Browse publications by year: 2016

Ecological distribution of leaf stomata and trichomes among tree species in a Malaysian lowland tropical rain forest

Ichie T, Inoue Y, Takahashi N, Kamiya K, Kenzo T

J Plant Res, 2016 Jul;129(4):625-635.
PMID: 26879931 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-016-0795-2

The vertical structure of a tropical rain forest is complex and multilayered, with strong variation of micro-environment with height up to the canopy. We investigated the relation between morphological traits of leaf surfaces and tree ecological characteristics in a Malaysian tropical rain forest. The shapes and densities of stomata and trichomes on the abaxial leaf surfaces and their relation with leaf characteristics such as leaf area and leaf mass per area (LMA) were studied in 136 tree species in 35 families with different growth forms in the tropical moist forest. Leaf physiological properties were also measured in 50 canopy and emergent species. Most tree species had flat type (40.4 %) or mound type (39.7 %) stomata. In addition, 84 species (61.76 %) in 22 families had trichomes, including those with glandular (17.65 %) and non-glandular trichomes (44.11 %). Most leaf characteristics significantly varied among the growth form types: species in canopy and emergent layers and canopy gap conditions had higher stomatal density, stomatal pore index (SPI), trichome density and LMA than species in understory and subcanopy layers, though the relation of phylogenetically independent contrasts to each characteristic was not statistically significant, except for leaf stomatal density, SPI and LMA. Intrinsic water use efficiency in canopy and emergent tree species with higher trichome densities was greater than in species with lower trichome densities. These results suggest that tree species in tropical rain forests adapt to a spatial difference in their growth forms, which are considerably affected by phylogenetic context, by having different stomatal and trichome shapes and/or densities.

MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Malaysia; Photosynthesis; Phylogeny; Species Specificity; Trees/anatomy & histology; Trees/physiology*; Plant Stomata/physiology*; Plant Stomata/ultrastructure; Trichomes/physiology*; Trichomes/ultrastructure; Rainforest*
Systematic Analysis of Protein Interaction Network Associated with Azoospermia

Sabetian S, Shamsir MS

Int J Mol Sci, 2016 Nov 10;17(11).
PMID: 27834916

Non-obstructive azoospermia is a severe infertility factor. Currently, the etiology of this condition remains elusive with several possible molecular pathway disruptions identified in the post-meiotic spermatozoa. In the presented study, in order to identify all possible candidate genes associated with azoospermia and to map their relationship, we present the first protein-protein interaction network related to azoospermia and analyze the complex effects of the related genes systematically. Using Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, the Human Protein Reference Database and Cytoscape, we created a novel network consisting of 209 protein nodes and 737 interactions. Mathematical analysis identified three proteins, ar, dazap2, and esr1, as hub nodes and a bottleneck protein within the network. We also identified new candidate genes, CREBBP and BCAR1, which may play a role in azoospermia. The gene ontology analysis suggests a genetic link between azoospermia and liver disease. The KEGG analysis also showed 45 statistically important pathways with 31 proteins associated with colorectal, pancreatic, chronic myeloid leukemia and prostate cancer. Two new genes and associated diseases are promising for further experimental validation.

MeSH terms: Algorithms; Gene Expression Regulation*; Humans; Male; Models, Genetic; Receptors, Androgen/genetics; Receptors, Androgen/metabolism; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics; RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism; Protein Interaction Mapping/methods; Databases, Genetic; Crk-Associated Substrate Protein/genetics; Crk-Associated Substrate Protein/metabolism; CREB-Binding Protein/genetics; CREB-Binding Protein/metabolism; Gene Regulatory Networks*; Azoospermia/genetics*; Azoospermia/metabolism; Protein Interaction Maps/genetics*; Gene Ontology
Oliver Guy Dodge

Chang J

BMJ, 2016 Nov 25;355:i6317.
PMID: 27886999 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.i6317
MeSH terms: Great Britain; Malaysia; Pathology, Clinical/history*; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century
Fulltext Oblique impact analysis of cycling helmets made from kenaf (hibiscus cannabinus) and flax (linum usitatissimum) natural fiber

M.N. Abdullah, M.K.H. Muda, F. Mustapha, M.S. Yaakob

Movement Health & Exercise, 2016;5(1):57-67.
MyJurnal

This paper describes the performance of a natural-fiber-based cycling helmet in an oblique impact
with a simulated road surface. The linear accelerations and impact energy of a head form weighing
4 kg were measured and calculated. Helmet standards require helmets to be tested with a simple
drop test onto an anvil. The maximum permitted deceleration of the dropped head form is typically
300g, which is equivalent to an impact velocity of 20 km/h (12.5 mph). The two helmets being
tested were suspended onto a guided drop-table in the particular desired impact orientation. Just
before impact, the test object was released from suspension so it can move unrestrained thereafter.
The main advantage of this process is that the object is free to move naturally during impact, which
provides for more realistic drop-testing. For oblique impact test, all helmets tested passed the
requirement set by EN1078:2007 with linear acceleration measured lower than 250 g in a free fall
test from 1.5 m platform. By comparing the resultant linear acceleration with a commercial cycling
helmet, Kabuto Aero SL, flax aero helmet shows 11.82% reduction in the resultant linear
acceleration with 214.16g. The Kenaf helmet recorded 168.48g, which corresponds to a 30.63%
reduction in the resultant linear acceleration compared to the Kabuto helmet and 21.33% reduction
compared to the Flax helmet
Fulltext Motivation influence towards physical activity level among university staff

Kamal AA, Radzani M

Movement Health & Exercise, 2016;5(1):49-56.
MyJurnal

Levels of physical activity are usually affected by a high motivational factor. There are many internal and external motivational factors. Less physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle can be defined as movement of the body equal to the minimum rest metabolic rate. It also refers to passive physical behavior such as watching television, reading, using a computer, talking on the phone, driving a car, meditating, or eating. This study was conducted to determine and investigate the motivational factors that influence participation in sports and physical activities. A survey questionnaire based on the "Exercise Motivation Inventory" (EMI-2) and the "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" (IPAQ) was developed to meet the needs of the study. This study looked at the relationship between motivational factors and the level of physical activity and sports participation among university staff, who involved in their daily lives. Findings that showed university staff were more motivated to perform moderate physical activity in daily life. The motives for physical activity are both in terms of appearance and social factors. Inferential analysis indicated no significant difference in terms of the motives for employee engagement in physical activity and status based on weight. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between physical activity and body weight among staff. There was no significant relationship between participation motives and physical activity among employees.

MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Motor Activity*; Universities; Exercise*
Fulltext Effectiveness of neuromuscular training program in young athletes suffering from lower lateral ankle ligament injuryeffectiveness of neuromuscular training program in young

Soumendra, Saha, Deivendran, Kalirathinam, Taran, Singh, Mohamed Saat Ismai, Hairul Anwar Hashim

Movement Health & Exercise, 2016;5(1):37-47.
MyJurnal

The perception and execution of musculoskeletal control and movement are mediated primarily
by the central nervous system and involve the integration of three main subsystems:
somatosensory, vestibular, and visual. Balance performance and its measurement are influenced
by these sub-systems. This present study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of
neuromuscular-controlled training exercises, comprising BOSU-ball balance training and
conventional physiotherapy exercise training protocols, in terms of stability, balance, and
proprioception in athletes diagnosed with lateral ligament injury of the ankle joint. The Y
Balance test was used as a reliable and valid tool for quantitative balance assessment. Thirteen
players (aged between 19 to 26 years, Mean age = 23.2; SD = 2.46) suffering from grade II &
grade III lateral ligament injury were recruited from the OPD of the department of Orthopaedics
of the Hospital of Universiti Sains Malaysia. All participants were subjected to pre-intervention
or baseline assessments consisting of a of Y-balance test and assessment of proprioception
employing Biodex 4 Isokinetic Equipment. Participants were then introduced to 12 sessions of a
neuromuscular controlled training program (30 min/day; 2 days/wk. for 6 wk.). Findings of the
study revealed that six weeks of neuromuscular exercises training significantly improved
balance, with certain significant aspects of proprioception observed among young athletes
diagnosed with ankle lateral ligament injury.
Fulltext There are no differences between factors determining graft infection in autologous bone flap replacement and acrylic cranioplasty: a prospective observational study at Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Siti Azleen Mohamad, Mohd Safari Mohd Haspani, Badrisyah Idris

Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2016;23(5):83-90.
MyJurnal

Objectives: This study, conducted in 2012, was performed to determine the incidence
of graft infection after cranioplasty procedures and factors affecting the graft infection rate at
Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL).
Methodology: This was an observational cross-sectional case study of patients who
have undergone cranioplasty at HKL over a period of one year (2012). One hundred seventytwo
patients were included in the study. A total of 105 (61.8%) cases were autologous bone flap
replacements, and 67 (38.2%) were acrylic cranioplasty.
Result: A total of five infected grafts were identified among the 172 cases included in the
study, resulting in an overall infection rate of 2.9%. Of this infected group, three (4.5%) were
cases of cranioplasty and two (1.9%) were cases of autologous bone flap replacement. There
was high proportion of male patients undergoing cranioplasty (118 [or 68.6%]) and only 54 (or
31.4%) female patients. The primary pathology in the majority of patients (126 [or 73.2%]) was
due to trauma; only 46 cases (or 26.8%) did not result from trauma. Of the patients, 123 (or
71.5%) had undergone a single cranial procedure prior to their cranioplasty, and 43 (or 28.5%)
had undergone multiple cranial procedures. Most of the patients (114 [or 66.3%]) underwent
cranioplasty 90 days after undergoing decompressive craniectomy while 58 (or 33.7%) underwent
cranioplasty less than 90 days after decompressive craniectomy.
Fulltext Prevalence of escherichia Coli O157:H and enterobacteriaceae on hands of workers in halal cattle abattoirs in peninsular malaysia

Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin, Adamu Muhammad Tukur, Mohd Desa Mohd Nasir, Khairani-Bejo Siti

Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2016;23(5):65-71.
MyJurnal

Background: Several occupational diseases of multiple origins are encountered among
abattoir workers. Presence of indicator microorganisms (coliforms) on hands of workers can be
used a gauge for hygienic practices.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence of E.coli
and enterobacteriaceae among Halal abattoir workers in some government halal abattoirs of
Malaysia. A total of one hundred and sixty-five hand swab samples were collected from workers
of Halal abattoirs in Malaysia. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis for
characterisation and serotyping.
Results: The results have shown that no Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated on
the hands of abattoir workers before and after work. However, a total prevalence of 9.7% was
recorded for all samples during work. For non-O157:H7, total prevalence of 33.3% during work
and 13% after work were obtained. High prevalence was recorded in sample taken during work
from Tampin, Jasin and Kemaman (100% each) while low prevalence where observed in Shah
Alam, Banting and Ipoh (20% each).
Conclusions: Based on the findings the hygienic practices of hand washing among the
workers in few locations was found to be low especially after work.
Fulltext Perceived stress among Malaysian railway workers

Sami Abdo Radman Al-Dubai, Ganasegeran, Kurubaran, Elkalmi, Ramadan, Mohammed Alshakka, Ghanem, Nizar

Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2016;23(5):38-43.
MyJurnal

Background: Stress is a common work-related problem worldwide. Railway workers are
predominantly stressed due to their rigid protocols and limited rest opportunities. This study
aimed to determine the level of, and factors associated with, stress among railway workers in
Malaysia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all 729 railway workers employed
at Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) in eight states in Malaysia via a postal survey. The selfadministered
questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics and the validated
Malay version of Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Response rate was 70.4% (513/729).
Results: Mean (SD) age of workers was 41.4 (10.7), with the majority aged 30 years or
older (79.3%). Mean (SD) perceived stress was 18.8 (4.3). In multiple linear regression analysis,
the significant predictors of high stress were high school versus tertiary education (β = 0.10, 95%
CI 0.11, 1.73, P = 0.027) and being a white collar worker versus blue collar (β = 0.113, 95% CI 0.10,
1.74, P = 0.010).
Conclusions: Education level and type of
Fulltext Cannabis-induced moto-cognitive dysfunction in wistar rats: ameliorative efficacy of nigella sativa

Aminu, Imam, Saliu, Ajao Moyosore, Abdulbasit, Amin, Imam, Abdulmajeed Wahab, Abdulmumin, Ibrahim, Joseph, Olajide Olayemi, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2016;23(5):17-28.
MyJurnal

Background: Cannabis is a widely used illicit drug with various threats of personality
syndrome, and Nigella sativa has been widely implicated as having therapeutic efficacy in many
neurological diseases. The present study investigates the ameliorative efficacy of Nigella sativa oil
(NSO) on cannabis-induced moto-cognitive defects.
Methods: Scopolamine (1 mg/kg i.p.) was given to induce dementia as a standard base
line for cannabis (20 mg/kg)-induced cognitive impairment, followed by an oral administration
of NSO (1 ml/kg) for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze (MWM) paradigm was used to
assess the memory index, the elevated plus maze was used for anxiety-like behaviour, and the
open field test was used for locomotor activities; thereafter, the rats were sacrificed and their
brains were removed for histopathologic studies.
Results: Cannabis-like Scopolamine caused memory impairment, delayed latency in
the MWM, and anxiety-like behaviour, coupled with alterations in the cerebello-hippocampal
neurons. The post-treatment of rats with NSO mitigated cannabis-induced cognitive dysfunction
as with scopolamine and impaired anxiety-like behaviour by increasing open arm entry, line
crossing, and histological changes.
Conclusions: The observed ameliorative effects of NSO make it a promising agent against
moto-cognitive dysfunction and cerebelo-hippocampal alterations induced by cannabis.
Fulltext Role of the whole body vibration machine in the prevention and management of osteoporosis in old age: a systematic review

Swe, Myint, Benjamin, Biju, Tun, Aye Aye, Sugathan, Sandheep

Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2016;23(5):8-16.
MyJurnal

A literature search of related articles was carried out in electronic data sources. Initially,
276 randomised controlled trials related to the title were collected, after which 44 were selected
using the keywords. Overlapping articles, articles with a study duration of less than six months,
and studies involving young participants were removed from the list. The remaining 20 articles
were checked for entitlement using the PEDro scale. A total of nine eligible articles with 1486
participants were analysed. Seven trials used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure
bone mineral density (BMD). The six trials published from 2005 to 2013 found a significant
increase in BMD. In the remaining one trial, there was no significant increase in BMD. One study
published in 2013 reported a significant increase in BMD measured with peripheral qualitative
computed tomography, whereas another trial published in 2014 stated that there was a reduction
in calcaneal bone density measured by peripheral qualitative ultrasound. From these findings
it can be concluded that the whole body vibration machine is a good adjunctive therapy for the
prevention and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. However, further
investigations are necessary before the same can be recommended for elderly men.

MeSH terms: Aged; Calcaneus; Female; Humans; Male; Osteoporosis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vibration; Absorptiometry, Photon; Bone Density; Information Storage and Retrieval; Postmenopause
Fulltext Hermeneutics in teaching and learning mathematics: revitalising mathematics education

Djauhari, M.A.

ASM Science Journal, 2016;9(2):1-8.
MyJurnal

The paradigm that mathematics is a subject to be taught and learned is not correct. Mathematics is to be
produced. However, without hermeneutics, it would be difficult to do so. Unfortunately, hermeneutics was
all that have been neglected in mathematics education. Meanwhile, only with hermeneutics, teaching
and learning mathematics and also research in mathematics could flourish and be fruitful. Without it,
it would be extremely hard for students to come up with a new creation in mathematics. This paper
aims to shift the paradigm of mathematics education from learning (only) of mathematics into producing
mathematics. Some examples are presented to illustrate the power of hermeneutics in developing
mathematical imagination, ideas, and creativity towards mathematical discovery or invention.
Fulltext Acoustic comfort in industrial office: a preliminary study at a manufacturing company in Malaysia

Farah Elida Selamat, Rozli Zulkifli

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(101):7-14.
MyJurnal

Acoustics issues such as noise in the workplace remains one of the most prevalence occupational hazard especially in
the manufacturing industry with heavy machineries. Increasing mechanization in all industries and most trades has
since proliferated the noise problem. In Malaysia, much has been studied and is known about the auditory effects of
noise. However less attention has been given to the non-auditory effects of noise such as annoyance, stress, and work
performance, and concern about such effects is a relatively recent phenomenon. In view of this, this study aims to
determine the level of noise from different type of machines and tools in a manufacturing plant and also the effects
of noise to the employees. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the effects of noise on the workers and
sound level meter was used to measure the noise level at selected work areas. The results of this study showed that
nearly all the identified work areas exceeded the action level of 85 dB(A) and four of these areas noise levels’ are
more than 90 dB(A) which is the permissible exposure limit according to the Factories and Machinery (Noise
Exposure) Regulations 1989. For the questionnaire, it was found that annoyance topped the noise effects list with
51.4%, followed by stress with 40.0%, hearing deterioration (14.3%) and job performance deterioration (2.9%). As a
conclusion, noise control or preventive measures are suggested in order to minimize the health risks from noise
exposure.

MeSH terms: Work Performance; Attention; Hearing; Hearing Tests; Industry; Malaysia; Noise; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prevalence; Workplace; Manufacturing Industry; Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities
Fulltext A survey among guardians on child restraint system (CRS) usage In central peninsular Malaysia

Noor Faradila, P., Aqbal Hafeez, A., Azhar, H., Rohayu, S., Akmalia, S., Mohd Syazwan, S., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(101):1-6.
MyJurnal

Children are much more likely than adults to get serious injuries in car crashes due to their softer bones, weaker neck muscle and fragile bodies. Child restraint system (CRS) can help in reduce injury and prevent fatality in the event of a crash. Thus the aim of this paper is to gauge the prevalence of CRS usage among guardians of children age below 11 years old. A survey to addressed guardians knowledge on CRS usage, practice and their views on fitting child restraints system to their vehicles were carried out among parents and carers who are caring children aged 11 years old and below. Seventy-four percent (74%) out of 500 respondents cited they have used CRS, however only 40% of them is currently using CRS with their children. Respondent in Kuala Lumpur and younger guardians reported twice likely to use CRS. In addition, graduate respondents are 1.5 times more likely to use CRS for their children. In conclusion, high incorrect usage rate and understanding of the CRS could promote additional injury towards the children in a car crash. Many initiatives could be introduced before the implementation of the CRS law in Malaysia such as awareness, community-based programs and CRS clinics that aim to guide guardians on the correct and effective way of installing the CRS device in their car.

MeSH terms: Adult; Awareness; Child; Child Care; Empathy; Humans; Malaysia; Neck Muscles; Parents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prevalence; Caregivers; Child Restraint Systems
Fulltext P16INK4a: a potential diagnostic adjunct for prediction of highgrade cervical lesions in liquid-based cytology: with HPV testing and histological correlation

Muhammad Amir Kamaluddin, Wong, Yin Ping, Sayyidi Hamzi Abdul Raub, Ahmad Zailani Hatta Mohd Dali, Fauziah Kassim, Vicknesh Visvalingam, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Pathology, 2016;38(2):93-101.
MyJurnal

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer and its precursors. Increased
expression of high-risk hrHPV viral oncogenes in abnormal cells might increase the expression of
p16INK4a. We aimed to determine the role of p16INK4a in detecting hrHPV-transformed epithelial
cells in liquid-based cervical cytology, and compared the results with hrHPV DNA testing by realtime
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Fifty-seven cytological samples were tested for p16INK4a
immunomarker and hrHPV DNA. Test performance of both tests was determined by comparing
sensitivity, specificity and predictive values using available histological follow-up data as gold
standard. Of 57 samples, 36 (63.2%) showed immunoreactivity for p16INK4a and 43 (75.4%) were
hrHPV-infected. A fairly low concordance rate (k = 0.504) between p16INK4a immunolabelling
and hrHPV DNA status was noted. For prediction of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II and
worse lesions, p16INK4a had a sensitivity and specificity of 93.5% and 60%; whereas hrHPV DNA
testing had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 20%. Dual testing by combining p16INK4a
and hrHPV showed sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 33.3%. In conclusion, p16INK4a is
useful in predicting severity of the cytological abnormalities. Although p16INK4a is more specific
but less sensitive than hrHPV in detecting high-grade cervical lesions, a combination of both tests
failed to demonstrate significant improvement in diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and predictive
value. Larger-scale prospective studies are required to assess further whether this biomarker should
be routinely used as primary screening tool independently or in combination with hrHPV testing to
improve diagnostic accuracy in cervical cytology.
Cytotoxic, Antitumor and Immunomodulatory Effects of the Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Seeds

Zheng Y, Wang Q, Zhuang W, Lu X, Miron A, Chai TT, et al.

Molecules, 2016 Nov 02;21(11).
PMID: 27827862

Lotus is an edible and medicinal plant, and the extracts from its different parts exhibit various bioactivities. In the present study, the hot water-soluble polysaccharides from lotus seeds (LSPS) were evaluated for their cancer cell cytotoxicity, immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. LSPS showed significant inhibitory effects on the mouse gastric cancer MFC cells, human liver cancer HuH-7 cells and mouse hepatocarcinoma H22 cells. The animal studies showed that LSPS inhibited tumor growth in H22 tumor-bearing mice with the highest inhibition rate of 45.36%, which is comparable to that induced by cyclophosphamide (30 mg/kg) treatment (50.79%). The concentrations of white blood cells were significantly reduced in cyclophosphamide-treated groups (p < 0.01), while LSPS showed much fewer side effects according to the hematology analysis. LSPS improved the immune response in H22 tumor-bearing mice by enhancing the spleen and thymus indexes, and increasing the levels of serum cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-2. Moreover, LSPS also showed in vivo antioxidant activity by increasing superoxide dismutase activity, thus reducing the malondialdehyde level in the liver tissue. These results suggested that LSPS can be used as an antitumor and immunomodulatory agent.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology*; Humans; Immunologic Factors/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Polysaccharides/pharmacology*; Seeds/chemistry*; Biomarkers; Cytokines/blood; Cytokines/metabolism; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Nelumbo/chemistry*; Cell Line, Tumor; Mice; Immunomodulation/drug effects
Flavonoids-Rich Orthosiphon stamineus Extract as New Candidate for Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibition: A Molecular Docking Study

Shafaei A, Sultan Khan MS, F A Aisha A, Abdul Majid AM, Hamdan MR, Mordi MN, et al.

Molecules, 2016 Nov 09;21(11).
PMID: 27834876

This study aims to evaluate the in vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activity of different extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) leaves and their main flavonoids, namely rosmarinic acid (RA), sinensetin (SIN), eupatorin (EUP) and 3'-hydroxy-5,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF). Furthermore, to identify possible mechanisms of action based on structure-activity relationships and molecular docking. The in vitro ACE inhibition activity relied on determining hippuric acid (HA) formation from ACE-specific substrate (hippuryl-histidyl-leucine (HHL)) by the action of ACE enzyme. A High Performance Liquid Chromatography method combined with UV detection was developed and validated for measurement the concentration of produced HA. The chelation ability of OS extract and its reference compounds was evaluated by tetramethylmurexide reagent. Furthermore, molecular docking study was performed by LeadIT-FlexX: BioSolveIT's LeadIT program. OS ethanolic extract (OS-E) exhibited highest inhibition and lowest IC50 value (45.77 ± 1.17 µg/mL) against ACE compared to the other extracts. Among the tested reference compounds, EUP with IC50 15.35 ± 4.49 µg/mL had highest inhibition against ACE and binding ability with Zn (II) (56.03% ± 1.26%) compared to RA, TMF and SIN. Molecular docking studies also confirmed that flavonoids inhibit ACE via interaction with the zinc ion and this interaction is stabilized by other interactions with amino acids in the active site. In this study, we have demonstrated that changes in flavonoids active core affect their capacity to inhibit ACE. Moreover, we showed that ACE inhibition activity of flavonoids compounds is directly related to their ability to bind with zinc ion in the active site of ACE enzyme. It was also revealed that OS extract contained high amount of flavonoids other than RA, TMF, SIN and EUP. As such, application of OS extract is useful as inhibitors of ACE.

MeSH terms: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry*; Flavonoids/chemistry*; Humans; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/chemistry*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Orthosiphon/chemistry*; Molecular Docking Simulation*
Silencing of PROS1 induces apoptosis and inhibits migration and invasion of glioblastoma multiforme cells

Che Mat MF, Abdul Murad NA, Ibrahim K, Mohd Mokhtar N, Wan Ngah WZ, Harun R, et al.

Int J Oncol, 2016 Dec;49(6):2359-2366.
PMID: 27840905 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3755

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor and most patients have poor prognosis. Despite many advances in research, there has been no significant improvement in the patient survival rate. New molecular therapies are being studied and RNA interference (RNAi) therapy is one of the promising approaches to improve prognosis and increase survival in patients with GBM. We performed a meta‑analysis of five different microarray datasets and identified 460 significantly upregulated genes in GBM. Loss‑of‑function screening of these upregulated genes using LN18 cells was performed to identify the significant target genes for glioma. Further investigations were performed using siRNA in LN18 cells and various functional assays were carried out on the selected candidate gene to understand further its role in GBM. We identified PROS1 as a candidate gene for GBM from the meta‑analysis and RNAi screening. Knockdown of PROS1 in LN18 cells significantly induced apoptosis compared to siPROS1‑untreated cells (p<0.05). Migration in cells treated with siPROS1 was reduced significantly (p<0.05) and this was confirmed with wound-healing assay. PROS1 knockdown showed substantial reduction in cell invasion up to 82% (p<0.01). In addition, inhibition of PROS1 leads to decrease in cellular proliferation by 18%. Knockdown of PROS1 in LN18 cells caused activation of both of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. It caused major upregulation of FasL which is important for death receptor signaling activation and also downregulation of GAS6 and other members of TAM family of receptors. PROS1 may play an important role in the development of GBM through cellular proliferation, migration and invasion as well as apoptosis. Targeting PROS1 in GBM could be a novel therapeutic strategy in GBM treatment.

MeSH terms: Blood Proteins/genetics*; Brain Neoplasms/genetics*; Brain Neoplasms/pathology; Cell Movement/genetics*; Cell Survival/genetics; Glioblastoma/genetics*; Glioblastoma/pathology; Humans; Neoplasm Invasiveness/genetics; Proto-Oncogene Proteins/biosynthesis; Apoptosis/genetics*; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/biosynthesis; RNA Interference; RNA, Small Interfering/genetics; RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/biosynthesis; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation/genetics*
Fulltext Retrospective review on effectiveness of high-amplitude penile vibratory stimulation for conservative sperm retrieval in anejaculatory men with spinal cord injury: an Asian case series

Zamli AH, Ismail NA, Ong KG

Spinal Cord Ser Cases, 2016;2:15038.
PMID: 28053740 DOI: 10.1038/scsandc.2015.38

High-amplitude penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) is recommended as the first line method for conservative sperm retrieval in anejaculatory Caucasian men with spinal cord injury (SCI). Evidence of its effectiveness in Asian population is lacking. We described the effectiveness of high amplitude PVS for conservative sperm retrieval in the anejaculatory local men with SCI. Records of all SCI patients referred for conservative sperm retrieval trial from August 2014 to August 2015 were screened. Those who failed in artificial stimulation methods for sperm retrieval including masturbation, prostatic massage and low amplitude PVS were subjected to high amplitude PVS using Viberect X3. Data pertaining to detailed neurological findings, time to ejaculate, seminal fluid volume and its gross appearance, somatic responses at ejaculation and any adverse events were retrieved. Successful outcome is defined as occurrence of antegrade ejaculation. Thirteen out of 16 patients fulfilled all study criteria. 46% of the patients had neurological level above T6 followed by 34% with neurological level between T7-T12. Preserved reflexogenic and spontaneous erection were reported by 84.6% and successful coitus was reported by 45.4% of the patients. The overall ejaculatory success using high amplitude, high-frequency vibratory stimulation in our study was 46.15%. Among the patients with lesion at T6 and above, the ejaculatory success rate was 66.7% while for the study subjects with lesions below T6 was 33.3%. In conclusion, PVS outcome for sperm retrieval in asian population is comparable to that of Caucasian population. Its use is highly applicable in local population.
Fulltext Norfloxacin and metronidazole topical formulations for effective treatment of bacterial infections and burn wounds

Dua K, Malipeddi VR, Madan J, Gupta G, Chakravarthi S, Awasthi R, et al.

Interv Med Appl Sci, 2016 Jun 01;8(2):68-76.
PMID: 28386462 DOI: 10.1556/1646.8.2016.2.4

INTRODUCTION: Our various previous findings have shown the suitability of norfloxacin in the treatment of bacterial infections and burn wounds in alone as well as in combination with Curcuma longa in various topical (ointments, gels, and creams) and transdermal drug delivery systems.
AIMS AND METHODS: Keeping these facts in consideration, we have made an another attempt to prepare semisolid formulations containing 1% w/w of norfloxacin and metronidazole with different bases like Carbopol, polyethylene glycol, and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose for effective treatment of bacterial infections and burn wounds. The prepared formulations were evaluated for physicochemical parameters, in vitro drug release, antimicrobial activity, and burn wound healing properties.
RESULTS: The prepared formulations were compared with Silver Sulfadiazine cream 1%, USP. Antimicrobial activity of norfloxacin semisolid formulations was found to be equally effective against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in comparison to a marketed formulation of Silver Sulfadiazine 1% cream, USP. Based on the burn wound healing property, the prepared norfloxacin semisolid formulation was found to be in good agreement with marketed Silver Sulfadiazine 1% cream, USP.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest formulations containing norfloxacin and metronidazole may also prove as an effective alternative for existing remedies in the treatment of bacterial infections and burn wounds.

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