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Fulltext Valorization of rambutan (Nephelium Lappaceum) by-products: food and non-food perspectives

Mahmood, K., Fazilah, A., Yang, T.A., Sulaiman, S., Kamilah, H

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(3):890-902.
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Tropical fruits are of great significance in human diet due to abundant nutritional and antioxidants components. The processing or consumption of these fruits generates waste,which is generally disposed of into the ecosystem. However, efforts are in line to evaluate the nutritional worth and possible reuse of fruit processing waste by valorizing the waste in an optimal way. In this review, by-products of rambutan fruit waste, i.e., seed and peel, are signified with respect to their nutritional values and possible applications. Peel and seed cumulatively share almost around 50% of whole rambutan fruit by weight. Peel that is rich in phenolics and ellagitannins have applications as a natural antioxidant system. However, abundant fat content (14−41%) with high oleic acid, renders the seed a novel source of vegetable fat. Besides, possibilities of using seed fat in chocolate (30 wt.% substitute) and personal care products are also one of the focus. Nanostructured seed fat is reported for encapsulation off at-soluble vitamins (e.g., vitamin E). Additionally, the seed contains the most of the essential and non-essential amino acids that are concentrated as protein concentrate. The physico-functional properties of defatted seed flour and seed mucilage are also elaborated. Similarly, rambutan seed oil and peel utility as filler in packaging, bio-coagulant, bio-sorbent and alternative biodiesel are also mentioned. Despite diverse applications, gaps are still there to further evaluate and validate the potential of rambutan processing by-products. Thus, to avail the manifold potential, fruit by-products’ applications should be scaled up to transform the maximum waste into best.
A cycloartane incorporating a fused tetrahydrofuran ring and a cytotoxic lactam from Monocarpia marginalis

Lim SH, Mahmood K, Komiyama K, Kam TS

J Nat Prod, 2008 Jun;71(6):1104-6.
PMID: 18462006 DOI: 10.1021/np800123g

A new cycloartane, monocarpinine (1), incorporating a fused tetrahydrofuranyl ring, and a cytotoxic tetracyclic lactam, monomarginine (2), were isolated from a stem bark extract of the Malayan species Monocarpia marginalis. The structures of these compounds were determined using NMR and MS analysis. Monomarginine (2) showed appreciable cytotoxicity toward human KB (both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant) and Jurkat cells.
Fulltext Functionalization of electrospun fish gelatin mats with bioactive agents: Comparative effect on morphology, thermo-mechanical, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, and bread shelf stability

Mahmood K, Kamilah H, Alias AK, Ariffin F, Mohammadi Nafchi A

Food Sci Nutr, 2022 Feb;10(2):584-596.
PMID: 35154694 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2676

In the current study, fish gelatin-based nanofiber mats were embedded with different bioactive agents (BAs) such as cinnamaldehyde (CEO), limonene (LEO), and eugenol (EEO) at 1, 3, and 5% via electrospinning, and their effects on the morphological, structural, mechanical, thermal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and bread packaging properties of the mats were evaluated. The gelatin mats presented different physicochemical properties due to the inherent differences in the chemical structure of the added BAs and their interaction with the gelatin chains. The conductivity, surface tension, and viscosity of gelatin dopes changed with the presence of the BAs, yet the electrospun nanofibers showed defect-free uniform morphology as confirmed by electron microscopy, with no significant change in the chemical structure of gelatin. The melting temperature of gelatin mats remained in the range of 187-197°C. The mats presented lower tensile strength and elongation at break by the addition of BAs compared with the pristine gelatin mat. The highest radical scavenging (90%) was yielded by mats with EEO, while mats with CEO depicted better antibacterial activity with an inhibition zone of 18.83 mm. However, a dose-dependent increase in the antifungal properties was noticed for all the mats. The mats retained almost 50% of BAs after 60 days of storage at 45% relative humidity. Electrospun gelatin mats inhibited the aerobic bacteria (81%) and yeast and molds (61%) in preservative-free bread after 10 days of storage.
Fulltext Effects of blanching and pickling process on the alcohol acyltransferase (AAT) activity, myristicin content and quality parameters of pickled nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Rahman N, Mahmood K, Kamilah H, Sulaiman S, Ibrahim M, Ariffin F

J Food Sci Technol, 2022 Feb;59(2):542-551.
PMID: 35153307 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-021-05038-z

Myristicin, a potential toxicant, is a major ester present in the pericarp of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and alcohol acyltransferase (AAT) is responsible for its generation. The objective of the study was firstly to estimate the effect of blanching and pickling process on the inactivation of AAT and production of myristicin in nutmeg pericarp. Secondly, the effect of pickling process on the physical, microbial, antioxidant and sensory properties of nutmeg was evaluated. The nutmeg fruit pericarp was water-blanched for 0, 3, 5, 7 and 9 min. The increased blanching time significantly (p
Recent advances in encapsulation of fat-soluble vitamins using polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids: A review on delivery systems, formulation, and industrial applications

Wijekoon MMJO, Mahmood K, Ariffin F, Mohammadi Nafchi A, Zulkurnain M

Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jun 30;241:124539.
PMID: 37085081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124539

Fat-soluble vitamins (FSVs) offer a range of beneficial properties as important nutrients in human nutrition. However, the high susceptibility to environmental conditions such as high temperature, light, and oxygen leads to the degradation of these compounds. This review highlights the different formulations underlying the encapsulation of FSVs in biopolymer (polysaccharide and protein) and lipid-based micro or nanocarriers for potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. In particular, the function of these carrier systems in terms of encapsulation efficiency, stability, bioavailability, and bio-accessibility is critically discussed. Recently, tremendous attention has been paid to encapsulating FSVs in commercial applications. According to the chemical nature of the active compound, the vigilant selection of delivery formulation, method of encapsulation, and final application (type of food) are the key important factors to be considered in the encapsulation of FSVs to ensure a high loading capacity, stability, bioavailability, and bio-accessibility. Future studies are recommended on the effect of different vitamin types and micro and nano encapsulate sizes on bioaccessibility and biocompatibility through in vitro/in vivo studies. Moreover, the toxicity and safety evaluation of encapsulated FSVs in human health should be evaluated before commercial application in food and pharmaceuticals.
Fabrication of electrospun gum Arabic-polyvinyl alcohol blend nanofibers for improved viability of the probiotic

Fareed F, Saeed F, Afzaal M, Imran A, Ahmad A, Mahmood K, et al.

J Food Sci Technol, 2022 Dec;59(12):4812-4821.
PMID: 36276519 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-022-05567-1

In the current study, the probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus) was encapsulated using Gum Arabic and polyvinyl alcohol blended nanofibers by electrospinning. Obtained nanofibers were characterized in terms of particle size, diameter, mechanical strength, and encapsulation efficiency. The molecular and internal structure characterization was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction respectively. Thermo Gravimetric (TGA) analysis was conducted to determine the thermal features of PVA/GA/probiotics nanofibers. Free and encapsulated probiotics were also subjected to in vitro assay under different detrimental conditions. Images obtained using SEM indicated that probiotics were successfully encapsulated in blends by a nano-spider. FTIR and XRD spectra showed bonding interactions between the wall and core materials. In-vitro assay indicated that probiotics with encapsulated showed significantly (P
Xanthenone-based hydrazones as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors: Synthesis, solid state self-assembly and in silico studies

Tariq QU, Malik S, Khan A, Naseer MM, Khan SU, Ashraf A, et al.

Bioorg Chem, 2019 03;84:372-383.
PMID: 30530108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.11.053

Xanthenone based hydrazone derivatives (5a-n) have been synthesized as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors. All synthesized compounds (5a-n) are characterized by their FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS, and in case of 5g also by X-ray crystallographic technique. The compounds unveiled a varying degree of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity when compared with standard acarbose (IC50 = 375.38 ± 0.12 µM). Amongst the series, compound 5l (IC50 = 62.25 ± 0.11 µM) bearing a trifluoromethyl phenyl group is found to be the most active compound. Molecular modelling is performed to establish the binding pattern of the more active compound 5l, which revealed the significance of substitution pattern. The pharmacological properties of molecules are also calculated by MedChem Designer which determines the ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) properties of molecules. The solid state self-assembly of compound 5g is discussed to show the conformation and role of iminoamide moiety in the molecular packing.
Fulltext Assessment of Adherence to the Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: A Survey of the Tertiary Care Hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan

Mubarak N, Khan AS, Zahid T, Ijaz UEB, Aziz MM, Khan R, et al.

Antibiotics (Basel), 2021 Jul 24;10(8).
PMID: 34438956 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080906

Background: To restrain antibiotic resistance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States of America, urges all hospital settings to implement the Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (CEHASP). However, the concept of hospital-based antibiotic stewardship programs is relatively new in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Aim: To appraise the adherence of the tertiary care hospitals to seven CEHASPs. Design and Setting: A cross-sectional study in the tertiary care hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan. Method: CEHASP assessment tool, (a checklist) was used to collect data from the eligible hospitals based on purposive sampling. The check list had 19 statements to cover seven CEHASPs: Hospital Leadership Commitment, Accountability, Pharmacy Expertise, Action (Implement Interventions to Improve Antibiotic Use), Tracking Antibiotic Use and Outcomes, Reporting Antibiotic Use and Outcomes, and Education. For each statement, a response of "YES", "NO" or "Under Process" constituted a score of 2, 0 and 1, respectively, where the higher the scores the better the adherence. Categorical variables were described through descriptive statistics, while independent t-test computed group differences. Result: A total of 68 hospitals (n = 33 public, n = 35 private) participated with a response rate of 79.1%. No hospital demonstrated "Perfect" adherence. Roughly half private (48.6%) and more than half public (54.5%) sector hospitals were "Poor" in adherence. Based on the mean score, there was no significant difference between the private and the public hospitals in terms of comparison of individual core elements. The two most neglected core elements emerged as top priority area were: Reporting Antibiotic Use and Outcomes and Tracking Antibiotic Use and Outcomes.Conclusion: The current response of Pakistan to implement hospital-based antibiotic stewardship programs is inadequate. This study points out significant gaps of practice both in public and private tertiary care hospitals. A majority of the core elements of antibiotic stewardship are either absent or "Under Process". The deficiency/priority areas mentioned require immediate attention of the concerned stakeholders in Pakistan.
Fulltext How Are We Educating Future Physicians and Pharmacists in Pakistan? A Survey of the Medical and Pharmacy Student's Perception on Learning and Preparedness to Assume Future Roles in Antibiotic Use and Resistance

Mubarak N, Arif S, Irshad M, Aqeel RM, Khalid A, Ijaz UEB, et al.

Antibiotics (Basel), 2021 Oct 03;10(10).
PMID: 34680785 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101204

BACKGROUND: Medical and pharmacy students are future healthcare professionals who will be on the forefront in dealing with antibiotics in hospitals or community settings. Whether the current medical and pharmacy education in Pakistan prepares students to take future roles in antibiotic use remains an under-researched area.
AIM: This study aims to compare medical and pharmacy students' perceived preparedness, learning practices and usefulness of the education and training on antibiotic use and resistance imparted during undergraduate studies in Pakistan.
DESIGN AND SETTING: It was amulti-centre cross-sectional survey of medical and pharmacy colleges in Punjab, Pakistan.
METHOD: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from final year medical and pharmacy students. Descriptive statistics were used for categorical variables while independent t-test and One-way ANOVA computed group differences.
RESULT: Nine hundred forty-eight respondents (526 medical and 422 pharmacy students) completed the survey from 26 medical and 19 pharmacy colleges. Majority (76.1%) of the pharmacy students had not completed a clinical rotation in infectious diseases. The top three most often used sources of learning antibiotic use and resistance were the same among the medical and the pharmacy students; included textbooks, Wikipedia, and smart phone apps. Overall self-perceived preparedness scores showed no significant difference between pharmacy and medical students. The least prepared areas by medical and pharmacy students included transition from intravenous to oral antibiotics and interpretation of antibiograms. Both medical and pharmacy students found problem solving sessions attended by a small group of students to be the most useful (very useful) teaching methodology to learn antibiotic use and resistance.
CONCLUSIONS: Differences exist between medical and pharmacy students in educational resources used, topics covered during undergraduate degree. To curb the growing antibiotic misuse and resistance, the concerned authorities should undertake targeted educational reforms to ensure that future physicians and pharmacists can play a pivotal role in rationalizing the use of antibiotics.
Encapsulation of probiotic bacteria using polyelectrolytes stabilized nanoliposomes for improved viability under hostile conditions

Adeel M, Afzaal M, Saeed F, Ahmed A, Mahmood K, Abbas Shah Y, et al.

J Food Sci, 2023 Sep;88(9):3839-3848.
PMID: 37530623 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16709

Probiotics viability and stability is a core challenge for the food processing industry. To prolong the viability of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus), gelatin (GE)-chitosan (CH) polyelectrolytes-coated nanoliposomes were developed and characterized. The average particle size of the nanoliposomes was in the range of 131.7-431.6 nm. The mean zeta potential value of the nanoliposomes differed significantly from -42.2 to -9.1 mV. Scanning electron micrographs indicated that the nanoliposomes were well distributed and had a spherical shape with a smooth surface. The Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the GE-CH polyelectrolyte coating has been effectively applied on the surface of nanoliposomes and L. acidophilus cells were successfully encapsulated in the lipid-based nanocarriers. X-ray diffraction results indicated that nanoliposomes are semicrystalline and GE-CH polyelectrolyte coating had an influence on the crystalline nature of nanoliposomes. Moreover, the coating of L. acidophilus-loaded nanoliposomes with GE-CH polyelectrolytes significantly improved its viability when exposed to simulated gastrointestinal environments. The findings of the current study indicated that polyelectrolyte-coated nanoliposomes could be used as an effective carrier for the delivery of probiotics and their application to food matrix for manufacturing functional foods.
A mini-review on egg waste valorization

Younas K, Afzaal M, Saeed F, Shankar A, Kumar Bishoyi A, Khare N, et al.

J Sci Food Agric, 2024 Oct 30.
PMID: 39474642 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13953

Each year, approximately million tons of waste is generated from eggshells disposed of in landfills. This waste is challenging to manage because of the odor and microbiological development. However, eggshells have potential applications as a solid byproduct. They can be modified and used in various industries such as metal, polymer and ceramic composites, in the production of biodiesel, heavy metal absorption from wastewater, and even as a biomaterial to substitute bone tissues. Furthermore, eggshells can be used as a cheap adsorbent for the treatment of contaminated waterways. They are also a great source of calcium and fertilizer for plants, animals and humans. Chicken eggshells can even be used as a catalyst for converting waste frying oil into biofuel. This review highlights the challenges and opportunities of eggshell waste valorization in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fulltext Are pharmacists on the front lines of the opioid epidemic? A cross-sectional study of the practices and competencies of community and hospital pharmacists in Punjab, Pakistan

Mubarak N, Zahid T, Rana FR, Ijaz UE, Shabbir A, Manzoor M, et al.

BMJ Open, 2023 Nov 21;13(11):e079507.
PMID: 37989383 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079507

INTRODUCTION: Countries are grappling with a rapidly worsening upsurge in the opioid-related overdose deaths, misuse and abuse. There is a dearth of data in Pakistan regarding the practices and competencies of pharmacists in handling opioid-related issues.
STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study, conducted across Punjab, Pakistan.
METHOD: The study deployed a validated survey to evaluate the competencies and practices of the community and hospital pharmacists.
RESULTS: 504 community pharmacists and 279 hospital pharmacists participated in the survey with an overall response rate of 85.5%. Almost half of the respondents 'never' or 'sometimes' made clinical notes in a journal or dispensing software to monitor ongoing opioid use. Generally, pharmacists were reluctant to collaborate with physicians or notify police regarding the abuse/misuse of opioids. Hospital pharmacists achieved significantly higher mean competency scores than chain and independent community pharmacists (p<0.05). In competency evaluation, three priority areas emerged that require additional training, that is, 'opioid overdose management', 'opioid use monitoring' and 'therapeutic uses of opioids'.
CONCLUSION: Both community and hospital pharmacists hold significant positions and potential to contribute meaningfully to the mitigation of harms and risks associated with opioids. Nevertheless, this study underscores notable deficiencies in the competence of pharmacists, whether in hospital or community settings in Punjab, concerning various aspects related to the dispensing and utilisation of opioids. It also highlights the pressing need for the development of strategies aimed at improving several practice areas including the documentation, the quality of patient counselling, the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms for opioid abuse and the stringent enforcement of regulatory policies to curtail opioid misuse. Thus, to mitigate the opioid epidemic in Pakistan, it is imperative to institute opioid stewardship initiatives aimed at rectifying the competency and procedural deficiencies within the pharmacist workforce.

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