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  1. Fulltext A homozygous SP7/OSX mutation causes osteogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta with craniofacial anomalies
    Al-Mutairi DA, Jarragh AA, Alsabah BH, Wein MN, Mohammed W, Alkharafi L
    JBMR Plus, 2024 May;8(5):ziae026.
    PMID: 38562913 DOI: 10.1093/jbmrpl/ziae026
    Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous spectrum of hereditary genetic disorders that cause bone fragility, through various quantitative and qualitative defects of type 1 collagen, a triple helix composed of two α1 and one α2 chains encoded by COL1A1 and COL1A2, respectively. The main extra-skeletal manifestations of OI include blue sclerae, opalescent teeth, and hearing impairment. Moreover, multiple genes involved in osteoblast maturation and type 1 collagen biosynthesis are now known to cause recessive forms of OI. In this study a multiplex consanguineous family of two affected males with OI was recruited for genetic screening. To determine the causative, pathogenic variant(s), genomic DNA from two affected family members were analyzed using whole exome sequencing, autozygosity mapping, and then validated with Sanger sequencing. The analysis led to the mapping of a homozygous variant previously reported in SP7/OSX, a gene encoding for Osterix, a transcription factor that activates a repertoire of genes involved in osteoblast and osteocyte differentiation and function. The identified variant (c.946C > T; p.Arg316Cys) in exon 2 of SP7/OSX results in a pathogenic amino acid change in two affected male siblings and develops OI, dentinogenesis imperfecta, and craniofacial anomaly. On the basis of the findings of the present study, SP7/OSX:c. 946C > T is a rare homozygous variant causing OI with extra-skeletal features in inbred Arab populations.
  2. Novel enhancement of interfacial interaction and properties in biodegradable polymer composites using green chemically treated spent coffee ground microfiller
    Majrashi MAA, Bairwan RD, Mushtaq RY, Khalil HPSA, Badr MY, Alissa M, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 May;266(Pt 2):131333.
    PMID: 38574916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131333
    This study investigates the potential of utilizing green chemically treated spent coffee grounds (SCGs) as micro biofiller reinforcement in Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) biopolymer composites. The aim is to assess the impact of varying SCG concentrations (1 %, 3 %, 5 %, and 7 %) on the functional, thermal, mechanical properties and biodegradability of the resulting composites with a PHBV matrix. The samples were produced through melt compounding using a twin-screw extruder and compression molding. The findings indicate successful dispersion and distribution of SCGs microfiller into PHBV. Chemical treatment of SCG microfiller enhanced the interfacial bonding between the SCG and PHBV, evidenced by higher water contact angles of the biopolymer composites. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed the successful interaction of treated SCG microfiller, contributing to enhanced mechanical characteristics. A two-way ANOVA was conducted for statistical analysis. Mass losses observed after burying the materials in natural soil indicated that the composites degraded faster than the pure PHBV polymer suggesting that both composites are biodegradable, particularly at high levels of spent coffee grounds (SCG). Despite the possibility of agglomeration at higher concentrations, SCG incorporation resulted in improved functional properties, positioning the green biopolymer composite as a promising material for sustainable packaging and diverse applications.
  3. Fulltext COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
    Rahbeni TA, Satapathy P, Itumalla R, Marzo RR, Mugheed KAL, Khatib MN, et al.
    JMIR Public Health Surveill, 2024 Apr 30;10:e54769.
    PMID: 38687992 DOI: 10.2196/54769
    BACKGROUND: The unprecedented emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the development and global distribution of vaccines, making the understanding of global vaccine acceptance and hesitancy crucial to overcoming barriers to vaccination and achieving widespread immunization.

    OBJECTIVE: This umbrella review synthesizes findings from systematic reviews and meta-analyses to provide insights into global perceptions on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy across diverse populations and regions.

    METHODS: We conducted a literature search across major databases to identify systematic reviews and meta-analysis that reported COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy. The AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) criteria were used to assess the methodological quality of included systematic reviews. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 17 with a random effect model. The data synthesis is presented in a table format and via a narrative.

    RESULTS: Our inclusion criteria were met by 78 meta-analyses published between 2021 and 2023. Our analysis revealed a moderate vaccine acceptance rate of 63% (95% CI 0.60%-0.67%) in the general population, with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 97.59%). Higher acceptance rates were observed among health care workers and individuals with chronic diseases, at 64% (95% CI 0.57%-0.71%) and 69% (95% CI 0.61%-0.76%), respectively. However, lower acceptance was noted among pregnant women, at 48% (95% CI 0.42%-0.53%), and parents consenting for their children, at 61.29% (95% CI 0.56%-0.67%). The pooled vaccine hesitancy rate was 32% (95% CI 0.25%-0.39%) in the general population. The quality assessment revealed 19 high-quality, 38 moderate-quality, 15 low-quality, and 6 critically low-quality meta-analyses.

    CONCLUSIONS: This review revealed the presence of vaccine hesitancy globally, emphasizing the necessity for population-specific, culturally sensitive interventions and clear, credible information dissemination to foster vaccine acceptance. The observed disparities accentuate the need for continuous research to understand evolving vaccine perceptions and to address the unique concerns and needs of diverse populations, thereby aiding in the formulation of effective and inclusive vaccination strategies.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023468363; https://tinyurl.com/2p9kv9cr.

  4. Fulltext Nano-Sized Al2O3-Gr Reinforced Al7075 Hybrid Composite: Impact of Cooling Agents on Mechanical, Wear, and Fracture Behavior
    Erappa Rajj B, Nagaral M, Chintakindi S, Kumar R, Anqi AE, Rajhi AA, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2024 Apr 23;9(16):17878-17890.
    PMID: 38680352 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08822
    Aluminum metal cast composites (AMCCs) are frequently used in high-tech sectors such as automobiles, aerospace, biomedical, electronics, and others to fabricate precise and especially responsible parts. The mechanical and wear behavior of the metal matrix composites (MMCs) is anticipated to be influenced by the cooling agent's action and the cooling temperature. This research paper presents the findings of a series of tests to investigate the mechanical, wear, and fracture behavior of hybrid MMCs made of Al7075 reinforced by varying wt % of nano-sized Al2O3 and Gr and quenched with water and ice cubes. The heat-treated Al7075 alloy hybrid composites were evaluated for their hardness, tensile, and wear behavior, showcasing a significant process innovation. The heat treatment process greatly improved the hybrid composites' mechanical and wear performance. The samples quenched in ice attained the highest hardness of 119 VHN. There is a 45.37% improvement in the hardness of base alloy with the addition of 3% of Al2O3 and 1% of graphite particles. Further, the highest tensile and compression strengths were found in the ice-quenched 3% Al2O3 and 1% graphite hybrid composites with improvements of 34.2 and 48.83%, respectively, compared to the water-quenched base alloy. Under the samples quenched in ice, the mechanical and wear behavior improved. The tensile fractured surface showed voids, particle pullouts, and dimples. The worn-out surface of wear test samples of the created hybrid composite had micro pits, delamination layers, and microcracks.
  5. Fulltext Associations between meteorological variation and hospitalisations for rotavirus infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Khoo MS, Ahmad Azman AH, Ismail NAS, Abdul Wahab A, Ali A
    Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28574.
    PMID: 38596105 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28574
    OBJECTIVES: Rotavirus (RoV) infections have emerged as a significant public health concern around the world. Understanding the relationship between climatic conditions and hospitalisations due to RoV infections can help engage effective prevention strategies. This study aims to investigate the potential associations between meteorological variability and RoV-related hospitalisations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    METHODS: Hospitalization data from a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur over a twelve-year period were retrospectively collected. Concurrently, meteorological data were obtained from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) including variables of temperature, humidity, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure to further demonstrate relationship with RoV-associated hospitalisations.

    RESULTS: The results indicated positive correlations between increased rainfall, rainy days, humidity, and RoV-related hospitalisations, suggesting the influence of environmental factors on the transmission of RoV.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights positive associations between meteorological variations and hospitalizations for RoV infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Further investigations, including national-level data, are needed to deepen our understanding of these associations, particularly within the context of Malaysia and to develop targeted interventions for disease prevention and control.

  6. Status of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in species of wild birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    Wada Y, Ibrahim AB, Umar YA, Afolabi HA, Wada M, Alissa M, et al.
    J Infect Public Health, 2024 Apr 10;17(6):1023-1036.
    PMID: 38657438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.04.004
    Wild birds could be a reservoir of medically relevant microorganisms, particularly multidrug-resistant Enterococcus spp. Resistant bacteria's epidemiology and transmission between animals and humans has grown, and their zoonotic potential cannot be ignored. This is the first study to evaluate the status of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in various wild bird species using meta-analysis and a systematic review. In this study, the pooled prevalence was obtained by analyzing data from published articles on the occurrence of VRE in wild bird species. It's unclear how the antibiotic resistance gene transfer cycle affects wild birds. Google Scholar and PubMed were used to conduct the research. The data and study methodology was assessed and extracted by two reviewers independently, with a third reviewing the results. Heterogeneity between study and publication bias were analyzed using the random effect model. Thirty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. 382 out of the 4144 isolates tested, were VRE. The pooled prevalence of VRE among wild birds was estimated at 11.0% (95% CI; 6.9 -17.2%; I2 = 93.204%; P 
  7. Fulltext The Effect of a Combined Intermittent Fasting Healthy Plate Intervention on Anthropometric Outcomes and Body Composition Among Adults With Overweight and Obesity: Nonrandomized Controlled Trial
    Abdullah SR, Wan Mohd Zin RM, Azizul NH, Sulaiman NS, Khalid NM, Mohd Salim Mullahi Jahn RJ, et al.
    JMIR Form Res, 2024 Apr 10;8:e51542.
    PMID: 38598283 DOI: 10.2196/51542
    BACKGROUND: Adult obesity and overweight pose a substantial risk to global public health and are associated with various noncommunicable diseases. Although intermittent fasting (IF) is increasingly used as a relatively new dietary strategy for weight loss, the effectiveness of 2 days per week of dry fasting remains unknown.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined dry IF and healthy plate (IFHP) and healthy plate (HP) intervention in improving anthropometric outcomes and body composition.

    METHODS: This nonrandomized controlled trial involved 177 adults who were overweight and obese. Among them, 91 (51.4%) were allocated to the IFHP group and 86 (48.6%) were allocated to the HP group. The overall study duration was 6 months (October 2020 to March 2021). The intervention was divided into 2 phases: supervised (3 months) and unsupervised (3 months). The data were collected at baseline, after the supervised phase (month 3), and after the unsupervised phase (month 6). Anthropometric (weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference) and body composition (body fat percentage, body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and visceral fat area) data were measured at all 3 data collection points. Sociodemographic data were obtained using a questionnaire at baseline.

    RESULTS: Most participants were female (147/177, 83.1%) and Malay (141/177, 79.7%). After 3 months, there were significant reductions in weight (difference -1.68; P.05).

    CONCLUSIONS: A combined IFHP intervention was effective in improving anthropometric outcomes and body composition in adults with overweight and obesity.

    INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/33801.

  8. Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling studies of modulated benzyloxychalcones as potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
    Abdalla Ali A, Mhamad SA, Hasan AH, Ahmad I, Abdullah SA, Jamil S, et al.
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2024 Apr;42(7):3604-3615.
    PMID: 37293930 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2220032
    Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) have become a significant target in the search for an efficient treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Chalcone-based compounds display a strong potency to hinder AChE. So, this study focused on the synthesis of a series of new chalcone derivatives with anti-cholinesterase potential and their structures were characterized based on spectroscopic methods including IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. Chalcone derivatives were screened against AChE. Most of them exhibited potent inhibitory activity against AChE. Compound 11i showed the most potent activity toward acetylcholinesterase compared to the positive compound, Galantamine. Docking studies into the active site of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme ravealed the significant docking score of the synthesized compounds with docking score of -7.959 to -9.277 kcal/mol when compared to the co-crystallized ligand, Donepezil (-10.567 kcal/mol). The interaction's stability was further assessed using a conventional atomistic 100 ns dynamics simulation study, which revealed the conformational stability of representative compound 11i in the cavity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
  9. Synthesis, Kinetics and Computational Explorations of 4-Phenylpiperazine Bearing N-(Aryl)-3-substituted-benzamides as Auspicious Tyrosinase Inhibitors
    Zeb A, Abbasi MA, Aziz-Ur-Rehman, Siddiqui SZ, Hassan M, Javed Q, et al.
    Chem Biodivers, 2024 Apr;21(4):e202400133.
    PMID: 38363553 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400133
    In the aimed research study, a new series of N-(aryl)-3-[(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)methyl]benzamides was synthesized, which was envisaged as tyrosinase inhibitor. The structures of these newly designed molecules were verified by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, EI-MS and CHN analysis data. These molecules were screened against tyrosinase and their inhibitory activity explored that these 3-substituted-benzamides exhibit good to excellent potential, comparative to the standard. The Kinetics mechanism was investigated through Lineweaver-Burk plots which depicted that molecules inhibited this enzyme in a competitive mode. Moreover, molecular docking was also performed to determine the binding interaction of all synthesized molecules (ligands) with the active site of tyrosinase enzyme and the results showed that most of the ligands exhibited efficient binding energy values. Therefore, it is anticipated that these molecules might serve as auspicious therapeutic scaffolds for treatment of the tyrosinase associated skin disorders.
  10. Human intervention caused massive destruction of the second largest mangrove forest, Chakaria Sundarbans, Bangladesh
    Hasan M, Hassan L, Abdullah Al M, Kamal AHM, Idris MH, Hoque MZ, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Apr;31(17):25329-25341.
    PMID: 38468013 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32792-2
    Mangroves provide essential ecosystem services including coastal protection by acting as coastal greenbelts; however, human-driven anthropogenic activities altered their existence and ecosystem functions worldwide. In this study, the successive degradation of the second largest mangrove forest, Chakaria Sundarbans situated at the northern Bay of Bengal part of Bangladesh was assessed using remote sensing approaches. A total of five multi-temporal Landsat satellite imageries were collected and used to observe the land use land cover (LULC) changes over the time periods for the years 1972, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. Further, the supervised classification technique with the help of support vector machine (SVM) algorithm in ArcGIS 10.8 was used to process images. Our results revealed a drastic change of Chakaria Sundarbans mangrove forest, that the images of 1972 were comprised of mudflat, waterbody, and mangroves, while the images of 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 were classified as waterbody, mangrove, saltpan, and shrimp farm. Most importantly, mangrove forest was the largest covering area a total of 64.2% in 1972, but gradually decreased to 12.7%, 6.4%, 1.9%, and 4.6% for the years 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. Interestingly, the rate of mangrove forest area degradation was similar to the net increase of saltpan and shrimp farms. The kappa coefficients of classified images were 0.83, 0.87, 0.80, 0.87, and 0.91 with the overall accuracy of 88.9%, 90%, 85%, 90%, and 93.3% for the years 1972, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. By analyzing normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and transformed difference vegetation index (TDVI), our results validated that green vegetated area was decreased alarmingly with time in this study area. This destruction was mainly related to active human-driven anthropogenic activities, particularly creating embankments for fish farms or salt productions, and cutting for collection of wood as well. Together all, our results provide clear evidence of active anthropogenic stress on coastal ecosystem health by altering mangrove forest to saltpan and shrimp farm saying goodbye to the second largest mangrove forest in one of the coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh.
  11. Fulltext Diagnosis and management of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Expert consensus statement
    Bashiri FA, Hundallah K, Al-Baradie R, Al-Otaibi A, Ismayl O, AlMalik ME, et al.
    Seizure, 2024 Apr;117:174-182.
    PMID: 38432081 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.02.015
    Despite the availability of international recommendations for the management of Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (IESS), there is a lack of recommendations adapted to the local context of clinical practice of pediatric neurology in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. By an initiative from the Saudi Pediatric Neurology Society (SPNS), a literature review was performed and an expert panel comprised of 13 pediatric neurologists from all GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) was subsequently convened to discuss all issues related to the management and diagnosis practices of IESS in the GCC. The overall aim of this consensus document was to develop practical recommendations to support the care of patients with IESS in the GCC and to reflect on how clinical management approaches compare with those adopted internationally.
  12. Fulltext Mitigating mutual coupling effects on circular polarization for improved bandwidth in MIMO systems: A novel approach
    Ali A, Yasin MNM, Adam I, Ismail AM, Jack SP, Alghaihab A, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27782.
    PMID: 38524620 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27782
    An improved mutual coupling compensation in circularly polarized (CP) multi-input multi-output (MIMO) dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is presented in this paper. Using trimming approach, the mutual coupling (MC) between closely spaced DRA units at 0.3λ has been significantly reduced while axial ratio performance has been maintained. Mutual coupling reduction is obtained by trimming the DRA to ensure low mutual coupling below -20dB. The exclusive features of the proposed MIMO DRA include wide impedance matching bandwidth (BW), triple band circular polarization, and suppressed MC between the radiating elements. The impedance bandwidth matches perfectly with a triple band's 3 dB axial ratio (AR). It is designed with characteristic mode analysis with good agreement of the measurement that has been obtained. Using the probe feed method, the DRA and patch strip are coupled together to allow bandwidth widening of the pro-posed DRA. An impedance bandwidth of 34% at a lower frequency to around 2% at a higher frequency was achieved in all resonance frequencies. Thus, we refer to our newly designed DRA as a proposed method for effectively reducing the mutual coupling between DRAs. Additionally, the 3 dB AR bandwidth matched at 3.3 GHz, 4.6 GHz, and 6.3 GHz with a percentage of 11.66%, 3.04%, and 2.22% obtained at the three different frequencies. Note that the proposed DRA exhibits low mutual coupling (below -20 dB) at the targeted frequencies, which is suitable for better signal reception for MIMO applications. By computing, the metrics envelop correlation coefficient, diversity gain, channel capacity loss, and total active reflection coefficient, the MIMO performance of the proposed antenna is verified. The experiments show a close result between simulated and computed validation of the proposed DRA.
  13. Computer vision syndrome and dry eye symptoms among breastfeeding women
    Subri S, Ali AM, Salleh SN
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(Suppl 1):128-133.
    PMID: 38555897
    INTRODUCTION: Breastfeeding women are susceptible to musculoskeletal symptoms and hormonal changes that can affect the ocular surface. As exposure to visual display units (VDU) that is known to cause symptoms of dry eye and computer vision syndrome (CVS) is increasing worldwide, including among breastfeeding women, it is unknown whether this group of VDU users would experience CVS more than non-breastfeeding women. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between breastfeeding status and symptoms of CVS and dry eye.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, selfreported CVS and dry eye symptoms were compared between 80 breastfeeding and 72 non-breastfeeding VDU users. Two questionnaires were administered online, which were the CVS-Questionnaire (CVS-Q) and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, to evaluate symptoms of CVS and dry eye, respectively. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare CVS and OSDI scores between groups, while correlations between the scores were analyzed using Spearman's test.

    RESULT: Results showed that OSDI scores were significantly higher in the non-breastfeeding group (U = 2263, z-score = - 2.276, p = 0.023), indicating more dry eye symptoms experienced by respondents in this group, while no significant group difference was found in terms of CVS scores (U = 2772, z-score = -0.400, p = 0.689). Additionally, no significant association was observed between breastfeeding status and severity of dry eye symptoms as well as CVS symptoms.

    CONCLUSION: This study reported the possible benefit of breastfeeding in reducing dry eye symptoms. The CVS symptoms found in the breastfeeding group were possibly due to VDU usage rather than caused by breastfeeding. Public education on preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of CVS symptoms and ocular dryness among VDU users is essential to improve the quality of life.

  14. Fulltext Presentation of Breast Cancer and Impact of Patient Navigation on Timeliness of Diagnosis and Treatment and on Adherence to Treatment Recommendations in a Multicenter Network in Malaysia
    Jaganathan M, Ang BH, Ali A, Sharif SZ, Mohamad M, Mohd Khairy A, et al.
    JCO Glob Oncol, 2024 Mar;10:e2300297.
    PMID: 38484197 DOI: 10.1200/GO.23.00297
    PURPOSE: Breast cancer deaths disproportionately affect women living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Patient navigation has emerged as a cost-effective and impactful approach to enable women with symptoms or suspicious mammogram findings to access timely diagnosis and patients with breast cancer to access timely and appropriate multimodality treatment. However, few studies have systematically evaluated the impact of patient navigation on timeliness of diagnosis and treatment in LMICs.

    METHODS: We established a nurse- and community-navigator-led navigation program in breast clinics of four public hospitals located in Peninsular and East Malaysia and evaluated the impact of navigation on timeliness of diagnosis and treatment.

    RESULTS: Patients with breast cancer treated at public hospitals reported facing barriers to accessing care, including having a poor recognition of breast cancer symptoms and low awareness of screening methods, and facing financial and logistics challenges. Compared with patients diagnosed in the previous year, patients receiving navigation experienced timely ultrasound (84.0% v 65.0%; P < .001), biopsy (84.0% v 78.0%; P = .012), communication of news (63.0% v 40.0%; P < .001), surgery (46% v 36%; P = .008), and neoadjuvant therapy (59% v 42%, P = .030). Treatment adherence improved significantly (98.0% v 87.0%, P < .001), and this was consistent across the network of four breast clinics.

    CONCLUSION: Patient navigation improves access to timely diagnosis and treatment for women presenting at secondary and tertiary hospitals in Malaysia.

  15. In vitro and In vivo Determination of Biological Activities of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Peel, Flesh and Seeds
    Hussain A, Korma SA, Kabir K, Kauser S, Arif MR, Fatima H, et al.
    Plant Foods Hum Nutr, 2024 Feb 15.
    PMID: 38358638 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-024-01153-2
    Momordica charantia L. has been remained a well-known medicinal vegetable used traditionally. However, which part is most effective against which disorder, has been remained undiscovered yet. The objective of this study was to examine the antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activities of peel, flesh, and seeds of bitter gourd, through in vitro and in vivo assays. Ethanolic extracts from powders of three fractions of bitter gourd were assessed for antimicrobial potential against bacterial and fungal strains, whereas, powders of these fractions were used to determine antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activity, in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Our results showed that BSE exhibited better antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, whereas BFE exhibited better against Escherichia coli. Blood glucose was significantly lowered by all three powders in a dose dependent manner, when fed to diabetic rats, with the highest decrease by BSP, which reduced the glucose level from 296.20 ± 2.00 mg/dl to 123.10 ± 0.80 mg/dl, at 15 mg dose, after 28 days trial. Elevated levels of TC (101.18 ± 0.65 mg/dl), TG (83.69 ± 0.61 mg/dl) and LDL-C (25.90 ± 0.09 mg/dl) in positive control rats were lowered down in well manners by BSP at 15 mg dose, to 86.30 ± 0.53, 67.70 ± 0.53 and 19.32 ± 0.06 mg/dl, respectively. As compared to BFP and BPP, BSP showed significant involvement in antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic actions. Along with the edible flesh, peels and seeds, which are usually discarded as waste, could also be utilized for development of pharma foods capable of promoting health.
  16. Fulltext The future of plant based green carbon dots as cancer Nanomedicine: From current progress to future Perspectives and beyond
    Jing HH, Shati AA, Alfaifi MY, Elbehairi SEI, Sasidharan S
    J Adv Res, 2024 Feb 04.
    PMID: 38320729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.034
    BACKGROUND: The emergence of carbon dots (CDs) as anticancer agents had sparked a transformation in cancer research and treatment strategies. These fluorescent CDs, initially introduced in the early 2000 s, possess exceptional biocompatibility, tunable fluorescence, and surface modification capabilities, positioning them as promising tools in biomedical applications.

    AIM OF REVIEW: The review encapsulates the transformative trajectory of green CDs as future anticancer nanomedicine, poised to redefine the strategies employed in the ongoing fight against cancer.

    KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: The versatility of CDs was rooted in their various synthesis approaches and sustainable strategies, enabling their adaptability for diverse therapeutic uses. In vitro studies had showcased CDs' selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells while sparing healthy counterparts, forming the basis for targeted therapeutic potential. This selectivity had been attributed to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which opened avenues for targeted interventions. The role of CDs in combination therapies, synergizing with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted approaches was then investigated to heighten their anticancer efficacy. Notably, in vivo studies highlight CDs' remarkable biocompatibility and minimal side effects, endorsing their translational promise. Integration with conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy amplified the versatility and effectiveness of CDs. The exploration of CDs' applications in photo-induced treatments further solidified their significance, positioning them as photosensitizers (PS) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal agents (PA) in photothermal therapy (PTT). In PDT, CDs triggered the generation of ROS upon light exposure, facilitating cancer cell elimination, while in PTT, they induced localized hyperthermia within cancer cells, enhancing therapeutic outcomes. In vitro and in vivo investigations validated CDs' efficacy in PDT and PTT, affirming their potential for integration into combination therapies. Looking ahead, the future of CDs in anticancer treatment encompasses bioavailability, biocompatibility, synergistic treatments, tumor targeting, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics integration, personalized medicine, and clinical translation. This transformative odyssey of CDs as future anticancer agents is poised to redefine the paradigm of cancer treatment strategies.

  17. Fulltext Parents' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices toward Methamphetamine Abuse among Youth and its Risk Factors in Saudi Arabia
    Ibrahiem AA, Al Dawsari MM, Almeaqli RE, Keshk AA, Ali NA, Habil H
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2024 Feb;16(Suppl 1):S753-S756.
    PMID: 38595546 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_996_23
    OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to conduct an assessment of parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward methamphetamine "shabu" abuse among youth and its risk factors.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a sample of 1179 parents. Parents were assured that questionnaire content would stay classified and was given anonymously. It had 20 demographic, drug use, and addiction treatment questions. Statistical Package for Social Sciences v. 24 and Chi-Square test were used to examine the data after evaluating and coding it.

    RESULTS: Out of a total of 1179 participants, only 11% had not heard about shabu, about 38% did not know the main symptoms of crystal addiction, and 46% did not know the long side effects of crystal addiction. The majority of participants mentioned that shabu is available in powder format (57%) or liquid (13%), while 27% did not know its form. Most of the participants (97%) think that the drug of shabu or crystal or ice is dangerous; about 60% of participants mentioned that there is an addict in the family.

    CONCLUSION: Parents have good knowledge levels regarding different aspects of methamphetamine or shabu abuse, symptoms, and its risk factors. Further in-depth studies are needed at whole Saudi Arabia.

  18. Outcome of immunosuppression in children with IgA vasculitis-related nephritis
    Rohner K, Marlais M, Ahn YH, Ali A, Alsharief A, Novak AB, et al.
    Nephrol Dial Transplant, 2024 Jan 11.
    PMID: 38211969 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfae009
    BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: IgA vasculitis with nephritis (IgAVN) is the most common vasculitis in children. Treatment recommendations are, due to a lack of evidence, based on expert opinion resulting in variation. The aim of this study was to describe clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of an extremely large cohort of children with biopsy proven IgAVN to identify prognostic risk factors and signals of treatment efficacy.

    METHODS: Retrospective data were collected on 1148 children with biopsy proven IgAVN between 2005 and 2019 from 41 international paediatric nephrology centres across 25 countries and analyzed using multivariate analysis. The primary outcome was estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and persistent proteinuria at last follow up.

    RESULTS: The median follow up was 3.7 years (IQR 2-6.2). At last follow up, 29% of patients had an eGFR 

  19. Fulltext From nature to nanotechnology: The interplay of traditional medicine, green chemistry, and biogenic metallic phytonanoparticles in modern healthcare innovation and sustainability
    Puri A, Mohite P, Maitra S, Subramaniyan V, Kumarasamy V, Uti DE, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2024 Jan;170:116083.
    PMID: 38163395 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116083
    As we navigate the modern era, the intersection of time-honoured natural remedies and contemporary scientific approaches forms a burgeoning frontier in global healthcare. For generations, natural products have been foundational to health solutions, serving as the primary healthcare choice for 80% to 85% of the world's population. These herbal-based, nature-derived substances, significant across diverse geographies, necessitate a renewed emphasis on enhancing their quality, efficacy, and safety. In the current century, the advent of biogenic phytonanoparticles has emerged as an innovative therapeutic conduit, perfectly aligning with principles of environmental safety and scientific ingenuity. Utilizing green chemistry techniques, a spectrum of metallic nanoparticles including elements such as copper, silver, iron, zinc, and titanium oxide can be produced with attributes of non-toxicity, sustainability, and economic efficiency. Sophisticated herb-mediated processes yield an array of plant-originated nanomaterials, each demonstrating unique physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. These attributes herald new therapeutic potentials, encompassing antioxidants, anti-aging applications, and more. Modern technology further accelerates the synthesis of natural products within laboratory settings, providing an efficient alternative to conventional isolation methods. The collaboration between traditional wisdom and advanced methodologies now signals a new epoch in healthcare. Here, the augmentation of traditional medicine is realized through rigorous scientific examination. By intertwining ethical considerations, cutting-edge technology, and natural philosophy, the realms of biogenic phytonanoparticles and traditional medicine forge promising pathways for research, development, and healing. The narrative of this seamless integration marks an exciting evolution in healthcare, where the fusion of sustainability and innovation crafts a future filled with endless possibilities for human well-being. The research in the development of metallic nanoparticles is crucial for unlocking their potential in revolutionizing fields such as medicine, catalysis, and electronics, promising groundbreaking applications with enhanced efficiency and tailored functionalities in future technologies. This exploration is essential for harnessing the unique properties of metallic nanoparticles to address pressing challenges and advance innovations across diverse scientific and industrial domains.
  20. Fulltext Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on epidemiological changes of severe pediatric respiratory syncytial virus infections in Malaysia
    Chan CM, Wahab AA, Ali A
    Front Public Health, 2024;12:1246921.
    PMID: 38356949 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1246921
    INTRODUCTION: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and mortality among children with respiratory tract infections. The non-pharmaceutical preventive measures against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (COVID-19) may have reduced the transmission of RSV, altering its tropical epidemiological seasonality. Thus, this study represents the first attempt to evaluate changes in RSV epidemiology in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.

    METHODS: Conducted at a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this retrospective study analyzed collated data of children aged <12 years who were admitted for severe respiratory infections from 2017 to 2022. Time series models were used to predict the differences between actual and forecasted RSV cases, while logistic regression assessed the statistical association between RSV and COVID-19.

    RESULTS: Among the 4,084 children analyzed, we reported a significant inverse relationship between RSV and COVID-19 infections during the pandemic (2020-2021) (p 

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