Browse publications by year: 2024

Hybrid nanocomposites impact on heat transfer efficiency and pressure drop in turbulent flow systems: application of numerical and machine learning insights

Tao H, Aldlemy MS, Homod RZ, Aksoy M, Mohammed MKA, Alawi OA, et al.

Sci Rep, 2024 Aug 27;14(1):19882.
PMID: 39191833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69648-1

This research explores the feasibility of using a nanocomposite from multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) for thermal engineering applications. The hybrid nanocomposites were suspended in water at various volumetric concentrations. Their heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics and artificial neural network models. The study examined flow regimes with Reynolds numbers between 5000 and 17,000, inlet fluid temperatures ranging from 293.15 to 333.15 K, and concentrations from 0.01 to 0.2% by volume. The numerical results were validated against empirical correlations for heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop, showing an acceptable average error. The findings revealed that the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop increased significantly with higher inlet temperatures and concentrations, achieving approximately 45.22% and 452.90%, respectively. These results suggested that MWCNTs-GNPs nanocomposites hold promise for enhancing the performance of thermal systems, offering a potential pathway for developing and optimizing advanced thermal engineering solutions.
Finite control set model predictive current control for three phase grid connected inverter with common mode voltage suppression

Bebboukha A, Meneceur R, Chouaib L, Anees MA, Elsanabary A, Mekhilef S, et al.

Sci Rep, 2024 Aug 27;14(1):19832.
PMID: 39191916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71051-9

This research introduces an advanced finite control set model predictive current control (FCS-MPCC) specifically tailored for three-phase grid-connected inverters, with a primary focus on the suppression of common mode voltage (CMV). CMV is known for causing a range of issues, including leakage currents, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and accelerated system degradation. The proposed control strategy employs a system model that predicts the inverter's future states, enabling the selection of optimal switching states from a finite set to achieve dual objectives: precise current control and effective CMV reduction, a meticulously designed cost function evaluates the potential switching states, balancing the accuracy of current tracking against the necessity to minimize CMV. The approach is grounded in a comprehensive mathematical model that captures the dynamics of CMV within the system, and it utilizes an optimization process that functions in real-time to determine the most suitable control action at each interval, Experimental validations of the proposed FCS-MPCC scheme have demonstrated its effectiveness in significantly improving the performance and durability of three-phase grid-connected inverters, Experimental validations of the proposed (MPC with CMV) scheme have demonstrated its effectiveness in significantly improving the performance and durability of three-phase grid-connected inverters. The proposed method achieved substantial reductions in CMV, notable improvements in current tracking accuracy, and extended system lifespan compared to conventional control methods.
A prospective multicentre study evaluating the performance of the modified simple biliary atresia scoring system in predicting biliary atresia

Mahat N, Chiang LW, Chen Y, Razak NHA, Abdullah MY, Sanmugam A, et al.

Pediatr Surg Int, 2024 Aug 27;40(1):244.
PMID: 39191932 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-024-05830-w

PURPOSE: Early diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) is critical for best outcomes, but is challenged by overlapping clinical manifestations with other causes of obstructive jaundice in neonates. We evaluate the performance of the modified Simple BA Scoring System (SBASS) in diagnosing BA.
METHODS: We performed a prospective, cross-sectional study on infants with cholestatic jaundice (June 2021-December 2022). Modified SBASS scoring was applied and compared to the eventual diagnosis (as per intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) and liver histopathology). The score (0-6), consists of gall bladder length 0.7(+ 2), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) ≥ 200 U/L (+ 2).
RESULTS: 73 were included: Fifty-two (71%) had BA. In the non-BA group, 6 (28%) had percutaneous cholangiography (PTC) while 15 (72%) had intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC). At a cut-off of 3, the modified SBASS showed sensitivity of 96.2%, specificity of 61.9% and overall accuracy of 86.3% in diagnosing BA. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.901. GGT had the highest sensitivity (94.2%), while triangular cord sign showed the highest specificity at 95.2%.
CONCLUSION: The SBASS provides a bedside, non-invasive scoring system for exclusion of BA in infantile cholestatic jaundice and reduces the likelihood of negative surgical explorations.

MeSH terms: Cholangiography/methods; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; gamma-Glutamyltransferase/blood; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Jaundice, Obstructive/diagnosis; Jaundice, Obstructive/etiology; Early Diagnosis
Tailoring structural and optical properties of Cu(II)-induced MgAl2O4 nanoparticles and their response to toxic dyes under solar illumination

Javed M, Akbar N, Khan AA, Masood A, Ahmed N, Khan MJ, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Aug;31(40):53532-53551.
PMID: 39192152 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34753-1

Worldwide environmental challenges pose critical problems with the growth of the global economy. Addressing these issues requires the development of an eco-friendly and sustainable catalyst for degrading organic dye pollutants. In this study, copper-doped magnesium aluminates (CuxMg1-xAl2O4) with x = 0.0-0.8 were synthesized using a citrate-based combustion route. The inclusion of Cu(II) significantly impacted the structural, microstructural, optical, and photocatalytic activity of the catalyst. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction powder profiles revealed single-phase spinels crystallized in the face-centered cubic unit cell with Fd 3 ¯ m space group. Chemical states of the ions, surface morphology, and elemental investigation were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. UV-visible and diffuse reflectance spectroscopies confirmed the reduction of the band gap due to Cu(II) doping, validated by first-principle investigations using the WIEN2k code. The catalyst with x = 0.8 showed higher photocatalytic efficacy (90% and 93%) for removing two azo organic dye pollutants, rhodamine B and methyl orange, respectively, within 120 min. Degradation kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order mechanism. The doped (0.8) sample was structurally and morphologically stable and reusable under visible irradiation, retaining performance after three runs. Scavenger studies confirmed hydroxyl and superoxide radicals' involvement in the degradation. This work presents an effective approach to enhancing CuxMg1-xAl2O4 catalysts' photodegradation performance, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and wastewater remediation.

MeSH terms: Aluminum Oxide/chemistry; Azo Compounds/chemistry; Catalysis; Rhodamines/chemistry; Sunlight; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry; Nanoparticles/chemistry
Expansion of Smoke-Free Laws in Public Places and Support for Smoke-Free in Malaysia: Findings from the 2020 ITC Malaysia Survey

Gan SY, Hairi FM, Danaee M, Amer Nordin AS, Quah ACK, Kaai SC, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2024 Aug 27.
PMID: 39192573 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241273250

Smoke-free laws (SFL) are more effective with public support. This study investigated the smoking prevalence, public perceptions of smoking rules, and support for comprehensive SFL among 1047 people who smoke (PWS) and 206 people who do not smoke (PNS) aged ≥18 in the 2020 International Tobacco Control Malaysia Survey. Smoking prevalence was highest in nighttime entertainment venues (85.7%), non-air-conditioned eateries (49.7%), and indoor workplaces (34.6%). Respondents reported that smoking was banned in most indoor workplaces (81.7% PNS, 69.2% PWS), air-conditioned eateries (84.7% PNS, 75.7% PWS), and non-air-conditioned eateries (81.2% PNS, 78.7% PWS), but much less so in nighttime entertainment venues (30.1% PNS, 24.6% PWS). Support for comprehensive SFL in public venues was highest among PNS (≥84.9%) but still substantial among PWS (≥49.9%). PWS under 40, Malay, married, and aware of smoking rules supported SFL more. Robust SFL enforcement is essential in Malaysia to reduce secondhand smoke exposure in public places.
Seasonal Effects of Constructed Wetlands on Water Quality Characteristics in Jinshan Lake: A Gate Dam Lake (Zhenjiang City, China)

Li X, Liu X, Zhang Y, Liu J, Huang Y, Li J

Biology (Basel), 2024 Aug 06;13(8).
PMID: 39194531 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080593

Urban lakes commonly suffer from nutrient over-enrichment, resulting in water quality deterioration and eutrophication. Constructed wetlands are widely employed for ecological restoration in such lakes but their efficacy in water purification noticeably fluctuates with the seasons. This study takes the constructed wetland of Jinshan Lake as an example. By analyzing the water quality parameters at three depths during both summer and winter, this study explores the influence of the constructed wetland on the water quality of each layer during different seasons and elucidates the potential mechanisms underlying these seasonal effects. The results indicate that the constructed wetland significantly enhances total nitrogen (TN) concentration during summer and exhibits the capacity for nitrate-nitrogen removal in winter. However, its efficacy in removing total phosphorus (TP) is limited, and may even serve as a potential phosphorus (P) source for the lake during winter. Water quality test results of different samples indicated they belong to Class III or IV. Restrictive factors varied across seasons: nitrate-nitrogen and BOD5 jointly affected water quality in winter, whereas TP predominantly constrained water quality in summer. These results could provide a reference for water quality monitoring and management strategies of constructed wetlands in different seasons in Jiangsu Province.
The Role of Estrogen across Multiple Disease Mechanisms

Xiang X, Palasuberniam P, Pare R

Curr Issues Mol Biol, 2024 Jul 29;46(8):8170-8196.
PMID: 39194700 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46080483

Estrogen is a significant hormone that is involved in a multitude of physiological and pathological processes. In addition to its pivotal role in the reproductive system, estrogen is also implicated in the pathogenesis of a multitude of diseases. Nevertheless, previous research on the role of estrogen in a multitude of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal diseases, and estrogen-dependent cancers, has concentrated on a single disease area, resulting in a lack of comprehensive understanding of cross-disease mechanisms. This has brought some challenges to the current treatment methods for these diseases, because estrogen as a potential therapeutic tool has not yet fully developed its potential. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively explore the mechanism of estrogen in these seven types of diseases. The objective of this study is to describe the relationship between each disease and estrogen, including the ways in which estrogen participates in regulating disease mechanisms, and to outline the efficacy of estrogen in treating these diseases in clinical practice. By studying the role of estrogen in a variety of disease mechanisms, it is hoped that a more accurate theoretical basis and clinical guidance for future treatment strategies will be provided, thus promoting the effective management and treatment of these diseases.
Burden of Disease Due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Adults in Five Middle-Income Countries

Gómez JA, Cintra O, Berzanskis A, Pacheco S, Jaswantlal H, Hasnaoui AE, et al.

Infect Dis Rep, 2024 Aug 15;16(4):750-762.
PMID: 39195008 DOI: 10.3390/idr16040057

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of severe respiratory disease in older adults. Understanding the disease burden is crucial for guiding vaccination policy and raising disease awareness. We estimated the burden of RSV hospitalizations and deaths in adults in five middle-income countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Malaysia. Hospital discharge and death statistics due to any respiratory disease (ICD-10 codes: J00-99) from 2010 to 2022 were obtained. The RSV attributable burden on hospitalizations and deaths by age group was determined for 2019 using previously published estimates. Latin American countries showed distinct annual peaks in respiratory-related hospitalizations and deaths during winter months that were absent in Malaysia. Among ≥20-year-olds in 2019, there were 14,604 RSV-attributable hospitalizations nationally in Argentina, 44,323 in Brazil, 4529 in Chile, 7416 in Malaysia, and 8651 in Mexico, and 60-74% in ≥65-year-olds. There were also 3518 RSV-attributable deaths in Argentina, 9115 in Brazil, 801 in Chile, 704 in Malaysia, and 3806 in Mexico 79-88% in ≥65-year-olds. Incidences of RSV-attributable hospitalizations in ≥75-year-olds ranged between 256.3 and 294.3 per 100,000 population, and deaths between 33.6 and 112.9 per 100,000 population. RSV is associated with a substantial disease burden beyond pediatric age groups, and preventive vaccines could have a major impact on this burden, especially in older adults.
Evening dosing versus morning dosing of antihypertensive medications for nocturnal hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 107 randomized controlled trials

Lee EK, Wang S, Ng WL, Ramdzan SN, Tse E, Chan L, et al.

J Hypertens, 2024 Oct 01;42(10):1653-1664.
PMID: 39196688 DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003783

Since the effects of once-daily antihypertensive (HT) medications are more pronounced within the first few hours of ingestion, evening administration of anti-HT medications can be a feasible treatment for nocturnal HT. However, no relevant meta-analysis has been conducted in patients with nocturnal HT. This meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials involving patients with elevated mean nocturnal blood pressure (BP) and compared evening anti-HT administration with morning administration. Multiple databases, including grey literature (e.g. clincialtrial.gov), were searched. Study selection and data extraction were conducted by two independent authors. Risk of bias assessment and overall quality of evidence were conducted using Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and GRADE by two independent authors. A total of 107 studies were included, 76 of which were investigated in China and had not been identified in previous reviews. Only one trial was ranked low risk-of-bias. Evening administration of anti-HT medications was effective in reducing nocturnal systolic BP (4.12-9.10 mmHg; I2 = 80.5-95.2%) and diastolic BP (3.38-5.87 mmHg; I2 = 87.4-95.6%). Subgroup analyses found that the effectiveness of evening administration was contributed by data from the Hermida group and China. Evening administration did not provide additional nocturnal/daytime/24-h BP reduction in non-Hermida/non-China studies (I2 = 0) and in meta-analyses that included studies with unclear or low risk of bias. The effectiveness of nocturnal BP reduction was similar across different types, doses, and half-lives of medications. Evening administration of anti-HT medications may reduce proteinuria, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), nondipping and morning surge. The overall quality of evidence was ranked as very low to low. Our results highlight the scarcity of low risk-of-bias studies and emphasize the need for such trials to evaluate the efficacy of evening dosing of anti-HT medications as a standard treatment for patients with nocturnal HT across diverse populations.

MeSH terms: Blood Pressure/drug effects; Circadian Rhythm*; Drug Administration Schedule; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Examining clinical pharmacist interventions and identifying opioid medication-related issues in patients with cancer

Anwar A, Malik N, Siddiqui A, Shrestha S, Bhutta OA, Mazhar S, et al.

J Oncol Pharm Pract, 2024 Aug 28.
PMID: 39196917 DOI: 10.1177/10781552241279027

INTRODUCTION: Opioid medications are crucial for managing pain among patients with cancer. Yet, inappropriate prescribing and medication issues can compromise patient safety and quality of care. Clinical pharmacists play a significant role in optimizing opioid therapy and addressing issues related to opioid medication use.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine clinical pharmacist interventions and identify opioid medication-related issues in patients with cancer.
METHOD: We conducted a retrospective observational study at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center in Lahore, Pakistan, conducting a chart review from 1st July 2021 to 31st December 2021.
RESULTS: Out of 10,534 opioid medication orders, we documented a total of 974 interventions based on our inclusion criteria. Tramadol and morphine accounted for most of these interventions, comprising 49.27% (n = 475) and 40.04% (n = 386), respectively. Regarding clinical significance, 41.70% (n = 406) were deemed significant, while 37.36% (n = 365) were somewhat significant. The majority of interventions, i.e., 54.05% (n = 521), primarily aimed at optimizing patient outcomes, followed by a secondary aim of improvements in communication, i.e., 25.52% (n = 246).
CONCLUSION: This study establishes the evaluation of clinical pharmacist interventions on opioid medication use in patients with cancer, an issue particularly in oncology settings in Pakistan. The findings emphasize the crucial role of clinical pharmacists in addressing issues related to opioid issue medications, thus improving patient safety and optimizing opioid use for patient well-being.
Undiagnosed Uterine Didelphys, Concomitant Right Renal Agenesis, and Left Nephrolithiasis in a Primigravida With Breech Pregnancy: A Case Report

Che Musa AA, Husin MH, Aziz ME, A Hamid MA, Zon EM

Cureus, 2024 Jul;16(7):e65573.
PMID: 39192893 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65573

Mullerian duct anomalies are congenital abnormalities involving the female genital systems. A double uterus or uterine didelphys is one of the uterine duplication anomalies that result from impaired fusion with regard to the Mullerian ducts. The uterine didelphys can be diagnosed earlier in symptomatic patients. However, the diagnosis can be delayed or the patients may remain undiagnosed throughout their lifetime if asymptomatic. Pregnant women with uterine didelphys are at a greater risk for spontaneous miscarriage, malposition, premature labor, and cervical incompetence. Uterine didelphys are also associated with renal anomalies such as renal agenesis or duplex kidneys. We present a case of a 24-year-old primigravida who had a spontaneous pregnancy and underwent a lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) after a failed external cephalic version for the breech fetal position. The uterine didelphys was diagnosed postnatally. Her condition was associated with right renal agenesis and concomitant left renal calculus.
Fulltext Editorial: The regulation of allergic responses by proteolysis: from protease allergens to host proteases modulation

Soh WT, Jacquet A

Front Allergy, 2024;5:1469718.
PMID: 39188990 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2024.1469718
Role of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in regulation of autophagy and nuclear factor-kappa Beta (NF-ĸβ) pathways in sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Chan HY, Ramasamy TS, Chung FF, Teow SY

Cell Biochem Biophys, 2024 Jun;82(2):959-968.
PMID: 38466472 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01247-3

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major global health problem with high incidence and mortality. Diagnosis of HCC at late stages and tumour heterogeneity in patients with different genetic profiles are known factors that complicate the disease treatment. HCC therapy becomes even more challenging in patients with drug resistance such as resistance to sorafenib, which is a common drug used in HCC patients. Sorafenib resistance can further aggravate HCC by regulating various oncogenic pathways such as autophagy and nuclear factor-kappa Beta (NF-ĸβ) signalling. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), is a nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent histone deacetylases that regulates various metabolic and oncogenic events such as cell survival, apoptosis, autophagy, tumourigenesis, metastasis and drug resistance in various cancers, but its role in HCC, particularly in sorafenib resistance is underexplored. In this study, we generated sorafenib-resistant HepG2 and Huh-7 liver cancer cell models to investigate the role of SIRT1 and its effect on autophagy and nuclear factor-kappa Beta (NF-ĸβ) signalling pathways. Western blot analysis showed increased SIRT1, altered autophagy pathway and activated NF-ĸβ signalling in sorafenib-resistant cells. SIRT1-silenced HCC cells demonstrated down-regulated autophagy in both parental and chemoresistant cells. This may occur through the deacetylation of key autophagy molecules such as FOXO3, beclin 1, ATGs and LC3 by SIRT1, highlighting the role of SIRT1 in autophagy induction. Silencing of SIRT1 also resulted in activated NF-ĸβ signalling. This is because SIRT1 failed to deacetylate p65 subunit of NF-κB, translocate the NF-κB from nucleus to cytoplasm, and suppress NF-κB activity due to the silencing. Hence, the NF-κB transcriptional activity was restored. These findings summarize the role of SIRT1 in autophagy/NF-ĸβ regulatory axis, with a similar trend observed in both parental and sorafenib-resistant cells. The present work promotes a better understanding of the role of SIRT1 in autophagy and NF-ĸβ signalling in HCC and sorafenib-resistant HCC. As some key proteins in these pathways are potential therapeutic targets, a better understanding of SIRT1/autophagy/NF-ĸβ axis could further improve the therapeutic strategies against HCC.

MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use; Autophagy/drug effects; Humans; Phenylurea Compounds/pharmacology; Phenylurea Compounds/therapeutic use; NF-kappa B/metabolism; RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism; Cell Line, Tumor; Hep G2 Cells
Navigating the intricacies of RT-qPCR data analysis in gene expression studies

Wetthasinghe L, Ng HF, Ngeow YF, Chew KS, Lee WS

Funct Integr Genomics, 2024 Jun 24;24(4):115.
PMID: 38910215 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01393-0
MeSH terms: Humans; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/standards
Green horizons: Overcoming political risks with strategic environmental management and financial innovation

Khan N, Karim S, Chan LF, She L

J Environ Manage, 2024 Sep;368:122224.
PMID: 39178790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122224

The impact of political risk and financial development has been widely studied in the context of sustainable environmental practices. However, their effects on green finance and sustainable finance initiatives have not been thoroughly explored. This paper fills this gap by examining the influence of the political risk financial development index on green finance across 21 OECD economies from 1990 to 2020. Unit root and cointegration tests reveal that variables are stationary at first difference, and there is a long-run cointegration among them. For the primary analysis, we employed the novel MMQR approach, which demonstrates that the financial development index enhances green finance, while the political risk index diminishes it across all quantiles - upper, median, and lower. Robustness analysis using BSQR further confirms these findings. Policies aimed at fostering financial development and reducing political risk should acknowledge the growing significance of green finance in OECD economies.

MeSH terms: Conservation of Natural Resources*; Politics
Laparoscopic Parenchymal-Sparing Hepatectomy with Middle Hepatic Vein Resection and Reconstruction for Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Video Case Report

Lin YT, Siow TF, Tan AYH, Chik I, Chen KH

Ann Surg Oncol, 2024 Aug 23.
PMID: 39179865 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-16063-5
Effect of Core Exercises on Clinical and Functional Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Shetty S, Maiya GA, Kg MR, Vijayan S, George BM

Musculoskeletal Care, 2024 Sep;22(3):e1930.
PMID: 39180196 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1930

BACKGROUND: Core muscles constitute the centre of the kinetic chain, and core exercises have been effective in improving outcomes in many postsurgical lower extremity musculoskeletal conditions. However, the literature on the implementation of core exercises after TKA has not been summarised.
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to review the evidence on the effect of core exercises on clinical and functional outcomes after TKA in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest databases were explored with appropriate keywords for studies published on the effect of core exercises on TKA from inception to 1 April 2024. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts and full-texts, and a third author solved the discrepancies. Risk of bias assessment was done with the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal tool. The final articles were systematically summarised.
RESULTS: A total of 1485 records were retrieved. Sixty-four articles were included for screening full-texts, and four articles were ultimately included. Core exercises were administered for three to 6 weeks. The administration of core exercises along with the standard knee rehabilitation programme significantly improved balance, mobility, knee function, transverse abdominis muscle thickness, transversus abdominis contraction, and quality of life after TKA (p

MeSH terms: Humans; Treatment Outcome
Two decades of research trends in microbial-induced carbonate precipitation for heavy metal removal: a bibliometric review and literature review

Omoregie AI, Ong DEL, Alhassan M, Basri HF, Muda K, Ojuri OO, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Aug;31(40):52658-52687.
PMID: 39180660 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34722-8

Amidst the increasing significance of innovative solutions for bioremediation of heavy metal removal, this paper offers a thorough bibliometric analysis of microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) for heavy metal removal, as a promising technology to tackle this urgent environmental issue. This study focused on articles published from 1999 to 2022 in the Scopus database. It assesses trends, participation, and key players within the MICP for heavy metal sequestration. Among the 930 identified articles, 74 countries participated in the field, with China being the most productive. Varenyam Achal, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Chemosphere are leaders in the research landscape. Using VOSviewer and R-Studio, keyword hotspots like "MICP", "urease", and "heavy metals" underscore the interdisciplinary nature of MICP research and its focus on addressing a wide array of environmental and soil-related challenges. VOSviewer emphasises essential terms like "calcium carbonate crystal", while R-Studio highlights ongoing themes such as "soil" and "organic" aspects. These analyses further showcase the interdisciplinary nature of MICP research, addressing a wide range of environmental challenges and indicating evolving trends in the field. This review also discusses the literature concerning the potential of MICP to immobilise contaminants, the evolution of the research outcome in the last two decades, MICP treatment techniques for heavy metal removal, and critical challenges when scaling from laboratory to field. Readers will find this analysis beneficial in gaining valuable insights into the evolving field and providing a solid foundation for future research and practical implementation.

MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental*; Bibliometrics; Metals, Heavy*
Identification and validation of novel breed-specific biomarker for the purpose of village chicken authentication using genomics approaches

Nematbakhsh S, Pei CP, Nordin N, Selamat J, Idris LH, Razis AFA

Poult Sci, 2024 Jul 31;103(11):104128.
PMID: 39180779 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104128

Local village chicken, or "Ayam kampung" as it's known in Malaysia, is considered a premium chicken breed with a higher price than other chicken breeds. As a result of their comparable appearances and sizes, colored broiler chickens are often sold as village chickens, which is a form of food fraud that can result in a 3- to 4-fold rise in profit. Therefore, developing a breed-specific authentication method is crucial for preventing food fraud in the poultry industry. This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity of village chickens from other commercial chicken breed populations available in the market (broiler [Cobb], colored broiler [Hubbard], and layer [DeKalb]) to identify breed-specific DNA fragments as biomarkers for village chicken authentication. The Whole-genome sequencing and mutation calling of 12 chickens (3 chickens/breed) led to the identification of a total of 73,454,654 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and 8,762,338 insertion and deletions (InDel) variants, with more variants detected in the village chicken population (6,346,704 SNPs; 752,408 InDels) compared to commercial breeds. Therefore, this study revealed that village chickens were more genetically variable compared to other breeds in Malaysia. Furthermore, the breed-specific genomic region located on chromosome 1 (1:84,405,652) harboring SNP (C-T) with high discrimination power was discovered and validated which can be considered as a novel breed-specific biomarker to develop a method for accurate authentication of village chickens in Malaysia. This authentication method offers potentialw applications in the chicken industry and food safety.
Sunlight exposure might account for the relatively low COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in tropical countries

Muhammad M, Loong SK, Khor CS, Mohd-Azami SNI, Kafle A, Useh U, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2024 Mar 01;41(1):78-83.
PMID: 38852137 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.1.010

The present study aimed at exploring whether sunlight exposure might account for the relative difference in COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality between tropical and non-tropical countries. A retrospective observational study was designed and data from the World Health Organization weekly COVID-19 epidemiological update was compiled. We examined the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100 000 population, as well as the total number of COVID-19-related mortalities per 100 000 population. Solar variables data were obtained from the Global Solar Atlas website (https://globalsolaratlas.info/). These data were analyzed to determine the association of sunlight exposure to COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in tropical and non-tropical countries. Results revealed a statistically significant decrease in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100 000 population (P<0.001), as well as the number of COVID-19-related mortalities per 100 000 population (P<0.001) between tropical and non-tropical countries. Analyses of sunlight exposure data found that specific photovoltaic power output, global horizontal irradiation, diffuse horizontal irradiation and global tilted irradiation at optimum angle were significantly inversely correlated to COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. This suggests that stronger sunlight exposure potentially leads to lower COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. Findings from this study suggest that the relatively low COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in tropical countries were possibly due to better sunlight exposure that translates into adequate vitamin D status.

MeSH terms: Humans; Morbidity; Retrospective Studies; Sunlight*; Tropical Climate*

External Links