Browse publications by year: 2021

Fulltext Moisture Absorption Behavior and Adhesion Properties of GNP/Epoxy Nanocomposite Adhesives

Kong N, Khalil NZ, Fricke H

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jun 02;13(11).
PMID: 34199568 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111850

In the current work, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP) reinforcement to water absorption behavior and mechanical properties of adhesive bonding with epoxy. Epoxy adhesive with various GNP content (i.e., 0.0~2.0 wt%) was utilized to joint aluminum adherend subjected to various immersion periods (i.e., 0~60 days). Subsequently, the effect of GNP reinforcement on water uptake, water absorption rate and tensile shear strength was investigated. Depending on GNP content, two distinct behaviors in water uptake and moisture absorption rate have been observed; specimens with lower GNP content (0.5~1.0 wt%) have demonstrated increased/retention of water uptake and water absorption rate regardless of immersion period. Meanwhile, at higher GNP content (1.5~2.0 wt%), decreased water uptake and water absorption rate are generally observed. At similar GNP content, regardless of immersion periods, water immersed specimens generally demonstrate higher or retention of shear strength when compared to specimens at 0-day immersion period. These observations suggest that the relation between moisture absorption behavior and mechanical properties of GNP-reinforced adhesive with GNP content are rather complex which might be attributed to the interplay of several possible mechanisms.
Fulltext Emergence of Polymeric Material Utilising Sustainable Radiation Curable Palm Oil-Based Products for Advanced Technology Applications

Tajau R, Rohani R, Alias MS, Mudri NH, Abdul Halim KA, Harun MH, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jun 04;13(11).
PMID: 34199699 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111865

In countries that are rich with oil palm, the use of palm oil to produce bio-based acrylates and polyol can be the most eminent raw materials used for developing new and advanced natural polymeric materials involving radiation technique, like coating resins, nanoparticles, scaffold, nanocomposites, and lithography for different branches of the industry. The presence of hydrocarbon chains, carbon double bonds, and ester bonds in palm oil allows it to open up the possibility of fine-tuning its unique structures in the development of novel materials. Cross-linking, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), polymerization, grafting, and degradation are among the radiation mechanisms triggered by gamma, electron beam, ultraviolet, or laser irradiation sources. These radiation techniques are widely used in the development of polymeric materials because they are considered as the most versatile, inexpensive, easy, and effective methods. Therefore, this review summarized and emphasized on several recent studies that have reported on emerging radiation processing technologies for the production of radiation curable palm oil-based polymeric materials with a promising future in certain industries and biomedical applications. This review also discusses the rich potential of biopolymeric materials for advanced technology applications.
Fulltext Decaffeination and Neuraminidase Inhibitory Activity of Arabica Green Coffee (Coffea arabica) Beans: Chlorogenic Acid as a Potential Bioactive Compound

Muchtaridi M, Lestari D, Khairul Ikram NK, Gazzali AM, Hariono M, Wahab HA

Molecules, 2021 Jun 04;26(11).
PMID: 34199752 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113402

Coffee has been studied for its health benefits, including prevention of several chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, Parkinson's, and liver diseases. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), an important component in coffee beans, was shown to possess antiviral activity against viruses. However, the presence of caffeine in coffee beans may also cause insomnia and stomach irritation, and increase heart rate and respiration rate. These unwanted effects may be reduced by decaffeination of green bean Arabica coffee (GBAC) by treatment with dichloromethane, followed by solid-phase extraction using methanol. In this study, the caffeine and chlorogenic acid (CGA) level in the coffee bean from three different areas in West Java, before and after decaffeination, was determined and validated using HPLC. The results showed that the levels of caffeine were reduced significantly, with an order as follows: Tasikmalaya (2.28% to 0.097% (97 ppm), Pangalengan (1.57% to 0.049% (495 ppm), and Garut (1.45% to 0.00002% (0.2 ppm). The CGA levels in the GBAC were also reduced as follows: Tasikmalaya (0.54% to 0.001% (118 ppm), Pangalengan (0.97% to 0.0047% (388 ppm)), and Garut (0.81% to 0.029% (282 ppm). The decaffeinated samples were then subjected to the H5N1 neuraminidase (NA) binding assay to determine its bioactivity as an anti-influenza agent. The results show that samples from Tasikmalaya, Pangalengan, and Garut possess NA inhibitory activity with IC50 of 69.70, 75.23, and 55.74 μg/mL, respectively. The low level of caffeine with a higher level of CGA correlates with their higher levels of NA inhibitory, as shown in the Garut samples. Therefore, the level of caffeine and CGA influenced the level of NA inhibitory activity. This is supported by the validation of CGA-NA binding interaction via molecular docking and pharmacophore modeling; hence, CGA could potentially serve as a bioactive compound for neuraminidase activity in GBAC.

MeSH terms: Caffeine/adverse effects; Caffeine/analysis*; Caffeine/pharmacology; Chlorogenic Acid/analysis*; Chlorogenic Acid/pharmacology; Chlorogenic Acid/chemistry; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Food Handling; Humans; Methylene Chloride/pharmacology*; Models, Molecular; Neuraminidase/antagonists & inhibitors*; Protein Binding; Viral Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Coffea/drug effects; Coffea/chemistry*; Solid Phase Extraction; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/drug effects; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/enzymology*; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/chemistry; Molecular Docking Simulation
Fulltext Influence of Different Percentages of Binders on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Rhizophora spp. Particleboard as Natural-Based Tissue-Equivalent Phantom for Radiation Dosimetry Applications

Zuber SH, Hashikin NAA, Yusof MFM, Aziz MZA, Hashim R

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jun 04;13(11).
PMID: 34199810 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111868

Rhizophora spp. particleboard with the incorporation of lignin and soy flour as binders were fabricated and the influence of different percentages of lignin and soy flour (0%, 6% and 12%) on the physico-mechanical properties of the particleboard were studied. The samples were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and internal bonding. The results stipulated that the addition of binders in the fabrication of the particleboard did not change the functional groups according to the FTIR spectrum. For XRD, addition of binders did not reveal any major transformation within the composites. SEM and EDX analyses for all percentages of binders added showed no apparent disparity; however, it is important to note that the incorporation of binders allows better bonding between the molecules. In XRF analysis, lower percentage of chlorine in the adhesive-bonded samples may be advantageous in maintaining the natural properties of the particleboard. In internal bonding, increased internal bond strength in samples with binders may indicate better structural integrity and physico-mechanical strength. In conclusion, the incorporation of lignin and soy flour as binders may potentially strengthen and fortify the particleboard, thus, can be a reliable phantom in radiation dosimetry applications.
Fulltext Effect of Selenium Sources on Laying Performance, Egg Quality Characteristics, Intestinal Morphology, Microbial Population and Digesta Volatile Fatty Acids in Laying Hens

Muhammad AI, Mohamed DA, Chwen LT, Akit H, Samsudin AA

Animals (Basel), 2021 Jun 04;11(6).
PMID: 34199988 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061681

The use of toxic and less bioavailable inorganic selenium can now be supplemented with an alternative organic source from bacterial species in nutrition for human and animal benefit. This study investigated the effects of selenium sources on laying performance, egg quality characteristics, intestinal morphology, caecum microbial population, and digesta volatile fatty acids in laying hens. One hundred and forty-four Lohman Brown Classic laying hens, at 23 weeks of age, were divided into four experimental groups (36 hens in each), differing in form of Se supplementation: no Se supplementation (Con), 0.3 mg/kg of inorganic Se in the form of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), 0.3 mg/kg of organic Se from selenium yeast (Se-Yeast), and 0.3 mg/kg of organic Se from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (bacterial organic Se, ADS18). The results showed that different dietary Se sources significantly affected laying rate, average egg weight, daily egg mass, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and live bodyweight (LBW) (p < 0.05). However, average daily feed intake and shell-less and broken eggs were unaffected (p > 0.05) among the treatment groups. The findings revealed that selenium sources had no (p > 0.05) effect on egg quality (external and internal) parameters. However, eggshell breaking strength and Haugh unit were significantly (p < 0.05) improved with organic (ADS18 or Se-yeast) Se-fed hens compared to the control group. In addition, egg yolk and breast tissue Se concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the dietary Se supplemented group compared to the control. Intestinal histomorphology revealed that hens fed ADS18 or Se-Yeast groups had significantly (p < 0.05) higher villi height in the duodenum and jejunum compared to those fed Na2SeO3 or a basal diet. However, when compared to organic Se fed (ADS18 or Se-Yeast) hens, the ileum villus height was higher (p < 0.05) in the basal diet group; with the lowest in the SS among the treatment groups. A significant increase (p < 0.05) of Lactobacilli spp. and Bifidobacteria spp., and a decrease of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. population were observed in the organic (ADS18 or Se-yeast) compared to inorganic supplemented and control hens. The individual digesta volatile fatty acid (VFA) was significantly different, but with no total VFA differences. Thus, bacterial selenoprotein or Se-yeast improved the performance index, egg quality characteristics, egg yolk and tissue Se contents, and intestinal villus height in laying hens. Moreover, caecum beneficial microbes increased with a decrease in the harmful microbe population and affected individual cecal volatile fatty acids without affecting the total VFA of the laying hens digesta.
Fulltext Relationship between Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study among Low-Income Housewives in Kuala Lumpur

Mohd Saat NZ, Hanawi SA, M F Farah N, Mohd Amin H, Hanafiah H, Shamsulkamar NS

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 06 04;18(11).
PMID: 34200066 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116090

Cardiovascular disease is a significant public health concern worldwide, including in Malaysia. Various attempts have been made to resolve this issue. One of the most important methods of controlling cardiovascular risk factors is physical exercise. However, today's women, especially housewives, are often identified by a lack of physical activity. This is alarming to society, as cardiovascular disease can affect the quality of their life. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors among low-income housewives in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 63 housewives participated in this cross-sectional study. All participating housewives were asked to fill out a sociodemographic questionnaire and the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken. Findings showed that an average of 70.5 ± 232.4 min/week was spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), which indicated a low level of physical activity. Data showed that 90.5% of the subjects had low physical activity, 6.3% were moderate, and 3.2% were considered as having a high level of physical activity. For body mass index (BMI), 58.7% of the respondents were obese, 28.6% were overweight (29.10 ± 5.67 kg m-2), and 81.0% of subjects had a waist circumference (WC) value above the normal range (92.74 ± 16.40 cm). A two-way ANOVA test revealed significant mean differences between systolic blood pressure (mm/Hg) and age groups (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, there was a significant association between MVPA and cardiovascular risk factors using negative binomial regression (p < 0.01). The findings of this study highlight the need for health promotional programs to raise awareness, educate, and engage low-income housewives in lifestyle-enhancing behaviors.

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Obesity; Risk Factors; Exercise*; Body Mass Index; Overweight*
Fulltext An Ultrasensitive Biosensor for Detection of Femtogram Levels of the Cancer Antigen AGR2 Using Monoclonal Antibody Modified Screen-Printed Gold Electrodes

Białobrzeska W, Dziąbowska K, Lisowska M, Mohtar MA, Muller P, Vojtesek B, et al.

Biosensors (Basel), 2021 Jun 07;11(6).
PMID: 34200338 DOI: 10.3390/bios11060184

The detection of cancer antigens is a major aim of cancer research in order to develop better patient management through early disease detection. Many cancers including prostate, lung, and ovarian secrete a protein disulfide isomerase protein named AGR2 that has been previously detected in urine and plasma using mass spectrometry. Here we determine whether a previously developed monoclonal antibody targeting AGR2 can be adapted from an indirect two-site ELISA format into a direct detector using solid-phase printed gold electrodes. The screen-printed gold electrode was surface functionalized with the anti-AGR2 specific monoclonal antibody. The interaction of the recombinant AGR2 protein and the anti-AGR2 monoclonal antibody functionalized electrode changed its electrochemical impedance spectra. Nyquist diagrams were obtained after incubation in an increasing concentration of purified AGR2 protein with a range of concentrations from 0.01 fg/mL to 10 fg/mL. In addition, detection of the AGR2 antigen can be achieved from cell lysates in medium or artificial buffer. These data highlight the utility of an AGR2-specific monoclonal antibody that can be functionalized onto a gold printed electrode for a one-step capture and quantitation of the target antigen. These platforms have the potential for supporting methodologies using more complex bodily fluids including plasma and urine for improved cancer diagnostics.

MeSH terms: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Electrodes; Gold; Humans; Mucoproteins/analysis*; Neoplasms; Biosensing Techniques*; Oncogene Proteins/analysis*; Metal Nanoparticles; Electrochemical Techniques; Limit of Detection
Fulltext Spatially Enriched Paralog Rearrangements Argue Functionally Diverse Ribosomes Arise during Cold Acclimation in Arabidopsis

Martinez-Seidel F, Beine-Golovchuk O, Hsieh YC, Eshraky KE, Gorka M, Cheong BE, et al.

Int J Mol Sci, 2021 Jun 07;22(11).
PMID: 34200446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116160

Ribosome biogenesis is essential for plants to successfully acclimate to low temperature. Without dedicated steps supervising the 60S large subunits (LSUs) maturation in the cytosol, e.g., Rei-like (REIL) factors, plants fail to accumulate dry weight and fail to grow at suboptimal low temperatures. Around REIL, the final 60S cytosolic maturation steps include proofreading and assembly of functional ribosomal centers such as the polypeptide exit tunnel and the P-Stalk, respectively. In consequence, these ribosomal substructures and their assembly, especially during low temperatures, might be changed and provoke the need for dedicated quality controls. To test this, we blocked ribosome maturation during cold acclimation using two independent reil double mutant genotypes and tested changes in their ribosomal proteomes. Additionally, we normalized our mutant datasets using as a blank the cold responsiveness of a wild-type Arabidopsis genotype. This allowed us to neglect any reil-specific effects that may happen due to the presence or absence of the factor during LSU cytosolic maturation, thus allowing us to test for cold-induced changes that happen in the early nucleolar biogenesis. As a result, we report that cold acclimation triggers a reprogramming in the structural ribosomal proteome. The reprogramming alters the abundance of specific RP families and/or paralogs in non-translational LSU and translational polysome fractions, a phenomenon known as substoichiometry. Next, we tested whether the cold-substoichiometry was spatially confined to specific regions of the complex. In terms of RP proteoforms, we report that remodeling of ribosomes after a cold stimulus is significantly constrained to the polypeptide exit tunnel (PET), i.e., REIL factor binding and functional site. In terms of RP transcripts, cold acclimation induces changes in RP families or paralogs that are significantly constrained to the P-Stalk and the ribosomal head. The three modulated substructures represent possible targets of mechanisms that may constrain translation by controlled ribosome heterogeneity. We propose that non-random ribosome heterogeneity controlled by specialized biogenesis mechanisms may contribute to a preferential or ultimately even rigorous selection of transcripts needed for rapid proteome shifts and successful acclimation.

MeSH terms: Acclimatization*; Cold Temperature*; Ribosomal Proteins/genetics; Ribosomal Proteins/metabolism*; Ribosomes/genetics; Ribosomes/metabolism*; Arabidopsis/genetics; Arabidopsis/metabolism*; Proteome/analysis; Proteome/metabolism*; Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics; Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism*
Vision and Hearing Impairments Affecting Activities of Daily Living among Malaysian Older Adults by Gender

Chan YM, Sahril N, Chan YY, Ab Wahab NA, Shamsuddin N, Ismail MZH

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jun 10;18(12).
PMID: 34200564 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126271

Vision and hearing impairments are common among older adults and can cause undesirable health effects. There are limited studies from low- and middle-income countries exploring gender differences between vision and hearing impairment with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) disability. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate gender differences between vision and hearing impairments with ADL disability among older adults in Malaysia. Cross-sectional data from 3977 respondents aged 60 and above from the Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018 were used. We used logistic regression analysis to measure associations between vision and hearing impairments with ADL disability, adjusted for covariates. The prevalence of ADL disability was higher among females than males (p < 0.001). The adjusted associations between vision impairment and ADL disability were significant among males (aOR 3.79; 95%CI 2.26, 6.38) and females (aOR 2.66; 95%CI 1.36, 5.21). Similarly, significant adjusted associations were found between hearing impairment and ADL disability among males (aOR 5.76; 95%CI 3.52, 9.40) and females (aOR 3.30; 95%CI 1.17, 9.33). Vision and hearing impairments were significantly associated with ADL disability, with no gender differences identified. Early detection and effective management of vision and hearing impairments are important to prevent ADL disability and improve older adults' level of independence.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Evening Primrose Oil for Mastalgia Treatment

Ahmad Adni LL, Norhayati MN, Mohd Rosli RR, Muhammad J

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jun 10;18(12).
PMID: 34200727 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126295

Mastalgia, or breast pain, is common among women which can lead to significant impairment in daily living. Hence, finding an effective treatment that can alleviate the symptom is very important. Thus, we carry out this study to determine the efficacy of evening primrose oil (EPO) for mastalgia treatment in women. The review included published randomised clinical trials that evaluated EPO used for treating mastalgia against a placebo or other treatments, irrespective of the blinding procedure, publication status, or sample size. Two independent authors screened the titles and abstracts of the identified trials; full texts of relevant trials were evaluated for eligibility. Two reviewers independently extracted data on the methods, interventions, outcomes, and risk of bias. The random-effects model was used for estimating the risk ratios and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Thirteen trials with 1752 randomised patients were included. The results showed that EPO has no difference to reduce breast pain compared to topical NSAIDS, danazol, or vitamin E. The number of patients who achieved pain relief was no different compared to the placebo or other treatments. The EPO does not increase adverse events, such as nausea, abdominal bloating, headache or giddiness, increase weight gain, and altered taste compared to a placebo or other treatments. EPO is a safe medication with similar efficacy for pain control in women with mastalgia compared to a placebo, topical NSAIDS, danazol, or vitamin E.
Fulltext Selected Kefir Water from Malaysia Attenuates Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress by Upregulating Endogenous Antioxidant Levels in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

Kumar MR, Yeap SK, Lee HC, Mohamad NE, Nazirul Mubin Aziz M, Khalid M, et al.

Antioxidants (Basel), 2021 Jun 10;10(6).
PMID: 34200854 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060940

Kefir, a fermented probiotic drink was tested for its potential anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective effects to attenuate cellular oxidative stress on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Here, the antioxidant potentials of the six different kefir water samples were analysed by total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assays, whereas the anti-apoptotic activity on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced SH-SY5Y cells was examined using MTT, AO/PI double staining, and PI/Annexin V-FITC assays. The surface and internal morphological features of SH-SY5Y cells were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that Kefir B showed the higher TPC (1.96 ± 0.54 µg GAE/µL), TFC (1.09 ± 0.02 µg CAT eq/µL), FRAP (19.68 ± 0.11 mM FRAP eq/50 µL), and DPPH (0.45 ± 0.06 mg/mL) activities compared to the other kefir samples. The MTT and PI/Annexin V-FITC assays showed that Kefir B pre-treatment at 10 mg/mL for 48 h resulted in greater cytoprotection (97.04%), and a significantly lower percentage of necrotic cells (7.79%), respectively. The Kefir B pre-treatment also resulted in greater protection to cytoplasmic and cytoskeleton inclusion, along with the conservation of the surface morphological features and the overall integrity of SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings indicate that the anti-oxidative, anti-apoptosis, and neuroprotective effects of kefir were mediated via the upregulation of SOD and catalase, as well as the modulation of apoptotic genes (Tp73, Bax, and Bcl-2).
Fulltext Grouping and Sponsoring Centric Green Coverage Model for Internet of Things

Kumar V, Kumar S, AlShboul R, Aggarwal G, Kaiwartya O, Khasawneh AM, et al.

Sensors (Basel), 2021 Jun 08;21(12).
PMID: 34201100 DOI: 10.3390/s21123948

Recently, green computing has received significant attention for Internet of Things (IoT) environments due to the growing computing demands under tiny sensor enabled smart services. The related literature on green computing majorly focuses on a cover set approach that works efficiently for target coverage, but it is not applicable in case of area coverage. In this paper, we present a new variant of a cover set approach called a grouping and sponsoring aware IoT framework (GS-IoT) that is suitable for area coverage. We achieve non-overlapping coverage for an entire sensing region employing sectorial sensing. Non-overlapping coverage not only guarantees a sufficiently good coverage in case of large number of sensors deployed randomly, but also maximizes the life span of the whole network with appropriate scheduling of sensors. A deployment model for distribution of sensors is developed to ensure a minimum threshold density of sensors in the sensing region. In particular, a fast converging grouping (FCG) algorithm is developed to group sensors in order to ensure minimal overlapping. A sponsoring aware sectorial coverage (SSC) algorithm is developed to set off redundant sensors and to balance the overall network energy consumption. GS-IoT framework effectively combines both the algorithms for smart services. The simulation experimental results attest to the benefit of the proposed framework as compared to the state-of-the-art techniques in terms of various metrics for smart IoT environments including rate of overlapping, response time, coverage, active sensors, and life span of the overall network.

MeSH terms: Algorithms; Computer Simulation; Confidentiality
Fulltext Cigarette Butt Waste as Material for Phase Inverted Membrane Fabrication Used for Oil/Water Emulsion Separation

Doyan A, Leong CL, Bilad MR, Kurnia KA, Susilawati S, Prayogi S, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jun 08;13(12).
PMID: 34201192 DOI: 10.3390/polym13121907

The increasing rate of oil and gas production has contributed to a release of oil/water emulsion or mixtures to the environment, becoming a pressing issue. At the same time, pollution of the toxic cigarette butt has also become a growing concern. This study explored utilization of cigarette butt waste as a source of cellulose acetate-based (CA) polymer to develop a phase inverted membrane for treatment of oil/water emulsion and compare it with commercial polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and polysulfone (PSF). Results show that the CA-based membrane from waste cigarette butt offers an eco-friendly material without compromising the separation efficiency, with a pore size range suitable for oil/water emulsion filtration with the rejection of >94.0%. The CA membrane poses good structural property similar to the established PVDF and PSF membranes with equally asymmetric morphology. It also poses hydrophilicity properties with a contact angle of 74.5°, lower than both PVDF and PSF membranes. The pore size of CA demonstrates that the CA is within the microfiltration range with a mean flow pore size of 0.17 µm. The developed CA membrane shows a promising oil/water emulsion permeability of 180 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 after five filtration cycles. However, it still suffers a high degree of irreversible fouling (>90.0%), suggesting potential future improvements in terms of membrane fouling management. Overall, this study demonstrates a sustainable approach to addressing oil/water emulsion pollution treated CA membrane from cigarette butt waste.
Fulltext An In Vitro Stereomicroscopic Evaluation of Bioactivity between Neo MTA Plus, Pro Root MTA, BIODENTINE & Glass Ionomer Cement Using Dye Penetration Method

Karobari MI, Basheer SN, Sayed FR, Shaikh S, Agwan MAS, Marya A, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Jun 08;14(12).
PMID: 34201321 DOI: 10.3390/ma14123159

The ideal root end filling material should form a tight seal in the root canal by adhering to the cavity walls. Several materials have been used for root end filling. The present study aims to find out and compare the bioactivity of Neo MTA Plus, Pro Root MTA White, BIODENTINE & glass ionomer cement as root end filling materials using 1% methylene blue as tracer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 extracted human permanent maxillary anterior teeth were used in the study. They were divided into four groups. Specimens were sectioned transversely in the cervical area to separate the crown from the root. The root canal was obturated with gutta percha and zinc oxide eugenol sealers. Thereafter, each sample was resected apically by removing 3 mm of the apex and filled with different materials. Samples were kept in buffering solution at 37 °C until the recommended evaluation periods. The specimens were then suspended in 1% methylene blue for 24 h, prior to the analysis. The teeth were then sectioned, and dye penetration was examined, photographed, and evaluated under a stereomicroscope.
RESULTS: Vertical dye penetration showed significant differences across different groups. The minimum dye penetration was seen in Neo MTA plus followed by BIODENTINE, Pro Root MTA and maximum in GIC. There was no significant difference in dye penetration between Neo MTA plus and BIODENTINE both at fifteen days and one-month intervals.
CONCLUSION: The present study suggests Neo MTA plus and BIODENTINE should be the preferred material for root end filling.
Fulltext Currents Nutritional Practices of Nutritionists in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Public Health Centres in Padang, Indonesia

Puri IY, Mohd Yusof BN, Abu Zaid Z, Ismail A, Haron H, Lipoeto NI

Nutrients, 2021 Jun 08;13(6).
PMID: 34201355 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061975

(1) Background: The interest in nutrition practices and education is slowly gaining traction among Indonesian nutritionists. However, there is a lack of local studies that evaluate nutritional practices, especially in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the nutritional practices among nutritionists and the adequacy of the current practices in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients at the Public Health Clinic in Padang (PHC), Indonesia. (2) Methods: An online survey form was distributed to all the nutritionists (n = 50) involved in the management of T2DM patients in their daily practices at the PHC. Socio-demographic characteristics, the current practice of T2DM, the need for DM nutrition education, and an evaluation questionnaire on the Indonesian Non-Communicable Diseases guideline and the Public Health Centre guideline were captured in the survey. (3) Result: A total of 48 completed survey forms were received, providing a response rate of 96% from the recruited nutritionists. One-third (37.5%) of the respondents counselled between one and ten patients per day. Nearly half (41.7%) conducted a monthly follow-up session for the patients at their respective PHC in the previous three months. Each nutritionist educated five to ten T2DM patients. The most common nutrition education topics delivered included appropriate menus (89.6%) as well as the etiology and symptoms of T2DM (85.5%). Almost all the nutritionists (93.8%) used leaflets and about 35.4% used poster education. Around 70.8% of counseling sessions lasted 30 min and two-thirds (66.7%) of the sessions included nutrition education. Based on the results, about half (52.1%) of them claimed that T2DM patients were reluctant to attend individual nutrition education. One-fifth of them (20.8%) claimed that it was because the T2DM patients were not interested in the tool kits and materials used. (4) Conclusions: T2DM patients are reluctant to attend individual nutrition education due to uninteresting tool kits and materials.
Fulltext Intact Fibrillated 3D-Printed Cellulose Macrofibrils/CaCO3 for Controlled Drug Delivery

Mohan D, Teong ZK, Sajab MS, Kamarudin NHN, Kaco H

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jun 08;13(12).
PMID: 34201366 DOI: 10.3390/polym13121912

The tendency to use cellulose fibrils for direct ink writing (DIW) of three-dimensional (3D) printing has been growing extensively due to their advantageous mechanical properties. However, retaining cellulose in its fibrillated forms after the printing process has always been a challenge. In this study, cellulose macrofibrils (CMFs) from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibers were partially dissolved for consistent viscosity needed for DIW 3D printing. The printed CMF structure obtained from optimized printing profiles (volumetric flow rate, Qv = 9.58 mm/s; print speed, v = 20 mm/s), exhibited excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 66 MPa, Young's modulus of 2.16 GPa, and elongation of 8.76%). The remarkable structural and morphological effects of the intact cellulose fibrils show a homogeneous distribution with synthesized precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles. The shear-aligned CMF/CaCO3 printed composite exhibited a sustained therapeutic drug release profile that can reduce rapid release that has adverse effects on healthy cells. In comparison with the initial burst release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by CaCO3, the controlled release of 5-fluorouracil can be varied (48 to 75%) with the composition of CMF/CaCO3 allowing efficient release over time.
Fulltext Effects of Waste Frying Oil and Crumb Rubber on the Characteristics of a Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Binder

Bilema M, Aman MY, Hassan NA, Al-Saffar Z, Mashaan NS, Memon ZA, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Jun 23;14(13).
PMID: 34201413 DOI: 10.3390/ma14133482

The reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has become a moderately common practice in most countries; Hence, rejuvenating materials with RAP have earned publicity in the asphalt manufacturers, mainly due to the increasing raw material costs. In this study, the crumb rubber (CR) and waste frying oil (WFO) utilized as waste materials to restore the properties and enhance the rutting resistance of the RAP. Several physical, rheological, chemical properties of bituminous binders were tested. The result showed that the RAP bituminous binders incorporating WFO and CR decreased softening points and the increased penetration value; these translate to an increase in penetration index. Moreover, the viscosity of the WFO/CR combination reclaimed asphalt pavement binder showed better workability and stiffness, as well as a low storage stability temperature (less than 2.2 °C) with an acceptable loss upon heating. Without chemical reaction was observed between the waste-frying oil with the rubberized binder and the reclaimed asphalt pavement binder. Additionally, the WFO/CR rheological properties combined with the reclaimed asphalt pavement binder were comparable to the control sample. The incorporation of CR with WFO as a hybrid rejuvenator enhanced the rutting resistance. Therefore, the presence of WFO/CR has a considerable influence on the RAP binder properties while preserving a better environment and reducing pollution by reusing waste materials.
Sourdough Microbiome Comparison and Benefits

Lau SW, Chong AQ, Chin NL, Talib RA, Basha RK

Microorganisms, 2021 Jun 23;9(7).
PMID: 34201420 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071355

Sourdough is the oldest form of leavened bread used as early as 2000 BC by the ancient Egyptians. It may have been discovered by accident when wild yeast drifted into dough that had been left out resulting in fermentation of good microorganisms, which made bread with better flavour and texture. The discovery was continued where sourdough was produced as a means of reducing wastage with little known (at that point of time) beneficial effects to health. With the progress and advent of science and technology in nutrition, sourdough fermentation is now known to possess many desirable attributes in terms of health benefits. It has become the focus of attention and practice in modern healthy eating lifestyles when linked to the secret of good health. The sourdough starter is an excellent habitat where natural and wild yeast plus beneficial bacteria grow by ingesting only water and flour. As each sourdough starter is unique, with different activities, populations and interactions of yeast and bacteria due to different ingredients, environment, fermentation time and its carbohydrate fermentation pattern, there is no exact elucidation on the complete make-up of the sourdough microbiome. Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains that are part of the sourdough starter are considered as probiotics which have great potential for improving gastrointestinal health. Hence, from a wide literature surveyed, this paper gives an overview of microbial communities found in different sourdough starters. This review also provides a systematic analysis that identifies, categorises and compares these microbes in the effort of linking them to specific functions, particularly to unlock their health benefits.
Fulltext Axial Compressive Strength Models of Eccentrically-Loaded Rectangular Reinforced Concrete Columns Confined with FRP

Isleem HF, Abid M, Alaloul WS, Shah MK, Zeb S, Musarat MA, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Jun 23;14(13).
PMID: 34201659 DOI: 10.3390/ma14133498

The majority of experimental and analytical studies on fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) confined concrete has largely concentrated on plain (unreinforced) small-scale concrete columns, on which the efficiency of strengthening is much higher compared with large-scale columns. Although reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to combined axial compression and flexural loads (i.e., eccentric compression) are the most common structural elements used in practice, research on eccentrically-loaded FRP-confined rectangular RC columns has been much more limited. More specifically, the limited research has generally been concerned with small-scale RC columns, and hence, the proposed eccentric-loading stress-strain models were mainly based on the existing concentric-loading models of FRP-confined concrete columns of small scale. In the light of such demand to date, this paper is aimed at developing a mathematical model to better predict the strength of FRP-confined rectangular RC columns. The strain distribution of FRP around the circumference of the rectangular sections was investigated to propose equations for the actual rupture strain of FRP wrapped in the horizontal and vertical directions. The model was accomplished using 230 results of 155 tested specimens compiled from 19 studies available in the technical literature. The test database covers an unconfined concrete strength ranging between 9.9 and 73.1 MPa, and section's dimension ranging from 100-300 mm and 125-435 mm for the short and long sides, respectively. Other test parameters, such as aspect ratio, corner radius, internal hoop steel reinforcement, FRP wrapping layout, and number of FRP wraps were all considered in the model. The performance of the model shows a very good correlation with the test results.
Fulltext Modelling the Relationship between the Nature of Work Factors and Driving Performance Mediating by Role of Fatigue

Al-Mekhlafi AA, Isha ASN, Chileshe N, Abdulrab M, Saeed AAH, Kineber AF

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 06 23;18(13).
PMID: 34201674 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136752

Driving fatigue is a serious issue for the transportation sector, decreasing the driver's performance and increasing accident risk. This study aims to investigate how fatigue mediates the relationship between the nature of work factors and driving performance. The approach included a review of the previous studies to select the dimensional items for the data collection instrument. A pilot test to identify potential modification to the questionnaire was conducted, then structural equation modelling (SEM) was performed on a stratified sample of 307 drivers, to test the suggested hypotheses. Based on the results, five hypotheses have indirect relationships, four of which have a significant effect. Besides, the results show that driving fatigue partially mediates the relationship between the work schedule and driving performance and fully mediates in the relationship between work activities and driving performance. The nature of work and human factors is the most common reason related to road accidents. Therefore, the emphasis on driving performance and fatigue factors would thereby lead to preventing fatal crashes and life loss.

MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic*; Automobile Driving*; Fatigue/epidemiology; Humans; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transportation

External Links