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  1. Azizi MH, Rizuana IH, Wong YP, Sidek K, Fam XI
    Front Oncol, 2023;13:1216776.
    PMID: 37564941 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1216776
    Giant paratesticular liposarcoma is a rare presentation of paratesticular tumor. We present a case of the largest paratesticular liposarcoma described to date with a weight of 4,100 g and measuring 460 × 210 × 130 mm. It was initially mistaken as an inguinoscrotal hernia until a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a huge left paratesticular tumor extending from the scrotum to the mid-abdomen. The challenge was to achieve a tumor-free margin orchidectomy due to the poor fat plane of the tumor to the external iliac artery, psoas muscle, descending colon, and anterior abdominal wall. The surgery was started with laparoscopic dissection for the intraabdominal part of tumor from the vital structure, then followed by inguinal radical orchidectomy and inguinal mesh repair. Postoperative histopathological report revealed a paratesticular dedifferentiated liposarcoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation with clear margin. The patient had good recovery post operation.
  2. Massud A, Khan AH, Syed Sulaiman SA, Ahmad N, Shafqat M, Ming LC
    PLoS One, 2023;18(8):e0287966.
    PMID: 37561810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287966
    INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB), a curable and preventable infectious disease, becomes difficult to treat if resistance against most effective and tolerable first line anti-TB drugs is developed. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes and predictors of poor outcomes among drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients treated at a programmatic management unit of drug resistant tuberculosis (PMDT) unit, Punjab, Pakistan.

    METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at a a PMDT unit in Multan, Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 271 eligible culture positive DR-TB patients enrolled for treatment at the study site between January 2016 and May 2017 were followed till their treatment outcomes were recorded. World Health Organization's (WHO) defined criteria was used for categorizing treatment outcomes. The outcomes of cured and treatment completed were collectively placed as successful outcomes, while death, lost to follow-up (LTFU) and treatment failure were grouped as unsuccessful outcomes. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was employed for getting predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    RESULTS: Of the 271 DR-TB patients analysed, nearly half (51.3%) were males. The patient's (Mean ± SD) age was 36.75 ± 15.69 years. A total of 69% patients achieved successful outcomes with 185 (68.2%) patients being cured and 2 (0.7%) completed therapy. Of the remaining 84 patients with unsuccessful outcomes, 48 (17.7%) died, 2 (0.7%) were declared treatment failure, 34 (12.5%) were loss to follow up. After adjusting for confounders, patients' age > 50 years (OR 2.149 (1.005-4.592) with p-value 0.048 and baseline lung cavitation (OR 7.798 (3.82-15.919) with p-value <0.001 were significantly associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes.

    CONCLUSIONS: The treatment success rate (69%) in the current study participants was below the target set by WHO (>75%). Paying special attention and timely intervention in patients with high risk of unsuccessful treatment outcomes may help in improving treatment outcomes at the study site.

  3. Yusuf ANM, Amri MF, Ugusman A, Hamid AA, Wahab NA, Mokhtar MH
    Int J Mol Sci, 2023 Jul 27;24(15).
    PMID: 37569402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512026
    Endometrial receptivity is a state of the endometrium defined by its readiness for embryo implantation. When the receptivity of the endometrium is impaired due to hyperandrogenism or androgen excess, this condition can lead to pregnancy loss or infertility. Hyperandrogenism encompasses a wide range of clinical manifestations, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), idiopathic hirsutism, hirsutism and hyperandrogaenemia, non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, acanthosis nigricans (HAIR-AN), ovarian or adrenal androgen-secreting neoplasms, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperprolactinaemia. Recurrent miscarriages have been shown to be closely related to elevated testosterone levels, which alter the endometrial milieu so that it is less favourable for embryo implantation. There are mechanisms for endometrial receptivity that are affected by excess androgen. The HOXA gene, aVβ3 integrin, CDK signalling pathway, MECA-79, and MAGEA-11 were the genes and proteins affect endometrial receptivity in the presence of a hyperandrogenic state. In this review, we would like to explore the other manifestations of androgen excess focusing on causes other than PCOS and learn possible mechanisms of endometrial receptivity behind androgen excess leading to pregnancy loss or infertility.
  4. Ang HP, Makpol S, Nasaruddin ML, Ahmad NS, Tan JK, Wan Zaidi WA, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2023 Jul 31;24(15).
    PMID: 37569622 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512248
    Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway (TRP-KP) are upregulated in ageing and could be implicated in the pathogenesis of delirium. This study evaluated the role of IDO/KP in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced delirium in an animal model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH), a proposed model for delirium. CCH was induced by a permanent bilateral common carotid artery ligation (BCCAL) in Sprague Dawley rats to trigger chronic neuroinflammation-induced neurodegeneration. Eight weeks after permanent BCCAL, the rats were treated with a single systemic LPS. The rats were divided into three groups: (1) post-BCCAL rats treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline, (2) post-BCCAL rats treated with i.p. LPS 100 μg/kg, and (3) sham-operated rats treated with i.p. LPS 100 μg/kg. Each group consisted of 10 male rats. To elucidate the LPS-induced delirium-like behaviour, natural and learned behaviour changes were assessed by a buried food test (BFT), open field test (OFT), and Y-maze test at 0, 24-, 48-, and 72 h after LPS treatment. Serum was collected after each session of behavioural assessment. The rats were euthanised after the last serum collection, and the hippocampi and cerebral cortex were collected. The TRP-KP neuroactive metabolites were measured in both serum and brain tissues using ELISA. Our data show that LPS treatment in CCH rats was associated with acute, transient, and fluctuated deficits in natural and learned behaviour, consistent with features of delirium. These behaviour deficits were mild compared to the sham-operated rats, which exhibited robust behaviour impairments. Additionally, heightened hippocampal IDO expression in the LPS-treated CCH rats was associated with reduced serum KP activity together with a decrease in the hippocampal quinolinic acid (QA) expression compared to the sham-operated rats, suggested for the presence of endotoxin tolerance through the immunomodulatory activity of IDO in the brain. These data provide new insight into the underlying mechanisms of delirium, and future studies should further explore the role of IDO modulation and its therapeutic potential in delirium.
  5. Nazeera Fatimah K, Zuhra H, Hizlinda T, Noor Azimah M, Syahnaz MH, Rahmah K
    PMID: 37575358 DOI: 10.51866/oa.333
    INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) negatively affects patients' emotions. However, its effect on spouses' psychological well-being remains largely unknown. This study aimed to examine psychological morbidities and their associated factors among spouses of men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and ED.

    METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 115 women recruited through their husbands who were patients at a selected government health clinic in Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire containing the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 and items on health-related information, marital history, sexual history and perception of husband's ED was used to assess possible depression, anxiety and stress.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of psychological morbidities was 28.7% (depression=17.4%, anxiety=25.2% and stress=10.4%). Most respondents were middle-aged [median (interquartile range)=44.0 (11.0) years], were employed (55.7%) and had a low income (81.7%). About 47.0% of the spouses had a medical problem. The mean marriage duration was 18.7 (standard deviation=7.9) years. Almost all (90.4%) had sexual intercourse (SI) within the previous month. The majority had moderate-to-high interest in SI (72.2%) with a frequency of one to two times per week (69.6%). The majority (75.7%) did not perceive their husband as having ED. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that medical illness was significantly associated with anxiety (adjusted odds ratio=2.85, 95% confidence interval=1.11-7.29, P=0.029).

    CONCLUSION: Psychological morbidities were present among the spouses of men with T2DM and ED. Psychological well-being was significantly affected by their medical illness. Despite their husband's ED, the women declared to have regular sexual relationships and did not perceive their husband as having erectile problems.

  6. Maftouh A, El Fatni O, Bouzekri S, Rajabi F, Sillanpää M, Butt MH
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Jan;30(2):2341-2354.
    PMID: 36380176 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24116-z
    Due to disparities in the allocation of rainwater and drought, extreme exploitation of groundwater reservoirs has depleted water supplies in many locations. In addition, improper disposal of domestic and industrial waste leads to poor drainage and deterioration of water quality. According to studies, desalination methods are an effective solution for treating unconventional water, i.e., sea and brackish water, and making it usable in daily life. Solar-powered desalination has recently received a great deal of attention around the world. Herein, we summarized challenges and future perspectives associated with solar-powered desalination units. Some hybrid technologies are also discussed like solar-wind desalination and RO-ED crystallizer technology in Morocco and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Previously, most experimental studies focused on the use of solar energy in traditional desalination methods such as multistage flash and multi-effect distillation. Desalination with reverse osmosis has become popular due to membrane technology improvement and benefits like high recovery ratios and low energy consumption. Furthermore, it has been seen that solar energy is less expensive than the energy obtained from traditional fuels in the MENA area. This article aims to comparatively and systematically review the economic feasibility of the use of solar photovoltaic reverse osmosis in desalination in the MENA region.
  7. Azman SS, Yazid MD, Abdul Ghani NA, Raja Sabudin RZA, Abdul Rahman MR, Sulaiman N
    Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol, 2023 Dec;51(1):408-416.
    PMID: 37584645 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2023.2245456
    Endothelial dysfunction initiates the pathogenesis of a myriad of cardiovascular diseases, yet the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Current model utilises mechanical denudation of arteries resulting in an arterial-injury model with onset of intimal hyperplasia (IH). Our study shows that 5 min enzymatic denudation of human umbilical artery (hUA) lumen at 37 °C efficiently denudes hUA while maintaining vessel integrity without significantly increase intima-media thickness after 7 days in culture. This ex-vivo model will be a valuable tool in understanding the mechanism of re-endothelialization prior to smooth muscle cells (SMC) activation thus placating IH at an early stage.
  8. Ambarwati NSS, Elya B, Malik A, Omar H, Hanafi M, Ahmad I
    J Adv Pharm Technol Res, 2022;13(1):50-55.
    PMID: 35223441 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_132_21
    Isolation and determination of antibacterial compounds from plants are essential to obtain a new antibacterial as a substitute for conventional resistant antibiotics. This study aims to isolate and identify a new robustaflavone as antibacterial activity from Garcinia latissima Miq. leave. In this study, the isolation process was carried out using column chromatography followed by preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) based on the TLC profile. The fraction D was tested for anti-bacterial Bacillus subtilis using the TLC bioautography method. The isolates obtained were then identified using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer, heteronuclear single quantum coherence, and heteronuclear multiple bond coherence. The Activity assay of the isolate was performed using the microdilution method. A pure compound obtained the result of the separation process with eluent n-hexane: Ethyl acetate (3:2) with Rf 0.6. This spot follows the spot in the contact bioautographic result of fraction D, the spot with Rf 0.6 gives an inhibition zone. After identifying and purifying the isolate were known as Robustaflavone, this compound has activity against B. subtilis with a (minimum inhibitory concentration) value of 2500 ppm. Robustaflavone successfully isolated and identified from G. latissima leave and its antibacterial activity.
  9. Hu P, Bhuiyan MA, Rahman MK, Hossain MM, Akter S
    PLoS One, 2022;17(10):e0275541.
    PMID: 36260619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275541
    This study examined the fear of COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on consumer behavioural intention to purchase green products. The data was collected from consumers of Malaysia in hypermarkets. A total of 491 respondents were analyzed using the partial least square technique. The results indicated that the fear of the COVID-19 epidemic has a significant impact on health concerns, social media information, intolerance of uncertainty, and personal relevance, which in turn affect consumers' behavioural intention to purchase green products. With a serial mediating effect the results identified that fear of COVID-19 epidemic is associated with behavioural intention to purchase the green product. The findings of this study are crucial for understanding the swings in the green product purchase behaviour due to the ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19 crisis.
  10. Khan MB, Nisar H, Ng CA, Yeap KH, Lai KC
    Microsc Microanal, 2017 12;23(6):1130-1142.
    PMID: 29212566 DOI: 10.1017/S1431927617012673
    Image processing and analysis is an effective tool for monitoring and fault diagnosis of activated sludge (AS) wastewater treatment plants. The AS image comprise of flocs (microbial aggregates) and filamentous bacteria. In this paper, nine different approaches are proposed for image segmentation of phase-contrast microscopic (PCM) images of AS samples. The proposed strategies are assessed for their effectiveness from the perspective of microscopic artifacts associated with PCM. The first approach uses an algorithm that is based on the idea that different color space representation of images other than red-green-blue may have better contrast. The second uses an edge detection approach. The third strategy, employs a clustering algorithm for the segmentation and the fourth applies local adaptive thresholding. The fifth technique is based on texture-based segmentation and the sixth uses watershed algorithm. The seventh adopts a split-and-merge approach. The eighth employs Kittler's thresholding. Finally, the ninth uses a top-hat and bottom-hat filtering-based technique. The approaches are assessed, and analyzed critically with reference to the artifacts of PCM. Gold approximations of ground truth images are prepared to assess the segmentations. Overall, the edge detection-based approach exhibits the best results in terms of accuracy, and the texture-based algorithm in terms of false negative ratio. The respective scenarios are explained for suitability of edge detection and texture-based algorithms.
  11. Saputra E, Prawiranegara BA, Nugraha MW, Oh WD, Sugesti H, Evelyn, et al.
    Environ Res, 2023 Oct 01;234:116441.
    PMID: 37331558 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116441
    Three specific catalysts, namely ZIF-67 (zeolitic imidazolate framework-67), Co@NCF (Co@Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework), and 3D NCF (Three-Dimensional Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework), were prepared and studied for pulp and paper mill effluent degradation using heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Numerous characterizations, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and N2 adsorption, were used to characterize the properties of three different catalysts. 3D NCF is remarkably effective at heterogeneous activation of PMS to generate sulfate radicals to degrade pulp and paper mill effluent (PPME) compared to the other as-prepared catalysts. The catalytic activity reveals a sequence of 3D NCF > Co@NCF > ZIF-67.3D NCF could degrade organic pollutants in 30 min at an initial COD concentration of 1146 mg/L of PPME, 0.2 g/L catalysts, 2 g/L PMS, and 50 °C. Consequently, it was observed that the degradation of PPME using 3D NCF followed first-order kinetics, with an activation energy of 40.54 kJ mol-1. Overall, 3D NCF/PMS system reveals promising performance for PPME removal.
  12. Yehya AHS, Subramaniam AV, Asif M, Kaur G, Abdul Majid AMS, Oon CE
    World J Gastroenterol, 2022 Aug 28;28(32):4620-4634.
    PMID: 36157930 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i32.4620
    BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is the most aggressive cancer type. Gemcitabine is the first line chemo-drug used for pancreatic cancer but exerts a broad spectrum of organ toxicities and adverse effects in patients.

    AIM: To evaluate the anti-tumour activity and toxicological effects of Orthosiphon stamineus extract formulation (ID: C5EOSEW5050ESA trademarked as Nuva-staticTM), and gemcitabine combination on pancreatic xenograft model.

    METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into six groups of 6 mice each (n = 6) and given different treatments for 28 d. The study design consisted of a 2 x 3 factorial treatment structure, with gemcitabine (yes/no) by oral (at 1200 and 400 mg/kg per day). Human pancreatic cancer cells were injected subcutaneously into the flanks of athymic nude mice. C5EOSEW5050ESA (200 or 400 mg/kg per day) was administered orally, while gemcitabine (10 mg/kg per 3 d) was given intraperitoneally either alone or in combination treatment. Histopathological analyses of vital organs, tumour tissues, and incidence of lethality were analysed. Analyses of tumour necrosis and proliferation were determined by haematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for Ki-67, respectively.

    RESULTS: No signs of toxicity or damage to vital organs were observed in all treatment groups compared to the untreated group. C5EOSEW5050ESA at 200 mg/kg and gemcitabine combination had no additive antitumor effects compared to a single treatment. Remarkably, a comparably greater response in a reduction in tumour growth, Ki-67 protein expression, and necrosis was demonstrated by 400 mg/kg of C5EOSEW5050ESA and gemcitabine combination than that of the individual agents.

    CONCLUSION: These results highlighted the synergistic activity of C5EOSEW5050ESA with gemcitabine to reduce pancreatic tumour growth in mice compared to a single treatment. Thus, this study provides valuable insights into using C5EOSEW5050ESA as a complementary treatment with gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer.

  13. Usman MS, Hussein MZ, Kura AU, Fakurazi S, Masarudin MJ, Ahmad Saad FF
    Molecules, 2018 Feb 24;23(2).
    PMID: 29495251 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020500
    We have synthesized a graphene oxide (GO)-based theranostic nanodelivery system (GOTS) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using naturally occurring protocatechuic acid (PA) as an anticancer agent and gadolinium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Gd) as the starting material for a contrast agent,. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were subsequently used as second diagnostic agent. The GO nanosheets were first prepared from graphite via the improved Hummer's protocol. The conjugation of the GO and the PA was done via hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions, followed by surface adsorption of the AuNPs through electrostatic interactions. GAGPA is the name given to the nanocomposite obtained from Gd and PA conjugation. However, after coating with AuNPs, the name was modified to GAGPAu. The physicochemical properties of the GAGPA and GAGPAu nanohybrids were studied using various characterization techniques. The results from the analyses confirmed the formation of the GOTS. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) results showed the diffractive patterns for pure GO nanolayers, which changed after subsequent conjugation of the Gd and PA. The AuNPs patterns were also recorded after surface adsorption. Cytotoxicity and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast tests were also carried out on the developed GOTS. The GAGPAu was significantly cytotoxic to the human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) but nontoxic to the standard fibroblast cell line (3T3). The GAGPAu also appeared to possess higher T1 contrast compared to the pure Gd and water reference. The GOTS has good prospects of serving as future theranostic platform for cancer chemotherapy and diagnosis.
  14. Usman MS, Hussein MZ, Fakurazi S, Masarudin MJ, Ahmad Saad FF
    PLoS One, 2018;13(7):e0200760.
    PMID: 30044841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200760
    We have synthesized a bimodal theranostic nanodelivery system (BIT) that is based on graphene oxide (GO) and composed of a natural chemotherapeutic agent, chlorogenic acid (CA) used as the anticancer agent, while gadolinium (Gd) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modality. The CA and Gd guest agents were simultaneously loaded on the GO nanolayers using chemical interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and π-π non-covalent interactions to form GOGCA nanocomposite. Subsequently, the AuNPs were doped on the surface of the GOGCA by means of electrostatic interactions, which resulted in the BIT. The physico-chemical studies of the BIT affirmed its successful development. The X-ray diffractograms (XRD) collected of the various stages of BIT synthesis showed the successive development of the hybrid system, while 90% of the chlorogenic acid was released in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH 4.8. This was further reaffirmed by the in vitro evaluations, which showed stunted HepG2 cancer cells growth against the above 90% cell growth in the control cells. A reverse case was recorded for the 3T3 normal cells. Further, the acquired T1-weighted image of the BIT doped samples obtained from the MRI indicated contrast enhancement in comparison with the plain Gd and water references. The abovementioned results portray our BIT as a promising future chemotherapeutic for anticancer treatment with diagnostic modalities.
  15. Islam KR, Prithula J, Kumar J, Tan TL, Reaz MBI, Sumon MSI, et al.
    J Clin Med, 2023 Aug 30;12(17).
    PMID: 37685724 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175658
    BACKGROUND: Sepsis, a life-threatening infection-induced inflammatory condition, has significant global health impacts. Timely detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes as sepsis can rapidly progress to severe forms. The application of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) to predict sepsis using electronic health records (EHRs) has gained considerable attention for timely intervention.

    METHODS: PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies. All studies that used ML/DL to detect or early-predict the onset of sepsis in the adult population using EHRs were considered. Data were extracted and analyzed from all studies that met the criteria and were also evaluated for their quality.

    RESULTS: This systematic review examined 1942 articles, selecting 42 studies while adhering to strict criteria. The chosen studies were predominantly retrospective (n = 38) and spanned diverse geographic settings, with a focus on the United States. Different datasets, sepsis definitions, and prevalence rates were employed, necessitating data augmentation. Heterogeneous parameter utilization, diverse model distribution, and varying quality assessments were observed. Longitudinal data enabled early sepsis prediction, and quality criteria fulfillment varied, with inconsistent funding-article quality correlation.

    CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review underscores the significance of ML/DL methods for sepsis detection and early prediction through EHR data.

  16. Basirom I, Daud R, Ijaz MF, Rojan MA, Basaruddin KS
    Materials (Basel), 2023 Aug 30;16(17).
    PMID: 37687652 DOI: 10.3390/ma16175958
    An understanding of the biomechanical characteristics and configuration of flexible and locked plating in order to provide balance stability and flexibility of implant fixation will help to construct and promote fast bone healing. The relationship between applied loading and implantation configuration for best bone healing is still under debate. This study aims to investigate the relationship between implant strength, working length, and interfragmentary strain (εIFM) on implant stability for femoral midshaft transverse fractures. The transverse fracture was fixed with a fragment locking compression plate (LCP) system. Finite element analysis was performed and subsequently characterised based on compression loading (600 N up to 900 N) and screw designs (conventional and locking) with different penetration depths (unicortical and bicortical). Strain theory was used to evaluate the stability of the model. The correlation of screw configuration with screw type shows a unicortical depth for both types (p < 0.01) for 700 N and 800 N loads and (p < 0.05) for configurations 134 and 124. Interfragmentary strain affected only the 600 N load (p < 0.01) for the bicortical conventional type (group BC), and the screw configurations that were influenced were 1234 and 123 (p < 0.05). The low steepness of the slope indicates the least εIFM for the corresponding biomechanical characteristic in good-quality stability. A strain value of ≤2% promotes callus formation and is classified as absolute stability, which is the minimum required value for the induction of callus and the maximum value that allows bony bridging. The outcomes have provided the correlation of screw configuration in femoral midshaft transverse fracture implantation which is important to promote essential primary stability.
  17. Yang Q, Xinyue L, Hoque ME, Al Mamun A, Rahman MK, Yao J
    PLoS One, 2023;18(9):e0291089.
    PMID: 37656720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291089
    The deterioration of the environment, shortage of resources, and frequent occurrence of food safety issues have made people increasingly concerned about themselves while maintaining their health and protecting the environment through food. Organic food, as a healthy and eco-friendly option, is gradually gaining attention. Based on the value-belief-norm theory, this study explores why individuals consume organic food and the range of factors that lead to this consumer behavior. This study adopted a cross-sectional design and collected quantitative data from conveniently selected 300 youth participants in Bangladesh using an online survey. The findings revealed that health values and motivation have a significant positive effect on healthy eating beliefs, which, together with the awareness of the consequences, affect personal norms toward organic food consumption. Personal norms also have a significant positive effect on organic food consumption behavior among Bangladeshi youth. Finally, trust on organic food positively moderates the effect of personal norms on organic food consumption. The findings of this study are expected to foster the development of a comprehensive framework to promote programs and policies focused on organic and healthy food consumption culture among youth in developing nations.
  18. Raza SA, Shah N, Qureshi MA, Qaiser S, Ali R, Ahmed F
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Sep;27(25):32034-32047.
    PMID: 32506406 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09520-7
    Financial development is identified as one of the significant factors that affect energy consumption and has been widely discussed in the literature. However, the association between financial development and renewable energy consumption is still at its earlier stage and is limitedly explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the non-linear association between financial development and renewable energy consumption in the top renewable energy consumption countries. The study utilized the newly introduced econometric technique panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model with two regimes on annual panel data consisted of years 1997-2017. The result confirmed that all the financial development indicators increase renewable energy consumption but affect renewable energy consumption differently. Moreover, the economic growth and industrial structure showed a positive and significant association in both regimes, whereas the population showed a negative relationship with renewable energy consumption in a low growth regime but the association becomes positive in high growth regimes. The study suggested several policies for the top renewable consumption countries.
  19. Ahmad MT, Shariff M, Goh YM, Banerjee S, Yusoff FM
    J Fish Biol, 2023 Sep;103(3):715-726.
    PMID: 37249562 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15469
    Chlorella is one of the most widely accepted Chlorophyta used by many as livestock and aquaculture feed. Nonetheless, different studies on the overall performances of fish reported the unfavourable effect of high-level supplementations of Chlorella vulgaris. The current study determined the impact of low-level dietary supplementation of C. vulgaris alongside the different feeding durations and their interactions on the growth hormone (GH), growth performances, serum-biochemical indices, hepatic function and some immunological parameters of red hybrid tilapia. The fingerlings (mean weight: 14.25 ± 0.01 g, length: 13.5 ± 0.49 cm) were fed diets containing 0, 0.99%, 2.91% and 4.76% of C. vulgaris powder per kilogram dry diet for 90 days. GH, growth performance, serum-biochemical indices (total serum protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and some immunological (respiratory burst and lysozyme activities) parameters of the fish were examined after 30, 60 and 90 days of feeding. The results demonstrated that tilapia fed C. vulgaris-supplemented diets showed increased levels of respiratory burst, lysozyme, albumin and total protein, GH and growth performances (P 
  20. Irnidayanti Y, Soegianto A, Brabo AH, Abdilla FM, Putranto TWC, Payus CM
    Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 2023 Sep 13;111(3):37.
    PMID: 37704797 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03786-6
    This study examined the characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in the gills and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) captured in Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. All 120 fish contained MPs, with fragment > fiber > film being the most prevalent types, in that order. The total abundances of fragments, fibers, and films in the gills were as follows: 4.8 ± 1.6, 1.0 ± 0.7, and 0.3 ± 0.3, respectively. The total abundances of fragments, fibers, and films in the GIT were 5.9 ± 2.3, 1.3 ± 0.8, and 0.4 ± 0.4, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the abundance of fragments, fibers and films in both the gills and GIT of mackerel did not differ significantly between sampling locations. In the gills and GIT, MPs with sizes less than 0.1 mm and MPs that were black in color were most prevalent. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy tests on MPs from the tissues of mackerel showed that there were 8 different types of MP polymers, namely, latex, nylon, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cellulose acetate (CA), polyurethane (PU), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Latex and polycarbonate were detected in fish samples from Jakarta Bay.
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