Browse publications by year: 2021

  1. Lim JZ, Mountstephens J, Teo J
    Front Neurorobot, 2021;15:796895.
    PMID: 35177973 DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2021.796895
    CONTEXT: Eye tracking is a technology to measure and determine the eye movements and eye positions of an individual. The eye data can be collected and recorded using an eye tracker. Eye-tracking data offer unprecedented insights into human actions and environments, digitizing how people communicate with computers, and providing novel opportunities to conduct passive biometric-based classification such as emotion prediction. The objective of this article is to review what specific machine learning features can be obtained from eye-tracking data for the classification task.

    METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review (SLR) covering the eye-tracking studies in classification published from 2016 to the present. In the search process, we used four independent electronic databases which were the IEEE Xplore, the ACM Digital Library, and the ScienceDirect repositories as well as the Google Scholar. The selection process was performed by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) search strategy. We followed the processes indicated in the PRISMA to choose the appropriate relevant articles.

    RESULTS: Out of the initial 420 articles that were returned from our initial search query, 37 articles were finally identified and used in the qualitative synthesis, which were deemed to be directly relevant to our research question based on our methodology.

    CONCLUSION: The features that could be extracted from eye-tracking data included pupil size, saccade, fixations, velocity, blink, pupil position, electrooculogram (EOG), and gaze point. Fixation was the most commonly used feature among the studies found.

  2. Sakinah S, Priya SP, Mok PL, Munisvaradass R, Teh SW, Sun Z, et al.
    Front Cell Dev Biol, 2021;9:800659.
    PMID: 35178398 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.800659
    [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.637270.].
  3. Palanisamy C, Nagarajan S
    F1000Res, 2021;10:1030.
    PMID: 35169462 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.70641.1
    Background - 3D printing is a dynamic process with many process parameters influencing the product, including the type of the material; it is often difficult to understand the combined influence of these parameters.   Purpose - The tensile strength of 3D printed parts is important for the functionality of components. The effects of process parameters on tensile strength must therefore be examined. The objective of this study is to develop a response surface model (RSM) to predict the final quality of a 3D printed bronze part from a different set of input parameters.   Methods - The tensile test specimen was built in a Makerbot 3D printer with bronze polylactic acid (PLA) material. The three controllable input parameters were; thickness of layers, number of shells, and infill density. The three levels of layer thickness were 0.1mm, 0.2mm and 0.3mm. The number of shells was 2, 3 and 4. The infill densities were 20%, 30% and 40%. A tensile experiment tested the strength of the specimens. RSM is a statistical approach for modelling and analyzing how different variables affect the response of interest, and for optimizing it.   Results - The result obtained shows that the specimen with a high layer thickness of 0.3mm and infill density of 40% is the best among all the other parameters. Finally, the regression equation produced was used for random values of layer thickness, the number of shells, and infill density, to see whether the values obtained from the tests fall into the range of experimental data.   Conclusion - Infill density and layer thickness are the two criteria that significantly influence the tensile property. The number of shells has the least influence on the tensile property. However, the best tensile strength is the part printed with higher infill density, a greater number of shells, and higher layer thickness.
    MeSH terms: Polyesters*; Tensile Strength; Printing, Three-Dimensional*
  4. Yehya AHS, Asif M, Abdul Majid AMS, Oon CE
    Biomed J, 2021 Dec;44(6):694-708.
    PMID: 35166208 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.05.015
    BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most notorious cancers and is known for its highly invasive characteristics, drug resistance, and metastatic progression. Unfortunately, many patients with advanced pancreatic cancer become insensitive towards gemcitabine treatment. Orthosiphon stamineus (O.s) is used widely as a traditional medicine for the treatment of multiple ailments, including cancer in South East Asia. The present in vitro study was designed to investigate the complementary effects of an ethanolic extract of O.s (Et. O.s) or rosmarinic acid in combination with gemcitabine on Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells.

    METHOD: Cell viability and colony formation assays were used to determine the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Et. O.s, rosmarinic acid, and gemcitabine. Different doses of gemcitabine in combination with Et. O.s or rosmarinic acid were tested against Panc-1 to select the best concentrations which possessed synergistic effects. Elucidation of molecular mechanisms responsible for mediating chemo-sensitivity in Panc-1 was performed using Quantitative Real-time PCR (QPCR), flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.

    RESULTS: Et. O.s was found to significantly sensitise Panc-1 towards gemcitabine by reducing the gene expression of multidrug-resistant protein family (MDR) (MDR-1, MRP-4, and MRP-5) and molecules related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (ZEB-1 and Snail-1). An induction of the human equilibrate nucleoside transporter-1 (hENT-1) gene was also found in cells treated with Et. O.s-gemcitabine. The Et. O.s-gemcitabine combination induced cellular senescence, cell death and cell cycle arrest in Panc-1. In addition, the inhibition of Notch signalling was demonstrated through the downregulation of Notch 1 intracellular domain in this treatment group. In contrast, rosmarinic acid-gemcitabine combination showed no additional effects on cellular senescence, apoptosis, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, the MRP-4 and MRP-5 multi-drug resistance protein family, hENT-1, and the Notch pathway through Notch 1 intracellular domain.

    CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights on the use of Et. O.s to complement gemcitabine in targeting pancreatic cancer in vitro, suggesting its potential use as a novel complementary treatment in pancreatic cancer patients.

  5. Chai TT, Koh JA, Wong CC, Sabri MZ, Wong FC
    Molecules, 2021 Dec 06;26(23).
    PMID: 34885982 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237396
    Some seed-derived antioxidant peptides are known to regulate cellular modulators of ROS production, including those proposed to be promising targets of anticancer therapy. Nevertheless, research in this direction is relatively slow owing to the inevitable time-consuming nature of wet-lab experimentations. To help expedite such explorations, we performed structure-based virtual screening on seed-derived antioxidant peptides in the literature for anticancer potential. The ability of the peptides to interact with myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, Keap1, and p47phox was examined. We generated a virtual library of 677 peptides based on a database and literature search. Screening for anticancer potential, non-toxicity, non-allergenicity, non-hemolyticity narrowed down the collection to five candidates. Molecular docking found LYSPH as the most promising in targeting myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and Keap1, whereas PSYLNTPLL was the best candidate to bind stably to key residues in p47phox. Stability of the four peptide-target complexes was supported by molecular dynamics simulation. LYSPH and PSYLNTPLL were predicted to have cell- and blood-brain barrier penetrating potential, although intolerant to gastrointestinal digestion. Computational alanine scanning found tyrosine residues in both peptides as crucial to stable binding to the targets. Overall, LYSPH and PSYLNTPLL are two potential anticancer peptides that deserve deeper exploration in future.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents/metabolism*; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry; Antioxidants/metabolism*; Antioxidants/chemistry; Drug Stability; Humans; Peroxidase/metabolism; Peroxidase/chemistry; Peptides/metabolism*; Peptides/chemistry; Plant Extracts/metabolism*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Protein Binding; Seeds/chemistry*; Xanthine Oxidase/metabolism; Xanthine Oxidase/chemistry; Catalytic Domain; Drug Discovery/methods*; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Molecular Docking Simulation; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1/metabolism; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1/chemistry
  6. Chai SS, Cheah WL, Goh KL, Chang YHR, Sim KY, Chin KO
    Comput Math Methods Med, 2021;2021:2794888.
    PMID: 34917164 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2794888
    This study outlines and developed a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network model for adolescent hypertension classification focusing on the use of simple anthropometric and sociodemographic data collected from a cross-sectional research study in Sarawak, Malaysia. Among the 2,461 data collected, 741 were hypertensive (30.1%) and 1720 were normal (69.9%). During the data gathering process, eleven anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic data were collected. The variable selection procedure in the methodology proposed selected five parameters: weight, weight-to-height ratio (WHtR), age, sex, and ethnicity, as the input of the network model. The developed MLP model with a single hidden layer of 50 hidden neurons managed to achieve a sensitivity of 0.41, specificity of 0.91, precision of 0.65, F-score of 0.50, accuracy of 0.76, and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve (AUC) of 0.75 using the imbalanced data set. Analyzing the performance metrics obtained from the training, validation and testing data sets show that the developed network model is well-generalized. Using Bayes' Theorem, an adolescent classified as hypertensive using this created model has a 66.2% likelihood of having hypertension in the Sarawak adolescent population, which has a hypertension prevalence of 30.1%. When the prevalence of hypertension in the Sarawak population was increased to 50%, the developed model could predict an adolescent having hypertension with an 82.0% chance, whereas when the prevalence of hypertension was reduced to 10%, the developed model could only predict true positive hypertension with a 33.6% chance. With the sensitivity of the model increasing to 65% and 90% while retaining a specificity of 91%, the true positivity of an adolescent being hypertension would be 75.7% and 81.2%, respectively, according to Bayes' Theorem. The findings show that simple anthropometric measurements paired with sociodemographic data are feasible to be used to classify hypertension in adolescents using the developed MLP model in Sarawak adolescent population with modest hypertension prevalence. However, a model with higher sensitivity and specificity is required for better positive hypertension predictive value when the prevalence is low. We conclude that the developed classification model could serve as a quick and easy preliminary warning tool for screening high-risk adolescents of developing hypertension.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Anthropometry; Bayes Theorem; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Hypertension/classification*; Hypertension/epidemiology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Prevalence; Neural Networks (Computer)*; Computational Biology
  7. Ramkissoon H
    Curr Opin Psychol, 2021 Dec 14;45:101290.
    PMID: 35151946 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.11.008
    Humans are particularly drawn to social connections. Prosociality in times of loss and separation requires intervention designs aimed at reinforcing social bonds to help those grieving. Prosocial behaviors reinforce social support, contribute to resilience, and promote mental health, overall well-being, and quality of life. This review summarizes multidisciplinary evidence from the literature showing emerging trends in prosocial behavior, loss, and separation research with adaptive prosocial interventions to promote resilience contributing to mental well-being and quality-of-life outcomes. A summary of research findings showing the digital transformation to promote prosocial behaviors for mental well-being is provided. Finally, new and classic evidence of prosocial behaviors for adaptation and resilience in the community is discussed to promote future prosociality in loss and separation.
  8. Awang NMSH, Haron A, Abdullah B
    Gulf J Oncolog, 2021 Sep;1(37):85-90.
    PMID: 35152200
    BACKGROUND: The parapharyngeal tumour is a rare case of head and neck tumour. Benign and malignant tumours can arise from any of the structures contained within the parapharyngeal space. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most typical salivary gland tumour that is found in this space and surgical resection is the main treatment for this tumour. Since the modern era of the medicine, different kinds of diagnostic imaging and surgical approaches have been introduced to evaluate this tumour.

    CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case report of a parapharyngeal space mass that was found to be pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary gland, their clinical presentation, radiological imaging and literature review of the transoral surgical approaches for parapharyngeal tumour.

    DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The transoral approach remains one of the classical and effective methods for the resection of the benign prestyloid parapharyngeal tumour. The surgeons need to have a good knowledge of diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques to determine which surgical procedure is the best for the patients in order to eradicate the diseases and minimize the complications ultimately.

    MeSH terms: Head and Neck Neoplasms*; Humans
  9. Lamry NA, Misron K, Tengku Kamalden TMI, Mohamad S
    Gulf J Oncolog, 2021 Sep;1(37):91-94.
    PMID: 35152201
    Soft tissue sarcoma, especially synovial sarcoma is extremely rare in infancy. Only few cases were reported, and challenges lies in disease eradication and subsequent adjuvant therapy. Due to particularly small size of head and neck region with important structures are in intimate location with each other, surgical resection is very challenging, in order to ensure total disease resection as well as maintaining function and cosmetic outcome post-operatively. We present an uncommon case of synovial sarcoma of infratemporal fossa diagnosed in a 3-month-old infant. Due to extreme age, it poses difficulty to the managing team with regards to surgical intervention and oncological regimes. Keywords : Synovial sarcoma; infratemporal fossa; infant.
    MeSH terms: Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Infant; Sarcoma*
  10. Latha S, Muthu P, Lai KW, Khalil A, Dhanalakshmi S
    Front Aging Neurosci, 2021;13:828214.
    PMID: 35153728 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.828214
    Atherosclerotic plaque deposit in the carotid artery is used as an early estimate to identify the presence of cardiovascular diseases. Ultrasound images of the carotid artery are used to provide the extent of stenosis by examining the intima-media thickness and plaque diameter. A total of 361 images were classified using machine learning and deep learning approaches to recognize whether the person is symptomatic or asymptomatic. CART decision tree, random forest, and logistic regression machine learning algorithms, convolutional neural network (CNN), Mobilenet, and Capsulenet deep learning algorithms were applied in 202 normal images and 159 images with carotid plaque. Random forest provided a competitive accuracy of 91.41% and Capsulenet transfer learning approach gave 96.7% accuracy in classifying the carotid artery ultrasound image database.
  11. Ahmed A, Dujaili JA, Jabeen M, Umair MM, Chuah LH, Hashmi FK, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:807446.
    PMID: 35153763 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.807446
    Background: With the increased availability of safe antiretroviral therapy (ART) in recent years, achieving optimal adherence and patient retention is becoming the biggest challenge for people living with HIV (PLWH). Care retention is influenced by several socioeconomic, socio-cultural, and government policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we aim to explore barriers and facilitators to adherence to ART among PLWH in Pakistan in general and COVID-19 pandemic related in particular. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 25 PLWH from December 2020 to April 2021 in the local language (Urdu) at the ART centre of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan. Interviews were audio-recorded in the local Urdu language, and bilingual expert (English, Urdu) transcribed verbatim, coded for themes and sub-themes, and analyzed using a phenomenological approach for thematic content analysis. Results: Stigma and discrimination, fear of HIV disclosure, economic constraints, forgetfulness, religion (Ramadan, spiritual healing), adverse drug reactions, lack of social support, alternative therapies, and COVID-19-related lock-down and fear of lesser COVID-19 care due to HIV associated stigma were identified as barriers affecting the retention in HIV care. At the same time, positive social support, family responsibilities, use of reminders, the beneficial impact of ART, and initiation of telephone consultations, courier delivery, and long-term delivery of antiretrovirals during COVID-19 were identified as facilitators of HIV retention. Conclusion: Improving adherence and retention is even more challenging due to COVID-19; therefore, it requires the integration of enhanced access to treatment with improved employment and social support. HIV care providers must understand these reported factors comprehensively and treat patients accordingly to ensure the continuum of HIV care. A coordinated approach including different stakeholders is required to facilitate patient retention in HIV care and consequently improve the clinical outcomes of PLWH.
  12. Moubarak HFA, Afthanorhan A, Alrasheedi ESN
    Front Psychol, 2021;12:768616.
    PMID: 35153897 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.768616
    The current study aimed to construct a multicultural psychological empowerment scale for Saudi women depending on the four dimensions of psychological empowerment, namely, meaningfulness, impact, self-efficacy, and self-determination. It was applied to a sample (N = 1,080) of Saudi women from various age categories, different social, educational, and employment status, and geographical regions. Pooled confirmatory factor analysis was using to determine the reliability and validity of the scale. As a result, the reliability and validity of the entire model were satisfied. Specifically, the composite reliability values fell in the range between 0.804 and 0.883. Meanwhile, the convergent validity was achieved as these values produced from each construct were higher than the acceptable limit of 0.50. Also, the construct validity of fitness indexes (e.g., comparative fit index, incremental fit index, Tucker-Lewis Index, root mean square error of approximation, and chi-square over degree of freedom) was achieved. In its final form, multicultural psychological empowerment scale for Saudi Women included (26) phrases distributed over its four dimensions. The study suggested systematic measurements of psychological empowerment for Saudi women from different categories, targeted with therapeutic, preventative and developmental visions, plans, and programs to determine the extent of their psychological empowerment.
  13. Solayappan M, Azlan A, Khor KZ, Yik MY, Khan M, Yusoff NM, et al.
    Front Genet, 2021;12:767298.
    PMID: 35154242 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.767298
    Hematological malignancies (HM) are a group of neoplastic diseases that are usually heterogenous in nature due to the complex underlying genetic aberrations in which collaborating mutations enable cells to evade checkpoints that normally safeguard it against DNA damage and other disruptions of healthy cell growth. Research regarding chromosomal structural rearrangements and alterations, gene mutations, and functionality are currently being carried out to understand the genomics of these abnormalities. It is also becoming more evident that cross talk between the functional changes in transcription and proteins gives the characteristics of the disease although specific mutations may induce unique phenotypes. Functional genomics is vital in this aspect as it measures the complete genetic change in cancerous cells and seeks to integrate the dynamic changes in these networks to elucidate various cancer phenotypes. The advent of CRISPR technology has indeed provided a superfluity of benefits to mankind, as this versatile technology enables DNA editing in the genome. The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a precise genome editing tool, and it has revolutionized methodologies in the field of hematology. Currently, there are various CRISPR systems that are used to perform robust site-specific gene editing to study HM. Furthermore, experimental approaches that are based on CRISPR technology have created promising tools for developing effective hematological therapeutics. Therefore, this review will focus on diverse applications of CRISPR-based gene-editing tools in HM and its potential future trajectory. Collectively, this review will demonstrate the key roles of different CRISPR systems that are being used in HM, and the literature will be a representation of a critical step toward further understanding the biology of HM and the development of potential therapeutic approaches.
  14. Lim YC, Abdul Shakor AS, Shaharudin R
    Front Public Health, 2021;9:813058.
    PMID: 35155360 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.813058
    Objective: Facial anthropometric data is important for the design of respirators. Two-dimensional (2D) photogrammetry has replaced direct anthropometric method, but the reliability and accuracy of 2D photogrammetry has not been quantified. This study aimed to assess inter-rater reliability of 2D photogrammetry and to examine the reliability and accuracy of 2D photogrammetry with direct measurement.

    Design: A cross-sectional study.

    Setting: Malaysia.

    Participants: A subset of 96 participants aged 18 and above.

    Primary and secondary outcomes: Ten facial dimensions were measured using direct measurement and 2D photogrammetry. An assessment of inter-rater reliability was performed using intra-class correlation (ICC) of the 2D images. In addition, ICC and Bland-Altman analyses were used to assess the reliability and agreement of 2D photogrammetry with direct measurement.

    Results: Except for head breadth and bigonial breadth, which were also found to have low inter-rater reliability, there was no significant difference in the inter-rater mean value of the 2D photogrammetry. The mean measurements derived from direct measurement and 2D photogrammetry were mostly similar. However, statistical differences were noted for two facial dimensions, i.e., bizygomatic breadth and bigonial breadth, and clinically the magnitude of difference was also significant. There were no statistical differences in respect to the remaining eight facial dimensions, where the smallest mean difference was 0.3 mm and biggest mean difference was 1.0 mm. The ICC showed head breadth had poor reliability, whilst Bland-Altman analyses showed seven out of 10 facial dimensions using 2D photogrammetry were accurate, as compared to direct measurement.

    Conclusion: Only certain facial measurements can be reliably and accurately measured using 2D photogrammetry, thus it is important to conduct a reliability and validation study before the use of any measurement methods in anthropometric studies. The results of this study also suggest that 2D photogrammetry can be used to supplement direct measurement for certain facial dimensions.

  15. Norhayati MN, Che Yusof R, Azman YM
    Front Med (Lausanne), 2021;8:783982.
    PMID: 35155467 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.783982
    INTRODUCTION: Vaccination is an essential intervention to curb the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This review aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance worldwide.

    METHODS: A systematic search of the MEDLINE (PubMed) database using "COVID-19," "vaccine" and "acceptance" to obtain original research articles published between 2020 and July 2021. Only studies with full text and that were published in English were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute meta-analysis was used to assess the data quality. The meta-analysis was performed using generic inverse variance with a random-effects model using the Review Manager software.

    RESULTS: A total of 172 studies across 50 countries worldwide were included. Subgroup analyses were performed with regard to vaccine acceptance, regions, population, gender, vaccine effectiveness, and survey time. The pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was 61% (95% CI: 59, 64). It was higher in Southeast Asia, among healthcare workers, in males, for vaccines with 95% effectiveness, and during the first survey.

    CONCLUSION: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance needs to be increased to achieve herd immunity to protect the population from the disease. It is crucial to enhance public awareness of COVID-19 vaccination and improve access to vaccines.

    SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2021, identifier CRD42021268645.

  16. Issa MR, Awanis Muslim N, Mat Sharif Z
    SAGE Open Nurs, 2021 12 09;7:23779608211065213.
    PMID: 35155775 DOI: 10.1177/23779608211065213
    Background: All hospitals are required to provide high-quality pain management; one of the most critical issues in achieving high-quality pain management is that the hospitals have a clear plan to manage the patients' pain and improve the nurses' awareness of pain management during the COVID 19 pandemic. However, there is a significant gap in the literature that this study can cover.

    Aim: This study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of model-based learning on nurses' attitudes toward nurses' pain management awareness during the COVID 19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia government hospitals.

    Method: The Heath Beliefs Model was used, with a quasi-experimental design, with per experimental one group pre-test post-test design, and a quantitative approach using self-administered questionnaires obtained from 330 nurses working with patients suffering from pain. IBM SPSS V23 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS)V23 were applied to analyze the causal relationships between the variables.

    Results: A two-step approach to analyze the study: the first step was to test the measurement models' constructs' reliability and validity. The second step was to test research hypotheses in the structural models. The results show a significant positive relationship between model-based learning and pain management awareness among nurses during COVID 19 pandemic. Furthermore, model-based learning fully mediated the relationship between nurses' attitudes and pain management awareness.

    Conclusions: The study successfully improved nurses' attitudes toward pain management awareness among nurses during COVID 19 pandemic. These findings will help strengthen the debate in the existing literature, and this is a new development window in the pain management area.

  17. Ngah NA, Dias GJ, Tong DC, Mohd Noor SNF, Ratnayake J, Cooper PR, et al.
    Molecules, 2021 Nov 25;26(23).
    PMID: 34885714 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237131
    BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has gained popularity in craniofacial surgery, as it provides an excellent reservoir of autologous growth factors (GFs) that are essential for bone regeneration. However, the low elastic modulus, short-term clinical application, poor storage potential and limitations in emergency therapy use restrict its more widespread clinical application. This study fabricates lyophilised PRF (Ly-PRF), evaluates its physical and biological properties, and explores its application for craniofacial tissue engineering purposes.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: A lyophilisation method was applied, and the outcome was evaluated and compared with traditionally prepared PRF. We investigated how lyophilisation affected PRF's physical characteristics and biological properties by determining: (1) the physical and morphological architecture of Ly-PRF using SEM, and (2) the kinetic release of PDGF-AB using ELISA.

    RESULTS: Ly-PRF exhibited a dense and homogeneous interconnected 3D fibrin network. Moreover, clusters of morphologically consistent cells of platelets and leukocytes were apparent within Ly-PRF, along with evidence of PDGF-AB release in accordance with previously reports.

    CONCLUSIONS: The protocol established in this study for Ly-PRF preparation demonstrated versatility, and provides a biomaterial with growth factor release for potential use as a craniofacial bioscaffold.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Blood Platelets/metabolism; Blood Platelets/chemistry; Bone Regeneration/drug effects; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Freeze Drying; Humans; Leukocytes/chemistry; Male; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/biosynthesis*; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/genetics; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/metabolism; Tissue Donors; Tissue Engineering*; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/therapeutic use; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/chemistry*; Young Adult
  18. Chen X, Rahman MK, Rana MS, Gazi MAI, Rahaman MA, Nawi NC
    Front Psychol, 2021;12:760051.
    PMID: 35145450 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.760051
    This work has aimed to investigate the consumers' green product purchase attitudes and behavioral intention during COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected through a survey method of 503 consumers in Malaysia. Data were analyzed using the partial least square method. The findings revealed that fear of COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on green product behavioral intention. Green product literacy, green product orientation, and social influence have a significant influence on green product purchase attitudes. The results also indicated that consumers' green product purchase attitudes mediate the effect of green product literacy, green product orientation, and social influence on behavioral intention. The findings of this work will provide strategically relevant references to green marketers and retail managers in the understanding of consumers' green product purchase attitudes and green product behavioral intention during the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  19. Skowron K, Bauza-Kaszewska J, Grudlewska-Buda K, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N, Zacharski M, Bernaciak Z, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2021;12:811157.
    PMID: 35145498 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.811157
    Among the diseases that pose a serious threat to public health, those caused by viruses are of great importance. The Nipah virus (NiV) belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family was reported in Malaysia in 1998/1999. Due to its high mortality in humans, its zoonotic nature, the possibility of human-to-human transmission, and the lack of an available vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized it as a global health problem. Depending on strain specificity, neurological symptoms and severe respiratory disorders are observed in NiV infection. In most confirmed cases of NiV epidemics, the appearance of the virus in humans was associated with the presence of various animal species, but generally, bats of Pteropus species are considered the most important natural animal NiV reservoir and vector. Consumption of contaminated food, contact with animals, and "human-to-human" direct contact were identified as NiV transmission routes. Due to the lack of vaccines and drugs with proven effectiveness against NiV, treatment of patients is limited to supportive and prophylactic.
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