Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. Christapher PV, Parasuraman S, Raj PV, Mohammed Saghir SA, Asmawi MZ, Vikneswaran M
    Pharmacogn Mag, 2016 Jul;12(Suppl 4):S424-S430.
    PMID: 27761069
    To investigate the antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effect of aqueous and methanol extract of leaves of Polygonum minus.
  2. Nakasha JJ, Sinniah UR, Kemat N, Mallappa KS
    Pharmacogn Mag, 2016 Jul;12(Suppl 4):S460-S464.
    PMID: 27761075
    BACKGROUND: Chlorophytum borivilianum is an industrially valued medicinal crop. Propagation through seeds is not feasible because of low germination percentage and long dormancy period. Therefore, callus culture and plant regeneration can be an alternative to improve this crop production. Also, callus can serve as an alternative source of bioactive compounds.

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different phytohormones on callus induction, subculture cycle, and regeneration studies of callus in C. borivilianum.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Young shoot buds of C. borivilianum were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog medium fortified with 3% sucrose and different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 mg/L) of either naphthalene acetic acid or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or indole-3-acetic acid and callus induction was evaluated up to four subcultures cycles. Shoot regeneration from callus was studied on Murashige and Skoog media fortified with 6-benzylaminopurine andkinetin or thidiazuron at varied levels (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mg/L). Microshoots were rooted on Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid and plantlets were acclimatized before transferred to the natural conditions.

    RESULTS: Callus induction was better evidenced on Murashige and Skoog media containing 5 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid up to fourth subculture. Callus differentiated into shoots on Murashige and Skoog media fortified with 6-benzylaminopurine or kinetin, whereas thidiazuron completely failed to regenerate shoots. Furthermore, microshoots rooted on 1.0 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid containing Murashige and Skoog media. The rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in soil with 88.3% survivability.

    CONCLUSION: The type of auxins played an important role in inducing callus tissue from shoot bud explants of Safed musli. In future, this in vitro protocol could benefit in crop improvement programs and serve as a new source of bioactive compounds from Safed musli callus tissue for various therapeutic applications.

    SUMMARY: Explants de-differentiated to form callus on Murashige and Skoog media containing 5 mg/L 2,4-D up to fourth subculture.Callus re-differentiated into shoots on Murashige and Skoog media fortified with 0.5 mg/L BAP.In vitro rooting of shoots was achieved on 1.0 mg/L IBA containing Murashige and Skoog media.The rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in soil with 88.3% survivability. Abbreviations used: MS: Murashige and Skoog, NAA: naphthalene acetic acid, 2,4-D: 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, IAA: indole-3-acetic acid, BAP: 6-benzylaminopurine, Kn: Kinetin, TDZ: thidiazuron, IBA: indole-3-butyric acid, RCBD: Randomized Complete Block Design, DMRT: Duncan's Multiple Range Test.

    MeSH terms: Crop Production; Benzyl Compounds; Indoleacetic Acids; Indoles; Kinetin; Naphthaleneacetic Acids; Phenylurea Compounds; Plant Growth Regulators; Purines; Regeneration; Seeds; Soil; Sucrose; Thiadiazoles; 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid
  3. Shafiei Z, Haji Abdul Rahim Z, Philip K, Thurairajah N
    PeerJ, 2016;4:e2519.
    PMID: 27761322
    Plant extracts mixture (PEM) and its individual constituent plant extracts(Psidium sp., Mangifera sp., Mentha sp.) are known to have an anti-adhering effect towards oral bacteria in the single-species biofilm. To date, the adhering ability of the early and late plaque colonisers (Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mutans) to PEM-treated experimental pellicle have not been investigated in dual-species biofilms.
    MeSH terms: Plant Extracts; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus sanguis; Biofilms; Mentha; Mangifera; Psidium; Microbiota
  4. Noradilah SA, Lee IL, Anuar TS, Salleh FM, Abdul Manap SN, Mohd Mohtar NS, et al.
    PeerJ, 2016;4:e2541.
    PMID: 27761331
    In the tropics, there are too few studies on isolation of Blastocystis sp. subtypes from water sources; in addition, there is also an absence of reported studies on the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in water during different seasons. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in river water and other water sources that drained aboriginal vicinity of highly endemic intestinal parasitic infections during wet and dry seasons. Water samples were collected from six sampling points of Sungai Krau (K1-K6) and a point at Sungai Lompat (K7) and other water sources around the aboriginal villages. The water samples were collected during both seasons, wet and dry seasons. Filtration of the water samples were carried out using a flatbed membrane filtration system. The extracted DNA from concentrated water sediment was subjected to single round polymerase chain reaction and positive PCR products were subjected to sequencing. All samples were also subjected to filtration and cultured on membrane lactose glucuronide agar for the detection of faecal coliforms. During wet season, Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST2 and ST3 were detected in river water samples. Blastocystis sp. ST3 occurrence was sustained in the river water samples during dry season. However Blastocystis sp. ST1 and ST2 were absent during dry season. Water samples collected from various water sources showed contaminations of Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST2, ST3 and ST4, during wet season and Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST3, ST8 and ST10 during dry season. Water collected from all river sampling points during both seasons showed growth of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes, indicating faecal contamination. In this study, Blastocystis sp. ST3 is suggested as the most robust and resistant subtype able to survive in any adverse environmental condition. Restriction and control of human and animal faecal contaminations to the river and other water sources shall prevent the transmission of Blastocystis sp. to humans and animals in this aboriginal community.
    MeSH terms: Agar; Animals; DNA; Escherichia coli; Feces; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Lactose; Seasons; Water; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Blastocystis Infections; Blastocystis; Enterobacter aerogenes; Rivers
  5. Akbar SM, Al-Mahtab M, Khan MS, Raihan R, Shrestha A
    Ann Transl Med, 2016 Sep;4(18):335.
    PMID: 27761439
    Although several antiviral drugs are now available for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), sustained off-treatment clinical responses and containment of CHB-related complications are not achieved in majority of CHB patients by antiviral therapy. In addition, use of these drugs is endowed with substantial long term risk of viral resistance and drug toxicity. The infinite treatment regimens of antiviral drugs for CHB patients are also costly and usually unbearable by most patients of developing and resource-constrained countries. Taken together, there is a pressing need to develop new and innovative therapeutic approaches for CHB patients. Immune therapy seems to be an alternate therapeutic approach for CHB patients because impaired or distorted or diminished immune responses have been detected in most of these patients. Also, investigators have shown that restoration or induction of proper types of immune responses may have therapeutic implications in CHB. Various immunomodulatory agents have been used to treat patients with CHB around the world and the outcomes of these clinical trials show that the properties of immune modulators and nature and designing of immune therapeutic regimens seem to be highly relevant in the context of treatment of CHB patients. In this review, the general properties and specific features of immune therapy for CHB have been discussed for developing the guidelines of effective regimens of immune therapy for CHB.
  6. Lim AP, Zulkeflee Z, Aris AZ
    Water Sci Technol, 2016 Oct;74(7):1577-1584.
    PMID: 27763337
    Dead calcareous skeletons (CSs) as low-cost adsorbents were studied to remove lead ions (Pb (II)) in an aqueous solution. Factors influencing the efficiency of CSs were evaluated by adsorbent size, contact time, initial concentration, dosage concentration and pH. The optimum CS size for removal of Pb (II) was 710 μm at an equilibrium time of 720 min. The best dosage of CS was 10 g/L for a 99% removal efficiency without pH adjustment. Pb (II) ions were effectively removed in the initial pH of the metal solution. CS was able to remove a high concentration (100 mg/L) of Pb (II) at a removal efficiency of 99.92% and at an adsorption capacity of 13.06 mg/g. Our results demonstrated the potential of CS as a metal adsorbent in the aqueous phase with a high-removal efficiency and distinct physical characteristics.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Bone and Bones/chemistry*; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Ions; Lead/chemistry*; Metals; Solutions; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry*; Water Purification/methods
  7. Zainal Abidin SA, Rajadurai P, Chowdhury ME, Ahmad Rusmili MR, Othman I, Naidu R
    Toxins (Basel), 2016 10 18;8(10).
    PMID: 27763534
    Tropidolaemus wagleri and Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus are venomous pit viper species commonly found in Malaysia. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis of the crude venoms has detected different proteins in T. wagleri and C. purpureomaculatus. They were classified into 13 venom protein families consisting of enzymatic and nonenzymatic proteins. Enzymatic families detected in T. wagleri and C. purpureomaculatus venom were snake venom metalloproteinase, phospholipase A₂, ʟ-amino acid oxidase, serine proteases, 5'-nucleotidase, phosphodiesterase, and phospholipase B. In addition, glutaminyl cyclotransferase was detected in C. purpureomaculatus. C-type lectin-like proteins were common nonenzymatic components in both species. Waglerin was present and unique to T. wagleri-it was not in C. purpureomaculatus venom. In contrast, cysteine-rich secretory protein, bradykinin-potentiating peptide, and C-type natriuretic peptide were present in C. purpureomaculatus venom. Composition of the venom proteome of T. wagleri and C. purpureomaculatus provides useful information to guide production of effective antivenom and identification of proteins with potential therapeutic applications.
    MeSH terms: Chromatography, Liquid; Crotalid Venoms/analysis*; Proteome; Reptilian Proteins/analysis*; Proteomics; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
  8. Ashwaq AS, Al-Qubaisi MS, Rasedee A, Abdul AB, Taufiq-Yap YH, Yeap SK
    Int J Mol Sci, 2016 Oct 18;17(10).
    PMID: 27763535
    Dentatin (DEN), purified from the roots of Clausena excavata Burm f., has poor aqueous solubility that reduces its therapeutic application. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of DEN-HPβCD (hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) complex as an anticancer agent in HT29 cancer cell line and compare with a crystal DEN in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The exposure of the cancer cells to DEN or DEN-HPβCD complex leads to cell growth inhibition as determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. To analyze the mechanism, in which DEN or DEN-HPβCD complex causes the death in human colon HT29 cancer cells, was evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELIZA)-based assays for caspase-3, 8, 9, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The findings showed that an anti-proliferative effect of DEN or DEN-HPβCD complex were via cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and eventually induced apoptosis through both mitochondrial and extrinsic pathways. The down-regulation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) which leaded to apoptosis upon treatment, was investigated by Western-blotting. Hence, complexation between DEN and HPβCD did not diminish or eliminate the effective properties of DEN as anticancer agent. Therefore, it would be possible to resolve the conventional and current issues associated with the development and commercialization of antineoplastic agents in the future.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/administration & dosage; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology*; Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Colonic Neoplasms/metabolism; Colonic Neoplasms/pathology; Drug Carriers/chemistry; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring/administration & dosage; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring/pharmacology*; Humans; Mitochondria/drug effects; Mitochondria/metabolism; Mitochondria/pathology; Signal Transduction/drug effects; Apoptosis/drug effects*; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*; HT29 Cells; beta-Cyclodextrins/chemistry; Clausena/chemistry; G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects*; M Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects*
  9. Chin VK, Lee TY, Rusliza B, Chong PP
    Int J Mol Sci, 2016 Oct 18;17(10).
    PMID: 27763544
    Candida bloodstream infections remain the most frequent life-threatening fungal disease, with Candida albicans accounting for 70% to 80% of the Candida isolates recovered from infected patients. In nature, Candida species are part of the normal commensal flora in mammalian hosts. However, they can transform into pathogens once the host immune system is weakened or breached. More recently, mortality attributed to Candida infections has continued to increase due to both inherent and acquired drug resistance in Candida, the inefficacy of the available antifungal drugs, tedious diagnostic procedures, and a rising number of immunocompromised patients. Adoption of animal models, viz. minihosts, mice, and zebrafish, has brought us closer to unraveling the pathogenesis and complexity of Candida infection in human hosts, leading towards the discovery of biomarkers and identification of potential therapeutic agents. In addition, the advancement of omics technologies offers a holistic view of the Candida-host interaction in a non-targeted and non-biased manner. Hence, in this review, we seek to summarize past and present milestone findings on C. albicans virulence, adoption of animal models in the study of C. albicans infection, and the application of omics technologies in the study of Candida-host interaction. A profound understanding of the interaction between host defense and pathogenesis is imperative for better design of novel immunotherapeutic strategies in future.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Candida albicans/immunology; Candida albicans/pathogenicity*; Candida albicans/physiology*; Candidiasis/genetics; Candidiasis/immunology; Candidiasis/pathology*; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Virulence; Computational Biology/methods*; Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  10. Khoo JJ, Lim FS, Chen F, Phoon WH, Khor CS, Pike BL, et al.
    Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis, 2016 12;16(12):744-751.
    PMID: 27763821
    Recent studies have shown that ticks harbor Coxiella-like bacteria, which are potentially tick-specific endosymbionts. We recently described the detection of Coxiella-like bacteria and possibly Coxiella burnetii in ticks found from rural areas in Malaysia. In the present study, we collected ticks, including Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Dermacentor compactus, Dermacentor steini, and Amblyomma sp. from wildlife and domesticated goats from four different locations in Malaysia. Coxiella 16s rRNA genomic sequences were detected by PCR in 89% of ticks tested. Similarity analysis and phylogenetic analyses of the 16s rRNA and rpoB partial sequences were performed for 10 representative samples selected based on the tick species, sex, and location. The findings here suggested the presence of C. burnetii in two samples, each from D. steini and H. hystricis. The sequences of both samples clustered with published C. burnetii sequences. The remaining eight tick samples were shown to harbor 16s rRNA sequences of Coxiella-like bacteria, which clustered phylogenetically according to the respective tick host species. The findings presented here added to the growing evidence of the association between Coxiella-like bacteria and ticks across species and geographical boundaries. The importance of C. burnetii found in ticks in Malaysia warrants further investigation.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animals, Wild/parasitology*; Bacterial Proteins/genetics; Coxiella/isolation & purification*; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Female; Goats; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Phylogeny; RNA, Bacterial/genetics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Tick Infestations/epidemiology; Tick Infestations/veterinary*; Ticks/microbiology*; Goat Diseases/epidemiology; Goat Diseases/parasitology; Livestock/parasitology*
  11. Khor AH, Lim KS, Tan CT, Kwan Z, Ng CC
    PMID: 27763865 DOI: 10.18176/jiaci.0085
    MeSH terms: Anticonvulsants/adverse effects*; Anticonvulsants/immunology; Cross Reactions/immunology*; Drug Eruptions/drug therapy; Drug Eruptions/etiology*; Drug Eruptions/immunology; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Skin/drug effects*; Skin/immunology; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/drug therapy; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/etiology; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/immunology; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/drug therapy; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/etiology*; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/immunology
  12. Moskal A, Freisling H, Byrnes G, Assi N, Fahey MT, Jenab M, et al.
    Br J Cancer, 2016 Nov 22;115(11):1430-1440.
    PMID: 27764841 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.334
    BACKGROUND: Much of the current literature on diet-colorectal cancer (CRC) associations focused on studies of single foods/nutrients, whereas less is known about nutrient patterns. We investigated the association between major nutrient patterns and CRC risk in participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study.

    METHODS: Among 477 312 participants, intakes of 23 nutrients were estimated from validated dietary questionnaires. Using results from a previous principal component (PC) analysis, four major nutrient patterns were identified. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for the association of each of the four patterns and CRC incidence using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models with adjustment for established CRC risk factors.

    RESULTS: During an average of 11 years of follow-up, 4517 incident cases of CRC were documented. A nutrient pattern characterised by high intakes of vitamins and minerals was inversely associated with CRC (HR per 1 s.d.=0.94, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) as was a pattern characterised by total protein, riboflavin, phosphorus and calcium (HR (1 s.d.)=0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99). The remaining two patterns were not significantly associated with CRC risk.

    CONCLUSIONS: Analysing nutrient patterns may improve our understanding of how groups of nutrients relate to CRC.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Europe/epidemiology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status*; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Colorectal Neoplasms/epidemiology; Colorectal Neoplasms/physiopathology*
  13. Wang H, Xu YC, Hsueh PR
    Future Microbiol, 2016 10;11:1461-1477.
    PMID: 27750452
    In the Asia-Pacific region, Candida albicans is the predominant Candida species causing invasive candidiasis/candidemia in Australia, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand whereas C. tropicalis is the most frequently encountered Candida species in Pakistan and India. Invasive isolates of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis complex and C. tropicalis remain highly susceptible to fluconazole (>90% susceptible). Fluconazole resistance (6.8-15%), isolates with the non-wild-type phenotype for itraconazole susceptibility (3.9-10%) and voriconazole (5-17.8%), and echinocandin resistance (2.1-2.2% in anidulafungin and 2.2% in micafungin) among invasive C. glabrata complex isolates are increasing in prevalence. Moreover, not all isolates of C. tropicalis have been shown to be susceptible to fluconazole (nonsusceptible rate, 5.7-11.6% in China) or voriconazole (nonsusceptible rate, 5.7-9.6% in China).
    MeSH terms: Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use; Asia/epidemiology; Azoles/therapeutic use; Candida/drug effects*; Candida/isolation & purification; Candida/pathogenicity*; Candida albicans/drug effects; Candida albicans/pathogenicity; Candidiasis; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Phenotype; Fluconazole/therapeutic use; Incidence; Prevalence; Itraconazole/therapeutic use; Drug Resistance, Fungal/drug effects; Candida tropicalis/drug effects; Candida tropicalis/isolation & purification; Candida tropicalis/pathogenicity; Candida glabrata/drug effects; Candida glabrata/isolation & purification; Candida glabrata/pathogenicity; Echinocandins/therapeutic use*; Lipopeptides/therapeutic use; Candidiasis, Invasive/drug therapy; Candidiasis, Invasive/microbiology; Candidiasis, Invasive/epidemiology; Candidemia/drug therapy*; Candidemia/microbiology*; Candidemia/epidemiology*; Voriconazole/therapeutic use
  14. Rajiah K, Maharajan MK, Nair S
    Saudi Pharm J, 2016 Sep;24(5):600-604.
    PMID: 27752233
    Pharmacy students' knowledge about adverse drug reaction reporting can impact their attitude towards patient care and issues on patient safety. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and perception of pharmacy students about adverse drug reaction reporting and pharmacovigilance and to study their willingness to report. A cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire was conducted among the university students. The demographic details of the respondents were studied. The number of female respondents was comparatively higher than the male respondents. There were no significant differences by gender regarding the knowledge on adverse drug reaction reporting and pharmacovigilance except with the knowledge of post-marketing surveillance for which male students appeared to be more knowledgeable than female students. The results showed that the pharmacy students had sufficient knowledge and there are significant differences in perception among the students on adverse drug reaction reporting.
    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Demography; Female; Patient Care; Humans; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Students, Pharmacy; Universities; Pharmacovigilance; Patient Safety; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  15. Rajaratnam K, Xiang YT, Tripathi A, Chiu HF, Si TM, Chee KY, et al.
    J Clin Psychopharmacol, 2016 Dec;36(6):716-719.
    PMID: 27753726
    In this study, we sought to examine factors associated with dosing of antidepressants (ADs) in Asia. Based on reported data and clinical experience, we hypothesized that doses of ADs would be associated with demographic and clinical factors and would increase over time. This cross-sectional, pharmacoepidemiological study analyzed data collected within the Research Study on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Pattern for Antidepressants from 4164 participants in 10 Asian countries, using univariate and multivariate methods. The AD doses varied by twofold among countries (highest in PR China and RO Korea, lowest in Singapore and Indonesia), and averaged 124 (120-129) mg/d imipramine-equivalents. Average daily doses increased by 12% between 2004 and 2013. Doses were significantly higher among hospitalized patients and ranked by diagnosis: major depression > anxiety disorders > bipolar disorder, but were not associated with private/public or psychiatric/general-medical settings, nor with age, sex, or cotreatment with a mood stabilizer. In multivariate modeling, AD-dose remained significantly associated with major depressive disorder and being hospitalized. Doses of ADs have increased somewhat in Asia and were higher when used for major depression or anxiety disorders than for bipolar depression and for hospitalized psychiatric patients.
    MeSH terms: Antidepressive Agents/administration & dosage*; Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use; Anxiety Disorders/drug therapy*; Asia; Bipolar Disorder/drug therapy*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Hospitalization; Humans; Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data; Time Factors; Multivariate Analysis; Pharmacoepidemiology
  16. Bong IP, Ng CC, Fakiruddin SK, Lim MN, Zakaria Z
    Bosn J Basic Med Sci, 2016 Nov 10;16(4):268-275.
    PMID: 27754828 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2016.1568
    Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of B lymphocytes or plasma cells. Our array-based comparative genomic hybridization findings revealed chromosomal gains at 7q22.3 and 1q42.3, where nicotinamide (NAM) phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and lysosomal trafficking regulator (LYST) genes are localized, respectively. This led us to further study the functions of these genes in myeloma cells. NAMPT is a key enzyme involved in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide salvage pathway, and it is frequently overexpressed in human cancers. In contrast, little is known about the function of LYST in cancer. The expression of LYST is shown to affect lysosomal size, granule size, and autophagy in human cells. In this study, the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of NAMPT and LYST on cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated in RPMI 8226 myeloma cells. Transfection efficiencies were determined by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase PCR. Cell proliferation was determined using MTT assay, while apoptosis was analyzed with flow cytometry using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay. The NAMPT protein expression in siRNA-treated cells was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results showed that NAMPT and LYST were successfully knockdown by siRNA transfection (p < 0.05). NAMPT or LYST gene silencing significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in RPMI 8226 cells (p < 0.05). Silencing of NAMPT gene also decreased NAMPT protein levels (p < 0.01). Our study demonstrated that NAMPT and LYST play pivotal roles in the molecular pathogenesis of MM. This is the first report describing the possible functions of LYST in myelomagenesis and its potential role as a therapeutic target in MM.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Multiple Myeloma/genetics*; Multiple Myeloma/therapy*; Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis; Genetic Therapy; Cytokines/genetics*; Apoptosis/drug effects*; Gene Silencing*; Vesicular Transport Proteins/genetics*; RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology*; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase/genetics*; Gene Knockdown Techniques
  17. Foong WC, Ho JJ, Loh CK, Viprakasit V
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2016 Oct 18;10(10):CD011579.
    PMID: 27755646
    BACKGROUND: Non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia is a subset of inherited haemoglobin disorders characterised by reduced production of the beta globin chain of the haemoglobin molecule leading to anaemia of varying severity. Although blood transfusion is not a necessity for survival, it is required when episodes of chronic anaemia occur. This chronic anaemia can impair growth and affect quality of life. People with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia suffer from iron overload due to their body's increased capability of absorbing iron from food sources. Iron overload becomes more pronounced in those requiring blood transfusion. People with a higher foetal haemoglobin level have been found to require fewer blood transfusions. Hydroxyurea has been used to increase foetal haemoglobin level; however, its efficacy in reducing transfusion, chronic anaemia complications and its safety need to be established.

    OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness, safety and appropriate dose regimen of hydroxyurea in people with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia (haemoglobin E combined with beta thalassaemia and beta thalassaemia intermedia).

    SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals. We also searched ongoing trials registries and the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews.Date of last search: 30 April 2016.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of hydroxyurea in people with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia comparing hydroxyurea with placebo or standard treatment or comparing different doses of hydroxyurea.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria in order to select trials for inclusion. Both authors assessed the risk of bias of trials and extracted the data. A third author verified these assessments.

    MAIN RESULTS: No trials comparing hydroxyurea with placebo or standard care were found. However, we included one randomised controlled trial (n = 61) comparing 20 mg/kg/day with 10 mg/kg/day of hydroxyurea for 24 weeks.Both haemoglobin and foetal haemoglobin levels were lower at 24 weeks in the 20 mg group compared with the 10 mg group, mean difference -2.39 (95% confidence interval - 2.8 to -1.98) and mean difference -1.5 (95% confidence interval -1.83 to -1.17), respectively. Major adverse effects were significantly more common in the 20 mg group, for neutropenia risk ratio 9.93 (95% confidence interval 1.34 to 73.97) and for thrombocytopenia risk ratio 3.68 (95% confidence interval 1.13 to 12.07). No difference was reported for minor adverse effects (gastrointestinal disturbances and raised liver enzymes). The effect of hydroxyurea on transfusion frequency was not reported.The overall quality for the outcomes reported was graded as very low mainly because the outcomes were derived from only one small study with an unclear method of allocation concealment.

    AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials to show whether hydroxyurea has any effect compared with controls on the need for blood transfusion. Administration of 10 mg/kg/day compared to 20 mg/kg/day of hydroxyurea resulted in higher haemoglobin levels and seems safer with fewer adverse effects. It has not been reported whether hydroxyurea is capable of reducing the need for blood transfusion. Large well-designed randomised controlled trials with sufficient duration of follow up are recommended.

    MeSH terms: Blood Transfusion/statistics & numerical data*; Hematinics/administration & dosage*; Hemoglobin A/analysis; Humans; Hydroxyurea/administration & dosage*; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; beta-Thalassemia/blood; beta-Thalassemia/drug therapy*
  18. Wearn OR, Carbone C, Rowcliffe JM, Bernard H, Ewers RM
    Ecol Appl, 2016 Jul;26(5):1409-1420.
    PMID: 27755763 DOI: 10.1890/15-1363
    Diversity responses to land-use change are poorly understood at local scales, hindering our ability to make forecasts and management recommendations at scales which are of practical relevance. A key barrier in this has been the underappreciation of grain-dependent diversity responses and the role that β-diversity (variation in community composition across space) plays in this. Decisions about the most effective spatial arrangement of conservation set-aside, for example high conservation value areas, have also neglected β-diversity, despite its role in determining the complementarity of sites. We examined local-scale mammalian species richness and β-diversity across old-growth forest, logged forest, and oil palm plantations in Borneo, using intensive camera- and live-trapping. For the first time, we were able to investigate diversity responses, as well as β-diversity, at multiple spatial grains, and across the whole terrestrial mammal community (large and small mammals); β-diversity was quantified by comparing observed β-diversity with that obtained under a null model, in order to control for sampling effects, and we refer to this as the β-diversity signal. Community responses to land use were grain dependent, with large mammals showing reduced richness in logged forest compared to old-growth forest at the grain of individual sampling points, but no change at the overall land-use level. Responses varied with species group, however, with small mammals increasing in richness at all grains in logged forest compared to old-growth forest. Both species groups were significantly depauperate in oil palm. Large mammal communities in old-growth forest became more heterogeneous at coarser spatial grains and small mammal communities became more homogeneous, while this pattern was reversed in logged forest. Both groups, however, showed a significant β-diversity signal at the finest grain in logged forest, likely due to logging-induced environmental heterogeneity. The β-diversity signal in oil palm was weak, but heterogeneity at the coarsest spatial grain was still evident, likely due to variation in landscape forest cover. Our findings suggest that the most effective spatial arrangement of set-aside will involve trade-offs between conserving large and small mammals. Greater consideration in the conservation and management of tropical landscapes needs to be given to β-diversity at a range of spatial grains.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods*; Humans; Human Activities*; Mammals*; Biodiversity*
  19. Isa IN, Dom SM
    J Vet Med Sci, 2016 Oct 1;78(9):1399-1403.
    PMID: 27211519
    Elevated temperatures can induce changes in red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts. Ultrasound heating during obstetric scans has the potential to increase body temperature owing to the phenomenon of absorption. We conducted a study to determine the thermal effects of prenatal ultrasound on RBCs, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), WBCs and PLTs in young rabbits. We selected 69 rabbits that were 1 month of age and 73 that were 5 months of age, and allocated them to four groups. The control group consisted of four pregnant does that were allowed to have a full term delivery without any ultrasound exposure. The experimental groups were subjected to one-time ultrasound exposure for 30, 60 and 90 min in the middle of each gestational stage accordingly. RBCs and Hb showed significant reductions in the experimental groups of 1- and 5-month-old rabbits (P<0.05). In addition, WBCs and PLTs yielded significant differences in the 1-month group that were not observed in the 5-month group (P>0.05). The highest values recorded were those of the WBCs of 1-month-old subjects that received 90 min of exposure at the second stage of gestation. The PLTs were the lowest values recorded in 1-month-old subjects following 90 min of ultrasound exposure at the third stage of gestation. These findings suggest that hematological fluctuations during the early stages of postnatal life persisted until 1 month of age and recovered thereafter, as the subjects progressed into adulthood. Therefore, ultrasound heating can cause significant, yet reversible effects on the hematological parameters of rabbits.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Blood Platelets; Body Temperature; Erythrocytes; Female; Fever; Heating; Hemoglobins; Leukocytes; Platelet Count; Pregnancy; Rabbits; Temperature; Control Groups
  20. Hia IL, Pasbakhsh P, Chan ES, Chai SP
    Sci Rep, 2016 10 03;6:34674.
    PMID: 27694922 DOI: 10.1038/srep34674
    Alginate microcapsules containing epoxy resin were developed through electrospraying method and embedded into epoxy matrix to produce a capsule-based self-healing composite system. These formaldehyde free alginate/epoxy microcapsules were characterized via light microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Results showed that epoxy resin was successfully encapsulated within alginate matrix to form porous (multi-core) microcapsules with pore size ranged from 5-100 μm. The microcapsules had an average size of 320 ± 20 μm with decomposition temperature at 220 °C. The loading capacity of these capsules was estimated to be 79%. Under in situ healing test, impact specimens showed healing efficiency as high as 86% and the ability to heal up to 3 times due to the multi-core capsule structure and the high impact energy test that triggered the released of epoxy especially in the second and third healings. TDCB specimens showed one-time healing only with the highest healing efficiency of 76%. The single healing event was attributed by the constant crack propagation rate of TDCB fracture test. For the first time, a cost effective, environmentally benign and sustainable capsule-based self-healing system with multiple healing capabilities and high healing performance was developed.
    MeSH terms: Alginates; Capsules; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Epoxy Resins; Formaldehyde; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Temperature; Wound Healing; Precipitating Factors; Porosity; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
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