Browse publications by year: 2020

  1. Fulltext Manufacture of Contact Lens of Nanoparticle-Doped Polymer Complemented with ZEMAX
    Shaker LM, Al-Amiery AA, Kadhum AAH, Takriff MS
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2020 Oct 15;10(10).
    PMID: 33076278 DOI: 10.3390/nano10102028
    Many people suffer from myopia or hyperopia due to the refractive errors of the cornea all over the world. The use of high refractive index (RI), Abbe number (νd), and visible light transmittance (T%) polymeric contact lenses (CLs) holds great promise in vision error treatment as an alternative solution to the irreversible laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been suggested as a good candidate to rise the RI and maintain high transparency of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-TiO2 nanocomposite. This work includes a preparation of TiO2 NPs using the sol gel method as well as a synthesis of pure PMMA by free radical polarization and PMMA-TiO2 CLs using a cast molding method of 0.005 and 0.01 w/v concentrations and a study of their effect on the aberrated human eye. ZEMAX optical design software was used for eye modeling based on the Liou and Brennan eye model and then the pure and doped CLs were applied. Ocular performance was evaluated by modulation transfer function (MTF), spot diagram, and image simulation. The used criteria show that the best vision correction was obtained by the CL of higher doping content (p < 0.0001) and that the generated spherical and chromatic aberrations in the eye had been reduced.
    MeSH terms: Contact Lenses; Cornea; Doping in Sports; Free Radicals; Humans; Hyperopia; Myopia; Refractive Errors; Refractometry; Software; Titanium; Polymethyl Methacrylate; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; Nanoparticles; Nanocomposites
  2. Fulltext Understanding Development of Malnutrition in Hemodialysis Patients: A Narrative Review
    Sahathevan S, Khor BH, Ng HM, Gafor AHA, Mat Daud ZA, Mafra D, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Oct 15;12(10).
    PMID: 33076282 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103147
    Hemodialysis (HD) majorly represents the global treatment option for patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5, and, despite advances in dialysis technology, these patients face a high risk of morbidity and mortality from malnutrition. We aimed to provide a novel view that malnutrition susceptibility in the global HD community is either or both of iatrogenic and of non-iatrogenic origins. This categorization of malnutrition origin clearly describes the role of each factor in contributing to malnutrition. Low dialysis adequacy resulting in uremia and metabolic acidosis and dialysis membranes and techniques, which incur greater amino-acid losses, are identified modifiable iatrogenic factors of malnutrition. Dietary inadequacy as per suboptimal energy and protein intakes due to poor appetite status, low diet quality, high diet monotony index, and/or psychosocial and financial barriers are modifiable non-iatrogenic factors implicated in malnutrition in these patients. These factors should be included in a comprehensive nutritional assessment for malnutrition risk. Leveraging the point of origin of malnutrition in dialysis patients is crucial for healthcare practitioners to enable personalized patient care, as well as determine country-specific malnutrition treatment strategies.
    MeSH terms: Acidosis; Appetite; Delivery of Health Care; Diet; Patient Care; Renal Dialysis; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Morbidity; Technology; Uremia; Nutrition Assessment; Malnutrition
  3. Fulltext A Review of CFD Modelling and Performance Metrics for Osmotic Membrane Processes
    Toh KY, Liang YY, Lau WJ, Fimbres Weihs GA
    Membranes (Basel), 2020 Oct 15;10(10).
    PMID: 33076290 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10100285
    Simulation via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers a convenient way for visualising hydrodynamics and mass transport in spacer-filled membrane channels, facilitating further developments in spiral wound membrane (SWM) modules for desalination processes. This paper provides a review on the use of CFD modelling for the development of novel spacers used in the SWM modules for three types of osmotic membrane processes: reverse osmosis (RO), forward osmosis (FO) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). Currently, the modelling of mass transfer and fouling for complex spacer geometries is still limited. Compared with RO, CFD modelling for PRO is very rare owing to the relative infancy of this osmotically driven membrane process. Despite the rising popularity of multi-scale modelling of osmotic membrane processes, CFD can only be used for predicting process performance in the absence of fouling. This paper also reviews the most common metrics used for evaluating membrane module performance at the small and large scales.
    MeSH terms: Filtration; Humans; Infant; Ion Channels; Membranes; Osmosis; Osmotic Pressure; Benchmarking; Hydrodynamics
  4. Fulltext Association of health literacy and nutritional status assessment with glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
    Hashim SA, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Abu Saad H, Ismail S, Hamdy O, Mansour AA
    Nutrients, 2020 Oct 15;12(10).
    PMID: 33076406 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103152
    While the role of medical and nutrition factors on glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been well-established, the association between health literacy (H.L.) and glycemic control is inconsistent. This study aims to determine the association of H.L. and nutritional status assessments with glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 280 T2DM respondents (mean (SD) age = 49.7 (10.3) years, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) = 9.9 (2.6) %, and Body Mass Index = 32.7 (15.1) kg/m2) were included in this study. A short-form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) assessed the H.L. levels. Nutritional status assessments included client history, glycemic control, anthropometric, and biochemical data. The mean (S.D.) H.L. score was 45.7 (24.6), with 56% of the respondents had inadequate H.L. Inadequate H.L. was more common among those females; housewives, low education, received oral antidiabetic therapy, and shorter diabetes duration. Respondents with inadequate H.L. were significantly older and had higher HbA1c than those with marginal and adequate H.L. Meanwhile, respondents with inadequate and marginal H.L. levels had significantly higher total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure than the respondents with adequate H.L. Low H.L. scores, self-employment status, received dual antidiabetic therapy (insulin with oral agents), received insulin alone, and had higher fasting blood glucose explained about 21% of the total variation in HbA1c (adjusted R2 = 0.21; p < 0.001). Respondents with inadequate H.L. had poor glycemic control. The H.L. scores, together with nutritional status assessments, were the factors that predicted poor glycemic control among adults with T2DM.
    Study site: Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism Centre (FDEMC), Basrah, Iraq
    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Adult; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Employment; Fasting; Female; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Iraq; Cholesterol, LDL; Nutritional Status; Surveys and Questionnaires; Nutrition Assessment; Body Mass Index; Health Literacy; Insulin, Regular, Human
  5. Fulltext Antibiogram Profiles and Risk Factors for Multidrug Resistance of Salmonella enterica Recovered from Village Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus Linnaeus) and Other Environmental Sources in the Central and Southern Peninsular Malaysia
    Mohammed Jajere S, Hassan L, Zakaria Z, Abu J, Abdul Aziz S
    Antibiotics (Basel), 2020 Oct 15;9(10).
    PMID: 33076451 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100701
    The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR), including colistin resistance, among Enterobacteriaceae recovered from food animals poses a serious public health threat because of the potential transmission of these resistant variants to humans along the food chain. Village chickens or Ayam Kampung are free-range birds and are preferred by a growing number of consumers who consider these chickens to be organic and more wholesome. The current study investigates the antibiogram profiles of Salmonella isolates recovered from village chicken flocks in South-central Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 34 isolates belonging to eight serotypes isolated from village chickens were screened for resistance towards antimicrobials including colistin according to the WHO and OIE recommendations of critical antibiotics. S. Weltevreden accounted for 20.6% of total isolates, followed by serovars Typhimurium and Agona (17.6%). The majority of isolates (73.5%) demonstrated resistance to one or more antimicrobials. Eight isolates (23.5%) were resistant to ≥3 antimicrobial classes. Colistin resistance (minimum inhibitory concentrations: 4-16 mg/L) was detected among five isolates (14.7%), including S. Weltevreden, S. Albany, S. Typhimurium, and Salmonella spp. Univariable analysis of risk factors likely to influence the occurrence of MDR Salmonella revealed that the flock size, poultry production system, and use of antibiotics in the farm were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with MDR Salmonella. The current study highlights that MDR Salmonella occur at a lower level in village chickens compared to that found in live commercial chickens. However, MDR remains a problem even among free-range chickens with minimal exposure to antibiotics.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chickens; Colistin; Enterobacteriaceae; Humans; Malaysia; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Poultry; Poultry Products; Public Health; Risk Factors; Salmonella; Drug Resistance, Multiple; Food Chain; Serogroup; Farms
  6. Fulltext The effects of six months Persicaria minor extract supplement among older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial
    Lau H, Shahar S, Mohamad M, Rajab NF, Yahya HM, Din NC, et al.
    BMC Complement Med Ther, 2020 Oct 19;20(1):315.
    PMID: 33076878 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03092-2
    BACKGROUND: Persicaria minor extract exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has potential effects on cognitive function and mood. However, the effects of P.minor on brain activation and biomarkers have not been studied among older adults. This multicentre, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effect of 6 months P.minor extract supplement (Biokesum®) on cognition, mood, biomarkers, and brain activation among older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

    METHOD: A total of 36 Malaysian community-dwelling older adults with MCI (60-75-year-old) were randomized into Biokesum® (n = 18) and placebo group (n = 18). Each subject consumed one capsule of Biokesum® (250 mg/capsule) or placebo (maltodextrin, 280 mg/capsule) twice daily for 6 months. Cognitive function and mood were assessed at baseline, 3rd, and 6th-month using neuropsychological tests (MMSE, Digit Span, RAVLT, Digit Symbol, and Visual Reproduction) and Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire. Blood lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and biomarkers (MDA, LPO, COX-2, iNOS, and BDNF) were measured at baseline and 6th month. By the end of the intervention, there were 30 compliers (Biokesum®: N = 15; Placebo: N = 15) and 6 dropouts. For brain activation assessment, 15 subsamples (Biokesum®: N = 8; Placebo: N = 7) completed N-back and Stroop tasks during fMRI scanning at baseline and 6th month. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann's area 9 and 46) was identified as a region of interest (ROI) for brain activation analysis using SPM software.

    RESULTS: Two-way mixed ANOVA analysis showed significant improvements in Visual Reproduction II (p = 0.012, partial η2 = 0.470), tension (p = 0.042, partial η2 = 0.147), anger (p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.207), confusion (p = 0.041, partial η2 = 0.148), total negative subscales (p = 0.043, partial η2 = 0.145), BDNF (p = 0.020, partial η2 = 0.179) and triglyceride (p = 0.029, partial η2 = 0.237) following 6 months of Biokesum® supplementation. Preliminary finding also demonstrated significant improvement at 0-back task-induced right DLPFC activation (p = 0.028, partial η2 = 0.652) among subsamples in Biokesum® group. No adverse events were reported at the end of the study.

    CONCLUSION: Six months Biokesum® supplementation potentially improved visual memory, negative mood, BDNF, and triglyceride levels among older adults with MCI. Significant findings on brain activation at the right DPLFC must be considered as preliminary.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered on 30th August 2019 [ ISRC TN12417552 ].

    MeSH terms: Affect/drug effects*; Aged; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Neuropsychological Tests; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use*; Biomarkers/blood; Prefrontal Cortex/drug effects; Dietary Supplements*; Stroop Test; Mild Cognitive Impairment/drug therapy*
  7. Fulltext Investigation of potential anti-urolithiatic activity from different types of Musa pseudo-stem extracts in inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
    Abu Zarin M, Tan JS, Murugan P, Ahmad R
    BMC Complement Med Ther, 2020 Oct 19;20(1):317.
    PMID: 33076892 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03113-0
    BACKGROUND: The banana or scientifically referred to as Musa sp., is one of the most popular fruits all over the world. Almost all parts of a banana tree, including the fruits, stem juice, and flowers are commonly used as traditional medicine for treating diarrhoea (unripe), menorrhagia, diabetes, dysentery, and antiulcerogenic, hypoglycemic, antilithic, hypolipidemic conditions, plus antioxidant actions, inflammation, pains and even snakebites. The study carried out was to evaluate in vitro anti-urolithiatic activity from different types of Musa pseudo-stems.

    METHODS: Observing anti-urolithiathic activity via in vitro nucleation and aggregation assay using a spectrophotometer followed by microscopic observation. A total of 12 methanolic extracts were tested to determine the potential extracts in anti-urolithiasis activities. Cystone was used as a positive control.

    RESULTS: The results manifested an inhibition of nucleation activity (0.11 ± 2.32% to 55.39 ± 1.01%) and an aggregation activity (4.34 ± 0.68% to 58.78 ± 1.81%) at 360 min of incubation time. The highest inhibition percentage in nucleation assay was obtained by the Musa acuminate x balbiciana Colla cv "Awak Legor" methanolic pseudo-stem extract (2D) which was 55.39 ± 1.01%at 60 min of incubation time compared to the cystone at 30.87 ± 0.74%. On the other hand,the Musa acuminate x balbiciana Colla cv "Awak Legor" methanolic bagasse extract (3D) had the highest inhibition percentage in the aggregation assay incubated at 360 min which was obtained at 58.78 ± 1.8%; 5.53% higher than the cystone (53.25%).The microscopic image showed a great reduction in the calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals formation and the size of crystals in 2D and 3D extracts, respectively, as compared to negative control.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from this study suggest that the extracts are potential sources of alternative medicine for kidney stones disease.

    MeSH terms: Calcium Oxalate/metabolism; Humans; Malaysia; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Plant Stems; Musa/chemistry*; Urolithiasis/drug therapy*
  8. The Influence of Stable Management and Feeding Practices on the Abnormal Behaviors Among Stabled Horses in Malaysia
    Hanis F, Chung ELT, Kamalludin MH, Idrus Z
    J Equine Vet Sci, 2020 11;94:103230.
    PMID: 33077069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103230
    The present study aimed to provide preliminary data on the prevalence of oral stereotypic, locomotory stereotypic, and redirected behaviors as well as their associations with stable management and feeding practices. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 207 working horses used for leisure riding, equestrian sport, polo, endurance, and patrolling were selected from seven equine facilities. Data on the stable management and feeding practices were obtained through the stable records, interviews, and on-site monitoring visits, whereas the prevalence of abnormal behaviors in the studied population was determined using the instantaneous scan sampling method. Most horses in the present study worked for more than 8 hours per week (n = 93). In addition, more horses were fed three times per day (n = 65) with different amounts of hay, concentrate, and chaff. Among the study population, oral stereotypic behaviors had the highest prevalence (n = 281; 54%), followed by redirected behavior (n = 181; 34%), and locomotory stereotypic behaviors had the lowest prevalence (n = 63; 12%). The oral stereotypic behavior was found to be significantly influenced (P < .05) by the working hours, amount of hay, and amount of concentrate. Both locomotory stereotypic and redirected behaviors were found to be influenced (P < .05) by the number of feedings per day and the amount of hay. In summary, the present study has proven that the stable management and feeding practices could influence the prevalence of different abnormal behaviors in the majority of working horses, with oral stereotypy being the most common abnormal behavior in this country.
    MeSH terms: Problem Behavior*; Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior*; Horses; Malaysia/epidemiology; Stereotyped Behavior
  9. Stress induces reinstatement of extinguished cocaine conditioned place preference by a sequential signaling via neuropeptide S, orexin, and endocannabinoid
    Chou YH, Hor CC, Lee MT, Lee HJ, Guerrini R, Calo G, et al.
    Addict Biol, 2020 Oct 19.
    PMID: 33078457 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12971
    Neurons containing neuropeptide S (NPS) and orexins are activated during stress. Previously, we reported that orexins released during stress, via orexin OX1 receptors (OX1 Rs), contribute to the reinstatement of cocaine seeking through endocannabinoid/CB1 receptor (CB1 R)-mediated dopaminergic disinhibition in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Here, we further demonstrated that NPS released during stress is an up-stream activator of this orexin-endocannabinoid cascade in the VTA, leading to the reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Mice were trained to acquire cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) by context-pairing cocaine injections followed by the extinction training with context-pairing saline injections. Interestingly, the extinguished cocaine CPP in mice was significantly reinstated by intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) of NPS (1 nmol) in a manner prevented by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of SHA68 (50 mg/kg), an NPS receptor antagonist. This NPS-induced cocaine reinstatement was prevented by either i.p. or intra-VTA microinjection (i.vta.) of SB-334867 (15 mg/kg, i.p. or 15 nmol, i.vta.) and AM 251 (1.1 mg/kg, i.p. or 30 nmol, i.vta.), antagonists of OX1 Rs and CB1 Rs, respectively. Besides, NPS (1 nmol, i.c.v.) increased the number of c-Fos-containing orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and increased orexin-A level in the VTA. The latter effect was blocked by SHA68. Furthermore, a 30-min restraint stress in mice reinstated extinguished cocaine CPP and was prevented by SHA68. These results suggest that NPS is released upon stress and subsequently activates LH orexin neurons to release orexins in the VTA. The released orexins then reinstate extinguished cocaine CPP via an OX1 R- and endocannabinoid-CB1 R-mediated signaling in the VTA.
    MeSH terms: Orexins; Animals; Cocaine; Hypothalamic Area, Lateral; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Microinjections; Neurons; Piperidines; Pyrazoles; Ventral Tegmental Area; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; Rivers; Mice; Endocannabinoids; Orexin Receptors
  10. Fulltext Visualising functional 5-HT3 receptors containing A and C subunits at or near the cell surface
    Abad IPL, Fam RL, Nguyen DT, Nowell CJ, Trinh PNH, Manallack DT, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2020 Dec;132:110860.
    PMID: 33059258 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110860
    Five different subunits of the human serotonin 3 (5-hydroxytrptamine 3; 5-HT3) receptor exist and these are present in both central and peripheral systems. Different subunits alter the efficacy of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists used to treat diarrhoea predominant-irritable bowel syndrome, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting and depression. Cell surface arrangement of 5-HT3 receptor complexes and the contribution of C, D and E subunits to receptor function is poorly understood. Here, we examine interactions of A and C subunits using 5-HT3 receptor subunits containing fluorescent protein inserts between the 3rd and 4th transmembrane spanning region. HEK293T cells that do not normally express 5-HT3 receptor subunits, were transiently transfected with A or C or both subunits. Patch clamp experiments show that cells transfected with either fluorescent protein tagged A or A and C subunits generate whole cell currents in response to 5-HT. These findings correlate with the apparent distribution of fluorescent protein tagged A and C subunits at or near cell surfaces detected using TIRF microscopy. In co-transfected cells, the A and C subunits are associated forming AC heteromer complexes at or near the cell surface and a proportion can also form A or C homomers. In conclusion, it is likely that both A homomers and AC heteromers contribute to whole cell currents in response to 5-HT with minimal contribution from C homomers.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents; Depression; Diarrhea; Humans; Microscopy; Nausea; Serotonin; Vomiting; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3; HEK293 Cells
  11. Modelling the effect of temperature and water activity on the growth rate of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin production in peanut meal extract agar
    Norlia M, Jinap S, Nor-Khaizura MAR, Radu S, John JM, Rahman MAH, et al.
    Int J Food Microbiol, 2020 Dec 16;335:108836.
    PMID: 33065380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108836
    Aspergillus flavus is the predominant species that produce aflatoxins in stored peanuts under favourable conditions. This study aimed to describe the growth and aflatoxin production by two A. flavus strains isolated from imported raw peanuts and to model the effects of temperature and aw on their colony growth rate as a function of temperature and aw in Peanut Meal Extract Agar (PMEA). A full factorial design with seven aw levels (0.85-0.98 aw) and five temperature levels (20-40 °C) was used to investigate the growth and aflatoxin production. Colony diameter was measured daily for 28 days while AFB1 and total aflatoxin were determined on day 3, 7, 14, and 21. The maximum colony growth rate, μmax (mm/day) was estimated by using the primary model of Baranyi, and the μmax was then fitted to the secondary model; second-order polynomial and linear Arrhenius-Davey to describe the colony growth rate as a function of temperature and aw. The results indicated that both strains failed to grow at temperature of 20 °C with aw <0.94 and aw of 0.85 for all temperatures except 30 °C. The highest growth rate was observed at 30 °C, with 0.98 aw for both strains. The analysis of variance showed a significant effect of strain, temperature, and aw on the fungal growth and aflatoxin production (p 
    MeSH terms: Aflatoxins/biosynthesis*; Aspergillus flavus/growth & development*; Aspergillus flavus/metabolism; Food Microbiology; Models, Biological; Arachis/microbiology*; Plant Extracts; Temperature*; Water; Colony Count, Microbial
  12. Fulltext Spinal Cord Injury: Pathophysiology, Multimolecular Interactions, and Underlying Recovery Mechanisms
    Anjum A, Yazid MD, Fauzi Daud M, Idris J, Ng AMH, Selvi Naicker A, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Oct 13;21(20).
    PMID: 33066029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207533
    Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive neurological and pathological state that causes major motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunctions. Its pathophysiology comprises acute and chronic phases and incorporates a cascade of destructive events such as ischemia, oxidative stress, inflammatory events, apoptotic pathways and locomotor dysfunctions. Many therapeutic strategies have been proposed to overcome neurodegenerative events and reduce secondary neuronal damage. Efforts have also been devoted in developing neuroprotective and neuro-regenerative therapies that promote neuronal recovery and outcome. Although varying degrees of success have been achieved, curative accomplishment is still elusive probably due to the complex healing and protective mechanisms involved. Thus, current understanding in this area must be assessed to formulate appropriate treatment modalities to improve SCI recovery. This review aims to promote the understanding of SCI pathophysiology, interrelated or interlinked multimolecular interactions and various methods of neuronal recovery i.e., neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and neuro-regenerative pathways and relevant approaches.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Spinal Cord/metabolism*; Spinal Cord/pathology; Spinal Cord/physiology; Spinal Cord Injuries/metabolism*; Spinal Cord Injuries/pathology; Spinal Cord Injuries/therapy; Spinal Cord Regeneration*
  13. Fulltext Role of microRNAs in Diagnosis, Prognosis and Management of Multiple Myeloma
    Soliman AM, Lin TS, Mahakkanukrauh P, Das S
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Oct 13;21(20).
    PMID: 33066062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207539
    Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancerous bone disease characterized by malignant transformation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. MM is considered to be the second most common blood malignancy, with 20,000 new cases reported every year in the USA. Extensive research is currently enduring to validate diagnostic and therapeutic means to manage MM. microRNAs (miRNAs) were shown to be dysregulated in MM cases and to have a potential role in either progression or suppression of MM. Therefore, researchers investigated miRNAs levels in MM plasma cells and created tools to test their impact on tumor growth. In the present review, we discuss the most recently discovered miRNAs and their regulation in MM. Furthermore, we emphasized utilizing miRNAs as potential targets in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of MM, which can be useful for future clinical management.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Multiple Myeloma/diagnosis; Multiple Myeloma/genetics*; Multiple Myeloma/metabolism; Multiple Myeloma/therapy; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism; MicroRNAs/genetics*; MicroRNAs/metabolism
  14. Fulltext Antidepressant-Like Properties of Fish Oil on Postpartum Depression-Like Rats Model: Involvement of Serotonergic System
    Abdul Aziz NU, Chiroma SM, Mohd Moklas MA, Adenan MI, Ismail A, Hidayat Baharuldin MT
    Brain Sci, 2020 Oct 13;10(10).
    PMID: 33066310 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100733
    Pathophysiology of postpartum depression (PPD) has been associated with many factors, such as neuroendocrine, neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter changes. Fish oil (FO) improves PPD both in humans and animals. However, little is known with regards to its pharmacology on a PPD-like rat model. Hence, the current study aimed at investigating the effects of FO on a PPD-like rat model. Female rats were induced with PPD-like symptoms and then randomly divided into six groups (n = 6) for two experimental protocols. Protocol 1 consisted of PPD-like rats (2 mL distilled water), PPD-like + FO (9 g/kg/d) and PPD-like + Fluoxetine (FLX) (15 mg/kg/d) groups of rats, whereas Protocol 2 consisted of PPD-like rats (2 mL distilled water) + PCPA (p-chlorophenylalanine) 150 mg/kg, PPD-like + FO (9 g/kg/d) + PCPA 150 mg/kg and PPD-like + FLX (15 mg/d) + PCPA 150 mg/kg groups of rats, respectively. All treatments were administered orally for 10 days postpartum, except PCPA, which was given intraperitoneally. Prior to euthanasia, the antidepressant-like effect of the FO was evaluated using the forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT) on day 10 postpartum. Biochemical analysis of serotonin, serotonin metabolite and serotonin turnover from their prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were also measured. The results showed that FO decreased immobility time and increased swimming time significantly, but not climbing time in FST. Further, it also decreased serotonin metabolite and turnover significantly in the hippocampus of the PPD-like rats. In contrast, administration with PCPA reversed all the outcomes. The antidepressant-like effects of FO were found to be similar with that of FLX. Thus, it can be concluded that FO exerts its antidepressant-like effects in PPD-like rats through modulation of serotonergic system.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antidepressive Agents; Euthanasia; Female; Fish Oils; Fluoxetine; Hippocampus; Humans; Fenclonine; Serotonin; Swimming; Prefrontal Cortex; Neurotransmitter Agents; Depression, Postpartum; Postpartum Period; Rats
  15. Fulltext Bioguided Fractionation of Local Plants against Matrix Metalloproteinase9 and Its Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cell Models: In Silico and In Vitro Study
    Hariono M, Rollando R, Karamoy J, Hariyono P, Atmono M, Djohan M, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 Oct 14;25(20).
    PMID: 33066411 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204691
    Matrix metalloproteinase9 (MMP9) is known to be highly expressed during metastatic cancer where most known potential inhibitors failed in the clinical trials. This study aims to select local plants in our state, as anti-breast cancer agent with hemopexin-like domain of MMP9 (PEX9) as the selective protein target. In silico screening for PEX9 inhibitors was performed from our in house-natural compound database to identify the plants. The selected plants were extracted using methanol and then a step-by-step in vitro screening against MMP9 was performed from its crude extract, partitions until fractions using FRET-based assay. The partitions were obtained by performing liquid-liquid extraction on the methanol extract using n-hexane, ethylacetate, n-butanol, and water representing nonpolar to polar solvents. The fractions were made from the selected partition, which demonstrated the best inhibition percentage toward MMP9, using column chromatography. Of the 200 compounds screened, 20 compounds that scored the binding affinity -11.2 to -8.1 kcal/mol toward PEX9 were selected as top hits. The binding of these hits were thoroughly investigated and linked to the plants which they were reported to be isolated from. Six of the eight crude extracts demonstrated inhibition toward MMP9 with the IC50 24 to 823 µg/mL. The partitions (1 mg/mL) of Ageratum conyzoides aerial parts and Ixora coccinea leaves showed inhibition 94% and 96%, whereas their fractions showed IC50 43 and 116 µg/mL, respectively toward MMP9. Using MTT assay, the crude extract of Ageratum exhibited IC50 22 and 229 µg/mL against 4T1 and T47D cell proliferations, respectively with a high safety index concluding its potential anti-breast cancer from herbal.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology*; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry*; Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Breast Neoplasms/pathology; Cercopithecus aethiops; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Female; Indonesia; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Plants/chemistry; Vero Cells; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/chemistry*; Mice; Liquid-Liquid Extraction; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/chemistry; Molecular Docking Simulation; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy; Protein Domains
  16. Fulltext Recent Progress of Chitosan and Chitosan Derivatives-Based Nanoparticles: Pharmaceutical Perspectives of Oral Insulin Delivery
    Seyam S, Nordin NA, Alfatama M
    Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2020 Oct 14;13(10).
    PMID: 33066443 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100307
    Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine disease, affecting more than 400 million people around the world. Patients with poorly controlled blood glucose levels are liable to suffer from life-threatening complications, such as cardiovascular, neuropathy, retinopathy and even premature death. Today, subcutaneous parenteral is still the most common route for insulin therapy. Oral insulin administration is favourable and convenient to the patients. In contrast to injection route, oral insulin delivery mimics the physiological pathway of endogenous insulin secretion. However, oral insulin has poor bioavailability (less than 2%) due to the harsh physiological environment through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Over the last few decades, many attempts have been made to achieve an effective oral insulin formulation with high bioavailability using insulin encapsulation into nanoparticles as advanced technology. Various natural polymers have been employed to fabricate nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle for insulin oral administration. Chitosan, a natural polymer, is extensively studied due to the attractive properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, bioactivity, nontoxicity and polycationic nature. Numerous studies were conducted to evaluate chitosan and chitosan derivatives-based nanoparticles capabilities for oral insulin delivery. This review highlights strategies that have been applied in the recent five years to fabricate chitosan/chitosan derivatives-based nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery. A summary of the barriers hurdle insulin absorption rendering its low bioavailability such as physical, chemical and enzymatic barriers are highlighted with an emphasis on the most common methods of chitosan nanoparticles preparation. Nanocarriers are able to improve the absorption of insulin through GIT, deliver insulin to the blood circulation and lower blood glucose levels. In spite of some drawbacks encountered in this technology, chitosan and chitosan derivatives-based nanoparticles are greatly promising entities for oral insulin delivery.
    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Biological Availability; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Hypoglycemia; Insulin; Polymers; Gastrointestinal Tract; Chitosan; Nanoparticles; Mortality, Premature; Insulin, Regular, Human
  17. Fulltext Treatment of Palm Oil Refinery Effluent Using Tannin as a Polymeric Coagulant: Isotherm, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics Analyses
    Mat Yasin NMF, Hossain MS, H P S AK, Zulkifli M, Al-Gheethi A, Asis AJ, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Oct 14;12(10).
    PMID: 33066451 DOI: 10.3390/polym12102353
    The refining of the crude palm oil (CPO) generates the palm oil refinery effluent (PORE). The presence of high contents of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, and suspended solids (SS) in PORE encourages the determination of an effective treatment process to minimize the environmental pollution and preserve aquatic life. In the present study, a biodegradable natural polymer, namely tannin, was utilized as a coagulant to treat PORE. The coagulation experiment was conducted using a jar test apparatus. The tannin coagulation efficiency was evaluated based on the BOD, COD, turbidity, and SS removal from PORE by varying the tannin dose (50-300 mg/L), pH (pH 4-10), treatment time (15-90 min), and sedimentation time (15-90 min). It was found that the maximum removal of BOD, COD, turbidity, and SS was 97.62%, 88.89%, 93.01%, and 90.21%, respectively, at pH 6, a tannin dose of 200 mg/L, 60 min of coagulation time, and 60 min of sedimentation time. Analyses of isotherm models revealed that the Freundlich isotherm model was well fitted with the coagulation study. Kinetics studies show that the pseudo-second-order kinetics model was the well-fitted kinetics model for the BOD, COD, turbidity, and SS removal from PORE using tannin as a polymeric coagulant. The determination of thermodynamics parameters analyses revealed that BOD, COD, turbidity, and SS removal from PORE was spontaneous, exothermic, and chemical in nature. The finding of the present study shows that tannin as a natural polymeric coagulant would be utilized in PORE treatment to avoid toxic sludge generation.
    MeSH terms: Blood Coagulation; Blood Coagulation Tests; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Oxygen; Petroleum; Polymers; Sewage; Tannins; Thermodynamics; Treatment Outcome; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis
  18. Fulltext An Adaptive Deep Learning Framework for Dynamic Image Classification in the Internet of Things Environment
    Jameel SM, Hashmani MA, Rehman M, Budiman A
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Oct 14;20(20).
    PMID: 33066579 DOI: 10.3390/s20205811
    In the modern era of digitization, the analysis in the Internet of Things (IoT) environment demands a brisk amalgamation of domains such as high-dimension (images) data sensing technologies, robust internet connection (4 G or 5 G) and dynamic (adaptive) deep learning approaches. This is required for a broad range of indispensable intelligent applications, like intelligent healthcare systems. Dynamic image classification is one of the major areas of concern for researchers, which may take place during analysis under the IoT environment. Dynamic image classification is associated with several temporal data perturbations (such as novel class arrival and class evolution issue) which cause a massive classification deterioration in the deployed classification models and make them in-effective. Therefore, this study addresses such temporal inconsistencies (novel class arrival and class evolution issue) and proposes an adapted deep learning framework (ameliorated adaptive convolutional neural network (CNN) ensemble framework), which handles novel class arrival and class evaluation issue during dynamic image classification. The proposed framework is an improved version of previous adaptive CNN ensemble with an additional online training (OT) and online classifier update (OCU) modules. An OT module is a clustering-based approach which uses the Euclidean distance and silhouette method to determine the potential new classes, whereas, the OCU updates the weights of the existing instances of the ensemble with newly arrived samples. The proposed framework showed the desirable classification improvement under non-stationary scenarios for the benchmark (CIFAR10) and real (ISIC 2019: Skin disease) data streams. Also, the proposed framework outperformed against state-of-art shallow learning and deep learning models. The results have shown the effectiveness and proven the diversity of the proposed framework to adapt the new concept changes during dynamic image classification. In future work, the authors of this study aim to develop an IoT-enabled adaptive intelligent dermoscopy device (for dermatologists). Therefore, further improvements in classification accuracy (for real dataset) is the future concern of this study.
    MeSH terms: Data Collection; Humans; Skin Diseases; Cluster Analysis; Benchmarking; Internet; Dermoscopy; Dermatologists
  19. Fulltext Understanding How Nutrition Literacy Links to Dietary Adherence in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Theoretical Exploration Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling
    Lim JH, Chinna K, Khosla P, Karupaiah T, Daud ZAM
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 10 14;17(20).
    PMID: 33066603 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207479
    Dietary non-adherence is pervasive in the hemodialysis (HD) population. Health literacy is a plausible predictor of dietary adherence in HD patients, but its putative mechanism is scarcely studied. Thus, this study aimed to establish the causal model linking nutrition literacy to dietary adherence in the HD population. This was a multi-centre, cross-sectional study, involving 218 randomly selected multi-ethnic HD patients from nine dialysis centres in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Dietary adherence and self-management skills were assessed using validated End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire and Perceived Kidney/Dialysis Self-Management Scale, respectively. Validated self-developed scales were used to gauge nutrition literacy, dietary knowledge and Health Belief Model constructs. Relationships between variables were examined by multiple linear regressions and partial least squares structural equation modeling. Limited nutrition literacy was evident in 46.3% of the HD patients, associated with older age, lower education level, and shorter dialysis vintage. Dietary adherence rate was at 34.9%. Nutrition literacy (β= 0.390, p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of dietary adherence, mediated by self-efficacy (SIE = 0.186, BC 95% CI 0.110-0.280) and self-management skills (SIE = 0.192, BC 95% CI 0.103-0.304). Thus, nutrition literacy-enhancing strategies targeting self-efficacy and self-management skills should be considered to enhance dietary adherence in the HD population.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Renal Dialysis*; Humans; Maintenance; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Least-Squares Analysis; Young Adult; Health Literacy*
  20. Fulltext The Effect of MWCNTs Filler on the Absorbing Properties of OPEFB/PLA Composites Using Microstrip Line at Microwave Frequency
    Ibrahim Lakin I, Abbas Z, Azis RS, Ibrahim NA, Abd Rahman MA
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Oct 14;13(20).
    PMID: 33066690 DOI: 10.3390/ma13204581
    Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber/polylactic acid (PLA)-based composites filled with 6-22 wt.% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared using a melt blend method. The composites were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the MWCNTs. The composites were characterized for complex permittivity using the coaxial probe at 8-12 GHz range and the transmission/reflection coefficients were measured through micro strip line. The dielectric permittivity measurements carried out at X-band frequency revealed that 22 wt.% MWCNTs nanocomposite display higher dielectric constant (ε') and dielectric loss (ε″) values of 4.23 and 0.65, respectively. A maximum absorption loss of 15.2 dB was obtained for the 22 wt.% nanocomposites at 11.75 GHz. This result suggests that PLA/OPEFB/MWCNTs composites are a promising cheap and lightweight material for the effective microwave absorption in the X-band frequency range.
    MeSH terms: Carbon Radioisotopes; Fourier Analysis; Fruit; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microwaves; Polyesters; X-Ray Diffraction; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Nanotubes, Carbon; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Nanocomposites
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