Browse publications by year: 2017

Categorizing facial creases: A review

Hadi H, Wilkinson CM

J Cosmet Dermatol, 2017 Jun;16(2):180-185.
PMID: 28145033 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12305

Ensuring uniformity in the nomenclature standardization of facial creases is important to enable the scholarly community to follow and debate the advancements in research. This review highlights the prevailing disparity in the nomenclature that refers to the same facial crease by researchers and laypeople, and suggests uniform names for the facial creases based on available literature. The previous and current trends in facial crease classification are also discussed. The nomenclature of the facial creases considered for this review include the following: the nasolabial fold, corner of the mouth lines, upper and lower lip creases around the mouth region, the mandibular folds, the bifid nose, the transverse nasal line, the vertical glabellar line, chin crease, the mental crease, four type of creases around the eyes, forehead creases, and periauricular creases. A figure illustrating the above facial creases is included as reference. It is hoped that the proposed standardization of nomenclature would ensure a more scientific referencing of facial creases enabling more effective scientific interaction among the scholarly community as well as the laypeople interested in the research and application of facial creases.

MeSH terms: Face/anatomy & histology*; Humans; Terminology as Topic; Skin Aging
Fulltext Unraveling the cytotoxicity and metabolic pathways of binary natural deep eutectic solvent systems

Mbous YP, Hayyan M, Wong WF, Looi CY, Hashim MA

Sci Rep, 2017 02 01;7:41257.
PMID: 28145498 DOI: 10.1038/srep41257

In this study, the anticancer potential and cytotoxicity of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were assessed using HelaS3, PC3, A375, AGS, MCF-7, and WRL-68 hepatic cell lines. NADESs were prepared from choline chloride, fructose, or glucose and compared with an N,N-diethyl ethanolammonium chloride:triethylene glycol DES. The NADESs (98 ≤ EC50 ≥ 516 mM) were less toxic than the DES (34 ≤ EC50 ≥ 120 mM). The EC50 values of the NADESs were significantly higher than those of the aqueous solutions of their individual components but were similar to those of the aqueous solutions of combinations of their chief elements. Due to the uniqueness of these results, the possibility that NADESs could be synthesized intracellularly to counterbalance the cytotoxicity of their excess principal constituents must be entertained. However, further research is needed to explore this avenue. NADESs exerted cytotoxicity by increasing membrane porosity and redox stress. In vivo, they were more destructive than the DES and induced liver failure. The potential of these mixtures was evidenced by their anticancer activity and intracellular processing. This infers that they can serve as tools for increasing our understanding of cell physiology and metabolism. It is likely that we only have begun to comprehend the nature of NADESs.

MeSH terms: Animals; Biological Transport/drug effects; Cell Membrane Permeability/drug effects; Cell Survival/drug effects; Fructose/metabolism; Fructose/chemistry; Glucose/metabolism; Glucose/chemistry; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Mice, Inbred ICR; Models, Molecular; Oxidation-Reduction; Solvents/toxicity*; Solvents/chemistry; Viscosity; Cell Death/drug effects; Glycosylation End Products, Advanced/metabolism; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Cell Line, Tumor; Metabolic Networks and Pathways/drug effects*
Molecular Modeling and Dynamic Simulation of Arabidopsis Thaliana Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase Gene: A Comparison with Bixa orellana and Crocus Sativus

Priya R, Sneha P, Rivera Madrid R, Doss CGP, Singh P, Siva R

J Cell Biochem, 2017 09;118(9):2712-2721.
PMID: 28145590 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25919

Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) gene, ubiquitously found in numerous types of plants, are eminent in synthesizing the various volatile compounds (β-ionone, C13-norisoprenoid, geranylacetone) known as apocarotenoids. These apocarotenoids have various biological functions such as volatile signals, allelopathic interaction and plant defense. In Arabidopsis genome sequence, four potential CCD genes have been identified namely CCD1, CCD4, CCD7, and CCD8. These four genes give rise to diverse biological functions with almost similar sequence identity. In this investigation, an in silico analysis was proposed to study CCD proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, aiming at constructing three-dimensional (3D) structure for CCD1 proteins of Bixa orellana and Crocus sativus to observe the structural difference among AtCCD (A. thaliana CCD) proteins. The quality of modeled structures was evaluated using RAMPAGE, PSVS protein validation server and Q Mean server. Finally, we utilised molecular dynamics simulation to identify the stability of the predicted CCD protein structures. The molecular dynamic simulation also revealed that AtCCD4 protein showed lesser stability when compared to other CCD proteins. Overall results from molecular dynamics analysis predicted that BoCCD1, CsCCD1, and AtCCD1 show similar structural characteristics. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2712-2721, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

MeSH terms: Species Specificity; Arabidopsis/enzymology*; Crocus/enzymology*; Arabidopsis Proteins/chemistry*; Bixaceae/enzymology*; Dioxygenases/chemistry*; Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
Thermoresponsive curcumin/DsiRNA nanoparticle gels for the treatment of diabetic wounds: synthesis and drug release

Katas H, Wen CY, Siddique MI, Hussain Z, Mohd Fadhil FH

Ther Deliv, 2017 01;8(3):137-150.
PMID: 28145827 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2016-0075

AIM: Chitosan (CS) has been extensively studied as drug delivery systems for wound healing. Results/methodology: CS nanoparticles were loaded with curcumin (Cur) and DsiRNA against prostaglandin transporter gene and they were incorporated into 20 and 25% w/v Pluronic F-127. The gels were later analyzed for their rheology, gelation temperature (Tgel), morphology, drug incorporation and in vitro drug release. The particle size was in the range of 231 ± 17-320 ± 20 nm, depending on CS concentration. The gels had Tgel of 23-28°C and exhibited sustained drug release with high accumulated amount of drugs over 48 h.
CONCLUSION: A thermo-sensitive gel containing Cur/DsiRNA CS nanoparticles was successfully developed and has a great potential to be further developed.

MeSH terms: Curcumin/chemistry*; Diabetes Mellitus/pathology*; Drug Carriers*; Gels; Wounds and Injuries/drug therapy*; RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry*; Chitosan; Nanoparticles; Drug Liberation
Weight Loss Outcomes in Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (LVSG) Versus Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) Procedures: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Osland E, Yunus RM, Khan S, Memon B, Memon MA

Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech, 2017 Feb;27(1):8-18.
PMID: 28145963 DOI: 10.1097/SLE.0000000000000374

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) have been proposed as cost-effective strategies to manage morbid obesity. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the postoperative weight loss outcomes reported in randomized control trials (RCTs) for LVSG versus LRYGB procedures.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: RCTs comparing the weight loss outcomes following LVSG and LRYGB in adult population between January 2000 and November 2015 were selected from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, and the Cochrane database. The review was prepared in accordance with Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).
RESULTS: Nine unique RCTs described over 10 publications involving a total of 865 patients (LVSG, n=437; LRYGB, n=428) were analyzed. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 months to 5 years. Twelve-month excess weight loss (EWL) for LVSG ranged from 69.7% to 83%, and for LRYGB, ranged from 60.5% to 86.4%. A number of studies reported slow weight gain between the second and third years of postoperative follow-up ranging from 1.4% to 4.2%EWL. This trend was seen to continue to 5 years postoperatively (8% to 10%EWL) for both procedures.
CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, LRYGB and LVSG are comparable with regards to the weight loss outcomes in the short term, with LRYGB achieving slightly greater weight loss. Slow weight recidivism is observed after the first postoperative year following both procedures. Long-term reporting of outcomes obtained from well-designed studies using intention-to-treat analyses are identified as a major gap in the literature at present.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Gastrectomy/methods*; Humans; Middle Aged; Obesity, Morbid/surgery*; Laparoscopy/methods*; Gastric Bypass/methods*; Weight Loss/physiology*; Body Mass Index; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
Clinical use of mood stabilizers with antidepressants in Asia: Report from the Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Patterns for Antidepressants (REAP-AD) Projects in 2004 and 2013

Rajaratnam K, Xiang YT, Tripathi A, Chiu HF, Si TM, Chee KY, et al.

J Clin Psychopharmacol, 2017 Apr;37(2):255-259.
PMID: 28146001 DOI: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000000670

OBJECTIVE: As most reports concerning treatment with combinations of mood stabilizer (MS) with antidepressant (AD) drugs are based in the West, we surveyed characteristics of such cotreatment in 42 sites caring for the mentally ill in 10 Asian countries.
METHODS: This cross-sectional, pharmacoepidemiologic study used 2004 and 2013 data from the REAP-AD (Research Study on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Patterns for Antidepressants) to evaluate the rates and doses of MSs given with ADs and associated factors in 4164 psychiatric patients, using standard bivariate methods followed by multivariable logistic regression modeling.
RESULTS: Use of MS + AD increased by 104% (5.5% to 11.2%) between 2004 and 2013 and was much more associated with diagnosis of bipolar disorder than major depression or anxiety disorder, as well as with hospitalization > outpatient care, psychiatric > general-medical programs, and young age (all P < 0.001), but not with country, sex, or AD dose.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide a broad picture of contemporary use of MSs with ADs in Asia, support predictions that such treatment increased in recent years, and was associated with diagnosis of bipolar disorder, treatment in inpatient and psychiatric settings, and younger age.

MeSH terms: Adult; Age Factors; Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use*; Anxiety Disorders/drug therapy; Asia; Bipolar Disorder/drug therapy*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data*; Hospitals, General; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Mental Health Services/statistics & numerical data*; Middle Aged; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Practice Patterns, Physicians'/trends; Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data*; Drug Prescriptions/statistics & numerical data*; Antimanic Agents/therapeutic use*
The Antimalarial Effect of Curcumin Is Mediated by the Inhibition of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β

Ali AH, Sudi S, Basir R, Embi N, Sidek HM

J Med Food, 2017 Feb;20(2):152-161.
PMID: 28146408 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2016.3813

Curcumin, a bioactive compound in Curcuma longa, exhibits various pharmacological activities, including antimalarial effects. In silico docking simulation studies suggest that curcumin possesses glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β)-inhibitory properties. The involvement of GSK3 in the antimalarial effects in vivo is yet to be demonstrated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the antimalarial effects of curcumin involve phosphorylation of host GSK3β. Intraperitoneal administration of curcumin into Plasmodium berghei NK65-infected mice resulted in dose-dependent chemosuppression of parasitemia development. At the highest dose tested (30 mg/kg body weight), both therapeutic and prophylactic administrations of curcumin resulted in suppression exceeding 50% and improved median survival time of infected mice compared to control. Western analysis revealed a 5.5-fold (therapeutic group) and 1.8-fold (prophylactic group) increase in phosphorylation of Ser 9 GSK3β and 1.6-fold (therapeutic group) and 1.7-fold (prophylactic group) increase in Ser 473 Akt in liver of curcumin-treated infected animals. Following P. berghei infection, levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-4 were elevated by 7.5-, 35.0-, 33.0-, and 2.2-fold, respectively. Curcumin treatment (therapeutic) caused a significant decrease (by 6.0- and 2.0-fold, respectively) in serum TNF-α and IFN-γ level, while IL-10 and IL-4 were elevated (by 1.4- and 1.8-fold). Findings from the present study demonstrate for the first time that the antimalarial action of curcumin involved inhibition of GSK3β.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antimalarials/administration & dosage*; Curcumin/administration & dosage*; Humans; Malaria/drug therapy*; Malaria/enzymology*; Malaria/genetics; Malaria/parasitology; Male; Mice, Inbred ICR; Plant Extracts/administration & dosage*; Plasmodium berghei/drug effects; Plasmodium berghei/physiology*; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism; Interleukin-4/genetics; Interleukin-4/metabolism; Interleukin-10/genetics; Interleukin-10/metabolism; Curcuma/chemistry*; Mice; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta/antagonists & inhibitors*; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta/genetics; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta/metabolism
Fulltext Development and validation of a Database Forensic Metamodel (DBFM)

Al-Dhaqm A, Razak S, Othman SH, Ngadi A, Ahmed MN, Ali Mohammed A

PLoS One, 2017;12(2):e0170793.
PMID: 28146585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170793

Database Forensics (DBF) is a widespread area of knowledge. It has many complex features and is well known amongst database investigators and practitioners. Several models and frameworks have been created specifically to allow knowledge-sharing and effective DBF activities. However, these are often narrow in focus and address specified database incident types. We have analysed 60 such models in an attempt to uncover how numerous DBF activities are really public even when the actions vary. We then generate a unified abstract view of DBF in the form of a metamodel. We identified, extracted, and proposed a common concept and reconciled concept definitions to propose a metamodel. We have applied a metamodelling process to guarantee that this metamodel is comprehensive and consistent.

MeSH terms: Humans; Models, Theoretical*; Reproducibility of Results; Databases, Factual*
Mesoporous-activated carbon prepared from chitosan flakes via single-step sodium hydroxide activation for the adsorption of methylene blue

Marrakchi F, Ahmed MJ, Khanday WA, Asif M, Hameed BH

Int J Biol Macromol, 2017 May;98:233-239.
PMID: 28147233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.01.119

In this work, mesoporous-activated carbon (CSAC) was prepared from chitosan flakes (CS) via single-step sodium hydroxide activation for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB). CSAC was prepared using different impregnation ratios of NaOH:CS (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1) at 800°C for 90min. The adsorption performance of CSAC was evaluated for MB at different adsorption variables, such MB initial concentrations (25-400mg/L), solution pH (3-11), and temperature (30-50°C). The adsorption isotherm data of CSAC-MB were well fitted to Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity 143.53mg/g at 50°C. Best representation of kinetic data was obtained by the pseudo-second order model. CSAC exhibited excellent adsorption uptake for MB and can potentially be used for other cationic dyes.

MeSH terms: Adsorption; Charcoal/chemistry*; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Methylene Blue/isolation & purification*; Methylene Blue/chemistry*; Sodium Hydroxide/chemistry*; Temperature; Water Pollutants, Chemical/isolation & purification*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry*; Porosity; Chitosan/chemistry*
Interventional laser surgery for oral potentially malignant disorders: a longitudinal patient cohort study

Thomson PJ, Goodson ML, Cocks K, Turner JE

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2017 Mar;46(3):337-342.
PMID: 27866683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2016.11.001

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a lethal disease, with rising incidence. There were 6767 new OSCC cases and 2056 deaths in the UK in 2011. Cancers are preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (PMDs), recognizable mucosal diseases harbouring increased SCC risk, offering clinicians a 'therapeutic window' to intervene. Contemporary practice remains unable to predict lesion behaviour or quantify malignant transformation risk. No clear management guidelines exist and it is unclear from the literature whether early diagnosis and intervention prevents cancer. Between 1996 and 2014, 773 laser treatments were performed on 590 PMD patients in Newcastle maxillofacial surgery departments. The efficacy of the intervention was examined by review of the clinicopathological details and clinical outcomes of the patients (mean follow-up 7.3 years). Histopathology required up-grading in 36.1% on examining excision specimens. Seventy-five percent of patients were disease-free, mostly younger patients with low-grade dysplasia; 9% exhibited persistent disease and were generally older with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. Disease-free status was less likely for erythroleukoplakia (P=0.022), 'high-grade' dysplasia (P<0.0001), and with lichenoid inflammation (P=0.028). Unexpected OSCC was identified in 12.0%, whilst 4.8% transformed to malignancy. Interventional laser surgery facilitates definitive diagnosis and treatment, allows early diagnosis of OSCC, identifies progressive disease, and defines outcome categories. Evidence is lacking that intervention halts carcinogenesis. Multicentre, prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of surgery.

MeSH terms: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Inflammation; Leukoplakia, Oral; Prospective Studies; Surgery, Oral; Incidence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Laser Therapy; Early Detection of Cancer; Carcinogenesis
Purification and immunogenicity of hemagglutinin from highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana

Pua TL, Chan XY, Loh HS, Omar AR, Yusibov V, Musiychuk K, et al.

Hum Vaccin Immunother, 2017 Feb;13(2):306-313.
PMID: 27929750 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1264783

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is an ongoing global health concern due to its severe sporadic outbreaks in Asia, Africa and Europe, which poses a potential pandemic threat. The development of safe and cost-effective vaccine candidates for HPAI is considered the best strategy for managing the disease and addressing the pandemic preparedness. The most potential vaccine candidate is the antigenic determinant of influenza A virus, hemagglutinin (HA). The present research was aimed at developing optimized expression in Nicotiana benthamiana and protein purification process for HA from the Malaysian isolate of H5N1 as a vaccine antigen for HPAI H5N1. Expression of HA from the Malaysian isolate of HPAI in N. benthamiana was confirmed, and more soluble protein was expressed as truncated HA, the HA1 domain over the entire ectodomain of HA. Two different purification processes were evaluated for efficiency in terms of purity and yield. Due to the reduced yield, protein degradation and length of the 3-column purification process, the 2-column method was chosen for target purification. Purified HA1 was found immunogenic in mice inducing H5 HA-specific IgG and a hemagglutination inhibition antibody. This paper offers an alternative production system of a vaccine candidate against a locally circulating HPAI, which has a regional significance.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antibodies, Viral/blood; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Immunoglobulin G/blood; Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage; Influenza Vaccines/genetics; Influenza Vaccines/immunology*; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control*; Recombinant Proteins/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/immunology*; Recombinant Proteins/isolation & purification*; Tobacco/genetics; Tobacco/metabolism; Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage; Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics; Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology; Gene Expression; Treatment Outcome; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology*; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/isolation & purification*; Vaccines, Subunit/administration & dosage; Vaccines, Subunit/genetics; Vaccines, Subunit/immunology; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/immunology*
Fulltext Possible Roles of New Mutations Shared by Asian and American Zika Viruses

Yokoyama S, Starmer WT

Mol Biol Evol, 2017 03 01;34(3):525-534.
PMID: 28087772 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msw270

Originating in Africa, the Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread to Asia, Pacific Islands and now to the Americas and beyond. Since the first isolation in 1947, ZIKV strains have been sampled at various times in the last 69 years, but this history has not been reflected in studying the patterns of mutation accumulation in their genomes. Implementing the viral history, we show that the ZIKV ancestor appeared sometime in 1930-1945 and, at that point, its mutation rate was probably less than 0.2 × 10-3/nucleotide site/year and subsequently increased significantly in most of its descendants. Sustaining a high mutation rate of 4 × 10-3/site/year throughout its evolution, the Ancestral Asian strain, which was sampled from a mosquito in Malaysia, accumulated 13 mutations in the 3'-untranslated region of RNA stem-loops prior to 1963, seven of which generate more stable stem-loop structures and are likely to inhibit cellular antiviral activities, including immune and RNA interference (RNAi) pathways. The seven mutations have been maintained in all Asian and American strains and may be responsible for serious medical problems we are facing today and offer testable hypotheses to examine their roles in molecular interactions during brain development.

MeSH terms: Zika Virus Infection/virology*; Zika Virus/genetics*; Animals; Biological Evolution; Humans; Insect Vectors; Mutation*; Phylogeny; RNA, Viral/genetics; Structure-Activity Relationship; Genome, Viral; Evolution, Molecular; RNA Stability; Inverted Repeat Sequences; Phylogeography/legislation & jurisprudence*; Phylogeography/methods*; Mutation Rate
Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in kidney transplant patients: A systematic-review and meta-analysis

Ong BY, Aziz Z

Complement Ther Med, 2017 Feb;30:84-92.
PMID: 28137532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.12.007

Cordyceps sinensis (cordyceps) is a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine as adjuvant immunosuppressive agent in patients with kidney transplant. This review evaluates current evidence on the efficacy and safety of natural and fermented cordyceps preparations in patients with kidney transplant.
Fulltext Characterization of β-d-N4-Hydroxycytidine as a Novel Inhibitor of Chikungunya Virus

Ehteshami M, Tao S, Zandi K, Hsiao HM, Jiang Y, Hammond E, et al.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2017 04;61(4).
PMID: 28137799 DOI: 10.1128/AAC.02395-16

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) represents a reemerging global threat to human health. Recent outbreaks across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean have prompted renewed scientific interest in this mosquito-borne alphavirus. There are currently no vaccines against CHIKV, and treatment has been limited to nonspecific antiviral agents, with suboptimal outcomes. Herein, we have identified β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC) as a novel inhibitor of CHIKV. NHC behaves as a pyrimidine ribonucleoside and selectively inhibits CHIKV replication in cell culture.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology*; Cell Line; Chikungunya virus/drug effects*; Cytidine/analogs & derivatives*; Cytidine/pharmacology; Humans; Virus Replication/drug effects
Fulltext Blue inhalers: blowing hot and cold

Ahmed S, Salim H, Steed L, Pinnock H

NPJ Prim Care Respir Med, 2017 01 30;27(1):6.
PMID: 28138131 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-016-0008-4
Fulltext Apoptotic induction and inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway in human prostatic cancer PC3 cells by natural compound 2,2'-oxybis (4-allyl-1-methoxybenzene), biseugenol B, from Litsea costalis: an in vitro study

Abbaspour Babaei M, Zaman Huri H, Kamalidehghan B, Yeap SK, Ahmadipour F

Onco Targets Ther, 2017;10:277-294.
PMID: 28138251 DOI: 10.2147/OTT.S102894

Litsea is considered as an evergreen genus distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia; this genus belongs to the large family of Lauraceae. In this study, the cell-death metabolism of biseugenol B was investigated. Nuclear condensation, cell permeability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and release of cytochrome c have been detected in human prostate cancer cell line (PC3) treated with biseugenol B by high content screening (HCS). Fluorescent analysis was conducted to examine the reactive oxygen species formation. To determine the mechanism of cell death, the levels of Bcl-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 proteins, Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) protein and anti-apoptosis heat-shock protein 70 were tested by applying reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Bioluminescent assays were also performed to assess the level of caspases such as 3/7, 8 and 9 during treatment. Furthermore, the involvement of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) was examined by Western blot and HCS. Biseugenol B showed significant cytotoxicity toward PC3 with no toxicity toward normal prostate cells (RWPE-1), which indicates that biseugenol B has qualities that induce apoptosis in tumor cells. The treatment of PC3 cells with biseugenol B provoked apoptosis with cell-death-transducing signals. Downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax regulated the MMP, which in turn caused the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol. The release of cytochrome c activated caspase-9, which consequently activated caspase-3/7 with the cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase protein, thereby resulting in apoptosis alteration. Involvement of an extrinsic apoptosis pathway was exhibited by the increase in caspase-8, while the increase in caspase-3/7 and caspase-9 demonstrated involvement of an intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Meanwhile, no significant increase was observed in caspases 3/7, 8 or 9 in normal prostate cells (RWPE-1) after treatment with biseugenol B. Prevention of NF-κB translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus occurred in PC3 after treatment with biseugenol B. The results of our study reveal that biseugenol B triggers the apoptosis of PC3 cells via intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways and inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that biseugenol B is a potentially useful agent for prostate cancer treatment.
First record of Rhopalophthalmus longipes Ii, 1964 from Malaysian waters (Crustacea, Mysida)

Tan HS, Azman BA

Zookeys, 2017.
PMID: 28138298 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.642.10316

The marine mysid species Rhopalophthalmus longipes Ii, 1964 is reported from Malaysian waters for the first time. Specimens are described and illustrated in detail based on material collected by epibenthic sledge from the seagrass meadows of Pulau Tinggi, Johor. Specimens exhibit a slight difference from Ii's type material by possessing a rounded process bearing two small protrusions apically near the middle distal end of the third segment of antennal peduncle. In addition, its telson armed with 7-9 moderately strong setae at the lateral margin.

MeSH terms: Animals; Crustacea; Male; Prostate; Species Specificity; Sensilla; Grassland
Fulltext Genomic characterization of eight Ensifer strains isolated from pristine caves and a whole genome phylogeny of Ensifer (Sinorhizobium)

Kumar HK, Gan HM, Tan MH, Eng WW, Barton HA, Hudson AO, et al.

J Genomics, 2017;5:12-15.
PMID: 28138345 DOI: 10.7150/jgen.17863

A total of eight Ensifer sp. strains were isolated from two pristine cave environments. One strain was isolated from a cave water pool located in the Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, USA and the remaining seven strains were isolated from Lechuguilla Cave of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, USA. Whole genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses of the eight isolates compared to various type strains from the genera Ensifer and Sinorhizobium demonstrates that although members in these genera can be phylogenetically separated into two distinct clades, the percentage of conserved proteins (POCP) between various type strains from Ensifer and Sinorhizobium are consistently higher than 50%, providing strong genomic evidence to support the classification of the genera Ensifer and Sinorhizobium into a single genus.
Fulltext Genome features of moderately halophilic polyhydroxyalkanoate-producing Yangia sp. CCB-MM3

Lau NS, Sam KK, Amirul AA

Stand Genomic Sci, 2017;12:12.
PMID: 28138356 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-017-0232-8

Yangia sp. CCB-MM3 was one of several halophilic bacteria isolated from soil sediment in the estuarine Matang Mangrove, Malaysia. So far, no member from the genus Yangia, a member of the Rhodobacteraceae family, has been reported sequenced. In the current study, we present the first complete genome sequence of Yangia sp. strain CCB-MM3. The genome includes two chromosomes and five plasmids with a total length of 5,522,061 bp and an average GC content of 65%. Since a different strain of Yangia sp. (ND199) was reported to produce a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer, the ability for this production was tested in vitro and confirmed for strain CCB-MM3. Analysis of its genome sequence confirmed presence of a pathway for production of propionyl-CoA and gene cluster for PHA production in the sequenced strain. The genome sequence described will be a useful resource for understanding the physiology and metabolic potential of Yangia as well as for comparative genomic analysis with other Rhodobacteraceae.
Is place-value processing in four-digit numbers fully automatic? Yes, but not always

García-Orza J, Estudillo AJ, Calleja M, Rodríguez JM

Psychon Bull Rev, 2017 Dec;24(6):1906-1914.
PMID: 28138835 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-017-1231-x

Knowing the place-value of digits in multi-digit numbers allows us to identify, understand and distinguish between numbers with the same digits (e.g., 1492 vs. 1942). Research using the size congruency task has shown that the place-value in a string of three zeros and a non-zero digit (e.g., 0090) is processed automatically. In the present study, we explored whether place-value is also automatically activated when more complex numbers (e.g., 2795) are presented. Twenty-five participants were exposed to pairs of four-digit numbers that differed regarding the position of some digits and their physical size. Participants had to decide which of the two numbers was presented in a larger font size. In the congruent condition, the number shown in a bigger font size was numerically larger. In the incongruent condition, the number shown in a smaller font size was numerically larger. Two types of numbers were employed: numbers composed of three zeros and one non-zero digit (e.g., 0040-0400) and numbers composed of four non-zero digits (e.g., 2795-2759). Results showed larger congruency effects in more distant pairs in both type of numbers. Interestingly, this effect was considerably stronger in the strings composed of zeros. These results indicate that place-value coding is partially automatic, as it depends on the perceptual and numerical properties of the numbers to be processed.

MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology*; Psychomotor Performance/physiology*; Mathematical Concepts*; Young Adult

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