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Purpose: Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) is a bat-borne virus classified under the Reoviridae family. It is a recently emerging virus in Southeast Asia and has been associated with sporadic respiratory infections in humans. Despite its epidemic potential, PRV is often neglected during diagnosis for acute respiratory infection (ARI) and may be accountable for cases of unexplained ARI. The study aims to assess the molecular prevalence and analyze the genetic diversity of PRV in patients with ARI in an urban population. Methods & Materials: A total of 3,935 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from outpatients experiencing ARI symptoms in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 2012 to 2014. Specimens were screened for all established respiratory viruses using a multiplex molecular assay. PCR-negative swabs were then screened for the sigma 1/A gene (major inner capsid) of PRV. Molecular epidemiological investigation and phylogenetic analysis were conducted using the global PRV strains isolated from humans and non-human hosts. Results: Multiplex respiratory virus detection was negative for 49% of the patients. Among a subset of these patients (n=632), fourteen (2.2%) were tested positive for PRV. Patients (median age: 50.5, range 25-70 years old) were presented with mild to severe influenza-like illnesses. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sigma 1/A gene revealed thirteen (92.9%) patients infected with the Melaka virus (MelV)-like PRV. Limited inter-patient diversity of MelV-like PRV was estimated, suggesting a strong founding effect. Interestingly, a close ancestral relationship among MelV-like PRV strains isolated from the human and non-human (bats and monkey) hosts was observed. In addition, one patient was infected with the Pulau virus (PulV) previously found in fruit bats, indicating the first documented case of PulV-like PRV infection in human. Conclusion: PRV of bat origin is a common causative agent of underdiagnosed ARI in the urban population. The study highlights the molecular prevalence of PRV among patients with ARI and the genetic diversity of PRV in the urban population of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

As the population increases, water scarcity has become a major concern. Therefore, the removal and detection of heavy metals and dyes are essential in modern society. This investigation aimed to authenticate the augmented photocatalytic and sensing capabilities of synthesized ZnO and Cu-doped ZnO (Cu–ZnO) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple precipitation technique. The structural and morphological charecteristics of ZnO and Cu–ZnO nanoparticles were assessed through a comprehensive characterization techniques (XRD, XPS, HRTEM). According to the characterization findings, the average crystallite size was determined to be 10 nm for ZnO and 12.8 nm for Cu–ZnO, exhibiting a well-defined crystalline structure. The investigation of photocatalytic activity conducted by varying concentrations of synthesized nanomaterials, demonstrates an improved decomposition of Amaranth dye 93.32%, attributed to the presence of Cu as a dopant. The effectiveness of the synthesized nanomaterials in detecting lead has been demonstrated through multiple electrochemical studies by utilizing a three-electrode system. The electrochemical investigations revealed that the incorporation of Cu into ZnO nanoparticles effectively enhanced the sensing capacity for detecting lead when compared to the sensing capacity of ZnO nanoparticles.

This research highlights the significant role of green synthesis in the production of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles by using natural extracts as reducing agents. These nanoparticles have shown promising potential in two key applications: photocatalytic degradation of industrial dye effluents and electrochemical sensing of ciprofloxacin. The study found that Arundinaria gigantea leaf extract is an effective reducing agent for synthesizing well-defined crystalline structure CuO nanoparticles, with an average size of 36 nm. The CuO nanoparticles have demonstrated high efficiency in photocatalytic applications, effectively degrading AR88 dye under UV irradiation, making them a viable solution for eco-friendly water purification. Additionally, when incorporated into an electrochemical sensor, these CuO nanoparticles have improved sensitivity and selectivity in detecting ciprofloxacin in aqueous solutions with high accuracy and precision. This study emphasizes the versatility and effectiveness of green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles for various practical uses.