Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Rosli NA, Al-Maleki AR, Loke MF, Chua EG, Alhoot MA, Vadivelu J
    Gut Pathog, 2023 Oct 28;15(1):52.
    PMID: 37898785 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00579-4
    BACKGROUND: Clarithromycin-containing triple therapy is commonly used to treat Helicobacter pylori infections. Clarithromycin resistance is the leading cause of H. pylori treatment failure. Understanding the specific mutations that occur in H. pylori strains that have evolved antibiotic resistance can help create a more effective and individualised antibiotic treatment plan. However, little is understood about the genetic reprogramming linked to clarithromycin exposure and the emergence of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori. Therefore, this study aims to identify compensatory mutations and biofilm formation associated with the development of clarithromycin resistance in H. pylori. Clarithromycin-sensitive H. pylori clinical isolates were induced to develop clarithromycin resistance through in vitro exposure to incrementally increasing concentration of the antibiotic. The genomes of the origin sensitive isolates (S), isogenic breakpoint (B), and resistant isolates (R) were sequenced. Single nucleotide variations (SNVs), and insertions or deletions (InDels) associated with the development of clarithromycin resistance were identified. Growth and biofilm production were also assessed.

    RESULTS: The S isolates with A2143G mutation in the 23S rRNA gene were successfully induced to be resistant. According to the data, antibiotic exposure may alter the expression of certain genes, including those that code for the Cag4/Cag protein, the vacuolating cytotoxin domain-containing protein, the sel1 repeat family protein, and the rsmh gene, which may increase the risk of developing and enhances virulence in H. pylori. Enhanced biofilm formation was detected among R isolates compared to B and S isolates. Furthermore, high polymorphism was also detected among the genes associated with biofilm production.

    CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, this study suggests that H. pylori may acquire virulence factors while also developing antibiotic resistance due to clarithromycin exposure.

  2. Jani P, Mishra U, Buchmayer J, Walker K, Gözen D, Maheshwari R, et al.
    Pediatr Res, 2023 May;93(6):1701-1709.
    PMID: 36075989 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02297-0
    BACKGROUND: Are thermoregulation and golden hour practices in extremely preterm (EP) infants comparable across the world? This study aims to describe these practices for EP infants based on the neonatal intensive care unit's (NICUs) geographic region, country's income status and the lowest gestational age (GA) of infants resuscitated.

    METHODS: The Director of each NICU was requested to complete the e-questionnaire between February 2019 and August 2021.

    RESULTS: We received 848 responses, from all geographic regions and resource settings. Variations in most thermoregulation and golden hour practices were observed. Using a polyethylene plastic wrap, commencing humidity within 60 min of admission, and having local protocols were the most consistent practices (>75%). The odds for the following practices differed in NICUs resuscitating infants from 22 to 23 weeks GA compared to those resuscitating from 24 to 25 weeks: respiratory support during resuscitation and transport, use of polyethylene plastic wrap and servo-control mode, commencing ambient humidity >80% and presence of local protocols.

    CONCLUSION: Evidence-based practices on thermoregulation and golden hour stabilisation differed based on the unit's region, country's income status and the lowest GA of infants resuscitated. Future efforts should address reducing variation in practice and aligning practices with international guidelines.

    IMPACT: A wide variation in thermoregulation and golden hour practices exists depending on the income status, geographic region and lowest gestation age of infants resuscitated. Using a polyethylene plastic wrap, commencing humidity within 60 min of admission and having local protocols were the most consistent practices. This study provides a comprehensive description of thermoregulation and golden hour practices to allow a global comparison in the delivery of best evidence-based practice. The findings of this survey highlight a need for reducing variation in practice and aligning practices with international guidelines for a comparable health care delivery.

    MeSH terms: Body Temperature Regulation; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Male; Polyethylenes; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Infant, Extremely Premature*
  3. Daneshwar D, Nordin A
    Int Urol Nephrol, 2023 Dec;55(12):3133-3145.
    PMID: 37145375 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03616-y
    BACKGROUND: Prostatitis is known as the inflammation of the prostate. The treatments of prostatitis are either pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment. However, some of the treatments are not effective and very invasive which can lead to side effects. Thus, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) is used as an alternative treatment for prostatitis due to its convenient and non-invasive procedure. However, a definite protocol for this treatment is not available due to the variability of the treatment protocols and the lack of research comparing the efficacy of these protocols.

    OBJECTIVE: To review and compare the efficacy of different LI-ESWT protocols in treating prostatitis.

    METHODS: The study was performed by comparing the intensity, duration, frequency and combination with different types of pharmacotherapy drugs of the different LI-ESWT protocols from various studies. The finding from various studies which consist of disease improvement and quality of life (QoL) were also presented in this review.

    RESULT: From the findings, the protocol can be categorized into three different intensities which are at 3000 pulses,  3000 pulses. Most studies reported that each protocol is very effective and safe to use and can improve CP symptoms, urinary symptoms, erectile function and QoL. It is also found that no complications or adverse effects occur to the patient.

    CONCLUSION: Most of the LI-ESWT protocols described are safe and effective in treating CP through the absence of treatment-related adverse effects and maintenance of clinical effects.

  4. Morozova O, Isaeva E, Klinov D
    Curr Issues Mol Biol, 2023 Oct 11;45(10):8227-8238.
    PMID: 37886962 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100519
    Natural, environmental and engineered nanoparticles (NP) penetrate into cells by endocytosis and induce innate immunity. The behaviour of the nanomaterials both in vitro and in vivo should be assessed. Our goal was to study protein NP stability in biological fluids and distribution in organs of animals after intranasal and oral administration. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was labelled with the fluorescent dye RhoB and NP were fabricated by nanoprecipitation. The fluorescent protein NPwere administered intranasally and orally in laboratory-outbred mice ICR and rabbits. RhoB-BSA NP distribution in organs was detected using spectrofluorometry and fluorescent microscopy. Innate immunity was evaluated using reverse transcription with random hexanucleotide primer and subsequent real-time PCR with specific fluorescent hydrolysis probes. The labelled BSA NP were shown to remain stable in blood sera and nasopharyngeal swabs for 5 days at +37 °C. In vivo the maximal accumulation was found in the brain in 2 days posttreatment without prevalent accumulation in olfactory bulbs. For the intestine, heart and liver, the BSA NP accumulation was similar in 1 and 2 days, whereas for kidney samples even decreased after 1 day. Both intranasal and peroral administration of RhoB-BSA NP did not induce innate immunity. Thus, after intranasal or oral instillation RhoB-BSA NP were found mainly in the brain and intestine without interferon gene expression.
  5. Li L, Khan A, Rameli MRM
    Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ, 2023 Oct 07;13(10):2179-2191.
    PMID: 37887154 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13100153
    Previous research has established a positive link between prosocial behavior (PB) and psychological well-being. However, limited studies have explored the relationship between PB and well-being (WB), particularly among vocational students. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms, including mediating factors, remain understudied in this context. This study aimed to investigate the association between PB and WB among vocational students while examining the mediating role of basic psychological needs. A sample of 221 vocational students (mean age = 19.68 years, SD = 1.57) completed anonymous questionnaires assessing PB, basic psychological needs, and WB. The results revealed a positive correlation between PB and WB in vocational students (r = 0.22, p < 0.01), with basic psychological needs partially mediating this relationship (β = 0.14, t = 10.85, p < 0.001, 95% CI = (0.18, 0.23)). These findings enhance our understanding of the association between PB and vocational students' WB, shed light on the mechanisms involved, and offer insights into promoting the well-being of vocational students.
  6. Lee JJ, Fite MC, Imae T, Lee PF
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2023 Oct 22;13(20).
    PMID: 37887956 DOI: 10.3390/nano13202806
    The motion of magnetic particles under magnetic fields is an object to be solved in association with basic and practical phenomena. Movement phenomena of magnetite-encapsulated graphene particles at air-water interfaces were evaluated by manufacturing a feedback control system of the magnetic field to cause the motion of particles due to magnetic torque. A homogeneous magnetic field was generated using two pairs of electromagnets located perpendicular to each other, which were connected to an electronic switch. The system influenced the translational movement and the self-rotational speed of magnetic particles located at a center on the surface of fluid media in a continuous duty cycle. Operating the particle at a remote control in the same duty cycle at the air-water surface, the short and elongated magnetic particles successfully rotated. In addition, the rotational speed of the curved particle was slower than that of the elongated particle. The results indicate that the translational and self-rotational movements of magnetite-encapsulated graphene particles at the air-water interface under the external magnetic field are size- and shape-dependent for the speed and the direction. A short magnetic particle was used as a target particle to rotate on cancer cell lines, aiming to study the advantage of this method to induce the growth of HeLa cells. It was monitored for up to 4 days with and without magnetic particles by checking the viability and morphology of cells before and after the electromagnetic treatment. As an outcome, the movement of magnetic particles reduced the number of biological cells, at least on HeLa cells, but it was inactive on the viability of HeLa cells.
  7. Mohamed Muzni NH, Mhd Noor EE, Abdullah MMAB
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2023 Oct 23;13(20).
    PMID: 37887960 DOI: 10.3390/nano13202811
    This study investigated the influence of reinforcing 0.50 wt.% of titanium oxide (TiO2) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles on the wettability performance of a Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) solder alloy. The thermal properties of the SAC305 nanocomposite solder are comparable with thos of an SAC305 solder with a peak temperature window within a range of 240 to 250 °C. The wetting behaviour of the non-reinforced and reinforced SAC305 nanocomposite solder was determined and measured using the contact angle and spreading area and the relationships between them were studied. There is an increment in the spreading area (5.6 to 7.32 mm) by 30.71% and a reduction in the contact angle (26.3 to 18.6°) by 14.29% with an increasing reflow time up to 60 s when reinforcing SAC305 solder with 0.50 wt.% of TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles. The SAC305 nanocomposite solder has a better wetting performance compared with the SAC305 solder. As the reflow time increased, the spreading area increased and the contact angle decreased, which restricted intermetallic compound growth and thus improved wettability performance.
  8. Mohamed Hussin NA, Mohd Sabri NS
    Support Care Cancer, 2023 Oct 27;31(12):659.
    PMID: 37889352 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08060-3
    Caregiving for cancer patients can cause stress among family caregivers. Caregiving stress is also associated with guilt as they cannot provide adequate care for cancer patients. However, guilt among family caregivers of cancer patients is poorly understood. This qualitative study aimed to explore the dynamics of guilt feelings in families that care for cancer patients. This study involved 45 family caregivers of cancer patients. Thematic data analysis was conducted. There were six themes emerging. Caregiving can be challenging, guilt and blame, guilt due to lack of self-capacity, guilt for neglecting others, no guilt at all, and discussion of guilt and blame as a caregiver. This study offers insight into social workers regarding the challenges and experiences faced by family caregivers of cancer patients. Appropriate health interventions and support should be provided to family caregivers of cancer patients to improve their well-being.
  9. Qadeer A, Hussan MW, Aziz G, Waheed R, Sarwar S
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Nov;30(54):115788-115804.
    PMID: 37889409 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30560-2
    The world faces immense pressure regarding the negative impacts of increased greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, global warming, droughts, and many other environmental problems. Australia is also facing the same issues and requires urgent attention. In this research, we have examined the effect of hydrogen firms on Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. We employed the monthly data from January 2002 to December 2021 for econometric estimations. Through quantile regression, it is noted that the expansion of hydrogen firms contributes to environmental pollution instead of controlling the emissions. Most hydrogen energy still emits carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. Around the world, carbon-containing fossil fuels produce more than 95% of hydrogen energy. However, as a policy suggestion, it is recommended that green hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources will succeed in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    MeSH terms: Carbon Dioxide/analysis; Environmental Pollution; Fossil Fuels; Hydrogen; Economic Development; Global Warming; Renewable Energy
  10. Schröder M, Muller SHA, Vradi E, Mielke J, Lim YMF, Couvelard F, et al.
    Big Data, 2023 Dec;11(6):399-407.
    PMID: 37889577 DOI: 10.1089/big.2022.0178
    Sharing individual patient data (IPD) is a simple concept but complex to achieve due to data privacy and data security concerns, underdeveloped guidelines, and legal barriers. Sharing IPD is additionally difficult in big data-driven collaborations such as Bigdata@Heart in the Innovative Medicines Initiative, due to competing interests between diverse consortium members. One project within BigData@Heart, case study 1, needed to pool data from seven heterogeneous data sets: five randomized controlled trials from three different industry partners, and two disease registries. Sharing IPD was not considered feasible due to legal requirements and the sensitive medical nature of these data. In addition, harmonizing the data sets for a federated data analysis was difficult due to capacity constraints and the heterogeneity of the data sets. An alternative option was to share summary statistics through contingency tables. Here it is demonstrated that this method along with anonymization methods to ensure patient anonymity had minimal loss of information. Although sharing IPD should continue to be encouraged and strived for, our approach achieved a good balance between data transparency while protecting patient privacy. It also allowed a successful collaboration between industry and academia.
    MeSH terms: Confidentiality*; Humans; Computer Security; Privacy
  11. Almazroi AA, Alqarni MA, Al-Shareeda MA, Manickam S
    PLoS One, 2023;18(10):e0292690.
    PMID: 37889892 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292690
    The role that vehicular fog computing based on the Fifth Generation (5G) can play in improving traffic management and motorist safety is growing quickly. The use of wireless technology within a vehicle raises issues of confidentiality and safety. Such concerns are optimal targets for conditional privacy-preserving authentication (CPPA) methods. However, current CPPA-based systems face a challenge when subjected to attacks from quantum computers. Because of the need for security and anti-piracy features in fog computing when using a 5G-enabled vehicle system, the L-CPPA scheme is proposed in this article. Using a fog server, secret keys are generated and transmitted to each registered car via a 5G-Base Station (5G-BS) in the proposed L-CPPA system. In the proposed L-CPPA method, the trusted authority, rather than the vehicle's Onboard Unit (OBU), stores the vehicle's master secret data to each fog server. Finally, the computation cost of the suggested L-CPPA system regards message signing, single verification and batch verification is 694.161 ms, 60.118 ms, and 1348.218 ms, respectively. Meanwhile, the communication cost is 7757 bytes.
    MeSH terms: Confidentiality; Computer Security; Telemedicine*; Privacy*; Wireless Technology
  12. Ibrahim AKA, Syed Sulaiman SA, Awaisu A, Shafie AA
    J Int Med Res, 2023 Oct;51(10):3000605231208598.
    PMID: 37890143 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231208598
    OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of a brief smoking cessation intervention among patients with diabetes.

    METHODS: This randomized interventional clinical trial involved patients with diabetes who smoked tobacco and attended the outpatient diabetes clinic at Penang Hospital, Malaysia. Participants were randomized into a control group that usual care for patients with diabetes, or an intervention group that received a 5-minute physician-delivered brief counseling session on tobacco cessation using the 5A's strategy, in addition to usual care. Primary outcome measures were assessed over three visits (every 3-4 months) including mean glycated hemoglobin level, quitting rate, blood pressure, and mean number of cigarettes smoked per day.

    RESULTS: In total, 126 participants were finally enrolled in the study, with 63 patients each in the intervention and control groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to glycemic control, blood pressure, and quitting rate. However, patients in both groups reduced their cigarette consumption.

    CONCLUSIONS: The present brief smoking cessation intervention did not result in better glycemic control, blood pressure, or quitting rates among patients with diabetes. This patient group may require more intensive guidance for better outcomes.Trial registration: This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04864327); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?pg=1&load=cart&id=NCT04864327.

    MeSH terms: Counseling/methods; Diabetes Mellitus*; Humans
  13. Kalidasan B, Pandey AK, Aljafari B, Chinnasamy S, Kareri T, Rahman S
    J Environ Manage, 2023 Dec 15;348:119439.
    PMID: 37890400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119439
    Metal, carbon and conducting polymer nanoparticles are blended with organic phase change materials (PCMs) to enhance the thermal conductivity, heat storage ability, thermal stability and optical property. However, the existing nanoparticle are expensive and need to be handle with high caution during operation as well during disposal owing to its toxicity. Subsequently handling of solid waste and the disposal of organic PCM after longevity usage are of utmost concern and are less exposed. Henceforth, the current research presents a new dimension of exploration by green synthesized nanoparticles from a thorny shrub of an invasive weed named Prosopis Juliflora (PJ) which is a agro based solid waste. Subsequently, the research is indented to decide the concentration of green synthesized nanoparticle for effective heat transfer rate of organic PCM (Tm = 35-40 °C & Hm = 145 J/g). Furthermore, an in-depth understanding on the kinetic and thermodynamic profile of degradation mechanism involved in disposal of PCM after usage via Coats and Redfern technique is exhibited. Engaging a two-step method, we fuse the green synthesized nanomaterial with PCM to obtain nanocomposite PCM. On experimental evaluation, thermal conductivity of the developed nanocomposite (PCM + PJ) increases by 63.8% (0.282 W/m⋅K to 0.462 W/m⋅K) with 0.8 wt% green synthesized nanomaterial owing to the uniform distribution of nanoparticle within PCM matrix thereby contributing to bridging thermal networks. Subsequently, PCM and PCM + PJ nanocomposites are tested using thermogravimetric analyzer at different heating rates (05 °C/min; 10 °C/min; 15 °C/min & 20 °C/min) to analyze the decomposition kinetic reaction. The kinetic and thermodynamic profile of degradation mechanism involved in disposal of PCM and its nanocomposite of PCM + PJ provides insight on thermal parameters to be considered on large scale operation and to understand the complex nature of the chemical reactions. Adopting thirteen different chemical mechanism model under Coats and Redfern method we determine the reaction mechanism; kinetic parameter like activation energy (Ea) & pre-exponential factor (A) and thermodynamic parameter like change in enthalpy (ΔH), change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and change in entropy (ΔS). Dispersion of PJ nanomaterial with PCM reduces Ea from 370.82 kJ/mol-1 to 342.54 kJ/mol-1 (7.7% reduction), as the developed nanomaterial is enriched in carbon element and exhibits a catalytic effect for breakdown reaction. Corresponding, value of ΔG for PCM and PCM + PJ sample within heating rates of 05-20 °C/min varies between 168.95 and 41.611 kJ/mol-1. The current research will unbolt new works with focus on exploring the pyrolysis behaviour of phase change materials and its nanocomposite used for energy storage applications. This work also provides insights on the disposal of PCM which is an organic solid waste. The thermo-kinetic profile will help to investigate and predict the optimum heating rate and temperature range for conversion of micro-scale pyrolysis to commercial scale process.
    MeSH terms: Carbon; Thermodynamics; Thermogravimetry; Prosopis*; Nanocomposites*; Solid Waste
  14. Mustafa FH, Ismail I, Ahmad Munawar AAZ, Abdul Basir B, Shueb RH, Irekeola AA, et al.
    Anal Biochem, 2023 Dec 15;683:115368.
    PMID: 37890549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115368
    Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is an outbreak infectious disease that can easily spread among children under the age of five. The most common causative agents of HFMD are enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16), but infection caused by EV71 is more associated with fatalities due to severe neurological disorders. The present diagnosis methods rely on physical examinations by the doctors and further confirmation by laboratories detection methods such as viral culture and polymerase chain reaction. Clinical signs of HFMD infection and other childhood diseases such as chicken pox, and allergies are similar, yet the genetics and pathogenicity of the viruses are substantially different. Thus, there is an urgent need for an early screening of HFMD using an inexpensive and user-friendly device that can directly detect the causative agents of the disease. This paper reviews current HFMD diagnostic methods based on various target types, such as nucleic acid, protein, and whole virus. This was followed by a thorough discussion on the emerging sensing technologies for HFMD detection, including surface plasmon resonance, electrochemical sensor, and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Lastly, optical absorption spectroscopic method was critically discussed and proposed as a promising technology for HFMD screening and detection.
    MeSH terms: Child; Humans; Spectrum Analysis; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Enterovirus A, Human*
  15. Lee YL, Nasir FFWA, Selveindran NM, Zaini AA, Lim PG, Jalaludin MY
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2023 Nov;205:110981.
    PMID: 37890700 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110981
    AIMS: Despite emerging evidence of increased paediatric diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) worldwide following the COVID-19 pandemic, studies in Asia are lacking. We aimed to determine the frequency, demographics, and clinical characteristics of new onset type 1 DM (T1DM) during the pandemic in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study involving new onset T1DM paediatric patients in Klang Valley, Malaysia during two time periods ie 18th September 2017-17th March 2020 (pre-pandemic) and 18th March 2020-17th September 2022 (pandemic).

    RESULTS: There was a total of 180 patients with new onset T1DM during the 5-year study period (71 pre-pandemic, 109 pandemic). An increase in frequency of T1DM was observed during the pandemic (52 in 2021, 38 in 2020, 27 in 2019 and 30 in 2018). A significantly greater proportion of patients presented with DKA (79.8 % vs 64.8 %), especially severe DKA (46.8 % vs 28.2 %) during the pandemic. Serum glucose was significantly higher (28.2 mmol vs 25.9 mmol/L) with lower venous pH (7.10 vs 7.16), but HbA1c was unchanged.

    CONCLUSIONS: New onset T1DM increased during the pandemic, with a greater proportion having severe DKA. Further studies are required to evaluate the mechanism leading to this rise to guide intervention measures.

    MeSH terms: Child; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Retrospective Studies; Pandemics
  16. Wan KS, Mat Rifin H, Mohd Yusoff MF, Yoga Ratnam KK, Chan WK, Mohamad M, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2023 Oct 27;13(10):e074432.
    PMID: 37890968 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074432
    INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardio-metabolic dysfunctions characterised by increased fasting plasma glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides and reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Meanwhile, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the new term for fatty liver associated with MetS. People with MetS or MAFLD have higher risks for adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortalities. However, large-scale data on MetS and MAFLD prevalence in Malaysia is mainly unknown. This study aims to determine the prevalence of MetS and MAFLD among the general adult population in Malaysia.

    METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a community-based nationwide cross-sectional study in Malaysia. The data collection period is from July 2023 until September 2023, with a planned sample size of 1296 participants. We use a two-stage proportionate stratified random sampling method to ensure national representativeness. The definition of MetS follows the Harmonised Joint Interim Statement in 2009. A diagnosis of MAFLD is made if a participant has fatty liver, defined as having a Fatty Liver Index ≥60 and has type 2 diabetes, a body mass index ≥23 kg/m2, or ≥2 metabolic risk abnormalities. Complex sample analysis will be conducted, and the disease prevalence will be reported with 95% CIs, unweighted counts and estimated populations.

    ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has been approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (NMRR ID-22-02845-GUT). The findings will be disseminated through a formal report, policy brief, scientific publications, conference presentations, social media, print media and stakeholder engagement activities.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Metabolic Syndrome X*
  17. Segaran TC, Azra MN, Handayani KS, Lananan F, Xu J
    Mar Environ Res, 2023 Nov;192:106216.
    PMID: 37891025 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106216
    Seaweed has garnered increasing interest due to its capacity to mitigate climate change by curbing carbon emissions from agriculture, as well as its potential to serve as a supplement or alternative for dietary, livestock feed, or fuel source production. Moreover, seaweed is regarded as one of the earliest plant forms to have evolved on Earth. Owing to the extensive body of literature available and the uncertainty surrounding the future trajectory of seaweed research under evolving climate conditions, this review scrutinizes the structure, dynamics, and progression of the literature pertaining to seaweed and climate change. This analysis is grounded in the Web of Science Core Collection database, augmented by CiteSpace software. Furthermore, we discuss the productivity and influence of individual researchers, research organizations, countries, and scientific journals. To date, there have been 8047 articles published globally (after a series of filters and exclusions), with a notable upswing in publication frequency since 2018. The USA, China, and Australia are among the leading countries contributing to this research area. Our findings reveal that current research on seaweed and climate change encompasses 13 distinct research clusters, including "marine heatwave", "temperate estuary", "ocean acidification", and "macroalgal bloom". The most frequently cited keywords are "climate change", "biomass", "community", and "photosynthesis". The seaweed species most commonly referenced in relation to climate change include Gracilaria sp., Sargassum sp., Ecklonia maxima, and Macrocystis pyrifera. These results provide valuable guidance for shaping the direction of specialized topics concerning marine biodiversity under shifting climate conditions. We propose that seaweed production may be compromised during prolonged episodes of reduced water availability, emphasizing the need to formulate strategies to guarantee its continued viability. This article offers fresh perspectives on the analysis of seaweed research in the context of impending climate change.
    MeSH terms: Seaweed*; Biomass; Biodiversity; Climate Change; Estuaries
  18. Muhamad SA, Safuan S, Stanslas J, Wan Ahmad WAN, Bushra SM, Nurul AA
    Sci Rep, 2023 Oct 27;13(1):18442.
    PMID: 37891170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45640-z
    Allergic asthma is associated with chronic airway inflammation and progressive airway remodelling. The sclerotium of Lignosus rhinocerotis (Cooke) Ryvarden (Tiger Milk mushroom) is used traditionally to treat various illnesses, including asthma in Southeast Asia. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of L. rhinocerotis extract (LRE) on airway inflammation and remodelling in a chronic model of asthma. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of LRE on airway inflammation and remodelling in prolonged allergen challenged model in allergic asthma. Female Balb/C mice were sensitised using ovalbumin (OVA) on day 0 and 7, followed by OVA-challenged (3 times/week) for 2, 6 and 10 weeks. LRE (125, 250, 500 mg/kg) were administered by oral gavage one hour after every challenge. One group of mice were left untreated after the final challenge for two weeks. LRE suppressed inflammatory cells and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) in BALF and reduced IgE level in the serum. LRE also attenuated eosinophils infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lung tissues; as well as ameliorated airway remodelling by reducing smooth muscle thickness and reducing the expressions of TGF-β1 and Activin A positive cell in the lung tissues. LRE attenuated airway inflammation and remodelling in the prolonged allergen challenge of allergic asthma model. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of LRE as an alternative for the management of allergic asthma.
  19. Ashraf SN, Manickam S, Zia SS, Abro AA, Obaidat M, Uddin M, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Oct 27;13(1):18422.
    PMID: 37891186 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45065-8
    The emergence of drone-based innovative cyber security solutions integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized navigational technologies with robust data communication services across multiple platforms. This advancement leverages machine learning and deep learning methods for future progress. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the utilization of IoT-enabled drone data management technology. Industries ranging from industrial applications to agricultural advancements, as well as the implementation of smart cities for intelligent and efficient monitoring. However, these latest trends and drone-enabled IoT technology developments have also opened doors to malicious exploitation of existing IoT infrastructures. This raises concerns regarding the vulnerability of drone networks and security risks due to inherent design flaws and the lack of cybersecurity solutions and standards. The main objective of this study is to examine the latest privacy and security challenges impacting the network of drones (NoD). The research underscores the significance of establishing a secure and fortified drone network to mitigate interception and intrusion risks. The proposed system effectively detects cyber-attacks in drone networks by leveraging deep learning and machine learning techniques. Furthermore, the model's performance was evaluated using well-known drones' CICIDS2017, and KDDCup 99 datasets. We have tested the multiple hyperparameter parameters for optimal performance and classify data instances and maximum efficacy in the NoD framework. The model achieved exceptional efficiency and robustness in NoD, specifically while applying B-LSTM and LSTM. The system attains precision values of 89.10% and 90.16%, accuracy rates up to 91.00-91.36%, recall values of 81.13% and 90.11%, and F-measure values of 88.11% and 90.19% for the respective evaluation metrics.
  20. Reshma A, Tamilanban T, Chitra V, Subramaniyan V, Gupta G, Fuloria NK, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Oct 27;13(1):18449.
    PMID: 37891223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44462-3
    Obesity is a complex disease caused by various factors, and synthetic drugs used to treat it can have side effects. Natural compounds, such as olivetol, could be a promising alternative. Olivetol is a substance found in certain lichen species and has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In this study, researchers conducted in-silico molecular docking studies and found that olivetol had significant binding affinity with receptors involved in obesity. They also investigated the effects of olivetol on a diet-induced obese zebrafish model and found that high doses of olivetol reduced excessive fat accumulation and triglyceride and lipid accumulation. The low dose of olivetol showed a significant reduction in liver enzymes' levels. However, the high dose of olivetol resulted in a significant increase in HMG-CoA levels. These results suggest that olivetol may be a promising anti-obesity agent for the treatment of hyperlipidemia-related disorders, but further research is necessary to understand its full effects on the body.
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