Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Fulltext Galactoside-Based Molecule Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity through Acyl Moiety Incorporation: Synthesis and In Silico Exploration for Therapeutic Target
    Ahmmed F, Al-Mijalli SH, Abdallah EM, Eissa IH, Ali F, Bhat AR, et al.
    Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2023 Jul 13;16(7).
    PMID: 37513910 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070998
    In this study, a series of galactoside-based molecules, compounds of methyl β-d-galactopyranoside (MDGP, 1), were selectively acylated using 2-bromobenzoyl chloride to obtain 6-O-(2-bromobenzoyl) substitution products, which were then transformed into 2,3,4-tri-O-6-(2-bromobenzoyl) compounds (2-7) with various nontraditional acyl substituents. The chemical structures of the synthesized analogs were characterized by spectroscopic methods and physicochemical and elemental data analyses. The antimicrobial activities of the compounds against five human pathogenic bacteria and two phyto-fungi were evaluated in vitro and it was found that the acyl moiety-induced synthesized analogs exhibited varying levels of antibacterial activity against different bacteria, with compounds 3 and 6 exhibiting broad-spectrum activity and compounds 2 and 5 exhibiting activity against specific bacteria. Compounds 3 and 6 were tested for MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) based on their activity. The synthesized analogs were also found to have potential as a source of new antibacterial agents, particularly against gram-positive bacteria. The antifungal results suggested that the synthesized analogs could be a potential source of novel antifungal agents. Moreover, cytotoxicity testing revealed that the compounds are less toxic. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigation revealed that the lauroyl chain [CH3(CH2)10CO-] and the halo-aromatic chain [3(/4)-Cl.C6H4CO-] in combination with sugar, had the most potent activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Density functional theory (DFT)-calculated thermodynamic and physicochemical parameters, and molecular docking, showed that the synthesized molecule may block dengue virus 1 NS2B/NS3 protease (3L6P). A 150 ns molecular dynamic simulation indicated stable conformation and binding patterns in a stimulating environment. In silico ADMET calculations suggested that the designed (MDGP, 1) had good drug-likeness values. In summary, the newly synthesized MDGP analogs exhibit potential antiviral activity and could serve as a therapeutic target for dengue virus 1 NS2B/NS3 protease.
  2. Fulltext Preparation and Effect of Methyl-Oleate-Based Polyol on the Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foams as Potential Thermal Insulation Material
    Kamairudin N, Abdullah LC, Hoong SS, Biak DRA, Ariffin H
    Polymers (Basel), 2023 Jul 13;15(14).
    PMID: 37514418 DOI: 10.3390/polym15143028
    Recently, most of the commercial polyols used in the production of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) have been derived from petrochemicals. Therefore, the introduction of modified palm oil derivatives-based polyol as a renewable material into the formulation of RPUFs is the focus of this study. A palm oil derivative-namely, methyl oleate (MO)-was successfully modified through three steps of reactions: epoxidation reaction, ring-opened with glycerol, followed by amidation reaction to produce a bio-based polyol named alkanolamide polyol. Physicochemical properties of the alkanolamide polyol were analyzed. The hydroxyl value of alkanolamide polyol was 313 mg KOH/g, which is suitable for producing RPUFs. Therefore, RPUFs were produced by replacing petrochemical polyol with alkanolamide polyol. The effects of alkanolamide polyol on the physical, mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated. The results showed that the apparent density and compressive strength increased, and cell size decreased, upon introducing alkanolamide polyol. All the RPUFs exhibited low water absorption and excellent dimensional stability. The RPUFs made with increased amounts of alkanolamide polyol showed higher thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, the thermal conductivities of RPUFs made with alkanolamide polyol are still within the range for thermal insulating materials (<0.1 W/m.K). The thermal stability of RPUFs was improved with the addition of alkanolamide polyol into the system. Thus, the RPUFs made from alkanolamide polyol are potential candidates to be used as insulation for refrigerators or freezers.
  3. Fulltext Feasibility Study of Using Hydrophobic Geopolymer-Based as Aggregate Substitution in Asphalt Mixture
    Ago C, Li G, Wu J, Md Yusoff NI
    Polymers (Basel), 2023 Jul 18;15(14).
    PMID: 37514465 DOI: 10.3390/polym15143077
    Hydrophobic aggregates have the great ability to prevent asphalt pavement roads from stripping-off of the asphalt in presence of water. In addition, they give the option to consume less asphalt and save cost. On the other hand, natural aggregates have been found to be non-renewable and rare. Geopolymer based artificial aggregates are great materials as they demonstrated to have exceptional features, such as high strength, superior durability, and greater resistance to fire exposure. In this study, a new hydrophobic geopolymer based aggregate has been produced with rice ash (RA) and fly ash as precursors as well as, Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Sodium Silicate (Na2SiO3) as activators. The mechanical properties combined with the softening coefficient, surface properties of samples, contact angle and adhesion were characterized as well as microstructure X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test. The results indicate that the activators Na2SiO3/NaOH at a mix ratio of 1 have a suitable effect on the pores and the compressive strength of the new artificial aggregate most particularly sodium hydroxide. Nonetheless, it has been found that coating the artificial aggregate with asphalt showed a great improvement of the hydrophobic nature of the produced artificial aggregate based geopolymer. Hence, indicates the possibility of using it as recycle aggregate pavement. From a microstructure point, the hydrophobic nature of the new alkali-activated artificial aggregate can be improved by increasing the quantity of mullite in the mix proportion design.
  4. Fulltext Polymer-Based Hydrogel Loaded with Honey in Drug Delivery System for Wound Healing Applications
    Yasin SNN, Said Z, Halib N, Rahman ZA, Mokhzani NI
    Polymers (Basel), 2023 Jul 18;15(14).
    PMID: 37514474 DOI: 10.3390/polym15143085
    Excellent wound dressings should have crucial components, including high porosity, non-toxicity, high water absorption, and the ability to retain a humid environment in the wound area and facilitate wound healing. Unfortunately, current wound dressings hamper the healing process, with poor antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, frequent dressing changes, low biodegradability, and poor mechanical properties. Hydrogels are crosslinked polymer chains with three-dimensional (3D) networks that have been applicable as wound dressings. They could retain a humid environment on the wound site, provide a protective barrier against pathogenic infections, and provide pain relief. Hydrogel can be obtained from natural, synthetic, or hybrid polymers. Honey is a natural substance that has demonstrated several therapeutic efficacies, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity, which makes it beneficial for wound treatment. Honey-based hydrogel wound dressings demonstrated excellent characteristics, including good biodegradability and biocompatibility, stimulated cell proliferation and reepithelization, inhibited bacterial growth, and accelerated wound healing. This review aimed to demonstrate the potential of honey-based hydrogel in wound healing applications and complement the studies accessible regarding implementing honey-based hydrogel dressing for wound healing.
  5. Fulltext Starch-Based Polymer Materials as Advanced Adsorbents for Sustainable Water Treatment: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
    Khoo PS, Ilyas RA, Uda MNA, Hassan SA, Nordin AH, Norfarhana AS, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2023 Jul 21;15(14).
    PMID: 37514503 DOI: 10.3390/polym15143114
    Over the past three decades, chemical and biological water contamination has become a major concern, particularly in the industrialized world. Heavy metals, aromatic compounds, and dyes are among the harmful substances that contribute to water pollution, which jeopardies the human health. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance to locate methods for the cleanup of wastewater that are not genuinely effective. Owing to its non-toxicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, starch is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that scientists are looking into as a possible environmentally friendly material for sustainable water remediation. Starch could exhibit significant adsorption capabilities towards pollutants with the substitution of amide, amino, carboxyl, and other functional groups for hydroxyl groups. Starch derivatives may effectively remove contaminants such as oil, organic solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, dyes, and pharmaceutical pollutants by employing adsorption techniques at a rate greater than 90%. The maximal adsorption capacities of starch-based adsorbents for oil and organic solvents, pesticides, heavy metal ions, dyes, and pharmaceuticals are 13,000, 66, 2000, 25,000, and 782 mg/g, respectively. Although starch-based adsorbents have demonstrated a promising future for environmental wastewater treatment, additional research is required to optimize the technique before the starch-based adsorbent can be used in large-scale in situ wastewater treatment.
  6. Fulltext Intelligent Traffic Model for Unmanned Ground Vehicles Based on DSDV-AODV Protocol
    Ali AM, Ngadi MA, Al Barazanchi II, JosephNg PS
    Sensors (Basel), 2023 Jul 15;23(14).
    PMID: 37514720 DOI: 10.3390/s23146426
    Traffic systems have been built as a result of recent technological advancements. In application, dependable communication technology is essential to link any system needs. VANET technology is used to communicate data about intelligent traffic lights, which are focused on infrastructure during traffic accidents and mechanisms to reduce traffic congestion. To ensure reliable data transfer in VANET, appropriate routing protocols must be used. This research aims to improve data transmission in VANETs implemented in intelligent traffic lights. This study investigates the capability of combining the DSDV routing protocol with the routing protocol AODV to boost AODV on an OMNET++ simulator utilizing the 802.11p wireless standard. According to the simulation results obtained by analyzing the delay parameters, network QoS, and throughput on each protocol, the DSDV-AODV routing protocol performs better in three scenarios compared to QoS, delay, and throughput parameters in every scenario that uses network topology adapted to the conditions on the road intersections. The topology with 50 fixed + 50 mobile nodes yields the best results, with 0.00062 s delay parameters, a network QoS of 640 bits/s, and a throughput of 629.437 bits/s. Aside from the poor results on the network QoS parameters, the addition of mobile nodes to the topology influences both the results of delay and throughput metrics.
  7. Fulltext Mobility-Aware Resource Allocation in IoRT Network for Post-Disaster Communications with Parameterized Reinforcement Learning
    Kabir H, Tham ML, Chang YC, Chow CO, Owada Y
    Sensors (Basel), 2023 Jul 17;23(14).
    PMID: 37514742 DOI: 10.3390/s23146448
    Natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, tsunamis, wildfires, and hurricanes, have become more common in recent years due to rapid climate change. For Post-Disaster Management (PDM), authorities deploy various types of user equipment (UE) for the search and rescue operation, for example, search and rescue robots, drones, medical robots, smartphones, etc., via the Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) supported by cellular 4G/LTE/5G and beyond or other wireless technologies. For uninterrupted communication services, movable and deployable resource units (MDRUs) have been utilized where the base stations are damaged due to the disaster. In addition, power optimization of the networks by satisfying the quality of service (QoS) of each UE is a crucial challenge because of the electricity crisis after the disaster. In order to optimize the energy efficiency, UE throughput, and serving cell (SC) throughput by considering the stationary as well as movable UE without knowing the environmental priori knowledge in MDRUs aided two-tier heterogeneous networks (HetsNets) of IoRT, the optimization problem has been formulated based on emitting power allocation and user association combinedly in this article. This optimization problem is nonconvex and NP-hard where parameterized (discrete: user association and continuous: power allocation) action space is deployed. The new model-free hybrid action space-based algorithm called multi-pass deep Q network (MP-DQN) is developed to optimize this complex problem. Simulations results demonstrate that the proposed MP-DQN outperforms the parameterized deep Q network (P-DQN) approach, which is well known for solving parameterized action space, DQN, as well as traditional algorithms in terms of reward, average energy efficiency, UE throughput, and SC throughput for motionless as well as moveable UE.
  8. Fulltext The Principles of Hearable Photoplethysmography Analysis and Applications in Physiological Monitoring-A Review
    Azudin K, Gan KB, Jaafar R, Ja'afar MH
    Sensors (Basel), 2023 Jul 18;23(14).
    PMID: 37514778 DOI: 10.3390/s23146484
    Not long ago, hearables paved the way for biosensing, fitness, and healthcare monitoring. Smart earbuds today are not only producing sound but also monitoring vital signs. Reliable determination of cardiovascular and pulmonary system information can explore the use of hearables for physiological monitoring. Recent research shows that photoplethysmography (PPG) signals not only contain details on oxygen saturation level (SPO2) but also carry more physiological information including pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, and arterial-related information. The analysis of the PPG signal from the ear has proven to be reliable and accurate in the research setting. (1) Background: The present integrative review explores the existing literature on an in-ear PPG signal and its application. This review aims to identify the current technology and usage of in-ear PPG and existing evidence on in-ear PPG in physiological monitoring. This review also analyzes in-ear (PPG) measurement configuration and principle, waveform characteristics, processing technology, and feature extraction characteristics. (2) Methods: We performed a comprehensive search to discover relevant in-ear PPG articles published until December 2022. The following electronic databases: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were utilized to conduct the studies addressing the evidence of in-ear PPG in physiological monitoring. (3) Results: Fourteen studies were identified but nine studies were finalized. Eight studies were on different principles and configurations of hearable PPG, and eight studies were on processing technology and feature extraction and its evidence in in-ear physiological monitoring. We also highlighted the limitations and challenges of using in-ear PPG in physiological monitoring. (4) Conclusions: The available evidence has revealed the future of in-ear PPG in physiological monitoring. We have also analyzed the potential limitation and challenges that in-ear PPG will face in processing the signal.
    MeSH terms: Arteries*; Blood Pressure; Heart Rate; Monitoring, Physiologic; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; Photoplethysmography*; Respiratory Rate
  9. Fulltext Automated Gait Analysis Based on a Marker-Free Pose Estimation Model
    Hii CST, Gan KB, Zainal N, Mohamed Ibrahim N, Azmin S, Mat Desa SH, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2023 Jul 18;23(14).
    PMID: 37514783 DOI: 10.3390/s23146489
    Gait analysis is an essential tool for detecting biomechanical irregularities, designing personalized rehabilitation plans, and enhancing athletic performance. Currently, gait assessment depends on either visual observation, which lacks consistency between raters and requires clinical expertise, or instrumented evaluation, which is costly, invasive, time-consuming, and requires specialized equipment and trained personnel. Markerless gait analysis using 2D pose estimation techniques has emerged as a potential solution, but it still requires significant computational resources and human involvement, making it challenging to use. This research proposes an automated method for temporal gait analysis that employs the MediaPipe Pose, a low-computational-resource pose estimation model. The study validated this approach against the Vicon motion capture system to evaluate its reliability. The findings reveal that this approach demonstrates good (ICC(2,1) > 0.75) to excellent (ICC(2,1) > 0.90) agreement in all temporal gait parameters except for double support time (right leg switched to left leg) and swing time (right), which only exhibit a moderate (ICC(2,1) > 0.50) agreement. Additionally, this approach produces temporal gait parameters with low mean absolute error. It will be useful in monitoring changes in gait and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions such as rehabilitation or training programs in the community.
    MeSH terms: Biomechanical Phenomena; Gait*; Humans; Leg; Reproducibility of Results
  10. Fulltext CNN-CNN: Dual Convolutional Neural Network Approach for Feature Selection and Attack Detection on Internet of Things Networks
    Alabsi BA, Anbar M, Rihan SDA
    Sensors (Basel), 2023 Jul 19;23(14).
    PMID: 37514801 DOI: 10.3390/s23146507
    The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought significant advancements that have connected our world more closely than ever before. However, the growing number of connected devices has also increased the vulnerability of IoT networks to several types of attacks. In this paper, we present an approach for detecting attacks on IoT networks using a combination of two convolutional neural networks (CNN-CNN). The first CNN model is leveraged to select the significant features that contribute to IoT attack detection from the raw data on network traffic. The second CNN utilizes the features identified by the first CNN to build a robust detection model that accurately detects IoT attacks. The proposed approach is evaluated using the BoT IoT 2020 dataset. The results reveal that the proposed approach achieves 98.04% detection accuracy, 98.09% precision, 99.85% recall, 98.96% recall, and a 1.93% false positive rate (FPR). Furthermore, the proposed approach is compared with other deep learning algorithms and feature selection methods; the results show that it outperforms these algorithms.
  11. Fulltext An Adaptive Distributed Denial of Service Attack Prevention Technique in a Distributed Environment
    Riskhan B, Safuan HAJ, Hussain K, Elnour AAH, Abdelmaboud A, Khan F, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2023 Jul 21;23(14).
    PMID: 37514868 DOI: 10.3390/s23146574
    Cyberattacks in the modern world are sophisticated and can be undetected in a dispersed setting. In a distributed setting, DoS and DDoS attacks cause resource unavailability. This has motivated the scientific community to suggest effective approaches in distributed contexts as a means of mitigating such attacks. Syn Flood is the most common sort of DDoS assault, up from 76% to 81% in Q2, according to Kaspersky's Q3 report. Direct and indirect approaches are also available for launching DDoS attacks. While in a DDoS attack, controlled traffic is transmitted indirectly through zombies to reflectors to compromise the target host, in a direct attack, controlled traffic is sent directly to zombies in order to assault the victim host. Reflectors are uncompromised systems that only send replies in response to a request. To mitigate such assaults, traffic shaping and pushback methods are utilised. The SYN Flood Attack Detection and Mitigation Technique (SFaDMT) is an adaptive heuristic-based method we employ to identify DDoS SYN flood assaults. This study suggested an effective strategy to identify and resist the SYN assault. A decision support mechanism served as the foundation for the suggested (SFaDMT) approach. The suggested model was simulated, analysed, and compared to the most recent method using the OMNET simulator. The outcome demonstrates how the suggested fix improved detection.
  12. Fulltext Development of Debiasing Technique for Lung Nodule Chest X-ray Datasets to Generalize Deep Learning Models
    Horry MJ, Chakraborty S, Pradhan B, Paul M, Zhu J, Loh HW, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2023 Jul 21;23(14).
    PMID: 37514877 DOI: 10.3390/s23146585
    Screening programs for early lung cancer diagnosis are uncommon, primarily due to the challenge of reaching at-risk patients located in rural areas far from medical facilities. To overcome this obstacle, a comprehensive approach is needed that combines mobility, low cost, speed, accuracy, and privacy. One potential solution lies in combining the chest X-ray imaging mode with federated deep learning, ensuring that no single data source can bias the model adversely. This study presents a pre-processing pipeline designed to debias chest X-ray images, thereby enhancing internal classification and external generalization. The pipeline employs a pruning mechanism to train a deep learning model for nodule detection, utilizing the most informative images from a publicly available lung nodule X-ray dataset. Histogram equalization is used to remove systematic differences in image brightness and contrast. Model training is then performed using combinations of lung field segmentation, close cropping, and rib/bone suppression. The resulting deep learning models, generated through this pre-processing pipeline, demonstrate successful generalization on an independent lung nodule dataset. By eliminating confounding variables in chest X-ray images and suppressing signal noise from the bone structures, the proposed deep learning lung nodule detection algorithm achieves an external generalization accuracy of 89%. This approach paves the way for the development of a low-cost and accessible deep learning-based clinical system for lung cancer screening.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Lung; X-Rays; Neural Networks (Computer); Early Detection of Cancer
  13. Fulltext Identification of the Tembusu Virus in Mosquitoes in Northern Thailand
    Hamel R, Vargas REM, Rajonhson DM, Yamanaka A, Jaroenpool J, Wichit S, et al.
    Viruses, 2023 Jun 27;15(7).
    PMID: 37515135 DOI: 10.3390/v15071447
    Among emerging zoonotic pathogens, mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) circulate between vertebrate animals and mosquitoes and represent a serious threat to humans via spillover from enzootic cycles to the human community. Active surveillance of MBVs in their vectors is therefore essential to better understand and prevent spillover and emergence, especially at the human-animal interface. In this study, we assessed the presence of MBVs using molecular and phylogenetic methods in mosquitoes collected along an ecological gradient ranging from rural urbanized areas to highland forest areas in northern Thailand. We have detected the presence of insect specific flaviviruses in our samples, and the presence of the emerging zoonotic Tembusu virus (TMUV). Reported for the first time in 1955 in Malaysia, TMUV remained for a long time in the shadow of other flaviviruses such as dengue virus or the Japanese encephalitis virus. In this study, we identified two new TMUV strains belonging to cluster 3, which seems to be endemic in rural areas of Thailand and highlighted the genetic specificities of this Thai cluster. Our results show the active circulation of this emerging flavivirus in Thailand and the need for continuous investigation on this poorly known but threatening virus in Asia.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Culex*; Humans; Culicidae*; Phylogeny; Thailand/epidemiology; Mosquito Vectors
  14. Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Piper as Anticancer Agents: A Review
    Woon CK, Ahmad FB, Zamakshshari NH
    Chem Biodivers, 2023 Sep;20(9):e202300166.
    PMID: 37515318 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202300166
    Cancer has become the primary cause of death worldwide, and anticancer drugs are used to combat this disease. Synthesis of anticancer drugs has limited success due to adverse side effects has made compounds from natural products with minimal toxicity gain much popularity. Piper species are known to have a biological effect on human health. The biological activity is due to Piper species rich with active secondary metabolites that can combat most diseases, including cancer. This review will discuss the phytochemistry of Piper species and their anticancer activity. The identification and characterization of ten active metabolites isolated from Piper species were discussed in detail and their anticancer mechanism. These metabolites were mainly found could inhibit anticancer through caspase and P38/JNK pathways. The findings discussed in this review support the therapeutic potential of Piper species against cancer due to their rich source of active metabolites with demonstrated anticancer activity.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Caspases
  15. Stone diet and dietary change: understanding determinants for dietary change behaviour in patients following urinary stones
    Muhamad S, Sowtali SN, Arifin SRM, Islah MAR, Mohd Shukri NA
    J Hum Nutr Diet, 2023 Oct;36(5):2060-2072.
    PMID: 37515409 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13215
    BACKGROUND: Dietary habit is one of the most important methods to prevent and treat urinary stones. However, only limited evidence of the experiences of dietary management among urinary stone patients in Malaysia is available. This study aimed to explore participants' current dietary practices after the diagnosis of urinary stones and to identify the factors that facilitate their dietary changes.

    METHODS: A qualitative study with purposive sampling was conducted using face-to-face semistructured interviews. A total of 20 participants from a tertiary general hospital in Kuantan, Malaysia, were recruited in this study. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

    RESULTS: Two themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme explained the changes in the dietary practice of the participants postdiagnosis. The second theme revealed that the participants' dietary changes were greatly influenced by personal factors and external support from professionals, family and peers.

    CONCLUSIONS: Urinary stone patients highlighted the fear of complications, self-determination and knowledge of nutrition as the main drivers of their dietary change postdiagnosis. Emphasising proper nutritional care by assessing and evaluating dietary self-management among patients can facilitate effective self-care in stone prevention management.

    MeSH terms: Diet*; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Nutritional Status; Urinary Calculi*; Nutritional Support
  16. Health-related quality of life and medication adherence of people living with epilepsy in Pakistan: A cross-sectional study
    Tanveer M, Tahir AH, Iqbal M, Aslam F, Ahmed A
    Brain Behav, 2023 Jul 29.
    PMID: 37515419 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3127
    INTRODUCTION: The primary purpose of this study was to determine adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PWE. Secondary aims were to assess association between adherence and HRQoL and determine predictors of HRQoL in PWE in Pakistan.

    METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among PWE receiving treatment from two tertiary care hospitals of Pakistan. The HRQoL and adherence were assessed with Urdu versions of Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 (QOLIE-31), and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). Relationship between HRQoL and adherence was assessed by Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient. Forced entry multiple linear models were used to determine relationship of independent variables with HRQoL.

    RESULTS: 219 PWE with a mean (±standard deviation) age, 34.18 (± 13.710) years, participated in this study. The overall weighted mean HRQoL score was (51.60 ± 17.10), and mean score for adherence was 6.17 (± 2.31). There was significant association between adherence and HRQoL in PWE (Pearson's correlation = 0.820-0.930; p ≤ .0001). Multiple linear regression found adherence (B = 16.8; p ≤ .0001), male gender (B = 10.0; p = .001), employment status (employed: B = 7.50; p = .030), level of education (Tertiary: B = 0.910; p = .010), duration of epilepsy (>10 years: B = -0.700; p ≤ .0001), and age (≥46 years: B = -0.680; p ≤ .0001), and ASM therapy (polypharmacy: B = 0.430; p = .010) as independent predictors of HRQoL in PWE from Pakistan.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest PWE from our center have suboptimal adherence which affects HRQoL. Independent factors such as male gender, employment status and duration of epilepsy are predictors of HRQoL.

  17. Prospective longitudinal analysis of clinical and immunological risk factors associated with oral and gastrointestinal mucositis following autologous stem cell transplant in adults
    Wong SP, Tan SM, Lee CS, Law KB, Lim YAL, Rajasuriar R
    Support Care Cancer, 2023 Jul 27;31(8):494.
    PMID: 37498423 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07947-5
    PURPOSE: The study aimed to characterize the incidence of both oral and gastrointestinal (GI) mucositis, its' associated temporal changes in local and systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines, and to explore predictive clinical and immunological factors associated with their occurrences in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

    METHODS: Autologous HSCT patients aged 18 years old and above were recruited from Hospital Ampang, Malaysia, between April 2019 to December 2020. Mucositis assessments were conducted daily, whilst blood and saliva were collected prior to conditioning regimen, on Day 0, Day+7 and 6-month. Baseline and inflammatory predictors in a repeated time measurement of moderate-severe mucositis were assessed by multiple logistic regression and generalized estimating equations, respectively.

    RESULTS: Of the 142 patients analyzed, oral mucositis and diarrhea (representing GI mucositis) were reported as 68.3% and 95.8%, respectively. Predictive factors for moderate-severe oral mucositis were BEAM or busulphan-based regimens (odds ratio (OR)=9.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.16-72.9, p-value (p) = 0.005) and vomiting (OR=4.6, 95% CI 1.68-12.3, p = 0.004). Predictive factors for moderate-severe GI mucositis were BEAM or busulphan-based regimens (OR=3.9, 95% CI 1.05-14.5, p = 0.023), female sex (OR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.43-7.44, p = 0.004) and body mass index (OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.15, p = 0.010). Cytokines analyses were performed in 96 patients. Saliva and plasma interleukin-6 (OR=1.003, 95% CI 1.001-1.004, p < 0.001 and OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.015, p = 0.029), and plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.99, p = 0.019) were predictive of moderate-severe oral mucositis in a time-dependent model.

    CONCLUSION: This study provides real-world evidence and insights into patient- and treatment-related factors affecting oral and GI mucositis in HSCT.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Busulfan; Female; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Cytokines; Transplantation Conditioning/adverse effects; Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects
  18. A Q-marker screening strategy based on ADME studies and systems biology for Chinese herbal medicine, taking Qianghuo Shengshi decoction in treating rheumatoid arthritis as an example
    Wang J, Tao C, Xu G, Ling J, Tong J, Goh BH, et al.
    Mol Omics, 2023 Dec 04;19(10):769-786.
    PMID: 37498608 DOI: 10.1039/d3mo00029j
    Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) exhibits a broad spectrum of clinical applications and demonstrates favorable therapeutic efficacy. Nonetheless, elucidating the underlying mechanism of action (MOA) of CHM in disease treatment remains a formidable task due to its inherent characteristics of multi-level, multi-linked, and multi-dimensional non-linear synergistic actions. In recent years, the concept of a Quality marker (Q-marker) proposed by Liu et al. has significantly contributed to the monitoring and evaluation of CHM products, thereby fostering the advancement of CHM research. Within this study, a Q-marker screening strategy for CHM formulas has been introduced, particularly emphasising efficacy and biological activities, integrating absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies, systems biology, and experimental verification. As an illustrative case, the Q-marker screening of Qianghuo Shengshi decoction (QHSSD) for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been conducted. Consequently, from a pool of 159 compounds within QHSSD, five Q-markers exhibiting significant in vitro anti-inflammatory effects have been identified. These Q-markers encompass notopterol, isoliquiritin, imperatorin, cimifugin, and glycyrrhizic acid. Furthermore, by employing an integrated analysis of network pharmacology and metabolomics, several instructive insights into pharmacological mechanisms have been gleaned. This includes the identification of key targets and pathways through which QHSSD exerts its crucial roles in the treatment of RA. Notably, the inhibitory effect of QHSSD on AKT1 and MAPK3 activation has been validated through western blot analysis, underscoring its potential to mitigate RA-related inflammatory responses. In summary, this research demonstrates the proposed strategy's feasibility and provides a practical reference model for the systematic investigation of CHM formulas.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Systems Biology; Metabolomics
  19. Fulltext Perception, attitudes, and knowledge on infestation and management of bed bugs in major cities of Indonesia: A cross-sectional online survey
    Meisyara D, Guswenrivo I, Veera Singham G
    PLoS One, 2023;18(7):e0288682.
    PMID: 37498936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288682
    The resurgence of bed bugs is a global phenomenon, but until now reports on bed bug infestations in Indonesia are rare. The success of bed bug control is affected by people's knowledge and awareness. Stigma against bed bugs in Indonesia discourages the public from reporting infestations and therefore knowledge of their impact on public health is scarce. Herein, this study investigates the public's perception, attitudes, and knowledge on bed bug-related issues in several major cities in Indonesia through an online survey. Despite low case reports, three in five respondents (n = 600) have encountered bed bugs at least once; mostly in their homes (74.1%). Approximately half of the respondents correctly identified bed bugs, whereas mites were often misidentified for bed bugs (26.3%). Bite marks were not a useful indicator for detecting bed bugs. We found age, gender, and level of education affects the public's perception toward various bed bug-related issues. Regarding bed bug treatment, above 50% respondents are unaware of the availability of bed bug-specific insecticidal products and are unwilling to pay pest management professionals to control infestation. This study provides the first overview of the public's awareness and perception of bed bug infestations in some major cities of Indonesia, which can be useful for designing public health policies for bed bug management. The reported data represents the perspectives of online users, most likely from metropolitan regions. A bigger monitoring program encompassing pest professionals and hospitality businesses would give a more thorough overview of the bed bug impact in Indonesia.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Attitude; Bedbugs*; Cities; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Indonesia; Perception
  20. Editorial: Recognising the regional variations in profile of irritable bowel syndrome-better late than never! Authors' reply
    Chuah KH, Black CJ, Tee V, Lim SZ, Hian WX, Sahran NF, et al.
    Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2023 Aug;58(4):476-477.
    PMID: 37499105 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17634
    MeSH terms: Diarrhea; Humans
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