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  1. Synthesis and study of the α-amylase inhibitory potential of thiadiazole quinoline derivatives
    Taha M, Tariq Javid M, Imran S, Selvaraj M, Chigurupati S, Ullah H, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2017 10;74:179-186.
    PMID: 28826047 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.08.003
    α-Amylase is a target for type-2 diabetes mellitus treatment. However, small molecule inhibitors of α-amylase are currently scarce. In the course of developing small molecule α-amylase inhibitors, we designed and synthesized thiadiazole quinoline analogs (1-30), characterized by different spectroscopic techniques such as 1HNMR and EI-MS and screened for α-amylase inhibitory potential. Thirteen analogs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 30 showed outstanding α-amylase inhibitory potential with IC50 values ranges between 0.002±0.60 and 42.31±0.17μM which is many folds better than standard acarbose having IC50 value 53.02±0.12μM. Eleven analogs 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19 and 24 showed good to moderate inhibitory potential while seven analogs 8, 13, 16, 20, 21 and 29 were found inactive. Our study identifies novel series of potent α-amylase inhibitors for further investigation. Structure activity relationship has been established.
  2. Synthesis and in vitro study of benzofuran hydrazone derivatives as novel alpha-amylase inhibitor
    Taha M, Shah SAA, Imran S, Afifi M, Chigurupati S, Selvaraj M, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2017 12;75:78-85.
    PMID: 28918064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.09.002
    The α-amylase acts as attractive target to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore in discovering a small molecule as α-amylase inhibitor, we have synthesized benzofuran carbohydrazide analogs (1-25), characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as 1HNMR and EI-MS. All screened analog shows good α-amylase inhibitory potentials with IC50 value ranging between 1.078±0.19 and 2.926±0.05µM when compared with acarbose having IC50=0.62±0.22µM. Only nine analogs among the series such as analogs 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 21, 23 and 24 exhibit good inhibitory potential with IC50 values 1.644±0.128, 1.078±0.19, 1.245±0.25, 1.843±0.19, 1.350±0.24, 1.629±0.015, 1.353±0.232, 1.359±0.119 and 1.488±0.07µM when compare with standard drug acarbose. All other analogs showed good to moderate α-amylase inhibitory potentials. The SAR study was conducted on the basis of substituent difference at the phenyl ring. The binding interaction between analogs and active site of enzyme was confirmed by docking studies.
  3. Ionic liquid as a potential solvent for preparation of collagen-alginate-hydroxyapatite beads as bone filler
    Iqbal B, Sarfaraz Z, Muhammad N, Ahmad P, Iqbal J, Khan ZUH, et al.
    J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 2018 07;29(10):1168-1184.
    PMID: 29460709 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2018.1443604
    In this study, collagen/alginate/hydroxyapatite beads having different proportions were prepared as bone fillers for the restoration of osteological defects. Ionic liquid was used to dissolve the collagen and subsequently the solution was mixed with sodium alginate solution. Hydroxyapatite was added in different proportions, with the rationale to enhance mechanical as well as biological properties. The prepared solutions were given characteristic bead shapes by dropwise addition into calcium chloride solution. The prepared beads were characterized using FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM analysis. Microhardness testing was used to evaluate the mechanical properties. The prepared beads were investigated for water adsorption behavior to ascertain its ability for body fluid uptake and adjusted accordingly to the bone cavity. Drug loading and subsequently the antibacterial activity was investigated for the prepared beads. The biocompatibility was assessed using the hemolysis testing and cell proliferation assay. The prepared collagen-alginate-HA beads, having biocompatibility and good mechanical properties, have showed an option of promising biologically active bone fillers for bone regeneration.
  4. Complex pollination of a tropical Asian rainforest canopy tree by flower-feeding thrips and thrips-feeding predators
    Kondo T, Nishimura S, Tani N, Ng KK, Lee SL, Muhammad N, et al.
    Am J Bot, 2016 Nov;103(11):1912-1920.
    PMID: 27797714
    PREMISE OF THE STUDY: In tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, a highly fecund thrips (Thrips spp.) responds rapidly to the mass flowering at multiple-year intervals characteristic of certain species such as the canopy tree studied here, Shorea acuminata, by feeding on flower resources. However, past DNA analyses of pollen adherent to thrips bodies revealed that the thrips promoted a very high level of self-pollination. Here, we identified the pollinator that contributes to cross-pollination and discuss ways that the pollination system has adapted to mass flowering.

    METHODS: By comparing the patterns of floral visitation and levels of genetic diversity in adherent pollen loads among floral visitors, we evaluated the contribution of each flower visitor to pollination.

    KEY RESULTS: The big-eyed bug, Geocoris sp., a major thrips predator, was an inadvertent pollinator, and importantly contributed to cross-pollination. The total outcross pollen adhering to thrips was approximately 30% that on the big-eyed bugs. Similarly, 63% of alleles examined in S. acuminata seeds and seedlings occurred in pollen adhering to big-eyed bugs; about 30% was shared with pollen from thrips.

    CONCLUSIONS: During mass flowering, big-eyed bugs likely travel among flowering S. acuminata trees, attracted by the abundant thrips. Floral visitation patterns of big-eyed bugs vs. other insects suggest that these bugs can maintain their population size between flowering by preying upon another thrips (Haplothrips sp.) that inhabits stipules of S. acuminata throughout the year and quickly respond to mass flowering. Thus, thrips and big-eyed bugs are essential components in the pollination of S. acuminata.

  5. Biomedical waste management associated with infectious diseases among health care professionals in apex hospitals of a typical south asian city
    Nosheen F, Malik N, Mehmood Z, Jabeen F, Mahmood A, Ibrahim M, et al.
    Environ Res, 2022 Dec;215(Pt 2):114240.
    PMID: 36103930 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114240
    Biomedical waste from healthcare activities poses a higher hazard of infection and damage than other types of trash. The main objective of the study was to assess the awareness knowledge and practices of biomedical waste management (BMWM) among health care professionals in the health care units. The cross-sectional study was carried out to access the awareness, knowledge and practices of health care professionals for BMWM. Using a qualitative approach, the study was escorted in two Apex hospitals i.e. the Allied Hospital and the District Head Quarter Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan from August 5, 2019 to October 15, 2019. More than 90% of respondents knew the phrase BMWM, but just 35.4% had awareness about biomedical waste regulations. About 71.6% of the respondents were familiar with biomedical waste's color-coding segregation. The study concludes gap in the awareness, knowledge and practices for BMWM. The sanitary workers of the hospitals had no knowledge about BMWM and the BMWM/healthcare waste management rule 2005 established in Pakistan due to the lack of training regarding waste management and the segregation process. Some of the staff members were aware of the BMWM practices under the rules and regulations of Pakistan but were unable to implement at their work place. It is necessary to dispose of the biomedical waste according to the established terms and conditions of BMWM rules (2005) of Pakistan. Weak structure of BMWM was observed at the study sites due to the lack of training, liabilities and absence of penalties against improper biomedical waste disposal as violation of the rules and regulations. It's a dire need of the time to consider the biomedical waste as hazardous waste and make policies for its safe disposal and ensure the implementation of the policies in all the medical centers of Pakistan.
  6. Fulltext Changes in genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence among urban females a decade after the Malaysian HPV vaccination program
    Khoo SP, Muhammad Ridzuan Tan NA, Rajasuriar R, Nasir NH, Gravitt P, Ng CW, et al.
    PLoS One, 2022;17(12):e0278477.
    PMID: 36538522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278477
    To increase the coverage of HPV vaccination, Malaysia implemented a national school-based vaccination program for all 13-year-old girls in 2010. Two years later, a clinic-based catch-up program was started for 16 to 21-year-old girls. We assessed the prevalence of a range of HPV genotypes, among a sample of urban women within the age groups of 18-24 and 35-45 years in 2019-2020, a decade into the national vaccination program. The HPV prevalence was then compared to that reported in an unvaccinated population in 2013-2015. We sampled a total of 1134 participants, comprising of 277 women aged 18-24 years and 857 women aged 35-45 years, from several urban clinics in the state of Selangor. Participants provided a self-acquired vaginal sample for HPV genotyping. Comprehensive sociodemographic and vaccination history were collected. The HPV vaccination coverage among women in the younger age group increased from 9.3% in 2013-2015 to 75.5% in 2019-2020. The prevalence of vaccine-targeted HPV16/18 decreased 91% (CI: 14.5%-99.0%) among the younger women, from 4.0% in 2013-2015 to 0.4% in 2019-2020. There was also an 87% (CI: 27.5%-97.5%) reduction in HPV6/11/16/18. There was no difference in the prevalence of non-vaccine targeted HPV genotypes among younger women. The HPV prevalence among older women, for both vaccine targeted and non-vaccine targeted genotypes in 2019-2020, did not differ from 2013-2015. The observed decline in prevalence of vaccine-targeted HPV genotype among younger women a decade after the national HPV vaccination program is an early indication of its effectiveness in reducing the burden of cervical cancer.
  7. Comparative study of ZIF-8-materials for removal of hazardous compounds using physio-chemical remediation techniques
    Sarwar B, Khan AU, Aslam M, Bokhari A, Mubashir M, Alothman AA, et al.
    Environ Res, 2023 Mar 01;220:115168.
    PMID: 36584838 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115168
    The inherent toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of dyes that are discharged into aquatic ecosystems, harming the health of humans and animals. ZIF-8 based composites are regarded as good adsorbents for the breakdown of dyes in order to remove or degrade them. In the course of this research, metal-organic framework materials known as ZIF-8 and its two stable composites, ZIF-8/BiCoO3 (MZBC) and ZIF-8/BiYO3 (MZBY), were produced via a hydrothermal process and solvothermal process, respectively, for the dangerous Congo red (CR) dye removal from the solution in water using adsorption method. According to the findings, the most significant amount of CR dye that could be adsorbed is onto MZBC, followed by MZBY and ZIF-8. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was used effectively to match the data for adsorption behavior and was confirmed using the Langmuir isotherm equation. There is a possibility that the pH and amount of adsorbent might influence the adsorption behavior of the adsorbents. According to the experiment results, the technique featured an endothermic adsorption reaction that spontaneously occurred. The higher adsorption capability of MZBC is because of the large surface area. This results in strong interactions between the functional groups on the surface of MZBC and CR dye molecules. In addition to the electrostatic connection between functional group Zn-O-H on the surface of ZIF-8 in MZBC and the -NH2 or SO3 functional group areas in CR molecules, it also includes the strong π-π interaction of biphenyl rings.
  8. Fulltext Intuitive Eating Behaviour among Young Malay Adults in Malaysian Higher Learning Institutions
    Muhammad R, Ismail WNDRAW, Firdus S, Abdul Hamid SB, Mohd Asmawi UM, Md Nor N
    Nutrients, 2023 Feb 08;15(4).
    PMID: 36839227 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040869
    Despite the significance of dietary knowledge interventions, there is a lack of established studies on intuitive eating behaviour among young Malay adults in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the intuitive eating score, identify the intuitive eating factors, and determine the association of intuitive eating with weight-control behaviours and binge eating. A total of 367 respondents completed self-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics, namely the Intuitive Eating Scale (IES-2) and The Diabetes Eating Problems Survey (DEPS). The findings reported IES-2 mean scores of 3.52 ± 0.32 and 3.47 ± 0.35 for both men and women. No difference in total IES-2 scores was found between genders for Unconditional Permission to Eat (UPE) and Reliance on Hunger and Satiety Cue (RHSC) subscales (p > 0.05). However, among all four subscales of IES-2, there was a gender difference in the mean EPR and B-FCC subscale scores (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in intuitive eating, which refers to a belief in one's body's ability to tell one how much to eat, in women across living areas (p < 0.05). The result shows that there is a relationship between weight-control behaviour and binge eating and dieting, with the coefficient of the relationship (R2) of 0.34. As a result, intuitive eating throughout young adulthood is likely to be related to a decreased prevalence of obesity, dieting, poor weight-management behaviours, and binge eating.
  9. Fulltext Effect of varying thickness properties of the slow release fertilizer films on morphology, biodegradability, urea release, soil health, and plant growth
    Majeed Z, Nawazish S, Baig A, Akhtar W, Iqbal A, Muhammad Khan W, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(2):e0278568.
    PMID: 36848343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278568
    Green biomass is a renewable and biodegradable material that has the potential use to trap urea to develop a high-efficiency urea fertilizer for crops' better performance. Current work examined the morphology, chemical composition, biodegradability, urea release, soil health, and plant growth effects of the SRF films subjected to changes in the thickness of 0.27, 0.54, and 1.03 mm. The morphology was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy, chemical composition was analyzed by Infrared Spectroscopy, and biodegradability was assessed through evolved CO2 and CH4 quantified through Gas Chromatography. The chloroform fumigation technique was used for microbial growth assessment in the soil. The soil pH and redox potential were also measured using a specific probe. CHNS analyzer was used to calculate the total carbon and total nitrogen of the soil. A plant growth experiment was conducted on the Wheat plant (Triticum sativum). The thinner the films, the more they supported the growth and penetration of the soil's microorganisms mainly the species of fungus possibly due to the presence of lignin in films. The fingerprint regions of the infrared spectrum of SRF films showed all films in soil changed in their chemical composition due to biodegradation but the increase in the thickness possibly provides resistance to the films' losses. The higher thickness of the film delayed the rate and time for biodegradation and the release of methane gas in the soil. The 1.03 mm film (47% in 56 days) and 0.54 mm film (35% in 91 days) showed the slowest biodegradability as compared to the 0.27 mm film with the highest losses (60% in 35 days). The slow urea release is more affected by the increase in thickness. The Korsymer Pappas model with release exponent value of < 0.5 explained the release from the SRF films followed the quasi-fickian diffusion and also reduced the diffusion coefficient for urea. An increase in the pH and decrease in the redox potential of the soil is correlated with higher total organic content and total nitrogen in the soil in response to amending SRF films with variable thickness. Growth of the wheat plant showed the highest average plant length, leaf area index and grain per plant in response to the increase in the film's thickness. This work developed an important knowledge to enhance the efficiency of film encapsulated urea that can better slow the urea release if the thickness is optimized.
  10. Fulltext The Effects of Probiotics on Small Intestinal Microbiota Composition, Inflammatory Cytokines and Intestinal Permeability in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
    Ayob N, Muhammad Nawawi KN, Mohamad Nor MH, Raja Ali RA, Ahmad HF, Oon SF, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2023 Feb 20;11(2).
    PMID: 36831176 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020640
    The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has soared globally. As our understanding of the disease grows, the role of the gut-liver axis (GLA) in NAFLD pathophysiology becomes more apparent. Hence, we focused mainly on the small intestinal area to explore the role of GLA. We looked at how multi-strain probiotics (MCP® BCMC® strains) containing six different Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species affected the small intestinal gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and permeability in NAFLD patients. After six months of supplementation, biochemical blood analysis did not show any discernible alterations in either group. Five predominant phyla known as Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota and Fusobacteria were found in NAFLD patients. The probiotics group demonstrated a significant cluster formation of microbiota composition through beta-diversity analysis (p < 0.05). This group significantly reduced three unclassifiable species: unclassified_Proteobacteria, unclassified_Streptococcus, and unclassified_Stenotrophomonas. In contrast, the placebo group showed a significant increase in Prevotella_melaninogenica and Rothia_mucilaginosa, which were classified as pathogens. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis of small intestinal mucosal inflammatory cytokines revealed a significant decrease in IFN-γ (-7.9 ± 0.44, p < 0.0001) and TNF-α (-0.96 ± 0.25, p < 0.0033) in the probiotics group but an increase in IL-6 (12.79 ± 2.24, p < 0.0001). In terms of small intestinal permeability analysis, the probiotics group, unfortunately, did not show any positive changes through ELISA analysis. Both probiotics and placebo groups exhibited a significant increase in the level of circulating zonulin (probiotics: 107.6 ng/mL ± 124.7, p = 0.005 vs. placebo: 106.9 ng/mL ± 101.3, p = 0.0002) and a significant decrease in circulating zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) (probiotics: -34.51 ng/mL ± 18.38, p < 0.0001 vs. placebo: -33.34 ng/mL ± 16.62, p = 0.0001). The consumption of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium suggested the presence of a well-balanced gut microbiota composition. Probiotic supplementation improves dysbiosis in NAFLD patients. This eventually stabilised the expression of inflammatory cytokines and mucosal immune function. To summarise, more research on probiotic supplementation as a supplement to a healthy diet and lifestyle is required to address NAFLD and its underlying causes.
  11. Synthesis, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition and molecular docking studies of indazole derivatives
    Nawaz M, Taha M, Qureshi F, Ullah N, Selvaraj M, Shahzad S, et al.
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2022;40(21):10730-10740.
    PMID: 34463216 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1947892
    Herein, we report the synthesis and inhibitory potential of indazole (Methyl 1H-indazole-4-carboxylate) derivatives (1-13) against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The described derivatives demonstrated good inhibitory potential with IC50 values, ranging between 15.04 ± 0.05 to 76.70 ± 0.06 µM ± SEM for α-amylase and 16.99 ± 0.19 to 77.97 ± 0.19 µM ± SEM for α-glucosidase, respectively. In particular, compounds (8-10 and 12) displayed significant inhibitory activities against both the screened enzymes, with their inhibitory potential comparable to the standard acarbose (12.98 ± 0.03 and 12.79 ± 0.17 µM ± SEM, respectively). Additionally, the influence of different substituents on enzyme inhibition activities was assessed to study the structure activity relationships. Molecular docking simulations were performed to rationalize the binding of derivatives/compounds with enzymes. All the synthesized derivatives (1-13) were characterized with the aid of spectroscopic instruments such as 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HR-MS, elemental analysis and FTIR.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
  12. Source, occurrence, distribution, fate, and implications of microplastic pollutants in freshwater on environment: A critical review and way forward
    Kurniawan TA, Haider A, Ahmad HM, Mohyuddin A, Umer Aslam HM, Nadeem S, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Jun;325:138367.
    PMID: 36907482 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138367
    The generation of microplastics (MPs) has increased recently and become an emerging issue globally. Due to their long-term durability and capability of traveling between different habitats in air, water, and soil, MPs presence in freshwater ecosystem threatens the environment with respect to its quality, biotic life, and sustainability. Although many previous works have been undertaken on the MPs pollution in the marine system recently, none of the study has covered the scope of MPs pollution in the freshwater. To consolidate scattered knowledge in the literature body into one place, this work identifies the sources, fate, occurrence, transport pathways, and distribution of MPs pollution in the aquatic system with respect to their impacts on biotic life, degradation, and detection techniques. This article also discusses the environmental implications of MPs pollution in the freshwater ecosystems. Certain techniques for identifying MPs and their limitations in applications are presented. Through a literature survey of over 276 published articles (2000-2023), this study presents an overview of solutions to the MP pollution, while identifying research gaps in the body of knowledge for further work. It is conclusive from this review that the MPs exist in the freshwater due to an improper littering of plastic waste and its degradation into smaller particles. Approximately 15-51 trillion MP particles have accumulated in the oceans with their weight ranging between 93,000 and 236,000 metric ton (Mt), while about 19-23 Mt of plastic waste was released into rivers in 2016, which was projected to increase up to 53 Mt by 2030. A subsequent degradation of MPs in the aquatic environment results in the generation of NPs with size ranging from 1 to 1000 nm. It is expected that this work facilitates stakeholders to understand the multi-aspects of MPs pollution in the freshwater and recommends policy actions to implement sustainable solutions to this environmental problem.
  13. Fulltext Development of Osteoporosis Screening Algorithm for Population Aged 50 Years and above in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Subramaniam S, Chan CY, Soelaiman IN, Mohamed N, Muhammad N, Ahmad F, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 04 07;17(7).
    PMID: 32272697 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072526
    Background: The current osteoporosis screening instruments are not optimized to be used among the Malaysian population. This study aimed to develop an osteoporosis screening algorithm based on risk factors for Malaysians. Methods: Malaysians aged ≥50 years (n = 607) from Klang Valley, Malaysia were interviewed and their bone health status was assessed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device. The algorithm was constructed based on osteoporosis risk factors using multivariate logistic regression and its performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristics analysis. Results: Increased age, reduced body weight and being less physically active significantly predicted osteoporosis in men, while in women, increased age, lower body weight and low-income status significantly predicted osteoporosis. These factors were included in the final algorithm and the optimal cut-offs to identify subjects with osteoporosis was 0.00120 for men [sensitivity 73.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 54.1%-87.7%), specificity 67.8% (95% CI = 62.7%-85.5%), area under curve (AUC) 0.705 (95% CI = 0.608-0.803), p < 0.001] and 0.161 for women [sensitivity 75.4% (95% CI = 61.9%-73.3%), specificity 74.5% (95% CI = 68.5%-79.8%), AUC 0.749 (95% CI = 0.679-0.820), p < 0.001]. Conclusion: The new algorithm performed satisfactorily in identifying the risk of osteoporosis among the Malaysian population ≥50 years. Further validation studies are required before applying this algorithm for screening of osteoporosis in public.
  14. Fulltext Engineering of Naproxen Loaded Polymer Hybrid Enteric Microspheres for Modified Release Tablets: Development, Characterization, in silico Modelling and in vivo Evaluation
    Hameed HA, Khan S, Shahid M, Ullah R, Bari A, Ali SS, et al.
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2020;14:27-41.
    PMID: 32021089 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S232111
    BACKGROUND: Naproxen (NP) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability, which may lead to therapeutic failure. NP causes crucial GIT irritation, bleeding, and peptic and duodenal ulcers.

    PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to engineer and characterize polymer hybrid enteric microspheres using an integrated (experimental and molecular modelling) approach with further development to solid dosage form with modified drug release kinetics and improved bioavailability.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: NP loaded polymer hybrid enteric microspheres (PHE-Ms) were fabricated by using a modified solvent evaporation technique coupled with molecular modelling (MM) approach. The PHE-Ms were characterized by particle size, distribution, morphology, crystallinity, EE, drug-polymer compatibility, and DSC. The optimized NP loaded PHE-Ms were further subjected to downstream procedures including tablet dosage form development, stability studies and comparative in vitro-in vivo evaluation.

    RESULTS: The hydrophobic polymer EUD-L100 and hydrophilic polymer HPMC-E5 delayed and modified drug release at intestinal pH while imparting retardation of NP release at gastric pH to diminish the gastric side effects. The crystallinity of the NP loaded PHE-Ms was established through DSC and P (XRD). The particle size for the developed formulations of PEH-Ms (M1-M5) was in the range from 29.06 ±7.3-74.31 ± 17.7 μm with Span index values of 0.491-0.69, respectively. The produced NP hybrid microspheres demonstrated retarded drug release at pH 1.2 and improved dissolution at pH 6.8. The in vitro drug release patterns were fitted to various release kinetic models and the best-followed model was the Higuchi model with a release exponent "n" value > 0.5. Stability studies at different storage conditions confirmed stability of the NP loaded PHE-Ms based tablets (P<0.05). The molecular modelling (MM) study resulted in adequate binding energy of co-polymer complex SLS-Eudragit-HPMC-Naproxen (-3.9 kcal/mol). In contrast to the NP (unprocessed) and marketed formulations, a significant increase in the Cmax of PHE-MT1 (44.41±4.43) was observed.

    CONCLUSION: The current study concludes that developing NP loaded PHE-Ms based tablets could effectively reduce GIT consequences with restored therapeutic effects. The modified release pattern could improve the dissolution rate and enhancement of oral bioavailability. The MM study strengthens the polymer-drug relationship in microspheres.

  15. Fulltext A multiband SSr diode RF rectifier with an improved frequency ratio for biomedical wireless applications
    Muhammad S, Waly MI, AlJarallah NA, Ghayoula R, Negm AS, Smida A, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Aug 15;13(1):13246.
    PMID: 37582883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40486-x
    This paper described a four-band implantable RF rectifier with simplified circuit complexity. Each RF-rectifier cell is sequentially matched to the four operational frequencies to accomplish the proposed design. The proposed RF rectifier can harvest RF signals at 1.830, 2.100, and white space Wi-Fi bands between 2.38 to 2.68 GHz, respectively. At 2.100 GHz, the proposed RF harvester achieved a maximum (radio frequency direct current) RF-to-DC power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 73.00% and an output DC voltage [Formula: see text] of 1.61 V for an RF power of 2 dBm. The outdoor performance of the rectenna shows a [Formula: see text] of 0.440 V and drives a low-power bq25504-674 evaluation module (EVM) at 1.362 V. The dimension of the RF-rectifier on the FR-4 PCB board is 0.27[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.29[Formula: see text]. The RF-rectifier demonstrates the capacity to effectively utilize the frequency domain by employing multi-band operation and exhibiting a good impedance bandwidth through a sequential matching technique. Thus, by effectively controlling the rectenna's ambient performance, the proposed design holds the potential for powering a range of low-power biomedical implantable devices. (BIDs).
  16. Fulltext Non-syndromic Bilateral Branchial Cyst: A Case Report
    Salahuddin NA, Sanmugam SS, Abu Bakar AZ, Md Arepen SA, Mohd Bakhit NHD, Bin Muhammad Saifullah AA, et al.
    Oman Med J, 2023 May;38(3):e515.
    PMID: 37313249 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2023.25
    Branchial cleft cysts generally occur unilaterally at the lateral aspect of the neck. Bilateral branchial cysts are rare and may have familial associations. We report a rare case of non-syndromic bilateral branchial cyst in a 23-year-old woman who presented with chronic bilateral, progressively enlarging painless neck swellings. Complete surgical excision of the bilateral cyst was done. A histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Precise diagnosis with early and complete surgical excision of branchial cysts may help prevent recurrence and other complications.
  17. Fulltext Levels of Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Regarding Osteoporosis and the Associations with Bone Mineral Density among Populations More Than 40 Years Old in Malaysia
    Chan CY, Subramaniam S, Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S, Muhammad N, Fairus A, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 Oct 25;16(21).
    PMID: 31731507 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214115
    Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder commonly found among the elderly, in which the bones become weak, brittle, and more susceptible to fracture. Adequate knowledge and positive attitude towards the disease and osteoprotective activities may prevent osteoporosis, but comprehensive studies to verify this hypothesis are limited in Malaysia. This study aims to bridge the research gap by determining the levels of knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding osteoporosis and their associations with bone mineral density (BMD) among men and women ≥ 40 years in Klang Valley, Malaysia. In this cross-sectional study, 786 Malaysians (382 men, 404 women) completed a questionnaire on knowledge, beliefs, and osteoprotective practices, and underwent BMD scan using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device. The current study found moderate levels of knowledge and beliefs regarding osteoporosis but poor osteoprotective practices. Osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs, and practices were significantly different based on subjects' demographic characteristics (p < 0.05). Osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs were correlated significantly with osteoprotective practices (p < 0.05). Bone health status of the subjects was associated positively with calcium supplement intake, and negatively with exercise barriers and smoking status of the subjects (p < 0.05). However, no significant correlation was noted between osteoporosis knowledge and bone health (p > 0.05). Conclusively, despite some correlations between individual components, the detachment between bone health knowledge and beliefs, and osteoprotective practices among Malaysians is apparent. Integrating all three components into a comprehensive osteoporosis prevention program is warranted.
  18. Fulltext Drought Resistance in Rice from Conventional to Molecular Breeding: A Review
    Oladosu Y, Rafii MY, Samuel C, Fatai A, Magaji U, Kareem I, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2019 Jul 18;20(14).
    PMID: 31323764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143519
    Drought is the leading threat to agricultural food production, especially in the cultivation of rice, a semi-aquatic plant. Drought tolerance is a complex quantitative trait with a complicated phenotype that affects different developmental stages in plants. The level of susceptibility or tolerance of rice to several drought conditions is coordinated by the action of different drought-responsive genes in relation with other stress components which stimulate signal transduction pathways. Interdisciplinary researchers have broken the complex mechanism of plant tolerance using various methods such as genetic engineering or marker-assisted selection to develop a new cultivar with improved drought resistance. The main objectives of this review were to highlight the current method of developing a durable drought-resistant rice variety through conventional breeding and the use of biotechnological tools and to comprehensively review the available information on drought-resistant genes, QTL analysis, gene transformation and marker-assisted selection. The response, indicators, causes, and adaptation processes to the drought stress were discussed in the review. Overall, this review provides a systemic glimpse of breeding methods from conventional to the latest innovation in molecular development of drought-tolerant rice variety. This information could serve as guidance for researchers and rice breeders.
  19. Fulltext Palm tocotrienol supplementation enhanced bone formation in oestrogen-deficient rats
    Soelaiman IN, Ming W, Abu Bakar R, Hashnan NA, Mohd Ali H, Mohamed N, et al.
    Int J Endocrinol, 2012;2012:532862.
    PMID: 23150728 DOI: 10.1155/2012/532862
    Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the commonest cause of osteoporosis. It is associated with increased free radical activity induced by the oestrogen-deficient state. Therefore, supplementation with palm-oil-derived tocotrienols, a potent antioxidant, should be able to prevent this bone loss. Our earlier studies have shown that tocotrienol was able to prevent and even reverse osteoporosis due to various factors, including oestrogen deficiency. In this study we compared the effects of supplementation with palm tocotrienol mixture or calcium on bone biomarkers and bone formation rate in ovariectomised (oestrogen-deficient) female rats. Our results showed that palm tocotrienols significantly increased bone formation in oestrogen-deficient rats, seen by increased double-labeled surface (dLS/Bs), reduced single-labeled surface (sLS/BS), increased mineralizing surface (MS/BS), increased mineral apposition rate (MAR), and an overall increase in bone formation rate (BFR/BS). These effects were not seen in the group supplemented with calcium. However, no significant changes were seen in the serum levels of the bone biomarkers, osteocalcin, and cross-linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen, CTX. In conclusion, palm tocotrienol is more effective than calcium in preventing oestrogen-deficient bone loss. Further studies are needed to determine the potential of tocotrienol as an antiosteoporotic agent.
  20. Fulltext The Performance of a Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound Device, CM-200, in Stratifying Osteoporosis Risk among Malaysian Population Aged 40 Years and Above
    Subramaniam S, Chan CY, Soelaiman IN, Mohamed N, Muhammad N, Ahmad F, et al.
    Diagnostics (Basel), 2020 Mar 25;10(4).
    PMID: 32218298 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10040178
    BACKGROUND: Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is widely used in osteoporosis screening, but the cut-off values for risk stratification remain unclear. This study validates the performance of a calcaneal QUS device (CM-200) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the reference and establishes a new set of cut-off values for CM-200 in identifying subjects with osteoporosis.

    METHODS: The bone health status of Malaysians aged ≥40 years was assessed using CM-200 and DXA. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC) and the optimal cut-off values for risk stratification of CM-200 were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Youden's index (J). Results: From the data of 786 subjects, CM-200 (QUS T-score 0.05). Modified cut-off values for the QUS T-score improved the performance of CM-200 in identifying subjects with osteopenia (sensitivity 67.7% (95% CI: 62.8-72.3%); specificity 72.8% (95% CI: 68.1-77.2%); J = 0.405; AUC 0.702 (95% CI: 0.666-0.739); p < 0.001) and osteoporosis (sensitivity 79.4% (95% CI: 70.0-86.9%); specificity 61.8% (95% CI: 58.1-65.5%); J = 0.412; AUC 0.706 (95% CI: 0.654-0.758); p < 0.001). Conclusion: The modified cut-off values significantly improved the performance of CM-200 in identifying individuals with osteoporosis. Since these values are device-specific, optimization is necessary for accurate detection of individuals at risk for osteoporosis using QUS.

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