Displaying publications 141 - 160 of 166 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext An event triggered control scheme for enhanced production of Escherichia coli and biomass concentration during fed-batch cultivation
    Murugan C, Subbian S, Kaliyaperumal S, Sadasivuni KK, Siddiqui MIH, Muthusamy S, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Jun 30;10(12):e32210.
    PMID: 38975212 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32210
    Control of a bioprocess is a challenging task mainly due to the nonlinearity of the process, the complex nature of microorganisms, and variations in critical parameters such as temperature, pH, and agitator speed. Generally, the optimum values chosen for critical parameters during Escherichia coli (E.coli) K-12fed-batch fermentation are37 ᵒC for temperature, 7 for pH, and 35 % for Dissolved Oxygen (DO). The objective of this research is to enhance biomass concentration while minimizing energy consumption. To achieve this, an Event-Triggered Control (ETC) scheme based on feedback-feed forward control is proposed. The ETC system dynamically adjusts the substrate feed rate in response to variations in critical parameters. We compare the performance of classical Proportional Integral (PI) controllers and advanced Model Predictive Control (MPC) controllers in terms of bioprocess yield. Initially, the data are collected from a laboratory-scaled 3L bioreactor setup under fed-batch operating conditions, and data-driven models are developed using system identification techniques. Then, classical Proportional Integral (PI) and advanced Model Predictive Control (MPC) based feedback controllers are developed for controlling the yield of bioprocess by manipulating substrate flow rate, and their performances are compared. PI and MPC-based Event Triggered Feed Forward Controllers are designed to increase the yield and to suppress the effect of known disturbances due to critical parameters. Whenever there is a variation in the value of a critical parameter, it is considered an event, and ETC initiates a control action by manipulating the substrate feed rate. PI and MPC-based ETC controllers are developed in simulation, and their closed-loop performances are compared. It is observed that the Integral Square Error (ISE) is notably minimized to 4.668 for MPC with disturbance and 4.742 for MPC with Feed Forward Control. Similarly, the Integral Absolute Error (IAE) reduces to 2.453 for MPC with disturbance and 0.8124 for MPC with Feed Forward Control. The simulation results reveal that the MPC-based ETC control scheme enhances the biomass yield by 7 %, and this result is verified experimentally. This system dynamically adjusts the substrate feed rate in response to variations in critical parameters, which is a novel approach in the field of bioprocess control. Also, the proposed control schemes help reduce the frequency of communication between controller and actuator, which reduces power consumption.
  2. A critical review of MXene-based composites in the adsorptive and photocatalysis of hexavalent chromium removal from industrial wastewater
    Hassan NS, Jalil AA, Bahari MB, Izzuddin NM, Fauzi NAFM, Jusoh NWC, et al.
    Environ Res, 2024 Jul 09;259:119584.
    PMID: 38992758 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119584
    The growing concern of water pollution is a critical issue stemming from industrialization and urbanization. One of the specific concerns within this broader problem is the toxicity associated with chromium (Cr), especially in its Cr (VI) form. Transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) are attractive materials for the treatment of water due to their unique properties such as layered structure, high surface area, conductivity, flexibility, scalable manufacture, and surface functions. Adsorption and photocatalysis reactions are the two promising methods for the removal of Cr (VI) by using MXenes. Still, most of the previous reviews were limited to the single application area. Hence, this review covers recent developments in MXene-based composites, highlighting their dual role as both adsorbents and photocatalysts in the removal of Cr (VI). MXene-based composites are found to be effective in both adsorption and photodegradation of Cr (VI). Most MXene-based composites have demonstrated exceptional removal efficiency for Cr (VI), achieving impressive adsorption capacities ranging from 100 to 1500 mg g-1 and degradation percentages between 80% and 100% in a relatively short period. The active functional groups present on the surface of MXene have a viable impact on the adsorption and photodegradation performance. The mechanism of Cr (VI) removal is explained, with MXenes playing a key role in electrostatic attraction for adsorption and as co-catalysts in photocatalysis. However, MXene-based composites have limitations such as instability, competition with co-existing ions, and regeneration challenges. Further research is needed to address these limitations. Additionally, MXene-based composites hold promise for addressing water contamination, heavy metal removal, hydrogen production, energy storage, gas sensing, and biomedical applications.
  3. Case report: Paraganglioma masquerading as angiosarcoma: diagnostic-dilemma in vascular tumors
    Rajoo AR, Kannairan S, Habeebullah Khan HA, Md Idris MA, Tan GC, Chandra Sakaran KR, et al.
    Front Oncol, 2024;14:1462956.
    PMID: 39703846 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1462956
    Paragangliomas originating from blood vessels are exceptionally rare, presenting diagnostic challenges due to their histological resemblance to other vascular neoplasms. We present a case study of a 60-year-old woman with underlying hypertension and dyslipidemia with obesity, initially diagnosed with angiosarcoma based on imaging and histological characteristics viewed via CT-guided biopsy. Intraoperative exploration revealed a lobulated tumor located between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and aorta measuring 7 cm × 8 cm, during which the patient developed transient hemodynamic instabilities. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining using neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin, synaptophysin, S-100 protein, and CD-56) later confirmed the tumor as a retroperitoneal paraganglioma. Retroperitoneal paraganglioma was initially misdiagnosed as angiosarcoma due to the overlapping imaging characteristics between the two tumors. This highlights the importance of raising suspicion on the possibility of retroperitoneal paraganglioma when imaging examination indicates angiosarcoma and to incorporate histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis.
  4. Fulltext Not All Shocks Are Created Equal: Refractory Cardiogenic Shock Unmasking Panhypopituitarism Following Acute Coronary Syndrome
    Subramanian SD, Chai SY, Kang HY, Mathews GJ, Liew KS, Liew CT, et al.
    JACC Case Rep, 2026 Oct 28;31(43):110221.
    PMID: 42720645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2026.110221
    BACKGROUND: Adrenal insufficiency is an uncommon but reversible cause of shock that may coexist with cardiogenic shock in acute coronary syndrome and be overlooked once significant coronary artery disease is identified.

    CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old man presented with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. Despite successful percutaneous coronary intervention to critical left anterior descending and right coronary artery lesions, he remained in refractory shock requiring escalating inotropic support. Retrospective recognition of secondary hypothyroidism and a bitemporal visual field defect raised suspicion of pituitary insufficiency. Empiric hydrocortisone resulted in rapid hemodynamic recovery. Subsequent evaluation confirmed panhypopituitarism, whereas magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a cystic sellar lesion compressing the pituitary gland.

    DISCUSSION: Secondary adrenal insufficiency should be considered when shock persists despite successful revascularization and cardiac recovery.

    TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Early glucocorticoid replacement may be lifesaving and should not await hormonal confirmation when adrenal crisis is suspected.

  5. Association of circulatory Tfh-like cells with neutralizing antibody responses among chronic HIV-1 subtype C infected long-term nonprogressors and progressors
    Swathirajan CR, Nandagopal P, Vignesh R, Srikrishnan AK, Goyal R, Qureshi H, et al.
    Pathog Dis, 2019 06 01;77(4).
    PMID: 31505637 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftz044
    HIV-1 vaccine functioning relies on successful induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). CXCR3- circulatory T-follicular helper (cTfh) cells are necessary for inducing B-cells for generating bNAbs. Recent studies have suggested that CXCR3+ Tfh cells might also influence bNAb production. Plasma samples from 34 ART-Naïve HIV-1 infected individuals [long-term nonprogressors (LTNP)-19; Progressors-13] were tested against a heterologous virus panel (n = 11) from subtypes A, B, C, G, AC, BC and AE. Frequencies of CXCR3+ and CXCR3- cTfh-like cells in peripheral circulation were studied using flow cytometry. LTNP showed significantly lower CXCR3+ and higher CXCR3- cTfh-like cell frequencies, while neutralization breadth was observed to be broader in progressors. A positive correlation was observed between bNAb breadth and potency with CXCR3+PD-1+ cTfh-like cells in LTNP. Based on neutralization breadth, 9 HIV-1 infected individuals were classified as 'top neutralizers' and 23 as 'low neutralizers' and they did not show any correlations with CXCR3+ and CXCR3- cTfh-like cells. These preliminary data suggest that CXCR3+ similar to CXCR3- might possess significant functional properties for driving B-cells to produce bNAbs. Hence, an HIV vaccine which is capable of optimal induction of CXCR3+ cTfh cells at germinal centers might confer superior protection against HIV.
  6. Fulltext Changes in body pain among overweight and obese housewives living in Klang Valley, Malaysia: findings from the MyBFF@home study
    Mohd Sallehuddin S, Mohamad Nor NS, Ambak R, Abdul Aziz NS, Mohd Zaki NA, Omar MA, et al.
    BMC Womens Health, 2018 07 19;18(Suppl 1):101.
    PMID: 30066647 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-018-0597-x
    BACKGROUND: Obesity leads to the increase of pain at different parts of the body and it is a potential marker for complications of chronic diseases. This paper aims to assess changes in the body pain among overweight and obese housewives who participated in the My Body is Fit and Fabulous at home (MyBFF@home) study.

    METHODS: Housewives aged 18 to 59 years old from the MyBFF@home study were selected and pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire. VAS measured the pain intensity at different parts of the body (score of 0-10). Data were collected at base line, 3 months and 6 months among the housewives in both the control and intervention group. Pain scores and other variables (age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference) were analysed using SPSS version 22.

    RESULTS: A total of 328 housewives completed the VAS questionnaires at baseline, while 185 (56.4%) of housewives completed the VAS at 3 months and 6 months. A decreasing trend of mean pain score in both groups after 6 months was observed. However, the intervention group showed a consistent decreasing trend of pain score mainly for back pain. In the control group, there was a slight increment of score in back pain from baseline towards the 6 months period. Older housewives in both groups (aged 50 years and above) had a higher mean score of leg pain (2.86, SD: 2.82) compared to the other age group. Higher BMI was significantly associated with pain score in both groups.

    CONCLUSION: There were some changes in the level of body pain among the housewives before and after the intervention. Older obese women had a higher pain score compared to younger obese women. Pain was associated with BMI and change in BMI appears to be beneficial in reducing body pain among overweight and obese individuals.

  7. Fulltext Nanomaterials in Alzheimer's disease treatment: a comprehensive review
    Faiyaz M, Ganayee MA, Akhtar S, Krishnan S, Flora B, Dogra D, et al.
    Front Biosci (Landmark Ed), 2021 10 30;26(10):851-865.
    PMID: 34719210 DOI: 10.52586/4992
    Alzheimer's, a progressive neurodegenerative disease affects brain and neurons through enormous reduction in nerve cell regenerative capacity. Dementia and impairment of cognitive functions are more prevalent in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients in both industrialized and non-industrialized countries. Various factors play significant role in molecular cascades that leads to neuronal inflammation, dementia and thereby AD progression. Current medications are symptomatic that alleviates pain while lack in absolute cure, urging researchers to explore targets and therapeutics. Interestingly, nanomedicines developed due to the onset of nanotechnology, are being extensively investigated for the treatment of AD. This review presents the advancement in nanotherapeutic strategies, involving the emergence of nanomaterials that offers advantage to pass through the blood-brain barrier and acts as a therapeutic modality against AD.
  8. Fulltext Mining the Genome of Bacillus velezensis VB7 (CP047587) for MAMP Genes and Non-Ribosomal Peptide Synthetase Gene Clusters Conferring Antiviral and Antifungal Activity
    R S, Nakkeeran S, Saranya N, Senthilraja C, Renukadevi P, Krishnamoorthy AS, et al.
    Microorganisms, 2021 Dec 03;9(12).
    PMID: 34946111 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122511
    Chemical pesticides have an immense role in curbing the infection of plant viruses and soil-borne pathogens of high valued crops. However, the usage of chemical pesticides also contributes to the development of resistance among pathogens. Hence, attempts were made in this study to identify a suitable bacterial antagonist for managing viral and fungal pathogens infecting crop plants. Based on our earlier investigations, we identified Bacillus amyloliquefaciens VB7 as a potential antagonist for managing Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infecting carnation, tobacco streak virus infecting cotton and groundnut bud necrosis infecting tomato. Considering the multifaceted action of B. amyloliquefaciens VB7, attempts were made for whole-genome sequencing to assess the antiviral activity against tomato spotted wilt virus infecting chrysanthemum and antifungal action against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). Genome annotation of the isolate B. amyloliquefaciens VB7 was confirmed as B. velezensis VB7 with accession number CP047587. Genome analysis revealed the presence of 9,231,928 reads with an average read length of 149 bp. Assembled genome had 1 contig, with a total length of 3,021,183 bp and an average G+C content of 46.79%. The protein-coding sequences (CDS) in the genome was 3090, transfer RNA (tRNA) genes were 85 with 29 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 21 repeat regions. The genome of B. velezensis VB7 had 506 hypothetical proteins and 2584 proteins with functional assignments. VB7 genome had the presence of flagellin protein FlaA with 987 nucleotides and translation elongation factor TU (Ef-Tu) with 1191 nucleotides. The identified ORFs were 3911 with 47.22% GC content. Non ribosomal pepide synthetase cluster (NRPS) gene clusters in the genome of VB7, coded for the anti-microbial peptides surfactin, butirosin A/butirosin B, fengycin, difficidin, bacillibactin, bacilysin, and mersacidin the Ripp lanthipeptide. Antiviral action of VB7 was confirmed by suppression of local lesion formation of TSWV in the local lesion host cowpea (Co-7). Moreover, combined application of B. velezensis VB7 with phyto-antiviral principles M. Jalapa and H. cupanioides increased shoot length, shoot diameter, number of flower buds per plant, flower diameter, and fresh weight of chrysanthemum. Further, screening for antifungal action of VB7 expressed antifungal action against Foc in vitro by producing VOC/NVOC compounds, including hexadecanoic acid, linoelaidic acid, octadecanoic acid, clindamycin, formic acid, succinamide, furanone, 4H-pyran, nonanol and oleic acid, contributing to the total suppression of Foc apart from the presence of NRPS gene clusters. Thus, our study confirmed the scope for exploring B. velezensis VB7 on a commercial scale to manage tomato spotted wilt virus, groundnut bud necrosis virus, tobacco streak virus, S. sclerotiorum, and Foc causing panama wilt of banana.
  9. Fulltext Development of Cu3N electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline medium
    Sajeev A, Paul AM, Nivetha R, Gothandapani K, Gopal TS, Jacob G, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2022 Feb 07;12(1):2004.
    PMID: 35132114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05953-x
    A wide variety of electrocatalysts has been evolved for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and it is reasonable to carry out HER with low cost electrocatalyst and a good efficiency. In this study, Cu3N was synthesized by nitridation of Cu2O and further utilized as an electrocatalyst towards HER. The developed Cu3N electrocatalyst was tested and results showed a low overpotential and moderate Tafel slope value (overpotential: 149.18 mV and Tafel slope 63.28 mV/dec at 10 mA/cm2) in alkaline medium with a charge transfer resistance value as calculated from electrochemical impendence spectroscopy being 1.44 Ω. Further from the experimental results, it was observed that the reaction kinetics was governed by Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism. Moreover, Cu3N has shown an improved rate of electron transfer and enhanced accessible active sites, due to its structural properties and electrical conductivity. Thus the overall results show an excellent electrochemical performance, leading to a new pathway for the synthesis of low cost electrocatalyst for energy conversion and storage.
  10. Vanadia as an electron-hole recombination inhibitor on fibrous silica-titania for selective hole oxidation of ciprofloxacin and Congo red photodegradation
    Hassan NS, Jalil AA, Fei ICM, Razak MTA, Khusnun NF, Bahari MB, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Oct;338:139502.
    PMID: 37453521 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139502
    Vanadia (V2O5)-incorporated fibrous silica-titania (V/FST) catalysts, which were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method followed by the impregnation of V2O5. The catalysts were then characterized using numerous techniques, including X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption analyses, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) analyses. The study found that varying the amount of V2O5 (1-10 wt%) had a significant impact on the physicochemical properties of the FST, which in turn improved the photodegradation efficiency of two organic compounds, ciprofloxacin (CIP) and congo red (CR). 5V/FST demonstrated the best performance in degrading 10 mg L-1 of CIP (83%) and CR (100%) at pH 3 using 0.375 g L-1 catalyst under visible light irradiation within 180 min. The highest photoactivity of 5V/FST is mainly due to higher crystallinity and the highest number of V2O5-FST interactions. Furthermore, as demonstrated by PL analysis, the 5V/FST catalyst has the most significant impact on interfacial charge transfer and reduces electron-hole recombination. The photodegradation of both contaminants follows the Langmuir-Hinshelwood pseudo-first-order model, according to the kinetic study. The scavenger investigation demonstrated that hydroxyl radicals and holes dominated species in the system, indicating that the catalyst effectively generated reactive species for pollutant degradation. A possible mechanism was also identified for FST and 5V/FST. Interestingly, V2O5 acts as an electron-hole recombination inhibitor on FST for selective hole oxidation of ciprofloxacin and congo red photodegradation. Finally, the degradation efficiency of the catalyst remained relatively stable even after five cyclic experiments, indicating its potential for long-term use in environmental remediation.
  11. A quadruplet 3-D laser scribed graphene/MoS2, functionalised N2-doped graphene quantum dots and lignin-based Ag-nanoparticles for biosensing
    Vasudevan M, Perumal V, Raja PB, Ibrahim MNM, Lee HL, Gopinath SCB, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Dec 31;253(Pt 2):126620.
    PMID: 37683754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126620
    Troponin I is a protein released into the human blood circulation and a commonly used biomarker due to its sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing myocardial injury. When heart injury occurs, elevated troponin Troponin I levels are released into the bloodstream. The biomarker is a strong and reliable indicator of myocardial injury in a person, with immediate treatment required. For electrochemical sensing of Troponin I, a quadruplet 3D laser-scribed graphene/molybdenum disulphide functionalised N2-doped graphene quantum dots hybrid with lignin-based Ag-nanoparticles (3D LSG/MoS2/N-GQDs/L-Ag NPs) was fabricated using a hydrothermal process as an enhanced quadruplet substrate. Hybrid MoS2 nanoflower (H3 NF) and nanosphere (H3 NS) were formed independently by varying MoS2 precursors and were grown on 3D LSG uniformly without severe stacking and restacking issues, and characterized by morphological, physical, and structural analyses with the N-GQDs and Ag NPs evenly distributed on 3D LSG/MoS2 surface by covalent bonding. The selective capture of and specific interaction with Troponin I by the biotinylated aptamer probe on the bio-electrode, resulted in an increment in the charge transfer resistance. The limit of detection, based on impedance spectroscopy, is 100 aM for both H3 NF and H3 NS hybrids, with the H3 NF hybrid biosensor having better analytical performance in terms of linearity, selectivity, repeatability, and stability.
  12. A comprehensive review on zeolite-based mixed matrix membranes for CO2/CH4 separation
    Hassan NS, Jalil AA, Bahari MB, Khusnun NF, Aldeen EMS, Mim RS, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Feb;314:137709.
    PMID: 36592833 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137709
    Biogas consisting of carbon dioxide/methane (CO2/CH4) gas mixtures has emerged as an alternative renewable fuel to natural gas. The presence of CO2 can decrease the calorific value and generate greenhouse gas. Hence, separating CO2 from CH4 is a vital step in enhancing the use of biogas. Zeolite and zeolite-based mixed matrix membrane (MMM) is considered an auspicious candidate for CO2/CH4 separation due to thermal and chemical stability. This review initially addresses the development of zeolite and zeolite-based MMM for the CO2/CH4 separation. The highest performance in terms of CO2 permeance and CO2/CH4 selectivity was achieved using zeolite and zeolite-based MMM, which exhibited CO2 permeance in the range of 2.0 × 10- 7-7.0 × 10- 6 mol m- 2 s- 1 Pa- 1 with CO2/CH4 selectivity ranging from 3 to 300. Current trends directed toward improving CO2/CH4 selectivity via modification methods including post-treatment, ion-exchanged, amino silane-grafted, and ionic liquid encapsulated of zeolite-based MMM. Those modification methods improved the defect-free and interfacial adhesions between zeolite particulates and polymer matrices and subsequently enhanced the CO2/CH4 selectivity. The modifications via ionic liquid and silane methods more influenced the CO2/CH4 selectivity with 90 and 660, respectively. This review also focuses on the possible applications of zeolite-based MMM, which include the purification and treatment of water as well as biomedical applications. Lastly, future advances and opportunities for gas separation applications are also briefly discussed. This review aims to share knowledge regarding zeolite-based MMM and inspire new industrial applications.
  13. Fulltext Tuning heterojunction pathways via transition metal oxides on fibrous silica iron for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting
    Sofi MHM, Jalil AA, Shahul Hamid MY, Jusoh R, Rajendran S, Ameera Fauzi A, et al.
    Chem Sci, 2026 Sep 29.
    PMID: 42935935 DOI: 10.1039/d6sc04573a
    Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting offers a promising route to sustainable green hydrogen production by directly converting solar energy into hydrogen without consuming fossil fuels. However, inefficient charge separation and sluggish interfacial charge transfer remain major limitations in photoanode development. Herein, fibrous silica iron oxide (FSFe) was synthesized as a photoanode and modified with CuO, ZnO, and NiO to regulate heterojunction pathways for enhanced PEC water splitting. Characterization results confirmed the formation of high-surface-area spherical fibrous structures with well-dispersed metal oxide species, while the primary FSFe framework was preserved after metal loading. The electrochemical characterization revealed that transition-metal oxide modification increased the charge carrier density and reduced charge transfer resistance, indicating efficient charge separation and interfacial charge transport. Among the prepared photoanodes, Cu/FSFe exhibited the highest photocurrent density of 4.14 mA cm-2 at 1.23 VRHE and an applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of 0.78%, compared with 2.70 mA cm-2 and 0.54% for pristine FSFe. The superior performance of Cu/FSFe was attributed to the combined effects of Z-scheme heterojunction formation and the strong visible-light response of CuO. Compared with the Type-II pathways proposed for Ni/FSFe and Zn/FSFe, the Z-scheme pathway in Cu/FSFe promoted efficient charge separation while preserving strong redox potentials, leading to a higher charge carrier density of 1.92 × 1021 cm-3, improved interfacial charge transfer, and enhanced PEC water splitting performance. This work provides insight into how the selection of transition-metal oxide modifiers governs heterojunction formation and charge transfer pathways in FSFe-based photoanodes for PEC water splitting.
  14. Extra-modification of zirconium dioxide for potential photocatalytic applications towards environmental remediation: A critical review
    Hassan NS, Jalil AA, Khusnun NF, Bahari MB, Hussain I, Firmansyah ML, et al.
    J Environ Manage, 2023 Feb 01;327:116869.
    PMID: 36455446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116869
    Photocatalytic degradation is a valuable direction for eliminating organic pollutants in the environment because of its exceptional catalytic activity and low energy requirements. As one of the prospective photocatalysts, zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) is a promising candidate for photoactivity due to its favorable redox potential and higher chemical stability. ZrO2 has a high rate of electron-hole recombination and poor light-harvesting capabilities. Still, modification has demonstrated enhancements, especially extra-modification, and is therefore worthy of investigation. This present review provides a comprehensive overview of the extra-modifications of ZrO2 for enhanced photocatalytic performance, including coupling with other semiconductors, doping with metal, non-metal, and co-doping with metal and non-metal. The extra-modified ZrO2 showed superior performance in degrading the organic pollutant, particularly dyes and phenolic compounds. Interestingly, this review also briefly highlighted the probable mechanisms of the extra-modification of ZrO2 such as p-n heterojunction, type II heterojunction, and Z-scheme heterojunction. The latter heterojunction with excellent electron-hole space separation improved the photoactivity. Extensive research on ZrO2's photocatalytic potential is presented, including the removal of heavy metals, the redox of heavy metals and organic pollutants, and the evolution of hydrogen. Modified ZrO2's photocatalytic effectiveness depends on its band position, oxygen vacancy concentration, and metal defect sites. The opportunities and future problems of the extra-modified ZrO2 photocatalyst are also discussed. This review aims to share knowledge regarding extra-modified ZrO2 photocatalysts and inspire new environmental remediation applications.
  15. Fulltext From darkness, a light shall spring: Zero-fluoroscopic ablation of supraventricular tachycardia in a pregnant lady
    Mohd Said MR, Gian Singh SS, Lee KT, Khor LM, Chea CY, Silveraju AR, et al.
    J Arrhythm, 2021 Feb;37(1):251-253.
    PMID: 33664912 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12485
    Our case illustrated zero-fluoroscopic approach on AVNRT ablation in a pregnant lady.
  16. Protein and peptide delivery to lungs by using advanced targeted drug delivery
    Chellappan DK, Prasher P, Saravanan V, Vern Yee VS, Wen Chi WC, Wong JW, et al.
    Chem Biol Interact, 2022 Jan 05;351:109706.
    PMID: 34662570 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109706
    The challenges and difficulties associated with conventional drug delivery systems have led to the emergence of novel, advanced targeted drug delivery systems. Therapeutic drug delivery of proteins and peptides to the lungs is complicated owing to the large size and polar characteristics of the latter. Nevertheless, the pulmonary route has attracted great interest today among formulation scientists, as it has evolved into one of the important targeted drug delivery platforms for the delivery of peptides, and related compounds effectively to the lungs, primarily for the management and treatment of chronic lung diseases. In this review, we have discussed and summarized the current scenario and recent developments in targeted delivery of proteins and peptide-based drugs to the lungs. Moreover, we have also highlighted the advantages of pulmonary drug delivery over conventional drug delivery approaches for peptide-based drugs, in terms of efficacy, retention time and other important pharmacokinetic parameters. The review also highlights the future perspectives and the impact of targeted drug delivery on peptide-based drugs in the coming decade.
  17. Genomic surveillance of omicron B.1.1.529 SARS-CoV-2 and its variants between December 2021 and March 2023 in Tamil Nadu, India-A state-wide prospective longitudinal study
    Selvavinayagam ST, Suvaithenamudhan S, Yong YK, Hemashree K, Rajeshkumar M, Kumaresan A, et al.
    J Med Virol, 2024 Feb;96(2):e29456.
    PMID: 38329187 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29456
    A state-wide prospective longitudinal investigation of the genomic surveillance of the omicron B.1.1.529 SARS-CoV-2 variant and its sublineages in Tamil Nadu, India, was conducted between December 2021 and March 2023. The study aimed to elucidate their mutational patterns and their genetic interrelationship in the Indian population. The study identified several unique mutations at different time-points, which likely could attribute to the changing disease characteristics, transmission, and pathogenicity attributes of omicron variants. The study found that the omicron variant is highly competent in its mutating potentials, and that it continues to evolve in the general population, likely escaping from natural as well as vaccine-induced immune responses. Our findings suggest that continuous surveillance of viral variants at the global scenario is warranted to undertake intervention measures against potentially precarious SARS-CoV-2 variants and their evolution.
  18. Fulltext Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant JN.1 in Tamil Nadu, India - Clinical characteristics and novel mutations
    Selvavinayagam ST, Sankar S, Yong YK, Murugesan A, Suvaithenamudhan S, Hemashree K, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Jul 30;14(1):17476.
    PMID: 39080396 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68678-z
    In December 2023, we observed a notable shift in the COVID-19 landscape, when JN.1 omicron emerged as the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant with a 95% incidence. We characterized the clinical profile, and genetic changes in JN.1, an emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant of interest. Whole genome sequencing was performed on SARS-CoV-2 positive clinical specimens, followed by sequence analysis. Mutations within the spike protein sequences were analysed and compared with the previously reported lineages and sub-lineages, to identify the potential impact of the unique mutations on protein structure and possible alterations in the functionality. Several unique and dynamic mutations were identified herein. Molecular docking analysis showed changes in the binding affinity, and key interacting residues of wild-type and mutated structures with key host cell receptors of SARS-CoV-2 entry viz., ACE2, CD147, CD209L and AXL. Our data provides key insights on the emergence of newer variants and highlights the necessity for robust and sustained global genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.
  19. Fulltext 2021 Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) practice guidance on atrial fibrillation screening
    Chan NY, Orchard J, Agbayani MJ, Boddington D, Chao TF, Johar S, et al.
    J Arrhythm, 2022 Feb;38(1):31-49.
    PMID: 35222749 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12669
    In this paper, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) sought to provide practice guidance on AF screening based on recent evidence, with specific considerations relevant to the Asia-Pacific region. A key recommendation is opportunistic screening for people aged ≥65 years (all countries), with systematic screening to be considered for people aged ≥75 years or who have additional risk factors (all countries).
  20. Fulltext Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant JN.1 in Tamil Nadu, India - Clinical Characteristics and Novel Mutations
    Selvavinayagam ST, Sankar S, Yong YK, Murugesan A, Suvaithenamudhan S, Hemashree K, et al.
    medRxiv, 2024 Apr 19.
    PMID: 38699322 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.16.24305882
    In December 2023, we observed a notable shift in the COVID-19 landscape, when the JN.1 emerged as a predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant with a 95% incidence. We characterized the clinical profile, and genetic changes in JN.1, an emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant of interest. Whole genome sequencing was performed on SARS-CoV-2 positive samples, followed by sequence analysis. Mutations within the spike protein sequences were analyzed and compared with the previous lineages and sublineages of SARS-CoV-2, to identify the potential impact of these unique mutations on protein structure and possible functionality. Several unique and dynamic mutations were identified herein. Our data provides key insights into the emergence of newer variants of SARS-CoV-2 in our region and highlights the need for robust and sustained genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links