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Fulltext Non-toxic nature of chebulinic acid on biochemical, hematological and histopathological analysis in normal Sprague Dawley rats

Aamir K, Sugumar V, Khan HU, Looi CY, Juneja R, Waqas M, et al.

Toxicol Res, 2022 Apr;38(2):159-174.
PMID: 35419271 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-021-00092-3

Chebulinic acid (CA) is an ellagitannins isolated from the dried fruits of Terminalia chebula with diverse pharmacological activities. The present study focused on the acute toxicity of CA in normal Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. CA was administered via oral gavage to different groups in 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight and vehicle respectively. All the animals were monitored carefully for any physiological or behavioral changes for 14 days. On day 15th animals were euthanized and blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Different tissues were collected for histopathological study using four different staining techniques (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, periodic acid Schiff and picro sirius red) to observe any pathological alterations. The results highlighted no morbidity and mortality after oral ingestion of CA (300 and 2000 mg/kg). Food and water consumption, body weight, relative organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters were normal without any gross pathological lesions in harvested tissues. The outcome of the current study supported safety of CA even at high dose. However, further detailed study is required on experimentally disease model to unfold its therapeutic potential in laboratory animals.
Fulltext The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Obesity and Its Impact on Cognitive Impairments-A Narrative Review

Naomi R, Teoh SH, Embong H, Balan SS, Othman F, Bahari H, et al.

Antioxidants (Basel), 2023 May 10;12(5).
PMID: 37237937 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051071

Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition that induces the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation. This oxidative stress and inflammation stimulate brain atrophy and some morphological changes in the brain that eventually result in cognitive impairments. However, there is no exact study that has summarized the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity and its impact on cognitive impairments. Thus, the objective of this review is to recapitulate the current role of oxidative stress and inflammation in cognitive decline based on in vivo evidence. A comprehensive search was performed in Nature, Medline and Ovid, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, and the search was limited to the past 10 years of publication. From the search, we identified 27 articles to be further reviewed. The outcome of this study indicates that a greater amount of fat stored in individual adipocytes in obesity induces the formation of reactive oxygen species and inflammation. This will lead to the generation of oxidative stress, which may cause morphological changes in the brain, suppress the endogenous antioxidant system, and promote neuroinflammation and, eventually, neuronal apoptosis. This will impair the normal function of the brain and specific regions that are involved in learning, as well as memory. This shows that obesity has a strong positive correlation with cognitive impairments. Hence, this review summarizes the mechanism of oxidative stress and inflammation that induce memory loss based on animal model evidence. In conclusion, this review may serve as an insight into therapeutic development focusing on oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways to manage an obesity-induced cognitive decline in the future.
Comparative Study on Biological Activities and Chemical Profiling of Mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel.) Cultured on Lignocellulosic Agro Wastes

Hisam Zamakshshari N, Adewale Ahmed I, Nazil Afiq Nasharuddin M, Syahira Zaharudin N, Mohd Hashim N, Othman R

Chem Biodivers, 2023 Jun;20(6):e202300111.
PMID: 37236908 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202300111

The relevance of the lignocellulosic substrate in the cultivation of mushrooms has lent support to the exploration of several lignocellulosic agro wastes. This study was, thus, aimed at the evaluation of durian peel as an alternative substrate for more sustainable mushroom cultivation and climate change mitigation. The secondary metabolites and biological activities of both aqueous and organic mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel.) extract cultured on durian peel and rubberwood sawdust substrate were compared using GCMS, LCMS as well as various biological assays (cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities). Mushroom extracts from durian peel substrates possess remarkable biological activities. The results showed that the aqueous extracts had poor antimicrobial activities. The organic extracts were more active against cancer cells than the aqueous extracts, while the aqueous extracts were more potent as antioxidants than the organic extracts. Overall, the mushroom extract from the durian substrate was the most effective except against A549 and SW948, while the aqueous extract from the durian substrate was the most effective against the A549 cancer cell lines with 29.53±2.39 % inhibition. On the other hand, the organic mushroom extract from the sawdust substrate was the most effective against SW948 with 60.24±2.45 % inhibition. Further studies, however, are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of action of P. pulmonarius extracts against cancer cell proliferation and the effect of the substrates on the nutritional composition, secondary metabolites, and other biological activities of P. pulmonarius extracts.
Interaction of low-level dietary supplementation of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck, 1890, and feeding duration on growth hormone, growth performance and serum biochemistry of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus)

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
Fulltext Enhancement of gallium nitride on silicon (111) using pulse atomic-layer epitaxy (PALE) AlN with composition-graded AlGaN buffer

Mansor M, Norhaniza R, Shuhaimi A, Hisyam MI, Omar AZ, Williams A, et al.

Sci Rep, 2023 May 31;13(1):8793.
PMID: 37258537 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35677-5

The ability to configure the optimal buffer layer for GaN growth depends on the knowledge of relaxation processes that occurs during the cooling step while countering the tensile stresses due to the contrast of thermal expansion coefficient between GaN and Si(111) substrate. Here, we inaugurate the pulse atomic-layer epitaxy (PALE) AlN layer to reinforce the buffer layer to achieve a thick GaN epilayer which is crucial for high performance power devices. The characteristics of grown GaN on Si substrate based on PALE AlN thickness of 0 ~ 100 nm are investigated along with microstructural evolution between AlN NL and composition-graded AlGaN buffer layer. PALE AlN layer deposited with an optimum thickness of 50 nm and above was observed to exhibit a highly uniform coalesced GaN epilayer surface with root-mean square (RMS) roughness of 0.512 nm. The thickness of the PALE AlN layer substantially affected the crystallinity of the top GaN epilayer where the lowest value for symmetric (0 0 0 2) and asymmetric (1 0 -1 2) x-ray rocking curve analysis were achieved, indicating the reduction of threading dislocation density in the growth structure. Transition of the E2 (high) peak from the Raman spectrum shows that the strain compression in GaN epilayer is directly proportional to the thickness of the PALE AlN layer.
Utilization and performance evaluation of mixed matrix membranes for the treatment of produced water: A review

Razak NA, Nasir R, Azmi N, Mukhtar H, Mohsim DF, Mustafa MRU

Water Environ Res, 2023 Jun;95(6):e10900.
PMID: 37264766 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10900

Produced water (PW) has been generated in a huge amount representing the largest volume waste stream. Membrane technology has found a leading ability in treating PW due to its significant advantages, such as lower cost, easy installation, and being environmentally friendly. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have received significant research interest due to their flexibility, multifunctionality enhances the membrane performance with increasing selectivity, permeability, robustness, mechanical strength, and resistance to fouling. This mini-review paper identifies the utilization of different membranes for treating PW. It also gives a review of different types of MMMs with specific fillers for the application of PW treatment. Lastly, some methods to enhance the performance of mixed matrix membranes have been highlighted. The issues and challenges in membranes are also discussed. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are a potential membrane type for PW treatment. This mini-review paper identifies the use of several membranes to treat PW. It also examined various types of MMMs containing specific fillers for the application of PW treatment. Methods for improving the performance of mixed matrix membranes have been highlighted, including the use of novel materials, surface modification, and cross-linking. The issues and challenges in membranes are also discussed.
Thermal and mechanical characterization of composite materials from industrial plastic wastes and recycled nylon fibers for floor paving tiles application

Owen MM, Achukwu EO, Romli AZ, Abdullah AHB, Ramlee MH, Shuib SB

Waste Manag, 2023 Jul 01;166:25-34.
PMID: 37141784 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.04.038

Industrial plastic waste is growing globally at an alarming rate and environmental pollution from traditional landfill disposal and incineration treatments are of great concern. As a strategy to reduce plastic pollution, value-added composite materials from industrial plastic wastes reinforced with recycled nylon fibers for use in floor paving tile applications were developed. This is to address the disadvantages of existing ceramic tiles which are relatively heavy, brittle, and expensive. The plastic waste composite structures were produced via compression molding technique at an optimized randomly oriented constant fiber volume fraction of 50 wt% after the initial sorting, cleaning, drying, pulverizing, and melt-mixing. The molding temperature, pressure, and time for the composite's structures were 220 ℃, 65 kg.cm-3, and 5 min respectively. The composites' thermal, mechanical, and microstructural properties were characterized in accordance with appropriate ASTM standards. From the results obtained, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of mixed plastic wastes and nylon fiber wastes showed a processing temperature range of 130-180 ℃, and 250 ℃ respectively. Thermal degradation temperature (TGA) of the plastic and nylon fiber waste composites were stable above 400 ℃ with maximum bending strength, however, the reinforced plastic waste sandwiched composite structures had outstanding mechanical properties indicating unique characteristics suitable for floor paving tiles. Hence, the current research has developed tough and lightweight tiles composites that are economically viable, and their application will contribute to the development of the building and construction sectors thereby reducing about 10-15% of annual plastic waste generation and a sustainable environment.
Fulltext Response Surface Methodology for the Synthesis and Characterization of Bio-Oil Extracted from Biomass Waste and Upgradation Using the Rice Husk Ash Catalyst

Irfan M, Ghalib SA, Waqas S, Khan JA, Rahman S, Faraj Mursal SN, et al.

ACS Omega, 2023 May 23;8(20):17869-17879.
PMID: 37251131 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00868

Rice husk ash (RHA), a low-cost biomaterial, was utilized to form bio-oil from pyrolysis in a batch-stirred reactor, followed by its upgradation using the RHA catalyst. In the present study, the effect of temperature (ranging from 400 to 480 °C) on bio-oil production produced from RHA was studied to obtain the maximum bio-oil yield. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to investigate the effect of operational parameters (temperature, heating rate, and particle size) on the bio-oil yield. The results showed that a maximum bio-oil output of 20.33% was obtained at 480 °C temperature, 80 °C/min heating rate, and 200 μm particle size. Temperature and heating rate positively impact the bio-oil yield, while particle size has little effect. The overall R2 value of 0.9614 for the proposed model proved in good agreement with the experimental data. The physical properties of raw bio-oil were determined, and 1030 kg/m3 density, 12 MJ/kg calorific value, 1.40 cSt viscosity, 3 pH, and 72 mg KOH/g acid value were obtained, respectively. To enhance the characteristics of the bio-oil, upgradation was performed using the RHA catalyst through the esterification process. The upgraded bio-oil stemmed from a density of 0.98 g/cm3, an acid value of 58 mg of KOH/g, a calorific value of 16 MJ/kg, and a viscosity 10.5 cSt, respectively. The physical properties, GC-MS and FTIR, showed an improvement in the bio-oil characterization. The findings of this study indicate that RHA can be used as an alternative source for bio-oil production to create a more sustainable and cleaner environment.
Fulltext Re-irradiation Using Stereotactic Radiotherapy: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends

Mohamed Yoosuf AB, Ajmal Khan M, Abdul Aziz MZ, Mansor S, Appalanaido GK, Alshehri S, et al.

Cureus, 2023 May;15(5):e39600.
PMID: 37384098 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39600

The objective of this research is to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) to examine the current research topics and trends pertaining to stereotactic-based re-irradiation. A bibliometric search was conducted for re-irradiation-related literature published in English from the WoSCC database from 1991 to 2022, using VOSviewer to visualize the results. The extracted information comprises the publication year, overall citation count, average citation rate, keywords, and research domains. We conducted a literature review to identify trends in research on re-irradiation. A total of 19,891 citations were found in 924 qualifying papers that came from 48 different nations. The number of publications and citations has grown steadily since 2008 with the highest number of publications in the year 2018. Similarly, a substantial increase in the number of citations has increased since 2004 and the citation growth rate has been positive between 2004 and 2019 with a peak in 2013. The top authorship patterns were six authors (111 publications and 2498 citations), whereas the highest number of citations per publication was attained with an authorship pattern of 17 authors (C/P = 41.1). The collaboration patterns analysis showed that the largest proportion of publications emanated from the United States with 363 publications (30.9%), followed by Germany with 102 publications (8.7%), and France with 92 publications (7.8%). The majority of the analyzed studies were focused on the brain (30%), head and neck (13%), lung (12%), and spine (10%) and there have been emerging studies on the use of re-irradiation for lung, prostate, pelvic and liver utilizing stereotactic radiotherapy. The main areas of interest have changed over time and are now based on a multidisciplinary approach that integrates advanced imaging techniques, stereotactic treatment delivery, the toxicity of organs at risk, quality of life, and treatment outcomes.
Fulltext Shockproof Deformable Infrared Radiation Sensors Based on a Polymeric Rubber and Organic Semiconductor H2Pc-CNT Composite

Chani MTS, Karimov KS, Kamal T, Fatima N, Rahman MM, Asiri AM

Polymers (Basel), 2023 Jun 15;15(12).
PMID: 37376337 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122691

Polymeric rubber and organic semiconductor H2Pc-CNT-composite-based surface- and sandwich-type shockproof deformable infrared radiation (IR) sensors were fabricated using a rubbing-in technique. CNT and CNT-H2Pc (30:70 wt.%) composite layers were deposited on a polymeric rubber substrate as electrodes and active layers, respectively. Under the effect of IR irradiation (0 to 3700 W/m2), the resistance and the impedance of the surface-type sensors decreased up to 1.49 and 1.36 times, respectively. In the same conditions, the resistance and the impedance of the sandwich-type sensors decreased up to 1.46 and 1.35 times, respectively. The temperature coefficients of resistance (TCR) of the surface- and sandwich-type sensors are 1.2 and 1.1, respectively. The novel ratio of the H2Pc-CNT composite ingredients and comparably high value of the TCR make the devices attractive for bolometric applications meant to measure the intensity of infrared radiation. Moreover, given their easy fabrication and low-cost materials, the fabricated devices have great potential for commercialization.
Fulltext Control of morphology and crystallinity of CNTs in flame synthesis with one-dimensional reaction zone

Ibrahim MH, Hamzah N, Mohd Yusop MZ, Septiani NLW, Mohd Yasin MF

Beilstein J Nanotechnol, 2023;14:741-750.
PMID: 37377745 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.14.61

The growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a flame requires conditions that are difficult to achieve in a highly heterogeneous environment. Therefore, the analysis of the properties of the reaction zone within the flame is critical for the optimal growth of CNTs. In the present study, a comprehensive comparison between the CNT synthesis using a methane diffusion flame and a premixed flame is conducted regarding the morphology and crystallinity of the as-grown nanotubes. The premixed burner configuration created a flame that is stabilized through axisymmetric stagnation flow through sintered metal with one-dimensional geometry, different from a conventional co-flow flame. The significant difference in temperature distribution between the two flames causes a difference in the characteristics of the growth products. In the diffusion flame, the growth is limited to specific regions at certain height-above-burner (HAB) values with a temperature range of 750 to 950 °C at varying radial locations. The identified growth regions at different HAB values showed similar temperature distributions that yield CNTs of similar characteristics. Interestingly, the growth of CNTs in the premixed flame is dictated by only the HAB because the temperature distribution is relatively uniform along the radial directions but significantly different in the vertical direction. 17.3% variation in temperature in the axial direction successfully led to 44% and 66% variation in CNT diameter and crystallinity, respectively. The morphology control capability demonstrated in the present study is important for CNT functionalization for energy storage, nanosensor, and nanocomposite applications, where diameter and crystallinity are influential properties that govern the overall performance of the components.
Fulltext Retraction Note: Human blood type influences the host-seeking behavior and fecundity of the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi

Khan SA, Kassim NFA, Webb CE, Aqueel MA, Ahmad S, Malik S, et al.

Sci Rep, 2022 Jun 17;12(1):10202.
PMID: 35715579 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14546-7
Fulltext Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms in Parents of Children Being Admitted for Febrile Seizures in a Tertiary Hospital in the East Coast of Malaysia

Othman A, Razak SA, Nasir A, Ghazali AK, Mohd Radzi MAR

Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ, 2023 Jun 09;13(6):1015-1025.
PMID: 37366781 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13060077

Febrile seizures in children are an alarming experience for parents. This study aimed to assess the psychological functioning of parents of children when they were being admitted for treatment of febrile seizures in the hospital, the importance of which is clear, since parents are the primary custodian of their children. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 110 participants whose child had been admitted for a febrile seizure to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from September 2020 until June 2021. The depression, anxiety, and stress levels were determined based on a validated Bahasa Melayu questionnaire of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). In addition, multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors related to the participants' psychological functioning. The mean age of children with febrile seizures were 21 months old, and most children showed features of simple febrile seizures (71.8%). The prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression were 58.2%, 29%, and 23.6%, respectively. Using multiple logistic regression, child age, family history of febrile seizures, family history of epilepsy, and length of stay in the ward were found to be significantly associated with anxiety when adjusted for other variables. Otherwise, for depression and stress, no significant associated variables were found when adjusted for other variables. Anxiety was highly reported by participants when their children were admitted for febrile seizures. Several factors impacted their anxiety, including the lower the child's age was, participants with no family history of febrile seizures before, and the longer duration of hospital stay. Therefore, further study and intervention on reducing the parent's anxiety could be emphasized in the future.
Fulltext Inspecting Histamine Isolated from Fish through a Highly Selective Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensor Approach

Munir MA, Rahmawati F, Jamal JA, Ibrahim S, Said MM, Ahmad MS

ACS Omega, 2023 Apr 11;8(14):13352-13361.
PMID: 37065053 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00768

Numerous analytical approaches have been developed to determine histamine levels in food samples due to its health consequences. Consuming histamine over the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated 50 mg kg-1 limit would result in chronic toxicity. Consequently, the present study discusses a novel electrochemical approach to evaluate histamine levels in fish products via a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on an electrode surface. The film was produced with electropolymerized polyurethane (PU), which maintained the histamine compound. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to verify the MIP manufactured in this study. The capability of the polymer was measured by assessing its electron shifts with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was also employed to validate the sensing method. The MIP/screen-printed electrode (SPE) and non-imprinted polymer (NIP)/SPE recorded a linear response ranging from 1 to 1000 nmol L-1 at the 1.765 and 709 nmol L-1 detection limits. The sensing technique was subsequently utilized to determine the histamine levels in selected samples at room temperature (25 °C). Generally, the sensor allowed the accurate and precise detection of histamine in the fish samples. Furthermore, the approach could be categorized as a simple technique that is low-cost and suitable for on-site detections.
Fulltext Polyurethane Application to Transform Screen-Printed Electrode for Rapid Identification of Histamine Isolated from Fish

Munir MA, Jamal JA, Said MM, Ibrahim S, Ahmad MS

Scientifica (Cairo), 2023;2023:5444256.
PMID: 37051152 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5444256

The toxicity of histamine has attracted numerous researchers to develop a method for histamine determination purposes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unequivocally prohibits the consumption of histamine above 50 mg·kg-1. Thus, an innovation in histamine detection in fish has been developed in this research. The investigation of the histamine level in fish has been conducted by using an electrochemical sensor approach and producing a polymer via molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on a screen-printed electrode. The technique was validated by assessing the shifts in electron shifting using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) approach and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), whereas differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was applied to validate the sensor method. The instruments showed a linear response ranging from 1-1000 nmol·L-1, with a detection limit of MIP/SPE at 1.765 nmol·L-1 and 709 nmol·L-1 for the NIP/SPE, respectively. The sensing technique was employed to determine the histamine level in selected samples at room temperature (25°C). The outcomes of this study indicated that the validated chemical sensor allowed accurate and precise detection of fish samples and can be categorized as a simple approach. The instrument is inexpensive and suitable for on-site detection.
Modification with Conventional Surfactants to Improve a Lipid-Based Ionic-Liquid-Associated Transcutaneous Anticancer Vaccine

Uddin S, Islam MR, Moshikur RM, Wakabayashi R, Moniruzzaman M, Goto M

Molecules, 2023 Mar 27;28(7).
PMID: 37049732 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28072969

Transcutaneous vaccination is one of the successful, affordable, and patient-friendly advanced immunization approaches because of the presence of multiple immune-responsive cell types in the skin. However, in the absence of a preferable facilitator, the skin's outer layer is a strong impediment to delivering biologically active foreign particles. Lipid-based biocompatible ionic-liquid-mediated nanodrug carriers represent an expedient and distinct strategy to permit transdermal drug delivery; with acceptable surfactants, the performance of drug formulations might be further enhanced. For this purpose, we formulated a lipid-based nanovaccine using a conventional (cationic/anionic/nonionic) surfactant loaded with an antigenic protein and immunomodulator in its core to promote drug delivery by penetrating the skin and boosting drug delivery and immunogenic cell activity. In a follow-up investigation, a freeze-dry emulsification process was used to prepare the nanovaccine, and its transdermal delivery, pharmacokinetic parameters, and ability to activate autoimmune cells in the tumor microenvironment were studied in a tumor-budding C57BL/6N mouse model. These analyses were performed using ELISA, nuclei and HE staining, flow cytometry, and other biological techniques. The immunomodulator-containing nanovaccine significantly (p < 0.001) increased transdermal drug delivery and anticancer immune responses (IgG, IgG1, IgG2, CD8+, CD207+, and CD103+ expression) without causing cellular or biological toxicity. Using a nanovaccination approach, it is possible to create a more targeted and efficient delivery system for cancer antigens, thereby stimulating a stronger immune response compared with conventional aqueous formulations. This might lead to more effective therapeutic and preventative outcomes for patients with cancer.
Fulltext Frequency, types and predictors of drug therapy problems among non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

Hayat M, Ahmad N, Mohkumuddin S, Ali Khan SL, Khan AH, Haq NU, et al.

PLoS One, 2023;18(4):e0284439.
PMID: 37058504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284439

BACKGROUND: Drug therapy problems (DTPs) are common among patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there is a lack of information about DTPs and its predictors among CKD patients from Pakistan.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency, type and predictors of various types of DTPs among CKD patients at a tertiary-care hospital in Pakistan.
METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta between 1-11-2020 and 31-1-2021. It included 303 non-dialysis ambulatory patients of CKD-stage 3 and above. Cipolle et al., criterion was used for classifying the DTPs and a clinician at the study site checked the identified DTPs for accuracy. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23. Multivariate analysis was conducted to find the predictors of individual types of DTPs. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: The patients received a total of 2265 drugs with a median of eight drugs per patient (range: 3-15 drugs). A total of 576 DTPs were identified among 86.1% patients with a median of two DTPs (interquartile range 1-3) per patient. Dosage too high (53.5%) was the most common DTP followed by adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (50.5%) and need of additional drug therapy (37.6%). In multivariate analysis, patients' age of >40 years emerged as a predictor of unnecessary drug therapy and dosage too high. The odds of needing a different drug product was significantly high in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). The dosage too low had significant association with CVD. The risk of ADRs was significantly high in elderly patients (>60 years) and those with CVD. The presence of hypertension, DM and CKD stage-5 emerged as predictors of dosage too high.
CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high prevalence of DTPs among CKD patients. Targeted interventions in high risk patients may reduce the frequency of DTPs at the study site.
Fulltext An analysis of the effect of syringe barrel volume on performance and user perception

Krisdiyanto, Bin Raja Ghazilla RA, Azuddin M, Bin Ahmad Hairuddin MKF, Risdiana N

Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Jun 09;102(23):e33983.
PMID: 37335669 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033983

In the market, there are many types and shapes of syringes. One of the groupings of syringe types is based on barrel volume. The shape of the product design affects performance and user perception. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of barrel volume on its performance and user perception. We performed analysis following international organization for standardization 7886 procedures on syringe with 1 mL, 3 mL, 5 mL, and 10 mL volume. In addition, a user perception test was conducted on 29 respondents using a questionnaire with the Likert chart method. This study indicates that the bigger the syringe volume, the larger the dead space and the force to operate the piston are. A larger syringe volume also raises the volume that changes due to the plunger position increase. Meanwhile, the barrel volume does not affect water and water leakage, as we did not observe any leak during the syringe tests in our experiment. In addition, the user perception test shows that the barrel's length influences the ease of device control during the injection. The volume of the barrel negatively correlated with its effect to the environment. The safety features of all syringes are similar except for the 3 mL syringe, which has a value of 0.1 points difference to other syringes.
Fulltext Transcriptomics-driven drug repositioning for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer

Adikusuma W, Zakaria ZA, Irham LM, Nopitasari BL, Pradiningsih A, Firdayani F, et al.

Sci Rep, 2023 Jun 20;13(1):10032.
PMID: 37340026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37120-1

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common complication of diabetes and can lead to severe disability and even amputation. Despite advances in treatment, there is currently no cure for DFUs and available drugs for treatment are limited. This study aimed to identify new candidate drugs and repurpose existing drugs to treat DFUs based on transcriptomics analysis. A total of 31 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and used to prioritize the biological risk genes for DFUs. Further investigation using the database DGIdb revealed 12 druggable target genes among 50 biological DFU risk genes, corresponding to 31 drugs. Interestingly, we highlighted that two drugs (urokinase and lidocaine) are under clinical investigation for DFU and 29 drugs are potential candidates to be repurposed for DFU therapy. The top 5 potential biomarkers for DFU from our findings are IL6ST, CXCL9, IL1R1, CXCR2, and IL10. This study highlights IL1R1 as a highly promising biomarker for DFU due to its high systemic score in functional annotations, that can be targeted with an existing drug, Anakinra. Our study proposed that the integration of transcriptomic and bioinformatic-based approaches has the potential to drive drug repurposing for DFUs. Further research will further examine the mechanisms by which targeting IL1R1 can be used to treat DFU.
3D N-doped carbon derived from zeolitic imidazole framework as heterogeneous catalysts for decomposition of pulp and paper mill effluent: Optimization and kinetics study

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.

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