Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Aykan SA, Lai JH, Sugimoto K, Aykan O, Fung WY, Ho D, et al.
    Stroke, 2025 Jan 30.
    PMID: 39882613 DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.124.049772
    Background: Cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy, subcortical infarcts, and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most prevalent monogenic inherited cause of cerebral small-vessel disease. Despite its prevalence, there is currently no proven therapy to prevent or reverse the progression of the disease. Methods: This study aimed to characterize the functional integrity of long white matter tracts in CADASIL transgenic mice, both with and without focal white matter lesions in the corpus callosum added on, utilizing optical resting-state functional connectivity imaging alongside behavioral examinations. Additionally, we examined the efficacy of tocotrienol, a neuroprotective derivative of vitamin E derived from palm oil, which has shown promise in preventing white matter disease progression in clinical trials involving patients with small vessel disease. Results: At baseline, resting-state inter and intrahemispheric functional connectivity was significantly lower in Notch3R169C than in Notch3WT (p=0.004), and the grid walk test revealed a higher number of foot faults in the Notch3R169C group compared to Notch3WT. Sex did not interact with the genotype on the primary outcomes. Introducing a lesion in the corpus callosum compromised functional connectivity and behavior outcomes in both genotypes to a similar extent; lesion volumes did not differ between the genotypes. Tocotrienol treatment did not show any protective effect on any endpoint. Conclusion: These data show impaired resting-state functional connectivity and increased foot faults in the Notch3R169C mutant model of CADASIL. Future work will aim to test therapeutic or preventive interventions in CADASIL mutants using these measures.
  2. Shah TA, Alam A, Zainab, Khan M, Elhenawy AA, Tajuddin AM, et al.
    Future Med Chem, 2025 Feb;17(3):313-328.
    PMID: 39882766 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2025.2458452
    BACKGROUND: Due to the divers biological applications of Cu(II) complexes, we in this study reports the various Cu(II) complexes. The study aims to synthesize and assess new Cu(II) complexes as powerful β-glucuronidase inhibitors.

    METHODS: Five Schiff base ligands and their complexes were synthesized, characterized, and screened against β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity.

    RESULTS: In the series, compounds 3e, 3c, 2b, and 2c ascribed powerful inhibition ranging from (IC50  = 3.0 ± 0.7 µM) to (IC50  = 19.2 ± 0.8 µM). A precise and particular arrangement of atoms is suggested by the triclinic p-1 space group and the existence of a single molecule in an asymmetric unit, which are indispensable for the reactivity as well as the stability of the compounds. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surface provides information about the hydrogen intermolecular and π-π interactions. Based on molecular docking, binding potency increasing by complexation 3a-e compared to ligands 2a-e as well as reference Saccharic acid and uronic isofagomine inhibitor, suggesting that it may be a potent inhibitor of these receptors.

    CONCLUSION: The work recognizes latent active compounds for novel β-glucoronidase inhibitors, by further support these may be harnessed for the development of potent drugs.

    MeSH terms: Aldehydes/chemical synthesis; Aldehydes/pharmacology; Aldehydes/chemistry; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Glucuronidase/antagonists & inhibitors; Glucuronidase/metabolism; Glycoproteins; Humans; Ligands; Naphthalenes/chemical synthesis; Naphthalenes/pharmacology; Naphthalenes/chemistry; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Structure; Molecular Docking Simulation*
  3. Mardi NH, Ean LW, Malek MA, Chua KH, Ahmed AN
    Water Sci Technol, 2025 Jan;91(2):219-234.
    PMID: 39882924 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2024.402
    Coal power plants adversely impact air pollution, but they also pose a risk to our water sources. Discharge wastewater from power plants may degrade the quality of nearby water bodies. This study evaluates the potential water-related environmental impacts of electricity generation at an ultra-supercritical coal power plant in Malaysia using the life cycle assessment method. The inventory data were gathered from a Malaysian power plant, and supporting data were taken from the relevant literature. Utilizing the ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment method, this study analyses the mid-point impact categories of freshwater eutrophication (FEP), marine eutrophication (MEP), freshwater ecotoxicity (FETP), and marine ecotoxicity (METP). The results indicate that METP is the leading risk, with an average impact of 1.94 × 10-2 kg 1,4-DCB per kWh electricity generated, followed by FETP (1.40 × 10-2 kg 1,4-DCB), FEP (4.66 × 10-4 kg P eq), and MEP (2.95 × 10-5 kg N eq). About 95% of the mid-point impact is due to the extraction and processing of hard coal. These findings underscore a critical aspect of environmental management at the supply chain level. Furthermore, mitigating direct emissions from power generation could reduce the mid-point impact, as demonstrated by comparisons with previous research.
    MeSH terms: Coal*; Electricity; Environmental Monitoring/methods; Eutrophication*; Malaysia; Power Plants*
  4. Maskur M, Prihanto AA, Firdaus M, Kobun R, Nurdiani R
    Ital J Food Saf, 2025 Jan 30.
    PMID: 39882994 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2025.12994
    The formation of histamine in food is influenced by temperature, and histamine growth can be inhibited by maintaining a cold chain. However, simply relying on temperature control is insufficient, as certain bacteria can produce the enzyme histidine decarboxylase even at temperatures below 5°C. To address this issue, various methods, such as modified atmosphere packaging, high hydrostatic pressure, and irradiation, have been developed to control histamine in fishery products. However, these methods often require significant investments. Therefore, there is a need for a cost-effective solution to overcome this problem. This review explores a cost-effective solution through the utilization of bioactive compounds derived from underexplored seaweeds. Seaweed bioactive compounds, either in their pure form or as extracts, offer a promising alternative method to regulate histamine generation in fishery products due to their antibacterial activity, and this review provides comprehensive insights into the potential of different seaweed-derived bioactive compounds as inhibitors of histamine production, detailing their diverse applications in fishery products. It also explores the mechanism by which bioactive compounds prevent histamine formation by bacteria, focusing on the potential of seaweed bioactive compounds to inhibit bacterial histidine decarboxylase. Future trends in the inhibition of histidine decarboxylation are also discussed. The bioactive compounds considered, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic acids, exhibit their antibacterial effects through various mechanisms, including the inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis, disruption of cytoplasmic and cell membranes, and inhibition of enzymes by reacting with sulfhydryl groups on proteins. In conclusion, the integration of underexplored seaweeds in fishery product preservation represents a promising and innovative approach for future food safety and sustainability.
  5. Bakri NN, Thomson WM, Broadbent JM, Smith MB
    Health Promot Int, 2025 Jan 17;40(1).
    PMID: 39883052 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae198
    This study aimed to explore key informants' views on the potential benefits of workplace oral health promotion (WOHP) among the aged care workforce and identified factors associated with the planning and implementation of such activities. The study interviewed members of key organizations associated with the aged care workforce, including oral health and health professionals, government and non-governmental organizations, aged care providers, unions and other worker support organizations in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Fourteen (of 17 invited) key informants participated. Promoting oral health among those working in the aged care sector is perceived to have advantages for staff oral health and psychological and mental well-being, and potentially has a 'flow-on effect' on the organization's productivity, operation and human and financial resources. Six factors that can act as facilitators or barriers to WOHP planning and implementation were identified: (i) organization structure, needs, priorities, and higher management contribution; (ii) resources (funding, facilities, human and time capacity); (iii) collaborators; (iv) individual or target audience; (v) communication; and (vi) sustainability of the programme. The study concluded that WOHP in the aged care sector is possible and likely has benefits for staff and the organizations involved. Consideration should be given to identifying and addressing the factors that influence the development and implementation of WOHP programmes. Good organization, support of management, availability of funding, support from collaborators and consideration of individual needs are needed to have a successful, sustainable WOHP programme that meets the needs of the aged care workforce.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Interviews as Topic*; Oral Health*; Qualitative Research
  6. Venkatasai NN, Shetty DN, Vinay CM, Sekar M, Muthusamy A, Rai PS
    Planta, 2025 Jan 30;261(3):48.
    PMID: 39883244 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-025-04619-y
    Optimizing environmental factors can significantly increase the growth and secondary metabolite synthesis of hydroponically grown medicinal plants. This approach can help increase the quality and quantity of pharmacologically important metabolites to enhance therapeutic needs. Medicinal plants are key therapeutic sources for treating various ailments. The increasing demand for medicinal plants has resulted in the overharvesting of these plants in their natural habitat, which can lead to their extinction in the future. Soil-based cultivation faces challenges, such as a lack of arable land, drastic climatic changes, and attacks by soil-borne pathogens. To overcome these challenges, hydroponic cultivation, known as soilless cultivation, is a sustainable method. The yield and quality of medicinal plants depend on environmental factors, such as nutrients, pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, light, nanoparticles, phytohormones, and microorganisms. This article explores the impact of these environmental factors on the growth and secondary metabolite content of hydroponically grown medicinal plants. Our review reveals how environmental factors qualitatively and quantitatively influence the growth and secondary metabolites of medicinal plants grown in hydroponic systems and how these factors can be integrated into the enhancement of therapeutic compounds.
    MeSH terms: Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Light; Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism; Soil/chemistry; Temperature; Secondary Metabolism
  7. Mohammad Basir MF, Mohd Hairon S, Ibrahim MI, Wan Mohamad WMZ, Mohd Fuzi NMH, Rosli AS, et al.
    J Epidemiol Glob Health, 2025 Jan 30;15(1):12.
    PMID: 39883314 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-025-00355-4
    BACKGROUND: Rabies is a preventable yet deadly public health threat. Despite the availability of effective vaccines for both humans and animals, the persistence of rabies-related fatalities underscores the need for enhanced public education strategies. This study aimed to develop and validate a Rabies Health Education Module delivered via a Massive Open Online Course, targeting adult dog owners in Kelantan, Malaysia.

    METHODS: The development of RaHEM followed the ADDIE framework. A comprehensive analysis was conducted through literature reviews, cross-sectional surveys, and stakeholder interviews. The module's content was designed and developed based on the Modified Health Belief Model and Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. Validation was performed by a panel of six experts and ten dog owners through content and face validity indices, respectively.

    RESULTS: The module was organized into five core topics, each addressing specific aspects of rabies prevention. Content validity indices for all topics exceeded the acceptable threshold of 0.83, with an overall module CVI of 0.91 for relevance and 0.88 for clarity. Face validity indices also surpassed the 0.83 threshold, with overall module FVI scores of 1.00 for understandability and 0.99 for clarity.

    CONCLUSION: The RaHEM MOOC was successfully developed and thoroughly validated, ensuring it met its intended objectives and was suitable for the target audience. This educational module offers a promising approach to enhancing rabies prevention through accessible and engaging online education, potentially contributing to reduced rabies transmission and fatalities. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the module's effectiveness in improving rabies knowledge and attitudes.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dog Diseases/prevention & control; Dogs; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged
  8. Tan CH, Lim SH, Sim KS
    Biochem Genet, 2025 Jan 30.
    PMID: 39883358 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-025-11041-2
    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most deadly cancer diagnosed in both men and women. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment frequently causes the CRC cells to become chemoresistance, which has a negative impact on prognosis. Using bioinformatic techniques, this work describes important genes and biological pathways linked to 5-FU resistance in CRC cells. In our studies, a 5-FU-resistant HCT 116 cell line exhibiting elevated TYMS was created and validated using various tests. Bioinformatic studies were conducted to determine which differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were responsible for the establishment of 5-FU resistance in the same cell line. After screening 3949 DEGs from the two public datasets (GSE196900 and GSE153412), 471 overlapping DEGs in 5-FU-resistant HCT 116 cells were chosen. These overlapping DEGs were used to build the PPI network, and a major cluster module containing 21 genes was found. Subsequently, using three topological analysis algorithms, 10 hub genes were identified, which included HLA-DRA, HLA-DRB1, CXCR4, MMP9, CDH1, SMAD3, VIM, SYK, ZEB1, and SELL. Their roles were ascertained by utilizing Gene Ontology keywords and pathway enrichment studies. Our results also demonstrated that the miRNA and transcription factors (TFs) that had the strongest connection with the hub genes were hsa-mir-26a-5p, hsa-mir-30a-5p, RELA, and NFKB1. Ultimately, 84 FDA-approved drugs that target those hub genes were found to potentially treat 5-FU resistance CRC. Our research's findings increase our understanding of the fundamental factors that contribute to the prevalence of 5-FU resistance CRC, which could ultimately assist in the identification of valuable malignancy biomarkers and targeted treatment approaches based on key regulatory pathways.
  9. Xu W, Zhu G, Wang X, Yan X, Wang F, Li S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2025;20(1):e0318051.
    PMID: 39883745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318051
    OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a nomogram model that predicts the risk of bone metastasis (BM) in a prostate cancer (PCa) population.

    METHODS: We retrospectively collected and analyzed the clinical data of patients with pathologic diagnosis of PCa from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022 in two hospitals in Yangzhou, China. Patients from the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University were divided into a training set and patients from the Affiliated Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Yangzhou University were divided into a validation set. Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and logistic regression were used to screen key risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, c-index, calibration curves, and decision curves analysis (DCA) were used for the validation, calibration, clinical benefit assessment, and external validation of nomogram models.

    RESULTS: A total of 204 cases were collected from the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, including 64 cases diagnosed as PCa BM and 50 cases collected from the Affiliated Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Yangzhou University, including 12 cases diagnosed as PCa BM. Results showed that history of alcohol consumption, prostate stiffness on Digital rectal examination(DRE), prostate nodules on DRE, FIB, ALP, cTx, and Gleason score were high-risk factors for BM in PCa and nomogram was established. The c-index of the final model was 0.937 (95% CI: 0.899-0.975). And the model was validated by external validation set (c-index: 0.929). The ROC curves and calibration curves showed that the nomogram had good predictive accuracy, and DCA showed that the nomogram had good clinical applicability.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified seven high-risk factors for BM in PCa and these factors would provide a theoretical basis for early clinical prevention of PCa BM.

    MeSH terms: Aged; China/epidemiology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; ROC Curve; Risk Assessment/methods; Nomograms*
  10. Balasubaramaniam D, Yi Wen L, Amir NN, Singh S
    Ocul Immunol Inflamm, 2025 Jan 30.
    PMID: 39883910 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2025.2456647
    PURPOSE: To shed light on one of the ocular adverse effects related to pembrolizumab.

    METHOD: Case report and literature review.

    RESULT: A 53-year-old gentleman with underlying Stage III B renal cell carcinoma with lung metastasis and gout presented in June 2021 with bilateral red eyes following Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination. He had undergone a nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma and was on Pembrolizumab therapy for 5 years. Examination showed right eye injected conjunctiva with diffuse punctate epithelial erosions over the cornea, which was treated with topical steroids. The left eye is suspected to have infective keratitis, which is treated with topical antibiotics and subsequently steroids for the ocular surface inflammation. However, he developed a left eye paracentral sterile corneal melt which rapidly progressed to perforation measuring 1 mm in size. The perforation was temporarily sealed with tissue glue, but he eventually required a full thickness corneal patch graft. Patient has been doing well post-operatively for the last 3 years.

    CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and management of irAEs are challenging and necessitate continuously updated diagnostic and monitoring tools. As checkpoint inhibitors become more promising in the management of malignancies, it is crucial for both the oncologist and ophthalmologist to be aware of the potential ocular adverse effects of these drugs.

  11. Bhuiyan MSA, Gupta SD, Silip JJ, Talukder S, Haque MH, Forwood JK, et al.
    Virology, 2025 Jan 17;604:110399.
    PMID: 39884161 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2025.110399
    Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), an avian coronavirus, member of the genus Gammacoronavirus, poses significant threats to poultry health, causing severe respiratory, reproductive, and renal infections. The genetic diversity of IBV, driven by mutations, recombination and deletions, has led to the emergence of numerous serotypes and genotypes, complicating both diagnosis and control measures. Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools are essential for effective disease management and minimizing economic losses. Conventional diagnostic methods, such as PCR, virus isolation, and serological assays, are hindered by limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time. In contrast, innovative biosensor platforms employing advanced detection mechanisms-including electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric sensors-offer a transformative solution. These technologies provide portable, highly sensitive, and rapid diagnostic platforms for IBV detection. Beyond addressing the challenges of conventional methods, these biosensor-based approaches facilitate real-time monitoring and enhance disease surveillance. This review highlights the transformative potential of biosensors and their integration into diagnostic strategies for avian coronavirus infections, presenting them as a promising alternative for precise and efficient IBV detection.
  12. Kannan VV, Kanabar B, Gowrishankar J, Khatibi A, Kamangar S, Arabi AIA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 30;15(1):3833.
    PMID: 39885203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-87640-1
    Meta-heuristic optimization algorithms are widely applied across various fields due to their intelligent behavior and fast convergence, but their use in optimizing engine behavior remains limited. This study addresses this gap by integrating the Design of Experiments-based Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with meta-heuristic optimization techniques to enhance engine performance and emissions characteristics using Tectona Grandi's biodiesel with Elaeocarpus Ganitrus as an additive. Advanced Machine Learning (ML) models, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), and Random Trees (RT), were employed for predictive analysis, with ANN outperforming RSM in accuracy. The study identified the Teak biodiesel blend (TB20) with a 5 ml Elaeocarpus Ganitrus additive (TB20 + R5) as the optimal formulation, achieving the highest Brake Thermal Efficiency and reduced Brake-Specific Fuel Consumption. Desirability analysis further confirmed the blend's superior performance and emissions characteristics, with a desirability rating of 0.9282. This work highlights the potential of hybrid optimization approaches for improving biodiesel performance and emissions without engine modifications, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy practices in internal combustion engines.
  13. Muttiah B, Law JX
    NPJ Sci Food, 2025 Jan 30;9(1):12.
    PMID: 39885215 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-025-00375-1
    Milk is a nutrient-rich liquid produced by mammals, offering various health benefits due to its composition of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Beyond traditional nutritional aspects, recent research has focused on extracellular vesicles (EVs) found in milk and their potential health benefits, especially for gastrointestinal (GI) health. Milk-derived EVs have been shown to influence gut microbiota, promote gut barrier integrity, support tissue repair and regeneration, modulate immune responses, and potentially aid in managing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. This review discusses the current understanding of milk-EVs' effects on gut health, highlighting their potential therapeutic applications and future research directions. These findings underscore the promising role of milk-derived EVs in advancing GI health and therapeutics, paving the way for innovative approaches in oral drug delivery and targeted treatments for GI disorders.
  14. Salari N, Rahimi A, Zarei H, Abdolmaleki A, Rasoulpoor S, Shohaimi S, et al.
    BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2025 Jan 30;25(1):90.
    PMID: 39885489 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-025-07182-2
    BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is associated with serious and irreversible maternal and fetal detrimental consequences. Also, different seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnancy is reported in many countries. The present systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to determine the global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women.

    METHODS: This study was conducted based on the PRISMA 2020 criteria. Initial searching was conducted using MeSH (Medical Subject Headings)-based keywords with no time limitation (by August 1, 2024). Collected papers were transferred to Citation Management Software (EndNote). Duplicate studies were merged and primary and secondary screenings were applied based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Validation was considered to find high-quality assessments. Finally, eligible extractable papers were enrolled for data collection. Data was analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (v.2) The random effects model was used in case of I2 index above 50%.In order to investigate the factors affecting the heterogeneity of studies, meta-regression tests were used to examine factors such as sample size and year of study.

    RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight eligible studies with a total sample size of 135,098 pregnant women individuals were selected for data extraction and analysis. The heterogeneity index was found high (I2:98.9) and the random effect model was used for analysis. The egger test revealed the absence of publication bias in collected studies (p:0.088). Thus, the global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women was reported at 36.6% (95%CI:33.7-39.6). the highest prevalence reported based on meta-analysis was reported in South America with 52.8% (95% CI:46.6-59), while only 15 studies were reviewed in this continent, most of which were in Brazil. Therefore, after the continent, the highest prevalence reported was reported in Africa with 46.8% (95% CI:39.5-54.3). Also, the lowest prevalence reported based on meta-analysis was in North America with 19.7% (95% CI:8.4-39.6) and Europe with 24.6% (95% CI:17.8-32.9).

    CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high level of seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women worldwide. This value mostly depends on the individual's age, lifestyle, and disease awareness regarding toxoplasmosis in pregnant women. Thus, public awareness, along with comprehensive health programs regarding the detrimental effects of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, seems necessary for prevention or even early diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women.

    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Global Health/statistics & numerical data; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/epidemiology; Seroepidemiologic Studies
  15. Liu S, Du Z, Song L, Liu H, Tee CATH, Liu H, et al.
    J Orthop Surg Res, 2025 Jan 30;20(1):112.
    PMID: 39885604 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-05484-x
    BACKGROUND: Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent condition worldwide, significantly diminishing quality of life and productivity. Except for the alignment change, muscle activation patterns (MAP) have garnered increasing attention as another crucial factor contributing to KOA.

    OBJECTIVE: This study explores the factors, characteristics, and effects of MAP changes caused by KOA, providing a neuromuscular-based causal analysis for the rehabilitation treatment of KOA.

    METHODS: Keywords including the association of MAP with KOA will be included. "Knee, Osteoarthritis, Electromyography(EMG), Muscle Activity patterns, activation amplitudes, activation time, Muscle Synergy, Co-contraction/activation" were used to search the databases of Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Wiley. The criteria include studies from the past fifteen years that document changes in muscle contraction characteristics and causality analysis in patients with KOA. we compared MAP changes between individuals with and without KOA, such as the activation amplitudes, activation time, muscle synergy and co-contraction index(CCI). Additionally, we explored the potential relationship between muscle weakness, pain, and lower limb mechanical changes with the variations of MAP.

    RESULTS: A total of 832 articles were reviewed, and 44 articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. The changes in biomechanical structure, pain, and muscle atrophy may contribute to the formation and progression of the changes in MAP in KOA patients. In moderate KOA patients, the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) exhibits larger activation amplitudes, with earlier and longer activation times. The vastus medialis (VM) shows a delayed activation time relative to VL. Gastrocnemius activation time is prolonged during mid-gait, while the soleus exhibits lower activation amplitudes during the late stance phase. There are fewer, merged synergies with prolonged activation coefficients, and a higher percentage of unclassifiable synergies. Additionally, the CCI is positively correlated with task difficulty and symptoms. It is higher in the medial and lateral than hamstrings and quadriceps, and CCI specifically respond to joint stabilisation and load.

    CONCLUSION: In patients with moderate KOA, changes in MAP are mainly related to symptoms and the difficulty of tasks. MAP changes primarily result in variations in amplitude, contraction duration, muscle synergy, and CCI. The MAP changes can subsequently affect the intermuscular structure, pain, joint loading, and stiffness.

    CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These contribute to the progression of KOA and create a vicious cycle that accelerates disease advancement. Clinical rehabilitation treatments can target the MAP changes to break the cycle and help mitigate disease progression.

    MeSH terms: Biomechanical Phenomena/physiology; Electromyography*; Humans; Male
  16. Saadu Itas Y, Khandaker MU, Mahmoud M
    RSC Adv, 2025 Jan 29;15(5):3047-3059.
    PMID: 39885860 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra08592b
    Investigations on two-dimensional materials for efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage have recently attracted much attention, especially in the global industrial sector. In this work, the CO2 uptake by three configurations of two-dimensional magnesium oxide was investigated using density functional theory. CO2 capture analysis was performed considering the geometrical, thermophysical, vibrational, electronic and optical properties. Results indicated that CO2 adsorption by magnesium oxide (MgO) sheets is a spontaneous process accompanied by a decrease in Gibbs free energy. Moreover, the CO2 molecular entropy and enthalpy of the CO2 adsorbed sheet were decreased, indicating that the entire process was enthalpy-driven. Among the pristine, vacant and nickel-doped (Ni-doped) MgO sheets, the Ni-doped system was found to have the highest values of Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy in the order of -51.366 kJ mol-1-K, -65.105 kJ mol-1 and 127.606 J mol-1, respectively. It was also found to adsorb CO2 in the ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) regions within the range of 100-850 nm. Electronic interactions demonstrated that metallicity was significantly induced on the MgO sheet Ni impurity states, which enhanced the adsorption ability. Notably, hybrid orbitals between p y and p z revealed strong physisorption, as confirmed by the partial density of states (PDOS). The findings of this research promote CO2 capture sustainability by encouraging future experimentalists to use two-dimensional MgO as a better surface for CO2 capture.
  17. Sankar S, Balakrishnan P, Yong YK, Raju S, Velu V, Shankar EM, et al.
    Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol, 2025;2025:6683501.
    PMID: 39885897 DOI: 10.1155/cjid/6683501
    The monkeypox (Mpox) virus has emerged as a global public health emergency of international concern recently. The virus that was endemic in West and Central Africa has now been reported with chains of global transmission to several countries. A scoping review was carried out from the relevant literature available from PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. This comprehensive analysis describes the virus epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, complications including secondary bacterial infections, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination. The article underscores the significance of key viral and immune mediators of infection and discusses updated recommendations on therapeutic strategies and vaccination.
  18. Azim H, Johnston AL, Nixon M, Woodliffe JL, Theunissen R, Suresh R, et al.
    ACS Sustain Chem Eng, 2025 Jan 27;13(3):1164-1173.
    PMID: 39886474 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c10171
    We illustrate the importance of early career perspectives and diverse partnerships to develop solutions and overcome key challenges to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
  19. Thahe AA, Qaeed MA, Hilal N, Abubakar D, Bidin N, Allam NK
    Nanoscale Adv, 2025 Jan 13.
    PMID: 39886615 DOI: 10.1039/d4na01023j
    Laser surface alloying of Fe, Si, and C on aluminium is demonstrated using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser as the source of energy. The fundamental wavelength of the laser beam was 1064 nm with an output energy of 100 mJ and a pulse duration of 10 ns. The exposure was conducted in repetitive mode with a frequency rate of 1 Hz. The laser was focused to induce plasma formation. A pure aluminium plate was employed as the substrate to be alloyed. Iron (Fe) and ceramic material silicon carbide SiC were selected as the alloy elements. Two step deposition techniques were employed to predeposit the aluminium substrate. The substrate was painted with a cohesive material gum before powder spray coating on it. The predeposited aluminium was then exposed to a focused laser at various numbers of pulses (1-13 pulses). The resulting materials were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and microhardness techniques, revealing the formation of a homogenized resolidified surface. The plasma temperature was much higher than the melting point of Fe and SiC, enabling an immediate interaction with coating materials. The different melting points of Fe, SiC, and Al allowed the formation of a new composite during quenching. The formation of such a new composite is identified via XRD analysis. Inherently, several new composites were revealed, such as Al-Fe-Si, SiAl, and Fe-Si, with enhanced mechanical strength. Apparently, the hardness of the modified surface is confirmed to be two times greater than that of the original substrate. The sensitivity of the MSM photodetector (PD) made of the resulting alloy is reasonably high and increases with increasing the bias voltage. The response times (T Res) of the MSM PD for various numbers of laser pulses (1-13 pulses) were 0.60 s, 0.28 s, and 0.67 s with corresponding recovery times (T Rec) of 0.53 s, 0.21 s, and 1.81 s, respectively.
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