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Yahya SH, Al-Lolage FA, Mahat MM, Ramli MZ, Syamsul M, Falina S, Ahmad Ruzaidi DA, Danial WH, Shafiee SA. Electroreduction of dissolved carbon dioxide on roughened molybdenum microelectrodes. RSC Adv 2023; 13:32918-32926. [PMID: 38025850 PMCID: PMC10630746 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05592b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere may dissolve into the ocean and affect the marine ecosystem. It is crucial to determine the level of dissolved CO2 in the ocean to enable suitable mitigation actions to be carried out. The conventional electrode materials are expensive and susceptible to chloride ion attack. Therefore, there is a need to find suitable alternative materials. This novel study investigates the electrochemical behaviour of dissolved CO2 on roughened molybdenum (Mo) microdisk electrodes, which were mechanically polished using silicon carbide paper. Pits and dents can be seen on the electrode surface as observed using scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction spectra confirm the absence of abrasive materials and the presence of defects on the electrode surface. The electrochemical surface for the roughened electrodes is higher than that for the smoothened electrodes. Our findings show that the roughened electrodes exhibit a significantly higher electrocatalytic activity than the smoothened electrodes for the reduction of dissolved CO2. Our results reveal a linear relationship between the current and square root of scan rate. Furthermore, we demonstrate that saturating the electrolyte solution with CO2 using a bubbling time of just 20 minutes at a flow rate of 5 L min-1 for a 50 mL solution is sufficient. This study provides new insights into the electrochemical behaviour of dissolved CO2 on roughened Mo microdisk electrodes and highlights their potential as a promising material for CO2 reduction and other electrochemical applications. Ultimately, our work contributes to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and move towards a sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Hajjar Yahya
- Department of Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Indera Mahkota 25200 Kuantan Pahang Malaysia
| | - Firas A Al-Lolage
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Mosul Mosul 41002 Iraq
| | - Mohd Muzamir Mahat
- Textile Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA 40450 Shah Alam Selangor Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Zahir Ramli
- Institute of Oceanography and Maritime Studies (INOCEM), Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia Kampung Cherok Paloh 26060 Kuantan Pahang Malaysia
| | - Mohd Syamsul
- Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Sains@USM Bayan Lepas 11900 Pulau Pinang Malaysia
| | - Shaili Falina
- Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Sains@USM Bayan Lepas 11900 Pulau Pinang Malaysia
| | - Dania Adila Ahmad Ruzaidi
- School of Physics and Material Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA 40450 Shah Alam Selangor Malaysia
| | - Wan Hazman Danial
- Department of Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Indera Mahkota 25200 Kuantan Pahang Malaysia
| | - Saiful Arifin Shafiee
- Department of Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Indera Mahkota 25200 Kuantan Pahang Malaysia
- Institute of Oceanography and Maritime Studies (INOCEM), Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia Kampung Cherok Paloh 26060 Kuantan Pahang Malaysia
- IIUM Health, Safety, and Environment, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Indera Mahkota 25200 Kuantan Pahang Malaysia
- Sustainable Chemistry Research Group, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Indera Mahkota 25200 Kuantan Pahang Malaysia
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Mohd Fuad AS, Amran NA, Nasruddin NS, Burhanudin NA, Dashper S, Arzmi MH. The Mechanisms of Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics in Oral Cancer Management. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1298-1311. [PMID: 36048406 PMCID: PMC9434094 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-09985-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oral carcinogenesis is preceded by oral diseases associated with inflammation such as periodontitis and oral candidiasis, which are contributed by chronic alcoholism, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and microbial infections. Dysbiosis is an imbalance of microbial composition due to oral infection, which has been reported to contribute to oral carcinogenesis. Therefore, in this review, we summarised the role of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics in promoting a balanced oral microbiome, which may prevent oral carcinogenesis due to oral infections. Probiotics have been shown to produce biofilm, which possesses antibacterial activity against oral pathogens. Meanwhile, prebiotics can support growth and increase the benefit of probiotics. In addition, postbiotics possess antibacterial, anticariogenic, and anticancer properties that potentially aid in oral cancer prevention and treatment. The use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics for oral cancer management is still limited despite their vast potential, thus, discovering their prospects could herald a novel approach to disease prevention and treatment while participating in combating antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalina Sakiinah Mohd Fuad
- Cluster of Cancer Research Initiative IIUM (COCRII), International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Aqilah Amran
- Cluster of Cancer Research Initiative IIUM (COCRII), International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
- Jardin Pharma Berhad, Sunway Subang Business Park, Selangor, 40150, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nurrul Shaqinah Nasruddin
- Department of Diagnostic Craniofacial and Bioscience, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Aszlitah Burhanudin
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Diagnosis, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Stuart Dashper
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3055, Australia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Arzmi
- Cluster of Cancer Research Initiative IIUM (COCRII), International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
- Jardin Pharma Berhad, Sunway Subang Business Park, Selangor, 40150, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
- Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
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Akkawi ME, Abd Aziz HH, Fata Nahas AR. The Impact of Potentially Inappropriate Medications and Polypharmacy on 3-Month Hospital Readmission among Older Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Malaysia. Geriatrics (Basel) 2023; 8:geriatrics8030049. [PMID: 37218829 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics8030049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) use and polypharmacy are two issues that are commonly encountered among older people. They are associated with several negative outcomes including adverse drug reactions and medication-related hospitalization. There are insufficient studies regarding the impact of both PIMs and polypharmacy on hospital readmission, especially in Malaysia. AIM To investigate the possible association between polypharmacy and prescribing PIMs at discharge and 3-month hospital readmission among older patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD A retrospective cohort study involved 600 patients ≥60 years discharged from the general medical wards in a Malaysian teaching hospital. The patients were divided into two equal groups: patients with or without PIMs. The main outcome was any readmission during the 3-month follow-up. The discharged medications were assessed for polypharmacy (≥five medications) and PIMs (using 2019 Beers' criteria). Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and a multiple logistic regression were conducted to study the impact of PIMs/polypharmacy on 3-month hospital readmission. RESULTS The median number for discharge medications were six and five for PIMs and non-PIMs patients, respectively. The most frequently prescribed PIMs was aspirin as primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (33.43%) followed by tramadol (13.25%). The number of medications at discharge and polypharmacy status were significantly associated with PIMs use. Overall, 152 (25.3%) patients were re-admitted. Polypharmacy and PIMs at discharge did not significantly impact the hospital readmission. After applying the logistic regression, only male gender was a predictor for 3-month hospital readmission (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.022-4.225). CONCLUSION About one-quarter of the patients were admitted again within three months of discharge. PIMs and polypharmacy were not significantly associated with 3-month hospital readmissions while male gender was found to be an independent risk factor for readmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Eid Akkawi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan 25150, Malaysia
- Quality Use of Medicines Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan 25150, Malaysia
| | - Hani Hazirah Abd Aziz
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan 25150, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Rahman Fata Nahas
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan 25150, Malaysia
- Quality Use of Medicines Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan 25150, Malaysia
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Ahmad H, Aidit SN, Ooi SI, Samion MZ, Wang S, Wang Y, Sahu JK, Zamzuri AK. 1.3 µm dissipative soliton resonance generation in Bismuth doped fiber laser. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6356. [PMID: 33737528 PMCID: PMC7973808 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, a Figure-9 (F9) bismuth-doped fiber laser (BiDFL) operating in the dissipative soliton resonance (DSR) regime is presented. The 1338 nm laser used a BiDF as the active gain medium, while a nonlinear amplifying loop mirror (NALM) in an F9 configuration was employed to obtain high energy mode-locked pulses. The wave breaking-free rectangular pulse widened significantly in the time domain with the increase of the pump power while maintaining an almost constant peak power of 0.6 W. At the maximum pump power, the mode-locked laser delivered a rectangular-shaped pulse with a duration of 48 ns, repetition rate of 362 kHz and a radio-frequency signal-to-noise ratio of more than 60 dB. The maximum output power was recorded at around 11 mW with a corresponding pulse energy of 30 nJ. This is, to the best of the author's knowledge, the highest mode-locked pulse energy obtained at 1.3 μm as well as the demonstration of an NALM BiDFL in a F9 configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ahmad
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - S N Aidit
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S I Ooi
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M Z Samion
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S Wang
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Y Wang
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - J K Sahu
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - A K Zamzuri
- Physics Department, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
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Karim MF, Johnson GN. Acclimation of Photosynthesis to Changes in the Environment Results in Decreases of Oxidative Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. Front Plant Sci 2021; 12:683986. [PMID: 34630448 PMCID: PMC8495028 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.683986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic acclimation of photosynthesis plays an important role in increasing the fitness of a plant under variable light environments. Since acclimation is partially mediated by a glucose-6-phosphate/phosphate translocator 2 (GPT2), this study examined whether plants lacking GPT2, which consequently have defective acclimation to increases in light, are more susceptible to oxidative stress. To understand this mechanism, we used the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana [accession Wassilewskija-4 (Ws-4)] and compared it with mutants lacking GPT2. The plants were then grown at low light (LL) at 100 μmol m-2 s-1 for 7 weeks. For the acclimation experiments, a set of plants from LL was transferred to 400 μmol m-2 s-1 conditions for 7 days. Biochemical and physiological analyses showed that the gpt2 mutant plants had significantly greater activity for ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guiacol peroxidase (GPOX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, the mutant plants had significantly lower maximum quantum yields of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm). A microarray analysis also showed that gpt2 plants exhibited a greater induction of stress-related genes relative to wild-type (WT) plants. We then concluded that photosynthetic acclimation to a higher intensity of light protects plants against oxidative stress.
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Rusmili MRA, Othman I, Abidin SAZ, Yusof FA, Ratanabanangkoon K, Chanhome L, Hodgson WC, Chaisakul J. Variations in neurotoxicity and proteome profile of Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) venoms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0227122. [PMID: 31887191 PMCID: PMC6936869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) is a medically important snake species found in Southeast Asia. The neurotoxic effects of envenoming present as flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscles. It is unclear whether geographical variation in venom composition plays a significant role in the degree of clinical neurotoxicity. In this study, the effects of geographical variation on neurotoxicity and venom composition of B. candidus venoms from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand were examined. In the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation, all venoms abolished indirect twitches and attenuated contractile responses to nicotinic receptor agonists, with venom from Indonesia displaying the most rapid neurotoxicity. A proteomic analysis indicated that three finger toxins (3FTx), phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors were common toxin groups in the venoms. In addition, venom from Thailand contained L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), cysteine rich secretory protein (CRISP), thrombin-like enzyme (TLE) and snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP). Short-chain post-synaptic neurotoxins were not detected in any of the venoms. The largest quantity of long-chain post-synaptic neurotoxins and non-conventional toxins was found in the venom from Thailand. Analysis of PLA2 activity did not show any correlation between the amount of PLA2 and the degree of neurotoxicity of the venoms. Our study shows that variation in venom composition is not limited to the degree of neurotoxicity. This investigation provides additional insights into the geographical differences in venom composition and provides information that could be used to improve the management of Malayan krait envenoming in Southeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamad Rusdi Ahmad Rusmili
- Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan Campus, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway Campus, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Syafiq Asnawi Zainal Abidin
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway Campus, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Fathin Athirah Yusof
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway Campus, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Kavi Ratanabanangkoon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lawan Chanhome
- Snake Farm, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wayne C. Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Janeyuth Chaisakul
- Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: ,
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Elnaem MH, Nik Mohamed MH, Huri HZ. Pharmacist-led academic detailing improves statin therapy prescribing for Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes: Quasi-experimental design. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220458. [PMID: 31536502 PMCID: PMC6752830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous reports have highlighted the suboptimal utilization and prescription of statin therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Malaysian clinical practice. This study aims to test the impact of a pharmacist-led academic detailing program on improving the overall statin therapy prescribing in Malaysian hospital and primary care settings. METHODS As a quasi-experimental design with a control group and pre-tests., we examined 1,598 medical records of T2DM subjects in six healthcare facilities in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. In all study sites, there was a pre and post-intervention assessment of the percentage of appropriate statin therapy prescribing that complied with the clinical guidelines with no potential safety issues. The intervention was an academic detailing program offered to the health care providers in three study sites, while the other three sites served as the control group. A comparison of the overall percentage of appropriate statin therapy prescribing before and after the academic detailing was performed in all intervention and control sites. RESULTS Overall, 797 medical records were examined in the pre-intervention phase, and 801 records were evaluated in the post-intervention phase. The academic detailing program was associated with a statistically significant difference in the proportion of appropriate statin therapy prescribing between the post-intervention phase compared to the pre-intervention phase (n = 246, 61.7% versus n = 188, 47.1%), p = 0.001. Whereas, the appropriate statin therapy prescribing in the control study sites experienced a modest change from 53.8% (214/398) to 56.7% (228/402), p = 0.220. The academic detailing showed significant increases in the proportions of appropriate statin therapy prescribing in both hospital and primary care settings. CONCLUSIONS The academic detailing program was found to be significantly associated with a positive impact on the overall statin therapy prescribing among patients with T2DM in Malaysian hospital and primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hassan Elnaem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Mohamad Haniki Nik Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Hasniza Zaman Huri
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Abd-Wahab F, Abdul Guthoos HF, Wan Salim WWA. Solid-State rGO-PEDOT:PSS Transducing Material for Cost-Effective Enzymatic Sensing. Biosensors (Basel) 2019; 9:E36. [PMID: 30832254 PMCID: PMC6468658 DOI: 10.3390/bios9010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Performance of a sensing device is dependent on its construction material, especially for components that are directly involved in transporting and translating signals across the device. Understanding the morphology and characteristics of the material components is therefore crucial in the development of any sensing device. This work examines the morphological and electrochemical characteristics of reduced graphene oxide interspersed with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (rGO-PEDOT:PSS) used as a transducer material deposited on a commercially available screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Electron microscopy shows that PEDOT:PSS is interspersed between rGO layers. Raman and XRD analyses suggest that the graphene crystallinity in GO-PEDOT:PSS and rGO-PEDOT:PSS remains intact. Instead, PEDOT:PSS undergoes a change in structure to allow PEDOT to blend into the graphene structure and partake in the π-π interaction with the surface of the rGO layers. Incorporation of PEDOT:PSS also appears to improve the electrochemical behavior of the composite, leading to a higher peak current of 1.184 mA, as measured by cyclic voltammetry, compared to 0.522 mA when rGO is used alone. The rGO-PEDOT:PSS transducing material blended with glucose oxidase was tested for glucose detection. The sensitivity of glucose detection was shown to be 57.3 µA/(mM·cm²) with a detection limit of 86.8 µM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdaus Abd-Wahab
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak 50728, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Habibah Farhana Abdul Guthoos
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak 50728, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Wardatul Amani Wan Salim
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak 50728, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Awale RJ, Ali FB, Azmi AS, Puad NIM, Anuar H, Hassan A. Enhanced Flexibility of Biodegradable Polylactic Acid/Starch Blends Using Epoxidized Palm Oil as Plasticizer. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:E977. [PMID: 30960902 PMCID: PMC6404079 DOI: 10.3390/polym10090977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The brittleness of polylactic acid (PLA) has always limited its usage, although it has good mechanical strength. In this study, flexibility of PLA/starch (PSt) blend was enhanced using epoxidized palm oil (EPO) as the green plasticizer. The PLA/starch/EPO (PSE) blends were prepared while using the solution casting method by fixing the content of starch and varying ratio of EPO. The thermal properties, such as glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), and crystallization temperature (Tcc) were decreased by increasing the amount of EPO into PSt, indicating that EPO increases the chain mobility. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that thermal degradation resistance of PSE was higher when compared to PSt. The mechanical testing revealed that EPO at all contents improved the mechanical properties, such as increment of the elongation-at-break and impact strength. Whereas, dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the addition of filler into PLA decreased the storage modulus of PLA. The carbonyl group of the aliphatic ester remained the same in the PSE blends. The morphological study verified the ductility of PSE blends surface when compared to the brittle surface of PSt. As for the soil burial tests, EPO accelerated the degradation of blends. From these results, it can be concluded that EPO improved the flexibility of PLA blends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina Jama Awale
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Fathilah Binti Ali
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Azlin Suhaida Azmi
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Noor Illi Mohamad Puad
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Hazleen Anuar
- Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Azman Hassan
- Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
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Akkawi ME, Nik Mohamed MH. Are physicians and clinical pharmacists aware and knowledgeable enough about inappropriate prescribing for elderly patients? Findings from Malaysia. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2018; 25:e29-e34. [PMID: 31157063 PMCID: PMC6457149 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2017-001391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the knowledge of physicians and clinical pharmacists about inappropriate prescribing for elderly patients, their confidence in prescribing for elderly patients, and their perceptions of barriers to appropriate prescribing in this population. METHODS A cross-sectional study using a validated 20-item questionnaire was conducted among physicians (n=78) and clinical pharmacists (n=45) working in the medical wards of two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. Knowledge was assessed by six clinical vignettes which were developed based on Beers criteria and the STOPP/START criteria. Other domains of the study were investigated using a four-point or five-point Likert scale. RESULTS Of the 82 participants who completed the questionnaire, 65% were physicians, 90.2% had never received training in geriatric medicine, and 70.8% estimated that 25% or more of their patients were elderly. Only six participants (7.3%) had ever used STOPP/START or Beers criteria when prescribing for elderly patients, and 60% of the respondents had never heard of either one of those criteria. The mean score (SD) for the knowledge part was 3.65 (1.46) points, and only 27 participants (22.9%) scored more than four out of a possible six points. Overall, 34% of the participants rated themselves as confident in prescribing for elderly patients, and this was significantly associated with their knowledge score (P=0.02). The mean number (SD) of barriers cited per participant was 6.88 (2.84), with polypharmacy being the most cited barrier. CONCLUSIONS The majority of the participants had inadequate knowledge and low confidence regarding recommending medications for elderly patients. Continuing education on geriatric pharmacotherapy may be of value for the hospital physicians and pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Eid Akkawi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Haniki Nik Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
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Hasan MM, Ahmed QU, Soad SZM, Latip J, Taher M, Syafiq TMF, Sarian MN, Alhassan AM, Zakaria ZA. Flavonoids from Tetracera indica Merr. induce adipogenesis and exert glucose uptake activities in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. BMC Complement Altern Med 2017; 17:431. [PMID: 28854906 PMCID: PMC5577826 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1929-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetracera indica Merr. (Family: Dilleniaceae), known to the Malay as 'Mempelas paya', is one of the medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes in Malaysia. However, no proper scientific study has been carried out to verify the traditional claim of T. indica as an antidiabetic agent. Hence, the aims of the present study were to determine the in vitro antidiabetic potential of the T. indica stems ethanol extract, subfractions and isolated compounds. METHODS The ethanol extract and its subfractions, and isolated compounds from T. indica stems were subjected to cytotoxicity test using MTT viability assay on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Then, the test groups were subjected to the in vitro antidiabetic investigation using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and differentiated adipocytes to determine the insulin-like and insulin sensitizing activities. Rosiglitazone was used as a standard antidiabetic agent. All compounds were also subjected to fluorescence glucose (2-NBDG) uptake test on differentiated adipocytes. Test solutions were introduced to the cells in different safe concentrations as well as in different adipogenic cocktails, which were modified by the addition of compounds to be investigated and in the presence or absence of insulin. Isolation of bioactive compounds from the most effective subfraction (ethyl acetate) was performed through repeated silica gel and sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies and their structures were elucidated through 1H-and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. RESULTS Four monoflavonoids, namely, wogonin, norwogonin, quercetin and techtochrysin were isolated from the T. indica stems ethanol extract. Wogonin, norwogonin and techtochrysin induced significant (P < 0.05) adipogenesis like insulin and enhanced adipogenesis like rosiglitazone. Wogonin and norwogonin also exhibited significant (P < 0.05) glucose uptake activity. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that the flavonoids isolated from the T. indica stems possess antidiabetic potential revealing insulin-like and insulin-sensitizing effects which were significant among the compounds. This also rationalizes the traditional use of T. indica in the management of diabetes in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang DM, 25200 Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Qamar Uddin Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang DM, 25200 Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Zaiton Mat Soad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang DM, 25200 Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Jalifah Latip
- School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Taher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang DM, 25200 Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Tengku Muhamad Faris Syafiq
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang DM, 25200 Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Murni Nazira Sarian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang DM, 25200 Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Alhassan Muhammad Alhassan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang DM, 25200 Kuantan, Malaysia
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Abstract
The alarming numbers of poorly soluble discovery compounds have centered the efforts towards finding strategies to improve the solubility. One of the attractive approaches to enhance solubility is via amorphization despite the stability issue associated with it. Although the number of amorphous-based research reports has increased tremendously after year 2000, little is known on the current research practice in designing amorphous formulation and how it has changed after the concept of solid dispersion was first introduced decades ago. In this review we try to answer the following questions: What model compounds and excipients have been used in amorphous-based research? How were these two components selected and prepared? What methods have been used to assess the performance of amorphous formulation? What methodology have evolved and/or been standardized since amorphous-based formulation was first introduced and to what extent have we embraced on new methods? Is the extent of research mirrored in the number of marketed amorphous drug products? We have summarized the history and evolution of amorphous formulation and discuss the current status of amorphous formulation-related research practice. We also explore the potential uses of old experimental methods and how they can be used in tandem with computational tools in designing amorphous formulation more efficiently than the traditional trial-and-error approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijah Edueng
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, P.O. Box 580, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden
- Kulliyyah of Pharmacy,, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Istana, 25200, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Denny Mahlin
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, P.O. Box 580, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christel A S Bergström
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, P.O. Box 580, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden.
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