Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. Ehsan MA, Naeem R, Khaledi H, Sohail M, Hakeem Saeed A, Mazhar M
    Dalton Trans, 2016 Jun 21;45(25):10222-32.
    PMID: 27230711 DOI: 10.1039/c6dt01016d
    Cobalt titanate-titania composite oxide films have been grown on FTO-coated glass substrates using a single-source heterometallic complex [Co2Ti4(μ-O)6(TFA)8(THF)6]·THF () which was obtained in quantitative yield from the reaction of diacetatocobalt(ii) tetrahydrate, tetraisopropoxytitanium(iv), and trifluoroacetic acid from a tetrahydrofuran solution. Physicochemical investigations of complex have been carried out by melting point, FT-IR, thermogravimetric and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. CoTiO3-TiO2 films composed of spherical objects of various sizes have been grown from by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition at different temperatures of 500, 550 and 600 °C. Thin films characterized by XRD, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis have been explored for electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA). The cyclic voltammetry with the CoTiO3-TiO2 electrode showed a DA oxidation peak at +0.215 V while linear sweep voltammetry displayed a detection limit (LoD) of 0.083 μM and a linear concentration range of 20-300 μM for DA. Thus, the CoTiO3-TiO2 electrode is a potential candidate for the sensitive and selective detection of DA.
    MeSH terms: Cobalt/chemistry*; Dopamine/analysis*; Electrodes; Glass/chemistry; Hot Temperature; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Titanium/chemistry*; X-Ray Diffraction; Transition Temperature; Electrochemical Techniques; Photoelectron Spectroscopy; Limit of Detection
  2. Zamberi NR, Abu N, Mohamed NE, Nordin N, Keong YS, Beh BK, et al.
    Integr Cancer Ther, 2016 Dec;15(4):NP53-NP66.
    PMID: 27230756
    BACKGROUND: Kefir is a unique cultured product that contains beneficial probiotics. Kefir culture from other parts of the world exhibits numerous beneficial qualities such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, and anticancer effects. Nevertheless, kefir cultures from different parts of the world exert different effects because of variation in culture conditions and media. Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women, and metastasis is the major cause of death associated with breast cancer. The antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects of kefir water made from kefir grains cultured in Malaysia were studied in 4T1 breast cancer cells.

    METHODS: 4T1 cancer cells were treated with kefir water in vitro to assess its antimigration and anti-invasion effects. BALB/c mice were injected with 4T1 cancer cells and treated orally with kefir water for 28 days.

    RESULTS: Kefir water was cytotoxic toward 4T1 cells at IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of 12.5 and 8.33 mg/mL for 48 and 72 hours, respectively. A significant reduction in tumor size and weight (0.9132 ± 0.219 g) and a substantial increase in helper T cells (5-fold) and cytotoxic T cells (7-fold) were observed in the kefir water-treated group. Proinflammatory and proangiogenic markers were significantly reduced in the kefir water-treated group.

    CONCLUSIONS: Kefir water inhibited tumor proliferation in vitro and in vivo mainly through cancer cell apoptosis, immunomodulation by stimulating T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells, and anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, and antiangiogenesis effects. This study brought out the potential of the probiotic beverage kefir water in cancer treatment.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents/administration & dosage*; Female; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/drug effects; Mice, Inbred BALB C; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/drug effects; Water/administration & dosage*; Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/drug therapy*; Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/metabolism; Apoptosis/drug effects; Probiotics/administration & dosage*; Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage*; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation/drug effects; Mice; Kefir
  3. Jaafar SA, Latif MT, Razak IS, Shaharudin MZ, Khan MF, Wahid NBA, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 Aug 15;109(1):480-489.
    PMID: 27230987 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.017
    This study determined the effect of monsoonal changes on the composition of atmospheric surfactants in coastal areas. The composition of anions (SO4(2-), NO3(-), Cl(-), F(-)) and the major elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na) in aerosols were used to determine the possible sources of surfactants. Surfactant compositions were determined using a colorimetric method as methylene blue active substances (MBAS) and disulphine blue active substances (DBAS). The anion and major element compositions of the aerosol samples were determined by ion chromatography (IC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. The results indicated that the concentrations of surfactant in aerosols were dominated by MBAS (34-326pmolm(-3)). Monsoonal changes were found to significantly affect the concentration of surfactants. Using principal component analysis-multiple linear regressions (PCA-MLR), major possible sources for surfactants in the aerosols were motor vehicle emissions, secondary aerosol and the combustion of biomass along with marine aerosol.
    MeSH terms: Aerosols; Air Pollutants*; Vehicle Emissions; Environmental Monitoring*; Malaysia; Methylene Blue; Seasons; Surface-Active Agents/chemistry*
  4. Kiran Kumar Krishanappa S, Prashanti E, Sumanth KN, Naresh S, Moe S, Aggarwal H, et al.
    PMID: 27231038 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011784.pub2
    BACKGROUND: An oro-antral communication is an unnatural opening between the oral cavity and maxillary sinus. When it fails to close spontaneously, it remains patent and is epithelialized to develop into an oro-antral fistula. Various surgical and non-surgical techniques have been used for treating the condition. Surgical procedures include flaps, grafts and other techniques like re-implantation of third molars. Non-surgical techniques include allogenic materials and xenografts.

    OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of various interventions for the treatment of oro-antral communications and fistulae due to dental procedures.

    SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (whole database, to 3 July 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2015, Issue 6), MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 3 July 2015), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 3 July 2015), US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (http://clinicaltrials.gov) (whole database, to 3 July 2015) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (http://www.who.int/ictrp/en/) (whole database, to 3 July 2015). We also searched the reference lists of included and excluded trials for any randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

    SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs evaluating any intervention for treating oro-antral communications or oro-antral fistulae due to dental procedures. We excluded quasi-RCTs and cross-over trials. We excluded studies on participants who had oro-antral communications, fistulae or both related to Caldwell-Luc procedure or surgical excision of tumours.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected trials. Two review authors assessed trial risk of bias and extracted data independently. We estimated risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the overall quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

    MAIN RESULTS: We included only one study in this review, which compared two surgical interventions: pedicled buccal fat pad flap and buccal flap for the treatment of oro-antral communications. The study involved 20 participants. The risk of bias was unclear. The relevant outcome reported in this trial was successful (complete) closure of oro-antral communication.The quality of the evidence for the primary outcome was very low. The study did not find evidence of a difference between interventions for the successful (complete) closure of an oro-antral communication (RR 1.00, 95% Cl 0.83 to 1.20) one month after the surgery. All oro-antral communications in both groups were successfully closed so there were no adverse effects due to treatment failure.We did not find trials evaluating any other intervention for treating oro-antral communications or fistulae due to dental procedures.

    AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found very low quality evidence from a single small study that compared pedicled buccal fat pad and buccal flap. The evidence was insufficient to judge whether there is a difference in the effectiveness of these interventions as all oro-antral communications in the study were successfully closed by one month after surgery. Large, well-conducted RCTs investigating different interventions for the treatment of oro-antral communications and fistulae caused by dental procedures are needed to inform clinical practice.

    MeSH terms: Adipose Tissue/transplantation*; Adult; Dental Care/adverse effects*; Humans; Middle Aged; Oroantral Fistula/etiology; Oroantral Fistula/surgery*; Surgical Flaps/transplantation*; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  5. Tiruvayipati S, Bhassu S
    Gut Pathog, 2016;8:23.
    PMID: 27231485 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-016-0105-5
    Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative halophilic bacterium which is found largely in estuarine and coastal waters. The bacteria has been a main focus in gastro-intestinal infections caused primarily due to the consumption of contaminated seafood. It was shown to survive in magnesium concentrations as high as 300 mM which are toxic to various other micro-organisms. Several genes of V. parahaemolyticus were studied, among which gbpA (N-acetyl glucosamine binding protein) was reported in Vibrio cholerae.
    MeSH terms: Bacteria; Carrier Proteins; Communicable Diseases; Glucosamine; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Humans; Magnesium; Multiple Birth Offspring; Vibrio cholerae; Vibrio parahaemolyticus
  6. Tan SN, Sim SP, Khoo AS
    Cell Biosci, 2016;6:35.
    PMID: 27231526 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-016-0103-9
    Genetic aberrations have been identified in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. There are increasing evidences that the apoptotic nuclease caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease (CAD) is one of the players leading to translocation in leukemia. Oxidative stress, which has been strongly implicated in carcinogenesis, is a potent apoptotic inducer. Most of the NPC etiological factors are known to induce oxidative stress. Although apoptosis is a cell death process, cells possess the potential to survive apoptosis upon DNA repair. Eventually, the surviving cells may carry rearranged chromosomes. We hypothesized that oxidative stress-induced apoptosis may cause chromosomal breaks mediated by CAD. Upon erroneous DNA repair, cells that survive apoptosis may harbor chromosomal rearrangements contributing to NPC pathogenesis. This study focused on the AF9 gene at 9p22, a common deletion region in NPC. We aimed to propose a possible model for molecular mechanism underlying the chromosomal rearrangements in NPC.
    MeSH terms: Chromosomes; Deoxyribonucleases; DNA Repair; Leukemia; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Apoptosis; Oxidative Stress; Chromosome Breakage; Carcinogenesis
  7. Shahnazi H, Bee Koon P, Abd Talib R, Lubis SH, Ganjali Dashti M, Khatooni E, et al.
    Iran Red Crescent Med J, 2016 Mar;18(3):e23847.
    PMID: 27231582 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.23847
    The stage of youth is critical for human development in several ways. On the one hand, it can lead people towards the adoption of a healthy lifestyle during adulthood based on these earlier practices. On the other hand, it can comprise the development of healthy living practices later on in live, an outcome which is often caused by the youth adopting a risky lifestyle early on.
  8. Khalili Samani N, Esa Y, Amin SM, Fatin Mohd Ikhsan N
    PeerJ, 2016;4:e1930.
    PMID: 27231645 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1930
    Plotosus canius (Hamilton, 1822) is a significant marine species in Malaysia from nutritional and commercial perspectives. Despite numerous fundamental research on biological characteristics of P. canius, there are various concerns on the level of population differentiation, genomic structure, and the level of genetic variability among their populations due to deficiency of genetic-based studies. Deficiency on basic contexts such as stock identification, phylogenetic relationship and population genetic structure would negatively impact their sustainable conservation. Hence, this study was conducted to characterize the genetic structure of P. canius for the first time through the application of mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene, cross amplification of Tandanus tandanus microsatellites, and a total of 117 collected specimens across five selected populations of Malaysia. The experimental results of the mitochondrial analysis revealed that the haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity varied from 0.395-0.771 and 0.033-0.65 respectively. Moreover, the statistical analysis of microsatellites addressed a considerable heterozygote insufficiency in all populations, with average observed heterozygosity (Ho ) value of 0.2168, which was lower than the standard heterozygosity in marine populations (Ho = 0.79). This alongside the high Fis values estimation, high pairwise differentiation among populations and low within population variations are supposed to be associated with small sample size, and inbreeding system. Besides, the significant finding of this study was the sharing of common haplotype KR086940, which reflects a historical genetic connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo populations due to the geological history of Southeast Asia during Pleistocene era. Demographic analyses showed that all populations were in an equilibrium state with no significant evidence of population expansion. To put it briefly, the current study has managed to provide an initial genomic database toward understanding of the genetic characterization, phylogenetic, molecular diversification and population structure in P. canius, and should be necessary highlighted for appropriate management and conservation of species. Further studies must be carried out involving more geographical and sampling sites, larger population size per site, and utilization of species specific microsatellites loci.
    MeSH terms: Borneo; Catfishes; Consanguinity; Electron Transport Complex IV; Genetics, Population; Geography; Haplotypes; Heterozygote; Malaysia; Nucleotides; Phylogeny; Population Density; Sample Size; Microsatellite Repeats; Genomics; Genes, Mitochondrial
  9. Shariff ZM, Lin KG, Sariman S, Siew CY, Yusof BN, Mun CY, et al.
    Ecol Food Nutr, 2016 Jul-Aug;55(4):378-89.
    PMID: 27231732 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2016.1181065
    Although diets with high energy density are associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity, it is not known whether such diets are associated with undernutrition. This study assessed the relationship between dietary energy density (ED) and nutritional status of 745 urban 1- to 10-year-old children. Dietary intakes were obtained using food recall and record for two days. Dietary energy density was based on food and caloric beverages. Higher dietary ED was associated with lower intakes of carbohydrate, sugar, vitamins C and D, and calcium but higher fat, fiber, iron, and folate intakes. While intakes of fruits and milk/dairy products decreased, meat, fish, and legume intakes increased with higher dietary ED. Stunting, but not other growth problems, was associated with higher dietary ED. Future studies should confirm the cause-and-effect relationship between higher dietary ED and stunting.
    MeSH terms: Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Humans; Malaysia; Nutritional Status; Obesity
  10. Chigurupati S, Selvaraj M, Mani V, Selvarajan KK, Mohammad JI, Kaveti B, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2016 08;67:9-17.
    PMID: 27231830 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2016.05.002
    The synthesis of novel indolopyrazoline derivatives (P1-P4 and Q1-Q4) has been characterized and evaluated as potential anti-Alzheimer agents through in vitro Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and radical scavenging activity (antioxidant) studies. Specifically, Q3 shows AChE inhibition (IC50: 0.68±0.13μM) with strong DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50: 13.77±0.25μM and IC50: 12.59±0.21μM), respectively. While P3 exhibited as the second most potent compound with AChE inhibition (IC50: 0.74±0.09μM) and with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50: 13.52±0.62μM and IC50: 13.13±0.85μM), respectively. Finally, molecular docking studies provided prospective evidence to identify key interactions between the active inhibitors and the AChE that furthermore led us to the identification of plausible binding mode of novel indolopyrazoline derivatives. Additionally, in-silico ADME prediction using QikProp shows that these derivatives fulfilled all the properties of CNS acting drugs. This study confirms the first time reporting of indolopyrazoline derivatives as potential anti-Alzheimer agents.
    MeSH terms: Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism*; Antioxidants/chemical synthesis; Antioxidants/pharmacology*; Antioxidants/chemistry; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemistry; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Indoles/chemical synthesis; Indoles/pharmacology*; Indoles/chemistry; Pyrazoles/chemical synthesis; Pyrazoles/pharmacology*; Pyrazoles/chemistry; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Structure; Molecular Docking Simulation
  11. Santhanam RK, Ahmad S, Abas F, Safinar Ismail I, Rukayadi Y, Tayyab Akhtar M, et al.
    Molecules, 2016 May 24;21(6).
    PMID: 27231889 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21060652
    Zanthoxylum rhetsa is an aromatic tree, known vernacularly as "Indian Prickly Ash". It has been predominantly used by Indian tribes for the treatment of many infirmities like diabetes, inflammation, rheumatism, toothache and diarrhea. In this study, we identified major volatile constituents present in different solvent fractions of Z. rhetsa bark using GC-MS analysis and isolated two tetrahydrofuran lignans (yangambin and kobusin), a berberine alkaloid (columbamine) and a triterpenoid (lupeol) from the bioactive chloroform fraction. The solvent fractions and purified compounds were tested for their cytotoxic potential against human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and mouse melanoma (B16-F10) cells, using the MTT assay. All the solvent fractions and purified compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic to HDF cells. However, the chloroform fraction and kobusin exhibited cytotoxic effect against B16-F10 melanoma cells. The presence of bioactive lignans and alkaloids were suggested to be responsible for the cytotoxic property of Z. rhetsa bark against B16-F10 cells.
    MeSH terms: Alkaloids/administration & dosage*; Alkaloids/chemistry; Animals; Cell Survival/drug effects; Fibroblasts/drug effects; Furans/administration & dosage; Furans/chemistry; Humans; Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy*; Melanoma, Experimental/pathology; Plant Extracts/administration & dosage*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Lignans/administration & dosage; Lignans/chemistry; Plant Bark/chemistry; Zanthoxylum/chemistry*; Cell Line, Tumor; Mice; Benzodioxoles/administration & dosage; Benzodioxoles/chemistry
  12. Chin KY, Wan Ngah WZ, Ima-Nirwana S
    PMID: 27231930 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13060531
    Male osteoporosis in Malaysia is a largely neglected problem. Therefore, a bone health study in men using quantitative ultrasonometry was launched as part of the Malaysian Aging Men Study in 2009-2012. This review aimed to summarize the findings of the aforementioned bone health study. The study examined the bone health of Chinese and Malaysian men aged 20 years and above living in Kuala Lumpur using a quantitative ultrasound device. Participants answered a questionnaire on their demographic details and physical activity status. Body anthropometry of the participants was measured and their blood collected for biochemical analysis. Results showed that a significant proportion of the Malaysian Chinese and Malay men had suboptimal bone health indicated by calcaneal speed of sound and vitamin D status. Age-related decline of the calcaneal speed of sound in these men was gradual and biphasic without ethnic difference. Body anthropometry such as height, weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage contributed to the variation of the calcaneal speed of sound in Malaysian men. Age-related changes in testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, and thyroid stimulating hormone also influenced the calcaneal speed of sound in these men. This study serves as a reminder that male osteoporosis in Malaysia should be an issue of concern. It is also a basis for a more comprehensive study on bone health in men in the future.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anthropometry; Calcaneus/physiology*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Status*; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Ultrasonography; Vitamin D/blood*; Young Adult
  13. Tan T, Ong WS, Rajasekaran T, Nee Koo K, Chan LL, Poon D, et al.
    PLoS One, 2016;11(5):e0156008.
    PMID: 27231951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156008
    PURPOSE: Elderly cancer patients are at increased risk for malnutrition. We aim to identify comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) based clinical factors associated with increased nutritional risk and develop a clinical scoring system to identify nutritional risk in elderly cancer patients.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: CGA data was collected from 249 Asian patients aged 70 years or older. Nutritional risk was assessed based on the Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) checklist. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to assess the association between patient clinical factors together with domains within the CGA and moderate to high nutritional risk. Goodness of fit was assessed using Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Discrimination ability was assessed based on the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). Internal validation was performed using simulated datasets via bootstrapping.

    RESULTS: Among the 249 patients, 184 (74%) had moderate to high nutritional risk. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified stage 3-4 disease (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.54; 95% CI, 1.14-5.69), ECOG performance status of 2-4 (OR 3.04; 95% CI, 1.57-5.88), presence of depression (OR 5.99; 95% CI, 1.99-18.02) and haemoglobin levels <12 g/dL (OR 3.00; 95% CI 1.54-5.84) as significant independent factors associated with moderate to high nutritional risk. The model achieved good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test's p = 0.17) and discrimination (AUC = 0.80). It retained good calibration and discrimination (bias-corrected AUC = 0.79) under internal validation.

    CONCLUSION: Having advanced stage of cancer, poor performance status, depression and anaemia were found to be predictors of moderate to high nutritional risk. Early identification of patients with these risk factors will allow for nutritional interventions that may improve treatment tolerance, quality of life and survival outcomes.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Neoplasm Staging; Neoplasms/complications*; Neoplasms/pathology; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Geriatric Assessment*; Nutrition Assessment; Risk Assessment; Malnutrition/complications*
  14. Chan SH, Lee W, Asmawi MZ, Tan SC
    PMID: 27232053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2016.05.015
    A sequential solid-phase extraction (SPE) method was developed and validated using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) for the detection and quantification of salbutamol enantiomers in porcine urine. Porcine urine samples were hydrolysed with β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase from Helix pomatia and then subjected to a double solid-phase extraction (SPE) first using the Abs-Elut Nexus SPE and then followed by the Bond Elut Phenylboronic Acid (PBA) SPE. The salbutamol enantiomers were separated using the Astec CHIROBIOTIC™ T HPLC column (3.0mm×100mm; 5μm) maintained at 15°C with a 15min isocratic run at a flow rate of 0.4mL/min. The mobile phase constituted of 5mM ammonium formate in methanol. Salbutamol and salbutamol-tert-butyl-d9 (internal standard, IS) was monitored and quantified with the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method showed good linearity for the range of 0.1-10ng/mL with limit of quantification at 0.3ng/mL. Analysis of the QC samples showed intra- and inter-assay precisions to be less than 5.04%, and recovery ranging from 83.82 to 102.33%.
    MeSH terms: Albuterol/urine*; Albuterol/chemistry*; Animals; Chromatography, Liquid/methods*; Stereoisomerism; Swine; Reproducibility of Results; Linear Models; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods*; Limit of Detection
  15. Watanabe M, Roth TL, Bauer SJ, Lane A, Romick-Rosendale LE
    PLoS One, 2016;11(5):e0156318.
    PMID: 27232336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156318
    A variety of wildlife species maintained in captivity are susceptible to iron storage disease (ISD), or hemochromatosis, a disease resulting from the deposition of excess iron into insoluble iron clusters in soft tissue. Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is one of the rhinoceros species that has evolutionarily adapted to a low-iron diet and is susceptible to iron overload. Hemosiderosis is reported at necropsy in many African black and Sumatran rhinoceroses but only a small number of animals reportedly die from hemochromatosis. The underlying cause and reasons for differences in susceptibility to hemochromatosis within the taxon remains unclear. Although serum ferritin concentrations have been useful in monitoring the progression of ISD in many species, there is some question regarding their value in diagnosing hemochromatosis in the Sumatran rhino. To investigate the metabolic changes during the development of hemochromatosis and possibly increase our understanding of its progression and individual susceptibility differences, the serum metabolome from a Sumatran rhinoceros was investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics. The study involved samples from female rhinoceros at the Cincinnati Zoo (n = 3), including two animals that died from liver failure caused by ISD, and the Sungai Dusun Rhinoceros Conservation Centre in Peninsular Malaysia (n = 4). Principal component analysis was performed to visually and statistically compare the metabolic profiles of the healthy animals. The results indicated that significant differences were present between the animals at the zoo and the animals in the conservation center. A comparison of the 43 serum metabolomes of three zoo rhinoceros showed two distinct groupings, healthy (n = 30) and unhealthy (n = 13). A total of eighteen altered metabolites were identified in healthy versus unhealthy samples. Results strongly suggest that NMR-based metabolomics is a valuable tool for animal health monitoring and may provide insight into the progression of this and other insidious diseases.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Feasibility Studies; Hemochromatosis/blood; Hemochromatosis/metabolism; Hemochromatosis/veterinary*; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Perissodactyla/blood; Perissodactyla/metabolism*; Case-Control Studies; Disease Progression; Metabolomics*
  16. Bashir MJ, Mau Han T, Jun Wei L, Choon Aun N, Abu Amr SS
    Water Sci Technol, 2016;73(11):2704-12.
    PMID: 27232407 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2016.123
    As the ponding system used to treat palm oil mill effluent (POME) frequently fails to satisfy the discharge standard in Malaysia, the present study aimed to resolve this problem using an optimized electrocoagulation process. Thus, a central composite design (CCD) module in response surface methodology was employed to optimize the interactions of process variables, namely current density, contact time and initial pH targeted on maximum removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour and turbidity with satisfactory pH of discharge POME. The batch study was initially designed by CCD and statistical models of responses were subsequently derived to indicate the significant terms of interactive process variables. All models were verified by analysis of variance showing model significances with Prob > F < 0.01. The optimum performance was obtained at the current density of 56 mA/cm(2), contact time of 65 min and initial pH of 4.5, rendering complete removal of colour and turbidity with COD removal of 75.4%. The pH of post-treated POME of 7.6 was achieved, which is suitable for direct discharge. These predicted outputs were subsequently confirmed by insignificant standard deviation readings between predicted and actual values. This optimum condition also permitted the simultaneous removal of NH3-N, and various metal ions, signifying the superiority of the electrocoagulation process optimized by CCD.
    MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Color; Diathermy; Electrocoagulation; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Ions; Malaysia; Metals; Patient Discharge; Models, Statistical; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Ponds
  17. Wan Ahmad WN, Rezaei J, Tavasszy LA, de Brito MP
    J Environ Manage, 2016 Sep 15;180:202-13.
    PMID: 27233046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.04.056
    Our current dependency on the oil and gas (O&G) industry for economic development and social activities necessitates research into the sustainability of the industry's supply chains. At present, studies on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices in the industry do not include firm-internal factors that affect the sustainability strategies employed by different functional areas of its supply chains. Our study aims to address this gap by identifying the relevant internal factors and exploring their relationship with SSCM strategies. Specifically, we discuss the commitment to and preparedness for sustainable practices of companies that operate in upstream and downstream O&G supply chain. We study the impact of these factors on their sustainability strategies of four key supply chain functions: supplier management, production management, product stewardship and logistics management. The analyses of data collected through a survey among 81 companies show that management preparedness may enhance sustainable supply chain strategies in the O&G industry more than commitment does. Among the preparedness measures, management of supply chain operational risks is found to be vital to the sustainability of all supply chain functions except for production management practices. The findings also highlight the central importance of supplier and logistics management to the achievement of sustainable O&G supply chains. Companies must also develop an organizational culture that encourages, for example, team collaboration and proactive behaviour to finding innovative sustainability solutions in order to translate commitment to sustainable practices into actions that can produce actual difference to their SSCM practices.
    MeSH terms: Oil and Gas Industry*; Conservation of Natural Resources*; Decision Making, Organizational*; Humans; Netherlands
  18. Ngoh YY, Lim TS, Gan CY
    Enzyme Microb Technol, 2016 Jul;89:76-84.
    PMID: 27233130 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2016.04.001
    The objective of this study was to screen and identify α-amylase inhibitor peptides from Pinto bean. Five Pinto bean bioactive peptides were successfully identified: PPHMLP (P1), PLPWGAGF (P3), PPHMGGP (P6), PLPLHMLP (P7) and LSSLEMGSLGALFVCM (P9). Based on ELISA results, their promising optical density values were 1.27; 3.71, 1.67, 3.20 and 1.03, respectively, which indicated the binding interaction between the peptide and α-amylase occurred. The highest inhibitory activity (66.72%) of the chemically synthesized peptide was shown in SyP9 followed by SyP1 (48.86%), SyP3 (31.17%), SyP7 (27.88%) and SyP6 (23.96%). The IC50 values were 1.97, 8.96, 14.63, 18.45 and 20.56mgml(-1), respectively. Structure activity relationship study revealed that α-amylase was inhibited due to its residues of Ala230, Asp229, Asp326, Tyr54, Met195, Leu194 and His233 were bound. On the other hand, the residues of PBBP (i.e. histidine, proline and methionine) were found to have the highest potency in the binding interaction.
    MeSH terms: alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitors*; Amino Acid Sequence; Cloning, Molecular; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Humans; Kinetics; Oligopeptides/genetics; Oligopeptides/pharmacology; Oligopeptides/chemistry; Peptides/genetics; Peptides/pharmacology*; Peptides/chemistry*; Plant Proteins/genetics; Plant Proteins/pharmacology*; Plant Proteins/chemistry*; Structure-Activity Relationship; Phaseolus/genetics; Phaseolus/chemistry*; Plant Lectins/genetics; Plant Lectins/pharmacology; Plant Lectins/chemistry; Cell Surface Display Techniques
  19. Thayan R, Yusof MA, Saat Z, Sekaran SD, Wang SM
    Methods Mol Biol, 2016;1426:11-9.
    PMID: 27233257 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3618-2_2
    Molecular surveillance of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is important as it provides data on the circulating CHIKV genotypes in endemic countries and enabling activation of measures to be taken in the event of a pending outbreak. Molecular surveillance is carried out by first detecting CHIKV in susceptible humans or among field-caught mosquitoes. This is followed by sequencing a selected region of the virus which will provide evidence on the source of the virus and possible association of the virus to increased cases of Chikungunya infections.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Line; Chikungunya virus/classification; Chikungunya virus/genetics*; Chikungunya virus/isolation & purification; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Culicidae/virology*; Phylogeny; Population Surveillance; Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics; Sequence Analysis, RNA; Molecular Epidemiology; Chikungunya Fever/diagnosis*; Chikungunya Fever/epidemiology*
  20. Chua CL, Sam IC, Chan YF
    Methods Mol Biol, 2016;1426:51-61.
    PMID: 27233260 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3618-2_5
    Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne arbovirus which poses a major threat to global public health. Definitive CHIKV diagnosis is crucial, especially in distinguishing the disease from dengue virus, which co-circulates in endemic areas and shares the same mosquito vectors. Laboratory diagnosis is mainly based on serological or molecular approaches. The E2 glycoprotein is a good candidate for serological diagnosis since it is the immunodominant antigen during the course of infection, and reacts with seropositive CHIKV sera. In this chapter, we describe the generation of stable clone Sf9 (Spodoptera frugiperda) cells expressing secreted, soluble, and native recombinant CHIKV E2 glycoprotein. We use direct plasmid expression in insect cells, rather than the traditional technique of generating recombinant baculovirus. This recombinant protein is useful for serological diagnosis of CHIKV infection.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antibodies, Viral/metabolism*; Chikungunya virus/immunology; Chikungunya virus/metabolism*; Recombinant Proteins/immunology; Serologic Tests; Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology*; Immunodominant Epitopes/immunology; Sf9 Cells
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