Browse publications by year: 2016

Enhancement of anti-proliferative activities of Metformin, when combined with Celecoxib, without increasing DNA damage

Ullah A, Ashraf M, Javeed A, Anjum AA, Attiq A, Ali S

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol, 2016 Jul;45:227-34.
PMID: 27327526 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2016.05.017

Pathophysiological changes in diabetes like hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia predispose cells to malignant transformation and damage DNA repair mechanism. This study was designed to explore the potential synergistic toxic effects of anti-diabetic drug (Metformin), and an analgesic drug (Celecoxib) at cellular level. MTT assay run on Vero cell line revealed that the combinations of Metformin and Celecoxib augment the anti-proliferative effects, whereas Single cell gel electrophoresis spotlighted that Metformin produce non-significant DNA damage with the threshold concentration of 400μg/ml in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (lymphocytes and monocytes), while Celecoxib produced significant (P<0.05) DNA damage (class III comets) above the concentration of 75μg/ml, however the DNA damage or DNA tail protrusions by combinations of both drugs were less than what was observed with Celecoxib alone. Metformin or Celecoxib did not appear mutagenic against any mutant strains (TA 100 and TA 98) but their combination exhibited slight mutagenicity at much higher concentration. The results obtained at concentrations higher than the therapeutic level of drugs and reflect that Metformin in combination with Celecoxib synergistically inhibits the cell proliferation in a concentration dependent pattern. Since, this increase in cytotoxicity did not confer an increase in DNA damage; this combination could be adopted to inhibit the growth of malignant cell without producing any genotoxic or mutagenic effects at cellular level.

MeSH terms: Celecoxib/administration & dosage; Celecoxib/toxicity*; Animals; Cell Survival/drug effects; Cercopithecus aethiops; DNA Damage*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Synergism; Metformin/administration & dosage; Metformin/toxicity*; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Salmonella typhimurium/drug effects; Salmonella typhimurium/genetics; Vero Cells; Comet Assay; Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
Diversity and human perceptions of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) in Southeast Asian megacities

Sing KW, Wang WZ, Wan T, Lee PS, Li ZX, Chen X, et al.

Genome, 2016 Oct;59(10):827-839.
PMID: 27327818

Urbanization requires the conversion of natural land cover to cover with human-constructed elements and is considered a major threat to biodiversity. Bee populations, globally, are under threat; however, the effect of rapid urban expansion in Southeast Asia on bee diversity has not been investigated. Given the pressing issues of bee conservation and urbanization in Southeast Asia, coupled with complex factors surrounding human-bee coexistence, we investigated bee diversity and human perceptions of bees in four megacities. We sampled bees and conducted questionnaires at three different site types in each megacity: a botanical garden, central business district, and peripheral suburban areas. Overall, the mean species richness and abundance of bees were significantly higher in peripheral suburban areas than central business districts; however, there were no significant differences in the mean species richness and abundance between botanical gardens and peripheral suburban areas or botanical gardens and central business districts. Urban residents were unlikely to have seen bees but agreed that bees have a right to exist in their natural environment. Residents who did notice and interact with bees, even though being stung, were more likely to have positive opinions towards the presence of bees in cities.

MeSH terms: Animals; Asia, Southeastern; Attitude; Bees; Cities; Humans; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urbanization; Biodiversity; Gardening; Gardens
Fulltext Influence of Pyrolysis Temperature on Physico-Chemical Properties of Corn Stover (Zea mays L.) Biochar and Feasibility for Carbon Capture and Energy Balance

Rafiq MK, Bachmann RT, Rafiq MT, Shang Z, Joseph S, Long R

PLoS One, 2016;11(6):e0156894.
PMID: 27327870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156894

This study examined the influence of pyrolysis temperature on biochar characteristics and evaluated its suitability for carbon capture and energy production. Biochar was produced from corn stover using slow pyrolysis at 300, 400 and 500°C and 2 hrs holding time. The experimental biochars were characterized by elemental analysis, BET, FTIR, TGA/DTA, NMR (C-13). Higher heating value (HHV) of feedstock and biochars was measured using bomb calorimeter. Results show that carbon content of corn stover biochar increased from 45.5% to 64.5%, with increasing pyrolysis temperatures. A decrease in H:C and O:C ratios as well as volatile matter, coupled with increase in the concentration of aromatic carbon in the biochar as determined by FTIR and NMR (C-13) demonstrates a higher biochar carbon stability at 500°C. It was estimated that corn stover pyrolysed at 500°C could provide of 10.12 MJ/kg thermal energy. Pyrolysis is therefore a potential technology with its carbon-negative, energy positive and soil amendment benefits thus creating win- win scenario.

MeSH terms: Agriculture; Carbon/analysis*; Charcoal/chemistry*; China; Zea mays/chemistry*; Feasibility Studies; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Surface Properties; Temperature*; Thermogravimetry; Waste Products/analysis*; X-Ray Diffraction; Porosity; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Chemical Phenomena*; Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
2-Benzoyl-6-benzylidenecyclohexanone analogs as potent dual inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase

Leong SW, Abas F, Lam KW, Shaari K, Lajis NH

Bioorg Med Chem, 2016 08 15;24(16):3742-51.
PMID: 27328658 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.06.016

In the present study, a series of 2-benzoyl-6-benzylidenecyclohexanone analogs have been synthesized and evaluated for their anti-cholinesterase activity. Among the forty-one analogs, four compounds (38, 39, 40 and 41) have been identified as lead compounds due to their highest inhibition on both AChE and BChE activities. Compounds 39 and 40 in particular exhibited highest inhibition on both AChE and BChE with IC50 values of 1.6μM and 0.6μM, respectively. Further structure-activity relationship study suggested that presence of a long-chain heterocyclic in one of the rings played a critical role in the dual enzymes' inhibition. The Lineweaver-Burk plots and docking results suggest that both compounds could simultaneously bind to the PAS and CAS regions of the enzyme. ADMET analysis further confirmed the therapeutic potential of both compounds based upon their high BBB-penetrating. Thus, 2-benzoyl-6-benzylidenecyclohexanone containing long-chain heterocyclic amine analogs represent a new class of cholinesterase inhibitor, which deserve further investigation for their development into therapeutic agents for cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer.

MeSH terms: Acetylcholinesterase/drug effects*; Blood-Brain Barrier; Butyrylcholinesterase/drug effects*; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacokinetics; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemistry; Cyclohexanones/pharmacology*; Cyclohexanones/chemistry; Humans; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Structure-Activity Relationship; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Molecular Docking Simulation; Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Cytototoxic constituents from the bark of Chisocheton cumingianus (Meliaceae)

Katja DG, Farabi K, Nurlelasari, Harneti D, Mayanti T, Supratman U, et al.

J Asian Nat Prod Res, 2016 Jun 22.
PMID: 27329305 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2016.1196671

A new lanostane-type triterpenoid, 3β-hydroxy-25-ethyl-lanost-9(11),24(24')-diene (1), along with 3β-hydroxy-lanost-7-ene (2) and β-sitosterol-3-O-acetate (3) was isolated from the stem bark of C. cumingianus. The chemical structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. All of the compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against P-388 murine leukemia cells. Compounds 1-3 showed cytotoxicity against P-388 murine leukemia cells with IC50 values of 28.8 ± 0.10, 4.29 ± 0.03, and 100.18 ± 0.16 μg/ml, respectively.
Fulltext A Web-Based Psychoeducational Intervention Program for Depression and Anxiety in an Adult Community in Selangor, Malaysia: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Kader Maideen SF, Mohd Sidik S, Rampal L, Mukhtar F, Ibrahim N, Phang CK, et al.

JMIR Res Protoc, 2016;5(2):e112.
PMID: 27329333 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.4622

Mental disorders are a major public health problem and are debilitating in many nations throughout the world. Many individuals either do not or are not able to access treatment. The Internet can be a medium to convey to the community accessible evidenced-based interventions to reduce these burdens.
Sensor-less force-reflecting macro-micro telemanipulation systems by piezoelectric actuators

Amini H, Farzaneh B, Azimifar F, Sarhan AAD

ISA Trans, 2016 Sep;64:293-302.
PMID: 27329852 DOI: 10.1016/j.isatra.2016.05.006

This paper establishes a novel control strategy for a nonlinear bilateral macro-micro teleoperation system with time delay. Besides position and velocity signals, force signals are additionally utilized in the control scheme. This modification significantly improves the poor transparency during contact with the environment. To eliminate external force measurement, a force estimation algorithm is proposed for the master and slave robots. The closed loop stability of the nonlinear micro-micro teleoperation system with the proposed control scheme is investigated employing the Lyapunov theory. Consequently, the experimental results verify the efficiency of the new control scheme in free motion and during collision between the slave robot and the environment of slave robot with environment, and the efficiency of the force estimation algorithm.

MeSH terms: Algorithms; Environment; Motion; Robotics; Physical Phenomena; Slaves
Fulltext Efficacy and safety of rVIII-SingleChain: results of a phase 1/3 multicenter clinical trial in severe hemophilia A

Mahlangu J, Kuliczkowski K, Karim FA, Stasyshyn O, Kosinova MV, Lepatan LM, et al.

Blood, 2016 Aug 04;128(5):630-7.
PMID: 27330001 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-01-687434

Recombinant VIII (rVIII)-SingleChain is a novel B-domain-truncated recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII), comprised of covalently bonded factor VIII (FVIII) heavy and light chains. It was designed to have a higher binding affinity for von Willebrand factor (VWF). This phase 1/3 study investigated the efficacy and safety of rVIII-SingleChain in the treatment of bleeding episodes, routine prophylaxis, and surgical prophylaxis. Participants were ≥12 years of age, with severe hemophilia A (endogenous FVIII <1%). The participants were allocated by the investigator to receive rVIII-SingleChain in either an on-demand or prophylaxis regimen. Of the 175 patients meeting study eligibility criteria, 173 were treated with rVIII-SingleChain, prophylactically (N = 146) or on-demand (N = 27). The total cumulative exposure was 14 306 exposure days (EDs), with 120 participants reaching ≥50 EDs and 52 participants having ≥100 EDs. Hemostatic efficacy was rated by the investigator as excellent or good in 93.8% of the 835 bleeds treated and assessed. Across all prophylaxis regimens, the median annualized spontaneous bleeding rate was 0.00 (Q1, Q3: 0.0, 2.4) and the median overall annualized bleeding rate (ABR) was 1.14 (Q1, Q3: 0.0, 4.2). Surgical hemostasis was rated as excellent/good in 100% of major surgeries by the investigator. No participant developed FVIII inhibitors. In conclusion, rVIII-SingleChain is a novel rFVIII molecule showing excellent hemostatic efficacy in surgery and in the control of bleeding events, low ABR in patients on prophylaxis, and a favorable safety profile in this large clinical study. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01486927.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Demography; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Factor VIII/administration & dosage; Factor VIII/adverse effects*; Factor VIII/pharmacokinetics; Factor VIII/therapeutic use*; Hemophilia A/drug therapy*; Hemophilia A/prevention & control; Hemorrhage/drug therapy; Hemostasis/drug effects; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Recombinant Proteins/administration & dosage; Recombinant Proteins/adverse effects*; Recombinant Proteins/pharmacokinetics; Recombinant Proteins/therapeutic use*; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Administration, Intravenous
Fulltext Isolation and characterization of cyclo-(tryptophanyl-prolyl) and chloramphenicol from Streptomyces sp. SUK 25 with antimethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus activity

Alshaibani MM, Jalil J, Sidik NM, Edrada-Ebel R, Zin NM

Drug Des Devel Ther, 2016;10:1817-27.
PMID: 27330275 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S101212

BACKGROUND: Zingiber spectabile, commonly known as Beehive Ginger, is used as an ethnobotanical plant in many countries as an appetizer or to treat stomachache, toothache, muscle sprain, and as a cure for swelling, sores and cuts. This is the first report of isolation of Streptomyces strain from the root of this plant. Strain Universiti Kebangsaan 25 (SUK 25) has a very high activity to produce secondary metabolites against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates due to acquired multidrug resistance genes and causes medication failure in some clinical cases worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence exhibited that the most closely related strain was Streptomyces omiyaensis NBRC 13449T (99.0% similarity).
AIM: This study was conducted to carry out the extraction, identification, and biological evaluation of active metabolites isolated from SUK 25 against three MRSA strains, namely, MRSA ATCC 43300, MRSA ATCC 33591, and MRSA ATCC 49476.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The production of secondary metabolites by this strain was optimized through Thronton's media. Isolation, purification, and identification of the bioactive compounds were carried out using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared, and one-dimensional and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance.
RESULTS: During screening procedure, SUK 25 exhibited good antimicrobial potential against several strains of MRSA. The best biological activity was shown from fraction number VII and its subfractions F2 and F3 with minimum inhibitory concentration values at 16 µg/mL and 8 µg/mL, respectively. These two subfractions were identified as diketopiperazine cyclo-(tryptophanyl-prolyl) and chloramphenicol.
CONCLUSION: On the basis of obtained results, SUK 25 isolated from Z. spectabile can be regarded as a new valuable source to produce secondary metabolites against bacteria, especially MRSA.

MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry; Chloramphenicol/isolation & purification*; Chloramphenicol/pharmacology*; Chloramphenicol/chemistry; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics*; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/chemistry; Tryptophan/analogs & derivatives*; Tryptophan/isolation & purification; Tryptophan/pharmacology; Tryptophan/chemistry; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Fulltext Biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant derivatives and their new avenues in pharmacological applications - An updated report

Kuppusamy P, Yusoff MM, Maniam GP, Govindan N

Saudi Pharm J, 2016 Jul;24(4):473-84.
PMID: 27330378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2014.11.013

The field of nanotechnology mainly encompasses with biology, physics, chemistry and material sciences and it develops novel therapeutic nanosized materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The biological syntheses of nanoparticles are being carried out by different macro-microscopic organisms such as plant, bacteria, fungi, seaweeds and microalgae. The biosynthesized nanomaterials have been effectively controlling the various endemic diseases with less adverse effect. Plant contains abundant natural compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and other nutritional compounds. These natural products are derived from various parts of plant such as leaves, stems, roots shoots, flowers, barks, and seeds. Recently, many studies have proved that the plant extracts act as a potential precursor for the synthesis of nanomaterial in non-hazardous ways. Since the plant extract contains various secondary metabolites, it acts as reducing and stabilizing agents for the bioreduction reaction to synthesized novel metallic nanoparticles. The non-biological methods (chemical and physical) are used in the synthesis of nanoparticles, which has a serious hazardous and high toxicity for living organisms. In addition, the biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is inexpensive, single step and eco-friendly methods. The plants are used successfully in the synthesis of various greener nanoparticles such as cobalt, copper, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, zinc oxide and magnetite. Also, the plant mediated nanoparticles are potential remedy for various diseases such as malaria, cancer, HIV, hepatitis and other acute diseases.
Fulltext Abdominal obesity indicators: waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio in Malaysian adults population

Ahmad N, Adam SI, Nawi AM, Hassan MR, Ghazi HF

Int J Prev Med, 2016;7:82.
PMID: 27330688 DOI: 10.4103/2008-7802.183654

BACKGROUND: Waist circumference (WC) is an accurate and simple measure of abdominal obesity as compared to waist-hip ratio (WHR). The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between body mass index (BMI) with WC and WHR and suggest cutoff points for WC among Rural Malaysian adults.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 669 respondents from three villages in Tanjung Karang, located in the district of Kuala Selangor. Data collection was carried out by guided questionnaires and anthropometric measures.
RESULTS: The prevalence of abdominal obesity for BMI was almost similar for both gender across Caucasian and Asian BMI cutoff points. Based on Caucasian cutoff points, the prevalence of abdominal obesity for WC was 23.8% (male) and 66.4% (female) while for WHR was 6.2% (male) and 54.2% (female). Asian cutoff points gave higher prevalence of abdominal obesity compared to that of WC among male respondents and WHR for both genders. WC showed strong and positive correlation with BMI compared to WHR (in male WC r = 0.78, WHR r = 0.24 and in female WC r = 0.72, WHR r = 0.19; P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested WC cutoff points of 92.5 cm in men and 85.5 cm in women is the optimal number for detection of abdominal obesity.
CONCLUSIONS: WC is the best indicator as compared with WHR for abdominal obesity for Malaysian adults.
KEYWORDS: Abdominal obesity; adults; body mass index; waist circumference; waist-to-hip ratio
Photodynamic Therapy - A Non-invasive Treatment Modality for Precancerous Lesions

Maloth KN, Velpula N, Kodangal S, Sangmesh M, Vellamchetla K, Ugrappa S, et al.

J Lasers Med Sci, 2016;7(1):30-6.
PMID: 27330695 DOI: 10.15171/jlms.2016.07

Oral premalignant lesions are conditions having high potential tendency for transformation into malignancy. The use of a conservative and effective treatment modality is one of the best strategies for cancer prevention. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive method for topical and selective treatment of oral precancerous lesions. The present study was taken up to determine the efficacy of PDT in oral precancerous lesions.
Fulltext What matters to infrequent customers: a pragmatic approach to understanding perceived value and intention to revisit trendy coffee café

Ting H, Thurasamy R

Springerplus, 2016;5:651.
PMID: 27330917 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2259-5

Notwithstanding the rise of trendy coffee café, little is done to investigate revisit intention towards the café in the context of developing markets. In particular, there is a lack of study which provides theoretical and practical explanation to the perceptions and behaviours of infrequent customers. Hence, the study aims to look into the subject matter by using the theory of reasoned action and social exchange theory as the underpinning basis. The framework proposed by Pine and Gilmore (Strat Leadersh 28:18-23, 2000), which asserts the importance of product quality, service quality and experience quality in a progressive manner, is used to decompose perceived value in the model so as to determine their effects on intention to revisit the café. Given the importance to gain practical insights into revisit intention of infrequent customers, pragmatism stance is assumed. Explanatory sequential mixed-method design is thus adopted whereby qualitative approach is used to confirm and complement quantitative findings. Self-administered questionnaire-based survey is first administered before personal interview is carried out at various cafés. Partial least squares structural equation modelling and content analysis are appropriated successively. In the quantitative findings, although product quality, service quality and experience quality are found to have positive effect on perceived value and revisit intention towards trendy coffee café, experience quality is found to have the greater effect than the others among the infrequent customers. The qualitative findings not only confirm their importance, but most importantly explain the favourable impressions they have at trendy coffee café based on their last in-store experience. While product and service quality might not necessary stimulate them to revisit trendy coffee café, experience quality driven by purposes of visit would likely affect their intention to revisit. As retaining customers is of utmost importance to businesses, and infrequent customers more than often make up the majority of the customers, the study provides meaningful and practical understanding of revisit intention.
The effectiveness of the McIsaac clinical decision rule in the management of sore throat: an evaluation from a pediatrics ward

Thillaivanam S, Amin AM, Gopalakrishnan S, Ibrahim B

Pediatr Res, 2016 Oct;80(4):516-20.
PMID: 27331353 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.113

BACKGROUND: Sore throats may be due to either viral or group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) infections; but diagnosis of the etiology of a sore throat is difficult, often leading to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and consequent increases in bacterial resistance. Scoring symptoms using the McIsaac clinical decision rule can help physicians to diagnose and manage streptococcal infections leading to sore throat and have been recommended by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. In this paper, we offer the first assessment of the effectiveness of the McIsaac rule in a clinical setting in Malaysia.
METHOD: This study is a retrospective review of 116 pediatric patients presenting with sore throat. Group A comprised patients before the implementation of the McIsaac rule and Group B comprised patients after the implementation.
RESULTS: Unnecessary throat swab cultures were reduced by 40% (P = 0.003). Redundant antibiotic prescriptions were reduced by 26.5% (P = 0.003) and the overall use of antibiotics was reduced by 22.1% (P = 0.003). The pediatricians' compliance rate to McIsaac rule criteria was 45% before implementation of the McIsaac rule, but improved to 67.9% (P = 0.0005) after implementation.
DISCUSSION: The McIsaac rule is an effective tool for the management of sore throat in children in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Algorithms; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use; Child, Preschool; Decision Making; Female; Hospitals; Hospitals, Pediatric; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Pharyngitis/therapy*; Retrospective Studies; Streptococcal Infections/drug therapy*; Streptococcus; Treatment Outcome; Decision Support Systems, Clinical*
Fulltext Physical Activity and Its Correlates among Adults in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

Cai Lian T, Bonn G, Si Han Y, Chin Choo Y, Chee Piau W

PLoS One, 2016;11(6):e0157730.
PMID: 27332883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157730

Obesity and rates of non-communicable diseases linked to physical inactivity have increased dramatically in Malaysia over the past 20 years. Malaysia has also been identified as one of the least physically active countries in the world with over 60% of adults being essentially sedentary. This study examines the relationship of socio-demographic factors to physical activity among 770 adults from 3 Malaysian states. Physical activity levels were significantly related to ethnicity, gender, age, occupation and educational level. Controlling for inter-relationships among these variables; age, gender, Chinese ethnicity and education level were found to have unique effects on total physical activity, as well as moderate and vigorous exercise. As would be expected, younger people were more physically active, engaging more in both moderate and vigorous types of exercise and males were generally more active than females. Contrary to findings from many developed countries, however, more educated Malaysians were less likely to engage in all types of physical activity. Ethnic Chinese participants, and to a lesser degree Indians also consistently reported lower levels of activity. Possible intervention strategies are discussed that specifically target ethnic and cultural norms related to physical activity. Future research programs exploring barriers to participation and perceptions of physical activity, as well as programs to encourage active life styles among youths are also suggested.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Ethnic Groups; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Regression Analysis; Exercise/physiology*; Marital Status; Young Adult
DNA barcodes and citizen science provoke a diversity reappraisal for the "ring" butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia (Ypthima: Satyrinae: Nymphalidae: Lepidoptera)

Jisming-See SW, Sing KW, Wilson JJ

Genome, 2016 Oct;59(10):879-888.
PMID: 27333330 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2015-0156

The "rings" belonging to the genus Ypthima are amongst the most common butterflies in Peninsular Malaysia. However, the species can be difficult to tell apart, with keys relying on minor and often non-discrete ring characters found on the hindwing. Seven species have been reported from Peninsular Malaysia, but this is thought to be an underestimate of diversity. DNA barcodes of 165 individuals, and wing and genital morphology, were examined to reappraise species diversity of this genus in Peninsular Malaysia. DNA barcodes collected during citizen science projects-School Butterfly Project and Peninsular Malaysia Butterfly Count-recently conducted in Peninsular Malaysia were included. The new DNA barcodes formed six groups with different Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) representing four species reported in Peninsular Malaysia. When combined with public DNA barcodes from the Barcode Of Life Datasystems, several taxonomic issues arose. We consider the taxon Y. newboldi, formerly treated as a subspecies of Y. baldus, as a distinct species. DNA barcodes also supported an earlier suggestion that Y. nebulosa is a synonym under Y. horsfieldii humei. Two BINs of the genus Ypthima comprising DNA barcodes collected during citizen science projects did not correspond to any species previously reported in Peninsular Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Animals; Butterflies; DNA; DNA Replication; Genitalia; Malaysia; Suggestion; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
Efficacy and safety of long-acting recombinant fusion protein linking factor IX with albumin in haemophilia B patients undergoing surgery

Négrier C, Abdul Karim F, Lepatan LM, Lienhart A, López-Fernández MF, Mahlangu J, et al.

Haemophilia, 2016 Jul;22(4):e259-66.
PMID: 27333467 DOI: 10.1111/hae.12972

INTRODUCTION: Recombinant factor IX fusion protein (rIX-FP) has been developed to improve the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of factor IX (FIX), allowing maintenance of desired FIX activity between injections at extended intervals, ultimately optimizing haemophilia B treatment.
AIM: To determine the efficacy and safety of rIX-FP in the perioperative setting.
METHODS: Subjects were adult and paediatric patients with severe to moderately severe haemophilia B (FIX ≤ 2%) participating in three Phase III clinical trials and undergoing a surgical procedure. PK profiles were established prior to surgery for each patient. Haemostatic efficacy was assessed by the investigator for up to 72 h after surgery. Safety measurements during the study included adverse events and inhibitors to FIX. FIX activity was monitored during and after surgery to determine if repeat dosing was required.
RESULTS: Twenty-one, both major and minor, surgeries were performed in 19 patients. Haemostatic efficacy was rated as excellent (n = 17) or good (n = 4) in all surgeries. A single preoperative dose maintained intraoperative haemostasis in 20 of 21 surgeries. Nine major orthopaedic surgeries were conducted in eight patients with a mean of 7 (range: 6-12) rIX-FP injections during surgery and the 14-day postoperative period. Median rIX-FP consumption for orthopaedic surgeries was 87 IU kg(-1) preoperatively and 375 IU kg(-1) overall. No subject developed inhibitors to FIX or antibodies to rIX-FP.
CONCLUSION: Recombinant factor IX fusion protein was well tolerated and effectively maintained haemostasis during and after surgery. Stable FIX activity was achieved with a prolonged dosing interval and reduced consumption compared to conventional or currently available long-acting recombinant FIX.
KEYWORDS: albumin fusion proteins; factor IX; haemophilia B; orthopaedic surgery; recombinant fusion proteins

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Hemophilia B/drug therapy*; Hemophilia B/pathology; Coagulants/therapeutic use*; Factor IX/genetics; Factor IX/metabolism; Factor IX/therapeutic use*; Half-Life; Hemorrhage/prevention & control; Humans; Middle Aged; Postoperative Period; Preoperative Care; Recombinant Fusion Proteins/biosynthesis; Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacokinetics; Recombinant Fusion Proteins/therapeutic use; Serum Albumin/genetics*; Serum Albumin/metabolism; Severity of Illness Index; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Young Adult
Noni (Morinda citrifolia Linn.) fruit juice attenuates the rewarding effect of ethanol in conditioned place preference in mice

Pandy V, Khan Y

Exp Anim, 2016 Nov 1;65(4):437-445.
PMID: 27333840

Morinda citrifolia L. commonly known as noni or Indian mulberry belongs to the family Rubiaceae. Noni fruit juice has recently become a very popular remedy for the treatment of several diseases, including psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to investigate the anticraving effect of Tahitian Noni® Juice (TNJ) against ethanol seeking behavior in ICR male mice using the conditioned place preference (CPP) test. The CPP procedure consisted of four phases: preconditioning, conditioning, extinction, and reinstatement. During conditioning, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of ethanol (2 g/kg body weight (bw)) and normal saline (10 ml/kg bw) were given on alternate days for 12 days. Then, the animals were subjected to extinction trials for the next 12 days to weaken CPP. Finally, CPP was reinstated in the extinguished animals by a single low-dose priming injection of ethanol (0.4 g/kg bw, i.p.). The effect of TNJ (as a source of drinking water) on different phases of ethanol CPP in mice was studied. TNJ-treated mice showed a significant reduction in ethanol seeking behavior in the CPP test. The reference drug, acamprosate (ACAM) also showed a similar effect in the CPP test. The outcome of this study suggests that TNJ is effective in attenuating ethanol craving in mice and could be utilized for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Further clinical studies in this direction are warranted to support the present preclinical findings.

MeSH terms: Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Ethanol; Alcoholism; Animals; Body Weight; Conditioning, Classical; Male; Mice, Inbred ICR; Rubiaceae; Morus; Morinda; Mice; Drinking Water; Craving
Vitellibacter aquimaris sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from seawater

Thevarajoo S, Selvaratnam C, Goh KM, Hong KW, Chan XY, Chan KG, et al.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2016 Sep;66(9):3662-3668.
PMID: 27334651 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.001248

A Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, yellow-orange-pigmented, rod-shaped bacterium designated D-24T was isolated from seawater from sandy shoreline in Johor, Malaysia. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain D-24T is affiliated with the genus Vitellibacter. It shared more than 96 % sequence similarity with the types of some of the validly published species of the genus: Vitellibactervladivostokensis KMM 3516T (99.5 %), Vitellibactersoesokkakensis RSSK-12T (97.3 %), VitellibacterechinoideorumCC-CZW007T (96.9 %), VitellibacternionensisVBW088T (96.7 %) and Vitellibacteraestuarii JCM 15496T (96.3 %). DNA-DNA hybridization and genome-based analysis of average nucleotide identity (ANI) of strain D-24T versus V.vladivostokensisKMM 3516T exhibited values of 35.9±0.14 % and 89.26 %, respectively. Strain D-24T showed an even lower ANI value of 80.88 % with V. soesokkakensis RSSK-12T. The major menaquinone of strain D-24T was MK-6, and the predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. Strain D-24T contained major amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine, two lipids and two aminolipids, and a phosphoglycolipid that was different to that of other species of the genus Vitellibacter. The genomic DNA G+C content was 40.6 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic properties, DNA-DNA relatedness, ANI value and chemotaxonomic analyses, strain D-24T represents a novel species of the genus Vitellibacter, for which the name Vitellibacter aquimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D-24T (=KCTC 42708T=DSM 101732T).

MeSH terms: Base Composition; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Fatty Acids/chemistry; Glycolipids/chemistry; Malaysia; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Phosphatidylethanolamines/chemistry; Phylogeny*; Pigmentation; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Seawater/microbiology*; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Vitamin K 2/analogs & derivatives; Vitamin K 2/chemistry; Flavobacteriaceae/classification*; Flavobacteriaceae/genetics; Flavobacteriaceae/isolation & purification
A mini-review on rare earth metal-doped TiO2 for photocatalytic remediation of wastewater

Saqib NU, Adnan R, Shah I

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2016 Aug;23(16):15941-51.
PMID: 27335012 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6984-7

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been considered a useful material for the treatment of wastewater due to its non-toxic character, chemical stability and excellent electrical and optical properties which contribute in its wide range of applications, particularly in environmental remediation technology. However, the wide band gap of TiO2 photocatalyst (anatase phase, 3.20 eV) limits its photocatalytic activity to the ultraviolet region of light. Besides that, the electron-hole pair recombination has been found to reduce the efficiency of the photocatalyst. To overcome these problems, tailoring of TiO2 surface with rare earth metals to improve its surface, optical and photocatalytic properties has been investigated by many researchers. The surface modifications with rare earth metals proved to enhance the efficiency of TiO2 photocatalyts by way of reducing the band gap by shifting the working wavelength to the visible region and inhibiting the anatase-to-rutile phase transformations. This review paper summarises the attempts on modification of TiO2 using rare earth metals describing their effect on the photocatalytic activities of the modified TiO2 photocatalyst.

MeSH terms: Catalysis; Light; Metals, Rare Earth/chemistry*; Titanium/chemistry*; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods*; Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods*; Photochemical Processes*; Waste Water/chemistry*

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