Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) continues to emerge as the topmost causative factor of the morbidity and mortality rate post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The graft cells attack the recipient host tissues resulting in acute or chronic GVHD that affect organs, including the lung, liver, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Certain factors are considered to play a crucial role in the progression of the disease, such as antibodies produced by B cells, reduction in regulatory T cells, and immune tolerance disruption to self-antigen. This review highlighted the pathophysiology of GVHD, clinical manifestation, stages of GVHD in different organs, and the significant role played by Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) in cytokine signalling, development, and function of several immune cells. Furthermore, we discussed the clinical efficacy of drugs, which comprises JAK inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and proteasome inhibitors that are widely used to treat GVHD. Considering the progress recorded in identifying the therapeutic regimens for GVHD, novel and effective therapeutic approaches are much needed to alleviate the complication that arises post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of the disease.
Abstract Phosphorus is a chemical substance and is a kind of nutrient that is essential for the growth of the organism. This key element tends to be growth-limiting-nutrient in lake ecosystems. The high concentration of phosphorus is toxic and can cause a major effect on the water body. Excessive nutrients may lead to eutrophication which will cause the depletion of oxygen. The anoxic waters would reduce the water quality of the surface water and disrupt the stability of the ecosystem. Thus, it is important to measure the phosphorus in a surface water system and to limit the amount of phosphorus going into the water body. Thus, this research aims to evaluate the phosphorus reduction using seed sludge taken from wastewater treatment in Kolej Mawar, UiTM, Shah Alam, Selangor. In the wastewater, biological phosphorus removal (BPR or Bio-P) or the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) is the biological process where this substance is incorporated into cell biomass and subsequently removed from the process as a result of sludge wasting. Here, seed sludge from wastewater was used in a batch culture experiment using two different solutions of disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4) and di-potassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4) in a synthetic medium. The phosphorus reduction and the percentage removal were observed in these two solutions in one-week incubation time. It can be observed that the percentage removal of phosphorus in Na2HPO4 solution was higher (88% and 96%) compared to K2HPO4 solutions (70% and 29%). From the results obtained, the phosphorus can significantly be reduced using the seed sludge from the wastewater in short incubation time within one week. Thus, a sustainable approach in green technology can be further investigated and enhanced to overcome the environmental problems in reducing the phosphorus effluent discharge into the surface water system.
The chapter on Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) explores this innovative method for extending the shelf life of perishable foods. It involves adjusting the gases inside a package to create an ideal environment for food preservation. The chapter covers MAP principles, including gas control and barrier properties, as well as the use of ethylene and carbon dioxide absorbers. It also discusses the application of MAP in preserving fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and high-value goods, reducing food waste, and meeting consumer demands for quality products. This chapter serves as a concise guide to understanding the science and benefits of MAP in modern food packaging.
This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Molecular Structure and Physico-Chemical Characterization Coloring Aspects Characterization and Quality Control Conclusion and Future Outlook
Background: In recent years, the textile fibres and fabrics enriched with multifunctional properties have gained much attention and accepted abundantly. In general, the flame-retardation ability to the textile substrates is endowed with one of the most attentive factors that needed applicability in civilian as well military area. Specific chemical bonding in several textile materials (i.e. cotton, linen, hemp; silk & wool; nylon; polypropylene; polyester) acquired specificity towards implanting flame-retardancy. The present review encompasses various finishing agents being used to develop the flame-resistant property and their aspects to sensitization and durability against several washing cycles with future research-oriented opportunities. Results: With existing flame retarding materials, various new substituted technologies, finishing agents and active materials are being developed to meet the challenge and needs of ever-changing safety regulations. It is an interdisciplinary development that involves quite a lot of scientific and engineering tools. In the present review, various finishing agents being used to develop the durable flame-resistant property are discussed with possible future directions. Conclusion: All the textile materials, i.e. cellulosic (cotton, linen), proteinaceous (silk, wool), and synthetic (nylon, polyester, polypropylene), including fibres/fabrics/blends, have been extensively used, especially in military and civilian area enriched with high comfort nature and several mechanical properties. Except for wool that is significantly fire-resist, other textile fibre abundantly possesses low fire retardancy and, requires further additional chemical processing towards implanting flame retardancy. Nevertheless, most of the flame retardants have been observed to have bad impacts/effects on the environment and associated with skin related to human health. Novel technologies and innovative products are being under considerations to bottom down the present challenges and issues. This would help to make cleaner substitutes for sincerely harmful conventional flame retardant finishing agents and to explore new opportunities in the textile industry and R& D sector. Keywords: Bromine compounds, char, chemical treatment, flame retardant, polyphosphates, textile finishing.