bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DOENÇA DE CROHN E COLITE ULCERATIVA: UMA ANÁLISE DE DADOS EPIDEMIOLÓGICOS DA MORBIDADE HOSPITALAR DO SUS
Authors: Paiva Valdemilson Vieira , Sousa Dara Cristina da Silva de , Lima Carlos Alexandre Neves , Damascena Anthony Felipe Lemos , Silva Teresa Victória Costa da , Silva Maria Cecília Santos da , Costa Dayane Dayse de Melo , Campigotto Roberto Spadoni , Nery Michelle Del , Costa Larissa Silva Gradil
Published: October 2023

As doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII), são caracterizadas como distúrbios inflamatórios complexos que acontecem a longo prazo e afetam principalmente indivíduos geneticamente predispostos. As DII consistem em um grupo de patologias heterogêneas de entidades clinicas que acometem o trato gastrointestinal, devido a infecções por bactéria, vírus, protozoário, isquemia, radiação e também de forma idiopática, sendo os principais representantes a doença de crohn (DC) e a colite ulcerativa (CU). Desta forma, devido ao crescimento dos casos por DII, este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a ocorrência de internações e o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com doença de crohn e colite ulcerativa no Brasil, entre os meses de janeiro a julho de 2023. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico do tipo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. Coletou-se dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema único de Saúde (DATASUS), selecionou-se como cenário de estudo o Brasil, sendo os dados distribuídos por região, foram selecionadas as seguintes variáveis: internações, sexo (masculino e feminino), caráter de atendimento, faixa etária (< 1 ano à ≥ 80 anos), média de permanência e custos hospitalares. Os dados aqui apresentados foram coletados em agosto de 2023. A tabulação e análise descritiva dos dados aconteceram no mesmo período da coleta, por meio do programa Microsoft Office Excel (Microsoft©, 2013). Os cálculos foram feitos por meio de frequência absoluta e relativa. Foram notificadas 3.701 internações no SUS por doença de crohn e colite ulcerativa no Brasil. A região sudeste possui o maior percentual de casos com 46,6% (n=1.726), seguido da região nordeste e sul, com 26,3% (n=974) e 16,3% (n=604), respectivamente. A população feminina demonstrou maior incidência de hospitalizações, correspondendo a um percentual de 52,1%. Com relação ao caráter de atendimento, 76,1% das internações foram de urgência e 23,9% foram eletivas. Ocorre o ápice na faixa etária dos 20 a 29 anos de idade (n=605), logo em seguida observa-se a faixa etária dos 30 a 39 anos (n=577) e 40 a 49 anos (n=562). A região sul apresenta maior média de permanência hospitalar de 7,5 dias. A DC e a CU ocasionaram um impacto de 3,8 milhões de reais ao SUS. Ainda são poucos os estudos que analisam o perfil epidemiológico da doença no Brasil e no mundo, sendo que a sua gênese ainda não é totalmente compreendida. Desta forma, é imprescindível a realização de mais estudos sobre estas doenças, a fim de elucidar melhor o comportamento da doença no cenário brasileiro, visto que conhecendo o perfil desta patologia será possível estabelecer métodos profiláticos, diagnosticá-la precocemente e consequentemente evitar e reduzir as complicações nos pacientes já acometidos.
ANÁLISE DOS FATORES DE RISCO PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO DE CATARATA EM PACIENTES COM DIABETES
Authors: Zanella José Henrique Furquim , Campigotto Roberto Spadoni , Sousa Breno Magalhães , Martins Felipe Miranda dos Santos , Braga Gabriel de Almeida
Published: October 2023

Este estudo realizou uma revisão integrativa da literatura com o objetivo de analisar os fatores de risco associados ao desenvolvimento de catarata em pacientes com diabetes mellitus. A catarata é uma das principais causas de cegueira evitável em todo o mundo, e sua prevalência é significativamente maior em indivíduos com diabetes. A metodologia envolveu a busca sistemática de estudos nas principais bases de dados acadêmicas, considerando critérios de inclusão relacionados a fatores de risco específicos em pacientes com diabetes. Foram analisados fatores como idade, duração do diabetes, controle glicêmico, presença de complicações microvasculares e genética. As considerações finais destacam a complexidade dessa relação entre diabetes e catarata, com múltiplos fatores de risco interagindo para aumentar a suscetibilidade à doença. A compreensão desses fatores é essencial para a prevenção, diagnóstico precoce e tratamento adequado da catarata em pacientes diabéticos. Isso ressalta a importância de abordagens multidisciplinares e estratégias de prevenção direcionadas para mitigar o impacto da catarata nessa população de alto risco.
ATUAÇÃO MULTIPROFISSIONAL EM PATOLOGIAS CRÔNICAS
Authors: Zanella José Henrique Furquim , Lazaroto Maria Laura Klein , Paiva Luara Keller Ribeiro , Nogueira Pedro Henrique Fonseca , Campigotto Roberto Spadoni
Published: October 2023

A crescente prevalência de patologias crônicas, como diabetes, doenças cardiovasculares e câncer, representa um desafio significativo para a saúde pública. A gestão eficaz dessas condições requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar, envolvendo profissionais de saúde de diversas áreas. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a eficácia da atuação multiprofissional no tratamento e na melhoria da qualidade de vida de pacientes com patologias crônicas. Para atingir os objetivos propostos, realizou-se uma revisão integrativa da literatura, incorporando tanto dados clínicos quanto experiências práticas de profissionais de saúde. A pesquisa envolveu a busca em bases de dados acadêmicas, revisão de estudos clínicos e entrevistas com profissionais da área de saúde, permitindo uma abordagem holística e atualizada do tema. A importância da atuação multiprofissional como uma abordagem eficaz para o tratamento de patologias crônicas. A integração de profissionais de diversas áreas, como médicos, enfermeiros, fisioterapeutas, psicólogos e nutricionistas, promove uma abordagem mais completa e centrada no paciente. Isso resulta em melhores resultados clínicos, adesão ao tratamento e qualidade de vida para indivíduos com condições crônicas. Além disso, este estudo destaca a necessidade de colaboração contínua e comunicação entre os profissionais de saúde para otimizar o cuidado a longo prazo desses pacientes. Em resumo, a atuação multiprofissional é essencial para enfrentar o desafio crescente das patologias crônicas e melhorar a saúde da população.
Atenção Primária à Saúde no controle das infecções do trato urinário em gestantes
Authors: Nascimento Bianca Thaís Silva do , Laurentino Adilma da Silva , Batista Suênia de Sousa Silva , Silva Thiago Antonio da , Cavalcanti Elismar de Souza , Silva Marcelo Flávio Batista da , Araújo José Natannael Moreira de , Melo Andréia Tenório Bezerra de , Torres Viviane Cavalcanti de , Freitas Eduardo dos Santos , Assis José Joceilson Cruz de , Muniz Marciely , Melo Evellyne Augusto , Silva Flaviane Silva da , Melo Eduarda Augusto
Published: October 2023

Este artigo tem como evidenciar a atuação da APS no controle de ITU´s e prevenção de complicações. Com a finalidade de alcançar respostas ao seguinte questionamento: “Qual o papel da APS no controle das ITU´s em gestantes”. Foi  realizada por meio de consultas nas bases de dados indexadas, com o cruzamento dos descritores em português “Infecção do trato urinário”, “Gestante”, “controle” e “Atenção Primária à Saúde”, através do operador booleano “AND”.  Para compor a revisão, foram analisados 27 artigos. Durante o período gestacional é grande a vulnerabilidade na qual as mulheres estão expostas, principalmente pelas patologias bacterianas e infecciosas devido às mudanças anatômicas e fisiológicas que o processo da gravidez ocasiona, onde é mais frequentemente encontrada nas gestantes.  as medidas  adotadas pela APs mediantes a assistência ao controle da infecção do trato urinário, está no pre-natal, co m o objetivo de prevenir possíveis complicações clínicas para a mãe e o bebê, ressaltando da importância da detecção precoce e tratamento correto das ITU´s, sejam eficazes no período gravídico, torna-se necessário o acesso à informação de maneira que à gestante compreenda.
Znaczenie namiotu w życiu mieszkańców Górnej Austrii, czyli mockdokumentalne „Święto kurczaka”
Authors: Kosińska-Krippner Beata
Published: October 2023

Autorka analizuje austriacki mockdokument Waltera Wippersberga zatytułowany Święto kurczaka (Das Fest des Huhnes) z 1992 r., będący parodią podróżniczych filmów o charakterze antropologicznym i satyrą na Austriaków, ich kulturę oraz zachowania białych w relacjach z „obcymi”. Autorka śledzi m.in. sposoby ewokowania humoru w Święcie kurczaka oraz proces kreowania w mockdokumencie z elementów rzeczywistości nieistniejącego święta związanego z nieistniejącym kultem.
Penggunaan Lengan Robot Dalam Penggredan Buah Tembikai
Authors: Mohamad Noh Badaruzzaman , Razali Nur Azlin , Teoh Chin Chuang , Sairi Masniza
Published: October 2023

Abstract: The use of a robotic arm in agriculture is an immediate need to overcome labour shortage and dependence on foreign labour, especially in fruit harvesting and postharvest activities such as watermelon grading. The research was conducted to evaluate the effect of the fruit grading system using a robotic arm with a suction cup on fruit quality, such as general appearance (bruising, fungal infection on stem and fruit surface, and overall acceptability rating), endocarp colour and firmness, as well as composition data for watermelons stored at 25 °C for 28 days. All samples showed no signs of external and internal injuries up to 3 weeks. The incidence of fungal infection occurring at the tip of the stem was detected on the third week and it was not directly related to the use of the robotic arm. On the third week, the bruising symptoms were visible regardless of the treatment. There were no significant differences in watermelon endocarp colour and firmness, soluble solids content, total titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, and moisture content. In conclusion, using a robotic arm with a suction cup during the watermelon grading process does not cause external and internal injury on the watermelon fruit.
Abstrak:
Penggunaan lengan robot dalam bidang pertanian merupakan keperluan terkini terutama dalam kerja penuaian produk buah-buahan serta aktiviti-aktiviti lepas tuai seperti penggredan buah tembikai dalam mengatasi masalah kekurangan tenaga buruh serta kebergantungan pada tenaga buruh asing. Kajian telah dijalankan untuk melihat kesan sistem pengendalian penggredan buah tembikai menggunakan lengan robot ke atas kecederaan luaran dan dalaman buah tembikai seperti skor luaran (jangkitan kulat di tangkai dan bahagian dalaman serta insiden lebam pada kulit), perubahan warna isi, ketegaran endokarpa dan data komposisi isi untuk tembikai yang disimpan selama 28 hari pada suhu 25 °C. Semua sampel buah tembikai menunjukkan tiada kesan kecederaan di bahagian luaran dan dalaman sehingga minggu ke-3.Insiden jangkitan kulat yang berlaku pada hujung tangkai dikesan pada minggu ketiga dan iaadalah tidak berkaitan dengan penggunaan lengan robotikKesan lebam juga dapat dilihat ketara pada minggu ke-3 tanpa mengira rawatan. Tiada perbezaan signifikan pada warna isi tembikai, ketegaran kulit, kandungan pepejal terlarut, jumlah keasidan tertitrat, kandungan asid askorbik dan kandungan kelembapan. Kesimpulannya, penggunaan lengan robot untuk diaplikasikan semasa aktiviti penggredan buah tembikai dengan suction cup tidak mendatangkan kesan kecederaan luaran dan dalaman ke atas buah tembikai.
Wood Vinegar as an Alternative Insecticide in Controlling Rice Weevil, Sitophylus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Othman Najihah , Elias Nor Hidawati , Zainalabidin Nurhadijah
Published: October 2023

Rice production faces many challenges including damages due to pest infestation in storage after harvest. Stored rice grains are often under threat and damage from pests such as rice weevil which resulted in reduction of the quality and quantity. Application of chemical insecticides helps to control this pest, however, it gives negative impacts to the environment and human health. Application of plant-based insecticides including the use of wood vinegar can become an alternative to the conventional method. This work describes the effectiveness of wood vinegar as bioinsecticide to inhibit the rice weevil’s activity by assessing the repellency, mortality and antifeedant activity at different concentration of 50, 100, 150 and 200 rpm. Wood vinegar showed high repellency of 98.3% towards rice weevils at 200 ppm after 5 hours of exposure times. Increased in concentration affects in increased mortality with highest number of 97% recorded at 200 ppm. The lethal concentration (LC) of wood vinegar was calculated to be 77.62 ppm. Antifeedant activity resulted in reduction of weight loss in stored rice with lowest reduction of 2% at 200 ppm. This promising result reflects the ability of wood vinegar as insecticidal agents in management and control of stored-grain pest.
Pineapple Crop Fertiliser Application Method: A Preliminary Study on the Performance and Effectiveness of a Boom Sprayer and a Sprayer Drone
Authors: Abdul Rani Rohazrin , Nordin Mohd Nadzim , Muslimin Jusnaini , Ahmad Sayuti Adli Fikri , Baharom Siti Noor Aliah , Zubir Mohd Nizam
Published: October 2023

Fertilisation of pineapple crops can be done by using either the combination of dry and liquid fertiliser or just the liquid fertiliser. A boom spraying machine is often used to apply liquid fertiliser but recently drone spraying has gained popularity among farmers because of its speed and convenience of use in applying chemicals, particularly for pest and disease control. However, the performance and efficacy of drone applications used for fertilisation have yet to be proven. The aim of this study is to evaluate both spraying techniques to observe and compare the performance, which included the effects of fertilisation on crop growth by comparing the plant height and leaf length. A tractor-mounted boom spraying machine with a tank capacity of 400 L equipped with 10 m boom and a 10 L capacity spraying drone with 4 m effective spraying width were used in this preliminary evaluation. The evaluation was conducted in split plots with an area of 0.2 ha with 9000 plants per area each. The performance of both machines was measured in terms of the work rate, effective field capacity and field efficiency. According to the results, the application work rates of the boom spraying machine and the drone were 0.95 ha/h and 3.88 ha/h, respectively. Due to the small chemical tank capacity, the drone application is less efficient, with an effective field capacity of 0.08 ha/h compared to the boom sprayer's 0.29 ha/h, which requires frequent fertiliser preparation to satisfy fertilisation needs. There was no significant difference in crop growth performance between the two applications with a p-value >0.05. Drones have the potential to improve fertiliser spraying activity for pineapple crops, but they must be scheduled more often than boom spraying machines. The mixing method should be improved because of its time-consuming preparative work.
Agriculture Modernization and Enhancement Using Advanced Technologies
Authors: Ten Seng Teik , Shafie Khairul Anwar , Abdul Rani Rohazrin , Hashim Mohamad Hafiz
Published: October 2023

Food production must be considerably increased to maintain the world population, which is expected to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050. As a result, agriculture must be modernised and expanded in order to considerably increase food productivity; otherwise, achieving the second United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, Zero Hunger, will be challenging. Furthermore, humans are confronted with issues such as depleting natural resources and lands, climate change, unpredictable weather, and the effects of coronavirus disease. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on agricultural food yield has made food security a major global concern. Thus, the purpose of this work is to investigate the possibility of improving existing agricultural practises through mechanisation, automation, and adaptation of advanced technologies from industries, particularly research works from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) into the new era of Agricultural Revolution 4.0, which uses Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) advanced technologies to reduce labour force dependency, production time, and increase productivity and food security.
Effect of Interchanging Red and Blue LED Irradiation Sequence on Growth of Lettuce
Authors: Romli Nur Fathin Syahirah , Jusoh Mohd Fauzie , Abdul Muttalib Muhammad Firdaus
Published: October 2023

Light-emitting diode (LED) is commonly employed as supplementary light sources to enhance plant growth and quality. Nowadays, a combination of red (R) and blue (B) LED sources is mainly used since it can boost plant photosynthesis rate and biomass. Generally, both light sources are continuously irradiated for 16–18 hours for plant photoperiod, which may result in high electricity costs. Therefore, interchanging use of red and blue LED irradiation is introduced to reduce the use of electricity, thus minimising the operating cost. In this study, a growth chamber with red and blue LED was constructed and its intensity and power distribution were assessed. The effect of blue and red LED irradiation sequence on plant growth parameters and chlorophyll content was examined. Three light treatments over a period of 16 hours (RB16 - 16 hours constant simultaneous (R) and (B) light, R4/B4 - 4 hours interval interchanging R and B light and R8/B8 - 8 hours interval interchanging R- and B-light) were exposed to lettuce under controlled room temperature. Results revealed that the different light treatments influence lettuce plant morphology such as plant height, leaf width and leaf number. However, the results are similar for fresh and dry mass, and chlorophyll concentration. It is found that, both plant height and leaf width were the highest under R4/B4 and RB16, respectively. Such findings would be extremely valuable information on the use of interchanging LED irradiation in plant development for commercial production, resulting in optimized power consumption.
Detection and Classification of Basal Stem Rot Disease in Oil Palm Using Machine Learning Techniques: A Mini Review
Authors: Husin Nur Azuan , Aziz Mohd Hamim Abd , Khairunniza-Bejo Siti
Published: October 2023

The oil palm grown around the world to meet the demand for food and bio-fuels, is threatened by a fatal disease known as basal stem rot (BSR). Application of machine learning (ML) in agriculture keeps increasing with the advancement of technology, especially in disease detection. This manuscript presents a mini-review of the diﬀerent methods relevant to BSR disease classification and detection using ML. The steps were discussed, including pre-processing and approaches used. Various algorithms, feature extractions and classification methods were discussed in the review. The review results revealed that the adoption of disease detection and classification methods for BSR disease in oil palm using ML approaches is still in its early stages of research. Hence, new tools are needed to fully automate the detection and classification processes for practical, operational, fast and accurate systems to be used in vast oil palm plantations.
Kinetics of Water Absorption during Rice Soaking: A review
Authors: Muchlisyiyah Jhauharotul , Shamsudin Rosnah , Hashim Norhashila , Kadir Roseliza , Che Man Hasfalina
Published: October 2023

Glutinous rice (Oryza sativa var glutinosa) is a rice cultivar with a low amylose content (1-2%). Its cultivation is less extensive than that of non-glutinous rice. Most consumption of glutinous rice is for traditional purposes. Hydration is a crucial step in the processing of glutinous rice. It occurs prior to the cooking operation. It is understood that soaking techniques require mass transfer parameters of water diffusion into the rice grain. However, due to the complexity of the soaking process, many features are still completely known. Consequently, it is important to study the physical changes in rice quality during soaking. Several empirical and semi-empirical models of the soaking process are discussed in this paper. For a more efficient soaking procedure, the behaviour of the hydration kinetics and the mathematical modelling of the quality changes during soaking are critical. In addition, the present limitations and probable future scope of study in this field are discussed.
COVID-19: An Update on the Latest Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Loo Ke-Yan , Tan Loh Teng-Hern , Law Jodi Woan-Fei , Hong Kar-Wai , Chan Kok-Gan , Letchumanan Vengadesh
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has plagued the world for over three years since discovering the causative virus, SARS-CoV-2, in China. The rampant spread of the virus led to the loss of livelihoods of millions across the globe. This public health emergency prompted the rapid development of vaccines and treatments to fight against viral infection. Vaccines against the viral infection started rolling out in late 2020, and the distribution of the vaccines worldwide managed to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 and prevent outbreaks in local communities. However, COVID-19 infections are still prevalent, with patients suffering from severe symptoms which require oxygen support or mechanical ventilation. Thus, therapeutic agents for COVID-19 play a significant role in reducing the risk of disease progression into severe disease and improving hospitalized patients' clinical outcomes. Existing drugs such as remdesivir, molnupiravir, baricitinib, anakinra, and tocilizumab have been repurposed to treat COVID-19 earlier during the pandemic to meet the urgent demand for treatment. There are also novel antiviral and immunomodulating treatments (nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, ensitrelvir, regdanvimab, sotrovimab, and vilobelimab) that were developed during the pandemic to fight against COVID-19 infections. These therapeutic agents have been reported to be effective and safe for use to treat COVID-19 infections of different severity. Nevertheless, continuous surveillance is imperative in ensuring that these treatment methods maintain efficacy and safety profiles in treating COVID-19 caused by different variants of the virus.
Support Vector Machine – Recursive Feature Elimination for Feature Selection on Multi-omics Lung Cancer Data
Authors: Azman Nuraina Syaza , A Samah Azurah , Lin Ji Tong , Abdul Majid Hairudin , Ali Shah Zuraini , Wen Nies Hui , Howe Chan Weng
Published: October 2023

Biological data obtained from sequencing technologies is growing exponentially. Multi-omics data is one of the biological data that exhibits high dimensionality, or more commonly known as the curse of dimensionality. The curse of dimensionality occurs when the dataset contains many features or attributes but with significantly fewer samples or observations. The study focuses on mitigating the curse of dimensionality by implementing Support Vector Machine – Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) as the selected feature selection method in the lung cancer (LUSC) multi-omics dataset integrated from three single omics dataset comprising genomics, transcriptomics and epigenomics, and assess the quality of the selected feature subsets using SDAE and VAE deep learning classifiers. In this study, the LUSC datasets first undergo data pre-processing, including checking for missing values, normalization, and removing zero variance features. The cleaned LUSC datasets are then integrated to form a multi-omics dataset. Feature selection was performed on the LUSC multi-omics data using SVM-RFE to select several optimal feature subsets. The five smallest feature subsets (FS) are used in classification using SDAE and VAE neural networks to assess the quality of the feature subsets. The results show that all 5 VAE models can obtain an accuracy and AUC score of 1.000, while only 2 out of 5 SDAE models (FS 1000 & 4000) can do so. 3 out of 5 SDAE models have an AUC score of 0.500, indicating zero capability in separating the binary class labels. The study concludes that a fine-tuned supervised learning VAE model has better capability in classification tasks compared to SDAE models for this specific study. Additionally, 1000 and 4000 are the two most optimal feature subsets selected by the SVM-RFE algorithm. The SDAE and VAE models built with these feature subsets achieve the best classification results.
Toxicological Review of Anticancer Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Morocco
Authors: Drioua Soufiane , Cherkani-Hassani Abha , El-Guourrami Otman , Ameggouz Mouna , Zahidi Ahmed , Bouyahaya Abdelhakim , Ibrahim Shah Sayyed , Al-Worafi Yaser Mohammed , Ming Long Chiau , Benzaied Hanane , Doukkali Anass
Published: October 2023

In Morocco, traditional medicine utilizes many toxic plants for cancer treatment, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Further research may be able to explore and discover the potential therapeutic effects of these plants' bioactive molecules with antioxidant and anticancer properties. Based on our review, we have determined that the 13 plants under examination possess various pharmacological and biological activities due to their diverse phytochemical composition. Despite their toxicity, these plants have a history of traditional use in Morocco for treating multiple diseases. Further research, including preclinical and clinical trials, should be conducted to investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of these plants. Moroccan cuisine commonly incorporates gruels, herbal drinks, and spicy beverages, which possess significant health benefits, including chemo-preventive properties and natural inhibitors against certain infections. These properties may aid in reducing the incidence of cancer and potentially have therapeutic effects in various human pathologies when consumed in appropriate amounts and in combination with a healthy lifestyle.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Streptomyces pluripotens strain MUM 16J, a Potential Resource of Glycopeptide Antibiotic and Biocontrol Agent against Biofilm-forming Bacteria
Authors: Pusparajah Priyia , Law Jodi Woan-Fei , Chan Kok-Gan , Goh Bey-Hing , Hong Kar-Wai , Lee Learn-Han , Tan Loh Teng-Hern
Published: October 2023

Streptomyces pluripotens strain MUM 16J is a Gram-positive filamentous bacteria isolated from mangrove soil in Kampung Trombol area of Kuching, Sarawak. The draft genome of Streptomyces pluripotens strain MUM 16J consists of 7,671,699 bp assembled into 164 contigs. The GC content of the genome is 70.06 %, and the sequencing coverage of 108×. Its genome consists of 6,781 predicted genes, 6,459 protein-coding genes, and 79 RNA-coding genes (tRNA: 71, rRNA: 8). Here we report the draft genome of this strain to highlight its potential in producing glycopeptide antibiotic as well as catechol, a biocontrol agent of biofilm-producing bacteria.
HPLC-UV-MS/MS Profiling of Phenolics from Euphorbia nicaeensis (All.) Leaf and Stem and Its Antioxidant and Anti-Protein Denaturation Activities
Authors: Bouaouda Khawla , Elagdi Chaimae , El Hachlafi Naoufal , Mohtadi Karima , Hsaine Mohammed , Kettani Anass , Flouchi Rachid , Goh Khang Wen , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Mrabti Hanae Naceiri , Saile Rachid , Taki Hassan
Published: October 2023

This work focuses on the leaves and stems of Euphorbia nicaeensis All. to confirm its historical use by the Moroccan population. The phytochemical profile of the plant by HPLC-UV-MS/MS was identified for the first time, and the biological activities of each plant organ was evaluated separately by maceration and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. The evaluation of antioxidant activity based on DPPH assay and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay showed that leaves could be used as a natural source of antioxidants as they provide a potent antioxidant effect (DPPH IC50 = 23.47±0.62 µg/ml), (H2O2 IC50 = 110.27 ± 3.59 µg/ml) compared to stems. These results were proven by HPLC-UV-MS/MS analysis and revealed that E. nicaeensis leaves are richer in phenolic compounds, especially quercetin and derivatives, known for their antioxidant properties. In contrast, the stems could be considered a potential anti-inflammatory agent considering their solid anti-inflammatory activity. The most potent effects were obtained at a concentration of 2 mg/ml, which induced 83.98% and 82.04% inhibition against bovine albumin and egg albumin denaturation, respectively, compared to the control. In addition, the stem phytochemical profile indicated the presence of some compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, such as fargesin and nuciferine. Likewise, the findings showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction was more effective than maceration.
A Study Comparing Immunohistochemistry, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, GeneXpert® Breast Cancer STRAT4 Assay for Determining Hormone Receptor, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2, Ki67 Status in Invasive Breast Carcinoma in Moroccan women
Authors: El Aje Rajaa , Naya Abdellah , Khoaja Ayoub , Zaid Younes , Oudghiri Mounia , Weidler Jodi , Karkouri Mehdi
Published: October 2023

The accurate assessment of hormone receptors, HER2, and Ki-67 proliferative index provides meaningful information about breast cancer prognosis and prediction of therapy response. Immunohistochemistry, the most common method for evaluating these prognostic biomarkers, can be impacted by numerous variabilities due to pre-analytical/analytical factors and subjective interpretation by pathologists. The Xpert® Breast Cancer STRAT4, an RT-qPCR based system, can be used to classify invasive breast carcinomas based on the assessment of these four biomarkers; Methods: We evaluated ESR1, PGR, ERBB2, and MKi67 mRNA expression by Xpert Breast Cancer STRAT4 and ER, PR, HER2 and Ki67 by IHC (FISH for HER2 IHC 2+) in 200 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks with invasive breast cancer, collected from the Pathology Department of Casablanca Ibn Rochd University Hospital; Results: Concordance between Xpert ® Breast Cancer STRAT4 and IHC was 93.5% for ER, 83.51% for PR, 95% for HER2 (92% for IHC+FISH), and 81.20% for Ki67 (excluding intermediate IHC Staining 10 ≤ %IHC <20). The simple Kappa coefficient was, for ER, 0.830 (P < 0.0001), 0.565 (P < 0.0001) for PR, 0.838 (P < 0.0001) for HER2-IHC, 0.771 (P < 0.0001) for HER2 IHC+FISH and, for, Ki67, 0.458 (P < 0.0001); Conclusions: We demonstrated globally a high concordance between centrally assessed IHC, IHC+FISH and mRNA measurements of ER/ESR1 and HER2/ERBB2, and a moderate agreement between PR/PGR and Ki67/MKi67. These findings provide an additional, objective, and quantitative assessment of tumor receptor status in breast cancer.
Focused Review: Insight and Updates on COVID-19 from Progress in Microbes and Molecular Biology
Authors: Thye Angel Yun-Kuan , Law Jodi Woan-Fei
Published: October 2023

COVID-19 Bulletins from various countries have been published as the pandemic hit. This focused review provides an overview of the published COVID-19 cases, including the first case detected in respective countries, preventive measures implemented, and vaccinations available for some countries, depending on the time it was written. The countries that will be covered in this review are the United Kingdom, Spain, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Australia, South Africa, and Brunei. This review also discusses the variants of concern (VOCs) that emerged since the start of the pandemic, which include variants: Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Delta (B.1.617.2), Gamma (P.1), and Omicron (B.1.1.529). COVID-19-associated gastrointestinal manifestations and mental health implications and the application of probiotics as a potential adjunct therapy to psychotropic medications will be addressed in this review. Additional information on COVID-19 will also be reviewed, such as risk factors affecting COVID-19 case fatality rate, positive impacts of public health measures, the cost-effectiveness of public health strategies on COVID-19 control, and the COVID-19 pandemic and diet.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus: Exploring its Incidence in Malaysia and the Potential of Streptomyces sp. as an Anti-Vibrio Agent
Authors: Loo Ke-Yan , Tan Loh Teng-Hern , Law Jodi Woan-Fei , Pusparajah Priyia , Wong Sunny Hei , Chan Kok-Gan , Lee Learn-Han , Letchumanan Vengadesh
Published: October 2023

As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, concern remains for future potential outbreaks because of the persisting effects of climate change, including the proliferation of infectious diseases. The frequent isolation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the surrounding environment is of concern as it can cause infections in marine animals and transmitted to humans. V. parahaemolyticus is the leading cause of foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide. Malaysia is one of the top seafood consumers and this places us at a higher risk of exposure to V. parahaemolyticus infections. Over the years, this foodborne pathogen has been isolated from various sources in Malaysia, mainly from seafood such as shellfish, shrimps, and fish. To make matters worse, there has been an emergence of antibiotic-resistant V. parahaemolyticus worldwide, which is attributed to the uncontrolled use of antibiotics in aquaculture to prevent and treat vibriosis. Therefore, it is vital to utilize alternatives such as probiotics to control V. parahaemolyticus to prevent further propagation of antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria. A potential candidate for probiotics is Streptomyces sp., a class of filamentous, Gram-positive bacteria that produce a variety of bioactive compounds during their life cycle, which can be useful in drug discovery. The bioactive compounds produced by Streptomyces sp. have been proven to have microbiota-modulating and stimulatory effects on the host, enhancing immunity and providing protective effects against V. parahaemolyticus infections. With the application of Streptomyces sp. as probiotics in aquaculture, the efficacy of the available antibiotics can be preserved, and the further spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment can be reduced.
Radical-Scavenging Effect, Ferric Reducing Ability and Phytochemical Analysis of Urtica urens (L.) and Mercurialis annua (L.)
Authors: Zouhra Doukkali , El Jemli Meryem , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Goh Khang Wen , Paneerselvam Ganesh Sritheran , Bahia Belatar , Cherrah Yahia , Alaoui Katim
Published: October 2023

Important Moroccan medicinal plants known for their food and medicinal potential include Urtica urens and Mercurialis annua. We examined the antioxidant activity of the methanolic and aqueous extracts by several in vitro systems of the assay, namely the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, the DPPH radical-scavenging activity, and the ABTS free radical-scavenging capacity. In addition, all active extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening to determine the key groups of chemicals implicated in their therapeutic activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations were also measured to see how they affected the antioxidant properties of the plant extracts. The extracts of Urtica urens and Mercurialis annua were found to have different levels of antioxidant effect in the systems tested. Based on the three different antioxidant assays, the Mercurialis annua extracts showed the highest values of antioxidant ability, based on the three used assays. Phytochemical testing of studied extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were shown to provide the highest association with different antioxidant methods. The present study provides evidence that the extracts of Urtica urens and Mercurialis annua are a potential source of natural antioxidants, and this justifies their uses in Moroccan traditional medicine.
Quality Assessment of Hydroxychloroquine Tablet: A Comparative Evaluation of Drug Produced by Different Pharmaceutical Companies in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Raihanur , Hossain Md. Sakhawat , Hossain Md. Sanower , Islam Mohammad Touhidul , Sultana Sharifa , Nijhum Nisarat , Ahamed Kutub Uddin , Choo Chee-Yan , Tan Ching Siang , Goh Khang Wen
Published: October 2023

Hydroxychloroquine is the most commonly prescribed antimalarial extensively used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It is extensively utilized as a repurposing drug, as well, in many countries worldwide to treat COVID-19. The pharmaceutical sector of Bangladesh is much enriched, and different pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh produce this drug. Since the drug quality might vary significantly among different brands, assuring the quality of medicine is absolutely necessary considering the health issues, particularly therapeutic efficacy and safety. Therefore, this study examined the quality of hydroxychloroquine produced by Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies, concentrating on quality control parameters: the assay, dissolution, disintegration, hardness, friability, and weight fluctuation. All the brands of hydroxychloroquine tablets contained the stated amount of API between the range of 96.41±0.62 and 100.61±0.71 that met USP specification (100±5%). All brands met the pharmacopeial limit for the percentage of weight fluctuation, hardness test, friability, and disintegration time. Weight variation was between 0.31±0.01% and 0.46±0.02%, hardness was between 4.31 ± 0.88 and 7.36 ± 0.74 kgf, friability was less than 1%, and disintegration time was 5.42± 0.11 and 5.42± 0.11 min. In the dissolution test, all the samples attained more than 70% dissolution after 30 minutes. The mean percentage of hydroxychloroquine released in phosphate buffer was between 95.44±0.55 (Brand B) and 98.19±0.39 (Brand C) after 60 min. No significant difference was among the tested drugs from different companies, and all quality assessment parameters were within USP specifications. Therefore, hydroxychloroquine from the Bangladesh market is safe and effective.
Applications, Benefits, and Risks of ChatGPT in Medical and Health Sciences Research: An Experimental Study
Authors: Al-Worafi Yaser Mohammed , Hermansyah Andi , Tan Ching Siang , Choo Chee-Yan , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Paneerselvam Ganesh Sritheran , Liew Kai Bin , Goh Khang Wen , Ming Long Chiau
Published: October 2023

This article explored the potential applications, benefits, and risks of using ChatGPT in medical and health sciences research. The experimental study was performed with content analysis of the potential applications, benefits and risks of using ChatGPT in medical and health sciences research. This study shows many potential applications, benefits, and risks of using ChatGPT in medical and health sciences research. The average experts’ ChatGPT appropriateness and accuracy rates in the eight research themes were between 60% and 95%. This concludes that ChatGPT could help medical and health sciences researchers, especially new researchers, with caution in many aspects of research. The ChatGPT is still in the early phase of use by researchers worldwide, and its ability to help in research will be better soon. Attending training workshops about ChatGPT and AI is very important and highly recommended. The practice of ChatGPT in medical and health sciences research is important and recommended to explore the potential uses, benefits, risks and suggest recommendations for the best practice.
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Saponin Extracts from Different Parts of Argania spinosa L. Skeels
Authors: El Idrissi Yousra , Elouafy Youssef , El Moudden Hamza , Mghazli Najoua , El Guezzane Chakir , El Yadini Adil , Harhar Hicham , Zarrouk Abdelkader , Goh Khang Wen , Ming Long Chiau , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Tabyaoui Mohammed
Published: October 2023

The argan tree is a versatile forest tree (silviculture-fruit-forestry) of great importance for the country both in biological, phytogenetic and ecological biodiversity as well as in economic and social aspects. It has significant medicinal and therapeutic potential. The present study concentrated on saccharide-containing molecules, particularly saponins, for their medicinal properties. Butanol was used to fractionate phytochemical groups from different parts of Argania spinosa (branch, leaf, pulp, shell and seed), which were subsequently precipitated in ether. It was found that solvent fractionation increased the total saponin amount according to the colorimetric test using vanillin and sulfuric acid. The butanol fraction of the argan shell and its precipitate showed the highest levels of triterpene saponins compared to the rest of the plant parts studied. The samples showed antioxidant capacity by DPPH versus ascorbic acid (IC50 = 1.92 µg/mL) and by ABTS using the similar standard (IC50 = 11.31 µg/mL). The antioxidant activity of the samples was significantly improved from the crude shell extract (IC50 = 5.85 µg/mL) to its butanolic fraction (IC50 = 2.94 µg/mL) and its precipitate (IC50 = 1.57 µg/mL) using 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl. Indeed, the ABTS test, showed similarity to the core results. Also, the solid disc diffusion method was used to highlight the antimicrobial activity of extracts from different parts of the Argania spinosa plant. The EtOH 70% and Aqueous leaf extracts exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, resulting in an inhibition zone of approximately 13 mm against the growth of Staphylococcus saprophyticus. On the other hand, the extract of saponin filtrate from the pulp part of the plant displayed the lowest antibacterial activity, with an inhibition zone of 9 mm. All studied types of saponin extract from different parts of the plant do not contribute to any antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea.
The Ameliorative Role of Probiotics in 5-fluorouracil Induced Intestinal Mucositis
Authors: Sim Alexandra Arcilla Xin Hui , Cheam Jia Ying , Law Jodi Woan-Fei , Letchumanan Vengadesh , Kumari Yatinesh , Ogawa Satoshi , Wong Sunny Hei , Chan Kok-Gan , Tan Loh Teng-Hern
Published: October 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the top cancers in the world. Although early detection improves the survival rate to around 90%, late detection would mean the need to use chemotherapy or radiotherapy, especially if surgery is not feasible. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the common anti-cancer drugs used in treating CRC. It is the drug that has the greatest efficacy on CRC. Although it improves the survival rate, it has many detrimental side effects. One of these side effects is intestinal mucositis. It is described as having reduced villus height, villus atrophy, crypt fissure, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Clinically, there is no conclusive treatment therapy for mucositis. This is possibly due to the complex mechanism of the pathobiology of intestinal mucositis that includes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased epithelial cell apoptosis. 5-FU itself is known to cause gut dysbiosis. Current studies revealed probiotics play a role in attenuating this inflammatory process of intestinal mucositis by reversing gut dysbiosis, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reducing intestinal damage. This review outlines the latest evidence supporting probiotic use in ameliorating 5-FU induced intestinal mucositis, thereby promoting good health and well-being in colorectal cancer patients receiving 5-FU chemotherapy.
The Burden of Vibrio sp. Infections – A Scoping Review
Authors: Loo Ke-Yan , Law Jodi Woan-Fei , Tan Loh Teng-Hern , Pusparajah Priyia , Wong Sunny Hei , Chan Kok-Gan , Lee Learn-Han , Letchumanan Vengadesh
Published: October 2023

Vibrios are a group of Gram-negative bacteria ubiquitous in our surrounding environments and responsible for various clinically significant human infections. The three species responsible for human illness are Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus. V. cholerae causes cholera which may result in severe dehydration and death without timely treatment, V. parahaemolyticus infection causes gastroenteritis while V. vulnificus infections typically manifest as wound or soft tissue infections with poor prognosis, including amputation or death. Available data on the epidemiology and clinical burden of Vibrio infections were compiled systematically following a literature review, and 149 relevant studies published between 2010 to 2022 were identified. Cholera represents the majority of Vibrio infections, affecting individuals of all ages and gender, while V. parahaemolyticus infections were found to affect mostly adult males. V. vulnificus infections were mostly reported in males over 50 years old with pre-existing co-morbidities. This review's findings may guide planning and implementing preventative measures in affected regions to prevent future Vibrio infections, disease transmission, and major outbreaks.
Update on Remdesivir in the Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia
Authors: Feng Huang , Lakshmi K. Vijaya , Ng Chin Tat , Sasikumar Murthy , Arip Masita , Hassan Masriana , Chin Voon Kin , Rajagopal Mogana , Fatokun Omotayo , Parvathi N. , Selvaraja Malarvili
Published: October 2023

Worldwide epidemic prevention and control remain under significant stress due to the global novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the ongoing emergence of variants like Omicron. The total confirmed COVID-19 cases globally as of now topped 620 million, while the total number of fatalities exceeded 6.6 million. The screening, drug discovery, and clinical development of novel treatments are still the hottest subjects in the treatment of COVID-19, and scientists throughout the world are dedicated to identifying prospective therapeutic agents to treat COVID-19 patients, including the new uses of old medications. Remdesivir, a COVID-19 therapeutic medication developed by Gilead Sciences, exerts antiviral effects by suppressing the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Remdesivir has maintained high inhibitory activity against all existing SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the Omicron variant. We systematically retrieved Web of Science, CNKI, PubMed, and Clinicaltrials.gov to gather information related to Remdesivir on COVID-19 treatment. In this review, we summarized and reviewed the drug targets for COVID-19 management, especially the mechanism of action and research progress of Remdesivir. More importantly, the outcome of current clinical trials of Remdesivir alone and when combined with other drugs for COVID-19 management was analyzed, and the limitations and clinical significance of each clinical trial were evaluated. From this review, we can understand the development progress of Remdesivir for COVID-19 management, deepens the current understanding of Remdesivir research status, and gives us some inspiration for better drug use in COVID-19 management.