The regulation of gene expression is fundamental to health and life and is essentially carried out at the promoter region of the DNA of each gene. Depending on the molecular context, this region may be accessible or non-accessible (possibility of integration of RNA polymerase or not at this region). Among enzymes that control this process, DNA methyltransferase enzymes (DNMTs), are responsible for DNA demethylation at the CpG islands, particularly at the promoter regions, to regulate transcription. The aberrant activity of these enzymes, i.e. their abnormal expression or activity, can result in the repression or overactivation of gene expression. Consequently, this can generate cellular dysregulation leading to instability and tumor development. Several reports highlighted the involvement of DNMTs in human cancers. The inhibition or activation of DNMTs is a promising therapeutic approach in many human cancers. In the present work, we provide a comprehensive and critical summary of natural bioactive molecules as primary inhibitors of DNMTs in human cancers. The active compounds hold the potential to be developed as anti-cancer epidrugs targeting DNMTs.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with a number of serious complications, including increased cardiovascular disease, anaemia and metabolic bone disease. Optic atrophy secondary to chronic anaemia in ESRD is rare. We report a case of bilateral optic atrophy in a young patient with chronic anaemia secondary to ESRD. A 23-year-old lady with ESRD, presented with progressive blurring of vision in her left eye for a period of six months. Visual acuity in the left eye was counting finger and the right eye was 6/6. Left optic nerve functions were significantly reduced. Bilateral anterior segments and intraocular pressure were normal. Funduscopy showed bilateral pale disc with arteriolar attenuation. The infective, autoimmune and demyelinating screening were negative. Serial full blood count indicated low haemoglobin and haematocrit value. The full blood picture revealed normocytic normochromic anaemia. Neuroimaging was normal. The patient was diagnosed as having bilateral optic atrophy secondary to chronic anaemia due to ESRD. Chronic anaemia is a potential cause of optic atrophy in a young patient with chronic disease. Management of anaemia in such cases is crucial to prevent irreversible complications including optic atrophy and blindness.
Human amniotic membrane that has been processed and sterilised by gamma irradiation is widely used as a biological dressing in surgical applications. The morphological structure of human amniotic membrane was studied under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess effects of gamma radiation on human amniotic membrane following different preservation methods. The amniotic membrane was preserved by either air drying or submerged in glycerol before gamma irradiated at 15, 25 and 35 kGy. Fresh human amniotic membrane, neither preserved nor irradiated was used as the control. The surface morphology of glycerol preserved amnion was found comparable to the fresh amniotic membrane. The cells of the glycerol preserved was beautifully arranged, homogonous in size and tended to round up. The cell structure in the air dried preserved amnion seemed to be flattened and dehydrated. The effects of dehydration on intercellular channels and the microvilli on the cell surface were clearly seen at higher magnifications (10,000×). SEM revealed that the changes of the cell morphology of the glycerol preserved amnion were visible at 35 kGy while the air dried already changed at 25 kGy. Glycerol preservation method is recommended for human amniotic membrane as the cell morphological structure is maintained and radiation doses lower than 25 kGy for sterilization did not affect the appearance of the preserved amnion.
Efficient scrubbing of mercury vapour from natural gas streams has been demonstrated both in the laboratory and on an industrial scale, using chlorocuprate(II) ionic liquids impregnated on high surface area porous solid supports, resulting in the effective removal of mercury vapour from natural gas streams. This material has been commercialised for use within the petroleum gas production industry, and has currently been running continuously for three years on a natural gas plant in Malaysia. Here we report on the chemistry underlying this process, and demonstrate the transfer of this technology from gram to ton scale.
Objective: Epidemiological studies have reported the close relationship between risk for lung cancers and air pollution in particular, for non-smoking related lung cancers. However, most studies used residential address as proxies which may not estimate accurately an individual’s air pollution exposure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify risk factors such as occupation and mode of transportation associated with lung cancer diagnosis and death. Methods: Subjects with lung cancer (n=514) were evaluated both by chart reviews for clinical data and interviews to determine residential address for ten years, main occupation and main mode of transportation. Annual particulate matter with diameter size less than 2.5 micrometre (PM2.5) concentration were calculated based on particulate matter with diameter size less than 10 micrometre (PM10) data recorded by Malaysian Department of Environment. Logistic regression analysis, cluster analysis and the Cox regression analysis were performed to the studied variables. Results: This study concurred with previous studies that lung adenocarcinoma were diagnosed in predominantly younger, female non-smokers compared to the other types of lung cancers. Lung adenocarcinoma subjects had annual PM2.5 that was almost twice higher than squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma and other histological subtypes (p=0.024). Independent of smoking, the κ -means cluster analysis revealed two clusters in which the high risk cluster involves occupation risk with air pollution of more than four hours per day, main transportation involving motorcycle and trucks and mean annual PM2.5 concentration of more than 30 based on residential address for more than ten years. The increased risk for the high-risk cluster was more than five times for the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (OR=5.69, 95% CI=3.14-7.21, p<0.001). The hazard ratio for the high-risk cluster was 3.89 (95% CI=2.12-4.56, p=0.02) for lung adenocarcinoma mortality at 1 year. Conclusion: High-risk cluster including PM2.5, occupation risk and mode of transportation as surrogates for air-pollution exposure was identified and highly associated with lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis and 1-year mortality.
Foodborne diseases are common in the developing countries due to the predominant poor food handling and sanitation practices, particularly as a result of inadequate food safety laws, weak regulatory structures, and inadequate funding as well as a lack of appropriate education for food-handlers. The most frequently involved foods in disease outbreaks are of animal origin. However, in spite of the adequate legislation and laws governing the abattoir operation in Malaysia, compliance with food safety requirements during meat processing and waste disposal is inadequate. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practice toward compliance with abattoir laws among the workers in Terengganu, Malaysia.
Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common malignancy in the world. Numerous studies have demonstrated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and cancer. The occurrence and development of BC are closely linked to genetic factors. Human leukocyte antigens G and E (HLA-G and HLA-E) are non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. These molecules play an important role in immune surveillance by inhibiting the cytotoxic and natural killer T cells responsible for immune escape. The expression of HLA-G and HLA-E has been associated with several diseases, including tumors. The HLA system plays a key role in the escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance. This review aims to determine the correlation between BC susceptibility and HLA markers specific HLA alleles such as HLA-B07, HLA-DRB111, HLA-DRB113, and HLA-DRB115 are associated with an increased risk of developing BC. Furthermore, HLA-G mutations have been attributed to an elevated likelihood of metastasis in BC patients. Understanding the complex associations between the HLA system and BC development is critical for developing novel cancer prevention, detection, and treatment strategies. This review emphasizes the importance of analyzing HLA polymorphisms in the management of BC patients, as well as the urgent need for further research in this area.
To become skilled physicians, medical students must master surface anatomy. However, the study of surface anatomy is less emphasized in medical and allied health science curricula, and the time devoted to direct engagement with the human body is limited. This scoping review was designed to answer one research question: "What are the elements and strategies that are effective in teaching surface anatomy?" The review was performed using a five-stage scoping review framework, including research question identification, relevant study identification, study selection, data charting, and result collating and reporting. Three databases were searched using two search terms combined with a Boolean operator: "teaching" and "surface anatomy." The initial pool of 3,294 sources was assessed for duplication, and study eligibility was evaluated using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were abstracted from 26 original articles by one researcher and verified by two other researchers. A thematic analysis was performed, and several elements of effective teaching strategies for surface anatomy were identified, namely contextualized teaching, embracing experiential learning, and learning facilitation. This review revealed that a multimodal approach was most commonly used in surface anatomy instruction. Hence, future research should explore the effectiveness of multimodal teaching strategies that adopt the three aforementioned primary elements of effective teaching in an authentic learning environment. It is pertinent to clarify the effectiveness of these teaching strategies by evaluating their impact on student learning, organizational changes, and benefits to other stakeholders.
Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus activity is an important cause of viral encephalitis in Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, JEV activity has been first detected in Culex gelidus in 1976. Since then, no study has fully addressed the seasonal dynamics of this mosquito. As irrigated rice production expands, the incidence of JEV vectors, particularly Cx. gelidus is expected to increase. We surveyed Penang Island to determine the breeding patterns of Cx. gelidus and their potential insect predators, in relation to habitat/niche and rice growing period. Six rice fields proper (RFP) and related drainage canals (DC) were visited through three cultivation cycles (CCs) over 17 months. Weekly visits were performed to each of the 36 sites and mosquito larvae and aquatic insects were sampled from RFP and DCs using dippers. Culex gelidus was abundant in RFP and almost absent in DCs. Its densities usually were high during the first and 3rd CC and when the RFs were in Fp, Pp and Gp. In DCs, the mosquito was abundant during Mp, e.g., 2nd CC. Predators, especially those belonging to the families Corixidae, Coenagrionidae and Dytiscidae, were more present in RFP. Predator numbers usually were high during the first CC; in some cases predator abundance peaked during other CCs, e.g., corixids and dysticids. In RFP, neither corixids nor coenagrionids showed any positive correlation with densities of Cx. gelidus. However, dytiscids' population peaked when the mosquito densities were on the rise. These observations suggest that Cx. gelidus is active during the period of rice cultivation. Operational vector control through bio-control or with insecticides near the end of the rice cultivation season in RFP may prove beneficial in reducing the density of Cx. gelidus, but also the amount of bio-agent or insecticide applied on riceland.
Using cow-baited net traps in the coastal and hilly areas of northern peninsular Malaysia, 21 species of Anopheles mosquitoes were found. The distribution of common Anopheles is presented. The composition of the anopheline mosquito fauna was more diversified in the coastal areas than in the hilly areas. The displacement of Anopheles sundaicus by Anopheles subpictus and the disappearance of Anopheles hackeri in the coastal area were noted.
Acacia mangium is an important wood for commercial products especially pulp and medium-density fibreboard. However, it is susceptible to Ceratocystis fimbriata infection, leading to Ceratocystis wilt. Therefore, the present work aimed to (i) establish the diversity of endophytic fungi in different plant parts of A. mangium,and (ii) evaluate the antifungal potentials of the isolated and identified endophytic fungi against C. fimbriata. Endophytic fungal identification was conducted by PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and ITS4 regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA. A total of 66 endophytic fungi were successfully isolated from different parts of A. mangium; leaf (21), stem (13), petiole (12), root (9), flower (6), and fruit (5). The endophytic fungal isolates belonged to Ascomycota (95.5%) and Zygomycota (4.5%). For Ascomycota 13 genera were identified: Trichoderma (28.6%), Nigrospora (28.6%), Pestalotiopsis (12.7%), Lasiodiplodia (9.5%), Aspergillus (6.3%), Sordariomycetes (3%), and Neopestalotiopsis, Pseudopestalotiopsis, Eutiarosporella, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Hypoxylon each with a single isolate. For Zygomycota, only Blakeslea sp. (5%) was isolated. Against C. fimbriata, Trichoderma koningiopsis (AC 1S) from stem, Nigrospora oryzae (AC 7L) from leaf, Nigrospora sphaerica (AC 3F) from the flower, Lasiodiplodia sp. (AC 2 U) from fruit, Nigrospora sphaerica (AC 4P) from petiole, and Trichoderma sp. (AC 9R) from root exhibited strong inhibition for C. fimbriata between 58.33 to 69.23%. Thus, it can be concluded that certain endophytic fungi of A. mangium have the potential to be harnessed as anti-Ceratocystis agent in future biotechnological applications.
The critical challenge being faced by our current modern society on a global scale is to reduce the surging effects of climate change and global warming, being caused by anthropogenic emissions of CO2 in the environment. Present study reports the surface driven adsorption potential of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) surface functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) for low pressure CO2 separation. The phosphonium based DESs were prepared using tetra butyl phosphoniumbromide as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and 6 acids as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs). The as-developed DESs were characterized and employed for the surface functionalization of CeNPs with their subsequent utilization in adsorption-based CO2 adsorption. The synthesis of as-prepared DESs was confirmed through FTIR measurements and absence of precipitates, revealed through visual observations. It was found that DES6 surface functionalized CeNPs demonstrated 27% higher adsorption performance for CO2 capturing. On the contrary, DES3 coated CeNPs exhibited the least adsorption progress for CO2 separation. The higher adsorption performance associated with DES6 coated CeNPs was due to enhanced surface affinity with CO2 molecules that must have facilitated the mass transport characteristics and resulted an enhancement in CO2 adsorption performance. Carboxylic groups could have generated an electric field inside the pores to attract more polarizable adsorbates including CO2, are responsible for the relatively high values of CO2 adsorption. The quadruple movement of the CO2 molecules with the electron-deficient and pluralizable nature led to the enhancement of the interactive forces between the CO2 molecules and the CeNPs decorated with the carboxylic group hydrogen bond donor rich DES. The current findings may disclose the new research horizons and theoretical guidance for reduction in the environmental effects associated with uncontrolled CO2 emission via employing DES surface coated potential CeNPs.
Gelatin is used as an ingredient in both food and non-food industries as a gelling agent, stabilizer, thickener, emulsifier, and film former. Porcine skins, bovine hides, and cattle bones are the most common sources of gelatin. However, mammalian gelatins are rejected by some consumers due to social, cultural, religious, or health-related concerns. In the present study, gelatin was obtained from camel skin as an alternative source using a combination of processing steps. Central composite design combined with response surface methodology was used to achieve high gelatin yields under different extraction conditions: temperatures of 40, 60, and 80 °C; pH values of 1, 4, and 7; and extraction times of 0.5, 2.0, and 3.5 min. Maximum gelatin yield from camel skin (29.1%) was achieved at 71.87 °C and pH 5.26 after 2.58 min. The extracted gelatin samples were characterized for amino acid profile, foaming capacity, film formation, foam stability, and gel strength (Bloom value). Gelatin nanoparticles were produced, and their morphology and zeta potential were determined. Bloom value of the camel skin gelatin was 340 g. Amino acid analysis revealed that the extracted gelatin showed high glycine and proline contents. Analysis of camel skin gelatin nanoparticle and functional properties revealed high suitability for food and non-food applications, with potential use in the growing global halal food market.
The level of the implant above the marginal bone and flap design have an effect on the bone resorption during the healing period. The aim of this study is to detect the relationship between the level of the implant at the implant placement and the bone level at the healing period in the mesial and distal side of implants placed with flapless (FL) and full-thickness flap (FT) methods.
A total of 227 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia were amplified for the P. falciparum multi-drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene to detect point mutations 11 years after the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Saudi Arabia. The pfmdr1 86Y mutation was found in 11.5% (26/227) of the isolates while the N86 wild allele was detected in 88.5%. Moreover, 184F point mutations dominated (86.3%) the instances of pfmdr1 polymorphism while no mutation was observed at codons 1034, 1042 and 1246. Three pfmdr1 haplotypes were identified, NFSND (74.9%), NYSND (13.7%) and YFSND (11.4%). Associations of the prevalence of 86Y mutation and YFSND haplotype with participants' nationality, residency and parasitaemia level were found to be significant (P
A possible interaction between glucocorticoids and estrogen-induced increases in brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in enhancing depressive-like behaviour has been documented. Here we evaluated the effects of Tualang honey, a phytoestrogen, and 17 β -estradiol (E2) on the depressive-like behaviour, stress hormones, and BDNF concentration in stressed ovariectomised (OVX) rats. The animals were divided into six groups: (i) nonstressed sham-operated control, (ii) stressed sham-operated control, (iii) nonstressed OVX, (iv) stressed OVX, (v) stressed OVX treated with E2 (20 μg daily, sc), and (vi) stressed OVX treated with Tualang honey (0.2 g/kg body weight daily, orally). Two months after surgery, the animals were subjected to social instability stress procedure followed by forced swimming test. Struggling time, immobility time, and swimming time were scored. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels, and the BDNF concentration were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Stressed OVX rats displayed increased depressive-like behaviour with significantly increased serum ACTH and corticosterone levels, while the BDNF concentration was significantly decreased compared to other experimental groups. These changes were notably reversed by both E2 and Tualang honey. In conclusion, both Tualang honey and E2 mediate antidepressive-like effects in stressed OVX rats, possibly acting via restoration of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and enhancement of the BDNF concentration.
This study aims to compare the effects of social instability stress on memory and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour between sham-operated controls and ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Forty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups, (n = 10 per group). These were non-stressed sham-operated control rats, stressed sham-operated control rats, non-stressed OVX rats, and stressed OVX rats. The rats were subjected to social instability stress procedure for 15 days. Novel object recognition, open field, and forced swim tests were conducted after the stress procedure. Serum estradiol, ACTH and corticosterone levels were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Lower serum estradiol level and uterine weight with higher weight gain were observed in OVX rats compared to sham-operated controls. Serum ACTH, and corticosterone levels were higher in stressed compared to non-stressed groups. Memory deficit and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour were significantly increased in stressed compared to non-stressed OVX rats but these changes were not seen in sham-operated controls. These results suggest that the high circulating corticosterone acts synergistically with low circulating estradiol to exert negative effects on mood and memory function.
Recently, our research team has reported that Tualang honey was able to improve immediate memory in postmenopausal women comparable with that of estrogen progestin therapy. Therefore the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of Tualang honey supplement on hippocampal morphology and memory performance in ovariectomized (OVX) rats exposed to social instability stress. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: (i) sham-operated controls, (ii) stressed sham-operated controls, (iii) OVX rats, (iv) stressed OVX rats, (v) stressed OVX rats treated with 17β-estradiol (E2), and (vi) stressed OVX rats treated with Tualang honey. These rats were subjected to social instability stress procedure followed by novel object recognition (NOR) test. Right brain hemispheres were subjected to Nissl staining. The number and arrangement of pyramidal neurons in regions of CA1, CA2, CA3 and the dentate gyrus (DG) were recorded. Two-way ANOVA analyses showed significant interactions between stress and OVX in both STM and LTM test as well as number of Nissl-positive cells in all hippocampal regions. Both E2 and Tualang honey treatments improved both short-term and long-term memory and enhanced the neuronal proliferation of hippocampal CA2, CA3 and DG regions compared to that of untreated stressed OVX rats.