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  1. Inhibition of Plasmodium knowlesi merozoite invasion into human erythrocytes by antibodies raised against the parasite's secreted protein with altered thrombospondin repeat (SPATR)
    Azlan UW, Cheong FW, Lau YL, Fong MY
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Jun 01;41(2):190-195.
    PMID: 39154272 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.2.009
    The Plasmodium secreted protein with an altered thrombospondin repeat (SPATR) has been known to play an important role in the malaria parasite's invasion into host erythrocytes. This protein is immunogenic and has been considered as one of the potential vaccine candidates against malaria parasite infection. Thus far, only a handful immunological studies have been carried out on P. knowlesi SPATR (PkSPATR), and none of these studies investigated the immunoprotective properties of the protein. In the present study, the ability of anti-PkSPATR antibodies to inhibit invasion of human erythrocytes was assessed in an in vitro merozoite invasion inhibition assay. The antibodies were harvested from the serum of a rabbit which was immunised with recombinat PkSPATR. Results from the merozoite invasion inhibition assay revealed significant antibody invasion inhibitory activity in a concentration dependent manner (concentration range: 0.375 - 3.00 mg/ml) with inhibition rate ranging from 20% to 32%. Future studies, such as anti-PkSPATR antibodies inhibitory effect on sporozoite invasion of human liver cells, need to be carried out to assess the potential of PkSPATR as a knowlesi malaria vaccine candidate.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  2. Potentialities of Tannase-Treated Green Tea Extract in Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Applications
    Ong CB, Annuar MSM
    Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2024 Oct;196(10):7534-7553.
    PMID: 38713339 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-024-04946-y
    Green tea has garnered widespread interest in the past decades due to its content of health-beneficial polyphenols and catechins, besides reportedly exhibiting activities for the prevention, and possibly treatment, of many modern-life-associated afflictions. Hence, the functional food potential of health-beneficial beverages such as green tea is widely and commercially promoted. Biotransformation of green tea extract using enzymes such as tannase ostensibly enhances its beneficial well-being properties and disease-preventing functionalities. The tannase-treated green tea catechins may exhibit enhanced, amongst others, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and anti-sarcopenia properties compared to native green tea extract. Nonetheless, the health benefits and therapeutic and toxicological effects associated with these compounds, before and after tannase treatment, present a scientific gap for detailed studies. Accordingly, the review surveys the literature from the late twentieth century until the year 2023 related to the aforementioned important aspects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  3. Comparison of the antiseptic effectiveness of octenidine dihydrochloride with povidone-iodine for Acinetobacter baumannii contaminated wounds in Wistar rat
    Pramana IGAN, Hariani L, Zarasade L
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):484-487.
    PMID: 37518916
    INTRODUCTION: Effective antiseptic use is essential in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of diseases, especially in areas with high patient traffic and exposure to various pathogens. One essential pathogenic germ is Acinetobacter baumannii. Octenidine and povidone-iodine have been demonstrated to be effective against A. baumannii in vitro. This study will compare octenidine dihydrochloride and povidone-iodine as wound-cleansing solutions for wounds contaminated with A. baumannii in vivo.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: normal saline, octenidine dihydrochloride and povidone-iodine. Wounds were made on the rats' backs, and A. baumannii germs were inoculated into the wounds. After 3 hours, the wound was irrigated with wound cleansing solution according to the group for 30 seconds. Each wound was taken swab culture before and after wound irrigation and tissue culture 5 hours after wound irrigation.

    RESULTS: All specimens showed bacterial colony growth with a median value of 1.22 × 105 CFU before irrigation. Wound irrigation with normal saline did not reduce colony counts, while there was a 3-log reduction to 5-log reduction in the octenidine and povidone-iodine groups. Statistically, there was no significant difference in the mean number of colonies between the octenidine and povidone-iodine groups after irrigation (p = 0.535). However, 3 hours after irrigation, all specimens that experienced 3-log reduction showed regrowth to more than 1 × 105 CFU. In contrast, specimens subjected to 5-log reduction did not exhibit any regrowth.

    CONCLUSION: The antiseptic effectiveness of octenidine dihydrochloride is equivalent to povidone-iodine in eradicating A. baumannii colonies in wounds in vivo.

    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  4. Fulltext Perception, attitudes, and knowledge on infestation and management of bed bugs in major cities of Indonesia: A cross-sectional online survey
    Meisyara D, Guswenrivo I, Veera Singham G
    PLoS One, 2023;18(7):e0288682.
    PMID: 37498936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288682
    The resurgence of bed bugs is a global phenomenon, but until now reports on bed bug infestations in Indonesia are rare. The success of bed bug control is affected by people's knowledge and awareness. Stigma against bed bugs in Indonesia discourages the public from reporting infestations and therefore knowledge of their impact on public health is scarce. Herein, this study investigates the public's perception, attitudes, and knowledge on bed bug-related issues in several major cities in Indonesia through an online survey. Despite low case reports, three in five respondents (n = 600) have encountered bed bugs at least once; mostly in their homes (74.1%). Approximately half of the respondents correctly identified bed bugs, whereas mites were often misidentified for bed bugs (26.3%). Bite marks were not a useful indicator for detecting bed bugs. We found age, gender, and level of education affects the public's perception toward various bed bug-related issues. Regarding bed bug treatment, above 50% respondents are unaware of the availability of bed bug-specific insecticidal products and are unwilling to pay pest management professionals to control infestation. This study provides the first overview of the public's awareness and perception of bed bug infestations in some major cities of Indonesia, which can be useful for designing public health policies for bed bug management. The reported data represents the perspectives of online users, most likely from metropolitan regions. A bigger monitoring program encompassing pest professionals and hospitality businesses would give a more thorough overview of the bed bug impact in Indonesia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  5. Effectiveness of collagen and gatifloxacin in improving the healing and antibacterial activities of gellan gum hydrogel films as dressing materials
    Bakar AJA, Azam NSM, Sevakumaran V, Ismail WIW, Razali MH, Razak SIA, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Aug 01;245:125494.
    PMID: 37348586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125494
    The demand for advanced wound care products is rapidly increasing nowadays. In this study, gellan gum/collagen (GG/C) hydrogel films containing gatifloxacin (GAT) were developed to investigate their properties as wound dressing materials. ATR-FTIR, swelling, water content, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and thermal properties were investigated. The mechanical properties of the materials were tested in dry and wet conditions to understand the performance of the materials after exposure to wound exudate. Drug release by Franz diffusion was measured with all samples showing 100 % cumulative drug release after 40 min. Strong antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis were observed for Gram-positive bacteria, while Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were observed for Gram-negative bacteria. The in-vivo cytotoxicity of GG/C-GAT was assessed by wound contraction in rats, which was 95 % for GG/C-GAT01. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining revealed the appearance of fresh full epidermis and granulation tissue, indicating that all wounds had passed through the proliferation phase. The results demonstrate the promising properties of the materials to be used as dressing materials.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  6. Fulltext Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity in the Vital Organs of the Body: In Vivo Study
    Alruwaili M, Jarrar B, Jarrar Q, Alruwaili M, Goh KW, Moshawih S, et al.
    Front Biosci (Landmark Ed), 2023 Jul 13;28(7):137.
    PMID: 37525906 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2807137
    BACKGROUND: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) toxicity can adversely affect vital organs, cause pathologic ocular damage, and can have direct cardiovascular effects. This study aims to identify the biochemical, hematological, and histological alterations of the vital organs associated with the effects of HCQ.

    METHODS: Male albino rats were exposed to the equivalent of HCQ therapeutic doses given to human patients being affected by malaria, lupus erythematosus, and COVID-19. The animal blood samples were subjected to hematological analysis, biochemical analysis, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and cardiac biomarkers. Liver, kidney, heart, spleen, and testis biopsies were subjected to histological examination.

    RESULTS: HCQ significantly lowered the values of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, leucocytes, and lymphocytes but significantly increased the values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), amylase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, and chlorine ions. The renal tissues of HCQ-treated animals demonstrated glomerular fragmentation, partial atrophy degeneration, renal tubules hydropic degeneration, hyaline cast formation, and interstitial edema formation. Additionally, the heart exhibited myofiber necrosis, myolysis, wavy appearance, disorganization, and disarray. The testicular tissues also demonstrated spermatocyte degeneration, spermatogenic cell sloughing, testicular interstitial edema, and occasional spermatogenic arrest. Additionally, the spleen showed a decrease in the number and size of the white pulp follicles, a decrease in the number of apoptotic activity, and a decline in the number of T-rich cells. However, the red pulp demonstrated a diffuse decline in B rich-lymphocytes and macrophages. The liver was also the least affected but showed Kupffer cell hyperplasia and occasional hepatocyte dysplasia.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that chronic exposure to HCQ could alter the structures and functions of the vital organs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  7. Fulltext Are spiritual, ethical, and eating qualities of poultry meat influenced by current and frequency during electrical water bath stunning?
    Hayat MN, Kumar P, Sazili AQ
    Poult Sci, 2023 Sep;102(9):102838.
    PMID: 37392488 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102838
    With the continuous rise of Muslim and Jewish populations and their increasing preference for ritually slaughtered poultry meat, the industry is forced to redefine its existing product-centric quality standard toward a new consumer-centric dimension of quality. The new dimension is mainly attributed to ensuring animal welfare and ethical treatment (ethical quality), spiritual quality (such as halal status, cleanliness), and eating quality standards set by religion. To meet consumer quality requirements while maintaining high production performance, the industry has incorporated newer technologies that are compatible with religious regulations such as stunning methods like electrical water bath stunning. However, the introduction of new techniques such as electrical water bath stunning has been met with mixed reactions. Some religious scholars have banned the use of any stunning methods in religious slaughter, as halal status is believed to be compromised in cases where birds have been stunned to death before slaughter. Nevertheless, some studies have shown the positive side of the electrical water bath stunning procedure in terms of preserving eating, ethical, and spiritual quality. Therefore, the present study aims to critically analyze the application of various aspects of electrical water bath stunning such as current intensity and frequency on various quality attributes, namely, ethical, spiritual, and eating quality of poultry meat.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  8. Exploring shark VNAR antibody against infectious diseases using phage display technology
    Lim HT, Kok BH, Leow CY, Leow CH
    Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2023 Sep;140:108986.
    PMID: 37541634 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108986
    Antibody with high affinity and specificity to antigen has widely used as a tool to combat various diseases. The variable domain of immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (VNAR) naturally found in shark contains autonomous function as single-domain antibody. Due to its excellent characteristics, the small, non-complex, and highly stable have made shark VNAR can acquires the antigen-binding capability that might not be reached by conventional antibody. Phage display technology enables shark VNAR to be presented on the surface of phage, allowing the exploration of shark VNAR as an alternative antibody format to target antigens from various infectious diseases. The application of phage-displayed shark VNAR in antibody library and biopanning eventually leads to the discovery and isolation of antigen-specific VNARs with diagnostic and therapeutic potential towards infectious diseases. This review provides an overview of the shark VNAR antibody, the types of phage display technology with comparison to the other types of display system, as well as the application and case studies of phage-displayed shark VNAR antibodies against infectious diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  9. Fulltext In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Assessments of 3D-Bioprinted Scaffolds for Dental Applications
    Mohd N, Razali M, Fauzi MB, Abu Kasim NH
    Int J Mol Sci, 2023 Aug 17;24(16).
    PMID: 37629064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612881
    Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a unique combination of technological advances in 3D printing and tissue engineering. It has emerged as a promising approach to address the dilemma in current dental treatments faced by clinicians in order to repair or replace injured and diseased tissues. The exploration of 3D bioprinting technology provides high reproducibility and precise control of the bioink containing the desired cells and biomaterial over the architectural and dimensional features of the scaffolds in fabricating functional tissue constructs that are specific to the patient treatment need. In recent years, the dental applications of different 3D bioprinting techniques, types of novel bioinks, and the types of cells used have been extensively explored. Most of the findings noted significant challenges compared to the non-biological 3D printing approach in constructing the bioscaffolds that mimic native tissues. Hence, this review focuses solely on the implementation of 3D bioprinting techniques and strategies based on cell-laden bioinks. It discusses the in vitro applications of 3D-bioprinted scaffolds on cell viabilities, cell functionalities, differentiation ability, and expression of the markers as well as the in vivo evaluations of the implanted bioscaffolds on the animal models for bone, periodontal, dentin, and pulp tissue regeneration. Finally, it outlines some perspectives for future developments in dental applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  10. Host, season, habitat and climatic factors as drivers of Asian rodent tick (Ixodes granulatus) (Acari: Ixodidae) occurrence and abundance in Southeast Asia
    Kwak ML, Hitch AT, Borthwick SA, Low DHW, Markowsky G, McInnes D, et al.
    Acta Trop, 2023 Oct;246:106992.
    PMID: 37543183 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106992
    The Asian rodent tick (Ixodes granulatus) occurs throughout much of Asia, it frequently bites humans, and zoonotic pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) and Rickettsia honei, have been detected within it. Unfortunately, the ecology of I. granulatus remains poorly known, including drivers of its abundance and the interaction ecology with its sylvatic hosts. To elucidate the ecology of this medically important species, the habitat preferences of I. granulatus were assessed in Singapore and Malaysia. Ixodes granulatus showed strong associations with old forest habitats, though across different age classes of old forest there was limited variation in abundance. Ixodes granulatus was absent from other habitats including young forest, scrubland, and parks/gardens. Within its sylvatic rodent hosts, a range of factors were found to be statistically significant predictors of I. granulatus load and/or infestation risk, including sex and body condition index. Male rodents were significantly more likely to be infested and to have higher loads than females, similarly, animals with a lower body condition index were significantly more likely to be infested. Proactive public health efforts targeted at preventing bites by this tick should carefully consider its ecology to minimise ecological overlap between humans and I. granulatus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  11. Molecular detection of filarial nematode from Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in northeastern Thailand
    Pramual P, Khamluea S, Butlun P, Promdungdee A
    Trop Biomed, 2023 Jun 01;40(2):188-193.
    PMID: 37650406 DOI: 10.47665/tb.40.2.010
    Culicoides Latreille biting midges are important blood feeding insects. Many species are pests and vectors of the disease causing agents including viruses, protozoa and filarial nematodes which can be transmitted to humans and other animals. However, knowledge of the role of Culicoides as vectors of filarial nematodes is limited, particular in Thailand, where at least 100 species of the genus Culicoides have been reported. In this study, a molecular approach using the 12S rRNA gene sequence was used to detecting the filarial nematode in four common biting midge species, C. actoni Smith, C. oxystoma Kieffer, C. peregrinus Kieffer and C. mahasarakhamense Pramual, Jomkumsing, Piraonapicha & Jumpato in animal shelters from northeastern Thailand. A total of 1,721 specimens were used for molecular screening. An unidentified Onchocercidae sp. was detected in a specimen of C. mahasarakhamense collected from Maha Sarakham province. This filarial species shows 93% sequence similarity with an unidentified Onchocercidae sp. isolated from Culex mosquitoes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Onchocercidae sp. from C. mahasarakhamense formed a clade with strong bootstrap support (100%) with filarial species detected in birds. Thus, it is very likely that the Onchocercidae sp. found in this study employes birds as vertebrate hosts which agrees with feeding behavior of C. mahasarakhamense which is known to feed on chicken. Further study is requiring to examine whether this biting midge species is a competent vector of this Onchocercidae sp.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  12. Antileishmanial effects, cellular mechanisms, and cytotoxicity of Elettaria cardamomum essential oil against Leishmania major infection
    Majeed QA, Alshammari A, Alanazi AD
    Trop Biomed, 2023 Jun 01;40(2):259-265.
    PMID: 37650415 DOI: 10.47665/tb.40.2.019
    Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease with various clinical manifestations. We studied the therapeutic effects of Elettaria cardamomum essential oil (ECEO) against Leishmania major infection. In vitro effects of ECEO against L. major were examined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and macrophage assays. Nitric oxide (NO) production, infection inhibition in macrophages, and the apoptotic activity of ECEO in treated parasites were also measured. By calculating the 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC50), we studied the cytotoxicity effects of ECEO on human macrophage cells (THP-1). The efficacy of ECEO for improving cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions in mice (BALB/c) was determined by evaluating the size of lesions and the number of amastigotes before and after four weeks of treatment. The effects of ECEO on liver and kidney function in the tested mice were also evaluated. ECEO dose-dependently (p<0.001) inhibited the viability and the mean number of promastigotes and amastigote forms of L. tropica. Four weeks of treatment with ECEO at the doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/ day significantly (p<0.001) improved the CL lesions and reduced the number of parasites in the infected mice. ECEO significantly increased NO production, apoptosis induction, and infection rate in parasites. The CC50 value for ECEO and MA was 303.4 µg/mL and 835.2 µg/mL, respectively. In the mice receiving ECEO at the doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day for 28 days, no significant change was reported between the serum level of liver enzymes and kidney factors when compared with the control group. ECEO displayed promising efficacy in parasite reduction in vitro and in the animal model. ECEO can thus be used as an alternative medicine to treat CL.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  13. Isolation of Primary Porcine Bronchial Epithelial Cells for Nipah Virus Infections
    Elvert M, Sauerhering L, Heiner A, Maisner A
    Methods Mol Biol, 2023;2682:103-120.
    PMID: 37610577 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3283-3_8
    The Malaysian strain of Nipah virus (NiV) first emerged in 1998/99 and caused a major disease outbreak in pigs and humans. While humans developed fatal encephalitis due to a prominent infection of brain microvessels, NiV-infected pigs mostly suffered from an acute respiratory disease and efficiently spread the infection via airway secretions. To elucidate the molecular basis of the highly productive NiV replication in porcine airways in vitro, physiologically relevant cell models that have maintained functional characteristics of airway epithelia in vivo are needed. Here, we describe in detail the method of isolating bronchial epithelial cells (PBEpC) from pig lungs that can be used for NiV infection studies. After the dissection of primary bronchia and removal of the mucus and protease digestion, bronchi segments are cut open and epithelial cells are scraped off and seeded on collagen-coated cell culture flasks. With this method, it is possible to isolate about 2 × 106 primary cells from the primary bronchi of one pig lung which can be cryopreserved or further subcultured. PBEpC form polarized monolayers on Transwell membrane inserts as controlled by immunostainings of epithelial marker proteins. NiV infection causes rapid formation of syncytia, allowing productive NiV infections in living PBEpC cultures to be monitored by phase-contrast microscopy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  14. Impaired Ventrolateral Periaqueductal Gray-Ventral Tegmental area Pathway Contributes to Chronic Pain-Induced Depression-Like Behavior in Mice
    Lee MT, Peng WH, Wu CC, Kan HW, Wang DW, Teng YN, et al.
    Mol Neurobiol, 2023 Oct;60(10):5708-5724.
    PMID: 37338803 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03439-z
    Chronic pain conditions within clinical populations are correlated with a high incidence of depression, and researchers have reported their high rate of comorbidity. Clinically, chronic pain worsens the prevalence of depression, and depression increases the risk of chronic pain. Individuals suffering from chronic pain and depression respond poorly to available medications, and the mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of chronic pain and depression remain unknown. We used spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in a mouse model to induce comorbid pain and depression. We combined behavioral tests, electrophysiological recordings, pharmacological manipulation, and chemogenetic approaches to investigate the neurocircuitry mechanisms of comorbid pain and depression. SNL elicited tactile hypersensitivity and depression-like behavior, accompanied by increased and decreased glutamatergic transmission in dorsal horn neurons and midbrain ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) neurons, respectively. Intrathecal injection of lidocaine, a sodium channel blocker, and gabapentin ameliorated SNL-induced tactile hypersensitivity and neuroplastic changes in the dorsal horn but not depression-like behavior and neuroplastic alterations in the vlPAG. Pharmacological lesion of vlPAG glutamatergic neurons induced tactile hypersensitivity and depression-like behavior. Chemogenetic activation of the vlPAG-rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) pathway ameliorated SNL-induced tactile hypersensitivity but not SNL-elicited depression-like behavior. However, chemogenetic activation of the vlPAG-ventral tegmental area (VTA) pathway alleviated SNL-produced depression-like behavior but not SNL-induced tactile hypersensitivity. Our study demonstrated that the underlying mechanisms of comorbidity in which the vlPAG acts as a gating hub for transferring pain to depression. Tactile hypersensitivity could be attributed to dysfunction of the vlPAG-RVM pathway, while impairment of the vlPAG-VTA pathway contributed to depression-like behavior.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  15. Fulltext Tip loaded cyclodextrin-carvedilol complexes microarray patches
    Anjani QK, Sabri AHB, Hamid KA, Moreno-Castellanos N, Li H, Donnelly RF
    Carbohydr Polym, 2023 Nov 15;320:121194.
    PMID: 37659788 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121194
    Carvedilol, a β-blocker prescribed for chronic heart failure, suffers from poor bioavailability and rapid first pass metabolism when administered orally. Herein, we present the development of tip microarray patches (MAPs) composed of ternary cyclodextrin (CD) complexes of carvedilol for transdermal delivery. The ternary complex with hydroxypropyl γ-cyclodextrin (HPγCD) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) reduced the crystallinity of carvedilol, as evidenced by DSC, XRD, NMR, and SEM analysis. MAPs were fabricated using a two-step process with the ternary complex as the needle layer. The resulting MAPs were capable of breaching ex vivo neonatal porcine skin to a depth ≈600 μm with minimal impact to needle height. Upon insertion, the needle dissolved within 2 h, leading to the transdermal delivery of carvedilol. The MAPs displayed minimal toxicity and acceptable biocompatibility in cell assays. In rats, MAPs achieved significantly higher AUC levels of carvedilol than oral administration, with a delayed Tmax and sustained plasma levels over several days. These findings suggest that the carvedilol-loaded dissolving MAPs have the potential to revolutionise the treatment of chronic heart failure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  16. Fulltext Cannabinoids: Emerging sleep modulator
    Low ZXB, Lee XR, Soga T, Goh BH, Alex D, Kumari Y
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2023 Sep;165:115102.
    PMID: 37406510 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115102
    Sleep is an essential biological phase of our daily life cycle and is necessary for maintaining homeostasis, alertness, metabolism, cognition, and other key functions across the animal kingdom. Dysfunctional sleep leads to deleterious effects on health, mood, and cognition, including memory deficits and an increased risk of diabetes, stroke, and neurological disorders. Sleep is regulated by several brain neuronal circuits, neuromodulators, and neurotransmitters, where cannabinoids have been increasingly found to play a part in its modulation. Cannabinoids, a group of lipid metabolites, are regulatory molecules that bind mainly to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). Much evidence supports the role of cannabinoid receptors in the modulation of sleep, where their alteration exhibits sleep-promoting effects, including an increase in non-rapid-eye movement sleep and a reduction in sleep latency. However, the pharmacological alteration of CB1 receptors is associated with adverse psychotropic effects, which are not exhibited in CB2 receptor alteration. Hence, selective alteration of CB2 receptors is also of clinical importance, where it could potentially be used in treating sleep disorders. Thus, it is crucial to understand the neurobiological basis of cannabinoids in sleep physiology. In this review article, the alteration of the endocannabinoid system by various cannabinoids and their respective effects on the sleep-wake cycle are discussed based on recent findings. The mechanisms of the cannabinoid receptors on sleep and wakefulness are also explored for their clinical implications and potential therapeutic use on sleep disorders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  17. Evaluation of a point-of-care haemozoin assay (Gazelle device) for rapid detection of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria
    Tan AF, Thota P, Sakam SSB, Lew YL, Rajahram GS, William T, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Mar 23;13(1):4760.
    PMID: 36959462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31839-7
    Plasmodium knowlesi is the major cause of zoonotic malaria in Southeast Asia. Rapid and accurate diagnosis enables effective clinical management. A novel malaria diagnostic tool, Gazelle (Hemex Health, USA) detects haemozoin, a by-product of haem metabolism found in all Plasmodium infections. A pilot phase refined the Gazelle haemozoin identification algorithm, with the algorithm then tested against reference PCR in a larger cohort of patients with P. knowlesi mono-infections and febrile malaria-negative controls. Limit-of-detection analysis was conducted on a subset of P. knowlesi samples serially diluted with non-infected whole blood. The pilot phase of 40 P. knowlesi samples demonstrated 92.5% test sensitivity. P. knowlesi-infected patients (n = 203) and febrile controls (n = 44) were subsequently enrolled. Sensitivity and specificity of the Gazelle against reference PCR were 94.6% (95% CI 90.5-97.3%) and 100% (95% CI 92.0-100%) respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 98.8%, respectively. In those tested before antimalarial treatment (n = 143), test sensitivity was 96.5% (95% CI 92.0-98.9%). Sensitivity for samples with ≤ 200 parasites/µL (n = 26) was 84.6% (95% CI 65.1-95.6%), with the lowest parasitaemia detected at 18/µL. Limit-of-detection (n = 20) was 33 parasites/µL (95% CI 16-65%). The Gazelle device has the potential for rapid, sensitive detection of P. knowlesi infections in endemic areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  18. The Presence of Microplastics in the Gills and Gastrointestinal Tract of Mackerel (Rastrelliger Kanagurta Cuvier, 1816) from Jakarta Bay, Indonesia
    Irnidayanti Y, Soegianto A, Brabo AH, Abdilla FM, Putranto TWC, Payus CM
    Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 2023 Sep 13;111(3):37.
    PMID: 37704797 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03786-6
    This study examined the characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in the gills and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) captured in Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. All 120 fish contained MPs, with fragment > fiber > film being the most prevalent types, in that order. The total abundances of fragments, fibers, and films in the gills were as follows: 4.8 ± 1.6, 1.0 ± 0.7, and 0.3 ± 0.3, respectively. The total abundances of fragments, fibers, and films in the GIT were 5.9 ± 2.3, 1.3 ± 0.8, and 0.4 ± 0.4, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the abundance of fragments, fibers and films in both the gills and GIT of mackerel did not differ significantly between sampling locations. In the gills and GIT, MPs with sizes less than 0.1 mm and MPs that were black in color were most prevalent. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy tests on MPs from the tissues of mackerel showed that there were 8 different types of MP polymers, namely, latex, nylon, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cellulose acetate (CA), polyurethane (PU), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Latex and polycarbonate were detected in fish samples from Jakarta Bay.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  19. Enhanced hydrophobic interaction between fish (Cyprinus carpio L.) scale gelatin and curcumin: Mechanism study
    Li H, Wan Mustapha WA, Tian G, Dong N, Zhao F, Zhang X, et al.
    Food Chem, 2024 Jan 15;431:137102.
    PMID: 37579608 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137102
    To enhance the solubility of hydrophobic nutrients, the hydrophobicity of fish scale gelatin hydrolysate (FSGH) was increased with moderate acid or alkali hydrolysis. Acid-induced FSG hydrolysate (AcFSGH) at 3 h showed a superior curcumin loading efficiency (18.30 ± 0.38 μg/mL) among all FSGHs. Compared with FSG, the proportion of hydrophobic amino acids (from 41.1% to 46.4%) and the hydrophobic interaction (from 12.72 to 20.10 mg/mL) was significantly increased in the AcFSGH. Meanwhile, the transformation of the α-helix (from 12.8% to 4.9%) to the β-sheet (from 29.0% to 42.8%) was also observed in the AcFSGH. Based on the observation in the molecular weight and morphological analysis, AcFSGH acquired the best hydrophobic interaction with curcumin, presumably due to the formation of the flexible structure of the linear hydrolyzates. The above results call for an investigation of the role of FSG hydrolysate in the synthesis of nanoparticles loaded with bioactive lipophilic compounds.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  20. Coencapsulation of Gemcitabine and Thymoquinone in Citrem-Phosphatidylcholine Hexosome Nanocarriers Improves In Vitro Cellular Uptake in Breast Cancer Cells
    Loo YS, Zahid NI, Madheswaran T, Ikeno S, Nurdin A, Mat Azmi ID
    Mol Pharm, 2023 Sep 04;20(9):4611-4628.
    PMID: 37587099 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00333
    Lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoassemblies (LLCNs) are internally self-assembled (ISA)-somes formed by amphiphilic molecules in a mixture comprising a lipid, stabilizer, and/or surfactant and aqueous media/dispersant. LLCNs are unique nanoassemblies with versatile applications in a wide range of biomedical functions. However, they comprise a nanosystem that is yet to be fully explored for targeted systemic treatment of breast cancer. In this study, LLCNs proposed for gemcitabine and thymoquinone (Gem-TQ) co-delivery were prepared from soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), phytantriol (PHYT), or glycerol monostearate (MYVR) in optimized ratios containing a component of citric and fatty acid ester-based emulsifier (Grinsted citrem) or a triblock copolymer, Pluronic F127 (F127). Hydrodynamic particle sizes determined were below 400 nm (ranged between 96 and 365 nm), and the series of nanoformulations displayed negative surface charge. Nonlamellar phases identified by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) profiles comprise the hexagonal, cubic, and micellar phases. In addition, high entrapment efficiency that accounted for 98.3 ± 0.1% of Gem and 99.5 ± 0.1% of TQ encapsulated was demonstrated by the coloaded nanocarrier system, SPC/citrem/Gem-TQ hexosomes. Low cytotoxicity of SPC-citrem hexosomes was demonstrated in MCF10A cells consistent with hemo- and biocompatibility observed in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos for up to 96 h postfertilization (hpf). SPC/citrem/Gem-TQ hexosomes demonstrated IC50 of 24.7 ± 4.2 μM in MCF7 breast cancer cells following a 24 h treatment period with the moderately synergistic interaction between Gem and TQ retained (CI = 0.84). Taken together, biocompatible SPC/citrem/Gem-TQ hexosomes can be further developed as a multifunctional therapeutic nanodelivery approach, plausible for targeting breast cancer cells by incorporation of targeting ligands.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
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