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  1. Ling MTM, Govindaraju K, Lokanathan Y, Abidin AZ, Ibrahim B
    Cell Biochem Funct, 2023 Dec;41(8):1044-1059.
    PMID: 37933415 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3881
    Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of metabolic abnormalities. The prevalence of MetS has surged, transforming it into a pressing public health concern that could potentially affect around 20%-25% of the global population. As MetS continues its ascent, diverse interventions, pharmacological, nonpharmacological and combined have been deployed. Yet, a comprehensive remedy that fully eradicates MetS symptoms remains elusive, compounded by the risks of polypharmacy's emergence. Acknowledging the imperative to grasp MetS's intricate pathologies, deeper insights for future research and therapy optimisation become paramount. Conventional treatments often target specific syndrome elements. However, a novel approach emerges in mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) therapy, promising a holistic shift. MSC-EVs, tiny membranous vesicles secreted by mesenchymal stem cells, have garnered immense attention for their multifaceted bioactivity and regenerative potential. Their ability to modulate inflammation, enhance tissue repair and regulate metabolic pathways has prompted researchers to explore their therapeutic application in MetS. This review primarily aims to provide an overview of how MSC-EVs therapy can improve metabolic parameters in subjects with MetS disease and also introduce the usefulness of NMR spectroscopy in assessing the efficacy of MSC-EVs therapy for treating MetS.
  2. Zakaria MI, Suhaimi S, Pin TM, Mokhtar MAM, Zahedi AZA
    Ann Geriatr Med Res, 2023 Dec;27(4):324-328.
    PMID: 37903753 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.23.0150
    BACKGROUND: The practice of safe emergency medicine requires accurate and adequate assessments. However, screening for cognitive deficits is not performed regularly in the emergency department (ED). This study aimed to determine factors influencing the frequency of cognitive testing by ED doctors.

    METHODS: This study included all doctors working in the EDs of three teaching hospitals. A 17-item online survey instrument that collected information on sex, experience, perceived prevalence, perception, and practice of cognitive assessment was distributed through electronic mail and data messaging services.

    RESULTS: Of the 210 participants, 72 were male. The estimated mean with standard deviation prevalence of cognitive impairment in older patients in the ED was 39.5%±19.7%. Among the participating ED doctors, 75.8% performed cognitive testing up to 10% of the time. Moreover, the participants ranked cognitive impairment the lowest compared to the other four chronic conditions in terms of its impact on hospitalization outcomes. Multiple linear regression revealed that the doctors' perceptions of the responsible personnel and the importance of cognitive testing, as well as their lack of expertise, were independently associated with the frequency of testing.

    CONCLUSION: Lack of expertise, perception of the importance of cognitive testing, and lack of consensus on which discipline is responsible for performing cognitive testing in older patients in the ED were the limiting factors in performing cognitive testing in the ED. Improving perception and awareness of the importance of cognitive assessment as a screening tool could improve the detection and overall management of older patients.

  3. Li X, Abdullah LC, Sobri S, Syazarudin Md Said M, Aslina Hussain S, Poh Aun T, et al.
    J Air Waste Manag Assoc, 2023 Sep;73(9):649-678.
    PMID: 37449903 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2023.2232744
    Clarifying the spatiotemporal distribution and impact mechanism of pollution is the prerequisite for megacities to formulate relevant air pollution prevention and control measures and achieve carbon neutrality goals. Chongqing is one of the dual-core key megacities in Cheng-Yu region and as a typical mountain-city in China, environmental problems are complex and sensitive. This research aims to investigate the exceeding standard levels and spatio-temporal evolution of criteria pollutants between 2014 and 2020. The results indicated that PM10, PM2.5, CO and SO2 were decreased significantly by 45.91%, 52.86%, 38.89% and 66.67%, respectively. Conversely, the concentration of pollutant O3 present a fluctuating growth and found a "seesaw" phenomenon between it and PM. Furthermore, PM and O3 are highest in winter and summer, respectively. SO2, NO2, CO, and PM showed a "U-shaped", and O3 showed an inverted "U-shaped" seasonal variation. PM and O3 concentrations are still far behind the WHO, 2021AQGs standards. Significant spatial heterogeneity was observed in air pollution distribution. These results are of great significance for Chongqing to achieve "double control and double reduction" of PM2.5 and O3 pollution, and formulate a regional carbon peaking roadmap under climate coordination. Besides, it can provide an important platform for exploring air pollution in typical terrain around the world and provide references for related epidemiological research.Implications: Chongqing is one of the dual-core key megacities in Cheng-Yu region and as a typical mountain city, environmental problems are complex and sensitive. Under the background of the "14th Five-Year Plan", the construction of the "Cheng-Yu Dual-City Economic Circle" and the "Dual-Carbon" goal, this article comprehensively discussed the annual and seasonal excess levels and spatiotemporal evolution of pollutants under the multiple policy and the newest international standards (WHO,2021AQG) backgrounds from 2014 to 2020 in Chongqing. Furthermore, suggestions and measures related to the collaborative management of pollutants were discussed. Finally, limitations and recommendations were also put forward.Clarifying the spatiotemporal distribution and impact mechanism of pollution is the prerequisite for cities to formulate relevant air pollution control measures and achieve carbon neutrality goals. This study is of great significance for Chongqing to achieve "double control and double reduction" of PM2.5 and O3 pollution, study and formulate a regional carbon peaking roadmap under climate coordination and an action plan for sustained improvement of air quality.In addition, this research can advanced our understanding of air pollution in complex terrain. Furthermore, it also promote the construction of the China national strategic Cheng-Yu economic circle and build a beautiful west. Moreover, it provides scientific insights for local policymakers to guide smart urban planning, industrial layout, energy structure, and transportation planning to improve air quality throughout the Cheng-Yu region. Finally, this is also conducive to future scientific research in other regions of China, and even megacities with complex terrain in the world.
  4. Sasongko TH, Kademane K, Chai Soon Hou S, Jocelyn TXY, Zabidi-Hussin Z
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2023 Jul 11;7(7):CD011272.
    PMID: 37432030 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011272.pub3
    BACKGROUND: Potential benefits of rapamycin or rapalogs for treating people with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) have been shown. Currently everolimus (a rapalog) is only approved for TSC-associated renal angiomyolipoma and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), but not other manifestations of TSC. A systematic review needs to establish evidence for rapamycin or rapalogs for various manifestations in TSC. This is an updated review.

    OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of rapamycin or rapalogs in people with TSC for decreasing tumour size and other manifestations and to assess the safety of rapamycin or rapalogs in relation to their adverse effects.

    SEARCH METHODS: We identified relevant studies from the Cochrane-Central-Register-of-Controlled-Trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE and ongoing trials registries with no language restrictions. We searched conference proceedings and abstract books of conferences. Date of the last searches: 15 July 2022.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of rapamycin or rapalogs in people with TSC.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of each study; a third review author verified the extracted data and risk of bias decisions. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.

    MAIN RESULTS: The current update added seven RCTs, bringing the total number to 10 RCTs (with 1008 participants aged 3 months to 65 years; 484 males). All TSC diagnoses were by consensus criteria as a minimum. In parallel studies, 645 participants received active interventions and 340 placebo. Evidence is low-to-high certainty and study quality is mixed; mostly a low risk of bias across domains, but one study had a high risk of performance bias (lack of blinding) and three studies had a high risk of attrition bias. Manufacturers of the investigational products supported eight studies. Systemic administration Six studies (703 participants) administered everolimus (rapalog) orally. More participants in the intervention arm reduced renal angiomyolipoma size by 50% (risk ratio (RR) 24.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.51 to 173.41; P = 0.001; 2 studies, 162 participants, high-certainty evidence). In the intervention arm, more participants in the intervention arm reduced SEGA tumour size by 50% (RR 27.85, 95% CI 1.74 to 444.82; P = 0.02; 1 study; 117 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) ,and reported more skin responses (RR 5.78, 95% CI 2.30 to 14.52; P = 0.0002; 2 studies; 224 participants; high-certainty evidence). In one 18-week study (366 participants), the intervention led to 25% fewer seizures (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.09; P = 0.0001) or 50% fewer seizures (RR 2.28, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.60; P = 0.0004); but there was no difference in numbers being seizure-free (RR 5.30, 95% CI 0.69 to 40.57; P = 0.11) (moderate-certainty evidence). One study (42 participants) showed no difference in neurocognitive, neuropsychiatry, behavioural, sensory and motor development (low-certainty evidence). Total adverse events (AEs) did not differ between groups (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.22; P = 0.16; 5 studies; 680 participants; high-certainty evidence). However, the intervention group experienced more AEs resulting in withdrawal, interruption of treatment, or reduced dose (RR 2.61, 95% CI 1.58 to 4.33; P = 0.0002; 4 studies; 633 participants; high-certainty evidence and also reported more severe AEs (RR 2.35, 95% CI 0.99 to 5.58; P = 0.05; 2 studies; 413 participants; high-certainty evidence). Topical (skin) administration Four studies (305 participants) administered rapamycin topically. More participants in the intervention arm showed a response to skin lesions (RR 2.72, 95% CI 1.76 to 4.18; P < 0.00001; 2 studies; 187 participants; high-certainty evidence) and more participants in the placebo arm reported a deterioration of skin lesions (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.49; 1 study; 164 participants; high-certainty evidence). More participants in the intervention arm responded to facial angiofibroma at one to three months (RR 28.74, 95% CI 1.78 to 463.19; P = 0.02) and three to six months (RR 39.39, 95% CI 2.48 to 626.00; P = 0.009; low-certainty evidence). Similar results were noted for cephalic plaques at one to three months (RR 10.93, 95% CI 0.64 to 186.08; P = 0.10) and three to six months (RR 7.38, 95% CI 1.01 to 53.83; P = 0.05; low-certainty evidence). More participants on placebo showed a deterioration of skin lesions (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.49; P < 0.0001; 1 study; 164 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The intervention arm reported a higher general improvement score (MD -1.01, 95% CI -1.68 to -0.34; P < 0.0001), but no difference specifically in the adult subgroup (MD -0.75, 95% CI -1.58 to 0.08; P = 0.08; 1 study; 36 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Participants in the intervention arm reported higher satisfaction than with placebo (MD -0.92, 95% CI -1.79 to -0.05; P = 0.04; 1 study; 36 participants; low-certainty evidence), although again with no difference among adults (MD -0.25, 95% CI -1.52 to 1.02; P = 0.70; 1 study; 18 participants; low-certainty evidence). Groups did not differ in change in quality of life at six months (MD 0.30, 95% CI -1.01 to 1.61; P = 0.65; 1 study; 62 participants; low-certainty evidence). Treatment led to a higher risk of any AE compared to placebo (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.10, 2.67; P = 0.02; 3 studies; 277 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); but no difference between groups in severe AEs (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.19 to 3.15; P = 0.73; 1 study; 179 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).

    AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Oral everolimus reduces the size of SEGA and renal angiomyolipoma by 50%, reduces seizure frequency by 25% and 50% and implements beneficial effects on skin lesions with no difference in the total number of AEs compared to placebo; however, more participants in the treatment group required a dose reduction, interruption or withdrawal and marginally more experienced serious AEs compared to placebo. Topical rapamycin increases the response to skin lesions and facial angiofibroma, an improvement score, satisfaction and the risk of any AE, but not severe adverse events. With caution regarding the risk of severe AEs, this review supports oral everolimus for renal angiomyolipoma, SEGA, seizure, and skin lesions, and topical rapamycin for facial angiofibroma.

  5. Rather RA, Hollebeek LD, Vo-Thanh T, Ramkissoon H, Leppiman A, Smith D
    J Consum Behav, 2022;21(5):1175-1189.
    PMID: 37521716 DOI: 10.1002/cb.2070
    While insight into consumer brand engagement, experience, and identification is rapidly developing, little remains known regarding the association of these, and related, concepts, as therefore explored in this article. Drawing on social identity theory and service-dominant-logic, this study develops and tests a model that explores the effect of customers' brand credibility, -value congruence, and -experience on their brand identification, and its subsequent effect on their brand advocacy, -attachment, and -loyalty. We also examine the potentially moderating role of consumers' engagement in affecting these relationships. To explore these issues, we collected tourist-based survey data. To analyze the data, we used confirmatory factor analysis, followed by structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that brand value congruence, credibility, and experience exercise significant positive effects on customers' brand identification, which, in turn, impact their brand advocacy, attachment, and loyalty. Further, brand engagement is shown to moderate the association of these factors. We conclude by outlining key theoretical/practical implications that arise from this research.
  6. Zainuddin MZ, Mohamad NS, Su Keng T, Mohd Yusof MYP
    J Forensic Sci, 2023 Nov;68(6):2048-2056.
    PMID: 37529884 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15352
    Conventional dental age estimation relies on destructive methods such as sectioning and staining, which are unpreferable when the tooth is required for evidential or archeological preservation. MicroCT is a non-destructive, high-resolution imaging technique that allows for accurate morphometrical measurement. Although microCT technology has been applied in a variety of dental studies, studies focusing on dental age-related change and dental age estimation based on microCT imaging remain lacking. Based on the question: "How has microCT technology been applied in studying human age-related tooth morphological change and dental age estimation studies?", the authors conducted a scoping review in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search using five major scientific databases identified 452 articles, with 11 full-text articles being eligible to be included in the scoping review. Furthermore, 6 out of the 11 studies performed dental age estimation modeling. An overview of the parameters used in the selected articles revealed a variety of tooth characteristics, such as pulp cavity to whole tooth volume ratio, secondary dentin, as well as the diameter of root canal orifice. The findings of this scoping review highlight the extent microCT is used in studying dental age-related changes, as well as the effectiveness of microCT in dental age estimation studies. This review serves as a guide for future forensic odontology age estimation studies.
  7. Choudhury H, Pandey M, Saravanan V, Mun ATY, Bhattamisra SK, Parikh A, et al.
    Biomater Adv, 2023 Oct;153:213556.
    PMID: 37478770 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213556
    Cancer at the lower end of the digestive tract, colorectal cancer (CRC), starts with asymptomatic polyps, which can be diagnosed as cancer at a later stage. It is the fourth leading cause of malignancy-associated mortality worldwide. Despite progress in conventional treatment strategies, the possibility to overcome the mortality and morbidity issues with the enhancement of the lifespan of CRC patients is limited. With the advent of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, a promising revolution has been made in diagnosis, treatment, and theranostic purposes for cancer management. Herein, we reviewed the progress of miniaturized nanocarriers, such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, employed in passive and active targeting and their role in theranostic applications in CRC. With this novel scope, the diagnosis and treatment of CRC have proceeded to the forefront of innovation, where specific characteristics of the nanocarriers, such as processability, flexibility in developing precise architecture, improved circulation, site-specific delivery, and rapid response, facilitate the management of cancer patients. Furthermore, surface-engineered technologies for the nanocarriers could involve receptor-mediated deliveries towards the overexpressed receptors on the CRC microenvironment. Moreover, the potential of clinical translation of these targeted miniaturized formulations as well as the possible limitations and barriers that could impact this translation into clinical practice were highlighted. The advancement of these newest developments in clinical research and progress into the commercialization stage gives hope for a better tomorrow.
  8. Mazumdar P, Jalaluddin NSM, Nair I, Tian Tian T, Rejab NAB, Harikrishna JA
    J Food Sci Technol, 2023 Oct;60(10):2503-2516.
    PMID: 37599849 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-022-05516-y
    Hydrocotyle bonariensis is an edible herb, that is also used for traditional medical purposes. It is high in antioxidants, phenols, and flavonoids. However, there is limited information on the nutritional composition and the mechanisms by which nutritional and functional constituents of H. bonariensis affect human metabolism. With an aim to identify gaps in evidence to support the mainstream use of H. bonariensis for health and as a functional food, this review summarises current knowledge of the taxonomy, habitat characteristics, nutritional value and health-related benefits of H. bonariensis and its extracts. Ethno-medical practices for the plant are supported by pharmacological studies, yet animal model studies, clinical trials and food safety assessments are needed to support the promotion of H. bonariensis and its derivatives as superfoods and for use in the modern pharmaceutical industry.
  9. Ping Wei S, Abdul Karim NK, Aziz ME, Shong Sheng T
    Cureus, 2023 Aug;15(8):e43365.
    PMID: 37700966 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43365
    Small bowel obstruction is a frequently encountered surgical condition in adults. Its most prevalent causes include adhesions resulting from prior abdominal surgery or peritoneal infection. However, cases of small bowel obstruction caused by omental bands in elderly individuals with no prior abdominal surgeries are exceedingly rare, with only a few reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of an elderly patient with small bowel obstruction caused by internal herniation through an omental band, without prior abdominal surgery or trauma. The initial impression was mesenteric ischemia, which posed a diagnostic dilemma as the patient did not exhibit any clinical risk factors for mesenteric ischemia with absent history of previous trauma or abdominal surgery. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed, revealing clustering of small bowel loops in the right hemiabdomen with mild dilatation and a close loop configuration indicative of an internal hernia. Internal hernias are rare and challenging to diagnose clinically as they lack specific signs and symptoms. In this case, CT played a crucial role in enabling preoperative diagnosis of an internal hernia and guiding early management.
  10. Meskher H, Mustansar HC, Thakur AK, Sathyamurthy R, Lynch I, Singh P, et al.
    Nanoscale Adv, 2023 Oct 24;5(21):5983.
    PMID: 37881720 DOI: 10.1039/d3na90097e
    [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D2NA00236A.].
  11. Wan Jiun T, Taib H, Majdiah Wan Mohamad W, Mohamad S, Syamimee Wan Ghazali W
    Int Immunopharmacol, 2023 Nov;124(Pt B):110940.
    PMID: 37722261 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110940
    Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is the primary periodontal pathogen involved in protein citrullination, which triggers the production of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, exacerbating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aims to evaluate the amount of P. gingivalis and its association with anti-CCP antibodies in RA patients with periodontitis. This cross-sectional study involves 100 RA patients with a mean age of 52.36 (SD 13.90) years. Smokers and patients with other uncontrolled systemic diseases were excluded. Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) was used to determine RA disease severity. Periodontal parameters were examined to determine periodontal status. Subsequently, plaque samples were collected from the subgingival periodontal pocket for assessment of P. gingivalis bacterial load using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification method. Blood samples (5 ml) were obtained from all participants to analyse anti-CCP antibody levels. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 24.0. Most participants were female (85.0%) and had low RA disease severity (62%). The mean RA disease duration was 7.77 (SD 6.3) years, with a mean DAS-28 of 3.17 (SD 1.0). Forty-seven per cent of participants had periodontitis, but all periodontal parameters were not associated with RA disease activity (P = 0.38). P. gingivalis bacterial load ranged from 10 to 109 copies/μl. Fifty-five per cent of the collected samples showed positive anti-CCP antibody levels, but no significant association was observed with the P. gingivalis bacterial load (P = 0.58). Considering the study's limitations, although periodontitis is prevalent among RA patients, there is a lack of association between P. gingivalis bacterial load and anti-CCP antibody levels, which should be investigated further.
  12. Syed Mohamed AMF, Wei TZ, Sean CJ, Rosli TI
    Spec Care Dentist, 2023;43(5):554-560.
    PMID: 36269010 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12790
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and significance of the malocclusion traits and orthodontic treatment needs of Down syndrome (DS) subjects with matched non-syndromic (NS) controls.

    METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study involved 222 subjects (50% DS, 50% NS) who were matched by gender and age. The casts were digitized into three-dimensional images. These images were used alongside the ten occlusal characteristics of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) to determine malocclusion severity and the need for orthodontic treatment.

    RESULTS: There were 58 (52.3%) females and 53 (47.7%) males with a mean age of 18.4 ± 8.4 years in both groups. The most common and significant (p  30). The DS showed some impact of malocclusion traits components of the DAI.

    CONCLUSION: The occurrence of malocclusion was higher in DS, implying a higher need for orthodontic treatments than for NS subjects.

  13. Liu A, Chai X, Zhu S, Chin PT, He M, Xu YJ, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jul 31;244:125311.
    PMID: 37302627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125311
    Astaxanthin (AST) has outstanding antioxidant and anti-inflammation bioactivities, but the low biocompatibility and stability limit its application in foods. In this study, N-succinyl-chitosan (NSC)-coated AST polyethylene glycol (PEG)-liposomes were constructed to enhance the biocompatibility, stability, and intestinal-targeted migration of AST. The AST NSC/PEG-liposomes were uniform in size, had larger particles, greater encapsulation efficiency, and better storage, pH, and temperature stability than the AST PEG-liposomes. AST NSC/PEG-liposomes exerted stronger antibacterial and antioxidant activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus than AST PEG-liposomes. The NSC coating not only protects AST PEG-liposomes from gastric acid but also prolongs the retention and sustained release of AST NSC/PEG-liposomes depending on the intestinal pH. Moreover, caco-2 cellular uptake studies showed that AST NSC/PEG-liposomes had higher cellular uptake efficiency than AST PEG-liposomes. And AST NSC/PEG-liposomes were taken up by caco-2 cells through clathrin mediated endocytic, macrophage pathways and paracellular transport pathway. These results further proved that AST NSC/PEG-liposomes delayed the release and promoted the intestinal absorption of AST. Hence, AST PEG-liposomes coated with NSC could potentially be used as an efficient delivery system for therapeutic AST.
  14. Kathlyn TK, Zabiri H, Aldrich C, Liu X, Mohd Amiruddin AAA
    ACS Omega, 2023 Jun 06;8(22):19273-19286.
    PMID: 37305238 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c08109
    An acid gas removal unit (AGRU) in a natural gas processing plant is designed specifically to remove acidic components, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), from the natural gas. The occurrence of faults, such as foaming, and to a lesser extent, damaged trays and fouling, in AGRUs is a commonly encountered problem; however, they are the least studied in the open literature. Hence, in this paper, shallow and deep sparse autoencoders with SoftMax layers are investigated to facilitate early detection of these three faults before any significant financial loss. The dynamic behavior of process variables in AGRUs in the presence of fault conditions was simulated using Aspen HYSYS Dynamics. The simulated data were used to compare five closely related fault diagnostic models, i.e., a model based on principal component analysis, a shallow sparse autoencoder without fine-tuning, a shallow sparse autoencoder with fine-tuning, a deep sparse autoencoder without fine-tuning, and a deep sparse autoencoder with fine-tuning. All models could distinguish reasonably well between the different fault conditions. The deep sparse autoencoder with fine-tuning was best able to do so with very high accuracy. Visualization of the autoencoder features yielded further insight into the performance of the models, as well as the dynamic behavior of the AGRU. Foaming was relatively difficult to distinguish from normal operating conditions. The features obtained from the fine-tuned deep autoencoder in particular can be used to construct bivariate scatter plots as a basis for automatic monitoring of the process.
  15. Rozman NAS, Yenn TW, Ring LC, Ab Rashid S, Wen-Nee T, Lim JW
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2023 Mar;34(1):279-291.
    PMID: 37065798 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2023.34.1.15
    Microbial infection is a frequent complication of diabetic foot ulcers, with up to 82% of ulcers being infected at the initial stage of diabetes. Furthermore, the emergence of beta lactam resistant pathogens managed to eliminate the use of beta lactam antibiotics as a chemotherapeutic alternative. This further increases the amputation and mortality rate. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of a ketone derivative 2-octylcyclopentanone against diabetic wound pathogens. The inhibitory activity of the compound was determined using disc diffusion and broth microdilution assay. Generally, 2-octylcyclopentanone showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, particularly against beta lactam resistant pathogens. The compound showed comparably better antimicrobial activity than all reference antibiotics, including chloramphenicol, streptomycin, ampicillin and penicillin. In addition, the same compound also inhibits a clinically isolated Pseudonomas aeruginosa that was resistant to all reference antibiotics. The activity was microbicidal based on the low minimal lethality concentration recorded, particularly on MRSA, P. aeruginosa and Candida utilis. The killing efficiency of the compound was concentration dependent. During kill curve analysis, the inhibitory activity of 2-octylcyclopentanone was concentration and time-dependent. 99.9% of reduction of bacterial growth was observed. MRSA and P. aeruginosa, two significant diabetic wound infections, are totally inhibited by the molecule at a concentration of minimum lethality concentration. In short, 2-octylcyclopentanone exhibited significant inhibitory towards wide range of diabetic wound pathogens. Which is considered crucial since it will provide a safe and effective alternative treatment for diabetic ulcer infection.
  16. Siew-Keah L, Jie TH, Ang-Lim C, Bin LK, Yik-Ling C
    Planta Med, 2023 Oct;89(13):1229-1235.
    PMID: 37328148 DOI: 10.1055/a-2111-7319
    Brewed green tea, green tea extract, and its primary active compound, epigallocatechin gallate, may interact with drugs and alter the drug's therapeutic effectiveness, ultimately leading to therapeutic failure or drug overdose. Several isolated reports have claimed that epigallocatechin gallate is the main active ingredient that causes these effects. While a few studies aimed to uncover evidence of epigallocatechin gallate-drug interactions, no study has thoroughly and collectively reviewed them. Epigallocatechin gallate is a potential cardioprotective agent used by many patients with cardiovascular diseases as a complementary medicine alongside conventional modern medications, either with or without the knowledge of their physicians. Therefore, this review focuses on the impact of concurrent epigallocatechin gallate supplementation on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of several commonly used cardiovascular drugs (statins, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers). The PubMed index was searched for key words related to this review, without year limit, and the results were analyzed for interactions of cardiovascular drugs with epigallocatechin gallate. This review concludes that epigallocatechin gallate increases systemic circulation of several statins (simvastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin) and calcium channel blockers (verapamil), but decreases the bioavailability of beta-blockers (nadolol, atenolol, bisoprolol). Further studies on its clinical significance in affecting drug efficacy are required.
  17. Fauziningtyas R, Chan CM, Pin TM, Dhamanti I, Smith GD
    Int J Older People Nurs, 2023 Sep;18(5):e12553.
    PMID: 37334471 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12553
    INTRODUCTION: The development of resident safety culture in nursing homes (NH) represents a major challenge for governments and NH owners, with a requirement for suitable tools to assess safety culture. Indonesia currently lacks suitable safety cultures scales for NH.

    OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the translated Indonesian version of the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture (NHSOPSC-INA).

    METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted using NHSOPSC-INA. A total of 258 participants from 20 NH in Indonesia were engaged. Participants included NH managers, caregivers, administrative staff, nurses and support staff with at least junior high school education. The SPSS 23.0 was used for descriptive data analysis and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) estimation. The AMOS (version 22) was used to perform confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the questionnaire's dimensional structure.

    RESULTS: The NHSOPSC CFA test originally had 12 dimensions with 42 items and was modified to eight dimensions with 26 items in the Indonesian version. The deleted dimensions were 'Staffing' (4 items), 'Compliance with procedure' (3 items), 'Training and skills' (3 items), 'non-punitive response to mistakes' (4 items) and 'Organisational learning' (2 items). The subsequent analysis revealed an accepted model with 26 NHSOPSC-INA items (root mean square error of approximation = 0.091, comparative fit index = 0.815, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.793, CMIN = 798.488, df = 291, CMIN/Df = 2.74, GFI = 0.782, AGFI = 0.737, p 

  18. Chen Y, Cheak TZ, Jin TS, Vinitha G, Dimyati K, Harun SW
    Sci Rep, 2024 Jan 25;14(1):2141.
    PMID: 38273021 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52640-0
    We experimentally demonstrated the generation of domain-wall dark pulse in an Erbium-doped fiber laser using the combination of a 10 cm graded index multimode fiber sandwiched by single mode fibers as artificial saturable absorber. The interaction of phase difference in grade index multimode fiber allowed the stable dual-wavelength oscillation in the cavity. The dual-wavelength centered at 1567.2 nm and 1569.4 nm produces the topological defect in temporal domain and achieved a dark pulse formation with repetition rate of 21.5 MHz. The highest average pulse energy is calculated as 769.6 pJ with pulse width of 5 ns. Throughout the operating pump power range, the average pulse energy and output power increase linearly, with R2 of 0.9999 and achieved the laser efficiency of 9.33%. From the measurement in frequency domain, the signal-to-noise ratio is measured as 49 dB. As compared to reported DW dark pulse works, the proposed structure only required a short length of multimode fiber, which allowed the domain-wall dark pulse to achieve higher pulse repetition rate. The venture of domain wall dark pulse is potentially to pave the foundation toward sustainable industrial growth.
  19. Daut UN, Faisal Thena MH, Hui-Xin T, Nasaruddin MZ, Abdul Rahaman JA
    Respirol Case Rep, 2024 Jan;12(1):e01278.
    PMID: 38239333 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1278
    Inflammatory endobronchial polyps (IEPs) are rare benign lesions that originate from the bronchial mucosa. While pneumothorax is a well-known complication of various pulmonary conditions, its association with IEPs is exceedingly uncommon and poorly understood. This case report presents a unique and explosive encounter of a patient with an inflammatory endobronchial polyp who experienced a pneumothorax, shedding light on the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies for this rare entity.
  20. Ramiah SK, Meng GY, Sheau Wei T, Swee Keong Y, Ebrahimi M
    PPAR Res, 2014;2014:137652.
    PMID: 25309587 DOI: 10.1155/2014/137652
    Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) act as an important ligand for nuclear receptors in adipogenesis and fat deposition in mammals and avian species. This study aimed to determine whether similar effects are plausible on avian abdominal fat adipocyte size, as well as abdominal adipogenic transcriptional level. CLA was supplemented at different levels, namely, (i) basal diet without CLA (5% palm oil) (CON), (ii) basal diet with 2.5% CLA and 2.5% palm oil (LCLA), and (iii) basal diet with 5% CLA (HCLA).The content of cis-9, trans-11 CLA was between 1.69- and 2.3-fold greater (P < 0.05) than that of trans-10, cis-12 CLA in the abdominal fat of the LCLA and HCLA group. The adipogenic capacity of the abdominal fat depot in LCLA and HCLA fed chicken is associated with a decreased proportion of adipose cells and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The transcriptional level of adipocyte protein (aP2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) was downregulated by 1.08- to 2.5-fold in CLA supplemented diets, respectively. It was speculated that feeding CLA to broiler chickens reduced adipocyte size and downregulated PPARγ and aP2 that control adipocyte cellularity. Elevation of CLA isomers into their adipose tissue provides a potential CLA-rich source for human consumption.
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