Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Vardar E, Larsson HM, Allazetta S, Engelhardt EM, Pinnagoda K, Vythilingam G, et al.
    Acta Biomater, 2018 02;67:156-166.
    PMID: 29197579 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.11.034
    Endoscopic injection of bulking agents has been widely used to treat urinary incontinence, often due to urethral sphincter complex insufficiency. The aim of the study was to develop a novel injectable bioactive collagen-fibrin bulking agent restoring long-term continence by functional muscle tissue regeneration. Fibrin micro-beads were engineered using a droplet microfluidic system. They had an average diameter of 140 μm and recombinant fibrin-binding insulin-like growth factor-1 (α2PI1-8-MMP-IGF-1) was covalently conjugated to the beads. A plasmin fibrin degradation assay showed that 72.5% of the initial amount of α2PI1-8-MMP-IGF-1 loaded into the micro-beads was retained within the fibrin micro-beads. In vitro, the growth factor modified fibrin micro-beads enhanced cell attachment and the migration of human urinary tract smooth muscle cells, however, no change of the cellular metabolic activity was seen. These bioactive micro-beads were mixed with genipin-crosslinked homogenized collagen, acting as a carrier. The collagen concentration, the degree of crosslinking, and the mechanical behavior of this bioactive collagen-fibrin injectable were comparable to reference samples. This novel injectable showed no burst release of the growth factor, had a positive effect on cell behavior and may therefore induce smooth muscle regeneration in vivo, necessary for the functional treatment of stress and other urinary incontinences.

    STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Urinary incontinence is involuntary urine leakage, resulting from a deficient function of the sphincter muscle complex. Yet there is no functional cure for this devastating condition using current treatment options. Applied physical and surgical therapies have limited success. In this study, a novel bioactive injectable bulking agent, triggering new muscle regeneration at the injection site, has been evaluated. This injectable consists of cross-linked collagen and fibrin micro-beads, functionalized with bound insulin-like growth factor-1 (α2PI1-8-MMP-IGF-1). These bioactive fibrin micro-beads induced human smooth muscle cell migration in vitro. Thus, this injectable bulking agent is apt to be a good candidate for regeneration of urethral sphincter muscle, ensuring a long-lasting treatment for urinary incontinence.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Movement; Cell Survival; Collagen/chemistry*; Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry*; Fibrin/pharmacology; Fibrin/therapeutic use*; Humans; Injections*; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Microspheres*; Particle Size; Rheology; Urinary Incontinence/drug therapy*; Urinary Incontinence/pathology; Viscosity; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology; Microfluidics/methods*; Rats; Elastic Modulus
  2. Darwish NT, Sekaran SD, Alias Y, Khor SM
    J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2018 Feb 05;149:591-602.
    PMID: 29197806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2017.11.064
    The sharp increase in incidence of dengue infection has necessitated the development of methods for the rapid diagnosis of this deadly disease. Here we report the design and development of a reliable, sensitive, and specific optical immunosensor for the detection of the dengue nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) biomarker in clinical samples obtained during early stages of infection. The present optical NS1 immunosensor comprises a biosensing surface consisting of specific monoclonal NS1 antibody for immunofluorescence-based NS1 antigen determination using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated to IgG antibody. The linear range of the optical immunosensor was from 15-500ngmL-1, with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.92, high reproducibility (the relative standard deviation obtained was 2%), good stability for 21days at 4°C, and low detection limit (LOD) at 15ngmL-1. Furthermore, the optical immunosensor was capable of detecting NS1 analytes in plasma specimens from patients infected with the dengue virus, with low cross-reaction with plasma specimens containing the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Zika virus. No studies have been performed on the reproducibility and cross-reactivity regarding NS1 specificity, which is thus a limitation for optical NS1 immunosensors. In contrast, the present study addressed these limitations carefully where these two important experiments were conducted to showcase the robustness of our newly developed optical-based fluorescence immunosensor, which can be practically used for direct NS1 determination in any untreated clinical sample.
    MeSH terms: Zika Virus Infection/blood; Zika Virus Infection/virology; Zika Virus/immunology; Zika Virus/isolation & purification; Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology; Cross Reactions/immunology; Dengue/blood; Dengue/diagnosis*; Dengue/virology; Dengue Virus/immunology*; Dengue Virus/isolation & purification; Encephalitis Virus, Japanese/immunology; Encephalitis Virus, Japanese/isolation & purification; Encephalitis, Japanese/blood; Encephalitis, Japanese/virology; Fluorescent Antibody Technique/methods; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Reproducibility of Results; Biosensing Techniques/methods*; Biomarkers/analysis; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/blood; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/immunology; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/isolation & purification*
  3. Zengin G, Abdallah HH, Dogan A, Mollica A, Aumeeruddy-Elalfi Z, Mahomoodally MF
    Food Chem Toxicol, 2018 Jan;111:423-431.
    PMID: 29198858 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.11.055
    The potentiality of bioactive phenolic compounds may result in plant extracts having multiple biological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate into the biological activities of the methanolic, ethyl acetate, and water extracts of Tchihatchewia isatidea Boiss, an endemic medicinal plant of Turkey. The phenolic compositions of the extracts were confirmed using RP-HPLC. Extracts were screened for their potential antioxidant through a panoply of assays; their anti-diabetic potential, and plausible inhibitory activity against tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase. Molecular modelling methods were also used to assess the docking properties of phenolic compounds on tyrosinase. The major and most abundant compounds were rosmarinic acid (570 ± 14 μg/g extract in the methanolic extract), ferrulic acid (336 ± 6 μg/g extract in the methanolic extract), (+)-catechin (340 ± 4 μg/g extract in the water extract), apigenin (182 ± 4 μg/g extract in the methanolic extract), and epicatechin (188 ± 12 μg/g extract in the water extract). Radical scavenging, reducing capacity, and metal chelating activities were detected in the extracts, with preponderance activity observed in the methanolic extract. In conclusion, the potential clinical applications observed during this study may provide new insights into the molecular aspect particularly for neuroprotective and anti-diabetic mechanisms involving oxidative stress.
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants/pharmacology; Antioxidants/chemistry; Binding Sites; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Models, Molecular; Phenols/chemistry*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Protein Conformation; Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism; Brassicaceae/chemistry*; Plant Components, Aerial/chemistry
  4. Altamimi AS, Alafeefy AM, Balode A, Vozny I, Pustenko A, El Shikh ME, et al.
    J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem, 2018 Dec;33(1):147-150.
    PMID: 29199484 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2017.1404593
    A series of symmetric molecules incorporating aryl or pyridyl moieties as central core and 1,4-substituted triazoles as a side bridge was synthesised. The new compounds were investigated as lactate dehydro-genase (LDH, EC 1.1.1.27) inhibitors. The cancer associated LDHA isoform was inhibited with IC50 = 117-174 µM. Seven compounds exhibited better LDHA inhibition (IC50 117-136 µM) compared to known LDH inhibitor - galloflavin (IC50 157 µM).
    MeSH terms: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/antagonists & inhibitors*; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/metabolism; Structure-Activity Relationship; Triazoles/pharmacology*; Triazoles/chemistry; Molecular Structure; Isocoumarins/pharmacology*; Isocoumarins/chemistry
  5. Hashim NA, Abd Razak NA, Abu Osman NA, Gholizadeh H
    Proc Inst Mech Eng H, 2018 Jan;232(1):3-11.
    PMID: 29199518 DOI: 10.1177/0954411917744585
    Body-powered prostheses are known for their advantages of cost, reliability, training period, maintenance, and proprioceptive feedback. This study primarily aims to analyze the work related to the improvement of upper limb body-powered prostheses prior to 2016. A systematic review conducted via the search of the Web of Science electronic database, Google Scholar, and Google Patents identified 155 papers from 1921 to 2016. Sackett's initial rules of evidence were used to determine the levels of evidence, and only papers categorized in the design and development category and patents were analyzed. A total of 40 papers in the sixth level of "Design and Development" of an upper limb body-powered prosthesis were found. Approximately 81% were categorized under mechanical alteration. Most papers were patent-type documents (48%), with the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development publishing most of the articles related to the design and development of body-powered prostheses. Papers in the scope of the study were published once every 3 years in almost a century, proving that only a few studies were conducted to improve body-powered arms compared with myoelectric technology. Further research should be carried out mainly in areas that have received less attention.
    MeSH terms: Artificial Limbs*; Humans; Upper Extremity/physiology*
  6. Rehman R, Marhisham MC, Alwi M
    Future Cardiol, 2018 01;14(1):55-73.
    PMID: 29199861 DOI: 10.2217/fca-2017-0053
    Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stenting has gained acceptance for palliation in cyanotic congenital heart disease. The PDA in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia (ToF-PA) arises, in the left aortic arch, from underneath the arch and connects to the proximal left pulmonary artery, often resulting in stenosis. The PDA is usually elongated and tortuous, making stent implantation challenging. Shorter duration of palliation, aggravation of branch pulmonary artery stenosis resulting in poor growth and difficulty at surgery makes ductal stenting controversial. Access via the carotid and axillary artery reduces complexity of the procedure and improves success, with recent data demonstrating good pulmonary artery growth. Advances in bioresorbable stents offer future promise and will likely resolve some controversies surrounding PDA stenting in ToF-PA.
    MeSH terms: Ductus Arteriosus, Patent/surgery*; Cardiac Catheterization; Heart Septal Defects/surgery*; Cardiac Surgical Procedures/methods*; Humans; Palliative Care/methods*; Tetralogy of Fallot/surgery*; Stents*; Pulmonary Atresia/surgery*
  7. Koh FX, Kho KL, Kisomi MG, Wong LP, Bulgiba A, Tan PE, et al.
    J Med Entomol, 2018 02 28;55(2):269-276.
    PMID: 29202206 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx204
    Little information is available on human anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in Southeast Asia despite increasing reports of the detection of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in the ticks. We report herein the serological findings against the tick-borne pathogens in a group of animal farm workers (n = 87) and indigenous people (n = 102) in Peninsular Malaysia. IgG antibodies against Ehrlichia chaffeensis were detected from 29.9% and 34.3% of farm workers and indigenous people, respectively, using commercial indirect immunofluorescence assays. Comparatively, only 6.9% of the indigenous people but none of the animal farm workers were seropositive to Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasmataceae was used to identify Anaplastamataceae in ticks collected from various locations adjacent to the areas where the serological survey was conducted. In this study, a total of 61.5% of ticks infesting farm animals, 37.5% of ticks infesting peri-domestic animals in rural villages, 27.3% of ticks collected from wildlife animals, and 29.1% of questing ticks collected from forest vegetation were positive for Anaplasmataceae DNA. Sequence analyses of 16S rRNA gene region (238 bp) provide the identification for Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma platys, A. phagocytophilum, and Anaplasma spp. closely related to Candidatus Cryptoplasma californiense in ticks. E. chaffeensis DNA was not detected from any ticks, instead, Ehrlichia sp. strain EBm52, Ehrlichia mineirensis and Candidatus Ehrlichia shimanensis are the only Ehrlichia sp. identified from cattle ticks in this study. Further investigation is required to ascertain the occurrence of zoonotic transmission of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma infections in Peninsular Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Farmers/statistics & numerical data; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anaplasma/isolation & purification; Anaplasmosis/microbiology; Anaplasmosis/epidemiology*; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Animals, Wild; Child; Ehrlichia/isolation & purification; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases/microbiology; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*; Ticks/microbiology*; Prevalence; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Ehrlichiosis/microbiology; Ehrlichiosis/epidemiology*; Ehrlichiosis/veterinary; Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology; Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology*; Young Adult
  8. Masuyama N, Loo CK, Dawood F
    Neural Netw, 2018 Feb;98:76-86.
    PMID: 29202265 DOI: 10.1016/j.neunet.2017.11.003
    Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) is one of the successful approaches to resolving "the plasticity-stability dilemma" in neural networks, and its supervised learning model called ARTMAP is a powerful tool for classification. Among several improvements, such as Fuzzy or Gaussian based models, the state of art model is Bayesian based one, while solving the drawbacks of others. However, it is known that the Bayesian approach for the high dimensional and a large number of data requires high computational cost, and the covariance matrix in likelihood becomes unstable. This paper introduces Kernel Bayesian ART (KBA) and ARTMAP (KBAM) by integrating Kernel Bayes' Rule (KBR) and Correntropy Induced Metric (CIM) to Bayesian ART (BA) and ARTMAP (BAM), respectively, while maintaining the properties of BA and BAM. The kernel frameworks in KBA and KBAM are able to avoid the curse of dimensionality. In addition, the covariance-free Bayesian computation by KBR provides the efficient and stable computational capability to KBA and KBAM. Furthermore, Correntropy-based similarity measurement allows improving the noise reduction ability even in the high dimensional space. The simulation experiments show that KBA performs an outstanding self-organizing capability than BA, and KBAM provides the superior classification ability than BAM, respectively.
    MeSH terms: Machine Learning/standards*; Bayes Theorem; Normal Distribution; Neural Networks (Computer)*; Fuzzy Logic
  9. Ghanghoria R, Kesharwani P, Tekade RK, Jain NK
    J Control Release, 2018 01 10;269:277-301.
    PMID: 27840168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.11.002
    Cancer is a prime healthcare problem that is significantly responsible for universal mortality. Despite distinguished advancements in medical field, chemotherapy is still the mainstay for the treatment of cancers. During chemotherapy, approximately 90% of the administered dose goes to normal tissues, with mere 2-5% precisely reaching the cancerous tissues. Subsequently, the resultant side effects and associated complications lead to dose reduction or even discontinuance of the therapy. Tumor directed therapy therefore, represents a fascinating approach to augment the therapeutic potential of anticancer bioactives as well as overcomes its side effects. The selective overexpression of LHRH receptors on human tumors compared to normal tissues makes them a suitable marker for diagnostics, molecular probes and targeted therapeutics. These understanding enabled the rational to conjugate LHRH with various cytotoxic drugs (doxorubicin, DOX; camptothecin etc.), cytotoxic genes [small interfering RNA (siRNA), micro RNA (miRNA)], as well as therapeutic nanocarriers (nanoparticles, liposomes or dendrimers) to facilitate their tumor specific delivery. LHRH conjugation enhances their delivery via LHRH receptor mediated endocytosis. Numerous cytotoxic analogs of LHRH were developed over the past two decades to target various types of cancers. The potency of LHRH compound were reported to be as high as 5,00-10,00 folds compared to parent molecules. The objective of this review article is to discuss reports on various LHRH analogs with special emphasis on their prospective application in the medical field. The article also focuses on the attributes that must be taken into account while designing a LHRH therapeutics with special account to the biochemistry and applications of these conjugates. The record on various cytotoxic analogs of LHRH are also discussed. It is anticipated that the knowledge of therapeutic and toxicological aspects of LHRH compounds will facilitate the development of a more systematic approach to the targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents using peptides.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage*; Humans; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/administration & dosage*; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/analogs & derivatives; Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Neoplasms/metabolism; Receptors, LHRH/metabolism
  10. Asrofi M, Abral H, Putra YK, Sapuan SM, Kim HJ
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2018 Mar;108:167-176.
    PMID: 29191420 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.11.165
    This paper characterizes properties of biocomposite sonicated during gelatinization. The biocomposite consisted of tapioca starch based plastic reinforced by 10% volume fraction of water hyacinth fiber (WHF). During gelatinization, the biocomposite was poured into a rectangular glass mold then vibrated in an ultrasonic bath using 40kHz, 250W for varying durations (0, 15, 30, and 60min). The resulting biocomposite was then dried in a drying oven at 50°C for 20h. The results of this study indicate that a biocomposite with optimal properties can be produced using tapioca starch and WHF if the gelatinizing mixture is exposed to ultrasound vibration for 30min. After this vibration duration, tensile strength (TS) and tensile modulus (TM) increased 83% and 108%. A further 60min vibration only increased the TS at 13% and TM at 23%. Moisture resistance of the biocomposite after vibration increased by around 25% reaching a maximal level after 30min. Thermal resistance of the vibrated biocomposites was also increased.
    MeSH terms: Manihot/chemistry*; Dietary Fiber*; Gelatin*; Sonication*; Starch*; Tensile Strength; Thermogravimetry; Water*; X-Ray Diffraction; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Eichhornia/chemistry*; Mechanical Phenomena; Phytochemicals/chemistry
  11. Loeliger KB, Altice FL, Desai MM, Ciarleglio MM, Gallagher C, Meyer JP
    Lancet HIV, 2018 02;5(2):e96-e106.
    PMID: 29191440 DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3018(17)30209-6
    BACKGROUND: Incarceration provides an opportunity for engagement in HIV care but is associated with poor HIV treatment outcomes after release. We aimed to assess post-release linkage to HIV care (LTC) and the effect of transitional case management services.

    METHODS: To create a retrospective cohort of all adults with HIV released from jails and prisons in Connecticut, USA (2007-14), we linked administrative custody and pharmacy databases with mandatory HIV/AIDS surveillance monitoring and case management data. We examined time to LTC (defined as first viral load measurement after release) and viral suppression at LTC. We used generalised estimating equations to show predictors of LTC within 14 days and 30 days of release.

    FINDINGS: Among 3302 incarceration periods for 1350 individuals between 2007 and 2014, 672 (21%) of 3181 periods had LTC within 14 days of release, 1042 (34%) of 3064 had LTC within 30 days of release, and 301 (29%) of 1042 had detectable viral loads at LTC. Factors positively associated with LTC within 14 days of release are intermediate (31-364 days) incarceration duration (adjusted odds ratio 1·52; 95% CI 1·19-1·95), and transitional case management (1·65; 1·36-1·99), receipt of antiretroviral therapy during incarceration (1·39; 1·11-1·74), and two or more medical comorbidities (1·86; 1·48-2·36). Reincarceration (0·70; 0·56-0·88) and conditional release (0·62; 0·50-0·78) were negatively associated with LTC within 14 days. Hispanic ethnicity, bonded release, and psychiatric comorbidity were also associated with LTC within 30 days but reincarceration was not.

    INTERPRETATION: LTC after release is suboptimal but improves when inmates' medical, psychiatric, and case management needs are identified and addressed before release. People who are rapidly cycling through jail facilities are particularly vulnerable to missed linkage opportunities. The use of integrated programmes to align justice and health-care goals has great potential to improve long-term HIV treatment outcomes.

    FUNDING: US National Institutes of Health.

    MeSH terms: Continuity of Patient Care*; Female; Humans; Male; Population Surveillance; Prisoners/statistics & numerical data; Prisons; Retrospective Studies; HIV Infections/drug therapy*; HIV Infections/virology; Treatment Outcome; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use*; Viral Load; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active/methods
  12. Pant A, Negi JS
    Eur J Pharm Sci, 2018 Jan 15;112:180-185.
    PMID: 29191520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.11.020
    The aim of this study was to develop a novel controlled ionic gelation strategy for chitosan nanoparticle preparation to avoid particle aggregation tendency associated with conventional ionic gelation process. In this study inclusion complexation behaviour of sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) with beta cyclodextrin (β-CD) has been investigated. The TPP-β-CD inclusion complex was characterized by FT-IR, XRD and DSC techniques. The complexation behaviour was also investigated by molecular docking study. The results showed that the TPP molecule formed inclusion complex with β-CD. Further, TPP-β-CD inclusion complex was used to prepare chitosan nanoparticles. The chitosan nanoparticles based on TPP-β-CD inclusion complex had smaller size of 104.2nm±0.608, good PDI value of 0.346±0.016 and acceptable zeta potential of +27.33mV±0.416. The surface characteristics of chitosan nanoparticles were also observed with transmission electron microscopy. Results indicates that TPP-β-CD inclusion complex can be used for the formation of chitosan nanoparticles with smaller and more uniform particle size in comparison to conventional TPP based chitosan nanoparticles.
    MeSH terms: Gels; Polyphosphates/chemistry*; beta-Cyclodextrins/chemistry*; Chitosan/chemistry*; Nanoparticles/chemistry*
  13. Tsai JW, Liew HJ, Jhang JJ, Hung SH, Meng PJ, Leu MY, et al.
    Fish Physiol Biochem, 2018 Apr;44(2):489-502.
    PMID: 29192359 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-017-0448-y
    The mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) naturally inhabits freshwater (FW; 1-3‰) and seawater (SW; 28-33‰) ponds in constructed wetland. To explore the physiological status and molecular mechanisms for salinity adaptation of the mosquitofish, cytoprotective responses and osmoregulation were examined. In the field study, activation of protein quality control (PQC) mechanism through upregulation of the abundance of heat shock protein (HSP) 90 and 70 and ubiquitin-conjugated proteins was found in the mosquitofish gills from SW pond compared to the individuals of FW pond. The levels of aggregated proteins in mosquitofish gills had no significant difference between FW and SW ponds. Furthermore, the osmoregulatory responses revealed that the body fluid osmolality and muscle water contents of the mosquitofish from two ponds were maintained within a physiological range while branchial Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) expression was higher in the individuals from SW than FW ponds. Subsequently, to further clarify whether the cellular stress responses and osmoregulation were mainly induced by hypertonicity, a laboratory salinity acclimation experiment was conducted. The results from the laboratory experiment were similar to the field study. Branchial PQC as well as NKA responses were induced by SW acclimation compared to FW-acclimated individuals. Taken together, induction of gill PQC and NKA responses implied that SW represents an osmotic stress for mosquitofish. Activation of PQC was suggested to provide an osmoprotection to prevent the accumulation of aggregated proteins. Moreover, an increase in branchial NKA responses for osmoregulatory adjustment was required for the physiological homeostasis of body fluid osmolality and muscle water content.
    MeSH terms: Adaptation, Physiological; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/genetics; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/metabolism*; Animals; Cyprinodontiformes/physiology*; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects*; Gills/drug effects; Gills/physiology; Muscles; Stress, Physiological; Water-Electrolyte Balance; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism; Cytoprotection*; Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes/genetics; Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes/metabolism; Salinity*; Osmoregulation*
  14. Jaafar MH, Safi SZ, Tan MP, Rampal S, Mahadeva S
    Dig Dis Sci, 2018 05;63(5):1250-1260.
    PMID: 29192375 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4871-9
    OBJECTIVE: The role of gastritis in dyspepsia remains controversial. We aimed to examine the efficacy of rebamipide, a gastric mucosal protective agent, in both organic and functional dyspepsia.

    DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. The following databases were searched using the keywords ("rebamipide" OR "gastroprotective agent*" OR "mucosta") AND ("dyspepsia" OR "indigestion" OR "gastrointestinal symptoms"): PubMed, Wed of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Clinical Trials Register. The primary outcome was dyspepsia or upper GI symptom score improvement. Pooled analysis of the main outcome data were presented as risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data and standardized mean difference (SMD) for continuous data.

    RESULTS: From an initial 248 records, 17 randomised controlled trial (RCT) publications involving 2170 subjects (1224 rebamipide, 946 placebo/control) were included in the final analysis. Twelve RCTs were conducted in subjects with organic dyspepsia (peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis or NSAID-induced gastropathy) and five RCTs were conducted in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Overall, dyspepsia symptom improvement was significantly better with rebamipide compared to placebo/control drug (RR 0.77, 95% CI = 0.64-0.93; SMD -0.46, 95% CI = -0.83 to -0.09). Significant symptom improvement was observed both in pooled RR and SMD in subjects with organic dyspepsia (RR 0.72, 95% CI = 0.61-0.86; SMD -0.23, 95% CI = -0.4 to -0.07), while symptom improvement in FD was observed in pooled SMD but not RR (SMD -0.62, 95% CI = -1.16 to -0.08; RR 1.01, 95% CI = 0.71-1.45).

    CONCLUSION: Rebamipide is effective in organic dyspepsia and may improve symptoms in functional dyspepsia.

    MeSH terms: Alanine/analogs & derivatives*; Alanine/therapeutic use; Anti-Ulcer Agents/therapeutic use*; Dyspepsia/drug therapy*; Dyspepsia/etiology; Humans; Quinolones/therapeutic use*; Odds Ratio; Treatment Outcome
  15. Khan TM, Wu DB, Dolzhenko AV
    Phytother Res, 2018 Mar;32(3):402-412.
    PMID: 29193352 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5972
    A systematic review and network-meta analysis (NMA) were performed to test significance of the galactagogue effect of fenugreek administrated to lactating women versus other comparators (i.e., placebo/control/other galactagogues). A pairwise comparison for the treatment effect was carried out to generate the forest plot for the NMA. League tables were generated using treatment effect, weighted mean difference (WMD; 95% confidence interval, CI) for all pairwise comparisons, where WMD > 0 favors the column-defining treatment. Five studies were identified with 122 participants receiving treatment with fenugreek. The NMA results of 4 studies indicated that consumption of fenugreek significantly increased amount of the produced breast milk [11.11, CI 95% 6.77, 15.46] versus placebo. The pairwise comparison revealed that fenugreek was effective as a galactagogue compared to placebo, control, and reference groups WMD 17.79 [CI 11.71, 23.88]. However, the effect of fenugreek was substantially inferior to Coleus amboinicus Lour and palm date. The NMA using pairwise comparison demonstrated the effect of C. amboinicus and palm date in the stimulation of the breast milk production was comparable and superior to all comparators.
    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use*; Trigonella; Galactogogues/pharmacology; Galactogogues/therapeutic use*; Network Meta-Analysis
  16. Lee SF, Teh XR, Malar LS, Ong SL, James RP
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2018 Oct;26(5):442-449.
    PMID: 29193388 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12413
    OBJECTIVES: Despite the availability of a wide selection of anti-diabetic treatments, many type 2 DM (T2DM) patients still do not have controlled glucose levels. In addition to pharmacological intervention, patients' own implicit beliefs about their illness should be targeted for health intervention. Thus, we conducted a quantitative study to evaluate the associations between illness perception (IP) domains and metabolic control (HbA1c) of T2DM patients in Selama Hospital and to identify patients' perceptions of the causal T2DM factors.
    METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department of Selama Hospital from October to December 2015. A total of 200 T2DM patients were recruited using systematic random sampling. A self-administered validated questionnaire consisting of three sections was used, and the data were analysed using SPSS version 18. The associations between eight IP domains and HbA1c were evaluated via multiple linear regression. P values <0.05 were considered significant.
    KEY FINDINGS: The analysis included data from 200 respondents with a mean age of 57.7 years (SE = 9.8). The majority were women (64.5%) and Malays (86%) with a primary school education (43.5%) and a family history of diabetes (53.5%). The median duration of illness was 5 years (IQR = 7), and the median HbA1c level was 8.15% (IQR = 3.1). The mean score for the eight IP domains was 33.7 (SE = 8.43) out of a total score of 80. Using multiple linear regression, HbA1c was found to be significantly associated with IP domains of identity symptoms at 0.221 (95% CI 0.083-0.358). Moreover, 79.4% of patients ranked diet and eating behaviour as the main factor for T2DM.
    CONCLUSION: The IP domain of identity symptoms was significantly correlated with T2DM metabolic control. By understanding patients' IP, healthcare providers can focus on behavioural approaches to managing T2DM patients. Steps must be taken to educate patients about the importance of diet control in managing T2DM.
    Study site: Outpatient clinic, Selama Hospital, Perak, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy*; Diet, Diabetic*; Female; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/analysis*; Hospitals, District; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use*; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Patient Education as Topic; Perception
  17. Shah S, Chew SK
    J Cosmet Dermatol, 2018 Oct;17(5):830-839.
    PMID: 29193788 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12435
    BACKGROUND: Skin hyperpigmentation is the darkening of skin due to the increased production of melanin in the body.

    OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a botanical-based Rosa E pigmentation serum in healthy fair skin female volunteers with wrinkles, skin tone, and pigmentation.

    METHODS: This was a single-arm, open label study conducted in healthy Indian females; 18 subjects aged 30-55, having fair Caucasian-like skin with at least 2 dark skin pigments with facial wrinkles diagnosed by dermatologist were selected. Rosa E pigmentation serum was applied twice a day for 84 days. Effect was evaluated by (i) instrumental technique (spectrophotometer® 2600D), (ii) clinically by dermatologist regarding product efficacy (skin tone, antiwrinkle, pigmentation), and (iii) volunteers self-evaluation.

    RESULTS: The L* value of spectrophotometer reading represents lightness in the skin pigment. Reduction in the pigment was reported from day 14, with significant reductions observed till day 84 compared with baseline. Significant (P < .0001) skin pigmentation lightening was seen on day 14 (1.11) vastly improving on day 84 (1.94) based on photographic assessments. The significant reduction in skin pigment was 76.85%, Felix von Luschan skin color score was 30.24% (P < .0001) with a 7.38-fold reduction in skin tone and 57% reduction in facial wrinkles at day 84 from baseline.

    CONCLUSIONS: Rosa E pigmentation serum was found safe and effective in significant reduction in skin pigments, improvement of skin tone, and antiwrinkle properties instrumentally, clinically, and self-evaluation by volunteers. In these evaluations, best results were seen the longer the Rosa E was used.

    MeSH terms: Administration, Cutaneous; Adult; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Skin Pigmentation/drug effects*; Spectrophotometry; Treatment Outcome; Hyperpigmentation/drug therapy; Hyperpigmentation/prevention & control*; European Continental Ancestry Group; Patient Safety*; Skin Lightening Preparations/therapeutic use*; Healthy Volunteers
  18. Abdul Manan FM, Attan N, Widodo N, Aboul-Enein HY, Wahab RA
    Prep Biochem Biotechnol, 2018 Jan 02;48(1):92-102.
    PMID: 29194017 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2017.1405021
    An alternative environmentally benign support was prepared from chitosan-chitin nanowhiskers (CS/CNWs) for covalent immobilization of Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RML) to increase the operational stability and recyclability of RML in synthesizing eugenyl benzoate. The CS/CNWs support and RML-CS/CNWs were characterized using X-ray diffraction, fluorescent microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Efficiency of the RML-CS/CNWs was compared to the free RML to synthesize eugenyl benzoate for parameters: reaction temperature, stirring rate, reusability, and thermal stability. Under optimal experimental conditions (50°C, 250 rpm, catalyst loading 3 mg/mL), a twofold increase in yield of eugenyl benzoate was observed for RML-CS/CNWs as compared to free RML, with the former achieving maximum yield of the ester at 62.1% after 5 hr. Results demonstrated that the strategy adopted to prepare RML-CS/CNWs was useful, producing an improved and prospectively greener biocatalyst that supported a sustainable process to prepare eugenyl benzoate. Moreover, RML-CS/CNWs are biodegradable and perform esterification reactions under ambient conditions as compared to the less eco-friendly conventional acid catalyst. This research provides a facile and promising approach for improving activity of RML in which the resultant RML-CS/CNWs demonstrated good operational stability for up to eight successive esterification cycles to synthesize eugenyl benzoate.
    MeSH terms: Benzoates/metabolism*; Benzoates/chemistry; Chitin/chemistry*; Enzyme Stability; Enzymes, Immobilized/metabolism*; Enzymes, Immobilized/chemistry; Esterification; Eugenol/analogs & derivatives*; Eugenol/metabolism; Industrial Microbiology; Lipase/metabolism*; Lipase/chemistry; Rhizomucor/enzymology*; Rhizomucor/chemistry; Chitosan/chemistry*; Nanostructures/chemistry
  19. Taha M, Ullah H, Al Muqarrabun LMR, Khan MN, Rahim F, Ahmat N, et al.
    Bioorg Med Chem, 2018 01 01;26(1):152-160.
    PMID: 29183662 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.11.028
    Bisindolylmethane thiosemicarbazides 1-18 were synthesized, characterized by 1H NMR and ESI MS and evaluated for urease inhibitory potential. All analogs showed outstanding urease inhibitory potentials with IC50 values ranging between 0.14 ± 0.01 to 18.50 ± 0.90 μM when compared with the standard inhibitor thiourea having IC50 value 21.25 ± 0.90 μM. Among the series, analog 9 (0.14 ± 0.01 μM) with di-chloro substitution on phenyl ring was identified as the most potent inhibitor of urease. The structure activity relationship has been also established on the basis of binding interactions of the active analogs. These binding interactions were identified by molecular docking studies.
    MeSH terms: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Indoles/pharmacology*; Indoles/chemistry; Models, Molecular; Semicarbazides/pharmacology*; Semicarbazides/chemistry; Structure-Activity Relationship; Urease/antagonists & inhibitors*; Urease/metabolism; Molecular Structure; Canavalia/enzymology
  20. Ashraf A, Saion E, Gharibshahi E, Yap CK, Kamari HM, Elias MS, et al.
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2018 Feb;132:222-231.
    PMID: 29183762 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.11.012
    Fifty-five core marine sediments from three locations at South China Sea and one location each at Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea of coastal East Malaysia were analyzed for heavy metals by instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The enrichment factor and the modified degree of contamination were used to calculate the anthropogenic and pollution status of the elements in the samples. The enrichment factor of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn varied from 0.42-4.26, 0.50-2.34, 0.31-0.82, 0.20-0.61, 0.91-1.92, 0.23-1.52, and 0.90-1.28, respectively, with the modified degree of contamination values below 0.6. Comparative data showed that coastal East Malaysia has low levels of contamination.
    MeSH terms: China; Environmental Pollution; Indonesia; Lead; Malaysia; Neutron Activation Analysis; Mass Spectrometry; Zinc; Geologic Sediments; Metals, Heavy
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