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Titania (TiO 2) is one of the most investigated photocatalyst materials, with boundless advantages and applications. TiO 2 photocatalysts are a material that has absorption behavior for organic components in wastewater on account of their distinguished properties, including non-toxicity, high photocatalytic degradation capacity as well as excellent thermal and chemical stability. This review focuses on the mechanism of TiO 2 photocatalyst and parameters affecting the photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen production. In this review, preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta–analyses methodology which was adopted. It employs clear and systematic approaches chosen to prevent biases, enabling accurate data collection to help draw reliable conclusions. Using total of 93 references listed in this review, the authors studied how the TiO 2 photocatalyst process works in hydrogen production and organic degradation, and the parameters affecting the photocatalytic degradation performance and hydrogen production. Categorically, conclusions and future prospects in this field are also discussed. Photocatalyst TiO 2 can prove to be the remedy for the eradication of water pollution caused by organic waste. In addition, the photocatalyst synthesis process of TiO 2 produces low-cost and ecological hydrogen by utilization of renewable resources such as solar energy for supporting sustainable clean environment and hydrogen energy. • Comprehensive literature survey on TiO 2 photocatalysts for organic degradation and Hydrogen production. • Comparison of preparation methods, organic materials, doping types and pH used. • Insight into the reaction mechanism for degradation of organic pollutants via TiO 2 photocatalysts. • Insight into the reaction mechanisms for Hydrogen production over TiO 2 photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Skin aging manifests as decreased function, heightened fragility, and impaired wound healing. The investigation of innovative therapies has been driven by the need to discover effective methods of tissue rejuvenation and anti-aging. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secretomes have been demonstrated for the treatment of aged and damaged skin because of their inherent healing capabilities, which have elevated them to the status of highly promising candidates for anti-aging therapies. However, the use of MSCs and their secretomes as skin aging therapy requires further investigation. This study aims to evaluate the current state of research regarding the use of MSCs and their secretome for facial rejuvenation. Advancements in regenerative medicine present an opportunity to investigate these treatments, which may yield novel and efficacious outcomes. The study included a cohort of six participants, comprising individuals of both men and women, exhibiting diverse skin conditions. During a period of three weeks, the participants were administered MSC injections in the initial week, followed by secretome treatments in the subsequent two weeks. It is recommended to apply sunscreen regularly and utilize a skincare mask after undergoing injections. Reevaluation of skin parameters encompassing pore size, wrinkles, pigmentation, sebum levels in the U-Zone, and sebum levels in the T-Zone was conducted utilizing the Janus-III Facial Analysis System. Significant enhancements were observed upon injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), such as diminished pigmentation and a reduction in pore size. While no variations were observed in the results on sebum and wrinkles, it was apparent that each group underwent a considerable decrease in the production of excessive sebum and fine lines of wrinkles. There were no adverse events reported, and the participants demonstrated an overall decrease in inflammation and redness. Both mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secretome exhibited effectiveness in ameliorating signs of skin aging throughout the two-week monitoring period, indicating the possibility of prolonged treatment durations. However, additional clinical evidence is required to determine the exact mechanism by which they operate and their efficacy concerning facial rejuvenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the investigation of acoustic characteristics of ethnically diverse accents in Malaysian English across genders. The study of Malaysian English is still at infancy and the cues of how accents can be differentiated by human are less understandable. Understanding this through the use of formants would discover the importance of these features that can be used to drive the classification results. It was found that males and females differ in terms of all formants scores that correlate to accents in great details using two-way and one-way analysis of variance and the plots of normal fit of individual formant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The inhibition of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has emerged as an anti-cancer strategy. Three flavonoid glycosides including 2 new compounds (1–2) were isolated from Excoecaria agallocha as Hedgehog/GLI1-mediated transcriptional inhibitors and exhibited cytotoxicity against human pancreatic (PANC1) and prostate (DU145) cancer cells. Our data revealed that compound 1 clearly inhibited the expression of GLI-related proteins (PTCH and BCL-2) and blocked the translocation of GLI1 transcription factors into the nucleus in PANC1. Deleting the Smoothened (Smo) function in PANC1 treated with 1 led to downregulation of the mRNA expression of Ptch. This study describes the first Hh signaling inhibitor which blocks GLI1 movement into the nucleus without interfering with Smo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 2,6-Diacetylpyridine bis(benzenesulfonohydrazide) Schiff bases (L1, L2 and L3) and their Cu(II) complexes of the general formula [CuL·H2O] were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The crystal structure of [CuL3·(py)]·py was investigated by single crystal X-ray structure analysis. The Cu(II) cation has near square pyramidal, penta-coordinate geometry. The binegatively charged tetradentate Schiff base is asymmetrically coordinated to the Cu(II) ion via the pyridine N atom, the azomethine N atom, the sulfonyl O atom and the deprotonated hydrazine N atom. There is a pyridine molecule apically coordinated to the Cu(II) ion. All the Schiff bases and their copper(II) complexes were screened by the disc diffusion method against multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were also determined. These results show that the antibacterial activity of the Schiff bases against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is enhanced when they are chelated with the copper(II) ion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rising of temperature in conjunction with acidification due to the anthropogenic climates has tremendously affected all aquatic life. Small changes in the surrounding environment could lead to physiological constraint in the individual. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of warm water temperature (32 °C) and low pH (pH 6) on physiological responses and growth of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) juveniles for 25 days. Growth performance was significantly affected under warm water temperature and low-pH conditions. Surprisingly, the positive effect on growth was observed under the interactive effects of warm water and low pH exposure. Hybrid grouper exposed to the interactive stressor of warm temperature and low pH exhibited higher living cost, where HSI content was greatly depleted to about 2.3-folds than in normal circumstances. Overall, challenge to warm temperature and low pH induced protein mobilization as an energy source followed by glycogen and lipid to support basal metabolic needs. Image 1 •. Effects of warm temperature and/or low water pH were studied. •. Growth performance were negatively impacted to either warm temperature or low pH exposure. •. Interactive exposure of warm temperature and low water pH induced high living cost of hybrid grouper. •. Hybrid grouper adjusted energy metabolism needs to cope with the changing environment. Hybrid grouper modified their physiological responses different to changing environment to compensate growth and metabolic needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Existing conventional antithrombosis drugs have caused many side effects. • Hispidulin Rich Fraction Sesewanua (HRFS) potential as Antihrombosis Candidate. • HRFS was created as Dissolving Microneedle (DMN). • HRFS DMN elevated Prothrombin Time and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time and reduced Inter Celluler Adhesion Molecule-1. Existing conventional antithrombosis drugs have caused many side effects, opening up opportunities for the development of new thrombotic drugs. There is potential to use the hispidulin-rich fraction of sesewanua (HRFS) as a new antithrombotic. The oral route limitation of hispidulin, as a low water solubility and non-polar compound, can be addressed. This study explores the potential of HRFS in the form of dissolving microneedles (DMN). The formula was created using polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone K-30 (PVP), and non-ionic surfactant. Ex vivo permeation studies found that 184.95 µg/cm2 of hispidulin was released 60 h after the best formulation. After 14 days of applying HRFS-DMN, the anticoagulant and antioxidant activity in male albino rats showed higher Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and Prothrombin Time (PT) values and lower Inter Cellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) values. No statistically significant differences were found between the effects of two and four HRFS-DMN and the injection of heparin at a dosage of 200 IU per kilogram. However, notable distinctions were observed when comparing HRFS-DMN to negative controls, oral and quercetin as positive controls at anti-ICAM activity. The findings confirmed the feasibility of HRFS-DMN for thrombosis and its effectiveness in delivering Hispidulin (HIS) into the bloodstream. This DMN is non-irritating, safe, and painless, showing promising outcomes in enhancing the efficacy of thrombosis treatment via the transdermal route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CACT and CPT2 deficiencies can be missed or misdiagnose if only individual acylcarnitine were interpreted without the acylcarnitine ratios. • CACT and CPT2 deficiency patients may present with marked hyperammonemia which may mimic the Urea cycle defect biochemically. • Three novel mutations at c.109C > T p. (Arg37*) in exon 2, c.706C > T p. (Arg236*) in exon 7 of SLC25A20 gene and another novel mutation c.1073 T > G p. (Leu358Arg) in exon 4 of CPT2 gene were found in this study. • The use of the C16 + C18:1/C2 acylcarnitine ratio in dried blood spot in our experience improves the diagnostic specificity for CACT/CPT2 deficiencies. Carnitine-acylcarnitine Translocase (CACT) deficiency (OMIM 212138) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2 (CPT2) deficiency (OMIM 60065050) are rare inherited disorders of mitochondrial long chain fatty acid oxidation. The aim of our study is to review the clinical, biochemical and molecular characteristics in children diagnosed with CACT and CPT2 deficiencies in Malaysia. This is a retrospective study. We reviewed medical records of six patients diagnosed with CACT and CPT2 deficiencies. They were identified from a selective high-risk screening of 50,579 patients from January 2010 until Jun 2020. All six patients had either elevation of the long chain acylcarnitines and/or an elevated (C16 + C18:1)/C2 acylcarnitine ratio. SLC25A20 gene sequencing of patient 1 and 6 showed a homozygous splice site mutation at c.199–10 T > G in intron 2. Two novel mutations at c.109C > T p. (Arg37*) in exon 2 and at c.706C > T p. (Arg236*) in exon 7 of SLC25A20 gene were found in patient 2. Patient 3 and 4 (siblings) exhibited a compound heterozygous mutation at c.638A > G p. (Asp213Gly) and novel mutation c.1073 T > G p. (Leu358Arg) in exon 4 of CPT2 gene. A significant combined prevalence at 0.01% of CACT and CPT2 deficiencies was found in the symptomatic Malaysian patients. The use of the (C16 + C18:1)/C2 acylcarnitine ratio in dried blood spot in our experience improves the diagnostic specificity for CACT/CPT2 deficiencies over long chain acylcarnitine (C16 and C18:1) alone. DNA sequencing for both genes aids in confirming the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and crystal structure of the [Ir(2,4-F 2 ppy) 2 (pyta)Cl] complex are presented. Remarkably, this Ir(III) complex exhibits a blue-green emission (λ em = 469 nm) at room temperature. TD-DFT calculations have been performed to derive a simulated absorption spectrum and vertical excitation energies. • Our group is focusing on a synthesized [Ir(2,4=F 2 ppy) 2 (pyta)Cl] complex. • Characterization of the Ir(III) complex was done by NMR, FTIR, UV–Vis and LC-QTOF/MS. • Molecular structure of Ir(III) complex was determined by single crystal XRD technique. • Photophysical studies and DFT calculations on Ir(III) complex have been performed. The cyclometallated Ir(III) complex [Ir(2,4-F 2 ppy) 2 (pyta)Cl], where ppy and pyta denote 2-phenylpyridine and pyridine-triazole respectively, was successfully synthesized by the reflux reaction of the 2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pyridine ligand with the Ir(III) dimer [Ir(2,4-F 2 ppy) 2 (µ-Cl)] 2. The Ir(III) complex were characterized by spectroscopic methods: NMR, FTIR, UV–Vis and LC-QTOF/MS, while the molecular structure was determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The X-ray crystallographic study revealed that the Ir(III) ion was coordinated to one pyridine-triazole, one chloro and two difluorophenylpyridine ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry. Steady-state emission spectroscopy demonstrated that the Ir(III) complex emitted blue-green light in dichloromethane solution with an emission maximum at 469 nm due to the admixtures of 3LC and 3MLCT character excited states. DFT calculations on the Ir(III) complex showed that the HOMO was localized predominantly over the cyclometallating ligands and the Ir 5 d orbitals, whilst the LUMO was located on both cyclometallating ligands, with the HOMO-LUMO energy gap being 3.86 eV. The intercontacts between different units of the cyclometallated Ir(III) complex were investigated by analyzing the Hirshfeld surface and molecular electrostatic potential surface plotted in the ground and triplet excited states. The X-ray structure of the Ir(III) complex was relatively well reproduced with B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory, where the two structures, experimental and theoretical, were well superposed. The calculated ground and triplet excited states geometries showed slight differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Sildenafil citrate (SIL) as a first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction is currently reported to have poor solubility and bioavailability. Moreover, SIL undergoes first-pass metabolism when taken orally and its injection can lead to discomfort. In this study, we introduce a novel transdermal delivery system that integrates hydrogel-forming microneedles with the inclusion complex tablet reservoir. The hydrogel-forming microneedle was prepared from a mixture of polymers and crosslinkers through a crosslinking process. Importantly, the formulations showed high swelling capacity (>400 %) and exhibited adequate mechanical and penetration properties (needle height reduction < 10 %), penetrating up to five layers of Parafilm® M (assessed to reach the dermis layer). Furthermore, to improve the solubility of SIL in the reservoir, the SIL was pre-complexed with β-cyclodextrin. Molecular docking analysis showed that SIL was successfully encapsulated into the β-cyclodextrin cavity and was the most suitable conformation compared to other CD derivatives. Moreover, to maximize SIL delivery, sodium starch glycolate was also added to the reservoir formulation. As a proof of concept, in vivo studies demonstrated the effectiveness of this concept, resulting in a significant increase in AUC (area under the curve) compared to that obtained after administration of pure SIL oral suspension, inclusion complex, and Viagra® with relative bioavailability > 100 %. Therefore, the approach developed in this study could potentially increase the efficacy of SIL in treating erectile dysfunction by being non-invasive, safe, avoiding first-pass metabolism, and increasing drug bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) are established subgroups of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. m.3243A > G a common point mutation is detected in tRNA in majority of patients with MELAS phenotype whereas m.8344A > G point mutation in tRNA is observed, in MERRF phenotype. Adrenal insufficiency has not been reported in mitochondrial disease, except in Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS), which is a mitochondrial deletion syndrome. We report an unusual presentation in a five year old boy who presented with clinical phenotype of MELAS and was found to have m.8344A > G mutation in tRNA. Addison disease was identified due to hyperpigmentation of lips and gums present from early childhood. This is the first report describing adrenal insufficiency in a child with MELAS phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an organic dye sensitizer derived from blackberry fruits was employed, and the influence of aluminium sulphate, Al 2 (SO 4) 3 ·H 2 O (alum) as a bi-functional (acidification and flocculation) additive in DSSC was investigated. The alum treated dye solution, ATD, was created by adding 0.1 g alum to the dye solution prior to the immersion operation. As reference, an untreated dye solution, UD, was created for comparative purposes. The TiO 2 photoelectrodes were characterized through FESEM, EDXs, and XRD techniques, while the dye properties were investigated using UV-Vis and FTIR. Finally, I-V characteristic, IPCE and EIS measurements were used to assess the overall performances of DSSCs. Based on the findings, the photocurrent-voltage conversion efficiency of the ATD, and the non-treated (UD) dye sensitised DSSCs were found to be 0.64 ± 0.02% and 0.44 ± 0.02%, respectively. The role of alum in regulating the acidity of the blackberry dye solution in the ATD photoelectrode mimics the acid treatment process on TiO 2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, the purification process of natural dye solution by the flocculation reaction of crude impurities (sugar, protein, etc.) purifies the dye solution even further. The ATD DSSC outperformed the UD by 45.50 ± 0.02% as a result of these combined effects. [Display omitted] • Novel Alum flocculation agent is used as dye additive for DSSCs. • Alum as dye additive through its flocculation and chelation effect. • Alum attract loosely and dispersed TiO2 particles to form bigger particle. • Alum improved DSSC performance to 45.5% compared to the non-treated dye cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]