Browse publications by year: 2017

  1. Manoharan S, Shuib AS, Abdullah N
    PMID: 28573254 DOI: 10.21010/ajtcam.v14i2.39
    BACKGROUND: The commercially available synthetic angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are known to exert negative side effects which have driven many research groups globally to discover the novel ACE inhibitors.

    METHOD: Literature search was performed within the PubMed, ScienceDirect.com and Google Scholar.

    RESULTS: The presence of proline at the C-terminal tripeptide of ACE inhibitor can competitively inhibit the ACE activity. The effects of other amino acids are less studied leading to difficulties in predicting potent peptide sequences. The broad specificity of the enzyme may be due to the dual active sites observed on the somatic ACE. The inhibitors may not necessarily competitively inhibit the enzyme which explains why some reported inhibitors do not have the common ACE inhibitor characteristics. Finally, the in vivo assay has to be carried out before the peptides as the antihypertensive agents can be claimed. The peptides must be absorbed into circulation without being degraded, which will affect their bioavailability and potency. Thus, peptides with strong in vitro IC50 values do not necessarily have the same effect in vivo and vice versa.

    CONCLUSION: The relationship between peptide amino acid sequence and inhibitory activity, in vivo studies of the active peptides and bioavailability must be studied before the peptides as antihypertensive agents can be claimed.

    MeSH terms: Amino Acids; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology*; Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use; Antihypertensive Agents/chemistry; Humans; Hypertension/drug therapy; Hypertension/metabolism; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism*; Peptides/pharmacology*; Peptides/therapeutic use; Peptides/chemistry; Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects*; Structure-Activity Relationship; Kallikrein-Kinin System/drug effects*; Catalytic Domain
  2. Kamarudin NB, Sharma S, Gupta A, Kee CG, Chik SMSBT, Gupta R
    3 Biotech, 2017 Jun;7(2):127.
    PMID: 28573397 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0767-9
    Uncontrolled disposal of feathers from the poultry industry and slaughterhouses is environmentally undesirable. The feathers are composed of approximately 90% of keratin which is an important ingredient of cosmetics, shampoos and hair treatment creams. This study aimed to determine the optimum conditions for the extraction of keratin from chicken feathers. The extraction of keratin using various reducing agents was studied using statistical experimental design. In the extraction process, pH, temperature, ratio of reducing agents, mass of chicken feathers and incubation time were analyzed. The keratin in the total extracted protein was purified by size exclusion chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and further characterized using amino acids profile analysis. The surface morphology and chemical composition were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Sodium sulfide (Na2S) yielded 84.5% of keratin as compared to sodium hydroxide (43.8), urea mixture (50.6), mixture of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium bisulfite (18.3) and a mixture of Na2S and sodium hydroxide (41.5%) under optimized conditions. The optimum yield of keratin was achieved at 80.9 °C in 9.5 h with 0.05 M sodium sulfide using response surface methodology (RSM). Among the five parameters screened, pH was found not to be significant because the p value was greater than 0.05.
    MeSH terms: Abattoirs; Amino Acids; Animals; Chickens; Feathers; Keratins; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Poultry; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; Sodium Hydroxide; Temperature; Urea; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Reducing Agents
  3. Woon JS, King PJH, Mackeen MM, Mahadi NM, Wan Seman WMK, Broughton WJ, et al.
    Mol Biotechnol, 2017 Jul;59(7):271-283.
    PMID: 28573450 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-017-0015-x
    Coptotermes curvignathus is a termite that, owing to its ability to digest living trees, serves as a gold mine for robust industrial enzymes. This unique characteristic reflects the presence of very efficient hydrolytic enzyme systems including cellulases. Transcriptomic analyses of the gut of C. curvignathus revealed that carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) were encoded by 3254 transcripts and that included 69 transcripts encoding glycoside hydrolase family 7 (GHF7) enzymes. Since GHF7 enzymes are useful to the biomass conversion industry, a gene encoding for a GHF7 enzyme (Gh1254) was synthesized, sub-cloned and expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Expressed GH1254 had an apparent molecular mass of 42 kDa, but purification was hampered by its low expression levels in shaken flasks. To obtain more of the enzyme, GH1254 was produced in a bioreactor that resulted in a fourfold increase in crude enzyme levels. The purified enzyme was active towards soluble synthetic substrates such as 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-cellobioside, 4-nitrophenyl-β-D-cellobioside and 4-nitrophenyl-β-D-lactoside but was non-hydrolytic towards Avicel or carboxymethyl cellulose. GH1254 catalyzed optimally at 35 °C and maintained 70% of its activity at 25 °C. This enzyme is thus potentially useful in food industries employing low-temperature conditions.
    MeSH terms: Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Animals; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Cellulose; Gold; Pichia; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Temperature; Trees; Yeast, Dried; Biomass; Isoptera; Cellulases; Transcriptome
  4. Al-Idrus A, Carpentier SC, Ahmad MT, Panis B, Mohamed Z
    PLoS One, 2017;12(6):e0178438.
    PMID: 28575037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178438
    With a diverse host range, Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode) is listed as one of the most economically important obligate parasites of agriculture. This nematode species establishes permanent feeding sites in plant root systems soon after infestation. A compatible host-nematode interaction triggers a cascade of morphological and physiological process disruptions of the host, leading to pathogenesis. Such disruption is reflected by altered gene expression in affected cells, detectable using molecular approaches. We employed a high-throughput proteomics approach to elucidate the events involved in a compatible banana- M. incognita interaction. This study serves as the first crucial step in developing natural banana resistance for the purpose of biological-based nematode management programme. We successfully profiled 114 Grand naine root proteins involved in the interaction with M. incognita at the 30th- and 60th- day after inoculation (dai). The abundance of proteins involved in fundamental biological processes, cellular component organisation and stress responses were significantly altered in inoculated root samples. In addition, the abundance of proteins in pathways associated with defence and giant cell maintenance in plants such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glycolysis and citrate cycle were also implicated by the infestation.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Chromatography, Liquid; Tylenchoidea/physiology*; Proteome*; Musa/parasitology*; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; High-Throughput Screening Assays
  5. Stepien M, Jenab M, Freisling H, Becker NP, Czuban M, Tjønneland A, et al.
    Carcinogenesis, 2017 Jul 01;38(7):699-707.
    PMID: 28575311 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgx051
    Adequate intake of copper and zinc, two essential micronutrients, are important for antioxidant functions. Their imbalance may have implications for development of diseases like colorectal cancer (CRC), where oxidative stress is thought to be etiologically involved. As evidence from prospective epidemiologic studies is lacking, we conducted a case-control study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort to investigate the association between circulating levels of copper and zinc, and their calculated ratio, with risk of CRC development. Copper and zinc levels were measured by reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in 966 cases and 966 matched controls. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using conditional logistic regression and are presented for the fifth versus first quintile. Higher circulating concentration of copper was associated with a raised CRC risk (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.13; P-trend = 0.02) whereas an inverse association with cancer risk was observed for higher zinc levels (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.97; P-trend = 0.07). Consequently, the ratio of copper/zinc was positively associated with CRC (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.40; P-trend = 0.0005). In subgroup analyses by follow-up time, the associations remained statistically significant only in those diagnosed within 2 years of blood collection. In conclusion, these data suggest that copper or copper levels in relation to zinc (copper to zinc ratio) become imbalanced in the process of CRC development. Mechanistic studies into the underlying mechanisms of regulation and action are required to further examine a possible role for higher copper and copper/zinc ratio levels in CRC development and progression.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Copper/blood*; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Biomarkers, Tumor/blood*; Zinc/blood*; Colorectal Neoplasms/blood*; Colorectal Neoplasms/epidemiology; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology; Case-Control Studies; Oxidative Stress/drug effects; European Continental Ancestry Group
  6. Sheikh Ghadzi SM, Karlsson MO, Kjellsson MC
    CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol, 2017 10;6(10):686-694.
    PMID: 28575547 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12214
    In antihyperglycemic drug development, drug effects are usually characterized using glucose provocations. Analyzing provocation data using pharmacometrics has shown powerful, enabling small studies. In preclinical drug development, high power is attractive due to the experiment sizes; however, insulin is not always available, which potentially impacts power and predictive performance. This simulation study was performed to investigate the implications of performing model-based drug characterization without insulin. The integrated glucose-insulin model was used to simulate and re-estimated oral glucose tolerance tests using a crossover design of placebo and study compound. Drug effects were implemented on seven different mechanisms of action (MOA); one by one or in two-drug combinations. This study showed that exclusion of insulin may severely reduce the power to distinguish the correct from competing drug effect, and to detect a primary or secondary drug effect, however, it did not affect the predictive performance of the model.
    MeSH terms: Blood Glucose/analysis*; Computer Simulation; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology*; Insulin; Research Design; Models, Statistical*; Cross-Over Studies
  7. Shahbaz M, Yusup S, Inayat A, Patrick DO, Pratama A, Ammar M
    Bioresour Technol, 2017 Oct;241:284-295.
    PMID: 28575792 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.05.119
    Catalytic steam gasification of palm kernel shell is investigated to optimize operating parameters for hydrogen and syngas production using TGA-MS setup. RSM is used for experimental design and evaluating the effect of temperature, particle size, CaO/biomass ratio, and coal bottom ash wt% on hydrogen and syngas. Hydrogen production appears highly sensitive to all factors, especially temperature and coal bottom ash wt%. In case of syngas, the order of parametric influence is: CaO/biomass>coal bottom ash wt%>temperature>particle size. The significant catalytic effect of coal bottom ash is due to the presence of Fe2O3, MgO, Al2O3, and CaO. A temperature of 692°C, coal bottom ash wt% of 0.07, CaO/biomass of 1.42, and particle size of 0.75mm are the optimum conditions for augmented yield of hydrogen and syngas. The production of hydrogen and syngas is 1.5% higher in the pilot scale gasifier as compared to TGA-MS setup.
    MeSH terms: Coal; Ferric Compounds; Gases; Hydrogen*; Biomass; Coal Ash*
  8. Prabhu S, Vijayakumar S, Manogar P, Maniam GP, Govindan N
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2017 Aug;92:528-535.
    PMID: 28575810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.05.077
    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a type II nuclear receptor present in adipose tissue, colon and macrophages. It reduces the hyperglycemia associated metabolic syndromes. Particularly, type II diabetes-related cardiovascular system risk in human beings. The fatty acid storage and glucose metabolism are regulated by PPARγ activation in human body. According to recent reports commercially available PPARγ activating drugs have been causing severe side effects. At the same time, natural products have been proved to be a promising area of drug discovery. Recently, many studies have been attempted to screen and identify a potential drug candidate to activate PPARγ. Hence, in this study we have selected some of the bio-active molecules from traditional medicinal plants. Molecular docking studies have been carried out against the target, PPARγ. We Results suggested that Punigluconin has a efficient docking score and it is found to have good binding affinities than other ligands. Hence, we concluded that Punigluconin is a better drug candidate for activation of PPARγ gene expression. Further studies are necessary to confirm their efficacy and possibly it can develop as a potential drug in future.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Binding Sites/physiology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism*; Humans; Ligands; Plant Extracts/metabolism*; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Plants, Medicinal/metabolism; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry; Protein Structure, Secondary; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Crystallography, X-Ray; PPAR gamma/antagonists & inhibitors; PPAR gamma/metabolism*; PPAR gamma/chemistry; Molecular Docking Simulation/methods*
  9. Sulong NA, Latif MT, Khan MF, Amil N, Ashfold MJ, Wahab MIA, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2017 Dec 01;601-602:556-570.
    PMID: 28575833 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.153
    This study aims to determine PM2.5concentrations and their composition during haze and non-haze episodes in Kuala Lumpur. In order to investigate the origin of the measured air masses, the Numerical Atmospheric-dispersion Modelling Environment (NAME) and Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS) were applied. Source apportionment of PM2.5was determined using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks were estimated using the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method. PM2.5samples were collected from the centre of the city using a high-volume air sampler (HVS). The results showed that the mean PM2.5concentrations collected during pre-haze, haze and post-haze periods were 24.5±12.0μgm-3, 72.3±38.0μgm-3and 14.3±3.58μgm-3, respectively. The highest concentration of PM2.5during haze episode was five times higher than World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Inorganic compositions of PM2.5, including trace elements and water soluble ions were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ion chromatography (IC), respectively. The major trace elements identified were K, Al, Ca, Mg and Fe which accounted for approximately 93%, 91% and 92% of the overall metals' portions recorded during pre-haze, haze and post-haze periods, respectively. For water-soluble ions, secondary inorganic aerosols (SO42-, NO3-and NH4+) contributed around 12%, 43% and 16% of the overall PM2.5mass during pre-haze, haze and post-haze periods, respectively. During haze periods, the predominant source identified using PMF was secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) and biomass burning where the NAME simulations indicate the importance of fires in Sumatra, Indonesia. The main source during pre-haze and post-haze were mix SIA and road dust as well as mineral dust, respectively. The highest non-carcinogenic health risk during haze episode was estimated among the infant group (HI=1.06) while the highest carcinogenic health risk was estimated among the adult group (2.27×10-5).
    MeSH terms: Air Pollutants/analysis*; Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data*; Cities; Environmental Exposure/analysis*; Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data; Fires; Humans; Malaysia; Trace Elements/analysis; Risk Assessment*; Particulate Matter/analysis
  10. Ting YH, Lu TJ, Johnson AW, Shie JT, Chen BR, Kumar S S, et al.
    J Biol Chem, 2017 Jan 13;292(2):585-596.
    PMID: 27913624 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M116.747634
    Eukaryotic ribosomes are composed of rRNAs and ribosomal proteins. Ribosomal proteins are translated in the cytoplasm and imported into the nucleus for assembly with the rRNAs. It has been shown that chaperones or karyopherins responsible for import can maintain the stability of ribosomal proteins by neutralizing unfavorable positive charges and thus facilitate their transports. Among 79 ribosomal proteins in yeast, only a few are identified with specific chaperones. Besides the classic role in maintaining protein stability, chaperones have additional roles in transport, chaperoning the assembly site, and dissociation of ribosomal proteins from karyopherins. Bcp1 has been shown to be necessary for the export of Mss4, a phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase, and required for ribosome biogenesis. However, its specific function in ribosome biogenesis has not been described. Here, we show that Bcp1 dissociates Rpl23 from the karyopherins and associates with Rpl23 afterward. Loss of Bcp1 causes instability of Rpl23 and deficiency of 60S subunits. In summary, Bcp1 is a novel 60S biogenesis factor via chaperoning Rpl23 in the nucleus.
    MeSH terms: Cell Nucleus/genetics; Cell Nucleus/metabolism*; Nuclear Proteins/genetics; Nuclear Proteins/metabolism*; Ribosomal Proteins/genetics; Ribosomal Proteins/metabolism*; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism*; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)/genetics; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)/metabolism; Molecular Chaperones/genetics; Molecular Chaperones/metabolism*; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/metabolism*; Ribosome Subunits, Large, Eukaryotic/genetics; Ribosome Subunits, Large, Eukaryotic/metabolism*
  11. Al-Shibli SM, Amjad NM, Al-Kubaisi MK, Mizan S
    Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2017 Jan 22;482(4):1102-1106.
    PMID: 27914811 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.11.165
    Leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) have long been found associated with breast cancer. So far no high-resolution method such as electron microscopy has been used to investigate the subcellular localization of leptin and leptin receptor in breast cancer. We collected cancer and non-cancer breast tissues from 51 women with invasive ductal breast cancer. Leptin and leptin receptor in the tissues were estimated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). LEP and LEPR were localized at subcellular level by immunocytochemistry (ICC) using ultra-fine gold particle conjugated antibody, and visualized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). IHC showed high presence of LEP and LEPR in 65% and 67% respectively of the breast cancer samples, 100% and 0% respectively of the adipose tissue samples, and no high presence in the non-cancer breast tissue samples. On TEM views both LEP and LEPR were found highly concentrated within the nucleus of the cancer cells, indicating that nucleus is the principal seat of action. However, presence of high concentration of LEP does not necessarily prove its over-expression, as often concluded, because LEP could be internalized from outside by LEPR in the cells. In contrast, LEPR is definitely over-expressed in the ductal breast cancer cells. Therefore, we hypothesize that over-expression of LEPR, rather than that of LEP has a fundamental role in breast carcinogenesis in particular, and probably for LEP-LEPR associated tumors in general.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Breast Neoplasms/metabolism*; Breast Neoplasms/ultrastructure; Cell Nucleus/metabolism; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Middle Aged; Protein Binding; Body Mass Index; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/ultrastructure; Leptin/metabolism*; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Receptors, Leptin/metabolism*; Carcinogenesis
  12. Azam AA, Pariyani R, Ismail IS, Ismail A, Khatib A, Abas F, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2017 May 25;17(1):278.
    PMID: 28545435 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1777-1
    BACKGROUND: Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) is a herb known in ethnomedicine for treating diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, a (1)H NMR based urine metabolomics tool has been used for the first time to identify the metabolic protective mechanism of OS in DM using Streptozotocin (STZ) induced experimental model in rats.

    METHODS: Four different solvent extracts of OS, namely aqueous, ethanolic, 50% aqueous ethanolic and methanolic, at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight (bw) were orally administered for 14 days to diabetic rats induced via intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg bw STZ. NMR metabolomics approach using pattern recognition combined with multivariate statistical analysis was applied in the rat urine to study the resulted metabolic perturbations.

    RESULTS: OS aqueous extract (OSAE) caused a reversal of DM comparable to that of 10 mg/kg bw glibenclamide. A total of 15 urinary metabolites, which levels changed significantly upon treatment were identified as the biomarkers of OSAE in diabetes. A systematic metabolic pathways analysis identified that OSAE contributed to the antidiabetic activity mainly through regulating the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, lipid and amino acid metabolism.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study validated the ethnopharmacological use of OS in diabetes and unveiled the biochemical and metabolic mechanisms involved.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Blood Glucose/metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus/metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus/prevention & control*; Diabetes Mellitus/urine; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage*; Hypoglycemic Agents/chemistry; Male; Plant Extracts/administration & dosage*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Streptozocin; Urine/chemistry*; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Protective Agents/administration & dosage*; Protective Agents/chemistry; Orthosiphon/chemistry*; Rats; Metabolomics; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  13. Chua EY, Zalilah MS, Haemamalar K, Norhasmah S, Geeta A
    J Health Popul Nutr, 2017 05 25;36(1):24.
    PMID: 28545536 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-017-0102-4
    BACKGROUND: The disease burden of indigenous peoples has been augmented by the rising prevalence of obesity and hypertension in this population. This study assessed the ability of obesity indices to predict hypertension among indigenous adults of Peninsular Malaysia.

    METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 482 adults (223 men, 259 women) aged ≥18 years old were measured for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-height ratio (WHtR), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and blood pressure. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the predictive ability of obesity indices for hypertension in men and women. Gender-specific logistic regression analyses were done to examine the association between obesity, defined by BMI, WC, WHtR and WHR, and hypertension.

    RESULTS: Prevalence of hypertension was 25.5%. Overall, WHtR was the best predictor of the presence of hypertension, in both men and women. The optimal WHtR cut-off values for hypertension were 0.45 and 0.52 in men and women, respectively. Obese adults with WHtR ≥0.5 had about two times increased odds of having hypertension compared to non-obese adults.

    CONCLUSIONS: WHtR may serve as a simple and inexpensive screening tool to identify individuals with hypertension in this relatively difficult to reach population.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Hypertension/diagnosis*; Hypertension/ethnology; Hypertension/etiology; Hypertension/epidemiology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Mass Screening/methods*; Middle Aged; Obesity/ethnology; Obesity/physiopathology*; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk; ROC Curve; Sex Factors; Body Mass Index; Prevalence; Health Transition*; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Waist-Hip Ratio; Waist Circumference; Young Adult; Waist-Height Ratio
  14. Tan BC, Lim YS, Lau SE
    J Proteomics, 2017 10 03;169:176-188.
    PMID: 28546092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.05.018
    Proteomics is a rapidly growing area of biological research that is positively affecting plant science. Recent advances in proteomic technology, such as mass spectrometry, can now identify a broad range of proteins and monitor their modulation during plant growth and development, as well as during responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this review, we highlight recent proteomic studies of commercial crops and discuss the advances in understanding of the proteomes of these crops. We anticipate that proteomic-based research will continue to expand and contribute to crop improvement.

    SIGNIFICANCE: Plant proteomics study is a rapidly growing area of biological research that is positively impacting plant science. With the recent advances in new technologies, proteomics not only allows us to comprehensively analyses crop proteins, but also help us to understand the functions of the genes. In this review, we highlighted recent proteomic studies in commercial crops and updated the advances in our understanding of the proteomes of these crops. We believe that proteomic-based research will continue to grow and contribute to the improvement of crops.

    MeSH terms: Plant Proteins/genetics; Plant Proteins/metabolism; Stress, Physiological; Crops, Agricultural/chemistry*; Proteomics/methods*; Plant Development/genetics; Plant Development/physiology
  15. Aman S, Khan I, Ismail Z, Salleh MZ, Al-Mdallal QM
    Sci Rep, 2017 05 26;7(1):2445.
    PMID: 28550289 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01358-3
    This article investigates heat transfer enhancement in free convection flow of Maxwell nanofluids with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) over a vertically static plate with constant wall temperature. Two kinds of CNTs i.e. single walls carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multiple walls carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are suspended in four different types of base liquids (Kerosene oil, Engine oil, water and ethylene glycol). Kerosene oil-based nanofluids are given a special consideration due to their higher thermal conductivities, unique properties and applications. The problem is modelled in terms of PDE's with initial and boundary conditions. Some relevant non-dimensional variables are inserted in order to transmute the governing problem into dimensionless form. The resulting problem is solved via Laplace transform technique and exact solutions for velocity, shear stress and temperature are acquired. These solutions are significantly controlled by the variations of parameters including the relaxation time, Prandtl number, Grashof number and nanoparticles volume fraction. Velocity and temperature increases with elevation in Grashof number while Shear stress minimizes with increasing Maxwell parameter. A comparison between SWCNTs and MWCNTs in each case is made. Moreover, a graph showing the comparison amongst four different types of nanofluids for both CNTs is also plotted.
    MeSH terms: Hot Temperature; Kerosene; Stress, Mechanical; Temperature; Thermal Conductivity; Water; Convection; Ethylene Glycol; Nanotubes, Carbon; Nanoparticles; Physical Phenomena
  16. Jaji AZ, Zakaria ZAB, Mahmud R, Loqman MY, Hezmee MNM, Abba Y, et al.
    J Nanopart Res, 2017;19(5):175.
    PMID: 28553160 DOI: 10.1007/s11051-017-3849-z
    Calcium carbonate nanoparticles have shown promising potentials in the delivery of drugs and metabolites. There is however, a paucity of information on the safety of their intentional or accidental over exposures to biological systems and general health safety. To this end, this study aims at documenting information on the safety of subcutaneous doses of biogenic nanocrystals of aragonite polymorph of calcium carbonate derived from cockle shells (ANC) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. ANC was synthesized using the top-down method, characterized using the transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope and its acute and repeated dose 28-day trial toxicities were evaluated in SD rats. The results showed that the homogenous 30 ± 5 nm-sized spherical pure aragonite nanocrystals were not associated with mortality in the rats. Severe clinical signs and gross and histopathological lesions, indicating organ toxicities, were recorded in the acute toxicity (29,500 mg/m2) group and the high dose (5900 mg/m2) group of the repeated dose 28-day trial. However, the medium- (590 mg/m2 body weight) and low (59 mg/m2)-dose groups showed moderate to mild lesions. The relatively mild lesions observed in the low toxicity dosage group marked the safety margin of ANC in SD rats. It was concluded from this study that the toxicity of CaCO3 was dependent on the particulate size (30 ± 5 nm) and concentration and the route of administration used.
  17. Kalra S, Thai HQ, Deerochanawong C, Su-Yen G, Mohamed M, Latt TS, et al.
    Indian J Endocrinol Metab, 2017;21(3):478-481.
    PMID: 28553609 DOI: 10.4103/ijem.IJEM_82_17
    Southeast Asia faces a diabetes epidemic, which has created significant challenges for health care. The unique Asian diabetes phenotype, coupled with peculiar lifestyle, diet, and healthcare-seeking behavior, makes it imperative to develop clinical pathways and guidelines which address local needs and requirements. From an insulin-centric viewpoint, the preparations prescribed in such pathways should be effective, safe, well tolerated, nonintrusive, and suitable for the use in multiple clinical situations including initiation and intensification. This brief communication describes the utility of premixed or dual action insulin in such clinical pathways and guidelines.
  18. Hashim HA, Shaharuddin SS, Hamidan S, Grove JR
    Psychol Rep, 2017 Feb;120(1):141-157.
    PMID: 28558530 DOI: 10.1177/0033294116685868
    This study examined psychometric properties of a Malaysian-language Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) in three separate studies. Study 1 examined the criterion validity and internal consistency of SAS-2 among 119 developmental hockey players. Measures of trait anxiety and mood states along with digit vigilance, choice reaction time, and depth perception tests were administered. Regression analysis revealed that somatic anxiety and concentration disruption were significantly associated with sustained attention. Worry was significantly associated with depth perception but not sustained attention. Pearson correlation coefficients also revealed significant relationships between SAS-2 subscales and negative mood state dimensions. Study 2 examined the convergent and discriminant validity of SAS-2 by correlating it with state anxiety measured by the CSAI-2R. Significant positive relationships were obtained between SAS-2 subscales and somatic and cognitive state anxiety. Conversely, state self-confidence was negatively related to SAS-2 subscales. In addition, significant differences were observed between men and women in somatic anxiety. Study 3 examined the factorial validity of the Malaysian SAS-2 using confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 539 young athletes. Confirmatory factor analysis results provided strong support for the SAS-2 factor structure. Path loadings exceeding 0.5 indicated convergent validity among the subscales, and low to moderate subscale intercorrelations provided evidence of discriminant validity. Overall, the results supported the criterion and construct validity of this Malaysian-language SAS-2 instrument.
  19. Yusoff NHM, Mansor SM, Müller CP, Hassan Z
    Behav Brain Res, 2017 08 14;332:1-6.
    PMID: 28559179 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.059
    Mitragynine is the main psychoactive ingredient of the herbal drug preparation Kratom (Ketum), derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom is a widely abused drug in Southeast Asian and has a psychostimulant profile at low-medium doses, while high doses have opioidergic effects. Mitragynine was shown to possess opiate receptor affinity. However, its role in the behavioural effects of mitragynine is unclear. Here we asked whether the reinforcing effects of mitragynine are mediated by opiate receptors using a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in rats. In the first experiment we tested the effects of the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0mg/kg) on the acquisition of mitragynine (10mg/kg)-induced CPP. In the second experiment, we tested the involvement of opiate receptors in the expression of mitragynine-induced CPP in rats. We found that naloxone suppresses the acquisition of mitragynine-induced CPP. This effect was already evident at a dose of naloxone (0.1mg/kg) which, by itself, had no conditioned place aversion (CPA) effect. Higher doses of naloxone induced a CPA and blocked mitragynine-induced CPP. In contrast, naloxone had no effect on the expression of mitragynine-induced CPP. These findings suggest that the acquisition, but not the expression of the reinforcing effects of mitragynine is mediated by opiate receptors.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Conditioning (Psychology)/drug effects*; Conditioning (Psychology)/physiology; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Male; Motor Activity/drug effects; Motor Activity/physiology; Naloxone/pharmacology; Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Psychotropic Drugs/isolation & purification; Psychotropic Drugs/pharmacology*; Receptors, Opioid/metabolism*; Reinforcement (Psychology); Spatial Behavior/drug effects*; Spatial Behavior/physiology; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Plant Leaves; Substance-Related Disorders/drug therapy; Substance-Related Disorders/metabolism; Mitragyna; Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids/isolation & purification; Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids/pharmacology*
  20. Ramlan NF, Sata NSAM, Hassan SN, Bakar NA, Ahmad S, Zulkifli SZ, et al.
    Behav Brain Res, 2017 08 14;332:40-49.
    PMID: 28559182 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.048
    Exposure to ethanol during critical period of development can cause severe impairments in the central nervous system (CNS). This study was conducted to assess the neurotoxic effects of chronic embryonic exposure to ethanol in the zebrafish, taking into consideration the time dependent effect. Two types of exposure regimen were applied in this study. Withdrawal exposure group received daily exposure starting from gastrulation until hatching, while continuous exposure group received daily exposure from gastrulation until behavioural assessment at 6dpf (days post fertilization). Chronic embryonic exposure to ethanol decreased spontaneous tail coiling at 24hpf (hour post fertilization), heart rate at 48hpf and increased mortality rate at 72hpf. The number of apoptotic cells in the embryos treated with ethanol was significantly increased as compared to the control. We also measured the morphological abnormalities and the most prominent effects can be observed in the treated embryos exposed to 1.50% and 2.00%. The treated embryos showed shorter body length, larger egg yolk, smaller eye diameter and heart edema as compared to the control. Larvae received 0.75% continuous ethanol exposure exhibited decreased swimming activity and increased anxiety related behavior, while withdrawal ethanol exposure showed increased swimming activity and decreased anxiety related behavior as compared to the respective control. Biochemical analysis exhibited that ethanol exposure for both exposure regimens altered proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids of the zebrafish larvae. Our results indicated that time dependent effect of ethanol exposure during development could target the biochemical processes thus leading to induction of apoptosis and neurobehavioral deficits in the zebrafish larvae. Thus it raised our concern about the safe limit of alcohol consumption for pregnant mother especially during critical periods of vulnerability for developing nervous system.
    MeSH terms: Ethanol/toxicity*; Animals; Anxiety/metabolism; Anxiety/pathology; Avoidance Learning; Caffeine/toxicity; Central Nervous System Depressants/toxicity*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Embryo, Nonmammalian/drug effects*; Heart Rate/drug effects; Swimming; Time Factors; Zebrafish/embryology*; Zebrafish/metabolism; Zebrafish/physiology; Apoptosis/drug effects; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Embryonic Development/drug effects
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