Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 1516 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Rahimlou M, Baghdadi G, Khodi A, Rahimi Z, Saki N, Banaei Jahromi N, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 21;14(1):6752.
    PMID: 38514756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57416-0
    In this cross-sectional investigation, the primary objective was to explore the correlation between the consumption of polyphenols and the likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the adult population participating in the Hoveyzeh cohort. Data from the Hoveyzeh cohort study, part of the Persian Cohort Study, involving 10,009 adults aged 35-70, were analyzed. Exclusions were made for missing data, extreme energy intake, and liver cancer patients. Dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and polyphenol intake was calculated using the Phenol Explorer database. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for confounders, were performed to assess the relationship between polyphenol subclasses (total polyphenols, total flavonoids, phenolic acid, and lignin) and NAFLD. Among 9894 participants, those in the highest quintile of total polyphenol (OR 0.65, CI 0.5-0.84; P = 0.007), phenolic acid (OR 0.67, CI 0.52-0.86; P 
  2. Ramlee MH, Ammarullah MI, Mohd Sukri NS, Faidzul Hassan NS, Baharuddin MH, Abdul Kadir MR
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 21;14(1):6842.
    PMID: 38514731 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57454-8
    Previous research has primarily focused on pre-processing parameters such as design, material selection, and printing techniques to improve the strength of 3D-printed prosthetic leg sockets. However, these methods fail to address the major challenges that arise post-printing, namely failures at the distal end of the socket and susceptibility to shear failure. Addressing this gap, the study aims to enhance the mechanical properties of 3D-printed prosthetic leg sockets through post-processing techniques. Fifteen PLA + prosthetic leg sockets are fabricated and reinforced with four materials: carbon fiber, carbon-Kevlar fiber, fiberglass, and cement. Mechanical and microstructural properties of the sockets are evaluated through axial compression testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results highlight superior attributes of cement-reinforced sockets, exhibiting significantly higher yield strength (up to 89.57% more than counterparts) and higher Young's modulus (up to 76.15% greater). SEM reveals correlations between microstructural properties and socket strength. These findings deepen the comprehension of 3D-printed prosthetic leg socket post-processing, presenting optimization prospects. Future research can focus on refining fabrication techniques, exploring alternative reinforcement materials, and investigating the long-term durability and functionality of post-processed 3D-printed prosthetic leg sockets.
  3. Zheng Y, Qin H, Ma X
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 19;14(1):6562.
    PMID: 38503822 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56922-5
    Interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (IVq-ROFS) is a powerful tool for dealing with uncertainty. In this paper, we first propose a new method for aggregating multiple IVq-ROFSs, which is easier to understand and implement in the multi-attribute group decision making process compared to current aggregation operators. Secondly, this paper introduces a new fuzzy entropy with parameters based on IVq-ROFS, which is highly flexible due to its adjustable parameters. Based on this, the IVq-ROFS-based attribute weight calculation method is proposed to obtain the objective weights of the attributes, which is more reasonable and objective than the existing methods. Then, for the dimensional differences between the three compromise scores in the original Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) method, the enhanced compromise scores are proposed. These scores are obtained by normalizing the three dependent compromise scores, ensuring that they fall within the same range. Finally, a novel CoCoSo mothed on IVq-ROFS using the proposed fuzzy entropy and enhanced compromise scores is presented. The proposed method is highly adaptable and scalable, not limited to IVq-ROFS. The excellent performance and robustness of the proposed method are verified in sepsis diagnosis applications.
  4. Hamdan PNF, Hamzaid NA, Hasnan N, Abd Razak NA, Razman R, Usman J
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 18;14(1):6451.
    PMID: 38499594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56955-w
    Literature has shown that simulated power production during conventional functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling was improved by 14% by releasing the ankle joint from a fixed ankle setup and with the stimulation of the tibialis anterior and triceps surae. This study aims to investigate the effect of releasing the ankle joint on the pedal power production during FES cycling in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Seven persons with motor complete SCI participated in this study. All participants performed 1 min of fixed-ankle and 1 min of free-ankle FES cycling with two stimulation modes. In mode 1 participants performed FES-evoked cycling with the stimulation of quadriceps and hamstring muscles only (QH stimulation), while Mode 2 had stimulation of quadriceps, hamstring, tibialis anterior, and triceps surae muscles (QHT stimulation). The order of each trial was randomized in each participant. Free-ankle FES cycling offered greater ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion movement at specific slices of 20° crank angle intervals compared to fixed-ankle. There were significant differences in the mean and peak normalized pedal power outputs (POs) [F(1,500) = 14.03, p 
  5. Yousaf MZ, Abbas M, Nazir T, Abdullah FA, Birhanu A, Emadifar H
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 17;14(1):6410.
    PMID: 38494490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55786-z
    The present research investigates the double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model, which is important for the transfer and retention of genetic material in biological domains. This model is composed of two lengthy uniformly elastic filaments, that stand in for a pair of polynucleotide chains of the deoxyribonucleic acid molecule joined by hydrogen bonds among the bottom combination, demonstrating the hydrogen bonds formed within the chain's base pairs. The modified extended Fan sub equation method effectively used to explain the exact travelling wave solutions for the double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model. Compared to the earlier, now in use methods, the previously described modified extended Fan sub equation method provide more innovative, comprehensive solutions and are relatively straightforward to implement. This method transforms a non-linear partial differential equation into an ODE by using a travelling wave transformation. Additionally, the study yields both single and mixed non-degenerate Jacobi elliptic function type solutions. The complexiton, kink wave, dark or anti-bell, V, anti-Z and singular wave shapes soliton solutions are a few of the creative solutions that have been constructed utilizing modified extended Fan sub equation method that can offer details on the transversal and longitudinal moves inside the DNA helix by freely chosen parameters. Solitons propagate at a consistent rate and retain their original shape. They are widely used in nonlinear models and can be found everywhere in nature. To help in understanding the physical significance of the double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model, several solutions are shown with graphics in the form of contour, 2D and 3D graphs using computer software Mathematica 13.2. All of the requisite constraint factors that are required for the completed solutions to exist appear to be met. Therefore, our method of strengthening symbolic computations offers a powerful and effective mathematical tool for resolving various moderate nonlinear wave problems. The findings demonstrate the system's potentially very rich precise wave forms with biological significance. The fundamentals of double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model diffusion and processing are demonstrated by this work, which marks a substantial development in our knowledge of double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model movements.
  6. Sivadasan D, Venkatesan K, Mohamed JMM, Alqahtani S, Asiri YI, Faisal MM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 16;14(1):6361.
    PMID: 38493177 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55953-2
    Loratadine (LoR) is a highly lipophilic and practically insoluble in water, hence having a low oral bioavailability. As it is formulated as topical gel, it competitively binds with the receptors, thus reducing the side-effects. The objective of this study was to prepare LoR loaded nanosponge (LoR-NS) in gel for topical delivery. Nine different formulations of emulsion were prepared by solvent evaporation method with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethyl cellulose (EC), and dichloromethane (DCM). Based on 32 Full Factorial Design (FFD), optimization was carried out by varying the concentration of LOR:EC ratio and stirring rate. The preparations were subjected for the evaluation of particle size (PS), in vitro release, zeta potential (ZP) and entrapment efficiency (EE). The results revealed that the NS dispersion was nanosized with sustained release profiles and significant PS. The optimised formulation was formulated and incorporated into carbopol 934P hydrogel. The formulation was then examined to surface morphological characterizations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which depicted spherical NS. Stability studies, undertaken for 2 months at 40 ± 2 °C/75 ± 5% RH, concluded to the stability of the formulation. The formulation did not cause skin irritation. Therefore, the prepared NS hydrogel proved to be a promising applicant for LoR as a novel drug delivery system (NDDS) for safe, sustained and controlled topical application.
  7. Jayakumar SS, Subramaniam IP, Stanislaus Arputharaj B, Solaiappan SK, Rajendran P, Lee IE, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 15;14(1):6330.
    PMID: 38491057 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54174-x
    Compact multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be operated in many challenging environmental conditions. In case the UAV requires certain considerations in designing like lightweight, efficient propulsion system and others depending upon the application, the hybrid UAV comes into play when the usual UAV types cannot be sufficient to meet the requirements. The propulsion system for the UAV was selected to be coaxial rotors because it has a high thrust-to-weight ratio and to increase the efficiency of the propulsion system, a unique propeller was proposed to achieve higher thrust. The proposed propeller was uniquely designed by analyzing various airfoil sections under different Reynolds's number using X-Foil tool to obtain the optimum airfoil section for the propellers. Since the design with duct increases efficiency, the Hybrid UAV presented in this paper has the modified novel convergent-divergent (C-D)-based duct which is a simplified model of a conventional C-D duct. The yawing and rolling maneuverings of the UAV could be achieved by the thrust vectoring method so that the design is simpler from a structural and mechanical perspective. The use of UAVs has risen in recent years, especially compact UAVs, which can be applied for applications like surveillance, detection and inspection, and monitoring in a narrow region of space. The design of the UAV is modeled in CATIA, and its further performance enactment factors are picked from advanced computational simulations relayed bottom-up approach. The predominant computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid structure interaction (FSI) investigations are imposed and optimized through Computational Analyses using Ansys Workbench 17.2, which includes analysis of structural behaviour of various alloys, CFRP and GFRP based composite materials. From the structural analysis Titanium alloy came out to be the best performing materials among the others by having lower total deformation and other parameters such as normal and equivalent stress. The dynamics control response is obtained using MATLAB Simulink. The validations are carried out on the propeller using a thrust stand for CFD and on the duct through a high-jet facility for structural outcomes to meet the expected outcome.
  8. Ramachandran T, Faruque MRI, Al-Mugren KS
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 15;14(1):6258.
    PMID: 38491125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56723-w
    This study presented a unique, miniaturised asymmetric interconnected vertical stripe (IVS) design for terahertz (THz) frequency applications. Therefore, this research aimed to achieve a frequency response of 0 to 10 THz using a 5 × 5 µm2 Silicon (Si) substrate material. Meanwhile, various parametric examinations were conducted to investigate variations in the performance. For example, the unit cell selection process was carefully examined by using various design structures and modifying the structure by adding split gaps and connecting bars between vertical stripes. Furthermore, the proposed sandwich structure design was used to compute the absorbance and reflectance properties. All the analytical examinations were executed utilising the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) 2019 software. The introduced IVS metamaterial exhibits negative index behaviour and has a single resonance frequency of 5.23 THz with an acceptable magnitude of - 24.38 dB. Additionally, the quadruple-layer IVS structure exhibits optimised transmission coefficient behaviour between 3 and 6 THz and 7 to 9 THz, respectively. However, the magnitude of the transmission coefficient increased with the number of material layers. Besides that, the absorbance study shows that using a quadruple-layer structure obtains unique and promising results. Overall, the proposed asymmetric IVS metamaterial design achieves the required performance by using a compact structure rather than extending the dimensions of the design.
  9. Khan M, Ali M, Najeh T, Gamil Y
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 13;14(1):6105.
    PMID: 38480772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56088-0
    Bentonite plastic concrete (BPC) demonstrated promising potential for remedial cut-off wall construction to mitigate dam seepage, as it fulfills essential criteria for strength, stiffness, and permeability. High workability and consistency are essential attributes for BPC because it is poured into trenches using a tremie pipe, emphasizing the importance of accurately predicting the slump of BPC. In addition, prediction models offer valuable tools to estimate various strength parameters, enabling adjustments to BPC mixing designs to optimize project construction, leading to cost and time savings. Therefore, this study explores the multi-expression programming (MEP) technique to predict the key characteristics of BPC, such as slump, compressive strength (fc), and elastic modulus (Ec). In the present study, 158, 169, and 111 data points were collected from the experimental studies for the slump, fc, and Ec, respectively. The dataset was divided into three sets: 70% for training, 15% for testing, and another 15% for model validation. The MEP models exhibited excellent accuracy with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9999 for slump, 0.9831 for fc, and 0.9300 for Ec. Furthermore, the comparative analysis between MEP models and conventional linear and non-linear regression models revealed remarkable precision in the predictions of the proposed MEP models, surpassing the accuracy of traditional regression methods. SHapley Additive exPlanation analysis indicated that water, cement, and bentonite exert significant influence on slump, with water having the greatest impact on compressive strength, while curing time and cement exhibit a higher influence on elastic modulus. In summary, the application of machine learning algorithms offers the capability to deliver prompt and precise early estimates of BPC properties, thus optimizing the efficiency of construction and design processes.
  10. Shahari S, Bin Abdullah ML, Binti Isman Rohimly AA, Binti Ashrat N, Amir A, Atroosh WMM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 12;14(1):6023.
    PMID: 38472278 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54981-2
    The parasite Plasmodium knowlesi has been the sole cause of malaria in Malaysia from 2018 to 2022. The persistence of this zoonotic species has hampered Malaysia's progress towards achieving the malaria-free status awarded by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Due to the zoonotic nature of P. knowlesi infections, it is important to study the prevalence of the parasite in the macaque host, the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Apart from P. knowlesi, the long-tailed macaque is also able to harbour Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium inui, Plasmodium caotneyi and Plasmodium fieldi. Here we report the prevalence of the 5 simian malaria parasites in the wild long-tailed macaque population in 12 out of the 13 states in Peninsular Malaysia using a nested PCR approach targeting the 18s ribosomal RNA (18s rRNA) gene. It was found that all five Plasmodium species were widely distributed throughout Peninsular Malaysia except for states with major cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Of note, Pahang reported a malaria prevalence of 100% in the long-tailed macaque population, identifying it as a potential hotspot for zoonotic transmission. Overall, this study shows the distribution of the 5 simian malaria parasite species throughout Peninsular Malaysia, the data of which could be used to guide future malaria control interventions to target zoonotic malaria.
  11. Azadi S, Azizipour E, Amani AM, Vaez A, Zareshahrabadi Z, Abbaspour A, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 11;14(1):5855.
    PMID: 38467729 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56512-5
    The antifungal efficacy and cytotoxicity of a novel nano-antifungal agent, the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base complex of Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), have been assessed for targeting drug-resistant Candida species. Due to the rising issue of fungal infections, especially candidiasis, and resistance to traditional antifungals, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Utilizing Schiff-base ligands known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs have been synthesized. The Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs was characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), demonstrating successful synthesis. The antifungal potential was evaluated against six Candida species (C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and C. albicans) using the broth microdilution method. The results indicated strong antifungal activity in the range of 8-64 μg/mL with the lowest MIC (8 μg/mL) observed against C. parapsilosis. The result showed the MIC of 32 μg/mL against C. albicans as the most common infection source. The antifungal mechanism is likely due to the disruption of the fungal cell wall and membrane, along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation leading to cell death. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay for cytotoxicity on mouse L929 fibroblastic cells suggested low toxicity and even enhanced cell proliferation at certain concentrations. This study demonstrates the promise of Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs as a potent antifungal agent with potential applications in the treatment of life-threatening fungal infections, healthcare-associated infections, and beyond.
  12. Chandarajoti K, Kara J, Suwanhom P, Nualnoi T, Puripattanavong J, Lee VS, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 06;14(1):5535.
    PMID: 38448547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54665-x
    New coumarin derivatives were designed using a 2-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)acetic acid scaffold conjugated with amino acid esters or tyramine. The anti-tyrosinase and anti-lipid peroxidation activities of the synthesized compounds were investigated. Coumarin derivatives 7,9, 11-13, 15-18 showed strong anti-lipid peroxidation activity. Compound 13 exhibited uncompetitive tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 68.86 µM. Compound 14 (% activity = 123.41) showed stronger tyrosinase activating activity than 8-methoxypsolaren (8-MOP, % activity = 109.46). In silico studies revealed different poses between the inhibitors and activators near the tyrosinase catalytic site. Compounds 13 (25-50 μM) and 14 (25-100 μM) did not show cytotoxicity against B16F10 cells. In contrast to the tyrosinase inhibition assay, compound 13 (50 μM) suppressed melanogenesis in B16F10 cells with two times higher potency than KA (100 μM). Compound 14 at 100 μM showed melanogenesis enhancement in B16F10 cells in a dose-dependent manner, however, inferior to the 8-MOP. Based on the findings, compound 13 and 14 offer potential for development as skin-lightening agents and vitiligo therapy agents, respectively.
  13. Shengyao Y, Salarzadeh Jenatabadi H, Mengshi Y, Minqin C, Xuefen L, Mustafa Z
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 06;14(1):5571.
    PMID: 38448465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55530-7
    Previous research has found that parenting style influences academic resilience. Nonetheless, few studies have focused on the mechanism underlying the relationship between parenting style and academic resilience. This study aims to examine the relationship between adolescents' parenting style and academic resilience, drawing upon the framework of Social Cognitive Theory. Specifically, it wants to explore the mediating roles of self-efficacy and academic motivation in this relationship. The participants were 518 students chosen at random from educational institutions in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Jiangsu. Social Cognitive Theory was the theoretical foundation for the study, and the Parental Authority Questionnaire was used to measure parenting style. Out of the respondents, 55.5% were male and 45.5% female. The student allocation in the study sample was as follows: 62.34% undergraduate, 28.22% master's, and 9.44% PhD. More than 60% of participants were over 25 years old. Moreover, the findings revealed that parenting style was directly and positively related to academic resilience. Parenting style was also found to be indirectly and positively related to academic resilience via self-efficacy and academic motivation, respectively, and sequentially. More crucially, it was discovered that the direct association was far lower than the indirect effects, with self-efficacy being the most effective. The study indicates a relationship between parenting style and academic resilience in adolescents, with self-efficacy and academic motivation acting as the main mediators. These findings emphasize the significance of these intermediary elements, implying that they play a larger role than the direct influence of parenting style alone.
  14. Ramesh Kumar R, Karthik K, Elumalai PV, Elumalai R, Chandran D, Prakash E, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 05;14(1):5467.
    PMID: 38443484 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56013-5
  15. Premkumar M, Sinha G, Ramasamy MD, Sahu S, Subramanyam CB, Sowmya R, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 05;14(1):5434.
    PMID: 38443569 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55619-z
    This study presents the K-means clustering-based grey wolf optimizer, a new algorithm intended to improve the optimization capabilities of the conventional grey wolf optimizer in order to address the problem of data clustering. The process that groups similar items within a dataset into non-overlapping groups. Grey wolf hunting behaviour served as the model for grey wolf optimizer, however, it frequently lacks the exploration and exploitation capabilities that are essential for efficient data clustering. This work mainly focuses on enhancing the grey wolf optimizer using a new weight factor and the K-means algorithm concepts in order to increase variety and avoid premature convergence. Using a partitional clustering-inspired fitness function, the K-means clustering-based grey wolf optimizer was extensively evaluated on ten numerical functions and multiple real-world datasets with varying levels of complexity and dimensionality. The methodology is based on incorporating the K-means algorithm concept for the purpose of refining initial solutions and adding a weight factor to increase the diversity of solutions during the optimization phase. The results show that the K-means clustering-based grey wolf optimizer performs much better than the standard grey wolf optimizer in discovering optimal clustering solutions, indicating a higher capacity for effective exploration and exploitation of the solution space. The study found that the K-means clustering-based grey wolf optimizer was able to produce high-quality cluster centres in fewer iterations, demonstrating its efficacy and efficiency on various datasets. Finally, the study demonstrates the robustness and dependability of the K-means clustering-based grey wolf optimizer in resolving data clustering issues, which represents a significant advancement over conventional techniques. In addition to addressing the shortcomings of the initial algorithm, the incorporation of K-means and the innovative weight factor into the grey wolf optimizer establishes a new standard for further study in metaheuristic clustering algorithms. The performance of the K-means clustering-based grey wolf optimizer is around 34% better than the original grey wolf optimizer algorithm for both numerical test problems and data clustering problems.
  16. Santiago KAA, Wong WC, Goh YK, Tey SH, Ting ASY
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 04;14(1):5330.
    PMID: 38438519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56129-8
    This study compared the pathogenicity of monokaryotic (monokaryon) and dikaryotic (dikaryon) mycelia of the oil palm pathogen Ganoderma boninense via metabolomics approach. Ethyl acetate crude extracts of monokaryon and dikaryon were analysed by liquid chromatography quadrupole/time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF-MS) coupled with multivariate data analysis using MetaboAnalyst. The mummichog algorithm was also used to identify the functional activities of monokaryon and dikaryon without a priori identification of all their secondary metabolites. Results revealed that monokaryon produced lesser fungal metabolites than dikaryon, suggesting that monokaryon had a lower possibility of inducing plant infection. These findings were further supported by the identified functional activities. Monokaryon exhibits tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan metabolism, which are important for fungal growth and development and to produce toxin precursors. In contrast, dikaryon exhibits the metabolism of cysteine and methionine, arginine and proline, and phenylalanine, which are important for fungal growth, development, virulence, and pathogenicity. As such, monokaryon is rendered non-pathogenic as it produces growth metabolites and toxin precursors, whereas dikaryon is pathogenic as it produces metabolites that are involved in fungal growth and pathogenicity. The LC-MS-based metabolomics approach contributes significantly to our understanding of the pathogenesis of Ganoderma boninense, which is essential for disease management in oil palm plantations.
  17. Bizhanova N, Nanova O, Fadakar D, Grachev A, Hong Z, Mohd Sah SA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 02;14(1):5186.
    PMID: 38431728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55807-x
    The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) exhibits geographic variability and phylogenetic intraspecific relationships. Previous morphological studies have suggested the existence of multiple lynx subspecies, but recent genetic research has questioned this classification, particularly in Central Asia. In this study, we aimed to analyse the geographic and genetic variation in Central Asian lynx populations, particularly the Turkestan lynx and Altai lynx populations, using morphometric data and mtDNA sequences to contribute to their taxonomic classification. The comparative analysis of morphometric data revealed limited clinal variability between lynx samples from the Altai and Tien Shan regions. By examining mtDNA fragments (control region and cytochrome b) obtained from Kazakhstani lynx populations, two subspecies were identified: L. l. isabellinus (represented by a unique haplotype of the South clade, H46) and L. l. wrangeli (represented by haplotypes H36, H45, and H47 of the East clade). L. l. isabellinus was recognized only in Tien Shan Mountain, while Altai lynx was likely identical to L. l. wrangeli and found in northern Kazakhstan, Altai Mountain, Saur and Tarbagatai Mountains, and Tien Shan Mountain. The morphological and mtDNA evidence presented in this study, although limited in sample size and number of genetic markers, renders the differentiation of the two subspecies challenging. Further sampling and compilation of whole-genome sequencing data are necessary to confirm whether the proposed subspecies warrant taxonomic standing.
  18. Li M, Ning XP, Gao TT, Fazry S, Othman BA, Najm AAK, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 01;14(1):5147.
    PMID: 38429352 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55622-4
    Rice husk, an agricultural waste from the rice industry, can cause serious environmental pollution if not properly managed. However, rice husk ash (RHA) has been found to have many positive properties, making it a potential replacement for non-renewable peat in soilless planting. Thus, this study investigated the impact of a RHA composite substrate on the growth, photosynthetic parameters, and fruit quality of cucumber (Yuyi longxiang variety) and melon (Yutian yangjiaomi variety). The RHA, peat, vermiculite, and perlite were blended in varying proportions, with the conventional seedling substrate (peat:vermiculite:perlite = 1:1:1 volume ratio) serving as the control (CK). All plants were cultivated in barrels filled with 10L of the mixed substrates. The results from this study found that RHA 40 (RHA:peat:vermiculite:perlite = 4:4:1:1 volume ratio) significantly enhanced substrate ventilation and positively influenced the stem diameter, root activity, seedling index, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) of cucumber and melon plants. Additionally, plant planted using RHA 40, the individual fruit weight of cucumber and melon found to increase by 34.62% and 21.67%, respectively, as compared to the control. Aside from that, both cucumber and melon fruits had significantly higher sucrose, total soluble sugar, vitamin C, and soluble protein levels. This subsequently improved the activity of sucrose synthase and sucrose phosphate synthase in both cucumber and melon. In conclusion, the RHA 40 found to best promote cucumber and melon plant growth, increase plant leaf photosynthesis, and improve cucumber and melon fruit quality, making it a suitable substrate formula for cucumber and melon cultivation in place of peat.
  19. Ng MY, Song ZJ, Venkatesan G, Rodriguez-Cuenca S, West JA, Yang S, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Feb 28;14(1):4932.
    PMID: 38418847 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54466-2
    One potential approach for treating obesity is to increase energy expenditure in brown and white adipose tissue. Here we aimed to achieve this outcome by targeting mitochondrial uncoupler compounds selectively to adipose tissue, thus avoiding side effects from uncoupling in other tissues. Selective drug accumulation in adipose tissue has been observed with many lipophilic compounds and dyes. Hence, we explored the feasibility of conjugating uncoupler compounds with a lipophilic C8-hydrocarbon chain via an ether bond. We found that substituting the trifluoromethoxy group in the uncoupler FCCP with a C8-hydrocarbon chain resulted in potent uncoupling activity. Nonetheless, the compound did not elicit therapeutic effects in mice, likely as a consequence of metabolic instability resulting from rapid ether bond cleavage. A lipophilic analog of the uncoupler compound 2,6-dinitrophenol, in which a C8-hydrocarbon chain was conjugated via an ether bond in the para-position (2,6-dinitro-4-(octyloxy)phenol), exhibited increased uncoupling activity compared to the parent compound. However, in vivo pharmacokinetics studies suggested that 2,6-dinitro-4-(octyloxy)phenol was also metabolically unstable. In conclusion, conjugation of a hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain to uncoupler compounds resulted in sustained or improved uncoupling activity. However, an ether bond linkage led to metabolic instability, indicating the need to conjugate lipophilic groups via other chemical bonds.
  20. Yi CQ, Bojeng MNBHBH, Kamis SKBH, Mubarak NM, Karri RR, Azri H
    Sci Rep, 2024 Feb 28;14(1):4934.
    PMID: 38418697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55079-5
    Plastic waste is being manufactured for the production of hydrogen. The amount of plastic waste collected annually is 189,953 tonnes from adjacent nations like Indonesia and Malaysia. Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Polystyrene (PS) are the five most prevalent forms of plastic found in most waste. Pyrolysis, water gas shift and steam reforming reaction, and pressure swing adsorption are the three main phases utilized and studied. In this research, authors examines the energy consumption on every stage. The plastic waste can be utilized to manufacture many hydrocarbons using the pyrolysis reaction. For this process, fast pyrolysis is being used at a temperature of 500 °C. A neutralization process is also needed due to the presence of Hydrochloric acid from the pyrolysis reaction, with the addition of sodium hydroxide. This is being carried to prevent any damage to the reactor during the process. Secondly, the steam reforming process continues after the water gas shift reaction has produced steam and carbon monoxide, followed by carbon dioxide and hydrogen formation. Lastly, pressure swing adsorption is designed to extract H2S and CO2 from the water gas shift and steam reforming reaction for greater purity of hydrogen. From the simulation study, it is observed that using various types of plastic waste procured (total input of 20,000 kg per hour of plastics) from, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Indonesia, can produce about 340,000 tons of Hydrogen per year. Additionally, the annual profit of the Hydrogen production is estimated to be between $ 271,158,100 and $ 358,480,200. As per the economic analysis, it can be said that its a good to start hydrogen production plant in these regions.
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links