Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Taha MME, Khalid A, Elfatih F, Mohan S, Sukumaran SD, Ul-Haq Z, et al.
    Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand), 2024 Nov 24;70(10):154-160.
    PMID: 39605111 DOI: 10.14715/cmb/2024.70.10.20
    The search for new treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has led to the exploration of plant-based drugs as potential options. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are widely used as anti-AD medications. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of girinimbine, a constituent of Murraya koenigii, on AChE. AChE inhibition was assessed by in vitro experiments using the modified Ellman method, as well as in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation. The results were compared to those of the well-known anti-AChE agents tacrine and propidium iodide. Girinimbine, propidium, and tacrine at concentrations of 3.8X10-5M, 1.1x10-5M, and 6.1x10-7M showed percentages of inhibition percentages of 35.6%, 28.2%, and 76.6%, respectively. The docking and molecular dynamics simulation analyses indicated that girinimbine exhibited a higher binding affinity to AChE compared to propidium and tacrine. This finding was further confirmed by the docking, root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), and radius of rotation analyses. In conclusion, M. koenigii girinimbine shows promise as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor for Alzheimer's disease. Further research, including in vivo studies and clinical trials, is needed to explore its potential as a plant-based drug candidate for AD treatment.
    MeSH terms: Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy; Alzheimer Disease/metabolism; Humans; Protein Binding; Tacrine/pharmacology; Tacrine/chemistry; Murraya/chemistry; Molecular Dynamics Simulation*; Molecular Docking Simulation*
  2. Low J, Nishikawa Y, Takahashi Y, Toyama M, Fisher CM, Low WY, et al.
    PMID: 39605276 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241299919
    Significant sociocultural barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information influence what is acceptable to discuss and learn within the Malaysian community. To address gaps in their knowledge, adolescents routinely turn to the Internet. This study identifies the ways they navigate SRH information found online. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 17 Malaysian adolescents. The data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Participants navigate SRH information using intuitive strategies, known locally as pandai-pandai. This important cultural concept involves balancing between adherence to social norms and resourcefulness in problem-solving. Pandai-pandai strategies were observed in three domains: (1) navigating SRH sources, (2) evaluating and verifying SRH information, and (3) processing SRH information. Malaysian adolescents' strategies for evaluating SRH information extend beyond traditional critical evaluation models and are driven by emotional, social, and cultural criteria, requiring a reconsideration of what constitutes critical evaluation in this context.
  3. Ugwu CC, Hair-Bejo M, Nurulfiza MI, Omar AR, Ideris A
    J Adv Vet Anim Res, 2024 Sep;11(3):693-702.
    PMID: 39605767 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2024.k819
    OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to inactivate the FAdV isolate (UPM11142P5B1) produced in a bioreactor and assess the humoral and cellular immunity, efficacy, and virus shedding in broiler chickens.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The isolate was grown in a bioreactor, inactivated using binary ethyleneimine, adjuvanted with Montanide 71VG, and injected into day-old broiler chickens either with or without booster groups. The following parameters were measured: T lymphocyte profile in the liver, spleen, and thymus; FAdV antibody titer; clinical symptoms; gross and histological alterations in the liver, spleen, and thymus; virus copy number in the liver and cloacal shedding.

    RESULTS: Compared to the unchallenged control group, booster (BG), and non-booster (NBG), the challenged control group (CCG) had a larger liver: body weight (BW) ratio, milder clinical signs, gross lesions, and histological alterations. They also had a lower BW. At 7, 21, 35, and 42 days post-inoculation (dpi), the NBG and BG exhibited higher antibody levels than the UCG. At 35 dpi, challenged BG and NBG produced more antibodies than CCG. In BG and NBG, T cells were stimulated in the spleen, thymus, and liver. At 35 and 42 dpi, the challenged BG and NBG showed significantly decreased viral copy numbers in the liver and shedding, respectively, along with increased lymphocyte counts.

    CONCLUSION: The inactivated UPM11142P5B1 with Montanide 71VG could be a vaccine against FAdV 8b infections in chickens.

  4. Ismail UN, Yahya N, Wan Zaidi WA, Law ZK, Abdul Manan H
    Front Neurosci, 2024;18:1437130.
    PMID: 39605795 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1437130
    The growing interest in complementary interventions for stroke recovery necessitates the need for neural insights to aid in making evidence-based clinical decisions. This systematic review examined the brain activation effects of complementary therapies, including acupuncture (n = 5), motor imagery therapy (MIT) (n = 5), music (n = 3), and virtual reality (VR) interventions (n = 3), on clinical outcomes and neural activity in stroke patients. All therapies engaged motor and sensory networks, frontal regions, parietal regions, and temporal regions, suggesting their potential to improve motor control, attention, memory, and cognitive function. Acupuncture activated motor areas in both hemispheres, while MIT stimulated frontoparietal regions in both sides of the brain, supporting whole-body integration in recovery. In contrast, VR therapy exhibited ipsilesional lateralization, while music therapy showed left-lateralization. The review also found that increased interhemispheric connectivity between motor regions, along with intrahemispheric ipsilesional connectivity between motor, cognitive, and sensory areas, is key to achieving better clinical outcomes.

    SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier (ID: CRD42023455192).

  5. Huan NC, Nyanti LE, Lee XY, Ramarmuty HY, Eng DTS, Sivaraman Kannan KK, et al.
    Case Rep Pulmonol, 2024;2024:5807681.
    PMID: 39605876 DOI: 10.1155/crpu/5807681
    Brown-colored pleural effusion is rare and may result from high bilirubin levels such as bilothorax (often described as a pleural fluid-to-serum bilirubin ratio of > 1.0). We describe four patients with malignant pleural effusion that appeared macroscopically brown with a pleural fluid-to-serum bilirubin ratio between 3.7 and 16.2. All had metastatic adenocarcinomas; three were from lung and one from gastric origin. None demonstrated clear pleurobiliary fistulas on investigations. Postulates for the development of brown effusion include heme oxygenase 1 overexpression in malignant cells situated in the pleura, intrapleural hemolysis, passive movement of bile through microscopic diaphragmatic pores, and drainage of biliary fluid into the pleural lymphatics.
  6. Dalimunthe A, Carensia Gunawan M, Dhiya Utari Z, Dinata MR, Halim P, Estherina S Pakpahan N, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2024;15:1461478.
    PMID: 39605919 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1461478
    Lupeol, a naturally occurring lupane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid, is widely distributed in various edible vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants. Notably, it is found in high concentrations in plants like Tamarindus indica, Allanblackia monticola, and Emblica officinalis, among others. Quantitative studies have highlighted its presence in Elm bark, Olive fruit, Aloe leaf, Ginseng oil, Mango pulp, and Japanese Pear bark. This compound is synthesized from squalene through the mevalonate pathway and can also be synthetically produced in the lab, addressing challenges in natural product synthesis. Over the past four decades, extensive research has demonstrated lupeol's multifaceted pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. Despite its significant therapeutic potential, clinical applications of lupeol have been limited by its poor water solubility and bioavailability. Recent advancements have focused on nano-based delivery systems to enhance its bioavailability, and the development of various lupeol derivatives has further amplified its bioactivity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in understanding the pharmacological benefits of lupeol. It also discusses innovative strategies to improve its bioavailability, thereby enhancing its clinical efficacy. The aim is to consolidate current knowledge and stimulate further research into the therapeutic potential of lupeol and its derivatives.
  7. Abu-Farha R, Gharaibeh L, Alzoubi KH, Ahmad RE, Binsaleh AY, Shilbayeh SAR, et al.
    J Pharm Policy Pract, 2024;17(1):2430445.
    PMID: 39605986 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2430445
    BACKGROUND: Gabapentin is increasingly recognised for its potential for abuse, raising concerns within healthcare communities. Community pharmacists are on the front lines in identifying and addressing instances of gabapentin abuse, making their insights invaluable. This study aims to assess community pharmacists' experiences and perceptions regarding gabapentin abuse in Jordan.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2024 using a questionnaire-based approach. The questionnaire, developed in English, was uploaded to Google Forms and distributed through social networking platforms. It consisted of four sections: demographic information, pharmacists' experiences with gabapentin abusers, strategies to limit access to gabapentin, and perceptions of gabapentin abuse, which were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. A Chi-square test was employed to analyze the association between categorical variables.

    RESULTS: The study included 209 pharmacists (median age 29.0 years, IQR 8.0 years). Concerning gabapentin, 72.7% of pharmacists received requests to sell it in the past 6 months. Of these, about 75.7% encountered suspected gabapentin abusers, noting behavioural changes (95.9%), frequent refill requests (90.4%), and inconsistent medical histories (87.8%) as key indicators. Most suspected abusers were male (81.7%) and aged 21-30 years (74.8%).Common reasons cited by suspected abusers for requesting gabapentin included neuropathic pain (93.0%), low back pain (89.6%), and mood instability (73.0%). Pharmacists perceived an increase in gabapentin abuse (74.5%) and expressed a need for additional training (83.3%). Additionally, 83.7% recognised their pivotal role in identifying and addressing gabapentin abuse. Finally, significant associations were found between working in chain pharmacies and receiving gabapentin requests (χ² = 9.159, p = 0.002).

    CONCLUSION: Pharmacists have an important role in detecting gabapentin abuse which necessitates adequate education. Pharmacists have concerns regarding this issue and believe stricter regulations are needed.

  8. Sattar A, Naveed S, Rehman H, Usman S, Jamshed S
    Front Public Health, 2024;12:1486990.
    PMID: 39606077 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1486990
    INTRODUCTION: Over the past few years, the technology powering mobile devices such as smartphones has made significant progress. Furthermore, the healthcare industry is always progressing and actively embracing the latest technological advancements to achieve the highest level of efficiency. With the rising prevalence of smartphones and internet connection, customers are benefiting from reduced prices, convenient home delivery, and effortless accessibility through online pharmacies. Internet-based pharmacies facilitate the internet-based transaction of health-related products, such as drugs, dietary supplements, and various other wellbeing products.

    OBJECTIVE OF STUDY: The study assessed digital pharmacy applications in India using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) on Android and iOS devices, aiming to evaluate their quality.

    METHODS: An investigation examined the digital pharmacy applications in India that were accessible via the Android Market and App Store. The applications were assessed by two researchers using the MARS questionnaire, a tool that evaluates 23 variables categorized into five domains: Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, Information, and Subjective Quality. The grading system spanned from one to five for every category.

    RESULTS: A Google Play Store and App Store investigation revealed 40 online pharmacy apps in India, with 13 rejected. Seven were non-English language-related apps and seven were not downloaded. Thirteen were chosen and evaluated using the MARS Scale. The MARS demonstrated significant positive associations across its components, namely Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information. Specifically, greater levels of user functionality were shown to be indicative of superior app aesthetics and engagement. The mean rating of the 13 apps fell between the range of 3.11 to 4.32 on a 5-point scale.

    CONCLUSION: This is the first study to utilize the MARS scale to assess the efficacy of online pharmacy applications in India. This research enhanced the functionality and quality of various online pharmacy applications utilized in India.

    MeSH terms: Smartphone; Humans; India; Surveys and Questionnaires; Internet; Pharmaceutical Services, Online
  9. Vijian K, Lau BL, Kanesen D, Lim SS, Ngian DL, Wong ASH
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2024 Dec;19(4):701-706.
    PMID: 39606292 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1789593
    Background  Stereotactic biopsies are used to aid neurosurgeons in clinching the diagnosis of intracranial lesions that are difficult to access surgically. A published study of stereotactic biopsies in our center demonstrated a diagnostic yield of only 76% for biopsies from the year 2014 to 2019. A set of criteria/prerequisites was applied to increase yield. Objective  The aim of the study was to identify the improvement in accuracy and yield after implementation of a set of criteria/prerequisites. Materials and Methods  This was a retrospective and prospective analysis of all patients who underwent stereotactic biopsies from the year 2014 to 2022. This study was conducted at Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia. A set of stereotactic criteria/prerequisites was introduced since 2020, which include preoperative careful, meticulous trajectory planning and target selection, regular checking and maintenance of equipment, larger burr holes, and good sampling techniques. Results  A total of 83 patients underwent stereotactic biopsies from the year 2014 to 2022. Frameless and frame-based methods were used for 45 (54%) and 38 (46%) patients, respectively. The overall diagnostic yield of all biopsies was 84%. Fifty patients underwent stereotactic biopsies prior to implementation of good practice guidelines in 2020 with a positive histopathological yield and accuracy of 76 and 88%, respectively. Thirty-three biopsies done postimplementation demonstrated a yield and accuracy of 97% ( p  
  10. Kombe GE, Almasi JT, Kato Y, Liew BS
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2024 Dec;19(4):583-586.
    PMID: 39606295 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788681
    Shortage of physicians/doctors in the primary health care system has been evidenced in various countries. Among other things, these countries deployed nurse practitioners (NPs) in the health care delivery system to address this shortage. Countries in America, Europe, and Asia use NPs to address physicians/doctors shortage in the primary health care delivery systems. Various studies have shown that NPs have been deployed in primary health care facilities to curb these shortages.While in Tanzania shortage of physicians/doctors and other health professionals is evidenced in every sector of the health care system, nurses play a crucial role to cover this shortage by providing care and support for individuals and communities. Nurses work in various settings from being a nurse, counselor, laboratory technologist, social worker, educationist, and physician, to name a few. Nurses play a key role in preventing, diagnosing, and attending to common health problems. The question is, "When will the Tanzanian health delivery system recognize the pivotal role of these nurses and upgrade them to NPs?" This study suggests that deployment of NPs in Tanzania's health care systems could be a "game changer." As a fellow on Critical Care Nursing Course at Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital in Japan, witnessed deployment of NPs in health care delivery and the reaped benefits are enormous; increased access to health care services, reduction in health care costs, reduced hospital stays, and customer satisfaction through client empowerment and comfort. This is an observational study of tasks performed by NPs in Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital and their relevance as a positive innovation to curb physician shortages for effective health care delivery. The duration of the study at Bantane Hospital was 2 months from January 15 to March 16, 2024. One-to-one interviews with NPs on duty were conducted. Also, collected and reviewed information from Tanzanian government Web sites, published government documents, and academic literature. Results show that NPs perform a lot of procedures that physicians/doctors were supposed to do. In the wards, theater, laboratories, and clinics, they play a pivotal role to curb shortage of physicians/doctors in health settings. NPs are an effective addition to medical facilities. They perform various procedures in the absence of the doctors. The findings from this study have important implications for improving health care delivery in Tanzania. NPs could be "game changers" in the health care landscape in Tanzania. Investment on nurses' education, proper training, and policy changes in nurse practice regulations are key for this to succeed.
  11. Lee WL, Alias A, Lim MS
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2024 Dec;19(4):816-824.
    PMID: 39606303 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1791582
    Blast-related traumatic brain injuries (bTBIs), once considered the signature wound of wars, have increasingly affected civilian populations due to the rise in terrorist attacks and industrial accidents. These injuries are complex, resulting from a combination of primary blast effects, secondary projectiles, tertiary impacts, and quaternary injuries from burns and toxic gas inhalation. Understanding the clinical presentation, management strategies, and outcomes of bTBIs is essential for enhancing patient care and improving prognosis. We report a case of industrial-related severe bTBI with opened depressed skull fracture and intracranial hematoma. The patient underwent decompressive craniectomy and evacuation of clot but postoperatively had a stormy recovery and multiple complications. He eventually succumbed due to his complications. This underscores the complexity of bTBIs and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of bTBIs. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with bTBIs.
  12. Cheong WL, Mohd Nasir MN, Yeak RDK, Abdul Kahar J
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e72541.
    PMID: 39606499 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.72541
    We present the case of a 32-year-old male patient with an intratendinous cyst of the supraspinatus tendon identified during shoulder arthroscopy. The patient presented with right shoulder pain, worsened by shoulder flexion and abduction, after playing darts. There was no history of trauma. Initial clinical examination revealed only slightly reduced subscapularis muscle strength and tenderness over the long head of the biceps tendon. Magnetic resonance imaging showed subacromial impingement, a bursal side partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon, and subscapularis tendinosis. Despite physiotherapy, which resulted in a full shoulder range of motion and negative provocative tests, his symptoms persisted for two years. He subsequently underwent a diagnostic arthroscopy, subacromial decompression, and biceps tenodesis. Intra-operatively, an intratendinous cyst within the supraspinatus tendon was identified and debrided, explaining the persistence of his symptoms. Six months postoperatively, he maintained a full shoulder range of motion with complete resolution of symptoms.
  13. Kouhi Fayegh A, Mat Din H, Wan Sulaiman WA, Ravanipour M, Basri H, Bin Mohamed MH, et al.
    Neuropsychiatr, 2024 Dec;38(4):174-181.
    PMID: 37184819 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-023-00467-y
    PURPOSE: Disturbances of sleep have frequently been reported in individuals with migraine. On top of this, an elderly patient with migraine also suffers from sleep disturbances due to changes in physiologic and mental health associated with aging. This study aimed to compare several sleep factors, namely sleep quality, chronotype, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk, between elderly people with and without migraine.

    METHODS: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 10 neurologic clinics located in Tehran, Iran, over 2 years. The sample size was calculated as 189, including 63 migraine and 126 non-migraine patients.

    RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in the mean score of the global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) between migraine and non-migraine groups (p-value = 0.002), and in the individual components of the PSQI. However, there were no significant differences in the frequency of different types of chronotype (p-value = 0.125, T = 1.541) or OSA risk between the two groups (p-value = 0.568, T = -0.573). The binary logistic regression model showed that the relationship between global PSQI and migraine was significant (p = 0.002).

    CONCLUSION: Sleep quality is a problem for elderly migraine sufferers. Meanwhile, certain factors such as chronotype and OSA have no significant relationship with migraine among community-dwelling seniors. Further studies are required to enhance our understanding of this observation.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Iran/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Comorbidity
  14. Chin WS, Hung WL, Say YH, Chien LC, Chen YC, Lo YP, et al.
    Environ Pollut, 2024 Dec 15;363(Pt 1):125090.
    PMID: 39393761 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125090
    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant global public health challenge, with environmental toxins potentially contributing to its prevalence. In Taiwan, where arsenic (As) contamination is endemic in certain areas, assessing its impact on renal health is crucial due to the country's high rates of unexplained CKD. This cross-sectional study assessed associations between urinary As species and early renal impairment biomarkers-the microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and β2-microglobulin (B2MG)-in 248 young Taiwanese adults (aged 20-29 years). We measured urinary As species (including arsenite [As3+], arsenate [As5+], monomethylarsonic acid [MMA], and dimethylarsinic acid [DMA]) and early renal impairment biomarkers (urinary microalbumin and B2MG levels). Median concentrations of urinary As3+, As5+, MMA, DMA, inorganic As (iAs), and the sum of inorganic and methylated As species (iSumAs) were 1.43, 1.02, 3.79, 31.53, 2.82, and 39.22 μg/g creatinine (Cre.), respectively. We also evaluated the first methylation ratio (FMR) and the second methylation ratio (SMR). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, a multivariate linear regression showed significant associations between B2MG and urinary As5+ (β = 0.299, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.113-0.485) and iAs (β = 0.281, 95% CI: 0.061-0.502) concentrations. A generalized additive model revealed non-linear relationships among As5+, iAs, and B2MG concentrations. Moreover, there were elevated risks associated with the highest tertile of B2MG concentrations compared to the highest tertile of urinary As5+ (odds ratio [OR] = 2.366, 95% CI: 1.196-4.682), MMA (OR = 1.917, 95% CI: 1.002-3.666), DMA (OR = 1.952, 95% CI: 1.015-3.753), and iSumAs (OR = 2.302, 95% CI: 1.182-4.483). These results indicated that exposure to As was associated with early renal impairment, particularly evidenced by increased urinary B2MG concentrations.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Arsenicals/urine; beta 2-Microglobulin/urine; Creatinine/urine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environmental Pollutants/urine; Female; Humans; Male; Taiwan; Biomarkers/urine; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/chemically induced; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/metabolism; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/epidemiology; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/urine; Young Adult
  15. Li W, Ng TF, Ibrahim H, Wang SL
    PMID: 39401374 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2024.2415298
    Over the past decades, the amount of waste has dramatically increased worldwide due to rapid population growth and urbanization. Inefficient waste collection and transportation, known as the waste collection vehicle routing problem (WCVRP), negatively impacts economic, environmental, and social dimensions. This issue has drawn considerable attention from local and national governments. There is an urgent need for sustainable practices in waste collection and transportation. This paper conducts an exhaustive literature review on the WCVRP. The review covers various aspects, including waste types, common model characteristics, objective functions, solution methods, datasets and case studies. The analysis indicates a need for further research on underrepresented waste types, such as medical waste (MW). It also stresses the importance of incorporating more model characteristics to better capture the complexities of real-world scenarios. Moreover, there is a lack of multiple objectives optimization models that concurrently address economic, environmental, and social dimensions, in line with sustainable development goals. Additionally, there is insufficient research on hybrid algorithms, especially regarding their application to uncertainty management and advanced techniques. Finally, the use of hybrid testing is restricted, highlighting the need for diverse tests to validate solution methods under various real-world conditions. This study outlines a roadmap for decision-makers in the WCVRP domain, offering opportunities for the evolution of more efficient, adaptable, and sustainable waste collection and transportation systems.Implications: The discussion of WCVRP is an urgent global concern in waste management that requires immediate attention. Through a multi-dimensional evaluation of the research papers, this review paper provides recommendations for future research and practice in WCVRP. Initially, while urban solid waste has received significant attention, other categories remain insufficiently examined. Future research should focus on efficient collection and transportation strategies for these types. Then, although common characteristics are well-explored, this review emphasizes the need for further investigation into lesser-studied characteristics and vehicle types in WCVRP models. Next, current models predominantly prioritize cost and public health exposure risk minimization. There is a necessity for more holistic approaches that incorporate multiple objectives, particularly those crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. Moreover, hybrid algorithms have emerged as efficient solutions, yet advanced technologies coupled with uncertainty management strategies remain underutilized, presenting significant potential to address the evolving complexities of WCVRP. Finally, the study highlights the importance of datasets and case studies in validating WCVRP models. Hybrid tests enable researchers to comprehensively evaluate WCVRP solutions, providing insight into their performance under various conditions. In conclusion, these implications offer a roadmap for advancing WCVRP research and guiding practical strategies to contribute to the development of more efficient, adaptable, and sustainable waste collection and transportation systems.
  16. Suleiman SB, Esa Y, Aziz D, Ani Azaman SN, Hassan NH, Syukri F
    Environ Pollut, 2024 Dec 15;363(Pt 1):125103.
    PMID: 39401561 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125103
    Microplastics (MPs) are widely used and disposed of indiscriminately, posing a potential threat to aquatic life. Herein, Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) fingerlings were exposed to various concentrations (1, 10 and 100 ppt or g/kg) of dietary polyethylene MPs for 16 days. The results indicated a significant increase in mortality among the fish fed with dietary MPs compared to the control. Furthermore, histological analysis of the liver revealed moderate-to-severe morphological alterations, hepatocyte necrosis and vacuolisation as the concentration gradient of MPs increased. The severity of the alterations was highest at a concentration of 100 ppt, indicating a direct correlation between MP and liver damage. In addition, RNA sequencing and Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis revealed that a total of 4137 genes were significantly differentially expressed, with 1958 upregulated and 2179 downregulated genes. The significantly enriched terms included 'oxidoreductase activity', 'endocytosis', 'mitochondrial', 'immune system process' and 'lipid catabolic process'. Moreover, the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis demonstrated that dietary MPs triggered oxidative stress, immune response and adaptive mechanism pathways in fish. Thus, MPs can induce metabolic disorders in L. calcarifer, highlighting their potential threat to aquatic organisms.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Liver/drug effects; Liver/metabolism; Oxidative Stress/drug effects
  17. Cheong SM, Joseph B, Ahmad Idham K, Ahmad Rusyaidi MM, Yong JC, Adiana G
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 Dec;209(Pt A):117102.
    PMID: 39406063 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117102
    Pulau Kapas is tropical island which dominantly depends on land-supplied and groundwater for freshwater sources. The groundwater quality was monitored monthly, to identify the possible factors effecting the groundwater quality throughout May to October 2022. Physico-chemical parameters were in-situ measured and groundwater were collected for nutrients analysis in the laboratory. The concentration of ammonium, phosphate, nitrite, and nitrate were in the range of 0.07-1.08 mg/L, 0.00-0.06 mg/L, BDL-18 × 10-4 mg/L and 0.01-0.19 mg/L, respectively. The cluster and principal component analysis unveiled the seawater intrusion for freshwater needs was the dominant factor affecting the groundwater. Followed by the dissolution of soil particles surrounds the groundwater table, and the surface run-off by rainfall. In conclusion, the groundwater was affected by geogenic factors as it was not extensively extracted due to movement control order of Covid-19 event. This has provided significant insight for a better management plan in sustaining the groundwater of Pulau Kapas.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*; Nitrates/analysis; Nitrites/analysis; Phosphates/analysis; Seawater/chemistry; Water Quality; Islands; Ammonium Compounds/analysis
  18. Lim KP, Sun C, Yusoff S, Ding J, Loh KH, Li J, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 Dec;209(Pt A):117112.
    PMID: 39406069 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117112
    Microplastic contamination is an emerging concern in marine ecosystems, with limited knowledge on its impact on coral reefs, particularly in Malaysia. Surface waters were collected from several coral reef regions in Peninsular Malaysia by towing a plankton net behind the boat. Microplastics were detected at all sites, with a mean abundance of 0.344 ± 0.457 MP/m3. Perhentian Islands (0.683 ± 0.647 MP/m3) had significantly higher microplastic levels than Tioman Island (0.108 ± 0.063 MP/m3), likely due to oceanographic differences. Over half of the microplastics (55.7 %) were small microplastics (<1 mm), with the 0.05-0.5 mm size class being most abundant (29.2 %). Fragments and fibres dominated, and black, blue, and green were the prevalent colours. Polyethylene (PE), rayon (RY), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and polypropylene (PP) were the most common polymers. This study reveals the abundance and characteristics of microplastics, provides important data for further research on microplastics in coral reef ecosystem.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*; Malaysia; Ecosystem; Risk Assessment; Polyethylene; Coral Reefs*
  19. Shankar VS, De K, Mandal S, Jacob S, Satyakeerthy TR
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 Dec;209(Pt A):117145.
    PMID: 39461182 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117145
    The increasing occurrence of mismanaged plastic litter along India's coastline and the ominous challenges it poses to biodiversity and ecosystem health is a growing environmental concern. To address this issue, we comprehensively investigated the abundance, composition, and probable sources of marine litter on North Cinque Island, a remote uninhabited island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, Bay of Bengal. This island is a designated wildlife sanctuary and serves as an important nesting site for Green, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles. A total of 6227 litter items were enumerated, with an average concentration of 0.12 items/m2, representing 20 diverse litter types, with plastic dominating the litter composition (86 %). The cleanliness and environmental hazards of the coast due to the litter were assessed using different indices such as the Clean Coast Index (CCI), Plastic Accumulation Index (PAI), Hazardous Item Index (HII), and Clean Environment Index (CEI). CCI indicates the moderately clean-to-clean status of the surveyed sites. PAI points to low to moderate accumulation of plastic litter. HII of all five coasts fell in category II, suggesting a moderate abundance of hazardous items that can inflict injuries to the foraging turtle and their hatchlings. The CEI articulates the moderately clean to very clean status of the sites. Litter brand audit suggests a considerable amount of stranded litter on the coasts was transboundary and originated from six Indian Ocean Rim Countries (IORC), namely Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and UAE. Joint solid waste management by the IORC is the need of the hour to avert litter accumulation on the pristine, remote islands.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Environmental Monitoring*; India; Plastics; Turtles; Ecosystem; Risk Assessment; Biodiversity; Islands*
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