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Fulltext Descriptive epidemiology of the first wave of COVID-19 in Petaling District, Malaysia: Focus on asymptomatic transmission

Supramanian RK, Sivaratnam L, Rahim AA, Abidin NDIZ, Richai O, Zakiman Z, et al.

Western Pac Surveill Response J, 2021;12(2):82-88.
PMID: 34540316 DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2020.11.4.001

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 was first detected in Malaysia on 25 January 2020. Multiple clusters were detected in Petaling District, with the first locally transmitted case reported on 8 February. Descriptive analyses of the epidemiology of the COVID-19 outbreak in Petaling are presented, from the first case to the end of the first wave.
METHODS: All laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases reported to the Petaling District Health Office between 1 February and 26 June 2020 were analysed. Socio-demographic characteristics, symptoms, date of onset, date of exposure, travel history and history of comorbidities were obtained by phone interviews using one of two investigation forms. The descriptive analysis was conducted according to time, place and person.
RESULTS: There were 437 COVID-19 cases, for an incidence rate of 24/100 000 population. Ten (2.3%) deaths and 427 recovered cases were recorded. Of the 437 cases, 35.5% remained asymptomatic and 64.5% were symptomatic. Common symptoms included fever (43.8%), cough (31.6%) and sore throat (16.2%); 67.3% had no comorbidities, 62.5% reported close contact with a confirmed case, and 76.7% were local infections. Transmission occurred in four main groups: religious gatherings (20.4%), corporations (15.1%), health facilities (10.3%) and a wholesale wet market (6.4%). In 31.9% of confirmed cases, an epidemiological link to an asymptomatic case was found.
CONCLUSION: Transmission of the disease by asymptomatic cases should be emphasized to ensure continuous wearing of face masks, hand hygiene and social distancing. Further research should be conducted to better understand the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from asymptomatic cases.
Fulltext Comparative analysis of biometrical and reproductive indices, proximate composition, and hemato-biochemical variables of cuchia eel Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) from six different localities of Bangladesh

Nandi SK, Al Mamun MA, Suma AY, Abdul Kari Z, Wei LS, Tahiluddin AB, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Feb 15;10(3):e25491.
PMID: 38352744 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25491

Cuchia eel (Monopterus cuchia) is among the most sought-after freshwater fish, owing to its exceptional nutritional profile and high consumer demand. The current research aimed to establish baseline data by comparing the proximate composition, hematological, and plasma biochemical indices of Cuchia eel populations across six different geographical locations in Bangladesh: Bogra, Haluaghat, Jamalpur, Moktagacha, Sylhet, and Tangail. By examining these parameters, we aim to gain valuable insights into the nutritional benefits, physiological responses, and potential adaptations of this species to varying environments. The statistical analysis revealed no significant (P > 0.05) variances in the whole-body proximate composition of the fish captured from distinct areas. However, it was observed that different geographical regions had remarkable impacts on the variations of the majority of the hematological parameters, except for some cases. Additionally, there was a notable (P
Identification of β-cycloidal-derived mono-carbonyl curcumin analogs as potential interleukin-6 inhibitor to treat wound healing through QSAR, molecular docking, MD simulation, MM-GBSA calculation

Forid MS, Patil RB, Roney M, Huq AKMM, Mohd Nasir MHB, Mohd Aluwi MFF, et al.

J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2024 Mar 23.
PMID: 38520169 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2331089

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that involved in the different phases of wound healing. It is responsible for promoting inflammation, regulating tissue repair scar formation, stimulating the production of extracellular matrix components and recruiting immune cells to the wound site. Therefore, suppressing IL-6 is beneficial for wound healing. However, no small molecules are currently available in the market against the IL-6. As a result, this research gap motivates us to find a potential inhibitor. This study aimed to investigate the wound healing potential of novel β-cycloidal-derived mono-carbonyl curcumin analogs reported in the literature through screening a series of computational studies. The calculated pIC50 value of 18 compounds (below 10) showed that all compounds may have potential therapeutic efficacy. Molecular docking studies revealed that compound C12 (-45.6044 kcal/mol) bound most strongly in the active site of IL-6 compared to the FDA-approved drug clindamycin (-42.3223). The Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulation displayed that lead compound C12 had the highest stability in the active site of IL-6 compared to the reference drug clindamycin. Furthermore, MMGBSA results indicated that C12 (-20.28 kcal/mol) had the highest binding energy compared to clindamycin (-8.36 kcal/mol). The ADMET analysis predicted that C12 are favourable for drug candidates. This study recommended compound C12 as a lead IL-6 inhibitor for future testing and development as therapeutics for wound healing.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Fulltext Kaempferol: Paving the path for advanced treatments in aging-related diseases

Hussain MS, Altamimi ASA, Afzal M, Almalki WH, Kazmi I, Alzarea SI, et al.

Exp Gerontol, 2024 Apr;188:112389.
PMID: 38432575 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112389

Aging-related diseases (ARDs) are a major global health concern, and the development of effective therapies is urgently needed. Kaempferol, a flavonoid found in several plants, has emerged as a promising candidate for ameliorating ARDs. This comprehensive review examines Kaempferol's chemical properties, safety profile, and pharmacokinetics, and highlights its potential therapeutic utility against ARDs. Kaempferol's therapeutic potential is underpinned by its distinctive chemical structure, which confers antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Kaempferol counteracts reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulates crucial cellular pathways, thereby combating oxidative stress and inflammation, hallmarks of ARDs. Kaempferol's low toxicity and wide safety margins, as demonstrated by preclinical and clinical studies, further substantiate its therapeutic potential. Compelling evidence supports Kaempferol's substantial potential in addressing ARDs through several mechanisms, notably anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic actions. Kaempferol exhibits a versatile neuroprotective effect by modulating various proinflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-kB, p38MAPK, AKT, and the β-catenin cascade. Additionally, it hinders the formation and aggregation of beta-amyloid protein and regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factors. In terms of its anticancer potential, kaempferol acts through diverse pathways, inducing apoptosis, arresting the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers, and affecting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways. Subsequent studies should focus on refining dosage regimens, exploring innovative delivery systems, and conducting comprehensive clinical trials to translate these findings into effective therapeutic applications.
Fulltext An extendable optical fibre probe survey meter for naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and other weak emitters

Zubair HT, Bradley DA, Khairina MD, Oresegun A, Basaif A, Othman J, et al.

Sci Rep, 2023 Jul 24;13(1):11918.
PMID: 37488183 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39180-9

We have developed a radioluminescence-based survey meter for use in industries in which there is involvement in naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), also in support of those needing to detect other weak emitters of radiation. The functionality of the system confronts particular shortcomings of the handheld survey meters that are currently being made use of. The device couples a LYSO:Ce scintillator with a photodetector via a polymer optical fibre waveguide, allowing for "intrinsically safe" inspection within pipework, separators, valves and other such component pieces. The small-diameter optical fibre probe is electrically passive, immune to electromagnetic interference, and chemically inert. The readout circuit is entirely incorporated within a handheld casing housing a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) detection circuit and a microprocessor circuit connected to an LCD display. A 15 m long flexible PMMA optical fibre waveguide is butt coupled to an ABS plastic probe that retains the LYSO:Ce scintillator. Initial tests have included the use of lab-based mixed gamma-ray sources, measurements being made in concert with a reference conventional GM survey-meter. Characterization, via NORM sources at a decontamination facility, has shown useful sensitivity, covering the dose-rate range 0.10- to 28 µSv h-1 (R-squared 0.966), extending to 80 µSv/h as demonstrated in use of a Cs-137 source. The system is shown to provide an effective tool for detection of radioactivity within hard to access locations, in particular for sources emitting at low radiation levels, down to values that approach background.
Development of a new drug candidate for the inhibition of Lassa virus glycoprotein and nucleoprotein by modification of evodiamine as promising therapeutic agents

Akash S, Baeza J, Mahmood S, Mukerjee N, Subramaniyan V, Islam MR, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2023;14:1206872.
PMID: 37497547 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1206872

The Lassa virus (LASV), an RNA virus prevalent in West and Central Africa, causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. However, no FDA-approved treatments or vaccines exist. Two crucial proteins, LASV glycoprotein and nucleoprotein, play vital roles in pathogenesis and are potential therapeutic targets. As effective treatments for many emerging infections remain elusive, cutting-edge drug development approaches are essential, such as identifying molecular targets, screening lead molecules, and repurposing existing drugs. Bioinformatics and computational biology expedite drug discovery pipelines, using data science to identify targets, predict structures, and model interactions. These techniques also facilitate screening leads with optimal drug-like properties, reducing time, cost, and complexities associated with traditional drug development. Researchers have employed advanced computational drug design methods such as molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness, and molecular dynamics simulation to investigate evodiamine derivatives as potential LASV inhibitors. The results revealed remarkable binding affinities, with many outperforming standard compounds. Additionally, molecular active simulation data suggest stability when bound to target receptors. These promising findings indicate that evodiamine derivatives may offer superior pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties, serving as a valuable resource for professionals developing synthetic drugs to combat the Lassa virus.
Fulltext Circulation of West Nile virus in mosquitoes approximate to the migratory bird stopover in West Coast Malaysia

Natasha JA, Yasmin AR, Sharma RSK, Nur-Fazila SH, Nur-Mahiza MI, Arshad SS, et al.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2023 Apr;17(4):e0011255.
PMID: 37023172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011255

Being a tropical country with a conducive environment for mosquitoes, mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis are prevalent in Malaysia. Recent studies reported asymptomatic infection of West Nile virus (WNV) in animals and humans, but none of the studies included mosquitoes, except for one report made half a century ago. Considering the scarcity of information, our study sampled mosquitoes near migratory bird stopover wetland areas of West Coast Malaysia located in the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary and Kapar Energy Venture, during the southward migration period in October 2017 and September 2018. Our previous publication reported that migratory birds were positive for WNV antibody and RNA. Using a nested RT-PCR analysis, WNV RNA was detected in 35 (12.8%) out of 285 mosquito pools consisting of 2,635 mosquitoes, most of which were Culex spp. (species). Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences grouped within lineage 2 and shared 90.12%-97.01% similarity with sequences found locally as well as those from Africa, Germany, Romania, Italy, and Israel. Evidence of WNV in the mosquitoes substantiates the need for continued surveillance of WNV in Malaysia.
Fulltext Phytochemical component and toxicological evaluation of purple sweet potato leaf extract in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Hisamuddin ASB, Naomi R, Bin Manan KA, Bahari H, Yazid MD, Othman F, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2023;14:1132087.
PMID: 37077809 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1132087

This study assessed the toxicity of lutein-rich purple sweet potato leaf (PSPL) extract in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods and study design: A total of 54 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. For the acute toxicity study, three rats in the acute control group were fed 2,000 mg/kg of PSPL for 14 days. The subacute toxicity study included six rats each in four groups administered 50, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg for 28 days and observed for further 14 days without treatment in the subacute control and subacute satellite groups. Changes in body weight; blood biochemistry; hematological parameters; relative organ weight; and histological sections of the heart, kidney, liver, pancreas, aorta, and retina were observed for signs of toxicity. Results: The gradual increase in weekly body weight, normal level full blood count, normal liver and kidney profile, relative organ weight, and histological sections of all stained organ tissue in the treated group compared with the acute, subacute, and satellite control groups demonstrated the absence of signs of toxicity. Conclusion: Lutein-rich PSPL extract shows no signs of toxicity up to 2,000 mg/kg/day.
Electronic Hand Hygiene Quality and Duration Monitoring in Pre-School Children: A Feasibility Study

Mohd Rani MD, Mohamed NA, Jamaluddin TZMT, Ismail Z, Ramli S, Faroque H, et al.

Community Health Equity Res Policy, 2023 Jul;43(4):375-380.
PMID: 34256634 DOI: 10.1177/0272684X211033448

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is regarded as the most important measure to prevent spread of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a prototype application in an electronic device in educating, stimulating and monitoring hand hygiene quality in young children.
METHOD: A pre-school was provided with an interactive hand hygiene application for two months. The device features an online administrator dashboard for data collection and for monitoring the children's hand washing steps and duration. A good hand washing is defined as hand washing which comprise all of the steps outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
RESULTS: The prototype managed to capture 6882 hand wash performed with an average of 20.85 seconds per hand wash. Washing hands palm to palm was the most frequent (79.9%) step performed, whereas scrubbing fingernails and wrists were the least (56%) steps performed.
CONCLUSIONS: The device is a good prototype to educate, stimulate and monitor good hand hygiene practices. However, other measures should be undertaken to ensure sustainability of the practices.
Label-free Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Ascorbic Acid-induced Differentially Expressed Osteoblast-related Proteins in Dental Pulp Stem Cells from Deciduous and Permanent Teeth

Zainol Abidin IZ, Manogaran T, Abdul Wahab RM, Karsani SA, Yazid MD, Yazid F, et al.

Curr Stem Cell Res Ther, 2023;18(3):417-428.
PMID: 35762553 DOI: 10.2174/1574888X17666220627145424

BACKGROUND: Proteomic is capable of elucidating complex biological systems through protein expression, function, and interaction under a particular condition.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the potential of ascorbic acid alone in inducing differentially expressed osteoblast-related proteins in dental stem cells via the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/ mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach.
METHODS: The cells were isolated from deciduous (SHED) and permanent teeth (DPSC) and induced with 10 μg/mL of ascorbic acid. Bone mineralisation and osteoblast gene expression were determined using von Kossa staining and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The label-free protein samples were harvested on days 7 and 21, followed by protein identification and quantification using LC-MS/MS. Based on the similar protein expressed throughout treatment and controls for SHED and DPSC, overall biological processes followed by osteoblast-related protein abundance were determined using the PANTHER database. STRING database was performed to determine differentially expressed proteins as candidates for SHED and DPSC during osteoblast development.
RESULTS: Both cells indicated brownish mineral stain and expression of osteoblast-related genes on day 21. Overall, a total of 700 proteins were similar among all treatments on days 7 and 21, with 482 proteins appearing in the PANTHER database. Osteoblast-related protein abundance indicated 31 and 14 proteins related to SHED and DPSC, respectively. Further analysis by the STRING database identified only 22 and 11 proteins from the respective group. Differential expressed analysis of similar proteins from these two groups revealed ACTN4 and ACTN1 as proteins involved in both SHED and DPSC. In addition, three (PSMD11/RPN11, PLS3, and CLIC1) and one (SYNCRIP) protein were differentially expressed specifically for SHED and DPSC, respectively.
CONCLUSION: Proteome differential expression showed that ascorbic acid alone could induce osteoblastrelated proteins in SHED and DPSC and generate specific differentially expressed protein markers.
A review of piezoelectric MEMS sensors and actuators for gas detection application

Ba Hashwan SS, Khir MHM, Nawi IM, Ahmad MR, Hanif M, Zahoor F, et al.

Nanoscale Res Lett, 2023 Feb 27;18(1):25.
PMID: 36847870 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03779-8

Piezoelectric microelectromechanical system (piezo-MEMS)-based mass sensors including the piezoelectric microcantilevers, surface acoustic waves (SAW), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT), and film bulk acoustic wave resonators (FBAR) are highlighted as suitable candidates for highly sensitive gas detection application. This paper presents the piezo-MEMS gas sensors' characteristics such as their miniaturized structure, the capability of integration with readout circuit, and fabrication feasibility using multiuser technologies. The development of the piezoelectric MEMS gas sensors is investigated for the application of low-level concentration gas molecules detection. In this work, the various types of gas sensors based on piezoelectricity are investigated extensively including their operating principle, besides their material parameters as well as the critical design parameters, the device structures, and their sensing materials including the polymers, carbon, metal-organic framework, and graphene.
Factors associated with the intention to practise family planning among antenatal women with risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in Klang Health District: A cross-sectional study

Siti Athirah B, Mohd Hafiz S, Dong LN, Lim PS, Nasrinsa SH, Nor Aliah MN, et al.

Malays Fam Physician, 2024;19:38.
PMID: 39022789 DOI: 10.51866/oa.487

INTRODUCTION: Family planning (FP) is important in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality as well as foetal and neonatal complications. This study aimed to determine the intention to practise FP among antenatal women at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the Klang Health District and its associated factors.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at four government health clinics in the Klang Health District. A total of 431 antenatal women at risk of GDM were recruited using systematic random sampling. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude, previous practice and intention to use FP after delivery. Multiple logistic regression (MLR) was used to determine the factors associated with the intention to practise FP.
RESULTS: Approximately 64.7% (n=279) of the respondents intended to practise FP MLR showed that the factors associated with the intention to practise FP were Malay ethnicity (odds ratio [OR]=3.319, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.431-7.697), low income (OR=2.174, 95% CI=1.317-3.588), good knowledge (OR=2.591, 95% CI=L008-6.174) and good previous practice (OR=3.956, 95% CI=1.428-9.052).
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the intention to practise FP among antenatal women at risk of GDM was 64.7%. Malay antenatal women from low-income households with good knowledge and previous practice were more likely to have the intention to practise FP after delivery. Thus, interventions targeted at non-Malay women and measures to improve their knowledge might help improve the intention and uptake of FP among these women.
Fulltext Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities of potassium koetjapate: a solubility improved formulation of koetjapic acid against human colon cancer

Jafari SF, Keshavarzi M, AbdulMajid AM, Al-Suede FSR, Asif M, Ahamed MBK, et al.

Res Pharm Sci, 2024 Apr;19(2):203-216.
PMID: 39035582 DOI: 10.4103/RPS.RPS_247_22

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The previous work on koetjapic acid (KA) isolated from Sandoricum koetjape showed its efficacy towards colorectal cancer however KA has poor water solubility which poses the biggest hindrance to its efficacy. In the present paper, an attempt was made to study the anti-colon cancer efficacy of KA's potassium salt i.e. potassium koetjapate (KKA) applying in vitro and in vivo methods.
EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: KKA was produced by a semi-synthetic method. A human apoptosis proteome profiler array was applied to determine the protein targets responsible for the stimulation of apoptosis. Three doses of KKA were studied in athymic nude mice models to examine the in vivo anti-tumorigenic ability of KKA.
FINDINGS/RESULTS: The results of this study demonstrated that KKA regulates the activities of various proteins. It downregulates the expression of several antiapoptotic proteins and negative regulators of apoptosis including HSP60, HSP90, Bcl-2, and IGF-1 in HCT 116 cells with consequent upregulation of TRAILR-1 and TRAILR-2, p27, CD40, caspase 3, and caspase 8 proteins. Additionally, KKA showed an in vitro antimetastatic effect against HCT 116 cells. These results are feasibly related to the down-regulation of Notch, Wnt, hypoxia, and MAPK/JNK and MAPK/ERK signalling pathways in HCT 116 cells besides the up-regulation of a transcription factor for cell cycle (pRb-E2F) pathways. In addition, KKA revealed potent inhibition of tumor growth.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: In sum, the findings indicate that KKA can be a promising candidate as a chemotherapeutic agent against colorectal cancer.
Anti- COVID-19 drug discovery by flavonoid derivatives: an extensive computational drug design approach

Banerjee S, Mukherjee S, Mohsin Kazi, Sen KK, Das A, Hasan R, et al.

Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand), 2024 Sep 08;70(8):39-49.
PMID: 39262264 DOI: 10.14715/cmb/2024.70.8.5

The present study deals with the in-silico analyses of several flavonoid derivatives to explore COVID-19 through pharmacophore modelling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, drug-likeness, and ADME properties. The initial literature study revealed that many flavonoids, including luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, and baicalin may be useful against SARS β-coronaviruses, prompting the selection of their potential derivatives to investigate their abilities as inhibitors of COVID-19. The findings were streamlined using in silico molecular docking, which revealed promising energy-binding interactions between all flavonoid derivatives and the targeted protein. Notably, compounds 8, 9, 13, and 15 demonstrated higher potency against the coronavirus Mpro protein (PDB ID 6M2N). Compound 8 has a -7.2 Kcal/mol affinity for the protein and binds to it by hydrogen bonding with Gln192 and π-sulfur bonding with Met-165. Compound 9 exhibited a significant interaction with the main protease, demonstrating an affinity of -7.9 kcal/mol. Gln-192, Glu-189, Pro-168, and His-41 were the principle amino acid residues involved in this interaction. The docking score for compound 13 is -7.5 Kcal/mol, and it binds to the protease enzyme by making interactions with Leu-41, π-sigma, and Gln-189. These interactions include hydrogen bonding and π-sulfur. The major protease and compound 15 were found to bind with a favourable affinity of -6.8 Kcal/mol. This finding was further validated through molecular dynamic simulation for 1ns, analysing parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, and RoG profiles. The RoG values for all four of the compounds varied significantly (35.2-36.4). The results demonstrated the stability of the selected compounds during the simulation. After passing the stability testing, the compounds underwent screening for ADME and drug-likeness properties, fulfilling all the necessary criteria. The findings of the study may support further efforts for the discovery and development of safe drugs to treat COVID-19.
Fulltext Prognostic Model of ICU Admission Risk in Patients with COVID-19 Infection Using Machine Learning

Islam KR, Kumar J, Tan TL, Reaz MBI, Rahman T, Khandakar A, et al.

Diagnostics (Basel), 2022 Sep 03;12(9).
PMID: 36140545 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092144

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of critically sick patients in intensive care units (ICUs) has increased worldwide, putting a burden on ICUs. Early prediction of ICU requirement is crucial for efficient resource management and distribution. Early-prediction scoring systems for critically ill patients using mathematical models are available, but are not generalized for COVID-19 and Non-COVID patients. This study aims to develop a generalized and reliable prognostic model for ICU admission for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients using best feature combination from the patient data at admission. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on a dataset collected from the pulmonology department of Moscow City State Hospital between 20 April 2020 and 5 June 2020. The dataset contains ten clinical features for 231 patients, of whom 100 patients were transferred to ICU and 131 were stable (non-ICU) patients. There were 156 COVID positive patients and 75 non-COVID patients. Different feature selection techniques were investigated, and a stacking machine learning model was proposed and compared with eight different classification algorithms to detect risk of need for ICU admission for both COVID-19 and non-COVID patients combined and COVID patients alone. C-reactive protein (CRP), chest computed tomography (CT), lung tissue affected (%), age, admission to hospital, and fibrinogen parameters at hospital admission were found to be important features for ICU-requirement risk prediction. The best performance was produced by the stacking approach, with weighted precision, sensitivity, F1-score, specificity, and overall accuracy of 84.45%, 84.48%, 83.64%, 84.47%, and 84.48%, respectively, for both types of patients, and 85.34%, 85.35%, 85.11%, 85.34%, and 85.35%, respectively, for COVID-19 patients only. The proposed work can help doctors to improve management through early prediction of the risk of need for ICU admission of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the model can be used for both types of patients.
Fulltext Pharmacotherapeutics Applications and Chemistry of Chalcone Derivatives

Dhaliwal JS, Moshawih S, Goh KW, Loy MJ, Hossain MS, Hermansyah A, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Oct 19;27(20).
PMID: 36296655 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27207062

Chalcones have been well examined in the extant literature and demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. A detailed evaluation of the purported health benefits of chalcone and its derivatives, including molecular mechanisms of pharmacological activities, can be further explored. Therefore, this review aimed to describe the main characteristics of chalcone and its derivatives, including their method synthesis and pharmacotherapeutics applications with molecular mechanisms. The presence of the reactive α,β-unsaturated system in the chalcone's rings showed different potential pharmacological properties, including inhibitory activity on enzymes, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, and anti-filarial activity. Changing the structure by adding substituent groups to the aromatic ring can increase potency, reduce toxicity, and broaden pharmacological action. This report also summarized the potential health benefits of chalcone derivatives, particularly antimicrobial activity. We found that several chalcone compounds can inhibit diverse targets of antibiotic-resistance development pathways; therefore, they overcome resistance, and bacteria become susceptible to antibacterial compounds. A few chalcone compounds were more active than conventional antibiotics, like vancomycin and tetracycline. On another note, a series of pyran-fused chalcones and trichalcones can block the NF-B signaling complement system implicated in inflammation, and several compounds demonstrated more potent lipoxygenase inhibition than NSAIDs, such as indomethacin. This report integrated discussion from the domains of medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and diverse pharmacological applications, particularly for the development of new anti-infective agents that could be a useful reference for pharmaceutical scientists.
Sequentially mediated effects of weight-related self-stigma and psychological distress in the association between perceived weight stigma and food addiction among Taiwanese university students: A cross-sectional study

Huang PC, Lee CH, Griffiths MD, O'Brien KS, Lin YC, Gan WY, et al.

J Eat Disord, 2022 Nov 21;10(1):177.
PMID: 36414956 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00701-y

BACKGROUND: Weight-related stigma has negative physiological and psychological impacts on individuals' quality of life. Stigmatized individuals may experience higher psychological distress and therefore increase the potential risk to develop obesity and/or food addiction. The present study examined the associations and mediated effect between perceived weight stigma, weight-related self-stigma, and psychological distress in explaining food addiction among Taiwanese university students.
METHODS: All participants (n = 968) completed an online survey which included the Perceived Weight Stigma Questionnaire, Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21, and Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.
RESULTS: After controlling for demographic variables, significant associations were found in the paths from (1) perceived weight stigma to weight-related self-stigma ([Formula: see text] = 0.23), psychological distress ([Formula: see text] = 0.35), and food addiction ([Formula: see text] = 0.23); (2) weight-related self-stigma to psychological distress ([Formula: see text] = 0.52) and food addiction ([Formula: see text] = 0.59); and (3) psychological distress to food addiction ([Formula: see text] = 0.59) (all p-values
Fulltext BNT162b2 vaccine considerations for immunocompromised individuals: A global perspective

Jatoi HN, Abbas S, Abbasi MS, Tauni MA, Ghazanfar S, Zafar Malick MD, et al.

Ann Med Surg (Lond), 2022 Jun;78:103796.
PMID: 35603097 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103796

With the emergence of COVID-19 vaccines, individuals with comorbidities and immunosuppression require particular attention and should be prioritized for vaccination. However, the majority of vaccine clinical trials excluded people with comorbidities, resulting in a lack of data regarding vaccine efficacy in this demographic. Along with more inclusivity in clinical trials, reaching a definitive conclusion regarding vaccine efficacy in these patients is also crucial. In our review, we highlight the BNT162b2 vaccine safety and efficacy based on the limited number of clinical trials which included this demographic. We also provide vaccine considerations for individuals with cancer, autoimmune diseases, HIV, obesity, diabetes, organ transplant recipients and those undergoing maintenance haemodialysis to help them govern their decision regarding vaccine administration. In conclusion, further studies are required to alleviate any insecurities in patients with comorbidities regarding vaccination and it is recommended that patients are monitored post-vaccination to make sure sufficient immunity is achieved.
Fulltext Effect of Cu Doping on ZnO Nanoparticles as a Photocatalyst for the Removal of Organic Wastewater

Khalid A, Ahmad P, Khan A, Muhammad S, Khandaker MU, Alam MM, et al.

Bioinorg Chem Appl, 2022;2022:9459886.
PMID: 35873731 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9459886

Environmental problems with chemical and biological water pollution have become a major concern for society. Providing people with safe and affordable water is a grand challenge of the 21st century. The study investigates the photocatalytic degradation capabilities of hydrothermally prepared pure and Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) for the elimination of dye pollutants. A simple, cost-effective hydrothermal process is employed to synthesize the Cu-doped ZnO NPs. The photocatalytic dye degradation activity of the synthesized Cu-doped ZnO NPs is tested by using methylene blue (MB) dye. In addition, the parameters that affect photodegradation efficiency, such as catalyst concentration, starting potential of hydrogen (pH), and dye concentration, were also assessed. The dye degradation is found to be directly proportional to the irradiation time, as 94% of the MB dye is degraded in 2 hrs. Similarly, the dye degradation shows an inverse relation to the MB dye concentration, as the degradation reduced from 94% to 20% when the MB concentration increases from 5 ppm to 80 ppm. The synthesized cost-effective and environmentally friendly Cu-doped ZnO NPs exhibit improved photocatalytic activity against MB dye and can therefore be employed in wastewater treatment materials.
Fulltext Flame Retardant Coatings: Additives, Binders, and Fillers

Mohd Sabee MMS, Itam Z, Beddu S, Zahari NM, Mohd Kamal NL, Mohamad D, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2022 Jul 17;14(14).
PMID: 35890685 DOI: 10.3390/polym14142911

This review provides an intensive overview of flame retardant coating systems. The occurrence of flame due to thermal degradation of the polymer substrate as a result of overheating is one of the major concerns. Hence, coating is the best solution to this problem as it prevents the substrate from igniting the flame. In this review, the descriptions of several classifications of coating and their relation to thermal degradation and flammability were discussed. The details of flame retardants and flame retardant coatings in terms of principles, types, mechanisms, and properties were explained as well. This overview imparted the importance of intumescent flame retardant coatings in preventing the spread of flame via the formation of a multicellular charred layer. Thus, the intended intumescence can reduce the risk of flame from inherently flammable materials used to maintain a high standard of living.

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