Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Wu G, Tham PE, Chew KW, Munawaroh HSH, Tan IS, Wan-Mohtar WAAQI, et al.
    Bioresour Technol, 2023 Nov;388:129748.
    PMID: 37714493 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129748
    The rapid expansion of industrialization and continuous population growth have caused a steady increase in energy consumption. Despite using renewable energy, such as bioethanol, to replace fossil fuels had been strongly promoted, however the outcomes were underwhelming, resulting in excessive greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Microalgal biochar, as a carbon-rich material produced from the pyrolysis of biomass, provides a promising solution for achieving net zero emission. By utilizing microalgal biochar, these GHG emissions can be captured and stored efficiently. It also enhances soil fertility, improves water retention, and conduct bioremediation in agriculture and environmental remediation field. Moreover, incorporating microalgal biochar into a zero-waste biorefinery could boost the employ of biomass feedstocks effectively to produce valuable bioproducts while minimizing waste. This contributes to sustainability and aligns with the concepts of a circular bioeconomy. In addition, some challenges like commercialization and standardization will be addressed in the future.
  2. Chan WT, Garcillán-Barcia MP, Yeo CC, Espinosa M
    FEMS Microbiol Rev, 2023 Sep 05;47(5).
    PMID: 37715317 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad052
    Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are entities found in the prokaryotic genomes, with eight reported types. Type II, the best characterized, is comprised of two genes organized as an operon. Whereas toxins impair growth, the cognate antitoxin neutralizes its activity. TAs appeared to be involved in plasmid maintenance, persistence, virulence, and defence against bacteriophages. Most Type II toxins target the bacterial translational machinery. They seem to be antecessors of Higher Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes Nucleotide-binding (HEPN) RNases, minimal nucleotidyltransferase domains, or CRISPR-Cas systems. A total of four TAs encoded by Streptococcus pneumoniae, RelBE, YefMYoeB, Phd-Doc, and HicAB, belong to HEPN-RNases. The fifth is represented by PezAT/Epsilon-Zeta. PezT/Zeta toxins phosphorylate the peptidoglycan precursors, thereby blocking cell wall synthesis. We explore the body of knowledge (facts) and hypotheses procured for Type II TAs and analyse the data accumulated on the PezAT family. Bioinformatics analyses showed that homologues of PezT/Zeta toxin are abundantly distributed among 14 bacterial phyla mostly in Proteobacteria (48%), Firmicutes (27%), and Actinobacteria (18%), showing the widespread distribution of this TA. The pezAT locus was found to be mainly chromosomally encoded whereas its homologue, the tripartite omega-epsilon-zeta locus, was found mostly on plasmids. We found several orphan pezT/zeta toxins, unaccompanied by a cognate antitoxin.
    MeSH terms: Bacteria/genetics; Bacteria/metabolism; Bacterial Proteins/genetics; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism; Operon; Prokaryotic Cells/metabolism
  3. Syed Najmuddin SUF, Kamarudin AA, Abdul Sani S, Norrrahim MNF, Abdul Latif N', Wah LGP
    Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand), 2023 Jul 31;69(7):7-18.
    PMID: 37715444 DOI: 10.14715/cmb/2023.69.7.2
    The central dogma of molecular biology was no longer "central" after ground-breaking discoveries conveyed gene expression involves more complex physiological functions in cancer pathogenesis over the last decade. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA that regulate gene expression, affecting key molecular pathways involved in sustaining the proliferative signalling for tumour development, evasion of cellular death, invasion, angiogenesis, as well as metastasis in a plethora of cancer types. MiRNA expression is dysregulated in human cancer through a number of processes, including miRNA gene amplification or deletion, faulty miRNA transcriptional regulation, dysregulated epigenetic alterations, and flaws in the miRNA biogenesis machinery. As a result, the current progress of treatment intervention focuses on modifying the miRNA levels in cancer therapeutics. Nevertheless, the mode of delivery and current management of miRNA therapies remains one of the many questions that need to be addressed. Here, we provided a comprehensive mini-review outlining the role of miRNA in cancer as well as its mode of delivery which includes liposomes, viral vectors, inorganic material-based nanoparticles, and cell-derived membrane vesicles. Likewise, the regulation of miRNA in other diseases and their challenges in translational research was also thoroughly discussed.
    MeSH terms: Cell Membrane; Humans; Liposomes; Cell Death
  4. Anthonisamy AN, Misra S, Barua A
    Nutr Health, 2023 Sep;29(3):505-512.
    PMID: 35188808 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221081198
    Background: Night eating syndrome (NES) is described as a disordered eating pattern relative to sleep, where consumption of food occurs in the evening and night. Numerous studies had been conducted in various populations but studies on (NES) among call centre employees are limited. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NES and its determinants among selected inbound call centre employees in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 217 inbound call centre employees were recruited through random sampling. A self-administered socio-demographic and work-related questionnaire was used to collect data on the background of the respondents. Information on NES and well-being was obtained by using the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) and World Health Organisation-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) respectively. Data on dietary intakes, smoking habits, alcohol intakes and life stress were acquired using a Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ) while eating behaviour of the respondents was studied using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-18). Results: The mean age of the respondents was 24.1 ± 6.0 years. The prevalence of NES was 12.0% (95% CI = 8.12-17.24). The binary logistic regression identified that NES is significantly associated with adequate exercise (AOR = 4.250, p = 0.012) and emotional eating (AOR = 6.510, p = 0.014). Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of NES was high in the call centre and repeated nocturnal eating can have multiple adverse health effects. Therefore, promoting healthy eating habits are crucial to reduce the impacts of NES.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior/psychology; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Body Mass Index; Prevalence; Young Adult; Call Centers*
  5. Chau RCW, Li GH, Tew IM, Thu KM, McGrath C, Lo WL, et al.
    Int Dent J, 2023 Oct;73(5):724-730.
    PMID: 37117096 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.03.007
    OBJECTIVES: Gingivitis is one of the most prevalent plaque-initiated dental diseases globally. It is challenging to maintain satisfactory plaque control without continuous professional advice. Artificial intelligence may be used to provide automated visual plaque control advice based on intraoral photographs.

    METHODS: Frontal view intraoral photographs fulfilling selection criteria were collected. Along the gingival margin, the gingival conditions of individual sites were labelled as healthy, diseased, or questionable. Photographs were randomly assigned as training or validation datasets. Training datasets were input into a novel artificial intelligence system and its accuracy in detection of gingivitis including sensitivity, specificity, and mean intersection-over-union were analysed using validation dataset. The accuracy was reported according to STARD-2015 statement.

    RESULTS: A total of 567 intraoral photographs were collected and labelled, of which 80% were used for training and 20% for validation. Regarding training datasets, there were total 113,745,208 pixels with 9,270,413; 5,711,027; and 4,596,612 pixels were labelled as healthy, diseased, and questionable respectively. Regarding validation datasets, there were 28,319,607 pixels with 1,732,031; 1,866,104; and 1,116,493 pixels were labelled as healthy, diseased, and questionable, respectively. AI correctly predicted 1,114,623 healthy and 1,183,718 diseased pixels with sensitivity of 0.92 and specificity of 0.94. The mean intersection-over-union of the system was 0.60 and above the commonly accepted threshold of 0.50.

    CONCLUSIONS: Artificial intelligence could identify specific sites with and without gingival inflammation, with high sensitivity and high specificity that are on par with visual examination by human dentist. This system may be used for monitoring of the effectiveness of patients' plaque control.

    MeSH terms: Artificial Intelligence; Dental Plaque*; Humans
  6. Wu M, Al Mamun A, Yang Q, Gao J, Rahman MK, Al Shami SSA
    Sci Rep, 2023 Sep 13;13(1):15106.
    PMID: 37704693 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42437-y
    The culture of fast fashion accelerates the consumption rate of individuals but at the expense of significant environmental stress. With a large amount of discarded clothing accumulating in landfills, it is crucial to encourage people to dispose of second-hand clothing (SHC) as sustainably as possible, especially in an emerging economy with large volume consumption. Through a survey of 619 respondents from China, this study explored the factors affecting people's intentions and actual donation behaviors toward SHC. It extends the theory of interpersonal behavior (TIB) with environmental factors to construct a research framework, which included cognitive factors (attitude towards sustainable consumption), social factors (sense of community) and personal factors (perceived hedonic benefit) under TIB and the environment factors refers to problem awareness and ascription responsibility. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that attitudes toward sustainable consumption, problem awareness, ascription of responsibility, sense of community, and perceived hedonic benefit significantly and positively influenced people's intentions and practices of SHC donation. This study will aid governments and relevant green environmental protection organizations in formulating more precise strategies for sustainable development, and promote relevant research on the sustainable disposal of SHC.
  7. Harikrishnan S, Sudarshan S, Sivasubramani K, Nandini MS, Narenkumar J, Ramachandran V, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Sep 13;13(1):15153.
    PMID: 37704703 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42475-6
    The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has resulted in a number of issues, including a rise in insecticide-resistant organisms, environmental degradation, and a hazard to human health. As a result, new microbial derived insecticides that are safe for human health and the environment are urgently needed. In this study, rhamnolipid biosurfactants produced from Enterobacter cloacae SJ2 was used to evaluate the toxicity towards mosquito larvae (Culex quinquefasciatus) and termites (Odontotermes obesus). Results showed dose dependent mortality rate was observed between the treatments. The 48 h LC50 (median lethal concentration) values of the biosurfactant were determined for termite and mosquito larvae following the non-linear regression curve fit method. Results showed larvicidal activity and anti-termite activity of biosurfactants with 48 h LC50 value (95% confidence interval) of 26.49 mg/L (25.40 to 27.57) and 33.43 mg/L (31.09 to 35.68), respectively. According to a histopathological investigation, the biosurfactant treatment caused substantial tissue damage in cellular organelles of larvae and termites. The findings of this study suggest that the microbial biosurfactant produced by E. cloacae SJ2 is an excellent and potentially effective agent for controlling Cx. quinquefasciatus and O. obesus.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cloaca; Culex*; Humans; Larva; Culicidae*; Porifera*; Enterobacter cloacae; Isoptera*
  8. Chan AHE, Kusolsuk T, Watthanakulpanich D, Pakdee W, Doanh PN, Yasin AM, et al.
    Infect Dis Poverty, 2023 Sep 13;12(1):83.
    PMID: 37705080 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01138-4
    BACKGROUND: Strongyloidiasis, caused by the nematodes Strongyloides stercoralis and Strongyloides fuelleborni, is estimated to affect over 600 million individuals worldwide. The disease is endemic in Southeast Asia, where a warm-humid climate and socio-economic conditions maintain the parasite's life cycle and transmission. However, the current diagnostic methods may not be sufficiently sensitive, suggesting that the true prevalence of strongyloidiasis could be seriously underestimated in this. This study aims to determine the prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Southeast Asia through a systematic review and meta-analysis and to discuss the implications of the estimated prevalence on diagnostic approaches and control strategies.

    METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify studies reporting Strongyloides prevalence data in the 11 Southeast Asian countries up to December 2022. A random effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis at both regional and country levels.

    RESULTS: Out of 3722 articles identified, 224 met our inclusion criteria. For S. stercoralis specifically, we found 187 articles, of which 52.4% were from Thailand. All Southeast Asian countries, except Brunei, had at least one study on Strongyloides prevalence. The estimated pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis regionally was 12.7% (95% CI 10.70-14.80%), ranging from 0.4 to 24.9% at the country level. Cambodia had the highest pooled prevalence (24.9%, 95% CI 15.65-35.38%), followed by Lao PDR (16.5%, 95% CI 9.50-24.95%). Moreover, we obtained a pooled prevalence of 10% (95% CI 7.06-13.52%) in a group comprising immigrants, workers, and veterans from Southeast Asian countries. S. stercoralis infects various host types, including nonhuman primates, domestic dogs and cats, rodents, and transport carriers such as cockroaches and vegetables.

    CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Southeast Asia was revealed, highlighting the importance of the region's ongoing research, surveillance, and control efforts. Factors contributing to the strongyloidiasis transmission include the role of animal hosts, the impact of global connectivity, and the significance of the co-endemicity of other Strongyloides species. Based on these findings, a multi-pronged One-Health approach is essential for sustainable intervention and control.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Cambodia; Cat Diseases*; Cats; Dog Diseases*; Dogs; Public Health; Prevalence; Strongyloides stercoralis*
  9. Zubi ZBH, Abdullah AFB, Helmi MABM, Hasan TH, Ramli N, Ali AABM, et al.
    Int J Pediatr, 2023;2023:3241607.
    PMID: 37705709 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3241607
    About 10% of newborns require some degree of assistance to begin their breathing, and 1% necessitates extensive resuscitation. Sick neonates are exposed to a number of invasive life-saving procedures as part of their management, either for investigation or for treatment. In order to support the neonates with the maximum possible benefits and reduce iatrogenic morbidity, health-care providers performing these procedures must be familiar with their indications, measurements, and potential complications. Hence, the aim of this review is to summarise ten of the main neonatal intensive care procedures with highlighting of their indications, measurements, and complications. They include the umbilical venous and arterial catheterizations and the intraosseous line which represent the principal postnatal emergency vascular accesses; the peripherally inserted central catheter for long-term venous access; the endotracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway for airway control and ventilation; chest tube for drainage of air and fluid from the thorax; and the nasogastric/orogastric tube for enteral feeding. Furthermore, lumber puncture and heel stick were included in this review as very important and frequently performed diagnostic procedures in the neonatal intensive care unit.
  10. Varatharajan P, Shameem Banu IB, Mamat MH, Vasimalai N
    Dalton Trans, 2023 Oct 03;52(38):13704-13715.
    PMID: 37706529 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt01758c
    Supercapacitors are gaining popularity these days because of their good cycle stability, superior specific capacitance, high power density, and energy density. Herein, we report the synthesis of bismuth cobalt oxide (BiCoO3) combined with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) by the hydrothermal method. The BiCoO3@g-C3N4 nanocomposite was well characterized using XRD, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and DRS-UV techniques. The supercapacitor properties of the BiCoO3@g-C3N4 nanocomposite were then studied using cyclic voltammetry, galvanic charging-discharging, and impedance spectroscopy techniques. Due to the synergistic effect, BiCoO3@g-C3N4 showed a high specific capacitance value of 341 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 and excellent retention of specific capacitance (98.82%) after 1000 cycles and a high power density of 1125 W kg-1. Using the impedance spectroscopy technique, the charge transfer resistance of BiCoO3, g-C3N4, and BiCoO3@g-C3N4 was measured. BiCoO3@g-C3N4 showed a low charge transfer resistance compared with BiCoO3 and g-C3N4. The asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was prepared using activated carbon (negative side) and BiCoO3@g-C3N4 (positive side) electrodes. It showed a specific capacitance of 129 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, power density 2800 W kg-1 and energy density 35 W h kg-1. Finally, we conclude that, due to the high specific capacitance, good cycle retention, fast redox activity, and low charge transfer resistance BiCoO3@g-C3N4 is a good electrode material for energy storage applications.
  11. Khlaif ZN, Mousa A, Hattab MK, Itmazi J, Hassan AA, Sanmugam M, et al.
    JMIR Med Educ, 2023 Sep 14;9:e47049.
    PMID: 37707884 DOI: 10.2196/47049
    BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) has many applications in various aspects of our daily life, including health, criminal, education, civil, business, and liability law. One aspect of AI that has gained significant attention is natural language processing (NLP), which refers to the ability of computers to understand and generate human language.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the potential for, and concerns of, using AI in scientific research. For this purpose, high-impact research articles were generated by analyzing the quality of reports generated by ChatGPT and assessing the application's impact on the research framework, data analysis, and the literature review. The study also explored concerns around ownership and the integrity of research when using AI-generated text.

    METHODS: A total of 4 articles were generated using ChatGPT, and thereafter evaluated by 23 reviewers. The researchers developed an evaluation form to assess the quality of the articles generated. Additionally, 50 abstracts were generated using ChatGPT and their quality was evaluated. The data were subjected to ANOVA and thematic analysis to analyze the qualitative data provided by the reviewers.

    RESULTS: When using detailed prompts and providing the context of the study, ChatGPT would generate high-quality research that could be published in high-impact journals. However, ChatGPT had a minor impact on developing the research framework and data analysis. The primary area needing improvement was the development of the literature review. Moreover, reviewers expressed concerns around ownership and the integrity of the research when using AI-generated text. Nonetheless, ChatGPT has a strong potential to increase human productivity in research and can be used in academic writing.

    CONCLUSIONS: AI-generated text has the potential to improve the quality of high-impact research articles. The findings of this study suggest that decision makers and researchers should focus more on the methodology part of the research, which includes research design, developing research tools, and analyzing data in depth, to draw strong theoretical and practical implications, thereby establishing a revolution in scientific research in the era of AI. The practical implications of this study can be used in different fields such as medical education to deliver materials to develop the basic competencies for both medicine students and faculty members.

  12. Liang Y, Xinping H, Mazlan NS, Liang B, Ting L
    PLoS One, 2023;18(9):e0290582.
    PMID: 37708104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290582
    Carbon dioxide emission is a high-profile issue that can affect both the human economy and human existence, but few scholars have studied the relationship between these two. Therefore, this study constructs the panel threshold regression (PTR) based on the National Bureau of Statistics of China's panel data from 2002 to 2019 in 19 regions. One of the advantages of PTR is to leverage segmented functions, allowing for a more detailed analysis of the data. Besides, by introducing the idea of a threshold, PTR can effectively avoid structural changes in the data. The different between this study and other research is that this study divides 19 regions into two parts: Eastern China and Central China. Based on that, this study researches and compares the different influences of the aging population on carbon emissions in these two regions. The results show that although the Environment Kuznets Curve has been confirmed in both Eastern China and Central China, with the development of the economy, the carbon emissions will increase in Eastern China and decrease in Central China, respectively. In addition, the key factors affecting carbon emissions in Eastern China and Central China are trade dependence and urbanization rate separately. Hence, this study suggests that the regional governments in Eastern China may guide and encourage more international trading companies to move to Central China, and at the same time, the regional governments in Central China should issue more policies to attract these companies, such as: reducing land lease fees and building better transportation infrastructure. Apart from that, the governments in Central China should vigorously increase the rate of urbanization to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Aging*; Carbon Dioxide*; China; Fees and Charges; Humans; Local Government
  13. Sornillo JB, Ditangco R, Kinikar A, Wati DK, Du QT, Nguyen DQ, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(9):e0291523.
    PMID: 37708128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291523
    Despite improvements in HIV testing and earlier antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in children living with HIV through the years, a considerable proportion start treatment with advanced disease. We studied characteristics of children and adolescents living with HIV and their level of immunodeficiency at ART initiation using data from a multi-country Asian cohort. We included children and adolescents who were ART-naïve and <18 years of age at ART initiation from 2011 to 2020 at 17 HIV clinics in six countries. Incidence rates of opportunistic infections (OIs) in the first two years of triple-drug ART (≥3 antiretrovirals) was also reported. Competing risk regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with first occurrence of OI. In 2,027 children and adolescents (54% males), median age at ART initiation increased from 4.5 years in 2011-2013 to 6.7 in 2017-2020, median CD4 count doubled from 237 cells/μl to 466 cells/μl, and proportion of children who initiated ART as severely immunodeficient decreased from 70% to 45%. During follow-up, 275 (14%) children who received triple-drug ART as first treatment and had at least one clinic visit, developed at least one OI in the first two years of treatment (9.40 per 100 person-years). The incidence rate of any first OI declined from 12.52 to 7.58 per 100 person-years during 2011-2013 and 2017-2020. Lower hazard of OIs were found in those with age at first ART 2-14 years, current CD4 ≥200 cells/μl, and receiving ART between 2017 and 2020. The analysis demonstrated increasing number of children and adolescents starting ART with high CD4 count at ART start. The rate of first OI markedly decreased in children who started ART in more recent years. There remains a clear need for improvement in HIV control strategies in children, by promoting earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Ambulatory Care; Asia/epidemiology; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Opportunistic Infections*; Anti-Retroviral Agents/therapeutic use
  14. Abdul Razak SF, Rosli NL, Kamis NH, Rahim NCA, Abdullah MFA
    PLoS One, 2023;18(9):e0290311.
    PMID: 37708192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290311
    Informal human milk exchange is the practice of donating and receiving expressed human milk based on mutual consent between the donor and receiver in the need of human milk for infants below 2 years old. Main concerns related to informal human milk exchange is related to milk siblings and safety handling of the expressed breastmilk. Even though there are countries which have policies and procedures related to human milk bank, informal milk exchange has not been given much attention. Compared to human milk bank, informal human milk exchange is not regulated. This study aims to identify the system focused on personalized breastfeeding tracking and monitoring, online discussion forum, web-based consultation, and breastfeeding station locator. Review of current applications in supporting breastfeeding practices was conducted based on the PRISMA-ScR framework. A literature search was conducted in Scopus and Google Scholar databases to identify articles published in English or Malay and containing systems/applications related to breastfeeding, milk sharing, milk exchange, milk siblings/kinship within the societal context. According to the scoping review, current scientific publications mostly focused on breast milk, breastfeeding, and milk banking concerns, with recurring themes including social reasons, lactation insufficiency, and unsolved nursing problems. These themes highlight the complexities and complexities of informal human milk exchange practices. Two reviewers screened the articles, and the data were extracted and narratively synthesized. During the primary database search, 360 articles were found based on the related titles, abstracts, and keywords. Seventy eight met the inclusion criteria and were finalized in this review. We found that most scholarly works focused on breast milk, breastfeeding and milk banking challenges and issues with recurrent themes i.e., societies, lactation inadequacy and unresolved nursing problems. Based on our literature search and to the best of our knowledge, there is no recent scoping reviews which focuses on technology-based approaches on informal human milk exchange. Findings from this scoping review is important for advancing research and practice in this field, as well as improving outcomes for individuals and families affected by informal human milk exchange.
    MeSH terms: Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Infant; Lactation; Milk, Human*; Technology; Milk Banks*
  15. Elkins G
    Int J Clin Exp Hypn, 2023;71(4):273-275.
    PMID: 37708396 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2023.2243785
    This issue of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis addresses the efficacy and feasibility of hypnosis interventions for several medical problems and issues. The lead article provides a narrative review of the efficacy of hypnosis interventions for Fibromyalgia. This is followed by a feasibility study of self-administered hypnosis for sleep disturbances in college students and an article on self-hypnosis for self-care in oncology patients. The effect of self-hypnosis on test anxiety is added in a study of secondary school students in Malaysia. These articles are complemented by a survey about hypnosis among students, therapists, and the general public in Poland. These are impactful topics that are addressed from an international perspective. The feasibility and potential efficacy of hypnosis interventions for a range of medical concerns are addressed as well as the impact of beliefs and attitudes about clinical hypnosis.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Hypnosis*; Sleep
  16. Lee TY, Farah N, Chin VK, Lim CW, Chong PP, Basir R, et al.
    Nutr Res, 2023 Nov;119:1-20.
    PMID: 37708600 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2023.08.010
    Riboflavin is a precursor of the essential coenzymes flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide. Both possess antioxidant properties and are involved in oxidation-reduction reactions, which have a significant impact on energy metabolism. Also, the coenzymes participate in metabolism of pyridoxine, niacin, folate, and iron. Humans must obtain riboflavin through their daily diet because of the lack of programmed enzymatic machineries for de novo riboflavin synthesis. Because of its physiological nature and fast elimination from the human body when in excess, riboflavin consumed is unlikely to induce any negative effects or develop toxicity in humans. The use of riboflavin in pharmaceutical and clinical contexts has been previously explored, including for preventing and treating oxidative stress and reperfusion oxidative damage, creating synergistic compounds to mitigate colorectal cancer, modulating blood pressure, improving diabetes mellitus comorbidities, as well as neuroprotective agents and potent photosensitizer in killing bloodborne pathogens. Thus, the goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of riboflavin's biological applications in medicine, key considerations of riboflavin safety and toxicity, and a brief overview on the nanoencapsulation of riboflavin for various functions including the treatment of a range of diseases, photodynamic therapy, and cellular imaging.
    MeSH terms: Coenzymes; Flavin Mononucleotide/metabolism; Humans; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin*
  17. Ayoub MA, Yap PG, Mudgil P, Khan FB, Anwar I, Muhammad K, et al.
    J Dairy Sci, 2023 Sep 12.
    PMID: 37709024 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23733
    In dairy science, camel milk (CM) constitutes a center of interest for scientists due to its known beneficial impact on diabetes as demonstrated in many in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies and trials. Overall, CM had positive effects on various parameters related to glucose transport and metabolism as well as the structural and functional properties of the pancreatic β-cells and insulin secretion. Thus, CM consumption may help manage diabetes, however, such a recommendation will become rationale and clinically conceivable only if the exact molecular mechanisms and pathways involved at the cellular levels are well understood. Moreover, the application of CM as an alternative antidiabetic tool may first require the identification of the exact bioactive molecule(s) behind such antidiabetic properties. In this review, we describe the advances in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms reported to be involved in the beneficial effects of CM in managing diabetes using different in vitro and in vivo models. This mainly includes the effects of CM on the different molecular pathways controlling (i) insulin receptor signaling and glucose uptake, (ii) the pancreatic β-cell structure and function, and (iii) the activity of key metabolic enzymes in glucose metabolism. Moreover, we described the current status of the identification of CM-derived bioactive peptides and their structure-activity relationship study and characterization in the context of molecular markers related to diabetes. Such an overview will not only enrich our scientific knowledge of the plausible mode of action of CM in diabetes but should ultimately rationalize the claim of the potential application of CM against diabetes. This will pave the way toward new directions and ideas for developing a new generation of antidiabetic products taking benefits from the chemical composition of CM.
  18. Selvaraj C, Safi SZ, Vijayakumar R
    Adv Protein Chem Struct Biol, 2023;137:135-159.
    PMID: 37709373 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.05.001
    Circadian rhythms are autonomous oscillators developed by the molecular circadian clock, essential for coordinating internal time with the external environment in a 24-h daily cycle. In mammals, this circadian clock system plays a major role in all physiological processes and severely affects human health. The regulation of the circadian clock extends beyond the clock genes to involve several clock-controlled genes. Hence, the aberrant expression of these clock genes leads to the downregulation of important targets that control the cell cycle and the ability to undergo apoptosis. This may lead to genomic instability and promotes carcinogenesis. Alteration in the clock genes and their modulation is recognized as a new approach for the development of effective treatment against several diseases, including cancer. Until now, there has been a lack of understanding of circadian rhythms and cancer disease. For that, this chapter aims to represent the core components of circadian rhythms and their function in cancer pathogenesis and progression. In addition, the clinical impacts, current clock drugs, and potential therapeutic targets have been discussed.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Cycle; Humans; Mammals; Apoptosis; Carcinogenesis
  19. Chong D, Alsultan W, Ariff SNH, Kong LL, Ho CL, Wong MY
    Plant Dis, 2023 Sep 14.
    PMID: 37709725 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-04-23-0636-PDN
    Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a high economic value cash crop in Malaysia. In December 2021, irregular spots with dotted rust-like appearance were observed mainly on the tip of the leaves of MATAG variety coconut seedlings at the nursery in Perak state. More than 90% of the coconut seedlings surveyed were infected with leaf spot symptoms. These symptoms could bring huge economic losses due to the downgrade value of the seedlings. 15 symptomatic leaves were obtained from the nursery, 10 mm2 of cut leaves were disinfected with 10% sodium hypochlorite for 10 minutes and rinsed with sterile distilled water before plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). A total of 4 single-spore isolates were obtained and were observed morphologically. The isolates had white cotton-like appearance with undulate edge. Black acervuli were seen after 7 days of incubation at 26 °C. The conidia were fusiform and contained five cells with four septate and three versicolor cells in between the apical and basal cell. The conidia were 17.2 µm long and 5.9 µm wide (n=30). Conidia consisted of two to three apical appendages and one basal appendage. These morphological characters were consistent with the original description of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora (Santos et al., 2019; Abbas et al., 2022). Species identification was done by amplifying internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region using primers ITS 4 and ITS 5 (White et al., 1990) and beta-tubulin (TUB2) using primers Bt2a and Bt2b (Glass & Donaldson et al., 1995) of the representative isolate LKR1, then sequenced. The 488 bp ITS and 409 bp TUB2 sequences were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers ON844193 and OP004810, respectively. Isolate LKR1 shares 99.8% identity with the ITS sequence (MH860736.1) of the reference pathogenic N. clavispora strain CBS:447.73 and 100% identity with the TUB2 sequence (KM199443.1) of the reference pathogenic N. clavispora strain CBS 447.73. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the isolate LKR1 belonged to N. clavispora when a supported clade is formed with 98% and 94% bootstrap support for ITS and TUB2 respectively with other related N. clavispora. Pathogenicity test was conducted by using five replicates of 8 month old seedlings, they were incubated under greenhouse condition and were watered daily. The leaves of the seedlings were injured with sterile needles and were sprayed with conidial suspension (1 x 10^6 conidia/ml). The control plants were also injured but sprayed with sterile distilled water. After a month, signature symptoms of spots on the leaves appear but none on the control seedling. N. clavispora was successfully re-isolated only from the inoculated symptomatic leaves and identified morphologically. No fungus was re-isolated from the control seedlings. The result was consistent even after repeating the test one more time. N. clavispora has been reported causing leaf spot on Macadamia integrifolia (Santos et al., 2019), Phoenix dactylifera L. (Basavand et al., 2020) and Musa acuminata (Qi et al., 2022). N. clavispora has also been reported causing rust-like appearance of leaves on strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) (Obregón et al., 2018). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. clavispora causing leaf spot disease on coconut seedlings in Malaysia. Through the identification of N. clavispora as the causal agent of leaf spot on coconut, this can help coconut growers to tackle the disease problem earlier thus, preventing the disease from spreading until the adult phase.
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