Exploring antimalarial potential: Conjugating organometallic moieties with organic fragments for enhanced efficacy.

In the search for novel ligands with efficacy against various diseases, particularly parasitic diseases, molecular hybridization of organometallic units into biologically active scaffolds has been hailed as an appealing strategy in medicinal chemistry. The conjugation to organometallic fragments can be achieved by an appropriate linker or by directly coordinating the existing drugs to a metal. The success of Ferroquine (FQ, SR97193), an effective chloroquine-ferrocene conjugate currently undergoing the patient-exploratory phase as a combination therapy with the novel triaminopyrimidine ZY-19489 for malaria, has sparked intense interest in organometallic compound drug discovery. We present the evolution of organometallic antimalarial agents over the last decade, focusing on the parent moiety's class and the type of organometallics involved. Four main organometallic antimalarial compounds have been chosen based on conjugated organic moieties: existing antimalarial drugs, other clinical drugs, hybrid drugs, and promising scaffolds of thiosemicarbazones, benzimidazoles, and chalcones, in particular. The presented insights contribute to the ongoing discourse on organometallic compound drug development for malaria diseases.

Optimization of hydrothermal synthesis conditions of Bidens pilosa-derived NiFe2O4@AC for dye adsorption using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design.

The presence of stable and hazardous organic dyes in industrial effluents poses significant risks to both public health and the environment. Activated carbons and biochars are widely used adsorbents for removal of these pollutants, but they often have several disadvantages such as poor recoverability and inseparability from water in the post-adsorption process. Incorporating a magnetic component into activated carbons can address these drawbacks. This study aims to optimizing the production of NiFe2O4-loaded activated carbon (NiFe2O4@AC) derived from a Bidens pilosa biomass source through a hydrothermal method for the adsorption of Rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO), and methyl red (MR) dyes. Response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design (BBD) were applied to analyze the key synthesis factors such as NiFe2O4 loading percentage (10-50%), hydrothermal temperature (120-180 °C), and reaction time (6-18 h). The optimized condition was found at a NiFe2O4 loading of 19.93%, a temperature of 135.55 °C, and a reaction time of 16.54 h. The optimum NiFe2O4@AC demonstrated excellent sorption efficiencies of higher than 92.98-97.10% against all three dyes. This adsorbent was characterized, exhibiting a well-developed porous structure with a high surface area of 973.5 m2 g-1. Kinetic and isotherm were studied with the best fit of pseudo-second-order, and Freundlich or Temkin. Qmax values were determined to be 204.07, 266.16, and 177.70 mg g-1 for RhB, MO, and MR, respectively. By selecting HCl as an elution, NiFe2O4@AC could be efficiently reused for at least 4 cycles. Thus, the Bidens pilosa-derived NiFe2O4@AC can be a promising material for effective and recyclable removal of dye pollutants from wastewater.

Exploring diverse frontiers: Advancements of bioactive 4-aminoquinoline-based molecular hybrids in targeted therapeutics and beyond.

Amongst heterocyclic compounds, quinoline and its derivatives are advantaged scaffolds that appear as a significant assembly motif for developing new drug entities. Aminoquinoline moiety has gained significant attention among researchers in the 21stcentury. Considering the biological and pharmaceutical importance of aminoquinoline derivatives, herein, we review the recent developments (since 2019) in various biological activities of the 4-aminoquinoline scaffold hybridized with diverse heterocyclic moieties such as quinoline, pyridine, pyrimidine, triazine, dioxine, piperazine, pyrazoline, piperidine, imidazole, indole, oxadiazole, carbazole, dioxole, thiazole, benzothiazole, pyrazole, phthalimide, adamantane, benzochromene, and pyridinone. Moreover, by gaining knowledge about SARs, structural insights, and molecular targets, this review may help medicinal chemists design cost-effective, selective, safe, and more potent 4-aminoquinoline hybrids for diverse biological activities.

Nutritional status as predictors for quality of life among caregivers of children with severe cerebral palsy.

Background: Individuals with severe cerebral palsy (CP) often experience various health issues, including feeding difficulties, which can adversely affect their nutritional status and caregivers' quality of life, e.g., more time spent for feeding rather than own selfcare. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of poor nutritional status among individuals with severe CP and explore its role as predictors for caregivers' quality of life. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a government hospital (Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital), Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Program, and Spastic Centre [non-profit organization (NGO)] in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Seventy-one participants with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level IV and V were recruited. Sociodemographic data, health-associated data, and anthropometric data were collected. Caregivers' quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) CP module version 3.0 which included domains such as Movement and Balance, Eating Activities, and School Activities. Results: Most participants were males (60.6%), with 61 classified as level IV in the GMFCS classification. According to the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS), 59 children were at level IV. In total, 40.8% were underweight according to CP growth chart and 49.3% had mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) readings below the 5th percentile. The lowest scores in the PedsQL CP module version 3.0 were observed in the Daily Activities (5.34±10.87), and School Activities domains (8.15±18.65). Sociodemographic and anthropometric data, including body mass index (BMI)-for-age, MUAC, body fat, triceps, and subscapular skinfold measurement, were predictors for the School Activities domain [F (11, 44)=3.981, P<0.005, R2=0.499]. Conclusions: Poor nutritional status in individuals with severe CP has been shown to negatively impact caregivers' quality of life. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach involving nutritional intervention is essential to improve dietary provision and the nutritional status of children with CP.

Triazole hybrid compounds: A new frontier in malaria treatment.

Reviewing the advancements in malaria treatment, the emergence of triazole hybrid compounds stands out as a groundbreaking development. Combining the advantages of triazole and other moieties, these hybrid compounds offer a new frontier in the battle against malaria. Their potential as effective antimalarial agents has captured the attention of researchers and holds promise for overcoming the challenges posed by drug-resistant malaria strains. We focused on their broad spectrum of antimalarial activity of diverse hybridized 1,2,3-triazoles and 1,2,4-triazoles, structure-activity relationship (SAR), drug-likeness, bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties reported since 2018 targeting multiple stages of the Plasmodium life cycle. This versatility makes them highly effective against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of P. falciparum, making them invaluable tools in regions where resistance is prevalent. The synergistic effects of combining the triazole moiety with other pharmacophores have resulted in even greater antimalarial potency. This approach has the potential to circumvent existing resistance mechanisms and provide a more sustainable solution to malaria treatment. While triazole hybrid compounds show great promise, further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully evaluate their safety, efficacy and long-term effects. As research progresses, these compounds can potentially revolutionize the field and contribute to global efforts to eradicate malaria, ultimately saving countless lives worldwide.

Recent developments in antimalarial activities of 4-aminoquinoline derivatives.

Malaria is the fifth most lethal parasitic infection in the world. Antimalarial medications have played a crucial role in preventing and eradicating malaria. Numerous heterocyclic moieties have been incorporated into the creation of effective antimalarial drugs. The 4-aminoquinoline moiety is favoured in antimalarial drug discovery due to the diverse biological applications of its derivative. Since the 1960s, 4-aminoquinoline has been an important antimalarial drug due to its low toxicity, high tolerability, and rapid absorption after administration. This review focused on the antimalarial efficacy of the 4-aminoquinoline moiety hybridised with various heterocyclic scaffolds developed by scientists since 2018 against diverse Plasmodium clones. It could aid in the future development of more effective antimalarial agents.

Zinc status in public health: exploring emerging research trends through bibliometric analysis of the historical context from 1978 to 2022.

The current study aims to provide a roadmap for future research by analyzing the research structures and trends in scholarly publications related to the status of zinc in public health. Only journal articles published between 1978 and 2022 are included in the refined bibliographical outputs retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The first section announces findings based on WoS categories, such as discipline heterogeneity, times cited and publications over time, and citation reports. The second section then employs VoSViewer software for bibliometric analysis, which includes a thorough examination of co-authorship among researchers, organizations, and countries and a count of all bibliographic databases among documents. The final section discusses the research's weaknesses and strengths in zinc status, public health, and potential future directions; 7158 authors contributed to 1730 papers (including 339 with publications, more than three times). "Keen, C.L." is a researcher with the most publications and a better understanding of zinc status in public health. Meanwhile, the USA has been the epicenter of research on the status of zinc in public health due to the highest percentage of publications with the most citations and collaboration with the rest of the world, with the top institution being the University of California, Davis. Future research can be organized collaboratively based on hot topics from co-occurrence network mapping and bibliographic couplings to improve zinc status and protect public health.

Pyrazole and pyrazoline derivatives as antimalarial agents: A key review.

Malaria poses a severe public health risk and a significant economic burden in disease-endemic countries. One of the most severe issues in malaria control is the development of drug resistance in malaria parasites. The standard treatment for malaria is artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT). Nevertheless, the Plasmodium parasite's extensive resistance to prior drugs and reduced ACT efficiency necessitates novel drug discovery. The progress in discovering novel, affordable, and effective antimalarial agents is significant in combating drug resistance, and the hybrid drug concept can be used to covalently link two or more active pharmacophores that may act on multiple targets. Pyrazole and pyrazoline derivatives are considered pharmacologically necessary active heterocyclic scaffolds that possess almost all types of pharmacological activities. This review summarized recent progress in antimalarial activities of synthesized pyrazole and pyrazoline derivatives. The studies published since 2000 are included in this systematic review. This review is anticipated to be beneficial for future study and new ideas in searching for rational development strategies for more effective pyrazole and pyrazoline derivatives as antimalarial drugs.

A Review of Food Texture Modification among Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: The Challenges among Cerebral Palsy Families.

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently present with multiple feeding problems, which may require food texture modification to ensure safe feeding. This review aims to explore the challenges individuals with CP and their caregiver's face and recommend modified food textures to ensure safety and improve the quality of life and nutritional status. A systematic search was carried out through four databases (i.e., EBSCO (Medline), PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science) between January 2011 and May 2022. Out of 86 articles retrieved, seven were selected based on keywords and seven other studies through manual search-five cross-sectional studies, two qualitative studies, one correlational study, one mixed method study, one case-control study, two sections of books, and two educational materials. The findings suggest that preparation and intake of food with modified texture play a necessary role in the safety of swallowing in addition to physical, social, and environmental aspects. Safety was found to be the crucial part of the food texture modification provision besides considering the stress of the caregivers and the nutritional status of individuals with CP. Currently, there are no standard guidelines available pertaining to food texture modification. This led to uncertainties in the dietary provision among caregivers, which may lead to undernourishment. Hence, standard guidelines relating to food texture modification that focuses on food preparation and menus with calorie and nutrient information are timely to be developed.

New insight into the kinetic study on the different loadings of the CuO/CNT catalyst and its optimization for p-chloroaniline photodegradation.

The effect of the copper (Cu) content on Cu oxide loaded onto a carbon nanotube (CuO/CNT) catalyst on the mechanistic, kinetic, and photonic efficiency of the photodegradation of p-chloroaniline (PCA) under visible (Vis) and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation has been explored. For low-loading (1-5 wt%) CuO/CNTs, photodegradation performed better under UV (>84%) rather than the Vis system; this may be due to the presence of abundant defect sites on both CuO and CNTs, which allowed the multielectron reduction of oxygen at their impurity levels to generate more hydrogen peroxide and subsequent ·OH radicals. The active species under UV were in the following order: h+ ≫ e- > ·OH, while it was vice versa for the Vis system with a well-balanced 50 wt% CuO/CNT catalyst that exhibited a similar performance. The kinetic study showed the transition of the kinetic order from the zeroth to the first order on increasing the PCA concentration under the Vis system and vice versa for the UV system. The Thiele modulus (ϕ) further confirmed that the effect of internal mass transfer was negligible under UV light. In contrast, the transition from mass transfer to kinetic control limitation was observed under the Vis system. The optimum PCA degradation predicted from the response surface analysis was 97.36% at the reaction pH of 7.3, catalyst dosage of 0.45 g L-1, and initial PCA concentration of 11.02 mg L-1. The condition obtained was fairly close to the forecasted value with an error of 0.26%.

Sustainable biodiesel generation through catalytic transesterification of waste sources: a literature review and bibliometric survey.

Sustainable renewable energy production is being intensely disputed worldwide because fossil fuel resources are declining gradually. One solution is biodiesel production via the transesterification process, which is environmentally feasible due to its low-emission diesel substitute. Significant issues arising with biodiesel production are the cost of the processes, which has stuck its sustainability and the applicability of different resources. In this article, the common biodiesel feedstock such as edible and non-edible vegetable oils, waste oil and animal fats and their advantages and disadvantages were reviewed according to the Web of Science (WOS) database over the timeframe of 1970-2020. The biodiesel feedstock has water or free fatty acid, but it will produce soap by reacting free fatty acids with an alkali catalyst when they present in high portion. This reaction is unfavourable and decreases the biodiesel product yield. This issue can be solved by designing multiple transesterification stages or by employing acidic catalysts to prevent saponification. The second solution is cheaper than the first one and even more applicable because of the abundant source of catalytic materials from a waste product such as rice husk ash, chicken eggshells, fly ash, red mud, steel slag, and coconut shell and lime mud. The overview of the advantages and disadvantages of different homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts is summarized, and the catalyst promoters and prospects of biodiesel production are also suggested. This research provides beneficial ideas for catalyst synthesis from waste for the transesterification process economically, environmentally and industrially.

Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Antimalarial Activity of Hybrid 4-Aminoquinoline-pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole Derivatives.

Widespread resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to current artemisinin-based combination therapies necessitate the discovery of new medicines. Pharmacophoric hybridization has become an alternative for drug resistance that lowers the risk of drug-drug adverse interactions. In this study, we synthesized a new series of hybrids by covalently linking the scaffolds of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole with 4-aminoquinoline via an ethyl linker. All synthesized hybrid molecules were evaluated through in vitro screenings against chloroquine-resistant (K1) and -sensitive (3D7) P. falciparum strains, respectively. Data from in vitro assessments showed that hybrid 4b displayed significant antiplasmodial activities against the 3D7 strain (EC50 = 0.0130 ± 0.0002 µM) and the K1 strain (EC50 = 0.02 ± 0.01 µM), with low cytotoxic effect against Vero mammalian cells. The high selectivity index value on the 3D7 strain (SI > 1000) and the K1 strain (SI > 800) and the low resistance index value from compound 4b suggested that the pharmacological effects of this compound were due to selective inhibition on the 3D7 and K1 strains. Molecular docking analysis also showed that 4b recorded the highest binding energy on P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase. Thus, P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase is considered a potential molecular target for the synthesized compound.

Zerumbone Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain Symptoms via Cannabinoid and PPAR Receptors Using In Vivo and In Silico Models.

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition persisting past the presence of any noxious stimulus or inflammation. Zerumbone, of the Zingiber zerumbet ginger plant, has exhibited anti-allodynic and antihyperalgesic effects in a neuropathic pain animal model, amongst other pharmacological properties. This study was conducted to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying zerumbone's antineuropathic actions. Research on therapeutic agents involving cannabinoid (CB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) is rising. These receptor systems have shown importance in causing a synergistic effect in suppressing nociceptive processing. Behavioural responses were assessed using the von Frey filament test (mechanical allodynia) and Hargreaves plantar test (thermal hyperalgesia), in chronic constriction injury (CCI) neuropathic pain mice. Antagonists SR141716 (CB1 receptor), SR144528 (CB2 receptor), GW6471 (PPARα receptor) and GW9662 (PPARγ receptor) were pre-administered before the zerumbone treatment. Our findings indicated the involvement of CB1, PPARα and PPARγ in zerumbone's action against mechanical allodynia, whereas only CB1 and PPARα were involved against thermal hyperalgesia. Molecular docking studies also suggest that zerumbone has a comparable and favourable binding affinity against the respective agonist on the CB and PPAR receptors studied. This finding will contribute to advance our knowledge on zerumbone and its significance in treating neuropathic pain.

Comparison of sPLA2IIA performance with high-sensitive CRP neutrophil percentage PCT and lactate to identify bacterial infection.

Early bacterial infection (BI) identification in resource-limiting Emergency Departments (ED) is challenging, especially in low- and middle-income counties (LMIC). Misdiagnosis predisposes to antibiotic overuse and propagates antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluates new emerging biomarkers, secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA (sPLA2-IIA) and compares with other biomarkers on their performance characteristic of BI detection in Malaysia, an LMIC. A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 151 consecutive patients admitted to the ED. A single measurement was taken upon patient arrival in ED and was analysed for serum levels of sPLA2-IIA, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), neutrophil percentage (N%), and lactate. All biomarkers' performance was compared for the outcomes using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), sensitivity, and specificity. The performance of sPLA2-IIA (AUROC 0.93 [95% CI: 0.89-0.97]; Sn 80% [95% CI: 72-87]; Sp 94% [95% CI: 81-89]) was the highest among all. It was comparable with high-sensitive CRP (AUROC 0.93 [95% CI: 0.88-0.97]; Sn 75% [95% CI: 66-83]; Sp 91 [95% CI: 77-98]) but had a higher Sn and Sp. The sPLA2-IIA was also found superior to N%, PCT, and lactate. This finding suggested sPLA2-IIA was recommended biomarkers for BI detection in LMIC.

The Role of 8-Amidoquinoline Derivatives as Fluorescent Probes for Zinc Ion Determination.

Mass-spectrometry-based and X-ray fluorescence-based techniques have allowed the study of the distribution of Zn2+ ions at extracellular and intracellular levels over the past few years. However, there are some issues during purification steps, sample preparation, suitability for quantification, and the instruments' availability. Therefore, work on fluorescent sensors based on 8-aminoquinoline as tools to detect Zn2+ ions in environmental and biological applications has been popular. Introducing various carboxamide groups into an 8-aminoquinoline molecule to create 8-amidoquinoline derivatives to improve water solubility and cell membrane permeability is also a recent trend. This review aims to present a general overview of the fluorophore 8-aminoquinoline and its derivatives as Zn2+ receptors for zinc sensor probes. Various fluorescent chemosensor designs based on 8-amidoquinoline and their effectiveness and potential as a recognition probe for zinc analysis were discussed. Based on this review, it can be concluded that derivatives of 8-amidoquinoline have vast potential as functional receptors for zinc ions primarily because of their fast reactivity, good selectivity, and bio-compatibility, especially for biological applications. To better understand the Zn2+ ion fluorophores' function, diversity of the coordination complex and geometries need further studies. This review provides information in elucidating, designing, and exploring new 8-amidoquinoline derivatives for future studies for the improvement of chemosensors that are selective and sensitive to Zn2+.

Synthesis and characterization of novel protein nanodots as drug delivery carriers with an enhanced biological efficacy of melatonin in breast cancer cells.

Melatonin is a potent antioxidant, chemotherapeutic and chemo preventive agent against breast cancer. However, its short half-life is one of the major limitations in its application as a therapeutic drug. To overcome this issue, the green-emitting protein nanodot (PND) was synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method for loading melatonin. The synthesized pH-7 and pH-2 PND showed a quantum yield of 22.1% and 14.0%, respectively. The physicochemical characterization of both PNDs showed similar morphological and functional activities. Furthermore, the biological efficacy of melatonin-loaded PND (MPND) was evaluated in a breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) for live-cell imaging and enhanced nano-drug delivery efficacy. Interestingly, the permeability of neutral pH PND in both cell cytoplasm and nucleus nullifies the limitations of real-time live-cell imaging, and ensures nuclear drug delivery efficacy. Neutral pH PND showed better cell viability and cytotoxicity as a fluorescence bioimaging probe compared to acidic PND. The bioavailability and cell cytotoxicity effect of MPND on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were studied through confocal and migration assay. Results showed that MPND causes enhanced bioavailability, better cellular uptake, and inhibition of the migration of breast cancer cells as compared to the drug alone. Besides, the synthesized MPND showed no sign of fluorescence quenching even at a high concentration of melatonin, making it an ideal nanocarrier for bioimaging and drug delivery.

Data on antiplasmodial and stage-specific inhibitory effects of Aromatic (Ar)-Turmerone against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7.

Aromatic (ar)-turmerone is one of the aromatic constituents abundant in turmeric essential oil from Curcuma longa. Ar-turmerone exhibited anti-inflammatory properties. So far, antiplasmodial data for ar-turmerone is still not reported. The data showed the in vitro antiplasmodial effect of ar-turmerone against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) via Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase assay (pLDH) and cytotoxic effect against Vero mammalian kidney cells using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colourimetric assay. Selectivity indexes of ar-turmerone were calculated based on inhibition concentration at 50% of parasite growth (IC50) from MTT and pLDH assays and the effects of ar-turmerone were compared to the antimalarial reference drug chloroquine diphosphate. The inhibitory effect of ar-turmerone at the intraerythrocytic stages of plasmodial lifecycles was evaluated via a stage-dependant susceptibility test. The antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of ar-turmerone revealed IC50 values of 46.8 ± 2.4 µM and 820.4 ± 1.5 µM respectively. The selectivity index of ar-turmerone was 17.5. Ar-turmerone suppressed the ring-trophozoite transition stage of the intraerythrocytic life cycle of P. falciparum 3D7.

A New and All-Solid-State Potentiometric Aluminium Ion Sensor for Water Analysis.

An all-solid-state potentiometric electrode system for aluminium ion determination was developed with a new aluminium ion sensor as the working electrode based on a new ionophore for aluminium ion, 1,1'-[(methylazanediyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)]bis[3-(naphthalen-1-yl)thiourea] (ACH). The reference electrode was a potassium ion sensor, which acts as a pseudo-reference. Both electrodes were made from Ag/AgCl screen-print electrodes fabricated from a non-plasticized and photocurable poly(n-butyl acrylate) membrane that contained various other membrane components. The pseudo-reference potential based on the potassium ion sensor was fixed in 0.050 M KNO3, and such concentration of K+ ion did not interfere with the measurement of the Al3+ ion using the aluminium sensor. With such a pseudo-reference and in the presence of 0.050 M KNO3 as a background medium, the aluminium sensor measured changes of aluminium ion concentrations linearly from 10-6 to 10-2 M Al3+ ion with a Nernstian response of 17.70 ± 0.13 mV/decade. A low detection limit of 2.45 × 10-7 M was achieved with this all-solid-state potentiometric system. The aluminium sensor was insensitive to pH effects from 2.0 to 8.0 with a response time of less than 50 s. Under optimum conditions, a lifetime of 49 days was achieved with good sensor selectivity, reversibility, repeatability, and reproducibility. The all-solid-state electrode system was applied to analyze the Al3+ ion content of water samples from a water treatment plant. Compared with the conventional potentiometric detection system for aluminium ions, the new all-solid-state aluminium ion sensor incorporating a pseudo-reference from the potassium sensor demonstrated similar analytical performance. It thus provided a convenient means of aluminium content analysis in water treatment plants.

Exploring Eating and Nutritional Challenges for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parents' and Special Educators' Perceptions.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that is frequently associated with food refusal, limited food repertoire and high-frequency single food intake mainly among children with ASD. Provision of nutrition can be very challenging due to the fact of these behavioural problems, either for the parents or special educators. Healthy nutrition is associated with providing and consuming nutritious food with results being in a good state of health. Semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among 20 participants at a National Autism Centre to explore their understanding towards healthy nutrition. They were parents and special educators who were actively involved with children with ASD. A series of discussions were transcribed verbatim, and four researchers examined each transcript. Inductive analysis linking codes into main thematic categories was conducted using the constant comparison approach across the full data set. The outcome suggested that participants had limited knowledge relating to the proper dietary and nutritional needs of the children. The key messages from the discussion provide a foundation on the development of a nutrition education module which involves primary caretakers of children with ASD.

An Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for Carcinogenicity of Anticancer Compounds Based on Competition between Methylene Blue and Oligonucleotides.

A toxicity electrochemical DNA biosensor has been constructed for the detection of carcinogens using 24 base guanine DNA rich single stranded DNA, and methylene blue (MB) as the electroactive indicator. This amine terminated ssDNA was immobilized onto silica nanospheres and deposited on gold nanoparticle modified carbon-paste screen printed electrodes (SPEs). The modified SPE was initially exposed to a carcinogen, followed by immersion in methylene blue for an optimized duration. The biosensor response was measured using differential pulse voltammetry. The performance of the biosensor was identified on several anti-cancer compounds. The toxicity DNA biosensor demonstrated a linear response range to the cadmium chloride from 0.0005 ppm to 0.01 ppm (R2 = 0.928) with a limit of detection at 0.0004 ppm. The biosensor also exhibited its versatility to screen the carcinogenicity of potential anti-cancer compounds.