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Hyaluronic acid, an efficient biomacromolecule for treatment of inflammatory skin and joint diseases: A review of recent developments and critical appraisal of preclinical and clinical investigations

Chen LH, Xue JF, Zheng ZY, Shuhaidi M, Thu HE, Hussain Z

Int J Biol Macromol, 2018 Sep;116:572-584.
PMID: 29772338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.05.068

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays multifaceted role in regulating various biological processes and maintaining homeostasis into the body. Numerous researches evidenced the biomedical implications of HA in skin repairmen, cancer prognosis, wound healing, tissue regeneration, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation. The present review was aimed to summarize and critically appraise the recent developments and efficacy of HA for treatment of inflammatory skin and joint diseases. A thorough analysis of the literature revealed that HA based formulations (i.e., gels, creams, autologous graft, thin sheets, soaked gauze, gauze pad, tincture, injection) have shown remarkable efficacy in treating a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases. The safety, tolerability, and efficacy of HA (as intra-articular injection) have also been well-documented for treatment of various types of joint disease including knee osteoarthritic, joint osteoarthritis, canine osteoarthritis, and meniscal swelling. Intra-articular injection of HA produces remarkable reduction in joint pain, synovial inflammation, and articular swelling. A remarkable improvement in chondrocyte density, territorial matrix appearance, reconstitution of superficial amorphous layer of the cartilage, collagen remodelling, and regeneration of meniscus have also been evident in patients treated with HA. Conclusively, we validate that the application/administration of HA is a promising pharmacotherapeutic regimen for treatment of inflammatory skin and joint diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Dermatitis/metabolism; Inflammation/metabolism; Joint Diseases/metabolism
Effects of cell cycle phases on the induction of dental pulp stem cells toward dopaminergic-like cells

Gnanasegaran N, Govindasamy V, Kathirvaloo P, Musa S, Abu Kasim NH

J Tissue Eng Regen Med, 2018 02;12(2):e881-e893.
PMID: 28079995 DOI: 10.1002/term.2401

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by tremors and cognitive issues, and is due to the death of dopaminergic (DA-ergic) neurons in brain circuits that are responsible for producing neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). Currently, cell replacement therapies are underway to improve upon existing therapeutic approaches such as drug treatments and electrical stimulation. Among the widely available sources, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) from deciduous teeth have gained popularity because of their neural crest origin and inherent propensity toward neuronal lineage. Despite the various pre-clinical studies conducted, an important factor yet to be elucidated is the influence of growth phases in a typical trans-differentiation process. This study selected DPSCs at three distinct time points with variable growth phase proportions (G0/G1, S and G2/M) for in vitro trans-differentiation into DA-ergic-like cells. Using commercially available PCR arrays, we identified distinct gene profiles pertaining to cell cycles in these phases. The differentiation outcomes were assessed in terms of morphology and gene and protein expression, as well as with functional assays. It was noted that DPSCs with the highest G0/G1 phase were comparatively the best, representing at least a 2-fold up regulation (p

Matched MeSH terms: Stem Cells/metabolism; Biomarkers/metabolism; Dopaminergic Neurons/metabolism
Fulltext The Sec61 translocon limits IRE1α signaling during the unfolded protein response

Sundaram A, Plumb R, Appathurai S, Mariappan M

Elife, 2017 05 15;6.
PMID: 28504640 DOI: 10.7554/eLife.27187

IRE1α is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localized endonuclease activated by misfolded proteins in the ER. Previously, we demonstrated that IRE1α forms a complex with the Sec61 translocon, to which its substrate XBP1u mRNA is recruited for cleavage during ER stress (Plumb et al., 2015). Here, we probe IRE1α complexes in cells with blue native PAGE immunoblotting. We find that IRE1α forms a hetero-oligomeric complex with the Sec61 translocon that is activated upon ER stress with little change in the complex. In addition, IRE1α oligomerization, activation, and inactivation during ER stress are regulated by Sec61. Loss of the IRE1α-Sec61 translocon interaction as well as severe ER stress conditions causes IRE1α to form higher-order oligomers that exhibit continuous activation and extended cleavage of XBP1u mRNA. Thus, we propose that the Sec61-IRE1α complex defines the extent of IRE1α activity and may determine cell fate decisions during ER stress conditions.

Matched MeSH terms: Endoribonucleases/metabolism*; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*; SEC Translocation Channels/metabolism*
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: Recent Progress and Future Prospects

Singh A, Patel P, Patel VK, Jain DK, Veerasamy R, Sharma PC, et al.

Curr Cancer Drug Targets, 2017;17(5):456-466.
PMID: 28067178 DOI: 10.2174/1568009617666170109150134

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a devastating disease with a dismal prognosis which is heavily hampered by delayed diagnosis. Surgical resection, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the curative options. Due to few therapeutic treatments available i.e., mono and combination therapy and development of resistance towards drug response, novel and efficacious therapy are urgently needed.
OBJECTIVE: In this study, we have studied the potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors in colorectal cancer.
RESULTS: Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are an emerging class of therapeutic agents having potential anticancer activity with minimal toxicity for different types of malignancies in preclinical studies. HDACIs have proven less effective in monotherapy thus the combination of HDACIs with other anticancer agents are being assessed for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
CONCLUSION: The molecular mechanism emphasizing the anticancer effect of HDACIs in colorectal cancer was illustrated and a recapitulation was carried out on the recent advances in the rationale behind combination therapies currently underway in clinical evaluations.

Matched MeSH terms: Histone Deacetylases/metabolism; Histones/metabolism; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism
Biosynthesis of P(3HB-co-3HHx) with improved molecular weights from a mixture of palm olein and fructose by Cupriavidus necator Re2058/pCB113

Murugan P, Gan CY, Sudesh K

Int J Biol Macromol, 2017 Sep;102:1112-1119.
PMID: 28476592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.05.006

A combination of palm olein (POl) and fructose was used as carbon source for the biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-3HHx)] by recombinant Cupriavidus necator Re2058/pCB113. Cultures grown using 5g/L PO alone as carbon source produced cell dry weight (CDW) of 5.13g/L, 67% PHA/CDW and accumulated a copolymer containing 27mol% 3HHx in shake flask cultures. When cultures were grown in 5g/L fructose alone as the carbon source they produced CDW of 2.32g/L, 11% PHA/CDW and accumulated only poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] homopolymer. When the cells were cultured in 5g/L POl in combination with 7g/L fructose, CDW of 7.41g/L and 80% PHA/CDW was obtained with 17mol% 3HHx monomer fraction. Biosynthesis was carried out using a 13L fermenter to study the accumulation of 3HHx monomer fraction in the bacterial cells at different time point. The molecular weights of P(3HB-co-3HHx) with 4-15mol% 3HHx monomer were in the range between 5.47-6.85×105Da, which were at least two fold higher than previously reported values. Interestingly, the increase in Mwof the copolymer along with the increase in 3HHx molar fraction was observed. The viscoelastic property of the copolymer further confirmed the increase in Mw.

Matched MeSH terms: Acyltransferases/metabolism; Fructose/metabolism*; Cupriavidus necator/metabolism*
Fulltext Purinergic P2Y receptors: Molecular diversity and implications for treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Nishimura A, Sunggip C, Oda S, Numaga-Tomita T, Tsuda M, Nishida M

Pharmacol Ther, 2017 Dec;180:113-128.
PMID: 28648830 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.06.010

Purinergic signaling, mediated mainly by G protein-coupled P2Y receptors (P2YRs), is now attracting attention as a new therapeutic target for preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases. Observations using mice with genetically modified P2YRs and/or treated with a pharmacological P2YR inhibitor have helped us understand the physiological and pathological significance of P2YRs in the cardiovascular system. P2YR-mediated biological functions are predominantly activated by mononucleotides released from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve endings or non-secretory tissues in response to physical stress or cell injury, though recent studies have suggested the occurrence of ligand-independent P2YR function through receptor-receptor interactions (oligomerization) in several biological processes. In this review, we introduce the functions of P2YRs and possible dimerization with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the cardiovascular system. We focus especially on the crosstalk between uridine nucleotide-responsive P2Y6R and angiotensin (Ang) II type1 receptor (AT1R) signaling, and introduce our recent finding that the P2Y6R antagonist MRS2578 interrupts heterodimerization between P2Y6R and AT1R, thereby reducing the risk of AT1R-stimulated hypertension in mice. These results strongly suggest that targeting P2Y6R oligomerization could be an effective new strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism; Myocardium/metabolism; Receptors, Purinergic P2Y/metabolism*
Fulltext Deregulation of microRNAs in blood and skeletal muscles of myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients

Ambrose KK, Ishak T, Lian LH, Goh KJ, Wong KT, Ahmad-Annuar A, et al.

Neurol India, 2017 5 11;65(3):512-517.
PMID: 28488611 DOI: 10.4103/neuroindia.NI_237_16

INTRODUCTION: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA molecules of approximately 22 nucleotides that function as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. They are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and show different expression patterns in development and disease; hence, they can potentially act as disease-specific biomarkers. Several miRNAs have been shown to be deregulated in plasma and skeletal muscles of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients.
METHODS: We evaluated the expression patterns of 11 candidate miRNAs using quantitative real-time PCR in whole blood (n = 10) and muscle biopsy samples (n = 9) of DM1 patients, and compared them to those of normal control samples (whole blood, n = 10; muscle, n = 9).
RESULTS: In DM1 whole blood, miRNA-133a, -29b, and -33a were significantly upregulated, whereas miRNA-1, -133a, and -29c were significantly downregulated in the skeletal muscles compared to controls.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings align to those reported in other studies and point towards pathways that potentially contribute toward pathogenesis in DM1. However, the currently available data is not sufficient for these miRNAs to be made DM1-specific biomarkers because they seem to be common to many muscle pathologies. Hence, they lack specificity, but reinforce the need for further exploration of DM1 biomarkers.

Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Messenger/metabolism; Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism*; MicroRNAs/metabolism*
18F-FDG Uptake in Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma of Adrenal Gland: A Potential Pitfall

Tan TH, Lai CNB

Clin Nucl Med, 2017 Aug;42(8):622-623.
PMID: 28632691 DOI: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000001730

A 47-year-old man with newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma underwent staging F-FDG PET/CT. Apart from showing increased FDG uptake in the primary site and locoregional nodal and liver metastases, an unusual site of intense FDG focus was demonstrated in the left adrenal gland. He underwent CT-guided biopsy, and the histopathologic diagnosis was benign fibrous histiocytoma.

Matched MeSH terms: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/metabolism*; Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous/metabolism*; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/metabolism*
Formulation of maize- and peanut-based semi-synthetic growth media for the ecophysiological studies of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus in maize and peanut agro-ecosystems

Yazid SNE, Thanggavelu H, Mahror N, Selamat J, Samsudin NIP

Int J Food Microbiol, 2018 Oct 03;282:57-65.
PMID: 29913332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.06.007

In studying the ecophysiology of fungal phytopathogens, several stages are involved (in vitro, greenhouse, in planta). Most in vitro studies extensively utilise the general growth media such as Potato Dextrose Agar and Malt Extract Agar. Although the crop components in these media serve as excellent carbon sources and yield luxuriant growth, they are not naturally contaminated with Aspergillus flavus and thus might result in under- or overestimation of its actual toxigenic potentials. Empirical data on the formulation of semi-synthetic growth medium mimicking the natural crop commonly contaminated by A. flavus for the ecophysiological studies in vitro are scarce. The present work was aimed at investigating the ecophysiology of A. flavus on commercial growth media (PDA, MEA); formulating maize- and peanut-based semi-synthetic growth media using two methods of raw material preparation (milling, hot water extraction) at different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7, 9% w/v), and comparing the ecophysiological parameters between commercial and formulated growth media. Growth rates were obtained by computing the hyphal expansion data into y = mx + c equation. AFB1 was quantified using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. Formulated media were found to yield significantly higher growth rates when compared to commercial media. However, commercial media yielded significantly higher AFB1 when compared to all formulated media. Between the two formulations, milling yielded significantly higher growth rates and AFB1 when compared to hot water extraction. Although in vitro data cannot directly extrapolate in planta performance, results obtained in the present work can be used to gauge the actual toxigenic potential of A. flavus in maize and peanut agro-ecosystems.

Matched MeSH terms: Aflatoxins/metabolism*; Aspergillus flavus/metabolism; Culture Media/metabolism
In vitro neuroprotective effects of naringenin nanoemulsion against β-amyloid toxicity through the regulation of amyloidogenesis and tau phosphorylation

Md S, Gan SY, Haw YH, Ho CL, Wong S, Choudhury H

Int J Biol Macromol, 2018 Oct 15;118(Pt A):1211-1219.
PMID: 30001606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.06.190

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an increasingly prevalent neurological disorder of the central nervous system. There is growing evidence that amyloidogenesis is a pathological hallmark for AD; this leads to the formation of senile plaques. Naringenin is a bioflavonoid which has neuroprotective effects through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its clinical usage is limited due to its inefficient transport across biological membranes. In the present study, a naringenin nanoemulsion was prepared and its neuroprotective effects were tested against β-amyloid induced neurotoxicity in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). The optimised, naringenin-loaded nanoemulsion formulation had a droplet size of 113.83 ± 3.35 nm and around 50 nm, as assessed respectively by photon correlation spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The preparation showed a low polydispersity index (0.312 ± 0.003), a high zeta potential (12.4 ± 1.05) and a high percentage transmittance (97.01%). The neuroprotective activity of naringenin nanoemulsions was determined by assessing their ability to protect SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells against the neurotoxic effect of beta amyloid (Aβ). Aβ-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-secretase (BACE), total tau and phosphorylated tau (pT231) was also determined. The naringenin loaded nanoemulsion significantly alleviated the direct neurotoxic effects of Aβ on SH-SY5Y cells; this was associated with a down-regulation of APP and BACE expression, indicating reduced amyloidogenesis. Furthermore, it decreased the levels of phosphorylated tau in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to Aβ. These results suggest that a naringenin-loaded nanoemulsion could be a promising agent for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Alzheimer Disease/metabolism; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism*; tau Proteins/metabolism*
Probing the colorectal cancer proteome for biomarkers: Current status and perspectives

Lee PY, Chin SF, Low TY, Jamal R

J Proteomics, 2018 09 15;187:93-105.
PMID: 29953962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.06.014

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Biomarkers that can facilitate better clinical management of CRC are in high demand to improve patient outcome and to reduce mortality. In this regard, proteomic analysis holds a promising prospect in the hunt of novel biomarkers for CRC and in understanding the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. This review aims to provide an overview of the current progress of proteomic research, focusing on discovery and validation of diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. We will summarize the contributions of proteomic strategies to recent discoveries of protein biomarkers for CRC and also briefly discuss the potential and challenges of different proteomic approaches in biomarker discovery and translational applications.

Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism*; Proteome/metabolism
Fulltext Role of co-expression of estrogen receptor beta and Ki67 in prostate adenocarcinoma

Azizan N, Hayati F, Tizen NMS, Farouk WI, Masir N

Investig Clin Urol, 2018 07;59(4):232-237.
PMID: 29984337 DOI: 10.4111/icu.2018.59.4.232

Purpose: To evaluate the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-beta and Ki67 in prostate cancer and study their relationship.
Materials and Methods: We analyzed 101 cases of prostate adenocarcinoma diagnosed from January 2011 to June 2015 in 100 patients. Immunohistochemical staining of ER-beta and Ki67 was analyzed according to Gleason score categorized into prognostic groups of 1 to 5. Double-immunofluorescent staining of ER-beta and Ki67 was performed in a total of 20 cases to study the co-expression and the relationship between these markers within the same tumor.
Results: A total of 53 of 101 cases (52.5%) were positive for ER-beta expression. There was a positive correlation whereby a high percentage of ER-beta expression was seen in the higher prognostic groups (groups 4 and 5; p=0.007). High Ki67 expression was observed in the higher prognostic group, whereas low Ki67 or negative expression was found in the lower prognostic group (p<0.001). The majority of cases evaluated with double-immunofluorescent staining (14/20) showed co-expression of ER-beta and Ki67 at the individual cell level.
Conclusions: ER-beta and Ki67 are independent tumor markers in high prognostic groups. Hence, co-expression of ER-beta and Ki67 indicates a more aggressive tumor with a poorer prognosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*; Ki-67 Antigen/metabolism*; Estrogen Receptor beta/metabolism*
CD133: beyond a cancer stem cell biomarker

Barzegar Behrooz A, Syahir A, Ahmad S

J Drug Target, 2019 03;27(3):257-269.
PMID: 29911902 DOI: 10.1080/1061186X.2018.1479756

CD133 (prominin-1), a pentaspan membrane glycoprotein, is one of the most well-characterized biomarkers used for the isolation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). The presence of CSCs is one of the main causes of tumour reversal and resilience. Accumulating evidence has shown that CD133 might be responsible for CSCs tumourigenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance. It is now understood that CD133 interacts with the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways. Moreover, CD133 can upregulate the expression of the FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) in CD133-positive cells, inhibiting apoptosis. In addition, CD133 can increase angiogenesis by activating the Wnt signalling pathway and increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and interleukin-8. Therefore, CD133 could be considered to be an 'Achilles' heel' for CSCs, because by inhibiting this protein, the signalling pathways that are involved in cell proliferation will also be inhibited. By understanding the molecular biology of CD133, we can not only isolate stem cells but can also utilise it as a therapeutic strategy. In this review, we summarise new insights into the fundamental cell biology of CD133 and discuss the involvement of CD133 in metastasis, metabolism, tumourigenesis, drug-resistance, apoptosis and autophagy.

Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism; Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism*; AC133 Antigen/metabolism*
Characterization of metabolites in different kiwifruit varieties by NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy

Abdul Hamid NA, Mediani A, Maulidiani M, Abas F, Park YS, Leontowicz H, et al.

J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2017 May 10;138:80-91.
PMID: 28189049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2017.01.046

It is known from our previous studies that kiwifruits, which are used in common human diet, have preventive properties of coronary artery disease. This study describes a combination of (1)H NMR spectroscopy, multivariate data analyses and fluorescence measurements in differentiating of some kiwifruit varieties, their quenching and antioxidant properties. A total of 41 metabolites were identified by comparing with literature data Chenomx database and 2D NMR. The binding properties of the extracted polyphenols against HSA showed higher reactivity of studied two cultivars in comparison with the common Hayward. The results showed that the fluorescence of HSA was quenched by Bidan as much as twice than by other fruits. The correlation between the binding properties of polyphenols in the investigated fruits, their relative quantification and suggested metabolic pathway was established. These results can provide possible application of fruit extracts in pharmaceutical industry.

Matched MeSH terms: Fruit/metabolism*; Plant Extracts/metabolism; Actinidia/metabolism*
Fulltext NMR-based metabolomics Reveals Alterations of Electro-acupuncture Stimulations on Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Rats

Xu J, Zheng X, Cheng KK, Chang X, Shen G, Liu M, et al.

Sci Rep, 2017 03 30;7:45580.
PMID: 28358020 DOI: 10.1038/srep45580

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a common gastrointestinal disease which has been considered as precancerous lesions of gastric carcinoma. Previously, electro-acupuncture stimulation has been shown to be effective in ameliorating symptoms of CAG. However the underlying mechanism of this beneficial treatment is yet to be established. In the present study, an integrated histopathological examination along with molecular biological assay, as well as 1H NMR analysis of multiple biological samples (urine, serum, stomach, cortex and medulla) were employed to systematically assess the pathology of CAG and therapeutic effect of electro-acupuncture stimulation at Sibai (ST 2), Liangmen (ST 21), and Zusanli (ST 36) acupoints located in the stomach meridian using a rat model of CAG. The current results showed that CAG caused comprehensive metabolic alterations including the TCA cycle, glycolysis, membrane metabolism and catabolism, gut microbiota-related metabolism. On the other hand, electro-acupuncture treatment was found able to normalize a number of CAG-induced metabolomics changes by alleviating membrane catabolism, restoring function of neurotransmitter in brain and partially reverse the CAG-induced perturbation in gut microbiota metabolism. These findings provided new insights into the biochemistry of CAG and mechanism of the therapeutic effect of electro-acupuncture stimulations.

Matched MeSH terms: Brain/metabolism; Gastric Mucosa/metabolism; Gastritis, Atrophic/metabolism
Investigation of Requisites for the Optimal Mycelial Growth of the Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), on Oil Palm Biomass in Malaysia

Sudheer S, Ali A, Manickam S

Int J Med Mushrooms, 2016;18(10):935-943.
PMID: 27910761

Rigorous research has been carried out regarding the cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum using different agricultural residues. Nevertheless, large-scale cultivation and the separation of active compounds of G. lucidum are still challenges for local farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of oil palm waste fibers such as empty fruit bunch fibers and mesocarp fibers as effective substrates for the growth of G. lucidum mycelia to study the possibility of solid-state cultivation and to determine the optimum conditions necessary for the growth of mycelia of this mushroom on these waste fibers. Various parameters such as temperature, pH, humidity, and carbon and nitrogen compositions required for the optimum growth of mycelia have been determined. Oil palm fibers are a vivid source of lignocellulose, and their availability in Malaysia is high compared to that of sawdust. G. lucidum is a wood-rotting fungi that can easily decay and utilize this lignocellulose biomass, a major agricultural waste in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Carbon/metabolism*; Lignin/metabolism*; Nitrogen/metabolism*
Fulltext Effects of clinoptilolite zeolite on phosphorus dynamics and yield of Zea Mays L. cultivated on an acid soil

Nur Aainaa H, Haruna Ahmed O, Ab Majid NM

PLoS One, 2018;13(9):e0204401.
PMID: 30261005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204401

Efficient management of P fertilizers ensures good yield of crops and adequate food supply. In the acid soil of the tropics, soluble P is fixed by Al and Fe. Exploitation of the high CEC and pH of Clinoptilolite zeolite (CZ) could mitigate low soil pH and P fixation in acid soils. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of amending a weathered acid soil with CZ on: (i) soil P availability and other related soil chemical properties, and (ii) nutrient concentration, nutrient uptake, above-ground biomass, agronomic efficiency, and yield of Zea mays L. on a tropical acidic soil. Triple superphosphate (TSP), Egypt Rock phosphate (ERP), and Christmas Island Rock phosphate (CIRP) were used as P sources. The treatments evaluated were: (i) soil alone, (ii) 100% recommended fertilizer rate (NPK), and (iii) 75% fertilizer rate + Clinoptilolite zeolite. Selected soil chemical properties and P availability were determined before and after field trials. Zea mays L. above-ground biomass, nutrient concentration, nutrient uptake, agronomic efficiency, and fresh cob yield were also determined. Results revealed that the effects of treatments with and without CZ treatments on soil pH, P fractions, soil acidity, dry matter production, yield of maize, nutrient uptake, and agronomic efficiency were similar. Hence, suggesting CZ inclusion in the fertilization program of Zea mays L is beneficial in terms of reducing excessive or unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers due to reduction of fertilizers usage by 25%.

Matched MeSH terms: Zea mays/metabolism*; Phosphorus/metabolism*; Crops, Agricultural/metabolism
Distributions and compositional patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives in three edible fishes from Kharg coral Island, Persian Gulf, Iran

Ranjbar Jafarabadi A, Riyahi Bakhtiari A, Yaghoobi Z, Kong Yap C, Maisano M, Cappello T

Chemosphere, 2019 Jan;215:835-845.
PMID: 30359953 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.10.092

This is the first report on bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, hydroxyl, carbonyl and methyl-containing PAHs) in three edible marine fishes, namely Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Lethrinus microdon and Scomberomorus guttatus, from Kharg Island, Persian Gulf, Iran. The concentrations (ng g-1dw) of Σ39PAHs resulted significantly higher in fish liver than muscle, with the PAH composition pattern dominated by low molecular weight compounds (naphthalene, alkyl-naphthalenes and phenanthrene). The highest mean concentrations of ∑9 oxygenated and ∑15 hydroxylated PAHs (ng g-1dw) were found ound in L. microdon and L. argentimaculatus, respectively, while the lowest values in S. guttatus. Additionally, the highest mean concentrations of Σ5 carbonylic PAHs (ng g-1dw) were found in L. argentimaculatus, followed by L. microdon. The PAHs levels and distribution in fish liver and muscle were dependent on both the Kow of PAHs congeners and fish lipid contents. Overall, the present findings provide important baseline data for further research on the ecotoxicity of PAHs in aquatic organisms, and consequent implications for human health.

Matched MeSH terms: Fishes/metabolism*; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic/metabolism; Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism
Characterization of Roselle calyx from different geographical origins

Juhari NH, Bredie WLP, Toldam-Andersen TB, Petersen MA

Food Res Int, 2018 10;112:378-389.
PMID: 30131149 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.06.049

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is considered an underexploited food crop with nutritional and large scale processing potential. Roselle can be utilized as a functional food, mainly due to being rich in vitamin C, anthocyanins, other phytochemicals, and natural color. Although Roselle has been widely planted and consumed, little is known about the composition of aroma profiles. In this study, seventeen samples of dried Roselle calyx were collected from eight countries and the aroma profiles were determined by dynamic headspace sampling and GC-MS and GC-olfactometry. Furthermore, total soluble solids, pH, and color L* a* b* were determined, and sugars and acids were measured using ion chromatography. There were significant (p 

Matched MeSH terms: Hibiscus/metabolism*; Flowers/metabolism*; Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism*
Strategies for humanizing glycosylation pathways and producing recombinant glycoproteins in microbial expression systems

Khan AH, Noordin R

Biotechnol Prog, 2019 03;35(2):e2752.
PMID: 30457225 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2752

Homogeneously glycosylated proteins are essential for analyzing the structure of N-glycans, studying their consequences inside cells, and developing therapeutic glycoproteins. However, the isolation of glycoproteins with homogeneous glycans from human is difficult since glycoforms slightly differ from each other with respect to molecular weight and charge. Microbial expression systems have numerous benefits in expression technology and have gained great attention, because they are more adaptable to the biotechnology industry. While selecting an expression host, the glycosylation pattern must be taken into account, because glycosylation strongly depends on cellular production system and selected production clone. This review discussed the technological developments in glycoengineering of microbial expression systems for humanizing the glycosylation profile and highlighted the expression potential of Leishmania expression system. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2752, 2019.

Matched MeSH terms: Escherichia coli/metabolism*; Leishmania/metabolism*; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism*

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