Browse publications by year: 2020

Fulltext Tualang Honey Improves Memory and Prevents Hippocampal Changes in Prenatally Stressed Rats

Abd Aziz CB, Hasim H, Zakaria R, Ahmad AH

Turk J Pharm Sci, 2020 Dec 23;17(6):620-625.
PMID: 33389951 DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2019.21548

Objectives: This study investigated whether the alterations in memory and hippocampus morphology and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the hippocampus of adult rats after prenatal stress could be prevented by administration of Tualang honey (TH).
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four pregnant rats were randomly grouped into a control group (C), a stress group (S), and a stress group treated with TH. Eight male pups from each group were randomly chosen and they were sacrificed at eight or ten weeks of age following the novel object recognition test. Their brains were removed and histological changes and levels of MDA and NMDA receptors in the hippocampus were determined.
Results: The offspring from TH group showed significantly increased preference index (p<0.05) with higher neuronal number compared to S group. A significantly lower level of MDA and NMDA receptors were shown in TH group (P<0.01; P<0.05 respectively) compared to S group. The parameters investigated were not significantly different between C and TH groups.
Conclusion: The study has shown that memory alteration, changes in hippocampus histology, MDA and NMDA receptor levels could be prevented by TH administration during prenatal stress. The results suggest the beneficial effects of Tualang honey in prenatally stressed rat offspring.

MeSH terms: Animals; Brain; Female; Hippocampus; Honey; Male; Malondialdehyde; Memory; Neurons; Pregnancy; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; N-Methylaspartate; Control Groups; Rats
Fulltext Lucent thoracic lesion in a newborn with respiratory distress

Mah SS, Azman RR, Md Shah MN

Paediatr Child Health, 2020 Feb;25(1):1-3.
PMID: 33390731 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxz008
Fulltext Relationship Between Problematic Social Media Usage and Employee Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model of Mindfulness and Fear of COVID-19

Majeed M, Irshad M, Fatima T, Khan J, Hassan MM

Front Psychol, 2020;11:557987.
PMID: 33391075 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.557987

Social media plays a significant role in modern life, but excessive use of it during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a source of concern. Supported by the conservation of resources theory, the current study extends the literature on problematic social media usage during COVID-19 by investigating its association with emotional and mental health outcomes. In a moderated mediation model, this study proposes that problematic social media use by workers during COVID-19 is linked to fear of COVID-19, which is further associated with depression. The current study tested trait mindfulness as an important personal resource that may be associated with reduced fear of COVID-19 despite problematic social media use. The study collected temporally separate data to avoid common method bias. Pakistani employees (N = 267) working in different organizations completed a series of survey questionnaires. The results supported the moderated mediation model, showing that problematic social media use during the current pandemic is linked to fear of COVID-19 and depression among employees. Furthermore, trait mindfulness was found to be an important buffer, reducing the negative indirect association between problematic social media use and depression through fear of COVID-19. These results offer implications for practitioners. The limitations of this study and future research directions are also discussed.
Fulltext Salivary bacterial shifts in oral leukoplakia resemble the dysbiotic oral cancer bacteriome

Gopinath D, Kunnath Menon R, Chun Wie C, Banerjee M, Panda S, Mandal D, et al.

J Oral Microbiol, 2020 Dec 09;13(1):1857998.
PMID: 33391629 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2020.1857998

Objective: While some oral carcinomas appear to arise de novo, others develop within long-standing conditions of the oral cavity that have malignant potential, now known as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). The oral bacteriome associated with OPMD has been studied to a lesser extent than that associated with oral cancer. To characterize the association in detail we compared the bacteriome in whole mouth fluid (WMF) in patients with oral leukoplakia, oral cancer and healthy controls. Methods: WMF bacteriome from 20 leukoplakia patients, 31 patients with oral cancer and 23 healthy controls were profiled using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequencing reads were processed using DADA2, and taxonomical classification was performed using the phylogenetic placement method. Sparse Partial Least Squares Regression Discriminant Analysis model was used to identify bacterial taxa that best discriminate the studied groups. Results: We found considerable overlap between the WMF bacteriome of leukoplakia and oral cancer while a clearer separation between healthy controls and the former two disorders was observed. Specifically, the separation was attributed to 14 taxa belonging to the genera Megaspheara, unclassified enterobacteria, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Rothia and Salmonella, Streptococcus, and Fusobacterium. The most discriminative bacterial genera between leukoplakia and oral cancer were Megasphaera, unclassified Enterobacteriae, Salmonella and Prevotella.Conclusion: Oral bacteria may play a role in the early stages of oral carcinogenesis as a dysbiotic bacteriome is associated with oral leukoplakia and this resembles that of oral cancer more than healthy controls. Our findings may have implications for developing oral cancer prevention strategies targeting early microbial drivers of oral carcinogenesis.

MeSH terms: Adenosine Deaminase; Carcinoma; Enterobacteriaceae; Fusobacterium; Humans; Leukoplakia, Oral; Phylogeny; Salmonella; Streptococcus; Discriminant Analysis; Least-Squares Analysis; Porphyromonas; Prevotella; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Megasphaera; Carcinogenesis; Microbiota; Dysbiosis
Fulltext Evolution of habitat preference in 243 species of Bent-toed geckos (Genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827) with a discussion of karst habitat conservation

Grismer LL, Wood PL, Le MD, Quah ESH, Grismer JL

Ecol Evol, 2020 Dec;10(24):13717-13730.
PMID: 33391675 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6961

Understanding the processes that underpin adaptive evolutionary shifts within major taxonomic groups has long been a research directive among many evolutionary biologists. Such phenomena are best studied in large monophyletic groups that occupy a broad range of habitats where repeated exposure to novel ecological opportunities has happened independently over time in different lineages. The gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus is just such a lineage with approximately 300 species that range from South Asia to Melanesia and occupy a vast array of habitats. Ancestral state reconstructions using a stochastic character mapping analysis of nine different habitat preferences were employed across a phylogeny composed of 76% of the known species of Cyrtodactylus. This was done in order to ascertain which habitat preference is the ancestral condition and from that condition, the transition frequency to more derived habitat preferences. The results indicate that a general habitat preference is the ancestral condition for Cyrtodactylus and the frequency of transitioning from a general habitat preference to anything more specialized occurs approximately four times more often than the reverse. Species showing extreme morphological and/or ecological specializations generally do not give rise to species bearing other habitat preferences. The evolution of different habitat preferences is generally restricted to clades that tend to occur in specific geographic regions. The largest radiations in the genus occur in rocky habitats (granite and karst), indicating that the transition from a general habitat preference to a granite or karst-dwelling life style may be ecologically uncomplicated. Two large, unrelated clades of karst-associated species are centered in northern Indochina and the largest clade of granite-associated species occurs on the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Smaller, independent radiations of clades bearing other habitat preferences occur throughout the tree and across the broad distribution of the genus. With the exception of a general habitat preference, the data show that karst-associated species far out-number all others (29.6% vs. 0.4%-10.2%, respectively) and the common reference to karstic regions as "imperiled arcs of biodiversity" is not only misleading but potentially dangerous. Karstic regions are not simply refugia harboring the remnants of local biodiversity but are foci of speciation that continue to generate the most speciose, independent, radiations across the genus. Unfortunately, karstic landscapes are some of the most imperiled and least protected habitats on the planet and these data continue to underscore the urgent need for their conservation.
Fulltext Safrana l Prevents Prostate Cancer Recurrence by Blocking the Re-activation of Quiescent Cancer Cells via Downregulation of S-Phase Kinase-Associated Protein 2

Jiang X, Li Y, Feng JL, Nik Nabil WN, Wu R, Lu Y, et al.

Front Cell Dev Biol, 2020;8:598620.
PMID: 33392189 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.598620

The re-proliferation of quiescent cancer cells is considered to be the primary contributor to prostate cancer (Pca) recurrence and progression. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of safranal, a monoterpene aldehyde isolated from Crocus sativus (saffron), on the re-proliferation of quiescent Pca cells in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that safranal efficiently blocked the re-activation of quiescent Pca cells by downregulating the G0/G1 cell cycle regulatory proteins CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, and phospho-Rb at Ser807/811 and elevating the levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p21 and p27. Further investigation on the underlying mechanisms revealed that safranal suppressed the mRNA and protein expression levels of Skp2, possibly through the deregulation of the transcriptional activity of two major transcriptional factors, E2F1 and NF-κB subunits. Moreover, safranal inhibited AKT phosphorylation at Ser473 and deregulated both canonical and non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathways. Safranal suppressed the tumor growth of quiescent Pca cell xenografts in vivo. Furthermore, safranal-treated tumor tissues exhibited a reduction in Skp2, E2F1, NF-κB p65, p-IκBα (Ser32), c-MYC, p-Rb (Ser807), CDK4, CDK6, and CDK2 and an elevation of p27 and p21 protein levels. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that safranal suppresses cell cycle re-entry of quiescent Pca cells in vitro and in vivo plausibly by repressing the transcriptional activity of two major transcriptional activators of Skp2, namely, E2F1 and NF-κB, through the downregulation of AKT phosphorylation and NF-κB signaling pathways, respectively.

MeSH terms: Aldehydes; Cell Cycle; Humans; Male; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Phosphorylation; Prostatic Neoplasms; RNA, Messenger; Down-Regulation; NF-kappa B; Cell Cycle Proteins; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases; Crocus; Monoterpenes; Cell Proliferation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Heterografts; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
Fulltext Identification of Potential Inhibitors of 3CL Protease of SARS-CoV-2 From ZINC Database by Molecular Docking-Based Virtual Screening

Abdusalam AAA, Murugaiyah V

Front Mol Biosci, 2020;7:603037.
PMID: 33392261 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.603037

The rapid outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that was first identified in Wuhan, China is caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The 3CL protease (3CLpro) is the main protease of the SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for the viral replication and therefore considered as an attractive drug target since to date there is no specific and effective vaccine available against this virus. In this paper, we reported molecular docking-based virtual screening (VS) of 2000 compounds obtained from the ZINC database and 10 FDA-approved (antiviral and anti-malaria) on 3CLpro using AutoDock Vina to find potential inhibitors. The screening results showed that the top four compounds, namely ZINC32960814, ZINC12006217, ZINC03231196, and ZINC33173588 exhibited high affinity at the 3CLpro binding pocket. Their free energy of binding (FEB) were -12.3, -11.9, -11.7, and -11.2 kcal/mol while AutoDock Vina scores were -12.61, -12.32, -12.01, and -11.92 kcal/mol, respectively. These results were better than the co-crystallized ligand N3, whereby its FEB was -7.5 kcal/mol and FDA-approved drugs. Different but stable interactions were obtained between the four identified compounds with the catalytic dyad residues of the 3CLpro. In conclusion, novel 3CLpro inhibitors from the ZINC database were successfully identified using VS and molecular docking approach, fulfilling the Lipinski rule of five, and having low FEB and functional molecular interactions with the target protein. The findings suggests that the identified compounds may serve as potential leads that act as COVID-19 3CLpro inhibitors, worthy for further evaluation and development.

MeSH terms: Antimalarials; Antiviral Agents; Disease Outbreaks; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Humans; Ligands; Peptide Hydrolases; Endopeptidases; Protease Inhibitors; Protein Binding; Vaccines; Virus Replication; Zinc; Coronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; Molecular Docking Simulation
Fulltext Man with right shoulder pain

Osman A, Chan PF, Ahmad AH

J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open, 2020 Dec;1(6):1742-1743.
PMID: 33392588 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12262
The Immunomodulating Properties of Tiger Milk Medicinal Mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerus TM02® Cultivar (Agaricomycetes) and Its Associated Carbohydrate Composition

Sum AYC, Li X, Yeng YYH, Razif MFM, Jamil AHA, Ting NS, et al.

Int J Med Mushrooms, 2020;22(8):803-814.
PMID: 33389874 DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2020035658

Natural compounds found in Lignosus rhinocerus like polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes have the capabilities to modulate the immune system. It possesses antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used in Southeast Asia and Southern China to alleviate illness. To investigate its immunomodulating properties, composition of polysaccharides and the expression of cytokines/chemokines from L. rhinocerus (TM02®) cultivar treated RAW 264.7 were explored. It was revealed, CWE contains linear polysaccharides with 1,4-linkages and rhinoprolycan fraction (HMW & MMW) possesses 1,4-Glcp and 1,6-Glcp backbone and branched chain (1,3,6-Glcp, 1,4,6-Glcp, 1,3,6-Glcp, 1,2,4,6-Glcp). Cytokines profile showed upregulation from CWE (IL-5: 12.078 ± 1.225), HMW (IL-6: 7.297 ± 0.338; TIMP-1: 3.358 ± 0.200), MMW (IL-5: 15.412 ± 5.823; TIMP-1: 1.747 ± 0.053), and LMW (MIP-2: 3.495 ± 0.416; TIMP-1: 7.573 ± 0.088) and possible involvement of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway. Further in vivo studies are needed to fully understand the immunomodulatory effects of TM02®.

MeSH terms: RAW 264.7 Cells; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry; China; Macrophages/drug effects; Macrophages/immunology; Polyporaceae/chemistry*; Polysaccharides/pharmacology*; Polysaccharides/chemistry; Cytokines/genetics; Cytokines/immunology; Mice
Fulltext Physical distancing and risk of COVID-19 in small-scale fisheries: a remote sensing assessment in coastal Ghana

Okyere I, Chuku EO, Ekumah B, Angnuureng DB, Boakye-Appiah JK, Mills DJ, et al.

Sci Rep, 2020 12 29;10(1):22407.
PMID: 33376254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79898-4

The novel coronavirus is predicted to have dire implications on global food systems including fisheries value chains due to restrictions imposed on human movements in many countries. In Ghana, food production, both agriculture and fisheries, is exempted from restrictions as an essential service. The enforcement of COVID-19 prevention protocols, particularly social distancing, has been widely reported in Ghana's agricultural markets whereas casual observations and media reports on fish landing sites suggest no such enforcements are in place. This study aimed to provide sound scientific evidence as a basis for informed policy direction and intervention for the artisanal fishing sector in these challenging times. We employed an unmanned aerial vehicle in assessing the risk of artisanal fishers to the pandemic using physical distancing as a proxy. From analysis of cumulative distribution function (G-function) of the nearest-neighbour distances, this study underscored crowding at all surveyed fish landing beaches, and identified potential "hotspots" for disease transmission. Aerial measurements taken at times of peak landing beach activity indicated that the highest proportion of people, representing 56%, 48%, 39% and 78% in Elmina, Winneba, Apam and Mumford respectively, were located at distances of less than one metre from their nearest neighbour. Risk of crowding was independent of the population at the landing beaches, suggesting that all categories of fish landing sites along the coast would require equal urgency and measured attention towards preventing and mitigating the spread of the disease.

MeSH terms: Crowding; Fisheries/statistics & numerical data*; Ghana/epidemiology; Humans; Risk; Geographic Information Systems; Remote Sensing Technology
Fulltext Preparation and Characterization of Starch/Empty Fruit Bunch-Based Bioplastic Composites Reinforced with Epoxidized Oils

Yang J, Ching YC, Chuah CH, Liou NS

Polymers (Basel), 2020 Dec 29;13(1).
PMID: 33383626 DOI: 10.3390/polym13010094

This study examined the development of starch/oil palm empty fruit bunch-based bioplastic composites reinforced with either epoxidized palm oil (EPO) or epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), at various concentrations, in order to improve the mechanical and water-resistance properties of the bio-composites. The SEM micrographs showed that low content (0.75 wt%) of epoxidized oils (EOs), especially ESO, improved the compatibility of the composites, while high content (3 wt%) of EO induced many voids. The melting temperature of the composites was increased by the incorporation of both EOs. Thermal stability of the bioplastics was increased by the introduction of ESO. Low contents of EO led to a huge enhancement of tensile strength, while higher contents of EO showed a negative effect, due to the phase separation. The tensile strength increased from 0.83 MPa of the control sample to 3.92 and 5.42 MPa for the composites with 1.5 wt% EPO and 0.75 wt% ESO, respectively. EOs reduced the composites' water uptake and solubility but increased the water vapor permeability. Overall, the reinforcing effect of ESO was better than EPO. These results suggested that both EOs can be utilized as modifiers to prepare starch/empty-fruit-bunch-based bioplastic composites with enhanced properties.

MeSH terms: Biochemical Phenomena; Fruit; Permeability; Plant Oils; Solubility; Soybean Oil; Starch; Steam; Temperature; Tensile Strength; Water
Fulltext Human Health Risk Assessments of Trace Metals on the Clam Corbicula javanica in a Tropical River in Peninsular Malaysia

Yap CK, Wong KW, Al-Shami SA, Nulit R, Cheng WH, Aris AZ, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 12 29;18(1).
PMID: 33383875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010195

This study aimed to analyse ten trace metal concentrations in the edible part of the freshwater clam Corbicula javanica and to provide a critical assessment of the potential risks to human health through consumption of this clam as food based on well-established indices and food safety guidelines. The clams were captured from a pristine original site and transplanted to other sites with different environmental qualities. The trace metal levels in the edible total soft tissue (TST) of the clam were below those of the food safety guidelines referred to except for Pb, which exceeded the permissible limit set by the European Commission (2006) and the US Food and Drug Administration/ Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition); Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference. (USFDA/CFSAN; ISSC) (2007). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of the clam were found to be lower than the oral reference dose and the calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ were found to be less than 1. Therefore, in conclusion, the human health risk for consumption of TST of C. javanica at both average and high-level were insignificant regardless of the environment it was exposed to.

MeSH terms: Animals; Environmental Monitoring; Food Contamination/analysis*; Humans; Malaysia; Seafood*; Risk Assessment*; Rivers; Corbicula*
Fulltext Comparative Chemical Profiles of the Essential Oils from Different Varieties of Psidium guajava L

Hassan EM, El Gendy AEG, Abd-ElGawad AM, Elshamy AI, Farag MA, Alamery SF, et al.

Molecules, 2020 Dec 29;26(1).
PMID: 33383905 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010119

Guava (Psidium guajava) leaves are commonly used in the treatment of diseases. They are considered a waste product resulting from guava cultivation. The leaves are very rich in essential oils (EOs) and volatiles. This work represents the detailed comparative chemical profiles of EOs derived from the leaves of six guava varieties cultivated in Egypt, including Red Malaysian (RM), El-Qanater (EQ), White Indian (WI), Early (E), El-Sabahya El-Gedida (ESEG), and Red Indian (RI), cultivated on the same farm in Egypt. The EOs from the leaves of guava varieties were extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed with GC-MS. The EOs were categorized in a holistic manner using chemometric tools. The hydro-distillation of the samples yielded 0.11-0.48% of the EO (v/w). The GC-MS analysis of the extracted EOs showed the presence of 38 identified compounds from the six varieties. The sesquiterpene compounds were recorded as main compounds of E, EQ, ESEG, RI, and WI varieties, while the RM variety attained the highest content of monoterpenes (56.87%). The sesquiterpenes, β-caryophyllene (11.21-43.20%), and globulol (76.17-26.42%) were detected as the major compounds of all studied guava varieties, while trans-nerolidol (0.53-10.14) was reported as a plentiful compound in all of the varieties except for the RM variety. A high concentration of D-limonene was detected in the EOs of the RM (33.96%), WI (27.04%), and ESEG (9.10%) varieties. These major compounds were consistent with those reported for other genotypes from different countries. Overall, the EOs' composition and the chemometric analysis revealed substantial variations among the studied varieties that might be ascribed to genetic variability, considering the stability of the cultivation and climate conditions. Therefore, this chemical polymorphism of the studied varieties supports that these varieties could be considered as genotypes of P. guajava. It is worth mentioning here that the EOs, derived from leaves considered to be agricultural waste, of the studied varieties showed that they are rich in biologically active compounds, particularly β-caryophyllene, trans-nerolidol, globulol, and D-limonene. These could be considered as added value for pharmacological and industrial applications. Further study is recommended to confirm the chemical variations of the studied varieties at a molecular level, as well as their possible medicinal and industrial uses.

MeSH terms: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Oils, Volatile/analysis*; Plant Oils/analysis*; Sesquiterpenes/analysis; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Psidium/chemistry*; Monoterpenes/analysis
Ancyronyx lianlabangorum sp. nov., a new spider riffle beetle from Sarawak, and new distribution records for A. pulcherrimus Kodada, Jäch & Čiampor based on DNA barcodes (Coleoptera, Elmidae)

Kodada J, Jäch MA, Freitag H, Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Z, Goffová K, Selnekovič D, et al.

Zookeys, 2020;1003:31-55.
PMID: 33384561 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1003.55541

Ancyronyx lianlabangorumsp. nov. (Coleoptera, Elmidae), a new spider riffle beetle from the Kelabit Highlands (Sarawak, northern Borneo), is described. Illustrations of the habitus and diagnostic characters of the new species and the similar, polymorphic A. pulcherrimus Kodada et al. are presented. Differences to closely related species, based on COI nucleotide sequences and morphological characters, are discussed. Ancyronyx pulcherrimus is here recorded from Sarawak for the first time, based on DNA barcoding.

MeSH terms: Animals; Base Sequence; Borneo; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; DNA; Malaysia; Research Design; Spiders; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
Prospects and development of algal-bacterial biotechnology in environmental management and protection

Yong JJJY, Chew KW, Khoo KS, Show PL, Chang JS

Biotechnol Adv, 2020 12 30;47:107684.
PMID: 33387639 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107684

The coexistence of algae and bacteria in nature dates back to the very early stages when life came into existence. The interaction between algae and bacteria plays an important role in the planet ecology, cycling nutrients, and feeding higher trophic levels, and have been evolving ever since. The emerging concept of algal-bacterial consortia is gaining attention, much towards environmental management and protection. Studies have shown that algal-bacterial synergy does not only promote carbon capture in wastewater bioremediation but also consequently produces biofuels from algal-bacterial biomass. This review has evaluated the optimistic prospects of algal-bacterial consortia in environmental remediation, biorefinery, carbon sequestration as well as its contribution to the production of high-value compounds. In addition, algal-bacterial consortia offer great potential in bloom control, dye removal, agricultural biofertilizers, and bioplastics production. This work also emphasizes the advancement of algal-bacterial biotechnology in environmental management through the incorporation of Industry Revolution 4.0 technologies. The challenges include its pathway to greener industry, competition with other food additive sources, societal acceptance, cost feasibility, environmental trade-off, safety and compatibility. Thus, there is a need for further in-depth research to ensure the environmental sustainability and feasibility of algal-bacterial consortia to meet numerous current and future needs of society in the long run.

MeSH terms: Bacteria; Biotechnology; Biomass; Biofuels; Microalgae*; Waste Water*
Fulltext A Case of Large Perianal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Arising from Recurrent Abscess and Complex Fistulae

Azmi FP, Rahman NAA, Mazlan L, Basiron N, Imran FH

Case Rep Surg, 2020;2020:1798543.
PMID: 33381344 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1798543

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the perianal region is an oncologic rarity posing a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for treating oncologists. This is due to the low number of reported cases, compounded by the lack of definitive therapeutic guidelines. It accounts for 2% to 3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies and is historically known to arise from chronic anal fistulas and ischiorectal or perianal abscesses. We hereby report an interesting case of perianal mucinous adenocarcinoma in a 66-year-old male initially treated for a horseshoe abscess with complex fistulae. He presented with a 6-month history of a discharging growth in perianal region and painful defecation associated with occasional blood mixed stools. An incisional biopsy from the ulcer revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a localized perianal growth which involves the internal and external sphincter as well as suspicious involvement in the posterior aspect of the levator ani/puborectalis sling, which was further confirmed with colonoscopy (see figures). With no preset treatment protocol for this rare entity, he was managed with an abdominoperineal resection (APR) and vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (VRAM) tissue reconstruction. He had a turbulent postoperative period including intestinal obstruction secondary to internal herniation of bowel resulting in flap failure. The subsequent perineal wound was managed conservatively with advanced wound care and has since completely healed.
Ensemble-based high-throughput virtual screening of natural ligands using the Super Natural-II database against cell-wall protein dTDP-4-dehydrorhamnose reductase (RmlD) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Ravichandran R, Ridzwan NFW, Mohamad SB

J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2020 Dec 31.
PMID: 33382017 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1867641

The disease Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The bacterial cell-wall consists of peptidoglycan layer maintains the cellular integrity and cell viability. The main problem resides in the cell cycle of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in its quiescent form which is not targeted by any drugs hence there is an immediate need for new antibiotics to target the cell wall. The current study deals with the dTDP-4-dehydrorahmnose reductase (RmlD) which is the final enzyme in the series of cell-wall proteins of Mtb. The RmlD is a part of Carbohydrate biosynthesis has been considered as a good drug target for the novel class of antibiotics. Our study begins with the protein structure prediction, Homology studies were conducted using the Phyre2 web server. The structure is then refined and subjected to molecular dynamics simulations for 50 ns using GROMACS. The clustering analysis has been carried out and generated 41 clusters with 2 Å as the cut-off. Blind docking virtual screening was performed against RmlD protein using the Super Natural-II database with AutoDock4.0. its results helped to screen top ligands based on best binding energies. In both dockings, there are some common residues in which the ligands are interacting and forming the Hydrogen bonds such as Asp-105, Val-158, Thr-160, Gly-161, Arg-224, Arg-256. The ligand-567 giving the best results by being in the top-3 of all the clusters in both blind docking as well as the active-site docking. Hence ligand-567 can be a potential inhibitor of RmlD which can further inhibit the cell-wall synthesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cell Division; Cell Survival; Cell Wall; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Hydrogen Bonding; Ligands; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Oxidoreductases; Peptidoglycan; Spores, Bacterial; Tuberculosis; Cluster Analysis; Catalytic Domain; Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Fulltext Multi-strain probiotics (Hexbio) containing MCP BCMC strains improved constipation and gut motility in Parkinson's disease: A randomised controlled trial

Ibrahim A, Ali RAR, Manaf MRA, Ahmad N, Tajurruddin FW, Qin WZ, et al.

PLoS One, 2020;15(12):e0244680.
PMID: 33382780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244680

OBJECTIVE: We determined the effectiveness of a multi-strain probiotic (Hexbio®) containing microbial cell preparation MCP®BCMC® on constipation symptoms and gut motility in PD patients with constipation.
METHODS: PD patients with constipation (ROME III criteria) were randomized to receive a multi-strain probiotic (Lactobacillus sp and Bifidobacterium sp at 30 X 109 CFU) with fructo-oligosaccaride or placebo (fermented milk) twice daily for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in the presence of constipation symptoms using 9 items of Garrigues Questionnaire (GQ), which included an item on bowel opening frequency. Secondary outcomes were gut transit time (GTT), quality of life (PDQ39-SI), motor (MDS-UPDRS) and non-motor symptoms (NMSS).
RESULTS: Of 55 recruited, 48 patients completed the study: 22 received probiotic and 26 received placebo. At 8 weeks, there was a significantly higher mean weekly BOF in the probiotic group compared to placebo [SD 4.18 (1.44) vs SD 2.81(1.06); (mean difference 1.37, 95% CI 0.68, 2.07, uncorrected p<0.001)]. Patients in the probiotic group reported five times higher odds (odds ratio = 5.48, 95% CI 1.57, 19.12, uncorrected p = 0.008) for having higher BOF (< 3 to 3-5 to >5 times/week) compared to the placebo group. The GTT in the probiotic group [77.32 (SD55.35) hours] reduced significantly compared to placebo [113.54 (SD 61.54) hours]; mean difference -36.22, 95% CI -68.90, -3.54, uncorrected p = 0.030). The mean change in GTT was 58.04 (SD59.04) hour vs 20.73 (SD60.48) hours respectively (mean difference 37.32, 95% CI 4.00, 70.63, uncorrected p = 0.028). No between-groups differences were observed in the NMSS, PDQ39-SI, MDS-UPDRS II and MDS-UPDRS III scores. Four patients in the probiotics group experienced mild reversible side effects.
CONCLUSION: This study showed that consumption of a multi-strain probiotic (Hexbio®) over 8 weeks improved bowel opening frequency and whole gut transit time in PD patients with constipation.

MeSH terms: Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*; Aged; Constipation/drug therapy*; Constipation/etiology; Constipation/physiopathology; Double-Blind Method; Female; Gastrointestinal Motility/drug effects*; Gastrointestinal Motility/physiology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Parkinson Disease/complications; Parkinson Disease/physiopathology*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Probiotics/administration & dosage; Probiotics/therapeutic use*
Fulltext Association of Internet Addiction with Adolescents' Lifestyle: A National School-Based Survey

Ying Ying C, Awaluddin SM, Kuang Kuay L, Siew Man C, Baharudin A, Miaw Yn L, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 12 29;18(1).
PMID: 33383635 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010168

Internet addiction (IA) among adolescents is an issue of growing concern with adverse effects on adolescents' health and social functioning. This study aims to determine the prevalence of IA among school-going adolescents in Malaysia and its associated factors-specifically, lifestyle factors. A nationwide cross-sectional school-based health survey was conducted in 2017 among 27,497 students from 212 randomly selected secondary schools. Information regarding sociodemography, lifestyle, and internet use was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. IA was measured using the Malay Version of Internet Addiction Test (MVIAT). The prevalence of internet addiction was 29.0%. A multivariable logistic analysis revealed that inadequate fruit and vegetable intakes, consumed carbonated soft drinks at least once a day, consumed fast food at least three days/week, sedentary behavior, current E-cigarette users, and ever/current alcohol drinkers were lifestyle factors significantly associated with IA. Adolescents from urban schools, of higher school grade, and those whose parents are married but living apart were also found to have a greater risk for internet addiction. A positive association was found between IA with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors among adolescents. The modification of lifestyle factors needs to be considered while developing strategies and interventions for awareness-raising and prevention of IA among adolescents.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Life Style*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Schools; Electronic Cigarettes
A Prospective Observational Study of Rational Fluid Therapy in Asian Intensive Care Units: Another Puzzle Piece in Fluid Therapy

Jacob M, Sahu S, Singh YP, Mehta Y, Yang KY, Kuo SW, et al.

Indian J Crit Care Med, 2020 Nov;24(11):1028-1036.
PMID: 33384507 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23653

Introduction: Fluid therapy in critically ill patients, especially timing and fluid choice, is controversial. Previous randomized trials produced conflicting results. This observational study evaluated the effect of colloid use on 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (RIFLE F) within the Rational Fluid Therapy in Asia (RaFTA) registry in intensive care units.
Materials and methods: RaFTA is a prospective, observational study in Asian intensive care unit (ICU) patients focusing on fluid therapy and related outcomes. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for increased 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI).
Results: Twenty-four study centers joined the RaFTA registry and collected 3,187 patient data sets from November 2011 to September 2012. A follow-up was done 90 days after ICU admission. For 90-day mortality, significant risk factors in the overall population were sepsis at admission (OR 2.185 [1.799; 2.654], p < 0.001), cumulative fluid balance (OR 1.032 [1.018; 1.047], p < 0.001), and the use of vasopressors (OR 3.409 [2.694; 4.312], p < 0.001). The use of colloids was associated with a reduced risk of 90-day mortality (OR 0.655 [0.478; 0.900], p = 0.009). The initial colloid dose was not associated with an increased risk for AKI (OR 1.094 [0.754; 1.588], p = 0.635).
Conclusion: RaFTA adds the important finding that colloid use was not associated with increased 90-day mortality or AKI after adjustment for baseline patient condition.
Clinical significance: Early resuscitation with colloids showed potential mortality benefit in the present analysis. Elucidating these findings may be an approach for future research.
How to cite this article: Jacob M, Sahu S, Singh YP, Mehta Y, Yang K-Y, Kuo S-W, et al. A Prospective Observational Study of Rational Fluid Therapy in Asian Intensive Care Units: Another Puzzle Piece in Fluid Therapy. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(11):1028-1036.

MeSH terms: Asia; Colloids; Fluid Therapy; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Prospective Studies; Registries; Risk Factors; Water-Electrolyte Balance; Logistic Models; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Critical Illness; Sepsis; Acute Kidney Injury

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