Browse publications by year: 2022

Fulltext Self-medication dilemma in dengue fever

Khan MA, Tahir MJ, Ameer MA, Nawaz RA, Asghar MS, Ahmed A

Public Health Pract (Oxf), 2022 Dec;4:100298.
PMID: 36570398 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100298

This paper focuses on the trends of self-medication practices in treating symptoms that may lead to fatal complications in dengue. As dengue is a viral infection with increasing incidence, decision regarding its treatment is mostly affected by public health believes and practices to self-treat the condition by different home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or using outdated prescription drugs that proved beneficial in the past experience. Poverty, lack of education, and poor access to health facilities pave the way for making such decisions. Future complications can be averted by raising awareness, counseling the patients and dispensing of pharmaceuticals with strict monitoring.
Fulltext Treatment protocols for claw horn lesions and their impact on lameness recovery, pain sensitivity, and lesion severity in moderately lame primiparous dairy cows

Sadiq MB, Ramanoon SZ, Shaik Mossadeq WM, Mansor R, Syed-Hussain SS

Front Vet Sci, 2022;9:1060520.
PMID: 36570514 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1060520

This study aims to investigate the effects of routine treatment protocols for claw horn disruptive lesions (CHDL) on lameness recovery rates, pain sensitivity, and lesion severity in moderately lame primiparous cows. A cohort of first parity cows was recruited from a single commercial dairy herd and randomly allocated to five treatments, comprising four lame groups (LTNB, LTN, LTB, and LT) and a single group non-lame group. Eligibility criteria for the lame cows included a first lameness score (score 3/5), presence of CHDL on a single foot, good body condition score of 3.0 to 3.5, and no history of previous lameness. LTNB received a combination of therapeutic trim, administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID; Ketoprofen) for 3 days, and hoof block on the healthy claw. Both LTN and LTB received the same treatment as LTNB without hoof block and NSAID, respectively. LT received only a therapeutic trim, whereas non-LT (negative control) received either a therapeutic or preventive trim. Pain sensitivity was assessed using the limb withdrawal reflex while lesion severity was recorded using the International Committee Animal Records (ICAR) Atlas guide. The enrolled cows were observed at weekly intervals, and the primary outcomes were assessed 28 days after treatment. The number (%) of recovered cows was 15 of 20 (75%), 13 of 21 (61.9%), 6 of 14 (42.9%), and 6 of 15 (40%) for LTNB, LTN, LTB, and LT, respectively. LTNB had significantly higher odds of successful treatment (OR = 4.5; 95% 1.1-19.1) compared to LT. Pain sensitivity based on limb withdrawal reflex was absent in a significantly higher number of cows (15/20; 75.0%) in LTNB compared to LTB and LT. LTB had a significantly lower lesion severity score in comparison to LTN. Overall, cows with limb withdrawal at day 28 after treatment were less likely (OR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.24) to develop a non-lame score. In conclusion, the treatment with therapeutic trim, hoof block, and NSAID led to better recovery and reduced pain sensitivity in moderately lame primiparous cows with good BCS compared to those that received only therapeutic trim. Further research on the changes within the hoof capsule following various treatment protocols is needed to elucidate the clinical benefits observed in this study.
Fulltext Post COVID-19 ENERGY sustainability and carbon emissions neutrality

Chong CT, Fan YV, Lee CT, Klemeš JJ

Energy (Oxf), 2022 Feb 15;241:122801.
PMID: 36570560 DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.122801

This review covers the recent advancements in selected emerging energy sectors, emphasising carbon emission neutrality and energy sustainability in the post-COVID-19 era. It benefited from the latest development reported in the Virtual Special Issue of ENERGY dedicated to the 6th International Conference on Low Carbon Asia and Beyond (ICLCA'20) and the 4th Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory Scientific Conference (SPIL'20). As nations bind together to tackle global climate change, one of the urgent needs is the energy sector's transition from fossil-fuel reliant to a more sustainable carbon-free solution. Recent progress shows that advancement in energy efficiency modelling of components and energy systems has greatly facilitated the development of more complex and efficient energy systems. The scope of energy system modelling can be based on temporal, spatial and technical resolutions. The emergence of novel materials such as MXene, metal-organic framework and flexible phase change materials have shown promising energy conversion efficiency. The integration of the internet of things (IoT) with an energy storage system and renewable energy supplies has led to the development of a smart energy system that effectively connects the power producer and end-users, thereby allowing more efficient management of energy flow and consumption. The future smart energy system has been redefined to include all energy sectors via a cross-sectoral integration approach, paving the way for the greater utilization of renewable energy. This review highlights that energy system efficiency and sustainability can be improved via innovations in smart energy systems, novel energy materials and low carbon technologies. Their impacts on the environment, resource availability and social well-being need to be holistically considered and supported by diverse solutions, in alignment with the sustainable development goal of Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) and other related SDGs (1, 8, 9, 11,13,15 and 17), as put forth by the United Nations.
Fulltext Gelatin-based hemostatic agents for medical and dental application at a glance: A narrative literature review

Irfan NI, Mohd Zubir AZ, Suwandi A, Haris MS, Jaswir I, Lestari W

Saudi Dent J, 2022 Dec;34(8):699-707.
PMID: 36570577 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2022.11.007

Uncontrolled bleeding is linked to higher treatment costs, risk of post-surgical infection and increased disease and death. Hemostatic agents are used to treat excessive bleeding. A good hemostatic agent controls bleeding effectively, reduces the need for blood transfusion, removes the need for systemic drugs to control bleeding, results in shorter surgery time, and reduces the cost and length of hospital stay of the patient. Gelatin-based hemostatic agents have been widely used in medical and dental procedures, owing to their biodegradability and biocompatibility, as well as availability and low cost of raw materials. In this narrative literature review, we discuss the background and different types of gelatin-based hemostatic agents in medical and dental procedures, the comparison of gelatin-based and non-gelatin-based hemostatic agents, and the usage and development of enhanced or novel gelatin-based hemostatic agents. Gelatin-based hemostatic agents are effective and important part of bleeding control, as evidenced by its wide application in medicine and dentistry. The development of novel combination gelatin-based hemostatic agents has much potential for effective control of excessive bleeding.
Fulltext Rapid and sensitive detection of box turtles using an electrochemical DNA biosensor based on a gold/graphene nanocomposite

Hashem A, Hossain MAM, Marlinda AR, Mamun MA, Simarani K, Johan MR

Beilstein J Nanotechnol, 2022;13:1458-1472.
PMID: 36570614 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.13.120

The Southeast Asian box turtle, Cuora amboinensis, is an ecologically important endangered species which needs an onsite monitoring device to protect it from extinction. An electrochemical DNA biosensor was developed to detect the C. amboinensis mitochondrial cytochrome b gene based on an in silico designed probe using bioinformatics tools, and it was also validated in wet-lab experiments. As a detection platform, a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) enhanced with a nanocomposite containing gold nanoparticles and graphene was used. The morphology of the nanoparticles was analysed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and structural characteristics were analysed by using energy-dispersive X-ray, UV-vis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrochemical characteristics of the modified electrodes were studied by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The thiol-modified synthetic DNA probe was immobilised on modified SPCEs to facilitate hybridisation with the reverse complementary DNA. The turtle DNA was distinguished based on hybridisation-induced electrochemical change in the presence of methylene blue compared to their mismatches, noncomplementary, and nontarget species DNA measured by DPV. The developed biosensor exhibited a selective response towards reverse complementary DNAs and was able to discriminate turtles from other species. The modified electrode displayed good linearity for reverse complementary DNAs in the range of 1 × 10-11-5 × 10-6 M with a limit of detection of 0.85 × 10-12 M. This indicates that the proposed biosensor has the potential to be applied for the detection of real turtle species.
Fulltext Postnatal Posterior Fossa Arachnoid Cyst: A Developmental Etiology to Be Considered

Ramachandran T, Valayatham V, Ganesan D

Asian J Neurosurg, 2022 Dec;17(4):676-679.
PMID: 36570764 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757223

Intracranial arachnoid cyst is the most common cystic congenital anomaly in the brain. In this study, we discuss a pregnancy that had serial fetal ultrasound scans throughout the pregnancy and a fetal anomaly scan at 24 weeks of gestation that was normal. The child was born healthy with normal development, but 12 months onward the head began to enlarge. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a large posterior fossa arachnoid cyst with hydrocephalus. We discuss the postulation to explain this pathogenesis of the cyst. This case highlights that not all symptomatic arachnoid cysts are congenital despite the manifestation being as early as infancy.
Fulltext Appropriating Shakespearean graphic novels for Malaysian classrooms to create correct gender representations

Ismail HH, Azizan M, Rashid RA, Asif M

Front Psychol, 2022;13:874960.
PMID: 36571040 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.874960

Public awareness on gender education may not be easily translated in living classrooms, which prompts new alternatives. In this study, we explored Shakespearean graphic novels in exposing Malaysian school students to gender-related issues. The two-fold research entails tracing the female presence in eight selected images from digital graphic novels that define the gender and place social expectations across the globe; and secondly, gathering teachers' perception of these selected graphic novels. The chosen images were divided into two categories-those published as the cover pages of graphic novels and those that were contested for the Graphic Shakespeare Competition established in 2016. These stereotypical images of women are inconsistent with the objective of achieving inclusivity and correct gender representations. The data analysed based on a semi-structured interview on six ESL teachers suggest that as much as the graphic novels are seen as valuable in pedagogical contexts and in exposing the students to learning English and gender representations through literature, the material selection, and pedagogical approaches, including determining the classroom activities must be cautiously considered in terms of their cultural appropriateness to ensure students' readiness and effective outcomes. Discussing these pertinent issues, especially in addressing gender (mis)representations relevant to education, helps pave a new route within the UN SDG Goal 5 where gender nuances and phrases ought to be carefully constructed in a new narrative that shapes global perception towards women.
Fulltext Platanosides, a Potential Botanical Drug Combination, Decrease Liver Injury Caused by Acetaminophen Overdose in Mice

Samuvel DJ, Nguyen NT, Jaeschke H, Lemasters JJ, Wang X, Choo YM, et al.

J Nat Prod, 2022 Jul 22;85(7):1779-1788.
PMID: 35815804 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00324

Oxidative stress plays an important role in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. Platanosides (PTSs) isolated from the American sycamore tree (Platanus occidentalis) represent a potential new four-molecule botanical drug class of antibiotics active against drug-resistant infectious disease. Preliminary studies have suggested that PTSs are safe and well tolerated and have antioxidant properties. The potential utility of PTSs in decreasing APAP hepatotoxicity in mice in addition to an assessment of their potential with APAP for the control of infectious diseases along with pain and pyrexia associated with a bacterial infection was investigated. On PTS treatment in mice, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) release, hepatic centrilobular necrosis, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) were markedly decreased. In addition, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation decreased when mice overdosed with APAP were treated with PTSs. Computational studies suggested that PTSs may act as JNK-1/2 and Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors and that the isomeric mixture could provide greater efficacy than the individual molecules. Overall, PTSs represent promising botanical drugs for hepatoprotection and drug-resistant bacterial infections and are effective in protecting against APAP-related hepatotoxicity, which decreases liver necrosis and inflammation, iNOS expression, and oxidative and nitrative stresses, possibly by preventing persistent JNK activation.

MeSH terms: Animals; Drug Combinations; Glycosides; Liver; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Necrosis/chemically induced; Necrosis/drug therapy; Necrosis/metabolism; Phenols; Oxidative Stress; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism; Mice; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1/metabolism
Rapid comparison of precipitation data between satellite and in situ observations

Ng CK, Kong RW, Foo GH, Khoo G

Environ Monit Assess, 2022 Dec 24;195(1):228.
PMID: 36565392 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10789-z

The agriculture sector responsible for global food and nutrition security has an urgent need to examine climatic trends so that adaptations can be exercised in advance. Freely available dataset from satellite sources can greatly ease rainfall analysis, especially for smallholder farmers who typically operate under limited resources. Tests to determine their accuracy, however, are so far not deployed in tropical Southeast Asia. We compared in situ observations with dataset from the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) and the Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) in two sites located 180 km apart in the tropical Malay Peninsula for 30 days. We found that in situ precipitation values were markedly overestimated by GSMaP (34.9-67.5%) and POWER (180.5-289.2%), and the possible reasons are discussed. Nonetheless, we conclude that GSMaP remains the best hope for smallholder farmers and its dataset can still be used under the precaution of error margins determined by the practical method described herein.

MeSH terms: Farmers; Asia, Southeastern; Environmental Monitoring*; Humans; Malaysia; Climate Change
Fulltext Responses to salinity in the littoral earthworm genus Pontodrilus

Seesamut T, Ng B, Sutcharit C, Chanabun R, Panha S

Sci Rep, 2022 Dec 24;12(1):22304.
PMID: 36566279 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26099-w

The cosmopolitan littoral earthworm Pontodrilus litoralis is distributed in tropical and sub-tropical coastal habitats, whereas P. longissimus is reported only in the Thai-Malay coastal line. In the present study, we examined the difference in salinity effect on the survival rate, wet weight (hereafter weight) change, behaviour, and osmolality of these two Pontodrilus species. A 28 d exposure to varying salinity concentration (0-50 ppt) revealed that P. litoralis is able to survive over a wide salinity range than P. longissimus, with the latter species exhibiting a low survival rate over the same salinity range. During short-term exposure (0-96 h) to a salinity of less than 30 ppt, P. litoralis exhibited weight gain and this was significant in the first 12 h of exposure. However, P. longissimus gained weight when exposed to salinity at under 10 ppt in the first 72 h of exposure. The two species of Pontodrilus behaved differently when exposed to different salinities. The coelomic fluid osmolarity of Pontodrilus was related to the exposure medium and was mostly maintained as hyperosmotic to the external medium over the range of salinities tested. This study shows how two different species of the littoral earthworm genus Pontodrilus respond to a change in salinity, which may explain their dispersal pattern and shape their distribution pattern throughout Southeast Asia.

MeSH terms: Animals; Oligochaeta*; Osmolar Concentration; Thailand; Salinity*
Fulltext Voltage stability assessment of grid connected PV systems with FACTS devices

Abdullah MK, Hassan LH, Moghavvemi M

Sci Rep, 2022 Dec 24;12(1):22279.
PMID: 36566331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26751-5

Three static techniques (i.e. Power flow, Continuation Power Flow (CPF) and the Q-V curve) are used to assess the voltage stability of the power grid with a Solar Photovoltaic Generator (SPVG) and FACTS devices under nominal and heavy loading conditions. A static model is proposed for the power system that includes conventional power generation units and SPVGs with FACTS devices. Two models of SPVG were used (i.e., PV-model and PQ-model) to elucidate the effect of the SPVGs on the stability of the voltage under various operating conditions. The best location for FACTS devices was obtained under nominal and heavy load conditions using static techniques. A comparison between series and shunt FACTS devices under nominal and heavy loading conditions was carried out using the three static techniques. The interaction between SPVGs and FACTS devices was detailed in this paper. The proposed approach was tested on the New England 39-bus standard test system, and the results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed approach under various operating conditions.
Metal-free Sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride-modified GCE-based electrocatalyst for the enhanced electrochemical determination of Omeprazole in Drug formulations and Biological Samples

Pandian K, Kalayarasi J, Gopinath SCB

Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 2022 Dec;69(6):2766-2779.
PMID: 35287249 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2321

This study presents a novel sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (S@g-C3 N4 ) with a wider potential range as electrocatalyst for electrochemical sensor application. The S@g-C3 N4 nanosheets were successfully prepared with a ball milling method by mixing appropriate molar concentration required precursors. The as-synthesized heteroatom-doped graphitic carbon nitride is characterized by spectroscopic techniques including PL, DRS-UV, FT-IR, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller equation. The morphological features were studied by FE-SEM and HR-TEM analysis. Chit-S@g-C3 N4 -modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was employed for the electrochemical detection of omeprazole (OMZ) use in drug formulations. We have noted an oxidation peak current response at a potential of +0.8 V versus Ag/AgCl in PBS medium (0.1 M, pH 7.0). Differential pulse voltammetry amperometry experimental method can be used to measure the concentration of OMZ for quantitative studies in known samples. Under the optimized experimental condition, the calibration plot was constructed by plotting the peak currents versus OMZ in the linear ranges from 6.0 × 10-7 to 26 × 10-5 M. The linear regression equation is estimated to be Ip (μA) = 0.9518 (C/μM) + 0.3340 with a good correlation coefficient of 0.9996. The lower determination limit was found to be 20 nM and the current sensitivity was calculated (31.722 μA μM-1 cm-2 ). The developed sensor was utilized successfully to determine the OMZ concentration in drug formulations and biological fluids. These results revealed that the Chit-S@g-C3 N4 -modified GCE showed excellent electroanalytical performance for the detection of OMZ at a low LOD, wider linear range, high sensitivity, good reproducibility, long-term storage stability, and selectivity with an acceptable relative standard deviation value.

MeSH terms: Drug Compounding; Electrodes; Sulfur; Reproducibility of Results; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
Fulltext Phenotypic, transcriptomic and functional profiling reveal reduced activation thresholds of CD8+ T cells in giant cell arteritis

Reitsema RD, van der Geest KSM, Sandovici M, Jiemy WF, Graver JC, Abdulahad WH, et al.

Rheumatology (Oxford), 2022 Dec 23;62(1):417-427.
PMID: 35460236 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac250

OBJECTIVES: Evidence from temporal artery tissue and blood suggests involvement of CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of GCA, but their exact role is poorly understood. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of circulating and lesional CD8+ T cells in GCA patients.
METHODS: Circulating CD8+ T cells were analysed for differentiation status (CD45RO, CCR7), markers of activation (CD69 and CD25) and proliferation (Ki-67) in 14 newly diagnosed GCA patients and 18 healthy controls by flow cytometry. Proliferative capacity of CD8+ T cells upon anti-CD3 and anti-CD3/28 in vitro stimulation was assessed. Single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients and controls (n = 3 each) was performed for mechanistic insight. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect CD3, CD8, Ki-67, TNF-α and IFN-γ in GCA-affected tissues.
RESULTS: GCA patients had decreased numbers of circulating effector memory CD8+ T cells but the percentage of Ki-67-expressing effector memory CD8+ T cells was increased. Circulating CD8+ T cells from GCA patients demonstrated reduced T cell receptor activation thresholds and displayed a gene expression profile that is concurrent with increased proliferation. CD8+ T cells were detected in GCA temporal arteries and aorta. These vascular CD8+ T cells expressed IFN-γ but not Ki-67.
CONCLUSION: In GCA, circulating effector memory CD8+ T cells demonstrate a proliferation-prone phenotype. The presence of CD8+ T cells in inflamed arteries seems to reflect recruitment of circulating cells rather than local expansion. CD8+ T cells in inflamed tissues produce IFN-γ, which is an important mediator of local inflammatory responses in GCA.

MeSH terms: Humans; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism; Phenotype; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism; Transcriptome
Fulltext Demographic consequences of heterogeneity in conspecific density dependence among mast-fruiting tropical trees

O'Brien MJ, Hector A, Kellenberger RT, Maycock CR, Ong R, Philipson CD, et al.

Proc Biol Sci, 2022 Jun 08;289(1976):20220739.
PMID: 35703055 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0739

The role of conspecific density dependence (CDD) in the maintenance of species richness is a central focus of tropical forest ecology. However, tests of CDD often ignore the integrated effects of CDD over multiple life stages and their long-term impacts on population demography. We combined a 10-year time series of seed production, seedling recruitment and sapling and tree demography of three dominant Southeast Asian tree species that adopt a mast-fruiting phenology. We used these data to construct individual-based models that examine the effects of CDD on population growth rates (λ) across life-history stages. Recruitment was driven by positive CDD for all species, supporting the predator satiation hypothesis, while negative CDD affected seedling and sapling growth of two species, significantly reducing λ. This negative CDD on juvenile growth overshadowed the positive CDD of recruitment, suggesting the cumulative effects of CDD during seedling and sapling development has greater importance than the positive CDD during infrequent masting events. Overall, CDD varied among positive, neutral and negative effects across life-history stages for all species, suggesting that assessments of CDD on transitions between just two stages (e.g. seeds seedlings or juveniles mature trees) probably misrepresent the importance of CDD on population growth and stability.

MeSH terms: Demography; Seeds; Trees*; Tropical Climate; Seedlings; Forests*
Fulltext Functional miscibility and thermomechanical properties enhancement of substituted phthalic acetylated modified chitin filler in biopolymer composite

Olaiya NG, Obaseki OS, Mersal GAM, Ibrahim MM, Hessien MM, Grace OF, et al.

R Soc Open Sci, 2022 Jun;9(6):211411.
PMID: 35706656 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211411

The miscibility between hydrophobic and hydrophilic biopolymers has been of significant challenge. This study used a novel simplified chitin modification method to produce phthalic chitin using phthalic anhydride in a substitution reaction. The FT-IR functional group analysis was used to confirm the substitution reaction. The modified chitin was used as compatibilizer in polylactic acid (PLA)/starch biocomposite to enhance its properties. The biocomposite was prepared using melt extrusion and compression moulding technique. The biocomposite's morphological, thermomechanical and water absorption properties were characterized using scanning electron microscope, tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetry analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thickness swelling and water absorption test. The FT-IR study shows a successful substitution reaction of the amine hydrogen ion present in the chitin as opposed to substituting the hydrogen ion in the hydroxide group. The tensile and impact properties of biocomposite incorporated with modified chitin showed better results compared with other samples. The SEM images showed uniform miscibility of the modified biocomposite. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed improved modulus value with the incorporation of modified chitin. The thermal properties showed improved thermal stability of the modified biocomposite. Furthermore, the percentage of water absorbed by biocomposite with modified chitin is reduced compared with the PLA/starch biocomposite. The produced biodegradable ternary blend can be used as a substitute for plastics in industrial applications.
Plant polyphenols as green sunscreen ingredients: A systematic review

Ng SY, Eh Suk VR, Gew LT

J Cosmet Dermatol, 2022 Nov;21(11):5409-5444.
PMID: 35723888 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15170

BACKGROUND: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation has harmful effects on human skin. At present, synthetic and mineral types of sunscreens used to protect against these harmful damages have been reported to cause negative health and environmental effects. The studies involving characterization and isolation of phytoconstituents from natural botanical sources are important to discover their potential beneficial effects on sunscreen development AIM: This systematic review provides specific and compiled information on the photoprotective properties of natural botanical sources for sunscreen development. The efforts in research and innovation are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of plant-based sunscreen products.
METHODS: In this review, a total of 35 articles were selected using the Scopus database based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria RESULT: The significant correlation between total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activities, and sun protection factor were shown in these studies which confirmed the potential benefits of natural plants in sunscreen development.
CONCLUSIONS: In addition, natural botanical sources also exhibit excellent anti-tyrosinase, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the biological activities of plants were dependent on the solvents used for extraction.

MeSH terms: Humans; Skin/radiation effects; Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects; Polyphenols
Newly regenerated dopaminergic neurons in 6-OHDA-lesioned adult zebrafish brain proliferate in the Olfactory bulb and telencephalon, but migrate to, differentiate and mature in the diencephalon

Vijayanathan Y, Hamzah NM, Lim SM, Lim FT, Tan MP, Majeed ABA, et al.

Brain Res Bull, 2022 Nov;190:218-233.
PMID: 36228872 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.10.001

In order to understand the biological processes underlying dopaminergic neurons (DpN) regeneration in a 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA)-induced adult zebrafish-based Parkinson's disease model, this study investigated the specific phases of neuroregeneration in a time-based manner. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered 24 h before the harvest of brain tissues at day three, five, seven, nine, 12 and 14 postlesion. Potential migration of proliferative cells was tracked over 14 days postlesion through double-pulse tracking [BrdU and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU)] of cells and immunohistostaining of astrocytes [glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)]. Gene expression of foxa2 and nurr1 (nr4a2a) at day three, nine, 14, 18, 22 and 30 postlesion was quantified using qPCR. Protein expression of foxa2 at day three, seven, 14 and 22 postlesion was validated using the western blot technique. Double labelling [EdU and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)] of proliferative cells was performed to ascertain their fate after the neuroregeneration processes. It was found that whilst cell proliferation remained unchanged in the area of substantial DpN loss, the ventral diencephalon (vDn), there was a transient increase of cell proliferation in the olfactory bulb (OB) and telencephalon (Tel) seven days postlesion. BrdU-immunoreactive (ir)/ EdU-ir cells and activated astrocytes were later found to be significantly increased in the vDn and its nearby area (Tel) 14 days postlesion. There was a significant but transient downregulation of foxa2 at day three and nine postlesion, and nr4a2a at day three, nine and 14 postlesion. The expression of both genes remained unchanged in the OB and Tel. There was a transient downregulation of foxa2 protein expression at day three and seven postlesion. The significant increase of EdU-ir/ TH-ir cells in the vDn 30 days postlesion indicates maturation of proliferative cells (formed between day five-seven postlesion) into DpN. The present findings warrant future investigation of critical factors that govern the distinctive phases of DpN regeneration.

MeSH terms: Animals; Brain/metabolism; Bromodeoxyuridine/metabolism; Diencephalon/metabolism; Nerve Regeneration/physiology; Telencephalon; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism; Zebrafish/metabolism; Oxidopamine
Fulltext Tiger sharks support the characterization of the world's largest seagrass ecosystem

Gallagher AJ, Brownscombe JW, Alsudairy NA, Casagrande AB, Fu C, Harding L, et al.

Nat Commun, 2022 Nov 01;13(1):6328.
PMID: 36319621 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33926-1

Seagrass conservation is critical for mitigating climate change due to the large stocks of carbon they sequester in the seafloor. However, effective conservation and its potential to provide nature-based solutions to climate change is hindered by major uncertainties regarding seagrass extent and distribution. Here, we describe the characterization of the world's largest seagrass ecosystem, located in The Bahamas. We integrate existing spatial estimates with an updated empirical remote sensing product and perform extensive ground-truthing of seafloor with 2,542 diver surveys across remote sensing tiles. We also leverage seafloor assessments and movement data obtained from instrument-equipped tiger sharks, which have strong fidelity to seagrass ecosystems, to augment and further validate predictions. We report a consensus area of at least 66,000 km2 and up to 92,000 km2 of seagrass habitat across The Bahamas Banks. Sediment core analysis of stored organic carbon further confirmed the global relevance of the blue carbon stock in this ecosystem. Data from tiger sharks proved important in supporting mapping and ground-truthing remote sensing estimates. This work provides evidence of major knowledge gaps in the ocean ecosystem, the benefits in partnering with marine animals to address these gaps, and underscores support for rapid protection of oceanic carbon sinks.

MeSH terms: Animals; Carbon; Sharks*; Ecosystem*; Climate Change; Carbon Sequestration
Fulltext Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Medication Errors among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study in Major Jeddah Hospitals

Alandajani A, Khalid B, Ng YG, Banakhar M

Nurs Rep, 2022 Dec 16;12(4):1023-1039.
PMID: 36548171 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep12040098

Medication error is a multifactorial problem that mainly involves missing or bypassing the administration, which may have life-threatening impacts on the patient. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of information on medication errors among nurses in Saudi Arabia. This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes toward medication errors and their associated factors among nurses in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four major public hospitals by recruiting a total of 408 nurses using cluster random sampling and proportional stratified sampling techniques. Data were gathered using an online self-administered questionnaire from January to March 2022. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression models were performed to analyze the data. The prevalence of medication error among the nurses was 72.1%, only 41.2% were reported, while wrong doses (46.9%) were the most common type of medication error. Approximately 55% and 50% of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge and a positive attitude toward medication errors, respectively. The prevalence of medication error was associated with age groups of less than 25, and 25-35 years old, King Fahad and King Abdulaziz hospitals, no history of attending an MER training course, poor knowledge, and negative attitude. These findings reflect a high prevalence of medication error among nurses in Saudi Arabia, and the factors identified could be considered in mitigating this important health problem.
Fulltext Ethical Issues in the Use of Smartphone Apps for HIV Prevention in Malaysia: Focus Group Study With Men Who Have Sex With Men

Khati A, Wickersham JA, Rosen AO, Luces JRB, Copenhaver N, Jeri-Wahrhaftig A, et al.

JMIR Form Res, 2022 Dec 23;6(12):e42939.
PMID: 36563046 DOI: 10.2196/42939

BACKGROUND: The use of smartphone apps can improve the HIV prevention cascade for key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM). In Malaysia, where stigma and discrimination toward MSM are high, mobile health app-based strategies have the potential to open new frontiers for HIV prevention. However, little guidance is available to inform researchers about the ethical concerns that are unique to the development and implementation of app-based HIV prevention programs.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to fill this gap by characterizing the attitudes and concerns of Malaysian MSM regarding HIV prevention mobile apps, particularly regarding the ethical aspects surrounding their use.
METHODS: We conducted web-based focus group discussions with 23 MSM between August and September 2021. Using in-depth semistructured interviews, participants were asked about the risks and ethical issues they perceived to be associated with using mobile apps for HIV prevention. Each session was digitally recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were inductively coded using the Dedoose software (SocioCultural Research Consultants) and analyzed to identify and interpret emerging themes.
RESULTS: Although participants were highly willing to use app-based strategies for HIV prevention, they raised several ethical concerns related to their use. Prominent concerns raised by participants included privacy and confidentiality concerns, including fear of third-party access to personal health information (eg, friends or family and government agencies), issues around personal health data storage and management, equity and equitable access, informed consent, and regulation.
CONCLUSIONS: The study's findings highlight the role of ethical concerns related to the use of app-based HIV prevention programs. Given the ever-growing nature of such technological platforms that are intermixed with a complex ethical-legal landscape, mobile health platforms must be safe and secure to minimize unintended harm, safeguard user privacy and confidentiality, and obtain public trust and uptake.

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