Exploring the Antarctic aminopeptidase P from sp. strain AMS3 through structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulation.

Aminopeptidase P (APPro) is a crucial metalloaminopeptidase involved in amino acid cleavage from peptide N-termini, playing essential roles as versatile biocatalysts with applications ranging from pharmaceuticals to industrial processes. Despite acknowledging its potential for catalysis in lower temperatures, detailed molecular basis and biotechnological implications in cold environments are yet to be explored. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cold-adapted characteristics of APPro from sp.

Correction: Carbon nanotubes: functionalisation and their application in chemical sensors.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D0RA09438B.].

Effectiveness of a Recertification Vision Screening Training Module for Preschool Teachers.

Background: Certified training must be provided for lay vision screeners prior to their conduct of a vision screening programme. However, the effectiveness of trained lay screeners does deteriorate over time. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a recertification vision screening training module using the KieVision Preschool Vision Screening Kit for preschool teachers in Malaysia.

Effect of Agar on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Moisture Absorption Properties of Thermoplastic Sago Starch Composites.

Thermoplastic starch is a material that has the potential to be environmentally friendly and biodegradable. However, it has certain drawbacks concerning its mechanical performance and is sensitive to the presence of moisture. The current study assessed agar-containing thermoplastic sago starch (TPSS) properties at various loadings.

Effect of Chemical Treatment of Sugar Palm Fibre on Rheological and Thermal Properties of the PLA Composites Filament for FDM 3D Printing.

The thermal and rheological properties of bio-composite filament materials are crucial characteristics in the development of a bio-composite Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) filament since the printing mechanism of FDM strongly depends on the heating and extrusion process. The effect of chemical treatment on the thermal and rheological properties was investigated to develop composite filaments for FDM using natural fibres such as sugar palm fibre (SPF). SPF underwent alkaline and silane treatment processes before being reinforced with PLA for improving adhesion and removing impurities.

The Frontiers of Functionalized Nanocellulose-Based Composites and Their Application as Chemical Sensors.

Chemical sensors are a rapidly developing technology that has received much attention in diverse industries such as military, medicine, environmental surveillance, automotive power and mobility, food manufacturing, infrastructure construction, product packaging and many more. The mass production of low-cost devices and components for use as chemical sensors is a major driving force for improvements in each of these industries. Recently, studies have found that using renewable and eco-friendly materials would be advantageous for both manufacturers and consumers.

Optimisation of a gold nanoparticle-based aptasensor integrated with image processing for the colorimetric detection of acephate using response surface methodology.

Acephate (Ac) is an organophosphate (OP) compound, which is able to inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase. Thus, the aim of this study was to optimize the detection of Ac using a thiolated acephate binding aptamer-citrate capped gold nanoparticle (TABA-Cit-AuNP) sensor that also incorporated an image processing technique. The effects of independent variables, such as the incubation period of TABA-Cit-AuNPs (3-24 h) for binding TABA to Cit-AuNPs, the concentration of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) (0.

Distribution of refractive error among chinese primary school children in a rural area in Pahang, Malaysia.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and status of refractive error among Chinese primary school children in a rural area in Pahang.

Methods: This investigation entailed a cross-sectional retrospective study design involving case file analyses. The study site was a Chinese medium primary school in a rural locality within Bentong district.

Validity of vision screening program conducted by preschool teachers: An interventional study.

Background: Clear vision is crucial for effective learning among preschool children. Hence, early detection of vision impairment and prompt treatment are required to improve prognosis. Currently, limited information is available, and no program exists to screen for vision impairment among preschoolers in Bangladesh.

Characteristics of eye injuries, medical cost and return-to-work status among industrial workers: a retrospective study.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the characteristics of eye injuries, medical costs and return-to-work status among industrial workers to provide better vision rehabilitative services.

Setting: Nationwide data from the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) of Malaysia.

Participants: A stratified random sample of workers registered with the SOCSO of Malaysia with documentation of eye injury.

Emerging Developments Regarding Nanocellulose-Based Membrane Filtration Material against Microbes.

The wide availability and diversity of dangerous microbes poses a considerable problem for health professionals and in the development of new healthcare products. Numerous studies have been conducted to develop membrane filters that have antibacterial properties to solve this problem. Without proper protective filter equipment, healthcare providers, essential workers, and the general public are exposed to the risk of infection.

A Review on Impedimetric and Voltammetric Analysis Based on Polypyrrole Conducting Polymers for Electrochemical Sensing Applications.

Conducting polymers have been widely used in electrochemical sensors as receptors of the sensing signal's analytes and transducers. Polypyrrole (PPy) conducting polymers are highlighted due to their good electrical conductive properties, ease in preparation, and flexibility of surface characteristics. The objective of this review paper is to discuss the theoretical background of the two main types of electrochemical detection: impedimetric and voltammetric analysis.

Nanocellulose: a bioadsorbent for chemical contaminant remediation.

Chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, dyes, and organic oils seriously affect the environment and threaten human health. About 2 million tons of waste is released every day into the water system. Heavy metals are the largest contributor which cover about 31% of the total composition of water contaminants.

Carbon nanotubes: functionalisation and their application in chemical sensors.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been recognised as a promising material in a wide range of applications, from safety to energy-related devices. However, poor solubility in aqueous and organic solvents has hindered the utilisation and applications of carbon nanotubes. As studies progressed, the methodology for CNTs dispersion was established.

Recent developments on oximes to improve the blood brain barrier penetration for the treatment of organophosphorus poisoning: a review.

Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are highly toxic synthetic compounds which have been used as pesticides and developed as warfare nerve agents. They represent a threat to both military and civilian populations. OP pesticides affect the nervous system and are thought to have caused at least 5 million deaths since their discovery in the 1930s.

Training Induced Oxidative Stress-Derived DNA and Muscle Damage in Triathletes.

Objective: Regular moderate-intensity exercise has beneficial health effects, whereas regular strenuous exercise increases the production of oxidants that may lead to DNA, skeletal, and cardiac muscle damages. Triathletes experience strenuous muscular activity both during competition and training, being at risk of developing these tissue damages. The objective of the present study was to estimate DNA, skeletal, and cardiac muscle damages using blood biomarkers, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), myoglobin, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) among young triathletes.

Status of visual impairment among indigenous (Orang Asli) school children in Malaysia.

Background: School children are considered a high-risk group for visual impairment because uncorrected refractive errors and problems such as amblyopia can seriously affect their learning abilities and their physical and mental development. There are many studies reporting the prevalence of refractive errors among school children of different ethnic groups in Malaysia, however, studies concerning the prevalence of refractive errors among indigenous or Orang Asli children are very limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment among Orang Asli children.

Visual efficiency among teenaged athletes and non-athletes.

Aim: To compare visual efficiency, specifically accom-modation, vergence, and oculomotor functions among athletes and non-athletes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study on sports vision screening was used to evaluate the visual skills of 214 elementary students (107 athletes, 107 non-athletes), aged between 13 and 16y. The visual screening assessed visual parameters such as ocular motor alignment, accommodation, and vergence functions.

Effect of gender specific anthropometric characteristics on lung function in young competitive triathletes from Malaysia.

Background: Anthropometric and lung function characteristics of triathletes are important for the implementation of individual specific training and recovery recommendations. However, limited data are available for these parameters in triathletes. Hence, the aim of this study was to characterize and examine the gender differences of lung function and anthropometry parameters in competitive triathletes from Malaysia.

Effects of Ramadan fasting on glucose homeostasis and adiponectin levels in healthy adult males.

Background: Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes during the fasting phase of the fast-fed cycle. Ramadan fasting involves prolonged fasting for up to twelve hours and thus could lead to increased secretion of adiponectin by adipocytes. However, studies on the role of adiponectin on glucose and body weight homeostasis during Ramadan fasting is still a matter of controversy.

Mental health state and quality of life questionnaire in low vision assessment: a case report.

Background: Vision impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy, is well known and low vision rehabilitation is always recommended. In this report, the importance of objective measure of mental health and quality of life screening in diabetic retinopathy low-vision assessment is discussed.

Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 43-year-old Asian female who has mild vision impairment due to tractional retinal detachment secondary to diabetic retinopathy and how mental health screening and quality of life screening during low vision rehabilitation can improve in the management of this patient.

Management of visual disturbances in albinism: a case report.

Introduction: A number of vision defects have been reported in association with albinism, such as photophobia, nystagmus and astigmatism. In many cases only prescription sunglasses are prescribed. In this report, the effectiveness of low-vision rehabilitation in albinism, which included prescription of multiple visual aids, is discussed.

Comparison of Lea Symbols chart and Sheridan Gardiner chart in assessing vision screening among pre-school children: a Malaysia perspective.

Objective: Compare the performance of Lea Symbols and Sheridan Gardiner charts against the standard test chart used to determine reduced VA during vision screening among pre-schoolers.

Material And Method: Seven hundred seventy five pre-school participated where 389 subjects were boys and 386 subjects were girls were tested using the Lea Symbols chart and the Sheridan Gardiner chart. The mean age of the pre-school children was 5.