Browse publications by year: 2016

Monoterpenes: Novel insights into their biological effects and roles on glucose uptake and lipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Tan XC, Chua KH, Ravishankar Ram M, Kuppusamy UR

Food Chem, 2016 Apr 1;196:242-50.
PMID: 26593489 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.09.042

Various strategies have been adopted to combat complications caused by Type 2 diabetes mellitus and controlled diet is one of them. Monoterpenes, major constituents of essential oils, are synthesized and widely used as artificial food flavors. A series of twelve monoterpenes were assessed in the present study. Monoterpenes, exhibited low 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity even at high concentrations. Some monoterpenes inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity and stimulated glucose uptake and lipolysis. Monoterpenes such as (R)-(+)-limonene stimulated both glucose uptake (17.4%) and lipolysis (17.7%); the mRNA expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) was upregulated but glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) was unaffected, and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) was suppressed. Taken together, the selected monoterpenes may not confer strong protection against free radicals but nevertheless, their positive influence on lipid and glucose metabolism may have potential in the control of obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Vitamin E analysis by ultra-performance convergence chromatography and structural elucidation of novel α-tocodienol by high-resolution mass spectrometry

Gee PT, Liew CY, Thong MC, Gay MC

Food Chem, 2016 Apr 1;196:367-73.
PMID: 26593503 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.09.073

We have developed a method for analysing vitamin E using ultra-performance convergence chromatography with a chromatographic runtime of 5.5 min. A well-resolved chromatogram with excellent precision in retention time revealed seven vitamin E components in the palm oil derived tocotrienol-rich fraction. The major vitamin E components were α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, γ-tocotrienol and δ-tocotrienol whereas the minor vitamin E components were α-tocomonoenol, β-tocotrienol and an unreported trace component. The new component was positively identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry as 2-methyl-2(4',8',12'-trimethyltrideca-7',11'-dienyl)5,7,8-trimethylchroman-6-ol or α-tocodienol.
Techno-functional properties and in vitro bile acid-binding capacities of tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) hydrocolloids

Gannasin SP, Adzahan NM, Mustafa S, Muhammad K

Food Chem, 2016 Apr 1;196:903-9.
PMID: 26593571 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.09.081

Hydrocolloids were extracted from seed mucilage and the pulp fractions from red tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) mesocarp, and characterisation of their techno-functional properties and in vitro bile acid-binding capacities was performed. The seed mucilage hydrocolloids that were extracted, using either 1% citric acid (THC) or water (THW), had a good foaming capacity (32-36%), whereas the pulp hydrocolloids that were extracted, using 72% ethanol (THE) or 20mM HEPES buffer (THH), had no foaming capacity. The pulp hydrocolloid, however, possessed high oil-holding and water-holding capacities in the range of 3.3-3.6 g oil/g dry sample and 25-27 g water/g dry sample, respectively. This enabled the pulp hydrocolloid to entrap more bile acids (35-38% at a hydrocolloid concentration of 2%) in its gelatinous network in comparison to commercial oat fibre and other hydrocolloids studied. The exceptional emulsifying properties (80-96%) of both hydrocolloids suggest their potential applications as food emulsifiers and bile acid binders.
Nutritional composition and total collagen content of three commercially important edible jellyfish

Khong NM, Yusoff FM, Jamilah B, Basri M, Maznah I, Chan KW, et al.

Food Chem, 2016 Apr 1;196:953-60.
PMID: 26593577 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.09.094

The study aimed to evaluate nutraceutical potential of three commercially significant edible jellyfish species (Acromitus hardenbergi, Rhopilema hispidum and Rhopilema esculentum). The bell and oral arms of these jellyfishes were analyzed for their proximate composition, calorific value, collagen content, amino acid profile, chemical score and elemental constituent. In general, all jellyfish possessed low calorific values (1.0-4.9 kcal/g D.W.) and negligible fat contents (0.4-1.8 g/100 g D.W.), while protein (20.0-53.9 g/100 g D.W.) and minerals (15.9-57.2g/100g D.W.) were found to be the richest components. Total collagen content of edible jellyfish varied from 122.64 to 693.92 mg/g D.W., accounting for approximately half its total protein content. The dominant amino acids in both bell and oral arms of all jellyfish studied includes glycine, glutamate, threonine, proline, aspartate and arginine, while the major elements were sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium, sulfur, zinc and silicon. Among the jellyfish, A. hardenbergi exhibited significantly higher total amino acids, chemical scores and collagen content (p<0.05) compared to R. hispidum and R. esculentum. Having good protein quality and low calories, edible jellyfish is an appealing source of nutritive ingredients for the development of oral formulations, nutricosmetics and functional food.
Nanofluid heat transfer under mixed convection flow in a tube for solar thermal energy applications

Sekhar YR, Sharma KV, Kamal S

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2016 May;23(10):9411-7.
PMID: 26593731 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5715-9

The solar flat plate collector operating under different convective modes has low efficiency for energy conversion. The energy absorbed by the working fluid in the collector system and its heat transfer characteristics vary with solar insolation and mass flow rate. The performance of the system is improved by reducing the losses from the collector. Various passive methods have been devised to aid energy absorption by the working fluid. Also, working fluids are modified using nanoparticles to improve the thermal properties of the fluid. In the present work, simulation and experimental studies are undertaken for pipe flow at constant heat flux boundary condition in the mixed convection mode. The working fluid at low Reynolds number in the mixed laminar flow range is undertaken with water in thermosyphon mode for different inclination angles of the tube. Local and average coefficients are determined experimentally and compared with theoretical values for water-based Al2O3 nanofluids. The results show an enhancement in heat transfer in the experimental range with Rayleigh number at higher inclinations of the collector tube for water and nanofluids.

MeSH terms: Hot Temperature*; Solar Energy*; Water; Convection*; Nanoparticles*
Dietary supplementation of a mixture of Lactobacillus strains enhances performance of broiler chickens raised under heat stress conditions

Faseleh Jahromi M, Wesam Altaher Y, Shokryazdan P, Ebrahimi R, Ebrahimi M, Idrus Z, et al.

Int J Biometeorol, 2016 Jul;60(7):1099-110.
PMID: 26593972 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-015-1103-x

High ambient temperature is a major problem in commercial broiler production in the humid tropics because high producing broiler birds consume more feed, have higher metabolic activity, and thus higher body heat production. To evaluate the effects of two previously isolated potential probiotic strains (Lactobacillus pentosus ITA23 and Lactobacillus acidophilus ITA44) on broilers growing under heat stress condition, a total of 192 chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups of 48 chickens each as follows: CL, birds fed with basal diet raised in 24 °C; PL, birds fed with basal diet plus 0.1 % probiotic mixture raised in 24 °C; CH, birds fed with basal diet raised in 35 °C; and PH, birds fed with basal diet plus 0.1 % probiotic mixture raised in 35 °C. The effects of probiotic mixture on the performance, expression of nutrient absorption genes of the small intestine, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbial population of cecal contents, antioxidant capacity of liver, and fatty acid composition of breast muscle were investigated. Results showed that probiotic positively affected the final body weight under both temperature conditions (PL and PH groups) compared to their respective control groups (CL and CH). Probiotic supplementation numerically improved the average daily gain (ADG) under lower temperature, but significantly improved ADG under the higher temperature (P

MeSH terms: Animals; Cecum/metabolism; Cecum/microbiology; Chickens/physiology*; Fatty Acids/metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation; Hot Temperature; Lactobacillus*; Liver/metabolism; Male; Monosaccharide Transport Proteins/genetics; Stress, Physiological/genetics; Stress, Physiological/physiology; Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism; Probiotics*
Utilization of reduced graphene oxide/cadmium sulfide-modified carbon cloth for visible-light-prompt photoelectrochemical sensor for copper (II) ions

Foo CY, Lim HN, Pandikumar A, Huang NM, Ng YH

J Hazard Mater, 2016 Mar 5;304:400-8.
PMID: 26595899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.11.004

A newly developed CdS/rGO/CC electrode was prepared based on a flexible carbon cloth (CC) substrate with cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The CdS was synthesized using an aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) method, and the graphene oxide was thermally reduced on the modified electrode surface. The existence of rGO in the CdS-modified electrode increased the photocurrent intensity of the CdS/rGO/CC-modified electrode by three orders of magnitude, compared to that of the CdS/ITO electrode and two orders of magnitude higher than the CdS/CC electrode. A new visible-light-prompt photoelectrochemical sensor was developed based on the competitive binding reaction of Cu(2+) and CdS on the electrode surface. The results showed that the effect of the Cu(2+) on the photocurrent response was concentration-dependent over the linear ranges of 0.1-1.0 μM and 1.0-40.0 μM with a detection limit of 0.05 μM. The results of a selectivity test showed that this modified electrode has a high response toward Cu(2+) compared to other heavy metal ions. The proposed CdS/rGO/CC electrode provided a significantly high potential current compared to other reported values, and could be a practical tool for the fast, sensitive, and selective determination of Cu(2+).

MeSH terms: Aerosols; Binding, Competitive; Carbon; Electrodes; Graphite; Oxides; Sulfides; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cadmium Compounds; Metals, Heavy; Nanoparticles; Limit of Detection
Fulltext Prevalence and correlates of prehypertension among adults in urban south India

Parthaje PM, Unnikrishnan B, Thankappan KR, Thapar R, Fatt QK, Oldenburg B

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2016 Jan;28(1 Suppl):93S-101S.
PMID: 26596285 DOI: 10.1177/1010539515616453

Prehypertension is one of the most common conditions affecting human beings worldwide. It is associated with several complications including hypertension. The blood pressure between normal and hypertension is prehypertension as per the Seventh Report Joint National Committee (JNC-7) classification. The current study was done to measure the magnitude of prehypertension and to study their sociodemographic correlates in the urban field practice area of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India, among 624 people aged ≥20 years. The measurements of blood pressure were done (JNC 7 criteria) with the anthropometric measurements and lifestyle factors. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated. Overall, 55% subjects had prehypertension and 30% had hypertension. Prehypertension was higher among males. Those from the higher age groups, those from upper socioeconomic status, obese individuals, and those with lesser physical activity had significantly higher association with prehypertension, and it was least among those who never used tobacco and alcohol.

MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; India; India/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Urban Health/statistics & numerical data*; Prevalence; Young Adult; Prehypertension/epidemiology*
Fulltext Variation of current protocols for managing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in prehospital settings among Asian countries

Lin CH, Ng YY, Chiang WC, Karim SA, Shin SD, Tanaka H, et al.

J Formos Med Assoc, 2016 Aug;115(8):628-38.
PMID: 26596689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2015.10.003

Protocols for managing patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) may vary due to legal, cultural, or socioeconomic concerns. We sought to assess international variation in policies and protocols related to OHCA.

MeSH terms: Emergency Medical Services; Humans; Socioeconomic Factors; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Policy; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Functional properties of chitosan built nanohydrogel with enhanced glucose-sensitivity

Ullah F, Othman MB, Javed F, Ahmad Z, Akil HM, Rasib SZ

Int J Biol Macromol, 2016 Feb;83:376-84.
PMID: 26597568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.11.040

A new approach to design multifunctional chitosan based nanohydrogel with enhanced glucose sensitivity, stability, drug loading and release profile are reported. Two approaches were followed for functionalization of chitosan based nanohydrogel with 3-APBA via EDC and 3-APTES. The effective functionalization, structure and morphology of Chitosan based IPN respectively were confirmed by FTIR, SEM and AFM. At physiological conditions, the glucose-induced volume phase transition and release profile of the model drug Alizarin Red with 1,2-diol structure (comparative to insulin as a drug as well as a dye for bio separation) were studied at various glucose concentrations, pH and ionic strengths. The results suggested a new concept for diabetes treatment and diols sensitivity in view of their potential hi-tech applications in self-regulated on-off response to the treatment (drug delivery and bio separation concurrently).

MeSH terms: Anthraquinones/chemistry; Drug Carriers/chemistry*; Glucose/chemistry*; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Osmolar Concentration; Silanes/chemistry; Surface Properties; Drug Design; Hydrogels/chemistry*; Chitosan/chemistry*; Nanostructures/chemistry*; Drug Liberation
Nutritional composition, antioxidant properties, and toxicology evaluation of the sclerotium of Tiger Milk Mushroom Lignosus tigris cultivar E

Kong BH, Tan NH, Fung SY, Pailoor J, Tan CS, Ng ST

Nutr Res, 2016 Feb;36(2):174-83.
PMID: 26598045 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2015.10.004

The Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus spp.) is an important medicinal mushroom in Southeast Asia and has been consumed frequently by the natives as a cure for a variety of illnesses. In this study, we hypothesized that Lignosus tigris (cultivar E) sclerotium may contain high nutritional value and antioxidant properties, is nontoxic and a potential candidate as a dietary supplement. The chemical and amino acid compositions of the sclerotium were evaluated and antioxidant activities of the sclerotial extracts were assessed using ferric reducing antioxidant power; 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; and superoxide anion radical scavenging assays. Acute toxicity of the L. tigris E sclerotium was assessed using a rat model study. The sclerotium was found to be rich in carbohydrate, protein, and dietary fibers with small amounts of fat, calories, and sugar. The amino acid composition of the protein contains all essential amino acids, with a protein score of 47. The sclerotial extracts contain phenolics, terpenoids, and glucan. The ferric reducing antioxidant power values of the various sclerotial extracts (hot water, cold water, and methanol) ranged from 0.008 to 0.015 mmol min(-1) g(-1) extract, while the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities ranged from 0.11 to 0.13, and -2.81 to 9.613 mmol Trolox equivalents g(-1) extract, respectively. Acute toxicity assessment indicated that L. tigris E sclerotial powder was not toxic at the dose of 2000 mg kg(-1). In conclusion, L. tigris E sclerotium has the potential to be developed into a functional food and nutraceutical.

MeSH terms: Amino Acids/analysis; Animals; Antioxidants/administration & dosage; Antioxidants/adverse effects; Antioxidants/analysis; Antioxidants/chemistry*; Female; Glucans/analysis; Humans; Malaysia; Nutritive Value; Phenols/analysis; Polyporaceae/chemistry*; Terpenes/analysis; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Dietary Supplements/adverse effects; Dietary Supplements/analysis*; Ethnopharmacology; Toxicity Tests, Acute; Mycelium/chemistry*; Complex Mixtures/administration & dosage; Complex Mixtures/adverse effects; Complex Mixtures/chemistry*
Fulltext Acrylamide and Glycidamide Hemoglobin Adducts and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Nested Case-Control Study in Nonsmoking Postmenopausal Women from the EPIC Cohort

Obón-Santacana M, Lujan-Barroso L, Travis RC, Freisling H, Ferrari P, Severi G, et al.

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 2016 Jan;25(1):127-34.
PMID: 26598536 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-15-0822

BACKGROUND: Acrylamide was classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans (group 2A)" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the fourth cause of cancer mortality in women. Five epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between EOC risk and dietary acrylamide intake assessed using food frequency questionnaires, and one nested case-control study evaluated hemoglobin adducts of acrylamide (HbAA) and its metabolite glycidamide (HbGA) and EOC risk; the results of these studies were inconsistent.
METHODS: A nested case-control study in nonsmoking postmenopausal women (334 cases, 417 controls) was conducted within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between HbAA, HbGA, HbAA+HbGA, and HbGA/HbAA and EOC and invasive serous EOC risk.
RESULTS: No overall associations were observed between biomarkers of acrylamide exposure analyzed in quintiles and EOC risk; however, positive associations were observed between some middle quintiles of HbGA and HbAA+HbGA. Elevated but nonstatistically significant ORs for serous EOC were observed for HbGA and HbAA+HbGA (ORQ5vsQ1, 1.91; 95% CI, 0.96-3.81 and ORQ5vsQ1, 1.90; 95% CI, 0.94-3.83, respectively); however, no linear dose-response trends were observed.
CONCLUSION: This EPIC nested case-control study failed to observe a clear association between biomarkers of acrylamide exposure and the risk of EOC or invasive serous EOC.
IMPACT: It is unlikely that dietary acrylamide exposure increases ovarian cancer risk; however, additional studies with larger sample size should be performed to exclude any possible association with EOC risk.

MeSH terms: Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/etiology; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/metabolism; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/pathology; Epoxy Compounds/metabolism*; Epoxy Compounds/chemistry; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hemoglobins/metabolism*; Hemoglobins/chemistry; Humans; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Staging; Ovarian Neoplasms/etiology*; Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism; Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Biomarkers/metabolism*; Nutrition Assessment; Case-Control Studies; Endometrial Neoplasms/etiology; Endometrial Neoplasms/metabolism; Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology; Postmenopause*; Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/etiology; Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/metabolism; Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology; Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/etiology; Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/metabolism; Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/pathology; Acrylamide/metabolism*; Acrylamide/chemistry
Detection of Persistent Chikungunya Virus RNA but not Infectious Virus in Experimental Vertical Transmission in Aedes aegypti from Malaysia

Wong HV, Vythilingam I, Sulaiman WY, Lulla A, Merits A, Chan YF, et al.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2016 Jan;94(1):182-6.
PMID: 26598564 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0318

Vertical transmission may contribute to the maintenance of arthropod-borne viruses, but its existence in chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is unclear. Experimental vertical transmission of infectious clones of CHIKV in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from Malaysia was investigated. Eggs and adult progeny from the second gonotrophic cycles of infected parental mosquitoes were tested. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 56.3% of pooled eggs and 10% of adult progeny had detectable CHIKV RNA, but no samples had detectable infectious virus by plaque assay. Transfected CHIKV RNA from PCR-positive eggs did not yield infectious virus in BHK-21 cells. Thus, vertical transmission of viable CHIKV was not demonstrated. Noninfectious CHIKV RNA persists in eggs and progeny of infected Ae. aegypti, but the mechanism and significance are unknown. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that vertical transmission exists in CHIKV, as positive results reported in previous studies were almost exclusively based only on viral RNA detection.

MeSH terms: Aedes/virology*; Animals; Chikungunya virus/genetics*; Chikungunya virus/isolation & purification*; Female; Malaysia; Ovum/virology; Phylogeny; RNA, Viral/genetics*; RNA, Viral/isolation & purification*; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Host-Pathogen Interactions
Fulltext Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Identification of Five Human Plasmodium Species in Malaysia

Lau YL, Lai MY, Fong MY, Jelip J, Mahmud R

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2016 Feb;94(2):336-339.
PMID: 26598573 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0569

The lack of rapid, affordable, and accurate diagnostic tests represents the primary hurdle affecting malaria surveillance in resource- and expertise-limited areas. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a sensitive, rapid, and cheap diagnostic method. Five species-specific LAMP assays were developed based on 18S rRNA gene. Sensitivity and specificity of LAMP results were calculated as compared with microscopic examination and nested polymerase chain reaction. LAMP reactions were highly sensitive with the detection limit of one copy for Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium falciparum, and Plasmodium malariae and 10 copies for Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium ovale. LAMP positively detected all human malaria species in all positive samples (N = 134; sensitivity = 100%) within 35 minutes. All negative samples were not amplified by LAMP (N = 67; specificity = 100%). LAMP successfully detected two samples with very low parasitemia. LAMP may offer a rapid, simple, and reliable test for the diagnosis of malaria in areas where malaria is prevalent.

MeSH terms: Humans; Malaria/diagnosis; Malaria/epidemiology; Malaria/parasitology*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Plasmodium/classification; Plasmodium/genetics*; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics; Sensitivity and Specificity; RNA, Protozoan/genetics; Parasitemia; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques
Unveiling the elusive and exotic: Venomics of the Malayan blue coral snake (Calliophis bivirgata flaviceps)

Tan CH, Fung SY, Yap MK, Leong PK, Liew JL, Tan NH

J Proteomics, 2016 Jan 30;132:1-12.
PMID: 26598790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.11.014

The venom proteome of the Malayan blue coral snake, Calliophis bivirgata flaviceps from west Malaysia was investigated by 1D-SDS-PAGE and shotgun-LCMS/MS. A total of 23 proteins belonging to 11 protein families were detected from the venom proteome. For the toxin proteins, the venom consists mainly of phospholipase A2 (41.1%), cytotoxin (22.6%), SVMPs (18.7%) and vespryns (14.6%). However, in contrast to the venoms of New World coral snakes and most elapids, there was no post-synaptic α-neurotoxin detected. The proteome also revealed a relatively high level of phosphodiesterase (1.3%), which may be associated with the reported high level of adenosine in the venom. Also detected were 5'-nucleotidase (0.3%), hyaluronidase (0.1%) and cysteine-type endopeptide inhibitor (0.6%). Enzymatic studies confirmed the presence of phospholipase A2, phosphodiesterase, 5'-nucleotidase and acetylcholinesterase activities but not l-amino acid oxidase activity. The venom exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against CRL-2648 fibroblast cell lines (IC50=62.14±0.87 μg/mL) and myotoxicity in mice, presumably due to the action of its cytotoxin or its synergistic action with phospholipase A2. Interestingly, the venom lethality could be cross-neutralized by a neurotoxic bivalent antivenom from Taiwan. Together, the findings provide insights into the composition and functions of the venom of this exotic oriental elapid snake.
Fulltext Detection of dengue NS1 antigen using long-range surface plasmon waveguides

Wong WR, Sekaran SD, Adikan FR, Berini P

Biosens Bioelectron, 2016 Apr 15;78:132-9.
PMID: 26599483 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.11.030

The non-structural 1 (NS1) protein of the dengue virus circulates in infected patients' blood samples and can be used for early diagnosis of dengue infection. In this paper, we present the detection of naturally-occurring dengue NS1 antigen in infected patient blood plasma using straight long-range surface plasmon waveguides. Three commercially-available anti-NS1 monoclonal antibodies were used for recognition and their performance was compared and discussed. A similar figure of merit to the one used in conventional dengue NS1 capture using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to our results. In general, the positive patient samples can be clearly differentiated from the negative ones and the results agree with those obtained using ELISA. The largest signal-to-noise ratio observed during the experiments was 356 and the best detection limit observed is estimated as 5.73 pg/mm(2).
Polyphenols: Potential Future Arsenals in the Treatment of Diabetes

Solayman M, Ali Y, Alam F, Islam MA, Alam N, Khalil MI, et al.

Curr Pharm Des, 2016;22(5):549-65.
PMID: 26601968

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine metabolic disorders. In addition to exercise and diet, oral anti-diabetic drugs have been used as a part of the management strategy worldwide. Unfortunately, none of the conventional anti-diabetic drugs are without side effects, and these drugs pose an economic burden. Therefore, the investigation of novel anti-diabetic regimens is a major challenge for researchers, in which nature has been the primary resource for the discovery of potential therapeutics. Many plants have been shown to act as anti-diabetic agents, in which the main active constituents are believed to be polyphenols. Natural products containing high polyphenol levels can control carbohydrate metabolism by various mechanisms, such as protecting and restoring beta-cell integrity, enhancing insulin releasing activity, and increasing cellular glucose uptake. Blackberries, red grapes, apricots, eggplant and popular drinks such as coffee, cocoa and green tea are all rich in polyphenols, which may dampen insulin resistance and be natural alternatives in the treatment of diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this review is to report on the available anti-diabetic polyphenols (medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables), their mechanisms in the various pathways of DM and their correlations with DM. Additionally, this review emphasizes the types of polyphenols that could be potential future resources in the treatment of DM via either novel regimens or as supplementary agents.

MeSH terms: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy*; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use*; Polyphenols/therapeutic use*
Fulltext Deceased Donor Organs: What Can Be Done to Raise Donation Rates Using Evidence From Malaysia?

Rasiah R, Manikam R, Chandrasekaran SK, Naghavi N, Mubarik S, Mustafa R, et al.

Am J Transplant, 2016 05;16(5):1540-7.
PMID: 26602367 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13603

Organ donation rates have continued to fall seriously short of needs worldwide, with the lowest rates recorded among developing economies. This study seeks to analyze evidence from a developing economy to explore the usefulness of social psychological theory to solve the problem. The study deployed a large survey (n = 10 412) using a convenience sampling procedure targeted at increasing the number of Malaysians registered with the Ministry of Health, Malaysia who are willing to donate organs upon death. Structural equation modeling was deployed to estimate simultaneously the relative influence of cognitive and noncognitive variables on willingness to donate deceased organs. The cognitive factors of donation perception, socioeconomic status and financial incentives, and the noncognitive factors of demography and fear showed a high statistically significant (1%) relationship with willingness to donate organs after death. While financial incentives were significant, cash rewards showed the least impact. Donation perception showed the highest impact, which shows that the development of effective pedagogic programs with simultaneous improvements to the quality of services provided by medical personnel engaged in retrieving and transplanting deceased donor organs can help raise organ donation rates.

MeSH terms: Adult; Attitude to Health*; Cadaver; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia; Male; Tissue and Organ Procurement/statistics & numerical data*; Pilot Projects; Tissue Donors/psychology*; Tissue Donors/statistics & numerical data*; Program Evaluation
Complete genome sequence of Pandoraea thiooxydans DSM 25325(T), a thiosulfate-oxidizing bacterium

Yong D, Ee R, Lim YL, Yu CY, Ang GY, How KY, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2016 Jan 10;217:51-2.
PMID: 26603120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.11.009

Pandoraea thiooxydans DSM 25325(T) is a thiosulfate-oxidizing bacterium isolated from rhizosphere soils of a sesame plant. Here, we present the first complete genome of P. thiooxydans DSM 25325(T). Several genes involved in thiosulfate oxidation and biodegradation of aromatic compounds were identified.

MeSH terms: Base Sequence*; Biodegradation, Environmental; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Molecular Sequence Data; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidoreductases/genetics; Oxidoreductases/metabolism; Soil Microbiology; Thiosulfates/metabolism; Genome, Bacterial; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Burkholderiaceae/enzymology; Burkholderiaceae/genetics*; Burkholderiaceae/metabolism; Rhizosphere
Fulltext Artesunate-mefloquine versus chloroquine for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium knowlesi malaria in Malaysia (ACT KNOW): an open-label, randomised controlled trial

Grigg MJ, William T, Menon J, Dhanaraj P, Barber BE, Wilkes CS, et al.

Lancet Infect Dis, 2016 Feb;16(2):180-188.
PMID: 26603174 DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(15)00415-6

BACKGROUND: The zoonotic parasite Plasmodium knowlesi has become the most common cause of human malaria in Malaysia and is present throughout much of southeast Asia. No randomised controlled trials have been done to identify the optimum treatment for this emerging infection. We aimed to compare artesunate-mefloquine with chloroquine to define the optimum treatment for uncomplicated P knowlesi malaria in adults and children.
METHODS: We did this open-label, randomised controlled trial at three district hospitals in Sabah, Malaysia. Patients aged 1 year or older with uncomplicated P knowlesi malaria were randomly assigned, via computer-generated block randomisation (block sizes of 20), to receive oral artesunate-mefloquine (target dose 12 mg/kg artesunate and 25 mg/kg mefloquine) or chloroquine (target dose 25 mg/kg). Research nursing staff were aware of group allocation, but allocation was concealed from the microscopists responsible for determination of the primary endpoint, and study participants were not aware of drug allocation. The primary endpoint was parasite clearance at 24 h. Analysis was by modified intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01708876.
FINDINGS: Between Oct 16, 2012, and Dec 13, 2014, we randomly assigned 252 patients to receive either artesunate-mefloquine (n=127) or chloroquine (n=125); 226 (90%) patients comprised the modified intention-to-treat population. 24 h after treatment, we recorded parasite clearance in 97 (84% [95% CI 76-91]) of 115 patients in the artesunate-mefloquine group versus 61 (55% [45-64]) of 111 patients in the chloroquine group (difference in proportion 29% [95% CI 18·0-40·8]; p<0·0001). Parasite clearance was faster in patients given artesunate-mefloquine than in those given chloroquine (18·0 h [range 6·0-48·0] vs 24·0 h [6·0-60·0]; p<0·0001), with faster clearance of ring stages in the artesunate-mefloquine group (mean time to 50% clearance of baseline parasites 8·6 h [95% CI 7·9-9·4] vs 13·8 h [12·1-15·4]; p<0·0001). Risk of anaemia within 28 days was lower in patients in the artesunate-mefloquine group (71 [62%; 95% CI 52·2-70·6]) than in those in the chloroquine group (83 [75%; 65·6-82·5]; p=0·035). Gametocytaemia as detected by PCR for pks25 was present in 44 (86%) of 51 patients in the artesunate-mefloquine group and 41 (84%) of 49 patients in the chloroquine group at baseline, and in three (6%) of 49 patients and two (4%) of 48 patients, respectively, at day 7. Fever clearance was faster in the artesunate-mefloquine group (mean 11·5 h [95% CI 8·3-14·6]) than in the chloroquine group (14·8 h [11·7-17·8]; p=0·034). Bed occupancy was 2426 days per 1000 patients in the artesunate-mefloquine group versus 2828 days per 1000 patients in the chloroquine group (incidence rate ratio 0·858 [95% CI 0·812-0·906]; p<0·0001). One (<1%) patient in the artesunate-mefloquine group had a serious neuropsychiatric event regarded as probably related to study drug.
INTERPRETATION: Artesunate-mefloquine is highly efficacious for treatment of uncomplicated P knowlesi malaria. The rapid therapeutic response of the drug offers significant advantages compared with chloroquine monotherapy and supports a unified treatment policy for artemisinin-based combination therapy for all Plasmodium species in co-endemic areas.
FUNDING: Malaysian Ministry of Health, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, and Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network.

MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antimalarials/therapeutic use*; Child; Child, Preschool; Chloroquine/therapeutic use*; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Malaria/drug therapy*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Mefloquine/therapeutic use*; Plasmodium knowlesi/drug effects*; Artemisinins/therapeutic use*; Young Adult

External Links