Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Fulltext Whole-genome sequencing of four culturable endophytic bacteria from German hardneck garlic cloves (Allium sativum L.)
    Kumar G, Gan HM, Wengert P, Penix T, Parthasarathy A, Hudson AO, et al.
    Microbiol Resour Announc, 2024 Apr 11;13(4):e0122523.
    PMID: 38470029 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01225-23
    We present the whole-genome sequence of four bacterial endophytes associated with German hardneck garlic cloves (Allium sativum L.). Among them, Agrobacterium fabrum and Pantoea agglomerans are associated with plant protection, while Rahnella perminowiae and Stenotrophomonas lactitubi are pathogens. These data will facilitate the identification of genes to improve garlic.
  2. Retraction Note: pH-responsive CAP-co-poly(methacrylic acid)-based hydrogel as an efficient platform for controlled gastrointestinal delivery: fabrication, characterization, in vitro and in vivo toxicity evaluation
    Shah SA, Sohail M, Minhas MU, Nisar-Ur-Rehman, Khan S, Hussain Z, et al.
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2024 Sep;14(9):2591.
    PMID: 38602616 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01600-2
  3. How low back pain is managed-a mixed methods study in 32 countries. Part 2 of Low Back Pain in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Series
    Sharma S, Pathak A, Parker R, Costa LOP, Ghai B, Igwesi-Chidobe C, et al.
    J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2024 Apr 11.
    PMID: 38602844 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2024.12406
    BACKGROUND: The Lancet Series of Low Back Pain (LBP) highlighted the lack of LBP data from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The study aimed to describe (1) what LBP care is currently delivered in LMICs, and (2) how that care is delivered. METHODS: An online mixed-methods study. A Consortium for LBP in LMICs (n=65) was developed with an expert panel of leading LBP researchers (>2 publications on LBP) and multidisciplinary clinicians and patient partners with five years of clinical/lived LBP experience in LMICs. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Two researchers independently analyzed qualitative data using deductive and inductive coding and developed a thematic framework. FINDINGS: Forty-seven (85%) of 55 invited panel members representing 32 LMICs completed the survey (38% women; 62% men). The panel included clinicians (34%), researchers (28%), educators (6%), and patient partners (4%). Pharmacotherapies and electrophysiological agents were the most used LBP treatments. The Thematic Framework comprised of eight themes: (1) Self-management is ubiquitous; (2) Medicines are the cornerstone; (3) Traditional therapies have a place; (4) Society plays an important role; (5) Imaging use is very common; (6) Reliance on passive approaches; (7) Social determinants influence LBP care pathway; and (8) Health systems are ill-prepared to address LBP burden. INTERPRETATION: LBP care in LMICs did not consistently align with the best available evidence. Findings will help research prioritization in LMICs and guide global LBP clinical guidelines. FUNDING: The lead author's Fellowship was supported by the International Association for the Study of Pain.
  4. Fulltext Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for population genetics of the cocoa pod borer Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae)
    Purificacion M, Shah RBM, De Meeûs T, Bakar SB, Savantil AB, Yusof MM, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0297662.
    PMID: 38603675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297662
    The cocoa pod borer (CPB) Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae) is one of the major constraints for cocoa production in South East Asia. In addition to cultural and chemical control methods, autocidal control tactics such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) could be an efficient addition to the currently control strategy, however SIT implementation will depend on the population genetics of the targeted pest. The aim of the present work was to search for suitable microsatellite loci in the genome of CPB that is partially sequenced. Twelve microsatellites were initially selected and used to analyze moths collected from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. A quality control verification process was carried out and seven microsatellites found to be suitable and efficient to distinguish differences between CPB populations from different locations. The selected microsatellites were also tested against a closely related species, i.e. the lychee fruit borer Conopomorpha sinensis (LFB) from Vietnam and eight loci were found to be suitable. The availability of these novel microsatellite loci will provide useful tools for the analysis of the population genetics and gene flow of these pests, to select suitable CPB strains to implement the SIT.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Genetics, Population; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics; Chocolate*
  5. Fulltext Research on an innovative design and evaluation method of Chinese tea sets based on GT-AHP-FCE
    Zhao Y, Hamat B, Wang T, Wang S, Pang LLL
    PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0302005.
    PMID: 38603676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302005
    AIMS: In order to explore new consumer demands for Chinese tea set products, propose an innovative tea set product design and evaluation method to improve the user experience and satisfaction of the produced tea sets, thereby promoting the development of the tea set market and the promotion of tea culture.

    METHODS: Firstly, grounded theory (GT) was used to analyze interview data to extract consumer demand indicators and construct a design evaluation hierarchical model. Secondly, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to calculate the weights of the indicators, determine their priority of importance, and obtain several indicators that have a greater impact on the tea set design to guide innovative design practice. Lastly, the tea set design schemes were evaluated using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to select the optimal design scheme and also to act as a guideline for further design optimization.

    CONCLUSION: This study explores the innovative design and evaluation method for tea set products based on GT-AHP-FCE and validates the feasibility of this approach through a practical example of tea set design inspired by "The Classic of Mountains and Seas.". It provides innovative theoretical and practical guidance for designers of subsequent tea set products and also provides a new path for the inheritance and innovation of traditional culture.

    MeSH terms: Tea*; Grounded Theory
  6. Fulltext KCO: Balancing class distribution in just-in-time software defect prediction using kernel crossover oversampling
    Ismail AM, Ab Hamid SH, Abdul Sani A, Mohd Daud NN
    PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0299585.
    PMID: 38603718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299585
    The performance of the defect prediction model by using balanced and imbalanced datasets makes a big impact on the discovery of future defects. Current resampling techniques only address the imbalanced datasets without taking into consideration redundancy and noise inherent to the imbalanced datasets. To address the imbalance issue, we propose Kernel Crossover Oversampling (KCO), an oversampling technique based on kernel analysis and crossover interpolation. Specifically, the proposed technique aims to generate balanced datasets by increasing data diversity in order to reduce redundancy and noise. KCO first represents multidimensional features into two-dimensional features by employing Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA). KCO then divides the plotted data distribution by deploying spectral clustering to select the best region for interpolation. Lastly, KCO generates the new defect data by interpolating different data templates within the selected data clusters. According to the prediction evaluation conducted, KCO consistently produced F-scores ranging from 21% to 63% across six datasets, on average. According to the experimental results presented in this study, KCO provides more effective prediction performance than other baseline techniques. The experimental results show that KCO within project and cross project predictions especially consistently achieve higher performance of F-score results.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms*; Forecasting; Software*; Cluster Analysis
  7. Fulltext Medicinal plants for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    Lim XY, Lau MS, Zolkifli NA, Sastu Zakaria UR, Mohd Rahim NS, Lai NM, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0297839.
    PMID: 38603736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297839
    Herbal medicine is popularly used among patients who suffer from allergic rhinitis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single medicinal plants in the management of allergic rhinitis. We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science for randomised controlled trials which evaluated the use of single medicinal plant for allergic rhinitis among adults and children. Twenty-nine randomised controlled trials (n = 1879) were eligible while 27 (n = 1769) contributed data for meta-analyses. Most studies (studies = 20) compared medicinal plants against placebo and Petasites hybridus was most frequently investigated (studies = 5). Very-low-to-low-certainty evidence suggests that compared to placebo, single medicinal plants may improve overall total nasal symptoms (SMD -0.31, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.02; participants = 249; studies = 5; I2 = 21%) especially nasal congestion and sneezing; and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life (RQLQ) scores (MD -0.46, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.07; participants = 148; studies = 3; I2 = 0%). Moderate-certainty evidence show no clear differences between single medicinal plants and antihistamine in overall symptoms (Total nasal symptoms: SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.46 to 0.18; participants = 149; studies = 2; I2 = 0%). As adjunctive therapy, moderate-certainty evidence shows that medicinal plants improved SNOT-22 scores when given as intranasal treatment (MD -7.47, 95% CI -10.75 to -4.18; participants = 124; studies = 2; I2 = 21%). Risk of bias domains were low or not clearly reported in most studies while heterogeneity was substantial in most pooled outcomes. Route of administration and age were identified to be plausible source of heterogeneity for certain outcomes. Medicinal plants appear to be well tolerated up to 8 weeks of use. Clear beneficial evidence of medicinal plants for allergic rhinitis is still lacking. There is a need for improved reporting of herbal trials to allow for critical assessment of the effects of each individual medicinal plant preparation in well-designed future clinical studies.
  8. Fulltext Correction: Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Association With Vitamin D Receptor Gene Variants Among Malaysian Women With Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy: Protocol for a Nutrigenomics Study
    Ibrahim Y, Basri NI, Nordin N, Mohd Jamil AA
    JMIR Res Protoc, 2024 Apr 11;13:e59300.
    PMID: 38603774 DOI: 10.2196/59300
    [This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/53722.].
  9. Fulltext 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid-loaded polymeric nanoparticles attenuate cigarette smoke-induced markers of impaired antiviral response in vitro
    De Rubis G, Paudel KR, Yeung S, Mohamad S, Sudhakar S, Singh SK, et al.
    Pathol Res Pract, 2024 May;257:155295.
    PMID: 38603841 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155295
    Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of preventable mortality, and it is the major contributor to diseases such as COPD and lung cancer. Cigarette smoke compromises the pulmonary antiviral immune response, increasing susceptibility to viral infections. There is currently no therapy that specifically addresses the problem of impaired antiviral response in cigarette smokers and COPD patients, highlighting the necessity to develop novel treatment strategies. 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18-β-gly) is a phytoceutical derived from licorice with promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral activities whose clinical application is hampered by poor solubility. This study explores the therapeutic potential of an advanced drug delivery system encapsulating 18-β-gly in poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles in addressing the impaired antiviral immunity observed in smokers and COPD patients. Exposure of BCi-NS1.1 human bronchial epithelial cells to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) resulted in reduced expression of critical antiviral chemokines (IP-10, I-TAC, MIP-1α/1β), mimicking what happens in smokers and COPD patients. Treatment with 18-β-gly-PLGA nanoparticles partially restored the expression of these chemokines, demonstrating promising therapeutic impact. The nanoparticles increased IP-10, I-TAC, and MIP-1α/1β levels, exhibiting potential in attenuating the negative effects of cigarette smoke on the antiviral response. This study provides a novel approach to address the impaired antiviral immune response in vulnerable populations, offering a foundation for further investigations and potential therapeutic interventions. Further studies, including a comprehensive in vitro characterization and in vivo testing, are warranted to validate the therapeutic efficacy of 18-β-gly-PLGA nanoparticles in respiratory disorders associated with compromised antiviral immunity.
    MeSH terms: Antiviral Agents/pharmacology; Cell Line; Epithelial Cells/drug effects; Epithelial Cells/virology; Humans; Smoke/adverse effects; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/immunology; Nanoparticles*
  10. Neurophysiological and imaging biomarkers of lower motor neuron dysfunction in motor neuron diseases/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: IFCN handbook chapter
    Shin-Yi Lin C, Howells J, Rutkove S, Nandedkar S, Neuwirth C, Noto YI, et al.
    Clin Neurophysiol, 2024 Mar 20;162:91-120.
    PMID: 38603949 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.03.015
    This chapter discusses comprehensive neurophysiological biomarkers utilised in motor neuron disease (MND) and, in particular, its commonest form, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These encompass the conventional techniques including nerve conduction studies (NCS), needle and high-density surface electromyography (EMG) and H-reflex studies as well as novel techniques. In the last two decades, new methods of assessing the loss of motor units in a muscle have been developed, that are more convenient than earlier methods of motor unit number estimation (MUNE),and may use either electrical stimulation (e.g. MScanFit MUNE) or voluntary activation (MUNIX). Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is another novel approach for the evaluation that relies upon the application and measurement of high-frequency, low-intensity electrical current. Nerve excitability techniques (NET) also provide insights into the function of an axon and reflect the changes in resting membrane potential, ion channel dysfunction and the structural integrity of the axon and myelin sheath. Furthermore, imaging ultrasound techniques as well as magnetic resonance imaging are capable of detecting the constituents of morphological changes in the nerve and muscle. The chapter provides a critical description of the ability of each technique to provide neurophysiological insight into the complex pathophysiology of MND/ALS. However, it is important to recognise the strengths and limitations of each approach in order to clarify utility. These neurophysiological biomarkers have demonstrated reliability, specificity and provide additional information to validate and assess lower motor neuron dysfunction. Their use has expanded the knowledge about MND/ALS and enhanced our understanding of the relationship between motor units, axons, reflexes and other neural circuits in relation to clinical features of patients with MND/ALS at different stages of the disease. Taken together, the ultimate goal is to aid early diagnosis, distinguish potential disease mimics, monitor and stage disease progression, quantify response to treatment and develop potential therapeutic interventions.
  11. A pioneering study of the radiological mapping in the world's largest mangrove forest (the Sundarbans) and implications for the public and environment
    Al Mahmud J, Siraz MMM, Alam MS, Dewan MJ, Rashid MB, Khandaker MU, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 May;202:116349.
    PMID: 38604081 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116349
    Coastal Mangroves are facing growing threats due to the harmful consequences of human activities. This first-ever detailed study of natural radioactivity in soil samples collected from seven tourist destinations within the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, was conducted using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry. Although the activity levels of 226Ra (11 ± 1-44 ± 4 Bq/kg) and 232Th (13 ± 1-68 ± 6 Bq/kg) generally align with global averages, the concentration of 40K (250 ± 20-630 ± 55 Bq/kg) was observed to surpass the worldwide average primarily due to factors like salinity intrusion, fertilizer application, agricultural runoff, which suggests the potential existence of potassium-rich mineral resources near the study sites. The assessment of the hazard parameters indicates that the majority of these parameters are within the recommended limits. The soil samples do not pose a significant radiological risk to the nearby population. The results of this study can establish important radiological baseline data before the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant begins operating in Bangladesh.
    MeSH terms: Bangladesh; Potassium Radioisotopes/analysis; Radiation Monitoring*; Radium/analysis; Soil/chemistry; Soil Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis; Spectrometry, Gamma; Thorium/analysis; Wetlands*; Forests
  12. Molecular networking-based mass spectral identification of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. metabolites and their selective binding affinities for dengue virus enzymes
    Yousof NSAM, Afzan A, Zainol M, Bakar SIA, Razak MRMA, Jelas NHM, et al.
    Fitoterapia, 2024 Apr 09;175:105955.
    PMID: 38604259 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105955
    Brucea javanica, a valued traditional medicinal plant in Malaysia, known for its fever-treating properties yet remains underexplored for its potential antiviral properties against dengue. This study aims to simultaneously identify chemical classes and metabolites within B. javanica using molecular networking (MN), by Global Natural Product Social (GNPS), and SIRIUS in silico annotation. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS2)-based MN explores chemical diversity across four plant parts (leaves, roots, fruits, and stem bark), revealing diverse metabolites such as tryptophan-derived alkaloids, terpenoids, and octadecadenoids. Simultaneous LC-MS2 and MN analyses reveal a discriminative capacity for individual plant components, with roots accumulating tryptophan alkaloids, fruits concentrating quassinoids, leaves containing fusidanes, and stem bark primarily characterised by simple indoles. Subsequently, extracts were evaluated for dengue antiviral activity using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and plaque assays, indicates potent efficacy in the dichloromethane (DCM) extract from roots (EC50 = 0.3 μg/mL, SI = 10). Molecular docking analysis of two major compounds; canthin-6-one (264) and 1-hydroxy-11-methoxycanthin-6-one (275) showed potential binding interactions with active sites of NS5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of dengue virus (DENV) protein. Subsequent in vitro evaluation revealed compounds 264 and 275 had a promising dengue antiviral activity with SI value of 63 and 1.85. These identified metabolites emerge as potential candidates for further evaluation in dengue antiviral activities.
  13. Fulltext Mirror, mirror on the wall, which phytochemicals in Clinacanthus nutans inhibits advanced glycation end products of them all?
    Afzan A, Lee JC, Adam Z, Mustafa Khalid N, Gunasegavan RDN, Md Noh MF, et al.
    Fitoterapia, 2024 Apr 09;175:105958.
    PMID: 38604262 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105958
    In our quest to discover advanced glycation end products (AGEs) inhibitors from Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau leaves, we conducted a bioactivity-based molecular networking. This approach integrates LC-MS2 profiling and in vitro antiglycation data to predict bioactive compounds. We began by screening three extracts: 100% ethanol, 70% ethanol and 100% water alongside the in vitro antioxidant activity, total phenolics content (TPC) and schaftoside content. Among these extracts, 100% ethanol extract exhibited the highest total AGEs inhibition effects (IC50 = 80.18 ± 11.6 μg/mL), DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 747.40 ± 10.30 μg/mL) and TPC (26.54 ± 2.09 μg GAE /mg extract). Intriguingly, 100% ethanol extract contained the lowest amount of schaftoside, suggesting the involvement of other phytochemicals in the antiglycation effects. The molecular networking and in silico structural annotations of 401 LC-MS features detected in the fractions from 100% ethanol extract predicted 21 bioactive compounds (p  0.90), including several C40 carotenoids, alkaloids containing tetrapyrrole structures and fatty acids. On the contrary, all phenolics showed weak correlations with antiglycation effects. These predictions were further validated in vitro, where carotenoid lutein showed half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 96 ± 8 μM and selected flavonoid-C-glycosides exhibited weaker inhibitions (IC50 between 568 and 1922 μM). Notably, lutein content was higher in freeze-dried leaves (12.42 ± 0.82 mg/100 g) than oven-dried, although the former was associated with elevated mercury levels. In summary, C. nutans exhibited potential antiglycation and antioxidant activity, and lutein was identified as the main bioactive principle.
  14. Limonoids from the fruits of Chisocheton erythrocarpus and their mosquito larvicidal activities
    Ngadni MA, Chong SL, Hazni H, Asib N, Ishak IH, Mohmad Misnan N, et al.
    Phytochemistry, 2024 Jun;222:114092.
    PMID: 38604323 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114092
    Phytochemical study of the fruits of Chisocheton erythrocarpus (Hiern) allowed the identification of eight undescribed limonoids, namely erythrocarpines O - V (1-6, 7a and 7b), along with seven known compounds. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic and HRMS data, along with electronic circular dichroism to configure the absolute configuration. Erythrocarpines O and P are γ-hydroxybutenolide analogs of mexicanolide-type limonoids while erythrocarpine Q - V are phragmalin-type limonoids possessing a 1,29-oxymethylene bridge with either benzoyl or cinnamoyl moiety in their structures. Mosquito larvicidal activity revealed that crude DCM extract of C. erythrocarpus possessed a good larvicidal effect against Aedes aegypti larvae in 48 h (LC50 = 153.0 ppm). Subsequent larvicidal activity of isolated compounds indicated that erythrocarpine G (10) and 14-deoxyxyloccensin K (11) were responsible for the enhanced larvicidal effect of the extract, reporting LC50 values of 18.55 ppm and 41.16 ppm, respectively. Moreover, residual activity testing of the crude DCM extract revealed that the duration of its larvicidal effects is up to 14 days, where it maintained a 98 % larval mortality throughout the test period, under laboratory conditions.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Structure
  15. Biopolymer based nanoparticles and their therapeutic potential in wound healing - A review
    Kumar M, Mahmood S, Chopra S, Bhatia A
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 May;267(Pt 2):131335.
    PMID: 38604431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131335
    Nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively investigated for their potential in nanomedicine. There is a significant level of enthusiasm about the potential of NPs to bring out a transformative impact on modern healthcare. NPs can serve as effective wound dressings or delivery vehicles due to their antibacterial and pro-wound-healing properties. Biopolymer-based NPs can be manufactured using various food-grade biopolymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers, each offering distinct properties suitable for different applications which include collagen, polycaprolactone, chitosan, alginate, and polylactic acid, etc. Their biodegradable and biocompatible nature renders them ideal nanomaterials for applications in wound healing. Additionally, the nanofibers containing biopolymer-based NPs have shown excellent anti-bacterial and wound healing activity like silver NPs. These NPs represent a paradigm shift in wound healing therapies, offering targeted and personalized solutions for enhanced tissue regeneration and accelerated wound closure. The current review focuses on biopolymer NPs with their applications in wound healing.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry; Bandages; Biocompatible Materials/pharmacology; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry; Biopolymers/pharmacology; Biopolymers/therapeutic use; Biopolymers/chemistry; Humans; Chitosan/chemistry
  16. Exploring gene regulation and biological processes in insects: Insights from omics data using gene regulatory network models
    Chee FT, Harun S, Mohd Daud K, Sulaiman S, Nor Muhammad NA
    Prog Biophys Mol Biol, 2024 Apr 09;189:1-12.
    PMID: 38604435 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.04.002
    Gene regulatory network (GRN) comprises complicated yet intertwined gene-regulator relationships. Understanding the GRN dynamics will unravel the complexity behind the observed gene expressions. Insect gene regulation is often complicated due to their complex life cycles and diverse ecological adaptations. The main interest of this review is to have an update on the current mathematical modelling methods of GRNs to explain insect science. Several popular GRN architecture models are discussed, together with examples of applications in insect science. In the last part of this review, each model is compared from different aspects, including network scalability, computation complexity, robustness to noise and biological relevancy.
  17. Removal of multiple pesticides from water by different types of membranes
    Seah MQ, Ng ZC, Lai GS, Lau WJ, Al-Ghouti MA, Alias NH, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2024 May;356:141960.
    PMID: 38604517 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141960
    Pesticides are used in agriculture to protect crops from pathogens, insects, fungi and weeds, but the release of pesticides into surface/groundwater by agriculture runoff and rain has raised serious concerns not only for the environment but also for human health. This study aimed to investigate the impact of surface properties on the performance of seven distinct membrane types utilized in nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO) and forward osmosis (FO) processes in eliminating multiple pesticides from spiked water. Out of the membranes tested, two are self-fabricated RO membranes while the rest are commercially available membranes. Our results revealed that the self-fabricated RO membranes performed better than other commercial membranes (e.g., SW30XLE, NF270, Duracid and FO) in rejecting the targeted pesticides by achieving at least 99% rejections regardless of the size of pesticides and their log Kow value. Despite the marginally lower water flux exhibited by the self-fabricated membrane compared to the commercial BW30 membrane, its exceptional ability to reject both mono- and divalent salts renders it more apt for treating water sources containing not only pesticides but also various dissolved ions. The enhanced performance of the self-fabricated RO membrane is mainly attributed to the presence of a hydrophilic interlayer (between the polyamide layer and substrate) and the incorporation of hydrophilic nanosheets in tuning its surface characteristics. The findings of the work provide insight into the importance of membrane surface modification for the application of not only the desalination process but also for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern.
    MeSH terms: Membranes, Artificial*; Osmosis*; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  18. Navigating the Shadows: COVID-19's Lingering Threat - Pulmonary Fibrosis
    Kow CS, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS, Thiruchelvam K
    Am J Med, 2024 Apr;137(4):e81.
    PMID: 38604726 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.10.034
    MeSH terms: Humans; Pulmonary Fibrosis*
  19. Fulltext Missing in action: a scoping review of gender as the overlooked component in decolonial discourses
    Nassiri-Ansari T, Rhule ELM
    BMJ Glob Health, 2024 Apr 11;9(4).
    PMID: 38604753 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014235
    INTRODUCTION: Race and gender were intimately intertwined aspects of the colonial project, used as key categories of hierarchisation within both colonial and modern societies. As such, true decolonisation is only possible when both are addressed equally; failure to address the colonial root causes of gender-based inequalities will allow for the perpetuation of racialised notions of gender to persist across the global health ecosystem. However, the authors note with concern the relative sidelining of gender within the decolonising global health discourse, especially as it navigates the critical transition from rhetoric to action.

    METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to locate where gender does, or does not, appear within the decolonising global health literature. The authors reviewed the decolonising global health literature available on Scopus and PubMed online databases to identify peer-reviewed papers with the search terms "(decoloni* or de-coloni*) OR (neocolonial or neo-colonial) AND 'global health'" in their title, abstract or keywords published by December 2022.

    RESULTS: Out of 167 papers on decolonising global health, only 53 (32%) had any reference to gender and only 26 (16%) explicitly engaged with gender as it intersects with (de)coloniality. Four key themes emerged from these 26 papers: an examination of coloniality's racialised and gendered nature; how this shaped and continues to shape hierarchies of knowledge; how these intertwining forces drive gendered impacts on health programmes and policies; and how a decolonial gender analysis can inform action for change.

    CONCLUSION: Historical legacies of colonisation continue to shape contemporary global health practice. The authors call for the integration of a decolonial gender analysis in actions and initiatives that aim to decolonise global health, as well as within allied movements which seek to confront the root causes of power asymmetries and inequities.

    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Male; Global Health*; Policy
  20. Fulltext Association between dietary pattern and Helicobacter pylori infection at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu: A case-control study
    Kasum VU, Hayati F, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, Nik Lah NAS, Tung SEH
    Asian J Surg, 2024 Sep;47(9):3852-3857.
    PMID: 38604869 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.03.177
    BACKGROUND: Limited studies have reported the association between dietary patterns and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Sabah.

    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between dietary pattern and H. pylori infection among patients aged 18 years and above that went for first esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) in 2021 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Kota Kinabalu.

    METHODS: Dietary intake of positive H. pylori was compared with healthy subjects by using questionnaire adapted from Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2014. Using logistic regression models, we evaluated the association between dietary pattern and H. pylori infection risk.

    FINDINGS: Our finding identified four dietary patterns, namely "high carbohydrate pattern", "high fiber pattern", "high fat/cholesterol pattern" and "high salt pattern". After adjustment for potential confounders, the highest quartile of "high salt pattern" showed greater odds of H. pylori infection (OR = 1.26; 95% Cl: 1.032-1.459; P = 0.045) than lowest quartile, while highest quartile of "high fiber pattern" demonstrated lower odd of the infection (OR = 0.69; 95% Cl: 0.537-0.829; P = 0.008) than those in lowest quartile. If compared with Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) 2017, positive H. pylori consumed high carbohydrates and sodium with insufficient fiber intake.

    CONCLUSION: To conclude, "high fiber pattern" lowers the risk of H. pylori infection while "high salt pattern" increases the infection risk. Our study also highlighted the importance of nutrient intake within daily allowances.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Diet*; Dietary Carbohydrates/administration & dosage; Dietary Fiber/administration & dosage; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Logistic Models; Case-Control Studies; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Helicobacter pylori*; Helicobacter Infections*; Young Adult
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