Browse publications by year: 2017

  1. Taha M, Imran S, Ismail NH, Selvaraj M, Rahim F, Chigurupati S, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2017 10;74:1-9.
    PMID: 28719801 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.07.001
    A new library of 2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl aryl ether derivatives (1-23) were synthesized and characterized by EI-MS and 1H NMR, and screened for their α-amylase inhibitory activity. Out of twenty-three derivatives, two molecules 19 (IC50=0.38±0.82µM) and 23 (IC50=1.66±0.14µM), showed excellent activity whereas the remaining compounds, except 10 and 17, showed good to moderate inhibition in the range of IC50=1.77-2.98µM when compared with the standard acarbose (IC50=1.66±0.1µM). A plausible structure-activity relationship has also been presented. In addition, in silico studies was carried out in order to rationalize the binding interaction of compounds with the active site of enzyme.
    MeSH terms: alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitors*; alpha-Amylases/metabolism; Animals; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Ether/chemical synthesis; Ether/pharmacology*; Ether/chemistry; Imidazoles/chemical synthesis; Imidazoles/pharmacology*; Imidazoles/chemistry; Structure-Activity Relationship; Swine; Molecular Structure; Molecular Docking Simulation*
  2. Hawkes F, Manin BO, Ng SH, Torr SJ, Drakeley C, Chua TH, et al.
    Parasit Vectors, 2017 Jul 18;10(1):338.
    PMID: 28720113 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2277-3
    BACKGROUND: Plasmodium knowlesi is found in macaques and is the only major zoonotic malaria to affect humans. Transmission of P. knowlesi between people and macaques depends on the host species preferences and feeding behavior of mosquito vectors. However, these behaviours are difficult to measure due to the lack of standardized methods for sampling potential vectors attracted to different host species. This study evaluated electrocuting net traps as a safe, standardised method for sampling P. knowlesi vectors attracted to human and macaque hosts. Field experiments were conducted within a major focus on P. knowlesi transmission in Malaysian Borneo to compare the performance of human (HENET) or macaque (MENET) odour-baited electrocuting nets, human landing catches (HLC) and monkey-baited traps (MBT) for sampling mosquitoes. The abundance and diversity of Anopheles sampled by different methods were compared over 40 nights, with a focus on the P. knowlesi vector Anopheles balabancensis.

    RESULTS: HLC caught more An. balabacensis than any other method (3.6 per night). In contrast, no An. balabacensis were collected in MBT collections, which generally performed poorly for all mosquito taxa. Anopheles vector species including An. balabacensis were sampled in both HENET and MENET collections, but at a mean abundance of less than 1 per night. There was no difference between HENET and MENET in the overall abundance (P = 0.05) or proportion (P = 0.7) of An. balabacensis. The estimated diversity of Anopheles species was marginally higher in electrocuting net than HLC collections, and similar in collections made with humans or monkey hosts.

    CONCLUSIONS: Host-baited electrocuting nets had moderate success for sampling known zoonotic malaria vectors. The primary vector An. balabacensis was collected with electrocuting nets baited both with humans and macaques, but at a considerably lower density than the HLC standard. However, electrocuting nets were considerably more successful than monkey-baited traps and representatively characterised anopheline species diversity. Consequently, their use allows inferences about relative mosquito attraction to be meaningfully interpreted while eliminating confounding factors due to trapping method. On this basis, electrocuting net traps should be considered as a useful standardised method for investigating vector contact with humans and wildlife reservoirs.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Anopheles/classification; Anopheles/physiology*; Borneo; Entomology/methods*; Entomology/standards; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Macaca; Mosquito Vectors/classification; Mosquito Vectors/physiology*
  3. Vielot NA, Goldberg SK, Zimet G, Smith SB, Anne McDonald M, Ramos S, et al.
    Papillomavirus Res, 2017 Jun;3:126-133.
    PMID: 28720446 DOI: 10.1016/j.pvr.2017.04.001
    INTRODUCTION: Multipurpose vaccines (MPVs) could be formulated to prevent multiple sexually transmitted infections simultaneously. Little is known about acceptability of MPVs among vaccine health care providers (HCPs) or mothers of adolescent girls.

    METHODS: 151 adolescent vaccine providers and 118 mothers of adolescent girls aged 9-14 were recruited from five geographically-diverse countries: Argentina, Malaysia, South Africa, South Korea, and Spain. We assessed providers' preferences for single-purpose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine versus MPVs (including HPV+herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2, HPV+HIV, or HPV+HSV-2+HIV) via quantitative surveys. Maternal MPV attitudes were assessed in four focus group discussions (FGDs) in each country.

    RESULTS: Most providers preferred MPVs over single-purpose HPV vaccination, with preference ranging from 61% in Malaysia to 96% in South Africa. HPV+HSV-2+HIV was the most preferred MPV formulation (56-82%). Overall, 53% of the mothers preferred MPVs over single-purpose HPV vaccines, with strongest support in South Africa (90%) and lowest support in South Korea (29%). Convenience and trust in the health care system were commonly-cited reasons for MPV acceptability. Safety and efficacy concerns were common barriers to accepting MPVs, though specific concerns differed by country. Across FGDs, additional safety and efficacy information on MPVs were requested, particularly from trusted sources like HCPs.

    CONCLUSIONS: Though maternal acceptability of MPVs varied by country, MPV acceptability would be enhanced by having HCPs provide parents with additional MPV vaccine safety and efficacy information. While most providers preferred MPVs, future health behavior research should identify acceptability barriers, and targeted provider interventions should equip providers to improve vaccination discussions with parents.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Argentina; Attitude; Female; Health Personnel; Humans; Malaysia; Mothers; Parents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; South Africa; Spain; Vaccination; Health Behavior; HIV Infections; Focus Groups; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Republic of Korea
  4. Davies AB, Ancrenaz M, Oram F, Asner GP
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2017 Aug 01;114(31):8307-8312.
    PMID: 28720703 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1706780114
    The conservation of charismatic and functionally important large species is becoming increasingly difficult. Anthropogenic pressures continue to squeeze available habitat and force animals into degraded and disturbed areas. Ensuring the long-term survival of these species requires a well-developed understanding of how animals use these new landscapes to inform conservation and habitat restoration efforts. We combined 3 y of highly detailed visual observations of Bornean orangutans with high-resolution airborne remote sensing (Light Detection and Ranging) to understand orangutan movement in disturbed and fragmented forests of Malaysian Borneo. Structural attributes of the upper forest canopy were the dominant determinant of orangutan movement among all age and sex classes, with orangutans more likely to move in directions of increased canopy closure, tall trees, and uniform height, as well as avoiding canopy gaps and moving toward emergent crowns. In contrast, canopy vertical complexity (canopy layering and shape) did not affect movement. Our results suggest that although orangutans do make use of disturbed forest, they select certain canopy attributes within these forests, indicating that not all disturbed or degraded forest is of equal value for the long-term sustainability of orangutan populations. Although the value of disturbed habitats needs to be recognized in conservation plans for wide-ranging, large-bodied species, minimal ecological requirements within these habitats also need to be understood and considered if long-term population viability is to be realized.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Borneo; Ecology; Pongo pygmaeus; Trees; Ecosystem; Pongo; Remote Sensing Technology; Forests
  5. Ravishankar D, Salamah M, Attina A, Pothi R, Vallance TM, Javed M, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2017 07 18;7(1):5738.
    PMID: 28720875 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05936-3
    The constant increase in cardiovascular disease rate coupled with significant drawbacks of existing therapies emphasise the necessity to improve therapeutic strategies. Natural flavonoids exert innumerable pharmacological effects in humans. Here, we demonstrate the effects of chrysin, a natural flavonoid found largely in honey and passionflower on the modulation of platelet function, haemostasis and thrombosis. Chrysin displayed significant inhibitory effects on isolated platelets, however, its activity was substantially reduced under physiological conditions. In order to increase the efficacy of chrysin, a sulfur derivative (thio-chrysin), and ruthenium-complexes (Ru-chrysin and Ru-thio-chrysin) were synthesised and their effects on the modulation of platelet function were evaluated. Indeed, Ru-thio-chrysin displayed a 4-fold greater inhibition of platelet function and thrombus formation in vitro than chrysin under physiologically relevant conditions such as in platelet-rich plasma and whole blood. Notably, Ru-thio-chrysin exhibited similar efficacy to chrysin in the modulation of haemostasis in mice. Increased bioavailability and cell permeability of Ru-thio-chrysin compared to chrysin were found to be the basis for its enhanced activity. Together, these results demonstrate that Ru-thio-coupled natural compounds such as chrysin may serve as promising templates for the development of novel anti-thrombotic agents.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Biological Availability; Blood Platelets/drug effects*; Disease Models, Animal; Fibrinolytic Agents/administration & dosage; Fibrinolytic Agents/chemical synthesis; Fibrinolytic Agents/pharmacokinetics; Fibrinolytic Agents/pharmacology*; Flavonoids/administration & dosage; Flavonoids/pharmacokinetics; Flavonoids/pharmacology*; Hemostasis/drug effects*; Humans; Ruthenium/administration & dosage; Ruthenium/pharmacokinetics; Ruthenium/pharmacology*; Thrombosis/prevention & control*; Platelet Activation/drug effects*; Mice
  6. Tan CH, Ariffin AA, Ghazali HM, Tan CP, Kuntom A, Choo AC
    J Food Sci Technol, 2017 Jun;54(7):1757-1764.
    PMID: 28720930 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-2569-9
    This article reports on the changes of oxidation indices and minor components of low free fatty acid (FFA) and freshly extracted crude palm oils after storage at ambient (28 ± 1 C) and 60 C for 77 days. The changes in peroxide value (PV), FFA, extinction coefficient at 233 and 269 nm (K233 and K269), bleachability index (DOBI), carotene and vitamin E contents were monitored. PV, FFA, K233 and K269 of both oil samples increased as storage progressed while the values of carotene and vitamin E contents decreased. At the end of storage period at 60 °C, the carotene content of low FFA crude palm oil was 4.24 ppm. The storage conditions used led to the loss of entire vitamin E fractions of both oil samples as well as a reduction in DOBI values except for freshly extracted crude palm oil stored at ambient temperature.
    MeSH terms: Carotenoids; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Oxidation-Reduction; Peroxides; Petroleum; Temperature; Vitamin E
  7. Ling CX, Chang YP
    J Food Sci Technol, 2017 Jun;54(7):2041-2049.
    PMID: 28720961 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-2641-5
    Guava seeds are produced as a waste product by the guava processing industry. Their high carbohydrate contents may suit the carbohydrate needs of the feed sector but their high dietary fiber content limits their feed value. The feed values of fruit seeds can be improved through germination, which involves the mobilization of nutrients through seed enzymes and alters the seed carbohydrate composition. The changes of selected carbohydrates in guava (Psidium guajava L.) seeds brought by germination to those in red bean (Vigna angularis) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were compared. The contents of soluble carbohydrates, digestible starch, resistant starch and cellulose in the seeds were determined. The radial diffusion method was used to detect carbohydrate-degrading enzymes in the seed extracts. Guava seeds were rich in cellulose (402.2 mg/g), which decreased progressively during germination, probably through the action of cellulase. Winter wheat contained the highest starch content (412.2 mg/g) and also distinct quantities of α-amylase and cellulase. The starch contents of all the seeds decreased, but the soluble carbohydrate contents in red beans and guava seeds increased significantly by the end of germination, suggesting the transient oversupply of reserve metabolites. The content of hydrolyzed polysaccharides increased in the germinated seeds with detectable amounts of cellulose-degrading enzymes present, indicating improved value as feed. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of guava seeds as a source of low-cost animal feed supplements.
    MeSH terms: alpha-Amylases; Animal Feed; Carbohydrates; Cellulase; Cellulose; Dietary Fiber; Fruit; Fabaceae; Seeds; Starch; Waste Products; Triticum; Germination; Psidium; Vigna
  8. Zamindar N, Bashash M, Khorshidi F, Serjouie A, Shirvani MA, Abbasi H, et al.
    J Food Sci Technol, 2017 Jun;54(7):2077-2084.
    PMID: 28720965 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-2646-0
    The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and possibility of extracting compounds with antioxidant properties of soybean cake to extend the storage stability of soybean oil. Results showed that the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed for sample to solvent ratio 1:25 while extracting by 70% ethanol for 3 h). The most phenolic compounds equivalents (Gallic acid) was observed for sample to solvent ratio 1:25 while extracting by 70% methanol for 14 h. In addition, the soybean cake extract at concentrations of 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm in soybean oil could significantly lower the peroxide, diene and p-anisidine values of soy oil during storage at 65 °C.
    MeSH terms: Ethanol; Methanol; Aniline Compounds; Antioxidants; Gallic Acid; Fabaceae; Peroxides; Phenols; Plant Extracts; Solvents; Soybean Oil; Soybeans
  9. Hafiz AFA, Keat YW, Ali A
    J Food Sci Technol, 2017 Jun;54(7):2181-2185.
    PMID: 28720977 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-2645-1
    The shelf life of rambutan is often limited due to rapid water loss from the spinterns and browning of the pericarp. An integrated approach, which combined hot water treatment (HWT) (56 °C for 1 min), oxalic acid (OA) dip (10% for 10 min) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), was used to study their effectiveness on the quality of rambutan during storage (10 °C, 90-95% relative humidity). Significant differences were observed in rambutan quality with the combination of MAP + HWT + OA after 20 days of storage. This treatment combination resulted into better retention of firmness and colour (L and a* values) than in the control. Change in the total soluble solid content was significantly delayed however the titratable acidity showed no significant change in comparison to the control at the end of storage.
    MeSH terms: Atmosphere; Color; Humidity; Water; Water Purification; Product Packaging; Oxalic Acid
  10. Ellulu MS, Patimah I, Khaza'ai H, Rahmat A, Abed Y
    Arch Med Sci, 2017 Jun;13(4):851-863.
    PMID: 28721154 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2016.58928
    Obesity is the accumulation of abnormal or excessive fat that may interfere with the maintenance of an optimal state of health. The excess of macronutrients in the adipose tissues stimulates them to release inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6, and reduces production of adiponectin, predisposing to a pro-inflammatory state and oxidative stress. The increased level of interleukin 6 stimulates the liver to synthesize and secrete C-reactive protein. As a risk factor, inflammation is an imbedded mechanism of developed cardiovascular diseases including coagulation, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus. It is also associated with development of non-cardiovascular diseases such as psoriasis, depression, cancer, and renal diseases. On the other hand, a reduced level of adiponectin, a significant predictor of cardiovascular mortality, is associated with impaired fasting glucose, leading to type-2 diabetes development, metabolic abnormalities, coronary artery calcification, and stroke. Finally, managing obesity can help reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases and poor outcome via inhibiting inflammatory mechanisms.
  11. Othman R, Hasni SI, Baharuddin ZM, Hashim KSH, Mahamod LH
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 Oct;24(29):22861-22872.
    PMID: 28721625 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9715-9
    Slope failure has become a major concern in Malaysia due to the rapid development and urbanisation in the country. It poses severe threats to any highway construction industry, residential areas, natural resources and tourism activities. The extent of damages that resulted from this catastrophe can be lessened if a long-term early warning system to predict landslide prone areas is implemented. Thus, this study aims to characterise the relationship between Oxisols properties and soil colour variables to be manipulated as key indicators to forecast shallow slope failure. The concentration of each soil property in slope soil was evaluated from two different localities that consist of 120 soil samples from stable and unstable slopes located along the North-South Highway (PLUS) and East-West Highway (LPT). Analysis of variance established highly significant difference (P 
    MeSH terms: Aluminum Silicates/chemistry*; Color; Disasters/prevention & control*; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Malaysia; Soil/chemistry*; Soil Pollutants/analysis; Risk Assessment; Landslides*
  12. Bauer M, Glenn T, Alda M, Aleksandrovich MA, Andreassen OA, Angelopoulos E, et al.
    Acta Psychiatr Scand, 2017 Dec;136(6):571-582.
    PMID: 28722128 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12772
    OBJECTIVE: To confirm prior findings that the larger the maximum monthly increase in solar insolation in springtime, the younger the age of onset of bipolar disorder.

    METHOD: Data were collected from 5536 patients at 50 sites in 32 countries on six continents. Onset occurred at 456 locations in 57 countries. Variables included solar insolation, birth-cohort, family history, polarity of first episode and country physician density.

    RESULTS: There was a significant, inverse association between the maximum monthly increase in solar insolation at the onset location, and the age of onset. This effect was reduced in those without a family history of mood disorders and with a first episode of mania rather than depression. The maximum monthly increase occurred in springtime. The youngest birth-cohort had the youngest age of onset. All prior relationships were confirmed using both the entire sample, and only the youngest birth-cohort (all estimated coefficients P < 0.001).

    CONCLUSION: A large increase in springtime solar insolation may impact the onset of bipolar disorder, especially with a family history of mood disorders. Recent societal changes that affect light exposure (LED lighting, mobile devices backlit with LEDs) may influence adaptability to a springtime circadian challenge.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Africa/epidemiology; Asia/epidemiology; Australia/epidemiology; Bipolar Disorder/epidemiology*; Europe/epidemiology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; North America/epidemiology; Seasons*; South America/epidemiology; Sunlight; Solar System; Age of Onset; Internationality*; Young Adult; Electromagnetic Radiation*
  13. Woh PY, Thong KL, Behnke JM, Lewis JW, Zain SNM
    J Food Prot, 2017 Aug;80(8):1378-1383.
    PMID: 28722485 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-16-342
    Asymptomatic Salmonella carriers who work as food handlers pose food safety and public health risks, particularly during food preparation, and this has serious implications for the disease burden in society. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine the number of Salmonella carriers in a migrant cohort in several food establishments in three major cities in Peninsular Malaysia. Sociodemographic data and stool samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods of detection and isolation. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests of the positive samples were also performed. A total of 317 migrant food handlers, originating from South and Southeast Asian countries, were recruited voluntarily. Nine (2.8%) stool samples were confirmed to be Salmonella positive. PCR serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis identified four serotypes as Typhimurium (n = 3), Corvallis (n = 2), Hadar (n = 1), Agona (n = 1) and two unknown serovars. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that all nine isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and gentamycin. However, seven isolates were found to be multidrug resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sulfonamides, streptomycin, and tetracycline. This study highlights that carriers of nontyphoidal Salmonella exist among migrant food handlers, which poses a health risk to consumers through food contamination. Our results indicate a need for authorities to enhance food safety awareness in the migrant workers and to reevaluate current health screening methods to include preventive measure such as mandatory stool screening as part of the preemployment and routine health examinations.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Food Handling*; Food Microbiology; Humans; Malaysia; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Salmonella/isolation & purification*; Serotyping; Transients and Migrants*; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  14. Ibrahim A, Alias A, Nor FM, Swarhib M, Abu Bakar SN, Das S
    Anat Cell Biol, 2017 Jun;50(2):86-92.
    PMID: 28713610 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2017.50.2.86
    Sex determination is one of the main steps in the identification of human skeletal remains. It constitutes an initial step in personal identification from the skeletal remains. The aim of the present study was to provide the population-specific sex discriminating osteometric standards to aid human identification. The present study was conducted on 87 (174 sides) slices of crania using postmortem computed tomography in 45 males and 42 females, aged between 18 and 75 years. About 22 parameters of crania were measured using Osirix software 3-D Volume Rendering. Results showed that all parameters were significantly higher in males than in females except for orbital height of the left eye by independent t test (P<0.01). By discriminant analysis, the classification accuracy was 85.1%, and by regression, the classification accuracy ranged from 78.2% to 86.2%. In conclusion, cranium can be used to distinguish between males and females in the Malaysian population. The results of the present study can be used as a forensic tool for identification of unknown crania.
  15. Heidari MH, Movafagh A, Abdollahifar MA, Abdi S, Barez MM, Azimi H, et al.
    Anat Cell Biol, 2017 Jun;50(2):162.
    PMID: 28713622 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2017.50.2.162
    [This corrects the article on p. 69 in vol. 50, PMID: 28417057.].
    MeSH terms: Humans
  16. Islam M, Mohamed Z, Assenov Y
    Int J Genomics, 2017;2017:2913648.
    PMID: 28713819 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2913648
    Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a haematological malignancy characterized by the excessive proliferation of immature myeloid cells coupled with impaired differentiation. Many AML cases have been reported without any known cytogenetic abnormalities and carry no mutation in known AML-associated driver genes. In this study, 200 AML cases were selected from a publicly available cohort and differentially analyzed for genetic, epigenetic, and cytogenetic abnormalities. Three genes (FLT3, DNMT3A, and NPMc) are found to be predominantly mutated. We identified several aberrations to be associated with genome-wide methylation changes. These include Del (5q), T (15; 17), and NPMc mutations. Four aberrations-Del (5q), T (15; 17), T (9; 22), and T (9; 11)-are significantly associated with patient survival. Del (5q)-positive patients have an average survival of less than 1 year, whereas T (15; 17)-positive patients have a significantly better prognosis. Combining the methylation and mutation data reveals three distinct patient groups and four clusters of genes. We speculate that combined signatures have the better potential to be used for subclassification of AML, complementing cytogenetic signatures. A larger sample cohort and further investigation of the effects observed in this study are required to enable the clinical application of our patient classification aided by DNA methylation.
    MeSH terms: Cell Differentiation; Chromosome Aberrations; Cytogenetics; Humans; Mutation; Prognosis; Cohort Studies; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; DNA Methylation; Hematologic Neoplasms; Myeloid Cells; Cell Proliferation
  17. Chin KL, Anis FZ, Sarmiento ME, Norazmi MN, Acosta A
    J Immunol Res, 2017;2017:5212910.
    PMID: 28713838 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5212910
    Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). About one-third of the world's population is latently infected with TB and 5-15% of them will develop active TB in their lifetime. It is estimated that each case of active TB may cause 10-20 new infections. Host immune response to Mtb is influenced by interferon- (IFN-) signaling pathways, particularly by type I and type II interferons (IFNs). The latter that consists of IFN-γ has been associated with the promotion of Th1 immune response which is associated with protection against TB. Although this aspect remains controversial at present due to the lack of established correlates of protection, currently, there are different prophylactic, diagnostic, and immunotherapeutic approaches in which IFNs play an important role. This review summarizes the main aspects related with the biology of IFNs, mainly associated with TB, as well as presents the main applications of these cytokines related to prophylaxis, diagnosis, and immunotherapy of TB.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antigens, Bacterial/immunology; Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use; Humans; Immunotherapy/methods; Interferon-gamma/administration & dosage; Interferon-gamma/therapeutic use; Mycobacterium tuberculosis/immunology; Tuberculosis/diagnosis; Tuberculosis/immunology*; Tuberculosis/prevention & control; Tuberculosis/therapy*; Cytokines; Tuberculosis Vaccines/immunology*; Mice
  18. Hassan MI, Sultana N
    3 Biotech, 2017 Aug;7(4):249.
    PMID: 28714045 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0889-0
    Considering the important factor of bioactive nanohydoxyapatite (nHA) to enhance osteoconductivity or bone-bonding capacity, nHA was incorporated into an electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) membrane using electrospinning techniques. The viscosity of the PCL and nHA/PCL with different concentrations of nHA was measured and the morphology of the electrospun membranes was compared using a field emission scanning electron microscopy. The water contact angle of the nanofiber determined the wettability of the membranes of different concentrations. The surface roughness of the electrospun nanofibers fabricated from pure PCL and nHA/PCL was determined and compared using atomic force microscopy. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study the chemical bonding of the composite electrospun nanofibers. Beadless nanofibers were achieved after the incorporation of nHA with a diameter of 200-700 nm. Results showed that the fiber diameter and the surface roughness of electrospun nanofibers were significantly increased after the incorporation of nHA. In contrast, the water contact angle (132° ± 3.5°) was reduced for PCL membrane after addition of 10% (w/w) nHA (112° ± 3.0°). Ultimate tensile strengths of PCL membrane and 10% (w/w) nHA/PCL membrane were 25.02 ± 2.3 and 18.5 ± 4.4 MPa. A model drug tetracycline hydrochloride was successfully loaded in the membrane and the membrane demonstrated good antibacterial effects against the growth of bacteria by showing inhibition zone for E. coli (2.53 ± 0.06 cm) and B. cereus (2.87 ± 0.06 cm).
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bone and Bones; Bone Regeneration; Escherichia coli; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Polyesters; Tensile Strength; Tetracycline; Viscosity; Water; Wettability; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Nanofibers
  19. Haque MA, Jantan I, Arshad L, Bukhari SNA
    Food Funct, 2017 Oct 18;8(10):3410-3431.
    PMID: 28714500 DOI: 10.1039/c7fo00595d
    Plant-derived immunomodulators and anti-cancer agents have attracted a lot of interest from natural product scientists for their efficacy and safety and their significant contribution towards understanding targeted drug action and drug delivery mechanisms. Zerumbone, the main constituent of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes, has been investigated for its wide-spectrum role in treating multitargeted diseases. The rhizomes have been used as food flavoring agents in various cuisines and in herbal medicine. Many in vivo and in vitro studies have provided evidence of zerumbone as a potent immunomodulator as well as a potential anti-cancer agent. This review is an interesting compilation of all those significant outcomes from investigations carried out to date to explore the immunomodulatory and anticancer properties of zerumbone. The ultimate objective of this comprehensive review is to provide updated information and a critical assessment on zerumbone including its chemistry and immunomodulating and anticancer properties, which may be of paramount importance to provide a new path for ensuing research to discover new agents to treat cancers and immune-related diseases. In addition, updated information on the toxicology of zerumbone has also been summarized to provide its safety profile.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry; Humans; Immunologic Factors/pharmacology*; Immunologic Factors/chemistry; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology*; Sesquiterpenes/chemistry; Zingiberaceae/chemistry*
  20. Dek MSP, Padmanabhan P, Sherif S, Subramanian J, Paliyath AG
    Int J Mol Sci, 2017 Jul 15;18(7).
    PMID: 28714880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071533
    Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is a key enzyme that phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol at 3'-hydroxyl position of the inositol head group initiating the generation of several phosphorylated phosphatidylinositols, collectively referred to as phosphoinositides. The function of PI3K in plant senescence and ethylene signal transduction process was studied by expression ofSolanum lycopersicumPI3K in transgenicNicotiana tabacum, and delineating its effect on flower senescence. Detached flowers of transgenic tobacco plants with overexpressedSl-PI3K(OX) displayed accelerated senescence and reduced longevity, when compared to the flowers of wild type plants. Flowers from PI3K-overexpressing plants showed enhanced ethylene production and upregulated expression of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase 1 (ACO1). Real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed thatPI3Kwas expressed at a higher level in OX flowers than in the control. Seedlings of OX-lines also demonstrated a triple response phenotype with characteristic exaggerated apical hook, shorter hypocotyls and increased sensitivity to 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate than the control wild type seedlings. In floral tissue from OX-lines,Solanum lycopersicumphosphatidylinositol 3-kinase green fluorescent protein (PI3K-GFP) chimera protein was localized primarily in stomata, potentially in cytoplasm and membrane adjacent to stomatal pores in the guard cells. Immunoblot analysis of PI3K expression in OX lines demonstrated increased protein level compared to the control. Results of the present study suggest that PI3K plays a crucial role in senescence by enhancing ethylene biosynthesis and signaling.
    MeSH terms: Ethylenes/biosynthesis*; Fruit/cytology; Pollen/cytology; RNA, Messenger/genetics; RNA, Messenger/metabolism; Subcellular Fractions/metabolism; Time Factors; Tobacco/genetics*; Tobacco/growth & development*; Genes, Plant; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Lycopersicon esculentum/enzymology; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism; Plants, Genetically Modified; Flowers/genetics; Flowers/growth & development*; Seedlings/genetics; Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
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