The halal logo(s) issued by JAKIM tend to confuse consumers as they greatly lacked information about the genuine halal logo. This was found by conducting open ended, but structured interviews from 20 Malays and showing them 10 halal logos (9 original and 1 fake) to see whether they could recognize the fake from the originals. This research found that while all the respondents had difficulty in differentiating the real halal logo from the fake, they all preferred a single, unified halal logo to end the confusion. This finding holds serious implications for JAKIM: it needs to extend efforts to educate people about the in-practice halal logo, without which many people would remain in the same confusion. This bears particular importance for the religious food requirements of Muslims as genuine halal logo determines the permissibility of food being taken.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are released by most of the cells, constitute a new system of cell-cell communication by transporting DNA, RNA, and proteins in various vesicles namely exosomes, apoptotic bodies, protein complexes, high-density lipid (HDL) microvesicles, among others. To ensure accurate regulation of somatic stem cell activity, EVs function as an independent metabolic unit mediating the metabolic homeostasis and pathophysiological of several diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, immune diseases, and cancer. Whist examining the EV biomolecules cargos and their microenvironments that lead to epigenetic alteration of the cell in tissue regeneration, studies have gained further insights into the biogenesis of EVs and their potential roles in cell biology and pathogenicity. Due to their small size, non-virulence, flexibility, and ability to cross biological barriers, EVs have promising therapeutic potentials in various diseases. In this review, we describe EV's mechanism of action in intercellular communication and transfer of biological information as well as some details about EVinduced epigenetic changes in recipient cells that cause phenotypic alteration during tissue regeneration. We also highlight some of the therapeutic potentials of EVs in organ-specific regeneration.
The current study sought to create graphene oxide-based superstructures for gastrointestinal drug delivery. Graphene oxide has a large surface area that can be used to load anti-cancer drugs via non-covalent methods such as surface adsorption and hydrogen bonding. To enhance the bio-applicability of graphene oxide, nano-hybrids were synthesized by encapsulating the graphene oxide into calcium alginate hydrogel beads through the dripping-extrusion technique. These newly developed bio-nanocomposite hybrid hydrogel beads were evaluated in structural analysis, swelling study, drug release parameters, haemolytic assay, and antibacterial activity. Doxorubicin served as a model drug. The drug entrapment efficiency was determined by UV-spectroscopy analysis and was found to be high at ⁓89% in graphene oxide hybrid hydrogel beads. These fabricated hydrogel beads ensure the drug release from a hybrid polymeric matrix in a more controlled and sustained pattern avoiding the problems associated with a non-hybrid polymeric system. The drug release study of 12 h shows about 83% release at pH 6.8. In vitro drug release kinetics proved that drug release was a Fickian mechanism. The cytotoxic effect of graphene oxide hybrid alginate beads was also determined by evaluating the morphology of bacterial cells and red blood cells after incubation. Additionally, it was determined that the sequential encapsulation of graphene oxide in alginate hydrogel beads hides its uneven edges and lessens the graphene oxide's negative impacts. Also, the antibacterial study and biocompatibility of fabricated hydrogel beads made them potential candidates for gastrointestinal delivery.
Prisoners form a population who are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to overcrowding, limited movement, and a poor living environment. Consequently, there is a need to ascertain the status of COVID-19 vaccination and factors associated with hesitancy among prisoners. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was undertaken among prisoners at three district jails in Punjab Province, Pakistan. A total of 381 prisoners participated and none of the study participants had received an influenza vaccine this year. In total, 53% received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with the majority having two doses. The top three reasons of vaccine acceptance were "fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection" (56.9%), "desire to return to a pre-pandemic routine as soon as possible" (56.4%), and "having no doubts on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines" (39.6%). There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in any demographic variables between vaccinated and unvaccinated prisoners except for age, which was strongly association with COVID-19 vaccine uptake (χ2(3) = 76.645, p < 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.457). Among the unvaccinated prisoners (N = 179), only 16 subsequently showed willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The top three reasons for hesitancy were: COVID-19 is not a real problem/disease (60.1%), safety concerns (51.1%), and COVID-19 vaccine is a conspiracy (50.3%). Efforts are needed to address their concerns given this population's risks and high hesitancy rates, especially among younger prisoners.