Development of a multi-epitope Influenza A vaccine with self-adjuvanting Poly-Laticco-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) delivery

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease led to 3-5 million severe cases worldwide, resulting in over 650,000 respiratory deaths annually. To date, the efficacy of the seasonal influenza vaccines were estimated to be only 29% against the circulating influenza B/Victoria and A(H1N1)pdm2009. This highlighted the need to develop a next generation influenza vaccine that could induce long-lasting and cross-reactive immunity in vaccinated individuals. Many strategies have been explored for the development of next-generation influenza vaccines and the multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine is one of the promising vaccine platforms as they are cost-effective, easily modifiable, and have minimal risk of reactogenicity. However, the multi-epitope peptide based vaccines often required to be incorporated with adjuvant to increase their immunogenicity. In this study, the immunogenicity of each of the ten peptides derived from literature mining was validated in BALBC/c mice by incorporating them in different peptide formulations containing adjuvant components such as Montanide ISA 51, complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) and incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) containing CpG ODN 1826. Prior to in vivo study, the ten peptides selected from literature mining were subjected to immunoinformatic analysis. Subsequently, immunization of mice with the respective peptide formulations showed that mice immunized with the mixture of ten peptides formulated in IFA containing CpG ODN 1826 elicited the strongest cell-mediated immune responses in the immunised mice than that observed in mice immunized with the mixture of ten peptides formulated in CFA, highlighting that the incorporation of CpG ODN 1826 produced a synergistic effect when formulated in IFA as an adjuvant. Importantly, a total of six immunogenic peptides (M2.1, M2.2, NP, P3, P5 and P6) were identified as they were shown to stimulate significant IFN-! production in immune cells as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. Recently, nanoparticles emerged as a potential delivery platform for protein or peptide based vaccines. As such, the FDA-approved poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used to encapsulate the mixture of six immunogenic peptides to be evaluated as a nanovaccine and its immunogenicity was evaluated and compared to the mixture of six peptides formulated in IFA containing CpG ODN 1826 in BALB/c mice. Remarkably, mice immunized with PLGA NPs encapsulating six peptides elicited the strongest IgG response at 1,000,000 titres and it was ten-fold higher when compared to mice immunized with the mixture of six peptides formulated in IFA containing CpG ODN 1826. In addition, immunization of mice with PLGA NPs incapsulating the six peptides was shown to increase the expression of IFN-! significantly (2-3-fold higher) when compared with the group of mice administered with the mixture of six peptides formulated in IFA containing CpG ODN 1826. However, one of the peptides, P3, was found to induce a significant necrotic effect in the CD3+ T-cells present in murine splenocytes. Elimination of peptide 3 from the current nanovaccine formulation would be ideal in future studies. Overall, the study demonstrated the self-adjuvanting property of the PLGA nanoparticles as a delivery system without the need to include any toxic and costly conventional adjuvants in the multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine

Isolation and Characterization of Bacterial Contaminants from Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Cultures

This study aimed to assess and manage bacterial contamination in multiple batches of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) cultures derived from rabbit bone marrow. Routine visual inspection and microscopic examination were employed for the detection of the contaminated cultures. The contaminated cultures were inoculated on Nutrient agar and multiple isolated colonies were subjected to Gram staining and biochemical characterization. Further, molecular identification of the bacterial isolates was performed using polymerase chain reaction. The determination of antibiotic susceptibility patterns was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Among the 351 mesenchymal stem cell culture (SCC) flasks monitored, only 1.42% were found to be contaminated. Based on the phenotypic and biochemical characterization, the major bacterial contaminants were identified as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., and Escherichia coli infiltrating during various stages of cell processing. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns revealed varying responses among isolates, crucial for effective antimicrobial strategies and maintaining aseptic conditions in SCCs. The study emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring to maintain sterile environments, validate culture quality, and uphold safety standards. The findings indicate the need to establish stringent quality control measures, crucial for the successful translation of MSC research into clinical applications. The research advocates for continuous monitoring, adherence to SOPs, and further investigations into preventive strategies for ensuring the safety and efficacy of MSC-based therapies

Collaboration vital in developing a national carbon market

The carbon credit system is one of the compensatory mechanisms for offsetting emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases (GHGs). When an entirely buys a carbon credit, usually from the government, it gains permission to generate one tonne of carbon dioxide or the equivalent of other GHGs

Taking Care Of Our Health Care Workers

Despite potential challenges of the health care system, it is important for organisations to focus on work-life balance. This could include options for flexible work hours, better staff to decrease the chances of overworking, and encouraging vacations

The use of a multi-disciplinary geriatric telemedicine service (TELEG) and its acceptance at a tertiary care centre in Malaysia

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled the widespread adoption of telemedicine in healthcare, particularly in Sarawak, Malaysia. This study investigates the use and acceptance of Sarawak's inaugural multidisciplinary geriatric telemedicine service, TELEG. Methods: This cross-sectional study took place at the Sarawak Heart Centre's geriatric department from July 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022. Convenient sampling included all TELEG-enrolled patients during this period, to achieve minimum sample size of 148. TELEG's utilization was assessed in terms of medication therapy and treatment plan optimization, as well as enhanced healthcare accessibility. Participants' acceptance of TELEG was measured using the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) administered through Google Forms. Descriptive statistics percentages illustrated the proportion of participants who found TELEG moderately to highly acceptable. Associations between baseline characteristics and overall acceptance were explored through bivariate analyses, including Pearson's correlation test, independent t-test, and ANOVA. The influence of six SUTAQ dimensions on overall acceptance, multivariable linear regression using enter method was employed. Statistical significance was determined by p-values less than 0.5. Results: Among 180 geriatric patients enrolled in TELEG during the study period, 149 agreed to participate. TELEG led to medication therapy optimization for 88.6% of participants, primarily involving dose adjustment (44.7%), de-prescribing (31.8%), and prescribing (15.9%). Additionally, 53.8% received treatment plan optimization, predominantly in the form of self-care education (56.3%), referrals for further treatment (33.8%), additional laboratory investigations (29.6%), and increased monitoring (26.8%). Among those educated in self-care (n = 40), dietary intake (27.5%), lower limb exercise (25.0%), and COVID-19 vaccination (12.5%) were the most common topics. All participants expressed moderate to high acceptance of TELEG (mean = 4.9, SD = 0.65, on a scale of 1 to 6). Notably, care personnel concern (B = 0.256; p < 0.001) had the most significant impact on overall acceptance. Conclusion: This pioneering study evaluates the utilization and user acceptance of a geriatric telemedicine service in the region, providing valuable insights to support its expansion. Follow-up surveys or interviews to gain insights into users' experiences are crucial to further enhance acceptance

QSAR and docking based lead optimization of nitrogen heterocycles for enhanced prostaglandin EP2 receptor agonistic potency

In the existing effort, a dataset of 309 experimentally screened molecules for in vitro (Ki) agonist potential for Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor 2 subtype (EP2), which is a metabolite of arachidonic acid that binds with and regulates cellular responses to PGE2, was investigated in the QSAR (Quantitative structure–activity relationship) study. A six-parameter QSAR model was developed that meets the specified values ​​for internal and external validation as well as random parameters such as R2tr = 0.808, Q2LMO = 0.794, R2ex = 0.781. Insightful and quantitative opinion reveals several underappreciated and distinct structural features that are responsible for the agonist potency of these molecules on Prostaglandin EP2 receptor such as; the hydrogen atom is correct 2 bonds from the donor atom, the sp2 hybridized carbon atom is correct 2 bonds from the cyclic nitrogen atom, and so on. The developed QSAR model captures the narrative as well as the novel pharmacophoric features. The QSAR effect was further demonstrated using the reported crystalline buildings of CP533536 with the Prostaglandin EP2 receptor activity. The evaluation led to the identification of valuable new pharmacophoric properties that will be used to optimize lead compounds in the future

Enhancing Arabic vocabulary mastery through augmented reality: a study on AR-MUFRADAT application for primary school students

The advancement of modern technology has greatly influenced national development, with technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) increasingly integrated into education in Malaysia and Indonesia. Despite this, no study has yet explored the specific need for AR technology in teaching Arabic vocabulary from the KSSR syllabus in primary schools. Currently, students rely on traditional teaching methods, which limit their learning experience. This study investigates the need for AR-Mufradat development among Year 5 students at Sri Al-Amin Bangi Primary School. A quantitative approach was used, involving 30 students as respondents, and data was collected through a survey. The findings, analyzed using SPSS version 26, reveal a high demand for AR-Mufradat among these students. This study aims to guide future research, suggesting that AR technology could enhance the teaching and learning of Arabic, allowing students to master the language more effectively

Nursing the health of the planet

AS global health challenges increasingly intersect with environmental issues, the concept of planetary health, which emphasises the health of humans and the natural systems they depend on, has become crucial

Nobel Prize in medicine raises profile of probiotics

The 2024 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine has been awarded to two scientists from the United States - Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun - for their work on the discovery of microRNA (miRNA). Small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, miRNAs play a crucial role in processes like inflammation, immunity and metabolism

Self-objectification, cyberbullying experiences and wellbeing among Malaysian young adults: personal values as moderator

Sexualizing experiences via interpersonal and media encounters causes self-objectification (SO), which is placing an inner gaze on one’s own appearance. In recent years, the surge of image-focused social networking sites (SNSs) fuels appearance comparisons due to the constant online exposure of mainstream appearance ideals. This leads to the internalization of the standard of attractiveness, followed by SO, which manifests through habitual appearance monitoring (i.e., body surveillance) based on mainstream and culturally specific standards of attractiveness. However, no study had examined culture-specific SO experiences in Malaysia. In addition, the increased SNSs use was also associated with negative well-being and cyberbullying. On the other hand, behaviour planning (e.g., SNSs use and cyberbullying behaviours) are likely to depend on personal values. Thus, the association between SO, personal values, cyberbullying experiences and wellbeung among Malaysian young adults require further examination. The current study sought to explore the standard of attractiveness in Malaysia as indicators of culture-specific SO through two-stage of data collection. The first stage through qualitative focus group interviews among 36 Malaysian young adults to discuss the standard of attractiveness and its associated pressures among Malaysian young adults. This resulted in six indicators of culture-specific standards of attractiveness (i.e., body size and shape, skin tone, skin texture, hair, height, facial features). These indicators were incorporated to modify the culture-specific body monitoring scale for the second stage of data collection through online survey. In the second stage, a total of 206 Malaysian young adults (Mage=22.82; SDage=3.313) participated in an online survey to examine the relationships between SO (i.e., general and culturally specific), psychological distress, cyberbullying, and personal values (i.e., self-transcendence and conservation). Results indicated that general SO predicted lower life satisfaction (β=-.387, p<.001), whereas culture-specific SO predicted psychological distress (β=.374, p<.001). The relationship between culture-specific SO and psychological distress was partially mediated by cyberbullying experiences (β=.097, p=.008). The negative effect of SO on wellbeing is heightened by cyberbullying experiences, but only accounting for culturally specific SO. Further analysis did not support the moderated-mediation hypotheses, such that personal values (i.e., self-transcendence and conservation) were not significant moderators for the mediational effect of cyberbullying experiences on SO and wellbeing. The current study provided support to the application of the objectification theory framework as SO predicted negative wellbeing among Malaysian young adults. The general and culture-specific SO predicted different outcomes of wellbeing as according to past studies; this finding demonstrated the need to incorporate culturally-specific measures to represent SO for non-White samples. This study also revealed the mediating role of cyberbullying experiences on SO and wellbeing, which highlights the threat of exposures to online harassments on frequent SNS users especially young adults. Outcome of this study reveals how the external influences (e.g., family, peers, media) exerted appearance-related pressures that manifested in appearance-monitoring behaviors and feelings of body shame. This emphasizes the importance of reducing sexualizing comments and content in interpersonal interactions to target the root cause of SO processes, as part of the strategies targeting eating disorders and other mental health risks