Displaying publications 201 - 220 of 325 in total

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  1. Fulltext Self-medication dilemma in dengue fever
    Khan MA, Tahir MJ, Ameer MA, Nawaz RA, Asghar MS, Ahmed A
    Public Health Pract (Oxf), 2022 Dec;4:100298.
    PMID: 36570398 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100298
    This paper focuses on the trends of self-medication practices in treating symptoms that may lead to fatal complications in dengue. As dengue is a viral infection with increasing incidence, decision regarding its treatment is mostly affected by public health believes and practices to self-treat the condition by different home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or using outdated prescription drugs that proved beneficial in the past experience. Poverty, lack of education, and poor access to health facilities pave the way for making such decisions. Future complications can be averted by raising awareness, counseling the patients and dispensing of pharmaceuticals with strict monitoring.
  2. Fulltext A comprehensive photovoltaic study on tungsten disulfide (WS2) buffer layer based CdTe solar cell
    Emon EI, Islam AM, Sobayel MK, Islam S, Akhtaruzzaman M, Amin N, et al.
    Heliyon, 2023 Mar;9(3):e14438.
    PMID: 36950573 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14438
    Transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMCDs)-Tungsten disulfide (WS2) exhibit excellent optoelectronic properties such as suitable bandgap, high absorption coefficient, good conductivity, high carrier mobility, etc. to be used as a photovoltaic material for thin-film solar cells. In the present work, we have replaced the traditional buffer CdS and ITO/ZnO window layer in CdTe solar cells with the non-toxic, earth-abundant WS2 buffer and SnO2 window layer, respectively. The SCAPS-1D solar simulator is used to investigate the potentiality of WS2 as buffer material in CdTe solar cells. This numerical study provides a comparison of the performances between the proposed structure: SnO2/WS2/CdTe/Au and the baseline structure: ITO/ZnO/CdS/CdTe/Au. The impacts of the charge carrier generation rate, spectral response, current-voltage characteristics, bulk defect density, defect density at buffer/absorber interface, operating temperature, and capacitance-voltage characteristics on the solar cell performance parameters have also been analyzed. The tolerance level of defect density in WS2 bulk and WS2/CdTe interface are found to be 1017 cm-3 and 1012 cm-3, respectively. The temperature study reveals the poor structural robustness and thermal stability of the proposed cell. The conversion efficiency of the proposed cell has found to be 20.55% at the optimized device structure. Nevertheles, these findings may provide an insight to fabricate viable, environment friendly, and inexpensive CdTe thin-film solar cells.
  3. MOF-Derived Cobalt@Mesoporous Carbon as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Impact of Organic Linker
    Abu Hatab AS, Ahmad YH, Ibrahim M, Elsafi Ahmed A, Abdul Rahman MB, Al-Qaradawi SY
    Langmuir, 2023 Jan 06.
    PMID: 36607611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02873
    Water electrolysis has attracted scientists' attention as a green route for energy generation. However, the sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remarkably increases the reaction overpotential. In this work, we developed Co-based nanomaterials as cost-effective, highly efficient catalysts for OER. In this regard, different Co-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were synthesized using different organic linkers. After annealing under inert atmosphere, the corresponding Co-embedded mesoporous carbon (Co/MC) materials were produced. Among them, Co/MC synthesized using 2-methyl imidazole (Co/NMC-2MeIM) expressed the highest surface area (412 m2/g) compared to its counterparts. Furthermore, it expressed a higher degree of defects as depicted by Raman spectra. Co/NMC-2MeIM exhibited the best catalytic performance toward OER in alkaline medium. It afforded an overpotential of 292 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 99.2 mV dec-1. The superior electrocatalytic performance of Co/NMC-2MeIM is attributed to its high content of Co3+ on the surface, high surface area, and enhanced electrical conductivity induced by nitrogen doping. Furthermore, its high content of pyridinic-N and high degree of defects remarkably enhance the charge transfer between the adsorbed oxygen species and the active sites. These results may pave the avenue toward further investigation of metal/carbon materials in a wide range of electrocatalytic applications.
  4. Pharmacist-Involved Antiretroviral Stewardship Programs in People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review
    Ahmed A, Tanveer M, Dujaili JA, Chuah LH, Hashmi FK, Awaisu A
    AIDS Patient Care STDS, 2023 Jan;37(1):31-52.
    PMID: 36626156 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2022.0192
    People living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS; PLWHA) frequently encounter antiretroviral (ARV) therapy-related problems. Clinical pharmacists with specialized training in ARV stewardship play an important role in managing these problems. However, there is a paucity of evidence to clarify the impact of clinical pharmacists' interventions on managing ARV therapy-related problems in PLWHA. Therefore, we aim to systematically review the literature to determine the nature and impact of pharmacists' interventions on managing medication-related problems in PLWHA. The review protocol was registered on International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42020173078). Relevant records were identified from six electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register) from their inception until September 2022. We included all randomized and nonrandomized interventional studies that were published in English. After the abstract and full-text screening, data were extracted from the selected studies, and the quality of the studies was assessed. The electronic database search and citation tracking identified two thousand and three citations. The review included 21 of these studies, involving 2998 PLWHA, published between 2014 and 2022. Pharmacists' interventions, working alone or in a multi-disciplinary team, comprised ARV medication review, management of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), therapeutic drug monitoring, prevention of drug interactions, and provision of drug information to PLWHA or the health care team. The pharmacist-involved interventions significantly reduced incorrect/incomplete ARV regimens, drug interactions, incorrect dosages, duplicate therapy, polypharmacy, administration errors, missing medication, wrong formulation, ADRs, and prescribing errors. Most studies reported that physicians usually accept more than 90% of the pharmacists' recommendations. ARV medication-related problems remain highly prevalent in PLWHA. Pharmacist-led interventions and stewardship significantly reduce ARV therapy-related problems in PLWHA and are widely accepted by physicians. Dedicated pharmacists with specialized training and credentialing in infectious diseases or HIV/AIDS have a great potential to improve health outcomes in PLWHA.
  5. Fulltext Interventions and Impact of Pharmacist-Delivered Services for People Infected with COVID-19: A Systematic Review
    Ahmed A, Tanveer M, Shrestha S, Khatiwada AP, Khanal S, Dujaili JA, et al.
    Healthcare (Basel), 2022 Aug 26;10(9).
    PMID: 36141242 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091630
    Pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare team. The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led pharmacists to undertake additional clinical roles. We aim to conduct a systematic review on the interventions and impact of pharmacist-delivered services in managing COVID-19 patients. We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL plus, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Web of Science from 1 December 2019 (the first case of COVID-19 emerged) to 13 January 2022 to retrieve the articles. Cochrane handbook and PRISMA guidelines were followed respectively to perform and report the review. The pharmacist-led interventions were reported following the Descriptive Elements of Pharmacist Intervention Characterization Tool (DEPICT) version 2. The protocol of systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021277128). Studies quality was assessed with the modified NOS scale. In total, 7 observational studies were identified from 10,838 studies. Identification of dosage errors (n = 6 studies), regimen modifications (n = 5), removal of obsolete/duplicate medications (n = 5), identification and management of adverse drug reactions (n = 4), drug interactions prevention (n = 2), and physicians acceptance rate (n = 3) of therapy-related services delivered in-person or via tele-pharmacy were among the pharmacist-delivered services. Common interventions delivered by pharmacists also included optimizing the use of antibacterial, antivirals, and anticoagulants in COVID-19 infected patients. The acceptance of pharmacist-delivered services by physicians was high (88.5-95.5%). Included studies have described pharmacists' beneficial role in managing patients with COVID-19 including detection, resolution, and prevention of medication-related problems, with physicians demonstrating high trust in pharmacists' advice. Future research should assess the feasibility and scalability of such roles in real-world settings.
  6. Influence of bioaugmented fungi on tolerance, growth and phytoremediation ability of Prosopis juliflora Sw. DC in heavy metal-polluted landfill soil
    Hassan A, Hamid FS, Pariatamby A, Ossai IC, Ahmed A, Barasarathi J, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Apr;31(19):28671-28694.
    PMID: 38561536 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33018-1
    The research aimed to determine the influence of endophytic fungi on tolerance, growth and phytoremediation ability of Prosopis juliflora in heavy metal-polluted landfill soil. A consortium of 13 fungal isolates as well as Prosopis juliflora Sw. DC was used to decontaminate heavy metal-polluted landfill soil. Enhanced plant growth (biomass and root and shoot lengths) and production of carotenoids, chlorophyll and amino acids L-phenylalanine and L-leucine that are known to enhance growth were found in the treated P. juliflora. Better accumulations of heavy metals were observed in fungi-treated P. juliflora over the untreated one. An upregulated activity of peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase was recorded in fungi-treated P. juliflora. Additionally, other metabolites, such as glutathione, 3,5,7,2',5'-pentahydroxyflavone, 5,2'-dihydroxyflavone and 5,7,2',3'-tetrahydroxyflavone, and small peptides, which include Lys Gln Ile, Ser Arg Ala, Asp Arg Gly, Arg Ser Ser, His His Arg, Arg Thr Glu, Thr Arg Asp and Ser Pro Arg, were also detected. These provide defence supports to P. juliflora against toxic metals. Inoculating the plant with the fungi improved its growth, metal accumulation as well as tolerance against heavy metal toxicity. Such a combination can be used as an effective strategy for the bioremediation of metal-polluted soil.
  7. Fulltext Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine against Glycoprotein G of Nipah Henipavirus Using Immunoinformatics Approaches
    Mohammed AA, Shantier SW, Mustafa MI, Osman HK, Elmansi HE, Osman IA, et al.
    J Immunol Res, 2020;2020:2567957.
    PMID: 32377531 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2567957
    Background: Nipah belongs to the genus Henipavirus and the Paramyxoviridae family. It is an endemic most commonly found at South Asia and has first emerged in Malaysia in 1998. Bats are found to be the main reservoir for this virus, causing disease in both humans and animals. The last outbreak has occurred in May 2018 in Kerala. It is characterized by high pathogenicity and fatality rates which varies from 40% to 70% depending on the severity of the disease and on the availability of adequate healthcare facilities. Currently, there are no antiviral drugs available for NiV disease and the treatment is just supportive. Clinical presentations for this virus range from asymptomatic infection to fatal encephalitis.

    Objective: This study is aimed at predicting an effective epitope-based vaccine against glycoprotein G of Nipah henipavirus, using immunoinformatics approaches.

    Methods and Materials: Glycoprotein G of the Nipah virus sequence was retrieved from NCBI. Different prediction tools were used to analyze the epitopes, namely, BepiPred-2.0: Sequential B Cell Epitope Predictor for B cell and T cell MHC classes II and I. Then, the proposed peptides were docked using Autodock 4.0 software program. Results and Conclusions. The two peptides TVYHCSAVY and FLIDRINWI have showed a very strong binding affinity to MHC class I and MHC class II alleles. Furthermore, considering the conservancy, the affinity, and the population coverage, the peptide FLIDRINWIT is highly suitable to be utilized to formulate a new vaccine against glycoprotein G of Nipah henipavirus. An in vivo study for the proposed peptides is also highly recommended.

  8. Corrigendum to: Genetic underpinnings in Alzheimer's disease - a review
    Moustafa AA, Hassan M, Hewedi DH, Hewedi I, Garami JK, Al Ashwal H, et al.
    Rev Neurosci, 2018 09 25;29(7):815.
    PMID: 30179856 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2018-0081
  9. Fulltext Severity of COVID-19 infection in ACEI/ARB users in specialty hospitals: A retrospective cohort study
    Alrashed AA, Khan TM, Alhusseini NK, Asdaq SMB, Enani M, Alosaimi B, et al.
    J Infect Public Health, 2021 Jun;14(6):726-733.
    PMID: 34020213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.03.004
    BACKGROUND: The uncertainty about COVID-19 outcomes in angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) users continues with contradictory findings. This study aimed to determine the effect of ACEI/ARB use in patients with severe COVID-19.

    METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was done in two Saudi public specialty hospitals designated as COVID-19 referral facilities. We included 354 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 between April and June 2020, of which 146 were ACEI/ARB users and 208 were non-ACEI/ARB users. Controlling for confounders, we conducted multivariate logistic regression and sensitivity analyses using propensity score matching (PSM) and Inverse propensity score weighting (IPSW) for high-risk patient subsets.

    RESULTS: Compared to non-ACEI/ARB users, ACEI/ARB users had an eight-fold higher risk of developing critical or severe COVID-19 (OR = 8.25, 95%CI = 3.32-20.53); a nearly 7-fold higher risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR = 6.76, 95%CI = 2.88-15.89) and a nearly 5-fold higher risk of requiring noninvasive ventilation (OR = 4.77,95%CI = 2.15-10.55). Patients with diabetes, hypertension, and/or renal disease had a five-fold higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease (OR = 5.40,95%CI = 2.0-14.54]. These results were confirmed in the PSM and IPSW analyses.

    CONCLUSION: In general, but especially among patients with hypertension, diabetes, and/or renal disease, ACEI/ARB use is associated with a significantly higher risk of severe or critical COVID-19 disease, and ICU care.

  10. Fulltext Identifying Mucormycosis Severity in Indian COVID-19 Patients: A Nano-Based Diagnosis and the Necessity for Critical Therapeutic Intervention
    Asdaq SMB, Rajan A, Damodaran A, Kamath SR, Nair KS, Zachariah SM, et al.
    Antibiotics (Basel), 2021 Oct 27;10(11).
    PMID: 34827246 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111308
    The COVID-19 infection caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 virus has been linked to a broad spectrum of symptoms, from a mild cough to life-threatening pneumonia. As we learn more about this unusual COVID-19 epidemic, new issues are emerging and being reported daily. Mucormycosis, also known as zygomycosis or phycomycosis, causes severe fungal illness to individuals with a weakened immune system. It is a devastating fungal infection, and the most frequent kind is the rhino cerebral type. As a devastating second wave of COVID-19 sweeps India, doctors report several instances involving a strange illness-sometimes known as the "black fungus"-among returning and recovered COVID-19 patients. This paper analyzes the existing statistical data to address the severity of prevalence and further notes the nano-based diagnostic parameters, clinical presentations, its connection with other conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and GI disorders, and the importance of anti-fungal therapy in treating the same. Anti-fungal therapies, as well as surgical interventions, are currently used for the treatment of the disease. Proper and timely diagnosis is necessary, along with the reduction in the spread of COVID-19. From the review, it was found that timely pharmacologic interventions and early diagnosis by using a nano-based diagnostic kit can help control the disease. Additionally, this paper provides novel information about the nanotechnology approaches such as fungal detection biosensors, nucleic acids-based testing, point-of-care tests, and galactomannans detection, in the diagnosis of mucormycosis, and thereby reinforces the need for further research on the topic.
  11. Recent Advancement of the Current Aspects of g-C3 N4 for its Photocatalytic Applications in Sustainable Energy System
    Hayat A, Sohail M, Ali Shah Syed J, Al-Sehemi AG, Mohammed MH, Al-Ghamdi AA, et al.
    Chem Rec, 2022 Feb 09.
    PMID: 35138017 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202100310
    Being one of the foremost enticing and intriguing innovations, heterogeneous photocatalysis has also been used to effectively gather, transform, and conserve sustainable sun's radiation for the production of efficient and clean fossil energy as well as a wide range of ecological implications. The generation of solar fuel-based water splitting and CO2 photoreduction is excellent for generating alternative resources and reducing global warming. Developing an inexpensive photocatalyst can effectively split water into hydrogen (H2 ), oxygen (O2 ) sources, and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) into fuel sources, which is a crucial problem in photocatalysis. The metal-free g-C3 N4 photocatalyst has a high solar fuel generation potential. This review covers the most recent advancements in g-C3 N4 preparation, including innovative design concepts and new synthesis methods, and novel ideas for expanding the light absorption of pure g-C3 N4 for photocatalytic application. Similarly, the main issue concerning research and prospects in photocatalysts based g-C3 N4 was also discussed. The current dissertation provides an overview of comprehensive understanding of the exploitation of the extraordinary systemic and characteristics, as well as the fabrication processes and uses of g-C3 N4 .
  12. Boric Acid (Boron) Attenuates AOM-Induced Colorectal Cancer in Rats by Augmentation of Apoptotic and Antioxidant Mechanisms
    Jabbar AAJ, Alamri ZZ, Abdulla MA, Salehen NA, Ibrahim IAA, Hassan RR, et al.
    Biol Trace Elem Res, 2024 Jun;202(6):2702-2719.
    PMID: 37770673 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03864-0
    Boric acid (BA) is a naturally occurring weak Lewis acid containing boron, oxygen, and hydrogen elements that can be found in water, soil, and plants. Because of its numerous biological potentials including anti-proliferation actions, the present investigates the chemopreventive possessions of BA on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. Thirty laboratory rats were divided into 5 groups: negative control (A) received two subcutaneous inoculations of normal saline and nourished on 10% Tween 20; groups B-E had two injections of 15 mg/kg azoxymethane followed by ingestion of 10% Tween 20 (B, cancer control), inoculation with intraperitoneal 35 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil injection (C, reference group), or ingested with boric acid 30 mg/kg (D) and 60 mg/kg (E). The gross morphology results showed significantly increased total colonic ACF in cancer controls, while BA treatment caused a significant reduction of ACF values. Histopathological evaluation of colons from cancer controls showed bizarrely elongated nuclei, stratified cells, and higher depletion of the submucosal glands than that of BA-treated groups. Boric acid treatment up-surged the pro-apoptotic (Bax) expression and reduced anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) protein expressions. Moreover, BA ingestion caused upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD, CAT), and lowered MDA contents in colon tissue homogenates. Boric acid-treated rats had significantly lower pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and higher anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) based on serum analysis. The colorectal cancer attenuation by BA is shown by the reduced ACF numbers, anticipated by its regulatory potentials on the apoptotic proteins, antioxidants, and inflammatory cytokines originating from AOM-induced oxidative damage.
  13. Attitude and practice of regenerative endodontic procedures among endodontists and paediatric dentists: A multinational survey from 13 countries
    Hatipoğlu FP, Hatipoğlu Ö, Taha N, Lehmann AP, Aldhelai TA, Madfa AA, et al.
    Int J Paediatr Dent, 2023 Sep;33(5):521-534.
    PMID: 37350350 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.13101
    BACKGROUND: Regenerative endodontics (RET) refers to biologically based procedures that aim to restore damaged tooth structures and reinstate the pulp-dentine complex to its normal physiological state.

    AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes and practices of endodontists and paediatric dentists regarding RET.

    DESIGN: A survey was conducted among endodontists and paediatric dentists from 13 countries. A number of factors were evaluated, including frequency of RET application, followed guidelines, disinfection techniques, intracanal medication type, scaffold type, preferred coronal seal material, and follow-up period.

    RESULTS: Among the 1394 respondents, 853 (61.2%) and 541 (38.8%) were endodontists and paediatric dentists, respectively. Almost half (43%) of participants have not performed RET yet. The American Association of Endodontics guideline (47.3%) was selected as the primary source for the clinical protocol. The most frequently selected irrigant solution was 1.5%-3% NaOCl at the first (26.1%) and second (13.6%) sessions. A blood clot (68.7%) and MTA (61.9%) were the most frequently selected scaffold type and coronal barrier. Most participants preferred a 6-month follow-up period.

    CONCLUSION: According to this survey, deviations exist from current RET guidelines regarding all aspects evaluated. Standardizing clinical protocols and adhering to available guidelines would help to ensure more predictable outcomes.

  14. Mangiferin (mango) attenuates AOM-induced colorectal cancer in rat's colon by augmentation of apoptotic proteins and antioxidant mechanisms
    Abdul-Aziz Ahmed K, Jabbar AAJ, Abdulla MA, Zuhair Alamri Z, Ain Salehen N, Abdel Aziz Ibrahim I, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Jan 08;14(1):813.
    PMID: 38191592 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50947-y
    Mangiferin (MF) is a natural C-glucosylxantone compound that has many substantial curative potentials against numerous illnesses including cancers. The present study's goal is to appraise the chemo preventive possessions of MF on azoxymethane (AOM)-mediated colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. Rats clustered into 5 groups, negative control (A), inoculated subcutaneously with normal saline twice and nourished on 0.5% CMC; groups B-E injected twice with 15 mg/kg azoxymethane followed by ingestion of 0.5% CMC (B, cancer control); intraperitoneal inoculation of 35 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil (C, reference rats) or nourished on 30 mg/kg (D) and 60 mg/kg (E) of MF. Results of gross morphology of colorectal specimens showed significantly lower total colonic ACF incidence in MF-treated rats than that of cancer controls. The colon tissue examination of cancer control rats showed increased ACF availability with bizarrely elongated nuclei, stratified cells, and higher depletion of the submucosal glands compared to MF-treated rats. Mangiferin treatment caused increased regulation of pro-apoptotic (increased Bax) proteins and reduced the β-catenin) proteins expression. Moreover, rats fed on MF had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in their colonic tissue homogenates. Mangiferin supplementation significantly down-shifted pro-inflammatory cytokines (transforming growth factor-α and interleukine-6) and up-shifted anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukine-10) based on serum analysis. The chemo-protective mechanistic of MF against AOM-induced ACF, shown by lower ACF values and colon tissue penetration, could be correlated with its positive modulation of apoptotic cascade, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines originating from AOM oxidative stress insults.
  15. Fulltext Executive Summary of the KDIGO 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention, Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hepatitis C in Chronic Kidney Disease
    Martin P, Awan AA, Berenguer MC, Bruchfeld A, Fabrizi F, Goldberg DS, et al.
    Kidney Int, 2022 Dec;102(6):1228-1237.
    PMID: 36411019 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.07.012
    Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has adverse liver, kidney, and cardiovascular consequences in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those on dialysis therapy or with a kidney transplant. Since the publication of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) HCV Guideline in 2018, advances in HCV management, particularly in the field of antiviral therapy and treatment of HCV-associated glomerular diseases, coupled with increased usage of HCV-positive kidney grafts, have prompted a reexamination of the 2018 guideline. As a result, the Work Group performed a comprehensive review and revised the 2018 guidance. This Executive Summary highlights key aspects of the updated guideline recommendations for 3 chapters: Chapter 2: Treatment of HCV infection in patients with CKD; Chapter 4: Management of HCV-infected patients before and after kidney transplantation; and Chapter 5: Diagnosis and management of kidney diseases associated with HCV infection.
  16. A Targeted Review of Current Progress, Challenges and Future Perspective of g-C3 N4 based Hybrid Photocatalyst Toward Multidimensional Applications
    Hayat A, Sohail M, Anwar U, Taha TA, Qazi HIA, Amina, et al.
    Chem Rec, 2023 Jan;23(1):e202200143.
    PMID: 36285706 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200143
    The increasing demand for searching highly efficient and robust technologies in the context of sustainable energy production totally rely onto the cost-effective energy efficient production technologies. Solar power technology in this regard will perceived to be extensively employed in a variety of ways in the future ahead, in terms of the combustion of petroleum-based pollutants, CO2 reduction, heterogeneous photocatalysis, as well as the formation of unlimited and sustainable hydrogen gas production. Semiconductor-based photocatalysis is regarded as potentially sustainable solution in this context. g-C3 N4 is classified as non-metallic semiconductor to overcome this energy demand and enviromental challenges, because of its superior electronic configuration, which has a median band energy of around 2.7 eV, strong photocatalytic stability, and higher light performance. The photocatalytic performance of g-C3 N4 is perceived to be inadequate, owing to its small surface area along with high rate of charge recombination. However, various synthetic strategies were applied in order to incorporate g-C3 N4 with different guest materials to increase photocatalytic performance. After these fabrication approaches, the photocatalytic activity was enhanced owing to generation of photoinduced electrons and holes, by improving light absorption ability, and boosting surface area, which provides more space for photocatalytic reaction. In this review, various metals, non-metals, metals oxide, sulfides, and ferrites have been integrated with g-C3 N4 to form mono, bimetallic, heterojunction, Z-scheme, and S-scheme-based materials for boosting performance. Also, different varieties of g-C3 N4 were utilized for different aspects of photocatalytic application i. e., water reduction, water oxidation, CO2 reduction, and photodegradation of dye pollutants, etc. As a consequence, we have assembled a summary of the latest g-C3 N4 based materials, their uses in solar energy adaption, and proper management of the environment. This research will further well explain the detail of the mechanism of all these photocatalytic processes for the next steps, as well as the age number of new insights in order to overcome the current challenges.
  17. Assessment of the Prevalence of Middle Mesial Canal in Mandibular First Molar: A Multinational Cross-sectional Study with Meta-analysis
    Pertek Hatipoğlu F, Mağat G, Hatipoğlu Ö, Taha N, Alfirjani S, Abidin IZ, et al.
    J Endod, 2023 Mar 01.
    PMID: 36863567 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.02.012
    BACKGROUND: An additional canal found in the mandibular first molar (M1M) is the middle mesial canal (MMC), which is often missed during root canal treatment. In this study, the prevalence of MMC in M1M on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images was evaluated in 15 countries, along with the effect of some demographic factors on its prevalence.

    METHODS: Deidentified CBCT images were scanned retrospectively, and the ones including bilateral M1Ms were included in the study. A written and video instruction program explaining the protocol to be followed step-by-step was provided to all observers to calibrate them. The CBCT imaging screening procedure consisted of evaluating three planes (coronal, sagittal, and axial) after a 3-dimensional alignment of the long axis of the root(s). The presence of an MMC in M1Ms (yes/no) was identified and recorded.

    RESULTS: In total, 6304 CBCTs, representing 12,608 M1Ms, were evaluated. A significant difference was found between countries (P  .05) or between genders (odds ratio= 1.07, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.27; P > .05). As for the age groups, no significant differences were found (P > .05).

    CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MMC varies by ethnicity, but it is generally estimated at 7% worldwide. Physicians must pay close attention to the presence of MMC in M1M, especially for opposite M1Ms, due to the prevalence of MMC being significantly bilateral.

  18. Fulltext Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Environment Using Terephthaldehyde Based on Schiff Base: Gravimetric, Thermodynamic, and Computational Studies
    Mahdi BS, Abbass MK, Mohsin MK, Al-Azzawi WK, Hanoon MM, Al-Kaabi MHH, et al.
    Molecules, 2022 Jul 29;27(15).
    PMID: 35956814 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154857
    Using traditional weight-loss tests, as well as different electrochemical techniques (potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), we investigated the corrosion-inhibition performance of 2,2′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methanylylidene)) bis(N-(3-methoxyphenyl) hydrazinecarbothioamide) (PMBMH) as an inhibitor for mild steel in a 1 M hydrochloric acid solution. The maximum protection efficacy of 0.0005 M of PMBMH was 95%. Due to the creation of a protective adsorption layer instead of the adsorbed H2O molecules and acidic chloride ions, the existence of the investigated inhibitor reduced the corrosion rate and increased the inhibitory efficacy. The inhibition efficiency increased as the inhibitor concentration increased, but it decreased as the temperature increased. The PMBMH adsorption mode followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with high adsorption-inhibition activity. Furthermore, the value of the ∆Gadso indicated that PMBMH contributed to the physical and chemical adsorption onto the mild-steel surface. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) helped in the calculation of the quantum chemical parameters for finding the correlation between the inhibition activity and the molecular structure. The experimental and theoretical findings in this investigation are in good agreement.
  19. Fulltext Pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting: a perspective of community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Sana'a, Yemen
    Al-Worafi YM, Kassab YW, Alseragi WM, Almutairi MS, Ahmed A, Ming LC, et al.
    Ther Clin Risk Manag, 2017;13:1175-1181.
    PMID: 28924350 DOI: 10.2147/TCRM.S140674
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the knowledge, attitude and barriers of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists toward pharmacovigilance, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and ADR reporting in community pharmacies in Yemen.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the capital of Yemen, Sana'a. A total of 289 community pharmacies were randomly selected. The validated and pilot-tested questionnaire consisted of six sections: demographic data, knowledge about pharmacovigilance, experience with ADR reporting, attitudes toward ADR reporting, and the facilitators to improve ADR reporting.

    RESULTS: A total of 428 pharmacy technicians and pharmacists were contacted and 179 went on to complete a questionnaire (response rate: 41.8%). Of the 179 respondents, 21 (11.7%) were pharmacists and 158 (88.3%) were pharmacy technicians, of which, 176 (98.3%) were male and 3 (1.7%) were female. The mean age of the respondents was 25.87±2.63 years. There was a significant difference between the pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in terms of knowledge scores (P<0.05). The mean knowledge scores for pharmacists was 3.33±2.852 compared to 0.15±0.666 for pharmacy technicians. With regard to attitudes toward ADR reporting, all pharmacists (100%) showed a positive attitude, while only 43% of pharmacy technicians showed a positive attitude.

    CONCLUSION: Pharmacists have a significantly better knowledge than pharmacy technicians with regard to pharmacovigilance. More than half of pharmacy technicians showed a negative attitude toward ADR reporting. Therefore, educational interventions and training is very important for community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Yemen to increase their awareness and participation in ADR reporting.

  20. Fulltext Mercerized mesoporous date pit activated carbon-A novel adsorbent to sequester potentially toxic divalent heavy metals from water
    Aldawsari A, Khan MA, Hameed BH, Alqadami AA, Siddiqui MR, Alothman ZA, et al.
    PLoS One, 2017;12(9):e0184493.
    PMID: 28910368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184493
    A substantive approach converting waste date pits to mercerized mesoporous date pit activated carbon (DPAC) and utilizing it in the removal of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) was reported. In general, rapid heavy metals adsorption kinetics for Co range: 25-100 mg/L was observed, accomplishing 77-97% adsorption within 15 min, finally, attaining equilibrium in 360 min. Linear and non-linear isotherm studies revealed Langmuir model applicability for Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption, while Freundlich model was fitted to Zn(II) and Cu(II) adsorption. Maximum monolayer adsorption capacities (qm) for Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) obtained by non-linear isotherm model at 298 K were 212.1, 133.5, 194.4, and 111 mg/g, respectively. Kinetics modeling parameters showed the applicability of pseudo-second-order model. The activation energy (Ea) magnitude revealed physical nature of adsorption. Maximum elution of Cu(II) (81.6%), Zn(II) (70.1%), Pb(II) (96%), and Cd(II) (78.2%) were observed with 0.1 M HCl. Thermogravimetric analysis of DPAC showed a total weight loss (in two-stages) of 28.3%. Infra-red spectral analysis showed the presence of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups over DPAC surface. The peaks at 820, 825, 845 and 885 cm-1 attributed to Zn-O, Pb-O, Cd-O, and Cu-O appeared on heavy metals saturated DPAC, confirmed their binding on DPAC during the adsorption.
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