Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Potential Utilisation of Theobroma cacao Pod Husk Extract: Protective Capability Evaluation Against Pollution Models and Formulation into Niosomes
    Chriscensia E, Nathanael J, Perwitasari U, Putra ABN, Adiyanto SA, Hartrianti P
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):107-140.
    PMID: 39234471 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.6
    Theobroma cacao L. beans have long been used for food and medicinal purposes. However, up to 52%-76% of Theobroma cacao L. fruit comprises its husk, which are regarded as waste and oftentimes thrown away. In fact, cocoa pod husks actually possess a high antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants can be used to fight free radicals that are produced by environmental pollution. In order to simulate the effects of pollution, H2O2 and cigarette smoke extract models were used respectively. However, the antioxidant properties are limited on the skin due to poor penetration. Hence, in order to increase the topical penetration, cocoa pod husk extract (CPHE) was also formulated into niosomes thereafter. CPHE was characterised using total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and three antioxidant assays. After that, cytotoxicity and cytoprotective assay were conducted on HaCaT cells, which represent the skin epidermis. CPHE was then formulated into niosomes subjected to stability and penetration studies for three months. CPHE was shown to contain 164.26 ± 1.067 mg GAE/g extract in total phenolic content and 10.72 ± 0.32 mg QCE/g extract in total flavonoid content. In addition, our results showed that CPHE possesses similar antioxidant capacity through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, around eight-fold less through ABTS assay and approximately twelve-fold less through Ferric reducing power (FRAP) assay. The extract also showed comparable cytoprotective properties to that of standard (ascorbic acid). The niosome formulation was also able to increase the penetration compared to unencapsulated extract, as well as possess a good stability profile. This showed that CPHE, in fact, could be repurposed for other uses other than being thrown away as waste.
  2. Concerning Predation on Small Vertebrates by Alien Gold Morph Midas cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus (Cichlidae)
    Aqmal-Naser M, Ahmad AB
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):309-317.
    PMID: 39234472 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.15
    Neotropical cichlid possesses territorial aggression which explains their success as alien species that pose threats to local fauna. The feeding ecology of Midas cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus species outside its native range had never been fully understood. We aim to determine the stomach content, length-weight relationship and condition factor of this non-native species in one of the agroecosystems in Malaysia. The fish was collected using a cast net, and the guts were dissected. The stomach content (n = 35) revealed Midas cichlids feed on a wide array of preys including fish, amphibian and gastropod. The b-value is 2.60 (negative allometric growth) and the relative condition factor, Kn is 1.04. This result represents an initial study on the feeding aspect of this cichlid. Subsequent and continued researches are needed to evaluate the feeding behaviour and prey preferences of this species in its introduced range.
  3. New Insight into Nucleotide Changes on Irradiated Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), A Pest of Horticultural Importance
    Yusof S, Othman NW, Dzomir AZM, Mohammed MA, Aman-Zuki A, Yaakop S
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):289-307.
    PMID: 39234473 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.14
    Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a major quarantine pest species infesting most of the tropical fruits. Its infestation had significantly reduced and disrupted the export market trade, thus, very crucial to be controlled during the preharvest and postharvest. One of the most sustainable control methods is by using the radiation technique to reduce the pest population, thus curbing the spread of this pest to new geographical areas. The objective of this study was to measure the nucleotide changes in B. dorsalis (larval, pupal and adult stages) which had been irradiated with 50 to 400 Gray, using Gamma Cell Biobeam GM8000 irradiator with Cesium-137 source at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Selangor, Malaysia. Data from the treated samples (with and without morphological changes) were analysed using cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). The alignment of 59 sequences resulted in 0.92% variables with only four characters that were parsimony informative, and six sites (30, 60, 234, 282, 483 and 589) which had nucleotide changes, but had not been translated to another protein. Low polymorphism was presented on the sample groups, with only four haplotypes, but with high diversity value (Hd) = 0.5885. The phylogeny trees formed soft polytomy in both trees [neighbour joining (NJ) and maximum parsimony (MP)] presenting a mixture of individuals but did not show any significant difference between treatments. This finding concluded that low mutation had occurred on the treated B. dorsalis and this information is very valuable in getting new insight on the survival of B. dorsalis in the horticulture industry.
  4. Recovery of Petroleum Brine-Contaminated Soil by Eleocharis sp. in a Tropical Marshland
    Domínguez-Rodríguez VI, Guzmán-Osorio FJ, Hernández-Acosta L, Gómez-Cruz R, Rosique-Gil JE, Adams RH
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):141-165.
    PMID: 39234474 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.7
    Almost all research on natural attenuation and phytoremediation of sites contaminated with briny produced water has been conducted in temperate climates, however, there is a dearth of information on the use of tropical species for this purpose. It is within this context, that we investigated a spontaneously growing hypersaline spikerush from a contaminated site in southeast Mexico, to determine its soil salinity limits, the relationship between soil organic matter and salinity, and for preliminary documentation of floristic succession with Typha sp. for phytoremediation o f brine s pills. Soil was sampled (0 cm-20 cm) three times between 2018-2021, focusing on the end of the dry season (most critical period). The species tentatively identified as Eleocharis mutata was tolerant to soil hypersalinity (Electrical Conductivity: 125 dS/m) and appeared to generate a cyclic process of succession to recover areas with soil salinity levels higher than it could otherwise tolerate. A salinity gradient was found between the most heavily contaminated part of the site ("kill zone", > 212 dS/m), the first Eleocharis sp. individuals (125 dS/m), slowly advancing through the main spikerush stand, and finally into a cattail stand (< 8.02 dS/m). Similarly, an inverse relationship between Soil Organic Matter content and soil salinity was observed. This is the first time this species has been identified with a brine spill, its salinity limits determined, and investigated for use in phytoremediation of this kind.
  5. Mangrove Health Index, Community Structure and Canopy Cover in Small Islands of Bunaken National Park, Indonesia: Insights into Dominant Mangrove Species and Overall Mangrove Condition
    Schaduw JNW, Tallei TE, Sumilat DA
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):187-210.
    PMID: 39234475 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.9
    Mangrove ecosystems are crucial for protecting littoral regions, preserving biodiversity and sequestering carbon. The implementation of effective conservation and management strategies requires a comprehensive understanding of mangrove community structure, canopy coverage and overall health. This investigation focused on four small islands located within the Bunaken National Park in Indonesia: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage and Nain. Utilising the line transect quadrant method and hemispherical photography, the investigation comprised a total of 12 observation stations. Nain had the greatest average canopy coverage at 76.09%, followed by Mantehage, Manado Tua and Bunaken at 75.82%, 71.83% and 70.01%, respectively. Mantehage had the maximum species density, with 770.83 ind/ha, followed by Bunaken, Nain and Manado Tua with 675 ind/ha, 616.67 ind/ha and 483.34 ind/ha, respectively. The predominant sediment type observed was sandy mud and the mangrove species identified were Avicennia officinalis (AO), Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (BG), Rhizophora apiculata (RA), R. mucronata (RM), and Sonneratia alba (SA). On the small islands, S. alba emerged as the dominant mangrove species based on the importance value index (IVI). In addition, the Mangrove Health Index revealed that only 6.79% of the region exhibited poor health values, while 50% of the region was categorised as being in outstanding condition. These findings indicate that the overall condition of mangroves on these islands was relatively favourable.
  6. Genomic Assessment of Potential Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRM56-2 Isolated from Fermented Tea Leaves
    Kingkaew E, Tanaka N, Shiwa Y, Sitdhipol J, Nuhwa R, Tanasupawat S
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):249-269.
    PMID: 39234476 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.12
    Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a widely studied species known for its probiotic properties that can help alleviate serum cholesterol levels. Whole-genome sequencing provides genetic information on probiotic attributes, metabolic activities and safety assessment. This study investigates the probiotic properties of strain CRM56-2, isolated from Thai fermented tea leaves, using Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) to evaluate the safety, health-promoting genes and functional analysis. Strain CRM56-2 showed bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, assimilated cholesterol at a rate of 75.94%, tolerated acidic and bile environments and attached to Caco-2 cells. Based on ANIb (98.9%), ANIm (99.2%), and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (98.3%), strain CRM56-2 was identified as L. plantarum. In silico analysis revealed that it was not pathogenic and contained no antibiotic-resistance genes or plasmids. L. plantarum CRM56-2 possessed genes linked to several probiotic properties and beneficial impacts. The genome of strain CRM56-2 suggested that L. plantarum CRM56-2 is non-hazardous, with potential probiotic characteristics and beneficial impacts, which could enhance its probiotic application. Consequently, L. plantarum CRM56-2 demonstrated excellent cholesterol-lowering activity and probiotic properties.
  7. Host Selectivity and Distribution of Cassytha filiformis in the Coastal Bornean Heath Forests
    Rosli R, Tennakoon KU, Yaakub MYSM, Zainal Ariffin NAH, Metali F
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):1-29.
    PMID: 39234477 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.1
    We investigated the host range of Cassytha filiformis L. in the heath forests using six 50-metre transects. Sixteen shrubs and tree species were infected by C. filiformis vines, including two exotic Acacia species. This paper also examined the density and vigour of C. filiformis when infecting the two most preferred and common hosts, the heath native Dillenia suffruticosa (Griff. ex Hook. f. and Thomson) Martelli, and the invasive Acacia mangium Willd. The results suggested that C. filiformis has higher vigour when infecting native hosts than in exotic A. mangium albeit being not statistically significant. The long thread-like stems of parasite were present at relatively high density when infecting A. mangium, regardless of the host conditions. We also assessed the functionality of the haustoria on both D. suffruticosa and A. mangium using histological methods. It was found that C. filiformis can establish a true haustorial endophytic connection with studied hosts. Under controlled conditions, C. filiformis pose as a possible candidate for a biological control agent of A. mangium to curtail the fast spreading of this introduced species in tropical Borneo.
  8. The Performances of Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) As Component of Agroforestry on Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) Plantation
    Juhaeti T, Hidayati N, Setyowati N, Wawo AH, Widiyono W
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):87-106.
    PMID: 39234478 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.5
    Adlay is an edible high nutritious minor cereal. The research aimed to study the adlay performance when cultivated intercropped on young teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) plantation. The treatments were consisted of two factors that were arranged by factorial (3 × 3) in randomised completed block design with four replicates. The first factor was three fertilisation dosages of NPK (16-16-16), as 0 g/hole (F0), 2 g/hole (F2) and 4 g/hole (F4). The second factors were three planting space as 2 m × 2 m (PS2), 3 m × 3 m (PS3) and 4 m × 4 m (PS4). The parameter observed were vegetative growth which was consisted of plant height, the number of leaves, tillers and sub tillers, leaf chlorophyll content, grain production and biomass weight. The results revealed that fertilisation treatment were significantly affected the growth and production of adlay. On 12 weeks after planting, the F4 treatment produced the tallest plant, and the highest leaf number. The highest grain number/plant was achieved on the F2 treatment that was significantly different compared with the control (F0). The shading intensity due to the teak coverage significantly affected adlay growth and production. The PS4 treatment produced the highest number of leaves, tillers and grains. The combination of F2 and PS4 treatments resulted in the best growth and production. The PS2 treatment which has lower light intercepted by plants due to lower incident light intensity, resulting in a significant reduction in plant growth and production. It is suggested that adlay offers potency as a component of agro-forestry on the teak plantations.
  9. Status of Hawksbill Turtle and Green Turtle in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
    Mohd Salleh S, Mohd Sah SA
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):51-63.
    PMID: 39234479 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.3
    This paper highlighted the annual distribution, seasonality and reproduction status of two species of sea turtles in Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia between January 2016 and July 2020 (55 months). These data were officially provided by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (Negeri Sembilan's state), as a part of a conservation effort made by them to protect the endangered species, as the turtle's population residing in Negeri Sembilan is one of the smallest in Malaysia. Current status shows that the hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys Imbricata population in Negeri Sembilan is in stable decline with an average of <30 nests per year, and an average of <10 nests per year for the green turtle, Chelonia mydas. The overall sum was 122 nests collected for both species from 2016-2020. This paper updated the status of the hawksbill and green turtle after 30 years from the first study recorded by Mortimer et al. in 1993.
  10. Nature of back slopping kombucha fermentation process: insights from the microbial succession, metabolites composition changes and their correlations
    Liao T, Li XR, Fan L, Zhang B, Zheng WM, Hua JJ, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2024;15:1433127.
    PMID: 39234548 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1433127
    Kombucha, a fermented tea prepared with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), offers a unique and unpredictable home-brewed fermentation process. Therefore, the need for a controlled kombucha fermentation process has become evident, which requiring a thorough understanding of the microbial composition and its relationship with the metabolites produced. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of microbial communities and metabolites over a 12-day fermentation period of a conventional kombucha-making process. Our findings revealed similarities between the microbial communities in the early (0-2 days) and late (10-12 days) fermentation periods, supporting the principle of back-slopping fermentation. Untargeted metabolite analysis unveiled the presence of harmful biogenic amines in the produced kombucha, with concentrations increasing progressively throughout fermentation, albeit showing relatively lower abundance on days 8 and 12. Additionally, a contrasting trend between ethanol and caffeine content was observed. Canonical correspondence analysis highlighted strong positive correlations between specific bacterial/yeast strains and identified metabolites. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the microbial and metabolite dynamics of kombucha fermentation, emphasizing the importance of microbial control and quality assurance measures in the production process.
  11. Remote sensing-based seasonal surface urban heat island analysis in the mining and industrial environment
    Halder B, Bandyopadhyay J, Ghosh N
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 May;31(25):37075-37108.
    PMID: 38760605 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33603-4
    Cooling spaces have an optimistic influence on surface urban heat islands (SUHI). Blue spaces benefit from balancing the changing climate and heat variations. Because of the rapid deforestation and SUHI increase, the climate is gradually changing in Paschim Bardhhaman, West Bengal state, India. Paschim Bardhhaman has two sectors: specifically, Durgapur is the main industrial centre and Asansol has coal mines. This investigation aims to categorize spatiotemporal variations and seasonal differences in cooling spaces and their influence on SUHI, land use and land cover (LULC), and thermal differences using Landsat datasets for the years 1992, 2004, 2012, and 2022 in summer and winter. The coal mining and industrial range decreased from 10,391.92 (1992) to 3591.1 ha (2022), respectively. Open pit mining distresses fresh water by heavy water uses in ore processing, and mining water was applied to excerpt minerals. Among the two sub-divisions, the blue space amount was higher in Asansol because mining actions were higher in Asansol than in Durgapur. The open vegetation volume has reduced from 46,441.03 (1992) to 25,827.55 ha (2022) and dense vegetation has erased from 7368.02 (1992) to 15,608.56 ha (2022). Dense vegetation improved because of heavy precipitation in those regions. Mostly, Raghunathpur, Saraswatiganja, Bhagabanpur, Bistupur, Paschim Gangaram, Garkilla Kherobari, and Gourbazar have dense vegetation. The outcomes similarly demonstrate that the total built-up part has increased by 8412.82 ha in between 30 years. The built-up zone changes near the southeast and western Paschim Bardhhaman district. Those region needs appropriate attention and planning to survive soon.
    MeSH terms: Cities; Environmental Monitoring*; Hot Temperature; India; Mining*; Seasons*; Remote Sensing Technology*
  12. Mapping pollution dynamics: utilizing GNOME to model oil spill trajectories in tanker terminals
    Farzingohar M, Bagheri M, Gholami I, Ibrahim ZZ, Akhir MF
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 May;31(25):37404-37427.
    PMID: 38777973 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33506-4
    The aim of this study is to uncover the multifaceted environmental threats posed by Oil Spill Water Pollution (OSWP) originating from tanker terminals situated in the Qeshm and Hormozgan regions of Iran. In this region, water pollution arises from diverse sources, mostly from ruptured pipelines, corroded valves, unforeseen accidents, and aging facilities. The Qeshm Canal and Qeshm Tanker Terminal emerged as pivotal sites for investigation within this study. The focus is directed towards pinpointing vulnerable areas at risk of water contamination and delving into the intricate pathways and impacts associated with oil spills. Utilizing the sophisticated modeling capabilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) GNOME model, the research explores various scenarios extrapolated from seasonal atmospheric and oceanic data through 2022. The findings show the OSWP hazard zones located northeast of Qeshm. Notably, the wind and currents greatly affect how OSWPs are destined and dispersed. This underscores the intricate interplay between environmental factors and spill dynamics. In essence, this study not only sheds light on the imminent environmental threats posed by OSWP but also underscores the critical need for proactive measures and comprehensive strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*; Iran; Models, Theoretical; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis; Water Pollution; Petroleum Pollution*
  13. Characterization of antibiofilm compound from marine sponge Stylissa carteri
    Rahman NIA, Ramzi MM, Rawi NN, Siong JYF, Bakar K, Bhubalan K, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 May;31(25):37552-37563.
    PMID: 38780848 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33704-0
    The fouling phenomenon grabbed global attention and caused huge economic losses specifically in marine-related industries. Sessile behavior exposed the sponge to the risk of fouling. However, their bodies remained free from foulers, which were attributed to the chemical defense system. The objectives of this study were to determine the antibiofilm activity of the marine sponge, Stylissa carteri, and to characterize the isolated compound involved. The antibiofilm activity of S. carteri methanolic crude extract (MCE) and fractions was tested against biofilm-producing bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using two different modes of crystal violet biofilm assays: preventive and detachment. Besides that, the disc-diffusion test was conducted to screen the antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria while a cytotoxicity assay was conducted on the HepG2 cell line. Bioassay-guided fractionation was carried out using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) and solid phase extraction using a C18 Sep-Pak Cartridge. The crystal compound was isolated and characterized through thin-layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The S. carteri MCE showed a promising result with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20.22 μg/mL in the preventive assay, while no IC50 was determined in the detachment assay since all inhibitions 
    MeSH terms: Animals; Humans
  14. QbD Assisted Systematic Review for Optimizing the Selection of PVP as a Ternary Substance in Enhancing the Complexation Efficiency of Cyclodextrins: a Pilot Study
    Mulenga G, Alahmed TAA, Sami F, Majeed S, Ali MS, Le JLJ, et al.
    AAPS PharmSciTech, 2024 Jun 11;25(5):134.
    PMID: 38862663 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02845-3
    Inclusion complexes require higher concentration of Beta cyclodextrins (βCD) resulting in increased formulation bulk, toxicity, and production costs. This systematic review offers a comprehensive analysis using Quality by design (QbD) as a tool to predict potential applications of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a ternary substance to address issues of inclusion complexes. We reviewed 623 documents from 2013 to 2023 and Eighteen (18) research papers were selected for statistical and meta-analysis using the QbD concept to identify the most critical factors for selecting drugs and effect of PVP on inclusion complexes. The QbD analysis revealed that Molecular weight (MW), Partition coefficient (Log P), and the auxiliary substance ratio directly affected complexation efficiency (CE), thermodynamic stability in terms of Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and percent drug release. However, Stability constant (Ks) remained unaffected by any of these parameters. The results showed that low MW (250), median Log P (6), and a βCD: PVP ratio of 2:3 would result in higher CE, lower G, and improved drug release. PVP improves drug solubility, enhances delivery and therapeutic outcomes, and counteracts increased drug ionization due to decreased pH. In certain cases, its bulky nature and hydrogen bonding with CD molecules can form non-inclusion complexes. The findings of the study shows that there is potential molecular interaction between PVP and β-cyclodextrins, which possibly enhances the stability of inclusion complexes for drug with low MW and log P values less than 9. The systematic review shows a comprehensive methodology based on QbD offers a replicable template for future investigations into drug formulation research.
    MeSH terms: Chemistry, Pharmaceutical/methods; Excipients/chemistry; Molecular Weight; Pilot Projects; Solubility*; Thermodynamics; Drug Liberation
  15. Effects of silane hydrolysis time on the physicochemical properties of bioplastics based on starch and epoxidized soybean oil
    Yang J, Xu S, Ching YC, Chuah CH, Wang R, Li C, et al.
    Food Chem, 2024 Dec 01;460(Pt 2):140601.
    PMID: 39089044 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140601
    This work investigated the effects of 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane (APTES) hydrolysis time on the physicochemical properties of the resulting starch/epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) bioplastics comprehensively. FTIR analysis confirmed that APTES hydrolyzed for 4 h had the best modification effect on starch. The results of XRD and TGA demonstrated the successful silylation of starch by APTES despite hydrolysis time. Silylation treatment reduced the thermal stability of starch slightly, but enhanced the thermal stability of the resultant bioplastics, revealing better interaction between silylated starch and ESO. The interfacial adhesion of starch and ESO in the bioplastics was obviously enhanced when APTES was hydrolyzed for 2-24 h. The bioplastics with APTES hydrolyzed for 2-4 h showed more desirable tensile properties as the silane hydrolysis was complete and self-condensation of hydrolyzed silanes was avoided. The bioplastics containing silylated starch still showed superior opacity and biodegradability.
    MeSH terms: Hydrolysis; Biodegradable Plastics/chemistry
  16. Effective waste management through Co-pyrolysis of EFB and tire waste: Mechanistic and synergism analysis
    Mong GR, Liew CS, Idris R, Woon KS, Chong WWF, Chiong MC, et al.
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Sep;368:122172.
    PMID: 39137640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122172
    Driven by the need for solutions to address the global issue of waste accumulation from human activities and industries, this study investigates the thermal behaviors of empty fruit bunch (EFB), tyre waste (TW), and their blends during co-pyrolysis, exploring a potential method to convert waste into useable products. The kinetics mechanism and thermodynamics properties of EFB and TW co-pyrolysis were analysed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The rate of mass loss for the blend of EFB:TW at a 1:3 mass ratio shows an increase of around 20% due to synergism. However, the blend's average activation energy is higher (298.64 kJ/mol) when compared with single feedstock pyrolysis (EFB = 257.29 kJ/mol and TW = 252.92 kJ/mol). The combination of EFB:TW at a 3:1 ratio does not result in synergistic effects on mass loss. However, a lower activation energy is reported, indicating the decomposition process can be initiated at a lower energy requirement. The reaction model that best describes the pyrolysis of EFB, TW and their blends can be categorised into the diffusion and power model categories. An equal mixture of EFB and TW was the preferred combination for co-management because of the synergistic effect, which significantly impacts the co-pyrolysis process. The mass loss rate experiences an inhibitive effect at an earlier stage (320 °C), followed by a promotional impact at the later stage (380 °C). The activation energy needed for a balanced mixture is the least compared to all tested feedstocks, even lower than the pyrolysis of a single feedstock. The study revealed the potential for increasing decomposition rates using lower energy input through the co-pyrolysis of both feedstocks. These findings evidenced that co-pyrolysis is a promising waste management and valorisation pathway to deal with overwhelming waste accumulation. Future works can be conducted at a larger scale to affirm the feasibility of EFB and TW co-management.
    MeSH terms: Fruit/chemistry; Kinetics; Thermodynamics; Thermogravimetry
  17. Fulltext Assessment of microplastics in highland rock salts of Northern Borneo
    Mohan Viswanathan P, Mishra A, Singam DR, John J
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Sep;368:122207.
    PMID: 39180824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122207
    Mountain salts produced from the highland region in NE Sarawak have a market value and also provide basic income to the communities. During the salt-making process, microplastics (MPs) may enter into commercial table salts from various sources, which has not been explored yet. Hence, the current research investigates the presence of MPs in the rock salts produced from the highland saline water in two different locations (L1 and L2) in NE Sarawak. Among the brine water and rock salt samples analysed, the highest concentrations of MPs were detected from the salt samples. It has been revealed that both the water and salt samples have the highest concentration of MPs occurring within the size range of 1-1000 μm. Transparent MPs are the most common colour observed in both salt and water samples, followed by white, blue, red, and black. The most prevalent shapes of MPs are fibers, which account for almost 47% in water samples and 87% in salt samples. Based on the ATR-FTIR study, polyethylene (PE) is the most prevalent polymer observed in salt samples, followed by polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In water samples, PP is the most dominating polymer, followed by PE and PS. Through SEM microphotographs, fiber-type MPs have smooth surfaces, fragment-type MPs have rough edges, and sheet-type MPs have layered surfaces. EDX analysis revealed that carbon (C) and oxygen (O) are the most abundant elements, followed by aluminium (Al) and sodium (Na) in MPs. Based on the results, it is inferred that the MPs in the rock salts are mainly sourced from the different stages of salt-making production. This preliminary study shed light on the presence and characteristics of MPs in rock salts in this region. The research outcomes could support sustainable management plans to improve the salt quality and enhance the market value.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
  18. Fulltext Modified experimental adhesive with sepiolite nanoparticles on caries dentin treated with femtosecond laser and photodynamic activated erythrosine. An in vitro study
    Niazi FH, Alotaibi B, Abdulla AM, AlTowayan SA, Ahmed SZ, Alshehri D, et al.
    Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther, 2024 Aug 23;49:104306.
    PMID: 39182662 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104306
    AIM: To assess the effect of CAD surface conditioners and their effect on Ra and SBS of tooth-colored filling material adhered to CAD surface with adhesive modified with 1 % Sep-NPs. Also, the DC of modified EA and its effect on the rheological properties.

    METHODS: Ninety human molars with carious extension up to the middle third of occlusal dentin were included. The teeth were then arbitrarily allocated into three groups based on the type of surface conditioning received (n = 30) Group 1 (PA), Group 2 (FS laser), and Group 3 (Ery PS). Ten samples from each group underwent Ra analysis using a stylus profiler. Twenty samples from each cohort were distributed into two subcategories based on the application of unmodified EA (A) and Sep-infiltrated EA (B). Composite restoration was built followed by SBS and failure mode analysis. Scanning electron microscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray EDX were assessed of sepiolite NPs. Degree of conversion (DC) and rheological analysis of the modified adhesive and unmodified adhesive were also performed. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey post hoc test were employed to conduct comparisons between the different groups.

    RESULTS: The highest score of Ra and bond strength were displayed by Group 1B (PA + Sep-NPs filled EA) (17.32 ± 1.43 MPa) samples. Nevertheless, the lowest values were established by Group 3A (Ery-PS + EA) (13.45 ± 0.80 MPa) treated teeth. An increase in Ra resulted in a rise in SBS.DC decreased with the incorporation of 1 % Sep-NPs in EA compared to unmodified EA.

    CONCLUSION: Conditioning of CAD with PA and FS laser shows high surface roughness and favorable adhesion to experimental adhesive modified with 1 % Sep-NPs. Modified adhesive with 1 % Sep-NPs decreases DC and rheological properties.

  19. Fulltext Effectiveness of an e-Book on Bone Health as Educational Material for Adolescents: Single-Group Experimental Study
    Jamil NA, Dhanaseelan J, Buhari NA
    JMIR Pediatr Parent, 2024 Aug 26;7:e56611.
    PMID: 39186008 DOI: 10.2196/56611
    BACKGROUND: Improved bone health during adolescence can have lifelong implications, reducing the risk of bone fragility.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an e-book in increasing knowledge about and promoting healthy practices related to bone health among Malay adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A total of 72 adolescents (female: n=51, 71%; age: mean 15, SD 0.74 y) were recruited from selected secondary schools. The participants answered a pretest web-based questionnaire on sociodemographic data, knowledge about osteoporosis, and physical activity. A video call was conducted to assess dietary calcium intake. Participants were provided with a link to an e-book on bone health and instructed to read it within 2 weeks. Postintervention assessments included those for knowledge, physical activity, dietary calcium intake, and acceptance of the e-book.

    RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the median knowledge score, which was 40.6% (IQR 31.3%-46.9%) during the pretest and 71.9% (IQR 53.9%-81.3%) during the posttest (P

  20. Transition of physical, psychological and cognitive frailty and its' associated determinants in Malaysian older adults: A 5 year follow-up study
    Ponvel P, Singh D, Murukesu RR, Shahar S, Rivan NFM, Subramaniam P
    Rejuvenation Res, 2024 Sep 03.
    PMID: 39225151 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2024.0047
    INTRODUCTION: Frailty, a multifaceted syndrome, affects approximately 26% of older adults globally, yet there is limited data on the prevalence and longitudinal impact of frailty subtypes. Therefore, in this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of physical, psychological, and cognitive frailty, transitions between subtypes, and associated health determinants among Malaysian community-dwelling older adults.

    METHOD: This study is part of the longitudinal ageing study in Malaysia (LRGS Ageless and TUA). We assessed 815 older adults in 2014, with successful follow-up of 402 participants (mean age: 67.08±5.38 years) after 5 years. Frailty subtypes were assessed at baseline, and transitions were evaluated at the 5-year mark.

    RESULTS: At baseline, the prevalence of older adults categorised as robust, physical frailty, cognitive frailty, and psychological frailty was 26.7%, 36.3%, 12.1%, and 16.7%, respectively, with 8.1% exhibiting concurrent psychological and cognitive frailty. Follow-up results showed that 22.9% remained robust, 46.8% experienced no change, 24.9% deteriorated (adversed), and 5.5% improved (reversed). Logistic regression analysis identified living alone ( p<0.001), increased body fat percentage p<0.05), increased waist circumference (p<0.05), reduced fat-free mass (p<0.05), decreased lower limb flexibility (p<0.05), and declined cardiorespiratory fitness (p<0.05) as significant predictors of frailty deterioration. Higher Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and improved Timed Up and Go and Chair Stand test results (p<0.05) were significantly associated with the reversal of frailty subtypes. (p<0.05). Younger older adults (p<0.001), males (p<0.05), those with lower WHO Disability Scale scores (p<0.05), and higher MMSE scores (p<0.05) were significantly less likely to develop frailty subtypes.

    CONCLUSION: Intervention strategies that focus on combined physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functions are crucial for both reversing and preventing the progression of frailty subtypes in older adults.

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