Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Vasudevan A, Majumder N, Sharma I, Kaur I, Sundarrajan S, Venugopal JR, et al.
    ACS Biomater Sci Eng, 2023 Nov 13;9(11):6357-6368.
    PMID: 37847169 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01216
    Immortalized liver cell lines and primary hepatocytes are currently used as in vitro models for hepatotoxic drug screening. However, a decline in the viability and functionality of hepatocytes with time is an important limitation of these culture models. Advancements in tissue engineering techniques have allowed us to overcome this challenge by designing suitable scaffolds for maintaining viable and functional primary hepatocytes for a longer period of time in culture. In the current study, we fabricated liver-specific nanofiber scaffolds with polylactic acid (PLA) along with a decellularized liver extracellular matrix (LEM) by the electrospinning technique. The fabricated hybrid PLA-LEM scaffolds were more hydrophilic and had better swelling properties than the PLA scaffolds. The hybrid scaffolds had a pore size of 38 ± 8 μm and supported primary rat hepatocyte cultures for 10 days. Increased viability (2-fold increase in the number of live cells) and functionality (5-fold increase in albumin secretion) were observed in primary hepatocytes cultured on the PLA-LEM scaffolds as compared to those on conventional collagen-coated plates on day 10 of culture. A significant increase in CYP1A2 enzyme activity was observed in hepatocytes cultured on PLA-LEM hybrid scaffolds in comparison to those on collagen upon induction with phenobarbital. Drugs like acetaminophen and rifampicin showed the highest toxicity in hepatocytes cultured on hybrid scaffolds. Also, the lethal dose of these drugs in rodents was accurately predicted as 1.6 g/kg and 594 mg/kg, respectively, from the corresponding IC50 values obtained from drug-treated hepatocytes on hybrid scaffolds. Thus, the fabricated liver-specific electrospun scaffolds maintained primary hepatocyte viability and functionality for an extended period in culture and served as an effective ex vivo drug screening platform to predict an accurate in vivo drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Collagen/metabolism; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Extracellular Matrix; Liver; Polyesters/metabolism; Polyesters/pharmacology; Hepatocytes/metabolism; Rats; Tissue Scaffolds; Nanofibers*
  2. Mohamad Hanafiah R, Abd Ghafar SA, Lim V, Musa SNA, Yakop F, Hairil Anuar AH
    Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol, 2023 Dec;51(1):549-559.
    PMID: 37847252 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2023.2268167
    This study aims to characterize and determine the antibacterial activities of synthesized Strobilanthes crispus-mediated AgNPs (SC-AgNPs) against Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. S. crispus water extract acts as a reducing and capping agent in the synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR). FESEM images showed a rough surface with a spherical shape. The average size distribution of 75.25 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.373. XRD analysis matched the face-centred cubic structure of silver. FTIR analysis revealed a shifted peak from 1404.99 to 1345.00 cm-1. MIC and MBC values of SC-AgNPs were 1.25 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. mutans, respectively. Time-kill assay showed that SC-AgNPs significantly reduced bacterial growth as compared to non-treated bacteria. Morphologies of bacteria treated with SC-AgNPs were shrunk, lysed, irregular and smaller as compared to control. SC-AgNPs significantly disrupted the gene expression of eae A, gtf B and Pel A (p 
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry; Bacteria; Escherichia coli; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  3. Kaur I, Behl T, Sundararajan G, Panneerselvam P, Vijayakumar AR, Senthilkumar GP, et al.
    Neurotox Res, 2023 Oct 17.
    PMID: 37847429 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00670-3
    Alzheimer's disease contributes to 60-70% of all dementia cases in the general population. Belonging to the BIN1/amphiphysin/RVS167 (BAR) superfamily, the bridging integrator (BIN1) has been identified to impact two major pathological hallmarks in Alzheimer's disease (AD), i.e., amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau accumulation. Aβ accumulation is found to increase by BIN1 knockdown in cortical neurons in late-onset AD, due to BACE1 accumulation at enlarged early endosomes. Two BIN1 mutants, KR and PL, were identified to exhibit Aβ accumulation. Furthermore, BIN1 deficiency by BIN1-related polymorphisms impairs the interaction with tau, thus elevating tau phosphorylation, altering synapse structure and tau function. Even though the precise role of BIN1 in the neuronal tissue needs further investigation, the authors aim to throw light on the potential of BIN1 and unfold its implications on tau and Aβ pathology, to aid AD researchers across the globe to examine BIN1, as an appropriate target gene for disease management.
  4. Zhu HY, Wei YH, Guo LC, Wei XY, Li JN, Zhang RP, et al.
    Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2023 Oct;73(10).
    PMID: 37847534 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006076
    Three strains belonging to the basidiomycetous yeast genus Vishniacozyma were isolated from marine water samples collected from intertidal zones in Liaoning province, northeast China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the two subunits of DNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2), the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), and the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (CYTB) showed that these strains together with 20 strains from various geographic and ecological origins from other regions of the world represent a novel species in the genus Vishniacozyma. We propose the name Vishniacozyma pseudocarnescens sp. nov. (holotype CGMCC 2.6457) for the new species, which differs phenotypically from its close relatives V. carnescens, V. tephrensis, and V. victoriae by its ability to grow at 30 °C and on 50 % (w/v) glucose-yeast extract agar.
    MeSH terms: Base Composition; Basidiomycota*; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; DNA, Fungal/genetics; DNA, Ribosomal; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Mycological Typing Techniques; Sequence Analysis, DNA; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
  5. Jamal MH, Abdul Aziz AF, Aizuddin AN, Aljunid SM
    PLoS One, 2023;18(10):e0292516.
    PMID: 37847678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292516
    This is cross-sectional research done to assess the readiness of the private Malaysian general practitioners (GPs) for the implementation of the national health financing scheme. The study focused on their levels of knowledge and attitudes towards the types of health financing scheme, gatekeeper roles in the health financing scheme, and their participation in the PeKa B40 scheme. Their acceptance and level of participation in the national health financing scheme (NHFS) were also assessed. A set of self-designed and pre-tested questionnaires focusing on the aforementioned objectives were mailed to the respondents. The selection of respondents was done by stratified random sampling of the GPs in all 14 Malaysian states at both urban and rural levels. Out of a calculated number of 362 GPs targeted, 296 responses were received which represented a response rate of 81.7%. The respondents had a mean age of 50.7 years 165 (55.75%) were males and 131 (44.3%) were females. The rural respondents totalled 158 (53.4%) as compared to those from urban 138 (46.6%) areas. The outcomes observed were that GPs with PeKa B40 provider status, positive attitude towards health financing schemes, gatekeeper roles, and PeKa B40, were strongly associated with their acceptance and level of participation in the NHFS. The GPs possessed a positive attitude and were generally ready to participate in the NHFS, but the lower scores in knowledge levels would require definite education and training plans to further enhance their readiness. More incentives should be given to GPs to enrol as PeKa B40 providers. The results of this study should be strongly considered by the government in the efforts to engage the Malaysian private GPs in the forthcoming NHFS. Most importantly, the role of GPs as gatekeepers needed to be implemented, and the PeKa B40 scheme be greatly improved.
    MeSH terms: Attitude of Health Personnel; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Male; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; General Practitioners*; Healthcare Financing
  6. Rai NA, Abdul Aziz MJ, Sahid MR, Husain AR, Anjum W, Low WY
    PLoS One, 2023;18(10):e0291873.
    PMID: 37847692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291873
    This paper proposes an average current mode controller (ACMC) for a single-phase bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) circuit using a single ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) via second-order model reduction. The superiority of the proposed controller is PFC accomplished at power up to 350 W with high efficiency via the second-order model reduction. The design and implementation of ACMC on the converter operated with continuous conduction mode (CCM) is explained in detail. ACMC forces input current to follow sinusoidal current reference at different power levels and sustain high power factor (PF). The proposed controller is designed based on the theoretical analysis operation of the circuit. For verification, MATLAB/Simulink simulations are carried out and validation through an experiment test rig for 110-220 Vrms input, 100 Vdc/ 350 W output prototype at 20 kHz switching frequency. It is proven that the proposed controller strategy accomplishes high PF, high efficiency and conformity with the simulation.
    MeSH terms: Computer Simulation; Equipment Design; Gravitation*; Electric Power Supplies*
  7. Shrestha S, Gan SH, Paudyal V, Kc B, Sapkota S
    J Oncol Pharm Pract, 2023 Dec;29(8):2049-2056.
    PMID: 37847760 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231205025
    N/A.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Nepal; Pharmacists
  8. Suvarna R, Suryakanth VB, Bakthavatchalam P, Kalthur G, Nayak M D, Prabhu MM, et al.
    J Ayurveda Integr Med, 2023 Oct 15;14(6):100804.
    PMID: 37847964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100804
    BACKGROUND: The polyherbal formulation (PHF) liberin, is known to exert anti-hyperglycemic effects in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, it is important to study the safety profile of PHF in the current study through acute and chronic toxicity evaluation.

    OBJECTIVES: This research aims to assess the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of PHF in rats.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: PHF was administered once orally (1000 mg/kg body weight), and the rats (male and female) were monitored for toxicity signs for a 14-day period. For a 28-day chronic toxicity study, rats were daily administered with PHF dose of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Rats were followed up for mortality, weight changes, and other morbidities. Further haematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes were assessed.

    RESULTS: No death related to treatment or toxicity signs were recorded in the acute single-dose administration group. The results showed that the PHF was tolerated well up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight. Even at the high dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight, sub-chronic tests did not show any significant difference between the dosed and normal groups. No significant changes were seen in the histopathological analysis of the liver, spleen, and kidney as well as haematological and biochemical parameters in acute, sub-chronic and satellite groups following the administration of PHF.

    CONCLUSION: The results confirmed that there was no adverse effect of this PHF at the maximum dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats. Further, no adverse delayed effects related to PHF were observed in the satellite group. Therefore, this PHF appears safe for therapeutic purposes in the Ayurvedic medicinal system.

  9. Zainal Fithri HH, Ibrahim Z, Ali EZ
    Comput Biol Chem, 2023 Dec;107:107962.
    PMID: 37847978 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107962
    Protein arginine deiminase IV (PAD4) is a potential target for diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and cancers. Currently, GSK199 is a potent, selective yet reversible PAD4 inhibitor. Its derivative, GSK106, on the other hand, was reported as an inactive compound when tested against PAD4 assay. Although they had similar skeleton, their impact towards PAD4 structural and flexibility is unknown. In order to fill the research gap, the impact of GSK199 and GSK106 binding towards PAD4 stability and flexibility is investigated via a combination of computational methods. Molecular docking indicates that GSK199 and GSK106 are capable to bind at PAD4 pocket by using its back door with -10.6 kcal/mol and -9.6 kcal/mol, respectively. The simulations of both complexes were stable throughout 100 ns. The structure of PAD4 exhibited a tighter packing in the presence of GSK106 compared to GSK199. The RMSF analysis demonstrates significant changes between the PAD4-GSK199 and PAD4-GSK106 simulations in the regions containing residues 136, 160, 220, 438, and 606. The Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) analysis shows a marked difference in binding free energies, with -11.339 kcal/mol for the PAD4-GSK199 complex and 1.063 kcal/mol for the PAD4-GSK106 complex. The hydrogen bond analysis revealed that the GSK199 and GSK106 binding to PAD4 are assisted by six hydrogen bonds and three hydrogen bonds, respectively. The visualisation of the MD simulations revealed that GSK199 remained in the PAD4 pocket, whereas GSK106 shifted away from the catalytic site. Meanwhile, molecular dockings of benzoyl arginine amide (BAEE) substrate have shown that BAEE is able to bind to PAD4 catalytic site when GSK106 was present but not when GSK199 occupied the site. Overall, combination of computational approaches successfully described the behaviour of binding pocket of PAD4 structure in the presence of the active and inactive compounds.
  10. Tong CY, Kee CY, Honda K, Derek CJC
    Environ Res, 2023 Dec 15;239(Pt 2):117403.
    PMID: 37848079 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117403
    Bio-coating, a recent and promising approach in attached microalgal cultivation systems, has garnered attention due to its efficiency in enhancing immobilized algal growth, particularly in submerged cultivation systems. However, when the cells are cultured on thin solid microporous substrates that physically separate them from the nutrient medium, it remains unclear whether the applied bio-coatings still have a significant impact on algal growth or the subsequent rates of algal organic matter (AOM) release. Therefore, this current work investigated the role of bio-coatings on the microalgal monoculture growth of one freshwater species, Chlorella vulgaris ESP 31, and one marine species, Cylindrotheca fusiformis on a hydrophilic substrate, polyvinylidene fluoride membrane in a permeated cultivation system. Wide range of bio-coating sources were adapted, with the result demonstrating that bacteria-derived coating promoted algal growth by as high as 140% when compared with the control group for both species. Interestingly, two distinct adaptation mechanisms were observed between the species, with only C. fusiformis demonstrating a positive correlation between cell growth and AOM productivity, particularly in its extracellularly bound fractions. It is worth noting that despite this specific fraction exhibiting the lowest content among all; it displayed significant relevance in terms of AOM productivity. High extracellular protein-to-polysaccharide ratio (>5.7 fold) quantified on bacterial intracellular exudate-coated membranes indirectly revealed an underlying symbiotic microalgal-bacterial interaction. This is the first study showing how bio-coating influenced AOM yield without any physical interaction between microalgae and bacteria. It further confirms the practical benefits of bio-coating in attached cultivation systems.
    MeSH terms: Bacteria; Biomass; Microalgae*
  11. Devan PAM, Ibrahim R, Omar M, Bingi K, Nagarajapandian M, Abdulrab H
    Sci Rep, 2023 Oct 17;13(1):17658.
    PMID: 37848485 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44515-7
    Wireless technology is becoming increasingly critical in industrial environments in recent years, and the popular wireless standards are WirelessHART, ZigBee, WLAN and ISA100.11a, commonly used in closed-loop systems. However, wireless networks in closed-loop control experience packet loss or drops, system delay and data threats, leading to process instability and catastrophic system failure. To prevent such issues, it is necessary to implement dead-time compensation control. Traditional techniques like model predictive and predictive PI controllers are frequently employed. However, these methods' performance is sluggish in wireless networks, with processes having long dead times and set-point variations, potentially affecting network and process performance. Therefore, this paper proposes a fractional calculus-based predictive PI compensator for wired and wireless networks in the process control industries. The proposed technique has been simulated and evaluated on industrial process models, including pressure, flow, and temperature, where measurement and control are carried out wirelessly. The wireless network's performance has been evaluated based on packet loss, reduced throughput, and increased system latency. The proposed compensator outperformed traditional methods, demonstrating superior set-point tracking, disturbance rejection, and delay compensation characteristics in the performance evaluations of the first, second, and third-order systems. Overall, the findings indicate that the proposed compensator enhances wireless networks' performance in the process control industry and improves system stability and reliability by reducing almost half of the overshoot and settling an average of 8.3927% faster than the conventional techniques in most of the systems.
  12. Maruai NM, Ali MSM, Zaki SA, Ardila-Rey JA, Ishak IA
    Sci Rep, 2023 Oct 17;13(1):17681.
    PMID: 37848600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44388-w
    The investigations of flow-induced vibration have been around for decades to solve many engineering problems related to structural element. In a hindsight of advancing technology of microelectronics devices, the implementation of flow-induced vibration for energy harvesting is intrigued. The influence of downstream flat plate to flow-induced vibration experienced by a square cylinder is discussed in this study to surpass the limitation of wind energy due to geographical constraints and climate change. The mechanism of flow-induced vibration experienced by a square cylinder with downstream flat plate is numerically simulated based on the unsteady Reynolds Navier-Stokes (URANS) flow field. The Reynolds number, Re assigned in this study is ranging between [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] and the mass damping ratio designated for the square cylinder is [Formula: see text] = 2.48. The influence of three different flat plate lengths [Formula: see text], 1 and 3 is examined. Each case of different flat plate is explored for gap separation between the square cylinder and the plate in the range [Formula: see text]. Based on the numerical findings, the configuration of cylinder-flat plate with length [Formula: see text] has shown the highest potential to harvest high energy at comparatively low reduced velocity.
  13. Kow CS, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS
    Inflammopharmacology, 2023 Dec;31(6):3327-3332.
    PMID: 37848697 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01358-y
    Probiotics have been hypothesized to play a beneficial role in modulating immune responses and gut microbiota in various clinical settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing all-cause mortality among patients diagnosed with COVID-19. We conducted a comprehensive search of the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for published studies, and medRxiv, Research Square, and SSRN for preprints. The search spanned from the inception of these databases to April 4, 2023. We included studies that investigated the use of probiotics as an intervention and their impact on all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19. A random-effects model meta-analysis was employed to estimate the pooled odds ratio, along with 95% confidence interval, to quantify the outcomes associated with probiotic use compared to other interventions. Our systematic review comprised six studies, encompassing a total of 642 patients. The meta-analysis, employing a random-effects model, demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality when probiotics were administered to patients with COVID-19, compared to those not receiving probiotics (pooled odds ratio = 0.44; 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.82). In conclusion, evidence derived from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicates a survival benefit associated with the use of probiotics among COVID-19 patients. However, it is essential to exercise caution and await data from large-scale randomized trials to definitively confirm the mortality benefits of probiotics in this patient population.
    MeSH terms: Gastrointestinal Microbiome*; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  14. Asif M, Khan PA, Irfan F, Salim M, Jan A, Khan M
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Nov;30(53):114690-114705.
    PMID: 37848790 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30211-6
    In Industry 4.0, sustainability is the heart, and governance is the soul of the business, but diversity washing, greenwashing, and SDG washing are skeptical. This is due to the reactive/normative approach in dealing with sustainability and governance, which has created an amounting number of greenhouse gases, waste generation, and several business washing challenges. This study has explored the Scopus and Web of Science databases and searched for the keywords "Sustainable Development Goals" AND "Director," which provided 76 documents. However, when the authors added the third keyword, "ISO 37001-2021," along with the above two keywords, the database provided no study investigating the moderation role of ISO 37001-2021. Therefore, the study advocates the adoption of newly developed ISO 37000:2021 good governance standards for greenwashing, SDG washing, and diversity washing challenges without failing to contribute to the firm sustainable development goal performance and earning management. Secondly, the independent director attribute's role is vital due to the potential, power, position, and evidence to adopt ISO 37000:2021 standards. Thirdly, the scoping review study has proposed a conceptual model to extend the reporting discloser and transparency. It goes beyond mere compliance, contributes towards societal development, and promotes adopting sustainable development goal performance and reporting as a new non-financial parameter for evaluating the firm's performance. Lastly, this will boost firm sustainability and adopt the circular economic model, creating a unique competitive edge and green governance goodwill among the business's external stakeholders and attracting sustainably responsible investors.
    MeSH terms: Commerce; Industry*; Models, Theoretical
  15. Zhang Y, Shang S, Tian L, Zhu L, Zhang W
    BMC Psychol, 2023 Oct 17;11(1):338.
    PMID: 37848985 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01376-z
    BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have explored the association between fear of missing out and mobile phone addiction, but there are different viewpoints and the results are inconsistent. This study intends to estimate the strength of the correlation between fear of missing out and mobile phone addiction in general through a meta-analysis, and to analyze the influencing factors of the inconsistent results of previous studies.

    METHODS: We Searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wan fang Database, CQVIP Journal Database、Web of Science Core Collection, Elsevier SD, Springer Online Journals, Medline, EBSCO-ERIC, SAGE Online Journals, PsycINFO, PsycArticles and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses。85 studies (90 independent effect size) were included from 2016 to 2023。The pooled correlation coefficient of the association between fear of missing out and mobile phone addiction was calculated by a random effects model using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis(Version 3.3).

    RESULTS: The main effect analysis revealed a high positive correlation between fear of missing out and mobile phone addiction (r = 0.47, 95%CI [0.44, 0.50]). Furthermore, the measurements of mobile phone addiction moderated the strength of the association between fear of missing out and mobile phone addiction, with the highest correlation measured using MPATS and the lowest correlation measured using MPDQ. The age, gender, year of publication, cultural background, and the measurements of fear of missing out had no significant effect on the correlation between fear of missing out and mobile phone addiction.

    CONCLUSION: The results indicated that fear of missing out was closely related to mobile phone addiction, which complied with the I-PACE model. Psychological services and mental health services should be developed to reduce the emergence of fear of missing out in the digital age and thus alleviate dependence on devices.

    MeSH terms: China; Fear; Humans; Mental Health Services*; Cell Phones*
  16. Choi T, Sarkar M, Bonham M, Brock T, Brooks IA, Diug B, et al.
    Front Med (Lausanne), 2023;10:1146832.
    PMID: 37849488 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1146832
    INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Course evaluation in health education is a common practice yet few comprehensive evaluations of health education exist that measure the impact and outcomes these programs have on developing health graduate capabilities.

    AIM/OBJECTIVES: To explore how curricula contribute to health graduate capabilities and what factors contribute to the development of these capabilities.

    METHODS: Using contribution analysis evaluation, a six-step iterative process, key stakeholders in the six selected courses were engaged in an iterative theory-driven evaluation. The researchers collectively developed a postulated theory-of-change. Then evidence from existing relevant documents were extracted using documentary analysis. Collated findings were presented to academic staff, industry representatives and graduates, where additional data was sought through focus group discussions - one for each discipline. The focus group data were used to validate the theory-of-change. Data analysis was conducted iteratively, refining the theory of change from one course to the next.

    RESULTS: The complexity in teaching and learning, contributed by human, organizational and curriculum factors was highlighted. Advances in knowledge, skills, attitudes and graduate capabilities are non-linear and integrated into curriculum. Work integrated learning significantly contributes to knowledge consolidation and forming professional identities for health professional courses. Workplace culture and educators' passion impact on the quality of teaching and learning yet are rarely considered as evidence of impact.

    DISCUSSION: Capturing the episodic and contextual learning moments is important to describe success and for reflection for improvement. Evidence of impact of elements of courses on future graduate capabilities was limited with the focus of evaluation data on satisfaction.

    CONCLUSION: Contribution analysis has been a useful evaluation method to explore the complexity of the factors in learning and teaching that influence graduate capabilities in health-related courses.

  17. Mondinos N, Altarawneh M, Amri A, Hsien Liew WY, Jai Poinern GE, Jiang ZT
    RSC Adv, 2023 Oct 11;13(43):30346-30357.
    PMID: 37849705 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05108k
    Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has been widely utilized in various strategic applications. Fine-tuning properties of BN towards the desired application often involves ad-atom adsorption of modifying its geometries through creating surface defects. This work utilizes accurate DFT computations to investigate adsorption of selected 1st and 2nd row elements (H, Li, C, O, Al, Si, P, S) of the periodic table on various structural geometries of BN. The underlying aim is to assess the change in key electronic properties upon the adsorption process. In addition to the pristine BN, B and N vacancies were comprehensively considered and a large array of properties (i.e., atomic charges, adsorption energies, density of states) were computed and contrasted among the eight elements. For instance, we found that the band gap to vary between 0.33 eV (in case of Li) and 4.14 eV (in case of P). Likewise, we have illustrated that magnetic contribution to differ substantially depending on the adatom adsorbents. Results from this work has also lays a theoretical foundation for the use of decorated and defected BN as a chemical sensor for CO gases.
  18. Tan KE, Ng WL, Ea CK, Lim YY
    Bio Protoc, 2023 Sep 05;13(17):e4798.
    PMID: 37849784 DOI: 10.21769/BioProtoc.4798
    Circular RNA (circRNA) is an intriguing class of non-coding RNA that exists as a continuous closed loop. With the improvements in high throughput sequencing, biochemical analysis, and bioinformatic algorithms, studies on circRNA expression became abundant in recent years. However, functional studies of circRNA are still limited. Subcellular localization of circRNA may provide some clues in elucidating its biological functions by performing subcellular fractionation assay. Notably, circRNAs that are predominantly found in the cytoplasm are more likely to be involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation, e.g., acting as micoRNA sponge, whereas nuclear-retained circRNAs are predicted to play a role in transcriptional regulation. Subcellular fractionation could help researchers to narrow down and prioritize downstream experiments. The majority of the currently available protocols describe the steps for subcellular fractionation followed by western blot analysis for protein molecules. Here, we present a protocol for the subcellular fractionation of cells to detect circRNA via RT-qPCR with divergent primers. Moreover, detailed steps for the generation of specific circRNAs-enriched cDNA included in this protocol will enhance the amplification and detection of low-abundance circRNAs. This will be useful for researchers studying low-abundance circRNAs. Key features This protocol builds upon the method developed by Gagnon et al. (2014) and extends its application to circRNA study. Protocol for amplification of low levels of circRNA expression. Analysis takes into consideration the ratio of cytoplasmic RNA concentration to nuclear RNA concentration.
  19. Kaliaperumal K, Salendra L, Liu Y, Ju Z, Sahu SK, Elumalai S, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2023;14:1216928.
    PMID: 37849927 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1216928
    INTRODUCTION: Fungus-derived secondary metabolites are fascinating with biomedical potential and chemical diversity. Mining endophytic fungi for drug candidates is an ongoing process in the field of drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. Endophytic fungal symbionts from terrestrial plants, marine flora, and fauna tend to produce interesting types of secondary metabolites with biomedical importance of anticancer, antiviral, and anti-tuberculosis properties.

    METHODS: An organic ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium verruculosum sponge-derived endophytic fungi from Spongia officinalis yielded seven different secondary metabolites which are purified through HPLC. The isolated compounds are of averufin (1), aspergilol-A (2), sulochrin (3), monomethyl sulochrin (4), methyl emodin (5), citreorosein (6), and diorcinol (7). All the seven isolated compounds were characterized by high-resolution NMR spectral studies. All isolated compounds', such as anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-tuberculosis, and antiviral, were subjected to bioactivity screening.

    RESULTS: Out of seven tested compounds, compound (1) exhibits strong anticancer activity toward myeloid leukemia. HL60 cell lines have an IC50 concentration of 1.00μm, which is nearly significant to that of the standard anticancer drug taxol. A virtual computational molecular docking approach of averufin with HL60 antigens revealed that averufin binds strongly with the protein target alpha, beta-tubulin (1JFF), with a -10.98 binding score. Consecutive OSIRIS and Lipinski ADME pharmacokinetic validation of averufin with HL60 antigens revealed that averufin has good pharmacokinetic properties such as drug score, solubility, and mutagenic nature. Furthermore, aspergilol-A (2) is the first report on the Penicillium verruculosum fungal strain.

    DISCUSSION: We concluded that averufin (1) isolated from Penicillium verruculosum can be taken for further preliminary clinical trials like animal model in-vivo studies and pharmacodynamic studies. A future prospect of in-vivo anticancer screening of averufin can be validated through the present experimental findings.

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