Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Abdullah NK, Ahmad NA, Ramli SB, Razak NA
    Autops Case Rep, 2024;14:e2024509.
    PMID: 39176103 DOI: 10.4322/acr.2024.509
    The effectiveness of the autopsy as an educational tool in forensic medicine courses has been widely acknowledged, and medical students were expected to attend regularly. Nevertheless, the use of autopsies for teaching has dramatically declined in recent years and worldwide despite their high-value benefits. This study aims to understand the importance and relevance of attending autopsies during forensic teaching sessions and identify any challenges that may impede attendance. A self-administered online questionnaire that assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to autopsies attendance was distributed to fourth-year medical students at the National Defence University of Malaysia and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. A total of 99 respondents were involved in this study. Our findings indicate that most respondents (over 85%) demonstrated good knowledge of forensic medicine. Pearson's statistical test revealed a significant correlation between the knowledge and students' attitudes toward autopsy. This study demonstrates the need to strategically integrate autopsy attendance into medical curricula to encourage constructive attitudes and practices among medical students. Students gain the most benefits from frequently attending autopsies. Passionate educators can conduct preparatory sessions to set expectations and address concerns, encourage students to process their experiences, and reinforce learning outcomes in the mortuary setting. Mandatory autopsy teaching should be integrated into the curriculum to ensure medical students have the necessary skills and knowledge to become competent doctors.
  2. Ibrahim AZ, Hussein AS, Said Gulam Khan HB, Ghazali N
    Saudi Dent J, 2024 Aug;36(8):1117-1122.
    PMID: 39176152 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2024.06.004
    INTRODUCTION: The effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) on oral bacteria and biofilm remains inconclusive, with conflicting results. Studies assessing its effect against caries-causing bacteria are limited.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the antibacterial activity of HA synthesized using microwave against two of the most common cariogenic bacteria, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus).

    METHODS: HA was chemically synthesized using a microwave. To verify the existence of the crystalline phase and the calcium and phosphate content, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were employed, respectively. Reduction in bacterial growth was used to assess the antibacterial effects of 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % HA against the tested bacteria.

    RESULTS: The presence of the hydroxyapatite crystallite phase was verified using XRD, while EDX revealed the Calcium to Phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio to be 1.6. In response to the 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % HA, S. mutans were reduced by 14.5 %, 15.6 %, and 23.4 %, whereas S. sobrinus decreased by 17.1 %, 60.8 %, and 98.6 %, respectively.

    CONCLUSION: Microwave-synthesized HA could have antibacterial properties against caries-causing bacteria with different potencies depending on concentration and bacteria.

  3. Chaubal TV, Yeoh WC, Phua CKS, Bapat R, Pulikkotil SJ
    Saudi Dent J, 2024 Aug;36(8):1051-1057.
    PMID: 39176154 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2024.05.011
    BACKGROUND: The placement of immediate dental implants intrinsically displays crestal gaps, which may compromise implant osseointegration. Several grafting materials have been used to overcome this issue. Of the available materials, the use of bone cement is relatively new in oral implantology. This study aimed to examine the available literature on the utilization of bone cements in immediate placement of dental implants and assess its potential in oral implantology.

    OBJECTIVES: To synthesize evidence for appraising the impact of bone cements on implant stability and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) of dental implants placed immediately after extraction in humans and animals after 3 months of healing from tooth extraction.

    METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, and ScienceDirect for relevant studies published from inception to September 2021 using relevant search terms. Of the 1624 studies, 4 were selected for this systematic review.

    RESULTS: Three of the four studies concluded that bone cements enhanced implant stability and/or BIC with better quality and/or quantity of bone surrounding the immediate dental implant. The conclusion drawn by one article remained indecisive. Meta-analysis could not be performed owing to the presence of substantial heterogeneity.

    CONCLUSION: Bone cement is a promising treatment alternative as it augments implant stability and/or BIC in immediate dental implants. Nonetheless, further prospective human clinical trials are required to establish its clinical effectiveness and arrive at a definitive conclusion to recommend its clinical use.

  4. Mohammed-Salih HS, Ghazi A, Mahmood RI, Al-Qazzaz HH, Supian FL, Al-Obaidi JR, et al.
    Saudi Dent J, 2024 Aug;36(8):1128-1134.
    PMID: 39176163 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2024.06.007
    OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the impact of injected fish-scale-derived hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (FsHA-NPs) on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and the width of the periodontal ligament (PDL) space.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six Wistar rats underwent mesial orthodontic traction with a force of 50 g for 21 days. Following the application of the orthodontic appliance, the rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group, which received a 0.3 µg saline injection, and the experimental FsHA group, which received 100 mg/0.3 ml of FsHA-NPs after thorough characterisation. Injections were administered immediately after appliance application and repeated at 7 and 14 days. Statistical analysis was conducted with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.

    RESULT: The experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in OTM at 7-, 14-, and 21-day post-force application. Additionally, a reduction in PDL width was observed in the mesiocervical and disto-apical regions of the mesial and distal roots of the first molar.

    CONCLUSION: FsHA-NPs derived from biowaste fish scales exhibit promising potential as biomaterials for enhancing control over OTM. This study underscores the viability, accessibility, and safety of FsHA-NPs as a locally injectable material for orthodontic applications.

  5. Wan Abdul Azim WA, Kassim NK, Taib H, Abdullah NH, Che Abdul Aziz NA, Ibrahim HA
    Cureus, 2024 Jul;16(7):e65166.
    PMID: 39176315 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65166
    Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known to cause an increase in fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Periodontitis, a condition recognized as a risk factor for CKD, is also potentially associated with the increment of FGF23. This study aims to compare FGF23 levels in CKD patients with and without periodontitis and non-CKD patients with and without periodontitis. Correlation with serum phosphate, calcium, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was assessed. Additionally, associations between FGF23, calcium, phosphate, iPTH, creatinine, urea, plaque score, and bleeding score with periodontitis in CKD patients were determined. Method A total of 124 participants were categorized into four groups: CKD patients with periodontitis (n=31), CKD patients without periodontitis (n=32), periodontitis patients without CKD (n=32), and healthy population (n=29). The selected CKD patients include those from stages 3 and 4 (predialysis) patients. Serum levels of FGF23, calcium, phosphate, iPTH, creatinine, and urea were analyzed. Oral examinations were conducted to determine the presence and absence of periodontitis and assess plaque and bleeding scores. Result A significantly higher level of FGF23 was found in CKD compared to non-CKD groups; however, no difference was observed with the presence of periodontitis in both CKD and non-CKD. There was no significant correlation found between FGF23 and serum calcium, phosphate, or iPTH concerning periodontal status. Apart from the bleeding score, there was no association between FGF23, calcium, phosphate, iPTH, creatinine, urea, and plaque score with the presence of periodontitis in CKD patients. Conclusion The presence of periodontitis was not associated with higher FGF23 levels in CKD patients. Changes in FGF23, calcium, phosphate, iPTH, creatinine, urea, and plaque score could not be attributed to the presence of periodontitis in CKD patients.
  6. Kumar V, Gold M, Jain A, Mhatre P, Zaman UMSBM, Kapoor R, et al.
    J Cosmet Dermatol, 2024 Aug 23.
    PMID: 39176982 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16493
    BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss that affects over 50% of the world population. It is a condition that is multifactorial in origin, with no specific causative factor, making treatment an enervating experience for the patient as well as the doctor. In recent times, a number of modalities have been introduced for the treatment of alopecia. However, the evidence supporting them is unstructured and sparse. Therefore, this article aims to explore the current trends in minimally invasive treatments for the management of androgenetic alopecia.

    METHODS: An in-depth literature search on injectables used in the treatment of alopecia in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, TRIP Cochrane Library, and Cochrane Skin databases between January 2000 and May 2023 was performed. The studies included were randomized controlled trials, non-randomized trials, quasi trials, single arm interventions, and cohort studies.

    RESULTS: Sixteen of the 1071 studies that were found during the original search were accepted in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies assessed the effectiveness of the injectable group by comparing it to a control group consisting of saline, distilled water, and topical minoxidil. In the treatment of alopecia, dutasteride and injectable growth factor formulations achieved clinically significant results.

    CONCLUSION: The usage of injectables and topical medicines to treat hair loss has increased in the recent years. Overall results from clinical investigations, pilot studies, and trials looking at the efficacy and safety of these growth factors in the AGA show satisfactory efficacy.

  7. Saad FFA, Fikri RSF, Shahrir ADA
    Eurasian J Med, 2024 May 09;56(2):146-7.
    PMID: 38798009 DOI: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2024.23149
    Cite this article as: Fikri Ahmad Saad F, Syamim Fathinul Fikri R, Danial Ahmad Shahrir A. Diffusion tensor imaging in determining atypical peripheral nerve neuroma in a patient with a painless mass. Eurasian J Med., Published online May 9, 2024. doi:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2024.23149.
  8. Razali HYH, Yusof ANM
    J Med Ethics, 2024 Aug 21;50(9):598-599.
    PMID: 38802139 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2024-110086
    MeSH terms: Artificial Intelligence*; Mental Disorders/diagnosis; Humans; Judgment; Mental Health; Cultural Diversity*
  9. Kizhakkoottu S, Ramani P, Tilakaratne WM
    Stem Cell Rev Rep, 2024 Aug;20(6):1512-1520.
    PMID: 38837114 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10744-0
    BACKGROUND: Pathogenesis and malignant potential of Oral submucous fibrosis(OSMF) have always been a topic of interest among the researchers. Despite OSMF being a collagen metabolic disorder, the alterations occurring in the connective tissue stroma affects the atrophic surface epithelium in later stages and progresses to malignant phenotypes. The present review aims to summarize the role of stem cells in the pathogenesis and malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was carried out using data banks like Medline and Embase, google scholar and manual method with no time frame, pertinent to the role of mucosal stem cells in OSMF and its malignisation. The relevant literature was reviewed, critically appraised by all the authors and compiled in this narrative review.

    RESULTS: Critical appraisal and evaluation of the data extracted from the selected articles were compiled in this review. The collated results highlighted the upregulation and downregulation of various stem cell markers during the progression and malignisation of OSMF were depicted in a descriptive and detail manner in the present review.

    CONCLUSION: We highlight the potential of mucosal stem cells in the regulation and malignisation of OSMF. However, future large-scale clinical studies will be needed to support whether manipulation of this stem cells at molecular level will be sufficient for the treatment and preventing the malignant transformation of OSMF.

    MeSH terms: Areca/chemistry; Humans; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Proteins/genetics; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  10. Ng BW, Lee JS, Lau FS, Chieng CH
    BMJ Case Rep, 2024 Jun 05;17(6).
    PMID: 38839397 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-260266
    Retropharyngeal infections (RPIs) are uncommon in young infants and are difficult to diagnose due to their non-classical presentation. RPI can occasionally be complicated with multiple cranial nerve palsies but rarely in isolation. Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy (HNP) due to RPI has been described in the literature but mostly in older children and adults. Assessment for hypoglossal nerve function is challenging in a young infant because the conventional signs of hypoglossal nerve dysfunction are difficult to elicit in this age group. Early recognition and treatment of RPI are associated with good HNP recovery. We present a case of a young infant with tongue deviation and difficulty with feeding attributed to an isolated HNP caused by suppurative retropharyngeal lymphadenitis. The infant underwent incision and drainage with complete recovery of the tongue function after 8 weeks.
    MeSH terms: Drainage/methods; Humans; Infant; Suppuration
  11. Noor U, Sherin P K R, Sharif A, Ahmed T, Rahman MU
    Nanotechnology, 2024 Aug 21;35(45).
    PMID: 39121875 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad6d71
    Metal organic frameworks (MOF's) have gained considerable attention in the field of energy storage and supercapacitors applications. Herein, we synthesized copper oxide (CuO) through the precipitation method and concurrently derived from the solvothermal prepared copper-benzene dicarboxylate (Cu-BDC) by calcination. The integration of MOF-derived nanostructures with traditional CuO to form a hybrid electrode material, has not been extensively explored. The synthesized materials were characterized using x-ray Diffractometry, FTIR, XPS, Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller and morphological analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) affirming the composite's nature. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and cyclic voltammetry were used to evaluate the electrochemical properties of electrode material. With a specific capacitance of 691 Fg-1for CuO obtained from Cu-BDC (benzene dicarboxylic acid) and 236 Fg-1for CuO via the precipitation method, measured at a scan rate of 5 m Vs-1in 6 M KOH was found to be the optimal performance solution for the electrode material. The mesoporous structures are crucial for their absorption ability and improved ion transport, resulting in optimized electrochemical performance. Finally, we demonstrate significant improvements in specific capacitance and cycling stability compared to pure CuO-based electrodes, highlighting the potential of this composite structure for advanced supercapacitor applications.
  12. Esa U, Hardy Mohamad Zaini R, Mazlan MZ, Omar AA, Che Omar S, Rosedi A
    Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther, 2024;56(2):121-128.
    PMID: 39166503 DOI: 10.5114/ait.2024.141209
    INTRODUCTION: The significant effect of deep neuromuscular block (NMB) in laparoscopic surgery is still controversial, especially in lower-pressure pneumoperitoneum. This study investigates the effect of deep neuromuscular block on intraabdominal pressure (IAP), surgical space quality, post-operative abdominal pain, and shoulder tip pain in laparoscopic gynaecological surgery.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a randomised, double-blinded control trial which randomised samples to moderate NMB (train-of-four count [TOF] of 1 or 2) or deep NMB (post-tetanic count [PTC] of 1 or 2). Surgery began with IAP 8 mmHg but was allowed to increase the pressure if the surgical condition was unfavourable. The surgical condition was rated on a 4-point scale. Post-operative abdominal pain and shoulder tip pain was assessed using a numerical rating scale for pain, with 0 defined as no pain and 10 severe pain at recovery area (time 0), 30 minutes, and 24 hours post-operation.

    RESULTS: Seventy patients completed the study. The rate of increasing IAP between the 2 groups ( P = 0.172) is not significant, but deep NMB requires less pressure - mean highest IAP of 10.31 (± 1.39) mmHg, moderate NMB 11.54 (± 1.69) mmHg. The mean surgical space condition score was significantly better in the deep NMB group at 2.4 (± 0.7) compared to moderate NMB at 3.2 (± 0.66), P < 0.005. There was a significantly lower post-operative abdominal pain score in deep NMB but no significant difference in shoulder tip pain score between the 2 groups.

    CONCLUSIONS: Deep NMB enables the usage of lower IAP in laparoscopic surgery without interfering with surgical space condition, and it reduces the post-operative abdominal pain score in 24 hours compared to moderate NMB.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement/methods; Pain, Postoperative*; Pressure*; Abdominal Pain/etiology; Shoulder Pain/etiology
  13. Sousa GS, Silva FVD, Longhi FG, Cortela DDCB, Silva PRS, Ferreira SMB
    Rev Lat Am Enfermagem, 2024;32:e4293.
    PMID: 39166628 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.7168.4293
    OBJECTIVE: to map the scientific literature on the validity of instruments for evaluating the quality of services provided in primary health care for chronic diseases related to systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, leprosy and tuberculosis.

    METHOD: scoping review, following the Joanna Briggs Institute method and described in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. 13 databases and gray literature were included. The selection of studies was carried out after removing duplicates and individual and paired evaluation. The data was extracted based on an elaborate script and presented in tables and charts.

    RESULTS: the analysis of 28 selected studies showed that the majority were from Brazil, followed by China and Malaysia. Almost half of the validated instruments were generic, and the specific ones covered the evaluation of diabetes mellitus and leprosy. The types of validation carried out were content and construct.

    CONCLUSION: there is a need to construct specific instruments due to the scarcity of studies on the process of validating instruments for evaluating the quality of services provided by primary health care for chronic diseases.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Validated instruments for evaluating services in chronic diseases.(2) Possibility of carrying out new studies on adaptations of PCAT and PACIC.(3) No evaluation was identified for minors under 18 years of age with chronic diseases.(4) Use of a generic instrument to evaluate specific chronic diseases.

    MeSH terms: Chronic Disease; Humans; Primary Health Care/standards
  14. Hemavarshini S, Kalyaan VLV, Gopinath S, Kamaraj M, Aravind J, Pandiaraj S, et al.
    Environ Geochem Health, 2024 Aug 21;46(10):386.
    PMID: 39167247 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02154-5
    In the era dominated by plastic, the widespread use of plastic in our daily lives has led to a growing accumulation of its degraded byproducts, such as microplastics and plastic additives like Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is recognized as one of the earliest man-made substances that exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties. It is frequently employed in the manufacturing of epoxy resins, polycarbonates, dental fillings, food storage containers, infant bottles, and water containers. BPA is linked to a range of health issues including obesity, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and reproductive abnormalities. This study examines the bacterial bioremediation of the BPA, which is found in many sources and is known for its hazardous effects on the environment. The metabolic pathways for the breakdown of BPA in important bacterial strains were hypothesized based on the observed altered intermediate metabolites during the degradation of BPA. This review discusses the enzymes and genes involved in the bacterial degradation of BPA. The utilization of naturally occurring microorganisms is the most efficient and cost-effective method due to their selectivity of strains, ensuring sustainability.
    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental*; Environmental Pollutants/metabolism; Endocrine Disruptors/metabolism
  15. Priasetyono Y, Amalia NN, Harafiah AA, Sutanto, Prihatiningsih WR
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 Aug 20;207:116865.
    PMID: 39168090 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116865
    The utilization of coal in Power Plants (PLTUs) can lead to the generation of fly ash waste, which may contain natural radionuclides that can potentially contaminate the surrounding environment. Despite Labuan PLTU's land-coastal location, marine environment monitoring remains minimal. A recent study conducted sediment and seawater sampling, revealing varying levels of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K ranging from 3.4 to 27.5 Bq kg-1, 3.9 to 34.9 Bq kg-1, and 64.0 to 275.0 Bq kg-1 in sediments, respectively. Meanwhile, the activity concentration of natural radionuclides 226Ra and 232Th in seawater ranges from 0.5 to 1.1 Bq L-1 to 0.7-1.5 Bq L-1, respectively. These findings provide baseline data for marine radiation levels around PLTU Labuan. Additionally, risk assessments were conducted, indicating Raeq, Hin, and Hex ranges of 13.80-91.00 Bq kg-1, 0.04-0.25, and 0.05-0.31, respectively. The study concludes that Labuan's radiation levels are within safe limits for exposure.
  16. Devasvaran K, Alallam B, Lee C, Yong YK, Lim V
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Aug 19.
    PMID: 39168213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134893
    Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) is a plant in tropical Asia with proven biological activities. The optimized extraction method of C. nutans crude polysaccharide (CNP) uses water in the presence of an ultrasound-assisted mechanical method (UL_CNP). However, the use of UL_CNP for the synthesis and optimization of silver nanoparticles (AgNP), particularly their anticancer and photocatalytic properties, remains unexplored. Hence, this research aimed to employ a green method using UL_CNP and silver nitrate to produce AgNP (UL_AgNP) with a small size and assess its potential toxicity, anticancer, and photocatalytic activities. The synthesis condition was optimized using the Box-Behnken design method. The synthesized UL_AgNP showed the surface plasmon resonance peak at 458 nm. The optimized synthesis condition produced spherically shaped UL_AgNP with a size of 5.21 ± 1.92 nm and a zeta potential of -26.33 ± 0.93 mV. An X-ray diffraction analysis exhibited intense Bragg's reflection peaks at (111), (200), (220), and (311), having a face-centered cubic structure of AgNP. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of silver in the synthesized UL_AgNP. The brine shrimp lethality test of UL_AgNP reported a lethal concentration 50 value of <7.8 μg/mL after 24 h. The UL_AgNP exhibited antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration value of 4.96 ± 0.31 μg/mL by inducing S-phase cell cycle arrest, apoptotic effect, and reduction of cell migration. Furthermore, UL_AgNP proved its efficient photocatalytic activity against methylene blue dye (50.22 % ± 0.06 %, after 10 min at a concentration of 50 μg/mL). Therefore, the UL_AgNP exhibited promising antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cells, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic agent. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the precise mechanism of their action.
  17. Bashir I, Wani SM, Jan N, Ali A, Rouf A, Sidiq H, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Aug 19.
    PMID: 39168215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134894
    Vitamin D encapsulation can significantly improve its bioavailability, stability, and solubility. Various biopolymers viz. whey protein isolate, carboxymethyl cellulose, alginate and gum arabic were studied for their potential to be used as wall material and gum arabic was selected for encapsulating vitamin D3 as it possesses lesser particle size, apparent viscosity and better stability in terms of zeta potential. Box Behnken design was employed for optimizing the process conditions for developing vitamin D3 nanoemulsion. Box Behnken design was constructed using ultrasonic amplitude, sonication time and vitamin D3/wall material percent as independent factors. The optimum conditions obtained were ultrasonic amplitude (80 %), sonication time (12 min) and vitamin D3/wall material percent (5). The designed nanoemulsion showed a particle size of 20.04 nm, zeta potential of -28.2 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 71.9 %. Chemical interactions were observed in the developed nanoemulsion as demonstrated by Differential scanning calorimeter thermograms and Fourier transform infrared spectra of the nanoemulsion. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model was the most suitable for describing the release of vitamin D3 from the nanoemulsion. Fabricated nanoemulsion has the potential to be used in food and pharmaceutical industries.
  18. Mohamed Alipiah N, Salleh A, Sarizan NM, Ikhsan N
    Dev Comp Immunol, 2024 Aug 19.
    PMID: 39168397 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105253
    The pathogen recognition system involves receptors and genes that play a crucial role in activating innate immune response in brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) as a control agent against various infections including vibriosis. Here, we report the molecular cloning of partial open reading frames, sequences characterization, and expression profiles of Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) in brown-marbled grouper. The PRRs, namely pglyrp5, tlr5, ctlD, and ctlE in brown-marbled grouper, possess conserved domains and showed shared evolutionary relationships with other fishes, humans, mammals, birds, reptilians, amphibians, and insects. In infection experiments, up to 50% mortality was found in brown-marbled grouper fingerlings infected with Vibrio alginolyticus compared to 27% mortality infected Vibrio parahaemolyticus and 100% survival of control groups. It is also demonstrated that all four PRRs had higher expression in samples infected with V. alginolyticus compared to V. parahaemolyticus. This PRRs gene expression analysis revealed that all four PRRs expressed rapidly at 4-h post-inoculation even though the Vibrio count was only detected earliest at 12-h post-inoculation in samples. The highest expression recorded was from V. alginolyticus inoculated fish spleen with up to 73-fold change for pglyrp5 gene, followed by 14 to 38-fold expression for the same treatment in spleen, head kidney, and blood samples for other PRRs, namely tlr5, ctlD, and ctlE genes. Meanwhile less than a 10% increase in expression of all four genes was detected in spleen, head kidney, and blood samples inoculated with V. parahaemolyticus. These findings indicated that pglyrp5, tlr5, ctlD, and ctlE play important roles in the early immune response to vibriosis infected, brown-marbled grouper fingerlings.
  19. Muhamad NAS, Mohd Mokhtar N, Naim R, Lau WJ, Ismail NH
    Environ Pollut, 2024 Aug 19.
    PMID: 39168437 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124739
    Membrane distillation (MD) is gaining increasing recognition within membrane-based processes for palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment. This study aims to alter the physicochemical characteristics of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes through the incorporation of bentonite (B) at varying weight concentrations (ranging from 0.25 wt% to 1.0 wt%). Characterization was conducted to evaluate changes in morphology, thermal stability, surface characteristics and wetting properties of the resulting membranes. The resulting membranes were also tested using direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) with POME as the feed solution, aiming to generate high-purity water. Results indicated that the PVDF-0.3B and PVDF-0.5B membranes achieved the highest water vapor flux. The finger-like structure and macrovoids present in these membranes aid in minimizing mass resistance during vapor transport and enhancing permeate flux. All membranes demonstrated exceptional performance in removing contaminants, eliminating total dissolved solids (TDS) and achieving over 99% rejection of chemical oxygen demand, nitrate nitrogen, color, and turbidity from the feed solution. The permeate water analysis showed that the PVDF-0.3B membrane had superior removal efficiency and met the standards set by the local Department of Environment (DOE). The PVDF-0.3B membrane was chosen as the preferred option because of its consistent flux and high removal efficiency. This study demonstrated that incorporating bentonite into PVDF membranes significantly enhanced their properties and performance for POME treatment.
  20. Yeo YH, Thong JY, Tan MC, Ang QX, San BJ, Tan BE, et al.
    Cardiovasc Revasc Med, 2024 Aug 15.
    PMID: 39168760 DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2024.08.001
    BACKGROUND: While transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with MitraClip is increasingly used, data on the risk stratification for assessing early mortality after this procedure are scarce.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess early mortality and analyze the risk factors of early mortality among patients who underwent TEER.

    METHODS: Using the all-payer, nationally representative Nationwide Readmissions Database, our study included patients aged 18 years or older who had TEER between January 2017 and November 2020. We categorized the cohort into two groups depending on the occurrence of early mortality (death within 30 days after the procedure). Based on the ICD-10, we identified the trend of early mortality after TEER and further analyzed the risk factors associated with early mortality.

    RESULTS: A total of 15,931 patients who had TEER were included; 292 (1.8 %) with early mortality and 15,639 (98.2 %) without. There was a decreasing trend in early mortality from 2.8 % in the first quarter of 2017 to 1.2 % in the fourth quarter of 2020, but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.18). In multivariable analysis, the independent risk factors for early mortality were chronic kidney disease not requiring dialysis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.57; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-2.22, p = 0.01), end-stage renal disease (aOR: 2.34; CI: 1.44-3.79, p 

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