Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Zhang B, Mohd Sahardi NFN, Di W, Long X, Shafiee MN
    Cancers (Basel), 2025 Mar 20;17(6).
    PMID: 40149377 DOI: 10.3390/cancers17061044
    Background/Objectives: Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prevalent gynecological malignancy with an increasing incidence, particularly in developed countries. Recent research has demonstrated the significant involvement of gut and endometrial microbiomes in the pathogenesis and progression of EC. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge on the interactions between these microbial communities and their influence on EC. Methodology: A literature review was conducted using electronic databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, and PUBMED, covering the period from 2017 to 2024. The following keywords were used for the literature search: (1) gut microbiome and endometrial cancer, (2) endometrium microbiome and endometrial cancer, and (3) endometrial cancer and microbial dysbiosis. The selected articles were chosen based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Scale for Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) was used for evaluating and assessing the quality of articles. Results: The gut microbiome modulates systemic inflammation, immune responses, and estrogen metabolism, all of which are crucial factors in EC development. Dysbiosis is an imbalance in the composition of microbes that can cause chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances, which can contribute to the EC. Similarly, the endometrial microbiome, while less extensively studied, has been implicated in EC through mechanisms involving local immune modulation and the production of harmful metabolites. Probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and personalized microbiota-based therapies can be used as clinical interventions for EC management. This review emphasizes the need for further research to explore the gut-endometrium axis and its potential for innovative therapeutic approaches. Understanding these complex interactions will become a novel strategy to prevent and treat EC, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
  2. Burhanuddin K, Mohammed A, Burhanuddin NA, Badhan RKS
    PMID: 40150877 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.70018
    This study investigates the impact of obesity on imatinib pharmacokinetics in cancer patients by utilizing physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBPK) and virtual clinical trial approaches and evaluates the effectiveness of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)-guided dose adjustment to recover the imatinib trough concentration (Cmin) into the target concentration. PBPK models were validated against clinical data from lean, overweight, and obese cancer populations. Simulations revealed significant physiological differences across body-mass-index categories, including higher body surface area, liver weight, and cardiac output in obese individuals, coupled with lower CYP3A4 enzyme activity and hematocrit levels, which translated into pharmacokinetic differences. Obese patients exhibited significantly lower imatinib maximum concentration and area-under-the-curve values. Cmin levels, a key determinant of therapeutic response, were consistently lower in the obese cohort, with a greater proportion of individuals falling below the subtherapeutic threshold (
  3. Rockall AG, Allen B, Brown MJ, El-Diasty T, Fletcher J, Gerson RF, et al.
    Korean J Radiol, 2025 Apr;26(4):294-303.
    PMID: 40150920 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2025.0125
    The urgency for climate action is recognised by international government and healthcare organisations, including the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisation (WHO). Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution negatively impact all life on earth. All populations are impacted but not equally; the most vulnerable are at highest risk, an inequity further exacerbated by differences in access to healthcare globally. The delivery of healthcare exacerbates the planetary health crisis through greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to combustion of fossil fuels for medical equipment production and operation, creation of medical and non-medical waste, and contamination of water supplies. As representatives of radiology societies from across the globe who work closely with industry, and both governmental and non-governmental leaders in multiple capacities, we advocate together for urgent, impactful, and measurable changes to the way we deliver care by further engaging our members, policymakers, industry partners, and our patients. Simultaneous challenges including global health disparities, resource allocation, and access to care must inform these efforts. Climate literacy should be increasingly added to radiology training programmes. More research is required to understand and measure the environmental impact of radiological services and inform mitigation, adaptation and monitoring efforts. Deeper collaboration with industry partners is necessary to support innovations in the supply chain, energy utilization, and circular economy. Many solutions have been proposed and are already available, but we must understand and address barriers to implementation of current and future sustainable innovations. Finally, there is a compelling need to partner with patients, to ensure that trust in the excellence of clinical care is maintained during the transition to sustainable radiology. By fostering a culture of global cooperation and rapid sharing of solutions amongst the broader imaging community, we can transform radiological practice to mitigate its environmental impact, adapt and develop resilience to current and future climate and environmental threats, and simultaneously improve access to care.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Radiology*; Societies, Medical; Global Health; Climate Change*
  4. Khandamov DA, Kurniawan TA, Bekmirzayev AS, Khandamova DK, Batool F, Nurullayev SP, et al.
    Water Environ Res, 2025 Apr;97(4):e70061.
    PMID: 40151104 DOI: 10.1002/wer.70061
    The contamination of water resources by tannery wastewater containing Cr(III) presents significant public health risks due to its carcinogenic nature. Addressing this critical issue, the purpose of this research is to develop and evaluate novel alkylammonium-modified bentonite adsorbents for the efficient removal of Cr(III) from tannery wastewater. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of Cr concentration (0.02-0.2 mg/L), adsorbent dose (0.25-2.5 g/L), pH (2.0-8.0), and temperature (293-313 K) on adsorption performance. The alkylammonium modifications enhanced the surface area and ion-exchange capacity of bentonite by 40% and 50%, respectively. Optimal conditions for Cr adsorption were identified as 313 K, 1 g/L adsorbent dosage, pH 2.0, 30 min of reaction time, and 150 rpm of agitation speed. The Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.998 for trimethylammonium bentonite [TMB], 0.994 for triethylammonium bentonite [TEB]) confirmed monolayer adsorption, while negative Gibbs free energy values demonstrated the spontaneous nature of the process. Enthalpy changes (ΔH°) of 21.1 kJ/mol (natural Navbahor bentonite [NNB]), 26.7 kJ/mol (TMB), and 28.4 kJ/mol (TEB) indicated endothermic reactions. This work highlights the novelty of alkylammonium-modified bentonite as a cost-effective and scalable solution for reducing Cr(III) in wastewater, providing a promising pathway for sustainable water resource management. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Optimum conditions: 313 K, 1 g/L of dose, pH 2.0, 30 min of reaction, and 150 rpm of speed. Alkylammonium-modified bentonites remove 95% of Cr ions at pH 2.0 and 80% at pH 7.0. The adsorption capacity of modified bentonites is 19, 21, and 22 mg/g for NNB, TMB, and TEB. The modified bentonites retained 55% of their adsorption capacity after five regeneration cycles.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds/chemistry; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods; Water Purification/methods
  5. Zhao W, Li M, Li Z, Ren H, Wang X, Yin X, et al.
    PMID: 40151150 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202503100
    The instability of surface lattice On - (0 
  6. Aslam A, Jamshed S, Mustafa AG, Shanmugham S, Wazir A, Ali Hussnain, et al.
    J Skin Cancer, 2025;2025:3035274.
    PMID: 40151506 DOI: 10.1155/jskc/3035274
    Background: Skin cancer is a major global health issue that can be life-threatening. The current study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals and the general population regarding skin cancer. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2023 in Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan. A total of 407 respondents from the general population and 230 healthcare professionals were recruited using a convenient and snowball sampling technique, respectively. Data were collected using questionnaires and statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, and bivariate logistic regression was performed using SPSS Version 20. Result: In the overall population, 46.4% identified as male, 45.0% as female, and 8.6% chose not to disclose their gender. Significantly differing levels of skin cancer knowledge were observed between genders, with males reporting a higher knowledge (36.4%, crude odds ratio = 1.413, p 
  7. Mohd Ayob MI, Zahedi FD, Ibrahim MZ
    Cureus, 2025 Feb;17(2):e79561.
    PMID: 40151722 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79561
    Sphenoid sinus fungal ball is a rare occurrence. To diagnose isolated sphenoid sinus fungal ball pathology accurately and promptly, a high index of clinical suspicion, routine office nasal endoscopy, and radiological imaging are essential. In this case report, we discuss a woman in her 60s who presented with chronic generalized headache. Incidental findings of computed tomography of the brain revealed a lesion in the sphenoid sinus, which was later diagnosed and treated as a fungal mycetoma.
  8. Zakour Khadari M, Zainal H, Daud NAA, Sha'aban A
    Cureus, 2025 Feb;17(2):e79600.
    PMID: 40151735 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79600
    The management and outcome of severe preeclampsia are outlined in this case report of a 42-year-old multiparous woman presenting with multiple risk factors, including maternal obesity, advanced maternal age, gestational diabetes, and a significant interpregnancy interval of over eight years. The patient underwent expectant management for close monitoring of her pregnancy. However, due to the emergence of severe preeclampsia symptoms, the decision was made to deliver the baby at 29 weeks of gestation via classical cesarean section and bilateral tubal ligation. The neonate, weighing 1070 g, was born with an Apgar score of 6 and was subsequently admitted to the neonatal unit for severe prematurity. This case highlights the importance of individualized care plans tailored to patients with multiple risk factors and underscores the proactive management strategies essential for achieving favorable delivery outcomes.
  9. Ahmad Aljafree NF, Ahmad MF, Abd Aziz U, Borzehandani MY, Mohamad Jaafar A, Asib N, et al.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2025 Mar 26;17(12):17672-17683.
    PMID: 38109287 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11697
    Agrichemical adjuvants that combine a highly selective, efficient, and active mode of operation are critically needed to realize a more sustainable approach to their usage. Herein, we report the synthesis and full characterization of two new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), termed UPMOF-1 and UPMOF-2, that were constructed from eco-friendly Ca2+ ions and naturally occurring, low-molecular weight plant acids, l-malic and d-tartaric acid, respectively. Upon structural elucidation of both MOFs, a widely used fungicide, hexaconazole (Hex), was loaded on the structures, reaching binding affinities of -5.0 and -3.5 kcal mol-1 and loading capacities of 63% and 62% for Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2, respectively, as a result of the formation of stable host-guest interactions. Given the framework chemistry of the MOFs and their predisposition to disassembly under relevant agricultural conditions, the sustained release kinetics were determined to show nearly quantitative release (98% and 95% for Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2, respectively) after >500 h, a release profile drastically different than the control (>80% release in 24 h), from which the high efficiency of these new systems was established. To confirm their high selectivity and activity, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to illustrate the abilities of Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2 to combat the known aggressive pathogen Ganoderma boninense that causes basal stem rot disease in oil palm. Accordingly, at an extremely low concentration of 0.05 μg mL-1, both Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2 were demonstrated to completely inhibit (100%) G. boninense growth, and during a 26 week in vivo nursery trial, the progression of basal stem rot infection was completely halted upon treatment with Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2 and seedling growth was accelerated given the additional nutrients supplied via the disassembly of the MOFs. This study represents a significant step forward in the design of adjuvants to support the environmentally responsible use of agrichemical crop protection.
    MeSH terms: Calcium/metabolism; Calcium/chemistry; Drug Carriers/chemistry; Ganoderma/drug effects; Ganoderma/chemistry
  10. Achdiat M, Fujaya Y, Fazhan H, Rozaimi R, Chung JS, Wang Y, et al.
    Microsc Res Tech, 2025 Apr;88(4):1155-1166.
    PMID: 39711003 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24777
    The Y-organs (YOs) synthesize and secrete molting hormones, and thus regulate crustacean growth and reproduction. However, the YOs of the orange mud crab Scylla olivacea is yet to be described due to its minute size and ambiguous feature. This study describes the location, morphological characteristics, histology, and the changes of YOs at different molt stages, and examines in vitro ecdysteroid secreted by the YOs of S. olivacea. Mature male crabs (> 90 mm carapace width, CW) were used to identify the location of the YOs while male juveniles (50-65 mm CW) at three molt stages (intermoult, premoult, postmoult) were dissected for the characterization of 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) levels. The yellowish-white, compact, and oval-shaped YOs are located in pairs at the anterior cephalothorax region, beneath the mandibular external adductor muscle, anterior to the branchial chamber space, and around the end of the nerve tract. The YOs index and YO's cell diameter increased from postmoult to premoult; YO's diameter increased only during premoult stage. Under electron microscopy, the YO's surface morphology is rough, bumpy, network-like, and porous, with several lacunar system tubules. High concentrations of haemolymph 20E during premoult correlated with the changes in the characteristics of YOs at this stage. The presence of ecdysteroid in YOs was confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The characteristics of the YOs of S. olivacea are similar to the YO descriptions of other brachyurans. The successful identification and characterization of YOs will spearhead future research on understanding its role in molt regulation of mud crabs, consequently contributing to the development and progress of crab culture and soft-shell crab industries.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Ecdysterone/metabolism; Hemolymph/chemistry; Male; Molting/physiology
  11. Huang P, Abang Abai DSB, Xiao H, Zhang Q, Xian Z, Abdullah KB
    BMJ Open, 2025 Mar 25;15(3):e097470.
    PMID: 40132854 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-097470
    INTRODUCTION: A health-promoting lifestyle is essential for improving quality of life and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. However, despite their high health literacy, medical personnel often show low adherence to such lifestyles. Identifying the factors influencing these behaviours in medical professionals is critical for developing effective interventions. This review aims to identify the factors that influence the health-promoting lifestyle among medical personnel.

    METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a systematic search across three electronic databases: Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed. To ensure comprehensive literature coverage, we will also examine the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews identified during the search. Eligible studies will include quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research articles that investigate factors influencing health-promoting lifestyles among medical personnel. No restrictions will be applied regarding geographical location or publication year. Only original, peer-reviewed journal articles published in English will be considered. The search strategy will incorporate key terms and their synonyms, including Medical Subject Headings terms such as 'factor', 'barrier', 'enabler', 'health-promoting lifestyle', 'medical personnel', 'doctor', 'nurse', 'medical technician', 'pharmacist' and 'hospital administrative staff.' All retrieved studies will be imported into Rayyan software for duplicate removal. Two independent reviewers will conduct the screening process based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias in individual studies will be assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis approach will be employed to synthesise findings, categorising identified influencing factors into five levels of the Ecological Model of Health Behavior: intrapersonal, interpersonal, organisational, community and public policy levels.

    ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required as no original data collection is involved. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals, conferences and the primary author's PhD thesis.

    PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024579746.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Life Style; Quality of Life; Research Design; Healthy Lifestyle*
  12. Then RF, Arimuthu DA, Fuah KW, Lim CTS
    BMJ Case Rep, 2025 Mar 25;18(3).
    PMID: 40132918 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-262680
    Anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN) is a rare type of acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by excessive anticoagulation with warfarin or other anticoagulants, such as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). We describe a case of a woman in her 50s with a background history of mitral valve replacement who was on warfarin and admitted for AKI, haematuria and a supratherapeutic international normalised ratio (INR) level. A renal biopsy showed red cell casts in the renal tubules, and a diagnosis of ARN was made. Her treatment included the temporary withdrawal of warfarin. Her renal function improved, and warfarin was restarted before she was discharged. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high clinical suspicion when diagnosing ARN in patients who present with AKI and supratherapeutic INR levels.
    MeSH terms: Female; Heart Valve Prosthesis/adverse effects; Humans; Middle Aged; International Normalized Ratio
  13. Lim CTS, Fuah KW, Chew CL
    BMJ Case Rep, 2025 Mar 25;18(3).
    PMID: 40132923 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-263859
    A woman with biopsy-confirmed IgA nephropathy (IgAN) presented with persistent non-nephrotic range proteinuria and stage 3b chronic kidney disease (CKD). Her treatment regimen included the initiation of a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), dapagliflozin, starting at 5 mg daily and later titrated to 10 mg daily after several months. Following the dose increase, she developed significant acute-on-chronic kidney injury. Despite discontinuing the SGLT2i, her renal function did not recover. A subsequent kidney biopsy revealed findings consistent with osmotic tubulopathy with worsening IgAN. This case highlights a rare but important adverse effect of SGLT2i, particularly in patients with pre-existing CKD. While initial expert guidance advised against routine renal function monitoring to avoid premature discontinuation due to the expected transient rise in creatinine, evolving clinical experience suggests that individualised monitoring may be necessary in high-risk patients. Future guidelines will need to clarify how to balance these considerations to optimise patient outcomes.
    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Kidney/pathology; Middle Aged; Acute Kidney Injury/chemically induced
  14. Tammam Najem H, AlAwadhi AN, Alkhudair D, Alforaih N
    BMJ Case Rep, 2025 Mar 25;18(3).
    PMID: 40132932 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-264057
    We report a case of Behçet syndrome in a young male who presented with fever, oral and genital ulcerations and weight loss. Investigations revealed elevated inflammatory markers and extensive venous thrombosis of the renal vein, inferior vena cava and segmental and subsegmental pulmonary embolisms. He was found to have an intracardiac thrombus in the right atrium and pulmonary nodules. He was diagnosed with Behçet syndrome and was treated with corticosteroids, azathioprine and colchicine. He underwent right atrial thrombus extirpative surgery, and he had a patent foramen ovale, which was closed. Postoperatively, warfarin was started, and infliximab was added to his treatment. Behçet syndrome should be considered early in cases with unexplained venous thrombosis if the patient has other typical clinical features. Fever in Behçet syndrome is typically associated with vascular involvement. Vascular and cardiac involvement is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early diagnosis can improve prognosis.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use; Heart Diseases/diagnosis; Heart Diseases/drug therapy; Heart Diseases/etiology; Humans; Male; Pulmonary Embolism/diagnosis; Pulmonary Embolism/drug therapy; Pulmonary Embolism/etiology; Renal Veins/pathology; Thrombosis/drug therapy; Thrombosis/etiology
  15. Tillett BJ, Dwiyanto J, Secombe KR, George T, Zhang V, Anderson D, et al.
    Nat Commun, 2025 Mar 25;16(1):2893.
    PMID: 40133336 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58319-y
    Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is linked to an altered gut microbiota characterized by reduced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Oral delivery of a SCFA-yielding biotherapy in adults with T1D was followed by increased SCFAs, altered gut microbiota and immunoregulation, as well as delaying diabetes in preclinical models. Here, we show that SCFA-biotherapy in humans is accompanied by remodeling of the gut proteome and mucosal immune homeostasis. Metabolomics showed arginine, glutamate, nucleotide and tryptophan metabolism were enriched following the SCFA-biotherapy, and found metabolites that correlated with glycemic control. Fecal microbiota transfer demonstrated that the microbiota of SCFA-responders delayed diabetes progression in humanized gnotobiotic mice. The protected mice increased similar metabolite pathways to the humans including producing aryl-hydrocarbon receptor ligands and reducing inflammatory mucosal immunity and increasing IgA production in the gut. These data demonstrate that a potent SCFA immunomodulator promotes multiple beneficial pathways and supports targeting the microbiota as an approach against T1D. Trial registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001391268.
    MeSH terms: Gastrointestinal Microbiome*; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation; Adult; Animals; Biological Therapy/methods; Female; Germ-Free Life*; Homeostasis*; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa/immunology; Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism; Intestinal Mucosa/microbiology; Male; Mice, Inbred NOD; Immunity, Mucosal/drug effects; Mice; Metabolome*
  16. Alamiery AA
    Sci Rep, 2025 Mar 26;15(1):10349.
    PMID: 40133609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-95104-9
    The corrosion inhibition performance of 5-imino-1,2,4-dithiazolidine-3-thione (IDTT) on mild steel in 1.0 M HCl solution was comprehensively evaluated using weight loss measurements, electrochemical techniques, adsorption studies, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This study uniquely integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of IDTT's adsorption behavior and inhibition mechanism. Weight loss measurements demonstrated a significant reduction in corrosion rate (CR) from 5.74 mg·cm-2·h⁻1 (blank) to 0.31 mg·cm-2·h-1 at 0.5 mM, achieving a maximum inhibition efficiency (IE%) of 84.3%. Potentiodynamic polarization studies confirmed that IDTT functions as a mixed-type inhibitor, effectively suppressing both anodic and cathodic reactions. The corrosion current density (icorr) decreased from 9.9 to 2.7 µA·cm-2 at 303 K, while polarization resistance (Rp) increased from 50.3 Ω (blank) to 149.2 Ω at 0.5 mM, indicating enhanced surface protection. Adsorption studies revealed that IDTT follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, suggesting monolayer adsorption with an adsorption equilibrium constant (Kads) of 1.32 × 104 M-1. The calculated Gibbs free energy of adsorption (ΔGads =  -19.83 kJ·mol-1) indicates that physisorption dominates the adsorption mechanism, ensuring effective surface coverage. DFT calculations provided molecular-level insights into IDTT's inhibition mechanism, revealing a HOMO energy of -8.458 eV and a LUMO energy of 1.2 eV, which confirm strong electronic interactions with the metal surface. Mulliken charge analysis identified sulfur and nitrogen atoms as active adsorption sites, reinforcing IDTT's ability to form a stable protective layer on mild steel. This study demonstrates the novelty of IDTT as a highly efficient corrosion inhibitor, combining experimental validation and computational analysis to establish its adsorption mechanism and surface interactions. The findings highlight IDTT's potential for industrial applications as a sustainable and effective inhibitor for corrosion control in acidic environments.
  17. Krishankumar S, Hunter JJ, Alyafei M, Hamed F, Subramaniam S, Ramlal A, et al.
    BMC Plant Biol, 2025 Mar 26;25(1):385.
    PMID: 40133817 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-025-06374-4
    The selection of appropriate grapevine grafts and optimizing irrigation practices for enhancing water use efficiency are critical for viticulture production in the arid regions of UAE, apart from mitigating the effects of changing environmental conditions. Extremely high arid temperatures leading to depleted soil moisture status limit grape production in the country. In order to streamline the production, it is imperative to focus on specific objectives of screening drought-tolerant grafts utilizing several laboratory analytical tools and irrigation management. Five grapevine cultivar-rootstock combinations were evaluated in an open field experiment under induced drought conditions by regulating irrigation at 100%, 75% and 50% field capacity (FC) in an arid region. The net photosynthetic rate increased in Flame Seedless [Formula: see text] Ramsey (V1), Thompson Seedless [Formula: see text] Ramsey (V2), and Crimson Seedless [Formula: see text] R110 (V3) at 50% FC. Stomatal conductance was reduced in V1, V3, Crimson Seedless [Formula: see text] Ramsey (V4) and Thompson Seedless x P1103 (V5) at 50% FC. Intercellular CO2 and transpiration rates were significantly reduced at 50% FC. Water use efficiency, calculated as Pn/gs ratio to relate photosynthesis to stomatal closure, was elevated in all the grafts at 75% FC and 50% FC compared to the control (100% FC). The relative water content (RWC) showed a declining trend in all the grafts with reduced water supply. Nevertheless, the V1 and V4 grafts exhibited the highest RWC at an FC of 50%. The V2 graft produced the highest total dry mass and fresh biomass compared to other grafts. The Chl a content decreased, but the Chl b content increased at 50% FC in V2. Lutein significantly decreased for V1, while V3 showed an increase at 50% FC. The N, P and K contents in all the grafts, except V3, showed an increasing trend at 50% FC. The scanning electron microscopy observations point to the strong responses of stomatal behaviour upon changes in irrigation, thus facilitating the drought tolerance of the grafts. The findings emphasize the importance of selecting drought-tolerant grapevine grafts, and our study results could serve as guideposts for developing sustainable viticulture in arid regions, providing valuable insights for future research and practical applications in grape production.
    MeSH terms: Photosynthesis*; Stress, Physiological; Water/metabolism; Plant Stomata/physiology; Droughts*; Agricultural Irrigation
  18. Lipoeto NI, Vanoh D, Desmawati D, Ishak WRW, Mohamed R
    BMC Public Health, 2025 Mar 25;25(1):1139.
    PMID: 40133853 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-22065-z
    BACKGROUND: Probable sarcopenia is a condition related to low muscle strength which increases the risk of sarcopenia. Both probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia increases the risk of dementia. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors associated with dementia among probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia older adults. It was hypothesized that comorbidities among probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia subjects may elevate the risk of dementia.

    METHODOLOGY: This study involved 194 older adults with probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia aged 60 years and above. Sarcopenia was assessed using the Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019. Among the parameters investigated in this study were sociodemographic, medical history, anthropometry, body composition, physical fitness, subjective cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, cognitive function and functional status. Dementia risk was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool. Adjusted binary logistic regression was employed to identify the factors associated with dementia among probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia older adults.

    RESULTS: Probable sarcopenia subjects with dementia were older (68.5(7.8) years old) as compared to those without dementia (66.0(6.0) years old). Among the probable sarcopenia, 66.1% of the subjects with dementia had hypertension, while 64.3% of the sarcopenia subjects had hypertension. Fat mass was significantly higher among dementia subjects with probable sarcopenia (33.0(6.5) %) as compared to non-dementia subjects (30.4(6.8) %). Multivariate analysis revealed that hypertension (OR: 4.049; 95% CI: 1.510; 10.855, p = 0.005) was the only factor associated with dementia risk among older adults with probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia.

    CONCLUSION: Hypertension is the only factors associated with risk of dementia after adjusting for potential confounders among older adults with probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia. Good control of blood pressure is essential among sarcopenia patients for lowering risk of dementia. Well-designed clinical trials are essential to investigate optimizing blood pressure level to reduce risk of dementia among patients with sarcopenia and probable sarcopenia.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Comorbidity
  19. Halboup AM, Harun SN, Ghadzi SMS, Sulaiman SAS, Ibrahim DA, Areqi AA, et al.
    Malar J, 2025 Mar 25;24(1):98.
    PMID: 40134005 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-025-05291-z
    BACKGROUND: Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Yemen, ranking fourth in incidence within the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Community pharmacists play a pivotal role in malaria management and often dispense anti-malarial medications without prescriptions. However, little is known about their knowledge and adherence to the National Policy for Antimalarial Drugs. This study aimed to evaluate pharmacists' knowledge, experience, and perceived barriers regarding malaria management in Hodeidah, Yemen.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2023 across 320 community pharmacies in 16 districts of Hodeidah governorate. A validated questionnaire was used to assess pharmacists' knowledge, experience, and perceived barriers to effective malaria management. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysed the associations between sociodemographic factors and pharmacists' knowledge and experience.

    RESULTS: Of the 304 respondents, 10 were excluded due to incomplete data, yielding a valid response rate of 91.9% (294). Most pharmacies were independent (74.8%), and 51.4% were located in Hodeidah city. The majority of the pharmacists were male (92.2%), aged 19-30 years (50.3%), and held a pharmacy diploma (69%). Poor knowledge of malaria management was observed in 76.5% of respondents (mean: 9.96, SD 3.47), with only 34.4% and 43.2% accurately identifying first-line treatments for uncomplicated and complicated malaria, respectively. Additionally, 60.9% were aware of the prevalent malaria species, and 53.1% knew the correct diagnostic methods. However, only 17.0% recognized high-risk groups for complicated malaria, 18.4% identified causes of treatment failure, and 7.8% understood the consequences of malaria during pregnancy. In terms of experience, 76.2% of the participants reported inadequate experience related to anti-malarial medications (mean: 56.71, SD 7.32), with the main barriers being lack of training (78.9%) and insufficient knowledge (73.5%). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that older age (AOR: 6.827, p = 0.020), holding a pharmacy diploma (AOR: 2.555, p = 0.036), and fewer perceived barriers (AOR = 3.830, p 

    MeSH terms: Adult; Antimalarials/therapeutic use; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Male; Middle Aged; Pharmacies/statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; Yemen; Young Adult
  20. Poimanova EY, Kretova EA, Keshek AK, Andreev EV, Nechaev AN, Prusakov KA, et al.
    J Mater Chem B, 2025 Apr 09;13(15):4681-4692.
    PMID: 40134360 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb02536a
    Nowadays, biosensor platforms based on various organic electrolytic transistors are in great demand due to their ability to specifically determine a wide range of biological analytes with extreme sensitivity. The main drawback of such platforms is their disposability at relatively high costs, preventing widespread application. In this work, we elaborate and successfully demonstrate a proof of concept for a universal approach for the fabrication of a reusable EGOFET-based aptasensor using polymer track-etched membranes as cheap disposable elements for biorecognition layers. We defined the most suitable pore size of track-etched membranes, which was enough for the penetration of viral particle and their capture near the current-carrying layer of EGOFET. The sensitivity of the fabricated EGOFET-based aptasensor to influenza A virus was comparable with disposal EGOFET-based biosensors having a biorecognition layer placed directly on the semiconducting layer. The limit of detection of the fabricated device was 8 × 104 VP mL-1, which was superior to those of antibody-based rapid analysis test systems (1 × 106-4 × 108 VP mL-1) but inferior to those of the PCR method (3 × 102-1.2 × 103 VP mL-1). The elaborated approach paves the way for the simple development of universal point-of-care tools consisting of rapid, non-invasive miniaturized sensors for the detection of a wide range of analytes, which are recognizable by aptamers.
    MeSH terms: Membranes, Artificial*
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