Browse publications by year: 2014

  1. Alginate-immobilized bentonite clay: adsorption efficacy and reusability for Cu(II) removal from aqueous solution
    Tan WS, Ting AS
    Bioresour Technol, 2014 May;160:115-8.
    PMID: 24405651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.12.056
    This study evaluated the use of alginate-immobilized bentonite to remove Cu(II) as an alternative to mitigate clogging problems. The adsorption efficacy (under the influence of time, pH and initial Cu(II) concentration) and reusability of immobilized-bentonite (1% w/v bentonite) was tested against plain alginate beads. Results revealed that immobilized bentonite demonstrated significantly higher sorption efficacy compared to plain alginate beads with 114.70 and 94.04 mg Cu(II) adsorbed g(-1) adsorbent, respectively. Both sorbents were comparable in other aspects where sorption equilibrium was achieved within 6 h, with optimum pH between pH 4 and 5 for adsorption, displayed maximum adsorption capacity at initial Cu(II) concentrations of 400 mg l(-1), and demonstrated excellent reusability potential with desorption greater than 90% throughout three consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. Both sorbents also conformed to Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model. Immobilized bentonite is therefore recommended for use in water treatments to remove Cu(II) without clogging the system.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Alginates/chemistry*; Bentonite/chemistry*; Computer Simulation; Copper/isolation & purification*; Hexuronic Acids/chemistry; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Water Pollutants, Chemical/isolation & purification*; Glucuronic Acid/chemistry; Recycling*
  2. Judging the differences between women's attractiveness and health: is there really a difference between judgments made by men and women?
    Stephen ID, Perera AT
    Body Image, 2014 Mar;11(2):183-6.
    PMID: 24405818 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2013.11.007
    Perceived weight in the face and body size have been shown to be significant predictors of both attractiveness and health. Studies looking at the relationship between attractiveness, perceived health, and perceived weight in faces have found that individuals prefer a lower weight for attractiveness than for apparent health. Here, a group of twenty-four Asian participants were allowed to manipulate the apparent body mass indices (BMIs) of full-length photographs of young Malaysian Chinese women to enhance their perceived healthiness and attractiveness. Results showed that both men and women differentiated between attractiveness and health by preferring a lower BMI for attractiveness than health, suggesting a consistency in the preferred ideal BMI for attractiveness and healthy appearance across both sexes. Results also suggested that BMI provides important cues to judgments of attractive and healthy appearance.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Beauty*; Body Image/psychology; Choice Behavior; Female; Gender Identity*; Health*; Humans; Judgment*; Malaysia; Male; Body Mass Index; Body Size; Young Adult
  3. Effects of novel diarylpentanoid analogues of curcumin on secretory phospholipase A2 , cyclooxygenases, lipo-oxygenase, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1
    Ahmad W, Kumolosasi E, Jantan I, Bukhari SN, Jasamai M
    Chem Biol Drug Des, 2014 Jun;83(6):670-81.
    PMID: 24406103 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12280
    Arachidonic acid and its metabolites have generated a heightened interest due to their significant role in inflammation. Inhibiting the enzymes involved in arachidonic acid metabolism has been considered as the synergistic anti-inflammatory effect. A series of novel curcumin diarylpentanoid analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on activity of secretory phospholipase A2 , cyclooxygenases, soybean lipo-oxygenase as well as microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1. Among the curcumin analogues, compounds 3, 6, 9, 12, and 17 exhibited strong inhibition of secretory phospholipase A2 activity, with IC50 values ranging from 5.89 to 11.02 μm. Seven curcumin analogues 1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12 showed inhibition of cyclooxygenases-2 with IC50 values in the range of 46.11 to 94.86 μm, which were lower than that of curcumin. Compounds 3, 6, 7, 12, and 17 showed strong inhibition of lipo-oxygenase enzyme activity. Preliminary screening of diarylpentanoid curcumin analogues for microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 activity revealed that four diarylpentanoid curcumin analogues 5, 6, 7, and 13 demonstrated higher inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 activity with IC50 ranging from 2.41 to 4.48 μm, which was less than that of curcumin. The present results suggest that some of these diarylpentanoid analogues were able to inhibit the activity of these enzymes. This raises the possibility that diarylpentanoid analogues of curcumin might serve as useful starting point for the design of improved anti-inflammatory agents.
    MeSH terms: Curcumin/analogs & derivatives*; Curcumin/pharmacology*; Curcumin/chemistry; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activation/drug effects; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Humans; Lipoxygenase/metabolism*; Microsomes/drug effects*; Microsomes/enzymology; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases/metabolism*; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases/metabolism*; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Phospholipases A2, Secretory/metabolism*
  4. Fulltext Growth inhibitory response and ultrastructural modification of oral-associated candidal reference strains (ATCC) by Piper betle L. extract
    Nordin MA, Wan Harun WH, Abdul Razak F, Musa MY
    Int J Oral Sci, 2014 Mar;6(1):15-21.
    PMID: 24406634 DOI: 10.1038/ijos.2013.97
    Candida species have been associated with the emergence of strains resistant to selected antifungal agents. Plant products have been used traditionally as alternative medicine to ease mucosal fungal infections. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Piper betle extract on the growth profile and the ultrastructure of commonly isolated oral candidal cells. The major component of P. betle was identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS/MS). Seven ATCC control strains of Candida species were cultured in yeast peptone dextrose broth under four different growth environments: (i) in the absence of P. betle extract; and in the presence of P. betle extract at respective concentrations of (ii) 1 mg⋅mL(-1); (iii) 3 mg⋅mL(-1); and (iv) 6 mg⋅mL(-1). The growth inhibitory responses of the candidal cells were determined based on changes in the specific growth rates (µ). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe any ultrastructural alterations in the candida colonies. LC-MS/MS was performed to validate the presence of bioactive compounds in the extract. Following treatment, it was observed that the µ-values of the treated cells were significantly different than those of the untreated cells (P<0.05), indicating the fungistatic properties of the P. betle extract. The candidal population was also reduced from an average of 13.44×10(6) to 1.78×10(6) viable cell counts (CFU)⋅mL(-1). SEM examination exhibited physical damage and considerable morphological alterations of the treated cells. The compound profile from LC-MS/MS indicated the presence of hydroxybenzoic acid, chavibetol and hydroxychavicol in P. betle extract. The effects of P. betle on candida cells could potentiate its antifungal activity.
    MeSH terms: Antifungal Agents/pharmacology*; Candida/drug effects*; Candida/growth & development; Candida/ultrastructure; Candida albicans/drug effects; Candida albicans/growth & development; Candida albicans/ultrastructure; Chromatography, Liquid/methods; Culture Media; Eugenol/analogs & derivatives; Eugenol/analysis; Humans; Phytotherapy; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Mouth/microbiology*; Plant Extracts/analysis; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Spectrophotometry/methods; Time Factors; Colony Count, Microbial; Candida tropicalis/drug effects; Candida tropicalis/growth & development; Candida tropicalis/ultrastructure; Candida glabrata/drug effects; Candida glabrata/growth & development; Candida glabrata/ultrastructure; Microbial Viability/drug effects; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods; Hydroxybenzoates/analysis
  5. Commuter motorcycle crashes in Malaysia: An understanding of contributing factors
    Oxley J, Yuen J, Ravi MD, Hoareau E, Mohammed MA, Bakar H, et al.
    Ann Adv Automot Med, 2014 1 11;57:45-54.
    PMID: 24406945
    In Malaysia, two-thirds of reported workplace-related fatal and serious injury incidents are the result of commuting crashes (especially those involving motorcyclists), however, little is known about the contributing factors to these collisions. A telephone survey of 1,750 motorcyclists (1,004 adults who had been involved in a motorcycle commuting crash in the last 2 years and 746 adult motorcyclists who had not been involved in a motorcycle crash in the last 2 years) was undertaken. The contributions of a range of behavioural, attitudinal, employment and travel pattern factors to collision involvement were examined. The findings revealed that the majority of participants were licensed riders, rode substantial distances (most often for work purposes), and reported adopting safe riding practices (helmet wearing and buckling). However, there were some concerning findings regarding speeding behaviour, use of mobile phones while riding, and engaging in other risky behaviours. Participants who had been involved in a collision were younger (aged 25-29 years), had higher exposure (measured by distances travelled, frequency of riding, and riding on high volume and higher speed roads), reported higher rates of riding for work purposes, worked more shift hours and had a higher likelihood of riding at relatively high speeds compared with participants who had not been involved in a collision. Collisions generally occurred during morning and early evening hours, striking another vehicles, and during normal traffic flow. The implications of these findings for policy decisions and development of evidence-based behavioural/training interventions addressing key contributing factors are discussed.
    MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic; Adult; Employment; Head Protective Devices; Humans; Licensure; Malaysia; Motorcycles; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk-Taking; Workplace
  6. Identifying contributing factors to fatal and serious injury motorcycle collisions involving children in Malaysia
    Oxley J, Ravi MD, Yuen J, Hoareau E, Hashim HH
    Ann Adv Automot Med, 2014 1 11;57:329-36.
    PMID: 24406968
    In Malaysia, motorcycle crashes constitute approximately 60 percent of all road trauma, and a substantial proportion involve children 16 years and younger. There are, however, many gaps in our knowledge on contributing factors to crashes and injury patterns amongst children killed and seriously injured in motorcycle crashes. The aim of this study was to examine fatal and serious injury motorcycle-related collisions to identify contributing factors and injury patterns amongst child motorcyclists. All identified motorcyclist fatal crashes between 2007 and 2011 (inclusive) were extracted from the national Police-reported crash database (M-ROADS) and a range of variables were selected for examination. A total of 17,677 crashes were extracted where a rider or pillion was killed and of these crashes 2,038 involved children, equating to 12 percent. Examination of crashes involving children revealed that some crashes involved more than two children on the motorcycle, therefore, overall children constituted 9.5% of fatal and 18.4% of serious injury collisions. A high proportion of child fatal or serious injury collisions involved the child as the rider (62%), and this was most common for children aged between 10 and 16 years. The majority of collisions occurred on rural roads, in speed limit zones of 50-70km/h, and approximately one-third occurred at an intersection. Collisions involving another motorcycle or a passenger vehicle contributed to 41% and 53% of the total fatalities and severe injuries, respectively. A high proportion (43.9%) of the children (25.5% riders and 18.8% pillion) sustained head injuries with 37.7% being in the 10-16 age group. Furthermore, 52.4% of the children sustaining head injuries did not wear a helmet. The implications of these findings for countermeasures within a Safe System framework, particularly interventions aimed at reducing the rate of unlicensed riding and helmet wearing, and infrastructure countermeasures are discussed.
    MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic; Child; Craniocerebral Trauma; Head Protective Devices; Humans; Malaysia; Motorcycles; Databases, Factual; Police; Knowledge
  7. Novosphingobium malaysiense sp. nov. isolated from mangrove sediment
    Lee LH, Azman AS, Zainal N, Eng SK, Fang CM, Hong K, et al.
    Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2014 Apr;64(Pt 4):1194-201.
    PMID: 24408529 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.059014-0
    A novel bacterium, strain MUSC 273(T), was isolated from mangrove sediments of the Tanjung Lumpur river in the state of Pahang in peninsular Malaysia. The bacterium was yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative, rod-shaped and non-spore-forming. The taxonomy of strain MUSC 273(T) was studied by a polyphasic approach and the organism showed a range of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the genus Novosphingobium. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MUSC 273(T) showed the highest sequence similarity to those of Novosphingobium indicum H25(T) (96.8 %), N. naphthalenivorans TUT562(T) (96.4 %) and N. soli CC-TPE-1(T) (95.9 %) and lower sequence similarity to members of all other species of the genus Novosphingobium. Furthermore, in phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain MUSC 273(T) formed a distinct cluster with members of the genus Novosphingobium. DNA-DNA relatedness of strain MUSC 273(T) to the type strains of the most closely related species, N. indicum MCCC 1A01080(T) and N. naphthalenivorans DSM 18518(T), was 29.2 % (reciprocal 31.0 %) and 17 % (reciprocal 18 %), respectively. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10, the major polyamine was spermidine and the DNA G+C content was 63.3±0.1 mol%. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingoglycolipid. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, C17 : 1ω6c, C16 : 0, C15 : 0 2-OH and C16 : 1ω7c. Comparison of BOX-PCR fingerprints indicated that strain MUSC 273(T) represented a unique DNA profile. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strain MUSC 273(T) represents a novel species of the genus Novosphingobium, for which the name Novosphingobium malaysiense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MUSC 273(T) ( = DSM 27798(T) = MCCC 1A00645(T) = NBRC 109947(T)).
    MeSH terms: Base Composition; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Fatty Acids/chemistry; Malaysia; Molecular Sequence Data; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Phylogeny*; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Spermidine/chemistry; Ubiquinone/chemistry; Water Microbiology*; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Geologic Sediments/microbiology*; Sphingomonadaceae/classification*; Sphingomonadaceae/genetics; Sphingomonadaceae/isolation & purification
  8. Fulltext Gastritis May Boost Odds of Dementia
    Momtaz YA, Hamid TA, Ibrahim R
    Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen, 2014 Aug;29(5):452-6.
    PMID: 24408749 DOI: 10.1177/1533317513518654
    INTRODUCTION: Given the high prevalence of dementia and its devastating consequences, identifying risk factors for dementia is a public health priority. The present study aims to assess whether gastritis increases the odds of dementia.

    METHODOLOGY: The data for this study, consisting of 2926 community-dwelling older adults, were obtained from the National survey entitled "Mental Health and Quality of Life of Older Malaysians." Dementia was diagnosed using the Geriatric Mental State-Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer-Assisted Taxonomy.

    RESULTS: Prevalence of dementia was considerably higher among older adults with gastritis (29.5%) compared to those without gastritis (13.2%). After adjusting for age, gender, marital status, educational attainment, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes, gastritis was significantly associated with more than twice odds of dementia (adjusted odds ratio = 2.42, P < .001, 95% confidence interval = 1.68-3.49).

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this population-based observational study showing evidence that gastritis may increase the risk of dementia provide avenue for further inquiries into dementia.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dementia/epidemiology*; Female; Gastritis/epidemiology*; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Comorbidity
  9. Fulltext Anti-tumor activity of Eurycoma longifolia root extracts against K-562 cell line: in vitro and in vivo study
    Al-Salahi OS, Ji D, Majid AM, Kit-Lam C, Abdullah WZ, Zaki A, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(1):e83818.
    PMID: 24409284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083818
    Eurycoma longifolia Jack has been widely used in traditional medicine for its antimalarial, aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and anti-pyretic activities. Its anticancer activity has also been recently reported on different solid tumors, however no anti-leukemic activity of this plant has been reported. Thus the present study assesses the in vitro and in vivo anti-proliferative and apoptotic potentials of E. longifolia on K-562 leukemic cell line. The K-562 cells (purchased from ATCC) were isolated from patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) were treated with the various fractions (TAF273, F3 and F4) of E. longifolia root methanolic extract at various concentrations and time intervals and the anti-proliferative activity assessed by MTS assay. Flow cytometry was used to assess the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Nude mice injected subcutaneously with 10(7) K-562 cells were used to study the anti-leukemic activity of TAF273 in vivo. TAF273, F3 and F4 showed various degrees of growth inhibition with IC50 values of 19, 55 and 62 µg/ml, respectively. TAF273 induced apoptosis in a dose and time dependent manner. TAF273 arrested cell cycle at G1 and S phases. Intraperitoneal administration of TAF273 (50 mg/kg) resulted in a significant growth inhibition of subcutaneous tumor in TAF273-treated mice compared with the control mice (P = 0.024). TAF273 shows potent anti-proliferative activity in vitro and in vivo models of CML and therefore, justifies further efforts to define more clearly the potential benefits of using TAF273 as a novel therapeutic strategy for CML management.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology*; Cell Cycle/drug effects; Cell Survival/drug effects; Humans; Male; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Tumor Stem Cell Assay; Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects; Gene Expression/drug effects; Apoptosis/drug effects; Plant Roots/chemistry*; K562 Cells; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Eurycoma/chemistry*; Tumor Burden/drug effects; Mice
  10. Fulltext Protective Effects of Nigella sativa on Metabolic Syndrome in Menopausal Women
    Ibrahim RM, Hamdan NS, Ismail M, Saini SM, Abd Rashid SN, Abd Latiff L, et al.
    Adv Pharm Bull, 2014;4(1):29-33.
    PMID: 24409406 DOI: 10.5681/apb.2014.005
    PURPOSE: This study was conducted in menopausal women to determine the metabolic impact of Nigella sativa.

    METHODS: Thirty subjects who were menopausal women within the age limit of 45-60 were participated in this study and randomly allotted into two experimental groups. The treatment group was orally administered with N. sativa seeds powder in the form of capsules at a dose of 1g per day after breakfast for period of two months and compared to control group given placebo. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline, 1st month, 2nd month and a month after treatment completed to determine their body weight, serum lipid profile and fasting blood glucose (FBG).

    RESULTS: The treatment group showed slight reduction with no significant difference in body weight changes of the respondents. However, significant (p<0.05) improvement was observed in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and blood glucose (p<0.05).

    CONCLUSION: These results suggested that treatment with N. sativa exert a protective effect by improving lipid profile and blood glucose which are in higher risk to be elevated during menopausal period.

  11. Fulltext The Role of Psychosocial and Belief Factors in Self-Reported Cigarette Smoking Among University Students in Malaysia
    Al-Dubai S, Ganasegeran K, Alshagga M, Hawash A, Wajih W, Kassim S
    Health Psychol Res, 2014 Jan 13;2(1):1195.
    PMID: 26973928 DOI: 10.4081/hpr.2014.1195
    This study aimed to explore factors associated, specifically belief factors, with self-reported tobacco smoking status. A sample of 300 students was recruited from a private university in Malaysia. Data was collected using a pre-tested self-administrated questionnaire that investigated various factors including socio-demographics, socio-economic status, smoking behavior and beliefs on tobacco smoking. The main tobacco use in this study sample was cigarettes and the estimated prevalence of self-reported cigarette smoking was 10.3%. In bivariate analysis, self-reported cigarette smoking was significantly associated with socio-demographic, behavioral factors and faculty of study (P<0.05). In multivariate modeling, being male and a non-medical student, did not exercise, having a smoker father and brother or sister, suffering from financial difficulties and having the belief that smokers had more friends, all had statistically significant associations (P<0.05) with self-reported cigarette smoking. Social and interpersonal factors were associated with self-reported cigarette smoking status. A comprehensive health model focusing on changing the social norms of parent and sibling tobacco smoking and students' beliefs, alongside nurturing skills of dealing with stressful situations, warrant implementation.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Smoking; Students
  12. Building a discovery partnership with Sarawak Biodiversity Centre: a gateway to access natural products from the rainforests
    Yeo TC, Naming M, Manurung R
    Comb Chem High Throughput Screen, 2014 Mar;17(3):192-200.
    PMID: 24409959
    The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) is a state government agency which regulates research and promotes the sustainable use of biodiversity. It has a program on documentation of traditional knowledge (TK) and is well-equipped with facilities for natural product research. SBC maintains a Natural Product Library (NPL) consisting of local plant and microbial extracts for bioprospecting. The NPL is a core discovery platform for screening of bioactive compounds by researchers through a formal agreement with clear benefit sharing obligations. SBC aims to develop partnerships with leading institutions and the industries to explore the benefits of biodiversity.
    MeSH terms: Biological Products/chemistry*; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical*; Malaysia; Research/organization & administration*; Biodiversity*; Drug Discovery*; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Rainforest
  13. Studying the effects of nucleating agents on texture modification of puffed corn-fish snack
    Shahmohammadi HR, Bakar J, Rahman RA, Adzhan NM
    J Food Sci, 2014 Feb;79(2):E178-83.
    PMID: 24410375 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.12324
    To improve textural attributes of puffed corn-fish snack, the effects of 1%, 1.5%, and 2% of calcium carbonate, magnesium silicate (talc), sodium bicarbonate as well as 5% and 10% of wheat bran (as the nucleating materials) on textural attributes were studied. Sensory evaluation, bulk density, expansion ratio, maximum force, and count peaks were measured using the Kramer test. The results showed that all of the additives except bran significantly enhanced the texture. Among them, talc at 0.5% was the best to enhance the density and expansion ratio. Effects of using 0.5% talc on puffed corn-fish snack microstructure were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The average cell diameter of 109 ± 48 μm and cell numbers per square centimeter of 67.4 for talc-treated products were obtained, while for nontalc-treated extrudates, average cell diameter of 798 ± 361 μm and cell numbers per square centimeter of 13.9 were found. Incorporation of 0.5% w/w of magnesium silicate reduced (7-fold) the average cell diameter while increased (4-fold) the cell number.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Calcium Carbonate/chemistry; Carps; Consumer Behavior; Zea mays/chemistry*; Dietary Fiber/analysis; Fish Products/analysis*; Food Additives/chemistry; Food Preferences; Humans; Malaysia; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Seeds/chemistry*; Sensation; Talc/chemistry*; Triticum/chemistry; Magnesium Silicates/chemistry; Sodium Bicarbonate/chemistry; Mechanical Phenomena; Physicochemical Phenomena; Fast Foods/analysis*; Snacks*
  14. Serological diagnosis of dengue infection in blood plasma using long-range surface plasmon waveguides
    Wong WR, Krupin O, Sekaran SD, Mahamd Adikan FR, Berini P
    Anal Chem, 2014 Feb 4;86(3):1735-43.
    PMID: 24410440 DOI: 10.1021/ac403539k
    We present a compact, cost-effective, label-free, real-time biosensor based on long-range surface plasmon polariton (LRSPP) gold (Au) waveguides for the detection of dengue-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody, and we demonstrate detection in actual patient blood plasma samples. Two surface functionalization approaches are proposed and demonstrated: a dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) functionalized surface to capture dengue-specific IgM antibody in blood plasma and the reverse, a blood plasma functionalized surface to capture DENV-2. The results obtained via these two surface functionalization approaches are comparable to, or of greater quality, than those collected by conventional IgM antibody capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA). Our second functionalization approach was found to minimize nonspecific binding, thus improving the sensitivity and accuracy of the test. We also demonstrate reuse of the biosensors by regenerating the sensing surface down to the virus (or antibody) level or down to the bare Au.
    MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dengue/blood*; Dengue Virus/physiology*; Gold/chemistry; Humans; Immunoglobulin M/blood; Serologic Tests/economics; Serologic Tests/methods*; Surface Properties; Biosensing Techniques/economics; Biosensing Techniques/methods*
  15. First record of the tree-frog genus Chiromantis from Borneo with the description of a new species (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae)
    Matsui M, Shimada T, Sudin A
    Zoolog Sci, 2014 Jan;31(1):45-51.
    PMID: 24410495 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.31.45
    We record a tree frog of the genus Chiromantis for the first time from outside the Southeast Asian continent and describe it as a new species, Chiromantis inexpectatus. The new species from the Malaysian state of Sabah, Borneo, is a small-sized Chiromantis (male snout-vent length ca. 22 mm), and is distinguished from all other members of the genus by the combination of the following morphological characteristics: dark stripes absent, but dark spots present on dorsum; a dark-brown lateral band present from snout tip to half of body, bordered ventrally by white stripe; third and fourth fingers less than half webbed; third finger disk wider than tympanum diameter; and inner metatarsal tubercle present. Significance of findings of this species from Borneo Island, as well as phylogeny and breeding habit of the genus Chiromantis, are briefly discussed.
    MeSH terms: Amphibians/anatomy & histology; Amphibians/classification*; Amphibians/genetics*; Animals; Borneo; Demography; Malaysia; Phylogeny
  16. Fulltext Investigation of thermal conductivity and rheological properties of nanofluids containing graphene nanoplatelets
    Mehrali M, Sadeghinezhad E, Latibari ST, Kazi SN, Mehrali M, Zubir MN, et al.
    Nanoscale Res Lett, 2014;9(1):15.
    PMID: 24410867 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276X-9-15
    In the present study, stable homogeneous graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) nanofluids were prepared without any surfactant by high-power ultrasonic (probe) dispersion of GNPs in distilled water. The concentrations of nanofluids were maintained at 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 wt.% for three different specific surface areas of 300, 500, and 750 m2/g. Transmission electron microscopy image shows that the suspensions are homogeneous and most of the materials have been well dispersed. The stability of nanofluid was investigated using a UV-visible spectrophotometer in a time span of 600 h, and zeta potential after dispersion had been investigated to elucidate its role on dispersion characteristics. The rheological properties of GNP nanofluids approach Newtonian and non-Newtonian behaviors where viscosity decreases linearly with the rise of temperature. The thermal conductivity results show that the dispersed nanoparticles can always enhance the thermal conductivity of the base fluid, and the highest enhancement was obtained to be 27.64% in the concentration of 0.1 wt.% of GNPs with a specific surface area of 750 m2/g. Electrical conductivity of the GNP nanofluids shows a significant enhancement by dispersion of GNPs in distilled water. This novel type of nanofluids shows outstanding potential for replacements as advanced heat transfer fluids in medium temperature applications including solar collectors and heat exchanger systems.
  17. Fulltext Evaluation of new suspension system for limb prosthetics
    Gholizadeh H, Abu Osman NA, Eshraghi A, Ali S, Arifin N, Wan Abas WA
    Biomed Eng Online, 2014;13:1.
    PMID: 24410918 DOI: 10.1186/1475-925X-13-1
    Good prosthetic suspension system secures the residual limb inside the prosthetic socket and enables easy donning and doffing. This study aimed to introduce, evaluate and compare a newly designed prosthetic suspension system (HOLO) with the current suspension systems (suction, pin/lock and magnetic systems).
    MeSH terms: Adult; Artificial Limbs*; Humans; Male; Materials Testing/instrumentation; Materials Testing/methods*; Movement; Prosthesis Design; Shear Strength; Mechanical Processes*
  18. Fulltext Bioavailability of tocotrienols: evidence in human studies
    Fu JY, Che HL, Tan DM, Teng KT
    Nutr Metab (Lond), 2014;11(1):5.
    PMID: 24410975 DOI: 10.1186/1743-7075-11-5
    As a minor component of vitamin E, tocotrienols were evident in exhibiting biological activities such as neuroprotection, radio-protection, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and lipid lowering properties which are not shared by tocopherols. However, available data on the therapeutic window of tocotrienols remains controversial. It is important to understand the absorption and bioavailability mechanisms before conducting in-depth investigations into the therapeutic efficacy of tocotrienols in humans. In this review, we updated current evidence on the bioavailability of tocotrienols from human studies. Available data from five studies suggested that tocotrienols may reach its target destination through an alternative pathway despite its low affinity for α-tocopherol transfer protein. This was evident when studies reported considerable amount of tocotrienols detected in HDL particles and adipose tissues after oral consumption. Besides, plasma concentrations of tocotrienols were shown to be higher when administered with food while self-emulsifying preparation of tocotrienols was shown to enhance the absorption of tocotrienols. Nevertheless, mixed results were observed based on the outcome from 24 clinical studies, focusing on the dosages, study populations and formulations used. This may be due to the variation of compositions and dosages of tocotrienols used, suggesting a need to understand the formulation of tocotrienols in the study design. Essentially, implementation of a control diet such as AHA Step 1 diet may influence the study outcomes, especially in hypercholesterolemic subjects when lipid profile might be modified due to synergistic interaction between tocotrienols and control diet. We also found that the bioavailability of tocotrienols were inconsistent in different target populations, from healthy subjects to smokers and diseased patients. In this review, the effect of dosage, composition and formulation of tocotrienols as well as study populations on the bioavailability of tocotrienols will be discussed.
  19. Solvent-free lipase-catalyzed synthesis of a novel hydroxyl-fatty acid derivative of kojic acid
    El-Boulifi N, Ashari SE, Serrano M, Aracil J, Martínez M
    Enzyme Microb Technol, 2014 Feb 5;55:128-32.
    PMID: 24411455 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2013.10.009
    The aim of this work was the synthesis of a novel hydroxyl-fatty acid derivative of kojic acid rich in kojic acid monoricinoleate (KMR) which can be widely used in the cosmetic and food industry. The synthesis of KMR was carried out by lipase-catalysed esterification of ricinoleic and kojic acids in solvent-free system. Three immobilized lipases were tested and the best KMR yields were attained with Lipozyme TL IM and Novozym 435. Since Lipozyme TL IM is the cheapest, it was selected to optimize the reaction conditions. The optimal reaction conditions were 80 °C for the temperature, 1:1 for the alcohol/acid molar ratio, 600 rpm for stirring speed and 7.8% for the catalyst concentration. Under these conditions, the reaction was scaled up in a 5×10⁻³ m³ stirred tank reactor. ¹H-¹³C HMBC-NMR showed that the primary hydroxyl group of kojic acid was regioselectively esterified. The KMR has more lipophilicity than kojic acid and showed antioxidant activity that improves the oxidation stability of biodiesel.
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants/pharmacology; Candida/enzymology; Drug Stability; Enzymes, Immobilized; Esterification; Fungal Proteins/metabolism; Lipase/metabolism*; Plant Oils; Pyrones/analysis*; Pyrones/metabolism; Pyrones/chemistry; Ricinoleic Acids/metabolism*; Solubility; Solvents; Temperature; Rhizomucor/enzymology; Eurotiales/enzymology; Biocatalysis; Biofuels
  20. Pharmacokinetics of the Sri Lankan hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale hypnale) venom following intravenous and intramuscular injections of the venom into rabbits
    Tan CH, Sim SM, Gnanathasan CA, Fung SY, Tan NH
    Toxicon, 2014 Mar;79:37-44.
    PMID: 24412778 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.12.011
    The knowledge of venom pharmacokinetics is essential to improve the understanding of envenomation pathophysiology. Using a double-sandwich ELISA, this study investigated the pharmacokinetics of the venom of hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale hypnale) following intravenous and intramuscular injections into rabbits. The pharmacokinetics of the venom injected intravenously fitted a three-compartment model. There is a rapid (t1/2π = 0.4 h) and a slow (t1/2α = 0.8 h) distribution phase, followed by a long elimination phase (t1/2β = 19.3 h) with a systemic clearance of 6.8 mL h(-1) kg(-1), consistent with the prolonged abnormal hemostasis reported in H. hypnale envenomation. On intramuscular route, multiple peak concentrations observed in the beginning implied a more complex venom absorption and/or distribution pattern. The terminal half-life, volume of distribution by area and systemic clearance of the venom injected intramuscularly were nevertheless not significantly different (p > 0.05) from that of the venom injected intravenously. The intramuscular bioavailability was exceptionally low (Fi.m. = 4%), accountable for the highly varied median lethal doses between intravenous and intramuscular envenomations in animals. The findings indicate that the intramuscular route of administration does not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of H. hypnale venom although it significantly reduces the systemic bioavailability of the venom.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antivenins/blood; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Horseradish Peroxidase/blood; Immunoglobulin G/blood; Injections, Intramuscular; Injections, Intravenous; Lethal Dose 50; Rabbits; Snake Bites/pathology*; Snake Bites/therapy; Sri Lanka; Viper Venoms/administration & dosage*; Viper Venoms/pharmacokinetics*; Viperidae; Area Under Curve
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