Browse publications by year: 2017

  1. Saarani NN, Jamuna-Thevi K, Shahab N, Hermawan H, Saidin S
    Dent Mater J, 2017 May 31;36(3):260-265.
    PMID: 28111388 DOI: 10.4012/dmj.2016-177
    A guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane has been extensively used in the repair and regeneration of damaged periodontal tissues. One of the main challenges of GBR restoration is bacterial colonization on the membrane, constitutes to premature membrane degradation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of triple-layered GBR membrane composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), nanoapatite (NAp) and lauric acid (LA) with two types of Gram-negative periodontal bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis through a disc diffusion and bacterial count tests. The membranes exhibited a pattern of growth inhibition and killing effect against both bacteria. The increase in LA concentration tended to increase the bactericidal activities which indicated by higher diameter of inhibition zone and higher antibacterial percentage. It is shown that the incorporation of LA into the GBR membrane has retarded the growth and proliferation of Gram-negative periodontal bacteria for the treatment of periodontal disease.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents*; Apatites; Bacteria; Bone Regeneration*; Lauric Acids*; Membranes, Artificial; Periodontics; Polymers; Lactic Acid
  2. Blaauw M, Ridikas D, Baytelesov S, Salas PS, Chakrova Y, Eun-Ha C, et al.
    J Radioanal Nucl Chem, 2017;311(1):409-418.
    PMID: 28111485 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-5036-6
    Molybdenum-99 is one of the most important radionuclides for medical diagnostics. In 2015, the International Atomic Energy Agency organized a round-robin exercise where the participants measured and calculated specific saturation activities achievable for the (98)Mo(n,γ)(99)Mo reaction. This reaction is of interest as a means to locally, and on a small scale, produce (99)Mo from natural molybdenum. The current paper summarises a set of experimental results and reviews the methodology for calculating the corresponding saturation activities. Activation by epithermal neutrons and also epithermal neutron self-shielding are found to be of high importance in this case.
    MeSH terms: Gamma Rays; Humans; Molybdenum; Neutrons; Nuclear Energy; Radioisotopes
  3. Kilicman A, Borgohain S
    J Inequal Appl, 2017;2017(1):15.
    PMID: 28111513 DOI: 10.1186/s13660-016-1284-9
    In this paper, the idea of lacunary [Formula: see text]-statistical convergent sequence spaces is discussed which is defined by a Musielak-Orlicz function. We study relations between lacunary [Formula: see text]-statistical convergence with lacunary [Formula: see text]-summable sequences. Moreover, we study the [Formula: see text]-lacunary statistical convergence in probabilistic normed space and discuss some topological properties.
  4. Carvajal-Zarrabal O, Hayward-Jones PM, Nolasco-Hipolito C, Barradas-Dermitz DM, Calderón-Garcidueñas AL, López-Amador N
    J Forensic Sci, 2017 Sep;62(5):1332-1335.
    PMID: 28111741 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13397
    In the daily practice of forensic pathology, sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a diagnostic challenge. Our aim was to determine the usefulness of blood biomarkers [creatine kinase CK-MB, myoglobin, troponins I and T (cTn-I and T), and lactate dehydrogenase] measured by immunoassay technique, in the postmortem diagnosis of SCD. Two groups were compared, 20 corpses with SCD and 8 controls. Statistical significance was determined by variance analysis procedures, with a post hoc Tukey multiple range test for comparison of means (p < 0.05). SCD cases showed significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of cTn-T and cTn-I compared to the control group. Although only cases within the first 8 h of postmortem interval were included, and the control group consisted mainly of violent death cases, our results suggest that blood troponin levels may be useful to support a diagnosis of SCD.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Immunoassay; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/blood*; Male; Middle Aged; Myoglobin/blood*; Biomarkers/blood; Case-Control Studies; Death, Sudden, Cardiac*; Troponin I/blood*; Troponin T/blood*; Forensic Pathology; Creatine Kinase, MB Form/blood*
  5. Nurul Adilah Z, Mohd Redzwan S
    J Sci Food Agric, 2017 Jun;97(8):2277-2281.
    PMID: 28111762 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8234
    Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by Aspergillus species of fungi. The main route of aflatoxin exposure is through the diet. Indeed, long-term aflatoxin exposure is linked to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aflatoxin causes aflatoxicosis, which can be affected by several factors and is prevalent in many developing Asian and African countries. This mini-review discusses the effects of carbohydrate, fat and protein on aflatoxicosis based on findings from animal and human studies. It was found that high carbohydrate intake enhanced aflatoxicosis occurrence, while low ingestion of carbohydrate with caloric restriction slowed the symptoms associated with aflatoxicosis. Additionally, diets with low protein content worsened the symptoms related to HCC due to aflatoxin exposure. Nevertheless, a study reported that a high-protein diet favored detoxification of aflatoxin in vivo. There were also conflicting results on the influence of dietary fat, as high ingestion of fat enhanced aflatoxicosis development as compared with a low-fat diet. Moreover, the type of fat also plays a significant role in influencing aflatoxin toxicity. In regard to food safety, understanding the influence of macronutrients toward the progression of aflatoxicosis can improve preventive measures against human and animal exposure to aflatoxin. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
    MeSH terms: Aflatoxins/poisoning*; Animals; Dietary Carbohydrates/metabolism; Dietary Fats/metabolism; Dietary Proteins/metabolism; Humans; Mycotoxicosis/metabolism; Mycotoxicosis/prevention & control*
  6. Mirshekari A, Madani B, Golding JB
    J Sci Food Agric, 2017 Aug;97(11):3706-3711.
    PMID: 28111769 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8231
    BACKGROUND: The marketability of fresh-cut banana slices is limited by the rapid rate of fruit softening and browning. However, there is no scientific literature available about the role of postharvest calcium propionate and chitosan treatment on the quality attributes of fresh-cut banana. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate these effects.

    RESULTS: The application of calcium propionate plus chitosan (CaP+Chit) retained higher firmness, higher ascorbic acid content, higher total antioxidant activity and higher total phenolic compounds, along with lower browning, lower polyphenol oxidase, lower peroxidase, lower polygalacturonase and lower pectin methyl esterase activities and microbial growth, compared to control banana slices after 5 days of cold storage.

    CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show that CaP+Chit could be used to slow the loss of quality at the same time as maintaining quality and inhibiting microbial loads. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

    MeSH terms: Antioxidants/analysis; Antioxidants/metabolism; Ascorbic Acid/analysis; Ascorbic Acid/metabolism; Food Preservation/methods*; Food Preservatives/pharmacology*; Fruit/drug effects*; Fruit/metabolism; Fruit/chemistry*; Phenols/analysis; Phenols/metabolism; Propionates/pharmacology*; Musa/drug effects; Musa/metabolism; Musa/chemistry*; Chitosan/pharmacology*; Food Storage
  7. Qaid E, Zakaria R, Sulaiman SF, Yusof NM, Shafin N, Othman Z, et al.
    Hum Exp Toxicol, 2017 Dec;36(12):1315-1325.
    PMID: 28111974 DOI: 10.1177/0960327116689714
    Impairment of memory is one of the most frequently reported symptoms during sudden hypoxia exposure in human. Cortical atrophy has been linked to the impaired memory function and is suggested to occur with chronic high-altitude exposure. However, the precise molecular mechanism(s) of hypoxia-induced memory impairment remains an enigma. In this work, we review hypoxia-induced learning and memory deficit in human and rat studies. Based on data from rat studies using different protocols of continuous hypoxia, we try to elicit potential mechanisms of hypobaric hypoxia-induced memory deficit.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Anoxia*; Learning/physiology*; Oxygen*; Rats
  8. Vijayaraghavan K, Rajkumar J, Bukhari SN, Al-Sayed B, Seyed MA
    Mol Med Rep, 2017 Mar;15(3):1007-1016.
    PMID: 28112383 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6133
    The study of wound‑healing plants has acquired an interdisciplinary nature with a systematic investigational approach. Several biochemicals are involved in the healing process of the body, including antioxidants and cytokines. Although several pharmaceutical preparations and formulations are available for wound care and management, it remains necessary to search for efficacious treatments, as certain current formulations cause adverse effects or lack efficacy. Phytochemicals or biomarkers from numerous plants suggest they have positive effects on different stages of the wound healing process via various mechanisms. Several herbal medicines have displayed marked activity in the management of wounds and various natural compounds have verified in vivo wound healing potential, and can, therefore, be considered as potential drugs of natural origin. Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H. Robinson is considered a tropical weed. However, it exhibits anti‑inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and numerous other relevant medicinal properties on an appreciable scale, and is known in some parts of the world as a traditional medicine used to treat various ailments. To understand its specific role as nature's gift for healing wounds and its contribution to affordable healthcare, this plant must be scientifically assessed based on the available literature. This review aims to summarize the role of C. odorata and its biomarkers in the wound healing activities of biological systems, which are crucial to its potential future drug design, development and application for the treatment of wounds.
    MeSH terms: Medicine, Traditional; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Wound Healing/drug effects; Plant Preparations/pharmacology; Plant Preparations/chemistry; Phytochemicals/chemistry
  9. Eshkoor SA, Hamid TA, Shahar S, Mun CY
    J Nutr Health Aging, 2017;21(2):220-226.
    PMID: 28112780 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-016-0779-x
    BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence is a prevalent condition in the elderly that is the spontaneous leakage of urine. It is an age-related problem and increases especially in people aged above 65 years. It can cause many psychological, behavioral, biological, economic and social effects. The treatment of urinary incontinence can reduce morbidity and mortality. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of variables including age, ethnicity, gender, education, marital status, body weight, blood elements and nutritional parameters on urinary incontinence among the Malaysian elderly.

    METHODS: The study was on 2322 non-institutionalized Malaysian elderly. The hierarchy logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the risk of independent variables for urinary incontinence among respondents.

    RESULTS: The findings indicated that approximately 3.80% of subjects had urinary incontinence. In addition, constipation was found a significant factor that increased the risk of urinary incontinence in samples (p=0.006; OR=3.77). The increase in dietary monounsaturated fat (p=0.038; OR=0.59) and plasma triglyceride levels (p=0.029; OR=0.56) significantly reduced the risk of incontinence in subjects. Many of suspected variables including socio-demographic factors, diseases, nutritional minerals, blood components and body weight were non-relevant factors to urinary incontinence in respondents.

    CONCLUSIONS: Constipation increased the risk of urinary incontinence in subjects, and increase in dietary monounsaturated fat and plasma triglyceride levels decreased the risk.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Constipation/epidemiology*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated/administration & dosage; Female; Humans; Cholesterol, HDL/blood; Cholesterol, LDL/blood; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Risk Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Triglycerides/blood; Urinary Incontinence/epidemiology*; Prevalence; Logistic Models; Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
  10. Xing S, Song Y, Liang JB, Faseleh Jahromi M, Shokryazda P, Mi J, et al.
    Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2017 May;139:78-82.
    PMID: 28113114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.01.016
    In vitro Lead (Pb(2+)) binding capacity of two probiotic bacteria strains, namely Bifidobacterium longumBB79 and Lactobacillus pentosusITA23, was assessed following incubation with the intestinal contents (IC) of laying hens. Results of this study demonstrated that IC treatment significantly enhanced (P<0.01) Pb(2+) binding capacity of both bacterial strains. Fourier transform infrared analysis indicated that several functional groups (O-H or N-H, C-H, C˭O, C-O, and C-O-C) on the bacteria cell wall involved in metal ion binding were altered after IC incubation, and new groups appeared between the 3700cm(-1) and 4000cm(-1)bands. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that after incubation with IC, unidentified IC components created new binding sites on the bacterial cell surface. These particles also changed the mechanism of Pb(2+) binding of the two strains from intracellular accumulation to extracellular adsorption.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Animals; Bacteria; Bifidobacterium; Binding Sites; Cell Wall; Chickens; Cytoplasm; Female; Fourier Analysis; Gastrointestinal Contents; Lactobacillus; Lead; Spores, Bacterial; Probiotics; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  11. Ishak IH, Kamgang B, Ibrahim SS, Riveron JM, Irving H, Wondji CS
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2017 01;11(1):e0005302.
    PMID: 28114328 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005302
    BACKGROUND: Dengue control and prevention rely heavily on insecticide-based interventions. However, insecticide resistance in the dengue vector Aedes aegypti, threatens the continued effectiveness of these tools. The molecular basis of the resistance remains uncharacterised in many endemic countries including Malaysia, preventing the design of evidence-based resistance management. Here, we investigated the underlying molecular basis of multiple insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti populations across Malaysia detecting the major genes driving the metabolic resistance.

    METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Genome-wide microarray-based transcription analysis was carried out to detect the genes associated with metabolic resistance in these populations. Comparisons of the susceptible New Orleans strain to three non-exposed multiple insecticide resistant field strains; Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu detected 2605, 1480 and 425 differentially expressed transcripts respectively (fold-change>2 and p-value ≤ 0.05). 204 genes were commonly over-expressed with monooxygenase P450 genes (CYP9J27, CYP6CB1, CYP9J26 and CYP9M4) consistently the most up-regulated detoxification genes in all populations, indicating that they possibly play an important role in the resistance. In addition, glutathione S-transferases, carboxylesterases and other gene families commonly associated with insecticide resistance were also over-expressed. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated an over-representation of GO terms linked to resistance such as monooxygenases, carboxylesterases, glutathione S-transferases and heme-binding. Polymorphism analysis of CYP9J27 sequences revealed a high level of polymorphism (except in Joho Bharu), suggesting a limited directional selection on this gene. In silico analysis of CYP9J27 activity through modelling and docking simulations suggested that this gene is involved in the multiple resistance in Malaysian populations as it is predicted to metabolise pyrethroids, DDT and bendiocarb.

    CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The predominant over-expression of cytochrome P450s suggests that synergist-based (PBO) control tools could be utilised to improve control of this major dengue vector across Malaysia.

    MeSH terms: Aedes/drug effects*; Aedes/enzymology*; Aedes/genetics; Animals; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism*; Dengue/transmission; Female; Insect Vectors/drug effects; Insect Vectors/enzymology*; Insect Vectors/genetics; Insecticide Resistance*; Insecticides/pharmacology*; Malaysia; Polymorphism, Genetic; Pyrethrins/pharmacology*; Insect Proteins/genetics; Insect Proteins/metabolism*
  12. Shafiei MM, Moghavvemi M, Wan Mahadi WN
    PLoS One, 2017;12(1):e0169033.
    PMID: 28114354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169033
    A printed Bow-Tie slot antenna with loaded stub is proposed and the effects of changing the dimensions of the slot area, the stub and load sizes are considered in this paper. These parameters have a considerable effect on the antenna characteristics as well as its performance. An in-depth parametric study of these dimensions is presented. This paper proposes the necessary conditions for initial approximation of dimensions needed to design this antenna. In order to achieve the desired performance of the antenna fine tuning of all sizes of these parameters is required. The parametric studies used in this paper provide proper trends for initiation and tuning the design. A prototype of the antenna for 1.7GHz to 2.6GHz band is fabricated. Measurements conducted verify that the designed antenna has wideband characteristics with 50% bandwidth around the center frequency of 2.1GHz. Conducted measurements for reflection coefficient (S11) and radiation pattern also validate our simulation results.
    MeSH terms: Equipment Design*; Wireless Technology*
  13. Tan MC, Wong WY, Ng WL, Yeo KS, Mohidin TB, Lim YY, et al.
    PLoS One, 2017;12(1):e0170352.
    PMID: 28114392 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170352
    Influenza virus is estimated to cause 3-5 million severe complications and about 250-500 thousand deaths per year. Different kinds of anti-influenza virus drugs have been developed. However, the emergence of drug resistant strains has presented a big challenge for efficient antiviral therapy. Indole derivatives have been shown to exhibit both antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we adopted a cell-based system to screen for potential anti-IAV agents. Four indole derivatives (named 525A, 526A, 527A and 528A) were subjected to the antiviral screening, of which 526A was selected for further investigation. We reported that pre-treating cells with 526A protects cells from IAV infection. Furthermore, 526A inhibits IAV replication by inhibiting the expression of IAV genes. Interestingly, 526A suppresses the activation of IRF3 and STAT1 in host cells and thus represses the production of type I interferon response and cytokines in IAV-infected cells. Importantly, 526A also partially blocks the activation of RIG-I pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that 526A may be a potential anti-influenza A virus agent.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology*; Humans; Indoles/pharmacology*; Malondialdehyde/analogs & derivatives*; Malondialdehyde/pharmacology; Influenza A virus/drug effects*; Influenza A virus/physiology; Virus Replication/drug effects; STAT1 Transcription Factor/metabolism; Interferon Regulatory Factor-3/metabolism
  14. Hussain Z, Thu HE, Ng SF, Khan S, Katas H
    Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces, 2017 Feb 01;150:223-241.
    PMID: 27918967 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.11.036
    Wound healing is a multifarious and vibrant process of replacing devitalized and damaged cellular structures, leading to restoration of the skin's barrier function, re-establishment of tissue integrity, and maintenance of the internal homeostasis. Curcumin (CUR) and its analogs have gained widespread recognition due to their remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and wound healing activities. However, their pharmaceutical significance is limited due to inherent hydrophobic nature, poor water solubility, low bioavailability, chemical instability, rapid metabolism and short half-life. Owing to their pharmaceutical limitations, newer strategies have been attempted in recent years aiming to mitigate problems related to the effective delivery of curcumanoids and to improve their wound healing potential. These advanced strategies include nanovesicles, polymeric micelles, conventional liposomes and hyalurosomes, nanocomposite hydrogels, electrospun nanofibers, nanohybrid scaffolds, nanoconjugates, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), nanoemulsion, nanodispersion, and polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). The superior wound healing activities achieved after nanoencapsulation of the CUR are attributed to its target-specific delivery, longer retention at the target site, avoiding premature degradation of the encapsulated cargo and the therapeutic superiority of the advanced delivery systems over the conventional delivery. We have critically reviewed the literature and summarize the convincing evidence which explore the pharmaceutical significance and therapeutic feasibility of the advanced delivery systems in improving wound healing activities of the CUR and its analogs.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry; Antioxidants/chemistry; Curcumin/chemistry*; Homeostasis; Humans; Lipids/chemistry; Liposomes/chemistry; Micelles; Polymers/chemistry; Skin/metabolism; Wound Healing/drug effects*; Hydrogels/chemistry; Nanomedicine/methods*; Nanomedicine/trends*; Mice; Nanofibers/chemistry
  15. Suneja G, Brown D, Chang A, Erickson B, Fidarova E, Grover S, et al.
    Brachytherapy, 2017 Jan-Feb;16(1):85-94.
    PMID: 27919654 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2016.10.007
    PURPOSE: Most cervix cancer cases occur in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC), and outcomes are suboptimal, even for early stage disease. Brachytherapy plays a central role in the treatment paradigm, improving both local control and overall survival. The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) aims to provide guidelines for brachytherapy delivery in resource-limited settings.

    METHODS AND MATERIALS: A panel of clinicians and physicists with expertise in brachytherapy administration in LMIC was convened. A survey was developed to identify practice patterns at the authors' institutions and was also extended to participants of the Cervix Cancer Research Network. The scientific literature was reviewed to identify consensus papers or review articles with a focus on treatment of locally advanced, unresected cervical cancer in LMIC.

    RESULTS: Of the 40 participants invited to respond to the survey, 32 responded (response rate 80%). Participants were practicing in 14 different countries including both high-income (China, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and United States) and low-income or middle-income countries (Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam). Recommendations for modifications to existing ABS guidelines were reviewed by the panel members and are highlighted in this article.

    CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations for treatment of locally advanced, unresectable cervical cancer in LMIC are presented. The guidelines comment on staging, external beam radiotherapy, use of concurrent chemotherapy, overall treatment duration, use of anesthesia, applicator choice and placement verification, brachytherapy treatment planning including dose and prescription point, recommended reporting and documentation, physics support, and follow-up.
    MeSH terms: Brachytherapy/methods*; Brachytherapy/standards; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy*; Developing Countries; Female; Health Resources; Humans; Radiotherapy; Radiotherapy Dosage; Societies, Medical; United States; Radiation Oncology
  16. Balakumar P, WitnessKoe WE, Gan YS, JemayPuah SM, Kuganesswari S, Prajapati SK, et al.
    Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 2017 Mar;84:35-44.
    PMID: 27993652 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.12.007
    This study investigated the pretreatment and post-treatment effects of dipyridamole (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) in gentamicin-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats. Rats were administered gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 8 days. Gentamicin-administered rats exhibited renal structural and functional changes as assessed in terms of a significant increase in serum creatinine and urea and kidney weight to body weight ratio as compared to normal rats. Renal histopathological studies revealed a marked incidence of acute tubular necrosis in gentamicin-administered rats. These renal structural and functional abnormalities in gentamicin-administered rats were accompanied with elevated serum uric acid level, and renal inflammation as assessed in terms of decrease in interleukin-10 levels. Dipyridamole pretreatment in gentamicin-administered rats afforded a noticeable renoprotection by markedly preventing renal structural and functional abnormalities, renal inflammation and serum uric acid elevation. On the other hand, dipyridamole post-treatment did not significantly prevent uric acid elevation and renal inflammation, and resulted in comparatively less protection on renal function although it markedly reduced the incidence of tubular necrosis. In conclusion, uric acid elevation and renal inflammation could play key roles in gentamicin-nephrotoxicity. Dipyridamole pretreatment markedly prevented gentamicin-induced acute nephrotoxicity, while its post-treatment resulted in comparatively less renal functional protection.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*; Creatinine/blood; Dipyridamole/pharmacology*; Disease Models, Animal; Gentamicins*; Kidney/drug effects*; Kidney/metabolism; Kidney/pathology; Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute/blood; Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute/chemically induced; Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute/drug therapy*; Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute/prevention & control*; Male; Nephritis/blood; Nephritis/chemically induced; Nephritis/drug therapy*; Nephritis/prevention & control*; Time Factors; Uric Acid/blood; Biomarkers/blood; Interleukin-10/blood; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Cytoprotection
  17. Lakhundi S, Siddiqui R, Khan NA
    Microb Pathog, 2017 Mar;104:97-109.
    PMID: 27998732 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.12.013
    Microbial keratitis is a sight-threatening ocular infection caused by bacteria, fungi, and protist pathogens. Epithelial defects and injuries are key predisposing factors making the eye susceptible to corneal pathogens. Among bacterial pathogens, the most common agents responsible for keratitis include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumonia and Serratia species. Fungal agents of corneal infections include both filamentous as well as yeast, including Fusarium, Aspergillus, Phaeohyphomycetes, Curvularia, Paecilomyces, Scedosporium and Candida species, while in protists, Acanthamoeba spp. are responsible for causing ocular disease. Clinical features include redness, pain, tearing, blur vision and inflammation but symptoms vary depending on the causative agent. The underlying molecular mechanisms associated with microbial pathogenesis include virulence factors as well as the host factors that aid in the progression of keratitis, resulting in damage to the ocular tissue. The treatment therefore should focus not only on the elimination of the culprit but also on the neutralization of virulence factors to minimize the damage, in addition to repairing the damaged tissue. A complete understanding of the pathogenesis of microbial keratitis will lead to the rational development of therapeutic interventions. This is a timely review of our current understanding of the advances made in this field in a comprehensible manner. Coupled with the recently available genome sequence information and high throughput genomics technology, and the availability of innovative approaches, this will stimulate interest in this field.
    MeSH terms: Acanthamoeba/physiology; Animals; Bacteria; Fungi/physiology; Humans; Keratitis/diagnosis; Keratitis/etiology*; Keratitis/therapy; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
  18. Lee YZ, Shaari K, Cheema MS, Tham CL, Sulaiman MR, Israf DA
    Eur J Pharmacol, 2017 Feb 15;797:53-64.
    PMID: 28089919 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.01.011
    2,4,6-Trihydroxy-3-geranyl acetophenone (tHGA) is a synthetic compound that is naturally found in Melicope ptelefolia. We had previously demonstrated that parenteral administration of tHGA reduces pulmonary inflammation in OVA-sensitized mice. In this study, we evaluated the effect of orally administered tHGA upon airway remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma. Female BALB/C mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with ovalbumin (OVA) on day 0, 7 and 14, followed by aerosolized 1% OVA 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Control groups were sensitized with saline. OVA sensitized animals were either treated orally with vehicle (saline with 1% DMSO and Tween 80), tHGA (80, 40, 20mg/kg) or zileuton (30mg/kg) 1h prior to each aerosolized OVA sensitization. On day 61, mice underwent methacholine challenge to determine airway hyperresponsiveness prior to collection of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung samples. BAL fluid inflammatory cell counts and cytokine concentrations were evaluated while histological analysis and extracellular matrix protein concentrations were determined on collected lung samples. Oral tHGA treatment attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness and inhibited airway remodeling in a dose-dependent fashion. tHGA's effect on airway remodeling could be attributed to the reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased expression of cytokines associated with airway remodeling. Oral administration of tHGA attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling in OVA-induced BALB/c mice. tHGA is an interesting compound that should be evaluated further for its possible role as an alternative non-steroidal pharmacological approach in the management of asthma.
    MeSH terms: Acetophenones/administration & dosage; Acetophenones/pharmacology*; Acetophenones/therapeutic use; Administration, Oral; Animals; Asthma/drug therapy*; Asthma/genetics; Asthma/immunology; Asthma/pathology*; Chronic Disease; Collagen/metabolism; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects; Immunoglobulin E/blood; Immunoglobulin E/immunology; Immunoglobulin G/blood; Immunoglobulin G/immunology; Lung/drug effects; Lung/immunology; Lung/metabolism; Lung/pathology; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovalbumin/immunology; Phloroglucinol/administration & dosage; Phloroglucinol/analogs & derivatives*; Phloroglucinol/pharmacology; Phloroglucinol/therapeutic use; Cytokines/genetics; Anti-Asthmatic Agents/administration & dosage; Anti-Asthmatic Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Asthmatic Agents/therapeutic use; Mice; Airway Remodeling/drug effects*
  19. Adamu HA, Imam MU, Ooi DJ, Esa NM, Rosli R, Ismail M
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2017 Jan 21;17(1):67.
    PMID: 28109299 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1571-0
    The development of insulin resistance is multifactorial, with maternal pre- and postnatal nutrition having significant influences. In this regard, high fat diet (HFD) feeding in pregnancy has been shown to increase risks of metabolic diseases. Thus, we investigated the effects of supplementation of HFD with germinated brown rice (GBR) and GBR-derived gamma oryzanol-rich extract (OE) on insulin resistance and its epigenetic implications in pregnant rats and their offsprings.
    MeSH terms: Acetylation; Animals; Body Weight/drug effects; Female; Histones/metabolism; Insulin Resistance*; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*; Oryza*; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Germination; DNA Methylation; Leptin/blood; Plant Preparations/pharmacology*; Rats; Adiponectin/blood; Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma/metabolism; Diet, High-Fat*
  20. Jumaidin R, Sapuan SM, Jawaid M, Ishak MR, Sahari J
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2017 Apr;97:606-615.
    PMID: 28109810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.01.079
    The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of sugar palm fibre (SPF) on the mechanical, thermal and physical properties of seaweed/thermoplastic sugar palm starch agar (TPSA) composites. Hybridized seaweed/SPF filler at weight ratio of 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 were prepared using TPSA as a matrix. Mechanical, thermal and physical properties of hybrid composites were carried out. Obtained results indicated that hybrid composites display improved tensile and flexural properties accompanied with lower impact resistance. The highest tensile (17.74MPa) and flexural strength (31.24MPa) was obtained from hybrid composite with 50:50 ratio of seaweed/SPF. Good fibre-matrix bonding was evident in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of the hybrid composites' tensile fracture. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis showed increase in intermolecular hydrogen bonding following the addition of SPF. Thermal stability of hybrid composites was enhanced, indicated by a higher onset degradation temperature (259°C) for 25:75 seaweed/SPF composites than the individual seaweed composites (253°C). Water absorption, thickness swelling, water solubility, and soil burial tests showed higher water and biodegradation resistance of the hybrid composites. Overall, the hybridization of SPF with seaweed/TPSA composites enhances the properties of the biocomposites for short-life application; that is, disposable tray, plate, etc.
    MeSH terms: Agar/chemistry*; Plastics/chemistry*; Seaweed/chemistry*; Soil/chemistry; Solubility; Starch/chemistry*; Temperature*; Water/chemistry; Arecaceae/chemistry*; Mechanical Phenomena*; Absorption, Physicochemical
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