Browse publications by year: 2022

Fulltext Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in People with Type 2 Diabetes Uncontrolled on Basal Insulin: The 26-Week Interventional, Single-Arm ARTEMIS-DM Study

Sethi B, Al-Rubeaan K, Unubol M, Mabunay MA, Berthou B, Pilorget V, et al.

Diabetes Ther, 2022 Jul;13(7):1395-1408.
PMID: 35713873 DOI: 10.1007/s13300-022-01271-7

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy and safety of switching to insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) uncontrolled on basal insulin (BI) has been demonstrated in the North American and Western European populations; however, there is limited data from other geographical regions with different ethnicities. The ARTEMIS-DM study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Gla-300 in people with T2DM uncontrolled on BI from Asia, Latin America and Middle East Africa.
METHODS: The ARTEMIS-DM was a 26-week, prospective, interventional, single-arm, phase IV study (NCT03760991). Adults with T2DM previously uncontrolled (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] 7.5-10%) on BI were switched to Gla-300. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to 26 weeks. Key secondary endpoints were changes in HbA1c (week 12), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) and BI dose from baseline to week 26. The safety and tolerability of Gla-300 were also assessed.
RESULTS: A total of 372 (50% male) participants were included, with mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 60.9 (10.0) years, duration of diabetes 13.11 (7.48) years and baseline HbA1c 8.67 (0.77)% (71.22 [8.44] mmol/mol). A total of 222 (59.7%) participants were using insulin glargine 100 U/mL and 107 (28.8%) were using neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin as previous BI. There were clinically significant reductions in mean HbA1c (- 0.82%; primary endpoint), FPG and SMPG levels at week 26. With a pre-defined titration algorithm, mean Gla-300 dose increased from 27.48 U (0.35 U/kg) at baseline to 39.01 U (0.50 U/kg) at week 26. Hypoglycaemia events occurred in 20.4% of the participants; 1 (0.3%) participant had a severe hypoglycaemia event.
CONCLUSION: In people with T2DM uncontrolled on previous BI, switching to Gla-300 with optimal titration guided by an algorithm was associated with improved glycaemic control and low incidence of hypoglycaemia across multiple geographic regions.
GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03760991.
Fulltext Promising Acinetobacter baumannii Vaccine Candidates and Drug Targets in Recent Years

Tan YC, Lahiri C

Front Immunol, 2022;13:900509.
PMID: 35720310 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.900509

In parallel to the uncontrolled use of antibiotics, the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, like Acinetobacter baumannii, has posed a severe threat. A. baumannii predominates in the nosocomial setting due to its ability to persist in hospitals and survive antibiotic treatment, thereby eventually leading to an increasing prevalence and mortality due to its infection. With the increasing spectra of drug resistance and the incessant collapse of newly discovered antibiotics, new therapeutic countermeasures have been in high demand. Hence, recent research has shown favouritism towards the long-term solution of designing vaccines. Therefore, being a realistic alternative strategy to combat this pathogen, anti-A. Baumannii vaccines research has continued unearthing various antigens with variable results over the last decade. Again, other approaches, including pan-genomics, subtractive proteomics, and reverse vaccination strategies, have shown promise for identifying promiscuous core vaccine candidates that resulted in chimeric vaccine constructs. In addition, the integration of basic knowledge of the pathobiology of this drug-resistant bacteria has also facilitated the development of effective multiantigen vaccines. As opposed to the conventional trial-and-error approach, incorporating the in silico methods in recent studies, particularly network analysis, has manifested a great promise in unearthing novel vaccine candidates from the A. baumannii proteome. Some studies have used multiple A. baumannii data sources to build the co-functional networks and analyze them by k-shell decomposition. Additionally, Whole Genomic Protein Interactome (GPIN) analysis has utilized a rational approach for identifying essential proteins and presenting them as vaccines effective enough to combat the deadly pathogenic threats posed by A. baumannii. Others have identified multiple immune nodes using network-based centrality measurements for synergistic antigen combinations for different vaccination strategies. Protein-protein interactions have also been inferenced utilizing structural approaches, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Similar workflows and technologies were employed to unveil novel A. baumannii drug targets, with a similar trend in the increasing influx of in silico techniques. This review integrates the latest knowledge on the development of A. baumannii vaccines while highlighting the in silico methods as the future of such exploratory research. In parallel, we also briefly summarize recent advancements in A. baumannii drug target research.

MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Bacterial Vaccines; Computational Biology/methods; Acinetobacter baumannii*; Molecular Docking Simulation
Fulltext Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Adherence to Medication Therapy Among Stroke Patients: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Rajahthurai SD, Farrukh MJ, Makmor-Bakry M, Tan HJ, Fatokun O, Mohd Saffian S, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2022;13:870641.
PMID: 35721127 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.870641

Purpose: To identify the use patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and its impact on medication adherence among patients with stroke. Method: A systematic search through Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed was performed to identify potential studies up to June 2021.The primary outcome was CAM use, and the secondary outcome was medication adherence among patients with stroke. Articles included in the review met the following criteria: 1) patients with stroke ≥18 years old on prescribed medications, and 2) medication adherence reported status. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine and adherence in stroke patients using a random-effects model. Results: A total of 1,330 studies were screened, of which 22 were included in the final analysis. The type of studies included were cross-sectional surveys, cohort studies, retrospective studies and prospective survey. The pooled prevalence of CAM usage was at 38% (29-48% CI) and medication non-adherence among stroke patients was at 29% (20-48% CI). The most common reason for inadequate stroke therapy and higher dependence on CAM was the patients' lack of knowledge and the regimen complexity of the medication. Other factors for medication non-adherence were forgetfulness, side effects, cost, and lack of doctor-patient communication. Conclusion: A low prevalence of CAM usage and non-adherence to medications was observed among patients with stroke. Studies investigating the association between CAM usage and medication adherence among patients with stroke are scarce and future researches are needed to explore the influence of CAM use on stroke medication adherence.
Fulltext What is next in African neuroscience?

Donald KA, Maina M, Patel N, Nguemeni C, Mohammed W, Abubakar A, et al.

Elife, 2022 Jun 22;11.
PMID: 35731202 DOI: 10.7554/eLife.80488

Working in Africa provides neuroscientists with opportunities that are not available in other continents. Populations in this region exhibit the greatest genetic diversity; they live in ecosystems with diverse flora and fauna; and they face unique stresses to brain health, including child brain health and development, due to high levels of traumatic brain injury and diseases endemic to the region. However, the neuroscience community in Africa has yet to reach its full potential. In this article we report the outcomes from a series of meetings at which the African neuroscience community came together to identify barriers and opportunities, and to discuss ways forward. This exercise resulted in the identification of six domains of distinction in African neuroscience: the diverse DNA of African populations; diverse flora, fauna and ecosystems for comparative research; child brain health and development; the impact of climate change on mental and neurological health; access to clinical populations with important conditions less prevalent in the global North; and resourcefulness in the reuse and adaption of existing technologies and resources to answer new questions. The article also outlines plans to advance the field of neuroscience in Africa in order to unlock the potential of African neuroscientists to address regional and global mental health and neurological problems.

MeSH terms: Africa; Child; Humans; Neurosciences*; Global Health; Ecosystem*; Climate Change
Fulltext A Retrospective Review of Global Commercial Seaweed Production-Current Challenges, Biosecurity and Mitigation Measures and Prospects

Sugumaran R, Padam BS, Yong WTL, Saallah S, Ahmed K, Yusof NA

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Jun 09;19(12).
PMID: 35742332 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127087

Commercial seaweed cultivation has undergone drastic changes to keep up with the increasing demand in terms of the quantity and quality of the algal biomass needed to meet the requirements of constant innovation in industrial applications. Diseases caused by both biotic and abiotic factors have been identified as contributing to the economic loss of precious biomass. Biosecurity risk will eventually affect seaweed production as a whole and could cripple the seaweed industry. The current review sheds light on the biosecurity measures that address issues in the seaweed industry pushing towards increasing the quantity and quality of algal biomass, research on algal diseases, and tackling existing challenges as well as discussions on future directions of seaweed research. The review is presented to provide a clear understanding of the latest biosecurity developments from several segments in the seaweed research, especially from upstream cultivation encompassing the farming stages from seeding, harvesting, drying, and packing, which may lead to better management of this precious natural resource, conserving ecological balance while thriving on the economic momentum that seaweed can potentially provide in the future. Recommended breeding strategies and seedling stock selection are discussed that aim to address the importance of sustainable seaweed farming and facilitate informed decision-making. Sustainable seaweed cultivation also holds the key to reducing our carbon footprint, thereby fighting the existential crisis of climate change plaguing our generation.

MeSH terms: Plant Breeding; Retrospective Studies; Seaweed*; Biomass
Fulltext Global Trends in Physical-Activity Research of Autism: Bibliometric Analysis Based on the Web of Science Database (1980-2021)

Feng XW, Hadizadeh M, Cheong JPG

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Jun 14;19(12).
PMID: 35742529 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127278

The World Health Organization has identified nervous system diseases as one of the biggest public health problems, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Considering the extensive benefits of physical activity (PA), the literature on the PA research of ASD has increased each year, but there is a lack of bibliometric analyses in this field. To investigate the research achievements worldwide, this paper adopts bibliometrics to analyze the trend in the academic literature on the PA research of ASD published from 1980 to 2021. The documents were retrieved from the Web of Science database, and the search strategy was to combine the keywords related to "physical activity" and "autism spectrum disorder" by using the Boolean operator tools "OR" and "AND" in the title. A total of 359 English documents were retrieved. Microsoft Excel, Data Wrapper, VOSviewer, and Biblioshiny were used for the visual analysis. We found that the number of published documents increased the fastest from 2017 to 2021, which may be due to the promulgation of the Global Action Plan for Physical Activity 2018-2030 and the influence of COVID-19 on the world. The United States and the University of California systems are in the leading position in this field. Cooperation among countries with different levels of development will help to jointly promote the PA research progress on ASD. The focus themes include "individual effect", "social support" and "activity dose". The analysis of the frontier topic points out that researchers are paying increasing attention to how to improve the health and physical fitness of this group through PA. This research clearly puts forward a comprehensive overview, theme focus, and future trends in this field, which may be helpful to guide future research.

MeSH terms: Autistic Disorder*; Humans; United States; Exercise; Bibliometrics
Fulltext The Effectiveness of Planning Interventions for Improving Physical Activity in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Peng S, Othman AT, Yuan F, Liang J

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Jun 15;19(12).
PMID: 35742582 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127337

Planning interventions such as action planning (AP) and coping planning (CP) have been recognized as influential strategies in promoting physical activity (PA), but mixed results of existing evidence have been observed. This study aims to perform a systematical meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of planning interventions for improving PA in the general population. Eight databases, including Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ProQuest, CNKI, and Wanfang Data, were searched to locate relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to 31 December 2021. In total, 41 trials with 5439 samples were included in this systematic review, and 35 trials were used in our meta-analysis. The results showed that PA was better promoted in the planned intervention group compared to the control group (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.25-0.44, I2 = 61.4%). Based on the subgroup analyses, we found that planning strategies were more effective among patients, males, when adopting AP intervention, when using the face-to-face sessions delivery mode, and when reinforcements were conducted during the follow-up. The findings of this study indicate that planning interventions significantly improved PA behavior, and, in some contexts, the effects performed better. Future research needs to be conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of planning interventions and validate their effects more extensively.

MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological*; Humans; Male; Exercise*; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Fulltext Enablers and Barriers of Accessing Health Care Services among Older Adults in South-East Asia: A Scoping Review

Mohd Rosnu NS, Singh DKA, Mat Ludin AF, Ishak WS, Abd Rahman MH, Shahar S

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Jun 15;19(12).
PMID: 35742597 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127351

South-East Asia (SEA) is the home of the largest number of the world's older population. In this scoping review, we aimed to map the existing enablers and barriers of accessing healthcare services among older adults in SEA countries. Articles that were published from January 2001 until November 2021 were searched in four data sources (PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO Host and The Cochrane Library). Studies pertaining to the factors which assist or obstruct older Southeast Asian adults from assessing healthcare services were chosen for this scoping review. First, two reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of articles in the data sources. After identifying appropriate articles, the reviewers read them. Data extracted by one reviewer were verified by the other reviewer. The findings were then classified according to Penchansky and Thomas's five domains of access. A total of 19 studies were included in the final scoping review. Accessibility and acceptability were the two factors most often identified as enablers or barriers to older adults from accessing healthcare. Other often mentioned factors were finances, transportation and social/family support. Older adults living in rural areas were especially impacted by these factors. To promote healthy ageing, optimum healthcare and wellbeing among older adults in Southeast Asia, it is extremely important to consider accessibility and acceptability when planning healthcare services.

MeSH terms: Far East; Health Facilities*; Health Promotion; Health Services Accessibility*; Social Support
Fulltext The Role of Polyphenol in Modulating Associated Genes in Diabetes-Induced Vascular Disorders

Mohd Nor NA, Budin SB, Zainalabidin S, Jalil J, Sapian S, Jubaidi FF, et al.

Int J Mol Sci, 2022 Jun 07;23(12).
PMID: 35742837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126396

Diabetes-induced vascular disorder is considered one of the deadly risk factors among diabetic patients that are caused by persistent hyperglycemia that eventually leads to cardiovascular diseases. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to high blood glucose levels activate signaling pathways such as AGE/RAGE, PKC, polyol, and hexosamine pathways. The activated signaling pathway triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis which later lead to vascular dysfunction induced by diabetes. Polyphenol is a bioactive compound that can be found abundantly in plants such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. This compound exerts therapeutic effects in alleviating diabetes-induced vascular disorder, mainly due to its potential as an anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic agent. In this review, we sought to summarize the recent discovery of polyphenol treatments in modulating associated genes involved in the progression of diabetes-induced vascular disorder.

MeSH terms: Diabetic Angiopathies*; Humans; Hyperglycemia*; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Oxidative Stress; Polyphenols/pharmacology; Polyphenols/therapeutic use
Fulltext The Complex Mechanism of the Salmonella typhi Biofilm Formation That Facilitates Pathogenicity: A Review

Jahan F, Chinni SV, Samuggam S, Reddy LV, Solayappan M, Su Yin L

Int J Mol Sci, 2022 Jun 09;23(12).
PMID: 35742906 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126462

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. typhi) is an intracellular pathogen belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, where biofilm (aggregation and colonization of cells) formation is one of their advantageous traits. Salmonella typhi is the causative agent of typhoid fever in the human body and is exceptionally host specific. It is transmitted through the fecal-oral route by consuming contaminated food or water. This subspecies is quite intelligent to evade the innate detection and immune response of the host body, leading to systemic dissemination. Consequently, during the period of illness, the gallbladder becomes a harbor and may develop antibiotic resistance. Afterwards, they start contributing to the continuous damage of epithelium cells and make the host asymptomatic and potential carriers of this pathogen for an extended period. Statistically, almost 5% of infected people with Salmonella typhi become chronic carriers and are ready to contribute to future transmission by biofilm formation. Biofilm development is already recognized to link with pathogenicity and plays a crucial role in persistency within the human body. This review seeks to discuss some of the crucial factors related to biofilm development and its mechanism of interaction causing pathogenicity. Understanding the connections between these things will open up a new avenue for finding therapeutic approaches to combat pathogenicity.

MeSH terms: Gallbladder; Humans; Salmonella typhi*; Typhoid Fever*; Virulence; Biofilms
Fulltext Recent Advances on the Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Azman KF, Zakaria R

Int J Mol Sci, 2022 Jun 19;23(12).
PMID: 35743271 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126827

Neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are essential for neuronal survival and growth. The signaling cascades initiated by BDNF and its receptor are the key regulators of synaptic plasticity, which plays important role in learning and memory formation. Changes in BDNF levels and signaling pathways have been identified in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, and have been linked with the symptoms and course of these diseases. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of BDNF in several neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the underlying molecular mechanism. The therapeutic potential of BDNF treatment is also discussed, in the hope of discovering new avenues for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

MeSH terms: Humans; Neuronal Plasticity/physiology; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism
Fulltext Improvements of Flexural Properties and Thermal Performance in Thin Geopolymer Based on Fly Ash and Ladle Furnace Slag Using Borax Decahydrates

Yong-Sing N, Yun-Ming L, Cheng-Yong H, Abdullah MMAB, Pakawanit P, Vizureanu P, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2022 Jun 13;15(12).
PMID: 35744236 DOI: 10.3390/ma15124178

This paper elucidates the influence of borax decahydrate addition on the flexural and thermal properties of 10 mm thin fly ash/ladle furnace slag (FAS) geopolymers. The borax decahydrate (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt.%) was incorporated to produce FAB geopolymers. Heat treatment was applied with temperature ranges of 300 °C, 600 °C, 900 °C, 1000 °C and 1100 °C. Unexposed FAB geopolymers experienced a drop in strength due to a looser matrix with higher porosity. However, borax decahydrate inclusion significantly enhanced the flexural performance of thin geopolymers after heating. FAB2 and FAB8 geopolymers reported higher flexural strength of 26.5 MPa and 47.8 MPa, respectively, at 1000 °C as compared to FAS geopolymers (24.1 MPa at 1100 °C). The molten B2O3 provided an adhesive medium to assemble the aluminosilicates, improving the interparticle connectivity which led to a drastic strength increment. Moreover, the borax addition reduced the glass transition temperature, forming more refractory crystalline phases at lower temperatures. This induced a significant strength increment in FAB geopolymers with a factor of 3.6 for FAB8 at 900 °C, and 4.0 factor for FAB2 at 1000 °C, respectively. Comparatively, FAS geopolymers only achieved 3.1 factor in strength increment at 1100 °C. This proved that borax decahydrate could be utilized in the high strength development of thin geopolymers.
Fulltext Effect of Steel Fiber on the Strength and Flexural Characteristics of Coconut Shell Concrete Partially Blended with Fly Ash

Prakash R, Divyah N, Srividhya S, Avudaiappan S, Amran M, Naidu Raman S, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2022 Jun 16;15(12).
PMID: 35744338 DOI: 10.3390/ma15124272

The construction industry relies heavily on concrete as a building material. The coarse aggregate makes up a substantial portion of the volume of concrete. However, the continued exploitation of granite rock for coarse aggregate results in an increase in the future generations' demand for natural resources. In this investigation, coconut shell was used in the place of conventional aggregate to produce coconut shell lightweight concrete. Class F fly ash was used as a partial substitute for cement to reduce the high cement content of lightweight concrete. The impact of steel fiber addition on the compressive strength and flexural features of sustainable concrete was investigated. A 10% weight replacement of class F fly ash was used in the place of cement. Steel fiber was added at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0% of the concrete volume. The results revealed that the addition of steel fibers enhanced the compressive strength by up to 39%. The addition of steel fiber to reinforced coconut shell concrete beams increased the ultimate moment capacity by 5-14%. Flexural toughness was increased by up to 45%. The span/deflection ratio of all fiber-reinforced coconut shell concrete beams met the IS456 and BS 8110 requirements. Branson's and the finite element models developed in this study agreed well with the experimental results. As a result, coconut shell concrete with steel fiber could be considered as a viable and environmentally-friendly construction material.
Fulltext Purification and Characterization of Gum-Derived Polysaccharides of Moringa oleifera and Azadirachta indica and Their Applications as Plant Stimulants and Bio-Pesticidal Agents

Shobana N, Prakash P, Samrot AV, Jane Cypriyana PJ, Kajal P, Sathiyasree M, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Jun 09;27(12).
PMID: 35744846 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123720

Plant gums are bio-organic substances that are derived from the barks of trees. They are biodegradable and non-adverse complex polysaccharides that have been gaining usage in recent years due to a number of advantages they contribute to various applications. In this study, gum was collected from Moringa oleifera and Azadirachta indica trees, then dried and powdered. Characterizations of gum polysaccharides were performed using TLC, GC-MS, NMR, etc., and sugar molecules such as glucose and xylose were found to be present. Effects of the gums on Abelmoschus esculentus growth were observed through root growth, shoot growth, and biomass content. The exposure of the seeds to the plant gums led to bio stimulation in the growth of the plants. Poor quality soil was exposed to the gum polysaccharide, where the polysaccharide was found to improve soil quality, which was observed through soil analysis and SEM analysis of soil porosity and structure. Furthermore, the plant gums were also found to have bio-pesticidal activity against mealybugs, which showed certain interstitial damage evident through histopathological analysis.

MeSH terms: Pesticides*; Plants; Polysaccharides/pharmacology; Polysaccharides/chemistry; Soil; Azadirachta*; Plant Gums/pharmacology; Plant Gums/chemistry
Fulltext Fatty Acid Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum L.): Effect of Origin and Fruit Component

Salleh SF, Ajibola OO, Nolasco-Hipolito C, Husaini A, Zarrabal-Octavio C, Lihan S, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Jun 15;27(12).
PMID: 35744962 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123840

In the present work, the influence of geographical location on the fatty acid profiles, antioxidant potential, as well as cytotoxicity of edible dabai fruit fractions (kernel, skin, and pulp) were analyzed. The fatty acid profiles were determined by Gas Chromatography (GC), and the antioxidant activity was quantified with free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picr/ylhdrazyl, while the cytotoxicity was assessed by the brine shrimp lethality test. The results showed that the samples from Sibu, Serian, and Kapit geographical locations had a high content of the saturated fatty acids, ranging from 46.63% to 53.31% in the three fractions. The highest mono-saturated fatty acids (MUFA) content was found in Sibu. Serian and Kapit kernel fractions MUFA, however, ranged from 21.2% to 45.91%. No fatty acid composition was detected in Bentong and Kanowit. The fatty acid composition and DPPH free radical scavenging antioxidant activity of dabai were statistically independent using a multivariate analysis in different localities in Malaysia. The skin fraction had a more appreciable antioxidant potential and toxicity level than the pulp and kernel fractions. The highest antioxidant activity (EC50 198.76 ± 1.06 µg/mL) with an LC50 value of 1387.22 µg/mL was obtained from the Sibu skin fraction. Therefore, the fatty acid composition, antioxidant, as well as cytotoxicity analyses of the extracts from different localities indicated that "geographical location" remarkably influenced fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and toxicity.

MeSH terms: Fatty Acids/analysis; Fruit/chemistry; Plant Extracts/chemistry
Fulltext Theragnostic Applications of Mammal and Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Latest Findings, Current Technologies, and Prospects

Ali NB, Abdull Razis AF, Ooi J, Chan KW, Ismail N, Foo JB

Molecules, 2022 Jun 20;27(12).
PMID: 35745063 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123941

The way cells communicate is not fully understood. However, it is well-known that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved. Researchers initially thought that EVs were used by cells to remove cellular waste. It is now clear that EVs function as signaling molecules released by cells to communicate with one another, carrying a cargo representing the mother cell. Furthermore, these EVs can be found in all biological fluids, making them the perfect non-invasive diagnostic tool, as their cargo causes functional changes in the cells upon receiving, unlike synthetic drug carriers. EVs last longer in circulation and instigate minor immune responses, making them the perfect drug carrier. This review sheds light on the latest development in EVs isolation, characterization and, application as therapeutic cargo, novel drug loading techniques, and diagnostic tools. We also address the advancement in plant-derived EVs, their characteristics, and applications; since plant-derived EVs only recently gained focus, we listed the latest findings. Although there is much more to learn about, EV is a wide field of research; what scientists have discovered so far is fascinating. This paper is suitable for those new to the field seeking to understand EVs and those already familiar with it but wanting to review the latest findings.

MeSH terms: Extracellular Vesicles*; Animals; Cell Communication; Drug Carriers; Mammals
Fulltext Biodegradable Carbonate Apatite Nanoparticle as a Delivery System to Promote Afatinib Delivery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Maarof NNN, Abdulmalek E, Fakurazi S, Rahman MBA

Pharmaceutics, 2022 Jun 10;14(6).
PMID: 35745802 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061230

Nanomedicine-based drug-delivery systems have significant interest in cancer treatment, such as improving the stabilities and biocompatibilities, precise targeting, and reducing toxicities for non-cancerous cells. Herein, this study presents the synthesis and characterisation of carbonate apatite nanoparticles (nCA) and encapsulated afatinib (AFA) as promising drug delivery candidates for lung cancer treatment. nCA/AFA was synthesised and physicochemically characterised, then the encapsulation capacity, drug loading, and cumulative drug release profile were evaluated. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) confirmed that the synthesised nCA is apatite. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirmed the drug loading into the nanoparticles. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) determined the morphology of nCA and nCA/AFA and the diameters of 47.36 ± 3.16 and 42.97 ± 2.78 nm, respectively, without an unaltered nCA phase. Encapsulation efficiency (%) and drug loading (%) were 55.08% ± 1.68% and 8.19% ± 0.52%. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and dynamic light-scattering (DLS) results revealed that the synthesised nCA is mesoporous, with a surface area of 55.53 m2/g, and is negatively charged. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed increasing roughness of nCA/AFA compared to nCA. The drug release from the nano-formulation nCA/AFA demonstrated slow and sustained release compared to the pure drug. Accordingly, nCA/AFA represents a promising drug delivery system for NSCLC treatment.
Fulltext Authentication of Marantodes pumilum (Blume) Kuntze: A Systematic Review

Ibrahim IS, Mohd Said M, Mohammad Zainoor N, Jamal JA

Front Pharmacol, 2022;13:855384.
PMID: 35754509 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.855384

Botanical drug products consist of complex phytochemical constituents that vary based on various factors that substantially produce different pharmacological activities and possible side effects. Marantodes pumilum (Blume) Kuntze (Primulaceae) is one of the most popular Malay traditional botanical drugs and widely recognized for its medicinal use. Many studies have been conducted focusing on the identification of bioactive substances, pharmacological and toxicological activities in its specific varieties but less comprehensive study on M. pumilum authentication. Lack of quality control (QC) measurement assessment may cause different quality issues on M. pumilum containing products like adulteration by pharmaceutical substances, substitution, contamination, misidentification with toxic plant species, which may be detrimental to consumers' health and safety. This systematic literature review aims to provide an overview of the current scenario on the quality control of botanical drug products as determined by pharmacopoeia requirements specifically for M. pumilum authentication or identification. A systematic search for peer-reviewed publications to document literature search for M. pumilum authentication was performed using four electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect for related studies from January 2010 to December 2021. The research studies published in English and related articles for identification or authentication of M. pumilum were the main inclusion criteria in this review. A total 122 articles were identified, whereby 33 articles met the inclusion criteria. Macroscopy, microscopy, chemical fingerprinting techniques using chromatography, spectroscopy and hyphenated techniques, and genetic-based fingerprinting using DNA barcoding method have been used to identify M. pumilum and to distinguish between different varieties and plant parts. The study concluded that a combination of approaches is necessary for authenticating botanical drug substances and products containing M. pumilum to assure the quality, safety, and efficacy of marketed botanical drug products, particularly those with therapeutic claims.
Fulltext Entrepreneurial Intention and Delayed Job Satisfaction From the Perspective of Emotional Interaction: The Mediating of Psychological Capital

Na B, Ahmad NH, Zhang C, Han Y

Front Psychol, 2022;13:925460.
PMID: 35774949 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.925460

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated the labour shortage, and promoting entrepreneurship to spur job creation is one of the most effective strategies to address this problem. Entrepreneurs must lengthen their employment or start-up cycles due to COVID-19 normalisation. Consequently, the impact of career willingness to delay satisfaction on entrepreneurial ambition is investigated in this research via an online survey in Jiangsu Province, China. The findings show that students with a high level of career delayed contentment has a higher level of entrepreneurial intention (EI), implying that career delayed contentment intention influences EI positively. Psychological capital (PC) modifies this process, increasing the influence of job delayed satisfaction on EI by strengthening PC. PC's significant components are self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and flexibility. This study combines the willingness to wait for satisfaction with the willingness to start a business, providing a valuable reference for reducing the work condition caused by the COVID-19 epidemic.
Fulltext Comparative analysis of the nutritional, biochemical and hematological parameters of pregnant women attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Emeribe AU, Dangana A, Isa HA, Onoja SO, Otu TO, Ibrahim Y, et al.

Biomedicine (Taipei), 2022;12(1):1-13.
PMID: 35836914 DOI: 10.37796/2211-8039.1237

BACKGROUND: Despite the efforts to encourage the intake of nutritional supplements during antenatal periods, there are still many cases of anemia and protein-energy malnutrition during pregnancy. Hence, this study determined the incidence of anemia, protein-energy malnutrition, and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Abuja, Nigeria.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This hospital-based, case-control study involved randomly selected 176 pregnant and non-pregnant women attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, Nigeria. Hemoglobin and hematocrit measurements were used to determine anemia incidence, while plasma protein, zinc levels and body mass index (BMI) were used to determine energy index status. Complete blood counts were analyzed using 5 parts-automatic hemo-analyzer, while plasma protein and zinc were analyzed using calorimetric method. Anemia and protein-energy malnutrition were defined using the World Health Organization (WHO) cut-off values.
RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 28.75 ± 5.22 years. Out of 176 participants, 7 (4%) were malnourished while 25% of the participants were anemic. Anemia was significantly associated with participants' occupation (p = 0.002), parity (p<0.001) and gestational age (p<0.001). Most hematological indices, plasma globulin, albumin, protein, and zinc levels were significantly different (p<0.001) among non-pregnant and pregnant women of the first, second and third trimesters.
CONCLUSION: The incidence of anemia and malnutrition was high among study participants. There is a need for improved nutritional intervention, increased awareness and strengthening of health systems in the area of maternal health in Nigeria.

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