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  1. Fulltext Predicting basal metabolic rates in Malaysian adult elite athletes
    Wong JE, Poh BK, Nik Shanita S, Izham MM, Chan KQ, Tai MD, et al.
    Singapore Med J, 2012 Nov;53(11):744-9.
    PMID: 23192502
    This study aimed to measure the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of elite athletes and develop a gender specific predictive equation to estimate their energy requirements.
  2. Performance evaluation and energy potential analysis of anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) in the treatment of simulated milk wastewater
    Moideen SNF, Krishnan S, Li YY, Hassim MH, Kamyab H, Nasrullah M, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Mar;317:137923.
    PMID: 36682635 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137923
    An anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) was employed as primary treatment unit for anaerobic treatment of simulated wastewater to produce high effluent quality. A lab scale hollow fiber membrane was used to scrutinize the performance of AnMBR as a potential treatment system for simulated milk wastewater and analyze its energy recovery potential. The 15 L bioreactor was operated continuously at mesophilic conditions (35 °C) with a pH constant of 7.0. The membrane flux was in the range of 9.6-12.6 L/m2. h. The different organic loading rates (OLRs) of 1.61, 3.28, 5.01, and 8.38 g-COD/L/d, of simulated milk wastewater, were fed to the reactor and the biogas production rate was analyzed, respectively. The results revealed that the COD removal efficiencies of 99.54 ± 0.001% were achieved at the OLR of 5.01 gCOD/L/d. The highest methane yield was found to be at OLR of 1.61 gCOD/L/d at HRT of 30 d with the value of 0.33 ± 0.01 L-CH4/gCOD. Moreover, based on the analysis of energy balance in the AnMBR system, it was found that energy is positive at all the given HRTs. The net energy production (NEP) ranged from 2.594 to 3.268 kJ/gCOD, with a maximum NEP value of 3.268 kJ/gCOD at HRT 10 d HRT. Bioenergy recovery with the maximum energy ratio, of 4.237, was achieved with an HRT of 5 d. The study suggests a sizable energy saving with the anaerobic membrane process.
  3. Fulltext Selectively mixed matrix hemodialysis membrane for adequate clearance of p-cresol by the incorporation of imprinted zeolite
    Raharjo Y, Ismail AF, Dzarfan Othman MH, Fahmi MZ, Saiful, Santoso D, et al.
    RSC Adv, 2023 Jan 18;13(5):2972-2983.
    PMID: 36756405 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra07557a
    The adequacy in uremic toxin removal upon hemodialysis treatment is essential in patients with kidney failure diseases as poor removal leads to heart failure, hypertension, and stroke. The combination of adsorption and diffusion processes has become very advantageous for hemodialysis membranes. By this mechanism, water-soluble uremic toxins (WSUTs) and protein-bounded uremic toxins (PBUTs) could be removed at one time. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a novel imprinted zeolite by p-cresol (IZC) and then incorporated it into polyethersulfone (PES) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) to produce hollow fiber mixed matrix membrane (HF-MMM). The IZC proved to be sensitive in attracting the adsorbate, classifying it as having a strong adsorption behavior. Accordingly, IZC is very promising to be applied as an adsorbent in the hemodialysis treatment. In this study, IZC as p-cresol's adsorbent was incorporated into a PES-based polymeric membrane with a small addition of PVP to produce HF-MMM using a dry/wet spinning process. The effect of air gap distance between the spinneret and coagulant bath and percentage loading for PES, PVP, and IZC were studied and optimized to obtain the best performance of HF-MMM. The 40 cm of air gap distance, 16 wt% of PES, 2 wt% of PVP, and 1 wt% of IZC loading were able to produce a superior hemodialysis membrane. These optimized parameters showed sufficient uremic toxin removal, i.e., 60.74% of urea, 52.35% of p-cresol in the phosphate buffer saline solution, and 66.29% of p-cresol in bovine serum albumin solution for 4 h permeation using the dialysis system. These HF-MMMs also achieved pure water flux of 67.57 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 and bovine serum albumin rejection of 95.05%. Therefore, this membrane has proven to be able to clean up WSUT and PBUT through a one-step process. Moreover, as compared to the neat PES membrane, MMM was able to remove p-cresol at 186.22 times higher capability.
  4. Scleractinian coral (Cnidaria, Hexacorallia, Scleractinia) diversity of the Mersing Islands, Peninsular Malaysia
    Lee JN, Adzis KAA, Afiq-Rosli L, Tanzil JTI, Chan AA, Ismail MN, et al.
    Zookeys, 2022;1102:177-190.
    PMID: 36761156 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1102.82228
    We present a comprehensive checklist of scleractinian (hard) corals for the Mersing Islands, Malaysia based on surveys conducted at 24 reefs across protected and unprotected marine areas. A total of 261 species of corals from 16 families and one incertae sedis (Pachyseris spp.) were recorded, along with ten records that are new for the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Compared against the IUCN Red List, 46.7% of coral species found in the Mersing Islands were of Least Concern (LC), 29.5% as Near Threatened (NT) and 16.4% Vulnerable (V). Only one recorded species, Pectiniamaxima (Moll & Best, 1984), was listed as Endangered (EN). Baseline species diversity data are essential for the monitoring and management of marine biodiversity, especially within marine protected areas. With both protected and unprotected coral reef areas in the vicinity of the widely scattered Mersing Islands, the diversity and distribution of coral species can be used as the basis for area-based conservation and management strategies. The diversity and abundance of scleractinian corals of each island or area should be surveyed periodically to ensure the appropriate level of protection is afforded to retain scleractinian biodiversity in this region.
  5. Characterization of Dual-Layer Hybrid Biomatrix for Future Use in Cutaneous Wound Healing
    Zulkiflee I, Amirrah IN, Fadilah NIM, Wee MFMR, Yusop SM, Maarof M, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2023 Jan 29;16(3).
    PMID: 36770168 DOI: 10.3390/ma16031162
    A skin wound without immediate treatment could delay wound healing and may lead to death after severe infection (sepsis). Any interruption or inappropriate normal wound healing, mainly in these wounds, commonly resulted in prolonged and excessive skin contraction. Contraction is a common mechanism in wound healing phases and contributes 40-80% of the original wound size post-healing. Even though it is essential to accelerate wound healing, it also simultaneously limits movement, mainly in the joint area. In the worst-case scenario, prolonged contraction could lead to disfigurement and loss of tissue function. This study aimed to fabricate and characterise the elastin-fortified gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film layered on top of a collagen sponge as a bilayer hybrid biomatrix. Briefly, the combination of halal-based gelatin (4% (w/v)) and PVA ((4% (w/v)) was used to fabricate composite film, followed by the integration of poultry elastin (0.25 mg/mL) and 0.1% (w/v) genipin crosslinking. Furthermore, further analysis was conducted on the composite bilayer biomatrix's physicochemical and mechanical strength. The bilayer biomatrix demonstrated a slow biodegradation rate (0.374967 ± 0.031 mg/h), adequate water absorption (1078.734 ± 42.33%), reasonable water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) (724.6467 ± 70.69 g/m2 h) and porous (102.5944 ± 28.21%). The bilayer biomatrix also exhibited an excellent crosslinking degree and was mechanically robust. Besides, the elastin releasing study presented an acceptable rate post-integration with hybrid biomatrix. Therefore, the ready-to-use bilayer biomatrix will benefit therapeutic effects as an alternative treatment for future diabetic skin wound management.
  6. A Central Spiral Split Rectangular-Shaped Metamaterial Absorber Surrounded by Polarization-Insensitive Ring Resonator for S-Band Applications
    Sakib S, Hoque A, Rahim SKBA, Singh M, Sahar NM, Islam MS, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2023 Jan 30;16(3).
    PMID: 36770180 DOI: 10.3390/ma16031172
    This paper reports a central spiral split-rectangular-shaped metamaterial absorber surrounded by a polarization-insensitive ring resonator for s-band applications. The rated absorption is 99.9% at 3.1 GHz when using a three-layer structure where the top and ground are made of copper and the center dielectric material is a commonly used FR-4 substrate. The central split gaps have an impact on the unit cell by increasing high absorption, and an adequate electric field is apparent in the outer split ring gap. At 3.1 GHz, the permittivity and permeability are negative and positive, respectively, so the proposed unit cell acts as an epsilon negative (ENG) metamaterial absorber. In a further analysis, Roger4450B was used as a substrate and obtained excellent absorption rates of 99.382%, 99.383%, 99.91%, and 95.17% at 1.44, 3.96, 4.205, and 5.025 GHz, respectively, in the S- and C-band regions. This unit cell acts as a single negative metamaterial (SNG) absorber at all resonance frequencies. The S11 and S21 parameters for FR-4 and Rogers4450B were simulated while keeping the polarization angle (θ and φ) at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees to measure, permittivity, permeability, reflective index, absorption, and reflection. The values of the reflective index are near zero. Near-zero reflective indexes (NZRI) are widely used in antenna gain propagation. The unit cell fabricated for the FR-4 substrate attained 99.9% absorption. S-band values in the range of (2-4) GHz can be applied for low-frequency radar detection.
  7. Fulltext Design, Challenges and Developments for 5G Massive MIMO Antenna Systems at Sub 6-GHz Band: A Review
    Ibrahim SK, Singh MJ, Al-Bawri SS, Ibrahim HH, Islam MT, Islam MS, et al.
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2023 Jan 28;13(3).
    PMID: 36770483 DOI: 10.3390/nano13030520
    Massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) is a wireless access technique that has been studied and investigated in response to the worldwide bandwidth demand in the wireless communication sector (MIMO). Massive MIMO, which brings together antennas at the transmitter and receiver to deliver excellent spectral and energy efficiency with comparatively simple processing, is one of the main enabling technologies for the upcoming generation of networks. To actualize diverse applications of the intelligent sensing system, it is essential for the successful deployment of 5G-and beyond-networks to gain a better understanding of the massive MIMO system and address its underlying problems. The recent huge MIMO systems are highlighted in this paper's thorough analysis of the essential enabling technologies needed for sub-6 GHz 5G networks. This article covers most of the critical issues with mMIMO antenna systems including pilot realized gain, isolation, ECC, efficiency, and bandwidth. In this study, two types of massive 5G MIMO antennas are presented. These types are used depending on the applications at sub-6 GHz bands. The first type of massive MIMO antennas is designed for base station applications, whereas the most recent structures of 5G base station antennas that support massive MIMO are introduced. The second type is constructed for smartphone applications, where several compact antennas designed in literature that can support massive MIMO technology are studied and summarized. As a result, mMIMO antennas are considered as good candidates for 5G systems.
  8. Surfactants in the sea surface microlayer, subsurface water and fine marine aerosols in different background coastal areas
    Shaharom S, Latif MT, Khan MF, Yusof SNM, Sulong NA, Wahid NBA, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2018 Sep;25(27):27074-27089.
    PMID: 30019134 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2745-0
    This study aims to determine the concentrations of surfactants in the surface microlayer (SML), subsurface water (SSW) and fine mode aerosol (diameter size
  9. Photocatalytic performance improvement by utilizing GO_MWCNTs hybrid solution on sand/ZnO/TiO2-based photocatalysts to degrade methylene blue dye
    Idris NJ, Bakar SA, Mohamed A, Muqoyyanah M, Othman MHD, Mamat MH, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Feb;28(6):6966-6979.
    PMID: 33025441 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10904-y
    In this work, sand/zinc oxide (ZnO)/titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based photocatalysts were hybridized with graphene oxide (GO) and GO_multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) hybrid solution. The novel hybrid was then used in photocatalysis to degrade dye contamination. The nanocomposite photocatalyst was initially fabricated by growing ZnO nanorods (NRs) via sol-gel immersion followed by synthesizing TiO2 NRs for different times (5 and 20 h) using a hydrothermal method on sand as a substrate. Prior to the hybridization, the initial GO was synthesized using electrochemical exfoliation and further mixed with 1 wt% MWCNTs to form GO_MWCNTs hybrid solution. The synthesized GO and GO_MWCNTs hybrid solution were then incorporated onto sand/ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite-based photocatalysts through immersion. Various sand/ZnO/TiO2-based photocatalysts were then tested for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation within 3 days. On the basis of UV-Vis measurement, the highest MB degradation was achieved by using sand/ZnO NRs/TiO2 NRs (5 h)/GO_MWCNTs (92.60%). The high surface area and high electrical conductivity of GO_MWCNTs prolonged the lifetime of electron/hole separation and thus enhanced the photocatalytic performance.
  10. Overview performance of lanthanide oxide catalysts in methanation reaction for natural gas production
    Rosid SJM, Toemen S, Iqbal MMA, Bakar WAWA, Mokhtar WNAW, Aziz MMA
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Dec;26(36):36124-36140.
    PMID: 31748998 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06607-8
    A rapid growth in the development of power generation and transportation sectors would result in an increase in the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the atmosphere. As it will continue to play a vital role in meeting current and future needs, significant efforts have been made to address this problem. Over the past few years, extensive studies on the development of heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 methanation have been investigated and reported in the literatures. In this paper, a comprehensive overview of methanation research studies over lanthanide oxide catalysts has been reviewed. The utilisation of lanthanide oxides as CO2 methanation catalysts performed an outstanding result of CO2 conversion and improvised the conversion of acidity from CO2 gas to CH4 gas. The innovations of catalysts towards the reaction were discussed in details including the influence of preparation methods, the structure-activity relationships as well as the mechanism with the purpose of outlining the pathways for future development of the methanation process.
  11. Coral health assessment in Malaysia: a case study of Pulau Anak Datai, Langkawi
    Ismail MS, Ilias Z, Ismail MN, Goeden GB, Yap CK, Al-Mutairi KA, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2022 Feb 12.
    PMID: 35150421 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19133-x
    The coral health of Pulau Anak Datai (PAD), located off the northwest of Langkawi, Malaysia, was assessed using the Coral Health Index (CHI) method. Three ecological parameters, namely, benthic cover, fish biomass, and microbes (Vibrio) were determined at four sites around the island in 2019. In addition, community parameters such as coral mortality index, coral richness, relative abundance, diversity index, Evenness tests, and reef morphology were measured for each site. The results revealed that the benthic cover consists of less than 40% of scleractinian corals at all sites. A total of 25 genera of hard corals comprising of 11 families and 1 scleractinian Incertae sedis were observed, with the most dominant corals belong to the genera Porites, Favites, and Diploastrea. The average fish biomass of PAD was low (16.76 g/m2), with only 19 non-cryptic fish species observed. The abundance of Vibrio around the island was within the average range of 29.58 cfu/ml. Based on the benthos, fish, and Vibrio values, the Coral Health Index (CHI) of PAD was classified on the low side of the fair status. All sites tended toward high values of the mortality index (MI > 0.33). Reef morphology was strongly influenced by stress-tolerant corals, dominated by massive and sub-massive corals. The data presented here suggested that the reefs of PAD could be rated as stressed and becoming unhealthy and disturbed. However, in view of the rarity of coral reef ecosystems in the Straits of Malacca, this island deserves increased attention for conservation planning and coral reef protection.
  12. Fulltext 4E analysis of a two-stage refrigeration system through surrogate models based on response surface methods and hybrid grey wolf optimizer
    Ahmed R, Mahadzir S, Mota-Babiloni A, Al-Amin M, Usmani AY, Ashraf Rana Z, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(2):e0272160.
    PMID: 36735732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272160
    Refrigeration systems are complex, non-linear, multi-modal, and multi-dimensional. However, traditional methods are based on a trial and error process to optimize these systems, and a global optimum operating point cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, this work aims to study a two-stage vapor compression refrigeration system (VCRS) through a novel and robust hybrid multi-objective grey wolf optimizer (HMOGWO) algorithm. The system is modeled using response surface methods (RSM) to investigate the impacts of design variables on the set responses. Firstly, the interaction between the system components and their cycle behavior is analyzed by building four surrogate models using RSM. The model fit statistics indicate that they are statistically significant and agree with the design data. Three conflicting scenarios in bi-objective optimization are built focusing on the overall system following the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Linear Programming Technique for Multidimensional Analysis of Preference (LINMAP) decision-making methods. The optimal solutions indicate that for the first to third scenarios, the exergetic efficiency (EE) and capital expenditure (CAPEX) are optimized by 33.4% and 7.5%, and the EE and operational expenditure (OPEX) are improved by 27.4% and 19.0%. The EE and global warming potential (GWP) are also optimized by 27.2% and 19.1%, where the proposed HMOGWO outperforms the MOGWO and NSGA-II. Finally, the K-means clustering technique is applied for Pareto characterization. Based on the research outcomes, the combined RSM and HMOGWO techniques have proved an excellent solution to simulate and optimize two-stage VCRS.
  13. Fulltext Global impacts of pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic: Focus on socio-economic consequences
    Mishra NP, Das SS, Yadav S, Khan W, Afzal M, Alarifi A, et al.
    Sens Int, 2020;1:100042.
    PMID: 34766044 DOI: 10.1016/j.sintl.2020.100042
    On March 11, 2020, the novel Corona virus disease (COVID-19), was described as a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO). Globally, the COVID-19 has not only affected the public health socially but also has rigorously affected economically. Substantial declines in income, increase in unemployment, and distractions in the transportation, amenities, and industrial sectors are amongst the major concerns of the pandemic disease extenuation. Furthermore, the governments of most of the countries underestimated the menaces of COVID-19 spread and were typically responsive for the calamities in their respective countries. As outbreak of this pandemic is not likely to wane in the nearby future, preventive actions are prerequisite to prevent infection spread, save people lives and also to save the economic affluence. In this review, based on the present knowledge and available literature, we have demonstrated the various aspects of pre-and post-COVID-19 effects over the social and economic phases worldwide. Moreover, the evidence based data have been summarized regarding threats, social influences, scientific upgrades, moral dynamics, stress and adapting in the pre- and post- COVID-19 situations.
  14. Micro and macro analysis of restaurant wastewater containing fat, oil, grease (FOG): An approach based on prevention, control, and sustainable management
    Ahmad I, Abdullah N, Koji I, Yuzir A, Ahmad MD, Rachmadona N, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Jun;325:138236.
    PMID: 36868419 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138236
    The number of restaurants is increasing day by day in almost all the developing countries, causing the increase in the generation of restaurant wastewater. Various activities (i.e., cleaning, washing, and cooking) going on in the restaurant kitchen lead to restaurant wastewater (RWW). RWW has high concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, and solids. RWW also contains fats, oil, and grease (FOG) in alarmingly high concentration, which after congealing can constrict the sewer lines, leading to blockages, backups, and sanitatry sewer overflows (SSOs). The paper provides an insight to the details of RWW containing FOG collected from a gravity grease interceptor at a specific site in Malaysia, and its expected consequences and the sustainable management plan as prevention, control, and mitigation (PCM) approach. The results showed that the concentrations of pollutants are very high as compared to the discharge standards given by Department of Environment, Malaysia. Maximum values for COD, BOD and FOG in the restaurant wastewater samples were found to be 9948, 3170, and 1640 mg/l, respectively. FAME and FESEM analysis are done on the RWW containing FOG. In the FOG, palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1n9c), linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) are the dominant lipid acids with a maximum of 41, 8.4, 43.2, and 11.5%, respectively. FESEM analysis showed formation of whitish layers fprmed due to the deposition of calcium salts. Furthermore, a novel design of indoor hydromechanical grease interceptor (HGI) was proposed in the study based on the Malaysian conditions of restaurant. The HGI was designed for a maximum flow rate of 132 L per minute and a maximum FOG capacity of 60 kg.
  15. Fulltext Preparation and Characterization of PVDF-TiO2 Mixed-Matrix Membrane with PVP and PEG as Pore-Forming Agents for BSA Rejection
    Gayatri R, Fizal ANS, Yuliwati E, Hossain MS, Jaafar J, Zulkifli M, et al.
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2023 Mar 12;13(6).
    PMID: 36985917 DOI: 10.3390/nano13061023
    Polymeric membranes offer straightforward modification methods that make industry scaling affordable and easy; however, these materials are hydrophobic, prone to fouling, and vulnerable to extreme operating conditions. Various attempts were made in this study to fix the challenges in using polymeric membranes and create mixed-matrix membrane (MMMs) with improved properties and hydrophilicity by adding titanium dioxide (TiO2) and pore-forming agents to hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The PVDF mixed-matrix ultrafiltration membranes in this study were made using the non-solvent phase inversion approach which is a simple and effective method for increasing the hydrophilic nature of membranes. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as pore-forming chemicals were created. Pure water flux, BSA flux, and BSA rejection were calculated to evaluate the mixed-matrix membrane's efficiency. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution was employed in this study to examine the protein rejection ability. Increases in hydrophilicity, viscosity, and flux in pure water and BSA solution were achieved using PVP and PEG additives. The PVDF membrane's hydrophilicity was raised with the addition of TiO2, showing an increased contact angle to 71°. The results show that the PVDF-PVP-TiO2 membrane achieved its optimum water flux of 97 L/(m2h) while the PVDF-PEG-TiO2 membrane rejected BSA at a rate greater than 97%. The findings demonstrate that use of a support or additive improved filtration performance compared to a pristine polymeric membrane by increasing its hydrophilicity.
  16. Improvement in Erectile Dysfunction Among Male Obese Patient, Following Bariatric Surgery in Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HUKM)
    Sultan MAH, Zin MHM, Hayati F, Zainuddin ZM, Kosai NR, Rajan R, et al.
    Obes Surg, 2023 Mar 30.
    PMID: 36997694 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-023-06547-w
    PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with multiple health-related complications and affects various aspects of life, including erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study is to postulate that erectile dysfunction in male obese patients can be reversed following bariatric surgery.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a non-randomized quasi-experimental study (prospective) between 2 groups, those who underwent surgery with the control group. In this study, the resolution of erectile dysfunction following bariatric surgery comparing with the control group was evaluated in terms of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score. IIEF score is taken by delivering validated questionnaire to participants that enrolled in this study, both the control and intervention group.

    RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were included in this study, 13 from the intervention group and 12 from the control group. From our study, we evaluated the resolution of IIEF score in both groups. We found that the resolution of erectile function is statistically significant in the intervention group compared to control group. Spearman rank correlation (rs) test was performed to identify the correlation between age and IIEF score.

    CONCLUSION: Statistically significant improvements in erectile function were found following bariatric surgery. This is evidenced by the improvements in the IIEF score post-surgery compared to control group.

  17. Fulltext Four novel p.N385K, p.V36A, c.1033-1034insT and c.1417-1418delCT mutations in the sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1) gene in patients with types A and B Niemann-Pick disease (NPD)
    Manshadi MD, Kamalidehghan B, Keshavarzi F, Aryani O, Dadgar S, Arastehkani A, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2015 Mar 24;16(4):6668-76.
    PMID: 25811928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16046668
    BACKGROUND: Types A and B Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) are autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disorders caused by the deficient activity of acid sphingomyelinase due to mutations in the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1) gene.

    METHODS: In order to determine the prevalence and distribution of SMPD1 gene mutations, the genomic DNA of 15 unrelated Iranian patients with types A and B NPD was examined using PCR, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.

    RESULTS: Of 8 patients with the p.G508R mutation, 5 patients were homozygous, while the other 3 were heterozygous. One patient was heterozygous for both the p.N385K and p.G508R mutations. Another patient was heterozygous for both the p.A487V and p.G508R mutations. Two patients (one homozygous and one heterozygous) showed the p.V36A mutation. One patient was homozygous for the c.1033-1034insT mutation. One patient was homozygous for the c.573delT mutation, and 1 patient was homozygous for the c.1417-1418delCT mutation. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis indicated that two new p.V36A and p.N385K mutations decreased the acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) protein stability, which might be evidence to suggest the pathogenicity of these mutations.

    CONCLUSION: with detection of these new mutations, the genotypic spectrum of types A and B NPD is extended, facilitating the definition of disease-related mutations. However, more research is essential to confirm the pathogenic effect of these mutations.

  18. Fulltext Dendrimer: An update on recent developments and future opportunities for the brain tumors diagnosis and treatment
    Kaurav M, Ruhi S, Al-Goshae HA, Jeppu AK, Ramachandran D, Sahu RK, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2023;14:1159131.
    PMID: 37006997 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1159131
    A brain tumor is an uncontrolled cell proliferation, a mass of tissue composed of cells that grow and divide abnormally and appear to be uncontrollable by the processes that normally control normal cells. Approximately 25,690 primary malignant brain tumors are discovered each year, 70% of which originate in glial cells. It has been observed that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the distribution of drugs into the tumour environment, which complicates the oncological therapy of malignant brain tumours. Numerous studies have found that nanocarriers have demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy in brain diseases. This review, based on a non-systematic search of the existing literature, provides an update on the existing knowledge of the types of dendrimers, synthesis methods, and mechanisms of action in relation to brain tumours. It also discusses the use of dendrimers in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours and the future possibilities of dendrimers. Dendrimers are of particular interest in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours because they can transport biochemical agents across the BBB to the tumour and into the brain after systemic administration. Dendrimers are being used to develop novel therapeutics such as prolonged release of drugs, immunotherapy, and antineoplastic effects. The use of PAMAM, PPI, PLL and surface engineered dendrimers has proven revolutionary in the effective diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours.
  19. In silico evaluation of usnic acid derivatives to discover potential antibacterial drugs against DNA gyrase B and DNA topoisomerase IV
    Roney M, Issahaku AR, Forid MS, Huq AKMM, Soliman MES, Mohd Aluwi MFF, et al.
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2023 Mar 30.
    PMID: 36995164 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2193996
    Due to the rising increase in infectious diseases brought on by bacteria and anti-bacterial drug resistance, antibacterial therapy has become difficult. The majority of first-line antibiotics are no longer effective against numerous germs, posing a new hazard to global human health in the 21st century. Through the drug-likeness screening, 184 usnic acid derivatives were selected from an in-house database of 340 usnic acid compounds. The pharmacokinetics (ADMET) prediction produced fifteen hit compounds, of which the lead molecule was subsequently obtained through a molecular docking investigation. The lead compounds, labelled compound-277 and compound-276, respectively, with the substantial binding affinity towards the enzymes were obtained through further docking simulation on the DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase proteins. Additionally, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was performed for 300 ns on the lead compounds in order to confirm the stability of the docked complexes and the binding pose discovered during docking tests. Due to their intriguing pharmacological characteristics, these substances may be promising therapeutic candidate for anti-bacterial medication.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
  20. The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air particles and estimation of the respiratory deposition flux
    Najurudeen NANB, Khan MF, Suradi H, Mim UA, Raim INJ, Rashid SB, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2023 Mar 29;878:163129.
    PMID: 37001671 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163129
    Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmospheric particles constitute a topic of growing health concern. This study aims to calculate PAH concentrations, identify the source, assess the health risk from exposure to carcinogenic PAHs, and the respiratory deposition flux. PM10 and PM2.5 were collected in September 2019 in the urban, semi-urban, and semi-urban-industrial areas of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Pahat, and Bukit Rambai, respectively. A total of 18 PAHs from PM10 and 17 PAHs from PM2.5 were extracted using dichloromethane and determined using gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The health risk assessment (HRA) calculated included B[a]P equivalent (B[a]Peq), lifetime lung cancer risk (LLCR), incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), and respiratory deposition dose (RDD). The results show PAHs in PM10 recorded in Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Batu Pahat (UTHM), and Bukit Rambai are 9.91, 8.45, and 9.57 ng/m3, respectively. The average PAHs in PM2.5 at the three sampling sites are 11.65, 9.68, and 9.37 ng/m3, respectively. The major source of PAHs obtained from the DRs indicates pyrogenic activities for both particle sizes. For PM10, the total B[a]Peq in DBKL, UTHM, and Bukit Rambai were 1.97, 1.82, and 2.32 ng/m3, respectively. For PM2.5 samples, the total B[a]Peq in DBKL, UTHM, and Bukit Rambai were 2.80, 2.33, and 2.57 ng/m3, respectively. The LLCR and ILCR show low to moderate risk for all age groups. The RDD of adults and adolescents is highest in both PM10 and PM2.5, followed by children, toddlers, and infants. Overall, we perceive that adults and adolescents living in the urban area of Kuala Lumpur are at the highest risk for respiratory health problems because of prolonged exposure to PAHs in PM10 and PM2.5, followed by children, toddlers, and infants.
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