Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. El-Sayed SE, Abdelaziz NA, Alshahrani MY, El-Housseiny GS, Aboshanab KM
    Future Sci OA, 2024 Dec;10(1):2430452.
    PMID: 39600180 DOI: 10.1080/20565623.2024.2430452
    Alcaligenes faecalis is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is common in the environment and has been reported to have various bioactive metabolites of industrial potential applications, including antifungal, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antiparasitic, anticancer, antioxidant activities. In this review, we highlighted and discussed the respective metabolites, pointing out their chemical diversities, purification, current challenges, and future directions. A. faecalis has an industrial role in biodegradation, biosurfactants, and different enzyme production. In this review, the up-to-date various Response Surface Methodology methods (RSM) that can be employed for statistical optimization of the bioactive secondary metabolites have been discussed and highlighted, pointing out the optimal use of each method, current challenges, and future directions.
  2. Ahmad NA, Mat Ludin AF, Vanoh D, Tohit NM, Manaf ZA, Mohd Noah SA, et al.
    Digit Health, 2024;10:20552076241297213.
    PMID: 39600385 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241297213
    BACKGROUND: Technology advancement along with the increase in the older adults' population leads to the creation of health applications. The combination of exercise, nutrition, and cognition should be studied carefully in improving older adults' health.

    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to develop a health application, WeFit contains these three components and to determine its content validity, acceptability, and usability.

    METHODOLOGY: This study is a design and development study involving three phases. The first phase is the need analysis involving a review on 16 mobile applications available in Google play and iTunes App store as well as a review of six articles for identifying the perception of older adults in using mobile applications. Second phase is mobile application development and content validity. The content validity was determined using the Content Validity Index for Individual Items (I-CVI). Phase 3 evaluated the acceptance of the WeFit mobile application among older adults and health practitioners.

    RESULTS: Phase 1 indicated that half of the applications reviewed (50.0%) had physical activity component and the other half (50.0%) had a cognitive component, and none on nutrition. No application is reported to have all three components. In Phase 2, WeFit health application containing the three components was developed where users can view exercise and food recommendations and play cognitive games. WeFit had an I-CVI value of 0.98. With respect to acceptability, majority of the study participants (93.3%) understood the WeFit's content and the graphics used were appropriate. The usability study found that the majority of the older adults were satisfied with the interface and content. All health practitioners (100%) agreed WeFit is easy to use and agreed that it can guide them in giving medical advices.

    CONCLUSION: WeFit mobile app has been successfully developed, validated, and tested for acceptance among the older adults and health practitioners.

  3. Feng H, Qin Y, Li Y, Li S, Zheng Y, Yan J, et al.
    Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2024;17:2595-2613.
    PMID: 39600528 DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S479632
    AIM: The application of bibliometric analysis gives insights into research trend and future perspectives. This paper aims to understand the current status of studies on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), and to investigate the cooperation network, hotspots and trends in the field.

    METHODS: The original data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection by searching for the topic "atopic dermatitis" and "traditional Chinese medicine" with the time span of 2004-2023. Microsoft Excel was used to create statistical tables and charts, whereas CiteSpace and VOSViewer were applied for knowledge mapping.

    RESULTS: In total, 252 publications were identified and downloaded. Current research on TCM treating AD is in the steady growth period. China has the largest number of publications, whereas the USA has the greatest international influence. Notably, the Arab Emirates, Malaysia, India and Bangladesh all have a high research impact but with a low amount of publications. Universities in Hong Kong China have the largest number of publications, but their interaction with other institutions is very poor. The top three most productive authors are all from Hong Kong, having a strong collaboration network with each other. The popular research topics in this field are "children" "cell" "activation" "nf kappa b" "inflammation" "asthma" "extract" "management" and "cytokine". According to the analysis of leading co-cited journals and authors, "J ETHNOPHARMACOL" has the largest amount of citations whilst "AM J CHINESE MED" the strongest academic influence. The largest number of co-cited authors comes from "Hon Karn-Lun Ellis", a well-known scholar from Hong Kong.

    CONCLUSION: TCM has been widely used in AD treatment, honored for its individualized therapeutic concepts of evidence-based treatment. The academic community must form a continuous and deep-going pattern to achieve higher international influence and a stronger research degree in this field.

  4. Tan HJ, Tan EZ
    World J Gastrointest Endosc, 2024 Nov 16;16(11):623-626.
    PMID: 39600554 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v16.i11.623
    Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia may progress to gastric malignancy. Non-invasive serum biomarkers have been extensively studied and proven to be useful as a screening tool to stratify risk and identify patients for endoscopy to detect early gastric cancer. These non-invasive biomarkers have been endorsed and recommended by many international consensus guidelines. In this letter, we reviewed the literature and evidence supporting the use of serum biomarkers as a dynamic test to monitor the status of atrophic gastritis.
  5. Mohd Ishar NI, Mior Harun MH, Hanif A, Mustapha NA, Kusa R, Duda J
    Open Res Eur, 2024;4:191.
    PMID: 39600592 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.18248.1
    An unprecedented surge in digital payments has had a profound effect on the economic development of developing nations. This transition has enabled greater financial inclusion through the provision of banking services to populations that were previously marginalised. In addition, it has reduced reliance on physical currency, thereby improving security and transparency. This bibliometric analysis examines the research on digital payments in Malaysia and Poland, providing a comparative perspective on research patterns and contributions in these two countries. Furthermore, this study offers a comprehensive examination of the research environment in Malaysia and Poland, elucidating the distinct approaches, methodology, and areas of emphasis in each nation. These findings provide useful insights for those interested in championing digital payment initiatives, as well as contributing to a more robust and resilient digital payment framework. As digital payment ecosystems mature, their significance in altering the economic landscape of emerging countries is likely to become more evident in facilitating cross-border knowledge exchange and collaboration.
  6. Aziz A, Ganesan Nathan K, Kamarul T, Mobasheri A, Sharifi A
    Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis, 2024;16:1759720X241299535.
    PMID: 39600593 DOI: 10.1177/1759720X241299535
    BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that poses a significant global healthcare challenge due to its complexity and limited treatment options. Advances in metabolomics have provided insights into OA by identifying dysregulated metabolites and their connection to altered signaling pathways. However, a comprehensive understanding of these biomarkers in OA is still required.

    OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to identify metabolomics biomarkers associated with dysregulated signaling pathways in OA, using data from various biological samples, including in vitro models, animal studies, and human research.

    DESIGN: A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

    DATA SOURCES AND METHODS: Data were gathered from literature published between August 2017 and May 2024, using databases such as "PubMed," "Scopus," "Web of Science," and "Google Scholar." Studies were selected based on keywords like "metabolomics," "osteoarthritis," "amino acids," "molecular markers," "biomarkers," "diagnostic markers," "inflammatory cytokines," "molecular signaling," and "signal transduction." The review focused on identifying key metabolites and their roles in OA-related pathways. Limitations include the potential exclusion of studies due to keyword selection and strict inclusion criteria.

    RESULTS: The meta-analysis identified dysregulated metabolites and associated pathways, highlighting a distinct set of related metabolites consistently altered across the studies analyzed. The dysregulated metabolites, including amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, were found to play critical roles in inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism in OA. Metabolites such as alanine, lysine, and proline were frequently linked to pathways involved in inflammation, cartilage degradation, and apoptosis. Key pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt/β-catenin, and mammalian target of rapamycin, were associated with changes in metabolite levels, particularly in proinflammatory lipids and energy-related compounds.

    CONCLUSION: This review reveals a complex interplay between dysregulated metabolites and signaling pathways in OA, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Further research is needed to explore the molecular mechanisms driving these changes and their implications for OA treatment.

  7. Abu Hammour A, Hammour KA, Alhamad H, Nassar R, El-Dahiyat F, Sawaqed M, et al.
    J Pharm Policy Pract, 2024;17(1):2429000.
    PMID: 39600801 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2429000
    BACKGROUND: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT into medical education is expanding, offering benefits such as efficient information synthesis. However, concerns about the accuracy, reliability, and proper use of these tools persist. Understanding medical students' perceptions of ChatGPT is crucial for optimising its use in educational settings.

    OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how medical students perceive ChatGPT for educational purposes and to assess its perceived advantages and disadvantages.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire with five main domains to explore Jordanian medical students' perceptions, practices, and concerns regarding the ChatGPT. This study was conducted from May to July, 2023, and the data were collected using the convenience sampling technique through Google Forms shared within medical students' Facebook groups. Descriptive statistics summarised participant demographics, while logistic regression identified factors influencing ChatGPT usage. Variables with a P-value ≤ 0.05 in multiple regression were considered statistically significant.

    RESULTS: Nearly two-thirds (N = 136, 61.5%) claimed to have knowledge of AI but not in clinical settings. Most participants (88.5%, N = 216) were aware of ChatGPT, with 86.9% (N = 212) agreeing that 'Medical students can benefit from using ChatGPT.' Additionally, 83.2% (N = 203) felt that 'ChatGPT helps students quickly and easily summarize complex information.' Conversely, 78.3% (N = 191) expressed concerns about ChatGPT's potential inaccuracies, with accuracy and reliability cited as primary concerns. Multiple logistic regression showed that younger students (OR = 0.902, P = 0.025) and those with lower proficiency (OR = 0.487, P = 0.007) used ChatGPT more frequently than others.

    CONCLUSION: Although the use of the ChatGPT could be more beneficial for aiding students in developing medical knowledge, evidence-based academic regulations should guide its use. Future research should be conducted to examine the enablers and barriers to ChatGPT use in medical education.

  8. Koh HP, Nagarajah JR, Hassan H, Ross NT
    World J Emerg Med, 2024;15(6):433-440.
    PMID: 39600808 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2024.077
    BACKGROUND: Bleeding outcomes are crucial primary safety endpoints in studies involving thrombolytic agents. This study aimed to determine the incidence, characteristics and mortality outcomes of bleeding following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) thrombolysis in an Asian population.

    METHODS: This single-centre retrospective study included all STEMI patients who received thrombolytic therapy from 2016 to 2020 in a Malaysian tertiary hospital. Total population sampling was used in this study. The primary outcome was bleeding events post-thrombolysis, categorised using the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) bleeding criteria. Inferential statistics were used to determine the associations between relevant variables.

    RESULTS: Data from 941 patients were analysed. A total of 156 (16.6%) STEMI patients bled post-thrombolysis. Major, minor, and minimal TIMI occurred in 7 (0.7%), 17 (1.8%), and 132 (14.0%) patients, respectively. Age 65 years (P=0.031) and Malaysian Chinese (P=0.008) were associated with a higher incidence of bleeding post-thrombolysis. Conversely, foreigners (P=0.032) and current smoker (P=0.007) were associated with a lower incidence of bleeding. Both TIMI major (P<0.001) and TIMI minor (P<0.001) were associated with a higher incidence of all-cause in-hospital mortality among STEMI patients. TIMI minor bleeding was significantly higher in the streptokinase recipients. The bleeding sites were comparable between streptokinase and tenecteplase recipients, except for a significantly higher incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in the streptokinase recipients (P=0.027).

    CONCLUSION: In our Asian population, the incidence of total bleeding events following STEMI thrombolysis is comparable to that previously reported. The development of TIMI major and minor bleeding complications is associated with higher mortality.

  9. Mahyudin NAA, Fauzi NA, Munian K
    Biodivers Data J, 2024;12:e137367.
    PMID: 39600938 DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e137367
    The Permanent Forest Reserve (PFR) is recognised as one of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in Malaysia`s spatial planning. Incorporating biological factors alongside existing physical attributes is crucial to improve the classification of ESAs. It is important to attain biological diversity information to formulate biological factors, which include vertebrates such as bird communities. Birds are highly sensitive to changes within ecosystems; hence, they play a pivotal role in reflecting the overall ecological condition. Therefore, the study focused on assessing bird species' richness in the Kluang Forest Reserve (Kluang FR) and compared its bird diversity amongst five PFRs ESAs in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Methods such as mist netting, point count observations and call recording were deployed to calculate the alpha and beta diversity of the bird community. A total of 68 species comprised of 36 families were recorded and the white-rumped shama (Copsychusmalabaricus) was the most abundant species in all reserves studied. Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) revealed that the bird diversity in Kluang FR is more similar to bird santuary Panti Forest Reserve compared to the other four forest reserves and indicates that diversification of species richness. However, the absence of published species information in forest reserves poses challenges for comparing bird assemblages amongst different reserves. More extensive studies are needed in Johor and throughout Malaysia to provide data that can effectively assist and support biodiversity conservation and management.
  10. Dong Y, Badrin S, Badrin S, Tang L
    Belitung Nurs J, 2024;10(6):601-613.
    PMID: 39601026 DOI: 10.33546/bnj.3526
    BACKGROUND: Fatigue following a stroke, known as post-stroke fatigue (PSF), is a frequent complication experienced by individuals recovering from a stroke, with its incidence steadily increasing over time. The long-term presence of PSF significantly hinders the rehabilitation process and quality of life for these individuals. However, the most effective intervention strategies for PSF remain unclear. Therefore, it is crucial to implement appropriate intervention strategies at an early stage to prevent and manage PSF, thereby mitigating its negative impacts and promoting recovery in stroke survivors.

    OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to explore and chart the interventions available for managing post-stroke fatigue in individuals recovering from stroke, providing healthcare professionals with evidence to guide the development of optimal treatments.

    DESIGN: A scoping review.

    DATA SOURCES: This review conducted a systematic search across six databases⎯PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus and CINAHL (via EBSCO), and CNKI, for articles published from 10 January 2012 to early May 2024.

    REVIEW METHODS: This review followed the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Studies were selected based on the PCC framework, focusing on specific participants, concepts, and contexts. Exclusion criteria included ongoing studies without results, articles without full text, posters, reviews, and protocols. Tables and narrative descriptions were used to present relevant information on the interventions and their outcomes during the review process.

    RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included, categorizing interventions for post-stroke fatigue into ten types: pharmacological treatments, physical activity, physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, respiratory training, music therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, health education management, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and environmental enrichment.

    CONCLUSION: The interventions for post-stroke fatigue have demonstrated positive effects in alleviating fatigue symptoms among stroke survivors. However, some approaches have limitations, and the most effective treatment strategy remains unclear. The multidisciplinary collaboration between nurses and healthcare professionals plays a critical role in managing post-stroke fatigue by providing patients with education on fatigue prevention and treatment, along with personalized care plans, including one-on-one or group interventions. Future research should focus on increasing sample sizes and conducting multicenter trials to identify the most effective intervention strategies for managing post-stroke fatigue.

  11. Hussein M, Hassan A, Nada MAF, Mohammed Z, Fathy W, Abdel Ghaffar NF, et al.
    Headache, 2024 Nov 27.
    PMID: 39601107 DOI: 10.1111/head.14874
    BACKGROUND: The Migraine-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire version 2.1 (MSQ 2.1) is one of the most frequently used tools in assessing the impact of migraine in clinical practice and in migraine research. This work aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the MSQ 2.1 in Arabic-speaking patients with migraine and to assess its ability to detect subtle changes in quality of life after receiving prophylactic migraine medications.

    METHODS: This multicenter prospective observational study was conducted with 140 patients experiencing migraine and indicated for prophylactic medications. Headache assessment was done at baseline and 3 months after receiving prophylactic medications using the Arabic version of MSQ 2.1, Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and visual analog scale (VAS). The MSQ 2.1 was repeated 1 week after the first visit to a group of patients (n = 70) to assess test-retest reliability.

    RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha for the MSQ 2.1 was 0.973, indicating excellent internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient (average measure) was 0.99, indicating excellent test-retest reliability. There were statistically significant correlations between the MSQ 2.1 total score and monthly migraine days, VAS, and HIT-6 scores before and 3 months after prophylactic medications. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that an increase of 8.5 in the total score of the MSQ 2.1 represents the minimally important change that means significant improvement (area under the curve = 0.785, sensitivity = 0.861, specificity = 0.656, p 

  12. Caballero-Ávila M, Martín-Aguilar L, Pascual-Goñi E, Michael MR, Koel-Simmelink MJA, Höftberger R, et al.
    Ann Neurol, 2024 Nov 27.
    PMID: 39601182 DOI: 10.1002/ana.27142
    OBJECTIVE: To analyze long-term clinical and biomarker features of anti-contactin-1 (CNTN1) autoimmune nodopathy (AN).

    METHODS: Patients with anti-CNTN1+ autoimmune nodopathy detected in our laboratory from which clinical information was available were included. Clinical features and treatment response were retrospectively collected. Autoantibody, serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), and serum CNTN1 levels (sCNTN1) were analyzed at baseline and follow up.

    RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were included. Patients presented with progressive sensory motor neuropathy (76.7%) with proximal (74.2%) and distal involvement (87.1%), ataxia (71.4%), and severe disability (median INCAT at nadir of 8). A total of 11 patients (35%) showed kidney involvement. Most patients (97%) received intravenous immunoglobulin, but only 1 achieved remission with intravenous immunoglobulin. A total of 22 patients (71%) received corticosteroids, and 3 of them (14%) did not need further treatments. Rituximab was effective in 21 of 22 patients (95.5%), with most of them (72%) receiving a single course. Four patients (12.9%) relapsed after a median follow up of 25 months after effective treatment (12-48 months). Anti-CNTN1 titers correlated with clinical scales at sampling and were negative after treatment in all patients, but 1 (20/21). sNfL levels were significantly higher and sCNTN1 significantly lower in anti-CNTN1+ patients than in healthy controls (sNfL: 135.9 pg/ml vs 7.48 pg/ml, sCNTN1: 25.03 pg/ml vs 22,186 pg/ml, p 

  13. Winter AJ, de Courcy-Ireland F, Phillips AP, Barker JM, Bakar NA, Akter N, et al.
    Angew Chem Int Ed Engl, 2024 Dec 02;63(49):e202410502.
    PMID: 39105412 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202410502
    The delineation of the complex biosynthesis of the potent antibiotic mupirocin, which consists of a mixture of pseudomonic acids (PAs) isolated from Pseudomonas fluorescens NCIMB 10586, presents significant challenges, and the timing and mechanisms of several key transformations remain elusive. Particularly intriguing are the steps that process the linear backbone from the initial polyketide assembly phase to generate the first cyclic intermediate PA-B. These include epoxidation as well as incorporation of the tetrahydropyran (THP) ring and fatty acid side chain required for biological activity. Herein, we show that the mini-module MmpE performs a rare online (ACP-substrate) epoxidation and is integrated ('in-cis') into the polyketide synthase via a docking domain. A linear polyketide fragment with six asymmetric centres was synthesised using a convergent approach and used to demonstrate substrate flux via an atypical KS0 and a previously unannotated ACP (MmpE_ACP). MmpE_ACP-bound synthetic substrates were critical in demonstrating successful epoxidation in vitro by the purified MmpE oxidoreductase domain. Alongside feeding studies, these results confirm the timing as well as chain length dependence of this selective epoxidation. These mechanistic studies pinpoint the location and nature of the polyketide substrate prior to the key formation of the THP ring and esterification that generate PA-B.
    MeSH terms: Epoxy Compounds/metabolism; Epoxy Compounds/chemistry; Polyketide Synthases/metabolism
  14. Valdez J, Damasceno G, Oh RRY, Quintero Uribe LC, Barajas Barbosa MP, Amado TF, et al.
    Conserv Biol, 2024 Dec;38(6):e14325.
    PMID: 39105487 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14325
    Biodiversity research is essential for addressing the global biodiversity crisis, necessitating diverse participation and perspectives of researchers from a wide range of backgrounds. However, conservation faces a significant inclusivity problem because local expertise from biodiversity-rich but economically disadvantaged regions is often underrepresented. This underrepresentation is driven by linguistic bias, undervalued contributions, parachute science practices, and capacity constraints. Although fragmented solutions exist, a unified multistakeholder approach is needed to address the interconnected and systemic conservation issues. We devised a holistic framework of collective responsibility across all research participants and tailored strategies that embrace diversity and dismantle systemic barriers to equitable collaboration. This framework delineates the diverse actors and practices required for promoting inclusivity in biodiversity research, assigning clear responsibilities to researchers, publishers, institutions, and funding bodies. Strategies for researchers include cultivating self-awareness, expanding literature searches, fostering partnerships with local experts, and promoting knowledge exchange. For institutions, we recommend establishing specialized liaison roles, implementing equitable policies, allocating resources for diversity initiatives, and enhancing support for international researchers. Publishers can facilitate multilingual dissemination, remove financial barriers, establish inclusivity standards, and ensure equitable representation in peer review. Funders must remove systemic barriers, strengthen research networks, and prioritize equitable resource allocation. Implementing these stakeholder-specific strategies can help dismantle deep-rooted biases and structural inequities in biodiversity research, catalyzing a shift toward a more inclusive and representative model that amplifies diverse perspectives and maximizes collective knowledge for effective global conservation.
    MeSH terms: Research; Biodiversity*
  15. Masura SS, Shaharuddin NA, Masani MYA, Chan KL, Low EL, Chan PL, et al.
    Transgenic Res, 2024 Oct;33(5):383-397.
    PMID: 39120800 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-024-00396-8
    Root-specific or preferential promoters are essential to genetically modify plants with beneficial root traits. We have characterised the promoter from an oil palm metallothionein gene (EgMT) and performed a serial 5' deletion analysis to identify the region(s) essential for transgenes expression in roots. Stable functional characterisation of tobacco transgenic lines using the T1 generation showed that a deletion construct, designated as RSP-2D (1107 bp), directed strong GUS expression at all stages of root development, particularly in mature roots. Other constructs, RSP-2A (2481 bp) and RSP-2C (1639 bp), drove GUS expression in roots with an intensity lower than RSP-2D. The promoter activity was also detectable in seed pods and immature seeds, albeit at lower levels than CaMV35S. The promoter activity may also be induced by wounding as intact GUS staining was observed at the flower- and leaf-cutting sites of T1 samples carrying either RSP-2C or RSP-2D constructs. The promoter sequence contains cis-acting elements that may act as negative regulators and be responsible for root specificity. The results further indicated that the 5' UTR and ATATT sequences are essential for strong promoter activity. This study highlights the potential of RSP-2D promoter as a tool for modifying root traits through genetic engineering.
    MeSH terms: Plant Proteins/genetics; Promoter Regions, Genetic*; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant*; Arecaceae/genetics; Arecaceae/growth & development
  16. Zhang X, Wang J, Xiang S, Zhao L, Lv M, Duan Y, et al.
    Am J Chin Med, 2024;52(6):1795-1817.
    PMID: 39347955 DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X24500708
    Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become the primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), causing an urgent need for preventive strategies for DKD. Astragaloside I (ASI), a bioactive saponin extracted from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge has been demonstrated to possess a variety of biological activities. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of ASI in DKD and the underlying molecular mechanism using db/db mice in vivo and high glucose (HG)-induced SV40-MES-13 cells in vitro. The results indicated that ASI significantly ameliorated renal dysfunction and mitigated the pathological alterations in the renal tissues of db/db mice. Moreover, ASI was found to reduce the levels of renal fibrosis makers and suppress the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway in both db/db mice and HG-induced SV40-MES-13 cells. Furthermore, ASI downregulated HDAC3 expression, upregulated Klotho expression, and enhanced Klotho release. ASI is directly bound to HDAC3, and the beneficial effects of ASI on Klotho/TGF-β1/Smad2/3-mediciated renal fibrosis in DKD were reversed by the HDAC3 agonist ITSA-1. In conclusion, ASI attenuates renal fibrosis in DKD, and may act through concurrently inhibiting HDAC3 and TGF-β1, thereby regulating HDAC3-mediciated Klotho/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cells, Cultured; Disease Models, Animal; Fibrosis; Kidney/drug effects; Kidney/metabolism; Kidney/pathology; Male; Phytotherapy; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Signal Transduction/drug effects; Astragalus Plant/chemistry; Astragalus membranaceus; Mice; Smad2 Protein/metabolism; Smad3 Protein/metabolism
  17. Green CG, Ong MLY, Rowland SN, Bongiovanni T, James LJ, Clifford T, et al.
    Food Funct, 2024 Nov 25;15(23):11525-11536.
    PMID: 39498577 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo04028g
    Acetate, propionate, and butyrate are naturally-occurring short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) derived from bacterial metabolism of dietary fibre and have been associated with numerous positive health outcomes. All three acids have been shown to offer unique physiological and metabolic effects and, therefore, could be targeted for co-ingestion as part of a nutritional/medicinal plan. However, a better understanding of the outcomes of supplementing in combination on circulating concentration profiles is necessary to confirm uptake efficacy. This study sought to investigate the acute circulating concentration profiles of acetate, propionate, and butyrate following oral supplementation. Three experimental trials were conducted including investigations to understand the impact of capsule coating on circulating concentration profiles, the effect of supplementation dose on uptake kinetics, and the outcome of a short, repeated, supplementation routine on circulating levels. Serum samples were analysed for SCFA content using a quantitative GC-MS assay. It was observed that an acid-resistant coated capsule caused a delayed and blunted blood concentration response, with the non-acid resistant trial displaying earlier and more intense peak serum concentrations. For dose comparison investigations, all SCFAs peaked within 60 min and returned to baseline concentrations by 120 min post-supplementation. A graded dose relationship was present for propionate and butyrate when considering the total circulating exposure across a 240 min monitoring period. In addition, a one-week, twice-daily, repeated supplementation protocol resulted in no changes in basal serum SCFA concentrations. Overall, these data indicate that acetate, propionate, and butyrate display relatively similar circulating concentration profiles following oral co-ingestion, adding knowledge to help inform supplementation strategies for future outcomes where acute elevation of circulating SCFAs is desired.
    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Adult; Butyrates/blood; Butyrates/metabolism; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Propionates/blood; Dietary Supplements*; Young Adult
  18. Roslan MZ, Amran MS, Sommer W
    PMID: 39582428 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2024-0150
    OBJECTIVES: Problematic gaming behavior has been an issue in many countries, raising the need for assessment tools. The Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA) by Lemmens et al. is widely used for assessing game addiction and has been adopted for use in various countries. The GASA consists of 21 items covering several criteria of game addiction: salience, tolerance, mood modification, relapse, withdrawal, conflict, and problems. The present study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the GASA when applied to Malaysian adolescents.

    METHODS: The study was conducted in two phases (reliability assessment for phase 1 and validity assessment for phase 2). The Malay version of the Game Addiction Scale was created using a forward-translation procedure with the help of panelists consisting of researchers and educators from the fields of Psychology, Medicine, and Education to translate from English to Malay. The participants of the study were presented with both versions (Malay and English) during the data collection process. The study checked content validity with the help of 33 panelists and reliability based on the scores of 116 participants who spent at least 1 h and up to 6 h per week playing games.

    RESULTS: The reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and provided high reliability ranging from 0.671 to 0.903 for all criteria. All criteria scored higher than 0.8 except for relapse (α=0.788) and problems (α=0.671) criteria, indicating that the instrument provides high reliability. The findings from the study show acceptable content validity with high I-CVI values ranging from 0.73 to 0.94 and an S-CVI/Ave value of 0.80. Internal consistency was excellent (α=0.949) and the Content Validity Index (I-CVI) was high for most items.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that GASA is suitable for application among adolescents in Malaysia.

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