Browse publications by year: 2020

  1. Wong SK, Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Sep 03;21(17).
    PMID: 32899435 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176448
    Quercetin is a flavonoid abundantly found in fruits and vegetables. It possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities, thus suggesting a role in disease prevention and health promotion. The present review aimed to uncover the bone-sparing effects of quercetin and its mechanism of action. Animal studies have found that the action of quercetin on bone is largely protective, with a small number of studies reporting negative outcomes. Quercetin was shown to inhibit RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis, osteoblast apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response while promoting osteogenesis, angiogenesis, antioxidant expression, adipocyte apoptosis and osteoclast apoptosis. The possible underlying mechanisms involved are regulation of Wnt, NF-κB, Nrf2, SMAD-dependent, and intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. On the other hand, quercetin was shown to exert complex and competing actions on the MAPK signalling pathway to orchestrate bone metabolism, resulting in both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on bone in parallel. The overall interaction is believed to result in a positive effect on bone. Considering the important contributions of quercetin in regulating bone homeostasis, it may be considered an economical and promising agent for improving bone health. The documented preclinical findings await further validation from human clinical trials.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antioxidants/pharmacology*; Bone and Bones/drug effects*; Bone Resorption/prevention & control*; Humans; Quercetin/pharmacology*; Protective Agents/pharmacology*
  2. Kuppusamy G, Kong CK, Segaran GC, Tarmalingam E, Herriman M, Ismail MF, et al.
    Biology (Basel), 2020 Sep 05;9(9).
    PMID: 32899563 DOI: 10.3390/biology9090274
    Black soldier fly (BSF) larva is an attractive animal feed replacer due to its noticeable nutritional content. However, the conventional rearing method often resulted in BSF with undesirably high heavy metal residues that are harmful to animals. In this work, putrefied Sesbania grandiflora (S. Grandiflora) leaves were employed as feed to rear BSF larvae. The resultant BSF prepupae were found to contain 43.5% protein and 16.7% fat, reflecting a comparable protein content and a 2-fold reduction in crude fat than those reared using conventional kitchen waste. Moreover, high quantities of arginine (25.4 g/kg dry matter basis (DM)), carnitine (32.9 g/kg DM), and short-chain fatty acids, including lauric (40.00%), palmitic (19.20%), and oleic (12.10%) acids, have also been noticed in the BSF prepupae. Furthermore, the BSF larvae have been recorded with 0.185 mg/kg chromium, 0.380 mg/kg selenium, and mercury below the detection limit, which is far lower than those reared using conventional kitchen and agricultural wastes (≈1.7 mg/kg chromium, 1.2 mg/kg selenium, and 0.2 mg/kg mercury). Overall, the study shows that the nutritional quality of BSF prepupae is extensively improved when using S. Grandiflora as their feed. The resultant BSF prepupae may serve as an alternative feed for animal rearing.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Feed; Arginine; Carnitine; Chromium; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Larva; Mercury; Nutritive Value; Selenium; Simuliidae; Plant Leaves; Metals, Heavy; Sesbania; Limit of Detection
  3. Akter R, Yagi N, Sugino H, Thilsted SH, Ghosh S, Gurung S, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Sep 04;12(9).
    PMID: 32899764 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092705
    The consumption of high-quality diverse diets is crucial for optimal growth, health, and wellbeing.

    OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the diet quality of households by their type of engagement in homestead aquaculture and/or horticulture. Socio-demographic determinants of diet quality were also studied.

    METHOD: Diet quality was assessed using a nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), based on the preceding 7 days' dietary recall at the household level. Adult male equivalent units (AMEs) were used for age- and sex-specific intra-household distribution of household intakes. Mean adequacy ratios (MAR) were computed as an overall measure of diet quality, using NAR.

    RESULTS: Better diet quality (mean ± SD) was associated with households engaged in both homestead aquaculture and horticulture (0.43 ± 0.23; p < 0.001) compared to only one type of agriculture (0.38 ± 0.20) or none (0.36 ± 0.20). Tukey's post-hoc test confirmed significant differences in diet quality between both and either engagement (0.05 ± 0.01, p < 0.001), both and no engagement (0.07 ± 0.01, p < 0.001), and either and no engagement households (0.02 ± 0.01, p < 0.001). Beyond farm production of nutrient-rich foods, generalized estimating equations showed that diet quality was influenced by the higher educational level and occupation of adult household members, higher daily per capita food expenditure, sex, family size and region.

    CONCLUSIONS: Projects that promote and support household engagement in both homestead aquaculture and horticulture have the potential to improve the diet quality of households.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Diet Surveys; Educational Status; Family Characteristics*; Female; Food Supply/methods*; Humans; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Occupations/statistics & numerical data; Aquaculture/statistics & numerical data*; Healthy Diet/statistics & numerical data*
  4. Chung HY, Pan GT, Hong ZY, Hsu CT, Chong S, Yang TC, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 Sep 04;25(18).
    PMID: 32899765 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184050
    A series of heteroatom-containing porous carbons with high surface area and hierarchical porosity were successfully prepared by hydrothermal, chemical activation, and carbonization processes from soybean residues. The initial concentration of soybean residues has a significant impact on the textural and surface functional properties of the obtained biomass-derived porous carbons (BDPCs). SRAC5 sample with a BET surface area of 1945 m2 g-1 and a wide micro/mesopore size distribution, nitrogen content of 3.8 at %, and oxygen content of 15.8 at % presents the best electrochemical performance, reaching 489 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 in 6 M LiNO3 aqueous solution. A solid-state symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) device delivers a specific capacitance of 123 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and a high energy density of 68.2 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 1 kW kg-1 with a wide voltage window of 2.0 V and maintains good cycling stability of 89.9% capacitance retention at 2A g-1 (over 5000 cycles). The outstanding electrochemical performances are ascribed to the synergistic effects of the high specific surface area, appropriate pore distribution, favorable heteroatom functional groups, and suitable electrolyte, which facilitates electrical double-layer and pseudocapacitive mechanisms for power and energy storage, respectively.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Carbon/chemistry*; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Nitrogen/chemistry; Soybeans/chemistry*; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Porosity; Biomass*; Electric Capacitance*; Photoelectron Spectroscopy
  5. Hassan RA, Heng LY, Tan LL
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Sep 04;20(18).
    PMID: 32899886 DOI: 10.3390/s20185043
    Carrageenans are linear sulphated polysaccharides that are commonly added into confectionery products but may exert a detrimental effect to human health. A new and simpler way of carrageenan determination based on an optical sensor utilizing a methylcellulose/poly(n-butyl acrylate) (Mc/PnBA) composite membrane with immobilized methylene blue (MB) was developed. The hydrophilic Mc polymer membrane was successfully modified with a more hydrophobic acrylic polymer. This was to produce an insoluble membrane at room temperature where MB reagent could be immobilized to build an optical sensor for carrageenan analysis. The fluorescence intensity of MB in the composite membrane was found to be proportional to the carrageenan concentrations in a linear manner (1.0-20.0 mg L-1, R2 = 0.992) and with a detection limit at 0.4 mg L-1. Recovery of spiked carrageenan into commercial fruit juice products showed percentage recoveries between 90% and 102%. The optical sensor has the advantages of improved sensitivity and better selectivity to carrageenan when compared to other types of hydrocolloids. Its sensitivity was comparable to most sophisticated techniques for carageenan analysis but better than other types of optical sensors. Thus, this sensor provides a simple, rapid, and sensitive means for carageenan analysis.
    MeSH terms: Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Acrylates; Carrageenan; Colloids; Fluorescence; Humans; Methylcellulose; Methylene Blue; Polymers; Temperature; Limit of Detection; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  6. Mohd Sazlly Lim S, Sinnollareddy M, Sime FB
    J Clin Med, 2020 Sep 06;9(9).
    PMID: 32899911 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092878
    Diabetic patients have an increased propensity to Candida sp. infections due to disease-related immunosuppression and various other physiological alterations. The incidence of candidiasis has increased in number over the years and is linked to significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill and immunosuppressed patients. Treatment of infection in diabetic patients may be complicated due to the various disease-related changes to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of a drug, including antifungal agents. Application of PK/PD principles may be a sensible option to optimise antifungal dosing regimens in this group of patients. Further studies on PK/PD of antifungals in patients with diabetes mellitus are needed as current data is limited or unavailable.
  7. Han H, Al-Ansi A, Chua BL, Tariq B, Radic A, Park SH
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 Sep 06;17(18).
    PMID: 32899942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186485
    The tourism industry has been seriously suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis ever since its outbreak. Given this pandemic situation, the major aim of this study is to develop a conceptual framework that clearly explains the US international tourists' post-pandemic travel behaviors by expanding the theory of planned behavior (TPB). By utilizing a quantitative process, the TPB was successfully broadened by incorporating the travelers' perceived knowledge of COVID-19, and it has been deepened by integrating the psychological risk. Our theoretical framework sufficiently accounted for the US tourists' post-pandemic travel intentions for safer international destinations. In addition, the perceived knowledge of COVID-19 contributed to boosting the prediction power for the intentions. The associations among the subjective norm, the attitude, and the intentions are under the significant influence of the tourists' psychological risks regarding international traveling. The comparative criticality of the subjective norm is found. Overall, the findings of this study considerably enhanced our understanding of US overseas tourists' post-pandemic travel decision-making processes and behaviors.
    MeSH terms: Choice Behavior*; Humans; Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology*; Psychological Theory; Travel*; Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology*; Pandemics
  8. Sayani JKS, Pedapati SR, Lal B
    Sci Rep, 2020 Sep 08;10(1):14748.
    PMID: 32901073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71509-6
    This research is focused on understanding the phase behavior of gas hydrate formation in the gas dominant multiphase pipelines containing mixed gas with high CO2, crude oil, and deionized water. The experimental conditions are in the pressure range of 3-7 MPa with water cut as 20% of the volume. Initially, the effect of high CO2 content in natural gas on the phase boundary conditions of hydrates is studied through simulation (CSMGEM software) and experiments. Later, an additional phase of crude oil was introduced, with 15% of the volume to study the multiphase system. From the experimental analysis, thermodynamic equilibrium conditions were found, and the hydrate-liquid-vapor-equilibrium (HLVE) curves were drawn. The phase behavior is comprehended by comparing the HLVE curves of pure and multiphase systems. It is found that the high CO2 content tends to promote the gas hydrate formation. Based on the results, temperature variance and enthalpy of formation were calculated for the multiphase system. With a difference of 1.32 average temperature variance, the multiphase system exhibits inhibition. A basic statistical regression model was made to predict the gas hydrate formation in multiphase transmission pipelines. This work helps in understanding the effect of a new phase on gas hydrate formation.
  9. Mohan K, Ganesan AR, Muralisankar T, Jayakumar R, Sathishkumar P, Uthayakumar V, et al.
    Trends Food Sci Technol, 2020 Nov;105:17-42.
    PMID: 32901176 DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.08.016
    Background: Insects are a living resource used for human nutrition, medicine, and industry. Several potential sources of proteins, peptides, and biopolymers, such as silk, chitin, and chitosan are utilized in industry and for biotechnology applications. Chitosan is an amino-polysaccharide derivative of chitin that consists of linear amino polysaccharides with d-glucosamine and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine units. Currently, the chief commercial sources of chitin and chitosan are crustacean shells that accumulate as a major waste product from the marine food industry. Existing chitin resources have some natural challenges, including insufficient supplies, seasonal availability, and environmental pollution. As an alternative, insects could be utilized as unconventional but feasible sources of chitin and chitosan.

    Scope and approach: This review focuses on the recent sources of insect chitin and chitosan, particularly from the Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Dictyoptera, and Odonata orders. In addition, the extraction methods and physicochemical characteristics are discussed. Insect chitin and chitosan have numerous biological activities and could be used for food, biomedical, and industrial applications.

    Key findings and conclusions: Recently, the invasive and harmful effects of insect species causing severe damage in agricultural crops has led to great economic losses globally. These dangerous species serve as potential sources of chitin and are underutilized worldwide. The conclusion of the present study provides better insight into the conversion of insect waste-derived chitin into value-added products as an alternative chitin source to address food security related challenges.

  10. Rahim M, Mas Haris MRH, Saqib NU
    Biophys Rev, 2020 Oct;12(5):1223-1231.
    PMID: 32901426 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-020-00750-0
    In recent years, controlled drug delivery has become an important area of research. Nano-biocomposites can fulfil the necessary requirements of a targeted drug delivery device. This review describes use of polymeric nano-biocomposites in controlled drug delivery devices. Selection of suitable biopolymer and methods of preparation are discussed.
    MeSH terms: Biopolymers; Polymers; Drug Delivery Systems
  11. Daud S, Karunakaran T, Santhanam R, Nagaratnam SR, Jong VYM, Ee GCL
    Nat Prod Res, 2020 Sep 09.
    PMID: 32901512 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1819273
    Previous studies on Calophyllum species have shown the existence of a wide variety of bioactive xanthones and coumarins. Phytochemical investigations carried out on the plant, Calophyllum hosei led to the isolation of eleven known xanthones, ananixanthone (1), 9-hydroxycalabaxanthone (2), dombakinaxanthone (3), thwaitesixanthone (4), caloxanthone B (5), trapezifolixanthone (6), β-mangostin (7), osajaxanthone (8), caloxanthone A (9), calozeyloxanthone (10) and rubraxanthone (11). The structures of these compounds were identified and elucidated using spectroscopic techniques such as NMR and MS. The cytotoxicity and nitric oxide production inhibitory activities of selected xanthones as well as the extracts were tested against HL-60 cells and RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, respectively. Among all tested compounds, β-mangostin exhibited appreciable cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells with the IC50 value of 7.16 ± 0.70 µg/mL and rubraxanthone exhibited significant nitric oxide inhibitory activity against LPS induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophages with the IC50 value of 6.45 ± 0.15 µg/mL.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Coumarins; Humans; Isoflavones; Lipopolysaccharides; Macrophages; Nitric Oxide; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Plant Extracts; HL-60 Cells; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Calophyllum; Xanthones; Mice; Phytochemicals
  12. Khurshid Ahmed NA, Lim SK, Pandian GN, Sugiyama H, Lee CY, Khoo BY, et al.
    Mol Med Rep, 2020 Nov;22(5):3645-3658.
    PMID: 32901880 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11485
    Eurycoma (E.) longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) is a widely applied medicine that has been reported to boost serum testosterone and increase muscle mass. However, its actual biological targets and effects on an in vitro level remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of a standardised E. longifolia extract (F2) on the growth and its associated gene expression profile in mouse Leydig cells. F2, even at lower doses, was found to induce a high level of testosterone by ELISA. The level was as high as the levels induced by eurycomanone and formestane in Leydig cells. However, Leydig cells treated with F2 demonstrated reduced viability, which was likely due to the diminished cell population at the G0/G1 phase and increased cell population arrested at the S phase in the cell cycle, as assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Cell viability was revived when the treatment time‑point was prolonged to 96 h. Genome‑wide gene analysis by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR of F2‑treated Leydig cells at 72 h, when the cell growth was not revived, and 96 h, when the cell growth had started to revive, revealed cyclin‑dependent kinase‑like 2 (CDKL2) to be a potential target in regulating the viability of F2‑treated Leydig cells. Functional analysis, as analysed using GeneMANIA Cytoscape program v.3.6.0 (https://genemania.org/), further suggested that CDKL2 could act in concert with Casitas B‑lineage lymphoma and sphingosine kinase 1 interactor‑A‑kinase anchoring protein domain‑containing genes to regulate the viability of F2‑treated Leydig cells. The findings of the present study provide new insights regarding the potential molecular targets associated with the biological effect of E. longifolia extract on cell growth, particularly on the cell cycle, which could aid in enhancing the bioefficacy and reducing the toxicity of this natural product in the future.
    MeSH terms: Androstenedione/analogs & derivatives; Androstenedione/pharmacology; Animals; Cell Line; Cell Survival/drug effects; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects; Leydig Cells/drug effects*; Leydig Cells/metabolism; Male; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Testosterone/metabolism; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases/genetics; Eurycoma/chemistry*; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-cbl/genetics; Mice; Gene Regulatory Networks/drug effects*; Phytochemicals/pharmacology*
  13. De Meester A, Wazir MRWN, Lenoir M, Bardid F
    Res Q Exerc Sport, 2020 Sep 09.
    PMID: 32903170 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2020.1788700
    Purpose: The present study examined whether groups of children with different physical fitness and fitness enjoyment profiles could be identified and, if so, whether the different groups varied from one another in terms of organized sports participation. Method: Five hundred and fifty-eight 8-11-year-olds (56.99% boys) participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical fitness and fitness enjoyment were assessed with seven items from a standardized test battery and a pictorial scale containing pictures referring to the enjoyment in those seven physical fitness tests, respectively. To examine whether groups with different fitness and enjoyment profiles could be identified, we conducted cluster analyses based on children's standardized physical fitness and fitness enjoyment scores. A two-way ANCOVA (sex*cluster) was conducted to investigate differences in weekly organized sports participation among each of the identified groups while controlling for age. Results: Cluster analyses revealed two groups with aligned levels of physical fitness and fitness enjoyment (i.e., relatively low-low and relatively high-high) and two groups with unaligned levels (i.e., relatively low-moderate and relatively high-moderate), respectively. Both groups with relatively high fitness scores were found to spend significantly more time in organized sports (M = 2.01 h and 2.29 h, respectively) than the two groups with relatively low fitness scores (M = 1.08 h and 0.98 h, respectively), irrespective of their enjoyment levels. Conclusion: Increasing physical fitness levels (especially among those children with suboptimal enjoyment levels) may lead to increased organized sports participation, while increased organized sports participation in its turn may lead to higher fitness levels. As such, participation in sports programs should be promoted in children of all age groups.
    MeSH terms: Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Male; Men; Physical Fitness; Sports; Exercise; Cluster Analysis; Pleasure
  14. Leung D, Chua GT, Mondragon AV, Zhong Y, Nguyen-Ngoc-Quynh L, Imai K, et al.
    Front Immunol, 2020;11:1605.
    PMID: 32903579 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01605
    Background: The Asia Pacific Society for Immunodeficiencies (APSID) conducted nine primary immunodeficiency (PID) Schools in 5 years since inauguration to provide PID care training for early career physicians in Asia Pacific, a region with divergent needs in PID resources and training. Objective: To identify differences in PID patient care resource and training needs across Asia Pacific and propose a corresponding action plan. Methods: The Human Development Index (HDI) indicates the degree of socio-economic development in each country/region. Information related to investigations and learning issues were extracted from the abstracts and personal statements from all Schools and mapped onto resource and training needs. Correlations between HDI and country/region-specific parameters were tested by two-tailed Pearson correlation. Results: A total of 427 abstracts were received in nine Schools between 2015 and 2020, predominantly on immunodeficiencies affecting cellular and humoral immunity. Genetic confirmation was described in 61.8% of abstracts, and its absence negatively correlated with HDI (r = -0.696, p = 0.004). Essential immunologic and genetic tests were not available in 25.4 and 29.5% of abstracts, respectively, and their absence negatively correlated with HDI (r = -0.788, p < 0.001; r = -0.739, p = 0.002). HDI positively correlated with average testing level (r = 0.742, p = 0.002). Cases from medium-HDI countries/regions focused on learning how to investigate a patient for PIDs in cases of severe or atypical infections, whereas those from very-high-HDI countries/regions, from which most faculty members originated, listed hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy, newborn screening, and research as learning issues more frequently. Conclusion: There are unique HDI-related PID resource and training needs in each country/region. APSID proposes HDI group-specific strategies to improve PID care and education in her member countries/regions. Further quantitative analysis of needs in PID care in Asia Pacific is needed for lobbying governments to increase their support for PID care and research.
    MeSH terms: Asia/epidemiology; Delivery of Health Care*; Disease Susceptibility; Genetic Testing; Health Resources; Health Services Needs and Demand*; Humans; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/diagnosis; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/etiology; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/epidemiology*; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/therapy; Primary Health Care*; Disease Management; Geography, Medical; Public Health Surveillance
  15. Marešová P, Klímová B, Honegr J, Kuča K, Ibrahim WNH, Selamat A
    Front Public Health, 2020;8:308.
    PMID: 32903646 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00308
    Objective: Medical device development, from the product's conception to release to market, is very complex and relies significantly on the application of exact processes. This paper aims to provide an analysis and summary of current research in the field of medical device development methodologies, discuss its phases, and evaluate the associated legislative and risk aspects. Methods: The literature search was conducted to detect peer-reviewed studies in Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct, on content published between 2007 and November 2019. Based on exclusion and inclusion criteria, 13 papers were included in the first session and 11 were included in the second session. Thus, a total of 24 papers were analyzed. Most of the publications originated in the United States (7 out of 24). Results: The medical device development process comprises one to seven stages. Six studies also contain a model of the medical device development process for all stages or for just some of the stages. These studies specifically describe the concept stage during which all uncertainties, such as the clinical need definition, customer requirements/needs, finances, reimbursement strategy, team selection, and legal aspects, must be considered. Conclusion: The crucial factor in healthcare safety is the stability of factors over a long production time. Good manufacturing practices cannot be tested on individual batches of products; they must be inherently built into the manufacturing process. The key issues that must be addressed in the future are the consistency in the classification of devices throughout the EU and globally, and the transparency of approval processes.
    MeSH terms: Commerce*; Delivery of Health Care*; United States
  16. Fujiki M, Wang L, Ogata N, Asanoma F, Okubo A, Okazaki S, et al.
    Front Chem, 2020;8:685.
    PMID: 32903703 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00685
    We report emerging circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) at 4f-4f transitions when lanthanide (EuIII and TbIII) tris(β-diketonate) embedded to cellulose triacetate (CTA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CABu), D-/L-glucose pentamethyl esters ( D-/ L-Glu), and D-/L-arabinose tetramethyl esters ( D-/ L-Ara) are in film states. Herein, 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionate (fod) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione (dpm) were chosen as the β-diketonates. The glum value of Eu(fod)3 in CABu are +0.0671 at 593 nm (5


    D


    0







    7


    F1) and -0.0059 at 613 nm (5


    D


    0







    7


    F2), respectively, while those in CTA are +0.0463 and -0.0040 at these transitions, respectively. The glum value of Tb(fod)3 in CABu are -0.0029 at 490 nm (5


    D


    4







    7


    F6), +0.0078 at 540 nm (5


    D


    4







    7


    F5), and -0.0018 at 552 nm (5


    D


    4







    7


    F5), respectively, while those in CTA are -0.0053, +0.0037, and -0.0059 at these transitions, respectively. D-/ L-Glu and D-/ L-Ara induced weaker glum values at 4f-4f transitions of Eu(fod)3, Tb(fod)3, and Tb(dpm)3. For comparison, Tb(dpm)3 in α-pinene showed clear CPL characteristics, though Eu(dpm)3 did not. A surplus charge neutralization hypothesis was applied to the origin of attractive intermolecular interactions between the ligands and saccharides. This idea was supported from the concomitant opposite tendency in upfield 19F-NMR and downfield 1H-NMR chemical shifts of Eu(fod)3 and the opposite Mulliken charges between F-C bonds (fod) and H-C bonds (CTA and D-/ L-Glu). An analysis of CPL excitation (CPLE) and CPL spectra suggests that (+)- and (-)-sign CPL signals of EuIII and TbIII at different 4f-4f transitions in the visible region are the same with the (+)-and (-)-sign exhibited by CPLE bands at high energy levels of EuIII and TbIII in the near-UV region.
    MeSH terms: Arabinose; Butyrates; Cellulose; Esters; Glucose; Ligands; Organometallic Compounds; Lanthanoid Series Elements; Monoterpenes; Luminescence; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  17. Urmi UL, Nahar S, Rana M, Sultana F, Jahan N, Hossain B, et al.
    Infect Drug Resist, 2020;13:2863-2875.
    PMID: 32903880 DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S262493
    Introduction: Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) belongs to the Group-A β-lactamases that incorporate serine at their active site and hydrolyze various penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) are group-B enzymes that contain one or two essential zinc ions in the active sites and hydrolyze almost all clinically available β-lactam antibiotics. Klebsiella pneumoniae remains the pathogen with the most antimicrobial resistance to KPC and MBLs.

    Methods: This research investigated the blaKPC, and MBL genes, namely, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaNDM-1 and their phenotypic resistance to K. pneumoniae isolated from urinary tract infections (UTI) in Bangladesh. Isolated UTI K. pneumoniae were identified by API-20E and 16s rDNA gene analysis. Their phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was examined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, followed by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM-1, and blaVIM genes were evaluated by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and confirmed by sequencing.

    Results: Fifty-eight K. pneumoniae were identified from 142 acute UTI cases. Their phenotypic resistance to amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, cephalexin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, and imipenem were 98.3%, 100%, 96.5%, 91.4%, 75.1%, respectively. Over half (31/58) of the isolates contained either blaKPC or one of the MBL genes. Individual prevalence of blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM-1, and blaVIM were 15.5% (9), 10.3% (6), 22.4% (13), and 19% (11), respectively. Of these, eight isolates (25.8%, 8/31) were found to have two genes in four different combinations. The co-existence of the ESBL genes generated more resistance than each one individually. Some isolates appeared phenotypically susceptible to imipenem in the presence of blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaNDM-1 genes, singly or in combination.

    Conclusion: The discrepancy of genotype and phenotype resistance has significant consequences for clinical bacteriology, precision in diagnosis, the prudent selection of antimicrobials, and rational prescribing. Heterogeneous phenotypes of antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be taken seriously to avoid inappropriate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.

    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteriology; Bangladesh; beta-Lactamases; Ceftriaxone; Cefuroxime; Cephalexin; Cephalosporins; DNA, Ribosomal; Genotype; Ions; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Penicillins; Phenotype; Serine; Urinary Tract Infections; Zinc; Imipenem; Carbapenems; Prevalence; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Catalytic Domain; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  18. Huei CS, Azlan A, Ismail A, Shafie NH, Sultana S
    J Food Sci Technol, 2020 Oct;57(10):3677-3687.
    PMID: 32903949 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-020-04400-x
    Obesity is a serious health concern as it may initiate common chronic diseases. Chili pepper is an important spice that brings spiciness and commonly used in cuisines. However, the antioxidant and anti-obesity properties of chili varieties in Malaysia has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antioxidant (content and activity) and anti-obesity properties of five different varieties of local chili peppers. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined through ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2, 2'azinobis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays. Cell cytotoxicity of the selected chili extracts was determined in 3T3-L1 pre adipocytes using cell viability assay (MTT) assay. Whereas the ability to inhibit oil accumulation in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes of the selected chili pepper extracts was assayed using Oil Red O staining. The results showed that Kulai 568 pulp extract had the highest level of total phenolic content (TPC) (47.88 ± 0.220 mg GAE/g), whereas Centil pulp extract had the highest level of total flavonoid content (TFC) (26.60 ± 0.52 mg QE/g). In term of antioxidant activities, Bara pulp extract had the highest value in FRAP (3.058 ± 0.002 mM Fe2+/mg extract) and ABTS (IC50 = 12.411 ± 0.025). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, Bara pulp extract has the highest level of capsaicin (72.271 ± 0.957 µg/ml). In terms of inhibition of oil accumulation Centil seed extract presented the best result (69.09-92.20%), while Bara pulp extract inhibited the most pancreatic lipase activity (IC50 = 4.84 ± 0.57 µg/ml). Thus, it is suggested that Centil seed and Bara pulp extracts can be a potent antioxidant and anti-obesity agents.
  19. Ahmad T, Ismail A, Ahmad SA, Khalil KA, Kee LT, Awad EA, et al.
    J Food Sci Technol, 2020 Oct;57(10):3772-3781.
    PMID: 32903957 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-020-04409-2
    Bovine skin was incubated with plant enzymes bromelain (B) and zingibain (Z) at the level of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 unit/g of skin and gelatin was extracted at 60 °C for 6 h. Control gelatin was extracted without enzymatic pretreatment. The yield and gel strength were 17.90% and 283.35 g for the control samples and 22.26% and 160.88 g for B20 samples. The zingibain extracted gelatin (GEZ) samples failed to form gel. Viscosities of GEZ gelatins were significantly (P 
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