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Emerging trends of green hydrogen and sustainable environment in the case of Australia

Qadeer A, Hussan MW, Aziz G, Waheed R, Sarwar S

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Nov;30(54):115788-115804.
PMID: 37889409 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30560-2

The world faces immense pressure regarding the negative impacts of increased greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, global warming, droughts, and many other environmental problems. Australia is also facing the same issues and requires urgent attention. In this research, we have examined the effect of hydrogen firms on Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. We employed the monthly data from January 2002 to December 2021 for econometric estimations. Through quantile regression, it is noted that the expansion of hydrogen firms contributes to environmental pollution instead of controlling the emissions. Most hydrogen energy still emits carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. Around the world, carbon-containing fossil fuels produce more than 95% of hydrogen energy. However, as a policy suggestion, it is recommended that green hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources will succeed in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Fulltext Improvement of Prebiotic Properties and Resistant Starch Content of Corn Flour (Zea mays L.) Momala Gorontalo Using Physical, Chemical and Enzymatic Modification

Bimo Setiarto RH, Isra M, Andrianto D, Widhyastuti N, Masrukhin

Trop Life Sci Res, 2023 Jun;34(2):255-278.
PMID: 38144387 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2023.34.2.13

Probiotics are a non-digestible food ingredient that promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. One of the functional food ingredients, Momala corn flour, is a source of prebiotics with a resistant starch content of 4.42%. Thi s study aimed to improve the prebiotic properties and resistant starch content of modified corn flour (MCF) Momala Gorontalo by using physical, chemical, and enzymatic modification processes. The research methods include physical modification (heat moisture treatment, annealing, autoclaving-cooling cycling, microwave), chemical modification (acid hydrolysis), and enzymatic modification (debranching pullulanase). The results showed that the modified by heat moisture treatment (HMT) increased RS levels 1-fold, annealing modification (ANN) 8.9-fold, autoclaving-cooling one cycle modification (AC-1C) 2.9-fold, autoclaving-cooling two cycles modification (AC-2C) 2.0-fold, microwave modification (MW) 1.3-fold, acid hydrolysis (HA) modification 5.0-fold, and debranching pullulanase (DP) modification 3.8-fold compared with corn flour control without modification. The value of the prebiotic activity of MCF hydrolysed acid (HA) is 0.03, and debranching pullulanase (DP) is 0.02 against Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). The prebiotic effect value of MCF HA and DP were 0.76 and 0.60, respectively. The prebiotic index value of MCF HA and DP were 0.60 and 0.48, respectively. This study confirms that MCF HA and DP are good prebiotic candidates because they have resistant starch content, low starch digestibility, and resistance to simulated gastric fluid hydrolysis than unmodified corn flour.
Fulltext Species Distribution Model for the Asian Tapir and Vegetation Characteristics of Batang Gadis National Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Kuswanda W, Hutapea FJ, Saputra MH, Nopandry B

Trop Life Sci Res, 2023 Jun;34(2):57-80.
PMID: 38144375 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2023.34.2.4

The Asian tapir is a primitive mammal whose habitat is heavily fragmented due to human activities. Studies on the Asian tapirs in Sumatra are very few, thereby basic information for developing tapir conservation programmes is limited. This study aimed to develop the species distribution model to map the potential distribution of tapirs in Batang Gadis National Park (BGNP), investigate the characteristic of tapir habitat, and identify tapir feed plants around BGNP. The model was developed using the Maximum Entropy (Maxent) approach, based on the existing information on tapir occurrence in BGNP and environmental variables. Vegetation characteristics in different land cover (primary forests, secondary forests, and open fields) were investigated using the strip transect method. This study found that zonal classification, temperature and precipitation have the greatest percentage contribution to the model. The model estimated that around 24.45% of BGNP areas are suitable for tapir habitat, and tapirs distribute near community gardens. Our results also showed that plant diversity at study sites was categorised as moderate-high. About 23 plant species dominated by the Moraceae family were identified as feed plants for tapirs. In developing tapir conservation programmes, BGNP management needs to consider tapir distribution that is closed to community gardens. We propose BGNP to enrich feed plants in open fields of the wilderness and traditional zones; reduce the canopy cover in the wilderness and utilisation zones to stimulate the growth of feed plants; facilitate local people to live harmoniously with tapirs; involve local communities in tapir conservation programmes; encourage local communities to plant non-palatable crops for tapirs; and provide a compensation scheme.
Fulltext Alzheimer's Disease-Related Proteins Targeted by Secondary Metabolite Compounds from Streptomyces: A Scoping Review

Zainuddin MS, Bhuvanendran S, Radhakrishnan AK, Azman AS

J Alzheimers Dis Rep, 2023;7(1):1335-1350.
PMID: 38143777 DOI: 10.3233/ADR-230065

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized as rapid and progressive cognitive decline affecting 26 million people worldwide. Although immunotherapies are ideal, its clinical safety and effectiveness are controversial, hence, treatments are still reliant on symptomatic medications. Concurrently, the Streptomyces genus has attracted attention given its pharmaceutically beneficial secondary metabolites to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
OBJECTIVE: To present secondary metabolites from Streptomyces sp. with regulatory effects on proteins and identified prospective target proteins for AD treatment.
METHODS: Research articles published between 2010 and 2021 were collected from five databases and 83 relevant research articles were identified. Post-screening, only 12 research articles on AD-related proteins were selected for further review. Bioinformatics analyses were performed through the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) network, PANTHER Go-Slim classification system (PANTHER17.0), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Mapper.
RESULTS: A total of 20 target proteins were identified from the 12 shortlisted articles. Amyloid-β, BACE1, Nrf-2, Beclin-1, and ATG5 were identified as the potential target proteins, given their role in initiating AD, mitigating neuroinflammation, and autophagy. Besides, 10 compounds from Streptomyces sp., including rapamycin, alborixin, enterocin, bonnevillamides D and E, caniferolide A, anhydroexfoliamycin, rhizolutin, streptocyclinone A and B, were identified to exhibit considerable regulatory effects on these target proteins.
CONCLUSIONS: The review highlights several prospective target proteins that can be regulated through treatments with Streptomyces sp. compounds to prevent AD's early stages and progression. Further identification of Streptomyces sp. compounds with potential anti-AD properties is recommended.
Hydatigera taeniaeformis in urban rats (Rattus rattus) in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Alvi MA, Li L, Ohiolei JA, Qamar W, Saqib M, Tayyab MH, et al.

Infect Genet Evol, 2021 Aug;92:104873.
PMID: 33905888 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104873

Hydatigera taeniaeformis formerly referred to as Taenia taeniaeformis is a cestode of cats (definitive hosts) and rodents (intermediate hosts). The prevalence of the metacestode larval stage has been reported in rodents in many parts of the world even though the genetic polymorphisms or intraspecies variation is still understudied. Here, we report a prevalence of 22.09% (38/172) from an urban rodent population in Pakistan and a nucleotide diversity (cox1) of 0.00463 among the population. Infection was higher in male (27.85%) and adult (32.29%) rats than female and sub-adult/young rats. Interestingly, The median-joining network and phylogenetic construction comprising isolates from China, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Senegal, the United Arab Emirates, and countries in Europe demonstrated that Pakistani H. taeniaeformis are closer to Asian and African population than those of European origin. The results of the study will add-in preliminary data for H. taeniaeformis and will also contribute to understand the global molecular epidemiology and population structure of H. taeniaeformis.
Fulltext Validation of CHERG'S Verbal Autopsy-Social Autopsy (VASA) tool for ascertaining determinants and causes of under-five child mortality in Pakistan

Siddiqui MB, Ng CW, Low WY, Abid K

PLoS One, 2023;18(12):e0278149.
PMID: 38109305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278149

The majority (40%) of the world's under-five mortality burden is concentrated in nations like Nigeria (16.5%), India (16%), Pakistan (8%), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (6%), where an undetermined number of under-five deaths go unrecorded. In low-resource settings throughout the world, the Verbal Autopsy-Social Autopsy (VASA) technique may assist assess under-five mortality estimates, assigning medical and social causes of death, and identifying relevant determinants. Uncertainty regarding missing data in high-burden nations like Pakistan necessitates a valid and reliable VASA instrument. This is the first study to validate Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group-CHERG's VASA tool globally. In Pakistan, data from such a valid and reliable tool is vital for policy. This paper reports on the VASA tool in Karachi, Pakistan. Validity and reliability of the CHERG VASA tool were tested using face, content, discriminant validation, and reliability tests on one hundred randomly selected mothers who had recently experienced an under-five child death event. Data were computed on SPSS (version-21) and R software. Testing revealed high Item-content Validity Index (I-CVI) (>81.43%); high Cronbach's Alpha (0.843); the accuracy of between 75-100% of the discriminants classifying births to live and stillbirths; and I-CVI (>82.07% and 88.98% respectively) with high accuracy (92% and 97% respectively) for assigning biological and social causes of child deaths, respectively. The CHERG VASA questionnaire was found relevant to the conceptual framework and valid in Pakistan. This valid tool can assign accurate medical and non-medical causes of child mortality cases occurring in Pakistan.
Fulltext Diagnostic Accuracy of Lactate Dehydrogenase/Adenosine Deaminase Ratio in Differentiating Tuberculous and Parapneumonic Effusions: A Systematic Review

Nyanti LE, Rahim MAA, Huan NC

Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul), 2024 Jan;87(1):91-99.
PMID: 37726943 DOI: 10.4046/trd.2023.0107

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) and parapneumonic effusion (PPE) are often difficult to differentiate owing to the overlapping clinical features. Observational studies demonstrate that the ratio of lactate dehydrogenase to adenosine deaminase (LDH/ADA) is lower in TPE compared to PPE, but integrated analysis is warranted.
METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the LDH/ADA ratio in differentiating TPE and PPE. We explored the PubMed and Scopus databases for studies evaluating the LDH/ADA ratio in differentiating TPE and PPE.
RESULTS: From a yield of 110 studies, five were included for systematic review. The cutoff value for the LDH/ADA ratio in TPE ranged from <14.2 to <25. The studies demonstrated high heterogeneity, precluding meta-analysis. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Tool 2 assessment revealed a high risk of bias in terms of patient selection and index test.
CONCLUSION: LDH/ADA ratio is a potentially useful parameter to differentiate between TPE and PPE. Based on the limited data, we recommend an LDH/ADA ratio cutoff value of <15 in differentiating TPE and PPE. However, more rigorous studies are needed to further validate this recommendation.
Online commentaries of the sugar-sweetened beverages tax in Malaysia: Content analysis

Mohd Hanim MFB, Md Sabri BA, Yusof N

Public Health Nurs, 2024;41(1):139-150.
PMID: 37953703 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13262

INTRODUCTION: Implementing taxes on sugary drinks, or SSBs, has been a controversial topic in many countries, including Malaysia. This study aimed to examine how Malaysian Facebook users responded to the announcement and implementation of the SSBs tax through netnography.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study employed qualitative and quantitative methods and used an inductive approach and thematic content analysis to analyze online commentaries on news articles published on popular online news portals from November 2018 to August 2019. Data was collected by downloading the commentaries onto Microsoft Word and importing them into NVivo.
RESULTS: Of the commentaries analyzed, 60.9% rejected the SSBs tax, and 39.1% favored it. No association was found between the online news articles and the slants of the commentaries.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate a clear divide in public opinion regarding the SSBs tax in Malaysia, with many online readers expressing opposition to the tax despite evidence of the harmful effects of sugar presented in the articles they are commenting on. These findings have implications for policymakers and public health advocates seeking to implement similar taxes in the future.
Impact of transportation infrastructure and urbanization on environmental pollution: evidence from novel wavelet quantile correlation approach

Malik MU, Rehman ZU, Sharif A, Anwar A

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Jan;31(2):3014-3030.
PMID: 38079035 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31197-x

In terms of achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), the developing economies are facing many issues, and one of the key issues is environmental degradation. Being a developing economy, Pakistan is also experiencing thought-provoking impacts of global warming and still far away from the ideal track of sustainable development. For addressing environment-related issue and achieving the targets of SDGs, a policy-level reorientation might be necessary. In this view, this study investigates the impact of economic growth, transport infrastructure, urbanization, financial development, and renewable energy consumption on CO2 emissions by using the data of Pakistan during 1990-2020. For this purpose, we use novel wavelet quantile correlation approach. The empirical results of wavelet quantile correlation approach demonstrate that economic growth, transport infrastructure, urbanization, and financial development are responsible for environmental pollution. Whereas, result also claims that renewable energy consumption is a useful tool for reducing environmental pollution in Pakistan. Moreover, the results of FMOLS approach show that 1% increase in economic growth, transportation infrastructure, urbanization, and financial development increases CO2 emissions by 0.240, 0.010, 0.478, and 0.102%, respectively. However, 1% increase in renewable energy usage reduces CO2 emission by 1.083%. Based on the empirical outcomes, this study proposes comprehensive policy framework for achieving the targets of SDG 7 (clean energy), SDG 8 (economic growth), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 13 (climate action).
Fulltext Physical, mechanical, and microstructural characterisation of tungsten carbide-based polymeric composites for radiation shielding application

Abualroos NJ, Idris MI, Ibrahim H, Kamaruzaman MI, Zainon R

Sci Rep, 2024 Jan 16;14(1):1375.
PMID: 38228643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49842-3

Polymeric based composites have gained considerable attention as potential candidates for advanced radiation shielding applications due to their unique combination of high-density, radiation attenuation properties and improved mechanical strength. This study focuses on the comprehensive characterisation of polymeric based composites for radiation shielding applications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical, mechanical and microstructural properties of tungsten carbide-based epoxy resin and tungsten carbide cobalt-based epoxy resin for its efficiency in shielding against gamma-rays ranging from 0.6 up to 1.33 MeV. Polymeric composites with different weight percentages of epoxy resin (40 wt%, 35 wt%, 30 wt%, 25 wt%, 20 wt%, 15 wt% and 10 wt%) were fabricated, investigated and compared to conventional lead shield. The attenuation of the composites was performed using NaI (Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer to investigate the linear and mass attenuation coefficients, half value layer, and mean free path. High filler loadings into epoxy resin matrix (90% filler/10% epoxy) exhibited excellent gamma shielding properties. Mechanical properties, such as hardness were examined to assess the structural integrity and durability of the composites under various conditions. The fabricated composites showed a good resistance, the maximum hardness was attributed to composites with small thickness. The high loading of fillers in the epoxy matrix improved the microhardness of the composites. The distribution of the filler powder within the epoxy matrix was investigated using FESEM/EDX. The results revealed the successful incorporation of tungsten carbide and cobalt particles into the polymer matrix, leading to increased composite density and enhanced radiation attenuation. The unique combination of high-density, radiation attenuation, and improved mechanical properties positions polymeric based composites as promising candidates for radiation protection field.
The untold story of PFAS alternatives: Insights into the occurrence, ecotoxicological impacts, and removal strategies in the aquatic environment

Hamid N, Junaid M, Sultan M, Yoganandham ST, Chuan OM

Water Res, 2024 Feb 15;250:121044.
PMID: 38154338 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121044

Due to increasing regulations on the production and consumption of legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the global use of PFAS substitutes increased tremendously, posing serious environmental risks owing to their bioaccumulation, toxicity, and lack of removal strategies. This review summarized the spatial distribution of alternative PFAS and their ecological risks in global freshwater and marine ecosystems. Further, toxicological effects of novel PFAS in various freshwater and marine species were highlighted. Moreover, degradation mechanisms for alternative PFAS removal from aquatic environments were compared and discussed. The spatial distribution showed that 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 CI-PFAES, also known as F-53B) was the most dominant emerging PFAS found in freshwater. Additionally, the highest levels of PFBS and PFBA were observed in marine waters (West Pacific Ocean). Moreover, short-chain PFAS exhibited higher concentrations than long-chain congeners. The ecological risk quotients (RQs) for phytoplankton were relatively higher >1 than invertebrates, indicating a higher risk for freshwater phytoplankton species. Similarly, in marine water, the majority of PFAS substitutes exhibited negligible risk for invertebrates and fish, and posed elevated risks for phytoplanktons. Reviewed studies showed that alternative PFAS undergo bioaccumulation and cause deleterious effects such as oxidative stress, hepatoxicity, neurotoxicity, histopathological alterations, behavioral and growth abnormalities, reproductive toxicity and metabolism defects in freshwater and marine species. Regarding PFAS treatment methods, photodegradation, photocatalysis, and adsorption showed promising degradation approaches with efficiencies as high as 90%. Finally, research gaps and future perspectives for alternative PFAS toxicological implications and their removal were offered.
Fulltext The adoption and use of learning analytics tools to improve decision making in higher learning institutions: An extension of technology acceptance model

Mukred M, Mokhtar UA, Hawash B, AlSalman H, Zohaib M

Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e26315.
PMID: 38420393 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26315

Learning Analytics Tools (LATs) can be used for informed decision-making regarding teaching strategies and their continuous enhancement. Therefore, LATs must be adopted in higher learning institutions, but several factors hinder its implementation, primarily due to the lack of an implementation model. Therefore, in this study, the focus is directed towards examining LATs adoption in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs), with emphasis on the determinants of the adoption process. The study mainly aims to design a model of LAT adoption and use it in the above context to improve the institutions' decision-making and accordingly, the study adopted an extended version of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the underpinning theory. Five experts validated the employed survey instrument, and 500 questionnaire copies were distributed through e-mails, from which 275 copies were retrieved from Saudi employees working at public HLIs. Data gathered was exposed to Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for analysis and to test the proposed conceptual model. Based on the findings, the perceived usefulness of LAT plays a significant role as a determinant of its adoption. Other variables include top management support, financial support, and the government's role in LATs acceptance and adoption among HLIs. The findings also supported the contribution of LAT adoption and acceptance towards making informed decisions and highlighted the need for big data facility and cloud computing ability towards LATs usefulness. The findings have significant implications towards LATs implementation success among HLIs, providing clear insights into the factors that can enhance its adoption and acceptance. They also lay the basis for future studies in the area to validate further the effect of LATs on decision-making among HLIs institutions. Furthermore, the obtained findings are expected to serve as practical implications for policy makers and educational leaders in their objective to implement LAT using a multi-layered method that considers other aspects in addition to the perceptions of the individual user.
Knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding copper intrauterine contraceptive devices among doctors in Malaysia

Chew KT, Salim N, Abu MA, Abdul Karim AK

BMJ Sex Reprod Health, 2018 Jun 01.
PMID: 29972367 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2017-101869

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) are an important method to reduce unmet need for family planning and for prevention of unintended pregnancy. However, IUD use in Malaysia is still low. Doctors play a major role in influencing IUD uptake among women. This study was designed to evaluate doctors' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards IUDs and factors associated with their current practice.
METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to public and private contraceptive providers who practise in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
RESULTS: A total of 400 doctors were invited and 240 (60%) of them responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 161 (65.9%) were from the public or government sector and 89 (34.1%) were from the private sector. The knowledge score of doctors was classed as 'average', and correlated well with their previous training level, working position, number of patients seen in a week and number of contraceptive methods available in their facilities. The age, gender, working duration, availability of IUDs in the premises and number of IUD insertions in a month were not statistically associated with the providers' knowledge. The use of IUDs was low, especially among private doctors, and was significantly related to their knowledge of the method. Knowledge scores, perception and practice were significantly lower in the private sector.
Fulltext Optimizing energy efficiency in heterogeneous networks: An integrated stochastic geometry approach with novel sleep mode strategies and QoS framework

Shabbir A, Rizvi S, Alam MM, Shirazi F, Su'ud MM

PLoS One, 2024;19(2):e0296392.
PMID: 38408070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296392

The quest for energy efficiency (EE) in multi-tier Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets) is observed within the context of surging high-speed data demands and the rapid proliferation of wireless devices. The analysis of existing literature underscores the need for more comprehensive strategies to realize genuinely energy-efficient HetNets. This research work contributes significantly by employing a systematic methodology, utilizing This model facilitates the assessment of network performance by considering the spatial distribution of network elements. The stochastic nature of the PPP allows for a realistic representation of the random spatial deployment of base stations and users in multi-tier HetNets. Additionally, an analytical framework for Quality of Service (QoS) provision based on D-DOSS simplifies the understanding of user-base station relationships and offers essential performance metrics. Moreover, an optimization problem formulation, considering coverage, energy maximization, and delay minimization constraints, aims to strike a balance between key network attributes. This research not only addresses crucial challenges in creating EE HetNets but also lays a foundation for future advancements in wireless network design, operation, and management, ultimately benefiting network operators and end-users alike amidst the growing demand for high-speed data and the increasing prevalence of wireless devices. The proposed D-DOSS approach not only offers insights for the systematic design and analysis of EE HetNets but also systematically outperforms other state-of-the-art techniques presented. The improvement in energy efficiency systematically ranges from 67% (min side) to 98% (max side), systematically demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in achieving higher energy efficiency compared to existing strategies. This systematic research work establishes a strong foundation for the systematic evolution of energy-efficient HetNets. The systematic methodology employed ensures a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay of network dynamics and user requirements in a multi-tiered environment.
Fulltext Cyberattack patterns in blockchain-based communication networks for distributed renewable energy systems: A study on big datasets

Faheem M, Al-Khasawneh MA, Khan AA, Madni SHH

Data Brief, 2024 Apr;53:110212.
PMID: 38439994 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2024.110212

Blockchain-based reliable, resilient, and secure communication for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) is essential in Smart Grid (SG). The Solana blockchain, due to its high stability, scalability, and throughput, along with low latency, is envisioned to enhance the reliability, resilience, and security of DERs in SGs. This paper presents big datasets focusing on SQL Injection, Spoofing, and Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) cyberattacks, which have been collected from Solana blockchain-based Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (IWSNs) for events monitoring and control in DERs. The datasets provided include both raw (unprocessed) and refined (processed) data, which highlight distinct trends in cyberattacks in DERs. These distinctive patterns demonstrate problems like superfluous mass data generation, transmitting invalid packets, sending deceptive data packets, heavily using network bandwidth, rerouting, causing memory overflow, overheads, and creating high latency. These issues result in ineffective real-time events monitoring and control of DERs in SGs. The thorough nature of these datasets is expected to play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating a wide range of cyberattacks across different smart grid applications.
Fulltext MedLingua: A conceptual framework for a multilingual medical conversational agent

Himel GMS, Hasan MS, Salsabil US, Islam MM

MethodsX, 2024 Jun;12:102614.
PMID: 38439929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102614

This study introduces a hybrid model for an advanced medical chatbot addressing crucial healthcare communication challenges. Leveraging a hybrid ML model, the chatbot aims to provide accurate and prompt responses to users' health-related queries. The proposed model will overcome limitations observed in previous medical chatbots by integrating a dual-stemming approach, P-Stemmer and NLTK-Stemmer, accommodating both semitic and non-semitic languages. The system prioritizes the analysis of cognates, identification of symptoms, doctor recommendations, and prescription generation. It integrates an automatic translation module to facilitate a smooth multilingual diagnostic experience. Following the Scrum methodology for agile development, the framework ensures adaptability to evolving research needs and stays current with recent medical discoveries. This groundbreaking idea aims to improve the effectiveness and availability of healthcare services by introducing an intelligent, multilingual chatbot. This technology enables patients to communicate with doctors from diverse linguistic backgrounds through an automated language translation model, eliminating language barriers and extending healthcare access to rural regions worldwide.•A simple but efficient hybrid conceptual model for advancement in smart medical assistance.•This conceptual model can be applied to implement a medical chatbot that can understand multiple languages.•This method can be utilized to address medical chatbot limitations and enhance accuracy in response generation.
Fulltext FKBP22 from the psychrophilic bacterium Shewanella sp. SIB1 selectively binds to the reduced state of insulin to prevent its aggregation

Budiman C, Goh CKW, Arief II, Yusuf M

Cell Stress Chaperones, 2021 Mar;26(2):377-386.
PMID: 33247372 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-020-01183-0

FKBP22 of a psychrophilic bacterium, Shewanella sp. SIB1 (SIB1 FKBP22), is a member of peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) and consists of N- and C-domains responsible for chaperone-like and PPIase catalytic activities, respectively. The chaperone-like activity of SIB1 FKBP22 was previously evidenced by its ability to prevent dithiothreitol (DTT)-induced insulin aggregation. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which this protein inhibits the aggregation remains unclear. To address this, the binding affinity of SIB1 FKBP22 to the native or reduced states of insulin was examined using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The native and reduced states refer to insulin in the absence or DTT presence, respectively. The SPR sensorgram showed that SIB1 FKBP22 binds specifically to the reduced state of insulin, with a KD value of 37.31 ± 3.20 μM. This binding was facilitated by the N-domain, as indicated by the comparable KD values of the N-domain and SIB1 FKBP22. Meanwhile, the reduced state of insulin was found to have no affinity towards the C-domain. The KD value of SIB1 FKBP22 was slightly decreased by NaCl but was not severely affected by FK506, a specific FKBP inhibitor. Similarly, the prevention of DTT-induced aggregation by SIB1 FKBP22 was also modulated by the N-domain and was not affected by FK506. Further, the reduced and native states of insulin had no effect on the catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM) of SIB1 FKBP22 towards a peptide substrate. Nevertheless, the reduced state of insulin slightly reduced the catalytic efficiency towards refolding RNase T1, at up to 1.5-fold lower than in the absence of insulin. These results suggested that the binding event was mainly facilitated by hydrophobic interaction and was independent from its PPIase activity. Altogether, a possible mechanism by which SIB1 FKBP22 prevents DTT-induced insulin aggregation was proposed.
Fulltext Symptomatic syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone as a rare early presentation of primary thymic carcinoma: a case report

Samsuddin MJ, Yaacob SS, Razi AABM

J Surg Case Rep, 2024 Feb;2024(2):rjae025.
PMID: 38344137 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae025

Syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH) can be presented as a paraneoplastic syndrome in primary malignancies involving the lung and brain. However, the development of SIADH in primary thymic carcinoma is poorly documented. We report a case of an elderly, with an initial presentation of symptomatic persistent hyponatremia as a paraneoplastic syndrome of SIADH with an incidental finding of anterior mediastinal mass confirmed on imaging. Further investigations are consistent with the diagnosis of poorly differentiated locally advanced thymic carcinoma with lung infiltration (T3N1Mx). The patient underwent an En-bloc total thymectomy and subsequently completed adjuvant chemotherapy and further follow-up showed a complete resolution of hyponatraemic SIADH. In conclusion, SIADH may be presented as a paraneoplastic syndrome in primary thymic carcinoma and early detection of thymic malignancy is paramount to ensure early diagnosis and prognostication.
Fulltext Protecting mechanism of Swietenia macrophylla ethanol extract nanoparticle on streptozotocin induced renal damage in rat

Kurnijasanti R, Wardani G, Mustafa MR, Sudjarwo SA

Open Vet J, 2023 Dec;13(12):1623-1630.
PMID: 38292712 DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i12.12

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contributes to diabetic complications such as kidney cell damage. Antioxidant administration could inhibit ROS and kidney cell damage commonly seen in hyperglycemia.
AIM: We want to demonstrate that the antioxidant properties of Swietenia macrophylla ethanol extract nanoparticles can prevent kidney cell damage brought on by streptozotocin (STZ) in the current investigation.
METHODS: This study employs high-energy ball milling to produce nanoparticles from S. macrophylla extract. Additionally, dynamic light scattering (DLS) is utilized to characterize the nanoparticle sizes of the S. macrophylla ethanol extract. Five groups, each consisting of 8 rats, were formed from 40 rats. Control rats received distilled water, the diabetic rats were administered STZ injections, while S. macrophylla rats were given S. macrophylla extract nanoparticles orally and STZ injection. After the trial, blood from a rat was drawn intracardially to check the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were then assessed in kidney tissue samples. Histological alterations were evaluated in kidney section samples.
RESULTS: A DLS analysis estimated the size of the S. macrophylla ethanol extract nanoparticles to be about 91.50 ± 23.06 nm. BUN and creatinine levels were significantly raised after STZ treatment. STZ significantly decreased SOD and GPx levels in kidney tissue while raising MDA levels (p < 0.05). Swietenia macrophylla ethanol extract nanoparticle caused the decreased levels of BUN and creatinine in blood to normal levels (p < 0.05), indicating that S. macrophylla ethanol extract prevented the STZ-induced kidney cell damage. Additionally, S. macrophylla nanoparticles significantly raise GPx and SOD levels in kidney tissue while lowering MDA levels (p < 0.05). These actions are thought to have prevented kidney histological alterations (degeneration and necrosis) in diabetic rats.
CONCLUSION: According to these results, the anti-oxidative stress properties of S. macrophylla nanoparticles make them potentially effective nephroprotective therapies for STZ-induced kidney cell damage.
The Narrowband CE-Chirp Stimulus Does Not Necessarily Produce More Robust Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential

Zakaria MN, Salim R, Anual MSI, Patuzzi R

Ear Hear, 2024 Feb 22.
PMID: 38383959 DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001497

OBJECTIVE: Various studies have been conducted to search for the most optimal stimulus for eliciting cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP). More recently, there is a growing interest to study the usefulness of chirp stimuli in cVEMP recording. Nevertheless, contradictory outcomes have been reported across the studies, and further research with larger samples would be beneficial to provide better insight into this matter. As such, the present study was carried out to compare cVEMP results between narrowband (NB) CE-Chirp (centered at 500 Hz) and 500 Hz tone burst stimuli.
DESIGN: In this study that employed a comparative study design, 98 normally hearing adults aged between 19 and 24 years were enrolled. All of them underwent the cVEMP testing based on the recommended test protocol. The stimuli were a 500 Hz tone burst and a NB CE-Chirp (360-720 Hz) presented through insert earphones at an intensity level of 120.5 dB peSPL.
RESULTS: For each stimulus, cVEMP results did not differ significantly between the ears (p > 0.05). Relative to the 500 Hz tone burst, the NB CE-Chirp stimulus produced statistically shorter P1 and N1 latencies (p < 0.001). On the other hand, P1-N1 amplitude was found to be comparable between the two stimuli (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The present study did not find any supporting evidence that the NB CE-Chirp stimulus (centered at 500 Hz) outperformed the conventional 500 Hz tone burst in the cVEMP testing. Both stimuli are considered equally appropriate to record cVEMP responses in clinical settings.

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