Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Amin M, Prajati G, Humairoh GP, Putri RM, Phairuang W, Hata M, et al.
    Heliyon, 2023 May;9(5):e15936.
    PMID: 37215863 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15936
    A cascade impactor type sampler equipped with an inertial filter was used to collect size-segregated particles down to ultrafine particles (UFPs or PM0.1) on Batam Island in Sumatra, Indonesia, bordered by Singapore and Malaysia during a wet and the COVID-19 pandemic season in 2021. Carbonaceous species, including organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), were analyzed by a thermal/optical carbon analyzer to determine the carbon species and their indices. The average UFP was 3.1 ± 0.9 μg/m3, which was 2-4 times lower than in other cities in Sumatra during the same season in the normal condition. The PMs mass concentration was largely affected by local emissions but long-range transportation of particles from Singapore and Malaysia was also not negligible. The air mass arrived at the sampling site passed the ocean, which introduced out clean air with a low level of PMs. The backward trajectory of the air mass and the largest fraction of OC2 and OC3 in all sizes was identified as being transported from the 2 above countries. OC is the dominant fraction in TC and the ratio of carbonaceous components indicated that origin of all particle sizes was predominantly vehicle emissions. UFPs were dominantly emitted from vehicles exhaust emission, while coarser particles (>10 μm) were influenced by the non-exhaust emissions, such as tire wear. Other particles (0.5-1.0; 1.0-2.5; and 2.5-10 μm) were slightly affected by biomass burning. The effective carbon ratio (ECR) and inhalation dose (ID) related EC indicated that finer particles or UFPs and PM0.5-1 contributed more to human health and global warming.
  2. Leena Haniffah N, Sharaf Shaiban M, Ahmed P
    Heliyon, 2023 May;9(5):e16095.
    PMID: 37215915 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16095
    The infamous malfeasance of corporate giants and the collapse of a financial system with global reverberations have further pressured the need for greater ethical discipline and consideration in business and finance. This study explored the motivations within firms as driven by their performance measurement systems (P.M.). Then, the study developed a newly proposed P.M.S. with greater ethical emphasis based on Islamic principles to be a foundation for augmented Sharia-compliant screening criteria for Islamic equities. Discourse analysis of the Islamic religious texts was used, followed by validation through interviews with scholars and practitioners. Results indicate that improving the current Sharia screening criteria is possible by expanding the qualitative and quantitative assessments to include indicators that consider shareholders, the board of directors and top management, business dealings and products, employee relations, community issues and environmental protection. This study has implications for regulators such as Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) and Sharia-compliant screening criteria users such as the Dow Jones Islamic Market (DJIM), Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) and Standard and Poor's (S&P) that may consider expanding their current equity screening criteria which mainly depends on the issuer's business activity and narrow quantitative measures. This version: June 28, 2022.
  3. Al-Shami SA, Al Mamun A, Rashid N, Cheong CB
    Heliyon, 2023 May;9(5):e15614.
    PMID: 37215933 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15614
    The current study primarily aims to investigate the happiness at workplace (HAW)-innovative work behaviour (IWB) correlation through the mediating effect of organisation citizenship behaviour (OCB) and moderating effect of organisational innovative culture (OIC). Notably, 383 questionnaires were collected from lecturers employed in three local universities in Malaysia and subsequently evaluated using structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Based on the study outcomes, HAW positively and significantly affected employees' IWB through the mediating and moderating effects of OCB and OIC, respectively. University directors should establish effective HAW approaches that elevate workers' organisational satisfaction, involvement, and commitment and develop a creative culture that acknowledges and complements innovation. This study, which pioneered the examination of the moderating effect of OIC, (i) filled the literature gap on the HAW-IWB link in emerging nations and (ii) expanded the 'broaden and build' and 'social exchange' theories with concrete proof of the HAW impact on OCB.
  4. Sani I, Jamian S, Saad N, Abdullah S, Mohd Hata E, Jalinas J, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(5):e0285666.
    PMID: 37216342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285666
    Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are natural enemies which affect insect population and have long been recognized as biological control agents against many insect pests. Some isolates have also been established as endophytes, benefiting their host plants without causing any symptoms or negative effects. Here we demonstrated two entomopathogenic fungal species, Isariajavanica (Frieder. & Bally) Samson & Hywel-jone 2005 and Purpureocillium lilacinum (Thom) Luangsa-ard, Hou-braken, Hywel-Jones & Samson (2011) as endophytes in tomato plants by using the seed inoculation method and examined their effect on plant growth, B. tabaci mortality, and adult emergence. Our study indicated that tomato seeds treated with a fungal suspension of I. javanica and P. lilacinum enabled their recovery from plant tissues (root, stem and leaf) up to 60 days after inoculation (DAI). Both endophytic isolates also caused significant mortality of adult B. tabaci on seedlings inoculated with, I. javanica (51.92±4.78%), and P. lilacinum (45.32±0.20%) compared to the control treatment (19.29±2.35). Adult emergence rates were significantly high in the control treatments (57.50±2.66%) compared to I. javanica (15.00±1.47%) and P. lilacinum (28.75±4.78%) treatments. This study provides evidence that endophytic isolates of I. javanica and P. lilacinum have a biocontrol potentials for used against whiteflies and could also explored as plant growth promoters.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Hemiptera*; Hypocreales*; Plants; Lycopersicon esculentum*; Seedlings/microbiology
  5. Anam C, Naufal A, Sutanto H, Arifin Z, Hidayanto E, Tan LK, et al.
    Biomed Phys Eng Express, 2023 May 30;9(4).
    PMID: 37216929 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/acd785
    Objective. To develop an algorithm to measure slice thickness running on three types of Catphan phantoms with the ability to adapt to any misalignment and rotation of the phantoms.Method. Images of Catphan 500, 504, and 604 phantoms were examined. In addition, images with various slice thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 10.0 mm, distance to the iso-center and phantom rotations were also examined. The automatic slice thickness algorithm was carried out by processing only objects within a circle having a diameter of half the diameter of the phantom. A segmentation was performed within an inner circle with dynamic thresholds to produce binary images with wire and bead objects within it. Region properties were used to distinguish wire ramps and bead objects. At each identified wire ramp, the angle was detected using the Hough transform. Profile lines were then placed on each ramp based on the centroid coordinates and detected angles, and the full-width at half maximum (FWHM) was determined for the average profile. The slice thickness was obtained by multiplying the FWHM by the tangent of the ramp angle (23°).Results. Automatic measurements work well and have only a small difference (<0.5 mm) from manual measurements. For slice thickness variation, automatic measurement successfully performs segmentation and correctly locates the profile line on all wire ramps. The results show measured slice thicknesses that are close (<3 mm) to the nominal thickness at thin slices, but slightly deviated for thicker slices. There is a strong correlation (R2= 0.873) between automatic and manual measurements. Testing the algorithm at various distances from the iso-center and phantom rotation angle also produced accurate results.Conclusion. An automated algorithm for measuring slice thickness on three types of Catphan CT phantom images has been developed. The algorithm works well on various thicknesses, distances from the iso-center, and phantom rotations.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms*; Phantoms, Imaging
  6. Lal A, Schwalbe N
    Lancet, 2023 Jun 03;401(10391):1847.
    PMID: 37216957 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00963-7
    MeSH terms: Civil Defense*; Humans; Primary Health Care; Pandemics/prevention & control
  7. Abd Rahim FN, Wan Ibadullah WZ, Saari N, Brishti FH, Mustapha NA, Ahmad N, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jul 01;242(Pt 3):124908.
    PMID: 37217045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124908
    Rice bran protein concentrates (RBPC) were extracted using mild alkaline solvents (pH: 8, 9, 10). The physicochemical, thermal, functional, and structural aspects of freeze-drying (FD) and spray-drying (SD) were compared. FD and SD of RBPC had porous and grooved surfaces, with FD having non-collapsed plates and SD being spherical. Alkaline extraction increases FD's protein concentration and browning, whereas SD inhibits browning. According to amino acid profiling, RBPC-FD9's extraction optimizes and preserves amino acids. A tremendous particle size difference was prominent in FD, thermally stable at a minimal maximum of 92 °C. Increased pH extraction gives FD greater exposal surface hydrophobicity and positively relates to denaturation enthalpy. Mild pH extraction and drying significantly impacted solubility, improved emulsion properties, and foaming properties of RBPC as observed in acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments. RBPC-FD9 and RBPC-SD10 extracts exhibit outstanding foaming and emulsion activity in all pH conditions, respectively. Appropriate drying selection, RBPC-FD or SD potentially employed as foaming/emulsifier agent or meat analog.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acids; Emulsions/chemistry; Plant Proteins/chemistry; Solubility
  8. Saniasiaya J
    BMJ Case Rep, 2023 May 22;16(5).
    PMID: 37217233 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-255734
    Long COVID-19 syndrome has been reported among children and adolescents following COVID-19 recovery. Among them, notable symptoms include myalgia, insomnia, loss of smell and headache. Yet, novel manifestations are being discovered daily. Herein, we report two cases of vestibular migraine post-COVID-19 involving two children who presented with vestibular migraine symptoms following COVID-19 infection and their management. Children post-COVID-19 should be thoroughly evaluated for vestibular migraine symptoms so they can be managed promptly. This is the first article to report vestibular migraine as a manifestation of long COVID-19 syndrome.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Headache/etiology; Humans; Vertigo/etiology
  9. George AS, Lopes CA, Vijayasingham L, Mothupi MC, Musizvingoza R, Mishra G, et al.
    BMJ Glob Health, 2023 May;8(5).
    PMID: 37217235 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-011315
    While the acute and collective crisis from the pandemic is over, an estimated 2.5 million people died from COVID-19 in 2022, tens of millions suffer from long COVID and national economies still reel from multiple deprivations exacerbated by the pandemic. Sex and gender biases deeply mark these evolving experiences of COVID-19, impacting the quality of science and effectiveness of the responses deployed. To galvanise change by strengthening evidence-informed inclusion of sex and gender in COVID-19 practice, we led a virtual collaboration to articulate and prioritise gender and COVID-19 research needs. In addition to standard prioritisation surveys, feminist principles mindful of intersectional power dynamics underpinned how we reviewed research gaps, framed research questions and discussed emergent findings. The collaborative research agenda-setting exercise engaged over 900 participants primarily from low/middle-income countries in varied activities. The top 21 research questions included the importance of the needs of pregnant and lactating women and information systems that enable sex-disaggregated analysis. Gender and intersectional aspects to improving vaccine uptake, access to health services, measures against gender-based violence and integrating gender in health systems were also prioritised. These priorities are shaped by more inclusive ways of working, which are critical for global health as it faces further uncertainties in the aftermath of COVID-19. It remains imperative to address the basics in gender and health (sex-disaggregated data and sex-specific needs) and also advance transformational goals to advance gender justice across health and social policies, including those related to global research.
    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Lactation; Male; Public Policy
  10. Ramli MI, Hamzaid NA, Engkasan JP, Usman J
    Biomed Eng Online, 2023 May 22;22(1):50.
    PMID: 37217941 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-023-01103-0
    BACKGROUND: Over the decades, many publications have established respiratory muscle training (RMT) as an effective way in improving respiratory dysfunction in multiple populations. The aim of the paper is to determine the trend of research and multidisciplinary collaboration in publications related to RMT over the last 6 decades. The authors also sought to chart the advancement of RMT among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) over the last 60 years.

    METHODS: Bibliometric analysis was made, including the publications' profiles, citation analysis and research trends of the relevant literature over the last 60 years. Publications from all time frames were retrieved from Scopus database. A subgroup analysis of publications pertinent to people with SCI was also made.

    RESULTS: Research on RMT has been steadily increasing over the last 6 decades and across geographical locations. While medicine continues to dominate the research on RMT, this topic also continues to attract researchers and publications from other areas such as engineering, computer science and social science over the last 10 years. Research collaboration between authors in different backgrounds was observed since 2006. Source titles from non-medical backgrounds have also published articles pertinent to RMT. Among people with SCI, researchers utilised a wide range of technology from simple spirometers to electromyography in both intervention and outcome measures. With various types of interventions implemented, RMT generally improves pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength among people with SCI.

    CONCLUSIONS: While research on RMT has been steadily increasing over the last 6 decades, more collaborations are encouraged in the future to produce more impactful and beneficial research on people who suffer from respiratory disorders.

    MeSH terms: Breathing Exercises*; Humans; Lung; Respiratory Muscles/physiology; Bibliometrics
  11. Taleb OK, Siti-Azrin AH, Sarimah A, Abusafia AH, Baharuddin KA, Wan-Nor-Asyikeen WA
    BMC Med Educ, 2023 May 22;23(1):356.
    PMID: 37217957 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04314-0
    BACKGROUND: Environmental factors are important for students' learning during online classes, especially during a pandemic, such as COVID-19. This study aimed to validate the environmental factors' questionnaire during online learning.

    METHODS: A total of 218 undergraduate medical students at the Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, participated in a cross-sectional study that involved an online survey. Environmental factor scales were assessed with the nine-item lighting, noise, and temperature (LNT) scale and the six-item technology scale. Analysis was performed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

    RESULTS: The English version of the LNT scale with nine items and three factors showed a good fit to the data, with no item deleted. For LNT, the composite reliability (CR) was 0.81, 0.81, and 0.84, respectively, while the average variance extracted (AVE) was 0.61, 0.59, and 0.6, respectively. The English version of the technology scale, with six items and one factor, also showed a good fit to the data, with no item deleted. The CR was 0.84, and the AVE was 0.51.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results provide psychometric evidence for environmental questionnaire scales in evaluating the factors associated with online learning among Malaysian university medical students. All items were retained and confirmed to fit the sample data.

    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Psychometrics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Students, Medical*; Reproducibility of Results; Education, Distance*; Pandemics
  12. Kato T, Kano M, Yokomori A, Azegami J, El Enshasy HA, Park EY
    Microb Cell Fact, 2023 May 22;22(1):105.
    PMID: 37217979 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02114-1
    BACKGROUND: Previously, we isolated a riboflavin-overproducing Ashbya gossypii mutant (MT strain) and discovered some mutations in genes encoding flavoproteins. Here, we analyzed the riboflavin production in the MT strain, in view of flavoproteins, which are localized in the mitochondria.

    RESULTS: In the MT strain, mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased compared with that in the wild type (WT) strain, resulting in increased reactive oxygen species. Additionally, diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), a universal flavoprotein inhibitor, inhibited riboflavin production in the WT and MT strains at 50 µM, indicating that some flavoproteins may be involved in riboflavin production. The specific activities of NADH and succinate dehydrogenases were significantly reduced in the MT strain, but those of glutathione reductase and acetohydroxyacid synthase were increased by 4.9- and 25-fold, respectively. By contrast, the expression of AgGLR1 gene encoding glutathione reductase was increased by 32-fold in the MT strain. However, that of AgILV2 gene encoding the catalytic subunit of acetohydroxyacid synthase was increased by only 2.1-fold. These results suggest that in the MT strain, acetohydroxyacid synthase, which catalyzes the first reaction of branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis, is vital for riboflavin production. The addition of valine, which is a feedback inhibitor of acetohydroxyacid synthase, to a minimal medium inhibited the growth of the MT strain and its riboflavin production. In addition, the addition of branched-chain amino acids enhanced the growth and riboflavin production in the MT strain.

    CONCLUSION: The significance of branched-chain amino acids for riboflavin production in A. gossypii is reported and this study opens a novel approach for the effective production of riboflavin in A. gossypii.

    MeSH terms: Flavoproteins; Glutathione Reductase; Riboflavin
  13. Septama AW, Tasfiyati AN, Rahmi EP, Jantan I, Dewi RT, Jaisi A
    Food Sci Technol Int, 2023 May 22.
    PMID: 37218156 DOI: 10.1177/10820132231178060
    Foodborne pathogens may cause foodborne illness, which is among the major health problems worldwide. Since the therapeutic options for the treatment of the disease are becoming limited as a result of antibacterial resistance, there is an increasing interest to search for new alternatives of antibacterial. Bioactive essential oils from Curcuma sp become potential sources of novel antibacterial substances. The antibacterial activity of Curcuma heyneana essential oil (CHEO) was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sonnei, and Bacillus cereus. The principal constituents of CHEO are ar-turmerone, β-turmerone, α-zingiberene, α-terpinolene, 1,8-cineole, and camphor. CHEO exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity against E. coli with a MIC of 3.9 µg/mL, which is comparable to that of tetracycline. The combination of CHEO (0.97 µg/mL) and tetracycline (0.48 µg/mL) produced a synergistic effect with a FICI of 0.37. Time-kill assay confirmed that CHEO enhanced the activity of tetracycline. The mixture disrupted membrane permeability of E. coli and induced cell death. CHEO at MIC of 3.9 and 6.8 µg/mL significantly reduced the formation of biofilm in E. coli. The findings suggest that CHEO has the potential to be an alternative source of antibacterial agents against foodborne pathogens, particularly E. coli.
  14. Mahawer S, Kumar R, Prakash O, Singh S, Singh Rawat D, Dubey SK, et al.
    Curr Top Med Chem, 2023;23(20):1964-1972.
    PMID: 37218200 DOI: 10.2174/1568026623666230522104104
    Alpinia malaccensis, commonly known as "Malacca ginger" and "Rankihiriya," is an important medicinal plant of Zingiberaceae. It is native to Indonesia and Malaysia and widely distributed in countries including Northeast India, China, Peninsular Malaysia and Java. Due to vide pharmacological values, it is necessary to recognize this species for its significance of pharmacological importance. This article provides the botanical characteristics, chemical compounds of vegetation, ethnopharmacological values, therapeutic properties, along with the potential pesticidal properties of this important medicinal plant. The information in this article was gathered by searching the online journals in the databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science etc. The terms such as Alpinia malaccensis, Malacca ginger, Rankihiriya, pharmacology, chemical composition, ethnopharmacology, etc., were used in different combinations. A detailed study of the available resources for A. malaccensis confirmed its native and distribution, traditional values, chemical properties, and medicinal values. Its essential oils and extracts are the reservoir of a wide range of important chemical constituents. Traditionally, it is being used to treat nausea, vomiting and wounds along with as a seasoning agent in meat processing and as perfume. Apart from traditional values, it has been reported for several pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory etc. We believe that this review will help to provide the collective information of A. malaccensis to further explore it in the prevention and treatment of various diseases and help to the systematic study of this plant to utilize its potential in various areas of human welfare.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use; Plants, Medicinal*; Ethnopharmacology; Zingiberaceae*; Phytochemicals/pharmacology; Phytochemicals/chemistry
  15. Hatta MNA, Mohamad Hanif EA, Chin SF, Low TY, Neoh HM
    Biosci Rep, 2023 Jun 28;43(6).
    PMID: 37218575 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20230609
    The gut microbiota Parvimonas micra has been found to be enriched in gut mucosal tissues and fecal samples of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients compared with non-CRC controls. In the present study, we investigated the tumorigenic potential of P. micra and its regulatory pathways in CRC using HT-29, a low-grade CRC intestinal epithelial cell. For every P. micra-HT-29 interaction assay, HT-29 was co-cultured anaerobically with P. micra at an MOI of 100:1 (bacteria: cells) for 2 h. We found that P. micra increased HT-29 cell proliferation by 38.45% (P=0.008), with the highest wound healing rate at 24 h post-infection (P=0.02). In addition, inflammatory marker expression (IL-5, IL-8, CCL20, and CSF2) was also significantly induced. Shotgun proteomics profiling analysis revealed that P. micra affects the protein expression of HT-29 (157 up-regulated and 214 down-regulated proteins). Up-regulation of PSMB4 protein and its neighbouring subunits revealed association of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) in CRC carcinogenesis; whereas down-regulation of CUL1, YWHAH, and MCM3 signified cell cycle dysregulation. Moreover, 22 clinically relevant epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-markers were expressed in HT-29 infected with P. micra. Overall, the present study elucidated exacerbated oncogenic properties of P. micra in HT-29 via aberrant cell proliferation, enhanced wound healing, inflammation, up-regulation of UPPs, and activation of EMT pathways.
    MeSH terms: Cell Movement; Humans; Inflammation/genetics; HT29 Cells; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Cell Proliferation; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics
  16. Rosenthal VD, Yin R, Lu Y, Rodrigues C, Myatra SN, Kharbanda M, et al.
    Am J Infect Control, 2023 Jun;51(6):675-682.
    PMID: 36075294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.08.024
    BACKGROUND: The International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium has found a high ICU mortality rate. Our aim was to identify all-cause mortality risk factors in ICU-patients.

    METHODS: Multinational, multicenter, prospective cohort study at 786 ICUs of 312 hospitals in 147 cities in 37 Latin American, Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and European countries.

    RESULTS: Between 07/01/1998 and 02/12/2022, 300,827 patients, followed during 2,167,397 patient-days, acquired 21,371 HAIs. Following mortality risk factors were identified in multiple logistic regression: Central line-associated bloodstream infection (aOR:1.84; P

    MeSH terms: Africa, Eastern; Asia/epidemiology; Delivery of Health Care; Europe; Female; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Latin America/epidemiology; Middle East/epidemiology; Prospective Studies; Sepsis*; Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated*; Catheter-Related Infections*
  17. Sow F, Dijkstra K, Janssen SMJ
    PMID: 36165349 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1625
    In this advanced review, the development of the three most commonly used functions of autobiographical memory-directing behavior, social bonding, and self-continuity-and the support they have received in the literature are discussed. Support for this tripartite model often comes from correlational studies that use self-report measures, but participants in these studies may not be aware that they retrieved autobiographical memories to fulfill certain goals. Not only is more experimental research needed to confirm the findings from correlational studies, this kind of research needs to be more rigorous. Moreover, the functions of the tripartite model may not be the only autobiographical memory functions that can be distinguished. For example, there is already substantial support for the emotion-regulation function. Although memories can be used for multiple functions, patterns between aspects of the event (e.g., emotional valence) or memory (e.g., specificity) and their functionality have been found. In addition, individual differences (e.g., cultural background, depression symptoms) and situational factors (e.g., is there a goal that needs to be fulfilled) may regulate the functional deployment of autobiographical memories. Future research should therefore extend its focus on the conditions in which these functions can be observed. This article is categorized under: Psychology > Memory.
    MeSH terms: Culture; Emotions/physiology; Humans; Motivation; Mental Recall/physiology; Memory, Episodic*
  18. Rastogi A, Kulkarni SA, Deshpande SK, Driver V, Barman H, Bal A, et al.
    Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle), 2023 Aug;12(8):429-439.
    PMID: 36245145 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2022.0093
    We aimed to assess safety and dose-finding efficacy of esmolol hydrochloride (Galnobax) for healing of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). This is phase 1/2 multicenter, randomized, double-blind vehicle-controlled study. Participants having diabetes and noninfected, full-thickness, neuropathic, grade I or II (Wagner classification) DFU, area 1.5-10 cm2, and unresponsive to standard wound care (at least 4 weeks) were randomized to receive topical Galnobax 14% twice daily (BID), Galnobax 20% BID, Galnobax 20% once daily (OD)+vehicle, or vehicle BID with standard of care. The primary efficacy end point was the reduction in area and volume of target ulcer from baseline to week 12 or wound closure, whichever was earlier. The wound duration was 12.5 weeks (5-49.1 weeks) and wound area 4.10 ± 2.41 cm2 at baseline. The ulcer area reduction was 86.56%, 95.80%, 80.67%, and 82.58% (p = 0.47) in the Galnobax 14%, Galnobax 20%, Galnobax20%+vehicle, and vehicle only groups, respectively. Ulcer volume reduction was 99.40% in the Galnobax14%, 83.36% in Galnobax20%, 55.41% in the Galnobax20%+vehicle, and 84.57% in vehicle group (p = 0.86). The systemic concentration of esmolol was below the quantification limit (10 ng/mL) irrespective of doses of Galnobax (Cmax esmolol acid 340 ng/mL for 14% Galnobax, AUC 2.99 ± 4.31 h*μg/mL after single dose). This is the first clinical study of the short acting beta blocker esmolol hydrochloride used as novel formulation for healing of DFU. We found that esmolol when applied topically over wounds had minimal systemic concentration establishing its safety for wound healing in patients with diabetes. Esmolol hydrochloride is a safe novel treatment for DFU.
    MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus*; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Ulcer; Wound Healing
  19. Brook ES, D'Alonzo ZJ, Lam V, Chan DC, Dhaliwal SS, Watts GF, et al.
    J Alzheimers Dis, 2023;93(2):653-664.
    PMID: 37066906 DOI: 10.3233/JAD-220529
    BACKGROUND: Obesity is linked to a higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies show that plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) dyshomeostasis, particularly low 42/40 ratio indicates a heightened risk for developing AD. However, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and circulating plasma Aβ has not been extensively studied.

    OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that people with a high BMI have altered plasma Aβ homeostasis compared with people with a lower BMI. We also tested whether reducing BMI by calorie-restriction could normalize plasma concentrations of Aβ.

    METHODS: Plasma concentrations of Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ42/40 ratio were measured in 106 participants with BMIs classified as lean, overweight, or obese. From this cohort, twelve participants with overweight or obese BMIs entered a 12-week calorie-restriction weight loss program. We then tested whether decreasing BMI affected plasma Aβ concentrations.

    RESULTS: Plasma Aβ42/40 ratio was 17.54% lower in participants with an obese BMI compared to lean participants (p 

    MeSH terms: Alzheimer Disease; Humans; Obesity/blood; Obesity/complications; Peptide Fragments; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index
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