Browse publications by year: 2023

Therapeutic Potential of Albumin Nanoparticles Encapsulated Visnagin in MDA-MB-468 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Alsrhani A, Elderdery AY, Alzahrani B, Alzerwi NAN, Althobiti MM, Rayzah M, et al.

Molecules, 2023 Apr 04;28(7).
PMID: 37049991 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073228

Breast cancer is among the most recurrent malignancies, and its prevalence is rising. With only a few treatment options available, there is an immediate need to search for better alternatives. In this regard, nanotechnology has been applied to develop potential chemotherapeutic techniques, particularly for cancer therapy. Specifically, albumin-based nanoparticles are a developing platform for the administration of diverse chemotherapy drugs owing to their biocompatibility and non-toxicity. Visnagin, a naturally derived furanochromone, treats cancers, epilepsy, angina, coughs, and inflammatory illnesses. In the current study, the synthesis and characterization of albumin visnagin (AV) nanoparticles (NPs) using a variety of techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared, energy dispersive X-ray composition analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, X-Ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering analyses have been carried out. The MTT test, dual AO/EB, DCFH-DA, Annexin-V-FITC/PI, Propidium iodide staining techniques as well as analysis of apoptotic proteins, antioxidant enzymes, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling analysis was performed to examine the NPs' efficacy to suppress MDA-MB-468 cell lines. The NPs decreased cell viability increased the amount of ROS in the cells, disrupted membrane integrity, decreased the level of antioxidant enzymes, induced cell cycle arrest, and activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade, ultimately leading to cell death. Thus, AV NPs possesses huge potential to be employed as a strong anticancer therapy alternative.

MeSH terms: Antioxidants/therapeutic use; Female; Humans; Apoptosis; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Cell Line, Tumor; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Nanoparticles*; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
The Invasive Plant Impatiens glandulifera Manipulates Microbial Associates of Competing Native Species

Ab Razak N, Gange AC, Sutton BC, Mansor A

Plants (Basel), 2023 Apr 04;12(7).
PMID: 37050178 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071552

Impatiens glandulifera or Himalayan balsam is one of the most invasive weeds across Europe and can seriously reduce native plant diversity. It often forms continuous monocultures along river banks, but the mechanisms of this arrested succession are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on balsam competitive ability with two native plant species, Plantago lanceolata and Holcus lanatus. We also studied how competition with Impatiens affects colonisation by foliar endophytes and mycorrhizas of two other co-occurring native species, Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense. Mycorrhizal colonisation reduced balsam growth when the plants were grown singly, but appeared to have little effect when balsam experienced intra- or interspecific competition. Competition with balsam together with the addition of mycorrhizas had no effect on P. lanceolata biomass, suggesting that the fungi were beneficial to the latter, enabling it to compete effectively with balsam. However, this was not so with H. lanatus. Meanwhile, competition with Impatiens reduced endophyte numbers and mycorrhizal colonisation in U. dioica and C. arvense, leading to enhanced susceptibility of these plants to insect attack. Himalayan balsam is known to degrade soil fungal populations and can also reduce foliar beneficial fungi in neighbouring plants. This allows the plant to compete effectively with itself and other native species, thereby leading to the continuous monocultures.
Enhancing Physiochemical Substrate Properties of Thin-Film Composite Membranes for Water and Wastewater Treatment via Engineered Osmosis Process

Abdullah WNAS, Mohd Nawi NS, Lau WJ, Ho YC, Aziz F, Ismail AF

Polymers (Basel), 2023 Mar 27;15(7).
PMID: 37050277 DOI: 10.3390/polym15071665

The commercial thin-film composite (TFC) nanofiltration (NF) membrane is unsuitable for engineered osmosis processes because of its thick non-woven fabric and semi-hydrophilic substrate that could lead to severe internal concentration polarization (ICP). Hence, we fabricated a new type of NF-like TFC membrane using a hydrophilic coated polyacrylonitrile/polyphenylsulfone (PAN/PPSU) substrate in the absence of non-woven fabric, aiming to improve membrane performance for water and wastewater treatment via the engineered osmosis process. Our results showed that the substrate made of a PAN/PPSU weight ratio of 1:5 could produce the TFC membrane with the highest water flux and divalent salt rejection compared to the membranes made of different PAN/PPSU substrates owing to the relatively good compatibility between PAN and PPSU at this ratio. The water flux of the TFC membrane was further improved without compromising salt rejection upon the introduction of a hydrophilic polydopamine (PDA) coating layer containing 0.5 g/L of graphene oxide (PDA/GO0.5) onto the bottom surface of the substrate. When tested using aerobically treated palm oil mill effluent (AT-POME) as a feed solution and 4 M MgCl2 as a draw solution, the best performing TFC membrane with the hydrophilic coating layer achieved a 67% and 41% higher forward osmosis (FO) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) water flux, respectively, compared to the TFC membrane without the coating layer. More importantly, the coated TFC membrane attained a very high color rejection (>97%) during AT-POME treatment, while its water flux and reverse solute flux were even better compared to the commercial NF90 and NF270 membranes. The promising outcomes were attributed to the excellent properties of the PAN/PPSU substrate that was coated with a hydrophilic PDA/GO coating and the elimination of the thick non-woven fabric during TFC membrane fabrication.
ZnO NRs/rGO Photocatalyst in a Polymer-Based Microfluidic Platform

Raub AAM, Hamidah I, Nandiyanto ABD, Ridwan J, Mohamed MA, Buyong MR, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2023 Mar 31;15(7).
PMID: 37050362 DOI: 10.3390/polym15071749

This paper reports the development of ZnO NRs/rGO-based photocatalysts integrated into a tree-branched polymer-based microfluidic reactor for efficient photodegradation of water contaminants. The reactor system includes a photocatalytic reactor, tree-branched microfluidic channels, and ZnO nanorods (NRs) coated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on a glass substrate within an area of 0.6 × 0.6 cm2. The ZnO NRs/rGO acts as a photocatalyst layer grown hydrothermally and then spray-coated with rGO. The microfluidic system is made of PDMS and fabricated using soft lithography (micro molding using SU-8 master mold patterned on a silicon wafer). The device geometry is designed using AutoCAD software and the flow properties of the microfluidics are simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics. The microfluidic platform's photocatalytic process aims to bring the nanostructured photocatalyst into very close proximity to the water flow channel, reducing the interaction time and providing effective purification performance. Our functionality test showed that a degradation efficiency of 23.12 %, within the effective residence time of less than 3 s was obtained.
Recent Approaches to the Modification of Collagen Biomatrix as a Corneal Biomatrix and Its Cellular Interaction

Ra'oh NA, Man RC, Fauzi MB, Ghafar NA, Buyong MR, Hwei NM, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2023 Apr 01;15(7).
PMID: 37050380 DOI: 10.3390/polym15071766

Over the last several decades, numerous modifications and advancements have been made to design the optimal corneal biomatrix for corneal epithelial cell (CECs) or limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) carriers. However, researchers have yet to discover the ideal optimization strategies for corneal biomatrix design and its effects on cultured CECs or LESCs. This review discusses and summarizes recent optimization strategies for developing an ideal collagen biomatrix and its interactions with CECs and LESCs. Using PRISMA guidelines, articles published from June 2012 to June 2022 were systematically searched using Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, PubMed, Wiley, and EBSCOhost databases. The literature search identified 444 potential relevant published articles, with 29 relevant articles selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria following screening and appraising processes. Physicochemical and biocompatibility (in vitro and in vivo) characterization methods are highlighted, which are inconsistent throughout various studies. Despite the variability in the methodology approach, it is postulated that the modification of the collagen biomatrix improves its mechanical and biocompatibility properties toward CECs and LESCs. All findings are discussed in this review, which provides a general view of recent trends in this field.
Fulltext 3D-DIoU: 3D Distance Intersection over Union for Multi-Object Tracking in Point Cloud

Mohammed SAK, Razak MZA, Rahman AHA

Sensors (Basel), 2023 Mar 23;23(7).
PMID: 37050449 DOI: 10.3390/s23073390

Multi-object tracking (MOT) is a prominent and important study in point cloud processing and computer vision. The main objective of MOT is to predict full tracklets of several objects in point cloud. Occlusion and similar objects are two common problems that reduce the algorithm's performance throughout the tracking phase. The tracking performance of current MOT techniques, which adopt the 'tracking-by-detection' paradigm, is degrading, as evidenced by increasing numbers of identification (ID) switch and tracking drifts because it is difficult to perfectly predict the location of objects in complex scenes that are unable to track. Since the occluded object may have been visible in former frames, we manipulated the speed and location position of the object in the previous frames in order to guess where the occluded object might have been. In this paper, we employed a unique intersection over union (IoU) method in three-dimension (3D) planes, namely a distance IoU non-maximum suppression (DIoU-NMS) to accurately detect objects, and consequently we use 3D-DIoU for an object association process in order to increase tracking robustness and speed. By using a hybrid 3D DIoU-NMS and 3D-DIoU method, the tracking speed improved significantly. Experimental findings on the Waymo Open Dataset and nuScenes dataset, demonstrate that our multistage data association and tracking technique has clear benefits over previously developed algorithms in terms of tracking accuracy. In comparison with other 3D MOT tracking methods, our proposed approach demonstrates significant enhancement in tracking performances.
Fulltext Scalable Lightweight Protocol for Interoperable Public Blockchain-Based Supply Chain Ownership Management

Khor JH, Sidorov M, Zulqarnain SAB

Sensors (Basel), 2023 Mar 24;23(7).
PMID: 37050490 DOI: 10.3390/s23073433

Scalability prevents public blockchains from being widely adopted for Internet of Things (IoT) applications such as supply chain management. Several existing solutions focus on increasing the transaction count, but none of them address scalability challenges introduced by resource-constrained IoT device integration with these blockchains, especially for the purpose of supply chain ownership management. Thus, this paper solves the issue by proposing a scalable public blockchain-based protocol for the interoperable ownership transfer of tagged goods, suitable for use with resource-constrained IoT devices such as widely used Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. The use of a public blockchain is crucial for the proposed solution as it is essential to enable transparent ownership data transfer, guarantee data integrity, and provide on-chain data required for the protocol. A decentralized web application developed using the Ethereum blockchain and an InterPlanetary File System is used to prove the validity of the proposed lightweight protocol. A detailed security analysis is conducted to verify that the proposed lightweight protocol is secure from key disclosure, replay, man-in-the-middle, de-synchronization, and tracking attacks. The proposed scalable protocol is proven to support secure data transfer among resource-constrained RFID tags while being cost-effective at the same time.
Fulltext Analysis of Facial Occlusion Challenge in Thermal Images for Human Affective State Recognition

Al Qudah M, Mohamed A, Lutfi S

Sensors (Basel), 2023 Mar 27;23(7).
PMID: 37050571 DOI: 10.3390/s23073513

Several studies have been conducted using both visual and thermal facial images to identify human affective states. Despite the advantages of thermal facial images in recognizing spontaneous human affects, few studies have focused on facial occlusion challenges in thermal images, particularly eyeglasses and facial hair occlusion. As a result, three classification models are proposed in this paper to address the problem of thermal occlusion in facial images, with six basic spontaneous emotions being classified. The first proposed model in this paper is based on six main facial regions, including the forehead, tip of the nose, cheeks, mouth, and chin. The second model deconstructs the six main facial regions into multiple subregions to investigate the efficacy of subregions in recognizing the human affective state. The third proposed model in this paper uses selected facial subregions, free of eyeglasses and facial hair (beard, mustaches). Nine statistical features on apex and onset thermal images are implemented. Furthermore, four feature selection techniques with two classification algorithms are proposed for a further investigation. According to the comparative analysis presented in this paper, the results obtained from the three proposed modalities were promising and comparable to those of other studies.

MeSH terms: Algorithms; Emotions*; Facial Expression*; Humans; Mouth
Fulltext Efficient Authentication Scheme for 5G-Enabled Vehicular Networks Using Fog Computing

Al-Mekhlafi ZG, Al-Shareeda MA, Manickam S, Mohammed BA, Alreshidi A, Alazmi M, et al.

Sensors (Basel), 2023 Mar 28;23(7).
PMID: 37050601 DOI: 10.3390/s23073543

Several researchers have proposed secure authentication techniques for addressing privacy and security concerns in the fifth-generation (5G)-enabled vehicle networks. To verify vehicles, however, these conditional privacy-preserving authentication (CPPA) systems required a roadside unit, an expensive component of vehicular networks. Moreover, these CPPA systems incur exceptionally high communication and processing costs. This study proposes a CPPA method based on fog computing (FC), as a solution for these issues in 5G-enabled vehicle networks. In our proposed FC-CPPA method, a fog server is used to establish a set of public anonymity identities and their corresponding signature keys, which are then preloaded into each authentic vehicle. We guarantee the security of the proposed FC-CPPA method in the context of a random oracle. Our solutions are not only compliant with confidentiality and security standards, but also resistant to a variety of threats. The communication costs of the proposal are only 84 bytes, while the computation costs are 0.0031, 2.0185 to sign and verify messages. Comparing our strategy to similar ones reveals that it saves time and money on communication and computing during the performance evaluation phase.
Fulltext Assessment of a 16-Channel Ambulatory Dry Electrode EEG for Remote Monitoring

Shivaraja TR, Remli R, Kamal N, Wan Zaidi WA, Chellappan K

Sensors (Basel), 2023 Mar 31;23(7).
PMID: 37050713 DOI: 10.3390/s23073654

Ambulatory EEGs began emerging in the healthcare industry over the years, setting a new norm for long-term monitoring services. The present devices in the market are neither meant for remote monitoring due to their technical complexity nor for meeting clinical setting needs in epilepsy patient monitoring. In this paper, we propose an ambulatory EEG device, OptiEEG, that has low setup complexity, for the remote EEG monitoring of epilepsy patients. OptiEEG's signal quality was compared with a gold standard clinical device, Natus. The experiment between OptiEEG and Natus included three different tests: eye open/close (EOC); hyperventilation (HV); and photic stimulation (PS). Statistical and wavelet analysis of retrieved data were presented when evaluating the performance of OptiEEG. The SNR and PSNR of OptiEEG were slightly lower than Natus, but within an acceptable bound. The standard deviations of MSE for both devices were almost in a similar range for the three tests. The frequency band energy analysis is consistent between the two devices. A rhythmic slowdown of theta and delta was observed in HV, whereas photic driving was observed during PS in both devices. The results validated the performance of OptiEEG as an acceptable EEG device for remote monitoring away from clinical environments.

MeSH terms: Electrodes; Electroencephalography/methods; Humans; Hyperventilation; Monitoring, Physiologic; Monitoring, Ambulatory; Wavelet Analysis
Fulltext Enhanced Intrusion Detection with Data Stream Classification and Concept Drift Guided by the Incremental Learning Genetic Programming Combiner

Shyaa MA, Zainol Z, Abdullah R, Anbar M, Alzubaidi L, Santamaría J

Sensors (Basel), 2023 Apr 04;23(7).
PMID: 37050795 DOI: 10.3390/s23073736

Concept drift (CD) in data streaming scenarios such as networking intrusion detection systems (IDS) refers to the change in the statistical distribution of the data over time. There are five principal variants related to CD: incremental, gradual, recurrent, sudden, and blip. Genetic programming combiner (GPC) classification is an effective core candidate for data stream classification for IDS. However, its basic structure relies on the usage of traditional static machine learning models that receive onetime training, limiting its ability to handle CD. To address this issue, we propose an extended variant of the GPC using three main components. First, we replace existing classifiers with alternatives: online sequential extreme learning machine (OSELM), feature adaptive OSELM (FA-OSELM), and knowledge preservation OSELM (KP-OSELM). Second, we add two new components to the GPC, specifically, a data balancing and a classifier update. Third, the coordination between the sub-models produces three novel variants of the GPC: GPC-KOS for KA-OSELM; GPC-FOS for FA-OSELM; and GPC-OS for OSELM. This article presents the first data stream-based classification framework that provides novel strategies for handling CD variants. The experimental results demonstrate that both GPC-KOS and GPC-FOS outperform the traditional GPC and other state-of-the-art methods, and the transfer learning and memory features contribute to the effective handling of most types of CD. Moreover, the application of our incremental variants on real-world datasets (KDD Cup '99, CICIDS-2017, CSE-CIC-IDS-2018, and ISCX '12) demonstrate improved performance (GPC-FOS in connection with CSE-CIC-IDS-2018 and CICIDS-2017; GPC-KOS in connection with ISCX2012 and KDD Cup '99), with maximum accuracy rates of 100% and 98% by GPC-KOS and GPC-FOS, respectively. Additionally, our GPC variants do not show superior performance in handling blip drift.
Fulltext Polyherbal formulation conjugated to gold nanoparticles induced ferroptosis in drug-resistant breast cancer stem cells through ferritin degradation

Chittineedi P, Mohammed A, Abdul Razab MKA, Mat Nawi N, Pandrangi SL

Front Pharmacol, 2023;14:1134758.
PMID: 37050902 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1134758

Aim: Due to their minimal side effects, the anti-cancer properties of the polyherbal formulation are being investigated. However, due to their low absorption potential, the administration of polyherbal formulations is restricted. Loading the polyherbal formulation into gold nanoparticles enhances the bioavailability of the polyherbal formulation (PHF) accompanied by reducing the concentration of doxorubicin (dox). Ferroptosis is one of the novel pathways that specifically target cancer stem cells due to high ferritin levels. Hence, in the present study, we conjugated polyherbal formulation with gold nanoparticles and studied its effect on inducing ferroptosis in drug-resistant breast cancer cell lines. Materials and methods: PHF and dox conjugated to gold nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, DLS, particle size analyzer, and XRD. The drug entrapment and efficiency studies were performed to assess the biodegradable potential of the synthesized gold nanoparticles. Paclitaxel-resistant breast cancer stem cells were generated, and an MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity potential of AuNP-PHF and AuNP-dox. Scratch assay and clonogenic assay were performed to assess the migration and proliferation of the cells after treatment with chosen drug combinations. The ability of PHF and dox conjugated to gold nanoparticles to induce ferritinophagy was evaluated by RT-PCR. Finally, image analysis was performed to check apoptosis and cellular ROS using inverted fluorescent microscope. The ability to induce cell cycle arrest was assessed by cell cycle analysis using flow cytometer. Results and conclusion: PHF and dox conjugated to gold nanoparticles showed high stability and showed to induce ferritin degradation in drug resistant breast cancer stem cells through ferritin degradation. AuNP-PHF in combination with low dose of AuNP-Dox nanoconjugate could be used as an effective cancer therapeutic agent, by targeting the autophagy necroptosis axis.
Fulltext Correlates and Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Persons Living With HIV in Trinidad and Tobago

Lyons N, Bhagwandeen B, Todd S, Boyce G, Samaroo-Francis W, Edwards J

Cureus, 2023 Mar;15(3):e35961.
PMID: 37051005 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35961

BACKGROUND: Persons living with HIV may be at risk of more severe forms of COVID-19 infection and minimizing health risks largely depends on their acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccinations.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the correlates and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among persons living with HIV in Trinidad and Tobago.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using a structured interview was conducted. Data were compiled on patient socio-demographics, diagnosed chronic diseases, psychological factors, and decisions to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Pearson χ2 tests examined the associations between study variables and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined its predictors.
RESULTS: In this study, 84% were virally suppressed, i.e., HIV viral load <1000 copies/ml. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was found to be 39%. Univariate analysis showed that higher vaccine hesitancy was significantly associated with females (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.23-3.33) and patients of mixed ethnicity (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.07-3.15). In our multivariable analysis, psychological factors namely, confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.05-0.47), the perceived benefits of the vaccine (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.37-0.79), and cues to action (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47-0.97) were observed as predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
CONCLUSION: Psychological factors such as confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine, perceived benefits of the vaccine, and cues to action were possible predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. This study underscored the continued need for strategies to increase confidence and knowledge about the benefits of taking the COVID-19 vaccine among persons living with HIV.
Fulltext The Asia Pacific Pediatric Association (APPA) position statement on the MAFLD definition of fatty liver disease

Memon IA, Parkash A, Sadiq K, Kamal NM, El-Shabrawi MHF

Ther Adv Chronic Dis, 2023;14:20406223231164523.
PMID: 37051073 DOI: 10.1177/20406223231164523
Fulltext Polyurethane Application to Transform Screen-Printed Electrode for Rapid Identification of Histamine Isolated from Fish

Munir MA, Jamal JA, Said MM, Ibrahim S, Ahmad MS

Scientifica (Cairo), 2023;2023:5444256.
PMID: 37051152 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5444256

The toxicity of histamine has attracted numerous researchers to develop a method for histamine determination purposes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unequivocally prohibits the consumption of histamine above 50 mg·kg-1. Thus, an innovation in histamine detection in fish has been developed in this research. The investigation of the histamine level in fish has been conducted by using an electrochemical sensor approach and producing a polymer via molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on a screen-printed electrode. The technique was validated by assessing the shifts in electron shifting using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) approach and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), whereas differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was applied to validate the sensor method. The instruments showed a linear response ranging from 1-1000 nmol·L-1, with a detection limit of MIP/SPE at 1.765 nmol·L-1 and 709 nmol·L-1 for the NIP/SPE, respectively. The sensing technique was employed to determine the histamine level in selected samples at room temperature (25°C). The outcomes of this study indicated that the validated chemical sensor allowed accurate and precise detection of fish samples and can be categorized as a simple approach. The instrument is inexpensive and suitable for on-site detection.
Fulltext Relative expression of receptors in uterine natural killer cells compared to peripheral blood natural killer cells

Ismail NI

Front Immunol, 2023;14:1166451.
PMID: 37051244 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1166451

One would expect maternal immune cells to attack the invading trophoblast as the placenta is semi-allogenic. However, they appear to cooperate with the trophoblast in disrupting the arterial wall which has been determined in several studies. uNK cells are a particular type of immune cell that appears to play a role in pregnancy. As in pregnancy, the key contributors to trophoblast invasion appear to be a unique combination of genes, which appear to regulate multiple components of the interactions between placental and maternal cells, called HLA class 1b genes. The HLA class 1b genes have few alleles, which makes them unlikely to be recognized as foreign by the maternal cells. The low polymorphic properties of these particular HLAs may aid trophoblasts in actively avoiding immune attacks. This review gives a complete description of the mechanisms of interaction between HLAs and maternal uNK cells in humans.

MeSH terms: Female; HLA Antigens; Humans; Killer Cells, Natural; Placenta*; Pregnancy; Trophoblasts; Uterus*
Fulltext Real-world clinical practice and outcomes in treating stage III non-small cell lung cancer: KINDLE-Asia subset

Prabhash K, Tan DSW, Soo RA, Sitthideatphaiboon P, Chen YM, Voon PJ, et al.

Front Oncol, 2023;13:1117348.
PMID: 37051534 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1117348

INTRODUCTION: Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a heterogeneous disease requiring multimodal treatment approaches. KINDLE-Asia, as part of a real world global study, evaluated treatment patterns and associated survival outcomes in stage III NSCLC in Asia.
METHODS: Retrospective data from 57 centers in patients with stage III NSCLC diagnosed between January 2013 and December 2017 were analyzed. Median progression free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) estimates with two sided 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined by applying the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
RESULTS: Of the total 1874 patients (median age: 63.0 years [24 to 92]) enrolled in the Asia subset, 74.8% were men, 54.7% had stage IIIA disease, 55.7% had adenocarcinoma, 34.3% had epidermal growth factor receptor mutations (EGFRm) and 50.3% had programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (i.e. PD-L1 ≥1%). Of the 31 treatment approaches as initial therapy, concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) was the most frequent (29.3%), followed by chemotherapy (14.8%), sequential CRT (9.5%), and radiotherapy (8.5%). Targeted therapy alone was used in 81 patients of the overall population. For the Asia cohort, the mPFS and mOS were 12.8 months (95% CI, 12.2-13.7) and 42.3 months (95% CI, 38.1-46.8), respectively. Stage IIIA disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ≤1, age ≤65 years, adenocarcinoma histology and surgery/concurrent CRT as initial therapy correlated with better mOS (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate diverse treatment patterns and survival outcomes in the Asian region. The high prevalence of EGFRm and PD-L1 expression in stage III NSCLC in Asia suggests the need for expanding access to molecular testing for guiding treatment strategies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies in this region.
Editorial: Advances in drainage system management and development

Ridwan FM, Shao W

Water Sci Technol, 2023 Apr;87(7):iii.
PMID: 37051783 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.080
Removal of phosphate with a polyacrylonitrile composite functionalized by a metal organic framework-enhanced layered double hydroxide

Song J, Cha L, Sillanpää M, Sainio T

Water Sci Technol, 2023 Apr;87(7):1672-1685.
PMID: 37051790 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.083

Excessive phosphorus causes eutrophication problems. The adsorptive removal of phosphate is prevalent and practical in large-scale applications, such as column adsorption. A metal organic framework (MOF)-enhanced layered double hydroxide (LDH) adsorbent material was developed and studied for batch adsorption and then combined with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to form MOF/LDH/PAN composite beads working as a functional material for columns. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed the well-dispersed adsorbent powder in porous composite beads. The Fowler-Guggenheim isotherm model described the phosphate adsorption behavior of the MOF/LDH powder with a maximum capacity of 74.96 mg P/g. Mass transfer in the composite beads was successfully described with the Fickian diffusion model. The composite-packed fixed bed treated 37.95 BVs of the influent (55.51 mg P/L phosphate solution) and achieved an uptake of 18.92 mg P/g, with a removal efficiency of 96.42%, before the breakthrough point in the column study. The phosphate-loaded composite bed was regenerated with 0.1 M NaOH to 70% efficiency within 30 BVs. The polymer composite can be considered a practical solution for adsorption-based water treatment applications in tank and column processes where powder adsorbents cannot be applied.

MeSH terms: Adsorption; Hydroxides; Kinetics; Phosphates; Powders
3,4-Diaminopyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines: a new three-component microwave-assisted synthesis and anti-leukemic properties

Ng JH, Lim FPL, Tiekink ERT, Dolzhenko AV

Org Biomol Chem, 2023 Apr 26;21(16):3432-3446.
PMID: 37039282 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob00350g

A convenient method for the synthesis of N3,N4-disubstituted 3,4-diaminopyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines was developed using a three-component reaction of 3,5-diaminopyrazole-4-carbonitriles with primary amines and orthoesters. The preparation of 116 examples demonstrated the good scope of the reaction, which tolerated variations in the substrate structure and was particularly efficient under microwave irradiation. The short reaction time and chromatography-free product isolation add practicality to this method. The anti-leukemic activity was assessed in vitro using K562 and Jurkat T cells, and the selectivity of the most active compounds was evaluated using non-cancerous MRC5 cells. The most promising compound inhibited Jurkat T cells with a GI50 value of 0.5 μM and a selectivity index of 65.

MeSH terms: Microwaves*

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