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Fulltext Antibacterial activity of 1 % Roselle flower nano-emulsion extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa) against peri-implantitis-related bacteria on orthodontic mini-implants: An in vitro study

Abdillah RAK, Budhy TI, Narmada IB, Ardani IGAW, Ramadhani NF, Sitalaksmi RM, et al.

J Oral Biol Craniofac Res, 2025;15(1):170-177.
PMID: 39877333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2024.12.017

OBJECTIVE: The orthodontic mini-implant (OMI) failure often occurs due to the accumulation of peri-implantitis bacteria surrounding it, which results in a stable, resistant form of absolute skeletal anchorage during orthodontic treatment. Administering doxycycline may be the solution, but long-term side effects result in antibiotic resistance. Roselle flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) possess beneficial active phytochemical substances, which may have potential as an OMI peri-implantitis alternative therapy. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of 1 % Roselle flower (H. sabdarifa) nanoemulsion (NE) extract (1 % RNE) toward peri-implantitis bacteria in OMIs.
METHODS: A phytochemical analysis of 1 % RNE was carried out to examine the active substances possessed in it, such as flavonoids, quinone, saponin, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids. Nanoemulsion characterization was carried out using a particle size analyzer (PSA). The antibacterial activity of 1 % RNE toward Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) was carried out to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and inhibitory zone compared with doxycycline as a positive control.
RESULTS: Roselle flower NE extract (1 %) possessed flavonoids, quinone, saponin, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids positively. The PSA showed that the 1 % RNE had a size of 98.13 d nm. The antibacterial activity of 1 % RNE against Aa, Pg, Pi, and Fn bacteria at 3.125 % showed significant differences (p
Calcium l-Malate and d-Tartarate Frameworks as Adjuvants for the Sustainable Delivery of a Fungicide

Ahmad Aljafree NF, Ahmad MF, Abd Aziz U, Borzehandani MY, Mohamad Jaafar A, Asib N, et al.

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2025 Mar 26;17(12):17672-17683.
PMID: 38109287 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11697

Agrichemical adjuvants that combine a highly selective, efficient, and active mode of operation are critically needed to realize a more sustainable approach to their usage. Herein, we report the synthesis and full characterization of two new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), termed UPMOF-1 and UPMOF-2, that were constructed from eco-friendly Ca2+ ions and naturally occurring, low-molecular weight plant acids, l-malic and d-tartaric acid, respectively. Upon structural elucidation of both MOFs, a widely used fungicide, hexaconazole (Hex), was loaded on the structures, reaching binding affinities of -5.0 and -3.5 kcal mol-1 and loading capacities of 63% and 62% for Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2, respectively, as a result of the formation of stable host-guest interactions. Given the framework chemistry of the MOFs and their predisposition to disassembly under relevant agricultural conditions, the sustained release kinetics were determined to show nearly quantitative release (98% and 95% for Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2, respectively) after >500 h, a release profile drastically different than the control (>80% release in 24 h), from which the high efficiency of these new systems was established. To confirm their high selectivity and activity, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to illustrate the abilities of Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2 to combat the known aggressive pathogen Ganoderma boninense that causes basal stem rot disease in oil palm. Accordingly, at an extremely low concentration of 0.05 μg mL-1, both Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2 were demonstrated to completely inhibit (100%) G. boninense growth, and during a 26 week in vivo nursery trial, the progression of basal stem rot infection was completely halted upon treatment with Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2 and seedling growth was accelerated given the additional nutrients supplied via the disassembly of the MOFs. This study represents a significant step forward in the design of adjuvants to support the environmentally responsible use of agrichemical crop protection.
Synthesis of N-heterocyclic carbene‑selenium complexes modulating apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells: Probing the interactions with biomolecules and enzymes

Ashraf R, Khalid Z, Qin QP, Iqbal MA, Taskin-Tok T, Bayil İ, et al.

Bioorg Chem, 2025 Apr 03;160:108435.
PMID: 40199010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.108435

Growing cancer resistance is a global threat that calls for development of newer chemotherapeutic analogues especially targeted based therapy to enhance efficacy and selectivity. In this contribution, herein, we report synthesis of selenium incorporated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) compounds to explore their potential cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Test compounds were assured for suitability as drug candidates through physiochemical properties that showed lipophilicity logP 0.85-1.45 for C1-C3 and found stable in biological media (DMEM), whereas, least reactive with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and L-glutathione. All the studied compounds showed good cytotoxicity against various cancer strains while compound C1 [3,3-(hexane-1,6-diyl)bis(1-phenethyl-1H-imidazole-2(3H)-selenone)] and C2 [3,3-(hexane-1,6-diyl)bis(1-decyl-1H-imidazole-2(3H)-selenone)] showed promising results with IC50 values of 14.65 ± 0.66 and 8.05 ± 0.35 μg/mL respectively as compared to positive control 21.5 ± 0.05 μg/mL against HeLa cell lines. These compounds showed six-fold higher apoptosis than control with higher accumulation of Ca+ ions intracellularly that alters the expression level of autophagy proteins and increased capase-9 activity. Cell cycle analysis indicated an arrest of cycle in G1 phase of HeLa cells when treated with C1 & C2. Test compounds showed prominent affinity for binding with DNA and inhibiting thioredoxin reductase enzymes in time dependent manners. These findings indicate that Selenium NHC compounds are promising drug candidates to induce cytotoxicity via apoptosis, autophagy and mitochondrial membrane disruptions to manage tumor growth.
Parthanatos and apoptosis: unraveling their roles in cancer cell death and therapy resistance

Gupta G, Afzal M, Moglad E, Goyal A, Almalki WH, Goyal K, et al.

EXCLI J, 2025;24:351-380.
PMID: 40166425 DOI: 10.17179/excli2025-8251

Cell death is a fundamental process that needs to be maintained to balance cellular functions and prevent disease. There are several cell death pathways; however, apoptosis and parthanatos are the most prominent and have important roles in cancer biology. As an extremely well-regulated process, apoptosis removes damaged or abnormal cells via caspase activation and mitochondrial involvement. Unlike in the healthy cells, the loss of ability to induce apoptosis in cancer permits tumor cells to survive and multiply out of control and contribute to tumor progression and therapy resistance. On the contrary, parthanatos is a caspase-independent metabolic collapse driven by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) overactivation, translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and complete DNA damage. Several cancer models are involved with parthanatos. Deoxypodophyllotoxin (DPT) induces parthanatos in glioma cells by excessive ROS generation, PARP1 upregulation, and AIF nuclear translocation. Like in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the cannabinoid derivative WIN-55 triggers parthanatos, and the effects can be reversed by PARP inhibitors such as olaparib. Developing cancer treatment strategies involving advanced cancer treatment strategies relies on the interplay between apoptosis and parthanatos. However, such apoptosis-based cancer therapies tend to develop resistance, so there is an urgent need to look into alternative pathways like parthanatos, which may not always trigger apoptosis. In overcoming apoptosis resistance, there is evidence that combining apoptosis-inducing agents, such as BH3 mimetics, with PARP inhibitors synergistically enhances cell death. Oxidative stress modulators have been found to promote the execution of parthanatic and apoptotic pathways and allow treatment. In this review, apoptosis and parthanatos are thoroughly compared at the molecular level, and their roles in cancer pathogenesis as related to cancer therapeutic potential are discussed. We incorporate recent findings to demonstrate that not only can parthanatos be used to manage therapy resistance and enhance cancer treatment via the combination of parthanatos and apoptosis but also that immunity and bone deposition can feasibly be employed against long-circulating cancer stem cells to treat diverse forms of metastatic cancers.
Genomic landscape of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Malaysia: insights from array-CGH

Ismail A, Ahid F, Moi WN, Kamaluddin NR, Esa E, Yusoff YM, et al.

Mol Cytogenet, 2025 Mar 28;18(1):7.
PMID: 40155977 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-025-00709-4

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, comprising approximately 25% of pediatric malignancies. Notably, chromosomal aberrations and genetic alterations play a central role in the pathogenesis of ALL, serving as critical diagnostic and prognostic markers. In this study, we use array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) to explore the landscape of copy number variations (CNVs) and variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in 67 Malaysian childhood ALL patients with normal karyotype.
RESULTS: A total of 36 pathogenic CNVs (26 gains, 10 losses) were identified in 19 (28.4%) patients which harbor genes related to the development of ALL. The genes include the MLLT3 (9p21.3), ETV6 (12p13.2), RUNX1 (21q22.12), ERG (21q22.2) and DMD (Xp21.1). On the other hand, a total of 46 variants of uncertain significance (VUS) was observed in 34 (50.7%) patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that array-CGH is able to identify and characterize the CNVs responsible for the pathogenesis of childhood ALL. However, further studies are required to determine the pathogenic implications of VUS in the development of childhood ALL.
Fulltext From Flying Surgeon to Permanent Hub: A Historical Vignette of Decentralised Neurosurgical Service Development in Rural East Coast Sabah

Yap TC, Tan SE, Yap WN, Melchior RG, Bong JN, Wan Mohd Azaharuddin WNS, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2026 Aug;33(4):140-157.
PMID: 42936808 DOI: 10.21315/mjms-02-2026-113

BACKGROUND: Access to neurosurgical care in remote regions remains challenging because of the uneven distribution of specialists, transportation limitations, and infrastructure constraints. For many years, patients from East Coast Sabah relied on transfer to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, for emergency and elective neurosurgical care, often requiring long-distance evacuation. This study describes the phased development of a decentralised neurosurgical service in Tawau and evaluates associated regional service trends.
METHODS: This descriptive historical vignette and service evaluation reviewed aggregated neurosurgical data from Tawau Hospital, Duchess of Kent Hospital (Sandakan), and Lahad Datu Hospital from 2019 through April 2026. Service activity was analysed across three phases: the flying surgeon model, rotational specialist postings, and permanent specialist deployment. Referrals, admissions, outpatient attendance, operative activity, interhospital transfers, and mortality were evaluated descriptively.
RESULTS: The East Coast Sabah Neurosurgical Service evolved from a monthly visiting service to rotational specialist coverage and, ultimately, a permanent Tawau-based hub in 2025. Referrals, outpatient attendance, and operative workload increased progressively across the three phases. Mean annual referrals increased from 1,388 to 1,802 and reached an annualised 2,130 during early Phase 3. Annual outpatient attendance increased from 1,117 to 1,675, with an annualised total of 2,526 visits. Operative volume increased from 202 to 366, with an annualised total of 374 procedures, while the proportion of elective procedures rose from 1.9% to 16.5%. Crude inpatient mortality rates were 5.8%, 4.9%, and 3.2% across the three phases. Following establishment of the permanent hub, emergency transfers from Tawau decreased from approximately 35 per year during Phase 2 to an annualised 18 per year during early Phase 3, corresponding to a crude administrative estimate of annual government cost avoidance of approximately RM425,000 to RM680,000 through reduced emergency air evacuations.
CONCLUSION: The phased decentralisation of neurosurgical services in Tawau was associated with expanded local capacity, improved continuity of care, and reduced reliance on transfers to a tertiary referral centre for selected neurosurgical conditions.
Small RNAs and Karma methylation in Elaeis guineensis mother palms are linked to high clonal mantling

Ooi SE, Sarpan N, Taranenko E, Feshah I, Nuraziyan A, Roowi SH, et al.

Plant Mol Biol, 2023 Mar;111(4-5):345-363.
PMID: 36609897 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-022-01330-4

The mantled phenotype is an abnormal somaclonal variant arising from the oil palm cloning process and severe phenotypes lead to oil yield losses. Hypomethylation of the Karma retrotransposon within the B-type MADS-box EgDEF1 gene has been associated with this phenotype. While abnormal Karma-EgDEF1 hypomethylation was detected in mantled clones, we examined the methylation state of Karma in ortets that gave rise to high mantling rates in their clones. Small RNAs (sRNAs) were proposed to play a role in Karma hypomethylation as part of the RNA-directed DNA methylation process, hence differential expression analysis of sRNAs between the ortet groups was conducted. While no sRNA was differentially expressed at the Karma-EgDEF1 region, three sRNA clusters were differentially regulated in high-mantling ortets. The first two down-regulated clusters were possibly derived from long non-coding RNAs while the third up-regulated cluster was derived from the intron of a DnaJ chaperone gene. Several predicted mRNA targets for the first two sRNA clusters conversely displayed increased expression in high-mantling relative to low-mantling ortets. These predicted mRNA targets may be associated with defense or pathogenesis response. In addition, several differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified in Karma and its surrounding regions, mainly comprising subtle CHH hypomethylation in high-mantling ortets. Four of the 12 DMRs were located in a region corresponding to hypomethylated areas at the 3'end of Karma previously reported in mantled clones. Further investigations on these sRNAs and DMRs may indicate the predisposition of certain ortets towards mantled somaclonal variation.
Assessment of contaminants in sand production from petroleum wells offshore Sabah

Shayuti MSM, Zainal S, Ya TMYST, Abdullah MZ, Shahruddin MZ, Othman NH, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Feb;30(7):17122-17128.
PMID: 35469382 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20389-6

Sand production remains a huge obstacle in many oil and gas fields around the world, but the hazards of contaminants riding on the produced sand are often not emphasised. Improper disposal of the sand could see the toxic leaching into the environment including the food chain, endangering all living organisms. The impending sand production from an oilfield offshore Sabah also suffers from the lack of hazards identification; hence, this study was conducted to assess the contaminant on the produced sand. Sand samples were collected from multiple wells in the area, with the contaminants extracted using n-hexane and subjected to chemical and thermal analyses. FTIR and GC-MS detected traces of harmful pollutants like naphthalene, amine substances, cyclohexanol, and short-chain alkanes. It was discovered that the volatile fraction of the contaminants was able to evaporate at 33 °C, while high energy was needed to remove 100% of the contaminants from the sand. Overall, the produced sand from the oilfield was unsafe and required treatment before it could be dumped or used.
Biochemical and in silico structural characterization of a cold-active arginase from the psychrophilic yeast, Glaciozyma antarctica PI12

Yusof NY, Quay DHX, Kamaruddin S, Jonet MA, Md Illias R, Mahadi NM, et al.

Extremophiles, 2024 Feb 01;28(1):15.
PMID: 38300354 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-024-01333-7

Glaciozyma antarctica PI12 is a psychrophilic yeast isolated from Antarctica. In this work, we describe the heterologous production, biochemical properties and in silico structure analysis of an arginase from this yeast (GaArg). GaArg is a metalloenzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea. The cDNA of GaArg was reversed transcribed, cloned, expressed and purified as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli. The purified protein was active against L-arginine as its substrate in a reaction at 20 °C, pH 9. At 10-35 °C and pH 7-9, the catalytic activity of the protein was still present around 50%. Mn2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and K+ were able to enhance the enzyme activity more than two-fold, while GaArg is most sensitive to SDS, EDTA and DTT. The predicted structure model of GaArg showed a very similar overall fold with other known arginases. GaArg possesses predominantly smaller and uncharged amino acids, fewer salt bridges, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions compared to the other counterparts. GaArg is the first reported arginase that is cold-active, facilitated by unique structural characteristics for its adaptation of catalytic functions at low-temperature environments. The structure and function of cold-active GaArg provide insights into the potentiality of new applications in various biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Mitogenomic Insights into the Tinfoil Barb Barbonymus schwanefeldii from Sumatra, Indonesia: Structural Features, Selective Pressure, Genetic Diversity, and Phylogenetic Placement

Putra A, Aini S, Muslimin MM, Kang HE, Kim AR, Lee SR, et al.

J Mol Evol, 2026 Oct;94(5):978-1001.
PMID: 42776215 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-026-10350-3

Prior to this study, the mitogenomic characterization, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic placement of the Tinfoil Barb Barbonymus schwanefeldii remained largely unexplored, despite its notable ecological and economic importance. Hence, this study aimed to provide the first in-depth insight into the mitogenomic features of this species from its native range in Sumatra, Indonesia. The generated mitogenome is 16,578 bp in length and contains 37 genes along with a control region (CR). The genome also exhibited a 57.03% A + T bias and all protein-coding genes (PCGs) initiated with the ATG codon, except COI (GTG). The codon usage was dominated by arginine, leucine, and serine, whereas methionine and tryptophan were rare. The pairwise nonsynonymous-to-synonymous substitution ratios demonstrated strong purifying selection across all Barbonymus species. This pattern was further supported by complementary codon-based approaches, which showed that the 13 PCGs were predominantly subject to strong evolutionary constraints, with evidence of positive selection confined to a small number of sites in a limited subset of genes. Most transfer RNA genes of B. schwanefeldii maintained the canonical cloverleaf secondary structure, except tRNA-Ser1, which lacked the dihydrouridine stem. The comparative profiling of conserved sequence blocks within the CR among Barbonymus taxa highlighted variation in length and nucleotide composition, with tandem repeats exclusively detected in B. gonionotus. A mitogenome-wide assessment of B. schwanefeldii revealed considerable intra-specific genetic divergence (0%-3.932%) and notable haplotypic diversity across Southeast Asian islands and mainland populations. This population genetic structure likely reflects historical connectivity during the Pleistocene via ancient drainage systems of the Malacca Strait or North Sunda, followed by subsequent isolation after post-glacial eustatic sea-level rise. The phylogenetic inference robustly corroborated a sister-species relationship between B. schwanefeldii and Barbonymus altus within the clade 'Poropuntiinae'. Collectively, these findings elucidate the phylogeographic patterns and evolutionary history of this Southeast Asian endemic cyprinid fish within the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot.
Biotechnological potential of Ganoderma species in mycoremediation: a bibliometric analysis

Hafsari AR, Doni F, Prismantoro D, Jefferson TA, Ramdhani MA, Ali NIM, et al.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 2026 Oct;71(5):1141-1161.
PMID: 41843365 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-026-01446-w
Corrigendum to "Therapeutic promises of ginkgolide A: A literature-based review" [Biomed. Pharmacother. 132 (2020) 110908]

Sarkar C, Quispe C, Jamaddar S, Hossain R, Ray P, Mondal M, et al.

Biomed Pharmacother, 2026 Nov 06.
PMID: 42995042 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2026.120031
Fulltext Microbial fuel cell’s performance of original and deoxygenated palm oil mill effluent in 3 different stages of fermentation process

Khairul Baqir Alkhair Khairul Amin, Oskar Hasdinor Hassan, Sharifah Aminah Syed Mohamed, Yap Kian, Chung Andrew, Zulkifli Ab. Rahma, Hazlini Mohmad Ameran, et al.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(104):53-62.
MyJurnal

io-electricity generation by Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) has gained considerable attention due to
its integration with wastewater treatment such as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). Investigation
into pH effect and determination of optimal pH value ranges growth for acidogenic, acetogenic
and methanogenic by natural mixed culture
electroactive bacteria (exoelectrogens) growth
in original non-Deoxygenated Mixed POME
(nDMP) and Deoxygenated Mixed POME (DMP)
in MFC was carried out. Current generation,
power generation and maximum power were
also monitored. Experimental results show that
exoelectrogens in nDMP with pH 6.8 yielded the
highest current generation of 61.51 mAm-2 and
maximum power of 17.63 mWm-2. Overall, nDMP
substrates with 3 pH ranges (5.5, 6.8 and 8.0)
showed equal potential to generate power that is
higher than DMP substrates. Comparison carried
out for inter DMP substrates demonstrated that
DMP with pH 6.8 and DMP with pH 8.0 showed equal potential to generate power, but not for DMP with pH 5.5. Subsequently, nDMP with pH 6.8 and
nDMP with pH 8.0 showed equal potential for higher maximum power compared to nDMP with pH
5.5 and DMP substrates. This finding indicates that mixed microbial communities in DMP substrate
are dominant with obligate anaerobic exoelectrogens bacteria which have less capability to generate
electricity compared to nDMP substrate that was dominated by the aerotolerant and/or facultative
anaerobic exoelectrogens bacteria.
Acceptance and willingness to pay for a hypothetical vaccine against monkeypox viral infection among frontline physicians: A cross-sectional study in Indonesia

Harapan H, Wagner AL, Yufika A, Setiawan AM, Anwar S, Wahyuni S, et al.

Vaccine, 2020 10 07;38(43):6800-6806.
PMID: 32861468 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.08.034

BACKGROUND: A clinical trial is ongoing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a monkeypox vaccine among healthcare workers (HCWs). The critical question that needs to be addressed is whether HCWs are willing to accept and purchase this vaccine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for the vaccine among HCWs.
METHODS: From May to July 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted among registered general practitioners (GPs) in Indonesia. A contingent valuation method was employed to evaluate the WTP. Besides acceptance and WTP, various explanatory variables were also collected and assessed. A logistic regression and a multivariable linear regression were used to explore the explanatory variables influencing acceptance and WTP, respectively.
RESULTS: Among 407 respondents, 391 (96.0%) expressed acceptance of a free vaccination. The mean and median WTP was US$ 37.0(95%CI:US$ 32.76-US$ 41.23) and US$ 17.90(95%CI:US$ 17.90-US$ 17.90), respectively. In an unadjusted analysis, those 30 years old or younger had 2.94 times greater odds of vaccine acceptance compared to those who were older (95%CI: 1.07-8.08). Location of alma mater, type of workplace, length of individual medical experience, and monthly income of GPs were all significantly associated with WTP.
CONCLUSION: Although the vast majority of GPs would accept a freely provided vaccine, they were also somewhat price sensitive. This finding indicates that partial subsidy maybe required to achieve high vaccine coverage, particularly among GPs at community health centres or those with a shorter duration of medical practice.
Fulltext Resveratrol-Based Nanoformulations as an Emerging Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer

Sharifi-Rad J, Quispe C, Mukazhanova Z, Knut E, Turgumbayeva A, Kipchakbayeva A, et al.

Front Mol Biosci, 2021;8:649395.
PMID: 34540888 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.649395

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic stilbene derivative widely present in grapes and red wine. Broadly known for its antioxidant effects, numerous studies have also indicated that it exerts anti-inflammatory and antiaging abilities and a great potential in cancer therapy. Regrettably, the oral administration of resveratrol has pharmacokinetic and physicochemical limitations such as hampering its effects so that effective administration methods are demanding to ensure its efficiency. Thus, the present review explores the published data on the application of resveratrol nanoformulations in cancer therapy, with the use of different types of nanodelivery systems. Mechanisms of action with a potential use in cancer therapy, negative effects, and the influence of resveratrol nanoformulations in different types of cancer are also highlighted. Finally, the toxicological features of nanoresveratrol are also discussed.
Fulltext Nigella Plants - Traditional Uses, Bioactive Phytoconstituents, Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Salehi B, Quispe C, Imran M, Ul-Haq I, Živković J, Abu-Reidah IM, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:625386.
PMID: 33981219 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.625386

Nigella is a small genus of the family Ranunculaceae, which includes some popular species due to their culinary and medicinal properties, especially in Eastern Europe, Middle East, Western, and Central Asia. Therefore, this review covers the traditional uses and phytochemical composition of Nigella and, in particular, Nigella sativa. The pharmacological studies reported in vitro, in vivo, and in humans have also been reviewed. One of the main strength of the use of Nigella is that the seeds are rich in the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid and provide an extra-source of dietary phytochemicals, including the bioactive thymoquinone, and characteristics saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Among Nigella species, N. sativa L. is the most studied plant from the genus. Due to the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties, the seed and seed oil from this plant can be considered as good candidates to formulate functional ingredients on the basis of folklore and scientific knowledge. Nonetheless, the main limations are that more studies, especially, clinical trials are required to standardize the results, e.g. to establish active molecules, dosage, chemical profile, long-term effects and impact of cooking/incorporation into foods.
Fulltext Perceived COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, acceptance, and drivers of vaccination decision-making among the general adult population: A global survey of 20 countries

Marzo RR, Ahmad A, Islam MS, Essar MY, Heidler P, King I, et al.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2022 01;16(1):e0010103.
PMID: 35089917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010103

BACKGROUND: Mass vaccination campaigns have significantly reduced the COVID-19 burden. However, vaccine hesitancy has posed significant global concerns. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics that influence perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, acceptability, hesitancy and decision making to take vaccine among general adult populations in a variety of socioeconomic and cultural contexts.
METHODS: Using a snowball sampling approach, we conducted an online cross-sectional study in 20 countries across four continents from February to May 2021.
RESULTS: A total of 10,477 participants were included in the analyses with a mean age of 36±14.3 years. The findings revealed the prevalence of perceptions towards COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness (78.8%), acceptance (81.8%), hesitancy (47.2%), and drivers of vaccination decision-making (convenience [73.3%], health providers' advice [81.8%], and costs [57.0%]). The county-wise distribution included effectiveness (67.8-95.9%; 67.8% in Egypt to 95.9% in Malaysia), acceptance (64.7-96.0%; 64.7% in Australia to 96.0% in Malaysia), hesitancy (31.5-86.0%; 31.5% in Egypt to 86.0% in Vietnam), convenience (49.7-95.7%; 49.7% in Austria to 95.7% in Malaysia), advice (66.1-97.3%; 66.1% in Austria to 97.3% in Malaysia), and costs (16.0-91.3%; 16.0% in Vietnam to 91.3% in Malaysia). In multivariable regression analysis, several socio-demographic characteristics were identified as associated factors of outcome variables including, i) vaccine effectiveness: younger age, male, urban residence, higher education, and higher income; ii) acceptance: younger age, male, urban residence, higher education, married, and higher income; and iii) hesitancy: male, higher education, employed, unmarried, and lower income. Likewise, the factors associated with vaccination decision-making including i) convenience: younger age, urban residence, higher education, married, and lower income; ii) advice: younger age, urban residence, higher education, unemployed/student, married, and medium income; and iii) costs: younger age, higher education, unemployed/student, and lower income.
CONCLUSIONS: Most participants believed that vaccination would effectively control and prevent COVID-19, and they would take vaccinations upon availability. Determinant factors found in this study are critical and should be considered as essential elements in developing COVID-19 vaccination campaigns to boost vaccination uptake in the populations.
Development of a Malaysian potentially inappropriate prescribing screening tool in older adults (MALPIP): a Delphi study

Chang CT, Chan HK, Cheah WK, Tan MP, Ch'ng ASH, Thiam CN, et al.

J Pharm Policy Pract, 2023 Oct 19;16(1):122.
PMID: 37858273 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00630-4

INTRODUCTION: Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) are common among older adults. To guide appropriate prescribing, healthcare professionals often rely on explicit criteria to identify and deprescribe inappropriate medications, or to start medications due to prescribing omission. However, most explicit PIM criteria were developed with inadequate guidance from quality metrics or integrating real-world data, which are rich and valuable data source.
AIM: To develop a list of medications to facilitate appropriate prescribing among older adults.
METHODS: A preliminary list of PIM and potential prescribing omission (PPO) were generated from systematic review, supplemented with local pharmacovigilance data of adverse reaction incidents among older people. Twenty-one experts from nine specialties participated in two Delphi to determine the list of PIM and PPO in February and March 2023. Items that did not reach consensus after the second Delphi round were adjudicated by six geriatricians.
RESULTS: The preliminary list included 406 potential candidates, categorised into three sections: PIM independent of diseases, disease dependent PIM and omitted drugs that could be restarted. At the end of Delphi, 92 items were decided as PIM, including medication classes, such as antacids, laxatives, antithrombotics, antihypertensives, hormones, analgesics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Forty-two disease-specific PIM criteria were included, covering circulatory system, nervous system, gastrointestinal system, genitourinary system, and respiratory system. Consensus to start potentially omitted treatment was achieved in 35 statements across nine domains.
CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed PIM criteria can serve as a useful tool to guide clinicians and pharmacists in identifying PIMs and PPOs during medication review and facilitating informed decision-making for appropriate prescribing.
Fulltext Introduction of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying wAlbB Wolbachia sharply decreases dengue incidence in disease hotspots

Hoffmann AA, Ahmad NW, Keong WM, Ling CY, Ahmad NA, Golding N, et al.

iScience, 2024 Feb 16;27(2):108942.
PMID: 38327789 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108942

Partial replacement of resident Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with introduced mosquitoes carrying certain strains of inherited Wolbachia symbionts can result in transmission blocking of dengue and other viruses of public health importance. Wolbachia strain wAlbB is an effective transmission blocker and stable at high temperatures, making it particularly suitable for hot tropical climates. Following trial field releases in Malaysia, releases using wAlbB Ae. aegypti have become operationalized by the Malaysian health authorities. We report here on an average reduction in dengue fever of 62.4% (confidence intervals 50-71%) in 20 releases sites when compared to 76 control sites in high-rise residential areas. Importantly the level of dengue reduction increased with Wolbachia frequency, with 75.8% reduction (61-87%) estimated at 100% Wolbachia frequency. These findings indicate large impacts of wAlbB Wolbachia invasions on dengue fever incidence in an operational setting, with incidence expected to further decrease as wider areas are invaded.
Fulltext Study protocol for a mixed methods approach to optimize colorectal cancer screening in Malaysia: Integrating stakeholders insights and knowledge-to-action framework

Chong DW, Jayaraj VJ, Ab Rahim FI, Syed Soffian SS, Azmi MF, Mohd Yusri MY, et al.

PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0299659.
PMID: 38593177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299659

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is a growing global health concern and the number of reported cases has increased over the years. Early detection through screening is critical to improve outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer. In Malaysia, there is an urgent need to optimize the colorectal cancer screening program as uptake is limited by multiple challenges. This study aims to systematically identify and address gaps in screening service delivery to optimize the Malaysian colorectal cancer screening program.
METHODS: This study uses a mixed methods design. It focuses primarily on qualitative data to understand processes and strategies and to identify specific areas that can be improved through stakeholder engagement in the screening program. Quantitative data play a dual role in supporting the selection of participants for the qualitative study based on program monitoring data and assessing inequalities in screening and program implementation in healthcare facilities in Malaysia. Meanwhile, literature review identifies existing strategies to improve colorectal cancer screening. Additionally, the knowledge-to-action framework is integrated to ensure that the research findings lead to practical improvements to the colorectal cancer screening program.
DISCUSSION: Through this complex mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, this study will explore the complex interplay of population- and systems-level factors that influence screening rates. It involves identifying barriers to effective colorectal cancer screening in Malaysia, comparing current strategies with international best practices, and providing evidence-based recommendations to improve the local screening program.

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