Browse publications by year: 2021

Fulltext Oncogenic Role of miR-200c-3p in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Progression via Targeting the 3'-Untranslated Region of DLC1

Ankasha SJ, Shafiee MN, Abdul Wahab N, Raja Ali RA, Mokhtar NM

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 05 27;18(11).
PMID: 34071861 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115741

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most common ovarian cancer with highly metastatic properties. A small non-coding RNA, microRNA (miRNA) was discovered to be a major regulator in many types of cancers through binding at the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR), leading to degradation of the mRNA. In this study, we sought to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the dysregulation of miR-200c-3p in HGSC progression and metastasis. We identified the upregulation of miR-200c-3p expression in different stages of HGSC clinical samples and the downregulation of the tumor suppressor gene, Deleted in Liver Cancer 1 (DLC1), expression. Over expression of miR-200c-3p in HGSC cell lines downregulated DLC1 but upregulated the epithelial marker, E-cadherin (CDH1). Based on in silico analysis, two putative binding sites were found within the 3'UTR of DLC1, and we confirmed the direct binding of miR-200c-3p to the target binding motif at position 1488-1495 bp of 3'UTR of DLC1 by luciferase reporter assay in a SKOV3 cell line co-transfected with vectors and miR-200c-3p mimic. These data showed that miR-200c-3p regulated the progression of HGSC by regulating DLC1 expression post-transcription and can be considered as a promising target for therapeutic purposes.

MeSH terms: Cell Movement; Female; Humans; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; 3' Untranslated Regions; GTPase-Activating Proteins/genetics; Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation
Fulltext Kefir and Its Biological Activities

Azizi NF, Kumar MR, Yeap SK, Abdullah JO, Khalid M, Omar AR, et al.

Foods, 2021 May 27;10(6).
PMID: 34071977 DOI: 10.3390/foods10061210

Kefir is a fermented beverage with renowned probiotics that coexist in symbiotic association with other microorganisms in kefir grains. This beverage consumption is associated with a wide array of nutraceutical benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects. Moreover, kefir can be adapted into different substrates which allow the production of new functional beverages to provide product diversification. Being safe and inexpensive, there is an immense global interest in kefir's nutritional potential. Due to their promising benefits, kefir and kefir-like products have a great prospect for commercialization. This manuscript reviews the therapeutic aspects of kefir to date, and potential applications of kefir products in the health and food industries, along with the limitations. The literature reviewed here demonstrates that there is a growing demand for kefir as a functional food owing to a number of health-promoting properties.

MeSH terms: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antihypertensive Agents; Beverages; Food Industry; Probiotics; Functional Food; Kefir
Fulltext Bimodal Data Fusion of Simultaneous Measurements of EEG and fNIRS during Lower Limb Movements

Al-Quraishi MS, Elamvazuthi I, Tang TB, Al-Qurishi M, Adil SH, Ebrahim M

Brain Sci, 2021 May 27;11(6).
PMID: 34071982 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060713

Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) have temporal and spatial characteristics that may complement each other and, therefore, pose an intriguing approach for brain-computer interaction (BCI). In this work, the relationship between the hemodynamic response and brain oscillation activity was investigated using the concurrent recording of fNIRS and EEG during ankle joint movements. Twenty subjects participated in this experiment. The EEG was recorded using 20 electrodes and hemodynamic responses were recorded using 32 optodes positioned over the motor cortex areas. The event-related desynchronization (ERD) feature was extracted from the EEG signal in the alpha band (8-11) Hz, and the concentration change of the oxy-hemoglobin (oxyHb) was evaluated from the hemodynamics response. During the motor execution of the ankle joint movements, a decrease in the alpha (8-11) Hz amplitude (desynchronization) was found to be correlated with an increase of the oxyHb (r = -0.64061, p < 0.00001) observed on the Cz electrode and the average of the fNIRS channels (ch28, ch25, ch32, ch35) close to the foot area representation. Then, the correlated channels in both modalities were used for ankle joint movement classification. The result demonstrates that the integrated modality based on the correlated channels provides a substantial enhancement in ankle joint classification accuracy of 93.01 ± 5.60% (p < 0.01) compared with single modality. These results highlight the potential of the bimodal fNIR-EEG approach for the development of future BCI for lower limb rehabilitation.

MeSH terms: Ankle Joint; Computers; Electrodes; Electroencephalography; Foot; Hemodynamics; Humans; Motor Cortex; Movement; Oxyhemoglobins; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; Brain-Computer Interfaces
Fulltext Pregnancy and COVID-19 Pandemic Perception in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Syed Anwar Aly SA, Abdul Rahman R, Sharip S, Shah SA, Abdullah Mahdy Z, Kalok A

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 May 27;18(11).
PMID: 34072017 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115762

Pregnant women are susceptible to COVID-19 complications due to gestation-related physiological changes. We aimed to evaluate the level of maternal knowledge, perception, and practice during the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the Malaysian Movement Control Order (MCO) between April and June 2020. A self-administered electronic questionnaire that included the knowledge and practice domains was distributed. A newly designed set of questions was used to evaluate (1) women's perception of MCO and (2) maternal experience, which was subdivided into clinical care provision and maternal anxiety. The survey response rate was 93% with the final number for analysis of 415. The majority of women (95%) demonstrated an adequate level of knowledge on COVID-19, whilst 99% had a good practice. We found that tertiary education (p < 0.001), employment status (p = 0.03), higher household income (p < 0.001), and multiple sources of information (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of adequate maternal knowledge on COVID-19. Women with adequate knowledge also reported a more positive perception of MCO (p < 0.001) and better obstetric care experience (p = 0.037), as did those of Malay ethnicity. Younger (p < 0.001) and nulliparous (p = 0.01) women demonstrated greater anxiety levels. The majority of our women reported good practice and adequate knowledge, which contributed to a positive perception of MCO and better maternal obstetric experience. First-time mothers may benefit from extra support and reassurance during the pandemic to alleviate maternal anxiety.

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Malaysia/epidemiology; Perception; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Pandemics*
Fulltext Radiation-Grafted Anion-Exchange Membrane for Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Applications: A Mini Review

Lim KL, Wong CY, Wong WY, Loh KS, Selambakkannu S, Othman NAF, et al.

Membranes (Basel), 2021 May 27;11(6).
PMID: 34072048 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11060397

This review discusses the roles of anion exchange membrane (AEM) as a solid-state electrolyte in fuel cell and electrolyzer applications. It highlights the advancement of existing fabrication methods and emphasizes the importance of radiation grafting methods in improving the properties of AEM. The development of AEM has been focused on the improvement of its physicochemical properties, including ionic conductivity, ion exchange capacity, water uptake, swelling ratio, etc., and its thermo-mechano-chemical stability in high-pH and high-temperature conditions. Generally, the AEM radiation grafting processes are considered green synthesis because they are usually performed at room temperature and practically eliminated the use of catalysts and toxic solvents, yet the final products are homogeneous and high quality. The radiation grafting technique is capable of modifying the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains to control the ionic properties of membrane as well as its water uptake and swelling ratio without scarifying its mechanical properties. Researchers also showed that the chemical stability of AEMs can be improved by grafting spacers onto base polymers. The effects of irradiation dose and dose rate on the performance of AEM were discussed. The long-term stability of membrane in alkaline solutions remains the main challenge to commercial use.
Fulltext Universality and Normativity of the Attachment Theory in Non-Western Psychiatric and Non-Psychiatric Samples: Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)

Alareqe NA, Roslan S, Taresh SM, Nordin MS

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 May 27;18(11).
PMID: 34072158 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115770

This study tests for the first time the validity of universality and normativity assumptions related to the attachment theory in a non-Western culture, using a novel design including psychiatric and non-psychiatric samples as part of a comprehensive exploratory and advanced confirmatory framework. Three attachment assessments were distributed to 212 psychiatric outpatients and 300 non-psychiatric samples in Yemen. The results of the fourteen approaches of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) produce a similar result and assertion that the psychiatric outpatients tend to explore attachment outcomes based on multi-methods, while the non-psychiatric samples suggest an attachment orientation based on multi-traits (self-other). The multiple group-confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) demonstrates that the multi-method model fits the psychiatric samples better than the non-psychiatric samples. Equally, the MG-CFA suggests that the multi-traits model also fits the psychiatric samples better than the non-psychiatric samples. Implications of the results are discussed.

MeSH terms: Factor Analysis, Statistical; Humans; Outpatients*; Psychometrics; Yemen
Fulltext Shoot Multiplication and Callus Induction of Labisia pumila var. alata as Influenced by Different Plant Growth Regulators Treatments and Its Polyphenolic Activities Compared with the Wild Plant

Najhah MY, Jaafar HZE, Nakasha JJ, Hakiman M

Molecules, 2021 May 27;26(11).
PMID: 34072168 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113229

This study aims to investigate whether the in vitro-cultured L. pumila var. alata has higher antioxidant activity than its wild plant. An 8-week-old L. pumila var. alata nodal segment and leaf explants were cultured onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various cytokinins (zeatin, kinetin, and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP)) for shoot multiplication and auxins (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and picloram) for callus induction, respectively. The results showed that 2 mg/L zeatin produced the optimal results for shoot and leaf development, and 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D produced the highest callus induction results (60%). After this, 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D was combined with 0.25 mg/L cytokinins and supplemented to the MS medium. The optimal results for callus induction (100%) with yellowish to greenish and compact texture were obtained using 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D combined with 0.25 mg/L zeatin. Leaves obtained from in vitro plantlets and wild plants as well as callus were extracted and analyzed for their antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP methods) and polyphenolic properties (total flavonoid and total phenolic content). When compared with leaf extracts of in vitro plantlets and wild plants of L. pumila var. alata, the callus extract displayed significantly higher antioxidant activities and total phenolic and flavonoid content. Hence, callus culture potentially can be adapted for antioxidant and polyphenolic production to satisfy pharmaceutical and nutraceutical needs while conserving wild L. pumila var. alata.
Fulltext Species Diversity and Secondary Metabolites of Sarcophyton-Associated Marine Fungi

Liu Y, Palaniveloo K, Alias SA, Sathiya Seelan JS

Molecules, 2021 May 27;26(11).
PMID: 34072177 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113227

Soft corals are widely distributed across the globe, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, with Sarcophyton being one of the most abundant genera. To date, there have been 50 species of identified Sarcophyton. These soft corals host a diverse range of marine fungi, which produce chemically diverse, bioactive secondary metabolites as part of their symbiotic nature with the soft coral hosts. The most prolific groups of compounds are terpenoids and indole alkaloids. Annually, there are more bio-active compounds being isolated and characterised. Thus, the importance of the metabolite compilation is very much important for future reference. This paper compiles the diversity of Sarcophyton species and metabolites produced by their associated marine fungi, as well as the bioactivity of these identified compounds. A total of 88 metabolites of structural diversity are highlighted, indicating the huge potential these symbiotic relationships hold for future research.
Fulltext Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Rejuvenation of the Aging Immune System

Yeo GEC, Ng MH, Nordin FB, Law JX

Int J Mol Sci, 2021 May 27;22(11).
PMID: 34072224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115749

Rapid growth of the geriatric population has been made possible with advancements in pharmaceutical and health sciences. Hence, age-associated diseases are becoming more common. Aging encompasses deterioration of the immune system, known as immunosenescence. Dysregulation of the immune cell production, differentiation, and functioning lead to a chronic subclinical inflammatory state termed inflammaging. The hallmarks of the aging immune system are decreased naïve cells, increased memory cells, and increased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising solution to halt immunosenescence as the cells have excellent immunomodulatory functions and low immunogenicity. This review compiles the present knowledge of the causes and changes of the aging immune system and the potential of MSC transplantation as a regenerative therapy for immunosenescence.

MeSH terms: Aging/genetics; Aging/immunology*; Animals; Gene Expression Regulation; Homeostasis; Humans; Immune System/immunology*; Immune System/metabolism*; Immunity, Innate; Rejuvenation*; Biomarkers; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Oxidative Stress; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/methods; Adaptive Immunity; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells/cytology*; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells/metabolism*; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
Fulltext Chemistry of Tropical Eucheumatoids: Potential for Food and Feed Applications

Ariano A, Musco N, Severino L, De Maio A, Tramice A, Tommonaro G, et al.

Biomolecules, 2021 May 29;11(6).
PMID: 34072325 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060804

The use of seaweeds as additives in animal nutrition may be a valid option to traditional feed as they represent a rich source of minerals, carbohydrates and antioxidants. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant capacity of two tropical eucheumatoids, Kappaphycus alvarezii and Kappaphycus striatus, in Malaysian wild offshore waters. The chemical analysis was performed via inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy for evaluating the concentration of toxic (Cd, Pb, Hg, As) and essential elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Se); NMR spectroscopy was used for carrageenans investigation. Furthermore, the soluble and fat-soluble antioxidant capacities were determined by FRAP, DPPH and ABTS assays. The chemical analysis revealed a higher content of trace elements in K. alvarezii as compared to K. striatus, and both exhibited a high mineral content. No significant differences in metal concentrations were found between the two species. Both samples showed a mixture of prevailing κ- and t-carrageenans. Finally, the levels of soluble and fat-soluble antioxidants in K. alvarezii were significantly higher than in K. striatus. Our findings suggest that K. alvarezii could be used as a potential feed additive because of its favorable chemical and nutritional features.

MeSH terms: Rhodophyta/chemistry*; Antioxidants/analysis*; Carrageenan/analysis*; Seaweed/chemistry*; Trace Elements/analysis*
Fulltext Risk Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Implementation of Various Protective Measures by Dentists Across Various Countries

Marya A, Karobari MI, Selvaraj S, Adil AH, Assiry AA, Rabaan AA, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 May 29;18(11).
PMID: 34072456 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115848

OBJECTIVE: Healthcare workers in general are at a high risk of potential infections with COVID-19, especially those who work with aerosol generating procedures. Dentists fall in this category, as not only do they operate with aerosol generating procedures but also operate within a face-to-face contact area.
METHODS: A structured self-administered questionnaire was developed at Najran University and provided to the participants for data collection. The data collected included information on risk perception and incorporation of measures for protection against COVID-19 to gauge the attitude of dentists during this period. Also, clinical implementation of various protective measures was reviewed.
RESULTS: Of the n = 322 dentists that answered the questions, 50% were general dentists and 28.9% were dentists working at specialist clinics, while the remaining 21.1% of dentists were employed in academic institutions. Among the newer additions to the clinic, 36.3% of dentists answered that they had added atomizers to their practices, followed by 26.4% of dentists that had incorporated the use of UV lamps for sterilization. We found that 18.9% dentists were using HEPA filters in their clinics, while 9.9% of dentists were making use of fumigation devices to control the risk of infection. One-way ANOVA was also carried out to demonstrate that there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.049) between groups of dentists utilizing HEPA filters, UV lamps, atomizers, and fumigation devices to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV2 across their workplaces.
CONCLUSION: Dentists are aware of recently updated knowledge about the modes of transmission of COVID-19 and the recommended infection control measures in dental settings. A better understanding of the situation and methods to prevent it will ensure that the dental community is able to provide healthcare services to patients during the pandemic.

MeSH terms: Dentists; Humans; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires; RNA, Viral
Fulltext Antimutagenic, Cytoprotective and Antioxidant Properties of Ficus deltoidea Aqueous Extract In Vitro

Ooi TC, Ibrahim FW, Ahmad S, Chan KM, Leong LM, Mohammad N, et al.

Molecules, 2021 May 29;26(11).
PMID: 34072474 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113287

Ficus deltoidea var. deltoidea is used as traditional medicine for diabetes, inflammation, and nociception. However, the antimutagenic potential and cytoprotective effects of this plant remain unknown. In this study, the mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of F. deltoidea aqueous extract (FDD) on both Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 strains were assessed using Salmonella mutagenicity assay (Ames test). Then, the cytoprotective potential of FDD on menadione-induced oxidative stress was determined in a V79 mouse lung fibroblast cell line. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was conducted to evaluate FDD antioxidant capacity. Results showed that FDD (up to 50 mg/mL) did not exhibit a mutagenic effect on either TA 98 or TA 100 strains. Notably, FDD decreased the revertant colony count induced by 2-aminoanthracene in both strains in the presence of metabolic activation (p < 0.05). Additionally, pretreatment of FDD (50 and 100 µg/mL) demonstrated remarkable protection against menadione-induced oxidative stress in V79 cells significantly by decreasing superoxide anion level (p < 0.05). FDD at all concentrations tested (12.5-100 µg/mL) exhibited antioxidant power, suggesting the cytoprotective effect of FDD could be partly attributed to its antioxidant properties. This report highlights that F. deltoidea may provide a chemopreventive effect on mutagenic and oxidative stress inducers.
Fulltext Experimental Analysis in Hadoop MapReduce: A Closer Look at Fault Detection and Recovery Techniques

Saadoon M, Hamid SHA, Sofian H, Altarturi H, Nasuha N, Azizul ZH, et al.

Sensors (Basel), 2021 May 31;21(11).
PMID: 34072632 DOI: 10.3390/s21113799

Hadoop MapReduce reactively detects and recovers faults after they occur based on the static heartbeat detection and the re-execution from scratch techniques. However, these techniques lead to excessive response time penalties and inefficient resource consumption during detection and recovery. Existing fault-tolerance solutions intend to mitigate the limitations without considering critical conditions such as fail-slow faults, the impact of faults at various infrastructure levels and the relationship between the detection and recovery stages. This paper analyses the response time under two main conditions: fail-stop and fail-slow, when they manifest with node, service, and the task at runtime. In addition, we focus on the relationship between the time for detecting and recovering faults. The experimental analysis is conducted on a real Hadoop cluster comprising MapReduce, YARN and HDFS frameworks. Our analysis shows that the recovery of a single fault leads to an average of 67.6% response time penalty. Even though the detection and recovery times are well-turned, data locality and resource availability must also be considered to obtain the optimum tolerance time and the lowest penalties.
Fulltext Community Structure, Biodiversity and Spatiotemporal Distribution of the Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) Using Malaise Traps on the Highest Mountain in Thailand

Srisuka W, Sulin C, Aupalee K, Phankaen T, Taai K, Thongsahuan S, et al.

Insects, 2021 May 31;12(6).
PMID: 34072677 DOI: 10.3390/insects12060504

Black flies form a group of small blood-sucking insects of medical and veterinary importance. This study aimed to investigate the community structure, biodiversity and spatial and temporal distribution of adult black flies in tropical rain forests, by using malaise traps in Doi Inthanon National Park, northern Thailand. Malaise traps were placed along six elevational gradients (400 m to 2500 m, above sea level) at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai province, from December 2013 to November 2014. A total of 9406 adult female black flies belonging to five subgenera-Daviesellum (2%), Gomphostilbia (23%), Montisimulium (11%), Nevermannia (16%) and Simulium (48%)-were collected. Among 44 taxa found, S. tenebrosum complex had the highest relative abundance (11.1%), followed by the S. asakoae species-group (9.6%), the S. striatum species-group (7.7%), S. inthanonense (6.6%), S. doipuiense complex (6.4%), S. chomthongense complex (5.3%), S. chumpornense (5.1%) and S. nigrogilvum (4.1%). Two human-biting species-S. nigrogilvum and species in the S. asakoae species-group-were found in all of the collection sites with 100% species occurrence. Species richness was highest at mid elevation (1400 m), which is represented by 19 black fly species. The peak and lowest seasonal abundance was observed in the rainy and hot season, respectively. Seasonal species richness was highest in the cold season, except for that from elevation sites at 700 m, 1700 m and 2500 m. This study revealed that the malaise trap is effective in providing important data for further monitoring of the effects of environmental changes and conservation planning on the biodiversity of black flies in Doi Inthanon National Park.

MeSH terms: Parks, Recreational; Adult; Animals; Female; Humans; Seasons; Simuliidae; Thailand; Biodiversity; Rainforest
Fulltext Chemical Characterization and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Phytoconstituents from Swertia alata

Bajaj S, Fuloria S, Subramaniyan V, Meenakshi DU, Wakode S, Kaur A, et al.

Plants (Basel), 2021 May 31;10(6).
PMID: 34072717 DOI: 10.3390/plants10061109

Swertia alata C.B Clarke (Gentianaceae) is a well-reported plant in the traditional system of medicine. The present study was intended to isolate the phytoconstituents from the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of S. alata; and evaluate for in vitro COX-1/COX-2 inhibition activity, in vivo anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic activity. Phytoisolation involved partitioning of S. alata ethanolic extract into petroleum ether and chloroform soluble fractions using silica gel-based column chromatography. The isolation afforded two phytoisolates, namely oleanolic acid (SA-1) and 3-hydroxylup-12-(13)-ene-17-carboxylic acid (SA-4). Phytoisolates structures were established by melting point, ultraviolet (UV), attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HMBC) and mass spectrometry. Phytoisolates were further evaluated for in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX-1/COX-2) inhibitory activity, in vivo anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic activity. The study revealed SA-4 (COX-1/COX-2 inhibition activity of 104/61.68 µM with % inhibition of 61.36) to be more effective than SA-1 (COX-1/COX-2 inhibition activity of 128.4/87.25 µM, with % inhibition of 47.72). SA-1 and SA-4, when subjected to ulcerogenic study, exhibited significant gastric tolerance. The current study reports chromatographic isolation and spectrometric characterization of SA-1 and SA-4. The present study concludes that compound SA-4 possess significant anti-inflammatory activity and less irritant property over gastric mucosa with no significant ulcerogenicity in comparison to indomethacin.
Fulltext Relation between Density and Compressive Strength of Foamed Concrete

Othman R, Jaya RP, Muthusamy K, Sulaiman M, Duraisamy Y, Abdullah MMAB, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 May 31;14(11).
PMID: 34072721 DOI: 10.3390/ma14112967

This study aims to obtain the relationship between density and compressive strength of foamed concrete. Foamed concrete is a preferred building material due to the low density of its concrete. In foamed concrete, the compressive strength reduces with decreasing density. Generally, a denser foamed concrete produces higher compressive strength and lower volume of voids. In the present study, the tests were carried out in stages in order to investigate the effect of sand-cement ratio, water to cement ratio, foam dosage, and dilution ratio on workability, density, and compressive strength of the control foamed concrete specimen. Next, the test obtained the optimum content of processed spent bleaching earth (PSBE) as partial cement replacement in the foamed concrete. Based on the experimental results, the use of 1:1.5 cement to sand ratio for the mortar mix specified the best performance for density, workability, and 28-day compressive strength. Increasing the sand to cement ratio increased the density and compressive strength of the mortar specimen. In addition, in the production of control foamed concrete, increasing the foam dosage reduced the density and compressive strength of the control specimen. Similarly with the dilution ratio, the compressive strength of the control foamed concrete decreased with an increasing dilution ratio. The employment of PSBE significantly influenced the density and compressive strength of the foamed concrete. An increase in the percentage of PSBE reduced the density of the foamed concrete. The compressive strength of the foamed concrete that incorporated PSBE increased with increasing PSBE content up to 30% PSBE. In conclusion, the compressive strength of foamed concrete depends on its density. It was revealed that the use of 30% PSBE as a replacement for cement meets the desired density of 1600 kg/m3, with stability and consistency in workability, and it increases the compressive strength dramatically from 10 to 23 MPa as compared to the control specimen. Thus, it demonstrated that the positive effect of incorporation of PSBE in foamed concrete is linked to the pozzolanic effect whereby more calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) produces denser foamed concrete, which leads to higher strength, and it is less pore connected. In addition, the regression analysis shows strong correlation between density and compressive strength of the foamed concrete due to the R2 being closer to one. Thus, production of foamed concrete incorporating 30% PSBE might have potential for sustainable building materials.
Fulltext Storage Stability of Antioxidant in Milk Products Fermented with Selected Kefir Grain Microflora

Biadała A, Adzahan NM

Molecules, 2021 May 31;26(11).
PMID: 34072808 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113307

The aim of the study was to assess the antioxidant potential of goat's milk and whey from goat's milk fermented with selected bacteria strains from kefir grain (L. plantarum, L. fermentum, L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus) with regard to fermented cow's milk with the same bacteria strains. The assessment of antioxidant potential was made by ABTS, DPPH, TPC and FRAP methods. The work also assessed metabolic activity of tested lactic acid bacteria using measurement of electrical impedance changes in the growing medium. The highest values describing the antioxidant potential were found for fermented milk by L. acidophilus. It was also found that the time of cooling storage causes significantly increasing the antioxidant potential of most analyzed samples. Metabolic activity of tested lactic acid bacteria was the highest for cow's milk. The course of curves for goat's milk and whey from goat's milk was similar, which confirms the differences between cow and goat milk.
Fulltext Fabrication of Reproducible and Selective Ammonia Vapor Sensor-Pellet of Polypyrrole/Cerium Oxide Nanocomposite for Prompt Detection at Room Temperature

Husain A, Al-Zahrani SA, Al Otaibi A, Khan I, Mujahid Ali Khan M, Alosaimi AM, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 31;13(11).
PMID: 34073027 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111829

Polypyrrole (PPy) and polypyrrole/cerium oxide nanocomposite (PPy/CeO2) were prepared by the chemical oxidative method in an aqueous medium using anhydrous ferric chloride (FeCl3) as an oxidant. The successful formulation of materials was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM). A four-in-line probe device was used for studying DC electrical conductivity and ammonia vapor sensing properties of PPy and PPy/CeO2. The significant improvement in both the conductivity and sensing parameters of PPy/CeO2 compared to pristine PPy reveals some synergistic/electronic interaction between PPy and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) working at molecular levels. The initial conductivity (i.e., conductivity at room temperature) was found to be 0.152 Scm-1 and 1.295 Scm-1 for PPy and PPy/CeO2, respectively. Also, PPy/CeO2 showed much better conductivity retention than pristine PPy under both the isothermal and cyclic ageing conditions. Ammonia vapor sensing was carried out at different concentration (0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 vol %). The sensing response of PPy/CeO2 varied with varying concentrations. At 0.5 vol % ammonia concentration, the % sensing response of PPy and PPy/CeO2 sensor was found to be 39.1% and 93.4%, respectively. The sensing efficiency of the PPy/CeO2 sensor was also evaluated at 0.4. 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.03, and 0.01 vol % ammonia concentration in terms of % sensing response, response/recovery time, reversibility, selectivity as well as stability at room temperature.
Fulltext Comparative Transcriptomic and Molecular Pathway Analyses of HL-CZ Human Pro-Monocytic Cells Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1, S2, NP, NSP15 and NSP16 Genes

Sharma A, Ong JW, Loke MF, Chua EG, Lee JJ, Choi HW, et al.

Microorganisms, 2021 May 31;9(6).
PMID: 34073047 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061193

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a clear and present threat to global public health. Research into how the causative SARS-CoV-2 virus together with its individual constituent genes and proteins interact with target host cells can facilitate the development of improved strategies to manage the acute and long-term complications of COVID-19. In this study, to better understand the biological roles of critical SARS-CoV-2 proteins, we determined and compared the host transcriptomic responses of the HL-CZ human pro-monocytic cell line upon transfection with key viral genes encoding the spike S1 subunit, S2 subunit, nucleocapsid protein (NP), NSP15 (endoribonuclease), and NSP16 (2'-O-ribose-methyltransferase). RNA sequencing followed by gene set enrichment analysis and other bioinformatics tools revealed that host genes associated with topologically incorrect protein, virus receptor activity, heat shock protein binding, endoplasmic reticulum stress, antigen processing and presentation were up-regulated in the presence of viral spike S1 expression. With spike S2 expression, pro-monocytic genes associated with the interferon-gamma-mediated signaling pathway, regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, adipocytokine signaling pathway, and insulin signaling pathway were down-regulated, whereas those associated with cytokine-mediated signaling were up-regulated. The expression of NSP15 induced the up-regulation of genes associated with neutrophil degranulation, neutrophil-mediated immunity, oxidative phosphorylation, prion disease, and pathways of neurodegeneration. The expression of NSP16 resulted in the down-regulation of genes associated with S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase activity. The expression of NP down-regulated genes associated with positive regulation of neurogenesis, nervous system development, and heart development. Taken together, the complex transcriptomic alterations arising from these viral-host gene interactions offer useful insights into host genes and their pathways that potentially contribute to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
Fulltext A New Method of Rice Moisture Content Determination Using Voxel Weighting-Based from Radio Tomography Images

Mohd Ramli NA, Fazalul Rahiman MH, Kamarudin LM, Mohamed L, Zakaria A, Ahmad A, et al.

Sensors (Basel), 2021 May 26;21(11).
PMID: 34073162 DOI: 10.3390/s21113686

This manuscript presents a new method to monitor and localize the moisture distribution in a rice silo based on tomography images. Because the rice grain is naturally hygroscopic, the stored grains' quality depends on their level of moisture content. Higher moisture content leads to fibre degradation, making the grains too frail and possibly milled. If the moisture is too low, the grains become brittle and are susceptible to higher breakage. At present, the single-point measurement method is unreliable because the moisture build-up inside the silo might be distributed unevenly. In addition, this method mostly applies gravimetric analysis, which is destructive. Thus, we proposed a radio tomographic imaging (RTI) system to address these problems. Four simulated phantom profiles at different percentages of moisture content were reconstructed using Newton's One-Step Error Reconstruction and Tikhonov Regularization algorithms. This simulation study utilized the relationship between the maximum voxel weighting of the reconstructed RTI image and the percentage of moisture content. The outcomes demonstrated promising results, in which the weighting voxel linearly increased with the percentage of moisture content, with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.95 was obtained. Therefore, the results support the possibility of using the RTI approach for monitoring and localizing the moisture distribution inside the rice silo.

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