Search

Dengue, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), is a prevalent arthropod-borne disease in humans and poses a significant burden on public health. Severe cases of dengue can be life-threatening. Although a licensed dengue vaccine is available, its efficacy varies across different virus serotypes and may exacerbate the disease in some seronegative recipients. Developing a safe and effective vaccine against all DENV serotypes remains challenging and requires continued research. Conventional approaches in dengue vaccine development, using live or attenuated microorganisms or parts of them often contain unnecessary epitopes, risking allergenic or autoimmune reactions. To address these challenges, innovative strategies such as peptide vaccines have been explored. Peptide vaccines offer a safer alternative by inducing specific immune responses with minimal immunogenic fragments. Chemical modification strategies of peptides have revolutionized their design, allowing for the incorporation of multi-epitope presentation, self-adjuvanting features, and self-assembling properties. These modifications enhance the antigenicity of the peptides, leading to improved vaccine efficacy. This review outlines advancements in peptide-based dengue vaccine development, leveraging nanoparticles as antigen-displaying platforms. Additionally, key immunological considerations for enhancing efficacy and safety against DENV infection have been addressed, providing insight into the next-generation of dengue vaccine development leveraging on peptide-nanoparticle technology. The delivery of peptide vaccines in nanoparticle form facilitates the presentation of antigenic epitopes, fostering a multivalent interaction with host cells like B cells. This arrangement promotes a more efficient clustering of B cell receptors compared to interactions with a single peptide antigen. [Display omitted] • Integration of functional components such as T-helper epitopes, immune-stimulating lipids, and cell-penetrating peptides with antigens to enhance the potency of subunit peptide vaccines. • Progress in nanotechnology-based dengue vaccine, emphasizing the benefits of virus mimicry for immune enhancement. • Development of a next-generation multi-epitope-based peptide dengue vaccine candidate utilizing nanoparticles as a delivery platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) and cerium (Ce) co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) supported activated carbon (AC) (N-Ce-AC/TiO2) were synthesized to remove antibiotic tetracycline from aqueous solution via adsorption and photodegradation. The sol--gel technique, aided by microwave radiation, was used to synthesize N-Ce-AC/TiO2. Central composite design under response surface methodology was used to optimize the variables comprising urea (N source) (A: 0.02-0.20 g), cerium(III) nitrate hexahydrate (Ce source) (B: 0.02-0.20 g), activated carbon (C: 0.10-0.50 g), and microwave power (D: 600--800 W), where the degradation of tetracycline was the response. Characterization of the produced catalyst was carried out by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and the Brunauer--Emmett--Teller method for determining surface-texture parameters. N-Ce-AC/TiO2 prepared with 0.50 g activated carbon, doped with 0.02 g urea and 0.20 g cerium, and activated at microwave power 600 W for 15 min exhibited 91.08% tetracycline removal when subjected to 7 W of UV irradiation, according to the results of optimal variable preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low back pain (LBP) can result in increased direct medical and non-medical costs to patients, employers, and health care providers. This systematic review aimed to provide a better understanding of the biomechanical factors associated with chronic non-specific LBP in adults. SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases were searched. In total, 26 studies were included and significant differences were noted between healthy controls and LBP patients in various motion. Biomechanical factors among adults with non-specific LBP were altered and differed as compared to healthy controls in various motion might be to compensate the pain during those motions. This review highlighted the biomechanical differences across those with non-specific LBP and healthy adults. Both groups showed a similar level of pain during functional tasks but LBP patients suffered from a moderate level of disability. Future studies should not rely on questionnaire-based pain scale only. The biomechanical factors summarized in this review can be used to diagnose non-specific LBP accurately, and as modifiable targets for exercise-based intervention. • Those with LBP showed altered biomechanics during dynamic tasks. • The biomechanical factors are different between LBP patients and healthy controls. • LBP patients showed moderate disability but similar pain level with controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a common cutaneous inflammatory disorder characterized by macrophage accumulation and activation in skin. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood, and there are no effective treatments. The potential health implications of severe GA are unknown. We sought to better understand GA pathogenesis and evaluate a molecularly targeted treatment approach for this disease. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to study the immunopathogenesis of GA and also evaluated the efficacy of tofacitinib (a Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor) in 5 patients with severe, long-standing GA in an open-label clinical trial. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we found that in GA lesions IFN-γ production by CD4+ T cells is upregulated and is associated with inflammatory polarization of macrophages and fibroblasts. In particular, macrophages upregulate oncostatin M, an IL-6 family cytokine, which appears to act on fibroblasts to alter extracellular matrix production, a hallmark of GA. IL-15 and IL-21 production appears to feed back on CD4+ T cells to sustain inflammation. Treatment of 5 patients with recalcitrant GA with tofacitinib inhibited IFN-γ and oncostatin M, as well as IL-15 and IL-21, activity and resulted in clinical and histologic disease remission in 3 patients and marked improvement in the other 2. Inhibition of these effects at the molecular level paralleled the clinical improvement. Evidence of systemic inflammation is also present in some patients with severe GA and is mitigated by tofacitinib. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway is activated in GA, likely in part through the activity of IFN-γ and oncostatin M, and Janus kinase inhibitors appear to be an effective treatment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pomelo (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) is an important cultivar of the Citrus genus, which contains a number of nutrients advantageous to human health. Non-edible parts of pomelo consist of flavedo, albedo, lamella and waste obtained from juice extraction (pulp waste). The peels are also thought to be part of waste products, which generally being discarded. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate changes in total phenolic contents (TPC) and antioxidant activity of processed pomelo peels after oven drying (50 and 60 °C) and freeze drying treatments in comparison with fresh pomelo peels. A slightly different (4%–6%) in TPC was observed in oven dried pomelo peels in comparison with fresh peels, indicating that there was a slightly effect of post-drying methods on retaining the antioxidant potential of these natural byproducts. In vitro assays revealed that post-drying methods involved oven drying exerted a higher TPC compared to freeze drying in overall parts of pomelo byproducts. Highest retention of bioactive compounds was found in fresh pomelo peels (437–1876 mg GAE/100 g DM), followed by oven dried at 50 and 60 °C (892–1336 mg GAE/100 g DM), and freeze dried (555–1267 mg GAE/100 g DM). In terms of oven dried pomelo byproducts, the highest TPC was retained in albedo (1337 mg GAE/100 g DW), followed by flavedo (1226 mg GAE/100 g DW), lamella (998 mg GAE/100 g DW) and pulp waste (962 mg GAE/100 g DW) respectively. Therefore, oven drying was the most suitable post-drying method to retain the bioactive compounds for pomelo byproducts. This knowledge may inspire consumer or pomelo industry operators to re-evaluate their byproducts, reduce the waste and expand the application of pomelo fruits. Industrial relevance Non-edible of pomelo fruits are thought as a part of waste products which generally being discarded. Interestingly, it was found that the peel have higher phenolic contents and antioxidant potentials than the pulps. However, processing involves drying process diminishes the product quality due to the deviations in quantity and feature of thermolabile phytochemicals. The objective of this work was to assess variations in total phenolic contents (TPC) and antioxidant behavior of processed pomelo peels during post drying treatments. The information reported here may encourage pomelo industry operators to re-evaluate their by-products, extending the application of pomelo fruits and reducing waste. As natural products, with apparent antioxidant capacity, processed pomelo residues look very promising for use in development of functional and nutraceutical applications. Highlights • Pomelo Tambun White (PO52) peels (~50%) are extensively higher yields than other citrus fruits. • Health-promoting substance of pomelo peels makes them a valuable source of natural antioxidants. • Dehydration process is significant to extend the shelf life and to minimize decomposition of the peels. • The changes of TPC involved follow the relation: fresh pomelo peels > OV (50, 60 °C) > FD respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report for the first time the use of Li-LSX-zeolite as catalyst for the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass ( Isochrysis sp. Microalgae). Li-LSX-zeolite showed a good catalytic performance, principally for bio-oil denitrogenation (mainly in form of NH 3 ), and good activity for olefins and aromatics production. At 500 °C, 11.8% aromatics and 23.1% aliphatics were produced. The increase of temperature led to transfer of C to the gas phase, coke formation on the catalyst surface and decrease in N-compounds in the bio-oil. The increase of the catalyst to biomass ratio from 0 to 3:1 resulted in the aromatics being five-fold those non-catalytically obtained and in a higher cracking power that reduced the bio-oil to 23% at expenses of olefins rich gas. However, a linear correlation between coke formation and aromatic yield was observed as the catalyst to microalgae ratio was increased. Therefore, the experimental results indicate that Li-LSX-zeolite could be used as catalyst for in-situ denitrogenation of microalgae bio-oil and for enhancing aliphatics and aromatics formation to be blend in gasoline and diesel and olefins in gas phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensor coverage problem aims to maximize the coverage of a target area with a fixed or minimum number of sensors. However, the sampling point coverage for radiation mapping has yet to be specified or adequately established. When dealing with unknown radiation fields, it is critical that the placements of sampling points will ensure that all hotspots are detected and accurately identified. Therefore, the concept of coverage and detection limit for a sampling point in radiation mapping is proposed in this paper. The proposed concept relates the angular dependency of the radiation measurement instruments with the detector detection limit or minimum detectable amount (MDA). To demonstrate the implementation, the concept is used to compute the sensitivity of the radiation map for coverage radiation mapping with mobile robot. Simulation results showed that hotspots with intensity equal to or above the sampling point detection limit were successfully detected regardless of their position within the coverage circle. Moreover, the experimental results of coverage radiation mapping showed that the concept can be used to compute the resolution of the radiation map. This will help the user to efficiently configure the appropriate grid size that suit their mapping situation and requirements. • In radiation mapping, sampling points positions determine the sensitivity of hotspots detection. • The proposed concept established the coverage region and detection limit the sampling points. • A circle represents the coverage of a sampling point. Its radius depends on the detector detection limit, MDA. • Hotspots equivalent to or higher than the detection limit were successfully detected regardless of their position within the coverage circle edge. • The concept is implemented in coverage radiation mapping with mobile robot to compute the radiation map resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic pyrolysis of Tetraselmis sp. and Isochrysis sp. was carried out over ceria based catalysts in a fixed bed reactor. There was a clear effect of the catalysts on the product yields and quality, with the catalysts able to recover a large fraction of the starting microalgae energy (67–77%) in the bio-oils. Bio-oil yield was found to be higher in presence of Ni–Ce/Al 2 O 3 and Ni–Ce/ZrO 2 (26 wt.%). The produced bio-oils had HHVs (higher heating values) of 34–35 MJ/kg and suffered strong deoxygenation, with O level decreased from 40–41% in the starting microalgae to 9–15%. Also, 15–20% N removal was obtained using the ceria based catalysts. The oxygen contents in the bio-oils were remarkably lower than those previously obtained using ZSM-5 (25%) and other species without catalyst (17–24%). 1 H NMR and GC–MS analysis showed that the bio-oils were enriched in aliphatics and depleted in N-compounds and water using the ceria based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The potential of Mg x Co2− x O2 as heterogeneous reusable catalyst in transesterification of palm oil to methyl ester was investigated. The catalyst was prepared via co-precipitation of the metal hydroxides at different Mg–Co ratios. Mg1.7Co0.3O2 catalyst was more active than Mg0.3Co1.7O2 in the transesterification of palm oil with methanol. The catalysts calcined at temperature 300°C for 4h resulted in highly active oxides and the highest transesterification of 90% was achieved at methanol/oil molar ratio of 9:1, catalyst loading of 5.00wt.%, reaction temperature of 150°C and reaction time of 2h. The catalyst could easily be removed from reaction mixture, but showed 50% decrease in activity when reused due to leaching of active sites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Engkabang fat esters were produced via alcoholysis reaction between Engkabang fat and oleyl alcohol, catalyzed by Lipozyme RM IM. The reaction was carried out in a 500ml Stirred tank reactor using heptane and hexane as solvents. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a four-factor-five-level Central composite design (CCD) was applied to evaluate the effects of synthesis parameters, namely temperature, substrate molar ratio (oleyl alcohol: Engkabang fat), enzyme amount and impeller speed. The optimum yields of 96.2% and 91.4% were obtained for heptane and hexane at the optimum temperature of 53.9°C, impeller speeds of 309.5 and 309.0rpm, enzyme amounts of 4.82 and 5.65g and substrate molar ratios of 2.94 and 3.39:1, respectively. The actual yields obtained compared well with the predicted values of 100.0% and 91.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, the properties of the esters show that they are suitable to be used as ingredient for cosmetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Overall, 24.4% of survivors of COVID-19 reported low back pain (LBP). • Prevalence of LBP was only 15.7% among participants without COVID-19. • SARS-CoV-2 infection was independently associated with LBP. • Moderate COVID-19 symptom was a robust independent predictor of LBP. Pain is a significant complaint of patients with postacute COVID-19 syndrome; however, little is known about the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and pain. This study aimed to (1) examine the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and low back pain (LBP) and (2) identify independent predictors of LBP among survivors of COVID-19. This case-control study involved 878 participants aged ≥18 years. Data were collected from February 24 to April 7, 2022, in Bangladesh. LBP was measured using the musculoskeletal subscale of subjective health complaints produced by Eriksen et al. Descriptive analysis was performed to compute LBP prevalence and compare the prevalence across groups. Multiple logistic analyses helped to identify the predictors of LBP for survivors of COVID-19. Overall, 20% of participants reported LBP; however, the prevalence of LBP was significantly high among patients with postacute COVID-19 compared with their counterparts (24.4% vs 15.7%, P = 0.001). Regression analysis for all participants suggested that SARS-CoV-2 infection was independently associated with LBP (adjusted odds ratio 1.837, 95% confidence interval 1.253–2.692). However, moderate COVID-19 symptom (adjusted odds ratio 1.754, 95% confidence interval 0.984–3.126) was the only statistically significant predictor of LBP among postacute COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with LBP, and moderate COVID-19 symptom was an independently associated factor of LBP. The health care facilities must be prepared to deal with the burden of LBP among patients with postacute COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms underlying Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) are not well understood. We focus on infantile AMKL associated with the translocation t(1;22) created RBM15-MKL1 (RM) fusion gene, which has a poor prognosis and no cancer-specific therapy. Using 6133 cells, a published RM+ AMKL cell line together with doxycycline inducible over-expression models, we are testing the hypothesis that RM promotes leukemia via chromatin association and subsequent aberrant transcription. Using shRNA-mediated knock-down, we found that RM is required for competitive proliferation of 6133 cells. We also found that RM expression blocks TPA-induced megakaryocytic differentiation and maturation of human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells. These results suggest the importance of RM in the proliferation and differentiation block required for leukemic transformation. MKL1 is a transcriptional co-activator of SRF, and our previous data shows that the MKL1/SRF pathway is critical for megakaryocyte (Mk) maturation. RBM15, an RNA binding protein required for m6A RNA modification, can associate with chromatin and affect transcriptional regulation. These findings indicate a transcriptional regulatory function of RM. To understand the cistrome of RM and how it differs from or affects endogenous MKL1 and RBM15 chromatin associations in AMKL, we have used Cut&Tag in HEL cells with dox-inducible FLAG-tagged RBM15, MKL1, or RM expression. Our preliminary data shows that while there is some overlap between MKL1 and RM chromatin association, RM is preferentially localized to chromatin regions that are RBM15-associated. More importantly, GO analysis suggests that RM/MKL1/RBM15 co-associated and RM/RBM15 exclusively co-associated genes involve in the regulation of Mk differentiation. The goal of this project is to uncover the molecular functions of RM in AMKL and provide potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innovation of cultured meat has breathed new life into the human diet. It has gained media traction as one of the ways to reduce dependence on animal husbandry and slaughter, and environmental pollution related to meat processing. For Muslims, slaughtering of livestock is engrained in Islamic teachings primarily during two (2) occasions: the sacrifice of an animal on the event of a child's birth (aqiqa) and Festival of Sacrifice (Eid ul Adha) is a form of ritual before Allah, the Almighty. However, the question arises, once cultured meat commercialises and enters the market, will Muslims cease from slaughtering livestock? This commentary aims to answer the question by analysing two primary sources of Islam, namely the al-Quran and hadith, with further contextual substantiation from authoritative opinions of scholars. Key finding and Conclusion: Cultured meat has the potential to become an alternative to conventional meat in the market with conditions stipulated by Shariah guidelines. Nonetheless, the inevitable commercialisation of cultured meat cannot hinder Muslims from slaughtering livestock due to Islam's element of thawabit (immutable) with mandatory (wajib) adherence. The unprecedented advancements in science and technology shall not alter characteristics of thawabit (immutable) rulings. • The Muslim consumers adopts a "halal" and " tayyib" diet derived from the guidance of the Quran and hadith • Halal cultured meat still has the potential to become one viable alternative to traditional meat consumption in the Muslim consumers. • Muslim countries should take the opputunity to lead halal cultured meat production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical and rheological investigation of extrusion-based 3D printing process of white chocolate was conducted in this study by comparing the commercial printer with a syringe/extruder. The extruder mimicked the commercial printer (limited to single axis movement in this study), with the added advantage of recording force-displacement data during printing process through the connection with the texture analyzer. Experimental results showed consistent extrudate output even though there were observations of static zones near the syringe angle. Approximately steady-state extrusion pressure was achieved after 10–20 mm displacement from all tests. On the other hand, die swell decreased with smaller nozzles by the ratio of 42–53 %. Likewise, syringe tip opening/diameter significantly influenced pressure-displacement curves compared to temperature changes of the samples. This work showed that the chocolate temperature of 36 °C facilitated smoother printing process, whereas printing issues like clogging and stacking layers occurred at lower temperatures. Finally, finite element modelling work using axisymmetric elements highlighted the concentration of stress at the vicinity of static zones and die mouth regions. • The commercial printer was compared to a syringe/extruder in white chocolate 3D printing study. • Flow was continuous during the printing process, even though there were observation of static zones. • Finite element modelling results highlighted the concentration of stress at the vicinity of static zones and die exit regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The premature failure of an outer ring of double row tapered roller bearing for railroad car carrying coal is studied. • The studies of the outer ring fracture for the bearing type are considered rare. • The fatigue while the bearing is employed in a railroad car carrying coal is the root cause. • The high temperature at one of the raceways is also one the trigger causing crack. Fatigue fracture took place on a double-row tapered roller bearing outer rings applied in coal loaded train. The fracture is started from one side of the outer ring representing the possible overload condition of the axial or thrust force. The metallurgical investigation includes the hardness test, visual observation, microstructure investigation, and composition. Detailed metallurgical analysis discovered that the defects mainly occurred on the outer ring: (1) the color-changing phenomena might be occurred because of the temperature increase caused by the continuous friction load on the one side of the outer ring raceway, (2) The thermal softening resulting from the continuous load causing decrease in hardness as well as the decrease of the tensile stress. The crack origin is from one side of the bearing and propagate to another side. The thermal softening resulting from possibly continuous applied fatigue and a sudden impact is probably the leading responsible cause of the initial crack. The thermal softening occurrence consequently leads to a decrease in the surface hardness producing low tensile strength. Then, the sudden impact with considerable high force or acceleration caused by the track topology or other factors can cause the initial crack followed by the fracture of the outer ring. In sum, the failure of the bearing is investigated, and the original crack probably occurs because of the high temperature and the axial force overload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]