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  1. Al-Aboosi AM, Sheikh Abdullah SNH, Ismail R, Abdul Maulud KN, Nahar L, Zainol Ariffin KA, et al.
    JMIR Hum Factors, 2024 Jul 30;11:e48139.
    PMID: 39078685 DOI: 10.2196/48139
    BACKGROUND: The enormous consequences of drugs include suicides, traffic accidents, and violence, affecting the individual, family, society, and country. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly identify and monitor the drug abuse rate among school-going youth. A geospatial dashboard is vital for the monitoring of drug abuse and related crime incidence in a decision support system.

    OBJECTIVE: This paper mainly focuses on developing MyAsriGeo, a geospatial drug abuse risk assessment and monitoring dashboard tailored for school students. It introduces innovative functionality, seamlessly orchestrating the assessment of drug abuse usage patterns and risks using multivariate student data.

    METHODS: A geospatial drug abuse dashboard for monitoring and analysis was designed and developed in this study based on agile methodology and prototyping. Using focus group and interviews, we first examined and gathered the requirements, feedback, and user approval of the MyAsriGeo dashboard. Experts and stakeholders such as the National Anti-Drugs Agency, police, the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, school instructors, students, and researchers were among those who responded. A total of 20 specialists were involved in the requirement analysis and acceptance evaluation of the pilot and final version of the dashboard. The evaluation sought to identify various user acceptance aspects, such as ease of use and usefulness, for both the pilot and final versions, and 2 additional factors based on the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire and Task-Technology Fit models were enlisted to assess the interface quality and dashboard sufficiency for the final version.

    RESULTS: The MyAsriGeo geospatial dashboard was designed to meet the needs of all user types, as identified through a requirement gathering process. It includes several key functions, such as a geospatial map that shows the locations of high-risk areas for drug abuse, data on drug abuse among students, tools for assessing the risk of drug abuse in different areas, demographic information, and a self-problem test. It also includes the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test and its risk assessment to help users understand and interpret the results of student risk. The initial prototype and final version of the dashboard were evaluated by 20 experts, which revealed a significant improvement in the ease of use (P=.047) and usefulness (P=.02) factors and showed a high acceptance mean scores for ease of use (4.2), usefulness (4.46), interface quality (4.29), and sufficiency (4.13).

    CONCLUSIONS: The MyAsriGeo geospatial dashboard is useful for monitoring and analyzing drug abuse among school-going youth in Malaysia. It was developed based on the needs of various stakeholders and includes a range of functions. The dashboard was evaluated by a group of experts. Overall, the MyAsriGeo geospatial dashboard is a valuable resource for helping stakeholders understand and respond to the issue of drug abuse among youth.

    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment/methods
  2. Turana Y, Shen R, Nathaniel M, Chia YC, Li Y, Kario K
    J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich), 2022 Sep;24(9):1204-1217.
    PMID: 36196471 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14559
    Asia has an enormous number of older people and is the primary contributor to the rise in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The therapy of many neurodegenerative diseases has not yet progressed to the point where it is possible to alter the course of the disease. Mid-life hypertension is an important predictor of later-life cognitive impairment and brain neurodegenerative conditions. These findings highlight the pivotal role of preventing and managing hypertension as a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease. Autonomic dysfunction, neuropsychiatric and sleep disturbances can arise in neurodegenerative diseases, resulting in blood pressure variability (BPV). The BPV itself can worsen the progression of the disease. In older people with neurodegenerative disease and hypertension, it is critical to consider 24-h blood pressure monitoring and personalized blood pressure therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Pressure Determination/methods
  3. Abdul Hamid SH, Sakinah Din WN, Lananan F, Endut A
    Chemosphere, 2024 Sep;363:142998.
    PMID: 39097110 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142998
    Mass cultivation of high-value aromatic herbs such as Vietnamese coriander and Persicaria odorata required specific soil, nutrients, and irrigation, mostly found in the limited natural wetland. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of P. odorata at different densities in nutrient removal and the growth performance of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus in aquaponic systems. P. odorata was cultivated for 40 d with less than 10% water exchange. The effects of increasing crop densities, from zero plants for the control, 0.035 ± 0.003 kg/m2 in Treatment 1, 0.029 ± 0.002 kg/m2 in Treatment 2, and 0.021 ± 0.003 kg/m2 in Treatment 3, were tested on the growth performance of C. gariepinus with an initial density of 3.00 ± 0.50 kg/m3. The specific growth rate (SGR), daily growth rate of fish (DGRf), and survival rate (SR) of the C. gariepinus were monitored. Nutrient removal, daily growth rate of plant (DGRp), relative growth rate (RGR), and the sum of leaf number (Ʃn) of the P. odorata plant were also recorded. It was found that nutrient removal percentage significantly increased with the presence of P. odorata at different densities. The growth performance of C. gariepinus was also affected by P. odorata density in each treatment. However, no significant difference was observed in the DGRp and RGR of the P. odorata (p>0.05), except for Ʃn values. Treatment 1 had the highest Ʃn number compared to Treatment 2 and Treatment 3, showing a significant difference (p<0.05). This study demonstrates that the presence of P. odorata significantly contributes to lower nutrient concentrations, supporting the fundamental idea that plants improve water quality in aquaponic systems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Aquaculture/methods
  4. Muslima U, Khandaker MU, Lam SE, Mat Nawi SN, Abdul Sani SF, Ung NM, et al.
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2024 Oct;212:111457.
    PMID: 39068692 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111457
    In clinical settings, standard dosimeters might miss radiation mishaps. Retrospective dosimeters could help to track personnel (such as patients and other staff who don't wear dosimeters) exceeding safe limits and assess long-term exposure trends. This study has investigated key thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetric characteristics, including the glow curve structure, dose-response, energy dependence, sensitivity and fading of various safety glasses that are used as screen protectors of smartphones subjected to photon irradiation. Among the studied glasses, the HD Anti-Peep safety glass for iPhone has been found to exhibit a linear dose-response with a regression coefficient of 99% within the dose range of 2-10 Gy. Moreover, all the safety glasses showed independence with respect to photon energy of 6 MV and 10 MV. The TL glow curves of the samples showed a broad glow peak between 125 °C and 325 °C at 10 Gy. The TL kinetic parameters of the safety glasses were also studied by analyzing the glow curves using the peak shape and initial rise method. The geometric factor (μg) is found to be within the range of 0.43-0.53, which indicates the suitability of applying Chen's general-order formula to calculate the kinetic parameters such as activation energy, frequency factor and trap lifetime. The activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s) are found in the range of 0.31-0.54 eV and 4.55 × 103 to 2.12 × 106 s-1 respectively obtained via the peak shape method. The relatively long trap lifetime and observed thermoluminescence features indicate that the HD Anti-Peep safety glass offers a better option to estimate dose retrospectively to ensure the safety of human health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Radiation Protection/methods
  5. Hashim E, Hong J, Woo YL, Hamdan M, Tan PC
    Obstet Gynecol, 2024 Jul 01;144(1):53-59.
    PMID: 38703361 DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005597
    OBJECTIVE: To compare insertion failure rates for Pipelle endometrial sampling with a full bladder compared with the standard process (not taking into account bladder status) without cervical manipulation.

    METHODS: A single-masked randomized trial was conducted in a single tertiary care center from July 2021 to January 2022. Two hundred fourteen participants aged 18 years or older who were scheduled for outpatient Pipelle endometrial sampling were randomized: 107 each to having a full bladder (by oral water intake) or standard process (without delayed sampling and bladder status not taken into account). Women with known cervical stenosis, gynecologic malignancy, uterine anomalies, leiomyoma distorting the uterine cavity, acute cervicitis, urge bladder dysfunction, intense anxiety, need for anesthesia or analgesic before the procedure, positive pregnancy test, or previous failed office endometrial sampling were excluded. The primary outcome was the insertion failure rate of endometrial sampling at first attempt. Secondary outcomes were pain during procedure, satisfaction score, analgesia use, procedure duration, and need for cervical manipulation. Factoring in a baseline insertion failure rate of 30.0%, relative risk of 0.45, α of 0.05, 80.0% power, and a dropout rate of 10.0%, we needed 107 participants in each arm.

    RESULTS: The insertion failure rate was significantly lower in the full bladder group compared with standard process: 25 of 107 (23.4%) compared with 45 of 107 (42.1%) (relative risk 0.56, 95% CI, 0.37-0.84; number needed to treat to benefit 6.0, 95% CI, 3.20-15.70). Pain score (median) during the procedure (interquartile range) was 4 (3-6) compared with 5 (3-8) ( P =.004); patient satisfaction score was 8 (7-9) compared with 7 (4-8) ( P

    Matched MeSH terms: Biopsy/methods
  6. Wetthasinghe L, Ng HF, Ngeow YF, Chew KS, Lee WS
    Funct Integr Genomics, 2024 Jun 24;24(4):115.
    PMID: 38910215 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01393-0
    Matched MeSH terms: Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
  7. Hoy ZX, Phuang ZX, Farooque AA, Fan YV, Woon KS
    Environ Pollut, 2024 Mar 01;344:123386.
    PMID: 38242306 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123386
    Improper municipal solid waste (MSW) management contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating emissions reduction strategies such as waste reduction, recycling, and composting to move towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future. Machine learning models are applied for MSW-related trend prediction to provide insights on future waste generation or carbon emissions trends and assist the formulation of effective low-carbon policies. Yet, the existing machine learning models are diverse and scattered. This inconsistency poses challenges for researchers in the MSW domain who seek to identify and optimize the machine learning techniques and configurations for their applications. This systematic review focuses on MSW-related trend prediction using the most frequently applied machine learning model, artificial neural network (ANN), while addressing potential methodological improvements for reducing prediction uncertainty. Thirty-two papers published from 2013 to 2023 are included in this review, all applying ANN for MSW-related trend prediction. Observing a decrease in the size of data samples used in studies from daily to annual timescales, the summarized statistics suggest that well-performing ANN models can still be developed with approximately 33 annual data samples. This indicates promising opportunities for modeling macroscale greenhouse gas emissions in future works. Existing literature commonly used the grid search (manual) technique for hyperparameter (e.g., learning rate, number of neurons) optimization and should explore more time-efficient automated optimization techniques. Since there are no one-size-fits-all performance indicators, it is crucial to report the model's predictive performance based on more than one performance indicator and examine its uncertainty. The predictive performance of newly-developed integrated models should also be benchmarked to show performance improvement clearly and promote similar applications in future works. The review analyzed the shortcomings, best practices, and prospects of ANNs for MSW-related trend predictions, supporting the realization of practical applications of ANNs to enhance waste management practices and reduce carbon emissions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Refuse Disposal/methods
  8. Anoraga SB, Shamsudin R, Hamzah MH, Sharif S, Saputro AD, Basri MSM
    Food Chem, 2024 Nov 30;459:140355.
    PMID: 38986202 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140355
    This study optimized subcritical water extraction (SWE) conditions to maximize pectin yield from cocoa pod husk (CPH) and compared the characteristics of CPH pectin extracted through SWE with those of CPH pectin obtained through conventional extraction (CE) with citric acid. The Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to optimize SWE and examine the influence of process parameters, including temperature (100 °C-120 °C), extraction time (10-30 min), and solid:liquid ratio (SLR) (1:30-2:30 g/mL), on pectin yield. The maximum pectin yield of 6.58% was obtained under the optimal extraction conditions of 120 °C for 10 min with 1:15 g/mL SLR and closely corresponded with the predicted value of 7.29%. Compared with CE, SWE generated a higher yield and resulted in a higher degree of esterification, methoxyl content, and anhydrouronic acid value but a lower equivalent weight. The extracted pectin was pure, had low-methoxyl content, and similar melting and degradation temperatures.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chemical Fractionation/methods
  9. Lung SC, Thi Hien T, Cambaliza MOL, Hlaing OMT, Oanh NTK, Latif MT, et al.
    PMID: 35162543 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031522
    The low-cost and easy-to-use nature of rapidly developed PM2.5 sensors provide an opportunity to bring breakthroughs in PM2.5 research to resource-limited countries in Southeast Asia (SEA). This review provides an evaluation of the currently available literature and identifies research priorities in applying low-cost sensors (LCS) in PM2.5 environmental and health research in SEA. The research priority is an outcome of a series of participatory workshops under the umbrella of the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Project-Monsoon Asia and Oceania Networking Group (IGAC-MANGO). A literature review and research prioritization are conducted with a transdisciplinary perspective of providing useful scientific evidence in assisting authorities in formulating targeted strategies to reduce severe PM2.5 pollution and health risks in this region. The PM2.5 research gaps that could be filled by LCS application are identified in five categories: source evaluation, especially for the distinctive sources in the SEA countries; hot spot investigation; peak exposure assessment; exposure-health evaluation on acute health impacts; and short-term standards. The affordability of LCS, methodology transferability, international collaboration, and stakeholder engagement are keys to success in such transdisciplinary PM2.5 research. Unique contributions to the international science community and challenges with LCS application in PM2.5 research in SEA are also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring/methods
  10. Lam SM, Wong SM, Sin JC, Zeng H, Li H, Huang L, et al.
    Environ Res, 2024 Nov 15;261:119718.
    PMID: 39096993 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119718
    Devising of materials that afforded dual applicability in decontamination and pollutant detection were still a towering challenge owing to the increasing flux of discharge toxic contaminants over the years. Herein, the NiFe2O4 nanoparticles-loaded on cube-like SrTiO3 (NiFe2O4/SrTiO3) composite was fabricated by a two-step hydrothermal approach providing remarkable photocatalytic treatment and electrochemical sensing of noxious pollutants in wastewater. The material traits of the fabricated composite were scrutinized by myriad characterization approaches. The NiFe2O4/SrTiO3 hybrid material demonstrated high surface area of 19.81 m2/g, adequate band gap energy of 2.75 eV, and prominent photoluminescence characteristics. In the presence of visible light, the NiFe2O4/SrTiO3 exhibited profound photocatalysis capability to eliminate sewage effluent-bearing chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTCH) with 88.6% COD removal in 120 min, outperforming other pure materials. Meanwhile, the toxicity examination of effluent, the possible degradation pathway of CTCH and the proposed photocatalysis mechanism were also divulged. More importantly, the glassy carbon electrode was modified with synergized NiFe2O4/SrTiO3 (NiFe2O4/SrTiO3-GCE) was adopted for the precise quantification of Hydrazine (Hz). The NiFe2O4/SrTiO3-GCE obeyed first-order response for the Hz detection within the range of 1-10 mM: cyclic voltametric: limit of detection (LOD) of 0.119 μM with sensitivity of 18.9 μA μM-1 cm-2, and linear sweep voltametric: LOD of 0.222 μM with a sensitivity of 12.05 μA μM-1 cm-2. The stability and interference of modified electrode were also inspected. This work furnished valuable insights to yield a composite with the prominent S-scheme heterojunction system for quenching of charge carrier recombination and consequently contributing to the future realization into the domains of environmental clean-up and toxic chemical detection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
  11. Zhang H, Hashim SB, Huang D, Zhang B
    PeerJ, 2024;12:e18111.
    PMID: 39329135 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18111
    OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present research was to evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercise intervention in enhancing psychological well-being and decreasing symptoms of depression among college students, adopting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    METHODOLOGY: The study was performed by searching four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) to determine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the impacts of physical exercise therapies among college students with symptoms of depression. The sequential execution of a meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, and publication bias analyses was accomplished utilizing the software package RevMan version 5.3.

    RESULTS: There were eight articles included. This research demonstrated a significant impact (d = -0.75, P < 0.05), indicating that physical exercise has a substantial impact on decreasing or mitigating depression. The subgroup analyses revealed that interventions involving physical exercise workouts lasting 12 weeks or longer (d = -0.93, P < 0.05), with physical exercise sessions lasting between 30 and 60 min (d = -0.77, P < 0.05), and with physical exercise performed minimum of three times a week (d = -0.90, P < 0.05) were the most effective in reducing symptoms of depression.

    CONCLUSION: Physical exercise interventions have a beneficial impact on reducing depression among college students. The optimal mode was discovered to be college students participating in each session for a duration of 30 to 60 min, at least three times per week, and for more than 12 weeks. College students are encouraged to cultivate a consistent and long-term physical exercise routine to sustain their physical and mental health.

    Matched MeSH terms: Exercise Therapy/methods
  12. Jagaba AH, Abdulazeez I, Lawal DU, Affam AC, Mu'azu ND, Soja UB, et al.
    Environ Geochem Health, 2024 Jul 19;46(9):333.
    PMID: 39026137 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02122-z
    Dye decolorization through biological treatment techniques has been gaining momentum as it is based on suspended and attached growth biomass in both batch and continuous modes. Hence, this review focused on the contribution of moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) in dye removal. MBBR have been demonstrated to be an excellent technology for pollution extraction, load shock resistance, and equipment size and energy consumption reduction. The review went further to highlight different biocarrier materials for biofilm development this review identified biochar as an innovative and environmentally friendly material produced through the application of different kinds of reusable or recyclable wastes and biowastes. Biochar as a carbonized waste biomass could be a better competitor and environmentally friendly substitute to activated carbon given its lower mass costs. Biochar can be easily produced particularly in rural locations where there is an abundance of biomass-based trash. Given that circular bioeconomy lowers dependency on natural resources by turning organic wastes into an array of useful products, biochar empowers the creation of competitive goods. Thus, biochar was identified as a novel, cost-effective, and long-term management strategy since it brings about several essential benefits, including food security, climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and sustainability improvement. This review concludes that integrating two treatment methods could greatly lead to better color, organic matter, and nutrients removal than a single biological MBBR treatment process.
    Matched MeSH terms: Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
  13. Halim-Fikri H, Zulkipli NN, Alauddin H, Bento C, Lederer CW, Kountouris P, et al.
    Database (Oxford), 2024 Sep 04;2024.
    PMID: 39231257 DOI: 10.1093/database/baae080
    Thalassemia is one of the most prevalent monogenic disorders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There are an estimated 270 million carriers of hemoglobinopathies (abnormal hemoglobins and/or thalassemia) worldwide, necessitating global methods and solutions for effective and optimal therapy. LMICs are disproportionately impacted by thalassemia, and due to disparities in genomics awareness and diagnostic resources, certain LMICs lag behind high-income countries (HICs). This spurred the establishment of the Global Globin Network (GGN) in 2015 at UNESCO, Paris, as a project-wide endeavor within the Human Variome Project (HVP). Primarily aimed at enhancing thalassemia clinical services, research, and genomic diagnostic capabilities with a focus on LMIC needs, GGN aims to foster data collection in a shared database by all affected nations, thus improving data sharing and thalassemia management. In this paper, we propose a minimum requirement for establishing a genomic database in thalassemia based on the HVP database guidelines. We suggest using an existing platform recommended by HVP, the Leiden Open Variation Database (LOVD) (https://www.lovd.nl/). Adoption of our proposed criteria will assist in improving or supplementing the existing databases, allowing for better-quality services for individuals with thalassemia. Database URL: https://www.lovd.nl/.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genomics/methods
  14. Armanetti P, Locatelli I, Venegoni C, Alchera E, Campanella B, Pederzoli F, et al.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2024 Sep 10;121(37):e2411583121.
    PMID: 39236242 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2411583121
    Residual nonvisible bladder cancer after proper treatment caused by technological and therapeutic limitations is responsible for tumor relapse and progression. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a solution for simultaneous detection and treatment of bladder cancer lesions smaller than one millimeter. The α5β1 integrin was identified as a specific marker in 81% of human high-grade nonmuscle invasive bladder cancers and used as a target for the delivery of targeted gold nanorods (GNRs). In a preclinical model of orthotopic bladder cancer expressing the α5β1 integrin, the photoacoustic imaging of targeted GNRs visualized lesions smaller than one millimeter, and their irradiation with continuous laser was used to induce GNR-assisted hyperthermia. Necrosis of the tumor mass, improved survival, and computational modeling were applied to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this solution. Our study highlights the potential of the GNR-assisted theranostic strategy as a complementary solution in clinical practice to reduce the risk of nonvisible residual bladder cancer after current treatment. Further validation through clinical studies will support the findings of the present study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Photoacoustic Techniques/methods
  15. Anboo S, Lau SY, Kansedo J, Yap PS, Hadibarata T, Jeevanandam J, et al.
    Biotechnol Bioeng, 2022 Oct;119(10):2609-2638.
    PMID: 35851660 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28185
    Over the past decade, nanotechnology has been developed and employed across various entities. Among the numerous nanostructured material types, enzyme-incorporated nanomaterials have shown great potential in various fields, as an alternative to biologically derived as well as synthetically developed hybrid structures. The mechanism of incorporating enzyme onto a nanostructure depends on several factors including the method of immobilization, type of nanomaterial, as well as operational and environmental conditions. The prospects of enzyme-incorporated nanomaterials have shown promising results across various applications, such as biocatalysts, biosensors, drug therapy, and wastewater treatment. This is due to their excellent ability to exhibit chemical and physical properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio, recovery and/or reusability rates, sensitivity, response scale, and stable catalytic activity across wide operating conditions. In this review, the evolution of enzyme-incorporated nanomaterials along with their impact on our society due to its state-of-the-art properties, and its significance across different industrial applications are discussed. In addition, the weakness and future prospects of enzyme-incorporated nanomaterials were also discussed to guide scientists for futuristic research and development in this field.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotechnology/methods
  16. Al-Hatamleh MAI, Hatmal MM, Alshaer W, Rahman ENSEA, Mohd-Zahid MH, Alhaj-Qasem DM, et al.
    Eur J Pharmacol, 2021 Apr 05;896:173930.
    PMID: 33545157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173930
    The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in December 2019 and caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, took the world by surprise with an unprecedented public health emergency. Since this pandemic began, extraordinary efforts have been made by scientists to understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19, and to fight the infection by providing various preventive, diagnostic and treatment opportunities based on either novel hypotheses or past experiences. Despite all the achievements, COVID-19 continues to be an accelerating health threat with no specifically approved vaccine or therapy. This review highlights the recent advances in COVID-19 infection, with a particular emphasis on nanomedicine applications that can help in the development of effective vaccines or therapeutics against COVID-19. A novel future perspective has been proposed in this review based on utilizing polymersome nano-objects for effectively suppressing the cytokine storm, which may reduce the severity of COVID-19 infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanomedicine/methods*
  17. Azman AR, Mahat NA, Abdul Wahab R, Ahmad WA, Ismail D
    Sci Rep, 2022 Aug 30;12(1):14780.
    PMID: 36042359 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18929-8
    The discovery of forensic evidence (e.g. weapons) during forensic underwater investigations has seen an increasing trend. To date, small particle reagent (SPR) has been one of the routinely used methods for visualising fingerprints on wet, non-porous substrates. However, the long term use of SPR is detrimental to humans and environment due to the use of toxic chemicals. Although previously we have successfully developed and optimised a greener nanobio-based reagent (NBR), its suitable practical use in a more realistic scene (e.g. outdoor pond) was not evaluated. Therefore, this present research is aimed at (1) investigating the performance of NBR against the benchmark SPR in visualising fingerprints immersed in a natural outdoor pond and (2) evaluating the greenness of NBR against the analytical Eco-Scale. Results showed that the performance of the optimised NBR was mostly comparable (University of Canberra (UC) comparative scale: 0) with SPR at visualising fingerprints on three different non-porous substrates immersed in a natural outdoor pond. Observably, the NBR had higher preference towards aged fingerprints (up to 4 weeks of immersion). In addition, its greenness assessment revealed 76 points, indicating 'excellent green analysis'. The findings gathered here further supported the practical use of the NBR in forensic investigations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Medicine/methods
  18. Mulenga G, Alahmed TAA, Sami F, Majeed S, Ali MS, Le JLJ, et al.
    AAPS PharmSciTech, 2024 Jun 11;25(5):134.
    PMID: 38862663 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02845-3
    Inclusion complexes require higher concentration of Beta cyclodextrins (βCD) resulting in increased formulation bulk, toxicity, and production costs. This systematic review offers a comprehensive analysis using Quality by design (QbD) as a tool to predict potential applications of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a ternary substance to address issues of inclusion complexes. We reviewed 623 documents from 2013 to 2023 and Eighteen (18) research papers were selected for statistical and meta-analysis using the QbD concept to identify the most critical factors for selecting drugs and effect of PVP on inclusion complexes. The QbD analysis revealed that Molecular weight (MW), Partition coefficient (Log P), and the auxiliary substance ratio directly affected complexation efficiency (CE), thermodynamic stability in terms of Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and percent drug release. However, Stability constant (Ks) remained unaffected by any of these parameters. The results showed that low MW (250), median Log P (6), and a βCD: PVP ratio of 2:3 would result in higher CE, lower G, and improved drug release. PVP improves drug solubility, enhances delivery and therapeutic outcomes, and counteracts increased drug ionization due to decreased pH. In certain cases, its bulky nature and hydrogen bonding with CD molecules can form non-inclusion complexes. The findings of the study shows that there is potential molecular interaction between PVP and β-cyclodextrins, which possibly enhances the stability of inclusion complexes for drug with low MW and log P values less than 9. The systematic review shows a comprehensive methodology based on QbD offers a replicable template for future investigations into drug formulation research.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chemistry, Pharmaceutical/methods
  19. Loh GOK, Wong EYL, Tan YTF, Heng SC, Saaid M, Cheah KY, et al.
    Molecules, 2022 Sep 04;27(17).
    PMID: 36080473 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175706
    Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation. The objective of the current study was to develop a sensitive, fast and high-throughput HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method to measure etoricoxib levels in human plasma using a one-step methanol protein precipitation technique. A tandem mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source operated in a positive mode and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) were used for data collection. The quantitative MRM transition ions were m/z 359.15 > 279.10 and m/z 363.10 > 282.10 for etoricoxib and IS. The linear range was from 10.00 to 4000.39 ng/mL and the validation parameters were within the acceptance limits of the European Medicine Agency (EMA) and Food and Drug Analysis (FDA) guidelines. The present method was sensitive (10.00 ng/mL with S/N > 40), simple, selective (K prime > 2), and fast (short run time of 2 min), with negligible matrix effect and consistent recovery, suitable for high throughput analysis. The method was used to quantitate etoricoxib plasma concentrations in a bioequivalence study of two 120 mg etoricoxib formulations. Incurred sample reanalysis results further supported that the method was robust and reproducible.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods
  20. Ghauth S, Tan SH
    J Laryngol Otol, 2024 Jun;138(6):696-698.
    PMID: 37926907 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215123001858
    BACKGROUND: This paper reports the innovative use of a modified nasopharyngeal airway device as a temporary stent in patients with laryngotracheal stenosis. It also discusses the technique of endoscopic stent placement, and our experience in terms of the indications and suitability.

    METHOD: The nasopharyngeal airway device was modified to use as an airway stent by trimming it to the desired length. Next, the stent was inserted endoscopically and anchored using a novel approach.

    RESULTS: The surgery was performed successfully without complications. The patients had full use of their voice while the stent was in situ. No significant granulation tissue was observed.

    CONCLUSION: This paper demonstrates the feasibility of using a nasopharyngeal airway device as a temporary stent to prevent restenosis in cases where the patients have a strong demand for phonation. The modified nasopharyngeal airway device is potentially very promising, but cases must be selected carefully to avoid compromising efficacy and safety.

    Matched MeSH terms: Endoscopy/methods
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