Browse publications by year: 2017

  1. Ibrahim M, Ahmed IA, Mikail MA, Ishola AA, Draman S, Isa MLM, et al.
    Lipids Health Dis, 2017 Jul 07;16(1):134.
    PMID: 28687076 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-017-0526-2
    BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is the most common disease of large and medium-sized arteries linked to oxidative stress, dyslipidemia as well as chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential health benefits of Baccaurea angulata (BA) fruit juice on the aorta of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits, to detect an accumulation of fatty streak and evaluate the percentage of atherosclerotic lesion accrued.

    METHODS: Thirty-five healthy male adults New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to seven different groups. Four groups were fed 1% cholesterol diet and 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mL of BA fruit juice per kg of rabbit daily (atherogenic groups), while the other three groups were fed commercial rabbit pellet and 0, 0.5, and 1.0 mL of juice per kg of rabbit daily (normocholesterolemic groups) for 90 days. The thoracic and abdominal aorta between the heart origin and bifurcation into iliac arteries of all the rabbits were carefully removed and analyzed accordingly.

    RESULTS: The supplementation of the high-cholesterol diet of hypercholesterolemic rabbits with only 0.5 mL BA/kg rabbit per day significantly (p 

  2. Li H, Yang C, Yusoff NM, Yahaya BH, Lin J
    Neuroscience, 2017 09 01;358:269-276.
    PMID: 28687312 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.06.053
    Few researchers have investigated the direction of commissural axon projections on the contralateral side of the vertebrate embryonic spinal cord, especially for comparison between its different regions. In this study, pCAGGS-GFP plasmid expression was limited to different regions of the chicken embryonic spinal cord (cervical, anterior limb, anterior thorax, posterior thorax and posterior limb) at E3 using in ovo electroporation with modified electrodes and optimal electroporation conditions. Then open-book technique was performed at E6 to analyze the direction of axon projections in different spinal cord regions. The results show that in the five investigated regions, most axons projected rostrally after crossing the floor plate while a minority projected caudally. And there was a significant difference between the rostral and caudal projection quantities (P<0.01). The ratio of rostral and caudal projections was significantly different between the five investigated regions (P<0.05), except between the cervical region and the anterior limb (P>0.05). The projections were most likely to be rostral for the posterior limb followed by the posterior thorax, cervical region, anterior limb and anterior thorax. Our data for the direction of the commissural axon projections will be helpful in the future analyses of axon projection mechanisms and spinal cord-brain circuit formation.
    MeSH terms: Age Factors; Animals; Axons/physiology*; Chick Embryo; Spinal Cord/anatomy & histology*; Spinal Cord/embryology*; Transduction, Genetic; Electroporation; Embryonic Development/physiology*; Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics; Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
  3. Santika T, Ancrenaz M, Wilson KA, Spehar S, Abram N, Banes GL, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2017 07 07;7(1):4839.
    PMID: 28687788 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04435-9
    For many threatened species the rate and drivers of population decline are difficult to assess accurately: species' surveys are typically restricted to small geographic areas, are conducted over short time periods, and employ a wide range of survey protocols. We addressed methodological challenges for assessing change in the abundance of an endangered species. We applied novel methods for integrating field and interview survey data for the critically endangered Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), allowing a deeper understanding of the species' persistence through time. Our analysis revealed that Bornean orangutan populations have declined at a rate of 25% over the last 10 years. Survival rates of the species are lowest in areas with intermediate rainfall, where complex interrelations between soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and human settlement patterns influence persistence. These areas also have highest threats from human-wildlife conflict. Survival rates are further positively associated with forest extent, but are lower in areas where surrounding forest has been recently converted to industrial agriculture. Our study highlights the urgency of determining specific management interventions needed in different locations to counter the trend of decline and its associated drivers.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Borneo; Pongo pygmaeus/growth & development*; Population Dynamics/trends*; Models, Statistical; Survival Analysis; Endangered Species*
  4. Revati R, Majid MSA, Ridzuan MJM, Basaruddin KS, Rahman Y MN, Cheng EM, et al.
    J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2017 10;74:383-391.
    PMID: 28688321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.06.035
    The in vitro degradation and mechanical properties of a 3D porous Pennisetum purpureum (PP)/polylactic acid (PLA)-based scaffold were investigated. In this study, composite scaffolds with PP to PLA ratios of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were immersed in a PBS solution at 37°C for 40 days. Compression tests were conducted to evaluate the compressive strength and modulus of the scaffolds, according to ASTM F451-95. The compression strength of the scaffolds was found to increase from 1.94 to 9.32MPa, while the compressive modulus increased from 1.73 to 5.25MPa as the fillers' content increased from 0wt% to 30wt%. Moreover, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction were employed to observe and analyse the microstructure and fibre-matrix interface. Interestingly, the degradation rate was reduced for the PLA/PP20scaffold, though insignificantly, this could be attributed to the improved mechanical properties and stronger fibre-matrix interface. Microstructure changes after degradation were observed using FESEM. The FESEM results indicated that a strong fibre-matrix interface was formed in the PLA/PP20scaffold, which reflected the addition of P. purpureum into PLA decreasing the degradation rate compared to in pure PLA scaffolds. The results suggest that the P. purpureum/PLA scaffold degradation rate can be altered and controlled to meet requirements imposed by a given tissue engineering application.
    MeSH terms: Materials Testing; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Polyesters/chemistry*; Polymers; Porosity; Compressive Strength; Tissue Engineering*; Pennisetum/chemistry*; Tissue Scaffolds*; Elastic Modulus
  5. Maamor N, Billings CJ
    Neurosci Lett, 2017 01 01;636:258-264.
    PMID: 27838448 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.11.020
    The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of noise type, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), age, and hearing status on cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) to speech sounds. This helps to explain the hearing-in-noise difficulties often seen in the aging and hearing impaired population. Continuous, modulated, and babble noise types were presented at varying SNRs to 30 individuals divided into three groups according to age and hearing status. Significant main effects of noise type, SNR, and group were found. Interaction effects revealed that the SNR effect varies as a function of noise type and is most systematic for continuous noise. Effects of age and hearing loss were limited to CAEP latency and were differentially modulated by energetic and informational-like masking. It is clear that the spectrotemporal characteristics of signals and noises play an important role in determining the morphology of neural responses. Participant factors such as age and hearing status, also play an important role in determining the brain's response to complex auditory stimuli and contribute to the ability to listen in noise.
    MeSH terms: Acoustic Stimulation/methods; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Auditory Cortex/physiology*; Auditory Perception/physiology; Evoked Potentials, Auditory/physiology*; Female; Hearing/physiology*; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/physiopathology*; Humans; Male; Speech Perception/physiology; Young Adult; Signal-To-Noise Ratio*
  6. Akita H, Kimura ZI, Yusoff MZM, Nakashima N, Hoshino T
    BMC Res Notes, 2017 Jul 06;10(1):249.
    PMID: 28683814 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2565-1
    OBJECTIVE: A lignin-degrading bacterium, Burkholderia sp. CCA53, was previously isolated from leaf soil. The purpose of this study was to determine phenotypic and biochemical features of Burkholderia sp. CCA53.

    RESULTS: Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis based on fragments of the atpD, gltD, gyrB, lepA, recA and trpB gene sequences was performed to identify Burkholderia sp. CCA53. The MLST analysis revealed that Burkholderia sp. CCA53 was tightly clustered with B. multivorans ATCC BAA-247T. The quinone and cellular fatty acid profiles, carbon source utilization, growth temperature and pH were consistent with the characteristics of B. multivorans species. Burkholderia sp. CCA53 was therefore identified as B. multivorans CCA53.

    MeSH terms: Soil Microbiology*; Burkholderia*; Biofuels*; Multilocus Sequence Typing/methods*
  7. Chin KY, Low NY, Dewiputri WI, Ima-Nirwanaa S
    PMID: 28684685 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070736
    Risk factors for osteoporosis may vary according to different populations. We aimed to investigate the relationship between risk factors of osteoporosis and bone health indices determined via calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in a group of Malaysian women aged 50 years or above. A cross-sectional study was performed on 344 Malaysian women recruited from a tertiary medical centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They answered a self-administered questionnaire on their social-demographic details, medical history, lifestyle, and physical activity status. Their height was measured using a stadiometer, and their body composition estimated using a bioelectrical impedance device. Their bone health status was determined using a water-based calcaneal QUS device that generated three indices, namely speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and stiffness index (SI). A T-score was computed from SI values using a reference database from a mainland Chinese population. Women with three or more lifetime pregnancies, who were underweight and not drinking coffee had a significantly lower BUA. Stepwise multiple linear regression showed that SOS was predicted by age alone, BUA and SI by years since menopause, body mass index (BMI), and number of lifetime pregnancies, and T-score by years since menopause and percentage of body fat. As a conclusion, suboptimal bone health in middle-aged and elderly Malaysian women as indicated by QUS is associated with old age, being underweight, having a high body fat percentage, and a high number of lifetime pregnancies. Women having several risk factors should be monitored more closely to protect their bones against accelerated bone loss.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Body Composition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Status; Humans; Life Style; Malaysia/epidemiology; Menopause; Middle Aged; Osteoporosis/epidemiology*; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Thinness/epidemiology; Ultrasonography; Bone Density; Body Mass Index; Linear Models
  8. Gnanasegaran N, Govindasamy V, Mani V, Abu Kasim NH
    IUBMB Life, 2017 09;69(9):689-699.
    PMID: 28685937 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1655
    In neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, microglial cell activation is thought to contribute to their degeneration by producing neurotoxic compounds. While dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been regarded as the next possible cell source for cell replacement therapy (CRT), their actual role when exposed in such harsh environment remains elusive. In this study, the immunomodulatory behavior of DPSCs from human subjects was investigated in a coculture system consisting of neuron and microglia which were treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine, which mimics the inflammatory conditions and contribute to degeneration of dopaminergic (DA-ergic) neurons. Assessments were performed on their proliferation, extent of DNA damage, productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), as well as secretion of inflammatory mediators. Notably, DPSCs were shown to attenuate their proliferation, production of ROS, and NO significantly (P 
    MeSH terms: Corpus Striatum/metabolism; Corpus Striatum/pathology; Dental Pulp/immunology; Dental Pulp/transplantation*; DNA Damage/drug effects; Humans; Nitric Oxide/metabolism; Parkinson Disease/immunology; Parkinson Disease/metabolism; Parkinson Disease/pathology; Parkinson Disease/therapy*; Stem Cells/immunology; Stem Cells/metabolism; Neuroimmunomodulation/immunology*; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Microglia/metabolism; Microglia/pathology; Coculture Techniques; Stem Cell Transplantation*; Cell Proliferation/genetics; Dopaminergic Neurons/metabolism*; Dopaminergic Neurons/pathology
  9. Rizwan M, Hamdi M, Basirun WJ
    J Biomed Mater Res A, 2017 Nov;105(11):3197-3223.
    PMID: 28686004 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36156
    Bioglass® 45S5 (BG) has an outstanding ability to bond with bones and soft tissues, but its application as a load-bearing scaffold material is restricted due to its inherent brittleness. BG-based composites combine the amazing biological and bioactive characteristics of BG with structural and functional features of other materials. This article reviews the composites of Bioglass® in combination with metals, ceramics and polymers for a wide range of potential applications from bone scaffolds to nerve regeneration. Bioglass® also possesses angiogenic and antibacterial properties in addition to its very high bioactivity; hence, composite materials developed for these applications are also discussed. BG-based composites with polymer matrices have been developed for a wide variety of soft tissue engineering. This review focuses on the research that suggests the suitability of BG-based composites as a scaffold material for hard and soft tissues engineering. Composite production techniques have a direct influence on the bioactivity and mechanical behavior of scaffolds. A detailed discussion of the bioactivity, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and biodegradation is presented as a function of materials and its processing techniques. Finally, an outlook for future research is also proposed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3197-3223, 2017.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Biocompatible Materials/metabolism; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry*; Bone Regeneration; Ceramics/metabolism; Ceramics/chemistry*; Glass/chemistry*; Humans; Materials Testing; Metals/metabolism; Metals/chemistry; Polymers/metabolism; Polymers/chemistry; Tissue Engineering/methods*; Nanostructures/chemistry; Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry
  10. Hashikin NAA, Yeong CH, Guatelli S, Abdullah BJJ, Ng KH, Malaroda A, et al.
    Phys Med Biol, 2017 Aug 22;62(18):7342-7356.
    PMID: 28686171 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aa7e5b
    We aimed to investigate the validity of the partition model (PM) in estimating the absorbed doses to liver tumour ([Formula: see text]), normal liver tissue ([Formula: see text]) and lungs ([Formula: see text]), when cross-fire irradiations between these compartments are being considered. MIRD-5 phantom incorporated with various treatment parameters, i.e. tumour involvement (TI), tumour-to-normal liver uptake ratio (T/N) and lung shunting (LS), were simulated using the Geant4 Monte Carlo (MC) toolkit. 108track histories were generated for each combination of the three parameters to obtain the absorbed dose per activity uptake in each compartment ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]). The administered activities, A were estimated using PM, so as to achieve either limiting doses to normal liver, [Formula: see text] or lungs, [Formula: see text] (70 or 30 Gy, respectively). Using these administered activities, the activity uptake in each compartment ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]) was estimated and multiplied with the absorbed dose per activity uptake attained using the MC simulations, to obtain the actual dose received by each compartment. PM overestimated [Formula: see text] by 11.7% in all cases, due to the escaped particles from the lungs. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by MC were largely affected by T/N, which were not considered by PM due to cross-fire exclusion at the tumour-normal liver boundary. These have resulted in the overestimation of [Formula: see text] by up to 8% and underestimation of [Formula: see text] by as high as  -78%, by PM. When [Formula: see text] was estimated via PM, the MC simulations showed significantly higher [Formula: see text] for cases with higher T/N, and LS  ⩽  10%. All [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by MC were overestimated by PM, thus [Formula: see text] were never exceeded. PM leads to inaccurate dose estimations due to the exclusion of cross-fire irradiation, i.e. between the tumour and normal liver tissue. Caution should be taken for cases with higher TI and T/N, and lower LS, as they contribute to major underestimation of [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text], a different correction factor for dose calculation may be used for improved accuracy.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Brachytherapy/methods*; Humans; Liver Neoplasms/radiotherapy; Lung Neoplasms/radiotherapy; Monte Carlo Method*; Radiometry/methods; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods*; Yttrium Radioisotopes/therapeutic use*; Phantoms, Imaging*
  11. Luglio HF, Sulistyoningrum DC, Huriyati E, Lee YY, Wan Muda WAM
    Nutrients, 2017 Jul 07;9(7).
    PMID: 28686191 DOI: 10.3390/nu9070716
    BACKGROUND: Obesity has been associated with leptin resistance and this might be caused by genetic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene-lifestyle interaction between -866G/A UCP2 (uncoupling protein 2) gene polymorphism, dietary intake and leptin in a population based study.

    METHODS: This is a cross sectional study conducted in adults living at urban area of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data of adiposity, lifestyle, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, leptin and UCP2 gene polymorphism were obtained in 380 men and female adults.

    RESULTS: UCP2 gene polymorphism was not significantly associated with adiposity, leptin, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, dietary intake and physical activity (allp> 0.05). Leptin was lower in overweight subjects with AA + GA genotypes than those with GG genotype counterparts (p= 0.029). In subjects with AA + GA genotypes there was a negative correlation between leptin concentration (r= -0.324;p< 0.0001) and total energy intake and this correlation was not seen in GG genotype (r= -0.111;p= 0.188).

    CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we showed how genetic variation in -866G/A UCP2 affected individual response to leptin production. AA + GA genotype had a better leptin sensitivity shown by its response in dietary intake and body mass index (BMI) and this explained the protective effect of A allele to obesity.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Alleles; Energy Intake; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Female; Genotype*; Humans; Indonesia; Life Style*; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity/genetics; Polymorphism, Genetic/genetics; Triglycerides/blood; Urban Population; Exercise; Body Mass Index; Leptin/blood*; Leptin/genetics; Leptin/physiology; Adiposity/genetics; Overweight/blood; Lipid Metabolism*; Uncoupling Protein 2/genetics*
  12. Yunus RM, Wazid SW, Hairi NN, Choo WY, Hairi FM, Sooryanarayana R, et al.
    PLoS One, 2017;12(7):e0180222.
    PMID: 28686603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180222
    OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between elder abuse and poor sleep using a Malay validated version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
    DESIGN: This study was divided into two phases. Phase I tested the construct validity and reliability of the Malay version of PSQI. Phase II was a population-based, cross-sectional study with a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Home-based interviews were conducted by trained personnel using a structured questionnaire, to determine exposure and outcome.
    SETTING: Kuala Pilah, a district in Negeri Sembilan which is one of the fourteen states in Malaysia.
    PARTICIPANTS: 1648 community-dwelling older Malaysians.
    RESULTS: The Malay version of PSQI had significant test re-test reliability with intra-class correlation coefficients of 0.62. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that one factor PSQI scale with three components (subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep disturbances) was most suitable. Cronbach's Alpha was 0.60 and composite reliability was 0.63. PSQI scores were highest among neglect (4.11), followed by physical (4.10), psychological (3.96) and financial abuse (3.60). There was a dose-response relationship between clustering of abuse and PSQI scores; 3.41, 3.50 and 3.84 for "no abuse", "1 type of abuse" and "2 types or more". Generalized linear models revealed six variables as significant determinants of sleep quality-abuse, co-morbidities, self-rated health, income, social support and gait speed. Among abuse subtypes, only neglect was significantly associated with poor sleep.
    CONCLUSION: The Malay PSQI was valid and reliable. Abuse was significantly associated with poor sleep. As sleep is essential for health and is a good predictor for mortality among older adults, management of abuse victims should entail sleep assessment. Interventions or treatment modalities which focus on improving sleep quality among abuse victims should be designed.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Elder Abuse/psychology*; Elder Abuse/statistics & numerical data; Elder Abuse/ethics; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/diagnosis; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/epidemiology; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/psychology*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Psychometrics; Quality of Life/psychology*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Rural Population; Sleep/physiology; Reproducibility of Results; Independent Living/psychology*
  13. Densten IL, Borrowman L
    PLoS One, 2017;12(7):e0179058.
    PMID: 28686605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179058
    The current study aims to identify the relationships between implicit leadership theoretical (ILT) prototypes / anti-prototype and five facial features (i.e., nasion, upper nose, lower nose, and upper lip) of a leader from a different race than respondents. A sample of 81 Asian respondents viewed a 30-second video of a Caucasian female who in a non-engaging manner talked about her career achievements. As participants watch the video, their eye movements were recorded via an eye tracking devise. While previous research has identified that ILT influences perceptional and attitudinal ratings of leaders, the current study extends these findings by confirming the impact of ILT on the gaze patterns of other race participants, who appear to adopt system one type thinking. This study advances our understanding in how cognitive categories or schemas influence the physicality of individuals (i.e., eye gaze or movements). Finally, this study confirms that individual ILT factors have a relationship with the eye movements of participants and suggests future research directions.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Cognition/physiology*; Emotions*; Eye Movements/physiology; Face/physiology*; Female; Humans; Leadership*; Male; Nose/physiology; Ocular Physiological Phenomena; European Continental Ancestry Group; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Continental Population Groups/psychology
  14. Leong SH, Ong SH
    PLoS One, 2017;12(7):e0180307.
    PMID: 28686634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180307
    This paper considers three crucial issues in processing scaled down image, the representation of partial image, similarity measure and domain adaptation. Two Gaussian mixture model based algorithms are proposed to effectively preserve image details and avoids image degradation. Multiple partial images are clustered separately through Gaussian mixture model clustering with a scan and select procedure to enhance the inclusion of small image details. The local image features, represented by maximum likelihood estimates of the mixture components, are classified by using the modified Bayes factor (MBF) as a similarity measure. The detection of novel local features from MBF will suggest domain adaptation, which is changing the number of components of the Gaussian mixture model. The performance of the proposed algorithms are evaluated with simulated data and real images and it is shown to perform much better than existing Gaussian mixture model based algorithms in reproducing images with higher structural similarity index.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms*; Bayes Theorem; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/statistics & numerical data*; Microscopy/methods; Photography/methods; Models, Statistical*; Cluster Analysis; Normal Distribution; Multimodal Imaging/methods
  15. Hussain Z, Thu HE, Shuid AN, Kesharwani P, Khan S, Hussain F
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2017 Sep;93:596-608.
    PMID: 28686974 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.06.087
    For many decades, natural herbal medicines, polyherbal formulations and/or decoctions of plant-derived materials have widely been accepted as alternative complementary therapies for the treatment, cure or prevention of a wide range of acute and chronic skin diseases including chronic herpes, prurigo, acute and chronic wounds, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). This review was aimed to summarize and critically discuss about the therapeutic viability and clinical applicability of natural herbal medicines for the treatment of AD in human. The critical analysis of the literature revealed that oral (in the form of capsules, syrup or granules) and/or topical application (alone or in conjunction with wet-wrap dressing and/or acupuncture) of natural herbal medicines exhibit remarkable potential for the treatment of mild-to-severe AD in adults, children, infants and in the pregnant women. In this review, the clinical efficacy of various herbal formulations such as Chinese herbal therapies, Korean medicines, Iranian medicines, honey, natural herbal oils (coconut oil, olive oil and mineral oil), beeswax, dodder seeds and whey for the treatment of AD has been discussed. The clinical anti-AD efficacy of these complementary therapies has been observed in terms of down-regulation in Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, erythematic intensity, Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), pruritus and itching frequency, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and expression of AD-mediated chemokines. Conclusively, we recognized that natural herbal medicines demonstrate remarkable clinical efficacy when used alone or in conjunction with other complementary therapies for the treatment of AD in patients of all ages as well as pregnant women.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy*; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*; Humans; Phytotherapy/methods; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry; Herbal Medicine/methods
  16. Ibrahim NNIN, Rasool AHG
    Skin Res Technol, 2017 Aug;23(3):321-325.
    PMID: 27868242 DOI: 10.1111/srt.12338
    BACKGROUND: Pulse wave analysis (PWA) and laser Doppler fluximetry (LDF) are non-invasive methods of assessing macrovascular endothelial function and microvascular reactivity respectively. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between macrovascular endothelial function assessed by PWA and microvascular reactivity assessed by LDF.

    METHOD: 297 healthy and non-smoking subjects (159 females, mean age (±SD) 23.56 ± 4.54 years) underwent microvascular reactivity assessment using LDF followed by macrovascular endothelial function assessments using PWA.

    RESULTS: Pearson's correlation showed no correlation between macrovascular endothelial function and microvascular reactivity (r = -0.10, P = 0.12).

    CONCLUSION: There was no significant correlation between macrovascular endothelial function assessed by PWA and microvascular reactivity assessed by LDF in healthy subjects.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Albuterol/pharmacology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects; Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology; Female; Forearm/blood supply*; Forearm/physiopathology; Humans; Hyperemia/physiopathology; Male; Skin/blood supply*; Skin/physiopathology; Laser-Doppler Flowmetry/methods; Microvessels/drug effects; Microvessels/physiopathology; Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists/pharmacology; Pulse Wave Analysis/methods*
  17. Valizadeh N, Valian F, Sadeghifard N, Karami S, Pakzad I, Kazemian H, et al.
    Drug Res (Stuttg), 2017 Jul;67(7):385-387.
    PMID: 28320039 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-102060
    Toxin antitoxin system is a regulatory system that antitoxin inhibits the toxin. We aimed to determine the role of TA loci in biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae clinical and environmental isolates; also inhibition of biofilm formation by Peganum harmala. So, 40 K. pneumoniae clinical and environmental isolates were subjected for PCR to determine the frequency of mazEF, relEB, and mqsRA TA loci. Biofilm formation assay subjected for all isolates. Then, P. harmala was tested against positive biofilm formation strains. Our results demonstrated that relBE TA loci were dominant TA loci; whereas mqsRA TA loci were negative in all isolates. The most environmental isolates showed weak and no biofilm formation while strong and moderate biofilm formation observed in clinical isolates. Biofilm formations by K. pneumoniae in 9 ug/ml concentration were inhibited by P. harmala. In vivo study suggested to be performed to introduce Peganum harmala as anti-biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae.
    MeSH terms: Ethanol/chemistry*; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism; Cells, Cultured; Humans; Klebsiella pneumoniae/metabolism*; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Biofilms/drug effects*; Peganum/chemistry*
  18. Zalbahar N, Najman J, McIntyre HD, Mamun A
    Clin Obes, 2017 Aug;7(4):206-215.
    PMID: 28557382 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12200
    The purpose of this study was to examine the association of parental pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI) on offspring weight and BMI change from childhood to adulthood. We analysed BMI data from a subsample of parents (n = 1494) from the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy cohort that started in the early 1980s in Brisbane, Australia: data were collected at pre-pregnancy and then also for offspring at 5, 14 and 21-year follow-ups. Multiple regression for continuous outcomes and multinomial regression for categorical outcomes were performed. A total of 14.7% of offspring experienced BMI change from normal at 5 years to overweight or obese (OW/OB) at 14 years, 15.3% of normal at 14 years to OW/OB at 21 years and 22.8% from normal at 5 years to OW/OB at 21 years. Overall, the strength of the association of parental BMI with offspring BMI was stronger as offspring become older. Pre-pregnancy parental BMI differentially impacts offspring OW/OB across the life course. For every unit increase in paternal and maternal BMI z-score, offspring BMI z-score increased, on average, by between 0.15% (kg m-2) and 0.24% (kg m-2) throughout all three stages of life when both parents were OW/OB; these associations were stronger than with one parent. Parental pre-pregnancy BMI and OW/OB is a strong predictor of offspring weight and BMI change from early life to adulthood.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Obesity*; Parents*; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Risk Factors; Cohort Studies; Young Adult; Pediatric Obesity*
  19. Mustaffa KMF, Storm J, Whittaker M, Szestak T, Craig AG
    Malar J, 2017 07 05;16(1):279.
    PMID: 28679447 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1930-9
    BACKGROUND: Sequestration of parasitized red blood cells from the peripheral circulation during an infection with Plasmodium falciparum is caused by an interaction between the parasite protein PfEMP1 and receptors on the surface of host endothelial cells, known as cytoadherence. Several lines of evidence point to a link between the pathology of severe malaria and cytoadherence, therefore blocking adhesion receptors involved in this process could be a good target to inhibit pRBC sequestration and prevent disease. In a malaria endemic setting this is likely to be used as an adjunct therapy by reversing existing cytoadherence. Two well-characterized parasite lines plus three recently derived patient isolates were tested for their cytoadherence to purified receptors (CD36 and ICAM-1) as well as endothelial cells. Monoclonal antibodies against human CD36 and ICAM-1 were used to inhibit and reverse infected erythrocyte binding in static and flow-based adhesion assays.

    RESULTS: Anti-ICAM-1 and CD36 monoclonal antibodies were able to inhibit and reverse P. falciparum binding of lab and recently adapted patient isolates in vitro. However, reversal of binding was incomplete and varied in its efficiency between parasite isolates.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results show that, as a proof of concept, disturbing existing ligand-receptor interactions is possible and could have potential therapeutic value for severe malaria. The variation seen in the degree of reversing existing binding with different parasite isolates and the incomplete nature of reversal, despite the use of high affinity inhibitors, suggest that anti-adhesion approaches as adjunct therapies for severe malaria may not be effective, and the focus may need to be on inhibitory approaches such as vaccines.

    MeSH terms: Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology*; Cells, Cultured; Endothelium/parasitology*; Erythrocytes/cytology; Erythrocytes/immunology; Erythrocytes/parasitology; Erythropoietin/immunology; Host-Parasite Interactions/immunology; Humans; Peptides, Cyclic/immunology; Plasmodium falciparum/cytology; Plasmodium falciparum/physiology*; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/immunology*; Antigens, CD36/immunology*; Endothelial Cells/cytology; Endothelial Cells/immunology; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  20. Wendel K, Akkök ÇA, Kutzsche S
    BMJ Case Rep, 2017 Jul 05;2017.
    PMID: 28679510 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218269
    Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopaenia (NAIT) generally results from platelet opsonisation by maternal antibodies against fetal platelet antigens inherited from the infant's father. Newborn monochorionic twins presented with petechial haemorrhages at 10 hours of life, along with severe thrombocytopaenia. Despite the initial treatment with platelet transfusions and intravenous immunoglobulin, they both had persistent thrombocytopaenia during their first 45 days of life. Class I human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies with broad specificity against several HLA-B antigens were detected in the maternal serum. Weak antibodies against HLA-B57 and HLA-B58 in sera from both twins supported NAIT as the most likely diagnosis. Platelet transfusion requirements of the twins lasted for 7 weeks. Transfusion of HLA-matched platelet concentrates was more efficacious to manage thrombocytopaenia compared with platelet concentrates from random donors. Platelet genotyping and determination of HLA antibody specificity are needed to select compatible platelet units to expedite safe recovery from thrombocytopaenia in NAIT.
    MeSH terms: Antibodies/blood*; Blood Platelets/metabolism*; Female; Genotype; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Maternal-Fetal Exchange*; Pregnancy; Twins; HLA-B Antigens/blood*; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Antigens, Human Platelet/blood*; Platelet Transfusion*; Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune/blood; Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune/diagnosis*; Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune/etiology; Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune/therapy
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