assay and antioxidant capacity assay further confirmed the antioxidant potential of compound 5e. Furthermore, the molecular docking studies performed for all derivatives along with the standard inhibitor STX-0119 showed that binding energy released in direct binding with the SH2 domain of STAT3 was the highest for compound 5e (-9.91kcal/mol). Through virtual screening, compound 5e was found to exhibit optimum competency in inhibiting STAT3 activity. Compound 5e decreased the activation of STAT3 as observed with Western blot. In brief, compound 5e was identified as a potent antioxidant agent and STAT3 inhibitor and effective agent for cancer treatment.
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biphenyl Compounds; Hydrogen Peroxide; Neoplasms; Nitric Oxide; Oxadiazoles; Quinolines; Superoxides; Blotting, Western; src Homology Domains; Molecular Docking Simulation
  2. Alkarkhi AFM, Alqaraghuli WAA, Yusup Y, Abu Amr SS, Mahmud MN, Dewayantoa N
    Data Brief, 2019 Jun;24:103894.
    PMID: 31011604 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.103894
    This article presents data relating to the changes in absorbance of glucose during the acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse using sulphuric acid. This dataset also contains the moisture content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon of the sugarcane bagasse. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the interaction plots between reaction time, temperature, and ratio are also presented. The data revealed that absorbance of glucose is increasing by increasing the temperature and time. Moreover, the best ratio for the highest absorbance of glucose was achieved at 1:20.
    MeSH terms: Acids; Analysis of Variance; Carbon; Cellulose; Glucose; Hydrolysis; Reaction Time; Sulfuric Acids; Temperature; Saccharum; Carbon Cycle
  3. Tey S, Shahrizaila N, Drew AP, Samulong S, Goh KJ, Battaloglu E, et al.
    Neurogenetics, 2019 08;20(3):117-127.
    PMID: 31011849 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-019-00576-3
    Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a form of inherited peripheral neuropathy that affects motor and sensory neurons. To identify the causative gene in a consanguineous family with autosomal recessive CMT (AR-CMT), we employed a combination of linkage analysis and whole exome sequencing. After excluding known AR-CMT genes, genome-wide linkage analysis mapped the disease locus to a 7.48-Mb interval on chromosome 14q32.11-q32.33, flanked by the markers rs2124843 and rs4983409. Whole exome sequencing identified two non-synonymous variants (p.T40P and p.H915Y) in the AHNAK2 gene that segregated with the disease in the family. Pathogenic predictions indicated that p.T40P is the likely causative allele. Analysis of AHNAK2 expression in the AR-CMT patient fibroblasts showed significantly reduced mRNA and protein levels. AHNAK2 binds directly to periaxin which is encoded by the PRX gene, and PRX mutations are associated with another form of AR-CMT (CMT4F). The altered expression of mutant AHNAK2 may disrupt the AHNAK2-PRX interaction in which one of its known functions is to regulate myelination.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Alleles; Biopsy; Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease/genetics*; Chromosome Mapping; Consanguinity; Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics*; Family Health; Female; Fibroblasts/metabolism; Genes, Recessive; Genetic Markers; Haplotypes; Humans; Genetic Linkage; Lod Score; Malaysia; Male; Membrane Proteins/genetics*; Neurons/metabolism; Pedigree; Loss of Heterozygosity; Genetic Predisposition to Disease*; Mutation, Missense
  4. Yong HS, Song SL, Eamsobhana P, Pasartvit A, Lim PE
    Mol Biol Rep, 2019 Aug;46(4):3765-3776.
    PMID: 31012029 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04818-3
    Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillet) is one of the most significant and widespread tephritid pest species of agricultural crops. This study reports the bacterial communities associated with Z. cucurbitae from three geographical regions in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sarawak). The bacterial microbiota were investigated by targeted 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 region) sequencing using the Illumina Mi-Seq platform. At 97% similarity and filtering at 0.001%, there were seven bacterial phyla and unassigned bacteria, comprising 11 classes, 23 orders, 39 families and 67 genera. The bacterial diversity and richness varied within and among the samples from the three geographical regions. Five phyla were detected for the Sarawak sample, and six each for the Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia samples. Four phyla-Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria-were represented in all the fruit fly specimens, forming the core members of the bacterial community. Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum, followed by Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Fifty-three genera were represented in the Thailand sample, 56 in the Peninsular Malaysia sample, and 55 in the Sarawak sample. Forty-two genera were present in all the three geographical regions. The predominant core members were order Enterobacteriales (Proeteobacteria), and family Enterobacteriaceae (Enterobacteriales). Klebsiella (Enterobacteriaceae) was the predominant genus and K. oxytoca the predominant species with all specimens having > 10% relative abundance. The results indicate the presence of a great diversity as well as core members of the bacterial community associated with different populations of Z. cucurbitae.
    MeSH terms: Firmicutes/genetics; Animals; Klebsiella/genetics; Malaysia; Male; Phylogeny; Residence Characteristics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics*; Thailand; Crops, Agricultural/parasitology; Proteobacteria/genetics; Tephritidae/microbiology*; Actinobacteria/genetics; Bacteroidetes/genetics; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Microbiota/genetics*
  5. Ozturk I, Al-Mulali U, Solarin SA
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Jun;26(17):17277-17283.
    PMID: 31012074 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05016-1
    This study aims at exploring the impact of corruption control on energy efficiency in 60 countries categorized by income: lower middle (LMI), upper middle (UMI), and high (HI). Panel methodology was utilized taking the period of 2000-2017. As cross-sectional dependence is confirmed among the tested equations, the Pesaran (J Appl Econ 22(2):265-312, 2007) unit root test and the augmented mean group estimator proposed by Eberhardt and Teal (2010) were utilized to overcome this matter. The results in general indicate that the lower the corruption is, the more the energy efficiency for all income group economies. Moreover, renewable energy reduces energy efficiency in lower-middle income and high-income economies while its effect is positive in middle-income economies. In addition, the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) found to be present in all income group economies. Lastly, causality relationships among energy efficiency, corruption, and GDP were present mostly in upper-middle income and high-income economies. From the results, it was recommended that the countries from all income groups should increase their corruption control for the purpose of enhancing energy efficiency.
    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Environment; Guanosine Diphosphate; Income; Poverty; Renewable Energy
  6. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Asilar E, Bergauer T, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2019 Apr 05;122(13):132003.
    PMID: 31012605 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.132003
    The observation of single top quark production in association with a Z boson and a quark (tZq) is reported. Events from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV containing three charged leptons (either electrons or muons) and at least two jets are analyzed. The data were collected with the CMS detector in 2016 and 2017 and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 77.4fb^{-1}. The increased integrated luminosity, a multivariate lepton identification, and a redesigned analysis strategy improve significantly the sensitivity of the analysis compared to previous searches for tZq production. The tZq signal is observed with a significance well over 5 standard deviations. The measured tZq production cross section is σ(pp→tZq→tℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}q)=111±13(stat)_{-9}^{+11}(syst)  fb, for dilepton invariant masses above 30 GeV, in agreement with the standard model expectation.
    MeSH terms: Aircraft; Dairy Products; Data Collection; Electrons; Mesons; Motivation; Protons; United States; Physical Phenomena
  7. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Bergauer T, Brandstetter J, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2019 Apr 05;122(13):132001.
    PMID: 31012626 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.132001
    Signals consistent with the B_{c}^{+}(2S) and B_{c}^{*+}(2S) states are observed in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, in an event sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 143  fb^{-1}, collected by the CMS experiment during the 2015-2018 LHC running periods. These excited b[over ¯]c states are observed in the B_{c}^{+}π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass spectrum, with the ground state B_{c}^{+} reconstructed through its decay to J/ψπ^{+}. The two states are reconstructed as two well-resolved peaks, separated in mass by 29.1±1.5(stat)±0.7(syst)  MeV. The observation of two peaks, rather than one, is established with a significance exceeding five standard deviations. The mass of the B_{c}^{+}(2S) meson is measured to be 6871.0±1.2(stat)±0.8(syst)±0.8(B_{c}^{+})  MeV, where the last term corresponds to the uncertainty in the world-average B_{c}^{+} mass.
    MeSH terms: Mesons; Protons; Running; Social Problems; Mass Spectrometry; United States; Marital Status; Uncertainty
  8. Seong IS, Vahsen SE, Adachi I, Aihara H, Al Said S, Asner DM, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2019 Jan 11;122(1):011801.
    PMID: 31012694 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.011801
    We report on the first Belle search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson, A^{0}, that decays into low mass dark matter, χ, in final states with a single photon and missing energy. We search for events produced via the dipion transition ϒ(2S)→ϒ(1S)π^{+}π^{-}, followed by the on-shell process ϒ(1S)→γA^{0} with A^{0}→χχ, or by the off-shell process ϒ(1S)→γχχ. Utilizing a data sample of 157.3×10^{6} ϒ(2S) decays, we find no evidence for a signal. We set limits on the branching fractions of such processes in the mass ranges M_{A^{0}}<8.97  GeV/c^{2} and M_{χ}<4.44  GeV/c^{2}. We then use the limits on the off-shell process to set competitive limits on WIMP-nucleon scattering in the WIMP mass range below 5  GeV/c^{2}.
    MeSH terms: Data Collection; Photons; Physical Phenomena; Nucleons
  9. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Asilar E, Bergauer T, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2019 Jan 11;122(1):011803.
    PMID: 31012697 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.011803
    A search is performed for dark matter particles produced in association with a top quark pair in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1} recorded by the CMS detector at the LHC. No significant excess over the standard model expectation is observed. The results are interpreted using simplified models of dark matter production via spin-0 mediators that couple to dark matter particles and to standard model quarks, providing constraints on the coupling strength between the mediator and the quarks. These are the most stringent collider limits to date for scalar mediators, and the most stringent for pseudoscalar mediators at low masses.
    MeSH terms: Dairy Products; Molecular Weight; Motivation; Protons; United States
  10. Jamaluddin JAF, Mohammed Akib NA, Ahmad SZ, Abdul Halim SAA, Abdul Hamid NK, Mohd Nor SA
    PMID: 31012766 DOI: 10.1080/24701394.2019.1597073
    A total of 74 shrimp specimens were sequenced at a 584 bp segment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to examine patterns of DNA barcode variation in a mangrove biodiversity hotspot. The Maximum Likelihood tree, barcode gap analysis, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery analysis and sequence comparisons with data available from Barcode of Life Data System and GenBank recovered 18 taxa of which 15 were identified to species level, 2 at genus level and a single taxon at order level. Two deep mitochondrial DNA lineage divergences were found in the giant tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon. It is suggested that one of the lineages is a consequence of an introduction from aquaculture activity. These results have provided a reliable barcode library for cataloguing shrimps in this area.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics; Electron Transport Complex IV/metabolism; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics; Phylogeny; Species Specificity; Penaeidae/genetics*; Biodiversity*; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic*
  11. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Asilar E, Bergauer T, et al.
    Eur Phys J C Part Fields, 2019;79(3):280.
    PMID: 31007587 DOI: 10.1140/epjc/s10052-019-6730-7
    A search for dark matter produced in association with a Higgs boson decaying to a pair of bottom quarks is performed in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 Te collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The analyzed data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 . The signal is characterized by a large missing transverse momentum recoiling against a bottom quark-antiquark system that has a large Lorentz boost. The number of events observed in the data is consistent with the standard model background prediction. Results are interpreted in terms of limits both on parameters of the type-2 two-Higgs doublet model extended by an additional light pseudoscalar boson a (2HDM+ a ) and on parameters of a baryonic Z ' simplified model. The 2HDM+ a model is tested experimentally for the first time. For the baryonic Z ' model, the presented results constitute the most stringent constraints to date.
  12. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Asilar E, Bergauer T, et al.
    Eur Phys J C Part Fields, 2019;79(4):305.
    PMID: 31007588 DOI: 10.1140/epjc/s10052-019-6800-x
    A search is presented for resonant production of second-generation sleptons ( μ ~ L , ν ~ μ ) via the R-parity-violating coupling λ 211 ' to quarks, in events with two same-sign muons and at least two jets in the final state. The smuon (muon sneutrino) is expected to decay into a muon and a neutralino (chargino), which will then decay into a second muon and at least two jets. The analysis is based on the 2016 data set of proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 . No significant deviation is observed with respect to standard model expectations. Upper limits on cross sections, ranging from 0.24 to 730 fb , are derived in the context of two simplified models representing the dominant signal contributions leading to a same-sign muon pair. The cross section limits are translated into coupling limits for a modified constrained minimal supersymmetric model with λ 211 ' as the only nonzero R-parity violating coupling. The results significantly extend restrictions of the parameter space compared with previous searches for similar models.
  13. Ali Y, Alqudah A, Ahmad S, Abd Hamid S, Farooq U
    Des Monomers Polym, 2019;22(1):91-97.
    PMID: 31007637 DOI: 10.1080/15685551.2019.1591681
    Targeted drug delivery system improves the efficiency and safety of the therapeutic agents by managing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. Currently, numerous drug carrier systems have been developed with different sizes, architectures and characteristics surface properties. Among different systems, macromolecules have a wide range of applications in targeted drug delivery system. The optimal drug loading potential, smooth drug releasing ability and biocompatibility are the distinguishing features that ensure the drugs delivery ability of macromolecules. This review briefly introduces some of the most commonly studied macromolecules which have been recommended as drugs delivery vehicles.
  14. Mitra SR, Tan PY, Amini F
    J Nutr Metab, 2019;2019:8718795.
    PMID: 31007954 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8718795
    Gene-diet interaction studies have reported that individual variations in phenotypic traits may be due to variations in individual diet. Our study aimed to evaluate (i) the association of ADRB2 rs1042713 with obesity and obesity-related metabolic parameters and (ii) the effect of dietary nutrients on these associations in Malaysian adults. ADRB2 genotyping, dietary, physical activity, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected from 79 obese and 99 nonobese individuals. Logistic regression revealed no association between ADRB2 rs1042713 and obesity (p=0.725). However, the carriers of G allele (AG + GG genotypes) of rs1042713 were associated with increased odds of insulin resistance, 2.83 (CI = 1.04-7.70, adjusted p=0.042), in the dominant model, even after adjusting for potential confounders. Obese individuals carrying the G allele were associated with higher total cholesterol (p=0.011), LDL cholesterol levels (p=0.008), and total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (p=0.048), compared to the noncarriers (AA), even after adjusting for potential confounders. Irrespective of obesity, the carriers of GG genotype had significantly lower fasting glucose levels with low saturated fatty acid intake (<7.3% of TE/day) (4.92 ± 0.1 mmol/L vs 5.80 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p=0.011) and high intake of polyunsaturated fatty acid:saturated fatty acid ratio (≥0.8/day) (4.83 ± 0.1 mmol/L vs 5.93 ± 0.4 mmol/L, p=0.006). Moreover, the carriers of GG genotype with high polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (≥6% of TE/day) had significantly lower HOMA-IR (1.5 ± 0.3 vs 3.0 ± 0.7, p=0.026) and fasting insulin levels (6.8 ± 1.6 µU/mL vs 11.4 ± 2.1 µU/mL, p=0.036). These effects were not found in the noncarriers (AA). In conclusion, G allele carriers of ADRB2 rs1042713 were associated with increased odds of insulin resistance. Obese individuals carrying G allele were compromised with higher blood lipid levels. Although it is premature to report gene-diet interaction on the regulation of glucose and insulin levels in Malaysians, we suggest that higher quantity of PUFA-rich food sources in regular diet may benefit overweight and obese Malaysian adults metabolically. Large-scale studies are required to replicate and confirm the current findings in the Malaysian population.
  15. Ghanimi Zamli AK, Irma Ngah NS, Chew-Ean T, Muhammed J, Wan Hitam WH, Hussein A, et al.
    Cureus, 2019 Feb 05;11(2):e4015.
    PMID: 31007973 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4015
    Introduction Ocular syphilis is a sight-threatening condition. It can occur at any stage of syphilis infection, which present either with acute inflammation during the primary, secondary, and early latent stages or with chronic inflammation during tertiary infection, affecting virtually every ocular structure. This study was to report on the clinical presentation of ocular syphilis that presented to eye clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methodology This was a retrospective study where medical records of ocular syphilis patients who attended eye clinic in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from January 2013 to June 2017 were reviewed. Results A total of 10 patients (13 eyes) with ocular syphilis were identified out of 106 cases that presented with ocular inflammation. The mean age of presentation was 69.8 ± 6.4 years and seven of them (70%) were female. All patients were Malay and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was negative. The ocular manifestations included panuveitis (four eyes, 30.8%), anterior uveitis (two eyes, 15.4%), posterior uveitis (seven eyes, 53.8%) and optic neuritis (two eyes, 15.4%). Seven (53.8%) eyes presented with visual acuity of worse than 6/60, five (38.5%) eyes had visual acuity between 6/15 to 6/60, and one (7.7%) eye had visual acuity of 6/12 or better. Nine patients received an intravenous benzylpenicillin regime and one patient received an intramuscular penicillin injection. Out of 13 eyes affected, 11 (84.6%) eyes had improved visual acuity of at least one Snellen line after treatment. Visual acuity of 6/12 or better increased to four (30.8%) eyes. Conclusions Posterior uveitis was the commonest presentation of ocular syphilis in HIV-negative patients. Early detection and treatment of ocular syphilis can result in resolution of inflammation and improvement of vision.
  16. Ridwan R, Razak HRA, Adenan MI, Saad WMM
    Prev Nutr Food Sci, 2019 Mar;24(1):41-48.
    PMID: 31008095 DOI: 10.3746/pnf.2019.24.1.41
    Nutritional intervention of fruit juice supplementation is able to maximize exercise performance. Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai] contains high L-citrulline content and consumption of watermelon juice may promote ergogenic effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of 100% flesh watermelon juice and 100% rind watermelon juice supplementation for 14 days on swimming performance in rats. Twenty four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Cx group of rats supplemented with filtered tap water (negative control), L-cit group of rats supplemented with L-citrulline (positive control), FR group of rats supplemented with 100% flesh watermelon juice, and RR group of rats supplemented with 100% rind watermelon juice. Each group was supplemented for 14 days ad libitum prior to swimming exercise protocol. The rats were performed swimming exercise for 3 days and swimming time until exhaustion was measured. Plasma samples were collected to measure lactate concentration, ammonia concentration, and nitric oxide production. Rats supplemented with 100% flesh watermelon juice demonstrated significantly prolonged of swimming time until exhaustion, reduction of lactate and ammonia concentrations, and increased of nitric oxide production compared to Cx and L-cit groups (P<0.05). These findings postulate that supplementation with 100% flesh watermelon juice improves endurance in swimming performance.
    MeSH terms: Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Ammonia; Animals; Citrulline; Fatigue; Male; Nitric Oxide; Swimming; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Lactic Acid; Dietary Supplements; Citrullus; Rats; Performance-Enhancing Substances
  17. Phillips KP, Santoso T, Sanders P, Alison J, Chan JLK, Pak HN, et al.
    Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc, 2019 Jun;23:100358.
    PMID: 31008181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2019.100358
    Background: Left atrial appendage closure is a non-pharmacological alternative for stroke prevention in high-risk non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients, but has not been widely studied in Asian patients. The prospective WASP registry assessed real-world outcomes for patients undergoing WATCHMAN implant in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Methods: Data were collected from consecutive patients across 9 centres. Major endpoints included procedural success, safety and long-term outcomes including occurrence of bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack/systemic embolism and all-cause mortality.

    Results: Subjects (n = 201) had a mean age of 70.8 ± 9.4 years, high stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc: 3.9 ± 1.7), elevated bleeding risk (HAS-BLED: 2.1 ± 1.2) with 53% patients from Asian countries. Successful implantation occurred in 98.5% of patients; 7-day device/procedure-related SAE rate was 3.0%. After 2 years of follow-up, the rates of ischaemic stroke/TIA/SE and major bleeding were 1.9 and 2.2 per 100-PY, respectively, representing relative reductions of 77% and 49% versus expected rates per risk scores. The relative risk reductions versus expected rates were more pronounced in Asians vs. Non-Asians (89% vs 62%; 77% vs 14%). Other significant findings included larger mean LAA ostium diameter for Asians vs. Non-Asians (23.4 ± 4.1 mm vs. 21.2 ± 3.2 mm, p 

    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Asia; Atrial Fibrillation; Brain Ischemia; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Embolism; Follow-Up Studies; Hemorrhage; Humans; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Registries; Risk; Cohort Studies; Atrial Appendage; Stroke; Asian Continental Ancestry Group
  18. Le AT, Pung SY, Sreekantan S, Matsuda A, Huynh DP
    Heliyon, 2019 Apr;5(4):e01440.
    PMID: 31008388 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01440
    Effluent discharges from industry and domestic waste containing unknown inorganic pollutants. In this work, different mechanisms of heavy metal ions removal using ZnO particles were studied. ZnO particles were synthesized using solid precipitation technique. The morphology of ZnO particles was rod-like shape. The average length and diameter of ZnO particle were 497.34 ± 15.55 and 75.78 ± 10.39nm, respectively. These particles removed effectively heavy metal ions such as Cu(II), Ag(I) and Pb(II) ions with efficiency >85% under exposure of 1 hour of UV light. However, poor removal efficiency, i.e. <15% was observed for Cr(VI), Mn(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) ions. The removal of these heavy metal ions was in the forms of metals or metal oxide via reduction/oxidation or adsorption mechanism.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Cadmium; Chromium; Environmental Pollutants; Ions; Lead; Silver; Ultraviolet Rays; Zinc Oxide; Metals, Heavy
  19. Ahmad P, Dummer PMH, Chaudhry A, Rashid U, Saif S, Asif JA
    Int Endod J, 2019 Sep;52(9):1297-1316.
    PMID: 31009099 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13131
    AIM: To identify and analyse the main features of the top 100 most-cited randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in endodontic journals from 1961 to 2018.

    METHODOLOGY: The Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science 'All Databases' was used to search and analyse the 100 most frequently cited randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses having 'randomized', 'randomised', 'randomized controlled', 'randomised controlled', 'randomized controlled trial', 'randomized controlled trials', 'clinical trial', 'systematic', 'systematic review', 'meta-analysis', and 'meta-analyses' in the title section. The 'International Endodontic Journal', 'Journal of Endodontics', 'Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology and Endodontology', 'Australian Endodontic Journal', 'Endodontics & Dental Traumatology', 'Endo-Endodontic Practice Today' and 'European Endodontic Journal' were included in the publication name section. After ranking the articles in a descending order based on their citation counts, each article was cross-matched with the citation counts in Elsevier's Scopus and Google Scholar. The articles were analysed, and information on citation counts, citation density, year of publication, contributing authors, institutions and countries, journal of publication, study design, topic of the article and keywords was extracted.

    RESULTS: The citation counts of the 100 most-cited articles varied from 235 to 20 (Web of Science), 276 to 17 (Scopus) and 696 to 1 (Google Scholar). The year in which the top 100 articles were published was 2010 (n = 13). Among 373 authors, the greatest number of articles was associated with three individuals namely Reader A (n = 5), Beck M (n = 5) and Kvist T (n = 5). Most of the articles originated from the United States (n = 24) with the greatest contribution from Ohio State University (USA) (n = 5). Randomized controlled trials were the most frequent study design (n = 45) followed by systematic reviews (n = 30) with outcome studies of root canal treatment being the major topic (n = 35). The Journal of Endodontics published the largest number of included articles (n = 70) followed by the International Endodontic Journal (n = 27). Among 259 unique keywords, meta-analysis (n = 23) and systematic review (n = 23) were the most frequently used.

    CONCLUSION: This study has revealed that year of publication had no obvious impact on citation count. The bibliometric analysis highlighted the quantity and quality of research, and the evolution of scientific advancements made in the field of Endodontology over time. Articles before 1996, that is prior to the CONSORT statement that encouraged authors to include specific terms in the title and keywords, may not have been included in this electronic search.

    MeSH terms: Australia; Endodontics*; Humans; Periodicals as Topic; United States; Bibliometrics*; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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