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Fulltext Identification and characterization of jasmonic acid- and linolenic acid-mediated transcriptional regulation of secondary laticifer differentiation in Hevea brasiliensis

Loh SC, Othman AS, Veera Singham G

Sci Rep, 2019 10 04;9(1):14296.
PMID: 31586098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50800-1

Hevea brasiliensis remains the primary crop commercially exploited to obtain latex, which is produced from the articulated secondary laticifer. Here, we described the transcriptional events related to jasmonic acid (JA)- and linolenic acid (LA)-induced secondary laticifer differentiation (SLD) in H. brasiliensis clone RRIM 600 based on RNA-seq approach. Histochemical approach proved that JA- and LA-treated samples resulted in SLD in H. brasiliensis when compared to ethephon and untreated control. RNA-seq data resulted in 86,614 unigenes, of which 2,664 genes were differentially expressed in JA and LA-induced secondary laticifer harvested from H. brasiliensis bark samples. Among these, 450 genes were unique to JA and LA as they were not differentially expressed in ethephon-treated samples compared with the untreated samples. Most transcription factors from the JA- and LA-specific dataset were classified under MYB, APETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF), and basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene families that were involved in tissue developmental pathways, and we proposed that Bel5-GA2 oxidase 1-KNOTTED-like homeobox complex are likely involved in JA- and LA-induced SLD in H. brasiliensis. We also discovered alternative spliced transcripts, putative novel transcripts, and cis-natural antisense transcript pairs related to SLD event. This study has advanced understanding on the transcriptional regulatory network of SLD in H. brasiliensis.
Fulltext Surgical Management of Distal Tibia Fracture: Towards An Outcome-based Treatment Algorithm

Rushdi I, Che-Ahmad A, Abdul-Ghani K, Mohd-Rus R

Malays Orthop J, 2020 Nov;14(3):57-65.
PMID: 33403063 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2011.010

Introduction: Distal tibia fractures are frequently associated with an extensive soft tissue injury which then leads to a higher risk of complications such as infection, non-union and eventually poor overall outcome. The purpose of this study is to measure the outcome of distal tibia fractures treated with internal fixation, external fixator or Ilizarov external fixator(IEF). We aim to propose an algorithm for management of distal tibia fractures by evaluating the treatment options, outcomes and risk factors present.
Material and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study of all distal tibia fractures treated surgically in Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang from 1st January 2016 till 30th June 2018. Patient records were reviewed to analyse the outcomes of surgical treatment and risk factors associated with it.
Results: Ninety-one patients were included with a mean age of 41.5 years (SD = 16.4). Thirty-nine cases (42.9%) were open fractures. Thirty-eight patients (41.8%) were treated with internal fixation, 27 patients (29.7%) were treated with IEF and 26 patients (28.6%) were treated with an external fixator. Among open fractures cases, no significant finding can be concluded when comparing each surgical option and its outcome, although one option was seen better than the other in a particular outcome. Initial skeletal traction or temporary spanning external fixator in close fractures reduced the risk of mal-alignment (p value=0.001). Internal fixation is seen superior to IEF and external fixator in close fractures in term of articular surface reduction (p value = 0.043) and risk of mal-alignment (p value = 0.007).
Conclusion: There is no single method of fixation that is ideal for all pilon fractures and suitable for all patients. This proposed algorithm can help surgeons in deciding treatment strategies in the challenging management of distal tibia fractures to reduce associated complications.
Role of Simvastatin on fracture healing and osteoporosis: a systematic review on in vivo investigations

Moshiri A, Sharifi AM, Oryan A

Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol, 2016 Jul;43(7):659-84.
PMID: 27061579 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12577

Simvastatin is a lipid lowering drug whose beneficial role on bone metabolism was discovered in 1999. Several in vivo studies evaluated its role on osteoporosis and fracture healing, however, controversial results are seen in the literature. For this reason, Simvastatin has not been the focus of any clinical trials as yet. This systematic review clears the mechanisms of action of Simvastatin on bone metabolism and focuses on in vivo investigations that have evaluated its role on osteoporosis and fracture repair to find out (i) whether Simvastatin is effective on treatment of osteoporosis and fracture repair, and (ii) which of the many available protocols may have the ability to be translated in the clinical setting. Simvastatin induces osteoinduction by increasing osteoblast activity and differentiation and inhibiting their apoptosis. It also reduces osteoclastogenesis by decreasing both the number and activity of osteoclasts and their differentiation. Controversial results between the in vivo studies are mostly due to the differences in the route of administration, dose, dosage and carrier type. Local delivery of Simvastatin through controlled drug delivery systems with much lower doses and dosages than the systemic route seems to be the most valuable option in fracture healing. However, systemic delivery of Simvastatin with much higher doses and dosages than the clinical ones seems to be effective in managing osteoporosis. Simvastatin, in a particular range of doses and dosages, may be beneficial in managing osteoporosis and fracture injuries. This review showed that Simvastatin is effective in the treatment of osteoporosis and fracture healing.
An investigation of modified natural rubber-based (mg49) polymer electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cells

Shuhib Mamat, Mohamad Faizzi, Mohd Sukor Su’ait, Norasikin Ahmad Ludin, Kamaruzzaman Sopian, Nurul Akmaliah Dzulkurnain, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2667-2676.

Kajian terhadap elektrolit polimer berasaskan 49% poli(metil metakrilat) cangkukan getah asli (MG49) dengan
natrium iodida (NaI) dalam aplikasi sel suria terpeka pewarna (DSSC) telah dijalankan. Kesan kepekatan garam
ke atas sifat elektrokimia, morfologi, kimia dan kehabluran MG49-NaI telah dianalisis menggunakan spektroskopi
impedan elektrokimia (EIS), mikroskopi imbasan elektron (SEM), spektroskopi inframerah transformasi Fourier (FTIR)
dan pembelauan sinar-X (XRD). Morfologi keratan rentas menunjukkan struktur membran berliang mikro dan homogen.
Nilai kekonduksian ion tertinggi pada suhu bilik bagi membran elektrolit polimer MG49-NaI pada penambahan 30 %
bt. garam NaI adalah 8.86 × 10-5 S cm-1. Analisis inframerah menunjukkan interaksi antara atom oksigen dengan ion
natrium berlaku pada kumpulan berfungsi eter (C–O–C) dan karbonil (C=O). Sifat kehabluran MG49-NaI polimer
elektrolit didapati berkurang dengan peningkatan kepekatan garam. Analisis kronoamperometri memberikan nilai
nombor pindahan ion (tion) sebanyak 0.92 membuktikan elektrolit polimer MG49-NaI (30 % bt.) adalah pengkonduksi
jenis ion. Ujian prestasi DSSC keadaan pepejal bagi FTO/TiO2
-N719/MG49-NaI (30 % bt.)/I2
/Pt sampel telah memberikan
keputusan kecekapan setinggi 0.26% dengan prestasi fotovoltaik, Jsc, Voc dan ff masing-masing adalah 1.30 mA cm-2, 0.56
V dan 34.91. Membran dalam keadaan pepejal-kuasi atau separa pepejal memberikan nilai kecekapan 3.48 % dengan
nilai Voc = 0.75 V, Jsc = 12.71 mA cm-2 dan FF = 37.70.
A systematic review of depression literacy: Knowledge, help-seeking and stigmatising attitudes among adolescents

Singh S, Zaki RA, Farid NDN

J Adolesc, 2019 07;74:154-172.
PMID: 31216495 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.06.004

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a common mental health disorder and affects many adolescents worldwide. Depression literacy can improve mental health outcomes. The aim of this study was to collate and analyse the extant evidence on depression literacy among adolescents, with particular focus on tools used to examine depression literacy and the findings on components of depression literacy.
METHODS: Nine electronic databases and 1 grey literature source were searched for studies published in English between January 2006 and December 2018 and involving adolescents aged 10-19 years. We included studies that reported on components of depression literacy such as knowledge, help-seeking and stigmatising attitudes. We excluded qualitative studies. Two independent reviewers verified that the studies met the inclusion criteria, assessed the quality of the studies and extracted their characteristics. The data were descriptively analysed and appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (QATSQ).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Fifty of the 14,626 references identified met the inclusion criteria. Depression literacy was most commonly (58%) assessed using tools that utilize a vignette-based methodology. A lack of uniformity in reporting of depression literacy was noted. Adolescents were poor at recognising depression, likely to seek help from informal sources and tended to attach stigma to depression. The implications of the findings are discussed and suggestions made for future research.
Drilling of bone: Effect of drill bit geometries on thermal osteonecrosis risk regions

Ali Akhbar MF, Yusoff AR

Proc Inst Mech Eng H, 2019 Feb;233(2):207-218.
PMID: 30572787 DOI: 10.1177/0954411918819113

Bone-drilling operation necessitates an accurate and efficient surgical drill bit to minimize thermal damage to the bone. This article provides a methodology for predicting the bone temperature elevation during surgical bone drilling and to gain a better understanding on the influences of the point angle, helix angle and web thickness of the drill bit. The proposed approach utilized the normalized Cockroft-Latham damage criterion to predict material cracking in the drilling process. Drilling simulation software DEFORM-3D is used to approximate the bone temperature elevation corresponding to different drill bit geometries. To validate the simulation results, bone temperature elevations were evaluated by comparison with ex vivo bone-drilling process using bovine femurs. The computational results fit well with the ex vivo experiments with respect to different drill geometries. All the investigated drill bit geometries significantly affect bone temperature rise. It is discovered that the thermal osteonecrosis risk regions could be reduced with a point angle of 110° to 140°, a helix angle of 5° to 30° and a web thickness of 5% to 40%. The drilling simulation could accurately estimate the maximum bone temperature elevation for various surgical drill bit point angles, web thickness and helix angles. Looking into the future, this work will lead to the research and redesign of the optimum surgical drill bit to minimize thermal insult during bone-drilling surgeries.
Fulltext Data on the optimisation and validation of a liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to establish the presence of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in instant coffee premixes

Mohd Yusop AY, Xiao L, Fu S

Data Brief, 2019 Aug;25:104234.
PMID: 31384643 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104234

This paper presents the data on the optimisation and validation of a liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to establish the presence of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and their analogues as adulterants in instant coffee premixes. The method development data covered chromatographic optimisation for better analyte separation and isomeric resolution, mass spectrometry optimisation for high sensitivity and sample preparation optimisation for high extraction recovery (RE) and low matrix effect (ME). The validation data covered specificity, linearity, range, accuracy, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precisions, ME, and RE. The optimisation and validation data presented here is related to the article: "Determination of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in instant coffee premixes using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS)" Mohd Yusop et al., 2019.
Determination of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in instant coffee premixes using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS)

Mohd Yusop AY, Xiao L, Fu S

Talanta, 2019 Nov 01;204:36-43.
PMID: 31357306 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.05.078

As a widely consumed beverage, coffee tends to be a target for intentional adulteration. This study describes the application of modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) coupled to liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) for simultaneous screening, identification, and quantification of undeclared phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in instant coffee premixes (ICPs). The mass spectrometer was operated in auto MS/MS acquisition for simultaneous MS and MS/MS experiments. Qualitative establishments from the suspected-target screening and targeted identification processes led to an unambiguous analyte assignment from the protonated molecule ([M+H]+) precursor ion which is subsequently used for quantification of 23 targeted PDE5 inhibitors. The analytical method validation covered specificity, linearity, range, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precisions, matrix effect (ME), and extraction recovery (RE). The specificity was established using the optimised chromatographic separation as well as the distinguishable [M+H]+ precursor ion. The linearity of each target analyte was demonstrated with a coefficient of determination (r2) of >0.9960 over the expected range of sample concentrations. The accuracy ranged from 88.1%-119.3% with LOD and LOQ of <70 ng/mL and 80 ng/mL, respectively. Excellent precisions were established within 0.4%-9.1% of the relative standard deviation. An insignificant ME within -5.2% to +8.7% was achieved using three different strategies of chromatography, sample extraction, and sample dilution. The RE was good for all target analytes within 84.7%-123.5% except for N-desethylacetildenafil at low (53.8%) and medium (65.1%) quality control levels. The method was successfully applied to 25 samples of ICPs where 17 of them were found to be adulterated with PDE5 inhibitors and their analogues. Further quantification revealed the total amount of these adulterants ranged from 2.77 to 121.64 mg per sachet.
Fulltext Early experience in surgical treatment of adolescence idiopathic scoliosis: a report of four cases

Muhammad Wafiuddin Ahmad, Ed Simor Khan, Rajandra Kumar, Zamzuri Zakaria, Ahmad Faiza, Haidar Nusuruddin, et al.

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;14(1):39-47.
MyJurnal

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spinal deformity among teenager. For those indicated, early surgical intervention allows better surgical correction due to flexibility of the spine during teenage years, hence good functional outcome and better cosmetic can be expected. In this case report, there is the management of four patients surgically using the posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. Pre-operatively patients were examined at IIUM Medical Centre spine clinic, all necessary investigations were carried out. A thorough explanation was done to patient and parents regarding procedure, risk and benefit. All patients were treated using the same surgical technique. Neuromonitoring was used throughout the whole surgery until skin closure. All patients were hospitalized around one week. Post-operatively patients were followed up at two weeks, six weeks, three months, and every six months thereafter. It is important for clinicians to identify patients with AIS as early detection and timely treatment will change the natural history of curve progression. Surgical intervention when necessary will be easier and with less risk of complications when surgery was carried out during teenage years as the spine is more flexible and the deformity is less severe.
Isothiocyanates and Xenobiotic Detoxification

Abdull Razis AF, Konsue N, Ioannides C

Mol Nutr Food Res, 2018 09;62(18):e1700916.
PMID: 29288567 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201700916

The potential of isothiocyanates to antagonize the carcinogenicity of structurally diverse chemicals has been established in animals. A feasible mechanism of action involves protecting DNA by reducing the availability of the genotoxic metabolites of chemical carcinogens by either inhibiting their generation and/or stimulating their detoxification. In vivo as well as in vitro studies conducted in rat/human primary hepatocytes and precision-cut tissue slices have revealed that isothiocyanates can impair cytochrome P450 activity, including the CYP1 family which is the most active in the bioactivation of carcinogens, by virtue of being mechanism-based inactivators. The aromatic phenethyl isothiocyanate is the most effective of those studied, whereas aliphatic isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane and erucin necessitate high doses in order to manifest such effects that may not always be achievable through the diet. In all systems studied, isothiocyanates are strong inducers of detoxification enzyme systems including quinone reductase, glutathione S-transferase, epoxide hydrolase, and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase. Indeed, in smokers phenethyl isothiocyanate intake increases the urinary excretion of inactive mercapturate metabolites of toxic chemicals present in tobacco. Glucosinolates, the precursors of isothiocyanates, have also the potential to upregulate detoxification enzyme systems, but their contribution to the cancer chemoprevention linked to cruciferous vegetable consumption remains to be evaluated.
Sulforaphane is superior to glucoraphanin in modulating carcinogen-metabolising enzymes in Hep G2 cells

Abdull Razis AF, Noor NM

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(7):4235-8.
PMID: 23991982

Glucoraphanin is the main glucosinolate found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables (Brassicaceae). The objective of the study was to evaluate whether glucoraphanin and its breakdown product sulforaphane, are potent modulators of various phase I and phase II enzymes involved in carcinogen-metabolising enzyme systems in vitro. The glucosinolate glucoraphanin was isolated from cruciferous vegetables and exposed to human hepatoma cell line HepG2 at various concentrations (0-25 μM) for 24 hours. Glucoraphanin at higher concentration (25 μM) decreased dealkylation of methoxyresorufin, a marker for cytochrome P4501 activity; supplementation of the incubation medium with myrosinase (0.018 U), the enzyme that converts glucosinolate to its corresponding isothiocyanate, showed minimal induction in this enzyme activity at concentration 10 μM. Quinone reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities were unaffected by this glucosinolate; however, supplementation of the incubation medium with myrosinase elevated quinone reductase activity. It may be inferred that the breakdown product of glucoraphanin, in this case sulforaphane, is superior than its precursor in modulating carcinogen- metabolising enzyme systems in vitro and this is likely to impact on the chemopreventive activity linked to cruciferous vegetable consumption.
Fulltext Perceived learning needs Among Coronary Artery Disease patients: a study in a tertiary hospital

Suriani Yaacob, Noor Hanita Zaini, Khatijah Lim Abdullah, Nor Zehan Ahmad, Vimala Ramoo, Nazar Mohd Zabadi Mohd Azahar, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(2):10-15.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Determination of learning needs is central for holistic patient education, to sustain behavior changes and to control patient’s risk factor. However, patients often sense that their learning needs are unmet and informa- tion provided was too general. Thus, this study aimed to determine the perceived learning needs and their level of importance among Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) patients. Methods: The current investigation is a descriptive, cross-sectional study for which all CAD patients were selected using the cencus method. The data was collected us- ing Cardiac Patients Learning Needs Inventory. The questionnaire was delivered to 140 CAD patients who had their follow-up in a cardiology clinic. The instrument is reliable with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.96. The study design followed STROBE cross-sectional design process guideline. Results: Participants’ mean age was 58.96 ± 9.42 years. More than half of the participants were males (62.9%), employed (52.0%) and had attained secondary level education (69.3%). Around two-thirds (60.7%) of the patients perceived to have high learning needs. Gender and highest educational achievement were significantly associated with perceived learning needs. The most significant perceived learning needs were medication information, risk factors for CAD, information on diet, physical activity, anatomy and physiology, and other related information. Conclusion: This study has identified the important domains of learning needs among CAD patients. Findings from the present study will provide important input for future cardi- ac educational strategies to reduce the rate of hospital readmission and death.
Physiological changes in major soldiers of Macrotermes gilvus (Isoptera: Termitidae) induced by the endoparasitoid Misotermes mindeni (Diptera: Phoridae)

Foo FK, Othman AS, Lee CY

J Insect Physiol, 2011 Nov;57(11):1495-500.
PMID: 21840313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.07.019

The majority of true parasitoids manipulate their host's physiology for their own benefit. In this study, we documented the physiological changes that occurred in major soldiers of the subterranean termite Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen) (Isoptera: Termitidae) parasitized by the koinobiont larval endoparasitoid Misotermes mindeni Disney and Neoh (Diptera: Phoridae). We compared the metabolic rate, body water content, body water loss rate, cuticular permeability, and desiccation tolerance between parasitized and unparasitized major soldiers. The metabolic rate of parasitized hosts was significantly higher than that of unparasitized termites. Mean total body water content of parasitized major soldiers (64.73±3.26%) was significantly lower than that of unparasitized termites (71.99±2.23%). Parasitized hosts also had significantly lower total body water loss rates (5.72±0.06%/h) and higher cuticular permeability (49.37±11.26 μg/cm/h/mmHg) than unparasitized major soldiers (6.75±0.16%/h and 60.76±24.98 μg/cm/h/mmHg, respectively). Parasitized major soldiers survived almost twice as long as unparasitized termites (LT(50)=6.66 h and LT(50)=3.40 h, respectively) and they had significantly higher tolerance to water loss compared to unparasitized termites (45.28±6.79% and 32.84±7.69%, respectively). Body lipid content in parasitized hosts (19.84±6.27%) was significantly higher than that of unparasitized termites (6.17±7.87%). Finally, parasitized hosts had a significantly lower percentage of cuticular water content than unparasitized major soldiers (10.97±1.84% and 13.17±2.21%, respectively). Based on these data, we conclude that the parasitism-induced physiological changes in the host are beneficial to the parasitoids as the alterations can clearly increase the parasite's chances of survival when exposed to extreme environmental conditions and ensure that the parasitoids are able to complete their larval development successfully before the host dies.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for acute gallstone pancreatitis: Implementation of an institution safety protocol during the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia

Yusoff AR, Ahmad F, Obaid KJ

Med J Malaysia, 2020 11;75(6):764-766.
PMID: 33219198

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious, severe acute respiratory syndrome that poses significant health risks to healthcare providers. A delicate balance is needed between timely intervention for ill patients without apparent COVID-19 infection and the safety of healthcare personnel who provide essential treatment in the midst of the pandemic. We report our experience managing a 70-year-old man who presented with acute gallstone pancreatitis at our hospital during the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia. We also describe the safety protocol measures that have been implemented in our institution to protect the healthcare personnel from this disease during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This case illustrates the importance of meticulous planning, risk assessment, effective team communication and strict adherence to recommendations when providing treatment during an unprecedented pandemic.
Fulltext Thermal Stability and Water Content Study of Void-Free Electrospun SPEEK/Cloisite Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Application

Awang N, Jaafar J, Ismail AF

Polymers (Basel), 2018 Feb 15;10(2).
PMID: 30966230 DOI: 10.3390/polym10020194

Void-free electrospun SPEEK/Cloisite15A® densed (SP/e-spunCL) membranes are prepared. Different loadings of Cloisite15A® (0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 wt %) are incorporated into electrospun fibers. The physico-chemical characteristics (methanol permeability, water uptake and proton conductivity) of the membranes are observed. Thermal stability of all membranes is observed using Thermal Gravimetry Analysis (TGA). The thrree stages of degradation range between 163.1 and 613.1 °C. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is used to study the wettability of the membranes. SP/e-spunCL15 shows the lowest freezing bound water of 15.27%, which contributed to the lowest methanol permeability. The non-freezing bound water that proportionally increased with proton conductivity of SP/e-spunCL15 membrane is the highest, 10.60%. It is suggested that the electrospinning as the fabricating method has successfully exfoliated the Cloisite in the membrane surface structure, contributing to the decrease of methanol permeability, while the retained water has led to the enhancement of proton conductivity. This new fabrication method of SP/e-spunCL membrane is said to be a desirable polymer electrolyte membrane for future application in direct methanol fuel cell field.
Fulltext Factors associated with homelessness and its medical issues among urban Malaysians: a qualitative research

Nurul Mahfuzah Ahmad Yani, Nur Zakirah Zahari, Nur Fatini Haziqah Abu Samah, Muhammad Ammar Faidhi Mohamed Azahar, Siti Munira Yasin, Mohd Shahril Ahmad Saman, et al.

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2016;1:46-58.

Homelessness continues to exist in our country even though we hear of various initiatives that have been put in place to solve this ongoing issue. The objectives of this study are, first, to explore factors that lead to homelessness, second, to determine the associated medical conditions and third, to shed light on the views of homeless individuals regarding their future perspectives.
Disruption of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus protein synthesis by tannins

Adnan SN, Ibrahim N, Yaacob WA

Germs, 2017 Dec;7(4):186-192.
PMID: 29264356 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2017.1125

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a worldwide public health threat, displaying multiple antibiotic resistance that causes morbidity and mortality. Management of multidrug-resistant (MDR) MRSA infections is extremely difficult due to their inherent resistance to currently used antibiotics. New antibiotics are needed to combat the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Methods: The in vitro effect of tannins was studied against MRSA reference strain (ATCC 43300) and MRSA clinical strains utilizing antimicrobial assays in conjunction with both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. To reveal the influence of tannins in MRSA protein synthesis disruption, we utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) to provide further insight into the novel protein synthesis transcriptional response of MRSA exposed to these compounds.
Results: Tannins possessed both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.78 and 1.56 mg/mL, respectively, against all tested MRSA. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of MRSA treated with tannins showed decrease in cellular volume, indicating disruption of protein synthesis.
Conclusion: Analysis of a genome-wide transcriptional profile of the reference strain ATCC 43300 MRSA in response to tannins has led to the finding that tannins induced significant modulation in essential ribosome pathways, which caused a reduction in the translation processes that lead to inhibition of protein synthesis and obviation of bacterial growth. These findings highlight the potential of tannins as new promising anti-MRSA agents in clinical application such as body wash and topical cream or ointments.
Fulltext Micropropagation of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) 'Bentong' and Evaluation of Its Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activities Compared with the Conventionally Propagated Plant

Zahid NA, Jaafar HZE, Hakiman M

Plants (Basel), 2021 Mar 26;10(4).
PMID: 33810290 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040630

'Bentong' ginger is the most popular variety of Zingiber officinale in Malaysia. It is vegetatively propagated and requires a high proportion of rhizomes as starting planting materials. Besides, ginger vegetative propagation using its rhizomes is accompanied by several types of soil-borne diseases. Plant tissue culture techniques have been applied in many plant species to produce their disease-free planting materials. As 'Bentong' ginger is less known for its micropropagation, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of Clorox (5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)) on explant surface sterilization, effects of plant growth regulators, and basal media on shoots' multiplication and rooting. The secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities of the micropropagated plants were evaluated in comparison with conventionally propagated plants. Rhizome sprouted buds were effectively sterilized in 70% Clorox for 30 min by obtaining 75% contamination-free explants. Murashige and Skoog (MS) supplemented with 10 µM of zeatin was the suitable medium for shoot multiplication, which resulted in the highest number of shoots per explant (4.28). MS medium supplemented with 7.5 µM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) resulted in the highest number of roots per plantlet. The in vitro-rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized with a 95% survival rate in the ex vitro conditions. The phytochemical analysis showed that total phenolic acid and total flavonoid content and antioxidant activities of the micropropagated plants were not significantly different from the conventionally propagated plants of 'Bentong' ginger. In conclusion, the present study's outcome can be adopted for large-scale propagation of disease-free planting materials of 'Bentong' ginger.
Fulltext Preliminary result of randomised controlled trial of three different coated archwires part 1: tooth alignment and coating loss

Hassanin Abdulkhabeer Ali Alyassiri, Anis Farhan Kamaruddin, Khoirulzariah Ismail, Noor Ayuni Ahmad Shafiai, Norma Ab Rahman, Wan Muhamad Amir W Ahmad

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(102):1-8.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Coated archwires improve aesthetics during orthodontic treatment. However, little is known regarding
their clinical benefit. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) compared the tooth alignment (TA), coating loss (CL),
colour change (∆E*), and patient perception of coated archwires with their controls. Details of ∆E* and perception were reported in the second part of the articles. Methods: This RCT was done at three centres. Participants
were randomised to receive one of four treatment interventions using 0.014” superelastic coated nickel-titanium
archwires from Orthocare, RMO, G&H, and conventional uncoated 3M Unitek® archwires. These archwires were
ligated during bonding and collected after eighth week and questionnaires were distributed to participants in the
experimental groups only. After removal, TA and CL were measured using Little’s Irregularity Index and Autodesk®
AutoCAD® software, respectively. At the time of this preliminary reporting, 84 participants had completed the trial. Two archwires fractured and were excluded. Therefore, 166 archwires (n = 166) were analysed. Results: Only
non-extraction cases showed statistically significant differences in TA change between all groups (p = 0.005) and
RMO showed significantly lowest mean of TA (1.5 mm). RMO and Orthocare showed significant TA change in the
upper and lower arches (p = 0.037, 0.048). CL was found to be insignificant for both extraction and non-extraction
cases (p >0.05). Comparison between upper and lower arches revealed no significant difference in TA and CL in all
groups (p >0.05). Conclusion: From this preliminary analysis, Orthocare provides better TA in non-extraction cases
despite highest percentage of coating loss.
The evolution of the pilocarpine animal model of status epilepticus

Ahmed Juvale II, Che Has AT

Heliyon, 2020 Jul;6(7):e04557.
PMID: 32775726 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04557

The pilocarpine animal model of status epilepticus is a well-established, clinically translatable model that satisfies all of the criteria essential for an animal model of status epilepticus: a latency period followed by spontaneous recurrent seizures, replication of behavioural, electrographic, metabolic, and neuropathological changes, as well as, pharmacoresistance to anti-epileptic drugs similar to that observed in human status epilepticus. However, this model is also characterized by high mortality rates and studies in recent years have also seen difficulties in seizure induction due to pilocarpine resistant animals. This can be attributed to differences in rodent strains, species, gender, and the presence of the multi-transporter, P-glycoprotein at the blood brain barrier. The current paper highlights the various alterations made to the original pilocarpine model over the years to combat both the high mortality and low induction rates. These range from the initial lithium-pilocarpine model to the more recent Reduced Intensity Status Epilepticus (RISE) model, which finally brought the mortality rates down to 1%. These modifications are essential to improve animal welfare and future experimental outcomes.

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