Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Keat WOL, Somani BK, Pietropaolo A, Chew BH, Chai CA, Inoue T, et al.
    World J Urol, 2023 Nov;41(11):2881-2888.
    PMID: 36929407 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-023-04362-7
    PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of flexible ureteroscopy for renal stones by comparing hard versus soft stones based on their attenuation on computed tomography (Hounsfield Units-HU).

    METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of laser employed [Holmium:YAG (HL) or Thulium fiber laser (TFL)]. Residual fragments (RF) were defined as > 2 mm. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with RF and RF needing further intervention.

    RESULTS: 4208 patients from 20 centers were included. In whole series, age, recurrent stones, stone size, lower pole stones (LPS), and multiple stones were predictors of RF at multivariable analysis and LPS and stone size with RF requiring further treatment. HU and TFL were associated with lesser RF and RF requiring an additional treatment. In HU 

    MeSH terms: Holmium; Humans; Lasers; Lipopolysaccharides; Registries; Thulium; Treatment Outcome; Ureteroscopy/methods
  2. Gianesini S, Chi YW, Agüero C, Alqedrah D, Amore M, Barbati M, et al.
    Int Angiol, 2023 Apr;42(2):89-189.
    PMID: 36930179 DOI: 10.23736/S0392-9590.23.05044-7
    Published scientific evidence demonstrate the current spread of healthcare misinformation in the most popular social networks and unofficial communication channels. Up to 40% of the medical websites were identified reporting inappropriate information, moreover being shared more than 450,000 times in a 5-year-time frame. The phenomenon is particularly spread in infective diseases medicine, oncology and cardiovascular medicine. The present document is the result of a scientific and educational endeavor by a worldwide group of top experts who selected and analyzed the major issues and related evidence-based facts on vein and lymphatic management. A section of this work is entirely dedicated to the patients and therefore written in layman terms, with the aim of improving public vein-lymphatic awareness. The part dedicated to the medical professionals includes a revision of the current literature, summing up the statements that are fully evidence-based in venous and lymphatic disease management, and suggesting future lines of research to fulfill the still unmet needs. The document has been written following an intense digital interaction among dedicated working groups, leading to an institutional project presentation during the Universal Expo in Dubai, in the occasion of the v-WINter 2022 meeting.
    MeSH terms: Communication*; Humans; Disease Management*
  3. Giulioni C, Castellani D, Somani BK, Chew BH, Tailly T, Keat WOL, et al.
    World J Urol, 2023 May;41(5):1407-1413.
    PMID: 36930255 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-023-04363-6
    PURPOSE: To evaluate the perioperative outcomes of retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS) for lower pole stones (LPS) and factors affecting stone-free rate (SFR).

    METHODS: Data from 20 centers were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult patients, normal renal anatomy, and LPS. Exclusion criteria were bilateral surgery, concomitant surgery for ureteral stones. SFR was defined as a single residual fragment (RF) ≤ 2 mm and evaluated 3-months after surgery. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with RF. Statistical significance was set at p value 

    MeSH terms: Adult; Humans; Lipopolysaccharides; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
  4. Chen SL, Su YS, Diep GL, Sivanandan P, Sadiq M, Phan TTH
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Apr;30(19):57017-57031.
    PMID: 36930320 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26340-7
    Global warming and the dreadful climate condition in China demands the sustainable energy transition and production that must be far away from coal-based energy production. The present article, thereby, intends to assess the effectiveness of environmental knowledge and green supply chain practices on sustainable energy production. The study also introduces green behavior and green leadership as a moderator to evaluate the proposed relationship. Primary data has been collected and assessed by PLS-SEM. The findings reveal that environmental knowledge, green purchases, and internal environmental management (IEM) have a positive association with sustainable energy production (SEP) in China. The outcomes also indicate that green behavior significantly moderates among environmental knowledge, green purchases, and SEP, and green leadership significantly moderates among IEM and SEP in China. The research guides the policymakers in establishing policies related to SEP using green behavior, GSC practices, and environmental knowledge.
    MeSH terms: China; Climate; Conservation of Natural Resources*; Leadership*; Renewable Energy
  5. Lim BLS, Narayanan V, Nah SA
    Pediatr Surg Int, 2023 Mar 17;39(1):152.
    PMID: 36930355 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05400-6
    BACKGROUND: Successful implementation of environmentally sustainable practices in the operating theatre (OT) requires stakeholder engagement. We evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of OT users in our institution towards sustainable practices in the OT.

    METHODS: A survey was conducted among OT users in August 2022. Respondents completed a 44-question anonymised online survey covering sustainability in (1) knowledge, (2) attitude, (3) practice, and (4) proposed changes to current practices. Points were assigned to knowledge (15 points) and attitude (40 points) sections. Practice was evaluated based on proportion of measures practiced. Appropriate statistical tests were used, with significance p 

    MeSH terms: Ethanol; Attitude of Health Personnel*; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Surveys and Questionnaires; 2-Propanol
  6. Laili IN, Nasir MHM, Jufri NF, Ibrahim FW, Hamid A
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2023 May;161:114501.
    PMID: 36931027 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114501
    Lysosome is a primary degradative organelle and is crucial in cellular homeostasis. A reduction in its function due to ageing has been associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a common neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the deposition of neurotoxic amyloid plaque in the brain and cerebral vessel walls. The breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of AD. However, the impact of lysosomal dysfunction on brain endothelial cells, the key component of the BBB, in the disease progression is yet to be fully understood. In this study, human brain endothelial cells (HBEC-5i) were exposed to a lysosomotropic compound, chloroquine (CQ) for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to determine the inhibitory concentration (IC) at IC10 (17.5 µM), IC25 (70.5 µM), and IC50 (125 µM). The morphological changes observed include vacuoles arrested in the cytosols and cell shrinkage that were more prominent at IC25 and IC50. Lysosomal dysfunction was evaluated by measuring the lysosomal-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1) and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II (LC3-II) using the capillary-based immunoassay. LC3-II was significantly increased at IC25 and IC50 (p 
    MeSH terms: Brain/metabolism; Cytosol/metabolism; Humans; Lysosomes/metabolism; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism; Disease Progression
  7. Gregg EW, Buckley J, Ali MK, Davies J, Flood D, Mehta R, et al.
    Lancet, 2023 Apr 15;401(10384):1302-1312.
    PMID: 36931289 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00001-6
    The Global Diabetes Compact is a WHO-driven initiative uniting stakeholders around goals of reducing diabetes risk and ensuring that people with diabetes have equitable access to comprehensive, affordable care and prevention. In this report we describe the development and scientific basis for key health metrics, coverage, and treatment targets accompanying the Compact. We considered metrics across four domains: factors at a structural, system, or policy level; processes of care; behaviours and biomarkers such as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); and health events and outcomes; and three risk tiers (diagnosed diabetes, high risk, or whole population), and reviewed and prioritised them according to their health importance, modifiability, data availability, and global inequality. We reviewed the global distribution of each metric to set targets for future attainment. This process led to five core national metrics and target levels for UN member states: (1) of all people with diabetes, at least 80% have been clinically diagnosed; and, for people with diagnosed diabetes, (2) 80% have HbA1c concentrations below 8·0% (63·9 mmol/mol); (3) 80% have blood pressure lower than 140/90 mm Hg; (4) at least 60% of people 40 years or older are receiving therapy with statins; and (5) each person with type 1 diabetes has continuous access to insulin, blood glucose meters, and test strips. We also propose several complementary metrics that currently have limited global coverage, but warrant scale-up in population-based surveillance systems. These include estimation of cause-specific mortality, and incidence of end-stage kidney disease, lower-extremity amputations, and incidence of diabetes. Primary prevention of diabetes and integrated care to prevent long-term complications remain important areas for the development of new metrics and targets. These metrics and targets are intended to drive multisectoral action applied to individuals, health systems, policies, and national health-care access to achieve the goals of the Global Diabetes Compact. Although ambitious, their achievement can result in broad health benefits for people with diabetes.
    MeSH terms: Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated; Humans; Insulin; World Health Organization; Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
  8. Jaiswal V, Ang SP, Ishak A, Joshi A, Chia JE, Kalra K, et al.
    Curr Probl Cardiol, 2023 Aug;48(8):101685.
    PMID: 36931333 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101685
    The safety and clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) compared to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) among patients with solid organ transplants is not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of TAVR and SAVR among patients with a history of solid organ transplantation. We performed a systematic literature search of databases for relevant articles from inception until May 1st, 2022. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) were pooled using a random-effect model, and a P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 3240 studies were identified of which 3 studies with a total of 2960 patients were included in the final analysis. For solid organ transplants patients, the odds of in-hospital mortality (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.20-0.71, P < 0.001), 30-day mortality (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.35-0.74, P < 0.001), acute kidney injury (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.35-0.59, P < 0.001), and bleeding (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.27-0.46, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in patients undergoing TAVR compared to SAVR. In contrast, the odds of pacemaker implantation (OR 2.60, 95% CI 0.36-18.90, P = 0.34), postprocedural stroke (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13-1.03, P = 0.06) were similar between both groups of patients. Length of hospital stay was significantly lower in TAVR compared to SAVR patients (SMD -0.82, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.70, P < 0.001). In solid organ transplant patients, TAVR appeared to be a safe procedure with fewer postprocedure complications, shorter length of hospital stay, and lower in hospital mortality compared with SAVR.
    MeSH terms: Aortic Valve/surgery; Humans; Risk Factors; Organ Transplantation*; Treatment Outcome
  9. Hipolith MM, Khor BK, Hirasawa Y, Murugaiyah V, Lee CY, Morita H, et al.
    Fitoterapia, 2023 Apr;166:105468.
    PMID: 36931528 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105468
    Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland, because of hormonal changes in aging males which contribute significantly to excessive proliferation over apoptosis of prostatic cells. The anti-proliferative and induced apoptotic activities of Eurycoma longifolia quassinoids on cancer cell lines could be promising therapeutic targets on BPH. Hitherto, no report of the quassinoids against BPH problem was available. In this study, a systematic phytochemical fractionation of the root extract, TAF2 was performed, which led to the discovery of nine previously described C20 quassinoids (1-9). Two undescribed C20 (10 and 12) and one undescribed (11) C19 quassinoids were identified by detailed NMR and HR-ESI-MS data analysis. Their absolute configurations were assigned by ECD spectral analysis. The quassinoids (1-12) were tested for inhibitory activity against the proliferation of human BPH-1 and human skin Hs27 fibroblast cells cultured in vitro. 1, 2 and 3 at 10 μM significantly reduced BPH-1 cell viability and were cytotoxic to Hs27 fibroblast cells. 2 was selected for further study of anti-BPH activity against testosterone induced BPH rats. At 5 mg/kg, 2 reduced the rat prostatic weight and prostatic index, consistent with the decrease in papillary acini number and epithelial thickness of the prostate tissues. These quassinoids may be potential anti-BPH compounds that require further studies.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Male; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Testosterone; Molecular Structure; Transcription Factor TFIID; TATA-Binding Protein Associated Factors*; Rats
  10. Balakrishnan V, Kherabi Y, Ramanathan G, Paul SA, Tiong CK
    Prog Biophys Mol Biol, 2023 May;179:16-25.
    PMID: 36931609 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.03.001
    Biomarker-based tests may facilitate Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, accelerate treatment initiation, and thus improve outcomes. This review synthesizes the literature on biomarker-based detection for TB diagnosis using machine learning. The systematic review approach follows the PRISMA guideline. Articles were sought using relevant keywords from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, resulting in 19 eligible studies after a meticulous screening. All the studies were found to have focused on the supervised learning approach, with Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest emerging as the top two algorithms, with the highest accuracy, sensitivity and specificity reported to be 97.0%, 99.2%, and 98.0%, respectively. Further, protein-based biomarkers were widely explored, followed by gene-based such as RNA sequence and, Spoligotypes. Publicly available datasets were observed to be popularly used by the studies reviewed whilst studies targeting specific cohorts such as HIV patients or children gathering their own data from healthcare facilities, leading to smaller datasets. Of these, most studies used the leave one out cross validation technique to mitigate overfitting. The review shows that machine learning is increasingly assessed in research to improve TB diagnosis through biomarkers, as promising results were shown in terms of model's detection performance. This provides insights on the possible application of machine learning approaches to diagnose TB using biomarkers as opposed to the traditional methods that can be time consuming. Low-middle income settings, where access to basic biomarkers could be provided as compared to sputum-based tests that are not always available, could be a major application of such models.
    MeSH terms: Machine Learning; Child; Humans; Mycobacterium tuberculosis*; Biomarkers; HIV Infections*
  11. Ho C, Samwil SNM, Kahairudin Z, Jamhuri N, Abd Aziz A
    Asian J Surg, 2023 Sep;46(9):3716-3721.
    PMID: 36931924 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.03.026
    BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is considered as an effective therapy for those with morbid obesity. Preoperative weight loss with a very low-calorie diet is commonly used to ease the bariatric surgery. Pre-habilitation increases functional and physiological capacity. The study demonstrated the changes of body composition and functional status following short term pre-habilitation before bariatric surgery.

    METHOD: This prospective study targeted those admitted for bariatric surgery. Participants underwent the biweekly pre-habilitation program included an individualized high whey-based protein very low-calorie (VLCHP) enteral regime (600-900 kcal/day) and moderate intensive exercise before bariatric surgery. Body composition and waist circumference were assessed after fortnight. Participants were segregated into morbid obese (MOG) (BMI <49 kg/m2) and super morbid obese group (SMOG) (BMI ≥50 kg/m2) for analysis.

    RESULT: Majority of participants were female (71%) with median age 36.0 years old (MOG) and 34.3 years old (SMOG) respectively. SMOG achieved significant greater loss in weight (-7.4 kg vs -4.0 kg), fat percentage (-4.4% vs -1.7%) and fat mass (-9.9 kg vs -3.8 kg); but MOG had a significant increment in muscle mass (3.2 kg vs 2.8 kg) as compared to SOG (p 

    MeSH terms: Whey/metabolism; Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Muscles/metabolism; Prospective Studies; Smog; Weight Loss/physiology; Body Mass Index; Bariatric Surgery*
  12. Husin M, Teh XR, Ong SM, Lim YMF, Ang SH, Chan CL, et al.
    Prim Care Diabetes, 2023 Jun;17(3):260-266.
    PMID: 36932012 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2023.03.003
    AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Enhanced Primary Healthcare (EnPHC) interventions on process of care and intermediate clinical outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients.

    METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental controlled study conducted in 20 intervention and 20 control public primary care clinics in Malaysia from November 2016 to June 2019. Type 2 diabetes patients aged 30 years and above were selected via systematic random sampling. Outcomes include process of care and intermediate clinical outcomes. Difference-in-differences analyses was conducted.

    RESULTS: We reviewed 12,017 medical records of patients with type 2 diabetes. Seven process of care measures improved: HbA1c tests (odds ratio (OR) 3.31, 95% CI 2.13, 5.13); lipid test (OR 4.59, 95% CI 2.64, 7.97), LDL (OR 4.33, 95% CI 2.16, 8.70), and urine albumin (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.12, 3.55) tests; BMI measured (OR 15.80, 95% CI 4.78, 52.24); cardiovascular risk assessment (OR 174.65, 95% CI 16.84, 1810.80); and exercise counselling (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04, 1.33). We found no statistically significant changes in intermediate clinical outcomes (i.e. HbA1c, LDL, HDL and BP control).

    CONCLUSIONS: EnPHC interventions was successful in enhancing the quality of care, in terms of process of care, by changing healthcare providers behaviour.

    MeSH terms: Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated; Humans; Malaysia; Primary Health Care; Exercise
  13. Yeoh SY, Tan HL, Muhammad L, Tan TC, Murad M, Mat Easa A
    NPJ Sci Food, 2023 Mar 17;7(1):8.
    PMID: 36932100 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-023-00183-5
    Salt reduction in food has been employed to improve public health. The effects of salt coatings on sodium content, sensory properties, structural breakdown, microstructure, salt release properties, and shelf life of yellow alkaline noodles (YAN) were evaluated. 15 g/dL resistant starch HYLON™ VII (HC) or 5% (v/v) Semperfresh™ (SC) with 10, 20, and 30 g/dL sodium chloride (NaCl) were used. HC-Na30 and SC-Na30 had the highest sodium content and came closest to commercial YAN in taste and saltiness perception. Structural improvement was demonstrated with HC-Na10 and SC-Na10 as both noodles required maximum work to be broken down. Moreover, SEM micrographs of these noodles showed a more compact and dense appearance with increased continuity of the matrix and fewer voids and hollows. However, ruptured surfaces were observed in noodles coated with 20 and 30% salt. The enhanced salt release from the coatings was demonstrated in an in vivo analysis, with the released salt occurring rapidly from HC and SC coatings. HC-Na10 and SC-Na10 noodles had a shelf life of more than 8 days when stored at 4 °C, which is longer than HC-Na0 and SC-Na0 noodles. Storage at 4 °C decelerated the microbiological growth, changes in pH and CIE L* values in salt-coated noodles than storage at 25 °. Thus, HC-Na10 and SC-Na10 could be suitable formulations to replace commercial YAN.
  14. Tamilarasan R, Subramani A, Sasikumar G, Ganapathi P, Karthikeyan S, Ponnusamy S, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Mar 17;13(1):4453.
    PMID: 36932171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31476-0
    Under conventional and silica-supported Muffle furnace methods, water-soluble substituted trimeric triaryl pyridinium cations with various inorganic counter anions are synthesized. The solvent-free synthesis method is superior to the conventional method in terms of non-toxicity, quicker reaction times, ease of workup, and higher yields. Trimeric substituted pyridinium salts acted as excellent catalytic responses for the preparation of Gem-bisamide derivatives compared with available literature. To evaluate the molecular docking, benzyl/4-nitrobenzyl substituted triaryl pyridinium salt compounds with VEGFR-2 kinase were used with H-bonds, π-π stacking, salt bridges, and hydrophobic contacts. The results showed that the VEGFR-2 kinase protein had the most potent inhibitory activity. Intriguingly, the compound [NBTAPy]PF6- had a strongly binds to VEGFR-2 kinase and controlled its activity in cancer treatment and prevention.
    MeSH terms: Pyridinium Compounds/pharmacology; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/metabolism; Molecular Docking Simulation
  15. Saniasiaya J, Salim R
    Auris Nasus Larynx, 2023 Apr;50(2):218-227.
    PMID: 35843849 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2022.06.007
    OBJECTIVE: Vestibular migraine (VM) is the most common cause of episodic vertigo afflicts 1% of the general population. The complexity of VM is owing to the migrainous, and vestibular components and much knowledge have been gained in recent years on VM in the adult population. Akin to that, numerous studies focusing on VM in children and adolescent has emerged. We reviewed the literature to understand the characteristics and diagnostic approach of VM in children and adolescents.

    METHODS: A literature search was conducted over a period of one month (April 2022).

    RESULTS: 16 articles were selected based on our objective and selection criteria. A total of patients was included, with a median age of 10.9 years. 11 studies diagnosed VM based on diagnostic criteria. Caloric test and electro/videonystagmography are the most favoured investigation used (50%). Imaging was performed in 56.2% of included studies.

    CONCLUSION: Deciphering the ideal diagnostic approach for VM is prudent to ensure children and adolescents suffering from VM are treated earlier. VM can be diagnosed using the established diagnostic criteria, which requires thorough and meticulous history taking. The available oto-neurological examination aims to exclude other disorders as its significance in diagnosing VM is still debatable.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Caloric Tests; Child; Humans; Vertigo/diagnosis; Vertigo/etiology; Patient Selection
  16. Thor SH, Ho LN, Ong SA, Abidin CZA, Heah CY, Yap KL
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Mar;30(12):34363-34377.
    PMID: 36512276 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24647-5
    Photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) was employed to provide renewable power sources to photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) process to fabricate a double-chambered hybrid system for the treatment of azo dye, Amaranth. The PFC-PEF hybrid system was interconnected by a circuit attached to the electrodes in PFC and PEF. Circuit connection is the principal channel for the electron transfer and mobility between PFC and PEF. Thus, different circuit connections were evaluated in the hybrid system for their influences on the Amaranth dye degradation. The PFC-PEF system under the complete circuit connection condition attained the highest decolourization efficiency of Amaranth (PFC: 98.85%; PEF: 95.69%), which indicated that the complete circuit connection was crucial for in-situ formation of reactive species in dye degradation. Besides, the pivotal role of ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation in the PFC-PEF system for both dye degradation and electricity generation was revealed through various UV light-illuminating conditions applied for PFC and PEF. A remarkable influence of UV light irradiation on the production of hydrogen peroxide and generation and regeneration of Fe2+ in PEF was demonstrated. This study provided a comprehensive mechanistic insight into the dye degradation and electricity generation by the PFC-PEF system.
    MeSH terms: Amaranth Dye*; Azo Compounds; Electricity; Electrodes; Hydrogen Peroxide; Oxidation-Reduction; Ultraviolet Rays*
  17. Younus HA, Saeed M, Mahmood A, Jadoon MSK, Hameed A, Asari A, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2023 May;134:106450.
    PMID: 36924652 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106450
    Ectonucleotidases, a well-known superfamily of plasma membrane located metalloenzymes plays a central role in mediating the process of purinergic cell signaling. Major functions performed by these enzymes include the hydrolysis of extracellular nucleosides and nucleotides which are considered as important cell-signaling molecules. Any (patho)-physiologically induced disruption in this purinergic cell signaling leads to several disorders, hence these enzymes are important drug targets for therapeutic purposes. Among the major challenges faced in the design of inhibitors of ectonucleotidases, an important one is the lack of selective inhibitors. Access to highly selective inhibitors via a facile synthetic route will not only be beneficial therapeutically, but will also lead to an increase in our understanding of intricate interplay between members of ectonucleotidase enzymes in relation to their selective activation and/or inhibition in different cells and tissues. Herein we describe synthesis of highly selective inhibitors of human intestinal alkaline phosphatase (h-IAP) and human tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (h-TNAP), containing chromone sulfonamide and sulfonylhydrazone scaffolds. Compound 1c exhibited highest (and most selective) h-IAP inhibition activity (h-IAP IC50 = 0.51 ± 0.20 µM; h-TNAP = 36.5%) and compound 3k showed highest activity and selective inhibition against h-TNAP (h-TNAP IC50 = 1.41 ± 0.10 µM; h-IAP = 43.1%). These compounds were also evaluated against another member of ectonucleotidase family, that is rat and human ecto-5'-nucleotidase (r-e5'NT and h-e5'NT). Some of the compounds exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against ecto-5'-nucleotidase. Compound 2 g exhibited highest inhibition against h-e5'NT (IC50 = 0.18 ± 0.02 µM). To rationalize the interactions with the binding site, molecular docking studies were carried out.
    MeSH terms: Alkaline Phosphatase*; Animals; Chromones/pharmacology; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Humans; Sulfonamides/pharmacology; Sulfonamides/chemistry; 5'-Nucleotidase*; Rats; Molecular Docking Simulation
  18. Yao M, Guo X, Shao X, Wei Y, Zhang X, Wang H, et al.
    Food Chem Toxicol, 2023 May;175:113725.
    PMID: 36925041 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113725
    Lead (Pb) can pollute the environment and food through air, water and other means, resulting in human exposure to lead pollution, and there is no threshold level of lead toxicity, even small doses of lead will have a range of harmful effects in humans. This study demonstrates for the first time that dietary addition of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from Prunus persica dregs reduces lead bioaccumulation in mice, and eliminates lead through feces. Compared with lead-exposed mice, SDF supplementation effectively prevented lead-induced changes in colon tissue, and increased expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin). We analyzed the effects of SDF on gut microbiota and metabolites by a combination of 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The results showed that SDF altered lead-induced perturbations in the layout and structure of the gut microbiota, including increased Desulfovibrio and Alistipes abundance and decreased Bacteroidetes abundance. Meanwhile, we also provide evidence that SDF supplementation alters the levels of amino acids, bile acids, and lipids in the gut, and that these metabolites are closely associated with microbiota with good lead binding capacity. Therefore, we speculate that SDF has the potential to provide a protective effect against intestinal damage by promoting lead excretion.
    MeSH terms: Gastrointestinal Microbiome*; Animals; Dietary Fiber/pharmacology; Humans; Lead/metabolism; Lead/toxicity; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Mice
  19. Al Mamun A, Naznen F, Jingzu G, Yang Q
    Heliyon, 2023 Mar;9(3):e14420.
    PMID: 36925515 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14420
    Urban agriculture has become increasingly popular as a viable solution to the global food insecurity, but the uncontrollable expansion of cities and populations has led to the significant decrease in cultivable space for conventional soil-based farming. Unlike conventional agriculture, soil-less hydroponic farming allows sustainable food production in urban areas without compromising the environment and public health. Using both theory of planned behaviour and knowledge-attitude-behaviour theory with four additional factors, the current study examined the intention and adoption of hydroponic farming among Chinese urbanites. An online survey, which involved 661 respondents from different cities in China, was conducted. The results of partial least squares structural equation modeling revealed the significant influence of tolerance of diversity, innovativeness, and knowledge about hydroponic system on attitude towards hydroponic system. Additionally, knowledge and attitude towards hydroponic system, perceived need for hydroponic farming, and hydroponic farming compatibility were found to significantly influence the intention of adopting hydroponic farming, which was also found to exhibit significant influence on its actual adoption. This study presented valuable insights that contribute to the development of a framework that promotes effective farming practices and strategies. The obtained findings can benefit marketers, practitioners, and policymakers in the agricultural and environmental fields, particularly in their efforts of planning, designing, marketing, and strategizing to promote modern agricultural practices and create a favourable environment for urban hydroponic farming in developing countries.
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