Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 59 in total

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  1. Rayzah M, Elderdery AY, Alzerwi NAN, Alzahrani B, Alsrhani A, Alsultan A, et al.
    Plants (Basel), 2023 Sep 05;12(18).
    PMID: 37765338 DOI: 10.3390/plants12183174
    An aqueous extract of Syzygium cumini seeds was utilized to green synthesize titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). UV-Visible, DLS, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, TEM, SAED, EDAX, and photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques were employed to characterize the prepared TiO2 nanoparticles. The rutile crystal structure of TiO2 NPs was revealed by XRD study. The TEM and FESEM images of the TiO2 NPs revealed an average particle size of 50-100 nm. We employed EDAX to investigate the elemental compositions of TiO2 NPs. The O-Ti-O stretching bands appeared in the FTIR spectrum of TiO2 NPs at wavenumbers of 495 cm-1. The absorption edge peaks of TiO2 NPs were found in the UV-vis spectra at 397 nm. The MTT study revealed that TiO2 NPs effectively inhibited the growth of liver cancer Hep3 and Hep-G2 cells. The results of the corresponding fluorescent staining assays showed that TiO2 NPs significantly increased ROS generation, decreased MMP, and induced apoptosis in both liver cancer Hep3 and Hep-G2 cells. TiO2 nanoparticles lessened SOD, CAT, and GSH levels while augmenting MDA contents in Hep3 and Hep-G2 cells. In both Hep3 and Hep-G2 cells treated with TiO2 NPs, the Bax, CytC, p53, caspase-3, -8, and -9 expressions were remarkably augmented, while Bcl-2 expression was reduced. Overall, these findings revealed that formulated TiO2 NPs treatment considerably inhibited growth and triggered apoptosis in Hep3 and HepG2 cells.
  2. Alsrhani A, Elderdery AY, Alzahrani B, Alzerwi NAN, Althobiti MM, Rayzah M, et al.
    Molecules, 2023 Apr 04;28(7).
    PMID: 37049991 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073228
    Breast cancer is among the most recurrent malignancies, and its prevalence is rising. With only a few treatment options available, there is an immediate need to search for better alternatives. In this regard, nanotechnology has been applied to develop potential chemotherapeutic techniques, particularly for cancer therapy. Specifically, albumin-based nanoparticles are a developing platform for the administration of diverse chemotherapy drugs owing to their biocompatibility and non-toxicity. Visnagin, a naturally derived furanochromone, treats cancers, epilepsy, angina, coughs, and inflammatory illnesses. In the current study, the synthesis and characterization of albumin visnagin (AV) nanoparticles (NPs) using a variety of techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared, energy dispersive X-ray composition analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, X-Ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering analyses have been carried out. The MTT test, dual AO/EB, DCFH-DA, Annexin-V-FITC/PI, Propidium iodide staining techniques as well as analysis of apoptotic proteins, antioxidant enzymes, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling analysis was performed to examine the NPs' efficacy to suppress MDA-MB-468 cell lines. The NPs decreased cell viability increased the amount of ROS in the cells, disrupted membrane integrity, decreased the level of antioxidant enzymes, induced cell cycle arrest, and activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade, ultimately leading to cell death. Thus, AV NPs possesses huge potential to be employed as a strong anticancer therapy alternative.
  3. Aljabali AA, Hassan SS, Pabari RM, Shahcheraghi SH, Mishra V, Charbe NB, et al.
    Future Sci OA, 2021 Oct;7(9):FSO744.
    PMID: 34737885 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2021-0031
    The purpose of this review is to highlight recent scientific developments and provide an overview of virus self-assembly and viral particle dynamics. Viruses are organized supramolecular structures with distinct yet related features and functions. Plant viruses are extensively used in biotechnology, and virus-like particulate matter is generated by genetic modification. Both provide a material-based means for selective distribution and delivery of drug molecules. Through surface engineering of their capsids, virus-derived nanomaterials facilitate various potential applications for selective drug delivery. Viruses have significant implications in chemotherapy, gene transfer, vaccine production, immunotherapy and molecular imaging.
  4. Jindal HM, Chandramathi S, Sekaran SD, Suresh K
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):626-636.
    PMID: 33612777 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.626
    Hand hygiene is the topmost crucial procedure to prevent hospital-acquired infections. Choosing an effective hand disinfectant is necessary in enforcing good hand hygiene practice especially in hospital settings. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of Aaride AGT-1 as a hand disinfectant for the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms' transmission among both patients and personnel in the health care system compared to other commercially available disinfectants. In the present study, a new hand disinfectant Aaride AGT-1 was tested against several bacterial and viral pathogens to evaluate its antimicrobial activity profile. The results revealed that Aaride AGT-1 displayed the highest antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacteria including MRSA when compared to other commercially available hand sanitizers. Aaride AGT-1 showed the lowest percentage needed to inhibit the growth of bacterial pathogens. In addition, results obtained from time killing assay revealed that Aaride AGT-1 demonstrated the best killing kinetics, by eradicating the bacterial cells rapidly within 0.5 min with 6 log reduction (>99.99% killing). Also, Aaride AGT1 was able to reduce 100% plaque formed by three viruses namely HSV-1, HSV-2 and EV-71. In conclusion, Aaride AGT-1 is capable of killing wide-spectrum of pathogens including bacteria and viruses compared to other common disinfectants used in hospital settings. Aaride AGT-1's ability to kill both bacteria and viruses contributes as valuable addition to the hand disinfection portfolio.
  5. Sheela DS, Chandramathi S, Suresh K
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Mar 01;37(1):210-217.
    PMID: 33612732
    Blastocystis sp. is an enteric protozoan parasite of humans and many animals. Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 (ST3) proves to be the highest frequency case in most populations around the world and it is further distinguished into symptomatic and asymptomatic isolates based on the clinical symptoms exhibited by infected individuals. Phenotypic and genotypic studies implicate the distinctiveness of this parasite which may describe its pathogenesis. However, the antigenic distinctiveness which describes the antibody mediated cell lysis of this parasite has not been explored. This study was aimed to identify the cross-reactivity and cytotoxicity effect between three isolates of symptomatic and asymptomatic Blastocystis sp. ST3 respectively. Antigen specificity and diversity of this parasite was performed by coculturing sera (10-fold dilution) obtained from mice immunised with Blastocystis sp. symptomatic and asymptomatic antigens and the respective Blastocystis sp. ST3 live cells through complement dependant cell cytotoxicity (CDC) assay. The results obtained has shown that, the sera (at 10-fold diluted concentration) from symptomatic and asymptomatic solubilised antigen immunised mice were able to specifically lyse the respective live parasites with an average percentage of 82% and 86% respectively. There were almost 50% crossreactivity observed between the three isolates of Blastocystis sp. ST3 from symptomatic and asymptomatic group proving high antigen diversity or rather low antigen specificity within the same group. However, there was only 17% cross-reactivity observed between the mice sera and parasitic cells of different groups (symptomatic vs asymptomatic isolates) suggesting high specificity between these two groups. We, for the first time have proven that through CDC analysis there were epitopes dissimilarities between Blastocystis sp. ST3 symptomatic and asymptomatic isolates which may allow the parasite to set up diverse immune modulations such as imbalanced Th1/Th2 responses in an infected host.
  6. Ismail NS, Subbiah SK, Taib NM
    Curr Pharm Biotechnol, 2020;21(14):1539-1550.
    PMID: 32598252 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200629145217
    BACKGROUND: This is the fastest work in obtaining the metabolic profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in order to combat the infection diseases which leads to high morbidity and mortality rates. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a high versatility of gram-negative bacteria that can undergo aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Capabilities in deploying different carbon sources, energy metabolism and regulatory system, ensure the survival of this microorganism in the diverse environment condition. Determination of differences in carbon sources utilization among biofilm and non-biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa provides a platform in understanding the metabolic activity of the microorganism.

    METHODS: The study was carried out from September 2017 to February 2019. Four archive isolates forming strong and intermediate biofilm and non-biofilms producer were subcultured from archive isolates. ATCC 27853 P. aeruginosa was used as a negative control or non-biofilm producing microorganism. Biofilm formation was confirmed by Crystal Violet Assay (CVA) and Congo Red Agar (CRA). Metabolic profiles of the biofilm and non-biofilms isolates were determined by phenotype microarrays (Biolog Omnilog).

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In this study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm isolates utilized uridine, L-threonine and L-serine while non-biofilm utilized adenosine, inosine, monomethyl, sorbic acid and succinamic acid.

    CONCLUSION: The outcome of this result will be used for future studies to improve detection or inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa biofilm and non-biofilm respectively.

  7. Chandirasekar R, Murugan K, Muralisankar T, Uthayakumar V, Jayakumar R, Mohan K, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2019 Oct 17;9(1):14898.
    PMID: 31624274 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51275-w
    Smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption is a significant risk factor that provokes genetic alterations. The present investigation was to evaluate the biomarkers of genotoxicity including micronucleus (MN), chromosome aberrations (CA) and DNA strand breaks among tobacco consumers and control individuals residing in hilly areas of Western Ghats, Tamilnadu, South India. This study included 268 tobacco consumers with equal number of controls. The tobacco consumers were divided into Group I (<10 years of tobacco consumption with an age range from 15 to 35 years) and group II (>10 years consumption above 35 years of age). Chromosome aberration (CA) and comet assay were performed using blood and micronucleus assay from exfoliated buccal epithelial cells obtained from tobacco consumers and controls. Elevated levels of CA were found in group II (Chromatid type: 2.39 ± 1.13 and chromosome type: 1.44 ± 1.24) exposed subjects, high micronucleus and DNA damage (TL:4.48 ± 1.24 and TM:3.40 ± 1.58) levels were significantly (p 
  8. Chai BK, Al-Shagga M, Pan Y, Then SM, Ting KN, Loh HS, et al.
    Lipids, 2019 06;54(6-7):369-379.
    PMID: 31124166 DOI: 10.1002/lipd.12154
    Dysregulated hepatic gluconeogenesis is a hallmark of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although existing drugs have been proven to improve gluconeogenesis, achieving this objective with functional food is of interest, especially using conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) found in dairy products. Both cis-9, trans-11 (c9,t11) and trans-10, cis-12 (t10,c12) isomers of CLA were tested in human (HepG2) and rat (H4IIE) hepatocytes for their potential effects on gluconeogenesis. The hepatocytes exposed for 24 h with 20 μM of c9,t11-CLA had attenuated the gluconeogenesis in both HepG2 and H4IIE by 62.5% and 80.1%, respectively. In contrast, t10,c12-CLA had no effect. Of note, in HepG2 cells, the exposure of c9,t11-CLA decreased the transcription of gluconeogenic enzymes, cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK1) by 87.7%, and glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit (G6PC) by 38.0%, while t10,c12-CLA increased the expression of G6PC, suggesting the isomer-specific effects of CLA on hepatic glucose production. In HepG2, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, rosiglitazone, reduced the glucose production by 72.9%. However, co-administration of c9,t11-CLA and rosiglitazone neither exacerbated nor attenuated the efficacy of rosiglitazone to inhibit glucose production; meanwhile, t10,c12-CLA abrogated the efficacy of rosiglitazone. Paradoxically, PPARγ antagonist GW 9662 also led to 70.2% reduction of glucose production and near undetectable PCK1 expression by abrogating CLA actions. Together, while the precise mechanisms by which CLA isomers modulate hepatic gluconeogenesis directly or via PPAR warrant further investigation, our findings establish that c9,t11-CLA suppresses gluconeogenesis by decreasing PEPCK on hepatocytes.
  9. Ravichandran J, Woon SY, Quek YS, Lim YC, Noor EM, Suresh K, et al.
    Am J Med, 2019 03;132(3):362-366.
    PMID: 30503877 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.11.017
    PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of circulating concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTn) in the various trimesters of pregnancy in patients with and without hypertension.

    METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of pregnant and postnatal women aged between 18-35 years with no coexisting diseases. Serum samples were analysed for hs-TnI.

    RESULTS: A total of 880 women (mean age = 29.1 years [standard deviation = 5.1 years]) were recruited with 129 (14%), 207 (24%), and 416 (47%) patients in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. Ninety (10%) participants were recruited in the postnatal period. During pregnancy 28 (3%) patients were classified as having pregnancy-induced hypertension and 10 (1%) as preeclampsia. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I was measurable in 546 (62%) participants with a median of 1 ng/L (range 0 to 783 ng/L). Troponin concentrations were above the 99th percentile in 19 (2%) individuals. Patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia had higher concentrations of hs-TnI (median 11 ng/L [interquartile range (IQR) 6 to 22 ng/L] vs 12ng/L [IQR 3 to 98 ng/L] vs 1 ng/L [IQR 0 to 1 ng/L]). In logistic regression modeling hs-cTnI concentration remained an independent predictor of pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia in both unadjusted and adjusted models (odds ratio 9.3 [95% confidence interval 5.8 to 16.3] and 11.5 [95% confidence interval 6.3 to 24.1], respectively, per doubling of hs-TnI concentrations).

    CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac troponin measured using a high-sensitivity assay is quantifiable in the majority of young pregnant women with 2% of individuals having concentration above the 99th percentile sex-specific threshold. Patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia had higher cardiac troponin concentrations. Cardiac troponin was a strong independent predictor of pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia in pregnant and postnatal women.

  10. Zakuan ZD, Suresh K
    Med J Malaysia, 2018 10;73(5):351-359.
    PMID: 30350826 MyJurnal
    Polymyxin B and colistin (polymyxin E) were introduced in clinical practice to treat Gram-negative infections in 1950s but their parenteral use waned in 1970s due to toxicity concerns. Resurgence of polymyxins use in Malaysia began approximately in 2009 due to a lack of treatment options for MDR Gram negative superbugs such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, limited experience and a lack of widespread availability of up-to-date dosing guidelines could potentially result in incorrect use of these last resort antibiotics by managing doctors. The recent report of polymyxin resistant strains is also a cause of concern. Herein, we discuss the importance of preserving the efficacy of polymyxins in hospitals, the similarities and differences between polymyxin B and colistin, issues pertaining to current use of polymxyins and strategies to improve polymyxins' prescription. Polymyxins should only be used to treat significant infections, in optimum doses and if possible, in combination with other antibiotics.
  11. Ali E, Sultana S, Hamid SBA, Hossain M, Yehya WA, Kader A, et al.
    Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2018 Jun 13;58(9):1495-1511.
    PMID: 28033035 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2016.1264361
    Gelatin is a highly purified animal protein of pig, cow, and fish origins and is extensively used in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. However, the acceptability of gelatin products greatly depends on the animal sources of the gelatin. Porcine and bovine gelatins have attractive features but limited acceptance because of religious prohibitions and potential zoonotic threats, whereas fish gelatin is welcomed in all religions and cultures. Thus, source authentication is a must for gelatin products but it is greatly challenging due to the breakdown of both protein and DNA biomarkers in processed gelatins. Therefore, several methods have been proposed for gelatin identification, but a comprehensive and systematic document that includes all of the techniques does not exist. This up-to-date review addresses this research gap and presents, in an accessible format, the major gelatin source authentication techniques, which are primarily nucleic acid and protein based. Instead of presenting these methods in paragraph form which needs much attention in reading, the major methods are schematically depicted, and their comparative features are tabulated. Future technologies are forecasted, and challenges are outlined. Overall, this review paper has the merit to serve as a reference guide for the production and application of gelatin in academia and industry and will act as a platform for the development of improved methods for gelatin authentication.
  12. Thergarajan G, Govind SK, Bhassu S
    Parasitol Res, 2018 Jan;117(1):177-187.
    PMID: 29188368 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5688-3
    Blastocystis sp. is known to be the most commonly found intestinal protozoan parasite in human fecal surveys and has been incriminated to cause diarrhea and abdominal bloating. Binary fission has been widely accepted as the plausible mode of reproduction for this parasite. The present study demonstrates that subjecting the parasites in vitro to higher temperature shows the proliferation of parasite numbers in cultures. Transmission electron microscopy was used to compare the morphology of Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 isolated from a dengue patient having high fever (in vivo thermal stress) and Blastocystis sp. 3 maintained at 41 °C (in vitro thermal stress) and 37 °C (control). Fluorescence stains like acridine orange (AO) and 4',6'-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) were used to demonstrate the viability and nuclear content of the parasite for both the in vitro and in vivo thermal stress groups of parasites. Blastocystis sp. at 37 °C was found to be mostly vacuolar whereas the in vitro thermal stressed isolates at 41 °C were granular with electron dense material seen to protect the granules within the central body. Parasites of the in vivo thermal stressed group showed similar ultrastructure as the in vitro ones. AO and DAPI staining provided evidence that these granules are viable which develop into progenies of Blastocystis sp. These granular forms were then observed to rupture and release progenies from the mother cells whilst the peripheral cytoplasmic walls were seen to degrade. Upon exposure to high temperature both in vitro and in vivo, Blastocystis sp. in cultures show higher number of granular forms seen to be protected by the electron dense material within the central body possibly acting as a protective mechanism. This is possibly to ensure the ability to survive for the granules to be developed as viable progenies for release into the host system.
  13. Zuhaimy H, Leow SN, Vasudevan SK
    BMJ Case Rep, 2017 Aug 09;2017.
    PMID: 28794092 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221170
    We discuss the diagnostic challenge in an adult patient presented with purely ocular symptoms diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). A 38-year-old woman presented with bilateral painless blurring of vision. There were bilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy and bilateral optic disc swelling. Optic nerve function tests were normal. Patient was lucid with no signs of meningism. Brain imaging were normal. She had a positive Mantoux test, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate but no clinical evidence of active pulmonary tuberculosis infection. Her Quantiferon-TB Gold in-tube test was negative. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a high opening pressure but no biochemical parameters to suggest TBM, hence she was treated as idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A diagnosis of TBM was finally made following a positive PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Her vision improved with reduction in optic disc swelling following antituberculous treatment.
  14. Umar S, Shinkafi SH, Hudu SA, Neela V, Suresh K, Nordin SA, et al.
    Ann Parasitol, 2017;63(2):133-139.
    PMID: 28822206 DOI: 10.17420/ap6302.97
    Schistosomiasis is the major source of morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. It is estimated that 207 million people are infected, of which 97% are in Africa. The aim of this study was the determining of prevalence as well as the phylogeny of S. haematobium among school children in Argungu Emirate, Kebbi State Nigeria. A total of 325 urine samples was collected from school children between 7 to 14 years. S. heamatobium eggs was examined under dissecting microscope and DNA was extracted from urine sample and COX1 gene was amplified by nested PCR. The PCR products were purified, sequenced and analysed. This study showed a prevalence of 32.09%, with male pupils having the highest prevalence. S. haematobium infections in children who fetch water in the river have 24 times higher risk of being infected while those who bath in the river have 158 times higher risk of being infected. Our sequences were phylogenetically related to S. haematobium isolate U82266 from Kenya and consistence with the predominant species in Africa. This was the first S. haematobium and S. mansoni co-infection reported in Nigeria. S. haematobium infection is prevalent among school age and significantly associated with water contact.
  15. Khalil I, Julkapli NM, Yehye WA, Basirun WJ, Bhargava SK
    Materials (Basel), 2016 May 24;9(6).
    PMID: 28773528 DOI: 10.3390/ma9060406
    Graphene is a single-atom-thick two-dimensional carbon nanosheet with outstanding chemical, electrical, material, optical, and physical properties due to its large surface area, high electron mobility, thermal conductivity, and stability. These extraordinary features of graphene make it a key component for different applications in the biosensing and imaging arena. However, the use of graphene alone is correlated with certain limitations, such as irreversible self-agglomerations, less colloidal stability, poor reliability/repeatability, and non-specificity. The addition of gold nanostructures (AuNS) with graphene produces the graphene-AuNS hybrid nanocomposite which minimizes the limitations as well as providing additional synergistic properties, that is, higher effective surface area, catalytic activity, electrical conductivity, water solubility, and biocompatibility. This review focuses on the fundamental features of graphene, the multidimensional synthesis, and multipurpose applications of graphene-Au nanocomposites. The paper highlights the graphene-gold nanoparticle (AuNP) as the platform substrate for the fabrication of electrochemical and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based biosensors in diverse applications as well as SERS-directed bio-imaging, which is considered as an emerging sector for monitoring stem cell differentiation, and detection and treatment of cancer.
  16. Dhurga DB, Suresh K, Tan TC
    PLoS One, 2016;11(7):e0155390.
    PMID: 27471855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155390
    The role and function of the granular life cycle stage in Blastocystis sp, remains uncertain despite suggestions being made that the granules are metabolic, reproductive and lipid in nature. This present study aims to understand granular formation by triggering apoptosis in Blastocystis sp. by treating them with metronidazole (MTZ). Blastocystis sp.cultures of 4 sub-types namely 1, 2, 3 and 5 when treated with 0.01 and 0.0001 mg/ml of metronidazole (MTZ) respectively showed many of the parasites to be both viable and apoptotic (VA). Treated subtype 3 isolates exhibited the highest number of granular forms i.e. 88% (p<0.001) (0.0001 mg/ml) and 69% (p<0.01) (0.01 mg/ml) respectively at the 72 h in in vitro culture compared to other subtypes. These VA forms showed distinct granules using acridine orange (AO) and 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining with a mean per cell ranging from 5 in ST 5 to as high as 16 in ST 3. These forms showed intact mitochondria in both viable apoptotic (VA) and viable non-apoptotic (VNA) cells with a pattern of accumulation of lipid droplets corresponding to viable cells. Granular VA forms looked ultra-structurally different with prominent presence of mitochondria-like organelle (MLO) and a changed mitochondrial trans-membrane potential with thicker membrane and a highly convoluted inner membrane than the less dense non-viable apoptotic (NVA) cells. This suggests that granular formation during apoptosis is a self-regulatory mechanism to produce higher number of viable cells in response to treatment. This study directs the need to search novel chemotherapeutic approaches by incorporating these findings when developing drugs against the emerging Blastocystis sp. infections.
  17. Dongare S, Gupta SK, Mathur R, Saxena R, Mathur S, Agarwal R, et al.
    Mol Vis, 2016;22:599-609.
    PMID: 27293376
    PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication of long-standing diabetes. Several complex interconnecting biochemical pathways are activated in response to hyperglycemia. These pathways culminate into proinflammatory and angiogenic effects that bring about structural and functional damage to the retinal vasculature. Since Zingiber officinale (ginger) is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties, we investigated the effects of its extract standardized to 5% 6-gingerol, the major active constituent of ginger, in attenuating retinal microvascular changes in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

    METHODS: Diabetic rats were treated orally with the vehicle or the ginger extract (75 mg/kg/day) over a period of 24 weeks along with regular monitoring of bodyweight and blood glucose and weekly fundus photography. At the end of the 24-week treatment, the retinas were isolated for histopathological examination under a light microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and determination of the retinal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels.

    RESULTS: Oral administration of the ginger extract resulted in significant reduction of hyperglycemia, the diameter of the retinal vessels, and vascular basement membrane thickness. Improvement in the architecture of the retinal vasculature was associated with significantly reduced expression of NF-κB and reduced activity of TNF-α and VEGF in the retinal tissue in the ginger extract-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated group.

    CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that ginger extract containing 5% of 6-gingerol attenuates the retinal microvascular changes in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes through anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic actions. Although precise molecular targets remain to be determined, 6-gingerol seems to be a potential candidate for further investigation.

  18. Khedekar M, Suresh KV, Parkar MI, Malik N, Patil S, Taur S, et al.
    J Coll Physicians Surg Pak, 2015 Dec;25(12):856-9.
    PMID: 26691356 DOI: 12.2015/JCPSP.856859
    To determine the knowledge and oral hygiene status of orphanage children in Pune and changes in them after health education.
  19. Dumbre DK, Mozammel T, Selvakannan P, Hamid SB, Choudhary VR, Bhargava SK
    J Colloid Interface Sci, 2015 Mar 1;441:52-8.
    PMID: 25490562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2014.11.018
    Thermal decomposition of co-precipitated Ni-Fe-HT materials led to the formation a mesoporous Ni-Fe-HT catalyst and we have demonstrated here its active role as solid and active catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction of various aldehydes with active methylene compounds (R-CH2-CN, where R=CN or CO2Et). High product yields are obtained at moderate temperature under solvent-free conditions and the catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction mixture, simply by filtration and reused several times without a significant loss of its activity. Since these mesoporous metal oxides derived from the NiFe hydrotalcites, their basicity mediated abstraction of the acidic protons from the active methylene compounds was responsible for their catalytic activity under solvent-free conditions.
  20. De Pretto L, Acreman S, Ashfold MJ, Mohankumar SK, Campos-Arceiz A
    PLoS One, 2015;10(12):e0143655.
    PMID: 26646896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143655
    Transboundary haze episodes caused by seasonal forest fires have become a recurrent phenomenon in Southeast Asia, with serious environmental, economic, and public health implications. Here we present a cross-sectional survey conducted among people in Kuala Lumpur and surrounds to assess the links between knowledge, attitudes, and practices in relation to the transboundary haze episodes. Of 305 respondents, 125 were amateur athletes participating in a duathlon event and the remainder were surveyed in an inner-city shopping mall. Across the whole sample, people who possessed more factual information about the haze phenomenon showed significantly higher levels of concern. Duathletes were more knowledgeable than non-duathletes and also more concerned about the negative effects of haze, especially on health. For all people who regularly practice outdoor sports (including people interviewed at the shopping mall), higher levels of knowledge and concerned attitudes translated into a greater likelihood of engaging in protective practices, such as cancelling their outdoor training sessions, while those with greater knowledge were more likely to check the relevant air pollution index on a daily basis. Our results indicate that the provision of accurate and timely information about air quality to residents will translate into beneficial practices, at least among particularly exposed individuals, such as amateur athletes who regularly practice outdoor sports.
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