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Solid wastes are one of the major environmental problems and creative utilization could hold the key to the solution. An attempt was made in this study to transform waste from steel containers (WSC) into efficient electrodes for the removal of Acid Red 18 dye from water through an electrocoagulation (EC) process. A 1.1 L batch monopolar EC cell with two pre-treated WSC electrode plates connected to an external DC power supply was used. Effects of current density (5–25 mA/ cm²), initial pH (3–11), initial dye concentration (50–250 mg/L), NaCl dosage (0.5–4.0 g/L) and inter-electrode distance (IED) (0.5–2.5 cm) were demonstrated. The best removal of 97.0% ± 1.0% with low sludge production was obtained at a current density of 10 mA/cm², a pH of 6.8 (original pH of dye), an initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L, a NaCl dosage of 2 g/L, an IED of 0.5 cm and a reaction time of 5 min. The electrical energy consumption and cost of operation were estimated at 0.3717 kWh/m³ and US$ 0.9738/m³, respectively. Thus, the WSC electrodes could serve as an economical remedial option for the electrocoagulation treatment of dye-containing wastewater while addressing the solid waste problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has spurred the development of innovative products, significantly impacting industries reliant on technology-oriented machinery and equipment, notably the construction sector. In response, the Ministry of Works, through CIDB Malaysia, has implemented the Construction Strategy Plan 4.0 (2021 – –2025), grounded in 4IR principles, to facilitate the construction industry's gradual adaptation to technological advancements. Despite its introduction in 2016 to enhance project delivery efficiency and effectiveness, the extent of adoption of advanced 4IR-related technologies and the industry players' awareness of the importance of the Construction 4.0 strategic plan remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this paper examines the awareness and adoption level of CR 4.0 technologies in the Malaysian construction industry through a structured questionnaire survey with all G1-G7 contractors that registered with CIDB Malaysia. Based on 912 valid questionnaire responses received from these contractor grades, it has been identified that the awareness and adoption of most of the contractors in Malaysia on construction 4.0 technologies are predominantly at a semi-automation level. Most of the contractors in Malaysia especially lower grade contractors (

Abstract Specifically blocking more than one oncogenic pathway simultaneously in a cancer cell with a combination of different drugs is the mainstay of the majority of cancer treatments. Being able to do this via two targeted pathways without inducing side effects through a general mechanism, such as chemotherapy, could bring benefit to patients. In this work we describe a new dual inhibitor of the JAK-STAT and HDAC pathways through designing and developing two types of molecule based on the JAK2 selective inhibitor XL019 and the pan-HDAC inhibitor, vorinostat. Both series of compounds had examples with low nanomolar JAK2 and HDAC1/6 inhibition. In some cases good HDAC1 selectivity was achieved while retaining HDAC6 activity. The observed potency is explained through molecular docking studies of all three enzymes. One example, 69c had 16–25 fold selectivity against the three other JAK-family proteins JAK1, JAK3 and TYK2. A number of compounds had sub-micromolar potencies against a panel of 4 solid tumor cell lines and 4 hematological cell lines with the most potent compound, 45h , having a cellular IC 50 of 70 nM against the multiple myeloma cell line KMS-12-BM. Evidence of both JAK and HDAC pathway inhibition is presented in Hela cells showing that both pathways are modulated. Evidence of apoptosis with two compounds in 4 sold tumor cell lines is also presented. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Two designs of new agents with a dual mode of action targeting both JAK2 kinase and HDACs are reported. • Structure-activity relationships revealed potent inhibition of JAK2, HDAC6 and HDAC1. • Compound 69c had 16–25 fold selectivity against three other JAK-family proteins JAK1, JAK3 and TYK2. • Compound 45h has a cellular IC 50 of 70 nM against the multiple myeloma cell line KMS-12-BM. • Both JAK and HDAC pathway inhibition is shown in Hela cells; mechanism of cell death is via apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extract of Salvadora persica L. is often added to toothpaste as it has been reported to have therapeutic and prophylactic effects for periodontal disease. This systematic review and meta-analysis is focused on the clinical effect of Salvadora persica -based toothpaste against plaque and gingivitis. A PRISMA-compliant systematic search for randomized controlled trials published through 31st December 2019 was performed using 5 databases to assess the effectiveness of Salvadora persica -based toothpaste and non-herbal toothpaste toward plaque and gingivitis. No language restriction was applied. Two reviewers performed the extraction of data independently, following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary and secondary parameters of the selected studies were mean plaque score, mean bleeding score, and patient-reported outcome. A statistical homogeneity test was used to identify if the data were suitable for meta-analysis. The chi-square test was done to assess coefficient inconsistency (I2). A subgroup analysis for sensitivity and homogeneity was performed. In all, 1736 titles and abstracts were examined, 7 papers met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and 5 were chosen for meta-analysis. For anti-plaque effects, the overall effects of SMD and 95 % CI were − 0.39 [95 % CI − 0.8–0.03] with a χ2statistic of 0.15 with 4 degrees of freedom (p = 0.01), I2 = 68 %. The 95 % CI for anti-gingivitis effects were 0.42 [95 % CI 1.66–0.82] with a χ2 statistic of 0.67 with 1 degree of freedom (p = 0.01), I2 = 84 %. Salvadora persica -based toothpaste possesses anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties similar to non-herbal toothpaste. This supported its use as consumers are opting for naturally-derived oral care products. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tremendous increment of carbon dioxide in atmosphere has posed devastating impacts to global climate change. The phenomenon has become one of the great challenges need to be considered for achieving techno-economic system. This paper presents an alternative approach for capturing high concentration of CO 2 by combination of two separation processes, adsorption and gas hydrate. Potentials of waste seashell from cockle for producing low cost porous calcium oxide for CO 2 capture were investigated. The adsorption equilibrium of CO 2 on porous calcium oxide with presence of water was measured using a static volumetric technique at 2 °C for pressures up to 36 bar. The CO 2 uptakes of 9.1 mmol/g and 11.3 mmol/g were obtained for commercial and synthesized CaO at 36 bar. At optimum water ratio, the equilibrium data were simulated first with three different isotherm models: Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson. The Freundlich model adequately describe the CO 2 adsorption on dry samples and Redlich-Peterson gives the best fitted for wet samples at optimum water ratio. The Redlich-Peterson model having the highest R 2 was further extended by incorporating water isotherm model to determine the occurrence of water inside the sample. The curve obtained from the extended isotherm model shows an increment of coefficient from 0.94 to 0.99 and 0.94 to 0.98 for commercial and synthesized CaO. The findings revealed the potential of waste cockle shell as a viable and sustainable materials for preparation of calcium oxide for gas adsorption applications. This novel technology will go a long way in amassing the impacts of water in CO 2 adsorbent for gas adsorption applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set-membership (bounded-error) estimation approach can handle small and poor quality data sets as it does not require testing of statistical assumptions which is possible only with large informative data sets. Thus, set-membership estimation can be a good tool in the modelling of agri-environmental systems, which typically suffers from limited and poor quality observational data sets. The objectives of the paper are (i) to demonstrate how six parameters in an agri-environmental model, developed to estimate NH 3 volatilisation in flooded rice systems, were estimated based on two data sets using a set-membership approach, and (ii) to compare the set-membership approach with conventional non-linear least-squares methods. Results showed that the set-membership approach is efficient in retrieving feasible parameter-vectors compared with non-linear least-squares methods. The set of feasible parameter-vectors allows the formation of a dispersion matrix of which the eigenvalue decomposition reflects the parameter sensitivity in a region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first objective of this study was to quantify the migrated styrene levels from High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) pots into yoghurt during shelf-life. The second objective was to assess the styrene migration trend with respect to time and determine the migration parameters: diffusion coefficient (D) and partition coefficient (K FP) by fitting the experimental data to a migration model. Three different brands of plain stirred yoghurt packed in HIPS pot (Y 1 , Y 2 , and Y 3) were purchased from established manufactures. Migration experiments were conducted at refrigerated conditions (∼4 °C), and samples were analysed on day zero and every four days until the products expired. The levels of migrated styrene in all three yoghurts ranged from 5.740 ± 0.008 to 78.39 ± 0.42 ng/g throughout the 672 h migration test. The final migrated styrene levels were equivalent to 83.55%–95.89% of the initial styrene content in its respective HIPS pots. The levels of detected styrene in all yoghurts were below the overall migration limit (OML) specified by the European Commission in Regulation (EU) No October 2011 at 10 mg/dm2. The models predicted that the styrene migration into all yoghurts would reach equilibrium from 2400 to 7920 h after end of shelf life. This study finds Y 3 with the highest D (6.788 × 10−11 cm2 s−1) despite having the lowest K FP (0.227) and fat content (1.5%) compared to the other yoghurts, which contradict with claims from previous studies. The determined D for Y 1 and Y 2 were 3.047 × 10−11 and 4.924 × 10−11 cm2 s−1, respectively. Meanwhile, K FP for Y 1 and Y 2 were 0.865 and 0.477, respectively. Based on this study, we found uncertainty in estimating values of D in actual food because unlike simulant, food has expiry dates and may change in characteristics over time. • Detected styrene levels were below the European Commission Regulation's limit. • Styrene in the yoghurts ranged from 5.740 to 78.39 ng/g throughout a 672 h test. • Y 3 had the lowest partition coefficient (0.227) and fat content (1.5%). • However, highest diffusion coefficient (6.788 × 10−11 cm2 s−1) was estimated for Y 3. • Uncertainty in determining M F,∞ may lead to uncertainty in diffusion coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvadora persica L., also known as miswak, is an indigenous plant most prevalent in the Middle Eastern, some Asian, and African countries. It has medicinal and prophylactics function for numerous illnesses, including periodontal disease. Various trials, apart from World Health Organization encouragement have contributed to the production and use of S. persica in extract form in the formulation of mouthwash. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the clinical effect of Salvadora persica -extract mouthwash and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash for anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis functions. Using the PRISMA 2020 Protocol, a systematic search of the publications was undertaken from the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholars for randomized control trials published through 31st January 2022 to determine the effectiveness of Salvadora persica -extract mouthwash relative to chlorhexidine gluconate as anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties. A total of 1809 titles and abstracts were screened. Of these, twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review while only sixteen were selected for meta-analysis. The overall effects of standardized mean difference and 95% CI were 0.89 [95% CI 0.09 to 1.69] with a χ2 statistic of 2.54, 15 degrees of freedom (p < 0.00001), I2 = 97% as anti-plaque function and 95% CI were 0.12 [95% CI -0.43 to 0.67] with a χ2 statistic of 0.68 with 10 degree of freedom (p < 0.00001), I2 = 89% as anti-gingivitis. This review suggests that Salvadora persica -extract mouthwash causes a significant reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation. While the improvement is inferior to chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash, S. persica -extract mouthwash may be considered as a herbal alternative to the user pursuing periodontal care with natural ingredients. [Display omitted] • S. persica mouthwash associated with effective control for plaque and bleeding levels. • The superiority of CHX mouthwash is more evident with associated side effects. • S. persica mouthwash is good for herbal alternative with lesser to no side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a metastable form of vanadium dioxide, denoted as VO 2 (B), has been successfully synthesized under solvothermal condition. However, the as-received VO 2 (B) suffers from fast capacity fading and poor high-rate performance. In order to overcome these problems, the as-received VO 2 (B) is solvothermally treated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to produce VO 2 (B)/rGO composite. As a result, the resulting electric conductivity of the VO 2 (B)/rGO composite is improved to ∼10 −4 cm S −1 (from ∼10 −7 S cm −1 for the as-received VO 2 (B)). Electrochemical data of the VO 2 (B)/rGO composite, tested in both Li and Na cells, shows markedly enhanced electrochemical performance compared to bare VO 2 (B). The effect of electro-conducting rGO is more evident at high rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have indicated that up to 47% of total N fertilizer applied in flooded rice fields may be lost to the atmosphere through NH 3 volatilization. The volatilized NH 3 represents monetary loss and contributes to increase in formation of PM 2.5 in the atmosphere, eutrophication in surface water, and degrades water and soil quality. The NH 3 is also a precursor to N 2 O formation. Thus, it is important to monitor NH 3 volatilization from fertilized and flooded rice fields. Commercially available samplers offer ease of transportation and installation, and thus, may be considered as NH 3 absorbents for the static chamber method. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the use of a commercially available NH 3 sampler/absorbent (i.e., Ogawa® passive sampler) for implementation in a static chamber. In this study, forty closed static chambers were used to study two factors (i.e., trapping methods, exposure duration) arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The three trapping methods are standard boric acid solution, Ogawa® passive sampler with acid-coated pads and exposed coated pads without casing. The exposure durations are 1 and 4 h. Results suggest that different levels of absorbed NH 3 was obtained for each of the trapping methods. Highest level of NH 3 was trapped by the standard boric acid solution, followed by the exposed acid-coated pads without casing, and finally acid-coated pads with protective casing, given the same exposure duration. The differences in absorbed NH 3 under same conditions does not warrant direct comparison across the different trapping methods. Any three trapping methods can be used for conducting studies to compare multi-treatments using the static chamber method, provided the same trapping method is applied for all chambers. [Display omitted] Average NH 3 absorbed with the standard deviations in the control (Ctrl), boric acid (BA), Ogawa passive sampler with coated pads (OG) and exposed Ogawa coated pads (CP) treatments after 1 and 4 h exposure durations. • Ammonia absorption by three trapping methods was compared. • The standard boric acid absorbed the highest ammonia. • Difference is likely due to different surface area and effective saturation limit. • Acid-coated pads protected by a casing absorbed lowest ammonia due to lack of wind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Coral Triangle (CT) includes some or all of the land and seas of six countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste (CT6). It covers only 1.1% of the world''s area, but is the global hotspot for marine biodiversity and a rich spawning area for tuna. One-third of the CT6 population and millions more from outside the region are dependent on these resources. However, a range of human pressures threaten the biological health and diversity in the CT, affecting the food security and livelihoods of these people. A set of Crisis Sentinel Indicators (CSI) has been proposed to discuss the current state of affairs of the Coral Triangle based on the three dimensions of sustainability: Ecological, Socioeconomic, and Governance indicators. Furthermore, a Pressure-State-Response (PSR) analysis was performed for each CT6 country, using the three dimensions of sustainability, to capture and discuss the local state of affairs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A generalized shipper transportation cost function is estimated to test whether coal shippers achieve allocative efficiency with respect to market prices when facing limited access to the full range of transportation services. Findings indicate that allocative efficiency with respect to market prices is achieved when shippers have access to all major transportation modes. In contrast, the condition for allocative efficiency is not met with respect to market prices when shippers’ modal choices are limited to trucking and rail services. Findings for the sample of shippers who face limited shipping choices is interpreted as suggesting an over-use of trucks relative to the use of trains due to price distortions of transportation services. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study we systematically reviewed the available literature on weather index insurance design between 2001 and 2020. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in ex-ante studies of index-based insurance as a financial risk management tool for agricultural risks. New and improved indices have emerged, and new methods for quantifying the yield-index relationship have been explored to minimise basis risk in contract design. Our review indicated that rainfall-followed by temperature-based indices were most prevalent, while indices based on droughts and floods, vegetation, soil moisture, humidity, and sunshine hours were underrepresented despite their demonstrated potentials. Ordinary least square-based correlation and linear regression methods dominated yield-index modelling, while methods addressing extremes such as quantile regression and copulas have increased prominence in developed countries recently. We highlighted several new research trends to guide future research studies, in particular, the use of remote sensing data and hydrological and crop modelling to address data scarcity, geographical basis risk, and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvadora persica L. chewing stick, commonly known as miswak is still being used as an oral hygiene tool for plaque control and prevention against gingivitis. Various studies have reported on the therapeutics and prophylactic effects particularly on periodontal disease. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of S. persica chewing stick compared to the standard toothbrush for anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis. A PRISMA-compliant systematic search of literature was done from the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar. Literature that fulfilled eligibility criteria was identified. Data measuring plaque score and bleeding score were extracted. Qualitative and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. From 1736 titles and abstracts screened, eight articles were utilized for qualitative analysis, while five were selected for meta-analysis. The pooled effect estimates of SMD and 95% CI were −0.07 [-0.60 to 0.45] with an χ2 statistic of 0.32 (p = 0.0001), I2 = 80% as anti-plaque function and 95% CI were −2.07 [-4.05 to −0.10] with an χ2 statistic of 1.67 (p = 0.02), I2 = 82%. S. persica chewing stick is a tool that could control plaque, comparable to a standard toothbrush. Further, it has a better anti-gingivitis effect and can be used as an alternative. Flow chart of the study selection process based PRISMA 2009. [Display omitted] • S. persica chewing stick usage is associated with a comparable plaque control efficacy to a standard toothbrush. • The superiority for gingival inflammation reduction is more plausible with the usage of chewing stick. • S. persica chewing stick may be recommended for consumers seeking viable alternative for gingival health maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HbA1c may have a dose-response relationship with peri-implant bleeding and bone loss. • Short-term survival is high for patients with HbA1c below 8%. • Inflammatory cytokines and bone biomarkers are adversely affected by increasing HbA1c. • Future studies should strictly control confounding factors. • HbA1c should be routinely documented for all diabetic patients receiving implants. To comprehensively evaluate implant survival, clinical and biochemical parameters, as well as possible dose-response relationship with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with differing diabetic control. Five electronic databases were searched for studies that compared implant outcomes in patients with differing HbA1c values. Research quality was evaluated using Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were performed for survival rate, plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth, and marginal bone loss (MBL). Categorical dose-response meta-analysis (DRMA) was conducted according to length of follow-up. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Prospective studies were mostly of moderate quality, but non-prospective papers had serious to critical risk of bias. Survival rate was high for the first 3 years (92.6%–100%) for patients with HbA1c less than 8%. Meta-analysis revealed worsening clinical parameters with increasing HbA1c. DRMA further established a significant dose-response relationship between glycemic control with BOP (10% more bleeding, 95% CI 0.05-0.16, P =.008) and MBL (0.05 mm more bone loss, 95% CI 0.01-0.09, P =.002) per HbA1c category, but no association with probing pocket depth. Osseointegration progressed at a slower rate, and inflammatory cytokines and bone biomarkers were adversely affected in patients with HbA1c above 8%. Moderate evidence suggests a high short-term survival but possible dose-response trend of worsening BOP and MBL in association with glycemic control. Clinically, HbA1c values must be considered for risk assessment before placement and throughout the lifespan of the implant placed in a patient with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work involved the utilization of a byproduct from the palm oil refining process as reaction feedstock in a solventless and hydrogen-free catalytic deoxygenation (DO) over NiO–ZnO catalyst in producing diesel-like hydrocarbons as advanced biofuels. The catalyst supporter was synthesized using coprecipitation methods to form highly crystalline meso-macrostructured ZnO particles. The catalyst support was wet-impregnated with different loadings (wt %) of NiO to prepare the NiO–ZnO catalyst. X-ray diffraction patterns verified the persistence of good crystallinity and phase purity of the support, with fine NiO crystallites of size 14–22 nm. Synthesized NiO–ZnO catalysts demonstrated Type IV isotherm with H3 hysteresis loop with mesoporous-macroporous properties. The Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites of NiO–ZnO offer a synergy effect between the active site and catalyst supporter. Both N 2 adsorption isotherm and electron microscopy analysis revealed the increase of the crystallite size of the catalyst by increase the NiO loadings. The catalytic activity of the NiO–ZnO catalyst was tested in a semi-batch reactor at 350 °C for 2 h in N 2 atmospheric. The oxygenated compounds of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) have been successfully removed to form linear hydrocarbons as green diesel compounds. The synergistic effect between NiO and ZnO significantly enhanced the catalytic activity for substrate DO. The hydrocarbons product yield reached 83.4%, with a diesel range (C 11 –C 17) selectivity of 86.0%. The green diesel, which contains diesel-range hydrocarbons, is suitable as an alternative fuel product for vehicle engine usage. It is possible to be upscaled and compatible with the existed petrochemical refinery facilities. Hence, this is a promising work could be an economic potential and give value added to the palm oil byproduct sectors. Image 1 • Development of a cleaner catalytic system via solventless and hydrogen-free deoxygenation reaction. • Synthesized NiO–ZnO catalysts demonstrated Type IV isotherm with H3 hysteresis loop with mesoporous-macroporous properties. • The Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites of NiO–ZnO offer a synergy effect between the active site and catalyst supporter. • The hydrocarbons yield reached 83%, with a selectivity of 86% for the diesel range (C 11 –C 17). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equifinality is the capability of models to produce similar model-output responses. The objective of this study is to use a numerical experimentation to investigate the equifinality of six modules for estimating ammonia (NH 3) volatilisation from the floodwater in a rice system. Except for the Chowdary's, all modules can simulate the fluctuating trends of NH 3 volatilisation rates. NFLOOD v.1 shows low equifinality to Jayaweera and Mikkelsen's and the regression equations in CERES-Rice, DSSAT-CSM and APSIM-Oryza in estimating the NH 3 volatilisation. The equation in APSIM-Oryza has high equifinality to that in CERES-Rice. Both regression equations have low equifinality to the regression equation in DSSAT-CSM. All three regression equations show low equifinality to Jayaweera and Mikkelsen's. Findings in this study are valuable to make an informed model selection, to interpret model-output responses critically and to improve an existing model by adopting an alternative module without using experimental data explicitly. • Chowdary's module does not simulate fluctuating trends of ammonia volatilisation. • Regression equation in APSIM-Oryza has high equifinality to that in CERES-Rice. • Both regression equations have low equifinality to that in DSSAT-CSM. • Equations in CERES-Rice, DSSAT-CSM and APSIM-Oryza have low equifinality to JM's. • NFLOOD v.1 has low equifinality to JM's and the three regression equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recalcitrance of the palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) lignocellulosic structure is a key hindrance to high methane production, even with co-digestion with palm oil mill effluent. This study pre-treated EFB with subcritical water (SCW) to increase methane and reduce lignin. Response surface methodology was used to examine the effects and interactions of pre-treatment temperature (120–180 °C), time (10–30 min), and liquid to solid (L/S) ratio (10–20) on cumulative methane yield (CMY), volatile solid (VS) removal, and lignin content. Experiments demonstrated that CMY increased to 803.36 mL CH 4 /gVS, lignin reduced to 12.21 %, and 36.61 % VS removal at 120 °C, 10 min, and L/S ratio of 20. SCW pre-treated EFB had 55.42 % more CMY and 124.30 % greater gross energy production than untreated. Pre-treated EFB has higher sugars and volatile fatty acids, and its crystallinity index increased to 65.42 %. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed lignocellulosic structural alterations in pre-treated EFB. Morphological analysis showed structural cracking and craters in pre-treated EFB. SCW pre-treatment efficiently improved co-digestion for high methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pellet diameter and morphology of an underutilized European Ganoderma pfeifferi (EGP) mycelium was studied in a repeated-batch fermentation (RBF) for exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. In preliminary fermentation, growth screening was performed for initial pH, glucose concentration, and agitation speed. At 30 °C, the favourable conditions for EPS production (0.58 g/L) and EPS productivity (0.058 g/L day−1) were 15 g/L glucose, initial pH 6, and 100 rpm, while the highest dry cell weight (DCW; 3.63 g/L) was achieved at 9 g/L glucose, initial pH 4, and 120 rpm. Morphologically verified, large, compact pellets (diameter: 40 μm < d < 40.67 μm) were associated with high DCW while small dispersed pellets (diameter: 11.67 μm < d < 14.67 μm) were associated with high EPS production. In RBF, EGP mycelium exhibited the ability to self-immobilize and high stability for repeated use with increasing smooth pellet diameter from RBF1 (7.33 μm < d < 7.67 μm) to RBF4 (16.67 μm < d < 18.33 μm). The fermentation period was subsequently shortened from 48 (batch) to 24 days in four consecutive cycles of RBF, and the productivity of EPS increased from 0.053 g/L day−1 to 0.108 g/L day−1. In an FTIR analysis, crude EPS of EGP showed the presence of β-glucan characteristics at 1075 cm−1 and 891 cm−1 wavelengths, similar with European G. lucidum BCCM 31549. In addition, 1H NMR showed similar β-glycosidic linkages when compared with laminarin standard. The proposed strategy demonstrated that G. pfeifferi pellet morphology can withstand extended fermentation cycles for efficient EPS production. Image 1 • Extended fermentation strategy for a European G. pfeifferi mycelium in shake flask. • Pellet diameter ranges of 40 μm < d < 40.67 μm were prone for high biomass. • Pellet diameter ranges of 11.67 μm < d < 14.67 μm were prone for high exopolysaccharide. • RBF shortened the fermentation from 48 to 24 days in four consecutive cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the discovery of a dual histone deacetylase inhibitor displaying a unique HDAC3/6 selectivity profile. An initial strategy to merge two epigenetic pharmacophores resulted in the discovery of potent HDAC6 inhibitors with selectivity over HDAC1. Screening in an HDAC panel revealed additional low nanomolar inhibition only against HDAC3. Low micromolar antiproliferative activities against two breast cancer and four hematological cancer cell lines was supported by pharmacodynamic studies on a preferred molecule, 24c , substantiating the HDAC inhibitory profile in cells. Apoptosis was identified as one of the main cell death pathways. Modelling studies of 24c against HDAC1,2,3 and 6 further provided insights on the orientation of specific residues relevant to compound potency, explaining the observed HDAC3/6 selectivity. A subset of the compounds also exhibited good antimalarial activities, particularly against the chloroquine-resistant strain K1 of P.falciparum. In vitro studies revealed a favourable DMPK profile warranting further investigation of the therapeutic potential of these compounds. Image 1 • Discovery of novel HDAC3/6 dual selective inhibitors. • Unique selectivity profile explained by detailed modelling studies against HDACs 1,2,3 and 6. • Anti-proliferative potency demonstrated against two breast cancer and 4 hematological cell lines. • Cellular activity supported by cellular pharmacodynamic studies. • Activity also demonstrated against chloroquine-resistant malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Commonly used ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation techniques, short axis out of plane and long axis in-plane, have significantly reduced complications but failed to eliminate them because of technical difficulties.Objective: This article describes a new anteroposterior short axis in-plane technique that combines advantage of in-plane technique to track the needle tip and short axis view of visualizing nearby anatomical structures by placing the probe on the side of the neck, oriented anteroposteriorly, perpendicular to the long axis of neck. This view visualizes IJV and its relationship to the carotid artery in short axis. The puncture needle is passed in-plane anteroposteriorly from the anterior aspect of the neck. Visualizing the needle, carotid artery, and IJV in single frame minimizes complications.Methods: A prospective evaluative clinical trial was conducted in patients who require IJV cannulation for various reasons by performers experienced in ultrasound-guided IJV cannulations. The efficacy of the technique is indicated by 3 primary outcome measures: access time, number of attempts and success rate, and safety by secondary outcome measure, which is the incidence of mechanical complications.Results: Seventy-five patients were enrolled. The average number of attempts was 1.17 (standard deviation 0.44), the access time was 27.12 s (standard deviation 21.47), and the success rate was 100%. This technique had 12% incidence of posterior venous wall punctures and 2.66% misplacements and no other complications.Conclusion: Anteroposterior short axis in-plane technique is relatively novel and could be alternatively used safely and effectively in place of existing techniques for IJV cannulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. is a medicinal herbaceous plant that is commonly used by the Malay community in Malaysia to relieve pain often associated with mouth ulcers, toothache, sore throat, and stomach ache. Aim: The study was carried out to investigate the antinociceptive effect of the methanolic extract of A. uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. flowers (MEAU) using murine models of chemicals and thermal nociception. Materials and methods: Chemicals (acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction and formalin-, capsaicin-, glutamate-induced paw licking test) and thermal models (hot plate test) of nociception in mice were employed to evaluate the MEAU analgesic effect. The extract was given via oral administration at doses of 3, 10, 30 and 100mg/kg. Results: It was demonstrated that MEAU produced significant antinociceptive response in all the chemical- and thermal-induced nociception models, which indicates the presence of both centrally and peripherally mediated activities. Furthermore, the reversal of antinociception of MEAU by naloxone suggests the involvement of opioid system in its centrally mediated analgesic activity. Moreover, MEAU-treated mice did not show any significant motor performance alterations. No mortality and signs of toxicity were recorded following treatment of the MEAU. Conclusion: The results from the present study appear to support the folkloric belief in the medicinal properties of A. uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. which against pain at both central and peripheral levels, in which the central antinociception is probably due to the participation of the opioid receptors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Catalytic performance of used catalysts with various organic parts was evaluated. • Used catalysts were transformed into the particles of copper oxide, sulfide and metal. • Used catalysts showed good catalytic performance for upgrading of heavy oil. • Copper-oleate showed a high catalytic effect resulted in viscosity reduction (50.3 %). • Catalytic upgrading of heavy crude oil at 300 °C gave the best performance. Oil-soluble copper-based catalysts with different organic ligands (octanoate, decanoate, oleate, and stearate) were proposed in this work for improving the upgrading processes. All of the upgrading experiments were carried out using a batch reactor at temperatures of 250 and 300 °C, and 24 h of reaction time. The changes in the physical properties and chemical compositions of the oil samples before and after upgrading were studied including viscosity, SARA analysis, and GC analysis of evolved gases as well as the distribution of carbon number in saturates. In addition, TG-FTIR and XRD techniques were used to evaluate the in-situ transformation of used catalysts. Used catalysts were mainly transformed into particles of copper oxide, sulfide, and pure metal which acted as a catalytic phase during upgrading of heavy crude oil. Introducing proposed catalysts as additives to the upgrading system resulted in viscosity reduction and reached their maximum value at 300 °C in presence of copper-oleate (50.31%). Moreover, an increase in the content of saturates (especially with light alkanes C 10 -C 20), decreasing the content of heavy fractions including resins and asphaltenes as well as removal of sulfur were observed. The best catalytic performance was provided by copper oleate. The low cost and availability of proposed catalysts combined with good catalytic performance make them promising and potential catalysts for improving in-situ upgrading of heavy oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]