Recent publications
This work is based on the synthesis of new ether derivatives bearing benzothiazole scaffold through multi‐step reaction process. Initially, benzothiazole was prepared by refluxing 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde with amino thiophenol having sodium metabisulfite in DMF; subsequently the product was further refluxed with different substituted benzyl and alkyl bromide in acetone to get ether hybrids of benzothiazole in good yields. Structurally, these compounds were confirmed by means of 1H, 13C‐NMR and mass spectrometry and evaluated for in vitro thymidine phosphorylase inhibitory activity. In the series, seven compounds attributed excellent inhibition against thymidine phosphorylase enzyme better than the standard. Similarly, three compounds showed good activity while two compounds were found inactive. Moreover, all these compounds showed no toxicity to normal human fibroblast cell line (BJ Cell Line). In addition, Gaussian calculations were performed on the 6‐31++g(d,p) basis set to examine the 13 synthesized compounds at the B3LYP, HF, and M062X levels. Additionally, molecular docking calculations were performed on thymidine phosphorylase enzyme proteins (PDB IDs: 4EAD, 2WK6, and 4LHM), and ADME/T calculations were performed to investigate the effects and responses of these compounds in human metabolism.
Background
Several questionnaires are available to evaluate immunosuppressant knowledge among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). However, most contain a mixture of questions about different aspects of health management before and after kidney transplantation and do not specifically assess immunosuppressant knowledge.
Aim
This study aimed to generate preliminary items for a questionnaire to assess immunosuppressant knowledge among KTRs, validate the items, and translate the items into Malay.
Method
Preliminary items were generated from domains and subdomains identified through a review of previous questionnaires. Then, the item content was validated in a three‐round Delphi study by an expert panel of 11 renal pharmacists. The experts rated the relevance of the items and provided feedback on their comprehensibility and comprehensiveness. Items that attained ≥75% expert agreement on their relevance were considered relevant. Finally, the relevant items were translated into Malay through a forward–backward translation process by three external translators and two researchers. Ethical approval was granted by the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: REC (PH)PG/027/2022) and the study conforms with the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants were approached electronically, and informed consent was obtained from all participants via distribution of a project information sheet, explaining their participation was voluntary and a gift card would be provided as an incentive upon completion of all three rounds of the Delphi study and completion of a written consent form.
Results
A total of 24 preliminary items were generated. In Round 1 of the Delphi study, four items needed revision, and nine new items were suggested for Round 2 ( n = 13). In Round 2, only five of the 13 items were carried forward to Round 3. In the final round, only one of the five items was relevant. The final experts' revision produced 27 items. A Malay‐language questionnaire equivalent to the English version was produced.
Conclusion
A content‐validated questionnaire consisting of 27 items in English and Malay was produced. This questionnaire serves as a reliable tool to identify immunosuppressant knowledge gaps and evaluate the impacts of educational interventions.
Lifestyle modifications lead to a number of pathological conditions of which colorectal cancer (CRC) has a greater consideration as the number of cases is constantly increasing. As the lifestyle changes, there is a tremendous change in the food habits of people worldwide. Consumption of fatty foods in excess amounts is a growing trend among people. This shift towards a high-- fat diet (HFD) tends to increase the pathological burden on society. Recent investigations have reported the association of HFD consumption with CRC; it is very surprising that HFD can promote carcinogenesis, of which CRC is one of its kind. It has become evident that one modifiable risk factor of CRC is the diet we consume. Although fats are an important macromolecule in the normal functioning of the body, it is necessary to be aware of which type of fats we consume in a greater proportion. Consumption of saturated fats and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in a higher proportion with a lower proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids can result in pathological conditions. In this review, we highlight the possible mechanistic pathways and biomarkers underlying HFD-induced CRC. HFD increases the fatty acid levels in the circulation and deposition of fat in various parts, which can result in a chronic inflammatory condition that gradually leads to cancer formation. Thus, it is essential to create awareness among society about the growing incidence of CRC and its association with HFD.
Natural materials are gaining popularity in pharmaceuticals and food applications, and they have the potential to alleviate the significant environmental problems generated via traditional materials. The Curcuma genus, particularly Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb., is expanding due to its prominence in culinary and traditional medicinal sectors. Curcuma species are esteemed for their rich nutritional value and the discovery of new bioactive compounds exhibiting antioxidative, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and anticancer actions. This study offers a meticulous examination of the traditional uses, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological attributes of C. aeruginosa (Roxb.). We also delve into the species' bioavailability and health benefits by emphasising the nutritional composition, bioactive components, and biological properties. Given the sparse existing data, this review sought to spotlight the potential of the substances present in this species in functional foods and pharmaceutical arenas. Distinguished by its red flower lobes, greenish-blue rhizome, and other notable features, it has long been employed in traditional medicine for ailments ranging from wounds to asthma, attributable to its disinfectant, expectorant, and tonic properties. Advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques have discerned various phytochemicals from the plant, leading to revelations about its diverse pharmacological potentials, including antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, C. aeruginosa (Roxb.) has stood out as a promising botanical candidate, with ten of its compounds, such as curcumenol and β-pinene, displaying notable efficacy against COVID-19 antigens. Thus, while C. aeruginosa Roxb. has already proven its worth in traditional oriental medicine, current findings underscore its potential as a potent therapeutic resource, especially concerning COVID-19, and advocate for intensified research into its pharmaceutical applications.
In this research, A novel approach for optimizing load shedding during power system stress conditions is introduced by combining gravitational search and particle swarm optimization (GSA-PSO) with Deep Learning. This approach aims to determine the most effective load-shedding strategy for specific buses, to prevent revenue loss and voltage instability in power systems. The smallest eigenvalue sensitivity of the load flow Jacobian matrix as an indicator is used to identify the buses for load shedding. Furthermore, inequality constraints are calculated for the current operational state and the anticipated load in the next interval. To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, experiments were conducted on two different power systems: the IEEE 30-bus and 14-bus systems. The GSAPSO-Deep Learning approach was implemented in the Python environment. The results obtained using the proposed method were compared with those of other models, as well as their variants, using statistical inference.
Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) following mass fatality events is critical in bringing closure to the victims’ family members and their loved ones. However, post-disaster environments are typically unfavourable and pose difficulties for the execution of DVI procedures. Delays in collecting, transporting, and processing the samples may cause DNA to degrade, adversely impacting the identification process. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the co-utilisation of RapidHIT ID (RHID) and DJI Matrice 300 (M300) for onsite DNA analysis using buccal swab samples. 40 samples (two replicates) were collected from 20 “victims” and another 40 (two replicates) from 20 corresponding “relatives”. The first replicates were processed using RHID (n = 40) and the second replicates were analysed via conventional technologies (n = 40). This paper observed the genotyping success rate, kinship matching, concordance, comparing different sample collectors, storage interval, and time taken for both procedures. Results of this study showed that RHID could generate DNA profiles for all the samples (n = 40) with 90% of them showing full profiles, and managed to process samples that have been stored for up to six months. The drone-assisted procedure exhibits less time to obtain and analyse the samples but can still produce DNA profiles concordant with the conventional method (p > 0.05). In conclusion, RHID is sufficient to generate interpretable DNA profiles in harsh environments, and transporting samples by M300 drone can reduce the exposure time to process more quality DNA for DVI.
There has been significant research interest in Magnesium-ion Batteries for the last few years due to their potential in energy storage devices mainly focusing on all solid-state batteries. Herein, Mg0.5Ti2(PO4)3 was synthesized using sol–gel method and the structural, electrical and electrochemical properties of the sample were studied. The structure of the samples was analyzed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements. Rietveld Refinement analysis confirmed the formation of rhombohedral structured of R3c space group with minor traces of TiP2O7 impurity for the sample sintered at temperatures 700 °C, 750 °C, 800 °C, 850 °C, 900 °C and 950 °C for 24 h. FTIR spectroscopy measurement showed a range from existing of the bands belong to the inorganic compound in the sample. The compound sintered at temperature 850 °C has been selected as the best sintering temperature based on the result from Rietveld Refinement analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy and EDX analysis. Hence, the selected sample was conducted for measuring electrical and electrochemical properties of the sample. Impedance spectroscopy indicated the rise of total conductivity at high temperature which is 2.63 × 10⁻⁷ S cm⁻¹ compared to the total conductivity at room temperature. The activation energy require for ion conduction is Ea = 0.70 eV. The highest conducting sample was taken for linear sweep voltammetry analysis and the sample was electrochemically stable up to 1.5 V. Lastly, the ionic transference number value of the sample was 0.97. These findings indicate that Mg0.5Ti2(PO4)3 could serve as an effective electrolyte in all-solid-state battery batteries.
Graphical Abstract
Epoxidized vegetable oils present a viable substitute for polymers derived from petroleum. This research focuses on the impact of a process parameter on the epoxidation of palm stearin when zeolite ZSM-5 is used as a catalyst. This study synthesized peracetic acid as the oxidizing agent by combining hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, adjusting molar ratios relative to palm stearin. The optimal relative conversion oxirane (RCO) percentage reached 43.06% at 70 °C, 200 rpm stirring speed, and 0.8 g of catalyst. The acetic acid to palm stearin molar ratio was 1:1, and the hydrogen peroxide to palm stearin ratio was 0.5:1. Both palm stearin and its epoxide derivative have been studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, showing the appearance of an oxirane ring at a wavenumber of 1240 cm⁻¹. Kinetic modelling demonstrates that the simulation and experiment show a reasonable discrepancy, considering several assumptions that have been made. After 100 iterations, the reaction rate constant obtained as follows: =0.01 mol⋅L⁻¹⋅min⁻¹, = 1.85 mol⋅L⁻¹⋅min⁻¹, = 29.90 mol⋅L− 1⋅min− 1, and = 0.04 mol⋅L⁻¹⋅min⁻¹.
Background
Yemen has experienced a dramatic increase in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. This systematic review aims to consolidate and analyse the available literature on NTDs in Yemen, focusing on aetiology, geographic distribution, and associated risk factors.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five international databases and one national database, resulting in 3,652 identified records. After screening and applying eligibility criteria, 230 articles were included in this review. Data extraction focused on publication year, study design, sample types, diagnostic methods, reported pathogens, and geographic distribution. The aetiology of reported NTDs was categorized into four groups: viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths.
Results
Viral NTDs were the most frequently reported, accounting for 39% of the articles, followed by bacterial (26%), helminthic (21%), and protozoal NTDs (15%). Dengue virus, hepatitis B and C viruses were the most prominent viral pathogens, while bacterial NTDs were primarily caused by Escherichia coli, cholera, and Salmonella. Schistosomiasis and ascariasis were the most reported helminth infections, whereas leishmaniasis and malaria were the leading protozoal NTDs. Geographically, over 69% of the reported studies focused on northern Yemen, with the highest concentrations in Sana’a, Al Hudaydah, and Taiz. The review identified multiple risk factors, including poor sanitation, inadequate water quality, and urbanization, exacerbating NTD prevalence.
Conclusions
The findings highlight the significant burden and regional disparities of NTDs in Yemen, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Prioritizing improvements in sanitation, water quality, and vector control measures, alongside community engagement, is critical. Policymakers must allocate resources effectively to address the root causes of NTDs and strengthen Yemen’s healthcare infrastructure.
Background
A recent resurgence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is placing a major burden on high-risk populations, physicians, and the healthcare system. Treatment in the form of antibiotic pre-exposure prophylaxis (STI PrEP) is a potential solution. However, little is known about the acceptability and feasibility of this approach in high-risk populations.
Methods
A comprehensive search strategy was developed and executed in October 2024 across six databases adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
Results
Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were all conducted in high-income countries, used various methods, and all focussed on sexual minority men. Findings consistently identified moderate to high levels of acceptability among GBMSM (54.3% - 67.5%). Factors such as engagement in perceived ‘high risk’ sexual encounters, and past diagnosis of STIs strengthened acceptability, while others (e.g., antimicrobial resistance concerns and stigma) act as barriers. Only one study included the perspectives of healthcare workers, indicating a moderate willingness to prescribe, which would increase under governing-body endorsement.
Discussion
Overall, while there is some promise of STI PrEP acceptability among GBMSM, vast gaps in knowledge remain. Knowledge transfer and feasibility and, hence, the sustainability and capacity needed for the success of STI PrEP is yet to be examined and understood. However, for STI PrEP to be successfully adopted, it is essential not only to assess its acceptability and feasibility but also to focus on knowledge transfer. Knowledge transfer is a dynamic and iterative process, involving the synthesis, dissemination, exchange, and application of knowledge in an ethically sound manner. This process supports the improvement of health outcomes, strengthens healthcare systems, and ensures that healthcare interventions, such as STI PrEP, are effectively understood and implemented by both healthcare providers and at-risk populations. Similarly, the perspectives of populations beyond GBMSM have been omitted, and there is little understanding of the impact of their differing socio-cultural contexts around sex-related behaviour and Western pharmaceutical healthcare interventions on their acceptance and uptake.
Conclusion
Further research into acceptability, feasibility and knowledge transfer among diverse high-risk groups, healthcare professionals, and policymakers is necessary to create a strong foundation for implementing STI PrEP.
The GC and GC-MS analysis of the essential oil revealed the presence of 33 components, accounting for 98.2%. The oil was characterized by the presence of high concentrations of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (57.2%), followed by oxygenated sesquiterpenes (35.6%). The most abundant components of the essential oil were β-caryophyllene (16.8%), bicyclogermacrene (15.2%), β-eudesmol (10.2%), τ -cadinol (9.2%), α-humulene (8.6%), α-bisabolol (5.6%), and α-cadinol (5.0%).
The essential oil of S. perakensis revealed the presence of 31 components with a total percentage of 92.7%. The oil was characterized by a high concentration of α-terpineol (15.0%), terpinolene (12.0%), terpinen-4-ol (10.6%), α-terpinene (9.2%), α-pinene (5.2%), β-pinene (5.0%), and α-phellandrene (4.5%).
The essential oil of P. glauca revealed the presence of 29 components with a total percentage of 96.3%. The oil was characterized by a high concentration of β-caryophyllene (19.8%), bicyclogermacrene (12.2%), caryophyllene oxide (10.5%), β-eudesmol (6.2%), and α-bisabolol (5.6%).
Epoxidized vegetable oils and by-products of their conversions are commonly used in many industrial applications. The widespread use of edible oil as the raw material for the epoxidation process raises issues regarding food safety. Rubber seed oil (RSO), a non-edible oil with a high unsaturation percentage, has the potential to replace edible oils as a raw material for the epoxidation process. Because of its remarkable efficiency, RSO extraction now employs a single solvent, n-hexane. This study mixed n-hexane, a non-polar solvent, with polar solvents to fully extract a wide range of lipids contained in rubber seeds while increasing extraction efficiency. The combination of n-hexane and acetone resulted in the maximum oil yield of 67.31% after 6 h of extraction with a kernel size of 0.25 mm and a solid-to-solvent ratio of 0.05. The number of fatty acid compositions detected in the rubber seed oil was greater than that of commercial rubber seed oil, demonstrating that the combination of polar and non-polar solvents was effective in extracting a wide range of lipids. Fatty acid composition analysis revealed the presence of gamma-linolenic acid (41.6%), linolelaidic acid (21.7%), linolenic acid (19.1%), palmitic acid (8.7%), and elaidic acid (7.8%) among the fatty acids. Its high unsaturation degree (82.4%) and physicochemical qualities make it a viable feedstock for epoxidized rubber seed oil (ERSO). The extracted RSO was epoxidized in situ using formic acid and hydrogen peroxide, with zeolite ZSM-5 acting as a catalyst. At 30 min, the greatest ERSO yield was 21.6%. These results showed that the co-solvent system increased extraction efficiency and the ability to synthesize ERSO from rubber seed oil.
The environmental issues in the construction industry have garnered considerable attention in numerous studies. Ecologically sustainable green concrete addresses environmental challenges in the construction industry. This study investigates the impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (0–0.20%) in rice husk ash (15%) concrete to replace Portland cement. The mechanical and durability properties of four concrete mixtures were analysed. Adding 0.1% multi-walled carbon nanotubes and 15% rice husk ash yielded satisfactory results, significantly improving durability compared to concrete without multi-walled carbon nanotubes. With the addition of 0.1–0.2% multi-walled carbon nanotubes, the density and elastic modulus increased, the 28-d sorptivity decreased by 4.64–28.76%. The resistance ability of 111-d mass loss and compressive strength loss increased by 50.93–61.71% and 25.28–48.47% under sulphate attack, respectively. The resistance ability of mass loss increased by 3.7–35.97% under acid attack. And 120-d drying shrinkage resistance improved by 3.08–9.23%. The predicted and experimental results were compared using the Sakata, GL 2000, B3, ACI 209, and CEB-FIP models. Sakata and B3 provided the most accurate early-stage and long-term drying shrinkages with variation coefficients of 0.13–0.33 and 0–0.05, respectively. Moreover, the sustainability of rice husk ash concrete containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes was evaluated, and its environmental friendliness was confirmed. Thus, the viability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in rice husk ash sustainable concrete significantly contributes to sustainable construction.
Introduction. This empirical study investigates the outbound travel preferences, risk perception, and behavior of Free Independent Travelers (FITs), specifically focusing on the post-endemic perspective.
Material and Methods. Data were collected from 345 respondents using a purposive sampling method. The data were analyzed using Partial-least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4.0 software.
Results. Contrary to much existing literature, the study revealed that perceived threat and transmission risks did not negatively impact FITs’ travel intentions. Instead, both risk perceptions positively influenced travel attitudes, likely due to post-pandemic factors such as government mitigation measures and high vaccination rates. Additionally, FITs’ travel intentions were significantly influenced by their attitudes and perceived behavioral control.
Conclusions. The study contributes to the emerging discourse on post-pandemic travel behaviors by challenging traditional assumptions about the role of risk perception in shaping travel decisions. It shows that perceived risks do not deter FITs’ travel intentions post-pandemic. Instead, these risks positively influence travel attitudes, highlighting the role of mitigation measures and vaccination rates, and offering fresh perspectives on travel behavior in a post-endemic world.
Fecundity is declining in humans, which is partly due to male infertility. Poor sperm parameters, the main contributors to male infertility, are associated with sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits. Long periods of sedentary work lead to visceral adiposity and persistently elevated scrotal temperatures, which adversely affect spermatogenesis. Apart from increasing scrotal temperatures, excessive visceral adiposity exacerbates adipocyte dysfunction with increased pro-inflammatory adipokine release, like leptin. These, together with the increased scrotal temperature, are responsible for the poor sperm quality. The importance of regular physical activity in male fertility remains a matter of debate, as not all forms of exercises have been found to benefit sperm function. Sperm parameters are, nevertheless, somewhat better in active than in sedentary men. It now appears that low-to-moderate intensity exercises are more beneficial for male reproductive health than high-intensity exercises, which have a negative effect on spermatozoa. Low-to-moderate intensity exercises, in general, improve the overall organ-system function in the body, improve the management of body weight and oxidative stress, consequently improving sperm parameters. The detrimental effects of high-intensity exercises on spermatozoa result from disruption in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal-axis, raised testicular temperature and increased oxidative stress. It, therefore, seems that not all types of exercises are beneficial for male reproductive health. Although some low-to-moderate intensity exercises improve male reproductive function, there remains a need to identify the best form of low-to-moderate intensity exercises, particularly those that do not increase testicular temperature or oxidative stress, to help maintain normal body weight and male reproductive health.
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